"Then come within the bower and rest awhile. Here thou canst listen to the music and eat and drink and dance with these lovely flowers."
"Nay, but tell me now! Why should I pause when I am not faint? No good deed was ever done by stopping on the way."
"Thou art a foolish youth," said the maiden. "Why art thou in so great haste?"
"I seek a magician," he answered, frankly; "a magician who has stolen the sacred Spear."
"Ah, I can tell thee of him!" she cried—an evil light lurking in her eyes. "Come, sit by my side, and I will tell not only of him but of thy father and mother."
Parsifal turned at this, but entered the garden slowly. He knew no reason why he should not come in, and yet a great force seemed holding him back. "But how can I go on my errand," he thought, "unless I find the way?"
"I would hear about my mother first," he said, seating himself by the maiden's side. "Is she well?"
"She is well, but has mourned sadly since thou didst go away. I saw her only a few days ago, and she sent thee her love and a kiss."
Here the witch leaned forward suddenly and printed a kiss upon his lips. It was intended to enchant him, but for once it failed of its effect. Parsifal sprang up as if stung by an asp.
"Amfortas! O Amfortas!" he cried. "I know it now! The spear-wound in your side! Ah, the anguish of it has come upon me also!"