y locked away in the treasure-chest,
lest the Virgin should again be tempted to such extravagant almsgiving.

The Maiden's Leap

Once in the Hardt mountains there dwelt a giant whose fortress commanded
a wide view of the surrounding country. Near by, a lovely lady,
as daring in the hunt as she was skilful at spinning, inhabited an
abandoned castle. One day the twain chanced to meet, and the giant
thereupon resolved to possess the beauteous damsel.

So he sent his servant to win her with jewels, but the deceitful fellow
intended to hide the treasures in a forest.

There he met a young man musing in a disconsolate attitude, who confided
that poverty alone kept him from avowing how passionately he adored his
sweetheart. The shrewd messenger realized that this rustic's charmer was
the same fair lady who had beguiled his master's soul. He solicited the
youth's aid in burying the treasures promising him a share in the spoil
sufficient to enable him to wed his beloved.

In a solitary spot they dug a deep hole, when suddenly the robber
assailed his companion, who thrust him aside with great violence. In
his rage the youth was about to stab the wretch, when he craved pardon,
promising to reveal a secret of more value than the jewels he had
intended to conceal.

The youth stayed his hand, and the servant related how his master, for
love of the pretty mistress of the castle, had sent him to gain her
favour.

Conscious of his worth, the ardent youth scornfully declared that he
feared no rival, then, seizing half of the treasure, he left the wretch
to his own devices.

Meanwhile the giant impatiently awaited his servant's return. At length,
tired of waiting, he decided to visit the lady and declare in person his
passion for her. Upon his arrival at the castle the maid announced him,
and it was with a secret feeling of dread that the lady went to meet her
unwelcome visitor. More than ever captivated by her charms, the giant
asked the fair maid to become his wife. On being refused, he threatened
to kill her and demolish the castle.

The poor lady was terrified and she tearfully implored the giant's
mercy, promising to bestow all her treasure upon him. Her maids, too,
begged him to spare their mistress's life, but he only laughed as they
knelt before him. Ultimately the hapless maiden consented to marry her
inexorable wooer, but she attached a novel condition: she would ride a
race with her relentless suitor, and should he o