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