Page:The Enchanted Knights; or The Chronicle of the Three Sisters.djvu/51

Rh patience was sufficiently rewarded by the enjoyment of seven blissful days. The reception of his brother, the eagle, was not less friendly than that of his brother, the bear.

The castle, court, and all, were here as splendid as there, and the moment of the fatal transformation was advancing but too quickly. On the evening of the seventh day, Edgar took leave of his guest in the most friendly manner, exhorting him not to trespass within his range. “Shall I then for ever separate from you?” said Reginald, dolefully. Is it then indeed impossible to break the spell that binds you? If I had an hundred lives, I would risk them all to set you free!” Edgar cordially pressing his hand, said:—“Thanks, noble youth, for your love and friendship—think no more of this hazardous undertaking. It is possible to untie this enchantment, but you shall not, must not do it. He who undertakes the trial, must pay with life its failure, and I will not see you sacrificed for us.” Through this speech, Reginald’s heroic courage was only the more inflamed—his eyes sparkled with desire to venture in the exploit—his cheeks were flushed with a ray of hope—and he pressed Edgar to relate to him the secret of the enchantment, but he