Burkhard the cloister-pupil, was still sitting contentedly on his stool; his hands folded as in devotion.
"What does our young guest think?" asked the Duchess.
"I would gladly give my best Latin book, if I could have seen the giant Asprian, dashing the lion against the wall," replied he.
"Thou shouldst become a knight, and go out to conquer giants and dragons thyself," jestingly said the Duchess.
This, however, did not convince him. "But we have to fight the Devil himself," said he, "that is better still."
Dame Hadwig was not yet inclined to go indoors. Breaking a twig from the maple-tree into two unequal pieces, she stepped up to Ekkehard. He started up confusedly.
"Well," said the Duchess, "you must draw. Either you or I!"
"Either you or I," vacantly repeated Ekkehard. He drew out the shorter piece. It slipped out of his hand, whilst he silently resumed his seat.
"Ekkehard!" sharply exclaimed the Duchess.
He looked up.