Alfaleith.org

"I call the host and his lady blessed, who are gracious in their noble house to a stranger in the land," replied the guest. "But the thoughts of the man to whom a corner on the bench is granted ramble insecurely. For the stranger must ever watch anxiously the aspect of the host, whether he still keeps his favor. Every one in the house stands secure in his rights; only to the wandering stranger is the ground on which he treads like a thin sheet of ice, which in the morning, perhaps, may break under him; and whenever a mouth is opened, he knows not whether it signifies honor or shame. Do not be angry with me for this complaint," he begged frankly. "Thine eyes and thy words have drawn out secret cares from my breast, and too boldly have I ventured on confidential speech. It would be painful to me to displease thee."

"I shall think of thy words in the future," answered Irmgard, softly, "whenever I see a lonely wanderer at our house. But be assured that thou art welcome here to many. The Thuringians like a cheerful spirit and sociable talk; show thyself thus today among our neighbors; and if I may venture to give thee good advice, do not turn aside from the young men when they practise their warlike games; for I think that thou also mayest succeed well in these. If you gain praise among our countrymen, it will give pleasure to our house, for it is an honor to the host when the guest wins fame. And I observe that my father also wishes thee well." She bent her head, blushing, and moved away from the neighborhood of the stranger; but he looked joyfully after her.

The Prince stood in front of his house to receive the nobles and the free peasants who arrived from all sides on horseback and on foot, and were greeted at the gateway by the herald, Hildebrand. Those who approached on horseback dismounted there, and the young men led their horses into a large enclosure, and fastened them firmly, that the servants might rub the foam off with straw, and scatter old oats in the crib. All were worthily greeted and accosted. The guests stood in a wide circle in the court--- a proud company, distinguished men from twenty villages of the neighboring country, all in their warlike apparel, with ash spears in their hands, swords and daggers by their sides, in beautiful leather caps which were adorned with the tusks and ears of wild boards; many towered over the rest in iron helmets, with leather collars or coats of mail over their white shirts, and in high leather leggings which reached up to the body; many also who were rich, and esteemed the wares of the Rhenish traders, wore a loose garment of foreign material, that had fine hairs of bright colors, and shone like the fur of a wild beast. The men stood silent, rejoicing in the meeting; only some who stepped aside together exchanged words in a low tone upon the reports which had flown through the country of the great battle in the west, and of the threatening times. But those who knew the characters of the men, like Hildebrand the herald, perceived that their minds were unsettled and their opinions dissimilar. The reception lasted long, for single individuals kept still coming, who had loitered, till at last the herald went up to the Chieftain, and pointed to the sun.

Then the host led his guests in front of the hall, and they solemnly ascended the steps in procession; at the entrance they were received by the hostess; near her stood her daughter and the maidens. The men did homage respectfully to the ladies; the Princess extended her hand to all, and duly inquired after their wives and the state of their families; to the men of their kindred she offered her cheek for a kiss. The chiefs of the people took high places on the seats of the gallery, and began earnest converse, while the cupbearer and servants entered in long rows, bearing the welcoming draft in wooden cups, and light dainties, such as white spiced cakes, and smoked meat.

Meanwhile the youths were impatiently preparing, on the lawn in front of the house, the course for the martial games. The village boys began the competition, that they also might win the praise of the warriors; they ran races, sprang over a horse, and shot at a perch with reed arrows. But soon the youths were seized with emulation; they threw the spear, and cast the heavy stone, springing after it; and when Theodulf, with a powerful swing, had thrown the heaviest stone, and made the widest leap, a fathom beyond the others, there burst forth a loud shout reaching to the hall, and even the old and the wise heads of the people could not keep their seats any longer, but hastened to the exhibition on the lawn. Great became the circle of spectators; the women of the village stood there in their festive dresses, separated from the men, and in the surrounding circle the sound of the acclamations and the praises of the victor became ever louder.

<< Previous Page | Back | Next Page >>