Walter, the adopted son of the Count of Ehrenburg, longed to visit the gay scene, but the Count had never yet permitted him to go so far away; at length, by dint of importunity, he got leave to set out, but was strongly cautioned to meddle with no one, and avoid all disputes or quarrels: with two stout men-at-arms he went forth.
When arrived at Coblence, he went first to an hotel by the shore; in the windows of this hotel stood the young Count of Isenburg with a beautiful girl, and many of the Count’s servants were loitering about the doors of the inn.
The Count of Isenburg, on seeing young Walter, commenced forthwith to mock him, and sneered at the lad’s scanty retinue. Walter was angry, but, remembering his promise not to quarrel or fight, strode into the house without saying a word.
Walter had nearly forgotten the incident, and was gazing on the gay crowd that moved to and fro over the old Moselle bridge and in the road under his windows, when a soft low knock came to the door. On opening he found the beautiful girl that he had seen by the side of Count Isenburg; she hastily entered, and said, “Noble youth, you must hasten away, for the Count is now gone into the town to excite the townspeople against you, and unless you depart with great speed, the people, who hate your family, will certainly seize you.” She added that, like him she addressed, she did not belong to a noble family, but her father being Count Isenburg’s vassal, she was forced to dissimulate and receive his attentions till she could make her escape.
She had scarcely done speaking when the Count appeared in the doorway, his naked sword in his hand, and fury flashing out from his eyes. “What dost thou here, venal wench!” he cried out; “how darest thou speak to this Bastard?” Then, running at Walter, he sought to slay him while off his guard.
But Walter, hastily drawing his sword, not only parried his thrusts, but wounded him sorely; then, whispering adieu to the girl Wallrade, who had given him so kind and timely a warning, he sought out his servants, and rode forth from the town, not without some sharp exchanges of blows between them and the Coblencers, who were collecting in haste to oppose their outgoing.
The Count of Isenburg and a party of citizens followed soon after, and besieged the castle of Ehrenburg; but the garrison mocked them, and when the besiegers retired, they advanced upon Coblence, and burnt down the suburbs.
Walter contrived to rescue from durance the girl Wallrade, who, together with her father, had been thrown into prison; but the chronicle does not relate whether he married his fair preserver or no.
After an afternoon spent at Ehrenburg we returned to the village of Brodenbach, where there are several clean little inns.