CHAPTER VI.
THE CONFESSION.
But we have forgotten, meanwhile, that prostrate individual.

Having examined the wounds in his side, legs, head, and throat, the old hermit (a skilful leech) knelt down by the side of the vanquished one and said, "Sir Knight, it is my painful duty to state to you that you are in an exceedingly dangerous condition, and will not probably survive." "Say you so, Sir Priest?
then 'tis time I make my confession.

Hearken you, Priest, and you, Sir Knight, whoever you be." Sir Ludwig (who, much affected by the scene, had been tying his horse up to a tree), lifted his visor and said, "Gottfried of Godesberg! I am the friend of thy kinsman, Margrave Karl, whose happiness thou hast ruined; I am the friend of his chaste and virtuous lady, whose fair fame thou hast belied; I am the godfather of young Count Otto, whose heritage thou wouldst have appropriated.

Therefore I met thee in deadly fight, and overcame thee, and have wellnigh finished thee.

Speak on." "I have done all this," said the dying man, "and here, in my last hour, repent me.