“When that voice sounds,” said the Knight of Trautwangen, “my heart is irresistibly attracted, and I dare not longer remain here;”--thereupon he took the bridle from his light-brown steed, commanded him to stand motionless, and then went on towards the gate of the watch-tower. The sea-monarch, as he looked at the building, seemed shaken by an inward and irrepressible terror; yet, wherever his beloved and faithful companion led the way he would not remain behind. So he now followed the example of the Knight of Trautwangen; yet could not help asking, “Is this voice already known to you, whereby you are so powerfully attracted?” “No,” answered Sir Otto, “I know it not, nor even can I tell to whom the voice belongs, yet thereby my heart is irresistibly moved, and inspired at once with melancholy and with confidence.” Accordingly, when they had knocked at the gate, there appeared a tall and graceful form, in snow-white garments, with a green veil hung over her head and features; yet through this veil the lustre of two light-brown eyes was visible, like the rays of the evening sun through the tangled foliage of the green woods. She looked with surprise at the two knights, and said, “Wherefore in all the world hast thou returned again so soon? And how, Ottur, hast thou come by that black and silver mail? But thy looks are now far more mild and tranquil. Thou hast reflected perchance on the injustice with which thou hast treated my counsels, and art become good and pious,--is it not so?” “Lady,” answered the knight, with a courteous bow, “my name is not Ottur, but Otto, to which is added the surname of Trautwangen; however this much I can promise, that should’st thou think fit to bestow on me a share of that loving kindness which has been shewn to the wild Ottur, I shall at least behave better and more piously than he has done!” The lady stood for a while motionless and silent; at length she said in a low tone, “So then it was indeed no dream, when methought I heard your voice sound yesterday from the depths of the valley?” Thereupon she bowed her head, and added kindly, “Step onwards through the portal, Sir Otto von Trautwangen, and bring your comrade too, if it is your pleasure to have him with you. In this castle you shall always be made welcome, together with every one whom you think fit to bring hither.” Sir Otto accepted the invitation gladly, but the sea-monarch followed slowly and with hesitation.