Now that Horn was a newly dubbed knight he would not allow the slightest shadow of dishonour to cloud his conduct; accordingly, when he obeyed Rymenhild's summons he was accompanied by Athulf. "Welcome, Sir Horn and Sir Athulf," she cried, holding out her hands in greeting. "Love, now that thou hast thy will, keep thy plighted word and make me thy wife; release me from my anxiety and do as thou hast said." "'Dear Rymenhild, hold thou thyself at peace,' Quoth young Sir Horn; 'I will perform my vow. But first I must ride forth to prove my might; Must conquer hardships, and my own worse self, Ere I can hope to woo and wed my bride. We are but new-fledged knights of one day's growth, And yet we know the custom of our state Is first to fight and win a hero's name, Then afterwards to win a lady's heart. This day will I do bravely for thy love And show my valour and my deep devotion In prowess 'gainst the foes of this thy land. If I come back in peace, I claim my wife.'" Rymenhild protested no longer, for she saw that where honour was concerned Horn was inflexible. "My true knight," said she, "I must in sooth believe thee, and I feel that I may. Take this ring engraved with my name, wrought by the most skilled worker of our court, and wear it always, for it has magic virtues. The gems are of such saving power that thou shalt fear no strokes in battle, nor ever be cast down if thou gaze on this ring and think of thy love. Athulf, too, shall have a similar ring. And now, Horn, I commend thee to God, and may Christ give thee good success and bring thee back in safety!" Horn's First Exploit