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In the beginning there was silence among the benches, for the talking of all was interrupted by their hunger, and they only praised in a low tone the abundant care of the Princess; yet the older men, near the Prince, entered into serious conversation; they called to mind the past deeds of heroes, and praised the virtues of their horses. The others listened willingly to their words, while eating.

A nobleman by the side of the Prince began in a loud voice:

"Truly the pleasantest thing to me in summer is just such a high feast as this, where fellow-countrymen greet each other in warlike attire in the green meadows, the grayheads remember their old warlike journeys, and the combat-loving youths show in their games that their strength may at some future day add to the honor of their fathers. The sun shines warm, and the face of the host smiles upon the guests, the herds of cattle frisk about, and the ears of corn ripen in the south wind; glad is the heart of man at such a time, and he thinks unwillingly of cares. Yet it befits a man, even at his meals, not to lay aside his sword further than his arm can reach, for all life is full of change in the valleys of men; the heavens may soon be covered by a veil of dark gray clouds, and the earth by a garment of white snow; no happiness is lasting on this earth, and each day may bring a new fate. Thus even now news has spread among the people from the land of the Romans; many are anxious concerning it, and in their thoughts ask our host whether he has received intelligence which it would be well for us to know."

This speech gave the opinion of all, and there was a sound of assent from every table; then there was a great silence.

But the Prince answered cautiously: "We have all heard of the great battle, and are considering whether it will be for our welfare. Yet I do not advise that we forest men, now engaged with our drinking-horns, should cast our eyes downward with anxious looks. As yet we only know what wanderers bring from foreign lands, perhaps what they themselves have beheld, perhaps uncertain rumors. Therefore our messengers are riding through the forest southward for new intelligence. We await their return. Then our wise men will examine whether the news warrants the people in concerning themselves about it."

As these words announced that the host would not give any information concerning the Roman war, there arose a suppressed murmur, and Herr Answald remarked that his guests would gladly have learned more, and were not pleased with his silence.

The Prince therefore gave a quiet sign to the herald, who stepped forward, and called out with a loud voice, "The sword-dancers approach, and beg for your favor." Then all were silent, and arranged themselves for the spectacle, and the women rose from their seats.

A piper and bagpiper stepped forward, behind them twelve dancers, young warriors from the people and of the Chieftain's household, in white underdresses, with colored girdles, and shining swords in their hands; before them walked Wolf as thirteenth, the sword-king, in a red dress. They stopped at the entrance, and saluted, lowering their weapons; then they began the song of the dance, and glided with slow steps up to the open space before the seat of the chiefs. The sword-king stood in the middle, his twelve comrades encircling him solemnly with raised swords. He gave a sign, the pipers blew, the movements became quicker, half of them bounded to the right in an inner circle, the others placed themselves opposite outside, and each one exchanged with all whom he met sword-strokes according to the rule of the stroke. Then the king dived among the shining swords, gliding now to the outer, now to the inner circle; he received and answered with his weapon the strokes of the others. The windings became more skilful, the movements more eager; one after the other turned himself, as in a fight, through the resolving circles of the others. Then they divided themselves into groups, hastening against each other in measure, and with weapons stretched out, till they at the same time, now three and now four, interlaced themselves into a fighting posture. Suddenly they all lowered their swords in a large circle to the ground, and entwined them in a moment in an artistic plait that looked like a shield. The sword-king stood upon it, and his twelve comrades were able to raise him on the shield of swords from the ground up to their shoulders, where he stood, and with his sword greeted the Prince, the guests, and the ladies. In like manner they let him down slowly to the ground, loosened sword from sword, and began anew to attack one another in a circle, now springing about and exchanging sword-blows quick as lightning. Scarcely could the eye follow the single strokes in the whirl; the bright steel sparkled, and the men swung their bodies under the sharp weapons; the pipes sounded shrill, the bagpipes droned wildly; and sparks darted forth from the swords.

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