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.
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 Besançon, 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 themselvesPontifices 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.
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 callruina 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 thestranger, 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."
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.