“Now, my son, depart in God’s name,” said Sir Hugh; “your attendants are already mounted and in waiting.” “There is yet one request which I had to prefer,” answered the youth, “and this perhaps my honoured father will not refuse to grant. It may be the last which I shall ever make here; for I must travel into far-distant lands, and have many a hard battle to encounter.” “My son,” said Sir Hugh, “one must avoid all words that sound like a foreboding of evil. Misfortune is ready enough to seize hold of every mortal, and the obstacles which often stand insurmountable betwixt us and our desires, form an easy and convenient ladder for our adversary to mount into our chambers. Therefore do not speak to me of last requests and so forth; but tell me at once what are your wishes, and they shall be fulfilled.” “Sir Knight,” answered Otto, “so far as I have yet heard or read of heroes and their exploits, they have always on their first adventures rode out alone. Such was the conduct of the great Seyfried, and of every one else that is most renowned. You have spoken, however, of a train to attend me; and I see a great number of armed horsemen in waiting; but I entreat that you will not thus send me forth like a spoiled child, who needs guidance and protection, but as a stout and wise champion, who, by his own independent strength, can both defend himself and afford assistance to others.” Hereupon Sir Hugh immediately ordered all the horsemen to dismount; “for,” said he, “my son has in such manner justified his request, that whatever my own wishes might be, it were a sin if I refused it to him. And now, young knight,” added he, “do not any longer delay your departure, for otherwise your old father’s heart will at last be too much moved. One injunction, however, I must yet offer you. Behave as courteously towards the Knight of Mountfaucon as the circumstances of your vow will permit; for, in his detention of the ring, he is not guilty of such injustice as you believe.” Upon these words, Sir Otto flew, swift almost as a bird, into the saddle, and rode directly out of the court, while his old father returned, weeping bitterly, to his now lonely chambers. In his affliction, however, he appeared so dignified and worthy of respect, that no one of the household had courage then to meet his looks, or even go into his presence.