had rescued were
married soon after; and on the spot where they had first met was raised
the castle of Eppstein. It is said that the bones of the giant may still
be seen there.

Floersheim: The Shepherd Knight

In the now ruined castle of Wilenstein, overlooking the wooded heights
of the Westrich, dwelt Sir Bodo of Floersheim and his fair daughter
Adeline. The maiden's beauty, no less than her father's wealth,
attracted suitors in plenty from the neighbouring strongholds, but the
spirit of love had not yet awakened in her bosom and each and all were
repulsed with disconcerting coldness and indifference, and they left the
schloss vowing that the lovely Adeline was utterly heartless.

One day there came to Sir Bodo a youth of pleasing manners and
appearance, picturesquely clad in rustic garb, who begged that he might
enter the knight's service in the capacity of shepherd. Though he hinted
that he was of noble birth, prevented by circumstances from revealing
his identity, yet he based his request solely on his merits as a tender
of flocks and herds, and as Sir Bodo found that he knew his work well
and that his intelligence was beyond question, he gave him the desired
post. As time went on Sir Bodo saw no reason to regret his action, for
his flocks and herds prospered as they had never done before, and none
but good reports reached him concerning his servant.

Meantime Adeline heard constant references to Otto (as the shepherd was
called) both from her father and her waiting-women. The former praised
his industry and abilities, while the latter spoke of his handsome looks
and melancholy air, his distinction and good breeding, and the mystery
which surrounded his identity. All this excited the maiden's curiosity,
and her pity was aroused as well, for it seemed that the stranger had
a secret grief, which sometimes found vent in tears when he thought
himself unobserved.

Adeline saw him for the first time one afternoon while she was walking
in the castle grounds. At sight of her he paused as though spell-bound,
and the maiden blushed under his earnest scrutiny. A moment later,
however, he recovered himself, and courteously asked her pardon for his
seeming rudeness.

"Forgive me, fair lady," said he; "it seemed that I saw a ghost in your
sweet face."

Adeline, who had recognized him from the descriptions she had received,
now made herself known to him, and graciously granted him permission to
walk with her to the cast