Under the garden-terrace, close to the golden trellis-work by which it was enclosed, lo! there was now seen, on horseback, a knight in a magnificent Moorish dress; his countenance grave, and almost solemn; while, though he was rather advanced in years, he did not fail, according to the mode of that country, to wear large mustachios and a long flowing beard. One of the noblest of Arabian horses neighed aloud as he spurred him along, and he was followed by a train of attendants, who, though they appeared in this station, might, by their dress and demeanour have been looked upon as persons of high rank. Gabrielle and Blanchefleur rose up from their seats, without exactly knowing wherefore; and, with graceful curtsies, welcomed this brilliant though yet unknown champion. The prince (for such was his rank) returned thanks with a courteous bow; then drew up the reins, and made a sign that Mutza should come forward to the grating, in order to speak with him. That youth, who was at other times so proud and overbearing, now hastened with an aspect of great humility to obey the signal; whereupon the stranger threw himself into a new attitude, sitting sideways like a lady on his horse; and a dialogue commenced betwixt them, which, by Gabrielle and Blanchefleur, was for the most part understood; for they were no longer ignorant of the Arabian language. It was as follows:-- “Are these then,” said the magnificent stranger, “the two beautiful damsels that you brought hither from Gascony?--They are indeed rare and precious gems of beauty; but, methinks, young prince, these are but pearls and rubies, and thou hast left a diamond behind, which is far more admirable and praiseworthy. Or is it, perhaps, but a false rumour which has been repeated to me, how the grave and severe damsel terrified thy cousin by her threatening words, and how she stood solemnly clinging to the cross, in the red light of the evening sun?” “May it please your highness,” answered Prince Mutza, “all this is indeed true; and the wonderful maiden, whom we were unable to bring with us, is named, in her own country, the Lady Bertha von Lichtenried.” “Well, then, hear what I have to offer,” said the stranger; “whoever shall bring that damsel safely to Carthagena, beautiful and innocent as you then left her, shall receive for his reward a third part of all my treasures, to be his own free property and that of his children for ever.”