they disperse themselves like dust or vapour on all sides, and, as if in mockery, assail us from quarters least expected, and where we are least on our guard. Yet, whoever once breaks the arrangements they have made, and cuts off the re-enforcement of new soldiers, who are always pouring down from the mountains, will utterly damp their courage, and render them powerless. For this purpose I have chosen you. When we have advanced a little farther, I shall render my plans more intelligible. Now, in the name of God, let us proceed!”--With these words he threw his javelin high in the air, and caught it as it fell; the notes of the battle-horns sounded with deafening noise like thunder around him;--the sounds were answered, as if re-echoed from every squadron through the army;--and the whole forces, both horse and foot, advanced, as if inspired by one impulse, along the plain. On the other hand, the Finlanders also approached, continuing all the while their wild shouting and howling. Ere long they sent forth a shower of arrows and javelins against the Christian troops, which distance, and the protection of good shields, rendered yet ineffective; so that the more experienced warriors laughed at this mockery of a battle. Both parties advanced always nearer and nearer to each other, and the martial music of the Swedes continued to sound aloud, though oftentimes the tones were rather like a solemn farewell, than a cheering anticipation of victory. Sir Otto’s bosom swelled with inspiration, such as he had before never known. What were now all the heart-rousing enjoyments of the tournament, compared with the feelings excited by this noble union of heroic champions, in defence of their holy religion, among whom numberless voices, as if animated with the same spirit, were heard to exclaim, “Onwards! onwards! We shall live and die together! Wives, children, and betrothed brides, we bid you farewell! Here there awaits us victory or death!” In the van of either army many brave soldiers were now seen to drop; and already many bands both of horse and foot were closely engaged, without any determined advantage having been won. The Finlanders, according to the description given of them by the prince, began to spread themselves out like a dense cloud that dissolves into mist, and to attack the Christian army unexpectedly on the wings. Suddenly the prince, with his eyes eagerly flashing, turned to Sir Otto. “Do you mark,” said he, “that long and deep trench on the left? They have stationed their right wing along there, because they trust that none of our troops can leap over it. But you, with your light-brown Norman horses, can doubtless undertake that service?”