feathers. Fifty foot-guards with drums and trumpets closed the
procession, which wheeled off to the right and left to make room
for the principal Knight.

As soon as he approached the gate he stopped; and the herald
advancing, read again the words of the challenge. Manfred's eyes
were fixed on the gigantic sword, and he scarce seemed to attend to
the cartel: but his attention was soon diverted by a tempest of
wind that rose behind him. He turned and beheld the Plumes of the
enchanted helmet agitated in the same extraordinary manner as
before. It required intrepidity like Manfred's not to sink under a
concurrence of circumstances that seemed to announce his fate. Yet
scorning in the presence of strangers to betray the courage he had
always manifested, he said boldly -

"Sir Knight, whoever thou art, I bid thee welcome. If thou art of
mortal mould, thy valour shall meet its equal: and if thou art a
true Knight, thou wilt scorn to employ sorcery to carry thy point.
Be these omens from heaven or hell, Manfred trusts to the
righteousness of his cause and to the aid of St. Nicholas, who has
ever protected his house. Alight, Sir Knight, and repose thyself.
To-morrow thou shalt have a fair field, and heaven befriend the
juster side!"

The Knight made no reply, but dismounting, was conducted by Manfred
to the great hall of the castle. As they traversed the court, the
Knight stopped to gaze on the miraculous casque; and kneeling down,
seemed to pray inwardly for some minutes. Rising, he made a sign
to the Prince to lead on. As soon as they entered the hall,
Manfred proposed to the stranger to disarm, but the Knight shook