And one spake up: "My Lord Gawain has hasted quick away. For when the healing herb that he had brought After such daring toils, did disappoint, Then he set forth upon another quest." Then said the King: "Without our word? Alas that he should go on useless quests And seem to do despite unto the Grail! For it is ordered by divine command That I should suffer for my grievous sin, And naught can help me but one single thing. O woe, if in his far-off quests for me He is ensnared by Klingsor's hateful arts! I pray you, sirs, venture no more for me,-- It only breaks my peace, and grieves my heart. Naught will avail. I only wait for Him,-- '_By pity 'lightened._' Was not this the word?" And Gurnemanz: "So thou hast said to us." And softly yet spake on the suffering King: "'_The guileless One._' Methinks I know him now! His name is Death, for only Death can free me!" Then Gurnemanz to ease the King's sad thoughts Held forth the crystal flask with soothing words: "Nay, nay, my King. Essay once more a cure,-- A balsam brought for thee from Araby." And the King asked: "Whence came this balsam flask, So strange in form, and who has brought it here?" And Gurnemanz: "There lies the woman now! The wild-eyed Kundry, weak and weary-worn, As if the journey sapped her very life.... Up, Kundry! Here's his majesty the King!" But Kundry would not rise, or could not else. Then spake the King: "O Kundry, restless, strange, Am I again thy debtor for such help? Yet I will try thy balsam for my wound, And for thy service take my grateful thanks." But Kundry muttered: "Give no thanks to me. What will it help,--or this, or e'en the bath? And yet, away, I say! On to the bath!" Then the King left her, lying on the ground, And off he moved upon the couch of pain, Longing to bathe him in the shining lake, Hoping against all hope to ease his soul, And quiet in his body the fierce pains. And one spake up: "Why lies that woman there,-- A foul and snarling thing on holy ground? Methinks her healing balm is witching drug To work a further poison in the King.... She hates us! See her now! How hellishly She looks at us with hot and spiteful eyes! She is a heathen witch and sorceress!"