Chapter IV: Book XIII: Klingsor

Then wrathful, I ween, was Arnivé that the messenger said her
Nay,
Nor told her aught of his errand, nor whither his journey
lay.
And in this wise she quoth to the porter, 'Now, whatever the
hour may be,
Be it day, be it night, when he cometh, send tidings thereof
to me,
In secret would I speak with him; thou art wise, as full well
I know!' 5
Yet wroth was she still with the footman--Then she would to
the Duchess go,
And win from her lips the answer, but ready was she of wit,
And the name that he bare, her hero, her mouth spake no word
of it.
Gawain he would have her silent, in her hearing his prayer
found grace,
And she spake not, nor might Arnivé learn aught of his name
and race. 10

Then the sound as of many trumpets thro' the hall of the
palace rang,
And joyful the blasts--Then rich carpets around on each wall
they hang,
And no foot but fell on a carpet would it tread on the palace
floor,
A poor man had surely feared him for the riches that there he
saw.
And many a couch they stood there, around the stately hall, 15
Soft were they as down, and rich cushions they laid upon each
and all.

But Gawain with his toil was wearied, and he slept tho' the
sun was high,
And his wounds, with such skill they bound them, tho' his
love should beside him lie,
And he in his arms should hold her, he had gotten no hurt I
ween.
And sounder his daylight's slumber than his sleep of the
night had been 20
When his love had so sorely vexed him; he slept till the
vesper bell,
Yet still in his sleep he battled for the lady he loved so
well.
Then rich garments of fair silk fashioned, and heavy with
broidered gold,
Did the chamberlain bear unto him--Then out quoth the hero
bold,
'More robes such as these, and as costly, I ween, shalt thou
hither bear, 25
For Gowerzein's Duke shall need them, and Florand, the hero
fair,
For in many a land hath he battled, and hath won for him
glory's meed--
Now see that thou make them ready, and do my behest with
speed!'

Then he prayed, by a squire, the boatman send hither the
captive knight,
And Lischois did he send at his bidding by the hand of his
daughter bright. 30
And the maiden Bené brought him for the love that she bare
Gawain,
And the good that he vowed to her father that morn when she
wept amain,
And the knight he left her weeping, and rode on his toilsome
way--
And the highest prize of his manhood it fell to his lot that
day.

The Turkowit too had come there, and Gawain the twain did
greet 35
In all friendship, and then he prayed them beside him to take
their seat
Till their robes should be brought unto them; and costly they
needs must be,
For never was fairer raiment than the garb of those heroes
three.
For one lived of yore named Sarant, (a city doth bear his
name,)
From out of the land of Triande in the days that are gone he
came. 40
In the land of Queen Sekundillé stood a city so great and
fair,
(E'en Nineveh or Akraton with its glories might scarce
compare,)
And the city, men called it Thasmé; there Sarant won meed of
fame,
Since he wove there a silk with cunning, _Saranthasmé_ should
be its name.
Think ye it was fair to look on? How might it be otherwise, 45
For much gold must he give for the payment who would win to
him such a prize.

Such robes ware these two and Gawain: then they gat them unto
the hall,
And on one side the knights they sat them, on the other the
ladies all,
And he who a woman's beauty had wisdom to judge aright
Must reckon Gawain's fair lady the first of these ladies
bright. 50
And the host and his guests so gallant they gazed on her
radiant glow,
As they stood before Orgelusé; and her knights she again must
know,
And her Turkowit, gallant Florand, and Lischois, the young
and fair,
Were set free, without let or hindrance, for the love that
Gawain must bear
To the lovely lady of Logrois--Then their victor they thanked
amain, 55
Who was dull to all ill, yet had wisdom in all that might
true love gain.
As the captives thus free were spoken, Gawain the four queens
must see
As they stood by the side of the Duchess, and he spake in his
courtesy,
And he bade the two knights go nearer, and with kiss greet
those ladies bright,
The three younger queens, and joyful, I ween, was each
gallant knight. 60
And there was the maiden Bené, with Gawain had she sought the
hall,
And I think me a joyful welcome she found there from each and
all.

Then the host would no longer stand there, and the twain did
he pray to sit
By the maidens, as best should please them, and it grievèd
them not one whit,
Such counsel it grieveth no man! Then the gallant Gawain
spake, 65
'Now which of these maids is Itonjé? Beside her my seat I'ld
take!'
Thus in secret he spake to Bené, and she showed him the
maiden fair,
'She, with eyes so clear and shining, and red lips, and dusky
hair!
Wouldst thou speak with the maid in secret? Then thy words be
wise and few:'
Thus quoth Bené the wise in counsel, who Itonjé's love-tale
knew, 70
And knew that King Gramoflanz loved her, and did service for
her heart's love,
And his faith as a knight unstainèd would fain to the maiden
prove.

Gawain sat him by the maiden, (as I heard so the tale I
tell,)
And soft was his speech and gentle, and his words they
beseemed him well.
And tho' few were the years of Itonjé yet great was her
courtesy, 75
And well did she know how to bear her as a maiden of high
degree.
And this question he asked the maiden, if a lover she aye had
known?
And with wisdom she made him answer, 'To whom might my love
be shown,
For ne'er to a man have I spoken, since the day I first saw
the light,
Save the words which thou now dost hearken as I speak unto
thee, Sir Knight!' 80

'Yet mayst thou have heard the rumour of one who hath bravely
fought,
And striven for prize of knighthood, and with dauntless heart
hath sought
Fair service for fair rewarding?' In such wise spake the
knight Gawain;
But the maiden she quoth, 'Nay, no hero hath striven _my_
love to gain;
Yon lady, the Duchess of Logrois, hath many a gallant knight 85
Who serve her for love, or for payment, and hither they come
to fight,
And we of their jousts are witness, yet none shall have come
so nigh
As _thou_ hast, Sir Knight, and this conflict thy glory hath
raised on high!'

Then he quoth to the lovely maiden, 'Whose pathway shall she
have crossed
With many a chosen hero? Say, who hath her favour lost?' 90
'That, Sir Knight, hath the valiant monarch, King Gramoflanz,
he who bore
From aforetime the crown of honour; so men say, and _I_ know
no more!'

Quoth Gawain, 'Thou shalt know more of him, since he draweth
the prize anear,
And with steadfast heart doth he seek it; from his lips I
this tale did hear--
Of true heart would he do thee service, if such service shall
be thy will, 95
And help at thine hand he seeketh that thy love may his
torment still.
It is well that a king face peril, if his lady shall be a
queen,
And _thou_ art the maid whom he loveth, if King Lot hath thy
father been;
Thou art she for whom his heart weepeth, if thy name shall
Itonjé be,
And sorrow of heart dost thou give him--By my mouth would he
plead with thee.' 100

'Now if thou be true and faithful of his woe wilt thou make
an end,
And _both_ would I serve right gladly--This ring he to thee
doth send,
I prithee to take it, Lady! In sooth do I mean thee well,
And if thou wilt trust unto me no word of the tale I'll
tell!'
Then crimson she blushed, the maiden, and e'en as her lips
were red 105
So red grew her cheek, yet the blushes as they came so they
swiftly sped.
And she stretched forth her hand so shyly toward the little
ring of gold,
For e'en at a glance she knew it, and her hand did the token
hold.

Then she spake, 'Now, Sir Knight, I see well, if I freely to
thee may speak,
That thou comest from him, whom, desiring, my heart doth for
ever seek. 110
My words shalt thou still hold secret, as courtesy biddeth
thee,
This ring have I seen aforetime, for it oft hath been sent to
me;
From the hand of the king it cometh, and I know it for token
true,
From my hand did he first receive it. What sorrow so e'er he
knew,
Of that do I hold me guiltless; what he asked, that in
thought I gave, 115
Had we met I had ne'er withholden the boon he from me did
crave.'

'This day have I kissed Orgelusé, who thinketh his death to
win,
I ween 'twas the kiss of Judas which all men count to him for
sin!
And honour and faith forsook me, when the Turkowit, brave
Florand,
And Gowerzein's Duke, fair Lischois, I kissed here at thy
command. 120
From my heart I might not forgive them, for my true love they
hate alway--
But speak thou no word to my mother.' Thus the maiden Gawain
did pray.

'Sir Knight, it was _thou_ didst pray me to take from their
lips this kiss,
Tho' no will for forgiveness had I, and my heart sickeneth
sore for this!
If joy shall be e'er our portion, our help in thine hand
shall be, 125
And I know well, above all women, the king he desireth me;
And his will shall he have, for I love him o'er all men on
earth that live--
God send thee good help and good counsel, that joy thou to us
mayst give!'

Quoth Gawain, 'How may that be, Lady? He beareth thee in his
heart,
And in thine dost thou ever hold him, and yet are ye twain
apart. 130
If I knew how to give thee counsel that ye twain might in
gladness dwell,
Of a sooth no pains would I spare me such rede unto thee to
tell.'
Then she quoth, 'Yet in truth shalt thou rule us, myself, and
my gallant king,
And naught but thy help and God's blessing our love to its
goal may bring,
So that I, poor homeless maiden, his sorrow may put away, 135
For his joy shall be set upon me! If so be I from truth ne'er
stray,
What other can I desire here, or for what shall my true heart
yearn,
Save to give him the love he asketh, and his grief unto
gladness turn?'

Gawain, he saw well that the maiden would fain to her love
belong,
Yet her hatred towards the Duchess as aforetime was fierce
and strong; 140
Thus hatred and love did she bear here, and wrong had he done
the maid
Who thus, of a true heart simply, her plaint had before him
laid.
Since never a word had he told her how one mother had borne
them both,
And King Lot he had been their father--Then he answered her,
little loth,
He would do what he might to aid her, and in secret with
gracious word 145
She thanked him who brought her comfort, and her sorrow with
kindness heard.

Now the hour it was come, and they brought there for the
tables fair linen white,
And bread did they bear to the palace unto many a lady
bright,
And there might ye see a severance, for the knights they sat
by one wall,
Apart from the maids; and their places Gawain gave to each
and all. 150
And the Turkowit sat beside him, and Lischois ate with
Sangivé,
(And that fair queen was Gawain's mother,) and Orgelusé by
Arnivé.
And Gawain set his lovely sister by his side at that festal
board,
And all did as he bade them gladly, for he was that castle's
lord.

My skill not the half doth tell me, no such master-cook am I, 155
That I know the name of the viands they offered them
courteously;
The host, and each one of the ladies, their servers were
maidens fair,
To the knights who sat over against them many squires did
their portion bear.
For this was the seemly custom, that no squire, in his
serving haste,
Brushed roughly against a maiden, but ever apart they paced-- 160
And whether 'twas wine, or 'twas viands, they offered unto
the guests,
In naught was their courtesy harmèd, for so did men deem it
best.

And a feast they to-day must look on such as no man before
had seen,
Since vanquished by Klingsor's magic both lady and knight had
been.
Unknown were they yet to each other, tho' one portal it shut
them in, 165
And never a man and a maiden might speech of each other win;
And a good thing Gawain he thought it that this folk should
each other meet,
And much he rejoiced in their gladness, and his own lot it
seemed him sweet;
Yet ever he looked in secret on his lady and love so fair,
And his heart it waxed hot within him, and love's anguish he
needs must bear. 170

But the day drew near to its closing, and faint waxed the
waning light,
And fair thro' the clouds of heaven gleamed the messengers of
the night,
Many stars so bright and golden, who speed on their silent
way
When the night would seek for shelter in the realm of
departing day;
And after her standard-bearers, with her host doth she
swiftly tread-- 175
Now many a fair crown golden in the palace hung high
o'erhead,
And with tapers they all were lighted around the stately
hall,
And they bare unto every table a host of tapers tall;
And yet the story telleth that the Duchess she was so fair,
That ne'er was it night in her presence tho' never a torch
were there! 180
For her glance was so bright and radiant it brought of itself
the day;
And this tale of fair Orgelusé full oft have I heard men say.
He had spoken, methinks, untruly who said that he e'er had
seen
A host so rich and joyous, and joyous his guests, I ween;
And ever with eager gladness each knight and each gentle maid 185
Looked well on each other's faces, nor shrank from the glance
afraid.
If friendship they here desirèd, or each other would better
know,
Then naught of their joy would I grudge them, methinks it
were better so!

Tho' I wot well there none was a glutton, yet still had they
ate their fill,
And they bare on one side the tables, and Gawain asked, with
right goodwill, 190
If here there should be a fiddler? and many a gallant squire
Was skilled on the strings, and gladly would play at the
host's desire,
Yet were they not all too skilful, and the dances were old
alway,
Not new, as in fair Thuringia the dances they know to-day.

Then they thanked their host who, joyful, would give to their
joy its vent, 195
And many a lovely lady in his presence danced well content,
For goodly their dance to look on, and their ranks, with many
a pair
Of knight and lady, mingled, and grief fled from their faces
fair.
And oft 'twixt two gentle maidens might be seen a noble
knight,
And they who looked well upon them in their faces might read
delight. 200
And whatever knight bethought him, and would of his lady pray
Reward, if for love he served her, none said to his pleading
Nay.
Thus they who were poor in sorrow, and rich in joy's fairest
dower,
With sweet words, by sweet lips spoken, made gladsome the
passing hour.

Gawain and the Queen Arnivé, and Sangivé, the dance so fleet 205
Would look on in peace, for they danced not; then the Duchess
she took her seat
By the side of Gawain, and her white hand he held in his own
a while,
And they spake of this thing and the other, with many a
glance and smile;
He rejoiced that she thus had sought him, and his grief it
waxed small and faint,
And his joy it grew strong and mighty, nor vexed him with
sorrow's plaint. 210
And great was the joy of the lady o'er the dance, and the
merry feast,
Yet less was the sorrow of Gawain, and his joy o'er her joy
increased.

Then spake the old Queen Arnivé, 'Sir Knight, now methinks
'twere best
That thou get thee to bed, for sorely, I ween, shall thy
wounds need rest
Has the Duchess perchance bethought her to care for thy couch
this night, 215
And tend thee herself, with such counsel and deed as shall
seem her right?'
Quoth Gawain, 'That thyself mayst ask her; I will do as shall
please ye twain!'
Then the Duchess she spake in answer, 'He shall in my charge
remain.
Let this folk to their couch betake them, I will tend in such
sort his rest
That never a loving lady dealt better by gallant guest; 220
And the other twain, my princes, in the care of the knights
shall be,
Florand, and the Duke of Gowerzein, for so seemeth it good to
me.'

In short space the dance was ended, and the maidens in beauty
bright
Sat here and there, and between them sat many a gallant
knight;
And joy took her revenge on sorrow, and he who so sweetly
spake 225
Words of love, from his gentle lady must a gracious answer
take.
Then the host must they hear, as he bade them the cup to the
hall to bear,
And the wooers bemoaned his bidding; yet the host he wooed
with them here,
And he bare of his love the burden, and the sitting he deemed
too long,
For his heart by love's power was tortured with anguish so
fierce and strong. 230
And they drank the night-drink, and sadly to each other they
bade goodnight,
And the squires they must bear before them full many a taper
bright.
And the two gallant guests did Gawain commend to them each
and all,
And glad were the knights, and the heroes they led forth from
out the hall.
And the Duchess, with gracious kindness, wished fair rest to
the princes twain, 235
And then to their sleeping chambers forth wended the maiden
train,
And as their fair breeding bade them, at the parting they
curtseyed low:
Queen Sangivé and her fair daughters they too to their rest
would go.

Then Bené, the maid, and Arnivé, they wrought with a willing
hand
That the host he might sleep in comfort, nor the Duchess
aside did stand, 240
But she aided the twain, and Gawain was led of the helpers
three
To a chamber fair where his slumber that even should joyful
be.
Two couches alone did he see there, but no man to me hath
told
Of their decking, for other matters, I ween, doth this story
hold.

Quoth Arnivé unto the Duchess, 'Now, Lady, think thou how
best 245
This knight whom thou broughtest hither, shall beneath this
roof-tree rest,
If aid at thine hand he craveth, to grant it shall honour
thee;
No more would I say, save this only, his wounds they shall
bandaged be
With such skill he might bear his armour--But if he bemoan
his grief
Then methinks it were good and fitting that thou bring to his
woe relief. 250
If thou wakest anew his courage, then we all in his gladness
share--
Now think thou no ill of my counsel, but have for thy knight
good care!'
Then the Queen Arnivé left them, (yet leave had she craved
before,)
And Bené she bare the taper, and Gawain he made fast the
door.

If the twain to their love gave hearing? The tale how should
I withhold, 255
I would speak, were it not unseemly that love's secrets aloud
be told,
For courtesy doth forbid it; and he who would tell the tale
Worketh ill to himself, o'er love's dealings true hands ever
draw the veil.

Now betwixt his love and his lady had the joy of Gawain waxed
small,
An the Duchess would have no pity, then healing might ne'er
befall. 260
They who sat in the seat of the wise men, and knew many a
mystic word,
Kancor, and Thèbit, and Trebuchet, the smith who Frimutel's
sword
Once wrought, ('twas a wondrous weapon, and men of its
marvels tell)--
Nay, all the skill of physicians, tho' they meant to the hero
well
And plied him with roots well mingled--Had a _woman_ ne'er
sought his side, 265
Then vain were their skill, in his torment methinks had he
surely died!

Fain would I make short the story, he the rightful root had
found
That helped him unto his healing, and the chain of his grief
unbound,
And brought light in the midst of his darkness--(Breton by
his mother's side
Was Gawain, and King Lot his father) thus the healing task he
plied, 270
And sweet balsam for bitter sorrow was his lot till the dawn
of day.
Yet that which had wrought him comfort it was hid from the
folk alway,
But all there, both knights and ladies, they beheld him so
gay and glad
That their sorrow was put far from them and their heart was
no longer sad.
Now list how he did the message whom Gawain he had sent afar, 275
Yea unto the land of Löver, unto Bems by the fair Korka,
For there he abode, King Arthur, and his lady, the gracious
queen,
With fair maids and a host of vassals; this the lot of the
squire had been.

'Twas yet in the early morning, when his message he fain had
brought,
And the queen, in the chapel kneeling, on the page of her
psalter thought; 280
Then the squire bent his knee before her, and he gave her a
token fair,
For she took from his hand a letter, and the cover must
writing bear
That was writ by a hand she knew well, ere yet she the name
might know,
From the squire, of him who had sent him, as she looked on
him kneeling low.
Then the queen she spake to the letter, 'Now blessed that
hand shall be 285
That wrote thee; for care was my portion since the day that
mine eyes might see
The hand that hath writ this writing'--She wept, yet for joy
was fain,
And she quoth to the squire, 'Of a surety thy master shall be
Gawain!'

'Yea, Lady, he truly offers true service as aye of yore,
With never a thought of wavering, yet his joy it shall suffer
sore, 290
If so be thou wilt not upraise it; and never it stood so ill
With his honour as now it standeth--And more would he tell
thee still,
In joy shall he live henceforward if comfort he gain from
thee;
And I wot that yet more shall be written than what thou hast
heard from me.'

Then she quoth, 'I have truly read there the cause that hath
brought thee here, 295
And service I think to do him with many a woman dear,
Who to-day shall I ween be reckoned to have won to them
beauty's prize--
Save Parzival's wife and another, Orgelusé, in all men's
eyes,
Thro' Christendom none shall be fairer--Since far from King
Arthur's court
Gawain rode, sore grief and sorrow have made of my life their
sport. 300
And Meljanz de Lys hath told me he saw him in Barbigöl--
Alas!' quoth the queen, 'that ever mine eyes saw thee,
Plimizöl!
What sorrow did there befall me! Since that day might I never
greet
Kunnewaare of Lalande, she hath left me, my friend and
companion sweet.
And the right of the good Round Table was broken by words of
scorn, 305
And four years and a half and six weeks have left us, I ween,
forlorn,
Since the Grail Parzival rode seeking; and after him rode
Gawain
To Askalon--Nor Jeschuté nor Hekuba come again
Since the day that they parted from me, and grief for my
friends so true
Hath driven my peace far from me, nor joy since that day I
knew!' 310
And the queen spake much of her sorrow: then the squire would
her counsel know,
'Now do thou in this my bidding, in secret thou hence shalt
go,
And wait till the sun be higher, and the folk all at court
shall be,
Knights, servants, and gentle ladies, and vassals of all
degree;
And then to the court ride swiftly, nor think who shall hold
thy steed, 315
But spring from its back, and hasten where the king shall thy
coming heed.
They will ask of thee news of venture, but thou, do thou act
and speak
As one who from peril flieth, whom the flames would devouring
seek,
And they may not prevail to hold thee, nor win from thy lips
the tale,
But press thou thro' them to the monarch, and to greet thee
he will not fail. 320
Then give to his hand the letter, and swiftly from it he'll
read
Thy tale, and thy lord's desiring; I doubt not the prayer
he'll heed!'

'And this will I further rede thee, make thou thy request to
me
Where I sit, and, amid my ladies, thy dealings may hear and
see;
And beseech us, as well thou knowest, for thy lord wouldst
thou hearing gain. 325
But say, for as yet I know not, where abideth the knight
Gawain?'
'Nay,' quoth the squire, 'I may not, ask not where my lord
doth dwell,
But think, an thou wilt, that good fortune is his, and he
fareth well!'
Then glad was the squire of her counsel, and he took from the
queen his way
In such wise as ye here have hearkened, and he came, e'en as
she did say. 330

For e'en at the hour of noontide, not in secret but openly
He came to the court, and the courtiers his garments eyed
curiously,
And they thought that they well beseemed him, and were such
as a squire should wear,
And his horse on each flank was wounded, where the spurs they
had smitten fair.
And, e'en as the queen had taught him, he sprang straightway
unto the ground, 335
And a crowd of eager courtiers pressed, thronging, his steed
around.
Mantle, sword, and spurs, e'en his charger might be lost, he
would little care
But he gat thro' the crowd to the heroes, and the knights
they besought him there,
Brought he news of some gallant venture? For the custom was
aye of yore,
That they ate not, nor man nor maiden, save unto the court
they bore 340
The news of some deed of knighthood, and the court might
claim its right,
If so be 'twas a worthy venture, and one that beseemed a
knight.
Quoth the squire, 'Nay, I naught may tell ye, for my haste
doth not brook delay,
Of your courtesy then forgive me, and lead to the king the
way,
For 'tis meet that I first speak with him, and mine haste it
doth work me ill; 345
But my tale shall ye hear, and God teach ye to aid me with
right goodwill!'

And so did his message urge him he thought not on the
thronging crowd,
Till the eyes of the king beheld him, and greeting he spake
aloud.
Then he gave to his hand the letter that bade to King
Arthur's heart,
As he read it, two guests, joy and sorrow, alike there the
twain had part 350
And he spake, 'Hail! the fair day's dawning, by whose light I
have read this word,
And of thee, O son of my sister, true tidings at last have
heard!
If in manhood I may but serve thee as kinsman and friend, if
faith
Ever ruled my heart, 'twill be open to the word that Sir
Gawain saith!'

Then he spake to the squire, 'Now tell me if Sir Gawain be
glad at heart?' 355
'Yea, sire, at thy will, with the joyful I ween shall he have
his part,'
(And thus quoth the squire in his wisdom,) 'yet his honour he
sure shall lose,
And no man fresh joy may give him, if thine aid thou shalt
here refuse.
At thy succour his gladness waxeth, and from out of dark
sorrow's door
Shall grief from his heart be banished, if thou hearken his
need so sore. 360
As of yore doth he offer service to the queen, and it is his
will
That the knights of the good Round Table as their comrade
account him still,
And think on their faith, nor let him be 'spoiled of his
honour's meed,
But pray thee his cry to hearken, and make to his aid good
speed!'

Quoth King Arthur, 'Dear friend and comrade, bear this letter
unto the queen, 365
Let her read therein, and tell us why our portion hath
twofold been,
And at one while we joy and we sorrow. How King Gramoflanz is
fain
In the pride of his heart, and his malice, to work ill to my
knight, Gawain;
He thinketh for sure that my nephew shall be Eidegast, whom
he slew,
Thence grief hath he won; deeper sorrow I'ld teach him, and
customs new!' 370

Then the squire he would pass where a welcome so kindly he
did receive,
And he gave to the queen the letter, and many an eye must
grieve,
And with crystal tears run over, as with sweet lips she read
so clear
The words that within were written, and the need of Gawain
they hear,
And his prayer did she read before them; nor long would the
squire delay 375
With skill to entreat the ladies, and aid at their hand to
pray.

King Arthur, Sir Gawain's uncle, he wrought with a hearty
will
That his vassals might take the journey: nor did she abide
her still,
Guinevere, the wise and the courteous, for she prayed them
make no delay,
Her ladies, but bravely deck them, and get on their stately
way. 380
Quoth Kay aloud in his anger, 'If ever I dared believe
That so gallant a man as Gawain of Norway on earth should
live
I would cry to him, "Come thou nearer!" Fetch him swift, else
he swift will go,
As a squirrel away he flasheth, and is lost ere his place ye
know!'

To the queen quoth the squire, 'Now, Lady, my lord must I
swiftly seek, 385
His cause do I leave to thine honour!' To her chamberlain did
she speak,
'See thou that this squire doth rest well, and look well unto
his steed,
Is it hewn with spurs, find another, the best that shall
serve his need.
And what else beside shall fail him, for his dress, or lest
pledge he lose,
Make ready as he shall ask thee, and naught unto him refuse!' 390
And she quoth, 'Thou shalt say unto Gawain, I am ever to
serve him fain,
Thy leave from the king will I care for, he greeteth thy lord
again!'

Thus the king he was fain for the journey; and the feast it
might now be served,
Since the right of the good Round Table by this venture was
well observed;
And joy in their hearts awakened, since this gallant knight
Gawain 395
Should be yet in life, and true tidings they might of his
welfare gain.
And the knights of that noble order, that even were glad at
heart,
And there sat the king, and those others who had in the ring
their part,
And they sat and they ate with their monarch who fame by
their strife had won,
And the news of this gallant venture wrought joy to them
every one. 400

Now the squire might betake him homewards, since his errand
so well had sped,
He gat forth at the early dawning, ere the sun should be high
o'erhead,
And the queen's chamberlain he gave him a charger, and robes
beside,
And gold lest his pledge be forfeit, and glad on his way he
hied,
For had he not won from King Arthur what should end his
lord's sorrow sore? 405
And I know not the days of his journey, but in safety he came
once more
To Château Merveil; then joyful was Arnivé, for as she bade
The porter bare news of his coming, how his steed he no whit
had stayed,
But swiftly had done his errand. Then in secret she made her
way
To where by the castle drawbridge the squire did his charger
stay, 410
And she asked him much of his journey, and why he in haste
must ride?
Quoth the squire, ''Tis forbidden, Lady! my errand I needs
must hide,
An oath have I sworn of silence, and my lord he might well be
wroth
If to thee I should tell the tidings, for so should I break
mine oath,
And a fool would he surely hold me! Ask himself what thou
fain wouldst learn!' 415
Yet she strove still with many a question from his purpose
the squire to turn,
Then weary was he of her pleading, and in anger this word he
spake,
'Without cause dost thou here delay me, for I think not mine
oath to break!'

So he went where he found his master, and the Turkowit brave
Florand,
And Lischois, and the lady of Logrois, many ladies did with
them stand, 420
And the squire made his way to his master, and up stood the
knight Gawain,
And he took him aside, and welcome he bade him in joyful
strain,
'Now tell unto me, my comrade, the tidings thou here hast
brought,
If thy news be for joy or for sorrow, what speak they of me
at court?'

'And say, didst thou find King Arthur?' quoth the squire, 'My
master, yea, 425
The king, and the queen, and with them many brave knights I
saw alway,
And they offer to thee their service, and they will at thy
bidding come,
And they heard in such sort thy message, with such gladness,
that every one,
Rich and poor, as one man were joyful when I spake, thou wert
safe and well.
And the folk there were sure a marvel! Their number I may not
tell! 430
And the Table Round, by thy message, was spread for the feast
I ween;
And if knight e'er won fame by his valour, then I wot that
thy fame hath been
Far greater than all who hearkened to the words that I spake
of thee,
And it beareth the crown o'er all others, tho' mighty their
fame shall be!'

Then he told him all that befell there, how he spake with the
gracious queen, 435
And the counsel she gave unto him; and how he the folk had
seen,
Those brave knights and gentle ladies; how Gawain should
behold their face
At Ioflanz, before the combat, and the end of his day of
grace.
And the sorrow of Gawain vanished, yet his joy in his heart
he'ld hide,
Tho' from grief did he pass to gladness; yet the squire must
his oath abide 440
And yet for a space keep silence--Forgotten was all his care,
And thither he went, and he sat him again by his lady fair,
And with joy he abode in the castle till King Arthur to his
relief
Might come with his host--Now hearken to a story of love and
grief:

Gawain he was ever joyful; one morn did it so befall 445
That many a knight and lady were seen in that stately hall,
And Gawain sat apart in a window, and looked o'er the stream
so wide,
And with many a tale of wonder sat Arnivé the knight beside.

To the queen spake the gallant hero, 'Ah! hearken, my Lady
dear,
If my questions they shall not vex thee, do thou to my words
give ear 450
And tell me the wondrous story, which as yet shall be hid
from me--
That I live, and my life is joyful, I owe it to none but
thee;
Tho' my heart had the wit of manhood, yet the Duchess she
held it fast,
But thou in such wise hast helped me that my sorrow is
overpast;
Of my love, and my wounds had I died here, but with wisdom
thy helpful hand 455
Thou didst stretch to my aid, and hast loosed me for aye from
my sorrow's band.
I owe thee my life! My Lady of healing, now tell to me
The wonder that was, and the marvel that yet in this place
shall be.
Say, wherefore by mighty magic hath Klingsor this palace
made?
For surely my life had I lost here had thy wisdom not been
mine aid!' 460

Then out quoth the wise Arnivé, (and ne'er with such goodly
fame
Of womanly faith and wisdom fair youth unto old age came,)
'Sir Knight, these are but small marvels to the marvels his
cunning hand,
And his skill in hidden magic, have wrought in full many a
land.
He who counteth it shame unto us that into his power we fell, 465
He sinneth for sure! His doings, Sir Knight, I to thee will
tell.
Many folk, I ween, hath he troubled, his land is Terre de
Labûr:
From a wondrous race he springeth, whose marvels they aye
endure,
For Virgil was his forefather, in Naples his spells he
wrought:
And in this wise his nephew Klingsor was to shame and to
sorrow brought;' 470

'And the chief of his towns was Capua--such high fame was
his, I ween,
That never in praise or in honour methinks had he shamèd
been,
And all folk they spake of Duke Klingsor, and praised him,
both man and maid,
Till in this wise he won dishonour, and his glory to earth
was laid.
In Sicily reigned a monarch, King Ibert, his life was blest 475
With a fair wife, Iblis, none fairer e'er hung on a mother's
breast,
And Klingsor would do her service, till her love should be
his reward,
And in shame did he win his guerdon from the hand of her
rightful lord.'

'If here I must tell his secret, forgiveness I first must
pray,
For methinks it shall be a story that scarce fitteth my lips
to say; 480
With a stroke was he made magician, with the self-same stroke
unmanned'--
Then loudly he laughed, Sir Gawain, as the tale he must
understand.

'In Kalot Enbolot's castle he won him this lasting shame,
(I trow 'tis a mighty fortress, and far lands shall know its
fame,)
With his wife did the monarch find him, there lay Klingsor
within her arm, 485
And sorely must he repent him of his slumber so soft and
warm,
For the hand of the king avenged him in such wise as he
deemed his right;
And he left with his knife such token of shame on the traitor
knight
That henceforward the love of woman it rejoiceth him never
more!
And I wot well for his dishonour many folk shall have
suffered sore.' 490

'('Tis not in the land of Persia) in a city called Persida
Were magic spells first woven; it stands in a land afar,
And thither did Klingsor journey, and there did he learn such
skill,
That with secrets of magic cunning he worketh whate'er he
will.
For the ill that was wrought his body he beareth goodwill to
none, 495
But rejoiceth to work them evil, the more if they fame have
won.'

'E'en such peril beset one monarch--Irôt was, I ween, his
name,
And Rosch-Sabbins was his kingdom--At length to such pass he
came,
That he bade him to take of that country what he would, so he
peace would keep;
Then Klingsor he took of the monarch this mountain so high
and steep, 500
And the land for eight miles around it; on the summit did
Klingsor rear
The wonder-work thou seest, and this palace we look on here.
And there faileth nor worldly riches, nor marvel of magic
skill,
If for thirty years one besieged it, methinks 'twere
provisioned still.
And power doth he hold o'er all spirits, 'twixt the earth and
the heaven above, 505
Both evil and good, save those only whom God doth from his
power remove.'

'Sir Knight, since thy deadly peril thou hast passed, nor thy
death hast found,
He gives to thine hand his kingdom, this Burg, and the lands
around,
No claim doth he make upon it; and peace doth he promise
thee--
This he sware in the ears of his people, and a man of his
word is he, 510
That the knight who withstood the venture, this gift should
be his for aye.
And all who from Christendom's countries 'neath the spell of
his magic lay,
Be they woman, or man, or maiden, are thy vassals both one
and all,
And many from lands of paynim with us 'neath his power must
fall.
Let this folk then now get them homewards, where yet for our
loss they mourn, 515
For to dwell in the land of the stranger, it maketh my heart
forlorn
And He, who the stars hath counted, may He teach thee to give
us aid,
And turn once again to rejoicing those hearts that are sore
afraid!'

'A child was born of a mother, who its mother's mother shall
be;
For the ice it came of the water; when the sunlight shineth
free, 520
Then nothing I ween shall hinder that water from ice be
born--
Of my glad youth I often think me, tho' now I must weep
forlorn,
If my lot shall once more be joyful then the child from the
child shall spring.
And thou, art thou wise and courteous, methinks well mayst
work this thing!'

''Tis long since all joy forsook me! The skiff 'neath its
sail flies fast, 525
But the man who doth sail within it hath swifter his voyage
o'erpast.
If thou readest aright my riddle thy fame shall wax high and
fleet,
For our joy canst thou make to blossom, and our song to ring
clear and sweet.
And, bringers of joy, shall we journey into many a distant
land,
Where the folk weep sore for our losing, and shall greet us
with outstretched hand!' 530

'Of joy had I once full measure: a crownèd queen was I!
And my daughter amid her princes bare a crown too right
royally,
And all men they deemed us worthy--Sir Knight, I wrought ill
to none,
But alike, both man and maiden, from my hand due guerdon won.
And all men they knew, and they owned me one fit o'er the
folk to reign, 535
For I, so God gave me wisdom, ne'er brought to another pain.
Yet she who in gladness dwelleth, tho' a fair praise she
think to earn,
And the prayer of the poor she hearken, yet her joy to such
grief may turn
That a poor lad may make her joyful--Sir Knight, here
o'erlong I stay,
Yet there cometh no man who doth know me, and turneth my care
away!' 540

Then out quoth the gallant hero, 'Lady, if life be mine,
Then gladness shall be thy portion, nor shalt thou in exile
pine!'
Now this self-same day brought the coming of Arthur the
Breton king,
The son of the sad Arnivé, whom kinship and faith did bring;
And many a fair new banner Gawain from the castle saw, 545
And the field it was thick with the horsemen who near at his
summons draw.
On the road that wound hence from Logrois came many a
blazoned spear,
And Gawain, he was glad at their coming; for delay it oft
teacheth fear,
Who waiteth o'erlong for succour, he doubteth 'twill come too
late!
From such doubt had King Arthur freed him! Ah me! how he rode
in state! 550

Gawain, he would hold it secret, yet his eyes they were fain
to weep,
Little good had they been for cisterns, since the water they
failed to keep.
And for love must he weep, for Arthur such love had toward
him shown,
He had cherished him from his childhood, and had dealt with
him as his own;
And the twain they had never wavered, but their faith to each
other kept, 555
And nor falsehood nor thought of doubting betwixt their two
hearts had crept.

But Arnivé was 'ware of his weeping, and quoth, 'Now shalt
thou begin
To joy with the shout of rejoicing, thus comfort we all shall
win.
'Gainst sorrow shouldst thou defend thee--See the host that
now draweth nigh,
Methinks 'tis the Duchess' army, with their coming shall joy
wax high.' 560
Now many a tent and banner they saw wind across the plain,
But _one_ shield did they bear before them, and Arnivé beheld
again,
And she knew, as of yore, the blazon, and Isayé she called
the name
Of the knight, he should be king's marshal, and Uther
Pendragon came!
But the shield it was borne by another, graceful of limb and
tall, 565
And she said, 'He shall be _queen's_ marshal, and _Maurin_
his name they call.'
But little she knew, Arnivé, that dead were both king and
knight,
And Maurin, he held the office that afore was his father's
right.
To the bank in the meadow of conflict rode the host--They who
served the queen
Found a resting-place for the ladies, and a fair camp it was
I ween. 570
By the side of a swift, clear streamlet they set up the tents
so fair,
And, apart, many goodly circles for the king and his knights
prepare.
And methinks they had left behind them, wherever the host
must ride,
A mighty track of hoof-prints on the field and the roadways
wide!

Gawain, by the mouth of Bené, his host Plippalinòt prayed 575
To hold vessel and boat in safe keeping that no crossing that
day be made.
And the maid from the hand of Gawain took the first gift of
his rich store,
'Twas a swallow, the harp was costly, such as harpers in
England bore.

Then joyful, she sought her father, and Gawain, he gave
command
To shut fast the outer portals, since a host at the gate did
stand; 580
And old and young they listed the word that he courteous
spake:
'On the further side of the river an army its camp doth make,
And never, by land or by water, a mightier host I saw,
Would they fight, then I pray ye help me my knighthood to
prove once more!'

With one voice did they make the promise--Then they asked of
the Duchess fair, 585
If the host should be hers? But she answered, 'Believe me, of
all men there
I know neither shield nor bearer; perchance he who wrought me
ill
Hath entered my land, and thought him to bow Logrois unto his
will.
He hath found it right well defended! My people might well
defy,
From their tower and their battlements lofty, e'en such army
as here doth lie! 590
Hath he wrought there fresh deeds of knighthood, then King
Gramoflanz sure hath thought
To revenge himself for the garland that my knight from his
tree hath brought.
But whoever they be, I know well, they shall many a joust
have seen,
And many a spear at Logrois by mine army hath splintered
been.'

And never a lie had she spoken--For Arthur must peril face 595
As he rode thro' the land of Logrois; and many of Breton race
In knightly joust had fallen--But Arthur their ill repaid
In the self-same coin, and on both sides sore stress on the
host was laid.

Battle-weary, so came they hither of whom one full oft must
hear
That they sold their lives full dearly, and did never a
foeman fear. 600
And either side had suffered, both Garel and Gaherjet,
King Meljanz of Lys, and Iofreit, son of Idol, in durance set
Ere even the end of the Tourney--From Logrois they captive
bare
The Duke of Vermandois, Friam, and Count Richard, he of
Nevers,
Who naught but one spear had needed ere he against whom he
rode 605
Had fallen 'neath his stroke so mighty, and no man his joust
abode.
With his own hand King Arthur made him his captive, this
gallant knight;
Then, dauntless, they spurred them onward, and the armies
they met in fight,
And a forest, methinks, it cost them! For no man the jousts
might know
That were ridden, a rain of splinters fell thick at each
mighty blow; 610
And the Bretons, they bore them bravely 'gainst the Lady of
Logrois' host,
And Arthur himself the rear-guard would keep at sore
conflict's cost.
And in this wise they fought and they vexed them through the
hours of the livelong day,
Till the greater part of the army outwearied with conflict
lay.

And well might Gawain have told her, the Duchess, that to his
aid 615
They had ridden her land, then, I wot well, no strife had
their way delayed,
But he would that no lips should tell her till her own eye
the truth had seen--
Then he dealt as should well befit him had King Arthur his
foeman been,
And made ready to march against him with rich tents and
warlike gear.
And no man of them all repented that he came as a stranger
here, 620
For with open hand Sir Gawain his gifts upon all did shower
In such wise that ye might have deemed well he drew nigh to
his dying hour.
And servant, and knight, and lady, they looked on his gifts
so fair,
And all, with one mouth, they praised him who brought help in
their sore
despair;

And all, for his sake, were joyful--Then the hero he bade
prepare 625
Strong chargers, and well-trained palfreys, such as well
might a lady bear.
Nor the knights should be lacking armour--Strong squires in
coat of mail
Were ready to do his bidding, nor should one of their number
fail.
And in this wise he gave his orders, four knights he aside
did take:
His chamberlain one; and another, cup-bearer he fain would
make; 630
The third he would make his steward; and his marshal the
fourth should be,
For this was his prayer, and the four knights said 'Yea' to
him willingly.

At peace lay King Arthur's army, and no greeting did Gawain
send,
Yet I wot well it sorely grieved him! With the morning the
host did wend,
With the blast of many a trumpet, their way unto Ioflanz'
plain, 635
And the rear-guard was armed, yet no foeman did they find in
their path again.

Then Gawain took his office-bearers, and in this wise to them
he spake,
The marshal, he bade him straightway to Ioflanz his way to
take,
'There a camp of my own prepare me--The host that thou here
didst see
Shall unto that plain have ridden, and its lord will I name
to thee, 640
For 'tis well that thou too shouldst know him, he is Arthur,
my kinsman true,
In whose court and whose care from my childhood I unto my
manhood grew.
Now do this thing in which I trust thee, rule my journey in
such a wise,
With such riches and pomp, that my coming be stately in all
men's eyes;
But within the walls of this castle no word of the truth be
told-- 645
That the king for my sake cometh hither, this must thou for
secret hold!'

So did they as Gawain bade them, and Plippalinòt he found
Little space had he now for leisure, since his lord was on
journey bound.
For large and small his vessels, both boat and skiff, must
fare
O'er the water, and troops well armèd, ahorse and afoot they
bare. 650
And the marshal the squires and footmen on the track of the
Bretons led,
And hither and thither riding behind them the army sped.

And they bare with them, so 'twas told me, the tent that in
days of yore
Fair Iblis had sent to Klingsor, as pledge of the love she
bore.
By the sending of this love-token their secret to men was
told, 655
And the favour they bare each other in the days that have
waxen old.
And no cost had they spared who had wrought it, and no better
was ever seen
Save the tent of Eisenhart only--Then apart on the grass so
green
They set up the tent, and around it many others in goodly
ring,
And so great was the pomp and the riches that men deemed it a
wondrous thing. 660

And they spake before King Arthur that the marshal of Gawain
came,
And his lord the same day would follow, and encamp him upon
the plain.
'Twas the talk of all the vassals--Then Gawain, from
falsehood free,
Rode forth from his home and there followed a goodly company.
And their train was so richly ordered that marvels I here
might tell! 665
With church gear and chamber hangings the pack-steeds were
burdened well;
And some were with harness laden, and above the harness bare
Full many a crested helmet, and shield that was blazoned
fair.
And many a gallant war-horse was led by the bridle rein,
And behind them both knight and lady rode close in the
glittering train. 670
Would ye measure the length? a mile long, methinks, had it
stretched, and more,
And Sir Gawain, I ween, forgat not that a gallant knight
should draw
His rein by the side of each lady, and ever of love they
spake,
Or one scant of wit had deemed them! And in this wise the
road they take,
The Turkowit, brave Florand, for companion upon his way 675
Had the daughter of Queen Arnivé, Sangivé of Norroway,
And Lischois, who was ne'er unready, he rode at sweet
Kondrie's side,
And by Gawain the maid Itonjé, his sister, perforce must
ride.
At the same time the Queen Arnivé and the Duchess of fair
Logrois
Rode gaily the one by the other, for in such wise they made
their choice. 680

Beyond the camp of King Arthur the tents of Gawain they lay,
And they who were fain to reach them thro' the army must take
their way.
'Twas a sight for all men to gaze at! Ere the folk to their
journey's end
Might come, of a courteous custom, to do honour unto his
friend,
Gawain by the tent of Arthur bade the first maiden take her
stand, 685
Then the marshal so did his office that the second, to her
right hand,
And the third beside the second, should unto each other ride,
And none of them all delayed them--So made they a circle
wide,
Here the matrons, and there the maidens, and by each of them
rode a knight
Who would fain do the lady service, and would for her favours
fight. 690
And thus round the tent of the monarch stood the ladies, a
goodly ring,
And to Gawain, the rich in gladness, fair welcome would
Arthur bring.

To the ground sprang Gawain and Arnivé, and her daughters
with children twain,
The Lady of Logrois, and the heroes he o'erthrew on the
grassy plain,
Lischois and the gallant Florand; then unto those heroes
brave 695
Stepped Arthur from his pavilion, and a kindly welcome gave;
And the queen, she greeted Gawain, and she welcomed him and
his
Of true heart, and from many a lady, I ween, was there many a
kiss!

Quoth Arthur unto his nephew, 'Say, who shall thy comrades
be?'
Quoth Gawain, 'A kiss of greeting from my lady I fain would
see, 700
'Twere ill an she should refuse it, for noble are both I
ween.'
Then Florand and the Duke of Gowerzein were kissed by the
gracious queen.

Then into the tent they gat them, and to many the fair field
wide
Was as if it were full of maidens, so close stood they, side
by side.
Then not as the heavy-footed sprang Arthur upon his steed, 705
And he turned to the knights and the ladies in the ring with
a kindly heed,
And he rode from one to the other, and gracious the words he
spake,
From the lips of the king so kindly each one must his welcome
take.
For this was the will of Gawain that no man from hence should
ride
Till he himself rode with them, but courteous his coming
bide. 710

Then the king would dismount, and straightway he entered the
tent again,
And he sat him beside his nephew, and straitly he prayed
Gawain
To say who were these five ladies, whom hither the knight did
bring.
Then Gawain he looked on the eldest and he spake to the
Breton king,
'Didst thou know Uther Pendragon? 'Tis Arnivé, his queen and
wife, 715
And well mayst thou look upon her, from the twain didst thou
draw thy life.
And there standeth the Queen of Norway, and _I_ am the son
she bare,
And these twain they shall be my sisters; say, are they not
maidens fair?'

Ah! then once again they kissed them, and sorrow and joy were
seen
Of all those who looked upon them, from Love this their lot
had been; 720
And they laughed, and they cried together, and their lips
spake of joy and woe,
And I ween that with tears of gladness their bright eyes must
overflow.
Then Arthur he spake to Gawain, 'Nephew, unknown to me
Is the fifth of these lovely ladies, I prithee who may she
be?'

'The Duchess, is she, of Logrois,' quoth Gawain in his
courtesy, 725
'In her service have I come hither, and, so it was told to
me,
Thou thyself hast sought her dwelling, and how it rejoiced
thee there,
Thou canst without shame declare us, as a widower dost thou
fare.'
Quoth Arthur, 'She doth, as her captive, thy kinsman Gaherjet
hold,
And Garel, who in many a conflict hath shown h'm a hero bold; 730
From my very side was he taken, one charge had we made so
nigh
That almost we gained the portal, when lo! from the gate did
fly
Meljanz of Lys! How he battled! On high flew a banner white
And the host who fought beneath it took captive my gallant
knight.
And the banner it bare a blazon of crimson, a bleeding heart, 735
And right through the midst was it pierced by the shaft of a
sable dart,
As one who to death is smitten--'Lirivoin' was the battle-cry
Of the army who fought beneath it, and their hand did the
victory buy.
My nephew, Iofreit, was taken, and grief for his sake I
know--
Yestreen did I keep the rear-guard, and the chance it hath
worked me woe!' 740

Sore mourned the king for his sorrow--quoth the Duchess, with
courteous mien,
'Sire, I speak thee free of all shaming, I had greeted thee
not, I ween.
Thou mayst well have wrought me evil, tho' no wrong had I
done to thee,
And I would that God's wisdom teach thee that harm to make
good to me.
The knight to whose aid thou camest, if combat with me he
dared, 745
Hath found me, methinks, defenceless, with side to the foeman
bared.
If yet for such strife he lusteth, nor of conflict hath had
his fill,
With never a sword or a weapon I think to withstand him
still.'
Then Gawain, he quoth to King Arthur, 'Wilt thou that we fill
the plain
With knights? For we well can do so--I think me such grace to
gain 750
From the Duchess that all the captives from thine host she
will swiftly free,
And, many a new spear bearing, her knighthood we here may
see.'
'Yea, such were my will,' quoth Arthur; then the Duchess she
gave command,
And many a gallant hero she summoned from Logrois' land--
And I wot well a host so goodly the earth ne'er had seen
before-- 755
Then Gawain, he prayed leave of the monarch, he would to his
tent withdraw,
And the king's will was e'en as Gawain's, and all they who
hither rode
With the knight, they turned their bridles, and with him in
his camp abode.
And his tent was so rich and so goodly, as befitted a gallant
knight,
That afar from its costly trappings had poverty taken flight. 760

And there rode unto his pavilion full many whose hearts were
sore
For the weary days since he left them, and the love they to
Gawain bore.
And the wounds of Kay had been healèd since he jousted by
Plimizöl,
And he looked on the wealth of Gawain, and with envy his
heart was full,
And he quoth, 'Now, King Lot, his father, my monarch's near
of kin, 765
Ne'er thought with such pomp to shame us, nor a camp of his
own would win.'
(For ever did he bethink him how Gawain would no vengeance
take
On the knight who so sorely smote him, when his right arm in
joust he brake,)
'God worketh for _some_ His wonders,--Who gave Gawain this
woman folk?'
And the words they were scarce a friend's words that Kay in
his anger spoke. 770

Of the honour his friend hath won him the true knight is ever
glad,
But the faithless, aloud he crieth, and his heart ever waxeth
sad
When the heart of his friend rejoiceth, and he needs must his
gladness see.
Bliss and honour had fallen to Gawain; and, if one would more
favoured be,
I know not what thing he may wish for! Thus ever the evil
mind 775
Is with envy filled, while the brave man his comfort and joy
doth find
When honour shall seek his comrade, and shame from his face
doth flee--
Gawain ne'er forgat his knighthood, and from falsehood was
ever free;
And thus it was right and fitting that men on his bliss
should gaze,
And gladness and fair rejoicing henceforward should crown his
days. 780
In what wise for the folk that followed did the knight of
Norway care,
Alike for his knights and ladies? Not ill was, methinks,
their fare.
And Arthur and all his people they looked on King Lot's fair
son,
And I trow well they greatly marvelled at the riches his hand
had won.
Now the evening meal was ended, and 'twas time for the folk
to sleep, 785
And little I grudge their slumber! A guard thro' the night
they keep,
And lo! at the early morning, ere the dawning had waxed
to-day,
Came a folk in goodly armour, and the men of Logrois were
they.
And they read their helmet's token by the light of the waning
moon,
On this side lay the host of Arthur, and his camp had they
passed full soon, 790
And they came to the goodly circle where Gawain and his men
should lie--
And, methinks, who such gallant succour by the might of his
hand could buy
Were reckoned of men a hero! Then Gawain bade his Marshal
find
A place for the host to camp on, but, such was their leader's
mind,
He deemed it best that their circle apart from the rest
should be, 795
And 'twas even the hour of noontide ere all were lodged
fittingly.

Then Arthur, the noble monarch, a message would straightway
send;
Unto Rosche Sabbins, and the city, a squire on his way should
wend
To King Gramoflanz should he speak thus, 'Since conflict the
king doth pray,
And he lusteth to fight my nephew, the strife shall he not
delay, 800
For Sir Gawain is fain to meet him--But bid him to meet us
here,
As a gallant man do we know him, were he other, 'twould cost
him dear!'

And the messenger of King Arthur he rode on his errand fain--
Then forth, with Lischois and Sir Florand, rode the gallant
knight, Gawain,
And he prayed them to show them to him who from many a land
afar 805
Had ridden for love's high service, and had fought in his
lady's war.
And he met them and gave them greeting in such wise that the
heroes knew
Sir Gawain for courteous lover, and faithful knight and true.

With that again he left them, and in secret his way he sped,
And he gat him again to his chamber, and he armed him from
foot to head; 810
He would know if his wounds were healèd so that never a scar
should pain,
And his limbs would he test, since so many, both maiden and
man were fain
To look on the strife, had they wisdom they should see if his
dauntless hand
Might even to-day, as aforetime, the victor's crown command.
A squire did he bid to bring him his charger, Gringuljet, 815
And he sprang to the saddle lightly and the horse to a gallop
set.
He would try both himself and his charger, if ready for
strife the twain--
Ah! woe is me for his journey! so rode he upon the plain,
And so had his Fortune willed it, that a knight his bridle
drew
By the side of the river Sabbins, and ye know that knight so
true, 820
And a rock, men well might call him, for manhood and courage
high,
And no knight might stand before him, and falsehood his heart
did fly.
And yet so weak was his body that no burden it bare of wrong,
Yea, a hand's-breadth had been too heavy, and a finger-length
too long!
And, I ween, of this gallant hero of old time ye oft must
hear, 825
For my tale hath come to its root-tree, and draweth its goal
anear.

BOOK XIV

GRAMOFLANZ

ARGUMENT

BOOK XIV. tells how Parzival and Gawain met and, unknowing, fought with each other, how Gawain was defeated, and of Parzival's grief when he learnt with whom he had fought.

How the combat between Gawain and Gramoflanz was deferred till the morrow; and how Parzival was welcomed at the court of King Arthur, and admitted to the Brotherhood of the Round Table.

How Parzival, in Gawain's stead, fought with and overcame King Gramoflanz, and how the latter sent messengers to King Arthur to pray that none but Gawain should fight against him. Of the grief of Itonjé when she learnt how her brother would fight with King Gramoflanz, and how she prayed the aid of King Arthur.

How Arthur and Brandelidelein made peace between the Duchess and Gawain, and of the wedding feast that was held in the camp. Of Parzival's sorrow and longing for his wife, and how ere the dawn of day he stole in secret from the court.