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+Project Gutenberg's Aslauga's Knight, by Fredrich de la Motte-Fouque
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Aslauga's Knight
+
+Author: Fredrich de la Motte-Fouque
+
+Posting Date: January 2, 2009 [EBook #2827]
+Release Date: September, 2001
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ASLAUGA'S KNIGHT ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Sandra Laythorpe
+
+
+
+
+
+ASLAUGA'S KNIGHT
+
+By Fredrich de la Motte-Fouque
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+
+Many years ago there lived in the island of Fuhnen a noble knight,
+called Froda, the friend of the Skalds, who was so named because he not
+only offered free hospitality in his fair castle to every renowned and
+noble bard, but likewise strove with all his might to discover those
+ancient songs, and tales, and legends which, in Runic writings or
+elsewhere, were still to be found; he had even made some voyages to
+Iceland in search of them, and had fought many a hard battle with the
+pirates of those seas--for he was also a right valiant knight, and he
+followed his great ancestors not only in their love of song, but also
+in their bold deeds of arms. Although he was still scarcely beyond
+the prime of youth, yet all the other nobles in the island willingly
+submitted themselves to him, whether in council or in war; nay, his
+renown had even been carried ere now over the sea to the neighbouring
+land of Germany.
+
+One bright autumn evening this honour-loving knight sat before his
+castle, as he was often wont to do, that he might look far and wide over
+land and sea, and that he might invite any travellers who were passing
+by, as was his custom, to share in his noble hospitality.
+
+But on this day he saw little of all that he was accustomed to look
+upon; for on his knees there lay an ancient book with skilfully and
+richly painted characters, which a learned Icelander had just sent to
+him across the sea: it was the history of Aslauga, the fair daughter of
+Sigurd, who at first, concealing her high birth, kept goats among the
+simple peasants of the land, clothed in mean attire; then, in the golden
+veil of her flowing hair, won the love of King Ragnar Lodbrog; and at
+last shone brightly on the Danish throne as his glorious queen, till the
+day of her death.
+
+To the Knight Froda it seemed as though the gracious Lady Aslauga rose
+in life and birth before him, so that his calm and steadfast heart,
+true indeed to ladies' service, but never yet devoted to one particular
+female image, burst forth in a clear flame of love for the fair daughter
+of Sigurd. "What matters it," thought he to himself, "that it is more
+than a hundred years since she disappeared from earth? She sees so
+clearly into this heart of mine--and what more can a knight desire?
+wherefore she shall henceforth be my honoured love, and shall inspire
+me in battle and in song." And therewith he sang a lay on his new love,
+which ran in the following manner:
+
+
+        "They ride over hill and dale apace
+         To seek for their love the fairest face--
+         They search through city and forest-glade
+         To find for their love the gentlest maid--
+         They climb wherever a path may lead
+         To seek the wisest dame for their meed.
+         Ride on, ye knights: but ye never may see
+         What the light of song has shown to me:
+         Loveliest, gentlest, and wisest of all,
+         Bold be the deeds that her name shall recall;
+         What though she ne'er bless my earthly sight?
+         Yet death shall reveal her countenance bright.
+         Fair world, good night!  Good day, sweet love!
+         Who seeks here in faith shall find above."
+
+
+"Such purpose may come to good," said a hollow voice near the knight;
+and when he looked round, he saw the form of a poor peasant woman, so
+closely wrapped in a grey mantle that he could not discern any part of
+her countenance. She looked over his shoulder on the book, and said,
+with a deep sigh, "I know that story well; and it fares no better with
+me than with the princess of whom it tells." Froda looked at her with
+astonishment. "Yes, yes," pursued she, with strange becks and nods; "I
+am the descendant of the mighty Rolf, to whom the fairest castles and
+forests and fields of this island once belonged; your castle and your
+domains, Froda, amongst others, were his. We are now cast down to
+poverty; and because I am not so fair as Aslauga there is no hope that
+my possessions will be restored to me; and therefore I am fain to veil
+my poor face from every eye." It seemed that she shed warm tears beneath
+her mantle. At this Froda was greatly moved, and begged her, for
+God's sake, to let him know how he could help her, for that he was a
+descendant of the famous northern heroes of the olden time; and perhaps
+yet something more than they--namely, a good Christian. "I almost
+think," murmured she from beneath her covering, "that you are that very
+Froda whom men call the Good, and the friend of the Skalds, and of whose
+generosity and mildness such wonderful stories are told. If it be so,
+there may be help for me. You need only give up to me the half of your
+fields and meadows, and I should be in a condition to live in some
+measure such a life as befits the descendant of the mighty Rolf." Then
+Froda looked thoughtfully on the ground; partly because she had asked
+for so very much; partly, also, because he was considering whether she
+could really be descended from the powerful Rolf. But the veiled form
+said, after a pause, "I must have been mistaken, and you are not indeed
+that renowned, gentle-hearted Froda: for how could he have doubted so
+long about such a trifle? But I will try the utmost means. See now! for
+the sake of the fair Aslauga, of whom you have both read and sang--for
+the sake of the honoured daughter of Sigurd, grant my request!" Then
+Froda started up eagerly, and cried, "Let it be as you have said!" and
+gave her his knightly hand to confirm his words. But he could not grasp
+the hand of the peasant-woman, although her dark form remained close
+before him. A secret shudder began to run through his limbs, whilst
+suddenly a light seemed to shine forth from the apparition--a golden
+light--in which she became wholly wrapped; so that he felt as though
+Aslauga stood before him in the flowing veil of her golden hair, and
+smiling graciously on him. Transported and dazzled, he sank on his
+knees. When he rose up once more he only saw a cloudy mist of autumn
+spreading over the meadow, fringed at its edges with lingering evening
+lights, and then vanishing far over the waves. The knight scarcely knew
+what had happened to him. He returned to his chamber buried in thought,
+and sometimes feeling sure that he had beheld Aslauga, sometimes, again,
+that some goblin had risen before him with deceitful tricks, mocking in
+spiteful wise the service which he had vowed to his dead mistress.
+But henceforth, wherever he roved, over valley or forest or heath, or
+whether he sailed upon the waves of the sea, the like appearances met
+him. Once he found a lute lying in a wood, and drove a wolf away from
+it, and when sounds burst from the lute without its being touched a fair
+child rose up from it, as of old Aslauga herself had done. At another
+time he would see goats clambering among the highest cliffs by the
+sea-shore, and it was a golden form who tended them. Then, again, a
+bright queen, resplendent in a dazzling bark, would seem to glide past
+him, and salute him graciously,--and if he strove to approach any of
+those he found nothing but cloud, and mist, and vapour. Of all this many
+a lay might be sung. But so much he learnt from them all--that the fair
+Lady Aslauga accepted his service, and that he was now indeed and in
+truth become her knight.
+
+Meanwhile the winter had come and gone. In northern lands this season
+never fails to bring to those who understand and love it many an image
+full of beauty and meaning, with which a child of man might well be
+satisfied, so far as earthly happiness can satisfy, through all his time
+on earth. But when the spring came glancing forth with its opening buds
+and flowing waters there came also bright and sunny tidings from the
+land of Germany to Fuhnen.
+
+There stood on the rich banks of the Maine, where it pours its waters
+through the fertile land of Franconia, a castle of almost royal
+magnificence, whose orphan-mistress was a relation of the German
+emperor. She was named Hildegardis; and was acknowledged far and wide
+as the fairest of maidens. Therefore her imperial uncle wished that she
+should wed none but the bravest knight who could anywhere be met with.
+Accordingly he followed the example of many a noble lord in such a case,
+and proclaimed a tournament, at which the chief prize should be the hand
+of the peerless Hildegardis, unless the victor already bore in his heart
+a lady wedded or betrothed to him; for the lists were not to be closed
+to any brave warrior of equal birth, that the contest of strength and
+courage might be so much the richer in competitors.
+
+Now the renowned Froda had tidings of this from his German
+brethren-in-arms; and he prepared himself to appear at the festival.
+Before all things, he forged for himself a splendid suit of armour; as,
+indeed, he was the most excellent armourer of the north, far-famed as
+it is for skill in that art. He worked the helmet out of pure gold, and
+formed it so that it seemed to be covered with bright flowing locks,
+which called to mind Aslauga's tresses. He also fashioned, on the
+breastplate of his armour, overlaid with silver, a golden image in half
+relief, which represented Aslauga in her veil of flowing locks, that he
+might make known, even at the beginning of the tournament--"This knight,
+bearing the image of a lady upon his breast, fights not for the hand
+of the beautiful Hildegardis, but only for the joy of battle and for
+knightly fame." Then he took out of his stables a beautiful Danish
+steed, embarked it carefully on board a vessel, and sailed prosperously
+to the opposite shore.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+
+
+In one of those fair beech-woods which abound in the fertile land of
+Germany he fell in with a young and courteous knight of delicate form,
+who asked the noble northman to share the meal which he had invitingly
+spread out upon the greensward, under the shade of the pleasantest
+boughs. Whilst the two knights sat peacefully together at their repast
+they felt drawn towards each other and rejoiced when on rising from it,
+they observed that they were about to follow the same road. They had not
+come to this good understanding by means of many words; for the young
+knight Edwald was of a silent nature, and would sit for hours with a
+quiet smile upon his lips without opening them to speak. But even in
+that quiet smile there lay a gentle, winning grace; and when from time
+to time a few simple words of deep meaning sprang to his lips they
+seemed like a gift deserving of thanks. It was the same with the little
+songs which he sang ever and anon: they were ended almost as soon as
+begun; but in each short couplet there dwelt a deep and winning spirit,
+whether it called forth a kindly sigh or a peaceful smile. It seemed
+to the noble Froda as if a younger brother rode beside him, or even a
+tender, blooming son. They travelled thus many days together; and it
+appeared as if their path were marked out for them in inseparable union;
+and much as they rejoiced at this, yet they looked sadly at each other
+whenever they set out afresh, or where cross-roads met, on finding that
+neither took a different direction: nay, it seemed at times as if a tear
+gathered in Edwald's downcast eye.
+
+It happened on a time, that at their hostelry they met an arrogant,
+overbearing knight, of gigantic stature and powerful frame, whose
+speech and carriage proved him to be not of German but foreign birth. He
+appeared to come from the land of Bohemia. He cast a contemptuous
+smile on Froda, who, as usual, had opened the ancient book of Aslauga's
+history, and was attentively reading in it. "You must be a ghostly
+knight?" he said, inquiringly; and it appeared as if a whole train of
+unseemly jests were ready to follow. But Froda answered so firmly and
+seriously with a negative that the Bohemian stopped short suddenly;
+as when the beasts, after venturing to mock their king, the lion, are
+subdued to quietness by one glance of his eye. But not so easily was
+the Bohemian knight subdued; rather the more did he begin to mock young
+Edwald for his delicate form and for his silence--all which he bore for
+some time with great patience; but when at last the stranger used an
+unbecoming phrase, he arose, girded on his sword, and bowing gracefully,
+he said, "I thank you, Sir Knight, that you have given me this
+opportunity of proving that I am neither a slothful nor unpractised
+knight; for only thus can your behaviour be excused, which otherwise
+must be deemed most unmannerly. Are you ready?"
+
+With these words he moved towards the door; the Bohemian knight
+followed, smiling scornfully; while Froda was full of care for his young
+and slender companion, although his honour was so dear to him that he
+could in no way interpose.
+
+But it soon appeared how needless were the northman's fears. With equal
+vigour and address did Edwald assault his gigantic adversary, so that to
+look upon, it was almost like one of those combats between a knight and
+some monster of the forest, of which ancient legends tell. The issue,
+too, was not unlike. While the Bohemian was collecting himself for a
+decisive stroke Edwald rushed in upon him, and, with the force of a
+wrestler, cast him to the ground. But he spared his conquered foe,
+helped him courteously to rise, and then turned to mount his own steed.
+Soon after he and Froda left the hostelry, and once more their journey
+led them on the same path as before.
+
+"From henceforth this gives me pleasure," said Froda, pointing with
+satisfaction to their common road. "I must own to you, Edchen"--he had
+accustomed himself, in loving confidence, to call his young friend
+by that childlike name--"I must own to you that hitherto, when I have
+thought that you might perhaps be journeying with me to the tournament
+held in honour of the fair Hildegardis, a heaviness came over my heart.
+Your noble knightly spirit I well knew, but I feared lest the strength
+of your slender limbs might not be equal to it. Now I have learned to
+know you as a warrior who may long seek his match; and God be praised if
+we still hold on in the same path, and welcome our earliest meeting in
+the lists!"
+
+But Edwald looked at him sorrowfully, and said, "What can my skill
+and strength avail if they be tried against you, and for the greatest
+earthly prize, which one of us alone can win? Alas! I have long
+foreboded with a heavy heart the sad truth, that you also are journeying
+to the tournament of the fair Hildegardis."
+
+"Edchen," answered Froda, with a smile, "my gentle, loving youth, see
+you not that I already wear on my breastplate the image of a liege lady?
+I strive but for renown in arms, and not for your fair Hildegardis!"
+
+"MY fair Hildegardis!" answered Edwald, with a sigh. "That she is not,
+nor ever will be--or should she, ah! Froda, it would pierce your heart.
+I know well the northland faith is deep-rooted as your rocks, and hard
+to dissolve as their summits of snow; but let no man think that he can
+look unscathed into the eyes of Hildegardis. Has not she, the haughty,
+the too haughty maiden, so bewitched my tranquil, lowly mind, that I
+forget the gulf which lies between us, and still pursue her; and would
+rather perish than renounce the daring hope to win that eagle spirit for
+my own?"
+
+"I will help you to it, Edchen," answered Froda, smiling still. "Would
+that I knew how this all-conquering lady looks! She must resemble the
+Valkyrien of our heathen forefathers, since so many mighty warriors are
+overcome by her."
+
+Edwald solemnly drew forth a picture from beneath his breastplate, and
+held it before him. Fixed, and as if enchanted, Froda gazed upon it,
+with glowing cheeks and sparkling eyes; the smile passed away from his
+countenance, as the sunlight fades away from the meadows before the
+coming darkness of the storm.
+
+"See you not now, my noble comrade," whispered Edwald, "that for one of
+us two, or perhaps for both, the joy of life is gone?"
+
+"Not yet," replied Froda, with a powerful effort; "but hide your magic
+picture, and let us rest beneath this shade. You must be somewhat spent
+with your late encounter, and a strange weariness oppresses me with
+leaden weight." They dismounted from their steeds, and stretched
+themselves upon the ground.
+
+The noble Froda had no thought of sleep; but he wished to be undisturbed
+whilst he wrestled strongly with himself, and strove, if it might be, to
+drive from his mind that image of fearful beauty. It seemed as if this
+new influence had already become a part of his very life, and at last
+a restless dreamy sleep did indeed overshadow the exhausted warrior. He
+fancied himself engaged in combat with many knights, whilst Hildegardis
+looked on smiling from a richly-adorned balcony; and just as he thought
+he had gained the victory the bleeding Edwald lay groaning beneath his
+horse's feet. Then again it seemed as if Hildegardis stood by his side
+in a church, and they were about to receive the marriage-blessing. He
+knew well that this was not right, and the "yes," which he was to utter,
+he pressed back with resolute effort into his heart, and forthwith
+his eyes were moistened with burning tears. From yet stranger and more
+bewildering visions the voice of Edwald at last awoke him. He raised
+himself up, and heard his young companion saying courteously, as he
+looked towards a neighbouring thicket, "Only return, noble maiden; I
+will surely help you if I can; and I had no wish to scare you away, but
+that the slumbers of my brother in arms might not be disturbed by you."
+A golden gleam shone through the branches as it vanished.
+
+"For heaven's sake, my faithful comrade," cried Froda, "to whom are you
+speaking, and who has been here by me?"
+
+"I cannot myself rightly understand," said Edwald. "Hardly had you
+dropped asleep when a figure came forth from the forest, closely wrapped
+in a dark mantle. At first I took her for a peasant. She seated herself
+at your head; and though I could see nothing of her countenance, I could
+well observe that she was sorely troubled, and even shedding tears. I
+made signs to her to depart, lest she should disturb your sleep; and
+would have offered her a piece of gold, supposing that poverty must
+be the cause of her deep distress. But my hand seemed powerless, and
+a shudder passed through me, as if I had entertained such a purpose
+towards a queen. Immediately glittering locks of gold waved here and
+there between the folds of her close-wrapped mantle, and the thicket
+began almost to shine in the light which they shed. 'Poor youth,' said
+she then, 'you love truly, and can well understand how a lofty woman's
+heart burns in keenest sorrow when a noble knight, who vowed himself to
+be her own, withdraws his heart, and, like a weak bondman, is led away
+to meaner hopes.' Hereupon she arose, and, sighing, disappeared in
+yonder thicket. It almost seemed to me, Froda, as though she uttered
+your name."
+
+"Yes, it was me she named," answered Froda; "and not in vain she named
+me. Aslauga, thy knight comes, and enters the lists, and all for thee
+and thy reward alone! At the same time, my Edchen, we will win for you
+your haughty bride." With this he sprang upon his steed, full of the
+proud joy of former times; and when the magic of Hildegardis' beauty,
+dazzling and bewildering, would rise up before him, he said, smiling,
+"Aslauga!" and the sun of his inner life shone forth again cloudless and
+serene.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+
+
+From a balcony of her castle on the Maine Hildegardis was wont to
+refresh herself in the cool of the evening by gazing on the rich
+landscape below, but gazing more eagerly on the glitter of arms,
+which often came in sight from many a distant road; for knights were
+approaching singly, or with a train of followers, all eager to prove
+their courage and their strength in striving for the high prize of the
+tournament. She was in truth a proud and high-minded maiden--perhaps
+more so than became even her dazzling beauty and her princely rank. As
+she now gazed with a proud smile on the glittering roads a damsel of her
+train began the following lay:--
+
+
+        "The joyous song of birds in spring
+              Upon the wing
+         Doth echo far through wood and dell,
+              And freely tell
+         Their treasures sweet of love and mirth,
+         Too gladsome for this lowly earth.
+
+        "The gentle breath of flowers in May,
+              O'er meadows gay,
+         Doth fill the pure and balmy air
+              With perfume rare;
+         Still floating round each slender form,
+         Though scorched by sun, or torn by storm.
+
+        "But every high and glorious aim,
+              And the pure flame
+         That deep abiding in my heart
+              Can ne'er depart,
+         Too lofty for my falt'ring tongue,
+         Must die with me, unknown, unsung."
+
+
+"Wherefore do you sing that song, and at this moment?" said Hildegardis,
+striving to appear scornful and proud, though a deep and secret sadness
+was plainly enough seen to overshadow her countenance. "It came into my
+head unawares," replied the damsel, "as I looked upon the road by which
+the gentle Edwald with his pleasant lays first approached us; for it was
+from him I learnt it. But seems it not to you, my gracious lady, and to
+you too, my companions, as if Edwald himself were again riding that way
+towards the castle?" "Dreamer!" said Hildegardis, scornfully--and yet
+could not for some space withdraw her eyes from the knight, till at
+length, with an effort, she turned them on Froda, who rode beside him,
+saying: "Yes, truly, that knight is Edwald; but what can you find
+to notice in the meek-spirited, silent boy? Here, fix your eyes, my
+maidens, on this majestic figure, if you would behold a knight indeed."
+She was silent. A voice within her, as though of prophecy, said, "Now
+the victor of the tournament rides into the courtyard;" and she, who
+had never feared the presence of any human being, now felt humbled, and
+almost painfully awed, when she beheld the northern knight.
+
+At the evening meal the two newly-arrived knights were placed opposite
+to the royal Hildegardis. As Froda, after the northern fashion, remained
+in full armour, the golden image of Aslauga gleamed from his silver
+breast-plate full before the eyes of the haughty lady. She smiled
+scornfully, as if conscious that it depended on her will to drive that
+image from the breast and from the heart of the stranger-knight.
+Then suddenly a clear golden light passed through the hall, so that
+Hildegardis said, "O, the keen lightning!" and covered her eyes with
+both her hands. But Froda looked into the dazzling radiance with a
+joyful gaze of welcome. At this Hildegardis feared him yet more, though
+at the same time she thought, "This loftiest and most mysterious of men
+must be born for me alone." Yet could she not forbear, almost against
+her will, to look from time to time in friendly tenderness on the poor
+Edwald, who sat there silent, and with a sweet smile seemed to pity and
+to mock his own suffering and his own vain hopes.
+
+When the two knights were alone in their sleeping-chamber Edwald looked
+for a long time in silence into the dewy, balmy night. Then he sang to
+his lute:
+
+
+        "A hero wise and brave,
+           A lowly, tender youth,
+         Are wandering through the land
+           In steadfast love and truth.
+
+        "The hero, by his deeds,
+           Both bliss and fame had won,
+         And still, with heartfelt joy,
+           The faithful child looked on."
+
+
+But Froda took the lute from his hands, and said, "No, Edchen, I will
+teach you another song; listen--!
+
+
+      "'There's a gleam in the hall, and like morning's light
+        Hath shone upon all her presence bright.
+        Suitors watch as she passes by--
+        She may gladden their hearts by one glance of her eye:
+        But coldly she gazeth upon the throng,
+        And they that have sought her may seek her long.
+        She turns her away from the richly clad knight,
+        She heeds not the words of the learned wight;
+        The prince is before her in all his pride,
+        But other the visions around her that glide.
+        Then tell me, in all the wide world's space,
+        Who may e'er win that lady's grace?
+        In sorrowful love there sits apart
+        The gentle squire who hath her heart;
+        They all are deceived by fancies vain,
+        And he knows it not who the prize shall gain.'"
+
+
+Edwald thrilled. "As God wills," said he, softly to himself. "But I
+cannot understand how such a thing could be." "As God wills," repeated
+Froda. The two friends embraced each other, and soon after fell into a
+peaceful slumber.
+
+Some days afterwards Froda sat in a secluded bower of the castle garden,
+and was reading in the ancient book of his lovely mistress Aslauga. It
+happened at that very time that Hildegardis passed by. She stood still,
+and said, thoughtfully, "Strange union that you are of knight and sage,
+how comes it that you bring forth so little out of the deep treasures of
+your knowledge? And yet I think you must have many a choice history at
+your command, even such as that which now lies open before you; for I
+see rich and bright pictures of knights and ladies painted amongst the
+letters."
+
+"It is, indeed, the most surpassing and enchanting history in all the
+world," said Froda; "but you have neither patience nor thoughtfulness to
+listen to our wonderful legends of the north."
+
+"Why think you so?" answered Hildegardis, with that pride which she
+rejoiced to display towards Froda, when she could find courage to do so;
+and, placing herself on a stone seat opposite, she commanded him at once
+to read something to her out of that fair book.
+
+Froda began, and in the very effort which he made to change the old
+heroic speech of Iceland into the German tongue, his heart and mind were
+stirred more fervently and solemnly. As he looked up from time to time,
+he beheld the countenance of Hildegardis beaming in ever-growing beauty
+with joy, wonder, and interest; and the thought passed through his mind
+whether this could indeed be his destined bride, to whom Aslauga herself
+was guiding him.
+
+Then suddenly the characters became strangely confused; it seemed as
+if the pictures began to move, so that he was obliged to stop. While he
+fixed his eyes with a strong effort upon the book, endeavouring to drive
+away this strange confusion, he heard a well-known sweetly solemn voice,
+which said, "Leave a little space for me, fair lady. The history which
+that knight is reading to you relates to me; and I hear it gladly."
+
+Before the eyes of Froda, as he raised them from his book, sat Aslauga
+in all the glory of her flowing golden locks beside Hildegardis, on
+the seat. With tears of affright in her eyes, the maiden sank back and
+fainted. Solemnly, yet graciously, Aslauga warned her knight with a
+motion of her fair right hand, and vanished.
+
+"What have I done to you?" said Hildegardis when recovered from her
+swoon by his care, "what have I done to you, evil-minded knight, that
+you call up your northern spectres before me, and well-nigh destroy me
+through terror of your magic arts?" "Lady," answered Froda, "may God help
+me, as I have not called hither the wondrous lady who but now appeared
+to us. But now her will is known to me, and I commend you to God's
+keeping."
+
+With that he walked thoughtfully out of the bower. Hildegardis fled in
+terror from the gloomy shade, and, rushing out on the opposite side,
+reached a fair open grass-plot, where Edwald, in the soft glow of
+twilight, was gathering flowers, and, meeting her with a courteous
+smile, offered her a nosegay of narcissus and pansies.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+
+
+At length the day fixed for the tournament arrived, and a distinguished
+noble, appointed by the German emperor, arranged all things in the most
+magnificent and sumptuous guise for the solemn festival. The field of
+combat opened wide, and fair, and level, thickly strewn with the finest
+sand, so that, both man and horse might find sure footing; and, like a
+pure field of snow, it shone forth from the midst of the flowery plain.
+Rich hangings of silk from Arabia, curiously embroidered with Indian
+gold, adorned with their various colours the lists enclosing the space,
+and hung from the lofty galleries which had been erected for the ladies
+and the nobles who were to behold the combat. At the upper end, under a
+canopy of majestic arches richly wrought in gold, was the place of the
+Lady Hildegardis. Green wreaths and garlands waved gracefully between
+the glittering pillars in the soft breezes of July. And with impatient
+eyes the multitude, who crowded beyond the lists, gazed upwards,
+expecting the appearance of the fairest maiden of Germany, and were
+only at times drawn to another part by the stately approach of the
+combatants. Oh, how many a bright suit of armour, many a silken
+richly-embroidered mantle, how many a lofty waving plume was here to be
+seen! The splendid troop of knights moved within the lists, greeting and
+conversing with each other, as a bed of flowers stirred by a breath
+of wind; but the flower-stems had grown to lofty trees, the yellow and
+white flower-leaves had changed to gold and silver, and the dew-drops to
+pearls and diamonds. For whatever was most fair and costly, most varied
+and full of meaning, had these noble knights collected in honour of
+this day. Many an eye was turned on Froda, who, without scarf, plume,
+or mantle, with his shining silver breastplate, on which appeared the
+golden image of Aslauga, and with his well-wrought helmet of golden
+locks, shone, in the midst of the crowd, like polished brass. Others,
+again, there were, who took pleasure in looking at the young Edwald; his
+whole armour was covered by a mantle of white silk, embroidered in azure
+and silver, as his whole helmet was concealed by a waving plume of white
+feathers. He was arrayed with almost feminine elegance, and yet the
+conscious power with which he controlled his fiery, snow-white steed
+made known the victorious strength and manliness of the warlike
+stripling.
+
+In strange contrast appeared the tall and almost gigantic figure of
+a knight clothed in a mantle of black glossy bearskin, bordered with
+costly fur, but without any ornament of shining metal. His very helmet
+was covered with dark bearskin, and, instead of plumes, a mass of
+blood-red horsehair hung like a flowing mane profusely on every side.
+Well did Froda and Edwald remember that dark knight, for he was the
+uncourteous guest of the hostelry. He also seemed to remark the two
+knights, for he turned his unruly steed suddenly round, forced his
+way through the crowd of warriors, and, after he had spoken over the
+enclosure to a hideous bronze-coloured woman, sprang with a wild leap
+across the lists, and, with the speed of an arrow, vanished out of
+sight. The old woman looked after him with a friendly nod. The assembled
+people laughed as at a strange masquing device; but Edwald and Froda
+had their own almost shuddering thoughts concerning it, which, however,
+neither imparted to the other.
+
+The kettle-drums rolled, the trumpets sounded, and led by the aged duke,
+Hildegardis advanced, richly apparelled, but more dazzling through the
+brightness of her own beauty. She stepped forward beneath the arches of
+the golden bower, and bowed to the assembly. The knights bent low, and
+the feeling rushed into many a heart, "There is no man on earth who can
+deserve a bride so queenly." When Froda bowed his head, it seemed to him
+as if the golden radiance of Aslauga'a tresses floated before his sight;
+and his spirit rose in joy and pride that his lady held him worthy to be
+so often reminded of her.
+
+And now the tournament began. At first the knights strove with blunted
+swords and battle-axes; then they ran their course with lances man to
+man; but at last they divided into two equal parties, and a general
+assault began, in which every one was allowed to use at his own
+will either sword or lance. Froda and Edwald equally surpassed their
+antagonists, as (measuring each his own strength and that of his friend)
+they had foreseen. And now it must be decided by a single combat with
+lances to whom the highest prize of victory should belong. Before this
+trial began, they rode slowly together into the middle of the course,
+and consulted where each should take his place. "Keep you your
+guiding-star still before your sight," said Froda, with a smile; "the
+like gracious help will not be wanting to me." Edwald looked round
+astonished for the lady of whom his friend seemed to speak, but Froda
+went on, "I have done wrong in hiding aught from you, but after the
+tournament you shall know all. Now lay aside all needless thoughts of
+wonder, dear Edchen, and sit firm in your saddle, for I warn you that
+I shall run this course with all my might. Not my honour alone is at
+stake, but the far higher honour of my lady."
+
+"So also do I purpose to demean myself," said Edwald, with a friendly
+smile. They shook each other by the hand, and rode to their places.
+
+Amidst the sound of trumpets they met again, running their course with
+lightning speed; the lances shivered with a crash, the horses staggered,
+the knights, firm in their saddles, pulled them up, and rode back to
+their places. But as they prepared for another course, Edwald's white
+steed snorted in wild affright, and Froda's powerful chestnut reared up
+foaming.
+
+It was plain that the two noble animals shrunk from a second hard
+encounter, but their riders held them fast with spur and bit, and,
+firm and obedient, they again dashed forward at the second call of
+the trumpet. Edwald, who by one deep, ardent gaze on the beauty of his
+mistress had stamped it afresh on his soul, cried aloud at the moment
+of encounter, "Hildegardis!" and so mightily did his lance strike
+his valiant adversary, that Froda sank backwards on his steed, with
+difficulty keeping his seat in his saddle, or holding firm in his
+stirrups, whilst Edwald flew by unshaken, lowered his spear to salute
+Hildegardis as he passed her bower, and then, amidst the loud applause
+of the multitude, rushed to his place, ready for the third course. And,
+ah! Hildegardis herself, overcome by surprise, had greeted him with a
+blush and a look of kindness; it seemed to him as if the overwhelming
+joy of victory were already gained. But it was not so, for the valiant
+Froda, burning with noble shame, had again tamed his affrighted
+steed, and, chastising him sharply with the spur for his share in
+this mischance, said in a low voice, "Beautiful and beloved lady, show
+thyself to me--the honour of thy name is at stake." To every other eye
+it seemed as if a golden rosy-tinted summer's cloud was passing over the
+deep-blue sky, but Froda beheld the heavenly countenance of his lady,
+felt the waving of her golden tresses, and cried, "Aslauga!" The two
+rushed together, and Edwald was hurled from his saddle far upon the
+dusty plain.
+
+Froda remained for a time motionless, according to the laws of chivalry,
+as though waiting to see whether any one would dispute his victory,
+and appearing on his mailed steed like some lofty statue of brass. All
+around stood the multitude in silent wonderment. When at length they
+burst forth into shouts of triumph, he beckoned earnestly with his hand,
+and all were again silent. He then sprang lightly from his saddle, and
+hastened to the spot where the fallen Edwald was striving to rise. He
+pressed him closely to his breast, led his snow-white steed towards
+him, and would not be denied holding the stirrups of the youth whilst
+he mounted. Then he bestrode his own steed, and rode by Edwald's side
+towards the golden bower of Hildegardis, where, with lowered spear and
+open vizor, he thus spoke: "Fairest of all living ladies, I bring you
+here Edwald, your knightly bridegroom, before whose lance and sword all
+the knights of this tournament have fallen away, I only excepted, who
+can make no claim to the choicest prize of victory, since I, as the
+image on my breastplate may show, already serve another mistress."
+
+The duke was even now advancing towards the two warriors, to lead them
+into the golden bower, but Hildegardis restrained him with a look of
+displeasure, saying immediately, while her cheeks glowed with anger,
+"Then you seem, Sir Froda, the Danish knight, to serve your lady ill;
+for even now you openly styled me the fairest of living ladies."
+
+"That did I," answered Froda, bending courteously, "because my fair
+mistress belongs to the dead."
+
+A slight shudder passed at these words through the assembly, and through
+the heart of Hildegardis; but soon the anger of the maiden blazed forth
+again, and the more because the most wonderful and excellent knight she
+knew had scorned her for the sake of a dead mistress.
+
+"I make known to all," she said, with solemn earnestness, "that
+according to the just decree of my imperial uncle, this hand can never
+belong to a vanquished knight, however noble and honourable he may
+otherwise have proved himself. As the conqueror of this tournament,
+therefore, is bound to another service, this combat concerns me not; and
+I depart hence as I came, a free and unbetrothed maiden."
+
+The duke seemed about to reply, but she turned haughtily away, and left
+the bower. Suddenly a gust of wind shook the green wreaths and garlands,
+and they fell untwined and rustling behind her. In this the people,
+displeased with the pride of Hildegardis, thought they beheld an omen of
+punishment, and with jeering words noticed it as they departed.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+
+
+The two knights had returned to their apartments in deep silence. When
+they arrived there, Edwald caused himself to be disarmed, and laid every
+piece of his fair shining armour together with a kind of tender care,
+almost as if he were burying the corpse of a beloved friend. Then he
+beckoned to his squires to leave the chamber, took his lute on his arm,
+and sang the following song to its notes:--
+
+
+        "Bury them, bury them out of sight,
+           For hope and fame are fled;
+         And peaceful resting and quiet night
+           Are all now left for the dead."
+
+
+"You will stir up my anger against your lute," said Froda. "You had
+accustomed it to more joyful songs than this. It is too good for a
+passing-bell, and you too good to toll it. I tell you yet, my young
+hero, all will end gloriously."
+
+Edwald looked a while with wonder in his face, and he answered kindly:
+"Beloved Froda, if it displeases you, I will surely sing no more." But
+at the same time he struck a few sad chords, which sounded infinitely
+sweet and tender. Then the northern knight, much moved, clasped him in
+his arms, and said: "Dear Edchen, sing and say and do whatever pleases
+you; it shall ever rejoice me. But you may well believe me, for I speak
+not this without a spirit of presage--your sorrow shall change, whether
+to death or life I know not, but great and overpowering joy awaits you."
+Edwald rose firmly and cheerfully from his seat, seized his companion's
+arm with a strong grasp, and walked forth with him through the blooming
+alleys of the garden into the balmy air.
+
+At that very hour an aged woman, muffled in many a covering, was led
+secretly to the apartment of the Lady Hildegardis. The appearance of the
+dark-complexioned stranger was mysterious, and she had gathered round
+her for some time, by many feats of jugglery, a part of the multitude
+returning home from the tournament, but had dispersed them at last in
+wild affright. Before this happened, the tire-woman of Hildegardis had
+hastened to her mistress, to entertain her with an account of the
+rare and pleasant feats of the bronze-coloured woman. The maidens in
+attendance, seeing their lady deeply moved, and wishing to banish
+her melancholy, bade the tire-woman bring the old stranger hither.
+Hildegardis forbade it not, hoping that she should thus divert the
+attention of her maidens, while she gave herself up more deeply and
+earnestly to the varying imaginations which flitted through her mind.
+
+The messenger found the place already deserted; and the strange old
+woman alone in the midst, laughing immoderately. When questioned by her,
+she did not deny that she had all at once taken the form of a monstrous
+owl, announcing to the spectators in a screeching voice that she was the
+Devil--and that every one upon this rushed screaming home.
+
+The tire-woman trembled at the fearful jest, but durst not return to
+ask again the pleasure of Hildegardis, whose discontented mood she had
+already remarked. She gave strict charge to the old woman, with many a
+threat and promise, to demean herself discreetly in the castle: after
+which she brought her in by the most secret way, that none of those whom
+she had terrified might see her enter.
+
+The aged crone now stood before Hildegardis, and winked to her, in the
+midst of her low and humble salutation, in a strangely familiar
+manner, as though there were some secret between them. The lady felt an
+involuntary shudder, and could not withdraw her gaze from the features
+of that hideous countenance, hateful as it was to her. The curiosity
+which had led the rest to desire a sight of the strange woman was by no
+means gratified, for she performed none but the most common tricks of
+jugglery, and related only well-known tales, so that the tire-woman felt
+wearied and indifferent and, ashamed of having brought the stranger, she
+stole away unnoticed. Several other maidens followed her example, and,
+as these withdrew, the old crone twisted her mouth into a smile,
+and repeated the same hideous confidential wink towards the lady.
+Hildegardis could not understand what attracted her in the jests and
+tales of the bronze-coloured woman; but so it was, that in her whole
+life she had never bestowed such attention on the words of any one.
+Still the old woman went on and on, and already the night looked
+dark without the windows, but the attendants who still remained with
+Hildegardis had sunk into a deep sleep, and had lighted none of the wax
+tapers in the apartment.
+
+Then, in the dusky gloom, the dark old crone rose from the low seat on
+which she had been sitting, as if she now felt herself well at ease,
+advanced towards Hildegardis, who sat as if spell-bound with terror,
+placed herself beside her on the purple couch, and embracing her in her
+long dry arms with a hateful caress, whispered a few words in her ear.
+It seemed to the lady as if she uttered the names of Froda and Edwald,
+and from them came the sound of a flute, which, clear and silvery as
+were its tones, seemed to lull her into a trance. She could indeed
+move her limbs, but only to follow those sounds, which, like a silver
+network, floated round the hideous form of the old woman. She moved from
+the chamber, and Hildegardis followed her through all her slumbering
+maidens, still singing softly as she went, "Ye maidens, ye maidens, I
+wander by night."
+
+Without the castle, accompanied by squire and groom, stood the gigantic
+Bohemian warrior; he laid on the shoulders of the crone a bag of gold so
+heavy that she sank half whimpering, half laughing, on the ground; then
+lifted the entranced Hildegardis on his steed, and galloped with her
+silently into the ever-deepening gloom of night.
+
+"All ye noble lords and knights, who yesterday contended gallantly for
+the prize of victory and the hand of the peerless Hildegardis, arise,
+arise! saddle your steeds, and to the rescue! The peerless Hildegardis
+is carried away!"
+
+Thus proclaimed many a herald through castle and town in the bright red
+dawn of the following day; and on all sides rose the dust from the tread
+of knights and noble squires along those roads by which so lately,
+in the evening twilight, Hildegardis in proud repose had gazed on her
+approaching suitors.
+
+Two of them, well known to us, remained inseparably together, but they
+knew as little as the others whether they had taken the right direction,
+for how and when the adored lady could have disappeared from her
+apartments was still to the whole castle a fearful and mysterious
+secret.
+
+Edwald and Froda rode as long as the sun moved over their heads,
+unwearied as he; and now, when he sank in the waves of the river, they
+thought to win the race from him, and still spurred on their jaded
+steeds. But the noble animals staggered and panted, and the knights were
+constrained to grant them some little refreshment in a grassy meadow.
+Secure of bringing them back at their first call, their masters removed
+both bit and curb, that they might be refreshed with the green pasture,
+and with the deep blue waters of the Maine, while they themselves
+reposed under the shade of a neighbouring thicket of alders. And deep
+in the cool, dark shade, there shone, as it were, a mild but clear
+sparkling light, and checked the speech of Froda, who at that moment
+was beginning to tell his friend the tale of his knightly service to
+his sovereign lady, which had been delayed hitherto, first by Edwald's
+sadness, and then by the haste of their journey. Ah, well did Froda know
+that lovely golden light! "Let us follow it, Edchen," said he in a low
+tone, "and leave the horses a while to their pasture." Edwald in silence
+followed his companion's advice. A secret voice, half sweet, half
+fearful, seemed to tell him that here was the path, the only right path
+to Hildegardis. Once only he said in astonishment, "Never before have I
+seen the evening glow shine on the leaves so brightly." Froda shook his
+head with a smile, and they pursued in silence their unknown track.
+
+When they came forth on the other side of the alder-thicket upon the
+bank of the Maine, which almost wound round it, Edwald saw well that
+another glow than that of evening was shining on them, for dark clouds
+of night already covered the heavens, and the guiding light stood fixed
+on the shore of the river. It lit up the waves, so that they could see
+a high woody island in the midst of the stream, and a boat on the hither
+side of the shore fast bound to a stake. But on approaching, the knights
+saw much more; a troop of horsemen of strange and foreign appearance
+were all asleep, and in the midst of them, slumbering on cushions, a
+female form in white garments.
+
+"Hildegardis!" murmured Edwald to himself, with a smile, and at the
+same time he drew his sword in readiness for the combat as soon as the
+robbers should awake, and beckoned to Froda to raise the sleeping lady,
+and convey her to a place of safety. But at this moment something like
+an owl passed whizzing over the dark squadron, and they all started up
+with clattering arms and hideous outcries. A wild unequal combat arose
+in the darkness of night, for that beaming light had disappeared.
+Freda and Edwald were driven asunder, and only at a distance heard each
+other's mighty war-cry. Hildegardis, startled from her magic sleep,
+uncertain whether she were waking or dreaming, fled bewildered and
+weeping bitterly into the deep shades of the alder-thicket.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+
+
+Froda felt his arm grow weary, and the warm blood was flowing from two
+wounds in his shoulder; he wished so to lie down in death that he might
+rise up with honour from his bloody grave to the exalted lady whom he
+served. He cast his shield behind him, grasped his sword-hilt with both
+hands, and rushed wildly, with a loud war-cry, upon the affrighted foe.
+Instantly he heard some voices cry, "It is the rage of the northern
+heroes which has come upon him." And the whole troop were scattered in
+dismay, while the exhausted knight remained wounded and alone in the
+darkness.
+
+Then the golden hair of Aslauga gleamed once more in the alder-shade;
+and Froda said, leaning, through weariness, on his sword, "I think not
+that I am wounded to death; but whenever that time shall come, O beloved
+lady, wilt thou not indeed appear to me in all thy loveliness and
+brightness?" A soft "Yes" breathed against his cheek, and the golden
+light vanished.
+
+But now Hildegardis came forth from the thicket, half fainting with
+terror, and said feebly, "Within is the fair and frightful spectre of
+the north--without is the battle. Oh, merciful heaven! whither shall I
+go?"
+
+Then Froda approached to sooth the affrighted one, to speak some words
+of comfort to her, and to inquire after Edwald; but wild shouts and the
+rattling of armour announced the return of the Bohemian warriors. With
+haste Froda led the maiden to the boat, pushed off from the shore,
+and rowed her with the last effort of his failing strength towards
+the island which he had observed in the midst of the stream. But the
+pursuers had already kindled torches, and waved them sparkling here and
+there. By this light they soon discovered the boat; they saw that the
+dreaded Danish knight was bleeding, and gained fresh courage for their
+pursuit. Hardly had Froda pushed the boat to the shore of the island,
+before he perceived a Bohemian on the other side in another skiff, and
+soon afterwards the greater number of the enemy embarked to row towards
+the island. "To the wood, fair maiden," he whispered, as soon as he
+had landed Hildegardis on the shore; "there conceal yourself, whilst
+I endeavour to prevent the landing of the robbers." But Hildegardis,
+clinging to his arm, whispered again, "Do I not see that you are pale
+and bleeding? and would you have me expire with terror in the dark and
+lonely clefts of this rock? Ah! and if your northern gold-haired spectre
+were to appear again and seat herself beside me! Think you that I do not
+see her there now, shining through the thicket!"
+
+"She shines!" echoed Froda, and new strength and hope ran through
+every vein. He climbed the hill, following the gracious gleam; and
+Hildegardis, though trembling at the sight, went readily with her
+companion, saying only from time to time, in a low voice "Ah, Sir
+Knight!--my noble wondrous knight--leave me not here alone; that would
+be my death." The knight, soothing her courteously, stepped ever onwards
+through the darkness of dell and forest, for already he heard the sound
+of the Bohemians landing on the shore of the island. Suddenly he stood
+before a cave thick-covered with underwood, and the gleam disappeared.
+"Here, then," he whispered, endeavouring to hold the branches asunder.
+For a moment she paused, and said, "If you should but let the branches
+close again behind me, and I were to remain alone with spectres in this
+cave! But, Froda, you will surely follow me--a trembling, hunted child
+as I am? Will you not?" Without more misgivings she passed through the
+branches; and the knight, who would willingly have remained without as a
+guard, followed her. Earnestly he listened through the stillness of
+the night, whilst Hildegardis hardly dared to draw her breath. Then was
+heard the tramp of an armed man, coming ever nearer and nearer, and
+now close to the entrance of the cave. In vain did Froda strive to
+free himself from the trembling maiden. Already the branches before the
+entrance were cracking and breaking, and Froda sighed deeply. "Must I,
+then, fall like a lurking fugitive, entangled in a woman's garments? It
+is a base death to die. But can I cast this half-fainting creature away
+from me on the dark, hard earth, perhaps into some deep abyss? Come,
+then, what will, thou, Lady Aslauga, knowest that I die an honourable
+death!"
+
+"Froda! Hildegardis!" breathed a gentle, well-known voice at the
+entrance, and recognising Edwald, Froda bore the lady towards him into
+the starlight, saying, "She will die of terror in our sight in this
+deep cavern. Is the foe near at hand?" "Most of them lie lifeless on the
+shore, or swim bleeding through the waves," said Edwald. "Set your mind
+at rest, and repose yourself. Are you wounded, beloved Froda?" He gave
+this short account to his astonished companions--how, in the darkness,
+he had mixed with the Bohemians and pressed into the skiff, and that it
+had been easy to him on landing to disperse the robbers entirely, who
+supposed that they were attacked by one of their own crew, and thought
+themselves bewitched. "They began at last to fall on one another"--so
+he ended his history; "and we have only now to wait for the morning
+to conduct the lady home, for those who are wandering about of that
+owl-squadron will doubtless hide themselves from the eye of day." While
+speaking, he had skilfully and carefully arranged a couch of twigs and
+moss for Hildegardis, and when the wearied one, after uttering some
+gentle words of gratitude, had sunk into a slumber, he began, as well
+as the darkness would allow, to bind up the wounds of his friend. During
+this anxious task, while the dark boughs of the trees murmured over
+their heads, and the rippling of the stream was heard from afar, Froda,
+in a low voice, made known to his brother-in-arms to the service of what
+lady he was bound. Edwald listened with deep attention, but at last he
+said tenderly, "Trust me, the noble Princess Aslauga will not resent it,
+if you pledge yourself to this earthly beauty in faithful love. Ah!
+even now doubtless you are sinning in the dreams of Hildegardis,
+richly-gifted and happy knight! I will not stand in your way with
+my vain wishes; I see now clearly that she can never, never love me.
+Therefore I will this very day hasten to the war which so many valiant
+knights of Germany are waging in the heathen land of Prussia, and the
+black cross, which distinguishes them for warriors of the Church, I will
+lay as the best balm on my throbbing heart. Take, then, dear Froda, that
+fair hand which you have won in battle, and live henceforth a life of
+surpassing happiness and joy."
+
+"Edwald," said Froda, gravely, "this is the first time that I ever heard
+one word from your lips which a true knight could not fulfil. Do as
+it pleases you towards the fair and haughty Hildegardis, but Aslauga
+remains my mistress ever, and no other do I desire in life or death."
+The youth was startled by these stern words, and made no reply. Both,
+without saying more to each other, watched through the night in solemn
+thought.
+
+The next morning, when the rising sun shone brightly over the flowery
+plains around the Castle of Hildegardis, the watchman on the tower blew
+a joyful blast from his horn, for his keen eye had distinguished far in
+the distance his fair lady, who was riding from the forest between her
+two deliverers; and from castle, town, and hamlet, came forth many a
+rejoicing train to assure themselves with their own eyes of the happy
+news.
+
+Hildegardis turned to Edwald with eyes sparkling through tears, and
+said, "Were it not for you, young knight, they might have sought long
+and vainly before they found the lost maiden or the noble Froda, who
+would now be lying in that dark cavern a bleeding and lifeless corpse."
+Edwald bowed lowly in reply, but persevered in his wonted silence.
+It even seemed as though an unusual grief restrained the smile which
+erewhile answered so readily, in childlike sweetness, to every friendly
+word.
+
+The noble guardian of Hildegardis had, in the overflowing joy of his
+heart, prepared a sumptuous banquet, and invited all the knights
+and ladies present to attend it. Whilst Froda and Edwald, in all the
+brightness of their glory, were ascending the steps in the train of
+their rescued lady, Edwald said to his friend, "Noble, steadfast knight,
+you can never love me more!" And as Froda looked in astonishment, he
+continued--"Thus it is when children presume to counsel heroes, however
+well they may mean it. Now have I offended grievously against you,
+and yet more against the noble Lady Aslauga." "Because you would have
+plucked every flower of your own garden to gladden me with them?" said
+Froda. "No; you are my gentle brother-in-arms now, as heretofore, dear
+Edchen, and are perhaps become yet dearer to me."
+
+Then Edwald smiled again in silent contentment, like a flower after the
+morning showers of May.
+
+The eyes of Hildegardis glanced mildly and kindly on him, and she
+often conversed graciously with him, while, on the other hand, since
+yesterday, a reverential awe seemed to separate her from Froda. But
+Edwald also was much altered. However he welcomed with modest joy the
+favour of his lady, it yet seemed as if some barrier were between them
+which forbade him to entertain the most distant hope of successful love.
+
+It chanced that a noble count, from the court of the Emperor, was
+announced, who being bound on an important embassy, had wished to
+pay his respects to the Lady Hildegardis by the way. She received him
+gladly, and as soon as the first salutations were over, he said, looking
+at her and at Edwald, "I know not if my good fortune may not have
+brought me hither to a very joyful festivity. That would be right
+welcome news to the Emperor my master." Hildegardis and Edwald were
+lovely to look upon in their blushes and confusion, but the count,
+perceiving at once that he had been too hasty, inclined himself
+respectfully towards the young knight, and said, "Pardon me, noble Duke
+Edwald, my too great forwardness, but I know the wish of my sovereign,
+and the hope to find it already fulfilled prompted my tongue to speak."
+All eyes were fixed inquiringly on the young hero, who answered, in
+graceful confusion, "It is true; the Emperor, when I was last in his
+camp, through his undeserved favour, raised me to the rank of a duke.
+It was my good fortune, that in an encounter, some of the enemy's horse,
+who had dared to assault the sacred person of the Emperor, dispersed
+and fled on my approach." The count then, at the request of Hildegardis,
+related every circumstance of the heroic deed; and it appeared that
+Edwald had not only rescued the Emperor from the most imminent peril,
+but also, with the cool and daring skill of a general, had gained the
+victory which decided the event of the war.
+
+Surprise at first sealed the lips of all; and even before their
+congratulations could begin, Hildegardis had turned towards Edwald, and
+said in a low voice, which yet, in that silence, was clearly heard by
+all, "The noble count has made known the wish of my imperial uncle,
+and I conceal it no longer, my own heart's wish is the same--I am Duke
+Edwald's bride." And with that she extended to him her fair right hand,
+and all present waited only till he should take it, before they burst
+into a shout of congratulation. But Edwald forbore to do so; he only
+sunk on one knee before his lady, saying, "God forbid that the lofty
+Hildegardis should ever recall a word spoken solemnly to noble knights
+and dames. 'To no vanquished knight,' you said, 'might the hand of
+the Emperor's niece belong'--and behold there Froda, the noble Danish
+knight, my conqueror." Hildegardis, with a slight blush, turned hastily
+away, hiding her eyes, and as Edwald arose, it seemed as though there
+were a tear upon his cheek.
+
+In his clanging armour Froda advanced to the middle of the hall,
+exclaiming, "I declare my late victory over Duke Edwald to have been
+the chance of fortune, and I challenge the noble knight to meet me again
+to-morrow in the lists."
+
+At the same time he threw his iron gauntlet ringing on the pavement.
+
+But Edwald moved not to take it up. On the contrary, a glow of lofty
+anger was on his cheeks, and his eyes sparkled with indignation, so
+that his friend would hardly have recognised him; and after a silence he
+spoke--
+
+"Noble Sir Froda, if I have ever offended you, we are now even. How
+durst you, a warrior gloriously wounded by two sword-strokes, challenge
+a man unhurt into the lists to-morrow, if you did not despise him?"
+
+"Forgive me, Duke Edwald," answered Froda, somewhat abashed, but with
+cheerfulness, "I have spoken too boldly. Not till I am completely cured
+do I call you to the field."
+
+Then Edwald took up the gauntlet joyfully. He knelt once more before
+Hildegardis, who, turning away her face, gave him her fair hand to kiss,
+and walked, with his arm in that of his noble Danish friend, out of the
+hall.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+
+
+While Froda's wounds were healing Edwald would sometimes wander, when
+the shades of evening fell dark and silent around, on the flowery
+terraces beneath the windows of Hildegardis, and sing pleasant little
+songs; amongst others the following:--
+
+
+        "Heal fast, heal fast, ye hero-wounds;
+           O knight, be quickly strong;
+             Beloved strife
+             For fame and life,
+           O tarry not too long!"
+
+
+But that one which the maidens of the castle loved best to learn from
+him was this, and it was perhaps the longest song that Edwald had ever
+sung in his whole life:--
+
+
+       "Would I on earth were lying,
+          By noble hero slain;
+        So that love's gentle sighing
+          Breathed me to life again!
+
+       "Would I an emperor were,
+          Of wealth and power!
+        Would I were gathering twigs
+          In woodland bower!
+
+       "Would that in lone seclusion
+          I lived a hermit's life!
+        Would, amid wild confusion,
+          I led the battle-strife!
+
+       "O would the lot were mine,
+          In bower or field,
+        To which my lady fair
+          Her smile would yield!"
+
+
+At this time it happened that a man who held himself to be very
+wise, and who filled the office of secretary to the aged guardian of
+Hildegardis, came to the two knightly friends to propose a scheme to
+them. His proposal, in few words, was this, that as Froda could gain no
+advantage from his victory, he might in the approaching combat suffer
+himself to be thrown from his steed, and thus secure the lady for his
+comrade, at the same time fulfilling the wish of the Emperor, which
+might turn to his advantage hereafter in many ways.
+
+At this the two friends at first laughed heartily; but then Froda
+advanced gravely towards the secretary, and said, "Thou trifler,
+doubtless the old duke would drive thee from his service did he know
+of thy folly, and teach thee to talk of the Emperor. Good-night, worthy
+sir, and trust me that when Edwald and I meet each other, it will be
+with all our heart and strength."
+
+The secretary hastened out of the room with all speed, and was seen next
+morning to look unusually pale.
+
+
+Soon after this Froda recovered from his wounds; the course was again
+prepared as before, but crowded by a still greater number of spectators;
+and in the freshness of a dewy morning the two knights advanced solemnly
+together to the combat.
+
+"Beloved Edwald," said Froda, in a low voice, as they went, "take good
+heed to yourself, for neither this time can the victory be yours--on
+that rose-coloured cloud appears Aslauga."
+
+"It may be so," answered Edwald, with a quiet smile; "but under the
+arches of that golden bower shines Hildegardis, and this time she has
+not been waited for."
+
+The knights took their places--the trumpets sounded, the course began,
+and Froda's prophecy seemed to be near its fulfilment, for Edwald
+staggered under the stroke of his lance, so that he let go the bridle,
+seized the mane with both hands, and thus hardly recovered his seat,
+whilst his high-mettled snow-white steed bore him wildly around the
+lists without control. Hildegardis also seemed to shrink at this sight,
+but the youth at length reined-in his steed, and the second course was
+run.
+
+Froda shot like lightning along the plain, and it seemed as if the
+success of the young duke were now hopeless; but in the shock of their
+meeting, the bold Danish steed reared, starting aside as if in fear;
+the rider staggered, his stroke passed harmless by, and both steed and
+knight fell clanging to the ground before the steadfast spear of Edwald,
+and lay motionless upon the field.
+
+Edwald did now as Froda had done before. In knightly wise he stood still
+a while upon the spot, as if waiting to see whether any other adversary
+were there to dispute his victory; then he sprang from his steed, and
+flew to the assistance of his fallen friend.
+
+He strove with all his might to release him from the weight of his
+horse, and presently Froda came to himself, rose on his feet, and
+raised up his charger also. Then he lifted up his vizor, and greeted his
+conqueror with a friendly smile, though his countenance was pale.
+The victor bowed humbly, almost timidly, and said, "You, my knight,
+overthrown--and by me! I understand it not."
+
+"It was her own will," answered Froda, smiling. "Come now to your gentle
+bride."
+
+The multitude around shouted aloud, each lady and knight bowed low, when
+the aged duke pointed out to them the lovely pair, and at his bidding,
+the betrothed, with soft blushes, embraced each other beneath the green
+garlands of the golden bower.
+
+That very day were they solemnly united in the chapel of the castle, for
+so had Froda earnestly desired. A journey into a far-distant land, he
+said, lay before him, and much he wished to celebrate the marriage of
+his friend before his departure.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+
+
+The torches were burning clear in the vaulted halls of the castle,
+Hildegardis had just left the arm of her lover to begin a stately dance
+of ceremony with the aged duke, when Edwald beckoned to his companion,
+and they went forth together into the moonlit gardens of the castle.
+
+"Ah, Froda, my noble, lofty hero," exclaimed Edwald, after a silence,
+"were you as happy as I am! But your eyes rest gravely and thoughtfully
+on the ground, or kindle almost impatiently heavenwards. It would
+be dreadful, indeed, had the secret wish of your heart been to win
+Hildegardis--and I, foolish boy, so strangely favoured, had stood in
+your way."
+
+"Be at rest, Edchen," answered, the Danish hero, with a smile. "On
+the word of a knight, my thoughts and yearnings concern not your fair
+Hildegardis. Far brighter than ever does Aslauga's radiant image shine
+into my heart: but now hear what I am going to relate to you.
+
+"At the very moment when we met together in the course--oh, had I words
+to express it to you!--I was enwrapped, encircled, dazzled, by Aslauga's
+golden tresses, which were waving all around me. Even my noble steed
+must have beheld the apparition, for I felt him start and rear under
+me. I saw you no more--the world no more--I saw only the angel-face of
+Aslauga close before me, smiling, blooming like a flower in a sea of
+sunshine which floated round her. My senses failed me. Not till you
+raised me from beneath my horse did my consciousness return, and then I
+knew, with exceeding joy, that her own gracious pleasure had struck me
+down. But I felt a strange weariness, far greater than my fall alone
+could have caused, and I felt assured at the same time that my lady was
+about to send me on a far-distant mission. I hastened to repose myself
+in my chamber, and a deep sleep immediately fell upon me. Then came
+Aslauga in a dream to me, more royally adorned than ever; she placed
+herself at the head of my couch, and said, 'Haste to array thyself
+in all the splendour of thy silver armour, for thou art not the
+wedding-guest alone, thou art also the--'
+
+"And before she could speak the word my dream had melted away, and I
+felt a longing desire to fulfil her gracious command, and rejoiced in my
+heart. But in the midst of the festival I seemed to myself more lonely
+than in all my life before, and I cannot cease to ponder what that
+unspoken word of my lady could be intended to announce."
+
+"You are of a far loftier spirit than I am, Froda," said Edwald, after
+a silence, "and I cannot soar with you into the sphere of your joys. But
+tell me, has it never awakened a deep pang within you that you serve a
+lady so withdrawn from you--alas! a lady who is almost ever invisible?"
+
+"No, Edwald, not so," answered Froda, his eyes sparkling with happiness.
+"For well I know that she scorns not my service; she has even deigned
+sometimes to appear to me. Oh, I am in truth a happy knight and
+minstrel!"
+
+"And yet your silence to-day--your troubled yearnings?"
+
+"Not troubled, dear Edchen; only so heartfelt, so fervent in the depth
+of my heart--and so strangely mysterious to myself withal. But this,
+with all belonging to me, springs alike from the words and commands of
+Aslauga. How, then, can it be otherwise than something good and fair,
+and tending to a high and noble aim?"
+
+A squire, who had hastened after them, announced that the knightly
+bridegroom was expected for the torch-dance, and as they returned,
+Edwald entreated his friend to take his place in the solemn dance next
+to him and Hildegardis. Froda inclined his head in token of friendly
+assent.
+
+
+The horns and hautboys had already sounded their solemn invitation;
+Edwald hastened to give his hand to his fair bride; and while he
+advanced with her to the midst of the stately hall, Froda offered his
+hand for the torch-dance to a noble lady who stood the nearest to him,
+without farther observing her, and took with her the next place to the
+wedded pair.
+
+But how was it when a light began to beam from his companion, before
+which the torch in his left hand lost all its brightness? Hardly dared
+he, in sweet and trembling hope, to raise his eyes to the lady; and when
+at last he ventured, all his boldest wishes and longings were fulfilled.
+Adorned with a radiant bridal crown of emeralds, Aslauga moved in solemn
+loveliness beside him, and beamed on him from amid the sunny light of
+her golden hair, blessing him with her heavenly countenance. The amazed
+spectators could not withdraw their eyes from the mysterious pair--the
+knight in his light silver mail, with the torch raised on high in his
+hand, earnest and joyful, moving with a measured step, as if engaged in
+a ceremony of deep and mysterious meaning. His lady beside him, rather
+floating than dancing, beaming light from her golden hair, so that you
+would have thought the day was shining into the night; and when a look
+could reach through all the surrounding splendour to her face, rejoicing
+heart and sense with the unspeakably sweet smile of her eyes and lips.
+
+Near the end of the dance she inclined towards Froda, and whispered to
+him with an air of tender confidence, and with the last sound of the
+horns and hautboys she had disappeared.
+
+The most curious spectator dared not question Froda about his partner.
+Hildegardis did not seem to have been conscious of her presence, but
+shortly before the end of the festival Edwald approached his friend, and
+asked in a whisper, "Was it?"
+
+"Yes, dear youth," answered Froda; "your marriage-dance has been
+honoured by the presence of the most exalted beauty which has been ever
+beheld in any land. Ah! and if I rightly understood her meaning, you
+will never more see me stand sighing and gazing upon the ground. But
+hardly dare I hope it. Now good-night, dear Edchen, good-night. As soon
+as I may I will tell you all."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+
+
+The light and joyous dreams of morning still played round Edwald's head
+when it seemed as though a clear light encompassed him. He remembered
+Aslauga, but it was Froda, the golden locks of whose helmet shone now
+with no less sunny brightness than the flowing hair of his lady. "Ah!"
+thought Edwald in his dream, "how beautiful has my brother-in-arms
+become!" And Froda said to him, "I will sing something to you, Edchen;
+but softly, softly, so that it may not awaken Hildegardis. Listen to me.
+
+
+      "'She glided in, bright as the day,
+        There where her knight in slumber lay;
+        And in her lily hand was seen
+        A band that seemed of the moonlight sheen.
+        "We are one," she sang, as about his hair
+        She twined it, and over her tresses fair.
+        Beneath them the world lay dark and drear:
+        But he felt the touch of her hand so dear,
+        Uplifting him far above mortals' sight,
+        While around him were shed her locks of light,
+        Till a garden fair lay about him spread--
+        And this was Paradise, angels said.'"
+
+
+"Never in your life did you sing so sweetly," said the dreaming Edwald.
+
+"That may well be, Edchen," said Froda, with a smile, and vanished.
+
+But Edwald dreamed on and on, and many other visions passed before him,
+all of a pleasing kind, although he could not recall them when, in the
+full light of morning, he unclosed his eyes with a smile. Froda alone,
+and his mysterious song, stood clear in his memory. He now knew full
+well that his friend was dead; but the thought gave him no pain, for he
+felt sure that the pure spirit of that minstrel-warrior could only find
+its proper joy in the gardens of Paradise, and in blissful solace with
+the lofty spirits of the ancient times. He glided softly from the side
+of the sleeping Hildegardis to the chamber of the departed. He lay upon
+his bed of rest, almost as beautiful as he had appeared in the dream,
+and his golden helmet was entwined with a wondrously-shining lock of
+hair. Then Edwald made a fair and shady grave in consecrated ground,
+summoned the chaplain of the castle, and with his assistance laid his
+beloved Froda therein.
+
+He came back just as Hildegardis awoke; she beheld, with wonder and
+humility, his mien of chastened joy, and asked him whither he had been
+so early, to which he replied, with a smile, "I have just buried the
+corpse of my dearly-loved Froda, who, this very night, has passed away
+to his golden-haired mistress." Then he related the whole history of
+Aslauga's Knight, and lived on in subdued, unruffled happiness, though
+for some time he was even more silent and thoughtful than before. He
+was often found sitting on the grave of his friend, and singing the
+following song to his lute:--
+
+
+       "Listening to celestial lays,
+        Bending thy unclouded gaze
+        On the pure and living light,
+        Thou art blest, Aslauga'a Knight!
+
+       "Send us from thy bower on high
+        Many an angel-melody,
+        Many a vision soft and bright,
+        Aslauga's dear and faithful Knight!"
+
+
+
+
+
+End of Project Gutenberg's Aslauga's Knight, by Fredrich de la Motte-Fouque
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