Chapter VII: Book XV: Feirefis

Now many were sorely angered that I told not this tale afore
Since it wearied them naught in the hearing--Now my words I
withhold no more,
But I give ye to wit full truly, as my mouth may the story
tell,
The end of this wondrous venture for methinks it shall please
ye well.
Ye shall know how the king, Anfortas, of his wound was made
whole again-- 5
Of the queen doth the venture tell us, who in far Pelrapär
did reign;
How she kept a pure heart and loyal till the day of her great
reward,
And earth's fairest crown was her guerdon at the hand of her
faithful lord.
Ye shall hear the tale of its winning, if my skill fail me
not alway;
Yet first must ye list the labour that Parzival wrought that
day. 10

Now, tho' dauntless his hand had striven, but as children his
foemen all,
And ne'er would I risk my hero might I rule that which shall
befall.
I must sorrow sore for his peril, and fain would I speak him
free,
But now must I trust that Good Fortune the shield of his
heart may be.
For purity, and high courage, side by side in his heart they
lay, 15
And ne'er had he cherished cowardice, nor shrunk from the
knightly fray;
And I deem this shall surely give him such strength he his
life may hold,
Since fierce strife draweth nigh unto him, and his foe is a
hero bold.
For he meeteth a prince of battles who dauntless to strife
doth ride,
And unbaptized was the foeman who rode here in his heathen
pride. 20

Full soon had he come, our hero, to a mighty woodland shade,
And without, in the light of the dawning, his armour a knight
displayed.
'Twere a marvel could I, a poor man, of the riches now speak
to ye
That the heathen he bare as his decking, so costly their
worth should be.
If more than enough I told ye, yet more would be left to
tell; 25
Yet I would not his wealth were hidden--What of riches, I
ween, shall dwell
In Bretagne alike and England, and be tribute to Arthur's
might,
They had paid not the stones that, shining, glowed fair on
his armour bright.
His blazoned coat was costly, and naught but the truth I say,
Ruby and Chalcedony, ye had held them not fair that day. 30
And bright as the sun was his vesture, on the mount of
Agremontein,
In the glowing fires, Salamanders had welded that garment's
shine.
There jewels rare and precious, with never a fault or flaw,
Glowed dark and light; of their nature, I ween, I can tell no
more!

His desire was for love's rewarding, and the winning of high
renown, 35
He had won from the hands of fair women the jewels that his
pride did crown.
For the favour Frau Minne showed him with joy did his proud
heart beat,
And it swelled high with manly courage, as is for a lover
meet.
As reward for his deeds of knighthood on his helmet a beast
he bare,
Ecidemon, all poisonous serpents they must of its power
beware, 40
For of life and of strength doth it rob them, if they smell
it but from afar--
Thopedissimonté, Assigarzionté, Thasmé, and Arabia,
They scarce of such silk might boast them as was covering for
his steed--
He sought, that mighty heathen, in a woman's love his meed,
And therefore he bravely decked him, and fain would his
courage prove, 45
And his manhood, it urged him onward to battle for sake of
love.

Now the knight, so young and gallant, in a haven beside the
wood,
But little known, on the water had anchored his ships so
good.
And his armies were five-and-twenty, and they knew not each
other's speech--
'Twas a token fair of his riches, and the lands that his
power might reach, 50
As the armies, so were the kingdoms that did service unto his
hand--
And Moors and Saracens were they, and unlike was each warlike
band,
And the hue of their skins was diverse--Thus gathered from
lands afar
Ye might see in his mighty army strange weapons of heathen
war.

So thus, in search of adventure, from his army this man would
ride, 55
In the woodland green he wandered, and waited what should
betide.
And since thus it well doth please them, so let them ride,
these kings,
Alone, in search of ventures, and the fair fame that combat
brings.
Yet Parzival rode not lonely, methinks he had comrades twain,
Himself, and the lofty courage that lord o'er his soul did
reign. 60
And that he so bravely fought here might win from a woman
praise,
If falsehood should not mislead her, that injustice should
rule her ways.

So spurred they against each other, who were lambs in their
purity,
Yet as lions were they bold and dauntless, 'twas a sight for
a man to see!
Ah! woe is me for their meeting, for the world and its ways
are wide, 65
And they well might have spared each other, nor, guiltless,
to battle ride.
I should sorrow for him whom I brought here, save my heart
did this comfort hold,
That the Grail shall with strength endue him, and Love
shelter the hero bold,
Since he was of the twain the servant, nor his heart ever
wavering knew,
And ever his hand was ready to serve them with service true. 70

My skill little wit doth give me this combat that here
befell,
In fitting words and knightly, from beginning to end to tell.
But the eye of each flashed triumph as the coming foe he saw,
And the heart of each knight waxed joyful, as they nearer to
battle draw.
Yet sorrow, I ween, was nigh them, true hearts, from all
falsehood free, 75
And each bare the heart of the other, and should comrade and
stranger be!

Nor may I asunder part them, the paynim and Christian knight,
Hatred they show to each other, tho' no cause have they here
for fight.
And methinks this of joy shall rob them, who, as true women,
share their pain
Who risk their lives for a woman! May they part, ere one here
be slain! 80

As the lion-cub, that its mother beareth dead, doth to life
awake
At the aweful voice of its father, so these twain, as the
spear-shafts break
Arouse to fresh life, and to honour, I ween, are they newly
born,
For many a joust have they ridden and many a spear outworn.
Then they tighten the hanging bridle, and they take to their
aim good care, 85
That each on the shield of the other, as he willeth, shall
smite him fair.
And no point do they leave unguarded, and they give to their
seat good heed,
As men who are skilled in jousting, and sharply each spurs
his steed.

And bravely the joust was ridden, and each gorget asunder
broke,
And the spears bent not, but in splinters they flew from each
mighty stroke; 90
And sore was he wroth, the heathen, that this man might his
joust abide,
For never a knight but had fallen who a course 'gainst his
spear would ride.
Think ye that their swords they wielded as their chargers
together drew?
Yea, the combat was sharp and bitter, and each must give
proof anew
Alike of his skill and his manhood--The strange beast,
Ecidemon, 95
Had many a wound, and beneath it the helmet sore blows had
won;
And the horses were hot and wearied, and many new turns they
tried--
Then down they sprung from their chargers, and their
sword-blades afresh they plied.

And the heathen wrought woe to the Christian, 'Thasmé!' was
his battle-cry,
And when 'Tabronit!' he shouted he drew ever a step anigh. 100
And the Christian, he showed his valour in many an onslaught
bold;
So pressed they upon each other--Nor would I the tale
withhold
Of how the fight was foughten, yet must I the strife bemoan,
How, one flesh and one blood thus sharing, each wrought evil
unto his own;
For both were the sons of one father, and brothers, I ween,
were they, 105
And methinks upon such foundation faith and friendship their
stone should lay!

And love ne'er had failed the heathen, and his heart was for
combat fain,
For the love of Queen Sekundillé fresh honour he thought to
gain;
Tribalibot's land she gave him, and she was his shield in
strife--
So bravely he fought, how think ye that the Christian might
guard his life? 110
On love let his thoughts be steadfast, else sure is he here
undone,
And he hath from the hand of the heathen in this combat his
death-blow won.
O thou Grail, by thy lofty virtue such fate from thy knight
withhold!
Kondwiramur, thine husband in such deadly stress behold!
Here he standeth, of both the servant, in such danger and
peril sore 115
That as naught ye may count the ventures he hath dared for
your sake of yore!
Then on high flashed the sword of the heathen, and many such
blow had slain,
To his knee Parzival was beaten--Now see how they fought, the
twain,
If twain ye will still account them, yet in sooth shall they
be but one,
For my brother and I are one body, e'en as husband and wife
are one! 120

The heathen wrought woe to the Christian--Of Asbestos, I
ween, his shield,
That wondrous wood that never to flame or decay shall yield;
I' sooth, right well she loved him who gave him a gift so
fair,
Turquoise, Chrysoprase, Emerald, Ruby, rich jewels beyond
compare
Decked with shining lines its surface, on the boss shone a
precious stone, 125
Antrax, afar they call it, as Carbuncle it here is known.
And as token of love, for his guarding, Sekundillé the queen
would give
That wondrous beast, Ecidemon--in her favour he fain would
live,
And e'en as she willed he bare it, as his badge, did that
gallant knight--
Here with purity faith joined issue, and truth with high
truth would fight. 130

For love's sake upon the issue of this combat each risked his
life,
Each had pledged his hand to the winning of honour and fame
in strife;
And the Christian, in God he trusted since the day that he
rode away
From the hermit, whose faithful counsel had bidden him trust
alway
In Him who could turn his sorrow into bliss without thought
of bale-- 135
To Him should he pray for succour, whose succour should never
fail.

And fierce and strong was the heathen, when 'Tabronit,' he
cried,
For there, 'neath the mount Kaukasus did the queen,
Sekundillé', abide;
Thus gained he afresh high courage 'gainst him who ne'er knew
of yore
The weight of such deadly combat, for in sooth was he pressed
full sore-- 140
To defeat was he aye a stranger, and ne'er had he seen its
face,
Tho' his foemen right well must know it, as they yielded them
to his grace!

With skill do they wield their weapons, and sparks spring
from the helmets fair,
And a whistling wind ariseth as the blades cleave the summer
air;
God have Gamuret's son in His keeping! and the prayer it
shall stand for both, 145
For the twain shall be one nor, I think me, to own it were
either loth.
For had they but known each other their stake ne'er had been
so great,
For blessing, and joy, and honour, were risked on that
combat's fate,
For he who shall here be victor, if true brother and knight
he be,
Of all this world's joy is he forfeit, nor from grief may his
heart be free! 150

Sir Parzival, why delay thee to think on thy queen and wife,
Her purity and her beauty, if here thou wouldst save thy
life?
For the heathen, he bare two comrades who kindled his
strength anew,
The one, in his strong heart, steadfast, lay ever a love so
true;
And the other, the precious jewels that burnt with a mystic
glow, 155
Thro' whose virtue his strength waxed greater, and his heart
must fresh courage know.
And it grieveth me sore that the Christian was weary and
faint with fight,
Nor swiftly might he avoid him, and his blows they were
robbed of might;
And if the twain fail to aid thee, O thou gallant Parzival,
Thy queen and the Grail, then I think me this thought it
shall help thee well, 160
Shall thy fair babes thus young be orphaned? Kardeiss and
Lohengrin,
Whom thy wife, e'en as thou didst leave her, for her joy and
her hope must win--
For children thus born in wedlock, the pledge of a love so
pure,
I ween are a man's best blessing, and a joy that shall aye
endure!

New strength did he win, the Christian, and he thought, none
too soon, I ween, 165
On his love so true and faithful, on Kondwiramur, his queen,
How he won his wife at the sword's point, when sparks from
the helm did spring
'Neath the mighty blows he dealt him, Klamidé, the warrior
king.
'Tabronit! and Thasmé!' and above them rung clear his
battle-cry,
'Pelrapär!' as aloud he cried it to his aid did his true love
fly, 170
O'er kingdoms four she sought him, and her love gave him
strength anew,
And lo! from the shield of the heathen the costly splinters
flew,
Each one a hundred marks' worth--and the sword so strong and
keen
That Ither of Gaheviess bare first brake sheer on the
helmet's sheen,
And the stranger, so rich and valiant, he stumbled, and
sought his knee-- 175
For God, He no longer willed it that Parzival lord should be
Of this weapon of which in his folly he had robbed a gallant
knight--
Then up sprang afresh the heathen who ne'er before fell in
fight,
Not yet is the combat ended, and the issue for both shall
stand
In the power of the God of battles, and their life lieth in
His hand! 180

And a gallant knight was the heathen, and he spake out, right
courteously,
(Tho' the tongue was the tongue of a heathen yet in fair
French his speech should be,)
'Now I see well, thou gallant hero, thou hast no sword
wherewith to fight,
And the fame shall be small I win me if I fight with an
unarmed knight,
But rest thee awhile from conflict, and tell me who thou
shalt be, 185
For the fame that so long I cherished it surely had fallen to
thee
Had the blow not thy sword-blade shattered--Now, let peace be
betwixt us twain,
And our wearied limbs will we rest here ere we get us to
strife again.'
Then down on the grass they sat them, and courteous and brave
were they,
Nor too young nor too old for battle--fit foemen they were
that day! 190

Then the heathen, he spake to the Christian, 'Believe me, Sir
Knight, that ne'er
Did I meet with a man so worthy the crown of such fame to
bear
As a knight in strife may win him--Now, I prithee, tell thou
to me
Thy name, and thy race, that my journey may here not
unfruitful be!
Quoth the son of fair Herzeleide, 'Thro' _fear_ shall I tell
my name? 195
For thou askest of me such favour as a victor alone may
claim!'
Spake the heathen prince from Thasmé, 'Then that shame shall
be mine, I ween,
For first will I speak my title, and the name that mine own
hath been;
"Feirefis Angevin" all men call me, and such riches are mine,
I trow,
That the folk of full many a kingdom 'neath my sceptre as
vassals bow!' 200

Then, e'en as the words were spoken, to the heathen quoth
Parzival,
'How shall "_Angevin_" be thy title, since as heirdom to _me_
it fell,
Anjou, with its folk and its castles, its lands and its
cities fair?
Nay, choose thee some other title, if thou, courteous,
wouldst hear my prayer!
If thro' thee I have lost my kingdom, and the fair town
Béalzenan, 205
Then wrong hadst thou wrought upon me ere ever our strife
began!
If one of us twain is an Angevin then by birthright that one
am I!--
And yet, of a truth, was it told me, that afar 'neath an
Eastern sky,
There dwelleth a dauntless hero, who, with courage and
knightly skill,
Such love and such fame hath won him that he ruleth them at
his will. 210
And men say, he shall be my brother--and that all they who
know his name
Account him a knight most valiant, and he weareth the crown
of fame!'

In a little space he spake further, 'If, Sir Knight, I thy
face might see,
I should know if the truth were told me, if in sooth thou art
kin to me.
Sir Knight, wilt thou trust mine honour, then loosen thine
helmet's band, 215
I will swear till once more thou arm thee to stay from all
strife mine hand!

Then out he spake, the heathen, 'Of such strife have I little
fear,
For e'en were my body naked, my sword, I still hold it here!
Of a sooth must thou be the vanquished, for since broken
shall be thy sword
What availeth thy skill in combat keen death from thine heart
to ward, 220
Unless, of free will, I spare thee? For, ere thou couldst
clasp me round,
My steel, thro' the iron of thy harness, thy flesh and thy
bone had found!'
Then the heathen, so strong and gallant, he dealt as a knight
so true,
'Nor mine nor thine shall this sword be!' and straight from
his hand it flew,
Afar in the wood he cast it, and he quoth, 'Now, methinks,
Sir Knight, 225
The chance for us both shall be equal, if further we think to
fight!'

Quoth Feirefis, 'Now, thou hero, by thy courteous breeding
fair,
Since in sooth thou shalt have a brother, say, what face doth
that brother bear?
And tell me here of his colour, e'en as men shall have told
it thee.'
Quoth the Waleis, 'As written parchment, both black and white
is he, 230
For so hath Ekuba told me.' 'Then that brother am I alway,'
Quoth the heathen--Those knights so gallant, but little they
made delay,
But they loosed from their heads the helmet, and they made
them of iron bare,
And Parzival deemed that he found there a gift o'er all
others fair,
For straightway he knew the other, (as a magpie, I ween, his
face,) 235
And hatred and wrath were slain here in a brotherly embrace.
Yea, friendship far better 'seemed them, who owed to one sire
their life,
Than anger, methinks, and envy--Truth and Love made an end of
strife.

Then joyful he spake, the heathen, 'Now well shall it be with
me,
And I thank the gods of my people that Gamuret's son I see. 240
Blest be Juno, the queen of heaven, since, methinks, she hath
ruled it so,
And Jupiter, by whose virtue and strength I such bliss may
know,
Gods and goddesses, I will love ye, and worship your strength
for aye--
And blest be those shining planets, 'neath the power of whose
guiding ray
I hither have made my journey--For ventures I here would
seek, 245
And found _thee_, brother, sweet and aweful, whose strong
hand hath made me weak.
And blest be the dew, and the breezes, that this morning my
brow have fanned.
Ah! thou courteous knight who holdest love's key in thy
valiant hand!
Ah! happy shall be the woman whose eyes on thy face shall
light,
Already is bliss her portion who seeth so fair a sight!' 250

'Ye speak well, I would fain speak better of a full heart,
had I the skill;
Yet alas! for I lack the wisdom, tho' God knoweth, of right
goodwill
The fame of your worth and valour by my words would I higher
raise,
And as eye, and as heart should serve me, the twain, they
should speak your praise;
As your fame and your glory lead them, so behind in your
track they fare-- 255
And ne'er from the hand of a foeman such peril hath been my
share
As the peril your hand hath wrought me! and sooth are these
words I say.'
In this wise quoth the knight of Kanvoleis; yet Feirefis
spake alway;

'With wisdom and skill, I wot well, hath Jupiter fashioned
thee,
Thou true and gallant hero! Nor thy speech shall thus distant
be, 260
For "_ye_" thou shalt no more call me, of one sire did we
spring we twain.'
And with brotherly love he prayed him he would from such
speech refrain
And henceforward '_thou_' to call him, yet Parzival deemed it
ill,
And he spake, 'Now, your riches, brother, shall be e'en as
the Baruch's still,
And ye of us twain are the elder, my poverty and my youth 265
They forbid me "_thou_" to call ye, or discourteous were I in
truth.

Then the Prince of Tribalibot, joyful, with many a word would
praise
His god, Jupiter, and to Juno thanksgiving he fain would
raise,
Since so well had she ruled the weather, that the port to
which he was bound
He had safely reached, and had landed, and there had a
brother found. 270

Side by side did they sit together, and neither forgot the
grace
Of courtesy, to the other, each knight fain had yielded
place.
Then the heathen spake, 'My brother, wilt thou sail with me
to my land,
Then two kingdoms, rich and powerful, will I give thee into
thine hand.
Thy father and mine, he won them when King Eisenhart's life
was run, 275
Zassamank and Assagog are they--to no man he wrong hath done,
Save in that he left me orphaned--of the ill that he did that
day
As yet have I not avenged me, for an ill deed it was alway.
For his wife, the queen who bare me, thro' her love must she
early die,
When she knew herself love-bereavèd, and her lord from her
land did fly. 280
Yet gladly that knight would I look on, for his fame hath
been told to me
As the best of knights, and I journey my father's face to
see!'

Then Parzival made him answer, 'Yea I, too, I saw him ne'er;
Yet all men they speak well of him, and his praises all lands
declare,
And ever in strife and conflict to better his fame he knew, 285
And his valour was high exalted, and afar from him falsehood
flew.
And women he served so truly that all true folk they praised
his name,
And all that should deck a Christian lent honour unto his
fame,
For his faith it for aye stood steadfast, and all false deeds
did he abhor,
But followed his true heart's counsel--Thus ever I heard of
yore 290
From the mouth of all men who knew him, that man ye were fain
to see,
And I ween ye would do him honour if he yet on this earth
might be,
And sought for fame as aforetime--The delight of all women's
eyes
Was he, till king Ipomidon with him strove for knighthood's
prize,
At Bagdad the joust was ridden, and there did his valiant
life 295
For love's sake become death's portion, and there was he
slain in strife;
In a knightly joust we lost him from whose life do we spring,
we twain;
If here ye would seek our father, then the seas have ye
sailed in vain!'

'Alas, for the endless sorrow!' quoth the knight. 'Is my
father dead?
Here joy have I lost, tho' it well be that joy cometh in its
stead. 300
In this self-same hour have I lost me great joy, and yet joy
have found,
For myself, and thou, and my father, we three in one bond are
bound;
For tho' men as _three_ may hold us, yet I wot well we are
but _one_,
And no wise man he counts that kinship 'twixt father,
methinks, and son,
For in truth for more must he hold it--With _thyself_ hast
thou fought to-day, 305
To strife with _myself_ have I ridden, and I went near myself
to slay;
Thy valour in good stead stood us, from myself hast thou
saved my life--
Now Jupiter see this marvel, since thy power so hath ruled
the strife
That from death hast thou here withheld us!' Then tears
streamed from his heathen eyes,
As he laughed and wept together--Yea, a Christian such truth
might prize, 310
For our baptism truth should teach us, since there are we
named anew
In the Name of Christ, and all men they hold the Lord Christ
for true!

Quoth the heathen, e'en as I tell ye, 'No longer will we
abide
In this place, but if thou, my brother, for a short space
with me wilt ride,
From the sea to the land will I summon, that their power be
made known to thee, 315
The richest force that Juno e'er guided across the sea.
And in truth, without thought of falsehood, full many a
gallant knight
Will I show thee, who do me service, and beneath my banners
fight,
With me shalt thou ride towards them.' Then Parzival spake
alway,
'Have ye then such power o'er these people that your bidding
they wait to-day 320
And all the days ye are absent?' Quoth the heathen, 'Yea,
even so,
If for half a year long I should leave them, not a man from
the place would go,
Be he rich or poor, till I bade him. Well victualled their
ships shall be,
And neither the horse nor his rider setteth foot on the
grassy lea,
Save only to fetch them water from the fountain that
springeth fair, 325
Or to lead their steeds to the meadow to breathe the fresh
summer air.'

Then Parzival quoth to his brother, 'If it be so, then follow
me
To where many a gracious maiden, and fair pleasures, ye well
may see,
And many a courteous hero who shall be to us both akin--
Near by with a goodly army lieth Arthur, the Breton king, 330
'Twas only at dawn I left them, a great host and fair are
they,
And many a lovely lady shall gladden our eyes to-day.'
When he heard that he spake of women, since he fain for their
love would live,
He quoth, 'Thou shalt lead me thither, but first thou shalt
answer give
To the question I here would ask thee--Of a truth shall we
kinsmen see 335
When we come to the court of King Arthur? For ever 'twas told
to me
That his name it is rich in honour, and he liveth as valiant
knight'--
Quoth Parzival, 'We shall see there full many a lady bright,
Nor fruitless shall be our journey, our own folk shall we
find there,
The men of whose race we have sprung, men whose head shall a
king's crown bear.' 340

Nor longer the twain would sit there, and straightway did
Parzival
Seek again the sword of his brother that afar in the woodland
fell,
And again the hero sheathed it, and all hatred they put away,
And e'en as true friends and brothers together they rode that
day.

Yet ere they might come to King Arthur men had heard of the
twain a tale-- 345
On the self-same day it befell so that the host, they must
sore bewail
The loss of a gallant hero, since Parzival rode away--
Then Arthur, he took good counsel, and he spake, 'Unto the
eighth day
Would they wait for Parzival's coming, nor forth from the
field would fare'--
And hither came Gramoflanz' army, and they many a ring
prepare, 350
And with costly tents do they deck them, and the proud
knights are lodged full well,
Nor might brides e'er win greater honour than here to this
four befell.
Then from Château Merveil rode thither a squire in the
self-same hour,
And he said, in their column mirrored, had they seen in their
fair watch-tower
A mighty fight, and a fearful--'And where'er men with swords
have fought, 355
I wot well, beside this combat their strife shall be held as
naught.'
And the tale did they tell to Gawain, as he sat by King
Arthur's side,
And this knight, and that, spake wondering to whom might such
strife betide?
Quoth Arthur the king, 'Now I wager that I know of the twain
_one_ knight,
'Twas my nephew of Kanvoleis fought there, who left us ere
morning light!' 360

And now, lo the twain rode hither--They had foughten a combat
fair,
As helmet and shield sore dinted with sword-stroke might
witness bear.
And well skilled were the hands that had painted these badges
of strife, I trow,
(For 'tis meet in the lust of combat that a knight's hand
such skill should show,)
Then they rode by the camp of King Arthur--As the heathen
knight rode past 365
Full many a glance of wonder at his costly gear was cast.
And with tents the plain was covered--Then rode they to
Gawain's ring,
And before his tent they halted--Did men a fair welcome
bring,
And lead them within, and gladly behold them? Yea, even so,
And Gawain, he rode swiftly after when he did of their coming
know; 370
For e'en as he sat by King Arthur he saw that his tent they
sought,
And, as fitted a courteous hero, joyful greeting to them he
brought.

And as yet they bare their armour--Then Gawain, the courteous
knight,
He bade his squires disarm them--In the stress of the deadly
fight
Ecidemon, the beast, was cloven; the robe that the heathen
ware 375
In many a place bare token of the blows that had been its
share,
'Twas a silk of Saranthasmé, decked with many a precious
stone,
And beneath, rich, snow-white, blazoned with his bearings his
vesture shone.
And one over against the other stood the gems in a double
row;
By the wondrous Salamanders was it woven in fierce flame's
glow! 380
All this glory a woman gave him, who would stake on his skill
in strife
Her crown alike and her kingdom, as she gave him her love and
life.
'Twas the fair Queen Sekundillé (and gladly he did her will,
And were it for joy or for sorrow he hearkened her bidding
still)
And, e'en as her true heart willed it, of her riches was he
the lord, 385
For her love, as his rightful guerdon, had he won him with
shield and sword.

Then Gawain, he bade his people of the harness to have good
care,
That naught should be moved from its station, shield, or
helmet, or vesture fair.
And in sooth a gift too costly e'en the blazoned coat had
been
If poor were the maid who a love-gift would give to her
knight, I ween, 390
So rich were the stones that decked it, the harness of pieces
four--
And where wisdom with goodwill worketh, and of riches there
be full store,
There love well can deck the loved one! And proud Feirefis,
he strove
With such zeal for the honour of women, he well was repaid by
Love!

And soon as he doffed his harness they gazed on the wondrous
sight, 395
And they who might speak of marvels said, in sooth, that this
heathen knight,
Feirefis, was strange to look on! and wondrous marks he
bore--
Quoth Gawain to Parzival, 'Cousin, I ne'er saw his like
before,
Now who may he be, thy comrade? For in sooth he is strange to
see!'
Quoth Parzival, 'Are we kinsmen, then thy kinsman this knight
shall be, 400
As Gamuret's name may assure thee--Of Zassamank is he king,
There my father he won Belakané who this prince to the world
did bring.'
Then Gawain, he kissed the heathen--Now the noble Feirefis
Was black and white all over, save his mouth was half red, I
wis!

Then they brought to the twain fair raiment, and I wot well
their cost was dear. 405
(They were brought forth from Gawain's chamber.) Then the
ladies, they drew anear,
And the Duchess she bade Sangivé and Kondrie first kiss the
knight
Ere she and Arnivé proffered in greeting their lips so
bright.
And Feirefis gazed upon them, and, methinks, he was glad at
heart
At the sight of their lovely faces, and in joy had he lot and
part. 410

Then Gawain spake to Parzival, 'Cousin, thou hast found a new
battle-field,
If aright I may read the token of thy helmet and splintered
shield,
Sore strife shall have been your comrade, both thine and thy
brother's too!
Say, with whom did ye fight so fiercely?' Then Parzival spake
anew,
'No fiercer fight have I foughten, my brother's hand pressed
me sore 415
To defend me, no charm more potent than defence 'gainst
death's stroke I bore.
As this stranger, whom yet I knew well, I smote, my sword
brake in twain,
Yet no fear did he show, and 'vantage he scorned of mischance
to gain,
For afar did he cast his sword-blade, since he feared lest
'gainst me he sin,
Yet naught did he know when he spared me that we twain were
so near akin. 420
But now have I won his friendship, and his love, and with
right goodwill
Would I do to him faithful service as befitteth a brother
still!'

Then Gawain spake, 'They brought me tidings of a dauntless
strife and bold,
In Château Merveil the country for six miles may ye well
behold,
The pillar within the watch-tower showeth all that within
that space 425
Doth chance,--and he spake, King Arthur, that _one_ who there
strife did face,
Should be _thou_ cousin mine of Kingrivals, now hast thou the
tidings brought,
And we know of a sooth the combat was even as we had thought.
Now believe me, the truth I tell thee, for eight days here
our feast we'ld hold
In great pomp, and await thy coming, shouldst thou seek us,
thou hero bold. 430
Now rest here, ye twain, from your combat--but methinks,
since ye thus did fight,
Ye shall each know the other better, and hatred shall own
love's might.'

That eve would Gawain sup early, since his cousin of far
Thasmé,
Feirefis Angevin, and his brother, had tasted no food that
day.
And high and long were the cushions that they laid in a ring
so wide, 435
And many a costly covering of silk did their softness hide.
And long, and wide, and silken, were the clothes that above
them went,
And the store of Klingsor's riches they spread forth within
the tent.
Then four costly carpets silken, and woven so fair to see,
Did they hang one against the other, so the tale it was told
to me; 440
And beneath them, of down were the pillows, and each one was
covered fair,
And in such wise the costly couches for the guests would the
squires prepare.

And so wide was the ring that within it six pavilions right
well might stand
Nor the tent ropes should touch each other--(Now wisdom doth
fail mine hand,
I will speak no more of these marvels). Then straightway
Gawain he sent 445
To King Arthur, he fain would tell him who abode here within
his tent,
He had come, the mighty heathen, of whom Ekuba erst did tell
On Plimizöl's plain! And the tidings they rejoiced King
Arthur well.

And he who should bear the tidings, he was Iofreit, and
Idol's son;
And he bade the king sup early, and so soon as the meal was
done, 450
With his knights and his host of ladies, to ride forth a
train so fair,
And a fit and worthy welcome for Gamuret's son prepare.
Quoth the king, 'All who here are worthy, of a sooth, will I
bring with me.'
Quoth Iofreit, 'Ye fain will see him, so courteous a knight
is he,
And a marvel is he to look on--From great riches he forth
must fare, 455
For the price of his coat emblazoned is such as no man might
bear,
And no hand might count its equal, not in Löver or Brittany,
Or in England, or e'en from Paris to Wizsant beside the sea--
Nay, all the rich lands between them, were their wealth in
the balance weighed,
Then the cost of his goodly raiment, I think me, were yet
unpaid!' 460

Then again came the knight Iofreit, when he to the king had
told
The guise that should best befit him when he greeted the
heathen bold.
And within the tent of Gawain the seats were ordered fair,
In courteous rank and seemly, and the guests to the feast
repair.
And the vassals of Orgelusé, and the heroes within her train 465
Who gladly for love had served her, they sate there beside
Gawain.
Their seats they were on his right hand, on his left were
Klingsor's knights,
And over against the heroes sat many a lady bright,
All they who were Klingsor's captives, in sooth were they
fair of face,
And Parzival and his brother, by the maidens they took their
place. 470

Then the Turkowit, Sir Florant, and Sangivé, that noble
queen,
Sat over against each other, and in like wise, the board
between,
Sat Gowerzein's Duke, brave Lischois, and his wife, the fair
Kondrie.
Iofreit and Gawain forgat not each other's mate to be,
As of old would they sit together, and together, as comrades,
eat. 475
The Duchess, with bright eyes shining, by Arnivé must find
her seat,
Nor forgat they to serve each other with courteous and kindly
grace--
At the side sat fair Orgelusé, while Arnivé by Gawain found
place.

And all shame and discourteous bearing from the circle must
take their flight,
And courteous they bare the viands to each maid and each
gallant knight. 480
Then Feirefis looked on his brother, and he spake unto
Parzival;
'Now Jupiter ruled my journey so that bliss to my lot would
fall
Since his aid shall have brought me hither, and here mine own
folk I see,
And I praise the sire that I knew not, of a gallant race was
he!'

Quoth the Waleis, 'Ye yet shall see them, a folk ye right
well may love, 485
With Arthur their king and captain, brave knights who their
manhood prove.
So soon as this feast is ended, as methinks it will be ere
long,
Ye shall see them come in their glory, many valiant men and
strong.
Of the knights of the good Round Table there shall sit at
this board but three,
Our host, and the knight Iofreit, and such honour once fell
to me, 490
In the days that I showed me worthy, that they prayed me I
would be one
Of their band, nor was I unwilling, but e'en as they spake
'twas done,'

Now 'twas time, since all well had eaten, the covers to bear
away
From before both man and maiden, and this did the squires
straightway.
The host would no longer sit there; then the Duchess and
Arnivé spake, 495
And they prayed that the twain, Sangivé and Kondrie, they
with them might take;
And go to the strange-faced heathen, and entreat him in
courteous wise--
When Feirefis saw them near him, from his seat did the prince
arise,
And with Parzival, his brother, stepped forward the queens to
meet,
By his hand did the Duchess take him, and with fair words the
knight would greet; 500
And the ladies and knights who stood there she bade them be
seated all--
Then the king and his host came riding, with many a trumpet
call;
And they heard the sound of music, of tambour, and flute, and
horn,
With many a blast drew nearer the king of Arnivé born;
And the heathen this pomp and rejoicing must hold for a
worthy thing-- 505
And Guinevere rode with King Arthur, so came they to Gawain's
ring;
And goodly the train that followed of ladies and gallant
knights,
And Feirefis saw among them fair faces with youth's tints
bright;
And King Gramoflanz rode among them, for Arthur's guest was
he,
And Itonjé, his love so loyal, true lady, from falsehood
free! 510

Then the gallant host dismounted, with many a lady sweet,
And Guinevere bade Itonjé her nephew, the heathen, greet.
Then the queen herself drew anear him, and she kissed the
knight Feirefis,
And Gramoflanz and King Arthur received him with friendly
kiss;
And in honour they proffered service unto him, those monarchs
twain, 515
And many a man of his kinsfolk to welcome the prince was
fain.
And many a faithful comrade Feirefis Angevin had found,
Nor in sooth was he loth to own here that he stood upon
friendly ground.

Down they sat them, both wife and husband, and many a
gracious maid,
And many a knight might find there (if in sooth he such
treasure prayed,) 520
From sweet lips sweet words of comfort--If for wooing such
knight were fain,
Then from many a maid who sat there no hatred his prayer
would gain,
No true woman shall e'er be wrathful if a true man for help
shall pray,
For ever the right she holdeth to yield, or to say him 'Nay,'
And if labour win joy for payment then such guerdon shall
true love give-- 525
And I speak but as in my lifetime I have seen many true folk
live--
And service sat there by rewarding, for in sooth 'tis a
gracious thing
When a knight may his lady hearken, for joy shall such
hearing bring.

And Feirefis sat by King Arthur, nor would either prince
delay
To the question each asked the other courteous answer to make
straightway-- 530
Quoth King Arthur, 'May God be praised, for He honoureth us I
ween,
Since this day within our circle so gallant a guest is seen,
No knight hath Christendom welcomed to her shores from a
heathen land
Whom, an he desired my service, I had served with such
willing hand!'

Quoth Feirefis to King Arthur, 'Misfortune hath left my side, 535
Since the day that my goddess Juno, with fair winds and a
favouring tide,
Led my sail to this Western kingdom! Methinks that thou
bearest thee
In such wise as he should of whose valour many tales have
been told to me;
If indeed thou art called King Arthur, then know that in many
a land
Thy name is both known and honoured, and thy fame o'er all
knights doth stand.' 540

Quoth Arthur, 'Himself doth he honour who thus spake in my
praise to thee
And to other folk, since such counsel he won of his courtesy
Far more than of my deserving--for he spake of his kindly
will.
Yea, in sooth shall my name be Arthur, and the tale would I
hearken still
Of how to this land thou camest, if for _love's_ sake thou
bearest shield, 545
Then thy love must be fair, since to please her thou ridest
so far afield!
If her guerdon be not withholden then love's service shall
wax more fair,
Else must many a maid win hatred from the knight who her
badge doth bear!'

'Nay, 'twas otherwise,' quoth the heathen; 'Now learn how I
came to thee,
I led such a mighty army, they who guardians of Troy would
be, 550
And they who its walls besiegèd, the road to my hosts must
yield--
If both armies yet lived, and lusted to face me on open
field,
Then ne'er might they win the victory, but shame and defeat
must know
From me and my host, of a surety their force would I
overthrow!--
And many a fight had I foughten, and knightly deeds had done, 555
Till as guerdon at length the favour of Queen Sekundill' I
won.
And e'en as her wish so my will is, and her love to my life
is guide,
She bade me to give with a free hand, and brave knights to
keep at my side,
And this must I do to please her; and I did even as she
would,
'Neath my shield have I won as vassals full many a warrior
good, 560
And her love it hath been my guerdon--An Ecidemon I bear
On my shield, even as she bade me, at her will I this token
wear.
Since then, came I e'er in peril, if but on my love I thought
She hath helped me, yea, Jupiter never such succour in need
hath brought!'

Quoth Arthur, 'Thy gallant father, Gamuret, he hath left thee
heir 565
To the heart that on woman's service thus loveth afar to
fare.
Of such service I too can tell thee, for but seldom hath
greater deeds
Been done for a woman's honour, or to win of her love the
meed,
Than were done for the sake of the Duchess who sitteth beside
us here.
For her love many gallant heroes have splintered full many a
spear, 570
Yea, the spear-shafts were e'en as a forest! And many have
paid the cost
Of her service in bitter sorrow, and in joy and high courage
lost!'

And then the tale he told him of the fame that Gawain had
found,
And the knights of the host of Klingsor, and the heroes who
sat around,
And of Parzival, his brother, how he fought fierce combats
twain, 575
For the sake of Gramoflanz' garland, on Ioflanz' grassy
plain;
'And what other have been his ventures, who never himself
doth spare
As thro' the wide world he rideth, that shall he himself
declare;
For he seeketh a lofty guerdon, and he rideth to find the
Grail.
And here shall it be my pleasure that ye twain, without lack
or fail, 580
Shall tell me the lands and the peoples against whom ye shall
both have fought.'
Quoth the heathen, 'I'll name the princes whom I here as my
captives brought':

'King Papirus of Trogodjenté, Count Behantins of Kalomedenté,
Duke Farjelastis of Africk, and King Tridanz of Tinodent;
King Liddamus of Agrippé, of Schipelpjonte King Amaspartins, 585
King Milon of Nomadjentesin, of Agremontein, Duke Lippidins;
Gabarins of Assigarzionté, King Translapins of Rivigatas,
From Hiberborticon Count Filones, from Sotofeititon, Amincas,
From Centrium, King Killicrates, Duke Tiridé of Elixodjon,
And beside him Count Lysander, from Ipopotiticon. 590
King Thoaris of Orastegentesein, from Satarthjonté Duke
Alamis,
And the Duke of Duscontemedon, and Count Astor of Panfatis.
From Arabia King Zaroaster, and Count Possizonjus of Thiler,
The Duke Sennes of Narjoclin, and Nourjenté's Duke, Acheinor,
Count Edisson of Lanzesardin, Count Fristines of Janfusé, 595
Meiones of Atropfagenté, King Jetakranc of Ganpfassasché,
From Assagog and Zassamank princes, Count Jurans of
Blemunzîn.
And the last, I ween, shall a Duke be, Affinamus of
Amantasîn!'

'Yet one thing for a shame I deemed it--In my kingdom 'twas
told to me
Gamuret Angevin, my father, the best of all knights should be 600
That ever bestrode a charger--Then so was my will and mind,
That, afar from my kingdom faring, my father I thought to
find;
And since then strife hath been my portion, for forth from my
kingdoms twain
A mighty host and powerful 'neath my guidance hath crossed
the main,
And I lusted for deeds of knighthood; if I came to a goodly
land, 605
Then I rested not till its glory paid tribute into mine hand.
And thus ever I journeyed further--I won love from two noble
queens,
Olympia and Klauditté; Sekundillé the third hath been.
And well have I served fair women!--Now first must I learn
to-day
That my father is dead! My brother, the tale of thy ventures
say.' 610

And Parzival quoth, 'Since I seek it, The Grail, in full many
a fight,
Both far and near, have I striven, in such wise as beseems a
knight,
And my hand of their fame hath robbed them who never before
might fall--
If it please ye the tale to hearken, lo! here will I name
them all!'

'King Schirniel of Lirivoin, and his brother of Avendroin,
King Mirabel, 615
King Piblesun of Lorneparz, of Rozokarz, King Serabel,
Of Sirnegunz, King Senilgorz, and Strangedorz of Villegarunz,
Rogedal the Count of Mirnetalle and Laudunal of Pleyedunz.
From Semblidag King Zyrolan, from Itolac Onipreiz,
From Zambron the Count Plenischanz, and Duke Jerneganz of
Jeropleis, 620
Count Longefiez of Teuteleunz, Duke Marangliess of Privegarz,
From Lampregun Count Parfoyas, from Pictacon Duke Strennolas;
Postefar of Laudundrehte, Askalon's fair king, Vergulacht,
Duke Leidebron of Redunzehte, and from Pranzile Count
Bogudaht,
Collevâl of Leterbé, Jovedast of Arl, a Provençal, 625
Count Karfodyas of Tripparûn, all these 'neath my spear must
fall.
In knightly joust I o'erthrew them the while I the Grail must
seek!
Would I say those I felled in _battle_, methinks I o'er-long
must speak,
It were best that I here keep silence--Of those who were
known to me,
Methinks that the greater number I here shall have named to
ye!' 630

From his heart was he glad, the heathen, of his brother's
mighty fame,
That so many a gallant hero 'neath his hand had been put to
shame,
And he deemed in his brother's honour he himself should have
honour won,
And with many a word he thanked him for the deeds that he
there had done.

Then Gawain bade his squires bear hither (yet e'en as he knew
it not) 635
The costly gear of the heathen, and they held it was fair I
wot.
And knights alike and ladies, they looked on its decking
rare,
Corslet, and shield, and helmet, and the coat that was
blazoned fair.
Nor narrow nor wide the helmet--And a marvel great they
thought
The shine of the many jewels in the costly robe inwrought, 640
And no man I ween shall ask me the power that in each did
dwell,
The light alike and the heavy, for I skill not the tale to
tell;
Far better might they have told it, Heraclius or Hercules
And the Grecian Alexander; and better methinks than these
Pythagoras, the wise man, for skilled in the stars was he, 645
And so wise that no son of Adam I wot well might wiser be.

Then the women they spake, 'What woman so e'er thus hath
decked this knight
If he be to her love unfaithful he hath done to his fame
despite.'
Yet some in such favour held him, they had been of his
service fain--
Methinks the unwonted colour of his face did their fancy
gain! 650
Then aside went the four, Gawain, Arthur, Gramoflanz, and
Parzival,
(And the women should care for the heathen, methinks it would
please them well.)

And Arthur willed ere the morrow a banquet, rich and fair,
On the grassy plain before him they should without fail
prepare,
That Feirefis they might welcome as befitting so brave a
guest. 655
'Now be ye in this task not slothful, but strive, as shall
seem ye best,
That henceforth he be one of our circle, of the Table Round,
a knight.'
And they spake, they would win that favour, if so be it
should seem him right.
Then Feirefis, the rich hero, he brotherhood with them sware;
And they quaffed the cup of parting, and forth to their tents
would fare. 660
And joy it came with the morning, if here I the truth may
say,
And many were glad at the dawning of a sweet and a welcome
day.

Then the son of Uther Pendragon, King Arthur, in this wise
spake:
For Round Table a silk so costly, Drianthasmé, he bade them
take--
Ye have heard how it once was ordered, afar on Plimizöl's
plain, 665
How they spread them there a Round Table, in such wise was it
spread again--
'Twas cut in a round, and costly it was, and right fair to
see,
And on the green turf around it the seats of the knights
should be.
It was even a goodly gallop from the seats to the Table
Round,
For the Table's self it was not, yet the likeness they there
had found. 670
And a cowardly man might shame him to sit there with such
gallant knights,
And with sin would his food be tainted since he ate it not
there of right.

Thro' the summer night 'twas measured, the ring, both with
thought and care,
And from one end unto the other with pomp they the seats
prepare.
And the cost were too great for a poor king, as they saw it
in noontide light, 675
When the trappings, so gay and costly, shone fair in the
sun-rays bright.
Gramoflanz and Gawain would pay it, the cost, since within
their land
He was but a guest, King Arthur, tho' he dealt with a
generous hand.

And the night, it seldom cometh but, as it is wont, the sun
Bringeth back the day and the daylight when the hours of the
night are run; 680
And e'en so it befell, and the dawning was clear and calm and
bright,
And many a flowery chaplet crowned the locks of many a
knight;
And with cheeks and lips unpainted saw ye many a lovely maid,
And, if Kiot the truth hath spoken, knight and lady they were
arrayed
In diverse garb and fashion, with head-gear both high and
low, 685
As each in their native country their faces were wont to
show--
'Twas a folk from far kingdoms gathered and diverse their
ways were found--
If to lady a knight were lacking she sat not at the Table
Round,
But if she for knightly service had promised a guerdon fair,
She might ride with her knight, but the others, they must to
their tents repair. 690

When Arthur the Mass had hearkened, then Gramoflanz did they
see
With Gowerzein's Duke and Florant; to the king came the
comrades three,
And each one a boon would crave here, for each of the three
was fain
To be one of the good Round Table, nor this grace did they
fail to gain.
And if lady or knight would ask me who was richest of all
that band, 695
Who sat as guests in the circle, and were gathered from every
land,
Then here will I speak the answer, 'twas Feirefis Angevin,
But think not from my lips of his riches a further tale to
win.

Thus in festive guise, and gaily, they rode to the circle
wide,
And often to maid had it chancèd (so closely the guests must
ride) 700
Were her steed not well girthed she had fallen--with banners
waving high
From every side of the meadow to each other the groups drew
nigh;
And a Buhurd fair was ridden without the Table Round,
And in courtly guise and skilful no man rode _within_ its
bound;
There was space without for the chargers, and they handled
their steeds with skill, 705
And rode each one against the other till the ladies had
looked their fill.

Then in order fair they seat them when 'twas time for the
guests to eat,
And cup-bearer, steward, and butler, they bethink them as
shall be meet,
How, courteous, to do their office--No lack of food had they,
And many a maid was honoured as she sat by her knight that
day. 710
And many thro' fond heart's counsel had been served by
knightly deed--
And Feirefis, and the Waleis, to the maidens they gave good
heed,
And they looked on the one and the other, and a fair choice
was theirs, I ween,
For never on field or meadow may the eye of man have seen
So many sweet lips and fair faces as shone there at the Table
Round, 715
And the heathen was glad for their beauty, and the joy that
his heart had found.
Now hail to the hour that cometh, and the tidings they soon
shall hear
From the welcome lips of a maiden who draweth the host anear;
For a maiden came towards them, and her raiment was fair to
see,
And e'en as in France the custom so 'twas fashioned right
cunningly. 720
Her mantle was costly velvet, and blacker, I ween, its hue
Than the coat of a sable jennet; and with gold was it woven
thro'
With turtle-doves, all shining, the badge of the Grail were
they.
And they looked and they marvelled at her as toward them she
made her way,
For swiftly she came, and her head-gear was high and white,
her face 725
With many a veil was shrouded, and her features no man might
trace.

Then with even pace and seemly she rode o'er the turf so
green,
And saddle and reins and trappings were costly enow I ween;
And they let her within the circle--Now she who would tidings
bring
No fool was she, but wise maiden--So rode she around the
ring, 730
And they showed her where sat King Arthur, nor her greeting
should fail that day,
In French was her speech, and in this wise the monarch she
fain would pray;
They should wreak not on her their vengeance for the words
that she spake of yore,
But hearken unto her message since welcome the news she bore.
And the king and the queen she pleaded to give unto her their
aid, 735
That she failed not to win from the hero the grace that she
fain had prayed.

Then to Parzival she turned her, since his place by the
king's was found,
And she stayed not, but down from her charger she sprang
swiftly unto the ground,
And with courteous mien, as beseemed her, fell low at the
hero's feet,
And, weeping, she prayed that in friendship her coming he now
would greet, 740
And forget his wrath against her, and forgive her without a
kiss.
And they joined to her prayer their pleadings, King Arthur
and Feirefis.
Of a sooth Parzival must hate her, yet he hearkened to
friendship's prayer,
And of true heart and free forgave her--Tho' I say not the
maid was fair,
Yet methinks she was honour-worthy--Then swiftly she sprang
upright, 745
And thanked those who had won her pardon for the wrong she
had done the knight.
Then she raised her hand to her head-gear, were it wimple or
veil, no less
Was it cast on the ground, and all men knew Kondrie, the
sorceress.
And they knew of the Grail the token and the badge that the
maiden bare,
And all men I ween must marvel--Her face it was e'en as fair 750
As man and maiden saw it when to Plimizöl's banks she came,
Of her countenance have I told ye, and to-day was it still
the same,
And yellow her eyes as the topaz, long her teeth, and her
lips in hue
Were even as is a violet, that man seeth not _red_ but
_blue_!

Yet methinks had her will been evil she had borne not the
head-gear rare 755
That aforetime, on Plimizöl's meadow, it had pleasured the
maid to wear.
The sun it had worked no evil, if its rays thro' her hair
might win
Yet scarce had they shone so fiercely as to darken one whit
her skin.

Then courteous she stood, and she spake thus, and good were
her words to hear,
In the self-same hour her tidings came thus to the listening
ear; 760
'Oh! well is thee, thou hero, thou Gamuret's son so fair,
Since God showeth favour to thee whom Herzeleide of old did
bear.
And welcome is he, thy brother, Feirefis, the strange of hue,
For the sake of my Queen Sekundillé, and the tidings that
erst I knew
Of the gallant deeds of knighthood that his valiant hand hath
done, 765
For e'en from the days of his childhood great fame for
himself he won!'

And to Parzival she spake thus, 'Now rejoice with a humble
heart,
Since the crown of all earthly blessings henceforward shall
be thy part,
For read is the mystic writing--The Grail, It doth hail thee
king,
And Kondwiramur, thy true wife, thou shalt to thy kingdom
bring, 770
For the Grail, It hath called her thither--Yea, and
Lohengrin, thy son,
For e'en as thou left her kingdom twin babes thou by her
hadst won.
And Kardeiss, he shall have in that kingdom a heritage rich I
trow!
And were no other bliss thy portion than that which I tell
thee now--
That with true lips and pure, thou shalt greet him, Anfortas
the king, again, 775
And thy mouth thro' the mystic question shall rid him of all
his pain,
For sorrow hath been his portion--If joy's light thro' thy
deed shall shine
On his life, then of all earth's children whose bliss shall
be like to thine?'

Seven stars did she name unto him in Arabic, and their might,
Right well Feirefis should know it, who sat there, both black
and white. 780
And she spake, 'Sir Parzival, mark well the names that I tell
to thee,
There is Zevâl the highest planet, and the swift star
Almustri;
Almaret and the shining Samsi, great bliss unto thee they
bring,
Alligafir is fifth, and Alketer stands sixth in the starry
ring;
And the nearest to us is Alkamer; and no dream shall it be,
my rede, 785
For the bridle of heaven are they, to guide and to check its
speed,
'Gainst its swiftness their power, it warreth--Now thy sorrow
is passed away,
For far as shall be their journey, and far as shall shine
their ray.
So wide is the goal of thy riches and the glory thine hand
shall win,
And thy sorrow shall wane and vanish--Yet this thing It holds
for sin, 790
The Grail and Its power, It forbids thee unlawful desire to
know,
And the company of sinners henceforth must thou shun, I trow;
And riches are thine, and honour, but from these shall thy
life be free--
Now thy youth was by sorrow cherished, and her lesson she
taught to thee,
But by joy she afar is driven, for thou hast thy soul's rest
won, 795
And in grief thou o'er-long hast waited for the joy that is
now begun.'

Nor seemed ill to the knight her tidings--Thro' joy must his
eyelids know
A rain of crystal tear-drops from a true heart's overflow.
And he quoth, 'If thou speakest, Lady, the thing that indeed
shall be,
If God as his knight doth claim me, and they are elect with
me, 800
My wife and my child, then I wot well, tho' a sinful man am
I,
God looketh with favour on me, and hath dealt with me
wondrously!
Of a sooth hast thou here repaid me for the grief thou on me
hast brought,
Yet I deem well thy wrath had spared me save that evil myself
had wrought,
Nor to bliss was I then predestined--but thou bringest such
tidings fair 805
That my sorrow hath found an ending--And these arms do thy
truth declare,
For when by the sad Anfortas I sat in Monsalväsch' hall,
Full many a shield I looked on that hung fair on the castle
wall,
And with turtle-doves all were blazoned, such as shine on thy
robe to-day.
But say, to the joy that awaits me, when and how may I take
my way, 810
For I would not there were delaying?' Then she quoth, 'Lord
and master dear,
But _one_ knight alone shall ride with thee; choose thou from
these warriors here
And trust thou to my skill and knowledge to guide thee upon
thy way,
For thy succour Anfortas waiteth, wouldst thou help him, make
no delay!'

Then they heard, all they who sat there, how Kondrie had come
again 815
And the tidings she bare; and teardrops fell soft like a
summer's rain
From the bright eyes of Orgelusé, since Parzival should speak
The words that should heal Anfortas, nor that healing be long
to seek.
Then Arthur, the fame-desirous, spake to Kondrie in courtesy,
'Now, Lady, wilt ride to thy lodging? Say, how may we care
for thee?' 820
And she quoth, 'Is she here, Arnivé, what lodging she shall
prepare,
That lodging shall well content me till hence with my lord I
fare;
If a captive she be no longer, then fain would I see them
all,
The queen, and the other ladies, whom Klingsor, in magic
thrall,
For many a year hath fettered'--Then they lifted her on her
steed, 825
Two knights, and unto Arnivé did the faithful maiden speed.

Now the feast drew nigh to its ending--By his brother sat
Parzival,
And he prayed him to be his comrade, nor his words did
unheeded fall,
For Feirefis spake him ready to Monsalväsch' Burg to ride--
In the self-same hour upstood they, the guests, o'er the ring
so wide, 830
And Feirefis prayed this favour from Gramoflanz, the king,
If in sooth he should love his cousin of that love he would
token bring;
'Both thou and Gawain, ye must help me, whether princes or
kings they be,
Or barons, or knights, none betake them from this field till
my gifts they see.
Myself had I shamed if I rode hence and never a gift should
leave, 835
And the minstrel-folk they shall wait here till they gifts
from my hand receive.
And Arthur, this thing would I pray thee, seek that none of
these knights disdain,
Tho' lofty their birth, a token of friendship from me to
gain;
For the shame, on thyself shalt thou take it--one so rich
shall they ne'er have known--
Give me messengers unto the haven that the presents to all be
shown!' 840

Then they sware them unto the heathen that no man of them
should depart
From the field till four days were ended, and the heathen was
glad at heart,
And wise messengers Arthur gave him, who should forth to the
haven fare--
Feirefis took him ink and parchment, and a letter he bade
them bear,
Nor the writing, I ween, lacked tokens of his hand from whom
it came, 845
And seldom methinks a letter such goodly return might claim!

Then soon must the messengers ride hence--Parzival stood the
host before,
And in French did he tell the story from Trevrezent learnt of
yore,
How the Grail, throughout all ages, may never by man be
known,
Save by him whom God calleth to It, whose name God doth know
alone. 850
And the tale shall be told in all lands; no conflict may win
that prize,
And 'tis vain on that Quest to spend them, since 'tis hidden
from mortal eyes!'

And for Parzival and his brother the maidens must mourn that
day,
Farewell they were loth to bid them--Ere the heroes rode on
their way
Thro' the armies four they gat them, and they prayed leave
from each and all, 855
And joyful, they took their journey, well armed 'gainst what
might befall.
And the third day hence to Ioflanz from the heathen's host
they brought
Great gifts, so rich and costly, men ne'er on such wealth had
thought.
Did a king take of them, his kingdom was rich for evermore--
And to each as beseemed his station the precious gifts they
bore, 860
And the ladies, they had rich presents, from Triant and
Nouriente--
How the others rode I know not, but the twain, they with
Kondrie went!

BOOK XVI

LOHENGRIN

ARGUMENT