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