I shall take shipping for Palestine, in order to fight there under the banners of King Richard Cœur de Lion.” “What then have I done to offend you?” said Sir Otto; “and wherefore would you thus wound my heart, that was even now so happy and buoyant?” “You have by no means offended me,” answered Theobaldo; “but you already know that I love the sports of the battle-field, and am discontented with the luxuries of a peaceful home. Therefore you spoke but the truth, when you said this morning, that I was attending you perhaps for the last time. Not only the love of warlike adventure, but other feelings, also draw me from hence. I would wish once more to kneel on that church-yard mound, with its sheltering flowers, wherein Lisberta sleeps. Heaven knows wherefore, as a child, I was so often led thither; but it now seems to me as if my life’s best treasures were buried there, and I must by times revisit the spot. But, noble Sir, touching what you have just now said, of wounding your heart in the midst of its rejoicing, you should rather be thankful to me if I have indeed done so; for if trees are too flourishing and luxuriant, are not wounds cut into their bark? Or have you forgot the story of Polycrates, who, in order to reconcile himself with fortune, threw his ring into the water? Let me then in like manner be your ring; and Heaven grant that no fish may be on the watch in order to bring me again into your possession!” “But wherefore,” said Sir Otto, “should you be in such vehement haste?” “It is the Count de Vinciguerra’s fault,” said Theobaldo; “I have promised that I shall travel when and whither he is pleased to appoint.” “And so then the Count----,” said Otto, doubtfully. “Ay,” resumed Theobaldo, “he is, in truth, not altogether satisfied with you, being unable to forget the severe lessons which he received from one so young and inexperienced, when he related the story of Master Donatello. For, in confidence, he has since unfolded to me, that he himself was the hero of that adventure; so that he cannot well bear to look upon you now as the chief in this festival; and was indeed ready to sink into the earth with vexation, when he was obliged to deliver up to you the casket with the ring. I could laugh still to think of his looks at that moment; and in this humour, noble Sir, it is best that I should take my departure. Sad thoughts should not at such times be uttered.”--Otto replied mournfully, “You have then forgotten how you were once moved by the thoughts of parting, after you had wounded the falcon in the forest?” “Ay truly, because we should then have separated in anger,” said Theobaldo; “now, however, there is perfect friendship betwixt us, and I leave you with your beautiful bride, and surrounded by all possible blessings. So fare you well.” With these words he nodded kindly, and straightway left the room. After a few moments, Sir Otto, having gone thoughtfully to the window, saw