Konrad von Würzburg, Henry of Kempten

Summary

There was once an emperor named Otto, to whom a great many countries were subject, all of them held in thrall by fear of his power. He had a fine long beard, which he tended with considerable care, and anything that he swore “by my beard” would be carried out to the letter. He had fiery red hair and was, all things considered, an unpleasant man, who proved time and again how anger and rage could just boil up inside him. Anyone who tried to go against him was as good as dead, and if the emperor said of anyone, “You'll pay for that, by my beard,” then that person would be killed on the spot without any hope of mercy. A lot of men had lost their lives that way after falling out of favor with the emperor over some serious misdemeanor.

One year, Otto decided to hold a great Easter celebration at his fine and large fortress near Bamberg, and a great number of high-ranking prince-abbots from royal monasteries came to this feast, as well as many worthy bishops. A whole stream of earls, barons, and knights with their richly dressed retinues came, too, all of whom owed feudal allegiance to the empire and to its imperial leader. The dignitaries all thronged to this imperial diet peacefully and happily. Once the paschal Mass had been celebrated, everything was going well, tables were set up and looked splendid, bread was put out ready, and there were plenty of fine goblets, too, so that when Emperor Otto and his court came back from the cathedral, they could wash their hands and break their fast straightaway. [1–49]

A young and noble squire had been sent to the festival to learn proper courtly behavior, a wellborn, good-looking, and clearly good-hearted lad, who was much admired by everyone there. His father was the powerful duke of Swabia, and one day he would inherit all his great wealth as the sole heir. This same innocent lad was at court that day and wandered along the tables.