'Yet so must it be,' quoth Gawain; then Parzival he led To the four queens, who gave him greeting and kissed him with lips so red. But sorely it vexed the Duchess, that she, too, must kiss this knight, Who little had cared for her kisses, nor would for her favours fight-- 280 Tho' her lands and her love she proffered when he before Logrois fought, And she rode far to overtake him--thus shame in her anger wrought. But the others they spake him gently, with never a thought of wrong, Till shame from his heart was driven, and joy in its stead waxed strong. Then Gawain of right and reason, if Bené his grace would hold, 285 Bade her seal her lips to silence, to her lady no word be told, 'That King Gramoflanz for his garland doth hatred toward me bear, And at the set time to-morrow our strife must be foughten fair, Speak no word of this to my sister, and do thou thy tears give o'er;' And she spake, 'I do well to weep thus, and to mourn, and to sorrow sore, 290 For whoever shall fall in the combat my lady must sorrow know, And however the battle goeth, the issue shall be for woe. And well may we mourn the venture, my lady and I alike, What boots it to be her brother, if thou at her heart wilt strike?' Now the host to their tents betook them, and the mid-day meal was spread 295 For Gawain, and the knights and ladies who should break at his table bread, And Parzival as companion should have the Duchess fair-- And Gawain, he besought his lady for the hero to have good care; But she quoth, 'To my care dost thou give him, who can make of a woman sport? How should I care for this man? Yet would I gainsay thee naught; 300 And if this be thy will, I will do it, tho' for payment I mocking know'-- Quoth Gamuret's son, 'Nay, Lady, thou doest me wrong I trow, At least have I so much wisdom, if I know myself aright, That women are free from my mocking, since ill 'twould beseem a knight!'