—all boast renowned sires, and equal are their services for the Order. As yet, however, the common voice of the brotherhood places Conrad Wallenrod above the rest.
Though a stranger and unknown in Prussia, he has filled with his fame far-distant lands. Whether he pursued the Moor on Castile's craggy mountains, or the Moslem pirate on the deep sea, he was foremost in battle, and in assault to mount the wall; he was the first to board the ships of the infidel; and when he entered the lists of a tournament, if he but raised his visor, none dared to try the strength of his lance, but willingly yielded him the prize.
The renown which his sword had gained him in the ranks of the Cross was adorned besides by sublime Christian virtues, unassummg poverty, and disdain for the grandeur of the world. Conrad was not famed in courtiers' crowd for nicely of speech and elegance of demeanour; nor, tempted by vile reward, had he ever sold his arm to serve quarrelsome barons: he had passed his youth in the seclusion of monastic walls, disdaining applause and high offices.
Even more honourable and sweeter
