black and silver armour, which lay in a corner, and which Otto easily recognized by the eagle’s beak on the visor. “When I wore these,” said he, “I was yet a champion; now I am powerless, and shall never again find a coat of mail that will fit these limbs.” Otto had not forgotten the horror with which he had just before contemplated his own armour, and said,--“My Lord Count, methinks we could now easily help one another out of our distresses. If you have sworn never to wear your harness, I have in the next room a suit which I would not willingly use again; and this for reasons of which it is not fitting that I should now speak farther than to assure you, that they are not connected with shame or disgrace to the wearer.” “I should not expect any less from you, young sir,” answered Sir Archimbald, with a pleasant smile. “Well then, let us make an exchange,” said Otto. “Done, it is a bargain,” replied Sir Archimbald; “I doubt not we shall be fitted; for we are both framed like right old German heroes.” The silver mail was immediately brought into the room; and each being assisted by a squire, they were soon equipt, standing, as if transformed by magic, wondering at each other. The now stern and wrathful visage of Sir Archimbald contrasted strangely with the mild light reflected on it by Otto’s bright silver harness; while the youth’s blooming, almost womanish features were surmounted by the frightful helmet and visor in the shape of an eagle’s head. At length they began to stride, with thundering steps and threatening gestures, through the room, to try how their new accoutrements fitted; and both being well satisfied, they shook hands, Archimbald rejoicing in his heart that his black and silver mail, with the eagle’s head, would yet once more come in the way of Sir Folko de Montfaucon. “For,” said he, “you will at least make him fight a hard battle, young knight of Trautwangen! Of this I require no other proof, than the hardness of your grasp even now, and the noble warlike spirit which appears in your whole demeanour.” They now took leave of each other, like old and tried friends. Archimbald, in order to mount his horse, and Otto in order to fulfil his promise to the young merchant.