And that bed knew, I ween, no lacking, and a rich silk above it lay, Bright-coloured its hue, and glowing as tho' fire-light did on it play; Then Parzival prayed the heroes to get them again to rest, 305 For he saw there but one couch only, and they passed hence at his behest. But he lacked not for other service--His fair face and tapers light Gave challenge unto each other--What day e'er might shine so bright? And before his couch was another, thereon would he take his seat While pages drew them nearer, and proffered him service meet. 310 And they bared his white feet comely, and they laid his robes aside, And of noble birth were these children, and fair in their youthful pride. Then there passed thro' the open doorway four maidens fair and bright, They would know if they well had served him, and if soft lay the stranger knight. And so the venture telleth, a squire a taper bare 315 Before each gentle maiden--Parzival, that hero fair, Sprang swift to his couch; then the maidens with gentle voice they spake, 'Sir Knight, we fain would pray thee for our sake awhile to wake'-- Yet as children sport with each other had he hidden him from their sight Ere yet they might hear his greeting, yet their eyes had found swift delight, 320 And their heart's desire was quickened at the sight of his red lips' glow That for youth were as yet unhidden, for no hair did upon them grow. Now hear what they bare, these maidens, three in their hands so white Brought syrups sweet, and red wine, and the fourth, that maiden bright, Bare fruit that e'erwhile had ripened in the garden of Paradise 325 On a cloth fair and white, and she knelt low before him that maiden wise, And he bade her sit, but she answered, 'Nay, Sir Knight, so is it best For else were I sure unworthy to serve such a gallant guest.' Then he drank and would eat a little, and he spake to them soft and sweet, And he laid him adown, and the maidens craved leave of him as was meet. 330 Then down on the costly carpet the squires set the tapers bright When they saw that he slept, and swiftly they gat from the gallant knight.