From a balcony of her castle on the Maine Hildegardis was wont to refresh herself in the cool of the evening by gazing on the rich landscape below, but gazing more eagerly on the glitter of arms, which often came in sight from many a distant road; for knights were approaching singly, or with a train of followers, all eager to prove their courage and their strength in striving for the high prize of the tournament.

She was in truth a proud and high-minded maiden--perhaps more so than became even her dazzling beauty and her princely rank.

As she now gazed with a proud smile on the glittering roads a damsel of her train began the following lay:-- "The joyous song of birds in spring Upon the wing Doth echo far through wood and dell, And freely tell Their treasures sweet of love and mirth, Too gladsome for this lowly earth.
"The gentle breath of flowers in May, O'er meadows gay, Doth fill the pure and balmy air With perfume rare; Still floating round each slender form, Though scorched by sun, or torn by storm.
"But every high and glorious aim, And the pure flame That deep abiding in my heart Can ne'er depart, Too lofty for my falt'ring tongue, Must die with me, unknown, unsung." "Wherefore do you sing that song, and at this moment ?" said Hildegardis, striving to appear scornful and proud, though a deep and secret sadness was plainly enough seen to overshadow her countenance.

"It came into my head unawares," replied the damsel, "as I looked upon the road by which the gentle Edwald with his pleasant lays first approached us; for it was from him I learnt it.

But seems it not to you, my gracious lady, and to you too, my companions, as if Edwald himself were again riding that way towards the castle ?" "Dreamer!" said Hildegardis, scornfully--and yet could not for some space withdraw her eyes from the knight, till at length, with an effort, she turned them on Froda, who rode beside him, saying: "Yes, truly, that knight is Edwald; but what can you find to notice in the meek-spirited, silent boy?
Here, fix your eyes, my maidens, on this majestic figure, if you would behold a knight indeed." She was silent.