ling rushed into many a heart, "There is no man on earth who can
deserve a bride so queenly." When Froda bowed his head, it seemed to him
as if the golden radiance of Aslauga'a tresses floated before his sight;
and his spirit rose in joy and pride that his lady held him worthy to be
so often reminded of her.

And now the tournament began. At first the knights strove with blunted
swords and battle-axes; then they ran their course with lances man to
man; but at last they divided into two equal parties, and a general
assault began, in which every one was allowed to use at his own
will either sword or lance. Froda and Edwald equally surpassed their
antagonists, as (measuring each his own strength and that of his friend)
they had foreseen. And now it must be decided by a single combat with
lances to whom the highest prize of victory should belong. Before this
trial began, they rode slowly together into the middle of the course,
and consulted where each should take his place. "Keep you your
guiding-star still before your sight," said Froda, with a smile; "the
like gracious help will not be wanting to me." Edwald looked round
astonished for the lady of whom his friend seemed to speak, but Froda
went on, "I have done wrong in hiding aught from you, but after the
tournament you shall know all. Now lay aside all needless thoughts of
wonder, dear Edchen, and sit firm in your saddle, for I warn you that
I shall run this course with all my might. Not my honour alone is at
stake, but the far higher honour of my lady."

"So also do I purpose to demean myself," said Edwald, with a friendly
smile. They shook each other by the hand, and rode to their places.

Amidst the sound of trumpets they met again, running their course with
lightning speed; the lances shivered with a crash, the horses staggered,
the knights, firm in their saddles, pulled them up, and rode back to
their places. But as they prepared for another course, Edwald's white
steed snorted in wild affright, and Froda's powerful chestnut reared up
foaming.

It was plain that the two noble animals shrunk from a second hard
encounter, but their riders held them fast with spur and bit, and,
firm and obedient, they again dashed forward at the second call of
the trumpet. Edwald, who by one deep, ardent gaze on the beauty of his
mistress had stamped it afresh on his soul, cried aloud at the moment
of encounter, "Hildegardis!" and so mightily did his lance strike
his valiant adver