Then the beautiful snow-white charger, As tho’ he had understood, Galloped adown the mountain, Down and on through the wood; And, eager, as one long absent Seeking his home again, The road to the royal city He took when he reached the plain; And the folk in the fields at labor, And the passers to and fro, Lifted their eyes in wonder, Seeing him speeding so— For ever the farther he traveled The faster he seemed to go. The King from the palace window Looked forth at set of sun, And along the dusty highway Saw a horse and rider come; And he watched till the snow-white charger Paused at the palace gate, Then he turned to the courtiers round him, Saying in wonder great, “Look, ye! it is the war horse Of my brave knight, Harald, he Who rode on the fated mission. Bring the rider to me!” And into the royal presence, Trembling, the young lad came, Wasted, and wan, and pallid, Feebly dragging his chain. “Who art thou?” the King demanded, Marveling at the sight; “Whence dost thou come, and wherefore, And why in this woeful plight?” Then the youth made timid answer— “O my gracious lord the King, I am a humble peasant, And tidings I come to bring Of the fate of the missing horsemen.” Bidding the lad come near, Eager the King did question, And the courtiers all, Both great and small, Crowded about to hear. When the boy had told his story The King laid hand on his head;— “If thou wert but ten years older I would make thee a knight,” he said. “Alas!” sighed the boy, recalling The scorn and the cruel jeers Of his brothers, “I am not worthy, Because of my youthful years!” And wasted, and weak, and pallid, He sank with a weary moan, His fetters clanking around him, There at the foot of the throne. Then the King’s fair little daughter, Who had listened with tearful eyes, Spake softly, “Have pity, my father! Hath he not won the prize?” “Arise!” said the good King, smiling, “Forsooth I will keep my word,” (And, saying, the young lad’s shoulder Lightly he touched with his sword); “Forsooth I will keep my promise, Since the little one pleads thy claim! Henceforth shall they know thee only As the Knight of the Golden Mane. The steed that hath borne thee hither Henceforward thine own shall be, And when thou art grown to fit it Mine armor I’ll give to thee.” Then to the servitors turning— “Unbind him without delay, Tho’ these chains were a badge of honor And clanked in his praise to-day.”