But, notwithstanding the brilliance of the lights, the excellence of the viands, and profusion of wine, Otto could not help reflecting again on the hateful rhymes by which he had been roused to that fit of anger. This did not proceed, however, from any resentment which he had conceived against his courteous entertainer, nor against the company, but he could not help feeling that it was in consequence of his tragical encounter with Sir Heerdegen that he had been invited hither; and that he had as it were received gold for blood; for whether his reward were paid in the liquid gold of old Johannisberg, or in solid metal, made, in his estimation, no difference. Added to this, the conversation did not please him. He heard only endless debates about gain and loss, principal and interest; and when Theobaldo, sympathizing, as it seemed, with his guest’s feelings, tried to turn the discourse to the crusades of King Richard, this only led to a calculation, whether the Genoese or the Venetians would gain most on that occasion. Then, in the confusion of Otto’s brain, it almost appeared as if the wine that mantled in their cups were blood drawn from the veins of Christian knights; that the party knew this, and therefore drank it with greater pleasure. Nay, it came over him like a frightful dream, that Sir Heerdegen of Lichtenried, with a hollow voice, from his broken visor, addressed him:--“From my heart’s blood thou now fill’st thy luxurious cup, and while thou preparest for thyself a rich bed of down, I am stretched on the hard couch of pain, from whence, perchance, I may never more arise!” Otto could no longer bear this; all the realities around him were lost in the creations of his madness. So he quitted his seat, and begged of Theobaldo that he might be allowed to depart, as he must pass that night at an auberge; for which resolution he would tell him his reason on the following day. “I do not require explanation,” answered Theobaldo, “for I already know the cause of your dissatisfaction. But, for Heaven’s sake, come again to-morrow, otherwise I must think that I too have become an object of your contempt!” “On the honour and word of a knight,” said Sir Otto, “I cherish for you only respect and friendship, nor shall I fail to come to-morrow, as you desire.” Thereupon they embraced, and Otto, accompanied by one of Theobaldo’s squires, led forth his horse, and went to spend the night at a house of public entertainment, to which he made his way through the now dark streets, according to directions that had been given to him. CHAPTER X. How Sir Otto changed his armour, and the Merchant resolved to accompany him into the world.