“Truly we have encountered bolder leaps among the mountains,” said Otto with a smile. “Nay,” said the prince, “do not suppose that the undertaking is altogether so easy. Mark you, that, according to the station which we now hold, you have twice to leap over the fosse; first, here on our left, in order to get round the enemy, then back again towards the right, before you will find yourself in the situation to make an effectual attack.” “So much the better,” answered Sir Otto; “that will afford us good exercise both for man and horse, and tame the too violent spirit of our Norman steeds. A tight gallop and a few hard leaps are, methinks, the best possible means to bring a cavalry squadron into good order.” “You speak like a wise and experienced warrior,” answered the prince. “So then take your course behind that wooded hill, that the enemy may not observe you when you first leap over the trench. Then, when you afterwards prepare for attack, and find enough of employment for your own eyes, be watchful and prudent, so as neither to be too rash nor too tardy in your onset.” “Have you any other commands?” said Sir Otto, with the confidence of victory expressed on his clear open forehead. The prince waved his hand, in token that he might depart, and the young knight galloped swift as the wind over the rugged heath, to join his brave Norman squadron. They welcomed him with loud shouts of gratulation; for now, as they thought, a direct attack was to be made on the foe. When their leader, however, ordered them away to the left, and they came behind the wooded cliffs, there were gloomy looks visible through the ranks, and some young men even began to murmur, and question Sir Otto, whither they were thus led, as if retreating from the field. The older knights, however, reproved them sternly. “Have you then neither good manners nor discipline?” said they. “Has not our leader issued his commands, and do you know aught better than to obey him? If so, be leaders yourselves as soon as you may, and take yourselves hence in God’s name.” Then all were again silent and obedient. Over the deep trench they all passed without hesitation; for not one horse fell, or even stumbled; and they rode along behind the wooded eminence, which now lay betwixt them and the fosse; while Sir Otto was enabled at intervals to reconnoitre the enemy through breaks among the trees, though they on their part could not observe him. The battle-cries became always louder and more furious; the air was filled with dust, and the Finland forces rushed forward as if they were gaining the upper-hand. Then Sir Otto perceived, that the time for leaping back over the trench and attacking the enemy’s wing was near at hand. This was his first attempt as a captain on the field of battle; and his heart beat quick, not with impatience only, but with doubts what course it was now best for him to pursue. “Be not too slow nor too rash,” said he to himself,