On the following day a Moorish knight made his appearance in the antechamber of the Lady of Lichtenried, and requested to know whether it might be allowed to the emir to come into her presence. Bertha granted the permission that was required of her; moreover, she was even glad that she was to speak with Nurreddin again; partly because, from his conduct of the preceding night, he had in some measure won her regard, and partly because his features bore a certain resemblance to some one whom she had before seen and now remembered with satisfaction, though she could not fix on the precise time or place when this had occurred. On his entrance the emir again bowed with solemn respect; and when he had taken his place, after the eastern manner, on a low couch opposite to Bertha, she herself began to speak:--“Last night, methinks, you proved yourself a stern and severe administrator of justice, not only as the avenger of innocence, but also inasmuch as you maintained your own word inviolate, and decreed to the next heir of Alhafiz that which, by the other’s crime, became his due. How comes it then, that you do not extend the same justice towards me?--If Alhafiz were a pirate and violent robber, who deserved death, you also commit crimes like to his, if you force me to remain here against my own will, knowing that I have the right of freedom even as much as any bird that flies through the forest.”--“You have indeed spoken but the truth, noble lady,” answered the emir, “and it depends on your own choice towards what country you will direct your flight, or what forest you will enliven with your songs. Yet I cannot now go with you as your protector, for a duty which God and our prophet have laid upon my shoulders holds me fast bound to my station, even as iron is attracted by the north pole. Wait only for a few days. Trust yourself with me on a short sea-voyage, and you shall then turn your steps, with Nurreddin for your guard, wheresoever your own heart inclines you. Perchance, however, your heart may be now changed, and may desire only to remain evermore under his protection.”--“Truly, Bertha of Lichtenried is of a very different opinion,” answered the damsel; “and that you may be convinced of this, I demand that you will immediately order a proper escort to attend me, and that I may be carried back to Gascony from whence I came.”--“If you insist on this,” answered the emir, “deeply as it grieves my heart, doubtless your wishes shall be fulfilled; and yet----” He paused, and fixed on her a long, ardent gaze; “should I forsake thee?” cried he;--“should I permit such an angel as thou art to depart from my palace, under the protection of strangers, on thy voyage into a distant land?--What if they did not pay that respect which thou deservest,--if they offended thee in word or deed, or even with the rough sound of their churlish voices?--The very thought is enough to render me mad with rage. Trust thyself then to me, and to me alone;