Rolandseck and Nonnenwerth

The castle of Rolandseck stands opposite Drachenfels.  Below them, on an island in the Rhine, is the convent of Nonnenwerth.

Roland, Charlemagne’s nephew, whose fame had spread throughout the world, while riding one day on the banks of the Rhine, sought the hospitality of the Lord of Drachenfels.  Honoured at receiving such a distinguished guest, the lord of the castle hastened to welcome him.

The ladies gave the brave knight as cordial a reception as their lord, whose charming daughter seemed deeply impressed by the visitor’s knightly deportment.  Roland’s admiring glances lingered lovingly on the fair maid, who blushed in sweet confusion, and whose tender looks alone betrayed the presence of Cupid, who but waited for an opportunity to manifest his power.

At his host’s bidding Roland put off his armour, but even in his own room a vision of maidenly beauty haunted him, thereby showing how subtly the young girl’s charms had wound themselves around the knight’s heart.

Roland remained for some time with the Lord of Drachenfels, fascinated more and more by the grace and beauty of his winsome daughter.  Besides being beautiful, she was a clever needlewoman, and he admired the dexterity with which she embroidered ornamental designs on damask.

Only when asked by her to relate some deeds of daring, or describe the wondrous countries through which he had travelled, would Roland become eloquent.  Then he grew enthusiastic, his cheeks glowed, his eyes sparkled, and the enamoured maid would regard her hero with admiration.  She evinced a lively interest in his exploits, their eyes would meet, then with a throbbing breast she would resume her work by his side.  From this blissful dream Roland was summoned to the wars again.

The brave soldier prepared to depart, but he realized the joys he must renounce.  Once more he visited the favourite haunts where they had spent such happy moments.  The sound of someone weeping aroused him from his reverie, and he beheld his lady-love seated in an arbour, sobbing bitterly.  Each knew the grief which separation must bring.  Roland consoled the maiden by promising to return soon, nevermore to part.  Only her tears betrayed how deeply the arrow of the winged god had sunk into her heart.

A few days later they were betrothed, after which Roland departed in quest of glory.  Many victories were gained by him, and soon the enemy was vanquished.  Rejoicings were held to celebrate the event.

But at Drachenfels Castle sad faces and tearful eyes told a tale of sorrow, for it had been announced that Roland was dead.  The maid’s rosy cheeks grew pale with grief; nothing could console her; for was not her hero departed from her for ever?

In the intensity of her anguish she sought relief in prayer and found a refuge in religion.  She entered the convent at Nonnenwerth, resolved to dedicate her life to Heaven, since the joys of earth had fled.