Then the Landgrave he cried on Gawain, 'Sir Knight, I would in to thee As a friend, that this bitter conflict I may share, if it so must be, For then must my monarch slay me, or leave thee in life to-day.' Peace Gawain would swear unto him, and he made to the tower his way-- 230 Then doubtful, the foemen thronging, their hand for a space must hold, For their Burg-grave he was, and his bidding had they hearkened both young and old. Then, as ceased the noise of battle, thro' the doorway he sprang, Gawain, And the Landgrave, he stood beside him, swift and bold were those heroes twain. Quoth King Vergulacht, 'Why tarry? Why stand we here as on guard, 235 When of foemen but _two_ shall dare us, and none other the tower gates ward? Much my cousin doth take upon him, when he dareth to shield my foe, Yea, _himself_ should wreak vengeance on him, if his faith he were fain to show!' Of true heart then they chose a true man, and unto the king he spake, 'Now, Sire, upon our Landgrave no vengeance we think to take, 240 Nor shall harm at _our_ hand befall him--May God so turn thy mind That, instead of shaming, honour thou shalt from this venture find. For shame shall it bring upon thee, and an ending to thy fair fame, If he who as host doth hail thee shall here at thine hand be slain. And thy kinsman is he, this other who hath brought him into this land; 245 So, lest cursing and shame be thy portion, we pray thee to stay thine hand, And grant thou a truce thro' the daylight, and the fleeting hours of night, Then bethink thee for shame or honour, and do as shall seem thee right!'