Shall hearken many a marvel1 ere the tale to an end be wrought2
Let the son of Gamuret ride forth3, and all ye good folk and true
Wish him well, for bitter sorrow this hero hereafter knew,
Tho’ honour and joy should crown him—And sorely his heart did grieve5
That the wife he loved so dearly he now for a space must leave.
For the mouth never read of woman, and never hath tale been told
Of a fairer wife and truer, and his heart did she captive hold,
And his spirit so high was troubled by thoughts of his wife and queen—
Had courage not been his birthright he had lost it ere this, I ween!10
O’er rock and marshy5 moorland, with loosened reins6 the steed
Dashed free, the rider thought not to guide or check its speed.
Of a truth the venture telleth, so far did he ride that day
E’en a bird had been outwearied, and its flight were fain to stay.
An the tale hath not betrayed me, no further the knight8 did fare15
When Ither he slew9, or from Graharz rode swift unto Pelrap?r.
Now hear ye what chanced unto him; he came at the close of day
To a water fair, and upon it many boats at anchor lay,
And the fishers were lords of the water; to the shore did they lie so near
That e’en as they saw him riding his question they well might hear.20
And one he saw in a vessel10 all clad in such royal pride
Scarce richer had been his vesture were he lord of the world so wide;
Of peacock’s plumes11 his head-gear—Then the knight to the Fisher spake
And he prayed him for knighthood’s bidding, and he prayed him for God’s dear sake,
To help him unto a shelter where he might thro’ the night hours rest.25
And the Fisher sad he answered in this wise the stranger guest;
And he quoth, ‘Nay12, Sir Knight, I know not for full thirty miles around,
By land alike or water, where dwelling13 may yet be found
Save one house, I would bid thee seek it, for it lieth in sooth anear,
Thro’ the livelong day wert thou riding none other thou findest here.30
Ride there to the high cliff’s ending, then turn thee to thy right hand
Until to the moat thou comest, and thy charger perforce must stand;
Then bid thou the castle warder to let the drawbridge fall
And open to thee the portals, then ride thou unto the hall.’
Then he did as the Fisher bade him, and leave would he courteous14 pray,35
But he quoth, ‘I myself will thine host be, an thou fail not to find the way,
Be thy thanks then as is our tendance—As thou ridest around the hill
Have a care lest the wood mislead thee, such mischance would but please me ill.’
Then Parzival turned his bridle15, and gaily16 he took his way,
Nor missed he the path till before him the moat of the castle lay;40
And the drawbridge was raised, and the fortress17 it lacked not for strength I trow,
As a turner with skill had wrought them stood the turrets19 in goodly row.
But with wings, or on winds of heaven uplifted, might ye have won
To that Burg, an a foeman stormed it little harm he methinks had done.
And so strong were the towers and the palace that its folk they had held the hall45
And mocked at the foe20, if all armies thirty years long beset21 the wall.
Then a squire22 looked forth from the castle, of the knight was he well aware,
And he asked whence he came? and wherefore he thought to their Burg to fare?
And Parzival spake, ”Tis the Fisher who hath bidden me ride to thee,
With all courtesy have I thanked him for the shelter he proffered25 free,50
’Tis his will that the bridge be lowered, and I ride here the Burg within.’
‘Sir Knight thou shalt here be welcome, and thy way to the Burg shalt win
Since the Fisher so spake—And honour would we shew unto thee his guest!’
Then the squire he let fall the drawbridge, for so was their lord’s behest.
So the hero came to the fortress, to a courtyard so broad and wide,55
By knightly26 sports untrodden—Nor oft would they Tourneys ride,
(By short green turf was it covered) and but seldom with banners bright
As on Abenberg’s field did they ride there, as fitting for gallant27 knight.
’Twas long since they might disport28 them in such pastimes of warlike skill,
For sorrow lay heavy on them, and mirth it beseemed them ill.60
But little the guest should rue4 that, for knights29 both old and young,
They welcomed him with all honour, and swift to his bridle sprung.
And pages of noble breeding laid their hands on his bridle rein7,
And others would hold his stirrup as the knight to dismount was fain.
And the knights they prayed him enter, and they led him where he might rest,65
And with ready hands and skilful30 of his armour31 they freed the guest,
And they looked on the beardless hero, and they saw his face so fair,
And they spake, of a truth Good Fortune and blessing32 should be his share.
Then he bade them to bring him water, and the rust33-stains he washed away
From face and hands, and they saw him as the light of a second day,70
So he sat in all eyes lovely—Then a mantle34 rich they brought
Of silk of Araby fashioned, and flaw therein was there naught35;
And he laid it around his shoulder, that hero so fair and bright,
But the clasp did he leave unfastened, and with one voice they praised the knight.
‘Repanse de Schoie, our lady and queen, did this mantle bear,’75
Quoth the chamberlain, ‘She hath lent it while fit robes they for thee prepare.
And I feared not this boon37 to ask her since it seemeth sure to me
That a gallant man and faithful, Sir Knight, thou shalt prove to be!’
‘God reward thee who lookest on me with such true and trusting heart,
Methinks, an thou seest rightly, Good Fortune shall be my part,80
Yet I wot well such gifts come only from the power of God on high.’
Then gladly they pledged the hero, and in honour and loyalty38
They who sorrowed with him were joyful39; far more had they there, I ween,
Than at Pelrap?r, when his right hand their shelter from grief had been!
Then sadly he thought, as his harness the squires40 on one side would bear,85
That in knightly joust41 and Tourney he here might find little share.
Then one to the host would call him, and fast came his words and free,
And boldly he spake to the stranger, yea, e’en as in wrath42 might be.
With his life had he nigh paid forfeit43 to Parzival’s youthful pride,
For he laid his hand to his sword-hilt—When he found it not by his side90
Then he clenched44 his fist so tightly that the clasp rung the blood-drops red
From beneath his nails, and crimson45 to the sleeve of his robe they spread.
‘Nay, nay,’ quoth the knights, ‘be not wrathful, for fain would he make us smile,
He hath licence to jest, and with jesting our sadness would he beguile47.
Show thy courtesy here towards him, nor be wroth for a foolish word,95
That the Fisher hath come to the castle, naught else shalt thou here have heard.
Now do thou to our lord betake thee, here art thou an honoured guest,
And the load of thy heavy anger be banished49 from off thy breast.’
To the palace hall they gat them, where a hundred crowns hung low
With many a taper50 laden51; round the walls shone the tapers52’ glow.100
And beneath stood a hundred couches, with a hundred cushions fair,
And each of these goodly couches four knights should between them share.
And betwixt each twain of the couches an open space was found,
And before each there lay a carpet of cunning work fashioned round.
Thereto had he wealth in plenty, King Frimutel’s son and heir:105
And one thing had they not forgotten, nor their gold did they think to spare,
For within the hall were builded three hearths55 of marble rare,
With skill and wisdom fashioned, and each hearth54 stood four-square,
And the wood was Lignum aloe, and so great a fire, I ween,
Ne’er hath burnt on the hearth at Wildberg—Such things have aye costly56 been.110
And the host had bid them lay him on a costly folding bed
‘Fore the central hearth; and gladness from before his face had fled,
And his life was but a dying—Parzival the hero fair
In the hall found kindly57 welcome from him who had sent him there.
Then his host bade him stand no longer, but be seated his couch anear,115
‘Yea, here by my side, didst thou seat thee yet further from me, I fear
’Twere treating thee as a stranger’—In this wise to his gallant guest
Spake the host thus rich in sorrow, whose heart was by grief opprest.
And the host he craved58 thro’ his sickness great fires, and warm robes would wear
Both wide and long, and with sable59 were they lined and garnished60 fair.120
And the poorest skin was costly, and black was its hue61 and grey;
And a cap of the self-same fashioned he wore on his head that day,
’Twas within and without of sable, with bands of Arabian gold
Wrought around, and a flashing ruby62 in the centre might all behold63.
Now many brave knights they sat there, and grief passed their face before,125
For a squire sprang swift thro’ the doorway64, and a lance in his hand he bore,
(And thus did he wake their weeping) from the point did the blood run fast
Adown to the hand of the holder65 till ’twas lost in his sleeve at last.
And then thro’ the lofty palace was weeping and wailing66 sore,
The folk of thirty kingdoms could scarce have bemoaned67 them more.130
And thus to each of the four walls with the lance in his hand he drew,
Till he reached once again the doorway, and passed him the portal thro’.
And stilled was the lamentation68, and the grief that this folk must know
When the squire bare the lance before them, and thus bade them to think on woe69.
(An here ye be not outwearied I gladly would tell the tale,135
How the feast in this Burg was ordered, for in courtesy naught did fail.)
At the end of the hall a doorway of steel did they open fair,
And two noble children entered—Now hearken what guise70 they bare,
An a knight for love would serve them, with love they his task might pay,
Two fair and gracious maidens71 as e’er man might woo were they.140
And each wore on her hair loose flowing, a chaplet of blossoms bound
With silken band, beneath it their tresses sought the ground.
And the hand of each maiden72 carried a candlestick all of gold,
And every golden socket73 did a burning taper hold.
Nor would I forget the raiment these gentle maidens ware23,145
For one was Tenabroc’s countess, ruddy-brown was her robe so fair,
And the self-same garb74 wore the maiden who beside the countess paced,
And with girdles rich and costly were they girt round each slender waist.
And behind them there came a Duchess and her fellow; of ivory white
Two stools they bare, and glowing their lips e’en as fire is bright.150
Then they bowed, the four, and bending, the stools ‘fore the host they laid,
Nor was aught to their service lacking, but fitly their part they played.
Then they stood all four together, and their faces were fair to see,
And the vesture of each fair maiden was like to the other three.
Now see how they followed swiftly, fair maidens twice told four,155
And this was I ween their office, four tapers tall they bore;
Nor the others deemed too heavy the weight of a precious stone,
And by day the sun shone thro’ it, and as Jacinth its name is known.
’Twas long and broad, and for lightness had they fashioned it fair and meet
To serve at will for a table where a wealthy host might eat.160
And straight to the host they stepped them, and they bowed their fair heads low,
And four laid the costly table on the ivory white as snow,
The stools they had placed aforetime—and courteous they turned aside,
And there by their four companions stood the eight in their maiden pride.
And green were the robes of these maidens, green as grass in the month of May,165
Of Samite in Assagog woven, and long and wide were they.
At the waist were they girt with a girdle, narrow, and long, and fair,
And each of these gentle maidens ware a wreath on her shining hair.
Now Iwan, the Count of Nonel, and Jernis, the lord of Reil,
To the Grail were their daughters summoned from many a distant mile.170
And they came, these two princesses, in raiment wondrous75 fair,
And two keen-edged knives, a marvel, on cloths did those maidens bear.
Of silver white and shining were they wrought with such cunning skill,
And so sharp, that methinks their edges e’en steel might they cut at will.
And maidens four went before them, for this should their office be175
To bear lights before the silver; four children from falsehood free.
Six maidens in all they entered and took thro’ the hall their way,
Now hearken, and I will tell ye the service they did that day.
They bowed, and the twain who carried the silver they laid it low
On the Jacinth, and courteous turning to the first twelve in order go.180
And now, have I counted rightly, here shall eighteen maidens stand;
And lo! see six more come hither in vesture from distant lands,
Half their robes were of silk, gold inwoven, half of silk of Nineveh bright,
For both they and the six before them, parti-coloured their robes of light.
And last of those maids a maiden, o’er the others was she the queen,185
So fair her face that they thought them ’twas the morning’s dawn, I ween!
And they saw her clad in raiment of Pfellel of Araby,
And she bare aloft on a cushion of verdant76 Achmardi
Root and blossom of Paradise garden, that thing which men call ‘The Grail,’
The crown of all earthly wishes, fair fulness that ne’er shall fail!190
Repanse de Schoie did they call her, in whose hands the Grail might lie,
By the Grail Itself elected was she to this office high.
And they who would here do service, those maids must be pure of heart,
And true in life, nor falsehood shall have in their dealings part.
And lights both rare and costly before the Grail they bore195
Six glasses tall, transparent—and wondrous balsam’s store
Burnt within with a strange sweet perfume; with measured steps they came,
And the queen bowed low with the maidens who bare the balsam’s flame.
Then this maiden free from falsehood, the Grail on the Jacinth laid,
And Parzival looked upon her, and thought of the royal maid200
Elect to such high office, whose mantle he needs must wear.
Then the seven courteous turned them to the eighteen maidens fair,
And the noblest they placed in the centre, and twelve on either side
They stood, but the crownèd maiden no beauty with hers had vied!
And as many knights as were seated around that palace hall,205
So to each four was there a server, with golden beaker tall,
And a page so fair to look on who bare a napkin white—
Riches enow, I trow me, had ye seen in the hall that night!
And they bare there a hundred tables, at each table four knights would eat,
And swiftly they spread them over with coverings fair and meet.210
The host himself took water, and heavy at heart was he,
And Parzival, too, he washed him, for so should the custom be.
A silken towel, bright coloured, a count’s son would proffer24 fair,
Swift to the guest he gat him, and knelt low before him there.
And wherever there stood a table there four squires were ready dight215
To serve the four who sat there, and their service they knew aright,
For twain would carve, low kneeling, and twain to the knights would bear
Of food and drink as needful, and thus for their wants would care.
Now hearken ye greater riches—on wheelèd cars were rolled
To every knight in order, fair vessels77 of wroughten gold,220
And four knights set them on the tables, and with each ye a steward78 might see
To aid them, and claim the vessels when the feast at an end should be.
Now hearken another marvel—to a hundred squires they spake,
And they bade them in fair white napkins the bread from the Grail to take.
And straightway they went, and to each knight at each table the bread they bare;225
As I heard so I tell unto ye, and the truth ye, each one, shall swear,
’Twas the Grail Itself that fed them, and before the Grail did stand
What of food or drink desiring, each one might stretch forth his hand.
(Would I here betray another then in sooth ye shall lie with me)
Food warm or cold, or dishes that known or unknown shall be,230
Food wild or tame—Such riches ye never on earth shall find,
So many have said, yet I think me that folly79 doth rule their mind—
For the Grail was the crown of blessing, the fulness of earth’s delight,
And Its joys I right well may liken to the glories of Heaven’s height!
Then they brought in small golden vessels that which every man should need235
Of sauces, or salt, or pepper—would one sparely or fully80 feed,
Yet each found enough—and courteous they bare to each noble guest;
And red wine and sweet drinks luscious81, each one as he liked him best
Might speak the word, and proffer the cup, and behold! ’twas filled
By the power of the Grail—Thus the hunger of that gallant host was stilled,240
And the Grail Itself sustained them, and Parzival wondering saw
The riches and mighty82 marvels83, yet to question his host forbore.
And he thought, ‘Gurnemanz he bade me, in truth, without thought of guile48,
To withhold84 my lips from question—If here I abide85 awhile
Methinks it will then befall me as aforetime in Graharz land,245
They will tell me, without my question, how here with this folk it stands.’
Then e’en as he sat thus musing87 came a squire who a sword did bear,
And its sheath was a thousand marks’ worth, and its hilt was a ruby rare,
And the blade, it might well work wonders—Then the host gave it to the knight,
And he spake, ‘I full oft have borne it in many a deadly fight250
Ere God’s Hand thus sorely smote88 me; now with this shalt thou be repaid
If aught hath in care been lacking—Henceforth shalt thou bear this blade
Whatever chance befall thee, and when thou its power hast tried
Thou wilt89 know thou art fully armèd, whatever strife90 betide.’
Ah! woe to the guest that asked not, I am sorrowful for his sake,255
When his hand clasped the sword ’twas a token that his silence he well might break.
For the host too my heart is heavy, thus tortured by nameless woe,
And a question therefrom had freed him, yet to question his guest was slow.
But now the feast was ended, who the vessels hither bore
Again to their task they turn them, and they bear them forth once more.260
The cars again they circle; each maid to her task was fain
From last to first; the noblest she turned to the Grail again,
To host and guest all-courteous the queen and her maidens bend,
What they brought they once more would bear forth thro’ the door at the high hall’s end.
And Parzival he gazed after, and lo! thro’ the open door265
Within an outer chamber36, on a folding couch he saw
The fairest of old men ancient whom ever his eyes had seen,
Grey was he as mists of morning—Nor o’er rash is the tale, I ween,
Who he was shalt thou know hereafter, when a fitting time shall be,
The host, his Burg, and his kingdom, yea, all will I name to ye,270
And all shall be clear and in order, no halting my tale shall know;
Methinks that I then shall show ye the bowstring without the bow.
’Tis a symbol good, the bowstring, for swift as ye deem the bow,
Yet the shaft91 that the bowstring speedeth findeth swifter its aim, I trow!
And not without thought I said it, for the string, it seemeth me,275
Is like to the simple story wherewith men well-pleased shall be;
For it goeth straight to its ending, while he who aside shall stray,
Tho’ his goal at last he reacheth findeth all too long his way.
When unbent the bow thou sawest, then straight was, I ween, the string,
From the straight line thou erst must draw it, ere the shaft to its goal may wing.280
But he who his story aimeth at the ear of a fool shall find
His shaft go astray, for no dwelling it findeth within his mind.
Too wide is the road, I think me, and that which he chance to hear
Ere yet he may know the meaning flies out at the other ear.
Far rather at home I ‘ld bide86 me than in such ears my story tell,285
A beast, or a stock, I think me, as a hearer would serve as well.
But further I fain would tell ye of this people so full of woe
To whom he had come, our hero, glad song might they seldom know,
Or sound of dance or of Tourney; so heavy were they at heart
That never a thought of gladness might find in their life a part,290
And oft shall the folk be fewer yet of joy shall have fuller share,
But here every nook was crowded, nor space in the court to spare.
The host to his guest spake kindly, ‘Methinks they thy couch have spread,
Art thou weary? then list my counsel, and get thee, my guest, to bed.’
(Now here might I raise my war-cry at the parting betwixt the twain,295
For I wot well that bitter sorrow each must from the venture gain.)
To the side of his host he stepped him, Parzival the fair of face,
And the Fisher a fair night wished him—Then the knights stepped each from his place,
And a part drew near towards him, and they led the stranger guest
Straightway to a sleeping chamber, and goodly should be his rest.300
’Twas richly decked for his honour, and the couch it was spread so fair
That my poverty sorely grieves me since the earth doth such riches bear.
And that bed knew, I ween, no lacking, and a rich silk above it lay,
Bright-coloured its hue, and glowing as tho’ fire-light did on it play;
Then Parzival prayed the heroes to get them again to rest,305
For he saw there but one couch only, and they passed hence at his behest.
But he lacked not for other service—His fair face and tapers light
Gave challenge unto each other—What day e’er might shine so bright?
And before his couch was another, thereon would he take his seat
While pages drew them nearer, and proffered him service meet.310
And they bared his white feet comely92, and they laid his robes aside,
And of noble birth were these children, and fair in their youthful pride.
Then there passed thro’ the open doorway four maidens fair and bright,
They would know if they well had served him, and if soft lay the stranger knight.
And so the venture telleth, a squire a taper bare315
Before each gentle maiden—Parzival, that hero fair,
Sprang swift to his couch; then the maidens with gentle voice they spake,
‘Sir Knight, we fain would pray thee for our sake awhile to wake’—
Yet as children sport with each other had he hidden him from their sight
Ere yet they might hear his greeting, yet their eyes had found swift delight,320
And their heart’s desire was quickened at the sight of his red lips’ glow
That for youth were as yet unhidden, for no hair did upon them grow.
Now hear what they bare, these maidens, three in their hands so white
Brought syrups93 sweet, and red wine, and the fourth, that maiden bright,
Bare fruit that e’erwhile had ripened94 in the garden of Paradise325
On a cloth fair and white, and she knelt low before him that maiden wise,
And he bade her sit, but she answered, ‘Nay, Sir Knight, so is it best
For else were I sure unworthy to serve such a gallant guest.’
Then he drank and would eat a little, and he spake to them soft and sweet,
And he laid him adown, and the maidens craved leave of him as was meet.330
Then down on the costly carpet the squires set the tapers bright
When they saw that he slept, and swiftly they gat from the gallant knight.
Yet Parzival lay not lonely, for until the dawn of day
Heart-sorrow would lie beside him, nor passed with the dawn away.
And every coming anguish95 its heralds96 before would speed,335
E’en so that the fair youth’s vision out-weighed e’en his mother’s need
When she dreamed ere the death of her husband. As a carpet unrolled his dream,
The centre of fair jousts97 woven, while the edge was with swords agleam.
And in slumber98 his foemen pressed him, and would swiftly upon him ride;
So fearful his dream that, wakened, thirty times had he rather died.340
Thus fear and unrest awoke him, and the sweat streamed from every limb;
The daylight shone fair thro’ the windows, yet no voice had called on him.
Then he spake, ‘Where are now the pages, who stood before me of late?
Who shall hand unto me my garments?’ Then awhile would he patient wait
Till slumber again o’ercame him; none spake, none aloud would cry,345
Vanished the folk—When he wakened the noon-tide sun was high.
Then he sprang up, and lo! before him on the carpet his harness lay,
And two swords, his host’s gift, and the other from Prince Ither he bare away.
Then he spake to himself, ‘Now wherefore was this done? I these arms will take,
In sleep I such anguish suffered, methinks that I surely wake350
To-day to some task of knighthood—If mine host doth some foeman fear
Then his will will I do right gladly, and faithful her prayer will hear
Who of true heart this mantle lent me—If my service she think to take
Then I were for such service joyful; yet not for her sweet love’s sake,
For my wife hath a face as lovely as ever this castle’s queen,355
Nay more, an the truth be spoken she is fairer far I ween!’
Then he did e’en as seemed him fitting, and he armed himself for fight
From foot to head, and beside him he girded those swords of might.
Then forth went the gallant hero, and his steed to the palace stair
Was bound, shield and spear stood by it, and he joyed as he found them there.360
Then ere Parzival, the hero, his charger would mount again,
He sought thro’ many a chamber, and he called on the folk amain,
But none might he see or hearken, and it vexed99 the knight full sore,
And wrathful he grew—Yet seeking, the hero he came once more
To where he at eve dismounted when first he the castle found,365
And the earth and grass were trampled100, and the dew brushed from off the ground.
Then, shouting, he turned, the young knight, once more to his charger good,
And with bitter words he mounted—Wide open the gateway101 stood,
And the track led across the threshold; nor longer he thought to stay
But he turned his rein, and swiftly to the drawbridge he made his way,370
But a hidden hand drew the rope taut102, and the forepart it rose on high
And well-nigh had his charger fallen, then he turned him right speedily
For fain would he ask the meaning, but the squire cried aloud in scorn,
‘Goose that thou art, ride onward103, to the sun’s hate hast thou been born!
Thy mouth hadst thou thought to open, of these wonders hadst asked thine host,375
Great fame had been thine—But I tell thee now hast thou this fair chance lost!’
Then the guest cried aloud for his meaning, but answer he ne’er might win,
For the squire made as if he slumbered104, and the portal he barred within.
Too early for peace his parting, and the hour it hath brought him woe,
And he payeth in joy the tribute, nor longer may gladness know;380
And doubled the throw of sorrow since here he had found the Grail,
With his eyes, not his hand, had he cast it, and dice105 to the throw should fail.
If by grief he be now awakened106 such was never his wont107 of yore,
For naught had he known but gladness, nor sorrow of heart he bore.
On the track that he saw before him would Parzival ride apace,385
And he thought, ‘They who go before me to-day will a foeman face
And fight for their master’s honour; an they knew it, their ring of might
Methinks would be little weakened if I in their ranks should fight!
I would waver not, but would aid them whate’er be their need to-day,
Thus my bread would I earn, and this fair sword, the gift of my host, repay,390
Undeserved as yet do I bear it—Sure they hold me for coward knight!’
Then he turned him, the free from falsehood, where the hoof-tracks still met his sight,
(And sorely I rue his parting—Now the venture doth grow apace,)
They had parted who rode before him, and their track he might scarcely trace,
What aforetime was broad waxed narrow till he lost it nor found it more395
And tidings he heard, the hero, that wrought to him sorrow sore.
For the young knight, rich in courage, heard a woman’s voice make moan.
(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
Embalmed108 did she lifeless hold him who living had been her knight.400
Were there one who saw her sorrow and mourned not for her bitter woe
Then false of heart must I hold him, one who true love might never know!
Then he turned his steed towards her, tho’ as yet unknown was she,
(Tho’ the child of his mother’s sister)—As the wind that fleeteth free
Is all earthly faith to her true love—Then Parzival greeting spake,405
‘Lady, methinks that sorrow I must bear for thy sorrow’s sake,
An thou needst in aught my service, would it free thee from further ill,
Then look thou on me as thy servant, thy grief were I fain to still!’
Then sadly her thanks she bade him, and asked him, ‘Whence camest thou here?
He were ill-advised who his journey should take thro’ this woodland drear.410
To them who know not its pathways great evil might here betide.
Yea, oft have I seen and hearkened how men in this wood have died,
For death was in strife their portion—Turn hence then, thou gallant knight,
An thou lovest life—Yet tell me in what shelter didst pass the night?’
‘But a mile from here stands a castle, there I thro’ the night abode,415
And naught have I seen like its riches, from thence in short space I rode.’
Then the maiden she looked upon him, and she spake, ‘Now, methinks, ’twere ill
With falsehood to thus betray them who trust thee with right goodwill109.
From thy shield art thou here a stranger, and canst naught but woods have found,
An here thou hast ta’en thy journey from planted and builded ground,420
For thirty miles round have they never, for a dwelling, hewn wood or stone,
Save but for one Burg, in this region that Burg it doth stand alone.
’Tis rich in all earthly riches, yet he who that castle fair
Would seek, he may never find it, tho’ many that quest shall dare.
Unawares must they chance upon it, for I wot in no other wise425
Shall that Burg and all that it holdeth be looked on by mortal eyes.
Sir Knight, thou hast never seen it; Monsalv?sch I ween its name,
Terre de Salv?sch the kingdom where its lord the crown may claim,
And Titurel once bequeathed it to his son King Frimutel,
So they called him, the dauntless hero; much fame to his portion fell,430
In a joust was he slain110 at Love’s bidding, and four children fair he left,
And three, they have store of riches, yet are they of joy bereft111.
And poor is the fourth, for penance112 hath he chosen this lot I trow,
Trevrezent is his name—Anfortas, his brother, hath grief enow,
He can neither stand, nor be seated, nor walk, but must aye recline,435
At Monsalv?sch he hath his dwelling, the head of that noble line.’
Then she spake, ‘If indeed thou camest to that folk who so sore doth mourn
Then perchance is their king releasèd from the burden he long hath borne?’
Out spake the Waleis, ‘I saw truly great marvels, and many a maid
Of beauty rare’—she knew him by his voice ere the words were said.440
And she quoth, ‘Now indeed I know thee, for in sooth art thou Parzival!
Didst thou see the mournful monarch113? Didst thou see the wondrous Grail?
Ah! tell me the joyful tidings, may his woe at last be stilled?
Well is thee that the blessèd journey thou hast ta’en, now shall earth be filled,
As far as the winds of heaven may blow, with thy fair renown;445
Naught on earth but shall do thee service, fulfilment each wish shall crown!’
Then Parzival spake in wonder, ‘Say, Lady, whence knowest thou me?’
And she answered, ‘I am that maiden who erewhile made her plaint to thee,
I am she who thy name first told thee, near of kin53 to that gracious queen
Thy mother, of all earth’s blossoms the fairest flower, I ween,450
Tho’ a flower that the dew ne’er nourished! May God reward thee well
Who didst truly mourn my hero who in knightly combat fell.
See, here in my arms I hold him, now think thou upon the woe
God hath laid for his sake upon me who too short a life must know;
Rich was he in all manly114 virtues115, his death it has wrought me pain,455
And day by day as it dawneth reneweth my plaint again!
‘Alas116! is it thou, Siguné? Say, where are thy lips so red
That gave me to wit so truly who I was? From thy youthful head
Have thy locks so brown and waving been shorn since I saw thee last;
Then wert thou still fair to look on, tho’ sorrow might hold thee fast,460
Now pale art thou waxed and feeble, such friendship, methinks with woe
Had vexed me too much, hear my counsel, and bury this dead knight low!’
Great tears bedewed her garments, for ne’er to that maiden fair
Had any given such counsel as Lunete to her lady bare.
(This rede did she give to her lady, ‘Let him live who thy lord hath slain,465
Thou shalt in his love hereafter amends117 for thy sorrow gain.’)
Not such was the will of Siguné, as maidens of wavering mind,
(On their names I had best keep silence) here the tale of true love ye’ll find.
Then she spake, ‘If joy e’er befall me that shall be when I know relief
Is his, who so long hath suffered, when is lightened his load of grief.470
If thro’ thee he hath found this succour then in truth shall all praise be thine;
Methinketh e’en now at thy girdle do I see his sword to shine—
If its magic spell thou knowest then to strife mayest thou fearless fare,
For its edge is keen—Its maker118 a noble name doth bear,
Trebuchet’s hand hath wrought it; by Karnant there flows a spring,475
And ’Lac‘ from the name of that streamlet methinks is he named, the king.
The sword will withstand the first blow, at the next it will break in twain,
An thou to these waters bring it from their flow ’twill be whole again.
Yet where at its source the streamlet flows forth from its rocky bed,
Shalt thou seek those healing waters ere the sun stand high overhead.480
Lac is the name of that fountain—If unsplintered shall be the blade
Then press thou its halves together, from the waters shall it be made,
Not whole alone, but stronger the blade and the edge shall grow,
Nor their brightness and fair adorning119 be dimmed by the water’s flow.
Yet a spell thou first must master, ere thou draw that sword of might,485
Thou hast left it behind, I fear me! Hast thou learnt its words aright,
Then in truth all earthly blessings120 shall blossom and bear for thee—
Believe me, dear my cousin, what of marvels thou there couldst see,
To thine hand shall they all do service; the crown of blessings fair
Uplifted o’er all earth’s noblest henceforward thine head shall bear.490
And thine is desire’s fulfilment, and none with thy wealth and might
May measure himself, if the question hath won at thy lips its right!’
Then he quoth, ‘Nay, I asked no question!’ ‘Alas I’ cried the mournful maid,
‘That ever mine eyes have seen thee, who to question wast sore afraid!
Such marvels they there have shown thee, yet no word might they win from thee,495
When thou sawest the Grail, and those maidens who serve It, from falsehood free,
Fair Garschiloie, and yet fairer Repanse de Schoie the queen.
Thou hast seen the knives of silver, thou the bleeding spear hast seen—
Alas! wherefore hast thou sought me? Dishonoured121, accurst art thou
Who bearest wolf’s fang122 empoisoned! And deep in thine heart I trow500
Is it rooted, the plant of falsehood, and afresh doth it ever spring!
Thou shouldst have had pity on him, Anfortas, their host and king,
And have asked of his bitter sorrow, on whom God hath a wonder sped,
Now thou livest, and yet I tell thee to bliss123 art thou henceforth dead!’
Then he spake, ‘Nay, gentle cousin, show kindness to me I pray,505
If in aught I have sinned, repentance124 my sin sure shall put away!’
‘Little good may repentance do thee,’ quoth the maiden, ‘for well I know
That thy knightly fame and honour at Monsalv?sch were laid alow.
And never a further answer or word shalt thou win from me.’
Then Parzival turned his bridle and left her right mournfully.510
That his lips were so slow to question when he sat by the mournful king,
To the heart of the gallant hero must sorrow and rueing bring;
And thus thro’ his heavy trouble, and the heat of the summer’s day,
Great sweat-drops stood on his forehead as he rode on his lonely way.
For the sake of the air he loosened his helmet and visor band,515
And his face shone fair thro’ the iron-rust as he carried them in his hand.
Then he saw a fresh track, and before him short space did two horses fare,
A war-horse was one, well harnessed, but unshod was, I ween, the mare125,
And it bare on its back a woman—Behind her he took his way,
And he looked on her steed, to hunger o’er-long had it been a prey;520
Thro’ its skin might its ribs126 be counted, a halter of hemp127 its rein,
Its colour was white as an ermine, to the hoofs128 hung the untrimmed mane;
The eyeballs were sunk in the sockets129, the hollows were deep and wide,
And I ween that this lady’s palfrey by famine had oft been tried.
’Twas lean and dry as touchwood, ’twas a marvel it yet could go,525
For little should she who rode it of the care of a charger know.
Narrow and poor the trappings that lay on that charger’s back,
The saddle and bells were shattered, and much did the harness lack;
And the lady was sad, not joyful, and her girth was a hempen130 cord,
Yet, I ween, was her birth too noble in such guise to ride abroad.530
By twigs131 and thorny132 branches tattered133 her shift and torn,
And the rags had she knit together where’er it had been out-worn,
But beneath her skin gleamed spotless, white as the swan’s white wing;
And naught but rags was her clothing—where they might some shelter bring
There her skin was fair to look on, but elsewhere ’twas by sunburn dyed.535
Yet her lips were red, tho’ sorrow and want she must long abide,
And so glowing and bright their colour a fire had ye kindled134 there,
And where-e’er one would ride beside her on that side had ye found her bare.
Yet of base degree to hold her were to do her a wrong, I ween,
Tho’ little had she upon her, yet guiltless she aye had been—540
(Of your courtesy shall ye heed135 me, she forgot not her womanhood)
Of her poverty have I told ye, yet wherefore? If ye deem good
Then this will I say, that ragged136 and bare I this dame137 would take
O’er many a well-clad maiden, were it fitting my choice to make.
As Parzival bade her greeting, she saw him, and red she grew,545
Of all men was he the fairest, small marvel his face she knew.
Then she quoth, ‘Once before have I seen thee, great grief have I won thro’ thee:
God grant to thee greater honour than thou hast deserved from me!
Far other hath been my raiment when thou sawest me last, I wot,
Hadst thou ne’er in that hour come near me then honour were still my lot!’550
Then he spake, ‘Now bethink thee, Lady, who thus should thy hatred138 claim,
For never my hand, I think me, hath brought to a woman shame,
(So had I myself dishonoured) since ever I bare a shield,
Or thought upon deeds of knighthood, or hath striven in battle-field;
Yet else am I sad for thy sorrow!’ Then forth brake the tear-drops bright,555
And ran fast adown her bosom139, and over her breasts so white,
So fair, and so softly moulded, that never might turner’s skill,
Tho’ swiftly he wrought and rounded, his task in such wise fulfil.
And so lovely was she in her sorrow his heart was to pity fain,
And with hands and arms a cover from his glance did she strive to gain.560
Then Parzival spake, ‘Now, Lady, of true service from mocking free,
In God’s Name take thou here my surcoat, a covering ’twill be for thee.’
‘Nay, Sir Knight, I may never take it, e’en tho’ bliss I thereby140 should gain,
Ride swift on thy way, I pray thee, an thou wouldst not we both were slain;
Tho’ my death it would little grieve me, if I fear me, ’tis for thy sake!’565
‘Say, Lady, who thus would wrong us? Who thinketh our life to take?
’Twas God’s hand that gave it to us—Nay, were they an armèd host
Who here for our life were thirsting, I would face them nor fear the cost!’
Then she spake, ”Tis a dauntless hero, so gallant in strife is he
That heavy would be their labour if six should his foemen be;570
(I would thou wert not beside me) I aforetime his wife had been,
Yet so poor am I now and wretched, for his slave were I all too mean,
Thus his wrath doth he wreak141 upon me.’ To that lady he spake again,
‘Say, who rideth here with thy husband? For if I to fly were fain,
As here thou dost give me counsel, thyself sure wouldst deem it ill,575
Ere of flight I have learnt the lesson I would die with a right good will!’
Then out spake the Duchess sadly, ‘Alone with my lord I fare,
But yet that may little serve thee, nor shall victory be here thy share.’
And in rags was all her vesture, and naught but the hem18 untorn,
Yet the crown of woman’s honour in her poverty had she worn,580
And her ways were ways of goodness, and falsehood afar had fled—
Then he bound afresh his visor and the helmet upon his head
As one who to battle rideth—Then his charger aloft would rear,
It was ‘ware of the steed beside it, and its neigh rang out loud and clear;
And he who a space before them on the woodland way would ride,585
He hearkened the sound, and would see him who rode there by his lady’s side.
Then he turned his bridle wrathful by the side of the narrow way,
And with lance in rest for jousting142 Duke Orilus rode that day,
And manly, I ween, his bearing, from Gaheviess came his spear,
And weapon alike and harness of one colour were blazoned144 clear.590
His helmet, Trebuchet wrought it; the shield in distant Spain
Was welded fair for the hero, King Kailet in that land doth reign145,
And strong were the rim46 and the centre—In Alexandria’s city fair
Was the costly pfellel woven that for surcoat and coat he ware.
The covering of his charger at Tenabroc was it made595
Of rings of steel close welded—And thus he his pride displayed,
For over the iron cover lay a pfellel so fair to see,
And all men who saw bare witness that costly its worth must be—
And gorget, and greaves, and headgear, tho’ rich, yet their weight was light,
And many a plate of iron it guarded this gallant knight;600
In Beàlzenan was it fashioned, chief city of fair Anjou.
(But she who rode bare behind him far other her garb to view,
For in sooth might she find none better) from Soissons his breastplate came,
But he won his gallant charger from the far-off lake Brimbane,
In the mountains of Monsalv?sch—L?helein, his brother bold,605
In a joust o’erthrew the rider, and the steed as his prize would hold.
And Parzival too was ready—his charger in onward flight
‘Gainst Orilus of Lalande bare swiftly the gallant knight;
And he saw on his shield a dragon, yea, e’en as it were alive,
And another upon the helmet fast bounden did upward strive.610
And many small golden dragons on surcoat and robe he bare,
Enriched with many a jewel, and with red eyes of ruby fair.
From afar would they make their onslaught, these dauntless heroes twain,
No need to renounce146 their friendship, nor thro’ kinship from strife refrain,
Aloft flew the spears in splinters—Methinks I might vaunt me well615
If I such a joust had witnessed as here in this wood befell!
Thus they rode at swiftest gallop147 not one joust alone, I ween,
And Jeschuté at heart bare witness fairer jousting she ne’er had seen;
So she stood, and her hands she wrung148 them, this lady of joy bereft,
Nor harm did she wish to either, that one should be lifeless left.620
In sweat were they bathed, the chargers, and the knights they strove for fame,
And sparks sprang bright from the sword-blades, and forth from the helm flashed flame,
And the blows fell fierce and mighty, and far flashed the light of strife,
None were better than they in battle, and they met here for death or life,
And tho’ willing and swift the chargers that the heroes would here bestride,625
They forgot not their spurs, and their sword-blades bright-glancing they deftly149 plied150.
And Parzival won him honour, for here hath he rightly shown
How before a hundred dragons one man well might hold his own.
And ill did it fare with one dragon, and sore were its wounds that day,
’Twas the crest151 that aloft in glory on Orilus’ helmet lay,630
And so clear that the light shone thro’ them were the costly jewels bright
That fell when the helm was smitten152 by Parzival’s sword of might;
’Twas on horse, not afoot, that they fought thus—The love of her angry lord
Was won back again for Jeschuté by the play of the glittering sword.
Then they dashed again on each other so close that they smote away,635
With their knees, the rings of iron—So valiant153 in strife were they!
I will tell ye why one was wrathful; that his lady of royal race
Ere this had been shamed; her guardian154, from him might she look for grace;
Yet he deemed that with wandering fancy her heart from her lord had strayed,
And that she, in the love of another, her honour had lowly laid.640
And he would for such wrong have vengeance155, and his judgment156 on her was done
In such wise, save were death her portion no woman such woe had won,
And yet she in naught had wronged him—If his favour he would withhold,
What man e’er might think to hinder? For ever from days of old
The man hath power o’er the woman, the husband shall rule the wife.645
Yet Parzival the hero, he thought him to win with strife
For Jeschuté her husband’s favour—Methinks one should pray such grace
In courteous wise, but flattery it here found but little place.
And both they were right, I think me—He who ruleth the ways of life,
Or straight they may be or crooked157, ’twas His so to rule their strife650
That never to one nor the other the joust death for guerdon brought,
Harm enow had they done to each other the while they so fiercely fought.
Now hotter it waxed, the conflict, each hero would fain defend
His knightly fame ‘gainst the other; Duke Orilus of Lalande,
He fought with the skill and cunning his hand had learnt of yore,655
For I ween none like him had battled—he had courage and strength in war,
And therefore had he been victor on many a foughten field,
Tho’ other were here the ending—His foe would he force to yield;
And he threw his arms around him, the hero so proud and bold,
But Parzival, little daunted158, on his foeman made good his hold,660
And he drew him from off his saddle; as a sheaf from the field ye reap
So beneath his arm he swung him, and light from his horse did leap.
O’er a fallen tree he held him, for here was he overthrown159
Who never of need or peril160 such fortune before had known.
‘Now do penance for this thine anger that hath wrought to thy lady woe,665
An thy favour be yet withholden, then death shalt thou surely know!’
‘Nay, nay, not so swift,’ quoth his foeman, Duke Orilus of Lalande,
‘Tho’ o’erthrown, I am not so vanquished161 that I may not thy will withstand!’
Then Parzival, strong and valiant, his foeman he gripped amain,
And forth thro’ the visor gushing162 streamed the blood in a crimson rain,670
And the prince, I ween, was vanquished, he could win from him what he would,
To die was he all unwilling163, and he spake to the hero good,
‘Alas! thou bold knight dauntless, who evil on me hath sped,
Say how have I earned this peril, to lie here before thee, dead?’
Then Parzival quoth, ‘Right gladly, Sir Knight, will I let thee live,675
If favour and love to thy lady thou swearest again to give!’
‘That I will not! Her sin against me I trow all too great shall be.
Rich in honour she was; she hath injured herself, and she plungeth me,
Her lord, in yet deeper sorrow. In all else thy will I’ll heed,
An thou thinkest my life to leave me—’Twas God gave it me indeed,680
Now thine hand is become His servant, to give it to me anew,
And I to thy valour owe it’—In this wise spake the hero true:
‘For my life will I give fair ransom164, for kingdoms twain, I trow,
My brother with might hath won him, of riches he hath enow.
Thou shalt ask as it best may please thee: if from death thou wilt set me free,685
He loveth me, and will loose me whatever the cost may be.
And my Dukedom again as thy vassal165 will I take from thy valiant hand,
Thy fame it shall gain new lustre166, since I might not thy power withstand.
Now release me, thou hero dauntless, from forgiveness of her, my wife;
Whatever shall be for thine honour, by that will I buy my life,690
But with her, my dishonoured Duchess, at peace will I never be,
Nay, not for all pain or sorrow that shall otherwise fall to me!’
Quoth Parzival, ‘Folk or kingdoms, or riches or jewels rare,
All these they shall nothing profit—Thy pledge thou to me shalt swear
In naught to delay thy journey, but to haste thee to Brittany695
Where dwelleth a gentle maiden—One hath smitten her sore for me,
And I will on that man have vengeance, an his safety she shall not pray—
Thy pledge and my loyal service bear thou to that maid straightway,
Or here, without fail, I slay167 thee—To King Arthur and to his queen,
To both shalt thou bear my greeting; well paid hath my service been,700
If they for that blow ill-smitten the maiden do well entreat168.
But first will I see that thou givest to this lady thine homage169 meet,
And that without guile—Dost withstand me, and thinkest my will to dare,
On a bier, and no more on a charger, from hence shalt thou lifeless fare!
Now mark thou my words, for their doing a pledge shalt thou straightway give,705
And thy surety swear unto me, if longer thou fain wouldst live!’
To King Parzival spake his foeman, Duke Orilus, ‘Helpeth naught
‘Gainst this thy will, I will do it, for fain I my life had bought!’
In the fear for the life of her husband Jeschuté, that lady fair,
Mourned sore for his woe, yet the foemen to part might she little dare.710
Then Parzival bade him rise up, and speak to his lady bright
The words of peace and of pardon; and thus quoth the vanquished knight,
‘Lady, since this my shaming in strife hath been for thy sake,
So be it, the kiss of forgiveness from my lips shalt thou herewith take.
Thro’ thee have I lost much honour—What boots it? I pardon sware!’715
Then swift from her steed on the meadow sprang the lady with white limbs bare,
Tho’ the blood that ran from his nostrils170 had dyed his mouth with red,
Yet she kissed him e’en as he bade her, so was Parzival’s bidding sped.
Then the three rode on together till a hermit171’s cell they saw
In the rocky wall, and our hero his bridle was fain to draw;720
For he saw there a shrine172 so holy, and a spear with fair colours blent
Stood beside the shrine; ’twas the dwelling of the hermit Trevrezent.
There Parzival dealt with honour—On the relic173 an oath he sware,
Himself laid the oath upon him, and he spake and they hearkened fair;
‘If I have worth or valour, as ‘seemeth a gallant knight—725
If I have it or not let those witness who have looked on my shield in fight;
Yea, let them approve my knighthood, for knighthood’s power may claim,
As the shield-bearer oft shall tell us, high guerdon of praise and fame,
And the name of knight is honoured—My body to shame for aye
Will I give, and my fame and honour henceforth shall be put away;730
(With these words I my bliss would pledge here in the Hand that shall highest be,
And that Hand is God’s Hand, I think me)—All loss, bitter mockery,
In this life and the next be my portion from His power, if this lady fair
E’er did thee wrong when it chanced her that the clasp from her robe I tare—
(Of a token of gold I robbed her)—A fool and no man was I,735
Not yet had I waxed to wisdom—And sore did she weep thereby,
And anguish and grief she suffered; yea, guiltless was she that day—
And forfeit my bliss and mine honour if the words be not truth I say!
Now see, dost thou hold her guiltless thou shalt give her her ring again,
From the clasp I in such wise parted that my folly must bear the blame!’740
Then the Duke took the ring, and the blood-stains he wiped from his lips away,
And he kissed her, his heart’s best treasure—And a covering she won straightway;
The ring he placed on her finger, with his surcoat her shame would hide,
Tho’ hewn by the hand of hero, of rich silk was it fashioned wide.
But seldom in coat emblazoned mine eyes have a woman seen,745
And this one was marred174 in combat. No war-cry was hers, I ween,
That should summon the knights to Tourney, and never a spear she brake
Whatever her garb—In Tourney far better the part they’ld take,
Lambekein, methinks, and the good squire, if together they thought to fight—
But now was the lady pardoned, and her sorrow had taken flight.750
Quoth Orilus, ‘Now, thou hero, the oath thou didst freely swear,
Great joy and small grief hath brought me; tho’ shaming I needs must bear,
Yet gladness therefrom I win me—In all honour I will repay
This lady true for her sorrow when I put her in shame away.
And since all alone I left her she was guiltless did aught betide;755
Yet so did she speak of thy beauty, methought there was more beside.
But now may God reward thee, thou hast shown her from falsehood free,
I have done her a wrong—Thro’ the young wood have I ridden in search of thee
Afar from Briziljan’s forest.’ Then Parzival took the spear,
Wild Taurian, Dodine’s brother, erewhile had he left it here.760
Now say where the heroes rested, or how they would pass the night—
Helmet and shield had suffered, they were shattered and hewn in fight.
Then Parzival to the lady, and her husband, a farewell bade;
The Duke to his hearth would bid him, ’twas in vain howsoe’er he prayed.
So here, as the venture telleth, they parted, those heroes twain,765
And the Prince Orilus he sought him his pavilion and folk again.
And glad were his faithful people with one mind when at last they saw
Their lord and his gracious lady dwell in peace and in love once more.
Nor longer was there delaying, the Duke he aside would lay
His arms, and the rust and blood-stains from his face did he wash away;770
By her hand he led the Duchess where atonement he fain would make,
Weeping she lay beside him for joy, not for sorrow’s sake.
For such is the way of women, know ye not the saying well?
‘Tearful eyes make sweet lips,’ of such lore175 methinks I yet more might tell!
For Love knoweth joy as sorrow, and he who the twain would weigh775
In a balance shall find them equal an he testeth the scales alway!
At peace were they now, full surely, forthwith to the bath they went,
Twelve fair maidens they waited on her, with them had she shared her tent,
They had tended her since, all guiltless, the wrath of her love she bare;
(At night might she lie well covered, tho’ by day she ill-clad must fare)780
And joyful they bathed their lady—But now are ye fain to hear
How Orilus won him tidings that King Arthur would now draw near.
For thus spake a knight to his master, ‘On a grassy176 plain I saw
In fair and knightly order a thousand tents, yea, more,
For Arthur the noble monarch, the King of the Breton’s land785
With a wondrous fair host of maidens his court holdeth nigh at hand;
Methinks scarce a mile are they distant, nor shout of knights shall fail,
On either side Plimiz?l’s waters their camp lies adown the vale.’
Then the Duke in haste and gladness forth from his bath he stept—
Would ye know how she fared, Jeschuté? No longer the lady wept,790
But she went, the fair and gentle, from her bath to her couch straightway,
And far fairer, I ween, her garments than she ware for many a day.
And closely they clung together, the prince and the princess wise,
And Love came to the aid of gladness, and joy here hath won the prize.
Then the maidens they clad their lady, but the knights their lord’s armour brought,795
And much had ye praised the vesture of Jeschuté, ’twas fairly wrought
And birds caught in snares177 they brought them, on their couch did they sit the twain,
And joyful they ate; many kisses from her lord did Jeschuté gain!
Then they brought to the lovely lady a palfrey, so strong and fair,
’Twas bridled178, and richly saddled, and a lady right well might bear,800
And they lifted her to the saddle, with her brave lord she hence would ride;
But his charger was armed, as for battle the knight would his steed bestride,
And the sword he that morn had wielded179 hung the saddle-bow before.
Then from foot to head well armèd he came forth to his steed once more,
And there, where his lady waited, to the saddle he sprung, the knight,805
He would ride forth without delaying, with Jeschuté his lady bright.
But his folk should fare back to Lalande, save one knight who should show the way
To the camp and the court of King Arthur, so he counselled his folk that day.
Soon came they anear King Arthur, and his tents they right well espied180,
For the space of a mile they stretched them adown by the water’s side.810
The knight who had led him hither he bade to his folk repair,
No comrade he’ld have save Jeschuté, his lady so true and fair.
And Arthur, the brave and humble181, he sat where at eve he’ld eat,
On a plain with his vassals182 round him, in order due and meet.
Duke Orilus rode to their circle, and none might his blazon143 know,815
So hewn were both shield and helmet—’twas Parzival dealt such blow!
From his horse sprang the gallant hero, Jeschuté she held his rein;
Swift sprang the squires to aid them, and thronged183 close around the twain,
And they spake, ‘We will care for the horses,’—Orilus, on the grass he laid
His shield so marred and splintered, and he asked of the gracious maid820
For whose sake he had ridden thither184, and they showed him the lady’s seat,
Kunnewaaré she was of Lalande, and her mien185 for a maid was meet.
Then, armed, he drew near unto them—King and queen bade him welcome fair,
He thanked them, and to his sister his pledge was he fain to swear,
But the maiden, right well she knew him by the golden dragon’s shine,825
And she spake, ‘Thou art sure my brother, Orilus, or L?helein,
And pledge will I take from neither, for both of ye aye were fain
To render to me such service as I from your hands would gain.
I were dead to all truth and honour if I dealt with thee as a foe,
My courtesy sure were shamèd by my own hand, and laid alow.’830
Then the prince knelt before the maiden and he spake, ‘Thou the truth hath said,
I am Orilus thy brother; the Red Knight this oath hath laid
On me that my pledge I yield thee, for so must I buy my life,
Wilt thou take it, then have I done that which I sware after bitter strife.’
Then his pledge, who had borne the dragon, in her white hand the maid must take,835
And she set him free, and he rose up, and thus to his sister spake:
‘Now to sorrow shall faith constrain186 me, alas! who hath smitten thee?
The blows perforce must wound me—He who lusted187 thereto might see,
If this were the hour for vengeance, that grief I with thee must share;
And the bravest of men mourneth with me that ever a woman bare,840
He calleth himself the Red Knight—O king! he doth bid me greet
Both thee and the queen thy lady, he doth offer ye service meet,
As he fain would serve this my sister—His service ye will repay,
If ye kindly entreat this maiden that her shaming be put away.
And I, too, had fared far better at the hand of this dauntless knight,845
Had he known the maid for my sister, and her blows on my heart must light.’
Now Kay, he hath earned fresh hatred from all who would there abide,
Both knights and gentle ladies, by Plimiz?l’s flowing tide,
From Iofreit the son of Id?l, from Gawain, and the vanquished king
Klamidé, of whose sore peril I of yore unto ye would sing.850
And from many another hero whose names I right well had told,
But o’er-long would it be my story—So they thronged round the hero bold,
And, courteous, he took their service—his wife would they nearer bring,
She sat as yet on her palfrey, and they welcomed her, queen and king.
Then the women they kissed each other, and thus spake the king so true,855
‘Thy father, King Lac of Karnant, for a gallant man I knew,
For his sake I mourned thy sorrow when first men the tale did bear,
Methinks that thy lord should have spared thee for the sake of thy face so fair!
For the prize was thine at Kanedig thro’ the light of thy beauty’s ray,
And the hawk188 didst thou win for thy fairness, on thine hand did it ride away.860
If Orilus wrong hath done me, yet I wished unto thee no ill,
And never I liked his judgment; and so doth it please me still
To see thee restored to favour, and clad in these garments fair,
As fitting thy state, O Lady! since woe thou o’er-long didst bear.’
And she quoth, ‘Now may God reward thee, O Sire! for these words so true,865
That thy fame may wax the higher, and may blossom and bloom anew!’
Then Jeschuté and her husband, the twain, she took by the hand,
And forth from the circle led them, the maiden of fair Lalande.
And near to the royal pavilion, where a stream from the meadow sprung,
Stood her tent on the plain, and above it a wingèd dragon hung;870
Half an apple it held in its clutches, and four ropes did it draw on high,
E’en as if the tent it lifted, and aloft to the clouds would fly.
And Orilus thereby knew it, for the self-same arms he bare,
And beneath it would they disarm189 him—Then his sister so true and fair,
She gave him due care and honour, and the vassals, each one they spake,875
How the Red Knight’s valour dauntless would Fame for its comrade take.
As thus aloud men praised him, in Kingron’s ear spake Kay,
And he bade him do Orilus service—(Well he might, whom he thus did pray,
For oft had he done such service for Klamidé in Brandigan.)
And for this Kay would give his office to the hand of another man,880
His ill-star had bid him smite190 her, the prince’s sister fair,
So hard with his staff, ’twas fitting from their service he should forbear.
Nor pardon she found for his trespass191, this maiden of royal race;
But viands192 he sent, and Kingron, he set them before their face.
Kunnewaaré, the wise and gentle, with her slender hands and white,885
Would cut the food for her brother, at his side sat his lady bright.
And Jeschuté of Karnant bare her with courteous and comely mien,
And Arthur the King forgat not, for fain he the twain had seen,
And he came where they sat together, and ate with right friendly will,
And he spake, ‘Be good service lacking, then for sure it shall please me ill,890
For ne’er hath a host received ye, I trow, with a will so good,
And a heart so free from falsehood!’ And he spake in kindly mood,
‘My Lady Kunnewaaré, see thou well to this gallant knight,
And the blessing of God be on ye, and keep ye till morning light!’
Then Arthur to rest betook him, and a couch for the twain they spread,895
And till daylight in peace they slumbered, and sorrow afar had fled.
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收听单词发音
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1
marvel
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| vi.(at)惊叹vt.感到惊异；n.令人惊异的事 | |
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wrought
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| v.引起；以…原料制作；运转；adj.制造的 | |
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forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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rue
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| n.懊悔，芸香，后悔；v.后悔，悲伤，懊悔 | |
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marshy
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| adj.沼泽的 | |
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reins
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| 感情，激情； 缰( rein的名词复数 )； 控制手段； 掌管； （成人带着幼儿走路以防其走失时用的）保护带 | |
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rein
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| n.疆绳，统治，支配；vt.以僵绳控制，统治 | |
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knight
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| n.骑士，武士；爵士 | |
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slew
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| v.（使）旋转；n.大量，许多 | |
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vessel
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| n.船舶；容器，器皿；管，导管，血管 | |
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plumes
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| 羽毛( plume的名词复数 )； 羽毛饰； 羽毛状物； 升上空中的羽状物 | |
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nay
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| adv.不；n.反对票，投反对票者 | |
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dwelling
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| n.住宅，住所，寓所 | |
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14
courteous
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| adj.彬彬有礼的，客气的 | |
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bridle
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| n.笼头，束缚；vt.抑制，约束；动怒 | |
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gaily
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| adv.欢乐地，高兴地 | |
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fortress
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| n.堡垒，防御工事 | |
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hem
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| n.贴边，镶边；vt.缝贴边；(in)包围，限制 | |
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turrets
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| （六角）转台( turret的名词复数 )； （战舰和坦克等上的）转动炮塔； （摄影机等上的）镜头转台； （旧时攻城用的）塔车 | |
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20
foe
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| n.敌人，仇敌 | |
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beset
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| v.镶嵌；困扰，包围 | |
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squire
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| n.护卫, 侍从, 乡绅 | |
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ware
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| n.(常用复数)商品，货物 | |
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proffer
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| v.献出，赠送；n.提议，建议 | |
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proffered
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| v.提供，贡献，提出( proffer的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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26
knightly
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| adj. 骑士般的 adv. 骑士般地 | |
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27
gallant
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| adj.英勇的，豪侠的；(向女人)献殷勤的 | |
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disport
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| v.嬉戏，玩 | |
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29
knights
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| 骑士； （中古时代的）武士( knight的名词复数 )； 骑士； 爵士； （国际象棋中）马 | |
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30
skilful
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| (=skillful)adj.灵巧的，熟练的 | |
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31
armour
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| （=armor）n.盔甲；装甲部队 | |
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32
blessing
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| n.祈神赐福；祷告；祝福，祝愿 | |
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33
rust
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| n.锈；v.生锈；(脑子)衰退 | |
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34
mantle
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| n.斗篷，覆罩之物，罩子；v.罩住，覆盖，脸红 | |
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35
naught
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| n.无，零 [=nought] | |
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chamber
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| n.房间，寝室；会议厅；议院；会所 | |
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37
boon
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| n.恩赐，恩物，恩惠 | |
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38
loyalty
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| n.忠诚，忠心 | |
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39
joyful
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| adj.欢乐的，令人欢欣的 | |
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40
squires
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| n.地主，乡绅( squire的名词复数 ) | |
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41
joust
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| v.马上长枪比武，竞争 | |
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42
wrath
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| n.愤怒，愤慨，暴怒 | |
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43
forfeit
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| vt.丧失；n.罚金，罚款，没收物 | |
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44
clenched
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| v.紧握，抓紧，咬紧( clench的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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45
crimson
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| n./adj.深(绯)红色(的)；vi.脸变绯红色 | |
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46
rim
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| n.(圆物的)边，轮缘；边界 | |
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47
beguile
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| vt.欺骗，消遣 | |
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48
guile
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| n.诈术 | |
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49
banished
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| v.放逐，驱逐( banish的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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50
taper
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| n.小蜡烛，尖细，渐弱；adj.尖细的；v.逐渐变小 | |
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51
laden
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| adj.装满了的；充满了的；负了重担的；苦恼的 | |
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52
tapers
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| （长形物体的）逐渐变窄( taper的名词复数 )； 微弱的光； 极细的蜡烛 | |
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53
kin
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| n.家族，亲属，血缘关系；adj.亲属关系的，同类的 | |
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54
hearth
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| n.壁炉炉床，壁炉地面 | |
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55
hearths
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| 壁炉前的地板，炉床，壁炉边( hearth的名词复数 ) | |
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56
costly
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| adj.昂贵的，价值高的，豪华的 | |
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57
kindly
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| adj.和蔼的，温和的，爽快的；adv.温和地，亲切地 | |
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58
craved
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| 渴望，热望( crave的过去式 )； 恳求，请求 | |
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59
sable
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| n.黑貂；adj.黑色的 | |
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60
garnished
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| v.给（上餐桌的食物）加装饰( garnish的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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61
hue
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| n.色度；色调；样子 | |
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62
ruby
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| n.红宝石，红宝石色 | |
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63
behold
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| v.看，注视，看到 | |
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64
doorway
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| n.门口，(喻)入门；门路，途径 | |
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65
holder
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| n.持有者，占有者；(台，架等)支持物 | |
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66
wailing
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| v.哭叫，哀号( wail的现在分词 )；沱 | |
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67
bemoaned
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| v.为（某人或某事）抱怨( bemoan的过去式和过去分词 )；悲悼；为…恸哭；哀叹 | |
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68
lamentation
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| n.悲叹，哀悼 | |
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69
woe
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| n.悲哀，苦痛，不幸，困难；int.用来表达悲伤或惊慌 | |
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70
guise
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| n.外表，伪装的姿态 | |
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71
maidens
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| 处女( maiden的名词复数 )； 少女； 未婚女子； （板球运动）未得分的一轮投球 | |
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72
maiden
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| n.少女，处女；adj.未婚的，纯洁的，无经验的 | |
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73
socket
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| n.窝，穴，孔，插座，插口 | |
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74
garb
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| n.服装，装束 | |
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75
wondrous
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| adj.令人惊奇的，奇妙的；adv.惊人地；异乎寻常地；令人惊叹地 | |
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76
verdant
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| adj.翠绿的，青翠的，生疏的，不老练的 | |
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77
vessels
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| n.血管( vessel的名词复数 )；船；容器；（具有特殊品质或接受特殊品质的）人 | |
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78
steward
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| n.乘务员，服务员；看管人；膳食管理员 | |
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79
folly
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| n.愚笨，愚蠢，蠢事，蠢行，傻话 | |
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80
fully
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| adv.完全地，全部地，彻底地；充分地 | |
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81
luscious
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| adj.美味的；芬芳的；肉感的，引与性欲的 | |
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82
mighty
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| adj.强有力的；巨大的 | |
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83
marvels
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| n.奇迹( marvel的名词复数 )；令人惊奇的事物（或事例）；不平凡的成果；成就v.惊奇，对…感到惊奇( marvel的第三人称单数 ) | |
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84
withhold
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| v.拒绝，不给；使停止，阻挡 | |
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85
abide
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| vi.遵守；坚持；vt.忍受 | |
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86
bide
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| v.忍耐；等候；住 | |
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87
musing
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| n. 沉思，冥想 adj. 沉思的, 冥想的 动词muse的现在分词形式 | |
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88
smote
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| v.猛打，重击，打击( smite的过去式 ) | |
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89
wilt
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| v.(使)植物凋谢或枯萎；(指人)疲倦，衰弱 | |
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90
strife
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| n.争吵，冲突，倾轧，竞争 | |
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91
shaft
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| n.(工具的)柄，杆状物 | |
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92
comely
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| adj.漂亮的，合宜的 | |
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93
syrups
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| n.糖浆，糖汁( syrup的名词复数 )；糖浆类药品 | |
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94
ripened
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| v.成熟，使熟( ripen的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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95
anguish
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| n.(尤指心灵上的)极度痛苦，烦恼 | |
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96
heralds
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| n.使者( herald的名词复数 )；预报者；预兆；传令官v.预示( herald的第三人称单数 )；宣布（好或重要） | |
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97
jousts
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| （骑士）骑着马用长矛打斗( joust的名词复数 )； 格斗，竞争 | |
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98
slumber
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| n.睡眠，沉睡状态 | |
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99
vexed
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| adj.争论不休的；（指问题等）棘手的；争论不休的问题；烦恼的v.使烦恼( vex的过去式和过去分词 )；使苦恼；使生气；详细讨论 | |
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100
trampled
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| 踩( trample的过去式和过去分词 )； 践踏； 无视； 侵犯 | |
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101
gateway
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| n.大门口，出入口，途径，方法 | |
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102
taut
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| adj.拉紧的，绷紧的，紧张的 | |
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103
onward
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| adj.向前的，前进的；adv.向前，前进，在先 | |
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104
slumbered
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| 微睡，睡眠（slumber的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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105
dice
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| n.骰子；vt.把（食物）切成小方块，冒险 | |
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106
awakened
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| v.（使）醒( awaken的过去式和过去分词 )；（使）觉醒；弄醒；（使）意识到 | |
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107
wont
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| adj.习惯于；v.习惯；n.习惯 | |
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108
embalmed
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| adj.用防腐药物保存（尸体）的v.保存（尸体）不腐( embalm的过去式和过去分词 )；使不被遗忘；使充满香气 | |
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109
goodwill
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| n.善意，亲善，信誉，声誉 | |
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110
slain
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| 杀死，宰杀，杀戮( slay的过去分词 )； (slay的过去分词) | |
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111
bereft
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| adj.被剥夺的 | |
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112
penance
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| n.（赎罪的）惩罪 | |
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113
monarch
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| n.帝王，君主，最高统治者 | |
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114
manly
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| adj.有男子气概的；adv.男子般地，果断地 | |
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115
virtues
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| 美德( virtue的名词复数 )； 德行； 优点； 长处 | |
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116
alas
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| int.唉(表示悲伤、忧愁、恐惧等) | |
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117
amends
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| n. 赔偿 | |
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118
maker
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| n.制造者，制造商 | |
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119
adorning
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| 修饰，装饰物 | |
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120
blessings
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| n.（上帝的）祝福( blessing的名词复数 )；好事；福分；因祸得福 | |
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121
dishonoured
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| a.不光彩的，不名誉的 | |
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122
fang
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| n.尖牙，犬牙 | |
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123
bliss
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| n.狂喜，福佑，天赐的福 | |
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124
repentance
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| n.懊悔 | |
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125
mare
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| n.母马，母驴 | |
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126
ribs
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| n.肋骨( rib的名词复数 )；（船或屋顶等的）肋拱；肋骨状的东西；（织物的）凸条花纹 | |
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127
hemp
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| n.大麻；纤维 | |
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128
hoofs
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| n.（兽的）蹄，马蹄( hoof的名词复数 )v.（兽的）蹄，马蹄( hoof的第三人称单数 ) | |
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129
sockets
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| n.套接字，使应用程序能够读写与收发通讯协定(protocol)与资料的程序( Socket的名词复数 )；孔( socket的名词复数 )；（电器上的）插口；托座；凹穴 | |
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130
hempen
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| adj. 大麻制的, 大麻的 | |
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131
twigs
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| 细枝，嫩枝( twig的名词复数 ) | |
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132
thorny
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| adj.多刺的，棘手的 | |
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133
tattered
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| adj.破旧的，衣衫破的 | |
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134
kindled
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| （使某物）燃烧，着火( kindle的过去式和过去分词 )； 激起（感情等）； 发亮，放光 | |
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135
heed
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| v.注意，留意；n.注意，留心 | |
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136
ragged
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| adj.衣衫褴褛的，粗糙的，刺耳的 | |
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137
dame
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| n.女士 | |
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138
hatred
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| n.憎恶，憎恨，仇恨 | |
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139
bosom
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| n.胸，胸部；胸怀；内心；adj.亲密的 | |
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140
thereby
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| adv.因此，从而 | |
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141
wreak
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| v.发泄；报复 | |
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142
jousting
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| （骑士）骑马用长矛比武( joust的现在分词 ) | |
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143
blazon
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| n.纹章，装饰；精确描绘；v.广布；宣布 | |
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144
blazoned
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| v.广布( blazon的过去式和过去分词 )；宣布；夸示；装饰 | |
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145
reign
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| n.统治时期，统治，支配，盛行；v.占优势 | |
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146
renounce
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| v.放弃；拒绝承认，宣布与…断绝关系 | |
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147
gallop
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| v./n.(马或骑马等)飞奔；飞速发展 | |
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148
wrung
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| 绞( wring的过去式和过去分词 )； 握紧（尤指别人的手）； 把（湿衣服）拧干； 绞掉（水） | |
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149
deftly
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| adv.灵巧地，熟练地，敏捷地 | |
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150
plied
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| v.使用（工具）( ply的过去式和过去分词 )；经常供应（食物、饮料）；固定往来；经营生意 | |
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151
crest
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| n.顶点；饰章；羽冠；vt.达到顶点；vi.形成浪尖 | |
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152
smitten
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| 猛打，重击，打击( smite的过去分词 ) | |
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153
valiant
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| adj.勇敢的，英勇的；n.勇士，勇敢的人 | |
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154
guardian
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| n.监护人；守卫者，保护者 | |
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155
vengeance
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| n.报复，报仇，复仇 | |
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156
judgment
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| n.审判；判断力，识别力，看法，意见 | |
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157
crooked
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| adj.弯曲的；不诚实的，狡猾的，不正当的 | |
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158
daunted
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| 使（某人）气馁，威吓( daunt的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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159
overthrown
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| adj. 打翻的，推倒的，倾覆的 动词overthrow的过去分词 | |
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160
peril
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| n.(严重的)危险；危险的事物 | |
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161
vanquished
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| v.征服( vanquish的过去式和过去分词 )；战胜；克服；抑制 | |
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162
gushing
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| adj.迸出的；涌出的；喷出的；过分热情的v.喷，涌( gush的现在分词 )；滔滔不绝地说话 | |
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163
unwilling
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| adj.不情愿的 | |
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164
ransom
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| n.赎金，赎身；v.赎回，解救 | |
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165
vassal
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| n.附庸的；属下；adj.奴仆的 | |
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166
lustre
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| n.光亮，光泽；荣誉 | |
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167
slay
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| v.杀死，宰杀，杀戮 | |
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168
entreat
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| v.恳求，恳请 | |
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169
homage
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| n.尊敬，敬意，崇敬 | |
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170
nostrils
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| 鼻孔( nostril的名词复数 ) | |
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171
hermit
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| n.隐士，修道者；隐居 | |
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172
shrine
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| n.圣地，神龛，庙；v.将...置于神龛内，把...奉为神圣 | |
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173
relic
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| n.神圣的遗物，遗迹，纪念物 | |
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174
marred
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| adj. 被损毁, 污损的 | |
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175
lore
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| n.传说；学问，经验，知识 | |
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176
grassy
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| adj.盖满草的；长满草的 | |
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177
snares
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| n.陷阱( snare的名词复数 )；圈套；诱人遭受失败（丢脸、损失等）的东西；诱惑物v.用罗网捕捉，诱陷，陷害( snare的第三人称单数 ) | |
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178
bridled
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| 给…套龙头( bridle的过去式和过去分词 )； 控制； 昂首表示轻蔑（或怨忿等）； 动怒，生气 | |
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179
wielded
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| 手持着使用（武器、工具等）( wield的过去式和过去分词 )； 具有； 运用（权力）； 施加（影响） | |
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180
espied
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| v.看到( espy的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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181
humble
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| adj.谦卑的，恭顺的；地位低下的；v.降低，贬低 | |
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182
vassals
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| n.奴仆( vassal的名词复数 )；（封建时代）诸侯；从属者；下属 | |
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183
thronged
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| v.成群，挤满( throng的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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184
thither
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| adv.向那里；adj.在那边的，对岸的 | |
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185
mien
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| n.风采；态度 | |
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186
constrain
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| vt.限制，约束；克制，抑制 | |
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187
lusted
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| 贪求（lust的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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188
hawk
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| n.鹰，骗子；鹰派成员 | |
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189
disarm
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| v.解除武装，回复平常的编制，缓和 | |
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190
smite
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| v.重击；彻底击败；n.打；尝试；一点儿 | |
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191
trespass
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| n./v.侵犯，闯入私人领地 | |
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192
viands
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| n.食品，食物 | |
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