CHAPTER23
InthecastleofSirBiornoftheFieryEyes，Christmas-evehadnotpassedsobrightlyandhappily;butyet，theretooallhadgonevisiblyaccordingtoGod’swill。
Folko，attheentreatyofthelordofthecastle，hadallowedGabrielletosupporthimintothehall;andthethreenowsatattheroundstonetable，whereonasumptuousmealwaslaid。Oneithersidetherewerelongtables，atwhichsattheretainersofbothknightsinfullarmour，accordingtothecustomoftheNorth。Torchesandlampslightedtheloftyhallwithanalmostdazzlingbrightness。
Midnighthadnowbegunitssolemnreign，andGabriellesoftlyremindedherwoundedknighttowithdraw。Biornheardher，andsaid：
\"Youareright，fairlady;ourknightneedsrest。Onlyletusfirstkeepuponemoreoldhonourablecustom。\"
Andathissignfourattendantsbroughtinwithpompagreatboar’shead，whichlookedasifcutoutofsolidgold，andplaceditinthemiddleofthestonetable。Biorn’sretainersrosewithreverence，andtookofftheirhelmets;Biornhimselfdidthesame。
\"Whatmeansthis？\"askedFolkoverygravely。
\"WhatthyforefathersandminehavedoneoneveryYulefeast，\"
answeredBiorn。\"Wearegoingtomakevowsontheboar’shead，andthenpassthegobletroundtotheirfulfilment。\"
\"WenolongerkeepwhatourancestorscalledtheYulefeast，\"saidFolko;\"wearegoodChristians，andwekeepholyChristmas-tide。\"
\"Todotheone，andnottoleavetheotherundone，\"answeredBiorn。
\"Iholdmyancestorstoodeartoforgettheirknightlycustoms。
Thosewhothinkotherwisemayactaccordingtotheirwisdom，butthatshallnothinderme。Iswearbythegoldenboar’shead——\"Andhestretchedouthishand，tolayitsolemnlyuponit。
ButFolkocalledout，\"InthenameofourholySaviour，forbear。
WhereIam，andstillhavebreathandwill，noneshallcelebrateundisturbedtheritesofthewildheathens。\"
BiornoftheFieryEyesglaredangrilyathim。Themenofthetwobaronsseparatedfromeachother，withahollowsoundofrattlingarmour，andrangedthemselvesintwobodiesoneithersideofthehall，eachbehinditsleader。Alreadyhereandtherehelmetswerefastenedandvisorsclosed。
\"Bethinktheeyetwhatthouartdoing，\"saidBiorn。\"IwasabouttovowaneternalunionwiththehouseofMontfaucon，nay，eventobindmyselftodoitgratefulhomage;butifthoudisturbmeinthecustomswhichhavecometomefrommyforefathers，looktothysafetyandthesafetyofallthatisdeartothee。Mywrathnolongerknowsanybounds。\"
FolkomadeasigntothepaleGabrielletoretirebehindhisfollowers，sayingtoher，\"Beofgoodcheer，mynoblewife，weakerChristianshavebraved，forthesakeofGodandofHisholyChurch，greaterdangersthannowseemtothreatenus。Believeme，theLordofMontfauconisnotsoeasilyensnared。\"
Gabrielleobeyed，somethingcomfortedbyFolko’sfearlesssmile，butthissmileinflamedyetmorethefuryofBiorn。Heagainstretchedouthishandtowardstheboar’shead，asifabouttomakesomedreadfulvow，whenFolkosnatchedagauntletofBiorn’soffthetable，withwhichhe，withhisunwoundedleftarm，strucksopowerfulablowonthegiltidol，thatitfellcrashingtotheground，shiveredtopieces。Biornandhisfollowersstoodasifturnedtostone。Butsoonswordsweregraspedbyarmedhands，shieldsweretakendownfromthewalls，andanangry，threateningmurmursoundedthroughthehall。
AtasignfromFolko，abattle-axewasbroughthimbyoneofhisfaithfulretainers;heswungithighinairwithhispowerfullefthand，andstoodlookinglikeanavengingangelashespokethesewordsthroughthetumultwithawfulcalmness：\"Whatseekye，0
deludedNorthman？Whatwouldstthou，sinfullord？Yeareindeedbecomeheathens;andIhopetoshowyou，bymyreadinessforbattle，thatitisnotinmyrightarmalonethatGodhasputstrengthforvictory。Butifyecanyethear，listentomywords。Biorn，onthissameaccursed，andnow，byGod’shelp，shiveredboar’shead，thoudidstlaythyhandwhenthoudidstsweartosacrificeanyinhabitantsoftheGermantownsthatshouldfallintothypower。AndGotthardLenzcame，andRudliebcame，drivenontheseshoresbythestorm。
Whatdidstthouthendo，0savageBiorn？Whatdidyedoathisbidding，yewhowerekeepingtheYulefeastwithhim？Tryyourfortuneonme。TheLordwillbewithme，asHewaswiththoseholymen。Toarms，and——\"（heturnedtohiswarriors）\"letourbattle-crybeGotthardandRudlieb！\"
ThenBiornletdrophisdrawnsword，thenhisfollowerspaused，andnoneamongtheNorwegiansdaredlifthiseyesfromtheground。Bydegrees，theyonebyonebegantodisappearfromthehall;andatlastBiornstoodquitealoneoppositetothebaronandhisfollowers。
Heseemedhardlyawarethathehadbeendeserted，buthefellonhisknees，stretchedouthisshiningsword，pointedtothebrokenboar’shead，andsaid，\"Dowithmeasyouhavedonewiththat;Ideservenobetter。Iaskbutonefavour，onlyone;donotdisgraceme，noblebaron，byseekingshelterinanothercastleofNorway。\"
\"Ifearyounot，\"answeredFolko，aftersomethought;\"and，asfarasmaybe，Ifreelyforgiveyou。\"ThenhedrewthesignofthecrossoverthewildformofBiorn，andleftthehallwithGabrielle。TheretainersofthehouseofMontfauconfollowedhimproudlyandsilently。
Thehardspiritofthefiercelordofthecastlewasnowquitebroken，andhewatchedwithincreasedhumilityeverylookofFolkoandGabrielle。Buttheywithdrewmoreandmoreintothehappysolitudeoftheirownapartments，wheretheyenjoyed，inthemidstofthesharpwinter，abrightspring-tideofhappiness。ThewoundedconditionofFolkodidnothindertheeveningdelightsofsongsandmusicandpoetry——butratheranewcharmwasaddedtothemwhenthetall，handsomeknightleantonthearmofhisdelicatelady，andtheythus，changingasitweretheirdeportmentandduties，walkedslowlythroughthetorch-lithalls，scatteringtheirkindlygreetingslikeflowersamongthecrowdsofmenandwomen。
AllthistimelittleornothingwasheardofpoorSintram。ThelastwildoutbreakofhisfatherhadincreasedtheterrorwithwhichGabriellerememberedtheself-accusationsoftheyouth;andthemoreresolutelyFolkokeptsilence，themoredidshebodesomedreadfulmystery。Indeed，asecretshuddercameovertheknightwhenhethoughtonthepale，dark-hairedyouth。Sintram’srepentancehadborderedonsettleddespair;nooneknewevenwhathewasdoinginthefortressofevilreportontheRocksoftheMoon。Strangerumourswerebroughtbytheretainerswhohadfledfromit，thattheevilspirithadobtainedcompletepoweroverSintram，thatnomancouldstaywithhim，andthatthefidelityofthedarkmysteriouscastellanhadcosthimhislife。
Folkocouldhardlydriveawaythefearfulsuspicionthatthelonelyyoungknightwasbecomeawickedmagician。
Andperhaps，indeed，evilspiritsdidflitaboutthebanishedSintram，butitwaswithouthiscallingthemup。InhisdreamsheoftensawthewickedenchantressVenus，inhergoldenchariotdrawnbywingedcats，passoverthebattlementsofthestonefortress，andheardhersay，mockinghim，’FoolishSintram，foolishSintram！hadstthoubutobeyedthelittleMaster！ThouwouldstnowbeinHelen’sarms，andtheRocksoftheMoonwouldbecalledtheRocksofLove，andthestonefortresswouldbethegardenofroses。Thouwouldsthavelostthypalefaceanddarkhair，——forthouartonlyenchanted，dearyouth，——andthineeyeswouldhavebeamedmoresoftly，andthycheeksbloomedmorefreshly，andthyhairwouldhavebeenmoregoldenthanwasthatofPrincePariswhenmenwonderedathisbeauty。Oh，howHelenwouldhavelovedthee！\"Thensheshowedhiminamirror，how，asamarvellouslybeautifulknight，hekneltbeforeGabrielle，whosankintohisarmsblushingasthemorning。Whenheawokefromsuchdreams，hewouldseizeeagerlytheswordandscarfgivenhimbyhislady，——asashipwreckedmanseizestheplankwhichistosavehim;andwhilethehottearsfellonthem，hewouldmurmurtohimself，\"Therewas，indeed，onehourinmysadlifewhenIwasworthyandhappy。\"
Oncehesprangupatmidnightafteroneofthesedreams，butthistimewithmorethrillinghorror;forithadseemedtohimthatthefeaturesoftheenchantressVenushadchangedtowardstheendofherspeech，asshelookeddownuponhimwithmarvellousscorn，andsheappearedtohimasthehideouslittleMaster。TheyouthhadnobettermeansofcalminghisdistractedmindthantothrowtheswordandscarfofGabrielleoverhisshoulders，andtohastenforthunderthesolemnstarrycanopyofthewintrysky。Hewalkedindeepthoughtbackwardsandforwardsundertheleaflessoaksandthesnow-
ladenfirswhichgrewonthehighramparts。
Thenheheardasorrowfulcryofdistresssoundfromthemoat;itwasasifsomeonewereattemptingtosing，butwasstoppedbyinwardgrief。Sintramexclaimed，\"Who’sthere？\"andallwasstill。Whenhewassilent，andagainbeganhiswalk，thefrightfulgroaningsandmoaningswereheardafresh，asiftheycamefromadyingperson。
Sintramovercamethehorrorwhichseemedtoholdhimback，andbeganinsilencetoclimbdownintothedeepdrymoatwhichwascutintherock。Hewassoonsolowdownthathecouldnolongerseethestarsshining;beneathhimmovedashroudedform;andslidingwithinvoluntaryhastedownthesteepdescent，hestoodnearthegroaningfigure;itceaseditslamentations，andbegantolaughlikeamaniacfrombeneathitslong，folded，femalegarments。
\"Ohho，mycomrade！ohho，mycomrade！wertthougoingalittletoofast？Well，well，itisallright;andseenow，thoustandestnohigherthanI，mypious，valiantyouth！Takeitpatiently，——takeitpatiently！\"
\"Whatdostthouwantwithme？Whydostthoulaugh？whydostthouweep？\"askedSintramimpatiently。
\"Imightasktheethesamequestions，\"answeredthedarkfigure，\"andthouwouldstbelessabletoanswermethanItoanswerthee。Whydostthoulaugh？whydostthouweep？——Poorcreature！ButIwillshowtheearemarkablethinginthyfortress，ofwhichthouknowestnothing。Giveheed！\"
Andtheshroudedfigurebegantoscratchandscrapeatthestonestillalittleirondooropened，andshowedalongpassagewhichledintothedeepdarkness。
\"Wiltthoucomewithme？\"whisperedthestrangebeing;\"itistheshortestwaytothyfather’scastle。Inhalf-an-hourweshallcomeoutofthispassage，andweshallbeinthybeauteouslady’sapartment。DukeMenelausshalllieinamagicsleep，——leavethattome，——andthenthouwilttaketheslight，delicateforminthinearms，andbringhertotheRocksoftheMoon;sothouwiltwinbackallthatseemedlostbythyformerwavering。\"
Sintramtrembledvisibly，fearfullyshakentoandfrobythefeverofpassionandthestingsofconscience。Butatlast，pressingtheswordandscarftohisheart，hecriedout，\"Oh！thatfairest，mostglorioushourofmylife！IfIloseallotherjoys，Iwillholdfastthatbrightesthour！\"
\"Abright，glorioushour！\"saidthefigurefromunderitsveil，likeanevilecho。\"Dostthouknowwhomthouthenconqueredst？Agoodoldfriend，whoonlyshowedhimselfsosturdytogivetheethegloryofovercominghim。Wiltthouconvincethyself？Wiltthoulook？\"
Thedarkgarmentsofthelittlefigureflewopen，andthedwarfwarriorinstrangearmour，thegoldhornsonhishelmet，andthecurvedspearinhishand，theverysamewhomSintramthoughthehadslainonNiflung’sHeath，nowstoodbeforehimandlaughed：\"Thouseest，myyouth，everythinginthewideworldisbutdreamsandfroth;whereforeholdfastthedreamwhichdelightsthee，andsipupthefrothwhichrefreshesthee！Hastentothatundergroundpassage，itleadsuptothyangelHelen。Orwouldstthoufirstknowthyfriendyetbetter？\"
Hisvisoropened，andthehatefulfaceofthelittleMasterglaredupontheknight。Sintramasked，asifinadream，\"ArtthoualsothatwickedenchantressVenus？\"
\"Somethinglikeher，\"answeredthelittleMaster，laughing，\"orrathersheissomethinglikeme。Andifthouwiltonlygetdisenchanted，andrecoverthebeautyofPrinceofParis，——then，0PrinceParis，\"andhisvoicechangedtoanalluringsong，\"then，0PrinceParis，Ishallbefairlikethee！\"
AtthismomentthegoodRolfappearedaboveontherampart;aconsecratedtaperinhislanternshonedownintothemoat，ashesoughtforthemissingyoungknight。\"InGod’sname，SirSintram，\"
hecalledout，\"whathasthespectreofwhomyouslewonNiflung’sHeath，andwhomInevercouldbury，todowithyou？\"
\"Seestthouwell？hearestthouwell？\"whisperedthelittleMaster，anddrewbackintothedarknessoftheundergroundpassage。\"Thewisemanupthereknowsmewell。Therewasnothinginthyheroicfeat。Come，takethejoysoflifewhilethoumayst。\"
ButSintramsprangback，withastrongeffort，intothecircleoflightmadebytheshiningofthetaperfromabove，andcriedout，\"Departfromme，unquietspirit！IknowwellthatIbearanameonmeinwhichthoucansthavenopart。\"
LittleMasterrushedinfearandrageintothepassage，and，yelling，shuttheirondoorbehindhim。Itseemedasifhecouldstillbeheardgroaningandroaring。
Sintramclimbedupthewallofthemoat，andmadeasigntohisfoster-fathernottospeaktohim：heonlysaid，\"Oneofmybestjoys，yes，theverybest，hasbeentakenfromme;but，byGod’shelp，Iamnotyetlost。\"
Intheearliestlightofthefollowingmorning，heandRolfstoppeduptheentrancetotheperilouspassagewithhugeblocksofstone。
CHAPTER24
Thelongnorthernwinterwasatlastended，thefreshgreenleavesrustledmerrilyinthewoods，patchesofsoftmosstwinkledamongsttherocks，thevalleysgrewgreen，thebrookssparkled，thesnowmeltedfromallbutthehighestmountain-tops，andthebarkwhichwasreadytocarryawayFolkoandGabrielledancedonthesunnywavesofthesea。Thebaron，nowquiterecovered，andstrongandfreshasthoughhishealthhadsustainednoinjury，stoodonemorningontheshorewithhisfairlady;and，fullofgleeattheprospectofreturningtotheirhome，thenoblepairlookedonwellpleasedattheirattendantswhowerebusiedinladingtheship。
Thensaidoneoftheminthemidstofaconfusedsoundoftalking：
\"ButwhathasappearedtomethemostfearfulandthemoststrangethinginthisnorthernlandisthestonefortressontheRocksoftheMoon：Ihavenever，indeed，beeninsideit，butwhenIusedtoseeitinourhuntings，toweringabovethetallfir-trees，therecameatightnessovermybreast，asifsomethingunearthlyweredwellinginit。Andafewweeksago，whenthesnowwasyetlyinghardinthevalleys，Icameunawaresquitecloseuponthestrangebuilding。TheyoungknightSintramwaswalkingaloneontherampartsastwilightcameon，likethespiritofadepartedknight，andhedrewfromthelutewhichhecarriedsuchsoft，melancholytones，andhesighedsodeeplyandsorrowfully……\"
Thevoiceofthespeakerwasdrownedinthenoiseofthecrowd，andashealsojustthenreachedtheshipwithhispackagehastilyfastenedup，FolkoandGabriellecouldnotheartherestofhisspeech。Butthefairladylookedonherknightwitheyesdimwithtears，andsighed：\"IsitnotbehindthosemountainsthattheRocksoftheMoonlie？TheunhappySintrammakesmesadatheart。\"
\"Iunderstandthee，sweetgraciouslady，andthepurecompassionofthyheart，\"repliedFolko;instantlyorderinghisswift-footedsteedtobebrought。Heplacedhisnobleladyunderthechargeofhisretainers，andleapingintothesaddle，hehastened，followedbythegratefulsmilesofGabrielle，alongthevalleytowardsthestonefortress。
Sintramwasseatednearthedrawbridge，touchingthestringsofthelute，andsheddingsometearsonthegoldenchords，almostasMontfaucon’sesquirehaddescribedhim。Suddenlyacloudyshadowpassedoverhim，andhelookedup，expectingtoseeaflightofcranesintheair;buttheskywasclearandblue。Whiletheyoungknightwasstillwondering，alongbrightspearfellathisfeetfromabattlementofthearmouryturret。
\"Takeitup，——makegooduseofit！thyfoeisnearathand！Nearalsoisthedownfallofthydearesthappiness。\"Thushehearditdistinctlywhisperedinhisear;anditseemedtohimthathesawtheshadowofthelittleMasterglideclosebyhimtoaneighbouringcleftintherock。Butatthesametimealso，atall，gigantic，haggardfigurepassedalongthevalley，insomemeasurelikethedepartedpilgrim，onlymuch，verymuch，larger，andheraisedhislongbonyarmfearfullythreatening，thendisappearedinanancienttomb。
AttheverysameinstantSirFolkoofMontfauconcameswiftlyasthewinduptheRocksoftheMoon，andhemusthaveseensomethingofthosestrangeapparitions，forashestoppedclosebehindSintram，helookedratherpale，andaskedlowandearnestly：\"Sirknight，whoarethosetwowithwhomyouwerejustnowholdingconversehere？\"
\"ThegoodGodknows，\"answeredSintram;\"Iknowthemnot。\"
\"IfthegoodGoddoesbutknow！\"criedMontfaucon：\"butIfearmethatHeknowsverylittlemoreofyouoryourdeeds。\"
\"Youspeakstrangelyharshwords，\"saidSintram。\"Yeteversincethateveningofmisery，——alas！andevenlongbefore，——Imustbearwithallthatcomesfromyou。Dearsir，youmaybelieveme，Iknownotthosefearfulcompanions;Icallthemnot，andIknownotwhatterriblecursebindsthemtomyfootsteps。ThemercifulGod，asI
wouldhope，ismindfulofmethewhile，——asafaithfulshepherddoesnotforgeteventheworstandmostwidely-strayingofhisflock，butcallsafteritwithananxiousvoiceinthegloomywilderness。\"
Thentheangerofthebaronwasquitemelted。Twobrighttearsstoodinhiseyes，andhesaid：\"No，assuredly，Godhasnotforgottenthee;
onlydothounotforgetthygraciousGod。Ididnotcometorebukethee——IcametoblesstheeinGabrielle’snameandinmyown。TheLordpreservethee，theLordguidethee，theLordlifttheeup！And，Sintram，onthefar-offshoresofNormandyIshallbeartheeinmind，andIshallhearhowthoustrugglestagainstthecursewhichweighsdownthyunhappylife;andifthouevershakeitoff，andstandasanobleconqueroroverSinandDeath，thenthoushaltreceivefrommeatokenofloveandreward，moreprecioustheneitherthouorIcanunderstandatthismoment。\"
Thewordsflowedpropheticallyfromthebaron’slips;hehimselfwasonlyhalf-consciousofwhathesaid。Withakindsalutationheturnedhisnoblesteed，andagainflewdownthevalleytowardsthesea-shore。
\"Fool，fool！thriceafool！\"whisperedtheangryvoiceofthelittleMasterinSintram’sear。ButoldRolfwassinginghismorninghymnincleartoneswithinthecastle，andthelastlineswerethese：-
\"Whomworldlingsscorn，Wholivesforlorn，OnGod’sownworddothrest;
WithheavenlylightHispathisbright，Hislotamongtheblest。\"
ThenaholyjoytookpossessionofSintram’sheart，andhelookedaroundhimyetmoregladlythaninthehourwhenGabriellegavehimthescarfandsword，andFolkodubbedhimknight。
CHAPTER25
Thebaronandhislovelyladyweresailingacrossthebroadseawithfavouringgalesofspring，naythecoastofNormandyhadalreadyappearedabovethewaves;butstillwasBiornoftheFieryEyesittinggloomyandspeechlessinhiscastle。Hehadtakennoleaveofhisguests。TherewasmoreofproudfearofMontfauconthanofreverentialloveforhiminhissoul，especiallysincetheadventurewiththeboar’shead;andthethoughtwasbittertohishaughtyspirit，thatthegreatbaron，theflowerandgloryoftheirwholerace，shouldhavecomeinpeacetovisithim，andshouldnowbedepartingindispleasure，insternreproachfuldispleasure。Hehaditconstantlybeforehismind，anditneverfailedtobringfreshpangs，theremembranceofhowallhadcometopass，andhowallmighthavegoneotherwise;andhewasalwaysfancyinghecouldhearthesongsinwhichaftergenerationswouldrecountthisvoyageofthegreatFolko，andtheworthlessnessofthesavageBiorn。Atlength，fulloffierceanger，hecastawaythefettersofhistroubledspirit，heburstoutofthecastlewithallhishorsemen，andbegantocarryonawarfaremorefearfulandmorelawlessthananyinwhichhehadyetbeenengaged。
Sintramheardthesoundofhisfather’swar-horn;andcommittingthestonefortresstooldRolf，hesprangforthreadyarmedforthecombat。Buttheflamesofthecottagesandfarmsonthemountainsroseupbeforehim，andshowedhim，writtenasifincharactersoffire，whatkindofwarhisfatherwaswaging。Yethewentontowardsthespotwherethearmywasmustered，butonlytoofferhismediation，affirmingthathewouldnotlayhishandonhisgoodswordinsoabhorredaservice，eventhoughthestonefortress，andhisfather’scastlebesides，shouldfallbeforethevengeanceoftheirenemies。Biornhurledthespearwhichheheldinhishandagainsthissonwithmadfury。Thedeadlyweaponwhizzedpasthim：Sintramremainedstandingwithhisvisorraised，hedidnotmoveonelimbinhisdefence，whenhesaid：\"Father，dowhatyouwill;butIjoinnotinyourgodlesswarfare。\"
BiornoftheFieryEyeslaughedscornfully：\"ItseemsIamalwaystohaveaspyovermehere;mysonsucceedstothedaintyFrenchknight！\"Butneverthelesshecametohimself，acceptedSintram’smediation，madeamendsfortheinjurieshehaddone，andreturnedgloomilytohiscastle。SintramwentbacktotheRocksoftheMoon。
Suchoccurrenceswerefrequentafterthattime。ItwentsofarthatSintramcametobelookeduponastheprotectorofallthosewhomhisfatherpursuedwithrelentlessfury;butneverthelesssometimeshisownwildnesswouldcarrytheyoungknightawaytoaccompanyhisfiercefatherinhisfearfuldeeds。ThenBiornusedtolaughwithhorriblepleasure，andtosay：\"Seethere，myson，howtheflameswehavelightedblazeupfromthevillages，asthebloodspoutsupfromthewoundsourswordshavemade！Itisplaintome，howevermuchthoumaystpretendtothecontrary，thatthouart，andwilteverremain，mytrueandbelovedheir！\"
Afterthusfearfullyerring，SintramcouldfindnocomfortbutinhasteningtothechaplainofDrontheim，andconfessingtohimhismiseryandhissins。Thechaplainwouldfreelyabsolvehim，afterduepenanceandrepentance，andagainraiseupthebroken-heartedyouth;butwouldoftensay：\"Oh，hownearlyhadstthoureachedthylasttrial，andgainedthevictory，andlookedonVerena’scountenance，andatonedforall！Nowthouhastthrownthyselfbackforyears。Think，myson，ontheshortnessofman’slife;ifthouartalwaysfallingbackanew，howwiltthouevergainthesummitonthissidethegrave？\"
Yearscameandwent，andBiorn’shairwaswhiteassnow，andtheyouthSintramhadreachedthemiddleage。OldRolfwasnowscarcelyabletoleavethestonefortress;andsometimeshesaid：\"Ifeelitaburdenthatmylifeshouldyetbeprolonged;butalsothereismuchcomfortinit，forIstillthinkthegoodGodhasinstoreformeherebelowsomegreathappiness;anditmustbesomethinginwhichyouareconcerned，mybelovedSirSintram，forwhatelseinthewholeworldcouldrejoiceme？\"
Butallremainedasitwas，andSintram’sfearfuldreamsatChristmas-timeeachyearratherincreasedthandiminishedinhorror。
Againtheholyseasonwasdrawingnear，andthemindofthesorelyafflictedknightwasmoretroubledthaneverbefore。Sometimes，ifhehadbeenreckoningupthenightstillitshouldcome，acoldsweatwouldstandonhisforehead，whilehesaid，\"Markmywords，dearoldfoster-father，thistimesomethingmostawfullydecisiveliesbeforeme。\"
Oneeveninghefeltanoverwhelminganxietyabouthisfather。ItseemedtohimthatthePrinceofDarknesswasgoinguptoBiorn’scastle;andinvaindidRolfremindhimthatthesnowwaslyingdeepinthevalleys，invaindidhesuggestthattheknightmightbeovertakenbyhisfrightfuldreamsinthelonelymountainsduringthenight-time。\"Nothingcanbeworsetomethanremainingherewouldbe，\"repliedSintram。
Hetookhishorsefromthestableandrodeforthinthegatheringdarkness。Thenoblesteedslippedandstumbledandfellinthetracklessway，buthisrideralwaysraisedhimup，andurgedhimonlymoreswiftlyandeagerlytowardstheobjectwhichhelongedandyetdreadedtoreach。NeverthelesshemightneverhavearrivedatithadnothisfaithfulhoundSkovmarkkeptwithhim。Thedogsoughtoutthelosttrackforhisbelovedmaster，andinvitedhimintoitwithjoyousbarkings，andwarnedhimbyhishowlsagainstprecipicesandtreacherousiceunderthesnow。ThustheyarrivedaboutmidnightatBiorn’scastle。Thewindowsofthehallshoneoppositetothemwithabrilliantlight，asthoughsomegreatfeastwerekeptthere，andconfusedsounds，asofsinging，mettheirears。Sintramgavehishorsehastilytosomeretainersinthecourt-yard，andranupthesteps，whilstSkovmarkstayedbythewell-knownhorse。
AgoodesquirecametowardsSintramwithinthecastleandsaid，\"Godbepraised，mydearmaster，thatyouarecome;forsurelynothinggoodisgoingonabove。Buttakeheedtoyourselfalso，andbenotdeluded。Yourfatherhasaguestwithhim，——and，asIthink——ahatefulone。\"
Sintramshudderedashethrewopenthedoors。Alittlemaninthedressofaminerwassittingwithhisbacktowardshim。Thearmourhadbeenforsometimepastagainrangedroundthestonetable，sothatonlytwoplaceswereleftempty。TheseatoppositethedoorhadbeentakenbyBiornoftheFieryEyes;andthedazzlinglightofthetorchesfelluponhisfeatureswithsoredaflare，thatheperfectlyenactedthatfearfulsurname。
\"Father，whomhaveyouherewithyou？\"criedSintram;andhissuspicionsrosetocertaintyastheminerturnedround，andthedetestablefaceofthelittleMastergrinnedfromunderhisdarkhood。
\"Yes，justsee，myfairson，\"saidthewildBiorn;\"thouhastnotbeenhereforalongwhile，——andsoto-nightthisjollycomradehaspaidmeavisit，andthyplacehasbeentaken。Butthrowoneofthesuitsofarmouroutoftheway，andputaseatforthyselfinsteadofit，——andcomeanddrinkwithus，andbemerry。\"
\"Yes，doso，SirSintram，\"saidthelittleMaster，withalaugh。
\"Nothingworsecouldcomeofitthanthatthebrokenpiecesofarmourmightclattersomewhatstrangelytogether，oratmostthatthedisturbedspiritofhimtowhomthesuitbelongedmightlookoveryourshoulder;buthewouldnotdrinkupanyofourwine——ghostshavenothingtodowiththat。Sonowfallto！\"
Biornjoinedinthelaughterofthehideousstrangerwithwildmirth;
andwhileSintramwasmusteringuphiswholestrengthnottolosehissensesatsoterriblewords，andwasfixingacalm，steadylookonthelittleMaster’sface，theoldmancriedout，\"Whydostthoulookathimso？Doesitseemasthoughthousawestthyselfinamirror？
Nowthatyouaretogether，Idonotseeitsomuch;butawhileagoI
thoughtthatyouwerelikeenoughtoeachothertobemistaken。\"
\"Godforbid！\"saidSintram，walkingupclosetothefearfulapparition：\"Icommandthee，detestablestranger，todepartfromthiscastle，inrightofmyauthorityasmyfather’sheir，——asaconsecratedknightandasaspirit！\"
Biornseemedasifhewishedtoopposehimselftothiscommandwithallhissavagemight。ThelittleMastermutteredtohimself，\"Thouartnotbyanymeansthemasterinthishouse，piousknight;thouhastneverlightedafireonthishearth。\"ThenSintramdrewtheswordwhichGabriellehadgivenhim，heldthecrossofthehiltbeforetheeyesofhisevilguest，andsaid，calmly，butwithapowerfulvoice，\"Worshiporfly！\"Andhefled，thefrightfulstranger，——hefledwithsuchlightningspeed，thatitcouldscarcelybeseenwhetherhehadsprungthroughthewindoworthedoor。Butingoingheoverthrewsomeofthearmour，thetaperswentout，anditseemedthatthepaleblueflamewhichlightedupthewholeinamarvellousmannergaveafulfilmenttothelittleMaster’sformerwords：andthatthespiritsofthosetowhomthearmourhadbelongedwereleaningoverthetable，grinningfearfully。
Boththefatherandthesonwerefilledwithhorror;buteachchoseanoppositewaytosavehimself。Biornwishedtohavehishatefulguestbackagain;andthepowerofhiswillwasseenwhenthelittleMaster’sstepresoundedanewonthestairs，andhisbrownshrivelledhandshookthelockofthedoor。Ontheotherhand，Sintramceasednottosaywithinhimself，\"Wearelost，ifhecomeback！Wearelosttoalleternity，ifhecomeback！\"Andhefellonhisknees，andprayedferventlyfromhistroubledhearttoFather，Son，andHolyGhost。ThenthelittleMasterleftthedoor，andagainBiornwilledhimtoreturn，andagainSintram’sprayersdrovehimaway。Sowentonthisstrifeofwillsthroughoutthelongnight;andhowlingwhirlwindsragedthewhilearoundthecastle，tillallthehouseholdthoughttheendoftheworldwascome。
Atlengththedawnofmorningappearedthroughthewindowsofthehall，——thefuryofthestormwaslulled，——Biornsankbackpowerlessinslumberonhisseat，——peaceandhopecametotheinmatesofthecastle，——andSintram，paleandexhausted，wentouttobreathethedewyairofthemildwinter’smorningbeforethecastle-gates。
CHAPTER26
ThefaithfulSkovmarkfollowedhismaster，caressinghim;andwhenSintramfellasleeponastoneseatinthewall，helayathisfeet，keepingwatchfulguard。Suddenlyheprickeduphisears，lookedroundwithdelight，andboundedjoyfullydownthemountain。JustafterwardsthechaplainofDrontheimappearedamongsttherocks，andthegoodbeastwentuptohimasiftogreethim，andthenagainranbacktotheknighttoannouncethewelcomevisitor。
Sintramopenedhiseyes，asachildwhoseChristmasgiftshavebeenplacedathisbedside。Forthechaplainsmiledathimashehadneveryetseenhimsmile。Therewasinitatokenofvictoryandblessing，oratleastofthenearapproachofboth。\"Thouhastdonemuchyesterday，verymuch，\"saidtheholypriest;andhishandswerejoined，andhiseyesfullofbrighttears。\"IpraiseGodforthee，mynobleknight。Verenaknowsall，andshetoopraisesGodforthee。
Idoindeednowdarehopethatthetimewillsooncomewhenthoumaystappearbeforeher。ButSintram，SirSintram，thereisneedofhaste;fortheoldmanaboverequiresspeedyair，andthouhaststillaheavy——asIhopethelast——yetamostheavytrialtoundergoforhissake。Armthyself，myknight，armthyselfevenwithbodilyweapons。Intruth，thistimeonlyspiritualarmourisneeded，butitalwaysbefitsaknight，aswellasamonk，towearindecisivemomentstheentiresolemngarbofhisstation。Ifitsopleasethee，wewillgodirectlytoDrontheimtogether。Thoumustreturnthenceto-night。Suchisapartofthehiddendecree，whichhasbeendimlyunfoldedtoVerena’sforesight。Herethereisyetmuchthatiswildanddistracting，andthouhastgreatneedto-dayofcalmpreparation。\"
WithhumblejoySintrambowedhisassent，andcalledforhishorseandforasuitofarmour。\"Only，\"addedhe，\"letnotanyofthatarmourbebroughtwhichwaslastnightoverthrowninthehall！\"
Hisorderswerequicklyobeyed。Thearmswhichwerefetched，adornedwithfineengravedwork，thesimplehelmet，formedratherlikethatofanesquirethanaknight，thelanceofalmostgiganticsize，whichbelongedtothesuit——onallthesethechaplaingazedindeepthoughtandwithmelancholyemotion。Atlast，whenSintram，withthehelpofhisesquires，waswell-nighequipped，theholypriestspoke：
\"WonderfulprovidenceofGod！See，dearSintram，thisarmourandthisspearwereformerlythoseofSirWeigandtheSlender，andwiththemhedidmanymightydeeds。Whenhewastendedbyyourmotherinthecastle，andwhenevenyourfatherstillshowedhimselfkindtowardshim，heasked，asafavour，thathisarmourandhislanceshouldbeallowedtohanginBiorn’sarmoury——Weigandhimself，asyouwellknow，intendedtobuildacloisterandtolivethereasamonk——
andheputhisoldesquire’shelmetwithit，insteadofanother，becausehewasyetwearingthatonewhenhefirstsawthefairVerena’sangelicface。Howwondrouslydoesitnowcometopass，thattheseveryarms，whichhavesolongbeenlaidaside，shouldbebroughttoyouforthedecisivehourofyourlife！Tome，asfarasmyshort-sightedhumanwisdomcantell，——tomeitseemstrulyaverysolemntoken，butonefullofhighandgloriouspromise。\"
Sintramstoodnowincompletearray，composedandstately，and，fromhistallslenderfigure，mighthavebeentakenforayouth，hadnotthedeeplinesofcarewhichfurrowedhiscountenanceshownhimtobeadvancedinyears。
\"Whohasplacedboughsontheheadofmywar-horse？\"askedSintramoftheesquires，withdispleasure。\"Iamnotaconqueror，norawedding-guest。Andbesides，therearenoboughsnowbutthoseredandyellowcracklingoak-leaves，dullanddeadliketheseasonitself。\"
\"SirKnight，Iknownotmyself，\"answeredanesquire;\"butitseemedtomethatitmustbeso。\"
\"Letitbe，\"saidthechaplain。\"Ifeelthatthisalsocomesasatokenfullofmeaningfromtherightsource。\"
Thentheknightthrewhimselfintohissaddle;thepriestwentbesidehim;andtheybothrodeslowlyandsilentlytowardsDrontheim。Thefaithfuldogfollowedhismaster。WhentheloftycastleofDrontheimappearedinsight，agentlesmilespreaditselfoverSintram’scountenance，likesunshineoverawintryvalley。\"Godhasdonegreatthingsforme，\"saidhe。\"Ioncerushedfromhere，afearfullywildboy;Inowcomebackapenitentman。Itrustthatitwillyetgowellwithmypoortroubledlife。\"
Thechaplainassentedkindly，andsoonafterwardsthetravellerspassedundertheechoingvaultedgatewayintothecastle-yard。Atasignfromthepriest，theretainersapproachedwithrespectfulhaste，andtookchargeofthehorse;thenheandSintramwentthroughlongwindingpassagesandupmanystepstotheremotechamberwhichthechaplainhadchosenforhimself;farawayfromthenoiseofmen，andneartothecloudsandthestars。Therethetwopassedaquietdayindevoutprayer，andearnestreadingofHolyScripture。
Whentheeveningbegantoclosein，thechaplainaroseandsaid：\"Andnow，myknight，getreadythyhorse，andmountandridebackagaintothyfather’scastle。Atoilsomewayliesbeforethee，andIdarenotgowithyou。ButIcanandwillcallupontheLordforyouallthroughthelongfearfulnight。0belovedinstrumentoftheMostHigh，thouwiltyetnotbelost！\"
Thrillingwithstrangeforebodings，butneverthelessstrongandvigorousinspirit，Sintramdidaccordingtotheholyman’sdesire。
Thesunsetastheknightapproachedalongvalley，strangelyshutinbyrocks，throughwhichlaytheroadtohisfather’scastle。
CHAPTER27
Beforeenteringtherockypass，theknight，withaprayerandthanksgiving，lookedbackoncemoreatthecastleofDrontheim。
Thereitwas，sovastandquietandpeaceful;thebrightwindowsofthechaplain’shighchamberyetlightedupbythelastgleamofthesun，whichhadalreadydisappeared。InfrontofSintramwasthegloomyvalley，asifhisgrave。Thentherecametowardshimsomeoneridingonasmallhorse;andSkovmark，whohadgoneuptothestrangerasiftofindoutwhohewas，nowranbackwithhistailbetweenhislegsandhisearsputback，howlingandwhining，andcrept，terrified，underhismaster’swar-horse。Buteventhenoblesteedappearedtohaveforgottenhisoncesofearlessandwarlikeardour。Hetrembledviolently，andwhentheknightwouldhaveturnedhimtowardsthestranger，herearedandsnortedandplunged，andbegantothrowhimselfbackwards。ItwasonlywithdifficultythatSintram’sstrengthandhorsemanshipgotthebetterofhim;andhewasallwhitewithfoamwhenSintramcameuptotheunknowntraveller。
\"Youhavecowardlybeastswithyou，\"saidthelatter，inalow，smotheredvoice。
Sintramwasunable，intheever-increasingdarkness，rightlytodistinguishwhatkindofbeinghesawbeforehim;onlyaverypallidface，whichatfirsthehadthoughtwascoveredwithfreshlyfallensnow，methiseyesfromamidstthelonghanginggarments。Itseemedthatthestrangercarriedasmallboxwrappedup;hislittlehorse，asifweariedout，benthisheaddowntowardstheground，wherebyabell，whichhungfromthewretchedtornbridleunderhisneck，wasmadetogiveastrangesound。Afterashortsilence，Sintramreplied：\"Noblesteedsavoidthoseofaworserace，becausetheyareashamedofthem;andtheboldestdogsareattackedbyasecretterroratsightofformstowhichtheyarenotaccustomed。Ihavenocowardlybeastswithme。\"
\"Good，sirknight;thenridewithmethroughthevalley。\"
\"Iamgoingthroughthevalley，butIwantnocompanions。\"
\"ButperhapsIwantone。DoyounotseethatIamunarmed？Andatthisseason，atthishour，therearefrightful，unearthlybeastsabout。\"
Justthen，asthoughtoconfirmtheawfulwordsofthestranger，athingswungitselfdownfromoneofthenearesttrees，coveredwithhoar-frost，——noonecouldsayifitwereasnakeoralizard，——itcurledandtwisteditself，andappearedabouttoslidedownupontheknightorhiscompanion。Sintramlevelledhisspear，andpiercedthecreaturethrough。But，withthemosthideouscontortions，itfixeditselffirmlyonthespear-head;andinvaindidtheknightendeavourtorubitoffagainsttherocksorthetrees。Thenhelethisspearrestuponhisrightshoulder，withthepointbehindhim，sothatthehorriblebeastnolongermethissight;andhesaid，withgoodcourage，tothestranger，\"Itdoesseem，indeed，thatIcouldhelpyou，andIamnotforbiddentohaveanunknownstrangerinmycompany;soletuspushonbravelyintothevalley！\"
\"Help！\"soresoundedthesolemnanswer;\"nothelp。Iperhapsmayhelpthee。ButGodhavemercyupontheeifthetimeshouldevercomewhenIcouldnolongerhelpthee。Thenthouwouldstbelost，andI
shouldbecomeveryfrightfultothee。Butwewillgothroughthevalley——Ihavethyknightlywordforit。Come！\"
Theyrodeforward;Sintram’shorsestillshowingsignsoffear，thefaithfuldogstillwhining;butbothobedienttotheirmaster’swill。
Theknightwascalmandsteadfast。Thesnowhadslippeddownfromthesmoothrocks，andbythelightoftherisingmooncouldbeseenvariousstrangetwistedshapesontheirsides，somelookinglikesnakes，andsomelikehumanfaces;buttheywereonlyformedbytheveinsintherockandthehalf-barerootsoftrees，whichhadplantedthemselvesinthatdesertplacewithcapriciousfirmness。Highabove，andatagreatdistance，thecastleofDrontheim，asiftotakeleave，appearedagainthroughanopeningintherocks。Theknightthenlookedkeenlyathiscompanion，andhealmostfeltasifWeigandtheSlenderwereridingbesidehim。
\"InGod’sname，\"criedhe，\"artthounottheshadeofthatdepartedknightwhosufferedanddiedforVerena？\"
\"Ihavenotsuffered，Ihavenotdied;butyesuffer，andyedie，poormortals！\"murmuredthestranger。\"IamnotWeigand。Iamthatother，whowassolikehim，andwhomthouhastalsometbeforenowinthewood。\"
Sintramstrovetofreehimselffromtheterrorwhichcameoverhimatthesewords。Helookedathishorse;itappearedtohimentirelyaltered。Thedry，many-colouredoak-leavesonitsheadwerewavingliketheflamesaroundasacrifice，intheuncertainmoonlight。Helookeddownagain，toseeafterhisfaithfulSkovmark。Fearhadlikewisemostwondrouslychangedhim。Onthegroundinthemiddleoftheroadwerelyingdeadmen’sbones，andhideouslizardswerecrawlingabout;and，indefianceofthewintryseason，poisonousmushroomsweregrowingupallaround。
\"CanthisbestillmyhorseonwhichIamriding？\"saidtheknighttohimself，inalowvoice;\"andcanthattremblingbeastwhichrunsatmysidebemydog？\"
Thensomeonecalledafterhim，inayellingvoice，\"Stop！stop！
Takemealsowithyou！\"
Lookinground，Sintramperceivedasmall，frightfulfigurewithhorns，andafacepartlylikeawildboarandpartlylikeabear，walkingalongonitshind-legs，whichwerethoseofahorse;andinitshandwasastrange，hideousweapon，shapedlikeahookorasickle。Itwasthebeingwhohadbeenwonttotroublehiminhisdreams;and，alas！itwasalsothewretchedlittleMasterhimself，who，laughingwildly，stretchedoutalongclawtowardstheknight。
ThebewilderedSintrammurmured，\"Imusthavefallenasleep;andnowmydreamsarecomingoverme！\"
\"Thouartawake，\"repliedtheriderofthelittlehorse，\"butthouknowestmealsointhydreams。For，behold！IamDeath。\"Andhisgarmentsfellfromhim，andthereappearedamoulderingskeleton，itsghastlyheadcrownedwithserpents;thatwhichhehadkepthiddenunderhismantlewasanhour-glasswiththesandalmostrunout。
Deathheldittowardstheknightinhisfleshlesshand。Thebellattheneckofthelittlehorsegaveforthasolemnsound。Itwasapassingbell。
\"Lord，intoThyhandsIcommendmyspirit！\"prayedSintram;andfullofearnestdevotionherodeafterDeath，whobeckonedhimon。
\"Hehastheenotyet！Hehastheenotyet！\"screamedthefearfulfiend。\"Givethyselfuptomerather。Inoneinstant，——forswiftarethythoughts，swiftismymight，——inoneinstantthoushaltbeinNormandy。Helenyetbloomsinbeautyaswhenshedepartedhence，andthisverynightshewouldbethine。\"AndonceagainhebeganhisunholypraisesofGabrielle’sloveliness，andSintram’sheartglowedlikewild-fireinhisweakbreast。
Deathsaidnothingmore，butraisedthehour-glassinhisrighthandyethigherandhigher;andasthesandnowranoutmorequickly，asoftlightstreamedfromtheglassoverSintram’scountenance，andthenitseemedtohimasifeternityinallitscalmmajestywererisingbeforehim，andaworldofconfusiondragginghimbackwithadeadlygrasp。
\"Icommandthee，wildformthatfollowestme，\"criedhe，\"Icommandthee，inthenameofourLordJesusChrist，toceasefromthyseducingwords，andtocallthyselfbythatnamebywhichthouartrecordedinHolyWrit！\"
Aname，morefearfulthanathunderclap，burstdespairinglyfromthelipsoftheTempter，andhedisappeared。
\"Hewillreturnnomore，\"saidDeath，inakindlytone。
\"AndnowIambecomewhollythine，mysterncompanion？\"
\"Notyet，mySintram。Ishallnotcometotheetillmany，manyyearsarepast。Butthoumustnotforgetmethewhile。\"
\"Iwillkeepthethoughtoftheesteadilybeforemysoul，thoufearfulyetwholesomemonitor，thouawfulyetlovingguide！\"
\"Oh！Icantrulyappearverygentle。\"
Andsoitprovedindeed。Hisformbecamemoresoftlydefinedintheincreasinggleamoflightwhichshonefromthehour-glass;thefeatures，whichhadbeenawfulintheirsternness，woreagentlesmile;thecrownofserpentsbecameabrightpalm-wreath;insteadofthehorseappearedawhitemistycloudinthemoonlight;andthebellgaveforthsoundsasofsweetlullabies。Sintramthoughthecouldhearthesewordsamidstthem：
\"TheworldandSatanareo’ercome，Beforetheegleamseternallight，Warrior，whohastwonthestrife：
SavefromdarkestshadesofnightHimbeforewhoseagedeyesAllmyterrorssoonshallrise。\"
Theknightwellknewthathisfatherwasmeant;andheurgedonhisnoblesteed，whichnowobeyedhismasterwillinglyandgladly，andthefaithfuldogalsoagainranbesidehimfearlessly。Deathhaddisappeared;butinfrontofSintramtherefloatedabrightmorningcloud，whichcontinuedvisibleafterthesunhadrisenclearandwarminthebrightwintersky。
CHAPTER28
\"Heisdead！thehorrorsofthatfearfulstormynighthavekilledhim！\"Thussaid，aboutthistime，someofBiorn’sretainers，whohadnotbeenabletobringhimbacktohissensessincethemorningofthedaybefore：theyhadmadeacouchofwolfandbearskinsforhiminthegreathall，inthemidstofthearmourwhichstilllayscatteredaround。Oneoftheesquiressaidwithalowsigh：\"TheLordhavemercyonhispoorwildsoul！\"
Justthenthewarderblewhishornfromhistower，andatroopercameintotheroomwithalookofsurprise。\"Aknightiscominghither，\"
saidhe;\"awonderfulknight。IcouldhavetakenhimforourLordSintram——butabright，brightmorningcloudfloatssoclosebeforehim，andthrowsoverhimsuchaclearlight，thatonecouldfancyredflowerswereshowereddownuponhim。Besides，hishorsehasawreathofredleavesonhishead，whichwasneveracustomofthesonofourdeadlord。\"
\"Justsuchaone，\"repliedanother，\"Iwoveforhimyesterday。Hewasnotpleasedwithitatfirst，butafterwardsheletitremain。\"
\"Butwhydidstthouthat？\"
\"ItseemedtomeasifIheardavoicesingingagainandagaininmyear：’Victory！victory！thenoblestvictory！Theknightridesforthtovictory！’AndthenIsawabranchofouroldestoak-treestretchedtowardsme，whichhadkeptonalmostallitsredandyellowleavesinspiteofthesnow。SoIdidaccordingtowhatIhadheardsung;andIpluckedsomeoftheleaves，andwoveatriumphalwreathforthenoblewar-horse。AtthesametimeSkovmark，——youknowthatthefaithfulbeasthadalwaysagreatdisliketoBiorn，andthereforehadgonetothestablewiththehorse，——Skovmarkjumpeduponme，fawning，andseemedpleased，asifhewantedtothankmeformywork;
andsuchnobleanimalsunderstandwellaboutgoodprognostics。\"
TheyheardthesoundofSintram’sspursonthestonesteps，andSkovmark’sjoyousbark。AtthatinstantthesupposedcorpseofoldBiornsatup，lookedaroundwithrolling，staringeyes，andaskedoftheterrifiedretainersinahollowvoice，\"Whocomesthere，yepeople？whocomesthere？Iknowitismyson。Butwhocomeswithhim？Theanswertothatbearstheswordofdecisioninitsmouth。
Forsee，goodpeople，GotthardandRudliebhaveprayedmuchforme;
yetifthelittleMastercomewithhim，Iamlostinspiteofthem。\"
\"Thouartnotlost，mybelovedfather！\"Sintram’skindvoicewasheardtosay，ashesoftlyopenedthedoor，andthebrightredmorningcloudfloatedinwithhim。
Biornjoinedhishands，castalookofthankfulnessuptoheaven，andsaid，smiling，\"Yes，praisedbeGod！itistherightcompanion！Itissweetgentledeath！\"Andthenhemadeasigntohissontoapproach，saying，\"Comehere，mydeliverer;come，blessedoftheLord，thatImayrelatetotheeallthathaspassedwithinme。\"
AsSintramnowsatclosebyhisfather’scouch，allwhowereintheroomperceivedaremarkableandstrikingchange。ForoldBiorn，whosewholecountenance，andnothiseyesalone，hadbeenwonttohaveafieryaspect，wasnowquitepale，almostlikewhitemarble;
while，ontheotherhand，thecheeksoftheoncedeadlypaleSintramglowedwithabrightbloomlikethatofearlyyouth。Itwascausedbythemorningcloudwhichstillshoneuponhim，whosepresenceintheroomwasratherfeltthanseen;butitproducedagentlethrillineveryheart。
\"See，myson，\"begantheoldman，softlyandmildly，\"Ihavelainforalongtimeinadeath-likesleep，andhaveknownnothingofwhatwasgoingonaroundme;butwithin，——ah！within，Ihaveknownbuttoomuch！Ithoughtthatmysoulwouldbedestroyedbytheeternalanguish;andyetagainIfelt，withmuchgreaterhorror，thatmysoulwaseternallikethatanguish。Belovedson，thycheeksthatglowedsobrightlyarebeginningtogrowpaleatmywords。Irefrainfrommore。Butletmerelatetoyousomethingmorecheering。Far，faraway，Icouldseeabrightloftychurch，whereGotthardandRudliebLenzwerekneelingandprayingforme。Gotthardhadgrownveryold，andlookedalmostlikeoneofourmountainscoveredwithsnow，onwhichthesun，inthelovelyeveninghours，isshining;andRudliebwasalsoanelderlyman，butveryvigorousandverystrong;andtheyboth，withalltheirstrengthandvigour，werecallinguponGodtoaidme，theirenemy。ThenIheardavoicelikethatofanangel，saying，’Hissondoesthemostforhim！Hemustthisnightwrestlewithdeathandwiththefallenone！Hisvictorywillbevictory，andhisdefeatwillbedefeat，fortheoldmanandhimself。’ThereuponI
awoke;andIknewthatalldependeduponwhomthouwouldstbringwiththee。Thouhastconquered。NexttoGod，thepraisebetothee！\"
\"GotthardandRudliebhavehelpedmuch，\"repliedSintram;\"and，belovedfather，sohavetheferventprayersofthechaplainofDrontheim。Ifelt，whenstrugglingwithtemptationanddeadlyfear，howtheheavenlybreathofholymenfloatedroundmeandaidedme。\"
\"Iammostwillingtobelievethat，mynobleson，andeverythingthousayesttome，\"answeredtheoldman;andatthesamemomentthechaplainalsocomingin，Biornstretchedouthishandtowardshimwithasmileofpeaceandjoy。Andnowallseemedtobesurroundedwithabrightcircleofunityandblessedness。\"Butsee，\"saidoldBiorn，\"howthefaithfulSkovmarkjumpsuponmenow，andtriestocaressme。Itisnotlongsinceheusedalwaystohowlwithterrorwhenhesawme。\"
\"Mydearlord，\"saidthechaplain，\"thereisaspiritdwellingingoodbeasts，thoughdreamyandunconscious。\"
Asthedayworeon，thestillnessinthehallincreased。Thelasthouroftheagedknightwasdrawingnear，buthemetitcalmlyandfearlessly。ThechaplainandSintramprayedbesidehiscouch。Theretainerskneltdevoutlyaround。Atlengththedyingmansaid：\"Isthattheprayer-bellinVerena’scloister？\"Sintram’slookssaidyea;whilewarmtearsfellonthecolourlesscheeksofhisfather。
Agleamshoneintheoldman’seyes，themorningcloudstoodcloseoverhim，andthenthegleam，themorningcloud，andlifewiththem，departedfromhim。
CHAPTER29
AfewdaysafterwardsSintramstoodintheparlouroftheconvent，andwaitedwithabeatingheartforhismothertoappear。Hehadseenherforthelasttimewhen，aslumberingchild，hehadbeenawakenedbyherwarmfarewellkisses，andthenhadfallenasleepagain，towonderinhisdreamswhathismotherhadwantedwithhim，andtoseekherinvainthenextmorninginthecastleandinthegarden。Thechaplainwasnowathisside，rejoicinginthechastenedraptureoftheknight，whosefiercespirithadbeensoftened，onwhosecheeksalightreflectionofthatsolemnmorningcloudyetlingered。
Theinnerdoorsopened。Inherwhiteveil，statelyandnoble，theLadyVerenacameforward，andwithaheavenlysmileshebeckonedhersontoapproachthegrating。Therecouldbenothoughthereofanypassionateoutbreak，whetherofsorroworofjoy。
\"InwhosesweetpresencesorrowdaresnotlowerNorexpectationriseToohighforearth。\"——ChristianYear（Footnotein1901text。）
TheholypeacewhichhaditsabodewithinthesewallswouldhavefounditswaytoaheartlesstriedandlesspurifiedthanthatwhichbeatinSintram’sbosom。Sheddingsomeplacidtears，thesonkneltbeforehismother，kissedherflowinggarmentsthroughthegrating，andfeltasifinparadise，whereeverywishandeverycareishushed。\"Belovedmother，\"saidhe，\"letmebecomeaholyman，asthouartaholywoman。ThenIwillbetakemyselftothecloisteryonder;andperhapsImightonedaybedeemedworthytobethyconfessor，ifillnessortheweaknessofoldageshouldkeepthegoodchaplainwithinthecastleofDrontheim。\"
\"Thatwouldbeasweet，quietlyhappylife，mygoodchild，\"repliedtheLadyVerena;\"butsuchisnotthyvocation。Thoumustremainabold，powerfulknight，andthoumustspendthelonglife，whichisalmostalwaysgrantedtouschildrenoftheNorth，insuccouringtheweak，inkeepingdownthelawless，andinyetanothermorebrightandhonourableemploymentwhichIhithertoratherhonourthanknow。\"
\"God’swillbedone！\"saidtheknight，andheroseupfullofself-
devotionandfirmness。
\"Thatismygoodson，\"saidtheLadyVerena。\"Ah！howmanysweetcalmjoysspringupforus！See，alreadyisourlongingdesireofmeetingagainsatisfied，andthouwiltnevermorebesoentirelyestrangedfromme。Everyweekonthisdaythouwiltcomebacktome，andthouwiltrelatewhatgloriousdeedsthouhastdone，andtakebackwiththeemyadviceandmyblessing。\"
\"AmInotoncemoreagoodandhappychild！\"criedSintramjoyously;
\"onlythatthemercifulGodhasgivenmeinadditionthestrengthofamaninbodyandspirit。Oh，howblessedisthatsontowhomitisallowedtogladdenhismother’sheartwiththeblossomsandthefruitofhislife！\"
Thusheleftthequietcloister’sshade，joyfulinspiritandrichlyladenwithblessings，toenteronhisnoblecareer。Hewasnotcontentwithgoingaboutwherevertheremightbearightfulcausetodefendoreviltoavert;thegatesofthenowhospitablecastlestoodalwaysopenalsotoreceiveandsheltereverystranger;andoldRolf，whowasalmostgrownyoungagainatthesightofhislord’sexcellence，wasestablishedasseneschal。ThewinterofSintram’slifesetinbrightandglorious，anditwasonlyattimesthathewouldsighwithinhimselfandsay，\"Ah，Montfaucon！ah，Gabrielle！ifIcoulddaretohopethatyouhavequiteforgivenme！\"
CHAPTER30
Thespringhadcomeinitsbrightnesstothenorthernlands，whenonemorningSintramturnedhishorsehomewards，afterasuccessfulencounterwithoneofthemostformidabledisturbersofthepeaceofhisneighbourhood。Hishorsemenrodeafterhim，singingastheywent。Astheydrewnearthecastle，theyheardthesoundofjoyousnoteswoundonthehorn。\"Somewelcomevisitormusthavearrived，\"
saidtheknight;andhespurredhishorsetoaquickerpaceoverthedewymeadow。Whilestillatsomedistance，theydescriedoldRolf，busilyengagedinpreparingatableforthemorningmeal，underthetreesinfrontofthecastle-gates。Fromalltheturretsandbattlementsfloatedbannersandflagsinthefreshmorningbreeze：
esquireswererunningtoandfrointheirgayestapparel。AssoonasthegoodRolfsawhismaster，heclappedhishandsjoyfullyoverhisgreyhead，andhastenedintothecastle。Immediatelythewidegateswerethrownopen;andSintram，asheentered，wasmetbyRolf，whoseeyeswerefilledwithtearsofjoywhilehepointedtowardsthreenobleformsthatwerefollowinghim。
Twomenofhighstature——oneinextremeoldage，theothergrey-
headed，andbothremarkablyalike——wereleadingbetweenthemafairyoungboy，inapage’sdressofbluevelvet，richlyembroideredwithgold。ThetwooldmenworethedarkvelvetdressofGermanburghers，andhadmassivegoldchainsandlargeshiningmedalshangingroundtheirnecks。
Sintramhadneverbeforeseenhishonouredguests，andyethefeltasiftheywerewellknownandvaluedfriends。Theveryagedmanremindedhimofhisdyingfather’swordsaboutthesnow-coveredmountainslightedupbytheeveningsun;andthenheremembered，hecouldscarcelytellhow，thathehadheardFolkosaythatoneofthehighestmountainsofthatsortinhissouthernlandwascalledtheSt。Gotthard。Andatthesametime，heknewthattheoldbutyetvigorousmanontheothersidewasnamedRudlieb。Buttheboywhostoodbetweenthemah！Sintram’shumilitydaredscarcelyformahopeastowhohemightbe，howevermuchhisfeatures，sonobleandsoft，calleduptwohighlyhonouredimagesbeforehismind。
ThentheagedGotthardLenz，thekingofoldmen，advancedwithasolemnstep，andsaid——\"ThisisthenobleboyEngeltramofMontfaucon，theonlysonofthegreatbaron;andhisfatherandmothersendhimtoyou，SirSintram，knowingwellyourholyandgloriousknightlycareer，thatyoumaybringhimuptoallthehonourableandvaliantdeedsofthisnorthernland，andmaymakeofhimaChristianknight，likeyourself。\"
Sintramthrewhimselffromhishorse。EngeltramofMontfauconheldthestirrupgracefullyforhim，checkingtheretainers，whopressedforward，withthesewords：\"Iamthenoblestbornesquireofthisknight，andtheservicenearesttohispersonbelongstome。\"
Sintramkneltinsilentprayerontheturf;thenliftingupinhisarms，towardstherisingsun，theimageofFolkoandGabrielle，hecried，\"WiththehelpofGod，myEngeltram，thouwiltbecomegloriousasthatsun，andthycoursewillbelikehis！\"
AndoldRolfexclaimed，asheweptforjoy，\"Lord，nowlettestThouThyservantdepartinpeace。\"
GotthardLenzandRudliebwerepressedtoSintram’sheart;thechaplainofDrontheim，whojustthencamefromVerena’scloistertobringajoyfulgreetingtoherbraveson，stretchedouthishandstoblessthemall。