Then a squire looked forth from the castle, of the knight was he well aware, And he asked whence he came? and wherefore he thought to their Burg to fare? And Parzival spake, ''Tis the Fisher who hath bidden me ride to thee, With all courtesy have I thanked him for the shelter he proffered free, 50 'Tis his will that the bridge be lowered, and I ride here the Burg within.' 'Sir Knight thou shalt here be welcome, and thy way to the Burg shalt win Since the Fisher so spake--And honour would we shew unto thee his guest!' Then the squire he let fall the drawbridge, for so was their lord's behest. So the hero came to the fortress, to a courtyard so broad and wide, 55 By knightly sports untrodden--Nor oft would they Tourneys ride, (By short green turf was it covered) and but seldom with banners bright As on Abenberg's field did they ride there, as fitting for gallant knight. 'Twas long since they might disport them in such pastimes of warlike skill, For sorrow lay heavy on them, and mirth it beseemed them ill. 60 But little the guest should rue that, for knights both old and young, They welcomed him with all honour, and swift to his bridle sprung. And pages of noble breeding laid their hands on his bridle rein, And others would hold his stirrup as the knight to dismount was fain. And the knights they prayed him enter, and they led him where he might rest, 65 And with ready hands and skilful of his armour they freed the guest, And they looked on the beardless hero, and they saw his face so fair, And they spake, of a truth Good Fortune and blessing should be his share. Then he bade them to bring him water, and the rust-stains he washed away From face and hands, and they saw him as the light of a second day, 70 So he sat in all eyes lovely--Then a mantle rich they brought Of silk of Araby fashioned, and flaw therein was there naught; And he laid it around his shoulder, that hero so fair and bright, But the clasp did he leave unfastened, and with one voice they praised the knight.