"Thou art wrong," said the woman softly. "I have harmed thee not. Only stay!"
"Not another moment!" exclaimed Parsifal. "Your garden is evil and brings death to men's souls."
He turned to go, but the witch called aloud to the magician, for she knew her power was gone. And as she called, Parsifal saw a dark, dreadful figure before him that blocked his way.
"Stay!" commanded Klingsor waving the sacred Spear aloft. "Those who enter my garden cannot leave it so easily!"
"Stand aside!" cried Parsifal. "I have done no hurt, and I fear you not!"
"Thou wilt fear me when thou dost feel this spear-point! 'Tis the same that undid Amfortas."
"Ha! say you so? Then I have come to claim it in his name."
"Take it!" shouted the magician angrily. And he threw the weapon straight at Parsifal with terrific force.
But miracle of miracles! it stopped of itself midway, and floated gently round about Parsifal's head. He grasped it reverently and made the sign of the cross.
"In this sign, perish!" he exclaimed. "Let all your wicked magic vanish from the face of the earth!"