Then the boatman he heard how he wrestled with sorrow, by love constrained, And he quoth, 'So is here the custom, in the forest as on the plain, As far as Klingsor ruleth, be he coward or valiant knight, "Sad to day, to-morrow joyful," So it goeth for peace or fight. 730 Perchance the truth thou knowst not? This land is a wonder-land, And ever by day and by night-time if good luck shall not aid thine hand Little good may thy manhood do thee! See thou how the sun sinks low, I think me, Sir Knight, it were better that we should to my vessel go!' Then Lischois he was led by Gawain, and never a word he spake, 735 And the boatman he followed after and the steed by its rein did take. So sailed they across the water, and they came to the further coast, And the boatman he prayed Sir Gawain, 'Be thou in mine house the host.' And so rich was the house and stately, that scarce in King Arthur's land, E'en in Nantes that noble city, did a fairer dwelling stand. 740 And he led Lischois thro' the doorway, and he gave him unto the care Of the host and his folk--Then the boatman spake thus to his daughter fair, 'Fair times and a goodly lodging be the lot of this noble knight Who standeth here, go thou with him, for I deem me it shall be right, And tend him as best shall seem thee, nor stint thou in aught thy care, 745 For great good hath he brought unto us, and 'tis meet he thy grace should share!' To his son's care he gave the charger---Then the maiden her sire's behest Fulfilled as right well became her, for she led the noble guest To a chamber fair, where the flooring was hid 'neath a carpet green Of rushes and fresh-plucked blossoms, as the way of the land had been. 750 There the gentle maid unarmed him--quoth Gawain, 'God show grace to thee, For had not thy sire thus bade thee too great were thy care for me!' And she quoth, 'For my father's bidding I do not this deed, Sir Knight, But rather that this my service may find favour before thy sight.'