And on either side were standing, with helmets for battle bound, 35 Of knights e'en more than thirty, and they bade him to turn him round, And with lifted swords, tho' feeble, the strife would they gladly wait, They thought 'twas the King Klamidé whom they oft had seen of late, So royally rode the hero to the bridge o'er the field so wide-- As thus to the youth they shouted, and with one voice his arms defied, 40 Tho' he spurred his steed full sharply it shrank from the bridge in fright, But ne'er knew he a thought of terror--To the ground sprang the gallant knight. And he led his horse by the bridle where the bridge hung high in air, Too faint were a coward's courage so bitter a strife to dare! And well must he watch his footsteps for he feared lest his steed should fall-- 45 From the other side of the water the knights had ceased their call, And with shield and sword-blade gleaming within the town they passed, For they feared lest an army followed, and they closed their portals fast. So Parzival crossed the river, and he rode o'er a grassy plain Where many in search of knighthood must death for their guerdon gain; 50 And he came to the palace portal, and stately the Burg and high, And there hung there a ring of iron, and he gripped it right manfully. But none to his call made answer, save only a maiden bright Who looked forth from out her window, and was 'ware of the gallant knight. Spake the maiden so fair and courteous, 'An thou comest, Sir Knight, as foe, 55 Little need have we of thine hatred, for heavy enough our woe, A wrathful host doth threaten already by sea and land!' Then he quoth, 'Nay, gentle lady, at thy portals a man doth stand Who will, if he can, do thee service! For thy service my hand is fain, And never reward save thy greeting as payment I think to gain.' 60 Then the maiden she went in her wisdom to the queen and an entrance prayed For the knight, and in sooth his coming it brought to their sorrow aid.