The two horsemen, who thus proceeded on their way, were indeed of tempers the most opposite that could be imagined. As for Otto, one might have said, that his whole feelings were drawn from the darkest shades of night that lay in the forest around them; while Theobaldo’s, on the contrary, were inspired and modified by the fragrance of the blossoms, and the brightness of the stars. The latter tried, by every means in his power, to impart his own high spirits to his companion; and when he found that such endeavours were vain, began, in the melodious language of his country, to sing one love-song after another, which sounded beautifully amid the placid stillness of the night. Theobaldo was a good musician, so that Otto’s meditations were by no means disturbed by these songs; for, as he could not understand the words, it seemed to him almost as if one of the numberless nightingales from the neighbouring groves had determined to follow him, and sing for him alone. He might indeed interpret the language (or notes rather) in any way that best suited the current of his own emotions. They came at last over a grassy eminence, from which they beheld the large town of Frankfort, with all its lights, on both sides of the Mayne, outspread before them. Otto halted there for a space, quite lost in wonder; for, educated, as he had been, at a lonely castle in the country, he had never before seen such a town; and the great number of lighted windows and lamps, though nothing more than is visible every night, seemed to him like some grand festal illumination. Theobaldo amused himself for some time with the surprise expressed by his companion, then said, “Yes, Sir Otto, this is the far-famed free town of Frankfort, and if you will enter within its walls, and condescend to honour my humble dwelling with your presence, I shall perhaps be able to shew you scenes that are yet more worthy of your approval and admiration.” Immediately thereafter, they rode past several elegant villas and garden-houses on the outside of the gates. For the most part these dwellings made a brilliant appearance; one heard the sounds of the harp, female singers, and ringing of glasses; moreover, the light came through handsome verandas, bow-windows, and balconies, intertwined with vines and jasmine, the sight of which added effect to the sounds of convivial mirth within. Sir Otto believed that he had already entered the town, till at last, at Theobaldo’s command, the massy wings of the gate were opened, and they rode under the echoing portico, as if into a great castle, to which indeed Frankfort might be compared; and if the citizens were proud (as Sir Hugh had sometimes described them) the young knight thought, when he came into the long lightedup streets, that they had indeed good reason to be so.