As of old, when I fled from the lady whom I won with mine own right hand,
When from strife she would fain have kept me, I fled from her folk and land.”
Then she spake: “Set what bonds thou willest, by thy word I will still abide.”
“Many spears would I break asunder and each month would to Tourney ride,
Thou shalt murmur not, O Lady, when such knightly joust I’ld run!”
This she sware, so the tale was told me, and the maid and her lands he won.
And yet, despite her brave front, Herzeleide was destined to endure much sorrow at the hands of her restless lord. Before Parsifal was born, he had already set out on fresh adventure, leaving his lonely lady sick with longing for his return.
As for half a year he was absent, she looked for his coming sure,
For but in the thought of that meeting might the life of the Queen endure.
Then brake the sword of her gladness thro’ the midst of the hilt in twain,