Since it wearied them naught1 in the hearing—Now my words I withhold2 no more,
But I give ye to wit full truly, as my mouth may the story tell,
The end of this wondrous3 venture for methinks it shall please ye well.
Ye shall know how the king, Anfortas, of his wound was made whole again—5
Of the queen doth the venture tell us, who in far Pelrap?r did reign5;
How she kept a pure heart and loyal till the day of her great reward,
And earth’s fairest crown was her guerdon at the hand of her faithful lord.
Ye shall hear the tale of its winning, if my skill fail me not alway;
Yet first must ye list the labour that Parzival wrought6 that day.10
Now, tho’ dauntless his hand had striven, but as children his foemen all,
And ne’er would I risk my hero might I rule that which shall befall.
I must sorrow sore for his peril8, and fain would I speak him free,
But now must I trust that Good Fortune the shield of his heart may be.
For purity, and high courage, side by side in his heart they lay,15
And ne’er had he cherished cowardice9, nor shrunk from the knightly11 fray12;
And I deem this shall surely give him such strength he his life may hold,
Since fierce strife13 draweth nigh unto him, and his foe7 is a hero bold.
For he meeteth a prince of battles who dauntless to strife doth ride,
And unbaptized was the foeman who rode here in his heathen pride.20
Full soon had he come, our hero, to a mighty14 woodland shade,
And without, in the light of the dawning, his armour15 a knight10 displayed.
’Twere a marvel16 could I, a poor man, of the riches now speak to ye
That the heathen he bare as his decking, so costly17 their worth should be.
If more than enough I told ye, yet more would be left to tell;25
Yet I would not his wealth were hidden—What of riches, I ween, shall dwell
In Bretagne alike and England, and be tribute to Arthur’s might,
They had paid not the stones that, shining, glowed fair on his armour bright.
His blazoned18 coat was costly, and naught but the truth I say,
Ruby19 and Chalcedony, ye had held them not fair that day.30
And bright as the sun was his vesture, on the mount of Agremontein,
In the glowing fires, Salamanders had welded that garment’s shine.
There jewels rare and precious, with never a fault or flaw,
Glowed dark and light; of their nature, I ween, I can tell no more!
His desire was for love’s rewarding, and the winning of high renown,35
He had won from the hands of fair women the jewels that his pride did crown.
For the favour Frau Minne showed him with joy did his proud heart beat,
And it swelled20 high with manly21 courage, as is for a lover meet.
As reward for his deeds of knighthood on his helmet a beast he bare,
Ecidemon, all poisonous serpents they must of its power beware,40
For of life and of strength doth it rob them, if they smell it but from afar—
Thopedissimonté, Assigarzionté, Thasmé, and Arabia,
They scarce of such silk might boast them as was covering for his steed—
He sought, that mighty heathen, in a woman’s love his meed,
And therefore he bravely decked him, and fain would his courage prove,45
And his manhood, it urged him onward22 to battle for sake of love.
Now the knight, so young and gallant23, in a haven24 beside the wood,
But little known, on the water had anchored his ships so good.
And his armies were five-and-twenty, and they knew not each other’s speech—
’Twas a token fair of his riches, and the lands that his power might reach,50
As the armies, so were the kingdoms that did service unto his hand—
And Moors25 and Saracens were they, and unlike was each warlike band,
And the hue26 of their skins was diverse—Thus gathered from lands afar
Ye might see in his mighty army strange weapons of heathen war.
So thus, in search of adventure, from his army this man would ride,55
In the woodland green he wandered, and waited what should betide.
And since thus it well doth please them, so let them ride, these kings,
Alone, in search of ventures, and the fair fame that combat brings.
Yet Parzival rode not lonely, methinks he had comrades twain,
Himself, and the lofty courage that lord o’er his soul did reign.60
And that he so bravely fought here might win from a woman praise,
If falsehood should not mislead her, that injustice27 should rule her ways.
So spurred they against each other, who were lambs in their purity,
Yet as lions were they bold and dauntless, ’twas a sight for a man to see!
Ah! woe28 is me for their meeting, for the world and its ways are wide,65
And they well might have spared each other, nor, guiltless, to battle ride.
I should sorrow for him whom I brought here, save my heart did this comfort hold,
That the Grail shall with strength endue29 him, and Love shelter the hero bold,
Since he was of the twain the servant, nor his heart ever wavering knew,
And ever his hand was ready to serve them with service true.70
My skill little wit doth give me this combat that here befell,
In fitting words and knightly, from beginning to end to tell.
But the eye of each flashed triumph as the coming foe he saw,
And the heart of each knight waxed joyful30, as they nearer to battle draw.
Yet sorrow, I ween, was nigh them, true hearts, from all falsehood free,75
And each bare the heart of the other, and should comrade and stranger be!
Nor may I asunder31 part them, the paynim and Christian32 knight,
Hatred33 they show to each other, tho’ no cause have they here for fight.
And methinks this of joy shall rob them, who, as true women, share their pain
Who risk their lives for a woman! May they part, ere one here be slain34!80
As the lion-cub, that its mother beareth dead, doth to life awake
At the aweful voice of its father, so these twain, as the spear-shafts break
Arouse to fresh life, and to honour, I ween, are they newly born,
For many a joust35 have they ridden and many a spear outworn.
Then they tighten36 the hanging bridle37, and they take to their aim good care,85
That each on the shield of the other, as he willeth, shall smite38 him fair.
And no point do they leave unguarded, and they give to their seat good heed39,
As men who are skilled in jousting40, and sharply each spurs his steed.
And bravely the joust was ridden, and each gorget asunder broke,
And the spears bent41 not, but in splinters they flew from each mighty stroke;90
And sore was he wroth, the heathen, that this man might his joust abide42,
For never a knight but had fallen who a course ‘gainst his spear would ride.
Think ye that their swords they wielded44 as their chargers together drew?
Yea, the combat was sharp and bitter, and each must give proof anew
Alike of his skill and his manhood—The strange beast, Ecidemon,95
Had many a wound, and beneath it the helmet sore blows had won;
And the horses were hot and wearied, and many new turns they tried—
Then down they sprung from their chargers, and their sword-blades afresh they plied45.
And the heathen wrought woe to the Christian, ‘Thasmé!’ was his battle-cry,
And when ‘Tabronit!’ he shouted he drew ever a step anigh.100
And the Christian, he showed his valour in many an onslaught bold;
So pressed they upon each other—Nor would I the tale withhold
Of how the fight was foughten, yet must I the strife bemoan46,
How, one flesh and one blood thus sharing, each wrought evil unto his own;
For both were the sons of one father, and brothers, I ween, were they,105
And methinks upon such foundation faith and friendship their stone should lay!
And love ne’er had failed the heathen, and his heart was for combat fain,
For the love of Queen Sekundillé fresh honour he thought to gain;
Tribalibot’s land she gave him, and she was his shield in strife—
So bravely he fought, how think ye that the Christian might guard his life?110
On love let his thoughts be steadfast47, else sure is he here undone48,
And he hath from the hand of the heathen in this combat his death-blow won.
O thou Grail, by thy lofty virtue49 such fate from thy knight withhold!
Kondwiramur, thine husband in such deadly stress behold50!
Here he standeth, of both the servant, in such danger and peril sore115
That as naught ye may count the ventures he hath dared for your sake of yore!
Then on high flashed the sword of the heathen, and many such blow had slain,
To his knee Parzival was beaten—Now see how they fought, the twain,
If twain ye will still account them, yet in sooth shall they be but one,
For my brother and I are one body, e’en as husband and wife are one!120
The heathen wrought woe to the Christian—Of Asbestos, I ween, his shield,
That wondrous wood that never to flame or decay shall yield;
I’ sooth, right well she loved him who gave him a gift so fair,
Turquoise51, Chrysoprase, Emerald, Ruby, rich jewels beyond compare
Decked with shining lines its surface, on the boss shone a precious stone,125
Antrax, afar they call it, as Carbuncle it here is known.
And as token of love, for his guarding, Sekundillé the queen would give
That wondrous beast, Ecidemon—in her favour he fain would live,
And e’en as she willed he bare it, as his badge, did that gallant knight—
Here with purity faith joined issue, and truth with high truth would fight.130
For love’s sake upon the issue of this combat each risked his life,
Each had pledged his hand to the winning of honour and fame in strife;
And the Christian, in God he trusted since the day that he rode away
From the hermit52, whose faithful counsel had bidden him trust alway
In Him who could turn his sorrow into bliss53 without thought of bale—135
To Him should he pray for succour, whose succour should never fail.
And fierce and strong was the heathen, when ‘Tabronit,’ he cried,
For there, ‘neath the mount Kaukasus did the queen, Sekundillé’, abide;
Thus gained he afresh high courage ‘gainst him who ne’er knew of yore
The weight of such deadly combat, for in sooth was he pressed full sore—140
To defeat was he aye a stranger, and ne’er had he seen its face,
Tho’ his foemen right well must know it, as they yielded them to his grace!
With skill do they wield43 their weapons, and sparks spring from the helmets fair,
And a whistling wind ariseth as the blades cleave54 the summer air;
God have Gamuret’s son in His keeping! and the prayer it shall stand for both,145
For the twain shall be one nor, I think me, to own it were either loth.
For had they but known each other their stake ne’er had been so great,
For blessing55, and joy, and honour, were risked on that combat’s fate,
For he who shall here be victor, if true brother and knight he be,
Of all this world’s joy is he forfeit56, nor from grief may his heart be free!150
Sir Parzival, why delay thee to think on thy queen and wife,
Her purity and her beauty, if here thou wouldst save thy life?
For the heathen, he bare two comrades who kindled57 his strength anew,
The one, in his strong heart, steadfast, lay ever a love so true;
And the other, the precious jewels that burnt with a mystic glow,155
Thro’ whose virtue his strength waxed greater, and his heart must fresh courage know.
And it grieveth me sore that the Christian was weary and faint with fight,
Nor swiftly might he avoid him, and his blows they were robbed of might;
And if the twain fail to aid thee, O thou gallant Parzival,
Thy queen and the Grail, then I think me this thought it shall help thee well,160
Shall thy fair babes thus young be orphaned58? Kardeiss and Lohengrin,
Whom thy wife, e’en as thou didst leave her, for her joy and her hope must win—
For children thus born in wedlock59, the pledge of a love so pure,
I ween are a man’s best blessing, and a joy that shall aye endure!
New strength did he win, the Christian, and he thought, none too soon, I ween,165
On his love so true and faithful, on Kondwiramur, his queen,
How he won his wife at the sword’s point, when sparks from the helm did spring
‘Neath the mighty blows he dealt him, Klamidé, the warrior60 king.
‘Tabronit! and Thasmé!’ and above them rung clear his battle-cry,
‘Pelrap?r!’ as aloud he cried it to his aid did his true love fly,170
O’er kingdoms four she sought him, and her love gave him strength anew,
And lo! from the shield of the heathen the costly splinters flew,
Each one a hundred marks’ worth—and the sword so strong and keen
That Ither of Gaheviess bare first brake sheer on the helmet’s sheen,
And the stranger, so rich and valiant61, he stumbled, and sought his knee—175
For God, He no longer willed it that Parzival lord should be
Of this weapon of which in his folly62 he had robbed a gallant knight—
Then up sprang afresh the heathen who ne’er before fell in fight,
Not yet is the combat ended, and the issue for both shall stand
In the power of the God of battles, and their life lieth in His hand!180
And a gallant knight was the heathen, and he spake out, right courteously63,
(Tho’ the tongue was the tongue of a heathen yet in fair French his speech should be,)
‘Now I see well, thou gallant hero, thou hast no sword wherewith to fight,
And the fame shall be small I win me if I fight with an unarmed knight,
But rest thee awhile from conflict, and tell me who thou shalt be,185
For the fame that so long I cherished it surely had fallen to thee
Had the blow not thy sword-blade shattered—Now, let peace be betwixt us twain,
And our wearied limbs will we rest here ere we get us to strife again.’
Then down on the grass they sat them, and courteous64 and brave were they,
Nor too young nor too old for battle—fit foemen they were that day!190
Then the heathen, he spake to the Christian, ‘Believe me, Sir Knight, that ne’er
Did I meet with a man so worthy65 the crown of such fame to bear
As a knight in strife may win him—Now, I prithee, tell thou to me
Thy name, and thy race, that my journey may here not unfruitful be!
Quoth the son of fair Herzeleide, ‘Thro’ fear shall I tell my name?195
For thou askest of me such favour as a victor alone may claim!’
Spake the heathen prince from Thasmé, ‘Then that shame shall be mine, I ween,
For first will I speak my title, and the name that mine own hath been;
“Feirefis Angevin” all men call me, and such riches are mine, I trow,
That the folk of full many a kingdom ‘neath my sceptre as vassals66 bow!’200
Then, e’en as the words were spoken, to the heathen quoth Parzival,
‘How shall ”Angevin“ be thy title, since as heirdom to me it fell,
Anjou, with its folk and its castles, its lands and its cities fair?
Nay67, choose thee some other title, if thou, courteous, wouldst hear my prayer!
If thro’ thee I have lost my kingdom, and the fair town Béalzenan,205
Then wrong hadst thou wrought upon me ere ever our strife began!
If one of us twain is an Angevin then by birthright that one am I!—
And yet, of a truth, was it told me, that afar ‘neath an Eastern sky,
There dwelleth a dauntless hero, who, with courage and knightly skill,
Such love and such fame hath won him that he ruleth them at his will.210
And men say, he shall be my brother—and that all they who know his name
Account him a knight most valiant, and he weareth the crown of fame!’
In a little space he spake further, ‘If, Sir Knight, I thy face might see,
I should know if the truth were told me, if in sooth thou art kin4 to me.
Sir Knight, wilt68 thou trust mine honour, then loosen thine helmet’s band,215
I will swear till once more thou arm thee to stay from all strife mine hand!
Then out he spake, the heathen, ‘Of such strife have I little fear,
For e’en were my body naked, my sword, I still hold it here!
Of a sooth must thou be the vanquished69, for since broken shall be thy sword
What availeth thy skill in combat keen death from thine heart to ward,220
Unless, of free will, I spare thee? For, ere thou couldst clasp me round,
My steel, thro’ the iron of thy harness, thy flesh and thy bone had found!’
Then the heathen, so strong and gallant, he dealt as a knight so true,
‘Nor mine nor thine shall this sword be!’ and straight from his hand it flew,
Afar in the wood he cast it, and he quoth, ‘Now, methinks, Sir Knight,225
The chance for us both shall be equal, if further we think to fight!’
Quoth Feirefis, ‘Now, thou hero, by thy courteous breeding fair,
Since in sooth thou shalt have a brother, say, what face doth that brother bear?
And tell me here of his colour, e’en as men shall have told it thee.’
Quoth the Waleis, ‘As written parchment, both black and white is he,230
For so hath Ekuba told me.’ ‘Then that brother am I alway,’
Quoth the heathen—Those knights71 so gallant, but little they made delay,
But they loosed from their heads the helmet, and they made them of iron bare,
And Parzival deemed that he found there a gift o’er all others fair,
For straightway he knew the other, (as a magpie72, I ween, his face,)235
And hatred and wrath73 were slain here in a brotherly embrace.
Yea, friendship far better ‘seemed them, who owed to one sire their life,
Than anger, methinks, and envy—Truth and Love made an end of strife.
Then joyful he spake, the heathen, ‘Now well shall it be with me,
And I thank the gods of my people that Gamuret’s son I see.240
Blest be Juno, the queen of heaven, since, methinks, she hath ruled it so,
And Jupiter, by whose virtue and strength I such bliss may know,
Gods and goddesses, I will love ye, and worship your strength for aye—
And blest be those shining planets, ‘neath the power of whose guiding ray
I hither have made my journey—For ventures I here would seek,245
And found thee, brother, sweet and aweful, whose strong hand hath made me weak.
And blest be the dew, and the breezes, that this morning my brow have fanned.
Ah! thou courteous knight who holdest love’s key in thy valiant hand!
Ah! happy shall be the woman whose eyes on thy face shall light,
Already is bliss her portion who seeth so fair a sight!’250
‘Ye speak well, I would fain speak better of a full heart, had I the skill;
Yet alas74! for I lack the wisdom, tho’ God knoweth, of right goodwill75
The fame of your worth and valour by my words would I higher raise,
And as eye, and as heart should serve me, the twain, they should speak your praise;
As your fame and your glory lead them, so behind in your track they fare—255
And ne’er from the hand of a foeman such peril hath been my share
As the peril your hand hath wrought me! and sooth are these words I say.’
In this wise quoth the knight of Kanvoleis; yet Feirefis spake alway;
‘With wisdom and skill, I wot well, hath Jupiter fashioned thee,
Thou true and gallant hero! Nor thy speech shall thus distant be,260
For ”ye“ thou shalt no more call me, of one sire did we spring we twain.’
And with brotherly love he prayed him he would from such speech refrain
And henceforward ’thou‘ to call him, yet Parzival deemed it ill,
And he spake, ‘Now, your riches, brother, shall be e’en as the Baruch’s still,
And ye of us twain are the elder, my poverty and my youth265
They forbid me ”thou“ to call ye, or discourteous76 were I in truth.
Then the Prince of Tribalibot, joyful, with many a word would praise
His god, Jupiter, and to Juno thanksgiving he fain would raise,
Since so well had she ruled the weather, that the port to which he was bound
He had safely reached, and had landed, and there had a brother found.270
Side by side did they sit together, and neither forgot the grace
Of courtesy, to the other, each knight fain had yielded place.
Then the heathen spake, ‘My brother, wilt thou sail with me to my land,
Then two kingdoms, rich and powerful, will I give thee into thine hand.
Thy father and mine, he won them when King Eisenhart’s life was run,275
Zassamank and Assagog are they—to no man he wrong hath done,
Save in that he left me orphaned—of the ill that he did that day
As yet have I not avenged77 me, for an ill deed it was alway.
For his wife, the queen who bare me, thro’ her love must she early die,
When she knew herself love-bereavèd, and her lord from her land did fly.280
Yet gladly that knight would I look on, for his fame hath been told to me
As the best of knights, and I journey my father’s face to see!’
Then Parzival made him answer, ‘Yea I, too, I saw him ne’er;
Yet all men they speak well of him, and his praises all lands declare,
And ever in strife and conflict to better his fame he knew,285
And his valour was high exalted78, and afar from him falsehood flew.
And women he served so truly that all true folk they praised his name,
And all that should deck a Christian lent honour unto his fame,
For his faith it for aye stood steadfast, and all false deeds did he abhor79,
But followed his true heart’s counsel—Thus ever I heard of yore290
From the mouth of all men who knew him, that man ye were fain to see,
And I ween ye would do him honour if he yet on this earth might be,
And sought for fame as aforetime—The delight of all women’s eyes
Was he, till king Ipomidon with him strove for knighthood’s prize,
At Bagdad the joust was ridden, and there did his valiant life295
For love’s sake become death’s portion, and there was he slain in strife;
In a knightly joust we lost him from whose life do we spring, we twain;
If here ye would seek our father, then the seas have ye sailed in vain!’
‘Alas, for the endless sorrow!’ quoth the knight. ‘Is my father dead?
Here joy have I lost, tho’ it well be that joy cometh in its stead.300
In this self-same hour have I lost me great joy, and yet joy have found,
For myself, and thou, and my father, we three in one bond are bound;
For tho’ men as three may hold us, yet I wot well we are but one,
And no wise man he counts that kinship ’twixt father, methinks, and son,
For in truth for more must he hold it—With thyself hast thou fought to-day,305
To strife with myself have I ridden, and I went near myself to slay80;
Thy valour in good stead stood us, from myself hast thou saved my life—
Now Jupiter see this marvel, since thy power so hath ruled the strife
That from death hast thou here withheld81 us!’ Then tears streamed from his heathen eyes,
As he laughed and wept together—Yea, a Christian such truth might prize,310
For our baptism truth should teach us, since there are we named anew
In the Name of Christ, and all men they hold the Lord Christ for true!
Quoth the heathen, e’en as I tell ye, ‘No longer will we abide
In this place, but if thou, my brother, for a short space with me wilt ride,
From the sea to the land will I summon, that their power be made known to thee,315
The richest force that Juno e’er guided across the sea.
And in truth, without thought of falsehood, full many a gallant knight
Will I show thee, who do me service, and beneath my banners fight,
With me shalt thou ride towards them.’ Then Parzival spake alway,
‘Have ye then such power o’er these people that your bidding they wait to-day320
And all the days ye are absent?’ Quoth the heathen, ‘Yea, even so,
If for half a year long I should leave them, not a man from the place would go,
Be he rich or poor, till I bade him. Well victualled their ships shall be,
And neither the horse nor his rider setteth foot on the grassy82 lea,
Save only to fetch them water from the fountain that springeth fair,325
Or to lead their steeds to the meadow to breathe the fresh summer air.’
Then Parzival quoth to his brother, ‘If it be so, then follow me
To where many a gracious maiden83, and fair pleasures, ye well may see,
And many a courteous hero who shall be to us both akin84—
Near by with a goodly army lieth Arthur, the Breton king,330
’Twas only at dawn I left them, a great host and fair are they,
And many a lovely lady shall gladden our eyes to-day.’
When he heard that he spake of women, since he fain for their love would live,
He quoth, ‘Thou shalt lead me thither85, but first thou shalt answer give
To the question I here would ask thee—Of a truth shall we kinsmen86 see335
When we come to the court of King Arthur? For ever ’twas told to me
That his name it is rich in honour, and he liveth as valiant knight’—
Quoth Parzival, ‘We shall see there full many a lady bright,
Nor fruitless shall be our journey, our own folk shall we find there,
The men of whose race we have sprung, men whose head shall a king’s crown bear.’340
Nor longer the twain would sit there, and straightway did Parzival
Seek again the sword of his brother that afar in the woodland fell,
And again the hero sheathed87 it, and all hatred they put away,
And e’en as true friends and brothers together they rode that day.
Yet ere they might come to King Arthur men had heard of the twain a tale—345
On the self-same day it befell so that the host, they must sore bewail
The loss of a gallant hero, since Parzival rode away—
Then Arthur, he took good counsel, and he spake, ‘Unto the eighth day
Would they wait for Parzival’s coming, nor forth88 from the field would fare’—
And hither came Gramoflanz’ army, and they many a ring prepare,350
And with costly tents do they deck them, and the proud knights are lodged89 full well,
Nor might brides e’er win greater honour than here to this four befell.
Then from Chateau90 Merveil rode thither a squire91 in the self-same hour,
And he said, in their column mirrored, had they seen in their fair watch-tower
A mighty fight, and a fearful—‘And where’er men with swords have fought,355
I wot well, beside this combat their strife shall be held as naught.’
And the tale did they tell to Gawain, as he sat by King Arthur’s side,
And this knight, and that, spake wondering to whom might such strife betide?
Quoth Arthur the king, ‘Now I wager92 that I know of the twain one knight,
’Twas my nephew of Kanvoleis fought there, who left us ere morning light!’360
And now, lo the twain rode hither—They had foughten a combat fair,
As helmet and shield sore dinted with sword-stroke might witness bear.
And well skilled were the hands that had painted these badges of strife, I trow,
(For ’tis meet in the lust93 of combat that a knight’s hand such skill should show,)
Then they rode by the camp of King Arthur—As the heathen knight rode past365
Full many a glance of wonder at his costly gear was cast.
And with tents the plain was covered—Then rode they to Gawain’s ring,
And before his tent they halted—Did men a fair welcome bring,
And lead them within, and gladly behold them? Yea, even so,
And Gawain, he rode swiftly after when he did of their coming know;370
For e’en as he sat by King Arthur he saw that his tent they sought,
And, as fitted a courteous hero, joyful greeting to them he brought.
And as yet they bare their armour—Then Gawain, the courteous knight,
He bade his squires94 disarm95 them—In the stress of the deadly fight
Ecidemon, the beast, was cloven; the robe that the heathen ware375
In many a place bare token of the blows that had been its share,
’Twas a silk of Saranthasmé, decked with many a precious stone,
And beneath, rich, snow-white, blazoned with his bearings his vesture shone.
And one over against the other stood the gems96 in a double row;
By the wondrous Salamanders was it woven in fierce flame’s glow!380
All this glory a woman gave him, who would stake on his skill in strife
Her crown alike and her kingdom, as she gave him her love and life.
’Twas the fair Queen Sekundillé (and gladly he did her will,
And were it for joy or for sorrow he hearkened her bidding still)
And, e’en as her true heart willed it, of her riches was he the lord,385
For her love, as his rightful guerdon, had he won him with shield and sword.
Then Gawain, he bade his people of the harness to have good care,
That naught should be moved from its station, shield, or helmet, or vesture fair.
And in sooth a gift too costly e’en the blazoned coat had been
If poor were the maid who a love-gift would give to her knight, I ween,390
So rich were the stones that decked it, the harness of pieces four—
And where wisdom with goodwill worketh, and of riches there be full store,
There love well can deck the loved one! And proud Feirefis, he strove
With such zeal97 for the honour of women, he well was repaid by Love!
And soon as he doffed98 his harness they gazed on the wondrous sight,395
And they who might speak of marvels99 said, in sooth, that this heathen knight,
Feirefis, was strange to look on! and wondrous marks he bore—
Quoth Gawain to Parzival, ‘Cousin, I ne’er saw his like before,
Now who may he be, thy comrade? For in sooth he is strange to see!’
Quoth Parzival, ‘Are we kinsmen, then thy kinsman100 this knight shall be,400
As Gamuret’s name may assure thee—Of Zassamank is he king,
There my father he won Belakané who this prince to the world did bring.’
Then Gawain, he kissed the heathen—Now the noble Feirefis
Was black and white all over, save his mouth was half red, I wis!
Then they brought to the twain fair raiment, and I wot well their cost was dear.405
(They were brought forth from Gawain’s chamber101.) Then the ladies, they drew anear,
And the Duchess she bade Sangivé and Kondrie first kiss the knight
Ere she and Arnivé proffered102 in greeting their lips so bright.
And Feirefis gazed upon them, and, methinks, he was glad at heart
At the sight of their lovely faces, and in joy had he lot and part.410
Then Gawain spake to Parzival, ‘Cousin, thou hast found a new battle-field,
If aright I may read the token of thy helmet and splintered shield,
Sore strife shall have been your comrade, both thine and thy brother’s too!
Say, with whom did ye fight so fiercely?’ Then Parzival spake anew,
‘No fiercer fight have I foughten, my brother’s hand pressed me sore415
To defend me, no charm more potent103 than defence ‘gainst death’s stroke I bore.
As this stranger, whom yet I knew well, I smote104, my sword brake in twain,
Yet no fear did he show, and ‘vantage he scorned of mischance to gain,
For afar did he cast his sword-blade, since he feared lest ‘gainst me he sin,
Yet naught did he know when he spared me that we twain were so near akin.420
But now have I won his friendship, and his love, and with right goodwill
Would I do to him faithful service as befitteth a brother still!’
Then Gawain spake, ‘They brought me tidings of a dauntless strife and bold,
In Chateau Merveil the country for six miles may ye well behold,
The pillar within the watch-tower showeth all that within that space425
Doth chance,—and he spake, King Arthur, that one who there strife did face,
Should be thou cousin mine of Kingrivals, now hast thou the tidings brought,
And we know of a sooth the combat was even as we had thought.
Now believe me, the truth I tell thee, for eight days here our feast we’ld hold
In great pomp, and await thy coming, shouldst thou seek us, thou hero bold.430
Now rest here, ye twain, from your combat—but methinks, since ye thus did fight,
Ye shall each know the other better, and hatred shall own love’s might.’
That eve would Gawain sup early, since his cousin of far Thasmé,
Feirefis Angevin, and his brother, had tasted no food that day.
And high and long were the cushions that they laid in a ring so wide,435
And many a costly covering of silk did their softness hide.
And long, and wide, and silken, were the clothes that above them went,
And the store of Klingsor’s riches they spread forth within the tent.
Then four costly carpets silken, and woven so fair to see,
Did they hang one against the other, so the tale it was told to me;440
And beneath them, of down were the pillows, and each one was covered fair,
And in such wise the costly couches for the guests would the squires prepare.
And so wide was the ring that within it six pavilions right well might stand
Nor the tent ropes should touch each other—(Now wisdom doth fail mine hand,
I will speak no more of these marvels). Then straightway Gawain he sent445
To King Arthur, he fain would tell him who abode105 here within his tent,
He had come, the mighty heathen, of whom Ekuba erst did tell
On Plimiz?l’s plain! And the tidings they rejoiced King Arthur well.
And he who should bear the tidings, he was Iofreit, and Idol’s son;
And he bade the king sup early, and so soon as the meal was done,450
With his knights and his host of ladies, to ride forth a train so fair,
And a fit and worthy welcome for Gamuret’s son prepare.
Quoth the king, ‘All who here are worthy, of a sooth, will I bring with me.’
Quoth Iofreit, ‘Ye fain will see him, so courteous a knight is he,
And a marvel is he to look on—From great riches he forth must fare,455
For the price of his coat emblazoned is such as no man might bear,
And no hand might count its equal, not in L?ver or Brittany,
Or in England, or e’en from Paris to Wizsant beside the sea—
Nay, all the rich lands between them, were their wealth in the balance weighed,
Then the cost of his goodly raiment, I think me, were yet unpaid106!’460
Then again came the knight Iofreit, when he to the king had told
The guise107 that should best befit him when he greeted the heathen bold.
And within the tent of Gawain the seats were ordered fair,
In courteous rank and seemly, and the guests to the feast repair.
And the vassals of Orgelusé, and the heroes within her train465
Who gladly for love had served her, they sate108 there beside Gawain.
Their seats they were on his right hand, on his left were Klingsor’s knights,
And over against the heroes sat many a lady bright,
All they who were Klingsor’s captives, in sooth were they fair of face,
And Parzival and his brother, by the maidens109 they took their place.470
Then the Turkowit, Sir Florant, and Sangivé, that noble queen,
Sat over against each other, and in like wise, the board between,
Sat Gowerzein’s Duke, brave Lischois, and his wife, the fair Kondrie.
Iofreit and Gawain forgat not each other’s mate to be,
As of old would they sit together, and together, as comrades, eat.475
The Duchess, with bright eyes shining, by Arnivé must find her seat,
Nor forgat they to serve each other with courteous and kindly110 grace—
At the side sat fair Orgelusé, while Arnivé by Gawain found place.
And all shame and discourteous bearing from the circle must take their flight,
And courteous they bare the viands111 to each maid and each gallant knight.480
Then Feirefis looked on his brother, and he spake unto Parzival;
‘Now Jupiter ruled my journey so that bliss to my lot would fall
Since his aid shall have brought me hither, and here mine own folk I see,
And I praise the sire that I knew not, of a gallant race was he!’
Quoth the Waleis, ‘Ye yet shall see them, a folk ye right well may love,485
With Arthur their king and captain, brave knights who their manhood prove.
So soon as this feast is ended, as methinks it will be ere long,
Ye shall see them come in their glory, many valiant men and strong.
Of the knights of the good Round Table there shall sit at this board but three,
Our host, and the knight Iofreit, and such honour once fell to me,490
In the days that I showed me worthy, that they prayed me I would be one
Of their band, nor was I unwilling112, but e’en as they spake ’twas done,’
Now ’twas time, since all well had eaten, the covers to bear away
From before both man and maiden, and this did the squires straightway.
The host would no longer sit there; then the Duchess and Arnivé spake,495
And they prayed that the twain, Sangivé and Kondrie, they with them might take;
And go to the strange-faced heathen, and entreat113 him in courteous wise—
When Feirefis saw them near him, from his seat did the prince arise,
And with Parzival, his brother, stepped forward the queens to meet,
By his hand did the Duchess take him, and with fair words the knight would greet;500
And the ladies and knights who stood there she bade them be seated all—
Then the king and his host came riding, with many a trumpet114 call;
And they heard the sound of music, of tambour, and flute115, and horn,
With many a blast drew nearer the king of Arnivé born;
And the heathen this pomp and rejoicing must hold for a worthy thing—505
And Guinevere rode with King Arthur, so came they to Gawain’s ring;
And goodly the train that followed of ladies and gallant knights,
And Feirefis saw among them fair faces with youth’s tints116 bright;
And King Gramoflanz rode among them, for Arthur’s guest was he,
And Itonjé, his love so loyal, true lady, from falsehood free!510
Then the gallant host dismounted, with many a lady sweet,
And Guinevere bade Itonjé her nephew, the heathen, greet.
Then the queen herself drew anear him, and she kissed the knight Feirefis,
And Gramoflanz and King Arthur received him with friendly kiss;
And in honour they proffered service unto him, those monarchs118 twain,515
And many a man of his kinsfolk to welcome the prince was fain.
And many a faithful comrade Feirefis Angevin had found,
Nor in sooth was he loth to own here that he stood upon friendly ground.
Down they sat them, both wife and husband, and many a gracious maid,
And many a knight might find there (if in sooth he such treasure prayed,)520
From sweet lips sweet words of comfort—If for wooing such knight were fain,
Then from many a maid who sat there no hatred his prayer would gain,
No true woman shall e’er be wrathful if a true man for help shall pray,
For ever the right she holdeth to yield, or to say him ‘Nay,’
And if labour win joy for payment then such guerdon shall true love give—525
And I speak but as in my lifetime I have seen many true folk live—
And service sat there by rewarding, for in sooth ’tis a gracious thing
When a knight may his lady hearken, for joy shall such hearing bring.
And Feirefis sat by King Arthur, nor would either prince delay
To the question each asked the other courteous answer to make straightway—530
Quoth King Arthur, ‘May God be praised, for He honoureth us I ween,
Since this day within our circle so gallant a guest is seen,
No knight hath Christendom welcomed to her shores from a heathen land
Whom, an he desired my service, I had served with such willing hand!’
Quoth Feirefis to King Arthur, ‘Misfortune hath left my side,535
Since the day that my goddess Juno, with fair winds and a favouring tide,
Led my sail to this Western kingdom! Methinks that thou bearest thee
In such wise as he should of whose valour many tales have been told to me;
If indeed thou art called King Arthur, then know that in many a land
Thy name is both known and honoured, and thy fame o’er all knights doth stand.’540
Quoth Arthur, ‘Himself doth he honour who thus spake in my praise to thee
And to other folk, since such counsel he won of his courtesy
Far more than of my deserving—for he spake of his kindly will.
Yea, in sooth shall my name be Arthur, and the tale would I hearken still
Of how to this land thou camest, if for love’s sake thou bearest shield,545
Then thy love must be fair, since to please her thou ridest so far afield!
If her guerdon be not withholden then love’s service shall wax more fair,
Else must many a maid win hatred from the knight who her badge doth bear!’
‘Nay, ’twas otherwise,’ quoth the heathen; ‘Now learn how I came to thee,
I led such a mighty army, they who guardians119 of Troy would be,550
And they who its walls besiegèd, the road to my hosts must yield—
If both armies yet lived, and lusted120 to face me on open field,
Then ne’er might they win the victory, but shame and defeat must know
From me and my host, of a surety their force would I overthrow121!—
And many a fight had I foughten, and knightly deeds had done,555
Till as guerdon at length the favour of Queen Sekundill’ I won.
And e’en as her wish so my will is, and her love to my life is guide,
She bade me to give with a free hand, and brave knights to keep at my side,
And this must I do to please her; and I did even as she would,
‘Neath my shield have I won as vassals full many a warrior good,560
And her love it hath been my guerdon—An Ecidemon I bear
On my shield, even as she bade me, at her will I this token wear.
Since then, came I e’er in peril, if but on my love I thought
She hath helped me, yea, Jupiter never such succour in need hath brought!’
Quoth Arthur, ‘Thy gallant father, Gamuret, he hath left thee heir565
To the heart that on woman’s service thus loveth afar to fare.
Of such service I too can tell thee, for but seldom hath greater deeds
Been done for a woman’s honour, or to win of her love the meed,
Than were done for the sake of the Duchess who sitteth beside us here.
For her love many gallant heroes have splintered full many a spear,570
Yea, the spear-shafts were e’en as a forest! And many have paid the cost
Of her service in bitter sorrow, and in joy and high courage lost!’
And then the tale he told him of the fame that Gawain had found,
And the knights of the host of Klingsor, and the heroes who sat around,
And of Parzival, his brother, how he fought fierce combats twain,575
For the sake of Gramoflanz’ garland, on Ioflanz’ grassy plain;
‘And what other have been his ventures, who never himself doth spare
As thro’ the wide world he rideth, that shall he himself declare;
For he seeketh a lofty guerdon, and he rideth to find the Grail.
And here shall it be my pleasure that ye twain, without lack or fail,580
Shall tell me the lands and the peoples against whom ye shall both have fought.’
Quoth the heathen, ‘I’ll name the princes whom I here as my captives brought’:
‘King Papirus of Trogodjenté, Count Behantins of Kalomedenté,
Duke Farjelastis of Africk, and King Tridanz of Tinodent;
King Liddamus of Agrippé, of Schipelpjonte King Amaspartins,585
King Milon of Nomadjentesin, of Agremontein, Duke Lippidins;
Gabarins of Assigarzionté, King Translapins of Rivigatas,
From Hiberborticon Count Filones, from Sotofeititon, Amincas,
From Centrium, King Killicrates, Duke Tiridé of Elixodjon,
And beside him Count Lysander, from Ipopotiticon.590
King Thoaris of Orastegentesein, from Satarthjonté Duke Alamis,
And the Duke of Duscontemedon, and Count Astor of Panfatis.
From Arabia King Zaroaster, and Count Possizonjus of Thiler,
The Duke Sennes of Narjoclin, and Nourjenté‘s Duke, Acheinor,
Count Edisson of Lanzesardin, Count Fristines of Janfusé,595
Meiones of Atropfagenté, King Jetakranc of Ganpfassasché,
From Assagog and Zassamank princes, Count Jurans of Blemunz?n.
And the last, I ween, shall a Duke be, Affinamus of Amantas?n!’
‘Yet one thing for a shame I deemed it—In my kingdom ’twas told to me
Gamuret Angevin, my father, the best of all knights should be600
That ever bestrode a charger—Then so was my will and mind,
That, afar from my kingdom faring, my father I thought to find;
And since then strife hath been my portion, for forth from my kingdoms twain
A mighty host and powerful ‘neath my guidance hath crossed the main,
And I lusted for deeds of knighthood; if I came to a goodly land,605
Then I rested not till its glory paid tribute into mine hand.
And thus ever I journeyed further—I won love from two noble queens,
Olympia and Klauditté; Sekundillé the third hath been.
And well have I served fair women!—Now first must I learn to-day
That my father is dead! My brother, the tale of thy ventures say.’610
And Parzival quoth, ‘Since I seek it, The Grail, in full many a fight,
Both far and near, have I striven, in such wise as beseems a knight,
And my hand of their fame hath robbed them who never before might fall—
If it please ye the tale to hearken, lo! here will I name them all!’
‘King Schirniel of Lirivoin, and his brother of Avendroin, King Mirabel,615
King Piblesun of Lorneparz, of Rozokarz, King Serabel,
Of Sirnegunz, King Senilgorz, and Strangedorz of Villegarunz,
Rogedal the Count of Mirnetalle and Laudunal of Pleyedunz.
From Semblidag King Zyrolan, from Itolac Onipreiz,
From Zambron the Count Plenischanz, and Duke Jerneganz of Jeropleis,620
Count Longefiez of Teuteleunz, Duke Marangliess of Privegarz,
From Lampregun Count Parfoyas, from Pictacon Duke Strennolas;
Postefar of Laudundrehte, Askalon’s fair king, Vergulacht,
Duke Leidebron of Redunzehte, and from Pranzile Count Bogudaht,
Colleval of Leterbé, Jovedast of Arl, a Proven?al,625
Count Karfodyas of Trippar?n, all these ‘neath my spear must fall.
In knightly joust I o’erthrew them the while I the Grail must seek!
Would I say those I felled in battle, methinks I o’er-long must speak,
It were best that I here keep silence—Of those who were known to me,
Methinks that the greater number I here shall have named to ye!’630
From his heart was he glad, the heathen, of his brother’s mighty fame,
That so many a gallant hero ‘neath his hand had been put to shame,
And he deemed in his brother’s honour he himself should have honour won,
And with many a word he thanked him for the deeds that he there had done.
Then Gawain bade his squires bear hither (yet e’en as he knew it not)635
The costly gear of the heathen, and they held it was fair I wot.
And knights alike and ladies, they looked on its decking rare,
Corslet, and shield, and helmet, and the coat that was blazoned fair.
Nor narrow nor wide the helmet—And a marvel great they thought
The shine of the many jewels in the costly robe inwrought,640
And no man I ween shall ask me the power that in each did dwell,
The light alike and the heavy, for I skill not the tale to tell;
Far better might they have told it, Heraclius or Hercules
And the Grecian Alexander; and better methinks than these
Pythagoras, the wise man, for skilled in the stars was he,645
And so wise that no son of Adam I wot well might wiser be.
Then the women they spake, ‘What woman so e’er thus hath decked this knight
If he be to her love unfaithful he hath done to his fame despite.’
Yet some in such favour held him, they had been of his service fain—
Methinks the unwonted colour of his face did their fancy gain!650
Then aside went the four, Gawain, Arthur, Gramoflanz, and Parzival,
(And the women should care for the heathen, methinks it would please them well.)
And Arthur willed ere the morrow a banquet, rich and fair,
On the grassy plain before him they should without fail prepare,
That Feirefis they might welcome as befitting so brave a guest.655
‘Now be ye in this task not slothful, but strive, as shall seem ye best,
That henceforth he be one of our circle, of the Table Round, a knight.’
And they spake, they would win that favour, if so be it should seem him right.
Then Feirefis, the rich hero, he brotherhood123 with them sware;
And they quaffed124 the cup of parting, and forth to their tents would fare.660
And joy it came with the morning, if here I the truth may say,
And many were glad at the dawning of a sweet and a welcome day.
Then the son of Uther Pendragon, King Arthur, in this wise spake:
For Round Table a silk so costly, Drianthasmé, he bade them take—
Ye have heard how it once was ordered, afar on Plimiz?l’s plain,665
How they spread them there a Round Table, in such wise was it spread again—
’Twas cut in a round, and costly it was, and right fair to see,
And on the green turf around it the seats of the knights should be.
It was even a goodly gallop125 from the seats to the Table Round,
For the Table’s self it was not, yet the likeness126 they there had found.670
And a cowardly man might shame him to sit there with such gallant knights,
And with sin would his food be tainted127 since he ate it not there of right.
Thro’ the summer night ’twas measured, the ring, both with thought and care,
And from one end unto the other with pomp they the seats prepare.
And the cost were too great for a poor king, as they saw it in noontide light,675
When the trappings, so gay and costly, shone fair in the sun-rays bright.
Gramoflanz and Gawain would pay it, the cost, since within their land
He was but a guest, King Arthur, tho’ he dealt with a generous hand.
And the night, it seldom cometh but, as it is wont122, the sun
Bringeth back the day and the daylight when the hours of the night are run;680
And e’en so it befell, and the dawning was clear and calm and bright,
And many a flowery chaplet crowned the locks of many a knight;
And with cheeks and lips unpainted saw ye many a lovely maid,
And, if Kiot the truth hath spoken, knight and lady they were arrayed
In diverse garb128 and fashion, with head-gear both high and low,685
As each in their native country their faces were wont to show—
’Twas a folk from far kingdoms gathered and diverse their ways were found—
If to lady a knight were lacking she sat not at the Table Round,
But if she for knightly service had promised a guerdon fair,
She might ride with her knight, but the others, they must to their tents repair.690
When Arthur the Mass had hearkened, then Gramoflanz did they see
With Gowerzein’s Duke and Florant; to the king came the comrades three,
And each one a boon129 would crave130 here, for each of the three was fain
To be one of the good Round Table, nor this grace did they fail to gain.
And if lady or knight would ask me who was richest of all that band,695
Who sat as guests in the circle, and were gathered from every land,
Then here will I speak the answer, ’twas Feirefis Angevin,
But think not from my lips of his riches a further tale to win.
Thus in festive131 guise, and gaily132, they rode to the circle wide,
And often to maid had it chancèd (so closely the guests must ride)700
Were her steed not well girthed she had fallen—with banners waving high
From every side of the meadow to each other the groups drew nigh;
And a Buhurd fair was ridden without the Table Round,
And in courtly guise and skilful133 no man rode within its bound;
There was space without for the chargers, and they handled their steeds with skill,705
And rode each one against the other till the ladies had looked their fill.
Then in order fair they seat them when ’twas time for the guests to eat,
And cup-bearer, steward134, and butler, they bethink them as shall be meet,
How, courteous, to do their office—No lack of food had they,
And many a maid was honoured as she sat by her knight that day.710
And many thro’ fond heart’s counsel had been served by knightly deed—
And Feirefis, and the Waleis, to the maidens they gave good heed,
And they looked on the one and the other, and a fair choice was theirs, I ween,
For never on field or meadow may the eye of man have seen
So many sweet lips and fair faces as shone there at the Table Round,715
And the heathen was glad for their beauty, and the joy that his heart had found.
Now hail to the hour that cometh, and the tidings they soon shall hear
From the welcome lips of a maiden who draweth the host anear;
For a maiden came towards them, and her raiment was fair to see,
And e’en as in France the custom so ’twas fashioned right cunningly.720
Her mantle135 was costly velvet136, and blacker, I ween, its hue
Than the coat of a sable137 jennet; and with gold was it woven thro’
With turtle-doves, all shining, the badge of the Grail were they.
And they looked and they marvelled138 at her as toward them she made her way,
For swiftly she came, and her head-gear was high and white, her face725
With many a veil was shrouded139, and her features no man might trace.
Then with even pace and seemly she rode o’er the turf so green,
And saddle and reins140 and trappings were costly enow I ween;
And they let her within the circle—Now she who would tidings bring
No fool was she, but wise maiden—So rode she around the ring,730
And they showed her where sat King Arthur, nor her greeting should fail that day,
In French was her speech, and in this wise the monarch117 she fain would pray;
They should wreak141 not on her their vengeance142 for the words that she spake of yore,
But hearken unto her message since welcome the news she bore.
And the king and the queen she pleaded to give unto her their aid,735
That she failed not to win from the hero the grace that she fain had prayed.
Then to Parzival she turned her, since his place by the king’s was found,
And she stayed not, but down from her charger she sprang swiftly unto the ground,
And with courteous mien143, as beseemed her, fell low at the hero’s feet,
And, weeping, she prayed that in friendship her coming he now would greet,740
And forget his wrath against her, and forgive her without a kiss.
And they joined to her prayer their pleadings, King Arthur and Feirefis.
Of a sooth Parzival must hate her, yet he hearkened to friendship’s prayer,
And of true heart and free forgave her—Tho’ I say not the maid was fair,
Yet methinks she was honour-worthy—Then swiftly she sprang upright,745
And thanked those who had won her pardon for the wrong she had done the knight.
Then she raised her hand to her head-gear, were it wimple or veil, no less
Was it cast on the ground, and all men knew Kondrie, the sorceress.
And they knew of the Grail the token and the badge that the maiden bare,
And all men I ween must marvel—Her face it was e’en as fair750
As man and maiden saw it when to Plimiz?l’s banks she came,
Of her countenance144 have I told ye, and to-day was it still the same,
And yellow her eyes as the topaz, long her teeth, and her lips in hue
Were even as is a violet, that man seeth not red but blue!
Yet methinks had her will been evil she had borne not the head-gear rare755
That aforetime, on Plimiz?l’s meadow, it had pleasured the maid to wear.
The sun it had worked no evil, if its rays thro’ her hair might win
Yet scarce had they shone so fiercely as to darken one whit70 her skin.
Then courteous she stood, and she spake thus, and good were her words to hear,
In the self-same hour her tidings came thus to the listening ear;760
‘Oh! well is thee, thou hero, thou Gamuret’s son so fair,
Since God showeth favour to thee whom Herzeleide of old did bear.
And welcome is he, thy brother, Feirefis, the strange of hue,
For the sake of my Queen Sekundillé, and the tidings that erst I knew
Of the gallant deeds of knighthood that his valiant hand hath done,765
For e’en from the days of his childhood great fame for himself he won!’
And to Parzival she spake thus, ‘Now rejoice with a humble145 heart,
Since the crown of all earthly blessings146 henceforward shall be thy part,
For read is the mystic writing—The Grail, It doth hail thee king,
And Kondwiramur, thy true wife, thou shalt to thy kingdom bring,770
For the Grail, It hath called her thither—Yea, and Lohengrin, thy son,
For e’en as thou left her kingdom twin babes thou by her hadst won.
And Kardeiss, he shall have in that kingdom a heritage rich I trow!
And were no other bliss thy portion than that which I tell thee now—
That with true lips and pure, thou shalt greet him, Anfortas the king, again,775
And thy mouth thro’ the mystic question shall rid him of all his pain,
For sorrow hath been his portion—If joy’s light thro’ thy deed shall shine
On his life, then of all earth’s children whose bliss shall be like to thine?’
Seven stars did she name unto him in Arabic, and their might,
Right well Feirefis should know it, who sat there, both black and white.780
And she spake, ‘Sir Parzival, mark well the names that I tell to thee,
There is Zeval the highest planet, and the swift star Almustri;
Almaret and the shining Samsi, great bliss unto thee they bring,
Alligafir is fifth, and Alketer stands sixth in the starry147 ring;
And the nearest to us is Alkamer; and no dream shall it be, my rede,785
For the bridle of heaven are they, to guide and to check its speed,
‘Gainst its swiftness their power, it warreth—Now thy sorrow is passed away,
For far as shall be their journey, and far as shall shine their ray.
So wide is the goal of thy riches and the glory thine hand shall win,
And thy sorrow shall wane148 and vanish—Yet this thing It holds for sin,790
The Grail and Its power, It forbids thee unlawful desire to know,
And the company of sinners henceforth must thou shun149, I trow;
And riches are thine, and honour, but from these shall thy life be free—
Now thy youth was by sorrow cherished, and her lesson she taught to thee,
But by joy she afar is driven, for thou hast thy soul’s rest won,795
And in grief thou o’er-long hast waited for the joy that is now begun.’
Nor seemed ill to the knight her tidings—Thro’ joy must his eyelids150 know
A rain of crystal tear-drops from a true heart’s overflow151.
And he quoth, ‘If thou speakest, Lady, the thing that indeed shall be,
If God as his knight doth claim me, and they are elect with me,800
My wife and my child, then I wot well, tho’ a sinful man am I,
God looketh with favour on me, and hath dealt with me wondrously152!
Of a sooth hast thou here repaid me for the grief thou on me hast brought,
Yet I deem well thy wrath had spared me save that evil myself had wrought,
Nor to bliss was I then predestined—but thou bringest such tidings fair805
That my sorrow hath found an ending—And these arms do thy truth declare,
For when by the sad Anfortas I sat in Monsalv?sch’ hall,
Full many a shield I looked on that hung fair on the castle wall,
And with turtle-doves all were blazoned, such as shine on thy robe to-day.
But say, to the joy that awaits me, when and how may I take my way,810
For I would not there were delaying?’ Then she quoth, ‘Lord and master dear,
But one knight alone shall ride with thee; choose thou from these warriors153 here
And trust thou to my skill and knowledge to guide thee upon thy way,
For thy succour Anfortas waiteth, wouldst thou help him, make no delay!’
Then they heard, all they who sat there, how Kondrie had come again815
And the tidings she bare; and teardrops fell soft like a summer’s rain
From the bright eyes of Orgelusé, since Parzival should speak
The words that should heal Anfortas, nor that healing be long to seek.
Then Arthur, the fame-desirous, spake to Kondrie in courtesy,
‘Now, Lady, wilt ride to thy lodging154? Say, how may we care for thee?’820
And she quoth, ‘Is she here, Arnivé, what lodging she shall prepare,
That lodging shall well content me till hence with my lord I fare;
If a captive she be no longer, then fain would I see them all,
The queen, and the other ladies, whom Klingsor, in magic thrall155,
For many a year hath fettered’—Then they lifted her on her steed,825
Two knights, and unto Arnivé did the faithful maiden speed.
Now the feast drew nigh to its ending—By his brother sat Parzival,
And he prayed him to be his comrade, nor his words did unheeded fall,
For Feirefis spake him ready to Monsalv?sch’ Burg to ride—
In the self-same hour upstood they, the guests, o’er the ring so wide,830
And Feirefis prayed this favour from Gramoflanz, the king,
If in sooth he should love his cousin of that love he would token bring;
‘Both thou and Gawain, ye must help me, whether princes or kings they be,
Or barons156, or knights, none betake them from this field till my gifts they see.
Myself had I shamed if I rode hence and never a gift should leave,835
And the minstrel-folk they shall wait here till they gifts from my hand receive.
And Arthur, this thing would I pray thee, seek that none of these knights disdain157,
Tho’ lofty their birth, a token of friendship from me to gain;
For the shame, on thyself shalt thou take it—one so rich shall they ne’er have known—
Give me messengers unto the haven that the presents to all be shown!’840
Then they sware them unto the heathen that no man of them should depart
From the field till four days were ended, and the heathen was glad at heart,
And wise messengers Arthur gave him, who should forth to the haven fare—
Feirefis took him ink and parchment, and a letter he bade them bear,
Nor the writing, I ween, lacked tokens of his hand from whom it came,845
And seldom methinks a letter such goodly return might claim!
Then soon must the messengers ride hence—Parzival stood the host before,
And in French did he tell the story from Trevrezent learnt of yore,
How the Grail, throughout all ages, may never by man be known,
Save by him whom God calleth to It, whose name God doth know alone.850
And the tale shall be told in all lands; no conflict may win that prize,
And ’tis vain on that Quest to spend them, since ’tis hidden from mortal eyes!’
And for Parzival and his brother the maidens must mourn that day,
Farewell they were loth to bid them—Ere the heroes rode on their way
Thro’ the armies four they gat them, and they prayed leave from each and all,855
And joyful, they took their journey, well armed ‘gainst what might befall.
And the third day hence to Ioflanz from the heathen’s host they brought
Great gifts, so rich and costly, men ne’er on such wealth had thought.
Did a king take of them, his kingdom was rich for evermore—
And to each as beseemed his station the precious gifts they bore,860
And the ladies, they had rich presents, from Triant and Nouriente—
How the others rode I know not, but the twain, they with Kondrie went!
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收听单词发音
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1
naught
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| n.无，零 [=nought] | |
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withhold
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| v.拒绝，不给；使停止，阻挡 | |
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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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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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reign
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| n.统治时期，统治，支配，盛行；v.占优势 | |
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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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foe
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| n.敌人，仇敌 | |
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peril
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| n.(严重的)危险；危险的事物 | |
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cowardice
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| n.胆小，怯懦 | |
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knight
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| n.骑士，武士；爵士 | |
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knightly
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| adj. 骑士般的 adv. 骑士般地 | |
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fray
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| v.争吵；打斗；磨损，磨破；n.吵架；打斗 | |
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strife
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| n.争吵，冲突，倾轧，竞争 | |
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mighty
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| adj.强有力的；巨大的 | |
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armour
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| （=armor）n.盔甲；装甲部队 | |
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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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costly
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| adj.昂贵的，价值高的，豪华的 | |
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18
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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ruby
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| n.红宝石，红宝石色 | |
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swelled
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| 增强( swell的过去式和过去分词 )； 肿胀； （使）凸出； 充满（激情） | |
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manly
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| adj.有男子气概的；adv.男子般地，果断地 | |
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onward
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| adj.向前的，前进的；adv.向前，前进，在先 | |
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gallant
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| adj.英勇的，豪侠的；(向女人)献殷勤的 | |
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haven
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| n.安全的地方，避难所，庇护所 | |
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moors
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| v.停泊，系泊（船只）( moor的第三人称单数 ) | |
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hue
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| n.色度；色调；样子 | |
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injustice
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| n.非正义，不公正，不公平，侵犯（别人的）权利 | |
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28
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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endue
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| v.赋予 | |
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30
joyful
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| adj.欢乐的，令人欢欣的 | |
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asunder
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| adj.分离的，化为碎片 | |
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Christian
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| adj.基督教徒的；n.基督教徒 | |
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hatred
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| n.憎恶，憎恨，仇恨 | |
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34
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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35
joust
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| v.马上长枪比武，竞争 | |
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36
tighten
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| v.(使)变紧；(使)绷紧 | |
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37
bridle
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| n.笼头，束缚；vt.抑制，约束；动怒 | |
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smite
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| v.重击；彻底击败；n.打；尝试；一点儿 | |
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heed
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| v.注意，留意；n.注意，留心 | |
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40
jousting
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| （骑士）骑马用长矛比武( joust的现在分词 ) | |
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41
bent
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| n.爱好，癖好；adj.弯的；决心的，一心的 | |
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42
abide
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| vi.遵守；坚持；vt.忍受 | |
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43
wield
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| vt.行使，运用，支配；挥，使用(武器等) | |
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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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45
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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46
bemoan
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| v.悲叹，哀泣，痛哭；惋惜，不满于 | |
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47
steadfast
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| adj.固定的，不变的，不动摇的；忠实的；坚贞不移的 | |
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undone
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| a.未做完的，未完成的 | |
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virtue
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| n.德行，美德；贞操；优点；功效，效力 | |
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50
behold
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| v.看，注视，看到 | |
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51
turquoise
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| n.绿宝石；adj.蓝绿色的 | |
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52
hermit
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| n.隐士，修道者；隐居 | |
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53
bliss
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| n.狂喜，福佑，天赐的福 | |
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54
cleave
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| v．(clave；cleaved)粘着，粘住；坚持；依恋 | |
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55
blessing
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| n.祈神赐福；祷告；祝福，祝愿 | |
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56
forfeit
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| vt.丧失；n.罚金，罚款，没收物 | |
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57
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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58
orphaned
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| [计][修]孤立 | |
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59
wedlock
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| n.婚姻，已婚状态 | |
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60
warrior
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| n.勇士，武士，斗士 | |
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61
valiant
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| adj.勇敢的，英勇的；n.勇士，勇敢的人 | |
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62
folly
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| n.愚笨，愚蠢，蠢事，蠢行，傻话 | |
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63
courteously
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| adv.有礼貌地，亲切地 | |
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64
courteous
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| adj.彬彬有礼的，客气的 | |
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65
worthy
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| adj.(of)值得的，配得上的；有价值的 | |
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66
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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67
nay
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| adv.不；n.反对票，投反对票者 | |
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68
wilt
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| v.(使)植物凋谢或枯萎；(指人)疲倦，衰弱 | |
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69
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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70
whit
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| n.一点，丝毫 | |
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71
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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72
magpie
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| n.喜欢收藏物品的人，喜鹊，饶舌者 | |
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73
wrath
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| n.愤怒，愤慨，暴怒 | |
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74
alas
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| int.唉(表示悲伤、忧愁、恐惧等) | |
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75
goodwill
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| n.善意，亲善，信誉，声誉 | |
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76
discourteous
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| adj.不恭的，不敬的 | |
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77
avenged
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| v.为…复仇，报…之仇( avenge的过去式和过去分词 )；为…报复 | |
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78
exalted
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| adj.(地位等)高的，崇高的；尊贵的，高尚的 | |
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79
abhor
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| v.憎恶；痛恨 | |
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80
slay
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| v.杀死，宰杀，杀戮 | |
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81
withheld
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| withhold过去式及过去分词 | |
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82
grassy
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| adj.盖满草的；长满草的 | |
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83
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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84
akin
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| adj.同族的，类似的 | |
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85
thither
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| adv.向那里；adj.在那边的，对岸的 | |
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86
kinsmen
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| n.家属，亲属( kinsman的名词复数 ) | |
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87
sheathed
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| adj.雕塑像下半身包在鞘中的；覆盖的；铠装的；装鞘了的v.将（刀、剑等）插入鞘( sheathe的过去式和过去分词 )；包，覆盖 | |
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88
forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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89
lodged
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| v.存放( lodge的过去式和过去分词 )；暂住；埋入；（权利、权威等）归属 | |
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90
chateau
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| n.城堡，别墅 | |
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91
squire
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| n.护卫, 侍从, 乡绅 | |
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92
wager
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| n.赌注；vt.押注，打赌 | |
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93
lust
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| n.性(淫)欲；渴(欲)望；vi.对…有强烈的欲望 | |
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94
squires
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| n.地主，乡绅( squire的名词复数 ) | |
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95
disarm
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| v.解除武装，回复平常的编制，缓和 | |
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96
gems
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| growth； economy； management； and customer satisfaction 增长 | |
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97
zeal
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| n.热心，热情，热忱 | |
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98
doffed
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| v.脱去，（尤指）脱帽( doff的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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99
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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100
kinsman
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| n.男亲属 | |
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101
chamber
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| n.房间，寝室；会议厅；议院；会所 | |
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102
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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103
potent
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| adj.强有力的，有权势的；有效力的 | |
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104
smote
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| v.猛打，重击，打击( smite的过去式 ) | |
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105
abode
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| n.住处，住所 | |
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106
unpaid
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| adj.未付款的，无报酬的 | |
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107
guise
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| n.外表，伪装的姿态 | |
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108
sate
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| v.使充分满足 | |
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109
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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110
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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111
viands
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| n.食品，食物 | |
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112
unwilling
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| adj.不情愿的 | |
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113
entreat
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| v.恳求，恳请 | |
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114
trumpet
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| n.喇叭，喇叭声；v.吹喇叭，吹嘘 | |
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115
flute
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| n.长笛；v.吹笛 | |
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116
tints
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| 色彩( tint的名词复数 )； 带白的颜色； （淡色）染发剂； 痕迹 | |
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117
monarch
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| n.帝王，君主，最高统治者 | |
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118
monarchs
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| 君主，帝王( monarch的名词复数 ) | |
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119
guardians
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| 监护人( guardian的名词复数 )； 保护者，维护者 | |
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120
lusted
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| 贪求（lust的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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121
overthrow
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| v.推翻，打倒，颠覆；n.推翻，瓦解，颠覆 | |
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122
wont
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| adj.习惯于；v.习惯；n.习惯 | |
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123
brotherhood
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| n.兄弟般的关系，手中情谊 | |
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124
quaffed
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| v.痛饮( quaff的过去式和过去分词 )；畅饮；大口大口将…喝干；一饮而尽 | |
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125
gallop
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| v./n.(马或骑马等)飞奔；飞速发展 | |
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126
likeness
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| n.相像，相似（之处） | |
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127
tainted
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| adj.腐坏的；污染的；沾污的；感染的v.使变质( taint的过去式和过去分词 )；使污染；败坏；被污染，腐坏，败坏 | |
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128
garb
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| n.服装，装束 | |
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129
boon
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| n.恩赐，恩物，恩惠 | |
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130
crave
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| vt.渴望得到，迫切需要，恳求，请求 | |
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131
festive
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| adj.欢宴的，节日的 | |
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132
gaily
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| adv.欢乐地，高兴地 | |
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133
skilful
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| (=skillful)adj.灵巧的，熟练的 | |
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134
steward
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| n.乘务员，服务员；看管人；膳食管理员 | |
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135
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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136
velvet
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| n.丝绒，天鹅绒；adj.丝绒制的，柔软的 | |
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137
sable
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| n.黑貂；adj.黑色的 | |
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138
marvelled
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| v.惊奇，对…感到惊奇( marvel的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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139
shrouded
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| v.隐瞒( shroud的过去式和过去分词 )；保密 | |
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140
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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141
wreak
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| v.发泄；报复 | |
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142
vengeance
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| n.报复，报仇，复仇 | |
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143
mien
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| n.风采；态度 | |
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144
countenance
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| n.脸色，面容；面部表情；vt.支持，赞同 | |
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145
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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146
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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147
starry
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| adj.星光照耀的, 闪亮的 | |
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148
wane
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| n.衰微，亏缺，变弱；v.变小，亏缺，呈下弦 | |
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149
shun
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| vt.避开，回避，避免 | |
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150
eyelids
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| n.眼睑( eyelid的名词复数 )；眼睛也不眨一下；不露声色；面不改色 | |
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151
overflow
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| v.(使)外溢，(使)溢出；溢出，流出，漫出 | |
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152
wondrously
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| adv.惊奇地，非常，极其 | |
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153
warriors
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| 武士，勇士，战士( warrior的名词复数 ) | |
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154
lodging
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| n.寄宿，住所；(大学生的)校外宿舍 | |
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155
thrall
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| n.奴隶；奴隶制 | |
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156
barons
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| 男爵( baron的名词复数 )； 巨头； 大王； 大亨 | |
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157
disdain
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| n.鄙视，轻视；v.轻视，鄙视，不屑 | |
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