So Parzival came to the city; down the roadway on either hand The folk who would fain defend them in close groups he saw them stand, Soldiers on foot, and slingers, and they who the dart could throw, 65 He saw as he came towards them, in many a goodly row. And many a squire so valiant, the bravest from out the land, Long, sharp, and strong were the lances they bare in each strong right hand. There too, so the story telleth, was many a merchant grave, And the javelin and axe were their weapons, so their lady commandment gave. 70 And their skins, they were loose for hunger--Then the Marshal of the queen Made his way thro' their ranks to the castle, and heavy his task I ween. And well was that castle guarded, with towers o'er the chambers high; And barbican, keep, and oriel in such numbers they met his eye That buildings so strong and so many in his lifetime he never saw, 75 And on horse or afoot from all sides the knights to his welcome draw. 'Twas a sorry host, for as ashes some were grey, some were pale as clay, (My lord the Count of Wertheim sure had starved on such scanty pay!) Thro' want full sore they hungered, nor cheese, nor bread, nor meat Had they, and their teeth were idle since naught might they find to eat. 80 And their palate knew naught of the flavour of the wine-cup, or red or white, And their doublet hung loosely on them, and wasted each limb of might, And their skin like wrinkled leather on each rib hung gaunt and grim, For hunger their flesh had wasted and driven from every limb. Thro' want must they sorely suffer, little grease in their fuel ran-- 85 (A hero to this had forced them, the proud King of Brandigan, Thus they paid for Klamidé's wooing)--The mead might they seldom spill, For small was their store, I think me, the vessel or cup to fill. In Trühending oft shall ye hearken the hiss of the frying cake, In such music, methinks, but seldom the folk might their pleasure take! 90