So the son of Herzeleide rode onward, well taught was he 315 In all manly skill and courage, in mercy and purity; And his mother had aye bequeathed him her faithful heart and true-- Yet ever his soul waxed sadder, and there sprang up thoughts anew Of the might of the Maker of all things, Who hath made this earth of naught, How He dealeth with all creation, and still on His power he thought 320 'How might it yet be if God sent me that which brought to an end my woe? If ever a knight He favoured, if ever a knight might know His payment for service done Him--if He thinketh His aid they earn Who dauntless shall wield their weapons, and ne'er from a foeman turn, Let Him aid me, who bear unstainèd shield and sword as befits a man, 325 If to-day be His Day of Redemption, let Him help me, if help He _can_.' Backward he turned his bridle on the road he had ridden before, And the knight and his children stood there, and mourned for the parting sore. And the maidens, true and gentle, gazed after the passing knight, And his heart spake, he fain had seen them once more those maidens bright. 330 Then he spake, 'Is God's power so mighty that He guideth upon their way The steed alike and the rider, then His hand may I praise to-day! If God sendeth help from heaven, then let Him my charger show The goal which shall bless my journey, so shall I the token know. Now, go thou as God shall lead thee!' and bridle and bit he laid 335 Free on the neck of his charger and spurred it adown the glade. Towards Fontaine-Sauvage the road led, and the chapel where once he sware The oath that should clear Jeschuté--A holy man dwelt there, And Trevrezent men called him, and ever on Monday morn Poor was his fare, and no richer it waxed as the week wore on. 340 Nor wine nor bread he tasted, nor food that with blood was red, Fish nor flesh, but his life so holy on the herb of the ground was fed. And ever his thoughts, God-guided, were turning to Heaven's land, And by fasting the wiles of the Devil he deemed he might best withstand.