Lohengrin sprang at once into the skiff. The swan took up its song again, and soon bore him out of sight.
The day for the tournament had dawned. The last preparations had been made. Many knights had gathered to view the scene. Yet not one dared to offer himself as champion for the lovely maiden.
Elsa clung to her prison bars. Tearfully she repeated for the last time her prayers.
“Send Thou the deliverer, O Lord!” she cried.
All at once her sobs ceased. The far away sounds of music fell comfortingly upon her ear. She looked out eagerly. There she beheld a spotless swan floating gently down the stream, skillfully guiding a little boat. In the boat a knight in full armor lay fast asleep on a glittering shield.
Just as the swan passed beneath the window where Elsa stood, the knight awoke. His first glance rested upon her tear-stained face.
“Weep no more, fair maiden!” he cried, springing to his feet. “Fear naught! I have come to defend you!”
The skiff passed on down the river. The prison door opened, and Frederick of Telramund appeared to lead Elsa to the lists. A smile of triumph curled his cruel lips as he heard the herald give the last call for Elsa’s champion. The sound of the trumpets died away and Frederick had turned to address Elsa. Suddenly a ringing voice came from the end of the lists.
“Here am I, the Swan Knight, ready to fight for the rights of the Princess. I will win her cause or die.”
A cry of admiration arose from the crowd, as they turned toward the Rhine. There they saw a handsome knight, standing erect in a tiny skiff drawn by a swan. Spellbound they watched him. He sprang lightly ashore and sent the swan away. It floated down the river and out of sight, giving forth its own beautiful, dreamy song.