PARZIVAL

VOL,

BOOKS

I.-IX

PARZIVAL
A

KNISHTLY

EPIC

"

BY

WOLFRAM

VON
TRANSLATED

ESCHEN
BY

BACH

JESSIE

L
VOL

WESTON
I

ANASTATIC

REPRINT

OF

THE

EDITION

LONDON

18M.

NEW

YORK

O.

E.

STECHERT
1912.

"

CO.,

n E5'2

v./

TO

THE

MEMORY

OF

RICHARD

WAGNER

WHOSE

GENIUS

HAS

GIVEN

FRESH

LIFE

TO

THE

CREATIONS

OF

MEDIiEVAL

ROMANCE

THIS

TRANSLATION

IS

DEDICATED

CONTENTS

BOOK
PACK

INTRODUCTION

ix

I.

GAM"RET

II.

HERZELEIDE
33

IIL

GURNEMANZ

63

IV.

KONDWIRAMUR
lOI

V.

ANFORTAS
127

VI.

ARTHUR

157

VII.

OBILOT 193

VIII.

ANTIKONIE
.

227

IX.

TREVREZENT

249

APPENDICES

289

NOTES

299

INTRODUCTION

presenting,
greatest
few may words
not

for

the of

first

time,

to

English

readers

the
a

work of be

Germany's

greatest
alike
The' for

mediaeval poem of and

poet,

introduction,
out

writer,
seven

of

place.
the

lapse
which would
so

nearly
the

hundred
have

years,

and and

changes
thought,
still
more

centuries

worked,
to

alike render in
a

in any

language
work

in

have when

naturally
that
within

operated
was

unfamiliar,
;

work the

composed
century
the
MSS.

foreign tongue
the made

but, indeed,
of
the
even

it is

only

present
from

that
and But

original

text

Parzival
in

has
own

been

collated
to

accessible,
interest which
into fact

its

land,

the the of
of

general
Arthurian the
our

reader.

the

is

now

felt

by by

many

in

romances,
Poet

quickened
and has which artistic has
to
come

life that

doubtless the poem

consensus

the

genius

late

Laureate,

the

greatest
as

composer

time,
that

Richard

Wagner,
drama,

selected
a

this

the of

groundwork opinion
seem

of

wonderful
as

growing

has
to

hailed indicate

the
that

grandest
the
may

achievement when
from
a

of

this work

century,
of
Wolfram

time

the wider

von

Eschenbach his
own

hope

receive,
which know
his the

public

than

that

of

day,
the

the

recognition
himself
we

it

so

well

deserves. from of
of the

Of allusions death
events

poet

but

little, save
the

personal
birth
and

scattered alike
be

throughout
unrecorded,
in

works;

dates notices
to

his

are

but
poems

frequent
enable
us

contemporary
tolerable
tainty cer-

to

found

his

fix with

the

period
his

of his

literary activity,
greatest
years

and

to

judge
the

approximately
was

the

outline

of

life.

Wolfram's the

work,
of the

Parzival^

ently apparhe

written

within

early

thirteenth

century;

PARZIVAL

makes within

constant

allusions

to

events

happening,and
period; and
as as

to

works

produced, work,
the

the

first decade

of that

his latest

mentions WillthahHy left unfinished,

Herman
seems

recent

the death
in

of the Landgrave

of

which Thuringia,
was

occurred

1216, the probability

the firstfifteen years bears
no

to

be that the Parzival

written within
as

of the thirteenth century.

Inasmuch, too,
it style,

this work

traces

of

in thought or immaturity
cannot

is

probable that
11

the date of the

birth poet's The

Bavaria of

be

placed much
von

later than

70.

name.
as

Wolfram

Eschenbach, points to
of his the
as birth,

Eschenbach
it

in

in all

the place probability

So late
as

was certainly

his burial.

the
to

end
seen

of

seventeenth

century

his

was tomb, with inscription,

be

in the
a

Frauen-kirche distance of the

such
to
as

of Obertown
are

Eschenbach,
to

and

the

fact that within

short

be

found

localities mentioned

in his

poems,

Wildberg,
that

Abenberg, Tr"hendingeq, Wertheim, etc., seems

too, the lifeof the
was poet-knight

show

there,

spent.
tells us, he

Wolfram as By birth, order

was

himself

belonged

to

the

knigh"y famtiy
a

(Zum
or

Schildesamt
not

bin Ich

geboren), though
any
case

whether

his
was

noble
as

is

disputedpoint,in
allusions which
not
seem

Wolfram
to

poor

man,

the humorous

he
to

makes

dantly his poverty abuna

testify.Yet
as singer,

he does

have

led the life of

von

ing wander-

did his famous

contemporary,
he

Walther
was

der

Vogelweide;
in search Lande of

if Wolfram

journeyed,as

probablydid, it
us
:
^

rather
muss

of

he adventures, knightly

tells

Durchstreifen

Der

viel,
his that
say

Wer

Schildesamt
song, yet he

verwalten

and will,'

conscious though fully

of gift

exalts systematically

his office of

knight above
we nor

oi poet

The

period when
own

Wolfram

lived and

sang,

cannot

wrotey for by his

kan 'Waz

confession

he could
says in

neither read

write

I'ne ('

decheinen
an

he buochstap,' buochen steht

Parzivai; and
bin

in

Wilkhalm^
kunstelos

den

Des geschrieben,

Ich

geblieben' ),and
was one

his poems
to

must,

have been therefore,

dictated, orally
Under the

fitted peculiarly

genius. develop his special

institution of had
not

rule of the
its

Hohenstaufen

the

knighthood had

reached

and highestpoint of glory,

yet

lapsedinto

the extravagant

INTRODUCTION

xi

absurdities
and Fiance and
to

and

unrealities which
romances

characterised
which

its

periodof decadence;
shape in Northern
be

the

Arthurian

first found there

to

had

just passed into Germany,

at

welcomed, gladly impress of

form. original with other the
of
an

receive

the

hands

of

German

poets the
their

ethical and
It
was

to philosophical interpretation foreign

in these

romances

that

Wolfram, in

common

his

found contemporaries,

his chief

inspiration ; in
with the Perceval
the

Parzival^ his

master-work, he has told again the story of the Quest for,and winning of, the Grail; told it in connection
the medium of
of

legend, through
the

which, it must

be
came

remembered,
into

ence influspiritualising with

romances
as

the Grail

myth

first

contact

brilliant
told in

of the original Arthurian chivalryand low morality it in

a

; and

manner

that is

as

trulymediaeval
poem

in form

it is modem
true

The interpretation.

whole
well for

is instinct- with
Das Hohelied

the
van

knightly

spirit;it
but

has

been
of very

called
Wolfram

Ititterium,the

knightlysong
the

songs,

has

seized
as

not

merely the
in
our

ternal exown

soul of

even knighthood,

described

day by
to

another

German

poet

; Wolfram's

ideal

knight,in

his

fidelity

his
the

plightedword, knight
of the

his noble

charity towards

his fellow-man, lord

a

of

is Grail,with Its civilising, humanising influence,

veritable
such
as

'true

Holy

Ghost'
with
one

In
any
can

short
fulness

introduction
the
more

this it is

impossibleto
with

discuss this poem,

fascinating blems prothan

connected where the

do

no

indicate
to

difficulties lie. These principal with the

a

may

be

said briefly

be his

connected chiefly
poem, Wolfram

the

source

from

which

Wolfram

derived

and

with

of interpretation French
source we

its ethical
know
*

meaning.
his
own

That
ment, state-

drew
he quotes

from
as

from the
at

his

a authority

certain
an

Kiot
ms.

Proven9al,' who,
Toledo.
to us,

in his turn, found

no

his information

in such

Arabian
are

tunately Unforwhile
we

such
a

poet, and

no

poem,

known Conte

do

possess

French

version
so

of

the
far
as

story, Li
the

del

Graal^ by

Chretien
Books (/.^.
not

de

Troyes, which,

greater part of the poem

a

III, to

is concerned, shows XIII.) of but incidents,

even

remarkable

agreement

only in

sequence

in verbal

correspondence,

xii

PARZIVAL

with

Wolfram's
or

work.

Chretien, however,
books
as we

does them

not

give either

the The

first two
account

the

last three

find

in Wolfram.

of Percevars does

father,and
not

of his

death, is by another
Wolfram's

hand and

than
the

and Chretien's, poem,

at

agree

with

account;
and
have

left unfinished
at

by Chretien,has
least

been

continued

concluded

great length by
from

three

other

writers,who
Wolfram's
poem
we

evidently
agrees the
most

drawn

differing sources;
his and

whereas

conclusion

closely with
harmonious knew
wrong

and introduction,

his whole
of the
to
*

forms
possess.
as

complete
poem,

version
refers

story

Wolfram

Chretien's version

but

it with had

contempt

being

the

of the tale, whereas

Kiot'

told the venture those

aright.
*

The

questionthen
which
a

is,where
could
not

did Wolfram
have

find really from

of portions Is Kiot
'

his poems
a

he

drawn

Chretien ?

real,or
Some

source feigned,

Gierman than

critics have
and Chretien's,

opined
that

that he

Wolfram

knew really
all that

no

other

poem find have

or

boldlyinvented
be
a

he

did

not

another there,feigning maintained that

source

in order to conceal

the fact
of the

Others
writer

whether

*Kiot'
before

the French

name

not, Wolfram Conte du

had certainly

him

poem

other

than Li
It

Graal.
in the

seems certainly

degree improbable that highest

the

German
;

poet should
Wolfram's

have

introduced

in Angevin element, lacking

Chretien
any
we

presentment
him

of the

Grail, too, differs

the cup

in

toto

from

find elsewhere, with

it is not

of the Last is
'

Supper, but
that Chretien

preciousstone
does
not

endowed
the

with

magicalqualities.It
but

true

say what

Grail was,
el

simply that
de maintes

du

fin

or

esmeree

avoit estoit^ pieresfressieuses that likely scarcely

graal

manieres^ yet it seems

as a

Wolfram

should

have

this interpreted

precious
tion. descrip-

stone,

to

say

nothing of sundry Oriental

Wolfram derived
never now

features

to peculiar

his
a

But

whence

his idea of the Grail is

be

problem
to, the

which The

it is to be feared will

completelysolved.
Wolfram do The

discussion
more
can

as

to

the ethical

meaning
here
we

attached
the

story

seems

as hopeful of results,

possess

requisite

data, and

study the

poem

for ourselves.

questionbetween

INTRODUCTION

xiii

critics is whether
or

Wolfram the poem

intended is
an

to

teach

lesson purelyreligious Parzival

a

not

; whether

and all^ory of life, Faith and

men,

symbol

of the Soul the apparent

its way

of man,

hovering

between

Doubt, perplexedby
and

of God's dealingswith injustice

finally fighting
of light renewed ideal ? knightly

through
;

the darkness
have
we

of

despairto
a

the dear the

faith in God
a

or

here

of glorification that in

declaration

of the

belief poet-knight's

loyal acceptance of, and

is to be
won

obedience C^

to, the dictates of the

even knight,

order,salvation knightly
lack

the true

though he

faith in God, yet

by keeping
Is

intact his faith with man, win back

the
one

by

very

and loyalty

steadfastness of purpose,
his

forfeited by blessing spiritual of

those
'

youthfulfolly?
of Heaven

Parzival

at

whose

hands

'the

Kingdom
of the the

suffereth violence in
a

It may

well be that both these

found source, the but germ

interpretations are,
idea religious

measure,

true, that Wolfram

in his French already existing German

the ages. of the

that to

genius of
has
men

the

poet

we

owe

that

hutnanisingof the ideal which

the
best

brought
in all

Parzival

into

harmony with
be is but

of aspirations

This, at least, may

Grail

said with
one

that of truth,

all the

romances

cycle,there
the world

which the

can

be

in presented, that its needed

its

to entirety,

of

to-day with
as

conviction
as

morality
now as

is as
it
was

true, its human

seven von

interest
years

its real,

lesson

much

hundred

ago, and

that

romance

is the Parzival

of

Wolfiam
Some

Eschenbach.
as

words
in

to

the

form be

of

the

original poem,
in

and

the method The

followed Parzival
every
two

translation, may
of
some

of interest to the reader.

original

is a poem
lines

25,000

written lines,

an

irregular metre,
German
lators trans-

rhyming, reim-paar. Among

difference of
to

modern
to

considerable

opinion
exist

as

the

best
has

method

of

rendering the original appears

form, original
and

Simrock

retained

the

adheres

very

to closely

the text; his version

certainly

givesthe
himself

most

accurate

idea of Wolfram's freedom

too

style;San

Marte

has allowed

considerable

in versification, and, often

also unfortunately, than

a

in translation ; in fact,he

gives a paraphrase rather

omits

reproduction of

the text.

Dr.

B"tticher's translation

the Gawain

xiv

PARZIVAL

and, though episodes,

must

dose

to

the is by

has original,
no means

discarded

rhyme.

It

be admitted and

that Wolfram

easy to

his style translate^

is obscure with any

crabbed, and

it is often

difficult to the

his meaning^ interpret

two

certainty. The
at

translator

felt that
were, The that
metre

to pointschiefly

be aimed the

in

an

English version
easy to read.
account
more

it should selected

be
was

faithful to

original text, and

to render

chosen

for

several reasons, seemed of the

on principally

of the

lengthof

the poem,

which

desirable

measure flowing

than

the short lines

to possible

original ; and

because

this by selecting
As
a

metre

it was
one

retain the

form of rtim-paar. original

two

generalrule
poem,

line of the

Englishversion represents
of
to justice

of the German

but the difference

in order
to

demanded language has occasionally

the

expansion
the

do

full has

poet'smeaning.
literal
as

Throughout,
where

translator's aim

been

to

be
of

as

possible,and
and

the

tionalities convendiffering

the

thirteenth of

nineteenth

centuries the has

a

have

made

change
has

in

the

form

expressionnecessary,
in
no

meaning
different

oli the poet idea

been

reproduced, and
That

instance
must

beea
faults

consciouslysuggested.
and

there

of

be necessity

many

defects in the work

the writer is

conscious, but fully

can

in the absence

of any may

previousEnglish translation

she

only hope

that the present

a

be

accepted as
and learn learn

not

altogetherinadequate rendering of
others
von

great
selves, themsame

original ; if it should
to

encourage
know
to

to

for study that original while

at

Wolfram

Eschenbach,
Richard

the

time

they

better

understand

Wagner,

she

will feel

herself

fully repaid.
translator feels that

The which

it may

be well
on

to

mention

here

the works

have

been

relied principally
to

in

preparing the EnglishtranslaParzival^ published original

been used

and the writers tion"

For the Text

whom

she

is mostly indebted. of the

Bartsch's des

edition

in Deutsche
connection In

Classiker with

has Mittelalters^

in throughout,

the modem
Notes

German
use

translation
has been

by

Simrock.
of Dr.

preparing the
to

made

B"tticher's

Introduction

his translation of the

Parzival^and

the

same

writer's

INTRODUCTION Das

xv

Hohelied

von

Rittertum
to.

\ San

Marte's

translation has

also been

referred occasionally The Appendix on

proper the

names

has

been

mainly drawn

up

from

Bartsch's
on.

article

on

subjectin Germanistische
from Miss
statements

Studien ; and under

that
the

the

Angevin

allusions

Norgate's England
have been
verified

Angevin Kings^though the chronicles. to the original

For all

by

reference

connected with the Perceval legendin its varying questions consulted has been Studies on the Legend of the the authority forms the translator Holy Graily by Mr. Alfred Nutt, to whom, personally, for much valuable advice and assistance in preparing this is indebted book for publication.

ARGUMENT

In

the

Introduction

the

poet

tells

of

tk"

evil

of

doabt

and

onsteadfast-

against
ness"

which

he

would
warn

both
men

and
women

he
;

will

tell

them
a

tale

which

shall

speak

of

truth

and

steadfastness^

and

in

whidi

many

strange

marvels

shaU

befidl.

Book

I.

tells

how

Gamuret

of

Anjon

at

the

death

of

his

fiither,

King

Gandein,

refused

to

become

his

brother's

vassal,

and

went

forth

to

seek

fiune

and

love-guefdon

for

himself.

How

he

fought

under

the

Baruch

before

Alexandria,

and
came

to

Piatelamunt.

How

Queen

Bdakan^
was

accused

of

having

caused

the

death

of

her

lover

Eisenhart,

and
was

besieged

by

two

armies,

which

Friedebrand,

King

of

Scotland,

Eisenhart's

wide,

bad

brought

against

her.

How

Gamuret

defeated

her

foemen,

and

married

the

Queen,

and

became

King

of

Assagog

and

Zassamank.

How

he

grew

weary

for

lack

of

knightly

d^eds,

and

sailed away

in

secret

from

Queen

Behtkan^,

and

left

her"

letter

telling

of

his
name

and
race.

How

Feirifis
was

bom,

and

how

Gamuret
came

to

Seville.

BOOK

GAMURET

iF

unfaith

in
but

the
woe

heart
;

find

dwelling, then

the

soul

it shall

reap

And

shaming show,

alike

and

honour

are

his

who

such

doubt

sha

"

For

it standeth

in

evil

contrast

with

true

man's

dauntless

might,
As
And
one

seeth

the
may

magpie's
wip
and
to

plumage,

which

at

one

while that their

as

is black in his
lot

and

white.
5

yet he

blessing

; since

I wot alike

well have

heart,
part

Hell's Bat And he

darkness,
who soul

light of Heaven,

and

is fiedse and that hath

unsteadfast, he is black
never

the

darkest and

night,
!

the

wavered

stainless

Us

hue

white

This Ere As And For

a

my

parable they
may
a

so

fleeting
its

too

swift

for

the

dull

shall

be,
'twill

yet

seize sound

meaning
startled

from
:

before yea, that !

their

fitce

flee,

zo

hare
a

that

hath

metal
as

behind from
one

the the while

glass,
eye

blind

man's shall

dream

yield visions
that

swift
at

do

pass,

naught
sad,

they have

endureth

And

'tis

bright and

And And
In

know what the

of
man

truth shall

that think

its
to

glory grip
? The

but me,

for short
where
no

space

shall

make

ye

glad.
grow,
15

hair
a

for his grasp close

shall he
sure

palm
know!

of

mine

hand

mystery

of

dasp

doth

If I cry
Shall I

aloud look

in

such truth

peril, it
where

'seemeth

my

wisdom
In the

welL
fire

for

it fleeteth?

that

the

stream

doth

quell,
Or But the
was

dew foin

that
to

the

sun

doth

banish
my

Ne'er

knew

man

so

wise.
ao

learn

the

wisdom

fable

doth

ill disguise,

PARZIVAL the

And To

teaching that springethfrom

to

it : for

so

shall he ne'er
to

delay
tell.

flyand
to

chase

as

shall fithim, to shun and honour.

He

and who

seek alway, the twain

to

And

blame give fitting

knoweth
man

In their
35 And

changing

ways,

then wisdom

has tutored that

his

rightwell overreach,
each.

he sits not
in wisdom his
a

at leisure, nor o'er-long

goal doth
with

he

But But

his ways

he dealeth discerning,

all and

in comrade, of heart unfaithful, hailstorm that dims

the

hell-fire shall his

a

portionbe, good,

Yea,
As
30
a

glory of

knightlyfame is he.
bites holds thro' the

his honour, that but for two short tail it is, the steer

When

by

the

driven doth gad-fly

roam

lonelywood.

And
For

tho' manifold

be my

counsel

not

""n

would

I show shall

to women

the

speak. goal that their heart should seek.

to men

alone

I 'Id

And

they who
bestow

mark

my

counsel, they shall learn

where

they

may

Their
35 Whom

praiseand their maiden they freely may

and the true

honour

; and

the

manner

of

man

shall know
rue

love and

honour, and
love

never

may

fear to
so

Their maidenhood,
In God's

they gave
to

him

of heart

true.

^
|
would

sightI
shame

pray
on

all good

women

keep them
:

in wisdom's

way,

For

true

all sides doth

guard them

such

bliss I for them

pray.
But
40

the false heart shall win false honour

sun

"

How

long doth

the thin ice

soon

last,

If the

shineth hot

as

in

August

So

their praiseshall be

o'erpast.

Many
Then
That If
a

women

are

praisedfor beauty
as

if at heart

they shall be xmtrue,

it an evil

them praise

I would
set as
a

the it, praise

hue glass ofa sapphire

I hold

in
man

gold shall be
take
a

jewel ! Tho'
I would who

thing,

costly ruby, with the virtue the

: setting

stone

doth

bring,

45 And

set

it in worthless of
not
a

liken such womanhood

costlystone
doth
own. can

^
see.
me

To

the heart
look

faithful woman,
upon

true

I would

her colour,nor

the heart's roof all men

If the heart

beateth

true beneath

true it,

praiseshall she
I

win

from

Should

speak of both
it be my

man

and

woman

as

know,

nor

my

skill should

fail,
50

O'er-long would
And this venture
sorrow

story.

List ye

now

to

my

wonder-tale of woe,

it telleth

of love, and tidings

it.

anon one man

"!

Joy and

it bringethwith

'Stead of

if three ye

know.

'

GAMURET of the three hath wisdom

the

And

each

one

and

skill that

outweigh
a

my

skill,

Yet

o'erstrange shall they find

which tell ye this tale,
worn

labour, tho' they toil with

rightgoodwill

To
And

I think

me

to

tell ye

myself, alone,
ere

55
was

with their task and

weary

would

they be

the work

done.

A Of

tale the
one

anew

will tell ye, that

speaks of
; how

a a

mighty love
man

womanhood that endured

of true
all

women

did his manhood

never

prove

Of

hardness,whose
:

heart

failed in
of

fight,
60

Steel Did
Is he

he in the face of conflict

he

with

victorious hand
; a

might

win

him

fair meed

of honour
The ! my
men

brave

man

yet slowly wise

eyes.

whom

I hail my heart I thus

hero 1
the
sorrow

delighthe d

woman's

Yet Yet
For And

of woman's
he
not

'Gainst ail evil his face he set ;

song

whom

have

chosen

knoweth

not

as

yet,

yet is he bom
and

of whom

this wondrous

tale shall

tell,

65

many

great the marvels

that unto

this

knight befell.

NOW

they do to-day as
in

of old

time, where

a as

foreignlaw holds
ye oft shall have

sway

(Yea,

part

of

our

German

kingdom,

heard

men

say).
Whoever

might rule
truth and
no

that country, 'twas

the

law, and
son

none

thought
claim

it shame
70

CTis the
The What

lie I tell ye) that the elder

"

might
sons

whole
was

of his father's heirdom theirs

And

the younger

must

grieve,
must

in their father's

lifetime, they
it fell unto

perforceat
alone.

his death

leave.

Before, all
So For
a

was

theirs in common,

now

one

wise

man

planned in
many
a

his fair

wisdom,

that the eldest knoweth alone

the lands

should

own,
75

youth
he who

it hath

but old age gift,

an

and pain, grief doth

And

is poor

in his old age

illharvest

gain.
all
as

Kings, Counts, Dukes

And And
no

(and
all may

no

lie I tell ye) the law

save inherit,

holdeth

one.

man

of them *tis an

only the eldest knight in

his his fair lands
crown
as

son.

methinks
the

evil custom"
his

So the

youthfulpride,
wide,
8c

Gamuret,
Where Till

gallanthero, lost
had

Burg, and

his father

ruled with
lust of

sceptre and

mighty king.
bring.

knighthood,and
all

to battle,

his death

did the monarch

And
Bare

men

were

sore

for his sorrow,

who
even

truth and
unto

unbroken

faith

ever

throughout his lifetime, yea

his death.

PARZIVAL the elder he summoned

who

^5 Then
And To And

son

the

princesfrom

out

his land,

knightlythey came,
the claim of each

rightly might daim

So Came he hearkened, and

from their monarch's his hall.

each

hand,
all

hold,as of yore, their fiefdoms.

man

they unto
gave

fiefii unto

and

Now

hear how

they dealt

"

As

their

true

heart it bade

them, both great

the

and

small,
90

They made
That And
But

to their

with king petition, and

one

voice from show with

people all.
brother's

to Gamuret

grace

favour he would

true

hand,

honour

himself in the within his

that

doing.

That
a

he drive him

not
men

from

the land
see.
"

give him,
he the

kingdom,

fair

Burg

that all

might

That
95

Nor

Buig takejrom and at their pleading, king was ill-pleased asked,I would
e'en be better than

his title, and

be held of all tribute free ! he

quoth, 'A small

grace,

I trow,

Have

ye

your

prayer,

as

ye

shall straight

know, Why
Since
name

ye not

this my

brother
me

as

Gamuret

Angevin
both may

Anjou is my
furthes^he

land, I think

the titlewe

win

!.'

Then
too

spake, the monarch,

my hand of "vour his

'

My brother in
my

sooth
as

may

seek

Yet

more me one

from

than

mouth

may

swiftly speak,
see

With
How

shall he have mother

dweUii^g" I would
us

that ye all should shall

alike hath borne

; of free hand

; his riches but small

be,

While That
105 Or

I have my

enough

would

give him

both lands and

can

gold.

bliss may
He

be ne'er held

forfeit by Him, Who

'

aye

withhold,

give,as
the

deemeth would

! rightful

Then

the

princesthey

heard

alway.
it
a

How

king
r

deal well with

his brother,and

they deemed

joyful

day
And
But
'

each he

one

bowed
as

him

low before bid

him.

Nor

Gamuret

long delayed,
words he said
:

spake

his heart would

my

the him, and friendly

Now

hearken,
to

lord and brother, if vassal

I think to be
me.

izo

To

thee, or

any

other,then
mine

fair lot awaiteth

for faithful art

But. think thou upon And For

Then

honour,

thou

and

wise.
had from

give counsel naught

have

as

shall beseem
save

thee, and
armour,

help as

thou

shalt devise.
more

now

mine
my

if within it I

done,men were

far lands should

won

speak

and praises,

remembrance

GAMURET Then And further ht six of them

spake,the

hero

Full sixteen my

shall be, squires

to me

1x5

shall bear harness ; four pages and breeding,

may win

give thou

Of noble Of

birth and hand

ere now

nothing to them
Afar

I '11spare I 'Id fare,

on me

all that my
I

them.

in the world
Fortune I serve

(Somewhat
I may

have

if Good journeyed,) fovour.

me

shall

smile,
120

win from
to serve

fair women she hold

If a

woman

awhile, amiss,
of bliss !

And
True As

her

worthy, and
God

my show

heart
me

speaketh iiot
the way

knight shall I be and

comrades
we

faithful !

rode

together(butthen o'er thy land did reign

and father),
At
one sorrow

The
We Thou

King Gandein, our

bare for Love's serve,

and

bitter thee

pain Me/and

sake ! and

while I knew

as

kmghty

195

couldst

thou

couldst

dissemble,for the sake of thy lady

skill were blissful lot but liketo
were

bright.
Ah That
! could
women

I steal love

as

thou couldst,if my
me

thine,
!*

should show

then ""vour,

mine

Alas Who

1 that I

ever

saw

the king thee,' spake,sighing,

so

true,

with words lightly, would fain that

store
we

of

mocking, my
! share

heart would One

in

pieceshew
both

130

And
A

part asunder

father hath left us

mighty
dear

(^riches,I would
my

with thee, nothing loth.

Right
That

from

heart I hold thee ; red

gold and jewelsbright.

as

Folk, weapons,
thou at
we

horse, and raiment,take thou

shall

seem

thee

right.
135

thy will mayst journey,and thy free hand

deem

to all be known.
as

Elect do
Or

thy manhood,

didst thou

Gylstram

birthplace own,

thou camest
thou

Which

Rankulat, yet stillwould that place be thine. boldest to-day in my favour ; true brother art thou of mine ! '
of need

here from

'

Sir

King, thou

must

praiseme,

so

great is thy courtesy !

140

So, courteous, thine aid be given,ifthou and my mother free I mount Will share with me now upward, nor fear your riches,
And This
my

to

fall,
call go

heart

ever

beateth
my

higher Yet
"

I know Ah

not

how

I should

which life, heart?

left breast

swelleth !

! whither

wouldst

mine

i would

fiun know

where

thou

shalt

guide

me"

'Tis time

that

we

twain

should

part.' give him,

than the

And Five

all did the monarch

yea,

more

knight might crave,

he gave

145

chargers, picked and chosen,the best in his land

PARZIVAL battle and

swift High-couraged,
And Four
150 Were

to

many

cup of

^old,
withhold.
rare

many
chests

golden nugget, for naught

for the road he gave

would

bis hand
a

him, with
took

many him

jewel

they filled. Then

care,

the

squireshe
mounted his

who

should for the

treasure^

And

well the

were

they clad and

unto

; and

none

might his griefwithhold

her
son

When

knight gat him

mother,
*

who

in her

arms

did fold.

Spake

the woman,
son

as

woman

grieving:
is
art
me

Wilt thou
womb

tarry with
this burden

me

no

more,

King Gandein's
155 And

Woe

yet my

bore

the His

son

of my grown
to

husband
deaf be my in the

thou.

Is the eye my

of God

waxed
no

blind,
credence find?

Or

ear

hearing,that
I have rob me, ?

prayer my have

doth

Is fresh And Who

t6o

sorrow

portion?

buried who

heart's

desire.
a so grief dire,

the

lightof

mine

eyes ; will He

suffered

judgeth with righteous judgment

spake
of His

Then doth

the tale it hath

told
!
'

lie,

That

help so mighty, Who

the

help unto
of my

me

deny

God

comfort
we truly

thee,' quoth
both
must

hero,
him As

for the death I think

father

dear.
hear

For Such

mourn

"But valour
"

from

no

lipsto

wailing for

my

departing!
in distant

shall show

the way, with

me

I seek

knighthood
the queen,
'

countries

So

it standeth

to-day.'
hand and

165

Quoth
Sweet
That Four And

Since

to

high

love's service thou

turnest

both

heart.
son,

let it not
serve

thee displease upon

to

take of my let and

wealth

part
take from
me

may

thee
a

thy journey ;

thy chamberlain heavy

their

chests, each

pack-horse burden,
there
cut

weight

shall be.

within,uncut,
man as

lieth rich silk of Orient

and it, many time
a

rare,

170

No

yet hath
I

samite
thou

fair.
come

Sweet That

son, my

pritheetell me
wax

what

wilt

again.
not

joy may

the greater, and

I look

for thee

in vain ! '

Nay,

that I know

not, Lady,
my

nor

the land hast

that shall shown

see

my
me

face.
such
me

But
175 As

wherever

I take

journey,thou
:

unto

grace

befitteth
wise

knightlyhonour
that have

and

the

king

he hath

dealt with
ever

In such And

service his grateful

rewarding

shall

be.
more

this

trust

I, O Lady,

that for this thou

wilt love him

me

Henceforward, whate'er the

future

yet

keepeth for

in store.'

lo

PARZIVAL him they battled. bravely'gainst the Baruch

the
arms

And And

Then

came

the yomig

Angevin,

he showed
"

him

win "avour, yea, he did to his service

Gamuret

hero gallant
than

^And he deemed his father had

; on

it were

well he bore

Other
3X5 Then

Gandein

given to him of yore.

his cloth they laid charger's
at his will they made

the hero he well of ermine

bethought him
And

An For Was

anchor

and the fashioned,

vesture"

same as

shield alike and his

green

the emerald

rare

and 'twas fashioned riding-gear,

and

wrought

of Achmardi

fair,

and he bade them CTis a silken stuff,)

^ao

to make

of it at his will

Both And And

blazoned
he bade

coat

and
to sew

surcoat, (than velvet 'tisricher still;)

upon

them

it the anchor
was

of ermine

white.

with golden threads inwoven

the

knight. badge of this gallant

haven fair

And And
335 Thro*

his anchors found

many

they never

tested
"

or

mainland
the hero load

or

in that
a

placeabiding

But

must

further bear

land, a brave guest, the

of this heraldry,

And And And On

330

behind nowhere

the

sign of this anchor

"

but short space

be. might his resting

I swore.

he found

abiding ^The tale

he sailed him I
swear

of the lands he saw.

the vessels in which mine

own

? my

If the truth

unto

ye

oath
as

must

and it,
me

knightlyhonour
witness I
never

true

In such wise

the venture

told

; other

knew

And

men

say

that his manly courage

and land, and in Persia,

held the

heathendom, prizein fisu:

he

In Morocco's At

elsewhere

high

honour

won. be
:

Damascus
and

and

at

Aleppo, and
it was

where

knightlydeeds
him
were

should

In Arabia
235 For
no man

lands around

he held of all conflict free,

might dare withstand

him, he

won

such

crown

of fiune ;

And

his heart for honour became

a as

and all deeds lusted,

brought to shame,

And Who

naught before him, as all men

bare witness true

joustwith him had ridden,and Bagdad of his glory knew.

fitiledor but onward fedtered,
; there all men

And
240

his heart Zassamank's

never

his

course

he bare

To

land and in

kingdom

wept that hero fieur,

a

who Eisenhart, Belakan^

knightlyservice

gave

his lifefor maid

woman's

smile ;

thereto constrained
never

him, sweet
fain

she, and

free firom

guile.
and with

(Sinceher love she

And his kinsmen

gave

him, for love's sake did the hero die,)

avenge

would

him, and

with

force

subtlety

GAMURET Their Ere For armies Gamoret beset the

came

II

maiden, but in kingdom,

of

sooth

she could
on

gnaxd her well*

her foemen that felL

MS

to her

and

her.wrath

the Prince
came

Friedebrand

Scotland, and

his host

against her

By ship,ere

he left her

kingdom had she wasted with

hero ; storm-driven
and safety, he

fire and

flame.

Now And

hear what
scarce

befell

our

was

that

day,

might
the

he win to

his boat

in the haven him many he

lay
stand

250

Beneath
And

royalpalace ; and
around
save on

the folk

they
and

beheld
saw

there,
tents

lie looked

the

meadow,

he

fair
see.

Around
Then

the town, he bade he knew

gave,

the sea-coast,

and

two

armies

thought to

them

to

and tellthe stor)',

nor

whose
"

that fair
an answer

Burg should

be ?

Since

it not,

his

shipmen

And

they straightway255 knight would

of their

'Twas
And

Patelamunt their

then the townsfolk soft and

a
"

boon

from
name

the

crave.

speech

it was

friendly

In the

gods they'ld

pAy
He

should

help them,

so

that in danger of death they lay. great their peril

When
He

the young

Angevin

bad

hearkened

to

the tale of their bitter

as

pain,
260

to them proffered

his service for such payment

knight may

gain,
him in this

(As
He

it oft shall befit a

hero)

"

They

should ?

say for what And

goodly prize

should wise

dare the hate

of their foemen

they answered
would

With

one

mouth

the hale and

the wounded"

Naught

they from

him

withhold,
But A

lord should

he be of their treasure, of their he lead among

from

jewelsalike and gold,

payment
he littlesought,965

fair lifeshould
many
a as

them

!
"

But had

such he

For

golden nugget night were

it seemed
the

Araby
unto

brought.
dwelt

And
Alhl

dark

people who
him

in Zassamank that

alway

"

the time

long

he need

in their midst

must

stay
But

"

he bade

them

prepare

and methinks lodging,

he

it became with them

them would
on

well dwell. the noble

270

The And

best of their land to

give him, since awhile

the

women

they looked
his

from the windows, and

they gazed
'twas

And

knight, they looked

deeds of

on

and his harness, how squires,

fiishioned for

might.

12

PARZIVAL
how

Then

they saw
a

the

knight"free-handed, on his shield

; the

of ermine

bare

Full many
375

peltof sable
a

Queen's Marshal

he read it fair,
the
seen

The

badge, for
who the

mighty anchor, and littlehe rued

the truth unto

sight,
the
must

If his eye Or When

one

spake
Baruch

him
"

ere

this had

he

knight.
be,
he !

bare his semblance

^At Alexandria
"

it needs

besieged the city

and

unequalled in strife was

So
280

rode

the, gallanthero, in statelyguise and

meet

Ten And And And

pack-horsesheavy-laden they
twenty

led firstadown his

the street.
went

squiresbehind
and his

them

; and

people they
of

before.

cooks, lackeys, statelyI

next
ween

cook-boys,at the head

household,
twelve

of the train

they saw.

pages
and

lineagehigh
in all courtesy, in order fair
one

Rode
285 And Came But Was And
290

to the
were

well-mannered, squires,
among

trained them

Saracens

them

; and

behind

and a covering of sendal chargers eight, the ninth it Iborea saddle, and the shield borne

did each ye have

bear.
ere now

kno^m
I trow.

by

and squirebeside it,

his joyful

mien,

trumpeters rode
a

behind

for in sooth it,

they must
swung pomp,

needs

be

there,
ride

And And Men And And

drummer

he had

smote

his tambour, and deemed

and skilful,

it aloft in air. if there failed

were

as

naught
on

the hero
were

this it,
three

to

who

the flute
not

fiddlers

at

their "ide.
came.

they hasted
his

nor

hurried ; and beside him^

a

behind
wise

them
man

the hero

shipman
folk

he rode

of

goodly fame.
both
a
on

295

And Then

much

was

within

the around

and city,

Moors

were

man

and

maid.

the hero

he looked

him, and,

lo ! many

shield
each

displayed.
wall and

Battle-hewn And

and

with
woe

piercM they hung spear-thrust

was

door.
saw

wailingand
men

their

portion; for
them
"

the

knight at each window

were

Many
dpo

lie sorelywounded, who

a

to breathe
no

the air

fain,
to

And Who And

e'en tho'
were

leech

might
for

tend

help might they think they faced

will flight

gain foe.
"

hurt too

sore

healing

In the ffeld had

the know

such

shall be their
were

rewarding who
towards

in conflict no

Many

horses

led

him, sword-hewn
and black

and

with

lance

thrust

through
And
on

each

side stood

dusky maidens,

as

the

night their hue

his meed"

305 Then

his host
man was

gave

him

rich

he and

kindlygreeting-^andof joy did he mighty, and many a knightlydeed

reap

GAMURET With thrust and found

And many
a

"3 when his the gate he

blow

had

his hand

wrought

post

at

knight was
in deeds
of

with

him" and bandaged their heads

holden
; yet tho'
were

and

bound,
still
310

And

their hands

were slings

sorely wounded

They did many

knighthood,nor
with city,

lacking in strengthand skill

Then

the Burg-grave of the and

fair words

did he pray his guest

as

To And Did

deal with him

the

his household
to his

in such wise

should

seem

him

best.

host, he led the hero

wife,and courteously
the kiss had he !
was

Gamuret

kiss the lady, small

sat

joy in

Then The And And

We We

they
craved he have
must

them

down

and to the table,

e'en

as

the feast the

o*er,

315

Marshal

he gat him from

'

swiftly
in

to

the queen,
as

and

tidingsbore,
shall be due. erewhile
we

her

goodly payment,

to messenger

spake,
thank

It shall end

the griefthat gladness,

a

knew,

welcomed the

here,O gods
who

Lady,
have

knight of such
sent

mien, gallant
need

him,

for

our

they have surely390

seen.'

Now

tell me
a

upon

thine honour

who

this

knight may gallant

man

be ?

'

Lady,

dauntless

hero,and the Baruch's

me

is he.

An

Angevin he, of high lineage; Ah

when

! little did he spare

to

Himself
How And
Ere

his foemen

seeking he forth
the

the field would

fare.
325
"

with skill and cunning, he avoided wisely,

the
sorrow

blow, threatening
he

turned him this have

I

again
seen

to

onslaught! Much
the fain from

wrought

his foe

him

when battle, had

princesof Babylon
won. many but
a man

Their
And

cityof Alexandria
with

the Baruch

force from

its walls would

drive

him,
venture

and
was no

lay dead
"

In the overthrow

of their army, did

for their

ilUsped.
was

330

And

such

deeds

he

do, this hero, that

for praises,
won

counsel

theirs but

flight :
And As

there did I hear

one

his

all

spake

of this
a

knight gallant
land.
own

had who, without denial,

of true

him, in many

The

crown

knightlyhonour, by the strengthof his

I

righthand.
and

Now

fain would
now

speak with

the

hero, see

thou

to the time

way

335

E'en

might

he ride to the

for peace castle,

shall be

kept to-day.
we

|ti

Were

it better that I should

seek him ?
our

He

-isother than with the

in

face.
!

Pray Heaven

it not

displease him, but

need

knight find grace

14 I would
340

PARZIVAL that I firstmight know

to this

the rede from ere this,

"

my

folk I hear
near,

That

I show

stranger honour

him If it pleaseth Shall the

'

to draw
so

Say, how
That my

shall I best receive him ? kiss be not

knight be
me

nobly bom
of lifeforsworn

if I kiss him ?' lost,

!

Nay, hold
in raiment
to

If he be not of To
345 And

kings the kinsman

Lady, this word

yet
"

I '11bear

that they shall dotfae them thy princes, stand before thee, in due order, ere the
same

both fit and

we

fair,

thy court

ride.
;

And

shalt thou
and

say

to

thy ladies
to

In the

cityhe doth abide

I will ride For

no

below,

will

bring him

a worthy guest. thy palace,

fair or

knightlyvirtue shall be lackingthat noble breast' they delayed them, for the Marshal, with ready skill,
as

But

little space

350 Strove

that all in such wise be ordered did

should

pleasurehis tad/s will.

on.
;

But

soon

they bear

to the hero

rich garments, he did them that their cost should be

And And
For
355 A

this hath the venture thereon

so

told

me

hardly won gold.

lay the anchors, heavy, and wrought of Arabian

he willed. Then the

had

hero,who
a

""r payment

for love had

told

charger bestrode

that 'fore

Babylon
smite

knight rode,for jousting fain.

I wot

From

the saddle did Gamuret

him, and
He

ithath

wrought him pain.

If his host

thought to ride beside him ? they would

do so,

and wended
a

his

knights? gallant
up the

Yea,
And

in sooth

gladly"So

they

height,
fair. hand

dismounted

before the

palace ; and him,

many
and

knight stood there,

both twain

3^

And And

each, as

was

had clothed him fit,

in raiment each

rich and

his pages

they

ran

before

they went

in

hand.
And And
So

in marvellous the queen,

fair arrayinghe

saw

many
sorrow

ladies stand.
as

her eyes he
to

brought her
on

she looked
an

on

the

Angevin,

lovelywas

look

that he needs

must

entrance

win

if 'twere anguish or joy that within he bore, 365 Thro* the gates of her heart, Tho^ her womanhood all comers 'gainst had held them
fast dosed

before"

Then

space

did she

step towards

him,
him

and

kiss from

her guest she

prayed; And, herselfby the hand

maid
In
370 And
a

she took

and

they sat them, both

man

and

window
a

wide, that looked forth from the palaceupon the foe, coveringof wadded samite was spread o'er the couch below.

GAMURET Is there Yet Bat And Her That Of

For ? aaght that than day is lighter
was

15 Then it likeneth not should

the queen I

else

she fiiir to look on,

as

woman

be, I

ween,
as

unlike to the
her
raven crown was

dew-dipped
a

roses

was

her colour,yea, black thro' it ye

saw

night

costlyruby, and
as

aright
375

head.

Then

hostess she
'

spake
Of the

to

her guest this word,

I such

she greatly

joyed

at his

coming, Sir,Knight,
prowess" and

tale have
me

heard

thy

knightlystrengthand
I tell of my

thy
woe

courtesy, hear
that my

fair.
bear I *

faaskwould

sorrow,

heart dot

My

help shall
now,

not

"stil thee,Lady

! What

hath

or doth grieved, grievethee

I think I
am

me

aside to turn
one man

Jiaught but

to thy service my hand I it, hath wronged only Who

"
"

vow or now

wrongeth thee
be !'

My

shield will I hold

againsthim

Little wroth

shall thy foeman

Then

a our

princehe spake
host
not

out

courteous,

The

foe would

we

littlespare,
must
name

Did He

lack

since captain,
"

Friedebrand

hence

iare. 385
came,
"

defendeth

aiar his

kingdom

^A

king,one

Hemant

by

(Whom
And Yet With

he slew for the sake of

enow

Herlind^)
nor

his kinsmen

againsthim
Duke hath

evil
he

have

they wrought him,

a

yet from

their strife forbear

left here full many

hero, and

among

them,
his army,

Heuteger pressed us
a

his

deeds gallant skill and

of

of

knighthood,and

sore,
390

They
With

have

strengthfor the conflict. And

came

many

soldier

more

Gaschier

Normandy

here, and

hero

wise is he.

Many
With And And Hath

knights hath he brought to this country (and wrathful guests they be) :
All these hath he

Kailet of Hoscurast his comrades

to there,

brought upon
doth
; nor at

our

fair land
I
^^

the Scottish king Friedebrand four,and his soldiers,

the

West, by the
for

sea-coast

Eisenhart's in secret, their

nor

army

lie,

their eyes
one seen

shall be "in

weeping

openly
their
sorrow

them, and

failed to marvel

griefand

sore.

Since their lord hath been o'er.'

stain in battle with the heart's rain their eyes

"

run

Then

the guest courteous

spake

to

his hostess, * I would,

an

it seem

thee

right,
Thott shooldst say like

why thy foeman

threaten, why they seek thee with

war-

400

might !

i6

PARZIVAL hast here maay

Thou

heroes, it grievethme gallant

for o'erladen,
woe

sore

to see

Thy land

thus with hate

must

it bring to thee.*

Wouldst

thou

know

Then, Sir Knight, I will tellthee"

its

knight did

me

service true, And

405 And

the fruit of all manly virtue his life as

and gallant

decking knew,
as a

wise

was none

the hero, and

so

his faith
but
were

goodly tree by
his courtesy.

Was
And

and "ist-rooted, modest

a was

courteous

shamed
and
never

.K

he
as

as

woman,

tho' dauntless
ere

strong, I trow,
land might know.

And

knight e'en

he free-handed
come

his day

(But
4x0

they that shall

was

other folk shall their hereafter,

a

doings see.)
be ;

fool

he in false
name

and dealing,
was

Moor,

as

myself shall
a

And And
That

his father's

T"nkaneis, a king of
my
men lover, as service,

kinglyheart,
as

his son, he who for love's sake

was

knew
a

him
woman no

Eisenhart

I took his but

I did not

well.

It hath
415

brought me
I to

sorrow lasting

since
!

joy to his portionfell,

such
treason
were

They

deem
me
9

death

betrayed him

Yet

"u- irom
d

Tho'
Far To

his folk
dearer

bring such charge againstme

e'er held him. tA4fy Nor

; and

dear to my

heart

was

he.

than

witnesses

here shall fail

to tell the tale.
sorrow

speak to the truth of my

gods
and

saying,if it please them

the it, truth
"

His
4ao

mine, they know

shame hath

I must
a

deep
must

Since my

womanly

brought him

guerdon

I needs

weep

*Thus
I

he

won

in my

maiden
my

service much

honour

by knighthood fadr,
declare. stand
to a

thought thus
my
a

to prove

lover ; his deeds

did his worth

For Is

sake

he put off his harness

folk
armour

(that which

like

hall doth

lofty tent, the Scotch

e'en tho* he bare
no

they brought it into this land),

his body he littlespared.
ventures

425 Then

For As

he held his life as

the matter
so men

worthless,many
us,
a

unarmed
my
man

he dared.

stood between
call

princewho
knight, from
evil for him
in
too

should

be,

Prothizilas did
Rode
430

him, a

bold

all cowardice that

free.

forth in search of venture, and

day
his end my

For In The For

a

there,in

his death Assagog's fotest,

met

waitinglay.
he found

jousthe knightly knight who gallant

both of the twain

and it,
him

there
"

faced
were

Twas

Prince
a

Eisenhart

friend.

piercM
must

with

spear

thro* heart and

shield,

And

I,alas

! poor

woman,

weep

for that fatal field.

18

PARZIVAL he fain would brave the field where it,

of

Made

answer,

see

they late had fought,

been

And

the

place where

deeds

hands knighthood had by gallant

wrought
And
470

noble
were

knights rode with him adown wise,some

were

from

the

palace hall,
rode

Some To

young

and
not

--So foolish,
one

they around
shall be

the wall

sixteen gates, and

they told him

called but

of them

might they dose

our

Since Eisenhart's
Our Nor
475 At

death

forvengeance" *So wrath^l

we

foes

conflict it resteth never,

our

both by night and day, fight

since then portals

our

eight of

but open they stand alway. fasten, knights, gates they beset us, true Eisenhart's gallant
we
us

And The And With

evil shall

they have wrought

the lineage, lofty

spurred by anger
of

each

man

doth

fight,

princesof

king

Assagog's ban ! '

so

there floated before each

a

portala banner,
it. When

pale and
the

wan,

piercedknight upon
to them
arms

Eisenhart

lost his life

4S0 His folk chose

'

this

symbol, as badge in
we

coming
we

strife.

But

againstthese
thus

have
our

others,wherewith
; 'twas
never

would their grief

at
our

still,

And Two
As

shalt thou know

banner

wrought
such

lady'swill.
knew
so

in oath she stretcheth, that fingers Eisenhart's

so

she grief
for heart
on a

death hath

brought her (true sorrow

of
our

true),

485 And

doth

it stand the semblance

queen,

samite white
in
our

Belakan^

in sable him

fashioned,
"

Since

againstus they came

doth A

mighty high. portals

(To
'

avenge

for whom

she

sorrows)so she looks from

army
to

And

proud Friedebrand's
from forth from

mighty

eightof

our

gates stand nigh.

Baptized men,
490

o'er the waters.

hold, prince doth each portal

his banners

And

the gate he

with sallies,

and

warriors bold.'

From

the host of Gaschier

the

Norman,
we

count

have

we

captiveta'en,

And He His
495

heavy methinks
is sister'sson

the ransoih

may

hope from that knight to gain ;

he to
us

and to Kailet,

the harm

hath done
we

nephew
have
we

ween no

shall pay for !

grassy

Yet such
but

prizehave

seldom

won.

Here

meadow,

sand, thirty gallopswide

many
a

Betwixt

the tents

and

the trenches

; here

joustwe

ride.

And To

further his host would

tell him,

One

knight,he doth
it how

never

fail

ride forth, a fair joustseeking. (Ifhis service shall her who hath
sent

nought avail fight?)

With
500

him

hither,what boots
him may I

welliie

Proud

Heuteger is the hero, of

speak with right

GAMURET
For

19
never a

since

our

threaten tliere dawneth besiegers

day bear.

But before the gates 'neath the And That oft from he smote and When the
rare

that knight doth his charger stay. castle^

that dauntless

hero many shiekb

tokens

we

needs

must

through

our

at his

and costly their worth spear-point,

from squire fiill ;

the shield doth

break

them.

Many knights Yore his they praise him all.

hold shall aye be told ! '

505

joustmust
He And

would

that all men

may

behold

him, and
one

our

women

he who

is praisedof women,

knoweth

that he doth

The

prizein his
now

hand,

and

his heart's

joy

in full measure

But

would

the sun, grown

was

weary,

its wanderini^rays recall j

^Then

'Twas And
Twas And

time that the ride the

ended

"

he

sought with his host the hall, 510

ofthat feast
must

evening meal
a

was

ready ; and
she stately

I needs

tell,

laid in the queen

fitting order,and knightly'twas served, and well.

with mien
so

unto

his table came, it not be

for shame
515

there the heron) and she counted (Here stood the fish,
To

ride adown

from

her

that palace,
as

herself she
and fitting,

mght
with

aware

If

they cared for the guest

fair. she knelt the

'twas

her rode

her

maidens

Low For

(and but illit pleased him)

was

and

cut

as

it seemed

her best

knight a fitting portion; she

the

glad in her goodly guest

care

And
And And Was

she filledfor him well did he

wine-cup,and

for his needs

would

take,
5^0

mark, the hero,her mien, and the words

at

she

spake. lady bright :

his fiddlers sat his

the table,and

over

againstthe knight
to the

chaplain: with shy looks shamefast,he spake

to find such

'

I looked much

not

welcome

as. !

Lady,
If rede

thou I

gavest me.

Too

must

I deem

the honour

might give to thee.

was

Then Nor

to-day I had claimed

adown the hill hadst

naught from thee

thou
nor ridden,

save

due to my
me

worth

alone, 535

such

service to

hadst shown.

And, Lady, if I may

Let
me

venture

to make

unto

thee request. o'ermuch

live but

as

best befiu me,

thou dost honour

thy guest

!'

Yet her And

This

kindly care

she

stayed not
and

; for she

stept to his page'sse^t

530

with

gentlewords

she did her guest to

she prayedthem to freely eat, friendly I honour : and the noble lads, troW,
Nor

Bare

goodwillto the royalUdy.

the queen

methinks

was

slow

20

PARZIVAL pass where

the host

To

was

seated and

his she

lady,the Burg-gravine,
as

And
535
'

she raised the

unto

and golden goblet, I

spake
do my

should

fita queen

Now

your

care

give him,
to

our

guest, and

I rede will

ye both

Since the honour And she bade

once

is yours,
them

hearken, and
she

nothing loth

1'

and farewell,

turned

her,and passed
for him
to

to her

guest

more, for her sake

was

Whose And

heart her yea

heavy

; and

such

sorrow

she

bore,
sorrow

heart
!

and

her

eyes

they answered, and they spake

'

her

540 And

courteous

she
be

spake, the lady, Sir Knight, thou

I will do will,

the word
a

shalt say,

And
Now

whatever

thy

it,for I hold thee

worthy guest
shalt rest,
of

give

me,

I pray,
we

dismissal ; if here thou in peace

Ofthat
And

shall

all be

joyful*

Her

torch-holders she rode

were

gold.

four tapers

they

bare

before her, so

to

her fortress-hold.

545

Nor He And

long
was

at

the board

they lingered
"

The

hero
a

was

sad, and
upon

gay,

glad for the honour

was

done

him, yet

sorrow a

him
heart

lay,
and courage

that

strong

Love's

compelling,that

proud

high
Can bend
to her

and will,

gladness shall oft at

her

her

bidding fly.
the meal

Then
550 And
a

the hostess couch

she

passed

to

chamber, yea, e'en

'

as

was

o'er ;

did they
to rest

spread for the hero, and spake kindly,

Now

love to the labour here

to

bore.

And Thou

the host
shalt

his guest thro* the

shall

thy sleepbe sweet,

shall such
rest

night that cometh,

and he bade

thy need

be meet' Then he

spake

to

his

men,

them

they should hence

from

the

hall away,

And
555 Each

the noble
one

youths his
tall and

pages,

their couches

around
so was

his the

lay
custom

with the head

so

toward

his master,

for

good

And Yet For

tapers

flamingalightround
that
so

the chamber the hours

stood.
of

illdid it please the hero the Moorish

he
to

long

were

night,
of

queen
as a

so

dusky, had vanquished his he^rt

wand

might
heard

And

turned

willow

bendeth,

till his

jointsthey were
he

crack,
the love that he craved for he deemed it swelled

560 The And

And

strifeand

did lack. o'er-long

his heart-beats

they echoed
as an

as loudly,

high for knighthood fain.

a

he stretched himself

archer who

bendeth

bow

amain.

GAMURET
And

21

so

eager
saw

his lust for battle that the

grey

the hero lay sleepless

as

Till he

lightof morning, though

Mass

yet it should

scarce

be

day.
And For

his
so

chaplain for

was

ready,and
Then

to

God

and
them

the

knight they sing,565 bring.

would

did he

givecommandment.
where

he bade

his harness

And

he rode ride

joustshould wait him,

and

and

that

self-same

hour

horse that could

answer

charge the foeman,

and

turn

to either side, swiftly

And And And So

to bit and

bridle if its rider would

man

backward

draw.
saw, 570

the watchers, both

the anchor shone

woman, it ; and
a

his helm
no man ere

in the gateway

fair upon

this

might

see

wondrous

fair a hero, for like to

god

"was

he !

And

strong spears

they bare

for his

using
"

How

then

was

he

decked, the

knight?
With
And 'Twas

iron
above
a

was

his charger covered, as

rior covering,
; and
to

should

serve

for

shield in

fight.
575

lay another
green

heavy methinks
and

it weighed,
coat
were

samite

his surcoat
on,

blazoned

made

Of Achmardi, green And

no

look

and

in Araby

fashioned

fair,
the shield should

but the lie I tell, bear

that shield-thongs

the

weight of

Were And
He

of silk and the boss

served

and jewel-bedecked their pride. gold untarnished,

was

of the shield

covered
;

with red

gold,in

the furnace

tried.

580

but for love's

she looked

rewarding
from

sharp conflict he held it light;

with many
a

And
And When

the queen
see, there he
saw

her

window,
who the

lady bright.
failed
the
to

Heuteger held him,

the

prizene'er

had

gain ; knight 585

knight draw
whence
came

nearer,

in swift

gallopacross
Who

plain,

He

thought, 'Now
hath
sent

this Frenchman?

hither this

If

Moor

I had

thought this hero, my

wit

were

to

madness

bent

t'

No

whit
man one

from they delayed the onslaught,

Each
Nor

spurred amain
would evade
the

his

charger ;

gallopto swifter flight and as fitting a valiant knight

meet

other,but would

him

in

fair, jousting
the
summer

From
Bot Adown

brave

flew high thro' Heut^er's spear the splinters

so

air,

590

his foeman
on

well withstood

him

that he thrust him

he win for his

from

off his steed

meed 1

the grass ; but seldom

might

joust such

22

PARZIVAL his foe in his

up

And

coarse

rode o'er

him, and trode him

unto

the

ground,
him

Yet he sprang
595 But

fresh lust for the strifehe found, again,and valiant,

Gamuret's he knew who

lance had he had

piercedhim thro* the

his master, and
me me

arm,

and

he bade

yield.

And
'

found

from the he spake* the victor he

foughtenfield, pledgecanst

Now

shall have

o'erthrown
men

?' and

spake, swiftly
my

'

Gamuret

Angevin

do

call

1' then he

quoth, 'Thou

take!'

Then

his

pledge the knight took,and praise did he win from

towards and the

straightway he
who

sent

him

within

the

wall,
6oo And

much haU.

women

looked

from

the castle

And A

there swiftly

came

him, Gaschier mighty

a

of

Normandy,
he.
'Id

sgid wealthy hero p^-oud

Gamuret made
new

in strife was

And
And

him
was

ready,for
his

second

jousthe

ride,
both

strong and

and spear-shaft,

the iron

was

sharp and

wide,
605 And For And If he
the strangers

they faced each other

and

"

But

unequal their lot,I trow, they laid low,

of strife ;

Gaschier the

and

his gallant charger full swiftly were

arms or

knight with his

harness

he fellin the shock

thought itfor good

Gamuret

for

evil, by his pledge must

hast Ride

he win his life.

Then
610 Yet

quoth,the hero, * Thou

it well hath wielded
to cease
me or

pledgedunto
thou
to

me

thine hand,

the weapon bid them

canst

the Scottish
are

band,
the

And Thou If he And

from
to the

troubling ; city.'Then

if they to

thy will

fain.

follow

the

knight hied him o'er

conflict they held them

plain.

prayed them,

gave

commandment,

they did at the last his

will.
stilL

the Scottish host

they rested,and from

615 Then

Kailet spurred swift towards

near

him, but Gamuret

turned

his

rein,

His cousin he was, and

And And

kinsman, why then bring him griefand pain ? the Spaniardcried loudlyon him ; on his helm he an ostrich bare.
so

far

as

I know

to tell ye the

knighthe
chiming of

was

decked
and

so

fair

With
690

silken raiment
the

goodly,and long were

clear with the

his robes
sweet

wide,
as

And The Save

plain rang
who

bells

he o'er it hied.

flower he of for two

manly beauty,and his fiiimess it held the field,

should
come

ai|.dhis fimie hereafter,

unto

theirs

must

yield;

GAMURET
But Not

23
Lot's son,

Pamval

and

brave

Beau-corps,King

they are
men

not

here,
dear
!

yet

were

they bom, but hereafter for their beauty

he upon

held them

Then So Who

Gaschier
I tell thee

grasped his bridle.

mine

'

Now

checked
thou

will it be
shalt face

thy race,

6^5

honour, if the Angevin

Sir

there my hearken

pledge hath taken.

unto

Knight,thou
hand
I

shalt list my
sware

prayer

And From
For
'

my

counsel thee

; in Gamurefs
:

strife aside

to turn

stay thy steed then for

Then
son

my

sake. spake,
630

mighty
I
care

is. he

in conflict ! ' my

aloud
unto

King

Kailet

Is he Gamuret
not

cousin, and
to

King

Gandein

? I

Then Take

with him from

no battle,

foe shall he be of mine

*

thine hand
eyes

off my

bridle'

"

Nay, further thou

his helmet the

shalt not

fare

Till mine For

And
mi$ie

have

firstbeheld
is deafened

thee, with thine head.

!
'

of the helmet

bare,
635

with blows

Then

prince unbound.
found.

yet, tho' with him

he

fought not,

Gamuret

other foemen

And

the

day had grown

to

high morning" And

them

the folk who

the

might joust

Were
For

and they gat glad at heart, he

was as a

to their bulwarks
none

rightspeedily,
told,

net

before them, and another

might escape his hold.

me was

And
And

he chose

him

charger,so

the tale unto

640

it flewf and
when the

the earth it spumM,

and its work

could

arightfulfil.
at wilL

Bold
And For

knight would
he do

battle, yet its speed could he check

His valour
I

what

would

the rider?

praisealway. by the
sea-coast

he rode

where

the Moorish

army

to the west

lay.

Thence

prince, Rassalig men

of

called him,
riches

forgatnot each coming

honour bom his way
was

mom

645

(He

was

Assagog's richest hero,to

came a

and
from

Since he He would
.

to take royallineage)
"

the camp

fain

joust before the city

But

his

it strength

quelledthat

day
a

dauntless hero ; and By Anjou's (Since 'twas s6e who sent him o'erthrown. For
A
a

dusky maid hither) that

made her

moan

knight should

be

thus 650

squirebrought,without his bidding,to his master, brave Gamuret,

the Moor and its point'gainst reed-shaft fiaishioned, light the he set. with it he smote

spear, with

And Nor

paynim from his steed down

as

upon

the sand. hand.

longer he bade him lie there than

surety he

pledgedLis

24

PARZIVAL found its ending, and toward

the hero the had

655 So the strife it had Then

And Gamuret
saw

won

him

fame came,

eightbanners conquered city.

herd And

citythat onward
to

he bade

the

the force with his word

that word
must

stay,

And

follow him

to the

he needs

obey.

Nor
660

Gaschier

delayed his coming

; and

unto

the Burg-grave told

nor

How

his guest
withhold.

sought for further conflict

iron
nor ostrich,

his wrath

might
stones

the

host

1/ he swallowed
'Twas

not

as

an

his wrath
Then he

did

on

assuage
for rage,

but that he
he he

might
a

not

find them

gnashed his teeth

bear, folly
found
on

And And 665 The

growled as quoth,
'

and the hair of his head he tare. mighty lion, of my lifetime

a

So

the years
sent to my

harvest of
and

gods they had

keeping a

valiant

worthy friend,
hath he
an me

If with strife he shall be Sword Who and should

then mine overladen,

honour

end

shield they shall little profit" Yea, shame

would

cast

bring this

to

my

remembrance

'

Then

swift from

his

place he

passed.
And 670 And he gat him he bare
a

into the

and portal,
was

squiretowards
a a

him
a

drew,

shield that land

was

painted with
; and

knight by
helmet

spear

piercedthro',
must

In Eisenhart's

it fashioned in

his hand

hold.

And
But Were

a now

sword
was

that he

Rassaligcarried

that heathen battle,

bold,

parted from

it whose

fame God

was

in every shown

place ;
grace !

he

slain

unbaptized I think me,

had

to this hero

675 And
For

e'en

as

the

Burg-grave
he knew

saw

ne'er of it, it" So

yore

was

his

the coat-of-arms

he rode

thro' the

joy so great. citygate.

And
As

his guest had without,

one

halted,young
he

hero he, not yet old.

the

of

and his bridle joustdesirous,

was

Burg-grave bold,
he led him

Lahfilirost
680 And

his name,
no

grasped
that

and it,

within the wall ;

must

I wot

well

other

foeman

day 'neath his spear

fall.

Quoth Lahfilirost
If thine hand is free ; For he of the have
a

the

Burg-grave, Sir Knight,thott shalt

'

'

tell to

me

Rassalighath vanquished ?
Moors is the chieftain,
us

'Then

our

land

from

all strife

men

of
"

true
now us

Eisenhart shall
our woe

Who

brought unto god

to

such bade
are

sorrow

But

depart,

685 'Twas
But

wrathful

who

him

thus

seek

with all his

host,
his boast 1'

his weapons

naught

smitten,and

is turned to folly

26

PARZIVAL

'

My body and this

so

my

kingdom

are

vassals

unto

this

knight, might
1'

If

be that his foeroen

resist not his fearing,

hand

of

Then
'

Gamuret

spake,and his bidding was

thou nearer,

courteous, for hero meet,

my

790

Sir

Rassalig, go
Sir

with
do

kiss thou

wife shalt greet ; the Scotch

And

Gaschier,thou shalt
the

likewise.'

Then

knight proud

Heuteger
He
bade
on

lipsto kiss her (and the wounds

won

in

joust he bare).

Then
'

he bade

them
to

all be seated,and
my

he wiselyspake standing,

were

fain

behold

kinsman,

if he who
"

did

captivetake
it seemeth
set
me

725 The

knight shall have naught againstit

I find here the queen
no

^As kinsman

That
Then

other counsel

save

straightwayto
them go

him

free ! ' the

she

smiled,and bade
of

and seek swiftly

count-so

knight.

And
Yet
730 With

then thro* the throng he bare he the wounds the host

was

pressed him, that

the land
he
was

fair and

bright. sought.

knighthood, and bravely and well had fought ;

the Norman of the Moors he

of Gaschier

He

courteous
name

; his sire a Frenchman

Kailet's sister'sson, fair meed he won,

his Killirjacac

; in the service "of fair women

And

the "irest of

men

they

deemed

him.
men

When of
a

Gamuret kindred
as

saw

his face

(For lilqe were

755 He

they each

to the

other,as
and
and

race)
true.
arms

bade he

his queen

to kiss him
come

embrace

him
me

kinsman the

And

spake,

'

Now

thou

greet

I ' and

knight to his

he

drew, him, and each quoth thy

here?'
a woman was

And
And What

he kissed
Gamuret

joyfulthat the other he here might

1 cousin fair and

meet

unto

him, 'Alas

sweet,
hath
sent

doth
thee

young

strengthin this conflict?

sent

Say, if woman Gaschier,

have

740

Nay,

never

me,

with my
"

cousin I came,
^A thousand
men

He
And

knoweth

why he hath brought me

loyal service"
was

I,
.

I do to him

To

Rouen

in

Normandy
a

I came,

where

his force

gathered,and
in mine
anny

many

knight youthfiil
we

I. brought from Champagne

; 'neath his banner

fain would

fight.
745 Now

evil hath turned wilt honour

againsthim

what

of

cunning

is hers and
cure

skill.
his ill! '

Thou

ifthou free him for my thyself

sake, and

GAMURET
'

27

Thyself shalt fulfilthy counsel

"un
see

Go

thou,take with thee Gaschier,

thou

I would

my

kinsman

do Kailet,

bringhim

unto

me

here

!'

So And And And He

and brought him at his behest, out the host's desiring, diey 3in:ought in lovingwise and kindly did Gamuret greet his guest ;

750
:

ofttimes

the queen

embraced

him, and
in such

kissed him
Mrise the
was

with kisses sweet

nothing
was

it wronged her honour

unto

princeto
a

greet.

Then Had For

husband, by smiling his host spake to him, God

'

cousin

her

birth

himself

king.
an

knows,

'twere

evil

thing,
755 ;

I taken

from thee Toledo, and thy goodly land of Spain

wrathful doth

Gascogn/s king,who
feithless of me, Sir bravest of

plague thee with strifeamain

mine aunt's
son

'Twere The

since Kailet,

thou

sure

shalt be ;
thee?
'

shall be knights

with thee ; say, who

forced this strifeon

Then

out

spake the proud

young

hero, ' My cousin Schiltungbade wedded) that

won

(Since his daughter Friedebrand

For the sake of his wife hath
chosen

I lend to the
even

king mine aid.

alone

7^

he

him, yea

from

me

Six thousand And

For

heroes,who

valour and
a

skillhave

shown. have

other the

men

did I

bringhim, but
came

part they shall hence

bands who

sailed.

Scottish

folk

they
from

hither,brave

in strife ne'er

fe"ed. And
there
came

to

his aid

Greenland, strong heroes

of

who

bravely7^5

fought.
Two And And

mighty kings,and
many
a

torrent
:

knighthood with them

men

they brought.
of

goodly vessel
came

and

they pleased me, those

hath

might

"

here

for his sake

Morhold, who
them

cunning and skill in fight'

and
that

*But

now

have

they turned

homewards,

which

the queen

shall say
Even Thou Now And

that will I do with mine shalt thank ikine

were are even me

army,

her servant

am

alway
'twas

tjo

not

for this

from service,

kinsman

due,

ween.

these
as

gallant heroes,if like mine

never
a

they baptizedhad
monarch crowned !

been

then they in colour,

But if they should

But I marvel

had found fight againsthim, of conflict his fill here

what

hath

brought thee
I

Say, how

didst

thou

reach

this 775

strand?'
*

Yestreen queen
so

camcy
wit

and

this

morning
'
"

am

lord o'er this

with
so

goodly land

The For

by the hand

she took me,

'

and

love

myself would
won

shield,

did my

give counsel

Yea,

hast thou

the field.

28

PARZIVAL hosts have

Those

sweet

weapons

two

vanquishedt

'

Thou

wouldst

say"

since I fled from

780 So

thee^
thou

loudlyon
us

me

thou

calledst, say, what wouldst

' '

force from

me?

Let
But
*

speak

of the

! thing in friendship husband

Thine

anchor
such

I failed to

know,
!'

seldom

mine

aunt's brave

Gandein, did

token

show

But

I, I knew

well thine ostrich with

so nor stately,

the snake's head

it within
a

upon (
*

thy breast,

Aloft stood

thy bird

hid

nest

785 *And

saw

in

thy mien

and

bearing that

that

pledge would

have

'seemed

thee ill
Which
^

two

heroes fate
as
a

afore had

given,tho* firsthad they fought their

my

fill.'
must

E'en

such

theirs

were

portion
"

But thou

this
this

thing I
him

needs

say,

Tho' For
790

littleI like love of his

as

devil, were

he victor
women

as

day
sweet,
more

doings the gallant

were

had
I
* *

deemed
thou

Yea,

sugar !'

fain to

eat

him

Now

me praisest

than

meet
'

Nay,

of

know flattery wise !' Then

thou little,

shalt

see

that 1 hold

thee

dear

In other

the hero bade

Rassalig draw
'

anear.

And

courteous

he of thee

spake,King Kailet, My kinsman

here his
a

with valiant hand

the

Hath
795

made
I hold

?' captive

so Yea, Sire,

thing doth stand,

And

.him

for such

hero that

Assagog'skingdom fair
the he
crown

Should
Our To

fail not

to

yieldhim
!

homage, since
was

he may

never now

wear.

prince Eisenhart
kiss have

In her service

slain who

shall

be wife

thy kinsman, as knight so faithful he

my I sealed

gave

for her love his life. my

With
800

forgiveness, yet
and
as

lord and

my

friend I lost !

If

thy cousin by knightlydealingwill repay

hands
as

of his death

the cost

I will fold my

his vassal Tankaneis

wealth

shall be his and

fame.

All that Eisenhart

from

his heritagethought to claim.

on

Embalmed

here the hero

and lieth,

I gaze

his wounds lord and

each
my

day king did slay!'

Since this spear thro' his true heart

piercing, my
by

805 Then And

And

he drew
the heroes he

it forth from
saw

his bosom

silken cord
robe
on

so

fine.
chest shine.

the

'neath his spear-blade

his bare

quoth, Mt is now
will bear
to

high morning,if my
with princes, them
:

lord Sir

Killirjacac
all

My
And
810

token
a

my
sent

him
as

will the
were

knights ride back.'

those heroes
to the castle hall.

he finger-ring who

dark

hell

And

they rode

were

there of

thro' the princes,

town

GAMURET
As And But And his vassals
one

29
to
won

he gave

with their banners

the fiefdom

Assagog's lords their land,

from
as

each
the

in rejoiced

he

his ruler's hand, their lord and

better
were

part

was

his
"

portion, Gamuret's,

king.

these

the first

as

they passed hence their homage they fain would kingdom,

bade
and

bring
The And
Their

princes of Zassamank's
each
as

they came
them,

in their order due,

anew was

815

their queen

had

them, they took from his hand

bear
as

land, and

the fruit it should

to

each

man

fitand

right.
And And A He The

poverty fied from his presence.

in life was
Dukedom gave
unto

Now

he who

was

slain in
left

fight

a princeby and this country which fair,

he had lineage,Prothizilas,
was won

thus of its lord bereft

820

him

who

much

honour dauntless
"

had

by his strong righthand.

its banners he took the land.

Burg-grave, in combat

With

Then And
And Then
'

Assagog's noble princestook the Gaschier,the Norman

he

Scotch

Duke, proud Heuteger,

hero, to

their lord did

they lead them there,

brave

spake them

free for their

asking,and they thanked

did these

Gamuret.

825

Heuteger give to
Eisenharf which dead
on was our

of Scotland

with prayers
as

knights beset,
so

Now

lord the armour, lifetook from of

our

prizefor his deeds

to

brave.

That That And

us, when

Friedebrand
of

he gave

land the

glory
"

Forfeit love

joy the knight.

his love

since his bier he lieth,

no

might

requite
"

'

830

And
Yea Then He

earth knoweth
even

naught
unto

so

goodly,the helm it was

a

strong and hard,

of diamond
sware

in battle fashioned,

goodly guard.
saw once more.

Heuteger
would
pray

them, if the land of his lord he

the armour, and send it to them

of his hand

And
Who

this did he stood

swear

them

freely"Then
and

leave

would
from

the

princes pray

835

in the

royalpresence,
was

they
with

wend

the hall their way.

And
Such

tho'

sorelythe land

wasled, yet Gamuret

if laden and

scattered free
tree.

and goodly as royalgifts

gold each
deemed

And
From

costly I

ween

the presents that vassal

friend must

share it right and

fair.

the open

hand

of the hero

; and

the queen

840

Full many

bitter conflict had the foeman

I

been

fought ere
but

the bridal
was

feast,
strifereleased ;

But peace

had

and the land sealed,

woven,
so was

from

(Nor this song

myself have

it told to

me)

30

PARZIVAL did

And 845 To

Eisenhart

they bury with

bear

honours

rightroyally.
the

his grave did his kinsmen

him, and

gold that his lands might

bring
In
a

whole

year

long,did they spend there,of their free will they did this
his kinsfolk his riches and
; tho'

thing.
And And Gamuret
use as

bade

lands to hold such

boon

they would

they craved

not

from

the hero bold.

At dawn B$a And And

And

from

before the fortress the foe would

were

their camp

withdraw, they bore.

those who the field was the

he

there

departed ;

many for

litterswith them
one

left unsheltered,save

tent

so

great and fair,

king he bade

his servants

that teiit to his vessel bear. he take

saw

And He

said to his folk that to

Assagog would

and yet it, him

not.

I wot

did with that

speech deceive them, for Assagog

him

855 Now Since

that he

hero, his heart proud*and gallant

found
;
was

gave

littlerest

there

no

deeds

of

knighthood, and

gladness forsook

his

breast

Yet his

dusky wife
he
a

dearer than e'en his

own

life might be. falsehood

as

Ne'er knew She

860

truer

lady whose
a

heart

was

from

free.

forgatnot

what

'seemed

woman, ways

and

with her

comrades

good

Went

and the purityuntarnished,

of true

womanhood.

He When For

was

bom he grew

in Seville's fair citywhom of his

the

knight would
"r
unto

hereafter pray,
away
;

sojournweary,
he led

to sail with him

many
a

mile had
was

him, and he brought him

nor

this

place.
skin bear,
!'

And

Christian

he, the steersman,

for

like

to

Moor
who
we a

in face.

865 And
Too

wiselyhe
swift is my

spake,'Thou
barque

shalt hide it from

them

dark

from hence shall pursuing,

fare quickly

Then

his

gold it was
from

borne

to the vessel.

Now

of

partingI

needs

must

tell,

By night did he
But

go, the

when

his wife he

hero,and his purpose in her womb sailed,

the breezes

he hid it well ; did she bear hence his child

waters
:

870 And

fair blew the

wind, and

bare him

o'er the

wild.

And And

the

lady she found (forshe

and 'twas writ by letter, well could read

her

husband's words

hand

in French

it) did

the

of the

writing

stand

GAM"RET
'

31

Here

one

love to another
eyes

speaketh
"

As

a
"

thief have
^But this

I stolen away needs

must

That Wert
For

mine

might
as

not

see

thy sorrow
I
ever

thing I
for that

say,

thou, e'en
e'en
now

I,a Christian

should

weep

thee,
our

875
child shall be

I must
one

sorelymourn
and Frau

thee.

If it chance

In fiice like unto Of

other,then his is a
Minne

dowry fair,
for his

Anjott was
was

Ju bom,

lady he did declare.

his foe ;
I will that my
son

Yet That

he in strife a

illneighbour unto hailstorm,

his

grandsire hath been lay tbro^ his deeds

won,

King Gandein, this

of

shall

880

know.
Dead he

knighthood

; and

his "ither the

same

death Addanz And

He For And
was

his name,

and

his shield hath been unsplintered

a

seen were

of

none

by birth he hath been

and the brave

Breton,and

two

brothers'

sons

they,

Pendragon, and their sires' names

the and Brickus elder,
a was

I here will say ;

Lassalies he hath been Mazadan

was

his brother's name,

885

their father whom

foy for

her love did claim. she

Terre-de-ia-schoie did they call her, to Fay-Morgan

For he And
If
was

led the

king,
did

her true heart's fetters ; and

my
as

race

from those twain

shall they be, and fJEtir

vali^t,and

crownM
me

spring. kings they reign" again t

'

lady,thou 'Itbe baptizedthou mayst

had
a

win

to thee

S90

Yet Of

she

no

thought of
I do his my

anger,

but she

spake,

'

Ah

1 too
to me

soon once

'tiso*er.
more.
so

sooth would

bidding,would
courteous

it bring him

In whose

charge hath strengthof quoth,

'

hero
we

left the fruit of his love twain for

a

true ? !

Alas ! for the sweet Shall the And

And And Her When she

communion
my

that
sorrow

short space
soul

knew

bitter

rule

body and

alway ?
I fain

895

Now

his God

to

honour, his will would

live
as

obey,

gladly I 'Id be baptizM,and

sorrow

should

pleasemy
as same

love !'

with her heart

and e'en struggled,

the

the turtle dove mind

was

joy sought the withered branches, for

the mate

hers, I
green.

ween.
900

of the turtle dieth,she forsakeththe

branches

Then
For And

the queen in him

a

at

the time

appointed bare
a

a one

son, who

was

dark and

light,
white.

had

God

wrought

wonder,

at

while white

was

he black and

thousand named
was a

times she kissed him the babe of her

sorrows

where

as

his sire's his skin.

And And
And

she he

Feirefis

Angevin. fair,
hair.
905

woodland-waster,

many

spears did he shatter

the hue

shields did he

pierce
"

as

magpie

of his face and

32

PARZIVAL

Now

year

and

more

was

ended hand

since the for

he

Gamuret victor's winds and

won

such

fame

At And
Then

Zassamank,
yet
a

and
the

his
he

right

prize
vexed

might
the

claim,
hero did bold. hold their

o'er

seas

drifted,

the

910

silken
whom

sail the
of

red

gleaming King
of

saw,

the

barqae
sent

The

men

Scotland,
:

Friedebrand,
from
in sooth her

upon

way

At

the

bidding
ever

Queen

Belakan^

would
he

they
lost sword it needs

pardon
the
more.

pray

That

he them

came

against
the

her,

tho'

had and

And
And

with hosen the

diamond

helmet,
the

the and

corslet marvel

they
must

bore,
be told he
t

915

e'en

such

as

harness,
towards

That
And

barque
gave mouth

was

thus

borne

him,
and
an

as

the oath

venture

hath them

to

me

they
his

him it

the should

goodly

armour,

unto

swore

That

speak

their

message,

an

he

came

to

the

queen

once

more.

And

they
he
came

parted
to
a

and

one

hath

told
and

me

that Seville

the

sea

bare

him
he found.

onward

bound

9^

Till

goodly
he pay

haven,
his

in

his well heart

goal
for of

And
And

with

gold parted,

did

steersman

right
sorrow

his that

guidance
steersman

true, knew
!

they

those

twain,

and

the

ARGUMENT

This

Book

tells

how

Gamuret

sought

for

King

Kailet,

and

found

him

before

Kanvoleis.

How

the

Queen

of

the

Waleis

ordered
a

Tourney

to

be

holden,

and

of

the

heroes

there

assembled.

How

Gamuret

did

valiant

deeds,

and
was

adjudged

the

victor
;

and

how

laid
two

claim

to

queens

his

love.

Of

the

wedding

of

Gamuret

and

Queen

Herzeleide

and

theii

love
to

each

other.

How

Gamuret
went

the
to

aid

of

the

Baruch,

and

treacherously
was

slain

before

Alexandria.

How

the
news

brought
was

the
to

land

of

the

Waleis
;

of

the
sorrow

of

Herzeleide
;

and

of

the

birth

of

Parzival.

BOOK

II

HERZELEIDE

OW

there

in the

Spanish

country

he

thought

him

the

king

to

greet,
His
kinsman and fleet To

cousin

Kailet, and

he

followed

with

steps foot-

Toledo,

but

thence

bad

he

ridden

unto

deeds

of

hood knight-

fair.
Where many
to
a

spear

should

be

splintered, and

men

thought

not

their

shields

spare.

Then

he

thought
a

him

to

make

him

ready
and

(so the
a

venture

doth
green
;

tell I ween)

With
For

manyi

blazoned
it bare

spear-shaft,
a

many

sendal

each well

spear
was

pennon, the the

with

the
and

anchor

in ermine
all men's the

white, sight. hung

the
low
10

And
And When

it

wrought,
were

symbol,
pennons,

costly in
e'en
a

long
men

and
on

broad the

and

to

hand

spear-blade
were

bound
for

them,
that
and

span-breadth
and him
as

point below.

And
And

hundred cousin's and

had

spears folk

ready
bare

true

gallant knight.
went

his

they

them,

with

forth

to

fight

And
Nor

honour
I think

loyal service
their lord been

they showed
wrathful

him that

fit and

fair.
their love should

his

kinsman

share.

1 know In the

not

how

long he
land
:

sought

him,

till shelter
were

at

length he
on

found

15

Waleis
tents
so

'fore

Kanvoleis
;

pitched
not

the

open

ground

Many
But Then The He

fair and the

his

knightly
I tell ye
to

(I speak
if the tale he

from

fancy light
hear before them
a

sooth

are

words
folk

ye
sent to

would
on

aright)
his face
20

he chief would
many

bade of

halt and

there, and
he bade

his do

squires,
his

him
and

seek swift behind

resting-place.
he

fain
a

master's laden

bidding,
his

to

the
him

town

sped.

And

pack-horse

comrades

led.

36
And
never a

PARZIVAL house
were

he

saw

there but its roof and

was

shield I trow,
a

And
35 For

the walls
the queen
a a

hung
"

circled with spears in

goodly row,

of the Waleis

country had

ordered

at Kanvoleis

That
That

be holden,and they ordered itin such wise Tourney fiiir

coward

had

little liked it---forwhoever

but

would
was

seek such
not

strife

At his will doth

it chance
two

seldom

1
to

She
him

maiden,
the

yet

wife,
hold ;

And
30

herself and
many

lands she offered

had fallen in whose

who

should prize

And
And

to earth

ear

had

this tale been

was

told.
o'er.

he who many
many
a a

such fi"l must dauntless horse

suffer he held that his chance

And And And

hero showed onward clear

as on

knighthood those
the
each

walls

before.
did the shield

rushed

knight spurred to onslaughtfierce.

other,and
spears

the sword-blades rims

rang

pierce.
builded
that crossed
nor

35 A

was bridge from the plain

o'er the river's flow.

And But

'twas dosed he

by

tower-portal ;

the
one

at squire

his task
an

was

slow.
win.

opened the gates, unwearied, when

it there stood the

would

entrance

And And
40

above she

palace,and

the queen

sat the hall

a

within,

gazed from the high hall window

on

with many
them
to see

maiden had

fair, brought them they

And

they looked
there.

the

squiresbeneath they taken

what

'Twixt

themselves

had

counsel, and

tent

did

rear

on

high
For

the

winning
main

of love

ungranted a king wrought it in days Belakane). The

gone

by,
with

('Twas in service of Queen

and

squireslaboured
the grassy
so

might

Till the burden

45 A

of

thirty pack-steedsthey raised

on, and

on

plain,

rich pavilion

to look

the meadow

it was

wide
on
"

That And And

Nor
50 And

the silken ropes

that held it might stretch forth

ate without

either side.

Gamuret, their master,

then for his

in the open

air the

entrance courtly

with skillwould His

knight prepare, straightway,

anchor white ;

longer might

be

delaying
"

squirestake the spears

five in each band and

they bind them

"ast

and together,

they lay.

And So

the sixth in their hand

they carry, with its pennon

proudlyinto
the queen
a

the

citycame
the

ridingthis gallant knight.

that tidings
a

Then From

she heard

noble
was

guest

was

come

land and distant, and in sooth far-off

he known

to none.

HERZELEIDE
'

37
I trow,
55

And

courteous

his folk in
among

bearing; both heathen and French

them iftheir

And And

Angevin, some
their courage
shall be.

speech I

aright may

know

is

high, and

their raiment

both

rich and

well

shaped

But And He

now

was

I with his

and they seem people,

me

from falsehood free, lord shall seek did

they say, 'Who

will free him them of

hath lust for

ifhe riches,
!'

to our

from fear of

scarceness

The

while I with them

speak,^ thing,

I asked

to tell of their master, and

a true

they thoughtnot
is he

to hide the

But

spake

heart

freely,Of 2^ssamank

'

king.'

'Twas

page who

Wouldst

fair ! brought the tidings Ah me ! that pavilion and thy kingdom not half of its cost thou pledge thy crown
"

were

there ! '
'

Thou

needst
man

not

to

praiseso highly, my

mouth

ne'er shall say thee nay,

^5

rich

shall be its owner,

And
'

in this wise she

no alway.' the fair and gracious spake,the lady, queen,

lack doth he know

Why

Cometh

he

not

to the castle ?

For

fain I his face had seen.'

This Brave

she bade

her page

to ask him

"

Then

the hero

was

fain to make
70

and the sleepers must entry into the city,

needs awake.

Many Rang
As

shields he loud and

saw

fair shining ^The blast of the trumpets clear

"

long before him,

smote

and

two

drummers
the

ye needs walls

must

hear

they tossed and

sound.
the
notes

their

tambours, and

echoed

back

the

With

of the flutes 'twas

mingled
Nor

as

the train

through the city

he must ride

wound,
'Twas
^ a

march

that

they played so gaily

"

we forget

how

75

Their

master

he followed with the fiddlers his rein beside. and lord,

Then

he threw
boots

his

that hero leg o'er hiischarger,

so

bold

and

fair,
bare.

And And And And

I
* ween

did he

wear

of leather, or else had his limbs been e'en

as a

his mouth
not full,

it was

ruby,and jed, as

firedoth bum,
80

too

fair was
'twas

his
as

body wherever the eye might turn ; the skin and wherever hair and curling, saw one
thin ; iair his
as ever a

cover costly was

head

might win.
dark thereon
came

And
Tho*

of samite green

his

mantle,and the sable shone

the gazers they
in
a

white

was

his vest, and

goodly throng.
^

3"
^5 And Who For The That
many
must

PAR2IVAL ask the

'Who question,

was

he, the beardless knight

the tale it was

rode with such pomp

of riches ?
who knew

'

Then

spread aright, bridge anear

clear

they spake it as truth

folk of the town, and shone from the queen

it" So

they drew
so

to the

his

people ; and

brightwas

the radiance

that

it thrilled him

thro' his strong

limbs,that

goodly knight,
90 And

he braced

himself

as

falcon that it goodly

plumeth its wings for flight. thought he that hero wise

!
;

And And

the

lodging he deemed
with

; so

his hostess

joy beheld

him, the lady of fair Waleis

Then
The
95 At

the
tent

king of Spain
that at
the

he heard

how it,

there stood
as

on

the open

plain

bidding Gamuret Rassalig's

vassal I deer, joy's
'

his

prizedid gain bring

"

Patelamunt,and
he

a knight to his lord would tidings ween was

Then
And

sped

as

the

gallant long 1
son

thus

spake the knight, Thy kinsman, and the

and in state
as a hundred floating

of thine aunt

I saw,
;

And
There
zoo

with pomp
are

so to-day doth he hither aforetime,

draw

pennons

full fair by his

on

knightlyshield, field.
doth bear

And
And

around
green
as

his

high pavilion they stand

the pennons, ermine and
on

the grassy

the grass

the hero bold every

Three

anchors

of snow-white

sendal fair.'

'

Hath

he

come

here

arrayed for battle?

swift to the

Ah

! then

shall

men

see

How

he

spurrethhim
the

onslaught,how
hb

he striveth in

straightway knightly

fray!
105

Long time hath

Here in

proud King Hardeiss

fellhim, and

anger

againstme

shown.
own

joustshall Gamuret

good fortune shall be mine

!'

Then Where

he straightway he

sent
a

message

to

Gaschier,the Norman
the Killirjacac Bur and

knight,
bright.
side Kailefs

lay with

many

vassal ; and
"

For here had

zio

they come

at his

bidding ^The twain

a

at

King

Towards And And

the fair pavilion with

hied. goodly following he held them since dear at heart

must
:

Zassamank's the time

king was

for joyful,

over-longhad seemed
of
true

them

they

from

each

other

part.
This
What

they spake
show.

heart

truly And
"

the

king he

was

(kin to know and skill should

knights should be here for

the

Tourney, who

valour

HERZELEIDE
Then

39

spake

unto

him

his

kinsmen,
hath

From

distant lands

they came,
heroes of dauntless

115

The

knightswhom
fame.'

love's power

brought here,many

'

Here

Utber
as grief a

and with him his Pendragon fighteth, thorn

was

Breton

host

One
The With

doth

vex

him, his wife hath the hero lost,

mother
; a clerk who

queen

who

Arthur's

all

magic knew
;
lao

him
now

hath she

and Arthur fled,

doth after the twain pursue

Tis And

the third year

since he

lost

them, his
" hero

son

alike and

wife""

here is his
Lot

husband, daughter's
of

well skilled in

strife,

King
But And
For

is his name,
are

Norway"
Gawain
"

swift seeketh

he
bold

knighthood'sprize,
and

slow

his feet to

the knight so falsehood,

son

wise. shall be
me.
125

here is his young

any he
were

; as
now
a

yet he too weak

was

deed

of

knighthood
he not

but

the

boy with

And
He His Of

spake,were
fain to

as yet to break spear-shaft do deeds of knighthood,in the Tourney hh part would take

too

feeble

lust for strife waketh spears

a

early !

Here

Patrigalt's king hath brought

shall be the
men as

goodly

forest ; yet their valour

naught
of

130

When

weighed
we are

againstthe

gallantdoings of
them, and

Portugal,
shield ;

Yea, d"l"
And And And
here

in truth may the

men

call

shields do
a

they piercerightwell. perforcemust

of the land
not
are

of Provence, with many

blazoned

here the

Waleis, to their onslaught the foemen combat,

for
men

yield, they.
i35

they

ride at their will thro' the

Many
But At

here for love's rewarding whose fight

I here

title I may and lie,

say.

all whom

have

named

thee

now so

the truth I

tell,

great

cost

here within the

for city,

the queen

deemed

it well.'

'

And

without

on

the

plainthey hold them Logrois,and

Ireland,many
doth the

who

deem

their

prizelightly won,
140

Proud

Arragon'shaughty monarch, and the brave king of Askalon.

is there from is he of

Eidegast,he
(The mgnarch
And And
To Morhold many
a

King Brandelidelein
is bold

there Punturtois),

too

L"helein.
;

is there of

pledges that knighi hath ta'en

on

haughty German Gascony

ere

camp hath

that battle

plain.
King Hardeiss
;

this country the Duke

of Brabant

come

thro' the

145

The

king

of

gave
won

him

his sister the fair Aleiss, those

me

(Tet his service

Now

that

payment) wrath againstme

our

princesdrew

I trust t"tee to think of

kinship" For

love's sake do

service true 1 '

40

PARZIVAL
J
'

Quoth the king of Zassamank,

150 Whatever

Cousin,no
un-nested?

thanks

would
as

I have

from thee

I may

do for thine honour, my

will e*en
Thou

thine shall be. shalt carry its

Doth

thine head

ostrich yet stand

serpent's

'Gainst And

thy foeman*s
his steed
one

demi-gryphon, my
the

anchor

shall swift be
a

sped, wreak,
^

find in his

onslaughtlanding; himself shall

on

haven be fain

s^k
to
"

Behind
155 And

gravelI
kinsman

If our

wrath

we

ride
my

againstthe other, I
a

fell him, or

he felleth me do I
swear

On

faith as knightly

this word

to

thee 1

'

Then Then

Kailet he
arose were

sought his lodging,and his heart it was

the
'fore the "ce

gay

and

light.

They
160 On

on plaina war-cry, Schyolarzof Poitou, and Gumemanz

of
of

two

gallant knights, might

Graharz,
pass

the

plaindid they meet

together ;
rode

ere

the eyentide

The

knights in their troops

And

they deeds of knighthood they did gallant

"

here forth,
nor

by

six and

there by three,

otherwise

might it be.
I-

And Then

now

it was

noontide, and the knight in his fully

heard

tent

abode

the

king of Zassamank

that o'er all the field they rode, this,

165/O'er the length and the breadth

And But he rode not What
On
was

and in knightlyorder fight.' they gallop,

a

thither he rode, the hero, with many in search of

bright; at his leisure he thought to conflict,

the other of fair deeds the
of

banner

see

done

by

one

side and

chivalry.

the

plaindid
close,

they spread

his carpet, where

knights in strife would

770

And
The And

the shriek of the wounded

horses

o'er all the tumult the clash of the the swords

rose.

stood round squires

the heroes
was

in

circle mid

ringing steel,
for
woe or

for fair fame

as

battled,and

sang
none

weaL

There

sound
?
were

of

but spear-shafts, splintered

need

to

question,

Where

And

his walls

of

meeting foemen, by knightlyhands

builded fair.

175

And

so

near

was on

ween

the

that jousting
"

the maids
sorrow

from

the hall above did

move

Might look
Since the And she

the toil of the heroes of Zassamank

! did
came

But

the queen him

king

naught, nor
he

mingled

in the him

fight.
a

quoth, ' Ah
'

why

hither ? I had

deemed

gallant

knight !

42

PARZIVAL round his neck shield,

was

His

he

hung it There
" "

stood

chargerproud,
the war-cry

Well-nigh to the hoof

And Did he sprang he break
on

it armed
as

and

the

cried squires
many
a

loud.

his steed

he found

it ; and

spear of
where

might
did the

with

strong hand

in the

Tourney, and
forth

men

closest
315 There

fight
a

he brake
ever

way

thro' the

m^lde, and

came

on

the further

side,

And

behind

the Ostrich

the Anchor

did close abide.

Gamuret And But

220

smote

from

off his

charger Poytewm of Prienlaskors

many
what

another

hero,their pledge must

cross

theyyieldperforce.
in the hero's valiant deeds, him the
he gave

knightbare the
did he win

he

him rejoiced

And

much

by his valour,since

capturedsteeds.

Now

four

banners, with

self-same

bearing, were
them, and

led

that gallant 'gainst

knight,
(And
bold

riders they rode

beneath

their lord

was

man

of

might,)
And Was
225
on

each
as a

was

the tail of

gryphon

; and

that hinder part I trow

e'en

hailstorm

so rode they in goodly row. smiting,

And
On As

Gascony*s king before

his shield ; he
women was

them

the fore part of that and battle, his

gryphon bare
was

skilled in
arm

body

armed

full fair

alone he
saw on

might
a

him ; and

he rode forth his

knights before
him

Where And
230 And

helm from

the Ostrich, but the Anchor off his his

towards

bore.

he thrust him

charger,the brave captive.

and level,
Here

king of

2U^samank,

made

of

him

there

close

thronged the knightly

the sword-blade

ranks.
And the furrows
were

trodden

their locks must

know,
And And
And many
a

wood

they who
hied

wasted,and many a knight laid low thus fell, 'twas told me, they turned their chargersround
was
"

to the

back

of the

Tourney, where

none

but the cowards

were

found.

235 And

so

near

was won

ween

the combat

that the

women

might
he

see

aright

Who With And

there

the

prizeof valour ; Rivalein that love-lorn

afresh
a

knight onslaughtring.

his spear hewed the crash of the

token,of Loheneis

was

king,

did aye with his splintered spear-shaft

HERZELEIDE
Of

43

knight did Morhold

lifted him
up

rob

them, for he drew him from off his steed (unseemly methinks
"

And And Such

So He

before him

such Lac

deed)
had ta'en
may he

340

Killirjacac they called him,

payment
from

and

ere

this

King

him

as

in

idlinga knight from

and sword-thrust,

the earth
man

gain
"

his deeds would

had

been

hXr and
never

knightly; then this valiant

a

thought
arms

take him

with

the

knight in his

he

caught.
Then

the hand Duke what

of

of the valiant Kailet it smote

from

the saddle-bow
was

245

The
And

Brabant, Prince

Lambekein, and

the hero

laid alow. into shields

think

ye they did, his soldiers ?

Their

swords

they

turned,
And with them did

they guard their monarch

"

And

ever

for strife they

yearned.
Then From And Since
Where

the his

King of Arragon charger adown

on

smote

him

Uther

Pendragon old. king of the

am

the meadow him

I
"

fell the

Bretons

bold,

350

the flowers stood fair around the Breton

never

^Ah 1 courteous
on

I, I trow.

before Kanvoleis
a

lay

such

couch

alow.

the foot of

peasant hath trodden

never

unto' this day,

no

Nay, perchance they may

No But
more

tread
as

there

"

^'tis the truth and

on

lie I say

"

might he keep his saddle

his peril friends

he sat

his steed of yore,

o'er.

355

his

the hero forgatnot, they fought fiercely

And

many

course

was

ridden

; and

the
on

king of Punturtois
dealt the blow"

Fell prone And

*

in his horse's hoof-tracks it

"

the field before Kanvoleis,

low did he lie behind

on,
on

Twas

Gamuret tread

Ride

thy course, thou hero,and

to

thy foemen

low

!'

360

Strife givethwhereon Made the Punturtois

was

trample ! Then
tho' he captive, his folk

Kailet,his kinsman
scarce

true.

his

piercedthe mlbi6t thro*.

lost their

Brandelidelein

and prisoner,

had thfcy

king.

In his stead another

monarch

to their host did

they captivebring. good,

their food ; 265
I
a

And And And

hither and

thither and

by

blows
on

sped by tramplingkneaded, of
and swellings,
of bruises he had

they,the heroes, in armolir

alum
ween

dark

their skin the

many
won

gallant knight
in

Might speak, as he knew,

Now
as

him

hard-foughtfight.

simpletruth
were

I say

little rest it,

to

was

their

portionhere^
970

By

love

they forced

conflict, many

shields with their blazon- clear,

44

PARZIVAL

And And

many

goodly helmet

whose
was

covering the dust should

and green turf sprinkled,

be. ye

the meadow

with flowers

there

might

And More

there fellon modest

were

it many
my

hero, who

of honour
content

had
me

won

such meed

"

! Twould desiring

to sit my

steed.

375 Then

the
a no

king of Zassamank
thought of pride in
unbound squires

rode forth

space

from

the

knightlyfray alway.
cool,
full. fresh and

Where With And

rested steed did wait him, and

the

the diamond the breezes

he loosed blew
so

doing,but
his

the

his vizor, and

lipsshone

red and

I have
380 And

named

unto

ye

lady
"

Her

chaplaindid hither ride,

strong

with him

three noble

pages, and

squireswere

there beside

And She
And
'

pack-horsestwain
was

they led

and there,
"

the will of their queen

they 'Id do,

Lady

of

France, Anflisd

Her

chaplainwas
in French

wise and
should
to

true,

straightwayhe knew
mon

the hero, and

beau

his
me,

greetingbe,

Soit le bien venu,

queen

sire ' to my

lady as e'en
the lance of

2^

As And A As

of France

she

reignethwhom
a

thy love doth smite.

he gave

to his hand
a

and letter,

therein read the

a

gallant knight
must

and greeting fair,

token it held of

finger-ring
"

pledge of

the truth of his mission it from

the

chaplainthe
of the
ye hear

same
"

bring
writ therein ?

His
290

lady of old received

he bowed
as

the hand

Angevin

Then

he

saw

the letter.

Would

what

was

Here

biddeth

thee love and

greetinga heart
"

that hath

ne'er been

free

From To my

since it knew grief

thy service

Thy

love is both lock and

key
die,

heart,and

my

heart's

! rejoicing

For my

thy love
heart

am

I like to

If thy love afar

395

then all love from abideth, take from

as

shall

fly. kingdom fair,

share.

Come

thou,and
me

my

true

hand

crown,

sceptre, and
claim
to
a

It falleth to As

heirdom, and thy love well thy service

Waleis,
shall
see

may

payment

for this

rich presents I send I would

thee.

Four

chests pack-horses'

well laden"

thou my

knight shouldst
arise.

be

In this the land of the

300

'fore the small it, I think

cityof Kanvoleis.
harm
me

care

not

ifihe queen
am

may

therefrom
better know bestow.

For To

fairer

I,and

and richer,

shall

take the love that is proffered, and

as

love in thee?

return

Wilt thou live in true love

"

shall 'seem
"

Then

here do I bid thee take

true

My

crown

as

thy love's rewarding This

I pray

for my

love's sake.'

HERZELEIDE And did he find in the letter

"

45 Then his

no

more

squiresonce
flew,
than blade

more

they 3ps

drew
Oer

his head he bound he

the under-hehnet
on

; from

Gamuret

sorrow

And For And And

the hehn

of

diamond, him,
him and

'twas harder

might pierce,

thought again
cleared

to prove

ride forth to conflict fierce. for rest

:

the messengers
he
a

did he bid them around

to lead to the tent

space

wherever

the conflict

pressed.

310

This
To

was

and vanquished,
to him

that

one

victor" Did

delay knighto'er-long
find to-day. these others ride ;

win

fame

in

his chance battle,

might

he

Here And And

twain

would

jousttogether; in troops would

of combat friendly
for
a

the customs
sworn

space

did

they lay aside, strengthof fierce anger'sS'S

brotherhood

nothing counted

Yore the

might,
And What And
I

the

crooked

was

seldom

stradghtened ; they ridden who

nor

spake they of knightlyright,

won,

they captured they kept,uncaring ifanother's hate they

from had
many

lands

had

with

brave

hands

brave

deeds

done.

And
And 'Twas

their hurts e'en

a as

but little grieved them.

Here

Gamuret

heard

her prayer,
3^

Anflis^ bade

him,

as

her

knight to the field would faxt;

"

letter had
or

brought the tidings

^Ah ! he
on

givethhis
amain
?

courage

rein,

Is it love

the lust of battle that driveth him

and

Great
Now His His

love
see

strong ^th

they quickenhis

strengthinto lifeanew.
strong righthand,

where
to

his shield he beareth, King Lot, that hero true. had forced him flight
save

foemen

for Gamuret's

525

onslaught brake its way charger in gallant Arragon'sking was

his name,

thro' the
a

band, threatening

And
'

smitten and the

irom

his horse with

spear of reed,

Schaffilor was
never a

which spear-point

thrust him from offhis steed

Bare

And

waving pennon, from paynim lands 'twas brought,' the king his captive, the knight made tho' his folk they had

bravely

330

fought
And
'Twas

the inner force drave

a

the outer
a

fiu*back

on

the grassy

plairL
did

good vesper-play, yea,

"

Tourney

; many-spears

they smite

in

twain

Then

L"helein

'gainwax

wrathful, Shall
! Now

'

our one

honour

be reft away

'Tis the fault of him

of the Anchor

of

us

twain

to-day

46
335 Shall

PARZIVAL

For

lay in short space the other on here are they well-nigh victors !
no

a
'

couch

that he liketh ill , them

a

Then
"

they cleared
In such

space

at

will, they

And

child's

play it was

that combat

wise with

their hands

wrought
That
a

woodland

was

wasted well-nigh

; and

alike from

their

squiresthey
he must

sought
'

New

spears and

I New

spears !

Bring them

hither

I ' Yet down

a

L"helein
from

know

340.

Sorrow And
And

shamej
him

for his foeman

thrust

him

his horse

alow,

he smote
one

the length of the

in spear-iron

shaft of reed made

was

fast.

read

of itselfhis surety, for the

knight to
on

the earth

cast.

(Yet
As

better
as

I like to read the

them,

sweet

pears

the
was

ground that lie

the

thick

knights lay round him

from who

! for his

!) victory

345 And
*

the cry
I

arose

many

had
!

fallen in
'

joustbefore,
a

Fly

Fly

For

the Anchor

cometh

Then

knight towards

him

bore,

was (A princeof the Angevin country)and grief

his comrade
anew

true,

For To
350

he bare

shield

and inverted,
knew

sorrow

it Ah

taught
!

the

King, for the badge he

the truth
son

it
"

why did

he turn

aside ?

If ye

I will,

will tell ye, 'twas

given in royalpride
brother true. in

By Galoes
Ere Love

the

of

Gandein,
gave

Gamuret's

this

guerdon

him

that the hero

joustshe slew.
thro' grass,
nor

Then

he
and

loosed from
sand him
a

his head

the helmet

: nor

thro' dust

Did
355

he make

way

to

but he the conflict, he

command yieldedto grief's

not
ere

And From That He For

his

that thoughts within him battled, and

sought

this to hear

his friend Kailet,

he
came

kinsman,
Tourney

how
"

it fared with his brother dear it not.

not

here

to the

^Alas ! tho' he knew

sorrow was a

had
to

fallen before

Monthorie-^Sore

there his
noble her

lot,
;

anguish did

love constrain

him, the

love of

queen

360 For

his loss had

she

grieved so sorely that death had

sorrowed, yet
wasted. had he in half

portionbeen.

And
So

tho'
many had

sorelyGamuret
he

day
each

broken, were spear-shafts

a

it Tourney

indeed
me

this fray
spear clear
"

Then
One

woodland

Did

I think

to count

hundred

in

had he shattered, each blazoned fight

won

with colours

365 But the heralds,they Then toward

his pennons,

in sooth

were

they theirs of right

"

the fair pavilion he turned

him, the gallant knight.

HERZELEIDE

47

And
All

the Waleis

squirerode after

; and

his

was

the coat

so

fair, lady bear

;

pierced and hewn

yet with gold
was

with sword-thrust,which and it precious,

ye
see

he did to his with

a

And And

it shone

fiery glow,
370

rightwell might know,

she

its richness.

Then

joy did the queen's heart

And

spake, 'A

"ur

woman

sent

to this distant thee,with this knight,

land!

Now,
Who For Yet But And

courteous, have

I must

bethink

me

lest these heroes

venture
"

ashamed

shall stand

risked their fate in this

count
s

goodwillunto
flesh
we

all I bear.

all do I Gamuref

my

kinsmen, since Adam's

I think me,

share,
won.' of
375

hand,

the

hath highestprize
tillthe shadows
to their tents

by

wrath

constrained
host

they battled by force

Morhold

night drew

on.

the inner

the

outer

had brought.

Save

for Askalon's

king and

thro' the camp

they their

way

had

fought.
Some
were

winners,

and

some

were

and losers,

many

sore

shame

had

earned.
While Here Who others
no man
won

praiseand honour.
see
"

Then

the foe from

each

other turned, 380

might
cast

He

who

holdeth darkness

the
?

if no light he show. stakes,

would slow!

the

dice in the

To

such

sport

were

the weary

Men
'Twas

well
as

might forgetthe darkness day

"

where

Gamuret

did

abide,
on

^That in sooth

it was

not, but

lightshone
on a

every

side
"g.

From Was
Then

many many
a

small tapers clustered.

There, laid
each couch with brave

the olive wood, carpet

a

costlycushion,and
she rode to the

by

good.
of

the queen, fain would

doorway

many

maid

rank.

For

the they see, those ladies,

king of Zassamank. they borne

Many
Ere
And

wearied
came

knights thronged after-" The

to

cloth had

away
390

she

the fair pavilion ; then the host he uprose four his

him

straightway, there).
and deemed

the monarchs
she him

captives(and many
due

princewas
she
saw

And

welcomed fair.

with

honour, and

him,

Then

glad spake the

do stand,

queen

of the

Waleis, *Thou

art

host where

we

twain

And

I,even

so

I think me,

am

hostess o'er all thi"

land,

48
395

PARZIVAL deem it well I should kiss thee, such kiss seemeth

be mine

If thou
'

good

to me

!'

Thy kiss shall

Yea, e'en
she he

if these

heroes, e'en

as

I,shall

be kissed

by thee,
crave

and But if princes

'

kings must

'twere unfit I such boon foregoit,

ne'er
saw

should
brave

!'

as

thou

tho* so be it, wilt,

as

I these heroes

!'

Then
400

e'en kissed,
to

Gamuret

prayed her, these princesof noble line,

her sat the

And

prayed her

and beside sit,

King Brandelidelein
with

Then And
To

they strewed, o'er the carpet, green rushes yet lightly

he
sat

wet

dew,

him

down

upon

them

whose

presence

brought joy anew constrain.

her seat beside. betide.
was

the
as

graciousqueen
Gamuret him
sat

of the Waleis

; and

love did her soul

And
405 And

before her his hand

more

did she

dasp again,
did such grace the queen

she drew wife

was

once a name

towards

her, and

she set him

No

she,but
the
was

maiden, from whose they called her cousinX and

?

hand

Would

ye know

Herzeleide

she, be,

(And
And
410

her cousin he
was

hight Rischoyd^, King Kailet should her husband

so

Gamuret's

radiant the queen, and

bright,
'twould still be

That

e'en

though they quenched

that
to

the

tapers, in her presence

1 light

(Were
Had

it not

mighty

sorrow me

his

joy which
wooed

aloft would
her

fly

beaten

earth, I think

he had

rightreadily.) anigh.
;

And

courteous

they spake
the

to

each

other

then

drew cup-bearers
no man

And
415 And

from
noble

Assagog
pages

and vessels,

bare

them,

many

might bowls and fair. costly

too

their cost

deny

Of And

precious jewelswroughten, and wide, none

none

small, they were,

nerved his

of them

all were
oft had

golden
"

^'twas the tribute of that faXt land, love's need

Which

Eisenhart
hand.

when proffered,

knightly

And
420

the drink
of emerald

unto

each

in they proffered

many

coloured
some

stone,

And

some,

and

of sardius,and

of

ruby

wrought alone.
their word
must

Then

there drew the

outer

near

to
were

his

two knightswho pavilion

swear,

(To
And And
425 For

host

they captiveand
; and

from

thence

to the town

would

fare.)
one

of them
saw

was

King Kailet
thy valour

he looked

upon
*

Gamuret,
thou
sorrow

he

him

sit heavy-hearted, and

he

spake,
and

Dost

yet

all men

they own
and

; Herzeleide

kingdoms twain
are

Hast

thou won,

all tongues have

said

all men to thy praises it,

fain,

50 Of noble birth from 4^ And his

own

PARZIVAL

Greenland, and in K"rlingen doth he dwell,

the

hath he made
count

language ; and the second his Schyolarzwas

he

name

I '11tell,

Liodarz And
who

he, a
was

his father, and Will ye

hight.

the third ?

hearken,his kinship1 11 tell aright:

was

Belleflur she hath been Liahturteltart

his mother, Pansamur

of the
race

his father's name,

they called him,

all three before

of the

fays he
'

came.

4^5 Then

they ran prove?

him, and

they spake, Wouldst

thy fortune

(The queen of France

Thou Nor shalt

doth

the chance proffer and

never a

of

worthy love.)
from

play the game,

sorrow

pledge

shall be asked

thee,

thy joy be to
e'en while
a

as forfeit,

it waxeth

stillflsur and

free !'

Then
470

they spake their errand Kailet he had

ta'en his seat

'Neath
*

fold of the
worse

royalmantle, and she spake

harm befallen ?
and

to

him

low and

sweet,
have
seen

Now

say, hath
same

Methinks bruises she

I the wounds

?'

In

that

hour

his wounds

sought out, the

their wisdom

gracious
from God

queen.

With

her white hands

must

so

small and

shapely,which
and

win.
was

And
475

sore

he cut and

wounded

on

nose

on

cheek

and

chin. fair

He

had

won

for his wife the cousin

of the queen

who

such honour
her

Would

show

him, herself would

care.

she tend

him, and

ha'nds for his hurts

should

Then
*

e'en

as

courtesy bade

her she

spake

unto

Gamuret,
thee hath
set

The

"iir queen
honour

of France, it seemeth, her heart upon

me

Now 480 Go

in

all women,

and

give what

I here may
me

claim,

not

tillmen
sware

judge betwixt
unto

us, else thou leavest

here to shame.' him would

crave,
so

This he And she

her, the hero, and leave she from

then

passed

thence,and

that monarch King Kailet,

true

and

brave,
He And lifted her to her saddle ; and
came

he turned

him

about and

once

more saw.

into the

where pavilion,

his kinsman

friends he

485 Then She And

spake he unto King Hardeiss, her love, I took it Now proffered

"

Aleiss

thy sister fair

is she elsewhere,

wedded
No

better than

I is her husband
won

!
"

longerthus wrathful frown.

wearno

Prince

Lambekein, he hath

her

tho' in sooth she shall

crown,

HERZELEIDE

$1
and

Yet
Do

honour

enough is her portion Brabant

"

Hennegau
unto

and her ser\'ice,

many
to

brave
me

knight doth
true heart

her

bidding bow.
once

490

If

thy mind

it shall turn

greet

let thy favour be mine

a as

more,

And

take thou

again my

service of

aye of

yore.'

Then
*

the

king of Gascony answered

offered to such

as

befitted

hero
as

brave,
thou dost crave,

Yea,

soft is thy hath

won.

speech,yet if greetingI
me

give thee

Who

insult,men

will deem

fear such

g^ace

hath 495

For

am captive

I to

thy cousin

!'

Yet illshall he deal with none,

boon my

Gamuret,
No
man

he

shall grant

thy freedom, that thee,yet

me.

firstprayer

shall be
see

shall thereto constrain

thou
as

my

service the

day

shall

When

thy friend shalt claim

thou mayst do

For

the shame, 'tisenow

I wot.
not

For whate'er

she slayeth me againstme, thy sister,

!'

500

Then For And

How

all at his words

laughed loudly. But their mirth it was

and constrained,
"

soon once

o'erpast
more

hi" true heart the host

a

desire held him the heroes

fast,

sharp goad
he wrestled

ween

is sorrow with
sorrow

Then and

they saw

rightwell
thou

anew

his joy in the conflict fell;

he

And
*

his cousin he waxed

and rightwrathful,
sorrow, me, my

spake, ' Now

my

doest ill.' 505

Nay, nay, for I needs

the queen wife and
I have
true

must

and

naught may
on a

yearning still shore.

sore.'

For
Pure

left behind

afar

heathen

is that

lady,and

heart she hath wounded

'

And

her

puritydoth constrain
me me
"

me

to mourn
a

for her love

true

so

sweet,
510

Vassals Belakan^
I think That Then

and lands she gave

; yet joy for

knight meet
a

of that hath robbed

me

1 yet shame

for

wavering mind

is

rightand manly
me

With

such
nor

fetters her love did bind in search of strife I went free

me

she held
I

afar from

Tourney,
of

thought me
her

that deeds

knighthoodshould
"

from
say !

ill-content,
515

And That
For As

here have

I somewhat

striven

Now

many
was

fool would

Ijfor

fled her, to colour,

true

my

eyes

she

as day light

her womanhood the boss from

sorrow

; o'er all others her

worth

stood

high

the shield outstandeth.

I my
on moan

And

another
arms

have I, grief
I saw.
590

And
But

here make the shield

unto

ye, my
were

brother's

which

they

blazoned,with point up-turned they

bore.*

5?

PARZIVAL for the words tliat are

(Ahl
'

woe

spoken, and

the

tidingsof grief they

bring!)
His eyes
*

Spanish king, they overflowed with water, that gallant

queen for

Alas ! O

thy madness, thro' thy love is Galoes slain.

from her heart shall
true
mourn

Whom

every

foithful woman that her

amain

535 If she would

dealingwin her
I think me,

honour

in true man's

thought fi"r.
!

Ah

! queen

of

Auvergne

tho' small

it to thee hath brought. grief

was

Yet thro^ thee have For

And S30 As
a

I lost my

kinsman, tho' his ending

fitand

knightly jousthath slain him who

thy token in strifewould bear

do
"

these

princeshere, his comrades, their heartfelt grief they show, they turn
In
to the earth

in funeral train their shidd's-breadth thus hath

below,

For

great

sorrow

taughtthem
cousin,serveth

this

guise do they knightly

for true love's meed
!'

deeds.

Heavy-hearted that he, my

He

no

more

hath he

won

him

another

as his heart-grief

brother's anchor he

death

is told, its hold

And
535 And

spake aloud in his

in bitter

sorrow,

Now

mine

hath found

its haven
his

and the badge did rueing,'

aloud
a man

lay aside, deny

and

And
'

grief taught him bitter anguish,and

of

the hero cried,

Galoes
on

AnjouI
a

henceforward
was

shall

never

That And
540 Ah
*

earth ne'er

bom

thine

equal for manhood

to Kailet he

courtesy,
amain.

the fruit of
!
woe

free hand

knightlyfrom thine heart did it bloom

! then
'

is me

for

thy goodness

spake again,
this lifehad

How

goeth it with Schoett^, my

hath had Galoes
thee
no

mother, of joy bereft?'

!

So'that God dead she

was saw

pityon her
then

When

Gandein
wert not

left.

And And

and thou thy brother,

more,

by

her

side.
she too hath

death

brake

her

and heart,

diedl'

545 Then

out

quoth the
mourn

Gascon but in

Hardeiss,* Turn
measure fitting

thy will to
if true

manly mien.
thine
own

Thou

shalt
been

manhood

hath

!'
was

But

too

great

the

load of his sorrow,

and

the tears

as

flood

must

flow
From

his eyes

"

^Then

all

things he ordered

that the

knights a fair

rest

might know,
And
550 And

he went in

where
sore

he

saw

his chamber, of saniite the little tent,

the hours of the

and grief

lamentation

night he spent

HERZELEIDE

53

.When there dawned

The Were
And And

another

morning the knights together came, thought there

to

inner host and

the outer, all who

were old,

win

them

fame

they
the

young

or

theyfought not that day. theycowardly or hrave, morning

:

light grew
so

to

middle

yet

so

worn

were

they with

the

fray,
S55

the horses

spent with

that the spurring,

"

knightsin battle tried

herself would

Were
And And And

yet by weariness
the valiant
men

vanquished
the open

Then

the queen she

ride.

from

would

bring to the town

ride to the

again,

the best of the

knights within there she bade

and bidding,
was

Leo-plain;
ranks, knightly
560

straightwaythey did her they

came ere

they rode in their king

And

the Mass

ended

to the sad

of Zassamank.

Then And Then

the benediction
e'en he
as

spoken, Herzeleide
I

the queen
to the

she came,

the folk
*

upheld her,so she laid Lady,

and

knight her claim

more

spake,

A wife have
were

than lifeshall she be another

dear.
5^5

Yea,
That

and

e'en if I

without
me

her thou

tale shouldst hear

afar should

drive

from upon

thee, if men him, and

she

here shall list my

rightt

'

But the queen

she looked

spake

to

the

knight : gallant
far shall be

'

Thou

shalt leave

thy Moorish

lady for
From

my

love ; stronger

The
And Or

blessingthat baptism giveth!

wed
say
me

heathendom
my heart

set thee

free,

in Christian

marriage,since queen'smessage

for thy love doth yearn.

and my
sorrow

shall the French words

end !
'

to my

shame thou

turn

? 570

Sweet

did

they speak her people, and lady. When

courteous

heardest

them

to

the

Yea, she is in

truth my and

I back

to

Anjou
me

must

wend. brought
;

Then

fair counsels

customs

with
from

from

her land I
to
man

Yea, even
She Yet The From

to-daydoth she help me

mars
a

whom We

childhood

she

taught.
1,
575

hath fled all that

woman"

were

children then, she and

are

gladlywe
noble

saw

each

other

in the days that womanhood

she gave me,

long gone
she

by

queen
a was

in AnfliS^,

true

hath that

share,

her lands

goodly income
I still a poor

lady fair, rightwillingly,

580

(In those days

As He Turn
a

man), yet I took

me,

it

poor

man

thou still shalt count brother gallant

"

and

Lady, shalt pityme,

'

is

dead,

my

Of

thy love where

not

thou findest

thy courtesy press mc not, for sorrow is aye my lot ! gladness,

wilt thou
a

'

Nay, let me

longer sorrow

; how

deny

my

claim ?

'

'

I '11 Thy question gladlyanswer,

here

Tourney thou didst proclaim,

54
585 That
'

PARZIVAL

Touroey hath

not

been

holden, as many
it ! The

shall witness bear

For the

hath marred vesper-play

knights who

had

foughten there
to

So well have
*

they tamed

their ardour that the

Tourney hath

come

naught,'

I did but defend

thy dty with others that bravelyfought ;

me

Thou

shouldst force than

not

to withstand

thee,here have others done rightwould

more

I,
ail may claim here, other
I stilldeny ! '

590 Mine

the

that greeting

Then,
A

so

hath the venture

told me,

they chose

them, both
cause

man

and

maid,

judge o'er the claim

it drew
near

of the

lady,and their
his helmet, and

they before him Uud,

run,

And
'

to middle
on

morning, and thus did the verdict

What

knight hath bound

hath

hath hither for conflict come,

595 And

and fought,

the

prize hath holden,then that knight he shall wed

I

the And
unto

queen.'
the

judgment spoken the knights gave

'

consent

ween.

Spake the queen, to gain.

And will

Mine

thou

art, and

I '11yield thee

fair service

thy love
'

give thee

of

joy such portionthat thy lifeshall

sorrow

be free of

pain !

And
600

and yet bare he grief had left behind short green

won a

"

Now

the

April sun
the meadow

was

o'er, bore.

And

token
was

in the garment it covered,so

; and

With And

grass

that coward

hearts

waxed unfold

bold,

afresh

high courage
air of the
sweet

the trees did their buds

came

In the soft sweet

May-tide,and he
love seeketh, and

of the

race fairy

That

aye

or loveth,

his friend she would

show

him

grace.

^5

Then
^

he looked

on

and he spake Queen Herzeleide, O Lady, then live, the bonds back from the of sorrow,
my

to her

courteously,
not

If in

joy we

would

warder

thou shalt
my

be,
;

When

loosed from
me

for

knighthood
I

heart is fain

If thou boldest
As
610

Tourney I lady whom

thou

may

such wiles again practise

won

of old when

I fled from

with mine

own

righthand

;
'

When/rom
Then
'

strifeshe would
'

fain have

kept me

I fled from her folk and laud !

she

spake, Set what bonds

would

wiliest, by thy word will

each month would

abide.' I still
to

Many spears ride,

shalt

I break

asunder,and
when such

Tourney

Thou

murmur so

not

Lady
was

knightlyjoustI'ld
the maid and

run

!'
won.

This she sware,

the tale

told me, and

her lands he

HERZELEIDE

55
her
were chaplain

The
As And How And And

three page"
the

of
was

Queen Anflis^
sealed and

and

nigh at hand,
and
was

615

judgment spake

spoken they must

my

hearken
this tale

understand,'
told

he
at

to the

knight in secret, jTo thy valour did

the

lady

Patelamunt

hold, guerdon of victory

"

that there two she

kingdoms served thee

And

she

too

hath lands
'

I trow,
^^

thinketh

Xq give thee, and riches and gold enow! herself

As

knighthood of

old she

taught me
I

so

must

I hold fast

alway obey.
it not,

By the strengthof the knightlyorder,and

Thro' her my
Here

the rule of the shield I had

worn

shield have

won

me, me,

else be

perchance
or

doth
ye

knightlyverdict
and bear

bind my

sorrow

joy my
I

lot.
ever

Go And

homeward,

her knight will service, tho' all

crowns were

be,
!
'

625

for her is my

deepest sorrow
them of his

awaitingme
must

Then
Yet

he
was

to proffered

but his gifts did they cast riches,

aside.

she

not

shamed
not

their

lady,tho' homeward

they needs
in anger

ride ! oft shall

And

they craved

leave, but they rode

thence,as

ye

find,
And the

princes' sons,

her pages,

did theyweep well-nigh

them

blind.

630

They who
'The
*

bare their shields inverted their friends fair

from hath the Angevin Herzeleide,

spake

to

them

this word,

queen, who

for her lord.' lord

Say,

Anjou hath fought here

fame
who victor,

Our

alas,elsewhere is,
his sake
a we

He
'

seeketh
who who

him

the heathen, and grief for 'gainst hath

bear

!'

He

shall be here the

smote
rare

smitten full many

bare
on

knight,
of

^35

He An

and

he pierced so fiercely,

who

his helm
mean, I
to
ween

light

anchor

and
he

that knight is the knight we costly,

And Good

King Kailet
fortune
sprung,

Gamuret spake his title, here befall him

!
'

Angevin
Then

"

doth

smit

their steeds

they

And

their raiment
wrung,

was

wet

with the

from that grief tear-drops

their

eye-fids 640
fair,

When

they came
he in his turn

where would

their lord

was

seated

they gave
and

him

welcome there.

And

greet them, and

sorrow

joy were

Then Such
Turn

he kissed his

and spake, * knights so faithful, for my

Ye

no

more

shall make

measureless
your anchor

moan

his place I with brother,

as men arms

ye will take.

shields

again as befits them, and

its haven
; my

who 1 11

would

fare joyful

645

My

hath struck

father's

bear,

$6
For the anchor He As
who
now

PARZIVAL it is a

symbol that befitteth

take and
my
wear :

wandering knight,
rule my
when

willeth may shall become

it
I am

I must

life aright shall I be

me.

station For
my

rich now, it worketh

I may

The

lord of this folk ?

sorrow

but illto pray

Queen Heneleide, help me

The

that thou and for my princes

kings that
both

are

here and hast made

service awhile
love

to

stay,
crave

Till thou unto Thus

me

yieldedthat which
and petition,

from

true

love may

!'

of them

the heroes

their

promise gave.

655 Then
'

each

one

went

to

his

chamber, and
a

the queen

to

her

knightspake low,
I'

Now

to yieldthyself

my

tending,and
as

hidden

way
was

1 11 show
no

For his guests did they The Save

660

care

tho' the fitting

ho"t

longer there.
fifire

folk

they were

but the all together,

knight he alone
and

must

for two

of his pages

only
"

Then

the queen

her msudens
was

bright flight. high

They led him where

And

gladnesswaited,and his
and

sorrow

put

to

regret
and

was

o'erthrown

vanquished" And
her maidenhood their

his heart

it waxed

brave the lot of lovers ! and

As

is ever
queen,

she gave think

to

The

fair Herzeleide

: nor

did they lips

spare,

But close did

they

clingin kisses ;

was grief

conquered by joy so fair !

^5

Then And And

courteous

deeds

"were

begun there
Kailet holden
much
were

; for free were

his

captives set,

the

Kings Hardeiss
to hold

and
was

made

friends had

by Gamuret. brought

such marriage feast

such

that he who

proudly thought

Hereafter

another
purpose,

riches thereto had he would

For this did Gamuret 670 But Arabian Did And he

his wealth mid

littlespare,

gold

did he scatter

the poor

knights ; and jewelsrare

;

who there with the host I ween give to the kings and princes were had their portionbeen. for rich gifts glad were the wandering players,

Let them

ride whom

he

there had

from feasted,

the

Angevin leave they they in sable laid ;

did wear,
so

prayed.
Then 675 And That
a

the

the badge panther

of his father
a

on

his shield

small white silken garment, touched

shift that the queen

now was

had

her naked

body who
And

his wife it saw

fair,

This should Pierced

be his corslet's cover. hewn

of foemen
ere

eighteen
her his queen.

thro' and

with sword-blade

he

partedfrom

S8
Then
Ah
me

PARZIVAL

brake
I and

the sword

of her

gladness thro' the midst of

!

the hilt in bear

twain,

alas 1 for her waken

sorrow

mourning, that goodness should

Yea,
so

such

pain

And With

faith

ever

doth it run

alway
who

the lifeof men,

and

to-morrow

must

they mourn
in

to-day ! rejoice

715

So

it chanced
as

that the queen

a

one

noontide
and

restless slumber borne

lay,
away.

Twas

ifwith

start she wakened

was by lightning

And The And

towards

the clouds it bare

her, and

they
on

smote

her with

mighty force, circling burning

bolts of fiery

Heaven,
from

as

they sped

their downward mid

course.

sparks sprang spheres,

the thunder
tears.

her

tresses floating

the fire of the

720

And

crashed Joud around

were her,and the rain-drops

For

little space
! it
was

was

she conscious,then

grip on

her

righthand

fell,

And, lo
For And
725 Then

and wondrous changed, the vision,

nurse a

things befell ;
her

then did she

Its

dragon, that forth from

at

body

sprung.

dragon

lifeto nourish awhile her

her breast it hung,

it fled from her heart

sightso
for the

she swiftly

might look

on

it never

more

And

it brake

anguish,and the terror

and

she bore. grief

And
But And
730 And

never now sorrow

methinks had

woman so

in slumber
I all

such
was

woe

hath

seen, I ween,

she been should of

alas joyful,

changed

be her

and portion,
sorrow

her

ill it waxed

long and wide,

the shadow

coming

did still on

her heart abide.

Then She

she did what

afore she could not, for the

terror

that

on

her

lay,

stretched her limbs in her slumber, and

she cried

moaned
a

in her
sat

grief alway, by
her

And And

alpud

on

her

people;

and many

maid

they sprang Tampaneis

many
a

to her side at her sunmions,

and

wakened

speedily.

735 Then

he
was

came

of riding,

her husband's

the chief, squires

in grief, o'erpassed
senses

And And And

page

with him, and

joy's goal was

!' And

' He theycried,

was

dead,their master

her

forsook
'

thequeen.
hath this

she fellaback

in her

anguish
"

And

the

knights spake,
armed

How

been? Hath
740
our

lord been

slain in his

harness,who
sorrow,

ever

was

so

well ? '

And

tho'

must sorelythe squire

to the heroes

the tale he Id tell :

HERZELEIDE
'

59
1

No

long lifeshould he have, my

heat thereto constrained stole him from
a

master
"

His helm

he put ofT awhile,

The That And And

him hero"

^^was accursed

heathen

guile good,
as

from

us,

our

A it on

knight took a'he-goafs blood.

the helmet
of diamond He

long

glasshe

poured

softer than sponge show

grew

the diamond.

May

Whom

Lamb

they 745
!*

With

the Cross in His

hold,have

mercy

on

the deeds that

are

wrought below

Then

when the

one

host met
were

the other

Ah

I that

was

indeed

a.

fight,
men
'

And And
As

knights who

with the Baruch

they fought all as

a

of

might,

there in the field by

Bagdad full many

the other,and

they fiew each

banner
my
was

one

on

pierced, they mingled in charges fierce,

was

shield

750

And And But And

mixed

with banner, many

fell who

had

bravelyfought,
became the
as

lord's hand
came

it did such wonders

that his foemen

nought,
that

Ipomidon he
he
smote
'

and with death would reward riding, I think

me

knight,
saw

him

down, and

many

thousands

they

sight

*'

For

my

master, free from

! for the

rode againstAlexandria's king, falsehood,

755

But, alas
For

guileof the
sheer

heathen,this joustbut his death should helmet,and

it

bring,

the spear cut brain

thro' the

pierced thro' my
the

master's

(In his head

And And And his

did

they find the splinters), yet the hero stillheld

a

rein,
take,

dying he rode from the combat, o'er

he chaplain knelt above
he sent

wide

plainhis
words

way

held

him, and in few

his shrift he
us

spake. 7^
of
our

here the shift and the

that hath robbed spear-blade

friend.
He

died free from

sin

"

us

his servants

he did

to

the queen

commend

1'

'

At

Bagdad

was

the hero
look

and buried, on, and

the Baruch

the cost

would
;

pay.

With And And And And For And

gold is it fair to
many
a

rich is the tomb

alway

costlyjewel doth gleam where

was

he lies at rest,
many
a

7^5

embalmed

the fair young

body (sad was

faithful breast) ;

the grave-stone it is a

ruby, and thro' it he shineth clear,

cross

they granted us
as

as

with martyrs, the

o'er his tomb

to comfort

to rear,
so

"

Christ

by His death hath freed

we

us, and

that sonl

brave,
770

itx shelter

nused

the

symbol"

And

the Baruch

the cost he gave

6o

PARZIVAL
the

For For

cross

was

of emerald

wroughten
the

heathen

counsel

we

asked
won

it not. for
us

they know
I wot !

not

the Cross, nor

blessingthat Christ's death

if he hath

And

the heathen

they pray
to

unto

him

as nor

were

god in truth,
ruth

Nor
775

they do
his

it the Cross
us

honour,

Baptism taught them

the uttermost
us

(Tho' it looseneth
But Have And

from and

Hell's fetters when

day shall dawn),

Heaven's

knightlyfaith
him
a

honour,

who

leaveth
where

here

forlorn,
with

wrought
true

place in Heaven
confession
"

he shineth

light,

penitence and

^forfalsehood

e'er fled that

knight.'

*"

And

there in his diamond

fast to the thus do
cross

helmet

an

epitaph did they grave,

the tomb

780 And AndThis As

they fixed it o'er

the letters :
^

of that hero brave,

a

they run

{Through this helmet

Gamuret each
was

joust hath

slain

hero who

bare all manhood^

and

his name^ he
wore

king did

he rule c^er three

kingdoms^in
at the

land- the Crown

Whom

mighty princes followed" Anjoiis land

he lost his
so

this hero

bore^

785 And
And

life for

the Baruch

cityof Bagdad fair.

no

high did
ye
may

it soar, his
test their

honour^ that

knight fnay with him compare^

Howler

dealings. Nor
counsel
to his

is he

of woman

bom^
sworn.

(/ mean
But
790

of the knightlyorder) to whose

true

hand

he his

strengthhad
in their

help and
thrd
women

manly
much

friendsdid he steadfast give;

he would
mourn

And

for griefhe suffered^

Christian
"

favour

live.

Baptised was
{This
His

he

as

thd Saracens

himyety
were on

is truth and

no

since his years lie) All his lifetime

wisdom

set

strove forfame andhonour^ strength

tillhe

fellin his knightly pride^

treasofis hand

Wish

him

bliss who

here lieth buried/

^Twas

by

he died!

'

7v5

So

and spake the squire, hast

the Waleis
sorrow

who A

heard

it must

weep bore

full sore,

Cause Who

they
was

enow

for

child she living the

of

men

left

unaided, Herzeleide
battled
to
:

graciousqueen,
were

With

death

the mother

her maidens

crazed

I ween,

Since they
Soo

thought not
be

help their lady,for within her

womb

she bare
not

Him

who

should

flower of all

knighthood, if death
to

did

claim

him

there.
Then And For

there
he he
saw

came

wise

man

ancient she

weep

with his lady'sgrief,

he

how

with death

and struggled,

brought to her lipsthey pour

once more.

swift

relief;

forced her teeth asunder, and

and
at

betwixt her

Water,

their

tending her

senses

they came

HERZELEIDE Then she

6i

spake, and
is he ? heart's

aloud

she

mourned

him,

'

My heart's dearest,Ah chivalry,

I and

i 805

where For Yet

Tho*

in sooth my his valour

deepestgladness was
nie
me
"

in Gamuref his mother

am

of this hath robbed

was

Now do

wife^

far younger love that

if God
too
we

I,for within

I carry

his flesh and fife; flower the root, here the fruit.
810

The And

bore to each

other hath been

of such

shall in truth be
sore

He faithful.
for my

withholdeth
so

not

Already
What
But Thus

my

sorrow

husband
! Her

proud

and

brave,
gave.

ill death

hath

his heart it rejoiced in her his true heart it gave

woman never wrought upon me sad for and her was gladness, grief

love

he.
free.'

him

counsel

who

was

aye from

all falsehood

Now

hearken
her

yet

more

the story how she hold God send

the noble queen

her child who
was

must

mourn,

815

Within And For

arms
'

would
Now

him,
me

yet unborn,
hero fair.

she

spake,

the child of my safely

me

this is my Gamuref

heart's
s

petition keep ; God

slayingif I
who
was

from

dark
to
me

despair,
slay

'Twere While

second

thought myself
faithful to

I bear of his love the token

alway

!'

Sao

Then And To He

careless of who

might

see

her, the
'

robe

from

her neck
of

she tore.

her fair white breasts she tended her rosy hath sent she pressed them, lips thee before his

with the wisdom

mother-lore.
my
son,

Ah, thou food that shall feed

who lifefrom my lifehath
won

coming

!'

And
The

the queen

it nothing vexed

her that above

her heart it lay

835

milk that her child should

true

she spake alway, and softly nourish,

'Twas
From

love that
I
won

brought thee hither,if I yet unbaptizedshould be

my

thee had

baptism, and
will I
mourn

the tears for my

which

shall flow dear ! '

to

so

free,

And Then

openly and in

secret

husband

the shift with his life-blood crimsoned clad in the Baruch's him
a

she badie them lost his

bring anear,

850

(Thus
And From
And As

army

had

Gamuret

life.
stress

For he chose

ending gallant

in the turmoil and wherewith

was

of strife),

then for the spear she Nineveh's Prince

prayed them
to

her husband
must

slain,

Ipomidon such guerdon he needs

her custom
"

gain.
wear,

tho' tattered and hewn

aforetime had been who

piecesyet the queen fain the shiftwould

when her her lord did from

835

Tourney fare,
her hand,

But her maidens

stood around
to the

they took it from

out

And

they carried them

from Minster,the highest

out her

land,

62

PARZIVAL the spear and

sorrow

And 840 And

the blood

they buried

as

men

bury

hero

dead,

and

bitter

mourning thro* Gamuret's

ended
a

kingdom spread. beside,

died. well-nigh

And
'Twas

when
a

fourteen
so

days were

babe

lay the queen

had

son, and

great and goodly that the mother

here doth my

Now

'tiscast the die of the venture, and

now now

tale
own

begin,
shall win.

For 845 And

is he bom

who

henceforward

this song

for his

have

ye heard

his love and the story of his father,

treason

grief.
for

Of his And He

and the gallant life, whence from

that ended

its span

so

brief ;
how

ye know
was

he came, deeds
of

the hero

and of this tale,

long
bold and

hidden

tillhis youth it waxed knigjithood,

strong.
When 850 And And And the queen her maidens she
saw

found

sightand hearing she

to her and

was

fain

on

her child to
arms

look,
;

they bare him

soft

the babe

in her

she took
a

his limbs

rounded,
were

and

she knew

she had
a

bom

son^
won.

her maidens
bare

with her
man

joyfulthat the earth had

was

man-child

(As he
As
a

of

the

body, so manly

he of heart,
the helm
to

smith
no

did he wield the sword-blade

tillfire from
ever

would

start)

S55 And And

joy did she know, the mother, save

she

her babe

kiss.

with soft words

spake

to him

ever,

^Bonfils^Cherfils^ Beaufils,^
nurse

And

e'en

as

herself she bare him, breast

was

so

herself she his who

was

would

be,

At his mother's And she

he nourished
won

ever

from

falsehood
to

free.
arms

thought she had

her

husband

by

her

prayers

her

again,
860

She

all folly forsook,and

meekness

and truth in her heart did

reign.

And Gave
As

' The musing spake Herzeleide,

queen

of Heaven
a

high
would
:

her

breast to the dear Lord

on

Jesu Who

bitter death

die

Man

the

cross

for man's

sake, for thus did His love begin

Who

thinketh

865 Tho' he else Then And

of His anger his soul's peace shall hardly win, light brave man and worthy" and this tale do I know fortme were
of the land she bathed the babe

!'

the queen her eyes

was on

her in heart sorrow's bitter soft in her

arms

dew.

rained

as tear-drops

it lay,
;

For hers She could

the way

of women, weep

where

trae heart holdeth

sway

laugh and

her heart together, had

joyed for her

in short space

baby's birth,
her mirth.

870 Yet the ford of her bitter sorrow

drowned

BOOK

III

GURNEMANZ

ARGUMENT

In

the

Introduction

the

poet

speaks

of

the

honour

in

which

he

holds

all

true

though
women,

he

be

wroth

with
one

who

has

wronged

him.

Yet.

though

shall
women

count

him

their

friend,

he

would

foin

that

they

should

honour

him

for

his

knightly

deeds,

rather

than

for

this

his song.

In

Book

III.

he

tells

of

the
sorrow

and

the

faith

of

Queen

Herzeleide
;

of

ParzivaVs

childhood
;

of

his

meeting

with

the

knights
;

of

his

faring

forth

seek
to

knighthood

from

King

Arthur
;

and

of

the

death

of

Herseleide.

How

Parzival

met

with

Jeschut6,

and

robbed

her

of

her

token,

and

of

the

wrath

of

her

husband

Orilus.

Of

the
sorrow

of

Sigun",

and

how

Parzival

learnt

his
name

and

his

lineage.

How

Parzival

met

with

the

][led

Knight

and

bare

his

challenge

to

the

court

of

King

Arthur,

and

how

he

craved
a

boon

of

the

king.

Of

the

shaming

of

Kunnewaar^
;

and

of

the

dtfath

of

the

Red

Knight.

How

Parzival
came

to

Gumemans

of

Graharz

and

cured
was

by

him

of

his

folly

and

taught

all

knightly

wisdom,

and

how

he

rode

forth

from

the

land

of

Graharz..

66
35 But

PARZIVAL if any
a

will look upon

I will not I unto
sweet

me,

and

hearken

to what

sing,
may

Of
Bom

sooth
was

deceive

them, though

my

tale over-strange spear, it not

ring.

the

bearing of knightlyshield and

of the
me

And
I had
30

though
because
crown

be the song love should

I singer,

hold

all too dear

renown,
me

rather my

love

for my

deeds

of

high
crown

Than

in the hall of the

!

Wartburg they

should

with music's

With
Nor

the shield and

the spear of
of the

knighthood will
what singer,

1 seek for

reward, knight's
!

charm, with the harp

I failed to win with the sword

Nor

in

praiseof

fair

women

only runs
venture

this tale that I have marvels

that
once

to

tell.

Full many
35 Ere

strange deeds
course

it holdeth,and

befell
;

the he

of this wondrous

be traced unto
account

its end
me

Yet That

who

heareth book

shall reckon, ifhe fain would he

friend.
I !
:

this is no
a

readeth,for

no

maker

of books

am

But

singerof strange adventures, and of knightlyprowess high Strippedbare will I be of all honour, naked and reft of fame,
"re
I trust my
renown

40

unto

and letters,

give to
should reck

book

my

name

1
;

It

vexes

me,

soul and

body, that
known

so

many who

bear the
not

name

And

speak with
those who
carry
one

the tongue

of women,
no

of "woman's
are

fame

That

have
name

falsehood, and
be counted

those who
as

swift to

fall.

Should
45 A

in common,
a

sisters all !

truth that has

faltered never,
woman,

faith that has

of her

aye

withstood.
!

Is the

only glory of
will say,
*

the

crown

womanhood

MANY She
who

What

good thing can

come

out

of poverty ?'
i

for love endures

the

she *scapethHell thereby, it,

And, in
50 For

kingdom
has

of

Heaven, receiveth

hundredfold
her
sorrows

J
old I

all she
one

borne
I known
nor a

for love's sake, new

in my

joys for
the
as a

Not

have
a

I count lifetime, who the

it a bitter truth,

Neither
And

man

maiden,
and

joy and
and

pride of youth,
worthless

all earth's riches with the

honour,

will leave

thing
King
!

If

weighed
Queen

glory of Heaven, only,she joy bereaved,with

word

the service of Heaven's

55 But

Herzeleide
all

left her fair estate.

sorrow

In her So

youth of

afar to mate. pure

no

holy was
no

she and

so faithful and gentle,

of mind.
eye
a

That

tongue

spake a

againsther,and

fault could find.

GURN"MANZ

67
was
was

Sunlight or shadow, what recked she ? the day

For And
A

to her as

night, delight.
strand,
60

her heart in
sorrow

was

the home

of sorrow,

and

dead

the world's
to Soltan^'s
:

and

she wandered, tillshe grief

came

woodland

wild and

lonelyafar from her native land

and blossom

Fair flowers And

And be
woven

might bloom
in rosy

the sunlit plain, on without, in vain !

son,
:

but for her they would bloom chaplets,

mid the woodland there,

shadows, she hid with Gamuret's

be revealM
unto
none

^5

For

last treasure she willed that her life's

So she called her folk around With And

oxen

her, (who toiled in the upland field

the furrows

and

plough,that

their

dailybread might yield,)

she
as

she

charged them

all, by the service which

their queen

might
70

claim,
That
*

and the fame of his father's name. they hide from the boy his birthright the

For

knightlydeeds
me

ye vaunt

of,and

the

glory and pride of

servants
son

war.

Have

wrought
I yet

but heart's should word of

and trouble and anguish sore. affliction, you, my my

So, lest
That
ye

more no

I pray suffer,

dear,
!'

speak

knighthood,lest

perchance should hear

evil

Then And But Nor No He

A He
a

full sore

were

her

for they held it an people grieved,

the
son

thing,

75

that training

ill beseemed

of

mighty king. valleys wild,

:

his mother

kept him hidden

love and
sorrow

in the woodland how

save

thought in her knightlyweapon wrought himself

she such

wronged the kinglychild

as on

she gave
from

him,

in childish his

play
80

the bushes

that grew

lonelyway,

bow

and
at

arrows

he made
as

in thoughtless him, and with these, glee. in the

shot

the birds

they carolled overhead

songster of the woods
he bowed
tore

leafytree. lay dead,

hair ; 85

But

when

the feathered and dumb

at his feet

In wonder

amazement

down

his

golden head,
fair did

And

in childish wrath
I wot

and

sorrow

the locks of his sunny

was never a

(For
As

well of all earth's children

child

so

this

boy, who

afar in the desert from mountain

the haunts

of mankind
o'er the

dwell.

Who

bathed

in the

and streamlet,

roamed

rock-strewn

fell!)
Then he

thoughthim well ready

tears

how

the

music,which
flowed

his hand
was

had

for

ever

stilled, filled, 90

Had And
As

thrilled his soul with its sweetness, and the he

ran

his heart

with

sorrow

of childhood

forth from him

their fountains free

to his mother

weeping, and bowed

beside her knee.

68

PARZIVAL aileth thee child?'

gave
no

'

What

quoth the mother, 'but

answer,
scarce

nowwast

thou gay and made him

glad'
"

he But, childlike,

wist he what

sad !

95

But Queen Till beneath And

As
a

Heneleide
a

watched
saw

him

through the

sunny

summer

days.

tree

she

him

with stand silent,

upturned gaze.

joyful rapture in the radiant childish eyes, he listed the bird, that,soaring, sang clear thro' the cloudless skies
the mother's brook heart
was

look of

And
loo

troubled,and her wrath waxed

no

to fever

heat,
!

She would
So

in his love

rival

"

not

even

God's
a

singerssweet cunning
in
snare

she sent

forth in haste her servants, with many

To

capture the

singerswhose
who birds,

music

made

the woodlands joyful the cruel

snare

fair.

Then, alas
Yet
some

! for the

struggledin

vain.

few burst their bonds, and

brake joyful,

forth into song

again !
?

105

Then

the

boy spake, ' Now they can

!' ne'er

sweet

my

mother, why trouble the birds thee,ah, leave them

so

sore once

Forsooth
more

have

harmed

in peace

And Of And
zio

his mother
a

kissed him who

gently,
made

Perchance

I have gave
unto sorrow

wrought
them because
may

wrong.

the dear God truth,

I would the
not

them. He

their song, of me.* be ? '

that
up

one

of his creatures
^

should
?

But
*

boy looked
He bare
ever sure

in

wonder, God, Mother might

on

Who

God

My

son.

is
a

than brighter beyond all light, light

Man's

summer's
on

day,
Face of

And Art

He thou

Face, that
of succour?

we

men

look

His

alway

in need He

call

Him

in thine hour

ill,
still.

And
1x5

be
one

will fail thee

never,

but will hear

I wot

thee,and
men

help thee
fear him

Yet
For

there

is dwelleth is the house

away

in darkness, and of falsehood,and him

ever,
nor

may

well.
of Hell
!

his home

his

kingdom the realm

betwixt the twain,

Turn
For

thy mind
he who

from

waver

doubteth, his labour

read him the doom
the of

shall

ever

be

wrought in vain.'

Thus
120

his mother dread and

nddle,

the

myst'ry of day and night,

The
Then And But

darkness,and the glory and grace of light! in hand he hastened thro' the forest pathways wild, javelin the deer sprang up from their thickets, and fled from the dauntless child
upon

and eager-footed he hastened clear-eyed

their track. back.winter's snow,

grow
:

And

full oft with

hornM
or

trophy,at

even

he hied him
storm
or

125 Little cared

he for rain

sunshine,summer's

And

dailyin strengthand beauty all men

might behold him

GURNEMANZ
Till at

69
roam, !

length no

beast

so

mighty thro* the forest wild did

his shoulder

If it fell'neath his

shaft,unaided,on

he bore it home

It cHanced thro' And That

And

woodland

thicket

one

mom

as

he took his way,

130

brake
a

bushes full many o'erhangin'g a leafy spray, pathway steep and winding rose sharplyhis track anear, fell strange
on

from

the distant beat of horse-hoofs the

his

wondering

ear.

Then
'

and thought what the sound might be boy grasped his javelin firmly 'tisthe devil cometh
I
can

Perchance

Well, I

care

not
so

if it be he ! fierce and
\

Methinks Of
a

still withstand

him, be he

never

grim,

'35

truth my

lady mother

she is o'er-much

afraid of kim

As

he stood there for combat

ready,behold,in the morning light.

in glittering armour clearing, each
one on

Three From And

No And

knights rode
head
the lad

into the

bright;
!
140

to foot were
as

they arniM,
their

his
a

gallant steed, god indeed

he

saw

glorythought

each

one

but knelt low upon his knee. longerhe stood defiant, ' cried, God, Who helpestall men, I pray Thee have thought for

me

!'

Then And

wroth he

was

the foremost

rider

as

the lad barred

his further way, work

spake out, 'This stupidWalds will hinder (Now here would I give to the Waleis the fame we They
And
are

our

to-dayI
hold ;

'

Bavarians

'45

duller than e'en

were one

our

people,yet manly in strife and bold.

in both countries sych
marvel of

in sooth skill

bom

strengthand

Would

he hide in himself that I think

me

their fame

he

might well fulfil !)

Then

there rode swift with

in costly hamess hanging bridle,

dight,
150

With

plumed
came

and
as

helmet jewelled

another

gallant knight ;

he Swiftly The
For

to challengein mortal thirsting

fight
a sore

foe who
two

sped

far before
out

him,

who

had
a

done

him had

despite ;
away, repay
;

knightsfrom

his

kingdom

maiden
one

borne needs he
ease

And
For

he held it a deed

most

shameful

and

he must

the maiden's

sorrow

grievedhim, and fain would

rode before him
were

her

pain :

'55

(And the three knights who

He

part of his warlike train.)

fierce conflict seen,
count Ulterleg's

rode

Spanish war-horse, and

his shield had

And

Kamachkaraanz

did they call him

(he

was

ween).

70 Then
i6o

PARZIVAL
he cried to his

'Why knights,
such

loiter? who

barreth deemed shone rang

our

onward
a

way?'

And

the lad did be ride there,who on straight

he
seen

him

god alway, dew, ring,

For ne'er had And

And As
on

glory; his harness

and with fitting,

fair with
true.

either foot the

with golden bells stirrups

as

their
he

length was

e'en

bells did each

strong

arm

stirred

or his sword-blade himself, was

in battle aloft would

of

swing.

1^5 And

the hero

swift in

seeking the guerdon

him

knightlyprize,
a

So he rode here, the

and had decked prince,

in

fairand

wondrous

wise.

Then Two

spake this flower of knights who they.

they bear
the have

all

knighthood, Say, boy, did they

their

'

pass I

thy way
ween are

shamed

knighthood, nay, robbers

she rideth tongue,
as

For
170

maiden

with them, and

a

againsther will !
a

'

Yet

boy, tho' he spake with thought how

in

man's

god

must

account

him

still; For And This Was

he

Queen Herzeleide
ever armour

had
so

told him

that God

was

Light

dwelleth

Light for

; and

to his dazzled

sight day.
pray.

knight,in his
the God

shining

in the

glow

of the summer's

of his mother's

lesson,and he knelt him again to

175 But

the

princehe spake full gently,'Fain

no

am

I to do God's

will.

And

yet for
wert

God

I hold

me,

but

sinful mortal

stilL
see,
an

Nay,
No

tfaou more

clear of vision, thou wouldst

thou sawest
'

aright,

Lord

of the host of

Heaven, but only

humble

knight !

Knight ?' quoth

to

the

boy in God,

answer, but of

'

Nay!

I wot

not

what I would

that may
such
were

be,

180

Is

thy strengthnot
me

of

knighthood, then
thou

given

'

Then
noble

wend

thy

way

to

King Arthur, an
make

earnest

unto

his court, for

knight he
now

would

thee,ashamed
com'st of
their and bridles,

and
a

afeared

naught.

For

sure,

I look upon

thee,thou

noble

strain.'
at the

Then

his

knights they

turned

gazed

boy again.
Hand had

"^5 Full well

might they look and

say, who of

wonder,

at t)iework

that

God's

wrought,
For

they

tell this story, that

never ever

could human
the world
never so

thought began.
man

Have
For

dreamed of all
men

aught

so

goodly,since
women,
was

beloved

by

there

fair a

GURNEMANZ
' Good laughed as the boy spake further, tliey

71

Lottd

knight,what may
I see.'

these

be? These Then His And On But

ringsthat
he
coat

so

close around

thee,above
the finger, behoved
a

and

below the

190

handled,with curious
of mail close-linkM
as on

armour

knight did bear,

wear

knight to My

he

spake

as

he looked around

the harness, ' their

mother's
a

maidens

string

their chains,and

full many fingers, other

as are

shiningring,
I see,
195 to thee ?
'

they

clingnot
force them

so

close to each

these

ringsthat here

I cannot

asunder,what good
forth from

they then
his

Then
'

the

drew prince

its scabbard
must

shiningblade
my

so

keen,

Now

see, he who

fights againstme,

withstand

sword

I ween.

And

lest he, on
me

his part, should

slayme, it is fitthat with mail and shield,

the blows that his
arm

I ward

and againsthis spear-thrusts,

answer,
'

may

wield.*

aoo

SwifUy the lad made

An their coats
were

Little
as

good would

it do the deer fall stillbeneath

my

e'en such

thine is, they would

spear.'
Full wroth Ulked With
Then

were

the

knights and

scornful

that their lord

thus

long

had

this lad with the face of the he prince

an

angel, and the speech as of

thee in His
me as

one

distraught ;
grace,
205

spake

I would

that my

shield's

keep brightmirror might show

thee wit
wert

' full gently, God

good

fair a face 1

Nay,
To

an

the Giver with

a

of all gifts but gave mien

so

enow

match
He

goodly,fullrich
from his

thou then
a

I trow

May
And Then Where The
So

keep all sorrow

the woodland

thee,and thy lifebe

once

summer's
more

day

'
"

with that he turned adown

and wended bridle,

his way. full soon

noon sultry
:

no

pathway they rode, tillthey came

toiled hard thro' the

the carles of fields must

Queen Herzeleide patientoxen

gave them

they plough and harrow, if a harvest they hoped

the
to their toil on

to reap,

they goaded
the

the hillside steep.

Then

princehe
in need

'

Good-morrow,',and they dared

not

asked

if there

passed 815

that way
A

maiden

and him

sorrow

? and
as

to say

him

nay ;
'

But

they answered earlymom

e'en

he

prayed them, and

they spake Yea,

at

Two

knightsand

maiden

passed here, and the maiden, she wept forlorn.

72

PARZIVAL the
the

And
320

knights as they rode beside her,spurred ever princeknew

back in his foe, Meliakanz,and and they who swiftly,
ere

her

steed.' flying hot

Then

his wrath

waxed

indeed,

On

his tracks he followed

won

this venture of

tell,

Say he
But

the maiden fight

the shadows

evening fell.
had chanced
that

sore

were

the

queen's folk troubled

forbid that

that the heroes

way,

And

they spake, God

to-day !
he

'

our

queen'sson

fall in with these

knights

835 An

chances

to

light upon
our

tbem

in the

prideof
ever

their warlike gear,

:

It will anger And With

full sore

mistress if by
us

hap she the tale should hear

the dawn of day.
!'

ill-luckwill it bring upon

us

that,ere
to
as

while his mother

the

slumbered,
their trouble

the woods
he chased

he stole away the

Little recked
^30 And

boy of
he

deer, flying
spear

shouted homeward
was

in

as they fellbefore his youthful gladness,

Then

sped

to

his mother, but

low

ere

he his tale
his feet she

might
fell.

tell

She

smitten

with deadly terror, and

at

Then
Her
^35
*

soon

as was

Queen Herzeleide
she fain to
to

found

hearing and speech

her heart ? What

once

more sore

boy

questiontho'

it misgave her

Who

spake
rede?*
in the

thee, son, of knighthood mother,

four

knowest

thou of such-like

'

I met

woods, they

sweet

men

I deemed

gods indeed. brighterbe,

well

So

were light

all and

God shining, and

Himself

ne'er could
who

And

of

knighthood they spake

me

King Arthur,

might

make

knight of
Then
her
sorrow

!*

of old-time

'

wakened,

and

the

queen

in her

heart

she

sought
940 For
some

cunning wile simple lad

of woman,

that her boy from

his will be

brought.
steed,

"

When

the

and

gallantwould bethought her

no

crave

from

her hand
to

Tho' heavy her heart,she

'

in

naught

gainsay his need,

divine.'
shall fare

Yet

not
ever

as

he asks will I give him,

and
the meanest

mother's

be mine, gifts
aye

But
"45 And

the worst

that my
*

skill may

she

thought her, Queen Herzeleide, Many

folk thro' the world

shall
a

Who Then An

love
sure

mocking
when

"

On

his fair body my

see

son to

Fool's

dress wear.
are
'

the mockers

him,

and

scoff at his
to
me

garb

fain.

he at their hands

be smitten, then

he cometh

again !

74
Yet
ato

PARZIVAL I wot that her death

son

so

faithful it hath saved

her from

painsof Hell|
1

And
Thus

to be of such

the

mother, it repayethall anguish well

that

she, the
on a

root

of all goodness whence

a

flower migl^tblow, humility's

Herself Woe

wended pilgrimage
! that
none we

goodly goal should know.

live
to hand still,
us

worth

us

of their children should look

on

down

In these

days when

falsehood

their honour

and
so

fair renown.

^5

And Who

therefore shall faithful women rSdeth fair ventures

wish well to this lad

bold.
!

seeking,whose

journeyye
toward

now

behold

Then And And

990

the he

lad rode onward gallant

to a

on

his way
a

wood, Briziljan's might wade

the

came

streamlet,and rippling
were

cock well
so

that flood !
wave

flowers in the grass the lad he

blooming, yet
to ford it ; but

darklingran
he

That

thought not
its course

as

wit the counsel gave.

So he followed

thro* the

and daylight,

passed as
fair ford
the grass
were

he

could

the

night,
Till he On
And
995 Twas
saw once more was

the
a

morning,and
meadow,
and
a

he

came

to a

bright.
so seen

the further side

tall
was

tent

decked

green,
;

the tent

and wide-spreading,

riches thereon
seams

of samite
a

of threefold colours,on

the

lay fair ribbons wide.

to

And

leathern

the rain-cloud coveringhung there,'gainst

guard its pride.

CTwas
She
A
300

Duke

Orilus of Laland^, whose

wife he beneath

it found"

lay there in peacefulslumber

she was,

with riches
love of
a

happed fair around,

gallant knight,
name

Duchess

well

worthy the

And

the venture

it tells that

Jeschut^ was

the

of that

lady bright)

of love she bore ; the princessslumbered, yet weapons Softly heart had wounded A mouth so red and glowing, that a knight's
"

sore.

And
That
305 And

e'en

as

she

sleptthey partedasunder,her
venture kindled, (fit

lipsso bright. knight) gallant

row

the fireof love had

even as

for

ivorysnow-white,and

and little,

close the
"

Of the teeth that

slow To
use

gleamed

white

betwixt them

methinks

that

man

were

himself to such kisses from that

so

mouth

that all men my

might praise" days

!

I wot

fair a

guerdon but seldom

over

hath crowned

coveringof richest sable

foot and whom it,

knee

was

thrown,
thus

310 (For the heat she aside hath

cast

her lord had

left alone)

GURNEMANZ And her fonn it was and wrought by fairly fashioned, in His wisdom rounded he
saw : on

75 skilful hand, had

a

Since 'twas God And

Himself
arm

who

so

fair a work

planned.
ring

long was

her

and

her snow-white

hand

Gleamed For had That

a

golden,and when
not

it the lad to her side did such

spring;
3x5

his mother

told him
crave

jewels were

the

guerdon fair

knightwell might
bear!

? and he

thought him he fain would such token

Then And
'

the

lady awoke
thus
some

in

terror

as

his

clasp on her white

as

arm

fell,
free 1
3^

gazed

in startled wonder would

and shame

wrath
me

beseemed

her well ;
art all too

Who

who is it,

thou Nay, sir,

Go, choose

thee

fairer maiden, my

favours

are

not

for thee ! '

In vain But

might she weep and bewail her ; he asked took from her lips unwillingthe kiss she would
the
the

not

her yea,

or

nay,

fain

gainsay ;
held he

And And

ring of gold from

her tears

with her finger

ungentle hand
but

take,
:

claspthat her shift had fastened from the garment

were

roughly brake

In vain

and

she struggles,
as
an

was

woman

still,
she do his will.
was

3^5

And
Then

his

strengthwas quoth,
but
*

to hers

army,

perforcemust
his hand

the lad she

spake aloud, he
Of
a a

hungered, from
wouldst
two

the

lady free,
meal of
me

And

truth 'twere better thou shouldst not make choose thee

some

If thou There

wert

littlewiser thou and

other meat.
33^ maystthou freely

stand bread eat,

wine, and

of game-birds,

them

Methinks Then And

For

when

my
not

maiden where

brought them,
sat the

'twas

of thee she thought ! scarcely

ate

'

he asked he drank she

but he hostess,

e'en

as

hunger taught.
well away.
"

his fill ; and

the

lady she deemed

and

all too
she wished

long his "tay,

he
were

thought him spake,

now,
*

bereft of his senses, the my

And And

for fear and she

shame Thou

sweat-dropsstood thickly upon

the

her brow

335

ring shalt give me, and

claspthou didst take

but

And
The

get thee away,

if he cometb, my

husband, then shalt thou bear

me

weight of his wrath, and

elsewhere
!
'

I think

thou

wouldst

then

wish

thyself

Quoth
If my

the noble

youth,' What
doth shame

care

I how

fierce

thy lord's wrath

from
hence

may

be ?

presence flee.'

thine honour, then

will I

swiftly 340

76
And he

PARZIVAL

and kissed her stepped to the bedside boldly,

without

as

there she

lay,
;

Tho* little it pleasedthe Duchess, and And

*

leave he rode away

he

spake a

word

of

partingas he vaulted upon his steed,

so keeping,

God

have

thee in His safe

my

mother

she gave

me

rede.'

345 Then

the lad he there

came see

was was

glad of his booty,and thus did he ride

little lackingthat from
I would tell you hence the

while"*
a

Methinks
Ere

he had dew

gone

mile, might

he

of whom

: on

he the

tracks

Of

one

who

had

sought his lady

"

The

tent-ropes displacedshould be
Duke gallant and

Where
350

the lad thro* the grass his

had

ridden ; then the and Orilus

proud

Found
'

lady within in
of my
!

sorrow, thee
"

spake aloud,
put
to

Alas

! for the service done

crown

^forsmitten and

shame
can

Is the Then No

knightlyhonour, since another thy love might

save

claim ! *
swore no more.

alas little,
lover had

it profit that with

"

streaming eyes she

hearken her

she

her

husband, ^he would anguish,'*Twas

I wot

tale

355 Then

she

spake in
a

her fear and

R/oo/yhe

who

came

to

me.

And

yet tho'

of all men fool,

he may

fairest be !
them

My ring and
*

my
not

he took claspgold-gleaming,
so

againstmy

will ! '
more

Nay,

I doubt

well he

pleasedthee,thou didst grant him

his
were javelin

favours

stai,'
'

Now, God

forbid ! for his fool's garb and

us

e'en too

near,

3^

It shameth
Are

both, my
to
our

husband,

such

words
thou thou

from

to hear thy lips

gtaens

wont

love thus

that lowly,

speakestsuch
deemest

words

of

me

Thou

wrongest
the Duke

when royalbreeding,

such

thingsmay
won

be ! '

Then Thou

spake, This shame, O lady ! alone hast thou

no

'

from be

me,

dost call ihys^Xf Queen

longer ; tho'
"

thy

titleshall Duchess

365 Little good hath that

That

bargainbrought me
Lads
son

So bold shall my
cause

manhood beareth

be,
hate
to

thy brother,King
thee:

Erec, for that

He

is wise,and

rightwell

he knoweth

that my
at

fame

so

high shall stand

when his

That
In
370

nothing shall stain mine hondur, save

felled me,
I smote

Prurein
I

righthand

knightly joustonce
a

but that have

paid rightwell,
he

In And I

joustat
his

Kamant

him, and behind his steed

me,"

fell.

pledge did he yieldunto

my

thro' his shield I

thy token bare,

thought not,

wife

with another thy love Jeschut^,

' to share !

GURNEMANZ
*

77

Thou

mayst also well

once Galoes,

assure

thee that the

son

of

King Gandein,

Proud And

before this arm laylifeless witness when the

of mine ;

375 Knight Plihopleheri me Rode swift in a joust passed by, against me, nor he his sat more no him that thrust saddle from the charger ; My spear Yea, great was the fame that I won me by my prowess in days of yore, it profiteth not I ween. have I borne from their chargers,^yet Many knights been !' 380 the bitter shaming that thro'thee hath my portion Nor outweigheth wast thott thyself

it hath his strife

"

And

with

reason

good do they hate

me,

those

knights of the Table

the

Round,
Since And
For

have of their bravest champions eight

many

fairmaidens

saw

the hawk ; there was that didst thou

see

And

ground. when at Kanedig fiercewe fought it, and my hand fame to thee hath brought I the victor, At his court doth she dwell 3^5 with King Arthur
"

1 borne unto

to-day. sweet Kunnewaar^, and grave is her mien alway, sister, My till the day that her eyes shall light For her lips to laughter may not move fairestand bravest knight reckoned the On him who of all shall be
Would
As

he

come

unto

me, that hero ! Ah

! then should

strife be

seen 390

in the early morning already my lot hath been. to-day for joust he toward me sped, I have fought, hath suffered, and a prince him that he lay there before me, dead But my spear-point smote so sorely
*

!'

righteous anger for a lesser sin than thine but I would not such deed were mine ! Full many had slain the sinner, For the serviceof knightly honour that to thee I had offered fitir, Henceforth shalt thou know but lacking; nor thy need do I think
Well I know that in No spare with more
"

395
to

;"

thy white arms circled in love and in peace I '11lie, have "aded and passedus by, Those goldendays of love's glory But palebe thy mouth so rosy, and tear-dinimed thy shining eyes, be ! turned to sighs heart's and thy For joyshall be put far from thee, songs
Then
so fairand true, sadlyshe looked upon him, that princess ' May itbe for the honour of knighthoodwhat seemeth thee best and I in thy power may be. Wise art thou indeed and loyal, on And I know well that heavy sorrow and pain thou canst bring

'

400

to

do,

me

78
405 To

PARZIVAL
the ordeal, I

prithee, pat

me,

and

do this for all women's

sake,

Thereafter,an

I be

If another's hand

for my sin do thou vengeance take ! guilty, shall slayme, (for thee were such deed un-meet)
"

Then

gladly I'll die

sweet

Dost

thou

scorn

me?

then

welcome

is

death, and

!'

Then
410

he broke

out

in bitter anger, meekness be

'

If thy

pride be stillso great,

late"
m,

It is meet
No
more our

I should

teach thee, tho' the lesson be all too

more we

shall

we

companions, togetherno
I found thee

'11eat ;
sweet.

Be

and the hours of communion marriage couch forgotten in which

This garment And

415

thy

only robe shall

be,
fair

instead of jewelledbridle

will I hempen'^twist

give to thee ;
so

Thy steed be the guest of hunger,and thy saddle once decked ! ' and with hasty hand Shall be robbed of its goodly trappings
The samite

he tare

adown, and

he brake

the saddle she rode erewhile, it,

angry

(Nor her gentle ways

With
420
a

and

seemly might his

it
"

wrath she
no won

beguile)
his hate !
^

hempen cord he bound

^Too

soon

had
we

As

he did this he I reach

spake,
who

'

Now shared

Lady, thy

'tisbest

longer wait,
fulfilled were
my

Could

him

then fovours,

heart's

desire.
The
venture

I Id

face, though

as

dragon he

were

breathing forth
out
;

flames

and
Then

fire!'

with

weeping instead of laughtershe passed from

rich in sorrow, and

the tent

That
435

lady so
more sorrow

sadly her

way

she went

Yet His
Now

than she mourned

so

her

shaming

she wept her lord's have

sore

I grief,

ween,

sorelymoved
I

her, e'en death would

her who

been. lighter

of true heart shall ye bemoan tho' hatred

won

thus did

anguish know,
for
woe Jeschutd's

And

from

all women,

stillI 'Id mourn

So
430

rode

they upon the

his eyes

traces

of the lad who

a

before them foeman

fled,
him
drew

he littlethought him how And, dauntless,

But He

behind

sped.
anear.

whoever gave

might light on,

'

as

his bade

pathway they
me

to him

kindlygreeting, Thus
lad

my

mother

dear ! '

Thus

rode
a a

he, our

so

fooUsh,adown
from
for her

mountain

side,
cried ;
"

When
435 'Twas

woman's

voice before him

amid

the rocks loud in ruins laid she

cry of heartfelt sorrow,

joy was
Now

m
:

Then

swift rode the lad towards

her,
"

hear what

did,this maid

GURNEMANZ She From And And

79 hair her there,

tore, the maid

ottt her head

of long brown Sigun^, her plaits thro'

sorrow

; and

the lad he beheld

he

saw

the prince, her knee on Schionatulander,

liedead,
ever

the maiden

she wailed above

him, and her joy had for

mother she bade

fled.

440

('If sad
Greet For
Who

be their mien

or

joyful, my
meet

me

still

all men,
a

whoe'er

might

me) God
on
'

keep thee fiom greater ill, thy knee to-day !

the

in sooth

sorry treasure
this

have I found
an

hath wounded

knight? (For
? For

answer

lad he

would

press

alway)
'

Did

one

with tell

a me

javelin slay him

naught ?
Who

Lady, he

sure

is dead If he
none

445

Wilt

thou fled

hath slain him

too far hath

Methinks
Then

might overtake him, for gladly with

0

him

I 'Id fight !'

the lad he laid hold stillin his hand

he in his he known

on

his

quiverwherein

bright, lay the javelins

twain he bore
45^

And Which
Had His Who Her

the tokens tightclasped,

erewhile from Jeschut^ tore. folly thoughtless

customs courtly

the

with his father's life in-bound,

the duchess

shield

were

better smitten
must

when
"

alone he found
a

thro' him husband

suffer his

sorrow

for

more

than

whole

year

long,

withheld

tho' in sooth did he do her wrong. favour,

Now

list to this maid

Sigun^ who
'

her

griefwould

bemoan

as

meet,
so

455

She And
No From Then And

spake thy

to the
so

lad,

Thou

art courteous, all hail ! to

thy youth

sweet,

face

fair ; yea

blessed

thy

lot shall hereafter be !

a

piercedthis javelin
truth wast his
name

hero, but slain in

who
to

joust was
woe

he

"

thou bom
she
was

for another's truly

can

grieve!

'

fain

hearken, ere the lad her side might leave, wrought

him
"

4^

she

spake,God
this,
all who

with skill had

But

his

answer

was

naught

but "At home

know

me

call

me

Beau ^Bonfils^Cherfilsy

I fits

'

Ere Now

ever

the word

was

spoken, the maiden

venture, who

she knew
ye
own

his

name

"

hearken
is hero her red

that hereafter arighthis title, of this my

now
'

his fame
the maid

Who And And With

standeth
art

beside
she

"

465

Thou lipsthey spake unfaltering,

ParzivcU^

cried,

thy name
furrow
of

it shall

mean

'

to

piercethrt^ifor thy mother's faithful heart

she from her lord must

was grief

riven when

part

8o

PARZIVAL
I

And
470

speak not that those shooldst

with truth,
no

vaunt

thee ;

thy mother

my

aunt

shall be,

And

in

guileof falsehood, thy race

will I tell to thee !'

An

Angevin was
I know for
a

thy father, thy mother

truth
was thy birthplace

of fiiir Waleis, the

And
And As
475 For

cityof Kanvoleis
beseems

thou art the

King
he

of

Norgals, and there in the citadel

crown as

king shalt thou bear the sceptre and thy sake

brothers
was

thee well.

this hero, who slain,

thy kingdom for thee would

did he find reward.

guard,

His Two And And 480 This

Now

truth it hath

faltered never,

tho' in death

have

two wrought thee evil,

m a

kingdoms from thee have reft,

lifelessleft
me nor

Orilus this
me

thy kinsman

jousthath
childhood

too

hath

he left in sorrow"He
my

served

thought it shame,
he
met

prince of thy land,where

fair and
sweet

did

thy mother's tending claim.

his end
my

my

cousin wouldst of
a

thou hear how

that

?
"

Twas He And 485 For

the fair wove hath served

us

leash

br"chet

brought sorrow
won

unto

friend

twain,in

our

service hath he and henceforth

not

him

but death

alone,
moan,

I, I have
scant

won was

but sorrow,

for his death

my

make

of wit

I surely, .that I gave

love afore"
1 love
evermore

So God

hath my

gladness shattered,and
'

the dead

!'

Then Of
a

he

spake,

I must

mourn,

and cousin, thy grief^

the time seemeth the way

my

bitter wrong,
'

truth tillI may would straight

were

avenge

them

over-longI
did she
sorer

Then
490

he ride to

but battle,

falsely show,
wax

For she feared

But
a

he slain then henceforward that led him

was

yet

should

her

woe.

road he found smooth

or

straightwayto
"

the Breton's
met

land.
on

And Afoot
For

and
a

wide

that
or

highway
; and

An

there

him

either hand

ahorse

merchant

knight,he would
she

greet them
no

still.

so

was

his mother's

counsel

spake with
the

thought of ill.

495

But

great weariness
a

overtook him,
none

as

darkened

eventide. folly spied.

e'er

And Twas

house
a

that

was

too

the youth stately discourteous it,

in his

churl he who

sat within

by birth and low, know)

drink and
at

(A fisherman
Then
500 But

he, littlekindness
rein for he
'

might

one

at

his hand craved

the lad drew the host

eat

hungered, and
a

of him
have

meat. to

quoth, Nay,
; he who

not

halMoaf

shalt thou

mine

hand

In

thirty years

of mine waiteth,in the gifts

hand

to

share,

shall O'er-long

delay his

journey"

For

none

but

myselfI care,

82 No
535

PARZIVAL Kurwenal his teacher and of courtesy knew he

was

naught

"

They know
Of And And And

it not, the twist his

tillthe world hath wisdom untravelled,

taught
"

hempen
nowhere

and feeble and faint his steed, bridle,

o'er the

oft it fell, as
upon

stumbling it went
ermine

flowerymead.
new was seen

his saddle fair leather and

of samite fair and

mantle

fiill great his lack had

been.

540

No

clasp he needed, nor

coat
or were

knightlygarb he javelinalone

wore,

Of blazoned He Was whose robed

surcoat

; his

he bore.
so

1
brave

deeds

praisedof all men,

on

his father

and
!

wise,

in far other fashion

the carpet 'fore Kanvoleis

He
545 Then

who he

ne'er felt the sweat

of terror, to him God

did

knight draw
bade
me

near

greeted him,

'

May

keep thee

! thus

my

mother

dear.' 'God reward

thee, lad, and

thy mother,' swift

cousin unto

answer

the

knight would

bring,
(Uther Pendragon
And
He
unto
was

reared

him, he

was

the

king,

the land of Bretagne did the self-same Ither of Gaheviess, * The Red
'

knight lay claim)

name.

Knight they called his

550 All

red dazzling
was

was

his armour,

the eye from

its

glow gleamed red

deck

Red

his horse

and the svrift-footed, than

plumes
the

that should

its head,

Of samite

red its covering; redder and

red

flame his shield ;

spear

Fair-fashioned wield Was

555

his surcoat;

and

that

his hand

would

red, yea, the shaft and the

fire.

iron ; and

red at the
was

desire knight's dimmed

Was

his sword, yet the blade's fair keenness

not

by

the

raging

And

the

King

of

in his mailed Cumberland, stately, and

hand

did hold

A goblet, with skill engraven, From Yet

wrought
"

of the
was

good red
his

gold
"

the Table white

was

Round

had

he reft it

All red

shininghair
fair.

his

skin,and kindly his speech

to

the lad and

560 'Now

hail to thy fair young

body, that
!

in sooth
saw

true
so

womati

bare.

Yea, blessed is she thy mother

And And the of thine light

Ne'er me,

face

fair,

eyes, I think

is kindled

by love alone,
!

Love

shall in thee be

is overthrown as by thee Love victor,

GURNEMANZ And And Now Bear And But in thee is the

83
bliss finds in thee its goal, upon the soul
"

joy ci

woman,

whose
sorrow

for thee shall the load of do

me

weigh heavy
thou wend

5^5

this grace
me

I pray
to

thee,an

thee unto

the town

from greeting say that here I

no

King Arthur,and
am

his heroes of

high

renown,

vision fleeting

I who

now

speak with thee,

joustwith
I came I
me

abide,and await him who

will wonder

thinketh to

I'

And

never

man

to the Table to my

Round

570

And And
The

there,in the heroes' presence

with

kingdom

would

lay claim,
her lord.

hasty hand

I raised

this it,

cup, and

the wine

out-poured right
575

robes of the queen

I

as she besprinkled,

sat there beside

This
For

did

as

the custom

olden of

one

who

would

claim his

better I

all alight, thought the wine-cup,than the straw-wisp

For its smoke

'

perchance had soiled

I

me,
crown

thus I chose

it not'

spake the king, thing

"

Nor

for

robbery rode
to the queen

hither, my

doth forbid such her

Say thou
Where

that the

they fell on wine-drops, remember,

nor

'gainst my will
as

those fulfil

heroes

sit,nor

their

knighthood

meet

Whether This cup,

lungs they shall be

or

doth o'er-long princes Their fame

he thirst their

king

5^

why delay to fetch it?

it hath taken

wing

'

Then And And And

the lad then unto

many 'twas
a

spake,
Nantes

'

I'll bear

thy message,
to the court

yea, e'en

as

thou biddest me.'

fair cityhe gat him

rightspeedily"
of the

youth they followed

a

palacefair.

filledwith there. sprang

a

and theythronged him and pressed 585 motley gathering,

him Then He And

Iwanet

from

out

them, and this youth from falsehood free

company. she bade seek
me

gave

him

the lad he

and he proffered him kindlygreeting, quoth,' God keep thee, (so my mother 1

me

speak knight ? '

seen

Ere yet from

But here
see

home

wended) King Arthur

an

I fain would

I fullmany

Arthur
'

I Who

of allthese shall make

590

Then

Iwanet

laughed loud

I will show

thee, not

yet hast thou

the

right!'
To

the Table
as

Round

he led him

where

sat the heroes

all

And *God

best he could for the tumult

cried the lad thro' the and

hall, lofty

keep ye

all ye heroes ! I greet ye both queen mother bid

me

king,
595

For thus did my

fair greetingto ye to

bring.

84
And Ye But To
600

PARZIVAL
"

all who

have

won

by their

valour
too

at

the Table
me

Round

seal

knightsand heroes, ye gallant

in him
one

did she bid who

greet

!
not

thingmy
I bear
a

skilldoth fail me,

message

is host here I may all red doth

to

know

do

from

knight who

glow,

He That Ah

waiteth without
he

the

portal(methinks he is fain
the

fight)

o'er the spilt

so

queen

doth grievethe knight" wine-cup that sorely

as

1 if I his gear
were

goodly from the king'shand

gladness
"

gift might take,

!' ^

In sooth

I rich in

so

knightlyand fair its make

the courtiers

Thus

spake
around

the

youth
thither

gay

and

careless,and

they thronged
his
see

605 And And

That

hither and well did

never

pressed him
upon

tillscarce for each

might he
for himself

stand

ground

they look
man or no

him,

might
had
a

in

maiden

might
had

the fruit of love fairer be.

And

in truth it was
never
a

illworking that in Parzival God

terror

wrought.

In whom

sightof

wakened

of fear

thought.
for

610

Thus

theybrought him before King Arthur, he

no man

whom

God

wonder
seat

chose,
arose

ft!

And And
Where

might bear
a

him

hatred

"

Then
ere

the queen

from

her

she

gazed for

space the

upon

him

she

passed from

out

the hall
must

the wine from

Arthur

on golden gobletperforce

her robes

fall.

Then

he looked

upon

him

"

To

the

simple youth he spake,

answer

615

Now

lad

to

thy kindlygreeting kindly

a

take,
land ;

For

this would
I

I do
a

thee service, yea heart

so truly,

with body alike and

my

This

speak of
God

true

will doth toward

ihee stand ! '

'

Would

to

that be
no
'

were

true

Now

I think

me

it well-nigh a year

shall be
me

That
620

I fain would make the thou

knight,lackingknighthood all else seemeth

more

ill to

Now

be knighthood my delaying, fain to do

on so

lot
not

straightway.'
alway.

|^

Quoth
Would

king,

were

ifworth

fail me

So noble
I

art

thou to look

; and

goodly

and gifts

rare

give thee

naught of my ; to do thee service I'll

to refuse

treasure

spare.

Yea, loath had

695 And
I

I been

thee, wait

but for to-morrow's

light,

myself will dower

a

thee with all that befits a

knight.'
and

The And

lad like
he

bird
'

new

cag^d, he shook himself

do I ask thee 1

to

fro,
as

quoth, glow

For

naught

But that

knightwho

firedoth

GURNEMANZ
If thou

8$
I take from

givestme

not

his

armour

no

giftwill
a

thee.

My mother
Then
That

will not

withhold

it" For

queen

shall she

surelybe.'
630

Arthur
to

he

quoth, ' That

a sorrow

armour

so

a knightdoth gallant

wear

give thee

so goodly gift

methinks

I may

hardly dare. forego,

me

And
^

1 live in guiltless

since his

homage
he

1 must

Ither he is of Gaheviess

; thro' my

joy hath

wrought
his

woe.'

'

Now

my

King

sure

it were what he

ungraciousto

say

to

pleading nay.

Thou
*

shalt

Let him

Here

635 nor desireth, great"' quoth Kay, plain; bid him bring thee the cup if it be thy will I hast thou the whip,there the top is, let the child have of sport his
forth to the fill

give him

think it too

The

women,

will praise forsooth, him, and it seemeth learn to take blows

an

good
such

to me

He

should be.

he

givesthem,
Each
of

many

will his

portion
his

For If

the lifeof the twain

what

care

I?

us

needs
e'en

must

have

day, 640
their

thy dogs

for the

spoil shall

hunger, thou

must

give thy dogs

way.'
'

I 'were loath to refuse his

to

pleading, yet

I feared lest he here be

slain,

And

knighthood I fain had helped him.'

the

Thus

Arthur

he

spake again.

Thus And

the lad young

won

he craved for, which gift

many

perforcemust
that

rue,

and

old

as forth from they followed,

the hall he flew.

was none

645
too

By the hand
And And And
31

would and
was

Iwanet forward
so

lead

him, 'fore a
lad

bower

high,

backward the bower

therefrom

the turning

gazed with
him

eager

eye.

low

that within it the lad he both heard

a sorrow

and

saw.

did he win

that vexed

with torment

sore.

The

queen

from

her bower

'

window round

to

look

on

the

sightwas

fain,

650

And And And

For

her

knights and maidens

Kunnewaar^
man

her

they gazed and they gazed again. laughed or

she
low

the maiden
never,
never see

she sat
wot

there,the fair and proud,

she
or

that she

might
an

of,had

loud.

vowed,
of

she

died

would first,

laugh ere
henceforth

her eyes

might
be.

That

knight,who
her back

knights the bravest

the window from the

or

was,

or

should

655

As the lad rode beneath And

was sore

she brake
"

into

laughtersweet.
a

guerdon

reward

for

maid

unmeet

86
For

PARZIVAL

Kay the Seneschal

band

seized her, the maiden

tresses
"

of fair Lalande, fast around

oath

By her waving hair,and the

660 Without
a

he wound
never an

his hand,

he bound

her

Tho'

she

sware

His staff he laid And

ere ever

unknightlyon her maiden

of the

shoulders
ear

fair,
died away
the maid

the sound

smiting on the

had

Thro' white skin and

royalraiment

had he wounded

that day.

And

thus did he and aside,

see, e'en in

speak in his folly,Now

I wot thou hast I done

'

hast

thou thine
own

own

fair fame
!

665 Cast
Now

it to thine
I

mending shame
once more

have flight

and caught it,

bring it to thee
and his

In such For

wise thou mayst well

unto

well

remember, and
hast
"

be e'en in the memory

sore

I wot

King
have

Arthur, to his court

thou And
!

palace hall
all,

Many gallantmen
670 And
ne one

ridden,yet
of

them despised
now

'er hast

thou smiled upon

them

doth thy
I deem

laughterring
this

For

knowing naught

knighthood

Unseemly

thing!

'

Now

whate'er
bid him

might
thus

be done

in anger

I wot
; and

well

no

king'sdecree
her
not

Had

smite the maiden

her friends mourned it had

bitterly.
this
sore

(Might

she bear

knightly shield and

smitten.)

armour

helped

disgrace,
675 Discourteous Had
Far

the blows

were seen

She

came

of

royal race,

her
fewer

brothers gallant
blows

L"helein it,

and been

Orilus smitten thus.

had

fallen ; she ne'er had

Now

Sir Antanor and word

the

who Silent,

thro* silence
a

fool

was

thought,
were

(His speech
680

the maiden's

laughteron

self-same thread

wrought)

For
As
^

never

would

he utter tillshe

laughed whom spake

Kay thus did smite.

clear rang

the maiden's

aloud laughter,

the silent knight,

Now

here before God hast

so

I tell thee, Kunnewaard

of feir Lalande
at his

Thou Nor

wronged for that lad,and

shall he

thy guerdon awaiteth thee

hand.

weak

be, nor

so

but he tumeth foolish, but to threaten

thy bliss to bale 1' joy shall it naught

the

685

And

thy speech
avail.'

thou

hast found

for

His food would With And And

he make

full bitter.
"

Kay

smote
a

him

upon

ear

his fisttill naught but Parzival his heart

saw was

singing and
of the maiden

whisperingmight
and

he hear.

the

sorrow

Antanor,

hot for their

shaming,

and

for their sake he bore, grief

GURNEMANZ And That he bat tightly, grasped his javelin

must

87
the

throng pressed so dose around

some

690

perforcethe dart
alone from he
came

he lower, lest

other aim

it found.

Thus

the court the

of

King Arthur rode the

the Red

son

of Gamuret, awaited
never a

And And Whose

*

to

plainwhere
the

Knight

his foeman
was

yet

he bare unto

him

how tidings

in Nantes

there

knight
695

heart yet
a

yearned

for jousting, or who

me
"

lusted with him

to

fight.

But

gift King Arthur

gave

spake
thee

as

thou saidst before,

o'er the queen
to to

That

without

thy will had

it chanced
"

the wine
not

pour,

Thy discourtesy sorelyvexed thee

Now

^They think

with fight

thee.
to

give me
were

the steed thou in the

and thine harness give thou ridest,

me,
700

They

given me
withhold
'

palace,therein shall
not

I be

knight,
thou what is mine
of

Wouldst

them, I will

greet thee"

Yield

right1
Then Mine the

King of Cumberland
my

answered,

'

If Arthur

hath
canst

given to thee
take from
me,

armour,

he It/e

gave

theetifthat lifethou
I

So well doth he love his kinsmen That

so

Hath

he known

thee before

to-day,
repay ?'
705

the service done him with such guerdon he would swiftly

'

I may

win what leave bore thou

I will I trow

me,
on

of

sooth had
"

he

given me
a

more

Now

thy

claim

his

kingdom
laid who

^'Tis time I

knight'sshield

For
'

squirewill
art

I be

no

longer !

'

He

on

the rein his hand

me

Thou

so L"helein,

I think me,

hath taken from

my

land !

'

Then That And

That

the

and he struck with knight he turned his spear-shaft, his sorry

so

true

blow

710

the lad and the hero

was

charger on the meadow

and he smote

he laid them

low.

swift in his anger, the

with

will

so

good

there where of blood.

struck him there sprang forth brightdrops spear-shaft

Then And And And

and stood wrathful upon his feet swiftly he grasped his javelin firmly ^Where the helm and the visor Parzival sprang up
"

meet

715

betwixt the twain is an thro' eye and he neck been

opening, there the

; women's

it struck

swiftly sped javelin lay dead. him, and the knighton the plain sighs,true
hearts wounded

Fierce foe had

sore,

to falsehood

Were

the fruit of his

death,and with tear-dropsmust

many

an

eye

run

o'er.

88 And And

PARZIVAL

7^

they whom

his love made

joyfultheir gladness asunder

o'er
a

brake,
must

their joy to the

goal of

sorrow

rough road its way

take.

Then For He
7^5 Yet

Parzival in his fain would

turned folly

the dead

knight o'er and o'er, lackingthe needful lore.

alone,

he loose his armour,

helm

yet

was

both fingered the

and

corslet with his bare white hands

to

he failed fastening

loosen,nor
who

with force
was

might they be undone

all

Tho' Then

oh and
the

again he tried them, they neighed

he heard
was so

in wisdom

untaught.
on

horses

loudly that the sound

the breeze

was

brought
To

Iwanefs

ear, and

them, by the citymoat kinsman, and naught of

he stood,

(To Queen Guinevere

730

he

he did to her service the riders saw. he seek

good)

He As

heard his
true

the cry of the horses, but heart would

Parzival did give him counsel,

once

more.

And Then
For
'

Ither

lay dead

; and
to

his aid

slayerby
him

his

was folly

vexed

amain

"

he sprang swiftly
the honour reward he here

him, and Parzival thanks

o'er the hero counsel

must

gaiti
:

had

won

of Cumberland

735

God

thee,but give me
I loose

for skill here doth foilmine

hand,

How
'

best may lore I

armour

this
may

armour

which

myself I

were

fain to wear?' the

Such the

rightwell
was

teach thee,' quoth Iwanet

the

proud and fair,

on

So

reft from

dead

man,

'fore Nantes

the grassy

plain,
And
o'er whose they did it upon the living,

reign. dealingsdid folly

740

Quoth Iwanet, These

As
a

leather
now

leggingsfit not with the mailM clothM,'and

aforetime for the lad deemed hath
or

gear.

knight shalt thou

cometh
much

be

it ill to hear

' What Quoth Parzival,

my my

mother

given

me

That And
745 Yet

not

from

body,

or

good
was

for ill it be ! '

did Iwanet

marvel,

for clever

he i'troth,
at

he followed he drew

perforcehis bidding,nor
the

waxed
of

his

wroth. folly

And
Nor

above

leggingsthe

hosen

shiningmail,
unto

the spurs with red of silk and

gold in-wroughten should

leather
the corslet he bound him

the harness

fail,

And Ere
750 And

nor gold the laces,

might there be found.

with greaves
was

he gave tho' in

unto

him

around,

Parzival deemed o*er-long he shining

it yet the time clad htm from

sped, swiftly
to

"re

knightlyarmour

foot

head.

90 Then Iwanet he smote that lad

he strewed

PARZIVAL above him

coveringof blossoms

bright,
blade
made.
;

^d
And 785 A

the shaft of the

so

in the ground by the fallen knight, javelin

true

and

he piercedwith the crimson faithful,

a cross

bough of wood, and in this wise

he gat him from
many
a

o'er the dead

man

Then And

again to

the

told and the heavy tidings city, and

; and

tremblingwoman,
of
sorrow

from

many

hero bold

Rose And

the wail of love and

the dead queen

would

they fetch in state.

the Host

they bare before her, as the

passed the citygate. slain,

790

Then

o'er Cumberland's

princeand hero, who

in
sorrow

by Parzival's hand might,

was

Queen
'

Guinevere

spake good
Nantes

while her
is

they flowed tear-drops

amain,

Alas

! alas ! for broken

in twain Round

King
His

Arthur's

For he whom Here

795 Where

the

Table

accounted

its bravest

knight
his

slain before
men

he lieth !

heritagedid he claim
"

gave
;

him

death

for his

guerdon
in such wrong

For

naught marred

knightly

fame
Here

long hath he dwelt

tale of
a

among

us

wise that

never

an

ear

The
He

deed

or unknightly,

he had

done, might hear.

he aye
must
as
a

held him
lock and heart

afar from

falsehood, to guilewas

foe ;
we

The
800

the seal of
courteous

knighthood

all too

soon

bury low.

His

wise in
ever

wisdom, and
that
a

steadfast
a

seal and

sign.
aye
woo

Taught him
And show

the fairest counsel love and truth

"

man's

heart

might

divine,

Whereby with
The

true

courage

man

woman's

love may

manhood's

it seedeth itselfanew Fruit-bearing

!

plantof all woman's

was

sorrow

From

thy wounds

shall grief

ever

grow

"

S05 So red
Scarce To

thy hair that the blossoms

be with

that bloom

here

thy

corse

below forbid

redder may
and

thy

life-blood-* All

laughterhast thou
are

fair women,

joy and gladnessby thy death

all men,

for

ever

hid.'

Thus With
8x0

beloved of Ither, his lifemust

as

king in the
who

grave

was

laid,
"

he pay

for his

armour

to taughtsighing

many

maid,

Since

Parzival in his he

for the harness folly

his death

had

sought, wrought
as

Hereafter, when
NOW
Were It

won

wisdom, he scarcely such deed had

in the

this

might

ye mark

charger,great labour itheld

sweat
was on

naught,

it hot, were
over

it cold,no
or

journey the

its coat there need

two

had
to

brought ;
draw

sped

stone
one

and tree-trunk,

scarce

815 The

girthby

hole the

if the knight for tighter

days it bore.

G"RNEMANZ
60

91 that

armed, fully
a

in his

folly yet further he rode

in two but seldom
as

day
would trot, stay. walk

Than And
How

wise

man

unarmed

days if his sfteed he betimes

would
or

ever

it onward

and galloped,

to

check

its speed by

the bridle

yet Parzival knew

not

Then
And

he

saw

the roof of

castle rise fair in the

evening glow,
from
the earth
must

820

the lad he the

one

that the thought in his folly roof bare

so

towers

grow

Since And Then That

many

"

^And

he
were

thought Arthur
a

sowed
!

such

seed.

he who

could work
'

such

marvels

holy man
I

indeed
on

he said, While
a

at home
so

I tarried ne'er looked

woodland

field

crop
me

so

rich and
mother's

in growth might stately

ever

yield; they sow

:

825

I think

my
too

people their labour

me, of this

but little know,

For
Now At Nor

never

dry, I think
of Graharz

is the soil where

their seed
was

!'

"

Gumemanz his

mighty Burg
the

lord

portala spreading linden stood "air on long

nor

summer

sward.
and the

too

too

wide

was

the meadow,

and

the horse

road 830

they led
To

where

Parzival found

him

seated who

of castle and land

was

head.

Now

weariness it backward Prince shade

sore

Constrained

him,

nor as

his shield beseemed

the

might
not
a

he

hold rightly

But
And Gave

and forward

wavered

rider bold.

Gumemanz
as was

and sat all lonely,

to

boughs

of the linden tree

"

meet

its master, the

"

captainof courtesy
e'en
as

835

And He

his lifeit fled from

gave
to

falsehood

Then

should

be his
nor

right squire nor

the

guest fair welcome, and

with

him

stood

knight
Then
'

Parzival made
mother

him

answer"In

his

he spake straightway, folly

an

My

bade

me

seek counsel from for service,

so

old did my

man

with mother

locks of grey

For
'

thy rede will

thou

I do thee

speak

!'

840

If here thou

art come

for counsel, and

me

aid at my
my

lipswould

seek,

Thy favour
If thou

stillshalt leave

whatever

counsel be.
as seem

will that

thy prayer
a

I hearken, and

give rede

best to

me

!'

Then

the

prince cast

yearlingfalcon from his hand and aloft it flew.

to the

And 'Twas And

it winged its way

a

and its golden bells castle,

came

rang

true,

845

messenger them

; and

the pages

in garments swiftly
meet

fair.
prepare
;

he bade

to lead the guest

in,and lodging as

93

PARZIVAL
' My mother spake in his folly,

And An

the lad he thou follow

she told

me

true,
rue

an

old man's

counsel his rede shalt thou

never

850 And And

the pages

where they led htm straightway

stood many

gallant knight, light.

me

there in the castle the

courtyardfrom
his
me
'

his steed did

'

they bid him

who
seat

Spake
Be
a

youth,and
she bade
man

he showed

folly,*Tis
on

King

hath bidden shall be. and

son,

knight,and whatever befall

me

this

charger my
of
many

My mother
855 Full many

greet ye I

And

mother

they thanked

(Both horse and

a

were

wearied) then, the words

greetingdone,
a

time

they urged him, but it cost them

to a

thought

Ere the lad within the Then

'

and from off his steed they brought. castle,

they led him

us

chamber, and they prayed the stranger guest,

off thee,that

Let

loose thine harness

thy wearied

limbs find rest.'

860

But
A

scarce

had

they loosed his

as

armour

when and

lo I there

came

to view
new

garment

e'en such

Fools

wear,

leggingsof calf-skin

; to

Then
And

startled and

shamed the
was one

they turned them, and they whispered each

ran tidings

all,

with bated breath the host for shame that be Good

as

swift
"

through the castle hall,

a

And 865
*

speechless But
so

knightspake in courtesy,
they might
so never

Let

it may,

noble mine
upon him

eyes

see. and

And

Fortune

hath looked

by his mien
bade him

high

fair"
to
wear

Ah And Ah 870 And

I he whom

Love's

hath chosen, who light

to find thus on

such

garb
poor

it grieveth me

sore

the World's
won

Joy such
from him

attire.

! well for the mother

who
so

bare

him, she hath

ere

her fullheart's desire !

we

his helmet him

a

is decked

costly ;

his harness
ween

took

It became And
many

well,and knightlyand noble I

blood-stain the lad
woman on
'

his look.

bruise and

his limbs doth bear.' bade

know

Quoth the host, 'Tis perchance a

'

who

him
not
so

such
a

garb to

wear

!'

for Nay, Sire, take from

so

strange his bearing he would

maid

to pray

875 To

him

knightly homage,"
well for Love's

Tho' his face is

fair alway

It had

fitted him
we see

service.' Then

the host

spake, "'Tis best

!'

This lad, in whose

a marvel strange attiring

for

sure

shall be

Then
From
880 And

to
a so

Parzival

they betook them, and they found that

was never

wound

he bare
care,

spear that

and the host for his hurts would shattered,

kindlyI

ween

his
no

tendingthat

"ther, whose
no

heartfelt love

To

his

found children,

his faith might denial,

better prove.

G"RNEMANZ his wounds and bound with his them, the prince,

93

And

he washed

own

right

handy
Ere forth
to

the hall he led him

where

the

eveningmeal
was

should

stand.

And From And

food the guest the house his wound

sore

needed, and hungry heavy harness

sore

he

alway,
at break

of the fisherman and the

had he ridden fasting which

ere

of

day,
won

885

he before Nantes
ever

had done.

Wrought him weariness

For Nor

and

hunger

the ride

was

from

Arthur
at

the

King
him

of the Bretons

the whole
now

day

he needs

must

ride,
890

his fast

the Court bade

had

broken, and
if one and and
ever

it was

eventide.

Then
And

the host

eat at his
as

and table,

Parzival did his will,

a

the food it swiftly vanished,

would

manger

fill!

And
To

Gumemanz
eat
as

was

well

pleasM,

the lad did pray

he

would, and

his

hunger

weariness

put away.

When

'twas

time, and the meal

to
'

was

ended,

'

Now

weary

art

thou, I ween,'

Quoth the host

*

his guest, If this mother

morning betimes thou a-foot hast been ?' 895

so

God

knoweth

my

slumbered,

earlyshe ne'er doth wake.'

rest

Then And

the host he he bade

cast

laughed,and he led him where body,

"

he
must

rightwell might take,

"

him

he needs disrobe,tho' unwilling, fairer fruit never

An bare

ermine
I

fair

They

o'er his naked

woman

By weariness
On his other the Then
A

taught to slumber, but

side did he turn
his servants

seldom

throughout the night

'twas middle

900

him, he might well wait the morning light.

ere ever

princehe bade
was

day, knight lay,

clear.

bath, as
roses

meet, make

ready by the couch

"

where

the young

And The

they threw within it And

from
sent

tho' he he

no

call might hear

waters

guest awoke
not

his slumbers, and

but hither,

stepped in the

905

I know

who
sweet

them

maidens

dressed. richly
soft and white,

Lovely and They washed (Nor should

And Thus And

to look on, all courteous

sought the guest.

with their hands him
who
was so

his wounds

and

bound

them

this o'er strange have

seemed

reft of wisdom's

might)
both ease he feltand
nor gladness,

his

they made folly

him

rue"

910

these "ir and

gentlemaidens

they tended

the lad anew.

never a

they spake 'twixt themselves, and he hearkened, yet

say.

word

would

Yet too

earlyhe might

not

deem

for they shone it,

as

second

day,

94

PARZIVAL

i
And
915

beauty itvied with the morning, yet his fairness outshone the twain, For naught to the youth was lackingthat favour and praise might gain.
a

their

Then
An

linen cloth

but the lad he took it ill" they proffered,

he robed
must

himself before the maidens

Perforce

them, their presence should shame him still. leave him, nor longermight linger there
fain have

Tho' in sooth bare.

9ao

they would
the way

questioned lest deeper the wounds

such
is true of
a

he

(For such
Tho'

was

of woman,

and

woman's

will,
work them

scatheless themselves

yet the

sorrow

friend it doth

ill.)

Then

he

strode

to

the

bed, and
it round

he

found

there fresh raiment

so

fine and

white,
With

And
935

him, 'twas of silk and of gold so bright ; hosen of scarlet woollen they drew on the fearless knight,
a

girdlehe bound

In sooth And

they well became

brown

him

who

was

comely in all men's

the ermine

sight.

of

ruddy

well

fashioned, (norlining they thought to spare)

with

Were And
Then
930 With

robe

alike and
were

mantle, and within

without the
a

they decked

fair, both black and grey in sable,

was

hue

gallant youth
so

the mantle he costly

around

his shoulders the

threw,

belt

rich and

girthim found
with
a

waist. graced. anigh,

And

the

of the mantle fastening

golden, clasp was

Then

And And And

'

his mouth
many e'en
saw as a

was

red and

glowing
"

his host he drew

to proud knightfollowed,

greet him

courteously,
a

'twas done

the heroes
so

they spake

with

great

amaze

935

Ne'er

they a
son
*

man

goodly ! '"And
had

all would

the mother

praise
be.

Who

such

to the world

given And
"

in truth and

in courtesy

They spake,
And
And

Whatsoe'er

he asketh

for his service fulfilledshall win

were

favour and

love await him hereafter

saw

if his worth him

none

its meed there who

alway,'
said them
nay.

of those who

940

By his hand
And
the

the host then

took

him, and forth from his chamber

the

led,

princefain would

hear the story how

night hours with him had might wake,

sped,
^

Were

it otherwise, I think well that my mother

me

that
me

I living

scarce

'Twas
Ere
945 For

bade

thus shelter with thee to take

yet from her I had

mercy

Sir

requiteye both, Knight, and kindness,hast thou shown to me

ridden-^May God

nothing loth,'

GURNEMANZ So went
And

9S
and

our

hero witless where

to

God

the host

they 'd sing,

health to the soul

the

prince by the Mass bring.

well of the the Devil rede him
on

would

teach

hiin that which

shall He And would

Offering
"

How who

to

sign himself with the Cross,

for aye
our

thus work

vengeance,

seeketh

loss !

Then And Then Fain Then

Of the

again

to the hall of the castle and

set

the and
'

morning

meal

they came,
fear
or

950

the host
out
am

his guest beside the

him,

he ate without

shame.

spake

prince so courteous, thy

and dwelling,
how

An

it seemeth thou

not art

ill to
come

thee.
to me

I to know

from

whence

'

franklyhe told the story ring and

the

his mother's the

side he

fled,
red.
955

clasp

so

golden,and
asked

winning
'

the harness

And And

the
the

princehe knew
name

the Red

Knight, and
not

his fate it pleased him The Red

ill,
called

of his guest he

but

Knight ' he

him

still.

Then
For

e'en

as

the meal
to his

was

over,

were

they tamed
'

the ways

so

wild,
"

the host hold

not

guest he quoth thus

of

Thou

speakest as doth
turn

child.
960
!
'

Why
An

thy peace

thy mother, and otherwise

my counsel

thy speech ?
I '11teach

thou follow henceforth

far wiser the ways

'

And

thus I

begin,do thou hearken

man,

"

From

true

shame

shalt thou

never

flee,

A As

shameless
a

bethink
ever

thee, what
so

place in the world

doth the fires of Hell for

hath he ?

bird that moulteth hereafter he hath

his honour

fall away.

And

his

portionin

aye.'

965

'

So noble

methinks

thy bearing,a folk's Lord thou

and

well mayst

be

If

and yet higher the lot that awaiteth thee, high be thy birth,
see

Then

that

thy heart hath pity for the

sorrow

poor

needy
who

man

And

thou againsthis fight

wilh free
"

as gifts man

best thou

can.

For a. true

knight must thy

aye

be humble

brave

need

doth

know

970

Full often with shame For him From For shall

and he battles,

sore

is that strife I trow,

help be

ready
favour

"

his brother's need (Who lighteneth

as

Heaven

he winneth
case

rewarding for righteousdeed.)

theirs who
as

Hi sooth his

is harder
succour

than

beggars
shall

stand

'Neath

the window, and hand.*

seeking,for bread

stretch forth the 975

96
'

PARZIVAL shalt learn in

measure fitting

Thou

both rich and

no

poor to be,
"

Who

spendeth as lord
who

at all times

lordlysoul hath he
he winneth

Yet
But

heapeth o'er-much
unto

his treasure

methinks

but shame,

give thou
well
not

each

their

honour, so best shalt thou guard thy "ame.'

hadst
of my

980

'

saw

as

thou earnest ways

hither that thou but

counsel

need

"

Yield
Nor An

unto
so

discourteous

giveto thy bearing heed.

I would
not

be thou
answer

swiftto question"^tt
and
to fitting

that thou

withhold hold.

good
them

the

speech one

with thee would

Thou 985 An

canst
use

hear and

see, I wot

well lull five shalt it draweth

thy senses
an^ar

be,

thou

then wisdom aright,

to thee.'

In

thy wrath
he such counsel

remember
arms

mercy,

and

slaynot

conquered foe, pledge and let him

of heart doth go
;

lie who Unless

An my

to thine

shall

yieldhim
thee

take his
as

illhave

wrought

sorrow

give.
live.'

thou fain wouldst

then in sooth shalt thou let him follow,

990

'

Full oft shalt thou bear and

thy harness

"

When

thy knightlytask is sped

fi-om the rust and

Thy hands
And

face thou shalt cleanse them

the iron red,

For such is in truth thy when maiden's

eyes

duty,so thy face shall be fair and bright,

behold

thee

they shall deem

thee

goodly sight.'

Be

manly and of good courage,

women

so

shalt thou deserve

be to thine
own

thy fame good

true.
can

;
name

995

Hold And
An

in love and

honour, it shall
as

be

ever

steadfast-minded

befitteth

good
much

man

and harm

with lies thou wouldst

love be

fain deceive them

then
renown

thy dealingsdo.

If true And
1000

repaid with falsehood

to all honour

swift shalt the

judgment be.

speedy end
the

and

shall it bring to thee.

As

beneath
the

of the thief the dry stick breaks, stealthy footsteps

And

wakes to his danger swiftly slumbering watcher, startled, and

So false ways Prove

dealingscrooked
true
women

in their wake
have

bring but strife and

thou winnest from

woe

this by true love,for their wiles

can

skill 'gainst the hidden

"

foe,
women

And

outweigh

his

cunning

An

hate,
1005 Then

for

ever

art thou

dishonoured,and shame
counsel
as one

on

thy lifeshall wait*

I tell to thee ;

'

So

take thou and

to heart my

"

And

more

would

Husband

wife united

shall

they ever

be,

98
And Was
1040

PARZIVAL

his

youth had strengthand urged

courage

"

The

beardless

lad and skill was

fair heir
"

spurredby his inborn manhood,

he his chaiger onward
true
on

and

to Gamuret's

Then And
Nor

full swiftly againstthe struck

prone
nor on

foe,too

his spear rang the host's

the four nails, and

high

nor

low,

knight might keep his saddle,but

a

the sward

he

fell,

Of the
Thus
z(M5 And

full many spear-shaft

the force of the blow might telL splinter smitten

ere

"vt of the
the

knights were

victorywas

ride, his,and hereafter fierce strife might he well abide.

to

the host

the Burg would

Then

they who
great
was

his deeds

had

the wise witnessed, valour he had and his shown

men,

they needs

must

say

That
'

the skill and

in the

joustthat
anew

day,

Our

lord may

be free of sorrow,
to wife his
wax

youth it may
shall be

bloom
true.

If he
1050

give him
see

daughter,our
then the

lady so fair and

sorrow

If we The
But

him

in wisdom
sons a

o'erpast
"

death of his
now

shadow

o'er his o'erlong

one

life hath

cast,
for all,
!'

to his door
more

hath ridden shall

who

maketh

amends

And

gladness no

flyhim, but it seeketh his palace hall

Then

homeward

they turned

at

even

when

the

board

for the

feast

was

spread,
1055 And

the he
saw

bade prince the maid

his draw

daughter hither (forso

near

I the tale have

read)

As
'

him

the host to Liass^

a

spake,
his shalt take, lips
I pray this

To

this

knight shalt thou do aU honour, and

Fortune for

kiss from

With

Good

guide he fareth

And

of iMee would

thing.
If token
1060 Yet none

perchanceshe beareth,thou
hath

wilt leave to the maid

her

ring
"

she,nor
from

clasp
"

^Who

should

give her what

what

that forest

princess
ment her rai-

wore?
For

s^

won

the hand

of her husband

thine hand

from

tore,
From

Uass/cdXkst her

' thou take little

"

Then

the lad he must it was red

blush for
as

shame,

On And

lipsdid kiss the maiden, and her mouth

was

flame.

Liass^
a

"ur to look on, and

gentle of heart and pure,

a

Z065 And

herp might well have loved her with

love that should

aye

endure.

Full
At

long and low

was

was

the

nor table,

many

might sit thereat,

his guest

its head

the

and princeso kindly,

by his side he

set

GURNEMANZ Betwixt Most him and

as

99 with snow-white
so

his he

and daughter,

the maiden

hand

carve,

willed, for the Red

Knight,

her fiither would

give

command.
And As

courteous, she did his bidding,and

none

did the twain prevent

^070

shy

glancesrosy-blushing, they each to the other sent !

The For But

He

feast over, the maiden twice

seven

left them, but she bade

not

the guest

'Farewell,*

days

in honour

Parzival with his host did dwell.

'twas
to be
no

within his heart would he he

lay a

sorrow,

other I

ween

than

this,
1075

enough had striven

a

worthy of wedded
must
"

bliss, they shall be

And

thought him

goal so worthy

lead to these

guerdon high
no

Both in this lifeand e'en in the other

lie.

And

words

One And Fresh A

morning for leave he prayed him, from Graharz

his host, sore sprang
of

he fisunwould

ride,

loth to lose

him, awhile rode his steed beside.

as

the fountain grief robbed

"

the

princespake, '
loss
now

I lose

once

more

zo8o

son. Death

of three hath my

me,

thy
my

shall make in

"tkicmfour.
I find

And

threefold it was, and

from

sorrow

^Who bear

heart would

piecessmite

Fourfold

hence

would

them, in the

pain should
three

delight.
One for

thee,since they fell in

thou

ridest from

me,

and doth

three for my

sons

slain

"

Bravely

such battle,

guerdon

knighthood

gain I'

1085

'

And

its end death

is of

sorrow so

woven

"

One

death

all my

joy doth lame.

name

The When
From

of my

son

Schenteflur did they call his gallant, and herself would withhold

Kondwiramur Klamid"
my

the

kingdom king,and Kingron, in her aid did he. lose his life.
as a no

her

with strife

And
Now

heart with the thrust of sorrow,

soon

hedge is it piercM
comfort
from

thro*.

2090

all too ! would

dost thou leave

were

me

since

thee I

drew, bright.

Ah And

Death

here my
so

that maiden portionsince Liassd,

the land I had

deemed

goodly find

no

"vour

in this

thy sight!'

'

My other
a

son. Count
"

Laskoit, by Id^r
third son,

son

of Noit

was

slain

Anent

hawk

Litde

gladness from his death

to

I methinks

might gain
"

X095

Gurzgreidid they call my

As

whom

Mahaut

gave

her

heart.

his wife did he win the maiden

from

her brother

proud EloqUtt.

lOO

PARZIVAL

J
he
there

Gainst And And

For

Brandigan
the
Mahaut

on

venture

for

Schoie-de-la-kurt

'Id his

ride,
hand he

Prince she

Mabonagrein
lost
and her

smote

him,
and his

and

by
my

died.

9000

beauty, yearning

mother,
days
of

wife,
life
were

lay

dead,

thro'

sorrow

bitter

the

her

sped.'

Then And
When

the he
1

guest

saw

his

host's

deep
have and

sorrow

as

he

told the maiden

fair

unto

him

his

woe,

quoth,
win

'

Little

wisdom
fame

I, yet
so

if

ever

day
I

know

knightly
give
told
me

honour,

that

well

may

woo,

9005

Thou

shalt hast the

unto

me

Liass^,

thy
sorrow

daughter
;

so

and

true.

Thou
From

of

o'er-much

if

thy
will

grief
set

may

lift

from
'

thee

load

of

so

sore

burden

gladly

thee

free

Then

leave

from

the

prince

so

kindly

the

young

knight

that

mom

would

pray,
And

from
the

all

his

gallant
in

vassals of

and

he

rode tho'

from

their before
his

land his

away

9010

And
Had

prince,
yet
more,

the
for

game

sorrow,
to

heavy

throw,
grow.

lost

from

threefold

fourfold

grief

must

BOOK

IV

r
KONDWIRAMUR

ARGUMENT

Book
and

iv.

teils
and

how
the

Parzival
folk he wasted

came

to

Pelrap"r,
(amine.

and How and

found

it

besieged

by

sea

land,
his Arthur. Klamidd

by

Queen
sent

Kondwiramur him
and of
to

besought
of of

aid

how
How when

overthrew Parzival
wedded the how and

Kingron,
the

the the

court

King King

Queen
How

wrath

gj

he foemen

heard

tidings.
Klamid"
how of he

the

Burgers
Parzival the

defended
to

Pelrap"r
combat,
Arthur how the
at

against
and
was

their

challenged
came

single

overthrown Of
from the

to

court

of

King
;

Dianasdron. hero

love and

Parzival
went

and search

Kondwiramur
of

and

parted

his

wife,

in

knightly

venture.

BOOK

IV

KONDWIRAMUR

HUS

Panival bear

parted

from

them,

and

courteous

he

now

might

His

knightly

garb, and
fair.

he

knew

them,

the

customs

of

hood knight-

But

alas
too

t he

full

sore

was

troubled
narrow

with the

maily
of

bitter

paiuj

And

the

world

was

close, and

too

width

the

spreading

plain.
And the

greensward
;

he

thought

was

faded, and

his

harness

had

paled

to

white So
the

heart

the

eye

constraineth

and

dimmeth

awhile

the

sight.

For

since
desire he

he

had

waxed
man

less
for the

simple

somewhat in his maiden with

of

his

fiaither's lore, heart and he bore

;

The And How And And

of the

maiden,

wakening
so

thought
her

but love his

of fair she

Liass^, that

true

sweet.
would

never

proffered, yet
might
turn

honour

the

guest
no

greet.

lo

wherever if

horse
or

it he

took
not

in his
to

grief

heed, speed.

slowly it paced

swiftly he

thought

guide

its

Nor

many

field

well-fenced
nor

nor

wayside
had
nor

cross

he with

found

Nor

chariot-wheel the knew rideth

horse-hoof

furrowed wide
"

tracks
ween

the
way,

grotmd

; 15

Untrodden And
*

woodland
not

pathway,
hills and the

was

the ye

he

the

valleys
the

Full lost
axe

oft shall may

ye

hear
find.'

men

say,

Who

astray,

in his

wandering
round he

often
^ees

They
Yet And

lay
tho' thus

here far
was

unnumbered the the road land

him,

if for

ax"

have in
no

in mind.

journeyed
he

yet
rode

he

went

wise

astray.
90

from

of Graharz

through

the

livelong day,

I04 Till he

PARZIVAL the

came

to

kingdom
of mountain rushed

of Brobarz

thro' mountains

wild and

high
"

When Then

the shadows

evening lengthened,and
torrent, and

red flushed the western

sky.
stood.

he

came as

to

the voice of the

raging flood
them

Rang
25 So

clear

its waves

he rode adown
a

by

the waters

foaming round the crags that amid till he came to the cityfair
'twas the who

Which And Great

king had bequeathed to his daughter ;

that tbo' fair the maiden

cityof Pehap"r,
town

I wot

bare ofthat dwelt

land the crown"

in that noble !

and small gladness had they who grief

Like
30 The

an

arrow

that onward

swiftly speedeth from

with
ocean

the bow

by
work

strong
went

arm

bent,

waters
a

rushing on their downward

woven
"

pathway
so

And And
As So

bridgehung high above them

it flowed swift to the

fair, Pelrap"r, fro,

know !
to and

the stream children in

swung

Well-guardedwas

swings delightthem, and swing themselves

the

bridge, youthfulgladness it scarce yet ropeless, standing,with helmets

and thirty, for battle him
to

might

35 And

on

either side
more

were

bound.
him

Of

knightse'en

than

they bade
whom

turn

round.

And

with lifted swords, tho' feeble, -the strife would

the

they gladlywait,
seen
"

They thought 'twas

So
40

King Klamidd
to the

they oft had

voice his
from

of

late.

rode the hero royally thus to the he

bridge o'er the field so wide

with
one

As

youth they shouted, and

he

arms

defied,

Tbo' But

spurred his steed full sharply it shrank

a

the

bridge in fright.
the

ne'er knew

thought of

terror

"

To

the

ground sprang

gallant

knight"
And
Too
45 And

he led his horse

by the bridle where

courage
so

the
a

bridge hung high

strife to dare
I

in

air.

faint

were

coward's his

bitter

well must

he watch

for he feared lest his steed should fall footsteps

"

From

the other side of the water with shield and sword-blade army

the

knights had ceased their call,

within

And
For

gleaming

the town

they passed,

they feared lest an

and followed,

fast. they closed their portals

So

Parzival many he
came

crossed

and the river, of

he rode
must

o'er

grassy

plain guerdon gain ;

50 Where

in search
to the

knighthood

death

for their

And
And But Who

and palace portal,

a

statelythe Burg and high.

there
none

hung
to

there

and he gripped it rightmanfully. ring of iron,

answer,
save

his call made forth from

out

only a maiden
was

bright
of the

looked

her

window, and

'ware

knight. gallant

io6 In
90

PARZIVAL
ye heatken

Triihendingoft shall

the hiss of the the folk

fryingcake,
!

In such

music, methinks,but seldom

I Id mock

might their pleasuretake

I share
^

(And iffor such

For thefe where At home Nor
95

want

them, then in truth

me,

must
me

their
name.

shame,

I oft dismount

where

men

do

Master^

in mine

steal, house,with trouble e'en the mice shall their portion

oft for their food be

I
scarce

joyfult

Nor

need

they the bread conceal, know)

Unhidden,
And

may

find it"Yea,

oft doth it happen so.

ease

I,Wolfram

of

Eschenbach, ofttimes such pleasureand lamentadon, once

may

But

enough of
the

my

more

ye the tale shall hear

How How
100

dty

was

full of sorrow,

and for gladnessthey paid full dear.

must

these
so

heroes,so rich
in

xfi courage,

in need

and

in

scarceness
"

live,
all power

For

did the manhood

bid

them,

to their need

shall ye

pitygive
Hand

For their life stood shall be!"

pledge,might

He

free it in Whose

"

Yet With

more

of their

would grief

I tell ye that ye

mourn

for them

bitterly.
so

shame

their guest did

they welcome, for

they deemed
knew

him

rich and

great
That he craved
estate. not

thro* need

their shelter ; he

naught of their poor

105 On

the grass did trained to the vassab

a

they spread a carpet, where

welomie shadow" 'Neath

linden

was

walled around.
arms

And And When

its boughs

they his

unbound.
trace

they took his

harness

; but other than

theirs his face

rust ;

he in the streamlet

washed

and cleansed it from red it, 'neath the

as

Nay, the sunlight's rays

xxo

were

shamM

glow of his beautybright,

on

And Then And

a a

worthy guest they thought him

mantle
was

they gazed
it was

the

gallant knight.
he

rich

they brought him e'en like

to the robe

bare,

new

the smell of the sable wherewith

garnished fiur. lady true

to the
were

Then And
X15 To

they spake, 'Wilt thou look

the

upon

her, the

queen,

our

?'

knightmade
of light
a

answer

that thing would he gladlydo. straightway, the

the

palacethey came,
should she

and

stairwaysteep and high

when

portal led.

And Of

the

fair fgz"tmet be

him

his

so far footsteps

sped.
that

his eyes

the

sweetness"

There

shone

from

lady

bright
A

radiant

she welcomed glow and dazzling, ere

the stranger

knight

KONDWIRAMUR
^

107

Now Led

Kiot of

Dakes Katelangen and Manfilot,

the

twain,
o'er this land did

hither their brother's

daughter who

as

queen

reign:
away

120

(For the love of God

These
true princes

their and

and sword, had they put harness,shield,

tho* their hair
was

fietir of hct stalwart,

grey.)
red ;
135

Midway adown
And
And
*

the staircase all courteous

the maid

they led,
were

she kissed the she gave him

of the twain gallant hero,and the lips her hand, and adown she led

to the hall, him, Sir Parzival,

And

they sat them

feeble and

togetherin the midst

of the courtiers all

And And Yet Were

faint the

maidens, and the knights who

stood there

around,

vassal alike and

hostess,small joy in their lifethey found.

Kondwiramur,

her

beauty did high o'er all others stand,

Kunnewaard of far Lalande,
130

it Enid, or fair Jeschut^ or

men

Whoe'er Their

had deemed
to the earth
was

the "urest when

they

women's

beauty weighed,

fame
even

smitten tho' of
men

by

the

glance of this royalmaid.

evermore.

Yea, They
^

the twain

Isold^
crown

praisethem
her

must

yieldthe
name

beauty to the lady Kondwiramur. shapely form and "aiir)

had
borne
135

(And her
And
As But

in

our

tongue betokens

well had

they
the

done, the
sat here

mothers, who

such

goodly pair
stood around

these twain who

gaze
on one

together, naught did they who

"

and

the other

Many friends had

I tell ye,
*

our

hero found.

And God The

the

thoughts of the knightwill

me

TAere

Liass6, Liass" here,

"

will free child of

a

from

care

since I

see

here Liass^ that maiden

was

dear

140

father gallant

1 '"-Yet her fairness

naught
no

I wot,

'Gainst her

beauty who
was rose

sat beside

him, in whom
e'en

God
as

wish

forgot.

(The maiden

queen from red

of the

country)Yea,

by morning dew beauty new,

145

Refreshed,the
^
And
To

its calyx forth buddeth

in

is white and whose

together" And
was

courtesy naught
had

to her guest it wrought, grief Gumemanz' side he sought. since lacking

And

his words
spare

from

follyfreed him^ and

needful So he sat
sat

had

bidden

him

questions

Save

only where
never a

they were
his know

"

by

that

lady fair.
beside
"

And
Yet

word who

lipsspake, tho' he
more

close the maid

to those

of

woman

such silence doth oft betide.

150

"

Then
He

the queen deemeth

my

to herself said

' This softly,

man

disdaineth it yet ma^

me.

fairness frided.

Nay, perchance

be

io8 That And

IBS

PARZIVAL in this he is my his hostess in sooth thing he doeth wisely,

am

I,

guest, the firstspeech should

upon
me

be mine
we

assuredly1

Gendy he looks
And Too To
courteous

tho* his

never

word

speak^
;

hath been I yet

bearing,'twere well I^he silence break

since here side

long have

delayed me

by

side
as

we

sit' her fit:

her guest did she turn, the

maiden,

and

she

spake

it seemed

Sir

Knight, it were
I wot

well kiss
me

as as

hostess that the firstwords hostess

a

came

from

me,

xte Since

well my

greetinghath
my

won

from

thee,
me

And Our Now From

thou ofieredst

so thy service,

maiden

hath borne

word,
heard.

guests

scarce

are

wont

to do so, tho' the

I fain had tidings

am

tell me, whence

my

since the tale I guest, I prithee,

come

fain to know, thou

art thou

to my

kingdom, and whither

host away,
sore

yet wouldst

go?'
165
'

Lady,

at

earlymorning
Gumemanz
I

I rode from

my

A brave And From

knight is he and

faithful, yet he sorroweth

do
men

to-day. command,
it*

Prince thence

call

him, in Graharz
came

he holds

to-day have ridden,thence

I unto*this land 1

Then
170

the noble maiden methinks tale, thou in swiftest host

was one

answered, ' Sir Knight, had another told scarcelyfor truth

a

This That

that

I the words
scarce

might hold,
in twain

day hadst ridden

compass, mother's the

journey that

My Thy
175 For

could squire
my

tho' his

charger he spurred amain !

I,must
know.
our

brother ; his which

youthful glow. daughter's

as we

It hath

paledbefore
sad

sorrow

she,e'en

many

days and mournful, with sad eyes

Liass6
"

Ve wept

fill

I, and the maid

Then

Wouldst
man

thou show
woman,

to

thy host goodwill?

our night-tide we

thou shalt with us, shalt

serve

and

this

sorrow

share,
i

Thou

him

thereby ; and

I 'U tell thee the want

perforcemust

bear.'

Then
180

out

spake her uncle Kiot,* Lady,

with

I send

to thee

Twelve And And And And

loaves of

bread,and of shoulders and hams

too
are

do I

give thee three,

I trow,
enow

eightcheeses
my Manfilot

them, and
I send

two

casks of wine

he too shall aid brother,

thee,of such aid hast thou need

thee the self-same fare.'
no

!'

spake,'Yea, Lady,
she
sat

the maiden spare.

in

gladness,and

of thanks

she

word

would

KONDWIRAMUR Then To leave

109

they craved from their lady,and forth would

was

the old

men

ride

185

their

that hunting-hocise

nigh there

"

But

the cell where

they would

abide.
Was And in

Alpine wilds
a

so

there unarmed lonely, them with tumult

did
or

they dwell afar,

war.

never

foeman

vexed

strifeof

And No And Then With

the messenger

and the feinting folk sped full swiftly,

was ere

were

fed.
190

Burger within the citybut

many
were

lackinglor other bread,

food for their need
was

dead

of

hunger
them

found.

the queen

she bade

share it to the feeble folk around,

the cheese, the

a

Scarce

morsel

was

and the red wine, as Parrival counsel gave, flesh, the queen and her guest so brave. left, yet they shared it,

And
Nor

the swiftly
were

store

had

vanished,tho'
couch make

to many

who

yet might live,

195

slain

by cruel hunger this

them
a

succour

fresh life might

give.
'twas

Then

they bade bed,

ready for the guest, and hunting methinks

the

soft his

(Had the Burgers been hawks

As their scanty board the marks bare Bare of bitter

for the

they were
and

not

o'er-fed

witness)yea, the folk there,one gallantParzival. lay him down

brave so light

all,
200

hunger, save

Then
Do

leave he

he would prayed of his hostess,

to rest
a

ye think that for tapers

were

straw-wispsmust
me

guest ?

Nay, better
To Nor Then
And
a

they

I think

; he betook

him, the hero fair, there.

205

bed

so

rich and

a king stately a

well

might slumber

of poverty bare it token, and he

carpet before it lay.

nor

prayed

the

knights to him,
woke

go

hence,

longer there delay.

that

noble lads un-shod

and

straightwayhe fellasleep.
him, and
tears

Till the cry of heart-sorrow

brighteyes should weep.

This For

chanced
pure
wais

e'en

as

I will tell ye ;

no

woman's

law she brake.

she aye, the maiden of

war

of whom

this venture
her

spake. champion true,

210

Long
So

stress

constrained
sorrow

her, and the death of

that sleep from her

heavy her heart with

urgeth
she silken

eyelidsflew.

So she went, this

As But A
a

royallady,(but never
to crave

such love to claim

a

gentlemaiden

of

wift the name)

a a

coimsel,tho' clad in sought help and friendly

she wakeneth shift, (strife who doth thus to

warlike gear,
man

215

draw

near.)

no

PARZIVAL the maiden she went

as

And

she

wrapped around
were

her

mantle
sorrow

of samite and

long.

And

her steps

guided by
who

bitter wrong.

Her

maidens

and

waitingwomen

lay there around them,

her bed

She leftthem To And To But

^5
a

and slumbering softly,

as

with noiseless

footsteps sped lightof day.

chamber, there,e'en
around his couch she turned her

she bade

Parrival all lonelylay, the

the tapers burnt

as bright

his bed
no

and she knelt low his couch before. footsteps,

the heart of either bore.
was

thought of love unlawftil

was

Of

joy bereft

the

maiden, his help she

fain to

claim,

If awhile

they lay there togetherit brought unto

neither shame.

So bitterthe maiden^
On

sorrow

that there fellfull many thro' his slumbers the

tear

and her Parzival,

And
"30 And

weeping waking, he looked upon her,and sorrow and joy he felt, he rose up, the youthful hero, as the maiden before him knelt.
he

knight might hear.

And To

spake

to the queen,
never

Say, Lady, wilt thou

methinks

now

make

mock

of

me

God

and only,

to mortal
or

shouldst thou bow

I pray
me

the knee.

But rise thou and down Lay thyself

^55 But

sit beside me, where I

was

grant

me

this grace.
some

I lying,

will seek

other

place! '

she

* spake, ThyselfyrAX. thou honour, and

show

honour down

alike to me,

And Then

by

never

touch wilt shame his

me,

I will e'en

lay me

by thee.'
as

the

knighthe spake by
on

knighthood he would
the maiden

e'en do

he should

say. So down the bed beside him in peace

lay.
cock did

Tho'

well

sped

were

the hours

of the

no night-time

they hear

to

crow,
a4o

for the "amine had leftthemsa Empty and bare the perches, Then the

maiden, grievingsorely,prayed sleepan

I teU

him

courteous

her

plaintto

hear,
'Twill rob thee of the

thee,and work
his

to thee illI fear.

My King Klamidd, Kingron seneschal, My castles and lands have wasted,yea, all but this citadel
and
945 In

foeman

My father, King Tampentare,by his death and need so deadly, of all hope am peril
and

me, I

poor

orphan, left

reft. well-nigh poor.

no more.

Kinsmen

princes many,

and

both rich and vassals,

me now

Yea,

mighty army

served me, but they serve

KONDWIRAMUR
One Alas

half, nay, fax

! whmce
sore

more

I think me,

in defence
or

of my

land

are

slain,
^5"

shall I, poor maiden, strait do I find me,

and I
am

gladness or

succour

gain?
will

In such

ready myself to kill yieldto Klamidd's

was

Ere

my

maidenhood

this

body

His wife he is fain to make

me,

yet his

the hand
was

that slew and true,

^55

My
And Who

the hero, whose Knight Schenteflur, the flower

was was

heart

both brave
he ne'er

he of all manhood, falsehood

unto

might know,
woe.'

brother

Liass6, and she

too

shall share my

But

e'en

as

she named would

a

Liass^ then

sorrow

awoke his

anew so high and true. spirit,

In his heart who

and "ain do service,

Sank,
Yet he
'

as

sinketh

hill to the
*

at the thought ofthat maiden valley,

dear

spake

to the queen,

Say, Lady,
me

how of

best may

serve

thee here ? '

;

260

Sir

Knight
the lord

an

thou couldst but rid

my

Kingron the seneschal

before him
fell

In

knightlyjoustof
shall

warriors full many

With His

morning again he cometh, and he thinketh that free from harm

soon

lie, my
below

husband, in the clasp of my

thou them

arm. circling

My

Burg

hast thou
to

seen, and

knowest will-1

how

its towers lofty

and

high,

^5

Yet down
Ere

the moat

fling myselfjoyfully.
me

of maidenhood better may

King Klamid^

shall rob

againstmy

will.
still! '

If

no

be, then by dying, his boasting I yet may

or

Then
From

he

quoth. Lady, French

my

Breton,of what country soe'er he be, thee,with what

she her
man

Kingron
me.'

hand

shall shield

power

may

be

given to

370

The

night was
she wise

spent, with the dawning the queen

from thanks would
no

arose

again.

Lowly she bent before him, nor

Then Tho* he

lipsrestrain. might be
aware,

passed from the chamber

were

and softly,

of her errand, save else,

only the knight so fair.

swift to
smote
on

Nor And

Parzival

longer slumbered, for the

the bells

sun

was

rise,
his wakened and eyes minster
;

275

it piercedthro' the clouds of he heard

sweet

morning, and chiming, as

And

the folk church

sought.
For Klamid^ their

joy had banished, and their land in knight also

his
; the
was chaplain

sore

peril brought place face,

aSo

Then

up

rose

the young
to God

in his

And

he sang

and

lady ; and the guestsaw

the maiden's

113

PARZIVAL
he

And Then A

gazed tillthe Mass

them
to

was

ended, and the benediction

soon was armour him, in gallant

o'er.
once

he bade

bringhis harness,and
anny

he anned

moxe,

good knight and strong they deemed

on came

fair.

Then

Klamid^'s
came

with banners

borne

high in air.

985 And

Kingron, he
so

full swiftly, he

sped for before the force,

of

And,
And And

hath the story told me, before the and the

of Iserterre's land his horse.

son

there waited the prayers

set

portalthe

King Gamuret,
on

hopes of the townsfolk

the

youthful knightwere

"

Nor
990 And

with sword
so

he

ere

this had

striven

"

^From

afar did he aim

his

stroke,

And And

in the meeting the gear of both chargersbroke. joust, and each steed to itsknees was burst asunder, their girths were brought. swift his the heroes who

yet bestrode them

of their swords

must

they needs take

thought ;
In their scabbards

did

they find them

I wot

"

^And
me

alreadydid Kingron bear

was

Wounds
995 For

in

arm

and

and breast, him

that loss

his

there. portion had been his

this

joust brought

loss of the

glory

that methinks

alway
Till he met And Who with this knight, and
men

their

was meeting,of his pride

the

dying day.

valiant did rode in

one

account

him,

six

had knights
was

he prostrate laid

field againsthim, yet here

By Parzival's righthand
3Po

repaid and Kingron the seneschal valiant,

his
"

he well

Thought strange
Cast forth from For And What
a a

was

indeed

for peril, Other

stones

surelyon him fell wrought his overthrow.

laid him

mighty engine
clean thro' his
one a

arms

sword

clave

helmet,and Pandval

he knelt with he ne'er to he

knee

upon

low, him, and he bade him forthwith to give

live. had and

foe had
to be his

he fain would an given,his pledge,

905 But But

thought not
him

captor who
to Graharz

vanquished him
his

here in
to

field, yield.

he bade

ride hence

pledge to its lord

Nay, Sir Knight,thou hadst better slayme, 'twa(s I who

my
won

slew his son, from God hast

Twas

hand

of lifethat robbed

him, Sdientefiur"

Thou

Great

honour,

yea,

men

shall

that thou here hast praisethee for the strength

shown,
310

Of

sooth

art thou

and Good here the victor,

Fortune

shall be thine own.'

114 Who But

345 A

PARZIVAL had
now

won

him

fome

so

mighty
two

o'er

Kingron the
might be
their

seneschal
seen

"

from

the castle bulwarks

to the haven

sails

bjrall,
needs make

strong wind

broughtthem, and

lading must

glad
The

folk, they bare naught but victuals, God's guidance they surelyhad
"

Then The With

350

they rushed adown

flesh

from the ramparts, and leaves

swift to the
are

shipsthey fled.
they,
their way.

hungxy crowd, for the booty,as

they were
not

by the wind
wasted and

sped:
were

so overweighted,

thin

Nor The

but bending they went they strutted with well-filled belly,

queen'smarshal
he bade them

he

sware

the

shipmen,by the doom

should touch

of the

hempen cord, lay aboard.

Safe conduct Then And

355 And

for lifeand

none lading,

that which

to lead these merchants

straightwayinto the town.

down,
such pay ;

Parxival for their

ladingthe double he paid them

took

gladlythe merchants
the

for princelythey deemed it, viands

to their fires did

And

Burgers these welcome

way. they bear straight-

Now Wine

fain would and

I there take

no service,
"

man

of them

all drank
as

beer,
shall

food had

they there in plenty ^Then he did

he shared
so

you

now

hear,

the gallant hero, for firstin portions Parzival, small, 3^ With his
even own

righthand

out

the viands

among

them

all.

Yea,
He

unto

the nobles ;

long had they lacked for bread.

evil if perchance

feared it had wrought them

one

they were

over-fed. it right,

But to each And

more

he gave

his

and his counsel they deemed portion, from the hand nightfall of this

should

they win

ere

knight gallant

5^5 To

their

marriage couch
"

they bade
courteous

them, 'twas the will*both of king and

he bare
now,

queen Yet He In

throughout the night so

had little

him, in truth I

ween,

pleased those ladies who

in these latter
a

days.
the

heat forgetall that should win for passion's

woman

praise; lie,

ThoT modest
370 And

they seem

to

strangers, yet their heart gives their mien sorrow

to their

their tenderness tfie steadfast well knoweth he

worketh

friend,tho* in
at every

secrecy.

But

knight and faithful guards himself

to spare
a woman
'

hour,

And For

an

she chanceth
many
a

within his power.

and thinketh truly, For thinketh,

lonelyyear

For her favours I served this

lady ;

now,

behold,the day is here

KONDWIRAMUR ha: will is to reward

I touched I vantage
we

115 twain do lie

I
were

When Had An

me,

and

here

we

"

375

with bare hand

her vestttre
to

blest to
I seem,

! eternity

take of her slumbers

were

myself untrue
did I waken shall
own

Methinks For Thus

a

both dishonoured

her from

her dream,

woman's

sleepis holy,and all men

ne'er had feared

its sway.'
dawn

the

Walds, who

him, lay stilltillthe

maiden

of

day.

3^

Thus Yet And As

he whom

men

called the Red in the

Knight,a
she bound And he

he left the queen.

surelyshe deemed

morning his wife she o'er nighthad been.

with the
won

for love of her lord her

matrons
are

tresses

morning light bride,

3B5

wont

to bind

them. from

knight, him, the gallant

did the twain abide.

Castles and

lands around
was ere

them

the hand

of his maiden

But her h^art

this his

guerdon, and in peace

two

Thus And Then That And Yet

glad in their love they held them

often he he
man

fell. days tillthe third nigl^t

it would

thought might
wife should

he take her to himself

pleasehim well. spake of yore,

his soul
no

and how Gumemanz thought of his mother's counsel, and

as

cnehe, and the doubt vexed

him
"

more,

390

his wife did he take unto

ever new

to

old. to these twain brought joy untold. lovers,

Love's
custom
ever

'Twas
As

with them^" Now not evil, well,

must might to battle,

hear how

their the'king,

foe,

he rode in his
a

of evil know. tidings his spurs with blood

;

'Twas
*

squirewho Pelrap"r on

fain had

told

them, all crimson

have

395

Before
a

the meadow

they foughten those heibes good,

take his way.
the

'Twas

bitter strifeand

knightly; thy seneschal fellthat day,

to

Kingron,who
As

led thine army,

King Arthur

must

he in

departingbade them
shalt thou
a

lies the army

upon

plain.
but

Pebap"r
There

find well

and thine armies twain,400 guarded 'gainst thyself

he
crave

within is

gallant hero, and naught doth

a rumour

strife ;

In the camp

of thy hired soldiers is many the

rife,

They
To

say

from

good

Round

Table

cometh

Ither of Cumberland

help of the queen, and knightlyand valiant methinks his hand ! his deeds shall blame, and no man that rode forth for jousting, 'Twas his arms
the
In such wise hath he borne

405

his

armour

as

winneth

him

meed

of fame.'

' Quoth the king to the squire, My lady,the queen, she desireth And she and her land so goodly I trow shall my portionbe.

me,

Ii6

PARZIVAL

And
4ZO

Kingitm the seneschal

famine doth

told me,

and

suielythe truth he spake,

and peace they ere long most plague the city, make, And the queen she her love shall proffer' His wrath must the squire abide. Then the king and his host passed onward, and a knightdid toward them ride,
"

That

And And

he the

and told them spared not his horse but spurred it,

the self-same

tale,

king deemed

the loss

and courage o'er-heavy,

and

joy must

UaL

4x5 Then

a never

princespake from
he

out

the army,

Yet Now
Two

fought for
to death

our

manhood, he Why
*

Kingron hath valour shown, foughtfor himself alone.

they be
cast

Tho^

let him

be stricken" and the army

then should

down, fate,
hear,

hosts,this
he bade

one,

that lieth before the town Once

more

?'
our

Then
490

his lord take courage,

will

we

try

Let them We With

Down For
so

loolcto their arms,

an

the conflict shall be for their

strengthtoo great,

will make banners

end of their

gladness ! Bid thy vassals and kinsmen

to the town

twain
we

before them ride upon them of

on

shall

they draw
we us

anear

the hill will shall

we

them, but afoot

must
on

storm

the gate.

work

shall and victory evil,

wait.' gave.

435

Galogandres, the Duke

And And And
sorrow

Gippones,it was
the

who

this counsel
was

he

brought

Burgers
dead

"

^but slain
a

this hero

brave,
shore,

slain, too, the brave Count

many

Narant,
from

princefrom

Uckerland's

another

hero whom

the field they bore.

Now
430

hear

ye another wood
was

story, how

the

Burgers would

guard their wall.

made fast

Strong stakes of

sharp-pointed they made

and wrought the besiegers)

fast in tree-trunks tall ; the trunks

were

(Sore pain thus

that
To
a

day by wheel
was

rope that

guided, so they guarded their walls alway.

ere

And
To
435

all this had avenge

they done and tested Kingron

"

Klamidd
come

would
to

storm

the gate

the fall of

There

had

their land of late

a

Greek And And

No

for the ships had brought itthat of food brought fire,

it burnt

goodly store,
;

of the foe the weapons, tortoise in vain for

and

the

engines of

deadly war

battering-ramor
weapon

the walls 'gainst

was

were

wheeled. yield1 ground,

had

they

onslaught but

forced to the flame to

"

Now
440

Kingron the seneschal journeyed tillhe hunting-house in Briziljan King Arthur

did his surety to the maid Karmin6l

came

on

to Breton

In his And

at last he

found.
he

he fought, they call it-"As 'fore Pelrap"r of Lalande

So at Parzival'sword

brought.

KONDWIRAMUR
And

117

glad was
men came.

hit Kunnewaare there knew

as

he that,faithful, the Red

mourned

her shame

Whom

Knight, and

this

knightat

his

bidding

And And Then And And Thou If

soon

were

the wondrous

amid the courtiers spread, tidings

f

445

he stood there before he

knight ill-sped. King Arthur, a gallant

vassals in such wise
as

spake unto him and his

was

he needs

must

speak,

Kay
he

with terror
*

and crimson smitten,

it grew,
a

his cheek. Breton

in

spake,

Is it thou, O

Kingron?
with

Ah

! many

knight.
450

seneschal

of

Klamid^ thy hand

me are

hath overthrown

! fight

thy

captor ne'er look upon

to

thine office favour,

high I,
!'

Shall turn Of

thy good

; we

rulers of the

caldron,both thou and

me

thy

wisdom

and skill do thou aid me,

to win cates

the favour

fair

Of this maiden

Kunnewaard,

and

sweet

for her board

prepare

Nor What To

they asked from him other

had

ransom

"

Now

leave

we

that tale and

to

hear
near,

455

passed since
the

we

left the story"

So the host
a

the town

drew

Pelrap"rcame

King Klamidd, and

with the outer, and and
courage,

bitter strife arose.

were

The
Fresh

inner host strove

in sooth

foes, they gallant

his shield.
so

strength had they won

he swung
the

and

bravelythey held the field ;

he bare

And And And For

lord of the country, in the vanguard Parzival, aloft his weapon,

thro' the hekn him

4^

clave
a

the blade

keen, thro',
the hero

knights he o'erthrew before

the corslet

found

bitter death

I ween,

where there,

opened, the Burgers they piercedthem

"

In such

wise would

they take their vengeance

this wrought

to grief

true. And
But

he forbade them, and they ceased Parzival,

of

at their lord's

command,

4^5

living knights full twenty

marked

were

captiveunto
the

their hand.

Yet

Parzival well had

not

it how

king and his bravest knights

out

Sought
Then

fame

before the

but far portals, the hero the monarch

a

in the

plainwould
aloft

fight ;
470

forth

by

path untrodden
where

circuit made.

And

he charged swiftly
see

his banner
of the

displayed.
.

And,
And And

! there

mighty slaughterthe guard

hewn
in the pieces,

king befell,
well.

the shields

they were

Burgers they fought so

and the

Parzival's shield had keen

;

vanished

'fore the blows

sword-blades

And

tho' little his skill rejoiced them, yet all who

the strife had

seen.

ii8

PARZIVAL but to
how

475

They spoke
And Then Klamidd

his praise
to wake

valour"

Galogandies the standard

his army

bare,

(Well he knew
he bade

their courage

1) but dead lay the hero there.

stress
on

himself stood in them

and great peril,

lay ;
won

withdraw, for the valour of the Burgers had

their well captives
on

the

day.

But

Parzival, gallanthero,bade them

of the third the young

treat

480 Till the dawn Then

^

day'smorning, and fear

I send
ye, then
as

his foemen

felL
go free
to me
"

bade the knightson their oath host,proud and joyful, the word wend
your way

Good

when friends, swords did and

back
must

!'

Their

their

goodly harness

prisoners they needs

on

yield;

Unarmed

they fore from the cityto the host

the outer

field.

485

'

For

sooth,' spake their comrades

mocking, 'from

wine

must

ye needs

be

red,
Poor
'

souls,since within the cityye have hungered for lack

! nay ! ye may
a

of bread

!'

Nay

spare your year

so spake they,the pity,'

heroes

good,
the fairest

'

If ye lie here

whole

within longer,

is such store ! And

of

food,
hath

That

by them knight
her may the

might ye well be nourished

the queen

490 For

husband, that e'er won

well be of

or knighthood,

carried
no

shield in
'

fight.

He And

for he lacketh lineage, lofty

must

knightlyskill I
did

king needs

hear the

and tidings,

in sooth

they please him

ill,
And heralds he sent whom
to the

and he bade them city,

this

challengebear wide.

To him
495 And

the queen

had

wedded,

If this

knight the strife shall dare,

so

the queen defend in

doth hold him

and her lands worthy herself,

may
our

To

singlecombat, then in peace

hosts

abide ! '

And And
'

Parzival he his heart

I
was

was

at joyful

the message
; and

the heralds bare,

out
no man or

fain for the combat upon for my and mine

honour

spake

the hero

fair,

Now

pledge me

that

within this wall fall !' that

500 Shall lifthis hand

a/i^i"^will I stand peril,

So betwixt the moat And

those

the meadow

truce
as

did

they swear
for the

day,

smiths of battle armed

them

meet

coming fray.

On Twas

gallantwar-horse

arm^d
This

sat the

King of Brandigan,
a

hightGuverjon"

charger with many

gallant man,

KONDWIRAMUR And Of And

119
505

many

goodly present, from

Narant thousand
true
to

Gringorz his nephew, king

the north o'er the

Ipotentedid Count
therewith
were a

from

deep
no

seas

bring. they ; good their

his helm

footmen,well armed
the third year the

save

shield had made

(Ifthe tale speaketh

pay.)
And

king

had

Gringorz head,
skilled

sent

him

knights "ve hundred, each

; with

one

with

on

And And

were

they all in battle mighty

of army,

Klamidd

th^ hither sped.

and

510

thus had

the

alike both

by

sea

land,
its folk withstand !

Encirclec^ the town

and great need Pelrap"r,

must

Forth

rode Parzival from

the

cityto the field that should him,

the child of

aye

declare

If 'twas God's

will his wife to leave

King Tampent"re. flight,

so

Proudly he rode,yet he spurred not his steed

And
And 'twas armed

to its swktest
a

S^S

for

need, and its covering was

it
"

samite of red fair

bright.

the iron

lay beneath

And

the

hero himself shone

In his harness And With And Klamid^

and the shield that he proudlybare. red,red his corslet,

began the conflict

"

A short spear of wood

the

unwrought.
520

that would

he fellhis forth and

a

foeman, and
and swiftly,

joustfrom afar he sought ;

Gnveijorzsprang
those heroes
never a

the

joustit was
from
a

ridden

well

By
And And

young
or

beardless,nor

one

his saddle

fell. gallant

horse
rose

rider had

foughten
the

better

fight ;
which
sat each

the steam

in clouds

from

chargers

on

knight,
And fierce and the that the horses,out-wearied with conflict sore, fight
5^5

so

was

Stumbled And

felltogether, in sooth could

they do

no

more.

firefrom joyful they smote, the heroes, till time had

the helm

must

spring. bring ;
tossed gn

Small And

they there for

were

but zeal to their task must leisure,

the shields

hewn

in

and pieces,

the

splinters fly.

were

high,
As shuttlecocks

gailysmitten
son was

to the winds

of heaven
a

530

Yet Gamuret's
Tho'

unwearied, and
that the foemen

never

limb did ache,

truce

Klamid^ he bade

deemed

from the citythe

would

break.

Then And

his fellow-foeman of the

to look to his honour

well.
on

stay the hand

for the blows heavy slingers,

an

him

fell
535

As of stones
^

shot forth from

art thou

engine
"

But Parzival made

reply,

Nay, safe

firom the

slingers, my word

is thy surety,

I20

PARZIVAL
hast

Thou

peace from

mine

hand, and
safe

swear

thee

that

never

shall sling

break

Heady

or

thou breast,or thigh,

art

here,were

it but for mine

honour's

sake!'

All too
540 Who

soon

was

Klamid^

wearied
was

and

spent with the deadly fight,

be
seen

was

and who victor,

on

ere long might vanquished,

aright, alow,
flow
;

And And

they looked
Parzival's

the King

Klamid^,

on

the grass

was

he laid

righthand
the
ears

forth streamed gripped him till

the crimson

Of blood from And

545 The

and

and the nostrils,

green

turf

was

dyed with red

his head,

his foeman

unbound

the helmet face the

and visor, and

bared

vanquished would
free wife for aye from

death-blow,and
!

the victor

spake,
*

'

Here

My

thy wooing

Learn

thou what

Death

may

be

!'

Nay

! nay

! thou

doth thy glory grow gallanthero,thirty-fold hath shown

Thro' the valour thine hand

me

here, since in strifethou hast laid

low. dost thoii look for ? hath smiled upon

now

What
550 That

higher fame
Good land

Kondwiramur

sure am

shall say

Fortune
hast thou

thee, whilst
As when
one
a

Misfortune's

prey/

Thy
Doth
So Are
555 From

delivered

"

leakingboat
waves

free from

the load of water, that it light o*er the I of honour !

may

float,

am lightened

Manly

honour

and

joy
now

I trow ? be

waxen

thin and

faded, what

to slay me profit

children and do
a more

children's children mine

were

heritage shall
For
ever me

shame.
won

To And Who

here

methinks
is my

needless

"

joy

thou

hast

and

fame.

livingdeath

since portion,

for

from both

herT

part,
and

fast in love's

magic fetters hath held

hath

mind wretched

heart,
am

Little good it forsooth 5^ And this land

and

brought

me,

ah 1 most in

henceforth
'

I,

its lovelylady for aye

thy power

shall lie !

Now How

he who
mercy he

was

here

the victor

on

Gurnemanz'
who
;

counsel manhood
to the

thought,
had valiant

should

well beseem the rede

him

with

fought.,

And
*

thought him

to follow

and

thus

king
1'
me

he

spake,

I free thee not, to the father of Liass^ submission

make

5^5

'twas thro' Nay, Sir Knight, I have wrought him evil,

that his

son

was

slain,
An

ill-fatewouldst

thou

bring upon

me

The

hand

of thy queen

to

gain.

laa

PARZIVAL in sooth of lie I tellye when

l say that this

And
600

no

plainso good

wood. than the trees in Spessart's a greater number tent-poles For 'twas ever the wont of King Arthur the high feast of Pentecost Bare To and of maidens keep with his knightsand vassals,
were a

goodly host
the field ; all the

There With

many
of
arms

noble banner, and

many

warlike shield stood adown

coat

emblazoned, and
a

fair tents

^S

Twould

be
gear

thought of the world

marvel, who should make

travelling
m

For such wondrous And If no Came

610

host of ladies
never a

as

those that

were

gathered here I
it to her shame
her

I think

me

that

maiden

but had counted her she

knight mid the knightsaround

I

might

as

lover claim !

such youthful an myself to such gathering, knights were wife beside

come me

there,
"

were

loth if my

thro' such tumult

were

fain to fare

(Nay, when
May be
*

folk thus

togetherfar liefer were

unto

away)
would
say"

one

might speak
was

her,and
heal him.

some

such words

With

love of her

he

and smitten,

ne'er

might

he healingknow
were

Save

that she herself should

Yea, an but her will

her his whole flee from
to

so,
^

615 Her
I were

knightwould
with swift,

he be for ever, to
my

serve

lifelong'

wife beside me,

such foolish

throng!

Yet

enough of myself have I spoken Now hear how King Arthur's Might be known apart from the others ; before it on gladness bent
"

tent

He
690

the king,with his feasted, with many

a

vassals

whose

hearts

never

falsehood

knew,

And

maiddi, whose stately

thoughts aye
to his aid

to

flew, jousting

As if with darts And

and their friend they sported, words

the foe would aim. 'gainst

if illbefell their hero with sweet

they came.

Then

the

youthfulKing Klamid^
and

in the

ring would

he bridle draw
saw,

His steel-clad limbs and

charger the wife of King Arthur they saw

him small need

^
I
I here to
on

^5

His helmet So So he
came

good shield cloven her maidens

court, (who had
from his
sent

rightwell"
have

to the

tell.)

sprang hand

he

adown

charger,and
he

they thronged him

either

Ere

he

came

where

she sat whom

Kunnewaar6 soughtfor,

of foir Lalande.

And

he

spake, ' Art thou she,O Lady, to whom

doth in part constrain

owe

service fiur?

630 (Yet need

me) from the Red

Knight

greetingbear,

KONDWIRAMUR him the shame

mourn

123 that Thou

my

He He

willeth to take upon prays that

my

thy lot hath been

wast

King Arthur
to death

it
"

smitten

for him
me.

I ween^i

Here, Lady,
Else my

pledge I bring thee, so

were

victor hath
as

bidden

body

forfeit
"

I will do here

pleaseththee 1'
635

Then Where And

the maiden

Kunnewaard
was

by his hand
she seated,
as

led the

knight gallant bright;

hear,
but
must

Queen Guinevere Kay

uprose

ate with her maidens

from

the table

the

he neods tidings
to

They brought gladness to Kunnewaar^, but

fear.

Kay had

they wrought

And He
I

he

quoth, ' What

to teach

he

Lady, speaketh,
I think
me

who

thus unto

thee hath

sped
!

speaketh perforce, yet

bid thou this

he

hath been misled greatly

cause

640
!

thought but

thee better" yet for this

thou hatest

me

Now

knight disarm

him,

for his

standing o'er-longshall be.'

Then And And And

she e'en

bade
as

him

put off his helmet

were

and

the maiden visor, the

true.

the bands

loosened

Klamid^
saw

king they knew, again,

amain. 645

Kingron he looked
he wrung
his hands

upon

him, and he

his lord

in his

anguish tillas dry twigs they cracked

he sprung

Then And For

No

the seneschal he asked he

roan

of

Klamidd, from the table

; I have

straightway.
day.
lost.

of his lord the

*

was tidings ; and joyless

he that
a

spake,
that

am

bom

to sorrow

lost such shall

upon
more

gallant host.
have

was

bom

of woman, bitter
sorrow

I think

me

650

And And And

the load of such

lieth

heavy

my

breast,
I
"

joy is to
grey
am sorrow

me

stranger, and
for the

gladness a fleeting guest

I grown

anguish she hath wrought me, Kondwiramur,

evermore

Yea, the
Must What If
so

of Pontius

and false Judas who Pilate,

who grievefor his faithlessdealings, of

did Christ unto that

woe

death
I bear

betray, alway
"

655

punishment God
held

layethon them
were

would

be that the mine chance

arms

Lady of Brobarz
her

my

wife of

goodwilland free,
what hereafter should

And

fast,I had

recked

not

to me.

But, alas ! for her love is withholden

And Mine And
my

from

the raler of Iserterre,

sorrow

land and

my

folk henceforward

for her sake shall

bear.

660

uncle's son,

Mabonagrein,
constraint

for her love in

long hath suffered I,O king,draw

pain ;
rein !

by

hand knightly

thy court

124

PARZIVAL well dost thou know in my

And

kingdom

much

hann

have

I done
set me

to

thee.

from thy hate do thou true knight and faithful, Forget that,

free

^5

Since here I Since

abide,a captive ^And this maiden

"

my
my

lifeshall

shield.
would

I stand

in her

her servant, and sight,

pledge to her hand

he would

yield!'
Then And of heart King knightly Arthur

forgavehim

as

pray,

with foithfiil words, and

showed kindly,

ftivour to him

that

day.

Far and ^ Rode Then

'

wide did

how they tellthe tidings

man

the

King of Brandigan

hither,and
the

Commend

throngingcrowds they ran. mien, king he would crave a comrade, and he spake out with joyless ! if Sir thou O deemest unto worth, me me Queen Gawain,
that he would desire the and if he thy word obey, it, Red
at his hand Knight shall win praise

and

maiden

in

Well

I know

Then

he honoureth

thee,and
he bade

to-day.'
^5 Then

King Arthur
wot

(Tho' I
And
From

king, nephew deal well with the captive this had done without Sir Gawsun his thing.) well, bidding.
falsehood had part no dealings
won a or

his

the

conquered knight,in whose

heroes gallant

share.

the vassals and

welcome

both fitand

fair.

Then
68o

Kingron he spake in day

when

sorrow,

Alas

! tnat

I needs
a
a

must

see

The For Hath

in Breton thou than

dwellingsmy

king shall

captivebe

richer wert
served

Arthur,and of vassals

greater host thou make

thee, nor

strengthwas
honour

and of youth canst lacking,

thy boast.
Shall
A
men

count

it to Arthur's

that Kay

in his wrath
to choose

did smite

whose princess smile upon

to tree

heart hath shown

one

her the wisdom

all
men

aright, proclaim

685 And
Elect The Dead
Nor

whom

henceforward and
crown

may

with truth

the

highesthonour
these

of true
may

knightlyfame ?
to

of their ^me

Bretons
I wot

deem

have deed

waxen

high ;
die !

layCumberland's
the fame

king,but

well he

by

no

of theirs must

shall be theirs that,my

master, thou

didst

same yieldto that self-

knight,
690 Or And that I
the
; myself have been vanquishedin fair and open fight

sparkssprang
death
we

bright from
and battled,

our

helmets, and

our

swords

clave the

air whistling
As for lifeand
men

looked

on

our

combat

fair.'

KONDWIKAMUR

125

Then With But Where And

all at
one

the

good spake
leave

Round that their

as

Table, both Kay

did

rich

and
a

poor

alike,
he

voice will
we

evil when and

;

maiden
unto

thought

to

strike. ^5

now

story,
monarch

fare the

back
waste

Pelrap"r
were

Parzival

reigned
lot and

lands

builded

fair.

joy

was

their

singing, (and red city where

men

gold and
he

jewels bright reigned

in

King
Then
New

Tampent"re
rich

left in the
gave

awhile him

had

might)
and free
; 700

gifts he
and
a

till

loved the did in and

for his of his

knightly hand
should ride.

shields many e'6n

hero
on on

costly

banners

pride
he

land heroes he

be,

And And That That

joust and
the

Tourney
borders

andliis

distant and
or

gallant deeds
no

vied,
e'ef

young

dauntless,
in

foeman hand
won

might
the

deny

battle-field

Tourney

his

victory.

And
As Her For And

now

of the

queen

would
? In

I tell ye

"

What

lot had

might

ye

hold share.

so

fair

705

hers, that
love the
each
as

gentle lady
bud and lord

earth's
nor

joys

she

fullest
nor

it

might

blossom,
and husband the

weakness her
heart

wavering might
the each

show.
iail to love. heart
move

worth

of her their

scarce

know.

found
the

life in
were

other, and
what

each

was

other's
true

I^
And

saith I he
mourn

tale, they
for that
love

parted,
her

grief
her freed

must

! 710

gentle lady,
the

body,
he

folk, her
with

land,

(So

won

of her

guerdon)

had

his strong

right hand.

Thus
*

courteous
an

he
so

spake

one

moming(and
me

theknights
that
her I hence

stood
may woe,

their ride

lord

beside),

Lady,
see

it how

please thee, give

mother

leave
be

And
For

my

fareth,
befalls
I go thee

if weal

lot,

or

7^5

naught
a

of all that space would

would I do

her

methinks
;

I for

long may
my

know. skill approve love.' him his

'

For

short

thither

and be

if ventures

Therewith Thus For he she

service, and
telleth his she

worthy

my
not
to

lad/s
say

spake, and
deemed

the

story
; from

thought
all

Nay,'
7^

it well

vassals

lonely he

took

way.

BOOK

ANFORTAS

ARGUMENT

Book

V.

tells
with

of
the

the

wonderful

adventure

of

the

Grail
and

Castle;
of
the

how

Parzival
feast

met

Fisher Monsalv"sch.
of

King,

and

became

his

guest
saw

great
spear,

in
all

the

hall

of

How
and how

Parzival
he asked

the

bleeding
How

and in
the

the

marvels

the
the

Grail,

no

question. by
and of
and his the

he

morning
rode

found

palace
Partival*s silence. of of Parzival's their

deserted,

and

was

mocked

squire
she

as

he

a"vay. him

Of for his
and

meeting
Of Orilus
oath.

with

Sigun^, Jeschui6;
Orilus of

how

reproached
between

and

the

fight
were

the friends

heroes

How

wife

made

again,

and

welcome

at

the

court

King

Arthur.

jy}

PARZIVAL

Of
And

peacock's plumes
he dear

his

prayed him for sake,

head-gear ^Then the knight to the Fisher spake bidding,and he prayed him for God's knighthood's
"

35 To

help him

onto, a shelter where

he

might

thro' the

night hours

rest.

And

the Fisher sad he answered

in this wise the stranger guest ;

And

he

' quoth,. Nay, Sir Knight, I know

not

miles around, for full thirty

By land alike
Save
one

or

water, where
I would

dwellingmay ridingnone

yet be found
anear,

house,

bid thee seek thou

for it lieth in sooth it,

30 Thro* the livelongday wert

other thou findest here.

"

Ride

th^re to the
moat

high

clifTs

ending, then
and
to let the

turn

thee to

thy righthand
stand
;

Until to the Then And

thou comest,

thy charger perforcemust drawbridge

unto

bid thou the castle warder open to thee the

fall

then ride thou portals,

the hall'

35 Then

he did

as
'

the Fisher
I

bade

him, and leave would

thou

he

courteous to

pray,

But he Be

quoth,

myself will thine host be, an

as

fail not

find the way, the hill but

thy thanks then

a me care

is

our

tendance mislead

"

^As thou ridest around mischance

Have

lest the wood

thee,such

would

please

ilL'

Then
40 Nor

Parzival turned missed the he the

his

and gailyhe took his way, bridle, him the moat

of the castle

path tillbefore
was

lay;
for

And

drawbridge

and raised,

the fortress it lacked

not

strength

Itrdw,
As
a

turner

with skillhad
on

vijoughtthem
of heaven stormed and

stood the turrets

in

goodly row.
won

But with
To
45 And

wings, or Burg, an
a

winds

might uplifted,

ye have

that
so

foeman

harm it little the

he methinks

had

done.
the

strong hall

were

the towers

palace that its folk they had held

wall.

And

mocked

at the

foe,ifall armies thirty years long beset the

forth from he came?
the of castle, the

Then And And

50 With

looked squire

knight was

he well aware,
to

he asked whence Parzival

and wherefore
who

he

thought to their Burg

me

fare?

spake, *'Tis

the Fisher

hath bidden

ride

to

thee,

all courtesy have

I thanked

him

for the

sfielter he proffered free,

the Burg within.' the Burg shalt win
way
to

Tis
'

his will that the

bridge be lowered, and

I ride here

Sir

Knight thou

shalt here be

welcome, and thy

ANFORTAS
.

131
thee his guest !'

Since Then

the Fisher
the

so

spake

"

And

honour

would

we so

shew
was

unto

squirehe

let fall the

drawbridge,for

their lord's behest.

So the hero

came

to the

to fortress,

courtyardso broad and wide, they Tourneys ride,

with banners but seldom

55

By knightlysports untrodden"

Nor

oft would

(By
As 'Twas

short green
on

turf

was

it covered)and

bright

Abenberg's

field did

they ride

for gallant knight. as there, fitting

in

long since they might disportthem

sorrow

such

pastimes of warlike skill,

them ill.
60

For

lay heavy

on

them, and mirth itbeseemed

But

little the guest should him

rue

for knights both old that, swift

to

and

young,

rhey welcomed
And And And And And And
pages

with all honour, and

his bridle sprung. his bridle

of noble

breeding laid their hands

as stirrup

on

rein.
was

others would
the

hold his

the

knight to dismount they led him they

where

fain.

knights they prayedhim enter, and

ready
hands
on a

he might rest, 65

with

and

skilful of his

armour

they freed the guest.

saw

they looked

the beardless truth Good

hero, and
Fortune

his face

so

fair,

they spake,of
he bade face and them

and

blessingshould

be his share.

Then
From So Of And But

to

bring him water, and the rust-stains he washed

him
a as

away
70

hands, and they saw lovely" Then

the

of light

second

day,

he sat in all eyes

silk of

mantle

rich
was so

they brought
there naught
fair and
one

and Araby fashioned, his

flaw therein

he laid it around
the

shoulder, that hero

bright, they praisedthe

and clasp did he leave unfastened,

with

voice

knight.
'

Repanse de Schoie, our

lady and queen,

*She hath lent

did this mantle it while

bear,'

75

Quoth the chamberlain,

prepare.

fit robes

they

for

thee

And
That
*

I feared not
a man gallant

this boon and

to

ask her since it seemeth

sure

to

me

Sir Knight, thou shalt faithful,

lookest
on me

prove

to

be ! '

God

reward

thee who
seest

with

such true

and

heart, trusting
part,
on

Methinks, an thou
Yet Then I wot

Good rightly,

Fortune the

shall be my
oower

80

well such

come gifts

only from
hero, and
were

of God and

high.'

gladlythey
at

pledgedthe
with him
his

in honour
more

loyalty they there,I

ween, !

They who
Than

sorrowed

joyful ; far

had

when Pelrap"r,

righthand

their shelter from

griefhad been

132

PARZIVAL
on sadlyhe thoughtias his harness the squires

85 Then

one

side would

bear.

That in knightly joustand Tourney he here might find littleshare.

Then And With
90 For
one

to the host would

call him, and

fast

came as

his words in wrath

and

free,

boldlyhe spake to the stranger, yea, e'en

his lifehad he

might be. by his side they spread.

he make

nigh paid forfeit to

to his sword-hilt"

Parzival's When the

youthful pride,
it not

he laid his hand

he found

Then From

he clenched his fistso beneath his

that tightly

red clasp rOng the blood-drops

and crimson nails,

to the sleeve of his robe

'

quoth the knights,' be Nay, nay,'

smile.
hath licence to and jest, with

not

for fain would wrathful,

us

He

our jesting

sadness

would he beguile
a

95 Show

thy courtesy here towards

the Fisher hath heard.
come

him, nor

be wroth

for

foolish

word.

That

to

the

castle, naught else shalt thou here have

art thou

Now

do thou to the load of

our

lord betake

thee, here

an

honoured

guest,

And

thy heavy anger be banished

from

off thy breast'

To
100

the

palace hall they gat them, where

a

hundred

crowns

hung low
cushions

With

many

taper laden
stood
a

; round

the walls shone

a

the

tapers^glow. friir.
them share. between
was

And
And

beneath each

hundred

couches,with
four

hundred

of these

goodlycouches

should knights
an

And And

betwixt each before each had

twain of the couches there

open

space

found,
heir

lay a carpet of cunning work "ishioned round,

in

los Thereto

he wealth

plenty, King Frimutd's

not
nor forgotten,

son

and

And

one

thing had

they

their

gold did they think

to

spare.
For

within the hall skill and the wood

were

builded three hearths of marble

rare.

With And
1 10

wisdom
was on

and each hearth stood four-square. feshioned,

so

and Lignum aloe, the hearth at

great

I ween, fire,

Ne'er hath burnt

been. Wildberg-^Suchthings haveaye costly

And Tore
And

the host had

bid them

lay him

on

bed folding costly

the central hearth ; and his lifewas but

a

gladness frx"m before his face had fied,

from him who had
sent

dying" Parzival the hero fair

him there.
anear, I fear

In the hall found

ITS

kindly welcome
him stand
no

Then
*

his host bade

but longer,
seat

be seated his couch me,

Yea, here by my

didst thou side,

thee yet further from

ANFORTAS
'Twere thee treating

133
to his
was

as

stranger' In this wise

"

gallant guest

Spake the host thus rich in

And the host he craved
wear

sorrow,

whose

heart

by grief opprest.
robes would

thro' his sickness great

and fires,

warm

Both And And 'Twas

wide

and

long, and with sable

was

were

they lined and garnished fair.

was on

lao

the poorest skin

a

and black costly, he

wore

its hue

and

grey ; that

cap

of the self-same fashioned

his head

day,

within and

without
a

of

with bands sable,

of Arabian

gold
all behold.

Wrought
Now For
a

around, and

ruby flashing

in the centre

might

many

brave

passed their knightsthey sat there,and grief

swift thro' the
their

face

before,
he
run

125

squiresprang (And thus did he wake

Adown And The And
to the hand

doorway, and

lance in his hand

bore,
fast

weeping) from the point did the blood

'twas lost in his sleeve at last. till

of the holder

then thro' the folk of

thus

palace was lofty

weeping and wailingsore.

scarce

kingdoms could thirty

have

bemoaned

them he

more.

130

to each

of the four walls with the lance in his hand

drew,

Till he reached And When stilled was the

on

once

again the doorway, and

passed him the portalthro'.

must

and the griefthat this folk the lamentation, thus

know
to think

squirebare the lance before them, and

woe.

bade

them

(An here
How

ye be not

outwearied
was

gladly would

tell the

tale,

135

the feast in this Burg

ordered,for in courtesy naught did fail.)

of steel did

At the end And

An Two
a

of the hall

doorway
"

they open fair.

what

two

noble

children .entered Now

serve

hearken

guisethey bare,
'4o

knight for love would

fair and each
wore

graciousmaidens
on

them, with love they his task might pay, as e'er man might woo were they.
a chapletof flowing,

And With
And

her hair loose

blossoms

bound

silken band, beneath the hand

every

it their tresses carried

a a

sought the ground.

all of

of each

maiden did

candlestick

gold,
'45
so

And
Nor

golden
I

socket

burning
these

taper hold.
ware, her robe

would
one was

forgetthe raiment
Tenabroc's

gentlemaidens
was

For And And

countess,
wore

ruddy-brown
who

fair, paced,

the self-same with

garb

the maiden

beside the countess

rich and costly were girdles

they girtround each slender waist.

134 And
150 Two

PARZIVAL them there Duchess and her fellow ; of

as

behind stools

came

ivorywhite

e*en they bare,and glowing their lips

fireis

bright

Then Nor Then And

they bowed, the four,and bending, the stools 'fore the host theylaid.
was

their part they played. but fitly aught to their service lacking,
were

and their faces stood all four together, theythe vesture

fair to see.

of each h,iT maiden

was

like to the other three.

155 Now

see

how
was

fair maidens they followed swiftly,

I
ween

twice told

four.
;

And
Nor And

this

their
too

four tapers tall they bore office,

the others deemed

heavy the weight of

thro' for

preciousstone,
is known.
meet

by day the

sun

shone

and it,

as

Jacinthits name

'Twas
i6o

long and broad, and

had they fashioned it fair and lightness

a

To

serve

at will for a table where

wealthy host might

eat

And

straightto the host they stepped them, and

heads

they bowed

their fair

low,

And The And

four laid the

stools

costlytable

on

the

ivorywhite
"

as

snow.

they had placed aforetime

and courteous

they turned aside.

there

by their four companions stood the eightin their maiden

the

pride.

165 And

green

were

robes

of these

maidens, green
wide

as

grass

in the month

of
Of

May,
woven,

Saipitein Assagog
were

and
a

long and

were

they. long,and fair,

her

At the waist

they girtwith

girdle, narrow,
ware a

and
on

And

each

of these

gentlemaidens
of

wreath

shininghair.

Now
170 To

Iwan, the
the Grail

Count

Nonel, and Jemis, the

in raiment princesses,

lord of many

Reil,
a

were

their these

daughters summoned

from

distant mile.

And And

they came,
two

two

wondrous

fair.
maidens bear.

a marvel, on keen-edged knives,

cloths did those such

Of silver white and And

175 And
so

shiningwere

they wrought with

cunning skill,
cut
at

sharp,that methinks
four went before lights
in all

their

edges e'en steel might they

will.

maidens
bear

before them, for this should

the silver ; four children from

their office be falsehood free.

To

Six maidens
Now

they entered

and

took thro' the hall their way.

hearken,and

I will tell ye the service

they did that day.

They bowed, and the twain who

180

carried the silver they laid it low

On

the

and Jacinth,

courteous

turningto

the firsttwelve in order go.

ANFQRTAS And And have

see

135
shall

now, lo !

I counted
more were come

here rightly,

eighteenmaidens
from distant

stand ;

six

hither in vesture

lands. bright, light.

185
ween

Half their robes

For

of

gold inwoven, half silk,

of silk of Nineveh

both they and

the six before them,

their parti*coloured

robes of

And

last of those maids

that

maiden, o'er the others

them 'twas the of Pfeliel of of verdant

was

she the queen,

I !

So fair her "ce And And

Root The

they thought

morning's dawn,

they saw
and
crown

her clad in raiment

on a

Araby,
call ' The

she bare aloft

cushion

Achmardi
men

blossom

of Paradise

which garden,that thing

Grail,'
190

of all earthlywishes,fair fulness that ne'er shall fail ! hands the Grail

Repanse de Schoie did they call her, in whose

By
And the Grail Itselfelected
was

lie, mi^ht

she

to this office high. must

they who
true

would
nor

here do falsehood

those maids service, shall have

be pure of

heart,

And

in

life,

in their

dealingspart.

And Six

both lights

rare

and

costlybefore
"

the Grail

they bore
store

195

glassestall, transparent
within with the queen
a

and
sweet

wondrous

balsam's

Burnt

strange
low

perfume

; with measured

stq"s they came.

flame.

And
Then And Elect

bowed

with the maidens

who

bare
on

the balsam's

this maiden

free from upon

falsehood,the Grail

the

Jacinthlaid.
^^

Parzival looked
to

her, and thought of the royal maid

mantle them
he needs
to the must
wear.

such
seven

whose high office,

courteous

Then And

the

turned

maidens eighteen twelve

on

fair.
!

the noblest

they placed in the centre,

maiden
no

and

either side

They stood,but the crowned

And So And

beauty with hers had vied

as

many

knights as
four
so was

were a on

seated around
server, with who ye

that

palacehall,

205

to each
a

there

golden beaker tall.

a

page enow,

fair to look
I trow me,
a

bare

napkin white

"

Riches
And

had

seen

in the hall that

night !
eat,
210

they bare there

hundred

at each table four knights would tables,

over

And

swiftly they spread them

with

coveringsfair and
at heart was

meet

The And
A

host himself took water, and

heavy
for
so

he.
be.

Parzival, too, he washed

him,

should
son

the custom

silken

towel,brightcoloured,a him,

count's

would

fair. proffer
there.

Swift to the guest he gat

and knelt low before him

IS6
915 And To

PARZIVAL
wherever there stood
sat
a

J
were squires

uble

there four

readydight

and their service they knew aright, there, For twain would carve, low kneeling, and twain to the knightswould bear Of food and drink as needful, and thus for their wants would care.
serve

the four who

Now
9S0

hearken

ye greater riches^on

wheelM

cars

were

rolled

To every And four

fair vessels of wroughten gold, knight in order, and with each ye knights set them on the tables,

steward

might

To

aid

them, and

claim the vessels when

the feast at

an

end should be.

Now And
^S

hearken

another

marvel

"

^to a hundred

they bade them

bare;

in fair white

squires they spake, napkins the bread from the Grail

to take.

And

straightway they went, and

I heard I tell unto ye, and

to each

knightat

each table the bread

they

As
^

so

the truth ye, each

one, shall swear,

'Twas What

the Grail Itselfthat fed of food

I here
or or or

them, and before the Grail did stand

one

drink

each desiring,

might stretch forth his hand.

unknown shall be.

(Would
330 Food

betray another then in sooth ye shall lie with me)

warm

cold,or dishes that known

tame
"

or on

Food

wild

Such

riches ye
me

never

earth shall find,

"

So many

have said,yet I think

was

that

doth rule their mind folly

For the Grail And

the

crown

of

the fulness of earth's delight. blessing,

to

Its joys I

well may right

liken

the

of Heaven's glories

height!
should need

335 Then

theybrought in small golden vessels that which

or

every

man

Of sauces,

salt, or pepper

"

would
courteous

one

feed. sparelyor fully

they bare
one

Yet each found And

enough
sweet

"

and

to
as

each noble

guest
best

red wine and

drinks luscious, each

he liked him

the Might speak the word, and proffer

340

cup, and

behold

! 'twas filled
was

By the power
And
The

of the Grail

"

Thus

the

host hunger of that gallant Parzival

stilled,

the Grail Itself sustained them, and riches and

wondering

saw

mighty

marvels, yet to questionhis host forbore.

he bade
me, in

And
To

he

thought,' Gumemanz
my from lips

without thought of guile, truth,

withhold

question
"

If here I abide awhile

245 Methinks

it will then befall me without my

as

aforetime in Graharz

land.

They

will tellme,

how question,

here with this folk it stands.'

138

PARZIVAL aside shall stray,

For it goeth straight to its ending,while he who Tho' his

goal at last he reacheth findeth all too long his way.

the bow thou sawest, then

When
380 From

unbent

straight was,
ere it,

I ween,

the

string, goal may

line thou erst must the straight

draw

the shaft to its

wing.
But he who his story aimeth
no

at the ear

ot

fool shall find

His shaft go astray, for

Too

dwellingit findeth within his mind.

and
that which

wide is the

road, I think me,

know the
I Id bide

he chance

to hear

Ere

yet he may
at
a

meaning fliesout
me

at the other ear.

ears

985 Far rather A

home

than in such
as a

my
serve

story tell,
as

beast,or

stock,I think me,

hearer would

well.

But further I fain would

To

tell ye of this
our

people so full of heavy

they

woe

whom

he had

come,
or

hero, glad song might they seldom

; so
were

know,

Or sound
390 That
never

of dance
a

of

Tourney

at heart

thought of
nook

might gladness
crowded,

find in their lifea part,

fuller

And
But

oft shall the folk be fewer yet of here every

was nor

joy shall have

space

share,
to spare.
c

in the court

The Art
295

host to his guest thou weary? here

I wot

spake kindly, Methinks

at the must

'

they thy couch

guest,
the

have

spread,

then listmy
I raise my

counsel,and get thee, my

war-cry each from

to bed.'

(Now
For

might

betwixt parting the venture

twain,

well that bitter

sorrow

gain.)

To

the side of his host he stepped him, Parzival the fair of face,
the Fisher from his
a

And

fair

night wished

him

"

Then

the

knights steppedeach

place,
near a

And
300

part drew

towards

him, and they led the stranger guest

rest. ^

Straightwayto
'Twas

sleepingchamber, and goodly should be his

for his

decked richly
my

honour, and the couch

it was

spread so fair
riches bear.

That

poverty sorelygrievesme

since the earth doth such

And

that bed knew, I ween,

no

and lacking,

rich silk above

on

it lay, it play ;

its hue, and glowing as tho' fire-light did Bright-coloured

305 Then

Parzival
saw

prayed

the heroes
one

to get them

again to rest.
at his behest.

For he

there but

couch

only,and they passedhence

His fair face and

But

he lacked

not

for other service" each other"What

tapers light
so

Gave

challengeunto

day e'er might shine

bright.'

ANFORTAS And While And And Then before his couch pages drew thereon would he take his another,
nearer,

139
seat 3""

was

them

and

him proffered

service meet.
robes

they bared his white feet comely, and they laid his
of noble there
birth
were

aside, bright,

these

and children,

fair in their

youthfulpride"
fair and

passed
know

thro' the open if

doorway four maidens

served

They would
And

they well had

him, and if soft lay the stranger

knight
so

the venture each

a squirea taper ba"" telleth,

"

315

Before

gentlemaiden
to

that hero fair. Parzival,

with sake

Sprang swift
'Sir
Yet Ere And

his couch fain would

; then the maidens

gentle voice they spake,

awhile him had
to

Knight, we
as

pray thee for other had

our

wake'" their swift

children sport with each hear his

was

he hidden

from found

sight
3^0 delight,

yet they might

greeting, yet their eyes

their heart's desire for

quickenedat

the
no

glow sightof his-red lips'

them
grow.

That

youth

were

as

yet unhidden, for

hair did upon

Now

hear what
syrups

they bare, these maidens, three

sweet, and red wine, and
the

in their hands

so

white

Brought
Bare
On
a

fourth,that maiden
of Paradise
him

bright.
325

fruit that e'erwhiie had

cloth fair and he bade else
were

ripened in the
she knelt low

garden
before Sir

white,and
she

that maiden
so

wise,

And
For

her I

but sit,
sure

answered,
to
serve

'

Nay,
a

Knight,
them

is it best

unworthy
would

such

gallant guest.'
to

Then
And

he drank
he

and

eat a

and he spake little,

soft and sweet, of him

as was

laid him

adown, and

the maidens

craved

leave

330

meet

Then When

down

on

the

costlycarpet the squiresset

the tapers

bright

they saw
Parzival

that he

and swiftly knight they gat from the gallant slept,

Yet

for until the lay not lonely,

dawn

of

day
away.
335

Heart-sorrow And
E'en When every
so

would

lie beside

him,

nor

passed

with the dawn

coming anguish
dreamed

its heralds before would

speed,
need

that t"e fair youth'svision she

ere

out-weighed e'en his mother's

of her husband. As
a

the death

carpet unrolled

his dream. The And

centre

of fair joustswoven,

while the

edge

was

with swords would

agleam.
him

in slumber ride ;

his foemen

pressed him,

and

swiftlyupon

So fearful his dream

times had he rather died. that, wakened, thirty

340

I40 Thus fear and

unrest

PARZIVAL
awoke

him, and

the

sweat

streamed

from

every

limb;
The Then Who shone daylight he
'

fair thro' the

are
now

windows, yet
the pages, who

no

voice had

called
me

on

him.

spake, Where
unto
me

stood before awhile would

of late ? wait patient

cry,

shall hand

my

garments
him
; none

?'. Then

he

345 Till slumber

again overcame
"

spake,none
the noon-tide

aloud would
sun was

Vanished

the folk

When

he wakened

high. lay,
he bare

Then And

he sprang
two

up, and

lo ! before him

on

the carpet his harness from Prince

and swords, his host's gift,

the other

Ither

away. Then he

spake

to

' Now himself,

wherefore

was

this done

I these

arms

will
350

take,
methinks anguish sufiered, task.of that I

In

sleep I such
some

surelywake
some

To-day to
Then

knighthood
"

If mine

host doth

foeman

fear

his will will I do

and iaithful her prayer will hear rightgladly, lent

me
"

Who Then
355 For

of true heart this mantle

I my
were

If my
not

service she think to take for her sweet love's sake,

for such service

a

joyful ; yet
ever

wife hath
an

face

as

lovelyas

this castle's queen,

ween

Nay
Then

more,

the truth be

spoken she is fairer far I

him and fitting,

!'

he did e'en foot to

as

seemed

he armed

himself for of

fight

From Then 3^ Was

head, and beside him he girded those swords

the

might.

forth went

gallant hero,and his steed

to the

palace stair

and he joyed as he found them there. bound, shield and spear stood by it,

Then He But And 365 To And

ere

the hero,his charger would Parzival,

a

mount
on

again.
the folk

sought thro' many

none

chamber, and hearken, and

when ^Yet

he called it vexed

amain,

might
he at

he

see
"

or

the
came

knight full sore.

once more

wrathful he grew where

eve

seeking,the hero he
and trampled,

dismounted grass
were

firsthe the castle found, the dew brushed from off the

the earth and

ground.
the young he tunied, Then, shouting, And And
370
once knight,

more

to his

chargergood.

with bitter words the track led his

across

he mounted

"

^Wide open
; nor

the gateway

stood,
his way,

the threshold

longer he thought to stay

But he turned

and swiftly to the drawbridge he made rein,

ANFORTAS dre% the rope taut, and the it rose forepart

141
on

But And

hidden

hand

high

then he tumedhim had his charger fidlen, well-nigh he ask the

rightspeedily
aloud in scorn, been bom
!

For fain would

*

meaning,but
onward,

the

cried squire

Goose

that thou art,ride hadst thou

to the sun's hate hast thou

Thy mouth
Great lame

thought to open, of these wonders

thine But
I tell thee
now

hadst asked

thine 37S

host,
had been
"

hast thou this fair chance

lost!*

Then For Too And And With

If

the guest cried aloud for his the made squire

as

meaning,

but

answer

he ne'er

might win,

if he slumbered, and

the

portalhe barred within.

woe,

and the hour it hath brought him earlyfor peace his parting, nor he payeth in joy the tribute, longer may gladness know ; doubled the throw his of
sorrow

3^

since here he had

cast
was

found
to

the

Grail,
should fail.

his eyes, not

be

hand, had he
awakened but

and dice it,

never

the throw of yore,

by griefhe

now

such

his wont

For

naught had he known

the track that he he

gladness,nor
would
me

sorrow

of heart he bore.

On And And

saw

before him

Parrival ride apace,

385 face

thought,'They who
would
waver

go before
; an

to-daywill "
they knew

foeman

for their master's honour fight weakened be little not, but would would

their ring of might it,

Methinks
I would

if I in their ranks should whatever be their need

fightf
to-day. host,repay, knight 1 '
390

aid them

Thus

my

bread
as

I earn, and

this fair sword, the

of my gift

Undeserved Then

yet do I bear it" Sure

they

hold

me

for coward

he turned
met

him, the free from

his

falsehood,where
the venture

the hoof-tracks still

his

sight,
rue

(And sorelyI
What And

parting" Now
broad waxed

doth grow

apace,)
found
sore.

They had partedwho rode before him, and their track he might scarcely trace.
aforetime
was narrow

till he lost it nor

to him
sorrow

it more

395

he heard, the hero,that wrought tidings

"

voice make moan. knight,rich in courage, heard a woman's (On the grass lay the dew of morning) On a linden there sat alone A maiden, whose truth wrought her sorrow, for between her arms so white
For the young Embalmed
Were

did she lifelesshold him

one

who

had been her knight. living

not

400

there

who

saw

her

sorrow

and mourned who

for her bitter

woe

Then

false of heart must

I hold

him, one

true love

might

never

know

142 Then

PARZIVAL he turned his steed towards

she, (Tho' the child of his mother's sister) ^As the wind that fleeteth free
as was
"

her,the'
Then

yet unknown

405 Is all
*

earthly"ith
methinks in
on

to her true'love
sorrow

"

Parsival

greeting spake,
sake, ill,

Lady,

that

I must

bear for

thy

sorrow's

An

thou needst look thou

aught
mt as

my

would service,

it free thee from fruther

I fain to st'dlI '

Then

thy servant, thy griefwere

Then

sadly her thanks she bade him, and asked him, ' Whence
here? ill-advised who who know
I
seen

earnest

thou

410

He To

were

his

journey should take thro^ this woodland might here betide.

have how in this wood hence

drear.

them

not

its pathways great evil hearkened

men

Yea, oft have

For
An
415
'

and

died.

death

was

in strifetheir

portion"Turn
in what
a

then,thou gallant knight, night ? '

I rode.'

thou lovest life" Yet tellme

a

shelter didst pass the

I thro* the

But

mile from here stands

I
seen

there castle,

nightabode.
*

And Then

naught have
the maiden 'twere ill

like its riches, from looked upon

thence she

in short space

she

him,
who

and

spake, Now, methinks,

rightgoodwill
but

With
From

falsehood

to thus

betray them
a

trust

thee with
canst

thy

shield art thou here

stranger, and

naught

woods

have

found,
490 An
^

here thou hast ta'en mUes thirty

but for
one

thy journey from planted and builded ground, they never, for region that
a

For Save

round

have

hewn dwelling, it doth

wood

or

stone,

'Tis rich in all Would

425

Burg, earthlyriches, yet he who

may
never

in this

Burg

stand alone.

that castle fair that quest shall dare.

in
no on

seek,he
must

find it, tho* many upon for I wot it,

Unawares Shall that Sir

they chance

other wise

Burg and all that it holdeth

never seen

be looked

by mortal eyes.
I
ween

Knight, fAou hast

de Salv"sch Titurel
once

it ; Monsalv"sch its lord the

son

its name,
may

J
I

Terre And
430

the

kingdom where
it to his

crown

claim,

So In And And

bequeathed they called him, the dauntless hero

a

King Frimutel,
fame
to his

; much

portionfell,
left,

joustwas

he slain at Love's
store

bidding,and
are

four children fair he

three, they have

poor is the

of riches, yet
penance

they of joy bereft.

this lot I trow,

for fourth,
name
"

hath he chosen

Trevrezent
435 He
can

is his

his brother, hath grief Anfortas, enow,

be

neitlier stand,nor

seated,nor

walk, but

must

aye

recline.

At

Monsalv"sch

he hath his

the head dwelling,

of that noble line.'

ANFORTAS
Then Then Out Of she

143
to that folk who
so sore

spake,' If indeed
*

thou earnest releasM

doth

moarn

perchanceis their king

spake the Waleis^
I
saw

from

the burden

he

long hath borne ?'

a

beauty rare'
she

"

she knew

trulygreat marvels,and many him by his voice ere the words

I know

maid said.
440

were

And Didst Ah Well

quoth, ' Now

see

indeed

thee,for in sooth
? his Didst thou
woe see

art thou

Parzival ! Grail ?

thou

the mournful

monarch

the wondrous

! tell me

the

tidings, joyfrd may

at last be stilled?

is thee that the blessM

journey thou hast ta*en,now blow, with thy "ur

shall earth be

fiUed,
As^ar
as on

the winds

of heaven

may

renown

;
crown

445

Naught
Then ^d
I
am

earth but shall do thee

fulfilment each wish shall service,

!'

Parzival she

spake in wonder, * Say, Lady, whence

I
am

knowest her

thou me?'
to thee, plaint

answered, ' thy name

that maiden firsttold

who

erewhile made of kin to that

she who

thee,near

graciousqueen
450

Thy
Tho* Who

mother, of all earth's blossoms

a

I ween, the fairest flower, !

flower that the dew

ne'er nourished

May God

reward fell. the

woe

thee well

didst

trulymourn
my
arms

my
I hold

hero who

in

knightlycombat
short

See, here in
God Rich And

him, now
me

think thou upon

too
a

hath laid for his sake upon

was

who

life must
me

know

; 455

he in all manly
as

his death it has wrought virtues, reneweth

my

pain,

day by day

it dawneth

again ! plaint thy lipsso red

From shorn

'

Alas ! is it thou,Sigun^ ?
me

Say, where
I
was

are

Thr.t gave Have Then Now Had

to wit so
so

who truly and

head thy youthful since I

saw

thy locks
wert

brown

waving been
such feeble,
my

thee last ; thee

thou still fair to look on, tho'

thou
too

sorrow

might

hold

fast,
with
woe

460

pale art
vexed
me

waxed

and

methinks friendship,

much, hear

and bury this dead knight low counsel,

!'

Great Had

tears

bedewed

her garments, for ne'er to that maiden

a"

fair

any

given such counsel

Lunete
*

to her

lady bare.
live who

(This rede did she give to her lady,

Thou
Not

Let him for

shalt in his love hereafter amends such their she

was names

thy
of

sorrow

thy lord hath slain, 465 gain.')

love ye '11find.

the will of
I had

Sigun^,as

maidens

wavering mind,
true

(On
Then

here the tale of best keep silence) that shall be when

spake,^

If joy e'er befall me

I know

relief

144

PARZIVAL when long hath suffered, hath found his load of is lightened then in truth shall

470

Is

hit,who

so

If thro* tkse he thine ; Methinketh If its magic For

475

this

succour

grief. all praise be

^en

now

at

do I thy girdle

see

his sword

to shine

"

spellthou knowest
Its maker hath the
name

then to strife mayest

a

thou fearless

fare,

its edge is keen"

noble

name

doth

bear,
a

Trebuchet's hand
And The An
^

wrought it ; by Kamant
of that streamlet

there flows is he

spring. twain.

Lac^

from

methinks

named, the king.

sword

will withstand

the firstblow, at the next

it will break in

thou to these waters

at its source

bringIt from
the streamlet

their flow 'twillbe whole flows forth from

ere

again.
bed,
.

Yet where 480 Shalt thou Lac Then

Not

its rocky

seek those
name

healingwaters
fountain
"

the

sun

stand

high overhead. made.

flow.

is the

ofthat

If unsplintered shall be the blade the waters the shall it be

press thou its halves whole

from together,

alone,but stronger the blade and

master,
me

edge

shall grow.
water's

Nor 485 Yet Thou Then

and their brightness

a

fair adorning be dimmed

ere

by the

thou firstmust spell

thou draw

that sword

of

might. aright.
"

hast left it behind, I fear

! Hast

thou learnt its words and

in truth all earthlyblessings shall blossom dear my shall

bear for thee

Believe me,
To
490

what of marvels thou there couldst cousin,

see.

thine hand

they aU do service ; the

noblest henceforward
none

crown

of

fair blessings shall bear.

o*er all earth's Uplifted

And thine is desire's
measure

thine head

and fulfilment,

with
won

thy wealth and might

at

May
Then

if the question hath himself,

! thy lipsits right

'

he

quoth, ' Nay,

mine

I asked

no

1 question

'

'

Alas

1 ' cried the mournful

maid,
'

That

ever

eyes have

seen

thee,who
shown

495

Such marvels

theythere
the

have

afiraid1 wast sore question thee,yet no word might they win from
to

thee,
When thou sawest and those maidens who Grail,
serve

from falsehood It,

free,
and yet fairer Repanse de Schoie the queen. Garschiloie, thou the bleeding spear hast the knives of silver, Thou hast seen Fair
Alas
500 Who

seen

"

1 wherefore

hast thou

sought me?

Dishonoured,
And

accurst

art thou

bearest wolfs

fang empoisoned !
and falsehood,

deep

in thine heart I trow

Is it rooted, the Thou

plantof

afresh doth it ever

shouldst have had pityon

their host him, Anfortas,

spring! and king.

146
And And
so

PARZIVAL

glowingand brighttheir
one

colour

fire had
on

ye kindled there.

where-e'er

would

ride beside her

were

that side had ye found her bare.

a

Yet of base
540

degree to hold her

she upon

to

do her

wrong,

I ween,
"

Tho'

little had

(Of your
Then

she aye had been her,yet guiltless courtesy shall ye heed me, she forgotnot her womanhood) I told ye, yet wherefore
?

Of her poverty have

If ye deem

good
take

this will I say, thatr ragged and

a

bare I this dame it fitting my

would

O'er many
545 As

well-clad

maiden,

were

choice to make.

Parzival bade
men was

her

she greeting,

saw

him, and red she

grew,

Of all Then

he the

small marvel Hurest, before have I

seen

his face she knew. have thee, great grief

I
won

she

quoth, 'Once
:

thro'

thee God
Far
550

grant to tliee greater honour other hath been

my

than thou hast deserved when

near

from

me

raiment
come

thou sawest
me

me

I wot, last,
were

Hadst

thou ne'er in that hour

then honour

stillmy

lot !'

Then

he
never

spake, Now
my I

'

bethink
me,

thee,Lady, who
hath
I bare

thus should
a a woman

thy hatred claim,

shame,

For

hand, I think
deeds
for

brought to
ever

(So had
Or

dishonoured)since x^/^'j^^
of
I sad

shield,

thought upcn

knighthood,or hath striven in battle-field ;

sorrow

555 Yet else am

thy

I' and

Then
over never

forth brake

the
so

tear-drops bright.

And So

ran

fast adown
so

her

bosom,

her breasts

white,
skill,
fulfil.

and fair,

softly moulded, that

she in her and
arms a

might

turner's

Tho'

he wrought and swiftly

sa

rounded, his task

sorrow cover

in such
was

wise

And 560 And

lovelywas

his heart
from

to

pityfain,
to

with hands

his glance did she strive service from

a

gain.

Then

Parzival
Name

spake, Now, Lady, of

*

true

mocking free, thereby should gain,

we

In God's
*

take' thou
may

here my
never

surcoat,

covering 'twillbe for thee.'

both slain ;
!'

Nay, Sir Knight, I

swift
my
on

e'en tho' bliss I take it,

Ride 565 Tho'

'

thy way,
it would
thus who

I pray

thee,an

thou wouldst if I fear me, Who

were

not

were

death

littlegrieve me, would

wrong
us us"

'tisfor
our

thy sake
host

Say, Lady,
God's
here

thinketh

lifeto take ?

'Twas

hand
our

that gave

it to

Nay,

they an armM
nor

Who
Then
570

for

life were

I would thirsting,

face them

fear the cost ! '

she

*'Tis spake,

dauntless

hero, so gallantin strifeis he

his foemen be ;

That

heavy would

be their labour if six should

ANFORTAS

147

(I would
Yet
so

thou wert poor

am

not
now

beside and

me)

I aforetime

his wife had

were

been,

wretched,for his slave

upon me.' ? To

I all too mean,

Thus
'

his wrath

doth he wreak

that

lady he spake again, flywere

deem
a

Say, who
of

rideth here with

thy husband

For if I to

fain.
it ill,
will ! '
575

As Ere

here thou dost

I have flight

give me

sure counsel, thyself

wouldst die with

learnt the lesson

I would

rightgood

Then
But

out

spake the Duchess

little serve

* Alone sadly,

with my

lord I fare,

yet that may

in rags
the
crown was

thee,nor
honour

shall

victorybe here thy share.'

untorn.
.g^
"

And
Yet

all her vesture, and of woman's

were

naught but the hem

in her poverty had

she worn,

And Then
As It And He

her ways he bound who

'ware
to

ways

of

goodness, and falsehood afar had fled

the helmet his upon his head
rear,

afresh his visor and battle rideth

"

one was

Then

charger aloft would

its

of the steed beside

a

and it,
on

neigh rang
way

out

loud and

clear ; ^8^

he who hearkened side.

space

before them

the woodland
see

would
there

ride,

the sound, and

would

him

who

rode

by his lady's

Then And

he turned

his bridle wrathful

by the side of the

narrow

way.

with lance in rest for

joustingDuke
of

Orilus rode that

came

day,
clear.

And And

manly,
weapon

I ween,

his

bearing,from
one

Gaheviess colour
were

his spear.
590

alike and

harness

blazoned

His helmet, Trebuchet

Was And Was

wrought it ;

the shield in distant

Spain
reign, cityfair
ware.

welded

fair for the hero.

were

King Kailet in that land

the centre"
and

doth

strong
the

the rim and

In Alexandria's
coat

woven costlypfellel

that for

surcoat
was

he

The Of
For

coveringof his
the iron who

charger at
"

Tenabroc

it made
^^^

ringsof steel close welded

over cover saw

^And thus he his

pridedisplayed,
must

so fair to lay a pfellel

see, be^
"

And And And

all men

barie witness

that

costlyits worth

yet their weight was gorget, and greaves, and headgear, tho* rich,
many
a

light,
600

plateof
was

iron it guarded this

In Be"l^enan

it fashioned, chief bare behind him

none

gallantknight ; cityof fair Anjou. garb

to

(But she
For

who

rode

far ocher her

view^
his

in sooth
came.

might she And

better)from

Soissons

breastplate

But he

won

his

gallantcharger from the far-oflflake Brimbane,

148
605 In the mounUins In
a

PARZIVAL of Monsalv"sch the

"

L"helein,his brother bold,

as

overthrew joust

and the steed rider,

his

prizewould

hold.

And

Parsival too

was

in onward ready" his chaiigrer bare

a

flight
alive,

'Gainst Orilus of Laland^ And

610 And

the gallant swiftly knight ;

as

he

saw

on

his shield

dragon, yea, e'en

fost bounden
surcoat

it were

another many

upon

the helmet

did and

upward strive.
robe he

And

small

golden dragons on
a

bare,

Enriched From
No

with many

afar would need

to renounce

jewel,and with red eyes of ruby fair. these dauntless heroes twain, they make their onslaught,
their thro* kinship from strife refrain, nor friendship, splintersMethinks I might vaunt me well
"

615 Aloft flew the spears in If I such

a

jousthad witnessed
at swiftest

as

here in this wood

befell !

Thus

they rode
at Jeschut^

gallopnot
she wrung

one

joustalone,I

ween.
seen

And

she ne'er had heart bare witness fairer jousting her hands

So she stood, and

6ao

them, this lady of joy bereft,

one

Nor

harm

did she wish to either, that

were

should
the

be lifelessleft.

In sweat

and they bathed,the chargers,

knightsthey strove for "une,

forth from the helm

And

sparkssprang
the blows
were

brightfrom

the

and sword-blades,

flashed flame, And

None

fellfierce and

mighty, and far flashed

in battle, and

the

of strife. light
or

better than

they

they met

here for death would here

life,

6a5 And

and tho' willing

swift the

chargers that the heroes

their sword-blades

bestride.

They

forgot not
Parzival before
a

their spurs, and

they bright-glancing

deftly plied.
And
How
won

him

shown honour, for here hath he rightly

hundred

dragons
one

one

man

well

might hold his

were

own.

And 630 Twas And

That Twas

illdid it fare with the crest

so

dragon, and glory on

smitten

sore

its wounds

that

day,

that aloft in

Orilus' helmet
were

lay.
sword The

clear that the

shone light
was

thro' them

the costlyjewelsbright of

fellwhen
on

the helm

by Parzival's
"

might

horse, not

that they fought thus afoot,

love of her

angry

lord Was 635 Then With

won

back

againfor Jeschut^by
again on
each

the
so

play of

the

sword. glittenng

they dashed
their

other
"

close that

they smote

away.

knees, the ringsof iron

So valiant in strife were

they !

ANFORTAS
I will tell ye

i49

why
been

one

was

wrathful ; that his

; her

lady of royalrace
him

Ere this had Yet he deemed And And

shamed

guardian,from

might she look for grace

from

that with

wandering fancy her heart

have

her lord had

strayed,
^^^
on

that she, in the love of another, her honour

he
was

had and

lowly laid.
his

would done

for such

wrong

vengeance,

judgment
had

her

In such
And

wise,save
e'er

were

death her
had

portionno
"

woman

such

woe

won,

yet she in naught

man man

wronged him
to hinder ?

If his favour he would

For
ever

withhold,
^45

What The
Yet For

might think

from

days

of old

hath power

o'er the woman,

the husband
to win

shall rule the wife.

Parzival the hero, he

thought him
favour
"

with strife
one

Jeschutdher husband's
both

Methinks found
"

should

pray such grace

In courteous

it here wise,but flattery

I think right,
me

but little place.

who

And
Or

they were

He

ruleth the ways

so

of

life.
^S"

straight they may

never enow

be

or

crooked,'twas His
the
to each

to rule their strife

That Harm

to one

nor

the other

joustdeath for guerdon brought,

other the while

had

they done

fought. they so fiercely

fain defend

Now

hotter

it waxed, the conflict, each

hero

would

His
He For

the other knightlyfame 'gainst

; Duke

Orilus of had had

Lalande,
^55 and

fought with the skill and

I
ween none

cunning
had

his hand
"

learnt of yore,
courage

like him

battled

he

strengthin

war.

And Tho' And

But

therefore had
other
were

he been

victor
"

on

many

foughtenfield,
he force to

here

the

ending

His

foe would
so

yield;
bold,
660

he threw

his

arms

around

him,

the hero

proud good

and

little Parzival, daunted, on

he drew

his foeman
; as
a

made

his hold, the field ye reap

And

him his
arm

from

off his saddle

sheaf from

So beneath
O'er Who
*

he swung

him, and

from his horse did leap. light

was

fallen tree he held him, for here of need

or

he overthrown
known.
to

never

such fortune before had peril that hath

Now

do penance

for this thine anger

wrought

thy lady woe,

!'

665

An
*

thy fovour be yet withholden, then death shalt thou surelyknow quoth his foeman, Duke Orilus of Lalande, Nay, nay, not so swift,'
am

'

Tho^ o'erthrown,I

not

so

vanquished that

I may

not

thy will withstand

!'

Then And

his foeman Parzival, strong and valiant, forth thro' the visor

he

grippedamain.
in
a

gushing

streamed

the blood

crimson

rain,

670

I50 And the

I prince, ween,
was

PARZIVAL
he vanquished,

could

win

from

him

what

he

would,
To
'

die

was

and he all unwilling,

he

spake to
evil

the hero
on me

good, sped.
?'

Alas

! thou bold

knightdauntless,who
this

hath

Say how
675 Then

have

I earned

to lie here before thee, dead peril,

Parzival

Sir Knight,will I let thee live. quoth, Right gladly,

'

If favour and
*

love to
! she

thy lady thou

sin
; she hath

swearest

again to give !'

shall be. all too ";reat she

That

I will not

Her
was

me against

I trow

Rich
Her
680

in honour

and injured herself,

plungethme,
indeed,

lord,in yet deeper sorrow..

thou

In all else
me
"

thy will
God

I '11 heed,

An Now And

thinkest my

lifeto leave

Twas

gave
me

it me
anew.

thine hand
I to

is become
owe

His servant, to it
'
"

give it to spake

thy valour
life will I

In this wise for

the hero true

For

my

give fisiir ransom,

won

kingdoms twain,I trow.

he hath
enow.

My
685 Thou

brother

with

might hath
as

him, of riches please thee

whatever
:

shalt ask

it best may

if from

death

thou wilt set

me

free.
He And

loveth me,
my

and will loose

me

the cost may

I take from
not

be.

Dukedom

again as thy v^isal will

thou hero

thy valiant hand,

withstand. wife ;

Thy fame it shall gain new

Now

since I might lustre,

thy power

release me,

of her,my dauntless,from forgiveness

690 Whatever
But with
not

shall be for thine honour,

by that will
at

buy

my

life, be,
!'

her,my
for all

dishonoured

Duchess,

peace

will I

never me

Nay,

pain
'

or

sorrow

that shall otherwise riches

fall to

Quoth Parzival,Folk
All these

or

kingdoms,
"

or

or

jewelsrare,
me

they shall nothing profit Thy pledge thou |o

to

shalt

swear

695 In naught
Where
And

but delay thy journey,

a

to

haste thee to hath smitten

an

Brittany
her
sore

dwelleth
I will on

gentlemaiden"
man

One

for me,

that my

have

vengeance, bear To

his
to

she safety

shall not

pray

"

Thy pledge and

Or
700 To

loyalservice
"

thou

that maid
and

straightway,
to

I slay thee here, without fail,

King Arthur

his queen,

both shalt thou bear my

greeting ; well paid hath my

service been,

If they for that blow But And On

a

ill-smitten the maiden

do well entreat.

firstwill I

see

that thou

to this lady thine homage meet. givest

that without and bier,

no

guile-^Dostwithstand
more on a

me,

and

thinkest my

will to

dare,

from hence charger,

shalt thou lifelessfare !

ANFORTAS Now mark thou

151

my

705 words, for their doing a pledge shalt thou straightway

give,
And
To

thy surety

swear

unto

me,

if longerthou

fain wouldst

live !'

King Parzival spake his foeman, Duke

I thy will,

Orilus,' Helpeth naught

life had

'Gainst this

for fain I my will do it,

bought

!*

In the fear for the lifeof her husband

Jeschut^ that lady fair,

to

Mourned Then
The
'

sore

for his woe,

yet the foemen

dare. part might she little

710

Parzival bade
words

him and

rise up, and

of

speak

to his

lady bright

of peace
my of

pardon

; and

thus

quoth the vanquished knight,

thou

Lady, since this

be the kiss it,

shaming in strifehath been for thy sake.

from forgiveness honour
on
"

So

my

lipsshalt

herewith

take.
!*
7^5

Thro* thee have Then swift from

I lost much

What

boots it ? I
sprang

pardonsware

her steed

the meadow

the

lady with white limbs

with

bare,
Tho' the blood that
Yet
ran

from
as

his nostrils had

dyed his mouth

ParzivaFs

red.

she kissed him

e'en

he bade

her, so

was

bidding sped.

Then
In the

the three rode

on

together tilla hermit's cell they

our

saw

rocky wall,and
saw

hero
so

his bridle
a

was

fain to draw

790

For he Stood

there

shrine

holy,and

spear with fair colours blent

beside the shrine ; 'twas the

dwellingof the hermit Trevrezent

On
the relic an

There

Parzival dealt with honour laid the oath worth it or

not
or

"

oath he sware. fair ;

725

Himself
'

upon

him, and he spake and they hearkened

a

If I have

as 'seemeth valour,

gallant knight
"

If I have

let those
my

witness who

have

looked

on

my

shield in
may

fight ;

Ye"i,let them
As And Will

approve

knighthood, for knighthood'spower high guerdon

"

claim,

the shield-bearer oft shall tell us, the

I
name

of

and fame. praise

for aye
; 7dP

of

knight is honoured
fsane and honour bliss would

My body
henceforth

to

shame

give,and

my

shall be put away

(With these
And

wo^.'ds I my

pledge here in the Hand

that shall

highestbe.
that Hand
is God's

Hand, I think me)

be my

"

All loss, bitter mockery,

In this lifeand

the

next

E'er did thee wrong

when

portionfrom His power, if this lady fair itchanced her that the claspfrom her robe /tare
her)
" "

"

(Of a token of gold

Not

I robbed
to

Kfool and
And
sore

no

man

was

I, thereby.

735

yet had

I waxed

wisdom

did she weep

152 And And Now

740

PARZIVAL she soffered angnish and grief

was guiltless

; yea,

she that

day"

forfeit my

bliss and

mine

honour

if the words shalt

be not

truth I say !

see, dost thou hold her

thou guiltless

give her her ring again,

bear the blame
!'

From

the clasp I in such

wise

parted that my

must folly

Then

the Duke

took the

the ring,and

blood-stains he
"

wiped from

his
won

lips away,

And

he kissed her,his heart's best treasure

;

And

she covering

way straighthide,

The Tho*
745

ring he
hewn

placedon
in coat
was summon

her
of

with his finger,

surcoat

her

shame

would wide.

by the hand
marred

hero, of rich silk was

mine
eyes

it fashioned
a woman was never

But seldom And That this

one

emblazoned

have

seen.

in combat.

No

war-cry

hers,I
a

ween.

should

the
"

knights to Tourney, and

spear

she brake

Whatever

Tourney far better the part they 'id take, if togetherthey thought to fight" Lambekein, methinks, and the good squire,
her

garb

In

750

But

now

was

the

lady pardoned,and her

sorrow

had

taken

flight.

'Now, thou hero,the oath thou didst freely Quoth Orilus, swear,
Great

joy and
bear.

small

griefhath brought
I win
sorrow me

me

; tho'

shaming

I needs

must

Yet This
755 And

gladness therefrom lady true for her

since all alone
so now

"

In all honour

I will repay
away.
;

when
was

I put her in shame

I lefther she

did aught betide guiltless

there
was more

Yet
But

did she
may done

speak of thy beauty,methought

God reward
wrong"

beside.

thee, thou hast

Thro' the young

shown wood

her from have

"E"sehood

free,
of

I have

her

I ridden

in search

thee Afar from 7^ Wild

Now

forest.' Briziljan's

Then

Parzival took the spear,

had

Taurian,Dodine's
say where

erewhiie brother,
or rested,

he left it here.
pass

the heroes

how
were

they would
shattered

the hewn

night
"

Helmet Then The

and

shield had

they suffered,
her bid would

and

in

fight. prayed.

Parzival to the Duke

lady,and

to his hearth

husband, a ; him, 'twas in vain howsoe*er

farewell bade

he

765 So here,as the

And And Their the Prince

venture

those heroes twain, telleth, they parted,

and folk again. sought him his pavilion
one

Orilus he

glad were
lord and

his faithful people with his

mind

when and

at last

they saw
more.

graciouslady dwell in peace

in love

once

154 And
But

PARZIVAL

they liftedher
his

to the

with her brave lord she hence would ride saddle,

as

charger was

armed,
mom

for battle the wielded he

came

knightwould

his steed

bestride.
morei,

And Then ^5 And

He

the sword from

he that

had

hung the saddle-bow

forth to his steed

before.
once

foot to head his

well arm^

lady waited,to the saddle he sprung, the knight, with Jeschut6his lady bright would ride forth without delaying,
where there, fare back
to

But his folk should the way To the camp

Lalande^ save

one

knightwho

should

show

and the court

of

King Arthur,so he counselled his folk that day.

"

Soon
8io

came

they

anear a

King Arthuisand his they stretched them

tents

they rightwell espied, by the water's side. repair.

and fair. he 'Id eat,
meet.

For

the space of

mile

adown

The
No

knight who had led him hither he bade

comrade he 'Id have
save

to his folk true at eve

Jeschut^his lady so
sat where

And On
a

Arthur,the brave and humble, he plainwith his

vassals

round

him, in order due and

none

8x5 Duke

Orilns rode to their

were

and circle,

might his blazon know,

'twas

So hewn

both shield and

helmet"

Parzival dealt such blow

From

his horse sprang the

the

she held his rein gallant hero,Jeschut^

Swift sprang And

890 His

squiresto aid them, and thronged close around

will care for the horses,'
"

the

twain,

they spake, 'We

shield
so

marred

the grass he laid on Orilus, and he asked'of the graciousmaid and splintered, ridden and they showed thither, for
a

For whose Kunnewaar^

sake he had she

was

him
was

the

lady's seat,

of

Lalande, and her mien

unto

maid

meet.

Then, armed, he drew fair.

He

near

them

"

King

and

queen

bade

him

welcome

thanked

them, and

to his

his pledgewas sislpr him

he fain to swear,

895 But
And And
To I

the maiden, she

rightwell she knew

art sure

by the golden dragon'sshine.

fain

spake,'Thou
me

my

brother, Orilus, or L"helein,

ye aye
were

for both of pledge will I take from neither, render to such service
as

I from

your

hands

would
as

gain.
a

were

dead

to all truth and

sure were

honour

if I dealt with thee

my
own

foe,

830 My
Then

courtesy
the hath

shamM

by

hand, and laid alow.'

and he

prince knelt before the maiden said, thy brother

; the Red

spake, 'Thou

the truth

am

Orilus

Knight this oath hath laid

ANFORTAS On that my

155
so

me

pledge I yieldthee,for
then have it, had
I done

must

buy

my

life,
hand the maid

Wilt thott take Then his

must

that which

I sware

after bitter strife.*

pledge,who take,

borne

the

dragon,in

her white

835

And

she set him

and he free,

rose

up, and

thus to his sister

spake :

'

Now

to sorrow

shall foith constrain wound

me
"

me, alas ! who He that who

hath

smitten thee ?

The

blows
were

must perforce

lusted thereto

might

see,

If this And He Both As

the hour
men

for vengeance, moumeth

griefI with thee

that
ever a woman

must

share ;

the bravest of

with
"

me

bare,
me

340

calleth himself the Red thee and the queen

serve

Knight

king ! he doth bid

greet

thy

lady,he doth
sister
"

offer ye service meet,

he foin would

this my

His service ye will repay.

If ye And Had

kindlyentreat
he
known the

this maiden

that her

shaming

be put away.

I,too, had fared far better

maid

at the hand

of this dauntless her blows

on

knight,
my

845

for my

and sister,

heart must

light'
Now Both From

Kay, he hath earned fresh hatred from all who

lofreit the of Idol,from
sore

would

there abide,

knights and gentleladies, by Plimizdl's flowing tide.

son

Gawain, and the vanquished king

yore
unto

Klamid6, of whose
And
But

perilI of
hero

ye would I

sing.
the hero

850

from

many

another

whose

names

rightwell had told. bold. they nearer

aiid

would o'er-long

it be my

story

"

So
"

they thronged round

his wife would

And, courteous, he took their service

She
sat as

bring. king.

yet

on

her

and they welcomed palfrey,

her, queen
the

Then
'

the

women

they kissed each other,and thus spake

Lac

king

so

true,

855

Thy father, King

his sake

of

Kamant,
sorrow

for

man gallant

knew. bear,
so

For

I mourned

thy

when

firstmen

the tale did

Methinks

that

thy lord should

thine at

have

spared thee for the sake of thy face

lair I For And the

prizewas

of thy beauty's Kanedig thro* the light ray,

the hawk

didst thou hath done

win for
me,

thine hand did it ride on thy fairness,

unto

away.

860

If OrilttS wrong And To

never see

yet I wished
; and
so

thee

no

ill,
still

I liked his

judgment

doth it pleaseme

and clad in these garments fair, fovour, didst bear.' As fitting thy state, O Lady ! since woe thou o'er-long

thee restored to

156
865 And she

PARZIVAL

quoth,'
may

Now

may

God

reward

thee, O

Sire ! for these words

so

true, That

thy "une

wax

the

higher,and

may

blossom

and

bloom

anew

!'

Then And And 870 Stood Half E'en And And 875 She
How

Jeschut^ and her husband, the twain,she took by the hand.

forth from
near

the circle led

them, the maiden

a

of fair Lalande. from the meadow

;

to the
on

where royal pavilion,

the

stream

sprung,

her tent
an as

and plain,

above

it a

wingM dragon hung

would he

^
high,

apple

and it held in its clutches, it lifted, and

four ropes did it draw

on

ifthe tent

aloft to the clouds

arms

fly.
and

Orilus beneath
gave the

thereby knew
it would due
care

for the self-same it, him

"

bare.
true
one

they disarm
and

llien his sister so the vassals,each Fame

foir,
take.

him Red

honour, and

they spake.

Knight'svalour dauntless would him, praised

in

for its comrade

As

thus aloud he bade oft had for this

men

And For
880 And

him

do Orilus service

he done

spake Kay, he thus did pray. (Well he might, whom in Brandigan.) such service for Xlamid^
"

Kingron's ear

Kay would
bid him

give his office to the hand

smite her, the

of another

man.

His ill-starhad So hard Nor

But

with his

fair. 'twas fitting from their service he should forbear. staff,

of

sister prince's

pardon she found for his trespass, this maiden

viands he sent, and

royal race

Kingron, he

set them

before their face.

885 Kunnewaar^ Would And And And 890 And

For
cut

the wise and

with her slender hands gentle,

and

white,

the food for her

brother,at his side sat his

and

lady bright. comely mien.

seen.

Jeschut^of Kamant
Arthur he he
came

bare her with courteous

the

King forgatnot, for fain he the twain had they sat together,and good
service
ye, I trow, 1'
ate

where
'

with for
a

rightfriendly will,
it shall

spake,
heart

Be

then lacking,

sure

please me

ill,

'

ne'er hath
a so

host received

with
he

And
'

free from

falsehood
see

And

so good. spake in kindly mood,

will

My

Lady Kunnewaar^
the blessingof God Arthur
to rest

thou well to this

on

gallantknight.

And 895 Then And

be

ye, and
a

betook

him, and

!' keep ye tillmorning light couch for the twain they spread.
sorrow

in peace tilldayligh|

they slumbered, and

afar had

fled.

BOOK

VI

ARTHUR

ARGUMENT
Book he took
vi. an

tells how oath and

King

Arthur
to

sought

for the Red

of his heroes

refrain firom c^ Parzival ;

snow,

the love-tranoe and of Of took

overthrew Fsraval the Round

to

Segramor,
the court Table. of Parzival

vengeance

on

Knight ; and how stained fighting. Of the bloodand how, unknowing, he Gawain led Kay. How
he
was

King Arthur ; and how the coming of Kondrie,

Gawain. Of

made

knight of

shaming
how
venture

and

he rode

forth to sedc the Grail. Merveil

;

Kingrimursel.and the and and despair, Farzival's wrath forth to the the knights went How
and rode to Askalon
;

of Chateau

and

how

Gawain

and

of

th^

of scattering

this goodly company.

BOOK

VI

ARTHUR

)OW

perchance
folk

it

were

wdl

should

tell

ye,

how,

as

this

his

did

pray, and his

Fiom

Karidol
away.

kingdom,

King

Arthur

had

ridden

And

now

the

venture

telleth,

on

his

own

and

on

stranger

ground
For
For

eight days
in truth
sorrow

long
for
he

had him

they they

ridden,
were

nor

yet

had
to

the

Red his

Knight
hand

found.
were

'twas

seeking,
who in
: a

honour Prince
hour
was

fain,
;

From And
To He No

had the of the make

too

released and

them, Kingron,
Monarch

had

erst

Ither had

slain
sent

Klamid^ the
court

king,

welcome
on

Breton
one

for
a

this
of

King
Table found

Arthur

bent,

would labour

him

of his

circle,
so

knight
hero
at

the

Round,
!
10

great

he

counted,

the

last

he

Thus

o'er

moimtain

and

rale

they

sought

him

"

^All

who

knightly

shield

might King
What Arthur deeds should
sware

bear.
now

called
e'er
no

around

him,

and

in this should faithful

wise
see,

he

bade

them

swear

so

of

knighthood
venture,

they
but

by

this

their their

oath,
troth.
15
we

They
As

on

conflict

still

keep
as

they

unto

him,
leave
"

their He

monarch, spake

and
'

fight
Now,

but

he

thereto
! Since

Should

give
must

them
go
a

thus,

'tis well

needs

Thro'

many many
a

stranger

country,
hero
are

where

many us, I

stranger

spear.

And If ye, Of

gallant

waiting
whose

fear.
have free

like who

hounds
was

untrainM
late

leash shall

shall
roam

slipped
o'er all the

the

hand
ao

him

their

master,

land,

i6o

PARZIVAL evil might there befall ye, and such chance should but

Much And
Be

pleaseme
still.

ill.

by this your oath,I think

ye
sure

me,

such rawness

I best may

and need
I

Till

then,as
the

ariseth, your king ne'er will say you Nay, here command upon your way.' ye, ride peacefiil
Now

35 Now

oath,ye shall well have heard it

"

hear ye how

Pandval, know,
;

The

Waleis,rode
the

near

unto

them

thro' the

night did the snow-flakes fall.

I the tale may

on him, yet ifwell Light they fell, yet laythickly

And

singerarighthath
men

sung
or

it was it,

never

the time of

snow

For whate'er
30 Or

have

stmg

spoken of King Arthur,at Whitsuntide,

May-blossoms deck iht meadow, these marvels did aye betide. For sweetlythe springtide bloometh, and many a garb, I ween.
when Shall itbear this song of my tho' singing, snow-clad it now
be
seen.

The

falconers from

as the shadows Karidol,

of
an nor

eveningfell.
evil chance

Rode, hawking, by
35 For

Plimiz"Ps

waters, when

befell,

the best of their hawks all

flew from shadows

them,

stooped to the lure

it did remain.

again.

But

nightin the

dusky

of the woodland

With
A

Parzival it sheltered; to the twain

was

the woodland in the

way

road

unknown,

sharp
the

the

frost stung,

far east

uprose

the

day, And,
40

!o ! all around

hero,the snow-flakes lay thick and white

ever

Thro' the forest Rode

our

paths untrodden,in
or

waxing light,
rock and

hero
grew

by hedge

Till dear And

a

by fallen tree. the shadowy woodland, and its depths he well might thicket, by
fallen where he would

see.

mighty

tree of the forest had

ride,

(The falcon yet followed

45 A

'mid its clustering after) boughs he the Northland,their them and

spied
a

flock of

from wild-geese

hissinghe firsthad heard,

bird
:

Swift And

swooped the
scarce

talcon upon

struck to the earth

and fresh shelter take might it flythe clutches of its foe, shade
of the

'Neath

the

fallen branches

; in its

fixMtn the flight

wounds

there brake Three

50 As

all glowing crimson,and blood-drops,

fellon

the

spotless snow,
know
!

Parzival's eyes beheld

them, swift

sorrow

his heart must

Now

hear ye his love stained with

a

so

loyal
"

^As he looked

on

these

bright. blood-drops lay so white.

That

stain of crimson

the snow-flakes

that

i62 85 When

PARZIVAL

they heard how

did

but

one

knight dared them, that but

the

one

knighta
their

foe

wait,

Then

sorely they mourned

late.

promise that they

swif^y from amid

sware

to

king

of

Then He To
90 An

Knight Segramor sprang

ran, for in sooth he walked

the angry

throng, long
to

not, and

ever

his heart did

be in the midst

of

where conflict,
to bind

conflict

might chance

be,
he 1

they failM with cords

nowhere should

was him, in the thick of the fight

And

the Rhine's swift

run

waters

may

flow

so an

strong and
men

wide,

Tho^ the stream

swift between

them,

fought on the further cold.

bold !

side,
He But

stayed not

to test the waters, if the current

stream

be hot

or

the straightway

he

as fitted a breasted,

swimmer

95 Swift-foot to the tent

of the

monarch,

the eager

youth he sped. king he lay yet abed.

the

For

the

day

was

but yet in its dawning, and the listshe hied

the

Then And From

100

thro' straight

him, and he gat him thro'

he
tore
a

door,

the coveringall of the twain who

moved

sable,with hasty hand

beneath and it,

lay warm
them

slumbered

slumber from

deep,
out

Yet his haste

tho' he waked but to laughter,

them

their

sleep!
And

loudlyhe cried

on

his cousin
our

'
"

Queen, Lady, Guinevere,

must

Sin.cethe world knowethwell

thou kinship,
pray

do

me

this service this grace,

here.

Speak thou for

Since
a

me

to

thine husband, and

nears

thou of him

knightlyventure spake, * Now

will to
now

us, my

lot "rst the foq to face ! '

Z05 Yet

Arthur

bethink
nor follow,

thee

of the oath thou didst

venture
a

swear

to nie.

In all

thingsmy
a

rashlyto

thee

For

ifthou

joust

hereafter shall many ridest,

to ride

knight
in

Crave And
no

leave at mine 'twere illthus

hand
our

forth,and seek for fame

thou

fight,
at

force to weaken, for know with

a

that

near

hand,

Anfortas This wood Where

of Monsalv"sch
of his he

mighty host doth stand.

we

guardeth,and since

know but little

well

he
woe

and
!
'

his force shall hold

them, such chance

might work

us

Yet Guinevere To die of

wrought

so

wiselySegramor

was

fi"n well-nigh

joy,from King Arthur,his lady this grace did gain.

ARTHUR And
Nor

163

on

fame

and

honour only was

he sold the venture

the
on

gallant youth intent,

which his heart
was

115

for

gold had

bent

Now And And

On To He

the hero young

over

and

well armed beardless,

his steed
full

bestrode, speed rode

rang here
;

the fresh young

were

greensward his charger at

beneath
; and

the bushes

bent
armour

him, and the golden bells

I deem well
an

dear
120

alike trapping seek for the who "in

and

need

were

magic pheasant mid thicket and thorny brake,

the bells for his guide might take knight had followed,
whom
no

this

Thus
Fast For

rashlyrode the hero,to him

fettered in
the

Frau

Minne's

spell
fell.
fast held

and magic fetters,

blow broken

at the first there

"

peace

by his

word

was

There

by threefold knight.

^^5

might.
And

the power

of red

blood-dropsthreefold stood
known how this,

ever

the stranger

(Yea, well
And

myself have
senses

Frau

Minne

with power

may

hold,

the holding,

scatter, and

with
a

untold passionof grief

woman

the heart Shall fill

to

'Twas o'erfiowing" doth condemn

me,

who
me

wrought this ill,

comfort ween.

And
Thus

she vanquished, draweth

afar must she

and

refuseth
be

still.

^3Q

guilt upon her,for the sin shall

the presence,

hers, I

And

from I fiy

that of old time my

joy hath been.)

Thus

' Segramor quoth unto him, Now and our our That thus near lieth, army

it seemeth
presence

but illto

me

thee rejoiceth

! may

And

thou

boldest

his flame too

whom lightly,

with

pride we

hail

our

X35

king.
And 'tis meet thou for this do penance,
"

or

the death-chime

for

me

shall

ringl
Thus That

armed, all too

blow

near

thou ridest

yet first would

my wrong

I courteous

pray

thou yieldthee at this my

my

bidding,or

will I here repay. these snow-flakes

And

shall be

and swift,

shall scatter thy falling

white ! And
I call
on

thee

here

to

yieldthee,ere

I put thee to

shame. Sir Knight

!'

140

Yet In
a

Parzival still kept silence" for Frau

sorer

Minne,
him

so

fair and

young.

conflict held him

"

Then

his steed wheeled

sate

Segramor

swung

ready,round Aside, as for jousting

On whose back the

the war-horse

good

hero yet gallant

in

mystic mood,

i64
X45 And
ever

PARZIVAL he

turned him round gazed on the blood-dxops ; as his chaiger and fiune in their stead he found I Awhile from his eyes they vanished, For swift He
as

the

crimson blood-drops

thus

passed from his dazzled sight,

anew

hearkened

the voice of the

foeman, and braced him

for

fight.

150

Segnunor rode against him, Parzival sought afiieshthe spear That he found by the woodland with blazon of colours clear ; chapel, For tough was the shaft, and he grippedit, and he held the pointfull low. As his foeman dashed fair against blow. him, his shield rang with the ringing
Then
as

155

him anew and the joust he so well repaid. to the onslaught, spuxred That the knightin his goldenarmour low in the snowdrift laid ! was Yet still tho* it bare him from off his horse ; the spear unsplintered, was Then he And And Paxzival still and kept silence, his eyes he wheeled him upon his course, e'en
as

sought once

more

the

and blood-drops,

they met

his

sight
Frau And
x6o

Minne he

with fetters bound

him, and held him in cords of might.

but gazed question,
ever a

spake never

word, nor
lost the

upon

the

ground,

he And, dreaming,

knowledge which he for

fled back

space had found I

But And

the gallant charger had affrighted, its rider arose, little comfort had he lain in the

into its stall,

might he find, though he soft might foil I

in such wise e'en snowdrift, couch of on sleepeth
! for he to whom
snow as men

Outstretched
To

shall go

who rest,yet but illhe sleepeth, such bed had but

sorrow

1^5 And Hath

brought me

illbetides

but the lucky doth God's hand guide. mocking for his bedfellow,

So Be The
170

near seen

was

King
by
Love

Arthur's army, and

was

that

well might Parzival right

of all men,

the

wonders, and the conflict that then befell

! came,

victor

Did

the

king of

by Love that in days of old vanquished, hold all kings the wisest. King Solomon, captive
back
to the army
once more

Short space, then, ere

An

Knight Segramor

with

or praise

with blame

they should greet him, he counted

it stillthe

same.

And Tho*

them, with mocking tongue and bold, sharp words he flungamong must they ever the hero hold f vanquished, yet not dishonoured,

175 And

And

quoth,* Have I never a joust,

he

ye
wot

never

heard

that strife bringeth loss this,

one

as

gain ?

me,

but the victor doth

remain.

ARTHUR While And An shall be the

: vanquished me

165
The

one

aye

best

shipin
me

storm

may

sink,

I wot he knew

that ye ne'er have heard of my shield the

to

for speak,

I ne'er did
not
as a

think,
foe I
180

he had faced blazon, me,

Much

in sooth,hath he wrought evil,

would

and

yet doth he wait below

for conflict fain,

All those who An

a

ride in

againsthim,

for he seemeth

knight should gain.*

joustoverthrow

him,

such

chance

might he

count

for

Then
How A
'

unto straightway

King Arthur Sir Kay did the tidings bring.

his

without their ring, and his victor, knight,Segramor, had fallen,

young

knight,for jousting ready,yet waited with illintent

an

"

185

Nay,

I think

this stranger warrior of and

thou

so

many

unpunished went,
such lack would

burden
my

both

sore

shameful hold
me

on

our

honour

lay ;
I

Now,

king, an
ride hence

worthy, do
who

thou

grant

me

this grace,

pray,

I would Of
our

to ask his

meaning,
refuse me,

thus in the presence

fair bear ;
190

Queen Guinevere

and

her maidens

his lance-point aloft doth then

But if thou I abide here And To

shouldist this boon

as

know,

not

another

hour

this

thy servant thy

Roimd

; for I hold that the

knightlypower delay strengthto-day1

deaf
were

the fair fame

arm

of

Table

are

stainM dareth
For
*

if we
our

ourselves
I

the stranger who 'gainst

to

Now,

give leave prithee,

we

him fight
us

"

tho' blind and

we,

195

Yet 'tistime that

should

defend

'
"

As

thou

so wiliest,

let it be P

Then
A

swift did the seneschal he fiEdnhad thus

arm

him, and I
; for Frau

ween

in fierce anger'sfire with strong desire

a

woodland love
was

wasted

the foe,who 'gainst Minne

And Had

sorelyburdened

magic spell
200

wrought
fell his

with the snow-flakes

and the spotless,

blood-dropsthat crimson
to woric him

And

knighthood he sorelyshamM,
to

who

thought here
denieth of Love

harm,

Since he faileth tx\ie Love

honour, who

the charm.

Frau With And And

For

Minne, say, why

bliss that too how
canst

dost thottmake

glad the souls that

more

mourn

but leaveth them swifUy fleeting,

true

forlorn ?
205

thou, Frau Minne,

worth

and

knightlyfame,
to

manly strengthand courage^ thus vanquishand put

the least is to thee thinketh to
scorn
as

shame
no

the greatest, and

the earth shall

unto

hero

boast.

Who

thine

but empire,

he leameth

his cost

i66 That
aio

PARZIVAL
thou canst, an thou
own

overthrow him wilt,

as

; yea, all men

as

thy power
its sway.

obey,

For

thy sceptre

we

mighty, and wide

the world

Yet this

one

thing it doth thee honour, tho' thou rulest all else

her

but

ill,

Joy
Frau Nor
3X5 Thou

maketh

dwellingwith

thee,and

for this would

1 thee still praise

Minne, alas
hast thou hast many

! of old time full false

nor

were

thy ways,

I ween,

thy dealingsmended,
a

to-dayhast thou truer

love forbidden
sorrow

been,

maiden

sham^
the

who

sought ; brought ;
prove.
!

Thro* And And And

320

thy dealings, upon

the servant
I would

his lord hath vassal,

the fiiend shall false and

faithless to the friend of his bosom

; such

betrayhis

master

deeds

do but shame
to

thee, Love

that it were

far from

thee,the body
thou
must

yieldto lust, old,

for treason

In such

wise ^at the soul ashamed

the compelling, be

is stricken with sorrow's thrust,

young makest
we

And

that with force

Though their years but few

Such

counted,this
not

hold

speech,I
comfort

ween,

beseems ! If
succour

the

man

who
ever

in

servingthee brought to
loss alone
me,

Hath
335

found

thine hand
sorrow

I had Hast

been thou

less slow to counted

to

praisethee,but
me as

and such

guerdon, and

glamour thine

art

hath

thrown O'er mine

eyes,

that,methinks,henceforward

I trust thee

never

more. !

Though
And
330

small
too

it brought unto profit above

me

I thee,the bitter grief

bore

yet

high
as a

art

thou,that whatever my
we

wrong,

I should

e'en

fool

upbraid thee with bitter words

scarce

and
bear

strong
the

For thy spear Thou

'Neath

too

and sharplypierces, us^Methinks

may

weight.

layestat will upon

a

he who

sang

of late,

tree, of

Had
335

better done

of old, and thy wondrous ways thy mystic dealings, I hold how had he told us we thy grace might
,

(Heinrichof
Of the

Veldeck

was

and he,'

he

taught us,

I ween,

rightwell
tell.)
;
was

winning of Love, of its guarding,alas

one me

I he failed to

For oft

thro'

loses the folly

prizethat he late did win

Minne, thine

Yea, to
240

hath such

fate befallen, yet Frau

the sin 1
nor

Since all wisdom Nor

nor charger,

shall be

thee since against thy portion,

nor
can on

spear,

shield,

guarded
face

fortress their vaunted

power

wield,
the
sea

I know He who

not

what

shall withstand
to

thee,nor

on

earth,nor

feareth

thy conflict, say whither shall he flee ?

ARTHUR 'Twas And

167

thy mysticpower, Frau Minne, that dealt thus with Panival,

reft him awhile of
the queen

For "Eur was And she

knowledge,and wrought with him as a fooL and gracious who reignedin far Pelrap"r,
she made thee her message

245

thought on her lord and husband, and

Kardeiss her

bear. And And From for this

cause

hast thou for thy payment brother,

I ne'er have

slair,

since thou such tribute

'tiswell that askest,

ta'en

thine hand

aught of good,since in such wise thou dost for thy debtors

List ye how Sir

This

spake for the sake of all men knightlyarmour

"

now

Kay did hat

950

Now And And And

he rode forth in Gamuret's wherever the grace

son,

to the strifethat he sore

did crave.

to his wish fulfilment rightwilling,

gave. prayer. for his

fair maids

their voices uplift in compelling,

ask be

they shall
a

granted,let them
him
^Then
'

pray
a

here
woman

welfare,
255

Since it was Love's And Hast he

thro'

woman's

of beauty,that the spell

"

wrought

magic, of

senses

robbed

his

charger to halt Kay brought ;

our

Waleis, Sir Knight, since thou thus spake to the gallant

shalt hear
my

king

shamed, thoU

counsel,for wisdom

perchance 'twill

bring;
Thou For
Nor
so

shalt
may

hang thee
I

hempen halter around

take thou
me,

thy neck straightway,

with
me me

lead thee, and lightly

canst

thy way.
my

260

think

thou,thou
as

escape

but with
worse

unto

lord
1'

Shalt thou go^

befits a

else captive,

may

be thy reward

the Waleis By love constrained,

nor

word

nor

answer

spoke,
a

and he Kay gripped his spear-shaft tightly

On

smote

with

mighty stroke
his hand
;

the hero's he

head, tillthe helmet

'

rang

loudlybeneath
Dost shalt thou

965

And And
Low

quoth, Now
the

will I awake
?

thee !

think here to take

thy stand,

standingsleepunsheeted
on snow

Nay, other
The
ass

fare.
in such

I '11lay thee I
rue

that is wont
one

to bear

The
As

sack from the mill would here I think

now

did it,

smite him
sloth and

wise.
270

to smite

thee,and thy
sore

thy

sleepchastise t '

Frau For
'

Minne,
an one

now

bethink
wrong

thee,for
a

this shameth

thee, speech will be, speak 1

should

peasant, in this wise his

from

My lord will sure

repay thee 1' Vengeance

thee he'ld seek

Waleis, an Methinks, this gallant

thou wouldst

let him

I68
975 Now

PARZIVAL let him from and loose him from thy ban, thy circle,

out

This stranger guest shalt prove

him, a

true

and

valiant

man

SwiA
And

rode Sir
no more snow

Kay
his
and

unto

him, and

he turned

his bridle lound,

sorrow

longingglances their joy and their crimson,that blood-drops

his him" His
and

found,

The
380

white

mystic likeness bare

To He
To

the queen knew

of his love and

the Lady of Pelrap"r; longing,

all that

passed around

charger Sir Kay addrest

his spear
he laid in rest.

he spurred him jousting,

onward,

In the

joust,that which pierce

Kay had

aimed

at

he

smote, for his spear

did

The

Waleis'

285 The

shield, yet swift payment was seneschal of King Arthur fellprone

the geese erewhile had dead

for in onslaught fierce his,

on

the fallen tree,

Where
And

hid them, and ^'Twixt

"

hurt full sore

stone

was

he,

lay his
and

gallant charger"
decked his

and

the

saddle-bow.

Right arm,
That
^90

left leg had

he broken

so

mighty

his overthrow

all that had

bells of gold, saddle, charger,girths,

By the force of the ML

And with
one

were

thus the stsaupgerhis payment toKd^ shattered,

"

him blow, for twain repaid borne and the

^the one

that erst for his sake,

most

A maiden

had

other,which he from Kay's hand guided of truth

well

take.

Thus Her

he who
message

knew in

naught of falsehood

was

to know
snow. senses

on blood-dropsthreefold, saw

the white of the drifted

395 'Twas

not blood,that he tear-drops,

there,and

might his
on

"il.

And

the

thoughts of his* heart

wax

heavy, as
that

he

mused

the wondrous

Grail,
And
the semblance sorely

him grieved

spake of

his wife and

queen.

Yet tho' o'er the twain he Was

the
woe

that Frau

sorrowed,the greater woe, I ween. Minne wrought him, for there liveth
its power, the time be

not

heart

so

strong,
300 But

longingand
we

love united break

ere

long.
to

Count

here

those

twain

as

ventures?

Nay, 'twere better methinks

that the vanquished

hold,
That

they were

naught

but

pain and

sorrow,

hero bold.

Now For

ye unto

whom

I tell this, I rede ye to

mourn a

Kay's woe.
strifedid know.

full oft

as

his manhood

bade

him, he

many

I70

PARZIVAL

When
340

I,as of old,may
tho' mine
I wot be the

serve

thee

: now

cease

thou

thy moan

I pray,

For

pain,yet my monarch
avenger

shall ne'er find another

Kay,

And An
An

that for mine

art thou all too

nobly bom

yet hadst i"u"u lost a fingerI had counted

I risked not
me or

myself forsworn
as are

mine

head

to pay

it ! Let that be

it may, the words I say ! '

Believe

not, as shall pleasethee,yet sooth

'

345

No

joustshalt
I think me,

thou

ride

at my

urging,for roughly he greets his foe,

nor

Who
And

holdeth without his

and rideth station,

swift

nor

slow.

of maidens'

tresses, tho' frailbe such

a

cord and fair, hair single

!

Enough from
And
350

such

strifeto bind thee,the chain of

shall show

the

man

who

such meekness, he well doth his mother

love,

Since his sire would

But Turn

fain in the conflict his

knightlymettle prove.
her

follow thou aye thou deed

thy mother, Sir Gawain, listwell

the

rede,
from the manly

pale
1'

at

glancing

sword-blade,and

shrink

And
Fell

thus

on

the

hero the bitter words he spake gallant looked

not

sharply,he take,

for them,

nor

on

Kay might he
his

vengeance

355 Full seldom

knight may
thus

do so, since shame

on

setteth seal. lips

But

they who
Gawain
have
saw ever

such shame speak discourteous,

shall

they never

feel.

Then And And 360 I

was

he

quoth in
I

'

answer,

Where

men

sword might bear. knightly

no man or

and foughten,

fought with them, then palerat sightof

he bade

beheld blow.

me

there,
!'

that my

cheek

waxed

wound

thy friend--'twas needless that thou shouldst reproach me

strode from the tent, and them

so

Then

he

bring hither his charger

good,
Nor spur
on

his heel he

buckled,unarmed

he his steed bestrode.

So
And

came

he unto shield

the Waleis
to

(whose
bare

sense

was

of love held

fast).
thro' its circle

his

all eyes

witness

of

three

spears

passed,
3f^SFor three

joustsof late had

too
was

he
"

ridden,and
Then

he

rode

them

with heroes

twain.

Of Orilus And
For

he smitten

gentlyuprode Gawain,
conflict nor strifehe

he

not spurred

his steed to

nor gallop,

sought. fought.

he rode but in love and in

to seek him who kindness,

here had

ARTHUR Fair Frau

True To The

171

spake Gawain
Minne
son

the stranger,

to

greetingdeaf
other

was

he,
?
37"

yet held him

how captive, lot

was

might it be

of

to this Herzeleide,

he bom,

lose himself for love's sake

; such

passion as had
what the mouth

torn

hearts of these his parents, afresh in his heart awoke. his but little
ear

And

might hearken
unto

of Gawain

spoke.
375

Quoth King Lot's

In that thou

son

the

Walcis, Sir Knight, here thou doest ill

*
"

withholdest
can

greeting tho' patientI wait thy will

me

Far otherwise

I bear I count

1 Know

thou

that to friend and

king. bring.
3^ this grace,

Yea,
And The
So And

to
our

all whom

my

fellows, thy deed

greater
; yet

doth dishonour
I for thee

shame

ever

waxeth

prayed

king

of free heart pray, my

thee, if now forgives counsel, and

to

thou shalt seek his face.

as

hearken, I
ride thou

do

thou
nor

I shall say.
too

with

me

King Arthur,

long shalt thou

find the

way.'
Nor

nor threatening

prayer

might
Minne's

move

him, this fair son

memory the time

of Gamuret backward
when

Then And

the he

pride of King thought of

Arthur's

knighthood his
and dealings,

set,
the knife's 385

Frau

sharp blade
He And drave thro' his hand
that time when thro' the unwitting, love of
a

maid. gracious
set

from

death's

cold clutches, a

queen'shand had
he,

him

free.
When

of L"helein
a

was

he

in joustwas vanquished,and captive

must

And
And

queen
name

in the

day of his danger

men

pledge her fiur lifefor

dealeth
with

his.
390

her

shall of
*

be be

Queen praised.
Frau Minne

Ingus of Bachtariiess.
so

Thought Gawain,
As Of She He

It may

this goodly man,

she dealt with

her

me

of old

time, so

him claspeth

in the ban the

snare

within fair-woven,that his spirit magic spells

fast

holdeth cast, and

entangled

'
"

Then

his eyes

on

the snow-flakes the

fair
395

he knew

the token, and

swift from

sight spell-bound

With

cloth of ""ir silk and

sendal,he covered

the

blood-dropsbright

The And
Yet

blood-stained his

snow

was sense

hidden,nor
unclouded in her

was longer its spell

seen.

sightand

his

she gave

him,

his wife and

queen

his heart did she hold be cried aloud in his

keeping,and its dwellingwas

thro' the silent sununer

Pelrap"r,
400

And

sorrow

air ;

I7a
*

PARZIVAL of thee hath robbed and who erewhile wast

my

Alas ! who

me,

my

queen

and

wife,

For

thy love, thy crown,

am

thy kingdom

righthand
the heart from
now

hath

won

in strife.

Say, say, Yea, sorrow

405 Are

I he who

saved thee from

Klamid^

the warrior doth

king?
wring
be-dazed
I

and and bitter sighing,

I
won

that grief
now

the

guerdons

in

and thy service,

mine
on

eyes

Art thou

and thy place I know reft,

not, tho' but

thy face
wot

gazed.' brought

Then

he

quoth, Now, where

*

'

shall my

spear

be, since I

well I

it here?'

Quoth Gawain,
'

hast joust

thou

shall and splintered ridden,

be
nor

thy spear.'
sword
nor

With

whom

should

I joust?' quoth the Waleis, 'thou bearest

shield,
4x0

And

little had

been

mine

honour, an thou
will I
my I

to my

hand

didst

yieldI

Yet bear
Tho' An Yet
4x5 For

I awhile
a

thy mocking, nor

thy friendship pray, kept alway.

in thee
my way
me a

many

have joust

ridden, yet

saddle I
I find not hence
on

thou be not for jousting minded, and the world labour and lieth wide strife am before me, and I

foe.

I go ;

seekingand
nor

fain would

I win

praise.

Be

anguishor joy my

portion ;
I

unfruitful shall be my

days.'
heart and

Quoth Gawain, ' What

Nor
my

spake aforetime
the

spake of

true

free.
with

thoughtswere
that I
crave

for well would thoughts of evil,

I deal

thee;
And
4"

the boon

will I win me,

and

my

monarch
a

with many

knight

Lieth here at hand

An

with his anny,

with many
thee
to our

lady bright. goodly company, gladly 1 11 ride with

with thee I who

it pleasethee.Sir

Knight, to betake right hand

From

all strife shall this

guard thee, and

thee.'
^

I thank

thee,Sir Knight, fair thou speakest, yet say

may

ere

ride.
at

Who

the monarch
my

be

whom

thou

servest

and

rideth here

side ? '

435

'A Nor

man

do

I hail

as

master, thro' whose

fame
on

much

"une

I won.
me

here shall my

mouth
ever

keep silence
and
as

the

thingshe for
me

hath done.
:

For dear hath he

held me,

true

knight did
I
as

entreat

(His sister King Lot hath wedded, and God gave unto me, And the good gifts
430 For

the twain

parents greet.)

to his service I
men

yieldthem

all,

my

hand

and

my

whom heart he ruleth,

do

King Arthur call

ARTHUR need

173
a

Nor For And

mine

own

name

here be

nor hidden,

secret

shall
me as

long remain,
Gawain
:

the folk and "un would

the lands that know

I do thee

me,

they call on
my

alike with service,

nor bidding,

hand

and
me

name,

If thou turnest

here at my

bringest upon

shame

!'

Then That That Yet Now That

So

he

quoth, * Is it thou,O Gawain

as a

? too little I yet have

me

done
won

435

thou shouldst all men

not

friend entreat

yet hast thou this honour

thou

gently treatest-"and

I here will take, thy friendship I fain would

tents

for mine

say where

but repayment deserving, thine army since so many lieth,

own

make.

see

stand fair

by the brink of the river ?

I bemoan
or

If

King Arthur in truth shall

I may
so

be

440

near, then must

enter

me,

that in honour
on

not

dare

To

his royal presence,

look
me

his queen
a

fair.

Since 'tismeet
For

that I first avenge

of

foul and and

discourteous shame
must

blow.
know.
445

which, since the day

a

I left them, I me,

so

sorrow

For For

maiden

as

she beheld
the maid

the seneschal laughed sweetly, 'twas sorely,

a

my

sake smote

wood

that upon

her fell.'

'

Rough vengeance thou here hast taken 1 (Gawain to the Waleis spake) Since thou in a jousthast felled him, and right and left leg he brake. arm
Ride that lieth the here,see his chargerlifeless, the snowdrift behold the of splinters the
stone

below

On

spear

that hath

dealt the 450

blowl 'Tis the spear thou but

now

wast

seeking*!' Then
'

the

truth knew

Sir

Parzival,
And And
Thou
*

he spake unto straightway the

man

Gawain, Now, ifthis be

me,

the

seneschal.
was

who

so

sorelyshamed
thou

if thou

swear

me
in

that this

he.
I'
455

mayst ride where

never a

and gladly will wilt,

*

I ride

thy company

Nay,

lie do I tell thee,' quoth Gawain,

ere now

thou hast overthrown

Segramor,
He

who

in battle
met

was :

ever

as

victor

known. to-day,
away.'

fell ere

yet Kay had

of
our

thee

great deeds hast thou done

the

Since

o'er two

bravest heroes

prizethou

hast borne

So

rode the

they,the

one

with the

the Waleis and Knight Gawain, other,

on

And

both afoot and folk,

horseback,with honour
did

would

greet the 460

twain,
Gawain
And and his guest the Red the twain to

they of courtesy, his frdr pavilion speedily. they gat them right

this Knight,

174 And the

PARZIVAL
I

tent by lady,fair Kunnewaax^ the whose she and hero, g reeted Rejoiced, joyful

whose

Gawain's

did

stand,

strong

hand right

465 Had

Med

not

to

wreak

stem

vengeance

for the

illthat

Kay wrought that

day;
Then
And her brother and

fair Jeschut^she led upon them

as

by the

hand

straightway.
drew
near.

Pandval

looked

the three to his tent

And
As
470

his foce,thro' the rust of his armour,

roses

it shone

ever

and fia"r

clear,
g
:

dew-dippedhad

flown there

his harness

aside he

laid,

And

he stood before

Kunnewaar^, and thus spake the gentlemaid

firstbe welcome, thou well hast
welcome

'

To

God

shalt thou

as

thou and

art

to me,

Since

thy manhood
thee!

proven,

the faith that

I had

in

Ere And
475

the day that my

heart beheld
smote
me

thee,nor
m^
I

laughternor
hand my

smiles I knew.

Kay, who
now

in that hour

with stem With

so a

gladness slew.
pay.

But

hast thou well

avenged
1
' *

kiss I
I

thy deed would

If I of To
crave

thy kiss
of

were

worthy

Nay,

had

thought to-day

thy lips my
such

* if thou still payment,'quoth Parzival,

Wilt

give me
she
sent

graciousgreeting, rightgladly I '11do thy will I '

down
a maiden they sate them, and the princess

Then

kissed

him, and

43o And
And

bade

her to

bring rich raiment

; so

sped

she

unto

the tent ;

the garments

they lay there ready,of rich silk of Nineveh,

For her
Then

prisoner. King Klamid^, had she fashioned them

who
was

cunningly.
she bewail

the maiden the mantle the

bare

the garments, full sorely must

That 4B5 Then From

since the silken cord did fail yet unfinished,

her side drew
wove a

lady,Kunnewaard, from

silken band it with skilful hand.

'

the folds of her

robe,in the mantle she

Then And

courteous

her leave he

prayed him, the

and youthful,

rust

would

he wash
were

away. red

fair shone

his face, and

his

lipsthey
so

that

day.
Aiid robed
490
was

the
who

hero, and gallant

so

brightand

fair was
sure

he,
be
or

That The And

all

men

there beheld
crown

him, they sware

a

he for

must

flower and

the

of

manhood,
and

knight without shame praised him

and

fear ; waxed

they

looked

upon

him,

they

his colour

brightand clear.

ARTHUR
And The And With And Was
For

175
; an

well right

did his

garb become
as

him

emerald

green
;

and

rare,

of lair Kunneward, gift

a

clasp at his neck he bare him, all wrought in

with
a a

beside girdle

she gave

cunning

row

495

that burnt mystic beasts, bejewelled, its clasp was

seen so a

fiery glow, youth

sooth,
.

red-fire ruby

"

How

think ye the beardless

was

when

thus

richly girded?
looked

Fair

he in very

the story runneth"

women

the folk bare upon

him

rightgoodwill,
him

Men

and

who

him, they counted

Arthur

worthy still. king,

the word

500

Forthwith, as the Mass

And
No the
man

was

ended, came

the noble

knights of his Table with him, a goodly following.

there whose

lipsspake

falsehood.

Yea, all heard

that

day,
*"

With

Gawain

the Red

Knight dwelleth
beaten

! ' the

king thither took his

Sir Antanor, swiftly,

way.

Then

the

knight who
to

so

sore

was

came

505

For, fain
And
Now

behold

the Waleis, his feet

sped the king before,

me,

he asked, 'Art thou he who vanished

an

avenged

and

the lady of fair Lalande? thine

shall be

Kay's honour, for it falleth unto

of his

hand.

And

end

hast thou made

and the days of his strife are threatening,

o'er.
For

his

arm

it is

weak, and his vengeance

I fear for it never

more

1'

510

And As
an

so

fair was.

the

that all men knight and radiant,

on

beheld earth
a

his face space.

no

abideth angel from heaven, that wingless, well did

all

And And

King Arthur
looked

greet him, and

upon

his

knights were

whit behind,

they who

him, naught but love in their hearts might

and all

find,
And And their
no man

to their heart made lips

answer,

spake
that

to his

* Yea,' 515 praises,

gainsaidthe other,so lovelyhis mien

day

Then Yet As An

Arthur

spake "ir
the hand

unto

him, ' Thou

a

hast

wrought
I
no

me

both

joy and pain,

to

ne'er from

of

hero such honour

thought to gain
service I did

the honour I

that thou hast

brought me
in the

! yet
no

thee.
530

tho' did,then thy fame had repaid it, the deed

grace ! been

other

thy deeds should be

Than

thou

hast done

winning for Jeschut^ her husband'^

this I had

Nor

had Kay's guilt

unavenged, if ere

seen

thy face

176

PARZIVAL him.' Then Arthur in this wise

Myselfhad, unasked" chastised

'

spake,

Since

so

fax they had come,

one

and their journey had

they taken but for his sake, brotherhood. good.'

was

595

They
And And And

all with be
one

voice did pray

him, to
unto

swear

to them

of the

gallantTable, a comrade good

the oath that

both true and

their prayer he
sware

it seemed

at heart him, and joyful

he,
he

them

they asked

for,and their knight would

be. gladly Now

530

hear ye, and

if on speak the verdict, had

this

day the Table Round

;

Its

and its due observance right,

a

here,as aforetime found him^ifthere

Since for many No

But

day King

Arthur

in this wise had

came

ruled his court.

of fairventure

knight should break bread before enough

go"

naught

should have

chanced

this

morning,and to Table
bear

they well

might
its

Though
535 Wide

from

Nantes

might they never

flowerymeadow,
Red
woven,
nor

it,yet they here would

them
was

semblance
enow was

show. the hindered

"

tree

or

tent,

As

they did here their monarch's

to

bidding

for this

his heart's

intent,
"

Fair honour Then Twas

a

givethe

Knight,and
they laid

his
on

as meet, reward valour,

silk in Acraton

the grassy
and 'twas

sward,

brought from
round
;
ever

far lands of

paynim,
these
all

shapen both wide found.

;

and

540 For

this courteous
seat

custom

mid

knights was gallant

men were

No
'

high

had

they of honour, but

welcome,

equal there

And

thus had

both the knights and their ladies fair King Arthur willed it, Round
were

At the Table

yea,

an

they might honour

all should

claim,
same

Knight,lady,or gentlemaiden,
545 And

at his court

fare the

with her maiden following, came there,

many
none a

fair Guinevere
was

the queen.

And And That

And
550 And

noble
was

amid princess

her train

seen.

but

fiiir to look on, and

the ring it was

spreadso

wide

without strife or crowding, each maid within,

sat her

knight beside.

Arthur,who ne'er knew

Kunnewaar^
sorrow

led falsehood, beside

the Waleis

by the hand,

From

him, the lady of "ur Lalande, the knight had freed her" Then, with kind and friendly eyes.
she walked upon the hero, and he

Looked
*

Arthur

spake

to him

in this wise of form

crave

My queen will

I bid to kiss

thee,who
I
ween

art fair both

and face. this grace.

For

in this court, of lady ne'er,

wouldst

thou

178
And No
As

PARZIVAL of wisdom forsooth this maideli

might boast

her

a :

wondrous

store,

tongue but she spake, French, Latin,and

men

Paynim
it was

in all such lore

read in the

highestheavens, Dialectics, Geometry, trainM, and her

name name

In all was
595
"

she courteous
men

called Kondrie.
on

The

sorceress' did

her, nor

her

speech halted
into

its way,

Too

she ready her tongue, since rejoicing

smote

that day. grief

This
No A

maiden, so rich in wisdom, bare littleof maiden

lover e'er

grace.

praisedher beauty,no
mantle,
bluer

tongue spake her fair of face.

Ghent

tempest she,joy destroying, yet of bridal cloth from

she
a wear was a

Did
As

than

azure as

the soft tints blent. maidens

robe in France

cap

it fairly fashioned, such

around it,

shall wear,

And
And

beneath
a

her

body, a silken
the

she bare.

hat of the
was a

English peacock, with

hat, and
that

silk of orient

lined,
the maid behind.

And ^5 And And

new

the

and fastening,
sorrow

it hung low

like to shame

bridge her

message,

o'er joy had

crossed.
was

enough

did she

bring them,

till laughterin tears

lost.

In

thick adown

above her headgear had she flungher plait

on

tresses
so

back,

And
Nor
6io And

the mule

were

they hanging,so
which bristles,

and long,
on

coarse, and

black.

softer to touch
her
nose as as a

than the

swine
from
out

their backs
mouth

shall show.

dog's was
'seemed
the
a

shapen, and
wild boar,
as a

her

did grow

Two And
And

tusks above I

had

hand's-breadth
as

long were

they ;

her eyes but the

a

eyebrows

thick must,

they lay. plaits

tho' my
none

speak
I

truth,as

I needs such

words

lack in courtesy

Since

speak of

maid, yet, for

cause,

other

reproachethme.

6x5 And
A

ears

as

bear had

Kondrie, and
of

never ween

the eye

might

trace

or shy glance of love, a

longing,I
maiden

in that wondrous
was a a

face.
;

And And And

620

scourge

did she bear, and of this winsome

as an

the handle like

ruby, of silk the cord they were

not too

the hands the skin I ween,

lion's were

sharplyclawed, light,
heroes ! fight

ape'swas

dusky,and

the nails

And

for her maiden

but seldom favours,

would

So rode And

she

unto

the

and circle,
"

her

coming did

sorrow

bring.
the

fair joy did she put in

peril ^Then turned she him, his table-mate

bare her

unto

king,

(And Kunnewaar^
And

sat beside

was

she.

fair Guinevere,his consort, a queen

company.)

ARTHUR Thus To And

Yet

179
sat that

in

royalstate King Arthar

as

monarch

day" speak alway tell,

well !
.

^S
;

the Breton

king rode Kondrie,and

in French

did she
venture
none

tho' I in another

language than hers shall the

it pleasethme telling

I rede ye to wit that the

too

'

Thou

son

of

and thy Breton high Pendragon, thyself,

From

host,

By thy deed hast thou shamed"

boast Once
And
sat

all lands the noblest that

they might 630

here

but poisoned is now gallant circle, Round dishonoured

their

fame.

thy Table

and brought to shame. by traitor,

King
But

Arthur,o'er all

of old stood high. thy fellows, thy praises

it sinketh now,

and thy fame, that did swiftly thy glory, fly.

thine honour

Henceforward

goeth halting;

doth fame
of

seek the

ground
Round

635

Since it showeth

stain of falsehood"

The

thy Table

It suffereth for the

friendship ye
"

with Parzival did swear, of

a

Tho'
"

I wot

well the outward

token

knight he spotless
name

bear.

The

Red

Knight
hath

ye here do call him, the

of

one

who

lay
640

Dead
For
no

before mouth

Nantes,
the

yet I tell thee unlike in their lifeare

a

they !
fault
nor

read of

hero whose turned

fame

knew

nor

flaw,
the Waleis

As

his 1 '

From

king

she

her, and

did

rein

by

draw,
And she

quoth, ' Now

sore

shalt thou

rue

since I,for thy sake deny it,

My greetingunto
Of

King Arthur, and the knights of his company. I look on here. May thy fair face be dishonoured,and thy manhood
and forgiveness dear!

645

joy

were

I merchant, in sooth

shouldst thou buy them

And

I deem

thou art but

monster,

and

myself shall far fairer be

thou
to me.

as Speak, Sir Parzival,

I bid

thee,and this riddle read sighing?

Oh

When

thou

sawest

of comfort the fisher sit there, joyless, loose his

reft.

Why
*

didst thou not

Why

was

he in

bondage left?

'

650

For he showed

thee of his

sorrow"

! thou false and

faithless guest,
rest.

For

hadst thou had that

as

pityon

him, his anguish had gotten

in thine hear^ is the is, the Ruler
true
men

I would For e'en

thy mouth

might perish, yea, the tongue thy mouth

root

within,

the heart the tongue

of sin. 655

To And

Hell shalt thou be this be

on

earth

by predestined, t hat thy portion,

of Heaven

high, fly.

thy

face shall

i8o And ban hast tfaoa for

PARZIVAL and for Uiss shalt tbou find but bale, blessing, thoa strive for honour,and thy striving shall naught avail
wmi wax

For too late dost And

660 That
so

feeble shall

thy manhood, and thy fame it shall be

the promise of healing physician speak. drive me,
was
on

so

weak,

never

shall souPs

An

one

to the oath
a

should
treason

thine head
a man

were
so

I fain to swear, fiur.

That Thou Who

never

darker

wrought by

hook

in "ur feathers hidden, brightserpent with

was

poisonedfeng,
thy side did hang
now

ne'er of the sword

worthy, which
Sir

thine host at

665 The
And

goal of

this thysins, upon

thy

of Hell's horde silence,

art thou

the sport,

dishonour

thy body, Thy

hast thou Paisival,

wrought
the

Saw'st thou not how And

theybare before thee the

and joy'sdestruction,

and Grail,

bleedingspear.
were grief

sharp silver?
here!'

thy

shelter from

'

Yea, hadst thou but asked

at Monsalv"sch

in afer,

heathen stand ;

land,

670 Rich
Yet

doth the town o'er all earthly riches, the riches with

of Tabronit been

thy speech had

him

won

thee had

I greater fer,

ween

"

And

strifeof knighthoodthe hand gallant

won : no

of that

country's queen
stain ;

Feirefis One 675 And And

Angevin hath
ween,

fear doth his manhood

I father,

hath borne

ye, yet unlike shall ye

be, ye twain.
black his race.'

thy brother is strange

at Zassamank

to look on, for both

white and

fece,

o'er the folk of his mother's he reigneth

And

my

thoughtsto thy sire are turning;

thou heritage hast
won

his country
never

was

feir Anjou,

And Than
680

he leftthee bar other heirdom the

(forhis heart
thee, and the
had

felsehood of
a an

knew,)
t

crown

evil fame of shame

And
I had

could I but think

thy mother

wrought here
!

deed

said that Mis child thou wert

woe,

not

Yet

her feith it but

wrought her

And

of her

naught but good be spoken

was

1 And

as all men thy fether,

know,

In his manhood He
won

true

for him

meed

of

and in many a distant land steadfest, and did stand. his praise o'er all men honour, and
as a a

685 For great heart and

A

little felsehood

roof did defend

his

breast, fast,
I

dam in

the flood of 'gainst

ev", and
courage

home

for his love to rest for aye held

And But

manly

strengthand
to

was

his honour

iAy truth it is turned day

I heard

and felsehood,

thine honour

to earth is cast

Alas ! for the 690 That

alas it,

1 for the moumfol

tale,
faith should feiL'

the child of feir Hersdeide

in

knighthood

and

ARTHUR She herself the the prey of scHnow, and her hands each other down cUd she

i8i

was

wring anudn.
like
a

While

teardrops they chased

her chedcs

shower

of rain. And her eyes

they gave faithful witness

tc the

that her bosom grief

was

filled.
stilled.

For of tme

heart she

spake,the maiden, nor

e'en then

the

sorrow

Then Who For

unto

the

king she turned her,and she spake *

for love's

Is there here

knight
? fight

^5

yeameth
I know

and rewarding, and maidens

for honour four

and

fame

would

of four queens, Merveil

hundred, and all are

that

fair.

In Chateau

is their

dwelling ; and
to the venture true

like to the empty air

Shall be all knightly ventures Yet he who And

Burg within, guerddn win. rough the day.' farewell.

7^5
way,
700

shall face its peril, from

love shall his and

tho* far be that

and weary Burg and distant,

them
ere

Its walls must And But

*

I seek if haply I reach

close of

sad

was

the

nor maid, not joyful,

courteous

she bade
as

weeping she gazed around

i
woe no

her,and she cried

the

teardropsfell,
'

Ah

unto
man

thee,Monsalvasch, thou dwellingand goal of grief,

hath

Since

pityon thee,or bringeththy woe Kondrie, that maiden

relief !

Thus

had

the

sorceress

fierce and

proud.
bowed. and

Wrought evil upon the Waleis, and his fame to the earth had his manhood Naught they helped him, his bold heart's counsel,
fame,
And the virtue of knightlyshame. high o'er all other virtues, folsehood he ne'er had

knightly
710

(For
And And Then And For From And

hearkened,) and

true

shame

doth

rewarding
king.
"

bring.
it crowneth he who
true

the soul with honour shame

as

the circlet doth shall for

crown ever

doth cherish his work

stand

she lifted her voice o'er the she wept for the words the fairest of
men

maidens, the maiden

sorrow

of fair of

Lalande,
7x5

of

Kondrie, and the

him
; and

Parzival, bold.
a

did she deem

a

the teardrops fell swiftly

the eyes of many

woman,

for the sake ofthat

hero
many

theysorrowed
sorrow

at

heart,and their weeping must

knight behold
she went

Now

had

Kondrie

brought them
them
on a

; and

e'en

as

her way bent ;

Another
A

must
a

ride towards

warlike errand
was

^20

knightof

haughty bearing,and his harness

fair to see.
must

From

his foot to the

goodlyhelmet, and royalits cost

be.

i82 And
Was 795 And As

PARZIVAL

richly plumed
clad in such he found he rode

was

the helmet

and, e'en

as

the man,

the steed

armour glittering man

as

serveth for

need. knightly
at

them, both

and

maiden, heavy and sad

ye how his heart it was he

heart.
"

nigh unto
it
was

the circle ; hear

he bare his part

Tho*
Of Yet
730 Were

his mien

high

and

haughty, yet
reason

full of woe.
must pride

the twain shall ye learn the

to his heart grief

; thro' his manhood

"

know.

taught mourning
come

Thus

rode

he unto

the

ring, spring,

it well he should the

within

it? Then
were

squiresto
he and
sorrow

his aid did

And Nor

knight they greeted,yet gallant

his head
a

his shield unknown.

was

he doffed from his hand

are

the

helmet, and
and

his alone ;

And

bare

sword
I

unsheathed,
would fain.

he asked for those heroes and

twain,

'Where

they whom

speak with.King Arthur

Knight

Gawain?'
"

735 Then

thro* straight 'twas

the

ring he passed him, and

in Orient shining,
as

coat costly

he

bare,

And
And

wrought

of silk all he halted

'

woven

fair ;

before the host he

he sate be
"

there

within the

ring,
here

And
And
740

spake aloud,
these

God's

favour

on

thee,thou
all whom my

graciousking.
eyes see,

upon

knights and
him

ladies

To

mine

in offer,

greeting, service, yet be

to me,

one

from
rather

greetingfree ;
his

For

ne'er will I do

service, nay,
mine

I choose

hate.
!'

If ill-will he beareth

ill-willwith

his may

mate

'

And

'twere heart here he

well that I
so sore

name

him

to

ye.

Alas I alas !

woe

is me

! be !

My
745 And

hath

shall wounded, mine anguish o'er-great all

men were

doth

Sir Gawain, whom he sit, his

to

wont

to

praise.
;

High
Since The

standeth

fame, yet dishonour

it ruleth, methinks, his ways

avarice kiss
once

this

betrayedhim,
hath

in

greetingmy
such 'Twas
was

lord he

slew.

by
whom

Judas given,it taught him

he wounded
"

guile anew.
murder my

Many
750 And

thousand

hearts he

base, abhorred,

he, upon
Sir Gawain

wrought deny
he

erewhile it,
true it; meet
answer

dearest lord.
strife shall
me
on

An

would

here

our

yield,

Forty days
Before Thus

from

to-day shall
in honour

me,

and

face

battlefield.
;

Askalon's
I bid him

king and ruler,in the cityof

face me, and

Schamfanzon
armour

for conflict his

don.'

755

'

And

this grace

shall he not refuse me,

but thither his shield shall bear the helmet he weareth

And

yet further shall he bethink

him, by

fair.

ARTHUR And
True But

183
two treasures

the lifethat

a a

knight beseemeth, who

faith Gawain
ne'er free

in

pledge doth hold,

new,
as

shame, and
from
shame

unwavering, and their fame shall be

before me,
are

old.

may

him, if a knight of the Table

be found.

Round,
760
"

Whose
For

heroes

stand here and fame heard

he thinketh he may

its honour

vanished,if false knight sit its board beside

errand, and
ye know death I
came

Methinks
For

ye have

mine

not

to

chide.
!'

here would it be not

a

I not

and blame, but battle,

shall my

guerdon be,
me

An

life of honour, that Good

Fortune

shall hold for

Then
*

sad

was

the

king and silent, yet

is my

answer

at

last he gave,

765

Know, Sir Knight,that Gawain

brave his bones

nephew, and myself would the conflict

If Good Fortune
the

Ere

should

lie dishonoured

"

by Gawain

stand

In strifeshalt thou

well

acknowledge, 'neath

might of

his strong

right

hand
That his and falsehood afar doth hold. body in faith he keepeth,

If another

hath done dost thou

thee

evil methinks
too

art

thou
never

over-bold,
hath
ownest
a

770

His shame
If he

speak

loudly,who

done

thee ill
"

winneth, perchance,thine homage, and thou

him

still. guiltless knight

'

Yet hast thou in short space

As

spoken

such

words

of

blameless

have

shamed

for aye thine honour, if this folk read the

thingaright! he,

Then And

upsprang he

the

proud Knight Beaucorps, brother

'

to Gawain

775

spake in his wrath, Wouldst speakestfalse of Gawain

anew

thou

fighthim
that

Then

myself his

pledge will be,

For

thou

; and

know

thy words of shame

Have
An

kindled

within

me

fierce wrath's

devouring flame.

thou

speakestnot Gawain
to

of all dishonour,I guiltless

to

Stand Think

here
not

his battle, and fight

of

be his surety.
to

780

by thy words
is Gawain's

scorning

lower

his
are

fame, lofty
but words of shame
!'

Unstained

honour, and thy words

his

Then
'

he turned

him

to

and he spake of brother,

true

heart and free,

Bethink hast
me

thee now,

my

brother, of all thou hast done

unto

for me,

Thou Bid

helped me

here to
Fortune

winning of fame, for thy toil'sreward thine honour be hostage for thee, and bid me guard.
the be here my
crown

^g^

If Good Then Mm

and portion,

I win

here

my

meed

of

fame,

be the

of honour, and

thy foeman

hath

naught

but shame.'

iS4
and love By his knightliood
790
as

PARZIVAL Ixrother he

earnestly besoughthim right ;

thou askest of

Qaoth Gawain,
To hearken
to

'

Now

in

sooth,my
to

be too irise shall I surely brother,

thee,and
this

grant thee what

rightgood-will ; fill,
shouldst crave,

What Of

meaneth

have had my I wot not, and of fighting strife,

would good-will
must

I ne'er

deny thee
ever

what

boon thou from

me

Yet shame

I bear ibr

if this conflict Ilail to brave 1'

795 Yet
*

then Beaucorps he prayed him straitly"

man

out

spake the stranger knight,

me

whom

I ne'er have

heard

of

now

lusteth with

to

! fight

and no evil, methinks, hath he done to me. spake not of A/jn^ and rich is he, gallant and fiur to look on, and fitithful Strong, And well might he be my hostage, kim no wrath I bear^ yet against I
800

My lord and my kinsman

And And brothers twain
were were

was
our

he for whose

death I this strife declare,

and my kinsmen I
true ;

others,as comrades
whom against and vengeance battle, I bom in
a

he

crownM

monarch

sword of

drew,

By
Of

my
a

birth

might
is my

I givehim
a

demand. right

royalrace, and
Askalon

was princely,
am

distant land.

805 And

country, I
call
me

Landgrave of Schamfanzon,
"une be not
me

Kingrimursd do
No Yet otherwise
may

they

; if Gawain's

outrun

he free

him,

but conflict with

must

dare.
my

safe-conduct throughout my
may he and ride,

kingdom, from
here,save
the

all save

hand, I
kis

swear.

In peace
8x0 God

to the field where safety,

I vengeance
ye know

claim ;
name

keep

in His grace those I leave

one, and

So And

hero,from passedhe, the gallant

e'en
as

plainof Plimiz"l,
knew
known

his

name

was

nam^

all men
was

Kingrimursel,
thro' the fu lands

For the fame And it seemM

of this them

knight so
of the

valiant

wide.

well that to Gawain

might

illthro' this strifebetide of this

8x5 When

they thought
swift away.
must
a

strengthand
them that
I

the manhood

knight who rode day

And

many

sorelyvex

no

honour

he

won

that

Yet full often Of such

cometh, message of his host wise,that the guest who bears it,
of Parzival's they heard the tidings she had
^

myself shall such venture

must

know.

ungreetedgo
and
an

From
8ao

Kondrie
a

name

kin,

How And He

queen,

been

his

mother, and his sire was

Angevin.

they spake"

Twas

at fiur

served her with deeds

Kanvoleis,and the story we know full well. of knighthood, and many a joustbefell.

i86 Then
^60

PARZIVAL the heathen and Guinevere, King Arthur, Queen of lanfiis,

Kunnewaar^ Came
near

of Lalande, and with sweet words

to

Jeschut^of Kamant, who these words

of comfort
"

must

hear,

^what would

ye

they should do more?

so

Kunnewaar^ And
And

they gave
her, as
her

Klamid^ who

yearned for her love

her head

sore,

he gave
a

his body "ir, rewarding,himself,

queenly crown

and

golden henceforth Waleis, ' Kondrie

of

on

she bare

865

Quoth the heathen

Whom
thou
as

unto

the

man

hath

named,
;

in truth

rejoicing, thy brother, might well have claimed

a

For far and And And

870 Two

wide

he ruleth in the power

water
men

double

crown, bow

alike

by land and

in fear to his hand

down.

Assagog is one naught shall

those of far his skin

kingdom, Zassamank

shall the other be, free.

mighty lands and powerfulfrom fear and from weakness

be like his riches
save

And
Or A

those the Baruch

as none

doth own,
!

he is worshipped Tribalibot,
to

God his

alone

marvel

look on, and

like unto

foce.
of
way,
to
a

For

'tisblack,and 'tis white,as

one

his parents, who

sprang

diverse

race.

875 Thro' And

of his lands

journeyed as hither
my

I took my
a

full fain had

he been

wanderings in
am

far-offland
near

stay.

his will Yet but little The cousin unto

prevailM, tho' I

his

of

kin. keep

his mother, and ^

of his prowess

is a

mighty
doth
a

king !
no man

Yet hear thou

8B0 Who

more

; his saddle

may

rideth
no

joustagainsthim,
truer

and

fame

he

richly reap.
breast.

And
And

gentlerknight or
and fair in his he serveth

e'er

lay on

mother's

falsehood
true
women

it fleeth from

him,

and truth in his heart doth rest.

Yea,
And

dealingsis Feirefis Angevin,

I'

duly,tho' he pain thro' his service win

strangers, yet hither I
a

885 *Tho' What And And And 890 And

all men
ventures

to me

were

came

to know

of

gallant knighthood
winneth honour

Christian land
ween,

of all Heaven's Christendom thine is in thee

a

I the highest, gifts

shall

might show ; be. thy portion

thee.

thro' the "ur is

it doth give to praise

noble

and bearing,
mates

thy form and foce, strength doth

she token
out

beauty
'

with

manhood, and

thy youth

embrace !

(Both rich and wise

In

was

the

heathen,and of wisdom speech was

gave. hero

the French

tongue her

holden.) Then

spake the

brave.

ARTHUR And Yet he

* quoth,

187
to comfort

God

reward

thee,Lady, who thinkest

and the
cause

me,

sorrow

itfast doth bind me,

would

I tell to

thee,
^5

For the shame And The Or here many

that has here befallen thuik not sin

I shall

lightly bear,
ear.

againstme,

who

give to
1
"

my

no plaint

while I must

listtheir
my

mocking

No

joy shall
once me

my

portionbe again I
on see

long or short be
souPs
unrest

wanderings,tillthe Grail
and it driveth shall my

For my Nor
so

constrains me, lifeendureth

my

way, !'
900

long as

my

feet from

their

wanderings stay

If a courteous

and

bearingbut bringethrewarding still knightly

I
was

In

shame, and in this world's mocking, then methinks

who
ways
a

counselled

ill!

For 'twas Gumemanz And Here from words and

bade

me

of

rash beware, questions

courteous

a unfitting

knight forbear.
905
anew.

standeth fuU many

hero, I pray ye give counsel true,

I may

By your courtesy and knighthood,that your grace

Here

win

hath

judgment been passedupon

from
me

me

with
not

bitter words
he doth my
me

and

strong
;

"

Who
If

withholdeth

his favour, I deem

and

wrong

fame perchance,in the days hereafter,

honour

lot shall be
me me

Then
But

accordingto those
now

my

I pray dealings, ye
"

ye to deal with ye
sworn

910

must

I haste far from

An

oath have

here

While

I stood in the

of mine honour strength

won me

; ofthat

oath do I hold ye clear

wan

Till the And

For And Ah That my

day day
!

I have

payment

for my
nor

fresh
tears

joy waxed
to

and

pale ;

heart shall be home

of sorrow,
my

mine

eyes

shall fail,
915

the

that at far Monsalv"sch

all joy I

labour
woe

I left undone,

myself from
God
men

and severed,

for my

guerdon
was

won.

they were
but told,
so

those maidens fair,

as

! and
to

ne'er

there

wonder

tale

naught

its marvels

those of the wondrous

Grail !

Yet torment Small

sore^ and my

are sighing,

the lot of Its

king,alas

I !'
920

good hath

coming done thee, thou haplessAnfortas

Nor

So turned he unto Of him, his And

none,

but part they must longer the knightmight linger, alway. he would and leave fain King Arthur, pray

and ladies, with knights, but sorrowed

their favour would

he

depart,

I ween,

that he rode hence

sad at heart.

Hand Such

in hand
woe as

King Arthur
Klamid^

sware

him, ifhenceforth his land should

he with him

bear would

925

brought him, then the shame

sharei

i88 And With And

930 "re

PARZIVAL he

spake that

loll sore
were

it gneved him
their

that

crowns

and the

kingdoms twain.
ta'en.

the riches that

L"helein portion"
sware

from

service hoth troe and

"s"thfiil many

mito

him

knighthad that day,

yet from the

court

of

he passed away. King Arthur,sorrow-driven,

Then And

the fair maid hence

Kunnewaar^
she led kissed

she took the hero

bold,
in

by the hand

him, and in this wise the tale is told, him, and be spake
*

Sir Gawain To
935 And

he turned and

out

manly wise guise,

way.

the hero strong and

gallant:

Now

thou ridest in warlike

thy

feet shall be swift to battle" "xod such

guide thee upon thy

And

giveme
Parzival He

strengthto
is me

serve

thee tis my

heart shall be "un

alway/

But

* Woe cried,

1
our

Who

is He, this

mighty God
the

Had Small

power,then methinks
shall be His !

had portion Him

ne'er been this shame from

abhorred! His

power grace,

I served

day I first knew

940 Henceforth

renounce

His service ; doth

He

hate me,
a

His hate I ^11 fnct t

in thine hour of peril, And, friend, as thy shield may Dost

,

wi/^s love stand.

thou

know

her for pure and

holy,then the thought of her guide thine thee.

hand.
And her love from For littleI wot

guard thee," as I wish,may it be if thy face I again may of the future, !' see
sorrow, for comrades
must

all evil

to

945 And

their

it brought them parting

in illwere

they. white.
alone

With And She And

950 That

the maiden she bade bound she the

Kunnewaard,
him

to her tent

he take his way.

so

them
armour

bring his harness

on

; with her hands

soft and

who

had

served

her

as

faithful knight.

spake, *'Tis my thy

rightto do

since it is thro* this, daimeth

me as

thy deed
own.

monarch Brandigan'sgallant valour but

sorrow

now

his

For otherwise Art thou

not

me bringeth

and grief

pain,
outweigh
wake
to

against
was

arm^

then

thy loss shall

sorrow

my

gain

I'

For

battle decked foir was

never

his

and charger,
on

his

must

lifo. foir,

And
955 Knew

the
a

knight to look
was

; and

the harness
as

he bare for strife 'twas white and

but flaw,

and costly,

sunshine

And
But

radiant with the helmet

gold and jewels the corslet and

was

coat he ware.

alone

lacking"ere

he bound

it upon the

his

head.

In the self-same hour

he kissed

her,Kunnewaar^

maid. gracious

ARTHUR
And Twixt this of the twain those two who told me, that the
was parting

189
sore

was

to see

loved each

other in all honour

and

loyalty.
tell
son

9^

So hence He Yet shall hear

let him
measure

our ride,

hero,and what
where doings,

ventures

man

may

them awhile

not

with the ventures he

that to Gamuret*s

befell would

ye
"

of his

journeyedand

whence

ride He who

if counsel he take of pride knighthood, For awhile will forget his doings On thee,Kondwiramur, On thy fair face and lovelybody, thy lover thoughtevermore. What he dared in thy service as knightly the Grail he sought ! ventures Nor tarried he in the seekingbut onward his way he fought. loveth not deeds of
"

565

The To

child of fur the

and knew Herzeleide, he rode

not

that he

was

heir
970

that glories

to the Grail and Its palace feir ! seeking,

Then
To

forth went
on

full many

vassal

on

toilsome

and

weary

way,

gaze

Four

hundred

Chiteau
I

magic lay fair to see. graciousmaidens, and four queens, right Merveil was from the castle ; and no hate shall they earn
them

the wondrous

castle where

in

fetters

me, me,
975
,

grudge

naught they may

I do

win there !

No

woman

rewardeth free !

For

she to whom

from service,

payment

hath

set me

Then

out

spake the Greek, Sil Klias,* Yea, there

ears

was

I overthrown

!'

(And thus in the

^

of all men
me

did he from
my

franldythe truth make chaiger unto

my
me

known)
; ;

For the Turkowit four queens old

are

he thrust who

shame

And And And And Then

the knight unto there lie captive the others

as

did namie

980

the

twain,and
is called

yet they shall children be,

be

the firstmaid

and the second shall Itonj^,

Kondrie, knight.
there. labour 985

the third she is named "in

to behold

Amiv^

and

Sangiv^ the fourth is hight 1 '

was

the wonders

of that castle
sorrow

many

Yet their Yet And Tho'

I
mourn

journeybrought
not

for littleprofit,

overtook them would

overmuch

for their 'sorrow

a

; for he who

bear.

for the sake of strife, shall be mixed grief

woe.

woman,

for

guerdon

shall his

gladnessknow,
be crossed with

with his

and gladness,

joy shall
if
sorrow

And
I

I know

not

the which

shall be

stronger,

or

shall

joy

weigh, out-

But

so

runneth

the world

for ever, where

Frau

Minne

she holdeth

sway

990

190 Now

PARZIVAL

Gawain

he must

make

him

ready,and he girded his

armour

on,

For the strifethat a"r

And

should

wait him, in the ladies and them

kingdom
must

of Askalon.

sad
a

was

many

Breton, and

maidens

fair
to conflict fore.

Of
995 And

true

heart did

they bemoan

that Gawain
was

orphaned and reft of glory henceforth

Sir Gawain he bade he well
the merchants

the Table

Round.

Then And And

On
looo

bethought him, since victor he would be found. bring him good shields both hard and light,
so

little he recked laden mules

their colour

they served his need in fight

dear ; ^and the hero he chose him
as

they brought them, and methinks that they sold them

as

And Seven

three did he take

his

portion
"

here

and he chose him chargers well fitfor battle,

spears
were

friends

so

good
wood.
name.

Twelve

of

sharp steel of Angram, and the hilts were

in heathen

of hollow their

They
Then
1005 And

reeds grown he

marshlands, Orast Gentesein

Arthur

Gawain with

and rode forth, to seek him "ame, dauntless, prayed leave, he gave the

royalhand, for his journey.King

store

knight

Red And And

gold,and rich
I

and of silver,
"

jewels gleaming bright.

^Then the hero rode swift away, his

heavy the weight

ween

of his treasure
sore

'twas towards

that peril

pathway

must

lead that

day.

Then
loio

she sailed to her distant of the heathen

kingdom, the

young

Queen Ekuba,

speak

princess; and
on there,

they scattered to lands a"Bir

the foir plainof Plimiz"l ;

The
And Yet

folk who

awhile abode and

King
Duke

Arthur

all his courtiers

they gat them

Kunnewaar^

to KaridoL

firstthey

prayed leave,Klamid^
his

and

of fair Laland,

And
Z015 Yet

Orilus and

lady,Jeschut^ of Kamant
in the
ere

till the third the

day with Klamid^

holden
; in his

plaindid the twain abide.

should it greater be.

And

was marriage-feast was was a a

yet from the placethey ride.

ween,

Yet small And

f
xoao

the pomp his hand

kingdom, I

free
many many

and

and he dealt rightcourteously, knightly,

must

For

knight at his bidding henceforth wandering them, nor

into his

his

man

remain,

And And
He

minstrel did he gather within his train, and land kingdom, and in honour,rich gifts, any refuse his hand.

he led them
gave
unto

churlish would

Now

Duke

Orilus and
unto

to Brandigan the twain would fare Jeschutd,

For the love that

1025

Klamidd that
seen

and

Kunnewaare

they bare.
had done
set on

For Till

they thought them

as

honour fitting her

to their sister they scarce

queen

they had

crownM,

and

the

royal throne.

ARTHUR

191

Now

know

well this
I

if wise

the

woman,

and sooth
I

true

of she
of

heart

she

be,

Who

seeth better

story

written,
of
women

of

will

own

to

me

That
.

speak
fair her filled

than

spake
from
still

one

erewhile
of

For

true

was

Belakan^,
love,
fair

and

fr^e
he

all

thought
her
of

guile,
did and

1030

For

dead dream

was

yet

lifeless

o'er

heart fear Ither's

reign. pain.

And

Herzeleide bewailed
her

with
full

torment

And

Queen
little
I I

Guinevere

sorely
no

for

death,
e'er

(And
And Then Sore
Now

grudge King
mourned

her

mourning,
Lac's fair

for

truer

knight
forth she

drew

breath).
ride
1035

wot

when
I

daughter that,
and
torn

rode

such

shameful abide.

sorely
smitten the twain

the

sorrow

guiltless,
was

must

was

Kunnewaar^,
they
are

her

golden
for

hair

well

avenged,

and

glory

shame

they

bear

And And And

Who

he he fain

who knoweth

doth

tell

this well

story,
to

he

weaveth

his in

ventures

fair,
break and heed steed
!

right
I
more

rhyme
ye,
an

them,
she

lines

that words

pair.
1040

were

to

tell

give
the

to

my

good
spur

treadeth

with

feet

far

smaller

than

feet

that

shall

my

ARGUMENT

The whom Book

poet

will have tells

fain

now

for be

while valiant fell

in

recount

the

adventures Paraval. of whose

of

Gawain

many
vii.

held how

to

as

knight
the

as

Gawain himself Gawain

and

with

army

King

Meljanz

of

Lys,
scorned
how

who

would his
love.

avenge
How

on

Duke

Lippaut, beleaguered besought

of him

daughter
of Beaurosch

had

came

to

the

city
to

Obie the of

scorned
heroes

him

how
the

Obilot
walls

be

her
of

knight.
valiant
of

How
deeds

fought
and
how

before

Beaurosch,
How Gawain Obie
and

and took

the

Gawain

the

Red made

Knight.
peace

Meljanz
and
how

Lys
Gawain

captive
rode

Obilot from

betwixt

Meljanz,

forth

Beaurosch.

OBILOT

WHILE From

shall

this venture
nor

follow

the

knight,

who

to

fly was
hero

fain

shame,
Gawain.

with

guile had

dealings, that

bold,

For

many

one

hath

held

him

for

as

brave,

yea,

for

braver

knight
Than
Yet Is But Else

Parzival,
he who
to

who

the

hero would

of this
ever

wonder-tale
his words

is
to

hight
the meed truth under their heavens of
are

his

friend well

with
or

upraise
;

slow him

speak
the he

of

another,
follow
or

to

yield him

his

praise

shall

people

whose

praises with
shall
ne'er
men

wrought,
roof

whatever shall
a

speak,
the is
woven

hath

spoken,

be

brought.
?
^^

Who But

shelter
that

word

of wisdom of falsehood that the

"

if wise
is best

aid
outer

withhold

song

left in the
may
wax

cold,
and
sore

Homeless,
That As Who And He hath
all true

upon

the

snowdrift,
the him

mouth

chill hath

spread
folk
to
men

for truth wish

story
whose

such

rewarding

God
-

in store

must

guerdon
but

in toil is told"
for

is swift if

such and

deeds,
true

I wot

me,

blame then

reward doth

shall rule

hold.
mind his
; 15

good
flee

shall
true

praise him,

folly
and

their

will

such find.

who

shame

knoweth,

in

knighthood

rule

would

And Had
But

true

of heart his
in

was

Sir
nor

Gawain,
shadow

for

courage

as

sentinel
across

guarded
his

fame,
the

of cowardice
was

it fell. tower,
ao

heart in

field of battle

strong
in

as

mighty

Steadfast And Fain

Now I know

sharpest
foe

conflict, yet foremost

witness
to to

danger's hour. battle-cry

waxen

friend
was

and

bare

the

fame

of his

;
"

Kingrimnrsel
the
court

rob

him

of his

glory thus
many
a

high day,
stray
;

far from
not

of
to

King

Arthur did the

for

weary

their

tale

tell ye,

valiant

Gawain

196
95 So rode

PARZIVAL

hero, from he, the gallant

out

of

a as

woodland he wended
a

shade,
adown the

And
And

his folk there would

on

they were
a

dose

behind he
was

him

glade,

hill before him

'ware of

goodly sight

That

teach him

knight fear, yet fresh courage itbrought to the gallant

a

For
30 With

the hero he
pomp

saw

full clearly how

host

on

their way borne

would

fare

of warlike pageant, and

I too

banners

high in air.
in the wood
to

Then
And

he

thought,'
them

far have the

journeyed this
was

host

wait

'
"

he bade

prepare

charger that
steed from

Orilus' me,

of late, gift
its name,

And

red

were a

its ears, and he

won
"

I think Gringuljet, it The

they called

Without

prayer
a

MonsaW"sch

came,

35 Lahelein, in

jousthe took
of Brimbane
"

when it,

lifeless its rider fell

Trevrczent would the story tell.

By

the Lake

Hereafter

Thought Gawain,
Flieth all too
soon

'

He

who

cowardly flieth ere the

"

foe I

on

his track shall be

see

for bis honour befall

may
me

this host would

seen me

nearer

Whatever
40

may

then

they have
unto

ere

this I trow,
me

And,
Then

for

aught that
I

chance his

me,
as

wit shall counsel

one was

well enow.'

down

he sprang
ween

from

charger

who

his

goal hath found. bound.

their blazon
the breezes

Countless

the army

that in troops

toward

him

And
But

he

saw

many

robes fair fashioned, and not,

nor

shields with
on

bright.

he knew

them

the banners

that danced

light.
to

45

Strange shall they count

a

I be to this
me

army,' quoth Gawain,

a

'

strange

are

they

me.

If

this to

for evil then

joustshall they surely see.

ere

And

spear

will I break
was

with these heroes

when his master
to

yet

on

my

way

I ride ! '

too Gringuljet

ready
of

would

strife abide.

In many
50

an

hour had

perilhe

the hero him

joust had

borne,
ride that
mom.

As

Garwain

well

bethought
a

when

the steed he would

There

Gawain
new

saw

many

and decked helmet, costly

to

full fair,
;

And
To And

spears

in sheaves white,unsplintered,
were

their goal they bare

colours

the pages

hands

given those
on

blazoned

with

clear.
every spear.

the

badge might
son

ye read

the pennons

that floated from

55

And

the

of

King Lot, Sir Gawain,

with harness laden ;

he

saw

there
wagons

crowded

throng,
strong.
store

There And
Of

were

mules

heavy

with horses
them
a

they hasted

them, fain

for shelter ; and

as

behind
was ever

wondrous of yore.

merchants goods, borne by travelling

the way

OBILOT And The Not And And

For

197

women

were

there in
some

and of knightly girdle bright plenty, the payment

me, rabble weary

twelfth queens young

might
were

wear,

and

pledge of
was

love holden

light.60

they hight,I think

old behind

Vivandterh onward
; and
a

their

name"

and

them
were

came, rope

they ran
many who

till their limbs

had

fitguerdon been
ween

swelled this army,

and dishonoured

true

folk I

So

they rode,and they ran, that they who

saw

army,

and

Gawain
him

stood beside the way,

^5

So it chanced And So
never

the hero deemed

or

part of their host that day.

this side of the water,

in lands that

beyond it lie, high.

a host had journeyed, gallant great their strengthand their courage

And A

close

on

their track there

his steed amain, followed, spurring

a

squireof noble bearing,with

a

led horse beside his rein ;

ever

70

And
Nor

fair

new

shield he
spare
was

and carried,

his spurs he

plied,
ride,

thought to
his raiment

his

charger,but swift
"

to the strife would

And

fashioned fairly him

Then
was

Gawain

his

pathway crossed. goodly host ?

75

And;

he asked greeting,

who tidings, thou

lord of this

Quoth the squire,Sir Knight

And have chastisement other be That shall wound
not
so sore

'

mockest, were
I pray

lackingin courtesy,
that
my

earned,

then

thee

penance

shall

mine

honour"

For

God's

sake

lay thine hate

ride,

aside,
Methinks
thou well shalt know right
me

them, these knights that before

to each

us

Why
As

askest thou

Of

surety

other shall ye be known

I unto

well, nay,
many

thousand oath he
went

times better, than

thee had

shown

!*

Then

an

sware

him, he knew
'

not

the

race

or

name won

Of the folk who Since Mine

Then

there before
I make

him, My journey hath

that
never

but

shame.
!

in truth must

confession

before
men

to-day
the wrong hath

eyes have beheld the

these

tho' mine aid heroes,

oft would pray right

squirehe quoth

unto

Gawain,

Sir

Knight, mine

85

been,
hath failed I ween Thy questionI should have answered, here my wisdom Now heart and true, pass judgment on me, I pray thee,of thy friendly Hereafter
'

I '11gladly tell thee, first must of repentance, I

I my
sure

rue.' folly token

of courtesy,
me

Then, lad,by thy words

name

The

of this

gallantarmy

pritheeto

tell to

1'

90

198
'

PARZIVAL

Sir

Knight, he who

rides before us, and

no

man

his way

doth bar,

Is

King Poidikonjonz ; and beside him Duke

is he ruler"and whose

Astor he rides to war,

Of Lanveronz One

there rideth beside the twain discourteous Love's

roughness and
the brand
nor

ways

payment

have

sought

in vain.
95 He

beareth wooeth

Meljakanz unknightly,
for that should
army,

that

princeis hight.
is he,

He

wife

nor

maiden, but their love will he take with might, slay him
and he
"

And, methinks,men
And And
xoo
"

son Poidikonjonz'

here

will he

with his fight

fighteth rightvaliantly.
it profiteth naught, I trow
sow
"

dauntless his heart ; but such manhood

ye

An

she fighteth, the mother threaten,perchance,her sucklings,

a

And And

never

voice shall

praisehim

whose

strengthlacketh knighthood fair.

men

methinks

to the truth of my

speakingmany

will their witness bear.'

'

Now

hearken with
a

to

greater marvels,and mark

army
to

thou the words

our

I say,

One
los

mighty

doth follow upon battle" The

way

Whom

doth drive folly love

Scorned

wrought
he

in

young King Meljanz of Lys, him fierce anger, and pride vexed him needlessly,'

And The
He
no

courteous

spake

to

Sir Gawain.

What
on

I saw, I Sir

Knight will say

lay,

sire of the young bade his

to

King Meljanz,as
near

he

his death-bed
out

them

draw

unto

him, the princesfrom

stem

his land,
cold

For And To And

life lay forfeit, a pledge in gallant Death he needs

must

Death's

hand,*

yieldhim

"

In
son

o'er his coming end grief

the faith of the he chose

out

princesround him his

one

would

the

king commend.
afar he flew. and

from

among

them, tlie chief of his vassals true,

false ways
'

And
IZ5 And

his faith was he gave

proved

and

and from steadfast,

he

the lad to his

and keeping, show

quoth, Now,
aye
act
a

with hand

heart,

True
To

service henceforward alike and

him,

bid him

kinglypart
prayer. his care.'

vassal

stranger

; bid him

listto the poor

he lefthim

man's

And

freely give of his

Prince

substance.'

Thus

unto

'

And

Lippaut did

as

his monarch,

dying,of
to

him

did pray,

120

Nor

failed in aught, but true service he did

he took the lad to his

his lord

alway.
children

And
He

and castle,

the

had prince

two

fair,

loved them maiden in

well,and I think me, e'en to-day they his love shall share.

One Her

naught

was

save lacking,

in age, that
was

knight might
they gave

crave

love for his love's

rewarding ; Obie

the

name

OBILOT To this maid her sister ; and Obilot,

none

199
the elder

maid,

I ween,

135

Hath

for she,and wrought ill,

other,the

cause

of this strifehath been.'

It

so

fellthat
an

Twas

day the young king for his service reward would pray, ill thought,she quoth, and she asked him why his wits he had
one

cast

away

?
*

And That

she

spake unto him,

I think me,

e'en if thou counted

so

old shouldst

be, might
130

'neath shield thou the hours flee ;

.

hadst

that in

worthy bold,
had

strife

With

helmet

on

head

hadst

mingled

in

knightlyventure
more

Till the tale of

thy days, if reckoned, full five years

won

told ;

If there thou hadst And To Thou For

thee honour, and

my

hither hadst
I to

come were

again.
fain

bowed

to thyself

bidding,if z

yea

speak

that which
art

thou

now

all too desirest,

soon

should
to Annora

I grant

thy prayer
not

"

i35

dear, I will ne'er deny it, as

did she

Galoes
me

fair ; in Vain, slain.'

death

seek,and
well

I think

that her her

seeking was
a

When

she lost

him, her

belov^

and

knight in

joustwas
in thee.
me.

Now

sore

doth

it grieveme, with words

'

Lady, that
of winneth

love worketh venteth

so

That For

thine anger
true

scorningthus
an favour, me

itselfon

140

service,' quoth he,

in this thou
my

love thus be well my

approved ;
I

O'er-weeningthy pride thus to taunt

Small
How

that madness

speech had moved naught

!'

wisdom

showest,'twere better thou hadst bethought.

vassal,and
he
save

thy father is but

that which

of my

grace hath

'

For

he holds
no

can

serve

she spake, ' higheris my thee,' shall

me as crown

aim,

145

For

fiefwill I hold of
so an

man,

none

vassal

claim !

And That
*

high do

prize my

freedom
t

that
'

no

it shall be too

high,
great.
130

earthlyhead e'er weareth

thouhastbeen
well

Then

he

spake

out

wrathfully,
waxed
so

Methinks

that tutored,

thyprideshall have
penance
on

An

thy father such

counsel
arm

gave
me,

thee, then
some

wrong

shall wait"

'TIS meet An

that for this I

or

wounded
spears

shall shall

be,

some

slain,
in twain !'

they call it or war,

in anger

Tourney,

many

they break

Thus

he left the

maiden, and
Her

all did his wrath

bemoan.

Yea, full sore it grievedthe lady"

Tho' he
sware as

father must

well atone,
wrong
was

his lord his ways

of reproached him, guiltless

or

he,

155

were (Or straight

crooked,his peers should his judges be.

PAR2IVAL
All the

princesin

court
own as
"

assembled) ^that he
"

to this strait was

brought besought
pray,

Thro*

no

sin of his

And

eager

the

from prince

his lord

His "LVour and

x6o For

love

of old

time,but in vain
his

he for peace

might

anger

it ruled the monarch, and

gladness was

reft away.'

'

Tho'

hasty the prince they counselled

he

to make prisoner

his lord,
aye

His host had

been, and such

treason

of

true

knight were

abhorred.

Farewell, the king ne'er bade him, but he rode forth in wrath
And his pages,

and

pride.
to

the

sons

of

aloud princes,

in theit

sorrow

cried.

1^5

Long time with

bare.
For

the

king they dwelt there, and

entreat

goodwillthey
in

Lippaut

in truth did he aye

master

them,

nor

failed them

knighthood fair.

'Tis my
A

Frenchman,
the
one

care wrathful,tho' he,too, Lippaut's might claim, call his the lord of Beauvais, Lisavander name. they

alone

who

is

And
170

alike and the

the other,ere

shield they thought to bear, knight's

war some

Must

renounce some

and prince's service,

againstLippaut swear
not
so

And
Whom

shall be

children,and prince's
of

highlybom.
this mom.'

the

king
who

to the ranks

knighthood

hath

I ween, lifted,

'

And

one

in strife is skilfuland
him

bold doth
hath

the

vanguard lead,
an

of Gros, and with Poidikonjonz

"75 And

he many

armed

steed.

Meljanz is son
young
as

to

his brother ; and

me

haughty of heart the twain.

doth

The

the

old,I think

here discourtesy

reign !

'

'

Thus

these with there

two

kings,moved
win thmst

by

anger,

will forth unto that the maid

Beaurosch
to

ride,

Where

toil he would and

the favour

hts love denied.

a

And
i8o

with

onslaughtishall be broken guarded that,tho' twenty

to our

many

spear

Yet

so

well is Beaurosch
one

hosts

were

here.

Each
The

than

our

army

greater, it ne'er

force would

yield!
I stole this

rear-guardknoweth
shield.

naught of

my

journey,from joust,and

the others

Lest

perchance my

lord should

find here

with

onslaughtfierce might pierce.'

ride,

And

clash of the meeting chargers the spear

the

thro' his shield

t8s Then Three And

squirehe looked
twelve

behind

him, and

his lord

on

his track did

steeds and
I
ween

spears

sped unsplintered
he

onward

his rein beside.

that his haste

betrayed him,

would

fain in the

foremost

flight
The first joustfor his
own

have

so read challenged,

I the tale

aright.

203

PARZIVAL the

To

citygate he rode thus,and he found that which

the Boigers deemed costly up ; well armed

worked

him

woe,

None Had

too

bat their portals it, againstthe foe the watch-towers, and he

saw on

they walled

each

rampart high

Archers,with cross-bow
235 For

bended

that their bolts

on

the 'gainst

foe

might fly.

defence

and

defiance

ready

the battlements

they stood.

Up the hillside toward

Tho* And little he knew the

the castle he turned

him, that hero good.

the

pathway to

the

Burg

came

knight. gallant

For the
23p And

straightwayhis eyes beheld them, full many a lady bright. wife had come there,from the hall abroad to gaze, prince's daughters twain stood by her,brightas they spake
in such the

sunlight's rays.

Then
'

wise

as

Gawain
'

rightwell their words might hear

to our

"

Now, who
goes

is this,' quoth the

mother, who doth

t
' '

aid draw

near

Where
*

laden ? ' he with pack-horse

a

Spake the elder daughter fair,

a

Nay, mother, 'tisbut

Such
Thou

merchant

Yet he many
!
'

shield doth bear.'

sister

'

235
*

shall oft be the wont

of merchants

Then
to

the younger

spake,

sayest the

thing that is not, and

merchant
!

shame

shouldst take, thyself

be

For

surelyhe is

no

My

knight shall he
I
were

straightway,
"un
to pay

If his service here craveth

guerdon, such debt

how linden and

!'

Now

the

they saw squires

the walls,and
ye more

olive-trees stood "siir how

a

240 Beneath

they thought them

Then

welcome

shade

were

there.

What

would

King Lot's

son

he

to the ground did straight

spring
Where the shade
was

best,and his servants, they swift

mattress, and
a

to their lord would

bring
A

cushion
on

fair and

the
"

proud knight he
Then,
as

sat thereon
rest

From
345

high gazed
from the

crowd the

of ladies

he his

had

won,

They
And

liftadown

pack-steedsthe chests,and the harness they laid them

who rode here with

bright.
the

beneath

trees

gallant

knight.

Spake
In such Then
350 With

the elder

duchess,* Daughter,what merchant

Thou

think thou would

now

fare
'

royalguise? quoth

wrongest his rank who

sitteth there I

out

the younger
scorn

sister,Discourteous him, our

she aye shallbe,

pride and

did she treat

king,Meljanz of Lys,

OBILOT

203
'

When

^unseemlysuch words and ways I trow ! Then spake Obie, for anger moved her, * I see naught in that man below There sitteth, methinks, a merchant, and he driveth a goodly trade ;
her love he

besought
"

He

would

that
a

they well

were

guarded, the chests that his steeds do lade,

355

And

like to

brooding dragon, O foolish sister mine, watcheth, this gallant knightof thine
!
'

O'er his treasure-chest he

And
Leave

each
we

word their

that

they spake, the maidens, fellclear

now

on

Gawain's hear.

ear

"

speech,of the cityand its peril ye

'neath

must

water

that

shipshad sailed
was

on

bridge of

stone

flowed past, fast.

960

And
A

the land here

came

clear of

foemen,

nor

its flood held their armies

marshal
a

riding'fore the bridge on the plainso wide. swiftly

had
as names

And And

goodly camp
came

he

marked

out

ere

his lord to the field should with him

came

ride.
"

he

e'en

they were who,

His

ready,and

many

more

I will tell ye their

for truth's sake, and

the love they to

Lippaut

bore,
Here And rode to his aid
two
"

men brother,

called him from the land

crown

Duke
of

Marangliez,

265

swift

knightscame

with him

Brevigariez ;

King
And

Schimiel,the
with him

gallantmonarch

who

ware

in Lirivoin, of Avendroin.

there rode his brother, the monarch

Now

when

the Burgers
that
an

saw

well that

help drew anigh their

aforetime seemed

wall
to all
"

They deemed
Then That Yet
out

evil counsel

which

good

270

spake their lord,Duke

must master

Lippaut,'Alas
field had

! for the woeful power

hour !

Beaurosch if I

seal its portals against the foeman's in open

againstmy

fought.
my

Then

mine

were honour, methinks^,

smitten, and

courtesy brought

to

naught
His grace
Than A Or

would

beseem

me now

better,and gladden me
he

more,

I ween, I

275

the hatred

which

showeth, of such
but littlewould

hate have
grace my

been. guiltless

joustthat his hand

if ^1^ of the sword

had
bare

smitten token
woman,

shield,
wield.

that I she

'gainst my
were

king would
an

Methinketh, tho' wise the

deed
"

shamed

she

praised such
freed,
to do

Yea, say that my

And

king were
become

captivein

my

tower, I my

lord had

^^

myself had

his

prisoner"what had pleased him best

a

I 'Id gladlybear Of evil,

as befitted it,

vassal true,

204

PARZIVAL
I thank my

And Tho'

God

of

true heart that I

a free man, here, stand,

by love and anger my king doth invade my land spurred 285 Then he quothagainto the Burgers, Now may wisdom with in the perils that compass my path around.' To counsel me
'

!' ye be found

Then

990

395

300

' Thou hast wrought in no wise amiss, answered, then thou never hadst come to this.' Might innocence win itsguerdon, Then allwith one voice they counselled that the gates be opened wide, And that he should bid their bravest forthwith unto jousting ride. better than thus our ramparts high And theyquoth, So to fight were and the armies twofold that around us lie. To defend 'gainst our king, For the most part they are but children who ride with their kingto-day, And 'twere easy to take a hostage, so wrath oft is turned away. deeds be done, And the king he shall be so minded,that ifhere knightly from the free and He shall us perchance our peril, ending of wrath be won. Far better in fieldto seek them than forth from our walls be brought e'en to their tent-ropes,methinks,we with ease As their captives^Nay, had fought 'neath his banner the bravest fight it Were not for the King Poidikonjonz, ; Breton knights, the captive And there is our greatestperil, Duke Astor itis who leads them, and foremost in strifeare they ; is there, And the king's son Meljakanz; higherhis fame to-day been his teacher ! Yet never he feareth fight Had Gumemanz ; But helphave we found against them,' Now their rede have ye heard aright.

many

wise

man

*"

"

305 Then And

the
the

he did prince

as

the portals he they counselled,

courage

open
to

brake,
field would

Burgers

who

ne'er lacked

their way

the

take.

3T0

theymade their way the city, With high courage right good was vesper-play. countless ; manifold was their battle-cry, On both sides the troops were And Scotch and Welsh might ye hearken,for in sooth here I tellno lie. their deeds of knighthoodas fitting And stem stem so were a fight, those heroes battled, And bravely each till knight. gallant weary
Here
one

and jousted,

there another

; and the armies

towards

their

And And

than children who with the king's more they were little army came. them who took in there to win them as pledge a corn-field, thought they

fame.

OBILOT And he who

never

205
a

had
more

ne'er

won

token

of love from
on

lady iair^
;

3x5

Might
Of On That
Twas

costlyraiment
venture

his

yoathfolbody bear

Meljanz the

telleth that in harness

A

he rode, bright

high flamed his youthfulcourage" Meljakanz Kay, and

foremost Obie
won so

charger the king bestrode

swung,
;

when

in

joustinghis foe from his steed he

him that aloft from
a

high
won

he smote

bough he hung

390

There And And

As

Meljakanz
beheld

the

charger that Meljanz would ride that day.

he strove in the him

of all the heroes his

knightlyfray.
with eager
eye.

and watched jousting, her

she stood there among

maidens, and gazed from the palacehigh. thy knight

no

So

quoth she

unto

^ her sister, See, sister mine,

325

And He
An

mine^ unlike do they bear them, for thine hath

thinketh for here
we sure

will to lose.
needs

fight.
choose
I trust !' my

this

cityand castle
her

we

needs

must
we

would

seek
must

other champion defenders,

bear

must

And

the younger

mocking" then she spake, ' Yet

and

knight.
He hath time yet to show
me

his courage, and service,

a

For here shall he do

An

his

thy mockery put to flight. gladness shall be my care.

me

330

thou boldest him

for

merchant, with

shall he trade fullfair ! '

As
Yet

with words he made

as

they strove, the maidens,

tho' he heard
not
as

he
sat

hearkened, the Knight Gawain,

on

he

the grassy

plain.
335

And

if knightly soul should

but be that death

hearken, nor
had freed him

feel in the
from

hearing shame,
of

'Twould

burden

praiseor

blame.

Now Save

still lay the

one

mighty

army

that

Poidikonjonzhad led.
swift to the combat

gallant youth with his vassals,who

was

sped, king,
340

And And

Lanveronz the old

man

his dukedom
one

"

Here

came

Poidikonjonzthe
would

wise

and ended
"

other

again

to the camp

bring,

For the And

was vesper-play a

In sooth had

they fought rightwell,

befell.

for love of many

maiden

full many

deed

Then
'

out

spake

the

King Poidikonjonzto Lanveronz'

knight, gallant
fame
to

Twere

to wait for thy leader,an thou lusted for fitting

fight.
345

Dost And

think thou hast borne thee here is my

I
son
"

bravely? See the brave Knight Lahduman,

these two
fair

Meljakanz, Came
me,

in the van.
sure

And Wert

myself,then, I think
enow

that

thou fight what

a

shouldst
be

see

thou learned

in combat

to

know

should fight

206 I

PARZIVAL

come man

not

againfrom
woman

this

tillof strife we city

as

have

had will !

our
'

fill,

350 Or

and

yieldthem

to my prisoners

Qaoth Duke
With The Must
355 Yet

Astor, * The
of

king,thy nephew, O sire fought before the gate

thine army here slumber and late o'er-long

his army

Lys"Should

while these others battled ?

I slumber

Say when
there
"

didst thou teach such lore ?

as

while others battle then had I not been

I '11slumber

ne'er of yore
won

believe me,
a

then the
I have !

Burgers had

them

fame.
;

And

fair prize their hand Name

more

had taken

guarded thee here from shame

valour thy folk have
the
same

In God's

be

no

longer wrathful

Such
me

shown.
own

They
Yet

won

than

they lost,
"

I think

fair Obie

will

!'

Poidikonjonzwas
of many
a

wrathfol with his

nephew, Mdjanz the king,

the field must
ween
"

3^

Tho'

joustthe token the youhg knight from

such
who

bring,

And
Now

fisimene'er moumeth youthfol hear ye

pledge
cause

I of strife,

again

of the maiden

the

of this strife had

been.

Hate

enow

did she bear to Gawain would she

as

who

was

of illintent, guiltless
servant

And

shame

bring upon
sat

him

"

the maiden

sent

365 Below, to Gawain

he
"

there,' Now

ask

thou, without delay.

bear

If his steeds be for sale

In his may

coffers, perchance,he doth

say

alway

Goodly raiment
Then
we

that

we

purchase ;

thou if it so of him

shall

be,

ladies above

in the castle will

buy

readily.'

So the
370

servingman
to his

went, and

his

greetingwas
his

wrath, for Sir Gawain's

his face would

eye

Taught fear
And
Nor For

and in heart,
nor

terror

the lad from

fiy, swiftly fare,

!'
t

he asked Gawain
many
a

not,

gave

the message
*

lady had bid him bear.

hence shalt thou

held his peace, blow will I

Thou

from rascal,

give thee if again thou dost dare draw

back
to

near

Then

the lad hied him hear:

his

lady ; what

she did shall ye

straightway

375 For

she bade
*

one

speak by

to the

Burg-grave,Scherules they called his

name,
;

Saying,
'Neath In them
A

This

shaU

he do at my the

biddingfor

the sake of his

seven

manly fame

the olive-trees

Burg-moat

stand

steeds, I trow.
enow.

shall he find his

guerdon, and

riches beside

merchant

will here deal

; none

380 I trust in his hand

I pray he prevent such deed. falsely" shall blame him, if the goods he doth hold

for meed.'

OBI The
*

LOT

207

squirewent knavery
he found

below
must
we

as

she bade

he bare him, and his lady's plaint

From

* I guard us/ quoth Scherules,

forth will fare.'

never

So he rode where And

Gawain

was

seated whose

courage

might

fail,

there all weakness

high lacking,
Sehendes
a

heart that for

naught would
^^^

quail,
And
And And
a

face
arms

so

fair to look and hands

on

"

he

saw

him

well, good wit

his he

so

skilful that here

a

knightlytale might telL

sure we

spake, 'Thou

art

stranger. Sir Knight,

need Since
I will

here thou hast found

now

no

lodging ;

as

sin shalt thou count

own

such deed.

myself be marshal, folk and goods, all I call mine

; nor

That Such
*

shall do thee service freely "Eivour

as

host

to his

guest hath shown

390

I would

show

thee.'

'Thy favour,' quoth Knight Gawain,

I fain.'

As

yet shall be undeserved,yet

to follow thee am

Then

Scherules,of

honour

worthy,he spake
thee, thou

of

true

heart

free,
I'll be.

'Since

the office hath

fallen to me, rob

to

loss thy guardian 'gainst

If the outer

host would

shalt call to thine aid mine whom he

saw

hand,'

395

he spake Then, smiling,

the servants

round

their master

stand,
'

Now

load ye hence
must

again your
we

harness

that

never

piece shall fail,

vale.'

"

For

ride,and

shelter

shall ye find in the lower

With But And

'

the

Burg-grave he rode. Sir Gawain, nor

a

Obie

her wrong

would

own,
400

she sent she bade

minstrel maiden her bear the

whom

her father

rightwell had known, passed that

way,

a tidings,

false coiner had

his

And

goodly
a

and

rich is his

lading; by
him for

knighthood my

father pray.

Since many That

serves hireling

steed,and garb, and gold.

'twere enow,
were

he here let them

take their payment,

they sevenfold.'

To Now

the

the minstrel,all that his daughter said princedid she tell,

so

"

405

to win

rich

booty that his hirelings may

who

be well
to

paid.
war,
"

The And Then And

'

need

rightwell he knoweth thought, I

'

hath ridden forth

was

by his soldiers Lippaut,the princeso faithful,

he
must ; but
so

pressed full sore

or

win this treasure

or

by love
upon

by force to-day.'
410

he rode swiftly whither

Scherules,he
? swiftly
'

met

him

his way,
I here pursue,

Now

dost ride

'A knave

would heard

A i^se

coiner is he, I think me,

if the tale I have

be true I

2o8

PARZIVAL
'twas but thro' his steeds and

Now That
415 And

in sooth guiltless
on suspicion

was

Gawain,

gold

him

had

lighted"Then

loud

laughed the Burg-grave bold"

he

Were Far

they misled thee, they lied who thus told the tale quoth, Nay, sire, Nor knighthood my guest shall fiiil. it wife, or man, or maiden
'
"

otherwise

shalt thou

judge him, no
hearken
readest
"

die he methinks
shall

shall hold ; be told. iaright

Ne*er bare Look

420

he the purse of the

on

changer, if the tale

his
then

thou

his mien, and

word, in
thou

my

house

is

he,
see.

An And An An

knighthood arightthou
ne'er
my my
was

knighthood in him shalt

hath done

he bold in falsehood
or

Whoever whose
wrath

him

wrong,

child it were, kinsman

my

father

waxeth

fierce and

strong.
turn

it be, or my

brother,then the rudder of strife shall

him
The from

'Gainst
425 If I with For In
a

myself,for

I will defend

the wrong

that he ne'er did earn, I

thy will may

where

do

so.

garb would knight's

than here
thou

gladlychange
world range reap
thee

the hermit's robe of sackcloth,and land

none

afar thro* the wide

may

know

me,

shouldst

shame! Methinks
Who have

it would heard

better fitthee the tale of my

to

welcome
than

such

guests

as

came.

thy sorrow,
as

to rob them

of

goods and gold

!'

430 'Twould

better

beseem

master

treason

such

deed

to hold

The

princespake, '
guest.'
he rode where

I fain would

see

him.'

'

Methinks

'twill not

harm

my

So

he

looked

on

Gawain,

and

two

eyes

and

heart

fessed con-

(The
And

eyes

and

the heart of

Lippaut) that

the

stranger
to his mien

was

fair to see. should

be.
^

knighthood and manly virtue

true

the mate

435

Whosoe'er, by
Then And Be And his
^o

love

constrained,hath
ye know

felt of true

love the

pain.
i

heart,as rightwell
she of
man

doth it,
no

forfeit to Love
can

remain. speak.
lovers

doth

change
or

and

rule it that
on

mouth
she

the wonder

it heart

of maiden she

which

her will would

the

wreak. they
were

the wise true,

doth

bend

to

folly. Now
His anger her ; of

twain

440
"

King Meljanz and maiden

Since in wrath
That her

Obie

"

ye needs
sorrow

must

rue,

he had

ridden
to

from anger

such

load

she bare

was spirit

moved Gawain
ways

a unfitting

maiden
must

fair.
feel her

must And, guiltless,

and others suffer,

pain ;

She

had

womanly

forsaken when

she gave

to her

wrath the rein.

210

PARZIVAL
she I
'
"

Yet other defence

4^

may

bring Mm,

she
'

may

win him

son

and

heir ;

And

such is my

hope

Quoth Gawain,
*

God

grant thee this fiivour fair !'

Then

him, Lippaut he sorelypressed

the
me son

In God's

name

o'er,' give thy pleading

no

Spake
Nor

of

King Lot,

'

I pray
"

thee, of thy courtesy ask

more,

let

betray mine

honour

Yet this will I

answer

do, Sir

Knight,*
ere

will think the I.

and thingo'er,

my

shalt thou have

itdraw

to

night.'

485 Then

he thanked found

and him, the prince,

he

rode

forth ; in the

courtyard he play.

alway daughter ; with ringsdid Burg-grave's

whence
camest

His child with the

^

the maidens

Now, daughter mine,

came

thou ?' thus to Obilot he

spake,
I 'Id my

'Father, I
I would
490

from

the castle, to the strange

knight my

way

take,

pray for my I fear

him

as

knight to
such

serve
as

me,

methinks

he will hear
'

prayer,

And
'

do

sake

service

winneth

rewarding fair !
me
nor

Nay,

me,' my
as

little daughter,for he saith

yea,
run

nor

nay,

But

plead thou

I have

pleaded.'

To

the guest did she

straightway.

So At
495 She

came

she to Gawain's

chamber,

he

greeted her courteously.

her

her

feet he fairy

sat

him, and

thanked he
were

that,maidenly,
*

spake for him fought for

so

to her

sister ; and
a

quoth,
ready

Now

if ever

knight

Had

small

maiden,

for thee to

fight! '

Then
'

the little maiden

tender

spake

out so

frank thou

and aye

free,
shalt be

Sir

Knight, as God
whom my
ever

is witness,the first man

held free
converse

With
500 And

I have

if in this my

maiden

shame

courtesy I wrong
my

not, then
me

joy as reward speech

"

I.claim !
crown

For And
An For
505 For

mistress taught

how

is the

of thought, thine aid I

I pray thou I do

thee. Sir Knight, to help us

our
a

Thro'

sorrow

sought

all wilt,
as

need

I '11tell

thee, nor
prayer

do thou

be wroth

with me,

befits
our

maiden, and
be

my

shall be. to fnyse// that ikou

art

altho'
thou grace

name

diverse,yet methinks
maiden
do 1 pray

/,

Take
This

my

name,
us

and
both prayer

and

knight art thou verily.

hencd
must

from and

here, and if I from

go have thee

Ashamed,
know That

my

unanswered, then. Sir

Knight, I would

thy knightlyfame
maidenhood

must

answer

to

thy knightlycourtesy, thy chivalry.

510 Since my

sought for shelter in vain in

OBILOT
But

211

if thou indeed
a

wilt

hearken, and do

me as

this

thing I ask,

With

trae

heart true love 1 11

give thee

rewarding for knightlytask.'

'

And

art thou

true

man serve

and
a

courteous, then surelythou It do my

I
am

will.

For

see, wilt thou

true

maiden,

worthy thy service still.

Tis But

that my

father kinsman
not

and

cousin for

help hath prayed, give thine aid

!'

515

for that shalt thou

refuse us, for my

love shalt thou

Then

he

sweet quoth, Thy lips,

maiden, would
forfeit?
'twere On my

bid

me

my

word

forswear,
fair

Wouldst
I

have
my

me

my
"

pledge to

knightlyhonour
to die. must

pledged

word

^An I fail me,

better methinks

Yet, e'en
Ere
Then he

an

I did thee

service for
a

thy love, stilllong years

my

fly love,
heart ;

590

yet thou

shalt be

woman,

and

service

might

well

approve.'
Gawain's

thought how
he

Parzival trusted less in God bare the message

arms

than in woman's
unto

And And

the words
he vowed

spake

of the maid
on

to the littlelady to bear

'

her baler's part,

And, laughing,he spake, My sword-blade

If my And
Yet foeman
a

hand thy little

fair joustseeketh, then thou must for tho' men conflict,

guide, againsthim ride ;

must

525

for

me

shalt thou strive in stead shalt have

think
I my

they see

me

fight

iAou in my

battled,
"

so

keep

pledge aright.'

Then Thine

she

spake, *That

will I, rightgladly, thy shelter and

from

shield I '11be,
hast
set me 53^

heart,and thine heart's best comfort, since

free.

thou grief

Thy friend will

A

I be and

comrade, and whatever

chance

betide,
to hide. to thee

roof

misfortune's stormcloud, safe dwellingwherein 'gainst this my love shall

True

peace

givethee. Good
be

Fortune

I '11bring ;

That-thy strength may

and Host An
am

by naught
To

host vanquished,I '11guard thee 'gainst

king.
I alike and

hostess" words

combat

I '11ride with

thee,
bliss shall

535

thou

keepest my

in remembrance

strength and

thy

be.' portion

Then Since And Then

out

quoth
life I

the

gallantGawain,
to

'

Yea, maiden,

the twain

I '11shaie,

my

vow

thy love and thy comfort fair.' thy service,

the while in his strong office I must hence
to the

the hand she

of the littlemaiden
'

clasplayBurg away,
540

quoth,

To

mine fulfil

213

PARZIVAL thou fare forth without

all too

Wouldst

my

and without aidii^,

"

my

token

? fight

Nay, for that

And Then
my I wot

dear

I hold thee

My part will

play aright,
bear

token

I will prepare

thee, and if thou my

pledge shalt

well that o'er all others

thy glory shall blossom

fair.*

545 Then

they went

They thanked
'When

the little maidens, and Gawain, the stranger guest, forth, with sweet words and kindly, and thus he his speech addrest, twain
shall

older ye

be waxen,

were

they spears, every

woodland

bough,
And

the forestbare
trow!

naught

but

then spear-shaftd,

too

poor

were

the crop, I

childhood If yotir
550 For

shall thus be

what powerful,

then of your
both

maidenhood

? spcar-

your

favour brave

knights shall shatter

strong shield and

shaft

good

!'

Then And What

An 555 Nor Then

forth
she

sped the littlemaidens, and thy knight for

their hearts
*

they
I

were

glad and
dolls have

gay;

spake,the

Burg-grave's daughter, Lady,

a

pritheesay
but
our we

wilt give to mine

were

token, since

naught

but somewhat

fairer I would

give it rightwillingly
o'er that I
ween

be wroth

with thee for the

should strive not we taking,

!'

Lippaut the prince overtook them

he
saw

half-wayon the hillside green,

towards the

And And

Obilot and them

stand

as Claudittd,

up

Burg they sped, daughter towards

him

he bade fled.

and still,

await

him,

and

his

Father, I
Whate'er

never

needed

thy help as

I do

to-day,

560 Now
'

give me
be

I pray

thy

for the counsel,

knight he hath said

I may, I will

me

yea.'

thy

little daughter,an will,

give it thee.
me.

For Then But

happy
Good the

the

day whose
smiled
so as sore

to dawning brought thee, a fair gift

Fortune

sweetlyon me.'
doth
vex me

I will tellthee, my

father

dear.

thingthat
do

thou must Then

it in secret them

hear,
their

565 So On

hearken,and
his leader

I pray

thee !'

he bade

to liftthe maid

charger,'But what stayed,

which

of my

playmate?'

Many

knights round
well

And

they strove
would

of them

should

take her, for each

one

pleased

be,
his
he prize

Then

one

as

claimed

her, for Clauditt^

was

fair to

see.

OBILOT
^ he spake, Now her fiither, riding,

213

Then How
'

OlMlot tell to

me

dost thou

need
my

my

coimsel ?

What

is it that vexeth
my

thee ?'
ween

570

I have

promised

knight a token, and

wits

were

astray,

If nothing I find to

give him then worthless my

me
"

life to-day ;
must
a

Since he vowed If I

unto

his service then in sooth

Never

I blush for

shame.
1'

give him

naught

hero

truer

love from

maid

might claim

Then

he

quoth, ' Trust

him she
too

to

me,

little daughter,and
thou
"

thy token I will prepare,

his payment

575

If service from If

thou winnest be

shalt

givehim
I
on

fair,

thy mother

willing God worthy ; what

had
I I

grant he may
trust

bring us aid.
have laid !

That

gallant knight and

never a

him

Tho'
Yet

word
a

to the hero

spoken before to-day.

my

last

night in

dream

saw

him, as asleepon

couch

lay.'

5^

Then

Lippaut he sought the Duchess, and with him he led

he
my

the

maid,
;

And And And

quoth,

Now

lady,help us, for

shout for

we

twun

sorelyneed thine aid

gave
me

heart would

gladness that God

this maiden

fair.

that I all guiltless bare.' partedme from the sorrow * Then out spake the Duchess, Tell me, what wilt thou of my grace a better dress, Lady, since thou wilt hearken, this maid craves
'

?'

585

And And
Then Of

she deems
he asketh
out

she

of

rightmay

ask

since it,

knight will her token bear.

and

her

love,and
thou

he offers to do for her service fair.'

spake the maiden's

ween

mother, 'Ah, good

knight ! gallant
590

the stranger I

as speakest, May-tidehis glance of light.'

Then And From And

samite

of Ethnisd

the wise mistress

she bade

them

bear

rich stuffs as yet far Tribalibof fair is I

from
ween
s

unsevered,and silk of Tabronit kingdom"Red

which the the
the

fair

gold on
And

Kaucasus'

strand,
595

the raiment

heathen,with cunning hand,

he bade Lippaut,the prince,

Wrought
That

with silk,

gold inwoven"

therefrom
made.

for his littledaughter

fitting garments

should

be straight

Nor

the best would

he

grudge

to the

maiden, and they shaped her

white

garment

fair,
Of And This silk that with
a

gold was
arm

heavy
had

; but one

arm

they left yet bare. they cut

away,
600

sleeve that the Gawain

covered

from

the vesture in the

should

win for his token and

badge

coming fray.

214

PARZIVAL
I

So this That
was

was

thai she gave him" a rich silk of Orient bright, gift broughtfrom the land of the paynim, and had covered her the

arm

so

white.
But

they sewed
Clauditt^

it not
to

to the

garment,
when it,

nor

wrought it at
from

all with

thread, sped. bright,

^

And

Gawain

bare

home

the Burg she

605 And And And

On And
610

free from
on one

all

care

was

the hero
bound

and

three

were

his shields the

so

straightwayhe
he gave had him the maid

and it,

glad was
he

gallantknight ;
road his

fairest thanks which

so

her, and oft would

when
she

praisethe
words and

trodden

sought him in

abode,
maiden
smile.

gentlybade
him

welcome, and

with sweet

wile

Had

made

rich in

and gladness,

made

joy on his path to

Now

the

daylighthad waned, and the night fell, many

"

valiant

knights and

good,
A

mighty force, lay on each side, the besiegerswere

"

e'en

flood.
be.
see

Were
And

they less,for the folk of the

now

citytheir army
they would

enow

should
to

of by the light
nor

the moonbeams

fain

their outworks
break

615 Nor

terror

cowardice

moved
a

them, they were

ready
every
to

ere

of

day,
lay.
wide

Twelve Thus Were

breast-works

wide, and
them

deep

moat

before

earth-work earth-work

they

shielded

we}l from

and onslaught,

every

barbicans

three,that the army

might forth

to the conflict ride.

And
620

at

four of the gates the

Marshal, Kardefablet
as men

of

Jamore,
saw.

With

his army

bravelybattled,

well at the he
was

dawning
to

And And And

'

the rich Duke

fought full knightly;

others who
"

brother

Lippaut'swife.
bear

stronger in heart than

for
men

yet bear them

well in strife.
"

of

war

are

reckoned

In conflict he

griefwould

With

his host drew nightfall

but seldom from

nearer,

from
or

far land would

he hither fare,

625 For
And

sdVess of battle

conflict he turned

aside,

four of their gates he

guarded rightwell in his warlike pride. morning light. Lippaut should deem it right
the gate, foes

The

force from entered

beyond the river passed o'er it ere

as

And
But

the walls of Beaurosch,

they of Jamore had ridden

every
ever

o'er the

bridge before
door

630 And
Ere

door the

was

guarded, and warlike their

dawnM
"

they wait.
would

day

had

Scherules Gawain

one

ward,
out

Which

he and

the brave

Knight

would

let not from

their

guard.

OBILOT And And there had the best ye heard lamentation who mourned
from

215 the

lipsof

many

knight,
to
see

they were

thus, they had

failed here

the

fight,
For the

vesper-playwas
their had
lust for

ended

ere

yet they a joustmight share.

^35

Yet needless To
all who

for countless they proffered there lamentation, and battle,

a

to

joustin

the field would there drew

ride.
on

In the streets Full many And And Had For

many
a a

saw

ye many

hoof-track,and

in

every

side

tossingbanner
helmet costly

of by the light would

the moonbeam's

ray.

they wear
"

in the
A

joustthat day,
ween,

640

spears with been

many

brightcolours blazoned
emblazoned methinks had been

I Regensburg silk,
on

value held of little

a

'fore Beaurosch
ye looked

the meadow that

green.

coat

upon
cost

day,
pay.

Whose

goal had

higher in the

that its lord would

And
Nor

the

night,as of old
song

her

custom,

had

yieldedher place to day,

for they hearkened it,
of the far other

645

by

of the lark
was

might they know

riven when
army

lay.

Whose
As
a

voice doud the

the voice of warfare

with the crash

splintered spear,
near.

that is cleft and of

the thunderbolt
the host of

falleth

And
And

King

Lys' young

sought

Lirivoin,
;

there,with his warriors,battled the

many
a

monarch
one

of Avendroin is
wont to

650

And

e'en joustrang loudly,

as

when

throw

Chestnuts

within the furnace that burst

in the
mom

fiery glow^
on

Ah,
How

me

1 how the

they strove

togetherthat

the grassy

plain.
the

knights spurred their steeds

to

and jou"ting,

Burgers they

fought amain.

Now

Gawain, and his host the Burg-grave,since ithealth bring, yieldthem

he sang

to their souls

might 655

And And

meed God

of and

blessmg, bade
the heroes
"

a Mass priest

to

sing ;
waxed

unto

And

the

prizeof their fame

their post

fair.
For
But

this.was their their rampart followers

pious'biddingThen
"

they would
many
a

to

repair,

ere

this

was

guarded by

gallant knight. fight.

1 ween,
a

The

they of

Scherules, and well would

those heroes

660

And And

what he

should
came

I tell ye fiirther? such

Poidikonjonzwas
each

proud

with

host,if in Schwarzwald

bough had

spear-

shaft been

2i6

PARZIVAL
looked forest nojg^eater
than

I had

on

here

on

this field ye
nearer

saw.

And

six banners

they bare,and earlyto battle would

as

draw, fear,
ear. listening
"

^5 With
And
If
a

ringingblasts of trumpet e'en

drums
grass
now

thunder

that wakeneth
smote
on

strove

amain

with the trumpets, and

the

blade

were

left untrampledby the conflict I knew

it not

E'en

shall the Erfurt

vineyardsshow

such tokens

I wot of strife,

Then

hither he came,

Duke

Astor, and he lought with the

many
a

men

of

Jamore,
fain ;

670 And
From

for sharp joustthe spears they whetted,and his saddle clear rang
many
a

knight they bore

were

down

on

the

meadow,
"

and And
went
one

for combat masterless the fallen

they aye
o'er the

And

the stranger war-cries

plain fight.

Sped
For

charger,and gallant

afoot

knight.
in

I ween

he had

learnt the lesson how

oft is o'erthrown

675 Then The

And

he saw,

the

gallantGawain, how
foeman
were

out

on

the

plainafar
;

host of both friend and he

mingled in deadly war

; nor

spurred him
and

swift towards

them

'twas

in his steps to light behind him

tread,

Tho' little they spared their Scherules

680

those chargers,
gave

knights who

sped,

his vassals"

Gawain

them

pain,I trow, knights that he laid alow. Round,

found.

Ah,

me

! for the spears

he shivered

and

the

Had Then 'Twas That ^5 And And Then

Thro'

God

given him
one

not

such valour, this

knight of the Table

he
set his

in sooth had

made

for the fame petition

that he there had

all as one, both

of Gros
as

the twain did armies,'gainst

"

hand.

of

Lys

Many

chargers did he win

where
should

from each

knightlyband,
waved
on

the hero straightway he asked he gave

who
was

brought them
there who
as

his host's banner them? And

were

high. reply;

need

many

swift

them

e'en

they answered, and rich

whose

I trow. they all, for

a

this brother-in-arms know.

friendship they here

space

should

Then

there
Lord

came

nor knight fast spurring,

spears did he think each 'gainst other

to

spare

690 The
And From

of Beauvais

and

Gawain

they rode

there. lay.

the young

knight,Lisavander,midst
his

the flowers of the field he

thrust who

his saddle behind

charger did Gawain

the

princethat day.
so

For the sake of his

squire shall this grieve me,

the and whence tidings,

yestreen

courteous

spake.
And told to Gawain all this
woe

did wake.

2i8
795 And

PARZIVAL his heart awoke it filledhim his eyes with them

ran

to sorrow

for the blazon

rightwell

he

knew,
true.

And And Nor

again with anguish for the death of his kinsman

o'er with he and he passedthem tear-drops,
"

upon

the field,

would

fight

^Thus to friendship a hero fiiUoft shall

yield!

Then

he

rode

on

to

Meljanz'army,
of honour

whom

the

stood, Burgers with might with-

730 And

their

meed rightful

they won

from

the warriors

good

Tho' And

numbers o'ermastering perforce'gainst backward within their trenches

they had failed to hold the field, yield.

flame,
whence
he

awhile to the foe must

And
'

he who

the

Burgers challengedhis Knight

'

harness

glowed
none

red

as

The

Nameless
came;
.

they called him

for

knew

from

735 And

I tell it to ye

as

I heard

to Meljanz he rode,this knight, it,

mourn

But That To

three
he
serve

days back, and the Burgers must

his aid
as

it in

coming fight
him he gave.

swore

to

their foeman

"

Twelve
to

unto squires

him

meet

in the

and jousting,

follow to onslaught brave.

And
740

the spears their hand

clear rang

And

those spears he rightswiftly brake, might proffer take his jousto'er the tumult, when he did as his captives

King Schimiel
The

and

his brother
he here had

; nor

he would

from

his
of

pledge release Marangliess.

as

knight whom
stood,

vanquished,the Duke
he

And

bravelythey fought mid the foremost,and

their folk still held them

vanquished them
good.

they

Yet

valiant tho' reft of their leaders

745 And

there

fought the

young

King Meljanz,and
of valour
a

all

were

they friend

or

foe,*
;

They owned By his hand

As And
750

greater deeds
were

young
"

knight might seldom

Ah ! the spears

show

the strong shields cloven

that he brake

in twain the forces

together mingling dashed

heart

swift o'er the

none

battle-plain.
him of strifehis

his young it vexed

for conflict lusted, and

gave

fib,

And

him

sore, tillGawain

would

joustwith
won

him

at his will.

Then And

Gawain twelve

took
were

spear of
"

Angram, that he
The
war-cry
"

him

at

Plimiz"l,
*

those spears

of

Meljanr was
aimed

Barbig"l ! *

Of his And

kingdom of Lys
Gentesein

'twas chief

city Gawain
to the

his joustso true.

Oraste

taught sorrow

him thro* king since it pierced

OBILOT

219

That
And
a

strong shaft of reed

fair joustagain was bow their

; his shield

it brake in his aim of might piercing,

smote

"

755

ridden,and Gawain

the

King

in

flight ;

And

the hinder
on

of the saddle it brake, and

those

heroes

twain amain,

They stood
^were And
more

and valiant, feet, they battled with swords

such

than
one

enough

labour for two

churls each

on

the

threshing-floor,
sore.

each

bare

the sheaf of the

other, and

smote

the other

^60

And

spear must

Meljanz carry that

had

smitten and
a

him

thro' the arm,

warm.

And
Then

thro' conflict fierce the hero Gawain he bade

in blood

sweat

waxed

by force he drave him

him
his

within

portalwide,
nor

And

pledge

to

swear

him,

the

young

king his
known,

will

defied ; Were
To he not
so

sorelywounded
to a

then

so

Jie swiftly
had

ne'er

were

765

himself yield

foeman, but his prowess

longer shown.

Then With Both

the land's host,his Lippaut the prince, the monarch

man

valour

might
skill

not

restrain

of Gros from

he battled ; and the

alike must

they suffer pain. they

were

and

steed

bow-shots, for their

fain to

show.

They of Semblidag, and Kahetines,for they fled as they bent

And

the bow.
to

770

the

Burgers

must

well bethink

them

the foe from

their lines

hold,
bold.

But foot-soldiers had And

For But

they,and sheltered by their ramparts they battled

forfeit for the wrath
on

he who her what

of life was
scorn

of

maid

must
enow

pay. that

and folly

her

people brought
I think ! Now

sorrow

day.
775

part therein had

Lippaut ?

me

his lord of

old,

King

Schaut, ne'er had

thus beset him

faint waxed

those heroes bold,

But
Not

Meljakanzstillfought bravely
"

Do

ye think it was
"

whole, his shield?

him
across

hand's-bteadth field

wide

was

the

fragment
the

Then

he bare

the

Duke
On

and Kardefablet, the meadow Gawain fair and he rode

I think

me

Tourney it came
was

to

stand ^
so

for fast locked flowery,

either band.
sore.

Then
E'en

to them, and he pressed Meljakanz swiftly

Launcelot, gallant hero" ne'er wrought him

the sword

such

afore grief

When The

bridge he crossed
he

to battle"

Her

captivity pleased him ill,

to free her

Queen Guinevere, and

still.

thought him by the sword-blade

220

PARZIVAL he rode full gallop" Meljakanz, what him ? And many whom that could he do view.

7*5

King Lot's
But Who Of And
spur

son

his steed towards hehind his

joustmust might

lay there
many
a

charger? He
to earth with

the

gallant knight fair,

aloud declare.
on

Norroway had smitten

his spear of
on

knight and lady they looked

and

this joustso

790

And And

of Gawain, they spake in praise the maidens

was

his "eune would

well might right

see

it as
many

they looked from the hall

steeds did o'er him fodder

high.

Underfoot And And

79S 'Twas tare

Meljakanz trampled ;

fly,
no

with their hoofs his surcoat, who

might
sweat

taste

more,

they covered
a

the prostrate hero with rain of for the

came

and

gore.

day

of doom

but chai^ers,

the vultures at will

them

might feast ground

And

Duke

Astor he else

to the rescue, and from

of from

Jamore
off the

released
"

Meljakanz,or
And the

was was

he

and captive,

he raised him methinks

Tourney
had

and the combat o'er,

had

its ending found.

Now
800

who

as

knight best ridden,or best for

an

maiden

fought? brought
had deeds

Nay,
For

I know

not,

I would

name

them the

small leisure such task had

a

Maid dared

Obilot's sake
;

with

townsfolk

knight valiant

Without, a

Red

and Knight fought bravely,

the fame

'twixt those

two

was

shared.

When
From

the guest of the outer the

rode

army

had

learnt he

no

thanks

might win

805 He
"

the town within, king he had served,since Meljanzwas captive where his squireswere and thus to his prisoners waiting, spake,
me

Sir

Knights,ye your word have pledged

take.

; ill-chance doth

me

here o'er-

For

King Meljanz of Lys is captive" Now

his captors, that for your service I Id freedom
'

if ye such grace

can

find

With Such
810

A"

fetters they will

unbind,

gladlydo him ! they swear

could

To

the

King of Avendroin
of Lirivoin.

He

spake, and
this oath
loose
never

to Duke
must

and King Schimiel Marangliess,

unto

And
To But Save

him,

ere

they rode the walls within,

to win.

Meljanz,or
a

if they failed

here,to help him the Grail

of where It
was

word

they tell him

hid,the Grail,
must

'twas

but further, their lore guarded by King Anfortas,

fail

*i5 When
That

thus they my wish

spake,quoth the Red

here

Knight, * Then
to

betide if it shall still

find not

fulfilment, ye

Pdrap"r shall ride,

OBI
And

LOT
*'

221

unto

the fair queen

yielding say,

He

who

in

days of yore
now

Faced
As

Kingron for her and Klamid^ for the Grail

deed is he

sorroweth

sore,

he

yeameth for her, his lady,and after the twain in thought

ever

And And God

striving."To her
as on

be this message your way ye ride

brought
wide.'

^^

ye heroes

and bear it truly,

have

ye in His "safe keeping,for the world

and

its ways

are

Then

they prayed
is booty none
me one

his

leave,and

they rode

hence"

And

the

knight to his
take ; 835

he spake, squires
'

Here

may

gainsay us, of these steeds

since riding,
sore

ye at will may

But

leave

for my

wounded

mine

own

shall be.' thou hast

* Sir Knight, we Spake the Squires,

must

thapk thee for the grace

in his

shown
For
our

us

free.
thou enriched us.'
Then

lifetime hast

he

chose

charger's
fled.

stead,
With
When And

the

the close-cropped ears, Ingliart,

his

same

that from

Gawain

Meljanz he made
the Red

and the twain they captive, had when caught it, hewn

must

fall in field.
many
a

Knight'shand
the hero bade

was

shield.

830

Then
To And But

Farewell the

them

"

Full fifteen steeds in sooth

they tell.
them
was

unwounded, squireshe left,

to

might they thank him well.

yet
fain
a

they prayed him

far hence him
but

lingerwith them, and abide with

was

space.

lay the goal he

strife was
as

and the road he seeking,

ease

to trace.

So he turned
For No To

about,the hero, to where

he

should

be

bought full dear 835

ride

naught
where

seeking
" "

In the

days that

ye read of here

knight e'en

he had

battled
a

Then

the outer

host would
a

they might find

lodging,and in peace for

how

space abide.

And
That

within,Lippautspake,and asked them

matters

had gone

that

day

Meljanz was
ail
was as

taken

that captive,

tale did he know

alway.
would bear
"

g^^

And And

he would

have

and it,
full

comfort

the hour

Gawain

loosed the sleeve

gentlyfrom

his

lest perchance it shield,

tear.
For

he deemed
'twas

it o'er

and Clauditt^ she held it fast. good for tearing, the centre with the spears that had thro'

And

slashed in the sides and

it passed ; And On he bade her to Obilot bear

arm

and glad it,

was

the little maid,

845

her bare white

soft-rounded

the tattered sleeve she

laid,

222

PARZIVAL

And And

spake,* Who

hath done

this for

me

?' whene'er

she her sister saw,

wrathful her elder sister her maiden

mischief bore.

Then,
850 Then And
Had

as

weariness

it bade

them, the knightsthey craved

for rest

"

Scherules
many
a

took Count

Lahduman, and Gawain

he found

his

gallant guest
with valiant hand

knight whom
on

there,whom

Gawain

overthrown the

of battle tho' strife they might well withstand. the jfield

them
to sit them

And
And

Burg-grave rich he bade

his wearied

in order

fair,
there

he and

vassals would
eaten"

stand 'fore their monarch

855 Till But

had Meljanz his fill

And

they treated him courteously,

and he spake out, frank and free, it,
seat.'

Gawain,
an

o'er-much

he deemed

'

Methinks

the

king allow thee. Sir Host, thou shouldst take

in his

Thus
But
860

spake Gawain
the host gave master, this

wisdom,

as
*

his courtesy found

it meet.

his prayer
were

denial, My

My
To

his office if the

"

king'sman king had but deemed

The

is that

gallantknight

it right

take,as of old,his service

not
see

lord thro' his courtesy

Will
An

the face of his monarch of

while exiled from here the seed

one

grace
once

is he.
more.

it pleasethGod

friendship

to sow

Then

11 do we joyful
the

his

bidding with

as in days of yore.' will,

865 Then Were

An Now In I

spake

youthfulMeljanz,* Yea,
I dwelt among ye,
nor

courteous

knights and
ever me rue.

true

ye, when
now

your
even

rede did I
had
seen

had

this thy counsel followed, thine aid Count

glad ;
ever

give me thy

Scherules, for the

captor, and
me

trust

that I
my

had sire
"

with this faith,

knight my

with him
as

second

870 Duke

Lippaut"
pray
not

for well 1 think

to show
me

they will do

thou
we

shalt been

require play !
'

Yea,
Had

them Obie

favour,for friends had

me

to-day
should
i

such

jestplayed on

as

no

maiden

ween

Then

out

spake

the

Gawain, 'Afresh shall be knit gallant

can sever
'
"

band the Red

That

naught
hand had

but death

Then

they came

whom

Knight's

875 Without
And

taken him

the height would on captive, all that befell them

arms

they seek their king,

must

they told

; and

Gawain

listthe

thing,
must

And
And

they told of the

how he he their

of the

hero, how

their

strength before his

them

fail,

pledgehad
to

taken,and

had

bidden
was

seek the Grail ; other than

And
880 And

thought how the knight of this venture

uprose

none

Parrival,

his thanks

high Heaven

that

no

evil did there

befall,

OBILOT
But And

223

that God
courteous

apart had held theni)and

I
ween were were

they met
that

not

in strife that
not

day. they

those

heroes

they tore
none

the yeil away, from whence

But

both

of them

there

nameless, and

knew

came, Yet I wot

well the world around

them

rang fair with their warlike fame.

To

' wilt thou listto Now, Sire, Meljanz he spake,Scherules,

me

885

Look

thou friends

agsdn on
on

my

master, and

such rede

as

is given to thee thine anger shalt thou

By
And

both

sides shalt thou

hearken, and

recall

;'
it good, the
so they rode counsel, was

all deemed

to the

royal hall,
made that

The
Then

inner force of the Gawain he

as the Marshal city,

"ain to pray. the he captives

took the Count

Lahduman,

and

day, 890

And When

gathered them
on

all around

him, and

the

pledge that

to him

they gave

he erst

the field overthrew

them, must
the

they yieldto the Burg-grave

brave.
And And And For

gladlythey did his bidding

"

To

palace the heroes fare, Burg-grave

for
a

rich garments
a

as

fitfor

monarch

did the wife of the

serve

bear

veil did she

arm

give unto
Gawain

Meljanz that should wounded, when

him

sling

895

the

that

had

his spear

smote

the

youthful

king.
And Fain
And
'

Gawain would would the

by

the mouth
see

of

Scherules, Obilot his lady prayed

hand he

the hero
crave

her, his lifein her

dismissal lips and I captive,
"

laid,

from

her

and
pray

further the hero her such

honour

spake,
900

I leave

king here,her
'

thought to take
shall
wax

That

she may

in such wise entreat

him, that her

apace

!'

And
And If her Then

Meljanz spake, Well I know

maiden worth
the

Obilot is of maiden this,

I at heart

grace

glory ; and joyfulam

captiveI be, for in gladness methinks

out

shall I have

my

part/
905

the gallantGawain, 'Her quothhath

art prisoner

thou alone,
her

'Tis she who

captivemade
As

thee,and

my

glory is here

own^'

Before Nor That

man

them
was

rode Scherules there

nor

"

was

for royalcourt. fitting

robed
scarce

maiden

but had

them

in such

sort
seen

one, in poor who

sware

guiseand scanty, might

their

have

been

that
must

day

"

They

pledge

to the

Red

Knight

with

Meljanz

take

910

their way.

'334 And

PARZIVAL there in the hall of the castle and his wife,

they sat in their order four,

his Lippauty

daughters,as the guests passed within the door.

Up
And
91S

sprang close

the host and hastened

his lord and

them
*

king
it were

to

greet,
;

pressed the crowd

side stood

around

as an

friend with foe did meet here

Now, Thy friend of old,the Duchess, with kiss would

And From

By Gawain's

Meljanz.

thy will,

she greet thee still'

see

Meljanz to his host made

whom
me' I '11take kiss and

'

answer,

Two

ladies I think to

greeting"but the

/Aifv/ naught shall win from

And
9ao

the parents wept ; but the

was maiden, Obilot,

And

they greetedtheir king with kisses

of

; and

two

glad and gay, beardless kings that day claspedagain.

with the Duke They kissed, And And

As

and the gallant Marangliess, Knight Gawain.

they brought
e'en
as a

him

his little lady,and

so'

the fair child he

doll he held her

close to his
to

manly breast.
:

constrained him, and joy and delight hand

hath

Meljanz his speech addrest

now

935 'Thine

surety pledged me, ofthat shall thou

I hold my

be

free.

In my

rightarm

lady,her

captivethou

now

shalt be.'

Then And

Meljanz he stept him

she took the them stand.

nearer, of her

and

she held fast to Gawain's mid

the

hand.
did round

pledge

monarch

knights who

'

Sir

King, 'twas

ill-done I think me,

to yieldthee said,

if a merchant
as

930 As

my

sister hath

his
to

knight captiveon field of might

gave

he be my

!'

Thus He
'

the maiden spake Obilot, should

; then

Meljanz she
swear

command.
in clasped
Love

and yieldhis pledge to her sister, her for Love, for

ithand

hand her

Thou

shalt have Lord

thy knighthood,as her

ye twain to my

and

art thou true

Henceforward, of

heart

and gladly,

will shall bow

!'

935
.

God And And

of the maiden, her will it was spake by the lips Frau Minne with power and wisdom

done

straightway,
;

again o'er their hearts held sway.

anew

knit afresh the

meshes, and fettered the twain flowingmantle her small hand

arm

From
And

the folds of her she touched the wound the

Obie

drew.

of her lover,and
won

weeping, her lipsso red

for her sake he bled"

940 Kissed

he had

in

since it was jousting,

BOOK

VIII

ANTIKONIE

ARGUMENT

Book

viii.

teils oommitted

how

Qawain
him
to

came

to

Schamtoion,
of wrath hii tifter of her

and Antikonie.

how

King
How Of the how the

Vergulacht
Qawain adventure of Gawain" coonseUed how he wooed of

the of and

care

the the How

maiden, chess-board,
Antikonie their monarch. seek

and

the how

people.
came

Kingrimimd King
the oath

to

help
the

reproached
Of the OrrniL

Vergulacht,
Gawain
sware

and

notdes

to

the

King,

and

rode

Ibrth

to

BOOK

VIII

ANTIKONIE

HOSOE'ER had The

at
won

Beaurosch

had

battled, methinks

that

Gawain

highest fame
alone;

in

both

armies,

save

but

for

one

knight

And

none

knew whence
so

his he

red

harness

glowing,

and

none

knew

from But Yet Now

came,

high

as

banner alike

waveth,
and

high

did had

it

rise, his fame.

in full his strife which share he
"

of honour hence
near.

good

fortune the

Gawain of

must

he

ride, for

moment

sought

drew

And

far
way

and
"

wide

stretched

the

woodland

thro'

which

he

must

wend

his

No

conflict alas

he

shunned, chaiger
Moors

tho' failed
at

all

guiltless of the

sin the the and

men

on

him

would
ear,

lay.

But,
In

1 his

him, Ingliart, with

Tabronit
no

dose-cropped
steeds there
a

the

land

of the the

better
a

they
a

rear.

"o

And And For

'Twas

diverse
so narrow

wood
at

around

him,

here

bush

field. yield

whiles, that

pathway,
Then

it

scarcely

space
met

might
his did

tent,

or

for

knight's pavilion.
and he and
ere

feir

dwellings
at

eye, lie ?
"5

Askalon,
many he
a

prayed
moorland fair before

them and him

if Schamfanzon many in the in the rode

a

hand

But
Must A

marsh

steep hillside
he

traverse,
stand
so

setting sun

spied

fortress he

stately, it gleamed
steed towards it who

sunlight's rays,
here
on

And

turned

his

unknown

ways.

Now

list ye
sorrow

awhile that

the

venture, Gawain
"

and And

mourn

ye ye

awhile shall his

to

with chance

me

The Or Alas

fell

on

if old I pray
a

to

be
20

young, !
were

yet of this your

it best
to

friendship
or

you

grief

to

weep

tell ye,

silence

space

keep ?

230

PARZIVAL
,

Nay, better
Her

to tellthe

story,how

he whom

Good

Luck

did call fall.

was friend,

and how by her forsaken,

to his lot must grief

^5 So

proudly uprose the fortress that

of

never

did

Carthage

seem

So fair to the eyes Of turned love,

ye know
more

iEneas, when

Didb, as failed her dream

rest in his cold embrace.

to

death

found and, seeking, those

Would Scarce
3P

what

countless turrets

halls did stately walls

so

grace

had

Akraton

boasted,that citywhose

wide,
;

An So
No

man

may
rose

believe the heathen, with the

Babylon only vied

to the sea

high
storm

circling ramparts, and where

they fell
to

might they fear,but defiance could they bid

their foes

right

well. 'Fore the

As
35 Yet

citya plainoutstretching lay fair for

rode
across

mile

or

more.

Sir Gawain
one,

five hundred it,

knights he

saw,

o'er all the

and fair to sight; others, gallant him

"

Gaily they rode towards

For
so

all clad in raiment their falcons other fair game

bright,
that should

the venture

telleth

With
or

soaringhigh winged fly.

abode

Would
A
40

they chase the glance was

crane,

tall steed from his

Spain'sfar kingdom. King Vergulacht bestrode,

as

And Where
And

day in the night-time Aforetime

"

his

race

Mazadan amid
even

reigned as monarch, by Fay Morgan'^ mystic mount,

a

the roll of his fathers he many

as

fay might
he

count

"

And
So
45 As

in the

the May spring-tide

blossom

bloometh

fair

rode the he
saw

king

in his
so came

beauty,and Gawain
as Kanvoleis,

bethought him there,

erewhile did tell.

him
as

ride he
so

'twas another Parzival, stately,

to

Or Now
As

Gamuret,
into
a

this venture

pond

marshy

heron

had the
as

taken

flight
a

it fled from
not

before the

and falcon,

king, as beseemed
saw

knight,

Sought
50 And wet

for the ford but followed

won

he
was was

his falcon's need,

he
too

in the

and aiding,

lost

his
I

steed, gallant
the bird.

And
The Was

lost

his royal raiment^tho' safe

ween

falconers took his garments, for this, so their them and right,
nay.

the tale I 've

heard.
no man

they

needs

must

have

them, and

might say

Another
55

horse

they brought him, for lost

the vesture

was

his

own was

for aye, the chance of fate

And That

fresh garments his falconers

they put upon him, since such

won

that had decked

their

king of late.

ANTIKONIE Then The Once He Fair With

At

231 and
as

Sir

Gawain,

he rode towards
unto

them,

and worshipful knightly in Karid"l

they gave greeting

had fain drawn

him, not such

after his

fellto the lot of Erec, when

near

well-fought fight
with him his

to

King Arthur,and
"

lady bright,
Guinevere.

Enid, who
a

graced his coming

full hardly smote

But

the dwarf

Maliklisier of Queen
.

scourge

him, 'neath the where, within

and
bold

eyes the

Tulmein win the

he took his vengeance,

ring so wide
^5

To

hawk,
son

the heroes

in deeds

of valour vied.

'Twas Whom

Ider,the

of

Noit,a hero

true

he else had

whom slain,

Erec

did there in surety hold.

But For

leave

we

all other venture, and

never

hearken

awhile to me, lot

to
see. son
"

in sooth

fairer welcome

shall it fall to your

Yet, alas ! for illit wrought him,

An And ye will I will
cease

Gawain, King
ere

Lot's brave

my

story
silence
"

the tale

to

its end
it
were

be run, best
to

70

for

sake pity's

keep

Yet
on a

perchance

tell

The And Then

illthat thro' others' treason if I yet further pray in sooth, e'en

as

fell. gallantspirit

ye this story strange to heed ye

mourn

I,righttrulywill

for its hero's need.

Quoth the king, Sir Knight, thus

Thine
Yet

'

I think me,
scarce

thou may

shalt
I be

to

the castle

ride,

75

host will I be
on

tho' rightgladly,
vex

thy guide ;
!' for my

ifthis

my
*

part shall
As

thee

the chase

will I

gladlyleave
do I bear

Quoth Gawain,
Whate'er
But thou

it best may

pleasethee,that do, nor

"

sake

grieve,
80

shalt do

shall be well done

No

grudge
shalt

thee,Sire,

I of rightgood-will

gladly will do
'

as

thou

require.'
thou well mayst
a see

Quoth
Sir And
An

the

king of

Askalon

further, Schamfanzon
as

Knight, there
thou

my

sister dwelleth,who
measure

yet but
as

maid
"

shall be ;

she hath in fullest

as a

such beauty

poets sing
her shall
come

grace

shalt hold

it, my

knights unto
'twill be thou

bring again.
art

Such And
To

word

she shall well entreat I come,

thee in my

stead, tillI
sooner me

85

whenever look
sweet
on

I think me,

than when

thou thou

fain
see

my

face,for gladlywilt
e'er bemoan

spare
my

shalt

My
*

nor sister,

thee,tho'

coming o'er late shall be

!'

Nay, gladlyagain I'llsee thee,and gladlythy sister greet,

as

Tho*

host

never

queen

has

done

me

such service

as

host finds meet.'

90

232 Thus

PARZIVAL

^Then a knight bare the king's behest Gawain spake the gallant should so care for the stranger guest that she, as fitting, To his sister,
"

That

however

long his absence

my

the hours
now

should

as

minutes but

fly"

I will cease (An ye will,

story that

runneth

mournfully1)

95

Nay, further I '11tellthe venture,

Where
as one were

"

Steed

and

pathway the hero bore

both

and he held him before the door. Buig and palace, builded
a

And
To

he who

shall e'er have

house, he shall better know

to show.

tell of this

and the strengthof its walls mighty castle,

better might this earth on its bosom bear none Yea, indeed 'twas a Bui^g, the ramparts towered high in air. far outstretching, And around it,

Leave

we

the

of praise

the

and speak of the castle's queen, castle, I shall better

"

A maiden And
"

for of fair,

women

speak

I ween.
;

as

Was

I'llsing her praises ^Was she foir to the eye ? 'Twas well fitting of her praises tell. she true of heart ? Then gladlywill men both in mind and
manner

05 And

so

might she vie with that lady true,

threw friend in her presence
not

The A

Margravine, who
"

from

Heitstein afar o'er her marches dwelleth

as

light, Well for him who

"iir,
!

Such For
10

pastimeas I praise but

and pure he whom
no

there
a

his

portionhe findeth
as virtue,

other-where shall

woman's
she

I see, and

surelyknow, praisebestow.

True

must

be, the maiden, on whom

man singethis a gallant or with falsehood, one

I shall and who

And For

this venture I with

true,
his deeds shall mei

dealinghave

but tumeth As repentance, slowlypiercing, And his soul knoweth wrath and
sorrow,
or

his bliss to
ever

bale.

his

fail. life-days

15 To

the castle court whom the the

rode

Gawain, and the goodly company

sent

To

king had

him, who
as

shamed

for his sake should be.

Then

knight to his lady led him,

"

she sat in her

a

beauty's glow. bestow,

set her

Queen Antikonie
Of such
30

Could

the merchants

woman's

fame

goods had she made

was me

rich

falsehood she purchase ; 'gainst

a

face,

And
Ah

hers

the

crown

of

honour, and

maiden's

maiden

grace.

! woe's

for him

of Veldeck, that death thus cut short his who living

so

days.

None

is there of all men

well could have

sung

her

praise.

Then E'en

Gawain, he looked
as

on

the

maiden, and the messenger

his message

spake the word

heard.

the

king had bade him, and the queen

234 For
i6o And

PARZIVAL

straight stepped within the doorway loudlyhe called

well did he know
woe on

an

old and
a

grey-haired knight, might, king ring,

our

Gawain, and shouted

shout of
cry did

For
'

the hero, and

his fiercely

Alas t alas 1

upon

us, since the hand

that hath slain

of his

Is tsLin now The

to force his

daughter !

'

At

the sound

battle-cry

folk that within the castle abode

"

to the hall did to the queen,

hie,
*

""S So it fell out

Then
we

quoth Sir Gawain

ward
us

Now, Lady mine.

of

Say
For

thou
sure

how

best may

this wrathful folk 'gainst

An
'

thine,
!
*

they will come

againstus"

I had

but my

sword
we

at hand

Then An
we

out

spake the gentlemaiden,

tower

Their

might shall
bower

best withstand

to yon

betake

us

that riseth my

beside,
shall
we

^70 Perchance

they will then bethink them, and the

storm

override.'

Here

knight,and there

merchant, already the maid townsfolk,as the twain there,tho' she

none

must

hear,
drew
near
:

With And
So

the cry of the angry

sore was rose

to the tower

her friend beset

prayed them
her words

from

strifeto cease,

loud

the angry

tumult

hearkened

of peace.

175 'Gainst the

portalthe foe pressedonward, Gawain

rabble ;
an

stood within the door,

And From

held off the angry

iron bolt he tore

its fastenings wherewith

to arm

him, and before his strong righthand

not

Full oft fled his evil

neighbours,they durst

his blows

withstand.

While
180

the queen,

with

hither and thither sought flying footsteps,

weapon
on some

To At

find, perchance,some length did

fair,
she

the foe that 'gainst

so

fiercely fought.

chance

chess-men, and

wide and chess-board,

That
As On
a

hung by
shield

ring of iron
'twas

; to Gawain

she

brought it there.
a

it served him four-square

ere

; yea, many
"

game
of the

was

played
;

that board

hewn

in battle

Now

hear

royalmaid

jg*

185 Were

it king, or

queen,

or

she castle,
and

hurled

them

againstthe foe.
have
ye know

Heavy They

and
who

large the chess-men, by

her shaft queen
so were so

in sooth
ever

I would
a

stricken must

fallabide.
hero's

Right bravelythe
And
she bare
190 Of Tollenstein
at

graciousnow

fought by her

side.

herself

that knightly,

never

the Burger maids skill displayed. for shame

Shrove-tide for fight

such dauntless
weary

And An
a

yet they but

woman

and folly,

themselves

naught

"

bear trace

of battle, on

her womanhood

is brought,

ANTIKONIE

235

(For I
To As

know

what

befits

woman,) unless love shall have bid her fight

faithful and
"

prove

her faith" Now

true

was

that

lady bright,
of heart
was

Schamfimzon
tears

might bear witness

tho' high ^Yet,

she,

'95

Many
That Would

that conflict cost her ; for in sooth shall it ever is brave how
as

be
"

Love

steadfast, yet tender and

true

of heart would

ye know

in such fierce conflict Sir Gawain

bear his part ?

When Her More That

Full

the strife but leisure gave

him
eyes

to gaze
so

on

the maid

aright,
"

lipsso red and glowing,her

slender
ye truss
was on

soft and
ever a

bright
hare
so

aoo

she and the

shapely than
awaken

lowland

her limbs,and so graceful spit,

her form
man.

fair

well

might her charms

ween,

desire in the heart of her

And

smaller,I

the

maiden, where
are, and

ran golden girdle

Around The
For

her waist,than

ants

their slender his foen\en

shape
to

ye know

"

^5

sightwrought in Gawain
she shared
his need
; his
"

courage

overthrow.
than death and should
was

none chastising

other

be,
he

And
As And

help was
he looked

there
on

none

Then

his anger
and
at
no

flamed fear

high
was

wroth

that

gentlemaiden"
rued
it who

his but hate. their fate.

^^o

sorelyhis foemen

met

his hand

Came

and King Vergulacht, do I in this deceive

not
as a

he
nor

saw can

well how I account

his folk him his

Gawain 'gainst

did

fight;

Nor
That

ye,

right

host
one

he bare him, when

man

he
"

saw

gallant guest

TKus

stand, as

against many
for
a

But

thro' the throng he straight

pressed,
In such That From

wise,I

must

mourn

Gandein, the

monarch
son

of
must

Anjou fair,
bear.

^^5

his

daughter,so king would

true

lady,so faithless a

the strife his folk he called not, short space the don his armour,

must

they stay their hand

While

he lusted to lead the band.

Too

mighty the force for Gawain,

he closed the door upon them him

nor
"

ween

shall ye count

it shame
came
220

That
The But And For

Then

in wrath

and

haste there

knight who
short
sore

to

battle bade

'fore Arthur

at Plimizol

time

back"

They called him the Landgrave Kingrimursel,

need
vex

did Gawain's he

him, he
Old

wrung

his hands

amain,
remain he
tower

in sooth had
one man

pledged

his honour him"

his foe should and young from

in peace the

Till Yet

alone overcame

drave,

225

the

portalwould

they force open,

as

their

king

commandment

gave.

236
Then
As
a

PARZIVAL the

Landgrave he cried

on

Gawain,

'

Sir

Knight,I

wodd

in to thee

that this bitter conflict I may share,ifit so must be, friend, For then must slayme, or leave thee in lifeto-day.' my monarch Gawain would
swear

^3"

Peace Then

unto

him, and he made

his

to the tower
a

his way

"

the foemen doubtful,

their hand thronging,

for

space

must

hold,
both young

For their
and

Burg-grave he
old. ceased

was, and

bidding had

they hearkened

Then,
And

as

thro* the the noise of battle,

doorway he
bold

sprang,
were

Gawain,
those heroes

the

Landgrave,

he stood beside

him,

swift and

twain.
' Quoth King Veiigulacht, Why

235

tarry ?

Why

stand

we

here

as

on

guard.
?

When Much

of foemen
my

but two

shall dare us, and

none

other the tower

gates ward

cousin doth take upon wreak

him, when
on

he dareth

to shield my
were

foe.
fiiin to

Yea, himselfshould
show
Of
240
^

vengeance

him, if his faith he

'

true

heart

then

they chose
our

true
no

man,

and

unto
we

the

king he spake,
take, thy mind
find.

Now, Sire, upon

shall harm of

Landgrave
hand

vengeance

think to
so

Nor

at our

bef"ll him"
thou

May

God

turn

That, instead
For shame

shaming, honour
doth

shalt from
an

this venture
to

shall it bring upon

as

thee,and

ending

thy fair fame.

be slain.
"

If he who
^5

host

hail thee shall here at thine hand hath

And

thy kinsman
grant thou
bethink

is he,this other who be

brought him into this land

pray

So, lest cursingand shame

And
Then
a

we thy portion,

thee

to

stay thine
of

hand.
'

truce

thro* the
or

and daylight,

hours the fleeting

as

night. right!

thee for shame

honour, and do

shall

seem

thee

'

And

our

queen
as

who

hath ne'er known

Antikonie, falsehood, thy sister,

bare ye both ?

250 See

there

she standeth
see

by him and weepeth full bitterly.

one

Canst And
Alone For

thou bethink
to

such

since sightwithout rueing,

art wise

mother

thou thee,sire,

thou didst send him, nothing loth, else,

a

this

gentlemaiden, nor
it were well to spare

further him
!'

guardiangave
Then the

ker sake
brave

king bade
he best

those warriors

955 To

call

truce"

He 'Id bethink
Yet all

him

how

vengeance

might take
sake,
he slain

For Must As

his father's death" he bear

the shame

Gawain, guiltless

for another's
was

; with a lance-thrust

by Ekunat

to

he would a prisoner, Barbig"l Prince lofreit,

have ta'en.

ANTIKONIE Who That had ridden erewhile with Gawain" had In such wise the chance So
men

237
befell

they deemed
scarce

that Gawam

slain him"

do the venture

tell.960

And Each Then She

was

the truce
unto

bespoken ere of men

nor lodging, arms one on

was

the field bereft^

betook

him

his her

the

ground was
many
a

left kiss
so

the queen gave

so

threw

around

him, and with

sweet

to her

gallantcousin such rewardingas seemed

her meet.

Since And

265 bravely he stood by Gawain, and sheltered the twain from wrong, ' she spake, Now uniaith shall to thee belong.' art thou my cousin, nor

Now

hearken
a

and

I will read ye that word

was

which

spake of lale,
an

How That From And As

true heart sore

darkened"

I ween
; such

'twas deed

evil fax"t

led

Vergulacht to Schamfanson
or

he ne'er did learn

sire
torment

aye from
sore

mother, with shame

did the young know

knight bum,
show.

270

and

his better self must suffering

mercy

his sister

'gan upbraidhim, small

noble

the maid

would

And That To

thus

spake the
man me

maiden, ' Now

thou

had

it but been

God's

will.

I,a

bom, might sword

hadst

bear,and knighdy tasks fulfil.

come

strive with

"here,methinks
num's

thou

hadst

come

too

975

late,
"

But And And That That And Did For Thou

now

am a

I all defenceless, a

maiden, and
would
I read

no

mate.

yet

shield I carry, and of all^Its

fiur its device shall be^

honoured

blazon

here.Sir King, to thee, mind, upright

sSo

thou henceforth
true
man

mayst know itscover

a

it" Pure heart and

beneath

shelter may

ever

find.
unto

o'er the that, I

gallanthero whom
had
I" And

thou sentest

my

care, me,

hold,and
other hast done

thee,his foeman, I did,as beseemed 'gainst

armour

bear.

none

if thou repent the ill

more

to

hast thou wronged thy guest, me, thy sister,

deeply
985

still;
For this is the That Then if ever of right woman,
so
a

ever

'twas told to me,

a

unto
as

the shelter of foemen

maiden

knight shall flee.

they who

follow shall who

In such wise.they ever

bear them

leave their chasestraightway wquld not their shield disgrace

"

Now, Sir Vergulacht,that thy guest fied

Hath loaded with
!'

to iji"^ as

hb

hope of life, aided,nor checked, the

090

shame

thine honour, since thou

23"
Then
That On

PARZIVAL
* 'twas Kingrimorselquoth sternly, Yea, Sire,

at

iAy command,
this land.
he ride

on

Plimix"rs

plainI

bade

him. Sir Gawain,

I
sware no

to seek

thy royal word safe conduct

we

him, that should

evil should
here hast thou

Hither
^95

twain
one

were

pledged

him
"

betide,
here done

Save
In

but from

foeman

only
so

Now, Sire,thou

ill fulfil

that,spiteof thine oath

here shall my fellows

knightly, thy word ^m^mayst

thou

didst not
us

And

hearing give judgment

as

betwixt thou

twain,
to

If thus thou wrongest From

3^
us

what /nVf^^j,
honour?
"

hope

gain

of faith and

If honoiu"d that
near

fain wouldst
are we

be,

Then, courteous, make

True

confession

of kin

cousin

am

I,

no

bastard,and

e'en if such

chance
me a

had
wrong,

been,
I
ween

Even
A

thou hadst done then, in this thy dealing, I in whom

me no man

knight am
I think

hath

found

taint of shame.
to

And

that free from

falsehood,yea,

death

will

gu2Lrd my

fame,
305 For

in God

have

ever

and, methinks. He holds trusted,

as

not

in store

Such Yet To An

fate for the

days of the future

'neath my
the

I knew

not

in

days

of yore. rode
"

they who
Schamfanzon he
come

shall hear

the story, how

the

nephew

of Arthur

safe-conduct,where'er shall

be his abode
or

from

land of the

Brctdh,or from France,

of Punturtois
tny fame

from

Provence

fair,
310
or Burgundian he, or Gallician,

the

arms

bear

"

When And

he hear of the shame

be my

of Gawain grief for the

then

shall be that

swiftly sped. knightlyhead.

grow

meed

danger

that threatened narrow,

At the tale of this strifeshall my

glory wax*
me,
so

and

blame

wide

And,

as

joy in the past dwelt with

end of

henceforward

shall shame

abide.'

315 As

he made
as

an

speakingstood

vassal the
was

king before,
the
was name

And,
And

Kiot himself hath told us, Liddamus

so

he bore.
ween

and speak here of Kiot the singer,

wax

sweet

his song

That
And
390 Who

none

of the

hearingweary,
book

tho' the
was a

days

of their lifebe

long.

I rede ye to wit that Kiot of old

Proven^l,
wit shall fail, would tell the tale.

found

writ in

of the heathen
sang and it,

this story of Panival.

And Would

in French

again he

I, if no

fain in his

and footsteps follow,

in German

Quoth the Prince Liddamus

In the house

in his anger,

'

Now

say, what

doth he do here

of my

who lord,

his father hath slain, and hath

brought anear

ANTIKONIE
The

239 is known him thro' many

own as a

brand

of shame

My king'scourage
his honour
to avenge

land,
;

395

'Twould One And

better beseem

with his

hand

death Gawain

for the other he stood in

payeth
sore

"

^and the need

waxeth

here

there.'

and fear for pecili

to threaten

his lifemust

bear.

'Who Quoth Kingrimursel,

To An

is swift, he

as

swift should thee ! well

be
330

mingle
wide
man

in

strife, thy foeman yet but lightly

the field or narrow,

he holdeth

were were

yet Sir Liddamus, I know

tho' shame

This
For

safe from

thine

e'en onslaught who it,

at his hand

befell,
"

ne'er wouldst

thou dare to ayenge

we

yet dost

so

loudlyboast

And
We And

swifter had
seen

were

to

hearken

if ever
!

in battle host
But

thee ride the foremost the field of battle to

"

strife ever
aye

wrought thee pain,

fain.
ever

335

afar from
more

lingerthou

wast

Yea,
Then

hast thou learnt wouldst

thou

The

beginning of strifedidst thou

a

see.

hence

as flyas swiftly

maiden
doeth

is wont
as

to

flee. shalt say.

'

And

the princewho

thy counsel hearkens,and

crown

thou

Shall find that the

he weareth

but

shall sit alway ! loosely faced

340

'

And

in fain, feared
here wroth
swear me

were joustso knightly,

I to have

Gawain,
fast betwixt
us

Nor

aught, for such combat

we as fought,

had

we

sworn

twain.

And And
Now To

had
am

'neath fitting,

the eye

of the

king my

lord.
1
345

I now,

for

dearer,methought, had
a

he held his word

thou to me,
me

Sir Gawain, when

"

year from

this

day be past,
at

meet

again in combat
a

If thou

'scapemy
we

lord's wrath

last,

And
At

thy lifefor

prey

he leave thee, yet

thee
; at

twain must

our fight

fight.
be

Plimiz"l firstI bade

Barbig"l,if it seem
shall sorrow's

thee

right. fought ;
350

Before And And

Tho'

Meljanz,the
my

youthfulmonarch, the strifeshall methinks

tillthe

around

heart

day

come

wreath hero

be

wrought,
hand be

gladly I'llhail that

the

dawning, and
but

face thee, thou

that

bold,

guerdon

be

of sorrow,

shall there

by thine

told.' So there,as the And

But

Landgrave bade him, the

his him

hero

Gawain

swore.
erst of yore.

his oath, and Duke with

he plightedas pledge so knightly, of words

Liddamus, he bethought

that he fain would

weave

say,

355

And

cunning skilland wisdom spake for all men

to hear

his

speech did he

that

day.
come,

Thus
'

he

him, for the time of speech was

or

Now

if strifeever

call upon

me,

if the battle be lost

won,

240
If I
as fight

PARZIVAL bcaecms of my
me or

hero,or flyas

coward

flies,
win ;

9^

If the meed Then reward

warlike I pray.

be honour in all men's eyes" bearing Sir Landgrave,with rewardingas I shall witfaholden
I count

But ifhonour
"

be praise

it not

me

for sin 1 '

Nor Then

here did his

speech find ending.

me

'

If Turnus
; thou

thou fiun wouldst

be, thy will lood,

;

good, thou shalt find

on

Transes

mayst

well wreak

me,

3^5 If

so

be thou hast
an

aught against me, but 'tisiJk^u who

the

dost boast too

Yea, e'en
For

thou wert
am so

highestof

my

peers, these
I have
as

princes proud
stand
to work
me

Prince

I too, and

Landgrave, and

in Galicia's land

Many Burgs
And
S70 Yet not

hit and

that e'en hi stately

Vedrun

tho* thou and

even
a

this Breton

fowl for

ill, but abide thee still! ' would fly, thy threatening
stranger
were

minded

'

He

came

from

the land of the Breton for

whom

thou hither for strifedidst hale. may

Take

tkou vengeance avail ;

king and

kinsman, if such vengeance

anght J

With On
375 For

Aim, not with

who
I wot
moan.

me,

thy quarrel, avenge

I

thou thine uncle's life

me

him

of lifehath robbed

him, it toucheth

not, this for such

strife,
wrong makes

well in

naught

wronged

him, and
His
son

none

What And Was And 380 Those And

I may

need

to bewail
no

thine uncle ?

sitteth on

his throne,

I ask for

his

mother, his sire

mind

since Fleurdamur, the queen, higher ruler, and his grandsireGandein Kingrisein, it dwelleth how Galoes and

hath been.

still in my heroes
I think
me

Gamuret,
truth

twain,were
his

his uncles,nor my

lie I,nor

forget
so

that in all honour

castles and lands

serve

wide whatever betide ! '

take from

hand, with their banners,and

hath lust for

him

'

Let

him

who fight

Tho'

I know

well who from the this

I be

for weary of strife am I, fighting, his feme in battle doth win, for victory of lips
women,

385 Hath

reward

yet for

never

maiden's

sake

Will I evil entreat

body, or bid it such ill-road take.

Wolfhart ? Since barred
that I know

Nay, why should

And
no

is the battle way,

not

lust of strife hath lor aye

beguiledme

the
as

thing I say.

If thou shouldst
390 Who

gave

counsel unto

despise me, yet Rumolt King G"nther" ere yet

I '11 take

guide,
he hied

to the Huns

242

PARZIVAL the

Gat

king

to

his council-chamber

; the

king'sdaughter
bare them
to

had

comrades

three.

Cousin, and guest, and beside them

4^5

black

care

company. she led.

! ill-sped
'

Gawain,
And And And
she

as

rightwell beseemed
'

her, by the hand

rue

her bower shalt be

went

quoth,
son

Now

shall all lands

it if here

thou

the
none

of

King Lot, Sir Gawain, with the maiden

shame,
for
so

hand

in hand, of that fair

thought them

graciouswas

the custom

land. So
430

passed, they unto

that
none

her

chamber, the queen

will should
as

and
was

those
care

heroes

twain,

And

her 'gainst maidens

enter

the

of her chamberlain.

Only her bower

And And the queen,

befitted them

there

might be. royally.

a

in all love and

honour,

her

guest tended

the

Landgrave in naught
with the queen the hour maidens

gainsaidher, for belike did he bear

lay dark
on

part
heart.

In the fear for her guest'swell-doing that

435 So

the maiden's

the twain
the

abode
of

there tillthe strife of the

come

day

was once so

o'er,
more.

And

night and

had feasting
sweet
was

in their

course

Then
And

the slender

bare them

drinks,and
the table

the wine

red.

with fish and fowl in

was

plenty,I ween,

spread.
and

Fair and white

440

the bread to look on, and the thro' such

to deadly peril,

Landgrave

Knight Gawain,
were

Who And And And

had
each
no

passed
as

taste

of the food

fain.

the queen did

might bid him prayed

her

ate that which

should

pleasehim best.
her guest,

lack

they find,for rightqueenly the maid

to cease
no

did entreat

vainlythe

heroes

from but

her
was

kindly care.
young

Of the many
445

who the

knelt before them

maid
rose a

and

fair ;

Yea, fair with

And soft

openingbeauty of
as

the

that is yet
falcon

unblown.

lay their locks

they
the

the feathers of
to council,

the

knight hath flown.

Now And

list, ere
wise each
were

close the
men as

the rede

they would rede the king

need

good counsel in who, wisely,

his mind should bid

should

bring ;
his heart

And

spake

him, and

that which

deemed
450 And

best,
the till the king thing hither and thither,
thus

they turned
addrest
:

his speech

And

he

spake,' One

of late
"

fought with
fame

me,

as

on

venture

bent I rode steed

me me

In the wood For

a

Laehtamreis

^too

perchance, I proudly, deemed,

in

my

bestrode.
such low.
a

who knight, my

o'er great my

joustsmote

blow

That, behind

on gallantcharger,

the greensward he laid

ANTIKONIE And
And Now But

243 of the Grail to

this oath
my

must

swear

unto

him, in search
him,
were

ride,
died.

455

knightlypledge I
your

gave

it other,I there had

was a no

give pie, I pray,

to swear
as

death counsel,for 'gainst

me,

other shield
*

my

victor bade

and, as knight,to

knight to yield!
alone,
come

Yea, mighty and strong that hero,

"

nor

sware a

I that oath

But

he bade

me,

as

true

man

when truly,

year should
unto

have

and

gone,

460

And
To

the Grail I stillwere the queen who the

crown

seeking,to ride
there

Pelrap"r King Tampent"re.

her I grace
;

weareth,the child of
should

And And
He His

there,as
from would hand him

I looked should she

upon I bear

her, I

yieldme
in the 'twas his her

unto

this message upon him

day

that

sought

her face.

say, "An

thought

joy and

his labour's

meed, 465

from

the

King Klamid^

aforetime

land had

freed."'

Then
'

the
me

speech
leave
to

to the end

they hearkened
shall

; and

Liddamus

spake this word,

my

Give

speak,ye

Sir Knights,when follow,

its fulfiller shall be
snare swear

rede is heard,

For And For And

the oath

that

perforcethou swarest,
stand
to

Gawain,
fAou wast
to

his wings he, captive,

shall flutter in the

wherein
us men

ta'en.

470

here, where
then

we

hearken, shall
ride hence

he

the Grail would

win,
it sin

of free will let him

house"

; for I deem

count

Were
For Sore For

he slain in thine but ill would

at our

Nay,

me-seemeth
an

'twere better to let him

live.

it pleasethy sister

thou

didst
he

not

her
to

knight forgive!

stress

hands

hath
water
so

he

and suffered,

now so

his death shall ride ; 475

far

as

the far sea's

no

shall circle the earth

wide

There
No

standeth

Burg

mighty

as

Monsalv"sch, its towers

Let him

shall fear

foeman, and strait the pathway

sore

that wendeth

its walls anear, slumber in peace with this

And And

dangers
that

that road
we

encompass"
the wisest

night,

the word

deem

shall be told him

480 morning light!'

Right
And

well did the counsel

so

pleasethem, and ended, I

thus telleth,
won

ween,

the

strife,

Gawain,
they tended
the Mass

the venture

at their hands

his life.

So

the dauntless
came

hero
on

rightwell thro' the hours

the
morrow

of

night ;
hour
waxed

P"om

the folk

when

the noontide

bright.
And
When To Now the hall
was

thronged and crowded

he

with townsfolk

and Sir

warriors good,

485

before the

his foeman. king,as they counselled,

Gawain, stood.
ye late did hear.

naught other would

see

compel him
as

than

to that which

ye

the

gentlemaiden

she

drew

with her

knight anear,

344 And
490

PARZIVAL her tmde'k

men king's

ton

came were

with fain to

Of the Then And Fur

a

her,and many a hero brave and thus fair escort gave. follow,
with slender hand
on

"

the queen led Gawain of diaplet the

to her brother
woven
was

and

white,
around her

fiur flowers

she bare

her locks of
no

light,

flowers, yet the maid

and fairer,

blossom

head But waxed

495 And

paleand dim, if'twas

of true heart broken
as

mated

with her

of glowingred. lips
a

he whom

as beseemed gentlyshe kissed,

maid.

Such

lances for her had

had wasted

woodland

shade.

Now

hearken

to me

and

heed

me,

as

with

words gracious pure and

sweet

I Id greet

free Antikonie,
In such
500 Were
one no

from

a maiden falsehood, ever

wise did she fain to

bear her that

never

doubtingword,
men was

from the lips of sing her praises, and her gladness,

no a

heard

For

heart but wished all thought of the

mouth

but

spake
can

her free
see.
rare

From Shone That

505 And

as guile"Far-reaching, as

frdcon's eye of light

a

of her graciouspresence, light

the

balsam

and sheddeth burnetii, her will she

was ever

perfume, and sweeteneth

the will of
a a

the scented should

air.

as gracious,

maid

be.
:

And

spake

to her

royalbrother of

true

heart

rightmaidenly

'

bringhere
I would friend
"

to

the guest thou didst bid thee,my brother, shouldst well entreat

me

tend.

And

thou

him,

as

befitting my
brother hate

knight and

For better shall that beicome

510 Than to

thee,to bear thee

to teach
me

as

true,
hate ne^er

feel the world's

hate,or

to

thee,who

knew.'

I may, Quoth the king,' Nay then,my sister, an Thou shalt give me here thy counsel, for I think And And
515

so
me

stands my
I did but

will, ill.
;

stained
I deem

thereby mine
me

honour,and

dimmed

my

"une knightly
me as

but little worthy that thou shouldst

do my

brother daim.
I

E'en ifall lands should

Lest

bidding at thy prayer

I said to

would
me

yieldthem
fall1

all.

that

sorrow

of

sorrows

greatest, thine hatred, on

ended
an

should

And Sir
An
sao

joy were Gawain, I here entreat

thou "me knightly my from

honour

and

thy pleading. Nay"

thou didst ride this way, win

thee,since for fame

wouldst

honour, so help me, that I may

for forgiveness this my sin.

Anew

sister favour, and

ANTIKONIE
Far Than Do To

MS
me

liefer were
to

I to

pardon the
sweetest

wrong

thou hast done to listwh"t

lose her,my
swear

sister" Now

thy task shall be.

erst was

thon

to me

here that

as I trulythou wilt strive,

fein

for strive,

the Grail'sfeir kingdom, and

the honour

thou there shalt

gain.'
S"S

In such wise the strife was And And When with Sword the and

ended, Sir Gawain

and battle,
woe

fer hence

must

ride,

spear do

fer the Grail abide.

that he did his word the land but heard.

Landgrave forgavehis monarch

the wrong and

no

he brake his

pledgeunto

Gawain"

of prince

Then

their swords castle wall

"

and they hung theyungirt,

them

in their

place on

the

And

the

of squires
one

Gawain

came

he hailed them swiftty, and,joyfel, for

a

all,
he

Sd0

For not Ere

in strife was

wounded"

man

of the

Burger folk,
were

the battle waxed

hot, had

claimed

them, and foemen, and

wise

the words

spoke,
And their peace he

prayed from
from in
"

the

he held

them

awhile in

ward.
Were He

they French, or might send glad

were

land of the

lord Breton,till again to theirrightfol

were

them

peace--Some
when

and children,

some

were

lads 535

strong and
And

young

their hearts

they

saw

him, and
sorrow ran

awhile

on

his neck

they hung,
And

weeping they kissed

joy sprang
came

Sir

Gawain, yet

no

I ween

was

there.

But from

the

that crystal tear-drops

o'er their feces fair.

And And At

one
a

from
was

the land of with him

Cornwall, Count
son, and
must

Laiz

he, and Tinal's

had
won

son

; 540

noble lad

whose

fether his death

Schoie-de-la-Kurt, Gandelus, the

venture
was

the Gurzgrei, weep

sire

"

(Thro' that
And And of

full many the maid

maiden

for her heart's

desire)
with

his aunt

and fair was Liass^, had touched

the lad of face had

for Love feature, of grace. all men

them, and

wrought them

hand And fain

were

to see

him

"

Six

were

there those twain

beside,
for payment

Eight lads,all of noble bearing and

And
as

with Gawain birth,

anl

did ride. him

kinsmen

rightwell they loved him,

he ? Meed of honour

they served

fair;
What

payment

gave

their guerdon, and tender

care

346
Then
550 Fair

PARZIVAL the children,"Tis

me,

Gawain

quoth

unto

well,for

now

have

seen,

kinsmen, that ye had mourned (And well might he see their sorrow,
Where Then
were

ifslain I
as

perchance had been,

full sore,) for ye I bore.'
the

for

yet they mourned

ye in hour

of battle ?
none

Much

sorrow

they answered, and

'As thou safst in spake fi"sely,

high hall

place
A

hawk

flew astray, and

we

ran

thence,and joinedfor awhile th^ chase.'

5S5 Then

all

they who

sat or
was

stood there,nor
a

ceased
a

for awhile
man

their gaze,
all
men

Saw

well that Gawain

true

knight,and

whom

might

praise;
Then the

king

gave

the leave he

and he spake prayed for,

whom
men

unto

all farewell.

Save the queen

For

he alone,and the I^andgrave,

called followed

Kingrimursel.
as^ Gawain's

the queen

took the

twain,and

the

children

who

squires,
560 And And And
she led them

where became

gentlemaidens
and

should maid

serve

as

she should

require.

in peace, fair were

as

fair maidens, each

did her

lady's will.

the hands

graciousthat did

gracioustasks fulfil

Straightwaywhen
Thus

the meal

was
"

ended and
as

Gawain
blossom
sorrow

from from

the feast uprose,

root

Kiot hath told the story

a

up-grows,

565 So afresh from

true

heart's the

true

faith did

springforth amain"
an

Quoth the
To True The
570 And

hero
me

unto

maiden, ' Now, Lady, wisdom,

hearken
wherever my I do

God

be fain

leave to

lifeand

way

I take

will true knight befitting, service, rede did I hear and that

for

thy gentle sake.

of falsehood
as

spake thee
shall

free,
be.
!

thy fame
Heaven

o'er the fame

of all maidens

high

the heavens

And

Itself shall bless thee, and

I
crave

all be gifts of God thy gifts

on ween

Now, Lady, thy leave

Give
me

here, since 'tistime

ride hence, for I

my

way

I rode.

leave, then,and let me

own

for the future

days
'

Shalt thou be thine

best

and thy virtue shall crown defender,

thy praise!

575 Then

sorrow

of heart

was

her

portionthat

the

knight thus her side

must grief

must

'leave.
Sore she wept, and her And Then the queen
my

gentlemaidens
out

awhile with her

more

grieve.

she

spake

'An freely,
sorrow,

I had

done

for thee.
not

joy had o'ercome

my

yet better it might

be ;

ANTIKONIE

^47

"

Little Or

peace should

for deeds

thee of

here

might

blossom
"

but,
where

believe

me,

be thou

ill

thy

share,
must

knighthood

lead

thee

sorrow

needs

580

bear,
Then,
On Then
Too

Sir his

Gawain,
with afar twain

my

heart red the

findeth

portion
the

in

thy

lot, be
she

it loss kissed his

or

gain

'

mouth, joy
fled the

her from

lips glowing,
hero,
and
sorrow

maiden hath

Gawain.

pierced
for
aye

heart,
to

early

they

deemed

it, from

each

other

part.

Meantime

had

his

squires

bethought

them,

and

his

steed

to

the

palace

585

brought.
Where And Without Since his
them

the the

boughs

of

mighty they they

no

linden

might
him,
this
grace with

shadow and

the

outer

court

Landgrave's
the
walls
;
ere

folk

sought

together
would Sir that

they
Gawain
the

took

their

way

parted
more

pray. with

squires
in
ward

might

fare

him,

Landgrave

Should
Thou Where

ride shalt

forthwith him Breton his words

unto

Beaurosch,
these fair and

'

There

Scherules
to

the

Burg
he

doth

guard,

590

pray
a.

that

children
shall

Dianasdron them

bring king

many
to

dwelleth, Lady'
and steed kissed bade
must

yield

unto

the

Or

Guinevere,
with the

So
"

sware

him
to

Kingrimursel,
Sir Gawain clad alone Grail his in rode
must

And,
Short Kinsmen

kindly
space
and

courteous, and rider

he

bade mail

'

Farewell.' of

ere

both he had

were

their that his

might knight, wend,

595

squires,
his oath and

them, him,
he
to

and the

gallant pathway
end.

For,
And

as

this

many

pain

peril

know

ere

task

should

ARGUMENT

Book the The

and

ix.

In
the

the

opening
who how the of of Good his would

the

spirit
fain had

of
learn

adventure
from her in
met

craves

admission
of and with Parzival.

to

heart
venture

of

poet,

tidings
doubt

telleth
not to

hero

riddfen How where

long
he he
met

despair,
Sigun^
of who

knew

the the

days
forest

wanderings.

again
with

and the

came

Monsalv"sch,

fought
with
a

Knight knight
him

Grail.

How,
him

on

Friday,
arms

Parnval
at

pilgrim
and bade

reproached
the hermit How

for

bearin|;

that

Holy

Tide,

seek

Trevrezent.

Parzival of his
sorrow

came

to

the his

hermit's

cell,
and of

and his

spake
search and

of
for

his
the

wrath Grail. him

the

against
How

God,
Trcvrezent

for him

wife,
he

told

wherein

had

sinned,

showed

way

of

salvation. How
the

hermit Lance,
of
and

further the
race

revealed knives of the of

to

him silver

the how

mysteries
he how told

of
him

the of

Grail,
the himself that

of wound

the

Bleeding
of

Anfortas,
to

the

Grail

Kings,
How
and

and

Parzival confessed

was

nephew
he

Anfortas
to

and the
to

Trevrezent. Castle of

Parzival
to

it

was

who

came

Grail
him words

failed
and

ask

the

question
and absolved

how him

Trevrezent from
his

spake
sin
;

comfort in

counsel,

and

how

the

two

parted

sorrow.

BOOK

IX

TREVREZENT

PE

the

portal
heart

1'

To

whom
I find
a

Who !'

art

thou

'

In

thine

would
be space ?

place

Nay

! if be

such the that

thy
1*

prayer,

methinketh,

too

narrow

shall

What

of my

If it do

but

hold

me,

none

too

close

shall

presence

be,
such ? marvels Ah I *11 tell to of

Nor Is What Hath That So Ah he

shalt it

thou

bewail
O
now

my

coming,
Adventure hero ? whom

thee

!*

thou, then,
doeth
he

Dame my words far

! tell me to

Parzival,
the the
Grail

Kondrie,
and
sore

find wept

driven, with
the

sharp-pointed,
wayfarings
court

maidens side
he
must

fair bear.

path of his
from

the

knight

from where

their
shall

passed

the
to

of

King
where
or

Arthur,
now

abide

to-day
?

?
lo

! hasten if fame

the
to

tale himself
as

tell us,

shall
ever

his
of
so

footsteps stray

Say,
Shall His
Ah

he

winneth,

be
as

joy bereft. to-day

be and left ?

his
renown

honour

fair and
as

spotless

of

old

is it broad
nor

aforetime,
story,
of the

or

waxeth deeds that

it small his

thin shall
mournful

I tell us,

stay
once

the

hand
the

win.

Hath
Whose

he

seen

again
with
be
we

Monsalv"sch,
laden
"

and
? Of

Anfortas,

king, bring.

15

heart
say

was

sorrow

thy pity swift

for
we

comfort pray

And Of

if his
whom
unto

woe

ended
serve

Speak,

speak

tidings
there

him

alike
me

here, dwells
how

Parzival

to-day?
son.

Declare

his

doings,

fares is the

it with
tale Arthur of

Gamurefs

And Since
He Or I

the he

child rode

of fair from

Herzeleide,
court

his has

wanderings joy been

world
at
as ease nor

done

?
woe

30

the

of
ever

King

his
rest

lot, or
doth

? ?

hath loveth
were

striven, but
he
to

rides

he

thro'

the

wide

know

now,

outwearied,
all his

to

linger o'er-long
so

fain

know

doings,

speak

thou,

thou

shalt

please
S61

3S2
"5 And

PARZIVAL this hath the venture hath sailM many

he
man a

told me*-He

hath ridden many

land,

And Were Nor And

30 Twas

water; and ever, before hit

or

hand,

of the land his

kinsman

who

would of

abode
ever

and mighty onslaught, in the balance his

all men

joustwith hun, he fell, telL his praises

lie,
on

when

the "ame his

of his foe mi^st

outweighedby
all others sword and lance would

and "aune,
"

gloryuprose
a

to the stars

high.

And With And

paledbefore it
was

In many

mighty strife
such

he

and guarded foil well his life. victor,

they who
dear" sword

fome

win from

him, for
once

they paid full thinking hear,

Ihe
35

that Anfortas

gave

him, as ye
'twas welded honour and

in this tale did

Sprang asunder onewhile, yet

By Kamant, and much
Who How fame

afresh in the

mystic spring

the blade to its lord did

bring1

believeth
adown
a

me

for not, he sinneth,

now

doth the venture

tell

(But the
40

When And Then Nor

a

pathway,on his way rode Sir Panival, hour of his riding I wot not, if in waxing or waning light,) newly builded, hermitage, uprose to his wonderingsight.
woodland flowed swift beneath
some

stream

for 'twas built o'er the brooklet's it,

to its door

wave

in search of knew

worthy

venture

rode the hero brave,

were

that of grace 'twas the

was a

and his footsteps of God portal,

led.

But the dweller therein

46 For

maiden, and the days of her joy were youth,and the

fresh

sped,

the love of God

had

she offered her

sorrow

joys of

earth.

And

the root of her old-time

brought ever

to birth. grief

For he found Dead and

here

and Sigun^,his foithfol love, Schionatulander, the hero, and the maid lay, Duchess

buried he

wept his tomb

the

above.

Tho' but seldom

50 All her lifewas
a

Sigundthe
so

might hearken

Holy Mass,

prayer, in God's red and

mourn

service her nightsas her days she 'Id pass.

as

And And

her

erst lips,

glowing,had faded
such
sorrow as never

fade. life-joys
had mourned
" maid.

alone would

she

Thus And
55 And

denial of love's

made fulfilling

to die, Love, with her love,

loved him, did she cherish him tenderly. dead, as she living in sooth had she
once

his wife

been, then ne'er had Lunet^

once a

braved

Her And Had

wrath,and had given such counsel, as she

to-day may
turned to

we

look upon

women,

who

never

ladygave. ear willing

to hear.

to her

had brooked Lunete,and such wisdoQi but little

TREVREZENT
For And But this do I

253

know, that

a woman

who" for love of her lord alone,

60

thro* virtue of
asre, while her

doth never gentle breeding! strange service own, husband shall be to him wife as true. liveth,
as blessing

Heaven And And Be

never

in giveth

her such
or

bloometh her with

a

for

ever as

new

shall prayer
were

robe fiuting

robe

fair !
swear.
.

I,ifthe time
he

this fitting, do
as

word

naught but truth would

dead,she may
such hx fitirer

best

she still pleaseher,but if fitithful abide,

at

^5

Then

fiiith than the cirdet she beareth

tide feasting

Shall I

joy compare

with the

sorrow
"

that her fitith to

Sigun^brought?
a

Nay, 'twere better I speak not of it O'er rough stones, and

Rode He And
'

road

unwrought

Parzival to the window would. ask of the woodland he

(he deemed

well he rode too

near).
70

pathway, and the goal of its windingshear.

tell of the unknown way,

thought him, perphance,the hermit might

one-dwell here ?' the voice of 'twas the voice of
a a

Doth

maiden

itwas

that made

answer,

'Yea !'

As he knew On And the

woman,

swift turned he his steed aside he too maiden

near

greensward beside the pathway,for he deemed

had
a

did

ride,
75

sooner

he dismounted

had

he known
as

that
was

dwelt

Within such

and shame, lowlydwelling,

meet, he feh.

Then And Then And

He

his horse and his shield, all splintered, he bound

he loosed his sword from beside he the

to a "a"len tree,

him, for

courteous

knightwas

he.

steppedhim unto the window, and cell of all joy was empty, and bar^
she
a ccnne

asked
as

of the

'seemed

placeand road, griefsabode.

from prayer arose,

80

spake,would
was

to the window
a

? and the maiden foded rose, shirt

woven

She And Next And And

tall as

and paleas lily, virgin

not
as a

he deemed her
sonow

yet that he knew

her-^A

rough of hair,
wear.

'neath skin,
was

flowing garment

of grey, did the maiden her cooiage be

her heart's treasare, and "Uen

won

high,
a

jj

the

guerdon she
she

for her service must

paid her in many

the

sigh !

Then

the maiden

stepped to

the window

and

knightdid
low and

she courteous

greet,
In her hand

did she hold her

saw
on

and her voice it was psalter, the

sweet.

And
For

Parzival

her white hand

won

gleam of
true

ringof gold.
^

she bare the token she truly

the stone

from
a

love of did.

And

set within the circlet was

garnet, whose

light slumbering

Flashed

red mid

the

dusky shadows, as mid ashes the sparksglow blight.

254 And Then

95

PARZIVAL the band that her head encircled she black

was

as

mourning band

"

'SirKnight, 'neath the window a bench shalt thou see to stand, spake, Thou canst sitthere, it so please an thee,and thyjourneywill brook delay, this day ! God reward thee for this thy greeting hath led thee to me Who
'

Then
And That
100
*

the hero did he

as
'

she hade

him, and
!
'

he sat 'ne"th the window

'

small,
befall

prayedher, Sit thou

a man

within there V Then

Nay

! ne'er did such chance

here by

I sat

me

he asked

her,what did
shalt thou
can

she here ?

That, so

far from
me man

the home
a

thou dost dwell in this desert drear of men-folk,

Seemeth

all too great

wonder, say, Lady, how

succour or

live.
'

Since
Then

no

abideth
*

by

thee who

food

give?

she

quoth, *Tis
the

the Gmil

ihat doth feed me,

and

It feedeth

me

well I

ween.

From
105

Its marvels

sorceress

Doth A
*

bringme

each

Sabbath

her Kondrie, (of what serveth vigil

own

will the task hath for the week.' did

been,)

me

little space she

An

then keptsilence,
were

further the maid

speak :

itotherwise

with

me

as

would, I
me

need
never

little care shall fare I' too ill would

For the

food,since the Grail doth feed

that she lied unto

But he deemed

him, and

with false words

speak him
wear

fair,
"o

And, mocking,he spake, Now,

For Must
ever

who

which I see thee gave thee that ring

man,
or

'twas told unto

'
"

me
*

that Now

hermit,or

maid,
hast

forswear all love !

J think me, if in truth thou these words

said.
For false maiden And
115 God

thou
near

sure

dost hold

me

Yet

if falsehood

ever

learn.
!

thou shalt be

to

'twere time tAen with wrath witness,

falsehood I
never
a

to bum

knoweth, illways
that plight
was never

and hated,

knew

; I

This troth
Tho' 'Twas

h"re thou seest I had from while portion the love of

a

lover true, he

love's fulfilment our

might live, give.

sake I bear
'
"

the heait of maiden

bade

me

maiden
I ever

And
I30

he lieth in death beside me, and

his token
"

wear

Since the
*

day that

Duke

Orilus slew him

and

for his grief

givehim, thro' my sorrow-laden days, truly Such love as I sware unto him, when he,whon\all must knights praise, With sword,and shield, and helmet, and prowess of knightly deed and in true love'sservice won meed I death for his glory's Sought my love,
true

And

love will I

TREVREZENT Yet tho'

255

ever

maiden, spotless

my

husband
as

he, in God's sight,

deeds then is
and waxeth
woven
as ever

135
^

Shall be, and

The For And Of
a

if thoughts God
ever

counteth us, true

aright
true,
new.

bond

that shall

bind

husband
as

wife
for

his death this

wrought
and

my

life such
be my

sorrow

ring :hall,I

ween,

witness when

I stand

in the
tears

sightof God
130

marriage vow

the

that bedew tear-drops

it are
who

of blood.'

Yea, 'tisI indeed,and

none

other,and

the hero

here
am

doth 1 1'

lie

Is my

and knight,Schionatulander,
he knew 'twas the maid

the maid

of his love
sorrow

Then And And

Sigun^, and her

ere

it wrought him

pain,

he lifted his helmet's visor

she
saw

he

spake
she she
saw

to

the maid his face

to

again.
gleam white gallant knight : to-day ?
^^c

his head

uncovered, and harness, and

kinsman
?

Thro'
*

the rust

of the iron

spake
thou

the

Is it thou, its

Parzival, my
hast

Dost ?

seek

for the Grail dost wend

Or

mighty power spake

to

thou proven

Say, whither
! for my and

thy way

?'

Then

he

the noble

maiden,

Alas

joy is fled,
in fair fortune's
1:0

And

the Grail hath but wi'ought me

stead.

sorrow,

mischance

For

the land that

as

king had
I think

crowned

me

must
ever

I
a

and yet leave,

man was

more,

I ween,

The
For

fairest of wives, and

no

the sweetest, that

me
on

hath

seen.

lovelier form

earth

of mankind

bom,
I
moum

And
And For

I yearn

for her tender I when

a

and full sore greeting,

and I strive for
a

for her love

! 145

yet know
the

deeper sorrow
the

higher prize,
the Grail shall

day
!

Burg

of Monsalv"sch, and

rejoice my

eyes

Now, Sigun",dear my
For

cousin, thou
sorrow,

wast

all

too

wroth my

with me.
foeman be !'

heavy indeed
she
too

my From

yet thou

fain wouldst

And For

quoth,
much

henceforth,my sorely grievethee

cousin,mine
the

anger

will I

forswear,
forbear !
150

of
not

thy joy lieth forfeit since

too
"

questionthou didst
! that thou

And
The Who

I would

Alas

didst withhold had griefs

was

word

that had

brought thee honour, and

thine host beside thee
"

the tale of his

told

sat there as

nor

thine host alone

he,

his p/^esence had Anfortas, for joy and blessing

And

brought

to

thee !
'55

thy questiongreat bliss had brought thee, and thy silence had wrought
thee woe. shall' fail, and thy spirit know.

And

heart-sorrow

as

thy comrade

thou

well

shalt

3S6
And

PARZIVAL fipom thee"nor, yet had itbeen fiu:

thoa asked of that

stranger,had tovghtthy tide^

Hadst

Burg

the

marveb, and what illdid its host betide !'

cousin dear
near.

'Yea, I did there

i6o I

as

one

who

wrongeth himself yet

are we

my

here giveme prithee tell me, how

my
sorrow

since in sooth coonsel,

I would Greater

kinsmen for this may

And Were

fiu"s it with thee?

not

sorrow man grief

thy woe
never

all too

heavy

know

!'

Who knoweth of all men's woe, Mercy hdp thee, shall show it may yet be"ll thee that His finger a way Perchance i^S That shall lead thee once more to Monsalv"sch, and thine heart's bliss afiesh Then she His shall Tis

quoth,* May

spring.
space since Kondrie left me, and
I would

but ^ort

I could

tidings

bring
Of whither Or she went, but I asked
; but when not

if she rode to the cometh

passedelsewhere
rein.

she

Burg again, by that streamlet she draweth

flow fresh and clear.

the Where, from cleft in the high rock riven,

170

waters
as

It may

be, ifthou follow

that she rideth swiftly, Then

yet anear.
he knight made
no

And,
And

thou shalt overtake her.' perchance, did he bid to the maiden

were

the

delay
way.
must

But "rewell fresh

; and

he followed the woodland

the tracks before

him, but such pathway the mule

that its traces he
must

choose Thro' the

depthsof

the

dusky thicket

soon

lose.

175 As the Grail he had

lost of

so aforetime,

he lost It again to-day.

And And Had

joy and
reached he known

fled with It" delight

once

Yea, had he but found the way. again Monsalv"sch, for better than erst of old
to ask the

how

in question"thus

sooth is the venture

told.

So
xSo And

now

And That

but whither? Lo, a knightwith uncovered ride, head, blazoned coat o'er his shining foil swiftly towards him sped harness, * Parrival Sir thus quoth he, to Knight,I must deem it ill thus thro* the woods
!
or

let him

of my

monarch

thou takest

thy way

at will t

Begone
X85 And

receive such token thou shalt wish doth liever brook thou strive in be
as thine,

for from here thyself

Monsalv"sch
here must

it that

men

ride thus its walls anear,

a

and win here battle, without

victor's fome.
men

Or such penance

there^in the open,

Deafk

shall

namet'

258
To the
once plain more

PARZIVAL climbed

our

hero, there the steed of the Templar

stood,
For down As the
aao

ground hung the bridle and fettered the war-horse good. it so it stood where its master fell, fixtgat knightin his flight
to the

Swift Pandval Of
Nor Nor
a

sprang

to the

such booty might pleasehim well. saddle,

truth his spear had

nor L"helein,

he

shattered, yet
Count Laskoit

more

than

he lost he
run

won

"

a better jouste'er had Kingrisein nor

King Gramoflanz
he from strife, the

(theson

he of

Gumemanz).
his

Onward
aas Nor

nor rode,yet wandering,

further befell mischance,

one

of Monsalv"sch, yet knights

"

must grief

vex

soul,

He

found

not the Grail

Ever

further he

rode,further fled the

goal !

Now

he who

my

song

will hearken, he shall hear that which

I know

yet befell,

Tho' the tale of the weeks

Had
330 One met

not, that had

on

flown
as

since Sir Parzival

aye
vras

with the

maid, and had ridden

was

venture

before

"

morning the ground

so

snow-clad,and
had seeing,
of
a

tho' thin

the cloak it bore

Yet
As

thick it was rode

that men,

deemed

it the time of frost ;

a

he

thro' the

depths

woodland

by

knight

was

his

pathway

crossed,
And old
was

the

knight,and
walked

grey

bearded, yet his face it

like mien
a

was

bright and

fair,
And
235 And

his

lady who
on

beside him

to her

lord did bear.

each

their naked
and

body

wore

garment

of horse-hair grey, afoot their way.

men's eyes
are

For penance And their

minded pilgrimage

they wended
as as

two gentlemaidens, such children,

fain to see,
to be.

In like garments

e'en they followed barefoot,

are pilgrims

wont

Then
240 And

our

hero the old

was

knight greeted as he passedon his lowly way,

him"

good
a

the

that day. rede,and holy,that he heard from his lips

And And

princeof the land he seemed

mien and
reverent

By each maiden
master

br"chet ran,
man.

with humble

paced
on

alike and

For both And

some,

knight and they were

squire they followed

young

this

holy pilgrimage.
were

and

and beardless,

some

bent

low with age.

345 But

our Parzival,

hero,he
his

was

clad in "ar other

wise.
the twain
I ween,

In fair raiment, rich and

And The

he rode in rightknightlyguise, costly,

proudly he
old
maa

ware

and unlike harness, and the

were

in his robe of penance

knight in his armour's sheen

TREVREZENT Then For But

'

259

he swiftly iaan would

a sorrow

turned his bridle and held he know

by the pathway side,

the knightreplied. friendly
to this 350

of their journey, and deemed itthat

one

the old
to

man

Holy Tide
should ride.

Should

have ^IM

givedue honour, but

unarmM this in and barefooted,
I know
not

in warlike gear

For better would Or like them

it befit him

day

to
a

greet,
sinner meet
t

to walk

garb

for

* Quoth Parsival, Nay,

what

the time of the year

as

may

be,
!

355

Or How

how

men

the tale may

reckon

of the weeks

flee, they swiftly

I

the

days shall
me

be named
a

I know

not, long have

the
name

forgotsuch lore
He bore.

Of old time I served But Tho* For For He bare unto my

master, and
no

GodwBs

and for guerdon fiivour,

"

ne'er had
succour,

heart turned from Him

sure

Men

mocking gave, said, If from God ye

He
'

crave

a6o

He

will giveit ;' but I deem

well

they spake
me

a
'

lie.

He

who

they said would

help me, did

help unto
mean

deny
who

Quoth the grey-hairedknight, * Dost

Maiden Dost And For bom
a

thou

Him

was

once

of

? Man for men's

we

believe that this

sake

He

died

on

the

cross

this mom. thee illt 965

day for His sake

hallow ?

Then

such

garb becomes

to-dayall men

call Good

and Friday,
were more

the world

it rejoiceth still her Saviour's hath

O'er the

day that her chains

riven ; tho' she moumeth

pain.

Speak, knowest
men,

thou of faith

faithful than the faith God

kept with

Since Sir For And Sir So For And Then For Far
And

He

hung

on

the

cross

for men's

sake? since

Such

woe

as

He

bare for thee.

Knight,sure
imr

must

work

thee sorrow,

thou shalt baptized been had this

surelybe ! 970

sin His lifewas

as

mankind or else had forfeit, held us, and Hell's torments

lost.

Hell

his prey had be not

I

paid sin's cost.

Holy Day"

Knight,ifthou
do thou
near as

heathen,thou shalt honour

on

here
a

counsel,ride thou

this woodland

way.
275

here

hermit

as thy speech,so his rede shall be, dwelleth,

ifruth for illdeed

thou showest

of

thy sin will he speak{heefree

*

!'

out

quoth the
to

old man's

but speak daughter, Nay, father,

'

not

so.

too chill and

cold is the
warm

morning,
him

thou shalt bid him

no

further go.

better

bid him

his steel-clad the way

limbs,for strong long. reach.

2SQ

fair shall he be to look on, and

were

is both cold and frebze

ere

Methinks And

he thrice

as

mighty he would
and shelter,

his

goal he
each.

here hast thou tent for

viands for all and

26o Came

PARZIVAL

King

Arthur
as

and
so

all his vassals thoa wouldst

still have

enoug^hI trow.
'

and good-will to this young kindly, knightshow ! ' Sir Knight,here give counsel good, sire,My daughters, 385 Quoth the grey-haired thro' this lonelywood. I wend Each year, with tent of pilgrim, So do thou host If warm The
He
ago
or

cold be the
our

season

care

not, as year by year

draweth
"

time of rewardeth

dear Lord's Passion His servant's service

my

once

more

anear.

Sir

Knight,w^at I,for
me

His

sake,

Brought here,as
And And

I pray thee from guest, rightwilling,

' to take !

the maidens, and they bade kindlythey spake, with

the

knightto stay,
from
them

graciousmien
was

they prayed naught might drive him

and it wrought bitter,
so

away. And tho' cold the frost and their

not
as

summer's

heat.
well.)

Yet Parzival
99s

saw

glow lips

and red,and soft, such Siviour,

an a sorrow

sweet.

(Tho'they wept for

And
I

the death of the for vengeance,

became

them

here,had I
would

cause

such

happy chance befell,

their penance

never

speak them

but guiltless,
I take

kiss should

be,
!

Nor For
3^

againsttheir will would

women ween

of good-will should they give it me it, tho' brave be the

shall aye be women, is he oft the

and

knight,and strong, long !

Yet I

nor vanquished,

the strifeit endureth

With

sweet

words, and
It

ways

so

they gentle,

ever

the

knightwould
:

pray.

Children Yet he

alike and

parents, and fiiinwould

were are

they have him stay

e'en if I turn

thought,' tAeyby
ever

best I leave these

them, for
And

aside
/ should

All too fair methinks

30s While

that maidens, 'twere unfitting

"

ride

my

side walk Him

barefoot

'tisbetter that

we

should part,

Since And
Nor
'

I bear

hatred Whom
ever

they worshipwith lowly heart.

hath tumM
me,

they look for His aid,Who

from
sorrow

His face from

me.

hath

He

withheld

but hath
me

wrought with

me

heavily!
pray,

'

Knight and Lady,'he quoth,*

yours,

I think

'twere better I leave should fiilnessof joy

your

310

May good fortune be

And Since He
Nor may
so

and

and blessing,

alway.
!'

you,

ye

gentlemaidens, find reward in thought to

serve

courtesy,
I pray from ye

well ye had

me,

fair leave would

greetedthem, low they bowed

them, and greeted the knight again.

for

might they withhold

the
son

their sorrow,

parting aye bringethpain I

he

315 So

of Heneleide

rode

onward, well taught was

in mercy and

In all manly skill and

courage^

purity;

TREVREZENT
^

261

And Yet

his mother
ever

had

aye

bequeathed him her faithful heart and sadder,and there sprang

of all things, Who and stillon creation,
sent
me

true

"

his soul waxed

up

thoughtsanew
this earth of
he

Of the
How
'

might of the Maker

dealeth with all

hath made His power

naught,
330
woe

He

thought
end
my ?

How
ever

might
a

it yet be if God

that which
a

brought
know

to an

If

if ever knight He favoured,

for service done

knight might
and

His payment
^

Him"

if He

thinketh.His ne'er from sword

aid
a

they earn
foeman
a

Who Let If

dauntless Him

shall wield their weapons,

who

turn,
man, 3^5

aid me,

bear unstainM

shield and

as

befits

to-day be His Day of Redemption, let Him

he turned

help me, if help He canJ

ridden

Backward
And

his bridle

on

the road he had

before.
for the
sore. parting

the the

knight and his children stood there,and mourned

heart

And And

maidens, true and gentle, gazed after the passing knight. spake, he fain had
seen

his

them

once

more

those

maidens

330

bright
Then The he steed

spake, ' Is God's

alike and
the

power

so

mighty that He giiideth upon their

may my I

way

then His hand rider,

praiseto-day ! charger show

know.
335

If God The

sendeth

help from
God

heaven, then

let Him

goal which
go thou
on as

shall bless my

journey,so shall

I the token

Now,
Free

shall lead thee !' and

bridle and

bit he laid the

the neck

of his

charger and spurred it adown led, and

A
ever

glade.
once

Towards
sware

Fontaine-Sauvage the road

that should
men

the

chapel where

he

The

oath

clear called
no

Jeschut^
"

holy man
on as

dwelt there,
mom wore was on.

And
Poor
I

Trevrezent
was

him, and

Monday
the week

his
nor

and fare, bread

richer it waxed

340

Nor

wine
nor ever

he tasted,nor
life so

food that with blood

red.
was

Fish And And

but his flesh, his

holy on the herb of the ground

Heaven's

fed.

land, thoughts,God-guided, were turningto he withstand. wiles deemed the of Devil he the best fasting by might

And And
I

to Parzival the mystery

of the Grail should me,

he

now

reveal

"

345

he, who
wroth

of this hath

asked

and

since silence my

lipsmust

seal

Was

with

me as

as

his

foeman,
me,

his anger

might naught avail.

I should hide the tale,

Since

I did but

Kiot bade

for he would

263 And
350 That

PARZIVAL tell unto the secret"till the venture should be made open, and far

none

so

were

sped
of
men

the hidden

the marvel

be read.

For

Kiot of

old,the

master

whom

men

spake of in days of yore,

Grail ;

Far off in Toledo's

found in Arabic writ the lore city, the tale of the wondrous forgotten, black art

By
355

men

cast

aside and

But firstmust

he learn the letters, nor

might there avaiL

of our Holy Faith, By the grace of baptismal waters, by the light He read the tale, else 'twere hidden ; for never, the story saith,

Might heathen
In this

skillhave

shown

us

the virtue that hidden lies have

or nughty Grail,

Its marvels

opened to

Christian eyes.

Twas 360 And And He The And

a saw

who heathen,Flegetanis, many

a

had

won

for his wisdom

fiune, share,)
of

wondrous

vision, (from Israel's race

he came. did he

the blood of the

wrote
cross

of Solomon kings of old-time,

we as a

in the of
was our

days long vanished,ere

shield

might bear Hell,

the craft and the wiles Holy Baptism 'gainst

he

the firstof earth's children the lore of the Grail to tell.

a

365 By his other's side

How

heathen,

calf he for God

a

did

hold,
?
not

on wrought the devil such folly,

folk

so

wise,of old

And

the

Highest Who

knoweth

all

wonders, why stretched He

forth His

Hand To the of light His truth to turn them ? For who

may

His power

withstand

And
370

the

could read in the heavens heathen, Flegetanis, their courses, how

high
the lot of

How

the stars roll on the time when

they circle the silent sky,

"

And He

their

wandering endeth
strange
secrets

^and the lifeand he

men

read in the stars,and

he saw, and

spake again Grail,

Low,
In
375 And
a

of the with bated breath and fearful, cluster of stars he

was
'

thingthat is called the

nor

it written, the name, host of

their lore shall faiL

to earth once

quoth thus,
sons

angels this marvel

sorrow

bore,
more,

But too pure for earth's sin and And And the of
men baptized

the heaven

they sought once

It with humble have

hold It,and

guard

heart,

the best of mankind

shall those

knightsbe who

in such service

part'
Then Kiot my he
master

read
name

the tale Flegetanis this, told, of the

380 And

sought for the

people,in Latin books of old.

TREVREZENT Who Who And of God

were

263
Grail to care,

were

accounted

worthy for thb wondrous dealingsand

a

true

and

pure in their

lowly heart might bear. sought

3^5

in

and France, and Ireland Britain,

thro* the chronicles he

to

Till at

in the land of Anjou,the story length,

true

light was

brought.

There, in
And How

and

faithful record,was
sons

it written of

Mazadan,

the

body, and further the story ran. the gcandsire, lefthis kingdom to Frimutel, Titurel, heroes,the
of his

And
That

at

length to
him

his son,

the Grail and Anfortas,

Its heirdom she

fell :

his sister was

bare

and with Gamuret Herzeleide,

son a

wed
have

And For Tho'

for

the hero

whose

wanderingsye
a

now

read.

390

he rideth upon the grey

journey that shall lead him

his way

road from

unknown^
the fountain lone.

knight but q(ow had wended again the meadow, tho*

erst was

And On

he knew the

now

the

snow

lay white wipe

wrath
name

ground that

blooming with flowers of springtide bright.

hand his.
must

rrwas

before the stain from

rocky hillside where onward,

end

away

395

The

Jeschut^s honour, and her husband's

his

allay.

the road led Yet still

to Fontaine- Sauvage, the

Of the

goal that should

journey and

his hermit

host he

came.

Then

out

spake the holy hermit,' Alas,why doest

? at this

thou

so,
400

Sir

Knight

Holy

Season

'tisillthus armed

to go.

Dost

thou bear

perchance this harness

ridden,and
beseemed thee better I
me,

thro' strife and

on

danger dared ?
hast fared ?

Or hast thou unharmed Other

But robe

in peace List with

thy way
for

had

not

to the voice of
a

pride,
fire.

draw

thy rein here beside

and

me

space thee

abide.
405

Not
Dost

all too illshalt thou fare

here,thou
constrain

canst

warm

beside my
of love who

thou seek here for of

true

knightlyventure, and dost guerdon

thee, then
love

desire.
may

If the power claim! As this And

But

Love

Him

Love

day

to His

Love

beareth

be His service to-day thine aim. witness,

serve now

for the love of fair women,

ifit pleasethee, another

day

and awhile from get thee from off thy charger,

thy wanderings stay.' 410

the

Then

unto as he bade Parzival,^e'en him, ;q^rang lightly

ground

Humbly he stood before him, as he told

Who And had told of the hermit's
*

how

he folk had
the counsel
at

found

and dwelling, hath

he

wiselygave,
crave

he spake, I

am

one

who

sinnM, and rede

thy lipsI

!'

264
415

PARZIVAL

As he

spake the

hermit

answered" ' Right gladly 1 11 counsd

met

thee,

But, say, what folk hast thou

'

with ?
man

Who

showed

thee

thy way

to me

In the wood

I met
ween,

with
were

an

old

grey-headed,and fair he spake.

me

And On
*

kindly,I

his

he bade people, Then

ever

this road to take. the hermit

his track my

steed

came

hither.'

answered

old,

490

Twas

shall Kahenis, and his praises

by

men

be told.

and his sister Kareis' king princeof the land of Punturtois, taken
to wife
"

Hath Than Of
a

Fairer maidens

no

mother

to earth did met

bring thy road,

those maidens

twain,his daughters,who

thee upon
1
'

royalhouse,yet yearlyhe seeketh thb

Parzival

poor

abode

425 Then

spake to the hermit,* Now

my

say, when

thou saw'st

me

here.
fear ? '

Didst thou

shrink from

warlike

coming, didst thou feel no touch of

or

Quoth the hermit,' Sir Knight, believe me, far oftener for stag
Have
I fear
430 And

bear
aware

I feared than
me

I feared

man's

in sooth shalt thou face,

be

for

no

man

1 Both cunning and skill have living me, !

I,

the' I

were

loath to vaunt
a

yet I ne'er
For
never

to this lifedid

fly fail. might fight,

For

as beseems fear,

maiden

my

heart did
my

quail
I too

When In the
I
was

I faced

as

knight my

foeman, and ne*er did

me,

courage

days when
SLTmhd
as

such

thingsbecame

in the

days when
evil
way

thou art arm^

like thee did I ride,a

many
ever an

knight ! thought
1

435 And With To And

I strove the pure

for

high love's rewarding,and

within
me

mind
woman

battled,and
All that
was

my

wrought
more.'

win from
my

fovour !

in time of yore. those

body, by fasting wasted, remembereth

the

days

no

'

Now

give to mine hand

for there 'neath the rocky wall bridle, we,

ere no

440

and Thy steed shall abide in safety, Will

Yet But

the

night shall fall,

be,
illwith
me

gatherof bough
I trust

and

herbage, since

better food may

fare not all too

that both

thou and that

thy charger

!'

Parzival deemed thus

.

old a hermit surely'twas unfitting

the

Should

lead

his

and steed,

bridle he

would

fain from

his hand

withhold,
courtesy
sure

'

445

Now

forbids thee
the

to

strive

thine host's good-will. 'gainst

my counsel

Let not

haste from

rightpath lead thee, but follow

man

still.'

In this wise And the

spake the old

as he bade him, so did the knight, kindly,

charger he led 'neath the hillside where

but seldom

did sun-rays

light.

a66

PARZIVAL loiirywn die spear, and half and three

And

days shall

have

passed since

we

lost

Sir Then And 4"S And And

Knight, an
he showed die weeks he

my

word

thou

behold doubtest,

1 it is written here 1 '

come

onto

him

in the Psalter how he read him

the time it had

and gone. flown.

and

the years

that silent and

swift had

spake,'Now

firstdo I learn

them, the days that

I aimless stray,

the weeks

and the years that have

since my joy hath been reft vanished,

away.'
And
For

he

* Now spake^

indeed
sorrow

me-seemeth that
so

that my

bHss it was

btit a
t
'

dream,

heavy the load of

been long hath my portion

And, Sir Host, I yet

men

more

would

tell thee^where
no

cloister or church
on

shall be

490 And

unto

God

givehonour, there
I

eye hath looked

as

me.

And For

naught but strifehave

I

sought me, tho* the time

my

thou sayst be

long,

againstGod
sorrow

bear

and hatred, hath He

wrath

ever

waxeth

strong.
them

For my

and

shame

and He watched cherished,

greater

grow

Till too
495 And

high they waxed, and my

were

He buried low gladness, yet living. other anchor

sorrow

I think

God
so

ftun

to

help me
sunk

my

joy had found

hath closed it round.

Than

which this,

deep hath
sore

and with it,

A man's Yet Ere

500 On
once sorrow

heart is mine, and

was

wounded, it acheth,and acheth still.

thorn-woven, with
me

it glad and her

crown

joyous,and free from all thought of ill!

stem

of sorrow,

hand

pressed
I

the honour

my

hand

had

won

o'er many

foeman's

crest

And Who But

But

I do well to
can me ever

lay it on
He

Him, the burden

withholdeth

of this my

shame,
men

help if He alone,hath
He

nor will,

the aid that

men on

fain would
may

claim,
!'

helped not, whatever

me,

of Him
my

speak,

tumeth

from

and

His wrath

head

doth wreak

505 Then Such And But

'

the hermit

beheld

him

sighing, Sir Knight,thou shalt put

for His help will He better,
unto
me never

away

madness, and
His aid
twere to us

trust God

stay.

here

be

given,yea, alike
How
such

and

thee.

best thou
to me

shouldst sit beside me,

"

and

tell here
woe

thy tale begin ?

to me,

'

And
510 What

make foe win?

free ^confession

firstdid this

shall have

worked

follythat

God

should

thine

hatred

Yet firstwould For fain would

I pray I

thee, courteous, to hearken

ere guiltless, yet

the word

I say,

speak Him

thou

shall lay thy plaint

TREVREZENT 'Gainst But

ever

267
His aid" hath

Him, Who

denieth

never

unto

sinful man

hath answered

who truly,

trulyto Him

prayed.'
learn
515

Tho'

layman

was

yet

ever

in books

might I
our

read and

How

men,

for His

should help so faithful,

us

ne'er from soul unto

His service turn. Hell should

Since aid He And

For
as

begrudged
Himself
He

never,

lest

fall,

God

shall be hateth

be thou faithful whatever befall ; "uthful,

"

false ways
we our

ever

and

thankful

we

aye should be
of His love
was so

When For And

think of the sake the Lord is His name,

once deed, so gracious,

wrought
man

free !

S^o

of Heaven and

in the likeness of
nor

made,
e'er have

Truth

His nature,

from

Truth

shall He

strayed.
And Teach this shalt thou know mdst God surely,
to

breaketh

His faith with and

nom.

thy thoughts ne'er from Him

are

waver,

since Himself

His ways

One thou
sworn

1' force

'

Wouldst

thy God

with thine anger?

He

who

heareth

that thou 5^5

hast Hatred

againstthy Maker, he shall

now

hold

thee of wit forlorn !

who
must

Of Lucifer Bethink

bethink

thee,and of those
was

share his

fall. strife,
life?
! !' 530

thee,the

angel nature
that root

free from

all taint of

gall,
to
an

Say, whence
And
won

sprang

qf evil which
and

spurred them
the death
yea, and of

endless
outcast
more

its reward

in Hell's torments,

Ashtaroth,Belcimon, and Belat,Rhadamant,

Pride and
anger

many

the host of Heaven

with Hell's colours

have

o'er painted

'

When

Lucifer and

his

angels thus sped

God

on

their downward

way.

To

fill their
son

a wonder place, was

wrought from the earth and clay :

and from fiesh of Adam,
Eve
535

The
He For

of His hands

Adam,

brought,and
she hearkened
two
sons so

for Eve*s
not

I ween, transgression,

all the world

us

doth bliss.

grieve.

her Creator,and her

she robbed

of

our

And

sprang worked

forth from
upon

body, and the

wrath mother

elder he

wrought amiss. disgrace.

race

Since envy And

Here How

him

that from
was

there sprang of all his

of maidenhood
many
a one a

did he rob her who doth

an question,

540

the tale be to him It

came

unknown,

might such

thing have chancM?

I think
me

but

by sin

alone

!'

' Now, Quoth Parzival,

that

never

such

thingmight be,
tellsuch
a

And

'

twere

better thou shouldst

than keep silence,

tale to

me

268
545 Fot

PARZIVAL who should have borne the

^
son,
as

"ther, whose
?
'

thou sayest, reft

were

Maidesnhood

from

his father's mother

answer,

Such

riddle

better left ! '

I

But the hermit O'er my

For
550 And

again made
thou
canst

Now

thy doubt will

gut away,
not

falsehood
was

bemoan

thee if the

thingbe
was

truth I say,

the Earth I ween,

Adam's
a man

mother, of the Earth

here, yet still was
robbed

Adam the Earth

fed,
a

tho'

she bare

maid.

And Was For Her

555 For

here will I read the Cain

as on

he who riddle, who

her of maidenhood
:

the the

son

of Adam,

in wrath

shed his brother's blood

of the

the blood Earth, so stainless, fled for and

ever

fell, guiltless

maidenhood wrath
ever

And Cain

true

is the tale I tell.

of

man

envy,

Xht^

did

they wake

to

life,

And

from

that

day

forward

thro' his sin there ariseth strife.'

'

Nor

on

earth shall
pure
must

aught.be purer than

be bom
a

maiden
was

undefiled.
a

Think Two

how
men son

maiden, since God

of

Maiden's

Child !

have

been

maidens, and God Maiden, since Adam, Whose

Yet
to

hath the likeness ta'en

560 Of the
TUus

of the firstEarth-

help us
Adam

He

aye

was

fain.

alike and gladness from the seed of grief

He

spring. bear,
hand in

Since
And Nor

willed
we

to

be Son
as our

of

the angels sing. praises sin's pain must feeleth for

our we ever

yet have
its power

sin
we

and birthright,

may

flee 1

pityHe

despair, Mercy
goes

565 Whose

Strength is hand.
for man,

aye

linked

with

and Atercy,

with

And

as

Man, He

and did falsehood by truth withstand.' suffered,

'

No

longerbe wroth with thy Maker

here he
own

! 7f thou wouldst

not

thy soul

were

lost

"

And For
570

for

who, with words

mouth faith from

thy sin do penance, nor longerthus rashlyboast. untamed, is fain to avenge his wrong,
I ween, shall, the
men

His

speak his judgment

whose old-time, rede

ere ever

ever

the time be
new.

long.

Learn
For

of

waxeth
so

Plato alike and

the

Sibylsin their day spake ripened His

drew took us, and

words

true.

And Who
575 God's

long years
made Hand for

ere our

the time had

coming
us

they did foretell depths of

Love lie !
Hell.
on

sin's Atonement, and those torments

from

from

God's

lifted us
'

high.

But

they who
the

His love

disdained, they yet in Hell's clutches

came a

'

From

of the whole world's Lover lips and Light all-lightening,

message

of love and

peace,

( For He

is a

never

His faith doth

cease,)

TREVREZENT
he to whom

269
his

And
Yet For

love He

showeth, findeth aye in that Love

and His token
some or

bliss,
S^o

twofold

ween

is the message,

read

amiss ;
so

the world

may

God's Wrath buy, as it pleaseth,

His

Love

great.
Love
or

Say, which
Hate? For But

of the twain wilt thou choose

here, shall thy guerdon

be

the sinner without repentance, he flieth God's faith and

he who

Face,

doth find in His presence his sin confesseth,

"

grace !'

From

the shrine of his

heart,who shall keep Him

? Tho' hidden

the

thought 585

within,
And

secret, and

thro' its darkness

no

sunbeam

its way
no

may

win,

(For
He As So

thought is a secret against

man

chamber,

fast

locked,tho' light
ever

lock it bear,)

Yet, tho*

it be

God's closed,

shineth there.

the pierceth
no

wall of darkness, and

as

silent and
no

swift His

spring.
to

sound betrayed His coming,

He

was footstep as our

heard

ring,
Him

590

silent His way God

goeth
our

"

^And swift

thoughts have flown. thoughts unto

illdeed
were

Ere

passed of
!

heart the threshold, our

known

And
Since

the pure God

the
man

in heart He the

chooseth

; he

who

doth

an

begin.
rue

knoweth
who

thoughts of
honour-

all men,

full sorely shall

his sin.

And
Tho' And Who Thou Then

what by deeds God's favour doth forfeit, him

shall he
rest

gain ?

595

the world

count

worthy,his
as men

soul seeketh

in vain.

where

wilt thou seek for shelter if God

or

thy foeman
serve

stand.
?

of wrath

of love giveth payment,

be

as

Him, with equal hand

His favour earn, His

art lost if thy God

againstthee"
and

If thou wouldst

away

from

thy wrath

thythoughts to thyfolly
thee, from my
from

goodness

turn

! ' 600

Quoth Parzival,*Here
Thou But hast

I thank who
"

that heart,
no man

such

feithful rede

given of him

withholdeth
Yet my

his

rightful meed,
I fare !'

e\'il, as
my

^ood,requiteth

youth hath
sorrow,

been

full of care,

And

faith hath but

brought me

and

illto this

day
not

Then

the hermit

he looked

on

the Waleis,

'

If

secret

be

thy grief,
'

605

thy woe Right willing

Of
some

I '11hearken, I may I bethink my

"

bring thee perchance relief;

as

counsel may

me

such

yet

to

dost fail! thyself

' Of Quoth Parzival,

sorrows none

the chiefest is for the

Grail, breast.
6x0

And

then for my

wife

fairer e'er

hung

on

mother's

For the twain is my

with desire that ne*er findeth rest' heart yet yearning,

370

PARZIVAL is

Sir Knight, thou speakeBt, sacfa Quoth his host,'^Well,

sorrow

good

to

bear;
If thus lor the wife of And Death dire Yet find thee

thy bosom
a

thy heart knoweth

and grief
vex

care,
toiments

finithful husband, tho' Hell

thee with

ended, God thy painsshall be swiftly

will draw
must

thee from out

I
mourn

Hell-fire.

615 But iffor the Graiithaa O ! foolish man, That

none

then much grievest,

thy woe,
in Heaven alone ;
I say ! '

since fruitless thy labours,for thou shalt know

save

win the Grail

those

only whose

names

are

known"

They who
And
6ao

to the Grail do

service, they are

there?'

chosen

of God

mine

eyes

have

surely seen
hast been

and sooth is the word this, 'Sir

'Thou Quoth Parzival, *Yca!' But

But
never a

Knight,'quoth the hermit,

himself had

word

spake our

hero

of the marvels what

seen,

he asked
mean

of his host ?

and the story,,

men
"

by
many
a

'The

Grail' should

Spake
Serveth

the

hermit,' Full well

Grail
at

do

I know

that this, from

hand knightly

the

Monsalv"sch, and

thence, throughout all the

land,
625 On
many
a

distant
or

journey these gallantTemplars fare. joy befall them, for their sins they this penance
so

Whether

sorrow

bear ! '

'

And

this brotherhood

dost thou know gallant,

"

what

to

them

shall
a

give they
?

Their

and their valour and their strength life,

then

know, by
hast thou

s^one

live.
And that stone is both pure
"

and

precious
"

Its

name

never

heard

Men

call it Lapis Exiiis becometh Phoenix,

by its magic the wondrous

from

bird.
the ashes

The From And

ashes, and yet doth such virtue flow

the stone, that afresh it riseth renewed the

glow,
more

plumes that erewhile it moulted

and

spring forth yet

fiur and

bright"
'

And

tho' "iint be the

man

feeble, sight yet the day that his failing

nor

635 Beholdeth
Nor

the stone, he dies not,

wax a

eightdays be gone. can, till

"

his countenance
man

less

youthful If one
'tisthe

dailybehold that stone,

a

(Ifa
The

it shall be, or
on

maiden

same,) for
not

hundred

years.

If they look
same as

its power,

their hair

groweth

grey, and
nor

their iux

appears

when

firstthey saw
for ever-"

nor it,

their flesh

their bone

shall fail

640 But young

they abide

And

this stone

all men

call the GraiL'

TREVREZ"NT
^

271

And

Its holiest power,

ever

ajad the highestshall I

messenger
a

ween

be renewed

to-day,

For From

upon

Good

Friday a

takes her way.

Dove
on

the
a

height of the highestHeaven

so

her doth

doth wing, flight

And
And

Host,

white and

holy,she

unto

the

stone
as

bring.
the Dove above.
:

she

layeth It down
Good
from

upon

It ; and

white
way

the Host

645

That, her errand done, swift wingeth her

Thus And
ever

to the Heaven
as

upon

Friday doth it chance

receiveth all
as

I tell to thee
on

the stone
or

the Host

good that

earth may

be

Of food
All To

of

drink,the earth beareth

wood
are ever or

the fulness of Paradise.

wild

thingsin

in water, and

all that 'neath Heaven

flies,
doth !'

650

that brotherhood His servants

He

they given,a pledge of God's favour fair,

feedeth and
the Grail for their needs
care

For

'

Now

hearken, the GraiFs elect ones, say who

the in Grail,
a

doth their service plaim ?

name,

On

mystic writing, appeareth each chosen

a

If

man

it shall be, or
no man

maiden,
have

whom

God

calls the

to

this

journey blest.
doth
the

'

^^

And
But

the message

till all know eflaceth, read

high behest.

when
go:

all shall the

name

there, as

it came,

writing
grow.

As And

children the Grail doth call them, 'neath its shadow blessM and
the

they wax
summons

and

shall be the mother alike

son

whose

child doth the

hear.
near, every
660

Rich
And

poor

when rejoiceth
or

the messenger
"

dniweth
are

Grail

! daughter claipdeth

They

gathered from

land,
And
ever

from

shame

and

sorrow

are

that holy band. they sheltered,

In Heaven

is their

rewarding,if so

be that

they needs

must

die. high
!'

Then

bliss and

desire's fulfllment

are

waitingthem

all on

'

They
the

who the

took

no

when part in the conflict,

Lucifer would

fight
Heaven's

665

With
To

Three"in-One, those angels were

earth

cast forth from

height.
stone

they

came

at

God's

bidding,and

that ^ivondrous

did

tend,
Nor
was

It less pure for their

not

service, yet their

or

task found

at last an

end.

I know

if God

forgavethem,
of
a

if they yet
God

deeper fell,
doeth well ! 670

This
But For

one ever

thing I know
calleth them

surety, what
nor

doeth.He
nor

since then to this service all as shall

maiden

knight shall fiul,

so

God

Him please

t" and

standeth

it with the

Grail!'

272

PARZIVAL with spear and shall

' So, since knighthood may Quoth Parzival,

conquer,

shield.
strife

Both ^5 Since

the fame
my

of this
ever

which and the blessing life,

Paradise
I

yield,

soul

longed for knighthood, and

hath neared fulloften the know how

fought where'er
of

might be.
And my

righthand
be the God
name me

guerdon
a man

victory. fight.
make
me

If God Let

if He of battles,
as one

should

Him

of His

servants, of the Grail let Him

knight 1 They shall

6eo
own

that I fear

no

danger,nor
; and

from
must

strifewould
thou of beware

I turn

aside ! '

But For

the hermit

made

answer

' First gently,

of

pride.
!'

lightly may
tears
a

youth mislead thee

the grace

humility
to
me

and the proud God doth punish, isknown as fullsurely Mayst thou lose,

And
To

filled his eyes

our

to

and his sad thoughts awhile did overflowing, hero he bade from its lesson
learn.

turn

story of old, and

685 And His

he
name

quoth, ' Sir Knight, at Monsalv"sch

all
men

king reigned in days of

for him
evermore.

yore,

know shalt

as mourn

and Anfortas,

1 weep

Yea, and thou

And the torment

too

his sorrow,

for bitter the woe,

from

I ween,

of heart and

body that his guerdon

an

pride hath been. road,

peace

For his 690 And

he

youth and his worldlyriches they led him sought for Frau Minne's favour
in

evil
no

paths where
both

abode.'

'

But

the Grail all such ways

serve

and forfoiddeth,

knight alike

and

squire

Who

the Grail their

must

guard them from the

be

lust of untamed
a

desire.

By meekness
And

pridemust

conquered,if they look for

the folk from where
summon

heavenlyprize,
:

the brotherhood

holdeth hidden

the Grail from all stranger eyes

the lands

695 By their warlike skilland prowess

around.
Its Burg
are
"

They keep afar,and

Save

none

knoweth

the Grail and

found

those whom

the Grail shall

within Monsalv"sch'

wall

Yet one^ uncalled,rode thither and

For
700

evil did then

be^,
thence
woe

foolish he was,
not

and

and witless,

sin-laden from
and I ween,

did

fare,
saw

Since he asked
No
man

his host of his

sorrow

the

that he
must

him

bear.

would

blame,

yet this man,

for his sins

all
no sorrow

pay,

Since he asked

not the

longed-for questionwhich
earth knoweth suffering,
came

had

put away.

(Sore laden
And
705

his host

with

greater pain.)
to

before him

King

L"helein

there,and
was

rode

the Lake

Brimbane.

Libb^als,the gallant hero, a joustthere

And

fain to

ride, water-side,

L"helein

lifelessleft him, on

the grass

by

the

374

PARZIVAL
Ither of Gaheviess

Say, for
The
crown

he of

foUen,what payment dost think to give? knightlyhonour ! God gave him, while he nright live.
life; for all evil his
to faithful,
true

All that decketh True

745 And

man's

heart did

truly mourn,

balsam shame

was

he of the

honour

and

glory bom.

fled before his

coming,and
many

truth in his heart did dwell.

shall hate thee well !

And
For But

for love of his

body lovely

women

well did

they love his

that shone show

coming,

and

to serve

them

he aye

was

fain,

their eyes
may God

fair for his fairness he ne'er shall

to

again 1 rejoice wrought,

*
"

Now,
750
'

His mercy

thee whose
too
to

hand

hath such ev" hast

Herzeleide

the queen, 1 not

so,

thy mother, thou holy father

accuse me

her death

brought

Nay

Nay

What
?

' sayest thou ? quoth Parzival,

'

Of what

dost thou

here

Were
me

king o'er the wondrous sooth.

well,
thou

Grail

Not

all Its countless riches would

repay

if this be And

These
755

words
unto

that

have spoken ! thy lips

yet if I,in very truth,

me

Be

son

then show thy sister, fear

or

that thou

mean'st

And

say, without

these thingstrue that are falsehood,

"

dost tell ?'

Then

the hermit

he

spake in
sorrow won

answer,

'

Ne'er learnt I

to

deceive. leave, hung

Thy mother
*

she died of

in the

day

thou her side didst

wast

Such 760 On

rewarding her love

for her 1 Thou

the beast that

the wingM dragon that forth from her body sprung, breast, That spread its wings and left her : in a dream it all foretold was
her

Ere yet the

sorrowing mother

the babe to her breast did hold ! '

'And She 765 Duke All

two

other sisters had

a

I,Schoisian^
her

she

vras

one

;
won

bare

child

"

Woe

is me,
was

her death thro' this birth she

Kiot of

Katelangen
honour

husband, and
him

since that
away.
care
:

day

wordly joy and

he

puttethfrom
left to

Sigun^,their littledaughter,was
And
sorrow was

thy mother's
ever

for Schoisian^
her heart and other
ever

in my

heart do I

bear !

So true
770 A

ark 'gainst the flood of sin. an fsdthfid,

pure

maiden, my
from

her sister, tendeth"

lifedoth honour de

win.
taint of twain

For

the Grail she

none

R^panse
And

Schoie,her name,
heart showeth
us

Tho'

Its

place may
a

move

It whose
"

shame,

In her hands Is

is It

as light

feather

brother unto

he king o'er the Grail doth reign; Anfortas,by rightof heirship he knoweth
not

775 And

joy,but
at

sorrow,

yet
to

one

hope

ween

is his,

That

his

pain shall

last be turned

and delight

to

endless bliss.

TREVREZENT

175

And And

wondrous

tbe tale of his sorrow, as, nephew, I ^1 tell to thee,

shall thy sorrow "ithft" his grief
be I*

if trne be diine heart and

When Lord

he

died, Frimatel,our father, they chose

Its
was crown

them

his eldest his

son

As And

of the Grail and

knighthood, thus Anfortas

he

Idngdom

won,
"

7^

of riches and
he
came

worthy, and

we

wero

but children still

When
,

to the years

of

manhood, when fnngM

who

love

joyeth to woik
of

her will

On Frau But 'Tis

the

were heart,and his lips

with the down for torment

eariyyouth,
7^5

Minne

laid stress

upon

him

hath littleruth.

iflove the Grail

a

King seeketh other than he find writ,

and full sore sighing shall he pay for itt '

and in sin,

sorrow

And

my

lord and
true

brother

chose

him

lady for service "ur,

what
name

Noble Well And

So
^

and he

he deemed

her, I

say not

she bare ; from him

fought in that
many
a

honour, and lady's

shield-rim
no

cowardice

fled.
he venture led. 790

his hand

shattered, by love's fire was

lands knightly a"r

high stood his fiune that

he brook
to be

hero in

Could And Not

of war. so mighty his deeds thought his equal, *' his battle-cry was Amor," yet it seemeth unto me all too well such cry suiteth with
a

lifeof

humility.'

'

One

day

as

the

in search of king rode lonely,

some

venture

high

795

with love's payment for victory, (Soro trouble it brought upon us,) burden For love's soro lay heavy on him, in a joustwas he wounded With
For
a

poisonedspear,
und^
from the who

so

that

healingmay
was

be

wrought

on

him

nevermore.

thine
a

King Anfortas,he

smitten

thro' the

thigh
800

By
He
^

heathen

with him

for he joustedrightskilfully. battled, forth from he "ir Paradise

came

the land of

Flow
He

the streams should win

of the River

Ethnis^ whero and Tigris,

thoughthim, that heathen wise.

"

the

Grail,and should hold It

of

On

his spear had he

graven

his name,
From

afar fame

sought he deeds
of the Grail drew

knighthood, over
and clouded

sea

and
us

land he his

came.

The

him

and evil for thither,

us

strife,
life!'

^5

His hand

joy hath driven from

with

griefour

y.

But

thine uncle had the

battled

bravelyand

men

praisedhis

name

that

day"

With

spear-shafr yet

fast in his

body he wended

his homeward

way.

276
And
810

PARZIVAL

weeping arose
dead
on

and

as wailing

he

came

once

again to his

own,
moan

And

the field lay his

foeman, nor

did

we

for his death make

'

When
a

the

king came, within,

all paleand his hand

and and feeble of strength bloodless,

to the

limb^

Then

leech stretched

and spear-wound,

the iron he found

"st

With

the

hilt, wrought of reed,and hollow,and knees,and

the
I vowed
to

the twain

from

the wound

he drew. Then
I fell on my
me

God, with

heart

so

true,
I know
no

815 That

henceforward
more,

pride of

knighthood,and
would

its fame, would

If but God Then

would

behold

my

brother and I forswore

succour

his need all food

so

sore.

wine, and flesh,

bread

there,and
life I to God
the

that

by

blood

might live,
That lust

might

no

longer move
son

me

my

would

give,
anew

And
890 When

I tellthee,O
my weapons
'

of my

that sister, off me

wailingarose

I put from

and
our

ungirded my

sword

so

true,
o'er the

And

they spake, Who

wondrous

shall

guard
of the

mysteries? who

shall watch

Grail?'
the eyes

And

tears

fellfrom

maidens, but their weeping might naught

avail !

'To

the

if Its virtue might bring relief; Grai), then,they bare Anfortas,

when

But, alas*!

his eyes

beheld

It yet heavier waxed

his

grief might
not

895 As the lifesprang

And And

afresh within

him,
me

and

he knew

that he

die ;

while here I hide he liveth, the power weak. of the and Grail,

in this lifeof

humility.
have
waxen

Its

glory,with

their monarch

For Yet

the venom, found

his wound
nor

that

tho' the leeches their books did seek poisoned, all that their skill might learn

they

help nor

healing"Yea,

830 'Gainst the

All Or

of Liseis, and Ecidemon, poisonof Aspis,Elkontius, the worm 'gainst Jecisor Mektris ; empoisoned,'gainst spells
a

all that
was

wise

man

knoweth

of

roots

or

of herbs ; I wis rede I

a

Naught
Since

there in all might

not

help him

; nor

longer tale aught avail?'

t7(?^willeth

his

healingwhat

man's

skill may

835

'

Then

we

sent

to

the

mystic waters, in

far-offland
of

they rise,

Euphrates,the rivers Pison, Gihon, Tigris,

Paradise,

TREVREZENT
And

277

so

near

they flow that the perfumeswhich breathe from its scented air
be wafted" If their waters

Shall yet to Uieir streams Some But

perchancemight bear
us

plantfrom
vain

the wondrous

garden \hat might

sorrow

succour
our

in

our

woe, !'

fresh thought,and fruitless labour,

heart did know

840

Nor

here did the

we

end

our

for againfor the bough labour,

as a

we

sought

Which

Sibyl unto

iEneas

Hell's dangers brought. shield 'gainst

'Gainst the smoke

Would

and the fire of for

Phlegethon,and the rivers that flow in Hell

for sought it,
we

it guard, and befell

long

we

thought,if such chance

That That

the spear thus of

our

in Hell-fire

was

welded, and the poisonfrom Hell did spring 845

us, then this

joy had robbed naught

of the

bough might salvation bring 1

'

'*

But

Hell,it knew

Who How

loveth too well her

poison1 There liveth a wondrous bird fledglingsOf the Pelican's love we heard,
"

she teareth her breast and feedeth her young

own we we

with the

quickening food blood,

the
sore

Of her Since

and life-blood,

then dieth
love
wot

"

So

we

took of that bird the and

us we

850

thought that her

could"

might help us,

laid it upon
'

As best
'

Yet, I

no virtue for well,

it bore !

A strange

and it doth in beast,the Unicom, liveth,

a

such

honour

keep

The And That And

Yet

heart of the heart

maiden spotless
of that beast
we

that it oft at her knee took us, and

we

win
us

sleep.
855

took

the red-fire stone

own.

lies 'neath its horn, ifthe

we

king'swound

might
we

its healingvirtue

laid

on

the wound
sore

the carbuncle, and aid from

put it the wound

within,

still was

the

empoisoned nor
king
the
we

the stone
"

might
we

win 1'

And

sore

with the

sorrowed
a

"

^Then

magic herb
out

found,

(Men
With

say, from

the blood of

dragon it springethfrom
the

the

ground,)

860

the stars,and power.

wind, and

heaven, dose-bound, doth it win its

the stars

Lest

of the dragon, when perchance,by the flight

bring the circling

the

hour.
And The the herb
moon

draweth
our

near

to

her

sorer changing,(for

then grows

pain,)
I'

might

have aided" grief

Yet

its magic

we

sought in vain

*Then

the

knights of the Grail knelt lowly,and

! the

for

help to the Grail they 865

prayed. And,
behold and n^ystic writing,
a

promise it brought of aid"

378
For
a

PARZIVAL

knight should
woe

come

to the

and castle,

so

soon

as

he asked the

king

Of the

that

But let them 970 Of his And And

sorelypainedhim his questionshould healingbring.] the knight should they warn or nudden, or child, beware, man
so

he task,

no

healingbringeth, greater waxeth

shall mark

the sorrow's

might.

the

it ran, 'Ye writing

shall bring but iU, this, forewarning the healer his task

in Uie first nightof his shall question

coming

must

fulfil,

Or the He

lose itsvirtue ; but if at the chosen

hour

shall

speak,kis shall be the Idngdom, and

of the

the evil hath lost its power. the end of woe.

^5

So the hand
Yet

Highest sendeth
no

to Anfortas

King

shall he be

longer tho* heaUng and bliss he know.'

'Thus That

we

read in the Grail that

our

sorrow

should

come

to an

end

that he

day
saw

the

knight should
pray
"

come

who

the

meaning

of the

that grief

should Then
0^

salve of Nard
we ever

we

took us, and

Teriak,and the wound

so

we

dressed,
rest

And Yet And And

burnt wood

of

Lignum Aloe for

might the king find

this

he sufiereth

sorely" Then
and

fled I unto till my

place,
illfor all that

my the

lifelitUe gladness knoweth

brother hath gotten grace.

us

knight,he hath
did I
saw

come,

hath left us, and

day,

(But now
885 For
he

speak of

his

coming,) sorrow-laden
and adced

he rode away, suleth thee here, mine

his host's

woe

not, 'What

host?'
Since his

foUy such words forbade him great bliss shall he there have lost

!'

Then And

awhile did the host

they mourn
must

togethertillthe mid-day
be
; nor
us

hour

drew

near,

spake, 'We

seekingfor food, and

know
I how
we

thine

horse,I fear, need,

As yet shall be 890 If not God

lackingfodder
smoketh

shall feed
serve our

in His

goodness show
1

the herbs that shall

My
And Of

kitchen but seldom abide

Forgive thou the lack to-day,

lore,if so be the grass
that this cold
may be
soon

if thy journey shall brook delay. here,so long as shall pleasethee^

I teach thee much
"

plantsand of herbs would

not

Were

hidden
"

by

snow

God

grant

us

o'erpast
895 Now
break
we

far better its fare hath been yew-boughs for thy charger, than shall here be its lot I rider alike and
as

Erewhile 'neath the roof of Monsalv"sch

Yet
never as a

ween

host shall ye meet

with who

steed

Would

gladlybid share of his substance

I,had I all ye need ! '

TREVREZENT Then

a79

the twain they went

caxe,

forth

on

their errand-" Parzival for his steed had

While And Till

the hermit

for roots

was

seeking since
ate

no

better

might be their fare

them from

900

the host his rule the ninth

forgatnot, he
ever

naught, whate'er he found,

as

hour^ but

hung them,

he

drew

out

the

ground,
On For the nearest God's

shrub,and there leftthem

; many

days he but illmight "ure

his roots did bear.

honour, since oft he lost them, the shrubs which

Nor

grudged they aught of their labour flow.

the roots and
the herbs

then

they knelt by the streamlet's

905

And

they washed

there,and

no

laughter their lips

might know.
Then And Then
Nor

their hands baie them the twain

on

they washed, and the yew-boughs Parzival togetherbound

his

unto

charger ere the

boiled

cavern

again he found
found
in

by the fireside sat them, nor

nor on

ftirther might food be

nor

brought,
910

roast

they fed them,

their kitchen

aught
Yet
so

true

was

the love and he of

the honour

Parzival
no

to

the hermit

bare

That With When

he deemed Gumemanz

enough had eaten, and Graharz,or passed

fair before him

better had

been

his "at

e'en in Monsalv"sch

hall.
each and

the maidens all

and

the Grail fed them

Then

his

host quoth, * Nephew, despisenot kindly

find
one

this

food,for know
to

9x5

Lightlythou shalt not

And Parzival
ever a
'

who

shall favour

and

kindfaess show, thee.'

on light me

Of true heart,without fear of

as "Etinwould evil,

I show

quoth, May

God's "vour
or

henceforward
with
a

ne'er

If food What

better
ever

pleasedme,

I ate

better will
me

host

set before me,

such fare doth content

still.'

990

Their hands
Twas And Nor But
no were

they need
hawk

not

wash

them

for such food

as me men

as

before them
wont

lay,

that their eyes had harmed fish, I

or or

oft

are

to say.

falcon I had
nor unwilling, me

lent

to the

chase,
master's

stooped to
an

the lure

fled from

my

face.
915

they no better fed spread my

than

at noontide
come

they fed,these twain"

to their call

I had

nor wings right swiftly,

again !

38o

PARZIVAL mock

Why
And

at

this folk

so

fiuthfiil? Twas

ever

my

way

of oldwant

Yet ye know

riches, why, forsaking they chose

sorrow nor heart. God-fearing,

to them

and

coki.

such the lack of all thingsjoyful, t"are of true thus from

woe,

and

of grief

heart

They
930 And

had

they in fidsehood part ;

won

the hand

of the

Hij^est they

payment

for

griefand

And

alike should the twain God's

as of "rfd, so hereafter know. fevour,

Then To

up stood

and they gat them, Parrival and the holy man. they again, and full sadly the host began stable,

the steed in its rocky

935 As he

spake to

the noble

charger,' Woe

is

me

for

thy scanty fare,

I
see

For the sake of the saddle upon When their for the horse

thee and the token

thee bear ! '

care

was

ended, then

sorrow

sprang rue, may

forth anew.

' Host and uncle, Quoth Parrival, my

I needs folly

must

And
940

hm

would

I tell the story iffor shame

I the word

speak ;
seek,
find shall bind.

Forgive me,
For No
I sorely,

I pray, of ween,

thy kindness,since in thee do I comfort

I sinnM
; ifthou canst
no

have

comfort

peace may

be

mine, but for

mourn

ever

the chains of

remorse

Of true heart shalt thou He

945 Twas

my

folly He
"

who

to Monsalv"sch

rode,

who

saw

Anfortas* sorrow,

he who

spake not
I may

the

healingword,
I'

'twas I, Parrival, alone, I,child and heir of misfortune,

I

lU have

wrought, and

I know

not

how

for such illatone

Spake the hermit,* Alas

Vanished Since
950 And
our

I my

nephew,

thou

speakestthe words of
we

woe,

joy,and

sorrow

henceforth
:

must

grasp

and

know.

of bliss betrayed thee folly

senses

five did God

give to thee,
to men.

their counsel should better be. methinks,in the hour of thy testing,

Why
In

guarded they not thine honour, and thy love

the hour then!' that thou
satst

as

man

by Anfortas

Of

truth hadst

thou

spoken

'

Nor

would

deny
a

thee

counsel ;

mourn

not

for

thy fault too

sore.

Thou
955 For

in shalt, strange old age

are

fitting measure,
the ways, back and
to

bewail

give o'er. thee,and grief

wisdom's doth

of mankind, oft is youth too wise fitfiil,

are

And And

tumeth
a

and darkened folly,

green

eyes.
wax

the fruit of fade

"

life lieth forfeit, while

youth

old

and

Not

in this wise true worth

shall be

and payment rooted,

in

be paid. praise

aSa And
990

PARZIVAL
the moon's

changes work him evil" To

lake

they call Brimbane

that the breezes may soothe his pain. They bear him fulloft for fishing This he calleth his day for hmiting,tb" what booty shall be his share^ And And Tho he
vex

himself to

for gain it,

his host 'twould be meagre but

was a

hxe

firom this there sprang little he recked salmon

or

the story that he shoidd

I
ween

Fisher be,

the

merchant no fiiUe, had

sorrow

he

995 Of

aye

of

lamprey,he
the load of

chosen and

far other game the burden of bitter

Were

he freed from

pain.'

Quoth Pandval, So
And And
1000

I found
as a

him

; the

king'sskiff at anchor
he
wore

lay.

for

e'en pastime,
a sun

the fisher,

even

away

many the
even

mile had stood I much

I ridden that

day, since from

where and my

Pehrapar
I forth must

When ''And at Then

*

high

in the

heaven, at noontide
my host for

"Eu:e;

bethought me
me,

shelter that
a

nightmight be,
was

my

uncle did fiiir entreat

spsice
one

he.' that well

perilous way
guard

didst thou ride

there,' spake the host,*

they ward,

Those
X005

Templars, nor

nor cunningbrings a strength

traveller thro' their

For Life

danger full oft besets him, and againstlifeis their penance,

I

oft he his lifeshall lose.

all quarter these in the

knights refuse.'
I found the

'Yet scathdess

passed that woodland

'

day that

king

quoth the knight, and By the lake,'

And
loio

at even
no
a

his folk

did ring, palace with grief

ever

sure,

as

they mourned,
the voice of he in his hand
was

I think me,

mourned

before 1

In the hall And Red

a

rose

wailingas
and carried,
as

squire sprang
to each

within the

door,
and

spear

of the walls he stept,

with blood

the spear,

they saw

the people they mourned it,

wept.'
Then answered the

host,* Far

sorer

than before

was

the monarch's
near

pain,
lay

In this wise did he learn the

1015 And

that Saturn tidings

drew

again,
whit to

the star with

sharp frost cometh, and

as tn aforetime,

it helpeth no
must

The

spear

on

the

sore

the wound the wound

it i^unge

alway

When

that star standeth

high in heaven
nor

shall its coming know

Afore,tho' the earth shall heed not,

But
1090

token of frost shall show. fellthick in the

was

the cold it came, the

season was

and the snow-flakes

night following
summer's

Tho'

and spring,

the winter

vanquishedby

might

TREVREZENT
As Were the frost to the of

383
and
so his people true pain,

king brought sorrow

the moment

as joy bereft,

of his

anguish thus

nearer

drew.'

And When And

Trevrezent

quoth,'

In

sorrow

that folk hath both lot and itpierceth each pierceth, such
tears

part,
faithfolheart their

the spear thro'the their love to their drew

wound king's

and lord,

their sorrow,

from

eyelids 1035

That, methinks, in those bitter

waters

had

anew.' they been baptized

Spake
I
saw

Parnva^

unto

the

hermit,' Five-and-twenty they were,

courteous

the maids

stand before the monarch, and the host

care

their part they played.'

such maidens alone avail
1Q30
"

And

spake, By

God's

high counsel

For the
And When And And the

of this wondrous

mystery, and do service before the GraiL

be chaste and that folk pure,

It chooseth stricfty, and Its knights must Grail,

the star standeth the young

high in the heaven

as

then

must grief

endure.
'

they mourn

the

aged, and
He

God's

wrath
answer

it lasts for aye.

**

ne'er to their

doth supplication

hearken

and

Yea."

'

And, nephew, this thing would beliieve.

who
to the Grail do to them
a

I tell

thee, and

my

word

shalt thou well 1935

They
For

service, they take,and againthey give.

noble of birth and children,
race
"

they take

Uttle

If a land be without And And And

crave a

and its people shall sedc God's Face ruler,

a

monarch, then He l^eaxkenethto their prayer. from the Grail host chosen, as kii^ to that land doth fare. knight, people,and happy shall be that land.
and God's wisdom doth of blessing God

of His

Hand

1040

well shall he rule that

For the

goeth with him

guide his

hand.'

'

God

sendeth

the

m^m

in secret, but the nuudins

; thus none

in

of day light his

Are

given unto their husbands King Kastis wooed

spake to
dug

wooing. Nay,
^045

When

our Hendeide, but joyful

sister gave,
at

Yet ne'er
But

might her
he

love

him rejoice mother their

for Death both

his feet

grave

in lifehad

given thy
twain and known

Norgals
Then

and

fair Waleis,

Those
'Twas

kingdoms
a

and Kanvoleis. cities, Kingrivals

men"

fair

and gift,

of all

they rode
of the

on

their homeward

way.

But Death

met

them

upon

their

and journey,

he made

king his

prey,

1050

384
And
over

PARZIVAL both Waleis

s

Till Gamuref

Norgals Heneleide, as queen, did reign, hand valiant won the maid, and her kingdoms twain.' right
and in giveth, the of day, and the sight

'Thos

the Grail Its maidens Its in knights

are

men.

But It sendeth
I9SS To So

the silence and

their children It claims

servants

again,
"

the host of the Grail the will of God

th^ counted,Grail
written
on

they all shall be.

to see.'

standeth

the Grail for all men

He

who

would

to

the Grail do
save

he shall women's love forswear service, and king, his wife

a

A wife shall none And

xo6o

have

the Grail Hand

pure heart must

a

bear,
"

those others whom such

God's

sendeth,as king,to
I vowed

land kingless

But littleI recked As the And Fain

to love's service counsel,

my

hand.
eyes,

prideof

my

youth constrained
and service,

me,

and the beauty of woman's

I rode fulloft in her

was

I battled for
more

knighthood'sprize.
I

I for wild the

no on adventure, jousting me ever

thought.
sought fared.
I dared. ?

So fair shone

on love-light

fiercer the strife I

1065 And And

thro' for-offlands and

to

in the service of love I distant,

win sweet
my

love's
or

valiant the deeds rewarding right it unto

me

If heathen The

foe

what mattered Christian,

fiercer the strifethat beset me, the fairer my

should prize

be ! '

And

thus,for the love of woman,

in three parts of the earth I

I honour

fought,

1070

In

Europe, and far-off Asia,and in Afric gallant joustingI lusted I mystic Mount foughtby
I

sought
;
run.

If for

fought before Gaurivon

I many
a

By
And

the
I

of

Fay-Morgan

jousthave
are

the Mount

where Agremontin,
not tho' their spears

men fiery

and

fierce,
can

Yet the other side

1075 In Rohas

they bum

thro' the shield

my

pierce.
I'

sought for ventures, and

Slavs and

were

foemen
were

then.

With

lances

they came

againstme

I trow

they

men gallant

From

Seville I took my

and journey,

I sailed o'er the ddeless

sea

since thro' Friant and Aquileashould my journey be. Sicily, Alas I alas ! woe is me, for I met with thy Either there,
1080

Unto

I found

him, and looked upon him, ere

as

I fix"m Seville must

a

fare.

For e'en And And And

my

came

to the
sore

he city

there for

space

abode.
to

heart

shall be

for his

journey,since thence
a

Bagdad

he

rode,

as there,

hast spoken, in thyself my heart must

mourn

jousthe fell. knightly

for

ever

tell I' him, and my tongue of his praises

TREVREZENT

285 gold would

I came, spare did fare;

rich

man

shall be my

nor brother,

silver nor

1085

When For Where And

in secret I took
me

I forth from

Monsalv"sch

at his will and

his word

his

and royalsignet,
sea

to Karkobra

Plimiz"l to the wide the

and the land,Barbig"l, floweth, they name.

Burg-grave he knew
and
as squires,

the

token,ere

I rode from
me a

the town

again
,_,

Of horses And For

Alone
we

failed me,

he raised

gallant train,
a

rode thence

to wild

and adventures,
me

to many

knightlydeed,
serve

nothing had he begmdged

came

of

aught that might

with me, and

my

need.

I unto

the

and city, had

there at my

end journey's alone

to

Did

I leave those who wend.'

fared thence

Monsalv"sch

Now

hearken

to me,

my

nephew, when
he would

thy father first saw

likeness trace
as

my

face

X095

there did he such Of old in Seville's fair city,

To

his

fair Herzeleide, that wife, before had

was

me

brother

claim,
name.

Tho' And And When And

never

he

seen

me,

and
as

secret
ever a

I held my
man

in sooth
my

I fair to look on,

no

might be.
to me,
noo

face he

by

beard

was

hidden

; and

sweetlyhe spake
many
an more

sought me
a

within my of

dwelling" Yet
ever

oath

I swore
*

many

word

denial, yet

be

pressed me
was

Till in secret And

at last I told

him, his kinsman

when

I in

truth,
were

him greatlydid he rejoice

"

he knew

that his words

sooth I'

jewel he gave
sawestf

unto

me,

and

I gave

to him

at his will ;

xx"^

Thou
'Twas

my

shrine, green
from
as

shall grass he gave

left me.

wrought
his

the

stone

be, yet that shineth greener still, me-^and he gave, a better gift
the Ither,
true

For

nephew

he squire

Prince

and

brave.

His heart such The Then He

lore had

taught him that falsehood his face did flee,

was

King of Cumberland
no

he, who, thou sayest, was

we

slain

by thee.

mo

longer might

we

delay us, but

parted,alas ! for aye.

I took my way.

rode to the land of Baruch, unto

Rohas

In Celli three weeks

I my

battled,and

I deemed
unto

'twas

enough for fiune.

I came, of Gandein

From

Rohas that
a

I took
town

journey and

Gandein

Twas (' And And And

from which

his first thy grandsire,

men

name

did take,)1x15

many

deed

did Ither,and
near

of his prowess Graien and

spake.
Drave

the town

lieth

the
are

the waters

I ween

they meet. golden," there Ither found guerdon sweet,

where river,

216 For thine aunt,

II90

PARZIVAL

Lamire, she loved him, she

gave her name,

was

queen her hand.

ofthat

fieur land"

Gandein And And

of

he Anjou,her anther,
was a

it unto

Lamire
many

hut her country shall be who seeketh for

to Styria

thb

day

"

land must

he traverse

knightlyfray.'

'

It

grievethme
Ither God
I wot
was

sore

for my

red

men squire,

honoured

me

for his sake, didst take I for

And
1x35 Yet

thy near
hath
not

kinsman

tho* of that thou small heed

shall He
count

He

and thy deed forgotten,

ere

sin.

And

thou shalt firstdo penance

thou to His peace mortal

shalt win.

And,
On

weeping,this truth I tell thee,two

die.

sins shall lie

thine

thou hast slain thy kinsman, and thy mother, thro* thee,must heart,

And
1x30

In sooth shalt thou

was

sore

bewail her ; in the

day thou didst leave her side,

So great Now That

her
as

and fiuthful, that for grief at thy loss she died. love, here I rede

do thou

thy conflict on
the host he

thee,repent thee and pay sin's cost. earth well ended thy soul be not ever lost.'
now

Then Whence
1x35
'

kindly,^ Nephew, quoth fiill chaiger? gallant

I win

say the

word,
!'

hast thou yon

Not

yet I the tale have heard

In
a

Sir Host, did joust.

when it,

I rode from

Sigun^s cell
fell.
he came, the

In

gallopI smote
the steed
was

the rider and he from

the saddle from

And

mine,
Is the

I rode

hence,"

Monsalv"sch

knight' Quoth
'

the I
saw

host, '
him

man

who yet living

me

thus with thee did stood his steed.'

art scant

? fight

Yea,

flybefore me, and beside

thou

'

Z140

Nay, ifthou in such wise dost bear thee thou

dost Grail-knights
to win?'

of wit indeed

The

rob, and

thinkest

their

friendship thereby

'

and he who shall count it sin Nay, my uncle,in strifeI won it, 'twas a fair fight we Let him ask how the thing hath chanced thus,

we fought,

twain.
Nor
was

itfor

for firsthad naught that I took it,

my

steed been

slain 1 '

XX45

'Who Quoth Parzival,

was

the

maiden

who

the

Grail

in her

hands

did

bear.
Her

mantle,that eve, she lent surelyshe deemed

me

?'"

Quoth the hermit,'That lady fair

not

Is thine aunt, ifher robe she lent thee of the loan shalt thou

be

vain, reign.

For

that hereafter thou shouldst there

as

monarch

TREVREZENT And And and herself, Grail, yea and

I too, should

287
honour thee gave
as our

the
a

lord
ween,

giftdidst thou take from sword,

in the

thine uncle, for he

thee,I
to

"50

And

sin hast thou

won

which wearing, since thy lips,

speak

are

fain,
There And

spake not
down.

the

which had loosened his sorrow's chain, mystic question

count to the

that sin shalt thou

other, for 'tis time

that

we

lay

us

Nor

couches for
men

nor

cushions

had

they,but they laid them

too

upon I ween,
not

the ground, such bed

1155

And
For

bedding the rushes served them"

of
a race so

humble^ they were

noble,yet they deemed

he abode
was

ill-sped.

Then

twice

seven

days

with the hermit his lot did share. there, his

And

the herb

of the

ground

portion"yethe sought

not

for better

fare, Right s^dly he bare such hardness

For
as

that should

bring to him food

as

so

sweet,
counsel
1160

did his host absolve priest

meetl

him,

and

knight

gave

him

Quoth Parrival
Before

to the

hermit, ' Say who

was

shall he

be, who
as

lay day
!'

the Grail ? grey

he, yet his face it was

he shall

the

Spake
To But
a

the host, ' Titurel thou sawest, and

grandsirebe
"

thy mother, firstking and

sickness hath fi"len
on on

ruler of the Grail and

Its

knights was

he.
2

him, and he lieth, nor

findeth cure,

j^.

Yet his fece Nor

the Grail yet

his countenance

looketh, by Its power shall his lifeendure I and his counsel shall aye be wisechangeth colour,
won

In his
*

and youth he xode hx and jousted, that

to him

valour's worth
as

prize.' thy crown

of

An

thou wouldst

thy life be
hate
a

adornM

with

true

"une.
Then ne'er mayst
name,

thou

woman,

but

shall

honour, as

knight, her

1170

For

women

and

thou knowest, unarmM priests, watcheth

o^er

shall be their and

as

hand.
the

Yet the blessmg of God doth stand ; For the he priest,

no

them,

shield round

priest

careth for
as priest a

So treat thou For

thee,that thine end may be fiee from iU, foeman, but serve him with rightgood will.
seest

naught

on

the earth thou

that is like to his office high, which

our

1x75

For he

speaketh that word

unto.us

peace

and

our

lifedid

buy

388

PARZIVAL

And To And
xi8o

bis

hand

hath of who sin's

been

blest

for

the and

holding
the

of

the for who what

pledge
our

on

the

altar

laid.

assure

us

forgiveness,
sin hand doth for His

price
and

pardon
to

paid.
shall holier

priest
heart and

from

guard

him,

his

Lord shall

give
live
?'

Pure

pttle

service,

say,

man

New
'

this

day

was

thetr

day
sins shown

of behind

parting"
thee, thee,
sorrow

Trevrezent God steadfast the twain shall

to;i$tti; hero
me

spake,
surety

Leave do

thou thou with

here
I

thy
have

for

thy
of

take,
!
'

And Think

as

be

and did

true

heart

ye

what

grief

and

asunder

part.

APPENDIX

THE

ANGEVIN

ALLUSIONS

OF

THE

*PARZIVAL'

Onb
in

of the

the fact
and
a

most

striking peculiarities of
the writer

thb

version his in hero

of with

the
a

Perceval

legend

consists

that

closely

connects

contemporary
a

princely
which

house,
establish
the

exercises

considerable with

ingenuity
the

constructing
British
race

genealogy Pendragon,
be
the

shall with
nected con-

relationship alike
House of is not
;

legendary
that

of

and
as

hereditary
with

Anjou.

Now,

Parzival into

should

represented
great

Arthur

surprising, taking
the

consideration
'

popularity
even

of

the

Arthurian

legends

English

'

Sir

Percyvelle
his
It has
to
as

makes
son

the but

relationship
more

closer;
to account

there, Percyvelle
for French is
the

is Arthur's

nephew,

sister's
been

it is far

difficult
.

Angevin
source was

connection.
Walter
;

suggested
another
of
was

that the

the

writer
romances

of|
-9

Wolfram's
the
to
on

Mapes,
and

whom
is well

Grail

QuesU
the
one

generally Henry
great

ascribed

who,
Count

known,
and

closely attached Setting

and have
a

Court side

of

Fitz-Empress,
difference,
it from in

of and
to

Anjou,

King
between the

England. "^f
the
man

the which
same

s^le

treatment,
that

Parzivai

the

Questef
the

render

impossible
two

believe

same

could

treated

legend
the

such

practically
in poem,
to
a

opposite

points
reveals
a

of

view,

close

examination
between of the

oi

Angevin
and

allusions incidents
seems

found
of the

the

Parzival and the

correspondence
and

characters

facts,
with

real the

tndttional,

Angevin
to

history, which
be

io

point

familiarity

subject

scarcely

likely
The

possessed

by

foreigner.
show
to

following
books

parallels will
(those
of what

that

this

Angevin version),

element,
is
to

though clearly
(he

strongest
traced

in the in

first iwo the

peculiar
we

Wolfram's
to be

be
of

even

presentment

know

traditional

features

story.

THE

ORIGIN

OF

THE

HOUSE

OF

ANJOU
Tradition

Wolfram
In

Angevin of

Book

I.

the to

origin
the

the
of

Angevin
Mazadan The
to
one

Ascribes of the

their

origin
Counts

to

the

marriage
a

of of

family
with

is traced the

marriage

early beauty,

with
demon

lady

fiiiry Terre-de-la-schoie.
of

surpassing
was

whose

origin
to

fairy origin
in

the
and

race

is referred the later

again

discovered church

hf her
Mass.

inability
It
was

remain
to

Books

II.

viii.,

allusion

in

during

the

292

PARZIVAL
in connection

being

with

son Veigulacht"

influence of this ancestress controllable temper of the

was

that

the

un-

of Gamuret's

and cousin to hero. sister,

Angevin princes
Coeur-de-lion
'We
to

ascribed.

Richard

is

reported to
came

have the

said, frequently
we

from Devil.'
that

Devil, and

go

back

the

(In each
the

instance it will be
is

noted

introduced

by
FuLK

the

supernatural element wife.)

OF

Gamurbt

V. IV.

Anjou

Younger
broughtup
goes
to

son

of

the

King
he

of

Anjou;
queen
;
a an

Son

of Fulk

at the court

of French

de
and

Montfort.

and Bertalda (Ji"chin), His mother eloped with,

the

East and

where becomes

marries

married, Philip, king of France.

on

She

Moorish Eastern

queen,

king of

remained

good

terms

with her former

kingdom.

husband, and, Fulk, having already an heir by a previouswife, was allowed to The court. bring up her son at her own
his dying, Fulk became succeeded him. finally In 1 1 29, after the marriage of his son, with the Empress Maud, Fulk Geoffrey, invited was by Baldwin, king of Jerusalem, elder brother

father's heir, and

to

become

his son-in-law

and

successor.

he Accordingly

resigned Anjou toGeofifrey, he married where to went Jerusalem, heiress to Melesinda, daughter and
Baldwin, and, after
him
as

the

death

of

the

latter,succeeded
till his death
note

king,and

reigned
we

in 1142.

(Here again

that, in each
is
won

instance, the Eastern

kingdom
Gamuret's
is the first recorded deed of valour A

through the wife.)

incident
is recorded of

similar

conquest, in single combat, of Heut^er, the Scotchman, who appears

eveiy munt,

who, during Geoffrey i. {Grisegonelle) of Paris the Danes in 978, siege by of overthrew Patelanamed Northman a gigantic morning before the gates to challengethe besieged knights. Ethelwulf, who daily challenged the in recounted besieged in the manner
the the
on

poem. the

Later

historians

cast

doubts

truth of this story, but old and chronicles,

it appears
was doubtedly un-

in all the

firmly believed
writers of the twelfth century. Hbrzelkide The Empress Maude

in

by

the

Widow,
Her

marries Prince
son

queen of is

of two

kingdoms,

and

Anjou. subsequently deprived of

Empress" Lady of two Lands, and England Normandy, marries Count

of

Widow,

Anjou.

APPENDIX

293

these Her son is deprivedof these two kingdoms by the action of one kingbrothers the doxns of action iii. two two brothers, knight^ Book by p. 73, Ibid. p. 8a This loss of two kingdoms Theobald and Stephen of Blois. Though tlie principal by the action of L"helein is inasted on Stephen was aggressor, it the that and the be the reader must not Theobald, throughout forgotten poem, should note the manner the in which L"helein, elder brother, Normans invited was by in the Second Book, their Duke the death of become to on though only appearing is constantly referred to ; which seems but in to i. on Henry arriving Normandy, ; indicate that the writer attached a special and findingthat Stephen had already of England, Theobald cf. Book seized the crown iii. importanceto this character, 86 his claim the Duchy and threw and to v. vi. 87 resigned ; pp. pp. pp. 150, 154 ; with his that of Stephen. An lot (It in 171, 188; VII. p. 196; IX. p. 272. be noted that in no other version of English writer (such as Mapes) would may the legend is a previousmarriageof the probablyhave overlooked the part played hero's mother recorded. ) An Angevin, knowing the by Theobald. of Blois to be the hereditary Counts foes of Anjou, would of the House hardly fail to record
were

the

"ct

that both

brothers

of the usurpation Fitzof Empress. rights Henry The Red

as

concerned

in the

Knight

The This but the character

Red

Knight

The

Red

Knight
with

in the represented

is of course

traditional,

poem, in red armour,

mounted

before the gates of Nantes,

red hair.

Parzival

special presentment of it in the to be owing to Angevin seems

In
at

influence.

1048
war

William with.

of

Nor"
of

mandy, being
and

11. Geoffrey

besiegingDomfront, sent him Anjou ' If the curious challenge the following : Count of Anjou attempts to bringvictuals he will find me into Domfront awaiting
him without the gates armed and

mounted,
pennon

bearinga
on

red

and having a shield,

my

spear hair

wherewith
was

Rtd

of the

wipe his fiice.' acteristic chara distinguishing Counts. Fulk Angevin i.

to

derived

his

name

of
was

Rufns

from

this

which peculiarity,

inherited them

by many
Fulk

of his descendants, among

his
son

v.,

Geoffrey Plantagenet,and his grandson Henry Fitz Empress. The writer of the Par%ival insists on strongly
-

Ither's red hair. Nantes

the Nantes, throughout poem, is Nantes

always
was

The
a

of possession
constant
source

the

cityof Nantes

treated

as

Arthur's chief

city.

Karid"l is

of quarrelbetween

394

PARZIVAL

tctreely kept
toU is
at

icfemd

to, and

the

Round
x.

Table
we

is
aie

dwCoants of

of

Anjoa
Time

and after

their
time

tteighbomt
the
of fomer

Nantes,
Arthur's
case

fai Book
was

Brittany.
the stood than

that
not

pahioe
in other

there. versions of

This the

claimed which
more

orer-lordship just beyond

their

Nantes,
and

tiw

frontier,
in

story.

once

they

succeeded
coveted
as

making

themselves To

masters

of die Nantes
as

territory.
chief
be

represent
Ither

Arthur's

city, and
an

clsiming legend

it, waold
most

alteration
an

of

the

natural

in

Angevin

writer.

Book records of the

ix.

relates Grail

that
race

Kiot in the

sought
chronides and

for

Britain,

France,
close

and

Ireland under

were

all

of

the

brought

into

connection of

Henry
Duke
of the and in

Britain,

France,
at

and

Ireland,
in the

found of

Fits-Empress, Normandy,
husband of and

Count

Anjon,
of

history

last

chronicle

King

England,
Provence

Anjon.

Eleanor who

of

Aquitaine,
1 1

conquered

Inland

72.

The

peculiar
their

presentment
in
the
to
a

of castle of
date

the

Knights

of

the
a

Grail

as

TempUrs
the

(TempleiseD),
fsct
had that
a

having
connection
some

residence between

surrounded

by
and
poem,

forest,
House
tax
v.

recalls of the his

close

Order the
on

Templars
of this

the
a

Anjou
benefit
return

existed the his

for Order first

time been

previous imposed
to

for
on

of from
was

having

all in
11

his
30.

dominions
A

by

Fulk of

pilgrimage
by

Jerusalem

community
at

Knights
in

Templars
forest of

founded
whidi
seems

Henry

Fitz-Empress
very

fifty
(The

years

later of
poem,

Vaubourg,

the
the

Roumare

became

fiunous. the

location of the

Monsalv"sch

in make

Pyrenees only

hardly

to

accord from

with

indications

which

it

thirty-six

hours'

ride

Nantes.)

Finally, Cvuy,
is

the

name

of

the

poet
the

claimed

by

Wolfram

as

his

authority,
names

KiotsGuiot=

distinctly Guy.

Angevin,

hereditary

Angevin

princely

being

Fulk,

Geoflfirey, and

"I
a

r2"S|
a

4
'9"^ ".a"; J! e g

" 3
a
S3

w U

Vi

%
a

'^
6

I-

1
n

'S
a

si
.9

"
H "J

1
i

"

y 3
o
a

I
r
(S.

"

-I
ii

SB.

(x)

"as"

j"

I
"

JL
i
e

n
'i
H

13
"8

I
9
o*

"8

If

S
2 " "3

1
ri

J
"s

I
^"^

.9

a
4*

APPENDIX
*

B
*

THE

PROPER

NAMES

IN

PARZIVAL

of the marked One of Wolfram's poem is the number of proper names pecnliarities the role with which it abounds, there beingscarcely however insignificant a character,

that is leftunnamed. In the other versions of the Perceval legendthis is assigned, there are " vast number of names in the Parzival not the case, consequently occurring factor in to which and which are no unimportant be found elsewhere, no can parallel It the of which his from Wolfram drew the source problem determining poem. would be impossible in a short Appendix to discuss the question in all its bearings, but the following based on Herr Bartsch's article on Die Etgrn-namen in classification, will givesome idea of the wide groundtheycover Parzival^ Wolfram's : I. Names with but littlevariation, and met with, to the original belonging legend, in all versions. To this class belong the names of Pendragon,Arthur, Guinivere, of such places Gawain, Kay, Segramor; and the names Perceval, as Karid"lssCardnel Dianasdron. Carlisle, Cumberland, Waleis,Norgals,
"

II. Names
two

derived from

French

version of the story,which may

be divided

into

classes

(a) Names

in existing French sources, notably equivalent of the Parzival ; examples to parallel poem this class are Gumemanzs: French, GomtmatU ; ; Vt\i9.^=^Beau-r"paire Klamide= de C/idimu^x; Kingron=A^uigrfntfn; Trebuchet; Meljanz Lys; Cn.mofia.m^ Guiromeians Guir$melanz. ox Lippaut=:7f"3aM/; of a French original Soltane, : such are {b)Names formed by a misunderstanding
we an

of which

find

whose Chretien,

offersso close a

from

forest soutaine ^^iidjy

Orilus de Lalande, from

Li

de orgueilhus

la

from La erguelUuse de Logres; similarly, Orgelase of Logrois, is Gawain's from which the of name horse, explained Gringuljet, Ligringalety the is Li guez perellous^ as meaning cheval maigre et alerte, Ligweiz-prelljus,

lande ; and

Ford

Perilous ; and

notable

instance
'

of this class is the

'

curious

name

which is either Li joenet de la lande^ The youth of Schionatulander, in allusion to meadow,' or ' Li joenet" Valant^ The youth with the dog,'
'

the the

Whence Wolfram death. took this name is unknown. knight's of those to borrowed the other from of III. Names romances or time, quoted of alludes most frequently Erec Iwein Hartmann and which Wolfram know the we Heinrich de Veldeck's yEneid\ Chretien von von Aue; Eilhart's Tristan; Troye's and Dietrich Sage, and Le Chevallier de la Charrette ; and the Nibelungenlied Cligisy
cause

of the

He

also refers to other

romances

which

have not

come

down

to us, such are

the

NOTES

NOTES

{A few

Notes

signed

A.

N,

are

due

to

Mr,

Alfred

Nutt.

BOOK

Introduction,

lines

1-66.
to

This

introduction,
been
to
serve

which

is

confessedly
of

obscure,
the of

both
and

in
to

style
have
as
a

and been

thought,
intended
of his

appears

have

written both That

a"er
as a

the

completion
to

poem,
the

by

the

writer of

key

the
was

meaning
blamed of
a

poem, bis

and

defence

method

treatment
von

Wolfram
for he his

by

poraries, contem-

notably obscurity varying

of

by

Gottfried
we

Strassbourg,
in

lack

polished

style,
words,
of

and

thought,

know upon
'

; and

Willehalm
:"

speaks,

in the

following

the

judgment

passed

his

Partival

Swaz des
sin

ich

von

Parzivil mich prtste

gesprach,
wiste,
:

aventiur
man

etxiich

daz

ir

was

ouch
baz

vil, diez smoethen

Und

ir rtAt. wachten.

and

it Is

evidently
i-8

to

these

critics
to

that whole
as

the poem

first part
:

of the
contrast

Introduction between between

out

is addressed.

Lines
ness,

give

the

key

the

the
in the

doubt

or

unsteadfastand

and and

steadfast

faith This

and idea

truth,
runs

imaged

the

contrast

darkness

light,
in

black

white.
and

throughout
hero,
that and many

poem,

is worked
a

symbolically
in lack for

the

character brother
to

experiences
The

of the
notes

is shown readers

in
have
too

concrete

form

the of

person

of his

Feirefis.
the A

poet
of

failed, through
swift
v.
'

intelligence,
oomprethe

grasp

meaning parallel

this

parable,
will be

which
found in

is

and

subtle 137,

their

hension.

passage

Book

pp.

138,

where

figure

employed
The
made
are

is different.
curious

lines poet,
to

15.

16

are

explained
reason

by
the

B"tticher
of the

as

allusions

to

personal
their

assaults

on

the

which,
treated
one

by
with

of

folly

assailants,

missed

mark,

and

therefore

be

contempt.
the

Lines
the

29, and

30

dbntain refer
to

of

quaint
man, to

and

homely

similes

which

abound whose them. z-30,

;

throughout
honour
and

poem,

the

fiuthless

valseh
meet

geseUecHekir
demands
:

muot,
upon

steadfastness There
to
same
men are

are

not

sufficiently strong
distinct divisions
contrast

the

made the

three and
;
sexes

of

the

Introduction
the

first, lines
true

is addressed does
to

only,
for
women

draws

the

between
the

false shows of of
the

and how

knight
Ule

31-49 is

the tell the

while

from

49

onwards
a

poet

the

he
the
'

about

affects

both

alike, and
of

gives
the
my

slight sketch
61,
'

character

of
:

hero.
a

For
man,

rightful understanding
slowly wise
and should Is he be whom

this

lines
hero

62

are

great

importance
wts,
den

brave aUus

yet

I hail

(er kHene,
of the

tr"cltcAe poem.

helt

ich

grltewe),

borne

in mind

by

the

stndent

108
A

PARZIVAL
ihn and
miani"

iWiniion

of thit Intradnctioii will be tand

in Dr. BSttkhflr's Au

V%^^Mm^f^"Nmgik"]^40t^'"t9"trf0id4im":
simplyineaas
to.

The

word

cmptojfcdhere

wmiuk

but it itevktantfromtbeooiitekt 'lorcicii,'

that Fhuioe is the country refemd

T1ieybc#was|"obeblyintbeFkeiicfascmr"e,tbereiiiariuuponitdiw is douttftd; in Cbrfttien of this name PlHe5.Uiie8o" 'GMtatrvf.' The origin

we

find

have derived the name from t mentioned, and Wolfram King Baa de Gomeret may ftom Gamer, the son of Aaguis, a Saraoea nencbsooroe. Heiniel soggcsu that it comes princeinlinf in Denmaili, aooording to Aithnr and Merlin ; and that the fiut of his of making him an Angevin. being of the race of Angnis wggested toKiot the possifaUity In the abeenoe it is not possibleto of any definite knowledge as to Wolfram's source do more than t^ggai poasfble derivatkMis. With regard to the first-named Page 7, lines i^fi, 137"' Gyisiram and Rankutai.* Gustrate* in the identified Simrock with it has been Gudnm, and, according piece. says the hath iu setting.' 'where this latter is be with to to Griflun, son Gailate, f.#. the coupled Book with the Bamcfa West In is referred to, in company of Rankulat XI. the palriaich is meant of Bagdad and the Emperor of Constantinople, and in aU probabiUtyArmenia from the furthest bounds of the The Ung's speech therefore fanpUes, Didst thou come
a
' ' ' '

earth. East

or

West'

Cf. Book ix. p. 885. where the originof the Page 8, line 154"' JCiMg GatuUin's jm.' Gandrin is given. name Cf. Book iz. p. 259. TJ"m Ike iah it kaik told a lU: Page 8. Unes 159, i6a" lines materials Rich Eastern tilh are referred to firequently Page 8, 169, 170"' tfOrimt* the the have to been, Samite, Sendal. Achmardi, PMId seem throughout principal ; poem of silk only,others, notably Saranthasme. and Saranthasme. Plialt, Of these,some were Samiie and Sendal of sQk inwoven with gokL Achmardi, in this poem, is always/mw". the two generally named in our English romances. are Cairo. This is Babylon in Egypt, now broikers ofBabyUm* Page 9, line 209"' 7W
'

is evident from its dose connectk"n with Alexandria, cf. p. za, line 977, and Book it if the Though, firom the passage on p. 57, it seemsas p. 57, line 684, and p. 59. line 754" of the fact that he was unaware poet confused it with Babylon in Assyria; it is possible
as

that there

were

two

cities of the

name.

The introduction of names of distinctly northern Page 15. line 384"' PtitMramd* has and and been originsuch as Friedefarand, Herlinde, Eisenhart, Hemant, Heuteger, noted in B of of the the PanivaL Two solutions already as one problems Appendix have been suggested, either that they were introduced by Wolfram, or that they reached the French The form in which the names of Normandy. woniot through the medium in the Gudrun known also to to indicate quotation from occur a souroe cycle seems from the North Sea saga in the writer of the Parwival, but they are not derived directly its present form.

Page 16. line 403"' Wouldsi ik^m beyond the eolomr, which the poet
between chivalrous line the heathen uleals ; both the
and
are

kntm

f* i(e*

It may he

insists on,

be interesting to note apparently recognisesno Both

here that difference the

same
'

Christian

knights and

ladies.

acknowledge
'

493) ;
of

quite as
MedisBval

(cf. speeches put into the mouth of Bflakan^, or of Rassalig,would be soluble if spoken by Orgduse, or by one dent of King Arthurs knights. This inciChristian knight marrying a Moorish in a princessis of frequent tscconence
the eccentricities of and
romance.

equallyfamiliar with

Minne-dienst

Page t6, lines 493. 494"'

period were
constructed

Thai of far

which
more

lihe to

hall doth stumd:

The
now,

tentt

aeval of the Mediiit

costlyfabrics than is usual

cf. Book

p. 74.

NOTES

103 find, from

a

and
was

Book
'

XL,

and

thdr

tixe

was

very "ui
was

great, this specialtent

Marte

we

Book
tent

11.

p. 36,

thirtypack-steeds'burden.'
at

quotes
with
as sooo

the description of and

captured by
contained

the halls

Cluaaden
and

Anttoch

which could TJ^

adorned
as

walls, towers,
men.

ramparts,
time

gaOeries,and
aa, line 690"*
as

lodge

many

not

Page only
Book
on

Mmimf
VL

oftwut
p.

biUu*

Bells but also

were

at

one

used freely

ornaments

to the

trappings of the horses 163.

the

of. bells

III.

p^ 70, Fool's

and
dress
at

Book
are

the

last trace

on knights, Gradually they disappeared from use, and the which from this poem left of the practice, was

the armour

of the

evidently very general

Page
!""

7i^ line
is the

beginnmg of the thirteenth century. This brother of Gawaia 623."' Brave Biau"orps*
the

appears In

in Book

vi.
we

183, he
Ganih

only
'

one

of Gawain's

brothers it is

mentioned

in this poem.
are

Malory,
Lot's
'

find
is

called

Bcai"-mains,' and
than

possiblethat
Gareth
to
was

the two

identical

Beau-corps
sons.

evidently much

younger

Gawain,

and

the youngest
a

Page
R^st* and

24, line 679"'

may 35,

be classed line

seems Lahfilirost* of with the misinterpretations

This

be

of King misunderstanding for French is

source.

Le/lls du

Page
from
a
a

700"*/^"
and

Minm,* with

The

word

Minnt
mens,

root

'

man,'
The

is connected

the Latin

etymologically derivable (cf.'to have English 'mind'

that of tender care, or thought for ; in Old was originalsignification it has already taken the meaning of love in its passionate aspects ; finally, High German ing the standin Middle' High German (the original language of the Parmval), it has become and We have it in various forms as a verb, expression for love betwixt man woman. Minnen; The of the passion of Love as adjective, MinnigHeh, as an personification mind

to.')

Fhui have

Minne been

'

is the work from

of the

courtly poets

of the
to

twelfth due
to

century, and
a

seems

rather
an

to

derived

classical

analogy

than

be

reminiscence
*

of Frau

early
'

Qerman
must

goddess
be regarded of the

of Love. less
as

Also, with
the

Wolfram

and Love

his

contemporaries,
abstract had than ideal

Minne

of personification of the

in the
new

as

the embodiment assumed

special love-ideal
in twelfth

day.

This

its rise, and the

definite

shape

century

France, fi^m
its ftiUest
was

whence

it

spread
in

throughout
the

knightly

society of Christendom,
The historic
causes

finding

literary expression
at

Arthurian mode

romances.

which between

led to what the sexes,

and

the time
nature

an

entirely novel

of considering

the relations

the true

and
in
an

ethical import of the chivalric

conception
Book

of that the

relation
term

s^gnifieanceof
VI.

is

will be brieflydiscussed from such fully apparent

; vii.

Appendix
as

to

voL

II.

The cf.

passages

the

present, also

pp. 37,

x6i, 163, 165, 171

line jfA.^* in Tristan, The who
zi8a

908, 234
in

; xii.
ii.

etc."

[A.N.]

Page
known

Morkold,*

also

Book have

p.

hero

allusion would The

may know

been

the wellThis is, of course, 39. in the originalFrench or source, from poem the
on

introduced

by Wolfram,
before

Morhold German

Tristan

of

Eilhart

von

Oberge, composed
of Gottfried
von

most

fiunous

the subject, the TrisUn

Strassbourg, was
Feirefis,
'

somewhat
viii.

later in date.
p. 330

Page Page
son.' origin*

31,
31,

lines 886, 887" line 904"' oritks

Cf. Book

and

note.
name name

Bartsch
'

interprets the
The

Other

have

suggested

Fairy's son.'
'

parii-coloured indicates a French distinctly

as

voir fits,

Page constant^

31,

line 905^'^

woodland-waster,*
this poem

wald-verschwender,'
one

hyperbolical term
many spears in

employed

throughout

to denote

who

shatters

fight.

504

PARZIVAL

BOOK Pftge 35,

dornt

U
and in

line i6. and

page

of Queen and North

Herzeleide, are
Wales

57. line 705*-' WaMs located by Wolfram in French

N^rgals: These, the two kiagSpain,but they are undoubtedly

Northern border-land.
an

Wales

(theNorth

of Malory),the galis

Panivars

title throughout the poem is i^"r Walds, of the Celtic originof the story.

versions U GalMs,

evident indication

Page
has 6een
connects

Pendragon $9, lines iiy-x"o. Of the heroes taking part in the Tourney, Uther of Gamuret. The poet carefuUy mentioned, in Book 1. p. 31. in the of Briton as well as with the prinodjr his hero with the traditional royal race

gen^ogy

Arthur's mother. Amive of Anjou. what (notIgraine as in most versions), plays a someimportant rdle in the later part of the poem, her imprisonment in the castk of the treated of, cf. from Book xi. onwards. King Lot of Norway Magician Klingsor is fully Gawain's in i s alluded of the to father, but both as English legend) as (not frequently Orkney House
he and

Uther

Pendragon

are

dead

before the

real action Book

vi.

of the

poem

commences. a part in the

This

is the firstappearance

onward, plays poem scarcelyinferior to that of the hero, Parztval. The Kings of Arragon and Gascony do not with in they alluded to, but Brandelidelein of Puntortois we meet appear again, nor are The must not be confused Book xv. as the uncle of King Gramoflans. King of Askalon of his predecessors. Eidegast of with Vergulacht,in Book vixi., this is evidentlyone alluded to later on, his murder and the desire of his by Gnunoflans Logroisis frequently Orgeluse,to avenge him, form the motifoi the later Gawain episodes. This is the lady-love, in the poem, but he is constantly only occasion on which L"helein appears personally
alluded to introduced cf. Book

of Gawain,

who, from

throughoutthe
w"l be found

course

of the story

Appendix A, p. Gumemans of Gn"uus p. 153. he is here introduced for the firsttime, c" Book
y.

in

(some remarks on the manner 293). Morhold, cf. note to Book playsan importantrole in the
iii.

in which
I.

he is

Lambdwin,

Parsival legend,

The
of
arms

Tourney.

the use this poem find knightlyskill in horsemanship and we displayedunder three distinct forms: the Buhurd, Books xii. and xv., The 11., and
vii.

In

Tourney, Book
Beaur"sch. Book
and
have

serious Warfare The

two

as

firstwere

in the siege simply intended

of
as

Pelrap"r,Book iv.. and of displaysof knightlyskill,

The Buhurd
seems

took
been

their rise in the

knightly sports
form, and

of the ninth
at

century.
a

to

the originalGerman

first was
at

of

somewhat

rough and

lised uncivithe

character, the knights riding in bodies

whole The

full

gallop againsteach
here
we

other, and

being a Tourney,

display of force rather than of skill.

or

Tom-nament,

took its rise in France, and

find the knights, in

full armour,
and

their prowess. displaying singly Graduallythe Buhurd changed its character, manship, throughout this poem we find Wolfram treatingit as a formal displayof skillin horseof Gawain favoured guest, as in the reception generallyto do honour to some and Ofgeluse by the knights of the Chiteau Merveil, Book xii. ; in hofK"ur of Feuefis. Book
Vit. XV.

Stillthe idea of force he promises the child ride the Buhurd of Buhurd
where

was

not

when
must

Obilot that he
as

eliminated, and we find Gawain, in Book entirely will fight for her father, telling her that
noted
wear no

ihe

for him, and,

above, the
armour,

here fighting it is thus

is in earnest.

In the later form

from

the knights

and

distinguished
to

the Tonmey,

they were
more

The

Tourney
from

was

much

armed. always fully in its rules, and is not complicated

always easy

tinguish dis-

the real warfare

into which

it not

uhfrequently passed. Feirefis,in

to
one

Book
a

XV.,

Tourney.

to have answered mentionsyffv modes of attack which seem Niedner explains them as follows : (i)An attack by

the regular stages of troop

on

another, with

3o6
wimnonfd

PARZIVAL
mvStaUon. be held The

the Satnrday, and Hat on knights geiMraUy assembled Monday, the interval being employed in carefo! inquiry as to the claim of thoie present to take a part in such knightly sport. The knights were divided into two bodies of equalstrength, headed the warriors present, most experienced by skill and single their each other on the eve would not unfirequently try against diampions of the Tourney proper. the passions Not unfrequently of the kni^ts were roused to sudi and the combatants so were a pitch that this VtspiT'S^l became a serious encounter, the case exhausted From the that the Tourney could not be held, as was at Kanvokis. abuses connected with these meetings, which not unfrequently lapsedinto serious warftre,

by

Tourney

would

on

the

and and

caused

wanton
cases

loss of life,they
were

were

looked

upon

with

disfavour

by the Church,

in

some

Page Page
whose

43, 44,

forbidden. positively line 92/^* XivaUin* accordingto Eilhart, the line 979" / have named unto yg a lady, This
'
'

fiitherof Tristan.

connection

with Gamuret

is alluded

to

in Book

of. Appendix. suggested by facts in Angevin history, be found in Book

is the queen of France, Anffis6, This episodewas i. p. 9^ probably will reference A to their connection

Pisge46,
name name occurs

viii. p. 233. lines 351-60. Galoes

the

king
may
vii.

of Anjou have p. 199.

has not

bem

named

before. there.
was

The The

in

Hartmann's

"nc,

and

been The

borrowed

from

of his
lu.

is given in lady-bjve

Book

slayer of Galoes
Book
ix.

Qrihis,

Book

Page 48.
account

p. 77. line 406"' No

wifi

was

she

htt

maiden.*
*

of Herzeleide's this
name

marriage will be
carries with
'

found.
own

Herteleide*

a full p. 383, where The modem German

rendering of
starb.' French
we

it its Ihr

in interpretation

the

play
und

of

words

familiar through

Wagner's Panifal^
a

brach

das

Leid

das

Hers

Herzeleide Southern

But the original form, Herseloyde,indicates, in Bartsdi's

opinion,a
name

modification, hyde being

in its form Professor

variant

of kildis^oildis.

The

Riscfaoyde,

from the same to come of Richilda, and Herseloyde seems Rhys (Arthurian Romance^ p. x8o) has suggested derivation from the Welsh has not won the kdy,' but the suggestion general aicceptance. = ar^getwythes will doubtless Readers remark won,' and he lands line The maid her Page 54, 6x4"' the fact that though we meet allusions to marriagesand marriage festivities with numerous throughout the poem, yet in no "ngle instance is the marriage attended by a religious testifiesto a very This is an indication of the original date of the story, which ceremony. social of idea that of a contract marriage was earlystage of development. The original made find here in the marriages of before witnesses, as we by mutual consent publicly with Belakan^ and Gamuret Herzeleide, or later on in Book iv. the marriage of Parzival The and Kondwiramor. mutual promise being given and witnessed, the contri^ct vras The ofiice of the Church at once. complete,and the marriage might be consummated atfirstto have been confined to conferring union alreadycompleted, seems a benediction ona know
root.
* ,

and

therefore

we

find that, even

so

late

as

the thirteenth

followed, and quotes

idea of
more

did not than

as

precede, the marriage

romance

night.
where

San

century, the religious ceremony Marte, in his note on the subject,

and it was
not

one
a

of this date had

this is the case,

till the that the

marriage became religious ceremony ideas of the binding nature

sacrament

displaced that of
a

marriageas a civil contract

The fact that Wolfram,

essential to of the

valid union.

with his high

mentions the religious once never marriage-vow, ceremony in favour of the presumption that the subject-matter of the Parmval is a strong argument and of it. Marriage between is considerably older than his treatment a Christian heathen
was

held to be null and

void, and, according

within her rights in claiming Gamuret as fully The previousmarriage as non-existent. costlypresents
was

ideas of the age, Heraeletde her husband and in regarding his

to the

made

by

the

bridegroom,as

for

NOTES
instance the been
a

307

by her first husband, seem to have property, to be bought by the intending husband. The bride, on her part, gave equally rich gUts, so we find Kondwiramur and "ie mutual of these gifts was an bestowing castles and lands on Parzival, interchange

of gift

Waleis

and

N"tfals to
woman

Hersdeide
was

sorvival of the idea that the

essential part of the

marriagecontracL
badge of the House
a

Page 56, line 674"' The panther* The

of

of

Page 59, lines 744, 745. blood is very a he-goat's

and

The old.

idea that San

to

diamond

might be

softened

Ma^te says itis mentioned

have been
a

Anjou was a leopard. by the apjilication by PUny. Hartmann

the Middle

refers to it in his Rru^

it seems

belief in general

Ages.

BOOK
The first two

III

books

versions of the Perceval

as

of this poem legend which

are
we

peculiar to Wolfram.
a

Among

the dififerent
statement

possess there is

curiods

of diversity

the parentage of the hero ; though,as a rule,they agree in the main facts of the death of his father, either before,or shortly and his being brought up in after,Perceval's birth,
to
'

the desert With

by

his widowed Book

mother.
we

the Third
;

find ourselves books following

on
a

ground

common

to most

transcribers of the contained

in

legend

and

in this and

the

table of the traditional events

the book, with

followingare
rercevai

the other versions of the story in which the Romances of the which

Grail-^de

they occur, will be given. The with the deal more particularly

legenQi" Li Co"U del Graalt poem by Qirfttien de Ttoyes ; left unfinished at Chretien's death ; it was have it, is the work of at least four continued by three other writers ; the poem as we different hands. Peredur: Percival: Welsh tale found in the Red
romance,

Book

of

Hergest
de Borron.

criticsto Robert ascribed by many prose Sir Ptrcyv"lU of Galles: Englishmetrical romance" author unknown. Peruoal H GalMs
:

A French

French

prose romance,

also by

an

unknown

writer.

TRADITIONAL

EVENTS

The

son

of
up

widowed

mother

Brought

in the desert ;

Cluitien

Peredur

Meeting

with

knights and

departure for

; Sir

Percyvdle.

Arthur's court.

Meeting with Jeschut^, The

'

Lady

of the

Ibid,

Tent.'

Meeting with Siguni.

In

this

place only

in

Pereevat, later

meeting in
Arrives
at

the other verrions.

Arthur's

court

and

demands

All the versions,

knighthood.

5o8
Meetiof with
and takes his tbe Red

PARZIVAL

Knight; lUfshia;

annour.

Chrfttien: Peredur, and Sir Percyvdk closelyagree as to the meeting. All agree In to the wearing of the red armour. as

Perceval, alone, hero does

who

not

kill the

knight

originally

owns

it.
and

Laughter
Antanor and

of

Kunaewaare;

their

speech smitingby Kay.

coun-

of

Chretien: dwarf
and

maiden

fool;

Peredur;

eompanion.
:

Arrival at castle of old knight, who sels hero.

Chretien

Sir

Percyvelle.

(Itwill be
between

found

that,from Elooks
poem and

III. to xiii.

there is inclusive,

very close

parallelism

Wolfram's

Chretien's share of Zi Conte del

GraaL)

This imroduetion, like that to Book to have I., appears written been after the completionof the poem, and to have been intended by the poet as of his attitude towards a defence certain women ; certainly the lines 13-15 presuppose The which of the lady hearers of the poet statements had aroused the wrath whole Introduction, lines 1-45.
of its stronf^y account personal character. In Book vi. Widfram on passage is interesting refers more and in tenns than once has wronged him (pp. 163, 166, 191), to the lady who
that show, as

resented here, that he bitterly shield and knightly

her

treatment.

The

line

Born
as

was

I imto

the rank
to not

bearingof
find him
seem

is the spear,'

only definite statement

to

the

poet's

in lifewhich

we possess, and in the light of his lasting fame as a poet it is curious than his knightly his of song as of less account deeds, which do holding gift

to

have

been

more

remarkable
we

than those of his fellows.

was

From lines of

Book Books
or

iv.
vi.

p. laa, and

learn that Wolfram it is clear that the

a

married, and, from the concluding

was composed with a view to only direct personal allusion throngh-

xvt.,

Parzival

winning,
out

the retaining,

favour of
to

lady, but

the

the entire poem

is too

is that
to

the

Margravine
our

of Hettstein in Book
named
;

passage

vague with

allow of

the lady identifjring

the viii. p. 33a, and either with Wolfram's

"aiitHles8 love, or
was

her for whose

sake he composed

his poem

the Margravine certainly

not

his wife.
'
"

strand,* This is one of the many instances in the poem SoUants Page 67, line 6x In the French has taken it was an been name. as a proper adjective source In Chr^en la waste.' find we undoubtedly an adjectivemeaning solitary,' gast* fortst mltaifu : other versions speak of the woods, or the desert, none but this gives a proper in which
' '

name.

Page 69.
D'outremer.

line \x^^* VlUrltg's Cwnt: This is again

'
"

Oultre-lac, 'beyond
a

the

lake,' cf. Louis

of

an

instance of This In

the

Page 73, line aao knight,cf. Book

; and

Mtljakant*
p.

used as a proper name. term qualifying is quitein keeping with the character exploit
we

vii.

198.

Malory

meet

with

the

same

character, as

Sir

Meliagraunce Page
dress

the story of his abduction

of Guinevere, and

her

rescue

by Launcelot
to note

is there given in full.

73, line 340" '/"r
sonu

cunning

wiU

of woman.'

It is curious

that fool's
at

nothingcomes
seems

of these elaborate
to

precautions on the part of Herseleide.

Psraval's

Arthur's court,
his

excite very little attention,nothing is said of it on do we hear of any one nor mocking bim for It. The
more

his appearance

effect produced

by

personal beauty is much

between the

mother's

There is also a decided discrepancy strongly insisted upon. her her firom and to son suggestions keep danger anxiety has done him.

to

him to avenge

the wrong

L"hdein

NOTES

309
and remarks
on

Ptege 73,
Heiniel North

line ^"^L"keUm*

Cf.

Appendix A,

this character.

a prince of South Wales who conquered suggests that L"helein"LleweUwyn, the boyhood of Parzival and that of between But if a parallel Wales in 1015.

Henry
a as

Fitz-Empress be intended,
The remarks
in Heinzel's

date.
to

the Welsh probable, Wolfram Ueber von pamphlet,

as seems
*

conoection

is of too

early

Eschenbach's

Panuvalp

L"helein that
74,

being undoubtedly
we

remarkable

find
'
"

no

historical personage, are worthy of note. It is this in versions the character other d[ to story. equivalent
an

Page
in

line 287 of

of the adventures
but Brittany,

wood.* Most probably Brocdiande, where so Brixiljan's King Arthur and his knights tsJce place. Undoubtedly this wood confused. This
name

many
was

much the localities in the poem are Lalanit.* Duie Orilus Hne of Page 74, 997"*

is again has

misconception
as

of

French In

original,

Li

Orgueilhus de-la-laHde, which

the

Wolfram be noted

taken

proper

name.

other versions

lady is unnamed.
; and

(Itmay

that Wolfram

almost

invariablynames
each
zmm

his characters

other, and the main thread feature in Wolfram's motiviren" is a marked

'
"

of his story.

often goes to some with trouble to connect them for everything, This tendency to account

writings.)
the

An allusion to Thy brother^ King Lac's son Erec* Page 76, line 365 Aue Hartmann von (founded upon Chretien's Erec and dealing with the same

Erec

of

subject as
at

found Prurein

in the Welsh
is described. 77, line 374

tale of Geraint

and

the late Laureate's

Enid) where
of

the tournament

Page
Wolfram,
when

'
"

Proud

Galots*

The

slaying alike

Parzivai's uncle

Galoes, and

of his kinsman
but

Schionatulander it is curious overthrows

his

(p.80) by Orilus, L"helein's Rache''moHf^x"

avenge
two
own

brother, is also
is not of

peculiarto
up, and

that the Orilus

as

introduced

followed

Parzival

it is to
won

the

shaming

nor, though Jeschut^,

Orilus mentions
connect

brother with

having

the mention

the

loss of his

kingdoms, Book v. p. 150, does Parzival to indicate that the heritage. This seems

r6Ie assigned in special

and has
not

this poem brothers was not a part of the original to the two story, fitted into the framework. perfectly of Orilus' wife, Jeschut^, is supposed to be derived from a misunderstandThe name ing. the verb gisoii, Wolfram lay, as a proper name. having interpreted Table mentioned Page 77, line 375"' TAe knight PlihopUheri: A knight of the Round Iwein (founded on Chretien's Chevalier in Hartmann's the au Lyon, subjectof which is the same matter as that of the Welsh Lady of the Fountain), will strongly recall to Englishreaders the Page 78, line 409" This shaming of Jeschut^ been

story of Enid

and

Geraint,
'
"

Page 79,
in Wolfram's
chase in other

line 437

Siguni
poem

and

Schionatulander,^

The

loves of these

two

are

related

unfinished
or

of the hound,

versions of the

of Schionatulander's fafal Titurei,yfbtrethe full account br"chet, is given. The adventure with the weeping damsel occurs Perceval legend, but in none does she play so important a part as of
v.

in the Parxival, vide is

Book

p. 141 ; Book

ix.

p. 252 ; and

Book

xvi.

Her

parentage

given in Book ix. p. 274. Thou art Parzival,* The interpretation here given of the hero's Page 79, line 466" its French In the Krone of Heinrich von T"rlin name origin, Perce-wil, betrays clearly Thal^ the writer explains Val9" furrow. Wolfram or Furch stood valley, to have underseems it in this second and has given the name self. a symbolic meaning sense, peculiarto himIn Chretien's poem derivation or interpreution of the name no is given, and the' do the specialterms hero himself guesses his name of endearment, evidentlyquoted ; nor
' "

from a French source, by Wolfram Page 80, \\M4ffj'^'*Twas a

occur

churl*

in Chretien's version of the story. Wolfram's aristocratic contempt

11.

for peasants

may

be noted

in other passages,

cf. Book

p. 43, and

vii.

p. 9x9.

3IO

PARZIVAL

Page 8if
Qerman

' Hartmann Aui.' Aue line 517 Herr Hartmaum fon von poet of the twdfth century. If not absolatdythe firstto introdnce
"

was

fiunoiis

the Arthurian

legends into Germany

writer who written Wolfram. CkoMlier with
au

firstrendoed 1191 ;
were

Tristan is earlier than (Eilhart't them popularin that coimtiy. and Iwdm
on

Hartmann's His
are

aboat

laoa,
two
was
an

both poems
not
a

of which

They

founded

by

Chretien

works),he was the are Erec, principal poems referred to by fivquently de Tiroyes, Eru and Lt
handled and his materials motives of his

Ly"n, but Hartmann

skill, and
which

mere

translator ; he characters

considerable

with

insight into the

characters

dramatis Enid
and

fersomm

is distinctly a feature of the Girmam Kamafite

are

presentment of these legends

The

her mother

in the Eree, known

to

story of another
readers

Of

Hartmann's

Dir arme Heimrickt iawell poems, Longfellow'sversion of it in The Golden Legend* of Tristan.
'

English

through

Mis teacher,* Kurwenal vtas is the fiiend and tutor Page 8a, line 534"' N9 Kurwenal In Malory we find the name Gouvemail,' and it seems probable that here again we have a term denoting an officeconverted into a proper name. //A^r of Gahiveiss.* Ither" Welsh Ider ; Gaheviess"^i-v*"". old Page 8a, line 549"
'

wood.

Chretien
line

Page 8a.

features of

laforU de KinkerloU Red Tht Knight,* This character 544"' of the story ; though the circumstances
calls hxm'de

'

is

one evidently

of the

tional tradi-

version without its ' Red

Knight.'
and
names

In those romances

the meeting difier, there is no of the Grail-cyde in which Perceval of Galahad, Here
we

deposed latter wearing the

has been is the

from
armour,

his originalposition as

hero

in favour

find the

bearing the
him,
From but

of the Red title, it is somewhat

IX.

only

writer

who

Knight. to startling

find the

againWolfram king

of

Cumberland

claimingBrittany,
if we
It may describe the

Parzival's kinsman.
of the poem,

pp. 373 and 285. we learn that he was be interesting here, and may help to the better understanding
armour was

Book

of

knight at the

end

of the twelfth century.

The

pieceof principal
steel which this, and
which
was

defensive
to

armour

the Hauberk

a coat (Halsberg),

formed

of

ringsof
to

reached

the knee, and

had

sleeves ending ih iron gauntlets. Attadied the H"rsenier, a The

cap

forming one
drawn
the
'

piece with
the head
a

the

Halsberg, was
the helmet.

of chain

mail tected pro-

over

below
band
*

by by
the
'

Nasen-band,'

upper part of the face was of iron provided with eye-holes the lower ; and which
of

part
is
an

Fini"le,'a part of the

helmet
was

H"rsenier'

passed round
" visor'

and

over

the chin ; above

this the

fastened.

(The

use

the word

in the

translation
no

but there was anachronism, as the visor proper was not introduced till later, would what with which meant and clearness. ) was equal brevity express
were
or

other word and

Foot

leg
iron

clad in hose of iron, and schinnelier. Over

the knee and many

elbow

were

of specially protectedby plates the Wa"en-rock, embroidered also bear

a

this harness

knights wore
was

long sleeveless

garment
The

of silk on
was

which

the. badge of the knight

in gold and his

sword

badge on strengthenedwith

this garment. The the truncheon helmet, shield, and

giriabove
bands

knight would

jewelsw distinguishing

of metal, and
XY.

often decorated shield

spear
was was

of his spear. The shield was of wood, with preciousstones, ef. the description

of Feirefis'shield iti Book held in the left hand

was

The

close to the

body, the

long-shaped, three-cornered, and was carried in the right, so that the horse
The spear was a blade of steel, set the rough sometimes even

guided by
a

the knee, not

of wood,
or

by

the hand, of the rider.

into

long heft

reed. R"hr,

probably Bamboo,

trunk of
same

the

Shield and spear were alike painted hi the a young tree, as in Book iv. p. 519. colours as the robe of the knight,and the horse had a like covering of silk beneath The description the coat of mail with which it was protected.* saddle and over of the
arms

given by Wolfram

and

accoutrement

of the Red

Knight

of Parzival, Book

iv.

p. 19, and Orilus. Book of a knight in full battlcanray.

v. pp. 147-148,seq,, will give a very clear idea of the appearance

NOTES

311
I eawu,*
seems a

ttethods

PBi[t83. line 570^* To of laying claim to

holds

tk" Table
a

Round There
oat

Here

we

find

an

allusion to
to

two

property.

difference of constituted

opinion as

the

first; Simrock that the

that the

pouring

of the

wine

the claim ; Bartsch.

This pointof the action lay in carryingoff some part of the property daimed. seeins the moce idne the of out well the the then, as as probableinterpretation, pouring and aocidentaL In Chretien the of the queen, would be indignation king sprinkling queen at the insttU is far more 'emphasised. The burning of a wisp of straw, as " strongly dadaration of rights in his Deutseki RtehtsalUrih"mer. claimed, is mentioned by Grimm hero of Page 93i line f^i6^* Iwantt,* The diminutive of Iwein, the weU-known Hartmann's (theOwain, son of Urien of Rheged, of Welsh tradition). poem There distinctive are some Bsge Z^-r*Parnval ui tki court of King Arthur*

features in Wolfiimm's

version

of

this incident.

Parsival's

behaviour

towards him

die either

King, though unconventional, is fax less discourteous than that ascribed to by Chretien or by the English Sir PercyveUe.' In Chretien's poem, Perceval
'

rides into

the hall,where

he finds the The

|yythe Red
close to him the

Knight.

at the insult offered to them long and courtiers plunged in grief Perceval's and the lad rides so to not does reply greeting, king

that his horse's head of the Round Table

are

knocks to avenge

off the

king'scap.
in battle. which

reason

for the fidlure of

Knighu
cannot

the insult offered

in the fact that they

saga

alreadywounded

by [The

the Red student

Knight

is suggested of Irish heroic

under failto recall the strange disability and which it not that the Cuchulainn
men

the knights of Concbobor's court The

was

suffered at times have

them. completely prostrated alone of the rest of Ireland.

province of Ukter
firee from the

would

lain defenceless were

single-handed defied the

between shown where the the

and those of onfancisof Cuchulainn towards both by Arthur and Guinevere Red Knight is representedas Arthur's deadliest foe, and and wrath
at

and disability, There are pointsof contrast many PercevaL" ing A.N.] The kindly feelIther is not paralleled in Chretien, Guinevere is like to Chrltien also

die of shame

the

insult offered Wolfram

to

her.
on

places Perceval's
castle. from his
armour

refusal to dismoutit In Chretien

the

ktrtt whereas
is
trace

places it
and

his arrival at Gumemans' demand

hero

tdls the Red

no

Knight

of his intention to

Arthur, and
addresses foe is of Wolfram disarm
to

there

of the

courteous

which poetical greeting the hero's

own

Ither here

PanivaL due

The
to

confusion

of the Red of the

Knight with
iJihelrin connected

personal
to inability

course

the introduction has

a

episodeurtiich

is peculiar to

; but ChrMen

most

curious passage

with Perceval's

his dead

antagonist :
'

Trestoat

Ains Miroie par carb6ii6et 1" mori, escarbellaft nttltt des

'

Qm
which
we as

armes

"nport ;

difficult of it stands is decidedly

interpretation ; while
had
me,

in the

English'Sir PercyveUe

find the hero saying:

*

My
my

moder

Whome Owte

dart sold" brokene be the tree,'

of the Irene breone

which

indicates evidently
seems

the

source

of Chretien's curious remark.

An

examination
more

of the

different versions Fkench

to

show

that, while the German

of the story.

is the fuller and

the poetical,

is here closer to the

form original

The character of Kay is one of Pages 85 and 86, lines 635. 658--'Kay thi SeneuhaL* the In all tales he is represented as filling the problems of the Arthurian legends. the of roufi^manners, violent temper, office of Senesdial,and in all he is represented as a man The Seneschal the oldest servant, was and bitter tongue: of the master (Sines-sckafi),

312 ceremonies,
inflictsupon

PARZIVAL
one

trusted confidant

of the chief personages of the king ; but such

was

of
a

royal honsfhold, and

as

chastisement

outside his distinctly and Here, as in other Antanor, quite inconceivable. standing of tradition from have time when traces fur roagher an a a original dating instances. we obtained. and customs while code of manners WoUram, to his sooroe, adhering closely of Kay's character, was and to the traditional representation evidentlyextremely pnzried and discourteous part allotted to him, and in Book vi. by the undignified (p. 169) he and to defend diverges from the story in order to explain what he feels to be a difficulty,

Kunnewaare.
of

not unfreqnouly the Kay here, and in other versions, and, taking into connderation office,

the

Kunnewaare

Kay at some length. The Northern French poets apparently felt the same, and as Kay generally represented as Arthur's foster-brother they invented the fable that the due to his having been committed of to the care unknightly traits in his character were when his mother took charge of the infant Arthur. a peasant nurse
is

Page 85, line 65a"' Tht maidtm

an

Kunnevoaare.' in the

The

'

]au|^ng
A
to

damsel'
common a

seems

to

be of

archaic

and

misunderstood

element

Grail

romances.

incident

folk-tales is for the hero, fool,lout, or

not

utterdemalion,

to

win

wife

who princess

has

incident
were

laughed or spoken for years by inducing her to do either of these things. Some suqh into an been woven heroic romance, has apparently the main outlines of which already fixed,so that the actual conclusion, marriage of the hero with the laughing
been disturbed.

damsel, has
waare,

Note, however, the homage

paid by Panival

to too

Kunae* is suggestive,
noted

and

her

evident

affection for him

from la

(Book
a

vi.

it has

been

derived
form

fuctU

la gonne

pp. Z8X-185). Her name vaire (the maiden with and

the

coloured be

robe),bat in
that it is the that possible

its present

it is

like Kondwiramur, suspiciously

it should

rejected lover
the Perceval

of this queen whom Is it Kunnew^uure eventuallymarries. from which both Chretien and Kiot' drew contained romance
'

doublets
form. hero of

of this personage?
An
an

In the

one

case

in her

in the other in a modified original, the saga

instructive parallel may Andromeda

be adduced

from

of Cuchulainn.

He

is the

episode

and

should

by rightswed

the delivered

heroine, but the

on

story being already fixed before companion of the hero. [A.N.

"

the

episodewas

assimilated, the heroine is passed

to

].

Middle Ages, art, in the early Page 89, line 766"' Matstricki^ or itn Cologne* German its highest level in the Rhenish at Cologne. provinces,especially Gurmemant The old knight who instructs the hero of Graharz.' Page 91, line 8a8 is a traditional part of the story, and belongs to most in knightly duties of the versions. In Peredur, he is identified with the Fisher King, Perceval's uncle. In Chretien of Gelbort ; in Gerbert, Chr^ien's is given as Gonemans his name continnaior,he is, of of several Gomemant (one points contact between Gerbert and Wolfram's source). Page 91, line 847" He hade them lead the guest im.' This is one of the many passages and of a bygone age. which afford an interesting customs glimpse of the manners It of the receptionand treatment here what we know of a guest in may be well to summarise the Middle Ages. If a strange knight rode into the court-yardof a castle he was received reached
'
"

by squiresand
then In conducted every
a

pages,
to
a

who chamber

held

his bridle and

assisted him disarmed

and

to

dismount.

The

guest

was

where there

he
was

was a see

provided with suitable robes.

or

important household
The

Kleider-kammer^
that all guests

wardrobe, presided

over

by

chamberlain, whose
it can

office it was

to

were

provided with garments

preparationof these dresses was the work of the women of the if a whole no lighttask, as even arrived th^ company would all expect to be provided with the requisite The guest, being robed, was dress. to the great Hall, which then conducted in the upper was story of the castle. Half-way
household, and
have

fitted to their station.

been

on

the staircase

leadingto it,he

would

be met,

and

welcomed

with the kiss of greeting,by

314

PARZIVAL

Vwi"iQ^Vstmte^^Tk"Hfy"/Fiirmp"r: "BeuiInChrftlieBibentiMor"iecityii for iis raiMire/ofwhichtfaistoevkleDtly theOermaaranderfaig. Tbe tnbttitiitionor/ fUn a diitingBiihing marie of Qemuui la Sir PtrcyvtlU It is pronaadatfcmof FVendi.
'

the BMidai

lud.' ThU diiractar is named

CMden
caOs tbe

Pitai04*liiie9"^'rAtf JTCv^^^M"^* he is the Eari; only; in Ptndmr

him Red

by Wolfram
the
son

aad

in Sir

PirtyvMe^

'Sowdane.'
li Gallois

CairMea
of

*CIamadex/

and

it is worthy of note Is etlled

that \n Pmrttiml

Knight

shun

by

Perceval

a'variantof the 'X^hunadaSt' evidently tf

as

same

Fife
Fhmoooia.
From the

t05, hne 78" 'A" Urd tbnks either Bartsdk

tJU

C^umi

W^rikHm:
son

Werthdm
n.

is in

Lo here.
in his

Poppo

i. or

his

Poppo
had

is referred to time been

used, expression
line

'

my

lord/ it seems
There

if Wolfram

at one

Page 106.
boQihood famoos
for ks

89"* Tr"km"mg:
:

are

three

of places

this

name

in the ndc^ Utter is still

of Eschenbach

Hohen,
of

Alten, and

The Waster-lVflhending.

kraffm,

kind

Page
father of

107, Une

119"* ICi^t

pancake. pfK"Ulangm
in Book

(i.e. Catalonia)and
zvi.

Bian/Uot:
a we

Kkn

is the

Signal,and

hier death, Schoisiaae, in Book

was ix. p. 974. his compankm.

agaui appean and his subsequentadoption of the life of

The

acoomit

of his maniagie with

hermit will be foond

learn that MaafikK

From

Wolfram's

nnfiniriied poem

of Tiiurti

Page 107, line 133"' The tnmin Jsoidt,* An allusion King Mark of Cornwall, and mistress of Sir Tristan ;
Tristan's wile.

to

Isolde Isolde

la BeUe, the of the white

wile

of

and

hand,

This woMi Mim,* nocturnal Pige Z09, line ao8, ttq,^* TiU the cry of ktari-sormo visitof the Lady of the castle to the hero's chamber tradition, to be part of the original seems and is somewhat and also from Mart and it Is evident

by

the

manner apologetic

in which From for

Wolfram

teOs the stoiy that he

to to

pussled by Kondwiramur's
the blame umrteki these and he bestows
we on

conduct. Chretien

the Introduction done wrong value on

a

Book

YIL,

haying
set

the story,

Diis$
source,

geikan,
similar

gather that Wolfram apologetic passages must

of the
customs
manners

of the poet to somewhat

departfrom

the traditional form and

as it did the story, representing

a hig^ to his fidelity explainedby the unwillingness time, the legend,while, at the same of an earlier and ruder period, was

be

distasteful to him.
no.

Page

elsewhere Chrftiien, presupposes

an

line 343"' Kingrtm he is unnamed.

ik*

SenuehaL* York Powell

This

character
out

is

Aguigrenons

in

Mr. would for n.

points
did

that Wolfram's
MSS; existing

form

Agingrenons.which
himself,misread
'

either indicate that the that Wolfram

m/

of Chi^

tien,or ChrMen
as

or by ear other than Chretien). a source following is given by GerPlage X14. marriage might,* A similar account of the condnitators of Chretien. himself does not record the mairiage, l"ert, one (Chretien which takes place on a later visit of the hero to Beau-repaire. ) In Gerbert's version we have an indication of later intfuenoe, the motive-power is the recognition as by both Perceval and his bride of the superiority of virginity state. Wolfram's to the married versk" seems far more in accordance with the character of the hero, and is probablycloser
if

get his version

he maintains

(orthat Wolfram line 365.seq. Tkt

"

was

to ther

form of the story. original and

as

Narant Book

Page 116. line 420"' Galegandres,Duke of Gippofus: This character of Oultrehmd, only appear here. Uckerland is probably a corruption
in.

Count noted in

The PagojtxS. line 505"' Gringort,*

French

Gri^goin^Qrtgorj,

AH

this a"QOint

ef

NOTES
Klamid^'a

315
Wolfram
; whose

arms"

charger, etc.

is

to peculiar

fondness

fiorminute

and

detail descriptive mention

is a noticeable characteristic Dinaderon

en

Dianasdron,* Page lax, line ^^1^^*

Karminol. In the roll of

Gales

in
we

who Chr^ien,

does
as

not Sir The

King

Arthur^s
seem

knights
to
come

find* such
the
same

names

Dinas,
name

Sir Dinant, Sir Dinadan is probably Keltic, and

; all of which

from

root

Page

X93. line 660"'

belongsto Mabomagrtin*

version of the story. the original Cf. Book lu. p. xo8 and note

BOOK

TRADITIONAL

EVENTS

Hero Grail asks

meets

with the Fisher

the

King

; visiu

the

Cbrdtien

and continuators

Peredur

; Per-

Castle, sees
no

Grail, lance,etc., but

istherefore reproadied

eeval; Perceval li GalU"s.

omits everything connected

and question, with dead

with the

(SirPercyvdle Grail.)

by maiden

knight.

reader will find all this part of the legend,the varying forms of the visit to the Grail Castle,the Fisher King, the Grail,etc, fully discussed in Mr. Alfred Nutt's SMUs

(The
the

on

Legend tfikeHoly Grail.)

X31, line ^i^' of Eschenbach.
s field,*Castle Abenberg*

Page Page
joy.
'

and

town

of Abenberg, in the

bourhood neighof

131, line j$'^*Repanse de ScMoie,* This name appears The Grail maidens are not named in other versions.
would

to

'Thought signify
was

Court

Page 133, line 87"' TAen one to the host Jester, always a privileged person. Aloe,* Page 13a, lines 109, izo" Ugnnm
'

call him,*

This

the evidently mistake of the

Bartsch word

holds Aloer,

this to be Chr6tien

poet, who
boisa,
as
'

has

misunderstood

the old

French

has

simply seces

Wildberg' was
iv.

the home

of the poet, who

is here making allusion to his poverty, them

p. xo6. the host had bid Page 133, line iii-'* And whether in the Grail Romances, invariably figures
or

in Book

with the
a

of earlyhistory

the Grail.

He

*The Maimed King' lay him.* they deal only with the Quest, as here, wounded is generally through the thifi^ either

lance,or with a sword, but the drcuinstances under which he receives the wound and is with while engaged in fishing, In most of the versions he is met greatly^ vary Rich Fisher.' known as the Fisher King, or the
with
'

Page

132,

line 195"' The

to

bleedinglance,*
an

This

is

feature in most

of the ithad

Grail

feature of the story, Romances, seems original the which with the Grails close connection fullydeveloped Christian and have been
it

the though has given to legend

not

with which the Maimed In the earlier versions of the story it is the weapon it became the spear with which our Lord's side was wounded piercedon ; finally, ^o
never

King
the

was

cross.

Wolfiam,
The and Lance

the Grail with the Passion, gives it the firstmeaning. appears to connect visit to the Grail Castle is told in varyingforms, but the King, the Grail, Sword,

almost invariably appear, and the hero is either Perceval or his companion hero of the Quest; Gawain, but Perceval is,undoubtedly, the original In Chretien this is much more Page 133, line 137 and Jcy." The Grail Froctssion*
'

3i6
simply treated.
whom
the

PARZIVAL
There and squires bearing candlesticks,
a

are

tvro

two

maiden",

one

carries the Grail, the other

to give play to opportunity

silver dish, iaiiUor,

Wolfram

has

evidently
of

his love of detailed is far

more

Grail Feast and

the Grail Maidens Tht

elaborate

and his account description, than any given elsewhere. iJU Grail,* In other
ronuuices

Page 136, line aas"'

the from

food-supplying powtrsof

cyde
the

we

find similar powers attributed to the Grail. Malory, who borrowed There is evidentlya Grand S. Graal, gives a hlte account QuisU and this feature
of the

nection

between

Grail, and
countries.
a

the

talismans food-supplying bear.'

whic^ figw
and In seq*

largelyin the

legendary lore of most

'
"

Page
This poem word

137. line 247

squirewho

sword

did

incident also

occurs

in Chretien,and
use

in varying form
are to

in most

Cf. p. 144, lines 47a of the versions.

this] by|
ootj

the meaning will break

a

and
cue

of the sword

somewhat

inexplicable. In CluMen
then
on
a can

in

known peril, Wolfram's

some

only

irs

maker, and
to

be

made

whole

dipping it in
French
be made

lake.

account

seems

be

based

misunderstanding of
can

original. In
whole

of the other
of the

versions

the sword
In

is already broken, and

the sword is
a

by the achiever

Quest.

Wolfram

very

puzzUngl

The swordj feature of the story, with which indeed it seems to have little or no connection. which breaks in Parzival's deadly combat with his unknown brother, is not this sword, but
the
one

taken from

Ither of Gaheviess.
*
"

Page
9, and

137, line 267

Th*

of old fairest
a

men,

ancient.'

Tiiurel, cf. Book

ix.

p.

SS87.
i., line

Page 137, line 273

note.

"

*'Tis

symbol good

the
^

bowstring.' Introduction
This
an

to

Book

Page 139, line 335

seem to

'
"

The

garden of

Paradise.' with

is

one

of the allusions
source,

n'hich

connect

the Grail in Wolfram's

version

Oriental

of the

371"'^ hidden hand drew the rope taut.' but in no other version are the reproaches addressed to the hero drawbridge rising, of the maiden immediatelyon his leaving the castle,they are invariably put into the mouth
141, line

Page

cf. p. 135. Chretien has the incident

with

the dead
Ihr

knight. In the
suit
varen

Perceval
sunnen

the maiden's

wcwds,
Bartsch

The

Lord is
an

hates ancient

thee,'recall
formula
of

Wolfram's
a declaring

der and

hag, which
of the

says

person

accurst,

unworthy
games

lightof day.
Cf. Book
are

Page
p. 47.

141, line Similes

j"i^* Doubled
from

the throw

of sorrow.*
not

borrowed
"

of chance

unusual This

' ' A woman's voice make moan. 141, line 397 afterthe visit to the Grail Castle is in most versions the

Page

Book 11. iir. p. 100; in this poenL meeting with the maiden In Chretien It
was a

only
source,

one.

she

now

tells the

hero

his

name

which
led

he learns

this incident earlier in the

which

guesses cither Wolfram, or

one

or

for the firsttime. his

to

not

ably improb-

place
more

first meeting

story while

stillretaining
up

in

the

original position. Wolfram, with

than fully

characteristic love
writers

for detail, follows

the

of Sigun" far history Mont and

other

of the cycle.
'
"

and

Monsalvasch* Page 142, line 437 lonely position. A full accoimt

Probably
of the Grail

'

its

Sauvage,'in allusion to its wild keepers is given in Book ix.

pp. 270, 271.

A Lunete.' the character in Hartmann's Page 143, line 463 Iwein, from which episode is quoted. Cf. Book ix, p. 252, and opening of Book xil. Trebuchet.' is also given in Chretien ; he is attuded This name Page 144, line 475 in Book to again p. 147, and in ix. connection with the knives of silver mentioned 281, p. in line 498 of this book. Page 147, line 595"' Tettabroc.' Also p. 133, line 146. This name is borrowed from
*
"

'

"

Hartraann's

Erec.

Chretien

has

'

Danebroc.*

Page

147, line 601"'

Be"lttnan.'

According

to

Bartsch

this

name

is comhined

fi^n

NOTES
the height-"' of Anjou. capital WUd been fair height/ which Doiinis brother: would suit very well with

317
the

beal, fair ; Pr0"eii9al,

man,

positionof Angers,
does
not
seem

the

Page 153, line 760"'

to

Taurian,
'

Cf. Book

IX.

p.

265. Taurian
the

have

romances,

alwap
seemed

but Dodimt identified, appears, in many find him Le Sauvage.' So we with the title of
to

of named

Arthnrian in Malory.
to

Wolfram other.

have

transferred

the

characteristic

from

one

brother

the

Page
Mentioned

255, line ^^^"*I"fnit HU again in Book vi. line z68.

son

of
Most

Idoi:

Hiis

is the French

name

Geoffrey.

this character with Chretien's' critics identify

Gi"isHfiusDo,

BOOK

VI

TRADITIONAL

EVENTS

"Blood of hero.

drops

on

the

snow

and

love-trance

Chrfttien

Peredur.

Overthrows

Kay and Segramor.

(P^ceval
for his Chretien

Li Gallois relates

similar incident

of Gawain. Hero is cursed by Grail messenger failure to ask the question.

:

)
is

Peredur.
there
a

(In Perceval

cursingby

Meriin.

the

Page 159, line Or-* From Karidol and his kingdom, Karidol" Carduel or CardoUe, but Anglo-Norman form of CariisJe. This is undoubtedly Arthur's originalcapital, this Nantes be the to seems regarded as royal city. Curiously enough throughout poem
we

find the two

names

combined

in Gautier
one

de

Doulens,

one

of the continuators Carduel of Nantes.

will show

of Li

ConU

del Gruni, who

introduces, as
Pentecost

of his dramoHs An

penonm,
to have

Page 160, line 39"'

statement to

IVkitsuntideJ*
;

examination
seem

of the Romances

this

be correct
at
"

and

Christmas

been the two

feasts held

in

honour especial

F^^^e z6o, line 49

on

King Arthur's court the on Blood-dro"s

'

snow.

Both Wolfram

and

Chretien

insist only think

it

the

two

colours, red and white, and

the fact thai

snow

they are

pozsled by, and

that they
to are

of necessary to explain,the presence the inddent firom an older source. over unconnected
raven

at

Whitsuntide
matter

shows

taking
in tales

As

of fact it is

be

found

three

and of varying nationality. In Peredur (Welsh) a cjrcle, and the bero thinks of has settled upon the body of a wild goose killed by a leiloon, colours (black, for hair ; white, for skin ; red, for cheeks) ; in the Fate of the Sons
an

with the Arthurian

of Umocht
of
a

Irish tale written

down

before
are

the

middle

of the

twelfth

century, and

probablycenturies older, these

colours.

three

colours

wild goose that is slain,and it is the The incident has always been a favourite
and and Nutt, pp. 431-34).

likewise present,but it is a calf instead heroine, not the hero, who is fascinated by the

Tales, M'Innes

slain-f"^version probablythe most

Welsh remember

tale upon similar incident a

a

with Celtic story-tellers one (cf. Argyll of the curiouslyit is the slain-^W, instes^ is which predominates, although the Fate of the Sons of Usnech famous of all Irish stories,and influence of the traceable literaiy no Irish romance is known. Those familiar with Grimm's "nirytalcs will in the

story of
hair
as
as

Snowdrop,
black
;
as

where

and wishes for finger, vrhite

as

daughter with
cheeks
as

the

the queen pricks her ebony window-frame^ skin as the

'

the snow,

and

red

the blood

but here, of course,

fasdaation

'

3iS
dement ii ebiienL FM 1 have

PARZIVAL

attempted to

show

(*the

iai of EUdac

and

the

oilifcfaen d

Schneewittchen/

Lgrt, iii.x), that the Gadic

version of the Scfaneewittdwa

tjrpe tf

stofy repraicntt the earlleet attainable form of the story." {A.N.]. or Saigremors. This knightis a (amiliar Fl^e x6a, line 87"' S^grawtmr,* Arthorian Romances,
*

and Le

Chrfttien callshim Cf. also Book

viii.

fignre in tk episodeis quite in aoootdanoe with his general chaimcttL Desrei* (oncurbed,impetuous). In Maloiy he is Le Desiroos.'
the
'

p. 341.

TV sukfir tki magie fktasant* Simrock thinks this an aOosion FUge X63. line sat"' \ in whidi a magidan, condemned to death, contrives to escape to a popularfolk-tale, fagr his Judges and executioner to seek for the fallen bird, bjr the irresistible strains d setting his magic pipe. A German pott who liiredtowards the end of Vdiuk* Page x66, line 935"' HtinrUh of the twelfth oentmy* poem,
was

His translatkm

of the jEmid,

founded

on

FVendi

inersion of the

and eztremdy popular,

'

Wolfram

rders to it in his Parnval, lie"|uently

of Thurimgia* This Landgrave of Tfauringiais wdl Fige 169,line 39X"- Henman burg as a generous known to history patron of the litenUure of his day. His court at the Wartfilled it the of all and the in life the of the resort a place was literary leadingpoets, of Weimar twdflh centuiy only comparable to that taken by the neighbouringcourt six of the Wolfiam The which later. in the hundred terms speaks Wartboig guests at yean of the Landgrave'slavish hospitality. is quitein keeping with what is known der Vogehrdde which from Walther describes the von Simrock rnders a passage
tumultuous lifeof the court
*

as

follows

Wer Der Kim

in den Ohren

licdi istoder knink

wenn er

im Haupt,
mir

meide Ja Thuringen'sHof,
er

gl"nbt

deliin, er wOrde cans bethAreC ; Idi drang to lange zn, dass ich nicht mehr vermag, Eb Zog llhrt ein,ein andrer aas, lO Nacht als Tag, Ein wonder da" da noch Jemand hAreL* iatt,
of the end of the thirteenth century, in whkh the prinpoem bdore the in of the as competing represented Landgrave, song dpal poets age are is doubtless an echo of what was this contest to take place in 1907, and no supposes The

Wariburg-krUg, a

unusual

incident

at

thpt

date.

Wolfram's

wish of the Landgrave, and

in it he

speaks

19x6, and the brilliantlife at the Wartburg

husband

of WilUhalm was composed at the poem of the death of his patron. Herman died in end ; his successor to an came Ludwig, the

of S. Elisabeth, taste for literature. having little And

so

nngoiJL* Walther von der Vogehreide. Knight WalUr birth but small means of the most lyric one poets,was of knightly ; he life the himself his at have art, leading a wandering to seems by prindpal supported nothingis known, save the fact dT their courts of his day. Of his connection with Wolfram in the earlyyears of the thirteendi of the Landgrave Herman at the court bdng together of Walther's extant in any The line here quoted does not occur poems. century. be known of the to of Rijfack,* Nothing seems Page Z69, line yA^* Jieinr"M in the neighbourhood From the fact that there is a Reisbach here rderred ta diameter known to Wolfram. that it was some one of Escbenbadi, Bartsch conjectures personally is hone quoting sharp hlado,* Wolfram Page xyx, line 385"* Tko Hnu wkon the knife's FUge X69, line 395"'
famous of German from
come an

unknown
to us

source.

No

such

adventures

are

recorded

in any

Romance

that has

character. they are quitein keeping with Gawam's This custom TabU: is alluded to in Page X76,line 599" '7*Atf rightjf the Round Here Wolfram with it again in Book xiil other Arthurian Romances, and we meet seeon eat in publicwith his kni^iu, i.e. at the Round to imply meidy that the king dkT not down
; but

NOTES TaUe,
no

319

tbey had beard of some kni^bdy venture ; in Book xiii. be speaks as if The first to pass. migbt be partaken of by any of the courtiers tiltthis came to be the correct one. rendering seems [The whole incident is thoroughly in keeping the oonyentiaos with of early Irish romance, in which the personages are invariably Irish the to subject to strictrules and obligations, word." use A.N.] geasa^
meal in both Chretien and Page 277" line 585"' The Grail Messengtr.* This incident occurs but is the termed The unnamed" or P^edur, Such simply Loathly Damsel.' messenger
'

beforo

damsel

is met
into

with in the PercewUt

a

but

when

she

reaches

King Arthur's
that
one

Court

she is

transformed

maiden

of

surpassing beauty.
also bears the the Holy

It will be noted of Kondrie

imprisoned
his Studies Damsel

in Ch"teau
on

Merveil

name

of the queens (p. 189). Mr. Nuii, in

the

L^end

of

released from

the transforming

this idea, and

'

in the first act

Kondrie

la

Chretien's Belle.') In Book

x.
we

the Loathly was originally spelL (It may be noted that Wagner has kept his Kundry is the Loathly Messenger ; in the second, of Kondrie's is even more description repulsive appearance have
a

Grail, suggests this

than

Wolfram's.
'

curious

account

of the origin of these strange

to clearly testify

people. [The
to
'

Loathly

Damsel

'

is

one

of those
a

relianoe of the romance-writers the Celtic originof specific

oommdhplace of folk-tales of the task a personage having privateends of his or her own until the hero achieves the QiKSt (which he never does unaided), the helper to serve, as, into an animal, but sometimes be released from a spell, of transformation cannot generally into a shape of surpassingly hideous ugliness. The oldest European variant k" this latter in the acquainted is to be found in an Irish folk-tale imbedded type with which I am so-called Cormac's of the tenth century. I have given this in full a compilation Glossary, of and Nutt, pp. 467,468). In its outri horror the description Tales, M'Innes {Argyllshire the bespelled Such a task story, in which recalls that of Kundrie. son king's strikingly popular basis.
'

upon that

that most personages tradidonal popular basis, and A

the

also in this instance

class is that the hero is helped by

the hero is helped by

transformed
main

achieved, is one
of Peredttr sudden

of the

be delivered until the Quest is personage, who cannot but it is only in the Welsh the Perceval tale of staples cycle, form. inteUigit"le in another The
connection

transformation

that the incident appears in a straightforwardand from foulness to radiant beauty is met with in

earlier in Ireland than elsewhere of

Europe : the incident of the Perilous Kiss, in which the embrace from loathly damsel incident a courteous an knightfrees a bespelled disguise, associated with Gawain, is,as I have shown of early (Academy April30, 189a), frequently in Ireland. Another element which of occurrence goes to the complex individuality
,

Kundrie can be paralleled from earlyIrish romance. of the frury As the ftmale messenger of the semidynasty of Mazadan, she corresponds to Leborcbam, the female messenger mythic King Conchobor, the head and centre of the oldest Irish cycle of heroic romance. and unnatural hideousness, and she is brought of startling Like Kundrie, Leborcbam was
into connection special

with Cuchulainn
one

the chief hero of the Ulster "yde, of the Arthur The

romances.
"

as

Kundrie

is

with Perceval the chielf hero of

group

^A.N.]
magic castle,achieved

Page 181, line 697

*
"

Chateau

Merveil.*

adventure

of this

xi. by Gawain, of dus character in Chretien is Page 184, line 806 Kingrimursel,* The name the German of.which this is evidently rendering. Here, again,Wolfram Gnigambresil, either heard or read Gingambresil. This is India. Page X85, line 839"' Tribalibot: of this queen, we find Page x86, line 859"* Th" heathen queen oflanfus.* The name
*
"

is related at length in Book

from line S009, was Ekuba ; Page X89, line 977-' The

one

of the few classical Kitas:

names

we

Greek, Sir

This

is

the Cligte,

find in this poem. hero of Chretien's

390
poem of that name"
soo

PARZIVAL
of the Greek tad listo Smdamoor, Emperor Alennder Malory hu Sir Oegis. probablythe same name. tooB^'Twihmsp$art^Amir"m,' Aogram was probably in lafia,
Xll.

Gawaio, cf. Book

Vm^^ 190, ham noted for ita steel.

reed,
or

Oraste-Gcnteaein

seems

to til

be the

name

of the coontiy

from

vttcbi

bamboo,

was

broai^

Cf. Book

pp. atS, 9x9.

BOOK
TRADITIONAL

VII

EVENTS

Meeting
Gawain overthrows

of Meljans of with army takes part in the tournament,

Lys;
and

Chrfttien:

Perceval

relates

the P"

with the diflerence that incident,

overcomes

Me\janx.

both Gawain

and

Mdiaaa. appeals

Introduction, line 1-16" This passage is somewhat be blamed be that the poet thinks he may possibly his chief hero, to follow the fortunes of Gawain ; and
to to his the plea of fidelity
source.

obscore. bat the meaning

for leaving the history of would
excuse

Panivall
c

himself for

so

Very
we

few of the would

now

romances

of this date can

term
a

be oonsiderei

works original re-statement, adhere

do
own as

in the sense
or

in which

employ that
it

re-combiningof traditional material, and

was

they were mostlya ta point of honow

free
to

in the march closely, Wolfram

of incident, to the originalform, though the poet was and contemporary has done, and introduce personal or allusions, the meaning of the tale. The
fact that

of interpreution those who

Wolfram

here
at

so

give hii strongly

of

blames poem

depart from

the traditional form

Chrfttien of having sinned a accuses specially stiong aigument of information. the theory that Chretien,and Chretien alone, was Wolfram's source against Gwchlmai (Welsh). In allthe earlier versions Page 19s. line 9" 'Gawain,' Gauvain (French). of the Grail story this knight plays PercevaL
course
a

of the story, and in this way, seems

the end

bis

part only secondary to that of the chief hero

Certain episodes of which

be is sole

hero, in Chrfttien

as

in Wolfram,

break

the

dose

has brought them of the Perceval story,though Wolfram; with considerable skill, into Chretien's oontinuators, too, connection with the main thread of the legend. With

important diaracter, he also visitsthe Grail Castle and failsto ask the question ; Diu version of the Grail legend, Kr6me, by Heinrich von Torlin, makes him It is noticeable that the chief hero, it is he who achieves the Quest and heals Anfortas.
Gawain
a

is an

and

German

none

of the earlier versions know

Wolfram

does

mention upon

the

former, but
as

anythingof either Lancelot or and only incidentally,

Galahad

as-Grail-sedcers ;
he
the

evidentlylooks
Round the Table.

Gawain

the typicalArthurian

throughout his poem knight, the pride and gloryof

to

It iscurious
an

that, though he feels himself compelled

elaborate defence for Kay, and
of blame for

for apologise

some

of

characters, to make
never

find
as

excuses

for Kondwiramur, is between his

the

Wolfram

has a word

Gawain,
and

and draws

strong
a

the contrast
to

morality and
of the former

that of Parzival, be certainly never

;
as

comparison

disadvantage
lot in

husband
to

of

Orgeluse

lord of the CbAteau

Merveil, Gawain's

life is brilliant enough

awaken

the envy

of Kay who

is jealousfor

King

Arthur's honour.

whole is an eloquent commentary in the poem the moral presentment of Gawain on of he which is teaching of the original Arthurian the oldest legend, representative. Later compilers seem to have felt this,and as the legend graduallybecame ecclesiasticised, the form and assumed of a religious the original heroes of the story were so romance,
'

The

322

PARZIVAL

life of mouth, we hsve a glimpse of the home and in the words put into LipiMbit's child, In Wolfram refers to his of personalfeeling. WilUkalm^ the poet, and an expression a lludes their to children, wajs^ and throughouthis poems he frequently dolls, daughter's and their amusements. appear
to so

However

much

advantage as
'
"

that may be, nowhere in this episode. Cf. Book shall th4
in 1203.
vi.

else in the poem

does

Gawain

Page 211, line 522 Page ai6, line 668"'

of Erfurt

ParnvaV
new

p. z88, line 941. An allusion to the the traces

Even

etc. Erfurtvineyards,*

siege
as

by

the

Landgrave Herman

As

the poet

speaks of

of strife

this book of the Parzival must have been written not long after that date. beingyet visible, to what line Page 217, 715, and seq.^* The captiveBreton knights' It is doubtful relates here makes allusion. Chretien,in his Chevalier la Charrette, Wolfram romance of Arthur's knights by King Bagdemagus-Potdikonjonz, when the capture of some released by Lancelot. Wolfram to but theywere seems off carried Guinevere, Meljakanz did know a romance have known another version of the story, as he evidently dealingwith
the fate of Arthur's son,

of whom Ilioot,
to betoken

we
an

know

nothing. He
space,
a

refers to this at

length
calls it

in Book mentioned

xii,

Cltise seems

enclosed
a

ravine, Chi^ien

Le passage des pierres-^The Gampilon in the Gudrun.

was

fabulous beast of the dragon type, also Gawain

appear the

Page 218, line 733"*

Wolfram episodes.
as he personally, never

^^

RedKnigW
loses

It isworth

sightof bis
viii.

the that,throughout naticing if hero does Parzival not ; principal This is not the
case

does in this book, he is always alluded to in direct connection pp. 24a, 243. in

with

development of the story,e.g.. Book

where the Gawain
to theory

Chretien,
an

episodes are
account

elaborate

for

independent. Some entirely the importanceassigned to Gawain

critics have in this and

evolved

following

books,and maintain that Wolfram felt that while Parzival was a prey to spiritual doubt and despair, it was more artisticto keep him in the backgroundthan to make him the hero of a seriesof chivalrous adventures. The more probablesolution seems to be exactly the opposite, that Gawain the were introduced into the legend, viz., episodes already tliat Wolfram, or his source, feltit a flaw that they should have so little connection with the main thread i the story, and therefore conceived the idea of introducing the principal less it or hero, and, by keepinghim always more en Evidence,making to weave possible
'

the Gawain
on

adventures into the fabric of the its surface"

a

instead legend,

of

them leaving

an

cence excres-

perfectedby the connection of conception which was finally with both Parzival and Anfortas,thereby Gawain's lady-love, all the Orgeluse, bringing
differentelements of the tale into touch each
with the other.

BOOK

VIII

TRADITIONAL

EVENTS

Arrival of Gawain
care

at

castle ; committed

to"\

he makes lady to whom love; is I Chretien: Peredur. attacked by her people and defends himself f
of

with

chess-board.

The Perceval gi\es an account of an adventure with a lady and a chess-board of which Perceval is the hero, but the circumstances differ entirely, being similar to those of an episodefound in Gautier de Doulens and also in Peredur,

^11

NOTES
The 229, line z^-^*Askahn,* The name variant of Avalon.

323
of this

Page
of

name

cityin

Chretien
a

is Escavallon,

apparentlya
the Crusaders

in Wolfram

may

be either

mismiderstanding
to

French

original,or it is
time,
was

of that 230,
to

not impossible that Askalon, being well known purposelysubstituted for a similar sounding-title.

the

Page Veldeck,

line 26"' which

jEneas

and

Dido* We

An

allusion to the Mneid learn from line

Z2X

of Heinrich

von wa"

Wolfram

often refers.
vi.

that the writer

alreadydead.

Cf. note. Book

'
"

Mazadan Cf. Book Where I. p. 31, and reigned as Monarch* Page 230, line 41 is evidentlya confusion here between the fairy and her kingdom. Book IX. p. 263. There the name and later to have been transferred seems Fay-Morgan is,of course, the fairy-queen, who is caUed Morgan le Fay in Malory. Terre-de-la-schoie,given to Arthiu-'s sister, of the lady, is her kingdom ; the confusion probably arises from a in Book i. as the name

misunderstanding
are

of the

French
was
are

source.

We

find, on

p. 240,

that the mother

of

King
seen

Vergulacht, Fleurdamur,
first cousins, and
at Kanvoleis
we

sister to
meant to

Gamuret,
understand

consequently Parzival and

that Gawain,

Vergulacht
and

who,

as

lad, had

was (Book 11. p. 39), knows nothing cousin, though he evidently the supposed originof the Angevin race. on

Gamuret

struck by the
of the

king's likeness to his uncle

relationship ; cf. Appendix A

This is the
same

for notes

' such Not 23X, line 58 of Hartmann allusions to the Erec

Page

"

as von

in

Karid"V

longest of the
incident
as

many
iii.

Aue, and

refers to the

Book

p. 8z, cf. note

passage. ' varies greatlyin the Th" Margravine of Heitstein,* This name Page 232, line 106 and Bartsch give the reading in the text. The Margravine MSS., but both Lachmann
on
"

mentioned
1204.

is identified with the wife of Berchtold

von

Chamm

and

Vohburg,

who

died in

This line is curious as giving a very etc. Page 233, line 146"* Of my father'ssister^* puzzles. Gawain, of course, early instance of a play upon words familiar to us in modern simply states that he is his father's son,' and gives the queen no information whatever
'

as

to

his birth.
234, line that did shechanceon chess-men* etc. It should some 181, and seq, \At length often of a very large size,and would chess-men, in the Middle Ages, were
"

Page
be noted

form
these

no

despicable weapons.
ten

In Chretien's other
are

version of the
and

incident he specially speaks of hard

as
a

times

larger than plays

a

chess-men,
of not

of very
occurrence

ivory.

Adventures

in

which

chess-board

part

Page 234, line 190"' The neighbourhood of Eschenbach

held

Burger maids
;

infrequent of Tollensteiu,* Tollensteinis a town kind of Carnival the allusion is evidentlyto some
in which
women

in the Grail romances. in the

there.
and

Mock German

Tournaments,
poems. The

took

part,

are

often

sports alluded to in old

French
mere

point of the allusion evidentlyis that they fought for

in defence of her guest, and battle bade him.* her action is therefore held

sport,
more

fought while^Antikonie
221
'
"

the

praiseworthy.
The

Page 235, line

note.

knight
a

who

to

Cf. Book

vi.

p. 184 and

Page
named

236,

line

257

'
"

With It
seems

lance-thrust

by Ekun"t*
Wolfram This told us*

Ekun"t
derived

has

been

already
Wolfram

in Book

ill. p. 99.
"

doubtful

whence

this incident.

Page 238, line 316

names

'As

Kiot

himselfhath
his poem.
a

is the first time

the

source

whence

he drew

It has already been noted

as
no

in the Introduction

that the existence of this Kiot is

us,

matter

of debate, his
name.

and apparently
IX.

no

other writer mentions

with Book Parzival and

of the MS. p. 262, where the nature the Grail is stated. It certainly seems

down of his has come to poem This passage should be compared the story of in which Kiot found

clear that Wolfram

had

source

of

324
Information olKor thui
erents

PARZIVAL
of Chretien de

the poem

Troyes ;

his other

statements and
we

as

to not

con-

temporary
him

and

contemporary

literature are

perfectlyaccnrate,

do

find

feignednames inventing
to

for other

mireasonable

coodnde,

simplybecause

somewhat writers of the day ; it therefore seems know we nothing of Kiot's work, that WoUxam

inventing an elaborate fiction. The fiurt passages, is,to put it mildly, obtained of the great popularity by Chretien's version of the Grail legend is quite enough other or reason (very of a version which, for some for the disappearance to account
here, and
in other
had failed to attract the popular fancy. of the Grail), pcobably iu curious account of wouldst be,* An allusion to the jEnad Titrmus tktm line 363"' fain Page 240, If Tranics for cowardice, and is answered Heinrich von Veldeck. where Turnus reproaches in much the same strain as Liddamus answers KingrimurseL This passage to line 398 is he I line should a Wolfhart r Page 940, 387"' Nay, why t he allusion to the great German the an Niehelungenlied, various lays composing epic, this about whole which seem and welded into a literary into order been have to brought the f rom received varies time. Wolfram's G"nther the of cook's slightly to version appeal text and

probably represents an older form.

341, line 407"'
von

Page
Dietrich he wever,

Sihech nier

drew
were

sword.*

This is

an

allusion to

the

story of

Berne, parts of which Sibech, who

seems

incorporated in the
be

Niehelmngenlied,where,
was
as

this specialincident is not

of Rome
;

to

found.
have been

Ermenrich
as
a

uncle

to

Dietrich

and

EmperOr

to

faithless
course

he was

injury,counselled avenge a i"ersonal ruin of himself and his people.

the

Emperor

to

which

cowardly, to brought about the

xii., is

Page
the
and
luune

34a, line 45a"' The of a tree, this proper is

wood
name

Lahtamreis,'
seems

Tamreis.
combined

as

we

find firom Book

tobe

from

Lteh, old French

/""near,

tamreis

(tamarisk?).The
a

incident ; which

this Parzival. Cfardtien has not knight is, of course, superior skill in controllingthe thread of his proof of Wolfram's Schoie-de-la-Kurt:
and of the death

story.

Page 345, line 541"'^/

the account
of this venttu-e,

Cf. note

to

Book

ill., where

we

find

of Gorzgrei, son

of Gurnemanz.

Gandelus

is the brother of Schionatulander, Sigun"'s love.

his pathway voend* It is a very curious must To the Grail Page a47, line 597 both in this poem and in that of Chretien, that the Grail Quest, undertaken feature, by allusion to it, Gawain, is allowed to drop into oblivion. Wolfram more only makes one
'
"

Book
and
an

XI., and

Chretien

apparently ignores it altogether. In other

the

versions

of the

"tory,
is

notablyin Chretien's continuators. important feature. It is true that

of the Gawain
source

achievement

of the Grail Quest by Gawain

olT

Chretien's
that those
as a

portion of the Conte breaks

who

short
no

before the end other

episode, and point by

to

maintain

that Wolfram

had

than

Chretien

this

proof of their theory, urging that

have

had

Chretien
and

finished the poem

he would

undoubtedly
at

brought
to

Gawain

to

Monsalv"scfa,

that

Wolfi-am,
Chretien

deserted

his source

this point, carried

the Gawain

Quest

no

further. But it must

followed

be noted with

that Wolfram,

who. according
no

this theory, has

at

hitherto

remarkable

shows fidelity, into touch

embarrassment

the loss of his

guide, but, by bringing Gawain

promptly

thoroughlycoherent
features,with
solution appears source, wherein form.
not

and

harmonious

manner,

in a with Parzival. finishes his poem his conclusion agreeing, in certain peculiar
to

his Introduction, which,

to be that both Chretien

also, is unknown
and

Chretien.

The
a

simplest
oommoa

Wolfram
in

were
an

in

possessionof

the Gawain

episodes
Chretien's

were

points out only fails to agree with

Mr.

Nutt

that the Gawain

presented Quest, as

incompleteand

abbreviated

related

by Chretien's continuators,
also presents features
more

commencement,

but

archaic than those of the Perceval Quest.

NOTES

325

BOOK

IX

TRADITIONAL

EVENTS

Hero him for

meets

with

pilgrimswho
on

bearing arms
to
a

Good

direct

him

hermit, who
absolution. line 25.

reproach^ Friday, and (^ Cbr"tien points out his

sins and

gives him
to

Peredur

Perceval.

Introduction
"

This

Frau

Aventiure,' is peculiarto Wolfram.

spirited opening, with its invocation of the embodied The entire episodeis much treated more briefly

with the pilgrims,and has neither the in contact by Chretien,who brings his hero at once with the combat with Grail the meeting Sigun^ nor knight. Frau Aventiure, of the story and of the This is a personification Page 251, line 5 Grimm (A7. Sx-hr, i. 83-112) claims that we have here a spiritof romantic story-telling.
'
' '
"

survival

of the

instinct which. personifying The is

a

led the

northern
over

daughter of Odin.
or

word

itself is simply taken

the

from

poets to French

make
romance

'Saga'
where

dist tAventure of the

standing initial formula,

in which
"

A venture

exactly renders
vi.

the

ntaere

opening quatrain of

NieMungenlied,

[A.N.]
p. 187. pp. 137 and 144,
v.

Cf. Book Kondrie, to find the Grail.* Page 251, line 6"* Wkam Page 252, line 34"* The sword that Anfortasgave him.' Cf. Book and
note.

Page 252, line

with the other
entrance now,
romances.

47

*
"

Schionatulander
a

and

Sigrm/.*

This

is Parzival's third interview

her in this poem than in

his cousin, who

has The

much

more

important role assigned to

hero meets

into the
to previous

world, Book
his interview
and been

her at every important crisis in his life ; on his first iii. p. 79 ; after his visit to the Grail Castle, Book v. p. 141 ; with the hermit ; and finally, in Book after he has won xvi.
to

the Grail kingdom

lover.

reunited

his wife, he finds her dead, and

on

buries

her with her

Sigun^'s parentage
with

is fully given The

p. 274

of this book.

the knights of the peculiarityof Wolfram's poem. described in the as Nothing at all answering to the Grail kingdom and its organisation, of this The introduction be found elsewhere. chosen is spiritual knighthood, to Parzival, intended as a contrast vowed t d celibacy, seems exceptions, by Heaven, and, with special and lax of the ideal morality portrayed in worldly chivalry with, and protest against,

Page 257, line 204"'

the

Templar bold*

This

identification of

Grail

Templars (Templeisen) is

marked

Arthur's source?

court.

Are

we

to

attribute this feature of the poem

value Wolfram

to

Wolfram

himself

or

to
seems

his

Judging

from

the

placed upon

to fidelity

tradition it

to introduce as such scarcely probable that he would have departedso far from his model have of the poetwe element into the story ; nor and new any trace striking entirely an French knight'sconnection with the order of Templars ; out if the writer of the admitted an Angevin, who had been in the East during the Angevin rule in Jerusalem, was source the freedom with which the to judge from is easily explained. Certainly, the connection does not seem Kiot to have been hai)ipcred introduction to the story has been handled, with an undue respect for the traditional form of the legend. line vzy^* Nor L"helein^ nor Kingrisein, etc* Kingrisein is the father of Page 258, King Gramo* VerguUcht, supposed to have been slain by Gawain, cf. Book viii. p. 240.
' '

flanz plays an Book

III.

important part in the poem

from

Book

xii.

onward.

Qcunt Laskoit,

cf.

p. 99.

336
Page 258,line
to

PARZIVAL
230, and stq. in Book vi. p.
"

'

Ome

monUmg
The

the

ground

was

snouhckuL*

Cf
.

referaioe

spring

snow

i6a

pilgrim train

met

by

Parzival
ten

differs in tfie
mss.

versions.
one

The

Montpellier MS.
'

of Cbr^en

knightand

Wolfram's twentyladies.
"

has three knightsand account is more natural

ladies ; other
more

and of the

poeticaL
ChrfiticB passage
;

Page 259, line 263 is longer and conceived

Dost

tMou
a

mean

Him,
'

tie*

The

address

knightin

in quite

different spirit

It contains

one

remarkable

ciems, a speakingof the Crucifixion the knight says : Lifol Juis-^^on devroii tuer commte of love and charity 'Wolfram's out of keeping with the spirit speech entirely characterising Old Knight, and Hermit. The German for the wide is,throughout, remarkable poem of tolerance displayedtowards those outside the Christian pale; note, e"g,. Bode L spirit and especially the character of Feirefis as depicted in the two closing books of the work. The religious teaching in this ninth book is not only fuller than in Chretien, bat seems based on a much of the individnal clearer realisation of the position soul towards its The elementarytruths of Christianity much Creator. are stated, and display a more folly with the theological speculations of the day which renders them familiarity peculiarij There is Chrfttien Wolfi:am in to the fine speeches which no interesting. either, parallel, lacks the dignity The whole episodem the French poem puts into the mouth of his bera and impressiveness which stamp it in the German version ; it is in this book^ and in the of Parzival's boyhood, that Wolfram's account genius tooiches its highest point, poetical and his superiority to Chretien is most seen. clearly Book v. p. 151. Page 261, line 33/"' Towards Fontaine Sauvagt,* etc. Ct

Page a6i, line 34B"

'

Kiot: this
to
m

Cf. note

to

Book

viii.

It is noticeable

that there

is

so

correspondingpassage
the CoHte du Graal
the poem.

to

Chrfitien ; the Chretien's

is due

of the Grail mystery given in explanation in the later part of and occurs continuators, will be noted the The
a

Page 26a, line 359"' Fltgetanis* A curious contradiction

lines above
and
we

here.
the

few

read

that

no a

heathen heathen

skill could
who

have revealed of them. Christianise

mysteriesof
whole

Grail.
of the

it was yet apparently

a

firstwrote

account

the Grail reads like

not-too*sucoessful

attempt

to

purelypagan legend"

Page 263, line 383"' And

note
on

Mazadan,
of Anjou,

Book
save

House
how

Ireland, etc,* Cf. Appendix A and Nevertheless,the connection of the Grail race with the through Herzeleide's marriage with Gamuret, is nowhere stated, nor
in Britain, France, and
viii.

Titurel

was

descended

from

Mazadan,

the ancestor Wolfram

alike of Arthur
to

and

of Gamuret.

Page 265. line 465"-' The

here ; during the Middle
use

altar and

shrine*

Ages, a shrine, or reUquaiy, was

correct absolutely appears placed on the altar,the generally

be

of

cross

was

of

ecclesiastical in his details than

comparatively late date. It is curious that Chretien, otherwise more Wolfram, has missed the characteristic feature of the
other

stripped altar;
Hermit, and

on

the

hand,

he

notes

that

Perceval
passes
on

spends Easter
over

with

the

receives the Sacrament, odd

to find

while Wolfram

Easter
Good

without

menticm.

(Itis rather
Talmudic

Chretien's Hermit
*

saying Mass

Friday I )
names are

Page 267, line

531

"

Ashtaroth,*

Bartsch

says that these

derived

from

tradition ; Belcimon

Baal of the Chaldeans.

being Baal-Schemen, a god of the Syrians ; Belet, the Rhadamant is,of course, the Greek ruler of the under*world.
'
"

When Page 267, line 533, and seq, connected creation of man was directly

Lucifer
with
cause

and

his

angels*
was

The

belief that the

was

the fall of the rebel angels and effect sometimes

though
of the curious earth
was
a
'

the relation of the two

as

the
to

widevery spread, of reverse the

source

that stated here.

None

of the editions of the Panival which

give a direct reference

riddling' passage
one

follows, but the theoryof the maidenhood

writers.
*

of the

favourite

with Mediaeval
the

Page 268, line 572" /'/a A" and

Sibyls,

A curious

proof of the belief of the Mediaeval

NOTES
Church
the Dies

327
found
in

in the
Ira
:

Christian

nature

of the

Sibylline propheciesis
Ilia,
ta

the first line of

'

Dies Ine, Dies Solvet saeclum Teste David

favilla

cum

Sibylla.'

is

The account The GraiL* of the Grail givenby Wolfram 615, and seq, does it frOm which oiher down has come to account as startling, differing every Wolfram knows whatever vessel the us. the traditional Last of of evidently nothing Supper/ though the fact that the virtue of the stone is renewed Friday by a every Good J/cst brought from Heaven idea of a connection to indicate that he had seems some between Lord. the Grail and the Passion of our Various theories have been suggested
"
"

Page

270, line

most

'

to

account

for the choice that itarose the Grail

as

of

precious stone
a

as

the

Sacred

talisman

; Birch

Hirschfeld

maintains

from entirely follows

:
'

of misunderstanding

Chretien's text, the French

poet

describing

De

fin or

esmeree

estoit ;

avott pressieuses El graal,de maintes manieres, Des plus rices et des plus cieres Qui el mont u en ttere soient.'

Pieres

But

how

Wolfram,

who, in other instances appears

to

have

understood

his French

source

to represent an with many correctly,here came object of gold, adorned precious stones, as does it be not noted that And this importance assigned to a precious stone, must appear. the jewel of Anflis^, the From a jewel is not out of keeping with the rest of the poem.

ruby

crown

of

Belakan^, and

the diamond

helmet

of Eisenhart
in the
cannot
armour

in the first book, to the long

list of

stones preciotis

adorning the couch

of Wolfram's in two

of Anfortas

last,the
be

constant

mention

of in

jewelsis a
Chretien.
the

distinct feature

version, and

by anything paralleled
xv.,

Moreover,
of Anfortas The
them.

other instances, viz. the

of Feirefis in Book

and

buted attrialready mentioned, mysticaland strengthening are powers MSS. vary in their spelling of the stone, giving Lapis, Lapsit, exilix or erillis ; and it is impossible to identify the stone of the Grail with Jaspis, exillis, fact all that Wolfram the The alone of writt;rs known of this cycle gives this jewel any in his sotirce than to a genuine version of the legend, seems to point rather to a pectiliarity tradition of the originof the Grail-myth. In any case it is most probable that the responsibility
to

couch

for the statement

rests

with

the author

of Wolfram's

French

source

rather than

with

Wolfram

himself,
271,

Page
with

line

665"' Tkey
he

who

took

no

part in
that

tke

This conflict.*
xvi.

account

of the

contradicted neutral angels is partially

by

Trevrezent he

in Book
had

view during his last interorder

a

Parzival, when

openly

admits

spoken untruly in
introduces

to induce

Parzival to

giveup

his Quest
*

for the Grail aim

This

contradiction

good deal of

is the moral of the poem. uncertaintyas really The white dove I see on its housing.* This, the badge of the Page 273, line 711 Those Grail knights,is peculiar to the German familiar with Wagner's Parsifal poem. that the dove and the swan will not need to be reminded are representedby him as the
to what
"

sacred

birds

of the Grail.

The
thou

connection
son

with

the

swan

will be found

in Book

xvi.

Page 273, line 737"' O

between

of uncle and nephew of my sister.' The relationship the hermit and the hero of the Quest obtains in most of the versions. The relationship with the wounded sometimes he is the hero's grandfather. king varies, 274, line

Page

759"* Thou
dream

wast

the becut that

hung*

etc.

Cf.

Book

IL

p. 58.

This

incident of the mother's

is peculiar to Wolfram.

328

PARZIVAL

She Book xvi. Cf. Book v. p. 135 and Page a74. line 771^*^1^011"" A SckoU: marries Feirefis, Parshral's half-brother. finally Page 375. line 785" '^ik/ if levt ike Grail King seekttk. This explanation of the and of Anfortas as the punishment of unlawful love is peculiar is in wound to Wolfram, of the legend. of his treatment In the with the superior accordance depth and spirituality tried The various remedies in battle or accidentally. other versions the king is wounded skill of the Middle for the wound, related on pp. 376, 277, give a curious idea of the surgical The dralWn from a mixture of Oriental and classical sources. in names Ages, and seem various serpents, with the exception of line 830 are derived from the Greek, and signify Ecidemon, which we learn in Book xv. was an animal greatlyfeared by snakes, perhaps the Ichneumon.
von

The

reference

to

iEneas

and

the

Sibylis from

the

Aimid

of

Heinrieb

Veldeck. The is well known, legend of the pelican

a

and
was

the unicorn, its love for

maiden, spotless
has been

the firstpart of the passage referring to Mediaeval a widespread fiction of the

under
as

times, but the assertkMi that tfiecarbuncle

to

is found

the unioom's
to

horn

seems

peculiar

Wolfram,
On p. a8i

and

illustnues what

said above

his

employment

of predoos

stoneSb
we

find

full account

Page 378. line 867"' A

the

king by
Mr.

means

of

knight questionput by

should

of the influence of the planetsupon the wound. This promised healing of to thi casiU.* conu the hero is
a

marked

'

folk-lore

'

feature of tbe
a

tale.

Nutt

the well-known

visit to

points out in bis Studies that in the Grail legend we distinct formulas a magic castle influenced by two

have

version
to

of

familiar

lore folk-

students, (a)where the object of the hero is to avenge the death, or wounding, of a relative" the Feud-quest ; (b)to release the inhabitants of the castle from an enchantment with the first (peiiiaps lance seems The bleeding to be connected "the un-spelling quest
also the sword, but its employment both is difficultto know of the
derve

in Wolfram

and

Chretien

is

so

enigmatic
The
:
'

that

it

what

import to
;
'

attach to

the questionwith it),

tbe second. with the Grail

'

form Whom

differs here question

in all the other versions itis connected

they with
a

the Grail ?

uncle?' of

Birch Hirschfeld

with the wounded Here, directly king, What aileth thee, mine that the question was 'harmless invention' maintains,first, a

predecessor of Chretien's (thus ignoring the archaic character of the incident); of the Grail, was Chretien's account secondly,that Wolfram, having misunderstood ally naturtinctly disquestion seems compelled to invent a fresh question. Of the two. Wolfram's of a simple youth like to occur to the mind the more natural, and the more likely
Parzival ; and
the he has also made much
'

better
a
'

use

of the incident.

It is Parzival's "ailime in

of spirit

in the love due charity,

as

man

to

men,' that eonstitutes the sin of the omitted

as charity

question. Mr. Nutt well remarks that that makes token of spiritual perfection
Page 383, line 1038
"

It is the insistence upon the grandeur of Wolfram's

the herald

and

poem.*

ruler,' Here we be without have the germ of the a related Book well-known in We learn from this passage xvi. that story of Lohengrin, mission was isolated instance, but a part of the office of the Grail knights. no Lohengrin's Wolfram's
man,

*Ifa land

whole
used

presentment
the

of the Grail

kingdom,
an

as

won

by

an

act

of love to

fellowin tone,

and

for the benefit of others, offers

to

modem not only curiously ideal, which

we

but in Grail

contrast striking
romances.

of spiritual selfishness glorification

find in other
save

Elsewhere, the aim

of the achiever of the Quest is purely to

his

oum

soul, and, the task accomplished, he passes away leaving the world none If we look at the concluding lines of the poem. Book xvj., we his work.
Wolfram had

the

better for

shall find that

quite a different idea of

"

man's wooed

duty

to the

world

of his day.

Page 383, line 1045 Page 384. line 1070"

*King
The

Kastis

Herteltide*

account

of Trevresent*s

ii. p. 48. is wanderings curious,as it mizc" up

Cf. Book

Printed by T. and A. Constablk,

at

Printers

to

Her

Bfajesty

the Edinburgh Univerdty Frtat

Works

on

Celtic

Philology
OK SOLD BY

and

Antiquities

PUBUSHBD

DAVID

NUTT,

270

STRAND.

WAIFS

AND

STRAYS

OF

CELTIC
Archibald

TRADITION.
Campbell.

Series initiated and directed by Lo"D

Demy 8vo" cloth"

ARGYLLSHIRS
.

SERIES

VOLUME

CRAIGNISH
Collected Celts

TALES.
; and

by

the

Rev.

J.

MacDougall

Notes

on

the War

Dress

of the

by

Lord

Archibald

Campbell,

xvi,98 pages.
n.

20

plates. 1889. 5s.

VOLUME

FOLK

AND

HERO

TALES.

and Translated by the Rev. D. MacInnes Edited (inGaelic), a : with Collectea, Study on the Development of the Ossianic Saga, and copious Notes by Alfred and Two Illustrations by NuTT. Portrait of Campbell of Islay, xxiv, 497 pages. E. Grisbt. 189a 15s.
VOLUME in.

FOLK

AND

HERO

TALES.
and

Collected, Edited
MacDougall
; with

(in Gaelic), Translated,

an

Annotated

by
Three

the

Rev.

J.

Introduction Ooth.

by
los.

Alfred 6d.

Nutt,

and

Illustrations

by

E. Griset.

330 pages.

VOLUME

IV.

THE West
Collected Rev.
Alfred

FIANS: of Fionn MacCtimha" and the Fiaas.

Translated

Trmditions Hig^hland

during the past forty years.

Campbell 8vo.

Edited

and (in Gaelic)

by

the

J.

G.

Nutt.

and of Tiree ; with Introduction Cloth, ics. 6d. 300 pages.

Notes Bibliographical

by

BESIDE
IRISH OABLIO

THE
FOLK Annotated

FIRE.
STORIBS.

Collected,Edited, Translated,and
Additional Notes

by

Douglas pages.

Hyde,
Cloth.

M.A.; with
7s. 6d.

by

Alfred
THE IRISH

Nutt.
printed

8vo.
IN

Iviii, 203
IRISH

CHARACTER.