So near was King Arthur's army, that right well might Parzival Be seen of all men, and the wonders, and the conflict that then befell. The victor by Love was vanquished, by Love that in days of old Did the king of all kings the wisest, King Solomon, captive hold! 170 Short space, then, ere back to the army once more Knight Segramor came, An with praise or with blame they should greet him, he counted it still the same. And sharp words he flung among them, with mocking tongue and bold, Tho' vanquished, yet not dishonoured, must they ever the hero hold! And he quoth, 'Have ye never heard this, that strife bringeth loss as gain? 175 And never a joust, I wot me, but the victor doth one remain, While one aye shall be the vanquished: The best ship in storm may sink, And I wot that ye ne'er have heard me to speak, for I ne'er did think, An he knew of my shield the blazon, he had faced me not as a foe! Much evil, in sooth, hath he wrought me, and yet doth he wait below 180 All those who would ride against him, for he seemeth for conflict fain, An a knight should in joust o'erthrow him, such chance might he count for gain.' Then straightway unto King Arthur Sir Kay did the tidings bring, How his knight, Segramor, had fallen, and his victor, without their ring, A young knight, for jousting ready, yet waited with ill intent-- 185 'Nay, I think an this stranger warrior of so many unpunished went, A burden both sore and shameful on our honour such lack would lay; Now, my king, an thou hold me worthy, do thou grant me this grace, I pray, I would ride hence to ask his meaning, who thus in the presence fair Of our Queen Guinevere and her maidens his lance-point aloft doth bear; 190 But if thou shouldst this boon refuse me, then know, not another hour I abide here as this thy servant; for I hold that the knightly power And the fair fame of thy Round Table are stainèd if we delay To arm ourselves 'gainst the stranger who dareth our strength to-day! Now, I prithee, give leave to fight him--For tho' blind and deaf were we, 195 Yet 'tis time that we should defend us'--'As thou willest, so let it be!'