And soon were the wondrous tidings amid the courtiers spread, 445 And he stood there before King Arthur, a gallant knight ill-sped. Then he spake unto him and his vassals in such wise as he needs must speak, And Kay was with terror smitten, and crimson it grew, his cheek, And he spake, 'Is it thou, O Kingron? Ah! many a Breton knight, Thou seneschal of Klamidé, thy hand hath o'erthrown in fight! 450 If thy captor ne'er look upon me with favour, thine office high Shall turn to thy good; we are rulers of the caldron, both thou and I, Of thy wisdom and skill do thou aid me, to win me the favour fair Of this maiden Kunnewaaré, and sweet cates for her board prepare!' Nor they asked from him other ransom--Now leave we that tale and hear 455 What had passed since we left the story--So the host to the town drew near, To Pelrapär came the King Klamidé, and a bitter strife arose. The inner host strove with the outer, and in sooth were they gallant foes, Fresh strength had they won and courage, and bravely they held the field; And Parzival, lord of the country, in the vanguard he bare his shield. 460 And he swung aloft his weapon, thro' the helm clave the blade so keen, And the knights he o'erthrew before him found a bitter death I ween, For there, where the corslet opened, the Burgers they pierced them thro', In such wise would they take their vengeance--this wrought grief to the hero true, And Parzival, he forbade them, and they ceased at their lord's command, 465 But of living knights full twenty were captive unto their hand.