To this end had he well bethought him, and counsel wise had ta'en, And soon as his speech was ended, the Duchess, she spake again, 840 And she said that her love Sir Gawain had conquered with valiant hand, And henceforth he of right was master alike of her life and land. And many a knight who hearkened he thought her speech ill to hear, For they fought for her love, and had broken in her service full many a spear.
Gawain, and they who rode with him, Arnivé, and the Duchess fair, 845 And many a lovely lady prayed leave of the monarch there. And Parzival, he went with them--Sangivé and maid Kondrie They rode hence, but with King Arthur she abode still, fair Itonjé. And the wedding feast that was holden was a feast beyond compare; And Guinevere took Itonjé, and her true love, within her care, 850 The gallant king who with knighthood full many a prize had won, And for love and desire of Itonjé full many brave deeds had done. And many they sought their lodging who for love's sake must sorrow sore; And how that night they had feasted, of that will we think no more-- But they who for love did service, who knew of true love the might, 855 They would that the day was ended, for fairer they deemed the night.
Then King Gramoflanz sent this message (he bethought him in his pride) To his men, who, before Rosche-Sabbins, lay camped by the water-side. They should spare nor pains nor labour, but their tents should they strike straightway, And hither, with all his army, should they hasten ere break of day. 860 And his marshal here must seek him a fitting place and fair-- 'Each prince by himself be encamped, and ye shall for myself prepare Such goodly state and royal as well shall beseem a king, Nor spare ye the cost'--'Twas nightfall ere this word to the host they bring.
And many a man must sorrow who had learnt from a woman woe,-- 865 Whose love to the winds is scattered, and who ne'er doth rewarding know For his service, to grief he speedeth, and naught shall his steps delay, Save only the help of a woman o'ertaketh him on his way.
But Parzival, he bethought him of his wife so fair and sweet, How pure she was, and how gentle--Did he ne'er another greet, 870 And offer for fair love service, and, wavering, love anew? Nay, nay, he was far from such dealings, and naught of such love he knew! For a mighty faith so guarded his body alike and heart That never a woman living might have in his love a part, Save only his queen and lady, Kondwiramur, the flower 875 Of women, Love's fairest blossom, with none should she share her power.