All at once the men-at-arms stood round like walls.
Sintram felt that no hope remained for him.

He determined to die as it became a bold warrior; and without giving one sign of emotion, he looked on the fatal weapon with a steady gaze.
As he lay with his eyes cast upwards, he fancied that there appeared suddenly from heaven a wondrously beautiful female form in a bright attire of blue and gold.

"Our ancestors told truly of the Valkyrias," murmured he.

"Strike, then, thou unknown conqueror." But with this the knight did not comply, neither was it a Valkyria who had so suddenly appeared, but the beautiful wife of the stranger, who, having advanced to the high edge of the vessel, had thus met the upraised look of Sintram.
"Folko," cried she, in the softest tone, "thou knight without reproach! I know that thou sparest the vanquished." The knight sprang up, and with courtly grace stretched out his hand to the conquered youth, saying, "Thank the noble lady of Montfaucon for your life and liberty.

But if you are so totally devoid of all goodness as to wish to resume the combat, here am I; let it be yours to begin." Sintram sank, deeply ashamed, on his knees, and wept; for he had often heard speak of the high renown of the French knight Folko of Montfaucon, who was related to his father's house, and of the grace and beauty of his gentle lady Gabrielle..