Then to Parzival they betook them, and they found that a wound he bare From a spear that was never shattered, and the host for his hurts would care, And so kindly I ween his tending that a father, whose heartfelt love 880 To his children, found no denial, his faith might no better prove. And he washed his wounds and bound them, the prince, with his own right hand, Ere forth to the hall he led him where the evening meal should stand. And food the guest sore needed, and hungry was he alway, From the house of the fisherman fasting had he ridden at break of day, 885 And his wound and the heavy harness which he before Nantes had won Wrought him weariness sore and hunger ere ever the ride was done. For from Arthur the King of the Bretons the whole day he needs must ride, Nor his fast at the Court had broken, and now it was eventide. Then the host bade him eat at his table, and Parzival did his will, 890 And the food it swiftly vanished, as if one would a manger fill! And Gurnemanz was well pleasèd, and ever the lad did pray To eat as he would, and his hunger and weariness put away. When 'twas time, and the meal was ended, 'Now weary art thou, I ween,' Quoth the host to his guest, 'If this morning betimes thou a-foot hast been?' 895 'God knoweth my mother slumbered, so early she ne'er doth wake.' Then the host he laughed, and he led him where rest he right well might take, And he bade him disrobe, tho' unwilling, he needs must--An ermine fair They cast o'er his naked body,--fairer fruit never woman bare!