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diff --git a/33487.txt b/33487.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..711f8de --- /dev/null +++ b/33487.txt @@ -0,0 +1,14696 @@ +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Barbarossa; An Historical Novel of the XII +Century., by Conrad von Bolanden + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Barbarossa; An Historical Novel of the XII Century. + +Author: Conrad von Bolanden + +Release Date: August 22, 2010 [EBook #33487] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BARBAROSSA; AN HISTORICAL *** + + + + +Produced by Charles Bowen, from page scans provided by the Web Archive + + + + + +Transcriber's notes: + 1. Page scan source: + http://www.archive.org/details/barbarossaanhis00bolagoog + 2. The diphthong oe is represented by [oe] + + + + + + BARBAROSSA; + + AN + + HISTORICAL NOVEL + + OF THE + + XII Century. + + + + BY + + Conrad Von Bolanden + + + + _PHILADELPHIA_: + Eugene Cummisky + PUBLISHER, + 1037 Chestnut Street. + 1867. + + + + + + + * * * * * + + Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1867, by + EUGENE CUMMISKEY, + in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for + the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. + + * * * * * + + + + + J. FAGAN & SON, + STEREOTYPERS, PHILAD'A. + + + + + PREFACE + + TO THE + + AMERICAN EDITION. + + +The pleasant historical novel which is now offered to the American +public, refers to a period of history very much misrepresented, though +very frequently written about, or at least referred to by popular +writers. In the contest between Pope Alexander III. and the Emperor +Frederic Barbarossa, we see a very important phase of the long struggle +between the spiritual and civil power; a struggle, in which was fought +the battle of real liberty, and real Christian civilization, against +brute force and Pagan tyranny. Perhaps nothing has been so badly +understood as the real _casus belli_ in this struggle of centuries. +Most non-Catholics firmly believe that the conflict arose from an +effort of the Church to obtain universal dominion; to make princes and +people bow to her behests on all matters; to reduce the civil ruler to +the condition of a mere lieutenant of the Pontiff, to be removed at +will by that spiritual autocrat, and, of course, to improve the +condition of her own officials; securing for them the choicest and +fairest portions of all the good things of the earth. The Emperors and +Kings who were hostile to the Church are painted, on the other hand, as +the assertors of civil liberty, the William Tells that refused to +salute the tyrant's cap, even though it were called a tiara; the +heroes, that in a superstitious age braved the terrors of +excommunication, rather than sink into a degraded servitude, to the +heartless ambition of churchmen. + +Nothing can be farther from the truth than this view of the subject. In +reality, what the Church fought for during this long struggle was--not +power, but--liberty. She refused to admit that she was a corporation +existing by the permission, or the creation of the State. She claimed +to be a spiritual society, existing by the fiat of the will of God, +entirely independent in her own sphere, having a government of her own; +executive, legislative, and judicial rights and duties of her own; an +end of her own, far above and beyond the affairs of this world. It was +for this liberty and independence that her martyrs had died, her +confessors languished in prison, her saints prayed and suffered. When +the rulers of the world became Christian, the difficulties in the way +of her liberty did not cease; they only assumed a new form. Open +opposition became oppression, under the specious name of protection; +and the State made every effort to restrain and shackle a power, the +indomitable energy and dauntless courage of which it imagined it had +reason to fear. + +This was, indeed, one of the "empty" things which the sons of men, +crafty in their own generation, allow themselves to say when they speak +of spiritual things. The unrestrained power of the city of God on earth +cannot hinder, or in any way interfere with the true development of the +earthly commonwealth. Truth, morality, justice, are the surest +foundations of civil peace, liberty, and prosperity. Under the pretence +of defending their rights and those of their people, civil rulers have +endeavored to subjugate the Church, enslave her ministers, make her, in +a word, merely a piece of government machinery, to register their +decrees, and enforce them with her anathemas. Had they succeeded, the +only bulwark of freedom would have been swept away; for as man has no +right higher or holier than freedom of conscience, that is, freedom to +serve God rather than man, had this right been sacrificed to the +imperious demands of the civil power, other rights less important, such +as those which constitute civil liberty, would have been lost with it. + +Thus the medieval Pontiffs--living in exile, wandering from one city to +another, often in prison, rarely suffered to live in peace--were the +martyrs of the highest and truest freedom. To their indomitable +courage, untiring perseverance, and clear-sighted intelligence, we owe +whatever idea of true freedom (that is of the existence of the rights +of man independently of the permission, toleration, or concession of +the civil power) still survives in modern society. + +These fundamental truths are well illustrated in the following pages. +The special period of history chosen, serves to show clearly the real +points of dispute. Even Voltaire acknowledged that it was the "wisdom" +of Alexander III. that triumphed over the "violence" of Barbarossa. As +the same writer observes:--"Alexander revived the rights of the people +and suppressed the crimes of Kings." A Pontiff to whom such testimony +is borne by Voltaire, cannot fairly be accused of ambitious designs. In +his contest with Frederic, from the beginning to the end, he simply +asserted the independence of the Church. Antipope after antipope was +opposed to him, all of them were puppets of the Emperor; but in the +end, even Frederic was obliged to yield, and to acknowledge the patient +but determined Alexander as the Vicar of Christ. + +The subserviency of these pretended Pontiffs is well described by our +author. There is no exaggeration here. These men were merely Vicars of +the Emperor, existing by his favor, the creatures of his breath. They +cared little for the ratification of their decrees in Heaven; so that +they knew that they pleased the rulers of this world! What the Emperor +wished bound, they did bind, and what he wished loosed, they did loose, +even the holy bonds of matrimony. Their degradation and that of the +courtier bishops, so graphically depicted in these pages, is a +practical proof of the great truth, that while there is no human +greatness more exalted than the dignity of the ecclesiastical +character, there is no fall lower than that of a churchman who, +forgetful of his calling, makes himself the slave of the world's power, +be it wielded by a crowned King or by an uncrowned mob. + +The heartless repudiation of his wife by Henry the Lion, after the mock +sentence of the miserable Victor, and the recourse of Constance to +Alexander, himself a fugitive, and persecuted, is a touching instance +of the manners of the times, and of the protection the Church and her +real Pontiffs ever gave to the sanctity of marriage. Little do women in +our day think how much they owe to the Popes, who so bravely and so +constantly fought their battles in those rude and licentious ages, +protecting their innocence, defending their rights, making them the +companions, not the servants of those rough warriors. There was more +than one Constance in those ages: but never did any of them appeal to +the Head of Christendom, that her demand for justice was not heard, and +her rights courageously vindicated. + +The simple threads of the love-story of Erwin and Hermengarde serve +pleasantly to connect together the other more important events of the +tale, and serve to illustrate on the one hand the finest type of +feminine affection and constancy, and on the other that of manly +nobility and courage. We think the author can fairly lay claim to +historical accuracy in the main events of his tale. Every matter of +public interest, even the wonderful pestilence which checked Frederic +in his victorious career at Rome, is related as given by contemporary +writers. + +We venture to bespeak for BARBAROSSA a kind and gracious reception from +the American public. It is a well told tale, which will afford real +instruction, as well as pleasant amusement. It will serve to give true +ideas about medieval history, and to make Catholics more interested in +learning the truth about those real Pontiffs, who did battle for +religion and the rights of man against the Kings and rulers of the day. +We consider it a valuable contribution to our lighter literature, and +we hope to see it followed by many others of the same purpose and +object. The translator has done his work well, and we trust BARBAROSSA in +its English dress will become a universal favorite. + + J. K. + PHILADELPHIA, +_Ascension Day_, 1867. + + + + + CONTENTS. + +CHAPTER PAGE + + I. INTRODUCTORY + II. THE AMBUSCADE + III. CHANCELLOR RINALDO + IV. THE BATTLE + V. AFTER THE VICTORY + VI. THE COURT FOOL + VII. FATHER AND DAUGHTER + VIII. THE ABBOT CONRAD + IX. FILIAL DEVOTION + X. THE TEMPTER + XI. THE JOURNEY + XII. THE TOLL + XIII. CASTELLAMARE + XIV. THE SIEGE + XV. THE ANTIPOPE + XVI. THE EMPEROR'S SLAVE + XVII. AN EVIL SPIRIT + XVIII. CONFIDENTIAL SECRETS + XIX. THE CONSULS + XX. THE ASSAULT + XXI. THE EMPEROR'S POLICY + XXII. VANITY + XXIII. THE MEETING + XXIV. THE WALK + XXV. THE CAPTURE + XXVI. TREACHERY + XXVII. THE BETROTHAL + XXVIII. THE POPULACE IN THE TWELFTH CENTURY + XXIX. HUMILIATION + XXX. AMUSEMENTS + XXXI. AT RIVOLI + XXXII. ALEXANDER'S AMBASSADOR + XXXIII. A WARNING + XXXIV. THE DIVORCED DUCHESS + XXXV. LAON + XXXVI. KNAVERY + XXXVII. THE SPY + XXXVIII. THE QUEEN OF FRANCE + XXXIX. UNDER THE OAKS + XL. A TRUE BISHOP + XLI. A HARDENED SINNER + XLII. THE ABBEY OF CLUNY + XLIII. IN THE CLOISTER + XLIV. POPE ALEXANDER III. + XLV. A KNAVE'S STRATAGEM + XLVI. THE SERMON + XLVII. THE DUEL + XLVIII. THE TRIUMPH OF FORCE + XLIX. HERMENGARDE'S CONSTANCY + L. THE CONSPIRATORS + LI. THE TRIBUNE + LII. SEDITION + LIII. BARBAROSSA IN ROME + LIV. THE TRIUMPHAL ENTRY + LV. THE HAND OF GOD + LVI. CONCLUSION + + + + + + BARBAROSSA. + + + + + _CHAPTER I_. + + _INTRODUCTORY_. + + +Towards the middle of the 12th century, Milan had conquered for herself +a powerful supremacy throughout all of Upper Italy, and with the +exception of the proud Genoa and the maritime Venetian republic, all +the cities of Lombardy acknowledged her sovereignty. Lodi, Pavia, and +some few of the neighboring towns, had made bold attempts to assert +their rights, but all their efforts were unsuccessful; and had only +resulted in riveting more tightly their fetters, while the pride of the +Milanese, and a desire for more extended power, increased in proportion +to the failing strength of their adversaries. The majority bore in +silence the yoke which they could not shake off preferring the +advantages secured to them by prompt submission to the danger of losing +in the unequal struggle every vestige of their former independence. + +Lombardy, it is true, was an appanage of the Germanic empire, but the +sovereignty of the Emperor was almost nominal, and only acknowledged by +the turbulent Lombards, when forced so to do by his victorious arms; +and whenever a war broke out between the Monarch, his great +feudatories, or the Church, the smouldering embers of rebellion at once +burst forth into open insurrection. + +Scarcely had Frederic the First, of Hohenstauffen, mounted the throne, +when his attention was attracted to Italy by an event of grave and +unusual importance. + +In 1158, whilst Barbarossa, as the Emperor was usually surnamed by the +Italians, was presiding over a High Court of Justice at Kossnitz, and +listening to the various cases submitted for his decision, two men, +wearing upon their backs a wooden cross as a symbol of their +misfortune, presented themselves before the throne with a long list of +grievances against the Milanese, by whom, they alleged, the city of +Lodi had been destroyed after the pillage and the exile of its +citizens. They had come now to implore the intervention of the Emperor, +whose power alone, they urged, could check the tyranny of the Milanese +and save from utter ruin the other cities of Lombardy. + +Frederic at once dispatched one of his nobles, Schwicker, of Aspremont, +with a letter of reproof and menace to Milan. But on his arrival the +consuls and the people refused to listen to the message. They tore the +despatch to pieces, trampled it underfoot, and obliged the ambassador +to seek safety in flight. + +Such a crime could not go unpunished, and Frederic, at the head of a +powerful army, crossed the Alps and appeared, when least expected, in +the plains of Lombardy. Meanwhile the Milanese were putting into +execution their perfidious designs against Como and Lodi, and offered +to the Emperor the sum, enormous for that age, of four hundred gold +_marks_, on condition that he would recognize their sovereignty over +these cities. + +But the proposition was indignantly rejected. "Wretches," said he to +the Milanese ambassadors, "do you presume to bribe me to palliate your +treachery? Do you propose to the Emperor of Germany to become a partner +in your baseness? Even were it in my power to sell the half of my +domains, I would rather turn your city into a paltry village than +countenance this exercise of arbitrary despotism over a country which +has as much right to liberty as yourselves." The result of the +interview was a solemn engagement, on the part of the Milanese, to +indemnify Lodi and Como for all damages sustained, as the powerful +alliances of Milan, her military strength, and the comparative weakness +of the German army, did not, at the time, permit of the absolute +subjection of Lombardy. + +Thence Frederic marched towards Tortona, an ally of the Milanese, which +had attacked and ravaged the territory of Pavia. Explanations were +demanded, but, confiding in the strength of its fortifications, Tortona +haughtily refused. The Emperor at once attacked the town, stormed the +works, and reduced it to ashes. + +This terrible example dismayed the Milanese, who were ignorant of the +fate in store for them, but they had learned to appreciate the energy +and courage of the Emperor, and they began to estimate the necessity of +strengthening and renewing the alliances which had formerly existed +between them and the neighboring States. + +Scarcely had the Emperor recrossed the Alps, and received the crown +from the hands of Pope Adrian IV., when the Milanese resumed their +depredations upon Lodi. Far from making amends for their former +damages, and thus fulfilling the stipulations of the treaty, they +marched a powerful army against the city, imprisoned or killed the +inhabitants, and only retired after laying waste the vineyards, and +destroying the crops throughout the entire province. + +Again the inhabitants of Lodi sought the assistance of the Emperor. + +Barbarossa was incensed beyond measure at this insolent disregard, not +only of his threats, but even of his Imperial supremacy. Such audacity +demanded prompt repression, and Imperial edicts were at once issued to +all the spiritual and temporal princes of the Empire, summoning them to +join the Army destined to operate in Italy. + +In the month of June, 1158, the German army crossed the Alps, and Milan +was besieged and taken after a heroic defence. + +Again Frederic, either through pity or a desire to spare the noble +city, or through the temptation of a costly bribe, delayed the +execution of his threats, although urgently counselled to inflict upon +Milan the fate of Tortona. But he humbled the pride of the haughty +Lombards: all their rights and privileges were confiscated, and they +were compelled to rebuild Lodi and Como, while all duties and customs +were henceforth to revert to the Imperial treasury; a fine of nine +thousand silver marks was imposed, and as a guarantee for the +fulfilment of these and many other conditions, three hundred of the +principal citizens were to be given up and held as hostages. + +The Emperor then disbanded the greater portion of his German levies, +and convoked a Diet of the princes, prelates, counts, and chief civil +dignitaries, who in general assembly were to attend to the pacification +of Italy, and the re-establishment of order, and to define precisely +the respective rights of the sovereign and his subjects. + +An immense camp was pitched in the midst of the vast plain which is +watered by the Po; in the centre stood the Imperial tent, and around +it, in order of rank, those of the princes. Streets at right angles +divided the various quarters of this city of canvas, and to avoid all +danger of collisions, the Germans and Italians were encamped on +opposite sides of the river. Frederic had invited four of the most +celebrated _juris consults_ of Bologna, and had given them as +coadjutors twenty-eight counsellors from the other Lombard towns, in +order to investigate and define thoroughly the origin and spirit of +their statute laws and their oral traditions. + +From his throne, Frederic opened the assembly with a solemn discourse. + +"Called to the supreme power, by the grace of God," said he, "our task +is to elevate the courage of the good, to restrain and punish the +evil-doer. At the close of the late campaign which we have terminated +so fortunately; the pacification of the country demands our earnest +attention, for it is only simple justice that we should protect, by our +arms, the people who are governed by our laws. But before anything be +written, or decided concerning our respective rights, duties, and +privileges; we must establish what is equitable and expedient, +necessary and useful, according to the locality and the epoch; for once +these laws adopted and promulgated, there will be no further discussion +admitted in the matter, they will be rigidly and exactly enforced." + +The Italians were astonished at the ability of the young monarch. His +talents and his policy compelled their respect, for it became evident +that under such a ruler, their only safe course of action would be +implicit obedience. + +Whilst the Bolognese legists insisted upon privileges being accorded to +the Emperor, based upon the old Roman law, the Lombard counsellors +complained of an autocratic despotism, in the decisions, subversive of +their own peculiar rights, and inimical to the interests of their +country. For example, all revenues from tolls on rivers and bridges, +and tonnage dues in ports and harbors, were to revert hereafter to the +Emperor; and all duties on grain, salt works, and fisheries, with the +right of coinage, hitherto a prerogative of the dukes, counts, and free +cities, were in future to belong exclusively to the Imperial treasury. + +Barbarossa had destroyed the autonomy of the Lombard cities, and +reduced them to be mere dependencies of the empire. Still, so long as +he remained in Upper Italy, no open signs of discontent were +manifested, but scarcely had he turned towards Rome, when the revolt +broke out. In order to pacify, if possible, the malcontents, Otto de +Wittelsbach; the Chancellor Rinaldo, and the Knight of Goswin were at +once sent to Milan. But the exasperated populace assembled before the +dwelling of the ambassadors, who with much difficulty escaped being +torn to pieces. + +This unexpected outrage excited the rage of the German nobles who +accompanied the Emperor, and the rebellious city was threatened with +sack and pillage, while its inhabitants were doomed to slavery. This +fierce menace, however, by no means disheartened the Milanese, who +determined to employ every means of resistance in their power, and to +die gloriously rather than wear the fetters of serfdom. The struggle +began at once, and while Barbarossa was celebrating the festival of +Easter at Bologna, the Lombards seized the Imperial treasury, in which +were lodged the enormous sums which he had collected in Italy. Then +they burned the castle and hung all the garrison, who were Italians, as +traitors to their country. + +The Emperor hastened back with his little army, but he arrived too +late; the Milanese had retreated behind their works, and from the walls +of the city could see Frederic, in his anger, lay waste all the +surrounding country; for, weak in numbers and destitute of siege +artillery, his army was powerless against the town. Scarcely had he +left the neighborhood, when the Lombards took up again the offensive, +and retaliated upon the Emperor's allies for the havoc which he had +caused in their territory. Joining their forces to those of the +Brescians, they took Lodi and Cremona, and made several attacks upon +the Imperialist forces; and such was the vindictiveness displayed; that +several abortive attempts were made to assassinate the German Emperor, +who was unable to check or punish these acts of hostility. His army was +composed almost entirely of Italians, and although the rebellious city +of Cremona was taken and burned, his reprisals were without result. + +This continual strife and its attendant misfortunes, equally disastrous +for both factions, reduced Lombardy almost to a desert. The devastated +fields produced no more crops, and the ground being unable to sustain +even the native population, the foreign troops suffered severely from +famine. Barbarossa convoked again his knights and nobles, thanked and +rewarded them publicly for their devotion to his cause, and disbanded +the Germans, promising to open the campaign with a strong army, early +in the following spring. + + + + + _CHAPTER II_. + + _THE AMBUSCADE_. + + +After a winter spent in harassing the enemy and in petty skirmishes +with the Emperor's adherents, the Milanese inaugurated the year 1161, +in a more serious manner, by the capture of several fortresses, some by +assault, others through treachery. Frederic was still unable to make +any serious resistance to his enemy's advance; for the German +reinforcements had not yet arrived, and his own little army, in order +to hasten the fall of Milan, was besieging the towns of Como and +Neulodi, so that his operations were limited almost to a strictly +defensive policy, whilst, in person, he rode at the head of a small +escort, through the province, reassuring his declared allies and +conciliating those whose sentiments were as yet doubtful. + +It was a beautiful morning. A small troop of armed men, whose +appearance was that of banditti, were keeping guard at the foot of a +hill, about two days' journey from Milan. The soldiers, wearied by a +long march, were stretched upon the ground, and about a dozen horses, +with heaving flanks, stood close by, showing clearly that they had +shared the fatigue of their riders. + +The chief of the band stood a little to their rear, and with his arms +crossed on his breast, appeared to be reflecting profoundly. His costly +armor and proud bearing was not that of a robber, for his shield was +magnificently embossed in silver, the border of his surcoat richly +embroidered, and his sword-belt inlaid with precious jewels. By his +side stood a man of short stature, apparently quite at his ease. He +wore a pointed hat, and on his bronzed face beamed an expression of +knavery and deceit, which, with his sparkling eye and a continued sneer +around the mouth, gave to his whole physiognomy a most malevolent +character. He carried a cross-bow and a quiver full of bolts on his +back, and by his side hung a long rapier. + +"Nothing!" said the knight, angrily. "Ah! Griffi, if you have deceived +me, you shall be flogged." + +"Flogged! my lord Pietro! I, Cocco Griffi, the son of the high and +mighty Consul Nigri of Milan! I flogged!" said the little man, with +marked astonishment. + +"Yes, without fail!" + +"How, my lord Pietro! your native city boasts of giving liberty to the +Italians. Would it not be barbarous to flog a loyal citizen?" + +"You have most richly deserved it! At this very moment, the Milanese +are destroying one of the strongholds of German tyranny; and I, who +would so gladly have shared in the glorious work, have been decoyed +here by your specious tale, to await, uselessly, the coming of that +accursed Barbarossa, while my countrymen are celebrating their +triumph." + +"I crave your pardon, my lord! The destruction of a castle, already +half in ruins is scarcely a deed worthy of your heroism," replied +Griffi, in a half serious, half jocular tone. "Ah! it would be another +thing had it been necessary to storm the Castle of Cinola. But as +Barbarossa's worthy governor, Bonello, has in a fit of patriotism +opened the gates, I could see but little opportunity there for a +display of your valor. For the prowess of the brave Milanese will not +go further than the draining of some wine-casks and the destruction of +some old furniture; they may perhaps burn the castle, but, this done, +they will return within their city walls." + +Pietro made no reply, but with a glance of contempt upon the speaker, +again turned to gaze into the distance. + +"On the other hand," continued Griffi, proudly, "you will have, thanks +to me, a chance of doing here something truly heroic. I learned that +the Emperor, with a feeble escort, was about to proceed towards the +North; I managed to insinuate myself among the soldiers, and discovered +the road by which he was to travel; and then galloping night and day, +came here, to show you how to rid the country of its oppressor, by his +death or capture! And yet, as a reward for all this, you threaten to +flog me!" + +"But if we succeed!" said Pietro, his face flushing with enthusiasm, +"if we succeed, I will fill your hat with gold pieces. I will have your +name engraved upon tablets of bronze, and your statue erected in every +public square in Lombardy." + +Cocco scarcely heeded the last words, so intently did he gaze towards +the distant horizon. Suddenly he seized the arm of the knight: + +"Look there!" he cried, "there, near the forest; see that armor shining +in the sun. It is Barbarossa himself, followed by eighteen knights and +seventy varlets!" + +"Oh! the wretch!" exclaimed the Milanese, with an expression of mingled +hatred and anger. + +"I beg you, my lord," said Pietro hurriedly, "take off your helmet, and +turn your shield, or their reflection will betray our presence," and, +as his advice was followed, he at once resumed,-- + +"Now let us make every arrangement in order that the tyrant may not +escape. Remain here with your men, in observation, whilst I ride over +to Cinola to get reinforcements." + +"Aye! and meanwhile, Barbarossa will get away. Oh! fool that I am! why +am I here, without my own brave troopers? One bold stroke, and the yoke +of my beloved country would be broken!" + +"Fear nothing," said Cocco, "those iron-clad soldiers would need wings, +to escape now. Mark yonder little valley with its sloping meadows and +its narrow stream! The Germans are making toward it, for the road +passes close by, and good pastures are too rare now in Lombardy for +them to neglect so favorable a chance for resting their horses. So, +while his Imperial Majesty is taking his ease, our troops will come up, +and it will be an easy task to seize this red-headed tyrant by the +beard." + +Griffi whistled and clapped his hands, and, at the sound, an active +little horse ran toward him. + +"Cocco," said the knight to his companion, "my good friend, Cocco, lose +no time--but, stay, let two of my troopers go with you; an accident +might happen, and remember that you hold in your hands the liberty of +Italy." + +"Bah! my lord Pietro," replied the other, "I will give you leave to +flog me, if my horse, Molo, does not easily distance your stiff +troopers!" and as he spoke he sprang upon the back of the nimble +animal, and soon left far behind him the soldiers whom the knight had +detailed as his escort. + +Pietro concealed himself behind a bush, whence he could observe the +enemy's movements. The Germans continued to advance. In front, rode the +knights in complete armor,--he could even distinguish Barbarossa's +banner with its richly embroidered lion, and it seemed as though he +could recognize the lofty stature of the Emperor himself. + +As Cocco had foreseen, they entered the valley, in which, midway, stood +the ruins of an ancient cloister. + +The emotion of the Milanese increased as he watched the little troop. +He forbade his men to rise from the ground, lest their bright helmets +might reveal their presence, and, gazing earnestly towards the city, +his whole person betrayed the feverish restlessness of one who felt as +much anxiety for the deliverance of his country as hatred for the +tyrant whose iron arm weighed so heavily upon Italy. + + + + + _CHAPTER III_. + + _THE CHANCELLOR RINALDO_. + + +The Imperial escort had halted in the valley, the horses were unsaddled +and grazing in the meadows, while the soldiers in groups were resting +beneath the shade of the pines and oak-trees. + +Three of the knights had chosen the most picturesque spot among the +ruins, and from the slight elevation, on which they stood, could +discern all the surrounding country, and even the lofty summits of the +Alps, which bounded the horizon toward the North. It was to this +direction that was turned the anxious gaze of one of the knights, who, +with his hands resting on his sword-hilt, stood before the gateway of +the ruined church. But little above the middle height, he was +powerfully built, and his long mantle, thrown behind him, showed that +his arms, legs, and feet were cased in mail, and that above his +ordinary armor he wore a coat of silver links which came down to the +knee. On his head was a steel helmet of proof, which shone brilliantly +in the sun, and a heavy two-handled sword with a double hilt, and in a +plain leathern scabbard, completed his accoutrement. + +At first sight, the form of the young soldier scarcely seemed to +warrant his ponderous armor. Strikingly handsome, with hands of +remarkable delicacy, with a bright fair complexion, and a mouth around +which played a smile of frankness and amiability, it needed a second +glance to discover that, under this engaging exterior, was concealed a +violent energy, an iron will, and a pride without limit. His full blue +eyes inspired confidence, but at times his glance could threaten as +fiercely as it now seemed kind and gentle. His brow was high and broad, +his nose aquiline, and his beard and hair of a bright red. + +Such was the appearance of the Emperor Frederic I., the mightiest +sovereign of his age, and one of the most illustrious men of whom +history has made mention. + +His two companions were striking contrasts. The first was tall, with a +grave dark face, and long black hair; and his stern features indicated +the soldier whose life had been passed in action. Thoroughly devoted to +his sovereign, the Count Palatine Otho de Wittelsbach was the faithful +and constant attendant of the Emperor. + +The other was a small fair man, with a gentle and smiling face. Unlike +Otho, he was not in armor, but wore a long embroidered gown, green +trunk-hose, and a black hat. Yet in spite of his amiable expression, +there was an air of dissimulation about him, and his eyes were as false +and deceitful as his language was elegant and persuasive. He was the +celebrated Chancellor Rinaldo, Count of Dussel, and Archbishop of +Cologne, in whom the Emperor reposed the most implicit confidence, a +confidence fully justified by the political talents of the wily +statesman. It was said that his ideas were even more progressive than +those of the prince himself, and that he pushed him forward in his +policy, despite the many serious obstacles in the path of his Imperial +sovereign. + +The Emperor was still gazing toward the north, when a young man of +handsome bearing and with an almost childlike expression of amiability +on his features, approached, holding a cup of wine. Frederic's whole +expression changed to one of almost paternal fondness, as he glanced at +the young soldier. + +"Always mindful of your godfather, my good Erwin," said he, draining +the goblet. "By my faith, if the repast be but proportionate to your +attentions, we shall feast most regally to-day." + +"The table awaits you, Sire," said the young man, pointing to a shield +which was placed on a stone near by. "Pray, pardon the frugality of the +entertainment." Barbarossa turned towards the shield emblazoned in blue +and white _lozenges_, on which was placed the Emperor's meal, +consisting of bread and a little smoked meat. + +"Sit down, gentlemen," said he. "Ah! not so bad; I see that Bavaria has +sent us her food as far as Lombardy." + +"Aye!" replied Count Otho, "and her contingent will be here soon to aid +us with their good lances. According to the last despatches, the +advanced guard should arrive to-morrow." + +"It is full time to chastise these disloyal Guelphs," said Frederic. +"The rebellion has become general; Milan openly defies us; Genoa grows +each day more factious, and even Venice, despite our Chancellor's +eloquence, has assumed an air of insolence." + +"Right and reason," replied Rinaldo, "have but little chance of success +against fraud and dissimulation." + +"Well answered," cried Otho; "I am glad to hear such sentiments +proclaimed. We must draw the sword, and prove to these insurgents that +they owe obedience and respect to their sovereign." + +"You are right, my lord Count," said Rinaldo, glancing at the Emperor. +"After vainly trying mildness and conciliation, it would be rank +cowardice not to use the sword." + +At the close of their frugal repast, the Emperor directed his +chancellor to read to him, until it was time to mount again; and +Rinaldo, taking a book which was brought to him by the young knight +Erwin, opened it at a marked page, while Otho, too thorough a soldier +to care much for literature, withdrew on one side. + +"We have learned the ideas of His Holiness as to the origin of all +power," said the Chancellor to the Emperor, who was seated on the +pedestal of a fallen column. "The following letter from Pope Gregory +VII. will fully explain what these ideas mean, and to what they tend. + +"'The Church is our common Mother, the source and origin of all light +and vitality. It is on this account that all emperors and kings, +princes and archbishops, bishops and prelates, are her vassals. Thanks +to the power of the Apostolic keys, she can make and unmake them, for +the power which she delegates is not for a passing fame, but for a holy +eternity. To her, then, they all owe a respectful and modest +obedience.'" + +Until then, the Emperor had listened in silence, although his features +betrayed the violent emotions of his inner self. Suddenly interrupting +the Chancellor, he exclaimed,-- + +"By my faith, the reasoning is highly logical! The Church rules all! +She can make and depose both emperors and princes!--All must passively +obey her mandates!--What arrogance!--Princes are naught but simple +vassals of the Pope!" + +"Absolutely nothing else," replied Rinaldo; "the Pope is the sun, the +Emperor the moon, who receives from His Holiness light and brilliancy +and power." + +"Enough! enough!" cried Frederic, angrily; "mark the place and close +the book--the reading of such enormities is an insult to the Imperial +dignity." A crafty smile played around the Chancellor's lips as he +replied,-- + +"Great men, unluckily, make great blunders; but for your unfortunate +oversight, no Pope would have ventured to make such an extravagant +claim to universal sovereignty." + +"Was it not the duty of Charles to defer to the request of Rome?" + +"Most certainly! but his liberality to the Church might have been more +measured, and the honors conceded more judiciously denned. Hold the +Pope's stirrup!--yes, the Emperor must even stoop to that--although it +is, in reality, a mere idle form," added the Chancellor, hurriedly, as +Frederic's face colored up. "Surely none can blame the Popes if they +construe what was a mere form into an obligation of importance." + +"When I held the stirrup of His Holiness, my lord Chancellor," said +Barbarossa with great dignity, "it was the homage paid by a Christian +to the chief of Christendom." + +"A most excellent reason, Sire," replied the Chancellor, in an +insinuating tone. "The fulfilment of a Christian's religious duties can +but honor an Emperor. But I have yet to learn in what way those duties +interfere with the prerogatives of a Sovereign." + +"Well!--you would elevate then the monarch's rights above the +Christian's responsibilities?" + +The smiling glance of the statesman dwelt for an instant upon his +sovereign, who had given his minister to understand that he regarded +his opinions as somewhat heretical and very difficult of realization. +Barbarossa was willing to admit, to a certain extent, the superiority +of the temporal over the spiritual power, but he still hesitated before +the impiety of claiming the supremacy. + +"Although you may place the Emperor above the Christian," resumed the +Chancellor, "you will not on that account cease to be one. I will say +even more: to reign, truly, the separation of the Empire from the +Papacy is a necessity. Look towards the monarchs of France and Saxony; +for them the Pope has never been anything more than the Bishop of Rome, +chosen from among the most worthy prelates. They were the temporal +masters of the Roman Pontiff, although ever the first to honor him as +the Head of the Church. And what, to-day, is the Papal supremacy over +the Emperor, what is his influence? You selected Victor as Sovereign +Pontiff, while the College of Cardinals elected Roland, who, under the +title of Alexander III., reigns in spite of you! Victor, the feeble +creation of your own hands, will fall as soon as your support be +withdrawn, while Alexander, your triumphant adversary, is seated more +firmly than ever upon the throne of St. Peter. His legates, only, are +received in Spain, in France, in England; they only are acknowledged +throughout the civilized world!" + +"Enough of this!" said Frederic. "To what end serves your discourse? It +is but a waste of time to prove to me, now, that during the past two +years we have plotted, and toiled, and fought in vain." + +"In vain! Sire!--but why? Because you neglected the golden opportunity! +Milan, the bulwark of Alexander's power, was in your hands; you should +have levelled her to the ground!" + +"Always ready, my lord, to tell me what should have been done! Why was +not this advice offered sooner?" + +"It is not yet too late," replied Rinaldo. "The German bands have +passed the Alps; let their first exploit be the capture of Milan." + +"Naturally; and their second?" + +"The overthrow of the present _status_ of Italy, and the installation +of Victor at Rome." + +"And then the heretic Barbarossa, the persecutor of the Holy Church, +will be put under the ban of the Universe!" replied Frederic, with a +bitter laugh. + +"Heretic? No! But the astonished world will hail in you the worthy +rival of the great Emperor. What did Charlemagne, and Otho, and Henry +III. do? Did they not give Rome to the Popes? And if you, their +successor, should place in Rome a bishop of your own selection, who +could dispute your authority? Act, break down all opposition, and the +Papacy, henceforward, will be no more the enemy, but the obedient +vassal of the Germanic Empire." Whilst Rinaldo spoke, Barbarossa seemed +lost in thought; every word of the crafty statesman produced its +effect, for it answered the ambitious cravings of his own nature, which +had long aimed at the subjection of the spiritual to the temporal +power. Could his dreams be realized, the Emperor would reign supreme, +and the Church, shorn of all her prerogatives, would remain, as she had +existed during the dark ages, the source of all faith, but a mere fief +of the Empire. + +The difficulties of the undertaking did not escape him, but far from +causing discouragement, they pleased him the more, by their bold and +hazardous originality. Rinaldo, in silence, with folded arms and +down-cast eyes, watched narrowly the effect produced on the Emperor by +his discourse. + +Suddenly Otho of Wittelsbach advanced hurriedly. + + + + + _CHAPTER IV_. + + _THE BATTLE_. + + +"Bad news! Sire," cried the Count Palatine. "Cinola, your strong +fortress on the Adda, is in the hands of the enemy." + +Barbarossa sprang to his feet, and gazed with surprise upon the Count. + +"Cinola taken!" cried he angrily,--"when--by whom?" + +"To-day, by the Milanese; but here is a man who will give full details +to your Majesty." + +And he pointed to a soldier who, until then, had stood at a short +distance from the group. + +"Ah! is that you, Gero?" said Frederic, whose extraordinary memory +never forgot a name or a face. "Tell me at once, everything!" + +"The tidings which I bring to your Majesty are most unfortunate. Cinola +was, this morning, surrendered to the Milanese." + +"Surrendered?" said the Emperor, angrily. + +"Yes, Sire,--surrendered by the base Guelph, the traitor Bonello, to +whom your Majesty had intrusted the command of the fortress." + +The face of the Emperor grew black with rage. + +"What is the strength of the Milanese?" he asked. + +"About three hundred men." + +"Have they burned the Castle?" + +"I am ignorant of that fact, Sire! As soon as the banner of the Guelphs +was hoisted over the citadel, I hastened hither. But some time must +elapse before they can sack and burn the place, as their first visit +will doubtless be to the wine-cellars." + +"How many Germans were with you in the Castle?" + +"Three and a half, your Majesty,--for one of them had lost a leg. Poor +fellows! they are in a pitiable condition, for their lives are in +danger!" + +"Gentlemen," said the Emperor to his knights, who were grouped around +him, "we must not lose an instant; this new outrage must be punished at +once!" + +The knights looked at each other with astonishment; and even the daring +Otho shook his head. + +"Sire!" said he, "the Guelphs are too much our superiors in numbers." + +"Since when has the Count Otho learned to count his foes?" inquired the +Emperor. + +"But," observed the Chancellor, whom the sudden resolution of the +Emperor had alarmed, "would it not be more prudent to await the arrival +of the German troops?" + +"No! the punishment should always follow closely upon the crime. What! +these traitors have dared to lay their plans under my very eyes, and +yet you speak of waiting!--It would be a public admission of our +weakness." + +"To accommodate ourselves to circumstances," replied the Chancellor, +"is not weakness, but rather wisdom. The Emperor should not expose his +person needlessly. Pardon my frankness, Sire; it is your duty not to +court unnecessary danger." + +"Know, my lord," said Frederic, "that on the battlefield, he most +easily escapes death who braves it most! But, rather death itself, than +tame submission to such an outrage as this!" + +"Well, then, may Heaven help you!" said Rinaldo, despairingly,--"three +hundred against eighty;--the odds are too great;--it is an unpardonable +piece of rashness!" + +"Be it so, my lord! But what can three hundred traitors do against +eighty German nobles, fighting for the honor of their name, in the +cause of their sovereign? If I had with me only ten loyal knights, I +would prove to the world, that, in Germany, courage and chivalry are +not mere empty names! Come, gentlemen, to horse!" + +"To arms! to arms! Long live the Emperor!" cried the knights, inspired +by the courage of their sovereign. + +"Your peaceful calling will render your presence useless in this bloody +work of justice," said the Emperor, turning to his Chancellor. "It will +be better that you should await our return. Stay, ride off immediately +towards the German troops, who are on their march, and bid the princes +hasten their arrival!" + +"May God preserve us!" said Rinaldo, perceiving that the Emperor wished +to keep him out of danger. "I am ready to die with my sovereign." + +"Your fidelity needs no such act of heroism to prove its value," said +Barbarossa. "Besides, I have by no means decided, as yet, to leave this +world for another! But a truce to this discussion. Seek the princes, +salute them in my name, and bid them march at once upon Milan!" + +Rinaldo anxiously watched the tall form of the Emperor through the +crevices of the walls, as his heavy step resounded beneath the arches +of the ruined church. The shrill blast of the trumpet assembled the +knights who were already in the saddle. Without touching the stirrup, +the prince vaulted upon his mail-clad steed, and in a few minutes the +little band disappeared in the direction of the south-west. + +"There goes a man who probably rides to meet his death," said Rinaldo +to himself. "His pride despises danger, and yet, though I know the +strength of his arm, some trifling accident may ruin everything. Whilst +I seek the princes, the Milanese may exult over his corpse, and Rome, +raising again her humbled head, topple down the edifice built up so +laboriously!" + +The Chancellor started, as a voice addressed him. + +"If you are ready, my lord Count, we will set forward," said the +soldier whom Barbarossa had left behind as escort to the minister. + +"You should not have weakened the little troop by your absence, for +your lance would be more than ever useful to-day to His Majesty." + +"Pshaw!" replied the man, "I have no fears about the result. The +Guelphs never can stand before Count Otho and his brave lances. +Besides, Barbarossa leads them, and I never saw his eye flash so +fiercely as when he bade me stay with you." + +Rinaldo mounted his horse and, accompanied by the soldier, rode swiftly +towards the north. + +Meanwhile the Emperor pushed forward. His knights rode behind him in +stern silence, but with a look of grim determination upon their bronzed +faces, and naught was heard, save the clatter of their horses' hoofs, +and the rattle and clank of their armor. Barbarossa was carefully +examining the distant limits of the plain, where could be seen what at +first seemed only dark moving shadows; soon, however, the gleam of +helmets and lances was distinctly visible, and even the heavy step of +troops on the march could be distinctly heard. Barbarossa hesitated for +a moment, as if in doubt what course to pursue, when Count Otho +approached. + +"I think I know those troops," said he. "As we were leaving the ruins, +I saw several horsemen, on yonder hills, riding towards Milan. They are +doubtless the enemy's videttes, who are carrying to the conquerors of +Cinola the tidings of our advance." + +"Gero," said the Emperor, "you are the least heavily armed. Ride +forward and see what is the strength of that detachment; I want to know +if they have any infantry in the rear, and whether there are any +lancers posted in the wood, to take us in flank." + +The trooper galloped off. The other soldiers at once dismounted to draw +their saddle-girths and prepare for the fight, and the drinking-cup, +which passed freely from hand to hand, contributed greatly to increase +their courage. + +Barbarossa took no refreshment, but he carefully reconnoitred the +ground. Not an inequality of its surface, not a stream or marsh escaped +his eye. On the right was a little wood, which might serve the enemy to +mask his movements, and as the ground on which he stood was slightly +elevated, he determined to await the enemy there, in order to give +greater impetus to the charge of his own troopers. + +Gero soon returned, followed at a distance by several of the enemy's +horsemen, thrown out as scouts. + +"The Guelphs are moving in three columns--in the centre is about two +hundred Infantry. The wings are much weaker. I could see nothing in the +woods." + +"The Milanese seem very confident," said the rough soldier Goswin; +"they think that five Lombards are at least equal to one German, and so +neglect their tactics. Ah! well! I killed twenty of them at Lodi +without dinting my sabre, and am rather curious to see how many I can +exterminate to-day, and not turn its edge." + +"Yes," added Frederic, with a laugh; "and these good people have +surnamed you, in consequence, 'The Lombard-eater.' You are in luck +to-day, Master Goswin, for you will have enough to satisfy even your +appetite.--But to work, gentlemen! The enemy will not leave us much +longer the choice of the attack, so we must give him something to do." + +He divided the escort into three columns, giving the right wing to +Count Otho, the left to the knight of Goswin, and reserving to himself +the command of the centre. The Lombard tactics were usually to kill the +horses of the knights, who, dismounted and in heavy armor, would then +become comparatively less dangerous; but the monarch understood the +danger. + +The Milanese advanced about a hundred yards, and then halted. Unlike +the stern silence of their adversaries, they shouted, and sang, and +clashed their weapons as if to prove that they felt assured of victory. + +Barbarossa rode along the front of his little band, which calmly +awaited the attack:-- + +"Valiant friends," said he, "have faith in your good cause! You draw +the sword against treachery and rebellion! Trust in God; it is he who +chastises the perjurer! Confide in the strength of your good right +arms, and show to the world, that you are worthy to bear the name +of Germans! Let St. Michael, the patron of our country, be your +rallying-cry! Couch your lances! Forward, Charge!" + +"Saint Michael, Saint Michael for the Emperor!" rang through their +ranks, as they dashed upon the foe. + +The Milanese cavalry, with a savage yell, advanced to meet their +enemies, while their infantry, in close column, awaited the shock of +the German horse. Soon the clash of arms and the wild cries of the +combatants proclaimed that they were fighting hand to hand. Barbarossa +was everywhere in the thickest of the _melee_; the Milanese leader fell +before his lance, and then the Emperor, sword in hand, broke through +the enemy's centre. Soon each knight had stretched an adversary on the +ground. The ranks of the infantry first faltered, and then gave way, +and many a foot-soldier found death beneath the hoofs of the trampling +chargers, as he vainly endeavored to pierce the serried line of German +steel. Still the Lombards fought stubbornly, and the hope of +terminating at one blow the slavery of their country, animated them to +desperate efforts. Their bravest champions had fallen beneath the +Emperor's sword, and still, to the cry of "Death to the tyrant!" they +fought on. Suddenly Frederic's horse was pierced by a pike-thrust, +and fell heavily upon him. Crushed under his steed, the Emperor was +well-nigh powerless, and the blows of his enemies rained upon his +armor. + +A cry of triumph revealed to the Germans the danger of their sovereign. +Erwin broke through the Lombard ranks, and for an instant deverted +their attention to himself. Other knights came up. Erwin, unhorsed, was +holding his buckler above the Emperor's head. Suddenly the cry of "St. +Michael to the rescue" rang above the din of the battle, and Otho, at +the head of his brave lancers, charged the foe. The fight was over, and +soon the Milanese infantry were fleeing, broken and in disorder, across +the plain. + + + + + _CHAPTER V_. + + _AFTER THE VICTORY_. + + +In the midst of the battle-field stood Barbarossa, surrounded by the +dead and the dying. His mantle, pierced and torn, and stained with +blood, hung over his armor, whose strength had protected him so well +against the weapons of the Lombards; for, save a slight contusion, he +was unwounded. Far away in the plain could still be seen the German +cavalry, chasing the scattered fugitives, but near him were only a few +of his own wounded men. Before him lay a dying Guelph, the blood +welling in torrents from his breast, who gazed upon the Emperor with an +expression which, even in his last moments, bespoke his bitter hatred +for the oppressor of his country; powerless and crushed, his impotent +rage broke forth in fierce invective. + +"Tyrant," said he, in a broken voice, "when will thy bloody work be at +an end! Immolate the last of the Lombards to thy pride; drink their +heart's blood, if thou wilt!--we will gladly yield it to thee in +exchange for our freedom!--But--be accursed!--thou and all thy race!" + +He fell back and expired. The Emperor gazed sadly upon the corpse, for +the words of the dying man and his malediction had strangely moved him; +but just then, Otho of Wittelsbach rode up with his men, in charge of +some prisoners. + +"I have spared these rascals, Sire," said the Count Palatine, "that +some of them, at least, may expiate their treachery on the gibbet." + +Frederic turned towards the prisoners, but even before he spoke, his +angry glance showed what fate was in store for them. Still he was +silent for an instant, in the hope that some of them might sue for +mercy. But there was no appeal, and pointing to a tree, he said,-- + +"Let them die!" + +Undismayed by the approach of death, the Lombards met their fate in +silence. None asked for pardon. They died martyrs to the holy cause of +freedom, and in the defence of the most sacred rights of their native +land. But their last glance was one of implacable hatred for the +tyrant. + +"Count Palatine, take possession of the fortress of Cinola at once, +before the Milanese can strengthen themselves in the works," said +Barbarossa. "We will wait here for Goswin, and then follow with the +wounded." + +Wittelsbach mounted, and rode away. + +Erwin had remained near the prince, and Barbarossa turned with a kind +smile towards the boy, who had so bravely fulfilled his knightly duties +in the fight, and who had so efficiently protected the life of his +sovereign. + +"You have well merited your godfather's thanks, my young friend," said +he, "and we will not prove ungrateful. Ask me what favor you will, I +promise that it shall be granted." + +Erwin bowed in silence, but before he could speak, Goswin rode up, +bringing with him as prisoner the knight Bonello, the late treacherous +governor of Cinola. + +"Ah! by Saint Guy, Sire, this has been a brave day's work," said he, +pointing to the dead bodies. "I would have finished mine long since, +but for this noble chevalier. I must admit that he is a gallant +soldier, although, alas! a most foul traitor!" + +Frederic gazed contemptuously upon his former partisan. Bonello was a +man still in the prime of life, and, though short in stature, well and +powerfully built. His visage, though dejected, was calm. Like the +majority of the inferior nobility, he had been long one of the warmest +adherents of the Emperor, although he had acted as such rather through +necessity than from choice. His glance fell before that of his +sovereign. + +"Are you ready to die the death of a traitor?" asked Frederic. + +"I am ready to die," answered Guido; "but I implore you to withdraw the +epithet of traitor!" + +"And why, pray?" + +"Sire, Guido Bonello was a traitor only on the day when he swore +allegiance to his country's tyrant, forgetting, for a moment, that he +was a Lombard." + +"Are you not ashamed to seek thus to disguise your felony?" asked +Frederic. + +"Sire, we may bow in obedience to the monarch, who by his victorious +arms has conquered Lombardy. But when tyranny reigns in the place of +justice, when our rights are trampled underfoot, when our country is +laid waste and her inhabitants held to ransom, when the Emperor's iron +heel is placed upon the necks of a kneeling people, then, Sire, +obedience becomes a crime! It is better to die free, than live as +slaves! If it needs be that Italy obey you against her will, exile her +population and replace it with serfs." + +The monarch, as grand justiciary of the Empire, had allowed the +prisoner full freedom of speech in his defence; but when he had +concluded: + +"The usual Lombard argument," he exclaimed; "the invention of some +facts, the misrepresentation of others! You call tyranny the energetic +punishment of traitors whom I had loaded with favors; legitimate +taxation you term extortion! But who, then, have given greater +evidences of tyranny over the weak than the Lombards themselves? +Remember Como and Lodi--think of the excesses committed there before +our army restored order! Were not those cities, the so-called allies of +Milan, only her slaves? But it is not for a sovereign to seek excuses +before a traitor! Go, the gallows awaits you!" + +Calmly, without bravado as without faltering, the prisoner heard his +sentence; but as the men-at-arms advanced to seize him, he raised his +head: + +"There exists an ancient custom," said he, "honored even among the +heathens. All those who are condemned to death, are permitted to make +one last request, which is granted to them." + +"'Tis well--what is yours?" + +"Delay the execution for three days." + +"Why ask for this delay?" + +The tone of the prisoner changed. His confidence left him, his lips +trembled convulsively; and a tear stood in his eye. + +"Pshaw!" he said, "I can scarcely believe myself guilty of such +weakness! But there are times when the feelings of a father are +stronger than the duties of the patriot. Let me see my child once more; +she is the sole fruit of my once happy marriage. When one is so near +his last hour, there is much to be done." + +"You need feel no shame for such sentiments," replied Frederic, "they +only do you honor. I will grant your request. Goswin, take charge of +the prisoner." + +The Emperor turned away to give orders for the care of the wounded and +the burial of the dead. Litters were hastily constructed of lances and +the branches of trees, and then, escorted by a few knights, Barbarossa +rode over to Cinola, whither he was soon followed by the other troops +and the wounded Germans. + + + + + _CHAPTER VI_. + + _THE COURT FOOL_. + + +Scarcely was the Emperor installed in the fortress, when the German +levies began to come in, and Frederic was extremely gratified by the +arrival of several bishops, whose presence, he hoped, would lend great +moral strength to his cause, although they came, not as messengers of +peace, but in complete armor, and attended by well-appointed troops. +Foremost among the temporal chiefs were Henry the Lion, Duke of Saxony +and Bavaria, next to Barbarossa himself, the most powerful prince of +the Empire; Leopold, Duke of Bohemia; and the mighty counts of Dachau, +d'Andech's and d'Abenberg. Duke Henry of Austria had not yet arrived, +although his army stood close at hand in the defiles of the Alps. + +In the immense plain before the castle a vast camp rose, as if by +magic. Over the white tents fluttered the pennons of the knights, and +before the pavilions of the princes were hoisted their several +standards, rich in gold and silver embroidery. Through the canvas +streets pressed a gay crowd in rich dresses and shining armor, while +knights surrounded by their brilliant retinues, rode in every +direction. + +In the middle of the camp stood the Imperial pavilion, and toward it, +as to a common centre, seemed to tend all the varied parts of the +strange tumult. + +Meanwhile a sad spectacle might have been witnessed before the gates of +the fortress, distant a thousand paces from the camp. From the open +postern of the huge round tower, which formed the principal salient of +the fortification, Bonello was being led out to execution. The three +days' respite had expired, and the certainty of his speedy death, +joined to the sorrow that he had not yet seen his child, had left upon +the prisoner's face traces of deep anguish. His trembling knees could +scarcely support him as he followed the jailers who were conducting him +to the scaffold from which hung the fatal knot. + +The condemned man made every effort to meet his fate with courage, but +when, a few steps from the gallows, the executioner seized the rope, +all his fortitude deserted him, and he halted. + +"What is the matter now," cried the brutal soldier who commanded the +escort. "Until now you have given proofs of bravery; do you tremble at +the sight of a piece of hemp?" + +Bonello raised his head, and with tears in his eyes, in a voice choking +with emotion, replied,-- + +"I do not fear to die, but--oh! my child, my darling child!" + +And he covered his face with his hands. + +"What serves this everlasting whimper about your child; yesterday was +your day, but you got a reprieve by your lamentations; but we can't +wait any longer; so come and be hanged at once!" + +"You are a fool, cousin," cried a shrill voice; "do you think any one +will let himself be hung, if he can help it?" + +The executioner turned and glanced angrily at the speaker; a small man, +almost a dwarf in stature, with intelligent features and eyes beaming +with malice, he was dressed in the garb of a jester, and wore on his +head a bright scarlet cap with asses' ears. Both cap and jacket were +covered with a great number of little bells, which rang merrily with +every movement. He was seated on a stone, his chin resting on his +hands, and laughing ironically in the face of the enraged soldier. + +"Hold your tongue," said the latter, "or I'll hang you too by the +ears." + +"Do you want to get me out of the way for my fool's bauble?" said the +jester, in the same careless tone. "I warn you if you aspire to be my +successor, you will have to prove that there are more brains in your +head than there are in a pumpkin. You are making a poor beginning, +cousin Hesso, or you would not hang this miserable wretch so early in +the morning." + +"The man must be hung now, because his time has come!" said Hesso, +furiously. But the arms of Henry the Lion, which were embroidered on +the jester's coat, prevented any violence on his part. + +"You would be right, if you were not such a liar," replied the fool. +"Your long ears heard the Emperor say yesterday, 'Let him be hung +to-morrow!' What was true then, will be equally so fourteen hours +hence. Till then the poor devil's time is his own." + +Hesso hesitated for an instant, but the idea that he should suffer the +interference of a court fool to delay an execution, was enough to +put him beside himself with rage. Turning towards the prisoner, he +cried,-- + +"Enough of this; fasten up the traitor to the gibbet!" + +The assistants obeyed, and already the noose was around the prisoner's +neck, when, with a sudden spring, and before the executioner could +interfere, the jester drew a knife from his belt, and cut the rope. + +"What means this!" exclaimed Hesso. + +"Thwarted! thwarted," cried the fool; "don't you see! cousin mine, that +this man has not yet been to confession? The head and the body of the +poor devil belong to you and the crows, but neither you, nor your +friend Beelzebub, have any right over his soul! Let this man first +comply with his duties as a Christian!" + +"By Satan! what's that to me? Here, you men, tie a new knot, and hang +up the traitor at once!" + +"Then you will be hung too, cousin," said the jester. "Would you really +dare to execute a man without confession? I came here to witness the +death of a bandit, but not to see the devil steal his soul! If you have +any respect for your own life, cousin, you will put off the business +until I bring here a monk, or a bishop, or if needs, the Pope himself!" +This said, he rushed toward the encampment. + +Hesso bit his lips sullenly, but he knew the positive order which +existed, that no one was to be put to death, without first receiving +the succors of religion. + +"Lead the prisoner back to his dungeon," said he, "until the fool and +the priest have finished their task." + +The jester stopped before a tent whose splendid appearance denoted the +princely rank of its occupant. In front of the entrance floated a +banner on which were blazoned the arms and bearings of episcopal +dignity. Upon the threshold stood a man, evidently of high rank, gazing +idly at the busy movement of the camp. He wore a long tunic, +magnificently embroidered on the cuffs and collar; his hands sparkled +with rings of gold and precious stones; his expression was engaging, +and he smiled cordially as the fool approached. + +"I'm in luck!" cried the jester; "I was only looking for a monk, and +I've stumbled on a prelate in all his glory." + +"What do you want, rascal?" + +"To save a soul from Satan, cousin Adelbert! There is a poor fellow +near here who is going to be hanged; he is still in the bonds of sin, +and I want you to come out and cut them, so that he can spring from the +gallows straight into Abraham's bosom!" + +"But, Lanzo," replied Adelbert, "don't you perceive that I have neither +sword nor dagger in my belt." + +"Oh! cousin, your tongue is sharp enough of itself. Come with me!" + +"What! a prelate follow a fool! Rogue, you ought to be flogged." + +"Well then! let the prelate lead the way. I warrant he will not lose +the trail." + +"Whom do you mean?" + +"Why, the prelate, of course." + +"And of whose trail do you speak?" + +"Zounds! Why, the fool's, to be sure! you look very much like me, +cousin, although your cap has no ears, for your surcoat is nearly as +motley as mine." + +"Leave me instantly!" said Adelbert. + +"You are willing, then, to leave this poor wretch to Satan." + +"Yes, beyond doubt; and you with him! Find a monk, if you can." + +"Hey?--Well, I am learning something new every day," said Lanzo, +ironically. "I never thought before, that a monk was worth more than a +prelate; but I'll remember in future.--Ah, I am in luck, here comes a +monk!--two of them.--I may say three, instead of one!" he cried, as +several monks dismounted and approached the tent. + +They were dusty and travel-stained, and apparently fatigued with a long +journey; the eldest addressed the prelate, while his companions stood +on one side in an attitude of deep humility. + +"Deign to pardon my boldness," said he, after the usual greetings; "we +have just arrived in your camp, and seek a friendly shelter. Our rules +prescribe the greatest discretion; but, in these troublous times, it is +no longer an easy task to hold our pastoral office. Perhaps, your +Excellency will deign to offer us an humble place beneath your tent?" + +But the modest request seemed to irritate the prelate. He drew himself +up, proudly, and glanced disdainfully upon the speaker, as he replied, +sharply,-- + +"The tent of a bishop is not an inn for mendicant friars." + +"If you want to keep company with bishops, or priors, or even canons, +holy father," said Lanzo, "you must wear a _pelisse_ of _sables_, and +let the hair grow on your shaven poll." + +"Would you be kind enough," said the embarrassed monk, turning to the +jester, "would you be kind enough to use your influence with this noble +gentleman. We are messengers from the Archbishop Everard of Salzburg." + +"What!" sneered Adelbert. "Monks acting as the envoys of an archbishop? +Has your master no abbot or canon at the head of his chapter? Your +cowls are out of place amid the splendors of a court! I warn you that +His Majesty has little love for your cloth, and he is right." + +"Ah!" exclaimed Lanzo, "if my cousin Barbarossa could only use the +monks as train-bearers and courtiers for his pet Pope, we would soon +have little need for bishops and canons!" + +With an angry look at the jester, Adelbert re-entered the tent. The +monks seemed greatly embarrassed. Their scornful reception was the more +mortifying, because it was the first visit which they had ever paid to +the high dignitaries of the Church. + +"Be of good cheer, sons of Saint Benedict," said Lanzo; "on the word of +a fool, I promise you comfortable lodgings and a hearty meal! But you +must do me a service in return!" + +"Most gladly, my son," replied the monk. + +"Come with me then, I'll show you the way," said Lanzo, and they left +the spot, followed by the others, leading their horses. + +"You merely ask me to perform a pious duty," said the priest, when +Lanzo had explained the affair; "had we not better go at once to the +poor wretch?" + +"There is no need of haste," replied Lanzo. "They dare not hang him, +until he has confessed and received absolution. You need fear no +rivalry in the matter, either; for my cousin Barbarossa hates your +fraternity, and will not allow a monk within the limits of the camp. So +that we have no one here, save prelates in velvet and ermine, who will +have nothing to do with a confession.--Holloa, there, you idlers, make +way for honest people!" cried the jester, striking with his cap a crowd +of servants who were blocking up the entrance to a narrow street. + +Close at hand, in the middle of an open square, stood the tent of Henry +the Lion, and behind were the lodgings of his suite and the stables for +their horses. + +"Here, Balderich!" said the jester to one of the servants, "take these +animals to the stables, and feed them well." + +And, as the varlet led away the horses, Lanzo conducted the monks to +his own tent, where he offered them some food and wine. + +"I am aware," said he, "that you abstain from meat; but, with the best +will in the world, I cannot give you any fish, although there is plenty +of it in camp." + +The monks said their _benedicite_ and ate what was set before them. + +"Will you not change your dress, Father Conrad?" asked one of them, of +him who seemed the superior. + +"Not yet, my son," replied Conrad; "for the present it will suffice to +shake off the dust." + +"Whilst the monks were attending to the needs of their chief, the fool +examined intently the imposing figure of his guest, as though seeking +to guess at his identity. + +"My son!" said he to the monk, "if those are your children, you must be +their father?" + +"Certainly! friend Lanzo." + +"Then, may Heaven forgive me, for I have led a worthy abbot to the tent +of a fool." + +"You see how deceitful appearances sometimes are," replied the abbot, +with a smile. + +"Yes!--yes. Henceforth I'll go blindfold, and open my ears wider than +ever, to see better what lies before me. But now, my lord Abbot, +whenever it may please you, we can set out on our mission. As to you, +my holy friends and worthy guests, during our absence comfort +yourselves with what is before you; the ham comes from the Duke's own +table, and the wine from his cellars." + +And Lanzo and the Abbot left the tent. + + + + + _CHAPTER VII_. + + _FATHER AND DAUGHTER_. + + +On a rough stone, in the deep and gloomy dungeon of the fortress of +Cinola, sat Guido de Bonello, his body bent forward until his head +almost rested upon his knees, his manacled hands hanging helpless under +the weight of his fetters, and his tearful gaze fixed despondingly upon +the ground. He was a brave man, and had often looked death boldly in +the face; and if he was now so unmanned, it was from no thought of his +own sad fate; his fears were for his daughter, so soon to be left +without a protector. Suddenly the sound of steps met his ear, and he +raised his head quickly, in the fond hope of distinguishing the light +footfall of a woman. The key grated in the lock, the door swung back +upon its hinges, and the chief turnkey, followed by Lanzo and the +Abbot, entered the cell. + +"Here is the priest," said the jailer, sullenly; "get through your +business as soon as possible, for you must be hung at once. If I am to +have as much trouble with all my other prisoners, in future, I would +rather resign my office now, and have done with it." + +"I am entirely at your service, my son," said the Abbot, kindly, as he +approached the prisoner. + +"Thanks, holy father," replied Guido; "but you are mistaken if you +expect to find a criminal here!" + +"Of course!" exclaimed the jester. "Nowadays they never hang any but +honest men; the scoundrels go scot-free. Come, come, cousin, if for +nothing else, you merit the gallows for being such a tender father, and +touching a fool's heart. God knows it was nothing but pity which +prompted me to get you a confessor." + +Without noticing the idle babble of the fool, the prisoner gazed +earnestly upon the Abbot, who seemed deeply grieved at the sight of his +sad condition. + +"You have no hardened criminal to deal with," said he, divining the +priest's thoughts. "My sole fault has been that I drew my sword to +resist the bloody despotism of the Emperor. I feel confident that you +have not visited the camp of Barbarossa to encourage the crimes and +errors of the heretic, for your calm and pious eyes show clearly that +you are no sycophant sold to the tyrant! As an unworthy sinner, I will +gladly avail myself of your kind arm in this my last journey. But first +let me beg you to administer aid to my spiritual necessities." The +clatter of horses' feet in the court-yard interrupted the prisoner; the +sound of light footsteps was heard along the passage; the door swung +open, and a slight veiled form entered the dungeon;--the daughter of +Bonello was in her father's arms. In the doorway stood Pietro Nigri, +gazing, with deep emotion, upon the scene. + +The prisoner, passionately embracing his daughter, wept and sobbed +bitterly; for the thought that he held now to his heart, perhaps for +the last time, all that he loved on earth, was agonizing in the +extreme. + +The young girl's face was calmer. She uttered neither complaint nor +lamentation. For a moment her head reposed upon her father's breast, +and then, raising it, she put back the gray hairs which covered his +brow, and gazed fondly into his eyes. + +"My father!" She could say no more; but the tone was enough to show the +world of deep emotions which filled her heart at this awful moment. + +Disengaging herself from his embrace, she looked around her. + +Women, in trying circumstances, often give proof of marvellous energy +and force of character. Mastering for the moment her grief,--dismissing +every painful thought,--the young girl sought only to cheer the last +hours of the condemned. + +"Take off these heavy fetters which crush him," said she to the jailer; +"put him in some other less frightful cell, I implore you!" + +"I have no desire to be hung in his place," growled the man. + +"Oh!" said she, pleadingly, "it can be no crime to soothe the last +moments of a dying man!" and she emptied the contents of her purse into +the jailer's hand. + +The effect of the gold was magical; he smiled, bowed, and muttered some +excuse for his churlishness. + +"Noble lady--you are too kind--yes, you are right, it would be inhuman +to torture the poor wretch unnecessarily. I will conduct him to the +upper tower, and, as he cannot wear his chains on his last journey, I +may as well rid him of them now." + +And, taking a key from the bunch at his girdle, Guido's manacles fell +upon the ground. + +"Captain Hesso would be incensed, were he to see this, but it matters +little; he won't come back again today, and to-morrow all will be +over." + +These last cruel words wellnigh broke the young girl's heart. The +jester observed her changing face, and his own ready sympathies were +awakened. + +"Yes," said he, "to-morrow all will, probably, be over; but, one word +from me to the noble Duke, would falsify your prediction. I cut the +rope once, and I would do it again if the fancy took me." + +"I owe you many thanks, my kind friend," said Bonello, pressing the +hand of the jester. "I would not be here now, if your kind heart and +good knife had not acted so promptly." + +"Pshaw! It Was a silly thing to do, my good sir; but if you would do +something really of use, you should send this reverend gentleman to the +Emperor, to get His Majesty to open your cage." + +"If you have access to the court, holy father," said Bonello, "use your +influence in my behalf! I have never opposed the Imperial supremacy, +and only took up arms to resist oppression; but if the Emperor will +spare my life, I will consecrate it, hereafter, entirely to my child." + +"Sir knight, be assured that I will do all in my power. A mission of +grave importance summons me to the Emperor's presence without delay. +May God grant that I may find him mercifully disposed! I will return as +speedily as possible, to announce to you the result of my efforts." + +And the prelate, followed by Lanzo, took his departure for the Camp, +while Guido, his daughter, and Pietro Nigri, were conducted by the +jailer to a lofty and well-lighted chamber of the upper tower. + +"If you wish anything," said he, "open this window and call; I shall be +close at hand." + +He lingered for an instant, and then left the room, carefully locking +the door behind him. + +The travellers evidently stood in need of refreshments; but the sad +fate awaiting Bonello, had prevented his child from all consciousness +of physical wants. Every movement of the girl betrayed her inward +suffering; but, with the desire of soothing his last moments, she +strove bravely to conceal every trace of her own emotion. + +Pietro was pale and suffering; although severely wounded in the late +unlucky battle, the proud Milanese felt still more deeply the dangers +menacing his beloved country. Wrapped in contemplation of the German +camp, he stood at the open window, entirely forgetful of the +unfortunate Guido and his daughter. + +"I have been awaiting you impatiently, for two days past, my child! +Were you delayed by the insecurity of the road?" + +"Not at all, father; it was Pietro's wound which prevented me +travelling more rapidly." + +"Were you not annoyed?" + +"On the contrary," she replied; "the German knights paid us every +attention in their power." + +"What strange people those Germans are!" said Guido. "I have often +admired their courteous treatment of women. But your appearance in +their camp would, of itself, bring you a host of valiant champions." + +"Heaven preserve us from such chivalrous support," said Pietro, whose +violent hatred for the Germans would not suffer him to listen to a word +in their praise. + +"To be just towards the virtues of our enemies, is no proof of either +weakness or treason." + +"No; but to admit the virtue of an enemy, is not becoming in a sincere +patriot," replied Nigri. + +Bonello knew Pietro's blind hatred for everything that was German, and +had calculated upon a similar answer, the injustice of which it was +most easy to show by simple facts. During their discussion, Hermengarde +had approached the window, and now gave way to the emotions which she +had so long controlled. The tears coursed down her cheeks, for she +could see distinctly the gallows and the executioners. Raising her eyes +appealingly towards Heaven, which shone clear and pure above the +smiling landscape, she thought of the promised intercession of the holy +abbot, and she prayed to God and the Holy Virgin, for the safety of her +beloved and unfortunate father. + +Her tears ceased, and in a calmer tone, she turned towards him:-- + +"Without doubt, the Emperor will pardon you. The Almighty knows your +innocence, and will not suffer you to die the death of the guilty." + +"Let us hope so, my child!" + +"For my part, I expect nothing," said Nigri. "The heart of the tyrant +Barbarossa knows neither pity nor justice.--Hermengarde, resign +yourself to the worst, and do not cherish a vain hope." + +"Oh! Pietro," said she, turning away. + +"Rather be proud of your father's death; he is a martyr to the cause of +his country's freedom!" + +"Enough! enough!" interrupted Bonello. "A girl of fourteen cannot +understand such heroic sentiments, dear Pietro! But if my hours are +numbered, as you seem to think; if I am soon to leave you forever," +(and Guido mustered up all his courage to preserve the appearance of +calm resignation,) "it is you, Pietro, who must endeavor to replace me. +You know my wishes; receive Hermengarde's hand now, until the priest +can unite you forever." + +Tears streamed from the prisoner's eyes and fell upon his gray beard, +as he took his daughter's hand to place it in that of Pietro. But the +words of the young man had made too painful an impression upon her +heart, and turning from him, with a burst of bitter weeping, +Hermengarde threw herself upon her father's bosom. + + + + + _CHAPTER VIII_. + + _THE ABBOT CONRAD_. + + +The condemned man could not easily have found a more powerful advocate +than the Abbot Conrad, the friend of the great Archbishop of Salzburg, +whose opposition had hitherto prevented the recognition in Germany of +the Anti-Pope Victor. Frederic had neglected nothing to obtain the +active co-operation of the Princes of the Church, but all in vain; +neither threats nor entreaties could induce Eberhard to countenance the +schism. He had not even replied to the Emperor's summons to accompany +him to Italy, in order that it might not be imagined that he would make +any compromise with heresy and error. + +Many of the bishops regulated their conduct by that of the eminent +Archbishop of Salzburg, and as long as the feeble and irresolute Victor +was not universally acknowledged as Pope, the Emperor could not hope +for a complete realization of his ambitious projects. In fact, Victor +was as humbly submissive to Frederic's slightest wishes as Alexander +III. was inflexibly opposed to them. As powerful and bold as Barbarossa +himself, he disdained to play the part of lackey to the Emperor, and +refused to enthrall the liberty of the Church and make religion the +mere stepping-stone to a despotic prince. Such a man was dangerous to +the Emperor's projects, and every effort was made to drive Alexander +from the throne of St. Peter. Eberhard was the head of the Papal +faction in Germany, and as Conrad was said to possess great influence +with the Archbishop, it was most natural to suppose that Frederic would +gladly oblige the monk whenever it was in his power to do so. + +The long expected arrival of the Abbot was promptly noised through the +Imperial camp, and scarcely had he returned to the jester's hospitable +tent, when he found himself surrounded by the courtiers. Adelbert was +one of the foremost, and the prelate strove, by most humble excuses, to +atone for his former incivility. Conrad retained his native modesty, +and smiled as he witnessed the assiduity of the German nobles. + +"His Eminence the Bishop regrets that he is not to have the honor of +offering you his hospitality," said Adelbert. "But His Majesty has +ordered the most sumptuous apartment of his own tent to be prepared for +your reception, my lord Abbot. His Eminence has overwhelmed me with +well-merited reproaches for my unlucky mistake of this morning. But I +could scarcely imagine that so illustrious an Abbot would have been +thus disguised beneath a monk's cowl!" + +"Lord Adelbert, I beg that you will cease these apologies; the mistake +is of too little importance to be referred to a second time." + +"I feel deeply mortified, my lord!" continued Adelbert. "Your +celebrated order is welcomed by all, and surely its virtuous superior +should have been received with open arms." + +The abbot began to feel an intense disgust for this obsequious +servility, and was well satisfied when he reached the monarch's tent. +At the farther side of the square, on which it stood, was planted a +tall flagstaff where floated the proud banner of the Emperor. On either +side, midway between it and the tent, were two knights in complete +armor, who, with drawn swords, mounted guard over the Imperial shield. +This was in conformity with a traditional custom, and the duty was +shared, in turn, by every noble, spiritual and temporal, of the court. +Unlike the rest of the camp, a profound silence replaced the noisy +bustle. Warriors in shining mail, and courtiers in rich dresses, stood +around the pavilion; but their grave and respectful deportment showed +that they were near the presence of their sovereign. + +The Emperor and his chancellor were seated at a table, in deep +consultation. Frederic had much reason to be gratified with the +alacrity shown by the majority of the German princes in obeying his +summons; but the absence of many of the bishops was a bad omen for the +success of his cause. Some, it is true, had sent both men and money, +others merely excuses; but the Emperor could not but feel that there +was a very evident disinclination to hold converse with a schismatic. + +His numerous and well-organized army could easily have overrun and +conquered all Italy, but his long cherished project, the submission of +the spiritual power of the Church to the temporal sovereignty of the +Empire, could not, in that age, be attained by force of arms. + +He was particularly indignant against the Bavarian Episcopacy, whose +primate, Eberhard of Salzburg, was the chief and most zealous adherent +of Alexander III. A threatening message had been dispatched to the +Archbishop, demanding his immediate presence; but, instead of appearing +in person at the head of his men-at-arms, the primate had delegated an +humble monk as his representative to the Court. + +"In truth!" exclaimed Frederic, "I am beginning to weary of this;--the +Archbishop appears to despise both threats and entreaties!--By Heavens! +he shall feel my anger!" + +"Violence would be out of place here," remarked the Chancellor, dryly. +"Your Imperial Majesty is scarcely in a condition, at present, to break +the cross and mitre." + +"Must we then sue humbly for the aid of this egotistical old priest?" +said Frederic, bitterly. "I would have you know, my lord, that we are +not yet reduced so low as that! If the Archbishop does not offer us a +valid excuse, he shall be punished by banishment." + +"Banishment!" replied the minister, with a laugh. "The sentences, which +Victor fulminates, will all turn to smoke, for the world has little +scruple in ridiculing the Anti-Pope. You may use force, but it will be +at the expense of your own reputation. You know well that Eberhard is +profoundly respected by all, and his example has been the chief cause +of the non-recognition of Victor's claims. The people revere him as a +saint, and if you would ruin your own cause irretrievably in the +estimation of the world, you have only to punish the Archbishop." + +"What then does your wisdom suggest?" + +"As neither prayers, nor threats have availed," replied the crafty +statesman, "try diplomacy. Assume the mask of Organizer of the Church. +Receive the Abbot Conrad with cordiality, and trust to me for the +rest." + +"What is your plan?" + +"To persuade Eberhard to visit your court,--the game will be in your +own hands then." + +"In my own hands! Bah! Eberhard will never break faith with Alexander!" + +"Probably not! but if he should come here, I will spread the report +that he has acknowledged Victor. And, what is still more important, the +holy man will have paid a visit to the heretic Barbarossa,--a visit +which would never be made, were you to continue to be the avowed enemy +of the Church." + +"Your reasoning is specious," said the prince; "that game may be +successful!" + +"May be?--only may be!" replied Dassel, somewhat offended by Frederic's +incredulity. "My policy is not a _game_; it is no mere fancy of the +brain." + +"I perceive," answered Barbarossa, "that science is irritable, and her +adepts petulant. We will therefore bow before your invention, which you +insist is not a mere game, but a deadly war-engine levelled against +Alexander III." + +"Eberhard's apparent defection will be your rival's death-blow, for +Victor's recognition will be its natural and immediate consequence," +said the Chancellor. "And now, Sire, if you will permit me, I will +summon the Archbishop's envoy. The monarch assented, and the Count +drawing aside the silken curtains of the tent, beckoned to a +chamberlain. A few moments after Conrad entered." + +"Welcome, my lord Abbot," said Frederic, rising. "We are pleased with +the judicious choice thus made by our Metropolitan of Salzburg. We are +always glad to receive a counsellor whose wisdom can enlighten us in +matters of difficulty." + +Conrad bowed and handed a sealed packet to the Emperor. Frederic +hurriedly tore open the envelope; it only contained the Abbot's letters +of credence. + +"Be seated," said Barbarossa, pointing to a chair. "The Archbishop, I +perceive, alleges his advanced age as an excuse for his refusal to our +invitation. We regret these obstacles--but what says he to our +request?" + +"He cannot send the contingent demanded by your Majesty. All his troops +are needed to defend his own territory against his ambitious neighbors. +But he is prepared to offer a tribute of money!" + +"Money!--I want none of it!" said Frederic, proudly. "Loyalty and +attachment are alone of value in our eyes. Our sovereign power would be +weak indeed if obedience could be replaced by gold! But enough of this; +we can do without the Archbishop's assistance; our forces are strong +enough already to take the field! Tell me, though, what does he think +of the true head of the Church? We trust that he is not one of those +who compound with heresy?" + +"Submission to the legitimate Pope is one of the first duties of a +prelate," replied Conrad. "But in the opinion of him who sent me +hither, it is not Victor but Alexander who has a right to the title. +The Archbishop has commissioned me to make this observation to your +Majesty." + +"There it is again!" cried Frederic, "always observations!" + +"Allow me, Sire, to lay before you the reasons which have influenced +the convictions of the Archbishop," said Conrad.--"Immediately upon the +death of Adrian IV., the Sacred College unanimously elected Roland, now +Alexander III." + +"Unanimously?" interrupted Barbarossa. "If I recollect aright, all the +Cardinals were not present!" + +"True, three were absent,--but two of them were held as prisoners by +your Majesty," replied Conrad. + +"The answer is devoid of reason, my lord Abbot. Those two Cardinals had +incurred my displeasure. We merely invited them not to leave our +court,--but they could scarcely be called prisoners;--however, +proceed!" + +"Alexander's energetic, inflexible character was known, and it was +decided to depose him. A powerful faction elected Cardinal Octavian, +and Alexander was forcibly expelled. In consequence of this, the +Archbishop Eberhard, and every other prelate who is learned in the +sacred canons, regard Victor's election as illegal, and look upon +Alexander as the legitimate Pope." + +"This is strange!" said the Emperor, forced to blush before the +Abbot's arguments. "We certainly had never considered the question in +this light.--We will have to be influenced by the Archbishop's +opinion.--Hitherto we had thought differently. Your Metropolitan should +have explained before the Council of Pavia, to which he was convened, +the reasons which you have just advanced!--If we are in error, if we +have indorsed so far the Anti-Pope, it is your master's fault. We much +desire an interview with the worthy prelate, and regret exceedingly, +that we cannot at once profit by his experience. The more so that, had +he so willed it, this schism might have been long since ended." + +The Abbot was dumb with surprise, but he still hesitated to give faith +to the entire sincerity of the Emperor. + +"The schism grieves us much," continued Barbarossa. "The Defender of +the Faith, more than any one else, must deplore its continuance. +Hitherto we have done all in our power in order that Victor, whom we +supported, should be acknowledged by the whole Church. But what you +have just told us, as coming from the Archbishop, creates grave doubts +in our mind." + +"In any case," said Rinaldo, timidly, "it would be well if His Eminence +of Salzburg should join the Court.--His presence alone would remove +many obstacles." + +"Although in feeble health, the venerable Bishop will not hesitate +before the fatigues of the journey, if he were once assured that his +influence would effect the unanimous recognition of the true Pope!" +added Conrad. + +"Let us hope so, at least!" replied the Emperor, and turning towards +Rinaldo, he added, "You will write to this effect to the Archbishop; +and, in the meantime, my dear Abbot, you are our guest." + +He rose, and bowed graciously to the prelate, as a signal that the +audience was at an end; but the Abbot, preoccupied with Bonello's case, +after a moment's hesitation, began to plead in his behalf. + +"Deign to excuse me, Sire, if I venture to implore your clemency for a +most unfortunate man. A Guelph knight, named Bonello, is to be hung +to-day. Spare his life, Sire, and in future he will no longer mix in +political strife, but devote himself entirely to the education of his +only daughter. She is almost a child, and needs a father's care; the +more so that her extraordinary beauty is in itself a grave danger to +one so young. If your Majesty desires to show me any favor, you will +listen to my earnest prayer." + +The Emperor reflected for a moment. + +"What you ask is impossible," said he; "the sentence must be executed!" + +"Although your Majesty cannot pardon the traitor," said Rinaldo, "you +can easily offer him to the Archbishop of Salzburg's friend. Bonello is +only a Lombard noble; it would be an original present to a German +bishop." + +Barbarossa divined the Chancellor's meaning, but he was inflexible. + +"Not another word; the traitor must die!" + +Conrad read in the Emperor's expression the uselessness of further +appeal, and he could only rejoice that he had been able to prolong, +although but for a few short hours, the life of the condemned. He might +at least prepare him for the great journey into eternity. + +"Hasten to discharge your holy mission," said Barbarossa, "for +to-morrow at daybreak Bonello shall be hanged." + +The prelate bowed, and left the tent. + +"You should let the poor devil live," said the Chancellor, in a +discontented tone. + +"The poor devil might live," replied Barbarossa, "but the rebel must +die;" and he took his place again at the table. + +"If I aspired to the empire of the world, the blind goddess of justice +would be obliged to make more than one sacrifice on the altar of +expediency," remarked the Count of Dassel. "The Abbot Conrad solicited +the Guelph's pardon; Conrad is the friend of the Archbishop Eberhard, +and Eberhard is the soul of the Episcopacy." + +"Must we purchase the loyalty which is ours by right, by making +concessions and granting impunity to crime?" + +"Your Majesty's notions of justice utterly confound my poor wisdom," +said Rinaldo respectfully. "At this moment I am in an awkward dilemma. +I see dangerous breakers ahead; a species of conspiracy against the +realization of your gigantic enterprise, and I neither dare to show the +peril nor attempt to avoid it. It is truly painful for a sincerely +devoted heart." + +"Explain your meaning," said the Emperor. + +The Chancellor rose and approached the table, his knit brows and eager +eyes wearing an expression of stern determination. + +"Henry the Lion is Duke of Saxony and Bavaria," he continued. "He is +the most powerful lord of Germany. As a Guelph, his attachment to +Alexander is patent; we hold the proofs at hand. To conciliate Henry by +gifts of power or territory would be dangerous. Proud, haughty, and +ambitious, he can hope for nothing from you, and will naturally turn to +that faction which can offer him the most solid advantages. Even now, +perhaps, he may be only awaiting a plausible excuse for leaving the +Emperor and joining the party of Alexander III." + +The Chancellor paused for a moment, as if expecting a reply; but he +received none. + +"Henry the Lion is allied to the wealthy and powerful Berthold of +Z[oe]hringen," continued Dassel. "In the event of a rupture, +Z[oe]hringen also would be arrayed against us. Is the Emperor in a fit +condition to resist this coalition?" + +"The assertion is a bold one, my lord, and yet I must confess that your +fears are not entirely groundless," answered Barbarossa. + +"I have shown the danger to your Majesty; let me now explain how it may +be averted. The Lion espoused Clemence, a sister of the Z[oe]hringen; +by her he has no male issue. Now, to a prince who seeks to perpetuate +the glories of his race, there can be no condition more painful than +this, and it is even said to have caused more than one curious family +discussion. Should the Duke repudiate Clemence, your cause would be +gained; for by the very fact of the divorce he would be obliged to +break with Z[oe]hringen and Alexander, and become your partisan." + +Frederic shook his head, as he replied,-- + +"This master-stroke of policy is not without its merit, but is the +proceeding honest or honorable?" + +"Ah!" cried Dassel, "I felt sure that the Emperor's love of justice +would prove the only real obstacle to the success of the house of +Hohenstauffen. Ah, well!" he continued ironically, "we shall at least +be martyrs to the cause of justice." + +The Emperor was silent; Rinaldo had wounded his conscientious scruples, +but the Chancellor spread out before him a parchment, and looked +steadily upon his sovereign, as he prepared to employ this last +terrible weapon. + +"Henry the Lion is ambitious," said Barbarossa; "his strength and his +alliances make him really dangerous. But, your plan is a good one, if +it were feasible!" + +"And why not, Sire? If the Emperor could divorce himself, what can +prevent the Duke? If I mistake not, you did not ask permission of the +Pontiff when, upon the pretext of consanguinity, you repudiated +Adelaide and married Beatrice. Think you that the Pope Victor will +hesitate to annul the Duke's marriage, if the Emperor so orders it?" + +"Measure your words, my lord Chancellor! If I still hesitate, it is +because of the crying injustice of which poor Clemence would be the +victim. She is a noble woman!" + +"Doubtless, and I pity her sincerely; but are the tears of a woman to +baffle your projects for glory and dominion?" + +This remark terminated the discussion. The proud aspirations of +Barbarossa for universal Empire smothered every other feeling. He loved +power and fame, and to them he sacrificed every other sentiment. + +"But the Duke's assent to our projects is by no means certain," said +he, less to discuss the subject than as & mark of his discontent. + +"I will take care of that," said the Chancellor; "the Lion must be +speedily influenced to an open rupture!" + + + + + _CHAPTER IX_. + + _FILIAL DEVOTION_. + + +The oftener Bonello saw his daughter, the more unwilling he became to +die. Alas! what will become of her, poor orphan, he thought. Then +again, at times, he turned to his project of her marriage with Nigri, +and felt reassured. But Pietro had so deeply wounded her feelings by +his violent and inconsiderate outburst, that he no longer desired that +union for his child. She might perhaps seek shelter in a convent! Yet, +in those times of civil strife, the walls of a cloister were but an +insecure protection! Whilst he lamented in the bitterness of his +thought, Pietro Nigri recommenced his wild harangue on the subject of +the expected pardon. + +"I should be sorry, sir knight, to allow Frederic to suppose for an +instant that I feared death." + +"Our positions are very different, young man," replied Bonello. "The +cares and sentiments of a father are often more potent than the +chivalrous heroism of a youth!" + +"You should be able to master your emotions," said Nigri. "The ties of +mere human affection should be as nothing compared with the duties +which we owe to our country. If we fear the rope and the scaffold,--if +the approach of death is to excite our tears,--we will deserve, by our +weakness, to bear the German yoke." + +"You really do yourself injustice, Pietro!" said the prisoner, glancing +towards the window where his daughter stood, anxiously awaiting the +return of the Abbot. At last she perceived some horsemen approaching +the eminence on which the fortress was built. It even seemed to her +that she could distinguish the monk's robe; but what meant those armed +men? Were they the Abbot's escort? Her heart beat violently. They drew +up at the foot of the hill, and the prelate, leaving his attendants, +ascended with hasty steps the path which led to the Castle. + +"It is he!--he is coming--he is coming," cried Hermengarde, excitedly. +"See how the holy man hastens. No! his is not the air of a messenger of +evil; it is mercy and pardon that he will announce! My father!--oh, my +father!" said she, embracing Bonello, and smiling through her tears. + +"You are right, perhaps, my child; but wait a moment." + +"Oh! do not doubt it, it is certain! You are pardoned; a voice from +within tells me that I am right!" + +The key grated in the lock, and the Abbot entered with a solemn and +dejected mien. + +"I have come in person," he said, "to communicate the result of my +mission. I have only partially succeeded. Sir Knight. But the Emperor +has respited you for to-day." + +The prisoner was not for an instant deceived by the mild form under +which the Abbot veiled his failure. But the childish sentiments of +Hermengarde did not take in at once the dread truth. + +"Holy Father," said she, "your vague words alarm me. I implore you, +tell me clearly if the Emperor has pardoned my father?" + +The prelate looked sadly at the young girl. + +"At first the Emperor positively refused to listen to my prayers for +mercy; however, by my persistent supplications I have attained a +satisfactory result." + +"Ah! only for to-day!" + +"We may feel perfectly easy, dear child. To-day not a hair of your +father's head will be harmed!" + +"But to-morrow!--Great God! what may happen tomorrow?" she cried, with +anguish. + +"Trust in God, my child," said the monk; "he alone is master of the +future." + +"Oh! unhappy creature that I am.--You hesitate to tell me the fearful +truth!--You dread my tears!--Do you not see, dearest Father, that my +eyes are dry?--that I am calm and resigned?--For God's sake, speak to +me!" cried Hermengarde. "This uncertainty is worse than death! I am +strong enough to bear anything but that,--we have no time to lose in +idle tears now. The few short hours that are left us must be spent in +trying to avert to-morrow's fearful doom!" + +Hermengarde spoke earnestly, and her touching distress suggested a last +hope to the good Abbot. + +"Your pleadings may soften the Emperor, my child," he said. "I will +gladly use my influence to get you to his presence.--You may be more +successful than I." + +"You have failed! Then, indeed, all hope is lost," she cried, +despairingly. + +"Calm yourself, my child," said Guido, "all is not lost yet." + +"Oh! I am calm, my Father; my mind is entirely composed.--Reverend Sir, +take me at once, I beseech you, to the Emperor!" + +And with wonderful stoicism she began her preparations; for though her +heart was wellnigh breaking within her, she had summoned all her +courage for this one last effort. + +"Pietro," said she, after a moment's hesitation, "will you not come +with me?" + +"Pardon me, noble lady, if I cannot accede to your request; the sight +of the tyrant has always been insupportable to me.--What will it be +now, when I behold you a suppliant at his feet?" + +"Ah! Pietro, do not refuse me the support of your arm!" + +"Fear not, my daughter," said the Abbot; "I will not leave you for an +instant. This young man appears too much excited, and we must act with +the greatest calmness!" + +Hermengarde seized the prelate's hand, and they immediately left the +tower. + +Conrad's retinue was composed of gentlemen of the Imperial household, +for Barbarossa always treated with great distinction all those whose +favor he wished to gain. As they descended the hill, Hermengarde's +beauty attracted the admiration of the knights, one of whom dismounted +as she approached, and respectfully held the stirrup for her to mount. +For her remarkable loveliness could not fail to conciliate the kind +feelings of all those who in that chivalric age treated woman with such +distinguished courtesy. The little band moved slowly along the main +road to the Imperial tent, for such was the bustle and movement that +their progress was more than once arrested by the crowd. Although for +the first time within the precincts of a camp, Hermengarde scarcely +remarked the tumult, nor noticed the looks of open admiration which her +beauty called forth from all, so entirely was she a prey to her own sad +thoughts. As they passed the tent of Henry the Lion, they met, the +Chancellor Rinaldo, who, richly dressed and surrounded by a brilliant +retinue, was about to pay a visit to the Duke. + +"Whither go you thus, my lord Abbot?" he asked; "ah, well! I see you +are not easily discouraged; and in truth," he added, bowing to the +young girl, "your _protegee_ is worthy of your best efforts, to which I +sincerely wish you every success." + +"The result would most certainly be successful, my lord," said Conrad, +"if my slight influence was but backed by you." + +Rinaldo said nothing, but as he gazed on Hermengarde, his bold +imagination at once conceived a plan of which it alone was capable. + +"My support is cheerfully offered, my lord Abbot," said he, after a +moment's silence. "As much through respect for you, as from interest in +this amiable young lady; but we must take every precaution, and not act +rashly. I have a trifling affair to arrange with the Saxon Duke, and +will then at once join you. Pray, in the meanwhile go into my tent." + +The Count directed one of his attendants to show every respect to the +prelate and his suite during his absence, and then, after a few words +of cheer to the young girl, continued on his way. + +"What a lucky meeting!" said the Chancellor, who never neglected even +the most unimportant circumstance. "The Lion can never look at this +girl calmly. She is rather young, it is true, and a few years more +would be in her favor; still, compared with Clemence, the Duke will not +hesitate an instant." + +He had by this time arrived at the Saxon tent, and dismounting, he left +his escort in the ante-chamber, passing himself into an inner +apartment. Beckoning to a servant who was in waiting,-- + +"Can I speak with your master?" he asked. + +"In a few moments, my lord! The Duke is at present with his family, and +desires not to be interrupted." + +In the adjoining room he could hear the deep voice of a man mingling +with the gay laugh and joyous prattle of children. + +"There is no hurry about it," replied Dassel. + +And he paced the ante-chamber, seemingly immersed in grave thought, but +in reality listening to what was said in the Duke's chamber. + +Henry the Lion was a bold and courageous monarch, ever occupied in the +extension of his territories. His dream was to unite under his sway all +the provinces of Northern Germany, as Frederic had done with those of +the South. Under the pretext of converting the heathen, he had been +engaged for many years in a war with the Slaves, but the aggrandizement +of his kingdom was a motive far more potent than could be the triumph +of the true faith. + +The innovations attempted by Frederic in the affairs of the Church met +with little favor in his eyes, for he made no secret of his leanings +towards orthodoxy, and although, as a vassal of the Empire, he fought +against the Lombards, still in his heart he sympathized with their +resistance to the encroachments of the Emperor. He refused to recognize +Victor, the anti-Pope, whose slavish nature he despised, and whom he +openly treated with contempt as occupying a position to which he was +not legally entitled. It needed all Frederic's diplomacy to secure the +co-operation of the Duke in the struggle which he was about to +inaugurate, for Barbarossa had long felt the necessity of detaching him +from the support of Alexander III., and it seemed as though the crafty +Chancellor had discovered a sure means of success. + +Whilst the minister was plotting his dishonorable combinations, the +Duke, all unconscious of the visit awaiting him, was seated in the +bosom of his family, Henry was a tall, powerfully built man, with dark +hair and eyes, a heavy beard, and a frank open expression upon his +sun-burned features. His remarkable strength had gained him the surname +of the Lion. He was impatient of all repose, and chafed bitterly at the +inaction to which the Emperor had condemned him. + +Near him sat the Duchess, busied with her embroidery. Not without +personal and intellectual attractions, she was sincerely attached to +her husband, but the affection which he had once felt for the lovely +Clemence had long since made way for other sentiments. Honoring her +virtues, he could not but feel deeply mortified that he was without an +heir, and to his intimate associates he had more than once hinted at +the possibility of a divorce. + +"Look, Clemence! what a fine boy our little Hildegarde would make," +said the Duke, playing with the silken curls of the child who had +glided between his knees. "He would be old enough now to play with +arms, or sharpen arrows, and in a few years could fight by my side!" + +"And perhaps die there, husband!" + +"Our five daughters run no risk of dying a hero's death!" he replied +bitterly. "Ah! I would give the half of my left hand if one of those +girls were a boy!" + +"Henry, do not cherish such gloomy thoughts. You make me tremble for +our future!" + +"Never mind! a hand for a son!" continued Henry, with growing rage. "If +my death-bed could be surrounded by five sons, I should feel that my +toils had not been altogether unavailing. Ah! those five young lions +could complete the work which their father had begun, and their +combined efforts might defy the Emperor. But it is a painful, a +bitterly painful thought, that I shall die and leave to helpless girls +the great work which I have so painfully achieved." + +Clemence let fall her work and gazed upon her husband; despite her +gentle nature and her sentiments of Christian resignation, she was much +depressed by his violent outburst. + +"Pardon, dear Henry!" she said; "your views are selfish ones. He who +toils only for earthly fame, gives little thought to Eternity. In this +world, we should be contented with the consciousness that we have +always acted honestly and from noble motives!" + +"A sad fate!" + +"But the best, the most really meritorious! The true crown of glory is +eternal and unfading! What we accomplish on earth is often valueless +hereafter, for what then avails a lifetime spent in strife, and storms, +and troubles! I implore you, dear husband, do not question the decrees +of Providence; think less of earthly greatness, for pride leads to +forgetfulness of God, and to eternal perdition!" + +"You are right," said the Prince, who had listened calmly while +Clemence was speaking, "if we are to measure honor's reward by what +comes after death; but I maintain that I would gladly exchange some +leaves of my heavenly crown, for the prospect of an earthly heir." + +A slight noise was heard, the curtains were lifted, and Lanzo with a +serious face entered the room. + +"Whence come you, knave?" + +"From the gallows, godfather!" + +"What! am I the sponsor of a gallows-bird?" + +"You have no reason to be ashamed of it, cousin, since it appears to be +the fashion, nowadays, to hang honest people!" + +"Who has been hanged?" + +"Oh! just now, no one; but those who have the halter around their necks +are not always the worst off. It may be that your Grace or the Emperor +would send an honest citizen to execution; but, when the devil in +person leads a man to the scaffold, it is another thing!" + +"You are not bright to-day, Lanzo!" + +"And why not, master?" + +"This stupid speech about the devil leading a man to the scaffold." + +"My luminous idea was a true one, though," said the jester. "Would you +like me to show you one of Satan's tricks?" + +"I am somewhat curious; let us see." + +"Be good enough then to open wide the eyes of your understanding, for +he who is blind in spirit, although carnally lucid, cannot discover the +wiles of the demon. The works of his diabolical Majesty are, like +Beelzebub himself, of a spiritual essence. The first and chief agent of +the devil is--guess what, cousin!" + +"What do you mean?" + +"Pride! Whenever Satan can entangle a man in the meshes of pride, it is +all over with him! Pride rises, and aspires to rise. Let us suppose +that our individual is a duke, he covets the Empire; and to accomplish +his purpose, would destroy every barrier to his ambition, even were it +necessary to be guilty of a crime. Should he be an Emperor, he desires +the power of God, and even the Pope must be his humble vassal. If you +look around, cousin, you can see for yourself, that is, if your eyes +are worth anything. Should the proud man have an excellent wife, whose +only fault is that she has not borne him a son, the poor creature +becomes a martyr, for pride has no respect for the feelings or rights +of others, and only dreams of seeing his own power and glory reflected +in the persons of his descendants, long after his own flesh has become +the food of worms!" + +The Duke started, and turned towards his wife; but Clemence seemed +absorbed in her work and heedless of the fool's discourse. + +"Shall I show you some more of the devil's tricks, cousin?" + +"No! I have had enough for to-day!" + +"His diabolical Majesty has not only snares and pitfalls to catch +fools, but also executioners to hunt them up! If I mistake not, one of +these gentry is about to pay you a visit, cousin! Come, I will show him +to you, but take good care of yourself, noble Lion!" + +The prince looked anxiously to where Lanzo pointed, for he knew that +his jester often veiled really serious truths beneath the semblance of +frivolity. + +"Here is His Majesty's servant!" said the fool, as Rinaldo entered, +with a smile. + +"Forgive me, my lord, for thus disturbing your family party for a +moment; I could not resist the temptation of being the messenger of +good news!" + +"You are welcome, my lord; and these news are?" + +"That to-morrow we break camp, and march upon Milan." + +"At last!" cried the soldier; "it is, indeed, good news that you bring +me. Camp-life is demoralizing, and we should have finished long since +with our enemies!" + +"So I have urged," replied Rinaldo. "His Majesty wished at first to +await the arrival of the Austrian duke, but your counsels have modified +the plan. I must really admire your influence over one who is so little +patient of advice or control. Your Highness is as great in the council +as in the field." + +[Transcriber's note: Initial text of paragraph missing--possibly "The +Duke was ..."] secretly flattered by this homage to his pride. "My +observations have only served to develop the great military talent of +the Emperor." + +"With an ironical smile, scarcely perceptible around the corners of his +mouth, Rinaldo answered,-- + +"A monarch is none the less great, because he listens to reason and +follows good advice! But I have come to summon your Highness to a +council of war, in which the plan of campaign against Milan is to be +discussed. It will be very select, and only a few princes and prelates, +who are experienced in the art of war, will be present." + +"At what hour?" + +"So soon as you shall have arrived?" + +"Halloa, without there! my cloak!" cried the Duke. + +"Oh! there is no need of such haste!" said Dassel. "Before starting, I +must solicit a favor of your Highness." + +"On what subject, pray?" + +"Oh, a mere peccadillo! But, by your leave, I would make my confession +in secret." + +As they entered an adjoining room, Lanzo hurriedly concealed himself +behind the hangings, as though this presumption was one of his +privileges. + +"What is the matter?" asked the Duke of Rinaldo, who stood before him +with down-cast eyes, and an appearance of irresolution and +discouragement. + +"I am really a guilty man," said the Chancellor, after a moment's +silence. I meant to await a more favorable occasion; but--I was an +unwilling listener to your conversation with the Duchess, and much as I +dislike to interfere with your domestic happiness, I have been unable +to restrain myself.--That you, the most powerful prince of the Empire, +should be without an heir to your glory--so mighty a tree, full of sap +and vigor to remain barren--truly, it is a sad reflection!"--The Lion +raised his eyes upon the Chancellor, whose face wore an expression of +deep chagrin. + +"A sad reflection, say you!--A man must learn to carry the burden which +he cannot shake off!" + +"Which he cannot?--Very true, _if_ he cannot; but, for my part, I have +imagined that this accident, so fatal to your race, might be remedied. +Mayhap, it will need great strength of mind on your part, or even some +violence?" said the tempter, in an insinuating tone. + +"Nothing more?" + +"I cannot now say! The Emperor's first wife was childless; he divorced +her and married Beatrice. This union has been blessed with a numerous +progeny." + +An expression of mingled regret and anger passed over the features of +the Duke, who sat twisting his beard, in silence. + +"Frederic could do it;--Adelaide was his relative!" + +"Oh, that was the pretext, I know," said the Chancellor; "but we can +easily find another equally good; and it is certain that the Pope +Victor will gladly yield to a demand made by the Emperor, or even, +indeed, to your own request. If consanguinity were a substantial ground +for a divorce, it seems to me that the extinction of a noble house +would be quite as valid a plea. Do not let this matter drop. I feel +sure that your Grace will pardon my indiscretion and importunity." + +"There is no indiscretion, my lord! It is not the first time that I +have pondered over this matter; but it is strange, how different an +almost familiar thought appears when couched in words!" + +"It is merely the realization of our long cherished desires," said the +statesman but he thought within himself,--"It is a remorse for an evil +deed!" + +For a moment the Duke was silent, and then, with his eyes turned +towards the ground, he resumed,-- + +"I agree with you, that my marriage has become insupportable to +me; but to commence the affair, and to carry it to a satisfactory +result,--hum!--I think that rather comes within the scope of your +talents and intelligence, my dear Chancellor!" + +"With pleasure!--You can count upon me in every way," replied Rinaldo, +and, for once, he spoke the truth. "But, in the first place, it will be +necessary to secure the Emperor's consent, and, through him, that of +the Pope. Perhaps, to-day you may have the opportunity of discussing +the matter before four competent persons,--will that suit your Grace?" + +They left the room. Henry called for his cloak, and sword and helmet. +Lanzo was seated on the ground, playing with his bells. + +"Cousin!" said he, looking up, as they approached, "have you forgotten +all about the snares of the devil?" + +As if to increase the Duke's remorse, Clemence and her children entered +the room. The Duchess had heard her husband and hastened, according to +the old German custom, to bring him his sword and helmet. The +Chancellor bowed low before the princess, and his calm and smiling face +gave no presage to the noble lady of the misfortune which menaced her +happiness; but Henry, less skilled in dissimulation, averted his gaze, +as he said,-- + +"You should not take this trouble, Clemence!" + +"It is ever my pleasure to serve my noble husband," she replied, +presenting him his helmet. + +The Chancellor's visit alarmed her, for she knew the violent and +impetuous temper of her lord, and she feared lest some misunderstanding +might arise between him and the Emperor. + +"Where are you going, Henry?" she asked. "Are you summoned to His +Majesty?" + +"Summoned,--no; that is to say, yes. I am summoned to a Council of War +about to take place;" and, in company with the Chancellor, he left the +tent. + +"Great God! what is the matter?" said Clemence. "I have never seen him +thus!" + +"Nor I neither," replied Lanzo, who was still seated upon the ground. +"He looks marvellously like a man whom the devil is leading to the +gallows!" + +"What a fearful speech, Lanzo!" + +"What a wicked man, Clemence!" + +"Do you dare to speak thus of your master, Sirrah?" + +"Oh! I have given him up, noble lady, and have entered your service; +for, methinks you will soon have grievous need of a faithful servant!" + +"Why so?" + +"Why so?--hum!--the why would only worry you. Never question a fool too +closely, noble dame, for fools tell the truth!" + +"But I would know the truth, Lanzo!" + +"Good! Then pray for your husband." + +"I have already done so, to-day." + +"Then do it again." + +"But why?" + +"Because he is in bad company, and needs your prayers!" + + + + + _CHAPTER X_. + + _THE TEMPTER_. + + +Frederic awaited Dassel's return, in a state of feverish anxiety for +the success of his mission. He had carefully pondered over his +Chancellor's proposition, and he now dreaded lest the refusal of Henry +to the contemplated divorce might interfere with the realization of his +cherished projects. The very possibility of failure was painful to him, +but when the Chamberlain announced the Duke's arrival, he dissembled +his agitation and advanced cordially to meet him. + +"Are you at last satisfied, my dear Duke," said he, motioning to a +seat. + +"Certainly, I must be satisfied," replied the Duke, who seemed uneasy +and dispirited. + +"The princes will be here shortly, and we will open the Council without +delay, for the measures against Milan must be decided upon at once. +This proud and rebellious city shall feel all the weight of our +displeasure,--our own opinion is in favor of utterly destroying this +hot-bed of treason, and we trust that your Grace thinks with us." + +The Duke remained silent, his eyes still fixed upon the ground. + +"My plan is the result of mature deliberation," pursued Barbarossa; +"but we would listen to your counsel." + +"As your Majesty pleases," replied Henry. + +The Emperor glanced towards Rinaldo, who answered by a look of +astonishment. + +"Your Grace seems out of spirits;--you will, I know, pardon my remark," +said Frederic, cordially. "I trust that you have received no bad news +from the Duchy, or that you have no domestic annoyances!" + +"Domestic annoyances, only, Sire!" said Rinaldo. + +"How so?" + +Dassel read in Henry's silence, an invitation to take upon himself the +explanation of the affair, and he began to paint in gloomy colors and +with crafty skill the misfortune of the Duke, who, with all his power +and renown, was doomed to leave no posterity to reflect his greatness +and his fame. + +"These sad facts have been the subject of our interview," he said. +"Your Majesty will readily appreciate the natural despondency of a +prince who looks beyond the present and who labors for ages yet +unborn!" + +"Really, I am deeply grieved," said Barbarossa, "but I can perceive no +remedy. It does not seem as though Clemence were destined to realize +your Grace's desires." + +"Pardon my boldness," said Rinaldo, "if I venture to allude to your +Majesty's course of conduct in a similar conjuncture." + +"Very true! but every husband cannot, in the same case, do as I have +done," said Frederic. + +This remark was calculated to excite the pride of the Duke, who had +always regarded Barbarossa as the main obstacle to his own desires of +personal aggrandizement. + +"The Emperor must fully understand and examine my position," said +Henry, raising his head proudly. "I must observe that, were our cases +reversed, your Majesty would meet that courtesy from the Duke." + +"Particularly from the Duke of Saxony and Bavaria, who does not idly +bear the title of 'the Lion,'" added Frederic. "But, in truth, the +business is serious and difficult; and although the reason assigned for +the divorce appears a valid one, it is not in our power to pass +judgment. Pope Victor alone enjoys this prerogative." + +The last observation was judiciously calculated. It was necessary that +Henry should understand, positively and clearly, that it was only +Frederic's Pope, who, upon the Emperor's order, would pronounce the +dissolution of the marriage. He wished to be assured of Henry's +defection from the party of Alexander III., from whom the Saxon prince +had nothing to hope in the matter of the divorce. Frederic gazed at him +attentively, for the Lion's silence appeared an encouraging omen, as he +hitherto had been a zealous supporter of the claims of Alexander III. +to the throne of St. Peter. + +"We doubt not," resumed Barbarossa, after a moment's silence, "that his +Holiness, upon our representations, will be persuaded." + +"I would solicit your Majesty's intervention in this business, that it +may be brought to a satisfactory conclusion as speedily as possible," +said the Duke. + +"As we have been ourselves in a similar position, we shall be able to +advance most excellent reasons for its immediate solution. But I would +advise that the Duchess be not informed of our project; it would cause +her unnecessary pain, and a woman's tears must not influence in anyway +the course of events." + +The Chancellor seeing that his plot was progressing favorably, withdrew +to seek for Conrad and his fair charge. He was anxious for +Hermengarde's success, but less through pity for her misfortune than in +the hope that it might further his own vile schemes. He found them in +his own tent, which stood close by the Imperial pavilion. Hermengarde +was seated in a corner of the apartment, gazing first at the sky and +then towards the entrance, where she eagerly watched for the +Chancellor's return. She trusted that her tears and entreaties would +soften the heart of the Emperor. The monk had opened his breviary, and +was praying, as Rinaldo entered smiling at the success of his plot +against the Saxon Duke. He approached the young girl, and said +kindly,-- + +"Pardon me, noble lady, if I have made you wait. In cases like yours, +all depends upon choosing a seasonable moment. I think that moment has +arrived." + +These words awakened her hopes; but the thought that in a few moments +her father's fate for weal or woe would be decided, took away her +courage. + +"Do not be alarmed; all will be well. Have no fear, and when you are +before the Emperor, speak as your heart dictates. In such a case, that +language is always more eloquent than studied words." + +"Have you any hope?" asked Conrad, who sought to read the statesman's +thoughts. + +"Most excellent, my dear Abbot. The Emperor, I am positive, will grant +Bonello's pardon. But hasten! and when you are summoned, lose no time." + +He said a few more kind words to the young girl, and then left the +tent. Meanwhile Frederic passed into the council-chamber, where the +nobles sat discussing the siege of Milan and the future fate of the +city. Obizzo, chief of the Italian auxiliaries, inveighed bitterly +against the tyranny of the Milanese, and insisted upon making them +submit to the same severe measures which they had inflicted upon Lodi. +Obizzo's neighbor, dressed in full episcopal robes, and with a sword by +his side, scarcely listened to the Italian's arguments, but watched +eagerly the door of the Imperial chamber as though awaiting the +presence of the monarch. It was Bishop Gero, of Halberstadt, elevated +to that dignity by the powerful will of Barbarossa, in spite of all +laws and justice, after the banishment of Bishop Ulrich. + +That worthy prelate had sought refuge with the primate of Salzburg, and +as Gero had heard of the arrival of the Archbishop's envoy, he began to +fear the loss of his benefice. The bishops of Osnabruck and Minden, +creatures of the Emperor, also spoke in favor of extreme measures. The +Count Palatine, Otho of Wittelsbach, always impatient of long speeches, +found Obizzo's harangue tedious, and began to grow angry. At this +moment was heard the deep voice of Henry the Lion, the curtain was +drawn aside, and Barbarossa, accompanied by the Dukes of Saxony, +Bohemia, and Rottemburg, entered the room. Behind them came the +Chancellor Rinaldo. The nobles bowed respectfully to the Emperor, who +seated himself upon the throne prepared for him, whilst they placed +themselves in a half circle before him. On his entrance, the Chancellor +had arranged the curtains so as to leave a small opening, behind which +stood an attendant awaiting his orders. + +"Reasons of grave moment have decided us," said Barbarossa, "not to +await the arrival of the Duke of Austria, but to march, to-morrow, upon +Milan. With God's help, it will be for your gallantry to punish the +crimes which this city has committed against justice, against the +supremacy of the German nation, and against the Majesty of our own +person. Conscious of their guilt, as they must be, these rebels cannot +expect a war according to the dictates of generosity, but one of +extermination. We desire to know whether our trusty allies agree with +the expectations of our adversaries. The question then is this: shall +the campaign be carried on with inexorable severity, or does the enemy +deserve that we should exhibit a certain leniency, and a respect for +persons and property?" + +Henry the Lion, to whom belonged the right of speaking first, reflected +for an instant. His chivalrous disposition did not sympathize with this +war of extermination proposed by the Emperor, and a similar thought +could be read in the countenance of the Duke of Rottemburg and the +Count Palatine Otho. + +The schismatical bishops, who understood at once that Barbarossa had +determined upon the total destruction of the city, bent their heads in +token of adhesion. They could scarcely wait for the moment of the +ballot, so eager were they to give signs of their obedience. Obizzo +moved impatiently upon his chair, unable to understand the hesitation +of the Duke of Saxony. + +"I came here with my Saxons and Bavarians to fight against the enemy," +said the Lion; "to punish the rebels, and to make them acknowledge your +sovereignty. But all this can be accomplished without laying waste this +beautiful country. Why destroy their vines, uproot their trees, ruin +their crops, burn their villages and hamlets? I am no partisan of +useless cruelty." + +"In other circumstances we would agree with you, noble Duke," replied +Frederic; "but we think that Milan should receive the same treatment +which she has inflicted upon other cities." + +The Margrave Obizzo could no longer keep silence. + +"Why show mercy to the scourge of all Lombardy? Milan has shed torrents +of innocent blood, and has left to her victims only the choice between +death or slavery! Yes," he cried, "Milan has a thousand times merited +her destruction. And what I advance here, my lords, is not merely my +individual opinion, but the sentiment of all Lombardy." + +Obizzo's arguments coincided with the desires of the Emperor, but as he +was about to continue, the latter stopped him by a look. + +"You have not exaggerated, Margrave," said he, "but your emotions have +carried you, perhaps, too far. What is your opinion, my Lord of +Rottemburg?" + +Although at heart opposed to the destruction of Milan, a punishment, in +his opinion, much too severe, this prince was too anxious to conciliate +the Emperor's favor to venture upon a remonstrance, and he yielded an +immediate assent to the monarch's views. + +The Duke of Bohemia likewise voted in favor of sack and pillage. + +"And you, Count Palatine?" again inquired Barbarossa. + +"I share the opinions of Duke Henry!" replied Wittelsbach; "the enemy +should not have cause to think us savages!" + +"If you wish to gain the enemy's good graces, my dear Count, you must +treat him more gently in battle!" said the Emperor, recording the +votes, which, as might have been expected, were in accordance with the +Imperial wishes. + +The Duke of Saxony dropped his heavy sword, with a loud crash upon the +floor, and twisting his long beard, glared angrily upon the vile +courtiers. + +"You are not obliged to conform to the decisions of the Council," said +Frederic, endeavoring to calm the Duke's anger; "we will trust to your +own discretion in your relations with the enemy.--But," continued he, +"some one must inform the Abbot of St. Augustine, whose monastery is +near Milan, that he must solicit us to spare his convent and its +dependencies. Those monks are determined opponents of His Holiness Pope +Victor, and warm partisans of the Cardinal Roland." + +Henry was about to say a word in defence of the Abbot, and urge that +religious discussions were scarcely a valid reason for burning a +monastery; but he reflected at the impossibility of obtaining from +Alexander III. the dissolution of his marriage, and he was silent. + +"Those monks are your Majesty's most dangerous enemies," said Obizzo; +"they continually excite the people and kindle the spirit of rebellion, +on the pretext that your Majesty robs the Church of her liberty, and +seeks to submit everything to your power." + +Rinaldo here made a sign to the attendant, who immediately disappeared. + +"As far as I know," said Werner, Bishop of Minden, who never let pass +an opportunity for the display of his learning, "those monks follow the +rule of St. Augustine, which Rule, Book II., chap. 12, forbids them +expressly, taking part in worldly affairs, and recommends study and a +life of contemplation." + +"Pardon," interrupted Barbarossa, who feared a learned dissertation, +"St. Augustine's rule has no connection with the question now before +us." + +"Certainly," said the prelate, humbly; "the rule has no connection with +the rebellion. I merely cited it to show that I heartily approved of +the punishment of the Augustinians." + +"It seems to me," said Gero, Bishop of Halberstadt, "that these monks +richly deserve punishment, since they have refused to acknowledge the +Pope appointed by the Emperor, to whom belongs, by immemorial custom, +the right of nominating the Roman Pontiff. For this reason alone, if +none other existed, the followers of St. Augustine deserve to be +treated as rebels." + +Not a voice was raised in defence of the poor monks, and it was decided +that their monastery should be destroyed. + +The Emperor was returning his thanks to the princes for their able +counsels, when the silken curtain which closed the entrance to the tent +was thrown wide open. On the threshold stood the stately form of the +Abbot Conrad holding by the hand the trembling Hermengarde--a shrinking +girl by the side of a gray-haired man. Near them stood Erwin, the +Emperor's godson; for the youth, touched by the girl's misfortunes, had +hastened to offer his services in her cause. His relationship to +Barbarossa permitted him to follow the Abbot to the council-chamber, +where he intended to use every effort to advance the cause of the +unhappy Hermengarde. + +The Emperor appeared surprised and annoyed, the presence of the Abbot +and his charge explained the purport of their visit, and a sombre frown +augured ill for their success; but the nobles who were present could +not but sympathize with her grief. + +"Pardon, Sire," said the Abbot, bowing respectfully to the Emperor and +the nobles; "my faith in your generosity emboldens me to plead, once +more, in favor of the unfortunate. Before you stands a wretched +daughter, whom the father's death will leave a helpless orphan, at a +time when a fierce war is raging throughout the land. Will not your +Majesty deign to lend an ear to pity?--it is a virtue which becomes a +monarch, as much as justice." + +While Conrad spoke, Hermengarde had fallen upon her knees; but spite +all her efforts, she could only falter out-- + +"Pity--mercy!--for the love of God! Be merciful!" + +Barbarossa remained seated; his scowling gaze turned upon the Abbot. + +"You might have spared yourself this effort, my lord Abbot," said he +violently; "do you imagine that a woman's tears could succeed, where +your arguments have failed?" + +"I had hoped it, Sire. It is natural to the human heart to be touched +by the tears and prayers of the innocent. I hoped for nothing less from +your Majesty's!" + +They were alarmed at the bold demeanor of the Abbot, but the Lion bowed +his head approvingly, and Barbarossa's scowl deepened. During the +scene, Rinaldo had narrowly scanned the Duke's countenance, as if to +mark the effect produced upon him by the remarkable beauty of the fair +suppliant. But the crafty statesman was wrong if he imagined that a man +of the Lion's character could be ensnared so easily. Had the Duke given +any indication that the plot so skilfully imagined would be successful, +the Chancellor would have urged Bonello's cause, but Henry's +countenance remained impassive. Hermengarde was still upon her knees +weeping bitterly, and her face hidden in her hands. At times she looked +upon the Emperor, striving to collect her thoughts, but the stern face +of the monarch appalled her. + +"Pity!" she cried. "Spare my father's life; he regrets his crime! Oh! +pardon him!" + +"Enough of these lamentations!" said Barbarossa; "let some one lead +this woman hence!" + +The Bishop Gero hastened to comply with the Emperor's wishes, whilst +the latter explained to those present the crime of which Bonello had +been guilty. + +"If you consider our sentence unjust, speak, and the criminal shall be +released," said he. + +"Bonello is a valiant soldier, although he has drawn his sword in a bad +cause," replied Otho. "Still, I implore you to pardon him for his +daughter's sake." + +"Pardon him, Sire. I fear your sentence may cause the death of two +persons," said Henry, pointing to the pale and trembling Hermengarde. + +"This time justice must take its course," answered Barbarossa. + +"The sentence is perfectly just," added Werner, of Minden. "Who would +deserve death, if traitors were allowed to go unpunished?" + +The two other bishops nodded in token of approval; they never dissented +from any apparent desire of Barbarossa. + +"You perceive, my lord Abbot, that it is impossible for us to +pardon----" + +He interrupted himself abruptly at the sight of Hermengarde, who fell +fainting upon a chair. + +"Enough of this, my lord Conrad, you may withdraw," and he motioned +that they should take away the girl. + +At this moment Erwin advanced, already deeply interested in +Hermengarde's suffering; his godfather's stern refusal to her appeals +affected him painfully. Bowing to the Emperor, with a bright flush upon +his face, he said,-- + +"Pardon, Sire, if I venture to recall to Your Majesty's memory the +recent battle, and the promise then made to grant me a favor." + +"Ah! I trust that you will not make an improper use of my promise, +Erwin?" + +"An improper use--no, upon my honor. The favor which I now solicit, +Sire, is the life and liberty of Bonello, this young girl's father." + +"Is this petition serious, Count?" said Barbarossa, turning to him, +angrily. + +"It cannot be more so, Sire," answered the young man, promptly. + +"Reflect well, boy, on what you ask," said the Emperor, fiercely. "Do +not play with our promise--it is sacred; but----" + +And he raised his right hand menacingly. + +"If my petition were dictated by egotism, it might be considered an +abuse of your Imperial promise; but I merely solicit the life and +liberty of a man whose protection is necessary to his daughter's +happiness. In this I merely perform an act of humanity, and perhaps of +chivalry." + +"Well," said Barbarossa, after a moment of angry silence, "since you +persist in a demand which we cannot refuse, be it so! Bonello is free! +But you, Count Erwin of Rechberg, for the improper use to which you put +our word, we withdraw from you our favor. You are banished from the +Court----" + +He did not conclude, for Erwin, almost stupefied with astonishment, +threw himself at his feet, and taking the monarch's hand,-- + +"Sire," said he, "in pity, withhold this sentence--do not banish me +from your presence--at least not now! Let me remain near you--you who +are so menaced with perils on every side. Ah! let me still continue to +watch over your precious life, and prove to you my gratitude for the +almost paternal love and care which, until to-day, you have ever shown +me! As a boy, I played upon your knees; it was from you I learned to +use the sword and the lance; you have been to me a second father! Ah! +my beloved godfather, do not send me into exile! Without you I care not +to live!" + +The touching prayer of this devoted heart produced its effect upon the +monarch, from whose face all sternness gradually passed, to give place +to an expression of a more kindly nature. + +"Rise," said he; "you are a great flatterer, Erwin! It may be, too, a +crafty knave! What think you, gentlemen?" + +The nobles were somewhat surprised at this exhibition of feeling on the +part of their sovereign, but their satisfaction was evident. The +Emperor continued,-- + +"We must not give any evidence of weakness, and as a punishment for the +great interest which you have shown in favor of this culprit, you shall +be banished, for a week's time, from our camp. This punishment will +enable you to conduct to her home, the damsel whose cause you have so +chivalrously advocated." + +Emotion and fear at first did not allow Hermengarde to take in all the +details of the scene. But when the youth came to tell her of her +father's pardon, her joy and gratitude knew no bounds. Rising +hurriedly, she would have thrown herself at the Emperor's feet, but he +waved her away impatiently. + +"You have no cause to thank me," he said. "Farewell, madam; this +business has wearied us!" He signed to her to withdraw, and Conrad, +Rechberg, and Hermengarde left the tent. + + + + + _CHAPTER XI_. + + _THE JOURNEY_. + + +Erwin thought it advisable to accompany Bonello and his daughter until +they had reached a place of safety. Well aware of the dangers of the +road, and the bitter party feeling throughout Lombardy, he feared lest +the old man might lose his life, were he to meet any of the soldiers +from Lodi, Pavia, Cremona, or the other cities which were leagued +against Milan. He therefore procured a strong armed escort to protect +his friends in case of attack. Whilst the Count of Rechberg was making +his preparations, Hermengarde and the Abbot hastened to the castle to +communicate the glad tidings of their success to the prisoner, who, in +a transport of joyful emotion, threw himself upon his daughter's +breast, with tears of pious gratitude. The Abbot looked on calmly. +Pietro Nigri, as though he regretted that the tyrant had granted his +old friend's pardon, gazed on in gloomy indifference. After the first +moments of their joyful greeting, Guido requested to be informed of the +details, and the Abbot Conrad related the scene which had taken place +between the Emperor and the young Count. + +"Where is the noble youth?" asked Bonello; "why did you not bring him +here?" + +At that moment was heard the clatter of horses' hoofs, and the clank of +armor, in the castle-yard, and Erwin, hastily dismounting, made his way +towards the tower. Bonello watched him anxiously; and when the Count, +in brilliant armor, entered the room, he rushed towards him, seized his +hand, and fell upon his knees. + +"Most excellent young man!" he cried; "you are my preserver! may God +reward you for your kindness to my child! Heaven grant me the power to +prove to you my gratitude! Anything which you may ask of me shall be +yours. May God bless and keep you." + +The old man spoke in a voice choked with emotion. Erwin interrupted +him, for he was pained to see Bonello at his feet. + +"Rise, my lord, I beg of you. Your thanks overwhelm me. I have only +acted as any other gentleman would have done, in my place. I merely +crave the favor of accompanying you to your home." + +At this new mark of kind consideration, Bonello was about to utter +further words of gratitude; but the Count interrupted him by the +announcement that all was ready for their departure. They left the +tower, and entered the court-yard of the castle, where stood +Hermengarde's palfry, and a splendid courser for her father. The +parting between Bonello and the Abbot was touching; they embraced one +another, and the prelate returned to the camp. Pietro Nigri mounted +sullenly, glancing haughtily upon the young girl, and contemptuously at +her father. + +"Farewell, lady," he said; "I wish you every happiness. As to you, +Sir," he added, "I sincerely trust that you may never have cause to +regret the life which you owe to a tyrant's mercy,--a life destined to +be passed unprofitably, for all that concerns the honor and well-being +of your country." + +He dashed off before Guido could reply, and the others hastened to +leave the castle, where some of them, at least, had suffered so +acutely. + +At the foot of the hill, they struck towards the south, and then +diverged from the main road. Erwin was anxious to please his guests, +and readily yielded to Bonello's guidance. The latter was perfectly +familiar with the country, and desired to avoid any meeting with the +Italian soldiery. For, though firmly resolved never to draw his sword +again, he was pained at the sight of so many Lombards hurrying to join +Barbarossa's legions and attack Milan, the most important bulwark of +Italian independence, so they took a cross road which speedily led +them to the summit of the plain. Every precaution had been taken +against the marauders who then infested the country. In front, rode +two men-at-arms; then came Rechberg, followed by Hermengarde and her +father, and four other troopers closed the rear of the escort. + +"We must hasten," said Guido, "in order to arrive before nightfall at +the monastery of San Pietro; it will be sufficient for the first day's +journey, and by starting at dawn to-morrow, we shall reach my castle +before the evening." + +Erwin had wished to learn some of the particulars about Bonello's +family, and he at once profited by the present opening. + +"Only by to-morrow evening?" said he; "then your castle must be near +the Lower Alps?" + +"In their very midst, Count; in the very heart of the Alps," replied +Guido. "If, as I suppose, you like mountain-castles, mine will please +you. Years ago, when I visited Germany, I used to admire your +fortresses perched upon the craggy peaks, like immense eagles' nests. +The evident disposition of the Teutonic nobility to shun the cities and +low grounds, and occupy the heights, is a mark of sound judgment. Our +ancestors, also, knew how and where to build their strongholds. Did you +ever see Castellamare?" + +"Is that your dwelling?" + +"Yes," answered Bonello. "The Romans from whom I am descended, erected +the fortress, and it has been in my family from time immemorial." + +"Doubtless, during your absence, your son commands in the castle?" + +"I have no son," answered the old man, somewhat sadly. + +"That pale-faced young man, who was with you at Cinola, is perhaps one +of your relations?" + +"Pietro Nigri? Oh, not precisely, but almost!" Here the young girl's +horse plunged violently. + +"Take care, my child; your horse seems inclined to be troublesome," +said Guido. "Pietro," he resumed, "is the son of the Milanese Consul +Nigri. He is a most worthy young man; he was my daughter's escort to +Cinola." + +They approached the monastery, around whose walls the twilight mist was +slowly rising. Still, from afar, could be seen the dark red windows of +stained glass; and the gilded cross upon the tower, illuminated with +the rays of the setting sun, shone bright through the evening haze. +Bonello gazed eagerly upon this glad haven of rest, as they hastened +forward. + +At the sound of the bell, a grating was drawn aside. + +"Open, open, brother Ignatius!" cried the lord of Castellamare to the +monk, who examined the appearance of the visitors. "We wish a lodging +for the night, and a flask of your best wine." + +Soon a key grated in the lock, the gates opened, and the little +cavalcade rode into the court-yard. + +"You are most welcome, my lord," said Ignatius, cordially; "pardon me +if I have made you wait. We are obliged to be most prudent, for the +country is filled with marauders, who have little respect for the +sanctity of our poor cloisters. Your arrival here is truly gratifying +to us all; but we regret our superior's absence." + +"Where is he?" + +"In Genoa." + +"I am extremely sorry," said Guido; "for we might have talked together +until matins." + +The horses were led to the stables, and a lay brother conducted the +travellers to the refectory. Several long benches and tables, two +comfortable arm-chairs, a handsome crucifix upon the wall, and a bronze +_aspersorium_, composed all the furniture of the room. Seating himself +in one of the arm-chairs, Guido at once entered into conversation with +the lay brother, whose mission it was not only to receive, but also to +entertain all visitors to the convent. + +"The holy Abbot is at Genoa, you say?" inquired Bonello. "He absents +himself so rarely that there must have been grave reasons for his +journey." + +The monk glanced distrustfully at Erwin, and was silent. Rechberg +concluded that the Order belonged to Alexander's party and had incurred +the displeasure of the Emperor. The repast was soon brought in, and the +tired travellers partook eagerly of the three copious dishes. The +servants were entertained in another room. The rest of the evening was +passed in conversation; but Bonello made no allusion to political +affairs, and the monk imitated his example, although it was evident +that he would gladly have spoken of the German army and the perils now +menacing the Church. But the presence of the young nobleman imposed +silence upon his curiosity. + +Erwin felt this reserve the more so that he feared lest Guido might +suspect him of repeating to the Emperor what he had already overheard. +He would gladly have talked with Hermengarde, but it seemed as if she +meant to model her conduct by her father's, and all his attempts to +engage her in conversation were ineffectual. + +"She considers me the enemy of her country," he thought; "perhaps +avoids me as a heretic. At least she might remember what I have done +for her sake." + +The idea was painful to him, and he was heartily glad when they +separated for the night. Next morning they resumed their journey. The +summits of the Alps grew more distinct, and Hermengarde's spirits +appeared to brighten as they approached her home. She conversed gayly +with Rechberg and asked many artless questions about Germany and its +inhabitants, and he was charmed with the interest she evinced in his +native land. + +"Have you any mountains like those in Germany?" said she, pointing to +the Alps. + +"Yes, lady; and our mountains are covered with forests in which roam +the stag, the roebuck, and the wild boar; but the bear, much to the +delight of the traveller and the chagrin of true hunters, becomes every +day more rare. + +"Bears! but is it possible that any one can regret the disappearance of +those fierce animals!" + +"Oh! a bear-hunt has its charms!" + +"Very dangerous ones, I should think." + +"But it is precisely on account of their danger that this sport is +attractive, fair lady. To slay a timid stag requires little courage, +but a struggle with the bear needs both bravery and skill. The +bear-hunt is the school in which we take our first lessons in the art +of war." + +The Count's earnestness proved that he spoke of one of his favorite +pastimes. + +"In what part of Germany is your domain, Count?" said Hermengarde, +after a short pause. + +"In Suabia." + +"If I mistake not, Suabia is the birthplace of the Hohenstauffen?" + +"Precisely, noble lady! The castles of Hohenstauffen and Rechberg are +neighboring ones. Our families have always been intimate and are even +connected by ties of blood." + +Erwin almost regretted his last remark when he reflected that his +relationship with Barbarossa would be a poor recommendation in the eyes +of the young Lombard. + +"I fear that our journey will be unpleasantly interrupted," said +Bonello, who, for some time, had been watching a gray speck on the +summit of the mountain. + +"In what way, sir knight?" + +"Do you see that castle? It is the dwelling of the Emperor's prefect, +Herman, who is in charge of yonder bridge. He is a cruel, bad man, and +levies tolls to suit his own pleasure, particularly when the travellers +are wealthy or of high rank. He has on several occasions seized upon +persons and held them prisoners until a high ransom has been paid for +their release." + +"But this is a crying injustice," said the Count, "and should be +reported to His Majesty, who would punish Herman severely for his abuse +of power." Bonello shook his head, with a smile. + +"Herman merely executes the Emperor's orders," said he. Rechberg looked +at the speaker with astonishment. He was loth to believe that such an +insult to his sovereign were possible. Bonello resumed,-- + +"Barbarossa knows perfectly well all about his deputy here, but there +are other exactions of which I believe him still ignorant. He has +reduced several families to utter beggary, and when he can squeeze +nothing more out of them himself, he sells them to the Jews. This is +what he calls 'balancing his accounts.' I have known instances where he +has stretched the poor wretches on the rack to extort from them their +last pennies. In short, this Herman, the terror of the country, is a +disgrace to humanity. But there are other deputies of the Emperor in +some of the cities, who are equally merciless in their exactions." + +"I can scarcely credit your statements," replied the young Count; "but +I feel sure that upon the first complaint of such enormities Frederic +would interfere." + +"You make a grave mistake," said Bonello. "I have personally +represented the facts to the Emperor, but in vain; his invariable +answer has been, that it was the duty of his agents to collect the +taxes and imposts, and if they were obliged to resort to extreme +measures, that it was doubtless the fault of the inhabitants who +refused to pay their dues." + +They rode on in silence. The young Count was dejected, for he began to +perceive that it was natural for men like Bonello to resist such an +arbitrary exercise of tyranny. + + + + + _CHAPTER XII_. + + _THE TOLL_. + + +They reached the bridge. On either side were two massive towers, over +which floated the Imperial standard. Heavy barriers closed the pathway, +and a strong body of men-at-arms defended the approach. Halfway from +the bridge, on the summit of a lofty hill, stood the castle of Herman, +built to command the road, which, as the main avenue to Genoa, was +extensively travelled, and yielded an important revenue to the Imperial +treasury. The castle had been destroyed by the Italians, during the +reign of Henry V., but had been rebuilt by Frederic, at the time of his +second invasion of Upper Italy, at which time Herman had been installed +as Governor. + +The soldiers were clustered beneath the porch; but a sentinel was +watching from one of the loop-holes of the tower, and as he caught +sight of the travellers, called out gayly to the others, "Halloa! +comrades, here comes a rich prize: a Lombard knight, some Genoese +merchants, and a lady! Levy a heavy toll, _Dietho_, they can afford to +pay it; and if you will follow my advice, you will get something for +us; the Emperor cannot find fault if honest folks think now and then of +their own pockets!" + +The challenge of the sentinel interrupted him, and the soldiers left +the porch and drew up in front of the tower. + +"What is that you say about merchants?" said Dietho, glancing sharply +at the strangers. "These are no merchants, but a troop of armed men." + +"Pshaw!" continued the first speaker, as he looked again. "There are +only six,--two before and four behind; for I don't count those in the +middle. It is only some of those lazy Genoese. And we are twelve here, +and pretty determined fellows too! Now, Dietho, don't forget to lay it +on heavily!" + +"We will lay it on heavily," said another; "for since yesterday we have +had no luck at all." + +Dietho, who wore the purse at his girdle as a sign that it was he who +received the tolls, carefully examined the travellers, but he seemed +discontented, and shook his head. + +"There is nothing to be made here; these people advance too boldly. I +believe they are Germans." + +"Well, and what of that," said the warder, who had descended from the +tower. "No one passes here gratis." + +"What do you say, Dietho? Do you think a piece of gold each for the +gentlefolks, and two silver pennies for the servants, would be enough?" + +Dietho shrugged his shoulders. + +"It would be enough," he said; "but I fear they will refuse to pay it." + +"Then we will force them!" cried several of the soldiers, brandishing +their pikes. "A piece of gold for each gentleman, and two pence a piece +for the servants, is little enough!" + +Rechberg had left Hermengarde's side, and at the head of his little +troop rode forward to ascertain if Bonello's complaints were really +well founded. As he approached, his noble bearing and costly armor, +with the splendid horse which he rode, gave a high idea of his +importance to the men-at-arms. + +"Look how his gilded helmet shines," said they, "and mark the gold on +his spurs and his baldric; he is certainly a count, at least; or, +mayhap, the son of some duke!--Oh! that fellow can pay, Dietho; ask at +least three gold pieces!" + +Rechberg continued to advance towards the closed town, whose guardians +made no movement towards opening the passage. + +"Take down the barrier, and allow me to pass," he said, politely. + +"One moment, noble sir!--Don't you perceive that the Imperial banner +floats above the tower? There is a toll to pay. Frederic would find it +a hard matter to keep up his army if his taxes were not paid up! +Besides, his Hungarian Archers need their wages. In short, the times +are hard and the toll dear!" + +The Count was provoked at the observations thus made, for they were of +a nature to incense the Italians, and render the Emperor still more +unpopular among them. However, he mastered his anger, and asked what +there was to pay. + +"Four gold pieces!" cried a voice, for Dietho hesitated. + +"All right, you hear, four gold pieces, on account of the hard times," +added Dietho. "The lady and her companion will also pay eight more, and +each servant two pence, in all twelve gold pieces and twelve pennies! +Little enough, too, if you but think what an army Frederic is +organizing at present." + +"As well as I remember," said Erwin, "the legal toll is a penny for +each person. By what right do you raise it a hundredfold?" + +"I told you once already," replied Dietho;--"it is because the times +are hard." + +"Besides, we are not here to give explanations to milk-sops," said a +voice from within. "Pay, or leave the bridge!" + +"Miserable hound! do you dare to speak thus to a knight?" cried Erwin, +passionately. "Here are your twelve pennies; now clear the way!" + +"The varlets may pass," said Dietho, coolly pocketing the money; "but +for the others to cross this beautiful bridge, which has cost so much +money to build, there are just twelve pieces too few!" + +"If you do not do your duty at once," said the knight, laying his hand +on his sword, "I will compel you." + +At this, the guard burst into a loud laugh of derision. + +"Come on then," they cried; "if that is your game, we will give you a +lesson in arithmetic." + +Rechberg was disposed to force the passage, but Bonello hastened to +interfere. + +"Have no difficulty with those people," he cried; "I will pay what they +ask!" + +"No! you shall not," said the Count. "This robbery of travellers, in +the name of the Emperor, is a crime which must not go unpunished. Leave +me; it is a meritorious action to chastise such scoundrels!" + +All at once Herman appeared; he had overheard the quarrel, and now came +to give assistance to his men. + +Erwin lowered his visor, for the prefect knew him, and the young man +wished to be positive of his complicity. + +"What is the matter?" asked Herman. + +"It is fortunate that you are here, my lord," replied Dietho. "This +young man has been threatening to use his sword against us because we +would not allow his whole party to cross for twelve paltry pennies." + +"For twelve pennies!--You and your retinue!--You could not have +seriously thought it," said Herman to the Count. + +"Twelve pennies are just the legal tax, for we are but nine persons in +all." + +"Ah!" said the prefect; "perhaps you mean to teach me my duty, and what +I have the right to ask?" + +"The law has fixed the tariff sufficiently." + +"Has it, indeed! Dietho, what did you charge this gentleman?" + +"Twelve pieces of gold for the three nobles, and twelve pennies for the +servants.--Pardon me if my demand was too moderate." + +"It was, indeed, too moderate," cried Herman, glancing towards +Bonello.--"You traitors have compelled the Emperor to cross the Alps, +and now, if I am to judge by your lowered visor, you wish to force the +bridge!--Very well, come on. We are ready for you!" + +The Count, at last fully convinced that the Governor was as guilty as +his soldiers, raised his visor, and showed his face flushed with anger. + +Herman was thunderstruck, and could scarcely falter out,-- + +"Oh, my dear Count, pardon! I crave you a thousand pardons! It is all a +mistake,--but who could have supposed for a moment--?" + +But the more he endeavored to apologize for his villainy, the more +embarrassed he became. The soldiers, meanwhile, perceiving the sudden +change in their master's demeanor, hastened to remove the barrier. + +"It is not my place to pardon," said Rechberg; "you must explain your +gross abuse of authority to His Majesty, who shall be acquainted with +everything." + +He turned abruptly, and crossed the bridge with his companions. + +The prefect tore his hair with impotent despair as he saw the troop +file past him. + +"To behave thus to the Emperor's favorite! What a dreadful misfortune!" +he cried. "Comrades, make no excuses, no recriminations! I would not +care for the complaints of Italy. Frederic would credit nothing which +was denied by an honest German. But this Erwin of Rechberg!--Oh, if I +could atone for this stupid mistake!" + +The travellers soon after reached a convent, whose reputation for +hospitality was widely spread; for, in that century, the monasteries +were the best, and indeed, almost the only hostelries. + +After a brief rest they resumed their journey, and it was near +nightfall when they entered a deep and narrow Alpine valley, through +which they were obliged to pass. + +"We are very near Castellamare," said Bonello, "and but for the +windings of the road, should already have perceived the castle!" + +"This is a magnificent country, my lord!" said Erwin, admiring the bold +and wild landscape. + +"It is almost the same as far as the shore," resumed Guido. "The valley +gradually narrows into a defile overhung with immense masses of rock, +and when we leave it, the wide expanse of the sea bursts, unexpectedly, +upon the traveller's gaze." + +The road narrowed visibly. The setting sun gilded the Alpine summits, +and long, dark shadows darkened the lower slopes. At a turn of the +road, the sunlight flashed brightly upon them, and Erwin, raising his +dazzled eyes, beheld the fortress of Castellamare standing out from the +giant boulders in bold relief. + +"What a magnificent spectacle!" exclaimed Rechberg. "I have never seen +a castle in a better or more commanding position!" + +Following, for a short time, a steep mountain-path, they drew up before +a gateway, hollowed in the solid rock, and soon after entered the +fortress of Castellamare. + + + + + _CHAPTER XIII_. + + _CASTELLAMARE_. + + +Rechberg's visit to Castellamare opened to him a future replete with +new hopes and desires and fond aspirations. He resolved to study +attentively the character of his young hostess; and, if the examination +proved favorable, to demand her father's consent to their marriage. But +he experienced a cruel uncertainty, when he reflected upon the possible +opposition of the Emperor. + +On her part, the young girl made no secret of her gratitude to the +Count. The memory of his kindness to her father rendered her cordiality +perfectly natural. + +Her attentions to Erwin were delicately prompted by a wish to make his +visit as agreeable as possible. With a keen appreciation of the +beauties of nature, she knew how to select the fairest landscapes, and +would point out to her guest all the most brilliant effects of light +and shade among the lofty crags. + +After a week had passed in amusements of this kind, on their return +from a neighboring excursion, Hermengarde and the Count found the +court-yard filled with horses and men-at-arms fraternizing, cordially, +with her father's retainers. Evidently some persons of importance had +arrived, but the appearance of their steeds denoted that the visit was +to be a brief one. + +As they crossed the court, Hermengarde remarked a familiar face among +the troopers; the man looked up, and, putting down the goblet from +which he was drinking, approached with a respectful bow. She at once +recognized Cocco Griffi, whom she had known as a confidential servant +of the Milanese consul Gherardo Nigri, in whose palace he was often +intrusted with many important duties. + +"Is that you, Griffi?" she asked. "Whence come you?" + +"From Milan." + +"And whose suite is this?" + +"It belongs to our noble Consul Gherardo Nigri--your old friend,--if I +may still venture to call him so?" added Griffi, seeing Hermengarde's +expression change. + +A marriage between herself and Pietro had long been projected by the +heads of the two families; but, in spite of her father's anxiety for +their union, it was repugnant to her, and she hurriedly retired to her +own apartments, with a heavy heart. Still, for the present, the +businesslike appearance of the little troop seemed a guarantee against +the realization of her fears. + +Gherardo Nigri, the leading spirit of the Milanese Republic, had been +hastily recalled from Genoa, where he had been for some time +negotiating an alliance, offensive and defensive, between the two +cities. The report of the immediate advance of the Emperor's powerful +army greatly discouraged him; for, fully penetrating Barbarossa's +designs, he foresaw, in a not far distant future, the fall, and perhaps +the total destruction, of his proud city. Similar fears agitated all +those who had accompanied him to Castellamare. Among them was one, in +ecclesiastical costume, whose exterior indicated a personage of +importance. This was Galdini Sala, Archdeacon of the Cathedral, and +destined, as Archbishop of Milan, afterwards to play an important part +in the history of his country. By nature taciturn and reflective,--his +eyes usually downcast,--Sala became animated and bold whenever it +became necessary to assert the rights of the Church, which alone could +resist human passion and the encroachments of Imperial despotism. +Consequently, Galdini's opposition to Barbarossa was more than violent. + +"The circumstances are most serious," said Bonello; "but we must not +forget that God alone is the arbiter of human destiny. Barbarossa seeks +to unite in his own person the spiritual and the temporal power; but we +have seen others, as bold and powerful as he, fail in the like +attempt." + +"You are right," replied Gherardo; "no power can subdue the Church. The +papacy is eternal,--as immovable as the rock on which it is built, and +which, God has promised, shall endure forever. But, alas! dear Guido, +what fearful disasters must result from the strife which is now +preparing!" + +"It would be easy to prove," said Galdini Sala, "that the Church has +never had an enemy so dangerous to her peace as this same Barbarossa. +From the times of Nero until the conversion of Constantine, the bloody +tyrants strove only to tear away her members. Frederic does not tear +away; he stifles! his deadly work is the more dangerous, that it is +wrought in silence. The Pagans would have overthrown Christianity, in +order to prevent their own conversion; but this despot seeks to destroy +the order of things which has existed for centuries. The Roman Emperors +sought to protect and save their own paganism. Frederic would subvert +the Christian world, in order to build up, upon its ruins, his own +Imperial omnipotence." + +"I am not well versed in history," said Count Biandrate, a secret +partisan of Barbarossa; "but I know of other emperors who were +decidedly hostile to the Papacy: Henry IV. for example." + +"True," replied Sala; "but the Church has saved the world from +destruction. The military operations of Henry IV. against her were +terrible; his hatred for the Papacy, beyond all bounds; but Barbarossa +is still more to be feared. In him you see none of that cruelty which +marked Henry's conduct; on the contrary, he appears frank, and +generous, and brave, and he well knows how to surround himself with all +that can flatter the eyes. So far, he has not attacked the Pope, sword +in hand; but he holds his nets ready to throw over Spain and England, +Germany and France, in order to ensnare all Christendom in his baneful +schism. It is to this end that he never ceases to proclaim his regret +for the sorrows of the Holy Church, and his great desire for the +acknowledgment of the legitimate Pope, and the downfall of heresy. All +hypocrisy, diabolical equivocation!" cried Sala, angrily; "it is he +himself who has caused the schism; it is he who has wounded the unity +of the Church, in order the more easily to destroy her. He seeks to +control everything,--to become the master of the Universe,--and will +brook neither a superior nor an equal!" + +"Your words, my lord Archdeacon, are harrowing, but they are not +exaggerated," said Nigri. "And it is the more to be regretted that many +refuse to see their peril. Genoa, through jealousy of Milan, is +wilfully blind and will not reflect that the time may come, when she +too will feel the yoke. Barbarossa is skilful in taking advantage of +these dissensions between us Lombards. His policy is to destroy, one by +one, our cities; so that Italy may count none but insignificant +villages, submissive to his Imperial supremacy." + +"According to my belief," said Guido, "I repeat what I have already +declared:--God alone holds the destinies of the world in his power. +What Barbarossa tries now, many others have attempted, but the efforts +of all have proved abortive; Frederic will not be more successful. +Then, dear friends, trust in God, and do your duty; the rest will come +in good time." + +At these words he raised his goblet, the others imitated his example; +but in spite of his efforts, the meeting was disheartened and +depressed, and shortly after the consul observed that it was time to +think of their journey. + +"We have no time to lose," said he, "for there is much to be done in +Milan; it will be hard enough to resist the attack." + +They mounted to return to the city, and Bonello watched from the +window, the little troop as it wound through the valley. + +"Farewell, dear Gherardo," said he sadly; "perhaps this has been our +last meeting! How gladly they hasten to shed their hearts' blood for +their liberty, their Church, and their country! while I, unhappy +wretch! am doomed by my promise, to sloth and inaction!" + +The cavalcade disappeared from his gaze, and he reentered the family +room, when Count Rechberg communicated his intention of leaving the +castle on the following day. + +"Why this haste, Count?" said Guido. "I trust that you have had no +cause to regret your visit?" + +"Oh! by no means, but I must go. The Emperor granted me only eight +days' leave of absence, and I must not exceed them." + +"You have no cause for such haste," resumed the Lombard, sadly. "Milan +is well supplied with everything, and her fortifications are strong. +Months may elapse before Barbarossa can take the city." + +"The Emperor's will is energetic," replied Erwin. + +"Oh! I well know that iron will!" said Guido. "Frederic will destroy +the works, and reduce the citadel by famine; but still before this +happens, many weary days will pass. Some months hence, you will still +be in time for the fighting. Stay with us. We will go to Genoa +together, and look upon the wonders of that proud city; we will visit +her churches, her magnificent palaces, her dock-yards, and her fleet; +there is much there to repay you for the journey, and, if you wish it, +we can cross over to Corsica." + +But nothing could influence the youth's resolve, although it was with +deep regret that he left Bonello and his daughter; both of whom +reiterated their warmest thanks. + +"Permit me, dear Count, to offer you a trifling souvenir," said the +lord of the castle, drawing a heavy gold chain from a casket. "Wear +this in remembrance of me, and may our friendship ever remain as pure +and true as this noble metal! Have you nothing, Hermengarde, to give to +our worthy friend?" + +At these words, the young girl took from one of her waiting-women a +richly chiselled cup of gold, on whose cover was sculptured St. George +trampling upon the Dragon. + +"Deign to accept this slight mark of our friendship and gratitude!" +said she. + +"I trust, my dear Count, that we shall meet again ere long," added +Guido. "Milan is not far distant, and an excursion to our mountains +will break the monotony of your camp-life." + +"I will gladly avail myself on every possible occasion of your +invitation," answered Rechberg. "Farewell, dear Bonello; God keep you, +noble lady!" + +And as she extended him her hand, he knelt and kissed it. + +Guido accompanied his guest to the court-yard, and in a few moments, +the hoofs of the knight's charger were ringing upon the drawbridge of +the castle. + + + + + _CHAPTER XIV_. + + _THE SIEGE_. + + +Erwin was soon able to realize the devastations committed by the +Emperor's army. In the place of smiling hamlets and rich villas, +nothing could be seen but smoking ruins; the fruit-trees had been +uprooted, the vines pulled up, the crops laid waste. Here and there +were the bodies of peasants swinging from the trees, the ground was +strewed with booty abandoned carelessly by the marauders. The plain +once so green and smiling, appeared as sad and barren as a Russian +steppe. + +This desolation afflicted. Erwin painfully, and he rode rapidly forward +to escape the mournful spectacle. Soon could be seen the tents of the +Imperial camp, with the varied standards floating proudly above the +sharp roofs of the canvas city. The vague hum of the multitude was +mingled with the clang of arms and the strains of martial music, and +the noise of the workmen in the trenches. From the elevated point on +which he stood, Erwin could distinguish the beleaguered city with its +mighty walls above which towered the brilliant edifices and lofty +turrets. As he gazed with admiration upon the town, Rechberg could not +but experience a feeling of sorrow at the thought that all this +greatness and power was doomed to destruction. After a short ride he +found himself in the interior of the camp, where it was easy to +perceive that he was almost entirely surrounded by the Italian +contingents. + +The complete investment of the city was impossible, and Frederic, in +consequence, had established four distinct attacks, surrounded by +strong palisades and deep ditches as a protection to the sorties of the +besieged. Although, at intervals of distance, the camps commanded all +the avenues of approach, and it was impossible for the garrison to +receive any supplies or reinforcements, or hold any communication with +the exterior. As it had been decided to reduce the place by famine, a +rigid blockade was enforced, and the different leaders were relieved +from the necessity of constructing any of those clumsy machines, under +cover of which in those days the assaults upon the works were +conducted. However, Henry the Lion had ordered the building of an +immense tower whose proportions excited general astonishment. It was +upon wheels, six stories in height, and could accommodate beneath it a +thousand soldiers. The upper part was narrower and provided with doors, +through which the garrison could pass, by means of temporary bridges, +on to the walls of the city. Sorties from the town were of almost daily +occurrence, and the personal hatred of the combatants gave to these +engagements a most sanguinary character. Whilst the Italians were +engaged in this work of mutual self-destruction, Frederic was preparing +to submit them all to his Imperial sway. + +While the besieged were ready to suffer every extremity in defence of +their sacred rights, the greatest agitation reigned in the camp of the +Italian auxiliaries. Sworn enemies, for years detesting each other, +they were now compelled to live in the forced proximity of a narrow +camp. Leagued together by their common hatred for Milan, the old leaven +still, at times, broke out into open violence, and it required the most +stern and almost cruel severity of the Emperor to preserve anything +like order among them. Frederic had learned, by experience, that fear +was the only master whom they would obey. + +Rechberg perceived an immense crowd of strangers pressing towards the +vast open space in the middle of the encampment. Jousts and military +games were, in that age, so much the fashion, that, even under the +walls of a beleaguered town, a place was set apart for the purpose. But +on this occasion it seemed as though the crowd's attraction had another +motive than mere amusement. Frederic's banner floated in the air, and +the Imperial eagle fluttered bold and haughty above the multitude. On +horseback, in the midst, stood a herald in a scarlet tabard and with a +silver-mounted truncheon in his hand, and immediately behind him, a +man, who, in a few weeks' time, had become the terror of the Italians. +It was Hesso, the chief of the Imperial police, surrounded by his men +fully armed. He glared fiercely upon the crowd. + +"What does that blood-thirsty dog want here?" was muttered on all +sides. "See how he is looking for some new victims! the poor devils +whom he hung this morning are hardly cold, before he wants to begin +again!" + +Although Hesso could not understand their words, he could read their +thoughts. + +"You hate and fear me, do you!--Ah well! there's no love lost between +us," he growled, with a still fiercer expression in his eyes. + +The loud blast of the trumpets resounded, and the herald commanded +silence. Thousands awaited with trembling anxiety. The man of the +scarlet tabard made another sign; but still the dull murmur went on +unceasingly; he raised his truncheon, and when, after many efforts, +silence had been enforced, he proclaimed, in a clear and distinct +voice, the wishes of the Emperor. + +"In the name of our sovereign liege, listen to the punishments to be +enforced against all evil-doers. All fighting in the camp is strictly +forbidden. Should the offender be a knight, his arms will be taken from +him, and he will be expelled from the army. If he is a varlet, he will +be flogged, his head shaved, and his shoulder marked with a red-hot +iron, unless his master redeems him by the payment of fifty pennies." + +The herald paused to give his hearers time for reflection. The first +article had produced a bad effect upon the Italians, who were +accustomed to great license in respect to their personal quarrels, and +on all sides black and angry glances were exchanged. + +"Flogged, shaved, and marked with a hot iron, for that trifle!" said +the crowd. "It is too severe!" + +"Do you hear that, Migleo?" said a voice. "He values us at fifty +pennies a piece--it's absurd!" + +The herald again commanded silence. + +"If any one wounds a soldier, he shall lose his hand; whoever kills one +shall be decapitated!" + +"I say, Migleo, what would you look like, with a shaved head?" + +"Don't you think, Robbio, that in the course of a fortnight, the most +of us will have neither heads nor hands? For my part, it is as +impossible for me to keep my hands off a Pavian, as it is to meet a +chicken without wringing its neck?" + +"And I can't look at a Novara man, without wanting to spit in his +face," said a Pavian, who stood by; and it was with difficulty the two +were kept from fighting, even under the eyes of Hesso himself. + +"Silence, fools!" said Robbio; "do you want to get into the +executioner's clutches, already?" + +"For the first theft, a varlet shall be flogged, shaved, and marked +with the iron; for the second, he shall be hanged!" added the herald. + +"There is one omission in the law about theft," said a voice. "It is +forbidden to the varlets to rob, but there is nothing said about the +masters. What would happen if the offender were a count, a duke, or a +king?" + +"Silence," cried another voice, whose piercing tone bore a great +resemblance to that of the jester Lanzo. "Don't you know that the +nobles never steal? they merely indulge their illustrious desires!" + +"Whoever shall hold any communication with the Cardinal Roland, falsely +styling himself Pope Alexander III., shall be put under the ban of the +Emperor; it is permitted to kill him wherever found!" + +"Do you hear that? to pillage is not to steal; the Emperor can permit +anything." + +"Alexander is the true Pope; Victor is the anti-Pope; is that not so, +comrades?" + +"Certainly. Long live Alexander!" + +"Whoever shall obtain supplies for the Milanese, shall lose his hand; +the informer shall be rewarded." + +This last article, although the most barbarous, met with general +approval among the Italians, who only found fault with the punishment +as being too mild. They forgot the iron yoke under which Frederic kept +them, to remember only their hatred for their detested rival Milan. + +"Long live the Emperor! Down with Milan! Death and destruction to the +Milanese!" + +The trumpets again sounded, and while the soldiers gave free vent to +the expression of their hatred, the herald and his escort left the +ground. + +Rechberg had listened to the proclamation, and would have pursued his +journey, but the dense crowd forced him to remain and hear the +imprecations lavished upon the Emperor, as soon as Hesso was out of +sight. + +"Laugh on!" thought the young man. "You may laugh as much as you +please, but you will not be able to violate those orders with +impunity." + +At this moment, two asses' ears ornamented with bells, approached the +Count. Lanzo, with a good deal of difficulty, had elbowed his way +through the crowd, and had gained a neighboring spur-post, where he +climbed up, and then sprang, with the agility of a monkey, upon the +Count's stirrup; a moment after, he was behind his saddle. The crowd +laughed and applauded the jester's activity, and Rechberg allowed him +to retain his seat, for he saw nothing impertinent in the proceeding of +the fool, whose loyalty he esteemed, and whose jests would serve to +amuse him. + +"Whence come you, Lanzo?" + +"From the fulfilment of my duty, noble Count." + +"Yes; but how?" + +"How? I have only just discovered it; I had no positive end in view, +until now. But I perceive, my lord, that your mission is of vast +importance. The Emperor, the Pope, and the kings, are very +insignificant personages compared with you." + +"And why so, Lanzo?" + +"Because you have the court-fool behind you!" + +"But I cannot see in that an omen of greatness." + +"Oh, I will explain, if you will only try to understand me!" said the +jester. "I will begin with the Pope, that is, providing Victor be +really the Pope,--a matter, about which some quite sensible people +begin to doubt. For the last two years, Barbarossa has been holding +council upon council, and yet all of them together have not succeeded +in proving that Victor is the Pope. This establishes clearly, either +that Victor is a fool, or else that he is a puppet of the Emperor, +since he is so ready to accept what Alexander refuses. If he had any +brains, he would know that an honest monk is better that what he is." + +"You have a bad tongue, Lanzo." + +"Possibly! But you will see that it tells the truth. Then we have the +king of England and the king of France. They are fools too. I made the +reflection when I saw their ambassadors kneel before the Emperor. If +they had brains, they would guess that Frederic means to catch them +all, one after the other, in his nets." + +"You are a statesman of wonderful foresight, Lanzo!" + +"Of course I am; my ears show that;--and then, the Emperor is as mad as +the others.--But, I forgot.--Ah! after all I cannot see that there is +much harm in having a madman for one's godfather! If Frederic were +wise, he would not try to conquer the world. He is getting ready to +swallow Milan, the head of Italy. After the head, the rest will come +easily enough; but it is a food not easily digested. The earth belongs +to God, and not to the Emperor, and one of these days Frederic's +madness will draw upon himself the wrath of an avenging God." + +"Well spoken, Lanzo! you ought to be a member of the Emperor's +Council." + +"God preserve me from it! my honesty would be exposed to too sore +temptations.--But I see in the steel of your helmet a little sprite +which mocks at me. My argument has a weak point, then?--Tell me, where +did you get that splendid gold chain?" + +"Why do you ask me?" + +"Answer me first." + +"From the knight Bonello,--him whose cause you espoused so warmly." + +"Tell me, my lord, how did it happen that you became so deeply +interested in this traitor's misfortunes? All the camp was astonished +at the boldness with which you braved the Emperor's displeasure. No one +but you would have risked his sovereign's anger to save a traitor's +life. Was it craft on your part, or wisdom?" + +"How dare you ask such questions? Is it not our duty to aid all who are +unfortunate?" + +"Well answered! But the sprite in your helmet is mocking at me again, I +fear you have not told me all the truth. When you pleaded Bonello's +cause, had you no other motive than pity?" + +"You are right." + +"Ah! I have a little intelligence sometimes!--Bonello has a +daughter!--Some men of sense saw her without being dazzled--that is, +another species of madness! I would ask some more questions, if I were +not afraid that your steel scabbard might make an intimate acquaintance +with my back." + +"Still, you are not going to stop there?" + +"Certainly not, if I may go on!" + +"Go on, then!" + +"Well," said the little man, "your heightened color confirms what I had +already more than half guessed! But have you reflected on what you are, +and what this girl is? I am afraid, in this, you have acted +inconsiderately. Go to your godfather, and ask him permission to marry +the daughter of ----, a traitor!" + +Erwin's countenance changed. + +"Ah, how pale you become!" said Lanzo. "You see, dear Count, wise +men should always look to the issue of their projects. But don't be +down-hearted; this Lombard angel is still only a child, and, in a few +years' time, things may change a good deal." And he sprang to the +ground. + +"You are not leaving me thus, Lanzo? Methinks, a light collation, with +me, in the Imperial tent, should not be refused." + +"Many thanks, Count! Believe me, there are other things to be done in +Barbarossa's tent, besides giving lodgings to a poor devil." + +And Lanzo turned boldly to the pavilion of Henry, the Lion. + + + + _CHAPTER XV_. + + _THE ANTI-POPE_. + + +Although Lanzo was merely the Duke of Saxony's buffoon, the Count could +not but feel very uneasy, as he thought of their late conversation. The +allusions to his intimacy with Bonello annoyed him, and he felt +surprised to think that hitherto he had been blind to all the +difficulties in which his position as godson to the Emperor had +involved him. For it was highly probable that Barbarossa would refuse +his consent to any alliance between him and the family of Bonello. + +Under the influence of these reflections, Rechberg proceeded through +the camp, without at first remarking the extraordinary calm which +pervaded everything. The deserted streets and empty tents seemed to +indicate that the troops were on some expedition, but when he +approached the tent, or rather the palace of the Emperor, he saw on +each side of the road both knights and men-at-arms drawn up in order of +battle. Frederic's tent and all those in its vicinity were decked with +flowers and ornamented with rich carpets, and Erwin soon learned that +it was for the solemn reception of the pretended Pope Victor, whose +entrance into the camp was already heralded by a full flourish of +trumpets. + +In the eyes of the young Count, Victor was merely an illustrious and +important personage, for he could not admit his claims to the Papal +throne, which, of right, belonged to Alexander III. He knew Victor's +irresolute character, and as his very appearance was disagreeable to +him, he decided not to present himself to the Emperor until after the +ceremonies of the reception were concluded. + +The Emperor had taken infinite pains to receive his Pope with becoming +pomp; not because he wished to honor the head of the Church, but +because he thought it expedient to give as much importance to the man +whom he considered necessary to the accomplishment of his own projects, +and with this view all the actions of the Emperor manifested a profound +respect for the Head of the Church. He rode on his left hand, a little +to the rear, as though he did not presume to put himself on an equality +with the chief of Christendom. Barbarossa wore a scarlet doublet, over +which was thrown the Imperial mantle, clasped with gold links and +silver crescents. On his head was the crown, and in his hand the +sceptre. His face was dignified and composed, and as they neared the +camp and the crowd could judge better of his movements, he was more +demonstrative in his attentions to the Anti-Pope; whose hand never +ceased from blessing the bystanders. + +Victor's tall stature, his bearing, and even his costume, were rather +those of a temporal prince than those of a spiritual shepherd. Over his +shoulders hung a scarlet robe, richly embroidered in gold, and on his +long curling looks was placed the triple crown of Rome; his features +reflected the pride and arrogance of his disposition. + +Immediately after the Emperor rode Henry the Lion, the Dukes of +Austria, of Bohemia, and of Rottemburg, and the Landgrave of Thuringen, +followed by a brilliant array of princes and nobles. The escort was +preceded by the military band, which marched, with a flourish of +trumpets, about a hundred yards in advance of the Pope. But, although +on all sides there were soldiers and martial standards, there was no +religious display, no religious banners or chants; not even a cross was +to be seen; for Victor's entry to the camp showed plainly that he was +but a creature of the Emperor, from whom he derived all his pomp and +greatness. + +Frederic dismounted before his tent, and following an ancient custom, +came forward respectfully, to hold the Pope's stirrup. But here the +Cardinal Octavian, for such was his real title, showed an utter want of +tact. Affecting to be deeply engaged in conversation with his immediate +attendants, he permitted the Emperor to remain too long in his +humiliating posture. + +Frederic colored up with anger and mortification, while his Chancellor +smiled with inward satisfaction. Rinaldo had long advised the +discontinuance of this idle and useless ceremony, but the Emperor, with +more foresight than his minister, judged that the moment was not yet +ripe for the abolition of a custom which seemed to establish the +supremacy of the chief of Christendom. + +At last Octavian dismounted; he took the monarch in his arms and gave +him the kiss of peace, and then, turning towards the assembled +multitude, he gave them his benediction, and entered the Imperial tent. + + + + + _CHAPTER XVI_. + + _THE EMPEROR'S SLAVE_. + + +The first service which Barbarossa exacted of Victor, was the solemn +excommunication of Alexander III., and his partisans, in presence of +the army, and in front of the walls of Milan. A few days after his +arrival at the Camp, an immense tribune, draped with black cloth, and +provided with numerous seats, was erected at a safe distance from the +city. In the centre was an elevated platform, and behind this a throne +for the Emperor, whence he could communicate his desires to the various +speakers. Thousands of soldiers from all parts of the Camp surrounded +the tribune, and a crowd of curious spectators lined the towers and +walls of the city. + +At the appointed hour, the Emperor, the nobles, the false Pope, and the +prelates, ascended the platform and took seats according to their +respective rank. Alberic, the Pope's chaplain, first, in a noisy +harangue, explained the object of the assembly. He denounced Alexander +and his adherents as heretics, and extolled Victor as the legitimate +Pope. + +Lighted tapers were then handed to the nobles and the clergy; and +Octavian, mounting the pulpit, began to recite, in a voice trembling +with passion, the usual lengthy formula of excommunication, at the +close of which, as the sentence of malediction was thundered out, the +Emperor, nobles, and clergy extinguished their candles. + +This solemn farce, enacted by Frederic's orders, in the immediate +vicinity of a city whose inhabitants were enthusiastic partisans +of the cause of Alexander, was received by the Milanese with shouts +of derision; and scarcely had the anathema been uttered when a +speaking-trumpet was heard upon the walls. + +"Octavian," it cried, "wrongfully surnamed Victor, slave of the +Emperor, we scorn your maledictions.--Heaven blesses whom you curse, +and curses whom you bless!" + +Few of the soldiers present had ever before heard a speaking-trumpet, +and these words seemed supernatural, while the distant echo gave +credence to the speedy realization of the prophecy. But Frederic, more +enlightened, skilfully parried the blow, and aware of a report which +had been circulated latterly, that an angel had descended from heaven +to curse Victor and his partisans, he looked on in scornful silence, +while the crowd broke out in clamorous surprise. + +Suddenly a straw effigy of the Pope, crowned with rags, with a paper +mitre on its head, and a scroll with the inscription, in large letters, +of "Pope Victor" in its hand, was hurled from the walls by a catapult, +and fell close to Octavian's feet, while, amid a burst of contemptuous +laughter, the voice again shouted through the trumpet, "Straw Pope! +Straw Pope!" + +Octavian was thunderstruck, and stood gazing with a wild stare upon the +effigy, and his face assumed an expression so ridiculously stupid, that +Rinaldo and the bystanders, remarking the absurd resemblance between it +and the figure, could with difficulty restrain their mirth. + +Frederic reflected grimly for a moment, but soon found means to turn +this incident to profit. + +"Resume your seat!" he said to Victor, and then rising with the fierce +and decided manner which so well became him, he commanded silence. Even +Rinaldo's face wore a serious expression, and all awaited, +breathlessly, the monarch's harangue. + +"What means all this? What seeks Milan with these sinful mockeries? +Will that accursed city never respect anything? She turns into ridicule +even the holy symbols of spiritual power; she mocks at the legitimate +Head of the Church; and that her insults may be the better heard, a +miserable speaking-trumpet cries them from the walls! Remember the +tyranny which reigns in Milan, think of the destruction of Lodi and the +misfortunes of Como; think of all those things, and then tell me if +that city does not merit destruction!" + +Frederic ceased, but his words had produced the desired effect. + +"She deserves her fate!" cried, eagerly, the soldiers of Lodi and Como +who were present; "she deserves her fate; down with Milan!" + +"Yes, she deserves it," resumed the Emperor, "and this time we +ourselves will execute the decrees of justice!" He paused, and raising +his hand to his brow, took off the crown. Then, his eyes raised to +heaven, and his right hand extended, he cried, with a loud voice,-- + +"I, Frederic of Hohenstauffen, king of the Germans and Emperor of Rome, +do swear before Almighty God and the ever blessed Virgin Mary, by the +holy Apostles Peter and Paul, and all the Saints of Paradise, that this +crown will no more grace my brow until the city of Milan shall have +been destroyed in chastisement for her crimes!" + +The Emperor made the sign of the cross, and delivered the diadem into +the keeping of the Imperial Chancellor. + +This solemn oath electrified the Italians. + +"Long live the Emperor!" shouted a thousand voices. "Long live the +Emperor! Down with Milan!" + +In the midst of the applause, Barbarossa, well satisfied with the +result of his harangue, left the tribune, followed by his nobles. +Meanwhile Victor, who had returned to his tent, gave free vent to his +anger, and while Alberic was divesting him of his mantle, shook his +head with most unequivocal marks of resentment. + +"Straw pope!" he exclaimed; "straw pope! the wretches, to compare me, +the legitimate Head of the Church, to a man of straw!" + +"It is most infamous!" replied the chaplain; "it merits the vengeance +of heaven." + +"Patience, the Milanese will pay dearly for their insolence. It needed +but this to fill the cup of Imperial anger. This city must be destroyed +and levelled with the earth. Henceforth whoever dares to intercede for +this new Nineveh, is the foe of the Church, of the Pope, and of the +Emperor." + +"And the speaking-trumpet," added Alberic; "that abominable +speaking-trumpet!" + +"True, I had almost forgotten that," replied Victor. "What was it they +called me? Straw Pope!--the villains! I am the true Pope, both by the +choice of the people and Imperial sanction. Yes, of course I am," he +repeated, as though wishing to persuade himself that it really was so. +"Alexander can never be more than the Cardinal Roland, for he was +neither elected by the people nor confirmed by the Emperor." + +"Most certainly, there is no doubt of the fact," added Alberic, +quickly, for he knew Victor's anxiety in the matter. + +"But what was it they really called me?--I think I heard the words +'Slave of the Emperor'!" + +"That was what they said," my lord. "It was a ridiculous epithet, for +you, who seek to defend the prerogatives of the Church, can be slave to +no one." + +These words were bitterly ironical, for Octavian remembered his base +servility to the wishes of his master Barbarossa, and he moved uneasily +upon his chair, as he resumed,-- + +"I give to the Emperor what is his by right, and in this I obey the +commands of our Lord; but in all that concerns the Church, I am +inflexible and yield obedience to no earthly power. Have I not often +given proofs of this? Did I not do so only on the day before yesterday, +when the Emperor urged me to pronounce the separation of Henry and +Clemence? And did we not, in virtue of our sacred office, refuse the +demand?" + +"I admired your energy, my lord." + +"There are no excuses, no threats which can decide us to annul this +marriage!" continued Octavian. "If monarchs could, at their pleasure, +divorce their wives, we should have little justice and order. No, by +the eternal salvation of my soul, to which may God be merciful, I will +never countenance a like enormity!" + +As Victor finished, Rinaldo entered the room. Octavian's tirade had not +escaped the watchful observation of the courtier. Indeed, although +rarely bold enough to resist the Emperor's commands, there were times +when Octavian, either through shame or anger, refused obedience. Like +all men of contracted and timid ideas, he sometimes tried to show proof +of energy. Deploring his position, but without greatness of soul enough +to consent to break his chains and retire to a subordinate capacity, he +gave full vent to his ill-temper against all whom he had no especial +cause to fear. Humble and submissive towards the Emperor and his +ministers, he was disdainful and supercilious to his inferiors. + +For once, Victor seemed decided to give an evidence of character. He +remained seated, and replied coldly to the salutations of the +Chancellor. But the wily courtier paid no attention to his insolence; +and seating himself quietly, he began,-- + +"Before submitting to your Holiness the message intrusted me by our +sovereign lord the Emperor, I desire to offer my sincere regrets for +the grave scandal caused by the Milanese." + +"The devilful blindness of these Godforsaken people is the surest proof +of our legitimacy," interrupted Victor; "we have therefore no need +either of your commiseration or your sympathy. You will communicate +this reply to the Emperor. We will now examine whether this message, in +case it should be a petition, merits our consideration." + +It needed all Rinaldo's self-command to remain serious at Octavian's +speech, and particularly at the air with which it was uttered. If +Victor really were what he tried to seem, the Count of Dassel would +have had good reason to be provoked; but as he had known the Pope for +many years, his arrogance only excited a smile, as he answered,-- + +"In this business, I am well aware that the well known wisdom of your +Holiness has no need of my sympathy. I will therefore, as such is your +desire, explain the purport of the Emperor's communication. It concerns +the rupture of the marriage between the Duke of Saxony and his wife +Clemence." + +"We have already expressed our opinions decidedly on that point," +replied Octavian. + +"True, a few days ago," said Rinaldo; "but at present His Majesty +desires to terminate the matter without delay, and requests you to +appoint a time when the divorce shall be solemnly pronounced in +public." + +"Must I then repeat what I have already said?" replied Victor, with +surprise. "The marriage is legal, and cannot be annulled. The question +of consanguinity is, by no means, clearly established, and the degree +is too remote." + +"Nevertheless, the Emperor desires the divorce for grave political +reasons," said Rinaldo, quietly. + +"Political reasons! What have we to do with politics?" + +"Very true, affairs of state are not your province, still, your +Holiness might have some consideration for the Emperor's wishes." + +"Very well, my lord chancellor! you say that the affairs of state are +not our province, and yet in the affairs of the Church we must consult +the Emperor's wishes. If that were so, what position should we occupy? +The Milanese have defined it perfectly: 'the base slave of the +Emperor'!" + +"Your Holiness should remember that you owe everything to the Emperor." + +"I beg your pardon, my lord chancellor; I hold my power in virtue of my +election by the Cardinals and the people." + +"The Cardinals!" Dassel cried, ironically; "how many of them voted for +you? if I remember rightly, only two. And you speak of the people's +choice? The pagan Jugurtha reproached the Roman people with its +corruption; yet, without the rich bribes paid by your friends, even +that venal people would not have pronounced in your favor." + +Octavian colored violently at the insult. + +"I have no wish to wound your Holiness," continued Dassel, "but simply +to warn you against any feelings of ingratitude to the Emperor." + +"Admitting what you have said to be true, was not our election ratified +by four plenary councils?" + +"Four plenary councils!" sneered Rinaldo. "There should have been four, +but the Emperor has never been able to bring the Bishops together. You +should know of what value is a plenary council where there are no +Bishops! But let me beg you to put an end to this useless discussion. I +only wish to transmit the Emperor's orders and carry back to him your +answer." + +"The Emperor's orders! Oh! this is too much, my lord!" + +"Yes; but if you prefer, we will call it the Emperor's request," said +the minister, rising as he spoke; "orders or request, it matters +little! since the Emperor insists upon implicit obedience to the one, +as to the other. Perhaps, upon reflection, you will perceive that your +disobedience may possibly have most disagreeable consequences." + +"For the love of God! do not leave me," cried the alarmed Victor. "Only +show me how I can, in defiance of my duty and my conscience, annul a +legal marriage? I am always ready to show my obedience to His Majesty; +I only implore him not to insist upon this flagrant violation of divine +and ecclesiastical laws." + +"Have you the power to loose?" + +"Yes; but not the bonds of an indissoluble marriage." + +"The consanguinity between Henry and Clemence is a valid cause of +divorce. Their genealogical tree shall be submitted for your +examination; you can then conscientiously annul the marriage." + +Victor was dreadfully embarrassed, and sought in vain an escape from +the dilemma. On the one side, he felt ashamed of his weakness, and his +conscience reproached him bitterly; but on the other, he saw that most +disagreeable consequences would result from his refusal. The tone of +the Chancellor, his gloomy and threatening demeanor, his readiness to +leave the apartment, alarmed Octavian, on whose forehead stood great +drops of perspiration, a striking proof that bad actions are often more +painful in their accomplishment than those dictated by a worthy motive. + +"May I then announce to the Emperor, that you will obey him?" resumed +Dassel; "or shall I transmit your refusal, so that His Majesty can at +once proclaim the illegality of your claims to the Papal throne?" + +"I will obey," faltered Victor. + +"At last you have come to a wise decision," said the courtier, whose +face immediately resumed its cordial expression. "May I ask when your +Holiness will fulfil your promise?" + +"Whenever it may so please the Emperor." + +"Your visit will be most agreeable to His Majesty," Dassel resumed. "I +have only now to request your Holiness to confer the Episcopal mitre +upon some young man, high in favor with His Majesty, to whom he wishes +to offer this mark of his confidence. He thinks that it would be well +for the ceremony to take place next week, in the Cathedral of Pavia. +One of the candidates is the young Count Biandrate, whose nomination to +the Archbishopric of Ravenna was delayed, owing to some objections on +the part of your predecessor, Pope Adrian." + +"I must confirm His Majesty's choice, and will be at Pavia on the day +mentioned." + +The Chancellor bowed and withdrew. Ashamed and cast down, the Pope +stood motionless, gazing at the door through which Dassel had +disappeared. He seemed scarcely to credit his humiliation, as he +murmured,-- + +"Aye, I am the Emperor's slave, naught but his miserable, degraded +slave!" + + + + + _CHAPTER XVII_. + + _AN EVIL SPIRIT_. + + +After communicating to Barbarossa, Victor's promise of obedience, +Dassel took his way towards the tent of Henry the Lion, to announce to +the prince the speedy dissolution of his marriage. The Saxon Duke +lodged in the Augustinian convent in front of the city. In spite of the +decisions of the council of war, this cloister had been neither +pillaged nor burned, for it stood in the midst of his camp, and served +as his headquarters; and the demand for its destruction, urged by some +of the Italians, had met with a stern refusal. + +"In the North," he said, "I spare neither time nor money in building +churches and monasteries. Why should I consent to destroy them in the +South? You must understand, once for all, that I will not do violence +to my principles, in order to gratify your hatred for the Milanese." + +These words put an end to the discussion; the beautiful church was +spared, but the anxious monks were driven to take shelter within the +city. Ever since Henry had begun to entertain seriously the idea of a +divorce, he had lost the air of frankness and good-nature which had +formerly characterized him. He walked with downcast eyes, his brows +were knit, his head stooped, and a heavy burden seemed to oppress his +intellect. While Rinaldo urged the divorce, the Duke remained +irresolute; his pride prompted him to the step, but his heart opposed +it. A union of fifteen years had proved the sincere affection and +unalterable fidelity of his wife, who lived only in her husband's love. +He could not call to mind a single unkind word; Clemence, on the +contrary, had always striven to make her husband forget his cares and +anxieties. And even now, although well aware of this scheme for their +separation, she never gave utterance to one murmur or reproach; all her +efforts were directed to conceal her sadness and despair. But his +wife's anguish was not unknown to the Duke. He admired the generous +spirit of the noble woman, and it cost him many a heartache, to feel +himself, as it were, compelled to do her such a cruel wrong. Had the +Duchess reproached him with his injustice, the struggle would have been +less difficult, but this mute sorrow, this submissive love disarmed +him. It was in vain that he looked back over years long gone by, he +could discover nothing worthy of dissatisfaction, for each succeeding +year since their marriage gave new proofs of Clemence's affection and +fidelity. + +Sad thoughts filled his mind as he sat beneath an arbor of clematis in +the convent garden. His back leaning against the wall, his limbs +stretched out and his hands clenched upon his breast, his haggard, +downcast face denoted the painful struggle raging within him, which +from time to time took vent in a deep sigh. + +A child's clear voice awoke him from his mournful revery. At the end of +the grove his wife appeared, leading his little daughter Adelaide by +the hand. As soon as she perceived her father, she ran towards him, but +suddenly stopped at a short distance with an air of indecision and +doubt. + +"Well, well! little one, come on!" said Henry, forcing a smile. + +The child obeyed, but it was plain that she did not feel at ease, for +she looked anxiously towards her mother. + +Henry seemed annoyed as Clemence seated herself beside him, but +although the noble woman had remarked his grave and troubled expression +and divined its cause, her strong will concealed her sad emotions. + +"Father, why do you always wear these iron clothes?" said the child, +playing with the rings of his coat of mail. + +"Because it is necessary in time of war, my child. Would you not like +to have one like it? See how it shines and sparkles!" + +"No, father; it is too hard and stiff; I like my mother's dresses +better." + +"If you were a boy, instead of a little girl, it would please you +more." + +These words produced a strange effect upon the infant. She first turned +towards Clemence who seemed ready to burst into tears, and then threw +her arms around her father's neck, as if to prevent him reproaching her +mother. + +"I want to be a boy, father!" said Adelaide, laughing through her +tears. + +"You do, do you? and what for?" + +"So that my mother may not cry any more!" + +"Nonsense, little chatterbox; why should your mother cry?" + +"Oh yes, she does cry, and a great deal too; only when you come, she +dries her eyes, and smiles." + +The Duke was touched; these artless words from the mouth of his child +contained a reproach which shamed him. Until then, he had never spoken +to his wife of the proposed divorce, and even now, although the +opportunity seemed favorable, he hesitated, for the consciousness of +his injustice deprived him of his courage. + +Clemence read his thoughts, and a mingling of love for her husband and +pity for his weakness, joined to a faint hope that, even yet, he might +be weaned from his determination, decided her to speak. + +"Dear Henry," she began, "a wife's duty is to watch and pray, whenever +a danger menaces her lord. I can no longer remain silent in the +presence of the schemers who seek to beguile you. The sinful projects +of the chancellor Rinaldo will destroy your eternal soul. Believe me, +no motive can excuse an evil deed; nothing can make innocent that which +the laws of God forbid. I am ready, if it were possible, to make any +sacrifice to your happiness, even were my heart to break in the +attempt!" + +Tears choked her further utterance; but the Duke well knew that her +words were not an idle speech, but that they were dictated by true and +sincere affection. + +"Why do you allude to this circumstance, so painful to us both," he +said. "There are some things which must be placed even above the +feelings of the heart. On the honor of a knight, Clemence, I look upon +you as the noblest of women, and yet, with me the Guelphic dynasty in +the North will end." + +"I know the chancellor's famous discovery of our consanguinity!" +replied the Duchess. "Henry, you know that the plea is false. If our +divorce will make you happier, I would submit, without a murmur; but +the certainty that this divorce will imperil your immortal soul, wrings +my heart with anguish. Henry! I implore you, give up this guilty +project! Trust to the future.--Perhaps--perhaps, my days are numbered." + +At this moment a horse's hoofs rang on the pavement of the outer court, +and almost immediately Rinaldo stood before the arbor. Clemence rose +hastily; although pale and trembling, her tears had ceased, and she +gazed upon the chancellor with a look of horror. Slowly leaving with +her child the presence of her husband, she cast upon him one lingering +glance in which were reflected the feelings of her soul. + +Robed in the magnificent costume which he wore only on great occasions +of ceremony, wearing on his finger the pastoral ring of the +Archbishopric of Cologne (conferred upon him by the Emperor), a costly +chain of triple gold around his neck, and on his head a splendid mitre, +the Count of Dassel, with a smiling face, saluted the Saxon Duke. + +"I have ridden over to examine the tower which your Highness has +built," he said, with a low bow; "what a noble piece of work! I can +only compare it to the one constructed by the Emperor for the Siege of +Cremona." + +This was one of Henry's weak points, and the crafty Dassel knew it. + +"You are in error, my dear Count," he replied; "it is very true that my +Imperial cousin constructed a splendid machine for that siege, but his +tower could not accommodate, by two hundred men, as many as mine. +Besides, it could only be moved slowly and with much danger." + +Rinaldo did not venture to doubt the superiority of the ducal +construction. + +"Oh, if that is the case, the perfection of your edifice threatens to +become dangerous." + +"Dangerous! and how so?" + +"Yes," said Dassel; "dangerous to the fame and aspirations of more than +one hero who has built up his dreams of glory and renown upon the +taking of Milan. Think of the disappointment of the Count Palatine +Otho, of the Duke of Austria, of the Landgrave of Thuringen, and a host +of other illustrious captains, when they see the Suabian lion float +over the ramparts of the city." + +The Duke laughed boisterously. + +"The thoughts of your triumph recalls to me naturally the certitude of +your good fortune. His Holiness, the Pope, has expressed his readiness +to annul the marriage which you have contracted with your relative." + +At these words the Duke's face darkened as his right hand began to play +with his beard, while the left sought angrily his sword-hilt. + +"It only remains for your Highness to indicate the day and hour for +this wished-for divorce," added the Chancellor. + +"Hum! you appear very much interested in my affairs," replied the Duke. +"Why this precipitation?" + +"Was it not your desire, my lord?" + +"Certainly, it was my desire. But I will not submit to dictation from +any one, and it may suit me better to leave matters as they are." + +The courtier appeared surprised. + +"Oh! that amazes you; yes, I said it might suit me better to leave +matters as they were, my dear Count." + +"Your Highness is certainly the best judge of your own affairs," +replied Dassel, cautiously, as if he felt himself in the presence of an +unchained lion; "still I must observe that matters are already pretty +far advanced." + +"Well, turn them back again. That must be an easy matter for you; you +have experience in such things." + +"May I venture to inquire the reasons which have influenced your +Highness to this sudden change?" + +"The reasons!" he cried angrily; "the reasons! because it would be +infamous! Why do you stare at me thus? Look there!" + +And he pointed to where, at the extremity of the garden, Clemence, half +hidden by the rose-trees, was kneeling before an image of the Madonna. +Near her stood the little Adelaide with clasped bands, gazing +alternately at the image and at her weeping mother. Rinaldo saw the +mother and the child; he understood the Duke's anger; he resolved to +complete his infernal work. + +"She is a pious woman," he said; "a model for her sex! The separation +will be most painful to her. I understand it well; but it is also +painful for a valiant prince to witness the extinction of his race." + +"Oh! the pangs of separation, the grief which they cause a loving +heart, may be healed in time," said Henry; "but, my dear Count, this +action will be not only cruel and pitiless, but it will be criminal in +the sight of God." + +"Criminal in the sight of God! this is a new phase to give to the +affair. The Pope annuls your marriage; he knows his privileges, and is +responsible for the consequences." + +"Yes, your Pope," replied Henry, with an angry sneer. "Tell me, can the +act of that puppet of the Emperor make an evil act a good one?" + +"This is certainly a grave point for a timid conscience," said Dassel, +ironically. + +"But yourself, my dear Count? Years ago, the Emperor put that +archiepiscopal ring on your finger; tell me, how it happens that you +have not yet been consecrated? All that is needed is your request. +Victor will be delighted. But--and it is natural enough--you despise +the consecration of the Anti-Pope! And yet you pretend that his +intervention ought to be sufficient for me?" + +"There is no hurry about my consecration," replied Rinaldo, quickly; +"but your Highness makes a mistake in being influenced by such scruples +of conscience, which are, to say the least, exaggerated." + +"Exaggerated!" + +"Certainly! Is it not the Emperor's prerogative to appoint the Bishop +of Rome? The history of the Empire is there to prove the correctness of +my assertion." + +"Without any doubt, my Imperial cousin needs, for the accomplishment of +his designs, a very submissive Pope. I shall not discuss this subject. +The Northern bishops, likewise, owe me obedience.--There is but one +difference in our positions,--none of my bishops is the supreme chief +of Christendom." + +"There is still another difference," resumed Rinaldo, with some +hesitation, "and that is, your cousin Frederic is laying the +foundations of a dynasty which is destined to rule the world, whilst +your works will perish with you." + +The Duke of Saxony was speechless, as, with contracted features, he +rose and stood like a bronze statue before the tempter. The vulnerable +point of his armor had been touched; for many years Henry's dream had +been, to found an independent empire in the North, and all his efforts, +all his warlike enterprises looked to this end. Dassel made a last +effort to excite the Duke's ambition. + +"You have, it is true, several lovely daughters; but you cannot +bequeath your domains to them. All your conquests will revert to the +Empire; nothing will remain to them, save their titles and their rights +of dower." + +"Stop a moment, Count!" cried Henry, furious at seeing his conquests, +so painfully made, disposed of thus summarily. + +"I am well aware, that my words may have offended your Highness; but, +pardon my frankness, they were none the less just." + +"It is false, I tell you! entirely false! Do you imagine that for years +I have toiled and fought, have borne hunger and thirst, and a thousand +fatigues of every kind, only to descend to the tomb like a brainless +fool?" + +"I regret it sincerely, my lord; but, since you refuse the divorce +which is proposed, you must take the consequences." + +"Refuse it! No; I must consider the matter further. What shall be, +shall be; yes, on my honor!" + +Rinaldo trembled with pleasure. + +"Go, and thank my Imperial cousin!" continued Henry. "This divorce must +be pronounced, even should it insure my own ruin! Still, beg his +Majesty not to carry the matter further than I wish myself." + + + + + _CHAPTER XVIII_. + + _CONFIDENTIAL SECRETS_. + + +Rinaldo took his way towards the Imperial pavilion, for he was anxious +to report the result of his interview with the Duke of Saxony. He was +informed by one of the chamberlains that Frederic had gone to the +apartments of the Empress, and Dassel decided to await his return in an +adjoining room. He had taken but a few steps in a hall littered with +cuirasses and swords and lances, when he heard the Emperor's voice, +speaking in an angry tone. It was scarcely calculated to produce a +reassuring effect upon the statesman, but he approached the partition +and listened attentively. + +Upon leaving the Empress, Frederic had met Count Rechberg in the +antechamber. For some time the young man had been thinking seriously of +asking the Emperor's consent to his marriage with Bonello's daughter, +and the uncertainty of the result of his application produced a state +of painful anxiety. He was seated in a corner, his head resting on his +hands and his elbows on his knees, when the monarch entered, and was so +absorbed in his reflections that he was unconscious of his presence. +Frederic looked at him with some surprise, and shook his head. At this +moment Erwin sighed deeply, and the Emperor involuntarily shuddered. + +"Erwin!" said he, with a loud voice. + +The young count sprang up hastily, and stood, with heightened color, +before his sovereign. + +"What is the matter, my boy? For some time past you seem out of +spirits. Can nothing amuse your sad thoughts? Tell me what ails you." + +Erwin only answered by a still deeper blush. The man who by a word +could render him happy, was before him, and yet, trembling like a +criminal, he did not dare to speak. + +"Are you dumb? Ah! now I begin to be really curious to learn the secret +which saddens your young heart." + +"I must really help this poor fellow," thought Rinaldo. + +"Come, Erwin, your reticence displeases me. What motive can there be +for silence with your godfather?" + +Rechberg looked sadly at the Emperor, as if to show him how painfully +he felt this reproach. + +"Well! if you have confidence in me, speak out! What is the matter? For +some time past I have noticed your mournful and dejected appearance, +and I hoped to have received your confession without being obliged to +ask for it." + +"Pardon, Sire; it is not my want of confidence in your Majesty which +has closed my mouth, but rather the conviction that my cares were +unworthy of your notice." + +"Your cares!" resumed Barbarossa, looking at the young man more +attentively. "True, true, it is some piece of childishness; I might +have guessed it sooner." + +Rinaldo's entrance on one side, and the Empress on the other, +interrupted Frederic. + +"Beatrice," said he, "I give this sick boy up to your care. I know that +you are a skilful physician;" and he left the room with the Count of +Dassel. + +Beatrice, the wealthy daughter of Count Reinald, of Upper Burgundy, was +but sixteen years of age when she was chosen by Frederic as his wife. +In spite of the opposition to his marriage made by Pope Adrian IV; in +spite of the representations of the Church and the reputation of the +world at large, Barbarossa's passion was so violent that he disregarded +every obstacle, and on the repudiation of his first wife, Adelaide, +conducted Beatrice to the altar. + +At the time of which we speak, Beatrice was twenty-one years of age; +beautiful, gracious, and accomplished; she was considered the most +amiable princess of the age, and she gladly undertook to console a +youth whom she esteemed as much for his own virtuous qualities as on +account of his relationship to the Emperor. + +Dismissing her attendants, she called the young man to her side, and in +a few moments had learned his story. She listened to him coldly, +without even a smile, and when all was told, merely remarked,-- + +"I desire that you make a formal demand for the hand of the fair +Hermengarde as soon as possible." + +"I humbly thank your Majesty; but I scarcely dare to take a step which +may not be approved." + +"What do you mean? Not approved! and by whom?" + +"By the Emperor, who will never consent to my marriage with the +daughter of one whom he looks upon as a traitor." + +"Nonsense, Erwin! the Emperor cares nothing about love-affairs! He only +wants to see you happy." + +"Your Majesty may be mistaken in this," replied Rechberg. + +"Has the Emperor ever said anything to you on this subject?" + +"Nothing. But I feel assured that he will refuse his consent." + +"I understand, my dear Erwin. You are one of those people who like to +take trouble on interest. I see that I must help you, as His Majesty +has ordered me to be your physician. So, the very first medicine which +I shall prescribe is to keep up your spirits. In the meantime, I am +going to prepare you a sovereign remedy;" and she left the room. + +"Richilda," said Beatrice, entering her private chamber, "can you not +point out some knight whom I can intrust with a message of importance?" + +"The whole army is at your Majesty's orders," replied the waiting-maid. + +"No! no! I mean a good sword, on whom I can entirely depend." + +"What does your Majesty think of the knight Goswin? He is brave, +discreet, and would ride to Egypt for your Majesty." + +The Empress' clear and musical laugh rang through the room. + +"You are crazy, Richilda! Goswin, that vulgar soldier! Upon my word, he +would be a beautiful messenger." + +"Pardon, madam; I had no intention of offending you; but, not to be +guilty of another mistake, it would be well if I knew your Majesty's +intentions." + +"Ah! you are curious! But after all, you may as well know all. I have +long desired to see this Hermengarde, who has so dazzled with her +beauty all the knights who have met her. I think of sending a brilliant +embassy to invite her to my court." + +"A most excellent idea," said Richilda. + +"I have heard a great deal of her noble efforts in her father's behalf, +and I am curious of knowing intimately one whose filial devotion I have +so much admired." + +"But will your invitation be accepted? The lady of Castellamare is only +a child yet,--I believe not more than fourteen years of age. She cannot +leave the castle without her father's permission, and it is scarcely +probable that he will allow his daughter to go where he was treated so +roughly himself." + +"Your objections are not entirely unreasonable," replied the Empress. +"But, as a general thing, parents are not opposed to their children's +happiness, and will do a good deal to advance it, even if they have to +forget their own personal injuries. But I have just thought of a +messenger who will probably be a successful one. Come, let us go to +work at once." + + + + + _CHAPTER XIX_. + + _THE CONSULS_. + + +Meanwhile the Milanese were bearing up courageously against all the +fatigues and privations of the rigorous siege. The same spirit appeared +to animate all classes of the population; merchants, workmen, and +nobles were menaced by the same danger, and each and all fought bravely +in defence of his rights and the liberty of his country. + +Bold sorties were of daily occurrence, and every effort made to +introduce convoys of provisions into the city; but the investment was +so complete, and all avenues of approach so carefully guarded, that the +attempts were always repelled with severe loss. Although as yet there +was no scarcity of food, still the possibility of famine at some future +day decided the Consuls of Milan to call a council in order to devise +the best means of averting the danger. They were fully persuaded that +Frederic would not raise the siege, and that they had little aid to +expect from their allies. + +Genoa, Pisa, and Venice had long envied Milan's power, and would glory +in her fall; while the other towns bowed before the formidable armies +of the house of Hohenstauffen, and were disposed to acknowledge its +supremacy. Their chief reliance was in the success of skilful +diplomacy; and for this they counted upon the talents and abilities of +one whom the people looked up to as a saint--the Archdeacon Galdini +Sala. At the urgent request of the Consul Nigri, the Archdeacon +repaired to the hall where the council was deliberating with closed +doors, and after a few words of introduction from Gherardo, expressed +his views in favor of a continued and obstinate defence. + +"If the people are firm," he said, "Barbarossa cannot hope a speedy +surrender. I am convinced that Milan cannot be taken by assault, and +that the enemy will endeavor to reduce it by famine." + +"But is there no means by which we can obtain provisions?" asked the +Consul of the merchants. "If Barbarossa ever succeeds in introducing +hunger, his most redoubtable ally, within the walls, our cause is lost! +No pains, no money must be spared to avert this terrible disaster, even +should we be obliged to spend our last penny, and turn into coin our +jewels and the holy vessels of our churches!" + +"The Church will not be backward if the sacrifice be needed; but before +arriving at this extremity, every other resource must have been +exhausted." + +"It is not money that we need," said the Consul Oberto, a worthy old +man, with a snowy beard; "it is not money, for the richest bribes would +fail to get an ounce of bread through the gates. The Emperor's blockade +is too rigidly enforced, and all attempts to force it have proved a +bloody failure." + +"Perhaps it would be advisable," said Galdini, "to put the people on +rations. So far they have eaten and drunk as though the supply were +inexhaustible." + +"I am surprised," replied Oberto, "that a man of your shrewdness could +propose such a measure. The courage of the people would quail at the +bare possibility of a danger to which hitherto they have not given a +thought. And," he continued, in a lower tone, "you know well its +fickleness, and how little it requires to bring about the most fearful +results. The simple report of a defeat excited an insurrection some +years ago, in which the Milanese destroyed the palace of a man who had +sacrificed everything in the cause of liberty. With even a distant +prospect of famine, the citizens would begin to murmur, and probably +rise in open mutiny, for they would think it better to wear the yoke of +Barbarossa than to die of starvation." + +Sala was too just, too practical, to question the reality of the +picture. + +"Our future looks gloomy," said Nigri. "Should famine begin to decimate +our ranks, we shall be obliged to capitulate, and it may perhaps be +advisable not to await the last moment. The Emperor might take into +consideration our voluntary surrender, and grant us more favorable +terms. I propose to open negotiations with him immediately." + +The archdeacon opened his eyes with astonishment at Nigri's proposal. + +"Open negotiations with Frederic," he cried; "and on what basis?" + +"On the most equitable basis," said Oberto; "he who surrenders +willingly, always has less to suffer from the conqueror." + +"You make a very grave mistake, my lord!" said Galdini; "there is no +possible compromise with the tyrant; offer to him the enjoyment of all +your rights; abandon all the revenues of the principality, nothing will +suffice him." + +"But what does he want then?" inquired Cino, the consul of the workmen, +a man of rough manners and herculean build, but of very limited +intelligence. In spite of the gravity of the situation, Galdini could +not repress a smile, as he answered,-- + +"Barbarossa aspires to universal dominion. He seeks to hold in his own +grasp all control of rights and liberties; he wishes to make paltry +villages out of our independent cities. Everything must give way before +his Imperial supremacy; all must bow at the footstool of the conqueror. +Religion, the Church, all that which we look upon as holy, are in his +eyes mere machines of government. Such is Frederic's gigantic dream of +power; can we, I ask, negotiate with such a man? No! we must conquer, +or perish in the attempt!" + +The archdeacon had spoken calmly, but with energy, and all felt that he +had by no means exaggerated the position. For a moment there was a +profound silence, which neither Nigri nor Oberto dared to break, and +then the street without seemed suddenly animated, there was a noise of +hurried feet and shouts and cries of alarm. Nigri rushed to a window +and anxiously inquired the cause. + +"To arms! to the walls!" answered a citizen, who in full armor was +hastening towards the ramparts; "the tower of Henry the Lion is moving +on the city!" + +"The tower! the tower!" cried Cino, pale with fear; "take my word for +it, before nightfall there will be many mouths less to feed among our +fellow-citizens!" + +All the consuls seemed equally alarmed, the object of the council was +forgotten, and they hastily withdrew. Nigri detained the archdeacon, +and taking him on one side, said,-- + +"One moment, I beg you, my lord Galdini. The words spoken here might, +if known, discourage the people. I trust that I may count upon your +discretion." + +"Your recommendation is needless," replied Sala; "not a word shall pass +my lips. Let us hasten, with God's aid, to repel the assault." He +pressed Nigri's hand, and the consul hurriedly buckling on his armor, +they repaired to the ramparts. + + + + + _CHAPTER XX_. + + _THE ASSAULT_. + + +Milan was in mortal fear. The colossal form of the monstrous machine +approached still nearer to the doomed city. The streets were filled +with an anxious crowd of women, children, and men-at-arms, all pressing +with hurried steps to the scene of danger. From every door rushed the +alarmed citizens, buckling their armor as they ran. Wagons filled with +caldrons of pitch and boiling oil, creeked as they labored slowly +forward, and the shouts of the leaders, the orders of the consuls, and +the continued challenge of the sentinels, completed the wild and +confused tumult. And still the tower moved slowly on. + +The garrison, to repel the attack, brought forward two large machines, +which threw stone balls and heavy missiles, and four smaller ones, +called catapults, which were to rain stones and arrows upon the +besiegers. From the summit of the walls the enemy could be +distinguished moving from their camp, in four bodies, and impatiently +awaiting the orders to rush forward to the support of the Saxon banner. +The city walls were lined with crossbow-men and archers, ready to fire +into the loopholes of the town as soon as it should be within range. In +the open space between the houses and the ramparts, the noblemen and +civic guard were drawn up, ready for the moment when the drawbridges +should be lowered and the fight become general. Everything was +conducted in an orderly manner, each man knew his duty. The women and +children had disappeared; on their knees, in the churches, they were +seeking the aid of Heaven in the strife which was so soon to begin. + +All the machines were ready to commence their work of destroying the +town. The two largest were loaded with stones, so large that it +required the united strength of four men to lift them; and fires were +lighted, at intervals along the wall, on which were placed huge iron +vessels filled with oil and pitch. + +Still the tower advanced. Its motive power could not be seen, and it +was a terrible spectacle, this enormous giant creeping silently along, +as though impelled by the breath of a demon. + +From within could be distinguished the dull grating of the machinery, +and from the loopholes peered the fierce faces of the German archers as +they discharged a cloud of arrows upon the besieged. + +Anselmo, the chief of the Milanese artillery, an old man, still +vigorous, with bold features and a quick eye, examined the tower +carefully, as it neared the walls. The troops, watchful of the least +movement of their leader Oberto, were ready to act; but if Anselmo's +skill did not succeed in destroying the tower, they felt that the city +would be taken. + +"Let go the catapults!" cried Anselmo, his eyes always fixed upon the +machine. + +The order was immediately executed, and the old man stepped back to +judge of the effect. There was a deep silence, and all gazed anxiously +upon the stern visage of their leader, as he touched the spring of the +engine. There was a violent shock and a cloud of stones dashed full +upon the front of the tower; but the hay and brushwood, with which it +was bordered, broke the force of the concussion. A second discharge was +attended with a like result. + +"By my holy patron saint!" cried Anselmo, shaking his head, "the jade +is solid. If four hundred weight of stone have no more effect than a +shower of snow-balls, we have little chance of escaping Barbarossa's +companions. However, let us try again." + +A larger stone was brought forward and put into the catapult; a moment +after it whistled through the air and struck heavily against the tower, +but without producing any impression. + +"It is useless to try," said Anselmo; "the devil himself must have +built that tower!" + +"Would it not be advisable," said Nigri, "to arrange the smaller +machines for the reception of the stormers, as we cannot prevent the +assault?" + +"Let go the catapults!" interrupted Anselmo. + +But it was all in vain, the advance of the machine could not be +checked; and the garrison turned their attention to the smaller +engines, which were filled with missiles of every kind, and to the +pitch and boiling oil, which was to be poured upon the enemy as he +clambered up the walls. + +"Attention! hold everything in readiness!" said Anselmo; "mix well the +tow with the oil and pitch. Be lively, boys! take care that your casks +be filled." + +Already, severe fighting was going on, in the open space between the +tower and the walls. On both sides bolts and arrows flew unceasingly, +and wherever a head appeared at a loophole it became a target for the +archers. Germans and Milanese had both suffered severely, for the +arrows and stones penetrated through every opening. + +"Those Milanese fight very gallantly," said Henry the Lion, as an arrow +struck his helmet. "We have already lost fifty men in the tower." + +"The foul fiend seize this style of battle!" said Otho of Wittelsbach, +who awaited, with impatience, the moment when the tower should close +upon the walls. + +"We shall encounter worthy adversaries, Count," replied Henry. "They +are loading their engines in our honor!--I only trust that the fire may +not ruin the tower! The Milanese are skilful artificers." + +"Upon my honor, as soon as we are on their walls, they may burn it and +welcome," said Otho. + +The scene soon began to change; the Milanese had covered their ramparts +with boiling pitch, and had lighted a fire at the spot where Henry +designed to halt the tower, while barrels filled with burning tow were +rolled over on the heads of the assailants. + +"Forward now!" cried Anselmo. "Get ready the fireballs!" and he rushed +to where the smaller machines were raining a cloud of projectiles upon +the drawbridges. + +The battle now raged fiercely. The burning tow balls had communicated +their fire to the machine, the top of which was in flames; the Germans +worked diligently to keep the conflagration in check, until they should +be close enough to sally out upon the bridges, while the Milanese with +locked shields and drawn swords awaited the attack. + +For a moment there was a deathlike silence, and then the bridges fell, +and Henry of Saxony and Otho de Wittelsbach, followed by their troops +in good order, sprang upon the ramparts. They were resolutely met. Otho +had one foot upon the wall, but he was driven back; and though his +blows made large gaps in the ranks of the enemy in this fierce +hand-to-hand encounter, their places were filled at once with new +combatants. The Lion raged, and although a foeman went down at every +thrust of his heavy sword, he was still upon the bridge, and could not +advance a step upon the rampart. The tower was now in flames, and a +cloud of projectiles darkened the air already black with smoke from the +burning resin. Still the struggle went on, and many a German knight and +Lombard noble fell to rise no more. + +Henry and Otho fought on; but in vain: their efforts were powerless to +break the wall of steel which the brave Milanese opposed to their +assailants. So far, the combat had continued without any decided +advantage; for, although they could hold their enemy in check, the +citizens were unable to drive him from his position. The image of their +patron saint waved proudly above them, and the cry of "Saint Ambrose to +the rescue!" rang through the air. + +In the midst of the tumult were heard shouts of defiance and of cheer. + +"Brothers, think of your liberty! Death to the tyrant!" shouted Pietro +Nigri, who was fighting in the foremost ranks. + +"For Church and Country! Death to Barbarossa!" cried another voice. + +"Death to the traitors! Death to the rebels!" thundered Otho of +Wittelsbach, cutting down an adversary at every blow. + +The battle became more desperate, and the ground was covered with the +bodies of the dead and wounded, whose blood mingled with the boiling +oil. Fresh troops came up from the besiegers' camp, anxious to take +part in the conflict. The tower was now burning fiercely, and to the +cries of the soldiers and the clash of swords and cuirasses, were added +the groans of the dying and the crackling of the flames, which issued +from every loophole, fit ornaments to this bloody tragedy. + +"Back! back!" was heard on all sides; "the bridge is on fire!". + +But, though like burning serpents the flames were twisting themselves +around the frail passage, although many of the soldiers had retreated +from the _melee_, Henry of Saxony, the Count Palatine, and a few other +knights still held their ground. Careless of the enemy in their rear, +they gallantly fought onward towards the city. It was in vain; the +courage of the besieged increased with the danger. A horrible crackling +noise was heard; the tower had commenced to give way, and was sinking. +Then those who were on the bridge lost their last hope; an instant +more, and all would be lost, for already it was wrapped in flames. + +At this moment, the consul Oberto, a white flag in his hand, sprang +forward upon the ramparts, and, as the shrill blast of a trumpet pealed +out,-- + +"Valiant knights! noble gentlemen!" he cried; "cease this fearful +strife! We value courage, even among our foes; the burning ground is +giving way beneath your feet; lower your weapons, and return peacefully +to your camp." + +From this act of generosity there was no appeal. Henry sheathed his +sword, and retired. An instant after, the bridge gave way, and then the +tower shooting up one vast column of fire, tottered and fell. + +The fight cost the besiegers six hundred men, and the Milanese +loss was equally heavy; but it had proved one thing, at least, to +Barbarossa,--that Milan could not be taken by assault. + + + + + _CHAPTER XXI_. + + _THE EMPEROR'S POLICY_. + + +Barbarossa continued the execution of his vast projects. As it may be +seen, he wished, like Augustus, to be the Emperor of the world, and +that every potentate, spiritual or temporal, should acknowledge his +sway. But first of all, he was striving to destroy the Papacy. The +Roman Caesar was _pontifex maximus_; and to be this was the summit of +Frederic's ambition. But the only chance of success for this gigantic +plan lay in the overthrow of all existing institutions. Frederic knew +this well, but his energetic character never faltered an instant, for +he cared little, provided his empire were founded, even were those +foundations built upon the ruins of the world. + +He saw clearly that mere brute force would be insufficient, and that he +must employ all the resources of diplomacy. His ambassadors were +dispatched to the different courts of Europe, bearing to the reigning +monarchs the assurances of his consideration and esteem; on every +occasion they were instructed to deplore the unhappy condition of the +Church and the obstinacy of Alexander; for Frederic was particularly at +variance with Rome, where he maintained a powerful faction, which, by +its violence, had finally driven the Pope from the Eternal City. +Matters had finally assumed so dangerous an aspect that there was +scarcely a city in all Christendom which dared offer an asylum to the +legitimate Head of the Church. Barbarossa then convened a general +council, in order to give a coloring of legality to his projects. The +French and English sovereigns were represented by plenipotentiaries; +for both, and particularly the bloody Henry of England, considered +themselves to have been wronged by Alexander III. + +The approaching Council occasioned no little movement in the Imperial +camp, and the crafty statesman Rinaldo was busily engaged in arranging +matters, in order that everything might proceed harmoniously. + +After some days of feasting and amusement of all kinds, Barbarossa +decided to give a solemn audience to the ambassadors. They were invited +into the _hall of the throne_, and after a brief delay, the rich silken +hangings were drawn aside and the brilliant retinue of the Emperor +appeared. The nobles, clothed in costly robes, entered first, followed +by the Emperor, wearing all the insignia of royalty. The crown alone +was wanting:--he respected the vow which he had made before Milan. + +The monarch ascended the throne; every word, every gesture indicated +unmistakably that he felt his importance, and that he considered +himself the most powerful sovereign of the world. The nobles surrounded +him, shining like brilliant planets around the Imperial sun. The Count +Palatine Otho and the Counts of Andechs and Bogen, were on guard, +before the doors of the hall, where, clad in complete armor, with their +hands resting on their sword-hilts, they resembled so many statues of +bronze. + +The ambassadors, followed by their suites, then approached the throne, +and the Count of Guyenne, French ambassador, commenced in pompous terms +an harangue, in which he assured the Emperor of the friendship of his +royal master. He deplored and regretted in a diplomatic manner the +discord and dissension prevalent in the Church, using terms so vague +and meaningless that the Count Otho became impatient and let his sword +fall. The loud ring of the weapon had a calming effect upon the orator; +he concluded with a brief and high-sounding phrase, bowed respectfully, +and withdrew. + +The English ambassador, on the other hand, was stiff and sententious, +his face retained a grave and stern expression, and Frederic's presence +alone gave some appearance of animation to the features of this +phlegmatic son of Albion. Frederic was neither excited by the +flatteries of the Frenchman, nor wounded by the Englishman's assumption +of importance. He knew Louis's crafty policy, as well as the ambition +and cruelty of the English King. Henry possessed certain territorial +rights in France which he was desirous of aggrandizing, and the +constant quarrels, resulting from these pretensions, rendered each +sovereign desirous of cultivating exclusively for himself the Emperor's +friendship and favor. Frederic knew all this, and he meant to profit by +his knowledge. The maxim, "Divide and conquer," was always present to +his mind. Alexander had used every effort to reconcile the two +sovereigns; Barbarossa, on the contrary, did everything in his power to +widen the breach between them. An alliance between the two nations +might have been fatal to his projects, and the end to which he now +looked was to detach both France and England from the Holy Father, +deprive him of his strongest support, and then gain over each, +separately, to the recognition of his schism. + +The Emperor's answer, unlike the harangue of the French envoy, was +clear and decided. He expressed, delicately, the consciousness which he +possessed of his own power, and the importance which he attached to it; +at times, indeed, his words sounded almost like threats. Basing his +rights upon the old Roman law, Barbarossa claimed that the Imperial +power was supreme, and that the sovereignty of the Emperor extended +despotically to all the countries immediately bordering upon it. +Perhaps even Frederic himself had not yet foreseen whither his ambition +might lead him; but he knew, by heart, all the texts of the digest +which could be cited in support of his prerogatives. + +"We hope," said he, "that the bonds of friendship which already bind +your country with the Empire, will be drawn closer. The duty of the +heir of Charlemagne is to maintain law and order, to respect the laws +of all men, and to assure the peace and tranquillity of Christendom. We +do not make war for the sake of glory and renown; we are forced to it +by necessity, for we will always direct the powerful arm of the Empire +against whoever opposes our supremacy. It is important for us, the +defender of the Faith, never to lose sight of this point; and to +enforce our rights, we count upon the aid of both France and England. +But as this is rather a question within the jurisdiction of a council, +we have requested the presence of plenipotentiaries from your +respective governments; and the decisions of this illustrious assembly +shall be supported and enforced by every means at our command." + +Rinaldo, who had listened with great attention to the Emperor's speech, +could not conceal his surprise. Each word seemed a reproach whose +bitterness he disguised with difficulty under a diplomatic smile; and +the closing words produced a similar effect upon the ambassadors. The +French envoy looked towards the Englishman as if to ask: What has been +advised?--what has been approved?--what has been promised? The +Englishman remained calm and unmoved, although the expression of his +countenance was that of one who had trodden upon a viper. + +"As we have the pleasure of entertaining at our court the illustrious +envoys of England and France, we beg them to carry to their noble +sovereigns the renewed assurance of our friendship and consideration." + +The Emperor rose: the ambassadors made a profound obeisance, and left +the hall accompanied by Otho of Wittelsbach, the Counts of Andechs and +of Bogen, and their suites. + +"My imperial cousin," said Henry the Lion, "knows marvellously well how +to sow dissension between France and England." + +"You are right," replied Barbarossa; "Louis will never be able to get +rid of the English, if he undertakes to protect Alexander; and, on the +other hand, the Englishman will lose every foot of soil which he now +holds in France, should he presume to oppose the organization of the +Imperial Church." + +At this juncture, the Chancellor Palatine Ulrich, upon a sign from the +Emperor, left the room. + +"We have yet an act of justice to perform," said he, "at which we +request your presence. A complaint has been made to us of a gross abuse +of authority. Those whom we honor with our confidence should be careful +not to be guilty of acts which will disgrace it. Therefore, without +regard to rank or position, we are determined that vigorous and stern +justice shall be meted out to all." + +Whilst Barbarossa was speaking, Rechberg entered the room on one side, +while on the other appeared Herman, the prefect of Staufenberg. He was +followed by Hesso the chief of police, a sufficient evidence that he +was the accused party. He approached the throne boldly and with head +erect, and threw himself upon his knees, where he remained in the +posture of a suppliant. + +"Stand up!" said the Emperor, "and let the chancellor do his duty!" + +Ulrich advanced between Herman and the Barons; his stern and flushed +face showing that he was about to exercise one of the most important +functions of his office. + +"In the name of the Holy and Undivided Trinity!" he cried, in a loud +voice. + +At these words the Emperor and his nobles rose from their seats and +bowed profoundly. + +"The noble Count Erwin of Rechberg, here present, accuses the knight +Herman, prefect and Imperial Castellan of Staufenberg, of having +exacted illegal tolls, and of having in this abused the name of the +Emperor, to the intent of prejudicing him in the esteem of the public." + +"What answer have you to make?" demanded Barbarossa. + +"I have never," replied Herman, insolently, "abused the name of the +Emperor, and have never violated the law. I maintain that the +accusation is false and lying, and will prove it so in the lists, sword +in hand." + +"Perhaps you had not the intention of violating the law," said +Frederic; "still it is none the less positive that such has been the +result of your illegal conduct." + +"If I had not the intention to act illegally, Sire, I can scarcely be +considered criminal. A second time I spurn this accusation as false. I +will prove my innocence with my lance and with my sword." + +"We cannot accord you this privilege." + +"But the right which I claim belongs to every freeman." + +Frederic glanced angrily at the bold knight, but his calm demeanor was +unshaken. The Bishop of Munster immediately spoke out: + +"In the name of the Holy Church," said the prelate, "I must correct +your mistake. The canons expressly forbid the practice of trial by +battle. In truth, there is nothing more censurable than this mode of +attempting to establish one's innocence. Admitting that you defeat your +adversary, does that prove in any way that you are not guilty?" + +These remarks had not been at all prompted by a sentiment of duty, but +influenced solely by a desire of doing the Emperor a service; and as +the speaker resumed his seat, he glanced towards him to observe the +effect which his words had produced. + +"Count Rechberg," resumed the monarch, turning towards Erwin, "what +toll was demanded of you by Herman?" + +"Four gold pieces for myself, and eight others for Bonello and his +daughter." + +"Do you admit this, sir?" + +Herman looked around anxiously, as if seeking a loophole of escape. + +"Knight Herman," said Barbarossa, menacingly, "take care to make no +mistake! A denial will avail you nothing, but will only increase the +severity of your punishment." + +"Under the impression that I had traitors before me, I did demand +twelve gold pieces; but as God is my judge, I had no intention of +either violating the law, or abusing the Emperor's name." + +"However," said Barbarossa, "you have abused your position; you have +robbed our subjects; listen then to your sentence: We deprive you of +your office and your arms, and declare you degraded from the rank of +noble. Your escutcheon shall be broken by the executioner, and a mangy +dog shall drag the pieces around the walls of the city of Milan." + +Herman heard the first words of his sentence with a contemptuous smile +upon his face; but when the Emperor spoke of ordering his escutcheon to +be dragged in the mire, he shuddered, changed color, and fell on his +knees before the throne. + +"Mercy! Pity!" he cried. "Condemn me to death if you will, but do not +dishonor the escutcheon of my family." + +"Silence! Your sentence has been pronounced, and it shall be executed," +said Frederic. + +"Sire," resumed Herman, dragging himself like a worm to the foot of the +throne, "gracious lord, kill me, but in pity do not inflict this +outrage. See these scars," (and tearing open his doublet, he bared his +breast;) "I received them fighting in your cause, and yet now you would +doom me to eternal ignominy!" + +"Lead him away," said the stern lawgiver, unmoved by the prayers of the +abject wretch. + +The captain and his aids dragged off the condemned man, who mingled +threats and maledictions with his entreaties. + + + + + _CHAPTER XXII_. + + _VANITY_. + + +As soon as Herman's sentence had been pronounced, Erwin left the Camp, +and sought the solitude of a neighboring wood, where he might meditate +at his leisure. + +He had considered it his duty to complain of Herman's conduct, but the +demeanor and profound despair of the culprit almost made him regret the +step which he had taken. Rechberg, like all generous-hearted men, was +painfully impressed by the sight of even a well-merited punishment, and +as he reflected upon the sufferings of the disgraced soldier, he was +forcibly reminded of his own troubles. Would the inflexible will of the +Emperor consent to Bonello's pardon? The question was a doubtful one, +but he hoped for the best, and it needed all this hope to sustain his +faltering courage. His reverie was long and absorbing, but suddenly a +strange restlessness took possession of his imagination; and yielding +to his presentiments, he retraced his steps to the Camp as hurriedly as +though he had been informed of the arrival of his lady-love. Still he +could not possibly expect it, for he was ignorant of the designs of the +Empress. However, Hermengarde had really come, and had entered the +Imperial tent at a most opportune moment. Beatrice felt some slight +apprehension of her husband's anger, but as the Emperor and the +Chancellor Rinaldo had gone over to Lodi after the audience of the +ambassadors, she was reassured as to the success of her plans, for a +few days at least. + +Her reception of Hermengarde was cordial in the extreme, and was at +first attributed by the latter to the kind offices of Count Rechberg, +but Her Majesty's words undeceived her. + +"I cannot express to you," said she, "the pleasure which I experience +in receiving a young girl whose noble self-devotion made no account of +either dangers or difficulties in her father's cause. I desire to +assure you of my sincere respect and admiration, and will hope that the +Court may derive new lustre from your presence." + +These flattering words surprised Hermengarde, whose ingenuous soul, +devoid of all pride, had no desire to become conspicuous in any way. At +the end of the reception, which had been wearily lengthened out by the +many formalities then in usage, she withdrew to her own chamber to +repose from the fatigues of the journey. + +Beatrice's expectation of the Italian's beauty had been greatly +surpassed by the reality. Herself very handsome, and perfectly aware of +her charms, she had in her invitation neither been influenced by her +guest's merits nor Rechberg's wishes, but simply by the curiosity of +seeing one whose beauty was so widely renowned. Up to this moment her +own rank and loveliness had given her the first place at Court, and now +she found herself in the position of a general who sustains an +unexpected defeat after a long career of victories. The haughty +sovereign was disappointed and provoked, and although she made every +effort to retain her calmness, each movement betrayed the thoughts +which agitated her mind. + +"Well, madam, what do you think of the young lady's beauty?" asked +Richilda, who rather liked to tease her mistress. + +"Take away those draperies; it is suffocatingly hot," said Beatrice. +"Oh, you ask me what I think?--Do you find her pretty?" + +"I have never seen any one like her!" said the tire-woman, boldly. "It +is to be supposed that my taste is not perfect, but it is the +expression of my opinion. She is beautiful, wonderfully beautiful!" + +"Indeed? you think her wonderfully beautiful?" repeated Beatrice, with +a mixture of scorn and anger. "You are very enthusiastic, it seems!" + +"I only wished to express the highest point of beauty. Perhaps I should +have said beautiful as an angel!--And, indeed, your Majesty, I always +imagined that an angel would look like her!" + +Beatrice endeavored to restrain her anger, but in spite of herself, she +colored and grew pale by turns. + +"Oh! she is only a child yet, not fourteen they say, and before the age +of twenty she may change a great deal. You know that pretty children +often grow up into ugly women." + +"The proverb will be wrong here, your Majesty. The young girl's beauty +is still only in the bud, but we can already foresee what it will +become. When the rose shall be fully blown, I would advise no one to +come near who is not perfectly sure that she can bear the comparison." + +"Enough of this nonsense! Hermengarde is betrothed to Count Rechberg, +and I wish to do everything to please him. Go and find out if Rechberg +will be here soon, for I am curious to witness their meeting. You may +invite her to the collation of which I will partake with her." + + + + + _CHAPTER XXIII_. + + _THE MEETING_. + + +Hermengarde felt very uneasy at the Empress' silence with regard to +Erwin. Was he no longer in the Camp? Had he accompanied the Emperor to +Lodi, or perhaps returned to Germany? The doubts annoyed her, and in +her agitation she paced her room with hurried steps. + +"You must be tired," said the maid who attended her. "Why in the world +do you run about in that way? I feel quite broken down, and yet you +seem as lively as if you had not ridden fourteen miles to-day." + +"Youth bears fatigue easily, but I have been wrong, dear Hedwige, to +make you come such a tiresome journey." + +"Wrong! and who but I should accompany you? Your father was away, and +you could not come to the Court alone." + +"Oh! Hedwige, you remind me that I have been doubly wrong: first in +tiring you, and then in coming away without my father's permission." + +"You could not have declined such an honor. How silly! Many a prince's +daughter would have been flattered by such an invitation! No, no; you +did quite right to accept it." + +"But my father's consent?" + +"Nonsense! Your father would have been proud of the honor paid you; do +not doubt it a moment." + +"Still"-- + +"Hush!--some one is coming." + +At this moment, Richilda, accompanied by several ladies of honor, +entered, bearing a most cordial invitation to visit the Empress. She +was surprised at Hermengarde's sad expression. + +"I trust that you are not unwell, noble lady?" she asked, kindly. + +"Oh, it is nothing," replied Hermengarde, blushing; "I am only a little +homesick: it is a malady felt by all spoilt children." + +"You must forget, for a few days, your Alpine retreats, although Count +Rechberg has given such a vivid picture of their charms, that I can +scarcely wonder that you regret your castle in the midst of all this +turmoil of the camp." + +"Has the Count returned to Germany?" asked Hermengarde. + +"Oh no! you will meet him at the banquet to which Her Majesty has +commissioned me to invite you." + +In a few moments she left her apartment, preceded by several ladies, +who composed an escort of honor. At the head of the procession walked +the master of ceremonies, holding the silver wand of his office. They +passed through several sumptuously furnished apartments, and finally +arrived in the reception-hall. + +"The noble Lady of Castellamare!" cried the master of ceremonies, with +a loud voice. + +These words interrupted a serious and animated conversation between the +Empress and the Duke of Austria; but Beatrice came forward cordially to +welcome her guest, and at once presented her to the prince. + +"I have heard a great deal of you, noble lady, and I am happy now to +make your acquaintance: you realize the ideal; a lovely soul under a +most perfect exterior.--You have given to all children a most beautiful +example to be followed, and you have gained honor and renown. Allow me +to express all my admiration." + +"You are taking the true course to make our Hermengarde proud. +Frankness is to be lauded, but must not be abused." + +"I crave your Majesty's pardon!" said the Duke, to whom Beatrice was no +stranger, and who knew that the girl's beauty annoyed her; "but I must +say that you have added to your chaplet a pearl whose lustre will +dazzle more than one noble gentleman." + +"Oh, you are not frank now," said the Empress, with suppressed rage. +"But come, the banquet awaits us; it is served in a woman's fashion, +but I will not accept a refusal." + +Just then the hangings of the door were lifted, and Erwin of Rechberg +entered the room. All eyes were turned upon the youthful pair. The +Count stood motionless, as though rooted to the ground, and with open +eyes seemed to fear to advance lest the lovely vision might fade from +his sight forever. + +The Empress, holding the young girl's hand, approached. + +"It is no dream, as you seem to fear, Erwin," said she.--"Well, Count, +why do you remain dumb and unmoved? this surprise, I am persuaded, +cannot be a disagreeable one to you." + +"A thousand pardons, the----it is so unexpected." + +And stepping forward, he kissed his lady's hand. They sat down to +table. On the right of the Empress was placed Hermengarde, on her left +the Duke of Austria, and next to the young Italian was Erwin of +Rechberg. The court attendants were at the foot of the table, with +Hedwige in the place of honor among them; and the worthy nurse had +enough to do in answering all the questions which the curiosity of the +other women prompted them to make. The food, consisting of fowls, game, +fruit, honey and other sweetmeats, was served on silver dishes; but, +except by the Austrian, who quaffed long draughts from a golden goblet, +there was very little attention paid to the choice wines set before +them. + +The conversation went on naturally; Rechberg and Hermengarde had so +much to say that they soon forgot to eat or drink, while the Duke +resumed the discussion which the Italian's arrival had interrupted. + +"Yes, madame," he said, "it is an irreligious, an impious act. Clemence +is a noble wife, and this pretext of consanguinity is unfounded. Such a +transaction might take place among Moors and Pagans, but among +Christians, never! Clemence is the lawful wife of the Duke of Saxony, +and should he marry another woman, the union would be illegal. That is +my way of looking at the question, and if the affair is debated +publicly, I will state my opinion frankly." + +This discourse was highly unpleasant to the Empress, whose position +towards Frederic was involved in the condemnation so freely expressed. +His first wife was still living, and Beatrice, consequently, had no +legitimate claims to the title. Her flashing eyes indicated her +displeasure, as she replied,-- + +"I had not supposed your relationship so close." + +"My relationship! Most certainly it is painful for me to see my +cousin's daughter repudiated so disgracefully, but I have many other +reasons for opposing the divorce. The Emperor may, for reasons of +policy, overthrow everything in Church and State; but, believe me, this +state of things will not continue. To despise the holy teachings of the +faith, to break sacred bonds, to be recreant to every law which is +revered by nations and sovereigns, are acts of impiety which cannot +always go unpunished." + +"You are a skilful preacher," said Beatrice, whose frivolous +temperament was little disposed to serious questions. "One can see that +you were educated by the monks." + +"The memories of my youth do not influence my opinions on holy matters. +However, I owe many thanks to the good priests of Fulva." + +"And I see that your ducal robes are only a species of cowl!" + +"Your Majesty, I perceive, agrees with the Emperor; he also has little +affection for the monks." + +"And very naturally, too. They oppose energetically all development of +the Imperial power, for these pious people will not tolerate any +division of authority." + +"At least they will not acknowledge his spiritual supremacy, and in +this they are perfectly right," said the Duke, with his usual +frankness. + +"Heavens! how you warm with this subject! But let us drop the +discussion; neither of us will convince the other." + +"Pardon me, madam! I have just learned the story of this divorce. +Astonished, furious at the infamy of the proceeding, I came here to +express my views frankly to the Emperor; but, as His Majesty +unfortunately is absent, I have ventured to express my sentiments to +you. May I hope that you will sympathize with me, and use your +influence in the defence of this ill-used woman?" + +"Enough," said she. "Your conversation has been very instructive, for, +until to-day, I was not aware that she who took the place of a divorced +wife was no better than a courtesan. You may rest assured, my lord, +that the Emperor, as well as myself, will appreciate the lesson as it +deserves." + +The Duke felt that he had made himself a mortal enemy, but it gave him +no uneasiness whatever. Duke Jacomgirott was no courtier, and his +energetic character never concealed, even for an instant, his true +sentiments. Beatrice left him in anger, but what she witnessed on the +other side was not calculated to calm her emotions; her glance was +fixed for one moment on the fair Hermengarde, who was conversing +joyously with the Count. + +"Your attentions are not at all displeasing to me," she said; "but we +have determined that you shall not entirely monopolize our amiable +guest. She will accompany us to our private apartments." The Empress +rose, and bowing coldly to the Duke, swept out of the hall, accompanied +by the lady of Castellamare, and followed by her retinue. + +"I have made her my enemy for life," said the Austrian to himself. "She +cannot, it is true, sympathize with my poor Clemence without thinking +of the Empress Adelaide, whose place she has usurped. Ah! what is it, +my little man?" as Lanzo advanced, with a grave and important air. + +"If my eyes do not deceive me," said the jester, "you are the Duke of +Austria?" + +"Yes; what then?" + +"Then, you must know, that you see before you the ambassador of the +Duchess of Saxony and Bavaria." + +"You the envoy of a duchess! Upon my word, I am surprised." + +"You should not be, my lord; Clemence wanted to find some one to carry +her message, but as there are but three men in the four camps, her +choice was necessarily limited." + +"Three men only, among so many thousands of gallant soldiers! What a +piece of impertinence. You deserve a flogging; but come, let us see who +these three men are!" + +"The first one, naturally, is myself; the second, is my cousin +Barbarossa; and the third shall be you, if you choose," said the +jester. + +"How is that!" interrupted Erwin. "Am not I a man too?" + +"No," replied Lanzo. "To be a man, you must be free; and your heart is +in bondage!" + +"A sorry joke!" said the Duke, with a laugh. + +"And all the others are the mere dolls, puppets, wooden horses, +armorbearers, and bloodhounds of one man, named Barbarossa. Mix up all +these creatures together, pound them into a paste, and put it under a +press; you will not extract the least action of independence, energy, +or generosity." + +"Hum! you are not far wrong; but we are forgetting the important part. +What is it that your Excellency is empowered to communicate to me?" + +"That you must go at once to your cousin; she has been seeking you for +the last hour." + +The Duke took his leave of Rechberg, and in company with the jester +went towards the tent of the Princess of Saxony. + + + + + _CHAPTER XXIV_. + + _THE WALK_. + + +Hedwige was busily employed in dressing the hair of her young mistress, +and after arranging the silken tresses which fell in a mass of curls +upon her shoulders, she placed a crown of silver, studded with jewels, +upon her head. + +"Be good enough," she said, "to look in the mirror, and tell me if you +are satisfied with my skill." + +"It does well enough!" replied Hermengarde, after a hasty glance; "but +now, hurry and finish." + +"I cannot go so fast. You know that every one looks at you. I don't +want to be accused of negligence!" and she gazed affectionately at the +young girl. + +Hermengarde was dressed entirely in white; her robe fitting closely to +her arms and bust, displayed the elegance of her figure, and by its +shape and color enhanced her native grace and distinction. Her whole +soul beamed in her eyes, and, as she stood there before her nurse, she +appeared the creature of another world, detached from the cares and +anxieties of earth. + +"So far it is all right!" said Hedwige, after a careful examination. +She placed a light blue mantle, with buttons and embroideries of gold, +upon her shoulders. + +"Perfect," she resumed; "I could kiss you gladly, you look so well! +White and blue suit you admirably." + +"Don't stop for such follies, Hedwige; they have already been twice to +see if we were ready." + +"Do not fear; we will get there in time for the cavalcade. But how +stiff and cold everything is here. The Empress' women are like dolls. +What serious faces! and what choice language they use! I am afraid all +the time to open my mouth, lest I say something I ought not to. I am +glad that we are going where we shall have a little freedom." + +She threw over her mistress a costly mantle trimmed with ermine, and +then fastened to her coronet a long veil, which shielded her face from +the heat of the sun and the impertinent stare of the crowd. + +A few moments after, Hermengarde and Erwin rode through the camp +towards the neighboring wood, followed by Hedwige and the Count's +servant Gero. + +"How long has it been since your visit to Castellamare, my lord +Count?--about three months, is it not?" + +"Three months and six days, madam." + +"Perhaps you will explain why, during three months and six days, we +have never seen you? My father gave you a most cordial invitation. You +know under what obligations we felt ourselves, and were certain of the +pleasure which your presence would cause. Why then did you not come?" + +"Because, noble lady, I am not free; all my time belongs to the +Emperor." + +"And the Emperor does not wish you to visit the Bonelli? I should have +thought of that." + +"Oh, no!" answered Rechberg quickly; "the Emperor's great mind never +cherishes a mean thought. He speedily forgets the past, but he enforces +strict discipline in his army. Neither prince nor knight is his own +master in the field." + +"What rigorous severity!" said Hermengarde. + +"It is necessary, I assure you. Think what would happen if every one +could leave camp when he pleased." + +"Well, well! I accept your excuse; duty before everything. But look, +what a beautiful grove! How the grass and the flowers bloom, and the +pines spread out their verdant branches! It is truly charming; but it +wants the grandeur of our Alpine forests." + +"If you wish, we will go on a little further; there is a lovely spot +above, where I have often dreamed in secret," replied the Count. + +She assented. Gero was left with the horses; and accompanied by +Hedwige, they followed the narrow path which led to the top of the +hill. As soon as they had arrived, Rechberg spread his mantle on the +grass, and Hermengarde took her seat. + +The dense foliage of the trees stretched above them like a dome of +verdure, in which the birds were chirping their gay songs. Through an +opening of the forest could be seen the towers and spires of Milan, but +all around the forest was thickly planted, and the eye could penetrate +with difficulty through the underbrush. + +Scarcely had the young girl seated herself, when two men began to creep +up silently and cautiously towards the little group, and concealing +themselves behind a tree, listened eagerly to the conversation. One of +them was in complete armor, and wore his visor down, but his eyes +glared fiercely through the bars of his helmet. The other had only a +cuirass, and beneath his hat appeared the cunning face of the Milanese +Cocco Griffi. + +"You have chosen a beautiful spot," said Hermengarde; "and this +perspective is admirable." + +"Yes; and it was in some degree on that account I selected this wild +site----" + +At this moment the man in armor uttered an angry exclamation through +his visor, and disappeared in the thicket, followed by his companion. + + + + + _CHAPTER XXV_. + + _THE CAPTURE_. + + +"What say you of this adventure?" asked Griffi of the knight, with whose +long strides he could scarcely keep pace; "I know that you are entirely +disinterested in the question." + +The knight made no answer. They soon reached a clearing, where a dozen +soldiers were sleeping on the ground. The knight's horse was fastened +to a tree by a long strap, which allowed him to graze at his ease. + +"Up sleepers!" cried the knight. The soldiers sprang to their feet, and +awaited anxiously their leader's instructions. + +"Come here, Wido!" he continued, speaking to a broad-shouldered young +man near him. + +After Wido had unfastened the horse and tied the strap to the +saddle-bow, Cocco Griffi approached. + +"You will surely not kill them?" he said. + +"What is that to you?" the knight answered roughly. "And you," he +added, turning to one of the troopers, "lead my horse to the road, and +wait until you hear my bugle." + +"But, noble sir," observed Griffi, "we did not come here to commit an +evil action, but to help pass in some provisions for the hungry +Milanese. It would be terrible if the convoy, deprived of our support, +should fall into Hesso's power. He will cut off the right hands of all +the people in the train, and the provisions will never get to Milan." + +"Silence!" + +"Silence! yes, silence!" murmured Griffi; "I am to hold my tongue and +let my fellow-citizens die of hunger! Before I announced to you the +presence of this girl, I should have reflected on the folly of which I +was guilty in speaking of her." + +The chief looked at the little man calmly, as if he thought that, after +all, he might be right; and taking out a purse, he handed its +glittering contents to his attendant. + +"Here! don't get angry, Cocco! At least you cannot say that you have +ever done me a service without receiving a reward for it." + +"Great service, worthy reward, upon my word!" said Cocco, weighing the +purse. "I must smother my intelligence, in order to look at things in +the same light as you do. We will see whether our marauders will ever +reach the city. I am afraid that they are in mortal danger of falling +into Hesso's clutches!" + +The knight ordered his men to follow him as silently as possible, and +they crept forward to where Erwin and the lady were talking with +Hedwige. Suddenly Hedwige uttered a piercing shriek, and at the same +moment, Rechberg was thrown backwards upon the ground. Wido put his +knee upon his chest, and the other varlets tied him hand and foot, so +that he could not move. Hermengarde had scarcely time to understand +what had happened, when the Unknown seized her by the arm and dragged +her through the wood. Behind them ran Hedwige, screaming with terror, +and Gero, who came up to his master's aid, was speedily put in a +condition to make no resistance. + +Still it was no easy matter to tie up the knight, whose powerful arm +resisted manfully; and could he have but gained his feet, his sword +would have rendered the success of the attempt at least doubtful. + +"Thunder!" exclaimed Wido, "are not eight valiant Lombards a match +for this German wild boar? Nozi, pass that strap under his left +arm,--good!--now pull tight, comrade! Slip this one more to the right! +Come, I think he is well tied up now--we will see whether he can break +these triple knots. Be careful about the feet too, for you can never +tell when these wild beasts are securely fastened!" + +"And now, I think we can let him wriggle, like a fish out of water." + +"Wretches, caitiffs, scoundrels!" cried Erwin. + +"Hold your tongue!" said one of the soldiers; "it won't untie you, and +it is only a useless fatigue. Try to die quietly." + +"Is my life threatened?" + +"What a question! our master never spares any Germans who fall into his +hands. It is a real pleasure for us to cut your throats!" + +"Who is your master?" + +"Ask him yourself!" + +"And the lady!--The villain!--let this bandit but dare to be wanting in +respect!" + +"I suppose that you would leave your grave to twist his neck," sneered +Wido. "But here comes our master himself, to give you every explanation +which you may desire." + +The Unknown, at the same moment, came up, with his helmet closed; +halting in front of Erwin, he stood with arms folded, as though +deliberating on his fate. + +"Raise your visor, villain, and show me your bandit's face!" said +Erwin, furiously. + +"It is unnecessary; I am a brave Lombard, who has sworn to free his +country of German tyranny. That ought to suffice you." + +"And meanwhile you practise a truly Lombard profession,--robbers, +assassins, and cheats, that you all are!" + +"Spare your words, and listen to me. I have no doubt that what I have +done appears criminal, particularly in the eyes of the noble Count of +Rechberg, for whom, in spite of the hatred which I bear his race, I +still have a certain respect, on account of his generous sentiments. +Without this consideration, I would have killed you immediately; for I +am bound by a solemn oath to destroy the enemies of Italy, wherever I +can meet them." + +"Very well; but is it the act of a brave man to attack a defenceless +girl? Shame upon you!" + +"Silence!" said the Unknown, interrupting him. "I deliver the lady of +Castellamare from the power of those who are unworthy to possess such a +treasure! The thoughtlessness of youth, perhaps a feeling of gratitude +induced her, in her father's absence, to leave the castle and visit the +tyrant's court. The lady shall remain under my protection until I can +restore her to that of her father." + +The Count stared at this man who, at all events, reassured him of +Hermengarde's safety from all insult or danger. + +"But by what right do you interfere in the matter," he said. + +"It matters not; the right is mine, and I use it. Hermengarde has +begged me to spare your life, and although I almost hate her for the +request, I have consented; you are free.--Your gray head," continued +the Lombard, turning to Gero, "assures me of your discretion; so listen +attentively, for your master's sake, to what I am about to say. In an +hour's time, you may untie him; we shall then have reached Milan, and +it will be impossible to follow me. But take care not to let yourself +be touched by his entreaties, for if he should pursue, I shall consider +myself freed from my promise, and he shall die. Will you swear to obey +me?" + +"With all my heart," answered Gero; "and literally too!--Not to please +you, but on my master's account." + +"You are an honest fellow," said the knight. And drawing his poniard, +he cut the ropes which bound the squire. + +"By all the saints of paradise!" cried Erwin; "since you still have +some chivalrous feelings left, will you accept my challenge?" + +"With pleasure, when and where you will!" + +"Whither can I send it?" asked Rechberg, eagerly. + +"What use is there of all these formalities when your Emperor violates +every law, whether human or divine. Present yourself, under a flag of +truce, at the gate of St. Ambrose; you will find me there." + +"I thank you," said the Count. "Be prepared tomorrow at early dawn." + +"You will find the horses where you left them," added the Unknown. "You +have stolen nothing, I trust," he continued, turning to his followers, +who had listened with curiosity to the dialogue. + +"For whom do you take us, my lord?" replied Wido. "But this glove which +I see here, scarcely will fit the hand of a German boar, so I conclude +it is not his property." + +"Ah! give it to me," said the Unknown; "it belongs to Hermengarde. If +our combat should be prevented by any accident, you can always +recognize your enemy by this glove which he will wear on his helmet. +Yes, I will bear this in her honor and as a defiance to you." + +At these words he signed to his men to follow him, and soon the troop +disappeared in the recesses of the forest. + +"What a strange person!" said Erwin; "he is a singular mixture of an +honest man and a highway robber. + +"Yes," replied Gero; "but there is a preponderance of the robber. His +loyalty seems to me like a drop of wine in a cask of water. My lord, I +don't like to see you stretched thus on the ground, so I will lift you +upon your feet." + +"Cut these ropes, and I will lift myself up." + +"Excuse me, my lord Count, but I cannot; for I fear that you will make +a bad use of your liberty, and pursue the bandits." + +Gero, after some trouble, managed to get his master on his feet, and +then went to look for the horses. In the interval, Rechberg reflected +upon the change which had taken place in his position, and which had +seemingly blasted his hopes. It was all over, he thought; Hermengarde +was in the power of one who seemed to have certain claims to her; but +Gero's return put an end to his meditations. + +"Decidedly, they were not robbers. I have found the horses where I left +them," said the soldier; "and now I have tied them up close by, ready +for us to mount when the hour is up." + +"You say they were not robbers, Gero?" + +"Well, not ordinary robbers; for if they had been, these gold rings on +your baldric and your horses too, would have disappeared." + +"Hasten, my good fellow, and cut these ropes at once; you would leave +me a prisoner forever, it seems!" + +"The hour is not quite up yet, Count; be patient a little while longer. +Does the time really appear so wearisome?" + +"Even if I would, it is impossible for me to pursue the bandit now. Do +you not perceive how dark it grows?" + +"Pray have a little patience, my dear lord. I am dreaming of your +triumph of to-morrow; be assured that I will select the strongest lance +and the best tempered coat-of-mail in your armory." + +"You think, then, that he will meet me?" + +"Most certainly; he has too proud an air to be a disloyal knight." + +"But who is he? It is strange, but it seems as though I had already +heard his voice." + +"Do not worry your brain by guessing, Count; you will know his face +soon enough." + +"You are right. Never before have I experienced so much curiosity to +see an adversary raise his visor!" + +"And now, my lord, allow me to untie you;--how tightly the villains +have drawn these knots!" + +"Do you think so? And yet I felt nothing.--Quickly, now, Gero; where +are the horses?" + +They mounted and left the wood, as speedily as the obscurity would +permit; but before reaching the camp, Rechberg was obliged to witness a +scene rendered still more horrible by the darkness. He had scarcely +advanced a hundred yards, when his attention was arrested by the +clashing of arms and the shouts of strife. Always curious to recognize +his enemy, he drew up his horse to listen, for he imagined that there +must be some connection between this nocturnal combat and the Unknown, +whose escape he hoped had been prevented by some of the German patrols. +As he advanced as rapidly as prudence and the darkness permitted, the +noise ceased and he perceived, by the light of a dozen torches, a troop +of heavily laden mules, whose drivers, with downcast eyes and manacled +hands, were marching between two files of armed men. + +"It is Hesso and his bloodhounds," cried Gero; "I know his gruff +voice!" + +"Captain Hesso," said Rechberg, when they had gotten nearer, "I heard +the noise of your skirmish, as I was returning to camp, and was about +to come to your assistance." + +"I scarcely needed it, my lord." + +"You have made a valuable capture, it seems!" + +"Yes," answered Hesso; "twenty mules, and eight Milanese. One got away, +and three were killed, so that four will escape punishment." + +"Was there no escort?" inquired Erwin, as he rode by the headsman's +side. + +"No, not this time, although usually one comes out from Milan; but +to-day it failed." + +Thinking that the Unknown and his soldiers had probably been detailed +for that duty, Erwin determined to question the prisoners, in the hope +of discovering the name of his adversary. + +"We must invent some other punishment," resumed Hesso. "They don't care +for mutilation; one of them told me the other day, that Milan would +give him a golden hand to replace the one that I had cut off. If the +Emperor wants to starve them out, he will have to hang every one who +tries to bring even a handful of peas into the town." + +"Death is the punishment for a repetition of the offence, I believe?" +asked the knight. + +"Yes; but they are very careful not to be caught at that! They are so +well paid for mutilation that they are not tempted to risk their lives. +But they do not seem to care for their hands at all, and I am kept busy +all day long in intercepting their convoys.--I suppose that, while I am +stopping this one, another has got into the city." + +By this time, they had reached the line of tents occupied by Hesso and +his assistants--about thirty paces in front of the main camp. In the +centre stood a gallows, and, near by, a heavy block stained with blood, +to which the unfortunate prisoners were led. + +"Do you mean to carry their sentence into effect at once?" asked Erwin. + +"Certainly! These birds are a useless encumbrance in camp; as soon as +they have left their hands with me, they can go where they please. Such +is the law!" replied Hesso, who had taken off his doublet, and stood, +with his shirt-sleeves rolled up to the elbows, before the fatal block. + +One of the prisoners came up; his pale and suffering expression +painfully affected the Count, who could not bear the sight of this +barbarous tragedy, which to Hesso was a mere pastime. + +"Bring up your contribution," said the headsman; "what a face the +scoundrel has! he trembles, and his teeth chatter with fear." + +A dull sound was heard, followed by a plaintive groan. + +"One!" said the executioner, as he threw the hand on one side; "look +what a baby-paw it is!" + +The assistants joined in their chiefs laugh, as they saw the mutilated +wretch faint with pain. + +"Never mind!" said Hesso, coolly; "if he bleeds to death, we shall be +sure that he won't try this business again." + +"One moment, sir! Will you allow me a moment's conversation with the +prisoners?" asked Erwin. + +"What for?" was the reply, and the headsman stared angrily at the +Count. + +"As you have yourself told me, the besieged are in the habit of sending +out to escort these convoys; perhaps I may gain some useful information +which will decide the Emperor to adopt some more energetic measures!" + +"Three!" cried Hesso. + +And at the same time was heard the cry of pain and a brutal laugh. + +"More energetic measures are well enough, but you will get no +information.--Four!" + +"But it is worth trying." + +"Five!"--and a bloody hand fell at Erwin's feet. + +"It will be labor in vain; you don't know these bandits; all they are +fit for, is to lie and steal!--Seven!--And besides, it is too late +now,--here is the last--Eight!--It is all over. Long live the Emperor!" +said Hesso. + +Among the victims, some had fainted with pain, others had still +strength enough to bind up their bleeding arms. + +"Have you no orders to dress their wounds?" asked Erwin. "The Emperor +has prescribed their punishment, but he does not wish the poor wretches +to bleed to death." + +"You are right," was the reply. "Where is that quack Lutold? Come here +with your plasters, old man." + +And while the surgeon, thanks to the interference of the young Count, +discharged his duty, Rechberg and his squire took their way to the +Imperial camp. + + + + + _CHAPTER XXVI_. + + _TREACHERY_. + + +Events of great importance had attracted the attention of all the +Court, and Erwin's prolonged and unusual absence had in consequence +passed unnoticed. + +Influenced by their sincere admiration for the heroic resistance made +by the citizens, and out of respect for the nobility of the Guelphic +faction, the Count Palatine Conrad, Count Ludwig, and the Duke of +Bohemia, decided to employ all their influence in case the besieged +should seek to negotiate terms of surrender. The Milanese Consuls were +agreeably surprised by the proposal, and eagerly accepted the offered +mediation. + +A short time after Erwin's departure from the camp, the nobles +presented themselves in a body before the Emperor and made known their +views on the subject. At first Frederic was astonished, and disposed to +reject any arrangement, but the firmness of the princes finally +persuaded him that some concession must be made to the chivalrous +spirit of the age, and the Milanese were notified that His Majesty +would deign to receive a flag of truce. + +Barbarossa attached more importance to this step than it really +merited; for, accustomed to look at everything from the standpoint of +his pretensions to universal sovereignty, he thought himself aggrieved, +not by the interference of his knights, but by what seemed an +encouragement given to rebels. Besides, he was provoked at the +opposition made by the Duke of Austria to the contemplated divorce +between Clemence and Henry the Lion, and particularly by the +conversation which Beatrice had repeated to him. Rinaldo, who was sent +for, went still further, and loud words and threats were overheard in +the Imperial chamber, which the Chancellor did not leave until after +midnight. What passed between the Emperor and his minister was never +known, but the chronicles of the Court leave us in doubt whether the +latter was ever informed of the efforts made by the princes in favor of +the Milanese. + +Such being the condition of affairs, it was not surprising that the +absence of the Count and the lady passed unnoticed, and that Erwin +could quietly retire to his chamber and prepare for the combat which +was to take place on the ensuing day. + +At dawn everything was ready, for Gero had faithfully attended to his +duty. Rechberg put on a shirt of fine chain-mail, with a hood for the +neck and back of the head, and his arms and legs were protected with. +brassarts and greaves of linked steel. Above all this, he wore a suit +of plate armor with gauntlets, and a polished helmet. A poniard and a +long sword completed his equipment, while a page, according to the +custom of that time, carried his lance and shield. + +Preceded by a herald, Erwin left the camp and took his way towards the +appointed place of meeting. What was his surprise to find the gates +open and the garrison drawn up in line upon the towers and ramparts. +Entirely ignorant of the arrangement which had been made, he was at a +loss to explain the situation. The noise of arms could be heard in that +division of the camp occupied by the troops of the Archbishop of +Cologne, and still there could be no mistake on the part of the +besieged, whose movements were slow and precise, and among whom could +be seen the consuls in their robes of ceremony, escorted by a showy +retinue. + +Whilst Rechberg was gazing with curiosity on the scene, the trumpets +sounded, and the Cologne troops marched rapidly from their camp and +charged the Milanese, who, unprepared for the attack, were unable, for +some moments, to organize themselves. On all sides was heard the cry of +"Treachery," and at the same time reinforcements issued from the city +to the support of the assailed. + +Rechberg felt the more surprised that he perceived the standard of the +Duke of Bohemia in the midst of the Milanese. The strife became more +deadly every moment, and Rinaldo was in serious danger, for the Duke of +Bohemia, after endeavoring in vain to quell the trouble, had withdrawn +from the _melee_. Erwin rode hastily towards Count Ludwig, and the +other nobles on whose faces he read an expression of settled anger. + +"We are eternally disgraced!" said the Count Palatine Conrad. + +"The villain! the treacherous villain!" said the Duke of Bohemia. "That +infamous Chancellor! I will insult him to his face, when he returns." + +"His return will be a difficult matter," added Goswin; "see how he is +surrounded; and how his men are falling! Look there, that lance-thrust +will hurl him from his saddle!" + +Count Dassel, in truth, was in mortal danger, hemmed in on all sides by +the enraged Milanese. At this moment the Emperor and his knights, in +full armor, rode up. + +"How is this, my lords? What means this combat? How! Cologne is in +peril, and you remain idle?" + +"Pardon, Sire," answered Count Ludwig; "the Chancellor has, +treacherously, attacked the Milanese, who, confiding in our word, had +left the city. He is justly suffering the punishment of his treason." + +"It is possible that the Chancellor may have erred, but you are equally +guilty if you allow our Germans to be crushed!" replied Frederic. "Ride +to the camp, Goswin! and bring up your men; and you, Erwin, take this +troop, and charge the enemy on the flank." + +Whilst Rechberg, in the execution of the order, put himself at the head +of the column, Barbarossa turned to the princes and nobles, and with +prayers and threats endeavored to force them to take part in the +combat; but it was in vain he spoke. + +"It has never been our duty, Sire, to defend traitors!" said the Count +Palatine Conrad. + +"Take care, sir," replied the Emperor, menacingly; "you may have cause +to repent your conduct." He spurred to the head of a small body of +men-at-arms who had assembled in the mean time. + +"Courage, my faithful knights!" he cried, couching his lance; "think of +German glory!--a German flag is in danger! Charge to its rescue!" and +with levelled lances, the men-at-arms hurled themselves upon the foe. + +Rechberg was already in the thickest of the fight, sowing death and +destruction around him, in his efforts to relieve the Chancellor; but +it was in vain that he sought the Unknown, whom he was to recognize by +the glove upon his helmet. + +The fresh troops from the camp and the Milanese were now engaged in a +fierce hand-to-hand conflict. The confusion was immense; without order +or preconcerted plan, each man attacked his adversary wherever he could +find him. The ground trembled under the hoofs of the charging horses, +swords clashed, and lances rose and fell; and the shrill blasts of the +trumpets, and the cries of rage and agony, formed a fitting +accompaniment to the sombre tragedy. Erwin pressed forward to where the +consuls stood, unable either to advance or retreat; but before he could +accomplish his object, a loud shout was heard on the left, where the +Emperor was fighting. Rechberg looked around; the Emperor had +disappeared, but a fierce struggle was going on, and the cry "the +Emperor is down!" ran through the ranks; and then the Germans, with a +wild yell, began to drive back the enemy, who were giving way on all +sides; and at this moment the Emperor regained his saddle and charged +forward. + +Erwin had finally reached the consuls, while the Milanese were breaking +in great confusion. + +"Surrender!" he shouted, placing his sword's point on the breast of +Gherardo Nigri. + +"I yield," replied the Italian, "on the usual terms of chivalry." + +The Count confided the prisoner to one of his companions. + +"Friend Berthold," he said, "accompany this gentleman to your tent, and +remain with him until my return." + +The rout had now become general, and the Germans pursued the fugitives +to the very gates of the city. Eighty men-at-arms and two hundred and +sixty-six infantry, who had left the town to aid the Consuls, were +prisoners, while heaps of dead and wounded covered the field of battle. + +Before taking off his armor, our hero repaired to the tent where he had +placed his prisoner. + +Nigri looked up with an air of reproach, as Rechberg entered. + +"I beg you to accept my excuses, my lord, for the unfortunate events +which have occurred this morning, whose cause I entirely ignore, but in +which my honor compelled me to engage." + +"My lord Count," replied Gherardo, "I can find no fault with your +explanation; the Chancellor's hatred for my country is such, that to +gratify it, he considers himself at liberty to use even disloyal +weapons against us." + +"No apology can be made for Dassel's conduct; but Milan also counts +among her citizens some whose loyalty is most questionable," replied +Erwin. + +"I understand you," said Nigri: "you allude to a matter which interests +you personally--and me also. The capture of Hermengarde is a most +reprehensible action." + +Rechberg was surprised, but his astonishment increased when the Consul, +after a brief pause, continued. + +"My son's act is very reprehensible, it is true; but perhaps under +similar circumstances you would have done the same. Pietro is not yet +formally betrothed to Hermengarde, but their marriage has been in +contemplation for many years.--Put yourself in Pietro's place and tell +me if his conduct does not seem less culpable?" + +The Count was thunderstruck; he looked wildly at the Consul, and then +paced the room in great agitation. + +"Indeed?" said he, "I was not aware of this." + +"You perceive, then, that Pietro's claim to the young lady somewhat +palliates his violence." + +"Yes! yes! naturally." + +"Still, what he has done is unworthy of a knight, and I count upon your +generosity not to make the father responsible for--" + +"No; but your son's action will in some degree modify the conditions of +your release. Excuse me for a moment. My friend Berthold will, during +my absence, discharge the duties of host." + +"With pleasure, Count," said Berthold; "I look upon it as an honor to +entertain your prisoner." + +Erwin mounted and rode over to the Imperial tent; for he wished to be +alone for a short time. On his arrival, Gero announced that a Guelphic +knight urgently desired to see him. + +"You are not wounded, I trust, my lord?" said the squire, as he was +taking off his armor. + +"No!" + +"It is a pity that your duel was prevented. But perhaps the Unknown has +not come off scot-free, and indeed he may have been killed or captured, +for we have taken prisoner a great many knights." + +"That will do now, Gero; you may put away the armor and then leave me. +I wish to be alone." + +The squire obeyed without another word; for he had never seen his +master so sorrowful and dispirited. + +"May I bring the stranger in when he returns?" he asked, as he was +retiring. + +"Yes," replied the knight, seating himself sadly in a chair, and +already plunged in a gloomy revery, which betrayed itself in his +features. + +Bonello of Castellamare entered a moment afterwards, and met with a +reception whose coolness he at once attributed to its proper cause. + +"My daughter," he said, "has been severely punished for visiting the +court without my permission." + +"Do you think so?" asked Erwin. + +"Do you doubt it, my lord Count?" + +"From what I have just learned, her marriage with Pietro Nigri has been +definitely settled for some time," remarked the young German. + +"The project is abandoned; Hermengarde will never be the wife of Pietro +Nigri." + +"Still, the Consul, who appears to be an honorable man, and who for a +few hours has been my prisoner, tells a very different story." + +"Because he is ignorant of certain facts. It is true that, a few years +ago, a marriage between our children was contemplated. But I have never +spoken to Hermengarde on the matter, and I know that Pietro's manners +have in some way of late displeased her. Besides, after your visit to +Castellamare, she herself informed me that she would never be his wife, +and as my intention is in no way to coerce her inclinations, she is +perfectly free." + +This revelation changed at once Rechberg's expression, and in his +delight he almost threw himself into Bonello's arms; but suddenly his +countenance fell as he thought of Hermengarde still a prisoner in +Milan. + +"My daughter will leave the city to-day," Bonello hastily added. +"Gherardo Nigri is your prisoner, and Pietro will not refuse to +exchange Hermengarde for his father." + +Before Rechberg could answer, the Chancellor entered, and after a +hurried glance at Bonello, saluted the Count, with many warm thanks for +his opportune assistance during the battle. + +"I merely did my duty," replied Erwin, "and am delighted that you have +come out of it safely." + +"I escaped myself," said Dassel, gravely; "but fully two-thirds of my +men have fallen. May God rest their souls! With his thanks, His Majesty +has also commissioned me to deliver you a message. The influential +consul Gherardo Nigri has, I have heard, fallen into your hands. The +Emperor requests that you will deliver him up to himself." + +"I regret that I cannot comply with His Majesty's wishes. Nigri is +already at liberty." + +"What!" cried Dassel; "you have already sent him back to Milan?" + +"He has not yet gone, but he will be dispatched shortly." + +"Do not be too hasty; at least, wait until I have informed the +Emperor!" and the courtier hurriedly left the room. + +"My lord Count," said Guido, who had anxiously listened to the +conversation, "you will do wisely in acceding to His Majesty's +desires." + +"Not at all," answered Rechberg; "the prisoner belongs to me, and to me +only!" + +At this moment the Chancellor reappeared. + +"The Emperor desires your immediate presence," he said. + +"Very well, my lord; I will obey at once. As for you, my lord Bonello, +go to the consul Nigri and inform him upon what conditions he can +obtain his release. Gero, show this gentleman the way to Berthold's +quarters; I will be there soon myself." + +"Be prudent, young man," said Dassel, after Guido had left them. "Take +my advice, and comply with your godfather's wishes. You know that +everything should give way before State reasons." + +"It is well; let us go on," replied Erwin. + +"I would deeply regret should your interest for this Italian lady +prompt you to refuse to accede to the Imperial desires. I beg you to be +prudent, and do nothing which might compromise your good fortune." + +Rechberg was silent, and they entered the Emperor's apartment. With a +gracious smile, Frederic motioned them to approach. + +"We are not altogether satisfied with you, Erwin; you keep up an +intimacy with one who has incurred our Imperial displeasure, and even +receive the traitor's visit in our own quarters. And, more than this, +we are inexpressibly surprised at these projects of marriage with +Bonello's daughter, whose invitation, on the part of the Empress, to +visit the Court has displeased us. We desire and insist that such +things do not occur again." + +Rechberg heard this sharp rebuke in silence. + +"To-day's battle," continued Frederic, "in which you took a very +distinguished part, has given into your hands the consul Nigri. He +belongs to you, according to the laws of chivalry; and as we are +unwilling to be guilty of any act of injustice, we merely express a +simple desire that he may be delivered over to our charge." + +"Pardon me, Sire! It is impossible for me to comply with your wishes," +said Erwin, respectfully but firmly. "Hermengarde was carried off by +Nigri's son; her release depends upon that of the consul. In this +circumstance, I feel sure that your Majesty will make no opposition to +the course which I have taken, and which is entirely consistent with +the laws of chivalry." + +"Ah! the duties of chivalry!" cried Barbarossa, angrily. "Under this +pretext our vassals have hesitated to protect their sovereign in the +late battle; and Count Rechberg, always on the same plea, refuses what +the Emperor requests. When will this stop? If it goes on, all our +vassals will soon be false to their oaths of fealty." + +"Loyalty and courage are a part of the duties of chivalry," replied +Erwin, "and they are as sacred as the others." + +"You appear to set great store by them, young man. It is very lucky for +Bonello! But do not go too far,--and fear our displeasure." + +Erwin-bore with calmness the monarch's angry looks. + +"It is strange," resumed the Emperor, still more violently; "it is +strange how this girl seems always to glide between us. I tell you, it +is high time that you return to reason, and discard these absurd +illusions. The daughter of the traitor Bonello is no fit wife for a +Count of Rechberg." + +The young man was in a most unpleasant position; but after a moment's +hesitation, he answered,-- + +"Sire, I cannot, I must not comply with your wishes." + +"Very good!" said the enraged monarch; "since you will not do as I ask, +it would be absurd to test your courage any further. Go and prepare for +your journey. To-morrow you will return to Germany." + +Erwin had not expected this result. He felt sure that with one word he +could soften Frederic's displeasure by yielding to his demand. But,-- + +"No!" he muttered to himself, "I cannot!" and bowing respectfully, he +turned and left the Imperial chamber. + +"If we could put his disobedience out of the question, we should think +him charming," said Frederic. "Did you notice that he would not give +way to his emotions, even although his heart was full to bursting?" + +"It seems to me entirely natural," replied the Chancellor; "he is a +Rechberg, and all of his family bear in this respect a striking +resemblance to their relatives of Hohenstauffen." + +"We shall miss him greatly," resumed the Emperor. "But the healthy, +bracing air of Suabia will soon cure him of these stupid and absurd +ideas of marriage." + + + + + _CHAPTER XXVII_. + + _THE BETROTHAL_. + + +The entrance of several of the princes turned Barbarossa's attention to +a subject of serious importance. Rinaldo's treachery had excited +general indignation. The nobles thought themselves dishonored, and +their arrival announced a storm. They came in abruptly; their obeisance +to the Emperor was less respectful than usual, and all glanced angrily +upon the minister. + +"To what do we owe the honor of this unexpected visit?" asked Frederic, +as they took their seats. + +"We have come," replied the Landgrave Louis, "to demand the condign +punishment of your Chancellor Rinaldo, who traitorously attacked the +Milanese when their envoys, confiding in the sanctity of our word, and +with full trust in our honor, were on their way to the Court." + +"Your complaints deeply grieve us," said the Emperor; "we foresee all +the evils which may result from these misunderstandings. But let us be +just before all things. My lord Chancellor, what have you to plead in +your defence?" + +Dassel assumed an air of injured innocence, and in an insinuating tone +replied,-- + +"The accused should have the right to defend his cause always, and +particularly in the present case, where there are many excuses to be +urged. My fidelity to your Majesty, and the respect which I have always +professed for the nobility of the Empire, are in themselves a guarantee +for my innocence. May God preserve me from violating a princely word! +Had I been aware that the Milanese, although the avowed enemies of the +Emperor and the Empire, had approached our camp with a safeguard, I +should not have presumed to attack them. I can only crave my pardon on +the ground of ignorance, if such an excuse be in your eyes worthy of +acceptance." + +"But, Chancellor, did we not cry, and that too, loudly, that the +Italians were under the protection of our word, and that they must not +be molested?" + +"True, my lords; but the fighting had already begun!" answered Dassel. +"The Milanese hemmed me in on all sides, and I was no longer the +aggressor, but in the position of legitimate defence." + +"Your representations are not sufficient!" said the Duke of Bohemia; +"your tongue is more skilful than ours, and you are our superior in all +that is tricky; but your treason must and shall be punished! Are you +ready to clear yourself of this stain in single combat?" + +"Your lordship must be aware," replied Dassel, with a smile, "that the +canons of the Church forbid this mode of justification to the +Archbishop of Cologne?" + +"Bah!" said the Count. "You are only a layman like us; only a +consecration can make you a priest or a bishop. So long as you are not +an ecclesiastic, you have no right to shelter yourself behind the +privileges of the Church." + +"My lords!" cried the Emperor, angrily, "we will not permit this +assault upon a man whose honor and veracity are known to us; we declare +him absolved from all blame; we are satisfied with his explanations!" + +Rage and mortification were expressed on the faces of the knights. + +"If your Majesty wishes to shield your Chancellor, we must obey," said +Conrad; "but as some amends for the outrage, we request that you will +release the consuls who were captured despite our word of honor as +gentlemen and knights." + +"It cannot be!" answered Barbarossa. "These consuls are the chiefs of +the rebellion, the ringleaders of the conspiracy, which, for many +years, has been plotting against us. It would be gross folly, on our +part, to send away the promoters of the disorder. They must remain with +us as captives, until the surrender of the fortress." + +"But, Sire," added the Duke of Bohemia, with difficulty restraining his +indignation, "the Milanese will say that we are _disloyal felons_, who +desire, not the reduction, but the destruction of their city!" + +"As for me," said Conrad, boldly, "my honor is at stake, and I will +avoid all intercourse with the Chancellor.--To-morrow, I and my troops +will return to our homes." + +"Your term of service has expired, and we have no right to detain you," +answered Barbarossa, calmly. "However, I shall expect you next spring, +when you will return with more numerous and better disciplined troops. +If, before that time, Milan shall have fallen, there will still remain +enough to do in Italy, before we can restore the Empire to its ancient +splendor." + +Although these last words were prompted by a desire to flatter the +nobles, they left his presence with a discontented and dissatisfied +air. + +Meanwhile Rechberg, Bonello, and Nigri were standing in front of the +city gate, near which the consul's tent was pitched, and Erwin related +the circumstances which had induced the order for his banishment from +Italy. The sad and despondent tone of the young man moved Bonello's +sympathy. + +"If my daughter could esteem you more than she does already," he said, +"this injustice would have that effect. I am confident, however, that +she will now yield to my wishes and consent to leave Italy." + +"You desire then to abandon your country?" asked Rechberg, with +surprise. + +"Yes, and perhaps forever!" replied Guido. "It is too painful to live +in the vicinity of a struggle which threatens one's very existence, +without being able to share in it. This, and some other motives, decide +me to go to France, where I will remain until the storm is over." + +They dismounted, and Gherardo Nigri was released upon his engagement to +return, provided Hermengarde was not immediately given up to her +father. + +"Since you refuse to enter within the city," said Nigri to Erwin, "wait +here for a few minutes, and you will be assured of the lady's +liberation. Accept my thanks for the energy with which you defended +your honor and my safety against Barbarossa." + +Erwin seated himself upon a stone in front of the gate, with his face +towards the city, in anxious expectation. At last he heard a loud +noise, the massive portals swung back, and Bonello appeared, leading +his daughter by the hand, while a crowd of wondering citizens lined the +ramparts. The young man rose slowly. The thought of their separation +and his arbitrary exile saddened him. + +"Everything goes on as I desired and predicted," said Bonello. +"Hermengarde is glad to leave the country from which you are banished. +Indeed, I believe that, in spite of all obstacles, she would prefer +Suabia to France." + +"Are those obstacles insurmountable?" asked Erwin. "Although the ward +and vassal of the Emperor, I alone am master in my father's castle." + +"It is impossible," replied Bonello, gravely. "You have told me what +the Emperor has said, and I fully understand the reasons for which he +has sent you away from Italy. Barbarossa is not a man to allow his +plans to be thwarted, and we should scarcely arrive in Suabia, before +an order for our expulsion would be issued." + +Erwin's countenance fell, for he could not deny the truth of the +objection. + +"Still you can do us a great service," said Guido. "The roads are not +safe, and perhaps you can procure an escort?" + +"I will attend to that," answered Rechberg; "when do you wish to set +out?" + +"To-day, without fail; and the sooner the better." + +"I will see the Duke of Austria at once. He will be delighted to do all +in his power for one who has become so celebrated for her filial +affection as your fair daughter." + +"Many thanks, noble Count! Well! Hermengarde, have you not one word of +acknowledgment for our benefactor?" + +"My lord Count," said she, with a trembling voice, "even could I find +words in which to clothe my gratitude, my voice would express +imperfectly all the feelings of my heart. We will never forget you, and +each day our prayers will mount to the throne of that God in whose +hands is the destiny of all mortals." + +"Well said, daughter, you are right. Could I be fortunate enough, +Count, to gratify one of your wishes?--Come," continued Bonello, seeing +that Erwin was too agitated to speak, "you should at least have courage +enough to ask me, but I think I can reward you? Well, if you won't, I +must; take her, my son! My children, I betroth you in the sight of +Heaven, and before this assemblage." + +The people applauded, as Erwin took her hand; he had forgotten the +past, and his eyes shone with a courage and a determination which would +have defied the universe. + +"My dear Bonello, I leave you, full of hope in a brighter future! +Farewell, Hermengarde, and fear nothing; our separation will be only a +brief one." + +He mounted and rode away, followed by the cheers and good wishes of the +crowd. + + + + + _CHAPTER XXVIII_. + + _THE POPULACE IN THE TWELFTH CENTURY_. + + +The Milanese were profoundly discouraged by the Chancellor's disloyal +conduct and the forcible abduction of their consuls; while the rigid +enforcement of the blockade by the Imperial troops rendered the +introduction of supplies a matter of impossibility. + +The people, full of courage and fortitude, so long as they possessed an +abundance of everything, began to murmur, when they became aware that +their provisions were nearly exhausted, and even the Archdeacon Sala, +once revered almost as a saint, lost his influence, and, with the +Archbishop and the other ecclesiastics, was obliged to seek an asylum +within the walls of Genoa. With them, all organization disappeared, and +the angry crowd threatened to open the city gates to the enemy. +Thousands of infuriated men and women assembled before the palaces of +the consuls Nigri and Oberto, demanding food, and the magistrates were +unwillingly obliged to yield, and on the last day of February, 1162, +convoked an assembly of the people. + +The multitude flocked together on the public square, in the centre of +the town, their hollow eyes, pallid cheeks, and trembling limbs giving +proof of the bitter pangs of hunger. One member alone had lost none of +its energy; it was the tongue, which railed out violently against the +consuls, who were accused of everything dishonorable and unjust. The +boldest of the mob got as close as possible to the tribune, from which +the magistrates were to harangue the people, in order that they might +interrupt the speakers at their pleasure. + +"Trust me, my friends," said a cobbler, with wan cheeks and a hungry +air; "I have been obliged to give up mending shoes, and do you know +why? It was because my children have eaten the last piece of leather +that there was left in the house." + +"Leather! why, that's food for a king," interrupted another speaker. +"We eat things that I won't name! We must all die, miserably, of +hunger, if the gates are not soon opened to the besiegers." + +"Certainly we must!" cried a third. "If our consuls were as hungry as +we are, they would soon stop talking about courage, and patriotic +devotion, and heroic patience, and other beautiful things of the sort. +However, they can say what they please, comrades, for they have plenty +to eat and drink." + +"Consul Boriso's red nose, and Grillo's big belly, have made me reflect +very seriously for some time past," said a butcher. "We all look +awfully, as if we were going to die of starvation to-day. A man can't +live on liberty and patriotism; for we have not got cellars and wine +vaults as well filled as our consuls." + +"Barbarossa will not treat us as badly as the famine will," added +another. "What is the use of freedom, if we are to perish with hunger?" + +"It is all folly! Look, if you please, to what this freedom has brought +us? If we taste its sweets ten days longer, we will all be in the +grave-digger's hands." + +"Hurrah for bread! Down with liberty!" screamed a thousand voices, as +they caught sight of the consuls. Oberto ascended the tribune, and the +yells and murmurs gradually subsided as they looked upon the old man, +who, sad and dejected, gazed upon the crowd, and thought of the time +when he used to speak to the Milanese, once so brave and valiant. + +"Fellow-citizens," he said, "it is now a year that you have borne, with +a courage and a patience worthy of your ancient renown, all the rigors +of a siege. Barbarossa hems us in more closely every day. He desires +the destruction of our free institutions; his aim is to humble our +noble city, and reduce her citizens to vassalage." + +A succession of savage yells interrupted the orator. + +"Bread! Bread!" was cried on all sides. + +"Open the gates! Down with the ranter!" + +"Brothers, fellow-countrymen," resumed Oberto, "think of the glories of +the past! Are you willing to wear the yoke of slavery?" + +"Ah! our past glories. We are too wretched and humble now; it will do +to talk of that when we are in prosperity. Give us food!" + +"Fellow-citizens, do not torture me with your reproaches. I suffer from +hunger, like yourselves; but I prefer death to the loss of that liberty +which our ancestors have bequeathed to us." + +"Bah! we are not such fools!" yelled the crowd. "Life is better than +liberty!" + +"The man is mad!" cried a voice; "he advises us to die of starvation!" + +"He is mad! Yes, the gold paid him for his treason inspires his tongue! +Comrades, let us go and open the gates!" + +"Long live the Emperor! Hurrah for bread!" + +Oberto turned, appealingly, towards his audience,-- + +"Fellow-citizens," he resumed, "your desires shall be gratified; you +shall have all that you ask. To-day a delegation will leave Milan to +treat for the surrender of the city; but the consequences must rest on +your own shoulders; you will regret and bewail them. If the Lombard +race is degenerate, if it courts its own slavery with eagerness, let +its wishes be accomplished." + +There was for a moment a profound silence. Oberto had spoken so sadly, +his features expressed such bitter anguish, that the sympathy of many +was awakened, but the ringleaders were firm. + +"These are only fine words, comrades!" they said. "Barbarossa won't eat +us; he may shave off a little of our liberty, and force us to pay the +expenses of the war; he will demolish some of the forts, which we can +build again when we please; all the rest will be as it was before!" + +"Certainly! certainly!" cried many voices. + +"Brothers, let us go to the municipal palace!" was yelled out; "let us +see whether the consuls will keep their promise!" + +"Yes, yes! let us go there at once!" + +The mob rushed to the official residence and surrounded the building, +until the delegation, preceded by a herald bearing a white flag, +appeared upon the steps of the palace; and then, as though fearing some +trickery, accompanied the commissioners to the city gates, where they +watched them enter the enemy's camp. About two hours afterwards, the +envoys returned with a message that, on the ensuing day, the Emperor +would receive and consider the terms offered by the besieged. Still the +news did not give universal satisfaction; for, although the rabble was +delighted, the more respectable class of the citizens and the nobility +winced under the disgrace. On the next day, four of the consuls +repaired to the Imperial camp, where they met with a reception which +foretold clearly the probable fate of their city. They were not +admitted to the Emperor's quarters, but obliged to await his pleasure +in the open air, exposed to all the severity of the weather. A violent +storm burst forth meanwhile, accompanied by thunder and lightning and +torrents of rain, and in a few moments the unfortunate consuls, +drenched to the skin, and with their costly robes clinging to their +persons, sought in vain a shelter, which was refused to them, amid the +jeers and mockeries of the insolent lackeys. + +They felt deeply humbled by this treatment, so different to what they +had been accustomed to in their native city, where they had always +occupied the first place in the public estimation. With bent heads and +clothes soiled with water and mire, their faces expressive of sadness +and resignation, these noble old men looked like statues--strangers to +all the concerns of earth. + +At last they were admitted to the council-hall, where Frederic was +seated, surrounded by all the dignitaries of the Empire and the consuls +of the allied towns. The Milanese threw themselves at the Emperor's +feet, and then Gherardo Nigri laid before him the terms which they were +commissioned to propose. + +"Sire, illustrious princes, noble lords," he said, "the disasters of a +protracted siege have at last inclined my countrymen to submission and +peace. It is true that our formidable works would have enabled us for +some time to resist the enemy's attacks--" + +"Enough!" interrupted Barbarossa, abruptly. "State simply the terms of +surrender, without any commentaries." + +"I obey," replied Nigri, mortified that he should be obliged to submit +tamely to his country's humiliation. "Our terms embrace everything +which could possibly be demanded; even were the city taken by storm, +your Majesty could exact little more. Milan will demolish her +fortifications and build an Imperial citadel at her own expense; she +will annul all her treaties of alliance; will admit your army within +the walls; will give three hundred hostages to be held for three years; +will recognize the supremacy of the German functionaries over all +others; will acknowledge fealty to your Majesty, and will pay a tribute +which shall be established at a future period." + +The German nobles appeared satisfied, but the consuls of the allied +towns shook their heads in token of their disapproval. + +"Duke," said Frederic to Henry the Lion, "what think you of these +propositions?" + +"I think that nothing more can be asked for," replied Henry. "I +confess, however, to my surprise, that the haughty city of Milan should +have consented to draw them up." + +The other nobles, as well as the bishops of the Empire, were of a +similar opinion. + +"However," observed the Bishop of Munster, "should His Majesty consider +the chastisement as insufficient, I am opposed to the adoption of the +enemy's conditions." + +"It is well known," said the Pavian consul, "that the Milanese are +always as willing to make as they are to break their engagements. Sire, +reflect upon the treachery of the past, and do not allow them to renew +it." + +"Milan destroyed our city and led away her inhabitants as captives; let +the same fate be inflicted upon her," urged the consul of Lodi. + +"Unexampled confiscations have filled the Milanese treasury; it will +not be difficult for the city to pay a heavy tribute," added the Consul +of Novara. "When, after three years' absence, her hostages return, it +will be easy to rebuild the fortifications which she now promises to +demolish. She will again destroy the Imperial citadel, make new +alliances, and put herself at the head of a new league against the +Emperor and the Empire. The propositions now submitted to your Majesty +offer an insufficient guaranty against a relapse into her former +tyranny." + +"So long as Milan exists, the safety and peace of Lombardy cannot be +assured on a solid basis," said the consul of Vercelli. "Your Highness +must not only perform an act of justice, but also protect the interests +of the Italian cities. Not a stone should be left upon another in +Milan!" + +The nobles seemed to dissent; but Frederic, who had silently listened +to the various arguments, gave no intimation of his own sentiments, +whether they were in favor of moderation or anger. + +"The opinions are divided," said he, at length; "my Lord Chancellor, be +so kind as to give us your advice." + +"It seems to me," answered Rinaldo, "that the grave outrages committed +against your Imperial Majesty, can only be expiated by an unreserved +submission. If Milan has decided to cease her resistance, let her yield +to the Emperor unconditionally; it should depend upon his generosity +whether the voice of pity or of vengeance is to prevail." + +"We agree with you, my lord," said Frederic; "your words decide the +question. It is not the besieged, but the victor, who should dictate +the conditions. Whenever Milan shall have surrendered at discretion, we +will make known our intentions." + +"Our powers scarcely go so far," replied Nigri. + +"You can inform your countrymen of our pleasure. Lose no time here, +that your delay may not retard the destiny of your city." + + + + + _CHAPTER XXIX_. + + _HUMILIATION_. + + +The Milanese had not doubted that their proposition would be at once +accepted. Frederic's refusal consequently was a matter of surprise, and +a majority of the most influential citizens felt confident that the +people would continue an energetic defence, rather than unconditionally +capitulate. They were mistaken. The Milanese refused to hear a word +spoken in favor of further resistance. + +When this information was communicated to the monarch, his +satisfaction was unbounded, for he foresaw at once the results of his +victory;--with Milan fell the last support of Alexander III. + +Frederic had driven the unfortunate Pontiff from Rome; and although +Genoa had offered him an asylum, this city could not hope to be able +long to serve as a refuge to the fugitive head of the Church; for with +the surrender of Milan, the resistance of the remaining cities of +Lombardy became unavailing. + +"The chief bulwark of Alexander's faction is levelled, and his defeat +prepares a glorious future for you, Sire," said Rinaldo, entering the +Imperial chamber. "Your wish of itself will suffice to drive Roland +from Genoa. And where can he go then? Spain alone can support his +supremacy so long as she is not struggling against the Moors. As to +France, she cannot recognize this pretended pope, and England must +follow her example. I see nothing for him but to seek the aid of the +Saracens,--a strange alliance for His Holiness." + +He was dreaming of the future; Frederic, on the other hand, was +occupied only with the present. He desired that the formal surrender of +Milan should take place in the style best calculated to strike the +imagination. He wanted a tragedy to mark the fall of this queen of +Lombardy, and he fixed the 6th of March as the date of the performance. + +A platform, sufficiently vast to accommodate, at the same time, the +Emperor and all his nobles, was erected outside of the camp. It was an +amphitheatre, with fourteen tiers of seats for the nobility, whilst the +Imperial throne towered above in splendid magnificence, an emblem of +the supremacy of the sovereign. The platform was hung with scarlet +cloth, and costly carpets were spread in the immediate vicinity of the +monarch's stand, which was richly ornamented with garlands of flowers +and decked with the pennons of the different princes. Behind was +hoisted the Imperial banner. + +On the appointed day the troops were drawn up in battle-array upon the +plain, and the sunlight danced merrily upon the thousands of helmets +and lances of polished steel. Nearer, the knights, in complete armor, +sat motionless upon their chargers, like a wall of iron. + +The Milanese advanced despondently and slowly in dense masses. At their +head walked the consuls, barefooted, with halters around their necks, +and clothed in sackcloth. The banners and escutcheons of the several +municipalities were borne aloft on long lances. Not a breath of wind +moved them, and they hung sadly against their staves, as though +mourning their city's ruin. The keys of the town were carried on a +cushion of blue velvet, ready to be offered, by the consuls, to the +Emperor. The bugles at times rang out a melancholy wail of despair, and +when they ceased, there went up a dirge of woe mingled with +supplications for mercy, like those uttered by the people in moments of +national calamity. It seemed as if Heaven were taking part in the +sombre pageant, for dark clouds suddenly veiled the sun, and the air +grew heavy and oppressive. The victors themselves were affected by the +sight of this humiliation of their valiant enemies, and only among the +troops of the Italian auxiliaries could be seen a sneer of irony and +exultation. + +The consuls halted in front of the platform, and a thrill of anxious +expectation ran from rank to rank, until it reached the gates of Milan, +whence the people still continued to issue. Insensibly the crowd stood +still. The very boldest now were bowed to the earth. On all sides +nothing met the eye but ashes and cords and penitential vestments. The +trumpets were silent, and the solemn chant, _Kyrie Eleison_! _Kyrie +Eleison_! was heard, as if the citizens would show that they expected +no aid now but from God. From time to time a plaintive groan was +answered by a thousand sighs of agony: it seemed the dying breath of a +whole nation whose funeral knell was sounding. + +There was a flourish of trumpets near the Imperial tent; Barbarossa was +about to appear. The sound grew nearer and more distinct; and then the +Emperor, surrounded by his nobles, rode up and dismounted about thirty +paces from the throne. With haughty bearing and a look of pride upon +his face, Frederic moved forward, followed by a splendid array of +knights and princes. Far away in the distance stretched the serried +ranks of the army, and the whole scene had that character of majestic +grandeur so well suited to the sovereign who dictated the laws of the +world. + +Next to the monarch came the ambassadors of France and Spain and +England, who, although nominally sent to the Court on business of +State, seemed only there to share in Barbarossa's triumph as spectators +of his greatness. Frederic mounted the throne, his nobles took seats in +the amphitheatre, and at once a loud shout of glad applause rent the +air. The meanest soldier of the army rejoiced, for he felt that the +bright rays of the Imperial sun shone even upon him. He saw the Emperor +above all; below him were the brilliant ranks of the nobles, at his +feet the people of Milan, prostrate and humbled in the dust! The mind +of Barbarossa was occupied with considerations of grave importance. His +face beamed with the intoxication of success, for his soul exulted in +his new honors. He saw all the nations, from Rome to Lubeck, with their +millions of inhabitants, submissive to his sceptre. He thought of +England and Spain, and France and Greece; and though there was much for +him to do ere they could be overcome, the end which he had in view +seemed bright with hope. His dream was to establish the supremacy of +the Empire over all the thrones of Christendom. He was ambitious to be +the successor of Charlemagne, not merely in name and dignity, but also +in power. Plunged in his revery, he had forgotten even the contemplated +demolition of rebellious Milan. The consuls had delivered up the keys +of the city, already they had sworn their fealty, in the presence of +four hundred nobles, when a tumultuous movement of the troops +interrupted his meditations. + +One wing of the army which occupied the open space between the +encampment and the fortress, had changed front, and swinging round, +opened a passage to the advancing population, which was mingling its +groans and lamentations with the blasts of martial music and the shouts +of triumph. With halters around their necks and cross in hand, covered +with sackcloth and penitential vestments, they halted, successively, +before the Imperial throne, and as each group laid down before it their +banners and trumpets, they solemnly swore fealty, and then, slowly and +sadly, took their way towards the narrow space reserved for them on the +opposite side of the plain. + +There was something really majestic in this simple demonstration of the +Milanese; and as their bugles sounded their farewell notes, and their +banners fell upon the ground, one would have imagined that a fraction +of the people was breathing its last sigh. Even the conquerors were +moved to pity, and although those nearest to the sovereign prudently +dissembled their emotion, the tears coursed down the bronzed cheeks of +more than one rude soldier. Barbarossa alone was stern and pitiless, +and his remorseless glance, bent upon the vanquished foe, seemed to +indicate that he considered the punishment a feeble atonement for the +outrage offered to his Imperial majesty. + +The plain was now covered with a dense crowd. An immense chariot, drawn +by five white oxen, advanced slowly, bearing the celebrated statue of +St. Ambrose, Milan's patron saint, and an immense pole from which +fluttered the city's flag and those of all the other towns of the +confederation. The chariot was hung with scarlet cloth, the drivers +were dressed in scarlet, and twelve warriors, with casques and corslets +of polished steel, covered with robes of purple, formed an escort of +honor. + +This chariot, which had been built by the Archbishop Ariberti, played +an important part in times of war, and was looked upon almost as the +_Palladium_ of the City of Milan. + +During battle its banner towered above the combatants, and served as a +rallying-point; and it was the duty of the citizens to defend it to the +death,--it was the symbol, the soul of the free City, the glory and +honor of Milan. + +It halted in front of the throne, and the guards descended. A +death-like silence reigned, and glances of tearful anger were turned +towards Barbarossa. Suddenly an ominous crash was heard, the flag-staff +had broken, and its fall upset the car. The image of St. Ambrose, the +flags and banners, had rolled in the dust; and the deep bell of the +distant cathedral tolled out mournfully, as these symbols, once so +brilliant, lay stretched upon the ground, in striking analogy to the +fate which awaited Milan. + +The people broke oat in groans of rage; some tore their hair in very +desperation, while others, yielding to the weight of their emotion, +were silent and bit their lips with grief and mortification. Still the +Emperor remained unmoved, although there were tears on the energetic +face of Henry the Lion, and his features told of his deep sympathy with +the humiliation of the illustrious city. + +The Count of Biandrate, formerly an ally of the Milanese, but now a +stanch partisan of the Emperor, advanced, and kneeling before the +sovereign, craved his mercy. + +"I implore your Majesty," he said, "to have pity upon this people, +which, humbled in the dust, prays for your forgiveness. All the +greatness, all the power of the proud city is at your feet. Do not +regard them as criminals; look upon them as your children who knew not +how to discriminate between good and evil; grant them their lives, and +let compassion moderate your justice!" + +"Experience has already taught us the sad results of too much +clemency," answered Barbarossa. "Milan has despised and rejected our +favors, and has always remained the centre of all the seditions, the +directress of all the plots against the Empire and its sovereign." + +"Nevertheless, I still supplicate your Majesty," continued the Count, +seeing that the Emperor's hesitation displeased the nobles, "not to +break the bruised reed. Would the fame of your Highness, or of the +German nation be increased, if, upon a sign from you, this mighty city, +this assemblage of warriors, became the object of a chastisement +unequalled in the annals of Christendom?" + +The nobles audibly gave signs of approbation, and Frederic was unable +to resist. Too much violence might produce unpleasant consequences; he +understood the position and moderated his sentence. + +"I will treat them with all the forbearance which is compatible with +justice," he said. "All have merited death; we will grant their lives +to all!" + +"God be praised!" exclaimed the nobles. + +But the Italians murmured. They wished nothing less than the +destruction of the city; and several of the consuls of the allied towns +stepped forward, and expressed their views with a violence and +animosity which, inwardly, pleased the Emperor. + +"Sire," said the Pavian consul, "Milan destroyed Como and Lodi, it is +but justice that she should share their fate." + +"Recollect, Sire," added the consul of Vercelli, "that you owe support +to those who always remained faithful to your cause. So long as Milan +exists, neither peace nor order is possible. You have conquered the +she-wolf; your trusty sword has forced her to grovel in the dust; but +that is not enough; she must be destroyed! A few years hence, and +Milan, always thirsting for her neighbors' blood, will again extend her +tyranny over all Lombardy. We ask for simple justice. Sire, give us +justice!" + +"You have every right to demand our protection," replied Frederic, "and +you shall have it. We will never permit our faithful subjects to be +oppressed. Milan shall be deserted, and within fifteen days all its +inhabitants must leave the city, and be divided into four detachments +separated from each other by a distance of at least two miles." + +The monarch arose and gave the signal that the ceremony was +finished.--He mounted his charger, and, surrounded by his nobles, +trampling under their horses' hoofs the banners which were spread out +upon the ground,--returned to his camp amid the loud strains of martial +music, while the Milanese wept sadly over the destruction of their much +loved city. + + + + + _CHAPTER XXX_. + + _AMUSEMENTS_. + + +On the 26th of March, 1162, the victorious Emperor made his triumphal +entry into the conquered city, not through the gates, but over the +dismantled fortifications. Thence he proceeded with his Court to Pavia, +where he celebrated his successes with extraordinary pomp, and received +the envoys from the cities allied to Milan, who, despairing of +preserving their liberty, came to tender their submission. Severe terms +were imposed upon Brescia, Placenza, Imola, Faenza, and Bologna, while +immense concessions were granted to those towns which had remained +faithful to their allegiance. Barbarossa also opened negotiations with +the powerful maritime republics of Genoa and Pisa, to which were +secured, by a secret treaty, portions of Sicily and Catania, until a +more equal division could be made of the rich treasures of the King of +Naples. + +In this way Frederic followed up his designs, even while he seemed most +absorbed in his pleasures. + +Pavia surpassed herself in her efforts to entertain her illustrious +guest. The different corporations took turns in the amusements; but he +always found time to see everything, and nothing escaped his attention +or passed without praise. Accompanied by a brilliant retinue, often +with the Empress at his side, he rode through the streets decked with +flags, winning golden opinions from all, for he conversed freely with +the humblest citizen, and never dismissed unaided any one who came to +ask his pity. + +Frederic possessed the great talent of nearly all those who aspire to +extended dominion; he knew how to conciliate popular sympathy. + +After a succession of jousts and tournaments, balls and joyous galas, +it was decided to produce the spectacle of the capture of a fort +defended by women and young girls. A square redoubt was built, flanked +with small towers and balconies, and with walls of variegated stuffs, +of velvets, purple, and ermine. The actors were clothed in rich +tissues, decorated with gold and diamonds; and in place of helmets they +wore crowns of filigree-work or costly diadems. In lieu of deadly +weapons, they carried perfumed rose-water and amber, with which they +drenched the assailants. The variety of colors, the splendid materials +which formed the fortress, and the grace and beauty of its defenders, +made up a charming picture. + +Before the assault, a new pageant advanced to the sound of joyous +music; it was the corporation of bakers, carrying before them on a car +decked with flags and ribbons, an immense cake, a masterpiece of their +art. They marched around the fortress singing, and then deposited their +offering near a tall pole, announcing that it was to be the prize of +the person who could pull down the banner fastened to the summit of the +mast. + +Next came the corporation of the butchers, with an immense hog roasted +whole; they were followed by the game dealers and the other trade +societies, all with costly presents. The vast cask of wine offered by +the tavern-keepers caused especial pleasure to the Germans. + +Meanwhile the young men prepared for the assault; surrounding the mimic +fortress, they were met with a shower of dates, pears, apples, nutmegs, +and cakes. Although it was only in sport, there was a good deal of +excitement, as is the case in the beginning of every contest, and the +cheeks of the fair defenders flushed, and their eyes flashed as their +enemies drew near. + +The podesta raised his baton, and, to the sounds of a flute, the strife +began. On all sides a cloud of dates, quinces, and sweetmeats was +hurled against the fortress; the walls shook, and a noisy music drowned +the cries of the wounded. A shower of rose-water filled the air with +rich perfume, whilst a crowd of boys eagerly picked up the dainty +missiles. + +One young man, particularly, displayed great energy during the assault. +Despite the rose-water and the amber, he reached the castle-door, and +forcing the passage with a rose-covered wand, penetrated to the heart +of the place. His courage excited the emulation and the envy of all; +but his triumph was short-lived, and he was soon expelled by the +besieged. He came out, wrapped from head to foot in a sheet smeared +with honey, and when at last he had succeeded in disentangling himself, +a swarm of flies covered him, to the great amusement of the spectators. +Soon the besiegers declared that the citadel was impregnable, and then +a lady of lofty bearing appeared upon one of the balconies, and +announced the terms of capitulation. + +"You have learned, valiant warriors," she said, "that violence can +accomplish nothing against us women. It is true that you are our +masters, but we know how to repay with usury, anything like cruelty or +ill-treatment. Only show us kindness and courtesy, and you can have +what you will. By virtue of my office, as governor of this castle, I +think it my duty to inform you that we have kept it as long as it so +pleased us, and now we surrender of our own free will, in order to set +you an example of moderation." + +This harangue was received with laughter and shouts of applause, and +then the music announced that the ascent of the pole would begin. + +The Knight of Groswin, who was among the lookers-on, took no pains to +conceal his discontent; for the assault of the mimic fortress, far from +amusing him, had only provoked his anger, and it was evident that he +would have sought more congenial amusements, had he not been detained +there on duty. + +"What a stupid game! what a silly idea!" he said, as he glanced towards +the balcony, where Frederic and his courtiers were laughing and talking +with animation. + +"I cannot understand the Emperor," he resumed; "he chatters like an old +woman, and laughs as though he really were amused by these mummeries. +But, after all, it may only be a mask, the better to deceive these +Italians.--I wonder how he will look when he hears my message?" + +Goswin left the crowd, and entering the palace, sought the Imperial +hall. + +"That fellow climbs well," said Barbarossa to the Pisan envoy; "see how +tightly he clings to the slippery pole; I advise you to recruit him for +your fleet." + +"We have plenty of sailors still more active than he Sire. The +approaching hostilities against Naples will show you of what our men +are capable." + +"Have the deputies yet started for Pisa and Genoa?" inquired the +Emperor. + +"They went yesterday, Sire," replied the Pisan. + +"We will take advantage of the present opportunity, and no longer delay +the punishment which the unfriendly behavior of the Neapolitan king so +well merits. I am confident that the opposition of Venice is only +prolonged by William's assistance." + +"Perhaps it would be well to curb the power of the Venetians a little?" +remarked a Genoese. "It is not an easy matter, but your Majesty can be +assured of our hearty co-operation." + +Frederic received this overture with evident satisfaction; the mutual +jealousy of the Italian cities served his own projects admirably. + +"What tidings does the Knight Goswin bring us?" asked the Emperor, as +the noble entered. + +"A communication which your Highness----" + +"Is it very important?" said Frederic, hastily, fearing lest the +imprudent soldier might reveal, to indiscreet ears, things which ought +not to be known to every one. "Excuse me for a moment, my lords," and +he withdrew on one side with Goswin. + +"Well, what is it?" he asked. + +"Count Rechberg has returned to Lombardy." + +"Is that all? there was scarcely need to take the trouble of telling me +anything so unimportant." + +"It was the abbot who announced it to me; and I was to communicate it +to you," replied Goswin. + +"The abbot!--What abbot?" asked the Emperor. + +"The one who came to your camp before Milan, last summer." + +"The Abbot Conrad, you mean?" + +"Perhaps that is his name; he awaits you in the palace." + +"What motive can bring him?" inquired Frederic, greatly surprised. + +"I can tell you, Sire: the abbot comes in the name of the Archbishop of +Salzburg, who is now near Pavia with some other prelates." + +"What is this you say?" cried Barbarossa; "the Archbishop of Salzburg +in Italy, near us! How stupid in you, Goswin, to announce in this +frivolous manner a matter of such great importance!" + +"I supposed that Count Erwin had, at least, as much importance in your +eyes, as the Bishop of Salzburg," answered the knight. + +"But why does he remain outside of the town? What prelates are with +him?" + +"You can ask him yourself, Sire." + +Frederic was going out, when the Podesta of Pavia entered. + +"One word only, Sire," he said. + +"Well, but speak quickly; the Metropolitan of Salzburg, accompanied by +several other prelates, has just arrived to offer us their +congratulations." + +The crafty Pavian understood better than Goswin the bearings of this +visit. + +"It is another victory, Sire, a new triumph for your ideas, more +important, perhaps, even than that which you achieved at Milan. I +merely wished to inquire whether the two hundred silver marks, which +Pavia has laid at your feet, will be sufficient?--we are quite ready to +offer more, should it be required." + +"The sum is sufficient, Count; many thanks!" + +"I also desire to remark, that the destruction of Tortona is absolutely +necessary to the security of your faithful Pavia. Your magnanimous +generosity was satisfied with the demolition of the fortifications; +but, Sire, the work is only half done." + +"Pavia has nothing to fear from an open place." + +"Walls are soon rebuilt, Sire, and you know the unfriendly feelings of +Tortona towards us. We Pavians are ready to make any sacrifice, if you +will allow us to destroy that city." + +Frederic, without answering, left the room abruptly. + +"Very well!" said the Podesta, rubbing his hands gayly; "that means, do +as you please: I will not do it myself, but I will not forbid it." + +Goswin had heard all the conversation, and even his intelligence took +in all the immorality of the scene. + +"This really is a piece of knavery!" he said, as he followed his +master. "Tortona displeases Pavia; Pavia offers money to the Emperor, +and Tortona will be destroyed! Now I call this proceeding neither +honorable, imperial, nor even Christian." + +The monarch hastened to the ancient palace of the Lombard kings, in +which he had established his quarters. Scarcely had he arrived, when +Pope Victor requested an audience. It was refused, but the Abbot +Conrad, on the contrary, was immediately admitted in company with the +Chancellor Rinaldo. + +"You are right welcome to Pavia, my lord Abbot," said Barbarossa, "and +the more so, because you announce the visit of our worthy Metropolitan +of Salzburg." + +At these words he glanced towards Dassel, whose impassive face, as the +Emperor well knew, boded no good. + +"The prelate offers his respectful salutations, and begs your Majesty +to appoint a time for an audience, in some other city than Pavia," said +the Abbot Conrad. + +"In some other city! And for what reason?" + +"Because it is not seemly for the Archbishop to enter the city where +Victor holds his court. His duty forbids him to have any intercourse +with the Antipope, and a sojourn in Pavia might be construed as a +recognition of his claims," replied the abbot. + +Rinaldo made a sign to Barbarossa, who listened without any evidence +of what was passing in his mind. Eberhard's reputation in Italy was +wide-spread, and this refusal to hold any communication with the +Antipope was naturally calculated to displease the Emperor. + +"We can fully appreciate the Archbishop's prudence," remarked Frederic, +after a moment's reflection; "where is he at present?" + +"In the Abbey of St. Martin." + +"At St. Martin, in that paltry cloister which has scarcely wherewithal +to feed its own monks! We will direct an immediate change, more in +harmony with Eberhard's dignity and position. What prelates has he with +him?" + +"The Bishop of Brixen, the Prior of Reichersburg, and several abbots," +answered Conrad. + +"We are highly pleased at the arrival of these worthy prelates. Be +prepared, my lord Abbot, to return here soon with some of my courtiers, +whom we will send forward to meet the Archbishop." + +Scarcely had Conrad left the room when Victor entered; mortification +and anger were depicted on his countenance. + +"I crave your pardon," he said, "if my visit here be inopportune, but I +have been grievously insulted, and I am well aware that your Majesty +will not leave unpunished those who outrage the legitimate Pope." + +"We are seriously busy in State affairs," replied Frederic, in a tone +of ill-humor; "however, relate at once your complaint." + +"Eberhard of Salzburg refuses to obey me, and rather than contaminate +himself by contact with the schismatic Victor, has left Pavia. This +public degradation is insupportable; the Chief of the Church, duly +appointed and confirmed by the Emperor, must not be thus vilified +before all Christendom; such an indignity deserves punishment." + +"I am extremely grieved by this affront; what would you advise me to +do?" asked the Emperor. + +"Chastise the Archbishop's pride, Sire; and oblige him to acknowledge +the lawful Pope." + +"Oblige him! how does your wisdom interpret this?" + +"If he will not obey willingly, let him be made to obey by force:--The +only man whose energy sustains the schism in the German Church is in +your power." + +"You counsel, then, his arrest and close confinement?" + +"It will scarcely be necessary to proceed to such extreme measures. The +fear which your Majesty inspires is quite enough of itself to make him +bend the knee." + +"Men of Eberhard's character are not easily influenced by fear; that +sentiment is unknown to them. A much more effective mode of persuasion +would be a visit from you to the Archbishop." + +"What say you!--I humble myself thus!--I solicit the friendship of a +rebellious prelate!" + +"Perhaps we may desire you to take this step. If this alone can put an +end to the present difficulty, it must be done." + +Victor was thunderstruck at these words. Although his relations with +the Emperor were such that he had long lost all self-consideration or +respect; even his spirit revolted at the baseness of the step which he +was advised to take. + +"Your Majesty can never force me to this act of degradation," he said; +"I would rather resign the tiara." + +"I have said perhaps:--We must be prepared for everything. But allow me +to return to this business, which is pressing." + +Victor protested his ready obedience, and bowed himself out of the +room. + +"He will have to come to it," said Frederic, turning towards Dassel, +who had kept to one side. "You will remember," he added, "that you have +heard nothing of our conversation with the Pope." + +"Sire, it is impossible; I must speak to you of it." + +"To what end?" + +"To what end! Can anything be of greater importance than to ward off +the blow which Eberhard is about to strike against you and the Holy +Father? Thank Heaven, circumstances will permit you to surmount the +difficulty." + +"Explain yourself." + +"You expect, in the course of the next two days, the arrival of the +relics of the three Magi which are to be borne here from Milan in +solemn procession. The respect which you will show will prove to all in +Pavia the ardor of your religious faith, and to do them still greater +honor, you will send the Pope in advance to meet them. Victor can start +early to-morrow, and in this way you can remove the purulent infection +which is so offensive to the too delicate Archbishop." + +"But will not Victor return with the relics?" + +"He must not return; an order from your Majesty will take him to Lodi, +where he will wait until he is wanted." + +"Excellent!" + +"Eberhard is in earnest, and your Majesty must stint nothing in the +evidences of respect shown to him. The people will admire your +condescension. Let your embassy be as brilliant as possible. Count Haro +should be one of your envoys; he possesses a magnificent castle between +Pavia and St. Martin. He can conduct the prelates thither, and your +Majesty can then encounter this Goliah of the South-German Episcopacy." + +"Bravo!" cried Frederic; "I approve of everything: Act at once." + + + + + _CHAPTER XXXI_. + + _AT RIVOLI_. + + +An express was immediately dispatched to Rivoli, bearing to Count Haro +the order to get all the apartments of his castle in readiness. Dassel +himself sent forward a train of mules, bearing costly carpets, silver +candlesticks, and massive plate--everything, in short, which was needed +to offer a most sumptuous hospitality. The castle, usually so quiet, +assumed an air of gayety, and the steward rushed in every direction, +arranging and disarranging, ordering, scolding, and hastening on the +preparations. + +The chaplain of the castle alone remained calm, in the midst of the +general confusion. Evidently, some unusual occurrence condemned him to +idleness, for his callous hands showed that his occupations were not +purely intellectual. The servants generally abandoned to him everything +which they refused to do, and his appearance was rather that of a +stable-boy than an ecclesiastic. Although he had received but a limited +education, Rainulph felt the impropriety of such behavior, and often +complained that his spiritual functions were not regarded with becoming +reverence. But his murmurs rarely reached the Count's ear, and when +they did, little attention was paid to them; for Haro, always at Court, +knew too well the Emperor's course towards the Pope to be respectful to +his own chaplain. + +"Since the Pope," he told him, "obeys Frederic's orders, you must make +up your mind to do as I tell you." + +But the chaplain of Rivoli was suddenly aroused from his inactivity by +a shrill voice. + +"How is this, sluggard?" cried the angry steward; "the stable is not +swept yet, everything is out of place, and the horses of His Majesty +and the Court will be here directly!" + +"I don't care," answered Rainulph; "the manure may stay there; I shall +not touch it!" + +The steward could not believe his ears. The conduct of the formerly +submissive chaplain seemed inexplicable. + +"Are you mad? Have you not done that work a hundred times?" + +"Yes, and more too! You have made me do the most menial drudgery, and I +have complained in vain; but it is different to-day." + +"I suppose that you hardly intend to appeal to the Emperor?" sneered +the other. "You will make a fine thing of it. Don't you know, fool, +that the Pope and the bishops are as much the servants of the Emperor +as the chaplains are of the Castellan? I tell you it is the custom!" + +"It is a bad custom, an impious custom! Priests were not ordained to +clean out stables, but to discharge their sacred calling." + +"Ah! what a noble transport! Wait a minute, till I teach you your +duty!" + +At that moment a horseman dashed up, and announced that the prelates +were close at hand. The steward raised his eyes to heaven, tore his +hair, ordered the chaplain to be locked up in one of the towers, and, +entering the castle, mounted upon a turret. + +"May all the saints aid me!" he cried, as he saw the valley shining +with helmets, and lances, and armor. "What! it is a whole army!--an +army of knights and counts! How am I to lodge all these in Rivoli, +where there is scarcely room for twenty lords with their retinues? It +is impossible; they cannot all come here! They must be blind not to see +that the castle cannot hold them, even were I to stow some of the +knights in the barns and the cellars. No! it is not possible! But let +us see: they are at the foot of the hill. Ah! the men-at-arms halt, and +are letting the prelates take the lead. Quick, Romano, quick! put on +your finest suit, the newest you have. To-day you must be marshal of +the palace." + +Whilst the steward was donning his rich livery, and taking his long +silver-headed staff of office, Eberhard of Salzburg slowly ascended the +hill. The old man was tall in stature, of energetic strongly-marked +features, whose expression was by no means softened by a pair of +piercing eyes. His voice was deep and sonorous, and all his words +carefully selected. He rode easily, in spite of his advanced age, which +had neither broken down his vigorous physical strength nor weakened his +intellect. His suite and the costume which he himself wore indicated +his high rank. His surcoat was bordered with ermine, and he wore around +his neck a heavy gold chain, to which hung a pastoral cross enriched +with jewels. The saddle of his courser was ornamented with rings and +buckles of silver. + +By his side were Herman, Bishop of Brixen; and Gerhoh, prior of +Reichersberg; two noble dignitaries of grave and serious demeanor. +Behind them were several abbots, and last, the escort of honor, sent by +Frederic, in which could be remarked Count Erwin of Rechberg. + +Count Haro hastened to the court-yard to welcome the prelate, as he +dismounted; a crowd of servants stood ready to take care of the horses, +and soon the noble hosts were introduced to the castle. + +Eberhard's own followers remained at the foot of the hill, where they +at once pitched their tents, as was the custom of the time. About two +hundred soldiers had accompanied the Archbishop, from Salzburg, and +formed an escort sufficiently numerous to hold in awe the most +desperate highwaymen. + +The prelate knew that a display of strength always imposes upon savage +and uneducated men, and, although living, in his own house, with almost +monastic simplicity, he never neglected on all public occasions to +appear with as much pomp as possible. + +Offering his fatigue as an excuse, he partook but lightly of the +banquet, and soon retired to his own apartment; the other ecclesiastics +shortly followed his example; but Haro and the laymen, who were his +guests, remained at table until nightfall. + +The pleasures of the feast offered little attraction to Erwin, and he +found still less pleasure in listening to the recital of Barbarossa's +victory over the Milanese, which he had already heard recounted a +hundred times, in all its most minute details. + +Taking advantage of a beautiful spring evening, he left the hall and +the castle, and descending the hill, soon found himself in the little +park. He had scarcely taken his seat and begun to reflect that in spite +of the Metropolitan's intercession, his Imperial godfather might, +possibly, send him back again to Suabia, when a long whistle attracted +his attention. A little while after, the sound was repeated, and +replied to from the castle; then he heard footsteps, and saw two men +approach each other and converse in a low tone, at a short distance +from him. + +The occurrence appeared mysterious and aroused his curiosity, the more +so, that these night-walkers wore the short cloaks and high hats of the +Italian nobility, which almost concealed the face. Rechberg listened +attentively, but could not make out their conversation. He only could +catch the names of "Pope, Emperor, France, and Eberhard," because they +were uttered with much energy. To his great surprise, he suddenly heard +his own name pronounced. + +"Count Erwin of Rechberg!--It is not possible!" + +The other added a few words in a smothered voice, to which a curse was +the reply. Then they separated, one of them moving towards the castle. +Erwin determined to accost the Unknown. The stranger with surprise +halted and laid his hand on his sword. Erwin looked at him attentively, +but could distinguish nothing, except a pair of flashing eyes and a +thick black beard. + +"It is not my profession to interfere with honest people," he said, +"but as you made use of my name, just now, I have the right to ask who +you are and with what you reproach me." + +"Who I am is of no importance to you, Count," answered the stranger; +"and if you follow the teachings of your own conscience, I can reproach +you with nothing." + +"What do you mean? For whom do you take me?" + +"For a frivolous youth, who forgets his promises too easily." + +"Villain! withdraw this insult at once, or ----" And he put his hand to +his sword-hilt. + +"I have no intention of offending you," replied the Unknown, coolly; +"do not draw your sword: not that I fear it, but because I have no wish +to fight with a gentleman whose enemy I am not." + +"Ah! and yet you do not hesitate to calumniate me!" + +"Unpleasant truths are not calumnies. It is positive that you have +broken your word, in a circumstance where it should have been held +sacred." + +"The proof! Quickly--or, upon my honor, you shall not repeat the insult +a third time!" + +"Do you know the Lady of Castellamare? + +"Yes." + +"You are betrothed to her." + +"I am; what then?" asked Rechberg. + +"Are you not restored to Barbarossa's favor on condition of marrying +another person?" + +"I--forget Hermengarde!--such an assertion does not even merit a +denial." + +"That is strange," said the Unknown, shaking his head. + +"What else is there besides?" + +"The Emperor banished you on account of your projects of marriage, and +yet you are back again." + +"You conclude therefore that I have purchased the Imperial favor by the +violation of my word?" + +"Such is my conviction." + +"Why suppose evil rather than good? Would it not have been more +natural to think that Rechberg had profited by Eberhard's arrival to +obtain pardon through his intercession? That would have been reasonable +and just, and you would have guessed the correct motive of my return." + +"Are you not invited to the Court?" + +"I am not." + +"If such is the case, your fidelity has been severely tested. Do not be +uneasy about your reconciliation with Barbarossa; you come at an +opportune moment. He needs you, or, rather, he would like to use you, +to accomplish an evil action. Still I hope that you will not allow +yourself to be led away." + +"Will you explain your meaning?" + +"You will learn it soon enough. Misfortune travels quickly. I merely +tell you: be faithful to your betrothed, to your wife; do not be +seduced or dazzled by ambition. Farewell!----" + +"One moment! Cease this equivocation and tell me plainly what all this +means." + +"Still, you must be satisfied with what I have made known to you: you +are forewarned; that is all that is necessary. Do not delay me, for my +time is precious; we will meet again in Pavia." + +The stranger disappeared, and Rechberg, full of uneasiness, returned to +the castle. + + + + + _CHAPTER XXXII_. + + _ALEXANDER'S AMBASSADOR_. + + +On the very next morning Erwin could judge of the truth of at least +some of the stranger's assertions. Frederic arrived early, and contrary +to the expectations of all, received our hero with open arms and every +token of sincere affection. Rechberg himself was surprised, for no +allusion whatever was made to the previous misunderstanding. + +"You are welcome, Erwin," said the monarch, when Eberhard presented the +young man; "I heard of your arrival in Pavia, and was pleased to think +that you could accompany us to France." + +He pressed the Count's hand with so much warmth, that the latter could +no longer doubt that his sovereign had some ulterior designs in view. +The Chancellor also was most amiable, and during their return to Pavia, +which took place the same day, rode constantly by his side, speaking of +the contemplated council which was to be held in France, at which the +French and English monarchs were to be present. He took such pains to +vaunt the riches and elegance of the French ambassador, Count Henry of +Champagne, whose sister had just married King Louis, that Rechberg was +completely puzzled, and resolved to be more than ever on his guard. + +A magnificent reception had been prepared by Frederic's order in Pavia. +Victor and his partisans had left the city, and everything which could +possibly remind any one of the Antipope, had disappeared, even to the +arms which hung over his palace. + +The zealous Omnibonus, Bishop of Verona, a stanch adherent of +Alexander, and the uncompromising opponent of Victor, received the +Metropolitan at the entrance of the cathedral. Barbarossa had +determined that the Archbishop should have no pretext for discontent, +and that he himself would appear free from all party spirit, and only +desirous of assuring the peace and unity of the Church. The pious +Eberhard, whom nothing could fatigue, was delighted with the state of +things. As it appeared, Pope Alexander, previous to his departure from +Genoa, had written to him to request his mediation with the Emperor, +and the prelate hoped to experience little difficulty in influencing +him to a kind and moderate course of action, particularly, as, during +their journey from Rivoli, Frederic had acknowledged, in a flattering +manner, the personal merits of the Pope. Eberhard, with Bishop Herman +of Brixen, immediately waited upon the Emperor, and were at once +received. As soon as Alexander's name was mentioned, a look of anger +crossed the monarch's face and his eyes flashed. It was gone in an +instant, but the Archbishop had perceived it, and although Frederic +listened calmly to his explanations, he feared to encounter an +inveterate and irreconcilable hatred. Judging that the Pope's letter +would best define his position, he laid it before the Emperor. + +"The explanations offered by the Cardinal Roland are scarcely in +accordance with the efforts made by him to prolong the resistance of +the Milanese," remarked Barbarossa. "We hold positive proofs that he +encouraged the rebels, by presenting the revolt to them under the +appearance of a sacred war. You will acknowledge yourself, as a holy +and honorable ecclesiastic, that this is not the action of a loyal +subject." + +"Sire," replied Eberhard, "Pope Alexander never either encouraged or +approved of the insurrection. The documents which your Majesty holds +are forgeries and valueless, as the work of people little worthy of +credit, who seek to advance their own selfish ends by sowing discord in +the Church. What is true, is, that Alexander thanked the Milanese for +their loyalty to him, and their opposition to the Antipope; in this, he +only did his duty." + +"It is a sad business!" said Frederic, with a sigh. "Suppose, for +example, that we became the protector of Victor, and that the people +were excited to disobey him, the rebellion would be nothing but a +crusade against the schismatic Frederic of Hohenstauffen--" + +"It is never lawful for Christians to fight against their sovereign," +replied Eberhard. "In the time of Nero, they became martyrs for their +faith, but never rebels." + +This observation seemed to reassure the Emperor. + +"Very well," said he. "Personally, we have no cause of complaint +against Alexander. If the approaching council to be held at Besancon, +at which the bishops of our Empire and those of France and England are +to assist, pronounces the claims of Alexander to be legitimate, we +shall be the first to recognize his supremacy." + +"The decision scarcely appears doubtful," said Herman of Brixen: +"Victor has violated every law too audaciously." + +"As for ourselves," resumed Barbarossa, "we are not so proud but that +we are ready to acknowledge our error, so soon as it shall be proved." + +"May the Divine grace produce good fruit to your desires," said the +Archbishop. "The Holy Father writes to you:--'I beg and supplicate the +Emperor to take pity on the Church, and grant her peace. Let him not +believe that aught of good can result from the evil which he has +promoted, for as the abyss of heresy widens, a still greater number of +souls plunge into it and are lost. Assure him that we are ready to +stretch forth our hand to bless him, as soon as he will renounce the +bonds of iniquity, and cease to protect the disloyal Octavian.' Words +truly evangelical!" added Eberhard; "with what joy the Holy Father will +learn that you do not spurn his offered hand!" + +"Again, I must assure you, my lord Archbishop, that our decision is +entirely dependent upon that of the council," replied Barbarossa, +refraining from the discussion of a subject which diplomacy forbade him +to broach under its true light. "We understand that the relics of the +three kings will arrive to-morrow. We desire that they be received with +all the honor which they merit, and that they be exposed, for a few +days, in Pavia. It will gratify us should your Reverence deign to +organize the proper ecclesiastical ceremony." + +"With infinite joy, Sire; I will be careful that the clerical +prescriptions are observed." + +The monarch accompanied the prelates to the door of his apartment, +where he dismissed them. Scarcely had he re-entered, when Rinaldo +appeared. + +"How did your Majesty sustain the first shock?" he inquired. + +"Pretty well. We will recognize Alexander as soon as the council +acknowledge his claims." + +"Excellent," said Dassel; "but we will take care that the council do +not acknowledge him. The presence of one as holy as Eberhard has +already begun to bear its fruits! He enjoys so vast a reputation of +sanctity among the people, that his visit suffices to make of the +schismatic Barbarossa the most faithful of the faithful. You must +acknowledge, Sire, that you really owe me a debt of gratitude for my +discovery. But let us not forget what is equally material: the wind has +completely shifted at the French Court. The Count of Champagne has +shown me a letter from the royal Chancellor, giving him full powers to +conclude an arrangement with you. This excellent Count is beside +himself with joy, for if he had been in his senses, he would most +certainly not have been quite so communicative." + +"There is no reason to be astonished if the noble Count should have +lost his wits. Did we not promise him castles, and bailiwicks, and +fortresses along the Lorraine frontier?" replied the Emperor. + +"It needed a tempting bait to catch the Count of Champagne; but a +diplomatist should never hesitate to make promises. The French +ambassador is yours, body and soul; ask him what you please, there is +no fear of a refusal." + +"What can have caused this fortunate change?" + +"Oh! little enough. Alexander received Louis' envoy quite roughly; he +preached a long sermon to the Abbot Theobald of St. Germains, and +threatened the Archbishop of Orleans, the royal Chancellor, with +canonical censure. The courtiers complain; the king is hurt, and +proposes to abandon Alexander." + +"Very well!--What do you advise me to do now?" + +"Let the Count, in the name of his sovereign, notify the French +ecclesiastics, and announce Alexander's coming. If, in the meanwhile, +Louis should change his mind, which, with the French character, is not +at all unlikely, either the Count will oblige the King to keep his +word, or he must be himself disavowed. In which latter case, Troyes, +Champagne, and the rich provinces which belong to them, will be happily +annexed to the Empire, and the French kingdom necessarily weakened." + +"Your advice is good," said Frederic; "send in the Count, and have the +contract ready." + +"The Count will doubtless remind your Majesty of my promises; do not +hesitate, ratify everything, and affix your seal, without scruple, to +all which he may propose." + +"Best content," replied Barbarossa, as the Chancellor left the +apartment. + +"Alexander, your death-knell has sounded!" exclaimed the Emperor; "and +soon the most dangerous enemy of our Imperial supremacy, the most +intrepid and cunning opponent to our wishes, will regret his haughty +conduct. Ah! for the Emperor to be altogether Emperor, the Pope must +not seek to divide the Empire with him. The pagan emperors called +themselves _Pontifices maximi_, and they were; why should I not be the +head of Church as well as State?" + +Meanwhile Count Dassel was making every preparation for the treaty. On +his passage through the palace he approached a window looking into the +garden. + +"He is not there yet," he said. "Ah! still--there they are; it is all +right!" and with a scornful sneer he disappeared. + +It was towards Rechberg that the Chancellor's attention had been +directed. The Count was approaching, accompanied by a young nobleman, +whose appearance offered a certain resemblance to that of Rinaldo +himself. They were conversing with animation, and the bright look, the +graceful bearing, the elegant shape and ironical expression of the +nobleman, vividly recalled the German statesman. + +"Your description of the Countess is calculated to excite one's +curiosity. Who is her father?" asked Erwin. + +"Count Henry of Champagne, the ambassador and brother-in-law of the +King of France," replied the nobleman. + +"Count Dassel has spoken to me of the father, but has said nothing of +the daughter." + +"Indeed! he said nothing of her whom all Pavia is talking of,--nothing +about Richenza?" + +"And you say that she leaves for France to-morrow?" + +"I have heard so; she only came to do homage to the sacred relics." + +"Where does she live?" asked Erwin. + +"Outside of the city walls, in a villa; for the Count, though in every +way polite and courteous, keeps his daughter secluded. He seems like a +miser who watches anxiously over his treasure." + +"He is a prudent father, Hellig." + +"He would have done better to leave her at home." + +"What frightful egotism! Richenza came here not to be seen, but to +see." + +"You are right. But I shall not look at her again, although I shall +have the best chance in the world tomorrow at Pavia." + +"Still you will go with me, Hellig?" + +"What is the use of it? Must I point the sun out to you, and then tell +you it is there? You should take more care of your peace of mind; your +neighbor's misfortunes ought to serve you as a warning." + +"Don't be alarmed. Suppose that I already possess a jewel whose +brilliancy eclipses all others; you tell me: Come, and see the +brightest diamond in the world! I shall go, although I am sure +beforehand that this treasure is naught in comparison to mine." + +At this moment a courtier appeared with an invitation to Count Rechberg +to be present as a witness at the interview about to take place between +Frederic and the Ambassador of France. + + + + + _CHAPTER XXXIII_. + + _A WARNING_. + + +The removal of the holy relics of the three Magi had excited the +people, and from all sides a crowd of every age and sex hurried forward +toward Pavia. The Emperor and his entire Court went out to meet the +procession, and soon a noise like the distant murmuring of the sea, +announced the approach of the relics. + +The shrine, carried by the monks, was a work of art of inestimable +value. It was shaped like a dome, of gold and silver, studded with +precious stones. Four columns supported the roof, which was of solid +gold; and the sides exhibited medallions representing scenes in the +life of the three wise men of the East. + +Eberhard of Salzburg inaugurated the ceremonies with the greatest +solemnity. Frederic and seven other princes bore the shrine through the +streets, which were lined by the knights, in complete armor, in order +to keep back the crowd. Flags floated from every turret and spire, and +the windows were decked with rich draperies and ornaments of gold and +silver, above which appeared the reverent faces of the pious +inhabitants. The streets were hidden beneath masses of flowers and +costly carpets; the bells tolled, and the people chanted hymns of +thanksgiving and of praise. Rinaldo himself, magnificently dressed, +seemed, as he walked along with clasped hands, to be animated by the +same sentiment of respectful awe which pervaded all classes of the +spectators. Occasionally he glanced stealthily at the Emperor with +every evidence of satisfaction on his features, for the crafty +chancellor fully appreciated the motives which had influenced his +sovereign to this parade of outward devotion. + +Rechberg took part in the religious ceremony in an entirely different +frame of mind. He prayed fervently, joined in the sacred chants of the +congregation, and repeated audibly the invocations of the people. With +a lively faith in the power of the holy kings, he laid bare to them his +inmost heart, and sought their intercession. He besought them to draw +down the blessing of God upon his approaching marriage with +Hermengarde, promising that he would, after its solemnization, suspend +three silver lamps as a votive offering in their honor from the dome of +the Cathedral of Cologne. He pronounced this vow at the moment that the +procession crossed the nave to replace the shrine in the body of the +church. Seats for the Empress and other Court ladies had been erected +on either side; and Rechberg, who did not understand the Latin prayers +chanted by the clergy, desired to contemplate the brilliant spectacle +presented by the Imperial suite. He thought that he had sufficiently +honored the relics by his devotions. He remembered the vaunted beauty +of the Countess Richenza of Champagne, and he gazed curiously around. +The benches on the right were occupied exclusively by Beatrice and her +ladies of honor; the Countess must necessarily be on the other side, to +which his back was turned. He might by a slight movement change his +position, but he feared lest his action might appear rude. After a +moment's hesitation, however, he stepped forward so that his face was +concealed by the main altar, and then, certain that he had not been +remarked, he turned round unaffectedly. His curiosity was immediately +gratified. In the first row, at a few paces only from him, knelt the +daughter of the Count of Champagne. Her veil was thrown back, and a +cloud of fair hair fell in rich masses upon her neck. Her eyes were +fixed upon the shrine, and her lips moved as though in prayer. + +Rechberg was bewildered with admiration. Hellig had exaggerated +nothing, for Richenza was wonderfully beautiful. Suddenly her eyes were +raised toward the young man, who hastily turned away. + +In the interval, the ceremony had been completed. The shrine had three +doors, like a large church. They were open, and through a golden +lattice-work could be seen the venerated relics. An immense number of +tapers were burning in candlesticks of silver; several priests were +watching carefully around the shrine, and monks were seated before the +doors to receive the books and engravings and pictures which the piety +of the crowd presented as votive offerings to the holy remains. + +Eberhard of Salzburg could not let escape this excellent opportunity of +proclaiming his religious sentiments. He stood upright on the summit of +the altar-steps, immediately in front of the ostensorium, ready to +bless the princes and the people. But, before bestowing the +benediction, and much to the discomfiture of the Emperor and the +confusion of Rinaldo, he pronounced a few words of earnest exhortation, +counselling obedience to the authority of Alexander III. + +"Our gracious Emperor and lord," he said, "whose duty it is to defend +the Church, will root out the venom of heresy. It is due to his own +renown, to the name which he inherits from his Carlovingian ancestors, +to the glory which he has won, to rise in aid of the Holy See, and to +show to all the scoffers, that he is the obedient son of the Pope, the +protector of the Church, of law, and of morals. It is on these +conditions that I bless our noble sovereign; I bless all those +illustrious prelates and knights who obey Pope Alexander,--I bless all +the world of faithful Catholics." + +He was about to take the ostensorium, when Barbarossa made a sign. It +was impossible that the discourse of the Archbishop before so brilliant +an assembly could be allowed to pass unnoticed. + +"Your Reverence has profited by this opportunity," he said, "to remind +us of the duties of our position. These duties are onerous, indeed, now +that error has possessed the minds of many of our fellow-men. We +espouse the cause of no faction; we only defend right and justice. Our +predecessors, acting in this by the advice of high ecclesiastical +dignitaries, deposed all those, whatever their position, who profited +by it to the injury of souls and the prejudice of the Holy Church. Our +duty is the same, and we are resolved to discharge it. Whenever the +Plenary Council, which is about to assemble, shall have proclaimed who +is the lawful Pope, we will defend him against all his enemies and +opposers whatsoever. May the present schism soon be destroyed forever, +and may peace be restored to God's Holy Church." + +Frederic had spoken energetically, and with a loud voice. The words +rang through the cathedral as though they were a profession of faith +made in the presence of the world. Rinaldo smiled faintly, and the +crowd shouted, "What a pious Sovereign! What a God-fearing Emperor! May +God protect and defend him!" + +After the benediction, Rechberg left the cathedral, in the Emperor's +train. All at once he felt a touch upon his arm, and, turning, saw the +stranger of the park of Rivoli, dressed in the rich costume of the +Italian nobility. On the former occasion the moonlight had enabled him +to catch merely a glimpse of his person, but he at once recognized him +by his strongly marked features and his long beard. Upon a sign from +the Unknown, Erwin followed him. + +"I promised," he said, as soon as they had entered a by-street, "to +meet you in Pavia. Let us then at once resume our previous +conversation. But let me first ask you one question: Is your fidelity +to the lady of Castellamare not yet shaken?" + +"If I had not confidence in your loyalty," replied Erwin, "I should +regard the question as an insult." + +"Take care, young man; you do not yet know the inconstancy of the human +heart." + +"Thanks for your advice; but, in pity, tell me, what motives prompt +your interference?" + +"What I told you at Rivoli should be proof enough that I am informed on +all Court secrets. This infamous Rinaldo has arranged everything.--He +has shown you the Countess of Champagne; you admired her; you will +speak to her to-day;--the rest will come of itself, naturally." + +Rechberg was astonished. Hellig was nothing but a tool of the +Chancellor. He understood now the reasons for Dassel's extravagant +praise of the French envoy. + +"I must acknowledge," he said, "that you are extremely well informed; +and I need no other proof to give credence to what you advance. But if +this Rinaldo fancies that he can make me unfaithful to my oath, he is +grievously mistaken." + +"Still, he wishes to bring about a marriage between you and the +Countess of Champagne." + +Rechberg blushed indignantly. + +"How!" he said; "does Dassel believe me faithless, base, and without +honor?" + +"Dassel believes everything possible, because he himself is capable of +everything. Don't be surprised at anything in that man, whom they +rightly call _ruina mundi_; I only wonder that Barbarossa has not a +better opinion of his relative." + +"Eh! what? the Emperor too thinks so meanly of me?" + +"No, Count; the Emperor does not think meanly of you; he wishes to use +you for his own purposes, that is all. Rinaldo has shown to him the +advantages of a union between you and Richenza. Frederic's own marriage +gave Burgundy to the Empire; a similar proceeding would unite +Champagne. Believe me, the plan is by no means a bad one. For a cousin +of Frederic to become Count of Troyes and Champagne would be a great +step forward in the march to universal dominion. But, as I have already +said, the question is, Are you strong enough to resist?" + +"Well! if the heiress to the throne of France were to offer me her +hand, I would refuse it!" + +"Richenza returns to her home, and you will be her escort," continued +the stranger. + +"I?" + +"Barbarossa will give you the order himself." + +"Very well; if he does, I shall decline the honor." + +"You cannot." + +"Do you advise me to accompany the Countess?" + +"I do." + +"But you have yourself reminded me of the inconstancy of the human +heart." + +"He who is on his guard has nothing to fear." + +"I will not put myself in a false position." + +"But when I will have informed you that Hermengarde's journey----" + +"Do you know where she is living?" asked Erwin. + +"No; but your cousin owns property in that part of the country. It is +there a fearful, mortal struggle against Alexander will take place; +there, the bishops of England, Germany, and France will assemble, at +Barbarossa's request, to restore peace to the Church: it is there, that +Louis will meet Frederic; it is also in that direction that the Count +of Champagne and his daughter are going." + +"So that, without doubt, I will be near Hermengarde?" + +"If you refuse to yield to Barbarossa's wishes, he will send you back +to Germany." + +"It is very probable. Well, be it so; I will accept the mission." + +"In that case, my dear Count, I must ask you to do me a service," said +the stranger. + +"Speak! you have a claim to my gratitude." + +"Suppose that a lady of high rank should wish to travel under your +protection?" + +"You only require me to fulfil one of the duties of chivalry. Where +shall I meet this lady?" + +"She and her suite will join you a few miles from here. The roads are +so insecure that your escort will be extremely valuable; but, like all +unfortunates, she requests to be left as much as possible alone." + +"I understand; but, before separating, can I not learn the name of him +who seems to take so warm an interest in my welfare?" + +"My name?" said the _stranger_, irresolutely. "Call me Antonio; the +name is an humble one, but a thousand noble ancestors of immortal fame +are not sufficient to make their descendant a man of honor." + +They parted, and Erwin entered the palace, where he met Hellig. + +"Ah!" said he to himself, "here comes the traitor, Dassel's tool." + +"Count, I am directed to lead you to the Emperor." + +Rechberg went to the Imperial chamber, and was informed by Barbarossa +that he had chosen him to accompany the French Count to his home. + +"Let all be in readiness," he said, "for to-morrow's journey." + + + + + _CHAPTER XXXIV_. + + _THE DIVORCED DUCHESS_. + + +Count Henry's journey was long and tedious. He halted in every locality +which seemed to offer any attraction, and even remained nearly three +weeks at Chanbery. But these delays were prompted by political reasons, +and many couriers came and went between the Count and the Courts of +Germany and France. He also visited several of the principal towns of +Italy, and his frequent interviews with the Pisan and Genoese envoys +presaged the conclusion of an offensive and defensive alliance between +these maritime republics and France and the Emperor. Although the Count +regretted this forced seclusion of his daughter, the fair Richenza +scarcely seemed to regret her monotonous existence. On the contrary, +accustomed to excite universal admiration in the gay and brilliant +French Court, the ceremonious politeness of the young German noble +amused her. It was in vain that, to further her father's projects, she +treated him with marked distinction; he remained always the same, +perfectly courteous, but cold and reserved. At last the young Countess +got piqued, but Erwin cared little for this; he had been warned by the +Unknown of the Emperor's designs, and he was on his guard. Still, this +constant struggle between duty and temptation rendered his position a +painful one, and he regretted a hundred times his acceptance of the +mission in which he was now engaged. + +One day, in the midst of a profound revery, he heard a light rap at the +door of his apartment. + +"Come in!" he cried. + +A veiled woman entered, but although she remained covered, Rechberg +recognized her as one of the attendants of the unknown lady whom +Antonio had intrusted to his care. Our hero was ignorant of her rank +and position, for he had never seen her face; and she always remained +in her tent, or else was so deeply veiled that he could neither +distinguish her features nor even the sound of her voice. He often rode +by her side, less through curiosity than as a chivalrous duty; still it +was impossible to penetrate the mystery which enveloped her, and one +thing alone was evident, that she was the victim of some crushing +misfortune. + +Now at last, the lady had sent to request his visit, and Rechberg +followed the messenger through many tortuous streets to a house which +seemed chosen with an especial view to retirement and melancholy, and +it was not without emotion that Erwin entered the apartment, where, +surrounded by her attendants, the lady was reclining upon a divan. Upon +his entrance, she rose and advanced a step to reply to his courteous +bow, and then motioned him to a seat. There was a long silence, during +which Erwin looked attentively at the lady, whose stature and dignified +deportment announced to be of high position. + +"Count," she said, in a calm, sweet voice, "first let me thank you for +the kind protection which you have given to a very wretched woman. +Pardon me, if I have been compelled, by circumstances, to conceal my +name and character; but I still need your aid, and I trust that, though +unknown, I may count upon it." + +"I have merely discharged the duties imposed by the laws of chivalry," +replied Erwin; "I am always ready to serve you." + +"Thank you, my lord. You probably know that His Holiness the Pope +Alexander III. has taken refuge in France, and is at present in a +monastery on the frontiers of the Empire, not for from Laon. It is +there, near to the Father of the faithful, the support of the afflicted +and the unhappy, that I am now going." + +She paused for a reply, and it seemed to Erwin that her voice was +familiar, and that he had already heard it at the Court. + +"I now learn," she resumed, "that the Holy Father, through fear for his +personal safety on account of the alliance between France and the +Emperor, intends to go to England. Should he do so, I shall lose this +opportunity of laying my sorrows at the feet of the Vicar of Jesus +Christ. To be so near the only person who can aid me in my misfortunes, +and yet not see him, will be an additional trial. You, Count, can +relieve my unhappiness by consenting to accompany me to Laon." + +"What do you ask me to do?" said Erwin. "I cannot leave the Count of +Champagne, without violating all the rules of courtesy and incurring my +sovereign's displeasure; but I will do all in my power to persuade him +to hasten his journey." + +"Your efforts will be vain. The Count of Champagne is merely a +statesman who is influenced by reasons of political expediency, but not +by pity for the sufferings of a stranger." + +"Still I will try." + +"You will lose your time; but, perhaps, when you see my face, you will +consent to do what you have refused to a mere unknown." + +She raised her veil;--Clemence, Duchess of Saxony, pale and dejected, +stood before him, the living image of grief. + +"Great God!" he cried, "can it be you, noble lady? You, the most +powerful princess of the Empire, here, unprotected, without the retinue +which belongs of right to the Duchess of Saxony and Bavaria!" + +"Calm yourself," she answered. "What are rank and dignities? I am +nothing now but a poor, divorced wife, who implores your aid and pity." + +"It is true then? That infamous deed, of which they spoke so +cautiously, has really been consummated?" cried Erwin, indignantly. +"Duke of Saxony, they call thee 'the Lion,' but thou art only a lion in +cruelty! Henry, thou art an unnatural husband, a prince without honor, +the disgrace of knighthood!" + +Rechberg's eyes flashed, and his hand sought his sword-hilt, as though +he would chastise the crime. + +"Restrain yourself, do not blame him," said Clemence. "The fault is +entirely theirs who have led him astray, and estranged his heart from +the sentiments of duty." + +"Not at all, noble Duchess; your excuses only render him more guilty. +But tell me how such iniquity could be perpetrated under the very eyes +of the Emperor? Why this visit to the Pope? Is not our sovereign the +guardian of our rights? Why did you not appeal to him?" + +"I have done so, but in vain! Frederic pities my fate, but he neither +can, nor will defend my rights." + +"You say that he cannot?" + +"Those were his own words. The marriage is invalidated by our +consanguinity; he is not competent to decide in matters of divorce." + +"As if it were not the duty of the Emperor to prevent or punish every +act of injustice! You are related to your husband, and the discovery +has only just been made!--This is still more extraordinary." + +"The discovery is entirely due to the hatred of the Chancellor Rinaldo. +Oh! how happily we lived together until that evil man came across our +path!--Then, my husband was great and noble, a lion in war, but a lamb +at home, a loving and attentive father, a tender and affectionate +husband!--And now, O my God!" + +And her tears, impatient of all restraint, burst forth in torrents. + +"Calm yourself, madam! believe me, such a deed cannot be lawfully +recognized. Were there any formal proceedings? Has any sentence been +pronounced?" + +"The Emperor presided at his tribunal, and the Pope decreed the +divorce! It was in vain I tried to defend my cause; I begged on my +knees for mercy; all was useless.--At last, moved by my tears and +entreaties, Victor confessed that our consanguinity was not +established, and that he had annulled the marriage by the express +command of His Majesty, and against his own convictions." + +"Alas!" + +"Consanguinity," said he, "is a mere pretext; State reasons of the +highest importance have compelled the Emperor to this course." + +"Heavens! is it thus that justice is administered? Madam, your tale has +changed my intentions. Since the Emperor cannot protect your rights, I +will accompany you to the Holy Father. Make your arrangements, noble +lady, we will start immediately." + +Gero met his master at the door, and received orders to prepare +everything for their departure. Erwin then went to his apartment, +where, with many a bitter invective against Barbarossa's conduct, he +began to put on his armor. + +"And yet, I cannot go!" he said to himself, as he left his chamber. +"How annoying! What ought I to do? A true knight owes as much respect +to courtesy as to his other duties." + +He laid down his lance, and went to call on Richenza. The young +Countess had just finished her toilette, as he entered, and was +exquisitely dressed in white. + +"Deign to excuse my early visit, noble lady," said the Count; "I was +unable to defer it. Reasons of grave importance oblige me to leave your +party immediately; I have come, according to custom and courtesy, to +crave your permission." + +"Unless you will tell me the reasons, I cannot grant your request. Sit +down, dear Count, and explain yourself. I will see if there is no means +of making you change your intentions." + +He was forced to obey, and he took his seat with an embarrassment which +did not escape the young girl's notice. + +"I am less able to accede to your demand, dear Count, because it is +contrary to all our arrangements. The Emperor has chosen for my escort +the best lances of German chivalry, so that you cannot, without +disrespect to His Majesty, leave me before the end of my journey." + +"It is true, noble lady, that it is an honor for me to escort you; but +there are some circumstances in which one duty must yield to another, +whose claims are still more imperative." + +"Circumstances! May I ask you again for some explanations?" + +"It is on account of an unfortunate lady, who up to the present moment +has travelled under my protection." + +"I scarcely expected, Count, that this mysterious person would play +such a trick as this, and carry you away from us. Believe me, I am +seriously interested in her troubles, on account of the influence she +appears to exercise over you. You say that she is to be pitied; what is +the cause of her sorrow?" + +"The most terrible which can possibly afflict a wife. I cannot say +more." + +"Has she been married?" + +"Yes; and she has always been amiable, faithful, but now is most +unfortunate." + +Richenza breathed more easily. She had no cause for uneasiness; Erwin +was still free. + +"The interest you take in this misfortune is very praiseworthy," she +said. + +"Grant me leave, noble lady; this unhappy woman's only hope is in Pope +Alexander's sympathy and protection; I ought to accompany her to his +court, and I must go without delay." + +"Pope Alexander should be in the Imperial camp at Laon; are we not +going in that direction?" asked Richenza. + +"I believe so; but we travel so slowly." + +"You have not then heard that my father has been hastily summoned to +Laon? Your visit prevented me from putting on my riding-dress. Listen! +everything is ready, and the escort is already mounted." + +They went to the window, and saw the knights and squires issuing from +their tents, and drawing up in line, upon the square in front of the +palace. + + + + + _CHAPTER XXXV_. + + _LAON_. + + +From this day forward, the French Ambassador hurried his journey as +much as he had hitherto delayed it. The necessary rest was scarcely +allowed to the horses, and they travelled night and day as if under the +pressure of some political interest of weighty moment. + +A grave and careworn expression had succeeded the usually gay and +jovial air of the French Count; he spoke rarely, and only in answer to +his daughter's questions. Although much fatigued, Richenza still +assured her father that she was strong enough to go on; but, from time +to time, she looked at the German noble, as if to say,-- + +"I bear all the annoyances of our journey, rather than be separated +from you." + +As they neared the French frontier, Erwin met several noblemen of his +acquaintance; for Barbarossa had summoned all the spiritual and +temporal princes to meet him at Laon. A great number had already +arrived, and were encamped along the banks of the Saone. + +Soon the towers of Laon, where Louis VII. held his court, began to +stand out in bold relief upon the distant horizon. Crowds of horsemen +and foot-passengers were pressing towards the city, and the road became +more animated as they approached the gates. Numerous huts lined the +causeway, offering refreshments at a moderate price; and citizens and +soldiers were carousing gayly, under the trees. + +Near the drawbridge, in a position to see all who passed, were seated, +around a jug of wine, our three old acquaintances, Antonio, Pietro +Nigri, and Cocco Griffi. + +Pietro seemed much changed. His country's ruin had broken down his +proud spirit, and he showed, in his features, the grief he so keenly +felt. As to Cocco, he was always the same, and his attentions to the +banquet made up for his companions' neglect. + +"I came from Dole yesterday," said Pietro; "all the houses are filled +with knights, and you can see nothing anywhere but couriers and +soldiers. King Louis will find out one of these days where Barbarossa +will take him. If he does not intend to support the Emperor's tyranny, +and become his vassal, these German savages will occupy the frontiers, +and ravage the French territory with fire and sword, until Louis sues +for mercy." + +"You are a profound statesman, Pietro," said Antonio, with a laugh; "we +are not there yet, and we will not be soon. I grant you that Barbarossa +will do his best to frighten the king; but he will think twice before +he attacks the allied powers of France and England." + +"France and England, allied powers!" exclaimed Pietro. "I thought that +the two kings had quarrelled?" + +"Ask Pope Alexander if he agrees with you. + +"I only know this much, that Alexander has hitherto taken great pains +to bring about a reconciliation. But I also know, as every one else +does, that Louis has threatened to give the Pope up to Barbarossa!"-- + +"Louis' threats are not serious," said Antonio. "He must yield to +circumstances." + +"Circumstances! To my thinking, they are not very favorable!" + +"One must not tell all one knows," said Antonio, shrewdly. + +"So much the better, if you know all the State secrets; as for me, I +expect nothing good from the future. If France ever becomes a vassal of +the Emperor, it is all over with the liberty of Italy." + +"Come, friend Pietro, do not worry over these things. Think rather of +the business which has brought you to France. Do you know what has +become of Hermengarde? How did she receive you?" + +"Very kindly; but she informed me of her betrothal." + +"Count Erwin is certainly a good match; still, the affair may yet fall +through.--Eh! what do I see? There he is!--Richenza is with him.--Look +at the young Countess." + +The brilliant retinue of the Count of Champagne was advancing through +the midst of a crowd of admiring spectators. Richenza rode, at the head +of the escort, between Rechberg and her father. Pietro glared at the +young Count, with a muttered curse. Antonio turned his back, and only +resumed his place when the clatter of the horses' hoofs had died away +in the distance. + +"Malediction on all whom the tyrant protects!" said Pietro, sullenly. +"Shame on me, not to have killed him!" and he drank deeply. + +"It is a good lesson, friend Pietro! you must profit by your chances, +in future." + +"I swear to revenge myself!" cried Nigri, scowling with hatred. "Let me +only meet him in the plain, or elsewhere, and he will soon make the +acquaintance of my sword." + +"It would be much more simple to break off his marriage," sneered +Antonio. + +"Can you do that?" asked Pietro, eagerly. "Antonio, my life, my fortune +are yours, if you can accomplish this!--But, alas! it is impossible!" + +"And why so? I have my own plan, and I wish him to marry Richenza." + +"Explain yourself, dear Antonio!" + +"I will see Hermengarde, and tell her of the widely-spread reports of +her betrothed's marriage with the beautiful and wealthy Countess of +Champagne." + +"Will she believe you?" + +"And why not? I already see the effect which my revelation will produce +on Hermengarde!" + +"Excellently imagined, Antonio." + +"We need skill and cunning. The only difficulty will be to procure, in +proper time, the necessary proofs. But the Count of Champagne has his +castle in the neighborhood of the city.--Hermengarde is not far +distant.--Leave it to me." + +During this conversation, Count Henry and his retinue moved towards the +city. He had already dispatched a nobleman to the royal chancellor, +Bishop Manases of Orleans. On leaving the north gate, they came at once +in sight of the castle, which was built upon an eminence overlooking +the park which surrounded the hill. + +The unhappy Duchess of Saxony gratefully accepted the Count's +invitation to remain in his castle during her stay at Laon. It was +there she retired with her protector, the only person who knew her +secret, until he could accompany her to the papal court; for Alexander +had not yet arrived at the town, but was residing in the celebrated +Abbey of Cluny. + +As soon as he reached his apartment, the lord of the castle hastened to +change his costume. He was very uneasy, for the good understanding, +reported to exist, between Alexander and king Louis, threatened to +destroy the hopes held out to him by Rinaldo of increasing his +possessions. Naturally he wished to be positively certain of the fact +before presenting himself to his sovereign. No one could furnish more +correct data than the Bishop Manases, who, equally desirous of seeing +the Count, hastened to the castle, accompanied by only two servants. +Scarcely had Henry of Champagne perceived the horsemen, when he +descended to the court-yard, and embracing the prelate with great +cordiality, led him to his cabinet for a private interview. + +Manases, by the laxity of his conduct in ecclesiastical matters, had +incurred the Pope's displeasure. Alexander did not deceive himself as +to the possible consequences of his reprimands. He knew that the Bishop +would endeavor to destroy the amiable relations existing between him +and the feeble King of France; but the illustrious Pontiff had too +exalted a regard for what he considered his duty, to allow himself to +be influenced by any worldly considerations. + +The exterior of the Bishop of Orleans was at once a mixture of the +ecclesiastic and the man of the world. All his movements were stamped +with a certain affected grace which was not at all natural to him. His +dress was in no way different from that of other courtiers of rank, and +the episcopal ring alone indicated his position. The cut of his hair, +which he wore long and flowing in perfumed curls, did not conform to +the canons, which enjoined that this luxury should be left entirely to +the laity. His delicate moustache was turned up at the ends, whilst the +chin and cheeks were closely shaved. A casual examination indicated +that the prelate was inclined to the pleasures of the table. + +"You have acted wisely," said Manases, as soon as his host had related +to him the result of his interview with Frederic; "you have acted +wisely in disguising the principal point of your mission; above all, +you have done well in not stating that yon were disposed to secede, +with your domains, to the Emperor, in case Louis refused to ratify the +contract." + +"What does it matter! the contract is signed, attested, and must be +observed," answered the Count. "Our King's gallantry cannot be used as +a pretext to injure me. But how is it that Louis has so suddenly +changed his intentions and become reconciled with Alexander?" + +"I can scarcely explain it to myself. The Pope invited him to a +conference, which, in spite of my remonstrances, took place at +Montpeleier. It hardly lasted a half-hour, but it was sufficient to +gain over the king. It seems as though he has enlightened him on the +subject of Frederic's ambition; at least since then, Louis often speaks +uneasily of the Emperor's warlike preparations and his hostile +intentions towards France." + +"Nothing is more apparent than Frederic's pretensions to universal +empire," replied the Count, carelessly; "but what matters it? Great men +have indisputable rights to take the lead of weaker princes." + +"I see, my dear Count, that you have not lost your time at the Imperial +Court," said the Archbishop, ironically; "still you will do well not to +parade the result of your mediations at the Court of France. Few of the +crown vassals would understand you." + +"I will follow your advice. But I must avow that Frederic's views in +all that concerns the Papacy do not seem right and proper. It is not so +much Alexander's person that he hates, as the pontifical chair. It is +not very Christian, and is very dangerous for the other States." + +"You go too far, Count: Frederic hates only Alexander. He only wishes +to humble the proud and inflexible prelate Roland, and we must aid him +in the work. Yes," added Manases, passionately, "this pious man has the +most absurd ideas about bishops. He would like to turn them into monks +and hermits, and shut them up in a cloister, that he may the more +easily rule them. He has already published a bull about the length of +the hair; soon, I suppose, he will give directions about the prelates' +houses, their retinues, and their style of dress." + +"Ah! I begin to understand: Alexander is too severe with the jovial +prelates," said the Count, with a smile. + +"Yes," replied Manases, "and he will punish also the noble lords and +counts who profit by every opportunity to get an award of some fragment +of Church property! But enough on this subject.--As we have already +agreed, the King must know nothing more than he knows already. Above +all, conceal your personal arrangements with Barbarossa; that of itself +would suffice to enrage him." + +"Must he then not be informed of the determination which has been taken +to bring Alexander before the Council, whether he will or not?" + +"That must depend on circumstances. Let me act first; I will give +you notice in due time. I will go to work at once. Come to the Court +to-morrow." + +"Why not to-day?" the Count asked. + +"Because I must first prepare the King's mind. But be perfectly easy; +you are wearied by this long journey and need rest.--Louis, you know, +is very sympathetic in all bodily ailments." + +"Very well, we understand each other perfectly. Farewell." + +The Count accompanied the Chancellor to the courtyard, where the latter +mounted his horse and rode over to meet the King. + + + + + _CHAPTER XXXVI_. + + _KNAVERY_. + + +At sunrise, Antonio was prowling about the vicinity of the Count of +Champagne's castle. He passed the park-gates, and, cautious as a fox in +search of his prey, concealed himself behind a clump of bushes near the +court-yard, whence he could perceive what was going on in the building. + +"Rechberg likes early walks," he said to himself. "I shall not have +long to wait. If he only knew that Bonello's daughter is at an hour's +distance from here, nothing could prevent him going to her at once. +But as this interview would upset all my calculations, I must be +prudent.--Good, there he is at last, with his head down, as if he were +counting the pebbles on the road.--He is coming towards me as though I +had called him!--Oh! your servant, my lord Count." + +"Ah! is that you, Antonio? I imagined you were still in Pavia." + +"It is my duty to be wherever the master of the world is." + +"I do not understand your meaning." + +"You have not heard then that Barbarossa, with all his troops, entered +Dole yesterday?" + +"Indeed!" + +"Your looks and your surprise rather indicate that you do not desire to +join him there." + +"I wish, Antonio, that it were possible to avoid this interview.--My +troubles will begin--" + +"I bring news of your betrothed.--I regret extremely that they are not +more agreeable ones.--But who could imagine her capable of such a +thing?--I would have suspected myself sooner." + +"What do you mean to say?" + +"You will need all your courage, but I must tell you the truth." + +"Explain yourself!" + +"Yesterday I met Pietro, who was once betrothed to Hermengarde." + +"I beg your pardon, sir; Pietro never was her betrothed." + +"Well, at any rate, he is now." + +"Villain!" said Erwin, growing pale, and grasping his sword-hilt. + +"Is this your idea of gratitude, my lord? Through interest for you, I +communicate something of importance, and by way of thanks you seize +your sword!--Farewell, Count!" + +"Stop a moment!--Ah! what is this you tell me? Pardon my violence, but +my heart is broken." + +"Pietro himself has assured me that Hermengarde regrets her engagement +to one who is related to the tyrant, the scourge of her country, the +persecutor of the Church." + +Rechberg was thunderstruck; he was unable to speak. + +"Compose yourself, Count, and be a man! Perhaps Pietro has +exaggerated." + +"Oh! if I could only know the truth." + +"I have some business to attend to, to-morrow, at La Fleche. +Hermengarde is there, and I will announce to her your arrival at Laon. +From her manner of receiving the news, her looks and actions, I can +judge whether Pietro's assertions are true or false." + +"Thanks, dear Antonio; I shall be greatly indebted to you for the +service." + +"Make yourself perfectly easy on this point, and trust to me." + +"Where shall I hear from you?" + +"Here; do not leave the castle until I see you again." + +"The time will seem very long. Farewell." + +Antonio hurriedly crossed the park in the direction of Laon. Pietro was +waiting for him at the gate. + +"Well, Antonio, what have you done?" he asked. + +"He believed everything I told him.--He is so guileless. To-morrow you +and I must go to La Fleche.--He sends me to see his betrothed." + +"We will not speak of his arrival!" + +"I shall simply state that Rechberg and the French Countess have come +here together, and that report says they are to be married soon, as the +Emperor urges the alliance, and Rechberg himself makes little +opposition." + +"She will never believe you." + +"Perhaps not, at first; but she will begin to doubt, and I know how to +change doubts into certainty." + +"In what way?" + +"You shall know in due time. Now you had better leave me, for we are +near the palace-yard; but do not forget to-morrow at daybreak." + +Antonio entered the court-yard, where he met the Count of Champagne on +his way to see the Bishop, who was awaiting him in the King's +antechamber. + +"I have had a hard battle to fight, Count," said the prelate. "His +Majesty is very uneasy about Barbarossa's military organizations. I +warn you to be prepared for everything." + +The Count seemed unconcerned. + +"I have not acted without proper authority," he said; "your own letter +gave me full powers." + +"Certainly! shield yourself behind the instructions received from me; +it will induce Louis to reflect on the past. Perhaps he is already +ashamed of his conduct." + +At this moment the King entered. The courtiers were interrupted, for +Manases had still much to tell the Count; but there was nothing to be +done but to wait for a more favorable opportunity. Henry advanced +towards his sovereign and then knelt and kissed his hand respectfully. +The French prince, though naturally kind and generous, often allowed +himself to be led away by evil counsellors. His frivolous and +vacillating character made him the tool of parties who profited by +their influence, to allure him to the commission of bad actions. But as +soon as his spirit had regained its wonted calm, he at once rejected +the advice and the decisions which had been suggested to him. This +explains the continued series of weaknesses which marked his reign. His +conduct towards Alexander III. was an exact reflex of his character, +and at one time he was for, at another against him. A powerful faction +had sprung up since His Holiness had declared the necessity of +resisting the encroachments of the clergy, and of defending the Church +against the disloyal nobility. At the head of this faction was Queen +Adele, the sister of the Count of Champagne, and a relative of the +Antipope Victor, and every means was employed to picture to the king, +in the most gloomy colors, the dangers which his kindness towards +Alexander might entail upon the French monarchy. A strong argument was +the inevitable peril of a war with Germany, and the prospect of an +alliance between Frederic and Henry of England, the sworn enemy of +France. + +Louis understood the position, but the Pope was there, and he could not +make up his mind to leave the Head of the Church without protection, or +to give him up to his enemy Barbarossa. + +On the other hand, Alexander's friends, comprising, with few +exceptions, all the Episcopacy of France, were opposed to Frederic's +plans, and proved to Louis that the Emperor only sought to humble the +Pope, and to subjugate all the other sovereigns. The king was +sufficiently clear-sighted to understand the truth of the statement, +but he made a grave mistake in supposing that he could deceive his +rival by diplomatic negotiations. The German troops, encamped on the +very borders of France, revealed unmistakably the intentions of their +leader, which greatly disturbed and annoyed the King; and as soon as +the formalities of the reception were finished, his discontent became +manifest. + +"What is the meaning of this?" said he to the Count of Champagne; "what +contract is this you have made with the Emperor? Who gave you +unrestricted powers in this matter?" + +"Your Majesty himself, by directing me, through your Chancellor, to +conclude a treaty of alliance. Deign to assure yourself of the truth of +my assertion, by examining this document." + +"We regret our Chancellor's precipitation," replied the King, after a +cursory glance at the letter. "He should not have countenanced, so +hastily, an alliance hostile to the Holy Father." + +"Allow me to remind your Majesty of what happened," said Manases. "When +Alexander, by his gross discourtesy, so gravely insulted the royal +envoys, and when, in consequence, it was determined to break off all +intercourse with him, I could not foresee that your generosity would so +soon forget the outrage. My instructions to the Count contain nothing +more nor less than the expression of your own will." + +"You know perfectly well how to excuse yourself, my lord Bishop; the +fault is entirely our own.--Let it be so! but this fault, the result of +an unfortunate misunderstanding, must have no further consequences!" + +Manases bowed deprecatingly before his sovereign's displeasure, but an +attentive spectator might have noticed the courtier's suppressed anger. + +"But, Sire!" remarked the astonished Count of Champagne, "this treaty +in no way affects your own royal prerogatives." + +"Indeed!" said the King; "we are then free? We are not tied down to +anything?" + +"You are merely pledged to a personal interview with the Emperor, and +to make Alexander be present." + +"What is that you say?" cried the King, furiously. "Force Alexander to +be present at an assembly which is to condemn him?--And I am to aid in +this!--Is that in the treaty?" + +"Yes, Sire," answered Henry. + +"No! by all the saints, it shall not be!" exclaimed the monarch, with +increased passion. "Shame on you, Count, for signing an agreement which +dishonors us! The Head of the Church has sought refuge within our +territory, and we are to act against him so disloyally?--We are to use +violence to force him before a tribunal composed of the Emperor's +creatures! No! by Saint Denis! we would sooner lose our crown and our +life!" + +The courtier waited until the storm had passed, and when the King had +become more calm, he said,-- + +"Allow me, Sire; you make a grave mistake in this interpretation of the +treaty. There is nothing said about violence. You are merely to use +your influence to persuade Alexander to be present at the plenary +council. If he be innocent, if he be the lawful Pope, he will be +charmed with this opportunity of asserting his rights." + +"Very good!--You have exceeded your powers, and the treaty is invalid. +Alexander can do what he pleases; and we, whatever appears to us to be +just and proper. Are we then nothing but the Emperor's vassals? Have we +no longer liberty to act in accordance with our own ideas?" + +"I repeat that the treaty in no way interferes with your supremacy," +replied the Count of Champagne; "but what was I to do? The Emperor was +on the point of concluding an alliance with England against you; ought +I to have permitted such a contract to be signed?" + +The King made no answer to this crafty observation of his courtier; but +it was not without its effect, for it was the fear of this very +alliance between Frederic and the English monarch, which had made him, +in the first instance, open the negotiations. + +"And how is Barbarossa preparing for our alliance?" asked Louis, who +was seeking a new pretext for his ill-humor. "Is he not on our very +frontiers, at the head of a powerful army? Is not that, of itself, a +threat?" + +As if in answer to the question, a loud flourish of trumpets rang out +in the palace-yard. + +"What is that?" said the King. + +He approached the window. A troop of knights had halted before the +palace, and a chamberlain came up to announce the arrival of Frederic's +envoys. + + + + + _CHAPTER XXXVII_. + + _THE SPY_. + + +The Chancellor Rinaldo and the Count Palatine Otho de Wittelsbach were +at the head of the embassy which had been sent by Frederic to +congratulate the French King. Whilst their retinue dispersed through +the town, the marshal of the palace introduced the two German nobles +into the royal apartments. + +The reception-hall took up the entire length of the palace, and +resembled a market-house, rather than a room, for the accommodation of +persons of distinction. The bare walls were destitute of hangings, and +ornamented only with trophies of arms, among which was a collection +dating back to the time of the Franks. The sunlight dimly penetrated +through the narrow loopholes; the ground was coarsely floored, and +stone benches along the walls were the only furniture. The Count +Palatine examined, with some curiosity, the armor, and particularly an +ancient shield, which, it was said, had once be longed to Charlemagne. +Rinaldo placed himself in the recess of a window where he could +converse freely with the Count of Champagne. At last Louis appeared; he +was richly dressed and followed by a numerous retinue of French nobles, +among whom could be remarked his brother Henry, Archbishop of Rheims +and primate of France,--a prelate of great distinction and a devoted +adherent of Alexander III. + +The monarch proceeded to the upper end of the hall, where he mounted a +throne of carved oak, whose only value consisted in having once been +used by the Emperor Charlemagne. + +While the Count Palatine boldly approached the King, Rinaldo advanced +with a profound obeisance, (his eye eagerly scanning the faces of the +royal suite,) and remarked with uneasiness the presence of the +venerable prelate. Louis acknowledged the Chancellor's obsequious +homage by a simple wave of his hand, but his face wore a look of stern +determination, which gradually gave way to one of attentive curiosity, +as the Count of Champagne named the different persons composing the +embassy. + +Dassel noticed the surprise with which the King looked at him, and was +flattered by it, while the Count Palatine Otho, cased in armor from +head to foot, stared with utter unconcern at the monarch and his court. + +Dassel at once brought into play all his crafty diplomatic science, and +met the cold expression and indifferent manner of the sovereign with a +coldness and indifference, if possible, more strongly marked. After a +brief compliment, he broached the subject of the treaty. + +"We bear to your Majesty," he said, "the friendship and best wishes of +our sovereign lord and master, the Emperor. Your Majesty is aware of +the grave concern which the important affair of the election of a Pope +has caused him; and he is rejoiced at being able to come to some +understanding with you, by which the schism may be arrested before it +can spread itself through all Christendom. From all that can be learned +up to the present moment, the only means of securing the peace of the +world is by the assembling of a general council. The princes of Europe +will be present, together with all the bishops of the Empire; and it is +hoped that your Majesty will call to it the French prelates. The two +Popes should appear, and each present his respective claims for the +consideration of the solemn conclave. The wisdom of the council can +then definitely settle the question. The Emperor trusts that you are as +anxious as himself to give peace to the Church, and that you will aid +him to the utmost of your ability." + +"We thank the Emperor for his kind wishes," replied the King, "and our +desires are the same, but we do not agree upon the means to be used. +The right to assemble a plenary council does not belong to temporal +princes, but to the Pope alone. We will never allow ourself to +encroach upon the privileges of the Head of the Church; the French +prelates are very strict in their observance of the canonical rules, +and would scarcely notice our invitation. Besides, the ecclesiastical +statutes forbid any layman, even though he be a sovereign prince, to +have a vote in a plenary council. The bishops only can take part in +their proceedings and deliberations." + +"Allow me to observe," answered Dassel, "that the Roman Emperor is the +born protector of the Church, and has always had the right of convoking +a plenary council; consequently, Frederic's pretensions are not +original with him. His intention is, by no means, to take part in the +deliberations, but simply to be present as a spectator. Besides, my +mission now is only to congratulate your Majesty, and inquire when and +where an interview can take place with the Emperor." + +This request was embarrassing; Louis scarcely ventured to refuse, and +yet he dreaded the results of the meeting. + +"Certainly, my lord Chancellor," he said, "we ardently desire an +interview with your noble sovereign in order to renew our ancient +friendship; but we fear lest it be interpreted in a manner entirely +opposed to our present intentions." + +"And in what might this erroneous interpretation consist?" asked +Dassel, in his most submissive tone. + +"I might be supposed to agree with the Emperor in his intention to +depose Pope Alexander." + +"But I scarcely think that judgment would be a false one," replied the +Chancellor, smiling. + +"What! you think, my lord, that we are capable of such an impious +crime?" exclaimed Louis, who was astonished at Rinaldo's assurance. + +"To keep one's solemn promise is not a crime, but a duty." + +"Yes, when our envoys have not exceeded their powers," replied Louis, +quickly. "The Count of Champagne had no authority whatever to pledge +himself for us to take part against the Head of the Church." + +The blood rushed to the Count of Champagne's face, and his lips moved +convulsively, but he said nothing. + +"Your Majesty is pledged only to a personal interview with the Emperor. +The non-fulfilment of this promise would be a grave outrage. If you +refuse, the Emperor will keep his engagements, and come in person with +all his retinue." + +This threat produced a marked effect upon the French nobles. The King +hesitated a moment, but before he could reply, the Duke of Burgundy +exclaimed,-- + +"If this be a menace, my lord Chancellor, you may tell your master that +we will receive him and his followers as they deserve!" + +"Let us have no violence, my dear Duke," said Louis. "We have already +told you that we are ready to accept the Emperor's invitation, and have +never had any intention of insulting him. Let him appoint the place and +time for our meeting; we will be there." + +If this were a trick to gain time, Dassel was prepared for it, and +answered immediately,-- + +"Since your Majesty leaves everything to the Emperor's discretion, +Frederic will expect you at the bridge over the Saone, on the 29th of +this month." + +Louis had no further excuse, and the Count of Dassel having terminated +his mission, left the city after partaking of a banquet. The King's +indecision, or rather his unexpected determination, amazed the Imperial +faction. The Count of Champagne went to his sister's apartments, while +Bishop Manases paced the room in great agitation. + +"Cluny reconciled to Alexander!" he exclaimed; "the primate at the +Court and Louis more undecided than ever! All that is wanting to assure +our defeat, is an arrangement between the King and Henry of England. If +Alexander succeed, there will be nothing for us to do, but bow down and +submit to severe ecclesiastical penances. There is no time to lose. I +must act at once, and see that the news of the divorce of Henry the +Lion reaches the Pope's ear;--this repudiated princess must be sent to +Cluny. Alexander will be exasperated, and our nobles will learn what is +to be feared from the Pope's severity. The spirit of opposition once +aroused, court hatred will do the rest. Send my spy to me immediately!" +he cried, opening the door. + +The order had scarcely been given, when Antonio appeared. + +"I have not yet had time to reward your services. For the present, take +this;" and the Bishop handed Antonio a purse, which the latter put in +his pocket, with a smile. + +"Thank you, my lord; can my limited intelligence be again useful to +your policy?" + +"We shall see, Antonio; you promised to bring about Richenza's marriage +with this cousin of the Emperor, and so far I can see very slight +progress in the affair, although it appears that the young man is still +an inmate of her father's castle. If Louis were even to suspect this +project, it would be all over with the Count of Champagne, for the +alliance is inimical to the interests of France." + +"I confess, my lord, that so far I have been unsuccessful. But it is +not my fault. The Count of Champagne himself----" + +"You do not understand me; the Count desires to remain neutral; it is +your business to arrange it. Rechberg is already betrothed, you tell +me, and his future wife is in the neighborhood.--Come, Antonio, you +should be able by some clever piece of rascality, to destroy all their +projects; I trust that you will succeed." + +Manases paused, and then after making a few steps in the room, +resumed,-- + +"The Duchess Clemence is secretly staying at the castle." + +"Yes." + +"She must go to Cluny to-morrow; you will accompany her." + +The order disconcerted Antonio, who had proposed visiting Hermengarde +on the ensuing day, in company with Pietro. + +"I am ready to obey you, my lord," he replied, after a moment's +reflection. + +"When you are at Cluny," continued Manases, "keep your ears and eyes +open; let nothing escape you. Watch, above all, the prelates who +reside there, and see upon what terms Henry and Alexander appear to be. +Mingle with the servants of the house, for you must know every nook and +corner in it, and the vassals will suspect nothing." + +"You will be satisfied with me, my lord." + +"But, take care, the Italian roads are infested with banditti, and +Clemence cannot travel without an escort." + +"You need have no apprehension on that score; the best sword in Germany +will accompany her." + +"Who will it be?" + +"Erwin of Rechberg." + +"Very good; he will then leave the castle. But are you sure of him?" + +"Perfectly. Rechberg is a valiant knight: if it be necessary, I will +tell him her name, and that will be sufficient for him to consider it a +duty not to leave her until she is at her journey's end." + +"Antonio, be active, faithful, and discreet, and you will lose nothing. +Now go; invent some pretext to hasten your departure." + +Antonio found the Duchess ready, but Erwin was not to be found; he had +gone, early in the morning, to the Imperial camp, and thither the spy +went to look for him. + + + + + _CHAPTER XXXVIII_. + + _THE QUEEN OF FRANCE_. + + +The Count of Champagne had secured the cooperation of a more powerful +ally than the Bishop of Orleans. His sister Adele, as we have already +stated, was Queen of France. The indecent haste with which this +marriage had been consummated--within a fortnight after the death of +Queen Constance--joined to the general absence of affection that he had +shown for his deceased wife, had excited the indignation of the people +against the King, while the new alliance had created for him many new +enemies, not the least formidable of whom was the King of England. + +Adele exercised an immense influence over her husband. She was a +relative of the Antipope Victor, whose cause she warmly espoused, and, +consequently, did all in her power to further an alliance between Louis +and Barbarossa. Pope Alexander, on the contrary, was odious to her, on +account of his opposition to her marriage, and his threats of +excommunication. After a long interview with her brother, she repaired +to the King's apartments. Louis was seated in a high-backed chair, his +head resting upon his hands, his eyes cast down, and his whole face +bearing an expression of anger and uneasiness. + +"Adele," said the monarch, perceiving his young wife, "since Alexander +is in France, I have not had an hour of repose." + +This remark (a propos to the very subject which interested the Queen +most) gave Adele the opportunity of exerting her influence for her +relatives, and to gratify her revenge towards Alexander; and she +said,-- + +"You have the power, Sire, to send the cause of your uneasiness out of +France." + +"The wish certainly, but not the power." + +"Are you then no longer master in your own kingdom?" + +"Circumstances are stronger than my will. I cannot show myself hostile +to Alexander, without alienating from me the majority of the prelates. +Besides, he is our guest, and the supreme chief of Christendom." + +"You cannot be forced to observe the laws of hospitality towards one +who has brought trouble under your roof." + +"Oh, my dear!" said the King; "we are scarcely at that point yet." + +"I know it; but matters are still in a very unfortunate position," said +Adele, with an expression of discouragement. "If the support which you +give to Alexander satisfies the prelates, it displeases the great +vassals of the crown."--This observation was just. + +"The Emperor at the head of a powerful army, is already on our +frontiers; Henry of England is mustering his troops in the North. Who, +except your vassals, can extricate France from her peril? Can Alexander +help you in any way against the dangers which you incur on his +account?" + +"Honor and duty enjoin on our vassals to answer our summons; do you +think they would hesitate to obey?" said Louis. + +"The situation is perhaps more critical than you imagine, Sire. If you +destroy the contract made with the Emperor, if you protect Alexander, +Barbarossa will cross the frontier at once. All will desert your cause, +even my brother." + +She hid her face in her hands, and wept bitterly. + +"What is that you say, Adele?" exclaimed the King. "Is it, as we hope, +merely anxiety which makes you speak thus, or have you really any +knowledge of such treachery?" + +"My dear husband, be prepared for the worst! Yes, the Count Henry of +Champagne and Troyes, the most powerful of your vassals, has promised +to go over to the Emperor, if you violate a single article of the +treaty which he signed." + +"What do you say, madam?" cried Louis, angrily. + +"He confessed it to me secretly. In spite of my prayers and my tears, +he has sworn to keep his oath." + +"Ah! the villain, the caitiff!" he cried, pacing the room. "By Saint +Denis! we will arrest and imprison the traitor." + +"It is too late, dear husband. The Count has left the Court." + +"What! has the wretch retired to his castle?" + +The last question was dictated less by anger than by anxiety. + +"No; he has gone to the Court of the Emperor." + +"Doubtless to receive there the price of his perfidy! Oh, the villain!" + +"He has even intimated," continued Adele, who was endeavoring to alarm +the King,--"that other vassals of the crown were inclined to follow his +example. 'We prefer,' said he to me, 'to bear allegiance to a free and +independent Emperor, than to obey a vassal of the Pope." + +"Where do I stand?" cried Louis, sadly, and giving way to all the +indecision of his character; "rebellion against the throne, rebellion +against the Church, surrounded by traitors in my own palace!" + +"The danger is near and threatening. But you have the power to ward off +the blow," said Adele. + +"I have the power: I? Has not your brother already left the Court? will +not the other traitors follow him? Will they not, perhaps to-morrow, +rise in rebellion against their sovereign? Oh! I perceive their +treasonable plan; it is skilfully organized." + +"You exaggerate, Sire," hastily added the wily princess. "It is +possible that my brother may return to-morrow. In that case, you will +do well to dissemble your anger.--He must not suppose that you suspect +his hostile designs." + +"My dearest friends, my own family rebel against me!" said Louis, with +emotion. "I see in it the finger of God. For years past, I have +trampled underfoot the commandments of the holy Church,--the wrath of +Heaven is let loose against me!" + +"Do not despair," resumed Adele; "seek rather to avoid the storm; but +lose no time, for events are urgent. Only observe the treaty which he +has signed in your name, and my brother will be faithful to you, +against all the world." + +"But I have agreed to the interview, and yet the traitor has gone!" + +"You refused to influence Alexander to appear before the council." + +"Am I the Pope's sovereign? Is it my place to give orders to the Head +of the Church?" + +"You can invite him, you can act on him by friendly representations; in +a word, you can fulfil the letter of the treaty without in any way +violating your conscientious scruples." + +Adele easily reassured her husband. The Archbishop Peter of Tarantasia, +a well-known prelate, whose reputation for sanctity extended beyond the +frontiers of France, was at that moment present at the Court, and it +was determined to select him as the most suitable person to influence +the Pope. + +He was at once summoned to the royal presence, and soon afterwards made +his appearance. The calmness of the noble old man was in striking +contrast with Louis' emotion, and his whole person the most severe +rebuke to the prelates of the Court. The Archbishop wore a cassock of +coarse cloth, without embroidery, fastened at the waist with a belt. +His bald head had merely a crown of curly white hair, and his long +beard falling upon his breast gave him a venerable mien. Extreme age +and the practice of austerity, had bent his body, but his eyes still +glowed with a divine light, and his face was a happy mingling of +sweetness and Christian charity. + +"Welcome, holy prelate!" cried Louis, advancing hastily to meet him. + +He explained his situation, and continued,-- + +"And now tell me, father, am I not as wretched as King David when he +was pursued by Absalom? The Count of Champagne is my own wife's +brother." + +"I have long known the crafty arts of the Imperial Court, and the skill +with which it has led away others in its train," replied Peter. "The +Count Henry has been tricked. He swore to execute a treaty whose +results he could not foresee. We must seek a way by which his oath to +Barbarossa may not be violated." + +"Can you conceive of any other means of escape from this difficulty +than that of inviting the Pope to attend the council?" + +"I perceive none other at present; I must reflect." + +"But there is not a moment to be lost; who can tell whether my refusal +is not really what Frederic desired; if he will not gladly profit by +this opportunity of allying himself with Henry of England against +France? He is on our very frontiers, ready for the struggle." + +"Unfortunately we must dread everything from one who persecutes the +Church." + +"It is on this account, worthy prelate, that I implore you to go, as my +ambassador, to His Holiness; assure him of my respect, of my fidelity; +tell him that circumstances over which I have no control, and not my +own free will, have obliged me to invite him to the council." + +"There is nothing in this invitation which can be blamed if it be +suitably presented," said the Archbishop, after a moment's reflection. +"There is no doubt of your Majesty's sentiments towards the Holy +Father, and I will gladly undertake to deliver your message. + +"God be praised!" answered Louis, joyfully; "you have relieved my heart +of the heavy weight which oppressed it." + +"Well," said the aged prelate, "inform the Emperor immediately, that, +in execution of the treaty, you have invited His Holiness to be present +at the council. I feel almost positive that Alexander cannot +consistently go there; but you have saved appearances; the Count of +Champagne will see that his promise has been complied with, and your +enemies will have no further pretext to seek your ruin." + +"God speaks by your mouth, father, and I will follow your advice." + +"I go to prepare for my journey; may God preserve your Majesty." + +"Do not leave me thus; give me your blessing, father," said the King, +kneeling as he spoke. + +The Archbishop, without manifesting the least emotion, raised his eyes +and hands to Heaven, prayed for a few moments in a low tone, then +stretching out his right hand, he said with a loud voice, "_Benedictio +Dei omnipotentis descendat super te et maneat semper_." + +"_Amen_!" responded the King, who rose and accompanied the prelate to +the door of the apartment. + + + + + _CHAPTER XXXIX_. + + _UNDER THE OAKS_. + + +On the day appointed for the interview between the two sovereigns, +Frederic ordered several magnificent tents to be pitched along the bank +of the river which was occupied by the German troops, while on the +French side, Louis and his suite merely sheltered themselves under a +clump of oak-trees. + +The King wore a green hunting-dress, a plumed hat, and a short sword. +He had left the city under the pretext of hunting in a neighboring +forest; for he was anxious that the meeting should seem purely +accidental, at least, to the French people, who had a profound contempt +for the Antipope Victor, and were displeased with the alliance between +Louis VII. and the schismatic Barbarossa. + +The annoyance caused him by this forced interview, was apparent on the +King's face, and his uneasiness increased as he gazed at the rows of +tents stretching far into the distance. Barbarossa, indeed, had come at +the head of a numerous army, in order the better to enforce his policy, +and all the princes of the Empire were ordered to rendezvous at Laon, +with their several contingents on a war-footing. + +The King was accompanied by the Duke of Burgundy and the Counts of +Champagne and Nevers, the latter of whom was a bold and arrogant noble, +bitterly opposed to the papacy. A violent enemy of Alexander, he was +none the less so as regarded Victor, and if he favored an alliance +between Louis and the German Emperor, it was merely through a hope that +this would better enable him to enjoy the fruits of his robberies. + +A little later the Primate of France, Peter of Tarantasia and Galdini +Sala, appeared near the bridge. The latter, since the fall of Milan, +had been residing at Alexander's court, and had now come with the +Archbishop of Tarantasia from Cluny, and had apparently been delegated +on some secret mission. + +Louis breathed more freely as the time passed without any signs of +Barbarossa, for he began to hope that the Emperor would not come, and +the interview not take place. + +"What think you, my lords?" he said. "His German Majesty seems to care +little for his promise. It is late now, and the hour fixed upon is long +since passed." + +"Some unforeseen occurrence must have detained him," said Henry of +Champagne, who had observed his sovereign's secret satisfaction; "but +he cannot fail to be here soon." + +"Would it not be well," remarked one of the nobles, "for your Majesty +to inform him of your arrival." + +"No," answered Louis; "what use is there of this exchange of messages? +What is the King of France, after all? Perhaps the Emperor has already +forgotten this trifle." + +"He has been detained by some state affairs," said the Count of Nevers. + +"And I suppose, until these affairs are settled, the King of France +can wait. Very well indeed," replied Louis. "But we will wait no +longer--although there are some persons in France who desire our +humiliation, and perhaps even our dethronement!" + +These words, intended for the Count of Champagne, were uttered with +some bitterness. + +"Those men are nothing more than traitors!" said the Duke of Burgundy, +who was aware of the relations between Henry and the Emperor. + +The Count scowled angrily at the speaker. + +"I did not believe," added the King, "that in all France there was a +man base enough to sell his honor, even if there were any one capable +of paying him in false promises." + +"The passions, and particularly covetousness," resumed the Duke, +"corrupt the heart and dispose it to the commission of evil deeds; but +it is positive that France does contain persons, who are ready to sell +their country." + +"Are you perfectly assured of the existence of such persons?" asked +Champagne, who, with difficulty, restrained his anger. + +"I have heard them spoken of," replied the Duke. + +"A man of honor is cautious in accusing others." + +"Each man knows whether or not he is a slave to Barbarossa," answered +the Burgundian. "I can only watch the traitors as long as they wear the +mask of loyalty; but if they ever venture to show their faces, they +shall pay dearly for their perfidy." + +"Why this discussion, my lords?" said the Primate, who desired to +prevent a still more unfriendly retort from the King's brother-in-law. +"I am sure that, whenever France shall unfurl her _oriflamme_, Burgundy +and Champagne will fight side by side beneath its folds." + +"I am always at the post to which my honor and my oath assign me!" said +the Count proudly. + +"There can be no doubt on that point," added Louis; "you are united to +us by the double bond of vassalage and relationship." + +The Count of Champagne made no reply; his pride forbade further +discussion. In ordinary circumstances, he would have mounted and ridden +away without a word of apology; but now he was obliged to yield, but he +did so with a firm resolution of revenging himself on the Burgundian +Duke, on the first favorable opportunity. + +Louis appreciated the danger of a quarrel between his vassals, and he +hastened to change the subject. + +"The hour has passed," he said, looking at the sun. "You, my lords, can +bear witness that it is not we who failed to appear." + +"But the Emperor will certainly come; wait a little longer," urged the +Count Henry. + +"No, Count; our self-respect forbids it, and I am tired of waiting. +Frederic shows clearly by his absence, that his consideration for your +sovereign is not excessive, and I am almost inclined to believe the +reports which attribute to him pretensions to supremacy over all the +princes of Christendom." + +"As it may please you, Sire. However," continued Henry of Champagne, +"you may possibly regret the results of your too hasty departure." + +"The results! What mean you?" + +"The Count means to say," replied the Duke of Burgundy, "that the +enemies of France may profit by the opportunity to accuse you of +breaking your royal word, and to invade our frontiers." + +"Let them come if they wish; we will meet them!" + +Louis looked towards the German camp, and under the influence of +returning fears, was about to wait still longer, but the Duke opposed +him. + +"You cannot, Sire, without compromising yourself. If the Emperor means +war, all your concessions will not prevent him from fixing a quarrel on +you." + +"I commend France to the care of the Almighty," said the feeble +monarch; "but be kind enough, noble Duke, to ride over and salute the +Emperor in my name." + +"Heaven preserve me from it! I never meet the enemies of France except +on the battle-field. It is at the head of my men-at-arms that I will +pay my respects to Barbarossa;" and the fiery soldier mounted his +charger. + +"Since it is necessary, reverend father," said Louis to Peter of +Tarantasia, "that you bear the Pope's message to the Emperor, have the +kindness to explain to his Majesty that I have complied with all the +conditions agreed upon, and that I have waited beyond the hour +appointed." + +"You may trust to me," said the pious Archbishop. + +After another glance behind him, the King mounted, and rode with the +Duke of Burgundy towards Laon. + +The Count of Champagne leaned with a gloomy air against a tree, and the +savage William of Nevers, smiling ironically, approached him. + +"The Burgundian," he said, "speaks as though he meant to dispute +Barbarossa's claim to the Empire." + +"You seem jovial, my lord," replied Henry. + +"And why should I not be? The heroic soul of the Duke of Burgundy will +inspire the King. Our valiant sovereign will not keep his promise. As +Alexander will not come, Barbarossa will be obliged to bring Victor. +Ah! there is a worthy man for you; he thinks it no crime to rob a rich +convent! But, if Pope Alexander keeps his place, the devil! I will have +to do penance!" + +Whilst the Count of Nevers was explaining the motives which attached +him to Frederic and Victor, the two ecclesiastics were conversing +privately. + +"King Louis may be sincerely devoted to the Holy See," said Galdini +Sala; "but he will not go to war against Barbarossa. I have grave fears +for the Holy Father; he will be incarcerated in some lonely cloister, +and will stay there, strictly guarded, until his last hour. Meanwhile, +Victor, Frederic's devoted slave, will rule as the Emperor may dictate; +and the court prelates will follow his bidding, until the whole Church +falls into a deplorable condition." + +"These fears are only human; but God's decrees are inscrutable, and +beyond the comprehension of mortal man," replied the Archbishop. "How +did Louis receive the news of the negotiations with the English King? I +know that your mission is to sound him on that subject. But here comes +the Emperor;" and he pointed to a cloud of dust in the distance. + +The cavalcade advanced rapidly; the armor glittered in the sunlight. +Princely banners, and the sumptuous robes of the nobles, could be +distinguished; and at last the escort drew up before the tents. + + + + + _CHAPTER XL_. + + _A TRUE BISHOP_. + + +Followed by Rinaldo and the French Counts, the Emperor entered his +tent, chafing angrily at the announcement that the King had gone. + +"He imagines that he has acted royally," said Barbarossa; "is it not +ridiculous to think that peace is endangered, because one of us came to +the bridge a little later than the other? But how is it with the chief +article of the treaty? Will the Cardinal Roland be present at the +council?" + +"The Archbishop of Tarantasia will give you every explanation on this +point, Sire," replied the Count of Champagne. "All that I know is, that +he refused the royal invitation." + +"The invitation! What does this mean? Do you think that Roland can be +influenced by an invitation? You will be good enough to remember, my +Lord, that in our treaty, sworn to by you in the name of your King, it +was stipulated that Roland should be forced to appear before his +judges." + +"Most certainly, Sire; and I will perform what I have promised; but I +cannot oblige the King to do as much." + +"Still it is the only way to prevent him from violating his oath," +added William of Nevers. + +There was a pause, Frederic's brow darkened, and his eye cast a +threatening glance towards France. + +"It is evident," he resumed, "that Louis hopes to deceive us, but we +will not permit it. The king of France will learn that no one can, with +impunity, baffle the plans of the mightiest nation of the earth! +Chosen, by the grace of God, to protect the Church, it is our duty to +establish order and even to punish kings! Count, you will freely +express to your sovereign our discontent.--We insist on his executing +every article of the treaty which he has sworn to.--Remember that you +have pledged yourself to bring the Cardinal Roland before the Council, +either with or without his consent. If the King of France desires, as +ardently as we do, to promote the peace and well-being of the Church, +he will spare neither entreaties nor threats to decide the French +bishops to take part in the Council. The non-observance of the most +insignificant clause, in a solemn treaty, will be looked upon by us as +a declaration of war. We will invade the country, and we will compel +the King not to leave the Church and his subjects in the hands of a few +bigoted fanatics. My lord Chancellor, order this message to be written +and sealed." + +Dassel bowed and left the tent, well satisfied with his master's +energy. + +"You will perfectly understand, my lords," said Barbarossa, suddenly +changing his tone, "that we receive the Archbishop as an envoy from the +King of France, and not as Roland's messenger." + +The French nobles left, with Rinaldo, to be presented to the German +princes. + +"What a mixture of weakness and bravado!" said the Emperor to himself. +"I shall regret a war, but, at any cost, France must cease to be the +protectress of the Pope." + +His soliloquy was interrupted by the entrance of the Archbishop, whose +noble and saintly appearance produced a great impression upon the +monarch. Accustomed to see the prelates of his Court covered with +finery and sumptuous robes, he was surprised at the Archbishop's simple +and unpretending attire. Although well versed in the religious customs +of the day, and aware of the wide-spread reputation of Peter of +Tarantasia, Frederic was surprised at the inward emotion which he +experienced at their meeting. On the other hand, the prelate +appreciated the Emperor's position, and knew his hostile intentions +towards the Church,--but he gazed calmly upon him, as though he would +read his inmost thoughts. + +"I am happy to be able to know you personally, worthy father," said +Barbarossa, as he invited the prelate to be seated. "I have heard so +much in your praise that I can only desire that all our prelates would +take you as their model. Allow me to say one word: I know that Roland +has refused our invitation. I should have been prepared for it; some +characters are emboldened rather than subdued by danger. Still I am +curious to learn the motives which have dictated his refusal." + +"The motives were not invented by him, Sire. Our Holy Church teaches +that her chief cannot submit to any earthly tribunal." + +"In this I recognize the Cardinal's pride!" + +"The Holy Father implores you to persecute the Church no more; it +grieves him to see everywhere the laxity of morals, the universal +discord which has been produced by your fault. He complains, above all, +that you leave certain episcopal seats vacant, or else that you confer +them upon men who are under ecclesiastical censure." + +"Naturally we do not choose Alexander's partisans for Bishops. This +would be only to warm the viper in our breast. But I am wrong in +excusing myself to one who is accused; it is contrary to reason. If we +were willing to apologize to Pope Alexander for all the insinuations +which he has made against us, our honor would not support the trial!" + +Frederic spoke with much bitterness and rose to indicate that the +audience was at an end. The prelate remained quietly seated; he +understood Barbarossa's disposition perfectly, and he regretted to see +so influential a sovereign follow a course which could not but cause +great evils to Christendom. He deplored the fatal consequences which +were inevitable, and he endeavored to make them evident in terms the +novelty of which must have surprised the Emperor. + +"Your Majesty is right in insisting upon the recognition of the +Imperial supremacy. But cannot the Holy Father solicit a similar favor; +that is, the acknowledgment of his spiritual independence?" + +"Doubtless! We have no pretensions to interfere in any way with Papal +matters." + +"Still, you do interfere with them in the most outrageous manner! +The vicar of Jesus Christ has scarcely place on earth to rest his +feet! Everything has become Imperial: we have Imperial bishops, +Imperial convents, Imperial abbots, and, in the schools, Imperial +instructions!--If that be just, what need is there for a Pope?" + +This striking truth, uttered with perfect calmness, scarcely awakened a +memory in Frederic's soul. + +"Your reasoning," he replied, "is false and unjust at the same time! +The whole earth belongs to the Pope, and he can cast his fisherman's +net where it may please him; we, the protector of the Church, will +certainly not hinder him." + +"Yes, you will allow him to act so long as he is obedient to your +orders; but if the Pope should wish to be his own master, if he should +wish to reign independent of all human control, what would happen +then?" + +"There is but one sovereign lord upon earth," said the Emperor, +proudly; "the laws are only the expression of his will, and all power +exists by it alone!" + +"It may be so for earthly concerns; but for spiritual matters, God has +chosen another sovereign, the chief of religious unity, the supreme +shepherd of Christianity--the Pope!" + +"The Emperor also belongs to the fold of the faithful," said Frederic, +quickly, "so that the Pope must be the Emperor's shepherd, his +spiritual father; am I not right?" + +"Most certainly; God said to the first Pope, 'Feed my sheep;' he made +no exception to the Emperor." + +"And yet the Roman Emperor bore the title of _pontifex maximus_! How do +you explain that, my lord Archbishop?" + +"The Roman emperors were pagans." + +"Be it so; I am and will be entirely a Roman emperor!" + +"A pagan head on a Christian body!" + +"No!" answered Barbarossa; "but go to Byzantium; examine the _Pandects_ +of Justinian; you will see there that an alliance may exist between a +pagan on the throne and Christianity." + +"You support yourself on Justinian? but what was Justinian's code? Was +it not the destruction of all liberty, the abrogation of every right of +humanity? Great God!" added the illustrious prelate, standing +sorrowfully before the Emperor, "what error! what peril! But the Pope +has not yet worn the yoke of slavery; the nations of the Christian +world will not permit it." + +"Very well! But if, in case of disunion, the people leaned towards the +spiritual, it would be easy to lessen the Emperor's person, and +overthrow the tyrant." + +"One moment, Sire; you give an incorrect interpretation to our meaning. +The father of the faithful ought to oppose all those who wish to +exercise tyranny and oppression. The Gospel delivered mankind from the +slavery imposed upon it by paganism. Believe me," added the old man, in +a prophetic tone, "the day that the Popes shall cease to protect +liberty, anarchy and revolution will convulse the world." + +Barbarossa shook his head with an incredulous and discontented air. + +"The Emperor of the East has no Pope," he replied, "and yet he reigns +peacefully." + +"You are again in error, Sire! Mark attentively what is going on in +Byzantium. What do you see there? An exhausted and dying kingdom, a +weak and corrupt clergy, a host of ecclesiastics knowing no law but the +Imperial will; an effeminate people without morals, and puffed up with +vanity and servile ideas. Is this the state to which you would reduce +your brilliant Empire?" + +"You exaggerate; matters are scarcely in so bad a state as that." + +"Ah, Sire! they are in an infinitely worse condition. Great God! I see +it now; Salisbury was right!--I deplore it, but he was right." + +"Salisbury!" said Barbarossa, starting, for he had a great respect for +this illustrious scholar. "May I ask in what he was right?" + +Peter sighed deeply. + +"Why do you hesitate, my lord Archbishop? You know the opinion which a +wise man entertains of our actions; why then do you seek to conceal it +from us?" + +"Salisbury occasionally writes to me, Sire," said Peter, with an +embarrassed manner. + +"Well, what has he written about us?" + +"I received his letter a few days since," replied the prelate, drawing +a parchment from his bosom; "it contains a dissertation upon the +present condition of the Church, and particularly upon your designs. +But it tells me no more than your Majesty himself has just stated, +still I was unwilling to believe it." + +"Speak!" + +"You will it so; make up your mind then to listen to some bitter +truths.-- + +"Led astray by the principles of the Justinian Code, Frederic dreams of +the renewal of the brilliant Roman empire in its complete and most +deceitful form. Either he does not understand the great Christian +Empire, or it is insufficient to gratify his pride. He has less desire +to be the protector of the Church than to be her master. The Pope must +steer St. Peter's boat according to the Emperor's will; the bishops +must be nothing but abbots of the Empire, and religion must be +subordinate to the ends which the Government proposes. As he has +destroyed the free life of the Church, so does he subvert the liberties +of the people. Instead of preserving the ancient manners and customs of +his people as is his duty, his plan contemplates the reorganizing of +everything. If this Emperor ever succeeds in his designs, it will be by +the abolition of all independence. Still, what prince could be compared +with Frederic before he became a tyrant, and from a Catholic Emperor +degenerated into a schismatic?'" + +Frederic heard this discourse with marked astonishment, and more than +once was on the point of interrupting; at last, at the word schismatic, +he colored with anger, and exclaimed,-- + +"Enough! the letter of this learned personage is full of exaggerations! +The name of schismatic cast in our teeth seems to be looked upon as an +excuse for everything.--Because Victor's humility seemed to us more +worthy of the Holy See than Roland's pride, we are called the destroyer +of Church liberty!" + +"Pardon me, Sire, it is my duty to say a few words in reply," remarked +Peter. "You speak of Victor's humility, but Victor is, after all, your +creature; a plaything which your breath sends whither it will; a puppet +which you have chosen to obey all your caprices:--And should Victor be +the supreme Head of Christendom?" + +Barbarossa was confused by such language. The old man's frankness, his +calmness and dignity, obliged him to listen. There was no animation in +his manner, but his clear voice sorrowfully expressed his feeling of +duty. + +Barbarossa looked at him in silence. + +"You will acknowledge, Sire, that the Pope must be free and independent +to discharge his ministry. What would become of an enslaved Church, +dependent upon the will of a temporal ruler? Great God! to what +baseness would she not be obliged to descend; what infamous enormities +would she not have to sanction, under the pretext of State policy! A +religion which acts in the interest of human passions instead +of opposing their indulgence, could not aid in the salvation of +souls--Everything would be subverted; sin would invade the whole world, +and would extinguish Christ's holy light, and with it all faith, all +desire, all power of good!--And this," concluded the prelate, with +energy, "this is the state of degradation to which you would reduce a +Church which has existed for a thousand years!" + +The Archbishop had risen, and stood before the Emperor like a prophet +of old. + +"It is well! enough of this; we understand independence, but within +certain limits." + +"It is not independence, but duty which dictated my words, Sire! May +this appeal of an aged prelate, ready to appear at the judgment-seat of +God, not be lost upon you! It is more difficult to speak the truth to +princes than to conceal it. I have told you naught but the truth. May +Heaven in its mercy enlighten your Majesty!" + +The Archbishop bowed, and left the room. + +"By my faith!" cried Barbarossa; "there goes a worthy man; one not +often met with! His words might have turned from its determination a +spirit less decided than mine!" + + + + + _CHAPTER XLI_. + + _A HARDENED SINNER_. + + +The Duke of Austria had scarcely dismounted, when he was informed that +Galdini Sala requested an audience. At the time of the siege of Milan, +Galdini's name had been so often mentioned that the Duke felt almost a +sentiment of pride at being thus brought into personal relations with +one who had exercised so weighty an influence over the besieged. +Consequently, he hastened to the tent where Sala was awaiting him. + +The Archdeacon held in his hand a roll of parchment to which a seal was +attached. This was the usual form of correspondence between persons of +distinction. "With a low bow, Galdini presented the letters, but +scarcely had Henry opened the roll and glanced at the seal, when his +face assumed an expression of astonishment. + +"What do I see? a letter from His Holiness! to me!" he cried. "There +must be a mistake here; this letter must be for the Emperor, or the +King of France!" + +"It is addressed to Henry, Duke of Austria, and is highly important," +said Galdini, respectfully. + +The Duke cut the silken thread, and to the great surprise of the +prelate, read over the Latin brief; for his studies in the Convent of +Fulva had enabled him to do without a secretary. + +"Clemence at the Papal Court! I thought she was in Germany! His +Holiness is enraged at this criminal act--_scelus et flagitium_; yes, +it is indeed a crime," said the Duke, continuing to read, and +accompanying the reading with his own commentaries. "The divorce is +declared null and void. The Lion is excommunicated and banished. By my +faith, these are the words of a true Pope! I must speak to the Duke on +the subject. I fear it will be labor in vain!" + +"Your Highness will be faithful to the voice of the Holy Father," +replied Sala. "Your Highness alone, among all the princes in the +Imperial camp, is worthy of the Pope's confidence, and he charges you +to protest against this sinful deed. It should be the Emperor's duty to +protect the unhappy Duchess, but Frederic is not opposed to the +divorce!" + +"It is most true; it is a miserable measure of political expediency in +the interest of territorial aggrandizement," said Henry, warmly. "The +Emperor's villainous Chancellor has directed the whole business. My +cousin's daughter lived on the best possible terms with her husband, +before the interference of that felon. Ah! princes will not see to what +their ambition leads them, until the halter is around their necks." + +"What has all this to do with the divorce?" + +"You do not understand the plot," resumed Henry; "the repudiation of +Clemence must make trouble between Saxony and her relations; the union +of those two houses would have thwarted all Frederic's designs against +the liberties of the people, the clergy and the nobility." + +"Frederic evidently seeks to assure his supremacy," said Galdini, +endeavoring to excite the Duke to a fuller confession. + +"There is no doubt about it. Why does he not assign incumbents to the +vacant fiefs? He keeps them for himself. He owns already all the +territory from Rottemburg to Besancon. He sows discord among the +nobles, adds the fiefs to the crown, and has organized in the Church an +army of corrupt Bishops! Tell me, is not that one way of assuring his +Imperial supremacy?" + +"It seems so to me." + +"That is not all. The Empire is to be divided according to the old +Eastern system. One of my followers, who was with Barbarossa during the +last crusade, has heard him express his admiration for the Byzantine +Empire. Barbarossa needs a capital, another Constantinople, and he has +already made his selection. It is Mayence! Wait until he returns to +Germany, and you will see whether this city be not deprived of all her +liberties, as a punishment for Arnold's murder, and if he does not make +her his capital!" + +"But why do you aid him with your troops?" + +"Because I am alone in my way of thinking! Besides, I have already +spoken frankly to the Emperor, and he is well aware that I will not +further his guilty projects. I have spoken frankly to you, that you may +repeat my words to the Holy Father. Alexander must not yield; he is the +only protector of right and liberty!--I am going to fulfil your +message, and that, too, in your presence." + +The Duke raised the curtain, and left the tent; a moment afterwards he +returned with the Saxon prince. + +"This is a messenger from His Holiness, Pope Alexander III.," said the +Austrian; "he has given me this letter." + +And he began to read it off in German. + +"This is perfectly useless," said the Lion; "neither you, my dear Duke, +nor Alexander, are called upon for an opinion; the sentence has been +pronounced; the affair is concluded." + +"The sentence has been pronounced, and by whom?" + +"By Pope Victor, the legitimate chief of Christendom." + +"Is it Henry the Lion who speaks thus?" said the Duke of Austria, with +more dissatisfaction than surprise. "No one ever despised Victor more +than you have done! Who has ever called him the Imperial puppet as +often as you? and yet, to-day, he is for you the chief of Christendom!" + +"The last reasons are often the best!" + +"Because you need some excuse to justify your misdeeds!" + +"Misdeeds? Duke, what does this mean!" said the Lion, with an air of +menace. + +"Must I then call evil good, and good evil? No, Duke of Saxony, not +yet; not even in Frederic's camp! Do not misunderstand my frankness, +Henry; your divorce is a wrong, a crying injustice, a stain upon your +name." + +"Your interference in my private affairs is insulting to me, my lord!" +said the Lion, sullenly. + +"Is not Clemence my relative?" + +"Too distant to warrant such excessive interest." + +"The duty of every knight is to defend the rights of helpless woman," +replied the Austrian. "Besides, I am fulfilling the Pope's mission. He +has excommunicated you; is that of no moment?" + +"Very well! your message has been delivered; the rest is my own +business." + +"What! You will put yourself in opposition to the whole Church, you +will endanger your own soul, while you violate the rights of chivalry?" + +"Enough of this; spare me these superfluous representations. At my own +formal request, the Holy Father has annulled my marriage; neither you, +nor any one, even Alexander, can make me reverse my decision." + +As he spoke he turned his back upon the Duke, and hastily left the +tent. + +"You see there a fair instance of the respect paid to one's conscience, +and the sanctity of marriage, in the Imperial court," said the Duke, +sadly. "Frederic set the first example of a divorce, and he will find +scores of imitators." + +"Alas!" Galdini exclaimed. + +"I am uneasy for Clemence's safety. The fate of the unfortunate Empress +Adelaide is still unknown; she has disappeared, and Clemence too might +be spirited away, if I did not prevent it. I will go to-day, and +solicit from the French King a strong escort to conduct her to her +relatives. The unfortunate princess will travel through Lorraine and +Bavaria to Austria under the protection of my troops. She will there be +able to end in peace her blighted existence; for, even should Henry +return to kinder sentiments, she can scarcely look for much happiness +in her husband's society." + +Galdini Sala thanked the Duke, and they separated after the latter had +repeated his assurance of unalterable fidelity to Pope Alexander. + +"Recommend me, my house, and my country to the blessing of His +Holiness--and comfort poor Clemence." + +Whilst the archdeacon was on his way to the tent where the nobles were +assembled, Barbarossa was taking leave of the Count of Champagne, and +their parting was so affectionately cordial that Sala was astonished. + +"I will soon make a visit to that beautiful castle of yours, of which +my cousin appears so fond," said Frederic to the Count, as he was +mounting on his horse. + +"I thank your Majesty for the honor you will then favor me with," said +the Count, bowing respectfully and dashing off, followed by his +retinue. + +Without a moment's loss of time, the Count of Champagne returned to his +castle, and Nevers presented the Imperial despatch to the King. + +The same evening Manases and Champagne held a long and secret +interview. The Emperor's letter had greatly embarrassed Louis, for +Rinaldo had rather exaggerated Frederic's warlike language, so that it +differed little from a formal declaration of war. The King paced +uneasily in his room, cursing the Emperor, the Count of Champagne, and +the obstinacy of the Pope. At last he seemed to have made up his mind, +and sent for the Chancellor Manases, Alexander's most bitter enemy. + +"This is my opinion," said the latter, after a perusal of the +communication; "if you continue to support Roland, war is inevitable; +besides, I have learned from another source, that an alliance is about +to be concluded between Frederic and the English King. We consequently +are in danger of being attacked on both sides at once." + +The King's anxiety increased. + +"We have fulfilled the duties of a Christian," he said. "I have +defended the Pope as far as I am able. No one can compel me to subject +my kingdom to all the horrors of a merciless war." + +The wily courtier expected this conclusion, and it was decided to send +a message, couched in very emphatic language, to the Holy Father at +Cluny. + +The Chancellor recommended that it should be intrusted to a partisan of +Alexander, and the Archbishop of Tarantasia was selected. It is +probable that some other choice had been made by Manases and the Count +of Champagne; for when the prelate arrived at Court, on the next day, +the Count announced boldly to the King that Peter neither would nor +could bear the despatch. + +"Have I then no longer a right to choose my own ambassadors?" asked +Louis. "What have you against the Archbishop?" + +"This holy man cannot suit you, Sire," he replied. "He will kiss +Alexander's hand and will address him, with every mark of respect, a +request which ought to be communicated as an order. The Pope will be +under a false impression; he will refuse to come, and war will break +out. Rather send a man in armor with a strong escort, that he may, if +needs be, enforce the execution of your orders." + +"Employ violence!" exclaimed the King. + +"Why are you astonished, Sire? gentle measures have been tried without +result, there is nothing left but compulsion." + +"It would be an unheard of crime to drag the Chief of Christendom, +against his will, before a tribunal composed exclusively of his +enemies!" said Louis. "I will not permit it!" + +"Very well; but in that case, the Count Henry of Troyes and Champagne +will keep his oath." + +"One moment, Count, for the love of God! Do not be so hasty, cried the +terrified prince. I know your unfortunate oath, but you have scarcely +reflected that it would be treason!" + +"My oath is an oath even when pledged to an enemy; and yet, Sire, you +would make me a perjurer and a felon? Either you will send a proper +message to Alexander, or I will go over to the Emperor." + +"Since your Majesty cannot resist the Count's arguments," interrupted +Manases, "would it not be well to intrust him with this mission? The +situation is delicate; it is necessary not to render it still more +dangerous." + +After a moment's hesitation, the King consented. + +"Go, in God's name," he said; "but I adjure you, on your conscience, +respect the Pope, respect the Chief of Christendom." + + + + + _CHAPTER XLII_. + + _THE ABBEY OF CLUNY_. + + +The Abbey of Cluny belonged to the most illustrious of the religious +orders, and controlled two thousand convents distributed throughout +Christendom and Palestine. It was not only a pious sanctuary, but also +a school, the renown of which extended beyond the seas. Unlike the +monks of the other orders who were chiefly engaged in agriculture and +field labors, the peaceful denizens of Cluny were entirely devoted to +study and the pursuit of science, and attached a greater value to their +manuscripts than to any material treasures. Many were constantly +occupied in transcribing the works of the Fathers of the Church, and +even those of the pagan writers of antiquity. The volumes intended for +the church service were richly illuminated in order to be more worthy +to appear upon the altar. The Church itself was enriched with pictures, +sculpture, and works of art. The dormitories, the halls, and the +refectory were filled with masterpieces, and resembled a vast museum +destined to defend the fine arts against the ravages of time. + +The cathedral, which was the largest in the world, was a marvel of +Roman architecture, and everything in it so magnificent, that Saint +Bernard could not resist expressing his discontent. + +"What use is there of this amazing height, this immense width and +endless length, of these sumptuous ornaments, which attract the gaze of +the faithful, but distract their attention?" he wrote to Peter, the +venerable Abbot of Cluny. "Why all these candelabras studded with +precious stones, these costly paintings and works of art? Is it through +honor to the Saints that you walk over their images and spit upon those +of the Holy Angels? Why these sublime representations on a pavement +which must be covered with dust?" + +In the opinion of the austere monk of Citeaux, the study after the +beautiful was far inferior to that of godliness, and he imagined that +the former injured the latter. The most liberal hospitality was +lavished in the abbey on all travellers of every rank; women only were +excluded; and precise rules specified the manner of the reception of +strangers according to their rank and quality. At different times Cluny +had entertained Pope Innocent IV., twelve Cardinals, with their entire +suite, two patriarchs, three Archbishops, and eleven Bishops, and the +King of France, with his mother, brother, sister, and the whole court; +the Emperor of Constantinople, the heirs-apparent to the crowns of +Castile and Aragon, and several Dukes with their knights and retinues. +Still the good monks continued to live in rigorous asceticism; and +their liberality to others often reduced them to extremities of +privation. They watched over the poor of the neighborhood, and each +week the pious brothers sought out the sick and wretched, to administer +succor and consolation. On one occasion, during a famine, the Abbot +Odilon sold the church ornaments, even to a crown, which had been +presented to the monastery by the Emperor Henry II., in order to +relieve the wants of the suffering members of Jesus Christ. + +Although hospitality was considered an obligation by all the cloisters +of the Catholic world, Rechberg was surprised at the scale on which it +was dispensed at Cluny; and the presence of the Pope increased the +concourse of travellers. Each day came and went messengers to and from +all parts of the world; and Erwin heard on all sides a perfect Babel of +the most different tongues. Pilgrims were arriving from Greece and +Spain, from Muscovy, England, and Arabia, to prostrate themselves +before the Apostolic throne. The Roman Empire alone was not represented +at Cluny, through fear of the powerful displeasure of the Emperor +Barbarossa. + +Rechberg admired the learning, the energy, and the grave dignity of the +monks, and never before had he experienced so deeply the influence of +Catholicity. The Pope appeared to him to be the heart of Christendom, +uniting the two extremities; for Frederic's authority was as nothing +compared with that of the Holy Father. When he contrasted the Emperor's +creature, the false Pope Victor, with the venerable Pontiff, the Head +of the Church, he smiled with pity and contempt. + +"My godfather will be obliged to subdue the universe," he said to +himself, "if he wishes to make the Holy Pope his vassal." + +Erwin had resided in Cluny for about a fortnight; the novelty at first +amused him, but Antonio's words constantly recurred to his memory, and +although full of anxiety to ascertain their truth, a sentiment of duty +retained him at the abbey;--he could not desert the unfortunate +Clemence. + +One day, upon leaving the princess, now more resigned and collected, +since she had ascertained with what paternal interest she was looked +upon by Alexander, Rechberg was met by the lay brother, a worthy man, +who hitherto had done him the honors of the monastery. + +"Are you already at liberty, brother Severinus?" asked the Count. "I +scarcely thought it was yet time for vespers." + +"The good fathers are about going to the choir, and we will take +advantage of their absence; you would lose a great deal, Count, if you +were to leave us without seeing the pictures in the refectory." + +"I don't doubt it; let us go there now." As they were crossing the +court-yard, where crowds of strangers were walking beneath the shade of +the oak-trees, Rechberg suddenly perceived a man whose face appeared +familiar; he had seen him at Castellamare where he had been pointed out +by Hermengarde. It was Nigri's servant, Cocco Griffi, and our hero +stood still, watching his movements and hoping for an opportunity to +address him. + +"There is no want of curiosities here," said brother Severinus, +remarking his guest's astonishment, "for we have every variety of +costume and language. Look at that Arab with his bright eyes and white +teeth; he and the grave and haughty Castilian by his side are envoys +from the King of Navarre." Just then Erwin lost sight of Cocco Griffi. + +"Our painters often come here," resumed the monk, "to study faces and +details of which I know nothing; I saw the other day in one of the +artist's cells a representation of the devil, which was the living +image of a Moor who had been here;--I will show it to you." + +Rechberg had not been mistaken. Cocco Grim, in company with a monk, +entered a two-storied house where persons of the middle class were +lodged. The monk mounted on the steps to examine the red marks traced +upon the wall, and then, turning towards Cocco,-- + +"It is here that Antonio lives," he said, "if you want him." + +Griffi went in. The spy was waiting, and at first looked up as though +not well satisfied with the interruption; but as soon as he recognized +his visitor, he rose and went forward, cordially. + +"Cocco! is that you? What good wind brings you here?" + +"A miracle, my dear Antonio; when you know it you will be surprised, +and, it may be, somewhat provoked." + +"I will wager that your master has been doing something absurd; is not +that the case?" + +"Yes, you have guessed it. My master and the lady of Castellamare are +on their way to Cluny; I was sent ahead to announce to you this +masterpiece of diplomacy." + +Antonio looked at Griffi with amazement, and then broke out, angrily. + +"This is a beautiful piece of business, indeed! That ass never had any +brains! He will spoil everything! The young girl will come here; she +will meet the Count, and all my plans will be thwarted. What +imprudence! I suppose he has told her that Rechberg is here with the +Duchess, and that on his return he is to marry Richenza; is that it? + +"Yes, all but the marriage." + +"That's it; he concealed the only thing which he ought to have told." + +"Oh, he talked of nothing but Erwin and Richenza, Richenza and Erwin." + +"Well, what then?" + +"Then! oh, Hermengarde asserted that she was under a vow to make a +pilgrimage to Cluny, and that she would no longer delay it." + +"The pretext was a good one," + +"Then my master offered to accompany the young person." + +"And she refused?" + +"Two or three times, but Pietro insisted. They will be here to-morrow +at the latest, and my master promises to conduct the affair to your +entire satisfaction. You may count upon his gratitude." + +Antonio smiled as he heard the last words, for he knew that Pietro +possessed immense wealth in Lombardy. + +"The affair has miscarried," he said to himself, pacing the room. "But +Hermengarde cannot lodge in the cloister; she must stay in the village, +and as Cluny opens its gates but once a week to women, it will be a +mere chance if she and Rechberg meet." + +He turned towards Griffi. "Where are you living?" he asked. "Near the +gate; one of the windows overlooks the street." + +"Be on the lookout, and let me know as soon as they arrive." + + + + + _CHAPTER XLIII_. + + _IN THE CLOISTER_. + + +Meanwhile Rechberg had reached the gate of the cloister; it was opened +at once, and, with his companion, he entered a small courtyard. + +"It is too soon yet," said the porter, when the monk had informed him +of the object of their visit; "but you can wait here." + +They stepped forward towards a low wall, festooned with creepers, which +shut off the garden, exclusively reserved for the brotherhood. Erwin +could see and admire their grave and dignified deportment, and remarked +their difference from the German monks, who were usually occupied in +out-door pursuits; whereas at Cluny they passed their lives in the +practice of interior virtues, and the advancement of science. + +At this moment two lay brothers approached the wall, talking with an +earnestness which indicated the importance of their subject. They spoke +gravely and in measured tones, although Rechberg could not understand a +single word of their conversation, he imagined that it was probably a +discussion of some intricate problem of philosophy. + +"What language is that?" he asked. + +"Greek, Count," replied Severinus, in a low voice; "every known +language is spoken in our community; Latin and Greek, and Arabic and +Hebrew; they are perfectly familiar with all of them, and with +more still. I like to hear them talk Hebrew, it is such a strange +dialect,--so guttural, that it seems uttered rather by the throat than +by the tongue. I doubt, whether the Franks could articulate a single +syllable of it; but I think you will have a chance to judge for +yourself during our walk. Ah! here come two of your artists!--The very +ones of all whom I prefer, for they have heart and a soul; whereas some +learned men have nothing but intellect Look, how they argue. Let us go +a little nearer; I will wager that their discussion turns upon Homer, +Pindar, Apollo, or Horace." + +Erwin listened. + +"You deny then all value to pagan sciences, brother Odilon?" + +"By no means. I simply remarked that religious faith was the true +domain of true science. The pagans had their own belief, and +consequently their own school of art; but a Christian's art is as far +superior to a pagan's as Christianity is to paganism." + +"Do you think that our poetry is better than that of Horace?" + +"Yes, inasmuch ours celebrates truth; his, only pagan errors. But, +brother Colomban, in all that relates to style, the pagans are our +masters, for Christian poetry is still in its infancy." + +"We have admired together the statues lately received from Rome; do you +think we are capable of doing anything as perfect?" + +"We must make a distinction here," replied Odilon. "The pagans attained +a rare perfection of form; but is the body the only, the real object of +art? No; the sculptor must give a spirituality to his work! The most +skilful pagan would never have been able to chisel out the pure image +of the Holy Virgin." + +"I think I understand your meaning," said Colomban. + +"It is the same with poetry. The fountain head of all sublimity, the +source of the beautiful is God; the nearer the poet approaches that, +the more truly artistic he becomes, and, in proportion as his ideas +diverge from the Divinity, so much farther is he from perfection." + +The two monks disappeared at a turn of the path. + +"Well, what think you? are not those men true lights of the faith?" +asked Severinus. "They have great privileges, they can go to Rome and +further, too, if they wish, and sometimes are excused from attendance +in the choir." + +At this moment the bell rang; all conversation was immediately +suspended, and each monk took his place with a regularity which +surprised the young German, who could almost fancy that he was looking +at a well disciplined troop of soldiers, as they defiled before him in +stately procession. + +The solemn strains of the organ were heard, and the chants began. + +"Now, let us make good use of our time," said Severinus, hurrying +forward. "Let us see the refectory first; it is only a refectory, it is +true, but its equal does not exist in France or Germany." + +They entered the hall, near the door of which was a large crucifix +artistically sculptured. At the upper end of the room was the Abbot's +chair placed so as to overlook everything, and his table, to which the +chief dignitaries of the monastery were often invited, stood upon a +raised platform. Long oaken tables, with richly carved supports, were +ranged methodically, and covered with a white cloth, at which, as +Severinus assured the Count, more than four hundred guests could be +seated; for Cluny counted at that time four hundred and eighty monks, +many of whom lived as hermits in the neighboring forest. + +On one side stood a single table covered with black cloth. + +"The _pulmenta defunctorum_ are served there," replied Severinus, to +Rechberg's curiosity. "This, is the place of the pious Duke of +Aquitain, the protector of our convent; that, is for his saintly wife +Ingeburge." + +And so he went on enumerating the eighteen places. + +"But all those of whom you speak are dead," said Erwin. "What is the +use of spreading a banquet every day, of which they cannot partake." + +The monk looked at Erwin with astonishment. + +"Do you not remember," he said, "that the Archangel Raphael assured the +young Tobias, that it was better to give alms than to build up pyramids +of gold and silver? It is for this that every day the deceased +benefactors of Cluny feed the poor. Do you not believe that the +blessings which they receive in Heaven are worth more than precious +stones?" Rechberg was too fervent a Catholic to doubt of the +correctness of this view of the subject; it was a praiseworthy and +pious custom. + +His attention was directed to the pictures on the walls; many of them, +such as the hunt of Saint Eustace, and the fight between Saint George +and the Dragon, he recognized at once; but there were others so strange +in all their details, that he was obliged to ask for explanations. + +On their way from the refectory to the artist's apartments, as they +crossed a long gallery, Rechberg stopped before a bronze statue, which +attracted his admiration. + +"It is the image of our late Superior, Peter the Venerable," said +Severinus, very respectfully. "It was cast about two years since, and +those who knew him during his lifetime, affirm that the likeness is +striking. We will have it made in silver one of these days, when our +convent is richer." + +The galleries were filled with statues of saints and holy men, in wood +and stone; some of recent date, others of ancient workmanship; so that +it would have been easy to trace, step by step, the progress of the +art. But the Count was little versed in such matters, and what was +more, he could not forget Cocco Griffi. + +"My lord Count, you must visit the library, even if it is only for a +moment," said the monk, opening the door. A score of desks were +arranged in a half-circle around one of larger size, which Rechberg +perceived, at once, was a masterpiece of sculpture. This work of art +was ornamented with arabesques, and with flowers, birds, and animals of +every description; upon it was a book in Greek characters. + +"They write the books here," said Severinus; "the reader is seated at +the upper desks, with the copyists in front and around him. You can +judge for yourself, (and he offered the manuscripts to Rechberg,) if +they know their business. And our fathers attend to everything! We have +twenty copies of the Holy Scriptures. Nearly all the works of the early +Fathers, and many of those written by pagan authors and priests are to +be found in our library. Every year some of the order go through France +and England, and even as far as Greece, in search of rare manuscripts, +of which four copies are immediately made." + +After leaving the cloister, and crossing a vacant yard, they came to a +house with large windows. The rooms were filled with evidences of the +sculptor's art; figures and images of all sorts were standing there on +pedestals. + +"Is not that a splendid angel's head?" said Severinus; "the features +are so sweet and delicate, and the folds of the robe so natural! And +that Holy Virgin! how beautiful and gracious she appears! I do not +think it possible to give more life to a work of stone." + +But Rechberg was thinking of something else, and sympathized very +little with the artistic enthusiasm of his companion. + +"It is a pity that we cannot go in," said Severinus, pointing to a +placard on which was written, _Porta clausa_. "The door is closed and +the painter is at work; but it is a great loss, Count." + +"I cannot see everything in one day," replied Erwin, who was delighted. + +"You would be obliged to stay at Cluny for months if you would do +justice to everything. The church alone, with all its pictures, and +portraits, and mosaics, would require a long examination." + +"Whose dwelling is this?" asked Erwin, as they passed before a handsome +house. + +"The Holy Father lives there. May God protect him! His enemies give him +no rest. He was forced to fly from Italy, and with difficulty can +obtain an asylum in France." + +"With difficulty? Are the French, partisans of Pope Victor?" + +"God preserve us from it!" said Severinus; "but we fear the fierce +Barbarossa, who has taken it into his head that Victor must be Pope, +whether or no!" + +Erwin smiled at the dread which his godfather inspired, + +"This Barbarossa is a cruel man, and they tell dreadful stories about +him," continued the monk. "It appears that he wants to be Pope and +Emperor at the same time, and this desire is unchristian. He is now on +the frontier with a mighty army, in order to force the king of France +to give up the Pope. Woe to us if this merciless sovereign comes here! +He will destroy our convent as he destroyed Milan." + +"You have too bad an idea of the Emperor," said Rechberg; "why should +he cherish evil designs against your abbey? Is it because you show +hospitality to Alexander? I assure you that the Emperor is too +chivalrous to inflict a punishment for the accomplishment of a duty." + +He spoke so warmly that Severinus almost regretted his frankness. + +"I have never yet seen the Pope," continued Erwin. "Do you think it +possible?" + +"It is difficult," was the reply. "The Holy Father takes but a few +moments' repose each day, when he comes to this garden. From morning +till night he works or receives visits and ambassadors or letters from +every part of the world. We are often compelled to refuse admittance to +persons of distinction." + +As they reached the door which led to the enclosure reserved to the +brotherhood. Severinus drew a key from his girdle and took leave of +Erwin, who thanked him warmly, regretting that he would accept of no +gratuity for his trouble. + +"Do not insist, Count," he said; "gold or silver would be useless to +me. The best reward for a monk is that which results from a +consciousness that he has done his duty." + +Rechberg immediately proceeded to look for Antonio, for Cocco Griffi's +face had haunted him ever since they had met, and he began to imagine +that there must be some connection between Pietro's servant and the +fears which he entertained about the fate of Hermengarde. + + + + + _CHAPTER XLIV_. + + _POPE ALEXANDER III_. + + +Two noblemen were on their way towards the modest dwelling of the Holy +Father: they were the Archbishop Peter of Tarantasia and Count +Dietrich, the envoy of the primate of France. Peter had been in Cluny +for the last two days. The message had been calmly received, but the +form did not deceive His Holiness for a moment as to its true import. +Alexander guessed everything; he knew that Louis would not dare to +resist Frederic, and that Peter had brought him not an invitation, but +an order. On the other hand, Count Dietrich conveyed to the Pope the +assurance of the entire and perfect devotion to him of the Archbishop +of Rheims. + +As soon as the Primate had discovered the intentions of his royal +brother, and the orders given by him to the Count of Champagne, he +hastened to his presence, with the hope of effecting a change of +policy. But either through fear of Barbarossa's violence, or influenced +by the demands of his own vassals, Louis, instead of listening to his +brother's arguments and representations, broke out into bitter +accusations against the Pope. Convinced of the fruitlessness of his +attempts, the Primate at once dispatched Count Dietrich to Cluny, to +inform the Pontiff of the danger with which he was threatened. + +They were received, upon their arrival, by a steward who showed them to +a room in the upper story, where they found the celebrated founder of +Notre Dame, the Archbishop Maurice of Paris, and three cardinals. While +the chamberlain repaired to Alexander's private apartment, the news was +communicated to the prelates, who were thunder-struck. + +Alexander was standing before a desk covered with parchment, which he +was examining attentively; dictating at the same time to a deacon who +took down his words, for the Pope possessed the rare talent of being +able to do several things at once. + +The Pontiff's exterior indicated the energy of his mind, and his strong +physical constitution enabled him to support the fatigues which the +cares of the Church rendered necessary. His features were strongly +marked and displayed great firmness tempered by benevolence. His eye +was calm and decided; a gracious smile was playing around his mouth; +but his brow was furrowed by the afflictions he had experienced. He had +been formerly a professor in the University of Bologna and shone, by +his great attainments, in all branches of learning. Although the +untiring champion of the rights and liberties of the Church, he was +personally humble and modest. He hated no one, not even Barbarossa, his +successful and implacable adversary. + +Alexander's costume was of the most simple description: a long white +garment reached to his feet; above he wore a short red tunic, with full +sleeves, the dalmatica of that age: from his shoulders a white woollen +pallium, with a black cross, folded over on his breast, whence it hung +almost to the ground, after the manner of the ancient stole. On his +finger the Pontiff wore the pastoral ring, and his head was covered +with a round mitre ornamented with a number of small crosses. + +As soon as he had been informed of the arrival of the French envoy, he +left his work and repaired to the hall of audience, where Count +Dietrich and the cardinals were in waiting. + +All knelt at the entrance of the Head of Christendom, who advanced +towards the Count and extended to him his hand which the latter kissed +reverently, and then took his seat with the cardinals, on chairs placed +in a semicircle around the Papal throne. + +"Most Holy Father," he said, "your devoted son, Henry, Archbishop of +Rheims and Primate of France, has sent me to give warning of the danger +which threatens your personal safety. A short time after the departure +of the Archbishop of Tarantasia, a partisan of the Emperor, the Count +Henry of Champagne presented himself before the king, and so alarmed +him that His Majesty has promised to abandon your holy cause in order +to avoid the danger of a quarrel with Barbarossa. The Count of +Champagne, uniting his forces with those of William of Nevers, the +Bishop of Orleans, and other enemies of your Holiness, is now marching +towards Cluny, with the intention of arresting your Holiness, and +giving you over to Barbarossa. My revered lord has sent me to you, now +to advise, that you avoid this captivity by seeking refuge on English +soil." + +During this speech the features of the cardinals indicated their +consternation, but the Pope never lost his coolness for one instant, +although his face gave signs of the pain he inwardly experienced. + +"I thank you, Count," said the Pontiff, calmly. "Be so kind as to +assure our worthy son, the primate of France, of our paternal and +sincere affection; but we cannot follow his advice. We shall remain +here, although we may be led into captivity, if such be the design of +God. It is not the first time that the head of the Church has been +forced to yield to violence. If God in his infinite wisdom; and in the +interest of His holy name, judges me worthy to suffer even death +itself, let His will be done." + +"Permit me, Holy Father," said the cardinal, John of Naples; "your +resolution does not appear to me to be prudent. As soon as you have +fallen into the power of the tyrant, your enemies will drag you before +the council and throw you into a dungeon. Octavian, who styles himself +Victor, would then rule in the name and according to the wishes of the +Emperor, while the successor of St. Peter would be in a prison. Avoid +this peril and the whole Catholic world will rise to resist the +schismatical Emperor and his bishops. Did not St. Paul fly from danger +in order to be able to spread more widely the divine word?" + +"Worthy brother," replied the Pope, "in this particular we have been +long a zealous disciple of St. Paul; we have fled from Rome, we have +fled from Genoa. Where, hereafter, could we hope to avoid the +inveterate pursuit of Barbarossa?" + +"The Greek Emperor Manuel," replied John of Naples, "has, on several +occasions, offered you men and money to defend Rome and drive the +Germans from Italy!--Your Holiness cannot be ignorant of the fact that +Venice and other powerful cities will give strenuous aid to this +enterprise." + +"But, my lord Cardinal, what conditions did Manuel exact in return," +said Alexander. + +"He demands the guaranty of the Imperial crown to him and his +successors. Now, as this crown belongs to the Pope, he can dispose of +it as he pleases." + +"Very true!" said Alexander; "but, in that case, would we not seem to +deprive the German princes of their rights in order to gratify our own +personal spite? The wisdom of our predecessors has for ages placed the +crown on German princes, and should we from purely personal motives +presume to abrogate the acts of their wisdom? No, my lord Cardinal! may +God preserve, keep, and enlighten the Emperor Frederic." + +"Perhaps it would be well," said the Cardinal William of Pavia, "to +request aid from the English king. His Camp is only ten miles from +here, and a simple request from your Holiness will be sufficient to +have his troops put at your orders." + +This proposal awakened the Pope's astonishment; his irritated glance +was fixed upon the Cardinal. + +"We take refuge at the English Court!--we trust to a man who has +violated the bonds of matrimony, and whose cruelty never hesitates in +shedding innocent blood!--We put ourself in the power of one who +acknowledges no laws, who has nothing of human in his constitution, who +tramples underfoot divine and ecclesiastical laws and precepts!--But we +should be in a position still more degraded than that which poor Victor +occupies with the Emperor." + +The Cardinal had nothing to reply to this and bent his head in silence. + +"Perhaps Spain is the only country in which your Holiness can find an +asylum?" said Maurice of Pavia. + +But Alexander interrupted him at once. + +"Spain!---oh! poor Spain," said the Pope sadly. "You have not yet +learned, my dear brothers, the news which reached me yesterday. The +Moors have mustered all their forces; they have summoned from the +deserts of Africa their countless hordes of savage bandits, who will +throw themselves upon Spain like the sands of the desert. And to +think," continued the Pope, "that the Emperor, instead of fighting +against the Crescent, encourages the enemies of our holy religion by +his own impious struggles against the Apostolic See. My brethren, these +are bitter trials!--May God preserve the faithful from persecution, +prison, and death!--May Christendom be not divided by schism!--May we +remain at the helm to guide our bark through the troubled sea." + +He was silent and with bent head forgot his own situation in reflecting +on that of the Church. On their part, the prelates remained speechless +with emotion. + +At last Alexander raised his head, and his look was calm though +dejected, as he declared his unalterable determination not to seek to +escape by flight from the danger which now threatened him. + +"You will be good enough, Cardinal," he said to William of Pavia, "to +take care that all the archbishops, bishops, and prelates whom we have +admitted to the reception of the royal envoy be invited to the reunion. +Our intention is, perhaps for the last time, to speak openly in order +to defend the rights and the liberties of the Church." + +He rose as a signal that the audience was at an end. All who were +present knelt piously, received the Pontiff's blessing, and bowing +respectfully, left the room. + +"Oh, my Lord and my God!" said Alexander to himself, as he sought the +little oratory in which he usually said mass. + +He knelt devoutly before the altar, where a golden dove contained the +Body of his Redeemer. The vicar of Christ had come to implore the aid +of his divine Master. He prayed long and fervently; his features by +turns assumed the expression of grief, consolation, and resignation; +and when the rays of the setting sun shone through the red windows of +the chapel, they shed a halo of glory around the head of the still +kneeling Pope. + + + + + _CHAPTER XLV_. + + _A KNAVE'S STRATAGEM_. + + +"In any case," thought Erwin, "Antonio must be aware of Griffi's +presence at Cluny." + +He sent his faithful Gero to the Italian quarter to look for Antonio, +but he was not there. "He usually walks in the public square among the +strangers," said the squire; "but I don't know where he has hidden +himself to-day." + +The day passed without any further result, but the next morning Antonio +was announced. The Count received him coldly. + +"We can go to Laon at last, my lord Count. Henry the Lion persists in +his designs, even at the risk of being put under the ban of the Empire; +and the Duke of Austria has sent a strong escort to accompany the +Duchess to her home. It was a prudent measure; for the poor lady would +have fared badly if her husband had thought proper to use violence." + +"Where did you receive these details?" + +"From an old acquaintance who met the Pope's envoy, Galdini Sala, at +the camp." + +"Have you no other news?" + +"None." + +"Did not Pietro Nigri's servant pay you a visit?" + +Antonio started, but recovered himself promptly. + +"Yes, Cocco Griffi came to see me; but I did not intend to speak of a +visit which was not a pleasant one for your Lordship." + +"Speak freely; you have nothing to fear." + +"I know that, but I dislike to wound those whom I esteem. Pietro Nigri +has sent to request me to meet him on a matter of great importance; for +you must know that we are intimate friends; this ought to suffice you." + +"Not at all. Why this invitation, and what is this important business?" + +"The accomplishment of a great design." + +"Which has reference to Hermengarde?" + +"Since you mention her name, I will confess that it has. But compose +yourself; nothing is lost yet; as we return to Laon to-morrow, we shall +have time enough to see your betrothed and remind her of her promises." + +Erwin grew pale and red by turns, and then became very serious. Turning +his back upon the Italian, he walked towards the window to reflect. + +"May I ask," inquired Antonio, after a brief pause, "whether you will +leave to-morrow?" + +"Leave! and what for?" answered Rechberg, dreamily. "Ah! well,--yes, +to-morrow." + +And he left Antonio, who soon after might have been seen upon the road +leading from Cluny to the neighboring village. Accustomed to pick up +information from every source, he approached a man who was going in the +same direction as himself. + +"Do you know," said the stranger, "that they wish to capture the person +of His Holiness? The Count of Champagne is on his way with a strong +party of knights and varlets to seize and give him up to the Emperor, +who will put him to death." + +"That is a very likely story, my good man!" + +"You think it is an invention of mine, do you?--But I tell you that I +saw him and his daughter Richenza in the village last night." + +"With his daughter?" repeated the Italian, looking with stupid +amazement at the stranger. + +"Yes, with his daughter and a troop of his retainers; but I swear that +they shall not give the Pope up to Barbarossa. The people will rise in +his defence." + +Without listening further to the conversation of the old man, Antonio +began to reflect over the fact of Richenza's presence at Cluny. It +seemed so strange, so unlikely, that he could attribute it only to the +designs of the Emperor to enforce the marriage with his cousin, as soon +as possible. + +When he arrived at the village, Pietro hailed him from a window, and on +his entrance received him with every demonstration of friendship. + +"Let me recover a little, my dear Pietro; it is all so extraordinary, +that my ideas are somewhat confused." + +"What is the matter with you?" + +Antonio made no answer. + +"Are you mad, Antonio?--Look me in the face! Come!" + +"I am undone! I cannot repair what you have compromised. And why did +you tell Hermengarde that Erwin was at Cluny? Your mistake has spoiled +everything." + +"Enough, Antonio, enough! I know that I have made a mistake; why then +do you take pleasure in increasing my regrets for it." + +"Let me console you, Pietro; the Count of Champagne is expected every +moment." + +"What matters that to me?" + +"His daughter Richenza is with him; I foresee that the Emperor has +designs on young Rechberg." + +"Something may be made out of this circumstance," said Pietro. + +"Do you think so? your eyes are at last opened to the light? You begin +to understand now why I was anxious? My plans have failed! It was +necessary for Erwin to leave to-morrow to avoid meeting Hermengarde; +but now he must remain!" + +"What have you decided to do?" + +"Ask me no questions, but do as I bid, for I have no confidence in you, +friend Pietro; did you speak of me to Hermengarde?" + +"No; she only knows that a friend of mine, named Antonio, came here +with me." + +"Very well! present me at once, for there is no time to be lost." + +They entered a room where two of the retainers were seated at a +chess-board. Their armor hung upon the wall, and their lances stood in +a corner. + +"Ubaldo, ask the waiting-woman if your mistress will receive my +friend?" said Pietro to one of the soldiers. + +In a few moments the soldier returned with an affirmative reply. + +They then proceeded to a sumptuously furnished apartment, where +Hermengarde was awaiting them. She rose as they entered, and greeted +Antonio with a friendly smile. As she resumed her seat, Hedwige placed +two chairs for the visitors. + +"This is my friend Antonio, noble lady," said Pietro; "he accompanied +Count Rechberg to Cluny, and I had the good fortune to meet him in the +street." + +"I am happy, my lord Pietro, to receive your friend. But what business +has brought Count Rechberg here?" + +"He came with the Duchess of Saxony, who, divorced and banished by her +husband, has sought the Pope's protection.--It was a duty he owed to +chivalry," the Italian added, "and the more meritorious that Rechberg +travelled without, or rather against the consent of the Emperor." + +"I hope that his generosity will not put him in disfavor with +Barbarossa?" + +"I am unable to say anything positive on this point; but I imagine that +Frederic will endeavor to preserve the friendship of one who is about +to be allied to one of the most powerful houses of France." + +Hermengarde started. + +"From what Rechberg tells me," continued Antonio, "the Count of +Champagne is expected with his daughter to-day. It is possible that the +young Count will retire with the Countess to her father's estates." + +"Can I not see the Count, Antonio?" asked Hermengarde; "he saved my +father's life, and we are under great obligations to him." + +"It appears to me rather difficult, noble lady. Women are admitted +within the convent only once a week, and I doubt that the Count will +tarry here long; still, if you so desire, I will inform him of your +wishes." + +"I beg you to do so, sir, and as soon as possible." + +"I am entirely at your orders, noble lady. But if I mistake not, here +comes the Count of Champagne." + +The blast of a trumpet and the clatter of horses, resounded in the +street. The Count and a numerous retinue was passing along the road, +and at a few paces in his rear, Richenza was riding along in a showy +costume. + +Hermengarde stood motionless, as though her strength was about to fail +her, but, with a violent effort, she recovered herself, and dismissed +her visitors. + +"Be kind enough to remember my request, knight," she said to Antonio; +"perhaps you can bring me the Count's answer this evening?" + +"I repeat, madam, that I am entirely at your command," replied the +Italian, bowing himself out of the room. + +"I say, my friend, you don't mean to tell him anything, do you?" said +Nigri to the other. + +"What are you thinking about? I will tell her tomorrow, that the Count +will neither come to her, nor receive her visit. We shall see then what +will happen. It is a capital joke after all, to lead people about by +the nose in this way! But we must be prepared for everything; suppose +that Hermengarde meets the German?" + +"Then I will put an end to the joke with a single blow!" said Pietro, +sullenly. + +"Well, that is your lookout, not mine. Expect me here to-morrow," said +Antonio. + + + + + _CHAPTER XLVI_. + + _THE SERMON_. + + +Stephen, prior of Cluny, entered the Pope's chamber; the Abbot Hugo had +been deposed the same day by the Chapter, on account of his +schismatical tendencies, and the prior had just been informed that the +Count of Champagne had placed guards at all the doors of the cloister. + +"The Count is much interested in our affairs," said Alexander. "You +perceive how faithful he is to his master; why then should we be less +so to ours? Is every thing ready for the council?" + +"Your orders have been executed, Holy Father." + +"I will administer the holy sacrament, and then receive the Count of +Champagne. Is there anything else, my son?" asked the Pope, seeing that +Stephen still waited with a restless and uneasy expression on his +features. + +"Holy Father, are you then decided to allow yourself to be made +prisoner by these impious men?" asked the good prior, with an emotion +which touched his hearer. "All the doors are guarded, but you can get +out in the disguise of a monk and escape! I have prepared everything." + +"Stephen," answered the Pope, in a tone of reproach, "you have been +busy about many things, when there was but one important;" then, with a +milder voice, he continued: "The hour is at hand, my son; take care +that everything be ready." + +"The hour is at hand!" repeated the prior as he withdrew; "our blessed +Redeemer said those words when they came to lay hands on him. Woe is +me! Cluny has become a Mount of Olives, and the Holy Father will leave +it to go to prison, and perhaps to death." + +As has already been observed, the church of Cluny was the largest in +the world. The roof was supported by gigantic columns, measuring eight +feet each in circumference; the whole building was ornamented with +pictures and sculpture; a magnificent mosaic pavement covered the floor +of the choir, and the walls were hung with invaluable works of art, +representing the life of Jesus Christ and the Saints, and scenes from +the Old Testament. Gold and silver candlesticks stood upon the altar, +and in front hung a chandelier of four branches, wrought in solid +silver, with lanterns studded with precious stones. + +As soon as Stephen had ascertained that Alexander's orders had been +carried out, he proceeded to the cloister, where the Count of Champagne +and thirty men-at-arms had just entered. + +Without vouchsafing a glance at the works of art around them, these +advanced boldly into the very house of God, and drew up in line before +the pulpit at the entrance to the chancel. With helmets on, clothed in +complete mail, and their swords drawn, they resembled the horde of +barbarians who had come to pursue Christ in the holy temple of God. + +The moment fixed upon by Alexander was approaching. The door of the +sacristy opened, and the procession entered the chancel. At the head +walked the monks and lay brothers, robed in white; then came the +abbots, bishops, and cardinals, in rich costumes, wearing the mitre, +and with cross in hand; last of all, the Pope, in red vestments, and +all the pomp of solemn ceremony. + +"Red! the color of the holy martyrs," thought Stephen, as he remarked +the color which had been selected by the Pontiff; "and there are the +executioners!" he added, looking at the soldiers. The holy sacrifice +began. The Pope, entirely absorbed in his devotions, thought of nothing +which was going on around him. The prelates were kneeling upon scarlet +cushions; the monks and lay brothers upon the pavement. + +As soon as the office was terminated, and without laying aside his +pontifical robes, the Pope entered the chancel and ascended his throne, +around which were seated the cardinals, bishops, and abbots. The monks +stood in line waiting, with anxious faces, for the end. About three +paces in front stood a table, covered with parchments, at which two +clerks were seated, in order to copy the proceedings. The men-at-arms, +led by Henry of Champagne and the fierce Count of Nevers, advanced +boldly towards the Pontiff. + +"Sir Pope," said Henry, "we have been sent to invite you, in the name +of our sovereign lord and king, to appear before an ecclesiastical +council, which is to meet at an early day in Besancon. We can take no +excuse, as your refusal might plunge France and Germany into a bloody +war. Our king has pledged himself by oath that you will be present at +the assembly, and he means to keep his word. You must, then, accept the +invitation graciously, if you do not wish to compel us to resort to +violence." + +This harangue, so devoid of all courtesy, excited the openly expressed +disapproval of the audience. + +"Count of Champagne!" exclaimed the pious but impetuous Maurice, +Archbishop of Paris; "you not only act contrary to all custom, but you +are also wanting in the respect which you owe to the Head of the +Church. How can you dare to address such words to the Vicar of Christ +in the very temple of God? Would you have us to suppose that the great +vassals of the French crown surpass in irreligion the slaves of the +schismatic Barbarossa?" + +Maurice would have continued, but Alexander III. interfered. + +"My lord Count," he said, "it is not obstinacy, but duty, which +dictates our refusal to this invitation. We will certainly repair to +Besancon, but not as a culprit. Who convoked the assembly? Men who are +forgetful of their duties, and almost without exception under the ban +of ecclesiastical censure. We cannot submit our cause to any earthly +tribunal, least of all to one acting only under the orders of the +Emperor. Frederic has violated all laws, human and divine, in placing +the Council above the Pope, and the Emperor above the Council. We +rebuke this injustice, and we are ready, in the discharge of our duty, +to suffer every torture, and even death itself." + +Alexander paused, and then rose from his seat with an expression of +such majesty upon his features that even Count William himself was +impressed. + +The Vicar of Jesus Christ resumed, with a calm, dignified energy which +carried conviction to the minds of all. + +"My dear brethren," he said, turning towards the prelates, "it is most +probable that we are about to be again called to tread the road on +which our Lord and Saviour has preceded us, and in which many of our +predecessors have followed Him to martyrdom! Yes, the way of the Cross +alone leads to victory, and to a better world! You have long known the +drift of the Emperor's designs. Misled by the false glitter of Pagan +Imperialism, Frederic aims at ruling over both Church and State. The +Head of Christendom is for him a mere instrument of his own will, and +our holy religion only a means of attaining his ends. We are amazed +that such ideas should have taken possession of a prince whom God has +gifted with so many noble qualities. You are aware, my brethren, that +the Emperor has nominated to all the vacant Sees of his Empire, men who +are unworthy of such positions, without either the learning which is +indispensable, or the spirit of piety which should animate the +shepherds of God's flock. And yet the Apostle has said, 'For a bishop +must be without crime, not proud, not subject to anger, not given to +wine, no striker, nor greedy of filthy lucre; but given to hospitality, +gentle, sober, just, holy, continent.' And yet, he would make the +bishops nothing but the Emperor's slaves! We feel grievously afflicted +at the sight of such grave misconduct. What misfortunes are they not +preparing for the Church! The ecclesiastical spirit is less and less +valued every day; the liberty of the Church no longer exists except in +name, and her property is at the mercy of impious hands. But in the +midst of this deluge of injustice, the Holy See has been established, +by divine Providence, like the rock of order, against which storms and +tempests will spend their fury in vain. So, we solemnly announce to +you, in the name of God, that the Cardinal Octavian, falsely styled +Pope Victor, is excommunicated and put under the ban of ecclesiastical +censure. We declare, in advance, all the proceedings and resolutions of +the Council of Besancon to be null and void. If, until to-day, we have +refrained from launching the thunders of the Church against the scourge +of Christendom, it is because our Lord Jesus Christ has taught us to +pardon. And, although the time for speaking has come at last, we still +pardon the Emperor for all the misery and pain which he has caused us. +You will repeat this discourse, my brethren, in the pulpits of all your +parishes, and you will circulate it, by every possible means, in order +that the Christian world may not be misled into error. As regards +ourselves, we pray God ceaselessly, that he may prevent the success of +the enemies of the Holy Church; may He protect her with His mighty arm! +May he lead to repentance and contrition the souls which have strayed +from her fold!" + +"_Amen_, _amen_!" repeated the prelates. + +"_Amen_, _amen_!" said the witnesses. + +And the crowd throughout the Church exclaimed, "_Amen_!" + +The Count of Champagne stood amazed. Thoroughly convinced of the +justice of Alexander's claims, ambition alone had united him to the +Imperial faction, and he had been impressed by the discourse of the +Holy Father; for it seemed to him as though God himself had spoken. + +"Holy Father," he said, "I appreciate your reasoning and the resolution +with which you wish to discharge the sacred duties of your ministry. +But my personal opinions have naught to do with the execution of the +order which is intrusted to me. I await then, Holy Father, until it may +please you to notify me of the hour which you have fixed for your +departure for Laon." + + + + + _CHAPTER XLVII_. + + _THE DUEL_. + + +Richenza's arrival at Cluny surprised Erwin; but she manifested so +sincere a sympathy with the misfortunes of the Duchess Clemence, that +he related to her all the details of the outrage. The influential +position of the Count of Champagne permitted him to lodge in the +dependencies of the cloister, and his apartments opened upon an immense +garden ornamented with flowers, groves, and shady walks. + +Richenza and her retinue had just entered the garden, followed at a +distance by brother Severinus; and Erwin, after leaving the table, went +thither to join the party. Antonio, who was constantly on the watch +over Rechberg's movements, at once left the cloister and hurriedly +proceeded to the village, where Hermengarde was awaiting his return +with feverish anxiety. At last he came, and entered the lady's presence +with an air of supreme indifference. + +"Your absence has been long, Antonio; was it not possible for you to +give my message yesterday?" + +"Noble lady, Rechberg remained quite late with the Count of Champagne +and the other nobles. He rose late this morning, and I was unable to +give him your message until a few moments since, as he was going to the +garden with the Countess Richenza. The time was ill-chosen." + +"Well! what was his answer?" + +"'Hermengarde here?' he said, with surprise. 'Come to see her!--you +say. I am very sorry; but it is no longer possible----'" + +"Go on, Antonio, and tell the truth!" said she. "Is he in the garden?" + +"Precisely; now, as the garden is close to the road near the mountain, +you can see for yourself." + +"Yes, and that is what I mean to do," replied Hermengarde, who seemed +to have all at once regained her courage. "Wait for one moment, +gentlemen; I will be back again soon;" and she left the room. + +"You have done a stupid thing," said Pietro. "If she succeeds in +entering the garden----" + +"Pshaw! she cannot get over a ten-foot wall." + +"And if Rechberg were to perceive her?" + +"He! his eyes are not clear enough to see so far." + +Hermengarde returned in a few minutes, and at once set out, followed by +the two Italians and her nurse Hedwige. + +In a short time they were on the road which overlooked the garden. +Antonio led the way to an elevation, from which they could see all the +adjoining country, and the young girl followed, without heeding the +words which the spy still continued to address to her. Suddenly she +paused, and then, before her companions could interfere, ran towards a +little gate in the cloister-wall. + +As soon as Antonio perceived her intention, and that the door was open, +he sprang towards her. + +"For the love of God!" he cried, "where are you going? Your entrance +into the convent may have disastrous results!" + +She turned her head a little, glanced at Antonio, and disappeared. +Hedwige and Pietro followed, but the other remained behind. + +"That door open!--unlucky mishap!" he said; "all is lost! The best +thing for me to do is to run away, and escape the Count's anger;" and +he hastily left the place. + +A narrow path wound through several clumps of bushes, and terminated at +a conservatory surrounded by vines. Hermengarde stopped here. At about +a hundred yards in front, Richenza and the young nobleman were walking +together, in earnest conversation. Brother Severinus stood near the +door, reading his breviary. + +"The Duchess of Saxony is a noble woman," said Richenza; "and what did +she say of her husband's disloyal conduct?" + +"Galdini Sala was obliged to repeat three times the Duke's words: +'Clemence ceased to be my wife by the Pope's decree, and with my +consent. No one, not even Alexander, can change my determination.' At +first the Duchess seemed thunderstruck. She repeated only, 'With his +consent!' in a tone which I cannot describe. It seemed at first as +though her heart would break, and then her eyes flashed with anger. The +Duke of Saxony had lost all claim to her affection. 'My lord Count,' +she said to me, 'accept my thanks for all the trouble I have given +you;' and taking a rich jewel, 'Accept this,' she said, 'it is the only +way in which the repudiated Duchess can show her gratitude.' Then she +went to see His Holiness, and this morning left Cluny, escorted by some +of the Austrian men-at-arms." + +"How noble! how truly great! but, alas! how unfortunate!" said +Richenza, with emotion. + +"Now that the Duchess has gone," said Erwin, "and the object of my +journey is accomplished, I can return to Laon, where I have business of +great importance." + +"It can be put off a little longer, and we will go there together," +urged Richenza. + +"I regret that it is impossible; but everything is prepared, and I must +leave Cluny to-day. Allow me, noble lady, to bid you farewell." + +He was interrupted by a piercing shriek. + +"Erwin! my Erwin!" cried a voice from the conservatory. + +The Count approached. In the dim light he saw a group of three persons, +one of whom lay fainting on the ground. He had recognized the voice, +but he could scarcely believe that Hermengarde was there. But it was +she, and Rechberg knelt in astonishment beside his lady-love, from +whose face all signs of life had disappeared. Suddenly the Count was +seized, and thrust violently away. + +"Back! wretch," cried Pietro, whose anger broke out at the sight of his +rival. "Back! you have no longer the right to tend her, German savage." + +Rechberg gazed first at the Lombard and then at the fainting girl. + +Nigri again pushed him away. + +"If you dare to approach her again, I will plunge my sword into your +breast." And Pietro, sword in hand, placed himself between the Count +and the lady. + +"Who are you, who dare to separate me from my affianced wife?" cried +Rechberg. + +"Draw and defend yourself," said the Italian furiously. + +"Here, in her presence? No, sir!" replied the Count. "Put up your +sword; elsewhere I will chastise you as you deserve." + +"You shall not escape me thus! Villain, defend yourself!" said Pietro. + +And his sword's point grazed Erwin's breast. + +"Hold!" cried the Count. "Would you dare to assassinate me?" + +"I will take your life.--If you will not defend it," said Nigri, +striking Rechberg, as he spoke, with the flat of his sword. Scarcely +had the Count felt the blow, when his sword, quick as lightning, +flashed from the scabbard, and the fight began. Hermengarde still lay +upon the ground, her head upon Hedwige's knee. During the progress of +the duel, she opened her eyes and called her lover's name, but Erwin +saw and heard nothing except his antagonist who had slightly wounded +him. Suddenly, he saw his opportunity, and with a rapid thrust +stretched Pietro lifeless on the ground. Just then the chamberlain. +rushed forward to prevent the combat, but it was too late, and as he +saw the bloody corpse,-- + +"Woe to us!" he cried, "a murder has been committed within the +cloister-walls. Wretch, what have you done?" + +But Rechberg paid no attention to the question; he wished to approach +the young girl, who was seated with her nurse upon a neighboring bench, +but she motioned him away. + +"I was present during the whole affair," said brother Severinus, who +endeavored to apologize for the Count. "I saw it all, worthy father; +the Count would have gone elsewhere, but this unhappy man, whose soul +is before his God, tried to kill him; he was obliged to defend +himself." + +"That certainly diminishes the enormity of the offence," replied the +chamberlain, "but a crime has been committed within the cloister, and +it is to be judged here at Cluny. Follow me, Count." + +"At once," said Rechberg. "Noble lady," he added, turning to Richenza, +"I regret sincerely, that my violence has caused your young lady of +honor to faint. I trust that she will be cared for until I have +established my innocence and can offer my excuses in person. Richenza +understood the hint; for, except as an attendant of the Countess, +Hermengarde would have been obliged to leave the cloister immediately. + +"It was scarcely necessary to ask me to take care of my young friend," +she said; "it is only my duty." + +She gave the necessary orders for her to be conveyed to her own +apartments, and Erwin with one last look at Hermengarde, followed the +chamberlain. + +On the ensuing day, the judges met, but the testimony of Severinus, and +the favorable reputation which Erwin bore as Clemence's champion, +procured his acquittal. Still the court was at a loss to understand the +motives of the Count's quarrel with the Italian. The judges withdrew +into an adjoining room, whence, after a short deliberation, they +returned. + +"My son," said the president, "the law absolves you on the ground of +legitimate self-defence. God alone, to whom the secrets of all hearts +are known, can pronounce whether your act was free from all earthly +passion. Still, in the interest of your own soul, we advise you, as a +penance, to make a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, where in defence of our +Redeemer's tomb you can purge your sword of the stain left on it by the +blood of Pietro Nigri." + +The Count expressed his thanks and proceeded at once to Richenza's +apartments, where he expected to find Hermengarde. + +To his great surprise he was informed that the Count of Champagne, with +all his retinue, had started at an early hour for Laon, and that the +young Italian had returned to the neighboring village. + +He repaired there at once, and on his entrance to the inn was received +by Hedwige, who informed him that her mistress was quite unwell, and +had not yet left her chamber. + +"But I will tell her," she said, "that you are here." + +Erwin paced the room until the servant announced that her lady would +receive him. + +"Great heavens!" said Hedwige, "how she has suffered! I have always +maintained that you would not be false to your plighted word, and that +in spite of Richenza's relationship to the king of France, she could +not make you forget your betrothed." + +"I cannot understand you, Hedwige. How could you entertain such an +idea?" + +"Pietro assured us that you wanted to marry Richenza, and Antonio +confirmed his story. Besides, you stayed for several days in her +father's castle and refused to receive us, and then Richenza came to +Cluny with you." + +"Now I understand it all," said Erwin; "ah! the wretched knave!" + +The door opened, and Hermengarde entered. She was dressed simply in +white, with a blue sash around her waist. + +"Pardon me, dearest," said the Count, tenderly; "pardon me for all I +have made you suffer." But Hermengarde was already assured of Erwin's +innocence before he had even spoken. + +"Count," she replied, "you need make no excuses; only tell me why I did +not see you yesterday?" + +"I had no idea that you were at Cluny." + +"Then Antonio did not carry you my message?" + +"Most certainly not! You seem surprised, Hermengarde; but you do not +know all. That villain Antonio was in a plot to separate us, and his +measures were skilfully taken." + +"Fortune sometimes favors the wicked," said the noble girl. "But was +the arrival of Richenza merely the result of chance?" + +"It may have been a part of the plot! I intended to return to Laon, and +was taking my leave, when--" + +He suddenly paused, for the recollection of the scene in the garden +seemed painfully depicted on Hermengarde's features. She sat down and +gazed silently at her lover, whose attentions to the young Countess she +had fancied meant more than was called for by the mere requirements of +chivalrous courtesy. But it was impossible to cherish a suspicion of +Erwin's loyalty after his frank and honest explanations. + +"Ah! Erwin," she said; "but that murder, that fearful crime!" + +"You could not have wished me to allow myself to be assassinated?" + +"No, oh! no. But after the combat I saw how your sword was covered with +blood; I seem to see even now his wild glance and the blood streaming +from the ghastly wound." And she hid her face in her hands as if to +shut out the horrid vision. + +"Wretch that I am," said Erwin, "to have caused you this fright! But +console yourself, dearest; with time, the painful impression will fade +away. Would you make me regret having been the victor? The pious monks +have pronounced me innocent; will you be more severe than they? Tell +me, dearest Hermengarde; I will abide by your decree, however rigorous +it may be." + +"I know you are guiltless, Erwin,--and yet this blood seems to rise up +between us: it is a childish feeling, I know, but I cannot overcome +it." + +The Count stood in pensive silence, for the monks even in his acquittal +had uttered doubts of his complete innocence. And indeed, if he had +gone directly to Laon, instead of waiting for Antonio, Pietro would not +have met his death in the gardens of Cluny. His remorse was poignant. + +"The pious monks," he said, "have counselled me to make a pilgrimage to +Palestine, to the sepulchre of our blessed Redeemer. It is for you, +Hermengarde, to decide whether I shall submit to this penance." + +This singular question was entirely consistent with the manners of the +times. Hermengarde reflected for a moment. + +"To-morrow," she said, "after having invoked together, the aid of Mary, +the Mother of Sorrows, you shall know my decision." + + + + + _CHAPTER XLVIII_. + + _THE TRIUMPH OF FORCE_. + + +The unexpected departure of the Count of Champagne excited general +surprise, and even Alexander himself was at a loss to account for the +motive. It was said that a horseman had arrived during the night, +urgently inquiring for the Count; but none could say whence he came, or +of what tidings he was the bearer; all that was known was, that after +the receipt of some important despatches, the Count had gone away in +great haste. He scarcely gave breathing-time to his horses, but pressed +on so rapidly, that, after six days' travel, he arrived at his castle +near Laon, on the Seventh of September, the date which had been fixed +upon for another interview between the Emperor and the King of France. + +Louis, who had experienced much alarm as long as he was in sight of the +German army, appeared to wish anxiously for this meeting. At least he +had ordered tents, for himself and the court, to be pitched in the +vicinity of the bridge over the Saone. + +About nine o'clock Louis arrived, but Barbarossa had not yet appeared. +Rinaldo, with a number of prelates and nobles, seemed astonished at the +punctuality of the King, whom he found more affable than at the +audience in Laon. + +"The Emperor can scarcely question my pacific intentions now," said +Louis; "the Count of Champagne has discretionary powers to bring the +Pope, even should violence be necessary. I am punctual to a minute at +the rendezvous which has been appointed by your master. What more can I +do, to avoid the accusation of treachery or double-dealing?" + +The Chancellor was embarrassed for an answer. + +"The Emperor admits your good intentions, Sire," he answered. "With his +aid, you will soon be freed from an evil which distracts France and +torments the Church. There is no doubt whatever that the Fathers of the +council will refuse to Cardinal Roland, wrongly styled Alexander, all +right to the pontifical throne." + +"I cannot take it upon myself to decide upon which side is the right," +answered Louis. + +Before Rinaldo could answer, a loud noise was heard, and a body of +armed men were seen advancing. A horseman, covered with dust, spurred +to the front, glanced around the royal group, and perceiving the king, +bowed respectfully and solicited a private audience. The monarch +entered his tent, and through the canvas walls could be heard the voice +of the stranger, interrupted after a few sentences by Louis, who +exclaimed,-- + +"_Deo gratias_!--God be thanked for this fortunate result!" + +Rinaldo was astonished, but while he was reflecting upon the possible +meaning of what had just happened, they came out. The King's face +beamed with satisfaction, and without noticing the Chancellor's +anxiety, he gave charge of his guest to a nobleman of his suite, with +instructions to treat him with every possible courtesy, and then +turning to Rinaldo, resumed their former conversation. + +"We have but one point to regulate, my lord Chancellor, and that is the +pressure which the Emperor means to bring to bear upon the council. The +Fathers ought to be entirely unbiassed, and their votes must not be +influenced either by the force of arms or by worldly considerations." + +"His Majesty," said Dassel, "will employ both argument and force to +re-establish order in the Church." + +"Doubtless, according to his own ideas. But there is no guaranty that +these ideas are exempt from all selfish considerations! The Emperor is +Alexander's personal enemy; think you that he would recognize his +rights to the throne of Saint Peter?" + +"These questions are insulting, Sire!--Frederic is too just by nature, +to be guilty of an injustice.--And you ask for guaranties of the purity +of his intentions? To whom would you make the Emperor responsible? On +whom does he depend?" + +"He is responsible to the laws of nations, which he has repeatedly +violated in many different ways, my lord." + +"This reproach has often been made by interested persons; I am +surprised, Sire, that you would repeat it." + +"And we are surprised!" said Louis, proudly, "that you, Count, do not +feel the importance of this reproach! Besides, in the Assembly of +Besancon, there will be present both temporal princes and unconsecrated +bishops.--Who has conferred on laymen the right of voting in purely +ecclesiastical questions, and particularly on questions of this +importance?" + +"The Emperor!" replied Dassel, promptly. "If his Imperial Majesty sees +fit to sanction an exception to a rule, this very exception becomes by +the consequence of his high and mighty authority, the rule and the law. +And more, if the chief of the Roman Empire, who is, at the same time, +the chief of all the princes of Christendom, thinks it expedient to +grant a vote upon this question to foreign princes, he has a right to +all their gratitude." + +"Very good, my lord! and we are then the Emperor's vassals? This is a +new phase!--Our bishops will be delighted with the lesson you set +them!--Gentlemen," he added, "are you not somewhat surprised to hear +such a doctrine preached?" + +Rinaldo answered boldly, and some bitter words were interchanged; at +last he lost patience. + +"We have no need, in any way, of French bishops to put an end to +schism!" he cried. "When a discussion on the subject of a bishopric +arises among you, you put an end to the difficulty yourselves: why +should not the Emperor have the same right? Rome belongs to him." + +The French courtiers heard these words, with surprise. Dassel's +opinions were in opposition to all received notions, and to the canons +of the Church. The King profited by the statesman's mistake. + +"I am astonished," he said, "that so cautious a man as yourself should +advance such extraordinary assertions. We have the right to choose our +bishops after a previous understanding with the Holy See. But no bishop +of my kingdom is chief of Christendom; your argument is consequently +invalid. You say that the Emperor and his bishops alone have the right +to choose the Pope. Did not Christ confide to Saint Peter and his +successors all his flock? Were my bishops and myself excepted? Is the +Pope only your shepherd, and not mine?" + +This language astonished Rinaldo, who was nevertheless forced to admit +its truth; but all efforts to explain his words were useless, Louis +turned away from him, and soon after rode back to Laon. + +"What a changeable man!" said the Bishop Gero of Halberstadt. +"Yesterday the French king was the Emperor's humble servant, and to-day +he seems to defy him." + +"Patience!" replied Werner of Minden; "Frederic will teach him +obedience. It must come to that. If peace were to last forever, there +would be no need of our good armor. Believe me, this insolence of Louis +comes very opportunely; in two days' time the Imperial eagle will float +over the French frontier." + +"Yesterday, the Emperor gave me a splendid charger and a suit of +Venetian armor; I shall be glad of a chance to use them," said Philip +of Osnabruck. + +"I shall wear my Nuremberg mail," added the Bishop of Munster; "it was a +present from Frederic, and so far no weapon has started a single link." + +The entrance of the Count of Champagne interrupted the conversation; +Dassel, who had been reflecting seriously, approached him. + +"Back already?" said the Chancellor. "I trust that you have brought the +Cardinal Roland with you." + +"With the best intentions in the world, it was impossible," replied +Henry, whose gloomy face presaged no good. "All is lost. The English +king, Henry, is marching forward with a mighty army. Luckily I was +informed in time, and so escaped from falling into the hands of these +partisans of Alexander. Just now I saw the English ambassador, Earl +Gilbert, in the King's suite." + +Rinaldo was thunderstruck. + +"At last," he cried, "I have the clue to the mystery. But it is strange +that the negotiation between Alexander and England should have escaped +our notice. I can scarcely believe it possible." + +"It was entirely out of my calculation," said Henry, trying to console +the statesman. "The English king, whose character you all know, has +pursued a course which no one suspected, but which probably has been +long in preparation. It is certain that he is not marching merely to +Alexander's assistance, but against the Imperial supremacy." + +"It is really absurd! As if a feeble gazelle could struggle against a +tiger," said Dassel. "Let us go at once to the Emperor; he must hear it +from your own mouth." + +The Count was in no hurry, for he looked at the question in a different +light. + +"My personal safety forbids it," he said. "I have done all I could; I +supported the Emperor; but it would be madness in me to give the +English King a pretext for seizing my domains. For the time being, I +can only be a secret ally of Frederic." + +"What! Count, you think to serve two masters?" cried Dassel, furiously. +"How can you be at the same time the friend and the enemy of the +Emperor?" + +The Count admitted the dilemma, but no entreaties could change his +determination. + +"It cannot be, my lord; I must no longer delay my return to Laon. +Farewell; present my homage to the Emperor." + +He sprang into the saddle and rode towards the city. + +"Ah! these falsehearted Frenchmen!" said the Chancellor; "but it is +well; our arms will teach them honor and conscience." + +"That is my advice too," said the fighting Bishop Werner; "German +honesty, which more than once has been the dupe of its own rectitude, +is well known. Let us go to the camp at once, raise our standards, and +reap a new harvest of laurels in the heart of France." + +The nobles returned to the Imperial camp, where they found their +sovereign surrounded by his princes and bishops. The startling +intelligence of the change in the French policy, and the movements of +the English King, amazed every one. A few, among whom were the fierce +Otho of Wittelsbach and the schismatical bishops of the Empire, were in +favor of crossing the frontier at once. But the Dukes of Austria, +Saxony, and Bavaria, and some others, who were secret partisans of +Alexander, took the matter with the greatest coolness. + +Barbarossa remained calm in appearance, although the flash of his eyes +and the contraction of his features gave unmistakable evidence that he +with difficulty controlled his rage and disappointment. With a slight +inclination of the head to the assembly, he beckoned to Rinaldo and +left the tent, which had now become the scene of an animated +discussion. + +Hastily divesting himself of the sumptuous costume with which he had +thought to dazzle the King of France and his great vassals, Barbarossa +seated himself before the Chancellor. + +"The solution of the question can now only be arrived at in the field," +said Dassel, with the insinuating manner of a serpent creeping on his +prey. "We must attack Louis before his troops are thoroughly organized. +You have been insulted, and every man, even to the meanest serf in our +army, feels the outrage done you by the King of France; let us profit +by the opportunity." + +"If you had observed my faithful vassals, you would scarcely call the +present a good opportunity," replied Barbarossa. "Besides, I do not +wish to trust all to the fortune of war. We are not strong enough yet +to engage the united forces of France and England. But," he added, "is +the result of this ecclesiastical meeting very certain?" + +"Certain!" said the Count. "We are sure of our own bishops, but not of +those of the King of Sweden. Some things cannot be accomplished by mere +brute force, and rather need skill and intelligence than threats of +violence." + +"You are at your tricks again, and I am tired of them," said +Barbarossa. "The Danish prelates are only men; after all, self-interest +will guide them. Besides, Victor will be enjoined from the commencement +of the Council to abrogate all appeal to Rome or elsewhere. We shall +see how the Danes can get over this difficulty." + +"All well enough in its way! that may intimidate some," answered +Dassel; "but in this way you lessen the Papal power, and increase that +of the bishops. What will the Emperor gain by the change?" + +"What the Pope alone possesses now, will become the property of a +thousand different individuals, and I have always looked upon a divided +power as more easy of direction than when it is vested in one person." + +"Your Majesty's observation is just and to the point," replied the wily +statesman. + +After a lengthy interview, Rinaldo left the Emperor to take charge of +the preparations for the council. Louis breathed freely at the +announcement of the departure of the German army for Besancon. +Alexander had written to him of the intended campaign of the English +King against Frederic. At the same time he learned that Andrew of +Hungary was ready to march an army into Germany, as soon as the +Imperial troops crossed the French frontier. In the meanwhile, the +Emperor, accompanied by several of his princes, and by about fifty +Bishops and Archbishops, nearly all of whom were as yet unconsecrated, +had arrived at Besancon. King Waldemar of Denmark came to meet him +there, but he was attended by only one prelate, the Bishop Absalom of +Roskilde, for the northern sovereigns could not make up their minds to +attend a council which had been convened in defiance of the canonical +rules, and with the sole view of legalizing the acts of the +schismatical Frederic. The preliminaries against Alexander, the +recognition of Victor, and, as a natural consequence, the Imperial +supremacy, were rapidly and skilfully arranged. + +As the Emperor was leaving his apartment, to proceed with great pomp to +the cathedral where the council was to be held, a letter with the seal +of the Abbey of Cluny was handed to him. + +"From Cluny! Who brought this?" he asked. + +"A strange horseman," said the chamberlain. Barbarossa hastily ran it +over, while Rinaldo examined his expression, with eager curiosity. + +"Pshaw! it is scarcely worth talking about," said Frederic, laying the +letter aside; "at least, we have no time to meddle with it. Still if +you would like to know," he added, seeing Dassel's curiosity, "Count +Rechberg informs us that he is going on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. +That is all; the young man could do nothing better in order to escape +the bonds in which a sage statesman would have tied him. Let us hope +that he will come back completely cured. My lord Chancellor, you may +give the signal for our departure now." + +Under ordinary circumstances, it is probable that Barbarossa would not +have listened so calmly to his kinsman's resolve, but just then he was +busied in a matter of interest to all Christendom, and he could think +of nothing else. + +A long and brilliant cavalcade of princes and prelates proceeded to the +Cathedral of Besancon, where the Emperor did not neglect the +opportunity of holding the Pope's stirrup. Victor received the +attention haughtily, as though it were in some way an offset to the +many humiliations which he had suffered. The bishops and princes took +their places in the centre of the nave. The presidency of the council +was assigned to Victor, with Frederic on the right hand, and Waldemar, +King of Denmark, on his left. + +Barbarossa opened the proceedings by a recital of all the acts and +artifices of the French and English sovereigns. He also paraded his +efforts for the pacification of the Church and the suppression of +heresy, and his discourse convinced the audience of his moderation and +good intentions. + +Victor followed with a long series of complaints against those whom he +called the enemies of the Church, and particularly against Alexander. +The substance of his discourse stated the numerous privileges which +would be accorded to the Bishops. + +After him Rinaldo spoke, and in skilful words insisted upon the +legality of Victor's claims, while he endeavored to prove that the +present meeting was in reality a general council. + +Finally, Barbarossa rose and besought the assembly in energetic terms, +to put an end to the schism, to banish Roland as an enemy of the +Church, and to proclaim Victor as the head thereof. A general confusion +commenced to prevail in the Cathedral. At this juncture Bishop Absalom +rose and made a signal to his sovereign. + +"For the love of God, my dear brother," exclaimed Victor, "do not leave +at this most important moment." + +"I am only here as an attendant on my sovereign," said Absalom, with +marked coolness. "As he is leaving the Cathedral, I must follow him." + +The withdrawal of the King and his prelate caused additional confusion, +and a few other bishops, with whom the sentiment of honor was stronger +than the dread of the Emperor's anger, followed their example. + +But the proceedings were in no way hindered by their absence. Alexander +was excommunicated, and Victor solemnly proclaimed Head of the Church, +and then, after the _Te Deum_, the assembly adjourned. + + + + + _CHAPTER XLIX_. + + _HERMENGARDE'S CONSTANCY_. + + +Five years had passed since the Council of Besancon. The struggle +between the Pope and the Emperor still continued, but many things had +turned to Frederic's advantage. In times of discord and civil war, only +the most virtuous remain faithful to their honest convictions; the +others allow themselves to be influenced and directed by circumstances, +or intimidated by eventualities. In both cases, Frederic knew how to +act upon the passions; his violence frightened some, his generosity +gained others. + +After the decease of Victor, who died as he had lived, an alien from +the Church, tormented by remorse and without receiving the Holy +Sacraments, the Chancellor Rinaldo immediately installed a new Pope, +Pascal III., and the choice was ratified by the Emperor. The schism had +again a chief, and Barbarossa used every effort to procure the +recognition of his claims. + +The bishops were compelled to recite in a loud voice, on Sundays and +holydays, the prayer for Pope Pascal. The monks and other ecclesiastics +were ordered, within the space of six weeks, to swear fealty to Pascal, +and whoever failed in the performance of this pretended duty was +considered an enemy of the Emperor and punished as such. + +Frederic even went further, and at the diet of Wuertzburg, in the year +1163, caused the adoption of the following resolutions. "The Emperor, +princes, and bishops refuse to acknowledge Roland, or any future +successor appointed by his faction; the Germans swear to elect no +Emperor, unless he pledges himself to consult the German policy in all +that concerns the Papacy. Any layman acting in opposition to this +decree, will lose his life and property; any ecclesiastic, in such +case, will be deprived of his benefice and dignities. All princes and +bishops will be held responsible for their subjects, to whom a similar +oath will be administered." + +In this manner, the German Church was severed from the Roman--the only +Catholic Church,--since the German doctrines on the Papacy were +entirely opposed to the true teachings of Jesus Christ. + +Frederic was on the eve of founding a Western Empire, similar to that +established in the East, of which he was to be installed the Supreme +Chief. Like Victor, Pascal was a mere tool, and the episcopacy declined +each day; for all its members were mere court prelates. + +The death of Eberhard of Saxony deprived Alexander's party of a leader +in Southern Germany, and thus the mitred personages, without direction, +and enchained in golden fetters, became each day more careless of their +sacred ministry. They exchanged the pastoral crook for the sword, the +episcopal mitre for a casque, and their sacerdotal robes for the +corselet of the soldier. The lower clergy were little better than their +superiors; and the people, whose souls were intrusted to their care, +fell more and more into ignorance and degradation. + +Still there were some few whose sanctity opposed, with energy, the +Emperor's designs. The Archbishop Conrad of Mayence, of the house of +Wittelsbach, and the Archbishop Conrad of Salzburg, uncle to the +Emperor, protested loudly against this usurpation. They were at once +declared enemies of the Empire, deprived of their bishoprics, and +forced to seek safety in Italy. + +These brutal examples, however, produced the desired results; and the +orders of the powerful monarch were henceforward obeyed literally and +implicitly. + +The position assumed by Henry of England towards Pope Alexander, also +favored Frederic's projects. The cruel and despotic English King ruled +his Church according to his own caprices. The cloisters and monasteries +were, in his opinion, mere places whence to draw supplies for his +material wants; and many of the bishoprics were left unoccupied, while +their revenues were appropriated to the royal treasury. The celebrated +St. Thomas a Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury, resisted, with all his +energy, the tyranny of the sovereign; but at the royal instigation, he +was slain on the steps of the altar, and all friendly relations between +Alexander and Henry were suspended. + +These circumstances came very opportunely to the aid of Frederic's +projects. Rinaldo was sent to London to contract an alliance with +England, and in order to cement it, a daughter of the King was +affianced to the son of Barbarossa, and Henry the Lion to another +princess of the royal family of England. Italy was quiet, although the +people chafed under the Imperial yoke, and were silently preparing for +revolt. The fire smouldered amid the ashes, but since the terrible +chastisement inflicted upon Milan, no city dared to raise the standard +of liberty. + +In the year 1167, Barbarossa entered Italy with a numerous army and +marched towards Rome, from which he wished to expel Alexander, who had +returned to the city aided by King William of Naples. The Lombards had +hoped that Frederic's justice would alleviate their distress, and an +enormous crowd came with complaints against his Imperial agents. The +complaints were listened to, but the grievances were not often +redressed, and so soon as he was fairly on his way to Rome, the Lombard +confederation was formed. It was at first weak and secret, but still it +served as a happy presage and an encouragement to the oppressed +inhabitants. + +Guido of Castellamare, faithful to his plighted word, remained at his +home and abstained from any hostile act. + +Hermengarde was now nineteen years of age; she seldom left the solitary +castle in the valley, where, since her return from France, she had +lived like a recluse. Her only distraction was an occasional visit to +Genoa in search of news of Count Rechberg among the pilgrims returning +from the Holy Land. At first she was successful, for Erwin's name had +acquired a great reputation in Palestine. Many had seen and spoken to +the young hero, and all related his prodigies of valor. But during the +last two years the tidings had been extremely vague and unsatisfactory. +His deeds were still present to the memory of the pilgrims, but none +could speak positively of his fate, and Hermengarde's mind was tortured +with the most mournful apprehensions.--He must have fallen battling +against the infidels, she thought, as the tears coursed down her +cheeks. + +But hope rarely abandons the human heart, and the sad girl trusted +always in God's mercy. Still each day her steps grew feebler and her +cheeks more pale, like a lamp which flashes feebly and then is +extinguished forever. + +Formerly she frequented a little terrace whence she could overlook the +valley and the distant sea, and each sail that hove in sight she would +fancy was the one which was bringing home her betrothed husband. But at +last the terrace was deserted; for months Hermengarde had watched no +longer--she had lost all hope. Time cures every wound, Guido thought, +as he watched his daughter. + +To judge from appearances, Bonello's prognostications were correct. The +girl became more calm, the journeys to Genoa less frequent, and +Rechberg's name rarely passed her lips. To please her father, she +sometimes visited a noble family of the neighborhood, but it was solely +through filial obedience, and the visits were rare and of short +duration. Still Bonello, assured that Erwin had shared the untimely +fate of many of the Crusaders, was thinking of proposing another +husband to his daughter, one who, if not so distinguished, was at least +worthy of her. Old age looks at matters under a different aspect from +youth. Experience had taught him the vanity of earthly aspirations, and +he considered everything with cool and calm deliberation, for he +thought it a matter urgent and important to secure for Hermengarde a +husband who would watch over her happiness after her father's death. + +"I am old," he thought; "I may die at any time, and my daughter must +not be left defenceless and unprotected." + +The idea had long been ripening in his mind, and his choice had fallen +upon the only son of this same family of Rapallo, which he had +occasionally visited with Hermengarde. + +Heribert of Rapallo came regularly every week to Castellamare, where +his visits appeared to gratify the old man, although it frequently +happened that Hermengarde refused to see him. Bonello imagined that his +daughter had forgotten her betrothed, because she never mentioned his +name, and seldom went to Genoa or even to the terrace. But Heribert +felt assured that her calmness was the result of her religious +sentiments, and that Erwin's image was always present to her mind. He +was right; she no longer expected to meet her lover upon earth, but, +with resignation to God's will, trusted to be united to him in heaven. + +Still he continued his visits, in the vague hope that some day she +would consent to be his bride. + +"It is very strange! Rapallo has not been here for a week," said Guido, +one day after dinner. "I trust that no accident has happened." + +"I was thinking of him also, father. To-day is Friday, and he had +promised to come on Tuesday. He may be ill." + +The interest which Hermengarde appeared to take in his friend pleased +Bonello, who, after a short pause, continued,-- + +"Heribert is an accomplished gentleman--he is unassuming, noble, and +brave." + +"He is an agreeable companion, and his piety is unquestionable," +replied the young girl. + +"I am glad your opinion of him is so favorable, dear Hermengarde." + +"He has been here so often that I have been able to judge his character +thoroughly." + +"Very good; but you ought to show yourself a little oftener when he +comes, for I am disposed to think that it is a good deal more on your +account than mine that he makes this long journey so regularly." + +Guido smiled as he spoke. His daughter looked at him with such an +expression of ingenuous simplicity that it was evident she had not +penetrated his meaning. But the opportunity seemed favorable, and he +hastened to take advantage of it to speak of his cherished project. + +"In fact," he said, "Rapallo suits me exactly. What think you, +Hermengarde?" + +"I think, father, that you have excellent taste." + +The old man was delighted; it seemed as if he was about to gain his +purpose more easily than he had dared to expect. + +"You agree with me, then, my child? I am glad of it; for Heribert will +make an excellent husband, and I shall be most happy to call him my +son-in-law." + +The young girl shuddered, but Guido continued,-- + +"I am very old now, my dear child; death may come at any moment, and +leave you without a protector. The Emperor Barbarossa has again crossed +the Alps, and opened the campaign. What will become of you in a country +where robbers and marauders can kill and plunder with impunity? No! I +would not die in peace unless the walls of Castellamare were defended +by some valiant knight." + +"Dear father," she said, with emotion, "do not allude to this painful +subject. You are strong; your health is excellent; why, then, speak of +what may still be far from us, and which can only serve to make us +unhappy?" + +"You speak, dear child, as all do at twenty; youth lives thus careless +of the future, and with scarcely even a thought for what the morrow may +bring forth. Thank God, my health is good, but, at my age, a man should +always be prepared for his last journey, and should accustom himself to +the thought of death, which may come when he least expects it. As I +have said, your isolation troubles me, and you should relieve my heart, +Hermengarde, of this anxiety. You have seen and known Rapallo +intimately; you tell me yourself that he is noble, and generous, and +worthy of you--" + +The young girl was silent; her lips moved convulsively, and tears fell +from her eyes. + +"Do not weep, my child; doubtless you are thinking of the gallant +Erwin; he deserves all our sympathy, but why cherish a vain hope? He is +dead; he has fallen beneath the weapons of the Saracens, like so many +thousands of brave knights, victims of their devotion to the faith. As +you must resign all thought of him for spouse and protector in these +troublous times, another must take his place. Your marriage is the most +ardent desire which your father now has. If you truly love him, you +will relieve his heart of the burden which oppresses it." + +Her tears ceased to flow, and she reflected seriously if it were not +her duty to make the sacrifice which her filial love seemed to exact in +order to secure her father's happiness. + +At this moment the door opened, and Rapallo entered the room. The young +man was scarcely above the middle height; his face beamed with +frankness and benevolence, though his features were rather agreeable +than positively handsome. + +"Here you are at last, my dear Rapallo!" said the old man. "We were +just speaking of you. You are right welcome now, although you have been +neglectful of us lately." + +Heribert bowed respectfully to the lady, pressed Bonello's hand +cordially, and took a seat by his side. + +"I was compelled to accept the invitation sent me by the Lombard +confederation, which I am about to join," said he. + +Bonello shook his head with a marked expression of disapproval. + +"At least, I trust that you have made no positive engagement without +consulting me?" he said. "Will you risk your life in an enterprise +which has no chance of success? Heribert, Heribert, this is not well +done! you have been very imprudent. I augur nothing good from this +attempt." + +An animated discussion followed between them; Hermengarde profited by +it to leave the apartment unnoticed, and retired to her own room, where +she could weep at her ease. + +"Without doubt, I admit all that," replied Guido, after his guest had +explained the motives which had induced his acceptance of the +invitation sent to him. "I will even go further. I will suppose that +the league increases, that the cities and the nobles have given in +their adherence to it, that the necessary funds can be procured, that +its generals are skilful, that it can command everything necessary to +sustain the struggle: one thing will still be wanting, and that +is--unity. So long as Pavia, Genoa, Lodi, Pisa, and Florence, that is +to say, the most important cities of Northern Italy, support the +Emperor's cause, every attempt at independence will only aggravate our +condition." + +"Must we then always wear our chains?" cried the young man, in whose +eyes shone a fire which Guido had never before observed in him. + +"As long as Italy deserves her chains, she will wear them, and she does +deserve them for her intestine divisions," replied Bonello. "Besides, +be convinced that, in a military point of view, we are far inferior to +the Germans. We have been taught this again by the late bloody battle +fought near the walls of Rome. Forty thousand Romans have been routed +by twelve thousand Germans, and of the forty thousand scarcely one half +have escaped from the field." + +"That affair is not so important as was at first supposed," answered +Rapallo. + +"Naturally the Lombards have tried to depreciate their enemy's success. +But it is certain, my lord Rapallo, that, at the siege of Ancona, the +German advanced guard, even without its usual leader, Frederic, well +nigh annihilated the Roman army. Give the Emperor time to install his +Pope on the throne of Saint Peter, and conquer the Sicilian princes, +and you will soon see then how easily he will overcome the Lombards." + +"But the yoke which we bear is intolerable. The cries and complaints +which we hear on all sides, are heartrending." + +"Yes, our countrymen know very well how to complain. However, I readily +acknowledge that their murmurs are well-grounded; but this new +insurrection will be entirely to the Emperor's advantage; he will find +in it an excuse to weigh us down with new extortions. So, my dear +Rapallo, listen to an old man's advice: have nothing to do with the +league, and do not compromise yourself in a rebellion which will have +no better success than all those which have preceded it." + +Heribert changed the subject, and soon after took leave of his host. + +"I should have wished to speak to you," said Guido, "upon another +business, which probably would not have seemed disagreeable; but as you +appear in a hurry, we will reserve it for your next visit." + + + + + _CHAPTER L_. + + _THE CONSPIRATORS_. + + +The young nobleman galloped rapidly through the narrow valley of +Castellamare, and more than once turned in his saddle and gazed +earnestly upon the ancient walls of the lofty castle. + +"What could he have meant?" he asked himself, "The good old man +probably wishes to give me a suit of that costly armor which I have so +often admired. If he do so, I will send him the best horse in my +stables." In his excessive modesty, he had not suspected the old man's +intentions, for he had never allowed such a hope to dwell in his +imagination for a moment. + +After a long ride, he entered a ravine, shut in on every side by lofty +mountains. The heights were covered with trees, but below, all was +barren and desolate. A few fruit-trees stood here and there as vestiges +of former cultivation, and some stakes, almost decayed by time, rose +from among the thistles and rank grass. In the lower part were the +ruins of an ancient monastery, of which the four walls and the tower +alone remained, and although of comparatively recent date, the stones +were covered with parasitic plants. Heribert fastened his steed to a +fragment of the wall, near which stood a number of other horses, all +saddled, but browsing upon the abundant herbage. + +He then proceeded to the church, where the profound silence would +scarcely have allowed him to suppose, that he was in the immediate +vicinity of hundreds of men all breathlessly awaiting an orator of a +kind widely different from those who had formerly spoken there. + +A rostrum of moss-covered stones had been erected on the place where +the altar had once stood, and upon it was a man depicting in fervid +language the misfortunes and disasters of Lombardy. His audience, who +were all in armor, listened to him with passionate and earnest +attention; at times they applauded his words, at others their shouts of +menace and defiance proved that he had succeeded in arousing their +resentment. Rapallo, fearing to interrupt the harangue, stopped at the +door. + +"Dearly beloved brethren," cried the orator, with a piercing voice, +"you have seen that Barbarossa is insensible to our grievances. In vain +you have protested against the insolence of his prefects, against the +injuries done to your property, the drudgery which has been imposed +upon you, the ill treatment which you have borne; in short, against all +the acts of violence and oppression of which you have been the victims. +The Emperor has remained deaf to all your complaints. Do you know the +reason?" + +The orator paused for a moment; his lips compressed, his nostrils +dilated, he seemed to infuse into his hearers, by his looks, the fury +with which he was himself animated. + +"It is," he resumed in a still higher key, "because he looks upon you +as slaves, whose necks are fitted to bear the yoke of his tyranny. +Think of what he once said at Pavia: 'Italy is a conquered province, +she has lost all her rights; to demand any of her former privileges is +an act of rebellion.' Yes, this is what he said openly, the despot! I +heard him with my own ears; yes, he dared to say, that you have no +longer any rights, that you are nothing but his vassals." + +A dull murmur ran through the assembly. + +"Thus, brothers, when we appeal to right and justice, we are guilty of +rebellion. With such principles, what have we left to hope for? Are you +astonished now that an abstract has been made of your lands, of your +houses, of your herds, of all your wealth, and that you have been taxed +in consequence? Do you not know, brothers, that you no longer possess +anything, but that all belongs to the Emperor? Gather in your harvests, +the bailiffs come with their satellites and take what they please. +Prayers and tears are unavailing. Only enough is left us to barely +prolong our own wretched existence, and that of our children; and this +is all that is necessary for slaves, who live merely in the interest +and for the service of their master." + +The murmurs became more threatening, for passion was working in the +hearts of all. + +"Poor slaves," he continued, "life is only a burden destitute of every +joy. For this we have been deprived of our rights to hunt and fish, for +this we are not allowed an instant which we can devote to the most +innocent amusement. Woe to him who would leave his work to take a +moment's rest. Is it right and just that your lives should be consumed +in the most painful drudgery, that you should be subjected to every +privation, whilst your masters revel in every luxury?" + +The orator had attained his object, for he was compelled to pause an +instant in order to allow his auditors to give vent to their rage in +fierce imprecations against the oppressors of their native country. + +"In ancient times the barbarians overran our fair land, but they only +passed over her surface; by bending the head to the storm, its fury was +soon spent, and the evils could be repaired. Barbarossa, on the +contrary, has put about our necks a yoke from which there is no relief. +We must build with our own hands the fortresses which threaten us; with +our own hands we must construct for these cruel vultures--I mean for +the worthy prefects of the Emperor--those nests from which they can +swoop down upon us with impunity, to pillage and murder. Will you +always submit to slavery? Are you willing to be oppressed until death +sets you free? Will you not, at last, rise in your might, and expel the +tyrants?" + +"Liberty forever! Death to the tyrants! Down with Barbarossa! May he +die, he and his infamous satellites!" was heard from all parts of the +ruined church. + +"Yes! liberty forever," resumed the orator in a calmer tone; "the hour +of our deliverance is at hand; profit by it, for it may pass, never to +return. At present the Emperor is before Rome. The most solid bulwarks +to our liberty are the Church and Alexander, the successor of Saint +Peter. If Barbarossa succeeds in overthrowing him, we shall lose +forever all hope of shaking off the yoke imposed upon us by the Germans +and the Emperor." And the orator descended from his rude platform amid +the clamorous applause of his auditory. + +The speaker was a nobleman of great respectability, whose patriotism +was equalled by his benevolence towards the needy and distressed. He +had exaggerated nothing; but, on the contrary, had endeavored to +palliate; and this very circumstance had increased the effect of his +discourse. The pitiless severity of the prefects was, unfortunately, a +positive and general fact, and the harsh sentiments of the Emperor +towards unhappy Italy were only too evident. By adroit allusions, the +orator had awakened all the memories of his hearers. A great number of +them had felt the avidity of Frederic's agents; many had even suffered +cruel tortures; and as they related their misfortunes, each imparted to +his hearers the hatred by which he was himself convulsed. + +Soon the assembly arrived at a paroxysm of fury. On all sides were +heard fierce curses and expressions of grief and anger. Their arms +shook with menacing sound; their eyes flashed; the audience seemed +inspired with indignation. + +At last another orator mounted the rostrum, and the noise gradually +ceased. + +"It is the Milanese Pandolfo," was said in a low tone; for all that +came from Milan was received with great respect. Milan had won the +martyr's crown. + +"I bring the good wishes of my city to all the brothers of the Lombard +League," said Pandolfo, with a clear, ringing voice. "You have heard, +no doubt, that Milan is no longer a mere heap of ruins; her walls have +risen; her fortifications have again appeared, and soon she will stand +more proud, more threatening, than in former days. But walls and towers +are not enough to defend us against tyranny; what we need above all, +what already constitutes our strength, is a powerful organization, and +an extension of the Lombard League. Many powerful cities have already +joined her; and next to Milan I can cite Brescia and Bergamo, Cremona +and Placenza, Parma and Modena, while others are ready to raise the +standard of Italian liberty. We no longer hold our meetings in the +midst of ruins, or in narrow ravines, but in the open country. Whilst +you are still forced to tremble before the minions of tyranny, and +escape by stealth, to meet here, we defy Barbarossa's prefects, for we +are now powerful, and strength gives us courage. Fear not for the +interests of our sacred cause. Neglect nothing to gain over to it your +kinsmen, your friends, and your neighbors. Encourage the timid, arouse +the cowardly. The victory is ours, and the chains of slavery will be +broken from the very moment in which we shall be united." + +Until then, Pandolfo had spoken in a calm and measured tone, and he +observed with great satisfaction the favorable impression which had +been produced by his report on the progress of the league. But soon, to +arouse still more the minds of his audience, he began to paint the +unhappy condition of Italy, and his language and manner became more +passionate. + +"Dear brothers," he said; "you have all seen at Milan, of what Frederic +is capable, and what is the fate which threatens you. Perhaps you think +that your misfortunes have reached their furthest limit, but you are +mistaken. You are robbed, you are beaten, the fruit of your toil is +torn from you, your horses and your oxen are stolen before your eyes, +but as yet they have not carried away your wives and your children. You +are treated with harshness, but they have not yet pillaged your +churches; they have not profaned and desecrated your sanctuaries." + +"Yes they have!" cried a voice, trembling with anger; "yes they have! +Our bailiff--may God curse him!--has carried off everything of value +which was in our church; he tried to force our old priest to pray for +Barbarossa and the high-priest Caiphas (the Antipope Pascal). Our good +priest protested, and was shamefully beaten, and we ourselves, for +refusing to pray for our oppressors, were driven from the church with +blows and curses." + +"All this is but a drop in the bucket," resumed Pandolfo. "Do you not +know, brothers, that the Church, the Pope and the Clergy, are slaves +like ourselves? Is it not right and proper that the Pope and the Clergy +teach, pray, and preach in conformity with the Emperor's orders? Since +you are Frederic's property," he added with bitter irony, "it is only +reasonable that he should watch over your minds and your bodies; of +course always in accordance with his own personal interests. You seem +astonished! Perhaps you think that I exaggerate? If so, it is because +you do not know what an Emperor is, and what ideas he has of his own +importance. Are we not told that the ancient Romans worshipped their +sovereigns? Go to Rome, you will still see there the statue of the +divine Augustus. Aye, the Pagan emperors called themselves gods, and +their subjects were compelled to pay them divine honors." + +"What infamy! what impiety!" exclaimed the audience. + +"Has not Barbarossa already assumed the title of Augustus? As he +affects to imitate the Roman emperors in all things, he will finally +oblige us to adore him as a divinity." + +A derisive laugh interrupted the speaker for a moment. + +"You laugh, brothers, you imagine that I am jesting? I speak in sober +earnest. The tyrant's pride will not stop short of the abomination of +idolatry. You shake your heads; it appears impossible? Let me only ask, +did it not seem impossible ten years ago, that you would become slaves; +that the time would come when you would no longer have possessions, or +rights, or liberty? Is not the Emperor to-day Pope? Is not the +pretended Pope the Emperor's humble slave? Does not the Emperor pretend +to an authority over the Church which is wellnigh divine? Is it not he +who lays down the forms of preaching and prayer? Thanks to him, our +bishops have been replaced by the minions of tyranny, and our good +shepherds by ravening wolves who tear the flock." + +"He is right! all that is only too true; Pandolfo is right!" + +"Barbarossa is the Antichrist!" + +"He is a child of Satan!" + +"A worthy successor of Nero!" + +"An infamous tyrant!" + +"Curses upon him! may he die unabsolved!" + +"Long live our Holy Father the Pope! May God save Alexander!" + +"Yes, long live the Pope! may God protect him!" resumed Pandolfo, who +was charmed with the enthusiasm which he had excited. "The sovereign +Pontiff is the rampart of liberty, the only real defence against +Imperial despotism. Why is it that Barbarossa has turned all his rage +against Alexander? It is because he knows that he can never accomplish +his perfidious ends so long as the Christian world shall retain him +whom God himself has appointed to be the guardian of right, and +morality, and liberty. The Pope suffers and struggles in our cause; let +us unite with him, let us bravely flock to freedom's standard. Raise +your right hands, and swear allegiance to the Lombard league." + +Instantly a hundred hands were stretched forth in breathless silence. A +heavy cloud overshadowed the sun and seemed to threaten the roofless +cloister. A violent wind rushed through the dismantled windows and +shook the parasitic plants upon the crumbling walls. + +"As it is better to die gloriously than live in shameful slavery," +cried Pandolfo, whose clear voice rang through the ruined building, "we +promise obedience and fidelity to the principles of the Lombard league. +We swear to devote our property and our lives to our faith and our +country, to the Church, and to liberty. We take God as witness to our +loyalty; may He doom us to eternal torments if we violate our oath!" + +"We swear it;" and the oath unhesitatingly pronounced by a hundred +voices was repeated by the echoes of the surrounding hills. The +assembly then broke up, and the conspirators separated; on their +features might be read the thoughts which filled their minds, and the +noble resolutions to which they had subscribed. Less than a quarter of +an hour afterwards the ruins had become once more silent and deserted. + + + + + _CHAPTER LI_. + + _THE TRIBUNE_. + + +Whilst the deputies of the Lombard cities were travelling through the +province and working at the organization of the league, Frederic and +his army were encamped before the walls of Rome. Informed of the storm +which threatened from the North, he would have raised the siege and +marched at once against the rebels, but Dassel dissuaded him. It was +first necessary, the statesman urged, to expel Alexander from Rome, and +place Pascal upon the throne of Saint Peter. + +Henry the Lion, the Duke of Austria, and nearly all the princes of note +had refused to send their contingents against Rome, and remained +quietly in their homes, for they had begun to foresee the designs of +the Emperor. + +The German and Italian bishops, however, eagerly took part in the +siege, and, clothed in armor, prepared to use the sword and lance to +overthrow the successor of St. Peter. For the monarch had at last +humbled the pride of the prelates, who, for the most part, were his +mere tools, whose consciences were fettered with golden shackles. Rich +and powerful, their ambition urged them to further the projects of the +Emperor, which in abasing the Papacy lessened the power of the temporal +princes. + +Frederic's army was numerous, brave, and accustomed to victory. A +division commanded by the Archbishop of Mayence and Cologne, had +already achieved some successes, but Rome still held out, and her fall +seemed yet uncertain. Everything presaged a long struggle, much to the +dissatisfaction of the Emperor, who had just learned the increasing +development of the Lombard league and the advance of William of Naples, +who was marching to the assistance of the eternal city. + +"Your advice is replete with danger," said Barbarossa to his +Chancellor; "the Lombards are rising _en masse_; they have decapitated +or hung my lieutenants, and are working diligently upon the +fortifications of Milan, whilst we stand here idle. It is a mistake, an +evident mistake." + +Rinaldo merely smiled with the air of one who feels certain of success. + +"When we can strike at the heart of our enemy it would be folly to try +only to wound his foot," said he. "Rome is the heart; Alexander is the +life of the confederation. Let Alexander fall, the rest must die of +necessity." + +"Your arguments are good, but mere argument will not harm a hair of +Roland's head." + +"Every precaution has been taken against contingencies," continued +Dassel, without replying to the Emperor's observation. "The Pisan fleet +guards the mouth of the Tiber, our Brabancon troops scour the country; +in short, Roland's escape is impossible." + +"It is most probable that he will not put your precautions to the +test." + +"Within three days at the latest, my Emperor and Lord will hear in the +Church of St. Peter the solemn mass which I myself will celebrate as a +thanksgiving," said Dassel, calmly. + +Frederic gazed at him in astonishment. + +"My captains watch most diligently," resumed the statesman, "and Roland +would need wings to get away again! If I had a hundred more gold pieces +to spend, perhaps the worthy Romans would open their gates to us +to-morrow. My promises, too, have a good deal of weight: abolition of +all taxes, re-establishment of the Senate, privilege of electing the +Pope!" + +"Ah! you have promised all that?" said Frederic. + +"Certainly! but when you are in the city, you can only keep as many +promises as it suits you; for, personally, you are pledged to nothing. +I assure your Majesty that I have never seen a city which can be so +easily deceived as Rome: all that is necessary is to promise. +Everything is false among the brave Romans." + +"I know and appreciate them as they deserve," replied Frederic. "All +that remains of their ancient glory is an overweening pride, which I +mean to humble." + +"Hark!" cried Dassel, "what is that noise?" + +An extraordinary clamor was heard in the direction of the square of St. +Peter, where an immense mob shouted and howled in such confusion that +it was impossible to understand their meaning. + +A marble column stood in the centre of the square, but in place of the +image of the Holy Virgin, which it usually supported, it now served as +a pedestal for the tailor Guerrazzi, while the sacred statue was laid +upon the ground beside it, and a dense crowd pressed forward to listen +to the excited orator. The tailor laughed and wept alternately, waved +his hands, beat his breast, and tore his hair, while his voice assumed, +by turns, an expression of menace or of flattery, as the occasion +required. Guerrazzi was a paid agent of the Chancellor, and it was his +pockets which received the gold pieces of which the latter had spoken, +and which were to be distributed among the conspirators. The Romans +were sharing the common lot of all those nations who are mad enough to +suppose that schemers have any other object in view than self-interest; +they were deceived and sold by the very men whom they considered to be +their most devoted champions. + +The orator pointed proudly towards a circular tower, which stood in +front of him, commanding the square, with which it communicated by a +bridge and a wide street. This building, whose lofty walls overlooked +the whole city, was the mausoleum of Adrian, afterwards called the +castle of Saint Angelo, and at present the Pope's last refuge. + +"Look there!" cried the tailor, who was trying to flatter the national +pride of his audience by recalling the mighty deeds of their ancestors; +"look there at Adrian's mausoleum! there stands a memento of Roman +grandeur. How magnificent it still is! I see before me the sons of the +Gracchi, of the Scipios, of Brutus, the descendants of the masters of +the world. But what are we to-day? We are mere pigmies in comparison +with our progenitors. Ah!" said he, weeping, "there was a time when +Rome dictated laws to the world, and all nations paid tribute to +her majesty. Then our Senate, like a council of gods, sat in the +Capitol!--And now?--But who has robbed us of this greatness? Who +governs the universe after despoiling the Roman people of its +power?--The Pope!"--and the angry tailor paused. + +"It is true!--It is true!" + +"Well said!" + +"What wisdom!" + +And the crowd burst out in frantic applause. + +"Romans!" continued the orator, "fellow-citizens! the Popes are the +successors of that Saint Peter who thrice denied his master; but +many of them seem to take as their model the thief, the traitor +Judas!--Consequently, all the Popes are great men, but"--(here he +paused and pointed to the castle)--"all the Popes are not saints!" + +Again the mob applauded, but the wily orator, seeing at once that he +trod on dangerous ground, made a skilful diversion. + +"No one will dispute the fact that our Holy Father Alexander is one of +the greatest of the Popes!" and his voice rang out loudly, as though to +prevent all denial. "But although Alexander is a great and holy +personage, will he restore to the Romans those privileges of which they +have been deprived? No, fellow-citizens, he will not, because he +cannot! He swore to hand down the spoils intact upon the day that he +assumed the triple crown. But be comforted, fellow-citizens; we have a +powerful protector, and that protector is the Emperor! Yes, the Emperor +will bring back to Rome her pristine splendor; he will give her once +more all that was hers, for he glories in being the defender of right +and justice! Again you will have a Senate seated in the Capitol, for +the power of priestcraft has had its day. Your ancestors had the right +to elect the Pope; this right will again be restored to you. And do you +know why Barbarossa refuses to acknowledge Alexander? Solely because he +was not elected by the Roman people!" + +A murmur of approbation and pleasure ran through the crowd. + +"Neither Alexander nor Pascal will sit upon the pontifical throne; you +can choose for Pope whom you please. Such is the Emperor's will." The +orator was fast gaining his point, for if the Romans no longer +possessed the energy of their ancestors, at least they had their pride. + +"Rome will again reign supreme; all her liberties, all her privileges +will be restored, and she will once more rule the world as before the +usurpation of the Popes. The Emperor has promised it, and Barbarossa +keeps his word. But, you will ask, what does he require in exchange? +Nothing, nothing except to receive from your hands the dignity of Roman +patrician, nothing but the privilege of nominating the Pope of your own +choice! Will you accept the hand stretched out to you by the noble +Emperor, or will you close your gates against the defender of your +liberties?" + +"Long live the Emperor! Long live Barbarossa!" was shouted on all +sides. + +"Long live Frederic and the Rome of Augustus!" And the cries of the +populace rent the air. + +"Rejoice, O Rome! mistress of the world," cried the excited tailor, +"thou wilt once more see thy Senate, thy Capitol, the tribunes of thy +people! + +"Romans," he added, with increasing energy, "to your work without +delay, every moment is of value: Elect your tribunes, send them +immediately to the Emperor; tell him that you confer on him the title +of Roman patrician, and that you wish to choose a Pope who will defend +your rights and liberties!" + +Guerrazzi descended from the rostrum, and the election of the tribunes +began. + + + + + _CHAPTER LII_. + + _SEDITION_. + + +The Pontiff was watching the people from the summit of the castle. He +was overwhelmed with sadness; for he had long known the fickleness of +the Romans, and the ease with which they could be misled caused grave +fears of an early defection from his cause. Still he gave no evidences +of discontent or ill humor; his sorrow was only that of a tender father +mourning over the errors of a loved, though wayward child. + +Near him stood Conrad of Wittelsbach, the deposed Archbishop of +Mayence, a prelate of grave and dignified demeanor, whose features +indicated firmness and energy. His efforts to bring about a +reconciliation between Alexander and Frederic had been fruitless; the +angry Emperor looked upon the Pope as the only obstacle to peace, and +his renunciation of the pontifical throne was the essential condition +on which he insisted. + +"Poor misguided people; what a tumult!" said Alexander. "Hark how they +cheer for the Emperor! What terrible ingratitude!" + +"The Romans in this respect differ in no way from the rest of mankind, +most Holy Father. To-day they cry Hosanna! to-morrow, Death! But it +seems as though they were coming to see us," added Conrad; "the crowd +is pressing in this direction." + +In fact the mob, under the leadership of Guerrazzi and other +demagogues, was moving towards the castle, and already the shouts of +"Long live the Emperor!" were heard uttered with such violence that +they even reached the Imperial camp. On the bridge the people stopped +and glared at the portcullis with an air of hatred and defiance. +Frangipani the governor of Saint Angelo, at once repaired to the +presence of the Holy Father, to inquire if he would receive the +tribunes of the Roman people. + +"The tribunes of the Roman people?" repeated Alexander, with surprise. + +"The designation appeared to me as extraordinary as it does to your +Holiness," replied the soldier; "but, however it may be, the so-called +tribunes of the Roman people desire an audience of your Holiness." + +"Alas!" exclaimed the Pope, "their blindness is even greater than +I supposed. However, let them come, I will receive them in the +council-chamber." + +A dense crowd entered the castle and were led by Frangipani to the room +which had been designated. The pontifical court had adjourned but a few +minutes before, and the cardinals' chairs were still around a long +table, at the upper end of which stood the throne of St. Peter. Along +the walls were shelves covered with books and parchments, for the +archives of the Church had accompanied the Pope in his flight. + +As soon as the last tribune had entered, the doors were closed and +guarded by the soldiers, whose measured steps along the corridors, +joined to the clank of their armor, produced a marked impression upon +their excited minds. They looked anxiously around as if in dread, but +Guerrazzi, who perceived the general impression, hastened to reassure +them. + +"Do not be in the least alarmed," he said, "we have nothing to fear. +The people surround the Castle, and would not leave one stone upon +another, if any violence were offered to us. We possess their +confidence, we must show ourselves worthy of our trust. Believe me, +since the time of Romulus and Remus, no tribunes have ever been chosen +with so much promptness and discrimination as ourselves. Since, in +spite of my unworthiness, the people have seen fit to elevate me to the +dignity of the tribuneship, I intend, as certain as I can trace my +origin directly back to Romulus, to show myself worthy of the honor, +and to defend the people's rights with all my energy." + +At this moment the Pope, accompanied by Conrad of Mayence, entered the +hall by a side-door. + +Guerrazzi's colleagues, generally, belonged to the dregs of the people, +and modelled their conduct upon his. Still, although the crafty tailor +felt persuaded of their devotion to his cause and their own ambitious +schemes, he felt that they were overawed by the calm majesty of the +Pontiff, before whom they preserved a silence which induced Alexander +to suppose, at first, that they had come to solicit his forgiveness for +the insurgents. + +But Guerrazzi was not a vulgar rebel; he was a villain ready for +anything, an accomplished scoundrel. Approaching the Pope with +assurance, he drew himself up, threw back his head, and spoke thus: + +"Sir Pope, we, the tribunes of the Roman people, wish you to understand +that the Emperor has offered us his friendship, and that we have +accepted it. No harm shall be done to your person, but you must resign +the sovereign dignity, in order that the Roman people may, as is its +right, choose a Pope. As you are a pious and a holy man, you may, +perhaps, hope that our choice will fall again upon yourself as a fit +person to occupy St. Peter's chair." + +The demagogue was silent and awaited the Pontiff's answer, but there +was none; the arrogance and importance of the harangue rendered any +reply impossible. + +The tailor had more skill and craftiness than the Holy Father. People +of elevated sentiments can never understand all the insincerity and +baseness of which vulgar minds are capable, and Alexander could not +suppose that the speaker only sought to lead him into a snare which +would make him odious to the people. + +"I am aware, Holy Father," he continued, "that you desire to put an end +to the war. Many hundreds of Roman citizens are in the hands of the +enemy: Frederic has promised their release if we throw open our gates; +but he threatens to hang them and treat Rome as he has treated Milan, +in case we persevere in our resistance. He will demolish our +fortifications, will put us to the sword or send us into exile, and +will turn this noble city into a heap of ruins. It is in your power to +avert all this and save us from inevitable misery, by resigning the +throne and ordering the surrender of the city." + +Despite the wickedness which appeared in the harangue, the Holy Father +was moved by the picture. He would gladly have gone into exile, or even +to death itself, in the discharge of his duty, but the people seemed +ready to yield everything rather than persevere in the struggle. + +"My son," said Alexander, after a moment's reflection, "you have +undertaken a matter which is beyond the scope of your abilities, and +which is even contrary to justice; I will therefore make you no reply. +It is to be deplored that the Romans are less disposed to do battle for +God and his Church, than to make arrangements with the Emperor, whose +only object is the gratification of personal ambition. His intention is +to destroy the Church of God in Rome." + +"Allow me to say, Sir Pope, that the Emperor has not come here as a +destroyer, but rather as a protector of our rights and liberties." + +"You cannot believe that, poor misguided people that ye are!" + +As if in answer to these words of the Pope, the yells of the infuriated +mob were heard before the fortress. + +"Long live Barbarossa!--Election of the Pope!--Down with the government +of the priests!--Hurrah for the Senate!" + +These words, and others of a similar nature, showed the spirit which +animated the populace. + +"Listen to them, then, Holy Father! mark with what enthusiasm they +acclaim the Emperor!" said the tailor, insolently. "Barbarossa is +really a great man, an Emperor worthy of the name of Augustus. I +recollect well the time when he came to St. Peter's with Pope Adrian. +Oh, the happy days! Why cannot you, too, become the Emperor's friend? +Every difficulty would then be removed." + +"You do not understand me, my son; personally, I have no dislike to +Frederic, but it is my duty to oppose his perverse designs." + +"Do you not admit that Pope Adrian was a wise and saintly Pontiff?--The +people have always so considered him." + +"And they were right." + +"Why then could he be the friend of Barbarossa, whilst you are not so?" + +Among the rare qualities of Alexander III. must be counted the truly +Christian patience with which he listened to the reproaches of wicked +men, and the mildness which he employed in trying to convince them of +their perversity. But the Holy Father was compelled to admit the +hopeless impossibility of impressing upon this rabble the great +importance of his contest with Frederic. + +After a moment's reflection, he went towards the table and sought among +the parchments. + +"Here is a document," he said, "written by Pope Adrian. It will show +you that our predecessor was gravely annoyed by the Emperor's conduct +which always was hostile to the independence of the Church. 'God be +thanked,' he writes to the German bishops, 'that you have remained +faithful! God be thanked for giving you the ability to judge, +dispassionately, between Frederic and the Holy See! This schism which +he has instigated will recoil upon his own head; it is like a dragon, +which, wishing to fly to heaven, has fallen to the earth, and has been +swallowed up. He who would exalt himself, shall be abased. This fox +seeks to lay waste the Lord's vineyard; this guilty son forgets all +gratitude and all fear. He has fulfilled none of his promises, he has +deceived us in everything; he deserves then to be treated as a rebel to +his God, as a heathen, as an outlaw.' You see then, my children, how +severely Adrian judged the Emperor. What would this saintly Pontiff +write now; what sentence would he pass upon Frederic at the time when +he is persecuting with still more virulence the Church of God?" + +A savage yell, which seemed to approach the castle, interrupted +Alexander, and Frangipani appeared. + +"Holy Father," said the soldier, "I can no longer endure the presence +of these bandits; allow me to drive them away by force." + +"By no means; let no blood be spilled! Tell them," he said, turning to +Guerrazzi, "that there can be no alliance between Christians and the +enemies of God; tell them, distinctly, that Rome has naught to fear, so +long as she fights against the foes of the Church!" + +He withdrew, and a few moments later, Guerrazzi was again upon his +column, haranguing the rabble which pressed eagerly around him. The +tailor inveighed bitterly against the harshness of Alexander, who, he +asserted, had no pity for the sufferings of the people, and was +disposed to resist the Emperor at any cost. + +"I represented everything to him," he said, "I reminded him of Milan, +of your inevitable destruction if you rejected the proffered mercy! I +reminded him of our captive brothers who will certainly be hung, unless +we stretch out our hand to Barbarossa. With tears in my eyes, I +besought him to have pity upon us, upon our wives, upon our helpless +children; my words would have touched a heart of stone, but they were +powerless to move this barbarian. Do you call such a one a holy man, a +father?--He is a tyrant, a destroyer!" + +Guerrazzi at last had carried his point; the crowd was rampant with +sedition. + +"Death to Alexander! Down with the tyrant!" + +"Forward!" resumed the tailor, violently,--"brave people, rise in your +might, break your chains, and go to meet your Augustus!" + +He sprang to the ground, for his task was accomplished, and the fire of +sedition was spread rapidly through the masses. Rinaldo's emissaries +urged on the revolt, and soon nothing was heard but wild panegyrics of +Barbarossa, and curses against the Pope. + +Each day the excitement increased in Rome, where the Chancellor had +already distributed large sums of money, and where the seditious +harangues of Guerrazzi, Bariso, and many others embroiled everything. + +Alexander was denounced as a merciless savage. + +"Soon, brothers, you will suffer all the pangs of hunger," said the +tailor, always speaking from his favorite column. "You will be obliged +to feed upon roots, and leather, and old shoes, and other things too +disgusting to mention. What does Alexander care for our sufferings, he +is well provided with every luxury behind the walls of St. Angelo." + +"The man of the castle has no heart!" cried Bariso, who had replaced +Guerrazzi upon the pedestal; "if he had, would he compel us to bear +this misery, and submit to the misfortunes which ruined Milan? Yes, the +Emperor has sworn to destroy everything with fire and sword, if we do +not surrender within a week." + +"Alexander will not resign the pontifical chair," said another voice. +"What does it signify to him if his obstinacy causes our destruction? +Barbarossa desires to restore to Rome her ancient splendor and her +liberty. Alexander has other intentions, he claims everything for +himself. He cares for neither our honor, nor our glory; he is plotting +our ruin!" + +Every day there were popular meetings in different quarters of the +city, and loud complaints were launched against Alexander, while some +of the insurgents even went so far as to shout, through the loopholes +in the walls, words of encouragement to the enemy. + +At last Frederic stormed a portion of the works, and burned the church +of Santa Maria della Torre; the conflagration spread, and the vestibule +of the dome of Saint Peter was destroyed. + +From the summit of St. Angelo, the Pope saw the flames surround the +tomb of the prince of the Apostles; but although his face glowed with +indignation, and his lips trembled with emotion at the sacrilege, he +remained undaunted in his resolution to endure every trial in the +interest of the Church. He wept, and his tears were doubtless carried +to the foot of the eternal throne of God, where they pleaded for pity +and forgiveness. + +After the capture of the Vatican, Barbarossa attacked the castle of San +Angelo, but the assault failed. Several other positions were also in +the possession of the Papal troops, but a longer resistance seemed of +no avail. It was useless to remain in a city the people of which was +hostile. + +Alexander saw the precarious condition of the desecrated Church, and +resigning himself to his fate, determined to seek safety in flight. But +the enemy had evidently foreseen the contingency, and every disposition +had been made to prevent the escape of the Pontiff. + +A cordon of troops was drawn around the citadel; these were doubled +after nightfall, and so great was the importance which the Emperor +attached to the Pope's capture, that none but Germans were detailed on +the service, for Frederic had little confidence in his Italian +mercenaries. + +The gigantic castle of Saint Angelo rose towards heaven, and the gilded +statue of St. Michael glittered upon its summit. The helmeted sentinels +in full armor, their lances poised upon their shoulders, paced the +bridge with measured tread. At times they looked towards the castle, +then upon the river, and then towards the distant horizon; for they +knew that the Pope would seek to escape. + +Further on, a strong detachment of soldiers were sleeping on the +ground, with their helmets and lances carefully piled near them. Among +these might have been seen the knight Goswin and the tailor Guerrazzi, +who were engaged in earnest conversation. + +The frankness of the worthy German found little to sympathize with in +the crafty Italian; but Guerrazzi, who never lost the opportunity of +showing his zeal for the Emperor, had offered to keep him company and +share the fatigues of the night-watch. Of course no fault could be +found with this, but Goswin looked upon his companion much as a dog +would on a cat which fawned upon him. The German, it is true, had a +very limited intellect, but his natural good sense taught him that the +Italian was full of tricks and artifice. + +At first he paid no attention whatever to Guerrazzi, as if to show him +that his presence was a matter of perfect indifference, and he walked +up and down the banks of the Tiber immersed in thought. + +But Goswin was not a philosopher, and could not remain for hours at a +time in a revery, so he very soon began to weary of the silence, and +finally approached Guerrazzi. + +"A very fine evening!" said the knight, opening the conversation like +one who did not know what to say. + +"We are in the month of July, noble sir, and at this season, I think, +the custom ought to be to sleep all day and work at night." + +"Sleep all day!--you?" said Goswin; "did I not see you on the square, +haranguing the Romans, and working them up as a baker kneads soft +dough? And if I mistake not, you were at the allied camp before +daybreak? Don't you sleep either day or night?" + +"Not when there is anything to be done, my lord; and there will be, as +long as Rome is not entirely in the power of the Emperor!" + +"What means that statue on the top of the tower?" asked Goswin, +pointing to the castle. + +"Ah! that is a strange story," replied the tailor, laughing. "They used +to call the fort, Adrian's Mausoleum, but ever since an angel lighted +on it, it has been named the tower of Saint Angelo." + +"An angel came there? This is a strange story." + +"I will tell it to you in a few words. It happened one night while +Gregory the Great occupied the throne of St. Peter, that a terrible +pestilence had broken out in Rome. None knew whence the scourge came, +nor what caused it, but he who was smitten fell dead at once; the very +air was infected, and it is since then that it is customary to say when +a man sneezes: God bless you!--that means: may God preserve you from +the pestilence! Now, when the disease had reached its height, Pope +Gregory ordered a general fast and a procession through the city, to +implore God's pity. Nothing was of any avail, although the physicians +opposed the procession, on the ground that the concourse of so many +persons would necessarily tend to spread the contagion. Gregory, +absorbed in pious meditations, mounted to the summit of that tower, +precisely as Alexander has since done. The people marched slowly +onward, chanting the _miserere_; at every moment their ranks grew +thinner, as a corpse fell to the ground. Suddenly the sky became +illumined, and an angel was seen upon the tower. He held in his hand a +fiery sword, which he brandished over the city, and then he seemed to +return it to the scabbard. At the same instant the plague disappeared. +It is for this that you see there the image of the blessed Archangel +St. Michael, who protects us still, for since then the pestilence has +never appeared among us." + +"This is indeed a marvellous legend!" said Goswin. "The flaming sword +in the hand of St. Michael clearly shows the punishment which God +intended for the Romans." + +"There is no doubt about it," sneered Guerrazzi. + +"You laugh?" + +"Certainly; for I look upon the legend as an idle tale: old women often +see miracles where our cool, good sense perceives nothing which is not +entirely natural." + +"But did not the plague cease?" + +"Yes; but it would have disappeared all the same without St. Michael's +interference." + +The tailor's irony shocked the honest German, whose pious faith saw +nothing astonishing in the visitation of the glorious archangel. + +"If all the Romans thought as you do, they did not deserve St. +Michael's assistance." + +"Bah! the St. Michael of the mausoleum is not an article of the Creed! +Although I may think the story of the apparition false, I am not a +pagan." + +Goswin stared angrily at the tailor, and turned away. + +Whilst this scene was passing upon the bridge, Alexander was hurriedly +preparing for his flight. The garrison was ignorant of the intentions +of his Holiness, but in the antechamber of the apartment, the bishops +and cardinals were kneeling, and reciting fervently the prayer for the +safety of travellers. + +The door of the Pope's chamber was open, and through it might be seen +the Head of the Church and two ecclesiastics, all clothed as pilgrims, +kneeling before the little altar, on which burned two candles before a +large crucifix. + +The cardinals and bishops prayed with voices tremulous with emotion. + +"Aid thy servants, who have faith in thee, O God! Send us assistance +from thy holy place, and from Sion protect us! O Lord, be our strength +to resist the enemy, and let him not prevail against us! Praised be the +Lord! May he grant us a prosperous journey! Show us thy ways, and +direct us in thy paths. The crooked road shall be made straight, for +God has commanded his angels to protect thee on thy way. Lord, listen +to my prayer, and let the voice of my supplication come unto thee." + +"The Lord be with you," said the Pope at the altar. + +"And with thy Spirit," answered the cardinals. + +"Let us pray," added the Pope. "O God! thou who hast caused the sea to +be crossed as the dry land, thou who hast guided the magi by thy holy +star, grant to us a prosperous journey; and may we, under thy gracious +protection, arrive in safety at the goal to which we direct our steps. + +"_Amen_!" answered the cardinals. + +There was a profound silence, which was broken by the entrance of +Frangipani, who in full armor stood motionless before the door. The +bishops and cardinals remained seated, but the tears were coursing down +their cheeks, for as they looked upon the Pope, they trembled for his +safety. + +Without, was heard the measured tramp of the sentinels, then soon all +again was still. + +Alexander knelt once more at the foot of the altar, and raising his +eyes to the crucifix, + +"O my God! my Saviour!" said he with emotion, "protect the flock which +I am compelled to abandon! Be merciful to thy deluded people, for they +know not what they do." + +He paused and bent his head; then suddenly looking up, he exclaimed in +a loud voice: + +"O Almighty God of justice, look upon thy Church: turn thine eyes +towards thy spouse. See her misery, her forlorn condition, her +persecution, her danger! How far wilt thou allow this wickedness to +triumph, O Lord? O Lord, if thou hast pity on our misfortunes and our +griefs, come to the aid of thy Church! Awake, O Almighty God, bare thy +avenging arm! O Sweet Jesus, deign to save thy holy Church." + +Alexander's voice became stronger, and his features more animated, as +though he had seen a vision. His words also had a supernatural +expression, and the Pontiff seemed to have received, directly from the +Almighty, the power to bless and curse. + +At this critical moment, the representative of God upon earth had +repassed in his mind all the circumstances by the aid of which he had +struggled so long for the holy cause which had just been overthrown. +The giant grasp of the Emperor had clutched on the Church, and God +alone could compel him to leave his prey. The Pope felt all this, and +consequently it was to God that he looked for assistance, to him that +he addressed his prayers. + +The cardinals and bishops remained kneeling in deep emotion, as the +Pope, rising with the air of one who had confided everything to +faithful hands, bestowed upon them his solemn benediction. Then he took +his pilgrim's hat and staff, and, followed by his companions, descended +the steps of the altar. + +Frangipani had got all his men under arms in order to cover the Pope's +flight by a vigorous sortie, in case it was noticed by the besiegers. +Goswin had just lain down upon the ground and had begun to doze. + +The sentinel stood upon the bridge, his head bent forward upon his +breast, scarcely awake. A heavy cloud veiled the moon and threw long +shadows upon the city; a few doubtful rays glided upon the surface of +the stream and played here and there upon the armors. Suddenly a small +postern was cautiously opened and three persons came out from the +castle. + +Goswin was seated upon the ground, his face towards the river, his back +against a stone. The fatigues of the day forced Rinaldo's spy to +struggle against sleep, and he was scarcely conscious of what he saw, +everything was dim and indistinct before him. But the sense of hearing +had become more acute in proportion as the other faculties of the +tailor had diminished. + +An almost imperceptible noise came from the tower, and in a moment +Guerrazzi was on his feet peering eagerly into the night. He fancied +that he perceived human forms moving away under cover of the darkness, +and he hastily gave the alarm. + +"Halloa! up! look yonder; they are escaping from the castle." + +The drowsy soldiers heard a fall, a shout, and then a splashing in the +water. + +"What is the matter with you? what are you shouting about?" asked +Goswin. "Halloa! there he is again; ah! he has sunk a second time," +said the soldier, pointing with his lance towards the water. "The +idiot! why did he jump into the river if he did not know how to swim?" + +"Who has jumped into the river?" asked the sentinel. + +"The Italian; I don't know what was the matter; he suddenly cried out +that some one was leaving the castle, and then sprang into the Tiber. +Did you see anything?" + +"Nothing at all; everything was quiet; the idiot was dreaming, I +suppose." + +"All this comes because of his want of respect for St. Michael," said +Goswin. "The devil has blinded him so that he took the water to be the +solid ground. I should have liked to save him, but it is not possible +to fish in the dark." + +The soldiers crowded around the bridge and gazed at the water, which +was carrying the villain's body away. + + + + + _CHAPTER LIII_. + + _BARBAROSSA IN ROME_. + + +Alexander was in safety at Gaeta before his flight was discovered by +the Romans. Frederic's anger knew no bounds. + +"He has succeeded, after all, in eluding your guards and your +Brabancons," he said to Rinaldo, who communicated the fact to him. + +"If we were unable to seize the Pope in Rome, we shall be more +successful at Beneventon or Naples," replied the Chancellor. "It is +probably a piece of good luck by which not only Alexander but also his +champion, King William, will together swell the triumph of the Roman +Emperor." + +The news spread rapidly through the city, and a thousand details were +added, all in favor of the Pope's sanctity. Some even asserted that he +had penetrated unseen the line of sentinels, and that Guerrazzi had +perceived and tried to seize him, but had been thrown by invisible +hands into the Tiber. As he was going, added the crowd, the Holy Father +had fulminated the anathema against Barbarossa, and had called down the +vengeance of Heaven upon the head of the wicked Emperor, while a flash +of lightning had pierced the clouds, announcing the most dire +misfortunes. + +These marvels were related everywhere, and acquired additional credit +from their very circulation. + +Frederic determined to make his triumphal entry into Rome on the 3d of +August, when he and Beatrice would be crowned in the Church of St +Peter, and receive the allegiance of the inhabitants. It was necessary +that Frederic should enter Rome with becoming pomp, and immense +preparations were being made for the reception. St. Peter's Square and +its vicinity was profusely decked with flags, and flowers, and laurel +crowns; and tall poles, hung with streamers and appropriate emblems, +were set up in all the streets through which the procession was to +pass. Frederic had announced three days of popular festivity, during +which he was to appear in public, robed in the Imperial purple, and +dispense his bounties in person. The Romans were favorably disposed; +all the avenues were alive with crowds of citizens in their holiday +attire, and in each house everything was being made ready for the +banquet. + +In the army, too, every one was busy; the squires and men-at-arms +brightened up their armor and polished their lances and bucklers; in +the ecclesiastical quarter, the chaplains were preparing the sumptuous +vestments of the prelates, while the nobles were assembled in Council +near their sovereign, deeply intent upon the organization of the +cavalcade. + +Heaven alone appeared unwilling to take part in the festival. Until +then the burning sky had diffused a stifling heat, but on the eve of +the ceremony heavy clouds began to collect upon the distant horizon, +and pile up in dark masses, whence flashed lurid sheets of fire, while +the thunder rolled menacingly. Still the air was calm, and scarcely a +puff of wind fluttered the gay pennons of the knights. All nature +seemed hushed in dread expectancy. + +Goswin was seated at his door, watching the darkening sky, and as the +weather became more overcast and the lightning blazed more fiercely, he +shook his head uneasily. + +"Tighten the tent-cords, Bruno," he said, turning to his squire; "we +shall have a storm soon." + +Hardly was the order given before the tempest burst forth in all its +fury. The tents were prostrated or else whirled away by the wind; and +on all sides were heard the shouts and cries of the soldiers struggling +amidst a deluge of rain to repair the wild confusion. + +Fortunately the hurricane was of short duration, and subsided as +rapidly as it had arisen; but it seemed as though a threat from Heaven +weighed down the army and the city. The lightning had ceased, and the +thunder rolled no longer, but the clouds, which had been chasing +rapidly through the air, suddenly stopped, as though they had reached +their destination, and hung over Rome, gloomy and mournful as a +funeral-pall. + +Knights and pages looked with apprehension upon this ominous calm. To +most it seemed as though the storm was only massing its strength in +order the better to destroy all within its reach. + +"What a singular tempest!" exclaimed Frederic, who had been driven from +his tent by the violence of the gale; "it is as though chaos had come +again." + +As if in answer to the Emperor, a dazzling flash furrowed the sky, and +extended from above the camp to the Eternal City, as though to presage +its destruction, and then the lightning again blazed forth, and crash +succeeded crash, while the rain poured down in torrents. Then there was +a pause, followed by three deafening peals, at regular intervals, and +all was still. + +The statue of the Archangel no longer guarded the summit of Saint +Angelo; the tempest had hurled it from its pedestal. All was wild +uproar; and the affrightened soldiers sought shelter where they could +from the violence of the storm. + +"Woe to us!" they cried; "our last day is at hand; we must all perish +in this deluge!" + +But although the environs of the city were laid waste, no one was +fatally injured, and soon the clouds rolled away, and the stars shone +out brightly in the dark azure of the cloudless sky. + +During the height of the storm, two soldiers were riding towards the +camp, but it was in vain that they spurred on their jaded steeds; the +terrified animals tumbled and stood still, as each flash burst forth. + +So far as his appearance went, one of these horsemen belonged to the +highest rank of the aristocracy; his armor was costly and richly +arabesqued in gold, and his helmet bore a Count's coronet; but on the +shield the only device was a simple cross, the emblem of the crusaders. +His face, half hidden under his casque, was bronzed by the suns of +Asia, and his eyes shone brightly, as if he would have defied the fury +of the elements. He rode on calmly, with loosened rein, and at times +patted his charger's neck, with words of encouragement. + +"What is the matter, my good Velox?" he said; "we have braved many a +storm before. Courage, good horse, we will soon be there." + +On his arrival at camp, the stranger requested to be taken at once to +the Imperial tent. + +Frederic was seated at a table; before him a parchment was spread out, +which he was reading attentively, and occasionally crossing out words +and writing marginal notes. He was correcting the sermon which his Pope +was to deliver next day in the Church of St. Peter. + +A heavy step was heard, and the Emperor looked up, angrily, for he had +expressly forbidden all intrusion. But when the curtain of the tent was +drawn aside, and a man of tall stature and noble bearing entered, +Frederic uttered an exclamation of glad surprise. Throwing down his +pen, he sprang forward and caught Rechberg in his arms. + +"God be thanked! You are back at last.--Come here, my boy, and let me +look at you!" and the Emperor led him to the table. "Why, you have +grown to be a man, Erwin! Your eyes glow with the fire of the Eastern +sun, and your face has gained a look of energy and resolution." + +He again embraced him, and laying aside the sermon, ordered in some +refreshments. + +"You are wet to the skin, Erwin; change your clothes first," said +Frederic. "Why did you travel in this horrible weather?" + +"The storm broke upon me suddenly, and as far as I can judge, it has +done some damage in the camp. All I need do is to change my surcoat." + +The powerful figure of the young man stood out in bold relief before +the Emperor, who looked upon him with an expression of almost paternal +interest, which softened his stern features. + +"How does it happen that we have had no news of you for the last two +years?" + +"The Infidels captured me while I was asleep, and for eighteen months I +have been in a dungeon, with scarcely a hope of release, for the ransom +which they demanded was exorbitant." + +"I don't blame them," said Frederic, laughing; "you cost them dear +enough. All the pilgrims returning from the Holy Land relate marvels of +your prowess." + +"At last the Knights of the Temple stormed the fortress where I was +confined, and delivered me." + +"Ah! the Templars!--Valiant warriors! Their courage is wonderful, and +their daring amounts wellnigh to rashness; but how did you get back to +Europe?" + +"On a Norman ship, which landed me at Tarentum." + +"Well! you will tell me all your adventures when we have more leisure. +I look forward with pleasure to their recital. But you arrived most +opportunely for the celebrations of our late victories. We are to crown +Pascal to-morrow in the Church of St. Peter." + +Rechberg made no answer, but his face wore a pained expression. + +"As I have just returned from Palestine," he said, after a brief pause, +"I trust, my dear godfather, that you will excuse me from taking part +in Pascal's glorification." + +"Very good! I understand," exclaimed the Emperor, with a slight frown. +"The Crusader is not inclined to recognize our Pope! Well, well, be it +so! you shall be entirely free to act in everything which concerns your +conscience." + +The two kinsmen continued their conversation until a late hour of the +night. + + + + + _CHAPTER LIV_. + + _THE TRIUMPHAL ENTRY_. + + +At last the day so anxiously longed for by Barbarossa arrived; the +tents which had been overthrown by the storm were again pitched, and +the Romans completed their preparations for the festival. + +Still all hearts appeared to suffer from this fictitious joy; no one +seemed at his ease; a dull presentiment hovered over Rome, where all +felt vaguely that the angel of vengeance was at hand. + +A crowd of citizens dressed in holiday attire, was assembled upon the +main road leading from Saint Angelo to the Basilica of St. Peter. The +settled gloom of their features contrasted strikingly with their +brilliant costume, and as they glanced towards the castle, where had +stood formerly the statue of St. Michael, they shook their heads and +sighed. + +"Saint Michael has protected us for centuries," said an old man, "but +he has disappeared now! May God have mercy on us!" + +"You are alarmed at nothing, Master Bartholomew," replied his friend +Anselm; "you know that metals attract the lightning, and as the statue +was of gilded bronze, it could scarcely escape the fluid at that +exposed point." + +"You are very wise, Anselm," resumed the first speaker; "but the statue +has stood there unhurt during all the storms of five hundred years! not +one had power against it until the eve of our reception of this +schismatical Emperor!" + +"It is nothing but the merest chance!" + +"Take care, Bartholomew," added a third, "the Emperor has hosts of +friends, and it might be dangerous to speak against him." + +"I am certain that chance has had nothing to do with it!--I take care! +Anselm, do you think that an old man of eighty-seven years of age is +afraid to speak the truth? Yes, Barbarossa is a schismatic, he is the +scourge of the Church. He will bring bad luck to Rome, and I know there +are many who think as I do, but have not courage enough to express +their opinion!--Look how money has been lavished here for the last four +weeks! but see if the gold and the treason which it purchased do not +burn those who are guilty!" + +And Bartholomew started off again in the direction of the Castle of +Saint Angelo. + +"He is right in the main," said Gervase; "not a man in Rome has a doubt +who is the lawful Pope, but what could we do? the terrible Barbarossa +would have demolished Rome, as he did Milan, without the slightest +scruple." + +"Certainly he would," replied Anselm. + +"Is it true that Alexander has anathematized the city?" + +"No, no!" exclaimed several voices; "he did not even curse Barbarossa." + +"I can speak positively on this point," said Anselm, "Frangipani heard +the Pope's very words as he was kneeling before the image of our +Saviour; this is what he said:--'Arise, O Lord, and judge between me +and my enemies! O Almighty God, stretch out thine arm against the +enemies of the Church!'--This was precisely what happened, and nothing +more." + +"It is quite enough! he called down Heaven's vengeance upon us, and we +may expect the most direful calamities!" + +"Nonsense!" said Anselm; "all this is merely the effect of yesterday's +tempest." + +"What a time that was, what a storm!" + +"Yes, and cries and groans were heard in the air." + +"And some people even saw a cross of fire above St. Peter's Church." + +"Did not the hurricane come from the direction of Gaeta? Such a thing +was never known before; I tell you it was more than natural." + +"You are a fool, Ambrose." + +"Alexander is at Gaeta, and Rome may yet regret that she deserted the +Head of the Church. Say what you please, that was no ordinary storm. +Did you not notice in what a gloomy terrible manner it burst upon the +city?" + +"Cheer up; mayhap you will be elected to the Senate, and the +embroidered toga will soon make you forget your scruples of conscience. +But here comes the procession." + +At this moment the bells of St. Peter began to toll. + +"Come to my house," said Ambrose, "we can see it so much better from +the balcony." + +The cavalcade advanced; first came a body of knights occupying the +entire width of the street; at their head rode the herald of +the Empire, dressed in a splendid tabard. On either side was a +standard-bearer, clad in a sumptuous costume, and glancing haughtily +upon the crowd. Behind them came the serried ranks of the knights, who +had laid aside their coats-of-mail, their lances, and their shields. +They wore only their swords, and were all in plated armor, which shone +in the rays of the August sun like a moving sea of silver. + +"How formidable those men of iron appear on their chargers!" said +Ambrose; "how powerfully built they seem! those Germans are sturdy +soldiers!" + +"At last they have all gone by; how many were there? Just look, how +they drive the crowd back on St. Peter's Square, to form a brazen wall +up to the Basilica." + +"Here come the bishops! Holy Virgin, how magnificently they are +dressed! Anselm, count the prelates.--I want to know how many of them +there are." + +"Do you see that one with long, black hair? That is the bishop who +fought so bravely in the last attack, And that one behind him, with the +red head, is the Bishop of Osnabruck,--a miserable villain!" + +"Yes; they all look ill-natured and wicked; they ought to be called the +Emperor's spiritual knights; how they glare at everybody!--By St. +Peter! I would not like to be confirmed by one of those gentlemen; they +strike too hard!" + +During this conversation, the bishops had approached the Church; they +wore brilliant mitres on their heads, and their steeds were covered +with gorgeous housings. + +Next after the bishops came the Antipope Pascal in full Pontifical +robes, surrounded by the prelates of his court. But the costume of this +Head of the Church became him as little as it had done his predecessor, +Octavian, and his embarrassed manner and undignified carriage formed a +painful contrast with the exalted and difficult functions of the +ministry which he was called upon to discharge. + +"Fancy Alexander by the side of Pascal," said Ambrose. "What a +difference! In Alexander everything showed the real pope: his looks, +his words, his bearing, even the glance of his eye. But with Pascal +there is nothing! Bah! the Emperor has made a singular choice to fill +St. Peter's chair." + +"Silence!" cried Anselm, "here comes the divinity of the festival, the +_Divus Augustus_ himself." + +At this moment the mob shouted,-- + +"Long live the Emperor! Hail, Great Augustus!" + +Frederic appeared mounted on a magnificent charger; by his side rode +the Empress Beatrice, and in front was borne the Imperial banner. + +As he approached the castle, the crowd made a movement, the applause +ceased, and all eyes were turned to the tower of Saint Angelo. + +In place of the image of the mighty Archangel, an immense flag hung +from its summit. This unexpected memento of their humiliation created a +most painful impression upon the Romans, who looked in vain for the +venerated emblem of their patron saint. Alexander's curse, with all its +fearful consequences, recurred to their minds, and hushed the cries of +rejoicing, even among the paid emissaries of the Chancellor, and it was +amid a death-like silence that Frederic moved towards the church of St. +Peter. + +"What does this mean?" said Gervase, who, from the balcony, could not +perceive the flag; "everybody is staring at the castle, and the cries +of 'Hail to the Emperor! Glory to the great Augustus!' have ceased." + +"Only look at the Imperial mantle! how it glitters!" + +"Yes; and see how proudly Barbarossa rides! They might call him +_Jupiter tonans_!" + +In fact, Frederic slowly advanced with the grave and stern bearing of a +conqueror. Not a trace of emotion was visible on his countenance, and +his eyes glanced calmly upon the admiring multitude. + +A branch of laurel was entwined upon his diadem, and he bore, in his +right hand, the Imperial sceptre, with a more haughty grace than +Augustus himself in his triumphal chariot. + +"The Empress is a gracious lady," said Anselm; "she looks like a lamb +by the side of a lion." + +"Who is that red-bearded noble behind the Emperor?" + +"Frederic of Hohenstauffen, Duke of Suabia, a good and kind prince, +very different from his cousin. They say the Emperor does not trust +him, and that the Duke looks so sadly, because Frederic forced him to +join his army. + +"Ah! look there! Here comes the Chancellor Rinaldo! What a handsome +little man he is! See how he smiles,--you would never imagine, from his +appearance, that he is deceit personified?" + +A squadron of men-at-arms closed the procession, which was followed by +an immense crowd. + +"Quick, my friends," said Ambrose, "let us go to St. Peter's as fast as +we can! If we can only get through the crowd! What a retinue of +bishops!" + +"Yes, seventy-three!--it is a holy number, for both seven and three are +in it!" + +The church was filled to overflowing. Pascal offered up the holy +sacrifice, upon the tomb of the blessed Apostles Peter and Paul, in the +presence of those who, instead of discharging the functions of their +sacred ministry, had entered God's sanctuary like thieves and robbers. +The people often have singular presentiments, and scarcely had Pascal +mounted the steps of the altar, when a murmur of discontent broke out. +For a moment a riot seemed imminent, and many of the spectators +endeavored to leave the church, through dread of some violence to the +Antipope, the Emperor, and the schismatical bishops. + +During the ceremony, Frederic knelt devoutly, and Beatrice took her +place by the side of her husband. + +At the conclusion of the Mass, Frederic ascended his throne, and Pascal +seated himself in the pontifical chair, which was placed opposite. The +Emperor wore the Imperial crown, in his right hand he held the sceptre, +in his left the globe. In the space between the two thrones knelt the +bishops, all of whom rose when Rinaldo proceeded to the altar to read +aloud the formula, by which the clergy were to swear allegiance to +Pascal as lawful Pope. + +The organ and the solemn chants ceased; and Rinaldo's voice resounded +through the church, while the people looked on with sullen interest. +The hands were raised, the oath administered, and then each in turn +approached the Emperor's throne to pledge him his obedience. + +On the first step they bowed respectfully, on the second they knelt +before the monarch and kissed the hand which held the sceptre; then +they moved towards the altar, knelt before Pascal and kissed his +pastoral ring, in token of submission. + +Meanwhile the organ broke out into a joyful strain, and the choir sang, +but the melody found no echo in the hearts of the Romans. + +The conviction that the schismatic Pascal was a mere tool of the +Emperor, and that this assembly was composed of bishops who were aliens +to the Church, wounded all their preconceived ideas. They feared lest +the vengeance of God should come to punish this usurpation of Saint +Peter's chair. Many again tried to leave the church, but the crowd +without choked up all egress. + +The Emperor placed his right hand (which had borne the sceptre) upon +his knee, and each bishop kissed it as he passed, but he scarcely +perceived their presence. His haughty soul was floating in an ocean of +gratified pride. At last he was seated in that place which Alexander +once had occupied, and where his predecessors used to receive the +homage of Christendom. What a change! Alexander was a helpless +fugitive, and Pascal was his creature, his puppet; he himself was the +real _Pontifex Maximus_. Absolute master of Church and State, he was at +last at the pinnacle of greatness; success had crowned his efforts; all +Christendom was his vassal. He glanced towards the kneeling bishops, +and then his eyes turned to the crowd as if he could no longer delay +the moment when they too should swear him their allegiance. + +But God has not yet given to mortals the power to thwart his designs. +If for a time he allows the wicked man to prosper, it is to cut him off +at the decisive moment of his career. + +The hand of the Almighty was raised against the master of the world: +the cup was full, and at the very moment when Barbarossa was dreaming +of new conquests, the avenging angel hovered around his head. + +The ceremony was nearly at an end. + +Frederic turned towards the Pope, as if to say: + +"Well then, speak, repeat the lesson which I have taught you." + +It appeared as though the sermon which had been prepared and revised by +the Emperor, was not to Pascal's liking; still he dared not disobey his +master's sign--he descended from the altar. Again the music ceased, and +a profound silence prevailed through the church, where all listened +anxiously for what the Imperial Pope was to say. + +But Pascal was not to speak. + +Scarcely was he in front of the altar, when an extraordinary movement +commenced in the crowd; here and there persons fell lifeless. It seemed +as though death was smiting its chosen victims. At first it was thought +to be merely the result of fainting-fits, so often met with in crowded +assemblages; but as the mortality continued to spread, and the corpses +immediately became covered with black spots, a great fear seized the +minds of all. + +"He is dead! really dead!" said Gervase, who was supporting the body of +his friend Ambrose. "May God have mercy on his soul!" + +And he made the sign of the cross on his forehead. + +"But see how black he becomes!" said Anselm. "By all the saints! it is +the plague!" + +Scarcely had he spoken, when his words were repeated by the crowd. + +"The plague! the plague!" was cried out on all sides. + +"God help us! the pestilence is in Rome!" exclaimed the people, as they +fled tumultuously through the doors to escape from the infected +atmosphere. + +At first the Emperor's face flushed with anger, for he imagined that it +was a scheme concocted by the malevolence of his adversaries; but when +the crowd began to scatter in disorder, and the terrible cry, "the +pestilence is among us," was heard, a mortal dread fell upon the +Imperial retinue. The bishops grew pale, and many a remorseful +conscience whispered,-- + +"It is the vengeance of an offended God." + +Still Frederic gave no signs of fear or agitation; his dauntless spirit +was a stranger to any such sentiments. He merely regretted the +interruption of the ceremony, that was all. He had erected his +triumphal throne in the Church of St. Peter, in the very heart of +Christendom, and his eyes gleamed with menace and discontent, as though +he would have forced the pestilence itself to recoil before his frown. +But death fears no mortal man, not even him who, seated on the topmost +pinnacle of successful ambition, thinks to rival God. + +Already the plague had struck down some of Frederic's own retinue. + +Count Ludolf of Dassel, the Chancellor's brother, had fallen dead, at a +few steps from the throne; and his neighbor, the Bishop Alexander of +Lodi, a few moments after, shared his fate. The prelates looked with +stupid wonder at these corpses, all bearing distinctive marks of the +scourge. Not one among them had the courage to stoop down and perform +the last duties which the Church enjoins. These men had none of the +noble sentiments of their calling; they had the vices and the passions +of the court, hands fitted only to wield the sword, and guilty hearts +which scarcely now began to be touched by repentance. + +Many wished to follow the example set them by the Romans, but the +Emperor's voice forbade. + +"What means this, my lords? What, Bishop of Luttich, you, one of the +most valiant swords in my army, would you too be one of the first to +fly from danger? If God sends us a misfortune, we will bear it with +becoming resignation." + +He ordered the grand marshal to arrange the return to his camp. There +was no disorder. The people had left the church, and the square of St. +Peter was deserted; for the Romans, in the vain hope of escaping the +pestilence, had sought refuge within their dwellings. At first the +bugles sounded the march, but the joyous music met with no response; +there were no shouts of popular applause; the streets were empty, and +on all sides were seen the corpses of the victims. Princes and prelates +rode along with downcast eyes and looks expressive of grief and +apprehension. Suddenly a soldier fell dead from his horse; the +pestilence was among the men-at-arms. The bugles were silent, the +cavalcade halted for an instant, and then all was wild confusion; the +ranks were broken, and each man dashed madly forward to escape from the +infected air of the empoisoned city. + +All order was lost; the return to camp was like a rout, and even +Barbarossa and his consort urged their horses to a gallop to regain +their tents. + + + + + _CHAPTER LV_. + + _THE HAND OF GOD_. + + +The plague continued to rage as violently as it had broken out. Death +smote its victims without forewarning: some fell as they were putting +foot in stirrup to mount their steeds; others, by the side of the +friend whom they were placing in the grave, which had been dug for him +through charity. + +"God chastises us for our behavior to the Pope," said the Romans. + +This feeling spread even among the German soldiery. The tents were +emptied of their inhabitants who had fallen victims to the direful +contagion. In a few days, many thousands had perished, and among them +the Emperor's cousin, the Duke of Suabia, and Diepold of Bohemia; but +the bishops were attacked with marked virulence, and it seemed as +though not one of them was destined to return to his home. There was a +dead silence everywhere, unbroken even by the clash of arms, and naught +was heard but the creaking of the death-carts piled up with corpses +which were thrown together by hundreds into a common pit. But soon it +was no longer possible even to bury them, and the dead bodies lay +rotting in the sun; adding by their pestilential odors to the malignity +of the disease. + +Even the horses were attacked; they fell into a species of stupor which +terminated in death. Still, although his camp was almost depopulated, +Barbarossa remained unmoved; he hoped that the plague would wear itself +out, and that he might resume the great work which it had interrupted. +As yet the Romans had not sworn allegiance to the Empire, Pascal had +not been installed as sovereign Pontiff and Frangipani still held +bravely out in the Castle of St. Angelo, The partisans of Alexander +must be entirely destroyed; and to accomplish this Frederic would not +yield a step, not even to the plague. + +In this determination he was encouraged by Dassel. + +"If we give up now," he said, "we are lost. All Christendom will look +upon our defeat as a judgment of Heaven. You cannot hereafter undertake +anything which will not appear to be marked with the seal of divine +displeasure." + +Frederic admitted the justice of the policy, and determined to dare +everything. He rode through the streets of the camp, striving to +encourage his troops. Erwin was always at his side, although he had +frequently implored his young kinsman to return to Germany. + +"You must go beyond the Alps," he said. "I wish it; and as soon as this +Roman question is settled, I will join you." + +"But I will not go, my dear godfather, even were the camp peopled with +corpses." + +The Emperor was deeply touched by this mark of affection, and he +pressed the young man's hand with emotion. + +One day, Barbarossa returned to his tent, after his usual round of +inspection. The destruction of his army seemed inevitable, if it was +not soon removed from this pestilential atmosphere, and his indomitable +pride was crushed at last. + +He ordered the immediate attendance of his chancellor. + +Rinaldo was writing in his tent; near him sat his favorite pupil +Hillin, who had been nominated upon his recommendation to the bishopric +of Augsburg, and the Chancellor was then dispatching his orders and +instructions to the chapter, for which Hillin was to start at once. + +"You have scarcely as yet the age which is prescribed by the canons," +said Dassel; "but the canons are out of date, like many other things. +What an absurdity it is to leave talent unrewarded on the pretext of +youth! How old are you, Hillin?" + +There was no reply. + +"I ask you your age." + +Still there was the same silence! He turned his head and started back +in horror. Hillin was dead, his hand still held the pen, his arms +rested on the table, and his head had fallen forward upon the +parchment. + +Shaking his head in astonishment, Dassel walked towards the corpse and +then called for his servants. His fear had passed away, for the +Chancellor was not easily agitated. + +"Hillin is dead," he said; "the young man had fine prospects, and would +have been useful; but dead, he is only a nuisance. Take away this +carcass!" + +At this moment the Emperor sent for him, and Rinaldo, throwing into the +fire the now useless letter, dressed himself in his court-robes and +repaired to his master's presence. + +Frederic's face was sad and calm. He replied to his minister's bow with +a mute smile, and motioned him to a seat. + +"Chancellor," he said; "we have done all that is possible. But Heaven +seems inexorable; the plague rages with renewed fury; two-thirds of my +army have perished, and if we remain here longer, the remainder will +share their fate." + +"Still we must stay here. Our flight will only aggravate our condition; +I have foreseen all this. The plague will cease as unexpectedly as it +began." + +"But if it really were a chastisement from God?" said Barbarossa. + +Rinaldo sneered viciously: he looked steadily at the Emperor for a +moment, and then answered,-- + +"We must then suppose that God amuses himself by punishing the Romans +every year; for every year the heat raises these noxious vapors from +the marshes, and breeds a pestilential fever; it is an unhealthy +climate, that is all that can be said." + +Barbarossa shook his head. + +"Your explanations are not satisfactory," he replied; "this is no +fever, it is the plague, and the plague is not the result of mere +chance, it is the effect of divine wrath! We must humble ourselves +before God!" + +"By all means, Sire; and since God opposes our designs, we must give +up, and acknowledge ourselves to be beaten by Alexander!" + +This remark touched the Emperor's pride, and Rinaldo continued his +arguments. + +"I thought," he said, "that it was only the rabble who had these ideas +about God's judgment--" + +A wild shriek closed his speech: the Chancellor was a corpse, and +Barbarossa stood gazing upon his confidant, whose features still bore +the impress of devilish hate. + +The Germans, however, did not abandon the bodies of their princes. All +were embalmed and transported from Italy beyond the Alps, to be buried +in the cathedrals of their native land. Two large tents were pitched, +beneath which were laid out in state the deceased nobles: the bishops +in full canonicals, with cross and mitre; the knights in complete +armor, as if about to go to battle. + +A small escort rode up: in front came the cross, borne by the Bishop of +Pavia, and followed by the clergy, and then Rinaldo's body, carried by +four of his own soldiers; Barbarossa, Rechberg, and a few of the nobles +closed the procession. At the entrance, the Bishop of Pavia recited the +prayers for the dead, and then the mortal remains of the once powerful +Chancellor were deposited with the others. All, save the Emperor and +his kinsman, departed in silence, but Frederic still stood there, sad +and dejected, a tear in his eye, gazing upon all that was left on earth +of those who had died in his cause. There lay his cousin the Duke of +Suabia; near him Diepold of Bohemia, Count Berenger of Sulzbach. +Rodolph of Pfulendorf, Henry of Tubingen, and Ludolf of Dassel, the +bishops of Prague, Ratisbon, and Augsburg, of Basle, of Spires, and of +Constance, of Toul and Verdern and Cologne. Who could say whether he +too would not soon take his place among these lifeless bodies? He began +at last to look with awful fear upon his eternal future, and almost +completely weaned from earthly vanities, he returned to his own +apartments. + + + + + _CHAPTER LVI_. + + _CONCLUSION_. + + +Barbarossa retreated with the remains of his once powerful army towards +Germany; but before he had reached Lucca, two thousand more were +stricken down by the pestilence. Attacked and annoyed on all sides by +the Lombard league, he finally fought his way to the loyal city of +Pavia, where he rejoined the Empress Beatrice and was able to take some +repose. + +But the terrible chastisement at Rome had only quelled his pride for +the moment, and it now broke out again, as he turned to crush the +Lombard league. The confederation had attained an extension which he +had not anticipated; Lodi and Cremona had joined it, and all swore to +root the German rule out of Italy. + +But although Frederic was preparing to open an energetic campaign +against the Lombards, the reasons which had induced our hero to remain +in the camp existed no longer, and he felt himself irresistibly drawn +towards Castellamare. He was only at two days' journey from the +dwelling of his betrothed; but the roads were infested with the light +troops of the Lombard league. Still the young knight determined to risk +everything, and he informed the Emperor of his intentions, with little +care whether they met with his sovereign's approval or not. + +To his surprise, however, Barbarossa listened gravely, but without any +marks of disapprobation. + +"I should be wrong," he said, "to make any further opposition to a love +which has survived so many trials. Bonello acted badly, but I have +since learned he is not implicated in this new confederation, although +his refusal may have been really perilous to his own safety, and this +deserves some consideration. I approve of your choice, Erwin, and wish +you every happiness; but the roads are unsafe, and I cannot now give +you the proper escort." + +"The insurgents will respect my pilgrim's cape," replied the young man. + +It was true, the pious spirit of this age forgot every party feeling in +presence of the crusader's staff, and even Frederic's hatred was +obliged to do this justice to his adversaries. + +Rechberg left the Emperor to search for his faithful Gero. As he passed +through the palace he met a nobleman who was entering at the gates. It +was Heribert of Rapallo. + +"Have you aught to lay before His Majesty, sir knight?" asked Rechberg. + +"Yes, if you will assist me," replied Heribert, who was attracted by +the frank demeanor of our hero; "but I can find no one to present me to +him. I have already spoken fruitlessly to several persons, but it is +absolutely necessary that I communicate to the Emperor a message from +the lady of Castellamare. I must speak with him." + +"The lady of Castellamare!" said Erwin, whose heart was beating +violently. + +"As you are the only person who has shown me any courtesy, you shall +know the whole affair. Hermengarde, for so the lady is named, has been +betrothed for six years past to the Emperor's cousin, the famous Count +Erwin of Rechberg. But the Count went to Palestine, where, it is said, +he fell a victim to the Saracens; and Bonello, the lady's father, now +wishes her to choose another husband." + +"And Hermengarde?" said Erwin, trembling. + +"She will obey, provided the Count be really dead, but she still doubts +the fact." + +The young man grew pale. + +"Count Rechberg!" he spoke wildly as if he scarcely knew the import of +his words. "But I have heard of him; I think that I remember." + +"Where then is he? does he live?" inquired Rapallo, with a voice of +mixed joy and sadness. + +"He does live." + +"God be thanked!" + +"Do you know him who seeks Hermengarde's love?" asked Rechberg. + +"It is I." + +"And yet you would rejoice at the Count's safe return?" + +"With all my heart! Hermengarde would have married me only through +obedience to her father's wishes." + +"You are a noble heart," said Rechberg, taking the other's hand. "Yes, +Erwin of Rechberg still lives, and he stands before you now." + +Heribert uttered an involuntary ejaculation of surprise and started +back; then he bowed respectfully. + +"The Emperor's cousin is your friend for life," said Erwin; "it can +never be otherwise, after such noble self-devotion. Come with me to my +own apartments, for I have many questions to ask you." + +On the next day they started with their retinue for Castellamare. The +journey was made without interruption, for although they encountered +many of the Lombard bands, Heribert's pass-words removed every +opposition. Erwin soon perceived that his companion belonged to the +League; but this circumstance in no way injured him in his +consideration. Although thoroughly loyal to his sovereign, Rechberg +could not approve of his system of government, and was obliged to admit +that the insurrection was by no means without cause. On the second day +they reached Castellamare, where joy knew no bounds, and the old +Bonello even wept with emotion. + +A few months later, the marriage of the long betrothed couple took +place in the presence of all the nobility of the province. + +Frederic succeeded in retreating into Germany; but he was no longer a +conqueror at the head of his army; he was a fugitive. + +The catastrophe at Rome had annihilated all his plans, and the people +were convinced that God had interfered between him and the Church. His +partisans were discouraged and lost all influence; and he was at last +compelled to sue for a reconciliation with Alexander. + +The meeting of the two sovereigns took place at Venice, where they +embraced, and swore a friendship which was never afterwards broken. + +No longer guided by the pernicious counsels of his Chancellor, Frederic +attended to his duties, and abjured all his errors. He governed his +empire with energy and justice; and what he could not accomplish with +the Church against him, was an easy task as soon as he submitted to her +sway; within a few years he became the most powerful sovereign of the +world. + +At last, at an advanced age, he left Germany for the Holy Land. But he +could not reach the goal which he sought, and on the very frontier of +Palestine, on the 10th of June, 1190, he found his death in the +freezing waters of the Cyanus. + +The crusaders recovered his body, which they buried under the banner of +the cross, at Antioch. + +Recalled to the presence of his God, in the fulfilment of a holy +enterprise, Barbarossa, we may hope, expiated the errors of his past +life, and was vouchsafed the forgiveness of his sins. + + + + THE END. + + + + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Barbarossa; An Historical Novel of the +XII Century., by Conrad von Bolanden + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BARBAROSSA; AN HISTORICAL *** + +***** This file should be named 33487.txt or 33487.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/3/3/4/8/33487/ + +Produced by Charles Bowen, from page scans provided by the Web Archive + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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