when i entered the city the onlookers were crowded together like walls . servants ran to and fro bearing orders . we passed through more than a dozen gates before we reached the princess . there i was requested to dismount and change my clothes in order to enter the presence of the princess , for she wished to receive me as her guest . but i thought this too great an honor and greeted her below , on the steps . she , however , invited me to seat myself near her in the hall . she sat upright in all her incomparable beauty , surrounded by female attendants adorned with the richest jewels . these plucked lute - strings and played flutes . a throng of servitors stood about in golden girdles with purple tassels , ready to carry out her commands . countless crowds were assembled before the palace . five or six visitors sat in a circle about the princess , and a general led me to my place . the princess said to me : ' i have begged you to come here in order to entrust the command of my army to you . if you will break the power of my foe i will reward you richly . ' i promised to obey her . then wine was brought in , and the banquet was served to the sound of music . while we were at table a messenger entered : ' the robber tschauna has invaded our land with ten thousand footmen and horsemen , and is approaching our city by various roads .
a messenger informed them that the robber tschauna had invaded their land .
what happened when the general was at the banquet ?
what happened when the general was at the banquet ?