One only friend had chosen to himself,

A saint by virtue and by holy state.

This was a hoary monk; men called him Halban.

He shared the loneliness of Wallenrod;

He was alike confessor of his soul,

And of his heart the trusted confidant

O blessed friendship! saint is he on earth,

Whom friendship with the holy ones unites.

Thus do the leaders of the Order’s council

Discourse of Konrad’s virtues. But one fault