For some time the two youths lay outstretched on the turf, with their eyes fixed on the sky, when, lo! there came sailing through the air, right above them, a most beautiful falcon, at such a height that he seemed to them to be even above the sun, for the rays of golden light came under his wings and body. Rejoiced at this sight, Otto started up, and called and whistled like a true-bred falconer to the bird, which, however, would not come down to him. It was indeed easy to perceive that the hawk understood his signals, lowering its flight, for a certain space, and wheeling in circles round the knight. Thereafter, on a signal audibly made to him from another quarter of the forest, he clapped his wings, and resolutely made his way thither, swift as an arrow, over the trees. It was plain that he had now heard the voice of his proper master. “I am glad that he is gone,” said Theobaldo; “there is nothing which is to me more intolerable than a bird of this kind, thief and rogue as he is, with his crooked hook-bill, his glaring eyes, and long robberlike claws! What pleasure could you find in making him signals?” “After your manner,” said Sir Otto, “every animal or bird might be described as a monster; but I love all such creatures, and more especially the falcon, who is so wise and so faithful.” “Wise!” answered Theobaldo; “the devil himself has also wisdom; and if you call it fidelity to seize on every victim that falls within his power with his crooked talons, the devil too might boast of that virtue.” “You have never then rode out on a hawking excursion?” said Sir Otto. “It is among the prejudices of knightly rank,” answered Theobaldo, “to look on such things as a source of enjoyment.” “Nay, say not so,” replied Sir Otto; “such pastime is, on the contrary, like a twofold life. Above us are the winged hunters of the air; while beneath we have fleet horses, whirling us around the plains and meadows, while the free winds of heaven are whistling through our dishevelled hair, and we are cheered by the jocund shouts of the sportsmen. At length the falcon, like a magician, wheels in circles round his devoted prey, hovering and gleaming over him, till at last he comes down, and--and”----