I hold his renown waxeth slowly, and halteth upon the road, Who, for wrong at the hand of one woman, shall slander all womanhood: But if any will look upon me, and hearken to what I sing, 25 Of a sooth I will not deceive them, though my tale over-strange may ring. Born was I unto the bearing of knightly shield and spear, And though sweet be the song of the singer, I hold it not all too dear: I had rather my love should love me for my deeds of high renown, Than because in the hall of the Wartburg they should crown me with music's crown! 30 With the shield and the spear of knighthood will I seek for a knight's reward, Nor charm, with the harp of the singer, what I failèd to win with the sword! Nor in praise of fair women only runs this tale that I have to tell, Full many strange deeds it holdeth, and marvels that once befell Ere the course of this wondrous venture be tracèd unto its end; 35 Yet he who heareth shall reckon, if he fain would account me friend, That this is no book he readeth, for no maker of books am I! But a singer of strange adventures, and of knightly prowess high: Stripped bare will I be of all honour, naked and reft of fame, Ere I trust my renown unto letters, and give to a book my name! 40 It vexes me, soul and body, that so many should bear the name And speak with the tongue of women, who reck not of woman's fame; That those who have known no falsehood, and those who are swift to fall, Should carry one name in common, be counted as sisters all! A truth that has faltered never, a faith that has aye withstood, 45 Is the only glory of woman, the crown of her womanhood!