From his eyes had the Grail been hidden ere baptismal waters bright Had passed o'er his head, but henceforward, 'twas unveiled to his wondering sight, And, e'en as the rite was over, on the Grail they this writing read; 525 'The Templar whom God henceforward to a strange folk should send as head, Must forbid all word or question of his country, or name, or race, If they willed he aright should help them, and they would in his sight find grace. For the day that they ask the question that folk must he leave straightway'-- Since the time that their king, Anfortas, so long in his anguish lay, 530 And the question o'er-long awaited, all questions but please them ill, The knights of the Grail, and no man doth question them with their will. Then, baptized, Feirefis the Christian to Anfortas made urgent prayer, He should ride with him to his kingdom, and his riches with him should share; But, with courtesy, Anfortas to the knight and his prayer said 'Nay, 535 Naught shall hinder the willing service that to God I would give alway; 'Tis a goodly crown, the Grail crown, thro' pride was it lost to me, Henceforth do I choose as my portion a life of humility, And riches and love of women shall be strangers unto my heart-- Thou leadest with thee a fair wife, henceforth shall it be her part 540 With true love to reward thy service, as to women is fit and fair, But I for the love of mine Order henceforward mine arms will bear; For the Grail and Its service only I many a joust will ride, But I fight never more for women--thro' a woman did ill betide! Yet no hatred I bear to women, high courage and joy they give 545 Unto men, tho' _I_ won but sorrow while I did in their service live.' But yet, for the sake of his sister, Feirefis rested not to pray That Anfortas should journey with them, but ever he said them nay. Then he prayed Lohengrin should fare with him, but the mother, she willed it not; And King Parzival spake, 'In the service of the Grail hath he part and lot, 550 And my son, he is pledged to the Order, and a faithful heart and true Must he bear in the holy service--God grant him the will thereto!'