“Methinks, I have not for many a day beheld any horseman, who was so brilliantly attired.” “He is the grand Emir Nurreddin,” answered the prince, “the most invincible and renowned Moorish knight that the world has ever known. After his deeds in the fiery eastern climes had become numerous and brilliant as the stars in heaven, he has come over to us here in the West, in order that his brows may not only be crowned by the Asiatic palms, but also by the rich green laurels of Italy and Spain. Our wise men look on him as one of the most prudent of all counsellors; our generals no less admire his courage and activity on the battle-field; and that the beams of his favour and condescension have fallen on me in your presence, noble ladies, appears to me no less flattering and delightful, than if it had been my lot before your eyes to have conquered the sternest foe in the lists.” “We understood very well the conversation which you now held with him,” said Gabrielle, proudly, and turning away with disdain; “and we trust, that the one and only true God, who protects the Christians, will defend Bertha von Lichtenried from the fangs of this tiger; whom, indeed you may well praise as your master and the mirror of Moorish knighthood, since, in the first moment after your meeting, he begins to speak of violent deeds against defenceless women.” With a cold imperious look, she gave the prince to understand, that he should immediately retire from her presence; which he did accordingly, silent and embarrassed, while by a second signal, she in like manner sent away the astonished female attendant. Again seated on the fragrant grass, at the foot of the oleander-tree, Blanchefleur looked at her friend with such an expression of mysterious hope and rejoicing, that the latter was astonished, and could not help asking what had given rise to this change. “Heaven be praised,” answered the smiling Blanchefleur, “that we are once more quite alone, and I can speak to you without fear or hesitation. Take your place near me on the grass, however; for even though there is no listener near at hand, yet of thoughts like those which are now in my mind I would rather speak in whispers than aloud.” Then, when Gabrielle had done as her friend desired, the blushing damsel hung down her head, with its luxuriant tresses, and said in a low soft voice, “He is here; the minstrel, Aleard, has come to us within the last two days. I have many times seen him gliding round the garden and the palace.”