abode-- An he come from the land of the Breton, or from France, or from Provence fair, Burgundian he, or Gallician, or the arms of Punturtois bear-- 310 When he hear of the grief of Gawain then _my_ fame shall be swiftly sped, And shame be my meed for the danger that threatened that knightly head. At the tale of this strife shall my glory wax narrow, and blame grow wide; And, as joy in the past dwelt with me, so henceforward shall shame abide.' As he made an end of speaking stood a vassal the king before, 315 And, as Kiot himself hath told us, Liddamus was the name he bore. And I speak here of Kiot the singer, and so sweet was I ween his song That none wax of the hearing weary, tho' the days of their life be long. And I rede ye to wit that Kiot of old was a Provençal, Who found writ in a book of the heathen this story of Parzival. 320 And in French again he sang it, and I, if no wit shall fail, Would fain in his footsteps follow, and in German would tell the tale. Quoth the Prince Liddamus in his anger, 'Now say, what doth he do here In the house of my lord, who his father hath slain, and hath brought anear The brand of shame? My king's courage is known thro' many a land, 325 'Twould better beseem his honour to avenge him with his own hand; One death for the other payeth--and the need waxeth here as there.' And Gawain he stood in sore peril, and fear for his life must bear. Quoth Kingrimursel, 'Who to threaten is swift, he as swift should be To mingle in strife, yet but lightly thy foeman he holdeth thee! 330 An wide were the field or narrow, yet Sir Liddamus, I know well This man were safe from thine onslaught e'en tho' shame at his hand befell, For ne'er wouldst thou dare to avenge it, who yet dost so loudly boast-- And swifter were we to hearken if ever in battle host We had seen thee ride the foremost! But strife ever wrought thee pain, 335 And afar from the field of battle to linger thou aye wast fain. Yea, _more_ hast thou learnt--The beginning of strife didst thou ever see, Then hence wouldst thou fly as swiftly as a maiden is wont to flee. And the prince who thy counsel hearkens, and doeth as thou shalt say, Shall find that the crown he weareth but loosely shall sit alway!' 340