"Revered and ancient Runes so glorious, Magical symbols Of victory's bliss, Float ye and sway With the fluttering banner High o'er our heads! Summon the swift, Lovely, and gracious Maids, brave and bold, Hovering swan-like Our heads far above! Givers of victory, Radiant sisterhood, Fetter the foe, Stay their proud columns, Weaken their sword-strokes, Shiver their spears, Break their firm shields, Shatter their breastplates, Hew off their helmets!-- Unto our warriors Victory send ye; Joyous pursuit, Speeding on swift steeds, Shouting in glee, After the flying Ranks of the vanquished!" "There! The ancient rune has often helped the Amalungi; why should it not aid the Asdings? Aha! Now let the dragon fly again. He has moulted," she added, laughing merrily; "now his wings have grown new." Springing to her feet, she raised the long heavy shaft, terminating in a sharp point, to which the square scarlet cloth was fastened with gold-headed nails, and with both hands she waved the banner joyously around her head. It was a beautiful picture: Gibamund and many of the warriors below saw the floating banner and the lovely woman's head surrounded by her flowing golden hair. "Hail, Hilda, hail!" rose in an echoing shout. Startled, the young wife sank on her knees to escape their eyes. Yet she had heard _his_ voice, so she smiled, happy in her embarrassment, and charming in her confusion. Eugenia, doubtless, felt the winsome spell, for, suddenly slipping down beside the Princess, she covered her hands and beautiful round white arms with ardent kisses. "Oh, lady, why are you so glorious? I often look up to you with fear. When your eyes flash so, when, like Pallas Athene, you talk so enthusiastically of battle and heroic deeds, fear or awe steals over me and holds me away from you. Then again, when--as has so often happened during these last few days--I have seen your shy, sweet happiness, your love, your devotion to your husband, then, oh, then--pardon my presumption--I feel as near, as closely akin to you, as--as--" "As a sister, my Eugenia," said Hilda, clasping the charming creature warmly to her heart. "Believe me, brave, fearless heroism does not exclude the most loyal, the most devoted wifely love. I have often argued that question with the most beautiful woman in the whole world." "Who is that?" asked Eugenia, doubtfully; for how could any one be fairer than Hilda?