German Romance III: Iwein, or The Knight with the Lion (Arthurian Archives)

Arthurian Archives XVI German Romance Volume III Iwein or The Knight with the Lion Iwein, or The Knight with the Lion...

Author: Hartmann von Aue

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Arthurian Archives XVI

German Romance Volume III

Iwein or The Knight with the Lion Iwein, or The Knight with the Lion, is a free Middle High German adaptation of Chrétien de Troyes’ Old French Arthurian romance Yvain. Written c. 1200 by a Swabian knight, Hartmann von Aue, Iwein charts the development towards maturity of a young knight who falls into error, neglecting his hard-won wife by devoting himself excessively to chivalric pursuits. This parallel-text edition is based on one of the two earliest complete manuscripts, Gießen, University Library, no. 97 (Iwein B), dating from the second quarter of the thirteenth century. This is the first translation of Iwein B into English. The Gießen text contains a large number of lines, particularly in the later stages of the poem, which are not present in the other early manuscript, A (Heidelberg, cpg 397). These show a special interest in the woman’s side of the story, expanding a passage concerned with embroidery and weaving, and adding a marriage for the maidservant Lunet, whose cunning brings about the reconciliation between Iwein and her mistress, Laudine. The authorship of these passages is uncertain, but they may be Hartmann’s own revision of his text. Cyril Edwards is a Lecturer in German at St Peter’s College, Oxford and a Senior Research Fellow of the Faculty of Medieval and Modern Languages, University of Oxford.

Arthurian Archives issn 1463-6670

General Editor: Norris J Lacy Already published `

I,II. Early French Tristan Poems Edited by Norris J. Lacy III. NORSE ROMANCE I: The Tristan Legend Edited by Marianne E. Kalinke IV. NORSE romance II: The Knights of the Round Table Edited by Marianne E. Kalinke V. Norse Romance III: HÆRRA IVAN Edited by Henrik Williams and Karin Palmgrin VI. Dutch Romances I: Roman van Walewein Edited by David F. Johnson and Geert H. M. Claassens VII. Dutch Romances II: Ferguut Edited by David F. Johnson and Geert H. M. Claassens VIII. Italian Literature I: Tristano Panciatichiano Edited by Gloria Allaire IX German Romance I: Daniel von Dem Bluhendental Edited by Michael Resler X Dutch Romances III Five Romances from the Lancelot Compilation Edited by David F. Johnson and Geert H. M. Claassens XI LAtin Arturian Literature Edited by Mildred Leake Day XII Italian Literature II: Tristano riccardiano Edited by F. Regina Palski XIII French arthurian romance iii le chevalier as deus espees Edited by Paul Vincent Rockwell XIv french arthurian literature iv: eleven old french narrative lays Edited by Glyn S. Burgess and Leslie C. Brook XV German romance ii: Gauriael von muntabel Edited by Siegfried Christoph

German Romance Volume III Hartmann von Aue Iwein or The Knight with the Lion

Edited from Manuscript B, Gießen, Universitätsbibliothek Codex Nr. 97, and translated by Cyril Edwards

D. S. BREWER

© Cyril Edwards 2007 All Rights Reserved. Except as permitted under current legislation no part of this work may be photocopied, stored in a retrieval system, published, performed in public, adapted, broadcast, transmitted, recorded or reproduced in any form or by any means, without the prior permission of the copyright owner First published 2007 D. S. Brewer, Cambridge ISBN 978–1–84384–084–8

D. S. Brewer is an imprint of Boydell & Brewer Ltd PO Box 9, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP12 3DF, UK and of Boydell & Brewer Inc. 668 Mt Hope Avenue, Rochester, NY14620, USA website www.boydellandbrewer.com A catalogue record of this publication is available from the British Library This publication is printed on acid-free paper Typeset by: The Word Service, London

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CONTENTS Acknowledgements

vii

Introduction

ix

Iwein or The Knight with the Lion

1

I

3

Kalogreant’s Adventure in the Forest of Broceliande

II Iwein’s Battle with Ascalon. His Captivity

41

III

Lunet’s Advice and Laudine’s Change of Mind

83

IV

Kay’s Mockery and Gawein’s Advice

119

V Iwein’s Madness and His Recovery

143

VI The Battle Against Count Aliers and the Rescuing of the Lion

177

VII

189

Lunet’s Captivity

VIII The Giant Harpin and Guinever’s Abduction

209

IX The Freeing of Lunet

245

X The Daughters of the Count of the Black Thorn

267

XI Iwein Fights Against Two Giants

289

XII The Combat Between Iwein and Gawein

327

XIII The Reconciliation

371

Appendix: the Endings of Iwein

391

Notes

403

Select Bibliography

417

Index of Names

423

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I am indebted most of all to Harry Jackson, who suggested I take on this task, and whose guidance has proved invaluable. Most of the work on the edition was done in the Taylorian Library in Oxford, which possesses excellent black-and-white photographs of the Gießen manuscript. I also used the facsimile edition, Hartmann von Aue. Iwein. Handschrift B, Deutsche Texte in Handschriften, 2, ed. H. M. Heinrichs (Cologne: Böhlau Verlag, 1964). There is no substitute for consulting the original, and I am grateful to the staff of the University Library of Gießen for allowing me to work on the manuscript, which proved to be much clearer and easier to read than either the facsimile or the photographs. The manuscript has suffered from water damage, but black-and-white photography tends to exaggerate its effects. I am indebted to Anette Syndikus and Friederike Viktor for facilitating access to the Gießen University Library. Ulrich Seelbach’s unpublished, provisional description of the manuscript, kindly shown to me in Gießen, was most helpful. Jim Bradbury and Richard Boys proved helpful with regard to warfare realia, whilst Heidi Kurtz, medievalist and knitter, helped solve the problems relating to weaving and embroidery. My colleague at St Peter’s College, Tony Hunt, has proved an invaluable source of advice. Finally, I must thank my readers, Kate Douglas and Katy Hodgins. Cyril Edwards Abingdon 2006 This volume was published with the assistance of a generous subvention from the Vinaver Trust.

INTRODUCTION THE POET In the absence of any mention of Hartmann von Aue in historical records, we are dependent upon what he himself tells us in his works, and what other poets tell us about him. Both confirm his name and provenance. Like the hero of his courtly legend, Der arme Heinrich, who is von Ouwe geborn (‘born of Aue’), Hartmann’s home was in the duchy of Swabia, which corresponds today to the southern part of Baden-Württemberg, Vorarlberg, Eastern Switzerland and areas of the Alsace. This is attested by his occasional use of Alemannic dialect rhymes, and by a later author, Heinrich von dem Türlin, who in Diu Crône refers to Hartmann as a poet from ‘the Swabians’ land’. Middle High German (MHG) Ouwe means ‘meadow’, and place names ending in –au are common in South Germany and Switzerland, which renders greater precision difficult. There have, nevertheless, been attempts to identify Hartmann’s birthplace. Manfred Scholz pleads for an Au near Freiburg im Breisgau, not least on the basis of the coats of arms assigned to Hartmann by the illustrators of the Große Heidelberger Liederhandschrift (the Manesse Codex) and the Weingartner Liederhandschrift. These manuscripts date from the early fourteenth century, however, perhaps a hundred years after Hartmann’s death, and many of the arms in the miniatures are purely fanciful. The arms in the Hartmann miniatures have also been linked with the family of the dukes of Zähringen, and it has been suggested that one of them may have been Hartmann’s patron, but again there is no concrete evidence. We do not know how high in rank Hartmann’s patron was; if he were a duke it might have been expected that Hartmann would mention him by name. Poets of this time are, however, often reticent about patronage. We glean most about his life from the prologues to his works. Here he specifically identifies himself as a ritter (‘knight’) and a dienstman, a servitor or ministerialis, serving the house of Aue. Hartmann is the first German narrative author to identify himself as a knight, and the only author of the ‘classical’ period of Middle High German literature, which lasted from c. 1150 to 1230, to allot himself to the rank of dienstman, but he does so seemingly with pride:

Hartmann von Aue, Der arme Heinrich, ed. by Hermann Paul, 16th revised edn by Kurt Gärtner, Altdeutsche Textbibliothek, 3 (Tübingen: Niemeyer, 1996), 49. Heinrich von dem Türlin, Die Krone (Verse 1–12281), ed. by Fritz Peter Knapp and Manuela Niesner, Altdeutsche Textbibliothek, 112 (Tübingen: Niemeyer, 2000), 2348–60. Hartmann von Aue, Erec, ed. by Manfred Günter Scholz; trans. by Susanne Held, Bibliothek des Mittelalters, 5 (Frankfurt am Main: Deutscher Klassiker Verlag, 2004), p. 569. See Erec, ed. Scholz, pp. 569–70. See W. H. Jackson, Chivalry in Twelfth-Century Germany. The Works of Hartmann von Aue, Arthurian Studies, XXXIV (Cambridge: D. S. Brewer, 1994), p. 194.

German Romance III Ein ritter sô gelêret was daz er an den buochen las swaz er dar an geschriben vant; der was Hartman genant; dienstman was er ze Ouwe.

A knight was so learned that he read in books whatever he found written there; he was called Hartmann; he was a servitor at Aue. Much has been written concerning the rank of the ministerialis. Initially of low origins, by the twelfth century they had enjoyed a considerable rise in the social hierarchy. Records show that ministeriales served in various administrative, military and clerical functions, some rising to great wealth and importance. Lack of documentation means, however, that we cannot be precisely certain about the nature of Hartmann’s office. The prologue to Der arme Heinrich goes on to emphasise the social function of a knight in the anomalous position of a mounted warrior who read books: er nam im manige schouwe an mislîchen buochen; dar an begunde er suochen ob er iht des vunde dâ mite er swære stunde möhte senfter machen, und von so gewanten sachen, daz gotes êren töhte und dâ mite er sich möhte gelieben den liuten. (6–15) He took many a look at various books; he began to seek in these to see if he might find anything whereby he might make the hours hang less heavy, and such subject matter as might redound to God’s honour, and whereby he might endear himself to people. The closeness to the prologue to Iwein is evident. Given the similarity of the wording, it seems probable that Der arme Heinrich and Iwein were written in close chronological proximity. Chronology presents us with another set of problems. The reference to the wealth of Greece (Iwein 7658) suggests that Iwein may have been written before the sacking of Constantinople in the spring of 1204. Wolfram von Eschenbach’s

Hartmann von Aue, Der arme Heinrich, 1–5. All translations into English are my own. References to Iwein are to the current edition except where otherwise stated.

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Parzival, which was written in the first decade of the thirteenth century, refers, in all probability, to the sacking; Wolfram mentions Hartmann by name, and is conversant with both of Hartmann’s Arthurian romances, Erec and Iwein. A degree of internal chronology seems possible. The Büchlein, a discourse on courtly love, is generally assumed to have been a work of Hartmann’s youth; Hartmann describes himself as a jungelinc (‘youth’), although this may be no more than a literary device. Erec was written before Iwein, but after Chrétien de Troyes’ Erec et Enide, its source, and is therefore generally dated c. 1180. There is little basis for the dating of the two courtly legends, Der arme Heinrich and Gregorius. The prologue to Gregorius strikes a personal note, Hartmann stating that he is writing this work as an act of penance for sins committed in his youth: Mîn herze hât betwungen dicke mîne zungen daz si des vil gesprochen hât daz nâch der werlde lône stât: daz rieten im diu tumben jâr. (1–5) My heart has often compelled my tongue to say much of what redounds to this world’s praise – it was my inexperienced years that prompted it to do this.10 The poet proceeds to profess a readiness ze sprechenne die wârheit daz gotes wille wære, und daz diu grôze swære der süntlîchen bürde ein teil ringer würde die ich durch mîne müezekeit ûf mich mit worten hân geleit. (35–42) to speak such truth as might be God’s will, so that the great weight of that sinful burden might be somewhat less which I, in my idleness, have imposed upon myself with words.

See Wolfram von Eschenbach, Parzival. With Titurel and the Love Lyrics, trans. by Cyril Edwards, Arthurian Studies, LVI (Cambridge: D. S. Brewer, 2004), p. xiii. Hartmann von Aue, Zweiter Theil: Lieder. Erstes Büchlein. Zweites Büchlein. Grêgorjus. Der arme Heinrich, ed. by Fedor Bech, Deutsche Classiker des Mittelalters, 5 (Leipzig: 1873), p. 46 (line 7). 10 Hartmann von Aue, Gregorius. Der “gute Sünder”, ed. by Friedrich Neumann, Deutsche Klassiker des Mittelalters, Neue Folge, 2, 3rd edn (Wiesbaden: Brockhaus, 1968).

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Here Hartmann appears to be drawing a clear distinction between his secular works and his religious writings, and announcing a conversio, a turning point at which he rejected his more secularly oriented past. This stance is to some extent determined by the religious genre of the legenda; Hartmann wishes to present himself as a model of the repentant sinner, in line with the fortunes of his tale’s hero. We cannot, therefore, be certain that Gregorius was written later than the Arthurian romances. That Hartmann did, however, go through a mid-life crisis is supported by the evidence of his lyrics. Eighteen have survived which are attributed to Hartmann von Aue; they consist of love-lyrics, a widow’s lament, and crusading lyrics.11 In two of the latter Hartmann refers to his lord, albeit without naming him: Sît mich der tôt beroubet hât des herren mîn, swie nû diu werlt nâch im gestât, daz lâze ich sîn. der vröide mîn den besten teil hât er dâ hin, schüefe ich nû der sêle heil, daz wær ein sin. Mac ich íme ze helfe komen, mîn vart, die ich hân genomen, ich wíl ime ir halber jehen. vor gote müeze ich in gesehen. MF 210, 23–34 Since Death has robbed me of my lord, no matter how the world now stands after his death, I care not. The best part of my happiness he has taken away with him; if I were now to create my soul’s salvation, that would be sensible. If I can come to his aid, of this journey of mine which I have undertaken, I will dedicate half to him. May I see him before God! The implication is that Hartmann himself is going on a crusade. The lyric begins: Dem kriuze zimet wol reiner muot und kiusche site MF 209, 25–6 It well befits the cross to have a pure spirit and chaste demeanour Its second strophe specifically addresses knights, appealing to them to serve God rather than this world. The world is denounced in the third strophe as a harlot, 11

Texts are quoted from Des Minnesangs Frühling, 38th revised edn by Hugo Moser and Helmut Tervooren (Stuttgart: S. Hirzel, 1988), I. Texte, pp. 404–30.

Introduction

xiii

whom Hartmann himself admits to having followed. While the theme of contemptus mundi was a common one in the late twelfth and early thirteenth centuries, the motif of the death of the poet’s lord is quite unlike the common topoi which occur in crusading lyrics, and cannot easily be dismissed as a literary device. The lyric is very close in its message to the Gregorius prologue. In a second lyric, Hartmann begins by stating that he is about to depart for the Holy Land: Ich var mit iuweren hulden, herren unde mâge. liut unde lant die müezen saelic sîn! MF 218, 5–6 I depart with your blessing, lords and kinsmen. May the people and the land be blest! The second strophe refers to Saladin: Ez ist geminnet, der sich durch die minne ellenden muoz. nu séht, wie sî mich ûz mîner zungen ziuhet über mer. und lebte mîn her Salatîn und al sîn her dien bræhten mich von Vranken niemer einen vuoz. MF 218, 17–20 It is love, if a man must go into exile for love. See now, how such love draws me from my native land, across the sea. Yet if my lord were alive, Saladin and all his army would never take me a foot out of Franconia. Saladin died in 1193. Punctuation presents something of a problem here. That of Des Minnesangs Frühling allows for the somewhat unlikely possibility that Hartmann is according Saladin a courtesy title, ‘my lord Saladin’. If, however, mîn her is followed by an editorial comma – the medieval manuscripts lack such punctuation – then this line would amount to a second reference to the death of Hartmann’s lord, consistent with the lyric previously discussed. This would mean that Hartmann may have gone on the crusade of 1188, the final campaign before Saladin’s death, or at the very least composed lyrics to support that crusade. To sum up, despite the morass of uncertainty, the probability is that Hartmann’s writings date from c. 1180-1204. We have very little knowledge of how long it took a medieval German poet to compose a work. A quarter of a century, however, seems not unreasonable for an output of a treatise on courtly love, two Arthurian romances, and eighteen lyrics, particularly if Hartmann was otherwise occupied with administrative tasks, and perhaps with participation in a crusade. Gottfried von Straßburg’s Tristan, probably completed in the second decade of the thirteenth century, refers to Hartmann in the present tense; so, however, do modern critics writing about Shakespeare. The dates of Hartmann’s death and birth are unknown to us, and will in all likelihood remain so.

xiv

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THE SOURCE Although unacknowledged in Hartmann’s adaptation, it is evidently Chrétien de Troyes’ Yvain which was his source. In one of the Wolfenbüttel fragments of Erec, Hartmann specifically refers to Chrétien: alse uns Crestiens saget (‘as Chrétien tells us’, 4629,11). The dating of Chrétien’s romances is as problematic as that of Hartmann’s works. To quote Claude Luttrell, ‘the evidence which has been put forward for the dating of Chrétien’s romances is rather weak’.12 Luttrell argues for the composition of the five romances of Chrétien between 1184 and 1190, whereas earlier scholarship allowed for a much wider compass. Yvain is regarded by Luttrell (p. 32) as having been written in two sections, the first in 1186–87, the second in 1188–89. If Luttrell is right, it may be that Hartmann wrote his adaptation of Yvain in the years after the Third Crusade. Chrétien’s plot has not been tracked down convincingly to any one source.

ARTISTIC ACHIEVEMENT Hartmann von Aue was regarded in his own time as the first of the three great masters of the courtly romance, the other two being Wolfram von Eschenbach and Gottfried von Straßburg. His early work, Die Klage, a dispute about courtly love, found little obvious resonance with his contemporaries; the same applies to Hartmann’s lyrics.13 There were many literary borrowings from Hartmann’s courtly legend, Der arme Heinrich, and his other legend, Gregorius, adapted from an Old French Vie du Pape Grégoire le Grand, was itself translated into Latin by Abbot Arnold von Lübeck between 1209 and 1213; later Latin and German versions followed. In the late fourteenth century a shorter German prose version was written and incorporated into the collection of legenda, Der Heiligen Leben, which appeared in print in 1471; further prints followed between 1472 and 1521.14 The achievement for which Hartmann was most often praised by his contemporaries and near-contemporaries, however, was the bringing of the Arthurian romance to Germany. This issue is complicated somewhat by the recent discovery in Zwettl of fragments of an Erec romance which is closer to Chrétien de Troyes’ version than Hartmann’s Erec.15 Stylistically, the Zwettl 12

Claude Luttrell, The Creation of the First Arthurian Romance: A Quest (London: Edward Arnold, 1974), p. 27. 13 See W. H. Jackson, ‘The Medieval Literary Reception of Hartmann’s Works’, in A Companion to the Works of Hartmann von Aue, ed. by Francis G. Gentry, Studies in German Literature, Linguistics and Culture (Rochester, NY: Camden House, 2005), 183–221 (pp. 190–195). 14 See Jackson, ‘The Medieval Literary Reception’, pp. 195–200. 15 See Kurt Gärtner, ‘Die Zwettler Erec-Fragmente: Versuch einer ersten Auswertung’, in Literatur als Erinnerung. Winfried Woesler zum 65. Geburtstag, ed. by Bodo Plachta (Tübingen: Niemeyer, 2004), 35-50; Margarete Springeth, Charlotte Ziegler, Kurt Gärtner and Ulrich Müller, ‘Die Stift Zwettler Fragmente: Beschreibung und Transkription’, Beiträge zur Geschichte der deutschen Sprache und Literatur, 127 (2005), 33–61.

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Introduction

fragments bear little resemblance to Hartmann’s language, and the work from which they stem may predate Hartmann, although the fragments themselves date from the second quarter of the thirteenth century.16 The reception of Hartmann’s adaptations of Chrétien leaves no doubt that he was regarded as the prime innovator in the Arthurian field. Wolfram von Eschenbach shows knowledge of both Erec and Iwein. The later poet Heinrich von dem Türlin knew Erec, as did Wirnt von Grafenberg, who refers to the buxom Ênîte in his Wigalois (6307–23). Der Pleier, writing in the second half of the thirteenth century, refers in Garel von dem blühenden Tal to Iwein by its title – ‘der ritter mit dem lewen’, and describes the abduction of Guinevere (31–60). Other poets refer to Hartmann by name or include him in their catalogues of poets.17 Hartmann’s influence on his two great successors deserves special mention here. Wolfram von Eschenbach’s indebtedness to Hartmann is manifest, taking the form of both direct allusions and indirect borrowings. Hartmann’s use of keywords also influenced Wolfram’s technique. Erec serves as a basis for Wolfram’s portrayal of Arthur’s court. When Parzival first arrives there, Wolfram pays his debt in characteristically aggressive manner: mîn hêr Hartmann von Ouwe, frou Ginovêr iwer frouwe und iuwer hêrre der künc Artûs, den kumt ein mîn gast ze hûs. bitet hüeten sîn vor spotte. ern ist gîge noch diu rotte: si sulen ein ander gampel nemn: des lâzen sich durch zuht gezemn. anders iwer frouwe Enîde unt ir muoter Karsnafîde werdent durch die mül gezücket unde ir lop gebrücket. sol ich den munt mit spotte zern, ich wil mînen friunt mit spotte wern. (Parzival 143,21–144,4)18 My lord Hartmann von Aue, a guest of mine is coming to Lady Guinevere your mistress and to your lord, King Arthur, to their castle. Pray protect him from scorn. He’s neither fiddle nor rote – let them take another plaything! Let them, out of courtesy, rest content with that. Otherwise your Lady Enite and her mother Karsnafite, will be dragged through the mill and their reputation crushed. If I am to 16

Springeth, p. 35. See Günther Schweikle, ed. Dichter über Dichter in mittelhochdeutscher Literatur, Deutsche Texte, 12 (Tübingen: Niemeyer, 1970). 18 Quotations are from Wolfram von Eschenbach, Parzival. Studienausgabe, 6th edn, 1926 by Karl Lachmann (rpt Tübingen: Walter de Gruyter, 1964). 17

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wear out my mouth with mockery, with mockery I will defend my friend.19 Iwein figures less largely in Parzival than Erec, but there are two references to Lûnête (Lûnet in Iwein B), which allude to the central problem that faced Hartmann in his adaptation of Chrétien. Hartmann, as will be seen below, makes every possible effort to make Laudîne, the widow who marries her husband’s murderer, a more sympathetic character than the heroine of his source. Twice Laudîne, who follows Lûnête’s advice in marrying Iwein, is contrasted unfavourably with Sigune, a female character on whom Wolfram lavishes special attention, expanding her rôle in Chrétien’s Conte du Graal. Sigune, having set her suitor, Schionatulander, an impossible task – the pursuit of the bercelet’s leash, which is the subject of Wolfram’s Titurel, unintentionally brings about his death. She, in contrast to Laudîne, has no intention of marrying anyone else: ouch was froun Lûneten rât ninder dâ bî ir gewesen. diu riet ir frouwen ‘lât genesen disen man, der den iweren sluoc: er mag ergetzen iuch genuoc.’ Sigûne gerte ergetzens niht, als wîp die man bî wanke siht (Parzival 253,10–16) Nor did Lady Lunete’s counsel find any place in her heart. She advised her lady: ‘Let this man live who slew your husband – he can compensate you amply.’ Sigune desired no compensation, unlike those women who are seen to be inconstant. The second reference to Iwein is similarly critical, advocating widowly loyalty: Durch minne diu an im erstarp, daz si der fürste niht erwarp, si minnete sînen tôten lîp. ob si worden wær sîn wîp, dâ hete sich frou Lûnete gesûmet an sô gæher bete als si riet ir selber frouwen. man mac noch dicke schouwen froun Lûneten rîten zuo etslîchem râte gar ze fruo. (Parzival 436, 1–10) Because of the love that died with him, the prince not having won her hand, she 19 Translations from Wolfram are from Wolfram von Eschenbach. Parzival. With Titurel and the Love Lyrics, trans. by Cyril Edwards, Arthurian Studies LVI (Cambridge: D. S. Brewer, 2004).

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loved his dead body. If she had become his wife, Lady Lunete would have hesitated to voice such a rash entreaty as when she counselled her mistress. You can still see Lady Lunetes often, riding headlong into some overhasty counsel or other. Wolfram here shows his awareness of the problematic nature of Hartmann’s treatment of his female characters. The most detailed and subtle analysis of Hartmann’s contribution to the evolution of the courtly romance occurs in Gottfried von Straßburg’s Tristan, probably written around 1210. Gottfried’s work includes a literary excursus, in which he analyses the contemporary literary scene: Hartman der Ouwære, ahî, wie der diu mære beid’ ûzen unde innen mit worten und mit sinnen durchvärwet und durchzieret! wie er mit rede figieret der âventiure meine! wie lûter und wie reine sîn kristallîniu wortelîn beidiu sint und iemer müezen sîn! si koment den man mit siten an, si tuont sich nâhe zuo dem man und liebent rehtem muote. swer guote rede ze guote und ouch ze rehte kan verstân, der muoz dem Ouwære lân sîn schapel unde sîn lôrzwî. Tristan 4619–463520 Hartmann von Aue, oh, how he colours and embellishes tales with words and meaning through and through, both internally and externally! How he figures the adventure’s sense with rhetoric! How pure and how unsullied are his little crystal words, and may they always be so! They approach a man with good demeanour; they come close to a man and endear themselves to a proper disposition. Whoever can rightly understand good rhetoric with a good grasp must yield the man of Ouwe his wreath and his laurel. Gottfried’s praise of Hartmann’s clarity, his use of rhetoric, and his grasp on the inner meaning of the story, the ‘adventure’, are a just tribute to Hartmann’s prowess. 20

The quotation is from Gottfried von Straßburg, Tristan, ed. by Reinhold Bechstein, revised by Peter Ganz, Deutsche Klassiker des Mittelalters, 4 (Wiesbaden: F. A. Brockhaus, 1978). The translation is my own.

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Turning to the reception of Hartmann von Aue in recent times, for a long time Hartmann stood in the shadow of his two great successors. The last two decades, however, have seen a re-evaluation, particularly in the English-speaking world, which has done greater justice to the subtlety of Hartmann’s adaptations of Chrétien’s romances, and the versatility of his œuvre, unique in its time. The London conference of 1985 broke the ground here, leading to a volume of essays published in 1988.21 In 1994 there followed the monograph by W. H. Jackson, Chivalry in Twelfth-Century Germany. The first complete translation into English of Hartmann’s works appeared in 2001 (the translation of Iwein being based upon the Lachmann/Wolff edition).22 A further volume of essays followed in 2005, A Companion to the Works of Hartmann von Aue.23 These studies have established Hartmann’s international reputation beyond doubt. PRINCIPLES OF THE EDITION AND TRANSLATION Karl Lachmann, in his introduction, describes his edition of 1825 as the first attempt at a critical edition of an old German poem.24 The Gießen manuscript was central to Lachmann’s reconstruction of ‘die höfische Dichtersprache’, the language of courtly poets in the German-speaking lands in the period of ‘Classical Middle High German’, between c. 1150 and 1230, which Lachmann thought to be supra-dialectal. Hence Lachmann’s approach to the manuscripts which he consulted is based on ‘Berichtigung’, correction with an eye to normalisation. As Christopher Wells observes, the existence of such a ‘fairly uniform supra-regional language’ is now viewed as problematic.25 It remains the case, however, ‘that poets around 1200 were aware of regional differences and sought to compensate for them and reach a wider audience’.26 Whether owing to the intentions of its scribe, or, more probably, of the author, the language of Iwein B is, as Karin Schneider puts it, ‘stark normiert’,27 and on the whole avoids dialect features. As the manuscript is so close in date to Hartmann’s lifetime, it would seem illogical to attempt, in an edition of a single manuscript, to take the language further back to a ‘classical’ norm which may or may not have existed. Hence the policy adopted here has been one of minimal normalisation. This policy applies particularly to the consonants; the manuscript is characterised by frequent occurrence of ch for k in both initial and final position, an Upper German

21

Hartmann von Aue. Changing Perspectives. London Hartmann Symposium 1985, ed. by Timothy McFarland and Silvia Ranawake, GAG, 486 (Göppingen: Kümmerle, 1988). 22 Arthurian Romances, Tales, and Lyric Poetry. The Complete Works of Hartmann von Aue, trans. by Frank Tobin, Kim Vivian, Richard H. Lawson (University Park, PA: The Pennsylvania State UP, 2001). 23 A Companion to the Works of Hartmann von Aue, ed. by Gentry. See note 13. 24 Iwein. Der riter mit dem lewen. Getihtet von dem hern Hartman, dienstman ze Ouwe, ed. by G. F. Benecke and K. Lachmann (Berlin: G. Reimer, 1827), p. 8. 25 C. J. Wells, German: A Linguistic History to 1945 (Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1985), p. 109. 26 Wells, p. 117. 27 Karin Schneider, Gotische Schriften in deutscher Sprache. I. Vom späten 12. Jahrhundert bis um 1300, 2 vols (Wiesbaden: Reichert, 1987), Textband, p. 149.

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feature,28 which has been retained. Also retained is the medial gemination of spirants, e.g. müezzen (53), lieffen (68), entslieffen (85), ûzzerhalp (91), another primarily Upper German feature.29 These consonantal features reflect the dialect of the scribe; they may reflect Hartmann’s own usage, too. In any case, they present no barrier to the comprehension of the MHG. The scribe often has c for z, e.g. herce; this has been normalised, as has the use of initial i and j. The scribe’s use of f before l, r, u, ü, û and iu, and v elsewhere has been preserved, as it presents no barrier to comprehension.30 Where the vowels are concerned, reluctantly a policy of normalisation has been thought advisable. Lachmann’s policy was to place a circumflex on all long vowels, except diphthongs. The Gießen manuscript has frequent, side-on circumflexes, but these are assigned, somewhat arbitrarily, to both long vowels and diphthongs. Moreover, there is only occasional indication of Umlaut, with diacritic e placed over v (representing the vowel u) and o. It seemed appropriate to standardise the use of circumflexes and Umlaut, in accordance with standard Middle High German editorial practice. B’s use of æ has been retained, whereas Lachmann replaced it with ä; B’s use of œ has also been kept. Where apocope and syncope occur in the manuscript, these have been retained, as they present no barrier to comprehension, e.g. genesn (53), gewesn (54), lebn (174), ligt (3379). Wolff argues that these forms are alien to Hartmann’s language,31 but there can be no certainty on this point. Abbreviations are rare in the manuscript, the most common being vn̄, variously resolved as und or unde, depending upon the metre, and the diacritic a for ra (as in sprach).32 These have been resolved. One problem that continues to bedevil modern German orthography, affecting the recent controversial orthographic reform, is whether to spell words together or separately (Getrennt- oder Zusammenschreibung). It comes as no surprise that the scribe of the Gießen manuscript is troubled by this problem, and there are many inconsistencies. Here, too, a policy of minimal normalisation has been adopted. Thus, the postposed negative tag ne, as in sî ne (‘she ... not’) is generally spelled as two separate words in the manuscript (e.g. 132), and this practice has been followed in the edition. Short forms of verbs preceding personal pronouns such as clagich (1886) and wurdich (1893) have been retained, as have other elided forms such as wander (4067 ‘for he’). On the other hand, prepositional phrases such as ze hove (5699) and ze hûs (5718), written as one word in the manuscript, have been separated, as have infinitive forms such as ze vehten (2474) and ze suochen (2852). 28

See Schneider, loc. cit. See Hermann Paul, Mittelhochdeutsche Grammatik, 23rd edn rev. by Peter Wiehl and Siegfried Grosse (Tübingen: Niemeyer, 1989), § 88. 30 On these orthographical points, see Lachmann’s introduction to the variants in Iwein. Eine Erzählung von Hartmann von Aue, ed. by G. F. Benecke and K. Lachmann, 4th edn (Berlin: G. Reimer, 1877), pp. 363–6. 31 Iwein. Eine Erzählung von Hartmann von Aue, ed. by G. F. Benecke and K. Lachmann, 7th edn revised by Ludwig Wolff, 2 vols, Band 2. Handschriftenübersicht. Anmerkungen und Lesarten (Berlin: de Gruyter, 1968), p. 3. 32 See Schneider, p. 148. 29

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The same problem affects the orthography of compounds. The elements of these are often written separately in B, whereas this edition writes them as one word, e.g. volbringen (759), riuwevar (4846), küchenkneht (4923), geiselruoten (4925), sactuoch (4928). The spelling of proper names, which fluctuates wildly in the manuscript, has been normalised to avoid confusion. It was one of Lachmann’s principles to amend on metrical grounds.33 It is, however, evident from close study of Hartmann’s works that absolutely regular metre was not his intention. Additional unstressed syllables, and the frequent use of ‘beschwerte Hebung’ (accentuated stress, owing to two consecutive stressed syllables) occur frequently in his works, as does occasional deviation from the customary lines with three or four feet to five-feet lines for extra emphasis. There has, therefore, been no attempt here to make the metre any smoother than it is in the manuscript, and no emendations have been made on metrical grounds. Thus the manuscript and this edition have sî was mit vogeln bestreut (610), where Lachmann/ Wolff has the smoother mit vogelen. This translation stays as close to the original as possible, but in the interest of clarity has frequently had to diverge from a strict line-by-line approach. The major problem that Hartmann’s style poses the translator into English is his preference for hypertaxis, with the ubiquitous conjunction daz (‘that’) as the syntactic link. These complex constructions lead to the necessity of a degree of freedom in translation, but generally the maximum deviation from a rigorous line-by-line approach is only a matter of three or four lines, and ceases, of course, with the beginning of a new sentence. Sometimes, for the sake of clarity, personal pronouns have been replaced by proper names. The punctuation in B is limited to rhyme-points at the end of each line, and occasionally a point to indicate the end of a sentence in the middle of a line. Capital letters are used very sparingly, normally only at the beginning of each section. The punctuation in both the edition and the translation is modern, and designed to help the reader. Conventionally, modern editions of MHG texts employ small letters at the beginning of sentences. This convention has its origin in attempts at orthographic reform in the nineteenth century, which tried to minimise the use of capital letters. The titles assigned to the English sections are based upon those in the edition by Fedor Bech.34 They do not correspond to any demarcated sections in the Gießen manuscript. The line numbers refer to the lines in the manuscript; the numbers placed in brackets refer to the Lachmann/Wolff edition, where they differ from manuscript B. Folio numbers are also given, to facilitate reference to the facsimile edition.

See his introduction to the first edition, p. 7. Hartmann von Aue, Dritter Theil. Iwein, oder der Ritter mit dem Löwen, ed. by Fedor Bech, Deutsche Classiker des Mittelalters, 6, 3rd edn (Leipzig: F. A. Brockhaus, 1888). 33 34

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Hartmann’s first Arthurian romance, Erec, is preserved, with the exception of a few fragments, only in the Ambraser Heldenbuch (Viennese National Library, Cod. Ser. nova 2663), commissioned by Maximilian I, and written by the scribe Hans Ried early in the sixteenth century. In marked contrast to this, Iwein survives not only in the Ambraser Heldenbuch, but in fifteen complete manuscripts and seventeen fragments.35 Of these, several can stake a reasonable claim to be the oldest; none has any external basis for dating, and they stem from various linguistic areas. The Kremsmünster fragment V (Stiftsbibliothek Kremsmünster, CC VI\275) dates from the first quarter of the thirteenth century and is of Bavarian origin. (‘Bavarian’ as a linguistic term includes Austria.) Of similar date, or perhaps somewhat later, are the Prague fragments H (Prague, State and University Library, Fragm. Germ. 4 and Fragm. Germ. 16), which also come from Bavarian territory.36 Manuscript A (Heidelberg, University Library, cpg 397), which served alongside B as a base manuscript for Lachmann and Benecke’s edition, dates from early in the second quarter of the thirteenth century, and was written in western central Germany.37 The manuscript edited here, Iwein B (Gießen, University Library Nr. 97, formerly Bibl. Senck. Nr. 39), also dates in all probability from the second quarter of the thirteenth century.38 The provenance of B is more problematic than its date. Walter Röll argued that the frequency of apocope and the omission of medial –e place it in the Alemanic area, and suggested the southern part of that area.39 This is also the view of Mertens and Becker.40 The two most detailed recent analyses of the manuscript, by Thomas Klein and Karin Schneider, are strikingly divergent. Klein argues against the consensus that the dialect is Alemannic, and for the East Upper German area, dating the manuscript to the first third of the thirteenth century.41 Perhaps the most convincing piece of evidence adduced by Klein is the presence in the middle of lines of the Bavarian êforms in the verbs sten (e.g. 978, 5220) and gen (e.g. 1981), whereas the Alemannic forms gan and stan occur in the rhyme. This would indeed seem to point to dialect contamination, with the most obvious explanation being the Bavarian copying of an Alemannic original. Wells observes, however, that ‘some >â< forms occur’ in

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Hartmann von Aue, Gregorius, Der arme Heinrich. Iwein. ed. and trans by Volker Mertens. Bibliothek des Mittelaltes, 6. (Frankfurt am Main: Deutscher Klassicker Verlag, 2004), pp. 961–70. 36 See Mertens, p. 969; Thomas Klein, ‘Ermittlung, Darstellung und Deutung von der Handschriftenüberlieferung mittelhochdeutscher Epik’, in: Deutsche Handschriften 1100–1400. Oxforder Kolloquium 1985, ed. by Volker Honemann and Nigel F. Palmer (Tübingen: Niemeyer, 1988), pp. 110–67 (p. 151). 37 Schneider, pp. 154–8. 38 Schneider, pp. 147–9. 39 Walter Röll, review of Hartmann von Aue. Iwein Handschrift B. Fotomechanischer Nachdruck in Originalgröße. (Cologne, Graz: Böhlau), 1964, ed. by H. M. Heinrichs, in: Deutsche Literatur-Zeitung 87 (1966), cols 980–4 (col. 982). 40 Mertens, p. 966; Peter Jörg Becker, Handschriften und Frühdrucke mittelhochdeutscher Epen (Wiesbaden: Reichert, 1977), pp. 55–6. 41 Klein, pp. 148–9.

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Bavarian texts of the twelfth century.42 The difficulty in distinguishing between the two Upper German dialects is exemplified by B’s form deumüet (1568; B has a superscript o, but characteristically no indication of Umlaut). deumüet (as opposed to diemüet) would appear to be Hartmann’s preferred form, and the noun deumuot occurs frequently in the oldest manuscript of Hartmann’s Gregorius, which is of Alemannic origin, dating from the first quarter of the thirteenth century.43 Klein sees this as a Bavarian form. In lines 3467–8, the impure rhyme bestreich : sweich occurs. This is probably an Alemannic trait. Other impure rhymes, as Klein points out, occur in the ‘Plus-Verse’, lines in B which do not occur in A, but the case Klein puts for these being exclusively Bavarian is not entirely convincing. Klein, following Wolff (note to 6854), argues that the word überlast (8251) does not occur elsewhere in Hartmann, and is of East German origin. The compound does not seem beyond Hartmann’s powers of invention, however, particularly as the verb überladen occurs twice in Iwein (1006; 1519), as do similar compounds such as überguldet (358), übertruoc (1400), überwunde (1519), überkraft (1535). Schneider admits the extreme difficulty of assigning an exact provenance to a manuscript in which normalisation has led to the avoiding of typical dialect features (p. 149). She argues tentatively in favour of the Alemannic consensus, on the basis of the absence of diphthongisation of î, û and iu, the presence of diphthongs such as iv and ov, and the Umlauts æ and œ. She suggests that these traits point to Swabia rather than the Lower Alemannic area. Ultimately, we appear to be a left with a ‘Schreibsprache’ which yields, despite the general tendency to avoid dialect forms in the interest of normalisation, considerable evidence of dialect contamination. The last word is perhaps best left with Wells: ‘UG literary dialects are distinguishable from most forms of Frk. at this time, but distinctions between Alem. and Bav. are less marked, suggesting a considerable degree of interaction’.44 The precise relationship between the language of the copying scribe and that of the author, chronologically close though they undoubtedly are in the case of Iwein B, remains an intractable problem. MANUSCRIPT B AND ITS SCRIBES Iwein B has 159 leaves; its format is small: 12.5 x 8.5cm. It was written by a single scribe in an elegant, small hand, in early Gothic minuscule. Some supplementary pages supply gaps in the text. These are the parchment folios 90, 90a, 91 and 92, and the paper leaf fol. 131. They are written by a second scribe who dates himself (or herself) exactly to 11 September 1531, stating modestly that the supplementary text has been copied out of an ‘old book’, and ‘perhaps much [is] wrong’. For these 42

Wells, p. 111. See note to 1569 below. 44 Wells, p. 110. 43

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parts of the text, this edition has relied upon what is now the standard, the seventh revision by Ludwig Wolff of the edition by G. F. Benecke and K. Lachmann. Illuminated initials in red, green, blue, violet and yellow punctuate the text. These are reflected by bold capitals in this edition. The first page is particularly splendid, with the initial on a base of gold leaf. On fol. 4r the capital K is of particular interest. A small light-blue initial is accorded a long green and red tail, at the bottom of which are two animals of uncertain identity, which appear to be glowering at one another. This probably anticipates Kalogreant’s encounter with the Wild Man of the Woods and his herd of exotic animals (401–9). The illuminator appears to be thinking ahead to fol. 8v. After fol. 79v the execution of the initials changes entirely, and perhaps a different illuminator took on the task. Often the initials are left as blank spaces. Otherwise a simple red, blue or brown ink is used. On fol. 158v, the penultimate folio, the illuminator attempts a final flourish in red ink, an S with a long tail; unfortunately the text at this point required an H. In contrast to the illuminator(s), the scribe of Iwein B is a master. He or she rarely makes errors, and shows a constant interest in the text that is being copied. For example, the scribe sometimes places points in mid-line to indicate pauses in the text’s syntax, showing an interest in punctuation which is rare in early thirteenthcentury manuscripts. The first letter of each line is written at a distance of two spaces from the word it introduces. This format is to be found in other manuscripts dating from the second quarter of the thirteenth century, such as the Munich Parzival (Cgm. 19) and Tristan (Cgm. 51).45 ADDITIONS AND OMISSIONS The standard edition of Iwein by Georg F. Benecke and Karl Lachmann conceals the considerable disparities between the two earliest complete manuscripts, A and B. These amount to several hundred divergences, a selection of which is presented by Joachim Bumke.46 The disparities relate both to individual formulations, and to substantial parts of the text. Of the latter, the most problematic is the reconciliation scene between Laudine and Iwein, in which Laudine falls at Iwein’s feet (Iwein B 8189–204; Lachmann/Wolff 8121–36); this scene, known as ‘Laudines Kniefall’,47 occurs only in B and dependant manuscripts, and has no source in Chrétien. It has two evident functions; it perpetuates and enforces the attempt to portray Laudine as a more sympathetic character which was already evident in A; secondly, it brings Iwein closer to Erec, which has a similar reconcilation scene between the two 45

See Deutsche Literatur des Mittelalters. Handschriften aus dem Bestand der Bayerischen Staatsbibliothek München mit Heinrich Wittenwilers >Ring< als kostbarer Neuerwerbung, catalogue by Ulrich Montag and Karin Schneider (Munich: Bayerische Staatsbibliothek, 2003), illus. 12a and 13a. 46 Joachim Bumke, Die vier Fassungen der ‘Nibelungenklage’. Untersuchungen zur Überlieferungsgeschichte und Textkritik der höfischen Epik im 13. Jahrhundert, Quellen und Forschungen zur Literatur- und Kulturgeschichte, 8 (242) (Berlin: Walter de Gruyter, 1996), pp. 33–42. 47 See Werner Schröder, ‘Laudines Kniefall und der Schluß von Hartmanns Iwein’, Akademie der Wissenschaften und der Literatur, Mainz, Abhandlungen der geistesund sozialwissenschaftlichen Klasse, 1997, 2.

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protagonists (6771–813).48 The divergences between the manuscripts, neither of which seems likely to be an autograph, open the field, however, to a variety of differing interpretations. There are three levels on which omissions and additions can take place: they may be the work of the author, a redactor, or a scribe. It is always possible, of course, that two or more of these levels are in operation. Konrad Zwieržina recognised these possibilities; he wrote that it was possible that the audience objected to Laudine’s arrogance in the older versions and compelled the poet to make changes, but that, on the other hand, the new reconciliation scene might have been the independent work of a scribe.49 As Tony Hunt has remarked, ‘this passage does not fit into its context as comfortably as some would wish’.50 The ‘Kniefall’ scene is discussed in detail by Werner Schröder, who argues that it is the work of a later redactor, working not long after Hartmann’s death, who was deeply immersed in Hartmann’s work.51 Schröder does not, however, adduce convincing evidence for the existence of this redactor. Bumke places the redaction in a wider context, and argues that, from the late twelfth-century Eneide of Heinrich von Veldeke onwards, the early stages in the transmission of MHG narrative works are characterised by the existence of parallel versions, which must have been developed in the proximity of the author.52 The other five substantial deviations from the A text all occur in the final quarter of the narrative; none of them were incorporated into the Lachmann/Wolff editions:53 (i) the expansion of the weaving scene (6205–10; after L/W 6204), further detailing the activities of the captive ladies. The German text goes into much more detail than Chrétien here, both in the A and B versions. (ii) 6850-877 (after L/W 6854): the reluctance of the captive ladies to return to their place of imprisonment. There are some corresponding lines in Chrétien.54 (iii) 6903-44 (after L/W 6874): a comment on the various hosts with whom Iwein lodges. There are, 48

On the relationship to Erec, see Monika Unzeitig-Herzog, ‘Überlegungen zum Erzählschluß im Artusroman’, in: Erzählstrukturen der Artusliteratur. Forschungsgeschichte und neue Ansätze, ed. by Friedrich Wolfzettel and Peter Ihring (Tübingen: Niemeyer, 1999), 232–53 (p. 239). Unzeitig-Herzog remains uncommitted as to whether the changes are ‘primär’ or ‘sekundär’. 49 Konrad Zwieržina, ‘Allerlei Iweinkritik’, Zeitschrift für deutsches Altertum, 40 (1896), 225–42 (p. 235). 50 Tony Hunt, ‘Beginnings, Middles, and Ends: Some Interpretative Problems in Chretien’s Yvain and Its Medieval Adaptations’, in The Craft of Fiction. Essays in Medieval Poetics, ed. by Leigh A. Arrathoon (Rochester, Michigan: Solaris Press, 1984), 83–117 (p. 106). 51 Schröder, p. 30. 52 Bumke, p. 81. 53 Bumke, pp. 36–7, and note 154. Additions amounting to a couplet or less have not been considered here. 54 See Bumke, p. 40.

Disclaimer: Some images in the printed version of this book are not available for inclusion in the eBook. To view the image on this page please refer to the printed version of this book.

University Library, Gießen, Nr. 97, fol. 4r: initial with the Wild Man’s animals warring with one another at its base. Permission acknowledgement: Universitätsbibliothek Gießen

Iwein or The Knight with the Lion

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Swer an rehte güete wendet sîn gemüete, dem volget sælde und êre. Des gît gewisse lêre künech Artûs der guote, der mit rîters muote nâch lobe kunde strîten. Er hât bî sînen zîten gelebt also schône daz er der êren krône dô truoc, und noch sîn nam treit. Des habent die wârheit sîne lantliute: si jehent, er lebe noch hiute. Er hât den lop erworben, ist im der lîp erstorben, sô lebt doch iemer sîn nam. er ist lasterlîcher scham iemer vil gar erwert, der noch nâch sînem site vert. Ein rîter der gelêrt was und ez an den buochen las, swenner sîne stunde niht baz bewenden chunde, daz er ouch tihtens pflac – daz man gerne hœren mac, dâ chêrt er sînen vlîz an. Er was genant Hartman und was ein Ouwære: der tihte diz mære. Ez het der künech Artûs ze Karidôl in sîn hûs zeinen pfingesten geleit nâch rîcher gewonheit eine alsô schœne hôchzît, daz er dâ vor noch sît deheine schœner nie gewan. Deiswâr dâ was ein bœser man in vil swachem werde, wande sich gesamenten ûf der erde

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I KALOGREANT’S ADVENTURE IN THE FOREST OF BROCELIANDE If a man applies his mind to true kindness,1 heavenly bliss and honour will accrue to him. King Arthur the Good gives true teaching of this, he who, with his knightly disposition, knew how to strive for praise. He lived in his times in such splendour that he then wore honour’s crown, and his name does still. The proof of this is upheld by his fellow-countrymen: they claim he is still alive today. He has won such repute that, though his body be dead, his name will, nevertheless, live forever. That man will be forever entirely safe from dishonourable disgrace who even today follows his ways. A knight who was learned and read in books, when he could not spend his time in any better way, also practised poetry. He applied his industry to that which people may gladly hear. He was named Hartmann and was of the Ouwe family: he composed this tale. King Arthur had arranged in his castle at Cærdœl2 one Whitsuntide, in accordance with his sumptuous custom, such a splendid festivity that never before nor since did he hold any more splendid. Truly, a base man was held in very low esteem there, for nowhere on this earth were assembled

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German Romance III bî niemens zîten anderswâ sô manech guot rîter als dâ. ouch wart in dâ ze lône gegebn in allen wîs ein wunschlebn. In liebet den hof und den lîp manech magt unde wîp, die schœnsten von den rîchen. Mich jâmert wærlîchen, und hulfez iht, ich woldez clagen, daz nû bî unsern tagen selch freude niemer werden mac, der man ze den zîten pflac. Doch müezzen wir ouch nû genesn – ichn wolde dô niht sîn gewesn, daz ich nû niht enwære, dâ uns noch mit ir mære sô rehte wol wesen sol – dâ taten in diu werch vil wol. Artûs und diu künegîn, ir ietwederz under in, sich ûf ir aller willen fleiz. Dô man des pfingestages enbeiz, mænneclîch im die freude nam, der in dô aller beste gezam. Dise sprâchen wider diu wîp, dise banechten den lîp, dise tanzten, dise sungen, dise lieffen, dise sprungen, dise hôrten seitspil, dise schuzzen zuo dem zil,3 dise redten von seneder arbeit, dise von manheit. Gâwein ahte umbe wâfen. Key legte sich slâfen ûf den sal under in. Ze gemache âne êre stuont sîn sin. Der künech und diu künegîn, die heten sich ouch under in ze handen gevangen und wâren ensamt gegangen in eine chemnâten dâ, und heten sich slâfen sâ mêr durch geselleschaft geleit, danne durch deheine trâcheit.

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Iwein anywhere else, in any man’s times, so many good knights as there. Moreover, they were given as a reward there a perfect way of life in every respect. The court and their persons were endeared to them by many a maiden and woman, the fairest in the realms. I grieve, in all truth, and, if it were to help at all, I would lament the fact that now, in our days, such joy can never again be possible as that in which they indulged in those times. Yet we, too, must now live on – I would not have liked to have existed then at the expense of existing now, since now we can still derive such truly great pleasure from tales about them – then it was their deeds that gave them much pleasure. Arthur and the Queen, both being amongst them, attended to everyone’s wishes. When they had eaten that Whit Day, many a man took such pleasure as then suited him best of all. Some conversed with the women, some exercised themselves, some danced, some sang, some ran, some leapt, some listened to the playing of string instruments, some shot at the target, some spoke of love’s sorrows, some of valour. Gawein attended to his arms. Kay laid himself down to sleep, in the middle of the hall amongst them all: his inclination was towards ease without honour. The King and the Queen had, for their part, taken one another by the hand and had gone together into a chamber there, and had at once lain down to sleep – more for company’s sake than because of any weariness.

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German Romance III Sî entslieffen beidiu schiere. Dô gesâzen rîter viere, Dôdînes und Gâwein, Segremors und Îwein – ouch was gelegen dâ bî der zuhtlôse Key4 – ûzzerhalp bî der want. der sehste was Kâlogrêant. Der begunde in sagen ein mære von grôzzer sîner swære und von deheiner sîner frümcheit. Dô er noch lützel het geseit, dô erwachte diu künegîn und hôrte sîn sagen hin în. Sî lie ligen den künech ir man und stal sich von im dan, und gesleich zuo in sô lîse dar, daz es ir deheiner wart gewar, unz si in chom vil nâhen bî, und viel enmitten under sî, niuwan eine Kâlogrêant – der spranch engegen ir ûf zehant. Er neic ir und enpfie sî. Dô erzeicte aber Key sîn alte gewonheit – im was des mannes êre leit, und beruoft in drumbe sêre, und sprach im an sîn êre. Er sprach: ‘Herre Kâlogrêant, uns was ouch ê daz wol erchant, daz under uns niemen wære sô höfsch und als êrbære als ir wænt daz ir sît. Des lâzen wir iu den strît vor allen iuwern gesellen, ob wir selbe wellen. Iuch dunchet des man suln iu lân. Ouch solz mîn frouwe dâ für hân, si tæte iu anders gewalt. Iuwer zuht ist sô manecfalt, und ir dunchet iuch sô volchomen – deiswâr ir habt iuch an genomen irn wizzet hiute waz. Unser deheiner was so laz,

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Iwein They both soon fell asleep. Meanwhile four knights had sat down: Dodines and Gawein, Segremors and Iwein – lying by them there was also the ill-bred Kay – outside the chamber, by the wall. The sixth was Kalogreant. He began to tell them a tale of great hardship on his part, and of no credit to his valour. When he had, as yet, told but little, the Queen then awoke and heard his recital, as it came in through the wall. She left the King, her husband, lying there and stole away from him, and crept so quietly in amongst them there that none of them noticed it until she had come quite close to them, and dropped down amongst them, with the sole exception of Kalogreant – he leapt up towards her at once. He bowed to her and welcomed her. Then Kay again revealed his old custom: the honour that fell to the man displeased him, and he spoke against him with great intensity and assailed his reputation. He said: ‘Sir Kalogreant, we were, indeed, well acquainted before with the fact that no-one amongst us was so courteous and so reputable as you imagine yourself to be. We will yield as much to you before all your companions, if we are so inclined. You believe that is your due. My Lady ought to accept this too, or she would be doing you wrong. Your good breeding is so manifold and you seem to yourself so perfect – truly, you have taken upon yourself you don’t know what today. None of us was so idle that,

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German Romance III heter die künegîn ersehn, im enwære diu selbe zuht geschehn, diu dâ iu einem geschach. Sît unser deheiner sî ne sach, ode swie wir des vergâzen, daz wir stille gesâzen, dô möht ouch ir gesezzen sîn.’ Des antwurt im diu künegîn. Sî sprach: ‘Key, daz ist dîn site, und enschadest niemen mê dâ mite danne dû dir selbem tuost, daz dû den iemer hazzen muost, dem dehein êre geschiht. Dû verlâst dîns nîdes niht, daz gesinde noch die geste – der bœste ist dir der beste, und der beste der bœste. Eins dinges ich dich trœste: daz man dirz iemer wol vertreit, daz chumt von dîner gewonheit, daz dûs die bœsen alle erlâst, und daz dû haz ze den frumen hâst. Dîn schelten ist ein prîsen wider alle die wîsen. Dûne hetest diz gesprochen, dû wærest benamen zebrochen, und wære daz weizgot vil wol, wan dû bist bitters eiters vol, dâ dîn herze inne swebt und wider dîn êre strebt.’ Key den zorn niht vertruoc. Er sprach: ‘Frouwe, ez ist gnuoc. ir habt mirs ouch ze vil gesagt, und het irs ein teil verdagt, daz zæme iuwerm namen wol. Ich enpfâhe gerne als ich sol iuwer zuht und iuwer meisterschaft, doch hât sî alze grôzze kraft. Ir sprechet alze sêre den rîtern an ir êre. Wir wârens an iu ungewon – ir werdet unwert dervon. Ir strâfet mich als einen kneht. Gnâde ist bezzer danne reht.

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Iwein if he had beheld the Queen, the same act of courtesy would not have fallen to him, which fell to you alone. Since none of us saw her – or however it came about that we neglected it and remained sitting still – you, too, might have remained seated.’ The Queen replied to him, saying: ‘Kay, it is your custom, and you harm no-one more by it than you do yourself, that you must always bear hatred towards a man to whom any honour falls. You do not spare any malice either towards the household, or to the guests – the most base is the best to you, and the best the most base. On one count I will console you: that such behaviour on your part is always well tolerated is because of your custom of always sparing the base, and bearing enmity towards the worthy. Your scolding amounts to praise in the eyes of all the wise. If you hadn’t spoken these words you would indeed have burst, and that would have been a good thing, God knows, for you are full of bitter poison, in which your heart floats and acts against your honour.’ Kay could not put up with such anger. He said: ‘Lady, that is enough. Indeed, you have said too much to me of this, and if you had suppressed it somewhat, it would have befitted well your good name. I accept, willingly, as I ought, your discipline and your guidance, but it has too much intensity by far. You rebuke knights too harshly with regard to their honour. We were not accustomed to such behaviour on your part – you yourself lose honour thereby. You punish me like a servant. Mercy is better than justice.

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German Romance III Ichn hân iu selhes niht getân, irn moht mich wol lebn lân, und wære mîn schulde grœzzer iht, sô belîbe mir der lîp niht. Frouwe, habt gnâde mîn und lât sus grôzzen zorn sîn. Iuwer zorn ist ungnædeclich: niene brechet iuwer zuht durch mich. Mîn laster wil ich vertragen, daz ir ruochet gedagen. Ich chum nach mînen schulden gerne ze sînen hulden. Nû bit in sîn mære, des ê begunnen wære durch iuwer liebe volsagen. Man mac vil gerne vor iu dagen.’ Sus antwurte Kâlogrêant: ‘Ez ist umbe iuch sô gewant, daz iu daz niemen merchen sol, sprechet ir anders danne wol. Mir ist ein dinch wol kunt: ezn sprichet niemens munt, wan als in sin herze lêret. Swen iuwer zunge unêret, dâ ist daz herze schuldech an. In der werlde ist manech man falsch und wandelbære, der gerne biderbe wære, wan daz in sîn herze enlât. Swer iuch mit lêre bestât, deist ein verlorniu arbeit. Irn sult iuwer gewonheit durch niemen zebrechen. Der bumbel,5 der sol stechen. Ouch ist reht daz der mist stinche swâ der ist. Der hurnûz, der sol diezzen. Ichn möhte niht geniezzen iuwers lobes noch iuwer friuntschaft, wan iuwer rede hât niht kraft. Ouch enwil ich niht engelten, swaz ir mich mugt geschelten. Warumbe solt ir michs erlân? Ir habt ez tiurerm6 man getân.

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Iwein I have not affronted you so greatly that you ought not gladly to let me live, and if my guilt were any greater, then I would not survive! Lady, have mercy on me, and let such great anger be. Your anger is unmerciful – do not break with your good-breeding on my account. I shall put up with my disgrace, if you will deign to be silent. I would gladly, insofar as I bear any guilt in the matter, enter his good graces. Now request of him that the tale that had been begun before be, for your sake, recited to its end. People will be most willing to be silent in your presence.’ Kalogreant replied thus: ‘The way things are with you, no-one is supposed to notice if you speak in a manner that is other than correct. I know one thing well: no-one’s mouth speaks other than as his heart instructs him. If your tongue dishonours anyone, your heart is to blame for it. In this world there is many a man who is false and inconstant, who would willingly be honest, except that his heart does not let him. If anyone approaches you with good advice, that is a waste of time. You ought not, for anyone’s sake, to break with your custom. The bumble-bee has no choice but to sting. Moreover, it is right that manure stinks, wherever it be. The hornet has no choice but to buzz. I could not profit by your praise, nor by your friendship, for your speech has no power. Nor have I any wish to pay back any scolding you may have inflicted upon me. Why should you spare me? You have done as much to worthier men.

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German Romance III Doch sol man ze dirre zît, und iemer mêre swâ ir sît, mînes sagens enbern. Mîn frouwe sol mich des gewern, daz ichs mit ir hulden über sî.’ Dô sprach der herre Key: ‘Nu enlât disen herren mîne schulde niht gewerren, wan die ne hânt wider iuch niht getân. Mîne frouwe sol iuch niht erlân, irn sagt iuwer mære, wan ez niht reht wære, engulten sî alle mîn.’ Dô sprach diu künegîn: ‘Herre Kâlogrêant, nû ist iu selbem wol erchant, und sît gewahsen dâ mite, daz in sîne bœsen site vil ofte hânt entêret, und daz sich niemen chêret an deheinen sînen spot. Ez ist mîn bet und mîn gebot, daz ir saget iuwer mære, wan ez sîn freude wære, heter uns der rede erwant.’ Dô sprach Kâlogrêant: ‘Swaz ir gebiet, daz ist getân, sît ir michs niht welt erlân. Sô vernemt mit guotem site, unde miet mich dâ mite: ich sagiu deste gerner vil, ob manz ze rehte merken wil. Man verliuset michel sagen, man enwellez merchen unde dagen. Manger biut diu ôren dar – ern nemes ouch mit dem herzen war, sô ne wirt im niuwan der dôz, und ist der schade alze grôz, wan si verliesent beide ir arbeit, der dâ hœret und der dâ seit. Ir mugt mir deste gerner dagen, wan ichn wil iu deheine lüge sagen. Ez geschach mir, dâ von ist ez wâr, ez sint nû wol zehn jâr,

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Iwein Yet people shall on this occasion, and forever more in your presence, be spared my tale. My Lady must grant me that I be spared it, by her favour.’ Then Sir Kay said: ‘Now do not let these lords pay for my fault, for they have done nothing to offend you. My Lady shall not spare you from telling your tale, for it would not be right if all were to pay for my fault.’ Then the Queen said: ‘Sir Kalogreant, now it is well known to you, you having grown up with it, that his bad manners have very often dishonoured him, and that no-one pays any attention to his mockery. It is my request and my command that you tell your tale, for it would give him pleasure if he had robbed us of the story.’ Then Kalogreant said: ‘All that you command shall be done, since you will not spare me. Listen, then, with good demeanour, and reward me by so doing: I’ll be the more willing to tell you a great deal, if people will pay proper attention to it. Much story-telling is wasted if people will not take note and keep silent. Many a man keeps his ears open – unless he pays attention with his heart, he has nothing by it but the noise, and the loss is all too great, for they are both wasting their labour, both he who is listening there and he who is speaking. You have all the more reason to be silent before me, with good will, because I have no intention of telling you any lies. It befell me – which is why it is true – some ten years ago now

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German Romance III daz ich nâch âventiure reit, gewâfent nâch gewonheit, ze Brezziljân in den walt. Dâ wâren die wege manecfalt – dô kêrt ich nâch der zeswen hant ûf einen stîc, den ich dâ vant. Der was vil rûch und enge. Durch dorne und durch gedrenge sô fuor ich allen einen tac, daz ich für wâr wol sprechen mac, daz ich sô grôzze arbeit nie von ungeverte erleit; und dô ez an den âbent gienc, einen stîc ich dô gevienc – der truoc mich ûz der wilde, und chom an ein gevilde. Dem volget ich eine wîle, niht vol eine mîle, unz daz ich eine burch ersach. Dar chêrte ich dô durch mîn gemach. Sus reit ich gein dem bürgetor. Dâ stuont ein rîter vor. Er het, den ich dâ stênde vant, einen mûzzerhabech7 ûf sîner hant. Diz was des hûses herre, und als er mich von verre zuo im sach rîten, nû ne mohter niht erbîten, und enlie mir niht der muozze, daz ich zuo sînem gruozze volleclîche wære chomen, ern het mir ê genomen den zoum und den stegereif, und als er mich alsô begreif, dô enpfienc er mich schône, als im got iemer lône!8 Nû hienc ein tavel vor dem tor an zwein cheten enbor. Dâ sluoc er an daz ez erhal, und daz ez in die burch erschal. Darnâch was vil unlanch, unz daz dort her für spranc des wirtes samnunge, schœne unde junge,

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Iwein to ride in pursuit of adventure, armed as is customary, into the forest of Broceliande. There the paths led in many directions – then I headed to the right along a path I found there. It was very rough and narrow. Through thorns and through thick growth I thus travelled for the whole of a day, so that I may, indeed, truly say that I never suffered such great distress because of wayless lands, and when it came to the evening, I then took a path which led me out of the wilderness, and came to a field. I followed that path for not quite a mile, until I beheld a castle. Then I headed there in order to rest. Thus I rode up to the castle gate. Before it stood a knight. He whom I found standing there had an adult goshawk on his hand; this was that castle’s lord, and when he saw me, from a distance, riding towards him, he could not wait long enough and did not grant me sufficient leisure to ride all the way up to him to meet his greeting,9 before first taking from me my reins and stirrups, and when he had thus taken hold of me, he then welcomed me so splendidly that may God ever reward him for it! Now before the gate a metal plate hung down from two chains. He struck upon it so that it resounded, echoing into the castle. Thereafter it was not very long before there leapt forth the lord’s household – handsome and young

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German Romance III juncherren unde knehte, gecleit nâch ir rehte. Sie hiezzen mich willechomen sîn. Mîns rosses unde mîn wart vil guot war genomen, und vil schiere sach ich chomen, dô ich in die burch gie, eine junchfrouwen, diu mich enpfie. Ich gihe noch als ich dô jach, daz ich nie schœner kint gesach. Diu entwâfent mich, und einen schaden clagt ich – desn wunder niemen – daz der wâfenriemen alsô rehte lützel ist, daz sî niht lenger frist mit mir solde umbe gân. Ez was ze schiere getân – ichn ruochte und soldez iemer sîn. Ein scharlaches mæntelîn, daz gap sî mir an. Ich unsæliger man, daz sî mîn ouge ie gesach, dô uns ze scheiden geschach! Wir zwei belîben eine. Nû verstuont sich wol diu reine, daz ich gerne bî ir was. An ein daz schœnste gras, daz diu werlt ie gewan, dâ fuorte si mich an, ein wenech von den liuten baz. Daz liez ich weizgot âne haz. Hie vant ich wîsheit bî der jugent, grôzze schœne und ganze tugent. Sî saz mir güetlîchen bî, und swaz ich sprach, daz hôrte sî, und antwurt es mit güete. Ezn betwanch mîn gemüete, noch bechumbert mînen lîp nie sô sêre magt noch wîp, und getuot ouch lîhte niemer mê. Ouwê iemer und ouwê! Waz mir dô freuden benam ein bot, der von dem wirte quam!

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Iwein squires and pages, dressed according to their degree. They bade me be welcome. My charger and I were cared for very well, and very soon I saw approaching, as I entered the castle, a damsel who welcomed me. I say still, as I said then, that I never saw a more beautiful maiden. She disarmed me, and I lamented one loss in particular – let no-one wonder at this – that there are so very few armour-straps that she was not to occupy herself with me for any longer period. It was done too quickly – I would not have minded if it had lasted forever. She gave me a little scarlet cloak to wear. A curse upon me that my eyes ever beheld her, when it afterwards happened that we parted! We two remained alone. Now the pure maiden realised that I liked being in her presence. She led me to one of the most beautiful lawns that the world ever met with, a little apart from the people. I had no objection to that, God knows. Here I found wisdom alongside youth, great beauty and intact virtue. She sat beside me, graciously, and whatever I said, she listened to, and replied to it with grace. Never was my mind oppressed nor my person troubled so intensely by a maiden or a woman, nor will any ever be so again, I imagine. Alas and alack, for ever! What joy I was deprived of there by a messenger who came from the castle’s lord!

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German Romance III Der hiez uns beidiu ezzen gân. Dô muose ich freude und rede lân. Dô ich mit ir ze tische gienc, der wirt mich anderstunt enpfienc. Ezn gebôt nie wirt mêre sînem gaste grœzzer êre. Er tet den stîgen und den wegen vil manigen güetlîchen segen, die mich gewîset heten dar. Hie mit überguldet erz gar, daz er mich ir nie verstiez, und mich sô güetlîchen hiez mit der junchfrouwen ezzen. Ouch enwart dâ niht vergezzen, wir ne heten alles des die kraft, daz man dâ heizzet wirtschaft. Man gap uns spîse, diu was guot, dazuo den willigen muot. Dô wir mit freuden gâzen, und dânâch gesâzen, und ich im daz het geseit, daz ich nâch âventiure reit, des wundert in vil sêre, und jach daz im nie mêre dehein der gast wære chomen, von dem er daz het vernomen, daz er âventiure suochte, und bat daz ich des geruochte, swenne ich den wec dâ wider rite, daz ich in danne niene mite. Dâ wider het ich deheinen strît – ich lobt ez unde leist ez sît. Dô slâfens zît wart, dô gedâht ich an mîne vart, und dô ich niene wolde, noch belîben solde, dô wart der rîterlîchen magt von mir gnâde gesagt ir guoten handelunge. Diu süezze und diu junge, diu lachet unde neic mir. Seht, dô muose ich von ir. Daz gesinde bevalch ich got. Ze mîns wirtes gebot

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Iwein He bade us both go and eat. At that I had to abandon delight and converse. When I went with her to table, the host welcomed me a second time. Never did any host proffer his guest greater honour. He gave full many a gracious blessing to the paths and ways that had led me there. He capped this entirely by never thrusting me away from her, but so graciously bidding me eat with the damsel. Nor was anything neglected there, but we had an abundance of all that is termed hospitality. We were given food, which was good, and along with it a willing spirit. When we had eaten with pleasure and sat down thereafter, and I had told him that I was riding in pursuit of adventure, he was greatly amazed at that, and said that never before had any stranger come before him, from whom he had heard that he was in pursuit of adventure, and requested that I should be so kind, if I chanced to ride back that way, as not to avoid him, then, on any account. With that I had no quarrel – I vowed as much and carried out the vow afterwards. When it was time for sleeping, I then thought about my journey, and as I neither wished nor ought to remain there, I then thanked the chivalrous maiden for her kind treatment of me. That sweet and young maiden smiled and bowed to me. Behold, I then had to leave her. I commended the household to God. I repeatedly commended myself

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German Romance III dâ bôt ich mich vil ofte zuo. Dannen schiet ich und reit vil fruo ze walde von gevilde. Dâ râmt ich der wilde und vant nâch mitten morgen, in dem walde verborgen, ein breitez geriute, âne die liute. Dâ gesach ich mir vil leide eine swære ougenweide: aller der tiere hande, die man mir ie genande, vehten unde ringen mit eislîchen dingen. Dâ vâhten mit grimme, mit griulîcher stimme wisent unde ûrrinder. Dô gehabt ich hinder, und rou mich daz ich dar was chomen, und heten sî mîn wâr genomen, sô ne triuwet ich mich anders niht erwern, wan ich bat mich got nern. Von in wolt ich gerne dan. Dô gesach ich sitzen einen man, in10 almitten under in. Daz getrôste mir den sin. Dô ich im aber nâher quam, und ich sîn rehte war genam, dô forht ich in alsô sêre sam diu tier ode mêre. Sîn menschlîch gebilde was anders harte wilde. Er was einem Môre gelîch, michel und als eislîch, daz ez niemen geloubet. Zwâre im was sîn houbet grœzzer danne einem ûre. Ez het der gebûre ein ragendez hâr, ruoz var – daz was im vaste unde gar verwalchen zuo der swarte an houpte und an barte. Sin antlütze was wol ellen breit, mit grôzzen runzen beleit.

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Iwein to my host’s command. I departed, riding off very early into the woods, away from the fields. There I headed for the wild country, and found, after mid-morning, hidden in the forest, a broad clearing, devoid of people. There I saw, to my great distress, a most oppressive sight: all the species of animals which had ever been named to me fighting and wrestling horrendously. There bisons and aurochses fought with ferocity, with horrible cries. Then I halted, at a distance, regretting that I had ever gone there, and if they had perceived me, then I would not have trusted to defend myself, other than by beseeching God to save me. I wanted to get away from them. Then I saw a man sitting in the very midst of them all, which consoled my mind. Yet when I came closer to him and had a good look at him, I was as sorely afraid of him as of the animals, or more so. His appearance, albeit human, was otherwise extremely wild. He was like a Moor, huge and so terrifying that no-one will believe it. In all truth, his head was bigger than that of an aurochs. That peasant had projecting hair, soot-coloured; it was firmly and entirely matted down to his scalp, about his head and beard. His countenance was perhaps an ell broad, covered in huge wrinkles.

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German Romance III Ouch wâren im diu ôren als einem walttôren vermieset zwâre mit spannelangem hâre, breit als ein wanne. Dem ungefüegen manne wâren gran unde brâ lanch, rûch unde grâ, diu nase als einem ohsen grôz, kurz, wît, niender blôz, daz antlütze dürre unde flach – ouwî wie eislîche er sach! – diu ougen rôt, zorn var. Der munt het im gar bêdenthalp den wangen mit wîte bevangen. Er was starch, und gezan als ein eber, niht als ein man. Ûzzerhalp des mundes tür, dâ râgten sî her für, lanch, scharpf, grôz, breit. Im was dez11 houpt sô geleit, daz im sîn rûhez kinnebein gewahsen zuo den brüsten schein. Sîn rücke was im ûf gezogen, hoveroht und ûz gebogen. Er truoc an seltsæniu cleit: zwô hiute het er an geleit. Die het er in niuwen stunden zwein tieren abe geschunden. Er truoc einen kolben als grôz, daz mich dâ bî im verdrôz. Dô ich im sô nâhen quam, daz er mîn wol war genam, zehant sach ich in ûf stân unde nâhen zuo mir gân. Weder wider mich sîn muot wære bœse ode guot, desn weste ich niht die wârheit, und was iedoch ze wer bereit. Weder ern sprach noch ich. Dô er sweic, dô versach ich mich, daz er ein stummer wære, und bat mir sagen mære.

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Iwein Moreover his ears were like those of a wild man of the woods, mossed over, truly, with hair a span in length, broad as a winnowing-fan. That uncouth man’s beard and eyebrows were long, rough and grey; his nose as big as an ox’s, short, wide, hairy all over, his countenance sallow and flat – oh how horrible he looked! – his eyes red and angry-looking, his mouth taking up the whole of both his cheeks in its width. He was mighty, and had teeth like a boar’s, not a man’s; out beyond the gate of his mouth they projected, long, sharp, big, broad. His head was so positioned that his rough chin-bone seemed to grow down to his chest. His back was raised, hunched and bent outwards. He wore strange clothing: he had put on two skins. He had recently skinned those from two animals. He carried a club that was so big that I was uncomfortable in his presence. When I came so close to him that he could perceive me clearly, I saw him rise to his feet at once, and walk close up to me. Whether his intentions towards me were evil or good I did not know for certain, but I was ready to defend myself. Neither he nor I spoke. When he kept silent, I imagined that he was a mute, and asked him to tell me tidings.

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German Romance III Ich sprach: “Bistû übel ode guot?” Er sprach: “Swer mir niene tuot, der sol ouch mich ze friunde hân.” “Mahtû mich danne wizzen lân, waz crêâtiure bistû?” “’Ein man als dû gesihest nû.” “Nû sage mir waz dîn ampt sî.” “Dâ stên ich disen tieren bî.” “Nû sage mir, tuont sî dir iht?” “Sî lobtenz, tæte ich in niht!” “Entriuwen, fürhtent sî dich?” “Ich pflige ir und sî fürhtent mich als ir meister und ir herren.” “Sage, waz mac in gewerren dîn meisterschaft und dîn huote, sîne louffen nâch ir muote ze walde und ze gevilde, wan ich sihe wol, sî sint wilde – sîne erchennent man noch sîn gebot. Ichn wânde niht daz âne got der gewalt iemen töhte, der sî betwingen möhte âne slôz und âne bant.” Er sprach: “Mîn zunge und mîn hant, mîn bet unde mîn drô, die hânt mir sî gemachet sô, daz sî bibende vor mir stânt, und durch mich tuont unde lânt. Swer ouch anders under in solde sîn als ich bin, der wære schiere verlorn.” “Herre, fürhtent sî dînen zorn, sô gebiut in fride her ze mir.” Er sprach: “Niene fürhte dir. Sine tuont dir bî mir dehein leit. Nû hân ich dir vil gar geseit, swes dû geruochtest frâgen – nû ne sol dich niht betrâgen, dû ne sagest mir waz dû suochest. Ob dû iht von mir geruochest, daz ist allez getân.” Ich sprach: “Ich wil dichz wizzen lân: ich suoche âventiure.” Dô sprach der ungehiure:

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Iwein I said: “Are you evil or good?” He said: “If a man does me no harm, he shall have me as his friend.” “Can you tell me, then, what kind of creature you are?” “A man, as you now behold.” “Now tell me what your office is.” “I stand guard over these animals here.” “Now tell me, do they do you no harm?” “They would praise it, if I did them no harm!” “Indeed, are they afraid of you?” “‘I have custody over them and they fear me as their lord and master.” “Tell me, how can your authority over them and your surveillance prevent them from running, at their will, into the woods and fields, for I can see clearly that they are wild – they do not recognise man, nor his command. I didn’t believe that, apart from God, such power would beseem anyone that he might have control over them without lock and without fetters.” He said: “My tongue and my hand, my entreaties and my threats, have put them in such a state that they stand quaking before me, and act or desist as I desire. Indeed, if anyone else were to be amongst them as I am, he would soon be doomed.” “Lord, if they fear your wrath, then command them to keep truce with me.” He said: “Do not be afraid. They will do you no harm in my presence. Now I have told you in full all you deigned to ask – now you must not be reluctant to tell me what you are seeking. If you desire anything of me, it will all be accomplished.” I said: “I will tell you: I am seeking adventure.” Then the monster said:

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German Romance III “Âventiure? Waz ist daz?” “Daz wil ich dir bescheiden baz: Nû sich wie ich gewâfent bin: ich heizze ein rîter und hân den sin, daz ich suochende rîte einen man der mit mir strîte, und der gewâfent sî als ich. Daz prîset in, und sleht er mich. Gesige aber ich im an, Sô hât man mich für einen man, und wirde werder danne ich sî. Sî dir nû verre ode bî chunt umbe selhe wâge iht, daz verswîc mich niht, unde wîse mich dar, wandich nâch anders niene var.” Alsus antwurt er mir dô: “Sît dîn gemüete stêt alsô, daz dû nâch ungemache strebest, und niht gerne sanfte lebest – ichn gehôrte bî mînen tagen selhes nie niht gesagen, waz âventiure wære – doch sagich dir ein mære: wil dû den lîp wâgen, sô ne darftû niht mê frâgen. Hie ist ein brunne nâhen bî. über kurzer mîle drî. Zwâre unde chumestû dar, und tuostû im sîn reht gar, und tuostû die widerchêre âne grôzze dîn unêre, sô bistû wol ein frum man – dâne zwîfel ich niht an. Waz frumt ob ich dir mêr sage? Ich weiz wol, und bistû niht ein zage, sô gesihestû wol in kurzer frist selbe waz diu rede ist. Noch hœre waz sîn reht sî: dâ stêt ein kapel bî, diu ist schœne und aber chleine. Kalt und vil reine ist der selbe brunne. In rüeret regen noch sunne,

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Iwein “Adventure? What is that?” “I will explain it to you further: Now see how I am armed: I am called a knight, and my intention is to ride in search of a man who will fight with me, and who is armed like I am. It will honour him, if he slays me, but if I vanquish him, then I will be held to be a man, and will be of greater worth than I am now. If, now, you know, near or far, of such a venture at all, then do not conceal it from me, but direct me there, for that is the sole purpose of my journey.” He then replied as follows: “Since you are so minded that you strive towards hardship, and do not wish to live a life of comfort – I never heard tell in all my days of such a thing as might be ‘adventure’ – nevertheless I shall tell you tidings – if you wish to risk your life, you have no need to ask further. There is a fountain near here, some three short miles away. Truly, if you arrive there, and carry out the law of that fountain entirely, and make your return, without dishonouring yourself greatly, then you are indeed a valiant man – I have no doubt about that. What use is it if I tell you more about it? I know full well, if you are not a coward, then you will see clearly for yourself, in a short time, the nature of the business. Yet, hear what the law of the fountain is: a chapel stands by it which is beautiful, although small That same fountain is cold and most pure Neither rain nor sun touches it,

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German Romance III noch entrüebent in die winde. Des schirmet im ein linde, daz man nie schœner gesach. Diu ist sîn schat und sîn dach. Sî ist breit, hoch, und als diche, daz regen, noch der sunnen bliche niemer dar durch enchumt. Irn schadet der winder noch frumt an ir schœne niht ein hâr, sî ne stê geloubet durch daz jâr, und ob dem brunne stêt ein harte zierlîcher stein, undersazt mit vieren marmelînen tieren. Der ist gelöchert vaste. Ez hanget von einem aste von golde ein beche her abe. Jâ ne wæn ich niht daz iemen habe dehein bezzer golt danne ez sî. Diu cheten dâ ez hanget bî, diu ist ûz silber geslagen. Wil dû danne niht verzagen, sô ne tuo dem beche niht mê: giuz ûf den stein, der dâ stê, dâmit des brunne ein teil. Deiswâr sô hâstû guot heil, gescheidestû mit êren dan.” Hin wîste mich der waltman einen stîc ze der winstern hant. Ich fuor des endes unde vant der rede eine wârheit, als er mir het geseit. Ich vant dâ grôz êre: man gehœret niemer mêre, diu werlt stê kurz ode lanc, sô wünneclîchen vogelsanc, als ich ze der linden vernam, dô ich derzuo geriten quam. Der ie gewesn wære ein tôtriuwesære, des herze wære dâ gefreut. Sî was mit vogeln bestreut, daz ich der este schîn verlôs, und ouch des loubes lützel chôs.

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Iwein nor do the winds sully it. It is protected against this by a lime tree, more beautiful than any man ever saw. The linden is its shade and covering. It is broad, high, and so thick that neither rain nor the sun’s glances ever penetrate it. Winter neither harms nor impinges upon its beauty a jot, but it stands in leaf throughout the year; and above the fountain stands a most elegant stone, supported by four marble beasts. It is pierced by many holes. From a branch above it hangs a goblet of gold. Indeed, I do not believe that anyone possesses any more precious gold than that. The chain by which it hangs is beaten of silver. If you do not then wish to act the coward, then do no more to the goblet, but pour with it some of the spring-water onto the stone that stands there. Truly, you will be most fortunate if you depart from there with honour.’ The woodman pointed out to me a path that led up to the left. I rode in that direction and found all that he had told me to be true. I found great splendour there: never more will be heard, whether the world lasts for a short or a long time, such delightful birdsong as I heard by that lime-tree when I came riding up to it. Even the heart of a man who had forever been miserable to the point of death would have been cheered. The linden was so covered in birds, that I lost sight of the branches, nor could I see much of the foliage.

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German Romance III Derne wâren zwêne niender gelîch. Ir gesanch was als mislîch, hôch unde nider. Die stimme gap in wider mit gelîchem galme der walt. Wie dâ sanch gesange galt! Den brunnen ich darunder sach, und swes mir der waltman verjach. Ein smâreides was der stein – ûz iegelîchem orte schein ein als gelpfer rûbîn, der morgensterne möhte sîn niht schœner swenner ûf gât, und in des luftes trüebe lât. Dô ich daz beche hangende vant, dô gedâht ich des zehant, sît ich nâch âventiure reit, ez wære ein unmanheit, ob ich dô daz verbære, ichn versuochte waz ez wære, und riet mir mîn unwîser muot, der mir vil ofte schaden tuot, daz ich gôz ûf den stein. Dô erlasch diu sunne, diu ê schein, und zergie daz vogelsanc, als ez ein swærez weter twanc. Diu wolchen begunden in den selben stunden in vier enden ûf gân. Der liehte tac wart getân, daz ich die linden chûme gesach. Grôz ungnâde hie geschach. Vil schiere dô gesach ich in allen enden umbe mich, wol tûsent tûsent bliche. Darnâch sluoc als diche ein als kreftiger donreslac, daz ich ûf der erde gelac. Sich huop ein hagel und ein regen – wan daz mich der gotes segen friste von des weters nôt, ich wære der wîle diche tôt. Daz weter wart als ungemach, daz ez den walt nider brach.

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Iwein No two of the birds were the same. Their song was just as diverse, high and low. The forest gave their voices back to them with an identical echo. How song repaid song there! I saw the fountain below it, and all that the woodman had told me. The stone was an emerald – from its every edge shone a ruby so yellow that the morning star could not be any more beautiful when it ascends and leaves behind it the air’s mirk. When I found the goblet hanging there, then I thought at once, since I was riding in pursuit of adventure, it would be unmanly if I were then to forbear to essay what might come about, and my unwise mind, which very often does me harm, counselled me to pour water upon the stone. Then the sun which had shone before was extinguished and the birdsong disappeared, compelled to do so by a heavy storm. The clouds began at the same time to ascend in all four directions. The bright day took on such a nature that I could scarcely see the lime tree. Great misfortune befell there. Very soon I then beheld, in all directions about me, perhaps a thousand thousand flashes of lightning. Thereafter there struck just as often such a mighty thunderclap that I fell to the ground. There arose a hailstorm and rain – if God’s blessing had not protected me against that storm’s peril, I would have been dead more than once in that time. The storm became so severe that it tore down the wood.

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German Romance III Was iender ein boum dâ sô grôz, der dâ bestuont, der wart sô blôz und des loubes als lære, als er verbrunnen wære. Swaz lebte in dem walde, ez entrünne danne balde, daz was dâ zehant tôt. Ich het von des weters nôt mich des lîbes begebn, und ahte niht ûf mîn lebn, und wære ouch sunder zwîfel tôt, wan daz der hagel und diu nôt in kurzer wîle gelac, und begunde liehten der tac. Dô disiu freise zergienc und ze weter gevienc, wære ich gewesn für wâr bî dem brunnen zehn jâr, ichn begüzze in niemer mê, wan ich hetez baz gelâzen ê. Die vogel chomen wider. Ez wart von ir gevider diu linde anderstunt bedaht. Sî huoben aber ir süezzen braht, und sungen verre baz danne ê. Mirne wart dâ vor nie sô wê, desn wære nû vergezzen. Alsus het ich besezzen daz ander paradyse. Die selben freude ich prîse für alle, die ich ie gesach. Jâ wândich freude âne ungemach, unangestlîchen iemer hân. Seht, dô trouc mich mîn wân! Mir nâhte laster unde leit: nû seht wâ dort her reit ein rîter, des geverte was grimme und als herte, daz ich des wânde, ez wære ein her. Iedoch bereite ich mich ze wer. Sîn ros was starch, er selbe grôz, des ich vil lützel dâ genôz! Sîn stimme lûte sam ein horn. Ich sach wol, im was ûf mich zorn.

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Iwein If there was any tree so big there that it survived, it became as bare and naked of its leaves as if it had been burned. All that lived in the wood, if it did not run off quickly, was dead on the spot. Because of the perilous storm, I would have given up and abandoned all hope of life, and, indeed, would doubtless be dead, if the hail and the peril had not shortly subsided, and the day begun to brighten again. When this danger had passed, and fair weather resumed, truly, even if I had been ten years by that fountain, never again would I have poured water upon it, for it would have been better if I had left it alone before. The birds returned. The lime-tree was once again covered by their plumage. Again they began their sweet sound, and sang far better than before. Much as I had suffered previously, all that was forgotten now. Thus I had taken possession of a second Paradise. I praise that same joy above any I ever saw. Indeed, I imagined that joy, without distress would be mine, without peril, forever. Behold, my illusion deceived me then! Disgrace and suffering drew near to me: see now where there rode up a knight, whose demeanour was so fierce and grim that I imagined he was a whole army. Still, I readied myself for defence. His charger was sturdy, he himself huge, and I profited very little by that there! His voice sounded as loud as a horn. I clearly perceived that he was angry with me,

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German Romance III Als ab ich in einen sach, mîn forhte und mîn ungemach wart gesenftet iedoch, und gedâhte ze leben noch, und gurte mînem rosse baz. Dô ich wider drûf gesaz, dô was er chomen daz er mich sach. Vil lûte rief er unde sprach, dô er mich aller verrest chôs: “Rîter, ir sît triuwelôs! Mirne wart von iu niht widerseit, und habt mir lasterlîchez leit in iuwer hôchfart getân. Nû wie sihe ich mînen walt stân! Den habt ir mir verderbet, und mîn wilt ersterbet, und mîn gefügel verjagt. Iu sî von mir widersagt: ir sult es buozze bestân, ode ez muoz mir an den lîp gân! Daz chint daz dâ ist geslagen, daz muoz wol weinen unde clagen – alsus clagich von schulden. Ichn hân wider iuwern hulden mit mînem12 wizzen niht getân. Âne schulde ich grôzzen schaden hân. Hie ne sol niht frides mêre wesn. Wert iuch ob ir welt genesn!” Dô bôt ich mîn unschulde und suochte sîne hulde, wan er was merre danne ich. Dô ne sprach er niht wider mich, wan daz ich mich werte, ob ich mich gerne nerte. Dô tet ich daz ich mohte, daz mir doch lützel tohte – ich tjostierte wider in. Des fuorter ouch mîn ros hin. Daz beste heil daz mir geschach, daz was daz ich mîn sper zebrach. Vil schône sazte mich sîn hant hinder daz roz ûf den sant, daz ich vil gar des vergaz, ob ich ûf ros ie gesaz.

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Iwein but when I saw that he was alone, my fear and my distress were, nonetheless, alleviated, and I thought I might yet survive, and girthed my charger better. By the time I had remounted he had come so far that he could see me. He called out very loudly and said, when he perceived me, from the utmost distance: “Knight, you are faithless! You have declared no enmity upon me, and have done me shameful injury in your arrogance.13 Now what state do I see my wood in! You have laid it waste and killed my game, and chased away my birds! Let me declare hostilities against you! You must make amends for this, or it must cost me my life! A child that is beaten has good cause to weep and moan – thus I accuse you with good reason. I have done nothing to offend you to my knowledge. Without any fault on my part I have suffered great injury. There shall no longer be any truce here. Defend yourself, if you wish to live!” Then I protested my innocence and sought his favour, for he was bigger than I. Then he said no more to me other than that I should defend myself if I would willingly survive. Then I did what I could, little though it helped me – I jousted against him. The result was that he led my charger away. The best fate that befell me was that I shattered my lance. Most prettily his hand placed me behind my charger on the sand, in such fashion that I most entirely forgot whether I had ever sat upon a charger.

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German Romance III Er nam mîn ros und lie mich ligen. Mir was gelüches dâ verzigen, doch enmüete mich niht sô sêre, ern bôt mir nie die êre, daz er mich het an gesehn. Dô im diu êre was geschehn, dô gebârt er rehte dem gelîch, als im aller tægelîch zehnstunt geschæhe sam. Der prîs was sîn und mîn diu scham. Swaz ich doch lasters dâ gewan, dâ was ich unschuldech an. Mir was der wille harte guot – dô ne mohten mir diu werch den muot an im niht volbringen – des muose mir misselingen. Dô mir des rosses wart verzigen, ichn mohte niht iemer dâ geligen – dô geruochte ich gên von dan als ein êrlôser man, und saz aber ze dem brunnen. Der unzuhte sult ir mich verchunnen, swie niugerne ich anders sî, und sæzze ich iemer dâ bî, ich begüzze in niemer mêre – ichn galt es ê sô sêre. Dô ich gnuoc lange dâ gesaz und betrahte daz, waz mir ze tuonne wære – mîn harnasch was ze swære, daz ich in gênde niht mohte getragen – nû waz magich iu mêre sagen, wan daz ichn abe schutte und gie dan. Ich gnâdelôser man gedâhte war ich chêrte, unz mich mîn herze lêrte, daz mir an mînen wirt riet, von dem ich des morgens schiet. Swie ich dar chome gegangen, ichn wart nie wirs enpfangen danne ouch des âbendes dô ich von im reit. Daz machte aber sîn höfscheit. Wære mir diu êre geschehn, in dem laster und ich wart gesehn,

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Iwein He took my charger and left me lying there. Fortune had deserted me there, but nothing troubled me so much as that he never even offered me the honour of looking at me. When this honour had befallen him, he then behaved exactly as if the same thing happened to him ten times every day. The fame was his, and mine the shame. Yet, whatever disgrace I obtained there, I was innocent in the matter. My intentions were very good – but then my deeds could not fully execute my intentions towards him, which was why I was doomed to fail. When I was deprived of my charger, I could not stay lying there forever – then I resolved to walk away as a man without honour, and I sat down again by the fountain. You must know me to be so free of such uncouthness, no matter how inquisitive I may otherwise be, that if I were to sit next to it forever, I would never again pour upon it – I’d paid so dearly for it before. When I had sat there long enough, contemplating what I ought to do – my armour was too heavy for me to to be able to carry it, walking – now, what more can I tell you, but that I shook it off and walked away. Wretch that I was, I wondered where I should go, until my heart instructed me and advised me to ride back to my host, from whom I had parted that morning. No matter in what state I came walking there, I was in no way received any worse than that evening when I rode away from him.14 That again was because of his courtliness. If such honour had befallen me as matched the disgrace in which I was beheld,

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German Romance III mîn handelunge wære gnuoc guot. Sus trôsten sî mir mînen muot, er und mîn junchfrouwe, daz sî got iemer schouwe! Ich hân einem tôren gelîch getân, diu mære der ich laster hân, daz ich iuch diu niht chan verdagen. Ichn woltes ouch ê nie gesagen.15 Sî iuwer deheinem geschehn baz, ob er nû welle, der sage ouch daz.’

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Iwein the way they treated me would have been kind enough. Thus they consoled my mind, he and my damsel – may God ever look upon them! I have acted like a fool, in that, as regards these tidings by which I am disgraced, I have not been able to keep them from you. Nor did I ever want to tell of them before. If better things have befallen any of you, if he wishes now, let him tell that story, too.’

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Dô rechent der herre Îwein die künneschaft under in zwein. Er16 sprach: ‘Neve Kâlogrêant, ez richet von rehte mîn hant swaz dir lasters ist geschehn. Ich wil ouch varn den brunnen sehn, unde waz wunders dâ sî.’ Dô sprach aber Key eine rede diu im wol tohte, wan er niht lâzen mohte, geschach iemen dehein frümcheit, ezn wære im doch von herzen leit: ‘Ez schînet wol, wizze Krist, daz disiu rede nâch ezzen ist. Irn vastet niht, daz hœre ich wol. Wîns ein becher vol, der gît, daz sî iu geseit, mêr rede unde manheit, danne vierzech unde viere mit wazzer und mit biere. Sô diu katze gefrizzet vil, zehant hebt sî ir spil. Herre Îwein, als tuot ir. Râte ich iu wol, sô volget mir: iu ist mit der rede ze gâch. Geslâfet ein lützel dernâch. Troume iu danne iht swâre, sô sult irs iu zwâre nemen eine mâze, ode vart iuwer strâze mit guotem heile, und gebt mir niht ze teile, swaz iu dâ êren geschiht, und zelt mir ouch halben schaden niht.’ ‘Herre Key,’ sprach diu künegîn, ‘iuwer zunge müezze gunêrt sîn, diu allez guot gar verdagt, und niuwan daz aller bœste sagt, des iuwer herze erdenchen chan. Doch wæn ich daz ich hier an der zungen unrehte tuo.

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II IWEIN’S BATTLE WITH ASCALON. HIS CAPTIVITY Then Sir Iwein took into account the kinship between the two of them. He said: ‘Kinsman Kalogreant, it is right that my hand should avenge whatever disgrace has befallen you. I too will go and see the fountain, and what wonders there are there.’ Then Kay spoke up again in words that well became him, for he could never refrain, if any deed of valour befell anyone, from being heartily grieved by it: ‘It is clearly apparent, Christ knows, that this speech followed a meal. You’re not fasting, I can clearly hear. A goblet full of wine confers, let it be said to you, more speech and valour than forty-four full of water and beer. When the cat has eaten a lot, it immediately starts playing. Sir Iwein, you act in the same fashion. If I give you good advice, then do as I say: you are too hasty with your speech. Sleep on it a little. If you have bad dreams at all, then, truly, you ought to be restrained by them, or go your ways with fortune’s blessing, and do not give me any account of whatever honour befalls you there, nor tell me half of the disgrace either.’ ‘Sir Kay,’ said the Queen, ‘a curse upon your tongue, which suppresses all that is good and only says the worst possible that your heart can imagine. Yet I believe that in this respect I am doing your tongue an injustice.

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German Romance III Iuwer herze twinget sî derzuo – dazn dunchet deheiner schalcheit ze vil. Nû muoz sî sprechen swaz ez wil – nû ne magich sî niht gescheiden, wan übel geschehe in beiden! Ich wil iu daz zwâre sagen: dem ir den vater het erslagen, dern flizze sich des niht mêre, wie er iu alle iuwer êre benæme danne sî dâ tuot. Habt ez iu eine, werdez iu guot.’ Der herre Îwein lachte und sprach, ‘Frouwe, mirn ist niht ungemach, swaz mir her Key sprichet. Ich weiz wol, daz er richet an mir mîn ungewizzenheit. Im ist mîn unfuoge leit: die ne wolder mich niht verdagen. Ouch chan er mirz wol undersagen mit selher fuoge als er ie pflac, die niemen wol gezürnen mac. Mîn her Key, der ist sô wîs und hât selhe êre und selhen prîs, daz man in gerne hœren sol, und hân ich nû wâr, daz wizzet ir wol, ich wil des iemer sîn ein zage, daz ich im siniu bœsen wort vertrage. Ouch enhebt er niht den strît, der den êrsten slac gît – wan unz ez der ander vertreit, sô ist der strît hin geleit. Ichn wil mich mit dem munde niht gelîchen dem hunde, der dâ wider grînen chan, sô in der ander grînet an.’ Hie was mit rede schimpfes vil. Ouch het der künech ûf sîn zil geslâfen und erwachte sâ, und enlac ouch niht langer dâ. Er gienc hin ûz zuo in zehant, dâ er sî ensamt sitzen vant. Si sprungen ûf – daz was im leit, und zurnde durch gesellecheit, wan er was in weizgot verre

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Iwein It is your heart which forces it to act thus – that thinks no villainy is too much. Now let your tongue speak whatever it will – now I cannot part the two, but may evil befall them both! I will tell you, truly: a man whose father you had slain could not be more diligent in his efforts to deprive you of all your honour, than your own tongue is. Keep it to yourself, if you are to prosper.’ Sir Iwein laughed and said: ‘Lady, I am not troubled by anything that Sir Kay says to me. I know well that he is wreaking vengeance on me for my ignorance. My lack of decorum grieves him – he didn’t want to conceal that from me. Moreover, he is well capable of preventing such behaviour on my part by such decorum as he has ever practised, which can, indeed, anger no-one. My lord Kay is so wise, and has such repute and such fame that people ought gladly to listen to him, and if I am in the right now, then you know well that I would rather be held a coward forever than put up with his evil words. Moreover, that man does not begin the battle who gives the first blow – for as long as the other endures it, the battle is averted. I don’t wish, with my mouth, to resemble a dog which is in the habit of snarling back as soon as another snarls at it.’ There was much bandying of words there. Meanwhile the King had slept his fill and awoke at that point, and did not lie any longer there. He at once walked out and over to them, there where he found them sitting together. They leapt up, which grieved him, for he was offended out of companionship, for he was, God knows, far

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German Romance III baz geselle danne herre. Er saz mit in dâ nider. Diu küneginne sagte im her wider Kâlogrêandes swære, und elliu disiu mære. Nû het der künech die gewonheit daz er niemer deheinen eit bî sîns vater sêle swuor, wan des er benamen volfuor. Utpandragûn was er genant. Bî dem swuor er des zehant – daz hiez er über al sagen – daz er in vierzehn tagen, und rehte an Sancte Johannes naht17 mit aller sîner maht zuo dem brunnen wolde chomen. Dô sî daz heten vernomen, daz dûhte sî rîterlîch unde guot, wan ez stuont dar ir aller muot. Ichn weiz wem liebe dran geschach – ez was dem hern Îwein ungemach, wander sich het an genomen, daz er dar eine wolde chomen. Er gedâhte: ‘Ichn mac daz niht bewarn, und wil der künech selbe varn, mirn werde mîn rîterschaft benomen. Mir sol des strîtes für chomen mîn her Gâwein, wan des ist zwîfel dehein, alsô schiere sô er des strîtes gert, ern werdes für mich gewert. Entriuwen ez sol anders varn. Ich chan daz harte wol bewarn, swer vierzehn tage bîtet, daz er vor mir niht strîtet, wan ich sol in disen drîn tagen des endes varn und niemen sagen, in den walt ze Brezziljân suochen unz ich funden hân den stîc, den Kâlogrêant sô engen und sô rûhen vant, und dânâch sol ich schouwen die schœnen junchfrouwen, des êrbæren wirtes chint –

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Iwein more of a companion to them than a lord. He sat down with them there. The Queen recapped for him Kalogreant’s hardship, and all those tidings. Now it was the King’s custom never to swear any oath by his father’s soul, that he did not actually put into practice. Uther Pendragon his father was called. He swore by him upon the spot – he had that proclaimed everywhere – that in a fortnight, and promptly on Saint John’s night, with all his forces, he would arrive at the fountain. When they had heard that, it seemed to them chivalrous and good, for they were all intent on going there. I don’t know who was pleased by it – it discomfited Sir Iwein, for he had undertaken to go there alone. He thought: ‘I can’t prevent it – if the King himself desires to go there, I shall be deprived of my chivalry. I shall certainly be anticipated in the battle by my lord Gawein, for there is no doubt about it – as soon as he desires the battle, he will be granted it ahead of me. Truly, things must take a different course – I can easily prevent anyone who waits for a fortnight from doing battle before me, for I shall, in these three days, head that way, without telling anybody about it, into the forest of Broceliande, to seek until I have found the path that Kalogreant found so narrow and so rough, and thereafter I shall behold the beautiful damsel, the honourable host’s daughter –

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German Romance III diu beidiu als höfsch sint. Sô gesihe ich swenne ich scheide dan den vil ungetânen man, der dâ pfligt der tiere. Darnâch sô gesihe ich schiere den stein und den brunnen. Des müezzen sî mir gunnen, daz ich den begiezze, ich engeltes ode geniezze. Desn wirt nû niemen zuo gedâht unz ichz hân volbrâht. Bevindent sîz sô ez ergât, des wirt danne guot rât.’ Alsus stal er sich dan, und warp rehte als ein man, der êre mit listen kunde gewinnen unde fristen, und chom dâ er sîne knappen vant. Den besten nam er dâ zehant, den er niht verdagte. Vil stille er im sagte, daz er im sîn gereite ûf sîn pfert leite – er wolde ze velde rîten, und sîn dâ ûzze bîten, unz er im den harnasch bræhte nâch. Er sprach: ‘Nû lâ dir wesen gâch, und sich, daz dûz wol verdagest. Zwâre ob dûz iemen sagest, sô ist iemer mêr gescheiden diu friuntschaft under uns beiden.’ Sus reit er ûz und liez in dâ. Vil schiere brâhter im hin nâ sîn ros und sîn îsengewant. Nû wâfent er sich zehant. Er saz ûf unde reit nâch wâne in michel arbeit. Er erstreich grôzze wilde, walt unde gevilde, unz er den selben stîc vant, dâ sîn neve Kâlogrêant als chûme durch gebrach. Ouch leit er grôzzen ungemach, unz daz er ûz ze velde quam.

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Iwein the lord and his daughter are both so courtly. Then I shall see, when I depart from there, that most monstrous man who stands guard over the animals there. Thereafter I shall soon see the stone and the fountain. They must permit me to pour water upon it, whether I pay for it or profit by it. It will be mentioned to no-one now until I have carried out the task. If they find out about it after it has happened, it will be all well and good then.’ Thus he stole away, acting just like a man who knows how to gain and preserve honour by cunning, and came to where he found his squires. He took the best of them there aside at once, not concealing anything from him. All in secret he told him to place his riding-gear on his horse – he wanted to ride out into the fields, and would wait for him outside until he had brought his equipment out for him. He said: ‘Now hurry up, and see that you keep quiet about this. Indeed, if you tell anyone about it, then the friendship between us will be terminated forever more.’ Thus he rode out, leaving him there. In all haste the squire brought out for him his charger and his armour. Now he at once armed himself. He mounted and rode off, anticipating much hardship. He made his way through great wilderness, forests and fields, until he found that same path where his kinsman Kalogreant had, with such great difficulty, broken his way through. Iwein, too, suffered great hardship until he came out into the fields.

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German Romance III Die guoten herberge er dô nam, daz im von wirte selch gemach eines nahtes nie geschach. Des morgens schiet er von dan, und vant den griulîchen man ûf einem gevilde stên bî sînem wilde, und von sînem anbliche segent er sich diche, daz got sô ungehiure deheine crêâtiure geschepfen ie geruochte. Der bewîst in des er suochte. Vil schiere sach her Îwein den boum, den brunnen, den stein, und gehôrte ouch daz vogelsanc. Dô was sîn tweln unlanc, unz daz er ûf den stein gôz. Dô chom ein siusen und ein dôz, und ein selch weter darnâch, daz in des dûhte, daz im ze gâch mit dem giezzen wære gewesn, wan ern triuwet niemer genesn, und dô daz weter ende nam, dô hôrter daz geriten quam des selben waldes herre. Der gruozte in harte verre, als vîent sînen vîent sol. Ouch verstuont sich der herre Îwein wol, daz er sich wern solde, ob er niht dulten wolde beide laster unde leit. Ir ietweder was bereit ûf des andern schaden. Sî het beide überladen grôz ernst unde zorn. Sî nâmen diu ros mit den sporn – sus was in zuo ein ander ger. Ir ietweder sîn sper durch des andern schilt stach ûf den lîp, daz ez zebrach, wol ze hundert stüchen. Dô muosen si züchen diu swert von den sîten.

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Iwein He then accepted such good hospitality from the host as never befell him on any other night. The next morning he departed, and found the gruesome man in a field, standing by his wild beasts, and at sight of him he crossed himself often, at God having ever deigned to create so monstrous a creature. The wild man pointed him in the direction of what he sought. Very soon Sir Iwein saw the tree, the fountain, the stone, and also heard the birdsong. Then he delayed little before pouring water upon the stone. Then a roaring and a row arose, and such a storm thereafter that he thought he had been too hasty with the pouring, for he did not expect that he would ever survive, and when the storm came to an end, he then heard that same forest’s lord come riding up. The latter greeted him from a great distance, as an enemy ought to do his enemy. Iwein, for his part, was well aware that he had to defend himself, if he did not wish to suffer both disgrace and suffering. Each of them was bent on doing the other injury. Great earnestness and anger weighed all too heavily on both of them. They guided their chargers with the spurs – they were so eager to get at each other. Each of them thrust his spear through the other’s shield, at his body, so that they shattered into perhaps a hundred pieces. Then they had to draw their swords from by their sides.

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German Romance III Hie huop sich ein strîten, daz got mit êren möhte sehn, und solde ein kampf vor im geschehn. Über die schilte gie diu nôt, den ietweder für bôt, die wîle daz si werten. Sî wurden aber mit den swerten zehouwen schiere alsô gar, daz sî ir bêde wurden bar. Ich machte des strîtes vil mit worten, wan daz ichn wil, als ich iu bescheide. Sî wâren dâ beide, und ouch niemen mê, der mir der rede gestê. Spræche ich, sît ez niemen sach, wie dirre sluoc, wie jener stach – ir einer wart dâ erslagen – dern mohte dâ von niht gesagen – der aber den sic dâ gewan, der was wol ein sô höfsch man, er het ungerne geseit sô vil von sîner manheit – dâ von ich wol gemâzen mege die mâze ir stiche und ir slege, wan ein dinch ich wol sage, daz ir deweder was ein zage, wan dâ ergiench wehselslege gnuoc, unz daz der gast dem wirte sluoc durch den helm einen slac zetal unz dâ daz leben lac, und als er der tôtwunden rehte het enpfunden, dô twanch in des tôdes leit, mêre danne sîn zageheit, daz er chêrte und gap die fluht. Der herre Îwein jagte in âne zuht engegen sîner burch dan. Ez het der halptôte man ze fliehen einen gereiten muot; ouch was sîn ros als guot, daz er nâch was chomen hin. Dô gedâhte her Îwein, ob er in niht erslüege ode vienge,

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Iwein Here such fighting arose that God might honourably have witnessed it, if a battle were to have taken place before him. Extremity fell upon the shields which each offered against the other, for as long as they lasted. Those were, however, soon so entirely cut to pieces by the swords, that the two of them were deprived of shields entirely. I would make much of the battle with my words, except that I don’t wish to do so, as I shall explain to you. Those two were present there, and no-one else besides who might confirm my account. If I were to speak, since no-one saw it, of how this man cut, how that man thrust – one of them was slain there – he was not in a position to say anything about it – yet he who carried off the victory there was, I imagine, such a courtly man that he would have been unwilling to speak so much about his own valour. Therefore I ought rightly to speak in moderation of the measure of their thrusts and cuts, but one thing I will say, however: neither of them was a coward, for ample exchange of blows transpired there, until the guest struck the host such a blow through his helmet that reached down to his life-source, and when he realised clearly that he had received a mortal wound, then death’s suffering compelled him – more than any cowardice on his part – to turn and give flight. Sir Iwein chased him, contrary to good breeding,18 away towards his castle. That half-dead man was readily inclined to flee. Moreover, his charger was so excellent that he had almost reached the castle. Then Sir Iwein thought, if he did not slay or capture him,

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1060 daz ez im danne ergienge, als im her Key gehiez, der niemens ungespottet liez, und waz im sîn arbeit töhte, sô er mit niemen möhte 1065 erziugen dise geschiht, wan dâ ne was der liute niht – sô spræche er im an sîn êre. Des begunder im sêre ze slage mit gâhen, 1070 unz sî die burch sâhen. Nû was diu burchstrâze zwein mannen niht ze mâze – sus fuoren sî in der enge beide durch gedrenge 1075 unz an daz palas. Dâ vor was gehangen ein slegetor. Dâ muose man hin durch varn, und sich wol bewarn vor der selben slegetür, 1080 daz man den lîp dâ niht verlür. Sweder ros ode man getrat iender ûz der rehten stat, daz er ruorte die vallen und den haft, der dâ alle dise kraft 1085 und daz swære slegetor von nider ûf habte enbor, sô nam ez einen val alsô gâhes her zetal, daz im niemen entran. 1090 Sus was beliben manech man. Dâ reit der wirt vor im în. Der het die kunst und den sin, daz im dâ von niht arges war, wander meistert ez dar. 1095 Ez was swære unde sneit so sêre daz ez niht vermeit, ezn schriete îsen unde bein. Nû ne kunde sich der herre Îwein niht gehüeten dâ vor 1100 und valte daz tor, und sluoc zen selben stunden dem wirte eine wunden, und genas als ich iu sage –

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Iwein that same fate would then befall him which Sir Kay had promised him – he who never let anyone go unscorned – and what use to him would be his labours if he could not, by human proof, give evidence of these events, for there were no other people there – then Kay would attack his honour. Therefore he set off, hastening in pursuit of him,19 until they saw the castle. Now the castle road was not wide enough for two men. Thus they rode, narrowly confined, both pressing to get through as far as the great hall. In front of it a portcullis was suspended, Through that one had to pass, and be very much on one’s guard against that portcullis gate, if one were not to lose one’s life there. If any charger or man stepped out of the right place at all, so that he touched the trap and the locking mechanism, which held all that force and the heavy portcullis gate suspended above – then it would take such a rapid fall downwards that no-one could escape it. Thus many a man had been left dead there. The host rode in ahead of him there. He possessed such skill and knowledge that no evil befell him because of this device, for he had had it installed there. It was heavy and cut so sharply that it could do no other than pierce through armour and legs. Now Sir Iwein could not guard himself against the gate falling, but at exactly the same time he struck the host a wound, and survived, as I shall tell you –

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er het sich nâch dem slage 1105 hin für geneiget und ergebn. Alsus beleip im daz lebn, dô daz tor her nider sleif, deiz im den lîp niht begreif und sluoc, als ich vernomen habe, 1110 daz ros ze mittem satel abe, und schriet die swertscheide und die sporn beide hinder der versen dan. Er genas als ein sælech man. 1115 Dô im daz ros tôt gelac dô ne mohter, als er ê pflac, niht fürbaz gejagen. Ouch heter den wirt erslagen. Der flôch noch den ende vor 1120 durch ein ander slegetor, und lie daz hinder im nider. Dô ne mohte der gast für noch wider. Sus was mîn her Îwein enzwischen disen porten zwein 1125 beslozzen und gevangen. Swie sêre im missegangen an der vanchnüsse wære, doch was sîn meistiu swære, daz er im vor dan 1130 alsô lebendech entran. Ich wil iu von dem hûse sagen, dâ er dâ inne was beslagen. Ez was, als der künech sît selbe jach, daz er schœnerz nie gesach, 1135 weder dâ vor noch sît, hôch, veste unde wît, gemâlt gar von golde. Swer darinne wesen solde âne forhtlîche swære, 1140 den dûht ez freudebære. Dô suochter wider unde für, und envant venster noch tür, dâ er ûz möhte. Nû gedâhter waz im töhte, 1145 dô er mit disen sorgen ranch. dô wart bî im, des was niht lanch, ein türlîn ûf getân.

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Iwein reaching out to strike the blow, he had bent and stretched forward. Thus his life was preserved: when the gate slid down; not touching his body, it struck, so I have heard, through his charger in the middle of the saddle, slicing his scabbard and his two spurs off behind his heels. He was a fortunate man to survive. When his charger lay dead he could not, as he had done before, give chase any further. Moreover, he had dealt the lord of the castle a mortal blow. The latter continued to flee forwards, in that same direction, through a second portcullis, and let that down behind him. Then the stranger could not go neither forwards nor back. Thus my lord Iwein was locked in and imprisoned between those two gates. Despite the great mishap that he found himself a prisoner, he grieved most over the fact that the lord of the castle had thus escaped from him alive. I will tell you about the castle in which he was imprisoned: it was, as the King himself afterwards averred, such that he never saw a more beautiful, neither before nor since: high, strong and broad, painted entirely in gold. If anyone were to reside therein without fearful oppression, he would think it a joyous place. Then Iwein sought back and forth, finding neither a window nor a door through which he could get out. Now he pondered on what it were best for him to do. As he struggled with these worries, then, next to him, not long afterwards, a little door was opened.

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German Romance III Dâ sach er ûz und în gân eine rîterlîche magt, het sî sich niht verclagt. Diu sprach zem êrsten niht mê wan: ‘Ouwê, rîter, ouwê, daz ir her chomen sît! Daz ist iuwer jungestiu zît! Ir habt mînen herren erslagen! Man mac sô jæmerlîchez clagen an mîner lieben frouwen und an dem gesinde schouwen, und sô grimmeclîchen zorn, daz ir den lîp habt verlorn. Daz sî iuch nû niht hânt erslagen, daz fristet niuwan daz clagen, daz ob mînem herren ist. Sî slahent iuch ab an dirre frist.’ Er sprach: ‘Sône sol ich doch den lîp niht verliesen als ein wîp! Michn vindet niemen âne wer.’ Sî sprach: ‘Got sî der iuch ner! Ern beschirme iuch eine, ir sît tôt! Doch gehabte sich ze grôzzer nôt nie niemen baz danne ir tuot. Ir sît benamen wol gemuot. Des sol man iuch geniezzen lân. Swie leide ir mir habt getân, ichn bin iu doch niht gehaz, und sagiu mêre umbe waz: mîn frouwe het mich gesant ze Britange in daz lant. Dâ gesprach ich den künech von ir. Herre, daz geloupt mir: ich schiet alsô von dan, daz mir dâ nie dehein man ein wort zuo gesprach. Ich weiz wol, daz geschach von mîner unhöfscheit. Alsô het ich ûf geleit, ichn wære ir gruozzes niht sô wol wert, als man dâ ze hove gert. Ich weiz wol, des engalt ich. Herre, dô gruozt ir mich, und ouch dâ niemen mêre.

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Iwein There he saw go out and in a maiden well worthy of a knight if she had not pined away with lamentation. She said at first no more than: ‘Alas, knight, alas that you have come here! This is the hour of your doom! You have slain my lord! Such wretched lamentation can be seen on the part of my dear lady and the household, and such fierce wrath that it will cost you your life. That they have not slain you now has only been delayed by the lamentation on account of my lord. Yet they will slay you this instant!’ He said: ‘In that case, I shall not lose my life like a woman. No-one shall find me defenceless.’ She said: ‘May God save you! Unless He alone protects you, you are dead! Yet never, in great extremity, did anyone give a better account of himself than you are doing. You are truly of great courage. You ought to be allowed to profit by that. No matter how much you have injured me, I am, nevertheless, not hostile towards you and moreover, I’ll tell you why: my lady had sent me into the land of Brittany. There I spoke to the King on her behalf. Sir, believe me: I so parted from there that no man there ever spoke a single word to me. I know, for sure, that that happened because of my uncourtliness. I imagine20 it was because I was not so truly worthy of their greeting as they would have it at court there. I know, indeed, that I paid for that. Sir, then you greeted me, but no-one else present there did.

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German Romance III Dô erbut ir mir der êre, der ich iu hie lônen sol. Herre, ich erchenne iuch wol: iuwer vater, daz ist mir erchant, was ein künech, Urîên21 genant. Ir sult vor schaden sicher sîn. Herre Îwein, nemt hin diz vingerlîn: ez ist umbe den stein alsô gewant, swer in hât in blôzzer hant, den mac niemen al die frist, unz er in blôzzer hant ist, gesehn noch vinden. Sam daz holz under der rinden sît ir zwâre verborgen. Irn durfet niht mêr sorgen.’ Alsus gap sîz im hin. Nû stuont ein bette dâ bî in: daz was bereitet als wol, als ein bette beste sol, daz nie künech bezzer gewan. Dâ hiez sî in sitzen an, und dô er was gesezzen, sî sprach: ‘Welt ir iht ezzen?’ Er sprach: ‘Gerne, der mirz gît.’ Sî gienc und was in kurzer zît her wider chomen, unde truoc guoter gâchspîse gnuoc. Des sagter ir gnâde unde danch. Dô er gâz unde getranch, dô huop daz gesinde grôzzen schal ze bêden porten über al, als sîz im niht wolden vertragen, der in den herren het erslagen. Sî sprach: ‘Herre Îwein, hœret ir, sî suochent iuch? Nû volget mir, und enchumt niht ab dem bette. Iu stêt diz dinch enwette niuwan umbe daz leben. Den stein, den ich iu hân gegebn, den besliezzet in iuwer hant – des sî mîn sêle iuwer pfant, daz iu niht arges geschiht, wande iuch fürnamens niemen siht. Nû wâmit möht iu wesn baz,

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Iwein Then you did me that honour, for which I am to reward you here. Sir, I know you well. Your father, I know, was a king called Urien. You shall be safe from harm. Sir Iwein, take this ring: the nature of this stone is such that if a man holds it in his bare hand, no-one, for as long as he does so and it is in his bare hand, can see him or find him. Like the wood beneath the bark you will be concealed, in all truth. You need not worry any more.’ Thus she gave it to him. Now a bed stood by them there: it was as well equipped as a bed ought best to be, so that no king ever had a better. She bade him sit on it, and when he was seated she said: ‘Would you like something to eat?’ He said: ‘Willingly, if anyone will give me anything.’ She went out, and in a short time had come back, carrying plenty of good snacks. He spoke his grateful thanks for that. When he had eaten and drunk, the household then raised a great hue and cry at both gates, on all sides, as they did not want to put up with someone having slain their lord. She said: ‘Sir Iwein, do you hear? They are looking for you. Now do as I say, and do not leave the bed. Nothing less than your life is at stake here. Keep the gem which I have given you enclosed in your hand – let my soul be your pledge that nothing evil will befall you, for, truly, no-one will see you. Now, how might you fare better

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German Romance III danne dazs iu alle sint gehaz, und ir sî seht bî iu stân unde drônde umbe iuch gân, und sî doch sô erblindent, daz si iuwer niene vindent, und sît doch rehte under in? Ouch tragent sî in für iuch hin, sîne lieben gesellen, als sî in begraben wellen, mînen herren, ûf der bâre. Sô beginnent sî iuch zwâre in manigen ende suochen. Dazn durfet aber ir enruochen. Tuot alsus und sît genesn. Ichn getar niht langer hinne wesn, und funden sî mich hinne, daz chœme uns zungewinne.’ Sus het sî urloup genomen. Die liute die dâ wâren chomen zuo dem vordern bürgetor, die funden dâ vor daz ros halbez abe geslagen. Wer mohte in daz dô widersagen, wan sî wolten daz gewis hân, und wurde diu porte ûf getân, daz sî in drinne funden? In vil kurzen stunden brâchen sî beide porte dan, und enfunden doch nieman, wan des halben rosses inrehalp der tür, von mittem satel hin für. Dô begunden sî vor zorne toben, und got noch den tiufel loben. Sî sprâchen: ‘War ist der man chomen, ode wer hât uns benomen diu ougen und die sinne? Er ist benamen hinne! Wir sîn mit gesehnden ougen blint. Ez sehent wol alle die hinne sint, ezn wære danne cleine als ein mûs, unz daz beslozzen wære diz hûs, sô ne mohte niht lebendes drûz chomen. Wie ist uns dirre man benomen? Swie lange er sich doch friste

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Iwein than if they are all hostile towards you, and you see them standing near you, and walking around you, threatening, and yet they are so blind that they will not find you at all, though you are right in the middle of them? Moreover, my lord’s dear companions, will carry him past you upon the bier when they want to bury him. Then they will indeed start to seek for you in many directions. That needn’t concern you at all, however. Act so, and you will be safe. I daren’t remain inside here any longer, for if they found me here, it would cost us dearly.’ Thus she had taken her leave. The people who had arrived there at the front gate of the castle, found, in front of it, the charger, cut in half. Who could then contradict them, for they were quite certain that if the gate were opened they would find him inside? Not wasting any time, they broke both gates down, but found no-one, except half of the charger inside the door – from the middle of the saddle onwards. Then they began to rage with anger, praising neither God nor the devil. They said: ‘Where has this man gone to, or who has deprived us of our eyes and senses? He must be in here! We can see, but yet are blind!22 All who are inside here can see clearly that, unless it were as small as a mouse, for as long as this castle is closed, nothing living might emerge from it. How have we been deprived of this man? No matter how long he survives

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1280 mit sînem zouberliste, wir vinden in noch hiute. Suochet, guote liute, in wincheln unde under benchen – ern mac des niht entwenchen, 1285 ern müezze her für.’ Sî verstuonden im die tür. Ein dinch was ungewærlich: sî giengen slahende umbe sich mit den swerten sam die blinden. 1290 Solden sî in iemer vinden, daz heten sî ouch dô getân. Daz bette wart des niht erlân, sîne ersuochtenz under im gar. Bî sîner genist nim ich war: 1295 unz der man niht veige enist, sô nert in ein vil cleiner list. Dô er in disen sorgen saz, nû widervuor im allez daz, daz im sîn friunt diu guote magt 1300 dâvor het gesagt. Er sach zuo im gebâret tragen den wirt den er dâ het erslagen, und nâch der bâre gienc ein wîp, daz er nie wîbes lîp 1305 alsô schœnen gesach. Vor jâmer sî zebrach ir hâr und diu cleider, wan ezn dorfte nie wîbe leider ze dirre werlde geschehn, 1310 wande sî muose tôten sehn den aller liebesten man, den wîp ze liebe ie gewan. Ezn möhte niemer dehein wîp gelegen an ir selber lîp 1315 von clage alselhe swære, der niht ernst wære. Ez erzeigten ir gebærde ir herzen beswærde an dem lîbe und an der stimme. 1320 Von ir jâmers grimme, sô viel sî ofte in unmaht – der liehte tac wart ir ein naht, und sô sî wider ûf gesach

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Iwein by his magic trickery, we will find him, before today is out. Seek, good people, in the corners and under the benches – he can’t avoid being flushed out.’ They blocked the door against him. It was a dangerous situation: they walked around, striking about themselves with their swords, like blind men. If they had ever found him, they would have done the same then with their swords. The bed was not spared either, but they searched it beneath where Iwein sat. By his escape I observe that, as long as a man is not doomed to die, then a very little trickery can preserve him. As he sat amid these troubles, all now occurred to him which his friend, the good maiden, had predicted. He saw borne towards him on a bier the lord of the castle whom he had slain there, and after the bier walked a woman, whose person was such that he had never seen so beautiful a woman. Out of grief she tore her hair and her clothes, for never could worse befall a woman in this world, for she had to see, dead, the dearest man of all that any woman ever came to love. No woman could ever apply to her own body such a burden out of grief unless she was in earnest. Her gestures revealed her heart’s sorrow in her person and in her voice. Because of her grief’s ferocity she often fell into a faint – the bright day became night to her, and when she looked up again,

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und wider gehôrte unde sprach, 1325 sô ne sparten ir die hende daz hâr noch daz gebende. Swâ ir der lîp blôzzer schein, dâ ersach sî der herre Îwein – dâ was ir hâr und ir lîch 1330 sô gar dem wunsche gelîch, daz im ir minne verchêrten die sinne, daz er sîn selbes vergaz, und daz vil chûme versaz, 1335 sô sî sich roufte unde sluoc – vil ungerne er ir daz vertruoc. Sô wolder dar gâhen und ir die hende vâhen, daz sî sich niht enslüege mê. 1340 Im tet der chumber als wê an dem schœnen wîbe, daz erz an sînem lîbe gerner het vertragen. Sîn heil begunder gote clagen, 1345 daz ir ie dehein ungemach von sînen schulden geschach. Sô nâhen gienc im ir nôt, in dûhte des daz sîn tôt unclægelîcher wære, 1350 danne ob sî ein vinger swære. Nû ist uns ein dinch geseit vil diche für die wârheit: swer den andern habe erslagen, und wurder zuo im getragen, 1355 swie lange er dâ vor wurde wunt, er begunde bluoten an der stunt. Nû seht – alsô begunden im bluoten sîne wunden, dô man in in den palas truoc, 1360 wan er was bî im der in dâ sluoc. Dô daz diu frouwe rehte ersach, si ruofte sêre unde sprach: ‘Er ist benamen hinne, und hât uns der sinne 1365 mit zouber âne getân!’ Die ê daz suochen heten lân, die begunden suochen anderstunt.

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Iwein and could hear and speak again, then her hands did not spare her hair, nor her headdress. Wherever her body appeared naked, there Sir Iwein beheld her – there her hair and her complexion were so entirely like perfection that love of her confounded his senses, so that he forgot himself, and could scarcely remain sitting there when she tore at herself and beat herself – he endured it most unwillingly. He wanted to hasten over to her and seize her hands to prevent her beating herself any more. This sorrow hurt him so much – that of the beautiful woman – that he would more willingly have borne it inflicted on his own person. He began to lament his fate to God – that any distress should ever have befallen her by his doing. Her anguish moved him so deeply that it seemed to him that his death would be less worthy of lament than that a single finger of hers should be harmed. Now we are told that one thing very often is true: if a man has slain another, and the corpse is carried to him, no matter how long ago he was wounded, he will begin to bleed on the spot.23 See, now – his wounds thus began to bleed when he was carried into the great hall, for the man who slew him was close by him. When the lady perceived this to be the case, she called out loudly, saying: ‘He is in here, for certain, and has deprived us of our senses by magic!’ Those who had abandoned the search before began to seek again.

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German Romance III Daz bette wart vil ofte wunt, und durch den kulter, der dâ lac, gie manech stich unde slac. Ouch muoser ofte wenchen. In wincheln unde under benchen suochten sî mit den swerten, wande sî sîns todes gerten, alsam der wolf der schâfe tuot – vor zorne tobt in der muot. Ze gote huop diu frouwe ir zorn. Sî sprach: ‘Herre, ich hân verlorn vil wunderlîche mînen man – dâ bistû eine schuldech an. Dû het an in geleit die kraft unde die manheit, daz im von gehiuren dingen nie mohte misselingen. Ez ist niuwan alsô chomen: daz im den lîp hât genomen, daz ist ein unsihtech geist. Got herre, wie wol dû weist, swer er anders wære niuwan ein zouberære, des het er sich vil wol erwert. Im was et dirre tôt beschert. Diz hœret er und ist hie bî. Nû kieset hie wie chüene er sî! Sît er mînen herren hât erslagen, wie mager daran verzagen, ern lâze sich ouch ein wîp sehn, wande waz möhte im von der geschehn?’ Dô sî gesuochten gnuoc, und in sîn stein des übertruoc, daz im niht arges geschach, wande in dâ niemen sach, dô gelac daz suochen under in. Ir tôten truogen sî hin zem münster, dâ manz ampt tet mit almuosen unde mit gebet. Darnâch truogen sî in ze grabe. Von ir grôzzen ungehabe wart dâ ein jæmerlîcher schal. Diu junchfrouwe sich dô stal von dem gesinde dan,

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Iwein The bed was very often wounded, and through the cushion that lay there went many a cut and thrust. Iwein often had to dodge them. In the corners and under the benches they sought with their swords, for they were as desirous of his death as a wolf attacking sheep – their minds were crazed by anger. The lady called on God in her anger, saying: ‘Lord, I have lost my husband in the most strange way – You alone are responsible for this. You had bestowed upon him such strength and such valour that he never, except by uncanny means, might come to grief. The only way it can have happened is that what has taken his life is an invisible spirit. Lord God, how well You know that if it were anyone else other than a magician, he would have defended himself very well. This death was simply his destiny. He hears this and is close by here. Mark now how bold he is! Since he has slain my lord, how can he be afraid to let himself be seen by a woman – for what could befall him at her hands?’ When they had sought for an ample time, and his gem had prevented any evil befalling him, for no-one there could see him, then their search fell into abeyance. They carried their dead lord away to the minster, where the rites were performed with alms and with prayers. After that they carried him to the grave. Because of their great lamentation a wretched din arose there. The damsel then stole away from the household there,

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German Romance III und gruozte den verborgen man, und trôst in als ein höfsch magt. Ouch was der herre Îwein niht verzagt: dem het diu Minne einen muot gegebn, als sî vil manigem tuot, daz er den tôt niht entsaz, doch hal er die magt daz, daz er sîner vîendinne truoc sô grôzze minne. Er gedâhte: wie gesihe ich sî? Nû was im sô nâhen bî diu stat, dâ man in leite, daz er sam gereite hôrte aller ir swære, sam er under in wære. Mit listen sprach er alsô: ‘Ouwê, diz folch ist starche unfrô! Mir gêt ze herzen ir clage nâher danne ich iemen sage. Möhtez mit fuoge geschehn, sô woldich harte gerne sehn ir gebærde und ir ungehabe, die ich dâ hœre bî dem grabe.’ Die rede meinder niender sô, wan ern gæbe drumbe niht ein strô, ob sî mit gelîchem valle dâ zehant alle lægen ûf den bâren, die dâ gesinde wâren, âne die frouwen eine. Ouch enwas diu nôt niht cleine, daz er sî hôrte und niht ensach. Nû buozte sî im den ungemach, wande sî nâch sîner bet ein venster ob im ûf tet, und liez in sî wol schouwen. Nû sach er die frouwen von jâmer lîden grôzze nôt. Sî sprach: ‘Geselle, an dir ist tôt der aller tiurste man, der rîters namen ie gewan von manheit und von milte. Ezn gereit nie mit schilte dehein rîter als volchomen.

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Iwein and greeted the hidden man, and consoled him like a courtly maiden. Moreover, Lord Iwein was not daunted – Love had given him such courage as she does to full many a man, that he did not fear death, yet he concealed from the maiden that he bore such great love for his enemy. He thought: how can I see her? Now, so close by was the place where the lord was laid out that he could as readily hear all their distress as if he were in their midst. Cunningly, he spoke as follows: ‘Alas, these people are mightily unhappy! Their lament touches my heart more closely than I can tell anyone. If it might happen fittingly, I would most gladly see her behaviour and her distress – she whom I hear there, by the grave.’ He didn’t mean that speech at all sincerely, for he wouldn’t have cared a straw if, by the same fall, all at once there lay upon their death-biers – those who were of the household there – with the sole exception of the lady. Nor was his distress small, hearing her but not seeing her. Now the maiden relieved him of this hardship, for, at his request, she opened a window above him, and let him have a good look at her. Now he saw the lady suffering great anguish out of grief. She said: ‘Companion, in you has died the dearest man of all who ever won a knight’s name by valour and by generosity. Never did there ride with shield any knight so perfect.

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German Romance III Ouwê wie bistû mir benomen – ichn weiz warumbe ode wie! Der tôt, der möhte an mir wol hie büezzen swaz er ie getet, und gewerte mich einer bet, daz er mich liezze varn mit dir! Waz sol ich swenne ich dîn enbir! Waz sol mir guot unde lîp! Waz sol ich unsælech wîp! Ouwê daz ich ie wart geborn! Ouwê wie hân ich dich verlorn! Ouwê trût geselle! Got versperre dir die helle und gebe dir durch sîne kraft der engel genôzschaft, wan dû wære hie der beste.’ Ir jâmer was sô veste, daz sî sich roufte und zebrach. Dô daz der herre Îwein ersach, dô lief er gegen der tür, als er vil gerne hin für zuo ir wolde gâhen, und ir die hende vâhen. Dô daz diu junchfrouwe ersach, sî zôch in nider unde sprach: ‘Sagt, wâ wolt ir hin, ode wâ habt ir den sin genomen, der iu diz riet? Nû ist vor der tür ein michel diet – diu ist iu starche erbolgen. Irn welt mir volgen, sô habt ir den lîp verlorn!’ Alsus erwande in ir zorn. Sî sprach: ‘Wes was iu gedâht? Wære iuwer gedanch volbrâht, sô ne het ir niht wol gevarn. Ichn trûwe iu den lîp niht bewarn, ezn sî danne iuwer wille. Durch got sitzet stille!’ Ez ist ein vil wîser man,24 der tumben gedanch verdenchen chan mit wîslîcher tæte. Sî weste in aber sô stæte, daz er an allen dingen

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Iwein Alas, how have you been taken from me – I don’t know why or how! Death might well here atone by me for anything he ever did and might grant me one request – that he might let me depart with you! What am I to do if I lack you? What use to me are my possessions or person? What am I to do, wretched woman! Alas that I was ever born! Alas, how have I lost you? Alas, dear beloved! May God bar Hell to you and grant you, by His might, the companionship of the angels, for you were the best here on earth.’ Her grief was so intense that she beat and tore at herself. When Lord Iwein beheld that, he ran towards the door, as if he would most willingly rush out to her, and catch hold of her hands. When the damsel beheld this, she pulled him down, saying: ‘Tell me, where did you want to go, or what put the idea into your head of behaving like this? Now, there is a great company of people outside the door – they are full of anger towards you. Unless you take my advice, you will have lost your life!’ Thus her anger prevented him. She said: ‘What were you thinking of? If your idea had been put into practice, you would not have acted well. I can’t be confident of saving your life unless it be your will. For God’s sake, sit quiet!’ It is a very wise man who can banish foolish thoughts from his mind by wise deeds. She knew him, however, to be so constant that he would, in all things,

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1500 wolde volbringen mit den werchen sînen muot. ‘Dazn ist niht halbez guot, gedenchet ir deheiner tumpheit – der muot sî gar hin geleit. 1505 Habt ab ir deheinen wîsen muot, den volfüeret, daz ist guot. Herre, ich muoz iuch eine lân, und vil drâte wider gân hin ûz zuo dem gesinde 1510 Ich fürhte, man bevinde daz ich zuo iu gegangen bin. Vermissent sî mîn under in, sô verdenchent sî mich sâ.’ Hin gie sî, unde liez in sâ. 1515 Swie im sîne sinne von der kraft der minne vil sêre wæren überladen, doch gedâhter an einen schaden – daz er niht überwunde 1520 den spot den er funde, swenner sînen gelingen mit deheinen schînlîchen dingen ze hove erziugen möhte – waz im danne töhte 1525 elliu sîn arbeit? Er forhte eine schalcheit: er weste wol, daz Key in niemer geliezze frî vor spotte und vor leide. 1530 Dise sorgen beide, die tâten im gelîche wê. Vil schiere wart des einen mê: frou Minne nam die oberhant, daz sî in vienc unde bant. 1535 Sî bestuont in mit überkraft, und twanch in des ir meisterschaft, daz er herzeminne truoc sîner vîendinne, diu im zem tôde was gehaz. 1540 Ouch wart diu frouwe an im baz gerochen, danne ir wære kunt, wan er was tôtlîchen wunt – die wunden sluoc der Minnen hant.

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Iwein carry out his intentions by deeds. ‘It is by no means in your interest to have any act of folly in mind – let such intentions be abandoned entirely! If, however, you have any wise intent, carry that out – that is well. Sir, I must leave you alone and go back with all haste, out to the household. I am afraid that they will find out that I have come to see you. If they miss my presence amongst them, they will immediately suspect me.’ She went out, leaving him there. Although his senses were most heavily overburdened by the power of Love, he still had in mind one detriment – that he could not get over the scorn with which he would meet, if he could not demonstrate his success by any visual means at court – what, then, would all his hardship avail him? He feared one particular act of malice – he knew well that Kay would never leave him free of scorn and insult. These two anxieties caused him equal pain. Rapidly one of the two grew superior – Lady Love took the upper hand, capturing him and fettering him. She attacked him with superior power, and her mastery forced him to bear heart’s love for his enemy, who hated him to death. Moreover, the lady was better avenged upon him than she knew, for he was mortally wounded – it was Love’s hand struck those wounds..

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Ez ist umbe ir wunden alsô gewant, 1545 sî wellent daz sî langer swer danne diu von swerte ode von sper, wan swer von wâfen wirt wunt, der wirt schiere gesunt, ist er sînem arzât bî – 1550 und wellent daz disiu wunde sî bî ir arzât der tôt und ein wahsendiu nôt. Ê het sich diu Minne nâch swachem sinne 1555 geteilt an manige arme stat, dâ ir niemen bat. Von danne nam sî sich nû gar unde chêrte sich dar mit aller ir kraft, 1560 ze diu daz ir meisterschaft dâ deste merre wære Ein dinch ist clagebære: sît Minne kraft hât sô vil, daz sî gewaltet swem sî wil, 1565 und alle künige die nû sint noch lîhter twinget danne ein kint – sô ist sî einer swachen art, daz sî ie sô deumüet25 wart, daz sî iht bœses ruochet, 1570 und sô swache stat suochet, diu ir von rehte wære smæhe und unmære. Sî ist mit ir süezze vil ofte under füezze 1575 der schanden gevallen, als der zuo der gallen sîn süezzez honec giuzzet, und der balsem fliuzzet in die aschen von des mannes hant: 1580 wan daz wurde allez übel bewant – doch enhât sî hie niht missetân – wir suln sî geniezzen lân, dazs ir nû welt einen wirt, deiswâr von dem sî niemer wirt 1585 geswachet noch gunêret. Sî ist rehte zuo gechêret – sî belîbet hie mit êren –

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Iwein The nature of her wounds is such that people maintain that they hurt longer than those made by sword or spear, for if a man is wounded by weapons he will rapidly regain his health, if he is close to his doctor – but they say that the wounds of love are death if the doctor is present, and growing anguish. In the past, Love had, in her base mind, apportioned herself to many a poor place where no-one asked for her. She has entirely removed herself from there now and has headed off elsewhere, with all her power, to the end that her mastery may be all the greater elsewhere. One thing is regrettable: since Love has such great power, that she subjugates whomsoever she wishes, and compels all kings who are now in existence, more easily than a child, to do her will – yet she is base in nature, in that she has ever become so humble that she has any base designs, and seeks out such a low place, which, by rights, ought to be repugnant or indifferent to her. She, along with her sweetness, has very often fallen beneath the feet of disgrace, as when a man pours his sweet honey upon gall, and when the balsam flows, out of a man’s hand, into ashes,26 for that has all been ill applied – yet she has done no wrong here – we must let her profit by her now having chosen a host by whom, truly, she will never be demeaned nor dishonoured. She has found a good home – she can remain here with honour –

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German Romance III sus solde sî zuo chêren. Dô man den wirt begruop, dô schiet sich diu riuwigiu diet. Leien unde pfaffen, die fuoren ir dinch schaffen. Diu frouwe beleip mit ungehabe aleine bî dem grabe. Dô sî der herre Îwein eine ersach, und ir meinlîch ungemach, ir starchez ungemüete und ir stæte güete, ir wîplîche triuwe und ir senlîche riuwe, dô minnet er sî deste mê, und im wart nâch ir sô wê, daz diu Minne nie gewan grœzzern gewalt an deheinem man. Er gedâhte in sînem muote: ‘Jâ herre got der guote, wer gît mir sô starche sinne, daz ich die sô sêre minne, diu mir zem tôde ist gehaz, ode wie möhte sich gefüegen daz, daz sî mir gnædech würde nâch alsô swærer bürde mîner niuwen schulde? Ich weiz wol daz ich ir hulde niemer gewinnen chan. Nû sluoc ich doch ir man. Ich bin ouch ze sêre verzagt, daz ich mir selbe hân versagt. Nû weiz ich doch ein dinch wol, des ich mich wol trœsten sol, unde wirt mîn frou Minne rehte ir meisterinne, ich wæne sî ir in kurzer frist, als mir worden ist,27 ein unbillîche sache wol billîch gemache. Ez ist nie sô unmügelich, bestêt sî sî als mich, und rætet ir her ze mir, swie gar ich nû ir hulde enbir, und het ir leides mê getân,

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Iwein this is her proper destination. When the lord of the castle had been buried, then the grieving people parted. Laity and clergy went about their business. The lady remained in her distress, alone beside the grave. When Lord Iwein saw her alone, and her great discomfort, her mighty anguish, and her constant goodness, her womanly loyalty and her languishing grief, then he loved her all the more, and was in such anguish for her that Love never won greater power over any man. He thought to himself: ‘Oh, good Lord God, who gives me such strong feelings that I so sorely love her who hates me to death, or how might it come about that she might show me mercy after such a heavy burden as my fresh guilt bears? I know, indeed, that I can never obtain her favour – for, after all, I slew her husband. Yet I am too much daunted, denying myself all hope like this – for I know one thing well enough which ought to console me well: if my Lady Love truly becomes her mistress, I believe that in a short time – as has happened to me – she can make an unjust cause appear truly just to her. It is never so impossible, if she attacks her as she has me, and advises her to look favourably on me, no matter how entirely I now lack her favour, even if I had caused her more injury,

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German Romance III si müese ir zorn allen lân und mich in ir herze legen. Frou Minne muoz sî mir bewegen – ichn trûwe mit mîner frümcheit ir niemer benemen ir leit. Weste sî ouch welch nôt mich twanch ûf ir herren tôt, sô wurdes deste bezzer rât – und weste sî wie mîn muot stât – daz ich ze wandel wil gebn mich selben und mîn lebn. Sît nû diu minne und ir rât sich mîn underwunden hât, sô hât sî michel reht dazuo, daz sî der zweier einez tuo – daz sî ir râte her ze mir, ode mir den muot benem von ir, wan ich bin anders verlorn. Daz ich ze friunde hân erchorn mîne tôtvîendinne, daz ist niht von mînem sinne – ez hât ir gebot getân. Dâ von sol sî mich niht lân als unbescheidenlîchen underwegn. Ouwî wan wolde sî nû pflegen gebærde nâch ir güete! Freude unde guot gemüete, daz zæme mîner frouwen baz, danne dazs ir selber ist gehaz. Die marter und die arbeit, die sî an sich selben leit, die soldich billîcher enpfân. Ouwê waz hât ir getân ir antlütze und ir schœniu lîch, der ich nie niht sach gelîch! Ichn weiz waz sî zwâre an ir goltfarwem hâre und an ir selber richet, daz sî den lîp zebrichet – dâ ist sî unschuldech an. Ouwê jâ sluoc ich den man! Disiu zuht und der gerich giengen billîcher über mich. Ouch sol got erchennen daz,

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Iwein she would have to abandon all her anger and place me in her heart. Lady Love must incline her towards me – I don’t trust, by my own worthiness, ever to take her grievance from her. Yet if she knew what extremity compelled me to take her lord’s life, then that might help all the better – and if she knew how my mind stands – that I will willingly give in atonement myself and my life. Since Love and her counsel have now overpowered me, it is only right and proper on her part that she should do one of two things: she should help her to look favourably upon me, or take my thoughts away from her, for otherwise I am lost. That I have chosen as a beloved my deadly enemy is not by my own inclination – it was her command that brought it about. Therefore she ought not to leave me so indiscriminatingly in the lurch. Alas if only she would now practise behaviour that accorded with her goodness! Joy and good spirits would suit my lady better than that she is hostile towards herself. I ought more justly to receive myself the torture and hardship she imposes upon herself Alas how have her countenance and her fair complexion injured her – the like of which I never saw! I don’t know, truly, what wrong she is avenging on her golden hair and upon her self, tearing her body apart – she is innocent in this. Alas, it was I, indeed, who slew her husband! This castigation and revenge ought more fittingly to fall upon me. Moreover, God ought to recognise

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80 deiz mir an mînem lîbe tæte baz. Ouwî dâ diu guote in selhem unmuote ist sô rehte wünneclîch! 1680 Nû wem wære sî gelîch, het sî dehein leit? Zwâre got der hât geleit sîne kunst und sîne kraft, sînen flîz und sîne meisterschaft 1685 an disen loblîchen lîp – ez ist ein engel und niht ein wîp!’

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Iwein that it would better become me. Alas that the good lady there, in such distress, is so truly lovely! Who, indeed, would she resemble if she had no suffering to bear? Truly, God has applied His art and His power, His industry and His skill to this praiseworthy person – she is an angel and not a woman!’

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Der herre Îwein saz verborgen in freuden und in sorgen: im schuof daz venster guot gemach, des er genôz daz er sî sach. Dâ wider forht er den tôt – sus heter wünne unde nôt. Er saz dâ und sach sî an, unz an die wîle daz sî dan wider durch den palas gie. Ouwî wie chûme er daz verlie, dô er sî für sich gên sach, daz er niht wider sî sprach! Daz muose er doch durch forhte lân. Die porte wurden zuo getân, dâ sî durch was gegangen, und er was alsô gevangen, daz im aber diu ûzvart anderstunt versperret wart. Daz was im als mære, wan ob ietweder porte wære ledeclîchen ûf getân, und wærer ledech dazuo lân aller sîner schulde, alsô daz er mit hulde füere swar in dûhte guot – sô ne stuont doch anders niht sîn muot niuwan ze belîben dâ. Wærer gewesn anderswâ, sô wolder doch wider dar. Sîn herze stuont niender anderswar, niuwan dâ er sî weste – diu stat was im diu beste. Sus was mîn her Îwein mit disen nœten zwein sêre betwungen. Swie wol im was gelungen, sô wærer doch gunêret, wærer ze hove gechêret âne geziuc sîner geschiht, wande man geloupt im sîn niht.

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III LUNET’S ADVICE AND LAUDINE’S CHANGE OF MIND Lord Iwein sat hidden in joys and in sorrows: the window brought good comfort to him – he benefited by it in that he could see her. On the other hand, he feared death – thus he endured both delight and anguish. He sat there and looked at her until she went away, back out through the great hall. Alas, with what great difficulty he refrained, when he saw her walk past him, from speaking to her! Yet he had to refrain out of fear. The gates through which she had walked were closed, and he was so imprisoned that again his way out was barred once more. That mattered little to him, for if both gates were open and free of access, and if he had, moreover, been freed from all his guilt, so that he might, with grace and favour, go wherever seemed good to him – still his sole inclination was no other than to remain there. If he had been elsewhere, he would still have wished to be back there. His heart was not inclined to go anywhere else but there where he knew her to be – that place was the best for him. Thus my lord Iwein was sorely oppressed by these two perils. No matter how great his success, he would still be dishonoured if he returned to court without proof of his story, for they would not believe any of it if he told them.

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German Romance III Dô begunde in an strîten ze den andern sîten, daz im gar unmære elliu diu êre wære, diu im anders möhte geschehn, ern müese sîne frouwen sehn, von der er was gevangen. Schiere chom gegangen diu guote magt diu sîn pflac. Si sprach: ‘Ich wæne, ir swæren tac und übel zît hinne tragt.’ Er sprach: ‘Daz sî iu widersagt, wan ichn gewan liebern tac nie.’ ‘Sagt, herre, wie mac sich daz gefüegen, wan die iuch gerne slüegen, die seht ir hie umbe iuch gân? Mac ein man denne hân guoten tac und senfte zît, der ûf den lîp gevangen lît, ern wære danne des tôdes frô?’ Er sprach: ‘Mîn muot stêt niender sô, daz ich gerne wære tôt, und freu mich doch in mîner nôt, und hân daz hiute getân, und hân ouch noch ze freuden wân.’ Dô ez ir halbez wart gesagt, dô erchande wol diu magt, daz er ir frouwen meinde, als sî im sît bescheinde. Sî sprach: ‘Ir mugt wol wesn frô, wan ich gefüegez wol alsô mit ettelîchem dinge, daz ich iuch hinnen bringe, noch ode fruo, verholne.’ Er sprach: ‘Füere ich verstolne ze füezzen von hinnen, des müese ich wol gewinnen laster und unêre – swenne ich von hinnen chêre, daz bevindet allez diz lant!’ Sî sprach und nam in bî der hant: ‘Deiswâr, ichn heizze iuch niender varn und wil iuch gerne bewarn

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Iwein Then he was assailed, on the other hand, by the thought that he was entirely indifferent to all the honour which might otherwise befall him, unless he might see his lady, by whom he was held captive. Soon there came walking in the good maiden who tended him. She said: ‘I believe you are enduring a burdensome day and an evil time in here.’ He said: ‘I must contradict you, for I never enjoyed a happier day!’ ‘Tell me, lord, how can that come about, for you see those who would willingly slay you walking about you here? Can a man, then, enjoy a good day and a pleasant time, who is imprisoned and whose life is at stake, unless he were to rejoice in his own death?’ He said: ‘I am not by any means so minded that I would willingly be dead, and yet I rejoice in my extremity, and have done so today, and still cherish hope of joy.’ When half of this had been told to her, the maiden then clearly perceived that he had her lady in mind, as she afterwards showed him. She said: ‘You may well rejoice, for I shall so arrange it by some means or other that I fetch you away from here, today or tomorrow, secretly.’ He said: ‘If I were to depart secretly, on foot, from here,28 I might well win disgrace and dishonour thereby – whenever I leave here, all this land will know of it!’ She said, taking him by the hand: ‘Truly, I’m not telling you to go anywhere and will willingly preserve

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German Romance III den lîp sô ich beste chan. Mîn her Îwein, nû gêt dan, dâ iuwer gewarheit bezzer sî.’ – und fuorte in nâhen dâ bî, dâ im allez guot geschach. Sî schuof im allen den gemach, des im zem lîbe nôt was. Sî pflac sîn, daz er wol genas. Dô er guot gemach gewan, dô gienc sî von im dan, und tet daz durch allez guot. Vil starche ranch darnâch ir muot, daz er herre wurde dâ. Zuo ir frouwen gienc sî sâ. Der was sî heinlîch gnuoc, sô daz sî gar mit ir truoc, swaz si tougens weste, ir diu næhest und diu beste. Ir râtes und ir lêre gevolget sî mêre danne aller ir frouwen. Sî sprach: ‘Nû sol man schouwen alrêrst iuwer frümcheit, daran daz ir iuwer leit rehte und redelîche tragt. Ez ist wîplîch daz ir clagt, und mugt ouch ze vil geclagen. Uns ist ein frumer herre erslagen. Nû mac iuch got wol stiuren mit einem als tiuren.’ ‘Meinstûz sô?’ ‘Frouwe, jâ!’ ‘Wâ wære der?’ ‘Ettewâ.’ ‘Dû tobest, ode ez ist dîn spot! Und chêrte unser herre got allen sînen flîz daran, ern gemachte niemer tiurern man. Dâ von sol sich mîn senediu nôt, ob got wil, unz an mînen tôt niemer volenden. Den tôt sol mir got senden, daz ich nâch mînem herren var. Dû verliusest mich gar, ob dû iemer man gelobest neben im, wan dû tobest’

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Iwein your life as best I can. My lord Iwein, now come with me to a place where your safety is more secure.’ – and she led him to a place close by, where all that is well befell him. She provided him with all the comfort of which he was physically in need. She tended him in such fashion that he recovered well. When he was quite comfortable, she then went away from him, acting all for the best. Her intent strove most purposefully towards his becoming lord there. Straight away she went to her lady. She was sufficiently intimate with her that she shared entirely all that she knew by way of secrets with her, being her closest and best companion. She adhered more to her advice and to her counsel than to that of all her ladies. She said: ‘Now let people see your worth for the first time, from your enduring your suffering in right and proper fashion. It is womanly that you lament, and, perhaps, you may lament too much. Our worthy lord has been slain. Now God may well provide you with a lord of equal merit.’ ‘D’you think so?’ ‘Lady, yes!’ ‘Where might such a man be?’ ‘Somewhere or other.’ ‘You are raving or you are mocking me! If Our Lord were to apply all His industry to it, He would never create a worthier husband. Because of this, my languishing anguish, if God so wills, shall never cease until my death. God must send me death, so that I follow in my lord’s footsteps You will lose my favour entirely if you ever praise any man alongside him, for you are raving!’

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1815 Dô sprach aber diu magt: ‘Iu sî doch ein dinch gesagt, daz man iedoch bedenchen sol: ir vervâhet ez übel ode wol, ezn ist iu niender sô gewant: 1820 irn welt iuwern brunnen und daz lant und iuwer êre verliesen, sô müezzet ir ettewen chiesen, der in iu friste und bewar. Manech frum rîter chumt noch dar, 1825 der iuch des brunnen behert, enist dâ niemen, der ez wert – und ein dinch ist iu unchunt: ez wart ein bot an dirre stunt mînem herren gesant. 1830 Dô er in dô tôten vant und iuch in selher swære, dô versweic er iuch dez mære, und bat aber michz iu sagen, daz nâch disen zwelf tagen, 1835 und in vil churzem zil der künech Artûs chomen wil zuo dem brunnen mit her. Enist danne dâ niemen der in wer, sô ist iuwer êre verlorn. 1840 Habt ab ir ze wer erchorn von iuwerm gesinde deheinen man, dâ sît ir gar betrogen an. Und wære ir aller frümcheit an ir einen geleit, 1845 dazn wære noch niht ein frumer man. Swelher sich daz nimt an, daz er der beste sî von in, dern getar niemer dâ hin dem brunnen chomen ze wer. 1850 Sô bringet der künech Artûs ein her, die sint zen besten ûz erchorn, die ie wurden geborn. Frouwe, durch daz sît gemant: welt ir den brunnen und daz lant 1855 niht verliesen âne strît, sô warnt iuch an der zît unde lât iuwern swæren muot. Ichn râtez iu niuwan durch guot.’

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Iwein Then the maiden replied: ‘Let one thing be said to you,however, which ought, after all, to be taken into consideration: whether you take it well or ill – your situation is such and no other: unless you wish to lose your fountain and the land and your honour, you must choose someone who will protect and defend it for you. Many a valiant knight will yet come here who will rob you of the fountain, if there is no-one there to defend it – and there is one thing you do not know: a messenger was sent, just now, to my lord. When he then found him dead and you in such suffering, he was silent concerning his tidings, yet he asked me to tell you them: after the next twelve days – and very shortly thereafter – King Arthur intends to come to the fountain, with his army. If there is then no-one there to defend it, your honour will be lost. Yet if you have chosen, to defend it, any man of your household, you are deceiving yourself entirely in this. For if all their valour were combined in any single one of them, he would still not amount to a valiant man. Whoever presumes to be the best of them will not dare ever to go there to defend the fountain. And King Arthur will bring an army – they are chosen as the best who were ever born. Lady, therefore be warned: if you do not wish to lose the fountain and the land without battle, then prepare yourself in time and abandon your low spirits. I give you this advice only with the best of intentions.’

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Swie sî ir die wârheit 1860 ze rehte het underseit, und sî sich des wol enstuont, doch tet sî sam diu wîp tuont: sî widerredent durch ir muot, daz sî doch ofte dunchet guot, 1865 daz sî sô diche brechent diu dinch diu sî versprechent. Dâ schiltet sî vil maniger mite – sô dunchet ez mich ein guot site. Er missetuot der daz seit, 1870 ez mache ir unstætecheit. Ich weiz baz wâ von ez geschiht, daz man si als ofte siht in wanchelm gemüete – daz chumt von ir güete. 1875 Man mac sus übel gemüete wol bechêren ze güete, unde niht von güete bringen ze übelem gemüete. Diu wandelunge diu ist guot. 1880 Ir deheiniu ouch anders niht entuot. Swer in danne unstæte giht, des volgære bin ich niht. Ich wil in niuwan guotes jehn – allez guot müezze in geschehn! 1885 Diu frouwe jæmerlîchen sprach: ‘Nû clagich got mîn ungemach, daz ich nû niht ersterben mac, daz ich iemer deheinen tac nâch mînem herren lebn sol. 1890 Dâ mit ist mir doch niht wol, und möhte ich umbe den tôt mîn lebn âne houptsünde gegebn, des wurdich schiere gewert, ode ichn funde mezzer noch swert. 1895 Ob ich des niht gerâten chan, ichn müezze mit einem andern man mîns herren wandel hân, sô ne wil ez diu werlt niht sô verstân, als ez doch got ist erchant: 1900 der weiz wol ob mîn lant mit mir befridet wære, daz ichs benamen enbære.

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Iwein Although she had explained to her the whole truth of the matter, and she herself fully realised this, still she acted as women do: they are minded to contradict what often, in fact, seems good to them, so that they often break the promises they make. Full many a man criticises them because of this, but so me it seems a good custom. That man is acting wrongly who says that it is the result of their inconstancy. I know better how it comes about that they are so often seen in inconstant mind – that is because of their goodness. It is possible that an evil mind may readily be converted to goodness, but not be brought from goodness to an evil mind. Such a transformation is good. None of them, indeed, will act any differently. If anyone, then, accuses them of inconstancy, I am no follower of him. I desire to speak nothing but good of them – may all that is good befall them! The lady said, in her wretchedness: ‘Now I lament to God my distress, that I cannot now die, that I should ever live a single day after my lord’s death. I find no pleasure in it, indeed, and if I could give my life in exchange for death without capital sin, I would be soon granted that fate, unless I could find no knife or sword. If I cannot dispense with having to accept a second husband in exchange for my lord, then the world will not understand what is, nevertheless, recognised by God – He well knows that if my land might be defended by me alone, I would, indeed, dispense with that solution.

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German Romance III Nû rât mir, liebe, waz ich tuo, hœret dehein rât dazuo. Sît ich âne einen frumen man mîn lant niht befriden chan, sô gewinne ich mir gerne einen, und anders deheinen, den ich sô frumen erchande, daz er mînem lande guoten fride bære, und doch mîn man niht wære.’ Sî sprach: ‘Daz sî iu widerseit. Wer wære, der sich sô grôzze arbeit iemer genæme durch iuch an, ern wære iuwer man? Ir sprechet als ein wîp. Gebt ir im guot unde lîp, ir mugt ez dannoch heizzen guot, oberz willeclîchen tuot. Nû habt ir schœne unde jugent, geburt, rîcheit unde tugent, und mugt einen alsô biderben man wol gewinnen, ob es iu got gan. Nû ne weint niht mêre, und gedenchet an iuwer êre. Zwâre, frouwe, des ist nôt. Mîn herre ist für sich einen tôt. Wænt ir daz elliu frümcheit mit im ze grabe sî geleit? Zwâre desn ist niht, wande man noch hundert rîter siht, die alle tiurre sint danne er ze swerte, ze schilte und ze sper.’ ‘Dû hâst zwâre misseseit!’ ‘Frouwe, ich hân die wârheit!’ ‘Der zeige mir doch einen!’ ‘Liezzet ir iuwer weinen, deiswâr ich funde in iu harte wol’’ ‘Ichn weiz waz ich dir tuon sol, wan ez dunchet mich unmügelich. Sich, got gebezzer dich, ob dû mir nû liegest und mich gerne triegest.’ ‘Frouwe, hân ich iu gelogen, sô bin ich selbe betrogen.

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Iwein Now, advise me, my dear, as to what I am to do, if there is any solution you can suggest. Since I cannot protect my land without a valiant man, then I would gladly obtain one, but none other than one whom I might know to be so valiant that he might provide my land with good protection, and yet would not be my husband.’ She said: ‘I must contradict you: who might there be who would ever take on such great hardship for your sake unless he were your husband? You are talking like a woman. If you give him your property and person, you may yet come to think yourself lucky if he does the task willingly. Now, you possess beauty and youth, high birth, wealth and virtue, and may well find such a worthy husband, if God grants you one. Now weep no more and think upon your honour. Truly, lady, there is great need of that. My lord is the only one who has died. Do you believe that all valour has been laid in the grave with him? Truly, that isn’t the case, for a hundred knights are still to be seen who are all of greater merit than he with sword, with shield and with spear.’ ‘Indeed, you have spoken ill!’ ‘Lady, I know the truth of the matter!’ ‘Show me one of them, then!’ ‘‘If you were to abandon your weeping, indeed, I would find him for you easily enough.’ ‘I don’t know what I am to do to you, for it seems to me impossible. Look, may God correct you if you are lying to me now, and are inclined to deceive me.’ ‘Lady, if I have lied to you, then I am myself mistaken.

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German Romance III Nû bin ich ie mit iu gewesn und muoz ouch noch mit iu genesn. Verriete ich iuch, waz wurde mîn? Nû müezzet ir mîn rihtære sîn: erteilt mir – ir sît ein wîp – swâ zwêne vehtent umbe den lîp, wederre tiurre sî – der dâ gesige, ode der dâ sigelôs gelige?’ ‘Der dâ gesigt, sô wæn ich.’ ‘Frouwe, ez ist niht wænlîch, wan ez ist gar diu wârheit. Als ich iu nû hân geseit, rehte alsô hât ein man gesigt mînem herren an. Daz wil ich wol mit iu gehaben, wan ir habt in begraben. Ich erziuges nû gnuoc: der in dâ jagte unde sluoc, der ist der tiurer gewesn. Mîn herre ist tôt und er genesn.’ Diz was ir ein herzeleit, daz sî deheiner frümcheit iemen für ir herren jach. Mit unsiten sî ir zuo sprach und hiez sî ir wech strîchen. Sî ne wolde sî næmlîchen niemer mêre gesehn. Sî sprach: ‘Mir mac wol geschehn von mînen triuwen arbeit, und aber niemer herzeleit, wan ich sî gerne lîden wil. Zwâre ich bin gerner vil durch mîne triuwe vertriben, danne mit untriuwen beliben. Frouwe, nû gên ich von iu hin, und sô ich hin vertriben bin, sô nemt durch got in iuwern muot, waz iu sî nütze unde guot. Daz ich iu ê gerâten hân, daz hân ich gar durch guot getân, und got füege iu heil und êre, gesehe ich iuch niemer mêre!’ Sus stuont sî ûf und gie dan zuo dem verborgen man.

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Iwein Now, I have always been with you, and may still, indeed, prosper alongside you. If I were to betray you, what would become of me? Now, you must be my judge: judge for me – you are a woman – where two are fighting for their lives, which is the worthier – he who is victorious there, or he who lies vanquished there?’ ‘He who is victorious, so I presume.’ ‘Lady, it is not a matter of presumption, for it is nothing but the truth. In the manner I have now described to you – in just the same way a man has vanquished my lord. That I would maintain, against your argument, for you have buried him. I shall prove it now amply: he who pursued and slew him there was the worthier of the two. My lord is dead and he has survived.’ This was heart’s grief to her – that she should speak of anyone’s valour exceeding her lord’s. She spoke to her harshly and bade her hasten away from her. Indeed, she never wanted to see her again. She said: ‘Hardship may well befall me because of my loyalty, yet never heart’s grief, for I will gladly suffer such hardship. Indeed, I am much more willing to be driven away because of my loyalty, than to remain here in disloyalty. Lady, now I will go away from you, and once I have been driven away, for God’s sake consider in your mind what may be useful and good for you. What I have previously advised you. was entirely well-meant, and may God grant you salvation and honour, even if I never see you again!’ Thus she stood up and walked away to the hidden man.

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German Romance III Dem brâhte sî bœsiu mære, daz ir frouwe wære unbechêriges muotes: sî ne kunde sî deheins guotes mit nihte überwinden. Sî ne möhte dâ niht vinden niuwan zorn unde drô. Des wart der herre Îwein unfrô. Diu magt und her Îwein begunden ahten under in zwein, daz sîz noch versuochte baz, ob sich ir frouwen haz29 bechêrte mit güete ze senfterm gemüete. Dô diu frouwe ir magt vertreip, und sî eine beleip, dô begunde sî sêre riuwen, daz sî ir grôzzen triuwen wider sî sô sêre engalt, wande sî ir fluochet und sî schalt. Si gedâhte: ‘Waz hân ich getân? Ich solde sî geniezzen lân, daz sî mir wol gedient hât. Ich weiz wol daz sî mir den rât niuwan durch alle triuwe tet. Swâ ich gevolget ir bet, dazn wart mir nie leit, und hât mir ouch nû wâr geseit. Ich erchenne nû lange wol ir muot: sî ist getriuwe unde guot. Ich hân sî übel lâzen. Ich möhte wol verwâzen mîne zornige site, wan dâ gewinnet niemen mite niuwan laster unde schaden. Ich solde sî her wider laden – daz chœme mir vil lîhte baz, Ich was ir âne schult gehaz. Mîn herre was biderbe gnuoc, aber jener der in dâ sluoc, der muose tiurre sîn danne er, ern het in anders her niht mit gewalte gejagt. Sî hât mir daran wâr gesagt.

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Iwein She brought him bad news: that her lady was of unbending mind – she could not persuade her to any good intent by any means whatever. She had been able to find there nothing but anger and threats. Lord Iwein was unhappy at that. The maiden and Sir Iwein started considering among the pair of them how she might attempt further to see if her lady’s hatred might be converted by kindness to a gentler mood. When the lady had driven away her maid, and she remained alone, she began to regret sorely that the maiden had paid so dearly for her great loyalty to her, for she had cursed and scolded her. She thought: ‘What have I done? I ought to let her profit by having served me well. I know, indeed, that she offered me this advice only in all loyalty. Whenever I assented to her entreaties, that never caused me suffering, and, even now, she has told me the truth. I have long known her mind well: she is loyal and good. I was wrong to dismiss her. I could, indeed, curse my angry behaviour, for no-one will win by that anything other than disgrace and loss. I ought to invite her back – that would perhaps become me better. I was hostile towards her for no reason. My lord was worthy enough, but that man who slew him must be superior to him, or otherwise he wouldn’t have pursued him here with force. She told me the truth in this.

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2035 Swer er ist der in sluoc, wider den hân ich schulde gnuoc, daz ich im vîent sî – ouch stêt unschulde dâ bî, der imz ze rehte wil verstân – 2040 er hât ez wernde getân. Mîn herre wolt in hân erslagen. Heter im daz durch mich vertragen, und het in lâzen genesn, sô wære ich im ouch ze liep gewesn, 2045 wan sô wærer selbe tôt. Daz er in sluoc, des gienc in nôt.’ Sus brâhte sîz in ir gemüete ze suone und ze güete, und machte in unschuldech wider sî. 2050 Dô was gereit dâ bî diu gewaltige Minne, ein rehtiu süenærinne under manne und under wîbe. Sî gedâhte: ‘Mit mînem lîbe 2055 magich den brunnen niht erwern. Mich muoz ein biderbe man nern, ode ich bin benamen verlorn. Ich wil lâzen mînen zorn, ob ez sich gefüegen chan, 2060 und enger niuwan des man, der mir den wirt erslagen hât. Ob ez anders umbe in stât alsô rehte und als wol, daz ich im mîn gunnen sol, 2065 sô muoz er mich mit triuwen ergetzen mîner riuwen, und muoz mich deste baz hân, daz er mir leide hât getân.’ Daz sî ir meide ie leit gesprach, 2070 daz was ir als ungemach, daz sîz vil sêre clagte. Morgen dô ez tagte, dô chom si wider gegangen und wart baz enpfangen, 2075 danne sî verlâzen wære. Ir benam diu frouwe ir swære mit guotem antpfange. Sî ne saz bî ir niht lange,

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Iwein Whoever it is who slew him, I have ample cause to be hostile towards him – but there is innocence involved, too, if anyone wishes to understand properly what he did – he did it in self-defence. My lord would have slain him. If for my sake he’d allowed that to happen and had let my lord live, I would have been too dear to him, indeed, for he himself would now be dead. He had no choice but to slay him.’ Thus she turned her mind towards reconciliation and goodwill, rendering him guiltless towards her. Then mighty Love was also present there, a true conciliator among men and women. She thought: ‘I cannot defend the fountain by my own person alone. A worthy man must protect me, or I am truly lost. I will abandon my anger if it can be arranged, and desire none other than that man who has slain my lord. If, in other respects, his circumstances are so right and proper that I may grant him my person, then he may, by his loyalty, compensate me for my grief, and must hold me all the dearer for having injured me.’ She was so distressed at having ever offended her maid by her words that she most greatly lamented it. Next morning, at daybreak, she came back, and was better welcomed than she had been dismissed. Her lady removed her sorrow from her by her gracious welcome. She had not been sitting with her long

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unz sî sî fragen began, 2080 Sî sprach: ‘Durch got, wer ist der man, den dû mir gester lobtest? Ich wæne, dû niht tobtest, wan ezn tohte deheinem zagen, der mînen herren hât erslagen. 2085 Hât er die geburt und die jugent, und dazuo die tugent, daz er mir ze herren zimt – und swennez diu werlt vernimt, daz sî mirz niht gewîzzen chan, 2090 ob ich genomen habe den man, der mînen herren hât erslagen – chanstû mir daz von im gesagen, daz mir mîn laster ist verleit mit ander sîner frümcheit, 2095 und rætestu mirz danne, sô nim ich in zeinem manne.’ Sî sprach: ‘Ez dunchet mich guot, und gan iu wol, daz ir den muot sô schône habt verchêret. 2100 Ir sît mit im gêret und endurfet iuchs niemer geschamen.’ Sî sprach: ‘Nû sage mir sînen namen.’ ‘Er heizzet her Îwein.’ Zehant gehullen sî in ein. 2105 Sî sprach: ‘Deiswâr, jâ ist mir chunt sîn nam nû vor maniger stunt. Er ist sun des küniges Urîênes. Entriuwen ich verstên es mich nû alrêrst ein teil, 2110 und wirt er mir, sô hân ich heil. Weist ab dû, geselle, rehte ob er mich welle?’ ‘Er wolde wærez nû geschehn.’ ‘Sage, wenne magich in gesehn?’ 2115 ‘Frouwe, in disen vier tagen.’ ‘Ouwê, durch got waz wil dû sagen? Dû machest mir den tac ze lanc. Nim daz in dînen gedanc, daz ich in noch ode morgen sehe.’ 2120 ‘Wie welt ir, frouwe, daz daz geschehe? Ichn trœste iuch nihtes daran. Sô snel ist dehein man

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Iwein when she started to ask her questions. She said: ‘Pray, who is the man whom you praised to me yesterday? I believe you were not raving, for it would not be the work of any coward to slay my lord. If he possesses sufficiently high birth and youth, and knightly qualities, too, that he can fittingly be my lord – and if when the world hears of it, it cannot reproach me for taking as a husband that man who slew my lord – if you can assure me that by him my disgrace will be averted, by his valour alone, and if you then advise me to do so, then I will take him for a husband.’ She said: ‘That seems good to me, and I congratulate you on so elegantly changing your mind. You will be honoured by him and need never be ashamed of it.’ She said: ‘Now tell me his name.’ ‘He is called Sir Iwein.’ At once they were in agreement. She said: ‘Truly, his name has indeed been known to me for some time now. He is the son of King Urien. Indeed, I understand the matter now at last, to some extent. If he is to be mine, then I am blessed. But do you know, friend, for certain whether he wants me?’ ‘He would wish it had happened already.’ ‘Tell me, when can I see him?’ ‘Lady, within the next four days.’ ‘Alas, pray, what are you saying? You make the day too long for me. Make it your purpose that I may see him today still, or tomorrow.’ ‘How would you have that happen, lady? I can give you no hope of that whatever. So swift is no man

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German Romance III noch niht âne gevider, daz hin und her wider möhte chomen in sô kurzer frist. Ir wizzet wol wie verre dar ist.’ ‘Sô volge mînem râte: mîn garzûn louffet drâte – im endet ie ze fuoz ein tac, daz einer in zwein gerîten mac. Ouch hilfet im des mânen schîn, er lâze die naht einen tac sîn. Ouch sint die tage unmâzen lanc. Sage im, er hât sîn iemer danc, und daz ez im lange frumt, ob er morgen wider chumt. Heizze in rüeren diu bein und mache vier tage ze zwein. Er lâze im nû wesen gâch, unde ruowe darnâch swie lange sô er welle. Nû liebe imz, trûtgeselle.’ Sî sprach: ‘Frouwe, daz sî getân. Ouch sult ir ein dinc niht lân: besendet iuwer liute morgen unde hiute Ir næmet übel einen man, dâ ne wære ir rât an. Swer volget guotem râte, dem misselinget spâte. Swaz der man eine tuot und enwirt ez darnâch niht guot, sô hât er zwein wîs verlorn: er dultet schaden und friunde zorn.’ Sî sprach: ‘Trûtgeselle, ouwê! Ich fürhte, deiz mir niht wol ergê. Ez ist lîhte niht ir rât.’ ‘Frouwe mîn, die rede lât. Irn habt niender selhen helt, ern lâze iuch nemen swen ir welt, ê er iu den brunnen bewar. Diu rede ist ûf ir wege30 gar. Ouwî, sî sint des frô, daz sî der lantwer alsô über werden müezzen! Sî bietent sich zuo iuwern füezzen,

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Iwein as yet, without wings, that he might go there and back in such a short space of time. You well know how far it is to there.’ ‘In that case, take my advice: my page can run quickly – for him one day always ends on foot which another may take two to ride. The moonlight will help him, too, by making the night into a day. Also, the days are extraordinarily long.31 Tell him he will have my gratitude forever for this, and that it will long be of benefit to him if he comes back tomorrow. Order him to stir his legs and make four days into two. Let him make haste now, and rest afterwards for as long as he wishes. Make the task dear to him, beloved companion.’ She said: ‘Lady, that shall be done. You, for your part, must not omit one thing: send for your people tomorrow and today. You would do ill to take a husband unless their advice were consulted. Whoever follows good advice is slow to fail. Whatever a man does on his own, if it turns out badly afterwards, he has lost in two ways: he will suffer harm and his friends’ wrath.’ She said: ‘Dear companion, alas! I fear that it will not go well with me. It will not perhaps be what they advise.’ ‘My lady, do not talk so. You have no warrior here who will not let you take whomsoever you will for a husband, rather than defend the fountain for you. This will suit them down to the ground. Alas, they will be happy to be thus exempted from the defence of the land! They will throw themselves at your feet

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German Romance III swenne sî iuwer rede vernement und bitent iuch daz ir in nement.’ Sî sprach: ‘Nû sende den garzûn hin. Die wîle wil ouch ich nâch in mînen boten senden, daz wir die rede verenden.’ Sî het in schiere besant, wan er was dâ zehant. Der garzûn tet als sî im beschiet. Er hal sich als sî im geriet, wander was gemachet und gereit zaller guoten kündecheit. Er kunde ir helfen liegen und âne schalcheit triegen. Dô sich diu frouwe des versach, daz doch niender geschach, daz der garzûn wære underwegen, dô begunde diu magt des rîters pflegen, als ir got iemer lône! Sî bâdet32 in harte schône. Ouch was dâ gereit wol drîer hande cleit, grâ, hærmîn unde bunt, wan des was der wirt zaller stunt gewarnt als ein höfsch man, der wol des lîbes pflegen chan und des ouch guote state hât. Dô welte sî im die besten wât unde legte in die an. Des andern âbendes gie sî dan dâ sî ir frouwen eine vant unde machte sî zehant vor freuden bleich unde rôt. Sî sprach: ‘Gebt mir daz botenbrôt. Iuwer garzûn der ist chomen!’ ‘Waz mære hâstû vernomen?’ ‘Guotiu mære!’ ‘Sage doch wie!’ ‘Dâ ist der herre Îwein hie!’ ‘Wie moht er chomen als fruo?’ ‘Dô treip in diu liebe dazuo.’ ‘Sage durch got, wer weiz ez doch?’ ‘Frouwe, ezn weiz niemen noch, niuwan der garzûn unde wir.’ ‘Wan füerestûn danne her ze mir?

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Iwein when they hear your speech and beg you to take him.’ She said: ‘Now send the page off. Meanwhile I, for my part, will send my messenger to fetch them, so that we can finalise the matter.’ It did not take long to send for him, for he was there, on the spot. The page did as she commanded him. He concealed himself, as she advised him, for he was ready-made and well-prepared for all well-intended cunning. He was capable of helping her to lie and deceive, without villainy. When the lady was convinced – not that it happened, in fact – that the page was on his way, then the maiden started to tend the knight in such fashion that may God ever reward her for it! She bathed him very prettily. Moreover, there was available there, I imagine, three kinds of clothing, grey, ermine and coloured,33 for the lord of the castle was at all times equipped with such, like a courtly man who is well capable of tending his person and also has good opportunity to do so. Then she chose for him the best garments and put them on him. The next evening she went off to where she found her lady, alone, and made her at once pale and red for joy. She said: ‘Give me my messenger’s bread.34 Your page has arrived!’ ‘What tidings have you heard?’ ‘Good tidings!’ ‘Now tell me then!’ ‘Lord Iwein has arrived here!’ ‘How could he come so early?’ ‘It was joy drove him to it.’ ‘Tell me, pray, who knows of this?’ ‘Lady, no-one else knows of it yet except the page and us.’ ‘Why don’t you bring him here to me, then?

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German Romance III Nû gench enwech, ich bît es hie.’ Dô diu junchfrouwe nâch im gie, dô gebârte sî gelîche durch ir gemlîche,35 als sî mit bœsem mære zuo im gesendet wære. Sî hienc daz houpt unde sprach trûreclîche, dô sî in sach: ‘Ichn weiz waz ich des tuon sol: mîn frouwe weiz iuch hinne wol – ir ist ûf mich vaste zorn – ich hân ir hulde verlorn, daz ich iuch hie behalten hân, und enwil mich doch des niht erlân, sîne welle iuch gesehn.’ Er sprach: ‘Desn sol niht geschehn – ich lâze mir ê nemen den lîp!’ ‘Wie möhte iu den genemen ein wîp?’ ‘Sî hât doch folches ein her.’ ‘Ir geneset wol âne wer. Ich hân des ir sicherheit, daz iu deheiner slahte leit nû von ir mac geschehn. Sî wil iuch niuwan eine sehn. Ir müezzet ir gevangen wesn – anders lât sî iuch wol genesn.’ Er sprach: ‘Sî vil sælech wîp! Ich wil vil gerne daz mîn lîp iemer ir gevangen sî, und daz herze dâ bî.’ Sus stuont er ûf unde gie dan mit freuden als ein sælech man, und wart doch undâr enpfangen. Dô er chom gegangen, weder sî ne sprach nochn neic. Dô sî alsô stille sweic, daz begunde im starche swâren und enweste wie gebâren, wan er saz verre hin dan und sach sî bliuclîchen an. Dô sî beidiu swigen, dô sprach diu magt: ‘Herre Îwein, wie sît ir sô verzagt? Lebt ir ode habt ir munt? Ir sprâchet doch in kurzer stunt.

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Iwein Now off you go, I’ll wait here.’ When the damsel went to fetch him, she then behaved, making mock of him, as if she had been sent to him with bad news. She hung her head and spoke sadly, when she saw him: ‘I don’t know what I am to do: my lady knows well that you are in here – she is very angry with me – I have lost her favour by keeping you hidden here, and yet she will not spare me, but insists on seeing you.’ He said: ‘That must never happen – I would rather let my life be taken!’ ‘How might a woman take your life?’ ‘She has an army of people here, after all.’ ‘You will survive without having to defend yourself. I have her oath upon it that no kind of injury may now befall you at her hands. She wants to see you all alone. You must be her captive – that apart, she will indeed let you live.’ He said: ‘Most blessed woman that she is! I desire most willingly that my person shall forever be her captive, and my heart, too!’ Thus he stood up and walked off joyfully, like a blissful man, and yet he met with an unfriendly reception. When he came walking up she neither spoke nor bowed. When she was thus silent, that started to trouble him greatly and he did not know how to act, but he sat at a distance and looked at her in embarrassment. When they were both silent, the maid then said: ‘Sir Iwein, why are you so daunted? Are you alive or have you a mouth? You were talking, after all, a short time ago.

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2255 Wenne wurdet ir ein stumme? Sagt, durch got, warumbe fliehet ir ein sô schœne wîp? Got gehazze iemer sînen lîp, der âne sînen danch deheinen man, 2260 der selbe wol gesprechen chan, ze schœnem wîbe ziehe, der sî sô sêre fliehe! Ir möht sitzen nâher baz. Ich geheizze iu wol daz 2265 mîn frouwe bîzet iuch niht. Swem von dem andern geschiht sô leide als ir ir habt getân, und sol man des gnâde vân, dazuo hœret bezzer lôn. 2270 Ir habt den künech Ascalôn, ir vil lieben man, erslagen. Wer solt iu des gnâde sagen? Ir habt vil grôzze schulde – nû suochet ouch ir hulde. 2275 Nû biten wir sî beide, daz sî ir leide geruoche vergezzen.’ Dô ne wart niht mê gesezzen. Er bôt sich drâte ûf ir fuoz, 2280 und suochte ir hulde und ir gruoz als ein schuldiger man. Er sprach: ‘Ichn mac nochn chan iu gebieten mêre wandels noch êre, 2285 wan rihtet selbe über mich. Swie ir welt, alsô wil ich.’ ‘Welt ir allez daz ich wil?’ ‘Jâ michn dunchet nihtes ze vil.’ ‘Sô nim ich iu lîhte den lîp!’ 2290 ‘Swie ir gebiet, sælech wîp!’ ‘Nû waz hulfe rede lanc? Sît ir iuch âne getwanc in mîne gewalt habt ergebn, næme ich iu danne daz lebn, 2295 daz wære harte unwîplich. Herre Îwein, niht verdenchet mich, daz ichz von unstæte tuo, daz ich iuwer alsus fruo

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Iwein When did you become a mute? Tell me, pray, why do you shun such a beautiful woman? May God forever hate anyone who, against his will, leads any man, who is himself capable of speaking well, to a beautiful woman, and who then shuns her so much! You might sit closer to her. I promise you that my lady will not bite you. If such grave injuries befall a person at another’s hands as you have caused her, and if one is then to find favour, a better reward is needed. You have slain King Ascalon, her most dear husband. Who will grant you forgiveness for that? You bear very great guilt – now seek her favour. Now let us both beseech her to deign to forget the injury done to her.’ Then he remained seated no longer. He knelt quickly at her feet, and besought her favour and her greeting as a guilty man. He said: ‘I may not nor can I offer you more compensation or honour, but judge over me yourself. Whatever you wish, I also wish.’ ‘Do you wish everything that I wish?’ ‘Indeed, nothing seems too much to me.’ ‘Then I may perhaps take your life!’ ‘Whatever you command, blessed woman!’ ‘Now, how would lengthy discourse help? Since you, without compulsion, have surrendered yourself into my power, if I were then to take your life, that would be most unwomanly. Sir Iwein, do not suspect that I am acting this way out of inconstancy, in granting you favour

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gnâde gevangen hân. 2300 Ir habt mir selch leit getân, stüende mîn ahte und mîn guot36 als ez andern frouwen tuot, daz ich iuwer enwolde sô gâhes nochn solde 2305 gnâde gevâhen. Nû muoz ich leider gâhen, wandez ist mir alsô gewant, ich mac verliesen wol mîn lant hiute ode morgen. 2310 Daz muoz ich ê besorgen mit einem manne der ez wer. Der ist niender in mînem her, sît mir der künech ist erslagen. Des muoz ich in vil kurzen tagen 2315 mir einen herren chiesen, ode daz lant verliesen. Nûne bit ich iuch niht fürbaz sagen: sît ir mînen herren habt erslagen, sô sît ir wol ein sô frum man, 2320 ob mir iuwer got gan, sô bin ich wol mit iu bewart vor aller fremder hôchfart, und geloubet mir ein mære: ê ich iuwer enbære, 2325 ich bræche ê der wîbe site – swie selten wîp mannes bite, ich bæte iuwer ê. Ichn nœtlîche iu niht mê, wan ich wil iuch gerne. Welt ir mich?’ 2330 ‘Spræche ich nû, frouwe, nein ich, sô wære ich ein unsælech man. Der liebest tac den ich ie gewan, der ist mir hiute widervarn. Got ruoche mir daz heil bewarn, 2335 daz wir gesellen müezzen sîn.’ Dô sprach diu künegîn: ‘Ouwî, mîn herre Îwein, wer hât under uns zwein gefüeget dise minne? 2340 Es wundert mîne sinne, wer iu geriete den wân, sô leide als ir mir habt getân,

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Iwein so quickly. You have done me such injury that, if things so stood with regard to my position and my possessions as they do with other ladies, I would not wish so hastily to grant you favour, nor ought I to do so. Now, unfortunately, I have to act in haste, for the way things are I may well lose my land today or tomorrow. Before that happens, I must provide it with a man who will defend it. None such is among my people since the king has been slain. Therefore I must very shortly choose myself a lord, or lose the land. Now I beseech you to say nothing further: since you have slain my lord, you are, I presume, so valiant a man that if God grants me you, then I shall be well protected by you against all foreign arrogance, and believe one thing I say – rather than do without you I would break with women’s custom – no matter how rarely a woman asks for a man, I would ask for you first. I shall press you no further, except to say: I will willingly have you. Will you have me?’ ‘If I were now to say, lady, no, I won’t, I would be an accursed wretch. The dearest day I ever had has befallen me today. God deign to grant me the blessed fate that we may be dear companions.’ Then the queen said: ‘Alas, my lord Iwein, who has brought about this love between the two of us? My mind wonders who prompted you to the hope, you having done me such great injury,

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German Romance III daz ich iemer wurde iuwer wîp.’ ‘Mir riet ez niuwan mîn selbes lîp.’ ‘Wer riet ez dem lîbe, durch got?’ ‘Daz tet des herzen gebot.’ ‘Nû aber dem herzen wer?’ ‘Dem rieten diu ougen her.’ ‘Wer riet ez den ougen dô?’ ‘Ein rât, des mugt ir wesn frô: iuwer schœne und anders niht.’ ‘Sît unser ietwederz nû giht, ez sî des andern frô,’ sprach diu küneginne dô, ‘wer ist der uns nû wende, wirne geben der rede ein ende? Dazn füeget sich niht under uns drin – nû gên wir zuo den liuten hin. Ich hân gester besant die besten über mîn lant. Vor den suln wirz niht stillen. Ich hân in mîns willen ein teil darumbe kunt getân. Die suln wir an der rede hân. Deiswâr ez füeget sich deste baz.’ Nû tâten sî ouch daz. Dô sî sich ze handen viengen und in den palas giengen, und sî den hern Îwein sâhen, benamen sî des jâhen, sî gesæhen nie sô schœnen man. Dâne lugen sî niht an. Ouch enwart nie rîter anderswâ baz enpfangen danner dâ. Sî besâhen in als ein wunder und sprâchen alle besunder: ‘Wer brâhte disen rîter her? Ob got wil, ez ist der, den mîn frouwe nemen sol!’ In behagte nie rîter als wol. Alsus fuorten sî in enmitten durch die liute hin, und gesâzen beide an einer stat. Diu frouwe ir truhsæzzen bat, daz er ir rede tæte, und sî des alle bæte,

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Iwein that I should ever become your wife.’ ‘It was my own self alone that prompted me to it.’ ‘Who prompted your self, pray?’ ‘It was the heart’s command that did so.’ ‘But who then prompted the heart?’ ‘It was the eyes prompted it in this direction.’ ‘Who then prompted the eyes?’ ‘One prompting in which you may rejoice: your beauty and nothing else.’ ‘Since each of us now says that he is happy with the other,’ the queen then said, ‘who is now to prevent us making an end of the matter? This cannot be arranged solely among the three of us. Now let us go over to the people. Yesterday I sent for the best people throughout my land. We ought not to conceal this from them. I have made known to them my wishes in part concerning this matter. We must include them in the counsel. In truth, this is only right and fitting.’ Then they did, indeed, do so. When they had taken one another by the hand and walked into the great hall, and the people saw Lord Iwein, they averred that in truth they had never seen such a handsome man. They were telling no lie. Nor was any knight elsewhere ever welcomed better than he was there. They looked on him as a wonder, and all said, one after the other: ‘Who brought this knight here? If God wills, this is he whom my lady is to take as her husband!’ Never did a knight please them as well. Thus the two ladies led him through the middle of the people, and the couple sat down at one place there. The lady requested her steward to make her speech for her, and to request them all

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German Romance III daz sî ez liezzen âne zorn – sî het ir disen man erchorn. Sî sprâchen, ez wære âne ir haz und in geviele nie dehein dinch baz. Ein ros daz willeclîchen gât, swer daz mit sporn ouch bestât, sô gêt ez deste baz ein teil Sî mohten ir willen und ir heil ir lîhte gerâten. Ich wæne, sî rehte tâten, wan dûht ez sî alle missetân, sî wolde in doch genomen hân. Dô der truhsæzze getet sîner frouwen rede nâch ir bet, und dô sî ouch hôrten sagen, ez chœme in vierzehn tagen der künech Artûs dar mit her – funde er den brunnen âne wer, sô wærer benamen verlorn, wan er het der verte gesworn, und als in rehte wart geseit des rîters geburt und sîn frümcheit – zuo der schœne die sî sâhen – von rehte sî des jâhen, ez wære frum und êre. Waz sol diu rede mêre, wan ez was michel fuoge? Dâ wâren pfaffen gnuoge: die tâten in die ê zehant und gâben im frouwen unde lant. Frou Laudîne hiez sîn wîp. Sî chunde im lebn unde lîp vil wol gelieben mit ir tugent. Dâ was geburt unde jugent, schœne unde rîcheit. An swen got hât geleit triuwe und andern guoten sin, volle tugent, als an in, und den eins wîbes wert, diu niuwan sîns willen gert, suln diu mit liebe lange lebn, den hât er freuden vil gegebn. Daz was allez wænlîch dâ. Hie huop sich diu brûtlouft sâ.

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Iwein not to be angry about it – she had chosen this man for herself. They said that it did not offend them and nothing had ever pleased them better. A charger that walks willingly – if a man applies the spurs to it as well – will then walk all the better. They had no difficulty in advising her what she wished and what was her good fortune. I believe they were right to do so, for even if they had all thought it wrong, she would have taken him in any case. When the steward had made his lady’s speech in accordance with her request, and when they also heard tell that in a fortnight King Arthur would arrive there with his army – if he found the fountain defenceless, it would indeed be lost, for he had sworn an oath to take that journey, and when they had been duly informed of the knight’s birth and his valour – along with his beauty, which they could see for themselves – they averred, rightly, that it was a worthy and honourable business. What use was further discussion, for it was most fitting? There were plenty of priests there: they performed the marriage rites for them at once and gave to him lady and land. Lady Laudine his wife was called. She knew how to endear to him his life and person full well by her virtues. High birth and youth were present there, beauty and wealth. That man upon whom God has conferred loyalty and a good mind in other respects, and all good qualities, as upon him, and grants him a wife who wants nothing but what he desires, if they are to live long in affection, He has given them much joy – that was all present there, presumably.37 At once the bridal rites commenced there.

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Des tôten ist vergezzen: der lebende hât besezzen beidiu sîn êre und sîn lant. Daz was vil wol zim bewant. 2435 Ezn wart vor des noch sît sô volleclîch hôchzît in dem lande nie mêre. Dâ was wünne unde êre, freude und michel rîterschaft, 2440 und alles des überkraft, des man zem lîbe gerte. Ir ritterschaft diu werte unz daz in daz lant fuor der künech Artûs, als er swuor, 2445 zuo dem brunnen mit her. Dô bedorft er wol guoter wer: im entohte ze herren niht ein zage. Ezn chom dar nie in einem tage sô manech guot rîter als dô.

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Iwein The dead man is forgotten: the living man has taken possession of both his honour and his land. That was very well placed in his hands. Neither before nor since was there ever in that land such a perfect wedding. Delight and honour were there, joy and many deeds of chivalry, and a superabundance of everything that people desired. Their chivalry lasted until there came into that land King Arthur, as he had sworn, to the fountain, with his army. Then it stood in need, indeed, of good defence: it required a lord who was no coward. Never had there arrived there in a single day so many a good knight as then.

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2450 Nû was der herre Key frô, daz er ze spotten vant. Er sprach: ‘Herre Kâlogrêant, wâ ist iuwer neve, herre Îwein? Ez schînet noch als ez dô schein, 2455 und ich wænez iemer schîne: sîn rede was nâch wîne, dô er iuch hie mit worten rach. Ouwî wie er sluoc unde stach! Wære im ein trinchen noch getragen, 2460 er het zwelf risen erslagen! Sîner manheit der ist vil. Deiswâr, ob er iuch rechen wil, sô sûmet er sich. Der iuch dâ richet, daz bin ich. 2465 Ich muoz et aber die nôt bestân, als ich vil diche hân getân, dâ ich für mîne friunt stuont. Ichn weiz warumbe sî ez tuont, ode waz sî an in selben rechent, 2470 die sô vil gesprechent von ir selber getât, sô ins niemen mê gestât. Ez ist ze vehten guot, dâ niemen den widerslac tuot. 2475 Nû ist er uns entwichen, im selber lasterlichen. Er forhte, wærer her chomen, wander sichz het an genomen, er müese die nôt vor bestân. 2480 Ich het ins doch wol erlân. Ez swachet manech bœse man den biderben swâ er iemer chan, ern begêt deheine frümcheit, und ist im gar ein herzeleit, 2485 swem dehein êre geschiht. Nû seht, desn tuon ich niht, wan ich einem iegelîchen man sîner êren wol gan. Ich prîse in swâ er rehte tuot, 2490 und verswîge sîn laster, daz ist guot.

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IV KAY’S MOCKERY AND GAWEIN’S ADVICE Now Lord Key was delighted to find cause for scorn. He said: ‘Sir Kalogreant, where is your kinsman, Sir Iwein? It appears still, as it appeared then, and, I believe, always will appear: his speech was coloured by wine, when he avenged you here by words. Oh, how he cut and thrust! If he had been given more to drink, he would have slain twelve giants! Great is his valour. In truth, if he wishes to avenge you, he is tardy. It is I who will avenge you there. Again I find I must face duress, as I very often have done, standing in for my friends. I don’t know why they do it, or what wrong they are avenging upon themselves – those who talk so much about their own deeds, when no-one else will concede they are right. It is good to be in a fight in which no-one deals a counter-blow. Now he has escaped us, to his own disgrace. He feared that if he had come here, as he had taken on the challenge, he would have to face the danger first. I would, however, have readily spared him the necessity. Many a base man belittles a worthy man whenever he can, if he performs any act of valour, and it grieves him to the heart if honour befalls any man. Now, see, I do no such thing, for I gladly grant every man what honour befalls him. I praise him whenever he acts rightly and am silent about his disgrace – that is well.

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German Romance III Ez ist reht, daz mir gelinge, wan ezn sprichet ze dem dinge niemen minre danne ich. Iedoch sô fürdert er sich, swâ sich der bœse selbe lobt, wande niemen gerne für in tobt, der sîne höfscheit prîse. Der herre Îwein ist niht wîse – er möhte swîgen als ich.’ Diu rede dûhte sî gemlich, daz er sich dûhte als guot, wan alsô falschlîchen muot gewan nie rîter dehein. Dô sprach mîn her Gawein: ‘Wie nû, mîn her Key, nû sprechet ir doch, ir sît frî falscher rede – wie schînet daz? Ir erzeiget doch iezuo grôzen haz disem guoten knehte.38 Nû tuot ir im unrehte. Ern gedâhte iuwer nie wan wol, als ein rîter des andern sol, und daz er her niht chomen ist, daz hât im lîhte an dirre frist ein selch unmuozze benomen, daz er niht mohte chomen. Durch got, ir sult die rede lân.’ Her Key sprach: ‘Daz sî getân. Ich wânde, ich redte wol daran. Als gerne mac ein man übel tuon als wol. Sît daz ez niemen reden sol, ichn gewähen es niemer mêre. nû, daz sîn iuwer êre.’ Der künech Artûs nam in die hant daz beche daz er dâ hangende vant, und schuof ez vollez brunnen, und wolde rehte erchunnen, ob daz selbe mære wâr ode gelogen wære, durch daz er was chomen dar, und begôz den stein dar. Dô wart daz weter als grôz, daz alle die dâ verdrôz,

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Iwein It is right that I should succeed, for no-one talks of his own affairs less than I do. Yet he is always pushing himself forward, the base man, whenever he praises himself, for no-one would willingly rave in his stead and praise his courtliness. Lord Iwein is not wise – he ought to be silent, like me.’ They thought his words a joke – that he thought himself thus worthy, for no knight ever had such a villainous mind. Then my lord Gawein said: ‘What now, my lord Kay? Now you are saying that you are free of false discourse! How may that be? You show, after all, great hostility now to this good knight. Now, you are doing him an injustice. He never wished you other than well, as any knight should another, and that he has not come here may perhaps be because, at this time, some other business has detained him, so that he could not come. Pray let such talk be.’ Sir Kay said: ‘So be it. I thought I was speaking to the point. A man may as readily act badly as well. Since no-one is to speak of this, I’ll never mention it again. Well, so much for your “honour”!’ King Arthur took into his hand the basin he found hanging there, and filled it with well-water, wanting to find out for certain whether those tidings which had brought him there were true or a lie, and he poured the water upon the stone there. Then the storm grew so great that all were dismayed

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2535 die dar chomen wâren, und daz sî genâren, des heten sî verzwîfelt nâch. Dô wart dem herren Îwein gâch gewâfent von der veste, 2540 wânder sâ wol weste, ern werte sînen brunnen, er wurde im an gewunnen. Ouch habte der herre Key alsô gewâfent dâ bî – 2545 der het der êrsten tjost gegert. Der het in ouch der künech gewert. Nû chom der herre Îwein balde dort ûz jenem walde ze velde galopieret, 2550 in engels wîs gezieret.39 Sînem herzen liebe geschach, dô er jenen halden sach, der allez guot verchêrte, dô in got sô gêrte, 2555 daz er im solde gelten sîn ungefüegez schelten, und sînen tægelîchen spot – des lobt er got. Ouch sagich iu ein mære, 2560 swie schalchaft Key wære, er was doch vil unerforht. Het in sîn zunge niht verworht, sô gewan der hof nie tiurern helt. Daz mugt ir kiesen, ob ir welt, 2565 bî sînem ampt des er pflac. Sîn het anders niht einen tac geruochet der künech Artûs ze truhsæzzen in sînem hûs. Nû wâren sî under in beiden 2570 des willen ungescheiden: ir ietweder gedâhte sêre ûf des andern êre – ir gelinge wart aber mislîch. Diu tjost wart guot unde rîch, 2575 und der herre Key, swie bœse ir wænt daz er sî, er verstach sîn sper unz an die hant. Dâ mite wart ouch er gesant

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Iwein who had gone there, and they almost despaired of surviving. Then Lord Iwein made haste, having armed himself, down from the stronghold, for he was fully aware, at once, that unless he defended his fountain, it would be won from him. Lord Kay halted also, in full armour there – he had requested the first joust. The King had granted it him, too. Now Lord Iwein came fast out of that forest there galloping to the field, accoutred like an angel. His heart delighted when he saw that man halting there who turned all good to evil – when God granted him that he should pay him back for his uncouth chiding and his daily scorn – he praised God for that. Moreover, I shall tell you one thing: no matter how malicious Kay was, he was, nevertheless, not lacking in courage. If his tongue had not brought about his undoing, the court would never have gained a worthier warrior. That you may judge, if you wish, by the office that he occupied. Otherwise, not for a single day would King Arthur have tolerated him as a steward in his castle. Now, each of these two was of the same purpose: each of them was intent on assailing the other’s honour – their success was, however, varied. The joust was a good and full one, and Lord Kay, no matter how base you think him to be, shattered his spear, right down to his hand. He was, moreover, thrown

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ûz dem satel als ein sac, 2580 daz ern weste wâ er gelac. Dô ne wolder im mêre tuon dehein unêre, wan daz er schimpflîchen sprach, dô er in vor im ligen sach: 2585 ‘Warumbe ligt ir dâ, durch got? Nû wâren sî doch ie iuwer spot, den âne ir schulde misselanc. Vielet ir sunder iuwern danc? Michn triege danne mîn wân, 2590 ir habt ez gerne getân. Ezn möhte iu anders niht sîn geschehn. Ir woldet niuwan gerne sehn, welch vallen wære! Ez ist iedoch lasterbære.’ 2595 Er nam daz ros dô erz gewan, und fuortez für den künech dan. Er sprach: ‘Diz ros hân ich genomen. Herre, heizzet ettewen chomen von iuwerm gesinde, 2600 der sichs underwinde. Ichn ger niht iuwer habe, ichn gewinnes iu anders abe.’ Des gnâdet er im vil verre. Er sprach: ‘Wer sît ir, herre?’ 2605 ‘Ich bin ez Îwein.’ ‘Nû, durch got!’ ‘Herre, ich bin ez sunder spot.’ Nû sagter im mære, wie er worden wære herre dâ ze lande. 2610 Sîner êren und Key schande freuten sî sich alle dô, dochn was dâ niemen als frô als mîn herre Gâwein, wan ez was ie under in zwein 2615 ein geselleschaft âne haz, und stuont vil verre deste baz ir ietweders wort. Noch lac der herre Key dort gar ze spotte in allen, 2620 wander was gevallen ûf den lîp vil sêre, und wære ein selch unêre

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Iwein out of his saddle like a sack by the impact of the joust, so that he didn’t know where he ended up lying. Then Sir Iwein did not wish to him do any further dishonour, but merely said, out of merriment, seeing him lying before him: ‘Pray, why are you lying there? Now, those were, after all, always the butt of your scorn who came to grief through no fault of their own. Did you fall against your will? Unless my thoughts are deceiving me, you did so willingly. It could not have happened to you otherwise. You merely wanted to see what falling was like! Still, it is a disgrace.’ He took the charger, once he had got hold of it, and led it away to the King. He said: ‘I have obtained this charger. Lord, tell someone of your retinue to come and take charge of it. I don’t desire any of your possessions, unless I should gain them from you in different fashion.’ The King thanked him profusely for that. He said: ‘Who are you, lord?’ ‘It is I, Iwein.’ ‘Heavens, surely not!’ ‘Lord, it is I, no joking.’ Then he told him the news of how he had become lord of that land. All then rejoiced in his honour and Kay’s disgrace, but no-one there was as pleased as my lord Gawein, for there always obtained between those two an intimacy without enmity, which greatly enhanced the reputation of them both. As yet Sir Kay was still lying there, the butt of all their mockery, for he had taken a very hard fall, and if such dishonour

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German Romance III an einem biderben man gesehn, der im vil manigiu was geschehn, der sich lasters chunde schamen, der het benamen die liute geflohen iemer mê. Ez tet im an dem lîbe wê – ez was im anders sam ein bast, wandez het der schanden last sînen rüke überladen. Ezn chunde im niht geschaden an sînen freuden alsô, daz er iender unfrô gegen einem hâre wurde dâ von, wan er was lasters wol gewon. Sus het der strît ende mit sîner missewende, und mit lasterlîchem schalle. Die anderen muosen alle dem hern Îwein wol gunnen sîns landes und des brunnen, und aller sîner êren. Sîne möhtens im gemêren, in was anders niht gedâht. Sus het erz umbe sî alle brâht. Nû reit der künech Artûs durch sîne bet mit im ze hûs. Dâne irte unstat noch der muot, dâne wurde handelunge guot, daz er âne sîn lant nie bezzer kurzwîle vant, wan dem was et niht gelîch, und ist ouch unmügelîch, daz im ûf der erde iemer iht gelîchez werde. Diu künegîn was des gastes frô. Zem hern Îwein sprach sî dô: ‘Geselle unde herre, ich gnâde dir vil verre unsers werden gastes. Zwâre dû hâstes iemer lôn wider mich.’ Von schulden freute sî sich, wan sî was unz an die zît niuwan nâch wâne gehît –

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Iwein as had very often befallen him had been visited upon a worthy man, who was capable of feeling ashamed, then he would, indeed, have shunned people’s presence forever more. It hurt him physically – that apart, he did not care a straw, for disgrace’s load had so overburdened his back. Nothing could so impair his happiness, that he might be at all unhappy in consequence, not by a jot, for he was well accustomed to disgrace. Thus the battle had ended with his discomfiture amid the din of his disgrace. The others were all quite content to wish Sir Iwein well of his land and his fountain, and all the honour he possessed. Their sole thought was that they might increase this. He had deserved and won such treatment by them. Then King Arthur rode, at his request, along with him to his castle. Neither any shortage nor ill-will there prevented good hospitality being offered there, so that, outside his own land, he never found better pastime, for nothing could equal his castle, and it is, indeed, impossible that anything on earth could ever equal it. The queen was delighted with her guest. She then said to Lord Iwein: ‘Companion and lord, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for our noble guest. Truly, I’ll always be indebted to you for this.’ It was right that she should rejoice, for up to that time she had only married in the hope that all would be well –

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German Romance III nû was dehein wân daran. Alrêst liebet ir der man, dô ir diu êre geschach, daz sî der künech durch in gesach. Dô het sî daz rehte ersehn, daz ir was wol geschehn, und het ouch den brunnen mit manheit gewunnen, und wert ouch den als ein helt. Si gedâhte: ‘Ich hân wol gewelt.’ Der gast wirt schiere gewar, ist er niht ein tor gar, wie in der wirt meinet, wander im bescheinet ettelîche swære, ist er im unmære, und geherberget ein man, dâ ims der wirt wol gan, dem zimt deste baz sîn schimpf und sîn maz. Ouch enwirt diu wirtschaft niemer guot âne willigen muot. Nû vant der künech Artûs werch und willen dâ ze hûs, unde mîn her Gâwein, an dem niht des enschein, ezn wære höfsch unde guot, der erzeicte hie getriuwen muot dem hern Îwein sînem gesellen. Als ouch die liute wellen, ezn habe deheiniu grœzzer kraft danne unsippiu geselleschaft, gerâte sî ze guote, und sî sîn in ir muote getriuwe under in beiden, sô sich gebruoder scheiden. Sus was ez under in zwein: der wirt und her Gâwein wâren ein ander liep gnuoc, sô daz ir ietweder truoc des andern liep unde leit. Hie erzeigte sîne höfscheit her Gâwein der bescheiden man, und ich iu sage war an:

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Iwein now there was no doubt about it. Now for the first time her husband became dear to her, when the honour befell her that the King beheld her, by her husband’s doing. Then she perceived for sure that it had turned out well for her, and he had, moreover, won the fountain by his valour, and defended it like a warrior. She thought: ‘I have chosen well.’ A guest soon perceives, if he is not entirely foolish, what his host thinks of him, for he will make it known to him by some discomfort or other, if he does not hold him dear, and if a man finds lodging where his host wishes him well, he will be all the better suited by his merriment and his food. Nor is hospitality ever good without goodwill. Now King Arthur found both the deed and the will in that castle, and my lord Gawein, in whom nothing ever appeared but what was courtly and good, showed his loyalty to Lord Iwein, his companion, there. As people will have it, nothing has such great power as companionship that is not determined by kinship, if it turns out well, and they remain, in their minds, loyal to each other, though even brothers may part. Thus it stood between those two: the host and Sir Gawein were amply dear to one another, so that each of them bore the other’s joy and sorrow. In this Sir Gawein, that discreet man, showed his courtliness, and I shall tell you how:

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German Romance III Diu junchvrouwe hiez Lûnet, diu sô bescheidenlîchen tet, daz sî sô grôzzer herte den herren Îweinen nerte mit ir vil grôzzen witzen. Zuo der gienc er sitzen, und gnâdet ir vil sêre, daz sî sô manige êre dem hern Îweine, sînem gesellen, bôt, wan daz er mislîcher nôt âne kumber genas, und dâ ze lande herre was, daz ergienc von ir schulden. Des gnâdet er ir hulden, wan zwâre ez ist guot, swer gerne frümclîchen tuot, daz mans dem gnâde sage, daz er daran iht verzage, wan dâ gehœret doch arbeit zuo; und swer ouch danches missetuo, daz man dem erbolgen sî – der ziuhet sich ouch lîhte dâ bî. Der her Gâwein sprach: ‘Mîn frou Lûnet, iuwer rât und iuwer bet hât mir vil liebes getân an dem besten friunde den ich hân. Er hât mirz allez wol geseit, wie im iuwer höfscheit dise êre hât gefüeget, der in durch reht gnüeget. Er hât von iu ein schœne wîp, ein rîchez lant und den lîp, und swes ein man zer werlde gert. Wærich biderbe und sô wert, daz mîn gêret wære ein wîp – ichn hân niht liebers danne den lîp – den gæbe ich iu ze lône umbe mîns gesellen chrône, die er von iuwern schulden treit.’ Hie wart mit stæter sicherheit ein geselleschaft under in zwein. Frou Laudîne und her Îwein, die buten in ir hûse dem künige Artûse

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Iwein That damsel was called Lunet – she who acted so wisely, saving Lord Iwein from such great extremity by her most great cunning. Sir Gawein went over and sat by her, and thanked her profusely for procuring such great honours for Lord Iwein, his companion, for that he escaped various perils without suffering and became lord in the land there was by her doing. For that he thanked her for the favour she had shown him, for it is only right and proper, if anyone acts worthily, that he should be thanked for it, so that he will not be deterred from such actions at all, for, after all, hardship is involved; and if a man deliberately acts wrongly, it is right to be angry with him – he may quite possibly learn a lesson from that. Lord Gawein said: ‘My lady Lunet, your counsel and your advocacy have brought me much happiness for the sake of the best friend I have. He has told me all about it, about how your diplomacy has brought him these honours, with which he is, rightly, satisfied. By your doing he has a beautiful wife, a prosperous land and has kept his own life, and all that a man desires in this world. If I were so worthy and deserving that a wife might be honoured by me – I possess nothing dearer than my own life – I would give you that as a reward for my companion’s crown, which he wears by your doing.’ There, with assurances of constancy, companionship was established between those two. Lady Laudine and Sir Iwein offered, in their castle, such honour to King Arthur

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2755 selhe êre, diu in allen wol muose gevallen. Dô sî dâ siben naht gebiten, dô was ouch zît daz sî riten. Dô sî urloup nemen wolden, 2760 die dâ rîten solden, der herre Gâwein, der getriuwe man, fuorte den hern Îweinen dan von den liuten sunder. Er sprach: ‘Ezn ist niht wunder 2765 umbe einen sæligen man, der darnâch gewerben chan, und dem frümcheit ist beschert, ob dem vil êren widervert. Doch ringet darnâch allen tac 2770 manech man sô er meiste mac, dem doch dehein êre geschiht – dern hât der sælden niht. Nû ist iuwer arbeit sæleclîchen an geleit. 2775 Iu hât erworben iuwer hant ein schœne wîp unde ein lant. Sît iu nû wol geschehn sî, sô bewart daz dâ bî, daz iuch iht gehœne 2780 iwers wîbes schœne. Geselle, behüet daz enzît, daz ir iht in ir schulden sît, die des werdent gezigen, daz sî sich durch ir wîp verligen. 2785 Chêrt ez niht allez an gemach, als dem herren Êreke geschach, der sich ouch sô manigen tac durch frouwen Ênîten verlac. Wan daz er sich erholde 2790 sît als ein rîter solde, sô wære verwâzen sîn êre – der minnete ze sêre. Ir habt des iuch gnüegen sol: darunder lêre ich iuch wol 2795 iuwer êre bewarn. Ir sult mit uns von hinnen varn – wir suln turnieren als ê. Mir tuot anders iemer wê,

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Iwein that it necessarily found favour with all there present. When they had spent a week there it was, indeed, time for them to ride off. When they wanted to take their leave – those who were then to ride away – Lord Gawain, that loyal man, took Lord Iwein on one side, away from the people. He said: ‘It’s no wonder with regard to a fortunate man who knows how to strive for it, and on whom worth is bestowed, if many honours fall to him. Yet every day many a man strives for the like as much as he possibly can, but no honour falls to him – he lacks good fortune. Now, your toil has been fortunately invested. Your hand has won you a beautiful wife and a land. Since you have now prospered be on your guard, lest your wife’s beauty puts you to shame at all. Companion, beware in good time of making the same mistake as those who are accused of lying too long in bed because of their wives. Do not apply all your thoughts to ease, as befell Lord Erek, who, for so many days, lay abed because of Lady Enite. Were it not that he made amends afterwards, as a knight ought, then his honour would have been lost – he loved too much.40 You possess what ought to satisfy you – at the same time, I would advise you to preserve your honour. You must ride away from here with us – we must go tourneying as we did before. Otherwise, I shall always regret

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daz ich iuwer künde hân, 2800 sol iuwer rîterschaft zergân. Maniger beschermet sich dâ mite, er giht, ez sî hûses site, ist er êlîche gehît, daz er danne für die zît 2805 sül weder rîten noch gebn. Er giht, er sül dem hûse lebn. Er geloubet sich der beider, freuden unde cleider, die nâch rîterlîchen siten 2810 sint gestalt und gesniten, und swaz er warmes an leit, daz giht er, ez sîn wirtes cleit. Er treit den lîp swâre, mit strûbendem hâre, 2815 barschenchel unde barfuoz, und daz ist ie der ander gruoz, den er sînem gaste gît: er sprichet: “Sît der zît daz ich êrste hûs gewan, 2820 daz geloubet mir lützel ieman, sô ne wart ich nie zwâre des über ze halbem jâre, ichn müese kouffen daz chorn. Hiur bin ich gar verlorn – 2825 mich müet daz ichz iu muoz sagen – mir hât der schûr erslagen den besten bû den ich hân. Ich fürhte, ich müezze daz hûs lân. Etwie ernert ich den lîp, 2830 wan daz ich sorge umbe mîn wîp – die ne weiz ich war ich tuo. Dâ hœret grôz sorge zuo, swer daz hûs haben sol – jâne mac niemen wizzen wol 2835 waz ez muoz chosten. Ich wære wol enbrosten der werlde an andern dingen, möht ich dem hûse geringen.” Sus beginnet er trûren unde clagen, 2840 und sînem gaste sagen sô manech armez mære, daz im lieber wære,

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Iwein having made your acquaintance, if your chivalry is to go to waste. Many a man defends himself by saying that it is the rule of the house, once a man is joined in marriage, that from that time forth he ought neither to ride out nor distribute gifts.41 He says that he must devote himself to domestic interests. He renounces both happiness, and clothes which are shaped and cut in knightly fashion, and whatever he puts on that is warm, that, he says, is the lord of the castle’s garb. He is heavy of gait, with shaggy hair, bare thighs and bare feet, and every second greeting that he gives to his guest, is to say: “Since the time I first set up house – scarcely anybody will believe me – but I have always, believe you me, every six months, had to buy in corn. This year I am totally ruined – I am sorry to have to tell you about it – the hail has destroyed the best crop I had. I fear I must abandon the household. I would get by somehow or other, but I am worried about my wife – I do not know where to put her. It’s a great worry if a man has to run a household – indeed, no-one can know, for sure what it must cost. I could pay my way easily enough in society, in other respects. if I could cut down on the household expenses.” Thus he starts making moan and lamenting, and tells his guest so many a sad tale, that he would prefer it

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German Romance III wærer nie chomen dar. Der wirt hât wâr und doch niht gar: daz hûs muoz chosten harte vil – der êre ze rehte haben wil, der muoz deste ofter heime sîn, sô tuo ouch underwîlen schîn, ob er noch rîters muot habe, und entuo sich des niht abe, ern sî der rîterschefte bî, diu im ze suochen sî. Ich rede als ichz erchennen chan. Nû durch wen möhte ein biderbe man gerner wirden sînen lîp danne durch sîn biderbez wîp? Hât er sich êren verzigen und wil sich bî ir verligen, unde giht des danne, gelîch einem bœsen manne, daz erz ir ze liebe tuo, dâ geziehe sî niemer zuo, wan ir ist von herzen leit sîn unwirde und sîn verlegenheit. Swie rehte liep er ir sî, sî müet, ist er ir ze ofte bî. Manigiu ziuhet sich daz an durch die forhte des man, daz sî es niht verdriezze – swaz ab ers geniezze, daz er sich bî ir verlît, daz habe er eine âne nît! Iu hât verdient iuwer hant eine künegîn und ein rîchez lant – sult ir nû dâ verderben bî, sô wæne ich daz noch rîcher sî âne huobe ein werder man. Herre Îwein, dâ gedenchet an, und vart mit uns von hinnen, und gewinnet mit minnen der künegîn ein urloup abe zeinem tage, der fuoge habe, und bevelhet ir liute unde lant. Ein wîp, die man hât erchant in alsô stætem muote, diu bedarf niht mêre huote,

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Iwein if he had never gone there. The lord of the household is right, but not entirely so: a castle may cost a great deal – if a man is to keep up his reputation in proper fashion, he has to be at home the more often, yet let him on occasion also show whether he still has a knight’s disposition, and let him not dispense with participating in chivalry, which he ought to seek out. I’m telling it the way I see it. Now, for whose sake ought a worthy man more willingly seek to prove his worth than for the sake of his worthy wife? If he has renounced honour, and wishes to lie abed with her too long, and then says, like a base wretch, that he is doing it for the love of her, never blame42 her for it, for she is heartily sorry about his dishonour and his lying abed. No matter how truly dear he is to her, it troubles her if he is too often with her. Many a woman claims, out of fear of her husband, that it does not bother her – yet whatever profit he gains from lying abed too long with her, let him keep that for himself, without anyone envying him for it! Your hand has earned you a queen and a prosperous land – if, now, you are to go to ruin in these circumstances, then I believe that an honourable man without property is richer still. Sir Iwein, think on this, and depart from here with us, and win from the queen, with her full agreement, permission to leave on a day that is fitting, and commend to her your people and land. A woman who is known to be of such a constant mind has no need of further guard over her

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German Romance III niuwan ir selber êren. Man sol die huote chêren an irriu wîp und an chint, diu sô einfaltech sint, daz sî eins alten wîbes rât bringen mac ze missetât. Ir habt alsô gelebt her, daz ichs an iu niht wandel ger, nâch êren als ein guot kneht. Nû habt ir des êrst reht, daz sich iuwer êre breite unde mêre. Ê irte iuch etswâ daz guot michels harter danne der muot. Nû mugt ir mit dem guote volziehen dem muote. Nû sît biderbe und wol gemuot, sô wirt diu rîterschaft noch guot in manigen landen von uns zwein. Des volget mir, herre Îwein.’ Nû versuocht er zehant an die vrouwen daz er vant, wan dô sîn bet was getân, dô ne het sî des deheinen wân, daz er sî ihtes bæte, wan daz sî gerne tæte. Daz gewern gerou sî dâ ze stat, dô er sî urloubes bat, daz er turnieren müese varn. Sî sprach: ‘Diz soldich ê bewarn.’ Dô ne mohte sis niht widerchomen. Sus wart dâ urloup genomen zeinem ganzen jâre. Ouch swuor sî des zwâre, belîber iht fürbaz, ez wære iemer ir haz. Ouch swuor er, des in diu liebe twanc, in dûhte daz eine jâr ze lanc, und ern sûmde sich niht mê, er chœme wider, möhter, ê, esn wande in êhaftiu nôt, siechtuom, vancnüsse ode der tôt. Sî sprach: ‘Iu ist daz wol erchant, daz unser êre und unser lant

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Iwein than her own honour. A guard should be placed on erring wives, and on maidens who are so simple that an old woman’s advice can lead them into wrongdoing. You have lived in such a way thus far that I desire no change in you – honourably, as a good knight should. Now, more than ever, you have reason for your reputation to spread and grow. Previously, you were somewhat hindered by your lack of property – much more than by your disposition. Now, with your possessions, you can put your intentions into practice. Now, be doughty and of good heart, and then the chivalry we will practise, we too, in many lands, will still be worthy of the name. Take my advice in this, Sir Iwein.’ At once he tried his luck with the lady – with success, for when his request was put she had then no idea that he would ask her for anything that she would not willingly grant. She immediately repented granting his boon when he asked her for leave to go tourneying. She said: ‘I ought to have foreseen and prevented this.’ Then, however, she could not take back her word. Thus leave was taken there for a whole year. Moreover, she swore, in all truth, that if he stayed away any longer, her hostility would know no end. He, for his part, swore, as Love compelled him, that a year seemed too long for him, and he would tarry no longer, but would come back earlier, if he could, unless he were prevented by legitimate necessity, sickness, imprisonment or death. She said: ‘You are well aware that our honour and our land

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German Romance III vil gar ûf der wâge lît, irn chumt uns wider enzît, daz uns daz wol geschaden mac. Hiute ist der ahte tac nâch sunwenden – der sol die jârzal enden. Sô chumt benamen ode ê, ode ichn warte iu niht mê, und lât diz vingerlîn einen geziuc der rede sîn. Ichn wart nie manne mê sô holt, dem ich daz selbe golt wolde lîhen ode gebn. Er muoz wol deste baz lebn, der ez treit und an siht. Herre Îwein, verlieset ez niht. Sîns steines kraft, diu ist guot – er gît gelüche und senften muot. Er ist sælech, der in treit.’ Nû was der künech Artûs gereit – der schiet mit urloube dan. Nû reit diu frouwe mit ir man wol drî mîle ode mê. Daz scheiden tet ir herzen wê, als wol an ir gebærden schein. Daz senen bedahte her Îwein als er dô beste chunde – mit lachendem munde truobten im diu ougen. Der rede ist unlougen, ern het geweint benamen, wan daz er sich müese schamen. Ze lande fuor der künech Artûs, diu frouwe wider ze hûs.

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Iwein is very much at risk, unless you come back in time – that that may well harm us. Today is the eighth day after the summer solstice – let that be the end of the year’s count. Come back then, by all means, or before, or I shall wait for you no longer, and let this ring be a witness of the matter. Never was a man so dear to me that I would lend or give to him this same gold. That man must prosper all the better who wears it and looks upon it. Sir Iwein, do not lose it. Its gem’s power is good – it gives good fortune and a happy mind. That man who wears it is blessed by fortune.’ Now King Arthur was ready – he departed, having taken his leave. Then the lady rode with her husband a good three miles or more. The parting hurt her to the heart, as was well apparent in her demeanour. Sir Iwein concealed his anguish as he then best could – though his mouth smiled, his eyes misted over. There is no denying that he would, indeed, have wept, were he not ashamed to do so. King Arthur returned to his land; the lady went back to her castle.

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2965 Dô frâgte mich Frou Minne, des ich von mînem sinne niht gantwurten chan. Sî sprach: ‘Sage an, Hartman, gihestû daz der künech Artûs 2970 den hern Îweinen fuorte ze hûs, und liezze sîn wîp wider varn?’ Dô ne kunde ich mich niht baz bewarn, wan ich sagt irz für die wârheit – ez was ouch mir für wâr geseit. 2975 Sî sprach, und sach mich twerhes an: ‘Dûne hâst niht wâr, Hartman!’ ‘Frouwe, ich hân!’ Sî sprach: ‘Nein!’ Der strît was lanc under uns zwein, unz sî mich brâhte ûf die vart, 2980 daz ich ir nâch jehnde wart: er fuorte daz wîp und den man, und volget im doch dewederz dan, als ich iu nû bescheide – sî wehselten beide 2985 der herzen under in zwein, diu frouwe und her Îwein – im volget ir herze und sîn lîp, und beleip sîn herze und daz wîp. Dô sprach ich: ‘Mîn Frou Minne, 2990 nû dunchet mîne sinne, daz mîn her Îwein sî verlorn, sît er sîn herze hât verchorn, wan daz gap im ellen unde kraft. Waz touc er nû ze rîterschaft? 2995 Er muoz verzagen als ein wîp, sît wîbes herze hât sîn lîp, und sî mannes herze hât – sô üebet sî manlîche tât, und solde wol turnieren varn, 3000 und er dâ heime daz hûs bewarn. Mir ist zwâre starche leit, daz sich ir beider gewonheit mit wehsel sô verchêrt hât, wan nû ne wirt ir deweders rât.’ 3005 Dô zêch mich frou Minne,

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V IWEIN’S MADNESS AND HIS RECOVERY Then Lady Love asked me a question which I, by my wits, cannot answer. She said: ‘Tell me, Hartmann, are you saying that King Arthur took Lord Iwein to his castle, and let his wife go back home?’ Then I could not raise no objection to that, for I had told it to her as the truth – the same had, indeed, been told to me as true. She said, looking at me askance: ‘You’re not telling the truth, Hartmann.’ ‘Lady, I am!’ She said: ‘No!’ The dispute between us two lasted long, until she brought me to the point of agreeing with her – King Arthur led off the wife and the husband, and yet neither of them followed him away from there, as I shall now impart to you – they both exchanged hearts between the two of them, the lady and Sir Iwein – her heart and his body followed him, yet his heart and the lady remained there. Then I said: ‘My Lady Love, it seems to my mind that my lord Iwein is lost, since he has renounced his heart, for it was that which gave him courage and strength. What use will he be now for chivalry? He must needs be as daunted as a woman, since his body has a woman’s heart, and she has a man’s heart – now she will practise manly deeds and ought, I suppose, to go tourneying, and he must look after the household back home. I am, in all truth, very sorry that the habits of the two of them have been so inverted by this exchange, for now there is no help for either of them.’ Then Lady Love accused me

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German Romance III ich wære krancher sinne. Sî sprach: ‘Tuo zuo den munt! Dir ist diu beste fuore unchunt – dichn geruorte nie mîn meisterschaft. Ich bin ez, Minne, und gibe die kraft, daz ofte man unde wîp habent herzelôsen lîp, und hânt ir kraft doch deste baz.’ Dô ne getorst ich frâgen fürbaz, wan swâ wîp unde man âne herze lebn chan – daz wunder, daz gesach ich nie. Doch ergienc ez nâch ir rede hie: Ichn weiz ir zweier wehsels niht, wan als diu âventiure giht: sô was her Îwein âne strît ein degen dâvor und baz sît. Der herre Gâwein, sîn geselle, der wart sîn ungevelle. Durch nôt bescheide ich iu wâ von, wan diu werlt ist des ungewon, swer frumen gesellen chiese, daz er daran verliese – zwâre geschach ez ê nie. Ez ergie dô, und sagiu wie: her Gâwein was der höfschste man, der rîters namen ie gewan. Engalt er sîn, daz was im leit, wan er alle sîn arbeit im ze dienste chêrte, wie er im sînen prîs gemêrte. Swâ sî turnierens pflâgen, des sî niht verlâgen, dâ muose selch rîterschaft geschehn, die got mit êren möhte sehn. Dâ fürdert er in in allen wîs, und alsô gar daz im der prîs aller oftest beleip, unz er der tage ze vil vertreip. Im gie diu zît mit freuden hin. Man sagt, daz mîn her Gâwein in mit guoter handelunge behabte und betwunge, unz er der jârzal vergaz,

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Iwein of being weak in the head. She said: ‘Hold your tongue! The best of behaviour is unknown to you – my mastery never moved you! It is I, Love, who grants such power that often men and women have a heartless body, and yet their strength is all the greater.’ Then I did not dare to ask any further questions for I have never seen such a miracle as women and men being able to live without a heart. Yet what happened there was in accordance with her words. I know nothing more of the exchange between the two of them but what the adventure43 tells: thus Sir Iwein was indisputably a fine warrior both before and after. My lord Gawein, his companion, became his downfall. I must of necessity tell you how, for the world is unaccustomed to a situation in which any man who chooses a worthy companion should lose by it – in truth, it had never happened before. It transpired then, and I’ll tell you how: Sir Gawein was the most courtly man who ever gained a knight’s name. If Iwein lost by that, Gawein was sorry for it, for he applied all his efforts to serve him, seeking how he might enhance his fame. Wherever they went tourneying – not lying abed –44 such deeds of chivalry necessarily took place as God might with honour have witnessed. In this Gawein encouraged Iwein in every way, and so wholly that the prize fell to him most often of all, until he whiled away too many such days. Time passed for him with pleasure. They say that Sir Gawein, with good hospitality, kept him by his side, pressing him, until he forgot the count of the year

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3050 und sîn gelübde versaz, unz daz ander jâr an vienc, und vaste in den ougest gienc. Dô wâren sî beide mit freuden, sunder leide, 3055 von einem turnei chomen, und het her Îwein dâ genomen den prîs ze beiden sîten. Nû was mit hôchzîten ir herre, der künech Artûs, 3060 ze Karidôl in sînem hûs. Dâ sluogen sî ûf ir gezelt für die burch, an daz velt, und lâgen dâ durch ir gemach, unz sî der künech dâ gesach, 3065 und sîne besten alle, mit frœlîchem schalle, wande im was chomen mære, wie in gelungen wære. Er sagte in gnâde unde danc, 3070 daz in als ofte wol gelanc. Swer gerne frümclîchen tuot, der dem gnâdet, daz ist guot – in gezimt der arbeit deste baz. Swaz man worten hie gesaz,45 3075 diu rede was niuwan von in zwein. Nû chom mîn her Îwein in einen seneden gedanc. Er gedâhte, daz tweln wære ze lanc, daz er von sînem wîbe tet. 3080 Ir gebot und ir bet, diu het er übergangen. Sîn herze wart bevangen mit senlîcher triuwe. In ergreif ein selch riuwe, 3085 daz er sîn selbes vergaz und allez swîgende saz. Er überhôrte und übersach swaz man dâ tet ode sprach, als er ein tôre wære. 3090 Ouch nâhten im bœsiu mære. Im wîssagt sîn muot, als er mir selbem ofte tuot – ich siufte, sô ich frô bin,

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Iwein and neglected his oath, until the second year began and was making good progress into August. At that time they had both returned with joy unmarred from a tournament, and Sir Iwein had won the most acclaim in either of the two teams.46 Now, amid festivities, their lord, King Arthur, was in his castle of Cærdœl. There they pitched their pavilions, before the castle, on the plain, and lay encamped there, taking their ease, until the King beheld them there, together with all his best men, amid joyful din, for tidings had come to him of their success. He expressed his gratitude and thanks to them for having done well so often. If any man willingly performs worthy deeds, it is good if someone thanks him for it – he will take all the more pleasure in his labours. Whatever people sat conversing about there, the talk was of none but those two. Now my lord Iwein fell into a languishing state of mind; he thought that he had stayed too long away from his wife. He had transgressed against her command and entreaty. His heart was oppressed by yearning loyalty. Such regret seized him that he forgot himself, and sat there, all in silence. He neither heard nor saw all that people did or said there, as if he were a fool. Moreover, evil tidings were drawing nigh him. His mind foretold him, as mine often does me – I sigh, when I am happy,

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mînen künftigen ungewin – 3095 alsus nâhte im sîn leit. Nû seht wâ dort her reit sîns wîbes bot, frou Lûnet, von der râte und von der bet daz von êrste was chomen, 3100 daz sî in het genomen. Sî gâhte über jenez velt und erbeizte für diu gezelt. Als schiere sî den künech sach, dô chom sî für in unde sprach: 3105 ‘Künech Artûs, mich hât gesant mîn frouwe her in iuwer lant, und daz gebôt sî mir, daz ich iuch gruozte von ir, und iuwer gesellen über al 3110 wan einen, der ist ûz der zal – der sol iu sîn unmære als ein verrâtære – daz ist hie der herre Îwein, der niender in den siten schein, 3115 dô ich in von êrst sach, daz untriuwe ode ungemach iemen von im geschæhe, dem er triuwen verjæhe. Sîniu wort, diu sint guot – 3120 von den scheidet sich sîn muot. Ez schînet wol, wizze Christ, daz mîn frouwe ein wîp ist, und daz sî sich gerechen niene mac, und forhter den widerslac, 3125 sô heter sîs vil gar erlân, daz er ir lasters hât getân. In dûhte des schaden niht gnuoc, daz er ir den man sluoc, ern tæte ir leides mêre, 3130 und benæme ir lîp und êre. Herre Îwein, sît mîn frouwe ir jugent, ir schœne, ir rîcheit und ir tugent niht wider iuch geniezzen chan, wan gedâht ir doch daran, 3135 waz ich iu gedient hân, und het sî mîn genozzen lân? Ze welhen staten ich iu quam,

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Iwein over my impending losses – thus his sorrows drew nigh him. See, now, where there came riding up his wife’s messenger, Lady Lunet, by whose advice and by whose entreaty it had first come about that Laudine had taken him as her husband. She hastened over that field, and dismounted before the pavilions. As soon as she saw the King, she came up to him and said: ‘King Arthur, my lady has sent me into your land here, and she commanded me to greet you from her, and all your companions except for one – he is to be excluded – let him find no favour with you, he being a traitor – that is Lord Iwein here, who never appeared to be of such character when I first saw him that disloyalty or hardship might, by his hands, befall anyone to whom he had sworn loyalty. His words are good – his mind is at variance with them. It is clearly apparent, Christ knows, that my lady is a woman, and that she cannot avenge herself, for if he feared repercussions he would have spared her entirely the disgrace he has inflicted upon her. The harm he caused her by slaying her husband did not seem to him enough, unless he caused her more suffering and deprived her of life and honour. Sir Iwein, since my lady cannot profit by her youth, her beauty, her wealth and her virtue in your eyes, why did you not at least bear in mind how I have served you, and let her profit by me? How greatly I helped you

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German Romance III dô ich iuch von dem tôde nam! Ez wære umbe iuch ergangen, het ichz niht undervangen. Daz ichz ie undervienc, daz iuwer ende niht ergienc, des wil ich iemer riuwech sîn, wan diu schulde ist elliu mîn – wan daz ichz durch triuwe tet. Ez fuocte mîn rât und mîn bet, daz sî leit und ungemach verchôs, der ir von iu geschach, wandich het ir ze vil geseit von iuwer frümcheit, unz daz sî iu mit frîer hant gap ir lîp unde ir lant, daz ir daz soldet bewarn. Nû habt ir sô mit ir gevarn, daz sich wider die man dehein wîp ze wol behüeten chan. Deiswâr uns was mit iu ze gâch, dâne stüende bezzer lôn nâch danne der uns von iu geschiht. Ouch gehiezzet ir uns sîn niht. Mîner frouwen wirt wol rât, wan daz ez lasterlîche stât, deiswâr, und ist unloblîch – sî ist ze edel und ze rîch, daz ir sî chebsen soldet, ob ir erchennen woldet waz rîters triuwe wære. Nû ist iu triuwe unmære, doch sult ir in allen deste wirs gevallen, die triuwe und êre minnent, und sich des versinnent, daz niemer ein wol frum man âne triuwe werden chan. Nû tuon ich disen herren chunt, daz sî iuch haben für dise stunt für einen triuwelôsen man – dâ ir wurdet, dâ was ich an ensamt meineide und triuwelôs beide. Ouch mac der künech sich iemer schamen,

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Iwein when I rescued you from death! You would have been done for if I had not prevented it. That I ever prevented your life being ended I will forever regret, for the responsibility is mine entirely – except that I did it out of loyalty. It was my counsel and my entreaty that led her to disregard the suffering and distress which befell her because of you, for I had said too much to her concerning your worth, until it reached the point where she, of her own free will, gave to you her person and her land, for you to protect. Now you have treated me in such fashion that no woman can be too much on her guard against men. In all truth, we were too hasty with regard to you, unless some better reward had accrued to us than what has happened to us at your hands. Indeed, you did not promise us anything of this kind. My lady will easily get over it, except that it is a disgrace, in all truth, and is disreputable. She is too noble and too wealthy for you to make a whore out of her, if you would deign to recognise what a knight’s loyalty means. Now, loyalty matters nothing to you, but you must consequently find less favour with all those who love loyalty and honour and who are aware that a man can never be truly worthy without loyalty. Now I announce to these lords that, from this time forth, they should hold you to be a faithless man – when you became such, I, too, was also guilty of both perjury and disloyalty. Moreover, the King may forever be ashamed

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German Romance III hât er iuch mêr in rîters namen, sô liep im triuwe und êre ist. Ouch sult ir für dise frist mîner frouwen entwesen – sî wil ouch âne iuch genesn, und sendet ir wider ir vingerlîn. Deiswâr, dazn sol niht langer sîn an einer ungetriuwen hant. Sî hât mich her dernâch gesant.’ Von herzeleide geschach im daz, daz erz verdulte und versaz, daz sîz im ab der hant gewan. Sî neic dem künige und schiet von dan. Daz smæhen, daz frou Lûnet dem47 herren Îwein tet, daz gæhe wider chêren, der slac sîner êren, daz sî sô von im schiet, daz sî in entrôste nochn riet, daz smæhlîch ungemach, dazs im an sîne triuwe sprach, diu versûmde riuwe, und sîn grôzziu triuwe sîns stæten muotes, diu verlust des guotes, der jâmer nâch dem wîbe – die benâmen sînem lîbe vil gar die freude und den sin. Nâch einem dinge jâmert in – daz er wære ettewâ, daz man noch wîp enweste wâ, und niemer gehôrte mære, war er bechomen wære. Er verlôs sîn selbes hulde, wan ern mohte die schulde ûf niemen andern gesagen. In het sîn selbes swert erslagen. Ern hazte weder man noch wîp, niuwan sîn selbes lîp. Er stal sich swîgende dan. Daz ersach dâ nieman, unz daz er chom für diu gezelt, ûz ir gesihte an daz velt. Dô wart sîn riuwe als grôz,

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Iwein if he continues to grant you a knight’s name, loyalty and honour being so dear to him. And, from this time forth, you must do without my lady. She, for her part, wishes to live without you – and send her ring back to her. In all truth, that must no longer be worn on a disloyal hand. She has sent me here for it.’ Out of heart’s sorrow it befell him to endure, without resistance, her taking it off his hand. She bowed to the King and departed. The scorn that Lady Lunet had bestowed upon Lord Iwein, the swift reversal, the blow to his honour – that she departed from him thus, not consoling him nor giving him any counsel – the shameful distress of her rebuking him for lack of loyalty – his delayed remorse – and the great loyalty of his constant mind, the loss of his property, his sorrow on account of his wife – they deprived him entirely of his joy and his mind. He longed, wretchedly, for one thing – that he might be in some place of which neither man nor woman knew the whereabouts, and that they would never hear tidings of where he had gone. He lost favour with himself, for he could not attribute the blame to anyone else. His own sword had slain him. He hated neither man nor woman, except his own self alone. Silently, he stole away. No-one saw that there until he had gone past the pavilions, out of their sight, to the open fields. Then his remorse became so great

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German Romance III daz im in daz hirne schôz ein zorn und ein tobesuht. Er brach sîne site und sîne zuht, und zart abe sîn gewant, daz er wart blôz sam ein hant. Sus lief er über gevilde nachet, nâch der wilde. Dô diu junchfrouwe gereit, nû was dem künige starche leit des hern Îweins swære, und frâgte wâ er wære, und wolde in getrôstet hân, unde bat nâch im gân, Und als in niemen vant, nû was daz vil unbewant, swaz man im dâ gerief, wander gegen walde lief. Er was ein degen bewæret, ein helt unerværet; Swie manhaft er doch wære, und swie unwandelbære an lîbe und an sinne, doch meistert Frou Minne, daz im ein kranchez wîp verchêrte sinne unde lîp. Der ein rehter adamas rîterlîcher tugende was, der lief nû balde, ein tôre, gein dem walde. Nû gap im got der guote, der in ûz sîner huote dannoch niht volleclîchen liez, daz im ein garzûn widerstiez, der einen guoten bogen truoc. Den nam er im, und strâle gnuoc. Als in der hunger bestuont, sô tet er sam die tôren tuont – in ist niht mêr witze chunt, wan diu eine umbe den munt. Er schôz prîslîchen wol. Ouch gie der walt wildes vol. Swâ daz gestuont an sîn zil, des schôz er ûz der mâze vil. Ouch muose erz selbe ergâhen

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Iwein that anger and madness shot into his brain. He broke with his habits and his good breeding, and tore off his clothes, so that he was naked as a needle. In such a state he ran across the fields, naked, heading for the wilderness. When the damsel rode away, the King was heartily sorry at Sir Iwein’s distress, and asked where he was, and would gladly have consoled him, and asked that they should search for him. And when no-one found him, it was of no avail then, no matter how much they cried out for him there, for he had run off towards the forest. He was a proven warrior, an undaunted hero; yet, however valorous he was, and however constant in person and mind, Lady Love has mastered him nonetheless, so that a weak woman has overcome his mind and person. He who was a true diamond of knightly virtue now ran fast, a fool, towards the forest. Now gracious God granted him, even then not dismissing him entirely from His protection, that a page encountered him, who carried a good bow. He took that from him, and arrows in plenty. When hunger assailed him he acted as fools do – they have no more wit than to do what their mouths tell them. He shot famously well. Moreover, the forest was full of game. Wherever it was within his range he shot down an extraordinary amount. Moreover, he had to hunt it down himself

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3270 und âne braken vâhen. Dô ne het er kezzel noch smalz, weder pfeffer noch salz – sîn salse was diu hungers nôt, diu ez im briet unde sôt, 3275 daz ez ein süezziu spîse was, und wol vor hunger genas. Dô er des alle wîle gepflac, dô lief er umbe einen mitten tac an ein niuwez geriute. 3280 Dâ ne vander niht mê liute niuwan einigen man. Der selbe sach im daz wol an, daz er niht rehtes sinnes was, unde flôch, dâ er genas, 3285 dâ nâhen in sîn hiuselîn. Darinne wânder sicher sîn. Er verrigelt vaste die tür unde stuont innen dâ für. Der tôre dûht in al ze grôz. 3290 Er gedâhte: ‘Tuot er einen stôz, diu tür vert ûz dem angen – sô ist mîn leben ergangen. Ich arme, wie erner ich mich?’ Ze jungest dô bedâhter sich: 3295 ‘Ich wil im mîns brôtes gebn, sô lât er mich vil lîhte lebn.’ Nû gienc ein venster durch die want; dâ durch racter im die hant und legt im ûf ein bret ein brôt. 3300 Daz suozte im diu hungers nôt, wander dâ vor, daz got wol weiz, sô jæmerlîches nie niht enbeiz. Waz welt ir daz der tôre tuo? Er az48 daz brôt und tranc dazuo 3305 eins wazzers, daz er hangende vant in einem eimber bî der want, und rûmdez im ouch sâ. Der einsidel sach im hin nâ, und bat got vil sêre, 3310 daz er in iemer mêre erliezze selher geste, wander vil lützel weste, wiez umbe den tôren was gewant.

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Iwein and catch it without a hound. He then had neither a cauldron nor lard, neither pepper nor salt – his sauce was hunger’s need, which roasted and boiled it for him, so that it was sweet food, and he was well preserved against starvation. When he had been living in this fashion for some time, he ran, at noon one day, into a new clearing. There he found nobody but one man alone. The latter could see clearly from his appearance that he was not in his right mind, and fled, to save himself, into his little house close by. He thought he would be safe in there. He barred the door firmly and stood inside, behind it. The fool seemed far too big to him. He thought: ‘If he gives it a push, the door will come off its hinges – then I am done for. Poor me, how am I to save myself?’ Finally, he thought: ‘I will give him some of my bread, and then he may perhaps let me live.’ Now, the wall had a window passing through it. He stretched out his hand to him through it, and laid a loaf on a board for him. That eased hunger’s need for him, for up to that point, as God well knows, he had never eaten so wretchedly. What would you have the fool do now? He ate the bread and drank, with it, water he found hanging there in a bucket by the wall, and emptied it at once, too. The hermit watched him, and entreated God fervently that He should spare him forever more such guests as this, for he had very little idea how things stood with the fool.

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Nû tet der tôre im daz erchant, 3315 daz die tôren und diu chint vil lîhte ze wenen sint: er was dazuo gnuoc wîse, daz er nâch dirre spîse dar wider chom in zwein tagen, 3320 und brâhte ein tier ûf im getragen, und warf im daz an die tür. Er machte, daz er im her für deste willeclîcher bôt sîn wazzer unde sîn brôt. 3325 Ern forht in dô niht mê, und was im bezzer danne ê. Er vant ie daz dâ gereit; ouch galt er im die arbeit mit sînem wiltpræte. 3330 Daz wart mit ungeræte gegerwet bî dem fiure. In was der chezzel tiure, daz salz und der ezzich. Ze jungest dô went er sich, 3335 daz er die hiute veile truoc, und kouft in beiden gnuoc, des in zem lîbe was nôt, salz unde bezzer brôt. Sus wonte der unwîse 3340 ze walde mit der spîse, unz daz der edel tôre gelîch wart einem môre an allem sînem lîbe, und ob im von guotem wîbe 3345 ie dehein guot geschach, ob er ie hundert sper zebrach, gesluoc er fiur ûz helme ie, ob er mit manheit ie begie deheinen loblîchen prîs, 3350 wart er ie höfsch unde wîs, wart er ie edel unde rîch, dem ist er nû vil ungelîch. Er louffet nû nachet beider der sinne und der cleider, 3355 unz daz in zeinen stunden slâfende funden drî frouwen, dâ er lac

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Iwein Now the fool showed him that fools and children are very easy to tame. He had enough wit to return, in search of this food two days later, and brought a deer, carrying it on his back, which he threw at the hermit’s door. He persuaded him to offer him all the more willingly his water and his bread thenceforth. Then the hermit was not afraid of him any longer, and was better disposed towards him than before. Iwein always found his food ready there, and repaid him for his labour with his wild game. That was cooked, despite the lack of implements and condiments, by the fire. They lacked a cauldron, salt and vinegar. Ultimately the hermit took to the habit of going to sell the hides of the beasts, and purchasing for them both enough of what they needed physically – salt and better bread. Thus that witless man dwelt in the forest, with such food, until such time as the noble fool became like a Moor all over his body, and if any favour ever fell to him from a good woman, if he ever shattered a hundred spears, if he ever struck fire from a helmet, if he ever, through manly deeds, earned a praiseworthy reputation, if he ever became courtly and wise, if he ever became noble and wealthy – he now bears little resemblance to such a man. Now he runs naked, stripped of both his wits and his clothes, until the time came that three ladies found him, sleeping, where he lay

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German Romance III wol umb einen mitten tac, nâch ze guoter mâze bî der lantstrâze, diu in ze rîten geschach, und als schiere dô in ersach diu eine frouwe von den drîn, diu chêrte rehte über in und sach in flîzeclîchen an – nû jach ein iegelîch man, wie er verlorn wære; daz was ein gengez mære in allem dem lande – unz daz sî in erchande von einer schult, und doch niht gar. Sî nam an im war einer der wunden, diu ze manigen stunden an im was wol erchant, und sî nande in zehant. Sî sprach her wider ze den zwein: ‘Frouwe, lebt her Îwein, sô ligt er âne zwîfel hie, ode ich gesach in nie.’ Ir höfscheit und ir güete betwanch ir gemüete, daz sî in grôzzer riuwe, und durch ir reine triuwe, vil sêre weinen began, daz einem alsô frumen man diu swachheit solde geschehn, daz er in den schanden was gesehn. Ez was diu eine von den drin der zweier frouwe under in. Nû sprach sî zuo ir frouwen: ‘Frouwe, ir mugt wol schouwen, daz er den sin hât verlorn. Von bezzern zühten wart geborn49 nie rîter dehein danne mîn her Îwein,50 den ich sô swache hie sihe lebn. Im ist benamen vergebn, ode ez ist von minne chomen, daz im der sin ist benomen, und weiz daz als mînen tôt,

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Iwein about noon one day, not too far from the road through that land, which they happened to be riding along, and as soon as she saw him, one lady of the three rode over and bent right over him, looking at him intently – now it was on every man’s lips that he was lost; it was a common tale all over that land – until she recognised him for one reason, yet not for that alone: she noticed one of his wounds, which he had been well known to have had for some time, and she named him at once. She said, looking back to the other two: ‘Ladies, if Sir Iwein is still alive, then he doubtless lies here, or I never beheld him.’ Her courtliness and her kindness so affected her mind that, in great sorrow, and because of her immaculate loyalty, she began to weep most intensely at the fact that such humiliation should befall such a worthy man that he was seen to be in such disgrace. One of the three there was lady over the other two. Now she said to her lady: ‘Lady, you can clearly see that he has lost his mind. Never was any knight ever born with greater courtesy than my lord Iwein, whom I see living so wretchedly here. He has, indeed, been poisoned, or it has come about because of love that his mind has been taken away from him, and I know, as sure as I will die,

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German Romance III frouwe, daz iuwer nôt, die iu durch sînen übermuot der grâve Âliers nû lange tuot, und noch ze tuonne willen hât, der wirt iu buoz unde rât, ob er von iu wirt gesunt. Mir ist sîn manheit wol chunt: wirt er des lîbes gereit, er hât in schiere hin geleit – und sult ir vor im genesn, daz muoz mit sîner helfe wesn.’ Diu frouwe was der rede frô. Sî sprach: ‘Und ist der suht alsô, daz sî von dem hirne gât, der tuon ich im vil schiere rât, wandich noch einer salben hân, die dâ Feimorgân machte mit ir selber hant. Dâ ist ez umbe sô gewant, daz niemen hirnsühte lit, wurder bestrichen dâ mite, ern wurde dâ zestunt wol varnde unde gesunt.’ Sus wurden sî ze râte, und riten als drâte nâch der salben alle drî, wand ir hûs was dâ bî vil chûme in einer mîle. Nû wart zer selben wîle diu junchfrouwe wider gesant, diu in noch slâfende vant. Diu frouwe gebôt ir an daz lebn, dô sî ir het gegebn die bühsen mit der salben, daz sî in allenthalben niht bestriche dâ mite. Niuwan dâ er die nôt lite, dâ hiez sî sî strîchen an, sô entwiche diu suht dan, und er wære zehant genesn. Dâ mit es gnuoc mohte wesn, daz hiez sî an in strîchen, und daz sî ir næmlîchen wider bræhte daz ander teil –

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Iwein lady, that your distress, which, in his arrogance, Count Aliers has been imposing upon you for a long time now, and still intends to impose upon you, will be alleviated and obviated if he is restored to health by you. His valour is well known to me: if he regains his physical fitness, he will soon have vanquished him – and if you are to be free of him, it must be by his help.’ The lady rejoiced at these words. She said: ‘If this sickness is such that it proceeds from the brain, I shall very soon cure him of it, for I still have some of a salve which Morgan the Fay made with her own hand. The nature of this salve is such that there is no-one who suffers from brain-sickness, who, if he is anointed with this, would not at once become hale and hearty.’ Thus they came to an agreement, and all three rode at once to fetch the ointment, for their castle was close by, scarcely a mile away. Then, at once, the damsel was sent back and found him still asleep. The lady commanded her on pain of death, when she had given her the box with the salve, not to anoint him all over with it – only where he suffered distress – there she commanded her to anoint him, and then the sickness would disappear, and he would at once be cured again. She commanded her only to anoint him with as much as might be sufficient, and to be sure to bring her back the rest –

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German Romance III daz wurde maniges mannes heil. Ouch sande sî bî ir dan frischiu cleider, seit von gran, und cleiner lînwæte zwei, schuohe und hosen von sei. Nû reit sî alsô balde, daz sî in in dem walde dannoch slâfende vant, und zôch ein pfert an der hant, daz vil harte sanfte truoc – ouch was der zoum rîche gnuoc, daz gereite guot von golde – daz er rîten solde, ob daz got bescherte, daz sî in ernerte. Dô sî in ligen sach als ê, nû ne twelte sî niht mê, sî hafte zeinem aste diu pfert beidiu vaste, und sleich alsô lîse dar, daz er ir niht wart gewar, unz sî in allenthalben bestreich – dâzuo sî vil stille sweich.51 Mit der edeln salben bestreich sî in allenthalben über houpt und über füezze. Ir wille der was süezze, unz sîz sô lange getreip, daz in der bühsen niht beleip. Des was doch alles unnôt, dazuo und man irz verbôt, wan daz sî im den willen truoc, esn dûhte sî dannoch niht gnuoc, sô gerne sach sî in genesn, und wære ir sehs stunt mê gewesn, sî het sî an in gestrichen,52 daz diu suht wære entwichen. Dô sî sî gar an in gestreich, vil drâte sî von im entweich, wande sî daz wol erchande, daz schemlîchiu schande dem frumen manne wê tuot, und barch sich durch ir höfschen muot, daz sî in sach und er sî niht.

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Iwein that would be many a man’s salvation. She also sent with her new clothes, sagathy of scarlet, and two garments of delicate linen, shoes and hose of say.53 Then she rode so quickly that she found him, in the forest. still sleeping, and she led a horse, which carried its rider most gently – moreover the bridle was of ample wealth, the saddle rich in gold – which he was to ride if God granted that she should cure him. When she saw him lying there as before, she now delayed no longer, but she tied the two horses firmly to a branch, and crept over so quietly that he did not notice her, until she had anointed him all over – she kept very quiet about it. With the noble salve she anointed him all over, over his head and his feet – her intent was good – until she had done it for so long that there was nothing left in the box. All that was, after all, unnecessary, quite apart from the fact that it had been forbidden her, except she bore him such good will that even that did not seem to her enough, so gladly would she see him recover – and if there had been six times more salve she would have anointed him with it, so that his illness might disappear. When she had anointed him with it all, she very swiftly withdrew from him, for she was well aware that shameful disgrace is hurtful to a worthy man, and she hid herself out of courtesy, so that she could see him and he could not see her.

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3490 Sî gedâhte: ‘Ob daz geschiht, daz er chumt ze sinnen, wirt er danne innen, daz ich in nachet hân gesehn, sô ist mir übel geschehn, 3495 wan des schamt er sich sêre, daz er mich niemer mêre willeclîchen an gesiht.’ Alsus ougent sî sich niht, unz in diu salbe gar ergienc 3500 und ze sinnen gevienc. Dô er sich ûf gerihte und sich selben an blihte, und sich sô griulîchen sach, wider sich selben er sprach: 3505 ‘Bistûz Îwein, ode wer? Hân ich geslâfen unz her? Wâfen, herre, wâfen! Soldich danne iemer slâfen! Mir het mîn troum gegebn 3510 ein vil rîterlîchez lebn. Ouwî waz ich êren pflac, die wîle ich slâfende lac! Mir hât getroumet michel tugent – ich het geburt unde jugent, 3515 ich was schœne unde rîch, disem lîbe vil ungelîch. Ich was höfsch unde wîs, unde het mit manheit prîs an rîterschefte bejagt, 3520 hât mir mîn troum niht missesagt. Ich bejagte swes ich gerte mit sper und mit swerte. Mir ervaht mîn eins hant eine küneginne und ein rîchez lant, 3525 alsô daz ichs pflac, sô mir nû troumde manigen tac, unz daz mich der künech Artûs von ir fuorte ze hûs. Mîn geselle was der herre Gâwein, 3530 als mir in mînem troume schein. Sî gap mir urloup ein jâr. Missesagich niht, sô ist ez wâr: dô beleip ich langer âne nôt,

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Iwein She thought: ‘If it so happens that he recovers his wits, if he then becomes aware that I have seen him naked, then it will be the worse for me, for he would be so thoroughly ashamed that he would never again be willing to look at me.’ Thus they did not meet eye to eye until the salve entirely penetrated him and brought him back to consciousness.54 When he rose up and looked at himself, and saw himself to be so terrible of aspect, he said to himself: ‘Is this you, Iwein, or who? Have I slept till now? Help, Lord, help!55 If only I could sleep forever! My dream had given me a most knightly way of life – alas, what honours I enjoyed for as long as I lay sleeping! I dreamt I had many knightly qualities, I had high birth and youth, I was handsome and wealthy, most unlike this body here. I was courtly and wise, and had won by valour a reputation for chivalry, if my dream did not deceive me, I gained whatever I wished by sword and by spear. My own hand won for me by fighting a queen and a wealthy land, so that I reigned over it, so I just now dreamed, for many a day, until King Arthur escorted me away from that queen to his castle. My companion was Lord Gawein, so it appeared to me in my dream. She gave me leave for a year. If I do not speak falsely, then it is true – I remained away longer, needlessly,

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unz sî mir ir hulde widerbôt. 3535 Die was ich ungerne âne. In allem disem wâne sô bin ich erwachet. Mich het mîn troum gemachet zeinem rîchen herren. 3540 Nû waz möhte mir gewerren, wærich in disen êren tôt? Er æffet sich âne nôt, swer sich an troume chêret – der ist wol gunêret. 3545 Troum, wie wunderlîch dû bist! Dû machest rîche in kurzer frist einen alsô swachen man, der nie nâch êren muot gewan. Swenner danne erwachet, 3550 sô hâstû in gemachet zeinem tôren als ich. Zwâre doch versihe ich mich, swie swarz ein gebûr ich sî, wærich noch rîterschefte bî, 3555 wærich gewâfent und geriten, ich kunde nâch rîterlîchen siten als wol gebâren, sô die ie rîter wâren.’ Alsus was er sîn selbes gast, 3560 daz im des sinnes gebrast, ob er ie rîter wart, und alle sîn umbevart, die heter in dem mære, als ez im getroumet wære. 3565 Er sprach: ‘Mich hât gelêret mîn troum – des sî er gêret, magich ze harnasche chomen. Mîn troum hât mir mîn reht benomen. Swie gar ich ein gebûr bin, 3570 mir turnieret al mîn sin. Mîn herze ist dem lîbe ungelîch: mîn lîp ist arm, daz herze rîch. Wie stêt ez sus umbe mîn lebn, oder wer hât mir gegebn 3575 einen lîp sus ungetânen? Ich möhte mich wol ânen rîterlîches muotes –

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Iwein until she withdrew her favour from me. I was unwilling to be without that. Amid all these illusions I have awakened. My dream had made me into a rich lord. Now, what ill might befall me, even if I had died amid such honours? That man who relies on dreams makes a fool of himself needlessly – he is indeed dishonoured. Dream, how strange you are! In a short time you make rich a man so lowly that he never had any inclination for honour. When he then awakes, you have made him into a fool like me. Yet truly, I am confident, no matter how black a peasant I am, if I were still present where knightly deeds were enacted, if I were armed and mounted, I could acquit myself as well in accordance with knightly custom, as those who have always been knights.’ Thus he was a stranger to himself, lacking any awareness of ever having been a knight, or of all his travels – those he thought of as if he had merely dreamed them. He said: ‘I have been taught a lesson by my dream – may it be honoured for that, if I can get into armour! My dream has deprived me of my rightful order. Although I am nothing but a peasant, all my mind goes tourneying. My heart is unlike my body: my body is poor, my heart rich. What is the nature of my life now, or who has given me such a misshaped body? I ought readily to renounce knightly inclinations –

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German Romance III lîbes unde guotes, der gebristet mir beider.’ Und als er diu niuwen cleider einhalp bî im ligen sach, des wundert in sêre unde sprach: ‘Diz sint cleider der ich gnuoc in mînem troume diche truoc. Ichn sihe niemen des sî sîn. Ich bedarf ir wol – nû sîn ouch mîn! Waz ob disiu sam tuont, sît daz mir ê sô wol stuont in mînem troume rîch gewant?’ Alsus cleidet er sich zehant. Als er bedacte die swarzen lîch, dô wart er einem rîter gelîch. Nû ersach diu junchfrouwe daz, daz er unschemlîchen saz. Sî saz in guoter chündecheit ûf ir pferit unde reit, als sî dâ für wære gesant, und zôch ein pfert an der hant. Weder sî ne sach dar nochn sprach. Dô er sî für sich rîten sach, dô wærer ûf gesprungen, wan daz er was betwungen mit selher siecheite, daz er niht sô gereite ûf mohte gestân, als er gerne het getân, unde rief ir hin nâch. Dô tet sî sam ir wære gâch, und niht darumbe wære chunt, unz er ir rief anderstunt. Dô chêrte sî sich sâ unde antwurt im dâ. Sî sprach: ‘Wer ruofet dâ, wer?’ Er sprach: ‘Frouwe, chêrt her!’ Sî sprach: ‘Herre, daz sî!’ Sî reit dar und habt im bî. Sî sprach: ‘Gebiet über mich. Swaz ir welt, daz tuon ich,’ und frâgte in der mære, wie er dar chomen wære. Dô sprach der herre Îwein,

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Iwein I lack both person and property.’ But when he saw the new clothes lying to one side of him, he wondered greatly and said: ‘These are clothes such as, in ample number, I often wore in my dream. I can’t see anyone to whom they belong. I am in good need of them – now let them be mine! What if they have the same effect, since, previously, in my dream rich clothes so well became me?’ Thus he clothed himself at once. When he had covered his black body, he took on the semblance of a knight. Now the damsel observed that he sat without shame. She mounted, with well-meaning cunning, her palfrey, and rode as if she had been ordered to ride on by, leading a horse by her hand. She neither looked in his direction, nor spoke. When he saw her riding past him, he would have leapt up, except that he was oppressed by such sickness that he could not so readily rise to his feet as he would willingly have done, and he called out after her. Then she acted as if she were in haste, and knew nothing about the matter, until he called out to her again. Then she at once turned back and answered him. She said: ‘Who is calling there, who?’ He said: ‘Lady, come over here!’ She said, ‘Sir, so be it.’ She rode over and halted by him. She said: ‘I am at your command. Whatever you wish, I will do,’ and asked him for tidings of how he had come to be there. Then Lord Iwein said –

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German Romance III als ouch wol an im schein: ‘Dâ hân ich mich hie funden des lîbes ungesunden. Ichn chan iu des gesagen niht welch wunders geschiht mich dâ her hât getragen, wan daz chan ich iu wol gesagen, daz ich hie ungerne bin, und füeret ir mich mit iu hin, sô handelt ir mich harte wol, und gedienez iemer swie ich sol.’ Sî sprach: ‘Rîter, daz sî getân. Ich wil mîne reise durch iuch lân. Mich het mîn frouwe gesant – diu ist frouwe über diz lant – zuo der füere ich iuch mit mir, unde râte iu, daz ir geruowet nâch iuwer arbeit.’ Dô saz er ûf unde reit. Alsus fuorte sî in dan zuo ir frouwen, diu nie man alsô gerne gesach. Sî schuof im guoten gemach von cleidern, von spîse, von bade, unz daz im sîn schade vil lützel an schein. Hie het der herre Îwein sîne nôt überwunden, und guoten wirt funden. Diu frouwe ouch des niht vergaz, sîne wolde wizzen daz, wâ ir salbe wære. Mit einem lügemære beredte sich diu magt. Sî sprach: ‘Frouwe, iu sî geclagt, wie mir zer bühsen ist geschehn. Ez hât der rîter wol gesehn, wie nâch ich ertrunchen was – wunder ist daz ich genas. Ich chom in michel arbeit, dô ich über daz wazzer reit ze der hôhen brüke hie bî. Daz dez ros unsælech sî! Daz strûchte vaste unz an diu knie,

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Iwein as was, indeed, well apparent from his appearance – ‘I found myself here in an unhealthy state. I can’t tell you any more about what wondrous event has brought me here, except that I can tell you, indeed, that I am not glad to be here, and if you were to take me away with you, you would be treating me very well, and I shall always serve to repay it, in whatever way I can.’ She said: ‘Knight, so be it. I shall abandon my journey for your sake. My lady had sent me on an errand – she is lady over this land – I shall lead you to her and will help you to rest after your hardship.’ Then he mounted and rode. Thus she led him away from there to her lady, who was never so glad to see any man. She gave him good comfort by way of clothes, food, bathing, until such time as his suffering showed little trace. Here Lord Iwein had overcome his anguish and found a good host. Nor did the lady omit to ask where her salve was. By a lying tale the maiden talked her way out of it. She said: ‘Lady, let me lament to you what has happened with regard to the box. The knight saw clearly how I very nearly drowned – it was a wonder that I survived. I encountered great hardship when I rode across the river, by the high bridge near here. May the horse be accursed! It stumbled, down almost to its knees,

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German Romance III alsô daz ich den zoum verlie und der bühsen vergaz, und selbe chume gesaz! Dô enpfiel sî mir in den wac zetal, und wizzet daz mich dehein val sô starche nie gemuote. Waz hilfet elliu huote? Wan swaz man niht behalten sol, daz verliuset sich wol.’ Swie vil gefüege wære diz guote lüegemære, doch zurnde sî ein teil. Sî sprach: ‘Heil und unheil, diu sint uns hiute geschehn! Der magich wol beider jehn –56 ich hân in churzen stunden einen rîter funden, und mîne guote salben verlorn. Der schade sî durch den frumen verchorn. Niemen habe seneden muot umb ein verlornez guot, des man niht wider müge hân.’ Hie mit was der zorn verlân. Sus twelte mîn herre Îwein hie, unz in diu wilde farwe verlie, und wart als ê ein schœne man. Vil schiere man im dô gewan den besten harnasch den man vant, und daz beste ros über daz lant. Sus wart bereit der gast, daz im nihtes gebrast.

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Iwein so that I lost the reins and forgot about the box, and scarcely kept my seat! Then the box fell down into the water, and know that no fall ever so strongly troubled my mind. What use is all the care one takes? For that which one is fated not to keep will readily be lost.’ Although this well-intentioned lying tale was most adroit, still the lady was somewhat angry. She said: ‘A curse and a blessing have befallen us today! I may well speak of both – in a short space of time I have found a knight, and lost my good salve. Let the loss be outweighed by the profit. Let no-one mourn over lost property that cannot be retrieved.’ Herewith her anger was abandoned. Thus my lord Iwein dwelt there until his wild aspect abandoned him, and he became a handsome man as before. Rapidly they then acquired for him the best armour they could find, and the best charger in the whole country. Thus the guest was so well prepared that he lacked nothing.

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Darnâch eines tages fruo dô sâhen sî dort rîten zuo den grâven Âliern mit her. Dô sazten sich ze wer die rîter von dem lande unde ir sarjande. Der edel rîter Îwein zaller vorderst schein. Sî wâren ê vaste in getân, und heten joch die wer verlân, und alsô gar überriten, daz sî von manlîchen siten vil nâch wâren chomen. Nû wart der muot von in genomen, dô sî den gast sâhen zuo den vîenden gâhen und sô manlîche gebâren. Die ê verzagt wâren, die sâhen alle ûf in und geviengen manlîchen sin. Dô liez er sîne frouwen ab der wer schouwen, daz ofte chumt diu frist, daz selch guot behalten ist, daz man dem biderben manne tuot. Sîne rou dehein daz guot, daz sî an in het geleit, wande sîn eines manheit tet sî unstetlîchen an einen furt entwîchen. Dâ bechoverten sî sich. Hie slac, dâ stich! Nû wer möhte diu sper elliu bereiten her, diu mîn her Îwein dâ zebrach. Er sluoc unde stach, und die sîne alle, daz jene mit manigem valle muosen unstetelîchen von dem furte entwîchen,

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VI THE BATTLE AGAINST COUNT ALIERS AND THE RESCUING OF THE LION Early one day after that they saw Count Aliers riding up there with his army. Then the knights of that land gave battle, and their men-at-arms. The noble knight, Iwein, appeared in the forefront. They had been pressed back in before and had even abandoned defence, being so entirely trampled down that they had almost abandoned valorous ways. Now such thoughts were removed from them when they saw the stranger rushing at the enemies, and acting so valorously. Those who had been daunted before all gazed upon him and embraced valorous thoughts. Then Iwein showed his lady, who was looking down from the ramparts, that the time often comes that such wealth as is bestowed upon a worthy man is not lost. She did not at all repent the wealth she had invested in him, for his valour alone made the enemy retreat, in disarray, to a ford. There they regrouped. Here a cut, there a thrust! Now who could equip my lord Iwein with all the spears that he shattered there? He cut and thrust, as did all his men, so that the enemy, many of them falling, had no choice but to retreat from the ford in disarray

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German Romance III und in den sic lâzen. Die aber der fluht vergâzen, die wurden sam die zagen almeisteil erslagen unde ouch gevangen. Hie was der strît ergangen nâch des herren Îweins êren. Sî begunden an in chêren beide lop unde prîs: er wære höfsch unde wîs, und in enmöhte niht gewerren, heten sî in ze herren, ode einen im gelîchen. Sî wunschten flîzeclîchen, daz sî des beidiu zæme, daz in ir frouwe næme. Sus wart dem graven Âliere genendeclîchen schiere gevangen und erslagen sîn her. Dannoch hielt er ze wer mit einer lützeln kraft, und tet selhe rîterschaft, die niemen gefelschen möhte. Dô daz niht langer töhte, dô muoser ouch entwîchen, und flôch doch werlîchen gein einer sîner veste, die er dâ nâhen weste. Dô er zuo dem hûse flôch, nû was der burchberch sô hôch, beidiu sô stechel und sô lanc, daz in sunder sînen danc der herre Îwein ergâhte vor dem tor, und gevienc57 in dâ vor, und nam des sîne sicherheit, daz er gevangen wider reit in der frouwen gewalt, diu sîn dâ vor sô diche engalt, der er verwüest het ir lant. Er sazte ir gîsel unde pfant, daz er sîne schulde buozte unz ûf ir hulde. Ezn wart nie rîter mêre erboten grœzzer êre

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Iwein and yield them the victory. Those who neglected, however, to flee were, like the cowards who fled, for the most part slain or taken prisoner. There the battle had ended to Lord Iwein’s credit. They began to lavish upon him both praise and fame: he was courtly and wise, and it would do them no harm if they had him as their lord, or one like him. They wished devoutly that it might please them both for their lady to take him as a husband. Thus Count Alier’s army was boldly, rapidly, captured or slain. As yet he was holding out with a small band, and enacting such chivalry as no-one might disparage. When that was no longer of any avail, he, too, then had to retreat, and fled, albeit still resisting, to one of his strongholds, which he knew to be in the vicinity there. When he fled to that castle, the castle mound was so high, both so steep and so long, that, without Aliers being able to do anything about it, Lord Iwein caught up with him before the gate and took him prisoner in front of it, and took his oath of surrender, so that he rode back, a prisoner, into the custody of that lady who had suffered so often at his hands before, he having laid waste her land. He gave her hostages, and pledges that he would make such amends for his guilt as would restore him to her favour. Never again was a knight offered greater honour

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German Romance III danne dem hern Îwein dâ geschach, dô man in zuo rîten sach, und er sînen gevangen man neben im fuorte dan. Dô in diu grævinne enpfienc, und engegen im gienc mit allen ir frouwen, dô mohte man schouwen vil friuntlîche bliche. Sî besach in ofte unde diche, und wolder lôns hân gegert, des wærer dâ vil wol gewert – sîne versagt im lîp noch guot. Sô ne stuont aber niht sîn muot – ern wolde dehein lôn. Dô diu frouwe von Nârisôn ir nôt überwant von sîner gehülfigen hant, dô begunder urloubes gern. Desn wolde si in niht gewern, wan an in stuont aller ir muot. Si dûhte des, er wære guot ze herren ir lande, und endûht ez sî niht schande, sî het geworben umbe in. Michn triege mîn sin, swie selten ez deheiniu tuo, dâ hôrte grœzzer wîsheit zuo, daz sî umbe den wurbe, von dem sî niht verdurbe, danne sî sich den liezze erwerben, von dem sî muoz58 verderben. Sî bat in mit gebærden gnuoc, daz er doch harte ringe truoc. Beide gebærde unde bet, die man in durch belîben tet, daz was ein verlorniu arbeit, wan er nam urloup unde reit, unde suochte dâ zehant den næhsten walt den er vant, und volget einer strâze. Lûte, âne mâze, hôrter eine stimme, clægelîch und grimme.

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Iwein than fell to Lord Iwein there, when they saw him riding up, leading his prisoner at his side. When the countess welcomed him and walked towards him with all her ladies, then many amorous glances could be seen. She cast glances at him time and again, and if he’d wanted to request a reward, he’d have been granted it there in full – she would not have refused him her person, nor her possessions. Yet his mind was not so inclined – he desired no reward. When the Lady of Narison had overcome her peril thanks to his helpful hand, he then requested leave to depart. She didn’t want to grant it to him, for her whole mind was bent upon him. She thought that he would be a good lord over her land, and if she had not thought it a disgrace, she would have wooed him. Unless my mind deceives me, no matter how seldom any woman does that, greater wisdom would have been involved if she had sought to woo a man by whom she would not have perished. than if she had let a man win her by whom she would, necessarily, have perished. She entreated him with ample gestures, to which he paid, however, very little heed. Both the gestures and the entreaties made to him to persuade him to stay were wasted labour, for he took leave and rode off and sought at once the first forest he could find there, and headed off along a road. Loud, out of all proportion, he heard a voice, wretched, yet fierce.

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3825 Nûne weste mîn her Îwein, von wederm sî gienge under den zwein, von wurme ode von tiere – er bevant ez aber schiere. Nû wîste diu stimme in 3830 durch micheln walt hin, dâ er an einer blœzze gesach, daz ein grimmer kampf geschach, dâ mit unverzagten siten ein wurm und ein leu striten. 3835 Der wurm was starch unde grôz – daz fiur im ûz dem munde schôz. Im half diu hitze und der stanch, daz er den leun des betwanch, daz er vil lûte schrê. 3840 Dem hern Îwein tet der zwîfel wê, wederm er helfen solde, doch gedâhter daz er wolde helfen dem edeln tiere, und forhte des, swie schiere 3845 des wurmes tôt ergienge, daz in daz niht vervienge, der leu bestüende in zehant, wan alsô ist ez gewant, als ez ouch under den liuten stât: 3850 sô man aller beste gedient hât dem ungewissen manne, sô hüete sich danne, daz er in iht beswîche. Dem was diz vil gelîche. 3855 Doch tet er als ein frum man: er erbeizte und lief den wurm an, und sluoc in harte schiere und half dem edeln tiere. Dannoch dô er den wurm ersluoc, 3860 dô heter zwîfel gnuoc, daz in der leu wolde bestân: daz wart im anders chunt getân – sich bôt der leu ûf sînen fuoz, und zeiget im unsprechenden gruoz 3865 mit gebærden und mit stimme, âne allerslahte grimme, und erzeigte im sîne minne, als er von sînem sinne

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Iwein Now my lord Iwein did not know from which of the two the sound came forth, from a dragon or a beast – he found out soon enough, however. Now the voice led him through thick forest to where, in a clearing, he saw a fierce fight taking place, where, undauntedly, a dragon and a lion were fighting. The dragon was strong and huge – fire shot out of its mouth. The heat and stench were helping it to compel the lion to cry out most loud. Lord Iwein was troubled by doubts as to which he should help, but he thought that he would help the noble beast, though he feared that as soon as the dragon’s death occurred, it would be of no avail to him, but the lion would immediately attack him, for such is the way of things, as is the case among people, too, that when anyone has done his very best to serve an unreliable man, let him be on his guard, lest he be deceived by him in any way. This situation was very similar. Yet he acted as a valiant man – he dismounted and ran at the dragon, and very soon had slain it, and thus helped the noble beast. Even now he had slain the dragon, he was in ample doubt as to whether the lion would attack him. He was taught a different lesson – the lion lay down at his feet and greeted him, without speaking, by gestures and with a voice entirely without ferocity, and manifested its love for him, as it thought it

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aller beste mohte, 3870 und einem tiere tohte. Er antwurte sich in sîne pflege, wander in sît alle wege mit sînem dienst êrte, und volget im swar er chêrte.59 3875 Der leu und sîn herre, die fuoren unverre, unz er ein tier ersmahte. Dô twanch in des sîn ahte, beidiu der hunger und sîn art, 3880 dô er des tiers innen wart, daz er daz gerne wolde jagen. Dazn chunder im anders niht gesagen, wan daz er stuont und sach in an, und zeicte mit dem munde dan – 3885 dâ mit tet erz im chunt. Er lûte sam ein suochhunt. Er chêrte von der strâze wol eines wurfes mâze, dâ er ein rêch stênde vant, 3890 unde viench ouch daz zehant. Er souc im ûz daz warme bluot – dazn wære sînem herren doch niht guot. Nû schindet erz, dâ erz weste veist und aller beste, 3895 und nam des einen brâten dan. Nû gienc ouch diu naht an. Er schurft ein fiur und briet daz, und az daz ungesalzen maz âne brôt und âne wîn – 3900 ezn moht et dô niht bezzer sîn. Daz im dâ überiges schein, daz az der leu unz an diu bein. Der herre Îwein legte sich und slief – der leu wachte unde lief 3905 umbe sîn ros unde umb in. Er het die tugent und den sin, daz er sîn huote zaller zît, beidiu dô unde sît. Diz was ir beider arbeit: 3910 daz er nâch âventiure reit volle vierzehn tage, und daz mit selhem bejage

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Iwein might best do, and as beseemed a beast. It surrendered itself into his care, for afterwards it honoured him at all times by its service, and followed him wherever he went. The lion and its lord had not gone very far when it scented a deer. Then, compelled by its circumstances, both by hunger and by its nature, when it perceived the deer it would gladly have hunted it. It could not tell Iwein about this other than by standing and looking at him, and pointing with its mouth in that direction – by this means it told him of it. It gave tongue like a tracking-hound. It turned off the road, a good stone’s throw, to where it found a roe stalling,60 and at once it caught and killed it. It sucked the warm blood out of it – that would have been of no use to its lord, anyway. Then Iwein skinned it at that part where he knew the flesh to be rich and the very best, and cut off a steak there. Now night was coming on. He kindled a fire and roasted it, and ate that unsalted food without bread and without wine – that was the best he could do at the time. That which seemed to him superfluous there the lion ate, down to the bones. Lord Iwein laid himself down and slept. The lion stayed awake and prowled around him and his charger. Its virtue and disposition was such that it guarded him at all times, both then and thereafter. This was the toil of that pair: he rode in pursuit of adventure for a full fortnight, and by such hunting

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Iwein the wild lion obtained the man’s food for him.

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3915 Eins tages truoc in diu geschiht, daz ers enweste niht, rehte in sîner frouwen lant, dâ er den selben brunnen vant, von dem im dâ was geschehn, 3920 als ich iu ê hân verjehn, grôz heil und michel ungemach, und als er die linden darobe sach, und dô im dazuo erschein diu chapel und der stein, 3925 dô wart sîn herze des ermant, wie er sîn êre und sîn lant het verlorn und sîn wîp. Des wart vil riuwech sîn lîp. Von jâmer wart im als wê, 3930 daz er vil nâch als ê von sînen sinnen was chomen. Ouch wart im dâ benomen des lîbes kraft als gar, daz er zer erde tôtvar 3935 von dem rosse nider seic, und als er invollen35 sich geneic, daz swert im ûz der scheiden schôz. Des güete was alsô grôz, deiz im durch den halsperc brach 3940 und im eine starchen wunden stach, daz ez vil sêre bluote. Des wart in unmuote der leu – er wânde er wære tôt, und im was nâch dem tôde nôt. 3945 Er rihte daz swert an einen strûch und wolde sich stechen durch den bûch, wan daz im der herre Îwein dannoch lebendiger schein. Der rihte sich ûf unde saz, 3950 unde wante dem leun daz, daz er sich niht ze tôde stach. Der herre Îwein clagte und sprach: ‘Unsælech man, wie verstû nû? Der unsæligest bistû, 3955 der ie zer werlde wart geborn.

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VII LUNET’S CAPTIVITY One day chance led him, he knowing nothing of it himself, right into his lady’s land, where he found that same fountain by which had fallen to his lot there, as I told you before, great good fortune and much distress, and when he saw the lime-tree above it, and when, moreover, there appeared before him the chapel and the stone, his heart was then reminded of how he had lost his honour and his land, and his wife. He grew most remorseful at that. Grief brought him such pain that he very nearly, as before, lost his senses. Moreover, he was deprived entirely of his physical powers there, so that, pale as death, he dropped from his charger to the ground, and when he fell headlong the sword shot out of his scabbard. Its excellence was so great that it broke through his hauberk and pierced him, wounding him grievously, so that he bled profusely. This troubled the lion greatly – it thought he was dead, and it strove to die, too. It placed the sword upright, against a bush, and was about to stab itself through the belly, were it not that Lord Iwein still retained a semblance of life. He raised himself and prevented the lion from stabbing itself to death. Lord Iwein lamented, saying: ‘Wretched man, what are you to do now? You’re the most wretched man that was ever born in this world.

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German Romance III Nû wie hâstu verlorn dîner frouwen hulde! Jâ ne wære diu selbe schulde zer werlde niemens wan dîn, ezn müese sîn ende sîn. Noch ist er baz ein sælech man, der nie nâch êren muot gewan, danne der êre gewinnet, und sich sô niht versinnet, daz er sî behalten chünne. Êren unde wünne, der het ich beider als vil, daz ichz got clagen wil, daz ich ir ie sô vil gewan, ichn solde ouch stæte sîn daran. Wære mir niht geschehn heil und liebes ein vil michel teil, sône weste ich waz ez wære – âne senede swære sô lebt ich frîlîche als ê. Nû tuot mir daz senen wê, daz daz ie solde geschehn, daz ich muose an sehn schaden unde schande in mîner frouwen lande! Diz ist ir erbe und ir lant – daz stuont ê sô ze mîner hant, daz mir des wunsches niht gebrast. Dem bin ich nû allem worden gast. Ich mac wol clagen mîn schœne wîp. Warumbe spar ich den lîp? Mîn lîp wære des wol wert, daz mich mîn selbes swert zehant an im ræche, und ez durch mich stæche. Sît ichz mir selbe hân getân, ich solt es ouch selbe buozze enpfân. Nû gît mir doch des bilde dirre leu wilde, daz er vor herzeleide sich wolde erstechen durch mich, daz rehtiu triuwe nâhen gât – sît mir mîn selbes missetât mîner frouwen hulde,

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Iwein How is it that you have now lost your lady’s favour? Indeed, no-one in this world would have incurred such guilt upon himself, yourself excepted without it being the end of him. That man is still more blessed who never gained an inclination towards honour than he who wins honour, yet is not so minded that he can keep it. Honour and joy – of both those I had so much that I will lament to God that I ever gained so much of them without remaining constant. If good fortune had not befallen me, and a great deal of happiness, then I would not know what they meant – without lovelorn anguish I would live unencumbered as before. Now, though, anguish afflicts me – that it should ever come to pass that I should have to behold harm and disgrace in my lady’s land! This is her inheritance and her land – previously it stood at my disposal so that I lacked for nothing. I have now become a stranger to all that. I have good reason to lament over my beautiful wife. Why do I spare myself? It would well become me if my own sword were to avenge itself upon me at once, and pierce me through. Since I have brought this upon myself, I myself ought also to make amends. Now, indeed, this wild lion shows me by its example, in that, out of heart’s sorrow, it desired to stab itself for my sake, that true loyalty runs deep – since it was my own misdeed lost me my lady’s favour,

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4000 und dehein ir schulde, âne allerslahte nôt verlôs, und weinen für daz lachen chôs.’ Dô disiu clage alsus geschach, daz hôrte wol unde sach 4005 ein junchfrouwe, diu leit von forhten grœzzer arbeit danne ie getæte dehein wîp, wande sî gevangen ûf den lîp in der chapeln lac. 4010 Dô er dirre clage pflac, dô sach sî hin für durch eine schrunden an der tür. Sî sprach: ‘Wer clagt dâ, wer?’ ‘Wer frâgt des?’ sprach er. 4015 Sî sprach: ‘Herre, daz hie clagt, daz ist ein alsô armiu magt, daz dehein sache von manigem ungemache alsô armiu möhte lebn.’ 4020 Er sprach: ‘Wer möht iu gebn alsô grôzzen chumber als ich hân? Ir möht wol iuwer clage lân, wan der verfluochte daz bin ich!’ Sî sprach: ‘Daz ist unmügelich, 4025 daz iuwer chumber müge sîn des endes iender alsô der mîn, wan ich sihe wol daz ir stêt, beide rîtet unde gêt swar iuch iuwer wille treit. 4030 Sô ist mir daz für geleit, und bin alsô gevangen – verbrant ode erhangen wirdich morgen an dem tage, ist niemen der michs übertrage, 4035 mirne werde der lîp benomen.’ Er sprach: ‘Frouwe, wie ist daz chomen?’ Sî sprach: ‘Habich deheine schulde, got welle daz ich sîne hulde niemêr gewinne! 4040 Für eine verrâtærinne bin ich dâ her in geleit. Daz lantfolch hât ûf mich geseit62 eine schulde alsô swære,

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Iwein and no fault of hers, there being no necessity for it at all – and I chose weeping instead of laughter.’ When this lament was taking place, it was heard clearly and seen by a damsel, who was suffering greater hardship out of fear than any woman ever did, for she lay, a prisoner, her life at stake, in the chapel. When he uttered this lament she looked out through a crack in the door. She said: ‘Who is lamenting there, who?’ ‘Who is asking?’ said he. She said: ‘Sir, she who is lamenting here is such a wretched maiden that no creature, afflicted by much distress, might ever have so wretched a life.’ He said: ‘Who could give you such great distress as I have? You may as well cease lamenting, for it is I who am accursed.’ She said: ‘It is impossible that your distress may be of anything like the same extent as mine, for I can see clearly that you can stand, both ride and walk wherever your inclination takes you. I, for my part, have this situation imposed upon me and am thus imprisoned – I shall be burned or hanged tomorrow morning if no-one spares me and prevents my life being taken.’ He said: ‘Lady, how did this come about?’ She said: ‘If I am guilty at all, may God grant that I never regain His favour! As a traitor I have been cast in here. The people of the land have accused me of guilt so great

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und ob ich schuldech wære, 4045 sô wære ich grozzer zühte wert. Ez nam in dem jâre vert disses landes frouwe einen man – dâ missegienc ir leider an. Die schulde legent sî ûf mich. 4050 Nû, herre got, waz moht ich, daz ir an im missegie? Deiswâr geriet ichz ir ie, daz tet ich durch ir êre. Ouch wundert mich sêre, 4055 daz ein alsô frumer man sô starche missetuon chan, wander was benamen der beste, den ich dô lebende weste. Ouch ist ez niht von den schulden sîn – 4060 ez ist von den unsælden mîn. Alsus ringe ich mit sorgen. Sî bîtent mir unz morgen – sô wellent sî nemen mir den lîp, wan ich bin leider ein wîp, 4065 daz ich mich mit kampfe iht wer. Sô en ist ouch niemen, der mich ner.’ Er sprach: ‘Sô lâze ich iu den strît, daz ir angesthafter sît danne ich, sît ez umbe iuch sô stât, 4070 daz ez iu an den lîp gât, ob ir iuch niht mugt erwern.’ Sî sprach: ‘Wer möhte mich ernern? Der joch den willen hæte, daz er ez gerne tæte, 4075 wer het dannoch die kraft, ern dulte von in meisterschaft? Wan ez sint drî starche man, die mich alle sprechent an. Ich weiz ir zwêne und ouch niht mê, 4080 an den sô volleclîchen stê diu tugent und diu manheit, die sich sô grôzze arbeit durch mich armen næmen an. Daz sint ouch zwêne selhe man, 4085 ir ietweder slüege âne wer disses folches wol ein her, unde weiz daz als mînen tôt,

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Iwein that if I were guilty, I would merit great punishment. Last year this land’s lady took a husband – unfortunately, her choice went amiss for her. They place the blame upon me. Now, Lord God, what could I do about her choice of him going amiss? Truly, if I ever advised her to marry him, I did so for the sake of her honour. Moreover, I wonder greatly at such a worthy man being capable of such grave misdeeds, for he was truly the best man I then knew alive. And yet it is not his fault – it is because of my own ill fortune. Thus I grapple with troubles. They have given me until tomorrow – then they want to take my life, for I am, unfortunately, a woman, and cannot defend myself by combat. Nor is there anyone who can save me.’ He said: ‘In that case, I concede to you that you are in a more perilous position than I, since things so stand with you that your life is in danger, if you cannot defend yourself.’ She said: ‘Who might save me? Even if anyone were so inclined that he would willingly do so, who would have such strength, nevertheless, that he would not be mastered by them? For they are three strong men who all accuse me. I know of two and no more who possess such complete virtue and valour that they would take on such great hardship for my sake, poor wretch that I am. Those are, moreover, two such men that either of them might indeed slay, without being resisted, an army of this folk, and I know, as sure as I will die,

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German Romance III weste ir ietweder mîne nôt, er chœme unde væhte für mich. Der dewedern magich ze disen zîten niht hân, und muoz mir an den lîp gân. Ich getrûwes niemen wan in zwein.’ Dô sprach der herre Îwein: ‘Nû nennet mir die drî man, die iuch mit kampfe sprechent an, und nennet mir dannoch mê die zwêne umbe diez sô stê, daz ietweder sô frum sî, daz er eine væhte wider drî.’ Sî sprach: ‘Ich nennes iu alle wol: der drîer gewalt ich dâ dol – der eine ist truhsæzze hie, und sîne bruoder, die mir ie wâren nîdech und gehaz, wande mich mîn frouwe het baz danne sî mir des gunden. Nû habent sî sie63 des überwunden, daz ouch sî nû wol übersiht swaz mir leides geschiht. Dô mîn frouwe ir man nam, der ir nâch wâne wol gezam, und sî darnâch niht wol enlie, dô begâben sî mich nie mit tægelîcher arbeit. Sî zigen mich der falscheit, daz ez schüeffe mîn list, daz ir sô missegangen ist, und swaz ouch mir dâ von geschiht, sône lougen ich des niht, ezn fuocte mîn rât und mîn bet, daz sîz ie umbe in getet, wandich mich des umbe in versach, geschæhez als ez doch geschach, sî het es frum und êre. Nû felschent sî mich sêre, ich habe sî verrâten, wande sî mir dô tâten michel unreht und gewalt. Des wart mîn leit vil manecfalt, und ich armiu verlorne

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Iwein if either of them knew of my peril, he would come and fight for me. I can have neither of these at this time, and that must cost me my life. I have confidence in none but those two.’ Then Lord Iwein said: ‘Now, name to me the three men who accuse you by combat,64 and name to me, moreover, the two concerning whom it is the case that either may be so valiant that he might fight alone against three.’ She said: ‘I can easily name them all to you, the three from whose brute force I suffer here – one of them is steward here, and his brothers, who were always envious of and hostile towards me, because my lady held me in better esteem than they were ready to grant me. Now they have changed her mind to such effect that she too now, I imagine, is ignoring whatever harm befalls me. When my lady took her husband, who, I believe, pleased her well, and wrongly deserted her afterwards, they then never spared me daily hardship. They accused me of treachery, of it being my cunning which caused things to go so amiss for her, and whatever happens to me in consequence I do not deny that it was my counsel and my entreaty that brought it about that she ever acted the way she did with regard to him, for I had such expectations of him that if it happened, as indeed it did, she would have profit and honour by it. Now they malign me greatly, accusing me of having betrayed her, for they then did me much injustice and violence. My sufferings became great in consequence, and I, poor wretch that I am,

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German Romance III vergâhte mich mit zorne, wan daz ist gar der sælden slac, swer sînem zorne niene mac getwingen, ern überspreche sich.65 Leider alsô übersprach ich mich. Ich hân mich selben verlorn, wandich sprach durch mînen zorn, swelche drî die tiursten man sich von dem hove daz næmen an, daz sîz beredten wider mich, einen rîter funde ich, der mit in allen drîn strite, ob man mir vierzech tage bite. Der rede giengen sî dô nâch, wande mir was ze gâch. Man liez mich ir niht wandel hân, und enwart ouch des niht erlân, ichn schüeffe in rehte sicherheit, daz ich der rede wære gereit, als ich dâ het gesprochen, daz ich in sehs wochen mich mit kampfe lôste. Die zwêne der ich mich trôste, Die reit ich suochen in diu lant, daz ich ir dewederz66 vant den man noch diu mære, wâ er ze vinden wære. Ouch suochte ich den künech Artûs, und envant dâ niemen ze hûs, der sich ez wolde nemen an. Sus schiet ich âne kempfen dan. Des wart ich sô ze spotte hie, daz ez mir an mîn herze gie. Sus wurfen sî mich dâ her in, als ich des bîtende bin, daz sich mîn lebn sol enden, wan die mirz hulfen wenden, die sint mir vil ungereit. Mir hulfe ûz dirre arbeit, sweder ez weste von disen zwein, her Gâwein ode her Îwein.’ ‘Welhen Îwein meint ir?’ sprach er. Sî sprach: ‘Herre, daz ist der, durch den ich lîde disiu bant.

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Iwein was quick to anger, for that is a thorough blow to bliss, if anyone cannot control his anger, but speaks too hastily. Sadly, I thus spoke too hastily. I have doomed myself, for I said, in my anger, whichever three of the worthiest men of the court might presume to plead their case against me, I would find a knight who would do battle with all three of them, if they would grant me forty days. They then agreed to that statement, for I was overhasty. They would not let me back out, nor was I let off at all, but I had to give them proper assurance on oath that I was prepared to fulfil that statement as I had spoken there, so that within six weeks, I would redeem myself by combat. The two in whom I had confidence I rode to seek, into the lands, but found neither of them, neither a man nor tidings of where he might be found. I sought, too, King Arthur, but found no-one in his castle there who would willingly take the challenge on. Thus I departed from there without a champion. Consequently, I became such a target of mockery here that it pierced my very heart. Thus it happened that they threw me in here, and I am waiting for my life to end, for those who would help me avert it are most unready to help me. I would be helped out of this hardship if either of those two knew of it – Sir Gawein or Sir Iwein.’ ‘Which Iwein do you mean?’ said he. She said: ‘Sir, it is he for whose sake I suffer these fetters.

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German Romance III Sîn vater ist genant der künech Urîên. Dirre kumber dâ ich inne stên, der ist von sînen schulden. Mir was ze sînen hulden ze liep und ze gâch, und ranch starche darnâch, daz er herre wurde hie, leider als ez ouch ergie. Er behagte mir ze gâhes wol, wan swer den man erchennen sol, dâ gehœret langer wîle zuo. Er liepte mir alze fruo. Ich wânde, er kunde lônen baz. Mîn rât fuoget im daz, daz sichs mîn frouwe underwant, und gap im lîp unde lant. Nû hât er sî beswichen, im selben schedelichen. Ez ist sîn unsælecheit – des swüere ich wol einen eit, mîn frouwe ist ein sô edel wîp, daz er niemer sînen lîp bestæten ûf der erde chan ze hôherm werde. Sî ist sô schœne und sô rîch, wær er sînem lîbe gelîch,67 Sô freut er sich daz sîz getet.’ Dô sprach er: ‘Heizzet ir Lûnet?’ Sî sprach: ‘Herre, jâ ich.’ Er sprach: ‘Sô erchennet mich. Ich bin ez, Îwein der arme. Daz ez got erbarme daz ich ie wart geborn! Nû wie hân ich verlorn mîner frouwen hulde! Sît daz diu selbe schulde niemens ist wan mîn, der schade sol ouch mîn eines sîn – ichn weiz wem sî mêre gebe. Jâne müet mich niht wan daz ich lebe. Ouch sol ich schiere tôt geligen. Doch sô trûwe ich wol gesigen an den rîtern allen drin,

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Iwein His father is called King Urien. This trouble in which I find myself is accountable to him. I was too hasty and fond to find his favour, and strove mightily to the end that he might be lord here, as, unfortunately, did indeed take place. I suppose that I took a liking to him overhastily, for if a man is to be known, it takes a longer time to do so. He pleased me too early by far. I thought that he could grant a better reward. It was my counsel that brought about my lady’s accepting him, and giving to him her person and land. Now he has deceived her, to his own cost. It is his own ill fortune – I would readily swear an oath that my lady is such a noble woman that he can never place himself, anywhere on this earth, with greater honour. She is so beautiful and so powerful that, if he lived up to his physical appearance, he would be glad that she had accepted him.’ Then he said: ‘Are you called Lunet?’ She said: ‘Sir, indeed I am.’ He said: ‘Know me, then: it is I, the wretched Iwein. May God take pity that I was ever born! How is it that I have now lost my lady’s favour! Since the blame for that is no-one’s but mine, the harm too shall be mine alone – I don’t know to whom I might apportion it otherwise. It troubles me only that I am still alive. Indeed, I shall lie dead soon. Yet I trust I can easily vanquish all three of those knights

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4220 die iuch geworfen hânt her in, und swenne ich iuch erlôst hân, sô sol ich mich ouch slâhen lân. Mîn frouwe sol den kampf sehn, wander muoz vor ir geschehn. 4225 Ichn weiz waz ich nû mêre tuo, wan daz ich morgen fruo über mich selben rihte, und zuo ir angesihte wil ich hie ligen tôt, 4230 wandez muoz doch mîn senediu nôt mit dem tôde ein ende hân. Diz sol allez ergân, daz sî niht wizze wer ich sî, unz ich erstirbe und die drî, 4235 an den ich iuch rechen sol. Sô weiz mîn frouwe danne wol, sô sî bevindet wer ich bin, daz ich den lîp und den sin vor leide verlorn hân. 4240 Diu râche sol vor ir ergân. Ouch ist reht daz ich iu lône der êrbæren krône, die ich von iuwern schulden truoc. Ich het der êren gnuoc – 4245 waz half mich daz ich golt vant? Ez ist vil übel gewant zuo dem tôren goldes funt – er wirfet ez hin sâ zestunt. Swie ich zuo mir selben habe getân, 4250 ir sult iedoch gewis hân, ichn lâze iuch niht underwegen, wan dô ich tôt wære gelegn, dô hulfet ir mir von sorgen. Alsô tuon ich iu morgen.’ 4255 Nû entwâfent er sîn houbet, und wart im wol geloubet, daz erz der her Îwein wære. Geringet wart ir swære. Vor freuden sî dô weinde 4260 und sprach, als sîz ouch meinde: ‘Mirne mac nû niht gewerren, sît ich mînen herren lebenden gesehn hân.

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Iwein who have cast you in here, and when I have redeemed you, I shall then let myself be slain. My lady shall see the battle, for it must take place before her. I don’t know what else I shall do now, except that, tomorrow morning, I shall execute judgment upon myself, and in her sight I wish to lie dead here, for my yearning anguish must, indeed, end in death. All this is to take place without her knowing who I am, until I die and those three upon whom I am to avenge you. Then, indeed, my lady will know, when she finds out who I am, that I have lost body and mind out of sorrow. This vengeance must be enacted before her. Moreover, it is right that I reward you for the honourable crown, which I wore by your doing. I had ample honour – what use was it to me that I found gold? It is a very bad case if a fool finds gold – he throws it away at once. No matter how I have injured myself, you may be certain, however, that I will not leave you in the lurch, for when I would have otherwise lain dead, you helped me out of trouble. I shall do the same for you tomorrow.’ Now he bared his head, and it was well believed of him that it was he, Lord Iwein. Her burden was lightened. She wept for joy then, and said, as she indeed believed: ‘Nothing can harm me now that I have seen my lord alive.

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204 Ez was mîn angest und mîn wân, 4265 daz ir wæret erslagen. Ichn hôrte dâ ze hove sagen von iu dehein daz mære, daz iuwer iht wære.’ Er sprach: ‘Mîn frouwe Lûnet, 4270 wâ was er der noch ie tet des alle frouwen ruochten, die sînen dienst suochten – mîn lieber friunt, her Gâwein, der ie nâch frouwen willen schein, 4275 der ie danâch ranch unde noch tuot? Het ir im gesagt iuwern muot, er het iuch alles des gewert, des ir an in het gegert.’ Sî sprach: ‘Het ich den funden, 4280 sô het ich überwunden mîne sorgen dâ zehant. Daz ich sîn dâ niene vant, daz was wunderlîche chomen: in was diu künegîn genomen. 4285 Daz het ein rîter getân – den wolden sî gelastert hân, und was daz in den selben tagen, dô ich dar chom durch clagen. Der her Gâwein68 was nâch gestrichen. 4290 Ich vant dâ wærlichen umbe die frouwen grôzzez clagen, und ouch umbe sîn nâch jagen. Sî forhten des, daz sî daz wîp verlürn,69 und dazuo er den lîp, 4295 wander niht wider wolde chomen, ern erfüere wer sî het genomen. Nû was im daz mære durch sînen gesellen swære. Er sprach: ‘Nû müezze iuch70 got bewarn! 4300 Frouwe, ich muoz von hinnen varn und mich bereiten darzuo, und wartet mîn morgen fruo – ich chum ze guoter kampfzît, und als höfsch sô ir sît, 4305 sône sagt niemen wer ich sî. Deiswâr ich slahe sî alle drî. Ich hilfe iu von dirre nôt,

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Iwein I feared and believed that you were slain. At court there I heard no report at all that you were alive.’ He said: ‘My lady Lunet, where was he who always did all that ladies desired of him when they sought his service – my dear friend, Sir Gawein, who always carried out ladies’ wishes, who always strove to do so and still does? If you had told him of your intent, he would have granted you all that you requested of him.’ She said: ‘If I had found him, I would then have overcome my troubles there at once. The reason that I did not find him there is a wondrous circumstance: the Queen had been abducted from them – a knight had done that whose honour they desired to disparage, and it happened in the same days when I came there to plead my case. Lord Gawein had gone off in pursuit. I found there, truly, great lamentation over the lady, and also concerning his pursuit. They feared that they had lost the woman and that he would lose his life, too, for he did not want to return until he found out who had abducted her.’ Now he grieved at these tidings for the sake of his companion. He said: ‘Now may God preserve you! Lady, I must depart from here and prepare myself, and expect to see me tomorrow morning – I will arrive in good time for the duel, and, courtly as you are, tell no-one who I am. In truth, I will slay all three of them. I will help you out of this extremity,

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German Romance III ode ich gelige durch iuch tôt.’ Sî sprach: ‘Lieber herre, sô stüende iuch al ze verre enwâge ein also vorder lîp umbe ein alsus armez wîp. Mir ist der rede gar ze vil, und wizzet daz ich iemer wil den willen für diu werch hân. Ir sult der rede sîn erlân – iuwer lebn ist nützer danne daz mîn, und möht ez ein fuoge sîn, daz ichs getorste biten, sô wære daz gar wider den siten, daz einer kampfte drî man, wan die liute gehabent sich daran, daz zwêne man sîn eines her – sô wære diz gar âne wer. Verlürt ir durch mich den lîp, sône wart nie dehein armez wîp als unsælech sô ich, wan dannoch slüegen sî mich. Sô ist bezzer mîn verderben, danne daz wir beidiu sterben.’ Er sprach: ‘Diu rede sol bezzer wesn, wan wir suln beidiu wol genesn. Deiswâr, ich wil iuch trœsten wol, wan ichz ouch bewarn sol. Ir habt sô vil durch mich getân, ob ich deheine triuwe hân, sô sol ich daz ungerne sehn, daz iu ze schaden mac geschehn, dâ ichz chan erwenden. Diu rede sol sich enden – sî müezzen iuch weizgot lâzen frî, ode ich erslahe sî alle drî.’ Nû was im durch sîne frümcheit ir laster und ir schade leit. Sî wære gerne genesn, ob daz alsô möhte wesn, daz er den lîp niht verlür. Sît ab er mit frîer chür den kampf wolde bestân, sô lie sîz und muosez lân.

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Iwein or lie dead for your sake.’ She said: ‘My dear lord, that would be putting at too great a risk such a prominent person as yourself for the sake of such a wretched woman. This is too great an affair by far for me, and you must know that I will always take the will for the deed. You must be spared this matter – your life is more useful than mine and even if it were fitting that I should dare request it, it would be entirely contrary to common custom for one man to do combat against three, for people hold that two men are an army for one – in that case, you would be entirely defenceless. If you were to lose your life for my sake, then never was any poor woman as ill-fated as I, for they would still slay me, in any case. Therefore it is better for me to perish than that we both should die.’ He said: ‘Events will turn out better, for we shall both come out of this alive. Truly, I will give you good hope, for I must prevent you dying. You have done so much for me that, if I have any loyalty, I should be unwilling to see any harm befall you which I can prevent. This matter must come to a close – they must, God knows, let you go free, or I shall slay them, all three.’ Now, because of his worthiness, her disgrace and the harm that had befallen her grieved him. She would gladly stay alive if it might be in such a way that he should not lose his life. Since, however, he of his own free will wanted to take on the duel, she let it be, and had to let it be.

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Nû entwelt er dâ niht mê – sîn leu volget im als ê – und reit unz er ein hûs ersach. Dâ was guot rîters gemach. Diu burch was harte veste, in allen wîs diu beste für stürme und für mangen. Den berch het bevangen ein burchmûre hôch und diche; doch sach vil leiden anbliche der dâ wirt was genant – dem was diu vorburch verbrant unz an die burchmûre gar. Nû chom mîn her Îwein dar, als in der wech lêrte. Dô er ze dem hûse chêrte, dô wart diu brüke nider lân, unde sach gegen im gân sehs knappen wætlîche. Sî zæmen wol dem rîche an aller ir getât, an ir lîbe und an ir wât. Von den wart er enpfangen. Vil schiere chom gegangen der wirt, als ein bescheiden man. Der gruozte in unde fuorte in dan ûf daz hûs an guot gemach, dâ er rîter und frouwen sach eine wol getâne schar. Dô nam er ir beider war, ir gebærde und ir muotes – dô ne vander niuwan guotes. Swer ie kumber erleit, den erbarmet des mannes arbeit michels harter danne den man, der nie chumber gewan. Der wirt het selbe vil gestriten und diche ûf den lîp geriten, und geloupte dem gaste deste baz, wander allez bî im saz, unz er entwâfent wart.

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VIII THE GIANT HARPIN AND GUINEVERE’S ABDUCTION Now he tarried there no longer – his lion followed him as before – and rode until he espied a castle. Good comfort for a knight was to be found there. The citadel was very strong, in every way optimally protected against attacks and mangonels.71 The hill was surrounded by a castle wall, high and thick; yet he who was called lord there saw full many a sorrowful sight. The outer bailey of his castle had been burned down, right up to the castle wall. Now my lord Iwein came riding up there, as the road instructed him. When he turned towards the castle, the bridge was let down, and he saw six comely squires walking towards him. They would be well worthy of the emperor in all their conduct, in their persons and in their clothing. He was welcomed by these. Very soon there came walking up the host, like a well-bred man. He greeted him and led him away, towards good comfort, up into the castle, where he saw a well-favoured company of knights and ladies. Then he took note of both their demeanour and their disposition – he found then nothing but good there. Any man who has ever suffered troubles will pity a man’s hardship much more intensely than a man who never acquired troubles. The host had fought much himself and often ridden at risk of his life, and was all the more friendly to the stranger because of this, for he sat with him the whole time until he had been disarmed.

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German Romance III Der wille was dâ ungespart von manne und von wîbe, sî wurden72 sînem lîbe ze dienste gechêret und über stat gêret. Sî wâren vil vaste ze liebe dem gaste alle wider ir willen frô, wand ir herze meindez niender sô. In het ein tægelîch herzeleit vil gar die freude hin geleit, dâ er niht umbe weste, er sam ander geste. Ouch enhet ir freude und ir schimpf deheiner slahte gelimpf. Diu trügefreude ist enwiht, diu sô mit listen geschiht, sô der munt lachet und daz herze krachet vor leide und vor sorgen. Ouch ist ez unverborgen, ezn chiese listfreude ein man, der sich ihtes versinnen chan, und welch freude niht des herzen ist. Ouch half sî unlange ir list. Diu forhte und daz sorgen, daz ûf den tac morgen dâ het wîp unde man, daz gesigte ir freuden an. Trûren behabte dâ den strît, und verchêrte sich in sô kurzer zît, daz iu daz niemen chan gesagen, in ein weinen und in ein clagen diu freude der man ê dâ pflac. Dô daz her Îwein ersach, dô frâgter den wirt mære, waz im geschehn wære. Er sprach: ‘Sagt mir, herre, durch got, waz iu werre, und waz dirre wehsel diute, daz ir und iuwer liute sô niuwelîche wâret frô? Wie hât sich daz verchêrt sô?’ Dô sprach des hûses herre:

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Iwein There was no sparing of goodwill there on the part of men and women, but they were all active in his service, and honoured him above and beyond their powers. As they held their guest dear, they all acted most joyfully, against their inclination, for their hearts were not at all that way inclined. Daily heart’s sorrow had struck down their happiness entirely – something of which he knew nothing, neither he nor other strangers. Moreover, their joy and their merriment was not by any means appropriate behaviour. That deceptive joy counts for nothing which results from such pretence as when the mouth smiles and the heart is breaking out of suffering and sorrows. Moreover, there is no concealing it, for that man who knows what he is about can see through a pretence of joy, and that joy that is not of the heart. Moreover, their deception did not help them for long. The fear and worries which women and men had there with regard to the following morning vanquished their joy. Sadness won the victory there, and in such a short time that no-one can tell you of it, the joy they had previously practised there turned to weeping and lamentation. When Sir Iwein saw that he then asked the host for tidings as to what had befallen him. He said: ‘Tell me, lord, for God’s sake, what troubles you, and what this transformation means – you and your people were happy such a short time ago – how has this thus changed?’ Then the lord of the castle said:

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German Romance III ‘Waz uns arges werre, der mære durfet ir niht gern. Iedoch welt irs iht enbern, sô sagich iu unser arbeit. Sô beswært ez iuch, daz ist mir leit – ez ist iuch bezzer verswigen, und freut iuch mit den sæligen. Ich bin der unsælden kint: mit den die unsælech sint muoz ich leider sîn unfrô, wan ez geziuhet mir alsô.’ Nû bat der gast unz an die stunt, daz im der wirt tet kunt alle sîne swære. Er sprach: ‘Mir ist unmære der lîp iemer mêre, wandich alte âne êre – mir wære bezzer der tôt. Ich lîde laster unde nôt von einem sô gewanten man, dâ ichz gerechen niene chan. Mir hât gemachet ein rise mîne huobe zeiner wise, und hât mich âne getân alles des ich solde hân unz an die burch eine – und sagiu doch wie cleine alle mîne schulde sint. Ich hân eine tohter, ein kint – daz ist ein harte schœniu magt. Daz ich im die hân versagt, darumbe wüestet er mich. Zwâre ê verliuse ich daz guot unde wâge den lîp, ê sî iemer werde sîn wîp. Dazuo sô hân ich sehs chint, die alle rîter sint. Die hât er gar gevangen, und hât ir zwêne erhangen, daz ichz an muose sehn – wem möhte leider geschehn? – und hât ir noch viere. Die verliuse ich aber schiere, wan die selben füeret er

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Iwein ‘You ought not to desire tidings of what evil troubles us. Yet if you will not dispense with them, then I’ll tell you of our hardship. If it troubles you, I am sorry for it – it would be better kept silent from you, and for you to rejoice with them that do rejoice.73 I am misfortune’s child. I must, sadly, be unfortunate with those who are unfortunate, for so it beseems me.’ Then the stranger pleaded with him so long that the host made known to him all his hardship. He said: ‘I care nothing for life henceforth, for I grow old without honour – it were better if I were dead. I suffer disgrace and peril from a man who is of such a kind that I cannot avenge it at all. A giant has made my fields into grassland, and deprived me of everything that ought by rights to be mine except this castle alone – and yet I’ll tell you how small all my blame is for this. I have a daughter, a young girl – she is a very beautiful maiden. Because I have refused to give her to him, he has laid waste my land. In truth, I would rather lose my property and risk my life than have her ever become his wife. I have six other children who are all knights. He has taken them all captive, and has hanged two of them forcing me to witness it – how could a more miserable fate befall anyone? – and he still holds four of them prisoner. I shall soon lose those, however, for he will lead them

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4480 für die burch morgen her, und wil sî vor mir tœten, und mich dâ mit nœten, daz ich im ir swester gebe. Got enwelle niht daz ichz gelebe 4485 und sende mir hînaht den tôt! Er giht – daz ist mîn meistiu nôt – swenner mir sî an beherte mit selhem ungeverte, sô weller ir ze wîbe haben rât, 4490 und dem bœsten garzûn, den er hât, dem weller sî danne gebn. Mac mir danne mîn lebn niht wol unmære sîn? Der rise heizzet Harpîn. 4495 Habe ich den lasterlîchen spot gedient iender umbe got, wolder daz rihten über mich, und liezze den gerich über mîniu unschuldigen kint, 4500 diu biderbe unde guot sint!’ Dô der gast sîn ungemach beidiu gehôrte und ersach, daz begunde im an sîn herze gân. Er sprach: ‘Wie habt ir daz verlân, 4505 irn suochet helfe unde rât, dâ er iu ze suochen stât – in des küniges Artûs lande? Ir habt dise schande âne nôt sô lange erliten. 4510 Ir soldet dar sîn geriten. Er hât gesellen, under den het ir funden ettewen, der iuch des risen belôste.’ Er sprach: ‘Der mir ze trôste 4515 dâ wære der beste, und mir chœme, ob erz weste, het ich in dâ funden, der ist ze disen stunden niht dâ ze lande. 4520 Der künech treit ouch die schande, der er vil gerne enbære. Welt ir ein fremde mære hœren,74 daz wil ich iu sagen:

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Iwein up to the castle here tomorrow, and wants to kill them in front of me, and so compel me to give him their sister. God forbid that I should live to see that, and send death to me tonight! He says – this is my greatest anguish – that when he has won her from me by force by such monstrous behaviour, he will then dispense with taking her as his wife, and he will give her to the most base page that he has. Is it not fitting that my life should be of no account to me? The giant is called Harpin. If I ever deserved such shameful disgrace at God’s hands, if only He would avenge that upon me, and not wreak vengeance upon my innocent children, who are worthy and good!’ When the guest had both heard and beheld his distress, it began to grieve him to the heart. He said: ‘Why have you omitted to seek help and counsel where it is there for you to seek – in King Arthur’s land? You have suffered this disgrace for so long without needing to. You should have ridden there. He has companions among whom you would have found someone who would have freed you from the giant.’ He said: ‘He who would have been my best hope there, and would have come to my aid if he knew about it if I had found him there, is not at this time in that country. The King also suffers such disgrace as he would most willingly dispense with. If you would like to hear a strange tale, I will tell you one:

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ez chom in disen siben tagen 4525 ein rîter geriten dar und nam des vil rehte war, daz er zerselben stunde die von der tavelrunde umbe den künech sitzen sach. 4530 Er erbeizte nider unde sprach: “Ich bin ûf gnâde her chomen. Herre, ich hân von iu vernomen die milte und die frümcheit, ich gedinge, mir sî unverseit 4535 ein gâbe der ich von iu ger, nâch der bin ich chomen her.”75 Dô sprach der künech Artûs: “Swes ir geruochet hie ze hûs, des sît ir alles gewert, 4540 ist daz ir betlîchen gert.” Er sprach: “Daz sult ir an mich lân. Als ich von iu vernomen hân, sô müese iu daz missezemen, woldet ir iht ûz nemen. 4545 Swaz ez nû sî, des ich bite, dâ êret mich, herre, mite, und lât die bet her ze mir, wandich ir anders gar enbir.” Daz widerredte der künech Artûs. 4550 Sus schiet er ûz sînem hûs vil harte zornlîche dan. Er sprach: “Ez ist vil manich man an disem künige betrogen. Diu werlt hât vil von im gelogen – 4555 man sagt von sîner miltecheit, ezn wurde rîter nie niht verseit, swes er in gebæte. Sîn êre sî unstæte, dem er wol gevalle!” 4560 Diz bâgen hôrten alle die von der tavelrunde, und sprâchen mit einem munde: “Herre, ir habt missetân, welt ir den rîter sus hin lân. 4565 Wem habt ir noch iht verseit? Lât ez an sîne höfscheit. Er gelîchet wol einem man,

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Iwein in this last week a knight came riding there, and made absolutely sure that he saw at that time those of the Table Round sitting around the King. He dismounted and said: “I have come here seeking a favour: Lord, I have heard such generosity and valour spoken of you that I hope that I will not be denied a gift I desire of you, for which purpose I have come here.” Then King Arthur said: “Whatever you desire, here in my castle, you shall be granted in full, if your request is seemly.” He said: “You must leave that up to me. From what I have heard about you, it would ill befit you if you wished to exclude anything. Whatever it now be that I request, honour me therewith, lord, and leave the nature of the request to me, for, otherwise, I shall put no entreaty at all.” King Arthur refused. Thereupon the knight departed from his castle in high dudgeon. He said: “Full many a man is deceived with regard to this king. The world has told many lies concerning him – they speak of his generosity, saying that no knight was ever denied whatever he entreated of him. May that man’s honour be inconstant whom he pleases well!” These quarrelsome words were heard by all those of the Table Round, who said, with one voice: “Lord, you will have acted wrongly if you let the knight leave like this. Whom have you ever refused anything? Depend upon his courtesy. He looks most like a man

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German Romance III der betlîche biten chan, und scheidet er von hinnen mit selhen unminnen, ern gesprichet niemer mêre dehein iuwer êre.” Der künech sich bedâhte und schuof, daz man in brâhte, und gelopte im mit stæte ze tuonne swes er bæte. Dô ne bedorft er mêre sicherheit, wan sîn wort was ein eit. Dô bat er als ein frævel man, daz er müese füeren dan sîn wîp, die küneginne. Daz het die sinne dem künige nâch genomen. Er sprach: “Wie bin ich überchomen! Die disen rât tâten, die habent mich verrâten!” Dô in der rîter zürnen sach, dô trôst er in unde sprach: “Herre, habt guote site, wandich ir anders niene bite wan mit dem gedinge, ob ich sî hinnen bringe – ir habt der besten ein her – ob ich sî allen den erwer, die mir durch sî rîtent nâch. Ouch enlâze ich mir niht wesn gâch, niuwan als alle mîne tage, und wizzet wol, swer mich jage, daz ich sîn wol erbîte, und daz ich niemer gerîte deste drâter umb ein hâr.” Nû muose der künech lâzen wâr daz er gelôpte wider in. Die küneginne fuorter hin. Dô diu frouwe schiet von dan,76 dô sach sî jæmerlîchen an alle die dâ wâren, und begunde gebâren als ein wîp, diu sêre sorget umb ir êre, und mante sî als sî kunde

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Iwein who knows how to put a seemly request, and if he departs from here with such animosity,77 he will never again say anything that redounds to your honour.” The King thought it over, and had him brought in, and vowed to him in good faith to do whatever he asked. He had no need of any further security then, for Arthur’s word was his bond. Then he asked, unabashed, to be permitted to take away Arthur’s wife, the Queen. That almost deprived the King of his senses. He said: “How I have been deceived! Those who gave me this advice have betrayed me!” When the knight saw him grow angry, he consoled him, saying: “Lord, be of good cheer! For I ask for her solely in the hope that if I take her away from here – you have an army of the best men – I can defend her against all those who ride for her sake in pursuit of me. Moreover, I shall not be in any hurry, no more than any other day, and know well that, no matter who pursues me, I shall wait for him without fail, and that I shall never ride any faster, not by a jot.” Then the King had to fulfil what he had vowed to him. He abducted the Queen. As the Queen departed, she then looked wretchedly at all who were present there, and acted like a woman who was sorely anxious concerning her honour, and admonished them, as best she could,

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mit gebærden und mit dem munde, daz man sî lediget enzît. Der hof enwart dâ vor noch sît 4615 sô harte nie beswæret. Sî wâren unerværet, die sî dâ füeren sâhen. Dâ wart ein michel gâhen. Ez rief dirre unde der: 4620 “Harnasch unde ros her!” und swer ie bereit wart, der jagte nâch ûf der vart. Sî sprâchen: “Sîn wirt guot rât, sît erz uns sô geteilt hât – 4625 er füeret sî unverre, ezn sî daz unser herre mit im wider uns sî!”78 dô sprach der herre Keîî ‘in beschirmt der tiuvel noch got, der uns disen grôzen spot an mîner vrouwen hât getân, ezn müez im an sîn êre gân. ich bin truhsæze hie ze hûs, unde ez hât der künec Artûs verschuldet um mich harte wol daz ich gerne ledegen sol mîne vrouwen sîn wîp. deiswâr ez gât im an den lîp: ern vüert sî sunder mînen danc nimmer eines ackers lanc. weizgot, wester mich hie, ern wære her ze hove nie ûf sus getâne rede komen: ich sol sîm schiere hân benomen. iu solde versmâhen daz gemeine nâch gâhen. waz sol dirr ungevüege schal, daz dirre hof über al durch einen man wil rîten? ich getrûw im wol gestrîten: ich eine bin im ein her. ern gesetzet sich nimmer ze wer, swenn er siht daz ich ez bin: unde waz hulfez in? ir muget wol alle hie bestân,

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Iwein by gestures and speech, that they should free her in good time. Neither before nor since was the court ever so sorely troubled. They did not lack courage, those who saw her abducted there. Then there was a mighty rush. This one and that yelled: “Armour and charger over here!” and as soon as any one of them was ready, he set off in pursuit of the trail. They said: “This will be easily remedied, since he has set such conditions – he will not take her far, unless Our Lord be on his side against us!” Then Lord Kay said: “Unless the Devil or God protects him – he who has inflicted this great disgrace upon us by abducting my lady – it must cost him his honour. I am steward here in this castle, and King Arthur has well deserved it of me that I should be willing to free my lady his wife. In truth, it will cost him his life – he will never take her, without my consent, a single ploughfield’s length. God knows, if he knew I was here, he would never have come to court here with such an object in mind – I shall soon have got her back from him. You ought to think this general pursuit beneath you. What is the point of this unfitting clamour, all this court desiring to ride out because of one man alone? I am confident of taking him on in battle – I alone will be as a whole army to him. He will never offer any resistance when he sees that it is me – and how would it help him? You may as well all remain here,

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German Romance III sît ich michz an genomen hân: ich erlâze iuch aller arbeit.’ hie mite was ouch er gereit unde was der êrste an in: ouch geriet der êrste ungewin ze sînen unêren, als er den gast bat kêren. daz was in einem walde. ouch kêrter alsô balde: mit grôzen kreften stach er in enbor ûz dem satel hin, daz im ein ast den helm gevienc und bî der gurgeln gehienc. und wan daz in sîn geverte der übele tiuvel nerte, sô wær er dâ benamen tôt: doch leit er hangende nôt. er wart doch leider ledec sît: doch hienc er dâ unz an die zît daz er vor in allen leit laster unde arbeit. der næhste was Kâlogrenant der in dâ hangende vant niht anders wan als einen diep: dern lôst in niht, ez was im liep. der gâhte ouch an den gast: vil lützel doch des gebrast daz im niht sam geschach, wandern ouch dernider stach. Die in sît hangen sâhen, den benam daz gâhen, der unwille, und sîn schalkheit, daz dâ männeclich vür reit. in erreit ûf einem gevilde Dodines der wilde unde brach ûf im sîn sper: dâ mite wart ouch er gesetzet ûf daz gras als lanc sô daz sper was. Segremors erreit in dô: dem geschach rehte alsô. dar nâch erreit in Hênete, dem er alsam tete. Plîopleherîn und Millemargot

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Iwein now that I have taken the matter in hand – I shall spare you all your toil.” With that he was ready, too, and was the first to be at him – the first loss, too, fell to him, to his dishonour, when he asked the stranger to turn. That was in a forest. He did indeed turn soon enough – with great strength he thrust Kay upwards out of his saddle, so that a branch caught his helmet and hung him by the throat; and were it not that his companion, the wicked Devil, saved him, he would indeed have died there – as it was, he suffered hanging peril. Yet he got free, unfortunately, later – but he hung there for so long that he suffered, before them all, disgrace and hardship. The next knight was Kalogreant, who found him hanging there just like a thief – he didn’t free him, but rejoiced in it. He too rushed at the stranger, yet he came very close to suffering the same fate, for the stranger thrust him down, too. Those who after that saw Kay hanging there were prevented by their haste, their reluctance and his villainy from freeing him, many of them riding past him there. In a glade Dodines the Wild caught up with the knight and broke his lance upon him – with that he too was dumped upon the grass, a full spear’s length behind his horse. Segremors caught up with him then – just the same happened to him. After that Henete caught up with him; he did the same to him. Pliopleherin and Millemargot

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German Romance III die wurden beide ir selber spot mit selhem ungevelle, und Îders ir geselle. daz ich sî alle nenne, die ich dâ erkenne, daz ist alsô guot vermiten: wan alle die im nâch riten die streuter nâch ein ander. nieman envander der die vrouwen lôste. ir wære komen ze trôste mîn herre Gâwein, der ie in rîters êren schein: done was er leider niender dâ. er kam aber sâ morgen an dem næhsten tage, unde durch des küneges clage sô ist er nâch gestrichen und wil im nämelichen wider gewinnen sîn wîp ode verliesen den lîp. ich suocht in in den selben tagen, als ich ez gote wil clagen, daz ich sîn dâ niht envant. ez ist im sô um mich gewant daz er mir müese gestân ze mînem kumber den ich hân: mîn wîp ist sîn swester. ich kam alrêst gester: und sît ich sîn âne komen bin, sô ist aller mîn trôst dâ hin. enmuoz ich niht wol sorgen? wan nû verlius ich morgen alle mîn êre.’ nû erbarmet diz sêre den rîter der des lewen pflac. er sprach ‘ich sol um mitten tac morgen komen an eine stat, dar mich ein vrouwe komen bat diu mir vil gedienet hât, und der ez an den lîp gât, enkum ich dar niht enzît. ob ir des gewis sît daz uns der rise kume sô vruo,

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Iwein put themselves both to scorn by such an unfortunate fall, as did Iders, their companion. To name them all whom I know were there is something I may as well omit, for he scattered all who rode in pursuit of him, one after the other. He found no-one who could free the lady. My lord Gawein’s coming would have brought her hope – he who always did honour to knighthood – but he, unfortunately, was not there. He arrived, though, first thing the following morning, and because of the King’s lament he has set off in pursuit, desiring at all costs to win his wife back for him, or else lose his life. I sought him in those very days, and I lament to God that I did not find him there. Things so stand with me that he would have to assist me in the troubles that I have – my wife is his sister. I only got back yesterday, and since I have arrived without him, all my hope is lost. Have I not good reason to be troubled? For now I shall lose all my honour tomorrow.’ Now this moved the knight with the lion to great pity. He said: ‘I must, around midday tomorrow, arrive at a place where a lady has entreated me to come – one who has served me much and whose life is at stake if I do not arrive there in time. If you are certain that the giant will come to us so early,

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swenn ich mîn reht getuo daz ich im an gesige, ob ich vor im niht tôt gelige, daz ich umbe mitten tac dannoch hin komen mac dar ich mich gelobet hân, sô wil ich in durch iuch bestân und durch iuwer edel wîp: wan mir ist mîn selbes lîp niht lieber danne ir bruoder ist.’ Nû kam gegangen an der vrist des wirtes tohter und sîn wîp. nû gesach er nie kindes lîp schœner dan diu selbe maget, enhete sî sich niht verclaget. nu enpfiengen sî in beide wol, als man lieben gast sol. Dô sprach der wirt ‘mich dunket guot daz ir vil dienesthaften muot traget iuwerm gaste. er hât sich alsô vaste unser swære an genomen, wir suln sî mit im überkomen, geruochet sîn unser trehten. er sprichet er welle vehten: dô ich im mîne clage tete, dô gelobt er mir âne bete er welle durch uns tôt geligen, ode dem risen an gesigen, dem ich sô vil vertragen muoz. nû gnâdet im ûf sînen vuoz: daz ist mîn bete und mîn gebot.’ her Îwein sprach ‘nu enwelle got daz mir diu unzuht geschehe daz ich ze mînen vüezen sehe diu mîns hern Gâweins swester ist. jâ wære des, wizze Krist, dem künege Artûs ze vil. ich sol unde wil gedienen immer mêre daz sî der grôzen êre 4791 mich armen man erlâze –79 mich gnüeget rehter mâze. Ich sagiu wie ich in bestê –

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Iwein and if I do my duty and vanquish him – if I do not lie dead before him, and if, by midday, I may still arrive where I have vowed to go, then I will take him on for your sake and for that of your noble wife – for my own life is no dearer to me than your brother.’ At that moment there came walking up the host’s daughter and his wife. Now, he had never seen any girl’s person more beautiful than that same maiden, if she had not pined away. They then both gave him a good welcome, as one ought to a dear guest. Then the host said: ‘I think it good that you should be most obliging towards your guest. He has so entirely taken our hardship upon himself that we shall get over it with his help, if Our Lord so deigns. He says that he wants to fight with the giant – when I lamented my cause to him, he vowed to me, without my requesting it, that he would lie dead for our sakes, or vanquish the giant at whose hands I have to endure so much. Now fall at his feet in gratitude – that is my request and my command.’ Sir Iwein said: ‘Now God forbid that such discourtesy should befall me that I should see at my feet she who is my lord Gawein’s sister.80 Indeed, God knows, that would be too much for King Arthur himself! I must and will serve evermore to that end that she spares me such great honour, poor man that I am – true moderation is enough for me. I’ll tell you how I shall take him on –

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als ich iu gelobt ê, 4795 chumt uns der rise ze der zît, swenne sich endet der strît, daz ich umbe mitten tac ir ze helfe chomen mac, der ichz ê gelobt hân, 4800 sô wil ich in durch iuch bestân umbe mîner frouwen hulde, und durch iuwer unschulde.’ Des trôstes wurden sî frô, unde machten im dô 4805 beide freude unde spil, wande sîne dûhte niht ze vil, des sî ze sînen êren iemer mohten gechêren und ze sînen hulden. 4810 Sî dûhte, ez wære von schulden. Sî prîsten sêre sînen muot – er dûhte sî biderbe unde guot, in allen wîs ein höfsch man. Daz churn sî daran, 4815 daz der leu bî im lac, und anders sites niene pflac, niuwan als ein ander schâf. Guot spîse unde senfter slâf, diu wâren im bereit hie, 4820 und erwachte dô der tac ûf gie. Er hôrte eine messe fruo und bereite sich derzuo, als er kempfen wolde den der dâ chomen solde. 4825 Als er dô niemen chomen sach, daz was im leit unde sprach: ‘Herre, nû wærich iu bereit – iu ist mîn dienst unverseit. Wâ ist der dâ chomen sol? 4830 Mîn bîten chumt mir niht wol. Ich sûme mich vil sêre – ez gêt an alle mîne êre, swaz ich nû hie gebîte – ez81 ist zît daz ich rîte!’ 4835 Diu drô tet in allen wê, unde wurden trûrech als ê. Vil müelîch was in ein dinc:

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Iwein as I vowed to you before, if the giant arrives at such a time that, once the battle is over, I may, by mid-day, arrive to help her to whom I vowed such help before, then I will take him on for your sake, in order to win my lady’s favour, and because of your innocence.’ They were happy in that hope, and provided for him then both contentment and entertainment, for they thought nothing too much that they might ever do in his honour, and to win his favour. They thought this only right and proper. They praised his disposition highly – he seemed to them worthy and good, in all respects a courtly man. They could discern this from the way that the lion lay by him, and acted entirely as if it were nothing but a sheep. Good food and sweet sleep were at his disposal there, and he awoke as the day ascended. Early in the morning he heard mass and readied himself, intending to do combat against him who was to arrive there. When he then saw no-one coming, that grieved him, and he said: ‘Lord, I’d be ready to serve you now – my service is not denied you. Where is he who is supposed to arrive here? My tarrying does not become me. I delay too long by far – all my honour is at stake for as long as I delay here now – it is time for me to ride!’ That threat caused them all grief, and they became sad, as they had been before. One thing troubled them greatly:

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German Romance III sîne westen niht welch gerinc in aller beste êrte, der im den muot bechêrte. Der wirt bôt im sîn guot. Er sprach: ‘Sô ne stât niht mîn muot, daz ich durch guotes miete den lîp veile biete,’ und widersagt im daz gar. Des wurden sî harte riuwevar, der wirt und daz gesinde, diu frouwe mit ir kinde. Ez wart vil diche von in zwein sîn bester friunt, her Gâwein, an der bet genant, und er bî im gemant. Sî manten in alsô verre, daz got unser herre im sælde und êre bære,82 der barmherze wære. Erbarmet er sich über sî, dâ ne stüende gotes lôn bî. Daz bewegt im den muot, wan er was biderbe unde guot. Man sagt, daz in betwunge diu tiure manunge, dô er ir dürfte rehte ervant, und im sô ofte wart genant got und her Gâwein, wan swederm er under den zwein grœzzern unwillen truoc, dem dient er gerne gnuoc. Des wart sîn muot zwîfelhaft. Er gedâhte: ‘Ich bedarf wol meisterschaft, sol ich daz wægest ersehn. Mir ist ze spilne geschehn ein ze gâch geteiltez spil – dazn giltet lützel noch vil, niuwan alle mîn êre. Ich bedarf wol guoter lêre, und weiz wol, swederz ich kiuse, daz ich daran verliuse. Ichn möhte ir beider gepflegn, ode beidiu gelâzen underwegn, ode doch daz eine,

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Iwein they did not know what effort on their part might do him most honour and change his mind. The host offered him his possessions. Iwein said: ‘My mind is not inclined to offer myself for sale in return for material reward,’ and he refused him entirely. They grew very sorrowful at that – the host and the household, the lady, together with her daughter. Again and again the two of them named his best friend, Sir Gawein, in their plea, admonishing him in his name. They admonished him greatly, reminding him that God our Lord would bring heavenly bliss and honour to him who was merciful. If he showed them mercy, God’s reward would be his. That moved his mind, for he was worthy and good. They say that their great admonishment overcame him, when he discerned how truly helpless they were, and God and Sir Gawein were so often named to him, for towards whichever of those two he bore the greater unwill, he would, nonetheless, have served him willingly enough. Because of this his mind was full of doubt. He thought: ‘I stand in good need of sagacity if I am to perceive what is best. I have been given too hasty a choice between two alternatives – neither more nor less is at stake than all my honour. I stand in need of good advice and know well that whichever of the two I choose, I shall lose by it. If I could embrace both alternatives, or abandon both, or, at any rate, one of them,

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German Romance III sô wære mîn angest cleine. Sus weiz ich mîn deheinen rât: ich bin, als ez mir nû stât, gunêret ob ich rîte, und geschendet ob ich bîte. Nû ne magich ir beider niht bestân, und getar ouch ir dewederz lân. Nû gebe mir got guoten rât, der mich unz her geleitet hât, daz ich mich beidenthalp bewar, alsô daz ich rehte gevar. Ichn wil benamen die niht lân, der ich mich ê geheizzen hân, und diu ir angest und ir leit niuwan von mînen schulden treit. Liezze ich sî danne, wie zæme daz frumen manne? Doch wære diu eine magt harte schiere verclagt wider dem schaden, der hie geschiht, giengez mir an die triuwe niht. Sô wære ouch dirre wirt wol wert, der hie mîner helfe gert, und des hern Gâweins swester und ir kint, diu mir ze herzen gênde sint durch sî selben und durch in, dem ich des wol schuldech bin, daz ich im niht des abe gê, daz im ze dienste gestê. Muoz ich sî underwegn lân, sô habent sî des iemer wân, daz ich des lîbes sî ein zage.’ Nû schiet den zwîfel und die clage der grôzze rise, des sî biten. Der chom dort zuo in geriten, und fuorte sîne gevangen. An den het er begangen grôzze unhöfscheit – in wâren allerslahte cleit ze den zîten fremde, niuwan diu bœsten hemde, diu ie küchenkneht getruoc. Sî treip ein getwerch, daz sî sluoc mit sîner geiselruoten,

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Iwein then I would have little fear. As it stands, I know no help for it – I am, the way things are with me now, dishonoured if I ride off, and disgraced if I stay here. Now, I can’t take on both tasks, nor dare I abandon either of them. Now God give me good counsel, He who has guided me thus far, so that I may keep both my promises, and ride the right road. Indeed, I do not wish to abandon her to whom I promised my aid before, and who is enduring her peril and her suffering solely because of me. If I were then to abandon her, how would that become a valiant man? Yet the loss of that one maiden would be very quickly forgotten compared with the harm that would befall here, if my loyalty were not at stake. Moreover, this host of mine is fully deserving – he who desires my help here – and Lord Gawein’s sister and her daughter, who move me to the heart both on their own account and because of him to whom I am indeed so indebted that I ought not to neglect anything that may serve him. If I have to abandon them, then they will always believe that I am a physical coward.’ Now the great giant they were waiting for cut short these doubts and this lament. He came riding up to them there, leading his prisoners. He had inflicted upon them great discourtesy. All kind of clothing was foreign to them at that time, except the most base shifts that any kitchen-drudge ever wore. A dwarf drove them, beating them with his knotted scourge,

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German Romance III daz sî vil sêre bluoten. Die herren riten ungeschuoch; ir hemde was ein sactuoch, gezerret, swarz unde grôz. Die edeln rîter wâren blôz an beinen und an armen. Den gast begunde erbarmen diu grôzze nôt, die sî liten. Ir pfert wâren, diu sî riten, tôtmager unde kranc – ietwederz strûchte unde hanc. Die füezze wâren in unden zesamne gebunden, und die hende vaste ze rüke mit baste. Den gurren, die sî truogen hin, den wâren die zægel under in zesamne geflohten, daz sî niene mohten ein ander entwîchen. Dô sî sô jæmerlîchen ir edel vater rîten sach, daz dô sîn herze niene brach vor jâmer, des wundert mich, wandez was wol jæmerlich! Sus fuorter sî für daz bürgetor. Dâ hôrten sî in ruofen vor, er hienge sî alle viere, ob man sî niht schiere mit ir swester lôste. Dô sprach der sî dâ trôste, der rîter, der des leun pflac: ‘Deiswâr, herre, ob ich mac, ich ledige unser gesellen. Got sol disen vellen! Er ist ein unbescheiden man. Mich sterchet vaste daran iuwer reht und sîn hôchvart. Daz diu ie sô grôz wart! Ern chan sich lasters niht geschamen, daz er sî ir geburt und ir namen niht chan geniezzen lân, swaz sî im heten getân. Ichn sol deheinen rîter schelten –

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Iwein so that they bled most profusely. Those lords were riding barefoot; their shifts were of sack-cloth, torn, black and big. Those noble knights were naked as regards their legs and arms. The guest grieved took pity upon the great anguish they suffered. The horses that they rode were mortally skinny and feeble, all of them stumbling and hobbling. Their feet were tied together below, as were their hands, tightly behind their backs with bast. As for the nags that bore them, their tails were twined together, so that they could by no means escape from one another. When their noble father saw them riding in such a wretched state, it amazes me that his heart did not then break for sorrow – for it was indeed pitiful! Thus he led them up to the castle gate. They heard him call out before it there that he would hang all four of them, if they were not rapidly ransomed by their sister. Then he who gave them hope there said – the knight with the lion – ‘Truly, lord, if I can, I shall free our companions. May God fell this man! He lacks all discretion. I am greatly strengthened in this matter by your just cause and his arrogance. Oh, that that ever grew so great! He is incapable of being ashamed at this disgrace, not letting them profit by their birth and their name, no matter what they had done to him. I oughtn’t to scold any knight –

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4970 iedoch muoz er engelten sîner ungewizzenheit. Deiswâr, magich, ez wirt im leit.’ Er het in kurzen stunden den helm ûf gebunden, 4975 und was schiere bereit – daz lêrte in diu gewonheit. Sîn ros sach er bî im stân. Er hiez die brüke nider lân. Er sprach: ‘Diz sol sich scheiden 4980 unser einem ode uns beiden nâch schaden und nâch schanden. Ich getrûwes mînen handen, daz ich sîne drô genider. Deiswâr, er muoz iu wider 4985 iuwer süne gesunde gebn, ode er benimt mir daz lebn. Swederz der sol geschehn, daz hât man schiere gesehn!’ Sus was im an den risen gâch – 4990 sîn leu volget im nâch. Dô in der rise chomen sach, daz was sîn spot unde sprach: ‘Ouwê, ir vil tumber man, waz nemt ir iuch an, 4995 daz ir als ungerne lebt, und sus nâch dem tôde strebt? Daz ist ein unwîser rât, und swer iu den gerâten hât, dem ist iuwer lebn leit, 5000 und wil sich mit der wârheit vil wol an iu gerochen hân, als er ouch hât getân. Er hât sich gerochen wol, wandich daz schiere schaffen sol, 5005 daz ir im niemer getuot deweder übel noch guot.’ Sus antwurte her Îwein dô: ‘Rîter, waz touc disiu drô? Lât bœse rede und tuot diu werch, 5010 ode ich entsitze ein getwerch harter danne iuwern grôzzen lîp. Lât schelten ungezogeniu wîp, die ne mugen niht gevehten,

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Iwein yet he must pay for his ignorance. Truly, if I can manage it, he will suffer for it.’ It did not take him long to lace on his helmet, and he was soon ready – it was habit that so instructed him. He saw his charger standing by him. He ordered that the drawbridge be let down. He said: ‘This must be so decided that one or both of us will suffer harm and disgrace. I trust to my hands that I may set his threats at naught. Truly, he must return your sons to you in good health, or he will take my life. Whichever of these is to happen will soon be seen!’ With that he rushed at the giant. His lion followed after him. When the giant saw him approaching, he made mock of him, saying: ‘Alas, you great fool, what are you taking upon yourself, being so reluctant to live and thus striving towards death? This is an unwise counsel, and whoever gave you such advice is sorry that you are alive, and desires, in all truth, to wreak great vengeance upon you, as he has indeed done. He has avenged himself well, for I shall soon so settle matters that you will never do to him either good or evil.’ Sir Iwein then replied thus: ‘Knight, what use are these threats? Leave off base words and do the deeds, or I shall have more fear of a dwarf than of your great body! Let ill-bred women scold – they cannot fight!

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und wil sîn unser trehten 5015 nâch rehtem gerihte pflegn, sô sît ir schiere gelegn!’ Nû het dem risen geseit sîn kraft unde sîn manheit waz im gewæfen töhte, 5020 und wer im geschaden möhte. In dûhte, er het gewæfens gnuoc an einer stangen, die er truoc. Des freute sich her Îwein, daz er als ungewâfent schein. 5025 Under den arm sluoger mit guotem willen daz sper, und nam daz ors mit den sporn. Er het in ûf die brust erchorn, und stach im einen selhen stich, 5030 daz daz ysen83 sich lôste von dem schafte und im in dem lîbe hafte. Ouch sluoc im der rise einen slac, daz ich iu daz wol sagen mac: 5035 het in daz ros niht für getragen, daz er im het geslagen noch einen slac, als er dô sluoc, es wære ze dem tôde gnuoc – dô truoc in daz ros dan, 5040 unz daz er daz swert gewan. Sâ chêrter wider ûf in, und gestiurte in des sîn sin, sîn kraft und sîn manheit, dô er wider ûf in reit, 5045 daz er im eine wunden sluoc. Dô in daz ros für truoc, dô sluoc der rise im einen slac, daz er gestracter lac ûf dem rosse für tôt. 5050 Dô ersach der leu sîne nôt, und lief den ungefüegen man vil harte zorneclîchen an, und zarte im cleit unde brât, als lanc sô der rüke gât 5055 von den ahseln her abe, daz der ungefüege knabe als ein ohse erluote.

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Iwein And if Our Lord desires to pass righteous judgement, you will soon be cast down!’ Now the giant’s strength and his valour had told him what weapon suited him, and who might cause him harm. He thought he had sufficient weapons in the staff that he carried. Sir Iwein rejoiced at his appearing thus unarmed. He tucked his lance with a good will beneath his arm, and pressed his charger with the spurs. He was aiming at his chest, and thrust such a blow at him that the spearhead separated from the shaft and stuck fast in his body. For his part, the giant dealt him such a blow that I can indeed tell you this much: if his charger had not carried him onward, and if the giant had struck him another blow like the one he dealt then, it would have been enough to kill him – but then his charger carried him past, until such time as he had drawn his sword. At once he headed back at the giant, and, helped by his quick wit, his strength and his valour, when he rode back at him he struck him, dealing him a wound. As his charger carried him onward, the giant then dealt him such a blow that he lay prone on his charger, as if dead. Then the lion perceived his distress and ran at the monstrous man in a great rage, tearing his clothes and flesh the length of his back from the shoulders downwards, so that the monstrous brat bellowed like an ox.

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German Romance III Dô wancte diu ruote, die er dâ ze wer truoc, und dô er nâch dem leun sluoc, dô entweich im der leu dan, und entraf den leun noch den man. Ze dem slage wart im sô gâch, daz er sich neicte dernâch, und vil nâch dernider gelac. Ê er erzüge den andern slac, dô het sich her Îwein mit vil grôzzen wunden zwein vil wol an im gerochen, und daz swert durch in gestochen rehte dâ daz herze lît. Dô was verendet der strît, und viel von der swære, als ez ein boum wære. Von des risen valle freuten sî sich alle, den liebe dran was geschehn. Sî heten heiles ersehn den rîter der des leun pflac, wande sî lebten für den tac âne angest und âne nôt, dô der rise gelac tôt. Des gnâdeten sî gnuoc dem hern Îwein, der in sluoc. Dô gerter urloubes sâ, wand ern het sich dâ niht ze sûmen mêre, ob er sîn êre an ir bestæten wolde, der er dâ chomen solde ze helfe umbe mitten tac, diu dâ durch in gevangen lac. Dô begunde in der wirt biten – daz wære als guot vermiten – daz er dâ ruowen wolde – wan ern mohte nochn solde. Dô antwurt er und sîn wîp beide guot unde lîp vil gar in sîne gewalt. Daz gnâden wart vil manecfalt, daz er dâ hôrte von in zwein.

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Iwein Then the staff he carried as a weapon there shook,84 and when he struck out at the lion the lion backed away from him, so that he struck neither the lion nor the man. He was in such haste to deliver the blow that he leaned over low, and very nearly fell to the ground. Before he could raise the staff for the next blow Sir Iwein then, with two massive wounds, avenged himself fully upon him, thrusting his sword through him, right where the heart lies. Then the battle was at an end, and the giant fell, because of his weight, as if he were a tree. At the giant’s fall all those rejoiced whom happiness befell by it. It was their good fortune to have beheld the knight with the lion, for, from that day forth, they lived without danger and without peril, now that the giant lay dead. They gave ample thanks for that to Lord Iwein, who had slain him. Then he at once asked for leave, for he could not tarry there any longer, if he wanted to preserve his honour with regard to her whom he was to go to help, around midday – she who lay there captive because of him. Then the host began to beseech him – that might as well have been omitted – to rest there – but he neither wished nor ought to do so. Then he and his wife gave over both their possessions and their persons most entirely into his power. Most manifold were the thanks he heard the two of them express there.

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German Romance III Dô sprach mîn her Îwein: ‘Welt ir mich des geniezzen lân, ob ich iu iht gedient hân, sô tuot ein dinc des ich bite – dâ ist mir wol gelônt mite. Den herren Gâwein minne ich – ich weiz wol, als tuot er mich. Ist unser minne âne kraft, sô ne wart nie guot geselleschaft. Den ernst sol ich im niuwen, swâ ich mac in triuwen. Herre, zuo dem rîtet ir, unde grüezzet in von mir, und füeret mit iu iuweriu kint, diu dâ hie erlediget sint – daz ir swester mit in var, und füeret ouch daz getwerch dar, des herre hie ligt erslagen. Ir sult im des gnâde sagen, swaz ich iu hie gedient hân, wan daz ist gar durch in getân. Frâger iuch wie ich sî genant, sô tuot im daz erchant, daz ein leu mit mir sî – dâ erchennet er mich bî.’ Daz gelobte der herre, unde bat in vil verre, swenner zuo dem brunnen gestrite, daz er dar wider rite, er schüeffe im guoten gemach. Mîn her Îwein dô sprach: ‘Mîn rîten, daz ist mislich. Ich chum iu gerne, lânt sî mich, mit den ich dâ strîten sol. Ich getrûwe aber in vil wol, mugen sî mirz abe erstrîten, sî ne lânt mich niender rîten!’ Dô bat dâ man unde wîp, daz got sîn êre und sînen lîp friste und behuote; mit lîbe und mit guote stüenden sî im ze gebot.. Alsus bevalch er sî got.

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Iwein Then my lord Iwein said: ‘If you would have me profit by any service I may have rendered you, then do one thing I ask of you, and I shall be well rewarded: I hold Lord Gawein dear, as I know well that he does me. If the love we bear one another has no power, then never was there such a thing as good companionship. I must renew the proof of that whenever I can, in good faith. Lord, ride to him and greet him from me, and take your children with you – those who have just been freed here. Let their sister go with them, and take the dwarf there, too – he whose lord lies slain here. You are to express thanks to him for whatever service I have rendered you here, for it has all been done for his sake. If he asks you what my name is, then make known to him that a lion is with me – he will know me by that. The lord vowed to do so, and implored him urgently, once he had fought his battle at the fountain, to ride back there, and he would see that he had good repose. My lord Iwein replied: ‘Where I ride is uncertain. I shall gladly come back to you, if those with whom I am to do battle there allow me. I am, however, quite confident that, if they can, they will prevent me by battle, and will not let me ride anywhere!’ Then men and women there entreated that God might preserve and protect his honour and person – both their lives and their possessions stood at his disposal. With that he commended them to God.

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5145 Im wâren die wege wol kunt, und was ouch deste kurzer stunt zuo der kapeln chomen. Nû was diu junchfrouwe genomen her ûz, dâ sî gevangen lac, 5150 wandez was wol umbe mitten tac. Nû wâren ir in den stunden die hende gebunden, ir cleider von ir getân, und niuwan ein hemde an verlân, 5155 und diu hurt was bereit, und daz fiur darunder geleit, unde stuont frou Lûnet ûf ir knien an ir gebet, und bat got der sêle pflegn, 5160 wan des lîbes het sî sich bewegn. Dô sî sich missetrôste, daz sî nû niemen lôste, dô chom ir helfære, unde was im vil swære 5165 ir laster und ir arbeit, die sî von sînen schulden leit. Ouch het mîn her Îwein grôzzen trôst ze den zwein, daz got und ir unschulde 5170 den gewalt niene dulde, daz im iht missegienge, und daz in ouch vervienge der leu, sîn geverte, daz er die magt ernerte. 5175 Nû gâhte er sêre mit den sporn, wande sî wære verlorn, wærer iht langer gewesn. Er sprach: ‘Lât genesn, übeliu diet, dise magt! 5180 Swaz man über sî hie clagt, des wil ich in ir schulden stân, und sol sî dazuo kempfen hân, sô wil ich vehten für sî.’ Dô daz gehôrten dise drî, 5185 daz versmâhte in vaste,

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IX THE FREEING OF LUNET The ways were well known to him, and thus he arrived all the more quickly at the chapel. Now the damsel had been taken out from where she had lain captive, for it was, indeed, about midday. Now her hands had been bound, her clothes removed from her, only a shift left upon her, and the hurdle was ready, and the fire laid beneath it, and Lady Lunet was kneeling at her prayers, entreating God to care for her soul, for she had renounced life. When she had abandoned hope of anyone now rescuing her, her helper then arrived, and he was deeply grieved at her disgrace and her suffering, which she endured because of him. Moreover, my lord Iwein had great confidence on two counts – that God and her innocence would not tolerate such brutality, so he would not fail at all, and, moreover, the lion, his companion, would come to his aid, so that he might rescue the maiden. Now he made great haste with his spurs, for she would have been lost if he had delayed any longer. He said: ‘Let this maiden live, you evil wretches! Whatever she is accused of here I will take full responsibility for it, and if she is to have a champion in this matter, then I will fight for her.’ When those three heard these words, they were full of scorn,

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German Romance III und entwichen doch dem gaste, und machten im wec dar. Nû nam er umbe sich war und suochte sî mit den ougen, die sîn herze tougen zallen zîten an sach, und ir ouch ze frouwen jach. Schiere sach er sî sitzen, und was von sînen witzen vil nâch chomen als ê, wande sî sagent, ez tuo wê, swer sînem herzeliebe bî als gastlîchen sî. Nû begunder umbe schouwen, unde sach vil junchfrouwen, die ir gesindes wâren. Die hôrter gebâren harte clægelîchen, unde bâten got den rîchen. Sî sprâchen: ‘Got, herre, wir biten dich vil verre, daz dû uns rechest an dem, der uns unser gespiln nem. Wir heten ir frum und êre. Nû ne haben wir niemen mêre, der dâ ze chemnâten getürre umbe uns gerâten, daz uns mîn frouwe iht guotes tuo, als beide spâte unde fruo diu vil getriuwe Lûnet, unser liebiu gespil, tet.’ Diz machte im den muot ze vehten starch unde guot, unde reit dar dâ er sî sach. Er hiez sî ûf stên unde sprach: ‘Frouwe, zeiget mir die, die iuch dâ chumbernt, sint sî hie, und heizzet iuch balde ledech lân, ode sî müezzen von mir hân den strît, den ich geleisten mac!’ Und sîn leu, der sîn pflac, der gehôrte schiere sînen haz, und trat ouch hin nâher baz. Nû was diu reine guote magt

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Iwein but still they made way for the stranger and cleared his path. Now he took a look about him, seeking with his eyes her whom his heart, in secret, looked upon at all times, and claimed, also, as his lady. Soon he saw her sitting there, and his wits very nearly deserted him as before, for, they say, it hurts if a man is close by his heart’s love, and yet is such a stranger to her. Then he took a look about him, and saw many damsels who were of her household. He heard them behaving most mournfully, pleading to Almighty God. They said: ‘Lord God, we entreat you most urgently to avenge us upon him who is taking our playmate away from us. We had benefit and honour by her. Now we no longer have anyone who, in the chamber there, might dare put in a good word for us, so that my lady might be kind to us at all, as both early and late the most loyal Lunet, our dear playmate, did.’ That encouraged him to fight strongly and well, and he rode over to where he could see her. He bade her stand up and said: ‘Lady, show me those who are troubling you, if they are here, and give order that you be soon set free, or they must accept from me such battle as I can achieve!’ And his lion, who tended him, was quick to hear his hostility, and stepped closer up. Now that pure, good maiden

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5230 von forhten als gar verzagt, daz sî vil chûme ûf gesach. Dô gevie sî kraft und sprach: ‘Herre, daz vergelt iu got! Der weiz wol daz ich disen spot 5235 und dise schande dulde âne alle mîne schulde, unde bit unsern herren, daz sî iu müezzen werren, niuwan als ich schuldech sî,’ 5240 und zeicte sî im alle drî. Dô sprach der trûhsæzze: ‘Er ist gnuoc tumpræzze, der her chumt sterben durch dich. Nû ist ez gnuoc billich, 5245 swer selbe des tôdes ger, daz mans ouch den gewer, und swer ouch danne vehte sô gar wider dem rehte – wan ez hât allez diz lant 5250 ir untriuwe wol erchant, wie sî ir frouwen verriet, daz sî von ir êren schiet. Herre, deiswâr, ich riete iu daz, daz ir iuchs bedæhtet baz. 5255 Ich erban iu des vil sêre, daz wir iu iuwer êre müezzen benemen und den lîp umbe ein sô ungetriuwez wîp. Nû seht ir wol, daz unser drî sint, 5260 unde wæret ir niht ein kint, sô möht ir wol die rede lân, diu iu an den lîp muoz gân!’ Dô sprach der rîter mit dem leun: ‘Ir mugt mir harte vil gedreun, 5265 irn müezzet mich bestân, ode die junchfrouwen lân. Mir hât diu unschuldige magt bî dem eide gesagt, daz sî wider ir frouwen sî 5270 aller untriuwen frî, und daz sî ir nie getæte deheine misseræte. Waz dâvon, sint iuwer drî?

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Iwein was so entirely daunted by fear that she could scarcely look up. Then she gained strength and said: ‘Lord, may God reward you for this! He knows full well that I suffer this mockery and this disgrace without it being my fault at all, and I entreat Our Lord that they may now stand in your way only to the extent that I am guilty,’ and she pointed them out to him, all three. Then the steward said: ‘That man is foolhardy enough who comes here to die for your sake. Now it is only fair, if a man desires death of his own accord, that he should indeed be granted it, particularly if a man fights in such an entirely unjust cause – for this whole land is well aware of her disloyalty, of how she betrayed her lady, parting her from her honour. Lord, truly, I would advise you to think better of it. I by no means wish that we should deprive you of your honour and your life for the sake of such a disloyal woman. Now, you can see clearly that there are three of us, and if you were not a child, you might as well drop the matter, as it may cost you your life!’ Then the knight with the lion said: ‘You can level as many threats against me as you like, but you must take me on, or let the damsel go free. This innocent maid has told me on oath that she is free of all disloyalty towards her lady, and that she never gave her any false counsel. What of it, if there are three of you?

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Wænt ir, daz ich eine sî? 5275 Got gestuont der wârheit ie – mit den beiden bin ich hie. Ich weiz wol, die gestênt mir – sus bin ich selbe dritte als ir. Daran ligt, wæne ich, grœzzer kraft 5280 danne an iuwer geselleschaft.’ Dô sprach der truhsæzze: ‘Swes ich mich vermæzze wider unsern herren got, des gewunne ich schaden unde spot. 5285 Herre, ze dem drôt ir mir – ich getrûwe im helfe baz danne ir. Ich sihe iuch einen geverten hân – den sult ir heizzen hôher stân – iuwern leun, der hie stât. 5290 Der andern der wirt guot rât. Hie ne vihtet niemen mit iu zwein.’ Dô sprach der herre Îwein: ‘Mîn leu vert mit mir zaller zît – ichn füere in durch deheinen strît – 5295 ichn trîbe in ouch von mir niht. Wert iuch sîn, tuo er iu iht!’ Dô rieffen sî alle under in, ern tæte sînen leun hin, mit im væhte niemen dâ, 5300 und er müese ouch sâ die junchvrouwen brinnen sehn. Er sprach: ‘Desn sol niht geschehn!’ Sus muose der leu hôher stân, dochn mohter des niht verlân, 5305 ern sæhe über den rüke dan sînen herren wider an. Sus sint diu wort hin geleit, unde wurden ze strîte gereit, und wâren alle viere 5310 zen orsen chomen schiere, und liezzen von ein ander gân, daz sî ir puneiz möhten hân, und triben alle drî dan wider ûf den einen man, 5315 swaz diu ors mohten gevarn. Darunder muoser sich bewarn darnâch als ein wîse man,

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Iwein Do you believe I am alone here? God has always stood by the truth – with those two I am present here. I know well that they will stand by me – thus there are three of me as there are of you. I believe there is more strength on my side than in your company.’ Then the steward said: ‘If I were to presume anything against our Lord God, I would win disgrace and scorn by it. Sir, you threaten me with Him – I trust Him to help me more than you do. I see you have a companion – you must tell it to stand further off – your lion that stands here. The others will be dealt with easily enough. No-one will fight against you two here.’ Then Lord Iwein said: ‘My lion goes with me at all times – I do not take it with me because of any battle, nor do I drive it away from me. Defend yourselves against it, if it does you any harm!’ Then they all cried out amongst themselves that, unless he put his lion away, no-one would fight with him there, and he would, moreover, have to see the damsel burn at once. He said: ‘That shall not come to pass!’ Thus the lion had to stand further off, yet it could not refrain from looking over its back towards its lord. Herewith words were abandoned, and they prepared themselves for battle, and all four had soon come to their chargers, and had them separate, so that they might make their head-on charge, and all three then charged back at that one man, with all the speed their chargers could muster. In those circumstances he had to defend himself as became a wise man

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German Romance III der sîne rîterschaft wol chan, und sîne kraft mit listen ze rehten staten fristen. Sî brâchen ûf im alle ir sper – daz sîne, daz behielt er. Er warf daz ors von in unde leisierte hin von in eins akers lanc, und tet schiere widerwanc. Er dructe vaste sîn sper vor ûf die brust her, als in diu gewonheit lêrte, und als er zuo in chêrte, dô müete in mit dem swerte der truhsæzze als er gerte, vor sînen bruodern zwein. Den nam er under daz kinnebein – rehte fliegende stach er in enbor ûz dem satel hin, daz er ûf dem sande gelac, unde alles des verpflac, des im ze schaden mohte chomen. Sus was der trôst den zwein benomen, wander lac lange âne sin. Nû riten wider ûf in die zwêne, die noch werten, und pflâgen sîn mit den swerten, als guote rîter solden. Daz wart in wol vergolden, wande ie sîn eins slac vaste wider zwein wac. Er bedorfte wol kraft unde wer, wan zwêne wâren ie eins her. Die junchvrouwen bâten alle got, daz er sîne gnâde und sîn gebot in ze helfe chêrte, und in, ir kempfen, êrte, daz er in ze trôste ir gespiln erlôste. Nû ist got sô gnædech und sô guot, und sô reine gemuot, daz er niemer kunde sô manigem süezzen munde betlichiu dinc versagen.

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Iwein who knows chivalric practice well, and can, with cunning, spare his strength for the right moment. They all broke their lances upon him – his he kept whole. He whirled his charger away from them and galloped off, a ploughfield’s length away from them, and then turned back rapidly. He held his lance firmly in front of his chest, as habit instructed him, and when he turned to face them, the steward then attacked him with his sword, desirous of doing battle ahead of his two brothers. Iwein hit him under the chinbone – he thrust him right into flight, up out of his saddle, so that he landed on the sand, and abandoned anything that might have inflicted injury upon Iwein. Thus the other two were deprived of his help, for he lay unconscious for a long time. Now they rode at him again, those two who were still resisting, and kept him busy with their swords, as good knights should. They were well rewarded for that, for each single blow of his was fully equal to two of theirs. He had good need of strength and defence, for two have always been an army for one. The damsels all entreated God to apply His mercy and His command to his aid, and to honour him, their champion, so that he might, to their relief, free their companion. Now, God is so merciful and so good, and so pure in spirit, that He could never deny so many a sweet mouth seemly requests.

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German Romance III Ouch wâren sî niht zagen, die in dâ an vâhten, wande sî in brâhten in vil angestlîche nôt. Zwâre, âne den tôt, bechumberten sî in sêre, dochn mohten sî im dehein êre fürnamens an gewinnen. Nû chom ze sînen sinnen der truhsæzze wider, und enlac niht mê dâ nider. Er bürte schilt unde swert, und lief ze den bruodern wert. Dô dûhte den leun, er het zît sich ze heben in den strît, und lief sâ den gênden man vil unerbarmeclîchen an, und zarte im daz îsen. Man sach die ringe rîsen, sam sî wæren von strô. Sus entworht er in dô, wander in gar zefuorte, swaz er sîn geruorte. Von im gewan frou Lûnet fride von des leun bet – diu bet was niuwan der tôt – des freute sî sich, des gienc ir nôt. Hie lac der truhsæzze – nû wart der leu ræzze ze sînen kampfgenôzzen, die manigen slac grôzzen heten enpfangen und gegebn. Werten sî nû wol daz lebn, daz was in guot für den tôt, wande sî bestuont ein michel nôt. Hie wâren zwêne wider zwein, wandez enmohte der herre Îwein den leun niht vertrîben – dô liez erz ouch belîben. Er het sîner helfe wol enborn, und liez ez ouch âne grôzzen zorn, daz er in sîne helfe spranch – ern sagtes im danc noch undanc. Sus vahten sî bêdenthalben an,

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Iwein Nor were they cowards, those who fought with him there, for they brought him into most dire need. Truly, short of death, they troubled him greatly, but yet they could not by any means deprive him of any honour. Now the steward came back to his senses, and no longer lay on the ground there. He picked up his shield and sword and ran over to join his worthy brothers. Then it seemed to the lion that it was high time to enter the battle, and it charged at the man on foot most unmercifully, and tore off his chain-mail. You could see the rings fall as if they were of straw. Thus it then put an end to him, for it entirely destroyed whatever of him it could touch. Lady Lunet won from him peace, at the lion’s entreaty – that entreaty being nothing short of death – she rejoiced at that, as need compelled her. There lay the steward – now the lion waxed wroth at its antagonists, who had received and dealt many a great blow. If they could defend their lives well now, that would preserve them against death, for great peril beset them. Now there were two against two, for Lord Iwein could not drive away the lion – then he simply let the matter rest. He would readily have done without the lion’s help, yet allowed it, without any great anger on his part. to leap to his aid – he neither spoke gratefully nor ungratefully to it. Thus they attacked on both sides,

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German Romance III hie der leu, dort der man. Ouch ensparten sî lîp noch den muot – solden sî dâ von sîn behuot, sî wâren werhaft gnuoc, unz ir ietweder sluoc dem leun eine wunden. Dô er der het enpfunden, dô wart er ræzzer vil danne ê. Ouch tet dem hern Îwein wê, daz er den leun wunden sach. Daz bescheinder wol, wan er zebrach sîne senfte gebærde. Von des leun beswærde gewan er zornes alsô vil, daz er sî brâhte ûf daz zil, daz sî vil gar verlurn ir kraft, und gehabten vor im zagehaft. Sus wâren sî überwunden, iedoch mit vier wunden, die sî im heten geslagen. Doch enhôrte in niemen clagen deheinen schaden der im geschach, niuwan sîns leun ungemach. Nû was ze den zîten site, daz der schuldigære lite den selben tôt den der man solde lîden, den er an mit kampfe vor gerihte sprach, ob ez alsô geschach, daz er mit kampfe unschuldech wart. Dazn wart ouch hie niht gespart – sî wurden ûf den rôst geleit. Der frouwen Lûneten wâren bereit die junchfrouwen alle; mit manigem fuozvalle gnâdeten sî im sêre, und erbuten im alle die êre, der er von in geruochte, und fürbaz danne er suochte. Frou Lûnet wart vil frô, wandez gezôch ir alsô: sî gewan ir frouwen hulde, unde het âne schulde erliten kumber unde nôt.

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Iwein here the lion, there the man. Nor were their opponents sparing of themselves or of spirit – if by those they might have been protected, they were defiant enough – until each of them dealt the lion a wound. When it felt that, it waxed much more wroth than before. Moreover, it grieved Lord Iwein to see the lion wounded. He made that clearly apparent, for he broke completely with his gentle demeanour. Because of the lion’s suffering he grew so angry that he brought his opponents to the point of entirely losing their power, and they halted timidly before him. Thus they were overpowered, despite the four wounds that they had struck him. Yet no-one heard him lament over any harm that had befallen him – only over his lion’s distress. Now it was the custom at that time that a guilty man should suffer the same death which that man was to have suffered whom he had accused before the court, by judicial combat, if it so transpired that he was proven innocent by combat. That was not omitted there, either – they were laid upon the hurdle. All the damsels were quick to greet Lady Lunet; falling at his feet many times, they thanked Iwein profoundly, and offered him all the honour that he might desire of them, and more than he sought. Lady Lunet was delighted, for what befell her was as follows: she won her lady’s favour, and had suffered without cause anguish and peril.

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5450 Des ergazte sî sî unz an ir tôt. Noch erchande in dâ weder wîp noch man, unde schiet ouch alsô von dan – niuwan eine frou Lûnet, diu daz durch sîn gebot tet, 5455 daz sî in niemen nande. Daz in diu niht erchande, diu doch sîn herze bî ir truoc, daz was wunders gnuoc. Doch bat sî in vil verre: 5460 sî sprach: ‘Lieber herre, durch got belîbet hie bî mir, wandich sihe wol daz ir und iuwer leu sît starche wunt. Lât mich iuch machen gesunt.’ 5465 Sus sprach der namlôse dô: ‘Ichn gewinne gemach nochn wirde frô niemer unz ûf den tac, daz ich wider gehaben mac mîner frouwen hulde. 5470 Der mangel ich âne schulde.’ Sî sprach: ‘Vil selten ich daz wîp, beide ir muot und ir lîp, iemer geprîse, wande sî en ist niht wîse, 5475 diu einem alsô frumen man, als iu noch hie schînet an, iemer ir hulde widerseit, ob sî niht grôzzez herzeleit ûf in ze sprechen hât.’ 5480 Er sprach: ‘Niemer werde mîn rât, ir wille enwære ie mîn gebot. Nû gebiete ir unser herre got, daz sî mich bedenche enzît. Der chumber, der mir nâhen lît, 5485 den sagich niemen, wizze Christ, wan dem er doch gewizzen ist, swie nâhen er mînem herzen gê.’ Sî sprach: ‘Ist er danne iemen mê gewizzen wan iu zwein?’ 5490 ‘Jâ, frouwe!’ sprach her Îwein. Sî sprach: ‘Wan nennet ir sî doch?’ Er sprach: ‘Frouwe, nein ich noch. Ich muoz ir hulde ê haben baz.’

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Iwein Laudine compensated her for that until her death. Yet still neither woman nor man had recognised Iwein there, and he also departed from there unrecognised – except by Lady Lunet alone, who, acting upon his command, did not name him to anyone. That she did not recognise him – she who, after all, bore his heart with her, was wondrous enough. She implored him most urgently, however, saying: ‘My dear lord, for God’s sake, remain here with me, for I can see clearly that you and your lion are grievously wounded. Let me restore you to health.’ Then the nameless one spoke as follows: ‘I’ll never win rest nor be happy until that day when I may regain my lady’s favour. I lack that without blame.’ She said: ‘I will most seldom ever praise that lady – either her disposition or her person – for she is not wise if she ever refuses her favour to such a worthy man as it is apparent here and now that you are, if she has no great injury to her heart of which she may accuse him.’ He said: ‘May no help ever be found for me if her will were not ever my command. Now, may our Lord God command her to think of me in good time! I’ll tell no-one, Christ knows, of the troubles that concern me greatly, except that person to whom they are known – no matter how hard they grieve my heart.’ She said: ‘Are they, then, known to anyone other than you two?’ ‘Yes, Lady!’ said Sir Iwein. She said: ‘Why do you not name her, then?’ He said: ‘Lady, no, I will not as yet. I must first find more favour with her.’

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Sî sprach: ‘Nû sagt mir doch daz, 5495 wie sît ir selbe genant?’ Er sprach: ‘Ich wil sîn erchant bî mînem leun, der mit mir vert. Mirne werde ir hulde baz beschert, sô wil ich mich iemer schamen – 5500 mîns lîbes und mîns rehten namen wil ich mich niemer gefreun. Ich heizze der rîter mit dem leun, und swer iu für dise tage von einem rîter iht sage, 5505 des geverte ein leu sî, dâ erkennet mich bî.’ Diu frouwe sprach: ‘Wie mac daz chomen, daz ich von iu niht hân vernomen, unde iuch nie mêr gesach?’ 5510 Der rîter mir dem leun sprach: ‘Daz iu von mir niht ist geseit, daz machet mîn unwerdecheit. Ich möhte mit dem muote, mit lîbe und mit guote, 5515 gefrumt hân diu mære, daz ich erkander wære. Wirt mîn gelüche als guot als mîn herze und mîn muot, ich weiz wol sô gedien ich daz, 5520 daz ir mich noch erchennet baz.’ Sî sprach: ‘Irn sît ein bœser man, danne iu noch hie schînet an, sô sît ir aller êren wert – und des ich ê hân gegert, 5525 des bæte ich aber, hulfez iht. Mich dunchet, ichn überwinde niht daz laster und die schande, swer iuch ûz mînem lande alsô wunden siht varn.’ 5530 Er sprach: ‘Got müezze iuch bewarn und gebe iu sælde und êre – ichn belîbe hie niht mêre.’ Diu frouwe aber dô sprach: ‘Sît ir versprechet mîn gemach, 5535 sô ergibich iuch in gotes segn – der mac iuwer baz gepflegn, und ruoche durch sîne güete

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Iwein She said: ‘Now, tell me, at least, what you yourself are called.’ He said: ‘I wish to be known by my lion that goes along with me. Unless her favour is conferred upon me once more, then I will evermore be ashamed of myself – I will never delight in myself and in my true name. I am called the knight with the lion, and if any one, from these days forward, tells you anything of a knight whose companion is a lion, you will recognise me by that.’ The lady said: ‘How can it be that I have heard nothing about you, and never beheld you before?’ The knight with the lion said: ‘It is because of my unworthiness that you have been told nothing about me. I might, by my disposition, by my physique and by my possessions, have achieved as much as to be better known. If my fortune turns out as well as my heart and mind intend, I know well that I shall come to deserve that you will yet know me better.’ She said: ‘Unless you are a more base man than you now seem here, then you are worthy of all honour – and that which I desired before I would beseech again, if it were to help at all. It seems to me, I’ll never overcome the disgrace and shame, if anyone sees you depart from my land with such wounds.’ He said: ‘May God keep you and give you good fortune and honour!85 – I shall stay here no longer.’ The lady then replied: ‘Since you reject such comfort as I offer you, then I commend you to God’s blessing – may He take care of you henceforth and deign, by His grace,

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German Romance III iuwer swærez gemüete vil schiere verchêren ze freuden und ze êren.’ Dannen schiet er trûrech dô. Wider sich selben sprach er sô: ‘Frouwe, wie lützel dû nû weist, daz dû den slüzzel eine treist. Dû bist daz sloz und der schrîn, dâ daz herze mîn inne beslozzen ist.’ Nû het er rîtens zît. Ouch volget im von dan deweder wîp noch man, niuwan eine frouwe Lûnet, diu im geselleschaft tet einen guoten wec hin. Dâ gelobte sî wider in, daz sî sît allez wâr liez; mit ir triuwen sî im gehiez, daz sî sîn wol gedæhte, und ez ze rede bræhte umbe sîne swære. Getriuwe unde sô gewære was diu guote frou Lûnet, daz sîz willeclîchen tet. Des gnâdet er ir wol tûsent stunt. Nû was der leu sô starche wunt, daz er michel arbeit mit im ûf dem wege erleit. Dô er niht mêre mohte gân, dô muoser von dem rosse stân, und las zesamne mit der hant mies und swaz er lindes vant, unde legte daz under in in sînen schilt, und huop in hin ûf daz ros für sich. Daz lebn was gnuoc kumberlich. Sus leit er arbeit gnuoc, unz daz in der wec truoc, dâ er eine burch ersach. Dar chêrter dô durch sîn gemach, und vant beslozzen daz tor, und einen knappen dâ vor. Der erkande wol sîns herren muot –

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Iwein to turn your heavily-burdened mind most rapidly towards happiness and honour.’ Sadly, he departed then. He said to himself: ‘Lady, how little you now know that you alone carry the key. You are the lock and the box wherein my heart is locked.’86 Now it was time for him to ride. Nor did anyone follow him thence, neither woman nor man, except Lady Lunet alone, who bore him company a good part of the way. Then she made a vow to him – an oath she later fulfilled in its entirety – by her loyalty she promised him that she would keep him in her thoughts, and raise the subject of his sorrow. So loyal and so true was the good Lady Lunet that she did so willingly. He thanked her for it perhaps a thousand times. Now the lion was so grievously wounded that he suffered great difficulties with it on the road. When it could no longer walk he had to alight from his charger then, and gather with his hands moss and whatever he could find that was soft, and laid it beneath the lion on his shield, and lifted it up onto the charger in front of him. Their lives were plagued by troubles in plenty. Thus he suffered ample hardship until the road led him to where he beheld a castle. He then headed thither in order to seek rest and found the gate locked, and a page in front of it. The latter was well aware of his lord’s disposition –

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German Romance III sîn herre was biderbe unde guot – daz was wol an dem knappen schîn: er hiez in willechomen sîn ze guoter handelunge. Man sagt daz in betwunge diu vil wegemüediu nôt, daz er dâ nam daz man im bôt. Man mac den gast lîhte vil geladen, der belîben wil. Im wart daz tor ûf getân. Dô sach er gegen im gân rîter unde knehte, die in nâch sînem rehte enpfiengen unde gruozten, und im vil gerne buozten sînen kumber und sîne nôt, als in ir herre gebôt. Der selbe gegen im gienc und in frôlîche enpfienc, und schuof im selhen gemach, daz er wol an den werchen sach, daz sîn wille und sîn muot was reine unde guot. Im wart vil harte drâte ein heinlîch chemnâte ze sîner sunder gereit, sîn leu dar in zuo im geleit. Dar inne entwâfent man in. Nû sande der wirt hin nâch zwein sînen kinden, daz niemen mohte vinden schœner junchfrouwen zwô. Den bevalch er in dô, dazs im sîne wunden salbeten und bunden. Ouch wonte in ir gemüete ze schœner kunst diu güete, daz sî vil schier ernerten in und sînen geverten. Hie twelt er vierzehn naht, unz daz er sînes lîbes maht vil gar wider gewan.

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Iwein his lord was honest and good, as was clearly apparent from the page – he bade him be welcome to good hospitality. They say that his great road-weary hardship compelled him to accept what was offered him there. It is very easy to invite a guest who wishes to stay. The gate was opened to him. Then he saw knights and squires walking towards him, who welcomed and greeted him in accordance with his degree, and most willingly alleviated his troubles and his hardship, as their lord commanded them. The lord himself walked towards him and welcomed him merrily, and gave him such comfort that it was clear to him from his deeds that his desire and his disposition were pure and good. With all alacrity a private chamber was prepared for him, for his personal use, and his lion laid in there with him. In the chamber they disarmed him. Then the lord of the castle sent off for two daughters of his, who were such that no-one might ever find two more beautiful damsels. He commended Iwein to them then, so that they could anoint and bandage his wounds. Moreover, there resided in their minds, alongside fine skill, such kindness that they very soon cured him and his companion. He stayed there for a fortnight, until he had entirely regained his physical powers.

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Und ê er schiede von dan, 5625 dô begunde der tôt in den tagen einen grâven beclagen unde mit gewalte twingen ze nôtigen dingen, den von dem Swarzen Dorne. 5630 Des was er der verlorne, wander muose im ze suone gebn sînen gesunt und daz lebn, der dannoch lebende hie zwô schœne junchfrouwen lie. 5635 Nû wolde diu alte die jungen mit gewalte von ir erbe scheiden, daz dienen solt in beiden. Dazuo diu junger sprach: 5640 ‘Swester, disen ungemach, den sol dir got verbieten. Ich wânde mich nieten grôzzes liebes mit dir. Swester, dû bist mir 5645 ze ungnædiges muotes. Wil dû mich mîns guotes und mîner êren behern, des wil ich mich mit kampfe wern. Ichn vihte niht – ich bin ein wîp. 5650 Daz als unwerhaft ist mîn lîp, dâne hâstû niht an. Deiswâr ich vinde wol den man, der mir durch sîne höfscheit die gnâde niemer verseit, 5655 ern bescherme mich vor dir. Swester, dû muost mir mînen erbeteil lân, ode einen kempfen an mir hân. Ich suoche den künech Artûs 5660 und vinde den kempfen dâ ze hûs, der mich vor dîner hôchfart durch sîn selbes tugent bewart.’ Diz gemarhte diu unguote, und ahte in ir muote,

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X THE DAUGHTERS OF THE COUNT OF THE BLACK THORN Before he departed from there, Death began, in those days, to bring his case against a count and force upon him, violently, pressing matters – upon the Count of the Black Thorn. Thus he was doomed, for to appease him he had to give him his health and his life. He left behind him there, still alive, two beautiful damsels. Now the elder wanted to part the younger by force from her inheritance, which was to have served them both. In reply, the younger said: ‘Sister, God ought to forbid you to impose such hardship upon me. I imagined that I would profit by great joy with you. Sister, you are too harshly disposed towards me. If you desire to deprive me of my property and my honour, I will defend myself against that with a champion. I shan’t fight – I am a woman. You will not profit at all by the fact that I am so incapable of defending myself. In truth, I shall readily find a man who in his courtesy will never deny me favour, but will protect me against you. Sister, you must let me have my inheritance, or find a champion against me. I shall seek King Arthur and find a champion in his castle there, who will, by his prowess, protect me against your pride.’ The evil sister marked this and deliberated in her mind

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5665 waz sî darumbe tæte, und durch ir charge ræte, sô sweic sî derzuo, und chom ze hove vor ir sô fruo, daz ir der herre Gâwein wart. 5670 Diu junger ergreif die nâchvart – daz machte ir kintheit, dazs ir ir willen het geseit. Dô diu junger chom hin nâ, dô vant sî die altern dâ. 5675 Diu was ir kempfen harte frô. Ouch lobt ez her Gâwein sô, daz sî ez niemen solde sagen. Nû was in den selben tagen diu küneginne wider chomen, 5680 die Meliakanz het genomen mit micheler manheit. Ouch was in niuwelîch geseit von dem risen mære – wie der erslagen wære – 5685 den der rîter mit dem leun sluoc. Des gnâdet im gnuoc her Gâwein der guote mit worten und mit muote, wande erz durch sînen willen tet. 5690 Ouch was ez des rîters bet, daz manz in solde wizzen lân – daz het sîn niftel getân, und dô sî imz sagte, wie tiure er dô clagte, 5695 daz er sîn niht erchande, wander sich niht nande. Er erchande in bî dem mære, und enweste doch wer er wære. Dô ze hove chom diu magt, 5700 als ich iu hân gesagt, und einen kempfen suochte, des niemen sî beruochte, dô clagte sî vil sêre ir guot und ir êre, 5705 wan an dem ir trôst lac, der sprach: ‘Frouwe, ichn mac iu ze staten niht gestân, wandich grôz unmuozze hân

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Iwein what she should do about it, but out of cunning she kept her silence about it, and came to the court so early, ahead of her sister, that Sir Gawein fell to her lot. The younger sister was slow to follow her – that was because, in her innocence, she had told her of her intentions. When the younger sister arrived, later, she found the older one already there. She was well pleased with her champion. Sir Gawein, for his part, vowed to champion her on condition that she should tell no-one about it. Now, in those very days, the Queen had returned – she whom Meliakanz had abducted with great valour. Moreover, they had recently been told about the famed giant – how he had been slain – he whom the knight with the lion slew. Sir Gawein the good thanked him amply for that in his words and in his mind, for he had done it for his sake. Moreover, it was the knight’s request that they should let Gawein know about it – his niece had done that, and when she told him of it, how greatly he then lamented that he did not recognise the knight, for he had not named himself. He knew about him through these tidings, and yet he did not know who he was. When the maiden came to court, as I have told you, looking for a champion, and no-one provided her with one, she then lamented most grievously concerning her property and her honour, but he in whom her hopes lay said: ‘Lady, I can’t come to your aid, for I am very busy

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von andern dingen. 5710 Diu muoz ich ê volbringen. Wæret ir mir ê chomen, ê ich mich het an genomen anderhande arbeit, iu wære mîn dienst bereit.’ 5715 Dô sî dâ kempfen niene vant, dô gie sî zehant für den künech Artûs. Sî sprach: ‘Sît ich hie ze hûs niht kempfen mac gewinnen, 5720 dône woldich niht von hinnen, ichn næme ê urloup von iu. Ouch ensol ich von diu mînen rehten erbeteil niht lân, daz ich hie niemen funden hân. 5725 Mir ist sô grôzziu manheit von dem rîter geseit, der den leun bî im hât, vindich den, sô wirt mîn rât. Tuot mîn swester wider mich 5730 gnâde, daz ist billich. Sô mac sî mit minnen vil wol von mir gewinnen, swaz sî des mînen ruochet, swâ sîz ze rehte suochet. 5735 Nimt sî mir darüber iht, dazn lâze ich âne clage niht.’ Dô diu alter weste, daz sî der aller beste von dem hove wolde wern, 5740 dô begunde sî vil tiure swern, sîne geteilt ir niemer niht mite. Dô sprach der künech: ‘Sô ist hie site, swer ûf den andern iht clage, daz er im wol vierzech tage 5745 kampfes muoz bîten.’ Sî sprach, wolt iemen strîten, daz der dâ zehant strite, wande sî niht langer bite. Dô daz den künech niht dûhte guot, 5750 dô bechêrte sî ir muot, wande sî was des âne angest gar, daz sî iemen bræhte dar,

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Iwein with other matters. I must first deal with those. If you had come to me before I had taken on other tasks, my service would have been at your disposal.’ Finding no champion there, she went at once before King Arthur. She said: ‘Although, here in your castle, I can find no champion, I didn’t want, nevertheless, to depart before taking leave of you. Moreover, I shall not, because of that, abandon my rightful inheritance, although I have found no-one here. Such great valour has been reported to me of that knight who has the lion with him – if I find him, my problems will be solved. If my sister shows me mercy, that will be just. Then she may, by affection, gain a great deal from me of that which is mine which she covets, as long as she seeks it justly. If she takes anything more than that from me, I shall not permit it without bringing my case.’ When the elder sister knew that the best of all the knights of the court desired to defend her, she then began to swear great oaths that she would never share anything with her. Then the King said: ‘Well, it is the custom here that if anyone brings a case against another person, he must give him a respite of a good forty days before the combat takes place.’ She said that if anyone wanted to do battle, he should do battle there at once, for she would wait no longer. When that did not seem right to the King, she then changed her mind, for she was entirely without fear that her sister would bring anyone there

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German Romance III der ir kempfen überstrite, ob sî ir noch ein jâr bite. Nû wart der kampf gesprochen über sehs wochen. Daz schuof der künech Artûs. Sus nam sî urloup dâ ze hûs, und bat ir got ruochen, und fuor ir kempfen suochen. Sus reit sî verre durch diu lant, daz sî der dewederz vant, den man noch diu mære wâ er ze vinden wære, und müete sî ir irrevart, daz sî dâ von siech wart. Sus chom sî nâch frâge zeinem ir mâge, und begunde im ir gewerp sagen, ir siechtuom und ir chumber clagen. Dô er ir arbeit ersach, er behabte sî dâ durch ir gemach, und sande, als sî in bat, sîn selbes tohter an ir stat, diu für sî suochende reit und gewan es michel arbeit. Sus reit sî allen einen tac, daz sî geverten niene pflac, unz daz diu naht an gienc. Einen wech sî dô gevienc, der truoc sî in einen walt. Diu naht wart vinster unde chalt; ez chom ein regen und ein wint. Ich wil geswîgen umb ein kint, daz nie chumber gewan – ez wære ein wol gemuot man erværet von der arbeit. Selhes chumbers den sî leit, des was ir lîp sô ungewon, daz sî verzagte dâ von. Der wec wart vinster unde tief, daz sî got an rief, daz er ir nôt bedæhte und sî zen liuten bræhte, und dô sî wânde sîn verlorn, dô gehôrte sî ein horn

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Iwein who would outfight her champion, even if she gave her a whole year’s respite. Then the combat was arranged to take place in six weeks’ time. It was King Arthur who arranged that. With that the younger sister took her leave of the castle there, and asked God to watch over them, and went in search of her champion. Thus she rode far through the lands, finding neither the man nor tidings of where he might be found, and her meanderings so troubled her that she fell sick in consequence. Thus she came, on her quest, to one of her kinsmen, and began to tell him of her errand, and bewail her sickness and her troubles. When he beheld her hardship, he kept her there so that she could rest, and sent, at her request, his own daughter in her place, who rode in search, instead of her, and won much hardship by it. Thus she rode for the whole of a day, never having any companion with her, until night drew on. She found a path then that took her into a forest. The night grew dark and cold; rain came on, and wind. I shall be silent concerning a girl that had never had any troubles – a man of good courage would have been daunted by such hardship. She was so unaccustomed to such troubles as she suffered that she lost courage in consequence. The path became dark and deep, so that she cried out to God to think upon her in her need, and bring her to people somewhere, and when she thought that she was lost, she then heard a horn

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German Romance III blâsen von verre. Des gestiurte sî unser herre, daz sî des endes chêrte darnâch als sî lêrte von dem horne der schal. Hin wîste sî ein tal des endes dâ diu burch lac. Der wahtære, der der wer pflac, der sach sî als drâte. Ein gast, der alsô spâte und alsô müeder chumt geriten, den mac man des vil lîhte erbiten, ob er niht grôzze unmuozze hât, daz er des nahtes dâ bestât. Sus beleip ouch sî mit kurzer bet, dâ man ir ze gemache tet, swaz man guotes mohte, daz ir ze nemen tohte, unde nâch ezzen wart, den wirt wundert umb ir vart, und frâgte sî der mære, waz ir gewerp wære. Diu junchfrouwe dô sprach: ‘Ich suoche den ich nie gesach, und des ich niht erchenne. Ichn weiz wie ich in iu nenne, wander enwart mir nie genant, und ist mir anders niht erchant, wan daz er einen leun hât. Nûne hân ich sîn deheinen rât. Man sagt von im die manheit, und sol ich mîn arbeit iemer überwinden, sô muoz ich in vinden.’ Der wirt sprach: ‘Ir sît unbetrogen. Ern hât iu niht von im gelogen, der iu von im tugende seit, wande mich sîn eines manheit von grôzzem kumber lôste. Got sande in mir ze trôste. Wie gerne ich dem stîge iemer mêre nîge, der in her ze mir truoc! Wander mir einen risen sluoc.

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Iwein blowing from afar. Our Lord guided her so that she headed in that direction towards which she was instructed by the sound of the horn. A valley led her in that direction in which the castle lay. The watchman who had charge of the defence quickly spotted her. A stranger, who arrives so late on horseback, and so weary, may very easily be prevailed upon, if he does not have urgent business, to stay there that night. Thus she did indeed remain there, after a brief entreaty, and was given all such comfort there as good intentions could provide, and which it became her to accept, and after the meal was over the host was curious about her journey and asked her for news about what her errand was. The damsel replied: ‘I am looking for a man I have never seen and whom I do not know. I don’t know how to name him to you, for he was never named to me, and all I know about him is that he has a lion. Yet I cannot do without him.87 They report such valour of him that if I am ever to overcome my suffering, I must find him.’ The host said: ‘You are not deceived. That man who told you of his worth was not lying to you about him at all, for his valour alone freed me from great sorrow. God sent him to my aid. How willingly I will evermore bow to the path that led him up to me here! For he slew a giant for me.

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German Romance III Der het mir mîn lant gar verwüestet und verbrant, und sluoc mir zwei mîniu kint, und vieriu, diu noch lebende sint, diu heter gevangen, und wolde sî hân erhangen. Ich was et niuwan sîn spot. Mir sande in unser herre got, daz er mich an im rach. Er sluoc in, daz ichz an sach, hie vor mîn selbes bürgetor. Dâ lît noch sîn gebeine vor. Er schuof mir michel êre. Got pflege sîn swar er chêre!’ Der mære freute sich diu magt. Sî sprach: ‘Lieber herre, sagt, dô er hie von iu ledech wart, wizzet ir war dô sîn vart wurde? Des bewîset mich!’ Er sprach: ‘Frouwe, nein ich, und ist mir daz nû leit, aber ûf den wec den er dâ reit, dar wîse ich iuch morgen fruo. Waz ob iu got dazuo selbe sînen rât gît?’ Nû was ouch slâfens zît. Morgen dô ez was getagt, dô bereite sich diu magt nâch im ûf die strâze rehte nâch der mâze als ir gezeiget wart, und was ouch ûf der rehten vart, diu sî ze dem brunnen truoc, dâ er den trûhsæzzen sluoc, und sîne bruoder überwant. Liute die sî dâ vant, die sagten ir daz, und hiezzen sî frâgen fürbaz, wolde sî wizzen mære, war er gechêrt wære: daz kunde ir lîhte diu gesagen, durch die er sî het erslagen. Sî sprach: ‘Nû sagt mir, wâ diu sî.’ Sî sprâchen: ‘Diu ist hie nâhen bî –

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Iwein He had entirely laid waste to and burned my land, and slain two of my children, and four, who are still alive, he had taken prisoner, and would willingly have hanged them! I was nothing but the butt of his mockery. Our Lord God sent that knight to me to avenge me upon him. He slew the giant before my very eyes, here before the gate of my own citadel. His bones are still lying outside. He brought me much honour. God keep him wherever he heads!’ The maiden was pleased at these tidings. She said: ‘Dear lord, tell me, when he departed from you here, do you know where his journey then took him? If so, tell me!’ He said: ‘Lady, no, I do not, and am sorry for it now, but tomorrow morning I shall show you the way he then rode. What if God Himself gives you His help on that road?’ Now it was time for sleep. In the morning, when dawn had broken, the maiden then made herself ready to pursue him along the road, in precisely the direction she had been shown, and she was, indeed, on the right track, which led her to the fountain where he slew the steward and vanquished his brothers. People whom she found there told her so, and bade her enquire further, if she wished to know tidings of where he was headed – perhaps that damsel could tell her, for whose sake he had slain them. She said: ‘Now, tell me where she is.’ They said: ‘She is close by here –

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5885 ein junchfrouwe heizzet Lûnet, diu stêt an ir gebet in der kapeln hie bî. Dar rîtet unde frâgt sî. Swes iu diu niht gesagen kan, 5890 des bewîset iuch hie nieman.’ Dô sî sî frâgende wart, ob sî iht weste umbe sîne vart, dô hiez ir frou Lûnet, diu gerne höfschlîchen tet, 5895 ir pfert gewinnen. Sî sprach: ‘Ich wil von hinnen mit iu rîten an die stat, dar er mich mit im rîten bat, dô er hie für mich gestreit, 5900 und ûz disem lande reit.’ Alsus brâhte sî sî dar. Sî sprach: ‘Frouwe, nemt war, an dirre stat liez ich in. War aber stüende sîn sin, 5905 desn chan ich iu niht gesagen, wan ein dinch wil ich got clagen: er und sîn leu wâren wunt sô sêre daz er ze der stunt mohte gerîten unverre. 5910 Daz in unser herre vor dem tôde bewar! Ez ist an sînem lîbe gar, swaz ein rîter haben sol. Deiswâr ich gan iu beiden wol, 5915 daz ir in gesunden vindet, wandir danne überwindet mit im alle iuwer nôt. Weizgot, frouwe, ich wære tôt, wærer mir niht ze helfe chomen. 5920 Alsus werde iu benomen alle iuwer swære. Swaz ich guoter mære von iu vernim, der freu ich mich.’ Hie mit schieden sî sich. 5925 Diu dâ suochte, der was gâch. Der rehten strâze reit sî nâch, unz sî die selben burch ersach, dâ im michel gemach

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Iwein a damsel who is called Lunet – who stands her at prayers in the chapel close by here. Ride up and ask her. If she cannot tell you anything about it, no-one here can give you guidance.’ When she started to question her as to whether she knew anything about his travels, then Lady Lunet, who gladly acted courteously, bade her palfrey be brought to her. She said: ‘I will go and ride with you to the place where he entreated me to ride with him, when he had done battle for me here, and rode out of this land.’ Thus she took her there. She said: ‘Lady, take heed: on this spot I left him. Where, however, he was intending to go I cannot tell you, except I will lament one thing to God: he and his lion were wounded so sorely that, at that time, he could not ride far. May Our Lord protect him against death! He has about him everything a knight should have. Indeed, I heartily wish for both of you that you find him healthy, for you will then overcome, with his help, all your peril. God knows, lady, I would be dead if he had not come to my aid. May all your hardship be taken from you in the same way! I will rejoice at any good tidings I hear about you.’ With that they parted. She who was in search of the knight there was in haste. She rode along the right road until she saw the same castle where much comfort

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ûffe geschehn was, 5930 wan er dâ lac unz er genas. Sus reit sî gein dem bürgetor. Dâ mohte sî wol vor von rîtern und von frouwen ein selch gesinde schouwen, 5935 daz wol den wirt êrte. Zuo den sî drâte chêrte und frâgte sî der mære, ob in iht kunt wære umbe den den sî dâ suochte. 5940 Der wirt dô des geruochte, daz er selbe gein ir gienc und sî frôlîche enpfienc. Er bôt sî die herberge an. Sî sprach: ‘Ich suoche einen man. 5945 Unz ich den niht funden hân, sô muoz ich gnâde und ruowe lân. Nâch dem wart mir gezeiget her.’ ‘Wie ist des nam?’ sprach er. Sî sprach: ‘Ich bin nâch im gesant, 5950 und ist mir anders niht erchant, wan daz ein leu mit im ist.’ Er sprach: ‘Der hât an dirre frist von uns hie urloup genomen. Ich moht in des niht überchomen, 5955 daz er hie langer wolde wesn. Er und sîn leu sint wol genesn. Sî lâgen hie vil starche wunt. Nû varent sî frô und wol gesunt. Welt ir in schiere errîten, 5960 sô ne sult ir hie niht bîten. Setzet iuch rehte ûf sîne slâ, gerâtet ir im rehte nâ, sô habt ir in vil schier erriten.’ Dô ne wart niht langer dâ gebiten. 5965 Sî ne mohte zeltens niht gehaben, sî begunde schiuften unde draben, unz sî den rîter an sach. Als liebe ir daran geschach, als liebe müezze uns noch geschehn, 5970 daz wir uns alle liebe sehn! Sî gedâhte in ir muote: ‘Rîcher got der guote,

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Iwein had fallen to his lot, for he lay there until he had recovered. Thus she rode up to the castle gate. Before it she could clearly see such a company of knights and ladies as did great honour to the lord of the castle. She quickly approached these, asking them for tidings as to whether they knew anything at all about him whom she was seeking there. The lord of the castle then deigned to walk over to her himself and welcome her merrily. He offered her shelter. She said: ‘I am looking for a man. Until I have found him, I must abandon comfort88 and rest. I was directed here in search of him.’ ‘What is his name?’ said he. She said: ‘I am sent in search of him, and yet all I know of him is that a lion is with him.’ He said: ‘That man took his leave of us here just now. I could not persuade him to stay here any longer. He and his lion have recovered well. They lay here, very sorely wounded. Now they are on their way, happy and healthy. If you wish to catch up with him quickly, then you ought not to tarry here. Set off directly on his trail, and if you follow him correctly, you will very quickly catch up with him.’ Then she waited there no longer. She could not keep to the amble-gait,89 but began to gallop and trot until she could see the knight. May such joy as befell her at this befall us still today, so that we may all rejoice on seeing one another! She thought to herself: ‘Almighty God in Your Goodness,

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German Romance III wie sol ez mir nû ergân, sît ich den man funden hân? Nû hân ich michel arbeit an diz suochen geleit. Ê gedâht ich niuwan daran, ob ich funde den man, wie sælech ich danne wære, und daz ich mîne swære alle het überwunden. Nû hân ich in funden – alrêrst gêt mîn angest zuo, wie er wider mich getuo! Ober mir helfe verseit, waz touc danne mîn arbeit?’ Disen segen tet sî für sich: ‘Herre got, nû lêre mich die rede der ich geniezze, daz in mîn iht verdriezze, und daz er mich iht entwer. Ob mir verliuset des ich ger mîn ungelüche ode sîn zorn, sô hân ich mîn vinden verlorn. Got gebe mir sælde unde sin!’ Zehant reit sî neben in. Sî sprach: ‘Got grüezze ich, herre! Ich hân iuch harte verre ûf gnâde gesuochet. Got gebe, daz irs geruochet!’ Er sprach: ‘Ichn hân gnâden niht. Swem mîns dienstes nôt geschiht, und swer frumer des gert, dern wirt des niemer entwert.’ Wand er wol an ir sach, daz sî nâch im ungemach ûf dem wege het erliten, dô begunde ouch er ir heils biten. Er sprach: ‘Frouwe, mir ist leit al iuwer arbeit. Swie ich die erwenden chan, dâne wirret iu niht an.’ Dô neic sî im unde gote, und bôt sich im ze gebote, und gnâdet im vil verre. Sî sprach: ‘Lieber herre,

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Iwein what is to happen to me now that I have found the man? Now, I have invested much trouble in this search. Before, my only thought was: if I could find the man, how happy I would then be, and that I would then have put an end to all my sorrows! Now I have found him – only now does my anxiety increase as to how he will behave towards me! If he denies me help, what use will my labours then be?’ She prayed to herself as follows: ‘Lord God, now teach me such speech as I may profit by, so that he is not angry with me at all, and does not refuse me anything. If I lose what I desire because of my misfortune or his anger, then my finding him will have been wasted. God grant me good fortune and sense!’ At once she rode up alongside him, saying: ‘God greet you, lord! I have been seeking you from very far afield, hoping for a favour from you. God grant that you are willing!’ He said: ‘I have no favours to give. If anyone happens to be in need of my service, and if any worthy person desires it, he will never be refused it.’ Because he could see clearly, looking at her, that she had suffered hardship on the journey in pursuit of him, he, for his part, began to wish her well. He said: ‘Lady, I am sorry for all your distress. If there is any way I can avert it, nothing will stand in your way.’ Then she bowed to him and to God, placing herself at his command and thanking him profusely. She said: ‘Dear lord,

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German Romance III jâne ist diu bet niht umbe mich. Sî ist verre werder danne ich, diu mich nâch iu gesant hât, und sagiu rehte wiez umbe sî stât. Sî lîdet von gewalte nôt. Ir vater ist niulîche tôt, und wil sî ir swester enterben, und dâ von verderben, daz sî ein lützel alter ist. Des hât sî chûme gewunnnen frist – über sehs wochen sô ist ein kampf gesprochen zwischen in beiden. Sô wil sî sî scheiden von ir erbeteile, ezn stê danne an ir heile, daz sî den kempfen bringe dar, der sî gewaltes bewar. Nû hât sî bewîset diu werlt, diu iuch prîset, daz sî iuch ze trôste hât erkorn, und enhât daz niht verborn durch hôchfart noch durch trâcheit, daz sî niht selbe nâch iu reit. Sî was ûf den wec chomen – êhaftiu nôt hât irz benomen, wande sî leider ûf der vart von der reise siech wart, und ist alsô underwegn ze mînem vater belegn. Der sande mich ûz an ir stat. Nû bit ich iuch, als sî mich bat: sî hiez mich iuch, herre, manen harte verre, sît iuch got sô gêret hât, daz alsô gar ze prîse stât für manigen rîter iuwer lîp, sô êret got und guotiu wîp, sît ir höfsch unde wîs. Nû geruochet iuwern prîs an in beiden mêren, den iuwern an den êren, den ir an dem guote. Swes iu nû sî ze muote,

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Iwein indeed, the request does not concern me. She is far worthier than I, she who has sent me in pursuit of you, and I’ll tell you exactly how things stand with her. She is suffering anguish because of cruelty. Her father died recently, and her sister wants to disinherit her, and ruin her because she is a little older. She has barely won a respite six weeks hence a judicial combat is arranged between the two of them. Thus the elder wants to part the younger from her inheritance, unless she has such good fortune that she can bring forth a champion, who will protect her against brutality. Now the world, which praises you, has directed her to choose you as her hope, nor did she forbear out of arrogance or idleness from riding in pursuit of you herself. She had set off on the way – legitimate necessity prevented her, for, unfortunately, on the journey she became ill because of the travelling, and thus, while on her way, lies bedridden in my father’s house. He sent me out in her stead. Now I beseech you, as she besought me – she bade me, lord, solicit you most urgently, since God has so honoured you that your reputation so entirely surpasses that of many another knight, then honour God and good women, if you are courtly and wise. Now deign to enhance your fame with regard to both – yours with regard to honour, hers with regard to property. Inform me what you now intend,

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German Romance III des bewîset mich durch got.’ Er sprach: ‘Dâ ne hât sich der bot niht versûmet umb ein hâr. Der alte spruch, der ist wâr: swer guoten boten sendet, sînen willen er endet. Ich kiuse bî dem boten wol, wie man die frouwen wern sol. Ich tuon vil gerne swes ir gert, sô verre mich der lîp gewert. Nû rîtet für und wîset mich – swar ir mich wîset, dar var ich.’ Sus wart der bot enpfangen, und was vil gar zergangen ir zwîfellichiu swære. Manech wehselmære sagten sî ûf der heide. Sus vertriben sî beide mit niuwen mæren den tac. Nû sâhen sî wâ vor in lac ein burch ûf der strâze, den liuten wol ze mâze, die herbergen solden, als ouch sî gerne wolden.

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Iwein for God’s sake.’ He said: ‘Here the messenger has neglected not a single thing. The old saying is true: whoever sends a good messenger will carry out his purpose. I see clearly by the messenger how the lady’s request is to be granted. I shall do most willingly all that you wish, as far as my physical powers permit. Now ride ahead and guide me – wherever you guide me, I shall ride.’ Thus the messenger was received, and her doubting difficulties were entirely dispelled. They exchanged much converse on the heath. Thus they both passed the day with new tidings. Now they beheld a castle standing before them on the road, well suited to people seeking for lodging, as they were indeed desirous of finding.

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6085 Diu burch lac besunder, und ein marchet darunder, dar in sî beidiu riten. Nû enpfiengen sî mit unsiten alle die in den strâzen 6090 stuonden unde sâzen. Sî möhten wol erschrichen von ir twerhen blichen. Sî chêrten in den rüke zuo und sprâchen: ‘Ir chumt her ze fruo. 6095 Man het iuwer hie wol rât, und west ir wiez hie stât, ir wæret für gechêret. Ir werdet hie lützel gêret. Wem sît ir hie willechomen, 6100 ode waz habt ir iuch an genomen mit iuwer reise dâ her? Wer ist hie der iuwer ger? Ir möht rîten fürbaz. Iuch hât rehte der gotes haz 6105 dâ her gesant beide zallem iuwerm leide! Ir sît uns unwillechomen!’ Dô sî daz heten vernomen, dô sprach der rîter mit dem leun: 6110 ‘Waz diut diz schelten und diz dreun, ode waran verschuldet ich daz? Verdient ich ie iuwern haz, daz ist unwizzende geschehn, unde wil iu des bejehn 6115 bî der rehten wârheit, ichn chom nie her durch iuwer leit. Magich, ich scheide ouch hinnen mit iuwer aller minnen. Aller liute beste, 6120 enpfâhet ir iuwer geste alle ensamt als mich, daz ist untrœstlich einem her chomen man, der iuwer niht gerâten kan.’ 6125 Nû gehôrte ein frouwe diesen zorn –

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XI IWEIN FIGHTS AGAINST TWO GIANTS The castle lay to one side, and down below a market,90 into which they both rode. Now they were accorded an inhospitable welcome by all those who stood and sat in the lanes.91 They could easily have been intimidated by their hostile glances. The townspeople turned their backs on them, saying: ‘You have come here too soon! We could easily have done without you here, and if you knew how things stand here, you would have carried on by. You will be accorded little honour here. To whom are you welcome here, or what have you taken upon yourselves by making your way here? Who is there here who desires your presence? You might as well ride on by. Truly, it was God’s hatred which sent you both here to bring you nothing but grief! You are not welcome here!’ When they had heard that, the knight with the lion said: ‘What is the meaning of this scolding and threatening, or how have I deserved this? If I ever earned your enmity, it happened unwittingly, and I would assert to you in all truth that I never came here intending to do you harm. If I may, moreover, I will depart from here with the affection of all of you. Best of all people, if you welcome all your guests as you do me, that brings no comfort to a man who has arrived here and who cannot dispense with your help.’ Now a lady heard these words of wrath –

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German Romance III diu was ûz der stat geborn, für die sîn strâze gienc, dô er den burchwec gevienc. Diu wincte im von verre unde sprach: ‘Lieber herre, die rede die man hie tuot, die tuot man niuwan durch guot. Nû enzürnet niht sô sêre. Sî riuwet iuwer êre, und daz rîterlîche wîp. Ir müezzet verliesen den lîp – dazn kunnet ir niemer bewarn – welt ir ûf die burch varn. Sîne redent ez durch deheinen haz, wan dazs iu des gunden baz, daz ir dise burch mit, unde noch fürbaz rit, wande uns ist ein gebot gegebn über guot und über lebn, daz sich hie vor wîp noch man nem deheinen gast an ûzzerhalp dem bürgetor – dâne herberget man niemen vor. Got sol iuch dervor bewarn! Ich weiz wol, welt ir volvarn, daz ez iu an den lîp gât. Erwindet noch, daz ist mîn rât, unde rîtet fürbaz.’ Er sprach: ‘Mich hulfe lîhte daz, volget ich iuwerm râte – nû ist ez aber ze spâte. War möht ich nû gerîten? Ich muoz des tages hie bîten.’ Sî sprach: ‘Müese ich iuch danne sehn, leider des niht mac geschehn, her wider ûz chêren, herre, mit iuwern êren, sô helfe mir got, des freut ich mich!’ Alsus reit er für sich. Als in der torwærte ersach, er wincte im dar unde sprach: ‘Wol her, rîter, wol her, wandich iuch des wol wer, daz man iuch hie vil gerne siht!

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Iwein she was born in the town past which his road went when he took the way to the castle. She beckoned to him from afar, saying, ‘Dear lord, the words that are spoken to you here are nothing but well-intentioned. Now, do not be so angry. They grieve for your honour and the courtly woman. You must lose your life – you can never prevent that – if you will ride up to the castle. It is not out of any hostility that they speak these words, but they would wish better things for you – that you should shun this castle and ride on past it, for a command has been given to us, at risk of our property and our lives, that down here neither woman nor man should put up any guest outside the castle gate – no-one gives hospitality to anyone outside it. May God protect you! I know well that if you will go all the way, it will cost you your life. Turn back yet – that is my advice – and ride on by.’ He said: ‘It might well help me if I were to follow your advice – but it is too late now. Where could I ride to now? I must wait for dawn here.’ She said: ‘If I could only see you, after this – which, sadly, cannot come to pass – come back out again with your honour intact, lord, then, God help me, I would rejoice at that!’ Thus he rode straight on. When the gatekeeper beheld him, he beckoned him over, saying: ‘Come on, knight, come on, for I will grant you willingly that we are delighted to see you here!

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6170 Ezn chumt aber iu zestaten niht!’ Nâch disem antpfange sûmder in unlange, ern tæte im ûf die porte. Mit manigem drôworte 6175 enpfienc in der portenære. Daz was im unmære. Er sach in schalclîchen an als ein ungetriuwer man. Er sprach: ‘Ich hân daz wol bedâht, 6180 daz ich iuch hân her in brâht. Ahtet selbe umbe die ûzvart!’ Nâch im wart daz tor bespart. Ern ruochte was er sprach, dô er deheine freise sach 6185 in der burch noch dervor. Nû sach er inrehalp dem tor ein wîtez werchgadem stân. Daz was gestalt und getân als armer liute gemach. 6190 Darin er durch ein venster sach würchen wol driu hundert wîp. Den wâren diu cleider und der lîp vil armeclîche gestalt – ir deheiniu was doch alt. 6195 Die armen heten den sin, daz gnuoge worhten under in, swaz iemen würchen solde von sîden und von golde. Gnuoge worhten an der ram – 6200 der werch was ouch lobesam, und die des niene kunden, die lâsen, dise wunden, disiu blou, disiu dahs, disiu hachelte flahs, .6205 disiu bürste, disiu swanc,92 . disiu lînwæte twanc, . rehte wîz als ein swan. . Disiu streut garn an, . daz sî ze tuoche wolde weben. .6210 Diu drümer muose ir disiu gebn. Dise spunnen, dise nâten, unde wâren doch unberâten. In galt ir arbeit niht mê,

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Iwein Not that it will help you at all!’ After this reception he did not delay him long, but opened up the gate to him. With many a threatening word the gatekeeper received him. That was of no account to Iwein. The gatekeeper looked at him in villainous fashion, like a man lacking in loyalty. He said: ‘It was a good idea of mine to let you in here. As for how you get out, that’s your look-out!’ The gate was barred behind him. He did not care what the gatekeeper said, as he saw no danger, neither in the castle nor outside it. Now, within the gate, he saw a large workshop. It had the shape and form of a room for poor people. Looking in through a window, he saw a good three hundred women working cloth in there. Their garments and their persons were in a most wretched state – none of them was old, however. These poor women had such skill that an ample number of them fashioned whatever clothing was to be worked there out of silk and gold. Plenty worked at the frame – their work was praiseworthy, too – and those who had no skill at that sorted threads. Some wound yarn, this one beat in, that one broke, this one hackled flax, this one rippled, that one scutched, this one forced linen, just as white as a swan. This one drew out yarn which she wanted to weave into cloth. That one had to give her the thrums. These spun, those sewed, and yet they were ill-provided for. Their labour brought them no other reward

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wan daz in zallen zîten wê 6215 vor hunger und vor durste was, und daz in chûme genas der lîp der in doch nâch gesweich. Sî wâren mager unde bleich. Sî liten grôzzen unrât 6220 an dem lîbe und an der wât. Ez was bî ir fiure underwîlen tiure daz fleisch zuo den fischen. Sî muose verwischen 6225 wirtschaft unde êre. Sî rungen mit sêre. Ouch wurden sî sîn gewar, wâren sî ê riuwevar, ir leides wart dô michels mê. 6230 In tet diu scham als wê, daz in die arme enpfielen, wan in die træhen wielen ûz den ougen an ir wât. Daz ir grôzzen unrât 6235 iemen fremder het ersehn, dâ was in leide an geschehn. Diu houpt sigen in zetal, daz sî vergâzen über al des werches in den henden. 6240 Von den ellenden wolder den portenære gerne frâgen mære, wander dâ niemen andern sach. Der schalc dô schalclîchen sprach. 6245 Als er gein dem tor gienc, der schalch in schalclîch enpfienc. Er sprach ûz schalches munde, sô er schalchlîchest kunde:93 ‘Her gast, ir woldet für daz tor – 6250 nein, dâ ist ein rigel vor. Ez ist iu anders undersehn – iu sol iuwer reht hie geschehn, ê iu diu porte werde enspart. Man sol iuch zuo iuwer ûzvart 6255 anders beleiten – man sol iuch hie bereiten maniger unêren.

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Iwein than that they suffered pain at all times from hunger and thirst, and that they scarcely survived. Their bodies were, indeed, near to perishing. They were thin and pale. They suffered from great scarcity, both in person and in clothing. By their fire they were at times short of both meat and fish. They had to do without hospitality and honour. They struggled against adversity. Moreover, now that they beheld Iwein, if they were of sorrowful aspect before, their sorrow then grew much greater. Shame hurt them so hard that their arms drooped, for tears fell from their eyes down upon their garments. Sorrow befell them at any stranger having beheld their great deprivation. Their heads dropped, so that they entirely neglected the work in their hands. He would gladly have asked the gatekeeper for tidings concerning these wretched women, for he could see no-one else there. That villain then spoke villainously. As Iwein approached the gate, the villain welcomed him villainously. Out of a villain’s mouth he spoke, as villainously as he possibly could: ‘Sir guest, you would like to go out through the gate – no, there is a bolt before it. Different provision has been made for you – you must meet with your due here before the gate is unbarred to you. For your exit, you must be given a different escort – you are to have prepared for you here much dishonour

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German Romance III Man sol iuch hie lêren dise hovezuht baz. Wie gar iuwer got vergaz, dô ich iuch brâhte dâ her in! Ir scheidet mit unêren hin!’ Dô sprach der rîter mit dem leun: ‘Dû maht mir harte vil gedreun – michn bestê ein grœzzer nôt, deiswâr, sô gelige ich niemer tôt! Wan besliuzzestû vaste dîn tor? Zwâre wærich dâ vor, ich wolde doch her wider in. Daz ich zuo dir gegangen bin, daz ist durch frâgen getân: friunt, dû solt mich wizzen lân, wie stêt ez umbe disiu wîp? Den sint die siten und der lîp gestalt wol dem gelîche, wæren sî frô und rîche, sô wæren sî vil wol getân.’ Der frâge hiez er sich erlân. Er sprach: ‘Ich sagiu ein bast. Wænt ir niht, her gast, daz mich iht betrâge iuwer müezzigen frâge? Ir verlieset michel arbeit.’ Der rîter sprach: ‘Daz ist mir leit,’ unde schiet lachende dan, als der sich mit dem bœsen man mit worten niht beheften wil, und het sîne rede für spil. Er ersuochte want unde want, unz er die hûstür vant, unde gie zuo in dar in. Swie gar von armuot ir sin wære beswæret, doch wâren sî unerværet, im enwürde al umbe genigen, unde liezzen ir werch ligen, die wîle er under in dâ saz – ir zuht von art gebôt in daz. Ouch nam er war daz lützel hie überiger rede ergie, der doch gerne vil geschiht,

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Iwein you will be taught more about the courtesy that obtains here! How entirely God neglected you when I let you in here! You will depart with dishonour!’ Then the knight with the lion said: ‘Threaten me as much as you like – unless greater peril assails me, in truth, I shall never lie down dead! Why don’t you close your gate firmly? Indeed, if I were out there, I would still want to go back in. The reason why I have approached you is to ask questions: friend, you must tell me, how do things stand with these women? Their bearing and their persons are, indeed, of such semblance that, if they were happy and wealthy, they would be most fair.’ The gatekeeper bade himself be spared such a question. He said: ‘I’ll not tell you a thing.94 Don’t you think, sir guest, that I am at all weary of your idle questioning? You are wasting much labour.’ The knight said: ‘I am sorry for that,’ and left with a smile, like one who does not wish to be trapped in conversation with a base man, and took his words to be a jest. He searched wall after wall until he found the entrance door, and went in through it to the women. Although their minds were so entirely weighed down by poverty, that did not, however, deter them from bowing to him on all sides, and letting their work lie for as long as he sat there amongst them – their innate courtesy commanded that of them. Moreover, he perceived that little superfluous talk took place there, such as, however, often tends to happen

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German Romance III swâ man vil wîbe ensamt siht.95 Sî wurden ofte schamrôt, dô er in sînen dienst bôt, ir ougen trüebe unde naz, die wîle er under in dâ saz. Nû erbarmet in ir arbeit. Er sprach: ‘Wærez iu niht leit, sô het ich gerne frâge iuwerre ahte und der mâge. Ist iuch disiu armuot an geborn, sô hân ich mînen wân verlorn, wandich sihe wol daz iu wê tuot diu scham derselben armuot, und versihe mich des dâ von – swer ir von kinde ist gewon, dern schamt sich ir sô sêre niht, als man an iu hie siht. Nûne sagt mir minre noch mê, wan rehte wiez drumbe stê: weder hât iu diz lebn geburt ode unheil gegebn?’ Diz was der einer antwurt: ‘Unser lebn und unser geburt suln wir iu vil gerne sagen, got und guoten liuten clagen, wie uns grôz êre ist benomen, und sîn in disen kumber chomen. Herre, ez ist unser lant der Junchfrouwen Wert genant und lît dem mer unverre. Des selben landes herre gewan den muot daz er reit, niuwan von sîner kintheit, suochen âventiure,96 und von des weges stiure leider uns sô chom er rehte alsam ouch ir dâ her, und geschach im als ouch iu geschiht, wan dâ ne ist widerrede niht, irn müezzet morgen vehten mit zwein des tiufels knehten. Die sint als manhaft, und het ir sehs manne kraft, daz wære ein niht wider in.

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Iwein where many women are seen together. They often blushed for shame when he offered them his service, their eyes being dim and wet for as long as he sat there amongst them. Now he took pity on their suffering. He said: ‘If it were not to offend you at all, I would gladly inquire about your degree and kin. If you were born to this poverty, then I am much mistaken, for I see clearly that you are pained by the shame of this same poverty, and that is why I imagine that you were not born to it. Whoever is accustomed to such poverty from childhood is not so very much ashamed of it as can be seen in you here. Now tell me, neither more nor less, but precisely how it stands: was it birth or misfortune gave you this way of life?’ One of them replied as follows: ‘We shall most willingly tell you about our way of life and our birth, and lament to God and to good people how we have been deprived of great honour and have met with these troubles. Lord, our land is called the Damsels’ Wharf, and lies not far from the sea. That same land’s lord took it into his head to ride, prompted only by his youthfulness, in search of adventure, and because of the way his road led him, to our misfortune he came, just like you, to this same place, and the same befell him as will befall you, too, for there is no gainsaying that you must fight tomorrow with two of the Devil’s servants. They are so doughty that even if you had the strength of six men, it would count for nothing against them.

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German Romance III Got eine mac iu helfen hin, ob er imz enblanden wil, wande im ist nihtes ze vil. Ezn kan ouch âne in niht geschehn, wirne müezzen morgen an iu sehn, daz jâmers unz an dise frist an manigem hie gesehn ist. Sus chom mîn herre her geriten, und solde mit in hân gestriten. Sîn wille unde sîn muot was gereit unde guot; dône was sîn alter für wâr niuwan ahzehn jâr, und was des lîbes als kranc, daz er des siges âne danc und ungestriten muose jehn, und wære dâ tôter gesehn, wan daz er sich vor disen unsæligen risen lôste als ich iu wil sagen: sî heten in anders erslagen, wan daz er in über den eit gap gîsel unde sicherheit, daz er in zinset sîn lebn. Er muoz in elliu jâr gebn drîzech mægde dâ her, die wîle sî lebent unde er; und wære dehein sô sælech man, der in gesigte beiden an, sô wæren wir alle erlôst. Diu rede ist leider âne trôst, wan zuo aller ir kraft sô sint sî sô manhaft, daz in niemer dehein man den sic mac behaben an. Wir sîn die selben zinsgebn und haben ein jæmerlîchez lebn. Wir leiten riuweclîche jugent, wande sî sint âne alle tugent, den wir dâ sîn undertân. Sî ne chunnen uns niht geniezzen lân aller unser arbeit. Swaz uns für wirt geleit, daz müezzen wir allez lîden.

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Iwein God alone can help you out of here, if He desires to take the trouble, for nothing is too much for Him. Indeed, it cannot happen without Him, or else we must see tomorrow such sorrow befall you as, until this day, has been seen to befall many a man here. Thus my lord came riding here and was to have fought with them. His desire and his intention were willing and worthy; but then his age, in truth, was only eighteen years, and he was so bodily frail that, against his will, he had to concede victory without fighting, and would have been seen dead there, except that he ransomed himself from those accursèd giants in the way I will tell you – they would have slain him otherwise, if he had not, on oath, given them hostages and surety, gaining his life in return for a pledge. He has to give them, every year, thirty maidens here, for as long they and he live; and if there were any man so fortunate that he might vanquish them both, then we would all be redeemed. The situation is, unfortunately, hopeless, for, apart from all their great strength, they are so doughty that no man can ever vanquish them. We are those same hostages and live wretched lives. Our youth is blighted by grief, for those to whom we are subject are entirely without virtue. They will not let us profit by all our labour. No matter what is imposed upon us we must put up with it all.

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6390 Von golde und ûz sîden würchen wir die besten wât, die iemen in der werlde hât. Nû was hilfet uns daz? Wirne lebn doch niht deste baz. 6395 Wir müezzen ez sêre enblanden den armen und den handen, ê wir sô vil erwerben, daz wir niht hungers sterben. Man lônt uns als ich iu sage – 6400 nû seht, wer von dem bejage rîche wesen kunde. Man gît uns von dem pfunde niuwan vier pfenninge. Der lôn ist al ze ringe 6405 für spîse und für cleider. Des sîn wir ouch der beider rehte dürftiginne. Von unserm gewinne sint sî worden rîche, 6410 und leben wir jæmerlîche.’ Dô erbarmet in ir ungemach. Er siufte sêre unde sprach: ‘Nû sî got der süezze, der iu frouwen büezze 6415 iuwer unwerdez lebn, und ruoche iu sælde und êre gebn. Mir ist iuwer kumber leit, und wizzet mit der wârheit, sô sêre erbarmet ir mich, 6420 ich benæme in iu gerne, möht ich. Ich wil gên unz ich vinde des hûses ingesinde, wie daz gebâre wider mich. Diu rede ist nie sô angestlich, 6425 wil mir got gnædech wesn, sô trûwe ich harte wol genesn.’ Alsô bat er ir got pflegen; ouch gâben sî im vil manigen segen. Nû begunder suochende gân, 6430 und vant ein schœne palas stân. Darûf gienc er schouwen mit sîner junchfrouwen, und envant darûffe wîp noch man.

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Iwein Out of gold and silk we work the best garments anyone in the world has. Now what use is that to us? Our lives are not any the better for it. We must pay for it dearly at the cost of our arms and hands before we make so much that we do not die of hunger. Our reward is as I shall tell you – now look, who could get rich by such profit? They give us only four pennies in the pound.97 That wage is all too small for food and for clothes. As a result we are, indeed, nothing but beggars with regard to both of those. By our profits they have become rich, and we live wretched lives.’ Then he took pity on their hardship. He sighed deeply and said: ‘Now may sweet God make amends to you ladies for this life which is unworthy of you, and deign to give you bliss and honour.98 I grieve for your troubles, and know in all truth, I pity you so much that I would gladly take them away from you, if I could. I will go and find this castle’s household, and see how they behave towards me. The situation is never so perilous that, provided God desires to be gracious to me, I trust I shall survive easily enough.’ Thus he asked God to take care of them; they, for their part, gave him very many blessings. Now he went off on his search, and found a beautiful great hall standing there. He went up into it to have a look round, together with his damsel, but found neither woman nor man up there.

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Nû volget er einem wanche dan, 6435 der in den wec leite über des palas breite – wan dô het erz ersuochet gar, dô nam er einer stiege war. Diu selbe stiege wîste in 6440 in einen boumgarten hin. Der was lanc unde wît, daz er vor des noch sît deheinen schœnern nie gesach. Dar in het sich durch gemach 6445 ein altherre geleit. Dem was ein bette gereit, des wære gewesn frô diu gottinne Jûnô, dô sî in ir besten werde was. 6450 Der schœne bluot, daz reine gras bâren im vil süezzen smac. Der herre hêrlîche lac. Er het einen schœnen alten lîp, und wæne wol sî was sîn wîp, 6455 ein frouwe diu dâ bî im saz. Sîne mohten beidiu niht baz von sô alten jâren getân sîn noch gebâren, und vor in beiden saz ein magt, 6460 diu vil wol, ist mir gesagt, wælsch lesen kunde. Diu kurzte in die stunde. Ouch mohte sî ein lachen lîhte an in gemachen – 6465 ez dûhte sî guot, swaz sî las, wande sî ir beider tohter was. Ez ist reht, daz man sî krœne, diu zuht unde schœne, hôhe geburt unde jugent, 6470 gewizzen unde ganze tugent, kiusche und wîse rede hât. Daz was an ir und gar der rât, des der wunsch an wîbe gert. Ir lesen was et dâ vil wert. 6475 Dô sî den gast sâhen, dô begunden sî gâhen, diu frouwe und der herre,

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Iwein Now he followed a side-path which led him across the breadth of the hall – for when he had searched it throughout, he then perceived a staircase. That same staircase led him out into an orchard. That was long and wide, and such that neither before nor since did he ever see any more beautiful. To take his ease, an old nobleman had lain down there. Such a bed had been prepared for him that the goddess Juno would have been delighted by it, when she was in her pomp. The beautiful blossom, the pure grass gave off most sweet scents to him. That lord lay in lordly fashion. He had a handsome old person, and, I believe, she was his wife – the lady who sat by him there. Neither of them could, being so old in years, be of better figure nor demeanour, and in front of the two of them sat a maiden who could, so I am told, read the Romance language99 most readily. She shortened the hours for them. Moreover, she could readily provoke a smile from them. They thought everything good that she read, for she was the daughter of that pair. It is right that one should crown her with praise – she who possesses courtesy and beauty, high birth and youth, discretion and entire worth, chastity and wise speech. That she had, and a full supply of what perfection desires of woman. Her reading was, indeed, much valued there. When they saw the stranger, they then made haste, the lady and the lord,

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German Romance III gegen im gnuoc verre. Sî enpfiengen in als wol, als man lieben gast sol, dem er willechomen ist. Darnâch het in in kurzer frist entwâfent diu junge. Sô guoter handelunge was gnuoc einem ellenden man. Dânach gap sî im an vil wîze lînwât reine, geritiert100 cleine, und ein samîtes mantellîn. Darunder was hærmîn, als ez ob hemden wol stât. Des rokes heter dô wol rât, wandez ein warmer abent was. An daz schœnste gras, dazs in dem boumgarten vant, dar fuorte sî in bî der hant, und gesâzen zein ander. Alrêrst dô bevander, daz bî ir wunneclîcher jugent wonte güete und michel tugent. Er jach daz man an kinde niemer mêre vinde süezzer wort noch rehter site – sî mohte nâch betwingen mite eins engels gedanc, daz er vil lîhte einen wanc durch sî von himel tæte, wandes101 im sîn selbes stæte einen selhen minnen slac sluoc, die er in sînem herzen truoc, möhte die ûz sînem gemüete deheins wîbes güete iemer benomen hân, daz het ouch sî benamen getân,102 wande im tet daz scheiden wê. Ern erchunte sît noch ê âne sîn selbes wîp nie bezzer rede noch schœnern lîp. Dô sich ê die viere gesunderten sô schiere, dô mohten sî under in beiden

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Iwein to go to meet him from far enough afield. They welcomed him as well as one ought to do a dear guest who is a welcome visitor. After that it was not long before the young maiden had disarmed him. Such good treatment was ample for an exile. After that she gave him much pure white linen to wear, finely pleated, and a little cloak of samite. Ermine was beneath it, as is seemly above tunics. He could easily have dispensed with the cloak then, for it was a warm evening. Next she led him by the hand to the most beautiful patch of grass she could find in the orchard, and they sat down beside one another. Then, for the first time, he discerned that, alongside her delightful youthfulness, kindness and much virtue resided in her. He averred that one could never again find sweeter words nor more proper manners in a girl. She might almost, by these qualities, have compelled an angel’s thoughts perhaps to make an aberration from Heaven for her sake, for she struck such a blow of love to Iwein’s own constancy. If ever any woman’s grace might have removed her from his mind whom he bore in his heart, she, indeed, would have done so, for it hurt him to part from her. He never knew, neither before nor since – with the exception of his own wife – better discourse nor a more beautiful person. When the original four had so quickly separated into pairs it was very easy to distinguish

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German Romance III vil wol sîn gescheiden des willen sam der jâre. Mich dunchet des zwâre, ir herze wæren mislich: diu zwei jungen senten sich vil tougen in ir sinne nâch redelîcher minne, und freuten sich ir jugent, und redten von des sumers tugent, unde wie sî wolden, ob sî leben solden, guoter freude walten. Dô redten aber die alten, sî wæren beidiu samt alt, und der winder wurde lîhte chalt, sô solden sî sich behüeten mit rûhen fuhshüeten vor dem houptfroste. Sî schuofen ir choste ze gefüere und ze gemache – sî ahten ir sache nâch dem hûsrâte. Nû was ez alsô spâte, daz in ein bot seit, daz ezzen wære bereit. Nû giengen sî ouch ezzen. Desn wart dâ niht vergezzen, man enbüt dem gaste volleclîchen vaste als grôzze êre, daz ez nie wirt mêre sînem gaste baz erbôt. Des was er wert und was ims nôt.103 Darunder gedâht er iedoch: ‘Ez vert allez wol noch – nû fürhte ich aber sêre, daz ich dise grôzze êre vil tiure gelten müezze – der antfanc ist ze süezze – als mir der arge schalch gehiez, der mich in die burch liez, des wirtes portenære, und ouch nâch dem mære, als mir die frouwen hânt gesagt.

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Iwein between the two couples, both with regard to their desires and their years. It seems to me, in all truth, that their hearts were of different kinds: the two young people longed most secretly, in their minds, for fitting love, and rejoiced in their youth, and spoke about the fine summer, and how they would, if they were to live long enough, enjoy sweet contentment. The old people, on the other hand, were talking then of how they were both old together, and the winter would perhaps be cold – then they ought to protect themselves with hairy fox-skin hats against the frost affecting their heads. Thus they were weighing up the costs of ease and comfort – they were attending to household needs. Now it was so late in the day that a messenger told them that the meal was ready. Then they did indeed go to eat. Nothing was neglected there, but the stranger was offered in all plenitude such great hospitality that a host never again offered better to his guest. He was worthy of that and stood in need of it. At the same time he thought, however: ‘Everything is going well so far, but now, I very much fear that I must pay most dearly for this great hospitality – this reception is too pleasant – given what that evil villain who let me into the castle, the host’s gatekeeper, promised me, and also because of the tidings the ladies told me.

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German Romance III Gehabe dich wol, wîs unverzagt! Dir geschiht daz dir geschehn sol, und anders niht, daz weiz ich wol!’ Dô sî wol gâzen und unlange sâzen, darnâch bette man in, den gesellen allen drin, durch ir gemach besunder. Swer daz nû für ein wunder im selben sagt, daz im ein unsippiu magt nahtes alsô nâhen lac, mit der er anders niht enpflac, dern weiz niht daz ein biderbe man sich alles des enthalten chan, des er sich enthalten wil – weizgot ir ist aber niht vil! Im gie diu naht mit senften hin. Got der müezze füegen in des morgens bezzer mære, danner getrœstet wære! Morgen, dô ez tac wart, und er sîne êrste vart dem heiligen geiste mit einer messe leiste, dô wolder urloup hân genomen. Dô sprach der wirt: ‘Die her sint chomen, unde rîter wâren als ir, die habent alle mir geleistet mîne gewonheit, den ez nâch grôzzer arbeit aller oftest ergie. Zwêne risen, die sint hie – desn ist dehein mîn gast erlân, ern müese sî bestân – daz sî noch nieman überwant! Und ist doch alsô gewant, wære dehein sô sælech man, der in gesicte beiden an, dem müese ich mîne tohter gebn. Solde mich der überlebn, der gewünne michel êre – ichn hân niht kindes mêre – und wurde im allez diz lant.

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Iwein Keep your spirits up, be undaunted – what befalls you is what must befall you, and nothing else – I am well aware of that!’ When they had eaten well and sat but for a short time, beds were then laid for all three companions,104 so that they could take their ease separately. Whoever now says to himself that it is a marvel that a maiden, no kin of Iwein’s, lay so near to him at night, and he indulged in no other activity with her, does not know that an honest man is capable of holding back in everything in which he wishes to hold back – but God knows there are not many such men! The night passed peacefully for him. May God grant them better tidings in the morning than Iwein has been given hope for thus far! Next morning when day broke, and his first journey had been to hear a mass for the Holy Spirit, he then desired to take his leave. Then the host said: ‘Those who have come here and were knights as you are have all observed my custom, great hardship though it has most often cost them. Two giants are present here – none of my guests is spared from taking them on – alas that no-one has ever vanquished them! And yet it is the case that if any man were to be so fortunate as to conquer them both, I would have to give him my daughter. If he were to outlive me he would gain great honour – I have no other children – and all this land would be his.

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6610 Ouch ist ez leider sô gewant, unz sî niht überwunden sint, sô ne magich mîn kint deheinem manne gegebn. Wâget, rîter, daz lebn! 6615 Nû ist iu doch lîhte guotes nôt – werdet rîche ode geligt tôt! Waz ob iu sol gevallen der prîs vor in allen? Jâ gelinget einem ofte an zwein.’ 6620 Des antwurte im der her Îwein dem gelîch als er wære verzagt: ‘Iuwer tohter ist ein schœniu magt – sî ist edel unde rîch. Sô ne bin ich niender dem gelîch, 6625 daz ich ir möhte gezemen. Ein frouwe sol einen herren nemen. Ouch vindich ein wîp wol, swenne ich wîp nemen sol, dâ mir mîn mâze an geschiht. 6630 Ichn ger iuwer tohter niht. Ouch enwil ich niemer den lîp gewâgen umbe dehein wîp sô gar ûz der mâze, daz ich mich slâhen lâze 6635 sô lasterlîche âne wer, wan zwêne wâren ie eins her. Soldich noch einen bestân, dâ müese ich angest zuo hân.’ Dô sprach der wirt: ‘Ir sît verzagt, 6640 daz ir mir iuwer krancheit sagt. Ich weiz wol wâ von daz geschiht – irn wert iuch mîner tohter niht niuwan durch iuwern zagen muot. Nû vehtet – daz ist als guot, 6645 wan ezn sî daz iuch diu wer ner, sô slahent sî iuch âne wer.’ Dô sprach der gast: ‘Daz ist ein nôt, herre, daz man iuwer brôt mit dem tôde zinsen sol. 6650 Nû chumt mir daz als wol, daz ich enzît strîte, sô daz ich iemer bîte, sît mir ze strîten geschiht.’

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Iwein Moreover, the situation is, unfortunately, that as long as the giants have not been vanquished I can’t give my daughter to any man. Knight, risk your life! It may well be, after all, that you are in need of property – get rich or lie dead! What if the prize should fall to you alone, above all others? Often, indeed, one man succeeds against two.’ Lord Iwein replied to him as if he lacked courage: ‘Your daughter is a beautiful maiden – she is noble and wealthy. Now, I am nothing like a fit husband for her. A lady should take a lord as her husband. Moreover, I’ll find a wife easily enough, when the time comes for me to take a wife, who will befit my station. I do not desire your daughter. Also, I do not wish ever to risk my life for any woman so far out of my degree, and let myself be slain so ignominiously, without any possibility of self-defence, for two men were always an army for one. If I were to take on just one man, that would be ample peril for me.’ Then the host said: ‘You are a coward to speak to me of your low degree. I know well how this comes about – you disdain my daughter out of pure cowardice. Fight, now, come what may, for unless your defence preserves you, they will slay you without your defending yourself.’ Then the guest said: ‘It is hazardous, sir, that your bread must be paid for by death. Now it suits me as well to fight in good time as to wait forever, since it befalls me to fight.’

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Nû ne sûmder sich niht – 6655 er wâfent sich zehant, und nâch dem rosse wart gesant. Daz was die naht sô wol bewart, daz ez nie bî im wart gekunriert alsô schône – 6660 daz ims got niht lône, der ez sô flîzeclîchen tet, wandez was âne des gastes bet! Der dinge verchêrt sich vil, daz einer dem andern schaden wil, 6665 und daz ez im gar gefrumt. Swes dienst sô zestaten chumt, daz er im liep unde guot sô wider sînen willen tuot, des lôn wirt von rehte kranc. 6670 Ern darf im niemer gesagen danc umbe sîns rosses gemach, wandez ûf den wân geschach, daz ez in solde dâ bestân, und ist daz sî betrouc ir wân, 6675 dazn wirt mir niemer leit. Nû was der gast wol bereit. Ouch chômen die risen mit wer – sî möht erfürhten105 wol ein her. Sî wâren gewâfent sêre, 6680 sô daz an in niht mêre blôzzes wan daz houpt schein, und die arme und diu bein. Die kolben die sî truogen, swelhes endes sî die sluogen, 6685 dâne mohte niht vor gestân, und heten ouch grôzzen mort getân, und dô sî den grôzzen leun mit sînen wîten keun bî sînem herren sâhen stân, 6690 und mit sînen langen clân die erde kratzen vaste, dô sprâchen sî ze dem gaste: ‘Herre, waz diut dirre leu? Uns dunchet des, daz er uns dreu 6695 mit sînem zornigen site! Iu ne vihtet hie niemen mite, der leu enwerde ê in getân.

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Iwein Now he delayed no longer – he armed himself at once, and his charger was sent for. That had been so well tended that night that, as long as it was with Iwein, it was never so splendidly curried – let God, however, not reward the man who did that so diligently, for it was done without the guest asking for it! Things often take a different turn, when one man wishes to do another harm, and yet it turns out entirely to the other’s advantage. If a man’s service so avails another that he brings him joy and acts well by him so entirely against his will, then that man’s reward will rightly be small. He has no need ever to say thanks to him for the comfort given to his charger, for it happened in the hope that it should remain with them there, and if their hopes deceived them, I will never be sorry for it. Now the guest was fully ready. The giants arrived, too, armed – a whole army might easily have been afraid of them. They were so well armed that there was nothing exposed about them except for their heads, and their arms and legs. As for the clubs that they carried, no matter what direction they struck out with them, nothing could stand up against them, and they had, indeed, wrought much murder. Yet when they saw the great lion with its massive maw standing by its lord, and pawing hard at the earth with its long claws, they then said to the stranger: ‘Sir, what is the meaning of this lion? It seems to us that it is threatening us with its angry behaviour! No-one will fight with you here unless the lion is first put away inside.

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German Romance III Solder uns mit iu bestân, sô wæren zwêne wider zwein!’ Dô sprach der herre Îwein: ‘Mîn leu vert mit mir durch daz jâr. Ichn geheizze in für wâr niemer von mir gegân, und sihe in gerne bî mir stân. Ichn füere in durch deheinen strît. Sît ab ir mir erbolgen sît, von swem iu leide mac geschehn, daz wil ich harte gerne sehn, von manne ode von tiere.’ Dô bewâgen sî sich schiere, sîne gevæhten niemer wider in, ern tæte sînen leun hin. Dô muoser sînen leun lân. Der wart dâ in ein gadem getân, dâ er wol durch ein venster sach den kampf, der an dem hove geschach. Die zwêne ungefüegen man, die huoben in den strît an. Nû müezze got des gastes pflegn, wande der kampf ist ungewegn! Ern bestuont nie sô grôzze nôt. Den schilt den er für bôt, den heten sî schiere zeslagen. Man mohte niht an getragen, daz wol geschermen möhte und für die kolben töhte. Man sach den helm rîsen, und ander sîn îsen, als ez von strô wære geworht. Den edeln rîter unerforht friste sîn manheit und sîn sin, daz er sô lange vor in unerslagen werte. Ouch galt er mit dem swerte underwîlen einen slac, der vil wol zestaten lac. Dô dise slege herte der leu, sîn geverte, beide erhôrte und ersach, dô müete in sîn ungemach. Nûne vander loch noch tür,

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Iwein If it were to attack us, together with you, that would be two against two!’ Then Lord Iwein said: ‘‘My lion travels with me all the year through. I shall never, indeed, tell it to go away from me, and am glad to see it standing by me. I do not take it with me because of any battle. Since, however, you are incensed against me, I shall be most glad to see any harm that may befall you, be it by man or beast.’ Then they rapidly determined that they would never fight against him unless he put his lion away. Then he had to abandon his lion. It was put into a chamber, where it could see clearly, through a window, the battle that took place in the courtyard. The two monstrous men began battle against Iwein. Now may God take care of the stranger, for the combat is uneven! Never had he faced such great peril. The shield he proffered they had soon destroyed. There was nothing a man might carry that could protect him sufficiently and that would avail against those clubs. People could see Iwein’s helmet falling to the ground, together with other parts of his iron armour, as if it were wrought of straw. His valour and his intent protected that noble, undaunted knight, so that he defended himself against them so long without being slain. Moreover, with his sword he paid back a blow now and then that found its mark pretty well. When the lion, his companion, both heard and beheld these hard blows, his distress troubled it. Yet it could find neither a hole nor a door

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German Romance III dâ er mohte hin für. Er suochte alumbe unz er vant bî der erde an der want ein fûlez geswelle. Der getriuwe hergeselle kratzet unde beiz dan holz und erde, unz er gewan eine gerûme ûzvart, diu vil harte gâhes wart ir einem ze leide. Got velle sî beide! Sîns herren arbeit, die er an in het geleit, der lônt er im dâ. Er begunde sîne scharpfen clâ in sînen rüke heften, und warf in mit kreften rükelingen under sich. Über den gie der gerich, wander beiz unde brach, swâ er in dâ blôzzen sach, unz er nâch helfe lûte schrê. Nûne beite sîn geselle niht mê – er geloupte sich des man, und lief den leun drâte an,106 und wolt in gerne hân erslagen, hetz im sîn herre vertragen: sît er in ê erlôste, kam er im nû ze trôste: deiswâr, des heter michel reht. als schiere so im des tiuvels kneht sînen rücke kêrte, daz in got sô gêrte, dô sluoc er in kurzen stunden im vil manege wunden: in die arme und in diu bein und swâ er ungewâfent schein, dâ gap er im vil manegen slac. wan jener der dâ nider lac, dern moht im niht ze staten komen: wand im hete der lewe benomen sô gar die kraft untten sin daz er vür tôt lac vor in. dô vahten sî in dô an,

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Iwein through which it could get out. It sought all round until it found, near the ground, at the wall, a rotten floorboard. That loyal companion-in-arms scratched and bit away at the wood and ground until it gained sufficient space to get out, which most rapidly cost one of the giants dear. May God fell them both! The lion rewarded him there for the hardship he had imposed upon its lord. It started digging its sharp claws into his back, and, by its strength, threw him on his back beneath it. Vengeance was served upon him, for it bit and broke all of him that it saw unprotected there, until the giant cried out loud for help. Then his fellow-giant did not wait any longer – he renounced the man and ran rapidly at the lion, and would willingly have slain it, if its lord had permitted him. As the lion had redeemed him previously, Iwein now came to its aid – indeed, he was most right to do so. As soon as that devil’s servant turned his back upon him, God so honouring him, he then, in a short space of time, dealt him very many wounds: on his arms and legs, and wherever he appeared unarmed, he gave him full many a blow, for that giant who lay on the ground there could not come to his aid, for the lion had deprived him so entirely of his strength and senses, that he lay as dead before them. Then they attacked him,

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German Romance III beide der lewe untter man, und heten in vil schier erslagen, und doch unglîch einem zagen: wander gap in manegen herten streich, sît daz im diu helfe entweich. der ander lebete dannoch: der muose sich im iedoch gar in sîn genâde geben: dô liez er in durch got leben. daz sich des portenæres drô unde sîn spot alsô ze vreuden hât verkêret, des sî got iemer gêret! Dô er den sige dâ gewan, dô bôt in der wirt an sîne tohter und sîn lant. er sprach ‘wære iu daz erkant wie gar mîne sinne eins andern wîbes minne in ir gewalt gewunnen hât, sô hetent ir des gerne rât daz ich iemer wurde ir man, wand ich niemer werden kan stæte deheinem wîbe wan ir einer lîbe durch die mîn herze vreude enbirt.’ ‘ir müezt sî nemen,’ sprach ter wirt, ‘ode ir sît gevangen; und wære iu wol ergangen daz ich ir iu sô willec bin. hetet ir sælde unde sin, sô bætet ir mich des ich iuch bite.’ er sprach ‘jâ wæret ir dâ mite beswichen als ich iu wil sagen,107 wandich nû in disen tagen einen kampf muoz bestân, den ich alsô genomen hân daz in der künech Artûs muoz sehn, wander sol in sînem hove geschehn. Wurde sî danne nû mîn wîp und verlür ich dâ den lîp, sô wære sî gunêret.’ Der wirt sprach: ‘Swar ir chêret, daz ist mir gar unmære,

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Iwein both the lion and the man, and would very soon have slain him – and yet not as if he were a coward, for he gave them many a hard blow, now that help had deserted him. The other giant was still alive – however, he had to surrender himself entirely to Iwein’s mercy – for the sake of God he then let him live. May God ever be praised that the gatekeeper’s threats and his mockery have thus ended in a happy outcome! When he had won the victory there, the host then offered him his daughter and his land. Iwein said: ‘If it were known to you how entirely another woman’s love has gained power over my senses, then you would willingly dispense with my ever becoming your daughter’s husband, for I can never be constant to any woman except to her alone on whose account my heart forbears joy.’ ‘You must take her as your wife,’ said the host, ‘or you are a prisoner; and it has turned out well for you that I am so willing to give her to you. If you had good fortune and sense you would ask me for that which I ask of you.’ Iwein said: ‘Indeed, you would be deceiving yourself if I were to accede, as I will now tell you, for in the days to come I must now take on a combat which I have agreed to on condition that King Arthur must see it, for it is to take place in his court. If your daughter were now to become my wife and if I were to lose my life there, then she would be dishonoured.’ The host said: ‘I am entirely indifferent as to where you are headed,

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6830 und ist mir iemer swære, daz ichs iuch ie an gebôt, wandich ir iuch unz an mînen tôt harte gar erlâzen sol.’ Der gast vertruoc den zorn wol. 6835 Er sprach: ‘Lieber herre, nû man ich iuch vil verre, bedenchet iuwer hêrschaft, daz iuwer gelübde habe kraft, sît ich hie gesigt hân, 6840 sô sult ir iuwer gevangen lân alle ledech durch mich.’ Der wirt sprach: ‘Daz ist billich,’ und lie sî ûz den banden sâ, und behabte den gast bî in dâ 6845 unz an den sibenden tac, daz man ir dô vil schône pflac, und vil rîche cleite unde pfert bereite, diu sî wol mohten rîten. 6850 In den kurzen zîten gewunnen sî wider den lîp und wurden diu schœnsten wîp diu er ie mêr gesach. Daz schuof daz kurze gemach. .6855 Man sach sî gebâren108 . wider alle die die dâ wâren, . als in nie leit geschæhe dâ. . Urloup nâmen sî sâ . von den dâ ez in tohte .6860 und sich gefüegen mohte. . Dô sî urloup genâmen . und ûf ir pfert quâmen, . und eine mîle dan geriten, . dô ne dorfte man deheine biten, .6865 daz sî hin wider chêrte, . und ir wirt dâ mit êrte, . und als ê gesinde wære. . Geloubet mir ein mære: . man het ir an den stunden .6870 eine dâ niht funden, . diu ez gâhez tæte, . ob sîs ein engel bæte. . Sî fuoren frœlîche.

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Iwein and I shall forever be sorry that I ever offered you my daughter, for I shall spare you her by all means until the day I die.’ His guest easily bore the brunt of his anger. He said: ‘My dear lord, I now admonish you most urgently to think about your dignity, and let your vow hold, now that I have proved victorious here, and let your prisoners all go free, for my sake.’ The host said: ‘That is just,’ and freed them at once from their fetters, and kept his guest with them there until the seventh day, they being then tended most splendidly and clothed most richly, and having horses arranged for them which were fitting for them to ride. In that short time they regained their physique and became the most beautiful women that Iwein ever saw. That short period of rest brought that about. They were seen to behave towards all present there as if no harm had ever befallen them there. They took their leave at once of those that were worthy of it there, and of whom they might fittingly do so. When they had taken their leave and mounted their horses, and had ridden a mile away from there, it would have been fruitless to have asked any of them to head back and honour their host by being part of his household as before. Believe me when I tell you one thing: at that time not one of them could have been found there who would have done so in a hurry, even if an angel asked her. Merrily they rode away.

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324 . Ouch het der tugende rîche .6875 in der burch urloup genomen . und was ûz nâch den frouwen chomen. Alsô reit er mit in von dan und brâhtes als ein höfsch man rehte an ir gewarheit. 6880 Und dô er wider von in reit, vil tiure sî got bâten, als sî von rehte tâten, umbe ir herren und umb ir trôst, der sî dâ het erlôst 6885 von michelem sêre, daz er im sælde und êre109 und rehtes alters ein lebn, und sîn rîche müese gebn.

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Iwein The knight, rich in virtue, had also taken his leave in the castle, and had followed the ladies out. Thus he rode away with them and, like a courteous man, brought them right to a safe place. And when he rode away from them, they implored God most fervently, as they rightly should have done, for their lord and their hope who had redeemed them there from much grief, that He might grant him heavenly bliss and honour, and a ripe old age, and His heavenly kingdom.

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Nû wer moht im gedreun, dô er gesunden sînen leun von dem strîte brâhte? Dar er dâ vor gedâhte, dar chêrter zehant, dâ er die junchfrouwen vant, die ir niftel siech liez, und ir den kampf für sî gehiez. Manigen wirt er gewan,110 die ich alle niht genennen kan, und sint ouch als guot verdagt. Sîn geverte diu magt wîste in die rehten wege, und funden in ir vater pflege die junchvrouwen wol getân,111 von der ich ê gesagt hân, der vil liebe geschach, dô sî den rîter chomen sach. Swaz ir darnâch geschæhe, ob sî in iht gerne sæhe, jâ, daz bescheinde sî wol hie. Engegen im sî verre gie von den frouwen allen. Wem solt daz missevallen, wan sî het sîn chûme erbiten? Under des sî zuo riten, sagt im diu frouwe mære, daz daz ir niftel wære, diu sî nâch im sande suochen after lande, die sî dort gênde sâhen chomen. Als er daz het vernomen, dône reit er fürbaz niht mêr – von dem rosse stuont er. Zuo im gâhte sî zehant. Den helm sî im abe bant, wandir was lieber nie geschehn. Man sol die unzuht übersehn, der man wol zwô hie von ir sagt – sî chuste in ê, dânâch die magt. Sî enpfienc in minneclîchen,

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XII The Combat between Iwein and Gawein Now who might pose a threat to him, now that he had brought his lion, hale and healthy, away from the battle? He headed at once to the destination he had previously in mind, where he found the damsel who had left behind her her sick kinswoman, and to whom he had promised to do combat, on the former’s account. He met with many a host, all of whom I cannot name, and they may as well be concealed. His companion, the maiden, directed him on the right roads, and they found, in her father’s care, that well-favoured damsel of whom I have spoken before, who was overjoyed on seeing the knight approach. No matter what befell her thereafter, she made it clearly manifest that she was delighted to see him, She walked far forward to welcome him, leaving all the ladies behind her. Whom should that displease, for she had scarcely been able to bear waiting for him? Whilst they rode up, the damsel told him the tidings that the lady was her kinswoman who had sent her in search of him, seeking him through the lands – she whom they saw walking towards them there. When he had heard that, he did not ride any further then – he dismounted from his charger. She rushed up to him at once. She unbuckled his helmet, for never had greater joy befallen her. We must ignore the discourtesy which may, I imagine, be attributed to her on two counts here – she kissed him first, and after that the maiden. She welcomed him charmingly

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German Romance III und bat des got den rîchen, daz er sîn êre hielte und sîns heiles wielte. Dô chom der wirt gegangen. Von dem wart er wol enpfangen, und von sînem wîbe, sô daz nie gastes lîbe bezzer handelunge wart erboten ûf deheiner vart. Darnâch chom daz gesinde dar mit einer sûberlîchen schar nâch gruozze und durch schouwe. Manech rîter unde frouwe erzeigeten im dâ holden muot. Sîn kurzwîle was dâ guot. Sî wâren aber unlange dâ, wan diu kampfzît was sô nâ, daz in der tage zuo ir vart deweder gebrast noch überwart, unde chomen ze rehten zîten, Ir swester, ir widerstrîten, fundens an der kampfstat. Her Gâwein, der sich heln bat, der het sich selbe wol verholn, und het sich vor enwec verstoln, und hôrten in des alle jehn, ern möhte den kampf niht gesehn vor ander unmüezzecheit. Alsô heter sich entseit und het sich wider verstoln dar mit fremdem wâfen alsô var, daz in dâ niemen wan diu magt erchande – der het erz gesagt. Nû saz dâ der künech Artûs und von sînem hûs diu massenîe gar, die gerne wolden nemen war, wie dâ wurde gestriten. Nû chomen ouch dort zuo geriten diu junchvrouwe und her Îwein. Der leu fuor niht mit in zwein – den heter underwegn lân – ern wolde in niht zem kampfe hân. Fragt iemen mære,112

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Iwein and implored Almighty God to preserve his honour and prevail over his salvation. Then the host came walking over. Iwein was given such a warm welcome by him and by his wife that never was a guest offered better treatment, not on any journey. Then his retinue arrived with a comely company113 to offer greetings and to see what was happening. Many a knight and lady showed favour to him there. He passed an enjoyable time there. They did not stay there long, however, for the time for battle was so near that the days they needed for their journey were neither lacking nor superfluous, and they arrived in good time. They found her sister, her antagonist, at the battle-place. Sir Gawein, who had asked for his identity to be kept secret, had hidden himself well away and had stolen away previously, all of them having heard him say that he could not watch the combat because of other business he had in hand. Thus he had excused himself, and had then stolen back there, with a strange coat-of-arms of such an appearance that no-one there except the maiden recognised him – he had told her about this. Now King Arthur sat there and the entire retinue of his castle, who were avid to observe how the knights fought there. Now there also came riding up the damsel and Sir Iwein. The lion did not go with those two – Iwein had left him behind – he did not wish to have him involved in the combat. Does anyone ask tidings

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German Romance III ob dâ zem kampfe wære der wirt von dem sî wâren chomen? Jâ, als ichz hân vernomen, allez sîn gesinde, wîse unde kinde wâren alle chomen dar, und heten daz verlobt gar, daz sî des tages iht nanden, swaz sî von im erkanden, unz der kampf ende hæte. Daz liezzen sî allez stæte – noch ist dâ niemen erchant, 6985 wie der rîter sî genant. Sî riten beide in einen rinc. Nû dûhtez sî allesamt ein dinc vil harte clagebære, ob des niht rât wære, 6990 ir einer enwurde dâ erslagen. Den müese man wol iemer clagen, wande sî nie gesâhen – des sî dâ alle jâhen – zwêne rîter gestalt sô gar in des Wunsches gewalt an dem lîbe und an den siten. Sî begunden den künech biten, daz erz durch got tæte, und die altern bæte,114 daz sî der jungern teilte mite. Daz verzêch sî im mit selhem site, daz sîs der künech muose erlân. Sî wolde daz gewis hân, ir kempfe wurde sigehaft, wande sî wol sîne kraft erchande und sich der trôste, daz er sî schiere erlôste. Dô der künech Artûs ersach, daz ez niemen an die suone sprach, 7010 dô hiez er rûmen den rinc. Nû was ez doch ein starchez dinc ze sehen ein vehten von zwein sô guoten knehten, wand ezn tuot dem biderben man niht wol, 7015 der des andern tôt sehn sol.115 Machte ich nû diz vehten

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Iwein of whether the host from whom they had departed was present there, at the combat? Yes indeed, so I have heard, his whole household, sage and young, had all arrived there, and had vowed to a man not to mention that day anything that they knew about him, until the combat was over. They had all kept their word about that – as yet no-one there knows the name of the knight. They both rode into a rink.116 Now it seemed to all of them a most lamentable matter if nothing could be done to avoid one of them being slain there. He would have to be grievously lamented over forever, for they had never seen – as they all averred there – two knights so entirely formed in Perfection’s dominion, both in physique and in demeanour. They began to beseech the King that for the sake of God he should ask the elder sister to share her inheritance with the younger. She refused him in such a manner that the King had to accept it from her. She was convinced that her champion would prove victorious, for she was well aware of his strength and was confident that he would quickly redeem her. When King Arthur realised that no-one advocated reconciliation, he then bade the rink be cleared. Now it was no small matter to see a battle between two such good knights, for it gives a worthy man no pleasure to see another man’s death. If I were now to make this fight

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German Romance III von disen guoten knehten mit worten vil spæhe, waz töhte diu wæhe? Wande iu ist ê sô vil geseit von ietweders manheit, daz ich iu lîhte mac gesagen, daz sî niender zwein zagen des tages gelîch gebârten, und daz als ê bewârten, daz diu werlt nie gewan zwêne strîtiger man nâch werltlîchem lône. Des truogens ouch die krône rîterlîcher êren, die ietweder wolde mêren an dem andern an dem tage, daz ich got tiure clage, daz die besten gesellen ein ander kempfen wellen, die iender lebten bî der zît. Sweder nû hie tôt gelît von des andern hant, und im dânâch wirt erchant wen er dâ hât erslagen, daz wirt sîn êwigez clagen. Möhten sî beide nû gesigen, ode beide sigelôs geligen, ode abe unverwâzen den strît beide lâzen, sô sî sich erchanden beide, daz wære in für die leide daz liebest und daz beste. Jâne wâren sî niht geste des willen sam der ougen. Ir ietwederm was tougen, daz in kempfen solde ein man, der liebest den er ie gewan. Sît daz der kampf wesn sol, sô zimt in daz beiden wol, daz sî enzît strîten. Wes mugen sî iemer bîten? Dâ was diu stat und der muot. Ouch wâren diu ros als guot, daz sî daz niht ensûmde.

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Iwein between these good knights most elegant by my words, what would such artistic embellishment avail? For so much has been told you before about the valour of each of them that I may perhaps say this much to you: their behaviour that day in no way resembled that of two cowards, and, as before, they proved that the world never won two men more combative in pursuit of worldly reward. Hence they did indeed wear the crown of knightly honour, which each of them desired to enhance by victory over the other on that day, so that I lament grievously to God that the best companions who ever lived at that time wish to fight with one another. If either of them lies dead here at the other’s hand, when the victor afterwards realises whom he has slain there, he will lament it eternally. If they could both be victorious now, or both fall, without victory, or yet, without being maligned, both abandon the battle, having recognised one another, that would be preferable for them and better than such suffering. After all, they were no strangers in intent, nor in each other’s eyes. It was concealed from each of them that a man was to fight against him who was the dearest friend he had ever gained. If battle is to be done, then it beseems them both to do battle in good time. Why should they tarry at all? The place was there and the intent. The chargers, too, were good enough not to delay them at all.

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German Romance III Ir ietweder rûmde dem andern sînen puneiz von im verre unz an den kreiz – der was wol rosselouffes wît. Ze rosse huop sich der strît. Sî mohten wol strîten, wande sîs ze den zîten niht êrste begunden. Wie wol sî strîten kunden ze rosse und ze fuozze! Ez was ir unmuozze von kinde gewesn ie. Daz erzeigeten sî wol hie. Ouch sî iu daz für wâr geseit: ez lêret diu gewonheit einen zagehaften man, daz er getar unde kan baz vehten danne ein küener degn, der es niht hât gepflegn. Nû was dâ kunst unde kraft – sî mohten von rîterschaft schuole gehabt hân. Zwâre in muose lân an rîterschefte den strît, swaz rîter lebte bî der zît. Nû ne sûmden sîz niht mêre: diu ros wurden sêre mit den sporn genomen. Man sach sî dort zesamne chomen und vîentlîche gebâren, die doch gesellen wâren. Ez dunchet die andern unde mich lîhte unmügelich, daz iemer minne unde haz ensamt sô besitzen ein vaz, daz minne bî hazze belîbe in dem vazze. Zwâre ob minne unde haz nie mê besâzen ein vaz, doch wonte in disem vazze minne bî hazze, sô daz minne noch haz gerûmden gâhez daz vaz. ‘Ich wæne, friunt Hartman,

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Iwein Each of them cleared space for his charge at the other, from a distance at the edge of the rink – that was well wide enough for a charger’s run. The battle began on horseback. They were both well capable of battle, for at that time they were no beginners. How well they could fight on their chargers and on foot! It had always been their occupation from childhood onward – they showed that clearly there. Moreover, let the truth be told to you: habit teaches a cowardly man to venture and be capable of combat more than a bold warrior who has not practised it. Now, skill and strength were present there – they might have been schooled by chivalry itself. Truly, to them must be conceded the contest in chivalry by all knights who lived at that time. Now they delayed no longer – their chargers were forcefully spurred on. They were seen to charge at one another there and act as enemies, although they were comrades. It seems to others, as to me, almost impossible that love and hate should ever thus occupy the same vessel, so that love should remain alongside hate together in one vessel. Indeed, though love and hate never again occupied the same vessel, yet in that vessel there resided love alongside hate, so that neither love nor hate vacated that vessel in a hurry. ‘I believe, friend Hartmann,

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German Romance III dû missedenchest daran. Warumbe sprichestû daz, daz beide minne unde haz ensamt bûwen ein vaz? Wan bedenchestû dich baz? Ez ist minne unde hazze zenge in einem vazze, wan swâ der haz wirt inne ernsthafter minne, dâ rûmet der haz froun Minnen daz vaz; swâ abe gehûset der haz, dâ wirt diu minne laz.’ Nû wil ich iu bescheiden daz, wie herzeminne und bitter haz ein vil engez vaz besaz: ir herze was ein gnuoc engez vaz – dâ wonte ensamt inne haz unde minne. Sî hât aber underslagen ein want, als ich iu wil sagen, daz haz der minne niene weiz. Sî tæte im anders als heiz, daz nâch schanden der haz müese rûmen daz vaz, unde rûmet ez doch froun Minnen, wirt er ir bî im innen. Diu unkunde was diu want, diu ir herze underbant, daz sî gefriunt von herzen sint, und machet sî mit sünden blint.117 Sî wil daz ein geselle den andern velle, und swenner in überwindet und dânâch bevindet wen er hât überwunden, sône kan er von den stunden niemer mêre werden frô. Der Wunsch hât im gefluochet sô, im gebristet leides niht, swenne im daz liebest geschiht. Sweder den sic dâ kôs, der wart mit sige sigelôs. In het unsælech getân

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Iwein your thoughts are mistaken in this. Why do you say that both love and hate reside in one vessel together? Why don’t you reconsider? There is too little space for love and hate to be in one vessel, for wherever hate becomes aware of earnest love, hate gives way to Lady Love in that vessel; wherever, on the other hand, hate resides, there Love becomes lax.’ Now, I will explain to you how heartfelt love and bitter hatred occupied a very narrow vessel: their heart was a sufficiently narrow vessel – therein resided together both hate and love. A wall has, however, separated them, as I will tell you, so that hate knows nothing of love. Otherwise love would make things so hot for hate that, to its disgrace, it would have to vacate that vessel, and it will, after all, make room for Lady Love, if it becomes aware of Love’s presence next to it there. Ignorance was the wall that divided their heart, so that they are friends from their hearts, and yet it makes them both blind with guilt. It desires that one companion should fell the other, and when he has vanquished him and afterwards discovers whom he has vanquished, then from that hour on he will never be able to rejoice again. Perfection will have laid such a curse upon him that he will lack no suffering even when the most happy event befalls him. Whoever was to see victory there, was, despite victory, to be vanquished. All his hope for good fortune

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7150 aller sîner sælden wân. Er hazzet daz er minnet, und verliuset sô er gewinnet. Ir ros lieffen drâte. Ze fruo noch ze spâte 7155 neigeten sî diu sper und sluogens ûf die brust her, daz sî niene wancten. Sîne bürten nochn sancten deweder ze nider noch ze hô, 7160 niuwan ze rehter mâze alsô, als ez wesn solde, und ietweder wolde sînen kampfgesellen ûf den sâmen vellen, 7165 sô daz ir bêder stich geriet dâ schilt unde helm schiet, wan dâ râmet er des man, der den man vellen kan. Daz wart dâ wol erzeiget, 7170 wandez was geneiget ir ietweder alsô sêre, daz er dâ vor nie mêre sô nâhen chom dem valle, ern viele ouch mit alle, 7175 und daz ir ietweder gesaz, dazn meinde niuwan daz, daz diu sper niht ganz beliben. Sî chomen zesamne getriben mit alsô manlîcher kraft, 7180 daz ir ietweders schaft wol ze hundert stüchen brach, und daz männeclîch jach, sîne gesæhen schœner tjost nie. Ouch lieffen krogierende hie 7185 behender garzûne gnuoc, der ieslîcher truoc driu sper ode zwei. Man hôrte dâ niht wan ein geschrei: ‘Wâ nû sper, wâ nû sper? 7190 Diz ist dâ hin, ein anderz her!’ Dô sî gnuoc gestâchen, und gar diu sper zebrâchen, diu sî dâ haben mohten –

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Iwein had rendered him unfortunate. He hates what he loves, and loses when he wins. Their chargers ran fast. Neither too early nor too late they lowered their lances and struck at each other’s chest, neither deviating. They neither raised up nor lowered their lances too low or too high, but only to the correct extent, as it ought to be, and each of them wished to fell his battle-companion upon the turf, so that both their thrusts hit where the shield and the helmet separate, for that is where a man aims at his opponent, who is capable of felling him. That was displayed clearly there, for both of them were knocked so far backwards that neither had ever before come so close to a fall without actually falling, and that both retained their seats was solely because their lances did not remain entire. They came charging at one another with such valorous might that both of their shafts broke into maybe a hundred pieces, and many a man said that he had never seen a more splendid joust. Heralds ran up there, shouting out battle-cries, nimble pages in good number, each of them carrying two or three spears. Only one cry could be heard there: ‘Where’s a lance now, where’s a lance? This one is spent, bring me another!’ When they had thrust enough and entirely shattered the spears available to them there –

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heten sî dô gevohten 7195 ze rosse mit den swerten, des sî niene gerten, daz wære der armen rosse tôt. Dâ von sô was in beiden nôt, daz sî die dörperheit vermiten, 7200 und daz sî ze fuozze striten. Diu ros heten in niht getân. Sî liezzens über den lîp gân. Ich sagiu waz sî tâten, dô sî zesamne trâten, 7205 die zwêne kampfwîsen – sî sparten daz îsen, dâ mit ir lîp was bewart – diu swert wurden niht gespart. Den schilten wâren sî gehaz. 7210 Ir ietweder bedâhte daz: ‘Waz touc mir mîn arbeit? Unz er den schilt vor im treit, sô ist er ein sicher man.’ Die schilde hiuwen sî dan. 7215 Sî wâren der schilte ein ander harte milte –118 sîne geruochten des nie, daz sî niderhalp der knie deheines slages tæten war, 7220 dâ sî der schilde wâren bar. Sî entlihen kreftiger slege, mêr danne ich gesagen mege, âne bürgen und âne pfant, und wart vergolten dâ zehant. 7225 Swer gerne giltet, daz ist guot, wan hât er borgens muot, sô mager wol borgen. Daz muosen sî besorgen:119 borgeten sî âne gelten, 7230 des forhten sî engelten, wander sîn ofte engiltet, der borc niene giltet. Sî hetens dâ engolten, wære dâ borch niht vergolten; 7235 dâ von ir ietweder galt, daz er sîn an lobe niht engalt. Sî muosen vaste gelten

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Iwein if they had then fought on their chargers with swords – which they by no means desired – that would have been the death of their poor chargers. Therefore they were both obliged to shun such boorish behaviour, and to fight on foot. The chargers had done them no harm. They put their own lives at risk. I’ll tell you what they did when they stepped up to one another, those two men well-versed in battle – they spared the iron armour by which their bodies were protected – their swords were not spared – their hostility was directed at the shields. Each of them thought: ‘What use to me is my labour? As long he still bears his shield before him, he is safe from harm.’ They hewed away at the shields. They were most generous with one another’s shields – they never had any inclination to strike one another a blow below the knee, where their shields gave them no protection. They lent powerful blows – more than I can say – without guarantors and without a pledge, and paid them back on the spot. If a man pays back readily that is a good thing, for if he is bent on borrowing, he is in a good position to borrow. They had to bear this in mind – if they borrowed without paying back, they feared that they would pay for it, for a man often pays for it, if he does not pay back at all what he borrows. They would have paid for it there, if that which had been borrowed had not been paid back; therefore each paid back the other, so that he did not suffer in reputation by it. They had to pay back in full

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German Romance III für des tôdes schelten, und für die scheltære bœser geltære. Sî entlihen bêde ûz voller hant, und wart nâch gelte niht gesant, wande sî brâhten ûf daz velt beide dar ir übergelt, unde gulten an der stat mê und ê danne man sî bat. Verlegeniu müezzecheit ist got und der werlde leit – dâ verlât sich niemen an niuwan ein verlegen man. Swer gerne lebe nâch êren, der sol vil vaste chêren alle sîne sinne nâch ettelîchem gewinne, dâ mit er sich wol bejage, und ouch vertrîbe die tage. Alsô heten sî getân – ir lebn was niht verlân an verlegene müezzecheit. In was beiden vil leit, swenne ir tage giengen hin, daz sî deheinen gewin an ir kouffe funden, des sî sich underwunden. Sî wâren zwêne mære, vil karge wehselære. Sî entlihen ûz ir varnde guot ûf einen seltsænen muot, unde nâmen dâ wuocher an sam zwêne werbende man. Sî pflâgen zir gewinne harte fremder sinne. Dehein koufman het ir site, ern verdurbe dâ mite – dâ wurden sî rîche abe. Sî entlihen niemen ir habe, in enwære leit, galt er in. Nû seht ir wie selch gewin iemen gerîchen mege – dâ entlihen sî stiche unde slege beide mit swerten und mit spern.

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Iwein on pain of Death’s curse, and for fear of the cursers of base debtors. They both lent open-handedly, and there was no sending out for money, for they both brought out onto the field more than enough payment there, and paid back on the spot more and before they were asked for it. Slothful120 idleness grieves both God and the world – no-one devotes himself to that except a man who lies too long abed. He who would gladly live in accordance with honour must apply, with all intensity, all his thoughts to some profit or other which he can worthily pursue, and which will also pass the time. This was what they had done – their lives were not given over to slothful idleness. They were both very sorry if their days ever passed without them finding profit by the purchases in which they had engaged. They were two famed, most niggardly barterers. They lent out from their chattels121 with a strange intent in mind, and yet they profited by it like two men of business. They made their profits in a most strange way. No merchant would have followed their custom without being ruined thereby – yet they grew rich by it. They lent their property to no-one without being grieved if he paid them back. Behold, now, how such profit may make a man rich – there they lent out cut and thrust, both with swords and with spears.

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German Romance III Desn mohte sî niemen gewern vol unz an daz halbe teil. Des wuohs ir êre und ir heil. Ir wehsel was sô bereit, daz er nie wart verseit manne noch wîbe, sîne wehselten mit dem lîbe arbeit umbe êre. Sî ne heten nie mêre in alsô kurzen stunden sô vollen gelt funden. Sî entlihen dâ nie einen slac, wan dâ der gelt selbe ander lac. Die schilde muosen sî gebn ze nôtpfande für daz lebn – die hiuwen sî drâte von der hant. Dô ne heten sî dehein ander pfant wan daz îsen alsô bar – daz verpfanten sî dar. Ir lîp wart des niht erlân, ern müese dâ ze pfande stân – den verzinseten sî sâ. Ir helme wâren ettewâ sô sêre verschrôten, daz die meilen rôten darabe gên begunden, wande sî in kurzen stunden vil wunden enpfiengen, die niht ze verhe giengen. Sich huop wider morgen mit manlîchen sorgen dirre angestlîche strît, und werte alsô lange zît unz nâch mittem tage, daz dô von ir deweders slage dehein schade mohte chomen. Diu müede het in benomen sô gar den lîp und die kraft, daz sî des dûhte, ir rîterschaft wære gar âne êre, und envahten dô niht mêre. Ez wart von in beiden ein vil gemuotlîch scheiden, und sazten sich ze ruowe hie,

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Iwein No-one could pay them back for that, not even as much as half the amount. In consequence their honour and their good fortune grew. Their barter was so ready to hand that it was never refused, neither to man nor woman, without them bartering, by their bodies, toil in exchange for honour. They had never before in such a short time found such full repayment. They lent never a single blow there without it being repaid in full. They had to give their shields, as an obligatory pledge for their lives – they hewed them quickly away from their hands. Then they had no other pledge except their armour, exposed as they were – they pledged that away. Their bodies were not spared from having to act as pledges there – they pledged those as interest straight away. Their helmets were, in places, so much cut to pieces that the red chain-mail began to fall off them, for in a short time they received many wounds, which were, however, not mortal. It was in the morning that, amid valorous anxiety, this perilous battle began, and it lasted so long, until after noon, that by then no harm could come to either of them from the other’s blows. Weariness had deprived them so entirely of their physical powers that it seemed to them that their chivalry was entirely without honour, and they fought no more then. Both agreed to an entirely voluntary separation, and sat down to rest there,

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German Romance III unz sî diu müede verlie. Ir ruowe wart aber unlanc, unz ietweder ûf spranc, unde lieffen ein ander an. Sî wâren zwêne frische man beide des willen und der kraft. Ezn wac ir êrriu rîterschaft wider dirre niht ein strô, der sî begunden aber dô. Ir slege wâren kreftech ê – nû kreftiger und wart ir mê. Ouch sach disen kampf an manech kampfwîse man – der deheines ouge was für wâr deweder sô wîse noch sô clâr, het erz genomen ûf sînen eit ze sagen die wârheit, weder ez des tages ie gewunnen het bezzer hie als grôz als umb ein hâr, desn möht er für wâr ir dewederm hân gejehn – ezn wart nie gelîcher kampf gesehn. Nû sorget dâ man unde wîp umb ir êre und umb ir lîp, und möhten sîz in beiden nâch êren hân gescheiden, daz wære dâ gerne getân, und begunden rede drumbe hân, wande wer möhte daz verclagen, sweder dâ wurde erslagen ode gekrenchet an den êren? Der künech begunde chêren bet unde sinne, ob er deheine minne funde an der altern magt, diu sô gar het versagt ir swester ir erbe. Diu bet was unbederbe – sî versagt im mit den unsiten, daz er sî niht mêr wolde biten. Dô aber diu junger ersach dirre guoten rîter ungemach, daz müete sî in ir sinnen,

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Iwein until their weariness had left them. Their rest did not last long, however, before both leapt up again and charged at one another. They were two refreshed men, both in intent and in strength. Their previous chivalry weighed as nothing compared with what they then began. Their blows had been powerful before – now they were more powerful, and there were more of them. Moreover, many a man well-versed in battle watched this combat – none of them had such vision, truly, neither so wise nor so clear, that if he had taken an oath to speak the truth as to which of them on that day had fared better there by a single hair’s breadth – truly, he couldn’t have conceded the prize to either of them. No battle like this had ever been seen. Now both men and women there were concerned for their honour and their lives, and if they could have parted the two, without dishonour, that would willingly have been done there, and they started talking about it, for who could put an end to the lamentation if either of them were slain there, or were to have his honour demeaned? The King started to apply his entreaties and his thoughts to the matter, seeking whether he might find any amity in the elder maiden, who had so entirely denied her sister her inheritance. That entreaty was of no avail – she refused him with such an ill manner that he no longer desired to plead with her. When, however, the younger maiden beheld the hardship of those good knights, it troubled her in her mind,

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7370 und dô man sî mit minnen gescheiden niene mohte, dô tet sî als ir tohte, diu edel, diu schœne, diu gewizzen unhœne, 7375 diu süezze, diu guote, diu suozze gemuote, diu niuwan süezzes kunde. Mit rôtsüezzem munde lachte sî die swester an. 7380 Sî sprach: ‘Ê ein sus gêret man den tôt in mînem namen kür ode sîn êre verlür, mîn lîp und unser beider lant, diu wæren bezzer verbrant. 7385 Ziuch dich mit guotem heile ze mînem erbeteile.122 Deiswâr, sît ichs niht haben sol, ichn gan es niemen als wol. Heizze den kampf lâzen sîn – 7390 ir lebn ist nützer danne daz mîn. Ich bin noch baz ein armez wîp, danne ir deweder den lîp durch mich hie sül verliesen. Ich wil ûf dich verkiesen.’ 7395 Ir willen niemen dâ gesach, wan der ir guotes drumbe jach. Den künech sî alle bâten, und begunden râten, daz erz durch got tæte, 7400 und die altern bæte, daz sî der jungern doch daz dritte teil ode minre noch ir erbeteiles wolde gebn – ez gienge den rîtern an daz lebn, 7405 ir einem ode in beiden, sî ne wurden gescheiden. Daz het sî lîhte dô getân, wolde sîn der künech verhenget hân. Dô ne wolde ers niht volgen – 7410 er was sô harte erbolgen der altern durch ir herten muot, und dûhte in diu junger als guot, daz er sî ungerne verstiez,

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Iwein and when they could not be separated with goodwill by any means, she then acted as became her, that noble, that beautiful maiden, that discerning maid, devoid of pride, that sweet one, that good one, that gentle-hearted one, who could do nothing that was not gentle. With her sweet, red mouth she smiled at her sister. She said: ‘Rather that such an honoured man should meet with death in my name or lose his honour, it would be better if I myself and the land that belongs to us both were burned. Take possession of my inheritance, and I wish you well of it. In truth, since I am not to have it myself, I concede it to no-one as willingly. Bid the battle be abandoned – their lives are more useful than mine. It is better for me to remain a poor woman than that either of them should lose his life for my sake here. I will renounce my claim in your favour.’ No-one saw what she intended there, without speaking well of her because of it. They all entreated the King, and began to advise that he ought, for God’s sake, to go ahead and entreat the elder sister to give to the younger, in any event, the third part or even less of her inheritance; the lives of the knights were at risk – one of them or both – unless they were separated. She might well have agreed then if the King had desired to make that decree. He would not agree to it, however – he was so very angry with the elder sister because of her hard-heartedness, and the younger sister seemed so good to him that he was unwilling to deprive her of her inheritance,

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wande sî sich vil gar verliez 7415 ze sînem hoverehte. Dise guoten knehte heten dem langen tage123 mit manigem rîterlîchen slage nâch êren ende gegebn, 7420 und stuont noch ûf der wâge ir lebn, unz daz diu naht an gienc, und ez diu vinster undervienc. Sus schiet sî beide diu naht, und daz ir ietweders maht 7425 wol was dem andern kunt, und daz sî beide dâ zestunt an ein ander gnuocte, und sît ez sich wol fuocte, daz sîz mit êren mohten lân, 7430 sô liezzen sîz wol understân unz an den andern tac. Sî tâten als er ie pflac, der ie rehten muot gewan – swie leide dem frumen man 7435 von dem andern geschiht, chumt ez von muotwillen niht, ob er im den willen trüege, daz er in gerne slüege, er ist im doch niht gehaz, 7440 unde behagt im baz danne dâ bî ein bœser man, des er nie schaden gewan. Daz wart an in zwein wol schîn. Sich verchunte124 der her Îwein 7445 wider sînen kampfgenôz, wandez für eine gâbe grôz ir ietweder haben wolde, ob er wizzen solde wer der ander wære. 7450 Sîniu wehselmære begunder wider in hân. Er sprach: ‘Nû wir hân verlân unser nîtlîchez spil: ich mac nû reden daz ich wil – 7455 Ich minnet ie von mîner maht den liehten tac für die naht – dâ lac vil mîner freuden an,

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Iwein for she had made herself entirely dependant upon the justice of his court. These good knights had put an end to that long day with many a knightly blow, in honourable fashion, and their lives still stood at risk until night approached, and darkness intervened. Thus night separated them both, and the fact that the strength of each of them was well known to the other, and that they both, then and there, had had their fill of each other, and since it was quite proper that they might honourably desist, they then willingly deferred the battle until the next day. They acted as any man always does who ever acquired a true heart – no matter how much harm befalls a worthy man at the hands of another, if it is not because of any evil intent, even if he were to desire to slay him, he is, nevertheless, not hostile towards him, and he likes the foe better than he would, by comparison, any base man by whom he never gained any harm. This was clearly manifest in these two. Lord Iwein made himself known to his adversary, for each of them was inclined to think it a great gift if he were to know who the other was. Iwein began to exchange tidings with his adversary. He said: ‘Now that we have abandoned our hostile game, I can now say what I will. I always loved, with all my might,125 bright day in preference to night – much of my happiness depended upon it,

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German Romance III und freut noch wîp unde man. Der tac ist frœlîch unde clâr, diu naht trüebe unde swâr, wande sî diu herze trüebet. Sô der tac üebet manheit unde wâfen, sô wil diu naht slâfen. Ich minnet unz an dise frist den tac für allez daz der ist. Deiswâr, edel rîter guot, nû habt ir den selben muot vil gar an mir verchêret. Der tac sî gunêret! Ich hazze in iemer mêre, wander mir alle mîn êre vil nâch het genomen. Diu naht sî got willechomen! Sol ich mit freuden alten, daz hât sî mir behalten. Nû seht, ob ich von dem tage niht grozzen kumber unde clage wol von schulden haben mege, und wærer langer drîer slege, die heten iu den sic gegebn unde mir benomen daz lebn? Des erlât mich disiu liebiu naht. Diu ruowe gît mir niuwe maht – dânâch gêt abe ein swære tac, daz ich danne vehten mac. Muoz ich niht wol sorgen ûf den tac morgen? Got enwelle michs erlân, sô muoz ich aber bestân den aller tiursten man, des ich kunde ie gewan.126 Den ich dâ meine, daz sît ir. Got der bewar mir mînen lîp und mîn êre! Ichn geforht ir nie sô sêre, und wizzet daz ich nie gewan ze tuonne mit deheinem man, den ich sô gerne erkande. Ir möht âne schande mir wol sagen iuwern namen.’

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Iwein and it still brings joy to woman and man alike. The day is merry and radiant, the night gloomy and oppressive, for it saddens hearts. Whilst day engages in valour and weapons, night desires to sleep. I loved, until this hour, day above everything that exists. Truly, good noble knight, now you have entirely reversed that state of mind in me. A curse upon the day! I shall always hate it ever more, for it has very nearly deprived me of all my honour. May God’s welcome be bestowed upon the night! If I am to grow old in happiness, it is night which has preserved that for me. Behold, now, do I not have, because of day, great trouble and sorrow, and rightly so, and if the day had been long enough for three blows more, they would have given you the victory and taken my life from me? This dear night spares me that. The rest will give me new strength, but a hard day is to follow, if I can then fight again. Have I not good reason to worry about the coming day tomorrow? Unless God desires to spare me, then I must take on again the most worthy man of all of whom I ever gained knowledge. You are he whom I mean. May God preserve my life and honour! I never feared so much for them, and know that I never had to do with any man with whom I would so willingly become acquainted. You might, without disgrace, readily tell me your name.’

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German Romance III ‘Ichn wil mich wider iuch niht schamen,’ sprach der herre Gâwein. ‘Wir gehellen beide in ein. Herre, ir habt mich des fürdigen.127 Het ir eine wîle geswigen, die rede die ir habt getân, die woldich gesprochen hân. Daz ir dâ minnet, daz minne ich; des ir dâ sorget, daz hât mich in vil grôzze sorge brâht.128 Wê daz ie kampfes wart gedâht! Ez ist hiute hin ein tac, den ich wol iemer hazzen mac. Er hât mir die nôt getân, der ich ie was erlân. Mir benam deiswâr nie mêre dehein man alsô sêre mîne werlîche maht, und möht ir vor der naht ze zwein slegen hân gesehn, sô müese ich iu des siges jehn. Ich hân der naht vil chûme erbiten. Swaz ich noch hân gestriten, sô gewan ich nie sô grôzze nôt. Ich fürhte laster ode den tôt von iu gewinnen morgen. Wir sîn in gelîchen sorgen. Mîn herze ist leides überladen, daz ich ûf iuwern schaden 7530 iemer sol gedenchen, und swâ ez mich niht sül krenchen, dâ geschehe iu alles129 des ir gert. Des sît ir weizgot wol wert, und sî iu daz für wâr geseit,130 7535 daz ich durch iuwer frümcheit iu aller der êren gan, der ich niht harte engelten chan. Ich wolde daz ez wære alsô, daz dise junchfrouwen zwô heten swaz sî dûhte guot, und daz wir diensthaften muot under ein ander solden tragen. Ich wil iu mînen namen sagen: herre, ich heizze Gâwein.’

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Iwein ‘I have no wish to put myself to shame before you,’ said Lord Gawein – ‘we are both in agreement. Sir, you have anticipated me. If you had been silent a while longer, I would myself have said what you have spoken. That which you love, I love too; that which you worry about has led me into very great anxiety. Alas that this combat was ever conceived! Today a day has passed which I have good reason to hate forever. It has caused me such duress as I was always spared before. Never before, truly, did any man so greatly deprive me of my strength to defend myself, and if, before nightfall, you had been able to see your way to two more blows, then I would have had to yield you the victory. I could scarcely wait for night. No matter what battles I have fought before, I never met with such great peril. I fear to obtain disgrace or death at your hands tomorrow. We share the same anxiety. My heart is overburdened with sorrow at ever having to intend you harm, and if it is not to damage my reputation, let all befall you which you desire. God knows, you are well worthy of it, and let me tell you in all truth that I wish you, because of your valour, all honour, for which I do not have to pay dearly myself. I wish it were the case that these two damsels had whatever they might think good, and that we two should be willing to serve one another. I shall tell you my name: sir, I am called Gawein.’

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German Romance III ‘Gâwein?’ ‘Jâ.’ ‘Wie wol daz schein131 disen unsenften tac! Manigen vîentlîchen slac hân ich von iu enpfangen. Iuwer haz ist ergangen über iuwern gewissen dienstman, und dâ ne zwîfel ich niht an, swaz ir mir leides habt getân, des wærich alles erlân, het ich mich enzît genant. Wir wâren wîlen baz erchant. Herre, ich bin ez Îwein.’ Dô wonte under in zwein liebe bî leide – sî freuten sich beide, daz sî zesamne wâren chomen – daz ir ietweder het genomen des andern dehein arbeit, daz was ir beider herzeleit. Beide trûren unde haz rûmden gâhes daz vaz, unde rîchsent dar inne freude unde minne. Daz erzeicten sî wol under in – diu swert wurfen sî hin unde lieffen ein ander an. Ezn gelebte nie dehein man deheinen liebern tac, und enweiz ouch niht ob iemen mac alsô lieben gelebn, als in got dâ het gegebn. Sî underchusten tûsent stunt ougen, wange unde munt. Dô der künech die minne, und diu küneginne under in beiden sâhen, und friundes umbevâhen, des wundert sî sêre, und entwelten niht mêre, sî begunden dar gâhen, wande sî sî gerne sâhen sô friuntlîche gebâren, und wer sî beide wâren, daz was dâ noch unbechant,

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Iwein ‘Gawein?’ ‘Yes.’ ‘How obvious that was on this harsh day! Many a hostile blow I have received at your hands. Your enmity has been inflicted upon your true servitor, and I do not doubt at all that whatever injuries you have inflicted upon me I would have been spared them entirely, if I had named myself in good time. We were better acquainted in time past. Sir, it is I, Iwein.’ Then there resided amongst those two joy alongside sorrow – they both rejoiced that they had come together – that either of them had suffered any harm by the other grieved them both to the heart. Both sadness and hate soon vacated that vessel, and joy and love reigned therein. They showed that clearly between the two of them: they threw their swords away and ran up to one another. Never did a man experience any day more dear, and I do not know if anyone can experience such a happy day as God had given them there. A thousand times they kissed each other’s eyes, cheeks and mouth. When the King and the Queen saw such love between those two, and saw those friends embrace one another, they were greatly amazed, and delayed no longer, but rushed up, for they were glad to see them behave in such friendly fashion, and who they both were was as yet unknown there,

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7590 wan als man ez sît bevant, in heten die helme und diu naht ir gesiune bedaht, und des kampfes grimme verwandelt ir stimme, 7595 daz sî dâ wâren unerchant, heten sî sich niht genant. Dô sprach der her Îwein: ‘Der tac der dâ hiute schein, daz swert daz den slac truoc, 7600 den ich hiute ûf iuch gesluoc, diu müezzen gunêrt sîn! Her Gâwein, lieber herre mîn, waz magich sprechen mêre, wan daz ich iuch êre 7605 als iuwer rîter und iuwer kneht? Daz ist mîn wille und mîn reht. Ir habt mich ofte gêret und ze guote gechêret mîn dinc sô volleclîchen, 7610 daz man mir in den rîchen mêr guotes hât verjehn, danne es âne iuch wære geschehn. Ob ich iuch dâ wider möhte gêren als ez töhte, 7615 des woldich iemer wesn frô. Nû ne magich anders wân alsô, daz ich iuwer Îwein iemer schîne und ie schein, niuwan hiute disen tac, 7620 den ich wol iemer heizzen mac die gallen in dem jâre, wand ezn wart zwâre weder mîn hant noch mîn swert nie der unmâzen wert, 7625 daz sî iu ie geslüegen slac. Ich verwâzze swert und den tac. Ouch sol mîn ungewizzen hant ir geltes selbe sîn ein pfant, dazs iu daz ze wandel gebe, 7630 dazs iu diene unz ich lebe. Herre Gâwein, dochn möht ir niht baz gerochen sîn an mir – sî hât mich gunêret,

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Iwein for, as was later discovered, their helmets and the night had covered their countenances, and the ferocity of the battle had changed their voices, so that they would have passed unrecognised there, if they had not named themselves. Then Lord Iwein said: ‘May the day that shone here today, the sword that bore the blow which I struck upon you today both be cursed! Sir Gawein, my dear lord, what can I say more, but that I honour you as your knight and your servant? That is my will and my duty. You have often honoured me and directed my affairs so absolutely towards prosperity that I have been acknowledged to have prospered more in these lands than would have happened without your doing. If I could, in return, honour you as might be befitting, I would gladly rejoice forever at that. Now, I cannot do so otherwise than by showing myself to be your Iwein always and forever – except for this day today, which I may well forever pronounce the gallsome day of the year, for, indeed, neither my hand nor my sword were ever worthy of such immoderation that they should ever strike a blow against you. I curse this sword and this day! Moreover, my ignorant hand shall itself be a pledge that I give to you in atonement, that I shall serve you as long as I live. Sir Gawein, you couldn’t for all that be better avenged upon me – my hand has dishonoured me

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und iuwern prîs gemêret. 7635 Sî hât sich selben sô erwert, daz iu der sic ist beschert. Ich sicher in iuwer gebot, wan daz weiz unser herre got, daz ich sigelôs bin. 7640 Ich scheide iuwer gevangen hin.’ ‘Herre und lieber geselle, nein!’ sprach der herre Gâwein. ‘Daz sich dehein mîn êre mit iuwerm laster mêre! 7645 Der êren hân ich gerne rât, der mîn friunt laster hât. Waz töhte ob ich mich selben trüge? Swaz êren ich mich an züge, doch hânt sî alle wol gesehn, 7650 waz under uns beiden ist geschehn. Ich sicher und ergibe mich – der sigelôse bin ich.’ Der herre Îwein antwurt im dô: ‘Ir wænet lîhte daz alsô 7655 disiu sicherheit geschehe, daz ich ir iu ze liebe jehe – wæret ir mir der fremdest man, der ie ze Kriechen hûs gewan, ê ich iuch sô bestüende mê, 7660 zwâre ich sichert iu ê. Von rehte sicher ich von diu.’ ‘Nein, herre geselle, ich sicher iu,’ sprach der herre Gâwein. Sus werte under in zwein 7665 âne lôsen lange zît dirre friuntlîche strît, unz der künech und diu diet beide frâgte unde riet, waz under disen liuten 7670 diu minne möhte diuten dem hazze alsô nâhen, den sî ê dâ sâhen – des man im schiere bejach. Sîn neve der herre Gâwein sprach: 7675 ‘Herre, wir suln ez iu gerne sagen, daz man uns iht habe für zagen, noch daz des iemen wân habe,

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Iwein and aggrandised your fame. It has so defended itself that the victory is conferred upon you. I surrender myself to your command, for, as our Lord God knows, I am vanquished. I shall depart from here as your captive.’ ‘Lord and dear companion, no!’ said Lord Gawein, ‘That my honour should be aggrandised at all by disgrace on your part! I will have no truck with such honour as disgraces my friend. What would it avail if I were to deceive myself? No matter what honour I were to claim for myself, they have all clearly seen, nonetheless, what has happened between us two here. I surrender myself and yield – it is I who am vanquished.’ Lord Iwein then replied to him: ‘You perhaps imagine that this surrender is to take place on such terms that I am yielding as a favour to you – if you were as unknown to me as any stranger who ever gained a castle in Greece,132 rather than attack you any more, indeed I would have surrendered to you before. It is only right, therefore, that I surrender to you.’ ‘No, sir companion, I surrender to you,’ said Lord Gawein. Thus for a long time, without any false flattery, that amicable quarrel persisted between those two, until the King and the people both asked and speculated what such amicability might mean between those people – so close to the enmity they saw there before – to which the King soon received a reply. His nephew, Lord Gawein, said: ‘Sir, we will gladly tell you, lest we be held to be cowards, or anyone should imagine

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German Romance III daz wir mit dirre fuoge iht abe des strîtes chomen wellen. Wir wâren ê gesellen – daz was uns leider unkunt hiute unz an dise stunt. Nûne wont niht hazzes bî uns zwein. Ich, iuwer neve Gâwein, hân gestriten wider in, dem ich diensthafter bin danne in der werlde ieman, unz er mich frâgen began, wie ich wære genant. Als im mîn nam wart erchant, dô nande er sich sâ, und rûmde vîentschaft dâ, und gehellen iemer mêr in ein. Ez ist mîn geselle, her Îwein, und geloubet mir daz ich iu sage, het erz gehabt an dem tage, mich het brâht in arbeit mîn unreht und sîn manheit. Diu junchfrouwe hât rehtes niht, für die man mich hie vehten siht – ir swester ist mit rehte hie. Sô half ouch got den rehten ie – des wære ich tôt von sîner hant, het ez diu naht niht erwant. Sît mir geviel daz unheil, sô ist mir lieber ein teil nâch grôzzem ungevelle, daz mich mîn geselle habe überwunden danne erslagen.’ Die rede begunde her Îwein clagen und wart vor leide schamrôt, daz er im der êren bôt ein lützel mêre danne gnuoc. Daz êren er im niht vertruoc, wan redet er wol, sô redet er baz. Hie was zorn âne haz.133 Des freute der künech sich. Er sprach: ‘Ir müezzet an mich den strît lâzen beide, daz ichn iu bescheide, 7720 des iuch durch reht gnüeget,

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Iwein that we, by this ruse, desire to get out of fighting at all. We were companions in the past – that was unknown to us, unfortunately, today, until this very hour. Now no more enmity resides with us two. I, your nephew Gawein, was fighting against a man to whom I owe more service than anyone else in the world, until he asked me what my name was. When my name became known to him, he then immediately named himself, and hostilities ended there, and we shall ever more be in agreement. This is my companion, Sir Iwein, and believe me when I tell you that if he had had enough daylight, my injustice and his valour would have put me in some hardship. The damsel for whom I am seen to fight here does not have justice on her side – her sister is in the right here. Thus God has always helped the just – therefore I would have been dead by his hand, if night had not intervened. Since such misfortune has befallen me, I find it preferable, nevertheless, after such great misfortune, that my companion should have conquered me rather than slain me.’ Sir Iwein began to make lament at this speech, and grew red for shame at Gawein offering him such honour – a little more than was ample. He could not bear such honouring from him, for, if Gawein spoke well, he spoke better. Here there was wrath without enmity. The King was pleased at this. He said: ‘Now you must both leave this dispute to me to decide for you, as suffices for you in justice,

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German Romance III und sich mir ouch füeget.’ Diu rede wart im bevolhen gar. Die junchfrouwen ladet er dar. Er sprach: ‘Wâ ist nû die magt, 7725 diu ir swester hât versagt, niuwan durch ir übermuot, ir erbeteil und ir guot, daz in ir vater beiden lie?’ Dô sprach sî gâhes: ‘Ich bin hie!’ 7730 Dô sî sich alsô versprach und unrehtes selbe jach, des wart Artûs der künech frô. Ze geziuge zôch er sî alle dô. Er sprach: ‘Frouwe, ir habt verjehn, 7735 daz ist vor sô vil diet geschehn, daz irs niht wider mugt chomen. Daz ir ir nû habt genomen, daz müezzet ir ir wider gebn, welt ir nâch gerihte lebn.’ 7740 ‘Nein,’ sprach sî, ‘herre, durch got, ez stêt in iuwerm gebot beide guot unde lîp. Jâ gesprichet lîhte ein wîp, des sî niht sprechen solde. 7745 Swer daz rechen wolde, daz wir wîp gesprechen, der müese vil gerechen. Wir wîp bedurfen alle tage, daz man uns tumbe rede vertrage, 7750 wande sî underwîlen ist herte, und doch âne argen list, geværlîch und doch âne haz, wan wir ne kunnen leider baz. Swie ich mit worten habe gevarn, doch sult ir iuwer reht bewarn daz ir mir iht gewalt tuot.’ Er sprach: ‘Ich lâze iu iuwer guot, und iuwer swester habe daz ir. Der strît ist lâzen her ze mir. 7760 Ouch hât sich diu guote mit einvaltem muote sô gar her ze mir verlân, sî muoz ir teil ze rehte hân. Gehellen wir zwei in ein – 7765

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Iwein and befits me, too.’ The matter was entrusted to him entirely. He summoned the damsels to him there. He said: ‘Where now is the maiden, who has denied her sister, out of sheer arrogance, her inheritance and her property, which her father bequeathed to them both?’ Then she said, hastily: ‘I am here!’ When she thus betrayed herself by her words and admitted, herself, to being in the wrong, Arthur the King was delighted. He then called them all as witnesses. He said: ‘Lady, you have admitted it, and it has happened before so many people that you cannot revoke it. You must now give back to her what you have taken away from your sister if you desire to live in accordance with the law.’ ‘No,’ said she, ‘sir, by God, both property and life are subject to your command. Indeed, a woman may readily say something she ought not to. If anyone wanted to avenge all that we women say, he would have to wreak a great deal of vengeance. We women have need, every day, for our foolish words to be tolerated, for those words are sometimes harsh – and yet without any evil intent, captious and yet without enmity, for we cannot do any better, unfortunately. No matter what words I have spoken, you must still uphold justice, and not force me into anything.’ He said: ‘I leave your property to you, and let your sister have hers. The dispute has been left to my judgment. Moreover, the good maiden in her simplicity has entrusted herself so entirely to me that she must in justice have her portion. Let us two reach an agreement –

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German Romance III ez giht mîn neve Gâwein, daz er den sic verlorn habe – sô chumt ir des strîtes abe mit laster und âne êre. Sus ist ez iemer mêre 7770 iuwer prîs und iuwer heil – lât ir mit minnen ir teil.’ Diz redter, wander weste ir herze alsô veste an hertem gemüete, 7775 durch reht noch durch güete het sîz niemer getân. Sî muose gewalt und forhte hân. Sus gewan sî forhte von der drô. ‘Nû tuot dermit,’ sprach sî dô, 7780 ‘weder minre noch mê, 150v niuwan daz iu rehte stê. Ich wil unde muoz sî wern, sît ir sîn niht welt enbern. Ich teile ir liute unde lant – 7785 des sît ir bürge unde pfant.’ Dô sprach der künech: ‘Daz sî getân!’ wandez an in was verlân. Sô wart ez wol verendet, verbürget und verpfendet, 7790 daz sî ir teil ze rehte enpfie. Der künech sprach, dô daz ergie: ‘Neve Gâwein, nû entwâfen dich – sô entwâfent134 ouch her Îwein sich, wande iu ist beiden ruowe nôt.’ 7795 Dô tâten sî daz er gebôt. Nû was der leu ûz chomen, als ir ê habt vernomen, dâ er in geslozzen wart, und jagte ûf sîns herren vart. 7800 Dô sî in zuo in sâhen dort über velt gâhen,135 dô flôch man unde wîp durch behalten den lîp, unz daz der her Îwein sprach: ‘Ern tuot iu dehein ungemach – er ist mîn friunt und suochet mich.’ Dô verstuonden sî alrêrst sich, daz ez der degn mære

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Iwein my nephew Gawein says that he has lost the victory – in that case you have emerged from the dispute with disgrace and without honour. This way it will be forever for the good of your reputation and good fortune – let her have her portion with good grace.’ He spoke these words, because he knew her heart to be so obdurate and her mind so harsh that for the sake of justice or out of kindness she would never have done it. She had to be confronted with force and fear. She grew afraid at this threat. ‘Now act in this,’ she then said, ‘neither more nor less but as is just in your eyes. I will and must concede to her, since you will have it no other way. I will share with her the people and the land – be you the guarantor and pledge of that.’ Then the King said: ‘So be it!’ for the matter was in his hands. Thus the dispute was well concluded with such guarantees and pledges that she received her rightful portion. The King said, after that had passed: ‘Nephew Gawein, disarm yourself now, and let Sir Iwein also disarm himself, for you are both in need of rest.’ Then they did as he commanded. Now the lion had got out from where, as you heard before, it had been locked in, and was pursuing its lord’s trail. When they saw it hastening across the fields towards them, both men and women then fled to save their lives, until Lord Iwein said: ‘It won’t do you any harm – it is my friend, and is looking for me.’ Then they realised for the first time that he was the famed warrior

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7810 mit dem leun wære, von dem sî wunder hôrten sagen, und der den risen het erslagen. ‘Geselle,’ sprach her Gâwein dô, ‘ich mac wol iemer sîn unfrô, 7815 daz ich iu sus gedanchet hân, des ir mir liebes habt getân. Den risen sluoget ir durch mich – des ruomde mîn niftel sich, wande ir enbut mirz bî ir. 7820 Ez het durch mich, seit sî mir, der rîter mit dem leun getân. Irn woldet sî niht wizzen lân, wie ir wæret genant. Dô neic ich umbe in elliu lant, 7825 ichn weste war ode wem, wandich meindez hin ze dem, der durch mich bestuont die nôt, und esn letze mich der tôt, ich gedien ez iemer als ich sol. 7830 Ich erchenne iuch bî dem leun wol.’ Sus lief der leu zuo im her – sînem herren erzeiget er freude unde friuntschaft mit aller der kraft, 7835 als ein stummez tier dem man friuntschaft erzeigen chan. Zehant wart in beiden ein ruowe bescheiden, dâ in gnâde und gemach 7840 zuo ir wunden geschach. Arzât gewan her Gâwein im selben und in zwein ze heilen ir wunden. Ouch pflac ir zallen stunden 7845 diu künegîn und Artûs. Des bûweten sî daz siechhûs vil unlange stunt, unz daz sî wâren wol gesunt.

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Iwein with the lion, of whom they had heard marvels told, and who had slain the giant. ‘Companion,’ said Sir Gawein then, ‘I have good reason to be forever miserable at having thus thanked you for the happiness you have brought me. You slew the giant for my sake – my niece boasted of that, for you sent me tidings of it by her. It was done for my sake, she told me, by the knight with the lion. You didn’t want to let her know what your name was. Then I bowed in thanks here, there and everywhere, not knowing whither or to whom, but my intent was aimed at him who, for my sake, took on such peril, and unless death prevent me, I shall serve to repay that forever, as I ought. I recognise you clearly by the lion.’ At that the lion ran up to him – it showed to its lord joy and friendship with all the power with which a dumb beast can show friendship to a man. Thereupon rest was granted to those two, in a place where their wounds met with mercy and comfort. Sir Gawein acquired a doctor for himself, and for both of them, to heal their wounds. Moreover, at all times, the Queen and Arthur tended them. In consequence they stayed in the infirmary for only a very short time, before they were quite recovered.

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Dô dem hern Îwein wart gegebn 7850 kraft unde gesunt lebn, noch wâren im die sinne von sîner frouwen minne sô manigen wîs ze verhe wunt, in dûhte, ob in ze kurzer stunt 7855 sîn frouwe niht enlôste mit ir selber trôste, sô müesez schiere sîn sîn tôt. In twanch diu minnende nôt ûf disen gæhen gedanc: 7860 ‘Ich trîbez kurz ode lanc, sône weiz ich wie ir minne iemer gewinne, wan daz ich zuo dem brunnen var, und giezze dar und aber dar. 7865 Gewinne ich chumber dâ von, sô bin ich chumbers wol gewon, und lîde in gerner kurze tage, danne daz ich iemer kumber trage. Ouch lîdich chumber iemer mê, 7870 irn getuo der kumber ouch sô wê, daz ich noch ir minne mit gewalt gewinne.’ Mit sînem leun stal er sich dar, daz sîn niemen wart gewar 7875 dâ ze hove noch anderswâ, und machte chumbers weter dâ. Daz wart als ungehiure, daz in dem gemiure niemen trûwet genesn. 7880 ‘Verfluochet müezzer iemer wesn,’ sprach dâ wîp unde man, ‘der ie von êrste began bûwen hie ze lande! Diz leit und dise schande 7885 tuot uns ein man swenner wil. Bœser stet der ist vil – iedoch ist diz diu bœste stat, dar ûf ie hûs wart gesat.’ Daz waltgevelle wart sô grôz,

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XIII THE RECONCILIATION When Lord Iwein was given strength and health, his senses were still mortally wounded in so many ways by love of his lady that it seemed to him that if, in a short time, his lady did not redeem him by consoling him in person, he would soon die in consequence. Loving exigency compelled him to this hasty thought: ‘Whether I go about it for a short or a long time, I do not know how I can ever win her love, except by going to the fountain and pouring water upon it, time and again. If I gain troubles by that, well, I am well used to troubles, and would rather suffer them for a short time than bear troubles forever. Moreover, I shall suffer troubles forever more, unless those troubles cause her, for her part, such pain, that I may still gain her love by violent means.’ He stole away with his lion, no-one noticing him at court there, or elsewhere, and caused a harsh storm to rise there. It became so stormy that no-one within those walls was confident he would survive. ‘May that man be forever accursèd,’ said both women and men there, ‘who first began to build on this land! Any man can cause us this affliction and disgrace whenever he wishes! There are plenty of evil places in this world, but this is the most evil place on which any castle was ever erected.’ So many trees fell in the forest,

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7890 und der sius136 und der dôz werte mit dem schalle, daz er die liute alle gar verzwîfeln tet. Dô sprach ir junchfrouwe Lûnet: 7895 ‘Frouwe, chumt vil drâte der dinge ze râte, wâ ir den man vindet, mit dem ir überwindet disen schaden und diz leit. 7900 Der ist iu weizgot ungereit, man ensuoche in danne verre. Irn möht schande merre niemer gewinnen, swenner nû scheidet hinnen 7905 alles strîtes erlân, der iu diz laster hât getân. Diz geschiht iu aber morgen, irn welt baz besorgen die selben sache, 7910 man lât iuch mit gemache niemer mêre gelebn!’ ‘Mahtû mir danne rât gebn?’ sprach diu frouwe zuo ir magt. ‘Nû sî dir mîn nôt geclagt, 7915 wan dû mîns dinges weist alsô vil sô iemen meist.’ Sî sprach: ‘Frouwe, ir habt den rât, der wol baz ze staten stât. Ich bin ein wîp – næme ich mich an 7920 ze râten als ein wîse man, sô wære ich tumber danne ein kint. Ich lîde mit den andern, die hie sint, daz mir ze lîden geschiht, unz man noch dirre tage gesiht 7925 wen iuwer rât vinde von iuwerm gesinde, der dise bürde an sich nem, und daz er uns ze herren zem. Ez mac wol sîn daz ez geschiht – 7930 iedoch verwæne ich mich sîn niht.’ Sî sprach: ‘Dû solt die rede lân – ichn hân gedingen noch wân, daz ich in iemer vinde

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Iwein and the hissing and roaring lasted so long, with such a din, that it caused all the people to despair entirely. Then her damsel, Lunet, said: ‘Lady, devise with all speed a way to find a man by whom you can overcome this damage and affliction. No such man will readily be found unless he is sought for far and wide. You could never meet with greater disgrace than if he who has inflicted this humiliation upon you now departs from here without meeting with battle at all. This will happen to you again tomorrow, unless you make better provision against this contingency, you will never be allowed to live in peace again!’ ‘Can you give me any counsel, then?’ said the lady to her maid. ‘Now let me lament my distress to you, for you know as much of my situation as just about anybody.’ She said: ‘Lady, you have such counsel as may well aid you better. I am a woman – if I were to presume to give counsel like a sage, I would be more foolish than a child. I shall suffer along with the others who are here what it befalls me to suffer, until such time as we see, in the days to come, someone your counsel can find in your household who will take this burden on himself, and who is fitting to be our lord. It may perhaps be that this will happen, but I do not anticipate it.’ She said: ‘Do not speak so. I have neither hope nor belief that I may ever find such a person

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in mînem gesinde. 7935 Nû rât darnâch daz beste.’ Sî sprach: ‘Der danne weste den rîter der den risen sluoc, und der mich lasters übertruoc, daz er mich von dem rôste 7940 hie vor iu erlôste, der iu den selben suochte, ob er chomen geruochte, sô ne wærez niender baz bewant. Doch ist mir ein dinc wol erchant: 7945 ezn hulfe niemens list, unz im sîn frouwe ungnædech ist, daz er füere durch in weder her ode hin, ern tæte im danne sicherheit, 7950 daz er nâch rehter arbeit mit allen sînen dingen dânâch hulfe ringen, ob er durch in iht tæte, daz er wider hæte 7955 sîner frouwen minne.’ Diu frouwe sprach: ‘Die sinne, der mir unser herre gan, die chêre ich alle daran, beide lîp unde guot, 7960 daz ich im ir zornmuot vertrîbe, ob ich iemer mac. Des enpfach mînen hantslac.’ Dô sprach aber frouwe Lûnet: ‘Ir sît süezze und iuwer bet. 7965 Welch guot wîp wære von den siten, die ir ze flîze woldet biten, diu iht versagen kunde einem alsô süezzem munde? Ob es iu âne falschen list 7970 ernst wirt ode ernst ist, sô muoz er wol ir hulde hân. Ichn mac iuch des niht erlân, irn geheizzet imz mit eide, ê daz ich von iu scheide.’ 7975 Des eides was sî gereit. Frou Lûnet gap ir den eit, und wart vil gar ûz genomen,

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Iwein in my household. Advise me what is the next best thing.’ She said: ‘If someone knew the knight who slew the giant and who spared me disgrace, and freed me from the hurdle here, before you – if someone were to seek that man out for you, if he were inclined to come, then no search might be better spent. Yet I am sure of one thing: no-one’s cunning would be of avail as long as his lady is ungracious to him. If anyone were to go in search of him, whether this way or that, it would be in vain unless he were to give him his word that, after the knight’s due toil, he would strive with all his power – if the knight had done anything for him – to help him regain his lady’s love.’ The lady said: ‘Such wit as Our Lord has granted me I will apply in its entirety, both my person and property, towards eradicating her anger towards him, if I ever can. Receive my handshake on that.’ Then Lady Lunet replied: ‘You are gentle, as is your entreaty. What good woman would be of such ways that if you were to entreat her urgently, she could refuse anything at all to such a gentle mouth? If your intent is without false cunning, if it is earnestly meant, or is to be so, then he may well win her favour. I cannot spare you from promising him this on oath before I leave you.’ She was ready to make that oath. Lady Lunet supplied the words of the oath, and all emphasis was placed

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German Romance III daz im ze staten mohte chomen, nâch dem sî dâ solde varn. Sî sprach: ‘Frouwe, ich muoz bewarn mit selhen witzen den eit, daz mich deheiner falscheit iemen zîhe daran. Er ist ein vil stæte man, nâch dem ich dâ rîten sol, und bedarf dâ stæter rede wol. Welt ir nâch im senden, diu wort mit werchen enden, der ich zem eide niht enbir, sô sprechet, frouwe, nâch mir.’ Die vinger wurden ûf geleit – alsus gap sî den eit: ‘Ob der rîter her chumt und mir ze mîner nœte frumt, mit dem der leu vârnde ist, daz ich âne allen argen list mîne maht und mînen sin daran chêrende bin, daz ich im wider gewinne sîner frouwen minne. Ich bit mir got helfen sô, daz ich iemer werde frô, und dise guoten heiligen.’ Dô ne was dâ niht verswigen des er bedurfen solde, den sî bringen wolde. Sich underwant Frou Lûnet der reise, die sî gerne tet. Hin reit diu guote mit frœlîchem muote, und was ir doch ze der stunt lützel darumbe chunt, dô sî der verte begunde, wâ sî in funde; und wart ir kurzlîche kunt ir vil sæliger funt, wan sî in bî dem brunnen vant. Er was ir bî dem leun erchant; ouch erchande sî ir herre, dô er sî sach von verre. Mit guotem willen gruozter sî.

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Iwein on anything that might help him in search of whom she was then to travel. She said: ‘Lady, I must impose conditions on this oath with such forethought that no-one may ever accuse me of any falsity in this. He for whom I am to ride in search is a most constant man, and stands in good need of constant words. If you wish to send me out in pursuit of him and follow the words with the deeds – words which I cannot omit from this oath, then say the words, lady, after me.’ Their fingers were raised;137 the oath that she gave was as follows: ‘If that knight comes here and helps me in my need – he with whom the lion travels – then, without any deviousness, I will apply all my power and mind to regaining for him his lady’s love. I entreat God to help me towards this, if I am ever to find bliss – and these good saints, too.’138 Then nothing was kept back there which he might need – the knight whom she wished to fetch Lady Lunet took the journey upon herself – which she did gladly. The good lady rode off in cheerful spirits, and yet at that time she had little knowledge, when she began the journey, of where she might find him; and soon she met with her most blissful find, for she found him by the fountain. She recognised him by the lion; moreover, her lord recognised her when he saw her from afar. He gave her a hearty greeting.

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German Romance III ‘Daz ich iuch sô nâhen bî funden hân, des lobich got!’ ‘Frouwe Lûnet, ist diz iuwer spot, ode habt ir mich gesuochet?’ ‘Jâ, herre, ob irs geruochet.’ ‘Waz ist daz ir gebiet?’ ‘Dâ habt ir iuch geniet, ein teil von iuwern schulden, und von ir unhulden, von der iu diente diz lant, und diu mich ûz hât gesant, einer langen arbeit. Sîne welle brechen danne ir eit, diu mich dâ ûz sendet, sô hân ich iu verendet die rede alsô verre, daz ir aber mîn herre werden sult in kurzer frist, als sî mîn frouwe ist.’ Hie was grôz freude von in zwein. Dochn wart mîn her Îwein vordes nie als frô. Von grôzzen freuden chuster dô sîner junchfrouwen munt, wange und ougen tûsentstunt. Er sprach: ‘Ir habt bescheinet vil wol wie ir mich meinet. Ich fürhte sêre, und ist mîn clage, daz mir des guotes und der tage, ode beider zerinne, ê ich die grôzzen minne ze rehte umb iuch verschulden müge, als ez dem dienste tüge, den ir mir habt getân.’ Sî sprach: ‘Die rede sult ir lân. Ir gewinnet tage und daz guot, het ich gedient den muot, daz mir gnâde wurde schîn, und swem ir gnædech woldet sîn. Ichn hân niht baz wider iuch getân, irn welt ez danne baz enpfân, danne der des andern guot entnimt, und swenne in geltes gezimt, daz er im geltes ist bereit.

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Iwein ‘I praise God that I have found you so close by!’ ‘Lady Lunet, are you mocking me, or have you been looking for me?’ ‘Yes, lord, if you will.’ ‘What is your command?’ ‘You have had to put up with hardship for a long time, it being partly your own fault, and partly because of the displeasure of her on whose account this land served you, and who has sent me out. Unless she then wants to break her oath – she who has sent me out here – then I will have brought the matter to such a conclusion that you will become my lord again in a short time, just as she is my lady.’ There was great joy there for both of them. My lord Iwein was, however, never as happy before as then. In his great joy he then kissed his maiden’s mouth, cheeks and eyes a thousand times. He said: ‘You have shown full well your devotion to me. I greatly fear and lament that my possessions or my days, or both, will run out before I can properly repay you for your great affection, as might befit the service you have done me.’ She said: ‘Do not speak so. You will gain such days and possessions that, if I had deserved such good intentions on your part, you might show me favour, and anyone else to whom you wished to be gracious. I have not treated you any better – unless you wish to think more highly of it – than a man who borrows another’s property, and when it is fitting that he repay it, is ready to make the repayment to him.

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German Romance III Ir entlîhet mir michel arbeit, dô ich wære verbrant, ob irz niht het erwant. Für mînen lîp was iuwer lebn ûf die wâge gegebn. Dô gâbet ir mir disen lîp. Ez verdienten niemer tûsent wîp die gnâde, die ir mir habt getân.’ Er sprach: ‘Die rede sult ir lân. Ir habt vaste überzalt – mir ist vergolten tûsentfalt swaz ich ie durch iuch getet. Nû sagt mir, frouwe Lûnet, weiz sî doch daz ich ez bin?’ Sî sprach: ‘Daz wære der ungewin. Sîne weiz von iu, geloubet mirz, zer werlde mêre wan daz irz der rîter mit dem leun sît. Sî bevindet ez noch ze guoter zît.’ Dô rîten sî ze hûse dan, und in bechom dâ wîp noch man. Dazn fuocte ouch anders niht niuwan ein wunderlîch geschiht, daz sî dâ niemen rîten sach, unz sî ergriffen ir gemach. Dô gienc frou Lûnet, dâ sî an ir gebet ir frouwen alterseine vant, unde sagt ir zehant, daz er chomen wære. Dône het sî dehein mære alsô gerne vernomen. Sî sprach: ‘Nû sî er willechomen! Ich wil in harte gerne sehn, swie daz mit fuoge mac geschehn. Gench hin zuo im und ervar, wil er her ode sol ich dar. Daz sî – wan ich bedarf sîn. Er gienge nâch mir, bedorft er mîn.’ Vil schiere brâht in frou Lûnet. Er fuor swie in diu varn tet, gewâfent daz im nihtes gebrast. Sî enpfie den wirt für einen gast, und bî dem êrsten gruozze

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Iwein You borrowed much hardship from me when I was to have been burned if you had not prevented it. Your life was placed at risk for my life. Then you gave me this life. A thousand women could never repay the favour you have shown me.’ He said: ‘Do not speak so. You have greatly overpaid the debt – I have been paid back a thousand times for anything I ever did for your sake. Now tell me, Lady Lunet, does she in fact know that it is I?’ She said: ‘That would be to our detriment. She doesn’t know, believe me, anything more in this world about you, than that you are the knight with the lion. She will find out in good time.’ Then they rode off to the castle, and neither woman nor man encountered them there. That was brought about simply by the strange coincidence that no-one saw them riding there until they had reached her chamber. Then Lady Lunet went to where she found her lady all alone at her prayers, and told her straight away that he had arrived. Then she had never heard any tidings so gladly. She said: ‘Now let him be welcome! I very much wish to see him, if that may happen with decorum. Go over to him and find out if he wishes to come here, or if I am to go there. Let that be the case – for I am in need of him. He would go in search of me, if he were in need of me.’ With all speed Lady Lunet fetched him. He came as she would have him come, armed so that he lacked nothing. She received the host139 as a guest, and at her first greeting

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8110 viel er ir ze fuozze, und het doch deheine bet. Dô sprach frou Lûnet: ‘Frouwe, heizzet in ûf stân, und als ich im geheizzen hân, 8115 sô sult ir lœsen den eit. Ich sagiu mit der wârheit, daz diu helfe und der rât niuwan an iu einer stât.’ Sî sprach: ‘Nû bewîse mich – 8120 durch sînen willen tuon ich swaz ich mac unde sol.’ Sî sprach: ‘Frouwe, ir redet wol. Nû ne hulfe im niemen baz. Sîn frouwe, diu im ist gehaz, 8125 gebiet ir, diu lât ir zorn; gebiet ir, er ist verlorn, und möht iu daz wol wesn leit. Irn habt mit der wârheit deheinen bezzern friunt danner ist. 8130 Ez wolde unser herre Christ, und wîste mich ûf die vart, daz er sô gâhes funden wart, daz diu fremde von iu zwein wurde gesament in ein. 8135 Sô ne sol iuch danne dehein ander nôt gescheiden niemer âne den tôt. Nû behalt iuwer wârheit unde lœset den eit. Vergebt im sîne missetât, 8140 wander dehein ander frouwen hât, noch gewinnet noch nie gewan. Diz ist her Îwein, iuwer man!’ Diu rede dûhte sî wunderlich, und trat vil gâhes hinder sich. 8145 Sî sprach: ‘Hâstû mir wâr geseit, sô hât mich dîn karcheit wunderlîche hin gegebn. Sol ich dem hinne fürder lebn, der ûf mich dehein ahte hât, 8150 deiswâr, des het ich gerne rât. Mirne getet daz weter nie sô wê, dazn woldich iemer lîden ê, danne ich ze langer stunde

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Iwein he fell at her feet, and yet made no request.140 Then Lady Lunet said: ‘Lady, bid him rise, and, as I have promised him, you must fulfil the oath. I tell you in all truth that help and counsel depend upon you alone.’ She said: ‘‘Now, instruct me – for his sake I will do all that I may and must.’ She said: ‘Lady, you speak well. Now no-one could help him more. His lady who is hostile towards him – if it is your command, she will abandon her anger; if it is your command, he is doomed, and that might easily grieve you. You have, in truth, no better friend than he is. It was Our Lord Christ’s will to guide me on the trail, so that he was found so quickly, in order that the estrangement between you two should end in unity. Now no other extremity shall ever part you except death. Now keep your faith and fulfil the oath. Forgive him his misdeed, for he has no other lady, nor will have, nor ever had. This is Sir Iwein, your husband.’ She was amazed at these words and took a hasty step backwards. She said: ‘If what you have said is true, then your cunning has strangely betrayed me. If I am to live henceforth for a man who has no respect for me, in truth, I would gladly dispense with that! The storm never hurt me so much but that I would put up with it forever, rather than grant my person

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mîns lîbes gunde 8155 deheinem sô gemuoten man, der nie dehein ahte ûf mich gewan, und sage dir mit der wârheit, twunge michs niht der eit, sô wærez unergangen. 8160 Der eit hât mich gevangen – der zorn ist mînhalp dâ hin. Gedienen müezze ich noch umb in, daz er mich lieber welle hân, danner noch habe getân.’ 8165 Der herre Îwein frœlîchen sprach, dô er gehôrte unde sach, daz im sîn rede ze heile sluoc, und der kumber den er truoc, daz der ein ende solde hân: 8170 ‘Frouwe, ich hân missetân. Zwâre daz riuwet mich. Ouch ist daz gewonlich, daz man dem schuldigen man, swie swære schulde er ie gewan, 8175 nâch riuwe schulde vergebe, und daz er in der buozze lebe, daz erz niemer mêr getuo. Nû ne hœret anders niht dazuo, wan chum ich nû ze hulden, 8180 sî ne wirt von mînen schulden niemer mêre verlorn.’ Sî sprach: ‘Ich hân es gesworn, ez wære mir liep ode leit, daz ichs mit gewârheit 8185 iht wider chomen kunde.’ Er sprach: ‘Diz ist diu stunde, die ich wol iemer heizzen mac mîner freuden ôstertac.’141 . Dô sprach diu künegîn:142 .8190 ‘Her Îwein, lieber herre mîn, . tuot gnædeclîche an mir. Grôzzen chumber habt ir . von mînen schulden erliten. . Des wil ich iuch durch got biten, . .8195 daz ir ruochet mir vergebn, wander mich, unz ich hân daz lebn, . von herzen iemer riuwen muoz.’ .

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Iwein for any length of time to a man of such a mind that he never had any respect for me, and I tell you in truth, if the oath did not force me to it, then it would not have happened. The oath has trapped me – the anger is over now, for my part. May I yet serve to earn of him, that he may wish to hold me dearer than he has done up to now.’ Lord Iwein said joyfully, now that he heard and saw that his situation was turning out for the best, and that the anguish that he bore was to be at an end: ‘Lady, I have done wrong. Truly, that grieves me. Moreover, it is customary that the guilty man, no matter how great the guilt he has ever incurred, be forgiven for his guilt after he has shown contrition, and that he should live in such a state of atonement that he will never do it again. Only one thing remains to be settled now: if I now find favour with you, it will never again be lost by my doing.’ She said: ‘I have so sworn, whether it brings me joy or sorrow, and by my word I cannot get out of it at all.’ He said: ‘This is the hour which I may ever more, I believe, call the Easter Day of my joys.’ Then the queen said: ‘Sir Iwein, my dear lord, act graciously by me. You have suffered great troubles, for which I was responsible. Therefore I will request you by God to deign to forgive me, for those troubles, as long as I live, must ever grieve me to the heart.’

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German Romance III Dâ mit viel sî an sînen vuoz, und bat in harte verre. ‘Stêt ûf,’ sprach der herre. ‘Irn habt deheine schulde, wan ich het iuwer hulde niuwan duch mînen muot verlorn.’ Sus wart versüenet der zorn. Hie sach diu frouwe Lûnet die suone, diu ir sanfte tet. Swâ man unde wîp habent guot unde lîp schœne sinne unde jugent, âne ander untugent, werdent diu gesellen, diu kunnen unde wellen ein ander behalten Lât diu got alten, diu gewinnent manige süezze zît. Daz was hie allez wænlîch sît. Hie143 was frou Lûnet mite nâch ir diensthaftem site Diu het mir ir sinne ir beider unminne brâht zallem guote, als sî in ir muote lange het gegert Ir dienst was wol lôns wert. Ouch wæne sîs alsô genôz, daz sî des kumbers niht verdrôz. Er lônde ir nâch froun Sælden bet.144 Bürge, lant, rîche stet machet er ir undertân, und als ich vernomen hân, sî ne wart mit hîrât niht betrogen. Einem rîchen herzogen, schœnem, jungen, manhaft, volchomen gar an rîterschaft, wîse und gewære, milte und êrbære, dem gaber sî ze wîbe. Von geburt und an lîbe was sî wol in der ahte, daz sî mit êren mahte rîches landes frouwe sîn.

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Iwein Thereupon she fell at his feet, imploring him most vehemently for forgiveness. ‘Stand up,’ said the lord. ‘You are not at fault at all, for I lost your favour solely by my own volition.’ Thus anger was appeased. Here Lady Lunet saw a reconciliation which gave her pleasure. Wherever a man and a woman have possessions and life, good inclination and youth, and are otherwise lacking in vices, if they become good companions, they can and will keep by each other’s side. If God lets them grow old, they will have many a happy time. All that took place there, presumably, thereafter. Lady Lunet was present there, willing to serve them, as was her custom. By her good sense she had brought the disaffection between those two to an entirely favourable conclusion, as she had, in her mind, long desired. Her service was, indeed, worthy of reward. Moreover, I believe, she so profited by it that she did not resent the trouble she had taken. Iwein rewarded her in accordance with Lady Fortune’s request. Castles, lands, and rich towns he made subject to her, and, as I have heard, she was not deceived in marriage. To a rich duke, handsome, young, valorous, entirely perfect in chivalry, wise and true,145 generous and honourable, Iwein gave her as a wife. By birth and person she was, indeed, of such a station that she might with honour be the lady of a wealthy land.

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Der künech und diu künegîn . heten überwunden an den selben stunden mit freuden alle ir swære tage, des ich got noch gnâde sage, wan swaz er chumbers erleit, die wîle er sîne frouwen meit, dâ mit was ir niht ze wol Ir lîp was herzeriuwe vol. Sî truoc der sorgen überlast, sô daz ir leides nie gebrast unz ûf die sæligen zît, daz guot gemüete den strît behabte an swærem muote. Sî heten nû mit guote ir leides vergezzen und freude besezzen. Ez was guot lebn wænlîch hie.146 8260 Ichn weiz aber waz ode wie in sît geschæhe beiden. Ezn wart mir niht bescheiden von dem ich die rede habe. Durch daz enchan ouch ich dar abe 8265 iu niht gesagen mêre, wan got gebe uns sælde und êre.147

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Iwein The king and the queen had overcome at that time, joyously, all their burdensome days, for which I still thank God, for whatever troubles he suffered in the time he was apart from his lady, it gave her no great pleasure. She was full of heart’s grief. She bore too heavy a burden of sorrow, so that she never lacked suffering until that blessed hour when a kindly mind prevailed over a harsh resolve. Now, with good spirits, they had forgotten their suffering and taken possession of joy. Life went well, presumably, there. I don’t know, however, what events befell them both thereafter. It was not imparted to me by him from whom I have the tale. Therefore I cannot tell you any more about it, but God grant us bliss and honour.

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APPENDIX: THE ENDINGS OF IWEIN As Tony Hunt has pointed out, Chrétien’s ‘conclusion of Yvain conspicuously fails to satisfy the expectations predicated of the genre. Love and chivalry are not depicted, in the final analysis, as mutually enriching.’148 It was no doubt dissatisfaction with this ending, whether on the part of Hartmann himself, his audience, or a redactor, which led to the major alterations to the B redaction of Hartmann’s Iwein, the expanded reconciliation scene and the marriage of Lunet. Later medieval scribes and redactors also imposed their personalities on the text of Iwein to a greater extent than is common in the copying of romances. The ending in the London Iwein manuscript, l, is an extraordinary example of the sixteenth-century reception of a thirteenth-century romance, the reader and creator of the new ending being Wiguleus Hundt zu Lautterbach, chancellor of Duke Albrecht V of Bavaria and Rector of the University of Ingolstadt. The ending in ms f derives almost line-by-line from the Willehalm von Orlens of the mid-thirteenth century author Rudolf von Ems.149 This takes the sense of closure even further than Iwein B, supplying the marriage of Iwein and Laudine with a dynastic succession. It also shows knowledge of the marriage of Lunet in the B redaction of Iwein.

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Now my lord Yvain is reconciled, and you can be sure that he had never before been so happy for anything. Although he has been through suffering, now everything has turned out well, for he is loved and cherished by his lady, and she by him. He didn’t recall any of the times of hardship, because the joy he felt for his sweet love made him forget them all. And Lunete, too, was very happy: she lacked for nothing now that she had established an unending peace between the noble Sir Yvain and his dear and noble lady. Thus Chrétien brings to a close his romance of the Knight with the Lion. I’ve not heard any more about it, and you’ll never hear anything more unless one adds lies to it. EXPLICIT THE KNIGHT WITH THE LION This manuscript was copied by Guiot; his shop is set up permanently before the church of Our Lady of the Valley.150 2. Hartmann von Aue, Iwein, manuscript a (Landesbibliothek zu Dresden, Hs. M. 1.75)151 Explicit explicuit sprach dy kacze wider den hunt. Der dicz buch geschriben hat, dez sell (gest?) werde numer rat, vnd werde kurczlich erhangen. eine radierte zeile 3. Iwein, ms p (Bibliothèque Nationale, Paris, Ms. Allemand 115,28 : 20 cm) Hie hat der ritter mit dē lewen eyn ende. Got vns sine gnade sende. 4. Iwein, ms r (Universitätsbibliothek Rostock, Ms. Philol. 81) amen dico nobis. got geb vns die ewigen spis. ir sint des gemant Peter von Vrach ist er genant, der dis buch hat geschriben. allen sinen finden muß er angesigen!


‘Explicit explicuit,’ said the cat to the dog. He who has written this book, let there never be any help for his soul, and may he shortly be hanged. (one erased line)

Here the Knight with the Lion ends. God send us His mercy.

Amen dico nobis. God grant us the eternal food. You are advised that he is called Peter von Urach, the man who wrote this book. May he vanquish all his enemies!

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Suss trug des landes chrone gewaldichleich vnd schone her ybein daz gelaubt fur war darnach funff vnd cwainczig iar, vnd auch dew chuniginne gut. die wont in seinem mut mit vnuercherter minne, getrew an valschen sinne. sie heten do paid under in aynen mut vnd ainen sin, geleich an den lieben czwain, ir mut in ainen willen schain. er waz mit salichleicher chrafft in allen enden sighafft, mit czuhten weis vnde gut. er neigt seinen hochen mut nider zu den guten. ob den hochgemuten trug er sich vil hoch enpor; sein lob lieff in allen vor. wen er zu ainem mal an sach, dem man chainer wirde iach, der waz im unmär erchant. an wem er czucht vnd trewe vant den mint er von herczen ye. chainen ungetrewen mint er nye vnd trug in statleichen hass. dinst er auch nye vergass an chainer slachte man: der im dinte der gewan darnach vnd sein dinst sagt. daz erczaigt er an der werden magt, frawn luneten, der er seint gab eins hochen graffen chint, vnd macht sew gutes also reich, so daz chain graf waz ir geleich. er gewan zu erben auch dem lant einen sun der ward nach im genant, der auch in hochen tugenten trat, ganczleich in dez vater phat. Wie her ibein seinen sun mit heirat bestat vnd daz lant regiert: Dew awentewer sagt fur war,


Thus Sir Ybein wore that land’s crown with power and splendour – believe this to be the truth – for twenty-five years after that, as did the good queen. She dwelt in his mind with unchanged love, loyally and without falsity. They shared together one heart and one mind; in those two dear people one will alone was apparent. He was, by virtue of his blessed power, victorious everywhere, courteous, wise and good. He lowered his pride before good people. Above the haughty he held himself most high; his repute raced ahead of them all. If he once saw a man to whom people denied all honour, he had no respect for him. That man in whom he found good breeding and loyalty he always loved with all his heart. He never loved a disloyal man, but bore him constant enmity. He never forgot the service any man had done him: he who served him gained in accordance with what his service bespoke. That he showed by the honourable maiden, Lady Lunete, to whom he afterwards gave a high-born count’s son, and made her so rich in property that no count was her equal. He also gained, as an heir to that land, a son who was named after him, who also trod high in virtue’s path, following entirely in the footsteps of his father. How Sir Ibein married off his son and ruled the land: The adventure states in all truth

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German Romance III er gab vber funfcze iar seinem sun darnach swert. von Arragon herczog Rupert waz tod, als ich vernomen han, vnd het erben nicht gelan, wenn ein junchfrewelein, junch und schön die scholde sein erb vber allen den gewalt den da liezz der furste palt, ich main lant leut vnde gut; die nam der degen hochgemut. do nu der auzerwelde helt, czu allen tugenden auzerwelt, ich main der werde her ybein, in dem hochsten wunsch erschain, so daz im in allen reichen mit lob chund nyempt geleichen, do gedacht er an sein wirdichait und an dew hoche sälde prait, die er auf der erden hie von gotes genaden enpfie, und began leib unde gut czu allen czeiten und auch den mut in gotes namen tailen und im damit vailen daz immer wernde reich: er stiffte reichleich spital unde auch chloster. mit seinem gut lost er vil geuangen aus panden; in allen seinen landen benam der werd furste gut mangem man sein armut. er hiez mangen guten weg prukk und notdurfftigen steg machen durch der leute not. czol und vmbgelt er verpot, und waz dem lande schaden tut. auf gotes dinst stund sein mut mit minnichleichem herczen gar; er sach wol und nam dez war dez weder chrafft noch tugent, schön, sterch, reichait, iugent, gewalt, wicz, chrafft noch chunst,

Appendix: the Endings of Iwein that some fifteen years later he gave his son his sword. Duke Rupert of Aragon had died, so I have heard, and had left no heirs except for one little damsel – young and beautiful, she was to be heir over all the power that that bold prince bequeathed there, I mean his lands, people and property; that proud warrior took her for his wife. When that excellent warrior, excelling in all virtues – I mean noble Lord Ybein – appeared at the height of his perfection, so that no-one in all the kingdoms could equal him in repute, he then thought about his honour and the high, widespread bliss he had received here on this earth by God’s grace, and began to divide his life and property at all times, and his mind, too, in the name of God, buying for himself thereby the everlasting Kingdom: he founded lavishly hospices and monasteries, too. With his possessions he ransomed many prisoners from their bonds; in all his lands that noble, good prince relieved many a man of his poverty. He commanded many a good road, bridge and necessary path be made to ease the people’s need. He forbade tolls and taxes and all that harms the land. His mind inclined towards God’s service with an entirely loving heart; he saw clearly and realised that neither might nor virtue. beauty, strength, wealth, youth, power, cunning, might nor art,

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German Romance III der welde lob noch ir gunst, dem grimmen tod entweichen chan. da begund er gedenchen an unde warb mit seiner chron nach ymmer wernden lon unde umb den ewigen leib. er und auch sein weib, dew edlew, salden reich, lebten salichleich gar an mizzewent vncz an irs leibes ent. nach seinen czeiten ward erchoren, als da vor ward gesworen, czu chunig da in dem lant sein sun, der nach im waz genant, der auch von seiner chinthait vast nach hochen eern strait, und waz dez leibes vnuerczagt, als vns die awentewer sagt, die alhie hat endes zil, von der ich nicht mer sprechen wil. sic est finis. Dicz puch ist volbracht des freitags vor vasnacht nach christi gepurt tausent iar vir hundert funffczechen, wizz fur war. Lazz ander sach guet sein; hab immer dankch, schaff daz dein.

Appendix: the Endings of Iwein this world’s repute, nor her favour, can escape grim Death. He began to think on this, and sought, with his crown, for everlasting reward and eternal life. He, and his wife, too, that noble woman rich in blessings lived blissfully entirely without deviation until their life’s end. After his time, his son, as had previously been vowed, was chosen as king in that land – he who had been named after him, and who had, from his childhood, striven hard for high honour, and was physically undaunted, as that adventure tells us which ends at this point, and of which I will speak no more. Sic est finis. This book was finished on the Friday before Shrovetide in the year 1415 after Christ’s birth – that is certain truth. Leave other people’s business to them; earn thanks eternal, look to your own.

399

90

95

100

105

110

400

German Romance III 6. Iwein, ms l (London, British Museum, Add. 19554)

5

10

15

Als man zalt nach Christi gepürt der mindern zall finffhundert darzu ain vnnd viertzig jar, wurden ausgetragen gar die grenitz vnnd ander streytt, die sich hielten lange zeitt – zwyschen Aschaw vnnd Kuoffstein,153 bayden herrschafften allein. der vertragsleut ich ainer was, mit nam doctor Wigelas Hundt zu Kaltenberg bewont.154 mein ross mir da schier vbl lont, am giaid mit mir zeboden fiel, daz ain bayn gar nach erspiel. alter weiber glück da was,155 das ich in dreyen tagn gnas. im bett ich zu Aschaw sas, vnnd her Ybein durchaus las.

401


As counted after Christ’s birth 1500 and 41, the border battles and other fighting were entirely brought to an end, having lasted for a long time – the battles between Aschau and Kufstein, those two sovereign regions. I was one of the negotiators, my name being Dr. Wigelas Hundt, resident in Kaltenberg. My horse soon repaid me ill there, falling to the ground with me whilst hunting, so that one leg was quite broken Old women’s luck was present there, so that I recovered in three days. I sat in bed in Aschau, and read ‘Sir Iwein’ right through.

5

10

15

NOTES 1

(2) Middle High German (MHG) güete hovers between ‘goodness’ and ‘kindness’ in meaning, corresponding to Latin caritas. It is the abstract noun derived from guot, the epithet accorded to King Arthur, and functions as a keyword in the text. 2

(32) Karidôl (Cærdœl): one of Arthur’s principal residences in Old French literature, thought to be Carlisle (in Cumbœria). In Chrétien the city, Carduel an Gales, is located in Wales. 3

(69–70) These lines are missing in manuscript A. The Lachmann/Wolff edition (L/W) has them in reverse order to B, following manuscripts b and c. 4

(90) The rhyme suggests that Kay’s name may have been pronounced ‘Keiî’, the customary spelling in L/W. 5

(206) The customary MHG form is humbel; B’s form is reminiscent of the English cognate. 6

(216) The ms has the ungrammatical tiurern. There is considerable manuscript variation in this line. 7

(284) Literally a ‘moulted hawk’, i.e. ‘one which has moulted at least once and is thus over a year old’ (David Dalby, Lexicon of the Mediæval German Hunt. A Lexicon of Middle High German terms (1050–1500), associated with the Chase, Hunting with Bows, Falconry, Trapping and Fowling (Berlin: de Gruyter, 1965), p. 155). (296) At this point, mss Ddfl have two lines (297–8, now omitted in L/W). In Bech’s edition (Hartmann von Aue, ed. by Fedor Bech, Dritter Teil. Iwein, oder der Ritter mit dem Löwen, Deutsche Classiker des Mittelalters, 3rd edn (Leipzig: Brockhaus, 1888)), they read: wan mir wirt lîht unz an mînen tôt | der herberg nimmer mê sô nôt (‘for, until I die, I shall probably | never again be in such need of shelter’). They seem eminently worthy of Hartmann and have a parallel in Chrétien 203f: ‘I had no inclination other than to do so, for I needed lodging.’ Lachmann rejected these lines on metrical grounds. See Wolff’s note to 297 (Hartmann von Aue, Iwein, Band 2. Handschriftenübersicht. Anmerkungen und Lesarten (Berlin: Walter de Gruyter, 1968), p. 23). I am indebted to my student Carmen Dudley for calling my attention to these lines. 8

(291) This is the first occurrence of what becomes a leitmotif in Iwein, a motif already present in Hartmann’s Erec, the host riding or walking forward to meet his guest. 9

(417) The first letter of this line has been virtually obliterated by a worm-hole, except for its bottom. 10

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German Romance III

(458) dez: a weakened form of the definite article. See Hermann Paul, Mittelhochdeutsche Grammatik, 22nd edn revised by Hugo Moser, Ingeborg Schröbler and Siegfried Grosse (Tübingen: Niemeyer, 1982), § 148, note 7. 11

12

(725) The manuscript has, ungrammatically, mînen at this point.

13

(713) Kalogrenant is in breach of the law of feuding. See W.H. Jackson, Chivalry in Twelfth-Century Germany. The Works of Hartmann von Aue, Arthurian Studies, XXXIV (Cambridge: D.S. Brewer, 1994), p. 238. 14

(785) L/W has danne ouch des âbents dô ich reit (‘than that evening when I came riding there’), avoiding the inconsistency in the narrative, as it was early in the morning when Kalogrenant departed from his host. The manuscripts vary considerably here. The London Iwein manuscript (l) has morgen. The emphasis is on the contrast between Kalogrenant’s previous mounted status and his present unhorsed condition. 15

(796) B is missing two lines here (L/W 799–800): wære mir iht baz geschehen | des hôrtent ir mich ouch nû jehen (‘if any better fate had befallen me, | you would hear me tell you about it now’).

16

(801) The scribe, in a rare moment of error, has Ez sprach, ‘it said’.

17

(897) On the eve of St John the Baptist, June 24th, held to be the night of the summer solstice, good and evil spirits were particularly active, as English readers know from A Midsummer Night’s Dream. 18

(1052) This is the most controversial line in Hartmann’s Iwein. zuht, ‘goodbreeding, courtesy’, is a keyword in the text. There is, however, a school of thought which argues that the sense of âne zuht here is ‘without reining in his horse’. Cf. Paul Salmon, ‘Ane zuht: Hartmann von Aue’s Criticism of Iwein’, Modern Language Review, 59 (1974), 556–61; Jackson, Chivalry, pp. 240–1. 19

(1069) The meaning of ze slage mit gâhen is by no means clear; the idiom is a rare one. It might mean ‘hastening hoofbeat for hoofbeat in pursuit of him’. It is not clear whether Iwein is side by side with Ascalon or close behind him. 20

(1186) ûf geleit: the meaning is not clear. The verb may mean ‘determined’, ‘resolved (beforehand)’, as Bech suggests (Hartmann von Aue, Iwein, ed. Bech, note on 1190). Alternatively, it may refer to Lunet’s dress: ‘I had put such clothing on ...’ (Hartmann von Aue: Gregorius, Der arme Heinrich. Iwein, ed. Volker Mertens (Bibliothek des Mittelalters, 6 (Frankfurt am Main: Deutscher Klassiker Verlag, 2004), p. 996. It seems unlikely that Lunet, as a royal emissary, would wear inadequate clothing. The court of Ascalon and Laudine is presented as luxurious and up to date. 21

(1196) The manuscript has, at this point and later, the form Frien. This is because of confusion between U and V in the scribe’s source; in Gothic minuscule V can denote either U or F.

Notes

405

22

(1273) The paradox is probably biblical in origin, e.g. Jeremiah 5:21: ‘stupid and thoughtless people–they have eyes and do not see’. 23

(1356) This situation occurs in the Nibelungenlied, when Siegfried’s corpse begins to bleed in the presence of Hagen (strophe 1044). The writing down of the Nibelungenlied as we know it was contemporary with the composition of Iwein. 24

(1495–501) L/W (and following them, Mertens), place the next seven lines (L/W 1499–505) in the mouth of Lûnête, which gives her, in Mertens’ view, ‘Züge einer Autorenrepräsentanz’ (‘features of an authorial presence’–p. 999). The problematic line is 1498 (L/W 1502). Wolf has swes sin aber sô stât (‘whoever’s mind is so inclined ...’); here B has a radically different reading, revealing Lunet’s silent thoughts. 25

(1568) deumüet (as opposed to diemüet) would appear to be Hartmann’s preferred form. Nor is it unusual elsewhere. The noun deumuot occurs frequently in the oldest manuscript of Hartmann’s Gregorius, Biblioteca Apostolica Vaticana, Rome: Regin. Lat. 1354 (A) (lines 3536, 3628, 3798). This, like the Gießen Iwein manuscript, is of Alemannic origin, and dates from the first quarter of the thirteenth century. As with Iwein B, we can see in the Vatican Gregorius manuscript probable reflections of Hartmann’s own linguistic usage. See Hartmann von Aue, Gregorius. Die Überlieferung des Prologs, die Vaticana-Handschrift A und eine Auswahl der übrigen Textzeugen, ed. Norbert Heinzle, Litterae, 28 (Göppingen: Alfred Kümmerle, 1974). (1579) MHG fliezen is usually intransitive, but it could have a transitive sense here. ‘And when a man pours balsam into ashes with his own hand’ would be an alternative translation.

26

27

(1623–4) L/W have these two lines (1627–8) in reverse order, following most manuscripts. 28

(1763) This echoes the contrast drawn by Kalogrenant between victory on horseback and defeat on foot (783–5). 29

(2002) At this point the scribe repeats at the top of the page the last two lines from the preceding page (L/W 2004–5). 31

(2133) The day of the midsummer solstice is approaching. See note 17 above. 30

(2162) ûf ir wege: this idiom is not attested elsewhere. The manuscripts diverge considerably here. Older editions of Lachmann, following manuscript a, have ûz ir wege, which is equally problematic. 32

(2186) The manuscript has the form bet, which might mean ‘bedded’, but the sense ‘bathed’ is obvious, and confirmed by other manuscripts. Chrétien has ‘each day she bathed him and washed and brushed his hair.’ (Chrétien de Troyes, Arthurian Romances, trans. by William W. Kibler (Harmondsworth: Penguin 1991), p. 318.

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German Romance III

33

(2189) ‘Grey’ refers to the skin of grey squirrels, ‘coloured’ to the same animal’s stomach fur, which is white with black edges. ‘Ermine’ refers to the ermine’s white winter fur. Cf. Elke Brüggen, Kleidung und Mode in der höfischen Epik des 12. und 13. Jahrhunderts, Beihefte zum Euphorion, 23 (Heidelberg: Carl Winter, 1989), p. 60. 34

(2200) botenbrôt: the reward traditionally given to a messenger.

35

(2213–4) L/W has these lines (2217–8) in reverse order, while B’s order is followed by mss DEJabcflpr. (2301) guot: B has muot (‘mind’), as do mss DEJbcflpr; guot, ‘property’, makes better sense, however.

36

37 (2429) The jarring note that is struck here by the use of the word wænlîch (‘presumably’) anticipates that at the end of the romance. 38

(2509) guot kneht is probably synonymous with rîter, ‘knight’. See Jackson, Chivalry, pp. 50–55. 39 (2550) At this point B lacks two lines (L/W 2555–6): in enirte ros noch der muot: | wan diu wâren beide guot (‘He lacked neither a charger nor purpose, | for they were both good’). 40

(2792) The allusion is to the crisis in Hartmann’s Erec, his adaptation of Chrétien de Troyes’ first Arthurian romance. The vocabulary (verligen, ‘to lie too long’; gemach, ‘ease, comfort’) suggests that Hartmann has his own text in mind, rather than Chrétien’s. 41 (2805) In Hartmann’s Erec, the hero is praised, at that time when he himself ‘lies overlong’ in bed, for making sure that his companions have the wherewithal to ride out in pursuit of chivalry (Erec 2954–65). This detail is lacking in Chrétien’s romance, another indication that Hartmann has his own adaptation of Chrétien’s text very much in mind at this point. 42

(2862) The meaning of geziehe is uncertain. I take it as a form of (ge)zîhen, ‘to accuse, blame’. 43 (3020) In Hartmann, âventiure often has the sense of ‘the story’, sometimes personified as ‘Lady Adventure’. 44

(3038) verlâgen: another echo of the error of Erec.

45

(3074) Ms B is on its own here, as is often the case. Most mss have swaz man mit worten hie gesaz. worten is, however, well attested as a verb meaning ‘to converse’.

46

(3057) It was common practice at a tournament for the participants to be divided into two teams. 47

(3196) The scribe, in a rare moment of error, has the accusative den.

Notes

407

48

(3304) az: the short vowel in the preterite is a characteristically Alemannic form. Cf. Hermann Paul, Mittelhochdeutsche Grammatik, 23rd edn revised by Peter Wiehl and Siegfried Grosse (Tübingen: Niemeyer, 1989), § 249, n. 3. 49

(3393–4) This couplet (L/W 3399–400) is written the wrong way round in B, but then corrected by the scribe using the letters b and a in the margin. 50

(3395–6) This couplet (L/W 3401–2) is written as one line by the scribe, with a full stop after dehein. 51

(3467–8) Benecke and Lachmann rejected these two lines because of the impure rhyme. In ‘classical’ Middle High German one would expect sweic, rather than B’s sweich, but B usually has –ch for –c, an Alemannic trait. The lines are included in Wolff’s edition (L/W 3473–4). 52

(3481–2) This line and the line that follows are only in B and the closely related ms b. (In Mertens’ edition: 3486,1–2). 53

(3448–50) Sagathy is a woollen stuff, or a mixed stuff of silk and cotton, also called say, or sayette. Scarlet is a rich cloth, usually, but not always, red in colour. 54

(3500) Wolff, following Lachmann, has und er ze sinnen gevienc (‘and he regained his senses’).

55

(3507) ‘Help!’: MHG wâfen! is a call to arms, as in the etymological origin of ‘alarm’. 56 (3680) B is missing two lines here (L/W 3685–6): den schaden suln wir verclagen, | des vrumen gote gnâde sagen. (‘We must get over lamenting the loss, | and thank God for the gain’). 57

(3770) The scribe, in a very rare moment of error, has written givienc.

58

(3812) Wolff has the subjunctive müeze at this point, which is more logical than the present indicative.

59

(3874) B is missing two lines here (L/W 3881–82): und gestuont im zaller sîner nôt | unz sî beide schiet der tôt. (‘and stood by him whenever he was in need | until death parted the two of them’). The motif is lacking in Chrétien; it may have been omitted in B because it refers to an event outside the scope of the romance. 60

(3889) ein rêch stênde, ‘a stalling roe’: a term of the chase. See Dalby, Lexicon of the Mediæval German Hunt, p. 221. 61

(3936) invollen is a rare form. More common is envollen. The manuscripts diverge considerably here. 62

(4042) The scribe repeats geleit as in the previous line – a rare error.

63

(4108) The representation of the pronouns here shows the extraordinary

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German Romance III

modernity of the manuscript’s orthography, distinguishing between the nominative plural si and the accusative singular sie. (4096) The trial by combat reflects contemporary legal procedure. See Jackson, Chivalry, pp. 264–6. 64

65

(4135) Unusually, there is a point in mid-line to indicate the enjambement and the beginning of a new clause here. 66

(4156) dewedern has been corrected from dewederz. The two lines that follow are only in B at this point; they recur at L/W 5763–4. Here they read like a clarification. 67 (4202) Wolff and Mertens have, for this problematic line (4208), wær sî sînem lîbe gelîch. Lachmann translated: ‘wäre sie ihm aber auch nur gleich an Adel’ (‘if she were even only equal to him in nobility’), but even with the change of pronouns, the translation is far from convincing. Perhaps the most convincing variant in the manuscripts is that of the late paper ms f, Sächsische Landesbibliothek Dresden, M. 65, ‘Volbracht dez freitags vor Vasnacht 1415’, ‘completed on the Friday before Shrovetide 1415’ (Wolff, Iwein. Handschriftenübersicht, p. 8). This reads: an ern ir, ‘[if] he [were equal] to her in honour’. 68

(4289) A special interest in Gawein on the part of the scribe is indicated by a flourish on the G of his name here. This line is the top line of fol. 83v, so the scribe has marginal room for such decoration. 69

(4294) The enjambement is indicated by the scribe’s inserting a point here.

70

(4299) The manuscripts diverge here, some having in, ‘him’, for iuch, ‘you’, which perhaps makes better sense.

71

(4357) A stone-throwing siege engine. See Jim Bradbury, The Medieval Siege (Bury St Edmunds: Boydell, 1992; rpt 1994), pp. 252–3. 72

(4394) There is a scribal error here. One would expect the singular: er wurde (‘he was’).

73

(4442) An echo of Romans 12:15.

74

(4523) The intelligent scribe, observing the unusual enjambement, places a point after hœren. 75

(4536) The motif of the boon which the king cannot refuse is a commonplace in Arthurian literature, as for example in Gottfried von Straßburg’s Tristan and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. 76

(4605) In the margin at this point there is a note in the same sixteenth-century hand as wrote the four pages that follow (90r–92v). The note says: Hier wirt dem Konig Artus weip hin gefurt (‘Here King Arthur’s wife is abducted’). 77

(4570) It is not clear whether unminne refers to the attitude of the knight, or of

409

Notes Arthur’s court. ‘in such disfavour’ would be a possible alternative translation. 78

(4633) From this line onwards, the next four pages of the manuscript (fols 90–2), as far as L/W 4791, have been replaced. This was the work of a writer or owner in the sixteenth century, who writes below his insertion: 1531

11 September hab ich den defect erfilt aus aim alten buoch. Vileicht vil falsch

(‘1531, 11 September. I supplied the defect from an old book. Perhaps much wrong.’) There are numerous omissions in the sixteenth-century text. For these pages I have followed Wolff’s edition and observed its orthographic conventions. 79

(4791) At this point the main scribe of B resumes his task. The line numbering here follows, for convenience’s sake, that of L/W (until B’s next divergence). 80

(4785) The unnamed lady is presumably Arthur’s niece.

81

(4834) The manuscript has the genitive es, rather than the nominative ez. This is a rare grammatical error on the part of the scribe, who is normally careful to distinguish between z and s. 82

(4855) sælde unde êre: an echo of line 3 of the prologue

(5030) B has ÿsich, which makes no sense. The scribe was influenced by the following word sich, which led him into error. 83

84

(5059) The manuscripts vary considerably with regard to this line (L/W 5058). Wolff, improving on all of them, has und wante die ruote (‘and [he] shook the staff’). 85

(5531) Another echo of line 3 of the prologue.

86

(5547) The imagery echoes one of the earliest German love-lyrics, preserved in the Tegernsee love-letters of c. 1170: ‘You are mine: | I am yours | of that you may be certain.| You are locked in my heart.| The little key is lost. | And you must remain therein forever.’–Cyril Edwards, The Beginnings of German Literature: Comparative and Interdisciplinary Approaches to Old High German. Studies in German Literature, Linguistics and Culture (Rochester, NY: Camden House, 2002), p. 125. (5826) Or possibly: ‘I have no clue as to how to find him.’ This is the translation suggested by Bech. 87

88

(5946) MHG gnâde has a wide semantic range. ‘Comfort’ would appear to be the sense here, but when an appeal is made to Iwein, the meaning is closer to ‘mercy, pity’.

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German Romance III

89

(5965) ‘amble-gait’ (MHG zelten). The horse alternates its right and left legs as it paces forwards. 90

(6086) This was the typical geographical situation in much of Germany in the late twelfth and early thirteenth centuries: the fortified castle, on top of a hill, lent protection to a market, which grew into a market town below. In England a similar development occurred despite the dissimilar geography, with a huge number of towns being granted market charters by King John. 91

(6090) strâzen, ‘roads’, but here the lesser roads around the market must be meant. In Brighton and other English cities, ‘lanes’ has this sense. 92

(6205–10) These lines are only preserved in B. In Chrétien’s Yvain, the women’s activities are confined to embroidery, whereas in Iwein B, which expands this passage considerably compared with other mss, the women, depending on their degree of skill, do needlework or weave flax into linen. Some of the terms here are obscure. After being softened in a river, the stalks of flax were beaten, or ‘beaten in’, in order to break the outside stalk and remove the fibres within. These were then ‘hackled’, combed with a ‘hackle’, and ‘scutched’, freed from the broken woody portions of flax or hemp; this process separated the short tow fibre from the rest. The yarn, once separated or ‘drawn out’, could then be woven into linen. The ‘thrums’ are the unwoven ends of the warp threads, which could be used for mending or other purposes. Cf. Dorothy K. Burnham, A Textile Terminology. Warp and Weft (London and Henley: Routledge & Kegan Paul, 1981). I am indebted to Heidi Kurtz (Linacre College, Oxford) and Kurt Gärtner (Trier) for their assistance with this passage. (6248) These lines are characterised by the popular medieval device of figura etymologica, a play on the root of words, based upon schalc.

93

94

(6279) Ich sagiu ein bast: literally, ‘I’ll tell you a bast’. ‘Bast’, a coarse textile, continues the weaving imagery. 95

(6302) B here lacks two lines (L/W 6297–8): wan dâ wonte in armuot | bescheiden wille unde guot. (‘for there dwelt in poverty there | discernment and good will’).

(6335) This story reflects in miniature Iwein’s own first adventure, and his motivation. 96

97

(6402–3) The penny was a silver coin; there were 240 to the pound. It is not clear whether this is a fraction of the profit, or whether it is simply a unit of currency. 98

99

(6416) Another echo of the third line of the prologue.

(6461) wælsch: probably Old French is meant, although the term can refer to Italian and other Romance languages. In Hartmann’s Gregorius, Aquitaine is identified as a wälhischez lant (178). In Chrétien the girl is reading un romanz (‘a romance’), which may have inspired Hartmann’s use of the word wælsch.

Notes

411

100

(6488) geritiert: a rare borrowing from Old French rider, ‘to fold, pleat’.

101

(6508) The sense requires an extra pronoun here, s (‘she’) which is lacking in B.

102

(6514) Here two lines are missing in B (L/W 6511–12): und het er sî nie gesehen, | sô wær im verre baz geschehen (‘And if he had never seen her | it would have been far better for him’).

103

(6553–4) B and three other manuscripts lack two lines here (L/W 6553–4): dâ was mit volleclîcher kraft | wirde unde wirtschaft (‘present in abundance there | were honour and hospitality’). 104

(6572) i.e., Iwein, the damsel and the lion.

105

(6678) möht erfürhten: Wolff has mohten ervehten, on the basis of ms A: mohten iruehten. Wolff’s reading gives the sense: ‘that they could easily have put fear into an army’. 106

(6766) The text of the next leaf of the manuscript (fol. 131r–v), the original of which was lost at some point, has been supplied by the same sixteenth-century hand as at fols 90–2. Here, as with the earlier leaves, the edition and translation follow Wolff’s edition. 107

(6819) This line is at the bottom of fol. 131v in the sixteenth-century hand, and then repeated, in more correct form, by the thirteenth-century scribe at the top of fol. 132r. 108

(6855–76) These lines are only in manuscripts B and u.

109

(6886) A further echo of the opening lines of the poem.

110 111

(6897–900) The following four lines are only in B.

(6903–44) These lines are only in MSS B and u.

112

(6973–84) These lines are in B, but excluded by Wolff. The motif of anonymity thus acquires greater significance in B. 113

(6940) eine sûberlîche schar. The same, relatively rare adjective, sûberlîch, occurs at Iwein 4385 in Wolff’s edition, at which point B has wol getâne. Wolff takes sûberlîch from ms D, which dates from the early fourteenth century. 114

(6999–7000) These lines (L/W 6919–20) are in reverse order in Wolff’s edition, but B is followed by mss Jabdlpz. Both readings make sense. 115

(7016) Here two lines are missing in B: daz doch dem einen wæge was, | ob joch der ander genas. (L/W 6937–8) (‘which was to be expected, | even if the other survived’). 116 (6987) rinc: the ‘rink’ or ‘ring’ is the area of ground designated for combat, usually in the courtyard of a castle. A finely preserved example can be seen at Abenberg, near Wolframs-Eschenbach in Franconia.

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117

(7136) B’s reading here is very much in the minority. Wolff’s edition follows a large group of manuscripts which have mit sehenden ougen blint, ‘blind though they can see’. 118

(7215–6) These two lines are placed six lines earlier in ms A (L/W 7131–2). This may be a scribal error, though the text of B makes perfect sense. 119 (7228) B lacks two lines here (L/W 7151–2): swer borget und niht gulte | daz er des lîhte engulte (‘if a man borrows and does not pay back, | he may readily pay dearly for that’). 120

(7247) ‘Slothful’: literally, verlegen means corrupted by lying too long (in bed). There is a reference here to the guilt of Erec, Hartmann’s (and Chrétien’s) first Arthurian hero, who on marriage ‘loved too much’ and lay too long abed. 121

(7267) ‘chattels’: moveable property or goods.

122

(7386) B lacks two lines here (L/W 7311–7312): dir sî verlâzen âne nît | beide lant unde strît (‘Let both land and dispute be conceded to you, without envy’). 123

(7417) The next two manuscript pages (fols 143v–144r) have been badly affected by water damage, and are in parts barely legible in the facsimile edition by H. M. Heinrichs. The original manuscript is much more legible, and for my readings I am dependent on notes made in Gießen in April 2004. 124

(7444) verchunte: Lachmann originally had verkunde, which, as Bech points out (note to 7370), is not to be found in any of the manuscripts. verkunte is taken by Mertens to be the preterite of verkunnen, with the meaning ‘not to trust’, ‘not to hope’. It seems more likely that it derives from verkünden, ‘to make oneself known’. 125

(7455) von mîner maht: an alternative translation would be ‘because of the strength it brought me’. See Bech’s note to 7381. 126

(7492) B lacks two lines here (L/W 7419–20): dâ hœret weizgot sorge zuo: | got sî der sîne gnâde tuo. (‘God knows, there is good reason to worry – | may God work His mercy’). 127

(7505) fürdigen (ms: furdigen). If this is the past participle of verdîhen, the sense would be ‘anticipated’. Bech argues for a distinct verb, fürdîhen, which would mean ‘surpassed’ (note to 7433 in Bech’s edition). This rare word occurs four times in Heinrich von Hesler’s Apokalypse (ed. Karl Helm, Deutsche Texte des Mittelalters, vol VIII, Berlin, 1907). In this work of c. 1300, it has the sense of ‘vanquish’ or ‘overwhelm’. 128

(7511–12) B has two extra lines here (Mertens, 7438, 1–2).

(7533) allez would be more correct grammatically; the genitive -s is influenced by the following word.

129

Notes

413

130

(7535–8) This and the following three lines occur earlier in A (L/W 7455–8), after wir sîn in glîchen sorgen. 131

(7546) Unusually, the B scribe has employed medial points to indicate that this line is to be split three ways. Such meticulous punctuation is rare in thirteenthcentury manuscripts. 132

(7658) The reference is to the fabulous wealth of Constantinople before its sacking by the crusaders in the spring of 1204. This allusion, lacking in Chrétien’s text, suggests a terminus post quem non for Hartmann’s Iwein. It is vital–albeit problematic–for the comparative dating of medieval German texts. Significantly, Wolfram von Eschenbach, in his Parzival, refers to the destruction of Constantinople (Kriechen) (563,8–11); Wolfram is conversant with both of Hartmann’s Arthurian romances. 133

(7716) Here B is missing four lines (L/W 7643–6): Der rede vil dâ geschach, | daz man ir ietwedern sach | des anderen prîs mêren | mit sîn selbes êre. (‘Much discouse of this kind took place there, | each of them being seen | to aggrandise the other’s reputation | by praising his honour’). 134

(7794) There would appear to be a grammatical error here, in that one would expect a present subjunctive entwâfen ‘let Sir Iwein disarm himself’ (as in Wolff’s edition), rather than what appears to be a present indicative. However, this is committed by mss BEJabcdflp, which suggests a considerable degree of flexibility in MHG grammar. 135

(7802) Here B lacks two lines (L/W 7733–4): dô bestuont dâ nieman mêre: | sî vorhten in sô sêre. (‘then no-one else stood his ground there – | they were so afraid of it’).

136

(7890) sius, ‘roaring; hissing’. In MHG more commonly sûs. B has sius, as does ms E. 137

(7991) The raising of the hand to observe an oath is customary in the Middle Ages; it frequently occurs in the miniatures of the Manesse Codex (Grosse Heidelberger Liederhandschrift) of c. 1300. 138

(8003) This refers to the saints whose relics are present when the oath is taken. See Lambertus Okken, Kommentar zur Artusepik Hartmanns von Aue, Amsterdamer Publikationen zur Sprache und Literatur, 103 (Amsterdam: Rodopi, 1993), p. 386. 139

(8108) MHG wirt means both ‘host’ and ‘lord of a castle’; hence the play on words here. (8111) Iwein’s silence echoes that on his first face-to-face encounter with Laudine (2244–55). 140

141

(8188) This image, comparing the beloved with the highpoint of the Christian year, is common in the contemporary German love-lyric, e.g. Reinmar der Alte, Des

414

German Romance III

Minnesangs Frühling 170,19: Si ist mîn ôsterlîcher tac (‘She is my Easter Day’), and Walther von der Vogelweide’s parody, L. 111,25–26: er giht, wenne sîn ouge ein wîp ersiht, | si sî sîn ôsterlîcher tac (‘he says, when his eyes behold a woman, | that she is his Easter Day’). 142

(8189–204) These lines (L/W 8121–36), are not in Lachmann’s main source, ms A, but only in B, a and d (in d only up to 8121). See Mertens, pp. 1049–50. 143

(8217) The majuscules have not been supplied for the last seven leaves, but here the scribe responsible for them attempts a final flourish. Unfortunately, he puts in an S with an elongated tail, whereas the sense demands an H. 144

(8227–58) From this line onwards the text of B diverges from other manuscripts, adding thirty-two lines. 145 (8235) The same epithet, the rare word gewære (‘true’) is employed of Lûnet herself at line 5560. 146

(8259) With this line (L/W 8159) the text returns to that preserved in A and other manuscripts. The word wænlîch (‘presumably’) again casts a shadow of doubt over the future. See lines 2429, 8216. (8266) The romance ends with a final echo of line 3 of the prologue.

147 148

Tony Hunt, ‘Beginnings, Middles, and Ends: Some Interpretative Problems in Chrétien’s Yvain and its Medieval Adaptations’, in The Craft of Fiction: Essays in Medieval Poetics, ed. by Leigh A. Arrathoon (Rochester, Michigan: Solaris Press, 1984), p. 104. 149

Cf. Christoph Gerhardt, ‘“Iwein”-Schlüsse,’ Literaturwissenschaftliches Jahrbuch der Görres-Gesellschaft, N. F. 13 (1972), 13–39.

150

Translated by William W. Kibler, Chrétien de Troyes. Arthurian Romances (Penguin: Harmondsworth, 1991), p. 380. 151

This text and those that follow are derived from Hartmann von Aue. Iwein. Der Ritter mit dem Löwen, ed. by Emil Henrici, Germanistische Handbibliothek, 8: (Verlag der Buchhandlung des Waisenhauses: Halle an der Saale, 1891), pp. 387–8. 152

The punctuation of the MHG text follows, for the most part, that of Christoph Gerhardt (see note 149). Abbreviations have been resolved. 153

Aschau and Kufstein are in the Tirol.

154

Kaltenberg is in Bavaria.

155 This proverbial expression, and the situation in which it is used, find a close parallel in a Schwank (a jocular poem) by Hans Sachs, dated 26 May 1562: Nach dem meyd auch das dritte stück, | Der alten weiber groß gelück! | Wann sie zu allen bösen sachen | Allmal groß gelück darauß machen: | Fellt eim ein kind zum fenster rauß | Und fellt etwan ein schenckel auß; | Oder fellt einer von gaul herab

Notes

415

| Und er fellt etwan ein arm ab; | Sprechens: Groß Gelück haben die allen, | Daß keiner sich zu todt hat gefallen. (‘After the [story of the] maiden the third piece, | Old women’s great good luck! | For they always make out of all evil matters | Great good luck: | If a person’s child falls out of the window | And, perhaps, a thigh is dislocated; | Or if a person falls off his horse | And his arm drops off; | They say: they have all had great good luck | That no one has dropped down dead’)– Hans Sachs, ed. A. v. Keller and E. Goetze, vol. 17, Bibliothek des litterarischen Vereins in Stuttgart, CLXXXI (Tübingen, 1888), p. 253. Generally the expression is meant euphemistically or ironically. Further parallels are adduced by Lutz Röhrich, Lexikon der sprichwörtlichen Redensarten, 2 vols (Freiburg: Herder, 1973), I, pp. 334–5. I am indebted to Kurt Gärtner (Trier) for help in tracing this saying.

SELECT BIBLIOGRAPHY I. EDITIONS, FACSIMILES AND TRANSLATIONS Chrestien de Troyes. Yvain (Le chevalier au Lion). Ed. Wendelin Foerster, rev. T. B. W. Reid. Manchester: Manchester University Press, 1967. Chrétien de Troyes. Arthurian Romances. Trans. William W. Kibler. Harmondsworth: Penguin 1991. Eilhart von Oberg. Tristant. Ed. Hadumod Bußmann. Altdeutsche Textbibliothek, 70. Tübingen: Niemeyer, 1969. Gottfried von Straßburg. Tristan. Ed. Peter Ganz. Deutsche Klassiker des Mittelalters, N. F., 4. 2 vols. Wiesbaden: Brockhaus, 1978. Hans Sachs. Werke. Ed. A. v. Keller and E. Goetze. Bibliothek des litterarischen Vereins in Stuttgart, CLXXXI. Tübingen, 1888. Hartmann von Aue. Arthurian Romances, Tales and Lyric Poetry: The Complete Works of Hartmann von Aue. Trans. Frank Tobin, Kim Vivian and Richard H. Lawson. University Park, PA: The Pennsylvania State UP, 2001. Hartmann von Aue. Der arme Heinrich. Ed. Hermann Paul. Altdeutsche Textbibliothek, 3. 17th edn.revised by Kurt Gärtner. Tübingen: Niemeyer, 2001. Hartmann von Aue. Erec. Ed. Albert Leitzmann. 6th rev. ed. Christoph Cormeau and Kurt Gärtner. Altdeutsche Textbibliothek, 39. Tübingen: Niemeyer, 1985. Hartmann von Aue. Erec. by Manfred Günter Scholz and trans by Susanne Held. Bibliothek des Mittelalters, 5. Frankfurt am Main: Deutscher Klassiker Verlag, 2004. Hartmann von Aue. Gregorius. Der “gute Sünder”. Ed. Friedrich Neumann. Deutsche Klassiker des Mittelalters, Neue Folge, 2. 3rd edn. Wiesbaden: Brockhaus, 1968. Hartmann von Aue. Gregorius. Der arme Heinrich. Iwein. Ed. and trans. Volker Mertens. Bibliothek des Mittelalters, 6. Frankfurt am Main: Deutscher Klassiker Verlag, 2004. Hartmann von Aue. Iwein. Der riter mit dem lewen. Getihtet von dem hern Hartman diestman ze Ouwe. Ed. G. F. Benecke and K. Lachmann. Berlin: G. Reimer, 1827.

418

German Romance III

Hartmann von Aue. Iwein. Eine Erzählung von Hartmann von Aue. Ed. G. F. Benecke and K. Lachmann. 4th edn. Berlin: G. Reimer, 1877. Hartmann von Aue. Eine Erzählung von Hartmann von Aue. Ed. G. F. Benecke and K. Lachmann, revised Ludwig Wolff. 7th edn.2 vols. Berlin: de Gruyter, 1968. Hartmann von Aue. Hartmann von Aue. Iwein. Der Ritter mit dem Löwen. Ed. Emil Henrici. Germanistische Handbibliothek, 8. Halle an der Saale: Verlag der Buchhandlung des Waisenhauses, 1891. Hartmann von Aue. Iwein, oder Der Ritter mit dem Löwen. 3rd edn.Ed. Fedor Bech. Deutsche Classiker des Mittelalters. Leipzig: Brockhaus, 1888. Hartmann von Aue. Iwein. Handschrift B. Ed. H. M. Heinrichs. Deutsche Texte in Handschriften, 2. Fotomechanischer Nachdruck in Originalgröße. Cologne, Graz: Böhlau, 1964. Hartmann von Aue. Iwein. Ausgewählte Abbildungen und Materialien zur handschriftlichen Überlieferung. Ed. Lambertus Okken. Litterae, 24. Göppingen: Kümmerle, 1974. Hartmann von Aue. Gregorius. Die Überlieferung des Prologs, die VaticanaHandschrift A und eine Auswahl der übrigen Textzeugen. Ed. Norbert Heinzle. Litterae, 28. Göppingen: Alfred Kümmerle, 1974. Hartmann von Aue. Iwein. Urtext und Übersetzung. Ed. G. F. Benecke, K. Lachmann and L. Wolff, trans. Thomas Cramer. 2nd revised edn. Berlin: de Gruyter, 1974. Hartmann von Aue. Iwein. Text und Übersetzung. Ed. G. F. Benecke, K. Lachmann and L. Wolff, trans. Thomas Cramer. 4th revised edn. Berlin: de Gruyter, 2001. Hartmann von Aue. Iwein. Trans. Wolfgang Mohr. Göppinger Arbeiten zur Germanistik, 441. Göppingen: Kümmerle, 1985. Hartmann von Aue. Iwein. Ed. G. F. Benecke, K. Lachmann and L. Wolff, trans. Max Wehrli. Manesse Bibliothek der Weltliteratur. Zurich: Manesse Verlag, 1988. Hartmann von Aue. Lieder. Erstes Büchlein. Zweites Büchlein. Grêgorjus. Der arme Heinrich. Ed. Fedor Bech. Deutsche Classiker des Mittelalters, 5,ii. 2nd edn. Leipzig: Brockhaus, 1873. Heinrich von dem Türlin, Die Krone (Verse 1–1228). Ed. Fritz Peter Knapp and Manuela Niesner. Altdeutsche Textbibliothek, 112. Tübingen: Niemeyer, 2000.

419

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Heinrich von Hesler. Apokalypse. Ed. Karl Helm. Deutsche Texte des Mittelalters, 8. Berlin: Weidmann, 1907. Heinrich von Veldeke. Eneasroman. Mittelhochdeutsch/Neuhochdeutsch. Ed. Ludwig Ettmüller. Trans. Dieter Kartschoke. Stuttgart: Reclam, 1986. Des Minnesangs Frühling. 38th revised edn. Ed. Hugo Moser and Helmut Tervooren. Stuttgart: S. Hirzel, 1988. Das Nibelungenlied. Ed. Karl Bartsch. 22nd edn. Roswitha Wisniewski. Deutsche Klassiker des Mittelalters. Mannheim: Brockhaus, 1988. Pearl; Cleanness; Patience; Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. Ed. A. C. Cawley and J. J. Anderson. London and Melbourne: Dent, 1983. Pleier, Der. Garel von dem blühenden Tal. Ed. W. Herles. Vienna: Halosar, 1981. Walther von der Vogelweide. Leich. Lieder. Sangsprüche. Ed. Karl Lachmann. 14th revised edn.Christoph Cormeau. Berlin: de Gruyter, 1996. Wirnt von Gravenberc. Wigalois, der Ritter mit dem Rade. Ed. J. M. N. Kapteyn. Vol. 1. Text. Rheinische Beiträge und Hülfsbücher zur germanischen Philologie und Volkskunde, vol. 9. Bonn: Klopp, 1926. Wolfram von Eschenbach. Parzival. Ed. Karl Lachmann. Berlin and Leipzig: de Gruyter, 1926; 6th edn. 1965. Wolfram von Eschenbach. Parzival. With Titurel and the Love Lyrics. Trans. Cyril Edwards. Arthurian Studies, LVI. Cambridge: D. S. Brewer, 2004. II. SECONDARY TEXTS Becker, Peter Jörg. Handschriften und Frühdrucke mittelhochdeutscher Epen. Wiesbaden: Reichert, 1977. Benecke, G. F. Wörterbuch zu Hartmanns Iwein. 2nd edn.E. Wilken. Göttingen: Dieterichsche Verlags-Buchhandlung, 1874. Benecke, G. F., W. Müller and F. Zarncke. Mittelhochdeutsches Wörterbuch. 3 vols. Leipzig: S. Hirzel, 1854–66. Bradbury, Jim. The Medieval Siege. Bury St Edmunds: Boydell, 1992; rpt 1994.

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Brüggen, Elke. Kleidung und Mode in der höfischen Epik des 12. und 13. Jahrhunderts. Beihefte zum Euphorion, 23. Heidelberg: Carl Winter, 1989. Bumke, Joachim. Die vier Fassungen der ‘Nibelungenklage.’ Untersuchungen zur Überlieferungsgeschichte und Textkritik der höfischen Epik im 13. Jahrhundert. Quellen und Forschungen zur Literatur- und Kulturgeschichte, 8 (242). Berlin: Walter de Gruyter, 1996. Burnham, Dorothy K. A Textile Terminology: Warp and Weft. London and Henley: Routledge & Kegan Paul, 1981. Chandler, Frank W. A Catalogue of Names of Persons in the German Court Epics. Ed. Martin H. Jones. KCLMS, VIII. London: King’s College London Centre for Late Antique and Medieval Studies, 1992. Dalby, David. Lexicon of the Mediæval German Hunt. A Lexicon of Middle High German terms (1050–1500), associated with the Chase, Hunting with Bows, Falconry, Trapping and Fowling. Berlin: de Gruyter, 1965. Edwards, Cyril. The Beginnings of German Literature: Comparative and Interdisciplinary Approaches to Old High German. Studies in German Literature, Linguistics, and Culture. Rochester, NY: Camden House, 2002. Gärtner, Kurt. ‘Die Zwettler Erec-Fragmente: Versuch einer ersten Auswertung’. In: Literatur als Erinnerung. Winfried Woesler zum 65. Geburtstag. Ed. Bodo Plachta. Tübingen: Niemeyer, 2004. 35–50. Gentry, Francis G., ed. A Companion to the Works of Hartmann von Aue. Studies in German Literature, Linguistics and Culture. Rochester, NY: Camden House, 2005. Gerhardt, Christoph. “‘Iwein’-Schlüsse”. Literaturwissenschaftliches Jahrbuch der Görres-Gesellschaft, N.F. 13 (1972/74). 13–39. Hunt, Tony. ‘Beginnings, Middles, and Ends: Some Interpretative Problems in Chretien’s Yvain and its Medieval Adaptations’. In: The Craft of Fiction. Essays in Medieval Poetics. Ed. Leigh A. Arrathoon. Rochester, Michigan: Solaris Press, 1984. 83–117. Hunt, Tony. ‘Le Chevalier au Lion: A Comparative Study of Chrétien’s Romance and the Medieval Translations of it’ (unpublished B. Litt. dissertation, Oxford, 1971). Jackson, W. H. Chivalry in Twelfth-Century Germany: The Works of Hartmann von Aue. Arthurian Studies, XXXIV. Cambridge: D. S. Brewer, 1994.

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Jackson, W. H. ‘The Medieval Literary Reception of Hartmann’s Works’. In: A Companion to the Works of Hartmann von Aue. Ed. Francis G. Gentry. Studies in German Literature, Linguistics and Culture. Rochester, NY: Camden House, 2005, 183–221. Lacy, Norris, ed. The New Arthurian Encyclopedia. New York: Garland, 1996. Lexer, Matthias. Mittelhochdeutsches Wörterbuch. 3 vols. Leipzig: S. Hirzel, 1872–78. Luttrell, Claude. The Creation of the First Arthurian Romance: A Quest. London: Edward Arnold, 1974. McFarland, Timothy, and Silvia Ranawake, eds. Hartmann von Aue. Changing Perspectives. London Hartmann Symposium 1985. GAG, 486. Göppingen: Kümmerle, 1988. Montag, Ulrich, and Karin Schneider, eds. Deutsche Literatur des Mittelalters. Handschriften aus dem Bestand der Bayerischen Staatsbibliothek München mit Heinrich Wittenwilers ‘Ring’ als kostbarer Neuerwerbung. Munich: Bayerische Staatsbibliothek, 2003. Okken, Lambertus. Kommentar zur Artusepik Hartmanns von Aue. Amsterdamer Publikationen zur Sprache und Literatur, 103. Amsterdam: Rodopi, 1993. Paul, Hermann. Mittelhochdeutsche Grammatik. Sammlung kurzer Grammatiken germanischer Dialekte, A2. 22nd edn. revised Hugo Moser, Ingeborg Schröbler and Siegfried Grosse. Tübingen: Niemeyer, 1982. Paul, Hermann. Mittelhochdeutsche Grammatik. Sammlung kurzer Grammatiken germanischer Dialekte, A2. 23rd edn.revised. Peter Wiehl and Siegfried Grosse. Tübingen: Niemeyer, 1989. Röhrich, Lutz. Lexikon der sprichwörtlichen Redensarten. 2 vols. Freiburg: Herder, 1973. Röll, Walter. Review of Hartmann von Aue. Iwein Handschrift B. Fotomechanischer Nachdruck in Originalgröße. Cologne, Graz: Böhlau, 1964. In: Deutsche LiteraturZeitung 87 (1966). Cols 980–4. Salmon, Paul. ‘Ane zuht: Hartmann von Aue’s Criticism of Iwein’. Modern Language Review, 59 (1974). 556–61. Schneider, Karin. Gotische Schriften in deutscher Sprache. I. Vom späten 12.

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Jahrhundert bis um 1300, 2 vols. Wiesbaden: Reichert, 1987. Schröder, Werner. Ludwig Wolffs Nachlese zu seiner ‘Iwein’-Ausgabe von 1968. Sitzungsberichte der wissenschaftlichen Gesellschaft an der Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität Frankfurt am Main, vol. XXIX, no. 3. Stuttgart: Steiner, 1992. Schröder, Werner. ‘Laudines Kniefall und der Schluß von Hartmanns Iwein.’ Akademie der Wissenschaften und der Literatur, Mainz. Abhandlungen der geistesund sozialwissenschaftlichen Klasse, 1997. No. 2. Stuttgart: Steiner, 1997. Schweikle, Günther, ed. Dichter über Dichter in mittelhochdeutscher Literatur. Deutsche Texte, 12. Tübingen: Niemeyer, 1970. Sparnaay, Hendrik. Hartmann von Aue. Studien zu einer Biographie. 2 vols. Halle (Saale) 1933, 1938; rpt Darmstadt: Wissenschaftliche Buchgesellschaft, 1975. Springeth, Margarete, Charlotte Ziegler, Kurt Gärtner and Ulrich Müller. ‘Die Stift Zwettler Fragmente: Beschreibung und Transkription’ Beiträge zur Geschichte der deutschen Sprache und Literatur, 127 (2005). 33–61. Unzeitig-Herzog, Monika. ‘Überlegungen zum Erzählschluß im Artusroman’ In: Erzählstrukturen der Artusliteratur. Forschungsgeschichte und neue Ansätze. Ed. Friedrich Wolfzettel and Peter Ihring. Tübingen: Niemeyer, 1999. 232–53. Wells, C. J. German: A Linguistic History to 1945. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1985. West, G. D. An index of proper names in French Arthurian verse romances 1150– 1300. University of Toronto Romance Series, 15. Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 1964. West, G. D. An index of proper names in French Arthurian prose romances. University of Toronto Romance Series, 35. Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 1978. Zutt, Herta. ‘Der Gebrauch der Negationen in der Gießener Iwein-Handschrift.’ Alemannisches Jahrbuch 1973/75 (Festschrift B. Boesch). 373–91. Zwieržina, Konrad. ‘Allerlei Iweinkritik’. Zeitschrift für deutsches Altertum, 40 (1896). 225–42.

INDEX OF NAMES Where the name used in the translation differs from the Middle High German, the former is given in brackets, e.g. Artûs (Arthur). Âliers, a count 3405, 3699, 3753 Artûs (Arthur), King of Britain/Brittany passim Ascalôn, King of Broceliande 2270 Brezziljân (Broceliande), forest 263, 921 Britange (Brittany) 1178 Dôdînes, der wilde (the wild), knight of the Round Table 87, 4696 Ênîte, wife of Erek 2788 Erek, son of King Lac (in most editions: Êrec) 2786 Feimorgân (Morgan the Fay), stepsister of Arthur, enchantress 3418 Gâwein, nephew of King Arthur, knight of the Round Table passim Harpîn, a giant 4494 Hartman (Hartmann von Aue), author of Iwein 28, 2968, 2976, 7105 Hênete, knight at King Arthur’s court 4703 Îders, knight at King Arthur’s court 4708 Îwein, son of King Urien passim Johannes (John the Baptist) 897 Junchfrouwen Wert, der (Damsels’ Wharf), home of captive ladies 6330 Jûnô, goddess 6448 Kâlogrêant, knight of the Round Table, kinsman of Iwein passim Karidôl (Cærdœl), residence of King Arthur 32, 3060 Key (Kay), knight, steward of King Arthur (Keîî in Wolff’s edition) passim Laudîne, Queen of Broceliande passim Lûnet, lady-in-waiting to Laudîne (Lûnête in Wolff’s edition) passim. Meliakanz, knight, abductor of Guinevere 5680 Millemargot, knight at King Arthur’s court 4705 Nârisôn, land of lady attacked by Count Aliers 3796 Ouwære, toponymic of Hartmann 29 Plîopleherîn, knight at King Arthur’s court 4705 Segremors, knight at King Arthur’s court 88, 4701 Swarzen Dorne, der vom (the Count of the Black Thorn) 5629 Utpandragûn (Uther Pendragon), father of King Arthur 893 Urîên (in the manuscript: Frien, Vrien), king, father of Iwein 1196, 2107

German Romance III: Iwein, or The Knight with the Lion (Arthurian Archives)

The Hedge Knight III Mystery Knight

With The Knight Male

With the Knight Male

With the Knight Male

Tallie's Knight (Historical Romance)

Knight or Daye

Knight or Daye

Knight Or Knave

Knight or Daye

Knight Or Knave

Knight Or Knave

Paganism in Arthurian Romance (Religion & Mythology)

The Changing Face of Arthurian Romance: Essays on Arthurian Prose Romances in memory of Cedric E. Pickford (Arthurian Studies)

Dark Forces III: Jedi Knight

The Arthurian Tradition

The Lion

The Lion

The Lion

The Lion

The Lion

The Lion

The Lion

The Lion

Or All the Seas With

The Lion

The Lion

the Lion

The Lion

The Lion

the Lion

German Romance III: Iwein, or The Knight with the Lion (Arthurian Archives)

The Hedge Knight III Mystery Knight

With The Knight Male

With the Knight Male

With the Knight Male

Tallie's Knight (Historical Romance)

Knight or Daye

Knight or Daye

Knight Or Knave

Knight or Daye

Knight Or Knave

Knight Or Knave

Paganism in Arthurian Romance (Religion & Mythology)

The Changing Face of Arthurian Romance: Essays on Arthurian Prose Romances in memory of Cedric E. Pickford (Arthurian Studies)

Dark Forces III: Jedi Knight

The Arthurian Tradition

The Lion

The Lion

The Lion

The Lion

The Lion

The Lion

The Lion

The Lion

Or All the Seas With

The Lion

The Lion

the Lion

The Lion

The Lion

the Lion

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