CHAPTER IV.
OF THAT WHICH THE KNIGHT ENCOUNTERED IN THE WOOD.
"It is now about eight days ago since I rode into the free imperial city, which lies on the other side of the forest.

Soon after my arrival, there was a splendid tournament and running at the ring, and I spared neither my horse nor my lance.

Once when I was pausing at the lists, to rest after my merry toil, and was handing back my helmet to one of my squires, my attention was attracted by a female figure of great beauty, who was standing richly attired on one of the galleries allotted to spectators." "I asked my neighbor, and learned from him, that the name of the fair lady was Bertalda, and that she was the foster-daughter of one of the powerful dukes living in the country.

I remarked that she also was looking at me, and, as it is wont to be with us young knights, I had already ridden bravely, and now pursued my course with renovated confidence and courage.

In the dance that evening I was Bertalda's partner, and I remained so throughout the festival." A sharp pain in his left hand, which hung down by his side, here interrupted Huldbrand's narrative, and drew his attention to the aching part.