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Loud cries filled the hall when the stranger betrayed that he had stood against the Romans. "Thou hast spoken well, stranger," was exclaimed on all sides; but again, from another table, "The stranger boasts wrongly of an evil deed; hurrah, hurrah, Theodulf!"

The Prince rose and called out with a powerful voice: "I bid the war-words cease; I admonish all to peace in the festive hall." Then the loud cries ceased, but the strife of opinions continued noisily about all the tables; eyes flamed, and strong hands were raised. During the confusion a youth from the retinue of the Chieftain sprang up the steps, and cried out in the hall: "Volkmar the minstrel rides into the courtyard!"

"He is welcome," exclaimed the Prince. And turning to the seat of the ladies, he continued: "Irmgard, my child, greet thy teacher, and guide him to our table." Thus ordered the prudent host, to remind the wranglers of the presence of the ladies. His words acted like magic on the boisterous crowd; gloomy countenances became bright, and many a one seized his mug, and took a deep drink, in order to put an end to his discontent, and prepare himself for the song of the minstrel. But Irmgard stepped out of the arbor, and walked through the rows of men to the threshold. On the steps of the hall stood crowded together the young men of the village, staring inquisitively into the hall. Irmgard passed through the crowd, and in the courtyard awaited the minstrel, who was preparing himself for the feast, under the veranda. He came up to her with a respectful greeting: he was a man of moderate height and bright eyes; his curly golden hair was streaked with grey; he wore gracefully his overcoat of colored cloth; his naked arms were adorned with gold circlets; he had a chain around his neck, and a stringed instrument in his hand.

"Thou comest at a good time, Volkmar," the noble maiden exclaimed to him. "They are at strife with each other; it is necessary that thy song should raise their hearts. Make use today of thy skill, and if thou canst, sing them something joyful."

"What has disturbed their spirits?" asked the minstrel, who was accustomed to employ his art like a clever doctor. "Is it against the wild household of King Bisino that they are angry? Or do they dispute over the Roman invasion?"

"The young men do not keep the peace," answered the Prince's daughter.

"Is it nothing more?" inquired the minstrel, indifferently. "It would be useless trouble to try to hinder their passage at arms on the greensward." But when he perceived the serious countenance of the noble maiden, he added: "If they are the madcaps of the house, lady, I fear that my song will not do away with their jealousy. If I could put thy friendly smile into my song, and whisper it in the ear of each one, they would all follow me like lambs. Yet what I bring today," he added, changing his tone, "is so terrible that they will certainly forget their quarrel in listening to it. It is a bad addition to a festive meal; yet I must go in and tell them the tale. I do not know whether they will then still desire a song."

"Wilt thou tell them the sorrowful news at the repast?" asked the noble maiden, anxiously; "that will make their spirits heavy, and rouse them to anger."

"Surely thou knowest me," replied the minstrel; "I shall give them only as much as they can bear. Whom has the Prince invited to the hall?"

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