“What means all this?” answered the youth angrily. “Doubtless I should know my own wishes best; and I know but too well, that my whole heart is fixed on this beautiful damsel, and on her alone. Should I not obtain her, then, indeed, I may for the first time be transformed into a devouring flame, by which the whole land of your favourite Christians will be laid waste. This I swear to you by the great Odin, and all the gods of Valhalla! Therefore, trouble me not with your counsels, but assist me; though truly, by so doing, you do not assist yourself; for were I once united to her, my power will be more formidable than ever against those people, with their crosses and prayer-books, whom it is your pleasure to protect. But mine in truth she shall be; my glorious deeds on the battle-field, my long and faithful watching at her gate among the rocks, must not pass unrewarded.” Thereupon the female voice answered, “Her heart is indeed closed against thee, like a gate of rock or adamant, which by thy power never may be shaken. Renounce then, poor youth, such groundless hopes, and desist too from your foolish threats. Heaven leads his chosen servants here on earth, as his wisdom sees fitting, to victory and happiness. Hast thou not seen this proved but yesterday, thou wild and reckless wanderer?” Hereupon the knight laughed scornfully, and turned away, intending, as it seemed, to retire down the rocks on the other side of the watch-tower; then Sir Otto rode forwards from the thicket, saying, “Yield, pagan, if thou art wise, for we are here two to one against thee; give thyself up in peace, otherwise deeds instead of words shall prove how wisely the lady has just now spoken from the watch-tower.”