XII - The Combat Between Iwein and Gawein

Summary

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

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.