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。
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