whose
sound she heard; for the horn had given three long, loud blasts. And she
made her way straight toward the sound, until she came to a cross which
stood on the right side of the road, and there she thought that she
might find the horn and the person who had sounded it. So she spurred
her horse in that direction, until she drew near a bridge, and descried
the white walls and the barbican of a circular castle. Thus, by chance
she came upon the castle, setting her course by the sound which had led
her thither. She had been attracted by the sound of the horn blown by a
watchman upon the walls. As soon as the watchman caught sight of her, he
called to her, then came down, and taking the key of the gate, opened
it for her and said: "Welcome, damsel, whoe'er you be. You shall be
well lodged this night." "I have no other desire than that," the damsel
replied, as he let her in. After the toil and anxiety she had endured
that day, she was fortunate to find such a lodging-place; for she was
very comfortable there. After the meal the host addressed her, and
inquired where she was going and what was her quest. Whereupon, she thus
replied: "I am seeking one whom I never saw, so far as I am aware, and
never knew; but he has a lion with him, and I am told that, if I find
him, I can place great confidence in him." "I can testify to that," the
other said: "for the day before yesterday God sent him here to me in
my dire need. Blessed be the paths which led him to my dwelling. For he
made me glad by avenging me of a mortal enemy and killing him before
my eyes. Outside yonder gate you may see to-morrow the body of a mighty
giant, whom he slew with such ease that he hardly had to sweat." "For
God's sake, sire," the damsel said, "tell me now the truth, if you know
whither he went, and where he is." "I don't know," he said, "as God sees
me here; but to-morrow I will start you on the road by which he went
away from here." "And may God," said she, "lead me where I may hear true
news of him. For if I find him, I shall be very glad."

(Vv. 4929-4964.) Thus they continued in long converse until at last they
went to bed. When the day dawned, the maid arose, being in great concern
to find the object of her quest. And the master of the house arose with
all his companions, and set her upon the road which led straight to the
spring beneath the pine. And she, hastening on her way toward the town,
came and asked the first men whom she met, if they cou