For battle decked was his charger, and his sorrow must wake to life, And fair was the knight to look on; and the harness he bare for strife Knew never a flaw, but was costly, and as sunshine 'twas white and fair, 955 And radiant with gold and jewels the corslet and coat he ware, But the helmet alone was lacking--ere he bound it upon his head, In the self-same hour he kissed her, Kunnewaaré, the gracious maid. And this of the twain was told me, that the parting was sore to see 'Twixt those two who loved each other in all honour and loyalty. 960 So hence let him ride, our hero, and what ventures a man may tell He shall measure them not with the ventures that to Gamuret's son befell. Yet hear ye awhile of his doings, where he journeyed and whence would ride-- He who loveth not deeds of knighthood, if counsel he take of pride For awhile will forget his doings--On thee, Kondwiramur, 965 On thy fair face and lovely body, thy lover thought evermore. What ventures he dared in thy service as knightly the Grail he sought! Nor tarried he in the seeking but onward his way he fought, The child of fair Herzeleide, and knew not that he was heir To the glories that he rode seeking, to the Grail and Its palace fair! 970 Then forth went full many a vassal on a toilsome and weary way, To gaze on the wondrous castle where in magic fetters lay Four hundred gracious maidens, and four queens, right fair to see. Château Merveil was the castle; and no hate shall they earn from me, I grudge them naught they may win there! No woman rewardeth me, 975 For she to whom I do service, from payment hath set me free!