night-mare could not resist the magic power of the rose; its heavy weight did not exceed that of a feather; and the antipathy of the night-mare to the scent of the rose soon drove it altogether out of the room, whilst the narcotic power of its fragrancy lulled the knight again into a sweet repose.
Fresh and gay, at sunrise Wladomir mounted his courser, and rode to the election field, to see what impression his parable had made upon the electors, and to watch the course of the proceedings; resolving, that if any adverse wind should threaten to strand the vacillating bark that bore his hopes, to take the helm in his hands, and steer it clear through all the obstacles of hidden rocks and cliffs.
This time, however, there was no danger. The stern senators had so carefully ruminated upon and digested the parable of Wladomir during the night, that it had entered into their minds and hearts. An active knight, who foresaw the favourable turn of events, and who had a sympathetic feeling with Wladomir as to the affair of the heart, tried to snatch away from him the honour of placing the young lady upon the Bohemian throne, or at least of dividing that honour with him. He came forth, drew his