CHAPTERVI。
THECONFESSION。
Butwehaveforgotten，meanwhile，thatprostrateindividual。
Havingexaminedthewoundsinhisside，legs，head，andthroat，theoldhermitaskilfulleechkneltdownbythesideofthevanquishedoneandsaid，”SirKnight，itismypainfuldutytostatetoyouthatyouareinanexceedinglydangerouscondition，andwillnotprobablysurvive。””Sayyouso，SirPriest？then’tistimeImakemyconfession。
Hearkenyou，Priest，andyou，SirKnight，whoeveryoube。”
SirLudwigwho，muchaffectedbythescene，hadbeentyinghishorseuptoatree，liftedhisvisorandsaid，”GottfriedofGodesberg！Iamthefriendofthykinsman，MargraveKarl，whosehappinessthouhastruined；Iamthefriendofhischasteandvirtuouslady，whosefairfamethouhastbelied；IamthegodfatherofyoungCountOtto，whoseheritagethouwouldsthaveappropriated。
ThereforeImettheeindeadlyfight，andovercamethee，andhavewellnighfinishedthee。Speakon。””Ihavedoneallthis，”saidthedyingman，”andhere，inmylasthour，repentme。TheLadyTheodoraisaspotlesslady；theyouthfulOttothetruesonofhisfather——SirHildebrandtisnothisfather，buthisUNCLE。””GraciousBuffo！””CelestialBugo！”heresaidthehermitandtheKnightofHombourgsimultaneously，claspingtheirhands。”Yes，hisuncle；butwiththeBAR-SINISTERinhisscutcheon。Hencehecouldneverbeacknowledgedbythefamily；hence，too，theLadyTheodora’sspotlesspuritythoughtheyoungpeoplehadbeenbroughtuptogethercouldneverbebroughttoowntherelationship。””MayIrepeatyourconfession？”askedthehermit。”Withthegreatestpleasureinlife:carrymyconfessiontotheMargrave，andprayhimgivemepardon。Werethere——anotary-publicpresent，”slowlygaspedtheknight，thefilmofdissolutionglazingoverhiseyes，”Iwouldask——you——two——gentlementowitnessit。I
wouldgladly——signthedeposition——thatis，ifIcouldwr-wr-wr-wr-
ite！”Afaintshudderingsmile——aquiver，agasp，agurgle——thebloodgushedfromhismouthinblackvolumes……”Hewillneversinmore，”saidthehermit，solemnly。”Mayheavenassoilziehim！”saidSirLudwig。”Hermit，hewasagallantknight。Hediedwithharnessonhisbackandwithtruthonhislips:LudwigofHombourgwouldasknootherdeath……”
AnhourafterwardstheprincipalservantsattheCastleofGodesbergwererathersurprisedtoseethenobleLordLouistrotintothecourt-yardofthecastle，withacompaniononthecrupperofhissaddle。’TwasthevenerablehermitofRolandseck，who，forthesakeofgreatercelerity，hadadoptedthisundignifiedconveyance，andwhoseappearanceandlittledumpylegsmightwellcreatehilarityamongthe”pamperedmenials”whoarealwaysfoundloungingaboutthehousesofthegreat。Heskippedoffthesaddlewithconsiderablelightnesshowever；andSirLudwig，takingthereverendmanbythearmandfrowningthejeeringservitorsintoawe，badeoneofthemleadhimtothepresenceofhisHighnesstheMargrave。”Whathaschanced？”saidtheinquisitiveservitor。”TheriderlesshorseofSirGottfriedwasseentogallopbytheouterwallanon。
TheMargrave’sGracehasneverquittedyourlordship’schamber，andsitsasonedistraught。””Holdthyprate，knave，andleaduson！”Andsosaying，theKnightandhisReverencemovedintothewell-knownapartment，where，accordingtotheservitor’sdescription，thewretchedMargravesatlikeastone。
Ludwigtookoneofthekindbroken-heartedman’shands，thehermitseizedtheother，andbeganbutonaccountofhisgreatage，withaprolixitywhichweshallnotendeavortoimitatetonarratetheeventswhichwehavealreadydescribed。Letthedearreaderfancy，whilehisReverencespeaks，theglazedeyesoftheMargravegraduallylightingupwithattention；theflushofjoywhichmantlesinhiscountenance——thestart——thethrob——thealmostdeliriousoutburstofhystericexultationwithwhich，whenthewholetruthwasmadeknown，heclaspedthetwomessengersofgladtidingstohisbreast，withanenergythatalmostchokedtheagedrecluse！”Ride，ridethisinstanttotheMargravine——sayIhavewrongedher，thatitisallright，thatshemaycomeback——thatI
forgiveher——thatIapologizeifyouwill”——andasecretaryforthwithdespatchedanotetothateffect，whichwascarriedoffbyafleetmessenger。”NowwritetotheSuperiorofthemonasteryatCologne，andbidhimsendmebackmyboy，mydarling，myOtto——myOttoofroses！”saidthefondfather，makingthefirstplayuponwordshehadeverattemptedinhislife。Butwhatwillnotpaternalloveeffect？
Thesecretarysmilingatthejokewroteanotherletter，andanotherfleetmessengerwasdespatchedonanotherhorse。”Andnow，”saidSirLudwig，playfully，”letustolunch。Holyhermit，areyouforasnack？”
Thehermitcouldnotsaynayonanoccasionsofestive，andthethreegentlesseatedthemselvestoaplenteousrepast；forwhichtheremainsofthefeastofyesterdayoffered，itneednotbesaid，amplemeans。”Theywillbehomebydinner-time，”saidtheexultingfather。”Ludwig！reverendhermit！wewillcarryontillthen。”Andthecuppassedgaylyround，andthelaughandjestcirculated，whilethethreehappyfriendssatconfidentiallyawaitingthereturnoftheMargravineandherson。
Butalas！saidwenotrightlyatthecommencementofaformerchapter，thatbetwixtthelipandtheraisedwine-cupthereisoftenmanyaspill？thatourhopesarehigh，andoften，toooften，vain？Aboutthreehoursafterthedepartureofthefirstmessenger，hereturned，andwithanexceedinglylongfacekneltdownandpresentedtotheMargraveabillettothefollowingeffect:——”CONVENTOFNONNENWERTH，FridayAfternoon。”SIR——Ihavesubmittedtoolongtoyourill-usage，andamdisposedtobearitnomore。Iwillnolongerbemadethebuttofyourribaldsatire，andtheobjectofyourcoarseabuse。Lastweekyouthreatenedmewithyourcane！OnTuesdaylastyouthrewawine-
decanteratme，whichhitthebutler，itistrue，buttheintentionwasevident。Thismorning，inthepresenceofalltheservants，youcalledmebythemostvile，abominablename，whichheavenforbidIshouldrepeat！Youdismissedmefromyourhouseunderafalseaccusation。Yousentmetothisodiousconventtobeimmuredforlife。Beitso！Iwillnotcomeback，because，forsooth；yourelent。Anythingisbetterthanaresidencewithawicked，coarse，violent，intoxicated，brutalmonsterlikeyourself。Iremainhereforeverandblushtobeobligedtosignmyself”THEODORAVONGODESBERG。”P。S——Ihopeyoudonotintendtokeepallmybestgowns，jewels，andwearing-apparel；andmakenodoubtyoudismissedmefromyourhouseinordertomakewayforsomevilehussy，whoseeyesIwouldliketotearout。T。V。G。”
CHAPTERVII。
THESENTENCE。
Thissingulardocument，illustrativeofthepassionsofwomenatalltimes，andparticularlyofthemannersoftheearlyages，struckdismayintotheheartoftheMargrave。”Areherladyship’sinsinuationscorrect？”askedthehermit，inaseveretone。”Tocorrectawifewithacaneisavenial，Imaysayajustifiablepractice；buttoflingabottleatherisruinbothtotheliquorandtoher。””Butshesentacarving-knifeatmefirst，”saidtheheartbrokenhusband。”Ojealousy，cursedjealousy，why，whydidIeverlistentothygreenandyellowtongue？””Theyquarrelled；buttheylovedeachothersincerely，”whisperedSirLudwigtothehermit:whobegantodeliverforthwithalectureuponfamilydiscordandmaritalauthority，whichwouldhavesenthistwohearerstosleep，butforthearrivalofthesecondmessenger，whomtheMargravehaddespatchedtoCologneforhisson。
Thisheraldworeastilllongerfacethanthatofhiscomradewhoprecededhim。”Whereismydarling？”roaredtheagonizedparent。”Haveyebroughthimwithye？””N——no，”saidtheman，hesitating。”Iwillflogtheknavesoundlywhenhecomes，”criedthefather，vainlyendeavoring，underanappearanceofsternness，tohidehisinwardemotionandtenderness。”Please，yourHighness，”saidthemessenger，makingadesperateeffort，”CountOttoisnotattheconvent。””Knowye，knave，whereheis？”
Theswainsolemnlysaid，”Ido。HeisTHERE。”HepointedashespaketothebroadRhine，thatwasseenfromthecasement，lightedupbythemagnificenthuesofsunset。”THERE！HowmeanyeTHERE？”gaspedtheMargrave，wroughttoapitchofnervousfury。”Alas！mygoodlord，whenhewasintheboatwhichwastoconducthimtotheconvent，he——hejumpedsuddenlyfromit，andisdr——dr——owned。””Carrythatknaveoutandhanghim！”saidtheMargrave，withacalmnessmoredreadfulthananyoutburstofrage。”Leteverymanoftheboat’screwbeblownfromthemouthofthecannononthetower——exceptthecoxswain，andlethimbe——”
Whatwastobedonewiththecoxswain，nooneknows；foratthatmoment，andovercomebyhisemotion，theMargravesankdownlifelessonthefloor。
CHAPTERVIII。
THECHILDEOFGODESBERG。
Itmustbecleartothedullestintellectifamongstourreaderswedareventuretopresumethatadullintellectshouldbefound
thatthecauseoftheMargrave’sfainting-fit，describedinthelastchapter，wasagroundlessapprehensiononthepartofthattoosolicitousandcredulousnoblemanregardingthefateofhisbelovedchild。No，youngOttowasNOTdrowned。Waseverheroofromanticstorydonetodeathsoearlyinthetale？YoungOttowasNOT
drowned。Hadsuchbeenthecase，theLordMargravewouldinfalliblyhavediedatthecloseofthelastchapter；andafewgloomysentencesatitsclosewouldhavedenotedhowthelovelyLadyTheodorabecameinsaneintheconvent，andhowSirLudwigdetermined，uponthedemiseoftheoldhermitconsequentupontheshockofhearingthenews，toretiretothevacanthermitage，andassumetherobe，thebeard，themortificationsofthelatevenerableandsolitaryecclesiastic。OttowasNOTdrowned，andallthosepersonagesofourhistoryareconsequentlyaliveandwell。
TheboatcontainingtheamazedyoungCount——forheknewnotthecauseofhisfather’sanger，andhencerebelledagainsttheunjustsentencewhichtheMargravehaduttered——hadnotrowedmanymiles，whenthegallantboyralliedfromhistemporarysurpriseanddespondency，anddeterminednottobeaslaveinanyconventofanyorder:determinedtomakeadesperateeffortforescape。Atamomentwhenthemenwerepullinghardagainstthetide，andKuno，thecoxswain，waslookingcarefullytosteerthebargebetweensomedangerousrocksandquicksandswhicharefrequentlymetwithinthemajesticthoughdangerousriver，Ottogaveasuddenspringfromtheboat，andwithonesingleflouncewasintheboiling，frothing，swirlingeddyofthestream。
Fancytheagonyofthecrewatthedisappearanceoftheiryounglord！Alllovedhim；allwouldhavegiventheirlivesforhim；butastheydidnotknowhowtoswim，ofcoursetheydeclinedtomakeanyuselessplungesinsearchofhim，andstoodontheiroarsinmutewonderandgrief。ONCE，hisfairheadandgoldenringletswereseentoarisefromthewater；TWICE，puffingandpanting，itappearedforaninstantagain；THRICE，itrosebutforonesinglemoment:itwasthelastchance，anditsunk，sunk，sunk。Knowingthereceptiontheywouldmeetwithfromtheirliegelord，themennaturallydidnotgohometoGodesberg，butputtinginatthefirstcreekontheoppositebank，fledintotheDukeofNassau’sterritory；where，astheyhavelittletodowithourtale，wewillleavethem。
ButtheylittleknewhowexpertaswimmerwasyoungOtto。Hehaddisappeared，itistrue；butwhy？becauseheHADDIVED。Hecalculatedthathisconductorswouldconsiderhimdrowned，andthedesireoflibertylendinghimwings，orwehadrathersayFINS，inthisinstance，thegallantboyswamonbeneaththewater，neverliftinghisheadforasinglemomentbetweenGodesbergandCologne——
thedistancebeingtwenty-fiveorthirtymiles。
Escapingfromobservation，helandedontheDeutzsideoftheriver，repairedtoacomfortableandquiethostelthere，sayinghehadhadanaccidentfromaboat，andthusaccountingforthemoistureofhishabiliments，andwhiletheseweredryingbeforeafireinhischamber，wentsnuglytobed，wherehemused，notwithoutamaze，onthestrangeeventsoftheday。”Thismorning，”
thoughthe，”anoble，andheirtoaprincelyestate——thiseveninganoutcast，withbutafewbank-noteswhichmymammaluckilygavemeonmybirthday。Whatastrangeentryintolifeisthisforayoungmanofmyfamily！Well，Ihavecourageandresolution:myfirstattemptinlifehasbeenagallantandsuccessfulone；otherdangerswillbeconqueredbysimilarbravery。”Andrecommendinghimself，hisunhappymother，andhismistakenfathertothecareoftheirpatronsaint，SaintBuffo，thegallant-heartedboyfellpresentlyintosuchasleepasonlytheyoung，thehealthy，theinnocent，andtheextremelyfatiguedcanenjoy。
ThefatiguesofthedayandveryfewmenbutwouldbefatiguedafterswimmingwellnighthirtymilesunderwatercausedyoungOttotosleepsoprofoundly，thathedidnotremarkhow，afterFriday’ssunset，asanaturalconsequence，Saturday’sPhoebusilluminedtheworld，ay，andsunkathisappointedhour。Theserving-maidensofthehostel，peepingin，markedhimsleeping，andblessinghimforaprettyyouth，trippedlightlyfromthechamber；thebootstriedhaplytwiceorthricetocallhimasbootswillfain，butthelovelyboy，givinganothersnore，turnedonhisside，andwasquiteunconsciousoftheinterruption。Inaword，theyouthsleptforsix-and-thirtyhoursatanelongation；andtheSundaysunwasshiningandthebellsofthehundredchurchesofColognewereclinkingandtollinginpiousfestivity，andtheburghersandburgheressesofthetownweretroopingtovespersandmorningservicewhenOttoawoke。
AshedonnedhisclothesoftherichestGenoavelvet，theastonishedboycouldnotatfirstaccountforhisdifficultyinputtingthemon。”Marry，”saidhe，”thesebreechesthatmyblessedmother”tearsfilledhisfineeyesashethoughtofher——”thatmyblessedmotherhadmadelongonpurpose，arenowteninchestooshortforme。Whir-r-r！mycoatcracksi’theback，asinvainI
trytobuckleitroundme；andthesleevesreachnofartherthanmyelbows！Whatisthismystery？AmIgrownfatandtallinasinglenight？Ah！ah！ah！ah！Ihaveit。”
Theyoungandgood-humoredChildelaughedmerrily。Hebethoughthimofthereasonofhismistake:hisgarmentshadshrunkfrombeingfive-and-twentymilesunderwater。
Butoneremedypresenteditselftohismind；andthatweneednotsaywastopurchasenewones。Inquiringthewaytothemostgenteelready-made-clothes’establishmentinthecityofCologne，andfindingitwaskeptintheMinoritenStrasse，byanancestorofthecelebratedMosesofLondon，thenobleChildehiedhimtowardstheemporium；butyoumaybesuredidnotneglecttoperformhisreligiousdutiesbytheway。Enteringthecathedral，hemadestraightfortheshrineofSaintBuffo，andhidinghimselfbehindapillartherefearinghemightberecognizedbythearchbishop，oranyofhisfather’snumerousfriendsinCologne，heproceededwithhisdevotions，aswasthepracticeoftheyoungnoblesoftheage。
Butthoughexceedinglyintentupontheservice，yethiseyecouldnotrefrainfromwanderingaLITTLEroundabouthim，andheremarkedwithsurprisethatthewholechurchwasfilledwitharchers；andheremembered，too，thathehadseeninthestreetsnumerousotherbandsofmensimilarlyattiredingreen。Onaskingatthecathedralporchthecauseofthisassemblage，oneofthegreenonessaidinajape，”Marry，youngster，YOUmustbeGREEN，nottoknowthatweareallboundtothecastleofhisGraceDukeAdolfofCleves，whogivesanarcherymeetingonceayear，andprizesforwhichwetoxophilitesmusterstrong。”
Otto，whosecoursehithertohadbeenundetermined，nowimmediatelysettledwhattodo。Hestraightwayrepairedtotheready-madeemporiumofHerrMoses，andbiddingthatgentlemanfurnishhimwithanarcher’scompletedress，Mosesspeedilyselectedasuitfromhisvaststock，whichfittedtheyouthtoaT，andweneednotsaywassoldatanexceedinglymoderateprice。SoattiredandbiddingHerrMosesacordialfarewell，youngOttowasagorgeous，anoble，asoul-inspiringboytogazeon。Acoatandbreechesofthemostbrilliantpea-green，ornamentedwithaprofusionofbrassbuttons，andfittinghimwithexquisitetightness，showedoffafigureunrivalledforslimsymmetry。Hisfeetwerecoveredwithpeakedbuskinsofbuffleather，andabeltroundhisslenderwaist，ofthesamematerial，heldhisknife，histobacco-pipeandpouch，andhislongshiningdirk；which，thoughtheadventurousyouthhadasyetonlyemployedittofashionwicket-bails，ortocutbread-and-
cheese，hewasnowquitereadytouseagainsttheenemy。Hispersonalattractionswereenhancedbyaneatwhitehat，flungcarelesslyandfearlesslyononesideofhisopensmilingcountenance；andhislovelyhair，curlingintenthousandyellowringlets，felloverhisshoulderlikegoldenepaulettes，anddownhisbackasfarasthewaist-buttonsofhiscoat。Iwarrantme，manyalovelyColnerinnlookedafterthehandsomeChildewithanxiety，anddreamedthatnightofCupidundertheguiseof”abonnyboyingreen。”
Soaccoutred，theyouth’snextthoughtwas，thathemustsupplyhimselfwithabow。Thishespeedilypurchasedatthemostfashionablebowyer’s，andofthebestmaterialandmake。Itwasofivory，trimmedwithpinkribbon，andthecordofsilk。Anelegantquiver，beautifullypaintedandembroidered，wasslungacrosshisback，withadozenofthefinestarrows，tippedwithsteelofDamascus，formedofthebranchesofthefamousUpas-treeofJava，andfeatheredwiththewingsoftheortolan。Thesepurchasesbeingcompletedtogetherwiththatofaknapsack，dressing-case，change，&c。，ouryoungadventureraskedwherewasthehostelatwhichthearcherswerewonttoassemble？andbeinginformedthatitwasatthesignofthe”GoldenStag，”hiedhimtothathouseofentertainment，where，bycallingforquantitiesofliquorandbeer，hespeedilymadetheacquaintanceandacquiredthegoodwillofacompanyofhisfuturecomrades，whohappenedtobesittinginthecoffee-room。
Aftertheyhadeatenanddrunkenforall，Ottosaid，addressingthem，”Whengoyeforth，gentles？Iamastrangerhere，boundasyoutothearcherymeetingofDukeAdolf。Anyewilladmitayouthintoyourcompany’twillgladdenmeuponmylonelyway？”
Thearchersreplied，”Youseemsoyoungandjolly，andyouspendyourgoldsoverylikeagentleman，thatwe’llreceiveyouinourbandwithpleasure。Beready，forwestartathalf-pasttwo！”Atthathouraccordinglythewholejoyouscompanypreparedtomove，andOttonotalittleincreasedhispopularityamongthembysteppingoutandhavingaconferencewiththelandlord，whichcausedthelattertocomeintotheroomwherethearcherswereassembledprevioustodeparture，andtosay，”Gentlemen，thebillissettled！”——wordsneverungratefultoanarcheryet:no，marry，nortoamanofanyothercallingthatIwotof。
Theymarchedjoyouslyforseveralleagues，singingandjoking，andtellingofathousandfeatsofloveandchaseandwar。Whilethusengaged，someoneremarkedtoOtto，thathewasnotdressedintheregularuniform，havingnofeathersinhishat。”IdaresayIwillfindafeather，”saidthelad，smiling。
Thenanothergibedbecausehisbowwasnew。”Seethatyoucanuseyouroldoneaswell，MasterWolfgang，”saidtheundisturbedyouth。Hisanswers，hisbearing，hisgenerosity，hisbeauty，andhiswit，inspiredallhisnewtoxophilitefriendswithinterestandcuriosity，andtheylongedtoseewhetherhisskillwiththebowcorrespondedwiththeirsecretsympathiesforhim。
Anoccasionformanifestingthisskilldidnotfailtopresentitselfsoon——asindeeditseldomdoestosuchaheroofromanceasyoungOttowas。Fateseemstowatchoversuch:eventsoccurtothemjustinthenickoftime；theyrescuevirginsjustasogresareonthepointofdevouringthem；theymanagetobepresentatcourtandinterestingceremonies，andtoseethemostinterestingpeopleatthemostinterestingmoment；directlyanadventureisnecessaryforthem，thatadventureoccurs:andI，formypart，haveoftenwonderedwithdelightandnevercouldpenetratethemysteryofthesubjectatthewayinwhichthathumblestofromanceheroes，SignorClown，whenhewantsanythinginthePantomime，straightwayfindsittohishand。Howisitthat，——supposehewishestodresshimselfuplikeawomanforinstance，thatminuteacoalheaverwalksinwithashovel-hatthatanswersforabonnet；attheverynextinstantabutcher’sladpassingwithastringofsausagesandabundleofbladdersunconsciouslyhelpsMasterClowntoanecklaceandatournure，andsoonthroughthewholetoilet？
Dependuponitthereissomethingwedonotwotofinthatmysteriousovercomingofcircumstancesbygreatindividuals:thataptandwondrousconjunctureofTHEHOURANDTHEMAN；andso，formypart，whenIheardtheaboveremarkofoneofthearchers，thatOttohadneverafeatherinhisbonnet，Ifeltsurethataheronwouldspringupinthenextsentencetosupplyhimwithanaigrette。
Andsuchindeedwasthefact:risingoutofamorassbywhichthearcherswerepassing，agallantheron，archinghisneck，swellinghiscrest，placinghislegsbehindhim，andhisbeakandredeyesagainstthewind，roseslowly，andofferedthefairestmarkintheworld。”Shoot，Otto，”saidoneofthearchers。”Youwouldnotshootjustnowatacrowbecauseitwasafoulbird，noratahawkbecauseitwasanoblebird；bringusdownyonheron:itfliesslowly。”
ButOttowasbusythatmomenttyinghisshoestring，andRudolf，thethirdbestofthearchers，shotatthebirdandmissedit。”Shoot，Otto，”saidWolfgang，ayouthwhohadtakenalikingtotheyoungarcher:”thebirdisgettingfurtherandfurther。”
ButOttowasbusythatmomentwhittlingawillow-twighehadjustcut。Max，thesecondbestarcher，shotandmissed。”Then，”saidWolfgang，”Imusttrymyself:aplagueonyou，youngspringald，youhavelostanoblechance！”
Wolfgangpreparedhimselfwithallhiscare，andshotatthebird。”Itisoutofdistance，”saidhe，”andamurrainonthebird！”
Otto，whobythistimehaddonewhittlinghiswillow-stickhavingcarvedacapitalcaricatureofWolfganguponit，flungthetwigdownandsaidcarelessly，”Outofdistance！Pshaw！Wehavetwominutesyet，”andfelltoaskingriddlesandcuttingjokes；tothewhichnoneofthearcherslistened，astheywereallengaged，theirnosesinair，watchingtheretreatingbird。”WhereshallIhithim？”saidOtto。”Goto，”saidRudolf，”thoucanstseenolimbofhim:heisnobiggerthanaflea。””Heregoesforhisrighteye！”saidOtto；andsteppingforwardintheEnglishmannerwhichhisgodfatherhavinglearntinPalestine，hadtaughthim，hebroughthisbowstringtohisear，tookagoodaim，allowingforthewindandcalculatingtheparabolatoanicety。Whiz！hisarrowwentoff。
Hetookupthewillow-twigagainandbegancarvingaheadofRudolfattheotherend，chattingandlaughing，andsingingaballadthewhile。
Thearchers，afterstandingalongtimelookingskywardswiththeirnosesintheair，atlastbroughtthemdownfromtheperpendiculartothehorizontalposition，andsaid，”Pooh，thisladisahumbug！
Thearrow’slost；let’sgo！””HEADS！”criedOtto，laughing。Aspeckwasseenrapidlydescendingfromtheheavens；itgrewtobeasbigasacrown-piece，thenasapartridge，thenasatea-kettle，andflop！downfellamagnificentherontotheground，flooringpoorMaxinitsfall。”Takethearrowoutofhiseye，Wolfgang，”saidOtto，withoutlookingatthebird:”wipeitandputitbackintomyquiver。”
Thearrowindeedwasthere，havingpenetratedrightthroughthepupil。”AreyouinleaguewithDerFreischutz？”saidRudolf，quiteamazed。
Ottolaughinglywhistledthe”Huntsman’sChorus，”andsaid，”No，myfriend。Itwasaluckyshot:onlyaluckyshot。Iwastaughtshooting，lookyou，inthefashionofmerryEngland，wherethearchersarearchersindeed。”
Andsohecutofftheheron’swingforaplumeforhishat；andthearcherswalkedon，muchamazed，andsaying，”WhatawonderfulcountrythatmerryEnglandmustbe！”
Farfromfeelinganyenvyattheircomrade’ssuccess，thejollyarchersrecognizedhissuperioritywithpleasure；andWolfgangandRudolfespeciallyheldouttheirhandstotheyounker，andbesoughtthehonorofhisfriendship。Theycontinuedtheirwalkallday，andwhennightfellmadechoiceofagoodhostelyoumaybesure，whereoverbeer，punch，champagne，andeveryluxury，theydranktothehealthoftheDukeofCleves，andindeedeachother’shealthsallround。Nextdaytheyresumedtheirmarch，andcontinueditwithoutinterruption，excepttotakeinasupplyofvictualshereandthereanditwasfoundontheseoccasionsthatOtto，youngashewas，couldeatfourtimesasmuchastheoldestarcherpresent，anddrinktocorrespond；andthesecontinuedrefreshmentshavinggiventhemmorethanordinarystrength，theydeterminedonmakingratheralongmarchofit，anddidnothalttillafternightfallatthegatesofthelittletownofWindeck。
Whatwastobedone？thetown-gateswereshut。”Istherenohostel，nocastlewherewecansleep？”askedOttoofthesentinelatthegate。”IamsohungrythatinlackofbetterfoodIthinkI
couldeatmygrandmamma。”
Thesentinellaughedatthishyperbolicalexpressionofhunger，andsaid，”YouhadbestgosleepattheCastleofWindeckyonder；”
addingwithapeculiarlyknowinglook，”Nobodywilldisturbyouthere。”
Atthatmomentthemoonbrokeoutfromacloud，andshowedonahillhardbyacastleindeed——buttheskeletonofacastle。Theroofwasgone，thewindowsweredismantled，thetowersweretumbling，andthecoldmoonlightpierceditthroughandthrough。
Oneendofthebuildingwas，however，stillcoveredin，andstoodlookingstillmorefrowning，vast，andgloomy，eventhantheotherpartoftheedifice。”Thereisalodging，certainly，”saidOttotothesentinel，whopointedtowardsthecastlewithhisbartizan；”buttellme，goodfellow，whatarewetodoforasupper？””Oh，thecastellanofWindeckwillentertainyou，”saidtheman-at-
armswithagrin，andmarcheduptheembrasure；thewhilethearchers，takingcounselamongthemselves，debatedwhetherornottheyshouldtakeuptheirquartersinthegloomyanddesertededifice。”Weshallgetnothingbutanowlforsupperthere，”saidyoungOtto。”Marry，lads，letusstormthetown；wearethirtygallantfellows，andIhaveheardthegarrisonisnotmorethanthreehundred。”Buttherestofthepartythoughtsuchawayofgettingsupperwasnotaverycheapone，and，grovellingknaves，preferredrathertosleepignoblyandwithoutvictuals，thandaretheassaultwithOtto，anddie，orconquersomethingcomfortable。
Oneandallthenmadetheirwaytowardsthecastle。Theyentereditsvastandsilenthalls，frighteningtheowlsandbatsthatfledbeforethemwithhideoushootingsandflappingsofwings，andpassingbyamultiplicityofmouldystairs，dankreekingroofs，andricketycorridors，atlastcametoanapartmentwhich，dismalanddismantledasitwas，appearedtobeinratherbetterconditionthantheneighboringchambers，andtheythereforeselecteditastheirplaceofrestforthenight。Theythentossedupwhichshouldmountguard。ThefirsttwohoursofwatchfelltoOtto，whowastobesucceededbyhisyoungthoughhumblefriendWolfgang；
and，accordingly，theChildeofGodesberg，drawinghisdirk，begantopaceuponhiswearyround；whilehiscomrades，byvariousgradationsofsnoring，toldhowprofoundlytheyslept，spiteoftheirlackofsupper。
’TisneedlesstosaywhatwerethethoughtsofthenobleChildeasheperformedhistwohours’watch；whatgushingmemoriespouredintohisfullsoul；what”sweetandbitter”recollectionsofhomeinspiredhisthrobbingheart；andwhatmanlyaspirationsafterfamebuoyedhimup。”Youthiseverconfident，”saysthebard。Happy，happyseason！Themoonlithourspassedbyonsilverwings，thetwinklingstarslookedfriendlydownuponhim。Confidingintheiryouthfulsentinel，soundsleptthevaloroustoxophilites，asupanddown，andthereandbackagain，marchedonthenobleChilde。Atlengthhisrepeatertoldhim，muchtohissatisfaction，thatitwashalf-pasteleven，thehourwhenhiswatchwastocease；andso，givingaplayfulkicktotheslumberingWolfgang，thatgood-humoredfellowsprungupfromhislair，and，drawinghissword，proceededtorelieveOtto。
Thelatterlaidhimdownforwarmth’ssakeontheveryspotwhichhiscomradehadleft，andforsometimecouldnotsleep。Realitiesandvisionsthenbegantomingleinhismind，tillhescarceknewwhichwaswhich。Hedozedforaminute；thenhewokewithastart；
thenhewentoffagain；thenwokeupagain。Inoneofthesehalf-
sleepingmomentshethoughthesawafigure，asofawomaninwhite，glidingintotheroom，andbeckoningWolfgangfromit。Helookedagain。Wolfgangwasgone。Atthatmomenttwelveo’clockclangedfromthetown，andOttostartedup。
CHAPTERIX。
THELADYOFWINDECK。
Asthebellwithirontonguecalledmidnight，WolfgangtheArcher，pacingonhiswatch，beheldbeforehimapalefemalefigure。Hedidnotknowwhenceshecame:buttheresuddenlyshestoodclosetohim。Herblue，clear，glassyeyeswerefixeduponhim。Herformwasoffaultlessbeauty；herfacepaleasthemarbleofthefairystatue，ereyetthesculptor’slovehadgivenitlife。Asmileplayeduponherfeatures，butitwasnowarmerthanthereflectionofamoonbeamonalake；andyetitwaswondrousbeautiful。A
fascinationstoleoverthesensesofyoungWolfgang。Hestaredatthelovelyapparitionwithfixedeyesanddistendedjaws。Shelookedathimwithineffablearchness。Sheliftedonebeautifullyroundedalabasterarm，andmadeasignasiftobeckonhimtowardsher。DidWolfgang——theyoungandlustyWolfgang——follow？Asktheironwhetheritfollowsthemagnet？——askthepointerwhetheritpursuesthepartridgethroughthestubble？——asktheyouthwhetherthelollipop-shopdoesnotattracthim？WolfgangDIDfollow。Anantiquedooropened，asifbymagic。Therewasnolight，andyettheysawquiteplain；theypassedthroughtheinnumerableancientchambers，andyettheydidnotwakeanyoftheowlsandbatsroostingthere。Weknownotthroughhowmanyapartmentstheyoungcouplepassed；butatlasttheycametoonewhereafeastwasprepared:andonanantiquetable，coveredwithmassivesilver，coverswerelaidfortwo。Theladytookherplaceatoneendofthetable，andwithhersweetestnodbeckonedWolfgangtotheotherseat。Hetookit。Thetablewassmall，andtheirkneesmet。Hefeltascoldinhislegsasifhewerekneelingagainstanice-well。”Gallantarcher，”saidshe，”youmustbehungryafteryourday’smarch。Whatsupperwillyouhave？Shallitbeadelicatelobster-
salad？oradishofeleganttripeandonions？orasliceofboar’s-
headandtruffles？oraWelshrabbitalacaveaucidre？orabeefsteakandshallot？oracoupleofrognonsalabrochette？
Speak，bravebowyer:youhavebuttoorder。”
Astherewasnothingonthetablebutacoveredsilverdish，Wolfgangthoughtthattheladywhoproposedsuchamultiplicityofdelicaciestohimwasonlylaughingathim；sohedeterminedtotryherwithsomethingextremelyrare。”Fairprincess，”hesaid，”Ishouldlikeverymuchapork-chopandsomemashedpotatoes。”
Sheliftedthecover:therewassuchapork-chopasSimpsonneverserved，withadishofmashedpotatoesthatwouldhaveformedatleastsixportionsinourdegeneratedaysinRupertStreet。
Whenhehadhelpedhimselftothesedelicacies，theladyputthecoveronthedishagain，andwatchedhimeatingwithinterest。Hewasforsometimetoomuchoccupiedwithhisownfoodtoremarkthathiscompaniondidnoteatamorsel；butbigasitwas，hischopwassoongone；theshiningsilverofhisplatewasscrapedquitecleanwithhisknife，and，heavingagreatsigh，heconfessedahumbledesireforsomethingtodrink。”Callforwhatyoulike，sweetsir，”saidthelady，liftingupasilverfiligreebottle，withanindia-rubbercork，ornamentedwithgold。”Then，”saidMasterWolfgang——forthefellow’stasteswere，insooth，veryhumble——”Icallforhalf-and-half。”Accordingtohiswish，apintofthatdeliciousbeveragewaspouredfromthebottle，foaming，intohisbeaker。
Havingemptiedthisatadraught，anddeclaredthatonhisconscienceitwasthebesttapheeverknewinhislife，theyoungmanfelthisappetiterenewed；anditisimpossibletosayhowmanydifferentdisheshecalledfor。Onlyenchantment，hewasafterwardsheardtodeclarethoughnoneofhisfriendsbelievedhim，couldhavegivenhimtheappetitehepossessedonthatextraordinarynight。Hecalledforanotherpork-chopandpotatoes，thenforpickledsalmon；thenhethoughthewouldtryadevilledturkey-wing。”Iadorethedevil，”saidhe。”SodoI，”saidthepalelady，withunwontedanimation；andthedishwasservedstraightway。Itwassucceededbyblack-puddings，tripe，toastedcheese，and——whatwasmostremarkable——everyoneofthedisheswhichhedesiredcamefromunderthesamesilvercover:
whichcircumstance，whenhehadpartakenofaboutfourteendifferentarticles，hebegantofindrathermysterious。”Oh，”saidthepalelady，withasmile，”themysteryiseasilyaccountedfor:theservantshearyou，andthekitchenisBELOW。”
Butthisdidnotaccountforthemannerinwhichmorehalf-and-
half，bitterale，punchbothginandrum，andevenoilandvinegar，whichhetookwithcucumbertohissalmon，cameoutoftheself-samebottlefromwhichtheladyhadfirstpouredouthispintofhalf-and-half。”Therearemorethingsinheavenandearth，Voracio，”saidhisarchentertainer，whenheputthisquestiontoher，”thanaredreamtofinyourphilosophy:”and，soothtosay，thearcherwasbythistimeinsuchastate，thathedidnotfindanythingwonderfulmore。”Areyouhappy，dearyouth？”saidthelady，as，afterhiscollation，hesankbackinhischair。”Oh，miss，ain’tI？”washisinterrogativeandyetaffirmativereply。”Shouldyoulikesuchasuppereverynight，Wolfgang？”continuedthepaleone。”Why，no，”saidhe；”no，notexactly；notEVERYnight:SOMEnightsIshouldlikeoysters。””Dearyouth，”saidshe，”bebutmine，andyoumayhavethemalltheyearround！”Theunhappyboywastoofargonetosuspectanything，otherwisethisextraordinaryspeechwouldhavetoldhimthathewasinsuspiciouscompany。Apersonwhocanofferoystersalltheyearroundcanlivetonogoodpurpose。”ShallIsingyouasong，deararcher？”saidthelady。”Sweetlove！”saidhe，nowmuchexcited，”strikeup，andIwilljointhechorus。”
Shetookdownhermandolin，andcommencedaditty。’Twasasweetandwildone。Ittoldhowaladyofhighlineagecasthereyesonapeasantpage；ittoldhownoughtcouldherloveassuage，hersuitor’swealthandherfather’srage:ittoldhowtheyouthdidhisfoesengage；andatlengththeywentoffintheGretnastage，thehigh-borndameandthepeasantpage。Wolfgangbeattime，waggledhishead，sungwofullyoutoftuneasthesongproceeded；
andifhehadnotbeentoointoxicatedwithloveandotherexcitement，hewouldhaveremarkedhowthepicturesonthewall，astheladysung，begantowaggletheirheadstoo，andnodandgrintothemusic。Thesongended。”Iamtheladyofhighlineage:
Archer，willyoubethepeasantpage？””I’llfollowyoutothedevil！”saidWolfgang。”Come，”repliedthelady，glaringwildlyonhim，”cometothechapel；we’llbemarriedthisminute！”
Sheheldoutherhand——Wolfgangtookit。Itwascold，damp，——
deadlycold；andontheywenttothechapel。
Astheypassedout，thetwopicturesoverthewall，ofagentlemanandlady，trippedlightlyoutoftheirframes，skippednoiselesslydowntotheground，andmakingtheretreatingcoupleaprofoundcurtsyandbow，tooktheplaceswhichtheyhadleftatthetable。
Meanwhiletheyoungcouplepassedontowardsthechapel，threadinginnumerablepassages，andpassingthroughchambersofgreatextent。
Astheycamealong，alltheportraitsonthewallsteppedoutoftheirframestofollowthem。Oneancestor，ofwhomtherewasonlyabust，frownedinthegreatestrage，because，havingnolegs，hispedestalwouldnotmove；andseveralsticking-plasterprofilesoftheformerLordsofWindecklookedquiteblackatbeing，forsimilarreasons，compelledtokeeptheirplaces。However，therewasagoodlyprocessionformedbehindWolfgangandhisbride；andbythetimetheyreachedthechurch，theyhadnearahundredfollowers。
Thechurchwassplendidlyilluminated；theoldbannersoftheoldknightsglitteredastheydoatDruryLane。Theorgansetupofitselftoplaythe”Bridesmaid’sChorus。”Thechoir-chairswerefilledwithpeopleinblack。”Come，love，”saidthepalelady。”Idon’tseetheparson，”exclaimedWolfgang，spiteofhimselfratheralarmed。”Oh，theparson！that’stheeasiestthingintheworld！Isay，bishop！”saidthelady，stoopingdown。
Stoopingdown——andtowhat？Why，uponmywordandhonor，toagreatbrassplateonthefloor，overwhichtheywerepassing，andonwhichwasengraventhefigureofabishop——andaveryuglybishop，too——withcrosierandmitre，andliftedfinger，onwhichsparkledtheepiscopalring。”Do，mydearlord，comeandmarryus，”saidthelady，withalevitywhichshockedthefeelingsofherbridegroom。
Thebishopgotup；anddirectlyherose，adean，whowassleepingunderalargeslatenearhim，camebowingandcringinguptohim；
whileacanonofthecathedralwhosenamewasSchidnischmidt
begangrinningandmakingfunatthepair。Theceremonywasbegun，and……
Astheclockstrucktwelve，youngOttoboundedup，andremarkedtheabsenceofhiscompanionWolfgang。Theideahehadhad，thathisfrienddisappearedincompanywithawhite-robedfemale，struckhimmoreandmore。”Iwillfollowthem，”saidhe；and，callingtothenextonthewatcholdSnozo，whowasrightunwillingtoforegohissleep，herushedawaybythedoorthroughwhichhehadseenWolfgangandhistemptresstaketheirway。
Thathedidnotfindthemwasnothisfault。Thecastlewasvast，thechamberdark。Therewereathousanddoors，andwhatwonderthat，afterhehadoncelostsightofthem，theintrepidChildeshouldnotbeabletofollowintheirsteps？Asmightbeexpected，hetookthewrongdoor，andwanderedforatleastthreehoursaboutthedarkenormoussolitarycastle，callingoutWolfgang’snametothecarelessandindifferentechoes，knockinghisyoungshinsagainsttheruinsscatteredinthedarkness，butstillwithaspiritentirelyundaunted，andafirmresolutiontoaidhisabsentcomrade。BraveOtto！thyexertionswererewardedatlast！
ForhelightedatlengthupontheveryapartmentwhereWolfganghadpartakenofsupper，andwheretheoldcouplewhohadbeeninthepicture-frames，andturnedouttobethelady’sfatherandmother，werenowsittingatthetable。”Well，Berthahasgotahusbandatlast，”saidthelady。”Afterwaitingfourhundredandfifty-threeyearsforone，itwasquitetime，”saidthegentleman。Hewasdressedinpowderandapigtail，quiteintheoldfashion。”Thehusbandisnogreatthings，”continuedthelady，takingsnuff。”Alowfellow，mydear；abutcher’sson，Ibelieve。Didyouseehowthewretchateatsupper？Tothinkmydaughtershouldhavetomarryanarcher！””Therearearchersandarchers，”saidtheoldman。”Somearchersaresnobs，asyourladyshipstates；some，onthecontrary，aregentlemenbybirth，atleast，thoughnotbybreeding。WitnessyoungOtto，theLandgraveofGodesberg’sson，whoislisteningatthedoorlikealackey，andwhomIintendtorunthroughthe——””Law，Baron！”saidthelady。”Iwill，though，”repliedtheBaron，drawinganimmensesword，andglaringroundatOtto:butthoughatthesightofthatswordandthatscowlalessvalorousyouthwouldhavetakentohisheels，theundauntedChildeadvancedatonceintotheapartment。HeworeroundhisneckarelicofSt。Buffothetipofthesaint’sear，whichhadbeencutoffatConstantinople。”Fiends！Icommandyoutoretreat！”saidhe，holdingupthissacredcharm，whichhismammahadfastenedonhim；andatthesightofit，withanunearthlyyelltheghostsoftheBaronandtheBaronesssprungbackintotheirpicture-frames，asclownsgothroughaclockinapantomime。
HerushedthroughtheopendoorbywhichtheunluckyWolfganghadpassedwithhisdemoniacalbride，andwentonandonthroughthevastgloomychamberslightedbytheghastlymoonshine:thenoiseoftheorganinthechapel，thelightsinthekaleidoscopicwindows，directedhimtowardsthatedifice。Herushedtothedoor:’twasbarred！Heknocked:thebeadlesweredeaf。Heappliedhisinestimablerelictothelock，and——whiz！crash！clang！bang！
whang！——thegateflewopen！theorganwentoffinafugue——thelightsquiveredoverthetapers，andthenwentofftowardstheceiling——theghostsassembledrushedawaywithaskurryandascream——thebridehowled，andvanished——thefatbishopwaddledbackunderhisbrassplate——thedeanflounceddownintohisfamilyvault——andthecanonSchidnischmidt，whowasmakingajoke，asusual，onthebishop，wasobligedtostopattheverypointofhisepigram，andtodisappearintothevoidwhencehecame。
Ottofellfaintingattheporch，whileWolfgangtumbledlifelessdownatthealtar-steps；andinthissituationthearchers，whentheyarrived，foundthetwoyouths。Theywereresuscitated，aswescarceneedsay；butwhen，inincoherentaccents，theycametotelltheirwondroustale，somescepticsamongthearcherssaid——”Pooh！
theywereintoxicated！”whileothers，noddingtheirolderheads，exclaimed——”THEYHAVESEENTHELADYOFWINDECK！”andrecalledthestoriesofmanyotheryoungmen，who，inveigledbyherdevilisharts，hadnotbeensoluckyasWolfgang，andhaddisappeared——forever！
ThisadventureboundWolfgangheartandsoultohisgallantpreserver；andthearchers——itbeingnowmorning，andthecockscrowinglustilyroundabout——pursuedtheirwaywithoutfurtherdelaytothecastleofthenoblepatronoftoxophilites，thegallantDukeofCleves。
CHAPTERX。
THEBATTLEOFTHEBOWMEN。
AlthoughtherelayanimmensenumberofcastlesandabbeysbetweenWindeckandCleves，foreveryoneofwhichtheguide-bookshavealegendandaghost，whomight，withthecommoneststretchofingenuity，bemadetowaylayouradventurersontheroad；yet，asthejourneywouldbethusalmostinterminable，letuscutitshortbysayingthatthetravellersreachedCleveswithoutanyfurtheraccident，andfoundtheplacethrongedwithvisitorsforthemeetingnextday。
Andhereitwouldbeeasytodescribethecompanywhicharrived，andmakedisplayofantiquarianlore。Nowwewouldrepresentacavalcadeofknightsarriving，withtheirpagescarryingtheirshininghelmsofgold，andthestoutesquires，bearersoflanceandbanner。Anonwouldarriveafatabbotonhisamblingpad，surroundedbythewhite-robedcompanionsofhisconvent。Hereshouldcomethegleemenandjonglers，theminstrels，themountebanks，theparty-coloredgipsies，thedark-eyed，nut-brownZigeunerinnen；thenatroopofpeasantschantingRhine-songs，andleadingintheirox-drawncartsthepeach-cheekedgirlsfromthevine-lands。Nextwewoulddepictthelittersblazonedwitharmorialbearings，frombetweenthebroideredcurtainsofwhichpeepedouttheswan-likenecksandthehaughtyfacesoftheblondladiesofthecastles。Butforthesedescriptionswehavenotspace；andthereaderisreferredtotheaccountofthetournamentintheingeniousnovelof”Ivanhoe，”wheretheabovephenomenaaredescribedatlength。Sufficeittosay，thatOttoandhiscompanionsarrivedatthetownofCleves，and，hasteningtoahostel，reposedthemselvesaftertheday’smarch，andpreparedthemfortheencounterofthemorrow。
Thatmorrowcame:andasthesportsweretobeginearly，Ottoandhiscomradeshastenedtothefield，armedwiththeirbestbowsandarrows，youmaybesure，andeagertodistinguishthemselves；aswerethemultitudeofotherarchersassembled。Theywerefromallneighboringcountries——crowdsofEnglish，asyoumayfancy，armedwithMurray’sguide-books，troopsofchatteringFrenchmen，FrankfortJewswithroulette-tables，andTyrolese，withglovesandtrinkets——allhiedtowardsthefieldwherethebuttsweresetup，andthearcherypracticewastobeheld。TheChildeandhisbrotherarcherswere，itneednotbesaid，earlyontheground。
Butwhatwordsofminecandescribetheyounggentleman’semotionwhen，precededbyabandoftrumpets，bagpipes，ophicleides，andotherwindinstruments，thePrinceofClevesappearedwiththePrincessHelen，hisdaughter？Andah！whatexpressionsofmyhumblepencandojusticetothebeautyofthatyounglady？Fancyeverycharmwhichdecoratestheperson，everyvirtuewhichornamentsthemind，everyaccomplishmentwhichrenderscharmingmindandcharmingpersondoublycharming，andthenyouwillhavebutafaintandfeebleideaofthebeautiesofherHighnessthePrincessHelen。FancyacomplexionsuchastheysayIknownotwithwhatjusticeRowland’sKalydorimpartstotheusersofthatcosmetic；fancyteethtowhichorientpearlsarelikeWallsendcoals；eyes，whichweresoblue，tender，andbright，thatwhiletheyrunyouthroughwiththeirlustre，theyhealedyouwiththeirkindness；aneckandwaist，soravishinglyslenderandgraceful，thattheleastthatissaidaboutthemthebetter；afootwhichfellupontheflowersnoheavierthanadew-drop——andthischarmingpersonsetoffbythemosteleganttoiletthatevermillinerdevised！ThelovelyHelen’shairwhichwasasblackasthefinestvarnishforbootswassolong，thatitwasborneonacushionseveralyardsbehindherbythemaidensofhertrain；andahat，setoffwithmoss-roses，sunflowers，bugles，birds-of-paradise，goldlace，andpinkribbon，gaveheradistingueair，whichwouldhavesettheeditoroftheMorningPostmadwithlove。
IthadexactlythesameeffectuponthenobleChildeofGodesberg，asleaningonhisivorybow，withhislegscrossed，hestoodandgazedonher，asCupidgazedonPsyche。Theireyesmet:itwasalloverwithbothofthem。Ablushcameatoneandthesameminutebuddingtothecheekofeither。Asimultaneousthrobbeatinthoseyounghearts！Theylovedeachotherforeverfromthatinstant。
Ottostillstood，cross-legged，enraptured，leaningonhisivorybow；butHelen，callingtoamaidenforherpocket-handkerchief，blewherbeautifulGreciannoseinordertohideheragitation。
Blessye，blessye，prettyones！Iamoldnow；butnotsooldbutthatIkindleatthetaleoflove。TheresaMacWhirtertoohaslivedandloved。Heigho！
WhoisyonchiefthatstandsbehindthetruckwhereonareseatedthePrincessandthestoutoldlord，herfather？Whoishewhosehairisofthecarrotyhue？whoseeyes，acrossasnubbybunchofanose，areperpetuallyscowlingateachother；whohasahump-backandahideousmouth，surroundedwithbristles，andcrammedfullofjuttingyellowodiousteeth。Althoughhewearsasky-bluedoubletlacedwithsilver，itonlyservestorenderhisvulgarpunchyfiguredoublyridiculous；althoughhisnethergarmentisofsalmon-
coloredvelvet，itonlydrawsthemoreattentiontohislegs，whicharedisgustinglycrookedandbandy。Arose-coloredhat，withtoweringpea-greenostrich-plumes，looksabsurdonhisbull-head；
andthoughitistimeofpeace，thewretchisarmedwithamultiplicityofdaggers，knives，yataghans，dirks，sabres，andscimitars，whichtestifyhistruculentandbloodydisposition。’TistheterribleRowskideDonnerblitz，MargraveofEulenschreckenstein。
ReportsaysheisasuitorforthehandofthelovelyHelen。Headdressesvariousspeechesofgallantrytoher，andgrinshideouslyashethrustshisdisgustingheadoverherlilyshoulder。Butsheturnsawayfromhim！turnsandshudders——ay，asshewouldatablackdose！
Ottostandsgazingstill，andleaningonhisbow。”Whatistheprize？”asksonearcherofanother。Therearetwoprizes——avelvetcap，embroideredbythehandofthePrincess，andachainofmassivegold，ofenormousvalue。Bothlieoncushionsbeforeher。”IknowwhichIshallchoose，whenIwinthefirstprize，”saysaswarthy，savage，andbandy-leggedarcher，whobearstheowlgulesonablackshield，thecognizanceoftheLordRowskideDonnerblitz。”Which，fellow？”saysOtto，turningfiercelyuponhim。”Thechain，tobesure！”saystheleeringarcher。”YoudonotsupposeIamsuchaflatastochoosethatvelvetgimcrackthere？”
Ottolaughedinscorn，andbegantopreparehisbow。Thetrumpetssoundingproclaimedthatthesportswereabouttocommence。
Isitnecessarytodescribethem？No:thathasalreadybeendoneinthenovelof”Ivanhoe”beforementioned。FancythearcherscladinLincolngreen，allcomingforwardinturn，andfiringatthetargets。Somehit，somemissed；thosethatmissedwerefaintoretireamidstthejeersofthemultitudinousspectators。Thosethathitbegannewtrialsofskill；butitwaseasytosee，fromthefirst，thatthebattlelaybetweenSquintofftheRowskiarcherandtheyoungherowiththegoldenhairandtheivorybow。
Squintoff’sfameasamarksmanwasknownthroughoutEurope；butwhowashisyoungcompetitor？Ah？therewasONEheartintheassemblythatbeatmostanxiouslytoknow。’TwasHelen’s。
Thecrowningtrialarrived。Thebull’seyeofthetarget，setupatthree-quartersofamiledistancefromthearchers，wassosmall，thatitrequiredaveryclevermanindeedtosee，muchmoretohitit；andasSquintoffwasselectinghisarrowforthefinaltrial，theRowskiflungapurseofgoldtowardshisarcher，saying——”Squintoff，anyewintheprize，thepurseisthine。””Imayaswellpocketitatonce，yourhonor，”saidthebowmanwithasneeratOtto。”Thisyoungchick，whohasbeenluckyasyet，willhardlyhitsuchamarkasthat。”And，takinghisaim，Squintoffdischargedhisarrowrightintotheverymiddleofthebull’s-eye。”Canyoumendthat，youngspringald？”saidhe，asashoutrenttheairathissuccess，asHelenturnedpaletothinkthatthechampionofhersecretheartwaslikelytobeovercome，andasSquintoff，pocketingtheRowski’smoney，turnedtothenobleboyofGodesberg。”Hasanybodygotapea？”askedthelad。Everybodylaughedathisdrollrequest；andanoldwoman，whowassellingporridgeinthecrowd，handedhimthevegetablewhichhedemanded。Itwasadryandyellowpea。Otto，steppinguptothetarget，causedSquintofftoextracthisarrowfromthebull’s-eye，andplacedintheorificemadebythesteelpointoftheshaft，thepeawhichhehadreceivedfromtheoldwoman。Hethencamebacktohisplace。Ashepreparedtoshoot，Helenwassoovercomebyemotion，that’twasthoughtshewouldhavefainted。Never，neverhadsheseenabeingsobeautifulastheyoungheronowbeforeher。
Helookedalmostdivine。Heflungbackhislongclustersofhairfromhisbrighteyesandtallforehead；theblushofhealthmantledonhischeek，fromwhichthebarber’sweaponhadnevershornthedown。Hetookhisbow，andoneofhismostelegantarrows，andpoisinghimselflightlyonhisrightleg，heflunghimselfforward，raisinghisleftlegonalevelwithhisear。HelookedlikeApollo，ashestoodbalancinghimselfthere。Hedischargedhisdartfromthethrummingbowstring:itclovetheblueair——whiz！”HEHASSPLITTHEPEA！”saidthePrincess，andfainted。TheRowski，withoneeye，hurledanindignantlookattheboy，whilewiththeotherhelevelledifaughtsocrookedcanbesaidtolevelanythingafuriousglanceathisarcher。
Thearchersworeasulkyoath。”Heisthebetterman！”saidhe。”Isuppose，youngchap，youtakethegoldchain？””Thegoldchain？”saidOtto。”Preferagoldchaintoacapworkedbythataugusthand？Never！”AndadvancingtothebalconywherethePrincess，whonowcametoherself，wassitting，hekneeleddownbeforeher，andreceivedthevelvetcap；which，blushingasscarletasthecapitself，thePrincessHelenplacedonhisgoldenringlets。Oncemoretheireyesmet——theirheartsthrilled。Theyhadneverspoken，buttheyknewtheylovedeachotherforever。”WiltthoutakeservicewiththeRowskiofDonnerblitz？”saidthatindividualtotheyouth。”Thoushaltbecaptainofmyarchersinplaceofyonblunderingnincompoop，whomthouhastovercome。””Yonblunderingnincompoopisaskilfulandgallantarcher，”
repliedOtto，haughtily；”andIwillNOTtakeservicewiththeRowskiofDonnerblitz。””WiltthouenterthehouseholdofthePrinceofCleves？”saidthefatherofHelen，laughing，andnotalittleamusedatthehaughtinessofthehumblearcher。”IwoulddiefortheDukeofClevesandHISFAMILY，”saidOtto，bowinglow。Helaidaparticularandatenderemphasisonthewordfamily。Helenknewwhathemeant。SHEwasthefamily。Infacthermotherwasnomore，andherpapahadnootheroffspring。”Whatisthyname，goodfellow，”saidthePrince，”thatmystewardmayenrollthee？””Sir，”saidOtto，againblushing，”IamOTTOTHEARCHER。”
CHAPTERXI。
THEMARTYROFLOVE。
ThearcherswhohadtravelledincompanywithyoungOttogaveahandsomedinnerincomplimenttothesuccessofourhero；atwhichhisfrienddistinguishedhimselfasusualintheeatinganddrinkingdepartment。Squintoff，theRowskibowman，declinedtoattend；sogreatwastheenvyofthebruteattheyouthfulhero’ssuperiority。AsforOttohimself，hesatontherighthandofthechairman；butitwasremarkedthathecouldnoteat。Gentlereaderofmypage！thouknowestwhyfullwell。Hewastoomuchinlovetohaveanyappetite；forthoughImyselfwhenlaboringunderthatpassion，neverfoundmyconsumptionofvictualsdiminish，yetrememberourOttowasaheroofromance，andtheyNEVERarehungrywhenthey’reinlove。
Thenextday，theyounggentlemanproceededtoenrollhimselfinthecorpsofArchersofthePrinceofCleves，andwithhimcamehisattachedsquire，whovowedheneverwouldleavehim。AsOttothrewasidehisownelegantdress，anddonnedtheliveryoftheHouseofCleves，thenobleChildesighednotalittle。’Twasasplendiduniform’tistrue，butstillitWASalivery，andoneofhisproudspiritillbearsanother’scognizances。”TheyarethecolorsofthePrincess，however，”saidhe，consolinghimself；”andwhatsufferingwouldInotundergoforHER？”AsforWolfgang，thesquire，itmaywellbesupposedthatthegood-natured，low-bornfellowhadnosuchscruples；buthewasgladenoughtoexchangeforthepinkhose，theyellowjacket，thepea-greencloak，andorange-
tawnyhat，withwhichtheDuke’sstewardsuppliedhim，thehomelypatcheddoubletofgreenwhichhehadwornforyearspast。”Lookatyoutwoarchers，”saidthePrinceofClevestohisguest，theRowskiofDonnerblitz，astheywerestrollingonthebattlementsafterdinner，smokingtheircigarsasusual。HisHighnesspointedtoourtwoyoungfriends，whoweremountingguardforthefirsttime。”Seeyontwobowmen——marktheirbearing！OneistheyouthwhobeatthySquintoff，andt’other，anImistakenot，wonthethirdprizeatthebutts。Bothwearthesameuniform——thecolorsofmyhouse——yetwouldstnotswearthattheonewasbutachurl，andtheotheranoblegentleman？””Whichlookslikethenobleman？”saidtheRowski，asblackasthunder。”WHICH？why，youngOtto，tobesure，”saidthePrincessHelen，eagerly。Theyoungladywasfollowingthepair；butunderpretenceofdislikingtheodorofthecigar，shehadrefusedtheRowski’sprofferedarm，andwasloiteringbehindwithherparasol。
HerinterpositioninfavorofheryoungprotegeonlymadetheblackandjealousRowskimoreill-humored。”Howlongisit，SirPrinceofCleves，”saidhe，”thatthechurlswhowearyourliverypermitthemselvestoweartheornamentsofnobleknights？Whobutanobledarewearringletssuchasyonspringald’s？Ho，archer！”roaredhe，”come，hither，fellow。”AndOttostoodbeforehim。Ashecame，andpresentingarmsstoodrespectfullybeforethePrinceandhissavageguest，helookedforonemomentatthelovelyHelen——
theireyesmet，theirheartsbeatsimultaneously:and，quick，twolittleblushesappearedinthecheekofeither。Ihaveseenoneshipatseaansweringanother’ssignalso。
Whiletheyaresoregardingeachother，letusjustremindourreadersofthegreatestimationinwhichthehairwasheldintheNorth。Onlynobleswerepermittedtowearitlong。Whenamandisgracedhimself，ashavingwassuretofollow。Penaltieswereinflicteduponvillainsorvassalswhosportedringlets。SeetheworksofAureliusTonsor；HirsutusdeNobilitateCapillari；
RolandusdeOleoMacassari；Schnurrbart；FresirischeAlterthumskunde，&c。”Wemusthavethoseringletsofthinecut，goodfellow，”saidtheDukeofClevesgood-naturedly，butwishingtosparethefeelingsofhisgallantrecruit。”’Tisagainsttheregulationcutofmyarcherguard。””Cutoffmyhair！”criedOtto，agonized。”Ay，andthineearswithit，yokel，”roaredDonnerblitz。”Peace，nobleEulenschreckenstein，”saidtheDukewithdignity:”lettheDukeofClevesdealashewillwithhisownmen-at-arms。
Andyou，youngsir，unloosethegripofthydagger。”
Otto，indeed，hadconvulsivelygraspedhissnickersnee，withintenttoplungeitintotheheartoftheRowski；buthispoliterfeelingsovercamehim。”Thecountneednotfear，mylord，”saidhe:”aladyispresent。”Andhetookoffhisorange-tawnycapandbowedlow。
Ah！whatapangshotthroughtheheartofHelen，asshethoughtthatthoselovelyringletsmustbeshornfromthatbeautifulhead！
Otto’smindwas，too，incommotion。Hisfeelingsasagentleman——
letusadd，hisprideasaman——forwhoisnot，letusask，proudofagoodheadofhair？——wagedwarwithinhissoul。HeexpostulatedwiththePrince。”Itwasneverinmycontemplation，”
hesaid，”ontakingservice，toundergotheoperationofhair-
cutting。””Thouartfreetogoorstay，SirArcher，”saidthePrincepettishly。”Iwillhavenochurlsimitatingnoblemeninmyservice:Iwillbandynoconditionswitharchersofmyguard。””Myresolveistaken，”saidOtto，irritatedtooinhisturn。”I
will……””What？”criedHelen，breathlesswithintenseagitation。”IwillSTAY，”answeredOtto。Thepoorgirlalmostfaintedwithjoy。TheRowskifrownedwithdemoniacfury，andgrindinghisteethandcursinginthehorribleGermanjargon，stalkedaway。”Sobeit，”saidthePrinceofCleves，takinghisdaughter’sarm——”andherecomesSnipwitz，mybarber，whoshalldothebusinessforyou。”
WiththisthePrincetoomovedon，feelinginhisheartnotalittlecompassionforthelad；forAdolfofCleveshadbeenhandsomeinhisyouth，anddistinguishedfortheornamentofwhichhewasnowdeprivinghisarcher。
Snipwitzledthepoorladintoaside-room，andthere——inaword——
operateduponhim。Thegoldencurls——faircurlsthathismotherhadsooftenplayedwith！——fellundertheshearsandroundthelad’sknees，untilhelookedasifhewassittinginabathofsunbeams。
Whenthefrightfulacthadbeenperformed，Otto，whoenteredthelittlechamberinthetowerringletedlikeApollo，issuedfromitascroppedasacharity-boy。
Seehowmelancholyhelooks，nowthattheoperationisover！——Andnowonder。HewasthinkingwhatwouldbeHelen’sopinionofhim，nowthatoneofhischiefpersonalornamentswasgone。”Willsheknowme？”thoughthe；”willshelovemeafterthishideousmutilation？”
Yieldingtothesegloomythoughts，and，indeed，ratherunwillingtobeseenbyhiscomrades，nowthathewassodisfigured，theyounggentlemanhadhiddenhimselfbehindoneofthebuttressesofthewall，apreytonaturaldespondency；whenhesawsomethingwhichinstantlyrestoredhimtogoodspirits。HesawthelovelyHelencomingtowardsthechamberwheretheodiousbarberhadperformeduponhim，——comingforwardtimidly，lookingroundheranxiously，blushingwithdelightfulagitation，——andpresentlyseeing，asshethought，thecoastclear，sheenteredtheapartment。Shestoopeddown，andah！whatwasOtto’sjoywhenhesawherpickupabeautifulgoldenlockofhishair，pressittoherlips，andthenhideitinherbosom！NocarnationeverblushedsoredlyasHelendidwhenshecameoutafterperformingthisfeat。Thenshehurriedstraightwaytoherownapartmentsinthecastle，andOtto，whosefirstimpulsewastocomeoutfromhishiding-place，and，fallingatherfeet，callheavenandearthtowitnesstohispassion，withdifficultyrestrainedhisfeelingsandletherpass:butthelove-
strickenyoungherowassodelightedwiththisevidentproofofreciprocatedattachment，thatallregretatlosinghisringletsatoncelefthim，andhevowedhewouldsacrificenotonlyhishair，buthishead，ifneedwere，todoherservice。
Thatveryafternoon，nosmallbustleandconversationtookplaceinthecastle，onaccountofthesuddendepartureoftheRowskiofEulenschreckenstein，withallhistrainandequipage。Hewentawayinthegreatestwrath，itwassaid，afteralongandloudconversationwiththePrince。Asthatpotentateconductedhisguesttothegate，walkingratherdemurelyandshamefacedlybyhisside，ashegatheredhisattendantsinthecourt，andtheremountedhischarger，theRowskiorderedhistrumpetstosound，andscornfullyflungalargesseofgoldamongtheservitorsandmen-at-
armsoftheHouseofCleves，whoweremarshalledinthecourt。”Farewell，SirPrince，”saidhetohishost:”Iquityounowsuddenly；butremember，itisnotmylastvisittotheCastleofCleves。”Andorderinghisbandtoplay”SeetheConqueringHerocomes，”heclatteredawaythroughthedrawbridge。ThePrincessHelenwasnotpresentathisdeparture；andthevenerablePrinceofCleveslookedrathermoodyandchap-fallenwhenhisguestlefthim。