As Parzival bade her greeting, she saw him, and red she grew, 545 Of all men was he the fairest, small marvel his face she knew. Then she quoth, 'Once before have I seen thee, great grief have I won thro' thee: God grant to thee greater honour than thou hast deserved from me! Far other hath been my raiment when thou sawest me last, I wot, Hadst thou ne'er in that hour come near me then honour were still my lot!' 550 Then he spake, 'Now bethink thee, Lady, who thus should thy hatred claim, For never my hand, I think me, hath brought to a woman shame, (So had I _myself_ dishonoured) since ever I bare a shield, Or thought upon deeds of knighthood, or hath striven in battle-field; Yet else am I sad for thy sorrow!' Then forth brake the tear-drops bright, 555 And ran fast adown her bosom, and over her breasts so white, So fair, and so softly moulded, that never might turner's skill, Tho' swiftly he wrought and rounded, his task in such wise fulfil. And so lovely was she in her sorrow his heart was to pity fain, And with hands and arms a cover from his glance did she strive to gain. 560 Then Parzival spake, 'Now, Lady, of true service from mocking free, In God's Name take thou here my surcoat, a covering 'twill be for thee.' 'Nay, Sir Knight, I may never take it, e'en tho' bliss I thereby should gain, Ride swift on thy way, I pray thee, an thou wouldst not we both were slain; Tho' my death it would little grieve me, if I fear me, 'tis for thy sake!' 565 'Say, Lady, who thus would wrong us? Who thinketh our life to take? 'Twas God's hand that gave it to us--Nay, were they an armèd host Who here for our life were thirsting, I would face them nor fear the cost!' Then she spake, ''Tis a dauntless hero, so gallant in strife is he That heavy would be their labour if _six_ should his foemen be; 570 (I would thou wert not beside me) I aforetime his wife had been, Yet so poor am I now and wretched, for his slave were I all too mean, Thus his wrath doth he wreak upon me.' To that lady he spake again, 'Say, who rideth here with thy husband? For if I to fly were fain, As here thou dost give me counsel, thyself sure wouldst deem it ill, 575 Ere of flight I have learnt the lesson I would die with a right good will!'