And they covered the prostrate hero with rain of sweat and gore. 'Twas a day of doom for the chargers, but the vultures at will might feast; 795 And Duke Astor he came to the rescue, and from them of Jamore released Meljakanz, or else was he captive, and he raised him from off the ground-- And the Tourney was o'er, and the combat methinks had its ending found. Now who had as knight best ridden, or best for a maiden fought? Nay, I know not, an I would name them small leisure such task had brought. 800 For Maid Obilot's sake with the townsfolk a knight valiant deeds had dared; Without, a Red Knight fought bravely, and the fame 'twixt those two was shared. When the guest of the outer army had learnt he no thanks might win From the king he had served, since Meljanz was captive the town within, He rode where his squires were waiting, and thus to his prisoners spake, 805 'Sir Knights, ye your word have pledged me; ill-chance doth me here o'ertake, For King Meljanz of Lys is captive--Now if ye such grace can find With his captors, that for _your_ freedom _his_ fetters they will unbind, Such service I'ld gladly do him!' To the King of Avendroin He spake, and to Duke Marangliess, and King Schirniel of Lirivoin. 810 And this oath must they swear unto him, ere they rode the walls within, To loose Meljanz, or if they failed here, to help him the Grail to win. But never a word could they tell him of where It was hid, the Grail, Save 'twas guarded by King Anfortas, but further, their lore must fail. When thus they spake, quoth the Red Knight, 'Then if it shall still betide That my wish find not here fulfilment, ye to Pelrapär shall ride, And unto the fair queen yielding say, "He who in days of yore Faced Kingron for her and Klamidé, for the Grail now sorroweth sore, As he yearneth for her, his lady, and after the twain in thought And deed is he ever striving." To her be this message brought 820 And ye heroes bear it truly, and as on your way ye ride God have ye in His safe keeping, for the world and its ways are wide.'