The Magic Ring: A Romance (Complete‪)‬

There were indeed many horses, from which had alighted a number of well-dressed squires, (or serving-men at arms,) who were already busily employed in pitching on the meadow handsome ornamental tents, coloured red, blue, green, and yellow. Then there came a most beautiful lady, with a train of female attendants, all on horseback, and a knight in full armour was waiting to receive her, by whom she was lifted from her white palfrey with great respect and attention. Thereafter it was a pleasure to see how the lady and knight walked backwards and forwards for pastime on the green level plain; the former dressed in sky-blue velvet, with a border of rich gold embroidery; the latter in a black coat of mail, yet finely burnished and inlaid with many emblematic devices in bright silver. His appearance altogether was not a little strange and mysterious, the fashion of his accoutrements being such as Bertha and Otto had till now never beheld. His demeanour, though courteous, was grave and solemn; yet, as he wore no helmet, they perceived that he was a young man of very agreeable and sprightly features.

The two strangers, in the course of their walk, came very near the spot where Otto and Bertha were stationed, who of course greeted them with a respectful salutation. The lady returned this compliment, and her looks seemed irresistibly attracted by the tall graceful figures of the young people. She made a signal that they should approach nearer, and began a conversation, from which she learned at once the whole history of their peaceful, regular, and happy life. Their narrative, indeed, was so short and simple, and had so few adventures, that more words would have been superfluous. With a melancholy smile then the lady turned to her companion; “Count Archimbald,” said she, “if we were called on to narrate our history, could the task have been so easily accomplished? And yet,” said she, turning to the young couple, “it seems to me as if I had incurred a debt which I must compensate, by telling you the strange events of my pilgrimage. You will no doubt find some entertainment therein; and methinks it is only your modesty and polite behaviour that prevent you from asking who we are, and what has brought us hither? But since you have spoken so kindly and confidently to me, I should be very ungrateful if I wrapt myself any longer under the veil of mystery. Come then with us.”

With these words, Otto and Bertha were led by the stranger into one of the tents, which were by this time already spread. The lady seated herself on a sofa, and made them take their places beside her. Count Archimbald went out to make divers arrangements as to his little camp, and, in a few minutes, the lady began the following narration:—

“My name is Gabrielle, and I am descended from the ancient race of Portamour.—Being from my earliest infancy an orphan, I yet frequently heard from the people to whom I was given in charge, that I ought to be one of the noblest and richest ladies in all France, were it not for the absence of a certain ring, which a countess of the Norman family Montfaucon had contrived to get into her possession; and which had been inherited by her daughter, who was about the same age with myself. So the ring was constantly held out to me as the most desirable and important of all worldly possessions;—whether waking or asleep, I thought and dreamed but of this alone, knowing that this wonderful gem would not only convey to me some extensive territories, but, what was far more important in my estimation, would bring along with it the knowledge of several magical spells, and even a commanding influence over the world of spirits. Judge what were my feelings, when one evening at the King’s court, where I had just then made my first appearance, a young lady was introduced, by name Blanchefleur de Montfaucon, on whose beautiful hand (for she was indeed very beautiful) I directly recognized the ring, which, from the frequent descriptions that I had heard of it, was perfectly known to me! To get this treasure into my own possession was, for the first time, an easy task; for, during the festival, we were to pass the night in the same chamber, and Blanchefleur having carelessly taken it from her finger, I seized on my own family-property as soon as she fell asleep. Next morning she scarcely seemed to regret her loss; but, after searching for a few moments in vain, she went away gayly to attend the tournament, which had just then begun. Thither I followed her, and soon after we had taken our places, a graceful and warlike knight rode up towards her, who, as I understand, was her brother, Sir Folko de Montfaucon. His bright falconlike eyes had, in a moment, observed the absence of the ring on her finger, and its appearance on mine. After having interchanged a few words with his sister, he came to me with looks respectful indeed, but grave and determined; then, pointing his lance to the ground, ‘Lady,’ said he, ‘may it please you to select a champion, with whom I may try my fortune in the lists, and from whom I may win back that ring which now shines on your beautiful hand, but which belongs to my sister, Blanchefleur?’ Of course I did according as he desired; but, in consequence of this agreement, one of the most renowned and skilful knights in France, whom I had chosen for my defender, was thrown prostrate on the sand, so quickly and decisively, that, according to the rules of the combat, I had no alternative left, but must immediately restore to him the family-jewel, which I had possessed for so short a while,—to be given back to his admired sister, Blanchefleur.

“I wept bitterly, and retired to my chamber, where I would not listen to the messages of my friends and youthful companions, who wished me to join with them in the amusements appointed for that afternoon and evening. I spoke harshly too with my attendant, when she brought into the room a finely-made fishing-rod, inlaid with mother-of-pearl, with a golden line and silver hook, which I was to have used on the following day at a gay party on the water. But of what consequence were to me such diversions now that I had lost my ring! The girl, discontentedly, set the fishing-rod in the window-corner, and, as I would not notice her, left me alone to weep. Towards evening I became more tranquil, and the loud laughing of my young companions, who were playing at ball in the garden, induced me at last to look through the window. Then I observed that Blanchefleur, feeling that her ring was inconvenient, took it from her finger, laid it on a moss-covered seat under my window, and thoughtlessly ran back to her game. With a beating heart and anxious wishes, I drew open the lattice, upon which motion the fishing-rod, as if offering its services, fell into my arms. I immediately made a trial,—found that the golden line reached down to the ring, which, on the first touch, as if I had been assisted by magic, attached itself to the hook, and was drawn up and received by me with a thousand kisses.