in
Silesia to meet him in the lists and, besides the glory to be gained,
there was a prize of sixty and four gold pieces. Other knights also were
to joust in the ring.

Queen Barbara, of her grace, had bidden me attend with her ladies. At the
jousting-place I found Ann; her mother had remained at home by reason
that the old mother was sick. My faithful Uncle Christian Pfinzing, who
played the host to the Emperor and Empress at the Castle as representing
the town council, had brought his "dear watchman" hither and placed her
in the keeping of certain motherly dames. Presently, seeing a moment when
she might speak with me, Ann said in my ear: "I will end this sport,
Margery; I can no longer endure it. He hath sworn to renounce all and
everything that may keep us apart!" There was no time for more. Each one
had to take his seat. As yet their Majesties were not come, and there was
time to gaze about.

The lists were in the midst of the market-place. The benches were decked
with hangings, the lords and ladies who filled them, the feathers waving,
the sparkle of jewels, the glitter of gold and silver, the sheen of silk
and velvet, the throng of common folk, head over head in the topmost
places, the music and uproar, nay, the very savor of the horses dwell
still in my mind; yet far be it from me to write of things well-known to
most men.

Then my grand-uncle came forth. He had Ursula on his arm as he walked
through the gate-way into the lists and across the sanded ring to his
seat on the far side. This was in truth forbidden, but the unabashed old
man defied the rules, and as for Ursula she was well pleased to be gazed
at. The old knight was smiling; how stately was his mien, and how well
the silver breast plate beseemed him, with the golden lion rampant of the
Im Hoffs! That helmet and breastplate had been forged for his special use
of the finest silver and gold plate, and were better fit to turn the
point of my pen-knife than that of sword and lance. Yet many an one
admired the stalwart gait of the old man in his heavy harness. Even
Tetzel's dull face was less dull than its wont, and Ursula's eyes
sparkled as though her knight had carried off the prize.

Presently my grand-uncle saw where I was sitting, and waved and bowed to
me as though he had some good tidings to give me. Tetzel did likewise,
seeming like the old man's pale and creeping shadow. Ursula's triumphing
eyes proclaimed that now she had indeed gained her end