“Admit her,” quoth the King.
And Theolinda entered, looking mildly and steadfastly around.
“Poor shepherdess!” said the King, “thy faithful lover hath fallen; his memory will ever be dear to us. What can I do for thee?”
“Oh, King,” replied Theolinda, “last night I saw him in my dreams, and he told me that by the decree of Heaven I am ordained to stop the career of the barbarian hordes. Wheresoever I cast my looks there shall the dark-red banner fail; the lilies shall advance carried by thy general, I preceding. Thus the white dove shall precede the army and victoriously soar aloft like the royal eagle; and I am come, my King, to lead thy warriors to victory.”
The King, without hesitation, exclaimed, “I feel the power of her words, and grant Theolinda’s request.”
Arrayed in glittering armour, and a white plume on her head, Theolinda preceded the King’s army: the King, on a fleet horse, flew from rank to rank encouraging, and victory crowned their efforts; the routed Vandals fled; and peace and prosperity returned to the banks of the Moselle.
Returning in triumph, the festive train proceeded to the Cathedral, and all being assembled within the sacred edifice, the King asked, “Where is the heroic maid that saved the country?”
At these words the ranks of the guards opened, and Theolinda appeared; her arms were bright as the morning-star, her eyes were clear and serious, roses adorned her floating hair. The King addressed her thus: “Be a member of the most noble order; Pharamond’s sword knights thee.”
The virgin humbly bent her knee, he touched her with his sword, and knights and people shouted, “Hail! all hail! blessed be the saviour of her country!”
One only request she made, which was, that at her death her ashes should be laid with those of the dead Alcidor; and then, heedless of remonstrance, departed to live the life of a hermit in the wilderness; and many suffering pilgrims wandered to her for consolation.