ranching linden-tree.

She was sorely troubled, for many lords and princes were asking for her
hand in marriage. More urgent than all the others was the invincible
hero, Count Telramund, her former guardian, who since the death of her
father had ruled over the land with masterly hand. Now the duke, her
father, on his death-bed had promised Telramund that he might have Elsa
for wife, should she be willing; and Telramund was continually reminding
her of this. But Elsa blushed with shame at the mere thought of such a
union, for Telramund was a rough warrior, as much hated for his cruelty
as he was feared for his strength. To make matters worse he was now at
the court of the chosen King Henry of Saxony, threatening her with war
and even worse calamities.

In the shade of the linden Elsa thought of all this, and pitied her own
loneliness in that no brother or friend stood at her side to help her.
Then the sweet singing of birds seemed to comfort her, and she dropped
into a gentle sleep. As she dreamed it seemed to her that a young knight
stepped out of the depths of the forest. Holding up a small silver bell,
he spoke in friendly tones:

"If you should need my help, just ring this."

Elsa tried to take the trinket, but she could neither rise nor reach the
outstretched hand. Then she awoke.

Thinking over the apparition Elsa noted a falcon circling over her
head. It came nearer and finally settled on her shoulder. Around his
neck hung a bell exactly like that she had seen in the dream. She
loosened it, and as she did so the bird rose and flew away. But she
still held the little bell in her hand, and in her soul was fresh hope
and peace.

When she returned to the castle she found there a message, bidding her
appear before the king in Cologne on the Rhine. Filled with confidence
in the protection of higher powers, she did not hesitate to obey. In
gorgeous costume, with many followers, she set out.

King Henry was a man who loved justice and exercised it, but his kingdom
was in constant danger from inroads by wild Huns, and for this reason he
wished to do whatever would win the favor of the powerful Count
Telramund. When, however, he saw Elsa in all her beauty and innocence he
hesitated in his purpose.

The plaintiff brought forward three men who testified that the duchess
had entered into a secret union with one of her vassals. Only two of
these men were shown to be perfidious; the testimony of the other seemed
valid,