The Rosicrucians

THE ROSICRUCIANS,

And from his hand the shield falls.
Slow and bent, while he tries to retrieve it,
Surer blows have sent his sword flying,
And his golden helmet; and the young hero,
With a push, throws him into the waves. The "waves" (flots) likely refers to a moat or river passing under the bridge where the duel occurred.
He passes then, and shining with joy,
He goes to fall at the feet of the princess.
Happy victor! Upon the charming page,
Whose danger had stirred her alarms,
Emma's eyes are fixed for a moment,
And in those eyes Raoul saw tears.
Upon the two Frenchmen, flattering praises,
Joyful cries, and noisy fanfares
Are lavished; and with brilliant plumes original: "aigrettes" — ornamental tufts of feathers, often from a heron, worn on a helmet or headdress as a mark of distinction.
The hand of Elfride honors these victors.

In her palace, where the feast is prepared,
New games will prolong the festival.
But not for everyone: the jealous Rénisthal
Approaches at last his young rival:
"You will return? — Yes. — Alone? — Alone." In the crowd,
Which slowly separates and flows away,
He has returned; but one reads in his eyes