_Argument._--Schionatulander having made his confession of love, Gahmureth, who has been in former times oppressed by love affairs himself, compassionates the youth, and promises to help on his cause with the young Duchess. We may here remark that Gahmureth does not appear to have been constant in his attachments. After having assisted Belakane, Queen of Zassamank, in the Moorish regions, he married her, but deserted her before their son Fierefiss was born. After that he married Herzeliede, whose son, Parzival, was chosen to be King of the Grail. Gahmureth had also been much in love with Anflisa, the French Queen, an episode, to which Schionatulander here alludes; as does Herzeleide in her conversation with Siguna, for she fears the French Queen has not yet forgiven her successful rival, and may make her heart bleed through the youthful lovers. From the expedition in which Gahmureth was now engaged he never returned, being treacherously killed by Ipomidon, one of the Babylonian brothers. An account of his death, and of the magnificent burial given to him by Baruch, is to be found in “Parzival” (Book ii., Herzeleide). “WHAT need to beat about the wood, O fond, weak squire? Thou, through thy skill at tilting, may E’en the fair Duchess’ love acquire; For love gives worthier reward To those who arms with valour bear, Than she to weaklings doth award. Yet that thy heart aspires so high Fills me with pride; How has the tree its branches spread Already out so far and wide. Bloom finest flowers on meadow ground? How has my cousin vanquished thee With knowledge sweetest to be found. Her mother, Schoisian, for joy Was rightly named, Since God’s creative power and skill One of such loveliness had framed; Her glance, clear, keen, as sunlight strong, I hear all people soothly say Doth also to her child belong. And Kiot, who in fiercest fight Aye glory won; Before the death of his loved bride Bowed down proud Catalonia’s son. Daughter of both, Siguna sweet! I greet thee, who must victor prove Where maids for victory compete. She o’er thee hath prevailed, and now The task is thine O’er her the victory to gain, And to this end it shall be mine To win her aunt for thee to speak; So through Siguna’s glance once more Shall bloom the colour in thy cheek.” Schionatulander then with joy Began his speech: “So doth thy confidence in me The burden of my sorrow reach, For now with thy consent I may Siguna love, who hath so long Stolen my joy and peace away.”