Thus courteous he spake one morning (and the knights stood their lord beside), 'Lady, an it so please thee, give me leave that I hence may ride And see how my mother fareth, if weal be her lot, or woe, 715 For naught of all that befalls her methinks I for long may know. For a short space would I go thither; and if ventures my skill approve Therewith would I do thee service, and be worthy my lady's love.' Thus he spake, and the story telleth she thought not to say him 'Nay,' For she deemed it well; from his vassals all lonely he took his way. 720 BOOK V ANFORTAS ARGUMENT Book V. tells of the wonderful adventure of the Grail Castle; how Parzival met with the Fisher King, and became his guest; and of the great feast in the hall of Monsalväsch. How Parzival saw the bleeding spear, and all the marvels of the Grail, and how be asked no question. How he in the morning found the palace deserted, and was mocked by the squire as he rode away. Of Parzival meeting with Siguné, and how she reproached him for his silence. Of Orilus and Jeschuté; of the fight between the heroes; and of Parzival's oath. How Orilus and his wife were made friends again, and of their welcome at the court of King Arthur. BOOK V ANFORTAS Now he who would hear what befell him who thus for ventures sought, Shall hearken many a marvel ere the tale to an end be wrought Let the son of Gamuret ride forth, and all ye good folk and true Wish him well, for bitter sorrow this hero hereafter knew, Tho' honour and joy should crown him--And sorely his heart did grieve 5 That the wife he loved so dearly he now for a space must leave. For the mouth never read of woman, and never hath tale been told Of a fairer wife and truer, and his heart did she captive hold, And his spirit so high was troubled by thoughts of his wife and queen-- Had courage not been his birthright he had lost it ere this, I ween! 10 O'er rock and marshy moorland, with loosened reins the steed Dashed free, the rider thought not to guide or check its speed. Of a truth the venture telleth, so far did he ride that day E'en a bird had been outwearied, and its flight were fain to stay. An the tale hath not betrayed me, no further the knight did fare 15 When Ither he slew, or from Graharz rode swift unto Pelrapär.