I
Long years ago a maiden, fair as the morning itself, wandered through a
lonely greenwood in the Duchy of Brabant. She was Elsa, only daughter of
the late Duke of Brabant, who had died but a short time before this
story begins.
Although Elsa was the rightful owner of all the wooded lands and fertile
fields for miles and miles around, she was far from happy. Although
summer lay warm and fragrant over those lands, and flowers blossomed
along her pathway, yet Elsa's heart was heavy within her. She was full
of sorrow. For, not long before, while walking in those self-same woods,
her brother Godfrey had suddenly and unaccountably disappeared from her
side. Elsa had searched and searched. She had wept, she had prayed,
but all in vain. No trace of him had she found anywhere. Spent with
grief and anxiety, she had run to her guardian, Frederick of Telramund,
and told him the story. But Frederick had repulsed her with unkind
glances and cruel words. He had even accused her of doing away with her
poor brother, that she might claim the entire Duchy of Brabant for
herself.
This guardian, Frederick of Telramund, knew well enough that Elsa was
incapable of so foul a deed. He knew that she had loved her brother
Godfrey far too well to do him harm. But Frederick had coveted the rich
lands and vast possessions of Brabant for many a year. And he was
determined to get them now by fair means or foul. Moreover, he had
married the pagan princess Ortrud, who was every whit as evil-minded and
ambitious as he. Ortrud's father, a heathen prince, had once owned part
of Brabant, and they were confident that, with Godfrey and Elsa out of
the way, they could lay claim to the whole Duchy. How they plotted and
schemed together against poor Elsa!
Do you wonder, then, that Elsa walked through the forest on that morning
long ago, with downcast eyes, oblivious to all save her own sad
thoughts? Her father was dead, her brother was gone, her guardian had
proved false. To whom should she turn for guidance? Weary and perplexed,
she sank down beneath the sheltering branches of a friendly tree near
by. All was calm and still. Her tired eyes rested upon the deep blue
dome of the sky, and thoughts of God, the All-Father, filled her mind.
Ah, she could put her trust in Him. And a prayer for help arose from her
heart. Perhaps it was the answer to her prayer, perhaps it was only a
dream, but then and there Elsa saw a marvelous vision. The heavens
opened, and disclosed a noble knight. Enveloped in heavenly light, this
knight descended to earth, and stood before Elsa. He smiled upon her,
and, like a miracle, she became tranquil and unafraid. He was so strong,
so stalwart, so brave! His shining white armor glittered in the
sunlight. A glistening sword hung by his side, a golden horn from his
shoulder. His eyes were kind. There was comfort in his voice.
"Arise!" spoke he, "and go your way. Be of good cheer, and fear not, for
when your need is sorest, I will come to defend you."
Then he vanished. Elsa was alone in the greenwood.