In Sir Folko’s castle were now seated at the banquet table many brave champions from different nations, also various other guests,--painters, minstrels, musicians, and poets, among whom Theobaldo soon discovered some of his lively countrymen. Especially there was one named the Count Alessandro Vinciguerra, with whom he began to converse in a manner so witty and cheerful that their discourse afforded amusement to the whole company. Sir Otto meanwhile remained thoughtful and silent, so that, after the first admiration excited by his noble form and graceful demeanour had subsided, he was scarcely noticed by the party. As the wine-cups, mantling with the richest juice of Medoc and Burgundy, circled round the festive board, it occurred to the warriors, that, for better pastime, every one should relate, from the experiences of his life, some remarkable story. Among so many valiant knights, and other distinguished characters as were here assembled, materials could not be wanting for such narratives. All, however, insisted that their noble host should set an example to his guests,--to which he replied, “I am aware that the excuses which I would gladly offer would not relieve me from the duties which I owe to the noble friends who are now around me. What I have to relate is indeed but of little importance; but I am like a gardener, from whom a festal wreath is demanded, and who, if he possesses not roses and jasmine, must be content with daisies and _forget-me-not_. “It must be known,” continued he, “to several who are here present, that our family of Montfaucon derives its origin from Norwegian ancestors, and that in the mountains of that wild country we have at this day many noble relations. From thence my predecessors came, as conquering invaders into France,--arrived with great forces within that district which is now called Normandy, and with them brought, among other strange stories, the legend which I am now to repeat to you. In Norway there dwelt an ancient and far-famed hero, who had an amiable daughter, well known by the name of the beautiful Sigrid. She was talked of and praised all over that northern country, and therefore had many loving suitors. Besides her beauty, she was also distinguished for her superiority in all female accomplishments, having a deep knowledge of magic and necromancy, to which pursuits the young ladies of that land are particularly addicted. Especially she had found means to prepare a certain drink, which, if used in moderation, inspired the warrior with unheard-of strength and courage; nay, it was said, that he was thereby rendered even impenetrable by the weapons of his adversary. Many other women of Norway have been in possession of the same charm, and one of our relations at this day is in the habit of exercising that wonderful art.