At length the Swedish prince, who commanded the army, came riding along the ranks. He saluted his soldiers with great courtesy; and, arriving at the top of a little eminence before the centre of his army, brandished his spear, that gleamed like a meteor in the red light of the morning, and struck therewith three times on his shield so powerfully, that the mountains repeated the sound in thundering reverberation. Thereupon all the war-horns throughout the army were sounded in token of rejoicing, and the squadrons, both horse and foot, advanced towards their commander, till they had formed a narrow half-circle round the height on which he had taken his station. When the captains galloped forward, and whilst they were receiving their orders, the young Sir Kolbein drew up to the Knight of Trautwangen, and said,--“Noble sir, in the sea-monarch’s squadron I had the honour yesterday of playing my part. Will you for the future vouchsafe to me some share of your friendship and good opinion?”--Sir Otto took his hand accordingly, and pressed it with fervour; but he had not time to return any other answer, for the old Swedish prince now raised his voice. His tones were deep, clear, and powerful, so that he was heard plainly by every one throughout the army. The old hero returned thanks, in the name of his native land and its holy religion, to all his brave soldiers; then directed his attention in particular to the circle of officers around him, where his eyes were in the first place fixed upon Sir Arinbiorn. “Knight of the sea,” said he, “by your timely coming the battle was decided in our favour. Your stratagem of sailing round the country, landing quickly and unobserved, and then joining us at the proper moment,--all this was managed in such a manner, that only a great and experienced general could have succeeded therein. But then, as for the brave young eagle, which, with victorious beak, so long maintained for us the dangerous pass on our left wing, until your vulture’s wings appeared in our defence, him too we know full well, and he must not be forgotten. Thanks then, dear son,” added he, giving his hand to the Knight of Trautwangen. “Even at our first meeting, I expected from you all that prudence and valour which you have since so nobly proved.” Then he turned round to a squire who stood near, took from him the banner which Sir Otto had forced from the pagans, and gave it to the knight, saying,--“That was indeed already won by your own unassisted arm; but, in remembrance of the love and affection which all true-hearted Swedes bear towards you, we have inscribed a few words thereon; and so, if it be your pleasure, let it be preserved by you, and your children and grandchildren, in your father’s ancestral halls.” Otto now read on a golden scroll, which was wound round the stem of the banner, a long inscription, wherein his own name and valiant deeds were amply commemorated, and exclaimed, “Thanks, noble prince and valiant