r argument, for other matters press upon me.
I must speak now of the damsel and of Cliges, and you shall hear of
the Duke of Saxony, who has sent to Cologne a young nephew of his. This
youth informs the emperor that his uncle, the duke, sends word that
he need expect no peace or trace with him, unless he sends to him his
daughter, and that the one who is intending to carry her away with him
had better not start home, for he will find the road occupied and well
defended unless the maiden be surrendered.

(Vv. 2871-3010.) The youth spoke his message well, without pride and
without insult. But he found neither knight nor emperor who would answer
him. When he saw that they all held their peace and treated him with
scorn, he left the court in defiant mood. But youth and thirst for
daring deeds made Cliges defy him in combat as he left. For the contest
they mount their steeds, three hundred of them on either side, exactly
equal thus in strength. All the palace is quite emptied of knights and
ladies, who mount to the balconies, battlements, and windows to see and
watch those who were about to fight. Even the maiden, whose will Love
had subdued beneath his sway, sought for a point from which to see. She
took her place at a window, where she sat with great delight, because
from there she could get a view of him whom she holds secretly in her
heart with no desire to remove him thence; for she will never love any
other man. But she does not know his name, nor who he is, nor of what
race; for it is not proper to ask questions; but she yearns to hear
tidings which will bring joy to her heart. She looks out of the window
at the shields with their gleaming gold, and she gazes at those who wear
the shields about their necks, as they prepare for the trial at arms.
But all her thoughts and glances soon rest upon one object, and to all
others she is indifferent. Whereever Cliges goes, she seeks to follow
him with her eyes. And he in turn does his best for her, and battles
openly, in order that she at least may hear it said that he is bold and
very skilled: thus she will be compelled to prize him for his prowess.
He attacks the duke's nephew, who was breaking many a lance and sorely
discomfiting the Greeks. But Cliges, who is displeased at this, braces
himself firmly in his stirrups, and goes to strike him so speedily that
in spite of himself he had to vacate the saddle-bows. When he got up,
the uproar was great; for the youth arose and mou