XXI
A SECRET MARRIAGE
Blessed is he that expects nothing, for he shall not be disappointed.Roland walked with Greusel across the bridge and through the streets tothe entrance of the Rheingold, and there stopped.
"I shall not go down with you," he said. "You have given me much tothink of, and I am in no mood for a hilarious meeting. Indeed, I fear Ishould but damp the enthusiasm of the lads. Continue your good workto-morrow, and report to me at my room."
With this Roland bade Greusel good-night and turned away. He walked veryslowly as far as the bridge, and there, resting his arms on the parapet,looked down at the dark water. He was astonished to realize how littlehe cared about giving up the Emperorship, and he recalled, with a glowof delight, his recent talk in the garden with Hildegunde, and herassurance that she lacked all ambition to become the first lady in theland so long as they two spent their lives together.
The bells of Frankfort tolling the hour of ten aroused him from hisreverie, and brought down his thoughts from delicious dreams of romanceto realms of reality. The precious minutes were passing over his headswiftly as the drops of water beneath his feet. There was little use offeeding Frankfort if it must be given over to fire and slaughter.
With a chill of apprehension he reviewed the cold treachery of Mayence,willing to levy the horrors of civil war upon an already stricken cityso long as his own selfish purposes were attained.
"And yet," he said to himself, "there must be good in the man. I wish Iknew his history. Perhaps he had to fight for every step he has risen inthe world. Perhaps he has been baffled and defeated by deception;overcome by chicanery until his faith died within him. My faith woulddie within me were it not that when I meet a Mayence I encounter alsothe virtue of a Cologne, and the bluff honesty of a Count Palatine. Howmarvelous is this world, where the trickery of a Kurzbold and a Gensbeinis canceled by the faithfulness unto death of a Greusel and anEbearhard! Thus doth good balance evil, and then--and then, how Heavenbeams upon earth in the angel glance of a good woman. God guide mearight! God guide me aright!" he repeated fervently, "and suppress in meall anger and uncharitableness."
He walked rapidly across the bridge into Sachsenhausen, past his room atthe street corner, and on to the monastery of the Benedictines, whoselittle chapel stood open night and day for the prayers of those introuble or in sadness, habited only by one of the elder brothers, whogave, if it were needed, advice, encouragement, or spiritual comfort.Removing his hat, the Prince entered into the silence on tiptoe, andkneeling before the altar, prayed devoutly for direction, asking theAlmighty to turn the thoughts of His servant, Mayence, into channelsthat flowed towards peace and the relief of this unhappy city.
As he rose to his feet a weight lifted from his shoulders, and thebuoyancy of youth drove away the depression that temporarily overcamehim on hearing of the army threatening Frankfort. His plans were honest,his methods conciliatory, and the path now seemed clear before him. Themonk in charge, who had been kneeling in a dark corner near the door,now came forward to intercept him.
"Will your Highness deny me in the chapel as you did upon the bridge?"
Roland stopped. In the gloom he had not recognized the ghostly Father.
"No, Father Ambrose, and I do now what I should have done then. I prayyour blessing on the enterprise before me."
"My son, it is willingly given, the more willingly that I may atone inpart my forgetting of the Holy Words: 'Judge not, that ye be notjudged.' I grievously misjudged you, as I learn from both the Archbishopand my kinswoman. I ask your forgiveness."
"I shall forgive you, Father Ambrose, if you make full, not partialatonement. The consequences of your mistake have proved drastic andfar-reaching. The least of these consequences is that it has cost me theEmperorship."
"Oh," moaned the good man, "_mea culpa, mea culpa!_ No penance put uponme can compensate for that disaster."
"You blame yourself overmuch, good Father. The penance I have to imposewill leave me deeply in your debt. Now, to come from the least to thegreatest of these results, so far as I am concerned, my marriage withyour kinswoman, whom I love devotedly, is in jeopardy. Through herconviction that I was a thief, she braved the Archbishop of Mayence, whoimprisoned her, and now his Lordship has determined that the Grand DukeKarl of Hesse shall be Emperor. Thus we arrive at the most importantoutcome of your error. Between the overwhelming forces of Mayence andthe insufficient troops of Cologne and Treves there may ensue a conflictcausing the streets of Frankfort to flow with blood."
The pious man groaned dismally.
"I have a plan which will prevent this. The day after to-morrow I shallrenounce all claim to the throne; but being selfish, like the rest, Irefuse to renounce all claim to the woman the Archbishops themselveschose as my wife, neither shall I allow the case to be made further theplaything of circumstance. Your kinswoman, no later ago than thisafternoon, confessed her love for me and her complete disregard of anyposition I may hold in this realm. Now, Father Ambrose, I ask youseveral questions. Is it in consonance with the rules of the Church thata marriage be solemnized in this chapel?"
"Yes."
"Are you entitled to perform the ceremony?"
"Yes."
"Is it possible this ceremony can be performed to-morrow?"
"Yes."
"Will you therefore attend to the necessary preliminaries, of which I amvastly ignorant, and say at what hour the Countess and I may presentourselves in this chapel?"
"The Archbishop of Cologne is guardian to her ladyship. Will you bringme his sanction?"
"Ah, Father Ambrose, there is just the point. So far as concerns himselfI doubt not that the Archbishop is the most unambitious of men, but tothe marriage of his ward with a sword maker I fear he would refuseconsent which he would gladly give to a marriage with an Emperor."
The monk hung his head, and pondered on the proposition. At last hesaid:
"Why not ask my Lord the Archbishop?"
"I dare not venture. Too much is at stake. She might be carried away toany castle in Germany. Remember that Cologne has already acquiesced inher imprisonment, and but that the iron chain of the Pfalzgraf broughtme to her prison door--The iron chain, do I say? 'Twas the hand of Godthat directed me to her, and now, with the help of Him who guided me,not all the Archbishops in Christendom shall prevent our marriage. No,Father Ambrose, pile on yourself all the futile penances you can adopt.They are useless, for they do not remedy the wrong you have committed.And now, good-night to your Reverence!"
The young man strode towards the door.
"My son," said the quiet voice of the priest, "when you were on yourknees just now did you pray for remission from anger?"
Roland whirled round.
_"Mea culpa,_ as you said just now. Father Ambrose, I ask your pardon. Imade an unfair use of your mistake to coerce you. You were quite rightin relating what your own eyes saw here in Frankfort, and although theinference drawn was wrong, you were not to blame for that. I recognizeyour scruples, but nevertheless protest that already I possess thesanction of the Archbishop, which has never been withdrawn."
"Prince Roland, if you bring hither the Countess von Sayn to-morrowafternoon, when the bells strike three, I will marry you, and gladlyaccept whatever penances ensue. I fear the monk's robe has not crushedout all the impulses of the Sayn blood. In my case, perhaps, it has onlycovered them. And now, good-night, and God's blessing fall upon you andher you are to marry."
Roland went directly from the chapel to his own room, where he slept thesleep of one who has made up his mind. Nevertheless, it was not adreamless sleep, for throughout the night he seemed to hear the tramp ofarmed men marching upon unconscious Frankfort, and this sound was sopersistent, that at last he woke, yet still it continued. Springing upin alarm, and flinging wide the wooden shutters of his window, he wasamazed to see that the sun was already high, while the sound thatdisturbed him was caused by a procession of heavy-footed horses,dragging over the cobble-stones carts well-lade
n with farm produce.
Having dressed and finished breakfast, he wrote a letter to theArchbishop of Mayence:
"My LORD ARCHBISHOP,--There are some important proposals which I wish to make to the Electors, and as it is an unwritten rule that I should not communicate with them separately, I beg of you to convene a meeting to-morrow, in the Wahlzimmer, at the hour of midday. Perhaps it is permissible to add, for your own information, that while my major proposition has to do with the relief of Frankfort, the minor suggestions I shall make will have the effect of clearing away obstacles that at present obstruct your path, and I venture to think that what I say will meet with your warmest approval."
It was so necessary that this communication should reach the Archbishopas soon as possible that Roland became his own messenger, and himselfdelivered the document at the Archbishop's Palace. As he turned away hewas startled by a hand being placed on his shoulder with a weightsuggesting an action of arrest rather than a greeting of friendship. Heturned quickly, and saw the Lieutenant who had so discourteously usedhim in the square. There was, however, no menace in the officer'scountenance.
"Still thrusting your sword at people?"
"Yes, Lieutenant, and very harmlessly. 'Tis a bloodless combat I wagewith the sword. I praise its construction, and leave to superiors likeyourself, sir, the proving of its quality."
"You are an energetic young man, and we of Mayence admire competencewhether shown by mechanic or noble. Was the letter you handed in justnow addressed to his Lordship?"
"Yes, Lieutenant."
"'Twill be quite without effect."
"It grieves me to hear you say so, sir."
"Take my advice, and make no effort to see the Archbishop until afterthe Election. I judge you to be a sane young fellow, for whom I confessa liking. You are the only man in Frankfort who has unhesitatingly toldme the exact truth, and I have not yet recovered from my amazement. Now,when you return to your frugal room in Sachsenhausen you do not attemptto reach it by mounting the stairs with one step?"
"Naturally not, Lieutenant."
"Very well. When the Emperor is proclaimed, come you to me. I'llintroduce you to my superior, and he, if impressed with your weapon,will take you a step higher, and thus you will mount until you come toan officer who may give you an astonishing order."
"I thank you, Lieutenant, and hope later to avail myself of yourkindness."
The Lieutenant slapped him on the shoulder, and wished him good-luck. AsRoland pushed his way through the crowd, he said to himself, with asigh:
"I regret not being Emperor, if only for the sake of young fellows likethat."
Frankfort was transformed as if a magician had waved his wand over it.The streets swarmed with people. Farmers' vehicles of every descriptionadded to the confusion, and Roland frowned as he noticed how badlyorganized had been the preparations for coping with this sudden influxof food, but he also saw that the men of Mayence had taken a hand in thematter, and were rapidly bringing method out of chaos. The uniforms ofCologne or Treves were seldom seen, while the quiet but firm soldiers ofMayence were everywhere ordering to their homes those already served,and clearing the way for the empty-handed.
At last Roland reached the Palace of Cologne, through a square throngedwith people. Within he found his mother and the Countess, seated in aroom whose windows overlooked the square, watching the stirring scenepresented to them. Having saluted his mother, he greeted the girl with aquiet pressure of the hand.
"What is the cause of all this commotion?" asked the Empress.
Roland tapped his breast.
"I am the cause, mother," and he related the history of the reliefcommittee, and if appreciation carries with it gratification, his wasthe advantage of knowing that the two women agreed he was the mostwonderful of men.
"But indeed, mother," continued Roland, "I selfishly rob you of thecredit. The beginning of all this was really your gift to me of fivehundred thalers, that time I came to crave your assistance in procuringme this document I still carry, and without your thalers and theparchment, this never could have happened. So you see they haveincreased like the loaves and fishes of Holy Writ, and thus feed themultitude."
Her Majesty arose, smiling.
"Ah, Roland," she said, kissing him, "you always gave your mother morecredit than she deserved. It wrung my heart at the time that I was soscant of money." Then, pleading fatigue, the Empress left the room.
"Hilda!" cried the young man, "when you and I discuss things, thosethings become true. Yesterday we agreed that the Imperial throne was notso enviable a seat as a chair by the domestic hearth. To-day I proposeto secure the chair at the hearth, and to-morrow I shall freely give upthe Imperial throne."
The girl uttered an exclamation that seemed partly concurrence andpartly dismay, but she spoke no word, gazing at him intently as hestrode up and down the room, and listening with eagerness. Walkingbackwards and forwards, looking like an enthusiastic boy, he verygraphically detailed the situation as he had learned it from Greusel.
"Now you see, my dear, any opposition to the Archbishop of Mayence meansa conflict, and supposing in that conflict our friends were to win, thevictory would be scarcely less disastrous than defeat. I at once made upmy mind, fortified by my knowledge of your opinion on the subject, thatfor all the kingships in the world I could not be the cause of civildissension."
"That is a just and noble decision," she said, speaking for the firsttime.
Then, standing before her, the young man in more moderate tone relatedwhat had happened and what had been said in the chapel of theBenedictine Fathers. She looked up at him, earnest face aglow, duringthe first part of his recital, and now and then the sunshine of a smileflickered at the corners of her mouth as she recognized her kinsman inher lover's repetition of his words, but when it came to the question ofa marriage, her eyes sank to the floor, and remained there.
"Well, Hilda," he said at last, "have you the courage to go with me, allunadvised, all unchaperoned, to the chapel this afternoon at threeo'clock?"
She rose slowly, still without looking at him, placed her hands on hisshoulders, then slipped them round his neck, laying her cheek besidehis.
"It requires no courage, Roland," she whispered, "to go anywhere if youare with me. I need to call up my courage only when I think with ashudder of our being separated."
Some minutes elapsed before conversation was resumed.
"Where is the Archbishop?" asked Roland, in belated manner rememberinghis host.
"He and the Count Palatine went out together about an hour since. Ithink they were somewhat disturbed at the unusual commotion, and desiredto know what it meant. Do you want to consult my guardian after all?"
"Not unless you desire me to do so?"
"I wish only what you wish, Roland."
"I am glad his Lordship is absent. Let us to the garden, Hilda, anddiscover a quiet exit if we can."
A stout door was found in the wall to the rear, almost concealed withshrubbery. The bolts were strong, and rusted in, but the prowess ofRoland overcame them, and he drew the door partially open. It looked outupon a narrow alley with another high wall opposite. Roland looked upand down the lane, and saw it was completely deserted.
"This will do excellently," he said, shoving the door shut again, butwithout thrusting the bolts into position. He took her two hands in his.
"Dearest, noblest, sweetest of girls! I must now leave you. Await mehere at half-past one. I go out by this door, for it is necessary Ishould know exactly where the alley joins a main street. It would berather embarrassing if you were standing here, and Father Ambroselooking for us in the chapel, while I was frantically searching for andnot finding the lane."
Some time in advance of the hour set, the impatient young man kept theappointment he had made, and when the Countess appeared exactly on theminute, he held open the door for her, then, drawing it shut behind him,they were both out in the city of Frankfort together. Roland's highspi
rits were such that he could scarcely refrain from dancing along ather side.
"I'd like to take your hand," he said, "and swing it, and show you thesights of the city, as if we were two young people in from the country."
"I am a country girl, please to remember," said the Countess. "I knownothing of Frankfort, or, indeed, of any other large town."
"I am glad of that, for there is much to see in Frankfort. We will makefor the Cathedral, that beautiful red building, splendid and grand,where we should have been married with great and useless ceremony if Ihad been crowned Emperor. But I am sure the simple chapel in the workingtown of Sachsenhausen better suits a sword maker and his bride."
Now they came out into the busy street, which seemed more thronged thanever. In making their way to the Cathedral, the mob became so dense thatprogression was difficult. The current seemed setting in one direction,and it carried them along with it. Hildegunde took the young man's arm,and clung close to him.
"They are driving us, whether we will or no, towards our old enemy, theArchbishop of Mayence. That is his Palace facing the square. There issome sort of demonstration going on," cried Roland, as cheer after cheerascended to the heavens. "How grim and silent the Palace appears, allshuttered as if it were a house of the dead! Somehow it reminds me ofMayence himself. I had pictured him occupying a house of gloom likethat."
"Do you think we are in any danger?" asked the girl. "The people seemvery boisterous."
"Oh, no danger at all. This mob is in the greatest good-humor. Listen totheir heart-stirring cheers! The people have been fed; that is thereason of it."
"Is that why they cheer? It sounds to me like an ovation to theArchbishop! Listen to them: 'Long live Mayence! God bless theArchbishop!' There is no terror in those shouts."
Nevertheless his Lordship of Mayence had taken every precaution. Theshutters of his Palace were tightly closed, and along the whole front ofthe edifice a double line of soldiers was ranged under the silentcommand of their officers. They stood still and stiffly as stone-gravenstatues in front of a Cathedral. The cheers rang unceasingly. Then,suddenly, as if the sinister Palace opened one eye, shutters were turnedaway from a great window giving upon the portico above the door. Thewindow itself was then thrown wide. Cheering ceased, and in the newsilence, from out the darkness there stepped with great dignity an oldman, gorgeous in his long robes of office, and surmounting that splendidintellectual head rested the mitered hat of an Archbishop. After themomentary silence the cheers seemed to storm the very door of the skyitself, but the old man moved no muscle, and no color tinged his wanface.
"By the Kings," whispered Roland, during a temporary lull, "what a man!There stands power embodied, and yet I venture 'tis his first taste ofpopularity. I am glad we have seen this sight, both mob and master. Howquick are the people to understand who is the real ruler of Germany! Iwish he were my friend!"
Slowly the Archbishop raised his open hands, holding them for a momentin benediction over the vast assemblage. Once more the cheers died away,and every head was bowed, then the Archbishop was in his place nolonger. Unseen hands closed the windows, and a moment later the shuttersblinded it. The multitude began to dissolve, and the two wanderers foundtheir way become clearer and clearer.
Together they entered the empty, red Cathedral, and together knelt downin a secluded corner. After some minutes passed thus Roland rememberedthat the hour of two had struck while they were gazing at theArchbishop. Gently he touched the hand of his companion. They rose, andwalked slowly through the great church.
"There," he whispered, "is where the Emperor is crowned. The Archbishopof Mayence always performs that ceremony, so, after all, there is somejustification for his self-assumed leadership."
Again out into the sunshine they walked to the Fahrgasse, and then tothe bridge, where the Countess paused with an expression of delight atthe beauty of the waterside city, glorified by the westering sun.Crossing the river, and going down the Bruckenstrasse of Sachsenhausen,Roland said:
"Referring to people who are not Emperors, that is my room at thecorner, where I lived when supposed to be in prison."
"Is that where you made your swords?" she asked.
"No; Greusel's workshop and mine is farther along that side street. Itis a grimy shop of no importance, but here, on the other side, we havean edifice that counts. That low building is the Benedictine monastery,and this is its little chapel."
The Countess made no comment, but stood looking at it for a few momentsuntil her thoughts were interrupted by the solemn tones of a bellstriking three. Roland went up the steps, and held open the door whileshe passed in, then, removing his hat, he followed her.
XXII
LONG LIVE THEIR MAJESTIES
The most anxious man in all Frankfort was not to be found among themighty who ruled the Empire, or among the merchants who traffickedtherein, or among the people who starved when there was no traffic. Themost anxious man was a small, fussy individual of great importance inhis own estimation, cringing to those above him, denouncing thosebeneath; Herr Durnberg, Master of the Romer, in other words, the Keeperof the Town Hall. The great masters whom this little master served wereimperious and unreasonable. They gave him too little informationregarding their intentions, yet if he failed in his strict duty towardsthem, they would crush him as ruthlessly as if he were a wasp.
Unhappy Durnberg! Every morning he expected the Electoral Court to beconvened that day, and every evening he was disappointed. It was hisfirst duty to lay out upon the table in that great room, the Kaisersaal,a banquet, to be partaken of by the newly-made Emperor, and by the sevenpotentates who elected him. It was also his duty to provide two hugetanks of wine, one containing the ruby liquor pressed out atAssmannshausen; the other the straw-colored beverage that had madeHochheim famous. These tanks were connected by pipes with the plain,unassuming fountain standing opposite the Town Hall in that squarecalled the Romerberg. The moment an election took place Herr Durnbergturned off the flow of water from the fountain, and turned on the flowof wine, thus for an hour and a half there poured from the northwardpointing spout of the fountain the rich red wine of Assmannshausen, andfrom the southern spout the delicate white wine of Hochheim. Now, winewill keep for a long time, but a dinner will not, so the distractedDurnberg prepared banquet after banquet for which there were noconsumers.
At last, thought Herr Durnberg, his vigilance was about to be rewarded.There came up the broad, winding stair, to the landing on which openedthe great doors of the Kaisersaal, two joyous-looking young people,evidently lovers, and with the hilt of his sword the youth knockedagainst the stout panels of the door. It was Herr Durnberg himself whoopened, and he said haughtily--
"The Romer is closed, and will not be free to strangers until after theElection."
"We enter, nevertheless. I am Prince Roland, here to meet the Court ofElectors, who convene at midday in the adjoining Wahlzimmer. You,Romer-meister, will announce to their august Lordships that I am here,and, when their will is expressed, summon me to audience with them."
Herr Durnberg bowed almost to the polished floor, and flinging open bothdoors, retreated backwards, still bent double as he implored them toenter. Locking the doors, for the Electors would reach the Wahlzimmerthrough a private way, to be used by none but themselves, the bustlingDurnberg produced two chairs, which he set by the windows in the front,and again running the risk of falling on his nose, bowed hisdistinguished visitors to seats where they might entertain themselves bywatching the enormous crowd that filled the Romerberg from end to end,for every man in Frankfort knew an Election was impending, and it wasafter the banquet, when the wine began to flow in the fountain, that thenew Emperor exhibited himself to his people by stepping from theKaisersaal out upon the balcony in front of it.
"Do you feel any shyness about meeting this formidable conclave?Remember you have at least two good friends among them."
The girl placed her hand in his, and looked affectionately upon him.
"When you ar
e with me, Roland, I am afraid of nothing."
"I should not ask you to pass through this ordeal were it not for yourguardian. His astonishment at the announcement of our marriage will beso honest and unacted that even the suspicious Mayence cannot accuse himof connivance in what we have done. Of course, the strength of myposition is that I have but carried out the formal request of theirthree Lordships; a request which has never been rescinded."
Before she could reply the hour of twelve rang forth. The deferentialHerr Durnberg entered from the Wahlzimmer, and softly approached them.
"Your Highness," he said, "my Lords, the Electors, request your presencein the Wahlzimmer."
"How many are there, Romer-meister?"
"There are four, your Highness; the three Archbishops and the CountPalatine."
"Ah," breathed Roland, relieved that Mayence had not called up hisreserve, and assured now that the seventh Elector had not arrived. Witha glance of encouragement at his wife, Roland passed into the presence.
Herr Durnberg, anxious about the outcome, showed an inclination to closethe door and remain inside, but a very definite gesture from Mayencewafted the good man to outer regions.
Mayence opened the proceedings.
"Yesterday I received a communication from your Highness, requesting meto convene this Court. I am as ignorant as my colleagues regarding thesubjects to be placed before us. I therefore announce to you that we areprepared to listen."
"I thank you, my Lord of Mayence," began the Prince very quietly. "Whenfirst I had the honor of meeting your three Lordships in the Castle ofEhrenfels, I signed certain documents, and came to an agreement with youupon other verbal requests. I am not yet a man of large experience, butat that time, although comparatively few days have elapsed, I was a mereboy, trusting in the good faith of the whole world, knowing nothing ofits chicanery. Since then I have been through a bitter school, learningbitter lessons, but I am nevertheless encouraged, in that for every manof treachery and deceit I meet two who are trustworthy."
"Pardon me," said Mayence suavely, "I did not understand that thediscourse you proposed was to be a sermon. If your theme is a lecture onmorality, I beg to remind you that this Wahlzimmer is a place ofbusiness, and what you say is better suited to a chapel or even achurch, than to the Election Chamber of the Empire."
"I am sorry, my Lord," said Roland humbly, "if my introduction does notmeet your approval. I assure you that the very opposite was myintention. My purpose is to show you why a change has come over me, andin order--"
"Once more I regret interrupting, but the reason for whatever change hasoccurred can be of little interest to any one but yourself. You begin bymaking vague charges of dishonesty, treachery, and what-not, againstsome person or persons unknown. May I ask you to be definite?"
"Is it your Lordship's wish that I should mention names?"
Cologne showed signs of uneasiness; Treves looked in bewilderment fromone to another of his colleagues; the Count Palatine sat deeplyinterested, his elbows on the table, massive chin supported by hugehands.
"Your Highness is the best judge whether names should be mentioned ornot," said Mayence, quite calmly, as if his withers were unwrung. "Butyou must see that if you hint at conspiracy and bafflement, certaininferences are likely to be drawn. Since the time you speak of there hasbeen no opportunity for you to meet your fellow-men, therefore theseinferences are apt to take the color that reference is made to one orthe other of the three personages you did meet. I therefore counsel youeither to abstain from innuendo or explain explicitly what you mean."
"I the more willingly bow to your Lordship's decision because it ischaracterized by that wisdom which accompanies every word your Lordshiputters. I shall therefore designate good men and bad."
Mayence gazed at the young man in amazement, but merely said:
"Proceed, sir, on your perilous road."
"I am the head of a gang of freebooters. When this company leftFrankfort under my command we appeared to be all of one mind. My gangconsisted entirely of ironworkers, well-set-up young fellows in splendidphysical condition, yet before I was gone a day on our journey I foundmyself confronted by mutiny. A man named Kurzbold was the leader of thisrebellion; a treacherous hound, whom I sentenced to death. The two whostood by me were Greusel and Ebearhard, therefore I told you that when Imet one villain I encountered two trustworthy men."
"When did this happen?" asked Mayence. "And what was the object of yourfreebooting expedition?"
"High Heaven!" cried the Archbishop of Cologne, unable longer torestrain his impatience when he saw the fatal trend of the Prince'sconfession, "what madness has overcome you? Can you not see the effectof these disturbing disclosures?"
The Prince smiled, and answered first the last question.
"'Tis an honest confession, my Lord, of what may be considered adishonest practice. It is information that should be within yourknowledge before you sit down to elect an Emperor.
"When did this happen, my Lord of Mayence?" he continued, turning to thechairman. "It happened when you thought I was your prisoner inEhrenfels. Never for a day did you hold me there. I roamed the countryat my pleasure. I examined leisurely and effectively the defenses ofnearly every castle on the Rhine from the town of Bonn to your own cityof Mayence. The object of our expedition, you ask? It was to loot thestolen treasure of the robber castles, and incidentally it resulted inthe destruction by fire of Furstenberg. The marauding excursion ended atPfalz, where I lightened the Pfalzgraf of his wealth, and liberated theCountess von Sayn, unlawfully imprisoned within that fortress."
"By the Three Kings!" cried the Count Palatine, bringing his huge fistdown on the table like the blow of a sledge hammer, "you are a man, andI glory that it is my privilege to vote for you."
"I agree with my brother of Cologne," said Treves, speaking for thefirst time, "that this young man does not properly weigh the inevitableresult of his terrible words. I vote, of course, with my Lord ofMayence, but such a vote will be most reluctantly given for aself-confessed burglar and incendiary."
"Be not too hasty, gentlemen," counseled Mayence. "We are not met hereto cast votes. Your Highness, I complained a moment ago of lack ofinterest in your recital; I beg to withdraw that plea. After havingheard you I agree that the Countess was unjustly imprisoned. She wasaccurate in her estimate of your character."
"I think not, my Lord, I do not regard myself as burglar, incendiary,thief, or robber. I call myself rather a restorer of stolen property. Ished no blood, which in itself is a remarkable feature of action sodrastic as mine. The incendiarism was merely incidental, forced upon meby the fact that the Red Margrave tied up eighteen of my men, whom heproposed presently to hang. I diverted his attention from this executionby the first method that occurred to me, namely, the firing of hisCastle. In my letter to you yesterday, my Lord, I promised to clear awaycertain obstacles from your path. I therefore remove one, by saying thatan object of this conference is my own renunciation of the Emperorship,thus while I thank my Lord Count for his proffered franchise, I quietthe mind of my Lord of Treves by assuring him his defection has noterror for me. And now, my Lord of Mayence, will you listen carefully tomy suggestion?"
"Prince Roland," replied his Lordship, almost with geniality, "I havenever heard so graphic a narrator in my life. Proceed, I beg of you."
"When our band of cut-purses set out from Frankfort, they supposed thegold was to be shared equally among us. Mutiny taught me to use the artsof diplomacy, which I despise. I hoped to attain such influence overthem that they would agree to abjure wealth for the benefit ofFrankfort. I am happy to say that I accomplished my object, so thatyesterday and to-day you have witnessed the results of my efforts; therelief of a starving city. I merely removed the wealth of robbers tobenefit those whom they robbed. Knowing the dangerous feeling actuatingthis town against your Lordships, I caused proclamation to be madecrediting this relief to the Archbishops.
"My Lord of Mayence, when yesterday I saw you appear on your ownbalcon
y, the most stern, the most dignified figure I ever beheld; when Iheard the ringing cheers that greeted you; when I realized, as neverbefore, the majesty of your genius, I cursed the stupid decree of Fatethat denied me your friendship. What could we not have accomplishedtogether for the Fatherland? I, with my youth and energy, under thetutelage of your wisdom and experience. You tasted there, probably forthe first time in your life, the intoxicating cup of popularity, yet itaffected you no more than if you had drunk of the fountain in theRomerberg.
"Now, my Lords, here is what I ask of you, and it will show how much Iwould have depended upon you had I been chosen to the position at firstproposed to me. I request you, my Lord of Treves, to remove your threethousand troops to the other side of the Rhine."
"I shall do nothing of the sort," blurted Treves, amazed at the absurdproposal.
Roland went on, unheeding:
"I ask you, my Lord of Cologne, to march your troops to Assmannshausen."
"You indeed babble like the boy you said you were!" cried the indignantCologne. "You show no grasp of statesmanship."
A faint smile quivered on the thin lips of Mayence at his colleagues'ill-disguised fear at leaving him the man in possession so far asFrankfort was concerned. The naive proposal which angered his twobrethren merely amused Mayence. This young man's absurdity was anintellectual treat. Roland smiled in sympathy as he turned towards him,but his next words banished all expression of pleasure from the face ofMayence.
"I hope to succeed better with you, my Lord. Of course I recognize Ihave no standing with this Court since my refusal of the gift youintended to bestow. I ask you to draft into this city seven thousandmen;" then after a pause: "_the seven thousand will not have far tomarch, my Lord._"
He caught an expression almost of fear in the Archbishop's eyes, whichwere quickly veiled, but his Lordship's tone was as unwavering as everwhen he asked:
"What do you mean by that?"
"I mean that the city of Mayence is nearer to Frankfort than eitherCologne or Treves."
"Your geographical point is undeniable. What am I to do with my tenthousand once they are here?"
"My Lord, I admire the rigid discipline of your men, and estimate fromthat the genius of organization possessed by your officers; a geniusimparted, I believe, by you. No one knows better than I the state ofconfusion which this effort at relief has brought upon the city. Isuggest that your capable officers divide this city into cantons,proclaim martial law, and deliver to every inhabitant rations of food asif each man, woman, and child were a member of your army. Meanwhile themerchants should be relieved of a task for which they have proved theirincapacity, and turn their attention to commerce. This relief at bestmust be temporary. The vital task is to open the Rhine. The merchantswill load every barge on the river with goods, and this flotilla thearmies of Treves and Cologne will escort in safety to the latter city.In passing they will deliver an ultimatum to every castle, demanding acontribution in gold towards the further relief of Frankfort, untilcommerce readjusts itself, and assuring each nobleman that if thiscommerce is molested, his castle shall be forfeited, and himselfimprisoned or hanged."
"Quite an effective plan, I think, your Highness, to which I willinglyagree, if you can assure me of the support of my two colleagues, which Iregret to say has already been refused."
His Lordship looked from one to another, but neither withdrew hisdeclaration.
"Prince Roland," continued Mayence, "we seem to have reached a deadlock,and I fear its cause is that distrust of one human being toward anotherthat you deplored a while ago. I confess myself, however, so pleasedwith the trend of your mind as exhibited in your conversation with us,that I am desirous to know what further proposals you care to make, nowthat our mutual good intentions have led us into an impasse."
"Willingly, my Lord. I propose that you at once proceed to the Electionof an Emperor, for the delay in his choosing has already caused ananxiety and a tension dangerous to the peace of this country."
"Ah, that is easier said than done, your Highness. Having yourselfeliminated the one on whom we were agreed, it seems to me you should atleast suggest a substitute."
"Again willingly, my Lord. You should choose some quiet, conservativeman, and, if possible, one well known to the citizens of Frankfort, andheld in good esteem by the people everywhere. He should be a man ofmiddle age--" Mayence's eyes began to close again, and his lips totighten--"and if he had some experience in government, that would be allto the good. One already married is preferable to a bachelor, for thenno delicate considerations regarding a woman can arise, as, I need notremind your Lordship, have arisen in my own case. A man of common senseshould be selected, who would not make rash experiments with the idealsof the German people, as a younger and less balanced person might betempted to do. That he should be a good Churchman goes without saying--"
"A truce, a truce!" cried Mayence sternly. "Again we are running into amoral catalogue impossible of embodiment. Is there any such man in yourmind, or are you merely treating us to a counsel of perfection?"
"Notwithstanding my pessimism," said Roland, "I still think so well ofmy countrymen as to believe there are many such. Not to make anyrecommendation to those so much better qualified to judge than I, butmerely to give a sample, I mention the Grand Duke Karl of Hesse, whofulfills every requirement I have named."
For what seemed to the onlookers a tense period of suspense, the old manseated and the young man standing gazed intently at one another. Mayenceknew at once that in some manner unknown to him the Prince had fathomedhis intentions; that his Highness alone knew why the Election had beendelayed, yet the Prince conveyed this knowledge directly to the personmost concerned, in the very presence of those whom Mayence desired tokeep ignorant, without giving them the slightest hint anent the actualstate of affairs.
The favorable opinion which the Archbishop had originally formed ofRoland in Ehrenfels during this conference became greatly augmented.Even the most austere of men is more or less susceptible to flattery,and yet in flattering him Roland had managed to convey his own sincerityin this laudation.
"We will suppose the Grand Duke Karl elected," Mayence said at last."What then?"
"Why then, my Lord, the three differing bodies of troops at presentoccupying Frankfort would be withdrawn, and the danger line crossed overto the right side."
Mayence now asked a question that in his own mind was crucial. Once morehe would tempt the young man to state plainly what he actually knew.
"Can your Highness give us any reason why you fear danger from thepresence of troops commanded by three friendly men like my colleaguesand myself?"
"My fear is that the hands of one or the other of you may be forced, andI can perhaps explain my apprehension better by citing an incident towhich I have already alluded. I had not the slightest intention ofburning Castle Furstenberg, but suddenly my hand was forced. I wasresponsible for the safety of my men. I hesitated not for one instant tofire the Castle. Of the peaceful intentions of my Lords the Archbishopsthere can be no question, but at any moment a street brawl between thesoldiers, say, of Cologne and Treves, may bring on a crisis that canonly be quelled by bloodshed. Do you see my point?"
"Yes, your Highness, I do, and your point is well taken. I repose suchconfidence in our future Emperor that voluntarily I shall withdraw mytroops from Frankfort at once. Furthermore, I shall open the Rhine, bysending along its banks the ultimatum you propose, not supported by myarmy, but supported by the name of the Archbishop of Mayence, and Ishall be interested to know what Baron on the Rhine dare flout thattitle. Will you accept my aid, Prince Roland?"
"I accept it, my Lord, with deep gratitude, knowing that it will proveeffective."
His Lordship rose in his place.
"I said this was not an Electoral Court. I rise to announce my mistake.We Electors here gathered together form a majority. I propose to you thename of Prince Roland, son of our late Emperor."
"My Lord, my Lord!" cried Roland, raising his hand, "you
do not knowall."
"Patient Heaven!" cried the irritated Archbishop, "you make too much ofus as father confessors. Do not tell us now you have been guilty ofassassination!"
"No, my Lord, but you should know that I have married the LadyHildegunde, Countess von Sayn, whom you have already rejected asEmpress."
"Well, if you have accepted the dame, the balance is redressed. I am notsure but you made an excellent choice."
It was now the turn of the amazed Archbishop of Cologne to rise to hisfeet.
"What his Highness says is impossible. The Lady von Sayn has been in mycare ever since she entered Frankfort, and I pledge my word she hasnever left my Palace!"
"We were married yesterday at three o'clock, in the chapel of theBenedictine Fathers, and in the presence of four of them. We left yourPalace, my Lord, by a door which you may discover in the wall of yourgarden, near the summer-house, and my wife is present in the adjoiningroom to implore your forgiveness."
Cologne collapsed into his chair, and drew a hand across his bewilderedbrow. The situation appeared to amuse Mayence.
"I wish your Highness had withheld this information until I was surethat my brother of Treves will vote with me, as he promised. My Lord ofTreves, you heard my proposition. May I count on your concurrence?"
Treves' house of cards fell so suddenly to the ground that under thecompelling eyes of Mayence he could do no more than stammer hisacquiescence.
"I vote for the Prince," he said in tones barely audible.
"And you, my Lord of Cologne?"
"Aye," said Cologne gruffly.
"The Count Palatine?"
"Yes," thundered the latter. "A choice that meets my full approval, andI speak now for the Empress as well as the Emperor."
"Durnberg!" cried Mayence, raising his voice.
The doors were instantly opened, and the cringing Romer-meisterappeared.
"Is the banquet prepared?"
"Ready to lay on the table, my Lord."
"The wine for the fountains?"
"Needs but the turning of the tap, my Lord."
"Order up the banquet, turn the tap; and as the new Emperor is unknownto the people, cause heralds with trumpets to set out and proclaim theElection of Prince Roland of Frankfort."
"Yes, my Lord."
The Archbishop of Mayence led the way out into the grand Kaisersaal, andthe new Empress rose from her chair, standing there, her face white asthe costume she wore. Mayence advanced to her, bending his gray headover the hand he took in his own.
"Your Majesty," he said gravely, and this was her first hint of theoutcome, "I congratulate you upon your marriage, as I have alreadycongratulated your husband."
"My Lord Archbishop," she said in uncertain voice, "you cannot blame mefor obeying you."
"I think my poor commands would have been futile were it not for theassistance lent me by his Majesty."
The salutations of the others were drowned by the cheers of the greatassemblage in the Romerberg. The red wine and white had begun to flow,and the people knew what had happened. In the intervals between theclangor of the trumpets, they heard that a Prince of their own town hadbeen elected, so all eyes turned to the Romer, and cries of "TheEmperor! The Emperor!" issued from every throat. The multitude felt thata new day was dawning.
"I believe," said Mayence, "that hitherto only the Emperor has appearedon the balcony, but to-day I suggest a precedent. Let Emperor andEmpress appear before the people."
He motioned to Herr Durnberg, and the latter flung open the tallwindows; then Roland taking his wife's hand, stepped out upon thebalcony.
THE END
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