Mataswintha looked at him amazed.
Teja rose, went up to the boys, took a golden circlet and a green wreath of rue from the cushion, and said:
"I give thee the bridal wreath and the crown, Mataswintha, and invite thee to the wedding and coronation; the litter awaits thee."
Arahad laid his hand on his sword.
"Who sends thee?" asked Mataswintha, with a beating heart, but her hand upon her dagger.
"Who but Witichis, the King of the Goths?"
On hearing this a ray of ineffable joy shone from Mataswintha's beautiful eyes. She raised both hands to heaven and cried:
"Thanks, O heaven! Thy stars and my true heart are not belied. I knew it!"
She took the coronet into her white hands and pressed it firmly upon her golden hair.
"I am ready," she said. "Lead me to thy master and mine."