'Nay, gladly again I'll see thee, and gladly thy sister greet, Tho' as host never queen has done me such service as host finds meet' 90 Thus spake the gallant Gawain--Then a knight bare the king's behest To his sister, that she, as fitting, should so care for the stranger guest That however long his absence the hours should as minutes fly-- (An ye will, I will cease my story that now runneth but mournfully!) Nay, further I'll tell the venture,--Steed and pathway the hero bore 95 Where as one were both Burg and palace, and he held him before the door. And he who shall e'er have builded a house, he shall better know To tell of this mighty castle, and the strength of its walls to show. Yea, indeed 'twas a Burg, none better might this earth on its bosom bear And around it, far outstretching, the ramparts towered high in air. 100 Leave we the praise of the castle, and speak of the castle's queen, A maiden fair, for of women I shall better speak I ween, And as fitting I'll sing her praises--Was she fair to the eye? 'Twas well; Was she true of heart? Then gladly will men of her praises tell. And so both in mind and manner might she vie with that lady true, 105 The Margravine, who from Heitstein afar o'er her marches threw A light,--Well for him who dwelleth as friend in her presence fair, Such pastime as there his portion he findeth not other-where! For I praise but a woman's virtue, as I see, and shall surely know, True and pure must she be, the maiden, on whom I shall praise bestow. 110 And he whom this venture singeth is a gallant man and true, For no dealing have I with falsehood, or with one who his deeds shall rue, As repentance, slowly piercing, but turneth his bliss to bale, And his soul knoweth wrath and sorrow, or ever his life-days fail.