%PDF-1.2
%âãÏÓ
1 0 obj<>endobj
2 0 obj<>endobj
3 0 obj<>endobj
4 0 obj<>endobj
5 0 obj<>endobj
6 0 obj<>endobj
7 0 obj<>endobj
8 0 obj<>endobj
9 0 obj<>endobj
10 0 obj<>endobj
11 0 obj[8 0 R
10 0 R]endobj
12 0 obj<>endobj
13 0 obj<>endobj
14 0 obj<>endobj
15 0 obj<>endobj
16 0 obj<>endobj
17 0 obj<>endobj
18 0 obj<>endobj
19 0 obj<>endobj
20 0 obj<>endobj
21 0 obj<>endobj
22 0 obj<>endobj
23 0 obj<>endobj
24 0 obj[12 0 R
13 0 R
14 0 R
15 0 R
16 0 R
17 0 R
18 0 R
19 0 R
20 0 R
21 0 R
22 0 R
23 0 R]endobj
25 0 obj<>endobj
26 0 obj<>endobj
27 0 obj<>endobj
28 0 obj<>endobj
29 0 obj<>endobj
30 0 obj<>endobj
31 0 obj<>endobj
32 0 obj<>endobj
33 0 obj<>endobj
34 0 obj<>endobj
35 0 obj<>endobj
36 0 obj<>endobj
37 0 obj<>endobj
38 0 obj<>endobj
39 0 obj<>endobj
40 0 obj<>endobj
41 0 obj<>endobj
42 0 obj<>/XObject<<>>>>>>endobj
43 0 obj<>stream
q
1 0 0 1 72 36 cm
BT
/F9 19 Tf 166.251 355.195 Td 0.000 Tc(Aslauga's Knight)Tj
ET
Q
endstream
endobj
44 0 obj<>/XObject<<>>>>>>endobj
45 0 obj<>stream
q
1 0 0 1 72 36 cm
BT
/F9 19 Tf 0 678.992 Td 0.000 Tc(Aslauga's Knight)Tj
/F9 13.2 Tf 0 -30.202 Td(by Fredrich de la Motte-Fouque)Tj
0 -55.44 Td(CHAPTER I.)Tj
/F4 11 Tf 0 -26.84 Td(Many years ago there lived in the island of Fuhnen a noble knight, called Froda, the friend of the Skalds, who)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(was so named because he not only offered free hospitality in his fair castle to every renowned and noble bard,)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(but likewise strove with all his might to discover those ancient songs, and tales, and legends which, in Runic)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(writings or elsewhere, were still to be found; he had even made some voyages to Iceland in search of them,)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(and had fought many a hard battle with the pirates of those seas--for he was also a right valiant knight, and)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(he followed his great ancestors not only in their love of song, but also in their bold deeds of arms. Although)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(he was still scarcely beyond the prime of youth, yet all the other nobles in the island willingly submitted)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(themselves to him, whether in council or in war; nay, his renown had even been carried ere now over the sea)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(to the neighbouring land of Germany.)Tj
0 -26.4 Td(One bright autumn evening this honour-loving knight sat before his castle, as he was often wont to do, that he)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(might look far and wide over land and sea, and that he might invite any travellers who were passing by, as)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(was his custom, to share in his noble hospitality.)Tj
0 -26.4 Td(But on this day he saw little of all that he was accustomed to look upon; for on his knees there lay an ancient)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(book with skilfully and richly painted characters, which a learned Icelander had just sent to him across the)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(sea: it was the history of Aslauga, the fair daughter of Sigurd, who at first, concealing her high birth, kept)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(goats among the simple peasants of the land, clothed in mean attire; then, in the golden veil of her flowing)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(hair, won the love of King Ragnar Lodbrog; and at last shone brightly on the Danish throne as his glorious)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(queen, till the day of her death.)Tj
0 -26.4 Td(To the Knight Froda it seemed as though the gracious Lady Aslauga rose in life and birth before him, so that)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(his calm and steadfast heart, true indeed to ladies' service, but never yet devoted to one particular female)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(image, burst forth in a clear flame of love for the fair daughter of Sigurd. "What matters it," thought he to)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(himself, "that it is more than a hundred years since she disappeared from earth? She sees so clearly into this)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(heart of mine--and what more can a knight desire? wherefore she shall henceforth be my honoured love, and)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(shall inspire me in battle and in song." And therewith he sang a lay on his new love, which ran in the)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(following manner:)Tj
0 -26.4 Td("They ride over hill and dale apace)Tj
0 -26.4 Td(To seek for their love the fairest face--)Tj
0 -26.4 Td(They search through city and forest-glade)Tj
0 -26.4 Td(To find for their love the gentlest maid--)Tj
0 -26.4 Td(They climb wherever a path may lead)Tj
0 -26.4 Td(To seek the wisest dame for their meed. )Tj
0 -26.4 Td(Ride on, ye knights: but ye never may see)Tj
/F8 11 Tf 0 -25.31 Td(Aslauga's Knight)Tj
480.884 0 Td(1)Tj
ET
Q
endstream
endobj
46 0 obj<>/XObject<<>>>>>>endobj
47 0 obj<>stream
q
1 0 0 1 72 36 cm
BT
/F4 11 Tf 0 687 Td 0.000 Tc(What the light of song has shown to me:)Tj
0 -26.4 Td(Loveliest, gentlest, and wisest of all,)Tj
0 -26.4 Td(Bold be the deeds that her name shall recall;)Tj
0 -26.4 Td(What though she ne'er bless my earthly sight?)Tj
0 -26.4 Td(Yet death shall reveal her countenance bright.)Tj
0 -26.4 Td(Fair world, good night! Good day, sweet love!)Tj
0 -26.4 Td( Who seeks here in faith shall find above.")Tj
0 -26.4 Td("Such purpose may come to good," said a hollow voice near the knight; and when he looked round, he saw the)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(form of a poor peasant woman, so closely wrapped in a grey mantle that he could not discern any part of her)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(countenance. She looked over his shoulder on the book, and said, with a deep sigh, "I know that story well;)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(and it fares no better with me than with the princess of whom it tells." Froda looked at her with)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(astonishment. "Yes, yes," pursued she, with strange becks and nods; "I am the descendant of the mighty)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(Rolf, to whom the fairest castles and forests and fields of this island once belonged; your castle and your)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(domains, Froda, amongst others, were his. We are now cast down to poverty; and because I am not so fair as)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(Aslauga there is no hope that my possessions will be restored to me; and therefore I am fain to veil my poor)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(face from every eye." It seemed that she shed warm tears beneath her mantle. At this Froda was greatly)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(moved, and begged her, for God's sake, to let him know how he could help her, for that he was a descendant)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(of the famous northern heroes of the olden time; and perhaps yet something more than they--namely, a good)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(Christian. "I almost think," murmured she from beneath her covering, "that you are that very Froda whom)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(men call the Good, and the friend of the Skalds, and of whose generosity and mildness such wonderful stories)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(are told. If it be so, there may be help for me. You need only give up to me the half of your fields and)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(meadows, and I should be in a condition to live in some measure such a life as befits the descendant of the)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(mighty Rolf." Then Froda looked thoughtfully on the ground; partly because she had asked for so very)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(much; partly, also, because he was considering whether she could really be descended from the powerful)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(Rolf. But the veiled form said, after a pause, "I must have been mistaken, and you are not indeed that)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(renowned, gentle-hearted Froda: for how could be have doubted so long about such a trifle? But I will try)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(the utmost means. See now! for the sake of the fair Aslauga, of whom you have both read and sang--for the)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(sake of the honoured daughter of Sigurd, grant my request!" Then Froda started up eagerly, and cried, "Let it)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(be as you have said!" and gave her his knightly hand to confirm his words. But he could not grasp the hand)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(of the peasant-woman, although her dark form remained close before him. A secret shudder began to run)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(through his limbs, whilst suddenly a light seemed to shine forth from the apparition--a golden light--in)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(which she became wholly wrapped; so that he felt as though Aslauga stood before him in the flowing veil of)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(her golden hair, and smiling graciously on him. Transported and dazzled, he sank on his knees. When he)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(rose up once more he only saw a cloudy mist of autumn spreading over the meadow, fringed at its edges with)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(lingering evening lights, and then vanishing far over the waves. The knight scarcely knew what had)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(happened to him. He returned to his chamber buried in thought, and sometimes feeling sure that he had)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(beheld Aslauga, sometimes, again, that some goblin had risen before him with deceitful tricks, mocking in)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(spiteful wise the service which he had vowed to his dead mistress. But henceforth, wherever he roved, over)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(valley or forest or heath, or whether he sailed upon the waves of the sea, the like appearances met him. Once)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(he found a lute lying in a wood, and drove a wolf away from it, and when sounds burst from the lute without)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(its being touched a fair child rose up from it, as of old Aslauga herself had done. At another time he would)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(see goats clambering among the highest cliffs by the sea-shore, and it was a golden form who tended them. )Tj
0 -13.2 Td(Then, again, a bright queen, resplendent in a dazzling bark, would seem to glide past him, and salute him)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(graciously,--and if he strove to approach any of those he found nothing but cloud, and mist, and vapour. Of)Tj
/F8 11 Tf 202.706 693 Td(Aslauga's Knight)Tj
-202.706 -720 Td(Aslauga's Knight)Tj
480.884 0 Td(2)Tj
ET
Q
endstream
endobj
48 0 obj<>/XObject<<>>>>>>endobj
49 0 obj<>stream
q
1 0 0 1 72 36 cm
BT
/F4 11 Tf 0 687 Td 0.000 Tc(all this many a lay might be sung. But so much he learnt from them all--that the fair Lady Aslauga accepted)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(his service, and that he was now indeed and in truth become her knight.)Tj
0 -26.4 Td(Meanwhile the winter had come and gone. In northern lands this season never fails to bring to those who)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(understand and love it many an image full of beauty and meaning, with which a child of man might well be)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(satisfied, so far as earthly happiness can satisfy, through all his time on earth. But when the spring came)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(glancing forth with its opening buds and flowing waters there came also bright and sunny tidings from the)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(land of Germany to Fuhnen.)Tj
0 -26.4 Td(There stood on the rich banks of the Maine, where it pours its waters through the fertile land of Franconia, a)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(castle of almost royal magnificence, whose orphan-mistress was a relation of the German emperor. She was)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(named Hildegardis; and was acknowledged far and wide as the fairest of maidens. Therefore her imperial)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(uncle wished that she should wed none but the bravest knight who could anywhere be met with. Accordingly)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(he followed the example of many a noble lord in such a case, and proclaimed a tournament, at which the chief)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(prize should be the hand of the peerless Hildegardis, unless the victor already bore in his heart a lady wedded)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(or betrothed to him; for the lists were not to be closed to any brave warrior of equal birth, that the contest of)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(strength and courage might be so much the richer in competitors.)Tj
0 -26.4 Td(Now the renowned Froda had tidings of this from his German brethren-in-arms; and he prepared himself to)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(appear at the festival. Before all things, he forged for himself a splendid suit of armour; as, indeed, he was)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(the most excellent armourer of the north, far-famed as it is for skill in that art. He worked the helmet out of)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(pure gold, and formed it so that it seemed to be covered with bright flowing locks, which called to mind)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(Aslauga's tresses. He also fashioned, on the breastplate of his armour, overlaid with silver, a golden image in)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(half relief, which represented Aslauga in her veil of flowing locks, that he might make known, even at the)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(beginning of the tournament--"This knight, bearing the image of a lady upon his breast, fights not for the)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(hand of the beautiful Hildegardis, but only for the joy of battle and for knightly fame." Then he took out of)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(his stables a beautiful Danish steed, embarked it carefully on board a vessel, and sailed prosperously to the)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(opposite shore.)Tj
/F9 13.2 Tf 0 -55 Td(CHAPTER II.)Tj
/F4 11 Tf 0 -26.84 Td(In one of those fair beech-woods which abound in the fertile land of Germany he fell in with a young and)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(courteous knight of delicate form, who asked the noble northman to share the meal which he had invitingly)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(spread out upon the greensward, under the shade of the pleasantest boughs. Whilst the two knights sat)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(peacefully together at their repast they felt drawn towards each other and rejoiced when on rising from it, they)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(observed that they were about to follow the same road. They had not come to this good understanding by)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(means of many words; for the young knight Edwald was of a silent nature, and would sit for hours with a)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(quiet smile upon his lips without opening them to speak. But even in that quiet smile there lay a gentle,)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(winning grace; and when from time to time a few simple words of deep meaning sprang to his lips they)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(seemed like a gift deserving of thanks. It was the same with the little songs which he sang ever and anon:)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(they were ended almost as soon as begun; but in each short couplet there dwelt a deep and winning spirit,)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(whether it called forth a kindly sigh or a peaceful smile. It seemed to the noble Froda as if a younger brother)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(rode beside him, or even a tender, blooming son. They travelled thus many days together; and it appeared as)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(if their path were marked out for them in inseparable union; and much as they rejoiced at this, yet they looked)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(sadly at each other whenever they set out afresh, or where cross-roads met, on finding that neither took a)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(different direction: nay, it seemed at times as if a tear gathered in Edwald's downcast eye.)Tj
0 -26.4 Td(It happened on a time, that at their hostelry they met an arrogant, overbearing knight, of gigantic stature and)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(powerful frame, whose speech and carriage proved him to be not of German but foreign birth. He appeared)Tj
/F8 11 Tf 202.706 695.64 Td(Aslauga's Knight)Tj
-202.706 -720 Td(CHAPTER II.)Tj
480.884 0 Td(3)Tj
ET
Q
endstream
endobj
50 0 obj<>/XObject<<>>>>>>endobj
51 0 obj<>stream
q
1 0 0 1 72 36 cm
BT
/F4 11 Tf 0 687 Td 0.000 Tc(to come from the land of Bohemia. He cast a contemptuous smile on Froda, who, as usual, had opened the)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(ancient book of Aslauga's history, and was attentively reading in it. "You must be a ghostly knight?" he said,)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(inquiringly; and it appeared as if a whole train of unseemly jests were ready to follow. But Froda answered)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(so firmly and seriously with a negative that the Bohemian stopped short suddenly; as when the beasts, after)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(venturing to mock their king, the lion, are subdued to quietness by one glance of his eye. But not so easily)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(was the Bohemian knight subdued; rather the more did he begin to mock young Edwald for his delicate form)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(and for his silence--all which he bore for some time with great patience; but when at last the stranger used an)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(unbecoming phrase, he arose, girded on his sword, and bowing gracefully, he said, "I thank you, Sir Knight,)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(that you have given me this opportunity of proving that I am neither a slothful nor unpractised knight; for only)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(thus can your behaviour be excused, which otherwise must be deemed most unmannerly. Are you ready?")Tj
0 -26.4 Td(With these words he moved towards the door; the Bohemian knight followed, smiling scornfully; while Froda)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(was full of care for his young and slender companion, although his honour was so dear to him that he could in)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(no way interpose.)Tj
0 -26.4 Td(But it soon appeared how needless were the northman's fears. With equal vigour and address did Edwald)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(assault his gigantic adversary, so that to look upon, it was almost like one of those combats between a knight)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(and some monster of the forest, of which ancient legends tell. The issue, too, was not unlike. While the)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(Bohemian was collecting himself for a decisive stroke Edwald rushed in upon him, and, with the force of a)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(wrestler, cast him to the ground. But he spared his conquered foe, helped him courteously to rise, and then)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(turned to mount his own steed. Soon after he and Froda left the hostelry, and once more their journey led)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(them on the same path as before.)Tj
0 -26.4 Td("From henceforth this gives me pleasure," said Froda, pointing with satisfaction to their common road. "I)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(must own to you, Edchen"--he had accustomed himself, in loving confidence, to call his young friend by that)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(childlike name--"I must own to you that hitherto, when I have thought that you might perhaps be journeying)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(with me to the tournament held in honour of the fair Hildegardis, a heaviness came over my heart. Your)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(noble knightly spirit I well knew, but I feared lest the strength of your slender limbs might not be equal to it. )Tj
0 -13.2 Td(Now I have learned to know you as a warrior who may long seek his match; and God be praised if we still)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(hold on in the same path, and welcome our earliest meeting in the lists!")Tj
0 -26.4 Td(But Edwald looked at him sorrowfully, and said, "What can my skill and strength avail if they be tried against)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(you, and for the greatest earthly prize, which one of us alone can win? Alas! I have long foreboded with a)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(heavy heart the sad truth, that you also are journeying to the tournament of the fair Hildegardis.")Tj
0 -26.4 Td("Edchen," answered Froda, with a smile, "my gentle, loving youth, see you not that I already wear on my)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(breastplate the image of a liege lady? I strive but for renown in arms, and not for your fair Hildegardis!")Tj
0 -26.4 Td("MY fair Hildegardis!" answered Edwald, with a sigh. "That she is not, nor ever will be--or should she, ah!)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(Froda, it would pierce your heart. I know well the northland faith is deep-rooted as your rocks, and hard to)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(dissolve as their summits of snow; but let no man think that he can look unscathed into the eyes of)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(Hildegardis. Has not she, the haughty, the too haughty maiden, so bewitched my tranquil, lowly mind, that I)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(forget the gulf which lies between us, and still pursue her; and would rather perish than renounce the daring)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(hope to win that eagle spirit for my own?")Tj
0 -26.4 Td("I will help you to it, Edchen," answered Froda, smiling still. "Would that I knew how this all-conquering)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(lady looks! She must resemble the Valkyrien of our heathen forefathers, since so many mighty warriors are)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(overcome by her.")Tj
0 -26.4 Td(Edwald solemnly drew forth a picture from beneath his breastplate, and held it before him. Fixed, and as if)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(enchanted, Froda gazed upon it, with glowing cheeks and sparkling eyes; the smile passed away from his)Tj
/F8 11 Tf 202.706 693 Td(Aslauga's Knight)Tj
-202.706 -720 Td(CHAPTER II.)Tj
480.884 0 Td(4)Tj
ET
Q
endstream
endobj
52 0 obj<>/XObject<<>>>>>>endobj
53 0 obj<>stream
q
1 0 0 1 72 36 cm
BT
/F4 11 Tf 0 687 Td 0.000 Tc(countenance, as the sunlight fades away from the meadows before the coming darkness of the storm.)Tj
0 -26.4 Td("See you not now, my noble comrade," whispered Edwald, "that for one of us two, or perhaps for both, the joy)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(of life is gone?")Tj
0 -26.4 Td("Not yet," replied Froda, with a powerful effort; "but hide your magic picture, and let us rest beneath this)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(shade. You must be somewhat spent with your late encounter, and a strange weariness oppresses me with)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(leaden weight." They dismounted from their steeds, and stretched themselves upon the ground.)Tj
0 -26.4 Td(The noble Froda had no thought of sleep; but he wished to be undisturbed whilst he wrestled strongly with)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(himself, and strove, if it might be, to drive from his mind that image of fearful beauty. It seemed as if this)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(new influence had already become a part of his very life, and at last a restless dreamy sleep did indeed)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(overshadow the exhausted warrior. He fancied himself engaged in combat with many knights, whilst)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(Hildegardis looked on smiling from a richly-adorned balcony; and just as he thought he had gained the)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(victory the bleeding Edwald lay groaning beneath his horse's feet. Then again it seemed as if Hildegardis)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(stood by his side in a church, and they were about to receive the marriage-blessing. He knew well that this)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(was not right, and the "yes," which he was to utter, he pressed back with resolute effort into his heart, and)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(forthwith his eyes were moistened with burning tears. >From yet stranger and more bewildering visions the)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(voice of Edwald at last awoke him. He raised himself up, and heard his young companion saying)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(courteously, as he looked towards a neighbouring thicket, "Only return, noble maiden; I will surely help you if)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(I can; and I had no wish to scare you away, but that the slumbers of my brother in arms might not be disturbed)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(by you." A golden gleam shone through the branches as it vanished.)Tj
0 -26.4 Td("For heaven's sake", my faithful comrade," cried Froda, "to whom are you speaking, and who has been here)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(by me?")Tj
0 -26.4 Td("I cannot myself rightly understand," said Edwald. "Hardly had you dropped asleep when a figure came)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(forth from the forest, closely wrapped in a dark mantle. At first I took her for a peasant. She seated herself)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(at your head; and though I could see nothing of her countenance, I could well observe that she was sorely)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(troubled, and even shedding tears. I made signs to her to depart, lest she should disturb your sleep; and)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(would have offered her a piece of gold, supposing that poverty must be the cause of her deep distress. But)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(my hand seemed powerless, and a shudder passed through me, as if I had entertained such a purpose towards a)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(queen. Immediately glittering locks of gold waved here and there between the folds of her close-wrapped)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(mantle, and the thicket began almost to shine in the light which they shed. 'Poor youth,' said she then, 'you)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(love truly, and can well understand how a lofty woman's heart burns in keenest sorrow when a noble knight,)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(who vowed himself to be her own, withdraws his heart, and, like a weak bondman, is led away to meaner)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(hopes.' Hereupon she arose, and, sighing, disappeared in yonder thicket. It almost seemed to me, Froda, as)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(though she uttered your name.")Tj
0 -26.4 Td("Yes, it was me she named," answered Froda; "and not in vain she named me. Aslauga, thy knight comes,)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(and enters the lists, and all for thee and thy reward alone! At the same time, my Edchen, we will win for you)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(your haughty bride." With this he sprang upon his steed, full of the proud joy of former times; and when the)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(magic of Hildegardis' beauty, dazzling and bewildering, would rise up before him, he said, smiling,)Tj
0 -13.2 Td("Aslauga!" and the sun of his inner life shone forth again cloudless and serene.)Tj
/F9 13.2 Tf 0 -55 Td(CHAPTER III.)Tj
/F4 11 Tf 0 -26.84 Td(From a balcony of her castle on the Maine Hildegardis was wont to refresh herself in the cool of the evening)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(by gazing on the rich landscape below, but gazing more eagerly on the glitter of arms, which often came in)Tj
/F8 11 Tf 202.706 695.64 Td(Aslauga's Knight)Tj
-202.706 -720 Td(CHAPTER III.)Tj
480.884 0 Td(5)Tj
ET
Q
endstream
endobj
54 0 obj<>/XObject<<>>>>>>endobj
55 0 obj<>stream
q
1 0 0 1 72 36 cm
BT
/F4 11 Tf 0 687 Td 0.000 Tc(sight from many a distant road; for knights were approaching singly, or with a train of followers, all eager to)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(prove their courage and their strength in striving for the high prize of the tournament. She was in truth a)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(proud and high-minded maiden--perhaps more so than became even her dazzling beauty and her princely)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(rank. As she now gazed with a proud smile on the glittering roads a damsel of her train began the following)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(lay:--)Tj
0 -26.4 Td( "The joyous song of birds in spring)Tj
0 -26.4 Td(Upon the wing)Tj
0 -26.4 Td(Doth echo far through wood and dell,)Tj
0 -26.4 Td(And freely tell)Tj
0 -26.4 Td(Their treasures sweet of love and mirth,)Tj
0 -26.4 Td(Too gladsome for this lowly earth.)Tj
0 -26.4 Td("The gentle breath of flowers in May,)Tj
0 -26.4 Td(O'er meadows gay,)Tj
0 -26.4 Td(Doth fill the pure and balmy air)Tj
0 -26.4 Td(With perfume rare;)Tj
0 -26.4 Td(Still floating round each slender form,)Tj
0 -26.4 Td(Though scorched by sun, or torn by storm.)Tj
0 -26.4 Td("But every high and glorious aim,)Tj
0 -26.4 Td(And the pure flame)Tj
0 -26.4 Td(That deep abiding in my heart)Tj
0 -26.4 Td(Can ne'er depart,)Tj
0 -26.4 Td(Too lofty for my falt'ring tongue,)Tj
0 -26.4 Td( Must die with me, unknown, unsung.")Tj
0 -26.4 Td("Wherefore do you sing that song, and at this moment?" said Hildegardis, striving to appear scornful and)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(proud, though a deep and secret sadness was plainly enough seen to overshadow her countenance. "It came)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(into my head unawares," replied the damsel, "as I looked upon the road by which the gentle Edwald with his)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(pleasant lays first approached us; for it was from him I learnt it. But seems it not to you, my gracious lady,)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(and to you too, my companions, as if Edwald himself were again riding that way towards the castle?" )Tj
0 -13.2 Td("Dreamer!" said Hildegardis, scornfully--and yet could not for some space withdraw her eyes from the)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(knight, till at length, with an effort, she turned them on Froda, who rode beside him, saying:)Tj
/F8 11 Tf 202.706 666.6 Td(Aslauga's Knight)Tj
-202.706 -720 Td(CHAPTER III.)Tj
480.884 0 Td(6)Tj
ET
Q
endstream
endobj
56 0 obj<>/XObject<<>>>>>>endobj
57 0 obj<>stream
q
1 0 0 1 72 36 cm
BT
/F4 11 Tf 0 687 Td 0.000 Tc("Yes, truly, that knight is Edwald; but what can you find to notice in the meek-spirited, silent boy? Here, fix)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(your eyes, my maidens, on this majestic figure, if you would behold a knight indeed." She was silent. A)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(voice within her, as though of prophecy, said, "Now the victor of the tournament rides into the courtyard;" and)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(she, who had never feared the presence of any human being, now felt humbled, and almost painfully awed,)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(when she beheld the northern knight.)Tj
0 -26.4 Td(At the evening meal the two newly-arrived knights were placed opposite to the royal Hildegardis. As Froda,)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(after the northern fashion, remained in full armour, the golden image of Aslauga gleamed from his silver)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(breast-plate full before the eyes of the haughty lady. She smiled scornfully, as if conscious that it depended)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(on her will to drive that image from the breast and from the heart of the stranger-knight. Then suddenly a)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(clear golden light passed through the hall, so that Hildegardis said, "O, the keen lightning!" and covered her)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(eyes with both her hands. But Froda looked into the dazzling radiance with a joyful gaze of welcome. At)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(this Hildegardis feared him yet more, though at the same time she thought, "This loftiest and most mysterious)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(of men must be born for me alone." Yet could she not forbear, almost against her will, to look from time to)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(time in friendly tenderness on the poor Edwald, who sat there silent, and with a sweet smile seemed to pity)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(and to mock his own suffering and his own vain hopes.)Tj
0 -26.4 Td("When the two knights were alone in their sleeping-chamber Edwald looked for a long time in silence into)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(the dewy, balmy night. Then he sang to his lute:)Tj
0 -26.4 Td( "A hero wise and brave,)Tj
0 -26.4 Td( A lowly, tender youth,)Tj
0 -26.4 Td( Are wandering through the land)Tj
0 -26.4 Td( In steadfast love and truth.)Tj
0 -52.8 Td( "The hero, by his deeds,)Tj
0 -26.4 Td( Both bliss and fame had won,)Tj
0 -26.4 Td( And still, with heartfelt joy,)Tj
0 -26.4 Td( The faithful child looked on.")Tj
0 -52.8 Td(But Froda took the lute from his hands, and said, "No, Edchen, I will teach you another song; listen!--)Tj
0 -26.4 Td( "'There's a gleam in the hall, and like morning's light)Tj
0 -26.4 Td(Hath shone upon all her presence bright.)Tj
0 -26.4 Td(Suitors watch as she passes by--)Tj
0 -26.4 Td(She may gladden their hearts by one glance of her eye:)Tj
0 -26.4 Td(But coldly she gazeth upon the throng,)Tj
/F8 11 Tf 202.706 693 Td(Aslauga's Knight)Tj
-202.706 -720 Td(CHAPTER III.)Tj
480.884 0 Td(7)Tj
ET
Q
endstream
endobj
58 0 obj<>/XObject<<>>>>>>endobj
59 0 obj<>stream
q
1 0 0 1 72 36 cm
BT
/F4 11 Tf 0 687 Td 0.000 Tc(And they that have sought her may seek her long. )Tj
0 -26.4 Td(She turns her away from the richly clad knight,)Tj
0 -26.4 Td(She heeds not the words of the learned wight;)Tj
0 -26.4 Td(The prince is before her in all his pride,)Tj
0 -26.4 Td(But other the visions around her that glide. )Tj
0 -26.4 Td(Then tell me, in all the wide world's space,)Tj
0 -26.4 Td(Who may e'er win that lady's grace?)Tj
0 -26.4 Td( In sorrowful love there sits apart)Tj
0 -26.4 Td(The gentle squire who hath her heart;)Tj
0 -26.4 Td(They all are deceived by fancies vain,)Tj
0 -26.4 Td( And he knows it not who the prize shall gain.'")Tj
0 -26.4 Td(Edwald thrilled. "As God wills," said he, softly to himself. "But I cannot understand how such a thing)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(could be." "As God wills," repeated Froda. The two friends embraced each other, and soon after fell into a)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(peaceful slumber.)Tj
0 -26.4 Td(Some days afterwards Froda sat in a secluded bower of the castle garden, and was reading in the ancient book)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(of his lovely mistress Aslauga. It happened at that very time that Hildegardis passed by. She stood still, and)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(said, thoughtfully, "Strange union that you are of knight and sage, how comes it that you bring forth so little)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(out of the deep treasures of your knowledge? And yet I think you must have many a choice history at your)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(command, even such as that which now lies open before you; for I see rich and bright pictures of knights and)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(ladies painted amongst the letters.")Tj
0 -26.4 Td("It is, indeed, the most surpassing and enchanting history in all the world," said Froda; "but you have neither)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(patience nor thoughtfulness to listen to our wonderful legends of the north.")Tj
0 -26.4 Td("Why think you so?" answered Hildegardis, with that pride which she rejoiced to display towards Froda, when)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(she could find courage to do so; and, placing herself on a stone seat opposite, she commanded him at once to)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(read something to her out of that fair book.)Tj
0 -26.4 Td(Froda began, and in the very effort which he made to change the old heroic speech of Iceland into the German)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(tongue, his heart and mind were stirred more fervently and solemnly. As he looked up from time to time, he)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(beheld the countenance of Hildegardis beaming in ever-growing beauty with joy, wonder, and interest; and)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(the thought passed through his mind whether this could indeed be his destined bride, to whom Aslauga herself)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(was guiding him.)Tj
0 -26.4 Td(Then suddenly the characters became strangely confused; it seemed as if the pictures began to move, so that)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(he was obliged to stop. While he fixed his eyes with a strong effort upon the book, endeavouring to drive)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(away this strange confusion, he heard a well-known sweetly solemn voice, which said, "Leave a little space)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(for me, fair lady. The history which that knight is reading to you relates to me; and I hear it gladly.")Tj
/F8 11 Tf 202.706 679.8 Td(Aslauga's Knight)Tj
-202.706 -720 Td(CHAPTER III.)Tj
480.884 0 Td(8)Tj
ET
Q
endstream
endobj
60 0 obj<>/XObject<<>>>>>>endobj
61 0 obj<>stream
q
1 0 0 1 72 36 cm
BT
/F4 11 Tf 0 687 Td 0.000 Tc(Before the eyes of Froda, as he raised them from his book, sat Aslauga in all the glory of her flowing golden)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(locks beside Hildegardis, on the seat. With tears of affright in her eyes, the maiden sank back and fainted. )Tj
0 -13.2 Td(Solemnly, yet graciously, Aslauga warned her knight with a motion of her fair right hand, and vanished.)Tj
0 -26.4 Td("What have I done to you?" said Hildegardis when recovered from her swoon by his care, "what have I done)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(to you, evil-minded knight, that you call up your northern spectres before me, and well-nigh destroy me)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(through terror of your magic arts? "Lady," answered Froda, "may God help me, as I have not called hither)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(the wondrous lady who but now appeared to us. But now her will is known to me, and I commend you to)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(God's keeping.")Tj
0 -26.4 Td(With that he walked thoughtfully out of the bower. Hildegardis fled in terror from the gloomy shade, and,)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(rushing out on the opposite side, reached a fair open grass-plot, where Edwald, in the soft glow of twilight,)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(was gathering flowers, and, meeting her with a courteous smile, offered her a nosegay of narcissus and)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(pansies.)Tj
/F9 13.2 Tf 0 -55 Td(CHAPTER IV.)Tj
/F4 11 Tf 0 -26.84 Td(At length the day fixed for the tournament arrived, and a distinguished noble, appointed by the German)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(emperor, arranged all things in the most magnificent and sumptuous guise for the solemn festival. The field)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(of combat opened wide, and fair, and level, thickly strewn with the finest sand, so that, both man and horse)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(might find sure footing; and, like a pure field of snow, it shone forth from the midst of the flowery plain. )Tj
0 -13.2 Td(Rich hangings of silk from Arabia, curiously embroidered with Indian gold, adorned with their various)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(colours the lists enclosing the space, and hung from the lofty galleries which had been erected for the ladies)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(and the nobles who were to behold the combat. At the upper end, under a canopy of majestic arches richly)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(wrought in gold, was the place of the Lady Hildegardis. Green wreaths and garlands waved gracefully)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(between the glittering pillars in the soft breezes of July. And with impatient eyes the multitude, who)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(crowded beyond the lists, gazed upwards, expecting the appearance of the fairest maiden of Germany, and)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(were only at times drawn to another part by the stately approach of the combatants. Oh, how many a bright)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(suit of armour, many a silken richly-embroidered mantle, how many a lofty waving plume was here to be)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(seen! The splendid troop of knights moved within the lists, greeting and conversing with each other, as a bed)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(of flowers stirred by a breath of wind; but the flower-stems had grown to lofty trees, the yellow and white)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(flower-leaves had changed to gold and silver, and the dew-drops to pearls and diamonds. For whatever was)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(most fair and costly, most varied and full of meaning, had these noble knights collected in honour of this)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(day. Many an eye was turned on Froda, who, without scarf, plume, or mantle, with his shining silver)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(breastplate, on which appeared the golden image of Aslauga, and with his well-wrought helmet of golden)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(locks, shone, in the midst of the crowd, like polished brass. Others, again, there were, who took pleasure in)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(looking at the young Edwald; his whole armour was covered by a mantle of white silk, embroidered in azure)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(and silver, as his whole helmet was concealed by a waving plume of white feathers. He was arrayed with)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(almost feminine elegance, and yet the conscious power with which he controlled his fiery, snow-white steed)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(made known the victorious strength and manliness of the warlike stripling.)Tj
0 -26.4 Td(In strange contrast appeared the tall and almost gigantic figure of a knight clothed in a mantle of black glossy)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(bearskin, bordered with costly fur, but without any ornament of shining metal. His very helmet was covered)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(with dark bearskin, and, instead of plumes, a mass of blood-red horsehair hung like a flowing mane profusely)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(on every side. Well did Froda and Edwald remember that dark knight, for he was the uncourteous guest of)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(the hostelry. He also seemed to remark the two knights, for he turned his unruly steed suddenly round,)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(forced his way through the crowd of warriors, and, after he had spoken over the enclosure to a hideous)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(bronze-coloured woman, sprang with a wild leap across the lists, and, with the speed of an arrow, vanished)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(out of sight. The old woman looked after him with a friendly nod. The assembled people laughed as at a)Tj
/F8 11 Tf 202.706 695.64 Td(Aslauga's Knight)Tj
-202.706 -720 Td(CHAPTER IV.)Tj
480.884 0 Td(9)Tj
ET
Q
endstream
endobj
62 0 obj<>/XObject<<>>>>>>endobj
63 0 obj<>stream
q
1 0 0 1 72 36 cm
BT
/F4 11 Tf 0 687 Td 0.000 Tc(strange masquing device; but Edwald and Froda had their own almost shuddering thoughts concerning it,)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(which, however, neither imparted to the other.)Tj
0 -26.4 Td(The kettle-drums rolled, the trumpets sounded, and led by the aged duke, Hildegardis advanced, richly)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(apparelled, but more dazzling through the brightness of her own beauty. She stepped forward beneath the)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(arches of the golden bower, and bowed to the assembly. The knights bent low, and the feeling rushed into)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(many a heart, "There is no man on earth who can deserve a bride so queenly." When Froda bowed his head,)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(it seemed to him as if the golden radiance of Aslauga'a tresses floated before his sight; and his spirit rose in)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(joy and pride that his lady held him worthy to be so often reminded of her.)Tj
0 -26.4 Td(And now the tournament began. At first the knights strove with blunted swords and battle-axes; then they)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(ran their course with lances man to man; but at last they divided into two equal parties, and a general assault)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(began, in which every one was allowed to use at his own will either sword or lance. Froda and Edwald)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(equally surpassed their antagonists, as \(measuring each his own strength and that of his friend\) they had)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(foreseen. And now it must be decided by a single combat with lances to whom the highest prize of victory)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(should belong. Before this trial began, they rode slowly together into the middle of the course, and consulted)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(where each should take his place. "Keep you your guiding-star still before your sight," said Froda, with a)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(smile; "the like gracious help will not be wanting to me." Edwald looked round astonished for the lady of)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(whom his friend seemed to speak, but Froda went on, "I have done wrong in hiding aught from you, but after)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(the tournament you shall know all. Now lay aside all needless thoughts of wonder, dear Edchen, and sit firm)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(in your saddle, for I warn you that I shall run this course with all my might. Not my honour alone is at stake,)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(but the far higher honour of my lady.")Tj
0 -26.4 Td("So also do I purpose to demean myself," said Edwald, with a friendly smile. They shook each other by the)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(hand, and rode to their places.)Tj
0 -26.4 Td(Amidst the sound of trumpets they met again, running their course with lightning speed; the lances shivered)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(with a crash, the horses staggered, the knights, firm in their saddles, pulled them up, and rode back to their)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(places. But as they prepared for another course, Edwald's white steed snorted in wild affright, and Froda's)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(powerful chestnut reared up foaming.)Tj
0 -26.4 Td(It was plain that the two noble animals shrunk from a second hard encounter, but their riders held them fast)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(with spur and bit, and, firm and obedient, they again dashed forward at the second call of the trumpet. )Tj
0 -13.2 Td(Edwald, who by one deep, ardent gaze on the beauty of his mistress had stamped it afresh on his soul, cried)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(aloud at the moment of encounter, "Hildegardis!" and so mightily did his lance strike his valiant adversary,)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(that Froda sank backwards on his steed, with difficulty keeping his seat in his saddle, or holding firm in his)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(stirrups, whilst Edwald flew by unshaken, lowered his spear to salute Hildegardis as he passed her bower, and)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(then, amidst the loud applause of the multitude, rushed to his place, ready for the third course. And, ah!)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(Hildegardis herself, overcome by surprise, had greeted him with a blush and a look of kindness; it seemed to)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(him as if the overwhelming joy of victory were already gained. But it was not so, for the valiant Froda,)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(burning with noble shame, had again tamed his affrighted steed, and, chastising him sharply with the spur for)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(his share in this mischance, said in a low voice, "Beautiful and beloved lady, show thyself to me--the honour)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(of thy name is at stake." To every other eye it seemed as if a golden rosy-tinted summer's cloud was passing)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(over the deep-blue sky, but Froda beheld the heavenly countenance of his lady, felt the waving of her golden)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(tresses, and cried, "Aslauga!" The two rushed together, and Edwald was hurled from his saddle far upon the)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(dusty plain.)Tj
0 -26.4 Td(Froda remained for a time motionless, according to the laws of chivalry, as though waiting to see whether any)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(one would dispute his victory, and appearing on his mailed steed like some lofty statue of brass. All around)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(stood the multitude in silent wonderment. When at length they burst forth into shouts of triumph, he)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(beckoned earnestly with his hand, and all were again silent. He then sprang lightly from his saddle, and)Tj
/F8 11 Tf 202.706 693 Td(Aslauga's Knight)Tj
-202.706 -720 Td(CHAPTER IV.)Tj
474.768 0 Td(10)Tj
ET
Q
endstream
endobj
64 0 obj<>/XObject<<>>>>>>endobj
65 0 obj<>stream
q
1 0 0 1 72 36 cm
BT
/F4 11 Tf 0 687 Td 0.000 Tc(hastened to the spot where the fallen Edwald was striving to rise. He pressed him closely to his breast, led)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(his snow-white steed towards him, and would not be denied holding the stirrups of the youth whilst he)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(mounted. Then he bestrode his own steed, and rode by Edwald's side towards the golden bower of)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(Hildegardis, where, with lowered spear and open vizor, he thus spoke: "Fairest of all living ladies, I bring you)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(here Edwald, your knightly bridegroom, before whose lance and sword all the knights of this tournament have)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(fallen away, I only excepted, who can make no claim to the choicest prize of victory, since I, as the image on)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(my breastplate may show, already serve another mistress.")Tj
0 -26.4 Td(The duke was even now advancing towards the two warriors, to lead them into the golden bower, but)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(Hildegardis restrained him with a look of displeasure, saying immediately, while her cheeks glowed with)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(anger, "Then you seem, Sir Froda, the Danish knight, to serve your lady ill; for even now you openly styled)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(me the fairest of living ladies.")Tj
0 -26.4 Td("That did I," answered Froda, bending courteously, "because my fair mistress belongs to the dead.")Tj
0 -26.4 Td(A slight shudder passed at these words through the assembly, and through the heart of Hildegardis; but soon)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(the anger of the maiden blazed forth again, and the more because the most wonderful and excellent knight she)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(knew had scorned her for the sake of a dead mistress.)Tj
0 -26.4 Td("I make known to all," she said, with solemn earnestness, "that according to the just decree of my imperial)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(uncle, this hand can never belong to a vanquished knight, however noble and honourable he may otherwise)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(have proved himself. As the conqueror of this tournament, therefore, is bound to another service, this combat)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(concerns me not; and I depart hence as I came, a free and unbetrothed maiden.")Tj
0 -26.4 Td(The duke seemed about to reply, but she turned haughtily away, and left the bower. Suddenly a gust of wind)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(shook the green wreaths and garlands, and they fell untwined and rustling behind her. In this the people,)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(displeased with the pride of Hildegardis, thought they beheld an omen of punishment, and with jeering words)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(noticed it as they departed.)Tj
/F9 13.2 Tf 0 -55 Td(CHAPTER V.)Tj
/F4 11 Tf 0 -26.84 Td(The two knights had returned to their apartments in deep silence. When they arrived there, Edwald caused)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(himself to be disarmed, and laid every piece of his fair shining armour together with a kind of tender care,)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(almost as if he were burying the corpse of a beloved friend. Then he beckoned to his squires to leave the)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(chamber, took his lute on his arm, and sang the following song to its notes:--)Tj
0 -26.4 Td( "Bury them, bury them out of sight,)Tj
0 -26.4 Td(For hope and fame are fled;)Tj
0 -26.4 Td(And peaceful resting and quiet night)Tj
0 -26.4 Td( Are all now left for the dead.")Tj
0 -26.4 Td("You will stir up my anger against your lute," said Froda. "You had accustomed it to more joyful songs than)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(this. It is too good for a passing-bell, and you too good to toll it. I tell you yet, my young hero, all will end)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(gloriously.")Tj
/F8 11 Tf 202.706 669.24 Td(Aslauga's Knight)Tj
-202.706 -720 Td(CHAPTER V.)Tj
474.768 0 Td(11)Tj
ET
Q
endstream
endobj
66 0 obj<>/XObject<<>>>>>>endobj
67 0 obj<>stream
q
1 0 0 1 72 36 cm
BT
/F4 11 Tf 0 687 Td 0.000 Tc(Edwald looked a while with wonder in his face, and he answered kindly: "Beloved Froda, if it displeases you,)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(I will surely sing no more." But at the same time he struck a few sad chords, which sounded infinitely sweet)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(and tender. Then the northern knight, much moved, clasped him in his arms, and said: "Dear Edchen, sing)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(and say and do whatever pleases you; it shall ever rejoice me. But you may well believe me, for I speak not)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(this without a spirit of presage--your sorrow shall change, whether to death or life I know not, but great and)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(overpowering joy awaits you." Edwald rose firmly and cheerfully from his seat, seized his companion's arm)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(with a strong grasp, and walked forth with him through the blooming alleys of the garden into the balmy air.)Tj
0 -26.4 Td(At that very hour an aged woman, muffled in many a covering, was led secretly to the apartment of the Lady)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(Hildegardis. The appearance of the dark-complexioned stranger was mysterious, and she had gathered)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(round her for some time, by many feats of jugglery, a part of the multitude returning home from the)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(tournament, but had dispersed them at last in wild affright. Before this happened, the tire-woman of)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(Hildegardis had hastened to her mistress, to entertain her with an account of the rare and pleasant feats of the)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(bronze-coloured woman. The maidens in attendance, seeing their lady deeply moved, and wishing to banish)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(her melancholy, bade the tire-woman bring the old stranger hither. Hildegardis forbade it not, hoping that)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(she should thus divert the attention of her maidens, while she gave herself up more deeply and earnestly to the)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(varying imaginations which flitted through her mind.)Tj
0 -26.4 Td(The messenger found the place already deserted; and the strange old woman alone in the midst, laughing)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(immoderately. When questioned by her, she did not deny that she had all at once taken the form of a)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(monstrous owl, announcing to the spectators in a screeching voice that she was the Devil--and that every one)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(upon this rushed screaming home.)Tj
0 -26.4 Td(The tire-woman trembled at the fearful jest, but durst not return to ask again the pleasure of Hildegardis,)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(whose discontented mood she had already remarked. She gave strict charge to the old woman, with many a)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(threat and promise, to demean herself discreetly in the castle: after which she brought her in by the most secret)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(way, that none of those whom she had terrified might see her enter.)Tj
0 -26.4 Td(The aged crone now stood before Hildegardis, and winked to her, in the midst of her low and humble)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(salutation, in a strangely familiar manner, as though there were some secret between them. The lady felt an)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(involuntary shudder, and could not withdraw her gaze from the features of that hideous countenance, hateful)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(as it was to her. The curiosity which had led the rest to desire a sight of the strange woman was by no means)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(gratified, for she performed none but the most common tricks of jugglery, and related only well-known tales,)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(so that the tire-woman felt wearied and indifferent and, ashamed of having brought the stranger, she stole)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(away unnoticed. Several other maidens followed her example, and, as these withdrew, the old crone twisted)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(her mouth into a smile, and repeated the same hideous confidential wink towards the lady. Hildegardis could)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(not understand what attracted her in the jests and tales of the bronze-coloured woman; but so it was, that in)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(her whole life she had never bestowed such attention on the words of any one. Still the old woman went on)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(and on, and already the night looked dark without the windows, but the attendants who still remained with)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(Hildegardis had sunk into a deep sleep, and had lighted none of the wax tapers in the apartment.)Tj
0 -26.4 Td(Then, in the dusky gloom, the dark old crone rose from the low seat on which she had been sitting, as if she)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(now felt herself well at ease, advanced towards Hildegardis, who sat as if spell-bound with terror, placed)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(herself beside her on the purple couch, and embracing her in her long dry arms with a hateful caress,)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(whispered a few words in her ear. It seemed to the lady as if she uttered the names of Froda and Edwald, and)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(from them came the sound of a flute, which, clear and silvery as were its tones, seemed to lull her into a)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(trance. She could indeed move her limbs, but only to follow those sounds, which, like a silver network,)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(floated round the hideous form of the old woman. She moved from the chamber, and Hildegardis followed)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(her through all her slumbering maidens, still singing softly as she went, "Ye maidens, ye maidens, I wander)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(by night.")Tj
/F8 11 Tf 202.706 679.8 Td(Aslauga's Knight)Tj
-202.706 -720 Td(CHAPTER V.)Tj
474.768 0 Td(12)Tj
ET
Q
endstream
endobj
68 0 obj<>/XObject<<>>>>>>endobj
69 0 obj<>stream
q
1 0 0 1 72 36 cm
BT
/F4 11 Tf 0 687 Td 0.000 Tc(Without the castle, accompanied by squire and groom, stood the gigantic Bohemian warrior; he laid on the)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(shoulders of the crone a bag of gold so heavy that she sank half whimpering, half laughing, on the ground;)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(then lifted the entranced Hildegardis on his steed, and galloped with her silently into the ever-deepening)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(gloom of night.)Tj
0 -26.4 Td("All ye noble lords and knights, who yesterday contended gallantly for the prize of victory and the hand of the)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(peerless Hildegardis, arise, arise! saddle your steeds, and to the rescue! The peerless Hildegardis is carried)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(away!")Tj
0 -26.4 Td(Thus proclaimed many a herald through castle and town in the bright red dawn of the following day; and on)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(all sides rose the dust from the tread of knights and noble squires along those roads by which so lately, in the)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(evening twilight, Hildegardis in proud repose had gazed on her approaching suitors.)Tj
0 -26.4 Td(Two of them, well known to us, remained inseparably together, but they knew as little as the others whether)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(they had taken the right direction, for how and when the adored lady could have disappeared from her)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(apartments was still to the whole castle a fearful and mysterious secret.)Tj
0 -26.4 Td(Edwald and Froda rode as long as the sun moved over their heads, unwearied as he; and now, when he sank in)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(the waves of the river, they thought to win the race from him, and still spurred on their jaded steeds. But the)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(noble animals staggered and panted, and the knights were constrained to grant them some little refreshment in)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(a grassy meadow. Secure of bringing them back at their first call, their masters removed both bit and curb,)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(that they might be refreshed with the green pasture, and with the deep blue waters of the Maine, while they)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(themselves reposed under the shade of a neighbouring thicket of alders. And deep in the cool, dark shade,)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(there shone, as it were, a mild but clear sparkling light, and checked the speech of Froda, who at that moment)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(was beginning to tell his friend the tale of his knightly service to his sovereign lady, which had been delayed)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(hitherto, first by Edwald's sadness, and then by the haste of their journey. Ah, well did Froda know that)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(lovely golden light! "Let us follow it, Edchen," said he in a low tone, "and leave the horses a while to their)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(pasture." Edwald in silence followed his companion's advice. A secret voice, half sweet, half fearful,)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(seemed to tell him that here was the path, the only right path to Hildegardis. Once only he said in)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(astonishment, "Never before have I seen the evening glow shine on the leaves so brightly." Froda shook his)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(head with a smile, and they pursued in silence their unknown track.)Tj
0 -26.4 Td(When they came forth on the other side of the alder-thicket upon the bank of the Maine, which almost wound)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(round it, Edwald saw well that another glow than that of evening was shining on them, for dark clouds of)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(night already covered the heavens, and the guiding light stood fixed on the shore of the river. It lit up the)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(waves, so that they could see a high woody island in the midst of the stream, and a boat on the hither side of)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(the shore fast bound to a stake. But on approaching, the knights saw much more; a troop of horsemen of)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(strange and foreign appearance were all asleep, and in the midst of them, slumbering on cushions, a female)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(form in white garments.)Tj
0 -26.4 Td("Hildegardis!" murmured Edwald to himself, with a smile, and at the same time he drew his sword in)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(readiness for the combat as soon as the robbers should awake, and beckoned to Froda to raise the sleeping)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(lady, and convey her to a place of safety. But at this moment something like an owl passed whizzing over)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(the dark squadron, and they all started up with clattering arms and hideous outcries. A wild unequal combat)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(arose in the darkness of night, for that beaming light had disappeared. Freda and Edwald were driven)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(asunder, and only at a distance heard each other's mighty war-cry. Hildegardis, startled from her magic)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(sleep, uncertain whether she were waking or dreaming, fled bewildered and weeping bitterly into the deep)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(shades of the alder-thicket.)Tj
/F8 11 Tf 202.706 653.4 Td(Aslauga's Knight)Tj
-202.706 -720 Td(CHAPTER V.)Tj
474.768 0 Td(13)Tj
ET
Q
endstream
endobj
70 0 obj<>/XObject<<>>>>>>endobj
71 0 obj<>stream
q
1 0 0 1 72 36 cm
BT
/F9 13.2 Tf 0 684.8 Td 0.000 Tc(CHAPTER VI.)Tj
/F4 11 Tf 0 -26.84 Td(Froda felt his arm grow weary, and the warm blood was flowing from two wounds in his shoulder; he wished)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(so to lie down in death that he might rise up with honour from his bloody grave to the exalted lady whom he)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(served. He cast his shield behind him, grasped his sword-hilt with both hands, and rushed wildly, with a)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(loud war-cry, upon the affrighted foe. Instantly he heard some voices cry, "It is the rage of the northern)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(heroes which has come upon him." And the whole troop were scattered in dismay, while the exhausted)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(knight remained wounded and alone in the darkness.)Tj
0 -26.4 Td(Then the golden hair of Aslauga gleamed once more in the alder-shade; and Froda said, leaning, through)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(weariness, on his sword, "I think not that I am wounded to death; but whenever that time shall come, O)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(beloved lady, wilt thou not indeed appear to me in all thy loveliness and brightness?" A soft "Yes" breathed)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(against his cheek, and the golden light vanished.)Tj
0 -26.4 Td(But now Hildegardis came forth from the thicket, half fainting with terror, and said feebly, "Within is the fair)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(and frightful spectre of the north--without is the battle. Oh, merciful heaven! whither shall I go?")Tj
0 -26.4 Td(Then Froda approached to sooth the affrighted one, to speak some words of comfort to her, and to inquire)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(after Edwald; but wild shouts and the rattling of armour announced the return of the Bohemian warriors. )Tj
0 -13.2 Td(With haste Froda led the maiden to the boat, pushed off from the shore, and rowed her with the last effort of)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(his failing strength towards the island which he had observed in the midst of the stream. But the pursuers had)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(already kindled torches, and waved them sparkling here and there. By this light they soon discovered the)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(boat; they saw that the dreaded Danish knight was bleeding, and gained fresh courage for their pursuit. )Tj
0 -13.2 Td(Hardly had Froda pushed the boat to the shore of the island, before he perceived a Bohemian on the other side)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(in another skiff, and soon afterwards the greater number of the enemy embarked to row towards the island. )Tj
0 -13.2 Td("To the wood, fair maiden," he whispered, as soon as he had landed Hildegardis on the shore; "there conceal)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(yourself, whilst I endeavour to prevent the landing of the robbers." But Hildegardis, clinging to his arm,)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(whispered again, "Do I not see that you are pale and bleeding? and would you have me expire with terror in)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(the dark and lonely clefts of this rock? Ah! and if your northern gold-haired spectre were to appear again)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(and seat herself beside me! Think you that I do not see her there now, shining through the thicket!")Tj
0 -26.4 Td("She shines!" echoed Froda, and new strength and hope ran through every vein. He climbed the hill,)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(following the gracious gleam; and Hildegardis, though trembling at the sight, went readily with her)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(companion, saying only from time to time, in a low voice "Ah, Sir Knight!--my noble wondrous)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(knight--leave me not here alone; that would be my death." The knight, soothing her courteously, stepped)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(ever onwards through the darkness of dell and forest, for already he heard the sound of the Bohemians landing)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(on the shore of the island. Suddenly he stood before a cave thick-covered with underwood, and the gleam)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(disappeared. "Here, then," he whispered, endeavouring to hold the branches asunder. For a moment she)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(paused, and said, "If you should but let the branches close again behind me, and I were to remain alone with)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(spectres in this cave! But, Froda, you will surely follow me--a trembling, hunted child as I am? Will you)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(not?" Without more misgivings she passed through the branches; and the knight, who would willingly have)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(remained without as a guard, followed her. Earnestly he listened through the stillness of the night, whilst)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(Hildegardis hardly dared to draw her breath. Then was heard the tramp of an armed man, coming ever nearer)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(and nearer, and now close to the entrance of the cave. In vain did Froda strive to free himself from the)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(trembling maiden. Already the branches before the entrance were cracking and breaking, and Froda sighed)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(deeply. "Must I, then, fall like a lurking fugitive, entangled in a woman's garments? It is a base death to)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(die. But can I cast this half-fainting creature away from me on the dark, hard earth, perhaps into some deep)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(abyss? Come, then, what will, thou, Lady Aslauga, knowest that I die an honourable death!")Tj
0 -26.4 Td("Froda! Hildegardis!" breathed a gentle, well-known voice at the entrance, and recognising Edwald, Froda)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(bore the lady towards him into the starlight, saying, "She will die of terror in our sight in this deep cavern. Is)Tj
/F8 11 Tf 202.706 695.64 Td(Aslauga's Knight)Tj
-202.706 -720 Td(CHAPTER VI.)Tj
474.768 0 Td(14)Tj
ET
Q
endstream
endobj
72 0 obj<>/XObject<<>>>>>>endobj
73 0 obj<>stream
q
1 0 0 1 72 36 cm
BT
/F4 11 Tf 0 687 Td 0.000 Tc(the foe near at hand?" "Most of them lie lifeless on the shore, or swim bleeding through the waves," said)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(Edwald. "Set your mind at rest, and repose yourself. Are you wounded, beloved Froda?" He gave this short)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(account to his astonished companions--how, in the darkness, he had mixed with the Bohemians and pressed)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(into the skiff, and that it had been easy to him on landing to disperse the robbers entirely, who supposed that)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(they were attacked by one of their own crew, and thought themselves bewitched. "They began at last to fall)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(on one another"--so he ended his history; "and we have only now to wait for the morning to conduct the lady)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(home, for those who are wandering about of that owl-squadron will doubtless hide themselves from the eye)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(of day." While speaking, he had skilfully and carefully arranged a couch of twigs and moss for Hildegardis,)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(and when the wearied one, after uttering some gentle words of gratitude, had sunk into a slumber, he began, as)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(well as the darkness would allow, to bind up the wounds of his friend. During this anxious task, while the)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(dark boughs of the trees murmured over their heads, and the rippling of the stream was heard from afar,)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(Froda, in a low voice, made known to his brother-in-arms to the service of what lady he was bound. )Tj
0 -13.2 Td(Edwald listened with deep attention, but at last he said tenderly, "Trust me, the noble Princess Aslauga will)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(not resent it, if you pledge yourself to this earthly beauty in faithful love. Ah! even now doubtless you are)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(sinning in the dreams of Hildegardis, richly-gifted and happy knight! I will not stand in your way with my)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(vain wishes; I see now clearly that she can never, never love me. Therefore I will this very day hasten to the)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(war which so many valiant knights of Germany are waging in the heathen land of Prussia, and the black cross,)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(which distinguishes them for warriors of the Church, I will lay as the best balm on my throbbing heart. Take,)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(then, dear Froda, that fair hand which you have won in battle, and live henceforth a life of surpassing)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(happiness and joy.")Tj
0 -26.4 Td("Edwald," said Froda, gravely, "this is the first time that I ever heard one word from your lips which a true)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(knight could not fulfil. Do as it pleases you towards the fair and haughty Hildegardis, but Aslauga remains)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(my mistress ever, and no other do I desire in life or death." The youth was startled by these stern words, and)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(made no reply. Both, without saying more to each other, watched through the night in solemn thought.)Tj
0 -26.4 Td(The next morning, when the rising sun shone brightly over the flowery plains around the Castle of)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(Hildegardis, the watchman on the tower blew a joyful blast from his horn, for his keen eye had distinguished)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(far in the distance his fair lady, who was riding from the forest between her two deliverers; and from castle,)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(town, and hamlet, came forth many a rejoicing train to assure themselves with their own eyes of the happy)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(news.)Tj
0 -26.4 Td(Hildegardis turned to Edwald with eyes sparkling through tears, and said, "Were it not for you, young knight,)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(they might have sought long and vainly before they found the lost maiden or the noble Froda, who would now)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(be lying in that dark cavern a bleeding and lifeless corpse." Edwald bowed lowly in reply, but persevered in)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(his wonted silence. It even seemed as though an unusual grief restrained the smile which erewhile answered)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(so readily, in childlike sweetness, to every friendly word.)Tj
0 -26.4 Td(The noble guardian of Hildegardis had, in the overflowing joy of his heart, prepared a sumptuous banquet, and)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(invited all the knights and ladies present to attend it. Whilst Froda and Edwald, in all the brightness of their)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(glory, were ascending the steps in the train of their rescued lady, Edwald said to his friend, "Noble, steadfast)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(knight, you can never love me more!" And as Froda looked in astonishment, he continued--)Tj
0 -26.4 Td("Thus it is when children presume to counsel heroes, however well they may mean it. Now have I offended)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(grievously against you, and yet more against the noble Lady Aslauga." "Because you would have plucked)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(every flower of your own garden to gladden me with them?" said Froda. "No; you are my gentle)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(brother-in-arms now, as heretofore, dear Edchen, and are perhaps become yet dearer to me.")Tj
0 -26.4 Td(Then Edwald smiled again in silent contentment, like a flower after the morning showers of May.)Tj
/F8 11 Tf 202.706 666.6 Td(Aslauga's Knight)Tj
-202.706 -720 Td(CHAPTER VI.)Tj
474.768 0 Td(15)Tj
ET
Q
endstream
endobj
74 0 obj<>/XObject<<>>>>>>endobj
75 0 obj<>stream
q
1 0 0 1 72 36 cm
BT
/F4 11 Tf 0 687 Td 0.000 Tc(The eyes of Hildegardis glanced mildly and kindly on him, and she often conversed graciously with him,)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(while, on the other hand, since yesterday, a reverential awe seemed to separate her from Froda. But Edwald)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(also was much altered. However he welcomed with modest joy the favour of his lady, it yet seemed as if)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(some barrier were between them which forbade him to entertain the most distant hope of successful love.)Tj
0 -26.4 Td(It chanced that a noble count, from the court of the Emperor, was announced, who being bound on an)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(important embassy, had wished to pay his respects to the Lady Hildegardis by the way. She received him)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(gladly, and as soon as the first salutations were over, he said, looking at her and at Edwald, "I know not if my)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(good fortune may not have brought me hither to a very joyful festivity. That would be right welcome news)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(to the Emperor my master." Hildegardis and Edwald were lovely to look upon in their blushes and)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(confusion, but the count, perceiving at once that he had been too hasty, inclined himself respectfully towards)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(the young knight, and said, "Pardon me, noble Duke Edwald, my too great forwardness, but I know the wish)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(of my sovereign, and the hope to find it already fulfilled prompted my tongue to speak." All eyes were fixed)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(inquiringly on the young hero, who answered, in graceful confusion, "It is true; the Emperor, when I was last)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(in his camp, through his undeserved favour, raised me to the rank of a duke. It was my good fortune, that in)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(an encounter, some of the enemy's horse, who had dared to assault the sacred person of the Emperor,)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(dispersed and fled on my approach." The count then, at the request of Hildegardis, related every)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(circumstance of the heroic deed; and it appeared that Edwald had not only rescued the Emperor from the most)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(imminent peril, but also, with the cool and daring skill of a general, had gained the victory which decided the)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(event of the war.)Tj
0 -26.4 Td(Surprise at first sealed the lips of all; and even before their congratulations could begin, Hildegardis had)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(turned towards Edwald, and said in a low voice, which yet, in that silence, was clearly heard by all, "The)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(noble count has made known the wish of my imperial uncle, and I conceal it no longer, my own heart's wish is)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(the same--I am Duke Edwald's bride." And with that she extended to him her fair right hand, and all present)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(waited only till he should take it, before they burst into a shout of congratulation. But Edwald forbore to do)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(so; he only sunk on one knee before his lady, saying, "God forbid that the lofty Hildegardis should ever recall)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(a word spoken solemnly to noble knights and dames. 'To no vanquished knight,' you said, 'might the hand of)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(the Emperor's niece belong'--and behold there Froda, the noble Danish knight, my conqueror." Hildegardis,)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(with a slight blush, turned hastily away, hiding her eyes, and as Edwald arose, it seemed as though there were)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(a tear upon his cheek.)Tj
0 -26.4 Td(In his clanging armour Froda advanced to the middle of the hall, exclaiming, "I declare my late victory over)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(Duke Edwald to have been the chance of fortune, and I challenge the noble knight to meet me again)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(to-morrow in the lists.")Tj
0 -26.4 Td(At the same time he threw his iron gauntlet ringing on the pavement.)Tj
0 -26.4 Td(But Edwald moved not to take it up. On the contrary, a glow of lofty anger was on his cheeks, and his eyes)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(sparkled with indignation, so that his friend would hardly have recognised him; and after a silence he spoke--)Tj
0 -26.4 Td("Noble Sir Froda, if I have ever offended you, we are now even. How durst you, a warrior gloriously)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(wounded by two sword-strokes, challenge a man unhurt into the lists to-morrow, if you did not despise)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(him?")Tj
0 -26.4 Td("Forgive me, Duke Edwald," answered Froda, somewhat abashed, but with cheerfulness, "I have spoken too)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(boldly. Not till I am completely cured do I call you to the field.")Tj
0 -26.4 Td(Then Edwald took up the gauntlet joyfully. He knelt once more before Hildegardis, who, turning away her)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(face, gave him her fair hand to kiss, and walked, with his arm in that of his noble Danish friend, out of the)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(hall.)Tj
/F8 11 Tf 202.706 693 Td(Aslauga's Knight)Tj
-202.706 -720 Td(CHAPTER VI.)Tj
474.768 0 Td(16)Tj
ET
Q
endstream
endobj
76 0 obj<>/XObject<<>>>>>>endobj
77 0 obj<>stream
q
1 0 0 1 72 36 cm
BT
/F9 13.2 Tf 0 658.4 Td 0.000 Tc(CHAPTER VII.)Tj
/F4 11 Tf 0 -26.84 Td(While Froda's wounds were healing Edwald would sometimes wander, when the shades of evening fell dark)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(and silent around, on the flowery terraces beneath the windows of Hildegardis, and sing pleasant little songs;)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(amongst others the following:--)Tj
0 -26.4 Td("Heal fast, heal fast, ye hero-wounds;)Tj
0 -26.4 Td( O knight, be quickly strong;)Tj
0 -26.4 Td( Beloved strife)Tj
0 -26.4 Td( For fame and life,)Tj
0 -26.4 Td( O tarry not too long!")Tj
0 -26.4 Td(But that one which the maidens of the castle loved best to learn from him was this, and it was perhaps the)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(longest song that Edwald had ever sung in his whole life:--)Tj
0 -26.4 Td("Would I on earth were lying,)Tj
0 -26.4 Td( By noble hero slain;)Tj
0 -26.4 Td( So that love's gentle sighing)Tj
0 -26.4 Td( Breathed me to life again!)Tj
0 -52.8 Td("Would I an emperor were,)Tj
0 -26.4 Td( Of wealth and power!)Tj
0 -26.4 Td( Would I were gathering twigs)Tj
0 -26.4 Td( In woodland bower!)Tj
0 -52.8 Td( "Would that in lone seclusion)Tj
0 -26.4 Td( I lived a hermit's life!)Tj
0 -26.4 Td( Would, amid wild confusion,)Tj
0 -26.4 Td( I led the battle-strife!)Tj
/F8 11 Tf 202.706 656.04 Td(Aslauga's Knight)Tj
-202.706 -720 Td(CHAPTER VII.)Tj
474.768 0 Td(17)Tj
ET
Q
endstream
endobj
78 0 obj<>/XObject<<>>>>>>endobj
79 0 obj<>stream
q
1 0 0 1 72 36 cm
BT
/F4 11 Tf 0 687 Td 0.000 Tc("O would the lot were mine,)Tj
0 -26.4 Td( In bower or field,)Tj
0 -26.4 Td( To which my lady fair)Tj
0 -26.4 Td( Her smile would yield!")Tj
0 -26.4 Td(At this time it happened that a man who held himself to be very wise, and who filled the office of secretary to)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(the aged guardian of Hildegardis, came to the two knightly friends to propose a scheme to them. His)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(proposal, in few words, was this, that as Froda could gain no advantage from his victory, he might in the)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(approaching combat suffer himself to be thrown from his steed, and thus secure the lady for his comrade, at)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(the same time fulfilling the wish of the Emperor, which might turn to his advantage hereafter in many ways.)Tj
0 -26.4 Td(At this the two friends at first laughed heartily; but then Froda advanced gravely towards the secretary, and)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(said, "Thou trifler, doubtless the old duke would drive thee from his service did he know of thy folly, and)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(teach thee to talk of the Emperor. Good-night, worthy sir, and trust me that when Edwald and I meet each)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(other, it will be with all our heart and strength.")Tj
0 -26.4 Td(The secretary hastened out of the room with all speed, and was seen next morning to look unusually pale.)Tj
0 -52.8 Td(Soon after this Froda recovered from his wounds; the course was again prepared as before, but crowded by a)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(still greater number of spectators; and in the freshness of a dewy morning the two knights advanced solemnly)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(together to the combat.)Tj
0 -26.4 Td("Beloved Edwald," said Froda, in a low voice, as they went, "take good heed to yourself, for neither this time)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(can the victory be yours--on that rose-coloured cloud appears Aslauga.")Tj
0 -26.4 Td("It may be so," answered Edwald, with a quiet smile; "but under the arches of that golden bower shines)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(Hildegardis, and this time she has not been waited for.")Tj
0 -26.4 Td(The knights took their places--the trumpets sounded, the course began, and Froda's prophecy seemed to be)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(near its fulfilment, for Edwald staggered under the stroke of his lance, so that he let go the bridle, seized the)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(mane with both hands, and thus hardly recovered his seat, whilst his high-mettled snow-white steed bore him)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(wildly around the lists without control. Hildegardis also seemed to shrink at this sight, but the youth at)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(length reined-in his steed, and the second course was run.)Tj
0 -26.4 Td(Froda shot like lightning along the plain, and it seemed as if the success of the young duke were now)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(hopeless; but in the shock of their meeting, the bold Danish steed reared, starting aside as if in fear; the rider)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(staggered, his stroke passed harmless by, and both steed and knight fell clanging to the ground before the)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(steadfast spear of Edwald, and lay motionless upon the field.)Tj
0 -26.4 Td(Edwald did now as Froda had done before. In knightly wise he stood still a while upon the spot, as if waiting)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(to see whether any other adversary were there to dispute his victory; then he sprang from his steed, and flew)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(to the assistance of his fallen friend.)Tj
0 -26.4 Td(He strove with all his might to release him from the weight of his horse, and presently Froda came to himself,)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(rose on his feet, and raised up his charger also. Then he lifted up his vizor, and greeted his conqueror with a)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(friendly smile, though his countenance was pale. The victor bowed humbly, almost timidly, and said, "You,)Tj
/F8 11 Tf 202.706 693 Td(Aslauga's Knight)Tj
-202.706 -720 Td(CHAPTER VII.)Tj
474.768 0 Td(18)Tj
ET
Q
endstream
endobj
80 0 obj<>/XObject<<>>>>>>endobj
81 0 obj<>stream
q
1 0 0 1 72 36 cm
BT
/F4 11 Tf 0 687 Td 0.000 Tc(my knight, overthrown--and by me! I understand it not.")Tj
0 -26.4 Td("It was her own will," answered Froda, smiling. "Come now to your gentle bride.")Tj
0 -26.4 Td(The multitude around shouted aloud, each lady and knight bowed low, when the aged duke pointed out to)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(them the lovely pair, and at his bidding, the betrothed, with soft blushes, embraced each other beneath the)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(green garlands of the golden bower.)Tj
0 -26.4 Td(That very day were they solemnly united in the chapel of the castle, for so had Froda earnestly desired. A)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(journey into a far-distant land, he said, lay before him, and much he wished to celebrate the marriage of his)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(friend before his departure.)Tj
/F9 13.2 Tf 0 -55 Td(CHAPTER VIII.)Tj
/F4 11 Tf 0 -26.84 Td(The torches were burning clear in the vaulted halls of the castle, Hildegardis had just left the arm of her lover)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(to begin a stately dance of ceremony with the aged duke, when Edwald beckoned to his companion, and they)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(went forth together into the moonlit gardens of the castle.)Tj
0 -26.4 Td("Ah, Froda, my noble, lofty hero," exclaimed Edwald, after a silence, "were you as happy as I am! But your)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(eyes rest gravely and thoughtfully on the ground, or kindle almost impatiently heavenwards. It would be)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(dreadful, indeed, had the secret wish of your heart been to win Hildegardis--and I, foolish boy, so strangely)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(favoured, had stood in your way.")Tj
0 -26.4 Td("Be at rest, Edchen," answered, the Danish hero, with a smile. "On the word of a knight, my thoughts and)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(yearnings concern not your fair Hildegardis. Far brighter than ever does Aslauga's radiant image shine into)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(my heart: but now hear what I am going to relate to you.)Tj
0 -26.4 Td("At the very moment when we met together in the course--oh, had I words to express it to you!--I was)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(enwrapped, encircled, dazzled, by Aslauga's golden tresses, which were waving all around me. Even my)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(noble steed must have beheld the apparition, for I felt him start and rear under me. I saw you no more--the)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(world no more--I saw only the angel-face of Aslauga close before me, smiling, blooming like a flower in a)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(sea of sunshine which floated round her. My senses failed me. Not till you raised me from beneath my horse)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(did my consciousness return, and then I knew, with exceeding joy, that her own gracious pleasure had struck)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(me down. But I felt a strange weariness, far greater than my fall alone could have caused, and I felt assured)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(at the same time that my lady was about to send me on a far-distant mission. I hastened to repose myself in)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(my chamber, and a deep sleep immediately fell upon me. Then came Aslauga in a dream to me, more royally)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(adorned than ever; she placed herself at the head of my couch, and said, 'Haste to array thyself in all the)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(splendour of thy silver armour, for thou art not the wedding-guest alone, thou art also the--')Tj
0 -26.4 Td("And before she could speak the word my dream had melted away, and I felt a longing desire to fulfil her)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(gracious command, and rejoiced in my heart. But in the midst of the festival I seemed to myself more lonely)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(than in all my life before, and I cannot cease to ponder what that unspoken word of my lady could be intended)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(to announce.")Tj
0 -26.4 Td("You are of a far loftier spirit than I am, Froda," said Edwald, after a silence, "and I cannot soar with you into)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(the sphere of your joys. But tell me, has it never awakened a deep pang within you that you serve a lady so)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(withdrawn from you--alas! a lady who is almost ever invisible?")Tj
/F8 11 Tf 202.706 669.24 Td(Aslauga's Knight)Tj
-202.706 -720 Td(CHAPTER VIII.)Tj
474.768 0 Td(19)Tj
ET
Q
endstream
endobj
82 0 obj<>/XObject<<>>>>>>endobj
83 0 obj<>stream
q
1 0 0 1 72 36 cm
BT
/F4 11 Tf 0 687 Td 0.000 Tc("No, Edwald, not so," answered Froda, his eyes sparkling with happiness. "For well I know that she scorns)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(not my service; she has even deigned sometimes to appear to me. Oh, I am in truth a happy knight and)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(minstrel!")Tj
0 -26.4 Td("And yet your silence to-day--your troubled yearnings?")Tj
0 -26.4 Td("Not troubled, dear Edchen; only so heartfelt, so fervent in the depth of my heart--and so strangely)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(mysterious to myself withal. But this, with all belonging to me, springs alike from the words and commands)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(of Aslauga. How, then, can it be otherwise than something good and fair, and tending to a high and noble)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(aim?")Tj
0 -26.4 Td(A squire, who had hastened after them, announced that the knightly bridegroom was expected for the)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(torch-dance, and as they returned, Edwald entreated his friend to take his place in the solemn dance next to)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(him and Hildegardis. Froda inclined his head in token of friendly assent.)Tj
0 -26.4 Td(The horns and hautboys had already sounded their solemn invitation; Edwald hastened to give his hand to his)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(fair bride; and while he advanced with her to the midst of the stately hall, Froda offered his hand for the)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(torch-dance to a noble lady who stood the nearest to him, without farther observing her, and took with her the)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(next place to the wedded pair.)Tj
0 -26.4 Td(But how was it when a light began to beam from his companion, before which the torch in his left hand lost)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(all its brightness? Hardly dared he, in sweet and trembling hope, to raise his eyes to the lady; and when at)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(last he ventured, all his boldest wishes and longings were fulfilled. Adorned with a radiant bridal crown of)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(emeralds, Aslauga moved in solemn loveliness beside him, and beamed on him from amid the sunny light of)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(her golden hair, blessing him with her heavenly countenance. The amazed spectators could not withdraw)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(their eyes from the mysterious pair--the knight in his light silver mail, with the torch raised on high in his)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(hand, earnest and joyful, moving with a measured step, as if engaged in a ceremony of deep and mysterious)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(meaning. His lady beside him, rather floating than dancing, beaming light from her golden hair, so that you)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(would have thought the day was shining into the night; and when a look could reach through all the)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(surrounding splendour to her face, rejoicing heart and sense with the unspeakably sweet smile of her eyes and)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(lips.)Tj
0 -26.4 Td(Near the end of the dance she inclined towards Froda, and whispered to him with an air of tender confidence,)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(and with the last sound of the horns and hautboys she had disappeared.)Tj
0 -26.4 Td(The most curious spectator dared not question Froda about his partner. Hildegardis did not seem to have)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(been conscious of her presence, but shortly before the end of the festival Edwald approached his friend, and)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(asked in a whisper, "Was it?")Tj
0 -26.4 Td("Yes, dear youth," answered Froda; "your marriage-dance has been honoured by the presence of the most)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(exalted beauty which has been ever beheld in any land. Ah! and if I rightly understood her meaning, you will)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(never more see me stand sighing and gazing upon the ground. But hardly dare I hope it. Now good-night,)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(dear Edchen, good-night. As soon as I may I will tell you all.")Tj
/F9 13.2 Tf 0 -55 Td(CHAPTER IX.)Tj
/F4 11 Tf 0 -26.84 Td(The light and joyous dreams of morning still played round Edwald's head when it seemed as though a clear)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(light encompassed him. He remembered Aslauga, but it was Froda, the golden locks of whose helmet shone)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(now with no less sunny brightness than the flowing hair of his lady. "Ah!" thought Edwald in his dream,)Tj
/F8 11 Tf 202.706 695.64 Td(Aslauga's Knight)Tj
-202.706 -720 Td(CHAPTER IX.)Tj
474.768 0 Td(20)Tj
ET
Q
endstream
endobj
84 0 obj<>/XObject<<>>>>>>endobj
85 0 obj<>stream
q
1 0 0 1 72 36 cm
BT
/F4 11 Tf 0 687 Td 0.000 Tc("how beautiful has my brother-in-arms become!" And Froda said to him, "I will sing something to you,)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(Edchen; but softly, softly, so that it may not awaken Hildegardis. Listen to me.)Tj
0 -26.4 Td( "'She glided in, bright as the day,)Tj
0 -26.4 Td(There where her knight in slumber lay;)Tj
0 -26.4 Td(And in her lily hand was seen)Tj
0 -26.4 Td(A band that seemed of the moonlight sheen. )Tj
0 -26.4 Td("We are one," she sang, as about his hair)Tj
0 -26.4 Td(She twined it, and over her tresses fair.)Tj
0 -26.4 Td(Beneath them the world lay dark and drear:)Tj
0 -26.4 Td(But he felt the touch of her hand so dear,)Tj
0 -26.4 Td(Uplifting him far above mortals' sight,)Tj
0 -26.4 Td(While around him were shed her locks of light,)Tj
0 -26.4 Td(Till a garden fair lay about him spread--)Tj
0 -26.4 Td( And this was Paradise, angels said.'")Tj
0 -26.4 Td("Never in your life did you sing so sweetly," said the dreaming Edwald.)Tj
0 -26.4 Td("That may well be, Edchen," said Froda, with a smile, and vanished.)Tj
0 -26.4 Td(But Edwald dreamed on and on, and many other visions passed before him, all of a pleasing kind, although he)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(could not recall them when, in the full light of morning, he unclosed his eyes with a smile. Froda alone, and)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(his mysterious song, stood clear in his memory. He now knew full well that his friend was dead; but the)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(thought gave him no pain, for he felt sure that the pure spirit of that minstrel-warrior could only find its)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(proper joy in the gardens of Paradise, and in blissful solace with the lofty spirits of the ancient times. He)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(glided softly from the side of the sleeping Hildegardis to the chamber of the departed. He lay upon his bed of)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(rest, almost as beautiful as he had appeared in the dream, and his golden helmet was entwined with a)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(wondrously-shining lock of hair. Then Edwald made a fair and shady grave in consecrated ground,)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(summoned the chaplain of the castle, and with his assistance laid his beloved Froda therein.)Tj
0 -26.4 Td(He came back just as Hildegardis awoke; she beheld, with wonder and humility, his mien of chastened joy,)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(and asked him whither he had been so early, to which he replied, with a smile, "I have just buried the corpse)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(of my dearly-loved Froda, who, this very night, has passed away to his golden-haired mistress." Then he)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(related the whole history of Aslauga's Knight, and lived on in subdued, unruffled happiness, though for some)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(time he was even more silent and thoughtful than before. He was often found sitting on the grave of his)Tj
0 -13.2 Td(friend, and singing the following song to his lute:--)Tj
0 -26.4 Td( "Listening to celestial lays,)Tj
0 -26.4 Td( Bending thy unclouded gaze)Tj
/F8 11 Tf 202.706 693 Td(Aslauga's Knight)Tj
-202.706 -720 Td(CHAPTER IX.)Tj
474.768 0 Td(21)Tj
ET
Q
endstream
endobj
86 0 obj<>/XObject<<>>>>/Annots 11 0 R>>endobj
87 0 obj<>stream
q
1 0 0 1 72 36 cm
BT
/F4 11 Tf 0 687 Td 0.000 Tc( On the pure and living light,)Tj
0 -26.4 Td( Thou art blest, Aslauga'a Knight!)Tj
0 -52.8 Td( "Send us from thy bower on high)Tj
0 -26.4 Td( Many an angel-melody,)Tj
0 -26.4 Td( Many a vision soft and bright,)Tj
0 -26.4 Td( Aslauga's dear and faithful Knight!")Tj
/F9 13.2 Tf 0 -55 Td(The End)Tj
/F4 11 Tf 0 -26.84 Td(This etext of Aslauga\222s Knight was scanned and formatted by Sandra Laythorpe)Tj
ET
0.00 0.00 1.00 RG
352.8 445.8 m 457.7 445.8 l S
BT
0.00 0.00 1.00 rg 352.847 446.76 Td 0.000 Tc( menorot@hotmail.com)Tj
0.00 0.00 0.00 rg (. )Tj
-352.847 -26.4 Td(A web page for de la Motte Fouque and other authors will be found at)Tj
ET
307.9 419.4 m 458.9 419.4 l S
BT
0.00 0.00 1.00 rg 307.945 420.36 Td 0.000 Tc( www.menorot.com/cmyonge.htm)Tj
0.00 0.00 0.00 rg (.)Tj
/F8 11 Tf -105.238 299.64 Td(Aslauga's Knight)Tj
-202.706 -720 Td(The End)Tj
474.768 0 Td(22)Tj
ET
Q
endstream
endobj
88 0 obj<>/XObject<<>>>>/Annots 24 0 R>>endobj
89 0 obj<>stream
q
1 0 0 1 72 36 cm
BT
/F9 19 Tf 163.239 675.19 Td 0.000 Tc(Table of Contents)Tj
ET
0.00 0.00 1.00 RG
0.0 651.4 m 45.2 651.4 l S
BT
0.00 0.00 1.00 rg /F5 11 Tf 0 652.381 Td 0.000 Tc(Aslauga's)Tj
ET
45.2 651.4 m 81.0 651.4 l S
BT
45.232 652.381 Td 0.000 Tc( Knight)Tj
34.768 0 Td(.................................................................................................................................................1)Tj
ET
36.0 638.2 m 47.0 638.2 l S
BT
/F4 11 Tf 36 639.181 Td 0.000 Tc(by)Tj
ET
47.0 638.2 m 87.0 638.2 l S
BT
47 639.181 Td 0.000 Tc( Fredrich)Tj
ET
87.0 638.2 m 100.2 638.2 l S
BT
87.018 639.181 Td 0.000 Tc( de)Tj
ET
100.2 638.2 m 110.8 638.2 l S
BT
100.152 639.181 Td 0.000 Tc( la)Tj
ET
110.8 638.2 m 179.1 638.2 l S
BT
110.844 639.181 Td 0.000 Tc( Motte-Fouque)Tj
68.156 0 Td(.............................................................................................................1)Tj
ET
36.0 625.0 m 86.1 625.0 l S
BT
36 625.981 Td 0.000 Tc(CHAPTER)Tj
ET
86.1 625.0 m 95.3 625.0 l S
BT
86.116 625.981 Td 0.000 Tc( I.)Tj
7.634 0 Td(............................................................................................................................................1)Tj
ET
36.0 611.8 m 86.1 611.8 l S
BT
36 612.781 Td 0.000 Tc(CHAPTER)Tj
ET
86.1 611.8 m 98.9 611.8 l S
BT
86.116 612.781 Td 0.000 Tc( II.)Tj
10.384 0 Td(...........................................................................................................................................3)Tj
ET
36.0 598.6 m 86.1 598.6 l S
BT
36 599.581 Td 0.000 Tc(CHAPTER)Tj
ET
86.1 598.6 m 102.6 598.6 l S
BT
86.116 599.581 Td 0.000 Tc( III.)Tj
15.884 0 Td(.........................................................................................................................................5)Tj
ET
36.0 585.4 m 86.1 585.4 l S
BT
36 586.381 Td 0.000 Tc(CHAPTER)Tj
ET
86.1 585.4 m 103.2 585.4 l S
BT
86.116 586.381 Td 0.000 Tc( IV.)Tj
15.884 0 Td(.........................................................................................................................................9)Tj
ET
36.0 572.2 m 86.1 572.2 l S
BT
36 573.181 Td 0.000 Tc(CHAPTER)Tj
ET
86.1 572.2 m 99.6 572.2 l S
BT
86.116 573.181 Td 0.000 Tc( V.)Tj
13.134 0 Td(........................................................................................................................................11)Tj
ET
36.0 559.0 m 86.1 559.0 l S
BT
36 559.981 Td 0.000 Tc(CHAPTER)Tj
ET
86.1 559.0 m 103.2 559.0 l S
BT
86.116 559.981 Td 0.000 Tc( VI.)Tj
15.884 0 Td(.......................................................................................................................................14)Tj
ET
36.0 545.8 m 86.1 545.8 l S
BT
36 546.781 Td 0.000 Tc(CHAPTER)Tj
ET
86.1 545.8 m 106.9 545.8 l S
BT
86.116 546.781 Td 0.000 Tc( VII.)Tj
18.634 0 Td(......................................................................................................................................17)Tj
ET
36.0 532.6 m 86.1 532.6 l S
BT
36 533.581 Td 0.000 Tc(CHAPTER)Tj
ET
86.1 532.6 m 110.5 532.6 l S
BT
86.116 533.581 Td 0.000 Tc( VIII.)Tj
24.134 0 Td(....................................................................................................................................19)Tj
ET
36.0 519.4 m 86.1 519.4 l S
BT
36 520.381 Td 0.000 Tc(CHAPTER)Tj
ET
86.1 519.4 m 103.2 519.4 l S
BT
86.116 520.381 Td 0.000 Tc( IX.)Tj
15.884 0 Td(.......................................................................................................................................20)Tj
ET
36.0 506.2 m 53.1 506.2 l S
BT
36 507.181 Td 0.000 Tc(The)Tj
ET
53.1 506.2 m 73.6 506.2 l S
BT
53.105 507.181 Td 0.000 Tc( End)Tj
18.645 0 Td(..................................................................................................................................................22)Tj
0.00 0.00 0.00 rg /F8 11 Tf 130.956 212.819 Td(Aslauga's Knight)Tj
281.852 -720 Td(i)Tj
ET
Q
endstream
endobj
90 0 obj<>endobj
91 0 obj<>endobj
92 0 obj<>endobj
93 0 obj<>endobj
94 0 obj<>endobj
95 0 obj<>endobj
96 0 obj<>endobj
97 0 obj<>endobj
98 0 obj<>endobj
99 0 obj<>endobj
100 0 obj<>endobj
101 0 obj<>endobj
102 0 obj<>endobj
103 0 obj<>endobj
104 0 obj<>1<>2<>]>>>>endobj
xref
0 105
0000000000 65535 f
0000000015 00000 n
0000000209 00000 n
0000001775 00000 n
0000001853 00000 n
0000001930 00000 n
0000002006 00000 n
0000002087 00000 n
0000002143 00000 n
0000002226 00000 n
0000002290 00000 n
0000002374 00000 n
0000002403 00000 n
0000002506 00000 n
0000002610 00000 n
0000002714 00000 n
0000002818 00000 n
0000002922 00000 n
0000003026 00000 n
0000003130 00000 n
0000003234 00000 n
0000003338 00000 n
0000003442 00000 n
0000003546 00000 n
0000003650 00000 n
0000003750 00000 n
0000003782 00000 n
0000003814 00000 n
0000004039 00000 n
0000004086 00000 n
0000004133 00000 n
0000004180 00000 n
0000004227 00000 n
0000004274 00000 n
0000004321 00000 n
0000004368 00000 n
0000004415 00000 n
0000004462 00000 n
0000004509 00000 n
0000004556 00000 n
0000004603 00000 n
0000004650 00000 n
0000004886 00000 n
0000005017 00000 n
0000005156 00000 n
0000005296 00000 n
0000008750 00000 n
0000008881 00000 n
0000013954 00000 n
0000014094 00000 n
0000019191 00000 n
0000019322 00000 n
0000024386 00000 n
0000024526 00000 n
0000029245 00000 n
0000029376 00000 n
0000031720 00000 n
0000031851 00000 n
0000034779 00000 n
0000034910 00000 n
0000038213 00000 n
0000038353 00000 n
0000043545 00000 n
0000043676 00000 n
0000048952 00000 n
0000049092 00000 n
0000052772 00000 n
0000052903 00000 n
0000058269 00000 n
0000058400 00000 n
0000063243 00000 n
0000063383 00000 n
0000068787 00000 n
0000068918 00000 n
0000074058 00000 n
0000074189 00000 n
0000079034 00000 n
0000079174 00000 n
0000080615 00000 n
0000080746 00000 n
0000084631 00000 n
0000084771 00000 n
0000088851 00000 n
0000088991 00000 n
0000093200 00000 n
0000093331 00000 n
0000096427 00000 n
0000096581 00000 n
0000097605 00000 n
0000097768 00000 n
0000101753 00000 n
0000101805 00000 n
0000101906 00000 n
0000102042 00000 n
0000102156 00000 n
0000102262 00000 n
0000102369 00000 n
0000102477 00000 n
0000102584 00000 n
0000102690 00000 n
0000102798 00000 n
0000102908 00000 n
0000103020 00000 n
0000103130 00000 n
0000103223 00000 n
trailer
<<8c429c412901b7560b11431d79eb8d64>]>>
startxref
103420
%%EOF