An ye will admit a youth into your
company 'twill gladden me upon my lonely way?"
The archers replied, "You seem so young and jolly, and you spend your
gold so very like a gentleman, that we'll receive you in our band
with pleasure. Be ready, for we start at half-past two!" At that hour
accordingly the whole joyous company prepared to move, and Otto not a
little increased his popularity among them by stepping out and having a
conference with the landlord, which caused the latter to come into the
room where the archers were assembled previous to departure, and to say,
"Gentlemen, the bill is settled!"--words never ungrateful to an archer
yet: no, marry, nor to a man of any other calling that I wot of.
They marched joyously for several leagues, singing and joking, and
telling of a thousand feats of love and chase and war. While thus
engaged, some one remarked to Otto, that he was not dressed in the
regular uniform, having no feathers in his hat.
"I dare say I will find a feather," said the lad, smiling.
Then another gibed because his bow was new.
"See that you can use your old one as well, Master Wolfgang," said the
undisturbed youth. His answers, his bearing, his generosity, his beauty,
and his wit, inspired all his new toxophilite friends with interest
and curiosity, and they longed to see whether his skill with the bow
corresponded with their secret sympathies for him.
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