Now he rode forth in knightly armour to the strife that he sore did crave, And Gamuret's son, right willing, to his wish fulfilment gave. And wherever fair maids compelling, their voices uplift in prayer, And the grace they shall ask be granted, let them pray here for his welfare, Since it was thro' a woman's beauty, that the spell of a woman wrought 255 Love's magic, of senses robbed him--Then his charger to halt Kay brought; And he spake to the gallant Waleis, 'Sir Knight, since thou thus our king Hast shamed, thou shalt hear my counsel, for wisdom perchance 'twill bring; Thou shalt hang thee a hempen halter around thy neck straightway, For so may I lightly lead thee, and take thou with me thy way. 260 Nor think thou, thou canst escape me, but with me unto my lord Shalt thou go, as befits a captive, else worse may be thy reward!' By love constrained, the Waleis nor word nor answer spoke, Kay gripped his spear-shaft tightly and he smote with a mighty stroke On the hero's head, till the helmet rang loudly beneath his hand; 265 And he quoth, 'Now will I awake thee! Dost think here to take thy stand, And standing sleep unsheeted? Nay, other shalt thou fare, Low on the snow I'll lay thee! The ass that is wont to bear The sack from the mill would rue it, did one smite him in such wise, As here I think now to smite thee, and thy sloth and thy sleep chastise!' 270 Frau Minne, now bethink thee, for sore this shameth thee, For an one should wrong a peasant, in this wise his speech will be, 'My lord will sure repay thee!' Vengeance from thee he'ld seek Methinks, this gallant Waleis, an thou wouldst let him speak! Now let him from out thy circle, and loose him from thy ban, 275 This stranger guest shalt prove him, a true and valiant man! Swift rode Sir Kay unto him, and he turned his bridle round, And no more his longing glances their joy and their sorrow found, The white snow and blood-drops crimson, that mystic likeness bare To the queen of his love and his longing, the Lady of Pelrapär; 280 He knew all that passed around him--His charger Sir Kay addrest To jousting, he spurred him onward, and his spear he laid in rest.