The opening scenes (of Gisa, or The Forest Maiden) introduce us to a family among the Goths—Agmund and his wife Amalfrida, and their elder children. The whole tribe is keeping high festival, in consequence of the defeat of Decius, the emperor, by their king, Kniva; and, in honour of the victory, there is a sacrifice of Roman prisoners. One of these prisoners commits to the care of Gisa, Agmund's daughter, a little cross, praying her to send it back to his wife, should opportunity ever occur; and speaking about the words "When He cometh," engraved upon it, which set her musing upon their meaning... (Halcombe)