Just as Otto’s horse took fright at the gleaming bow-windows of a large and handsome building, Theobaldo said,--“Noble sir, we are now arrived. Welcome to my humble abode.” Immediately there hastened from the palace many servants in elegant dresses, who, on a signal from their master, went to assist the knight; but he threw himself lightly and carelessly from the saddle, and as they were about to take his horse by the reins, “Nay, good friends,” said he, “that would prove no such easy undertaking; for he will not suffer any attendance but mine. I must myself lead him into the stable, take off the saddle and bridle, and give him his provender.” The glaring eyes of the charger, and his unquiet pawing with his fore-hoof, bore witness to the truth of what his rider had said. So the servants lighted him to a stable, where there were already many horses, which were all vehemently startled by the entrance of the stranger guest, stamping and neighing under the portico, which Otto now brought among them. He was indeed only withheld by his rider’s serious commands from directly trying his strength against some of his neighbours; and when the servants busied themselves in getting a halter to bind him fast, Otto said to them,--“That alone would be of little service, for he could easily break every band; but if I bid him be quiet, he will obey me.” Accordingly, he cried in a stern voice,--“Ruhig Bursch!” whereupon the noble animal stood like a lamb, and began to eat the corn which his master shook out before him. Thereafter Otto accompanied Theobaldo, who had waited for him in the outer hall, into the state-chambers above. Here, in a lofty vaulted apartment, they found a numerous and brilliant assemblage, while at the farther end of the room arrangements were made for a kind of temporary theatre. The floor was raised, and there appeared thereon, in the back-ground, many figures in costly dresses, who seemed about to play their parts in some comedy. It was easy to perceive that Theobaldo was the king of this festival; for, of those who were least distinguished in the company, all made room for him with deep obeisance; while others, who were evidently of high rank, ladies and gentlemen, (the latter often with gold chains like senators,) received as marks of special favour his apologies, that he who was the master of the feast should have arrived so late. The performers in the back-ground of the hall stood still, and were silent, waiting, as it seemed, for their master’s signal, whether they should proceed or give over, till Theobaldo, having taken his place with his new guest on a seat near the stage, kindly nodded to them that the play should be continued.