Читать книгу Parzival: A Knightly Epic (Vol. 1&2) - Jessie L. Weston - Страница 7

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In the Introduction the poet tells of the evil of doubt and unsteadfastness—against which he would warn both men and women; he will tell them a tale which shall speak of truth and steadfastness, and in which many strange marvels shall befall.

Book I. tells how Gamuret of Anjou at the death of his father, King Gandein, refused to become his brother's vassal, and went forth to seek fame and love-guerdon for himself. How he fought under the Baruch before Alexandria, and came to Patelamunt. How Queen Belakané was accused of having caused the death of her lover Eisenhart, and was besieged by two armies, which Friedebrand, King of Scotland, Eisenhart's uncle, had brought against her. How Gamuret defeated her foemen, and married the Queen, and became King of Assagog and Zassamank. How he grew weary for lack of knightly deeds, and sailed away in secret from Queen Belakané, and left her a letter telling of his name and race. How Feirifis was born, and how Gamuret came to Seville.

BOOK I

GAMURET

If unfaith in the heart find dwelling, then the soul it shall reap but woe;

And shaming alike and honour are his who such doubt shall show,

For it standeth in evil contrast with a true man's dauntless might,

As one seeth the magpie's plumage, which at one while is black and white.

And yet he may win to blessing; since I wot well that in his heart, 5

Hell's darkness, and light of Heaven, alike have their lot and part

But he who is false and unsteadfast, he is black as the darkest night,

And the soul that hath never wavered stainless its hue and white!

This my parable so fleeting too swift for the dull shall be,

Ere yet they may seize its meaning from before their face 'twill flee,10

As a hare that a sound hath startled: yea, metal behind the glass,

And a blind man's dream yield visions that as swift from the eye do pass,

For naught shall they have that endureth! And at one while 'tis bright and sad,

And know of a truth that its glory but for short space shall make ye glad.

And what man shall think to grip me, where no hair for his grasp shall grow,15

In the palm of mine hand? The mystery of a close clasp he sure doth know!

If I cry aloud in such peril, it 'seemeth my wisdom well.

Shall I look for truth where it fleeteth? In the fire that the stream doth quell,

Or the dew that the sun doth banish? Ne'er knew I a man so wise,

But was fain to learn the wisdom my fable doth ill disguise, 20

And the teaching that springeth from it: for so shall he ne'er delay

To fly and to chase as shall fit him, to shun and to seek alway,

And to give fitting blame and honour. He who knoweth the twain to tell,

In their changing ways, then wisdom has tutored that man right well.

And he sits not o'er-long at leisure, nor his goal doth he overreach,25

But in wisdom his ways discerning, he dealeth with all and each.

But his comrade, of heart unfaithful, in hell-fire shall his portion be,

Yea, a hailstorm that dims the glory of a knightly fame is he.

As a short tail it is, his honour, that but for two bites holds good,

When the steer by the gad-fly driven doth roam thro' the lonely wood.30

And tho' manifold be my counsel not to men alone I'ld speak, For fain would I show to women the goal that their heart should seek. And they who shall mark my counsel, they shall learn where they may bestow Their praise and their maiden honour; and the manner of man shall know Whom they freely may love and honour, and never may fear to rue 35 Their maidenhood, and the true love they gave him of heart so true. In God's sight I pray all good women to keep them in wisdom's way, For true shame on all sides doth guard them: such bliss I for them would pray. But the false heart shall win false honour—How long doth the thin ice last, If the sun shineth hot as in August? So their praise shall be soon o'erpast.40

Many women are praised for beauty; if at heart they shall be untrue,

Then I praise them as I would praise it, the glass of a sapphire hue

That in gold shall be set as a jewel! Tho' I hold it an evil thing,

If a man take a costly ruby, with the virtue the stone doth bring,

And set it in worthless setting: I would liken such costly stone 45

To the heart of a faithful woman, who true womanhood doth own.

I would look not upon her colour, nor the heart's roof all men can see,

If the heart beateth true beneath it, true praise shall she win from me!

Should I speak of both man and woman as I know, nor my skill should fail,

O'er-long would it be my story. List ye now to my wonder-tale: 50

And this venture it telleth tidings of love, and anon of woe,

Joy and sorrow it bringeth with it. 'Stead of one man if three ye know, And each one of the three hath wisdom and skill that outweigh my skill, Yet o'erstrange shall they find the labour, tho' they toil with a right good-will To tell ye this tale, which I think me to tell ye myself, alone, 55 And worn with their task and weary would they be ere the work was done.

A tale I anew will tell ye, that speaks of a mighty love;

Of the womanhood of true women; how a man did his manhood prove;

Of one that endured all hardness, whose heart never failed in fight,

Steel he in the face of conflict: with victorious hand of might 60

Did he win him fair meed of honour; a brave man yet slowly wise

Is he whom I hail my hero! The delight he of woman's eyes,

Yet of woman's heart the sorrow! 'Gainst all evil his face he set;

Yet he whom I thus have chosen my song knoweth not as yet,

For not yet is he born of whom men this wondrous tale shall tell, 65

And many and great the marvels that unto this knight befell.

NOW they do to-day as of old time, where a foreign law holds sway

(Yea, in part of our German kingdom, as ye oft shall have heard men say),

Whoever might rule that country, 'twas the law, and none thought it shame

('Tis the truth and no lie I tell ye) that the elder son might claim70

The whole of his father's heirdom—And the younger sons must grieve,

What was theirs in their father's lifetime, they perforce at his death must leave.

Before, all was theirs in common, now it fell unto one alone.

So a wise man planned in his wisdom, that the eldest the lands should own,

For youth it hath many a fair gift, but old age knoweth grief and pain,75

And he who is poor in his old age an ill harvest alone doth gain.

Kings, Counts, Dukes (and no lie I tell ye) the law holdeth all as one,

And no man of them all may inherit, save only the eldest son,

And methinks 'tis an evil custom—So the knight in his youthful pride,

Gamuret, the gallant hero, lost his Burg, and his fair lands wide, 80

Where his father had ruled with sceptre and crown as a mighty king,

Till knighthood, and lust of battle, to his death did the monarch bring.

And all men were sore for his sorrow, who truth and unbroken faith

Bare ever throughout his lifetime, yea even unto his death.

Then the elder son he summoned the princes from out his land, 85

And knightly they came, who rightly might claim from their monarch's hand,

To hold, as of yore, their fiefdoms. So came they unto his hall,

And the claim of each man he hearkened, and gave fiefs unto each and all.

Now hear how they dealt—As their true heart it bade them, both great and small,

They made to their king petition, with one voice from the people all,90

That to Gamuret grace and favour he would show with true brother's hand,

And honour himself in the doing. That he drive him not from the land

But give him, within his kingdom, a fair Burg that all men might see,

That he take from that Burg his title, and he held of all tribute free!—

Nor the king was ill-pleased at their pleading, and he quoth, 'A small grace, I trow,95

Have ye asked, I would e'en be better than your prayer, as ye straight shall know,

Why name ye not this my brother as Gamuret Angevin?

Since Anjou is my land, I think me the title we both may win!'

Then further he spake, the monarch, 'My brother in sooth may seek

Yet more from my hand of favour than my mouth may as swiftly speak,100

With me shall he have his dwelling—I would that ye all should see

How one mother alike hath borne us; his riches but small shall be,

While I have enough; of free hand would I give him both lands and gold,

That my bliss may be ne'er held forfeit by Him, Who can aye withhold,

Or give, as He deemeth rightful!' Then the princes they heard alway,105

How the king would deal well with his brother, and they deemed it a joyful day!

And each one bowed him low before him. Nor Gamuret long delayed,

But he spake as his heart would bid him, and friendly the words he said:

'Now hearken, my lord and brother, if vassal I think to be

To thee, or to any other, then a fair lot awaiteth me. 110

But think thou upon mine honour, for faithful art thou and wise,

And give counsel as shall beseem thee, and help as thou shalt devise.

For naught have I now save mine armour, if within it I more had done,

Then far lands should speak my praises, and remembrance from men were won!'

Then further he spake, the hero: 'Full sixteen my squires shall be,115

And six of them shall bear harness; four pages give thou to me Of noble birth and breeding, and nothing to them I'll spare Of all that my hand may win them. Afar in the world I'ld fare, (Somewhat I ere now have journeyed,) if Good Fortune on me shall smile, I may win from fair women favour. If a woman I serve awhile, 120 And to serve her she hold me worthy, and my heart speaketh not amiss, True knight shall I be and faithful! God show me the way of bliss! As comrades we rode together (but then o'er thy land did reign The King Gandein, our father), and sorrow and bitter pain We bare for Love's sake! At one while I knew thee as thief and knight,125 Thou couldst serve, and thou couldst dissemble, for the sake of thy lady bright. Ah! could I steal love as thou couldst, if my skill were but like to thine, That women should show me favour, then a blissful lot were mine!'

'Alas! that I ever saw thee,' spake, sighing, the king so true,

'Who lightly, with words of mocking, my heart would in pieces hew 130

And would fain that we part asunder! One father hath left us both

A mighty store of riches, I would share with thee, nothing loth.

Right dear from my heart I hold thee; red gold and jewels bright,

Folk, weapons, horse, and raiment, take thou as shall seem thee right,

That thou at thy will mayst journey, and thy free hand to all be known.135

Elect do we deem thy manhood, didst thou Gylstram as birthplace own,

Or thou camest here from Rankulat, yet still would that place be thine,

Which thou boldest to-day in my favour; true brother art thou of mine!'

'Sir King, thou of need must praise me, so great is thy courtesy!

So, courteous, thine aid be given, if thou and my mother free 140

Will share with me now your riches, I mount upward, nor fear to fall,

And my heart ever beateth higher—Yet I know not how I should call

This life, which my left breast swelleth! Ah! whither wouldst go mine heart?

I would fain know where thou shalt guide me—'Tis time that we twain should part.'

And all did the monarch give him, yea, more than the knight might crave,145

Five chargers, picked and chosen, the best in his land he gave

High-couraged, swift to battle; and many a cup of gold, And many a golden nugget, for naught would his hand withhold. Four chests for the road he gave him, with many a jewel rare Were they filled. Then the squires he took him who should for the treasure care,150 And well were they clad and mounted; and none might his grief withhold When the knight gat him unto his mother, who her son in her arms did fold.

Spake the woman, as woman grieving: 'Wilt thou tarry with me no more,

King Gandein's son? Woe is me! yet my womb this burden bore

And the son of my husband art thou. Is the eye of God waxed blind, 155

Or His ear grown deaf in the hearing, that my prayer doth no credence find?

Is fresh sorrow to be my portion? I have buried my heart's desire,

And the light of mine eyes; will He rob me, who have suffered a grief so dire,

Who judgeth with righteous judgment? Then the tale it hath told a lie,

That spake of His help so mighty, Who doth help unto me deny!' 160

'God comfort thee,' quoth the hero, 'for the death of my father dear,

For truly we both must mourn him—But I think from no lips to hear

Such wailing for my departing! As valour shall show the way,

I seek knighthood in distant countries—So it standeth with me to-day.'

Quoth the queen, 'Since to high love's service thou turnest both hand and heart,165

Sweet son, let it not displease thee to take of my wealth a part

That may serve thee upon thy journey; let thy chamberlain take from me

Four chests, each a pack-horse burden, and heavy their weight shall be.

And within, uncut, there lieth rich silk of Orient rare,

No man as yet hath cut it, and many a samite fair. 170

Sweet son, I prithee tell me what time thou wilt come again,

That my joy may wax the greater, and I look for thee not in vain!'

'Nay, that I know not, Lady, nor the land that shall see my face,

But wherever I take my journey, thou hast shown unto me such grace

As befitteth knightly honour: and the king he hath dealt with me 175

In such wise that grateful service his rewarding shall ever be.

And this trust have I, O Lady, that for this thou wilt love him more

Henceforward, whate'er the future yet keepeth for me in store.'

And as the venture telleth, to the hand of this dauntless knight,

Thro' the favour he won from a woman, and the working of true love's might,180 Came a token fair, and its value was full thousand marks, I trow, E'en to-day an a Jew were craving a pledge, he would deem enow Such jewel, and ne'er disdain it—'Twas sent by his lady true, And fame did he win in her service, and her love and her greeting knew, Yet seldom his pain found easing—Then the hero he took his leave 185 Of mother, brother, and brother's kingdom, and many I ween must grieve Since his eyes never more beheld them. And all who his friends had been, Ere he passed from the land of his fathers, tho' the grace were but small, I ween, He gave them of thanks full measure; he deemed they too much had done, And, courteous, little thought him, that of right he their love had won!190 Straighter his heart than straightness; did one of his praises speak In a full and fitting measure, then doubt were not far to seek, But ask ye of those his neighbours, or of men who in distant lands Had seen his deeds, then the marvel ye were swifter to understand.

And Gamuret he trode ever where Temperance aye should guide, 195

And naught else might rule his doings, nor he boasted him in his pride

But bare great honour meekly; from loose ways he e'er had flown;

And he thought him, the gallant hero, that none bare on earth a crown,

Were they King, or Queen, or Kaiser, whom he deemed of his service worth

Were they not the mightiest reckoned of all monarchs that be on earth.200

This will in his heart he cherished—Then men spake, at Bagdad did reign

A monarch so strong and powerful, that homage he well might claim

From two-thirds or more of earth's kingdoms. The heathen his name held great,

And they spake of him as the Baruch, and kings did on his bidding wait,

And crownèd heads were his servants; and his office it lasts to-day—205

See how Christian men baptizèd to Rome wend their pilgrim way,

So there was the heathen custom. At Bagdad was their papal right,

And the Baruch as 'seemed his office purged their sins with his word of might.

From Pompey and Ipomidon, two brothers of Babylon,

Nineveh, the town of their fathers, the Baruch with force had won, 210

And bravely 'gainst him they battled. Then came the young Angevin,

And the Baruch he showed him favour, yea, he did to his service win

Gamuret the gallant hero—And he deemed it were well he bore

Other arms than Gandein his father had given to him of yore.

Then the hero he well bethought him; on his charger's cloth they laid215

An anchor of ermine fashioned, and the same at his will they made

For shield alike and vesture—And green as the emerald rare

Was his riding-gear, and 'twas fashioned and wrought of Achmardi fair,

('Tis a silken stuff,) and he bade them to make of it at his will

Both blazoned coat and surcoat, (than velvet 'tis richer still;) 220

And he bade them to sew upon it the anchor of ermine white,

And with golden threads inwoven was the badge of this gallant knight.

And his anchors they never tested or mainland or haven fair

And found in that place abiding—But the hero must further bear

Thro' many a land, a brave guest, the load of this heraldry, 225

And behind the sign of this anchor but short space might his resting be,

And nowhere he found abiding—The tale of the lands he saw,

And the vessels in which he sailed him? If the truth unto ye I swore,

On mine own oath must I swear it, and my knightly honour true

In such wise as the venture told me; other witness I never knew! 230

And men say that his manly courage held the prize in far heathendom,

In Morocco's land, and in Persia, and elsewhere he high honour won,

At Damascus and at Aleppo, and where knightly deeds should be:

In Arabia and lands around it was he held of all conflict free,

For no man might dare withstand him, he won him such crown of fame;235

And his heart for honour lusted, and all deeds were brought to shame,

And became as naught before him, as all men bare witness true

Who a joust with him had ridden, and Bagdad of his glory knew.

And his heart never failed or faltered, but onward his course he bare

To Zassamank's land and kingdom; there all men wept that hero fair,240

Eisenhart, who in knightly service gave his life for a woman's smile;

Belakané thereto constrained him, sweet maid she, and free from guile.

(Since her love she never gave him, for love's sake did the hero die,)

And his kinsmen would fain avenge him, and with force and with subtlety

Their armies beset the maiden, but in sooth she could guard her well245

Ere Gamuret came to her kingdom, and her wrath on her foemen fell.

For the Prince Friedebrand of Scotland, and his host that against her came

By ship, ere he left her kingdom had she wasted with fire and flame.

Now hear what befell our hero; storm-driven he was that day,

And scarce might he win to safety, and his boat in the haven lay 250

Beneath the royal palace; and the folk they beheld him there,

And he looked around on the meadow, and he saw many tents stand fair

Around the town, save the sea-coast, and two armies he thought to see.

Then he bade them to tell the story, and whose that fair Burg should be?

Since he knew it not, nor his shipmen—And an answer they straightway gave,255

'Twas Patelamunt; then the townsfolk a boon from the knight would crave,

And their speech it was soft and friendly—In the name of their gods they'ld pray

He should help them, so great their peril that in danger of death they lay.

When the young Angevin had hearkened to the tale of their bitter pain,

He proffered to them his service for such payment as knight may gain,260

(As it oft shall befit a hero)—They should say for what goodly prize

He should dare the hate of their foemen? And they answered him in this wise

With one mouth the hale and the wounded—Naught would they from him withhold,

But lord should he be of their treasure, of their jewels alike and gold,

A fair life should he lead among them!—But such payment he little sought,265

For many a golden nugget from Araby had he brought.

And dark as night were the people who in Zassamank dwelt alway—

And the time it seemed long unto him that he need in their midst must stay—

But he bade them prepare a lodging, and methinks it became them well

The best of their land to give him, since awhile he with them would dwell.270

And the women they looked from the windows, and they gazed on the noble knight,

And they looked on his squires, and his harness, how 'twas fashioned for deeds of might.

Then they saw how the knight, free-handed, on his shield of ermine bare

Full many a pelt of sable; the Queen's Marshal he read it fair,

The badge, for a mighty anchor, and little he rued the sight, 275

If his eye spake the truth unto him ere this had he seen the knight,

Or one who bare his semblance—At Alexandria it needs must be,

When the Baruch besieged the city—and unequalled in strife was he!

So rode the gallant hero, in stately guise and meet;

Ten pack-horses heavy-laden they led first adown the street, 280

And twenty squires behind them; and his people they went before,

And lackeys, cooks, and cook-boys, at the head of the train they saw.

And stately I ween his household, twelve pages of lineage high

Rode next to the squires, well-mannered, and trained in all courtesy,

And Saracens were among them; and behind them in order fair 285

Came chargers eight, and a covering of sendal did each one bear.

But the ninth it bore a saddle, and the shield ye have known ere now

Was borne by a squire beside it, and joyful his mien, I trow.

And trumpeters rode behind it, for in sooth they must needs be there,

And a drummer he smote his tambour, and swung it aloft in air. 290

And as naught had the hero deemed it, this pomp, if there failed to ride

Men who on the flute were skilful, and three fiddlers were at their side,

And they hasted not nor hurried; and behind them the hero came,

And his shipman he rode beside him, a wise man of goodly fame.

And much folk was within the city, and Moors were both man and maid.295

Then the hero he looked around him, and, lo! many a shield displayed,

Battle-hewn and with spear-thrust piercèd they hung on each wall and door.

And wailing and woe was their portion; for the knight at each window saw

Many men lie sorely wounded, who to breathe the air were fain,

And e'en tho' a leech might tend them no help might they think to gain300

Who were hurt too sore for healing—In the field had they faced the foe,

And such shall be their rewarding who in conflict no flight will know—

Many horses were led towards him, sword-hewn and with lance thrust through;

And on each side stood dusky maidens, and black as the night their hue.

Then his host gave him kindly greeting—and of joy did he reap his meed—305

A rich man was he and mighty, and many a knightly deed

With thrust and blow had his hand wrought when his post at the gate he found;

And many a knight was with him, and bandaged their heads and bound,

And their hands in slings were holden; yet tho' sorely wounded still

They did many deeds of knighthood, nor were lacking in strength and skill.310

Then the Burg-grave of the city, with fair words did he pray his guest

To deal with him and his household in such wise as should seem him best.

And the host, he led the hero to his wife, and courteously

Did Gamuret kiss the lady, small joy in the kiss had he!

Then they sat them down to the table, and e'en as the feast was o'er,315

The Marshal he gat him swiftly to the queen, and the tidings bore,

And craved from her goodly payment, as to messenger shall be due.

And he spake, 'It shall end in gladness, the grief that erewhile we knew,

We have welcomed here, O Lady, a knight of such gallant mien,

We must thank the gods who have sent him, for our need they have surely seen.'320

'Now tell me upon thine honour who this gallant knight may be?'

'Lady, a dauntless hero, and the Baruch's man is he,

An Angevin he, of high lineage; Ah me! little did he spare

Himself, when his foemen seeking he forth to the field would fare.

How wisely, with skill and cunning, he avoided the threatening blow,325

And turned him again to the onslaught! Much sorrow he wrought his foe—

Ere this have I seen him battle, when the princes of Babylon

Their city of Alexandria had fain from the Baruch won,

And with force from its walls would drive him, and many a man lay dead

In the overthrow of their army, for their venture was but ill-sped.330

And such deeds did he do, this hero, that no counsel was theirs but flight:

And there did I hear his praises, for all spake of this gallant knight

As one who, without denial, had won him, in many a land,

The crown of true knightly honour, by the strength of his own right hand.

'Now fain would I speak with the hero, see thou to the time and way;335

E'en now might he ride to the castle, for peace shall be kept to-day.

Were it better that I should seek him? He is other than we in face,

Pray Heaven it not displease him, but our need with the knight find grace!

I would that I first might know this, ere the rede from my folk I hear

That I show to this stranger honour—If it pleaseth him to draw near,340

Say, how shall I best receive him? Shall the knight be so nobly born

That my kiss be not lost, if I kiss him?' 'Nay, hold me of life forsworn

If he be not of kings the kinsman! Lady, this word I'll bear

To thy princes, that they shall clothe them in raiment both fit and fair,

And stand before thee, in due order, ere yet to thy court we ride, 345

And the same shalt thou say to thy ladies—In the city he doth abide;

I will ride below, and will bring him to thy palace, a worthy guest,

For no fair or knightly virtue shall be lacking that noble breast.'

But little space they delayed them, for the Marshal, with ready skill,

Strove that all in such wise be ordered as should pleasure his lady's will.350

But soon did they bear to the hero rich garments, he did them on,

And this hath the venture told me that their cost should be hardly won;

And thereon lay the anchors, heavy, and wrought of Arabian gold,

For so had he willed. Then the hero, who fair payment for love had told

A charger bestrode that 'fore Babylon a knight rode, for jousting fain,355

From the saddle did Gamuret smite him, and I wot it hath wrought him pain.

If his host thought to ride beside him? He and his gallant knights?

Yea, in sooth they would do so, gladly—So wended they up the height,

And dismounted before the palace; and many a knight stood there,

And each, as was fit, had clothed him in raiment both rich and fair.360

And his pages they ran before him, and each twain they went hand in hand,

And in marvellous fair arraying he saw many ladies stand.

And the queen, her eyes brought her sorrow as she looked on the Angevin,

So lovely was he to look on that he needs must an entrance win

Thro' the gates of her heart, if 'twere anguish or joy that within he bore,365

Tho' her womanhood 'gainst all comers had held them fast closed before.

Then a space did she step towards him, and a kiss from her guest she prayed;

And, herself, by the hand she took him and they sat them, both man and maid

In a window wide, that looked forth from the palace upon the foe,

And a covering of wadded samite was spread o'er the couch below. 370

Is there aught that than day is lighter? Then it likeneth not the queen!

Yet else was she fair to look on, as a woman should be, I ween, But unlike to the dew-dipped roses was her colour, yea, black as night. And her crown was a costly ruby, and thro' it ye saw aright Her raven head. Then as hostess she spake to her guest this word, 375 That greatly she joyed at his coming, 'Sir, Knight, I such tale have heard Of thy knightly strength and prowess—Of thy courtesy, hear me fair, For fain would I tell of my sorrow, and the woe that my heart doth bear!'

'My help shall not fail thee, Lady! What hath grieved, or doth grieve thee now,

I think me aside to turn it, to thy service my hand I vow! 380

I am naught but one man only—Who hath wronged or now wrongeth thee

My shield will I hold against him—Little wroth shall thy foeman be!'

Then a prince he spake out courteous, 'The foe would we little spare,

Did our host not lack a captain, since Friedebrand hence must fare.

He defendeth afar his kingdom—A king, one Hernant by name 385

(Whom he slew for the sake of Herlindè) his kinsmen against him came,

And evil enow have they wrought him, nor yet from their strife forbear—

Yet he left here full many a hero, and among them, Duke Heuteger

With his gallant deeds of knighthood, and his army, hath pressed us sore,

They have skill and strength for the conflict. And many a soldier more390

With Gaschier of Normandy came here, and a hero wise is he.

Many knights hath he brought to this country (and wrathful guests they be):

Kailet of Hoscurast. All these hath he brought upon our fair land

With his comrades four, and his soldiers, the Scottish king Friedebrand!

And there, to the West, by the sea-coast doth Eisenhart's army lie,395

And their eyes shall be fain for weeping; nor in secret, nor openly

Hath one seen them, and failed to marvel at their grief and their sorrow sore,

Since their lord hath been slain in battle with the heart's rain their eyes run o'er.'

Then the guest courteous spake to his hostess, 'I would, an it seem thee right,

Thou shouldst say why thy foeman threaten, why they seek thee with war-like might!400

Thou hast here many gallant heroes, it grieveth me sore to see Thy land thus with hate o'erladen, for woe must it bring to thee.'

'Wouldst thou know? Then, Sir Knight, I will tell thee—A knight did me service true,

And the fruit of all manly virtue his life as its decking knew,

And gallant and wise was the hero, and his faith as a goodly tree 405

Was fast-rooted, and none so courteous but were shamed by his courtesy.

And modest was he as a woman, tho' dauntless and strong, I trow,

And a knight e'en as he free-handed ere his day never land might know.

(But they that shall come hereafter, other folk shall their doings see.)

A fool was he in false dealing, and a Moor, as myself shall be; 410

And his father's name was Tánkaneis, a king of a kingly heart,

And his son, he who was my lover, men knew him as Eisenhart.

That for love's sake I took his service, as a woman I did not well,

It hath brought me but lasting sorrow since no joy to his portion fell,

They deem I to death betrayed him! Yet such treason were far from me,415

Tho' his folk bring such charge against me; and dear to my heart was he,

Far dearer than they e'er held him. Nor witnesses here shall fail To speak to the truth of my saying, if it please them to tell the tale. His gods and mine, they know it, the truth—I must sorrow deep Since my womanly shame hath brought him a guerdon I needs must weep!420

'Thus he won in my maiden service much honour by knighthood fair,

I thought thus to prove my lover; his deeds did his worth declare.

For my sake he put off his harness (that which like to a hall doth stand

Is a lofty tent, the Scotch folk they brought it into this land),

Then e'en tho' he bare no armour his body he little spared, 425

For he held his life as worthless, many ventures unarmed he dared.

As the matter so stood between us, a prince who my man should be,

Prothizilas did men call him, a bold knight, from all cowardice free,

Rode forth in search of venture, and evil for him that day

For there, in Assagog's forest, his death in waiting lay. 430

In a knightly joust he met it, and there too he found his end

The gallant knight who faced him—'Twas Prince Eisenhart my friend.

For both of the twain were piercèd with a spear thro' heart and shield,

And I, alas! poor woman, must weep for that fatal field.

And ever their death doth grieve me, and sorrow from love shall grow,435

And never henceforth as my husband a man do I think to know.'

Then e'en tho' she was a heathen Gamuret he bethought him well,

That a heart more true and tender ne'er in woman's breast might dwell.

Her purity was her baptism, and as water that washed her o'er

Was the rain that streamed from her eyelids o'er her breast, and the robe she wore;440

All her joy did she find in sorrow, and grief o'er her life did reign—

Then the queen she looked on the hero, and in this wise she spake again:

'With his army the king of Scotland hath sought me across the sea,

For the knight was son to his uncle; yet no ill can he do to me,

If here the truth be spoken, that is worse than the grief I knew 445

For Eisenhart's death!' and sorely she sighed that lady true;

And many a glance thro' her tear-drops on Gamuret shyly fell,

And her eyes to her heart gave counsel, and his beauty it pleased her well,

(And she knew how to judge a fair face, since fair heathen she oft had seen,)

And the root of true love and longing it sprang up the twain between.450

She looked upon him, and his glances, they answering sought her own—

Then she bade them to fill the wine-cup, had she dared, it were left undone,

And she grieved she might not delay it, since to many a hero brave

Who spake with the maids this wine-cup the signal of parting gave.

Yet her body was e'en as his body, and his look did such courage give455

To the maid, that she thought henceforward in the life of the knight to live.

Then he stood upright, and he spake thus, 'Lady, I weary thee,

Too long methinks do I sit here, I were lacking in courtesy!

As befitting true knight and servant I mourn for thy woe so great,

Lady, do thou command me, I will on thy bidding wait. 460

Wherever thou wilt, there I wend me. I will serve thee in all I may!'

And the lady she quoth in answer, 'I believe thee, Sir Knight, alway!'

Then his kindly host the Burg-grave, of his labour would nothing spare

Lest the hours of his stay be heavy; and he asked if he forth would fare,

And ride round the walls of the city? 'The battle-field shalt thou see,465

And how we would guard our portals!' then Gamuret courteously

Made answer, he fain would see it, the field where they late had fought,

And the place where brave deeds of knighthood had by gallant hands been wrought.

And noble knights rode with him adown from the palace hall,

Some were wise, some were young and foolish—So rode they around the wall470

To sixteen gates, and they told him not one of them might they close

Since Eisenhart's death called for vengeance—'So wrathful shall be our foes

Our conflict it resteth never, but we fight both by night and day,

Nor our portals since then we fasten, but open they stand alway.

At eight of our gates they beset us, true Eisenhart's gallant knights,475

And evil shall they have wrought us; spurred by anger each man doth fight,

The princes of lofty lineage, the king of Assagog's ban!'

And there floated before each portal a banner, so pale and wan,

With a piercèd knight upon it. When Eisenhart lost his life

His folk chose to them this symbol, as badge in the coming strife. 480

'But against these arms have we others, wherewith we their grief would still,

And thus shalt thou know our banner; 'twas wrought at our lady's will,

Two fingers in oath she stretcheth, that never such grief she knew

As Eisenhart's death hath brought her (true sorrow for heart so true),

And so doth it stand the semblance of our queen, on a samite white 485

Belakané in sable fashioned—Since against us they came in might,

(To avenge him for whom she sorrows) so she looks from our portals high.

And proud Friedebrand's mighty army doth to eight of our gates stand nigh,

Baptized men, from o'er the waters. A prince doth each portal hold,

And forth from the gate he sallies, with his banners and warriors bold.'490

'From the host of Gaschier the Norman, a count have we captive ta'en,

And heavy methinks the ransom we may hope from that knight to gain;

He is sister's son to Kailet, and the harm he to us hath done His nephew I ween shall pay for! Yet such prize have we seldom won. Here have we no grassy meadow, but sand, thirty gallops wide 495 Betwixt the tents and the trenches; here many a joust we ride.

And further his host would tell him, 'One knight, he doth never fail

To ride forth, a fair joust seeking. (If his service shall nought avail

With her who hath sent him hither, what boots it how well he fight?)

Proud Heuteger is the hero, of him may I speak with right 500

For since our besiegers threaten there dawneth never a day

But before the gates 'neath the castle, that knight doth his charger stay.

And oft from that dauntless hero many tokens we needs must bear,

That he smote through our shields at his spear-point, and costly their worth and rare

When the squire from the shield doth break them. Many knights 'fore his joust must fall;505

He would that all men may behold him, and our women they praise him all.

And he who is praised of women, one knoweth that he doth hold

The prize in his hand, and his heart's joy in full measure shall aye be told!'

But now would the sun, grown weary, its wandering rays recall;

'Twas time that the ride was ended—Then he sought with his host the hall,510

And the evening meal was ready; and I needs of that feast must tell,

'Twas laid in a fitting order, and knightly 'twas served, and well.

And the queen with mien so stately she unto his table came,

(Here stood the fish, there the heron) and she counted it not for shame

To ride adown from her palace, that herself she might be aware 515

If they cared for the guest as 'twas fitting, and with her rode her maidens fair.

Low she knelt (and but ill it pleased him) and cut as it seemed her best

For the knight a fitting portion; she was glad in her goodly guest.

And she filled for him the wine-cup, and care for his needs would take,

And well did he mark, the hero, her mien, and the words she spake. 520

And his fiddlers sat at the table, and over against the knight

Was his chaplain: with shy looks shamefast, he spake to the lady bright:

'I looked not to find such welcome as, Lady, thou gavest me,

Too much must I deem the honour! If rede I might give to thee,

Then to-day I had claimed naught from thee save was due to my worth alone,525

Nor adown the hill hadst thou ridden, nor such service to me hadst shown.

And, Lady, if I may venture to make unto thee request,

Let me live but as best befits me, thou dost honour o'ermuch thy guest!'

Yet her kindly care she stayed not; for she stept to his page's seat

And with gentle words and friendly she prayed them to freely eat, 530

This she did her guest to honour: and the noble lads, I trow,

Bare goodwill to the royal lady. Nor the queen methinks was slow

To pass where the host was seated and his lady, the Burg-gravine,

And she raised the golden goblet, and she spake as should fit a queen:

'Now unto your care I give him, our guest, and I rede ye both 535

Since the honour is yours, to hearken, and do my will nothing loth!'

And she bade them farewell, and she turned her, and passed to her guest once more,

Whose heart for her sake was heavy; and such sorrow for him she bore,

And her heart and her eyes they answered, and they spake to her sorrow yea!

And courteous she spake, the lady, 'Sir Knight, thou the word shalt say,540

And whate'er be thy will, I will do it, for I hold thee a worthy guest.

Now give me, I pray, dismissal; if here thou in peace shalt rest,

Of that shall we all be joyful.' Her torch-holders were of gold,

And four tapers they bare before her, so she rode to her fortress-hold.

Nor long at the board they lingered—The hero was sad, and gay, 545

He was glad for the honour done him, yet a sorrow upon him lay,

And that was strong Love's compelling, that a proud heart and courage high

Can bend to her will, and gladness shall oft at her bidding fly.

Then the hostess she passed to her chamber, yea, e'en as the meal was o'er;

And a couch did they spread for the hero, and love to the labour bore.550

And the host to his guest spake kindly, 'Now here shall thy sleep be sweet,

Thou shalt rest thro' the night that cometh, to thy need shall such rest be meet.'

Then he spake to his men, and he bade them they should hence from the hall away,

And the noble youths his pages, their couches around his lay

Each one with the head toward his master, for so was the custom good;555

And tapers so tall and flaming alight round the chamber stood.

Yet ill did it please the hero that so long were the hours of night,

For the Moorish queen so dusky, had vanquished his heart of might.

And he turned as a willow wand bendeth, till his joints they were heard to crack,

The strife and the love that he craved for he deemed he o'er-long did lack.560

And his heart-beats they echoed loudly, as it swelled high for knighthood fain,

And he stretched himself as an archer who bendeth a bow amain.

And so eager his lust for battle that sleepless the hero lay

Till he saw the grey light of morning, though as yet it should scarce be day.

And his chaplain for Mass was ready, and to God and the knight they sing,565

For so did he give commandment. Then he bade them his harness bring,

And he rode where a joust should wait him, and that self-same hour would ride

A horse that could charge the foeman, and turn swiftly to either side,

And answer to bit and bridle if its rider would backward draw.

And the watchers, both man and woman, his helm in the gateway saw, 570

And the anchor shone fair upon it; and no man ere this might see

So wondrous fair a hero, for like to a god was he!

And strong spears they bare for his using—How then was he decked, the knight?

With iron was his charger covered, as should serve for a shield in fight,

And above lay another covering, nor heavy methinks it weighed, 575

'Twas a samite green; and his surcoat and blazoned coat were made

Of Achmardi, green to look on, and in Araby fashioned fair,

And no lie I tell, but the shield-thongs that the weight of the shield should bear

Were of silk and gold untarnished, and jewel-bedecked their pride,

And the boss of the shield was covered with red gold, in the furnace tried.580

He served but for love's rewarding; sharp conflict he held it light;

And the queen she looked from her window, with many a lady bright.

And see, there Heuteger held him, who the prize ne'er had failed to gain;

When he saw the knight draw nearer, in swift gallop across the plain,

He thought, 'Now whence came this Frenchman? Who hither this knight hath sent?585

If a Moor I had thought this hero, my wit were to madness bent!'

No whit they delayed the onslaught, from gallop to swifter flight

Each man spurred amain his charger; and as fitting a valiant knight

Nor one would evade the other, but would meet him in jousting fair,

From brave Heuteger's spear the splinters flew high thro' the summer air,590

But his foeman so well withstood him that he thrust him from off his steed

Adown on the grass; but seldom might he win for his joust such meed!

And his foe in his course rode o'er him, and trode him unto the ground,

Yet he sprang up again, and valiant, fresh lust for the strife he found, But Gamuret's lance had pierced him thro' the arm, and he bade him yield,595 And he knew he had found his master, and he spake from the foughten field, 'Now who shall have o'erthrown me?' and the victor he swiftly spake, 'Gamuret Angevin do men call me!' then he quoth, 'Thou my pledge canst take!'

Then his pledge the knight took, and straightway he sent him within the wall,

And much praise did he win from the women who looked from the castle hall.600

And swiftly there came towards him, Gaschier of Normandy,

A proud and wealthy hero and mighty in strife was he.

And Gamuret made him ready, for a second joust he'ld ride,

And strong and new was his spear-shaft, and the iron was both sharp and wide,

And the strangers they faced each other—But unequal their lot, I trow,605

For Gaschier and his gallant charger full swiftly were they laid low,

And the knight with his arms and harness he fell in the shock of strife;

If he thought it for good or for evil, by his pledge must he win his life.

Then Gamuret quoth, the hero, 'Thou hast pledged unto me thine hand,

Yet the weapon it well hath wielded! Ride thou to the Scottish band,610

And bid them to cease from troubling; if they to thy will are fain,

Thou canst follow me to the city.' Then the knight hied him o'er the plain.

If he prayed them, or gave commandment, they did at the last his will,

And the Scottish host they rested, and from conflict they held them still.

Then Kailet spurred swift towards him, but Gamuret turned his rein,615

His cousin he was, and near kinsman, why then bring him grief and pain?

And the Spaniard cried loudly on him; on his helm he an ostrich bare,

And so far as I know to tell ye the knight he was decked so fair

With silken raiment goodly, and long were his robes and wide,

And the plain rang clear with the chiming of sweet bells as he o'er it hied.620

The flower he of manly beauty, and his fairness it held the field,

Save for two who should come hereafter, and his fame unto theirs must yield;

But Parzival and brave Beaucorps, King Lot's son, they are not here, Not yet were they born, but hereafter for their beauty men held them dear!

Then Gaschier he grasped his bridle. 'Now checked will it be thy race,625

So I tell thee upon mine honour, if the Angevin thou shalt face

Who there my pledge hath taken. Sir Knight, thou shalt list my prayer

And hearken unto my counsel; in Gamuret's hand I sware

From strife aside to turn thee: stay thy steed then for my sake,

For mighty is he in conflict!' Then aloud King Kailet spake, 630

'Is he Gamuret my cousin, and son unto King Gandein?

Then I care not with him to battle, no foe shall he be of mine!

Take thine hand from off my bridle'—'Nay, further thou shalt not fare

Till mine eyes have first beheld thee, with thine head of the helmet bare,

For mine with blows is deafened!' Then his helmet the prince unbound.635 And yet, tho' with him he fought not, Gamuret other foemen found.

And the day had grown to high morning—And the folk who the joust might see

Were glad at heart, and they gat them to their bulwarks right speedily,

For he was as a net before them, and none might escape his hold.

And he chose him another charger, so the tale unto me was told, 640

And it flew, and the earth it spurnèd, and its work could aright fulfil,

Bold when the knight would battle, yet its speed could he check at will.

And what would he do the rider? His valour I praise alway,

For he rode where the Moorish army to the west by the sea-coast lay.

Thence a prince, Rassalig men called him, forgat not each coming morn645

(He was Assagog's richest hero, to riches and honour born

Since he came of a royal lineage) to take from the camp his way

He would fain joust before the city—But his strength it was quelled that day

By Anjou's dauntless hero; and a dusky maid made moan

(Since 'twas she who sent him hither) that her knight should be thus o'erthrown.650

For a squire brought, without his bidding, to his master, brave Gamuret,

A spear, with light reed-shaft fashioned, and its point 'gainst the Moor he set,

And with it he smote the paynim from his steed down upon the sand,

Nor longer he bade him lie there than as surety he pledged his hand.

So the strife it had found its ending, and the hero had won him fame;655 Then Gamuret saw eight banners toward the city that onward came, And he bade the conquered hero the force with his word to stay, And follow him to the city. And that word must he needs obey.

Nor Gaschier delayed his coming; and unto the Burg-grave told

How his guest sought for further conflict nor his wrath might the host withhold.660

If he swallowed not iron as an ostrich, nor his wrath did on stones assuage

'Twas but that he might not find them! Then he gnashed his teeth for rage,

And he growled as a mighty lion, and the hair of his head he tare,

And he quoth, 'So the years of my lifetime a harvest of folly bear,

The gods they had sent to my keeping a valiant and worthy friend, 665

If with strife he shall be o'erladen, then mine honour hath found an end;

Sword and shield they shall little profit—Yea, shame he would on me cast

Who should bring this to my remembrance!' Then swift from his place he passed,

And he gat him into the portal, and a squire towards him drew,

And he bare a shield that was painted with a knight by a spear pierced thro',670

In Eisenhart's land was it fashioned; and a helmet his hand must hold,

And a sword that Rassalig carried in battle, that heathen bold,

But now was he parted from it whose fame was in every place;

Were he slain unbaptized I think me, God had shown to this hero grace!

And e'en as the Burg-grave saw it, ne'er of yore was his joy so great,675

For the coat-of-arms he knew it—So he rode thro' the city gate,

And without, his guest had halted, young hero he, not yet old,

As one of a joust desirous, and his bridle the Burg-grave bold,

Lahfilirost was his name, he grasped it, and he led him within the wall;

And I wot well no other foeman that day 'neath his spear must fall.680

Quoth Lahfilirost the Burg-grave, 'Sir Knight, thou shalt tell to me

If thine hand Rassalig hath vanquished?' 'Then our land from all strife is free;

For he of the Moors is chieftain, the men of true Eisenhart

Who have brought unto us such sorrow—But now shall our woe depart,

'Twas a wrathful god who bade him thus seek us with all his host, 685

But his weapons to naught are smitten, and to folly is turned his boast!'

Then he led him in (ill it pleased him) and there met then the royal maid,

And she loosened the bands of his vizor, and her hand on his bridle laid, To her care must the Burg-grave yield it: nor his squires to their task were slack, For they turned them about, and swiftly they rode on their master's track.690 So men saw the queen so gracious lead her guest thro' the city street Who here should be hailed the victor—Then she lighted her on her feet, 'Ah me! but thy squires are faithful! Fear ye lest your lord be lost? Without ye shall he be cared for; take his steed, here am I his host!'

And above found he many a maiden: then her hands of dusky hue 695

The queen set unto his harness, and disarmed the knight so true.

And the bed-covering was of sable, and the couch it was spread so fair,

And in secret a hidden honour they did for the knight prepare,

For no one was there to witness—The maidens they might not stay,

And the door was fast closed behind them, and Frau Minne might have her way.700

So the queen in the arms of her true love found guerdon of sweet delight,

Tho' unlike were the twain in their colour, Moorish princess and Christian knight!

Then the townsfolk brought many an offering to the gods who had seen their woe.

That which Rassalig needs must promise ere he from the field might go

That he did, in all truth and honour, yet heavy was he at heart, 705

And afresh sprang the fount of his sorrow for his prince gallant Eisenhart.

And the Burg-grave he heard of his coming; then loud rang the trumpet call,

And no man of Zassamank's princes but came to the palace hall.

They gave Gamuret thanks for the honour he had won in the field that day,

Four-and-twenty had fallen before him, and their chargers he bore away,710

And three chieftains had he made captive. And there rode in the princes' train

Many gallant knights, in the courtyard of the palace did they draw rein.

And the hero had slept and eaten, and clad him in raiment fair,

Chief host was he, for his body fit garments would they prepare.

And she who afore was a maiden but now was a wife would take 715

Her lord by the hand, forth she led him, and unto her princes spake:

'My body and this my kingdom are vassals unto this knight,

If so be that his foemen fearing, resist not his hand of might!'

Then Gamuret spake, and his bidding was courteous, for hero meet,

Sir Rassalig, go thou nearer, with a kiss thou my wife shalt greet;720

And Sir Gaschier, thou shalt do likewise.' Then the Scotch knight proud Heuteger

He bade on the lips to kiss her (and the wounds won in joust he bare).

Then he bade them all be seated, and standing, he wisely spake:

'I were fain to behold my kinsman, if he who did captive take

The knight shall have naught against it—As kinsman it seemeth me 725

That I find here no other counsel save straightway to set him free!'

Then the queen she smiled, and bade them go swiftly and seek the knight,

And then thro' the throng he pressed him, that count so fair and bright,

Yet bare he the wounds of knighthood, and bravely and well had fought;

With the host of Gaschier the Norman the land of the Moors he sought.730

He was courteous; his sire a Frenchman he was Kailet's sister's son,

Killirjacac his name; in the service of fair women fair meed he won,

And the fairest of men they deemed him. When Gamuret saw his face

(For like were they each to the other, as men of a kindred race)

He bade his queen to kiss him and embrace him as kinsman true, 735

And he spake, 'Now come thou and greet me!' and the knight to his arms he drew,

And he kissed him, and each was joyful that the other he here might meet:

And Gamuret quoth unto him, 'Alas! cousin fair and sweet,

What doth thy young strength in this conflict? Say, if woman hath sent thee here?'

'Nay, never a woman sent me, with my cousin I came, Gaschier, 740

He knoweth why he hath brought me—A thousand men have I,

And I do to him loyal service—To Rouen in Normandy

I came, where his force was gathered, and many a youthful knight

I brought from Champagne in mine army; 'neath his banner we fain would fight.

Now evil hath turned against him what of cunning is hers and skill,745

Thou wilt honour thyself if thou free him for my sake, and cure his ill!'

'Thyself shalt fulfil thy counsel! Go thou, take with thee Gaschier,

I would fain see my kinsman Kailet, do thou bring him unto me here!' So they wrought out the host's desiring, and brought him at his behest, And in loving wise and kindly did Gamuret greet his guest; 750 And ofttimes the queen embraced him, and kissed him with kisses sweet: And nothing it wronged her honour in such wise the prince to greet, He was cousin unto her husband, by birth was himself a king. Then smiling his host spake to him, 'God knows, 'twere an evil thing, Had I taken from thee Toledo, and thy goodly land of Spain 755 For Gascony's king, who wrathful doth plague thee with strife amain; 'Twere faithless of me, Sir Kailet, since mine aunt's son thou sure shalt be; The bravest of knights shall be with thee; say, who forced this strife on thee?'

Then out spake the proud young hero, 'My cousin Schiltung bade

(Since his daughter Friedebrand wedded) that I lend to the king mine aid.760

For the sake of his wife hath he won him, yea even from me alone

Six thousand chosen heroes, who valour and skill have shown.

And other men did I bring him, but a part they shall hence have sailed,

For the Scottish folk came they hither, brave bands who in strife ne'er failed.

And there came to his aid from Greenland, strong heroes who bravely fought,765

Two mighty kings, and a torrent of knighthood with them they brought,

And many a goodly vessel: and they pleased me, those men of might—

And here for his sake came Morhold, who hath cunning and skill in fight.'

'But now have they turned them homewards, and that which the queen shall say

Even that will I do with mine army, her servant am I alway! 770

Thou shalt thank me not for this service, from kinsman 'twas due, I ween.

Now thine are these gallant heroes, if like mine they baptized had been And were even as they in colour, then never a monarch crowned But if they should fight against him, of conflict his fill had found! But I marvel what here hath brought thee? Say, how didst thou reach this strand?'775 'Yestreen I came, and this morning I am lord o'er this goodly land! The queen by the hand she took me, and with love I myself would shield, For so did my wit give counsel—' 'Yea, so hast thou won the field, Those sweet weapons two hosts have vanquished!' 'Thou wouldst say, since I fled from thee, So loudly on me thou calledst, say, what wouldst thou force from me?780 Let us speak of the thing in friendship!' 'Thine anchor I failed to know, But seldom mine aunt's brave husband Gandein, did such token show!' 'But I, I knew well thine ostrich with the snake's head upon thy breast, Aloft stood thy bird so stately, nor hid it within a nest!'

'And I saw in thy mien and bearing that that pledge would have 'seemed thee ill785

Which two heroes afore had given, tho' first had they fought their fill.'

'E'en such fate as theirs were my portion—But this thing I needs must say,

Tho' little I like a devil, were he victor as thou this day

For love of his gallant doings the women had deemed him sweet,

Yea, as sugar were fain to eat him!' 'Now thou praisest me more than meet!'790

'Nay, of flattery know I little, thou shalt see that I hold thee dear

In other wise!' Then the hero bade Rassalig draw anear.

And courteous he spake, King Kailet, 'My kinsman with valiant hand

Hath made of thee here his captive?' 'Yea, Sire, so the thing doth stand,

And I hold him for such a hero that Assagog's kingdom fair 795

Should fail not to yield him homage, since the crown he may never wear,

Our prince Eisenhart! In her service was he slain who shall now be wife

To thy kinsman, as knight so faithful he gave for her love his life.

With my kiss have I sealed forgiveness, yet my lord and my friend I lost!

If thy cousin by knightly dealing will repay of his death the cost 800

I will fold my hands as his vassal: and wealth shall be his and fame,

All that Eisenhart from Tánkaneis as his heritage thought to claim.

Embalmed here the hero lieth, and I gaze on his wounds each day

Since this spear thro' his true heart piercing, my lord and my king did slay!'

Then he drew it forth from his bosom by a silken cord so fine, 805

And the heroes saw the spear-blade 'neath his robe on his bare chest shine.

And he quoth, 'It is now high morning, if my lord Sir Killirjacac

My token will bear to my princes, with him will the knights ride back.'

And a finger-ring he sent them: dark as hell were those heroes all

And they rode who were there of princes, thro' the town to the castle hall.810

As his vassals he gave with their banners to Assagog's lords their land,

And each one rejoiced in the fiefdom he won from his ruler's hand,

But the better part was his portion, Gamuret's, as their lord and king.

And these were the first—as they passed hence their homage they fain would bring

The princes of Zassamank's kingdom, and they came in their order due,815

And each as their queen had bade them, they took from his hand anew

Their land, and the fruit it should bear them, as to each man was fit and right,

And poverty fled from his presence. Now he who was slain in fight

And in life was a prince by lineage, Prothizilas, he had left

A Dukedom fair, and this country which was thus of its lord bereft 820

He gave unto him who much honour had won by his strong right hand,

The Burg-grave, in combat dauntless—With its banners he took the land.

Then Assagog's noble princes took the Scotch Duke, proud Heuteger,

And Gaschier, the Norman hero, to their lord did they lead them there,

And he spake them free for their asking, and they thanked brave Gamuret.825

Then Heuteger of Scotland with prayers did these knights beset,

'Now give to our lord the armour, as prize for his deeds so brave,

That Eisenhart's life took from us, when to Friedebrand he gave

That which was of our land the glory—Forfeit of joy the knight,

And dead on his bier he lieth, since no love might his love requite—'830

And earth knoweth naught so goodly, the helm it was strong and hard,

Yea even of diamond fashioned, in battle a goodly guard.

Then Heuteger sware unto them, if the land of his lord he saw

He would pray of his hand the armour, and send it to them once more.

And this did he swear them freely—Then leave would the princes pray835

Who stood in the royal presence, and they wend from the hall their way.

And tho' sorely the land was wasted, yet Gamuret scattered free

Such royal gifts and goodly as if laden with gold each tree.

And costly I ween the presents that vassal and friend must share

From the open hand of the hero; and the queen deemed it right and fair.840

Full many a bitter conflict had been fought ere the bridal feast,

But peace had the foeman sealèd, and the land was from strife released;

(Nor this song I myself have woven, but so was it told to me)

And Eisenhart did they bury with honours right royally.

To his grave did his kinsmen bear him, and the gold that his lands might bring845

In a whole year long, did they spend there, of their free will they did this thing.

And Gamuret bade his kinsfolk his riches and lands to hold

And use as they would; tho' they craved not such boon from the hero bold.

At dawn from before the fortress the foe would their camp withdraw,

And those who were there departed; many litters with them they bore.850

And the field was left unsheltered, save for one tent so great and fair,

And the king he bade his servants that tent to his vessel bear.

And he said to his folk that to Assagog would he take it, and yet I wot

He did with that speech deceive them, for Assagog saw him not.

Now that proud and gallant hero, his heart gave him little rest 855

Since he found there no deeds of knighthood, and gladness forsook his breast;

Yet his dusky wife was dearer than e'en his own life might be,

Ne'er knew he a truer lady whose heart was from falsehood free,

She forgat not what 'seemed a woman, and with her as comrades good

Went purity untarnished, and the ways of true womanhood. 860

He was born in Seville's fair city whom the knight would hereafter pray,

When he grew of his sojourn weary, to sail with him far away;

For many a mile had he led him, and he brought him unto this place,

And a Christian was he, the steersman, nor like to a Moor in face.

And wisely he spake, 'Thou shalt hide it from them who a dark skin bear,865

Too swift is my barque for pursuing, from hence shall we quickly fare!'

Then his gold it was borne to the vessel. Now of parting I needs must tell,

By night did he go, the hero, and his purpose he hid it well;

But when from his wife he sailèd, in her womb did she bear his child:

And fair blew the wind, and the breezes bare him hence o'er the waters wild.870

And the lady she found a letter, and 'twas writ by her husband's hand;

And in French (for she well could read it) did the words of the writing stand:

'Here one love to another speaketh—As a thief have I stolen away That mine eyes might not see thy sorrow—But this thing I needs must say, Wert thou, e'en as I, a Christian I ever should weep for thee, 875 For e'en now I must sorely mourn thee. If it chance that our child shall be In face like unto one other, then his is a dowry fair, Of Anjou was he born, and Frau Minne for his lady he did declare. Yet was he in strife a hailstorm, ill neighbour unto his foe; That his grandsire hath been King Gandein, this I will that my son shall know.880 Dead he lay thro' his deeds of knighthood; and his father the same death won, Addanz was his name, and unsplintered his shield hath been seen of none; And by birth he hath been a Breton, and two brothers' sons were they, He and the brave Pendragon, and their sires' names I here will say; For Lassalies he hath been the elder, and Brickus was his brother's name,885 And Mazadan was their father whom a fay for her love did claim. Terre-de-la-schoie did they call her, to Fay-Morgan she led the king, For he was her true heart's fetters; and my race from those twain did spring. And fair shall they be, and valiant, and as crownèd kings they reign— If lady, thou'lt be baptizèd thou mayst win me to thee again!' 890

Yet had she no thought of anger, but she spake, 'Ah! too soon 'tis o'er,

Of a sooth would I do his bidding, would it bring him to me once more.

In whose charge hath my courteous hero left the fruit of his love so true?

Alas! for the sweet communion that we twain for a short space knew!

Shall the strength of my bitter sorrow rule body and soul alway? 895

And she quoth, 'Now his God to honour, his will would I fain obey,

And gladly I'ld be baptizèd, and live as should please my love!'

And sorrow with her heart struggled, and e'en as the turtle dove

Her joy sought the withered branches, for the same mind was hers, I ween,

When the mate of the turtle dieth, she forsaketh the branches green.900

Then the queen at the time appointed bare a son, who was dark and light,

For in him had God wrought a wonder, at one while was he black and white.

And a thousand times she kissed him where white as his sire's his skin.

And she named the babe of her sorrows Feirefis Angevin.

And he was a woodland-waster, many spears did he shatter fair, 905

And shields did he pierce—as a magpie the hue of his face and hair.

Now a year and more was ended since Gamuret won such fame

At Zassamank, and his right hand the victor's prize might claim,

And yet o'er the seas he drifted, for the winds vexed the hero bold.

Then a silken sail red gleaming he saw, and the barque did hold 910

The men whom the King of Scotland, Friedebrand, sent upon their way

At the bidding of Queen Belakané: from her would they pardon pray

That ever he came against her, tho' in sooth he had lost the more.

And with them the diamond helmet, the corslet and sword they bore,

And hosen e'en such as the harness, and a marvel it needs must be 915

That the barque was thus borne towards him, as the venture hath told to me!

And they gave him the goodly armour, and an oath unto them he swore

That his mouth it should speak their message, an he came to the queen once more.

And they parted; and one hath told me that the sea bare him onward bound

Till he came to a goodly haven, and in Seville his goal he found. 920

And with gold did he pay his steersman right well for his guidance true,

And they parted, those twain, and sorrow the heart of that steersman knew!