CHAPTER23
　　InthecastleofSirBiornoftheFieryEyes，Christmas-evehadnotpassedsobrightlyandhappily;butyet，theretooallhadgonevisiblyaccordingtoGod’swill。
　　Folko，attheentreatyofthelordofthecastle，hadallowedGabrielletosupporthimintothehall;andthethreenowsatattheroundstonetable，whereonasumptuousmealwaslaid。Oneithersidetherewerelongtables，atwhichsattheretainersofbothknightsinfullarmour，accordingtothecustomoftheNorth。Torchesandlampslightedtheloftyhallwithanalmostdazzlingbrightness。
　　Midnighthadnowbegunitssolemnreign，andGabriellesoftlyremindedherwoundedknighttowithdraw。Biornheardher，andsaid：
　　"Youareright，fairlady;ourknightneedsrest。Onlyletusfirstkeepuponemoreoldhonourablecustom。"
　　Andathissignfourattendantsbroughtinwithpompagreatboar’shead，whichlookedasifcutoutofsolidgold，andplaceditinthemiddleofthestonetable。Biorn’sretainersrosewithreverence，andtookofftheirhelmets;Biornhimselfdidthesame。
　　"Whatmeansthis？"askedFolkoverygravely。
　　"WhatthyforefathersandminehavedoneoneveryYulefeast，"
　　answeredBiorn。"Wearegoingtomakevowsontheboar’shead，andthenpassthegobletroundtotheirfulfilment。"
　　"WenolongerkeepwhatourancestorscalledtheYulefeast，"saidFolko;"wearegoodChristians，andwekeepholyChristmas-tide。"
　　"Todotheone，andnottoleavetheotherundone，"answeredBiorn。
　　"Iholdmyancestorstoodeartoforgettheirknightlycustoms。
　　Thosewhothinkotherwisemayactaccordingtotheirwisdom，butthatshallnothinderme。Iswearbythegoldenboar’shead——"Andhestretchedouthishand，tolayitsolemnlyuponit。
　　ButFolkocalledout，"InthenameofourholySaviour，forbear。
　　WhereIam，andstillhavebreathandwill，noneshallcelebrateundisturbedtheritesofthewildheathens。"
　　BiornoftheFieryEyesglaredangrilyathim。Themenofthetwobaronsseparatedfromeachother，withahollowsoundofrattlingarmour，andrangedthemselvesintwobodiesoneithersideofthehall，eachbehinditsleader。Alreadyhereandtherehelmetswerefastenedandvisorsclosed。
　　"Bethinktheeyetwhatthouartdoing，"saidBiorn。"IwasabouttovowaneternalunionwiththehouseofMontfaucon，nay，eventobindmyselftodoitgratefulhomage;butifthoudisturbmeinthecustomswhichhavecometomefrommyforefathers，looktothysafetyandthesafetyofallthatisdeartothee。Mywrathnolongerknowsanybounds。"
　　FolkomadeasigntothepaleGabrielletoretirebehindhisfollowers，sayingtoher，"Beofgoodcheer，mynoblewife，weakerChristianshavebraved，forthesakeofGodandofHisholyChurch，greaterdangersthannowseemtothreatenus。Believeme，theLordofMontfauconisnotsoeasilyensnared。"
　　Gabrielleobeyed，somethingcomfortedbyFolko’sfearlesssmile，butthissmileinflamedyetmorethefuryofBiorn。Heagainstretchedouthishandtowardstheboar’shead，asifabouttomakesomedreadfulvow，whenFolkosnatchedagauntletofBiorn’soffthetable，withwhichhe，withhisunwoundedleftarm，strucksopowerfulablowonthegiltidol，thatitfellcrashingtotheground，shiveredtopieces。Biornandhisfollowersstoodasifturnedtostone。Butsoonswordsweregraspedbyarmedhands，shieldsweretakendownfromthewalls，andanangry，threateningmurmursoundedthroughthehall。
　　AtasignfromFolko，abattle-axewasbroughthimbyoneofhisfaithfulretainers;heswungithighinairwithhispowerfullefthand，andstoodlookinglikeanavengingangelashespokethesewordsthroughthetumultwithawfulcalmness："Whatseekye，0
　　deludedNorthman？Whatwouldstthou，sinfullord？Yeareindeedbecomeheathens;andIhopetoshowyou，bymyreadinessforbattle，thatitisnotinmyrightarmalonethatGodhasputstrengthforvictory。Butifyecanyethear，listentomywords。Biorn，onthissameaccursed，andnow，byGod’shelp，shiveredboar’shead，thoudidstlaythyhandwhenthoudidstsweartosacrificeanyinhabitantsoftheGermantownsthatshouldfallintothypower。AndGotthardLenzcame，andRudliebcame，drivenontheseshoresbythestorm。
　　Whatdidstthouthendo，0savageBiorn？Whatdidyedoathisbidding，yewhowerekeepingtheYulefeastwithhim？Tryyourfortuneonme。TheLordwillbewithme，asHewaswiththoseholymen。Toarms，and——"（heturnedtohiswarriors）"letourbattle-crybeGotthardandRudlieb！"
　　ThenBiornletdrophisdrawnsword，thenhisfollowerspaused，andnoneamongtheNorwegiansdaredlifthiseyesfromtheground。Bydegrees，theyonebyonebegantodisappearfromthehall;andatlastBiornstoodquitealoneoppositetothebaronandhisfollowers。
　　Heseemedhardlyawarethathehadbeendeserted，buthefellonhisknees，stretchedouthisshiningsword，pointedtothebrokenboar’shead，andsaid，"Dowithmeasyouhavedonewiththat;Ideservenobetter。Iaskbutonefavour，onlyone;donotdisgraceme，noblebaron，byseekingshelterinanothercastleofNorway。"
　　"Ifearyounot，"answeredFolko，aftersomethought;"and，asfarasmaybe，Ifreelyforgiveyou。"ThenhedrewthesignofthecrossoverthewildformofBiorn，andleftthehallwithGabrielle。TheretainersofthehouseofMontfauconfollowedhimproudlyandsilently。
　　Thehardspiritofthefiercelordofthecastlewasnowquitebroken，andhewatchedwithincreasedhumilityeverylookofFolkoandGabrielle。Buttheywithdrewmoreandmoreintothehappysolitudeoftheirownapartments，wheretheyenjoyed，inthemidstofthesharpwinter，abrightspring-tideofhappiness。ThewoundedconditionofFolkodidnothindertheeveningdelightsofsongsandmusicandpoetry——butratheranewcharmwasaddedtothemwhenthetall，handsomeknightleantonthearmofhisdelicatelady，andtheythus，changingasitweretheirdeportmentandduties，walkedslowlythroughthetorch-lithalls，scatteringtheirkindlygreetingslikeflowersamongthecrowdsofmenandwomen。
　　AllthistimelittleornothingwasheardofpoorSintram。ThelastwildoutbreakofhisfatherhadincreasedtheterrorwithwhichGabriellerememberedtheself-accusationsoftheyouth;andthemoreresolutelyFolkokeptsilence，themoredidshebodesomedreadfulmystery。Indeed，asecretshuddercameovertheknightwhenhethoughtonthepale，dark-hairedyouth。Sintram’srepentancehadborderedonsettleddespair;nooneknewevenwhathewasdoinginthefortressofevilreportontheRocksoftheMoon。Strangerumourswerebroughtbytheretainerswhohadfledfromit，thattheevilspirithadobtainedcompletepoweroverSintram，thatnomancouldstaywithhim，andthatthefidelityofthedarkmysteriouscastellanhadcosthimhislife。
　　Folkocouldhardlydriveawaythefearfulsuspicionthatthelonelyyoungknightwasbecomeawickedmagician。
　　Andperhaps，indeed，evilspiritsdidflitaboutthebanishedSintram，butitwaswithouthiscallingthemup。InhisdreamsheoftensawthewickedenchantressVenus，inhergoldenchariotdrawnbywingedcats，passoverthebattlementsofthestonefortress，andheardhersay，mockinghim，’FoolishSintram，foolishSintram！hadstthoubutobeyedthelittleMaster！ThouwouldstnowbeinHelen’sarms，andtheRocksoftheMoonwouldbecalledtheRocksofLove，andthestonefortresswouldbethegardenofroses。Thouwouldsthavelostthypalefaceanddarkhair，——forthouartonlyenchanted，dearyouth，——andthineeyeswouldhavebeamedmoresoftly，andthycheeksbloomedmorefreshly，andthyhairwouldhavebeenmoregoldenthanwasthatofPrincePariswhenmenwonderedathisbeauty。Oh，howHelenwouldhavelovedthee！"Thensheshowedhiminamirror，how，asamarvellouslybeautifulknight，hekneltbeforeGabrielle，whosankintohisarmsblushingasthemorning。Whenheawokefromsuchdreams，hewouldseizeeagerlytheswordandscarfgivenhimbyhislady，——asashipwreckedmanseizestheplankwhichistosavehim;andwhilethehottearsfellonthem，hewouldmurmurtohimself，"Therewas，indeed，onehourinmysadlifewhenIwasworthyandhappy。"
　　Oncehesprangupatmidnightafteroneofthesedreams，butthistimewithmorethrillinghorror;forithadseemedtohimthatthefeaturesoftheenchantressVenushadchangedtowardstheendofherspeech，asshelookeddownuponhimwithmarvellousscorn，andsheappearedtohimasthehideouslittleMaster。TheyouthhadnobettermeansofcalminghisdistractedmindthantothrowtheswordandscarfofGabrielleoverhisshoulders，andtohastenforthunderthesolemnstarrycanopyofthewintrysky。Hewalkedindeepthoughtbackwardsandforwardsundertheleaflessoaksandthesnow-
　　ladenfirswhichgrewonthehighramparts。
　　Thenheheardasorrowfulcryofdistresssoundfromthemoat;itwasasifsomeonewereattemptingtosing，butwasstoppedbyinwardgrief。Sintramexclaimed，"Who’sthere？"andallwasstill。Whenhewassilent，andagainbeganhiswalk，thefrightfulgroaningsandmoaningswereheardafresh，asiftheycamefromadyingperson。
　　Sintramovercamethehorrorwhichseemedtoholdhimback，andbeganinsilencetoclimbdownintothedeepdrymoatwhichwascutintherock。Hewassoonsolowdownthathecouldnolongerseethestarsshining;beneathhimmovedashroudedform;andslidingwithinvoluntaryhastedownthesteepdescent，hestoodnearthegroaningfigure;itceaseditslamentations，andbegantolaughlikeamaniacfrombeneathitslong，folded，femalegarments。
　　"Ohho，mycomrade！ohho，mycomrade！wertthougoingalittletoofast？Well，well，itisallright;andseenow，thoustandestnohigherthanI，mypious，valiantyouth！Takeitpatiently，——takeitpatiently！"
　　"Whatdostthouwantwithme？Whydostthoulaugh？whydostthouweep？"askedSintramimpatiently。
　　"Imightasktheethesamequestions，"answeredthedarkfigure，"andthouwouldstbelessabletoanswermethanItoanswerthee。Whydostthoulaugh？whydostthouweep？——Poorcreature！ButIwillshowtheearemarkablethinginthyfortress，ofwhichthouknowestnothing。Giveheed！"
　　Andtheshroudedfigurebegantoscratchandscrapeatthestonestillalittleirondooropened，andshowedalongpassagewhichledintothedeepdarkness。
　　"Wiltthoucomewithme？"whisperedthestrangebeing;"itistheshortestwaytothyfather’scastle。Inhalf-an-hourweshallcomeoutofthispassage，andweshallbeinthybeauteouslady’sapartment。DukeMenelausshalllieinamagicsleep，——leavethattome，——andthenthouwilttaketheslight，delicateforminthinearms，andbringhertotheRocksoftheMoon;sothouwiltwinbackallthatseemedlostbythyformerwavering。"
　　Sintramtrembledvisibly，fearfullyshakentoandfrobythefeverofpassionandthestingsofconscience。Butatlast，pressingtheswordandscarftohisheart，hecriedout，"Oh！thatfairest，mostglorioushourofmylife！IfIloseallotherjoys，Iwillholdfastthatbrightesthour！"
　　"Abright，glorioushour！"saidthefigurefromunderitsveil，likeanevilecho。"Dostthouknowwhomthouthenconqueredst？Agoodoldfriend，whoonlyshowedhimselfsosturdytogivetheethegloryofovercominghim。Wiltthouconvincethyself？Wiltthoulook？"
　　Thedarkgarmentsofthelittlefigureflewopen，andthedwarfwarriorinstrangearmour，thegoldhornsonhishelmet，andthecurvedspearinhishand，theverysamewhomSintramthoughthehadslainonNiflung’sHeath，nowstoodbeforehimandlaughed："Thouseest，myyouth，everythinginthewideworldisbutdreamsandfroth;whereforeholdfastthedreamwhichdelightsthee，andsipupthefrothwhichrefreshesthee！Hastentothatundergroundpassage，itleadsuptothyangelHelen。Orwouldstthoufirstknowthyfriendyetbetter？"
　　Hisvisoropened，andthehatefulfaceofthelittleMasterglaredupontheknight。Sintramasked，asifinadream，"ArtthoualsothatwickedenchantressVenus？"
　　"Somethinglikeher，"answeredthelittleMaster，laughing，"orrathersheissomethinglikeme。Andifthouwiltonlygetdisenchanted，andrecoverthebeautyofPrinceofParis，——then，0PrinceParis，"andhisvoicechangedtoanalluringsong，"then，0PrinceParis，Ishallbefairlikethee！"
　　AtthismomentthegoodRolfappearedaboveontherampart;aconsecratedtaperinhislanternshonedownintothemoat，ashesoughtforthemissingyoungknight。"InGod’sname，SirSintram，"
　　hecalledout，"whathasthespectreofwhomyouslewonNiflung’sHeath，andwhomInevercouldbury，todowithyou？"
　　"Seestthouwell？hearestthouwell？"whisperedthelittleMaster，anddrewbackintothedarknessoftheundergroundpassage。"Thewisemanupthereknowsmewell。Therewasnothinginthyheroicfeat。Come，takethejoysoflifewhilethoumayst。"
　　ButSintramsprangback，withastrongeffort，intothecircleoflightmadebytheshiningofthetaperfromabove，andcriedout，"Departfromme，unquietspirit！IknowwellthatIbearanameonmeinwhichthoucansthavenopart。"
　　LittleMasterrushedinfearandrageintothepassage，and，yelling，shuttheirondoorbehindhim。Itseemedasifhecouldstillbeheardgroaningandroaring。
　　Sintramclimbedupthewallofthemoat，andmadeasigntohisfoster-fathernottospeaktohim：heonlysaid，"Oneofmybestjoys，yes，theverybest，hasbeentakenfromme;but，byGod’shelp，Iamnotyetlost。"
　　Intheearliestlightofthefollowingmorning，heandRolfstoppeduptheentrancetotheperilouspassagewithhugeblocksofstone。
　　CHAPTER24
　　Thelongnorthernwinterwasatlastended，thefreshgreenleavesrustledmerrilyinthewoods，patchesofsoftmosstwinkledamongsttherocks，thevalleysgrewgreen，thebrookssparkled，thesnowmeltedfromallbutthehighestmountain-tops，andthebarkwhichwasreadytocarryawayFolkoandGabrielledancedonthesunnywavesofthesea。Thebaron，nowquiterecovered，andstrongandfreshasthoughhishealthhadsustainednoinjury，stoodonemorningontheshorewithhisfairlady;and，fullofgleeattheprospectofreturningtotheirhome，thenoblepairlookedonwellpleasedattheirattendantswhowerebusiedinladingtheship。
　　Thensaidoneoftheminthemidstofaconfusedsoundoftalking：
　　"ButwhathasappearedtomethemostfearfulandthemoststrangethinginthisnorthernlandisthestonefortressontheRocksoftheMoon：Ihavenever，indeed，beeninsideit，butwhenIusedtoseeitinourhuntings，toweringabovethetallfir-trees，therecameatightnessovermybreast，asifsomethingunearthlyweredwellinginit。Andafewweeksago，whenthesnowwasyetlyinghardinthevalleys，Icameunawaresquitecloseuponthestrangebuilding。TheyoungknightSintramwaswalkingaloneontherampartsastwilightcameon，likethespiritofadepartedknight，andhedrewfromthelutewhichhecarriedsuchsoft，melancholytones，andhesighedsodeeplyandsorrowfully……"
　　Thevoiceofthespeakerwasdrownedinthenoiseofthecrowd，andashealsojustthenreachedtheshipwithhispackagehastilyfastenedup，FolkoandGabriellecouldnotheartherestofhisspeech。Butthefairladylookedonherknightwitheyesdimwithtears，andsighed："IsitnotbehindthosemountainsthattheRocksoftheMoonlie？TheunhappySintrammakesmesadatheart。"
　　"Iunderstandthee，sweetgraciouslady，andthepurecompassionofthyheart，"repliedFolko;instantlyorderinghisswift-footedsteedtobebrought。Heplacedhisnobleladyunderthechargeofhisretainers，andleapingintothesaddle，hehastened，followedbythegratefulsmilesofGabrielle，alongthevalleytowardsthestonefortress。
　　Sintramwasseatednearthedrawbridge，touchingthestringsofthelute，andsheddingsometearsonthegoldenchords，almostasMontfaucon’sesquirehaddescribedhim。Suddenlyacloudyshadowpassedoverhim，andhelookedup，expectingtoseeaflightofcranesintheair;buttheskywasclearandblue。Whiletheyoungknightwasstillwondering，alongbrightspearfellathisfeetfromabattlementofthearmouryturret。
　　"Takeitup，——makegooduseofit！thyfoeisnearathand！Nearalsoisthedownfallofthydearesthappiness。"Thushehearditdistinctlywhisperedinhisear;anditseemedtohimthathesawtheshadowofthelittleMasterglideclosebyhimtoaneighbouringcleftintherock。Butatthesametimealso，atall，gigantic，haggardfigurepassedalongthevalley，insomemeasurelikethedepartedpilgrim，onlymuch，verymuch，larger，andheraisedhislongbonyarmfearfullythreatening，thendisappearedinanancienttomb。
　　AttheverysameinstantSirFolkoofMontfauconcameswiftlyasthewinduptheRocksoftheMoon，andhemusthaveseensomethingofthosestrangeapparitions，forashestoppedclosebehindSintram，helookedratherpale，andaskedlowandearnestly："Sirknight，whoarethosetwowithwhomyouwerejustnowholdingconversehere？"
　　"ThegoodGodknows，"answeredSintram;"Iknowthemnot。"
　　"IfthegoodGoddoesbutknow！"criedMontfaucon："butIfearmethatHeknowsverylittlemoreofyouoryourdeeds。"
　　"Youspeakstrangelyharshwords，"saidSintram。"Yeteversincethateveningofmisery，——alas！andevenlongbefore，——Imustbearwithallthatcomesfromyou。Dearsir，youmaybelieveme，Iknownotthosefearfulcompanions;Icallthemnot，andIknownotwhatterriblecursebindsthemtomyfootsteps。ThemercifulGod，asI
　　wouldhope，ismindfulofmethewhile，——asafaithfulshepherddoesnotforgeteventheworstandmostwidely-strayingofhisflock，butcallsafteritwithananxiousvoiceinthegloomywilderness。"
　　Thentheangerofthebaronwasquitemelted。Twobrighttearsstoodinhiseyes，andhesaid："No，assuredly，Godhasnotforgottenthee;
　　onlydothounotforgetthygraciousGod。Ididnotcometorebukethee——IcametoblesstheeinGabrielle’snameandinmyown。TheLordpreservethee，theLordguidethee，theLordlifttheeup！And，Sintram，onthefar-offshoresofNormandyIshallbeartheeinmind，andIshallhearhowthoustrugglestagainstthecursewhichweighsdownthyunhappylife;andifthouevershakeitoff，andstandasanobleconqueroroverSinandDeath，thenthoushaltreceivefrommeatokenofloveandreward，moreprecioustheneitherthouorIcanunderstandatthismoment。"
　　Thewordsflowedpropheticallyfromthebaron’slips;hehimselfwasonlyhalf-consciousofwhathesaid。Withakindsalutationheturnedhisnoblesteed，andagainflewdownthevalleytowardsthesea-shore。
　　"Fool，fool！thriceafool！"whisperedtheangryvoiceofthelittleMasterinSintram’sear。ButoldRolfwassinginghismorninghymnincleartoneswithinthecastle，andthelastlineswerethese：-
　　"Whomworldlingsscorn，Wholivesforlorn，OnGod’sownworddothrest;
　　WithheavenlylightHispathisbright，Hislotamongtheblest。"
　　ThenaholyjoytookpossessionofSintram’sheart，andhelookedaroundhimyetmoregladlythaninthehourwhenGabriellegavehimthescarfandsword，andFolkodubbedhimknight。
　　CHAPTER25
　　Thebaronandhislovelyladyweresailingacrossthebroadseawithfavouringgalesofspring，naythecoastofNormandyhadalreadyappearedabovethewaves;butstillwasBiornoftheFieryEyesittinggloomyandspeechlessinhiscastle。Hehadtakennoleaveofhisguests。TherewasmoreofproudfearofMontfauconthanofreverentialloveforhiminhissoul，especiallysincetheadventurewiththeboar’shead;andthethoughtwasbittertohishaughtyspirit，thatthegreatbaron，theflowerandgloryoftheirwholerace，shouldhavecomeinpeacetovisithim，andshouldnowbedepartingindispleasure，insternreproachfuldispleasure。Hehaditconstantlybeforehismind，anditneverfailedtobringfreshpangs，theremembranceofhowallhadcometopass，andhowallmighthavegoneotherwise;andhewasalwaysfancyinghecouldhearthesongsinwhichaftergenerationswouldrecountthisvoyageofthegreatFolko，andtheworthlessnessofthesavageBiorn。Atlength，fulloffierceanger，hecastawaythefettersofhistroubledspirit，heburstoutofthecastlewithallhishorsemen，andbegantocarryonawarfaremorefearfulandmorelawlessthananyinwhichhehadyetbeenengaged。
　　Sintramheardthesoundofhisfather’swar-horn;andcommittingthestonefortresstooldRolf，hesprangforthreadyarmedforthecombat。Buttheflamesofthecottagesandfarmsonthemountainsroseupbeforehim，andshowedhim，writtenasifincharactersoffire，whatkindofwarhisfatherwaswaging。Yethewentontowardsthespotwherethearmywasmustered，butonlytoofferhismediation，affirmingthathewouldnotlayhishandonhisgoodswordinsoabhorredaservice，eventhoughthestonefortress，andhisfather’scastlebesides，shouldfallbeforethevengeanceoftheirenemies。Biornhurledthespearwhichheheldinhishandagainsthissonwithmadfury。Thedeadlyweaponwhizzedpasthim：Sintramremainedstandingwithhisvisorraised，hedidnotmoveonelimbinhisdefence，whenhesaid："Father，dowhatyouwill;butIjoinnotinyourgodlesswarfare。"
　　BiornoftheFieryEyeslaughedscornfully："ItseemsIamalwaystohaveaspyovermehere;mysonsucceedstothedaintyFrenchknight！"Butneverthelesshecametohimself，acceptedSintram’smediation，madeamendsfortheinjurieshehaddone，andreturnedgloomilytohiscastle。SintramwentbacktotheRocksoftheMoon。
　　Suchoccurrenceswerefrequentafterthattime。ItwentsofarthatSintramcametobelookeduponastheprotectorofallthosewhomhisfatherpursuedwithrelentlessfury;butneverthelesssometimeshisownwildnesswouldcarrytheyoungknightawaytoaccompanyhisfiercefatherinhisfearfuldeeds。ThenBiornusedtolaughwithhorriblepleasure，andtosay："Seethere，myson，howtheflameswehavelightedblazeupfromthevillages，asthebloodspoutsupfromthewoundsourswordshavemade！Itisplaintome，howevermuchthoumaystpretendtothecontrary，thatthouart，andwilteverremain，mytrueandbelovedheir！"
　　Afterthusfearfullyerring，SintramcouldfindnocomfortbutinhasteningtothechaplainofDrontheim，andconfessingtohimhismiseryandhissins。Thechaplainwouldfreelyabsolvehim，afterduepenanceandrepentance，andagainraiseupthebroken-heartedyouth;butwouldoftensay："Oh，hownearlyhadstthoureachedthylasttrial，andgainedthevictory，andlookedonVerena’scountenance，andatonedforall！Nowthouhastthrownthyselfbackforyears。Think，myson，ontheshortnessofman’slife;ifthouartalwaysfallingbackanew，howwiltthouevergainthesummitonthissidethegrave？"
　　Yearscameandwent，andBiorn’shairwaswhiteassnow，andtheyouthSintramhadreachedthemiddleage。OldRolfwasnowscarcelyabletoleavethestonefortress;andsometimeshesaid："Ifeelitaburdenthatmylifeshouldyetbeprolonged;butalsothereismuchcomfortinit，forIstillthinkthegoodGodhasinstoreformeherebelowsomegreathappiness;anditmustbesomethinginwhichyouareconcerned，mybelovedSirSintram，forwhatelseinthewholeworldcouldrejoiceme？"
　　Butallremainedasitwas，andSintram’sfearfuldreamsatChristmas-timeeachyearratherincreasedthandiminishedinhorror。
　　Againtheholyseasonwasdrawingnear，andthemindofthesorelyafflictedknightwasmoretroubledthaneverbefore。Sometimes，ifhehadbeenreckoningupthenightstillitshouldcome，acoldsweatwouldstandonhisforehead，whilehesaid，"Markmywords，dearoldfoster-father，thistimesomethingmostawfullydecisiveliesbeforeme。"
　　Oneeveninghefeltanoverwhelminganxietyabouthisfather。ItseemedtohimthatthePrinceofDarknesswasgoinguptoBiorn’scastle;andinvaindidRolfremindhimthatthesnowwaslyingdeepinthevalleys，invaindidhesuggestthattheknightmightbeovertakenbyhisfrightfuldreamsinthelonelymountainsduringthenight-time。"Nothingcanbeworsetomethanremainingherewouldbe，"repliedSintram。
　　Hetookhishorsefromthestableandrodeforthinthegatheringdarkness。Thenoblesteedslippedandstumbledandfellinthetracklessway，buthisrideralwaysraisedhimup，andurgedhimonlymoreswiftlyandeagerlytowardstheobjectwhichhelongedandyetdreadedtoreach。NeverthelesshemightneverhavearrivedatithadnothisfaithfulhoundSkovmarkkeptwithhim。Thedogsoughtoutthelosttrackforhisbelovedmaster，andinvitedhimintoitwithjoyousbarkings，andwarnedhimbyhishowlsagainstprecipicesandtreacherousiceunderthesnow。ThustheyarrivedaboutmidnightatBiorn’scastle。Thewindowsofthehallshoneoppositetothemwithabrilliantlight，asthoughsomegreatfeastwerekeptthere，andconfusedsounds，asofsinging，mettheirears。Sintramgavehishorsehastilytosomeretainersinthecourt-yard，andranupthesteps，whilstSkovmarkstayedbythewell-knownhorse。
　　AgoodesquirecametowardsSintramwithinthecastleandsaid，"Godbepraised，mydearmaster，thatyouarecome;forsurelynothinggoodisgoingonabove。Buttakeheedtoyourselfalso，andbenotdeluded。Yourfatherhasaguestwithhim，——and，asIthink——ahatefulone。"
　　Sintramshudderedashethrewopenthedoors。Alittlemaninthedressofaminerwassittingwithhisbacktowardshim。Thearmourhadbeenforsometimepastagainrangedroundthestonetable，sothatonlytwoplaceswereleftempty。TheseatoppositethedoorhadbeentakenbyBiornoftheFieryEyes;andthedazzlinglightofthetorchesfelluponhisfeatureswithsoredaflare，thatheperfectlyenactedthatfearfulsurname。
　　"Father，whomhaveyouherewithyou？"criedSintram;andhissuspicionsrosetocertaintyastheminerturnedround，andthedetestablefaceofthelittleMastergrinnedfromunderhisdarkhood。
　　"Yes，justsee，myfairson，"saidthewildBiorn;"thouhastnotbeenhereforalongwhile，——andsoto-nightthisjollycomradehaspaidmeavisit，andthyplacehasbeentaken。Butthrowoneofthesuitsofarmouroutoftheway，andputaseatforthyselfinsteadofit，——andcomeanddrinkwithus，andbemerry。"
　　"Yes，doso，SirSintram，"saidthelittleMaster，withalaugh。
　　"Nothingworsecouldcomeofitthanthatthebrokenpiecesofarmourmightclattersomewhatstrangelytogether，oratmostthatthedisturbedspiritofhimtowhomthesuitbelongedmightlookoveryourshoulder;buthewouldnotdrinkupanyofourwine——ghostshavenothingtodowiththat。Sonowfallto！"
　　Biornjoinedinthelaughterofthehideousstrangerwithwildmirth;
　　andwhileSintramwasmusteringuphiswholestrengthnottolosehissensesatsoterriblewords，andwasfixingacalm，steadylookonthelittleMaster’sface，theoldmancriedout，"Whydostthoulookathimso？Doesitseemasthoughthousawestthyselfinamirror？
　　Nowthatyouaretogether，Idonotseeitsomuch;butawhileagoI
　　thoughtthatyouwerelikeenoughtoeachothertobemistaken。"
　　"Godforbid！"saidSintram，walkingupclosetothefearfulapparition："Icommandthee，detestablestranger，todepartfromthiscastle，inrightofmyauthorityasmyfather’sheir，——asaconsecratedknightandasaspirit！"
　　Biornseemedasifhewishedtoopposehimselftothiscommandwithallhissavagemight。ThelittleMastermutteredtohimself，"Thouartnotbyanymeansthemasterinthishouse，piousknight;thouhastneverlightedafireonthishearth。"ThenSintramdrewtheswordwhichGabriellehadgivenhim，heldthecrossofthehiltbeforetheeyesofhisevilguest，andsaid，calmly，butwithapowerfulvoice，"Worshiporfly！"Andhefled，thefrightfulstranger，——hefledwithsuchlightningspeed，thatitcouldscarcelybeseenwhetherhehadsprungthroughthewindoworthedoor。Butingoingheoverthrewsomeofthearmour，thetaperswentout，anditseemedthatthepaleblueflamewhichlightedupthewholeinamarvellousmannergaveafulfilmenttothelittleMaster’sformerwords：andthatthespiritsofthosetowhomthearmourhadbelongedwereleaningoverthetable，grinningfearfully。
　　Boththefatherandthesonwerefilledwithhorror;buteachchoseanoppositewaytosavehimself。Biornwishedtohavehishatefulguestbackagain;andthepowerofhiswillwasseenwhenthelittleMaster’sstepresoundedanewonthestairs，andhisbrownshrivelledhandshookthelockofthedoor。Ontheotherhand，Sintramceasednottosaywithinhimself，"Wearelost，ifhecomeback！Wearelosttoalleternity，ifhecomeback！"Andhefellonhisknees，andprayedferventlyfromhistroubledhearttoFather，Son，andHolyGhost。ThenthelittleMasterleftthedoor，andagainBiornwilledhimtoreturn，andagainSintram’sprayersdrovehimaway。Sowentonthisstrifeofwillsthroughoutthelongnight;andhowlingwhirlwindsragedthewhilearoundthecastle，tillallthehouseholdthoughttheendoftheworldwascome。
　　Atlengththedawnofmorningappearedthroughthewindowsofthehall，——thefuryofthestormwaslulled，——Biornsankbackpowerlessinslumberonhisseat，——peaceandhopecametotheinmatesofthecastle，——andSintram，paleandexhausted，wentouttobreathethedewyairofthemildwinter’smorningbeforethecastle-gates。
　　CHAPTER26
　　ThefaithfulSkovmarkfollowedhismaster，caressinghim;andwhenSintramfellasleeponastoneseatinthewall，helayathisfeet，keepingwatchfulguard。Suddenlyheprickeduphisears，lookedroundwithdelight，andboundedjoyfullydownthemountain。JustafterwardsthechaplainofDrontheimappearedamongsttherocks，andthegoodbeastwentuptohimasiftogreethim，andthenagainranbacktotheknighttoannouncethewelcomevisitor。
　　Sintramopenedhiseyes，asachildwhoseChristmasgiftshavebeenplacedathisbedside。Forthechaplainsmiledathimashehadneveryetseenhimsmile。Therewasinitatokenofvictoryandblessing，oratleastofthenearapproachofboth。"Thouhastdonemuchyesterday，verymuch，"saidtheholypriest;andhishandswerejoined，andhiseyesfullofbrighttears。"IpraiseGodforthee，mynobleknight。Verenaknowsall，andshetoopraisesGodforthee。
　　Idoindeednowdarehopethatthetimewillsooncomewhenthoumaystappearbeforeher。ButSintram，SirSintram，thereisneedofhaste;fortheoldmanaboverequiresspeedyair，andthouhaststillaheavy——asIhopethelast——yetamostheavytrialtoundergoforhissake。Armthyself，myknight，armthyselfevenwithbodilyweapons。Intruth，thistimeonlyspiritualarmourisneeded，butitalwaysbefitsaknight，aswellasamonk，towearindecisivemomentstheentiresolemngarbofhisstation。Ifitsopleasethee，wewillgodirectlytoDrontheimtogether。Thoumustreturnthenceto-night。Suchisapartofthehiddendecree，whichhasbeendimlyunfoldedtoVerena’sforesight。Herethereisyetmuchthatiswildanddistracting，andthouhastgreatneedto-dayofcalmpreparation。"
　　WithhumblejoySintrambowedhisassent，andcalledforhishorseandforasuitofarmour。"Only，"addedhe，"letnotanyofthatarmourbebroughtwhichwaslastnightoverthrowninthehall！"
　　Hisorderswerequicklyobeyed。Thearmswhichwerefetched，adornedwithfineengravedwork，thesimplehelmet，formedratherlikethatofanesquirethanaknight，thelanceofalmostgiganticsize，whichbelongedtothesuit——onallthesethechaplaingazedindeepthoughtandwithmelancholyemotion。Atlast，whenSintram，withthehelpofhisesquires，waswell-nighequipped，theholypriestspoke：
　　"WonderfulprovidenceofGod！See，dearSintram，thisarmourandthisspearwereformerlythoseofSirWeigandtheSlender，andwiththemhedidmanymightydeeds。Whenhewastendedbyyourmotherinthecastle，andwhenevenyourfatherstillshowedhimselfkindtowardshim，heasked，asafavour，thathisarmourandhislanceshouldbeallowedtohanginBiorn’sarmoury——Weigandhimself，asyouwellknow，intendedtobuildacloisterandtolivethereasamonk——
　　andheputhisoldesquire’shelmetwithit，insteadofanother，becausehewasyetwearingthatonewhenhefirstsawthefairVerena’sangelicface。Howwondrouslydoesitnowcometopass，thattheseveryarms，whichhavesolongbeenlaidaside，shouldbebroughttoyouforthedecisivehourofyourlife！Tome，asfarasmyshort-sightedhumanwisdomcantell，——tomeitseemstrulyaverysolemntoken，butonefullofhighandgloriouspromise。"
　　Sintramstoodnowincompletearray，composedandstately，and，fromhistallslenderfigure，mighthavebeentakenforayouth，hadnotthedeeplinesofcarewhichfurrowedhiscountenanceshownhimtobeadvancedinyears。
　　"Whohasplacedboughsontheheadofmywar-horse？"askedSintramoftheesquires，withdispleasure。"Iamnotaconqueror，norawedding-guest。Andbesides，therearenoboughsnowbutthoseredandyellowcracklingoak-leaves，dullanddeadliketheseasonitself。"
　　"SirKnight，Iknownotmyself，"answeredanesquire;"butitseemedtomethatitmustbeso。"
　　"Letitbe，"saidthechaplain。"Ifeelthatthisalsocomesasatokenfullofmeaningfromtherightsource。"
　　Thentheknightthrewhimselfintohissaddle;thepriestwentbesidehim;andtheybothrodeslowlyandsilentlytowardsDrontheim。Thefaithfuldogfollowedhismaster。WhentheloftycastleofDrontheimappearedinsight，agentlesmilespreaditselfoverSintram’scountenance，likesunshineoverawintryvalley。"Godhasdonegreatthingsforme，"saidhe。"Ioncerushedfromhere，afearfullywildboy;Inowcomebackapenitentman。Itrustthatitwillyetgowellwithmypoortroubledlife。"
　　Thechaplainassentedkindly，andsoonafterwardsthetravellerspassedundertheechoingvaultedgatewayintothecastle-yard。Atasignfromthepriest，theretainersapproachedwithrespectfulhaste，andtookchargeofthehorse;thenheandSintramwentthroughlongwindingpassagesandupmanystepstotheremotechamberwhichthechaplainhadchosenforhimself;farawayfromthenoiseofmen，andneartothecloudsandthestars。Therethetwopassedaquietdayindevoutprayer，andearnestreadingofHolyScripture。
　　Whentheeveningbegantoclosein，thechaplainaroseandsaid："Andnow，myknight，getreadythyhorse，andmountandridebackagaintothyfather’scastle。Atoilsomewayliesbeforethee，andIdarenotgowithyou。ButIcanandwillcallupontheLordforyouallthroughthelongfearfulnight。0belovedinstrumentoftheMostHigh，thouwiltyetnotbelost！"
　　Thrillingwithstrangeforebodings，butneverthelessstrongandvigorousinspirit，Sintramdidaccordingtotheholyman’sdesire。
　　Thesunsetastheknightapproachedalongvalley，strangelyshutinbyrocks，throughwhichlaytheroadtohisfather’scastle。
　　CHAPTER27
　　Beforeenteringtherockypass，theknight，withaprayerandthanksgiving，lookedbackoncemoreatthecastleofDrontheim。
　　Thereitwas，sovastandquietandpeaceful;thebrightwindowsofthechaplain’shighchamberyetlightedupbythelastgleamofthesun，whichhadalreadydisappeared。InfrontofSintramwasthegloomyvalley，asifhisgrave。Thentherecametowardshimsomeoneridingonasmallhorse;andSkovmark，whohadgoneuptothestrangerasiftofindoutwhohewas，nowranbackwithhistailbetweenhislegsandhisearsputback，howlingandwhining，andcrept，terrified，underhismaster’swar-horse。Buteventhenoblesteedappearedtohaveforgottenhisoncesofearlessandwarlikeardour。Hetrembledviolently，andwhentheknightwouldhaveturnedhimtowardsthestranger，herearedandsnortedandplunged，andbegantothrowhimselfbackwards。ItwasonlywithdifficultythatSintram’sstrengthandhorsemanshipgotthebetterofhim;andhewasallwhitewithfoamwhenSintramcameuptotheunknowntraveller。
　　"Youhavecowardlybeastswithyou，"saidthelatter，inalow，smotheredvoice。
　　Sintramwasunable，intheever-increasingdarkness，rightlytodistinguishwhatkindofbeinghesawbeforehim;onlyaverypallidface，whichatfirsthehadthoughtwascoveredwithfreshlyfallensnow，methiseyesfromamidstthelonghanginggarments。Itseemedthatthestrangercarriedasmallboxwrappedup;hislittlehorse，asifweariedout，benthisheaddowntowardstheground，wherebyabell，whichhungfromthewretchedtornbridleunderhisneck，wasmadetogiveastrangesound。Afterashortsilence，Sintramreplied："Noblesteedsavoidthoseofaworserace，becausetheyareashamedofthem;andtheboldestdogsareattackedbyasecretterroratsightofformstowhichtheyarenotaccustomed。Ihavenocowardlybeastswithme。"
　　"Good，sirknight;thenridewithmethroughthevalley。"
　　"Iamgoingthroughthevalley，butIwantnocompanions。"
　　"ButperhapsIwantone。DoyounotseethatIamunarmed？Andatthisseason，atthishour，therearefrightful，unearthlybeastsabout。"
　　Justthen，asthoughtoconfirmtheawfulwordsofthestranger，athingswungitselfdownfromoneofthenearesttrees，coveredwithhoar-frost，——noonecouldsayifitwereasnakeoralizard，——itcurledandtwisteditself，andappearedabouttoslidedownupontheknightorhiscompanion。Sintramlevelledhisspear，andpiercedthecreaturethrough。But，withthemosthideouscontortions，itfixeditselffirmlyonthespear-head;andinvaindidtheknightendeavourtorubitoffagainsttherocksorthetrees。Thenhelethisspearrestuponhisrightshoulder，withthepointbehindhim，sothatthehorriblebeastnolongermethissight;andhesaid，withgoodcourage，tothestranger，"Itdoesseem，indeed，thatIcouldhelpyou，andIamnotforbiddentohaveanunknownstrangerinmycompany;soletuspushonbravelyintothevalley！"
　　"Help！"soresoundedthesolemnanswer;"nothelp。Iperhapsmayhelpthee。ButGodhavemercyupontheeifthetimeshouldevercomewhenIcouldnolongerhelpthee。Thenthouwouldstbelost，andI
　　shouldbecomeveryfrightfultothee。Butwewillgothroughthevalley——Ihavethyknightlywordforit。Come！"
　　Theyrodeforward;Sintram’shorsestillshowingsignsoffear，thefaithfuldogstillwhining;butbothobedienttotheirmaster’swill。
　　Theknightwascalmandsteadfast。Thesnowhadslippeddownfromthesmoothrocks，andbythelightoftherisingmooncouldbeseenvariousstrangetwistedshapesontheirsides，somelookinglikesnakes，andsomelikehumanfaces;buttheywereonlyformedbytheveinsintherockandthehalf-barerootsoftrees，whichhadplantedthemselvesinthatdesertplacewithcapriciousfirmness。Highabove，andatagreatdistance，thecastleofDrontheim，asiftotakeleave，appearedagainthroughanopeningintherocks。Theknightthenlookedkeenlyathiscompanion，andhealmostfeltasifWeigandtheSlenderwereridingbesidehim。
　　"InGod’sname，"criedhe，"artthounottheshadeofthatdepartedknightwhosufferedanddiedforVerena？"
　　"Ihavenotsuffered，Ihavenotdied;butyesuffer，andyedie，poormortals！"murmuredthestranger。"IamnotWeigand。Iamthatother，whowassolikehim，andwhomthouhastalsometbeforenowinthewood。"
　　Sintramstrovetofreehimselffromtheterrorwhichcameoverhimatthesewords。Helookedathishorse;itappearedtohimentirelyaltered。Thedry，many-colouredoak-leavesonitsheadwerewavingliketheflamesaroundasacrifice，intheuncertainmoonlight。Helookeddownagain，toseeafterhisfaithfulSkovmark。Fearhadlikewisemostwondrouslychangedhim。Onthegroundinthemiddleoftheroadwerelyingdeadmen’sbones，andhideouslizardswerecrawlingabout;and，indefianceofthewintryseason，poisonousmushroomsweregrowingupallaround。
　　"CanthisbestillmyhorseonwhichIamriding？"saidtheknighttohimself，inalowvoice;"andcanthattremblingbeastwhichrunsatmysidebemydog？"
　　Thensomeonecalledafterhim，inayellingvoice，"Stop！stop！
　　Takemealsowithyou！"
　　Lookinground，Sintramperceivedasmall，frightfulfigurewithhorns，andafacepartlylikeawildboarandpartlylikeabear，walkingalongonitshind-legs，whichwerethoseofahorse;andinitshandwasastrange，hideousweapon，shapedlikeahookorasickle。Itwasthebeingwhohadbeenwonttotroublehiminhisdreams;and，alas！itwasalsothewretchedlittleMasterhimself，who，laughingwildly，stretchedoutalongclawtowardstheknight。
　　ThebewilderedSintrammurmured，"Imusthavefallenasleep;andnowmydreamsarecomingoverme！"
　　"Thouartawake，"repliedtheriderofthelittlehorse，"butthouknowestmealsointhydreams。For，behold！IamDeath。"Andhisgarmentsfellfromhim，andthereappearedamoulderingskeleton，itsghastlyheadcrownedwithserpents;thatwhichhehadkepthiddenunderhismantlewasanhour-glasswiththesandalmostrunout。
　　Deathheldittowardstheknightinhisfleshlesshand。Thebellattheneckofthelittlehorsegaveforthasolemnsound。Itwasapassingbell。
　　"Lord，intoThyhandsIcommendmyspirit！"prayedSintram;andfullofearnestdevotionherodeafterDeath，whobeckonedhimon。
　　"Hehastheenotyet！Hehastheenotyet！"screamedthefearfulfiend。"Givethyselfuptomerather。Inoneinstant，——forswiftarethythoughts，swiftismymight，——inoneinstantthoushaltbeinNormandy。Helenyetbloomsinbeautyaswhenshedepartedhence，andthisverynightshewouldbethine。"AndonceagainhebeganhisunholypraisesofGabrielle’sloveliness，andSintram’sheartglowedlikewild-fireinhisweakbreast。
　　Deathsaidnothingmore，butraisedthehour-glassinhisrighthandyethigherandhigher;andasthesandnowranoutmorequickly，asoftlightstreamedfromtheglassoverSintram’scountenance，andthenitseemedtohimasifeternityinallitscalmmajestywererisingbeforehim，andaworldofconfusiondragginghimbackwithadeadlygrasp。
　　"Icommandthee，wildformthatfollowestme，"criedhe，"Icommandthee，inthenameofourLordJesusChrist，toceasefromthyseducingwords，andtocallthyselfbythatnamebywhichthouartrecordedinHolyWrit！"
　　Aname，morefearfulthanathunderclap，burstdespairinglyfromthelipsoftheTempter，andhedisappeared。
　　"Hewillreturnnomore，"saidDeath，inakindlytone。
　　"AndnowIambecomewhollythine，mysterncompanion？"
　　"Notyet，mySintram。Ishallnotcometotheetillmany，manyyearsarepast。Butthoumustnotforgetmethewhile。"
　　"Iwillkeepthethoughtoftheesteadilybeforemysoul，thoufearfulyetwholesomemonitor，thouawfulyetlovingguide！"
　　"Oh！Icantrulyappearverygentle。"
　　Andsoitprovedindeed。Hisformbecamemoresoftlydefinedintheincreasinggleamoflightwhichshonefromthehour-glass;thefeatures，whichhadbeenawfulintheirsternness，woreagentlesmile;thecrownofserpentsbecameabrightpalm-wreath;insteadofthehorseappearedawhitemistycloudinthemoonlight;andthebellgaveforthsoundsasofsweetlullabies。Sintramthoughthecouldhearthesewordsamidstthem：
　　"TheworldandSatanareo’ercome，Beforetheegleamseternallight，Warrior，whohastwonthestrife：
　　SavefromdarkestshadesofnightHimbeforewhoseagedeyesAllmyterrorssoonshallrise。"
　　Theknightwellknewthathisfatherwasmeant;andheurgedonhisnoblesteed，whichnowobeyedhismasterwillinglyandgladly，andthefaithfuldogalsoagainranbesidehimfearlessly。Deathhaddisappeared;butinfrontofSintramtherefloatedabrightmorningcloud，whichcontinuedvisibleafterthesunhadrisenclearandwarminthebrightwintersky。
　　CHAPTER28
　　"Heisdead！thehorrorsofthatfearfulstormynighthavekilledhim！"Thussaid，aboutthistime，someofBiorn’sretainers，whohadnotbeenabletobringhimbacktohissensessincethemorningofthedaybefore：theyhadmadeacouchofwolfandbearskinsforhiminthegreathall，inthemidstofthearmourwhichstilllayscatteredaround。Oneoftheesquiressaidwithalowsigh："TheLordhavemercyonhispoorwildsoul！"
　　Justthenthewarderblewhishornfromhistower，andatroopercameintotheroomwithalookofsurprise。"Aknightiscominghither，"
　　saidhe;"awonderfulknight。IcouldhavetakenhimforourLordSintram——butabright，brightmorningcloudfloatssoclosebeforehim，andthrowsoverhimsuchaclearlight，thatonecouldfancyredflowerswereshowereddownuponhim。Besides，hishorsehasawreathofredleavesonhishead，whichwasneveracustomofthesonofourdeadlord。"
　　"Justsuchaone，"repliedanother，"Iwoveforhimyesterday。Hewasnotpleasedwithitatfirst，butafterwardsheletitremain。"
　　"Butwhydidstthouthat？"
　　"ItseemedtomeasifIheardavoicesingingagainandagaininmyear：’Victory！victory！thenoblestvictory！Theknightridesforthtovictory！’AndthenIsawabranchofouroldestoak-treestretchedtowardsme，whichhadkeptonalmostallitsredandyellowleavesinspiteofthesnow。SoIdidaccordingtowhatIhadheardsung;andIpluckedsomeoftheleaves，andwoveatriumphalwreathforthenoblewar-horse。AtthesametimeSkovmark，——youknowthatthefaithfulbeasthadalwaysagreatdisliketoBiorn，andthereforehadgonetothestablewiththehorse，——Skovmarkjumpeduponme，fawning，andseemedpleased，asifhewantedtothankmeformywork;
　　andsuchnobleanimalsunderstandwellaboutgoodprognostics。"
　　TheyheardthesoundofSintram’sspursonthestonesteps，andSkovmark’sjoyousbark。AtthatinstantthesupposedcorpseofoldBiornsatup，lookedaroundwithrolling，staringeyes，andaskedoftheterrifiedretainersinahollowvoice，"Whocomesthere，yepeople？whocomesthere？Iknowitismyson。Butwhocomeswithhim？Theanswertothatbearstheswordofdecisioninitsmouth。
　　Forsee，goodpeople，GotthardandRudliebhaveprayedmuchforme;
　　yetifthelittleMastercomewithhim，Iamlostinspiteofthem。"
　　"Thouartnotlost，mybelovedfather！"Sintram’skindvoicewasheardtosay，ashesoftlyopenedthedoor，andthebrightredmorningcloudfloatedinwithhim。
　　Biornjoinedhishands，castalookofthankfulnessuptoheaven，andsaid，smiling，"Yes，praisedbeGod！itistherightcompanion！Itissweetgentledeath！"Andthenhemadeasigntohissontoapproach，saying，"Comehere，mydeliverer;come，blessedoftheLord，thatImayrelatetotheeallthathaspassedwithinme。"
　　AsSintramnowsatclosebyhisfather’scouch，allwhowereintheroomperceivedaremarkableandstrikingchange。ForoldBiorn，whosewholecountenance，andnothiseyesalone，hadbeenwonttohaveafieryaspect，wasnowquitepale，almostlikewhitemarble;
　　while，ontheotherhand，thecheeksoftheoncedeadlypaleSintramglowedwithabrightbloomlikethatofearlyyouth。Itwascausedbythemorningcloudwhichstillshoneuponhim，whosepresenceintheroomwasratherfeltthanseen;butitproducedagentlethrillineveryheart。
　　"See，myson，"begantheoldman，softlyandmildly，"Ihavelainforalongtimeinadeath-likesleep，andhaveknownnothingofwhatwasgoingonaroundme;butwithin，——ah！within，Ihaveknownbuttoomuch！Ithoughtthatmysoulwouldbedestroyedbytheeternalanguish;andyetagainIfelt，withmuchgreaterhorror，thatmysoulwaseternallikethatanguish。Belovedson，thycheeksthatglowedsobrightlyarebeginningtogrowpaleatmywords。Irefrainfrommore。Butletmerelatetoyousomethingmorecheering。Far，faraway，Icouldseeabrightloftychurch，whereGotthardandRudliebLenzwerekneelingandprayingforme。Gotthardhadgrownveryold，andlookedalmostlikeoneofourmountainscoveredwithsnow，onwhichthesun，inthelovelyeveninghours，isshining;andRudliebwasalsoanelderlyman，butveryvigorousandverystrong;andtheyboth，withalltheirstrengthandvigour，werecallinguponGodtoaidme，theirenemy。ThenIheardavoicelikethatofanangel，saying，’Hissondoesthemostforhim！Hemustthisnightwrestlewithdeathandwiththefallenone！Hisvictorywillbevictory，andhisdefeatwillbedefeat，fortheoldmanandhimself。’ThereuponI
　　awoke;andIknewthatalldependeduponwhomthouwouldstbringwiththee。Thouhastconquered。NexttoGod，thepraisebetothee！"
　　"GotthardandRudliebhavehelpedmuch，"repliedSintram;"and，belovedfather，sohavetheferventprayersofthechaplainofDrontheim。Ifelt，whenstrugglingwithtemptationanddeadlyfear，howtheheavenlybreathofholymenfloatedroundmeandaidedme。"
　　"Iammostwillingtobelievethat，mynobleson，andeverythingthousayesttome，"answeredtheoldman;andatthesamemomentthechaplainalsocomingin，Biornstretchedouthishandtowardshimwithasmileofpeaceandjoy。Andnowallseemedtobesurroundedwithabrightcircleofunityandblessedness。"Butsee，"saidoldBiorn，"howthefaithfulSkovmarkjumpsuponmenow，andtriestocaressme。Itisnotlongsinceheusedalwaystohowlwithterrorwhenhesawme。"
　　"Mydearlord，"saidthechaplain，"thereisaspiritdwellingingoodbeasts，thoughdreamyandunconscious。"
　　Asthedayworeon，thestillnessinthehallincreased。Thelasthouroftheagedknightwasdrawingnear，buthemetitcalmlyandfearlessly。ThechaplainandSintramprayedbesidehiscouch。Theretainerskneltdevoutlyaround。Atlengththedyingmansaid："Isthattheprayer-bellinVerena’scloister？"Sintram’slookssaidyea;whilewarmtearsfellonthecolourlesscheeksofhisfather。
　　Agleamshoneintheoldman’seyes，themorningcloudstoodcloseoverhim，andthenthegleam，themorningcloud，andlifewiththem，departedfromhim。
　　CHAPTER29
　　AfewdaysafterwardsSintramstoodintheparlouroftheconvent，andwaitedwithabeatingheartforhismothertoappear。Hehadseenherforthelasttimewhen，aslumberingchild，hehadbeenawakenedbyherwarmfarewellkisses，andthenhadfallenasleepagain，towonderinhisdreamswhathismotherhadwantedwithhim，andtoseekherinvainthenextmorninginthecastleandinthegarden。Thechaplainwasnowathisside，rejoicinginthechastenedraptureoftheknight，whosefiercespirithadbeensoftened，onwhosecheeksalightreflectionofthatsolemnmorningcloudyetlingered。
　　Theinnerdoorsopened。Inherwhiteveil，statelyandnoble，theLadyVerenacameforward，andwithaheavenlysmileshebeckonedhersontoapproachthegrating。Therecouldbenothoughthereofanypassionateoutbreak，whetherofsorroworofjoy。
　　"InwhosesweetpresencesorrowdaresnotlowerNorexpectationriseToohighforearth。"——ChristianYear（Footnotein1901text。）
　　TheholypeacewhichhaditsabodewithinthesewallswouldhavefounditswaytoaheartlesstriedandlesspurifiedthanthatwhichbeatinSintram’sbosom。Sheddingsomeplacidtears，thesonkneltbeforehismother，kissedherflowinggarmentsthroughthegrating，andfeltasifinparadise，whereeverywishandeverycareishushed。"Belovedmother，"saidhe，"letmebecomeaholyman，asthouartaholywoman。ThenIwillbetakemyselftothecloisteryonder;andperhapsImightonedaybedeemedworthytobethyconfessor，ifillnessortheweaknessofoldageshouldkeepthegoodchaplainwithinthecastleofDrontheim。"
　　"Thatwouldbeasweet，quietlyhappylife，mygoodchild，"repliedtheLadyVerena;"butsuchisnotthyvocation。Thoumustremainabold，powerfulknight，andthoumustspendthelonglife，whichisalmostalwaysgrantedtouschildrenoftheNorth，insuccouringtheweak，inkeepingdownthelawless，andinyetanothermorebrightandhonourableemploymentwhichIhithertoratherhonourthanknow。"
　　"God’swillbedone！"saidtheknight，andheroseupfullofself-
　　devotionandfirmness。
　　"Thatismygoodson，"saidtheLadyVerena。"Ah！howmanysweetcalmjoysspringupforus！See，alreadyisourlongingdesireofmeetingagainsatisfied，andthouwiltnevermorebesoentirelyestrangedfromme。Everyweekonthisdaythouwiltcomebacktome，andthouwiltrelatewhatgloriousdeedsthouhastdone，andtakebackwiththeemyadviceandmyblessing。"
　　"AmInotoncemoreagoodandhappychild！"criedSintramjoyously;
　　"onlythatthemercifulGodhasgivenmeinadditionthestrengthofamaninbodyandspirit。Oh，howblessedisthatsontowhomitisallowedtogladdenhismother’sheartwiththeblossomsandthefruitofhislife！"
　　Thusheleftthequietcloister’sshade，joyfulinspiritandrichlyladenwithblessings，toenteronhisnoblecareer。Hewasnotcontentwithgoingaboutwherevertheremightbearightfulcausetodefendoreviltoavert;thegatesofthenowhospitablecastlestoodalwaysopenalsotoreceiveandsheltereverystranger;andoldRolf，whowasalmostgrownyoungagainatthesightofhislord’sexcellence，wasestablishedasseneschal。ThewinterofSintram’slifesetinbrightandglorious，anditwasonlyattimesthathewouldsighwithinhimselfandsay，"Ah，Montfaucon！ah，Gabrielle！ifIcoulddaretohopethatyouhavequiteforgivenme！"
　　CHAPTER30
　　Thespringhadcomeinitsbrightnesstothenorthernlands，whenonemorningSintramturnedhishorsehomewards，afterasuccessfulencounterwithoneofthemostformidabledisturbersofthepeaceofhisneighbourhood。Hishorsemenrodeafterhim，singingastheywent。Astheydrewnearthecastle，theyheardthesoundofjoyousnoteswoundonthehorn。"Somewelcomevisitormusthavearrived，"
　　saidtheknight;andhespurredhishorsetoaquickerpaceoverthedewymeadow。Whilestillatsomedistance，theydescriedoldRolf，busilyengagedinpreparingatableforthemorningmeal，underthetreesinfrontofthecastle-gates。Fromalltheturretsandbattlementsfloatedbannersandflagsinthefreshmorningbreeze：
　　esquireswererunningtoandfrointheirgayestapparel。AssoonasthegoodRolfsawhismaster，heclappedhishandsjoyfullyoverhisgreyhead，andhastenedintothecastle。Immediatelythewidegateswerethrownopen;andSintram，asheentered，wasmetbyRolf，whoseeyeswerefilledwithtearsofjoywhilehepointedtowardsthreenobleformsthatwerefollowinghim。
　　Twomenofhighstature——oneinextremeoldage，theothergrey-
　　headed，andbothremarkablyalike——wereleadingbetweenthemafairyoungboy，inapage’sdressofbluevelvet，richlyembroideredwithgold。ThetwooldmenworethedarkvelvetdressofGermanburghers，andhadmassivegoldchainsandlargeshiningmedalshangingroundtheirnecks。
　　Sintramhadneverbeforeseenhishonouredguests，andyethefeltasiftheywerewellknownandvaluedfriends。Theveryagedmanremindedhimofhisdyingfather’swordsaboutthesnow-coveredmountainslightedupbytheeveningsun;andthenheremembered，hecouldscarcelytellhow，thathehadheardFolkosaythatoneofthehighestmountainsofthatsortinhissouthernlandwascalledtheSt。Gotthard。Andatthesametime，heknewthattheoldbutyetvigorousmanontheothersidewasnamedRudlieb。Buttheboywhostoodbetweenthemah！Sintram’shumilitydaredscarcelyformahopeastowhohemightbe，howevermuchhisfeatures，sonobleandsoft，calleduptwohighlyhonouredimagesbeforehismind。
　　ThentheagedGotthardLenz，thekingofoldmen，advancedwithasolemnstep，andsaid——"ThisisthenobleboyEngeltramofMontfaucon，theonlysonofthegreatbaron;andhisfatherandmothersendhimtoyou，SirSintram，knowingwellyourholyandgloriousknightlycareer，thatyoumaybringhimuptoallthehonourableandvaliantdeedsofthisnorthernland，andmaymakeofhimaChristianknight，likeyourself。"
　　Sintramthrewhimselffromhishorse。EngeltramofMontfauconheldthestirrupgracefullyforhim，checkingtheretainers，whopressedforward，withthesewords："Iamthenoblestbornesquireofthisknight，andtheservicenearesttohispersonbelongstome。"
　　Sintramkneltinsilentprayerontheturf;thenliftingupinhisarms，towardstherisingsun，theimageofFolkoandGabrielle，hecried，"WiththehelpofGod，myEngeltram，thouwiltbecomegloriousasthatsun，andthycoursewillbelikehis！"
　　AndoldRolfexclaimed，asheweptforjoy，"Lord，nowlettestThouThyservantdepartinpeace。"
　　GotthardLenzandRudliebwerepressedtoSintram’sheart;thechaplainofDrontheim，whojustthencamefromVerena’scloistertobringajoyfulgreetingtoherbraveson，stretchedouthishandstoblessthemall。