"Would that in lone seclusion
I lived a hermit's life!
Would, amid wild confusion,
I led the battle-strife!

"0 would the lot were mine,
In bower or field,
To which my lady fair
Her smile would yield!"


At this time it happened that a man who held himself to be
very wise, and who filled the office of secretary to the aged
guardian of Hildegardis, came to the two knightly friends to
propose a scheme to them. His proposal, in few words, was
this, that as Froda could gain no advantage from his victory,
he might in the approaching combat suffer himself to be thrown
from his steed, and thus secure the lady for his comrade, at
the same time fulfilling the wish of the Emperor, which might
turn to his advantage hereafter in many ways.

At this the two friends at first laughed heartily; but then
Froda advanced gravely towards the secretary, and said, "Thou
trifler, doubtless the old duke would drive thee from his
service did he know of thy folly, and teach thee to talk of
the Emperor. Good-night, worthy sir, and trust me that when
Edwald and I meet each other, it will be with all our heart
and strength."