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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/2827-0.txt b/2827-0.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..a7e5f28 --- /dev/null +++ b/2827-0.txt @@ -0,0 +1,1761 @@ +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 +Last Updated: October 14, 2016 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** 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 + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ASLAUGA’S KNIGHT *** + +***** This file should be named 2827-0.txt or 2827-0.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/2/8/2/2827/ + +Produced by Sandra Laythorpe + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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Thus, we do not necessarily +keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. + + +Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: + + http://www.gutenberg.org + +This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, +including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary +Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to +subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. diff --git a/2827-0.zip b/2827-0.zip Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..f9498a2 --- /dev/null +++ b/2827-0.zip diff --git a/2827-h.zip b/2827-h.zip Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..605353e --- /dev/null +++ b/2827-h.zip diff --git a/2827-h/2827-h.htm b/2827-h/2827-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..0ec7f27 --- /dev/null +++ b/2827-h/2827-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,1971 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en"> + <head> + <title> + Aslauga's Knight, by Fredrich de La Motte-fouque + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + .pagenum {display:inline; font-size: 70%; font-style:normal; + margin: 0; padding: 0; position: absolute; right: 1%; + text-align: right;} + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + +</style> + </head> + <body> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + +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 + +Release Date: January 2, 2009 [EBook #2827] +Last Updated: October 14, 2016 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ASLAUGA'S KNIGHT *** + + + + +Produced by Sandra Laythorpe, and David Widger + + + + + + +</pre> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h1> + ASLAUGA’S KNIGHT + </h1> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h2> + By Fredrich de la Motte-Fouque + </h2> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h3> + Contents + </h3> + <table summary="" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto"> + <tr> + <td> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0001"> CHAPTER I. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0002"> CHAPTER II. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0003"> CHAPTER III. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0004"> CHAPTER IV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0005"> CHAPTER V. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0006"> CHAPTER VI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0007"> CHAPTER VII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0008"> CHAPTER VIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0009"> CHAPTER IX. </a> + </p> + </td> + </tr> + </table> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link2HCH0001" id="link2HCH0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <h2> + CHAPTER I. + </h2> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “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.” + </pre> + <p> + “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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0002" id="link2HCH0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II. + </h2> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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?” + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + “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!” + </p> + <p> + 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.” + </p> + <p> + “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!” + </p> + <p> + “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?” + </p> + <p> + “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.” + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + “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?” + </p> + <p> + “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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + “For heaven’s sake, my faithful comrade,” cried Froda, “to whom are you + speaking, and who has been here by me?” + </p> + <p> + “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.” + </p> + <p> + “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. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0003" id="link2HCH0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III. + </h2> + <p> + 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:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “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.” + </pre> + <p> + “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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “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.” + </pre> + <p> + But Froda took the lute from his hands, and said, “No, Edchen, I will + teach you another song; listen—! + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “‘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.’” + </pre> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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.” + </p> + <p> + “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.” + </p> + <p> + “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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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.” + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + “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.” + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0004" id="link2HCH0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV. + </h2> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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.” + </p> + <p> + “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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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.” + </p> + <p> + 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.” + </p> + <p> + “That did I,” answered Froda, bending courteously, “because my fair + mistress belongs to the dead.” + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + “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.” + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0005" id="link2HCH0005"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V. + </h2> + <p> + 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:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “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.” + </pre> + <p> + “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.” + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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.” + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + “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!” + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + “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. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0006" id="link2HCH0006"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI. + </h2> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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?” + </p> + <p> + 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!” + </p> + <p> + “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!” + </p> + <p> + “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.” + </p> + <p> + “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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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.” + </p> + <p> + Then Edwald smiled again in silent contentment, like a flower after the + morning showers of May. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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.” + </p> + <p> + At the same time he threw his iron gauntlet ringing on the pavement. + </p> + <p> + 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— + </p> + <p> + “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?” + </p> + <p> + “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.” + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0007" id="link2HCH0007"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII. + </h2> + <p> + 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:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Heal fast, heal fast, ye hero-wounds; + O knight, be quickly strong; + Beloved strife + For fame and life, + O tarry not too long!” + </pre> + <p> + 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:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “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!” + </pre> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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.” + </p> + <p> + The secretary hastened out of the room with all speed, and was seen next + morning to look unusually pale. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + “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.” + </p> + <p> + “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.” + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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.” + </p> + <p> + “It was her own will,” answered Froda, smiling. “Come now to your gentle + bride.” + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0008" id="link2HCH0008"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VIII. + </h2> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + “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.” + </p> + <p> + “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. + </p> + <p> + “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—’ + </p> + <p> + “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.” + </p> + <p> + “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?” + </p> + <p> + “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!” + </p> + <p> + “And yet your silence to-day—your troubled yearnings?” + </p> + <p> + “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?” + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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?” + </p> + <p> + “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.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0009" id="link2HCH0009"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IX. + </h2> + <p> + 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. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “‘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.’” + </pre> + <p> + “Never in your life did you sing so sweetly,” said the dreaming Edwald. + </p> + <p> + “That may well be, Edchen,” said Froda, with a smile, and vanished. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “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!” + </pre> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg’s Aslauga’s Knight, by Fredrich de la Motte-Fouque + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ASLAUGA’S KNIGHT *** + +***** This file should be named 2827-h.htm or 2827-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/2/8/2/2827/ + +Produced by Sandra Laythorpe, and David Widger + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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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 + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ASLAUGA'S KNIGHT *** + +***** This file should be named 2827.txt or 2827.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/2/8/2/2827/ + +Produced by Sandra Laythorpe + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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FOR PUBLIC DOMAIN ETEXTS*Ver.12.12.00*END* + + + + + +This Gutenberg Etext of "Aslauga's Knight," +by Friedrich de La Motte-Fouque was scanned and proofed +by Sandra Laythorpe, slaythorpe@cwcom.net. + + + + + +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 be 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, "0, 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, 0 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; + 0 knight, be quickly strong; + Beloved strife + For fame and life, + 0 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! + + "0 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 Aslauga's Knight by Friedrich de la Motte Fouque + diff --git a/old/slknt10.zip b/old/slknt10.zip Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..5084aa1 --- /dev/null +++ b/old/slknt10.zip |