Prologue

Hartmann von Aue, the fame went,
Was a good knight, and well acquent
With books in every character.
Having sought this many a year,
He found at length a record fit,
As far as he apprehendeth it,
To smoothe the rugged paths uneven,
To glorify God which is in Heaven,
And gain kind thoughts from each true heart
For himself as also for his art.

Unto your ears this song sings he,
And begs, an you hear it patiently,
That his reward be held in store;
And that whoso, when his days are o'er,
Shall read and understand this book,
For the writer unto God may look,
Praying that God may be his goal
And the place of rest to his poor soul.
That man his proper shrift shall win
Who prayeth for his brother's sin.