In all countries and amongst all nations were spread the name and fame
of Dietrich of Bern, for he was the favourite hero of many a wandering
minstrel, and so it came to pass that numbers of brave warriors used to
go and visit him, and take part in the amusements or serious
occupations that engrossed the attention of their host during the time
of their visit.
Even in the far north his name was famous, not only in the castle of
the noble, but in many a wayside inn and solitary grange.
At the time of which we speak, a renowned horse-dealer called Studas
lived in the heart of a great forest. He cared little for the singing
and fiddling of the wandering minstrels, but his son Heime was
different. He often declared that he knew he could wield lance and
sword as well as the hero of Bern. His father was weary of his
vainglorious talk, and one day, when the young fellow was boasting as
usual that he was as good a man as Dietrich, if not better, his father
exclaimed in a pet:
“Well, if that be the case, go up to the hollow mountain, and kill the
dragon that is doing all this mischief in the neighbourhood.”
The lad looked up at him inquiringly. The father nodded, and Heime,
casting a haughty look at him, turned and went out.
“He will not do it,” muttered the old man, “but I think I have cooled
his hot blood for him.”
Things were going otherwise than honest Studas dreamed in his
philosophy. His bold son armed himself, and mounting one of his
father’s best horses, rode off to the mountain. The lind-worm sprang at
him with open jaws, but the lad plunged his spear into his mouth with
such force that the point came out behind his head. The monster lashed
the ground long and furiously with his tail, but at length fell dead.
Whereupon Heime cut off his head, and riding home, took it into the
grange, and flung the trophy at his father’s feet.
“St. Kilian!” cried Studas. “Boy, have you really killed the dragon?
Well——”
“Well,” answered the bold youth, “I shall now go and slay the hero of
Bern. Give me the horse that carried me so bravely to-day. He will take
me to Bern, and bring me home again without hurt.”
The old man felt his head go round when he heard his son speak in such
a way; but he granted the lad’s request, and Heime rode out into the
unknown world.
In the royal palace of Bern Queen Virginal was busy filling the goblets
of the warriors, who feasted with her husband, and who agreed that
great as were the blessings of peace, it was high time they should be
up and doing something, lest their swords should rust in their
scabbards. In the midst of this conversation the door opened, and a
stranger entered in full armour. He was a tall broad-shouldered man,
and apparently young.
Hildebrand welcomed him, and invited him to take off his coat-of-mail,
telling him that purple and silken garments were more suited to a royal
feast than the panoply of war.
“My trade is war,” said the stranger, “I am Heime, son of the
horse-dealer Studas, and have come to challenge the famous Dietrich to
come out with me into the open field, and try which of us is the better
man.”
He spoke so loud that every one heard, and Dietrich at once accepted
his challenge, calling upon his guests to come out and watch the fray.
The king then put on his armour, mounted his good horse, Falcon, and in
another moment was ready for the combat.
They fought for some time on horseback, but at length the shafts of
their spears being broken in the mêlée, they sprang to the ground, and
continued the combat on foot. Again a little time, and after Heime had
performed wonderful feats of valour, his sword broke, and he stood
defenceless before the angry king. Dietrich swung his sword above his
head preparatory to giving his opponent the death-blow, but he had not
the heart to do it. He had compassion on the youth and courage of the
bold warrior, who stood so fearless before him. Letting his sword fall
to his side, the king offered his hand to Heime in sign of peace. This
generosity conquered the lad completely. He took the offered hand, said
that he confessed himself overcome, and swore that henceforth he would
be a faithful servant and follower of the glorious king. Dietrich was
pleased to number a man like Heime among his followers, and presented
him with castles and rich lands.
[Illustration: EIGEL SHOOTS THE APPLE OFF HIS SON’S HEAD.]