My heart did pain me hearing, and I longed
To murder all Crusaders, or to fly
To Litwa; but the old man checked my zeal.
‘To free knights,’ said he, ‘it is free to choose’
Their weapon, and with equal strength to fight
in open field. Thou art a slave; the only
Weapon that slaves may use is treachery.
Remain awhile and learn the Germans’ war-craft;
Try thou to gain their confidence; we later
Shall see what thing to do.’ I was obedient