Barbarossa; An Historical Novel of the XII Century.. Conrad von Bolanden
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