Parzival: A Knightly Epic (vol. 1 of 2)

Name: Parzival: A Knightly Epic (vol. 1 of 2)
Author: Wolfram, von Eschenbach

Wolfram, von Eschenbach

Perceval (Legendary character) -- Romances

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!'

Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.

Parzival: A Knightly Epic (vol. 1 of 2)

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