So the prince and his guest together they rode to the grassy plain, And many a feat so skilful was shown by that knightly train. 1025 And the lad he learned how to check him his charger in seeming flight With touch of spur, and turn him once more 'gainst the foeman's might; His spear to sink as needed, and before him hold his shield As he rode a joust; 'Thus shalt thou thine arms in future wield!' Thus of lack of skill he cured him better than by the bough 1030 That smiteth unruly children and breaketh their skin I trow. Then he bade swift knights come hither, and a joust with the stranger ride, And himself to the ring he led him, and against the foe would guide; And the lad in his first joust carried his spear through the foeman's shield, And tho' strong was the knight yet he smote him from his steed on the open field. 1035 And they marvelled much who beheld it--Then another to joust rode near, And Parzival took unto him a fresh and unbroken spear, And his youth had strength and courage--The beardless lad and fair Was spurred by his inborn manhood, and to Gamuret's skill was heir-- Then he urged his charger onward full swiftly against the foe, 1040 And his spear rang true on the four nails, and struck nor too high nor low, Nor the host's knight might keep his saddle, but prone on the sward he fell, Of the spear-shaft full many a splinter the force of the blow might tell. Thus five of the knights were smitten ere the host to the Burg would ride, And the victory was his, and hereafter fierce strife might he well abide. 1045 Then they who his deeds had witnessed, the wise men, they needs must say That great was the skill and valour he had shown in the joust that day, 'Our lord may be free of sorrow, and his youth it may bloom anew If he give him to wife his daughter, our lady so fair and true. If we see him wax in wisdom then the sorrow shall be o'erpast-- 1050 The death of his sons a shadow o'erlong o'er his life hath cast, But now to his door hath ridden one who maketh amends for all, And gladness no more shall fly him, but it seeketh his palace hall!'