consideration of his youth, excused from pledging
every time; the merchants, on the contrary, did not find it much
against their tastes, and smacked the old Frank-wine with tolerable
gusto. The conversation turned upon the adventures of past years. Henry
listened attentively to what was said. The knights spoke of the holy
land, of the wonders of the sacred tomb, of the adventures of their
enterprise and voyage, of the Saracens in whose power some of them had
been, and of the joyous and wonderful life of field and camp. They
expressed with great animation their indignation, when they learned
that the heavenly birth-place of Christendom was in the power of the
unbelieving heathen. They exalted those great heroes, who had earned
for themselves an immortal crown, by their persevering endeavors
against this lawless people. The lord of the castle showed the rich
sword, which he had taken from their leader with his own hand, after he
had conquered his castle, slain him, and made his wife and children
prisoners, which deeds, by the permission of the emperor, were
represented on his coat of arms. All examined the splendid sword. Henry
took it and felt suddenly inspired with warlike ardor. He kissed it
with fervent devotion. The knight rejoiced at his sympathy with their
feelings. The old man embraced him, and encouraged him to devote his
hand also forever to the deliverance of the holy sepulchre, and to have
affixed to his shoulder the marvel-working cross. He was enraptured,
and seemed hardly able to release the sword. "Think, my son," cried the
old knight, "a new crusade is on the point of departure. The emperor
himself will lead our forces into the land of the morning. Throughout
all Europe the cry of the cross is sounding anew, and everywhere heroic
devotion is excited. Who knows that we may not, a year hence, be
sitting at each other's side in the great and far renowned city of
Jerusalem, as joyful conquerors, and think of home over the wine of our
fatherland? You will see here, at my house, a maiden from the holy
land. Its maidens appear very charming to us of the West; and if you
guide your sword skilfully, beauteous captives shall not be wanting."
The knights sang with a loud voice the Crusade-song, which at that time
was a favorite throughout Europe.

The grave in heathen hands remaineth;
The grave, wherein the Savior lay,
Their cruel mockery sustaineth,
And is unhallowed every day.
Its sorrow comes in