hid them, and called to them, but even the fiercest would not follow
me. Then, thought I, I must show you the way to set to work; so I
grasped my sword firmly, I set my torch on the ground close beside me,
and I let the gates fly open without further delay. For I well knew that
it would be no easy matter for any one to come in against my will. A
loud laugh greeted me, and I heard these words, 'Well, well, what mighty
preparations are these before one small man can find the shelter he
seeks!' And in truth I did feel myself redden with shame when I saw the
small stranger standing opposite to me quite alone. I called to him to
come in at once, and offered my hand to him; but he still showed
some displeasure, and would not give me his in return. As he went up,
however, he became more friendly--he showed me the golden horn on which
he sounded that blast, and which he carried screwed on his helmet, as
well as another exactly like it. When he was sitting with us in the
hall, he behaved in a very strange manner--sometimes he was merry,
sometimes cross; by turns courteous and rude in his demeanour, without
any one being able to see a motive for such constant changes. I
longed to know where he came from; but how could I ask my guest such a
question? He told us as much as this, that he was starved with cold in
our country, and that his own was much warmer. Also he appeared well
acquainted with the city of Constantinople, and related fearful stories
of how brothers, uncles, nephews, nay, even fathers and sons, thrust
each other from the throne, blinded, cut out tongues, and murdered. At
length he said his own name--it sounded harmonious, like a Greek name,
but none of us could remember it. Before long he displayed his skill as
an armourer. He understood marvellously well how to handle the red-hot
iron, and how to form it into more murderous weapons than any I had
ever before seen. I would not suffer him to go on making them, for I was
resolved to meet you in the field with equal arms, and such as we are
all used to in our northern countries. Then he laughed, and said he
thought it would be quite possible to be victorious without them, by
skilful movements and the like if only I would entrust the command of my
infantry to him, I was sure of victory. Then I thought that he who makes
arms well must also wield them well--yet I required some proof of his
powers. Ye lords, he came off victorious in trials of strength such as
you can hardly