The ladies were already seated in their balcony, amid the foliage of the lime-trees; and Sir Folko said to his companion, “In those northern realms, from which our family is sprung, we have an old legend touching the golden apples of immortality. Brother, do you mark them yonder, among the branches, above us?” These words he had intended to be playful and light-hearted; but uttered, as they were, from behind the cold motionless visor, unaided by a smile or lively glance, hollow too and suppressed in tone, they sounded rather like a mournful forewarning of death. The knights now shook hands before the assembled spectators, and went severally to mount their horses. As Sir Folko, on the left of the balcony, approached his silver-grey charger, his noble falcon, which had now almost recovered from the wound inflicted by Theobaldo, flew down from a window of the castle, and took his place on the knight’s helmet, which he would not leave till he was taken thence by his master’s hand. The latter then stroked him kindly on the neck, and, pulling down the hood over the faithful creature’s eyes, gave him in charge to one of his squires, who carried him away. A deep-sounding murmur then arose through the multitude; by some it was interpreted as a sure anticipation of victory for Sir Folko; while others thought that the poor bird wished to take his last farewell, and that his master would of necessity die. Then, for the third time, the herald sounded his trumpet; all voices were hushed; and now, mounted on their war-steeds, the two champions came from opposite sides into their proper places. Thereafter, underneath the balcony where the ladies sat, arose Don Hernandez, in magnificent armour, with his visor open; he called aloud, “Be it known to all knights and ladies, also to others of whatsoever degree, who are here present, that my friend, the Count Alessandro de Vinciguerra, who is now beside me, holds in his hands a gold casket, with the ring, which is to be the prize of this combat. The champions have the free right of contending with lances and with swords, on horseback, or on foot. Whosoever of the twain shall be able courteously to approach the Count of Vinciguerra, take the casket from his hands, bring it to the Lady Gabrielle in the balcony, and place the ring on her finger, without interruption from his adversary, shall be looked upon as the victor, and all contentions for this cause are from henceforth at an end. Noble champions, are these conditions understood and approved?”