'Tis a symbol good, the bowstring, for swift as ye deem the bow, Yet the shaft that the bowstring speedeth findeth swifter its aim, I trow! And not without thought I said it, for the string, it seemeth me, 275 Is like to the simple story wherewith men well-pleased shall be; For it goeth straight to its ending, while he who aside shall stray, Tho' his goal at last he reacheth findeth all too long his way. When unbent the bow thou sawest, then straight was, I ween, the string, From the straight line thou erst must draw it, ere the shaft to its goal may wing. 280 But he who his story aimeth at the ear of a fool shall find His shaft go astray, for no dwelling it findeth within his mind. Too wide is the road, I think me, and that which he chance to hear Ere yet he may know the meaning flies out at the other ear. Far rather at home I 'ld bide me than in such ears my story tell, 285 A beast, or a stock, I think me, as a hearer would serve as well. But further I fain would tell ye of this people so full of woe To whom he had come, our hero, glad song might they seldom know, Or sound of dance or of Tourney; so heavy were they at heart That never a thought of gladness might find in their life a part, 290 And oft shall the folk be fewer yet of joy shall have fuller share, But here every nook was crowded, nor space in the court to spare. The host to his guest spake kindly, 'Methinks they thy couch have spread, Art thou weary? then list my counsel, and get thee, my guest, to bed.' (Now here might I raise my war-cry at the parting betwixt the twain, 295 For I wot well that bitter sorrow each must from the venture gain.) To the side of his host he stepped him, Parzival the fair of face, And the Fisher a fair night wished him--Then the knights stepped each from his place, And a part drew near towards him, and they led the stranger guest Straightway to a sleeping chamber, and goodly should be his rest. 300 'Twas richly decked for his honour, and the couch it was spread so fair That my poverty sorely grieves me since the earth doth such riches bear.