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."