Chapter V: Book XIV: Gramoflanz (1)

If now the gallant Gawain a knightly joust would ride,
Tho' never I feared for his honour yet I fear what may now
betide.
And tho' dear be the other's safety yet never a doubt I know,
For he who in strife would face him an army had found for
foe.
O'er far seas, in the land of paynim, his helmet was
fashioned fair, 5
And ruby-red was his harness, and the trappings his charger
bare.
So rode he in search of adventure, and his shield it was
piercèd thro'--
He had plucked for his helm a garland, and the tree where the
garland grew
Was the tree that Gramoflanz guarded; and Gawain knew the
wreath again,
And he thought, did the king here wait him it were counted to
him for shame, 10
If hither for strife he had ridden then strife there perforce
must be,
Tho' alone were the twain, and no lady the fate of their
jousting see.

From Monsalväsch they came, the chargers, which each of the
knights bestrode,
And they spurred them alike to a gallop, and each 'gainst the
other rode,
On the dewy grass of the meadow, not the sand of the Tourney
ring, 15
Should the joust this morn be ridden; and I ween, as their
deeds I sing,
I had mourned for the harm of either--'Twas a fair joust they
rode that morn,
Of a race that fought fair and knightly was each gallant hero
born;
And little had been his winning, great his loss, who there
won the prize,
And ne'er had he ceased to mourn it, if he were in his
calling wise. 20
For faith had they pledged to each other, nor of old time,
nor yet to-day,
Had their love and their truth been wounded--Now hear how
they fought the fray:

Swiftly they rode, yet in such wise that each knight must
mourn his fate--
For kinsman and knightly brethren, in strength of foeman's
hate,
In strife had come together; and he who this joust should win 25
His joy were the pledge of sorrow, and his deed must he count
for sin--
And each right hand it smote so surely that the comrades and
foemen twain,
With horse and with goodly harness, fell prone on the grassy
plain.
And then in such wise they bear them, with their swords such
blows they smite,
That their shields are hewn and riven, and cloven in deadly
fight. 30
And the splinters of shields, and the grass blades, were
mingled upon the ground,
And far other the look of the meadow ere their strife had its
ending found;
And too long must they wait for a daysman--'twas early when
first they fought,
And the hours sped by, and no man an end to their conflict
brought,

And no man was there beside them--Will ye hear how, the
self-same day, 35
King Arthur's knights to the army of King Gramoflanz made
their way?
On a plain by the sea he camped him--On the one side of the
ground
Flowed the Sabbins, and over against it the Poinzacleins its
ending found.
And the plain it was strongly guarded; Rosche Sabbins the
citadel,
With towers and with walls deep-moated, defended the fourth
side well. 40
And the host on the plain lay stretching its length for a
mile and more,
And half a mile broad had they deemed it--As the messengers
toward it bore,
Many unknown knights rode forward, archers, squires, with
arms and spear,
And behind them, with waving banners, did the mighty host
draw near.

With ringing blasts of trumpet would the army leave the
plain, 45
That very morn to Ioflanz marched the monarch and all his
train.
And clear rung the ladies' bridles as they circled around the
king--
And, if I may tell the story, the tidings I fain would bring
Of those who had ridden hither, and camped on the sward so
green,
For Gramoflanz bade them hither, and his combat they fain had
seen. 50
If ye shall not before have heard it then here would I make
it known,
From Punt, the water-locked city, to his nephew's aid had
flown
Brandelidelein, and with him were six hundred ladies fair,
By the side of each lovely lady her knight must his armour
wear;
For knighthood and love would he serve her--Of Punturtois,
the gallant knights 55
Were fain for this stately journey, in sooth 'twas a noble
sight.

And there rode, an ye will believe me, Count Bernard of
Riviers,
Rich Narant had been his father, and left Uckerland to his
heir.
And in many a ship o'er the water had he brought so fair a
host
Of ladies, that none gainsaid him who would make of their
beauty boast. 60
Two hundred of them were maidens, and two hundred already
wed--
And if I have rightly counted 'neath his banner Count Bernard
led
Five hundred knights well proven, who with him had sailed the
sea,
And each well might face a foeman, and each should a hero be.

Thus King Gramoflanz would wreak vengeance in strife for the
broken tree, 65
For he deemed he should be the victor, and the folk should
his prowess see.
And the princes from out his kingdom, with many a valiant
knight,
And many a lovely lady, had come to behold the fight;
And a goodly folk were gathered--Now Arthur's men drew near,
And they looked upon the monarch, how they found him ye now
shall hear. 70
Of Palmât was the high seat 'neath him, and with silk was the
couch spread o'er,
And maidens, so fair and graceful, they knelt low the king
before,
And with iron hose they shod him; and high o'er the monarch's
head,
A silk, Ecidemon-woven, both broad and long, was spread,
On twelve spear-shafts tall was it lifted, from the sunlight
to be a shade-- 75
Then came the men of King Arthur, and this was the word they
said:

'Sire, King Arthur hath hither sent us, and ever hath he been
known
As one whom all men have honoured, and whom all shall as
victor own.
Yea, honour enow is his portion--And yet wouldst thou mar his
fame,
Since upon the son of his sister thou thinkest to bring this
shame! 80
And e'en had Sir Gawain wrought thee worse ill by far, I
ween,
That the fame of the great Round Table might here for a
shield have been.
For brotherhood all have sworn him who sit at that noble
board,
And stainless shall be their knighthood who own Arthur for
king and lord!

Quoth the king, 'The strife I sware him e'en to-day my hand
shall dare, 85
And Gawain to-day shall face me, if well or if ill he fare.
For this hath been truly told me, that King Arthur draweth
near
With his queen, and his host of warriors; I bid them welcome
here!
Tho' it may be the angry Duchess shall counsel him to mine
ill,
Yet hearken and heed, ye children, the strife shall be
foughten still. 90
For here have I many a follower, and hindered of none will
be,
What _one_ man can do unto me that bear I right joyfully!
And if now I should fear to face that to which I my pledge
have sworn,
Of Love's service and Love's rewarding henceforward were I
forlorn!
In her favour I found aforetime my life and my life's best
bliss-- 95
God knoweth how _he_ hath pleased her, she oweth me much for
this!--
And tho' ever I did disdain me to fight with one man alone,
Yet Gawain hath so bravely borne him that him as I my peer
I'll own.
And I think me I shame my manhood when such easy strife I
fight;
And yet have I fought, believe me, (ye can ask if it seem ye
right,) 100
With folk whom mine hand hath proven to be valiant men and
true,
But ne'er have I fought but _one_ man! No praise shall be
here my due,
From the lips of gracious women, tho' the victory be mine
to-day--
And greatly my heart rejoiceth that her bands have been reft
away
For whose sake I fight this conflict; so many a distant land 105
Are vassals unto King Arthur, and pay tribute unto his hand,
It may well be with him she cometh, for whose sake both joy
and pain
Unto death I would gladly suffer, if she be for my service
fain.
And what better fate can befall me than that this my fair lot
shall be,
That she looketh upon my service, and her eyes shall my
victory see!' 110

And near to the king sat Bené, nor her heart for the strife
did fail,
For full oft had she seen his valour, and she deemed he might
well prevail.
But yet had she known that Gawain was brother unto the maid,
And 'twas _he_ who now stood in peril, of a sooth had she
been dismayed.

A golden ring from Itonjé she brought him for token fair, 115
'Twas the same as her gallant brother did over the Sabbins
bear
O'er the Poinzacleins came Bené in a boat, and this word she
spake,
'From Château Merveil doth my lady, with the others, her
journey take.'
And she spake from the lips of Itonjé such steadfast words
and true,
That more, from the lips of a maiden, I ween never monarch
knew. 120
And she prayed him to think of her sorrow, since all gain did
she hold as naught
For the gain of his love, and his service was all that her
true heart sought.
And glad was the king at the tidings, yet would fight with
her brother still--
'Twere better I had no sister, such rewarding would please me
ill!

Then they bare unto him his harness, 'twas costly beyond
compare-- 125
No hero, by love constrainèd, who fought for love's guerdon
fair,
Were he Gamuret, or Galoes, or Killicrates, the valiant king,
Had better decked his body the love of a maid to win--
And no richer silk had been woven in Ipopotiticon,
Or brought from Kalomedenté, or the city of Akraton, 130
Or from far-off Agatyrsjenté, than the silk for his garment
wove--
Then he kissed the small ring golden, the pledge of Itonjé's
love,
For he knew her for true and faithful, and tho' peril upon
him pressed,
Yet the thought of her love and her longing would guard, as a
shield, his breast.

All armed was now the monarch; twelve maidens on palfreys
fair, 135
Each one a spear-shaft holding, the awning aloft would bear.
And the king, he rode beneath it, and its shadow was o'er his
head,
As on to the strife he craved for the gallant hero sped.
And on either side of the monarch there rode fair maidens
twain,
Tall and stately were they to look on, the noblest of all his
train. 140
The messengers of King Arthur no longer they made delay,
And, behold! they met with Gawain as they rode on their
homeward way,
And ne'er had they felt such sorrow, their voices they raised
on high,
And they cried aloud for his peril, and their love and their
loyalty.

For the strife had near found its ending, and victor was
Gawain's foe, 145
For his strength, it was more than Gawain's, and well-nigh
had he laid him low,
When the pages who rode towards them called loudly on
Gawain's name,
For well did they know the hero, and it grieved them to see
his shame.
Then he, who erewhile would fight him, of conflict would have
no more,
But he cast from his hand his weapon, and he cried, as he
wept full sore, 150
'Accursèd am I, and dishonoured, and all blessing from me
hath flown,
Since my luckless hand, unwitting, so sinful a strife hath
known.
Methinks it is too unseemly! yea, guilty am I alway,
And born 'neath a star of Ill Fortune, and forced from all
bliss to stray.
And the arms that to-day I carry are the same that of old I
bore, 155
For they are of Ill-luck the token, e'en to-day as they were
of yore.
Alas! that with gallant Gawain I have foughten so fierce a
fight,
'Tis _myself_ whom I here have vanquished, and my joy shall
have taken flight.
With the first blow I struck against him misfortune hath
reached my side,
And peace shall have sped far from me, and her face from my
face doth hide!' 160

And Gawain heard, and saw his sorrow, and he spake out right
wonderingly,
'Alas, Sir Knight, who art thou, who speakest thus well of
me?
If I might such words have hearkened the while I had strength
and power,
Then my honour had ne'er been forfeit, for the victory is
thine this hour!
And fain would I know how men call him with whom I shall find
my fame, 165
Since hereafter I needs must seek it, so tell me, I pray, thy
name--
For ever was I the victor when I fought with one man alone.'
'Yea, gladly my _name_ I'll tell thee who aforetime my _face_
hast known,
And true service I fain would do thee wherever such chance
befall,
For thy kinsman am I, and cousin, and men call me
_Parzival_!' 170
Then out quoth Gawain, 'So, 'tis fitting, here Folly her goal
hath found,
And her ways full straight hath she wroughten which aforetime
but crooked wound.
Here have two hearts, leal and faithful, their hate 'gainst
each other shown,
And thy hand which hath won the victory hath the twain of us
overthrown.
And for _both_ of us shalt thou sorrow, for thyself by
thyself laid low, 175
And the thought it shall surely grieve thee if thy true heart
true faith doth know!'

Then, e'en as the words were spoken, no longer the knight
Gawain
Might stand for very weakness, for the blows they had dulled
his brain,
And his footsteps they failed and faltered, and prone on the
grass he lay--
Then down sprang the squire of King Arthur, and aid did he
bring straightway, 180
For he lifted his head, and from off it he loosened the
helmet's band,
With his head-gear of peacock's feathers the face of Gawain
he fanned
Till his care new strength had brought him--Now on to the
field did ride,
From the armies twain, much people, they flocked hither from
either side.
And each one would seek his station, for here should the
fight be fought, 185
And the lists, they were set with tree-trunks, each smooth as
a mirror wrought.

Gramoflanz the cost had given, since from him had the
challenge come,
A hundred in all the tree-trunks, and brightly they shone
each one.
And no man should come within them, and the place between was
wide,
Full forty lengths from each other stood the fifty on either
side, 190
Each blazoned with many colours; and here should the combat
be;
And on either side the army from the strife should hold them
free.
As by moat and rampart sundered, so should they in peace
remain,
In this wise they sware, the foemen, King Gramoflanz and
Gawain.

To this combat, by none awaited, came the folk from either
side, 195
At the self-same hour, fain were they to know what should
there betide,
For they marvelled much who had fought here, and had shown
such knightly skill;
Or who should such strife have challenged, for alone was it
foughten still,
And neither side their comrades had bidden unto the ring,
But alone had each knight come hither, and men deemed it a
wondrous thing. 200
But now as the fight was foughten on the flower-besprinkled
plain,
Came King Gramoflanz, to wreak vengeance for the garland upon
Gawain;
And he heard what thing had chanced there, that so fierce the
fight had been
That never a fiercer conflict with sword might a man have
seen,
And the twain who fought together had never a cause to
fight-- 205
Then the king, from out his army, rode straight to the
gallant knights;

And he found them battle-weary, and much he mourned their
pain;
Tho' scarcely his strength might bear him, up-sprang the
knight Gawain,
And the twain they stood together--Now Bené rode with the
king,
And with him, as the strife was ended, she came to the
battle-ring, 210
And she saw Gawain all powerless, whom, for honour and fair
renown,
O'er all the world had she chosen to crown with joy's fairest
crown.
With a cry of heartfelt sorrow from her palfrey the maiden
sprung,
And she spake, as her arms around him in a close embrace she
flung,
'Accurst be the hand that such sorrow on so fair a form hath
brought, 215
For in sooth all manly beauty its mirror in thee hath
sought!'
On the sward did she bid him seat him, and, the while that
she wept full sore,
With tender hand from his eyelids she wiped the sweat and
gore;

And heavy and hot his harness--Then Gramoflanz quoth again,
'In sooth must I grieve for thy sorrow, since my hand wrought
it not, Gawain; 220
If to-morrow again thou comest, and wilt meet me upon this
field,
Then gladly will I await thee, and will face thee with spear
and shield.
_Now_ as lief would I fight with a woman as with thee, who
art brought so low,
For how shall I win me honour if strength shall have failed
my foe?
Go, rest thee to-day, for 'tis needful, and then wouldst thou
take the place 225
Of thy father, King Lot, I am ready to meet thee here, face
to face.'

But Parzival stood unwearied, nor as yet a sign he bare
Of pallor, nor strength had failed him, and he faced the
monarch fair,
And he loosed from his head the helmet, that the king his
face might see,
And he spake, 'Sir, if this my cousin in aught shall have
wrongèd thee 230
Then take _me_ as his pledge, unwearied, as thou seest, is
yet mine hand,
And the wrath thou dost bear against him I may well with my
sword withstand.'

Then spake the King of Rosche Sabbins, 'Sir Knight, at the
morrow's morn
For my garland he payeth tribute, and its fame shall anew be
born,
Or to such a pass shall he bring me that shame shall my
portion be-- 235
Thou mayst otherwise be a hero, but this conflict is not for
_thee_!'

In wrath spake the lips of Bené, 'Fie on thee! thou faithless
hound,
Thro' him whom thy false heart hateth thine heart hath its
freedom found.
She to whom thou wouldst do love-service, she liveth at his
command,
Thyself hast renounced the victory which else might have
crowned thine hand. 240
Thou hast no claim on Love's rewarding, and if ever within
thine heart
Love had for awhile her dwelling with falsehood she bare a
part!'
As thus she waxed full wrathful, Gramoflanz led the maid
aside,
And quoth,'Now, Lady, grieve not, this strife must needs
betide.
But stay thou here with thy master, and say to his sister
sweet 245
That I am in truth her servant, in all that a knight finds
meet.'

But now as Bené hearkened, and knew of a truth Gawain
Was brother unto her lady, and must fight on the grassy
plain,
Then drave griefs plough its furrows thro' her heart, both
deep and sore,
And filled them with flood of sorrow, for truth in her heart
she bore. 250
And she quoth, 'Ride hence, accursèd, thou false and
faithless one,
For steadfast love and loyal thine heart hath never won!'

The king and his knights they rode hence, and the lads of
Arthur's train
They took the heroes' chargers, weary with strife the twain.
Then Parzival, and Gawain, and Bené, that maiden bright, 255
They rode to the camp of King Arthur with many a gallant
knight.
And Parzival in manhood had so borne the prize away
That all men were glad at his coming, and rejoiced in his
fame that day.

And more, if I can, would I tell ye--the wise men of either
host
Spake but of this man, of his valour in this wise they made
their boast, 260
'Wot ye well who hath here been victor? 'Twas Parzival, he
alone!'
And so fair was his face to look on none fairer was ever
known.
So thought they who looked upon him, and they swear it, both
man and maid--
So he came to the tent of Gawain; and little his host
delayed,
But he bade them bring costly raiment, and rich as was his
own gear, 265
And alike were they clad, the heroes, and all folk must the
marvel hear
That Parzival came among them, of whose glory all men had
heard,
And the fame of his deeds so knightly, and no mouth but spake
this word.

Quoth Gawain, 'Art thou fain to look on four queens who are
kin to thee,
And other fair ladies with them, then thy guide will I gladly
be.' 270
Quoth Gamuret's son, 'If fair ladies be here thou shalt vex
them not
With the sight of my face, for no kindness from woman shall
be my lot
Since by Plimizöl's bank they hearkened to the shame that
upon me fell:
May their honour of God be guarded, for ever I wish them
well,
But my shame weigheth heavy on me, and it vexeth so sore my
heart, 275
I were fain ne'er to look on woman, but live me a life apart'

'Yet so must it be,' quoth Gawain; then Parzival he led
To the four queens, who gave him greeting and kissed him with
lips so red.
But sorely it vexed the Duchess, that she, too, must kiss
this knight,
Who little had cared for her kisses, nor would for her
favours fight-- 280
Tho' her lands and her love she proffered when he before
Logrois fought,
And she rode far to overtake him--thus shame in her anger
wrought.
But the others they spake him gently, with never a thought of
wrong,
Till shame from his heart was driven, and joy in its stead
waxed strong.

Then Gawain of right and reason, if Bené his grace would
hold, 285
Bade her seal her lips to silence, to her lady no word be
told,
'That King Gramoflanz for his garland doth hatred toward me
bear,
And at the set time to-morrow our strife must be foughten
fair,
Speak no word of this to my sister, and do thou thy tears
give o'er;'
And she spake, 'I do well to weep thus, and to mourn, and to
sorrow sore, 290
For whoever shall fall in the combat my lady must sorrow
know,
And however the battle goeth, the issue shall be for woe.
And well may we mourn the venture, my lady and I alike,
What boots it to be her brother, if thou at her heart wilt
strike?'

Now the host to their tents betook them, and the mid-day meal
was spread 295
For Gawain, and the knights and ladies who should break at
his table bread,
And Parzival as companion should have the Duchess fair--
And Gawain, he besought his lady for the hero to have good
care;
But she quoth, 'To my care dost thou give him, who can make
of a woman sport?
How should I care for this man? Yet would I gainsay thee
naught; 300
And if this be thy will, I will do it, tho' for payment I
mocking know'--
Quoth Gamuret's son, 'Nay, Lady, thou doest me wrong I trow,
At least have I so much wisdom, if I know myself aright,
That women are free from my mocking, since ill 'twould beseem
a knight!'

Whatever they set before them no lack had they there of meat, 305
And courteous was their service, and with joy all the folk
did eat.
But Itonjé, she looked on Bené, and she read in her eyes the
tale
Of the tears she had wept but lately, and for sorrow her
cheeks grew pale,
And nothing she ate, for she thought still, 'Now wherefore
doth Bené weep?
For I sent her but now to the monarch who my heart doth his
captive keep, 310
And for whose sake I grieve me sorely--Have I done aught to
vex my knight?
Doth he think to renounce my service and no more for my love
to fight?
If, with steadfast heart and manly, he thinketh on me no
more,
Poor maid, I must die of sorrow, and the love that to him I
bore!'

The noontide hour was over ere the feast had ended here, 315
Then hither rode King Arthur, and his queen, fair Guinevere,
With a host of knights and ladies, to where, within their
sight,
Mid the band of gracious maidens sat that true and valiant
knight;
And to Parzival such greeting and such welcome fair they gave
That from many sweet lips sweet kisses he won, that hero
brave! 320
And Arthur would do him honour, and with many a gracious word
He thanked him for the valour that had spread his name
abroad,
And the fame that had waxed so goodly, and that stood so high
and fair,
That of right o'er all men living the crown of worth he bare.

Quoth the Waleis unto King Arthur, 'Yet Sire, when I saw thee
last 325
My honour so sore was wounded that it well-nigh to earth was
cast;
And in knighthood I paid such forfeit that of knighthood was
I forlorn--
But now have I hearkened to thee, and if thou be not forsworn
Then honour still dwelleth with me, tho' my heart it misgives
me sore!
I would trust in thy word right gladly--But what of these
knights who swore 330
True friendship and brotherhood with me, and from whom I must
part in shame?'
Then all with one voice they spake there--He had won for
himself such fame
And had wrought such brave deeds of knighthood in many a
distant land,
That his fame o'er the fame of all others did high and
unspotted stand.

Then the knights of the Duchess' army they came where by
Arthur's side 335
Sat Parzival, fair to look on, 'mid the knightly circle wide.
And the king in the tent received them, but so courtly was he
and wise,
That, tho' wide was the tent of Gawain, he thought best that
in all men's eyes
He should sit without on the meadow, and the knights they
should sit around,
And strangers they were to each other who place in the circle
found. 340
Would ye know who was this and that one? The tale it were all
too long
If Christian I named and paynim--Who were Klingsor's warriors
strong;
Who were they who so well were armèd, and showed them such
men of might
When they rode from the city of Logrois, and would for their
Duchess fight;
Who had followed King Arthur hither--If each one, his land
and kin, 345
I named in their rightful order 'twere ill to the end to win!
But all men they spake together, there was none there like
Parzival,
For his face and his form so lovely many women might love him
well;
And nothing there failed unto him of aught that beseemed a
knight
Who beareth the crown of honour, and fighteth a goodly fight. 350

Then Gamuret's son upstood there, and he spake, 'Ye who shall
be here
Give counsel, and help me win that which my soul ever holdeth
dear;
A strange and a hidden wonder it drave me from out your
band--
Ye who brotherhood once have sworn me, and in friendship have
clasped my hand,
Now help me, by this your knighthood, mine honour to win
again!' 355
And gladly would Arthur grant him that for which his desire
was fain.

Then aside with few folk he stepped him, and straitly he
prayed this grace,
That the strife, at the hour appointed, he in Gawain's stead
might face,
'Right gladly will I defy him, King Gramoflanz, in his pride;
I brake from his tree this morning a bough ere I thence did
ride, 360
And for that he of need must fight me--For conflict I sought
his land,
And for nothing else came I hither but to fight with his
strong right hand.
I thought not I here should find thee, my cousin, it grieves
me sore,
For this king did I surely take thee, who never from strife
forbore.
Now let me, I prithee, fight him; if ever he know defeat 365
My hand shall such lesson teach him as he findeth not over
sweet!
They have given me back mine honour, and thy brother knight
am I,
And thy kinsman true, fair cousin, so grant to me, cousinly,
That this combat be mine--I swear thee for us twain will I
face the foe,
And there do such deeds of valour that all men shall my
manhood know!' 370

Quoth Gawain, 'In the court of King Arthur have I many a
brother dear,
And kinsman true, yet to no man may I grant what thou prayest
here.
My cause is so good, I think me, that Fate so shall rule the
fight
That I stand at the last the victor, tho' my foe be a man of
might.
God reward thee that thou, of thy kindness, this conflict for
me wouldst face, 375
But the day is not yet in its dawning when another may take
my place!'

Now Arthur the prayer had hearkened, of their speech he an
end would make,
Once more in the ring beside them his seat did the monarch
take.
And the cup-bearers did not tarry, the noble youths they bare
Many golden cups so precious, and wroughten with jewels fair, 380
Nor one alone could fill them--and when their task was o'er
The folk uprose, and gat them each one to his rest once more.

And night-fall had come upon them--Naught did Parzival delay,
But he wrought in such wise that his harness might be ready
ere break of day.
Were a strap or a fastening broken, of that did he have good
care, 385
And he bade them look well unto it, that all should be fit
and fair.
And a shield new and strong must they bring him, for his own,
in many a fight,
With many a blow was cloven, and they brought him a shield of
might;
And the serving-men who bare it, they knew not the knight, I
trow,
And Frenchmen were some among them, as the venture doth bid
ye know. 390
And the steed that erewhile to jousting the Knight of the
Grail must bear,
Of that did a squire bethink him, and ne'er might it better
fare.
But now 'twas the hour for slumber, and the night had
o'ercome the day,
And Parzival slept, and before him all ready his armour lay.

And King Gramoflanz, he rued it that the day such chance had
brought 395
That another man in his presence for the sake of his garland
fought;
Nor his folk might still his longing for the strife that the
morn should bring,
And the thought, that he had delayed him, full sorely it
vexed the king.
What, then, should the hero do here? Since honour he sought
and fame,
He scarce might await the dawning, and the strife that with
daylight came, 400
But ere sunrise himself and his charger were clad all in
harness rare--
Did women, with wealth o'erburdened, the cost of his decking
share?
I wot that, without their aiding, it costly and fair should
be,
For the sake of a maid did he deck him, in her service no
laggard he!
So he rode hence to seek his foeman, and sorely it vexed the
king 405
That the early light of the morning Sir Gawain had failed to
bring.

Now, unknown unto all, in secret stole Parzival from the
court,
And he stripped of its floating pennon a strong spear from
Angram brought;
And fully armed was the hero, and lonely he took his way
Where the posts round the ring of battle shone fair in the
dawning day. 410
And he saw the king await him, and ere ever a word they spake
Men say that they smote each other thro' the shield, and the
spear-shafts brake;
And from either hand the splinters flew high in the summer
air,
For skilled were they both in jousting, and their swords they
right well might bear.
And the dew was brushed from the meadow, and the helmets felt
many a blow 415
From the edge of the blades keen-tempered, no faltering might
either know.

And the grass underfoot was trodden, and the dew-drops in
many a place
Swept away, and I needs must mourn here the red blossoms'
vanished grace.
Yet more do I mourn for the heroes, and their toil without
thought of fear,
And who with unmixed rejoicing, the tale of their strife
should hear 420
To whom they had ne'er done evil?--Then Gawain must himself
prepare
For the toil and the stress of battle, and the peril he
thought to dare.
And 'twas even the midst of the morning ere of all men the
tale was told
From his tent was Parzival missing, and they sought for the
hero bold.
Did he think to make peace? Nay, his bearing spake little,
methinks, of peace, 425
For he fought as a man, and 'twas noontide ere ever the
strife might cease.

A bishop sang Mass for Gawain, and the folk they stood thick
around,
And many a knight and lady on horseback might there be found,
Without the tent of King Arthur, ere the Mass to an end they
sing--
While the priest did his holy office, beside him there stood
the king; 430
When he spake the Benediction, then Gawain armed himself for
fight,
And greaves of iron, well wroughten, they did on his limbs of
might.
Then uprose a voice of wailing from the women, and one and
all
The host rode forth to the meadow; and lo! there did strife
befall,
And they heard the clash of the sword-blades, and they saw
the fire-sparks fly 435
From the helmets as there the foemen their blows with fierce
strength did ply.
King Gramoflanz oft had boasted he would scorn with _one_ man
to fight,
He thought here that _six_ were his foemen, and each one a
valiant knight
Yet none but Parzival faced him, and he fought in such
gallant wise,
That he taught to the king a lesson which men e'en to-day may
prize; 440
That in his own praise his own lips should speak never more
this tale,
He could fight and could conquer _two_ men, since o'er _one_
he might not prevail.

From left and from right came the armies, o'er the grassy
plain so wide,
And, each one their station keeping, they halted on either
side,
And they looked on the mighty combat, on one side the
chargers stood, 445
And afoot on the ground they battled with sword-blades, the
heroes good.
And sharp and sore was the conflict, and steadfast the twain
did stand,
And their swords on high they tossed them, and oft did the
blades change hands.

Now Gramoflanz reaped sore payment for the garland from off
his tree,
To the kinsman of his fair lady should the strife none too
easy be. 450
His kinship with fair Itonjé had stood Parzival in good
stead,
If right might have claimed a hearing, yet was not his strife
ill-sped.
And they who much fame had won them, again for fair fame
would fight;
And one strove for the sake of his kinsman, and one for his
lady bright,
For he did but Frau Minne's bidding, as was meet for her
vassal true-- 455
Now uprode the gallant Gawain, and e'en as he nearer drew
The conflict was nigh its ending, and the Waleis should
victor be;
And, bareheaded, unto the battle, there hastened those heroes
three,
Brandelidelein of Punturtois, and Count Bernard of Riviers,
And the third knight who rode beside them was Affinamus of
Clitiers. 460
From the army over against them came King Arthur beside
Gawain,
To the two knights, with battle wearied, they rode o'er the
grassy plain;
And all the five they thought them 'twas time that the strife
should end,
And Gramoflanz must confess here that no longer he might
contend,
And his own mouth proclaimed him vanquished, and his foeman
had won the day-- 465
And the folk who had seen the combat might never his word
gainsay!

Then out spake King Lot's son gaily, 'Sir King, I will speak
to thee
To-day, as yestreen thou spakest when rest thou didst bid to
_me_
"_Go rest thee to-day, for 'tis needful_," he who conflict
did here demand,
He will own thou art all too feeble this day to resist mine
hand. 470
_Alone_ I might well have faced thee, but thou with but _two_
wilt fight!
To-morrow I'll dare the venture, and may God show forth the
right!'
Then the king he rode to his army, but first must he pledge
his word
He would meet Gawain on the morrow, and face him with spear
and sword.

To Parzival quoth King Arthur, 'Nephew, thou late didst pray, 475
Of thy manhood, to fight this combat for Gawain, and he said
thee Nay,
And therein didst thou sore lament thee, and yet thou this
fight hast fought
For him who did strait forbid thee! Of our will hast thou
asked us naught.
From our court, as a thief, hast thou stolen, or else had we
held thine hand
Afar from this strife, I wot well thou didst fight not at
_our_ command! 480
Yet Gawain, he shall not be wrathful, tho' great praise be
for this thy meed.'--
Quoth Gawain, 'Nay, it nothing grieves me, my cousin's
gallant deed,
To-morrow is all too early if this combat I needs must face,
An the king would withdraw his challenge I would count it to
him for grace.'

To the camp rode the mighty army, there were many ladies
fair, 485
And many a knight in armour, and costly the arms they bare.
And I ween that never an army was so richly decked before,
For the knights of the good Round Table, and the men of the
Duchess wore
Fair surcoats richly blazoned, of silk from Zinidunt,
And bright was their outer garments, and brought from far
Pelpiunt. 490
But the heroes in either army spake ever of Parzival,
And their lips, in such wise they praised him, that his
friends it rejoiced them well.
And the men of Gramoflanz spake thus, that never the sun had
shone
On a knight who fought so bravely, or such gallant deeds had
done;
And whatever feats of knighthood had been wrought on either
side, 495
Yet he, o'er all other heroes, the victor should still abide.
Yet they knew not of whom they spake thus, nay, neither his
race or name,
Tho' the army it rang with his praises, and no mouth but
declared his fame.

Then Gramoflanz did they counsel, King Arthur he well might
pray
To take good heed to his army that no knight from his ranks
should stray 500
For combat, as e'en that morning, but to send unto him _one_
knight,
The son of King Lot, Sir Gawain, for with _him_ had he come
to fight.
And straightway he sent the message by two courtly lads and
wise,
And he spake, 'Now look well for the maiden who is fairest in
all men's eyes,
Look well by whom Bené sitteth; and so ye play well your
part, 505
Ye shall see in what wise she bear her, if joyful, or sad at
heart.
Ye shall prove these her ways in secret, in her eyes ye right
well may see
If yet for a friend she mourneth; and this too your task
shall be,
Ye shall give to my friend, fair Bené, this letter and golden
ring,
She knoweth for whom is the token--Now see that ye do this
thing!' 510

In the other camp, the meanwhile, did Itonjé the tidings hear
That her gallant brother, Gawain, and he whom her soul held
dear,
The fairest knight that a maiden within her heart might hold,
Would fight, the one with the other, and their hand might no
man withhold.
Then her maiden shame it yielded to the flood of her grief so
sore, 515
And none shall rejoice at her sorrow, for the pain undeserved
she bore.

Then her mother and Queen Arnivé they led the maid aside
To a tent so small and silken, and Arnivé her grief would
chide,
And she bade her cease her weeping--There was naught that the
maid might say,
But to speak aloud the secret she hid in her heart alway; 520
Then out quoth the royal maiden, 'Of my brother shall he be
slain
Who is lord of my heart and my true love! Let his hand from
such deed refrain!'

To a noble youth spake Arnivé, 'Now get thee unto my son,
And bid him come hither quickly, with him would I speak
alone.'
Then the lad he brought King Arthur--Now this was Arnivé's
mind, 525
If she told unto him the story perchance he might counsel
find,
And by him should that strife be hindered, for which the
maiden fair
So sorely wept, and such sorrow and anguish of heart must
bear.

Now they came to the camp of King Arthur, who Gramoflanz'
message bore,
By the silken tent they dismounted; there sat Bené before the
door, 530
And within spake the maid to King Arthur, 'If my brother
shall slay my king
To pleasure his faithless Duchess, doth he deem that shall
honour bring?
He might know of himself it were ill-done--He hath wronged
him no whit I ween,
That he doeth to _me_ true service, his safety might well
have been!
If my brother be yet in his senses he doth of our true love
know, 535
How pure it is, and how faithful, and this venture should
work him woe.
A bitter death shall it bring me, the hand that my love doth
kill--
Sir King, thou shalt mourn my sorrow, and I think not that
such thy will,'
Spake the fair maid unto King Arthur, 'Forget not that thou
shalt be
Mine uncle, and stay this combat which worketh such ill to
me!' 540

Quoth Arthur aloud in his wisdom, 'Alas, thou fair niece of
mine,
That thus young thou canst love so dearly, for sorrow shall
sure be thine,
As sorrow befell thy sister, Surdamur, for her love so true
To the Emperor of Greece--Sweet maiden, thy will might I
surely do,
And hinder this strife, if I knew well that ye twain were but
one in heart-- 540
Yet King Irot's son, he is valiant, and courage in him hath
part,
And this combat he'll fight, full surely, an Love stay not
his hand so bold--
Did he ne'er, in a joyful moment, thy fair face and sweet
lips behold?'

And she spake, 'Nay, we love, but neither as yet hath the
other seen,
Tho' of true love many a token from his hand hath my portion
been. 550
And tokens true have I sent him, that no doubt should betwixt
us lie--
No falsehood my king's heart ruleth, but he loveth me
steadfastly!'

Then the maiden Bené saw them, and knew them, the squires
twain
Who came to the court of King Arthur from Gramoflanz' kingly
train,
And she spake, 'Here should no man linger, will ye that I bid
them go, 555
The folk, from our tent? It were ill-done, methinks, that all
men should know
How sorely my lady sorroweth for the sake of her love so
dear;
Methinks it might lightly happen that too many the tale
should hear!'
Then forth from the tent went Bené, and in secret unto her
care
The squire gave the folded letter, and the golden ring he
bare, 560
And they, too, had heard the wailing of the maid, and they
knew full well
Why she sorrowed, and this their errand they fain to the king
would tell.
And they asked of the maiden Bené if she their friend would
be?
And she spake, 'Stand without the circle till I bid ye to
come to me!'

Then Bené, the gentle maiden, she told them within the tent 565
That without two squires were waiting, from Gramoflanz hither
sent,
And fain would they speak with King Arthur--'But unfitting it
seemeth me
That we call them unto our counsels, and that witnesses they
should be.
On my lady must I avenge me, if thus they shall see her weep,
I bade them await my bidding, and without there their station
keep!' 570

Quoth Arthur, 'Are they the pages whom I saw behind me ride?
Of noble birth shall the twain be, methinks, it might well
betide
That so wise are they both and courteous they might give us
counsel good,
Methinks of their king's love either would treat in a fitting
mood?'
Quoth Bené, 'Nay, that I know not, but Sire, of thy grace,
this ring 575
And the letter which now I bring thee, they bare hither from
their king.
As but now I left the pavilion, of the pages, one gave it me.
Now see, Lady, do thou take it, for methinks it is meant for
thee!'

Then Itonjé, she kissed the letter, and she held it unto her
heart,
And she quoth, 'Now, Sire, thou canst see here if he would in
my love have part.' 580
In his hand Arthur took the letter, and within he found
written fair
The words of one who loveth, and his passion would fain
declare.
For Gramoflanz' hand had written the words that his lips
would say,
And Arthur, he saw by the letter that Love held o'er his
heart such sway
That ne'er had he known aforetime one who loved with so true
a love-- 585
And the words that within were written Frau Minne might well
approve.

'Now greeting to whom I owe greeting, whose greeting I fain
would earn,
To thee, O thou gracious maiden, whose heart toward my heart
doth turn!
Who with comfort would fain console me--Our love goeth
hand-in-hand,
And the solace thy love would bring me doth high o'er all
solace stand; 590
And my joy in thy love is rooted, and my faith is to thee
held fast,
And sorrow and bitter anguish shall forth from my heart be
cast.
And thou bringest me help and counsel, so that never an evil
thought
Or a faithless deed, and shameful, shall against my fame be
brought.
But I look on thy truth and thy beauty with ever a steadfast
mind, 595
As the Pole-star doth in the north pole the goal of its
gazing find,
And neither its post forsaketh; e'en so shall our true love
be,
And waver not, one from the other--So think thou, sweet maid,
on me,
How I mourned unto thee my sorrow, nor be weary of this my
prayer--
And if one would part thee from me, for the hatred that he
shall bear 600
Unto me, then shalt thou bethink thee how thy love shall
reward us both,
And think thou of woman's honour, nor be of thy favours loth;
But still let me be thy servant, in thy service I fain would
live,
And, in all that I may, true service I will to my lady give!'

Quoth Arthur, 'Fair niece, thou saidst truly, he greeteth
thee without guile 605
Such tale doth this letter tell me that never, at any while,
Have I found of true love such marvel! His grief shalt thou
put away,
As he too shall cure thy sorrow, so do thou thy weeping stay,
And trust unto me, this combat shall be hindered--Yet say
thou here,
Thou wert captive, how hath it chanced then that ye hold each
other dear? 610
Thou shalt give him thy fair love's payment, that he do thee
service true.'--
Spake Itonjé, 'See, here she standeth who us twain together
drew,
Our love, it had else been hidden--If thou will that I now
may see
Him whom my heart desireth she will summon him unto me!'

Quoth Arthur, 'Now, show her to me; if I may, I this thing
will guide 615
That your will shall be done, and hereafter ye twain shall in
joy abide!'
Quoth Itonjé, ''Twas none but Bené; and two of his squires
are here,
If thou wilt, do this thing, (for I think me my life shall to
thee be dear,)
Thou shalt see that the king cometh hither, that he looketh
upon my face
In whom all my joy is hidden, and my life shall be in his
grace!' 620

Then Arthur, the wise and courteous, would speak with the
squires without,
He greeted them as he saw them, and boldly the one spake out,
'Sire, King Gramoflanz, he prays thee, for thine honour as
knight and king,
That the oath sworn 'twixt him and Gawain thou wilt to
fulfilment bring.
And further, Sire, he prays thee that none other with him
shall fight, 625
So great is thine host, must he face _all_, methinks it would
scarce be right!
But _Gawain_ shalt thou send against him, for he willeth no
other foe,
And Gawain alone hath he challenged, as thyself thou shalt
surely know!'

Quoth King Arthur unto the pages, 'I will free us from blame
alway,
And sorely it grieved my nephew that he fought not the strife
to-day. 630
And the knight who fought with your monarch, to victory was
he born,
The son of Gamuret is he--Three armies are here this morn,
And from many a land came they hither, but never a man hath
seen
In combat so brave a hero, and glorious his deeds have been.
He is Parzival, my kinsman, ye shall see him, the fair of
face,-- 635
For the faith and the need of Gawain will I do to the king
this grace.'

Then King Arthur and maiden Bené, with the squires they rode
here and there,
And in sooth those squires they looked on full many a lady
fair,
And they saw on the jewelled helmets many proud crests and
knightly wave,
And few for such sight shall vex them, for he who is rich as
brave 640
Full many a friend he findeth! They 'lighted not from their
steed,
And the bravest men of the armies that lay camped on the
flowery mead
King Arthur would show unto them, they might gaze on them at
their will,
Knights, ladies, and gentle maidens, of beauty they saw their
fill!

In three portions it lay, the army, and two spaces there were
between-- 645
Then away from the camp rode King Arthur, far out on the
plain so green,
And he quoth, 'Now sweet maiden Bené, her plaint didst thou
hear alway,
Itonjé, the child of my sister, her weeping she will not
stay.
These my comrades who ride beside me, if they will, they may
well believe
Of her beauty their king hath robbed her, so sorely the maid
doth grieve! 650
Now help me, ye twain, and thou, Bené, that the king he shall
hither ride,
E'en to-day, tho' the strife to-morrow he may, if he will,
abide.
I will bring Gawain to meet him on the plain, as he prayed
but now--
If he cometh to-day to mine army 'gainst the morn is he armed
I trow,
For Love such a shield shall give him that his foeman may ill
withstand 655
The courage that Love doth kindle, and that nerveth anew the
hand.
And his princes shall he bring with him, for here would I do
as best
Doth lie in my power that the Duchess shall hearken to my
behest,
And peace shall be sealed between them--Now strive ye, my
comrades dear,
With skill for such happy ending, 'twill be to your honour
here. 660
And further I make my mourning, wherein shall have been my
sin
That I wrought 'gainst your king that he beareth, in such
measure, against my kin,
Both love alike and hatred? Methinks, he doth hold us light!
Another king, mine equal, had thought more of this my right.
Doth he think to repay with hatred _her_ brother, who loves
him well? 665
If his heart such thought shall teach him, then he knoweth
not true Love's spell!'