Theodore, would soon have removed all obstruction, if Theodore, who
took him for one of Manfred's captains, and who had no sooner given
the provocation than prepared to support it, had not received the
stroke on his shield. The valour that had so long been smothered
in his breast broke forth at once; he rushed impetuously on the
Knight, whose pride and wrath were not less powerful incentives to
hardy deeds. The combat was furious, but not long. Theodore
wounded the Knight in three several places, and at last disarmed
him as he fainted by the loss of blood.

The peasant, who had fled on the first onset, had given the alarm
to some of Manfred's domestics, who, by his orders, were dispersed
through the forest in pursuit of Isabella. They came up as the
Knight fell, whom they soon discovered to be the noble stranger.
Theodore, notwithstanding his hatred to Manfred, could not behold
the victory he had gained without emotions of pity and generosity.
But he was more touched when he learned the quality of his
adversary, and was informed that he was no retainer, but an enemy,
of Manfred. He assisted the servants of the latter in disarming
the Knight, and in endeavouring to stanch the blood that flowed
from his wounds. The Knight recovering his speech, said, in a
faint and faltering voice -

"Generous foe, we have both been in an error. I took thee for an
instrument of the tyrant; I perceive thou hast made the like
mistake. It is too late for excuses. I faint. If Isabella is at
hand--call her--I have important secrets to--"

"He is dying!" said one of the attendants; "has nobody a crucifix
about them? Andrea, do thou pray over him."