The stern deep voice of the old knight was now heard from the court, calling out repeatedly, “All is ready, all is ready! Sir Otto, come hither and mount your horse!” The youth then hastened down from the rampart, and found a number of cavalry squires in attendance; three of whom were holding by golden reins a light-brown charger, which he had often seen before, but had never dared to mount. On his appearance among them, “Young knight,” said Sir Hugh, with a forced smile, “parting and delay are both painful,--is it not so? Well, think then no more of the matter, but mount directly, and try how this noble steed will bear his new rider.” The young Sir Otto immediately sprang into the saddle, and rode his horse up and down with such extraordinary strength and agility, that all the by-standers expressed their admiration, insisting that this animal, whose disposition had been before wild and untameable, had at last found out and acknowledged his proper master. The venerable old knight was delighted, and stretched out his arms towards Sir Otto. “Dismount once more, dearest son,” cried he, “that ere you finally depart I may embrace and bless you.” Whereupon the youth threw himself from his horse with a great clang and rattle of his armour, and rushed into his father’s arms. The horse meanwhile snorted and plunged, till he had pulled the bridle from the hands of the squires, then trotted after his young master, stood quietly beside him, and even laid his head caressingly on his shoulder.