Then Jeschuté and her husband, the twain, she took by the hand,
And forth from the circle led them, the maiden of fair Lalande.
And near to the royal pavilion, where a stream from the meadow sprung,
Stood her tent on the plain, and above it a wingèd dragon hung; 870
Half an apple it held in its clutches, and four ropes did it draw on high,
E'en as if the tent it lifted, and aloft to the clouds would fly.
And Orilus thereby knew it, for the self-same arms he bare,
And beneath it would they disarm him—Then his sister so true and fair,
She gave him due care and honour, and the vassals, each one they spake,875
How the Red Knight's valour dauntless would Fame for its comrade take.
As thus aloud men praised him, in Kingron's ear spake Kay,
And he bade him do Orilus service—(Well he might, whom he thus did pray,
For oft had he done such service for Klamidé in Brandigan.)
And for this Kay would give his office to the hand of another man, 880
His ill-star had bid him smite her, the prince's sister fair,
So hard with his staff, 'twas fitting from their service he should forbear.
Nor pardon she found for his trespass, this maiden of royal race;
But viands he sent, and Kingron, he set them before their face.
Kunnewaaré, the wise and gentle, with her slender hands and white, 885
Would cut the food for her brother, at his side sat his lady bright.
And Jeschuté of Karnant bare her with courteous and comely mien,
And Arthur the King forgat not, for fain he the twain had seen,
And he came where they sat together, and ate with right friendly will,
And he spake, 'Be good service lacking, then for sure it shall please me ill,890
For ne'er hath a host received ye, I trow, with a will so good,
And a heart so free from falsehood!' And he spake in kindly mood,
'My Lady Kunnewaaré, see thou well to this gallant knight,
And the blessing of God be on ye, and keep ye till morning light!'
Then Arthur to rest betook him, and a couch for the twain they spread,895
And till daylight in peace they slumbered, and sorrow afar had fled.
BOOK VI
ARTHUR
ARGUMENT
Book VI. tells how King Arthur sought for the Red Knight; and how he took an oath of his heroes to refrain from fighting. Of the blood-stained snow, and the love-trance of Parzival; and how, unknowing, he overthrew Segramor, and took vengeance on Kay. How Gawain led Parzival to the court of King Arthur; and how he was made a knight of the Round Table. Of the coming of Kondrie, and Kingrimursel, and the shaming of Parzival and Gawain. Of Parzival's wrath and despair, and how he rode forth to seek the Grail. How the knights went forth to the venture of Château Merveil; and how Gawain rode to Askalon; and of the scattering of this goodly company.