"Some impostor may come in a suit of plain armor, and pretend that he was the champion who overcame the Rowski (a prince who had his faults certainly, but whose attachment for me I can never forget); and how are you to say whether he is the real knight or not?
There are so many deceivers in this world," added the Princess, in tears, "that one can't be too cautious now." The fact is, that she was thinking of the desertion of Otto in the morning; by which instance of faithlessness her heart was wellnigh broken.
As for that youth and his comrade Wolfgang, to the astonishment of everybody at their impudence, they came to the archers' mess that night, as if nothing had happened; got their supper, partaking both of meat and drink most plentifully; fell asleep when their comrades began to describe the events of the day, and the admirable achievements of the unknown warrior; and turning into their hammocks, did not appear on parade in the morning until twenty minutes after the names were called.
When the Prince of Cleves heard of the return of these deserters he was in a towering passion.

"Where were you, fellows," shouted he, "during the time my castle was at its utmost need ?" Otto replied, "We were out on particular business." "Does a soldier leave his post on the day of battle, sir ?" exclaimed the Prince.

"You know the reward of such--Death! and death you merit.

But you are a soldier only of yesterday, and yesterday's victory has made me merciful.

Hanged you shall not be, as you merit--only flogged, both of you.