Then many an oath he sware him, he knew not the race or name Of the folk who went there before him, 'My journey hath won but shame, Since in truth must I make confession that never before to-day Mine eyes have beheld these heroes, tho' mine aid men right oft would pray! Then the squire he quoth unto Gawain, 'Sir Knight, _mine_ the wrong hath been, 85 Thy question I should have answered, here my wisdom hath failed I ween! Now pass judgment on me, I pray thee, of thy friendly heart and true, Hereafter I'll gladly tell thee, first must I my folly rue.' 'Then, lad, by thy words of repentance, sure token of courtesy, The name of this gallant army I prithee to tell to me!' 90 'Sir Knight, he who rides before us, and no man his way doth bar, Is King Poidikonjonz; and beside him Duke Astor he rides to war, Of Lanveronz is he ruler--and there rideth beside the twain One whose roughness and ways discourteous Love's payment have sought in vain. He beareth the brand unknightly, Meljakanz that prince is hight, 95 He wooeth nor wife nor maiden, but their love will he take with might, And, methinks, men for that should slay him--Poidikonjonz' son is he, And here will he fight with his army, and he fighteth right valiantly, And dauntless his heart; but such manhood it profiteth naught, I trow-- An ye threaten, perchance, her sucklings, she fighteth, the mother sow! 100 And never a voice shall praise him whose strength lacketh knighthood fair, And methinks to the truth of my speaking many men will their witness bear.' 'Now hearken to greater marvels, and mark thou the words I say, One with a mighty army doth follow upon our way Whom folly doth drive to battle--The young King Meljanz of Lys, 105 Scorned love wrought in him fierce anger, and pride vexed him needlessly,'