s manner for the space of a quarter of an
hour, leading his horse by the bridle-rein, when suddenly he heard a
flourish of drums and trumpets. Looking up, he was astonished to find
himself at no great distance from a magnificent and brilliantly
illuminated castle. Pleased and surprised, for in all his hunting
excursions he had never encountered it before, he threw himself upon
his horse and hastened toward its gates. Trumpets and comets rang a
merry peal, the drawbridge descended, the gate flew open, and he soon
found himself in the inner court, surrounded by a band of richly clad
and golden locked pages. They seized his bridle, relieved him of his
hunting-spear, bow and quiver,--one of them respectfully held his
stirrup, while another, on bended knee, bade him welcome.

'Do you know me?' asked Ryno with astonishment.

'Who does not know the knightly Ryno, so renowned for his personal
beauty, and indomitable courage!' humbly answered the courtly page.
'Will you please to follow me to the banqueting hall? You are expected
there with affectionate impatience by count Arno, the lord of the
castle, and Rosamunda his charming daughter.'

Readily yielding to this welcome invitation, he left his horse to the
attendants, and followed the smooth-tongued flatterer into the castle.
A marble vestibule, supported by a colonade of porphyry, led him to a
broad alabaster stair-case, which was surmounted by a gilded and richly
ornamented balustrade. Twelve servants in dresses of white silk,
embroidered with gold, preceded him with torches to light his steps.
The folding doors of the banqueting room flew open. A richly covered
table, glittering with golden vessels and surrounded by knights and
ladies, stood in the middle of the hall, and a splendid chandelier
poured a flood of light from above. Uncertain whether he could trust
his senses, Ryno entered, and the most delightful music from the
balcony of the hall greeted his arrival. The knights and dames rose
respectfully from their seats, while a venerable old man in a knightly
costume, with a delicate female whose beauty was too dazzling for
mortal pen to describe, advanced to meet him. Touching a full goblet
with her rosy lips, the female thus addressed him: 'With this cup,
Rosamunda, the daughter of the house, greets the brave Ryno, in the
name of the lord of the castle.'

Already intoxicated by what he saw, Ryno drained the golden cup,
impressed a glowing kiss upon Rosamunda's deli