So thus, in search of adventure, from his army this man would ride, 55 In the woodland green he wandered, and waited what should betide. And since thus it well doth please them, so let them ride, these kings, Alone, in search of ventures, and the fair fame that combat brings. Yet Parzival rode not lonely, methinks he had comrades twain, Himself, and the lofty courage that lord o'er his soul did reign. 60 And that he so bravely fought here might win from a woman praise, If falsehood should not mislead her, that injustice should rule her ways. So spurred they against each other, who were lambs in their purity, Yet as lions were they bold and dauntless, 'twas a sight for a man to see! Ah! woe is me for their meeting, for the world and its ways are wide, 65 And they well might have spared each other, nor, guiltless, to battle ride. I should sorrow for him whom I brought here, save my heart did this comfort hold, That the Grail shall with strength endue him, and Love shelter the hero bold, Since he was of the twain the servant, nor his heart ever wavering knew, And ever his hand was ready to serve them with service true. 70 My skill little wit doth give me this combat that here befell, In fitting words and knightly, from beginning to end to tell. But the eye of each flashed triumph as the coming foe he saw, And the heart of each knight waxed joyful, as they nearer to battle draw. Yet sorrow, I ween, was nigh them, true hearts, from all falsehood free, 75 And each bare the heart of the other, and should comrade and stranger be! Nor may I asunder part them, the paynim and Christian knight, Hatred they show to each other, tho' no cause have they here for fight. And methinks this of joy shall rob them, who, as true women, share their pain Who risk their lives for a woman! May they part, ere one here be slain! 80