IntroductionFourtalesare，itissaid，intendedbytheAuthortobeappropriatetotheFourSeasons：thestern，grave\"Sintram\"，towinter;thetearful，smiling，fresh\"Undine\"，toSpring;thetorriddesertsofthe\"TwoCaptains\"，tosummer;andthesunsetgoldof\"Aslauga’sKnight\"，toautumn。Ofthesetwoarebeforeus。
Theauthorofthesetales，aswellasofmanymore，wasFriedrich，BarondelaMotteFouque，oneoftheforemostoftheminstrelsortale-tellersoftherealmofspiritualchivalry——therealmwhitherArthur’sknightsdepartedwhenthey\"tooktheSancgreal’sholyquest，\"——whenceSpenser’sRedCrossknightandhisfellowscameforthontheiradventures，andinwhichtheKnightoflaManchabelieved，andendeavouredtoexist。
LaMotteFouquederivedhisnameandhistitlefromtheFrenchHuguenotancestry，whohadfledontheRevocationoftheEdictofNantes。HisChristiannamewastakenfromhisgodfather，FredericktheGreat，ofwhomhisfatherwasafaithfulfriend，withoutcompromisinghisreligiousprinciplesandpractice。FriedrichwasbornatBrandenburgonFebruary12，1777，waseducatedbygoodparentsathome，servedinthePrussianarmythroughdisasterandsuccess，tookanenthusiasticpartintherisingofhiscountryagainstNapoleon，inditingasmanybattle-songsasKorner。Whenvictorywasachieved，hededicatedhisswordinthechurchofNeunhausenwherehisestatelay。Helivedthere，withhisbelovedwifeandhisimagination，tillhisdeathin1843。
Andallthetimelifewastohimapoet’sdream。Helivedinacontinualglamourofspiritualromance，bathingeverything，fromtheolddeitiesoftheValhalladowntothechampionsofGermanliberation，inanidealglowofpurityandnobleness，earnestlyChristianthroughout，eveninhisdealingswithNorthernmythology，forhesawChristunconsciouslyshowninBaldur，andSataninLoki。
Thushelived，felt，andbelievedwhathewrote，andthoughhisdramasandpoemsdonotriseabovefairmediocrity，andthegreatnumberofhisprosestoriesareinjuredbyacertainmonotony，thecharmofthemisintheirelevationofsentimentandtheearnestfaithpervadingall。HisknightsmightbeSirGalahad——
\"Mystrengthisasthestrengthoften，Becausemyheartispure。\"
Evilcomestothemassomethingtobeconquered，generallyasaformofmagicenchantment，andhis\"wondrousfairmaidens\"areworthyofthem。Yetthereisadventureenoughtoaffordmuchpleasure，andoftenwehaveatouchoftruegenius，whichhasgivenactualideastotheworld，andpreciousones。
Thisgeniusisespeciallytraceableinhistwomasterpieces，SintramandUndine。SintramwasinspiredbyAlbertDurer’sengravingofthe\"KnightofDeath，\"ofwhichwegiveapresentation。ItwassenttoFouquebyhisfriendEdwardHitzig，witharequestthathewouldcomposeaballadonit。Thedateoftheengravingis1513，andwequotethedescriptiongivenbythelateRev。R。St。JohnTyrwhitt，showinghowdifferentlyitmayberead。
\"Somesayitistheendofthestrongwickedman，justovertakenbyDeathandSin，whomhehasservedonearth。Itissaidthatthetuftonthelanceindicateshismurderouscharacter，beingofsuchunusualsize。Youknowtheuseofthatappendagewastopreventbloodrunningdownfromthespearheadtothehands。Theyalsothinkthattheobjectunderthehorse’soffhindfootisasnare，intowhichtheoldoppressoristofallinstantly。Theexpressionofthefacesmaybetakeneitherway：bothgoodmenandbadmayhavehard，regularfeatures;andbothgoodmenandbadwouldsettheirteethgrimlyonseeingDeath，withthesandsoftheirlifenearlyrunout。SomesaytheythinktheexpressionofDeathgentle，oronlyadmonitory（astheauthorof\"Sintram\"）;andIhavetothanktheauthoressofthe\"HeirofRedclyffe\"forshowingmeafineimpressionoftheplate，whereDeathcertainlyhadanotungentlecountenance——snakesandall。I
thinktheshoulderedlance，andquiet，firmseatonhorseback，withgentlebearingonthecurb-bit，indicategraveresolutionintherider，andthatarobberknightwouldhavehislanceinrest;thenthereistheleafycrownonthehorse’shead;andthehorseanddogmoveonsoquietly，thatIaminclinedtohopethebestfortheRitter。\"
Musingonthemysteriousengraving，Fouquesawinitthelife-longcompanionsofman，DeathandSin，whomhemustdefyinordertoreachsalvation;andoutofthatcontemplationrosehiswonderfulromance，notexactlyanallegory，whereeverycircumstancecanbefittedwithanappropriatemeaning，butwiththesenseofthestruggleoflife，withexternaltemptationandhereditaryinclinationpervadingall，whileGraceandPrayeraidtheeffort。FolkoandGabriellearerevivedfromtheMagicRing，thatFolkomaybyexampleandinfluenceenhanceallhigherresolutions;whileGabrielle，inallunconsciousinnocence，awakesthepassions，andthusmakestheconquesttheharder。
Itiswithintheboundsofpossibilitythatthesimilaritiesoffolk-
loremayhavebroughttoFouque’sknowledgetheoutlineofthestorywhichScotttellsuswasthegermof\"GuyMannering\";whereaboy，whosehoroscopehadbeendrawnbyanastrologer，aslikelytoencounterpeculiartrialsatcertainintervals，actuallyhad，inhistwenty-firstyear，asortofvisibleencounterwiththeTempter，andcameoffconquerorbyhisstrongfaithintheBible。SirWalter，betweenreverenceandrealism，onlytooktheearlierpartofthestory，butFouquegivesusthepositivestruggle，andcarriesusalongwiththefinalvictoryandsubsequentpeace。Histalehashadaremarkablepoweroverthereaders。Wecannotbutmentiontworemarkableinstancesateitherendofthescale。CardinalNewman，inhisyoungerdays，wassomuchovercomebyitthathehurriedoutintothegardentoreaditalone，andreturnedwithtracesofemotioninhisface。AndwhenCharlesLowderreadittohisEastEndboys，theirwholemindsseemedengrossedbyit，andtheyevencalledcertainspotsaftertheplacesmentioned。ImaginetheRocksoftheMooninRatcliffHighway！
MaywementionthatMissChristabelColeridge’s\"Waynflete\"bringssomethingofthespiritandideaof\"Sintram\"intomodernlife？
\"Undine\"isastoryofmuchlighterfancy，andfullofapeculiargrace，thoughwithadepthofmelancholythatendearsit。Nodoubtitwasfoundedontheuniversalideainfolk-loreofthenixiesorwater-spirits，oneofwhom，inNorwegianlegend，wasseenweepingbitterlybecauseofthewantofasoul。SometimesthenymphisawickedsirenliketheLorelei;butinmanyofthesetalesshewedsanearthlylover，anddesertshimafteratime，sometimesonfindingherdivingcap，orherseal-skingarment，whichrestoreshertoheroceankindred，sometimesonhisintrudingonherwhilesheisunderaperiodicaltransformation，aswiththefairyMelusine，morerarelyifhebecomesunfaithful。
ThereisaremarkableCornishtaleofanymphormermaiden，whothusvanished，leavingadaughterwholovedtolingeronthebeachratherthansportwithotherchildren。Byandbyshehadalover，butnosoonerdidheshowtokensofinconstancy，thanthemothercameupfromtheseaandputhimtodeath，whenthedaughterpinedawayanddied。HernamewasSelina，whichgivesthetaleamodernaspect，andmakesuswonderiftheoldtraditioncanhavebeenmodifiedbysomereportofUndine’sstory。
TherewasanideasetforthbytheRosicruciansofspiritsabidingintheelements，andasUndinerepresentedthewaterinfluences，Fouque’swife，theBaronessCaroline，wroteafairlyprettystoryonthesylphsoffire。ButUndine’sfreakishplayfulnessandmischiefasanelementalbeing，andhersweetpatiencewhenhersouliswon，arequiteoriginal，andindeedwecannothelpsharing，oratleastunderstanding，Huldbrand’sbeginningtoshrinkfromtheunearthlycreaturetosomethingofhisownfleshandblood。Heisaltogetherunworthy，andthoughinthistalethereisfarlessofspiritualmeaningthaninSintram，wecannotbutseethatFouque’sthoughtwasthatthegrosserhumannatureisunabletoappreciatewhatisabsolutelypureandunearthly。
C。M。YONGE。
CHAPTER1
InthehighcastleofDrontheimmanyknightssatassembledtoholdcouncilforthewealoftherealm;andjoyouslytheycarousedtogethertillmidnightaroundthehugestonetableinthevaultedhall。Arisingstormdrovethesnowwildlyagainsttherattlingwindows;alltheoakdoorsgroaned，themassivelocksshook，thecastle-clockslowlyandheavilystruckthehourofone。Thenaboy，paleasdeath，withdisorderedhairandclosedeyes，rushedintothehall，utteringawildscreamofterror。HestoppedbesidetherichlycarvedseatofthemightyBiorn，clungtotheglitteringknightwithbothhishands，andshriekedinapiercingvoice，\"Knightandfather！
fatherandknight！Deathandanotherarecloselypursuingme！\"
Anawfulstillnesslaylikeiceonthewholeassembly，savethattheboyscreamedeverthefearfulwords。ButoneofBiorn’snumerousretainers，anoldesquire，knownbythenameofRolftheGood，advancedtowardstheterrifiedchild，tookhiminhisarms，andhalfchantedthisprayer：\"0Father，helpThyservant！Ibelieve，andyetIcannotbelieve。\"Theboy，asifinadream，atonceloosenedhisholdoftheknight;andthegoodRolfborehimfromthehallunresisting，yetstillsheddinghottearsandmurmuringconfusedsounds。
Thelordsandknightslookedatoneanothermuchamazed，untilthemightyBiornsaid，wildlyandfiercelylaughing，\"Marvelnotatthatstrangeboy。Heismyonlyson;andhasbeenthussincehewasfiveyearsold：heisnowtwelve。Iamthereforeaccustomedtoseehimso;though，atthefirst，Itoowasdisquietedbyit。Theattackcomesuponhimonlyonceintheyear，andalwaysatthissametime。
ButforgivemeforhavingspentsomanywordsonmypoorSintram，andletuspassontosomeworthiersubjectforourdiscourse。\"
Againtherewassilenceforawhile;thenwhisperinglyanddoubtfullysinglevoicesstrovetorenewtheirbroken-offdiscourse，butwithoutsuccess。Twooftheyoungestandmostjoyousbeganaroundelay;butthestormhowledandragedsowildlywithout，thatthistoowassooninterrupted。Andnowtheyallsatsilentandmotionlessintheloftyhall;thelampflickeredsadlyunderthevaultedroof;thewholepartyofknightslookedlikepale，lifelessimagesdressedupingiganticarmour。
ThenarosethechaplainofthecastleofDrontheim，theonlypriestamongtheknightlythrong，andsaid，\"DearLordBiorn，oureyesandthoughtshaveallbeendirectedtoyouandyoursoninawonderfulmanner;butsoithasbeenorderedbytheprovidenceofGod。Youperceivethatwecannotwithdrawthem;andyouwoulddowelltotellusexactlywhatyouknowconcerningthefearfulstateoftheboy。
Perchance，thesolemntale，whichIexpectfromyou，mightdogoodtothisdisturbedassembly。\"
Biorncastalookofdispleasureonthepriest，andanswered，\"Sirchaplain，youhavemoreshareinthehistorythaneitheryouorI
coulddesire。Excuseme，ifIamunwillingtotroubletheselight-
heartedwarriorswithsoruefulatale。\"
Butthechaplainapproachednearertotheknight，andsaid，inafirmyetverymildtone，\"Dearlord，hithertoitrestedwithyoualonetorelate，ornottorelateit;butnowthatyouhavesostrangelyhintedatthesharewhichIhavehadinyourson’scalamity，Imustpositivelydemandthatyouwillrepeatwordforwordhoweverythingcametopass。Myhonourwillhaveitso，andthatwillweighwithyouasmuchaswithme。\"
InsterncomplianceBiornbowedhishaughtyhead，andbeganthefollowingnarration。\"ThistimesevenyearsIwaskeepingtheChristmasfeastwithmyassembledfollowers。Wehavemanyvenerableoldcustomswhichhavedescendedtousbyinheritancefromourgreatforefathers;as，forinstance，thatofplacingagildedboar’sheadonthetable，andmakingthereonknightlyvowsofdaringandwondrousdeeds。Ourchaplainhere，whousedthenfrequentlytovisitme，wasneverafriendtokeepingupsuchtraditionsoftheancientheathenworld。Suchmenashewerenotmuchinfavourinthoseoldentimes。\"
\"Myexcellentpredecessors，\"interruptedthechaplain，\"belongedmoretoGodthantotheworld，andwithHimtheywereinfavour。Thustheyconvertedyourancestors;andifIcaninlikemannerbeofservicetoyou，evenyourjeeringwillnotvexme。\"
Withlooksyetdarker，andasomewhatangryshudder，theknightresumed：\"Yes，yes;IknowallyourpromisesandthreatsofaninvisiblePower，andhowtheyaremeantpersuadeustopartmorereadilywithwhateverofthisworld’sgoodswemaypossess。Once，ah，truly，onceItoohadsuch！Strange！——Sometimesitseemstomeasthoughageshadpassedoversincethen，andasifIwerealonethesurvivor，sofearfullyhaseverythingchanged。ButnowIbethinkme，thatthegreaterpartofthisnoblecompanyknewmeinmyhappiness，andhaveseenmywife，mylovelyVerena。\"
Hepressedhishandsonhiseyes，anditseemedasthoughhewept。
Thestormhadceased;thesoftlightofthemoonshonethroughthewindows，andherbeamsplayedonhiswildfeatures。Suddenlyhestartedup，sothathisheavyarmourrattledwithafearfulsound，andhecriedoutinathunderingvoice，\"ShallIturnmonk，asshehasbecomeanun？No，craftypriest;yourwebsaretoothintocatchfliesofmysort。\"
\"Ihavenothingtodowithwebs，\"saidthechaplain。\"InallopennessandsincerityhaveIputheavenandhellbeforeyouduringthespaceofsixyears;andyougavefullconsenttothestepwhichtheholyVerenatook。Butwhatallthathastodowithyourson’ssufferingsIknownot，andIwaitforyournarration。\"
\"Youmaywaitlongenough，\"saidBiorn，withasneer。\"Soonershall——\"
\"Swearnot！\"saidthechaplaininaloudcommandingtone，andhiseyesflashedalmostfearfully。
\"Hurra！\"criedBiorn，inwildaffright;\"hurra！Deathandhiscompanionareloose！\"andhedashedmadlyoutofthechamberanddownthesteps。Theroughandfearfulnotesofhishornwereheardsummoninghisretainers;andpresentlyafterwardstheclatterofhorses’feetonthefrozencourt-yardgavetokenoftheirdeparture。
Theknightsretired，silentandshuddering;whilethechaplainremainedaloneatthehugestonetable，praying。
CHAPTER2
AftersometimethegoodRolfreturnedwithslowandsoftsteps，andstartedwithsurpriseatfindingthehalldeserted。Thechamberwherehehadbeenoccupiedinquietingandsoothingtheunhappychildwasinsodistantapartofthecastlethathehadheardnothingoftheknight’shastydeparture。Thechaplainrelatedtohimallthathadpassed，andthensaid，\"But，mygoodRolf，ImuchwishtoaskyouconcerningthosestrangewordswithwhichyouseemedtolullpoorSintramtorest。Theysoundedlikesacredwords，andnodoubttheyare;butIcouldnotunderstandthem。’Ibelieve，andyetIcannotbelieve。’\"
\"Reverendsir，\"answeredRolf，\"IrememberthatfrommyearliestyearsnohistoryintheGospelshastakensuchholdofmeasthatofthechildpossessedwithadevil，whichthediscipleswerenotabletocastout;butwhenourSaviourcamedownfromthemountainwhereHehadbeentransfigured，Hebrokethebondswherewiththeevilspirithadheldthemiserablechildbound。IalwaysfeltasifI
musthaveknownandlovedthatboy，andbeenhisplay-fellowinhishappydays;andwhenIgrewolder，thenthedistressofthefatheronaccountofhislunaticsonlayheavyatmyheart。ItmustsurelyhaveallbeenaforebodingofourpooryoungLordSintram，whomI
loveasifheweremyownchild;andnowthewordsoftheweepingfatherintheGospeloftencomeintomymind，——’Lord，Ibelieve;helpThoumyunbelief;’andsomethingsimilarImayverylikelyhaverepeatedto-dayasachantoraprayer。Reverendfather，whenI
considerhowonedreadfulimprecationofthefatherhaskeptitswitheringholdontheson，allseemsdarkbeforeme;but，Godbepraised！myfaithandmyhoperemainabove。\"
\"GoodRolf，\"saidthepriest，\"IcannotclearlyunderstandwhatyousayabouttheunhappySintram;forIdonotknowwhenandhowthisafflictioncameuponhim。Ifnooathorsolemnpromisebindyoutosecrecy，willyoumakeknowntomeallthatisconnectedwithit？\"
\"Mostwillingly，\"repliedRolf。\"Ihavelongdesiredtohaveanopportunityofsodoing;butyouhavebeenalmostalwaysseparatedfromus。Idarenotnowleavethesleepingboyanylongeralone;andto-morrow，attheearliestdawn，Imusttakehimtohisfather。Willyoucomewithme，dearsir，toourpoorSintram？\"
ThechaplainatoncetookupthesmalllampwhichRolfhadbroughtwithhim，andtheysetofftogetherthroughthelongvaultedpassages。Inthesmalldistantchambertheyfoundthepoorboyfastasleep。Thelightofthelampfellstrangelyonhisverypaleface。
Thechaplainstoodgazingathimforsometime，andatlengthsaid：
\"Certainlyfromhisbirthhisfeatureswerealwayssharpandstronglymarked，butnowtheyarealmostfearfullysoforsuchachild;andyetnoonecanhelphavingakindlyfeelingtowardshim，whetherhewillornot。\"
\"Mosttrue，dearsir，\"answeredRolf。Anditwasevidenthowhiswholeheartrejoicedatanywordwhichbetokenedaffectionforhisbelovedyounglord。Thereuponheplacedthelampwhereitslightcouldnotdisturbtheboy，andseatinghimselfclosebythepriest，hebegantospeakinthefollowingterms：——\"DuringthatChristmasfeastofwhichmylordwastalkingtoyou，heandhisfollowersdiscoursedmuchconcerningtheGermanmerchants，andthebestmeansofkeepingdowntheincreasingprideandpowerofthetrading-towns。
AtlengthBiornlaidhisimpioushandonthegoldenboar’shead，andsworetoputtodeathwithoutmercyeveryGermantraderwhomfate，inwhatwaysoever，mightbringaliveintohispower。ThegentleVerenaturnedpale，andwouldhaveinterposed——butitwastoolate，thebloodywordwasuttered。Andimmediatelyafterwards，asthoughthegreatenemyofsoulsweredeterminedatoncetosecurewithfreshbondsthevassalthusdevotedtohim，awardercameintothehalltoannouncethattwocitizensofatrading-towninGermany，anoldmanandhisson，hadbeenshipwreckedonthiscoast，andwerenowwithinthegates，askinghospitalityofthelordofthecastle。Theknightcouldnotrefrainfromshuddering;buthethoughthimselfboundbyhisrashvowandbythataccursedheathenishgoldenboar。We，hisretainers，werecommandedtoassembleinthecastle-yard，armedwithsharpspears，whichweretobehurledatthedefencelessstrangersatthefirstsignalmadetous。Forthefirst，andItrustthelasttimeinmylife，Isaid’No’tothecommandsofmylord;andthatI
saidinaloudvoice，andwiththeheartiestdetermination。TheAlmighty，whoaloneknowswhomHewillacceptandwhomHewillreject，armedmewithresolutionandstrength。AndBiornmightperceivewhencetherefusalofhisfaithfuloldservantarose，andthatitwasworthyofrespect。Hesaidtome，halfinangerandhalfinscorn：’Gouptomywife’sapartments;herattendantsarerunningtoandfro，perhapssheisill。Goup，RolftheGood，Isaytothee，andsowomenshallbewithwomen。’Ithoughttomyself，’Jeeron，then;’andIwentsilentlythewaythathehadpointedouttome。
Onthestairstheremetmetwostrangeandrightfearfulbeings，whomIhadneverseenbefore;andIknownothowtheygotintothecastle。
Oneofthemwasagreattallman，frightfullypallidandthin;theotherwasadwarf-likeman，withamosthideouscountenanceandfeatures。Indeed，whenIcollectedmythoughtsandlookedcarefullyathim，itappearedtome——\"
Lowmoaningsandconvulsivemovementsoftheboyhereinterruptedthenarrative。Rolfandhischaplainhastenedtohisbedside，andperceivedthathiscountenanceworeanexpressionoffearfulagony，andthathewasstrugglinginvaintoopenhiseyes。ThepriestmadetheSignoftheCrossoverhim，andimmediatelypeaceseemedtoberestored，andhissleepagainbecamequiet：theybothreturnedsoftlytotheirseats。
\"Yousee，\"saidRolf，\"thatitwillnotdotodescribemorecloselythosetwoawfulbeings。Sufficeittosay，thattheywentdownintothecourt-yard，andthatIproceededtomylady’sapartments。I
foundthegentleVerenaalmostfaintingwithterrorandoverwhelminganxiety，andIhastenedtorestoreherwithsomeofthoseremedieswhichIwasabletoapplybymyskill，throughGod’sgiftandthehealingvirtuesofherbsandminerals。Butscarcelyhadsherecoveredhersenses，when，withthatcalmholypowerwhich，asyouknow，ishers，shedesiredmetoconductherdowntothecourt-yard，sayingthatshemusteitherputastoptothefearfuldoingsofthisnight，orherselffallasacrifice。OurwaytookusbythelittlebedofthesleepingSintram。Alas！hottearsfellfrommyeyestoseehowevenlyhisgentlebreaththencameandwent，andhowsweetlyhesmiledinhispeacefulslumbers。\"
Theoldmanputhishandstohiseyes，andweptbitterly;butsoonheresumedhissadstory。\"Asweapproachedthelowestwindowofthestaircase，wecouldheardistinctlythevoiceoftheeldermerchant;
andonlookingout，thelightofthetorchesshowedmehisnoblefeatures，aswellasthebrightyouthfulcountenanceofhisson。
’ItakeAlmightyGodtowitness，’criedhe，’thatIhadnoevilthoughtagainstthishouse！ButsurelyImusthavefallenunawaresamongstheathens;itcannotbethatIaminaChristianknight’scastle;andifyouareindeedheathens，thenkillusatonce。Andthou，mybelovedson，bepatientandofgoodcourage;inheavenweshalllearnwhereforeitcouldnotbeotherwise。’IthoughtIcouldseethosetwofearfulonesamidstthethrongofretainers。Thepaleonehadahugecurvedswordinhishand，thelittleoneheldaspearnotchedinastrangefashion。Verenatoreopenthewindow，andcriedinsilverytonesthroughthewildnight，’Mydearestlordandhusband，forthesakeofyouronlychild，havepityonthoseharmlessmen！Savethemfromdeath，andresistthetemptationoftheevilspirit。’Theknightansweredinhisfiercewrath——butIcannotrepeathiswords。Hestakedhischildonthedesperatecast;hecalledDeathandtheDeviltoseethathekepthisword：——buthush！
theboyisagainmoaning。Letmebringthedarktalequicklytoaclose。Biorncommandedhisfollowerstostrike，castingonthemthosefiercelookswhichhavegainedhimthetitleofBiornoftheFieryEyes;whileatthesametimethetwofrightfulstrangersbestirredthemselvesverybusily。ThenVerenacalledout，withpiercinganguish，’Help，0God，mySaviour！’Thosetwodreadfulfiguresdisappeared;andtheknightandhisretainers，asifseizedwithblindness，rushedwildlyoneagainsttheother，butwithoutdoinginjurytothemselves，oryetbeingabletostrikethemerchants，whoransoclosearisk。TheybowedreverentlytowardsVerena，andwithcalmthanksgivingsdepartedthroughthecastle-
gates，whichatthatmomenthadbeenburstopenbyaviolentgustofwind，andnowgaveafreepassagetoanywhowouldgoforth。TheladyandIwereyetstandingbewilderedonthestairs，whenIfanciedIsawthetwofearfulformsglideclosebyme，butmist-likeandunreal。Verenacalledtome：’Rolf，didyouseeatallpaleman，andalittlehideousonewithhim，passjustnowupthestaircase？’I
flewafterthem;andfound，alas，thepoorboyinthesamestateinwhichyousawhimafewhoursago。Eversince，theattackhascomeonhimregularlyatthistime，andheisinallrespectsfearfullychanged。TheladyofthecastledidnotfailtodiscerntheavenginghandofHeaveninthiscalamity;andastheknight，herhusband，insteadofrepenting，everbecamemoretrulyBiornoftheFieryEyes，sheresolved，inthewallsofacloister，byunremittingprayer，toobtainmercyintimeandeternityforherselfandherunhappychild。\"
Rolfwassilent;andthechaplain，aftersomethought，said：\"Inowunderstandwhy，sixyearsago，Biornconfessedhisguilttomeingeneralwords，andconsentedthathiswifeshouldtaketheveil。
Somefaintcompunctionmustthenhavestirredwithinhim，andperhapsmaystirhimyet。AtanyrateitwasimpossiblethatsotenderaflowerasVerenacouldremainlongerinsoroughkeeping。ButwhoistherenowtowatchoverandprotectourpoorSintram？\"
\"Theprayerofhismother，\"answeredRolf。\"Reverendsir，whenthefirstdawnofdayappears，asitdoesnow，andwhenthemorningbreezewhispersthroughtheglancingwindow，theyeverbringtomymindthesoftbeamingeyesofmylady，andIagainseemtohearthesweettonesofhervoice。TheholyVerenais，nexttoGod，ourchiefaid。\"
\"AndletusaddourdevoutsupplicationstotheLord，\"saidthechaplain;andheandRolfkneltinsilentandearnestprayerbythebedofthepalesufferer，whobegantosmileinhisdreams。
CHAPTER3
TheraysofthesunshiningbrightlyintotheroomawokeSintram，andraisinghimselfup，helookedangrilyatthechaplain，andsaid，\"Sothereisapriestinthecastle！Andyetthataccurseddreamcontinuestotormentmeeveninhisverypresence。Prettypriesthemustbe！\"
\"Mychild，\"answeredthechaplaininthemildesttone，\"Ihaveprayedfortheemostfervently，andIshallneverceasedoingso——butGodaloneisAlmighty。\"
\"YouspeakveryboldlytothesonoftheknightBiorn，\"criedSintram。\"’Mychild！’Ifthosehorribledreamshadnotbeenagainhauntingme，youwouldmakemelaughheartily。\"
\"YoungLordSintram，\"saidthechaplain，\"Iambynomeanssurprisedthatyoudonotknowmeagain;forintruth，neitherdoIknowyouagain。\"Andhiseyesfilledwithtearsashespoke。
ThegoodRolflookedsorrowfullyintheboy’sface，saying，\"Ah，mydearyoungmaster，youaresomuchbetterthanyouwouldmakepeoplebelieve。Whydoyouthat？Yourmemoryissogood，thatyoumustsurelyrecollectyourkindoldfriendthechaplain，whousedformerlytobeconstantlyatthecastle，andtobringyousomanygifts——
brightpicturesofsaints，andbeautifulsongs？\"
\"Iknowallthatverywell，\"repliedSintramthoughtfully。\"Mysaintedmotherwasaliveinthosedays。\"
\"Ourgraciousladyisstillliving，Godbepraised，\"saidthegoodRolf。
\"Butshedoesnotliveforus，poorsickcreaturesthatweare！\"
criedSintram。\"Andwhywillyounotcallhersainted？Surelysheknowsnothingaboutmydreams？\"
\"Yes，shedoesknowofthem，\"saidthechaplain;\"andshepraystoGodforyou。Buttakeheed，andrestrainthatwild，haughtytemperofyours。Itmight，indeed，cometopassthatshewouldknownothingaboutyourdreams，andthatwouldbeifyoursoulwereseparatedfromyourbody;andthentheholyangelsalsowouldceasetoknowanythingofyou。\"
Sintramfellbackonhisbedasifthunderstruck;andRolfsaid，withagentlesigh，\"Youshouldnotspeaksoseverelytomypoorsickchild，reverendsir。\"
Theboysatup，andwithtearfuleyesheturnedcaressinglytowardsthechaplain：\"Lethimdoashepleases，yougood，tender-heartedRolf;heknowsverywellwhatheisabout。WouldyoureprovehimifIwereslippingdownasnow-cleft，andhecaughtmeuproughlybythehairofmyhead？\"
Thepriestlookedtenderlyathim，andwouldhavespokenhisholythoughts，whenSintramsuddenlysprangoffthebedandaskedafterhisfather。Assoonasheheardoftheknight’sdeparture，hewouldnotremainanotherhourinthecastle;andputasidethefearsofthechaplainandtheoldesquire，lestarapidjourneyshouldinjurehishardlyrestoredhealth，bysayingtothem，\"Believeme，reverendsir，anddearoldRolf，ifIwerenotsubjecttothesehideousdreams，therewouldnotbeabolderyouthinthewholeworld;andevenasitis，Iamnotsofarbehindtheverybest。Besides，tillanotheryearhaspassed，mydreamsareatanend。\"
OnhissomewhatimperioussignRolfbroughtoutthehorses。Theboythrewhimselfboldlyintothesaddle，andtakingacourteousleaveofthechaplain，hedashedalongthefrozenvalleythatlaybetweenthesnow-cladmountains。Hehadnotriddenfar，incompanywithhisoldattendant，whenheheardastrangeindistinctsoundproceedingfromaneighbouringcleftintherock;itwaspartlyliketheclapperofasmallmill，butmingledwiththatwerehollowgroansandothertonesofdistress。Thithertheyturnedtheirhorses，andawonderfulsightshoweditselftothem。
Atallman，deadlypale，inapilgrim’sgarb，wasstrivingwithviolentthoughunsuccessfulefforts，toworkhiswayoutofthesnowandtoclimbupthemountain;andtherebyaquantityofbones，whichwerehanginglooselyallabouthisgarments，rattledoneagainsttheother，andcausedthemysterioussoundalreadymentioned。Rolf，muchterrified，crossedhimself，whiletheboldSintramcalledouttothestranger，\"Whatartthoudoingthere？Giveanaccountofthysolitarylabours。\"
\"Iliveindeath，\"repliedthatotheronewithafearfulgrin。
\"Whosearethosebonesonthyclothes？\"
\"Theyarerelics，youngsir。\"
\"Artthouapilgrim？\"
\"Restless，quietless，Iwanderupanddown。\"
\"Thoumustnotperishhereinthesnowbeforemyeyes。\"
\"ThatIwillnot。\"
\"Thoumustcomeupandsitonmyhorse。\"
\"ThatIwill。\"Andallatoncehestartedupoutofthesnowwithsurprisingstrengthandagility，andsatonthehorsebehindSintram，claspinghimtightinhislongarms。Thehorse，startledbytherattlingofthebones，andasifseizedwithmadness，rushedawaythroughthemosttracklesspasses。Theboysoonfoundhimselfalonewithhisstrangecompanion;forRolf，breathlesswithfear，spurredonhishorseinvain，andremainedfarbehindthem。Fromasnowyprecipicethehorseslid，withoutfalling，intoanarrowgorge，somewhatindeedexhausted，yetcontinuingtosnortandfoamasbefore，andstillunmasteredbytheboy。Yethisheadlongcoursebeingnowchangedintoaroughirregulartrot，Sintramwasabletobreathemorefreely，andtobeginthefollowingdiscoursewithhisunknowncompanion。
\"Drawthygarmentcloseraroundthee，thoupaleman，sotheboneswillnotrattle，andIshallbeabletocurbmyhorse。\"
\"Itwouldbeofnoavail，boy;itwouldbeofnoavail。Thebonesmustrattle。\"
\"Donotclaspmesotightwiththylongarms，theyaresocold。\"
\"Itcannotbehelped，boy;itcannotbehelped。Becontent。Formylongcoldarmsarenotpressingyetonthyheart。\"
\"Donotbreatheonmesowiththyicybreath。Allmystrengthisdeparting。\"
\"Imustbreathe，boy;Imustbreathe。Butdonotcomplain。Iamnotblowingtheeaway。\"
Thestrangedialogueherecametoanend;fortoSintram’ssurprisehefoundhimselfonanopenplain，overwhichthesunwasshiningbrightly，andatnogreatdistancebeforehimhesawhisfather’scastle。Whilehewasthinkingwhetherhemightinvitetheunearthlypilgrimtorestthere，thisoneputanendtohisdoubtsbythrowinghimselfsuddenlyoffthehorse，whosewildcoursewascheckedbytheshock。Raisinghisforefinger，hesaidtotheboy，\"IknowoldBiornoftheFieryEyeswell;perhapsbuttoowell。Commendmetohim。Itwillnotneedtotellhimmyname;hewillrecognizemeatthedescription。\"Sosaying，theghastlystrangerturnedasideintoathickfir-wood，anddisappearedrattlingamongstthetangledbranches。
SlowlyandthoughtfullySintramrodeontowardshisfather’scastle，hishorsenowagainquietandaltogetherexhausted。Hescarcelyknewhowmuchheoughttorelateofhiswonderfuljourney，andhealsofeltoppressedwithanxietyforthegoodRolf，whohadremainedsofarbehind。Hefoundhimselfatthecastle-gatesoonerthanhehadexpected;thedrawbridgewaslowered，thedoorswerethrownopen;anattendantledtheyouthintothegreathall，whereBiornwassittingallaloneatahugetable，withmanyflagonsandglassesbeforehim，andsuitsofarmourrangedoneithersideofhim。Itwashisdailycustom，bywayofcompany，tohavethearmourofhisancestors，withclosedvisors，placedallroundthetableatwhichhesat。Thefatherandsonbeganconversingasfollows：
\"WhereisRolf？\"
\"Idonotknow，father;heleftmeinthemountains。\"
\"IwillhaveRolfshotifhecannottakebettercarethanthatofmyonlychild。\"
\"Then，father，youwillhaveyouronlychildshotatthesametime，forwithoutRolfIcannotlive;andifevenonesingledartisaimedathim，Iwillbetheretoreceiveit，andtoshieldhistrueandfaithfulheart。\"
\"So！——ThenRolfshallnotbeshot，butheshallbedrivenfromthecastle。\"
\"Inthatcase，father，youwillseemegoawayalso;andIwillgivemyselfuptoservehiminforests，inmountains，incaves。\"
\"So’——Well，then，Rolfmustremainhere。\"
\"ThatisjustwhatIthink，father。\"
\"Wereyouridingquitealone？\"
\"No，father;butwithastrangepilgrim。Hesaidthatheknewyouverywell——perhapstoowell。\"AndthereuponSintrambegantorelateandtodescribeallthathadpassedwiththepaleman。
\"Iknowhimalsoverywell，\"saidBiorn。\"Heishalfcrazedandhalfwise，aswesometimesareastonishedatseeingthatpeoplecanbe。
Butdothou，myboy，gotorestafterthywildjourney。IgiveyoumywordthatRolfshallbekindlyreceivedifhearrivehere;andthatifhedonotcomesoon，heshallbesoughtforinthemountains。\"
\"Itrusttoyourword，father，\"saidSintram，halfhumble，halfproud;andhedidafterthecommandofthegrimlordofthecastle。
CHAPTER4
TowardseveningSintramawoke。HesawthegoodRolfsittingathisbedside，andlookedupintheoldman’skindfacewithasmileofunusuallyinnocentbrightness。Butsoonagainhisdarkbrowswereknit，andheasked，\"Howdidmyfatherreceiveyou，Rolf？Didhesayaharshwordtoyou？\"
\"No，mydearyounglord，hedidnot;indeedhedidnotspeaktomeatall。Atfirsthelookedverywrathful;buthecheckedhimself，andorderedaservanttobringmefoodandwinetorefreshme，andafterwardstotakemetoyourroom。\"
\"Hemighthavekepthiswordbetter。Butheismyfather，andImustnotjudgehimtoohardly。Iwillnowgodowntotheeveningmeal。\"
Sosaying，hesprangupandthrewonhisfurredmantle。
ButRolfstoppedhim，andsaid，entreatingly：\"Mydearyoungmaster，youwoulddobettertotakeyourmealto-dayalonehereinyourownapartment;forthereisaguestwithyourfather，inwhosecompanyI
shouldbeverysorrytoseeyou。Ifyouwillremainhere，Iwillentertainyouwithpleasanttalesandsongs。\"
\"ThereisnothingintheworldwhichIshouldlikebetter，dearRolf，\"answeredSintram;\"butitdoesnotbefitmetoshunanyman。
Tellme，whomshouldIfindwithmyfather？\"
\"Alas！\"saidtheoldman，\"youhavealreadyfoundhiminthemountain。Formerly，whenIusedtorideaboutthecountrywithBiorn，weoftenmetwithhim，butIwasforbiddentotellyouanythingabouthim;andthisisthefirsttimethathehasevercometothecastle。\"
\"Thecrazypilgrim！\"repliedSintram;andhestoodawhileindeepthought，asifconsideringthematter。Atlast，rousinghimself，hesaid，\"Dearoldfriend，Iwouldmostwillinglystayherethiseveningallalonewithyouandyourstoriesandsongs，andallthepilgrimsintheworldshouldnotenticemefromthisquietroom。Butonethingmustbeconsidered。Ifeelakindofdreadofthatpale，tallman;andbysuchfearsnoknight’ssoncaneversufferhimselftobeovercome。Sobenotangry，dearRolf，ifIdeterminetogoandlookthatstrangepalmerintheface。\"Andheshutthedoorofthechamberbehindhim，andwithfirmandechoingstepsproceededtothehall。
Thepilgrimandtheknightweresittingoppositetoeachotheratthegreattable，onwhichmanylightswereburning;anditwasfearful，amongstallthelifelessarmour，toseethosetwotallgrimmenmove，andeat，anddrink。
Asthepilgrimlookedupontheboy’sentrance，Biornsaid：\"Youknowhimalready：heismyonlychild，andfellow-travellerthismorning。\"
ThepalmerfixedanearnestlookonSintram，andanswered，shakinghishead，\"Iknownotwhatyoumean。\"
Thentheboyburstforth，impatiently，\"Itmustbeconfessedthatyoudealveryunfairlybyus！Yousaythatyouknowmyfatherbuttoomuch，andnowitseemsthatyouknowmealtogethertoolittle。Lookmeintheface：whoallowedyoutorideonhishorse，andinreturnhadhisgoodsteeddrivenalmostwild？Speak，ifyoucan！\"
Biornsmiled，shakinghishead，butwellpleased，aswashiswont，withhisson’swildbehaviour;whilethepilgrimshudderedasifterrifiedandovercomebysomefearfulirresistiblepower。Atlength，withatremblingvoice，hesaidthesewords：\"Yes，yes，mydearyounglord，youaresurelyquiteright;youareperfectlyrightineverythingwhichyoumaypleasetoassert。\"
Thenthelordofthecastlelaughedaloud，andsaid：\"Why，thoustrangepilgrim，whatisbecomeofallthywonderfullyfinespeechesandwarningsnow？Hastheboyallatoncestrucktheedumbandpowerless？Beware，thouprophet-messenger，beware！\"
ButthepalmercastafearfullookonBiorn，whichseemedtoquenchthelightofhisfieryeyes，andsaidsolemnly，inathunderingvoice，\"Betweenmeandthee，oldman，thecasestandsquiteotherwise。Wehavenothingtoreproacheachotherwith。Andnowsuffermetosingasongtoyouonthelute。\"Hestretchedouthishand，andtookdownfromthewallaforgottenandhalf-strunglute，whichwashangingthere;and，withsurprisingskillandrapidity，havingputitinastatefitforuse，hestrucksomechords，andraisedthissongtothelowmelancholytonesoftheinstrument：
\"Theflow’retwasmineown，mineown，ButIhavelostitsfragrancerare，Andknightlynameandfreedomfair，Throughsin，throughsinalone。
Theflow’retwasthineown，thineown，Whycastawaywhatthoudidstwin？
Thouknightnomore，butslaveofsin，Thou’rtfearfullyalone！\"
\"Haveacare！\"shoutedheatthecloseinapealingvoice，ashepulledthestringssomightilythattheyallbrokewithaclangingwail，andacloudofdustrosefromtheoldlute，whichspreadroundhimlikeamist。
Sintramhadbeenwatchinghimnarrowlywhilsthewassinging，andmoreandmoredidhefeelconvincedthatitwasimpossiblethatthismanandhisfellow-travellerofthemorningcouldbeoneandthesame。Nay，thedoubtrosetocertainty，whenthestrangeragainlookedroundathimwiththesametimid，anxiousair，andwithmanyexcusesandlowreverenceshungtheluteinitsoldplace，andthenranoutofthehallasifbewilderedwithterror，instrangecontrastwiththeproudandstatelybearingwhichhehadshowntoBiorn。
Theeyesoftheboywerenowdirectedtohisfather，andhesawthathehadsunkbacksenselessinhisseat，asifstruckbyablow。
Sintram’scriescalledRolfandotherattendantsintothehall;andonlybygreatlabourdidtheirunitedeffortsawakethelordofthecastle。Hislookswerestillwildanddisordered;butheallowedhimselftobetakentorest，quietandyielding。
CHAPTER5
Anillnessfollowedthissuddenattack;andduringthecourseofitthestoutoldknight，inthemidstofhisdeliriousravings，didnotceasetoaffirmconfidentlythathemustandshouldrecover。Helaughedproudlywhenhisfever-fitscameon，andrebukedthemfordaringtoattackhimsoneedlessly。Thenhemurmuredtohimself，\"Thatwasnottherightoneyet;theremuststillbeanotheroneoutinthecoldmountains。\"
AlwaysatsuchwordsSintraminvoluntarilyshuddered;theyseemedtostrengthenhisnotionthathewhohadriddenwithhim，andhewhohadsatattableinthecastle，weretwoquitedistinctpersons;andheknewnotwhy，butthisthoughtwasinexpressiblyawfultohim。Biornrecovered，andappearedtohaveentirelyforgottenhisadventurewiththepalmer。Hehuntedinthemountains;hecarriedonhisusualwildwarfarewithhisneighbours;andSintram，ashegrewup，becamehisalmostconstantcompanion;wherebyeachyearafearfulstrengthofbodyandspiritwasunfoldedintheyouth。Everyonetrembledatthesightofhissharppallidfeatures，hisdarkrollingeyes，histall，muscular，andsomewhatleanform;andyetnoonehatedhim——noteventhosewhomhedistressedorinjuredinhiswildesthumours。ThismightariseinpartoutofregardtooldRolf，whoseldomlefthimforlong，andwhoalwaysheldasofteninginfluenceoverhim;butalsomanyofthosewhohadknowntheLadyVerenawhileshestilllivedintheworldaffirmedthatafaintreflectionofherheavenlyexpressionfloatedovertheveryunlikefeaturesofherson，andthatbythistheirheartswerewon。
Once，justatthebeginningofspring，Biornandhissonwerehuntingintheneighbourhoodofthesea-coast，overatractofcountrywhichdidnotbelongtothem;drawnthitherlessbytheloveofsportthanbythewishofbiddingdefiancetoachieftainwhomtheydetested，andthusexcitingafeud。Atthatseasonoftheyear，whenhiswinterdreamshadjustpassedoff，Sintramwasalwaysunusuallyfierceanddisposedforwarlikeadventures。Andthisdayhewasenragedatthechieftainfornotcominginarmsfromhiscastletohindertheirhunting;andhecursed，inthewildestwords，histamepatienceandloveofpeace。Justthenoneofhiswildyoungcompanionsrushedtowardshim，shoutingjoyfully：\"Becontentmydearyounglord！Iwillwagerthatalliscomingaboutasweandyouwish;forasIwaspursuingawoundeddeerdowntothesea-shore，I
sawasailandavesselfilledwitharmedmenmakingfortheshore。
Doubtlessyourenemypurposestofalluponyoufromthecoast。\"
JoyfullyandsecretlySintramcalledallhisfollowerstogether，beingresolvedthistimetotakethecombatonhimselfalone，andthentorejoinhisfather，andastonishhimwiththesightofcapturedfoesandothertokensofvictory。
Thehunters，thoroughlyacquaintedwitheverycliffandrockonthecoast，hidthemselvesroundthelanding-place;andsoonthestrangevesselhovenearerwithswellingsails，tillatlengthitcametoanchor，anditscrewbegantodisembarkinunsuspicioussecurity。
Attheheadofthemappearedaknightofhighdegree，inbluesteelarmourrichlyinlaidwithgold。Hisheadwasbare，forhecarriedhiscostlygoldenhelmethangingonhisleftarm。Helookedroyallyaroundhim;andhiscountenance，whichdarkbrownlocksshaded，waspleasanttobehold;andawell-trimmedmoustachefringedhismouth，fromwhich，ashesmiled，gleamedforthtworowsofpearl-whiteteeth。
AfeelingcameacrossSintramthathemustalreadyhaveseenthisknightsomewhere;andhestoodmotionlessforafewmoments。Butsuddenlyheraisedhishand，tomaketheagreedsignalofattack。
InvaindidthegoodRolf，whohadjustsucceededingettinguptohim，whisperinhisearthatthesecouldnotbethefoeswhomhehadtakenthemfor，butthattheywereunknown，andcertainlyhighandnoblestrangers。
\"Letthembewhotheymay，\"repliedthewildyouth，\"theyhaveenticedmeheretowait，andtheyshallpaythepenaltyofthusfoolingme。Saynotanotherword，ifyouvalueyourlife。\"Andimmediatelyhegavethesignal，athickshowerofjavelinsfollowedfromallsides，andtheNorwegianwarriorsrushedforthwithflashingswords。Theyfoundtheirfoesasbrave，orsomewhatbraver，thantheycouldhavedesired。Morefellonthesideofthosewhomadethanofthosewhoreceivedtheassault;andthestrangersappearedtounderstandsurprisinglytheNorwegianmanneroffighting。Theknightinsteelarmourhadnotinhishasteputonhishelmet;butitseemedasifheinnowiseneededsuchprotection，forhisgoodswordaffordedhimsufficientdefenceevenagainstthespearsanddartswhichwereincessantlyhurledathim，aswithrapidskillhereceivedthemontheshiningblade，anddashedthemfaraway，shiveredintofragments。
Sintramcouldnotatthefirstonsetpenetratetowherethisshiningherowasstanding，asallhisfollowers，eageraftersuchanobleprey，throngedcloselyroundhim;butnowthewaywasclearedenoughforhimtospringtowardsthebravestranger，shoutingawar-cry，andbrandishinghisswordabovehishead。
\"Gabrielle！\"criedtheknight，ashedexterouslyparriedtheheavyblowwhichwasdescending，andwithonepowerfulsword-thrusthelaidtheyouthprostrateontheground;thenplacinghiskneeonSintram’sbreast，hedrewforthaflashingdagger，andhelditbeforehiseyesashelayastonished。Allatoncethemen-at-armsstoodroundlikewalls。Sintramfeltthatnohoperemainedforhim。Hedeterminedtodieasitbecameaboldwarrior;andwithoutgivingonesignofemotion，helookedonthefatalweaponwithasteadygaze。
Ashelaywithhiseyescastupwards，hefanciedthatthereappearedsuddenlyfromheavenawondrouslybeautifulfemaleforminabrightattireofblueandgold。\"OurancestorstoldtrulyoftheValkyrias，\"
murmuredhe。\"Strike，then，thouunknownconqueror。\"
Butwiththistheknightdidnotcomply，neitherwasitaValkyriawhohadsosuddenlyappeared，butthebeautifulwifeofthestranger，who，havingadvancedtothehighedgeofthevessel，hadthusmettheupraisedlookofSintram。
\"Folko，\"criedshe，inthesoftesttone，\"thouknightwithoutreproach！Iknowthatthousparestthevanquished。\"
Theknightsprangup，andwithcourtlygracestretchedouthishandtotheconqueredyouth，saying，\"ThankthenobleladyofMontfauconforyourlifeandliberty。Butifyouaresototallydevoidofallgoodnessastowishtoresumethecombat，hereamI;letitbeyourstobegin。\"
Sintramsank，deeplyashamed，onhisknees，andwept;forhehadoftenheardspeakofthehighrenownoftheFrenchknightFolkoofMontfaucon，whowasrelatedtohisfather’shouse，andofthegraceandbeautyofhisgentleladyGabrielle。
CHAPTER6
TheLordofMontfauconlookedwithastonishmentathisstrangefoe;
andashegazedonhimmoreandmore，recollectionsaroseinhismindofthatnorthernracefromwhomhewasdescended，andwithwhomhehadalwaysmaintainedfriendlyrelations。Agoldenbear’sclaw，withwhichSintram’scloakwasfastened，atlengthmadeallcleartohim。
\"Haveyounot，\"saidhe，\"avaliantandfar-famedkinsman，calledtheSea-kingArinbiorn，whocarriesonhishelmetgoldenvulture-wings？
AndisnotyourfathertheknightBiorn？Forsurelythebear’sclawonyourmantlemustbethecognisanceofyourhouse。\"
Sintramassentedtoallthis，indeepandhumbleshame。
TheKnightofMontfauconraisedhimfromtheground，andsaidgravely，yetgently，\"Weare，then，ofkintheonetotheother;butIcouldneverhavebelievedthatanyoneofournoblehousewouldattackapeacefulmanwithoutprovocation，andthat，too，withoutgivingwarning。\"
\"Slaymeatonce，\"answeredSintram，\"ifindeedIamworthytodiebysonoblehands。Icannolongerendurethelightofday。\"
\"Becauseyouhavebeenovercome？\"askedMontfaucon。Sintramshookhishead。
\"Orisit，rather，becauseyouhavecommittedanunknightlyaction？\"
Theglowofshamethatoverspreadtheyouth’scountenancesaidyestothis。
\"Butyoushouldnotonthataccountwishtodie，\"continuedMontfaucon。\"Youshouldratherwishtolive，thatyoumayproveyourrepentance，andmakeyournameillustriousbymanynobledeeds;foryouareendowedwithaboldspiritandwithstrengthoflimb，andalsowiththeeagle-glanceofachieftain。Ishouldhavemadeyouaknightthisveryhour，ifyouhadborneyourselfasbravelyinagoodcauseasyouhavejustnowinabad。Seetoit，thatImaydoitsoon。Youmayyetbecomeavesselofhighhonour。\"
Ajoyoussoundofshawmsandsilverrebecksinterruptedhisdiscourse。TheladyGabrielle，brightasthemorning，hadnowcomedownfromtheship，surroundedbyhermaidens;and，instructedinafewwordsbyFolkowhowashislatefoe，shetookthecombatassomemeretrialofarms，saying，\"Youmustnotbecastdown，nobleyouth，becausemyweddedlordhaswontheprize;forbeitknowntoyou，thatinthewholeworldthereisbutoneknightwhocanboastofnothavingbeenovercomebytheBaronofMontfaucon。Andwhocansay，\"
continuedshe，sportively，\"whethereventhatwouldhavehappened，hadhenotsethimselftowinbackthemagicringfromme，hislady-
love，destinedtohim，aswellbythechoiceofmyownheartasbythewillofHeaven！\"
Folko，smiling，benthisheadoverthesnow-whitehandofhislady;
andthenbadetheyouthconductthemtohisfather’scastle。
Rolftookuponhimselftoseetothedisembarkingofthehorsesandvaluablesofthestrangers，filledwithjoyatthethoughtthatanangelinwoman’sformhadappearedtosoftenhisbelovedyoungmaster，andperhapseventofreehimfromthatearlycurse。
Sintramsentmessengersinalldirectionstoseekforhisfather，andtoannouncetohimthearrivalofhisnobleguests。Theythereforefoundtheoldknightinhiscastle，witheverythingpreparedfortheirreception。Gabriellecouldnotenterthevastdark-lookingbuildingwithoutaslightshudder，whichwasincreasedwhenshesawtherollingfieryeyesofitslord;eventhepale，dark-hairedSintramseemedtoherveryfearful;andshesighedtoherself，\"Oh！
whatanawfulabodehaveyoubroughtmetovisit，myknight！WouldthatwewereonceagaininmysunnyGascony，orinyourknightlyNormandy！\"
Butthegraveyetcourteousreception，thedeeprespectpaidtohergraceandbeauty，andtothehighfameofFolko，helpedtore-assureher;andsoonherbird-likepleasureinnoveltieswasawakenedthroughthestrangesignificantappearanceofthisnewworld。Andbesides，itcouldonlybeforapassingmomentthatanywomanlyfearsfoundaplaceinherbreastwhenherlordwasnearathand，forwelldidsheknowwhateffectualprotectionthatbraveBaronwaseverreadytoaffordtoallthosewhoweredeartohim，orcommittedtohischarge。
SoonafterwardsRolfpassedthroughthegreathallinwhichBiornandhisguestswereseated，conductingtheirattendants，whohadchargeofthebaggage，totheirrooms。Gabriellecaughtsightofherfavouritelute，anddesiredapagetobringittoher，thatshemightseeifthepreciousinstrumenthadbeeninjuredbythesea-voyage。
Asshebentoveritwithearnestattention，andhertaperfingersranupanddownthestrings，asmile，likethedawnofspring，passedoverthedarkcountenancesofBiornandhisson;andbothsaid，withaninvoluntarysigh，\"Ah！ifyouwouldbutplayonthatlute，andsingtoit！Itwouldbebuttoobeautiful！\"Theladylookedupatthem，wellpleased，andsmilingherassent，shebeganthissong：——
\"Songsandflowersarereturning，AndradiantskiesofMay，Earthherchoicestgiftsisyielding，Butoneispastaway。
Thespringthatclotheswithtend’restgreenEachgroveandsunnyplain，Shinesnotformyforsakenheart，Bringsnotmyjoysagain。
Warblenotso，thounightingale，Uponthybloomingspray，Thysweetnessnowwillburstmyheart，Icannotbearthylay。
Forflowersandbirdsarecomeagain，AndbreezesmildofMay，ButtreasuredhopesandgoldenhoursArelosttomeforaye！\"
ThetwoNorwegianssatplungedinmelancholythought;butespeciallySintram’seyesbegantobrightenwithamilderexpression，hischeeksglowed，everyfeaturesoftened，tillthosewholookedathimcouldhavefanciedtheysawaglorifiedspirit。ThegoodRolf，whohadstoodlisteningtothesong，rejoicedthereatfromhisheart，anddevoutlyraisedhishandsinpiousgratitudetoheaven。ButGabrielle’sastonishmentsufferedhernottotakehereyesfromSintram。Atlastshesaidtohim，\"Ishouldmuchliketoknowwhathassostruckyouinthatlittlesong。Itismerelyasimplelayofthespring，fulloftheimageswhichthatsweetseasonneverfailstocallupinthemindsofmycountrymen。\"
\"Butisyourhomereallysolovely，sowondrouslyrichinsong？\"
criedtheenrapturedSintram。\"ThenIamnolongersurprisedatyourheavenlybeauty，atthepowerwhichyouexerciseovermyhard，waywardheart！Foraparadiseofsongmustsurelysendsuchangelicmessengersthroughtheruderpartsoftheworld。\"Andsosaying，hefellonhiskneesbeforetheladyinanattitudeofdeephumility。
