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THE
HEIDENMAUER;
% fegtnb df ilje |ljjrot.
BY
J. EENIMORE COOPEE.
NEW EDITION.
LONDON:
GEORGE ROUTLEDGE AND CO.,
FAEEINGDON STEEET.
1857.
1NTB0DUCTI0N.
 I shall crave your forbearance a little • may be, I will call upon you anon
for some advantage to yourself."—Measure for Measure.
Contrary to a long-established usage, a summer had been passed within
the walls of a large town; but, the moment of liberation arrived, the bird
does not quit its cage with greater pleasure, than that with which post-
horses were commanded. We were four in a light travelling caleche, which
strong Norman cattle transported merrily towards their native province.
For a time we quitted Paris, the queen of modern cities, with its tumults
and its order; its palaces and its lanes; its elegance and its filth; its
restless inhabitants and its stationary politicians; its theories and its
practices ; its riches and its poverty; its gay and its sorrowful; its rentiers
and its patriots; its young liberals and its old illiberals ; its three estates
and its equality,' its delicacy of speech and its strength of conduct; its
government of the people and its people of no government; its bayonets
and its moral force; its science and its ignorance; its amusements and its
revolutions; its resistance that goes backward, and its movement that
stands still; its milliners, its philosophers, its opera-dancers, its poets, its
fiddlers, its-bankers, and its cooks. Although so long enthralled within the
barriers, it was not easy to quit Paris entirely without regret—Paris,
which every stranger censures and every stranger seeks; which moralists
abhor and imitate; - which causes the heads of the old to shake, and the
hearts of the young to beat;—Paris, the centre of so much that is excellent,
and of so much that cannot be named !
That night we laid our heads on rustic pillows, far from the French capi-
tal. The succeeding day we snuffed the air of the sea. Passing through
Artois and French Flanders, on the fifth morning we entered the new
kingdom of Belgium, by the historical and respectable towns of Douaii, and
Tournax, and Ath. At every step we met the flag which flutters over the
pavilion of the Tuileries, and recognised the confident air and swinging
gait of French soldiers. They had just been employed in propping the
crumbling throne of the house of Saxe. To us they seemed as much at
home as when they lounged on the Quai d'Orsay.
There was still abundant evidence visible at Brussels, of the fierce
nature of the struggle that had expelled the Dutch. Forty-six shells were
sticking in the side of a single building of no great size, while ninety-three
grape-shot were buried in one of its pilasters! In our own rooms, too,
there were fearful signs of war. The mirrors were in fragments, the walls
broken by langrage, the wood-work of the beds was pierced by shot, and
the furniture was marked by rude encounters. The trees of the park were
mutilated in a thousand places, and one of the little Cupids, that we had
left laughing above the principal gate three years before, was now maimed
and melancholy, whilst its companion had altogether taken flight on the
wings of a cannon-ball. Though dwelling in the very centre of so many
4
INTRODUCTION' TO
hostile vestiges, we happily escaped the sight of human blood; for we
understood from the obliging Swiss who presides over the hotel, that his
cellars, at all times in repute, were in more than usual request during the
siege. From so much proof we were left to infer, that the Belgians had
made stout battle for their emancipation, one sign at least that they merited
to be free.
Our road lay by Louvain, Thirlemont, Liege, Aix-la-Chapelle, and Juliers,
to the Rhine. The former of these towns had been the scene of a contest
between the hostile armies, the preceding week. As the Dutch had been
accused of unusual excesses in their advance, we looked out for the signs.
Hew many of these marks had been already obliterated, we could not well
ascertain; but those which were still visible gave us reason to think that
the invaders did not merit all the opprobrium they had received. Each hour,
as life advances, am I made to see how capricious and vulgar is the immor-
tality conferred by a newspaper!
It would be injustice to the ancient Bishopric of Liege to pass its beauti-
ful scenery without a comment. The country possesses nearly every re qui-
site for the milder and more rural sort of landscape;—isolated and innume-
rable farm-houses, herds in the fields, living hedges, a waving surface, and a
verdure to rival the emerald. By a happy accident, the road runs for miles
on an elevated ridge, enabling the traveller to enjoy these beauties at his
ease.
At Aix-la-Chapelle we bathed, visited the relics, saw the scene of so many
coronations of emperors of 'more or less renown, sat in the chair of Charle-
magne, and went our way.
The Rhine was an old acquaintance. A few years earlier I had stood
upon the sands at Katwyck, and watched its periodical flow into the North
Sea, by means of sluices made in the short reign of the good King Louis,
and, the same summer, I had bestrode it, a brawling brook, on the icy side
of St. Gothard. We had come now to look at its beauties in its most beau-
tiful part, and to compare them, so far as native partiality might permit, with
the well-established claims of our own Hudson.
Quitting Cologne, its exquisite but incomplete cathedral, with the crane
that has been poised on its unfinished towers five hundred years, its recob
lections of Rubens and his royal patroness, we travelled up the stream so
leisurely as to examine all that offered, and yet so fast as to avoid the hazard
of satiety. Here we met Prussian soldiers, preparing, by mimic service, for
the more serious duties of their calling. Lancers were galloping, in bodies,
across the open fields; videttes were posted, the cocked pistol in hand, at
every hay-stack; while couriers rode, under the spur, from point to point, as
if the great strife, which is so menacingly preparing, and which sooner
or later must come, had actually commenced. As Europe is now a camp,
these hackneyed sights scarce drew a look aside. We were in quest of the
interest which Nature, in her happier humours, bestows.
There were ruined castles by scores; gray fortresses; abbeys, some de-
serted and others yet tenanted; villages and towns; the seven mountains;
cliffs and vineyards. At every step we felt how intimate is the association
between the poetry of Nature and that of art; between the hill-side with
its falling turret, and the moral feeling that lends them interest. Here was
an island, of no particular excellence, but the walls of a convent of the
middle ages crumbled on its surface. There was a naked rock, destitute of
grandeur, and wanting in those tints which milder climates bestow, but a
THE BEIDENMATTEK.
5
baronial hold tottered on its apex. Here Caesar led his legions to the stream,
and there Napoleon threw his corps d'armee on the hostile bank; this mo-
nument was to Hoche, and from that terrace the great Adolphus directed
his battalions. Time is wanting to mellow the view of our own historical
sites; for the sympathy that can be accumulated only by the general consent
of mankind, has not yet clothed them with the indefinable colours of distance
and convention.
In the mood likely to be created by a' flood of such "recollections, we pur-
sued our way along the southern margin pf this great artery of central Europe.
We wondered at the vastness of the Rheinfels, admired the rare jewel of the
ruined church at Baccarach, and marvelled at the giddy precipice on which
a prince of Prussia even now dwells, in the eagle-like grandeur and security
of the olden time. On reaching Mayence, the evening of the second day,
we deliberately and, as we hoped, impartially compared what had just been
seen with that which is so well and so affectionately remembered.
I had been familiar with the Hudson from childhood. The great thorough-
fare of all who journey from the interior of the State towards the sea, neces-
sity had early made me acquainted with its windings, its promontories, its
islands, its cities, and its villages. Even its hidden channels had been
professionally examined, and time was, when there did not stand an unknown
seat on its banks, or a hamlet that had not been visited. Here then
was the force of deep impressions to oppose to the influence of objects still
visible.
To me it is quite apparent that the Rhine, while it frequently possesses
more of any particular species of scenery, within a given number of miles,
than the Hudson, has none of so great excellence. - It wants the variety, the
noble beauty, and the broad grandeur of the American st^am. The latter,
within the distance universally admitted to contain the finest parts of the
Rhine, is both a large and a small river; it has its bays, its narrow passages
among the meadows, its frowning gorges, and its reaches resembling Italian
lakes; whereas the most that can be said of its European competitor is, that
all these wonderful peculiarities are feebly imitated. Ten degrees of a lower
latitude supply richer tints, brighter transitions of light and shadow, and
more glorious changes of the atmosphere, to embellish the beauties of our
western clime. In islands, too, the advantage is with the Hudson, for,
while those of the Rhine are the most numerous, those of the former
stream are bolder, better placed, and, in every natural feature, of more
account.
When the comparison between these celebrated rivers is extended to their
artificial accessories, the result becomes more doubtful. The buildings of
the older towns and villages of Europe seemed grouped especially for. effect,
as seen in the distant view, though security was in truth the cause, while
the spacious, cleanly, and cheerful villages of America must commonly be
entered, to be appreciated. In the other hemisphere, the maze of roofs, the
church-towers, the irregular faces of wall, and frequently the castle rising
to a pinnacle in the rear, give a town the appearance of some vast and anti-
quated pile devoted to a single object. Perhaps the boroughs of the Rhine
have less of this picturesque, or landscape effect, than the villages of France
and Italy, for the Germans regard space more than their neighbours, but
still are they less commonplace than the smiling and thriving little marts
that crowd the borders of the Hudson. To this advantage must be added
that which is derived from the countless ruins, and a crowd of recollections.
6
INTRODUCTION' TO
Here, the superiority of the artificial auxiliaries of the Rhine ceases, and
those of her rival come into the ascendant. In modern abodes, in villas,
and even in seats, those of princes alone excepted, the banks of the Hudson
have scarcely an equal in any region. There are finer and nobler edifices
on the Brenta, and in other favoured spots, certainly, but I know no stream
that has so many that please and attract the eye. As applied to moving
objects, an important feature in this comparison, the Hudson has perhaps no
rival, in any river that can pretend to a picturesque character. In numbers,
in variety of rig, in beauty of form, in swiftness and dexterity of handling,
and in general grace and movement, this extraordinary passage ranks
amongst the first of the world. The yards of tall ships swing among the
rocks and forests of the highlands, while sloop, schooner, and bright ca-
nopied steam-boat, yacht, periagua, and canoe are seen in countless numbers,
decking its waters. There is one more eloquent point of difference that
should not be neglected. Drawings and engravings of the Rhine lend their
usual advantages, softening, and frequently rendering beautiful, objects
of no striking attractions when seen as they exist; while every similai
attempt to represent the Hudson, at once strikes the eye as unworthy of its
original.
Nature is fruitful of fine effects in every region, and it is a mistake not
to enjoy her gifts, as we move through life, on account of some fancied
superiority in this, or that, quarter of the world. We left the Rhine, there-
fore, with regret, for, in its way, a lovelier stream can scarce be found.
At Mayence we crossed to the right bank of the river, and passing by
the duchies of Nassau and Darmstadt, entered that of Baden, at Heidel-
berg. Here we Sat upon the Ton, examined the- castle, and strolled in the
alleys of the remwkable garden. Thence we proceeded to Manheim, turn-
ing our faces, once more, towards the French capital. The illness of one of
the party compelled us to remain a few hours in the latter city, which pre-
sented little for reflection, unless it were that this, like one or two other
towns we had lately seen, served to convince us, that the symmetry and
regularity which render large cities magnificent, cause those that are small
to appear mean.
It was a bright autumnal day when we returned to the left bank of the
Rhine, on the way to Paris. The wishes of the invalid had taken the ap-
pearance of strength, and we hoped to penetrate the mountains which
bound the Palatinate on its south-western side, and to reach Kaiserslautern, on
the great Napoleon road, before the hour of rest. The main object had
been accomplished, and, as with all who have effected their purpose, the
principal desire was to be at home. A few posts convinced us that repose
was still necessary to the invalid. This conviction, unhappily as I then
believed, came too late, for we had already crossed the plain of the Palati-
nate, and were drawing near to the chain of mountains just mentioned, which
are a branch of the Yosges, and are known in the country as the Haart.
We had made no calculations for such an event, and former experience had
caused us to distrust the inns of this isolated portion of the kingdom of
Bavaria. I was just bitterly regretting our precipitation, when the church-
tower of Duerckheim peered above the vineyards; for, on getting nearer to
the base of the hills, the land became slightly undulating, and the vine
abundant. As we approached, the village or borough promised little, but
we had the word of the postilion that the post-house was an inn fit for a
king; and as to the wine, he could give no higher eulogium than a flourish
TIIE HEIDENMAUEK.
7
of the whip, an eloquent expression of pleasure for a German of his class.
We debated, the question of proceeding, or of stopping, in a good deal of
doubt, to the moment when the carriage drew up before the sign of the Ox^
A substantial-looking burgher came forth to receive us. There was the
pledge of good cheer in the ample development of his person, which was
not badly typified by the sign, and the hale hearty character of his hospitality
removed all suspicion of the hour of reckoning. If he who travels much is
a gainer in knowledge of mankind, he is sure to be a loser in the charities
that sweeten life. Constant intercourse with men who are in the habit of
seeing strange faces, who only dispose of their services to those who are
likely never to need them again, and who, of necessity, are removed from
most of the responsibilities and affinities of a more permanent intercourse,
exhibits the selfishness of our nature in its least attractive form. Policy
may suggest a specious blandishment of air, to conceal the ordinary design
on the pocket of the stranger; but it is in the nature of things that the de»
sign should exist. The passion of gain, like all other passions, increases
with indulgence; and thus do we find those who dwell on beaten roads more
rapacious than those in whom the desire is latent, for want of use.
Our host of Duerckheim offered a pledge, in his honest countenance, in-
dependent air, and frank manner, of his also being above the usual merce-
nary schemes of another portion of the craft, who, dwelling in places of little
resort, endeavour to take their revenge of fortune, by showing that they
look upon every post-carriage as an especial godsend. He had a garden,
too, into which he invited us to enter, while the horses were changing, in a
way that showed he was simply desirous of being benevolent, and that he
cared little whether we stayed an hour or a week. In short, his manner was of
an artless, kind, natural, and winning character, that Strongly reminded us
of home, and which at once established an agreeable confidence that is of an
invaluable moral effect. Though too experienced blindly to confide in
national characteristics, we liked, too, his appearance of German faith, and
more than all were we pleased with the German neatness and comfort,
of which there were abundance, unalloyed by the swaggering pretension that
neutralises the same qualities among people more artificial. The house was
not a beer-drinking, smoking caravanserai, like many hotels in that quarter
of the world, but it had detached pavilions in the gardens, in which the
wearied traveller might, in sooth, take his rest. With such inducements
before our eyes, we determined to remain, and we were not long in instruct-
ing the honest burgher to that effect. The decision was received with great
civility, and, unlike the immortal Falstaff, I began to see the prospects of
taking  mine ease in mine inn without having a pocket picked.
The carriage was soon housed, and the baggage in the chambers. Not-
withstanding the people of the house spoke confidently, but with sufficient
modesty, of the state of the larder, it wanted several hours, agreeably to our
habits, to the time of dinner, though we had enjoyed frequent opportunities
of remarking that in Germany a meal is never unseasonable. Disregarding
hints, which appeared more suggested by humanity than the love of gain,
our usual hour for eating was named, and, by way of changing the subject,
I asked,—
 Did I not see some ruins, on the adjoining mountain, as we entered the
village V
"We call Duerckheim a city, mein Herr, rejoined our host of the Ox J
 though none of the largest, the time has been when it was a capital!
8
INTRODUCTION' TO
Here the worthy burgher munched his pipe and chuckled, for he was a
man that had heard of such places as London, and Paris, and Pekin, and
Naples, and St. Petersburg, or, haply, of the Federal City itself.
 A capital!—it was the abode of one of the smaller princes, I suppose;
of what family was your sovereign, pray ?
 You are right, mein Herr. Duerckheim, before the French Revolution,
was a residence (for so the political capitals are called in Germany), and it
belonged to the princes of Leiningen, who had a palace on the other side of
the city (the place may be about half as large as Hudson, or Schenectady),
which was burnt in the war. After the late wars, the sovereign was
mediatise, receiving an indemnity in estates on the other side of the
Rhine.
As this term of mediatise has no direct synonyme in English, it may be
well to explain its signification. Germany, as well as most of Europe, wa3
formerly divided into a countless number of petty sovereignties, based on
the principle of feudal power. As accident, or talent, or alliances, or
treachery advanced the interests of the stronger of these princes, their
weaker neighbours began to disappear altogether, or to take new and subor-
dinate stations in the social scale. In this manner has France been gradu-
ally composed of its original, but comparatively insignificant kingdom, but-
tressed, as it now is, by Brittany, and Burgundy, and Navarre, and
Dauphiny, and Provence, and Normandy, with many other States; and, in
like manner, has England been formed of the Heptarchy. The confedera-
tive system of Germany has continued more or less of this feudal organisa-
tion to our own times. The formation of the empires of Austria and
Prussia has, however, swallowed up many of these principalities, and the
changes produced bfl the policy of Napoleon gave the death-blow, without
distinction, to all in the immediate vicinity of the Rhine. Of the latter
number were the princes of Leiningen, whose possessions were originally
included in the French Republic, then in the Empire, and have since passed
under the sway of the King of Bavaria, who, as the legitimate heir of the
neighbouring duchy of Deux Ponts, had a nucleus of sufficient magnitude
in this portion of Germany, to induce the Congress of Vienna to add to his
dominions; their object being to erect a barrier against the future aggran-
disement of France. As the dispossessed sovereigns are permitted to re-
tain their conventional rank, supplying wives and husbands, at need, to the
reigning branches of the different princely families, the term mediatise has
been aptly enough applied to their situation.
 The young prince was here no later than last week, continued our
host of the Ox; "he lodged in that pavilion, where he passed several
days. You know that he is a son of the Duchess of Kent, and half-brother
to the young princess who is likely one day to be queen of England.
 Has he estates here, or is he still in any way connected with your
government?
 All they have given him is in money, or on the other side of the Rhine.
He went to see the ruins of the old castle; for he had a natural curiosity to
look at a place which his ancestors had built.
 It was the ruins of the castle of Leiningen, then, that I saw on the
mountain, as we entered the town ?
"No, mein Herr. You saw the ruins of the abbey of Limburg; those
of Hartenburg, for so the castle was called, lie further back among the
hills.
THE HEIDENMATTER.
9
 What! a ruined abbey and a ruined castle, too !—Here is sufficient
occupation for the rest of the day. An abbey and a castle!
 And the Heidenmauer, and the Teufelstein.
"How ! a Pagan's wall, and a Devil's stone 1—You are rich in curiosi-
ties !
The host continued to smoke on philosophically.
 Have you a guide who can take me, by the shortest way, to these
places?
 Any child can do that.
 But one who can speak French is desirable, for my German is far from
being classical.
The worthy inn-keeper nodded his head.
 Here is one Christian Kinzel, he rejoined, after a moment of thought,
 a tailor who has not much custom, and who has lived a little in France;
he may serve your turn.
I suggested that a tailor might find it healthful to stretch his knee-
joints.
The host of the Ox was amused with the conceit, and he fairly removed
the pipe, in order to laugh at his ease. His mirth was hearty, like that of
a man without guile.
The affair was soon arranged. A messenger was sent for Christian
Kinzel, and, taking my little male travelling companion by the hand, I went
leisurely ahead, expecting the appearance of the guide. But, as the reader
will have much to do with the place about to be described, it may be desi-
rable that he should possess an accurate knowledge of its locality.
Duerckheim lies in that part of Bavaria which is commonly called the
circle of the Rhine. The king, of the country named, #nay have less than
half a million of subjects in this detached part of his territories, which
extends in one course from the river to Rhenish Prussia, and in the other
from Darmstadt to France. It requires a day of hard posting to traverse
this province in any direction, from which it would appear that its surface is
about equal to two-thirds of that of Connecticut. A line of mountains,
resembling the smaller spurs of the' Alleghanies, and which are known by
different local names, but which are a branch of the Yosges, passes nearly
through the centre of the district, in a north and south course. These
mountains cease abruptly on their eastern side, leaving between them and
the river a vast level surface, of that description which is called  flats, or
 bottom land in America. This plain, part of the ancient Palatinate,
extends equally on the other side of the Rhine, terminating as abruptly on
the eastern as on the western border. In an air line, the distance between
Heidelberg and Duerckheim, which lie opposite to each other on the two
lateral extremities of the plain, may a little exceed twenty miles, the Rhine
running equidistant from both. There is a plausible theory, which says
that the plain of the Palatinate was formerly a lake, receiving the waters of
the Rhine, and of course discharging them by some inferior outlet, until
time, or a convulsion of the earth, broke through the barrier of the moun-
tains at Bingen, draining off the waters, and leaving the fertile bottom
described. Irregular sandhills were visible, as we approached Duerckheim,
which may go to confirm this supposition, for the prevalence of northerly
winds might easily have cast more of these light particles on the south-
western than on the opposite shore. By adding that the eastern face of the
mountains, or that next to the plain, i3 sufficiently broken and irregular to
10
INTRODUCTION TO
be beautiful, while it is always distinctly marked and definite, enough has
been said to enable us to proceed with intelligence.
It would appear that one of the passes that has communicated, from time
immemorial, between the Rhine and the country west of the Vosges, issues
on the plain through the gorge near Duerckheim. By following-the wind-
ings of the valleys, the post-road penetrates, by an easy ascent, to the highest
ridge, and following the watercourses that run into the Moselle, descends
nearly as gradually into the duchy of Deux Ponts, on the other side of the
chain. The possession of this pass, therefore, in the ages of lawlessness and
violence, was, in itself, a title to distinction and power; since all who jour-
neyed by it, lay in person and effects more or less at the mercy of the
occupant.
On quitting the town, my little companion and myself immediately entered
the gorge. The pass itself was narrow, but a valley soon opened to the
width of a mile, out of which issued two or three passages, besides that
by which Ave had entered, though only one of them preserved its character
for any distance. The capacity of this valley, or basin as it must have been
when the Palatinate was a lake, is much curtailed by an insulated mountain,
whose base, covering a fourth of the area, stands in its very centre, and
which doubtless was an island when the valley was a.secluded bay. The
summit of this mountain or island-hill is level, of an irregularly oval form,
and contains some six or eight acres of land. Here stand the ruins of Lim-
burg, the immediate object of our visit.
The ascent was exceedingly rapid, and of several hundred feet; reddish
freestone appeared everywhere through the scanty soil, the sun beat power-
fully on the rocks; and I was beginning to weigh the advantages and dis-
advantages of proceeding, when the tailor approached, with the zeal of new-
born courage.
"Voici Christian Einzel! exclaimed , to whom novelty was
always an incentive, and who, in his young life, had eagerly mounted Alp
and Apenuine, Jura and Calahrian hill, tower, monument, and dome, or
whatever else served to raise him in the air;  Allons,—grimpons!
We scrambled up the hill-side, and, winding among terraces on which the
vine and vegetables were growing, soon reached the natural platform. There
was a noble view from the summit, but it would be premature to describe it
here. The whole surface of the hill furnished evidence of the former extent
of the abbey, a wall having encircled the entire place; but the principal
edifices had been built, and still remained, near the longitudinal centre, on
the very margin of the eastern precipice. Enough was standing to prove
the ancient magnificence of "the structure. Unlike most of the ruins which
border the Rhine, the masonry was of a workmanlike kind, the walls being
not only massive, but composed of the sandstone just mentioned neatly
hewn, for immense strata of the material exist in all this region. I traced
the chapel, still in tolerable preservation, the refectory, that never-failing
solacer of monastic seclusion, several edifices apparently appropriated to the
dormitories, and some vestiges of the cloisters. There is also a giddy
tower, of an ecclesiastical form, that sufficiently serves to give a character to
the ruins. It was closed, to prevent idlers from incurring foolish risks by
mounting the crazy steps; but its having formerly been appropriated to the
consecrated bells, was not at all doubtful. There is also a noble arch near,
with several of its disjointed stones menacing the head of him who ventures
beneath.
THE HEIDEHMATJER. H
Turning from the ruin, I cast a look at the surrounding valley. Nothing
could have been softer or more lovely than the near view. That sort of
necessity, which induces us to cherish any stinted gift, had led the inhabit-
ants to turn every foot of the bottom land to the best account. No Swiss
Alp could have been more closely shaved than the meadows at my feet, and
a good deal had been made of two or three rivulets that meandered among
them. The dam of a rustic mill threw back the water into a miniature lake,
and some zealous admirer of Neptune had established a beer-house on its
banks, which was dignified with the sign of the  Anchor ! But the
principal object in the interior or upland view was the ruins of a castle,
that occupied a natural terrace, or rather the projection of a rock, against
the side of one of the nearest mountains. The road passed immediately
beneath its walls, a short arrow-flight from 'the battlements, the position
having evidently been chosen as the one best adapted to command the
ordinary route of the traveller. I wanted no explanation from the guide to
know that this was the castle of Hartenburg. It was still more massive
than the remains of the abbey, built of the same material, and seemingly in
different centuries; for while one part was irregular and rude, like most of
the structures of the middle ages, there were salient towers filled with
embrasures, for the use of artillery. One of their guns, well elevated, might
possibly have thrown its shot on the platform of the Abbey-hill, but with
little danger even to the ruined walls.
After studying the different objects in this novel and charming scene for
an hour, I demanded of the guide some account of the Pagan's Wall and of
the Devil's Stone. Both were on the mountain that lay on the other side
of the ambitious little lake, a long musket-shot from the abbey. It was
even possible to see a portion of the former, from our present stand; and the
confused account of the tailor only excited a desire to see more. We had not
come on this excursion without a fit supply of road-books and maps. One of
the former was accidentally in my pocket, though so little had we expected
anything extraordinary on this unfrequented road, that as yet it had not.
been opened. On consulting its pages now, I was agreeably disappointed in
finding that Duerckheim and its antiquities had not been thought unworthy
of the traveller's especial attention. The Pagan's Wall was there stated to
be the spot in which Attile passed the winter before crossing the Rhine, in
his celebrated inroad against the capital of the civilised world, though its
origin was referred to his enemies themselves. In short, it was believed to
be the remains of a Roman camp, one of those advanced works of the
Empire, by which the Barbarians were held in check, and of which the Hun
had casually and prudently availed himself, in his progress south. The
Devil's Stone was described as a natural rock, in the vicinity of the encamp-
ment, on which the Pagans had offered sacrifices. Of course the liberated
limbs of the guide were put in requisition, to conduct us to a spot that
contained curiosities so worthy of even his exertions.
As we descended the mountain of Limburg, Christian Kinzel lighted the
way, by relating the opinions of the country concerning the places we had
seen and were about to see. It would appear by this legend, that when
the pious monks were planning their monastery, a compact was made with
the Devil to -quarry the stones necessary for so extensive a work, and to
transport them up the steep acclivity. The inducement held forth to the
evil spirit, for undertaking a work of this nature, was the pretence of erect-
ing a tavern, in which, doubtless, undue quantities of Rhenish wine were to
n
IK1K0DT7CXI01T TO
be quaffed, cheating human reason, and leaving the undefended soul mora
exposed to the usual assaults of temptation. It would seem, by the legends
of the Rhine, that the monks often succeeded in outwitting the arch foe in
this sort of compact, though perhaps never with more signal success than in
the bargain in question. Completely deceived by the artifices of the men of
God, the father of sin lent himself to the project with so much zeal, that
the abbey and its appendages were completed in a time incredibly short;
a circumstance that his employers took good care to turn to account, after
their own fashion, by ascribing it to a miracle of purer emanation. By all
accounts the deception was so well managed, that, notwithstanding his pro-
verbial cunning, the Devil never knew the true destination of the edifice
until the abbey-bell actually rang for prayers. Then, indeed, his indigna-
tion knew no bounds, and he proceeded forthwith to the rock in question,
with the full intent of bringing it into the air above the chapel, and, by its
fall, of immolating the monks and their altar altogether, to his vengeance.
But the stone was too firmly rooted to be displaced even by the Devil; and
he was finally compelled, by the prayers of the devotees, who were now,
after their own fashion of fighting, fairly in the field, to abandon this por-
tion of the country in shame and disgrace. The curious are shown certain
marks on the rock, which go to prove the violent efforts of Satan on this
occasion; and among others, the prints of his form, left by seating himself
on the stone, fatigued by useless exertions. The more ingenious even trace,
in a sort of groove, evidence of the position of his tail during the time the
baffled spirit was chewing the cud of chagrin on his hard stool.
We were at the foot of the second mountain when Christian Kinzel ended
this explanation.
 And such is your Duerckheim tradition concerning the Devil's Stone V'
I remarked, measuring the ascent with the sight.
 Such is what is said in the country, mein Herr, returned the tailor;
 but there are people hereabouts who do not believe it.
My little travelling companion laughed, and his eyes danced with expec-
tation.
 Allons, grimpons! he cried again— Allons voir ce Teufelstein !
In a suitable time we were in the camp. It lay on an advanced spur of
the mountain, a sort of salient bastion made by nature, and was completely
protected on every side but that at which it was joined to the mass, by de-
clivities so steep as to be even descended with some pain. There was the
ruin of a circular wall, half a league in extent, the stones lying in a con-
fused pile around the whole exterior, and many vestiges of foundations and
intersecting walls within. The whole area was covered with a young growth
of dark and melancholy cedars. On the face exposed to the adjoining moun-
tain, there had evidently been the additional protection of a ditch.
The Teufelstein was a thousand feet from the camp. It is a weather-
worn rock, that shows its bare head from a high point in the more advanced
ranges of the hills. I took a seat on its most elevated pinnacle, and for a mo-
ment the pain of the ascent was forgotten.
The plain of the Palatinate, far as eye could reach, lay in the view.
Here and there the Rhine and the Neckar glittered, like sheets of silver,
among the verdure of the fields, and tower of city and of town, of Manheim,
Spires, and Worms, of nameless villages, and of German residences, were as
plenty in the scene, as tombs upon the Appian Way. A dozen gray ruins
clung against the sides of the mountains of Baden and Darmstadt, while the
THE HEIEEHMAUER.
13
castle of Heidelberg was visible, in its romantic glen, sombre, courtly, and
magnificent. The landscape was German, and in its artificial parts slightly
Gothic ; it wanted the warm glow, the capricious outlines, and seductive
beauty of Italy, and the grandeur of the Swiss valleys and glaciers; but it
was the perfection of fertility and industry, embellished by a crowd of use-
ful objects.
It was easy for one thus placed to fancy himself surrounded by so many
eloquent memorials of the progress of civilisation, of the infirmities and con-
gtitution, of the growth and ambition of the human mind. The rock recalled
the age of furious superstition and debased ignorance—the time when the
country lay in forest, over which the hunter ranged at will, contending with
the beast for the mastery of his savage domain. Still the noble creature bore
the image of God, and occasionally some master-mind pierced the shades,
catching glimpses of that eternal truth which pervades Nature. Then followed
the Roman, with his gods of plausible attributes, his ingenious and specious
philosophy, his accumulated and borrowed art, his concerted and over-
whelming action, his love of magnificence, so grand in its effects, but so
sordid and unjust in its means, and last, the most impressive of all, that
beacon-like ambition which wrecked his hopes on the sea of its vastness,
with the evidence of the falsity of his system as furnished in his fall. The
memorial before me showed the means by which he gained and lost his
power. The Barbarian had been taught, in the bitter school of experience,
to regain his rights, and, in the excitement of the moment, it was not
difficult to imagine the Huns pouring into the camp, and calculating their
chances of success, by the vestiges they found of the ingenuity and resources
of their foes.
The confusion of misty images that succeeded was an apt emblem of ttie
next age. Out of this obscurity, after the long and glorious reign of Charle-
magne, arose the baronial castle, with feudal violence and its progeny of
wrongs. Then came the abbey, an excrescence of that mild and suffering
religion which had appeared on earth, like a ray of the sun, eclipsing the
factitious brilliancy of a scene from which natural light had been excluded for
a substitute of a meretricious and deceptive quality. Here arose the long
and selfish strife, between antagonist principles, that has not yet ceased.
The struggle was between the power of knowledge and that of physical
force. The former, neither pure nor perfect, descending to subterfuge and
deceit; while the latter vacillated between the dread of unknown causes, and
the love of domination. Monk and baron came in collision; this secretly
distrusting the faith he professed, and that trembling at the consequences of
the blow which his own sword had given ; the fruits of too much knowledge
in one, and of too little in the other, while both were the prey of those inces-
gant and unwearied enemies of the race, the greedy passions.
A laugh from the child drew my attention to the foot of the rock. He
and Christian Kinzel had just settled, to their mutual satisfaction, the precise
position that had been occupied by the Devil's tail. A more suitable emblem
of his country than that boy, could not have been found on the whole of its
wide surface. As secondary to the predominant English or Saxon stock, the
blood of France, Sweden, and Holland ran, in nearly equal currents, in his
veins. He had not far to seek, to find among his ancestors the peaceful
companion of Penn, the Huguenot, the Cavalier, the Presbyterian, the fol-
lower of Luther and of Calvin. Chance had even deepened the resemblance;
for, a wanderer from infancy, he now blended laneuaues in merry comment?
14
INTRODUCTION TO THE HEIDENMAUER.
on his recent discovery. The train of thought that his appparance suggested
"was natural. It embraced the long and mysterious concealment of so vast a
portion of the earth as America, from the acquaintance of civilised man ; its
discovery and settlement; the manner in which violence and persecution,
civil wars, oppression and injustice, had thrown men of all nations upon its
shores; the effects of this collision of customs and opinions, unenthralled by
habits and laws of selfish origin; the religious and civil liberty that followed;
the novel but irrefutable principle on which its government was based, the
silent working of its example in the two hemispheres, one of which had
already imitated the institutions that the other was struggling to approach,
and all the immense results 'that were dependent on this inscrutable and
grand movement of Providence. I know not indeed but my thoughts
might have approached the sublime, had not Christian Kinzel interrupted
them, by pointing out the spot where the Devil had kicked the stone, in
his anger.
Descending from the perch, we took the path to Duerckheim. As we
came down the mountain, the tailor had many philosophical remarks to make,
that were chiefly elicited by tbe forlorn condition of one who had much toil
and little food. In his view of things, labour was too cheap, and wine and
potatoes were too dear. To what depth he might have pushed reflections
bottomed on principles so natural, it is impossible to say, had not the boy
started some doubts concerning the reputed length of the Devil's tail. He
had visited the Jardin des Plantes at Paris, seen the kangaroos in the
Zoological Hardens in London, and was familiar with the inhabitants of a
variety of caravans encountered at Eome, Naples, Dresden, and other capi-
tals; with the bears of Berne he had actually been on the familiar terms of
a friendly visiting acquaintance. Having also some vague ideas of the analo-
gies of things, he could not recall any beast so amply provided with such an
elongation of the dorsal bone, as was to be inferred from Christian Kinzel's
gutter in the Teufelstein. During the discussion of this knotty point, we
reached the inn.
The host of the Ox had deceived us in nothing. The viands were ex-
cellent, and abundant to prodigality. The bottle of old Duerckheimer
might well have passed for Johannisberger, or for that still more delicious
liquor, Steinberger, at London or New York; and the simple and sincere
civility with which everything was served, gave a zest to all.
It would have been selfish to recruit nature without thought of the tailor,
after so many hours of violent exercise in the keen air of the mountains.
He too had his cup and his viands, and when both were invigorated by
these natural means, ,we held a conference, to which the worthy post-master
was admitted. •
The following pages are the offspring of the convocation held in the parlour
of the Ox. Should any musty German antiquary discover some immaterial
anachronism, a name misplaced in the order of events, or a monk called pre-
maturely fr m purgatory, he is invited to wreak his just indignation on
Christian Kinzel, whose body and soul may St. Benedict of Limburg pro«
tect, for evermore, against all critics.
THE HEIDENMAUER.
CHAPTER I.
 Stand yon both forth now; stroke yonr chins, and swear by yonr beards
that I am a knave."—As You Like It.
The _ reader must imagine a narrow and secluded valley, for the
opening scene of this tale. The time was that in which the day
loses its power, casting a light on objects most exposed that re-
sembles colours seen through glass slightly stained, a peculiarity
of the atmosphere which, though almost of daily occurrence in
summer and autumn, is the source of constant enjoyment
to the real lover of nature. The hue meant is not a sickly
yellow, but rather a soft and melancholy glory that lends to
the hill-side and copse, to tree and tower, to stream and lawn,
those tinges of surpassing loveliness that impart to the close of
day its proverbial and soothing charm. The setting sun touched
with oblique rays a bit of shaven meadow that lay in a dell so
deep as to owe this parting smile of nature to an accidental forma-
tion of the neighbouring eminences, a distant mountain crest, that a
flock had cropped and fertilised, a rippling currentthat glided in the
bottom, a narrow beaten path, more worn by hoof than wheel, and
a vast range of forest that swelled and receded from the view,
covering leagues of a hill-chase that even tradition had never
peopled. The spot was seemingly as retired as if it had been
choserl in one of our own solitudes of the wilderness; while it
was, in fact, near the centre of Europe, and in the sixteenth cen-
tury. But, notwithstanding the absence of dwellings and all the
other signs of the immediate presence of man, together with the
wooded character of the scene, an American eye would not have
been slow to detect its distinguishing features from those which
mark the wilds of this country. The trees, though preserved with
care, and flourishing, wanted the moss of ages, the high and rock-
ing summit, the variety and natural wildness of the western
forest. No mouldering trunk lay where it had fallen, no branch
had been twisted by the gale and forgotten, nor did any upturned
root betray the indifference of man to the decay of this important
part of vegetation. Here and there a species of broom, such as
is seen occasionally on the mast-heads of ships, was erected
16 THE HEIDENMAUEK.
above some tall member of tbe woods tbat stood on an elevated
point—land-marks which divided the rights of those who were
entitled to cut and clip : the certain evidence that man had long
before extended his sway oyer these sombre hills, and that, retired
as they seemed, they were1 actually subject to all the divisions,
and restraints, and vexations, which in peopled regions accompany
the rights of property.
For an hour preceding the opening of our tale, not a sound of
any nature, beyond that of a murmuring brook, had disturbed the
quiet of the silent little valley, if a gorge so narrow, and in truth
so wild, deserved the name. There was not even a bird fluttering
among the trees, nor a hawk soaring above the heights. Once,
and for a minute only, did a roebuck venture from its cover, and
descend to the rivulet to drink. The animal had not altogether
the elastic bound, the timid and irresolute movement, nor the
wandering eye, of our own deer, but it was clearly an inhabitant
of a forest; for,while it in some degree confided in the protection,
it also distrusted the power of man. No sooner was its thirst
assuaged, than, listening with the keenness of an instinct that no
circumstances of accidental condition could destroy, it went up
the acclivity again, and sought its cover with troubled steps. At
the same instant, a greyhound leaped from among the trees, on
the opposite side of the gorge, into the path, and began bounding
back and forth, in the well-known manner of that species of dog,
when exercising in restlessness rather than engaged in the hot
strife of the chase. A whistle called the hound back from its
gambols, and its master entered the path.
A cAp of green velvet, bearing a hunting-horn above the shade,
a coarse but neat frock of similar colour, equally ornamented with,
the same badge of office, together with the instrument itself sus-
pended from a shoulder, and the arms usual to one of that class,
denoted a forester, or an individual charged'with the care of the
chase? and otherwise entrusted with a jurisdiction in the forest;
functions that would be much degraded by the use of the abused
and familiar term of gamekeeper.
The forester was young, active, and, notwithstanding the rude-
ness of his attire,, of a winning exterior. Laying his fusee against
the root of a tree, he whistled in the dog, and renewing the call,
by means of a shrill instrument that was carried for that purpose,
he soon succeeded in bringing its fellow to his side. Coupling the
greyhounds in a leash, which he attached to his own person, lie
threw the horn from its noose, and blew a lively and short strain,
that rolled up the valley in mellow and melodious notes. When
the instrument was removed from his lips, the youth listened till
the la.st of the distant echoes was done, as if expecting some
reply. He was not disappointed. Presently an answering blast
tame down the gorge, ringing among the woods, and causing the
hearts of many of its tenants to beat quick and fearfully. The
sounds of the unseen instrument were far more shrill and wild
than those of the hunting horn, while they wanted not for melan-
choly sweetness. They appeared both familiar and intelligible to
the young forester, "who no sooner heard them than he slung the
the heidenmattek.- 17
torn in its usual turn of the cord, resumed the fusee, and stood in
an attitude of expectation.
It might have heen a minute hefore another youth appeared in
the path, higher in the gorge, and advancing slowly towards the
forester. His dress was rustic, and altogether that of a peasant,
while in his hand he held a long, straight, narrow tube of cherry-
wood, firmly wrapped with bark, having a mouth-piece and a
small bell at the opposite end, resembling those of a trumpet.
As he came forward, his face was not without an expression of ill-
humour, though- it was rather rendered comic than grave by
a large felt hat, the front rim of which fell in an enormous shade
above his eyes, rendering the trim cock in the rear ludicrously
pretending. His legs, like those of the forester, were encased in
a sort of leathern hose, that left the limbs naked and free below
the knee, while the garment above set so loosely and unbuttoned
above that important joint, as to offer no restraint to his move-
ments.
 Thou art behind thy time, Gottlob, said the young forester,
as the boor approached,  and the good hermit will not give us
better welcome for keeping him from prayer. "What has become
of the herd ?
 That may the holy man of the Heidenmauer declare, for it is
more than I could answer were Lord Emich himself to put the
Juestion, and say, in the manner he is wont to use to the Abbot of
amburg, what hath become of thy herd, Gottlob 5
"Hay, this is no trifling matter, if thou hast, in sooth, let the
cattle stray! Where hadst thou the beasts last in sight ?
 Here in the forest of Hartenburg, Master Berchthold, on the
honour of an humble servitor of the Count.
 Thou wilt yet lose this service, Gottlob, by thy carelessness !
 It would be a thousand pities were thy words to be true, for in
that case Lord Emich would lose the honestest cow-herd in Ger-
many, and it would go near to break my heart were the friars of
Limburg to get him ! But the beasts cannot be far, and I will try
the virtue of the horn once more before I go home to a broken
head and a discharge. Host thou know, Master Berchthold, that
the disgrace of which thou speakest never yet befell any of my
family, and we have been keepers of cattle longer than the
Eriedrichs have been electors I
The forester made an impatient gesture, patted his hounds, and
waited for the effects of the new blast, that his companion was by
this time preparing to sound. The manner of Gottlob was that of
entire confidence in his own knowledge of his calling, for notwith-
standing his words, his countenance at no time betrayed uncasi-
ness for the fate of his trust. The valley was soon ringing with
the wild and plaintive tones of the cherry-wood horn, the hind
takin0, care to give the strains those intonations which, by a muto
convention, had from time immemorial been understood as the
signal for collecting a lost herd. His skill and faith were soon re-
warded for cow after cow came leaping out of the_ forest, as lie
blew his air, and ere long the necessary number of animals were in.
the path, the younger beasts frisking along the way, with elc-
18 THE HEIDESTHATJEB.
vated tails and awkward bounds, whilethe more staid contribu-
tors of the dairy hurried on, with business-like air but grave
steps, as better became their years and their characters in the
hamlet. In a few minutes they were all collected around the per-
son of the keeper, who, having counted his charge, shouldered his
horn, and disposed himself to proceed towards the lower extre-
mity of the gorge.
 Thou art lucky to have gotten the beasts together, with so
little trouble, Gottlob, resumed the forester, as they followed in
the train of the herd.
 Say dexterous, Master Berchthold, and do not fear to make me
vain-glorious. In the -way of understanding my own merits there
is little danger of doing me harm. Thou shouldest never discou-
rage modesty, by an over-scrupulous discretion. It would be a
village miracle were a herd so nurtured in the ways of the Church
to forget its duty !
The forester laughed, but he looked aside, like one who would
not see that to which he wished to be blind.
"At thy old tricks, friend_ Gottlob! Thou hast let the beasts
roam upon the range of the friars!
 I have paid Peter's pence, been to the chapel of St. Benedict
for prayer, confessed to Father Arnolph himself, and all within
the month : what more need a man do to be in favour with the
Brothers?
 I could wish to know if thou ever entertainest Father Ar-
nolph with the history of thy visits to the pastures of the convent,
with Lord Emich's herd, honest Grottlob.
 So ! Dost thou fancy, Master Berchthold, that, at a moment
when there is every necessity to possess a calm and contemplative
spirit, I should strive to put the pious monk in a'passion, by re-
lating all the antics of some ill-bred cow, or of a heifer, who is as
little to be trusted without a keeper, as your jung-frau before she
reaches the years of caution is to be trusted at a fair without her
mother, or a sharp-sighted old aunt, at the very least!
 "Well, have a care, Gottlob, for Lord Emich, though loving the
friars so little, will be apt to order thee into a dungeon, on bread
and water for a week, or to make thy back acquainted with the
lash, should Ke come to hear that one of his hinds has taken this
• liberty with the rights of a neighbour.
 Let Lord Emich, then, expel the brotherhood from the richest
pasturage near the Jaegerthal. Flesh and blood cannot bear to
see the beasts of a noble digging into the earth with their teeth,
after a few bitter herbs, while the carrion of a convent are rolling
the finest and sweetest grasses over their tongues. Look you,
Master Berchthold, these friars of Limbcrg eat the fattest venison,
drink the warmest wine, and say the shortest prayers of any monks
in Christendom!_ Potz-Tausend! There are some who accuse
them, too, of shriving the prettiest girls! As for bread and water,
and a dungeon, I know from experience that neither of the reme-
dies agrees with a melancholy constitution, and I defy the Em-
peror, or even the Holy Father himself, to work such a miracle, as
to make back of mine acquainted with the lash.
THE HEIDENMAtTEB. 19
 Simply because the introduction hath long since had place.
 That is thy interpretation of the matter, Master Berchthold,.
and I wish thee joy of a quick wit. But we are getting beyond
the limits of the forest, and we will dismiss the question to an-
other conversation. The beasts are full, and will not disappoint
the dairy girls, and little matters it whence the nourishment comes
—Lord Emich's pastures or a churchly miracle. Thou hast hunted
the dogs rightly to-day, Berchthold ?
 I have had them on the mountains for air and movement.
They got away on the heels of a roebuck, for a short run ; but as
all the game in this chase belongs to our master, I did not see fit
to let them go faster than there was need.
 I rejoice to hear thee say it, for I count upon thy company in
climbing the mountain when our work is ended; thy legs will
only be the fresher for the toil.
 Thou hast my word, and I will not fail thee; in order that no
time be lost, we will part here to meet again in the hamlet.
The forester and the cow-herd made signs of leave-taking, and
separated. The former quitted the public road, turning short to
the right by a private way, which led him across narrow meadows,
and the little river that glided among them, towards the foot of
the opposite mountain. Grottlob held on his course to a hamlet
that was now visible, and which completely filled a narrow pass in
the valley, at a point where the latter made a turn, nearly at a
right angle with its general direction.
The path of the former led him to an habitation very different
from the rude dwellings towards which the steps of the cow-herd
tended. A massive castle occupied a projecting point of the moun-
tain, overhanging the cluster of houses in the gorge, and frowning
upon all that attempted the pass. The structure was a vast but
irregular pile. The more modern parts were circular salient
towers, that were built upon the uttermost verge of the rock, from
whose battlements it would not have been difficult to cast a stone
into the road, and which denoted great attention to strength in
their masonry, while beauty of form and of workmanship, as they
were understood at the period of which we write, were not entirely
"neglected. These towers, though large, were mere appendages to
the main building, which, seen from the position now before the
mind of the reader, presented a confused maze of walls, chimneys,
and roofs. In some places, the former rose from the greensward
which covered the hill-side; while in others, advantage had been
taken of the living rock, which was frequently so_ blended with
the pile it supported, both being of the same reddish free-stone,
that it was not easy at the first glance to say, what had been done
by nature and what by art.
The path of the forester led from the valley up the mountain, by
a gradual and lateral ascent to a huge gate, that opened beneath a
high arch, communicating with a court within. On this side of
the castle there was neither ditch, nor bridge, nor any other of the
usual defences, beyond a portcullis, for the position of the hold
rendered these precautions in a measure unnecessary. Still great
care had been taken to prevent a surprise, and it would have re*
20 the heidenhaheh.
quired-a sure foot, a steady head, and vigorous limbs, to have
effected an entrance into the edifice, by any other passage than its
"When Berchthold reached the little terrace that lay before the
portal, he loosened his horn, and, standing on the verge of the
precipice, blew a hunting strain, apparently in glee. The music
echoed among the hills as suited the spot, and more than one crone
of the hamlet suspended her toil, in dull admiration, to listen to
its wild effect. Replacing the instrument, the youth spoke to his
hounds and passed beneath the portcullis, which happened to he
raised at the' moment.
CHAPTER II.
"What sayest thou to a hare, or the'melancholy of moor-ditch?
King Henry IV.
The light had nearly disappeared from the gorge, in which the
hamlet of Hartenburg lay, when Berchthold descended froin the
castle, by a path different from that by which he had entered it an
hour before, and crossing the rivulet by a bridge of stone, he
ascended the opposite bank into the street, or rather the road.
The young forester having kennelled the hounds, had laid aside
his leash and fusee, but he still kept the horn suspended from his
shoulder. At his side, too, he carried a couteau-de-chasse, a useful
instrument of defence in that age and country, as well as a weapon
he was entitled to carry, in virtue of his office under the Count of
Leiningen-Hartenburg, the master of the hold he had just quitted,
and the feudal lord of most of the adjoining mountains, as well
as of sundry villages on the plain of the Palatinate. It would
seem that the cow-herd expected his associate, or perhaps we might
venture to call him friend, for such in truth did he appear to be,
by the easy terms on which they met. Gottlob was in waiting
near the cottage of his mother, and when the two joined each other
they communicated by a sign, and proceeded with swift steps,
leaving the cluster of houses.
Immediately on quitting the hamlet, the valley expanded, and
took that character of fertility and cultivation, which has been
described to the reader in the Introduction; for all who have
perused that opening and necessary preface to our labours, will at
once recognise that the two youths introduced to their acquaint-
ance, were now in the mountain basin which contained the Abbey
of Limburg. But three centuries, while they have effected little
in altering the permanent features of the place, have wrought
essential changes in those which were more perishable.
As the young men moved swiftly on, the first rays of the moon
touched the tops of the mountains, and ere they had gone a mile,
always holding the direction of the pass which communicated
with the valley of the Rhine, the towers and roofs of the Abbey
itself were illuminated. # The conventual buildings were then per-
feet, resembling, by their number and confusion, the grouping of
some village, while a strong and massive wall encircled the entire
the heiden:m:atjee. 21
brow o£ the isolated bill. The construction resembled one of
tbose warlike ecclesiastical princes of tbe middle ages, wbo wore
armour beneath, tbe stole ; for wbile tbe towers ana painted win-
dows, tbe pious memorials and votive monuments, denoted tbe
objects of tbe establisbment, tbe defences betrayed that as much
dependence was placed on human as on other means, for tbe pro-
tection of tbose wbo composed tbe brotherhood.
 There is a moon for a monk as well as for a cow-herd, it
would seem, observed Gottlob, speaking, however, in a voice sub-
dued nearly to a whisper.  There comes tbe light upon tbe high
tower of tbe Abbey, and presently it will be glistening on tbe
bald bead of every straggler of the convent wbo is abroad tasting
the last vintage, or otherwise prying into tbe affairs of some
burgher of Duerckheim !
 Thou bast not much reverence for tbe pious fathers, honest
Gottlob ; for it is seldom thou lettest opportunity pass to do them
an ill turn, with tongue or hungry beast.
 Look you, Berchthold, we vassals are little more than so much
clear water in which our master may see his own countenance,
and at need his own humours. Whenever Lord Emieh has a
sincere hatred for man or horse, dog or cat, town or village,
monk or count, I know not why it is so, but I feel my own choler
rise, until I am both ready and willing to strike when he striketh,
to curse when hecurseth, and even to kill when he killeth.
"'Tis a good temper for a servitor, but it is to be hoped, for
the sake of Christian credit, that the sympathy does not end
here, but that thy affections are as social as thy dislikes.
 More so, as there is faith in man! Count Emich is a huge
lover of a venison pasty of a morning, and I feel a yearning for it
the day long—Count Emich will dispatch you a bottle of Duerck-
heim in an hour, whereas two would scarce show my zeal for his
honour in the same time; and as for other mortifications of this
nature, I am not the man to desert my master for want of
zeal.
"I believe thee, Gottlob, said Berchthold, laughing, "and
even more than thou canst find words to say in thine own favour,
on topics like these. But, after all, the Benedictines are church-
men, and sworn to their faith and duty, as well as any bishop in
Germany ; and I do not see the cause of all the dislike of either
lord or vassal.
"Ay, thou art in favour with some of the fraternity, and it is
rare that the week passes in which thou art not kneeling before
some of their altars; but with me the case is different, for since
the penance commanded for that affair of dealing a little freely
with one of their herds, I have small digestion for their spiritual
food.
 And yet thou hast paid Peter's pence, said thy prayers, and
confessed thy sins to Father Arnolph, and all within the month!
 What wouldst thou have of a sinner ? I gave the money on the
promise of having it back with usury; I prayed on account of an
accursed tooth that torments me, at times, in a manner worse
than a damned soul is harrowed; and as to confession, ever
22 THE HEIDEHMAUEK.
since my nn common candour concerning tlie herd got_me into that
penance, I confess under favour of a proper discretion. To tell
the truth, Master Berchthold, the church is something like a
two-year old wife; pleasant enough when allowed her own way,
hut a devil of a vixen when folded against her will.
The youngforester was thoughtful and silent, and as they were
now in the vicinity of the hamlet which belonged to the friars of
Limburg, his loquacious and prurient companion saw fit to imitate
his reserve, from a motive of prudence. _ The little artificial lake
mentioned in the Introduction was in existence, at the time of our
tale; but the inn, with the ambitious sign of the anchor, is the
fruit of far more modern enterprise. "When the young men reached
a ravine, that opened into the mountain near the present site of
this tavern, they turned aside from the high road, first taking care
to observe that no curious eye watched their movements.
Here commenced a long and somewhat painful ascent, by means
of a rough path, that was only lighted in spots by the rising moon.
The vigorous limbs the forester and the cow-herd, however,
soon carried them to the summit of the most advanced spur of the
adjoining mountain, where they arrived upon an open heath-like
plain. Although the discourse between them had been maintained
during the ascent, it was in more subdued tones even than when
beneath the walls of Limburg, the spirits of Gottlob appearing to
ooze away the higher he mounted.
 This is a dreary and a courage-killing waste, Berchthold,
whispered the cow-herd, as his foot touched the level ground;
 and it is even more disheartening to enter on it by the aid of the
moon, than in the dark. Hast ever been nearer to the Teufelstein
at this hour?
 I came upon it once at midnight; for it was there I made ac-
quaintance with him that we are now about to visit. Did I never
relate the manner of that meeting ?
 What a habit hast thou of taxing a memory! Perhaps if
thou wert to repeat it, I might recall the facts by the time thou
wert ended; and to speak truth, thy voice is comfortable on this
sprite's common.
The young forester smiled, but without derision, for he saw that
bm companion, spite of his indifference to all grave subjects, was,
as is generally the case, the most affected of the two when put to
a serious trial, and perhaps he also remembered the difference
that education had made in their powers of thinking. That he
did not treat the subject as one of light import himself, -was also
apparent by the regulated and cautious manner in which he de-
livered the following account.
 I had been on the chases of Lord Emieh since the rising of
the sun, commenced Berchthold,  for there was need of more
than common vigilance to watch the neighbouring boors. The
search had led me far into the hills, and the night came, not as it
is now seen, but so pitchy dark, that, accustomed as I was from
childhood to the forest, it was not possible to tell the direction of
even a star, much less that of the castle. For hours I wandered,
hoping at each moment to reach the opening of the valley, when
THE HEIDEXHATTEB. 23
I found myself of a sudden in a field that appeared endless and
uninhabited.
"Ay, that was this devil's hall-room!—thou meanest, nnte-
nantea by man.
"Hast thou ever known the helplessness of being lost in the
forest, Gottlob ?
 In my own person, never, Master Berchthold: but in that
of my herd, it is a misfortune that often befalls me, sinner that I
am!
 I know not that sympathy with thy cows can teach thee the
humiliation and depression that come over the mind, when we
stand on this goodly earth, cut off from all communication with
our fellows, in a desert, though surrounded by living men, deprived
of the senses of sight and hearing for useful ends, and with all the
signs of God before the eyes, and yet with none of the common
means of enjoying his bounty, from having lost the clue to his
intentions.
 Must the teeth of necessity be idle, or the throat dry, master
forester, because the path is hid?
"At such a moment the appetites are quieted, in the grand de-
sire to return to our usual communication with the earth. It is
like being restored to the helplessness of infancy, with all the
wants and habits of manhood besetting the character and wishes.
 If thou callest such a condition a restoration, friend Bercht-
hold, I shall make interest with St. Benedict that I may remain
deposed to the end of my days.
 I weigh not the meaning of every word I utter, with the re-
collection of that helpless moment so fresh. But it was when the
desolate feeling was strongest, that I roved out of the chase upon
this mountain heath; there appeared something before my sight,
that seemed a house, and by a bright light that glittered, as I fan-
cied, at a window, I felt again restored to intercourse with my
kind.
 Thou usest thy terms with more discretion now, said the cow-
herd, fetching a heavy breath, like one who was glad the difficulty
had found a termination.  I hope it was the abode of some sub-
stantial tenant of Lord Emich, who was not without the means of
comforting a soul in distress.
 Gottlob, the dwelling was no other than the Teufelstein, and
the light was a twinkling star, that chance had brought in a line
with the rock.
 I take it for granted, Master Berchthold, thou didst not knock
twice for admission at that door.
 I am not much governed by the vulgar legends and womanish
superstitions of our hills, but 
 Softly, softly, friend forester; what thou callest by names so
irreverent, are the opinions of all who dwell in or about Duerck-
heim; knight or monk burgher or count, has equally a respect
for our venerable traditions. Tausand Sechs und Zwanziges!
what would become of us, if we had not a gory tale, or some
alarming and reverend spectacle of this sort, to set up against the
penances, and prayers, and masses of the friars of Limburg!—As
24 THE HEIDEVHAPEB..
much wisdom and philosophy as thou wilt, foster-brother of mine,
but leave us our Devil, if it be only to make battle against the
Abbot! _
 Notwithstanding thy big words, I well know that none among
us has, at heart, a greater dread of this very hill than thyself,
Gottlob! I have seen thee sweat cold drops from thy forehead in
crossing the heath after nightfall.
"Art quite sure'twas not the dew? "We have heavy falls of
that moisture in these hills, when the earth is parched.
.  Let it then he the dew.
 To oblige thee, Berchthold, I would willingly swear it was a
water-spout. But what didst thou make of the rock and the
star?
"I could change the nature of neither. I pretend not to thy
indifference to the mysterious power that rules the earth; but
thou well knowest that fear never yet kept me from this hill.
"When a near approach showed me my error, I was about to turn
away, not without crossing myself and repeating an Ave, as I am
ready to acknowledge; but a glance upward convinced me that
the stone was occupied 
 Occupied !—I have always known that it was possessed, hut
never before did I think it was occupied.
"There was one seated on its uppermost projection, as plainly
to be seen as the rock itself.
 "Whereupon thou madest manifest that good speed which has
gained thee the favour of the Count, and thy post of forester.
"I hope the nerve to put the duties of my office in practice had
their weight with Lord Emich, rejoined Berchthold, a little
quickly.  I did not run, Gottlob, but I spoke to the being who
had chosen a seat so remarkable, and at that late hour.
Spite of his spirits and affected humour, the cow-herd uncon-
sciously drew nearer to his companion, casting at the same time
an oblique glance in the direction of the suspected rock.
 Thou seemest troubled, Gottlob.
"Dost thou think I am without bowels ? What! shall a friend
of mine be in this strait, and I not troubled ! Heaven save thee,
Berchthold; were the best cow in my herd off her stomach, I could
not be in greater concern. Hadst any answer ?
"I had—and the result has gone to show me, returned the
forester, musing as he spoke, like one who was obtaining glimpses
of long-concealed truth,  that our fears oftentimes prevent us
from seeing things as they are, and are the means of nourishing
our mistakes. I got an answer, and certainly, contrary to what
most in Duerckheim would have believed, it was given in a human
voice.
 That was encouraging, though it were hoarser than the roar-
ing of a bull.
 It spoke mildly, and in reason, Gottlob, as thou wilt readily
believe, when I tell thee it was no other than the voice of the An-
chorite of the Cedars. _ Our acquaintance then and there com-
menced, since which time, as thou knowest well, it hath not
flagged for want of frequent visits to his abode, on my part.
TnE IIFJBEJTMAUEE. 25
Tlie cow-herd walked on in silence, for more than a minute, and
then stopping short, he abruptly addressed his companion,—
 And this, then, hath been thy secret, Berchthold, concerning
the manner of commencing on thy new friendship.
 There is no other. I well knew how much thou wert fettered
by the opinions of the country, and was afraid of losing thy com-
pany in these visits, were I, without caution, to tell all the cir-
cumstances of our interview. But now thou hast become known
to the anchorite, I do not fear thy desertion.
 Never count upon too many sacrifices from thy friends, Master
Berchthold ! The mind of man is borne upon by so many fancies,
is ruled by so many vagaries, and tormented by so many doubts,
when there is question concerning the safety of the body, to say
nothing of the soul, that I know no more rash confidence than to
count too securely on the sacrifices of a friend.
 Thoq knowest the path, and can return by thyself, to the
hamlet, if thou wilt, said the forester peevishly, ana not without
severity. ;
 There are situations in which it is as difficult to go back as to
go forward, observed Gottlob ;  else, Berchthold, I might take
thee at thy word, and go back to my careful -mother, a good sup-
per, and a bed that stands b&tween a picture of the Yirgin, one
of St. Benedict, and one of nfy lord the Count. But for my con-
cern for thee, I would not go another foot towards the camp.
 Do as thou wilt, said the forester, who appeared, however, to
know the apprehension his companion felt of being left alone .in
that solitary and suspected spot, and who turned his advantage to
good account, by quickening his pace in such a manner as would
soon have left Gottlob to his own thick-coming fancies, had he not
diligently imitated his gait.  Thou canst tell the people of Lord
Emich that thou abandoned me on_this hill.
"Nay, returned Gottlob, making a merit of necessity, "if I
do that, or say that, may they make a Benedictine of me, and the
Abbot of Limburg to boot!
As the cow-herd,, who felt all his master's antipathies against
their religious neighbours, expressed,this determination in a voice
strong as his resolution, confidence was restored between the
friends, who continued their progress with swift paces. The place
was, sooth to say, one every way likely to quicken any dormant
seeds of superstition that education, or tradition, or local opinions
had implanted in the human breast.
By this time our adventurers had approached a wood of low ce-
dars, which, apparently encircled in a round wall that was composed
of a confused but vast pile of fallen stones, grew upon the advanced
spur of the hills. Behind them lay the heath-like plain, while the
bald rock which the moonbeams had just lighted, raising its head
from out of the earth, resembled some gloomy monument placed in
the centre of the waste to mark, and to render obvious by compari-
son, the dreary solitude of the naked fields. The background was
the 'dark slopes and ridges of the forest of the HaartMountains. On
their right was the glen or valley from which they had just ascended;
and on their front, looking a little obliquely from the groye, the
26 THE HEIDEHSTAUEE.
plain of the Palatinate, which lay in misty obscurity, like a dim
sea of cultivation, hundreds of feet beneath their elevated stand.
It was rare, indeed, that any immediate dependant of the Count
Emich, and more especially any of those who dwelt in or about
his castle, and who were likely to be called into his service at an
unexpected moment,_ ventured so far from the fortress, and in the
direction of the hostile Abbey, without providing himself with the
means of offence and defence. Berchthold wore, as wont, his
hunting-knife, or the short straight sword, which to this day is
carried by that description of European dependant called a chas-
seur, and who is seen, degraded to the menial offices of a footman,
standing behind the carriages of ambassadors and princes, remind-
ing the observant spectator of the regular and certain decadency
of the usages of feudal times. Neither had Gottlob been neglect-
ful of his personal security, as respects human foes; for on the
subject of resisting all such attacks, his manhood was above re-
proach, as had been proved in more than one of those bloody frays
which in that age were of frequent occurrence between the vassals
of the minor German princes. The cow-herd had provided him-
self with a heavy weapon that his father had often wielded in
battle, and which needed all the vigour of the muscular arm of
the son to flourish with a due observance of the required positions
and attitudes. Firearms were of too much value and of too im-
perfect use to be resorted to on every light occasion, like that
which had now drawn the foster-brothers, for such, supported by
long habit, was the secret of the intimacy between the forester
ana the cow-herd, from their hamlet to the hill of Duerckheim.
Berchthold loosened his couteau-de-chasse as he turned by an
ancient gateway, whose position was known merely by an inter-
ruption of the ditch that had protected this face of the wall, and
an opening in the wall itself, to enter the inclosure, which the
reader will at once recognise as the Pagan's Camp of the Intro-
duction. At the same moment Gottlob cast his heavy weapon
from his shoulder, and grasped its handle in a more scientific
manner. There was certainly no enemy visible to justify these
movements, but the increasing solitude of the place, and that im-
pression of danger which besets the faculties when we find our-
selves in situations favourable to deeds of violence, probably in-
duced the double and common caution. The light of the moon,
which was not yet full, had not sufficient power to penetrate the
thick branches of the cedars; and when the youths were fairly
beneath the gloomy foliage, although not left in the ordinary
darkness of a clouded night, they were perhaps in that very species
of dull and misty illumination which, by leaving objects uncertain
' while visible, is the best adapted to undermine the confidence of a
distrustful spirit. There was little wind, but the sighs of the
night air were plaintively audible, while the adventurers picked
their way among the fragments of the place.
It has been elsewhere said, that the Heidenmauer was originally
a Roman camp. The warlike and extraordinary people who had
erected these advanced works on the remotest frontier of their
wide empire, had, of course, neglected none of the means that
THE HEIDENMATTEB, . 27
were necessary, under the circumstances, either for their security
or for their comfort. The first had been sufficiently obtained by
the nearly isolated position of the hill, protected, as it was, by
walls so massive and so high as those must have been which had
consumed the quantity of materials still visible in the large circuit
that remained; while the interior furnished abundant proofs that
the_ latter had not been neglected, in its intersecting remains, over
which Gottlob more than once stumbled, as he advanced into the
shadows of the place. Here and there, a ruined habitation, more
or less dilapidated, was still standing, furnishing, like the memo-
rable remains of Pompeii and Herculaneum, interesting and infal-
lible evidence of the usages of those who have so long since
departed to their eternal rest. It would seem, by the rude repairs
which rather injured than embellished these touching though
simple monuments of what the interior of the camp had been in
its day of power and pride, that modern adventurers had endea-
voured to turn them to account, by converting the falling huts
into habitations appropriated to their own temporary uses. All,
however, appeared to have been long before finally abandoned;
for as Berchthold and his companion stole cautiously among the
crumbling stones, the gaping rents and rootless walls denoted
hopeless decay. At length the youths paused, and fastened their
looks in a common direction, as if apprised that they were near
the goal of their expedition.
In a part of the grove where the cedars grew more dense
and luxuriant than on most of that stony and broken soil, stood a
single low building which, of all there, had the air of being still
habitable. Like the others, it either had been originally con-
structed by the masters of the world, or restored on the founda-
tions of some Roman construction by the followers of Attila, who,
it will be remembered, had passed a winter in this camp ; and it
was now rendered weather-proof by the usual devices of the poor
and laborious. There was a single window, a door, and a rude
chimney, which the climate and the elevated situation of the
place rendered nearly indispensable. The light of a dim torch
shone through the former, the only sign that the hut was tenanted;
for on the exterior, with the exception of the rough repairs just
mentioned, all around it lay in the neglected and eloquent still-
ness of ruin. The reader will not imagine, in this description,
any of that massive grandeur which so insensibly attaches^ itself
to most that is connected with the Roman name ; for while, in the
nature of things, the most ponderous and the most imposing of
the public works of that people are precisely those which are the
most likely to have descended to our own times, the traveller
often meets with memorials of their power, that are so frail and
perishable in their construction, as to owe their preservation, in a
great measure, to an accidental combination of circumstances
favourable to such a result. Still, the Roman was ordinarily as
much greater in little things, if connected^ with a public object,
as he excelled all who have succeeded him, in those which were of
more importance. The Ringmauer, or Heidenmauer, is a strong
proof of what we say. There is not an arch, nor a tomb, nor a
28 THE HEIDEE-ITAHEE.
gate, nor _ a paved road of any description in tire vicinity of
Duerckheim, to show that the post was more than a temporary
military position; and yet the presence of its former occupants is
established by more evidence than would probably be found, a
century hence, were half of the present cities of Christendom to
be suddenly abandoned. But these evidences are rude, and
suited to the objects which had brought them into existence.
The forester and the cow-herd stood long regarding the solitary
hut, which had arrested their looks, like men hesitating to pro-
ceed.
 I had more humour for the company of the honest anchorite,
Master Berchthold, said the latter,  before thou madest me ac-
quainted with his fondness for taking the night air on the Teufel-
stein.
 Thou hast not fear, Gottlob r—Thou, who bearest so good a
name for courage among our youths !
 I shall be the last to accuse myself of cowardice, or of any
other discreditable quality, friend forester; but prudence is a
virtue in a youth, as the Abbot of Limbuxg himself' would swear,
were he here 
 He is not present in his own reverend and respected person,
said a voice so nigh the ear of Gottlob, as to cause him to jump
nimbly aside;  but one who may humbly represent some portion
of his sanctity is not wanting to affirm the truth of what thou
sayest, son.
The startled young men saw that a monk of the opposite moun-
tain had unexpectedly appeared between them. /They were on
the lands of the Abbey, or rather on ground in dispute between
the burghers of Duerckheim and the convent, but actually in
possession of the latter; and they felt the insecurity of their
situation as the dependants of the Count of Hartenburg. Neither
spoke, therefore, for each was striving to invent some plausible
pretext for his appearance in a place so unfrequented, and which,
in general, wTas held in so little favour by the neighbouring pea-
gantry.
 Y ou are youths of Duerckheim ? asked the monk, endeavour-
ing to observe their features by the imperfect light that penetrated
the foliage of the dark cedars. Gottlob, whose besetting infirmity
was a too exuberant fluency of tongue, took on himself the task of
answering.
 We are youths, reverend father, he said,  as thy quick and
sagacious sight hath so well seen. I will not deny my years, and
if I would, the devil, who besets all between fifteen and five-and-
twenty in the shape of some giddy infirmity, would soon betray
the imposture.
 Of Duerckheim, son?
 As there is question between the Abbey and the town concern-
ing these hills, we might not stand any better in thy favour, holy
Benedictine, were we to say yes.
 In that suspicion, thou dost little justice to the Abbey, son.
"We may defend the rights of the Church, confided in their tempo-
ralities as they are to an unworthy and sinful brotherhood, with-
THE HEIDEXMAPER. 29
out feeling any uncharitableness against those who believe they
have claims better than our own. The love of mammon is feeble
in bosoms that are devoted to self-denying and repentant lives.
Say then boldly that you are a Ducrckheim, and dread not my dis-
pleasure.
 Since it is thy good pleasure, benevolent monk, I will say
boldly that we are of Duerckheim.
 And you come to consult the holy Anchorite of the Cedars ?
 It is not necessary that I should tell one of thy knowledge of
human nature, reverend Benedictine, that the failing of all
dwellers in small towns is an itching to look into the affairs of
their neighbours. Himmel! If our worthy burgomasters would
spare a little time from the affairs of other people to look into
their own, we should all be greatly gainers ; they in their pro-
perty, and we in our comfort!
The Benedictine laughed, and he motioned for the youths to fol-
low, advancing himself towards the hut.
 Since you have given yourselves this trouble, no doubt with a
praiseworthy and pious intention, my sons, he said,  let not
respect for my presence change your purpose. "We will go into the
cell of the holy hermit, in company; and if there should be ad-
vantage from his blessing, or discourse, believe me I will not be so
unjust as to envy either of you a share.
 The manner in which the friars of Limburg deny themselves
advantages, in order to do profit to their fellow-christians, is in the
mouths of all, far and near; and this generosity of thine, reve-
rend monk,, is quite of a piece with the well-earned reputation of
the whole brotherhood.
As Gottlob spoke gravely, and bowed with sufficient reverence,
the Benedictine was in a slight degree his dupe; though, as he
passed beneath the low portal of the hut, he could not prevent a
lurking suspicion of the truth.
CHAPTER III.
 He comes at last in sullen loneliness,
• And whence they know not, why they need not guess."—Lara.
lit those ages in which moral wrongs were chiefly repaired by
superstition, and the slaves of the. grosser passions believed they
were only to be rebuked by signal acts of physical self-denial, the
world often witnessed examples of men retiring from its al-
lurcments, to caves and huts, for the ostensible purposes of peni-
tence and prayer. That this extraordinary pretension to godliness
was frequently the cloak of ambition and deceit is certain, but it
Would be uncharitable to believe that, in common, it did not pro-
coed from an honest, though it might be an ill-directed, zeal.
Hermitages are still far from infrequent in the more southern
parts of Europe, though they are of rare occurrence in Germany ;
but previously to the change of religion which occurred in the six-
teenth century, and consequently near the period of this tale, they
were perhaps more often met with among the descendants of the
SO THE HEIDENMAUEE.
northern race than among the more fervid fancies of the southern
stoclc of that quarter of the world. It is a law of nature that the
substances which most easily receive impressions are the least
likely to retain them; and possibly there may be requisite a con-
stancy and severity of character to endure the never-ending and
mortifying exactions of the anchorite, that were not so easily
found among the volatile and happy children of the sun, as among
the sterner offspring of the regions of cold and tempests.
Whatever may be said of the principles of him who thus aban-
doned worldly ease for the love of God, it is quite sure, that in
practice there were present and soothing rewards in this manner
of life that were not without strong attractions to morbid minds ;
especially to those in which the seeds of ambition were dormant
rather than extinct. It was rare, indeed, that a recluse established
himself in the vicinity of a simple and religious neighbourhood,
and few were they who sought absolute solitude without reaping a
rich harvest of veneration and moral dependence among the un-
trained minds of his admirers. In this treacherous manner does
vanity beset , us in our strongholds of mental security, and he
who has abandoned the world, in the hope of leaving behind him
those impulses which endangered his hopes, finds the enemy in a
new shape, intrenched in the very citadel of his defences. There
is little merit, and commonly as little safety, in turning the back
on any danger, and he has far less claims to the honours of a hero
who outlives the contest in consequence of means so questionable,
than he who survives because he has given a mortal blow to his
antagonist. The task assigned to man is to move among his fellows,
doing good, filling his part in the scale of creation, and escaping
from none of the high duties which God has allotted to his being;
and greatly should he be grateful, that, while his service is ar-
duous, he is not left without the powerful aid of that intelligence
which controls the harmony of the universe.
The Anchorite of the Cedars, as the recluse now visited by the
monk and his accidental companions was usually termed by the
peasants, and by the burghers of Duerckheim, had made his
appearance about six months before the opening of our story, in
the Ringmauer. "Whence he had come, how long he intended to
remain, and what had been his previous career, were facts equally
unknown to those among whom he so suddenly took up his abode.
None had seen him arrive, nor could any say from what sources
he drew the few articles of household furniture which were placed
in his hut. They who left the camp untenanted one week, on
returning the next,- had found it occupied by a man, who had
arranged one of the deserted buildings in a manner to shelter him
from the storms, and.who, by erecting a crucifix at his door,
had sufficiently announced the motive of his retirement. It was
usual to hail the establishment of a hermit in any particular dis-
trict, as a propitious event; and many were the hopes excited,
and plans of effecting temporal objects concocted, by the inter-
vention of the prayers of the stranger, before his presence had
been known _ a fortnight. _ All within the influence of the name
of the hermit, except Emich of Leiningen-Hartenburg, the bur-
THE HEIPENMAHEE. 31
gomasters of Duerckheim, and tlie monks of Limburg, keard of
kis arrival -with satisfaction. The haughty and warlike haron
had imbibed a, standing prejudice against all devotees, from an
inherited enmity to the adjoining convent, which had contested
the sovereignty of the valley with his family for ages; while the
magistrates had a latent jealousy of every influence which custom
and the laws had not rendered familiar. As to the monks, the
secret of their distrust was to he found in that principle of human
nature which causes us to dislike being outdone in any merit of
which we make an especial profession, even though superior god-
liness he its object. Until now the Abbot of Limhurg was held
to be the judge, in the last resort, of all intercessions between
earth and heaven; and as his supremacy had the support of time,
he had long enjoyed it in that careless security which lures so
many of the prosperous to their downfall.
These antipathies on the part of the honoured and powerful
might, to say the least, have rendered the life of the anchorite
very uncomfortable, if not positively insecure, were it not for the
neutralising effect of the antagonist forces which were set in
motion. Opinion, deepened by superstition, held its shield over
the humble hut, and month after month glided away, after the
arrival of the stranger, during which he received no other testi-
monials of the feelings excited by his presence, than those con-
nected with the reverence of the bulk of the population. An
accidental communication with Berchthold was ripening into
intimacy, and, as will be seen in the course of the narrative,
there were others to whom his counsel, or his motives, or his
prayers, were not indifferent.
The latter fact was made sufficiently apparent to those who, on
account of their mutual distrust, now presented themselves with
less ceremony than usual, at the threshold of the hut. The light
within came from a fagot which was burning on the rude hearth,
but it was quite strong enough to show the monk and his com-
panions that the anchorite was not alone. Their footsteps had
evidently been heard, and a female had time to arise from her
knees, and to arrange her mantle in such a manner as effectually
to conceal her countenance. The hurried action was scarcely com-
pleted, when the Benedictine darkened the door with his gloomy-
robes, while Berchthold and his friend stood gazing over his
shoulders, with lively curiosity mingled with surprise.
The form and countenance of the anchorite were those of middle
age. His eye had lost nothing of its quickness or intelligence,
though his movements had the deliberation and care that long ex-
perience insensibly interweaves in the habits of those who have
not lived in vain. He expressed neither concern nor wonder at
the unexpected visits, but regarding his guests earnestly, like one
who assured himself of their identity, he mildly motioned for all
to enter. There was jealous suspicion in the glance of the Bene-
dictine, as he complied; for until now, he had no reason to believe
that the recluse was qsurping so intimate and so extensive an
influence over the minds of the young, as the presence of the un-
known female would give reason to believe.
32 1HE HEIDENMATJER.
 I knew that thou wert of h<3ly life and constant prayer, vener-
able hermit, he said, in a tone that questioned in more than one
meaning of the term, "hut until this moment, I had not thought
thee vested with the Church's power to hearken to the transgres-
sions of the faithful and to forgive sins!
 The latter is an office, brother, that of right belongs only to
God. The head of the Church himself is but an humble instru-
ment of faith, in discharging this solemn trust.
The countenance of the monk did not become more amicable at
this reply, nor did he fail to cast a scrutinising glance at the
muffled form of the stranger, in a fruitless endeavour to recognise
her person.
"Thou hast not even the tonsure, he continued, while his
uneasy eye rolled from that of the recluse to the form of the
stranger, who had shrunk, as far as the narrow place would permit,
from observation.
 Thou seest, father, I have all the hair that time and infirmities
have left me. But is it thought, in thy beneficed and warlike
abbey, that the advice of one who has lived long enough to know
and to lament his own errors, can injure -the less experienced ? If
unhappily I may have deceived myself, thou art timely present,
reverend monk, to repair the wrong.
 Let the maiden come to the confessional of the Abbey Church,
if distrust or apprehension weigh upon her mind; doubt it not,
she will find great comfort in the experiment.
 As I will testify, from many trials— abruptly interposed the
cow-herd, who advanced intrusively between the two devotees, in
a manner to occupy all their attention.  ' Go upon the hill, and
ease thy soul, Gottlob,' is my good and venerable mother in the
practice of saying whenever my opinion of myself is getting to be
too humble, ' and discourse with some of the godly fathers of the
Abbey, whose wisdom and unction will not fail to lighten thy
heart of even a heavier load^ There is Father TJlrich, he is a
paragon of virtue and self-denial; and Father Cuno is even more
edifying and salutary than he; while Father Siegfried is more
balmy to a soul than the most reverend Abbot, the virtuous and
pious Father Bonifacius himself! "Whatever thou doest, child,
go upon the hill, and enter boldly into the church, like a loaded
and oppressed sinner as thou art, and especially seek counsel and'
prayer from the excellent and beloved Father Siegfried.'
"And thou — who art thou, demanded the half-doubting
monk,  that thus speakest of me, in terms that I so little merit,
to my face?
 I would I were Lord Emich of Hartenburg, or, for that matter,
the Elector Palatine himself, in order to do justice to those I
honour; in which case certain fathers of Limburg should have
especial favour, and that quickly, too, after my own flesh and
blood! Who am I, father ? I wonder that a face so often seen
at the confessional should be forgotten. What there is of me to
boast of, Father Siegfried, is of thine own forming; but it is
no cause of surprise that thou dost not recall me to mind, since the
meek and lowly of spirit are sure to forget their own good works!
THE HEIDEMAtJElJ. S3
 Thou callest thyself Gottlob ; but tbe name belongs to many
Christians.
 More bear it, reverend monk, than know bow to do it honour.
There is Gottlob Frincke, as arrant a knave as any in Duerck-
beim; and Gottlob Popp might have more respect for his baptismal
yow; and as to Lord Gottlob of Manheim 
"We will overlook the transgressions of the remainder of thy
namesakes, for the good that thou thyself hast done, interrupted
the Benedictine, who, having insensibly yielded to the unction of
flattery in the commencement of the interview, began now to be
ashamed of the weakness, as the fluent cow-herd poured forth his
words in a manner to excite some suspicion of the quality of praise
that came from such a source.  Come to me when thou wilt, son;
and such counsel as a weak head, but a sincere heart, can render,
shall not be withheld.
 How this would lighten the heart of my old mother to hear!
'Gottlob,' would she say 
"What has become of thy companion, and of the maiden?
hastily demanded the Benedictine.
As the part of the cow-herd was successfully performed, he stood
aside, with an air of well-acted simplicity and amazement, leaving
the discourse to be pursued between the recluse and the monk.
 Thy guests have suddenly left us, continued the latter, after
satisfying himself, by actual observation, that no one remained in
the hut but himself, its regular occupant, and the honey-tongued
Gottlob;  and, as it would seem, in company!
 They are gone as they came, voluntarily and without ques-
tion.
 Thou knowest them, by frequent visits, holy hermit ?
 Father, I question none: were the Elector Friedrich to come
into my abode, he would be welcome, and this cow-herd is not less
so. To both, at parting, I merely say, ' God speed ye !"'
 Thou keepest the cattle of the burghers, Gottlob ?
"I keep a herd, reverend priest, such as my masters please to
trust to my care.
"We have grave cause of complaint against one of thy fellows
who serves the Count of Hartenburg, and who is in the daily
habit of trespassing on the pastures of the Church. Dost know
the hind?
 Potz Tausend! If all the knaves who do these wrongs, when
out of sight of their masters, were set in a row before the eyes of
the most reverend Abbot of Limburg, he would scarce know
whether to begin with prayers or stripes, and they say he is a
potent priest at need with both! I sometimes tremble for my
own conduct, though no one can have a better opinion of himself
than I, poor and lowly as I stand in your reverend presence ; for
a hard fortune, and some oversight in the management of my
father's affairs, have brought me to the need of living among such
associates. Were I not of approved honesty there might be more
beasts on the abbey lands; and they who now pass their time in
fasting in sheer humility, might come to the practice of sheer
necessity.
34 THE HEIDENMATJEE.
The Benedictine examined the meek countenance of Gottlob
with a keen, distrustful eye; he next invited the hermit > to
bestow his blessing, and then motioning for the hind to retire,
he entered on the real object of his visit to the hermitage.
We shall merely say, at this point of the narrative, that the
moment was extremely critical to all who dwelt in the Palatinate
of the Rhine. The Elector had, perhaps imprudently for a prince
of his limited resources, taken an active part in the vindictive
warfare then raging, and serious reverses threatened to endanger
not only his tranquillity, but his throne. It was a consequence of
the feudal system, which then so generally prevailed in Europe,
that internal disorders succeeded any manifest, though it might
be only a temporary, derangement of the power of the potentate
that held the right of sovereignty over the infinite number of
petty rulers who, at that period, weighed particularly heavy on
Germany. To them he was the law, for they were not apt to acknow-
ledge any supremacy that did not come supported by the strong
hand. The ascending scale of rulers, including baron, count,
landgrave, margrave, duke, elector, and king, up to the nominal
head of the State, the emperor himself, with the complicated and
varied interests, embracing allegiance within allegiance, and duty
upon duty, was likely in itself to lead to dissension, had the im-
perial crown been one of far more defined and positive influence
than it was. But, uncertain and indirect in the application of its
means, it was rare that any very serious obstacle to tranquillity
was removed without the employment of positive force. No sooner
was the emperor involved in a serious struggle, than the great
princes endeavoured to recover that balance which had been lost
by the long ascendancy of a particular family, while the minor
princes seldom saw themselves surrounded with _ external embar-
rassment, that internal discord did not come to increase the evil.
As a vassal was commonly but a rude reflection of his lord's enmi-
ties and prejudices, the reader will have inferred from the language
of the cow-herd, that affairs were not on the most amicable foot-
ing between those near neighbours the Abbot of Limburg and the
Count of Hartenburg. The circumstance of their existing so
near each other was, of itself, almost a certain cause of rivalry,
to which natural motive of contention may be added the unre-
mitted strife between the influence of superstition and the dread
of the sword.
The visit of the monk had reference to certain interests con-
nected with the actual state of things, as they existed between
the Abbey and the Castle. As it would be premature, however,
to expose his object, we shall be content with saying that the
conference between the priest and the hermit lasted for half an
hour, when the former took his leave, craving a blessing from
one of a life so pure and self-denying as his host.
At the door of the hut, the monk found Gottlob, who had early
been gotten rid of, it will be remembered, but who, for reasons
of his own, had seen fit to await the termination of the con-
ference.
"Thou here, son! exclaimed the Benedictine. "I had thought
THE HEZDENMATJER. 35
thee at peace in thy bed, favoured with the benediction of a
hermit so holy !
 Good fortune is sure to drive sleep from my eyes, father, re-
turned Gottlob, dropping in by the side of the monk who was
walking through the cedars towards the ancient gateway of the
camp.  I ain not of your animal kind, that is no sooner filled
with a good thing than it lies down to rest; but the happier I be-
come, the more I desire to be up to enjoy it.
 Thy wish is natural, and, although many natural desires are
to be resisted, I do not see the danger of our knowing our own
happiness.
 Of the danger I will say nothing, father; but of the comfort,
there_ is not a youth in Duerckheim who can speak with greater
certainty than myself.
"Gottlob, said the Benedictine, insensibly edging nearer to
his_ companion, like one willing to communicate confidentially,
 since thou namest Duerckheim, canst say aught of the humour of
its people, in this matter of contention between our holy Abbot
and Lord Emich of Hartenburg?
 "Were I to tell thy reverence the truth that lies deepest in my
mind, it would be to say, that the burghers wish to see the affair
brought to an end, in such a way as to leave no doubt, hereafter, to
which party they most owe obedience and love, since they find it
a little hard upon their zeal, to have so large demands of these
services made by both parties.
 Thou canst not serve God and Mammon, son; so sayeth one
who could not deceive.
 And so sayeth reason, too, worshipful monk; but to give thee
at once my inmost soul, I believe there is not a man in our Duerck-
heim who believes himself strong enough in learning to say, in
this strife of duties, which is God. and which is Mammon!
 How! do they call in question our sacred mission—our divine
embassy—in short, our being what we are ?
"Ho man is so bold as to say that the monks of Limburg are
what they are; that might be irreverent to the Church, and inde-
cent to Father Siegfried; and the most we dare to say is, that they
seem to be what they are; and that is no small matter, consider-
ing the way things go in this world. ' Seem to be, Gottlob,' said
my poor father, ' and thou wilt escape envy and enemies ; for in
this seemliness there is nothing so alarming to others; it is only
when one is really the thing itself, that men begin to find fault.
If thou wishest to live peaceably with thy neighbours, push nothing
beyond seeming to be, for that much all will bear, since all can
seem; whereas being oftentimes sets a whole village in an uproar.
It is wonderful the virtue there is in seeming, and the heart-
burnings and scandal, ay, and the downright quarrels, there are
in being just what one seems.' Ho, the most we say, in
Duerckheim, is that the monks of Limburg seem to be men of
God.
'' And Lord Emich ?
 As to Count Emich, father, we hold it wise to remember he is
a great noble. The Elector has not a bolder knight, nor the Em-
36 THE HEIDEHHATTEE.
peror a truer vassal; we say, therefore, that he seems to he brave
and loyal.
 Thou makest great account, son, of these apparent qualities.
"Knowing the frailty of man, father, and the great likelihood
of error, when we wish to judge of acts and reasons that lie
deeper than our knowledge, we hold it to be the most prudent.
Ho, let us of Duerckheim alone, as men of caution!
 For a cow-herd, thou wantest not wit;—canst read ?
"By God's favour, Providence put that little^ accident in my
way when a child, reverend monk, and I picked it up, as I might
swallow a sweet morsel.
 'Tis a gift more likely to injure than to serve one of thy
calling. The art can do little benefit to thy herd.
 I will not take upon myself to say that any of the cattle are
much the better for it; though, to deal fairly by thee, reverend
Benedictine, there are animals among them that seem to be.
 How! wilt thou attempt to show a fact not only improbable,
but impossible ? Go to; thou hast fallen upon some silly work of a
jester. There have been numberless of these commissions of the
devil poured forth, since the discovery of that imprudent brother
of Mainz. I would gladly hear in what manner a beast can profit
by the art of printing?
 Thy patience, Father Siegfried, and thou shalt know. How
here is a hind that can read, and there is one that cannot. TVe
will suppose them both the servants of Emich of Hartenburg.
"Well, they go forth of a morning with their herds; this taking
the path to the hills of the Count, and that, having read the
description of the boundaries between his lord's land and that of
the holy Abbot of Limburg, taking another, because learning will
not willingly follow ignorance; whereupon the reader reaches a
nearer and better pasture than he who hath gone about to feed
upon ground that has only been trodden upon too often before by
hoof of beast and foot of man.
 Thy learning hath not done much towards clearing thy head,
Gottlob, whatever it may have done for the condition of thy
herd!
"If yourworship has any doubts of my being what I say, here
is proof of its justice, then—I know nothing that so crams a man
and confuses him as learning. He who has but one horn, can
take it and go his way ; whereas he that hath many, may lose his
herd while choosing between instruments that are better or worse.
He that hath but one sword, will draw it and slay his enemy;
but he that hath much armour, may lose his life while putting on
his buckler or head-piece.
 I had not thought thee so skilful in answers. And thou think-
est the good people of Duerckheim will stand neuter between the
Abbey and the Count ?
 Father, if thou wilt show me by which side they will be the
greatest gainers, I think I might venture to say, with some cer-
tainty, on which side they will be likely to draw the sword. Our
burghers are prudent townsmen, as I have said, and it is not often
that they are found fighting against their own interests.
THE HEIDENHAUElt. gf
.  Thou shouldst know, son, that he who is most favoured in this
life, may find the balances of justice weighing against him in the
next; while he who suffers in the flesh will be most likely to find
its advantage in the spirit.
"Himmel! In that case, reverend Benedictine, the most holy
Abbot of Limburg himself may fare worse hereafter than even a
hind who now lives like a dog!  exclaimed Grottlob, with an air
of admiration and simplicity that completely misled his listener.
 The one is said to comfort the body in various ways, and to
know the difference between a cup of pure Rhenish and a draught
of_ the washy liquors that come from the other side of our moun-
tains ; while the other, whether it be of necessity or inclination I
will not take upon myself to say, drinks only of the spring.
'Tis a million of pities that one never knoweth which to choose,
present ease with future pain, or a starving body with a happy
soul! Believe me, Father Siegfried, were thy reverence to think
more of these trials that befall us ignorant youths, thou wouldst
not deal so heavily with the penances, as thine own severe virtue
often tempts thee to do.
 What is thus done is done for thy health, future and present.
By chastening the spirit in this manner, it is gradually prepared
for its final purification, and thou art not a loser in the eyes of
thy fellows, by leading a chaste life. Thou wilt have justice at
the settlement of the great account.
 Nay, I am no greedy creditor, to dun Providence for my dues.
I very well know that what will come cannot be prevented, and
therefore I take patience to be a virtue. But I hope these ac-
counts, of which you tell us so often, are kept with sufficient
respect for a poor man; for, to deal fairly with thee, father, we
have not overmuch favour in settling those of the world.
"Thou hast credit for all thy good deeds with thy fellows,
Gottlob.
 I wish it were true ! To me it seems that the world is ready
enough to charge, while it is as niggardly as a miser in giving
credit. I never did an evil act—and as we are all mortal and frail,
most holy monk, these accidents will befall even your saint or a
Benedictine—that the deed itself and all its consequences were
not set down against me, in letters that a short-sighted man might
read ; while most of my merits — and considering I am but a
cow-herd they are of respectable quality—seem to be forgotten.
Now your Abbot, or his Highness the Elector, or even Count
Emich 
 The Summer Landgrave ! interrupted the monk, laughing.
 Summer or winter, as thou wilt, Father Siegfried, he is Count
of Hartenbhrg, and a noble of Leiningen. Even he does no deed
of charity, or even of simple justice, that all men do not seize
upon the occasion to proclaim it, as eagerly as they endeavour to
upbraid me for the accidental loss of a beast, or any other little
backsliding, that may befall one who, being bold under thy holy
instruction, sometimes stumbles against a sin.
 Thou art a casuist, and, at another time, I must look more
closely into the temper of thy mind. At present, thou maystpur-
38 THE BEIDEKMATJEE.
chase favour of the Church by enlisting a little more closely in
her interests. I remember thy cleverness and thy wit, Gottlob,
for both have been remarked in thy visits to the convent; but,
until this moment, there has not been sufficient reason to use the
latter in the manner that we may fairly claim to do, considering
our frequent prayers, and the other consolations afforded in thy
behalf.
 Do not be too particular, Father Siegfried, for thy words re-
veal grievous penance!
 Which may he much mitigated in future, if not entirely
avoided, by a service that I would now propose to thee, honest
Gottlob, and which I will venture to say, from my knowledge of
thy reverence for holy things, as is manifest in thy attentions to
the pious hermit, ana thy love for the Abbey of Limburg, thou
wouldst not refuse to undertake.
"So!
 Nay, I have as good as pledged myself to Father Bonifacius
to procure either thee, or one shrewd and faithful as thee, to do
a trusty service for the brotherhood.
 The latter might not be easy among the cow-herds.
 Of that I am sure. Thy skill in the management of the beasts
.may yet gain thee the office of tending the ample herds of the
Abbey. Thou art already believed fit for the charge.
"Not to deny my own merits, sagacious father, I have already
some knowledge of the pastures.
 And of the beasts, too, Gottlob; we keep good note of the cha-
racters of all who come to our confessionals. There are worse than
thine among them, I do assure thee.
 And yet have I never told thee half that I might say of my-
self, father!
 It is not important now. Thou knowest the state of the con-
test between Count Emich and our Abbey. The service that I
ask of thee, son, is this ; and by discharging it, with thy wonted
readiness, believe me thou wilt gain favour with St. Benedict and
his children. We have had reason to know, that there is a strong
band of armed men in the castle, ready and anxious to assail ouz
walls, under a vain belief that they contain riches and stores to
repay the sacrilege; but we want precise knowledge of their num-
hers and intentions. Were we to send one of known pursuits on
this errand, the Count would find means to mislead him ; where-
us, we think a hind of thy intelligence might purchase the Church's
kindness without suspicion.
"Were Count Emich to get wind of the matter, he would not
leave me an ear with which to listen to thy holy admonitions.
 Keep thine own counsel, and he will not suspect one of thy
appearance. Hast no pretext for visiting the castle ?
 Nay, it would be easy to make a thousand. Here, I might
say, I wished to ask the cow-herd of Lord Emich for his cunning
in curing diseased hoofs, or I might pretend a wish to change my
service, or, there is no want of laughing damsels in and about the
hold.
 Enough; thou art he, Gottlob, for whom I haye sought daily
the heidenmaueb. 39
for a fortnight. Go thy way, then, without fail, and seek me,
after to-morrow's mass, in the Abbey.
 It may be enough on the side of heaven, father, but men of
our prudence must not forget their mortal state. Am I to risk
my ears, do discredit to my simplicity, and neglect my herd, with-
out a .motive ?
 Thou wilt serve the Church, son, get favour in the eyes of our
reverend Abbot, and thy courage ana dexterity will be remem-
bered in future indulgences.
 That I shall serve the Church it is well known to me, reverend
Benedictine, and it is a privilege of which a cow-herd hath reason
to be proud; but, by_ serving the Church, I shall make enemies on
earth, for two sufficient reasons: first, that the Church is in no
great esteem in this valley; and second, because men never love a
friend for being any better than themselves. 'No, Gottlob,' used
my excellent father to say, ' seem to all around thee conscious of
thy unworthiness, after which thou mayst be what thou seemest.
On this condition only can virtue live at peace with its fellow-
creatures. But if thou wouldst have the respect of mankind,'
would he say, ' set a fair price on all thou doest, for the world will
not give thee credit for disinterestedness; and if thou workest for
naught, it will think thou deservest naught. No,' did he shake
his head and add, ' that which cometh easy is little valued, while
that which is costly, do men set a price upon.' 
 Thy father was like thyself, one that looked to his ease. Thou
knowest that we inhabitants of cells do not carry silver.
"Nay, righteous Benedictine, if it were a trifle of gold, I am not
one to break a bargain for so small a difference.
 Thou shalt have gold, then. On the faith of my holy calling,
I will give thee an image of the Emperor in gold, shouldst thou
succeed in bringing the tidings we require.
Gottlob stopped short, ana kneeling, he reverently asked the
monk to bless him. The latter complied, half doubting the dis-
cretion of employing such an emissary, between whose cunning
and simplicity he was completely at faulty Still, as he risked
nothing, except in the nature of the information he was to receive,
he saw no sufficient reason for recalling the commission he had
just bestowed. He gave the desired benediction, therefore; and
our two conspirators descended the mountain in company, dis-
coursing, as they went, of the business on which the cow-herd was
about to proceed. When so near the road as to be in danger of
observation, they separated, each taking the direction necessary to
his object.
CHAPTER IV.
 And not a matron, sitting at tier wheel,
But could repeat therf story— Rogers.
The female, enveloped in her mantle, had so well profited by the
timely interposition of Gottlob Frinclc, as to quit the hermit's
hut without attracting the notice of the Benedictine. But the
40 THE HEIDENHATTER.
vigilance of young Berchthold had not been so easily eluded. He
stepped aside as she glided through the door, then stooping merely
to catch the eye of the cow-herd, to whom he communicated his
intention by a sign, he followed. Had the forester felt any doubts
as to the identity of her he pursued, the light and active move-
ment would have convinced him that age, at least, had no agency
in inducing her to conceal her features. The roebuck of his own
forests scarce bounded with more agility than the fugitive fled on
first quitting the abode of the recluse; nor did her speed sensibly
lessen, until she had crossed most of the melancholy camp, and
reached a spot where the opening of the blue and star-lit void
showed that she was at the verge of the wood, and near the mar-
gin of the summit of the mountain. Here she paused, and stood
leaning against a cedar, like one whose strength * was ex-
hausted.
Berchthold had followed swiftly, but without losing that ap-
pearance of calmness and of superior physical force which gives
dignity to the steps of young manhood, as compared with the
timid but more attractive movements of the feebler sex. He
seemed conscious of his greater powers, and unwilling to increase
a flight that was already swifter than circumstances required, and
which he knew to be far more owing to a vague and instinctive
alarm, than to any real cause for apprehension. When the speed
of the female ceased, his own relaxed, and he approached the
spot where she stood panting for breath, like a cautious boy who
slackens his haste in order not to give new alarm to the bird that
has just alighted.
 What is there so fearful in my face, Meta, that thou fleest my
presence, as I had been the spirit of one of those Pagans that they
say once peopled this camp ? It is not thy wont to have this dread
of a youth thou hast known from childhood, and I will say, in
my own defence, known as honest and true !
 It is not seemly in a maiden of my years—it was foolish, if
not disobedient, to be here at this hour, answered the hurried
girl:— I would I had not listened to the desire of hearing more
of the holy hermit's wisdom!
 Thou art not alone, Meta!
 That were unbecoming, truly, in my father's child, returned
the young damsel, with an expression of pride of condition, as
she glanced an eye towards the fallen wall, among whose stones
Berchthold saw the well-known form of a female servitor of his
companion's family.  Had I carried imprudence to this pass,
Master Berchthold, thou w'ouldst have reason to believe, in sooth,
that it was the daughter of some peasant, that by chance had
crossed thy footstep.
 There is little danger of that error, answered Berchthold
quickly.  I know thee well; thou art Meta, the only child of
Heinrich Frey, the Burgomaster of Duerckheim. Hone know
thy quality and hopes better than I, for none have heard them
oftener!
The damsel dropped her head in a movement of natural regret
and sudden repentance, and when her blue eye, softened by a ray
THE HEIDEHaiATJEK. 41
of the moon, met the gaze of the forester, he saw that better
feelings we're uppermost.
 I did not wish to recount my father's honours, nor any acei-
dental advantage of my situation, and, least of all, to thee,
answered the maiden, with eagerness; '' but I felt concern lest thou
shouldst imagine I had forgotten the modesty of my sex and con-
dition—or, I had fear that thou mightest—thy manner is much
changed of late, Berchthold.
 It is then without my knowledge or intention. But we will
forget the past, and thou wilt tell me what wonder hath brought
thee to this suspected and dreaded moor at an hour so unusual ?
Meta smiled, and the expression of her countenance proved,
that if she had moments of uncharitable weakness, they were
more the offspring of the world's opinions than of her own frank
and generous nature.
"I might retort the question on thee, Berchthold,v and plead
a woman's curiosity as a reason why I should be quickly answered
—Why art thou here, at an hour when most young hunters
sleep?
 I am L'ord Emich's forester; but thou, as there has just been
question, art a daughter of the Burgomaster of Duerckheim.
 I give thee credit for all the difference. Did my mother
know that I was thus about to furnish a reason for my conduct,
she_ would sdy, ' Keep thy explanations, Meta, for those who have
a right to demand them!'
 And Heinrich Erey ?
 He would be little likely to approve of either visit or explana-
tion.
"Thy father loves me not, Meta?
'' He does not so much disapprove of thee, Master Berchthold,
as that thou art only Lord Emich's forester. Wert thou as thine
own parent was, a substantial burgher of our town, he might
esteem thee much. But thou hast great favour with my dear
mother I
"Heaven bless her, that in her own prosperity she hath not
forgotten those who have fallen ! I think that in thy heart, as
in thy looks, Meta, thou more resemblest thy mother than thy
father.
 I would have it so. When I speak to thee of my being the
child of Heinrich Erey, it is without thought of any present dif-
ference between us, I do affirm to thee, Berchthold, but rather as
showing that, in not forgetting my station, I am not likely to do it
discredit. Kay, I know not that a forester's is a dishonourable
office. They who serve the Elector in this manner are noble.
"And they who serve nobles simple. I am but a menial,
Meta, though it be in a way to do little mortification to my
pride.
 And what is Count Emich but a vassal of the Elector, who,
in turn, is a subject of the Emperor! Thou shalt not dishonour
thyself in this manner, Berchthold, and no one say aught to
vindicate thee.
 Thanks, dearest Meta. Thou art the child of my mother's
42 THE HEIDEftMATTEK.
oldest and closest friend, and whatever the world may proclaim
of the difference that now exists between us, thy excellent heart
whispers to the contrary. Thou art not only the fairest, hut, in
truth, the kindest and gentlest damsel of thy town.
The daughter, only child, and consequently the heiress of the
wealthiest burgher of Duerckheim did not hear this opinion of
Lord Emich's handsome forester without great secret gratifica-
tion.
 And now thou shalt know the reason of this unusual visit,
said Meta, when the silent pleasure excited hy the last speech of
young Berchthold had a little subsided,  for this have I, in some
measure, promised to thee; and it would little justify thy good
opinion to forget a pledge. Thou knowest the holy hermit, and
the sudden manner of his appearance in the Heidenmauer ?
 None are ignorant of the latter, and thou hast already seen
that I visit him in his hut.
 I shall not pretend to give or to seek the reason, hut sure it
is, that he had not been a week in the old Roman abode, when he
sought occasion to show me greater notice than to any other
maiden of Duerckheim, or than any merit of mine might
claim.
 How! is the knave but a pretender to this sanctity, after
all!
 Thou canst not be jealous of a man of his years; and, judg-
ing by his worn countenance and hollow eye, years too of morti-
fication and suffering ! He truly is of a character to give a youth
of thy age and gentle air, and active frame, and comely appear-
ance, uneasiness! But I see the colour in thy cheek, Master
Berchthold, and will not offend thee with comparisons that are so
much to thy disadvantage. Be the motive of the holy hermit
what it will, on the two occasions when he visited our town and
in the visits that we maidens have often made to his cell, he hath
shown kind interest in my welfare and future hopes, both as they
are connected with this life, and with that to which we all hasten,
although it be with steps that are not heard even by our own
ears.
 It does not surprise me, that all who see and know thee, Meta,
should act thus. And yet I find it very strange !
 Nay, said the amused girl,  now thou justifies! the exact
words of old Ilse, who hath often said to me, ' Take heed, Meta,
and put not thy faith too easily in the language of the young
townsmen ; for, by looking closely into their meaning, thou wilt
see that they contradict themselves. Youth is so eager to obtain
its end, that it stops not to separate the true from the plausible.'
These are her very words, and oft repeated too, which thou hast
just verified—I believe the crone fairly sleepeth on that pile of
the fallen wall!
 Disturb her not. One of her years hath great need of rest;
nay, it would be thoughtless to rob her of this little pleasure!
Meta had made a step in advance, seemingly with intent to
arouse her attendant, when the hurried words and rapid action of
the youth caused her to hesitate. Receding to her former atti-
THE HEIDEHMATJEK. 43
tude beneath, the shadow of the cedar, she more considerately re-
Binned
 It would be ungracious, in sooth, to awaken one who hath so
lately toiled up this weary hill.
 And she so aged, Meta!
 And one that did so much for my infancy ! I ought to go
back to my father's house, but my kind mother will overlook the
delay, for she loveth Ilse little less than one of her own blood.
_  Thy mother knoweth of this visit to the hermit's hut, then?
 Dost think, Master Berchthold, that a Burgomaster of Duerck-
heim's only child would go forth, at this hour, without permission
had ? There would be great unseemliness in such secret gossip-
ing,_ and a levity that would better suit thy damsels of Count
Emieh's village: they say indeed, in our town, that the castle
damsels are none too nice in their manner of life.
 They belie us of the mountain strangely, in the towns of the
plain! I swear to thee, there is not greater modesty in thy
Duerckheim palace, than among our females, whether of the
village or of the castle.
 It may be true in the main, and, for the credit of my sex, I
hope it is so; but thou wilt scarce find courage, Berchthold, to say
aught in favour of her they call Gisela, the warder's child ? More
vanity have I never seen in female form. ,
 They think her fair, in Hartenburg.
 'Tis that opinion which spoileth the creature's manner. Thou
art much in her society, Master Berchthold, and I doubt not that
use causeth thee to overlook some qualities that are not concealed
from strangers. ' Do but regard that flaunting bird from the pass
of the Jaegerthal,' said the excellent old Ilse, one morn that we
had a festival in our venerable church, to which the country round
came forth in their best array; ' one would imagine, from its flut-
tering, and the movements of its feathers, that it fancied the eye
of every young hunter was on its plumage, and that it dreaded
the bolt of the archer unexpectedly! And yet have I known
animals of this breed, that did not so greatly fear the fowler's
hand, if truth were said.'
 Thou judgest Gisela harshly; for though of some lightness nf
speech, and haply not without admiration of her own beauty, the
girl is far from being uncompanionable, or, at times, of agreeable
discourse.
"Nay, I do but repeat the words of Ilse, Master Berchthold.
 Thy Ilse is old, and garrulous, and is like to utter foolish-
ness.
 This may be so—but let it be foolish, if thou wilt—the folly of
my nurse is my folly. I have gained so much from her discourse,
that I fear it is now too late to amend. To deal fairly with thee,
she did not utter a syllable concerning thy warder's daughter that
I do not believe. . ,
Berchthold was but little practised in the ways of the human
heart. Free in the expression of his own sentiments, as the air
he breathed on his native hills, and entirely without thought of
.°milt, as respects the feeling which bound him to Meta, he had
44 THE HEIDEKMATJEH.
never descended into the arcana of that passion of which he was
so completely the subject, without indeed knowing even the ex-
tent ot his own bondage. He viewed this little _ ebullition ol
jealousy, therefore, as a generous nature regards all injustice, ana
he entered only the more warmly into the defence of the injured,
party. One of those sieve-like hearts that have been perforated
a hundred times by the shots that Cupid fires, right and lelt, m a
capital, would probably have had recourse to the same expedient,
merely to observe to what extent he could trifle with the feelings
of a being he professed to love. . .
Europeans, who are little addicted to looking into the eye of
their cis-Atlantic kinsman in search of the_ mote, say, that the
master passion of life is but a sluggish emotion m the American
bosom. That those who are chiefly employed in the affairs of this
world should be content with the natural course of the affections,
as they arise in the honest relations of the domestic circle, is quite
as probable, as it is true that they who feed their passions by
vanity and variety are mistaken when they think _ that casual
and fickle sensations compose any of the true ingredients of that
purifying and elevated sentiment, which, by investing the ad-
mired, object with all that is estimable, leads us to endeavour to
be worthy of the homage we insensibly pay to virtue. In Bercht-
hold and Meta, the reader is to look for none of that constitu-
tional fervour, which sometimes substitutes impulse for a deeper
feeling, or for any of that factitious cultivation of the theory of
love, that so often tempts the neophyte to mistake his own hallu-
cinations for the more natural attachment of sympathy and rea-
son. _ For the former, they lived too far north; and for the latter,
it might possibly be said that fortune had cast their lot a little too
far south. That subtle and nearly indefinable sympathy between
the sexes, which we call love, to which all are subject, since its
principle is in nature itself, exists perhaps in its purest and least
conventional form -precisely in the bosoms of those whom Provi-
dence has placed in the middle state, between extreme cultivation
and ignorance ; between the fastidious and sickly perversion of
over-indulgence, and the selfishness that is the fruit of constant
appeals to exertion, or the very condition of the two young per-
sons that have been placed before the reader in this chapter.
Enough has been seen to show that Berchthold, though exercising
a menial office, had received opinions superior to his situation; a
circumstance that is sufficiently explained by the allusions already
made to the decayed fortunes of his parents. His language and
manner, therefore, as he generously vindicated Gisela, the daugh-
ter of the person charged to watch the approaches of LordEmich's
castle, was perhaps superior to what would have been expected in
a mere forester.
 I shall not take upon myself the office of pointing out the
faults of our castle beauty, if faults she hath, he said.;  but this
much may I say in her defence, without fear of exceeding truth ;
her father is grown gray under the livery of Leiningen, and
there is not a child in the world that showeth more reverence or
affection to him who gave her being, than this same bird of
THE HEIDEEHAUEE. 45
thine, ■with its flaunting plumes, and the coquetry with the
archer's bolt.
 'Tis said, a dutiful daughter will ever make an excellent and
an obedient wife.
 The luckier, then, will he be who weds old Friedrieh's child.
I have known her keep the gates, deep into the night, that her
father might take his rest, when the nobles have frequented the
forest later than common; ay, and to watch weary hours, when
most of her years and sex would find excuses for being on their
illows. _ Now, this have I often seen, going forth, as thou mayst
e certain by my office, in Count Emich's company, in most of his
hunts. Nay, Gisela is fair, none will deny; and it may be that,
among her other qalities, the girl knows it.
 She appearetn not to be the only one of thy Hartenburg pile
that is aware of the fact, Master Berchthold !
 Dost thou mean, Meta, the revelling abbe, from Paris, or the
sworn soldier-monk of Rhodes, that now abide in the castle?
asked the young forester, with a simplicity that would have set the
heart of a coquette at ease, by its perfect nature and openness.
 Now thou touchest on the matter, I will own, though one of my
office should be wary of opinions on those his master loves, but I
know thy prudence, Meta—therefore will I say, that I have half
suspected these two ill-assorted servants of the Church, of think-
ing more of the poor girl than is seemly.
 Thy poor Gisela hath cause to hang herself. Truly, were was-
sailers, like these thou namest, to regard me with but a free look,
the Burgomaster of Duerckheim should know of their bold-
ness !
 Meta, they would not dare ! Poor Gisela is not the offspring of
a stout citizen, but the warder of Hartenburg's child, and there
may be some difference in thy natures, too—nay, there is; for
thou art not one of those that seek the admiration of each cavalier
that passeth, but a maiden that knoweth her worth, and the meed
that is her due. That thou hast, in something, wronged our
beauty of the hold, I needs must say; but to compare thee with
her, either in the excellence of the body or that of the mind, is
what could never be done justly. If she is fair, thou art fairer ;
if she is witty, thou art wise.
 Nay, do not mistake me, Berchthold, by thinking that I have
uttered aught against thy warder's daughter that is harsh and un-
seemly. I know the girl's cleverness, and, moreover, I am willing
to acknowledge, that one cruelly placed by fortune in a condition
of servitude, like hers, may find it no easy matter to be always
what one of her sex and years could wish. I dare to say, that
Gisela, did fortune and opportunity permit, would do no discredit
to her breeding and looks, both of which, sooth to say, are some-
what above her condition.
"And thou saidst, thy mother knew of this visit to the
hermit?
 And said truth. My mother has never made objection to any
reverence paid by her daughter to the Church or to its servants.
 That hath she not!—Thou art amongst the most frequent of
l)
46 THE HEIDENMATTEK.
those who resort to the Ahhey in quest of holy offices thyself,
Meta!
"Am I not a Christian? Wouldst' hare a well-respected
maiden forget her duties?
"I say not that; but there is discourse amongst ns hunters,
that of late the prior hath much _ preferred his young nephew,
Brother Hugo, to the duty of quieting the consciences of the peni-
tents. It were better that some father, whose tonsure hath a ring
of gray, were put into the confessional, in a church so much fre-
quented by the young and fair of Duerckheim.
 Thou wouldst do well to write of this to the Bishop of Worms,
or to our holy Abbot, in thine own scholarly hand. Thou hast the
clerkly gifts, Master Berchthold, and might persuade !
 I would that the little I have done in this way had not so
failed of its design. Thou hast had frequent proofs of its sin-
cerity, if not of its skill, Meta.
 Well, this is idle, and leads me to forget the' hermit. My
mother—I know not why—and now thou makest me think of it,
I find it different from her common rule; but it is certain that
she in nowise discourages these visits to the Heidenmauer. We
are very young, Berchthold, and may not yet understand all that
enters into older and wiser heads.
 It is strange that the holy man should seek just us ! If he
most urges his advice on you among the damsels of the town, he
most gives his counsel to me among the youths of the Jae-
gerthal!
There was a charm in this idea which held these two young and
unpractised minds in sweet thraldom for many fleeting minutes.
They conversed of the unexplained sympathy between the man of
God and themselves, long and with undiminishing interest in the
subject, for it seemed to both that it contained a tie to unite them
still closer to each other. Whatever philosophy and experience
may pretend on such subjects, it is certain that in an is disposed to
he superstitious in respect to the secret influences that guide his
fortunes, in the dark passage of the world. Whether it be the
mystery of the unforeseen future or the consciousness of how much
of even his most prized success is the result of circumstances that
he never could or did control, or whether God, with a view to his
own harmonious and sublime ends, has implanted this principle
in the human breast, in order to teach us dependence on a superior
power, it is certain that few reach a state of mind so calculating
and reasoning as not to trust some portion of that which is to
come, to the chances of Fortune or to Providence ; for so we term
the directing power, as the mind clings to or rejects the immediate
agency of the Deity, in the conduct of the subordinate concerns
of life. In the age of which we write, intelligence had not made
sufficient progress to elevate ordinary minds above the arts of ne-
cromancy. Men no longer openly consulted the entrails of brutes,
in order to learn the will of fate, but they often submitted to a
dictation scarcely less beastly, and few indeed were they who were
able to separate piety from superstition, or the grand dispensations
Of Providence from the insignificant interests of selfishness. It is
THE HEIDEEMAHEE. 47
not surprising, therefore, that Berchthold and Meta should cling
to the singular interest that the hermit manifested in them respec-
tively, as an omen propitious to their common hopes—common, for
though the maiden had not so far relinquished the reserve she still
deemed essential to her sex, as to acknowledge all she felt, that
subtle _instinct_ which unites the young and innocent left little
doubt in the mind of either, of the actual state of the other's incli-
nations.
Old Ilse hadconsequently ample time to rest her frame, after,
the painful toil of the ascent between the town and the camp.
"When Meta at length approached to arouse her, the garrulous
woman broke out in exclamations of surprise at the shortness of
the interview 'with the hermit, for the soundness of her slumbers
left her in utter ignorance of the appearance and disappearance
of Berchthold.
 It is but a moment, Meta dear, she said,  since we came up
the hill, and I fear thou hast not given sufficient heed to the wise
words of the holy man. We should not reject a wholesome
draught because it proves bitter to the mouth, child, but swallow
all to the last drop, when we think there is healing in the cup.
Didst deal fairly by the hermit, and tell him honestly of thy evil
nature ?
 Thou forgettest, Ilse, the hermit has not even the tonsure, and
cannot shrive and pardon.
 Nay, nay, I know not that! A hermit is a man of God ; and
a man of God is holy; and any Christian may, ay, and should,
pardon ; and as to shriving, give me a self-denying recluse, who
passes his time in prayer, mortifying soul and body, before any
monk of Limburg, say I! There is more virtue in one blessing
from such a man, than in a dozen from a carousing abbot—I
know not but I might say fifty.
 But I had his blessing, nurse.
 Well, that is comforting, and we have not wearied our limbs
for naught; but thou shouldst have told him of thy wish to wear
the laced boddice, at the last mass, in order that thy equals might
envy thy beauty. It would have been wholesome to have acknow-
ledged that sin, at least.
"But he questioned me not of my sins. All his discourse was
of my father's house, and of my good mother, and—and of other
matters.
"Thou sliouldst then have edged the boddice in among the
other matters. Have I not always forewarned thee, Meta, of the
danger of pride, and of stirring envy in the bosom of a companion?
There is naught more uncomfortable than envy, as I know by
experience. Oh! I am no longer young; and come to me if thou
wouldst wish to know what envy is, or any other dangerous vice,
and I warrant thee thou shalt hear it well explained ! Ay, thou
wert very wrong not to have spoken of the boddice.
"Had it been fit to confess, I might have found more serious
sins to own than any that belong to dress.
"I know not that! Dress is a great beguiler of the young
heart and of the handsome face. If thou hast beauty in thy
D 2
48 THE HEIDENKAT7EE.
louse, break tly mirrors that the young should not know it, is
what I have heard a thousand times; and as thouart both young
and fair, I will repeat it, though all Duerckheim gainsay my
words, thou art in danger if thou knowest it. No, hadst thou
told the hermit of that boddice, it might have done much good.
What matters it to such a man, whether he hath the tonsure or
not ? He hath prayers, and fastings, and midnight thought, and
great bodily suffering, and these are surely worth as much hair
as hath ever fallen from all the monks in the Palatinate. I would
thou hadst told him of that boddice, child !
 Since thou so wishest it, at our next meeting it shall be said,
dear Ilse; so set thy heart at peace.
"This will give thy dear mother great pleasure; else, why
should she consent that a daughter of hers should visit a heathen-
ish camp, at so late an hour ? I warrant thee that she thought
of the boddice !
"Do cease speaking of the garment, nurse; my thoughts are
bent on something else.
 Well, if indeed thou thinkest of something else, it may be
amiss to say more at present, though, Heaven it knows ! thou hast
great occasion to recall that vain-glorious mass to thy mind.
How suddenly thy communion with the hermit ended to-night,
Meta!
"We have not been long on the mountain, truly, Ilse. But we
must hasten back, lest my mother should be uneasy.
"And why should she be so? Am I not with thee? Is age
nothing, and experience, and prudence, and an old head, ay, and
for that matter, an old body too, and a good memory, and such
eyes as no other in Duerckheim of my years hath ?—I say of my
years, for thou hast better; and thy dear mother's are little worse
than thine—but of my years, few have their equal. At thy age,
girl, I was not the old Use, but the lively Ilse, and the active,
and—God forgive me if there be vain-glory in the words! but
truth should always be spoken—the handsome Ilse, and this too
without aid from any such boddice as that of thine.
 Wilt never forget the boddice ? Here, lean on me, nurse, or thy
foot may fail thee m the steep descent.
Here they began to descend, and as they were now at a point of
the path where much caution was necessary, the conversation in
a great measure ceased.
He who visits Duerckheim now will find sufficient remaining
evidence to show that the town formerly extended more towards
the base of the mountain than its present site would prove. There
are the ruins of walls and towers among the vineyards that orna-
ment the foot of the hill, and tradition speaks of fortifications
that have long since disappeared, rendered useless by those im-
provements in warfare that have robbed so many other strong
places of their importance. Then, .every group of houses on an
eminence was more or less a place of defence; but the use of gun-
powder and artillery centuries ago rendered all these targets use-
less, and he who would now seek a citadel is most sure to find it
buried in some plain or morass. The world has reached another
THE HE1DENMAUER. 49
crisis in improvement, for the introduction of steam is likely to
alter all its systems of offence and defence both by land and sea;
but be the future as it may, the skill of the engineer had not so
far ripened at the period of our tale as to prevent Meta and her
attendant from entering within walls of ancient construction,
elumsily adapted to meet the exigencies of the imperfect state of
the existing art. As the hour was early, they had no difficulty
in reaching the Burgomaster's door without attracting remark.
CHAPTER Y.
 What news?
"None, my lord; but that the world is grown honest.
 Then is doomsday near!Hamlet.
Within the whole of these widely extended States, there is
scarcely a single vestige of the manner of life led by those who
first settled in the wilderness. Little else is found to arrest the
eye of the antiquary in the shape of a ruin, except the walls of
some fortress or the mounds of an intrenchmcnt of the war of in-
dependence. We have, it is true, some faint remains of times
still more remote; and there are even a few circumvallations, or
other inventions of defence, that are believed to have once been
occupied by the red man; but in no part of the country did there
ever exist an edifice, of either a public or a private nature, that
bore any material resemblance to a feudal castle. In order, there-
fore, that the reader shall have as clear a picture as our feeble
powers can draw, of the hold occupied by the sturdy baron who is
destined to act a conspicuous part in the remainder of this legend,
it has become necessary to enter at some length into a description
of the surrounding localities, and of the building itself. We say
of the reader, for we profess to write only for the amusement—
fortunate shall we be if instruction may be added—of our own
countrymen: should others be pleased to read these crude pages,
we shall be flattered and of course grateful; but with this distinct
avowal of our object in holding the pen, we trust they will read
with the necessary amount of indulgence.
And here we shall take occasion< to hold one moment's commu-
nion with that portion of the reading public of all nations, that,
as respects a writer, composes what is termed the world. Let it
not be said of us, because we make frequent_ reference to opinions
and circumstances as they exist in our native land, that we are
profoundly ignorant of the existence of all others. We make these
references, crime though it be in hostile eyes, because they best
answer our end in writing at all, because they allude to a state of
society most familiar to our own minds, and because we believe
that great use has hitherto been made of the same things, to foster
ignorance and prejudice. Should we unheedingly betray the
foible of national vanity—that foul and peculiar blot of American
character—we solicit forgiveness; urging, in our own justification
the aptitude of a young country for falling insensibly into the
vein of imitation, and praying the critical observer to overlook
50 THE HEIDEHMATJEE.
any blunders in tbis way, if percbance we should not manifest
that felicity of execution which is the fruit only of great practice.
Hitherto we believe that our modesty cannot justly be impeached.
As yet we have left the cardinal virtues to mankind in the gross,
never, to our knowledge, having written of "American courage,
or  American honesty, nor yet of  American beauty, nor
haply of  American manliness, nor even of  American strength
,of arm, as qualities abstracted and not common to our fellow-
creatures; but have been content, in the unsophisticated language
of this western clime, to call virtue, virtue—and vice, vice. In
this we well know how much we have fallen short of numberless
but nameless classical writers of our own time, though we do not
think we are greatly losers by the forbearance, because we have
sufficient proof that when we wish to make our pages unpleasant
to the foreigner, we can effect that object by much less imposing
allusions to national merits; since we have good reason to believe
there exists a certain querulous class of readers who consider even
the most delicate and reserved commendations of this western
world, as so much praise unreasonably and dishonestly abstracted
from themselves. As for that knot in our own fair country who aim
at success by flattering the stranger, and who hope to shine in
their own little orbits by means of borrowed light, we commit
them to the correction of a reproof which is certain to come, and,
in their cases, to come embittered by the consciousness of its
being merited by a servility as degrading as it is unnatural. As
they dive deeper into the secrets of the human heart, they will
learn there is a healthful feeling that cannot be repulsed with im-
punity, and that as none are so respected as they who fearlessly
and frankly maintain their rights, so none are so contemned as
those who ignobly desert them.
During the time that Berchthold was holding converse with
Meta on the mountain of the Heidenmauer, Emich of Leiningen
was at rest in his castle of Hartenburg, It has already been
said, that the hold was of massive masonry, the principal mate-
rial being the reddish sandstone that is so abundantly found in
nearly the whole region of the ancient Palatinate. The building
had grown with time, and that which had originally been a tower
had swelled into a formidable and extensive fortress. In the ages
which succeeded the empire of Charlemagne, he who could rear
one of these strong places and maintain it in opposition to his
neighbours, became noble, and in some measure a sovereign. He
established his will as law for the contiguous territoryand they
who could not enjoy their own lands without submitting to his
pleasure, were content to purchase protection by admitting their
vassalage. _No sooner was one of these local lords firmly esta-
blished in his hold, by receiving service and homage from the bus-
bandmen, than he began to quarrel with his nearest neighbour
of his own condition. The victor necessarily grew more power-
ful by his conquests, until, from being the master of one castle
and one village, he became in process of time the master of many.
In this manner did minor barons swell into power and sovereignty,
even mighty potentates tracing their genealogical and political
THE HEIDEHMAT7EK. 51
trees into roots of this wild growth. There still stands on an
abrupt and narrow ledge of land, in the confederation of Swit-
zerland and in the Canton of Argovie, a tottering ruin, that in
past ages was occupied by a knight, who from his aerie overlooked
the adjoining village, and commanded the services of its handful
of boors. This ruined castle was called Hapsbourg, and is cele-
brated as the cradle of that powerful family which has long sat
upon the throne of the Caesars, and which now rules so much of
Germany and Upper Italy. The King of Prussia traces his line
to the House of Hohenzollern, the offspring of another castle; and
numberless are the instances in which he who thus laid the corner-
stone of a strong place, in ages when security was only to he had
by good walls, also laid the foundation of a long line of prosperous
and puissant princes.
Neither the position of the Castle of Hartenhurg, however, nor
the period in which it was founded, was likely to_ lead to results
great as these just named. As has been said, it commanded a
pass important for local purposes, but not of so much moment as
to give him who held the hold any material rights beyond its im-
mediate influence. Still, as the family of Leiningen was nume-
rous, and had other branches and other possessions in more fa-
voured portions of Germany, Count E-mich was far from being a
mere mountain chief. The feudal system had become methodised
long before his birth, and the laws of the Empire secured to him
many villages and towns on the plain, as the successor of those
who had obtained them in more remote ages. He had recently
claimed even a higher dignity, and wider territories, as the heir
of a deceased kinsman; but in this attempt to increase his power,
and to elevate his rank, he had been thwarted by a decision of
his peers. It was to tins abortive assumption of dignity, that
he owed the soubriquet of the Summer Landgrave; for such was
the rank he had claimed, and the period for which he had been
permitted to bear it.
"With this knowledge of the power of their family, the reader
will not be surprised to hear that the castle of the Counts of
Hartenhurg, or, to be more accurate, of the Counts of Harten-
burg-Leiningen, was on a commensurate scale. Perched on the
advanced spur of the mountain, just where the valley was most
confined, and at a point where the little river made a short bend,
the pass beneath lay quite at the mercy of the archer on its bat-
tlements. In the fore-ground, all that part of the edifice which
came into the view was military, and, in some slight degree, fitted
to the imperfect use that was then made of artillery; while in
the rear arose that maze of courts, chapels, towers, gates, port-
cullises, state-rooms, offices, and family apartments, that marked
the usages and tastes of the day. The hamlet which lay in the
dell, immediately beneath the walls of the salient towers, or has-
tions, for they partook of both characters, was insignificant, and
of little account in estimating the wealth and resources of the
feudal lord. These came principally from Duerekheim, and the
fertile plains beyond, though the forest was not without its value,
in a country in which the axe had so long been used.
52 THE HEID] 51731AUEB>
We have said that Emieh of Leiningen was taking his rest in.
the hold of Hartenburg. Let the reader imagine a massive build-
ing, in the centre of the confused pile we have mentioned, rudely
fashioned to meet the wants of the domestic economy of that age,
and he will get a nearer view of the interior. The walls were
wainscoted, and had much uncoiith and massive carving; the
halls were large and gloomy, loaded with armour, and at this
moment pregnant with armed men; the saloons of the medium
size which suited a baronial state, and all the appliances of that
mingled taste in which comfort and luxury, as now understood,
were unknown, but which was not without a portion of the effect
that is produced by an exhibition of heavy magnificence._ With
few but signal exceptions, Germany, even at this hour, is not a
country remarkable for the elegancies of domestic life. Its very
palaces are of simple decoration, its luxuries of a home-bred and
inartificial kind, and its taste is rarely superior, and indeed not
always equal, to our own. There is still a shade of the Gothic in
the habits and opinions of this constant people, who seem to cul-
tivate the subtle refinements of the mind, in preference to the
more obvious and material enjoyments which address themselves
to the senses.
Quaint and complicated ornaments, wrought by the patient
industry of a race proverbial for this description of ingenuity;
swords, daggers, morions, cuirasses, and all sorts of defensive
armour then in use; such needle-work as it befitted a noble dame
to produce; pictures that possessed most of the faults and few
of the beauties of the Flemish school; furniture that bore some
such relation to the garniture of the palaces of electors and kings,
as the decorations of a village drawing-room in our own time
bear to those of the large towns ; a profuse display of plate, on
which the arms of Leiningen were embossed and graven in
every variety of style; with genealogical trees and heraldic
blazonry in colours, were the principal features.
Throughout the whole pile there was little appearance, however,
of the presence of females, or even of the means of their aecom-
modation. Few of that sex were seen in the corridors, or offices,
or courts; though men crowded the place in unusual numbers.
The latter were chiefly grim and whiskered warriors, who loitered
in the halls, or in the more public parts of the castle, like idlers
waiting for the expected movement of exertion. None among
them were armed at all points, though this carelessly wore his
morion, that had buckled on a breast-plate, and another leaned
listlessly on his arquebuse or handled his pike. Here a group
exercised, in levity, with their several weapons of offence ; there
a jester amused a crowd of sluggish listeners with his ribaldry and
humour; and numberless were those who quaffed of the Rhenish
of their lord. -Although this continent had then been discovered,
the goodly portion which has since fallen to our heritage was still
in the hands of its native proprietors; and the plant, so long
known as the weed of Yirginia, but which has since become
a staple of so many other countries in this hemisphere, was not in.
its present general use amongst the Germans ; else would it have
THE HEIDE^lTAXJEE. 53
been our duty to finish this hasty sketch, by enveloping it all
in mist. Notwithstanding the general air of indifference and
negligence^which reigned within the walls of Hartenburg, without
the gates, in the turrets, and on the advanced towers, there was
the appearance of more than the customary watchfulness. Had
one been there to note the circumstance, he would have seen, in
addition to the sentries who always guarded the approaches of the
castle, several swift-footed spies on the look-out, in the hamlet, on
the rocks of the mountain side, and along the winding paths; and
as all eyes were turned towards the valley in the direction of Lim-
burg, it was evident that the event they awaited was expected to
arrive from that quarter.
"While such was the condition of his hold and of so strong a
body of his vassals, Count Emich himself had retired from obser-
vation to one of the quaint, half-rude, half-magnificent saloons of
the place. The room was lighted by twenty tapers, and other
well-known signs indicated the near approach of guests. He
paced the large apartment with a heavy and armed heel; while
care, or at least severe thought, contracted the muscles around
a hard and iron brow, which bore evident marks of familiar
acquaintance with the casque. Perhaps this is the only country
of Christendom, even now, in which the profession of the law is a
pursuit still more honourable and esteemed than that of arms—
the best proof of a high and enviable civilisation; but at the
age of our narrative, the gentleman that was not of the Church,
the calling which nearly monopolised all the learning of the times,
was of necessity a soldier. Emich of Leiningen carried arms
therefore as much in course as the educated man of this century
reads his Horace or Virgil; and as nature had given him a
vigorous frame, a hardy constitution, and a mind whose indiffer-
ence to personal suffering amounted at times to ruthlessness, he
was more successful in his trade of violence than many a pale and
zealous student proves in the cultivation of letters.
The musing Count scarce raised his looks from the oaken floor
he trod, as menial after menial appeared, moving with light step
in the presence of one so dreaded and yet so singularly loved. _ At
length a female, busy in some of the little offices of her sex, glided
before his half-unconscious sight. The youth, the bloom, the
playful air, the neat coif, the tight boddice, and the ample folds of
the falling garments, at length seemed to fill his eye with the form
of his companion.
 Is it thou, Gisela? he said, speaking mildly, as one addresses
a favoured dependant.  How fareth it with the honest Karl ?
"I thank my lord the Count, his aged and wounded servant
hath less of pain than is commonly his lot. The limb he has lost
in the service of the House of Leiningen 
 No matter for the leg, girl; thou art too apt to dwell upon
that mischance of thy parent.
 Were my lord the Count to leave a limb on the field, it might
be missed when he was hurried. •
 Thinkest thou, child, that my tongue would never address the
Emperor without naming the defect ? Go to, Gisela; thou art a
54 THE HEIDENMATJEE.
calculating hussy, and rarely permittest occasion to pass -without
allusion to this growing treasure of thy family. Are my people
actively on the watch, with or without their limbs ?
 They are as their natures and humours tend. Blessed Saint
Ursula knows where the officers of .the country have picked up so
ungainly a band as these that now inhabit Hartenburg! One
drinketh from the time his eyes open in the morn until they shut
at even; another sweareth worse than the northern warriors that
do these ravages in the Palatinate; this a foul dealer in ribaldry;
that a glutton, who never moveth lip but to swallow; and none,
nay, not a swaggerer of them all, hath civil word for a maiden,
though she be known as one esteemed in their master's household.
 They are my vassals, girl, and stouter men at need are not
mustered in Germany.
 Stout in speech, and insolent of look, my lord Count, but
most odious company to all of modest demeanour and of good in-
tentions, in the hold.
"Thou hast been humoured by thy mistress, girl, until thou
sometimes forgettest discretion. Go and look my guests are in-
formed that the hour of the banquet is at hand; I await the plea-
sure of their presence.
Gisela, whose natural pertness had been somewhat heightened
by an indulgent mistress, an'd in whom consciousness of more
beauty than ordinarily falls to the share of females of her condi-
tion had produced freedom of language that sometimes amounted
to temerity, betrayed her discontent in a manner very common to
her sex, when it is undisciplined, or little restrained by a whole-
some education. She pouted, taking care, however, that Emich's
eye was again turned to the floor, tossed her head, and quitted the
room. Left to himself, the Count relapsed into his reverie. In
this manner did several minutes pass unheeded.
"Dreaming, as usual, noble Emich, of escalades and excommu-
nication! cried a gay voice at his elbow, the speaker having
entered the saloon unseen,  of revengeful priests, of vassalage, of
shaven abbots, the confessional and penance dire, thy rights re-
dressed, the frowning conclave, the abbey cellar, thy morion, re-
venge, and, to sum up all, in a word that covers every deadly sin,
that fallen angel the devil!
Emich forced a grim smile at this unceremonious and compre-
hensive salutation, accepting the offered hand of him who uttered
it, however, with the frank freedom of a boon companion.
 Thou art right welcome, Albrecht, he replied,  for the mo-
ment is near when my ghostly guests should arrive; and to deal
fairly by thee, I never feel myself quite equal to a single combat
of wits with the pious knaves; but thy support will be enough,
though the whole Abbey community were of the party.
 Ay, we are akin, we sons of Saint John and these bastards of
Saint Benedict. Though more martial than your monks of the
hill, we of the island are sworn to quite as many virtues. Let
me see, he added, counting on his fingers with an air of bold
licentiousness;  firstly are we vowed to celibacy, and your Bene-
dictine is no less so; then are we self- dedicated to chastity, as is
THE HEIDENMAEEE. £5
your Limburg monk; next we respect our oaths, as does your
Father Bonifacius; then both are servants of the holy Cross;
by a singular influence the speaker and the Count made the sacred
symbol on their bosoms as the former uttered the word;, "and,
doubt it'not, I shall be the equal of the reverend brotherhood.
They say sin can match sin, and saint should surely be saint's
equal! _ But Emich, thou art graver than becometh a hot carousal,
like this we meditate !
"And thou gay as if about to gallant the dames of Rhodes to
one of thy island festivals \ 
The_ Knight of Saint John regarded his attire with complacency,
strutting by the side of his host, as the latter resumed his walk,
with the air of a bird of admired plumage. Nor was the remark
of the Count of Hartenburg misapplied, since his kinsman and
guest had, in reality, expended more labour on his toilette than
was customary in the absence of females, and in that rude hold.
Unlike the stern and masculine Emich, who rarely divested him-
self of all his warlike gear, the sworn defender of the Cross ap-
peared entirely in a peaceful guise, if the long rapier that dangled
at his side, and which to a much later period formed an indis-
pensable accompaniment of one of gentle condition, could be ex-
cepted from the implements of war. His doublet, fully decorated
with embroidery, fringes, and loops, and dotted with buttons, was
of a pale orange stuff, that was puffed and distended about his
person in the liberal amplitude of the prevailing fashion. The
nether garment, which scarce appeared, however essential as it
might be, was of the same material, and cut with a similar ex-
penditure of cloth. The hose were pink, and, rolling far above
the knee, gave the effect of a rich colouring to the whole picture.
He wore shoes whose upper-leather rose high against the small of
the leg, buckles that covered the instep, ana about the throat and
wrists there was a lavish display of lace. The well-known Mai-
tese cross dangled by a red ribbon at a button-hole of the doublet;
not above the heart, as is the custom at present among the cheva-
liers of the other hemisphere, but, by a vagary of taste, so low as
to demonstrate, if indeed there is any allusion intended by the
accidental position of these jewels, that the honourable badge was
assumed in direct reference to that material portion of the human
frame which is believed to be the repository of good cheer : an in-
terpretation that, in the case of Albrecht of Yiederbach, the knight
in question, was perhaps much nearer to the truth than he would
have been willing to own. After poising himself, first on the
point of one shoe and then on the other, _ smoothing his _ ruffles,
shoving the rapier more aside, and otherwise adjusting his attire
to his mind, the professed soldier of Saint John of Jerusalem pur-
sued the discourse.
 I am decent, kinsman, he replied; "fit to be a guest at thy
hospitable board, if thou wilt, in the absence of its fair mistress,
but beyond that unworthy to be named. As for the dames of our
unhappy and violated Rhodes, dear cousin, thou knowest little of
their humours if thou fanciest that this rude guise would have
any charm in their refined eyes. Our knights were used to bring
G6 THE HEIDENMAHER.
into the island the taste and improvements of every distant land;
and small though it he, there are few portions of the earth m
which the human arts, for so I, call the decoration of the human
body, flourished more than in our circumscribed, valiant, and
much regretted Rhodes. Thus was it, at least, until the fell Otto-
man triumphed I
 'Fore God, I had thought thee sworn to all sorts of modesty,
in speech, life, and other abstinences ! _
_  And art thou not sworn, most mutinous Emich, to obey thy
liege lords, the Emperor and the Elector; nay, for certain of thy
lands and privileges, art thou not bound to knight's service and
obedience to the holy Abbot of Limburg ?
 God's curse on him and on all the others of that grasping
brotherhood!
.  Ay, that is but the natural consequence of thy oath, as this
doublet is of mine. If the rigid performance of a vow is as agree-
able to the body as we are taught it may be healthful to the soul,
Count of Leiningen, where would be the merit of observance ? I
never don these graceful garments, but a wholesome remembrance
of watchful nights passed on the ramparts, of painful sieges and
watery trenches, or of sickly cruises against the Mussulmans, do
not present themselves in the shape of past penances. In this
manner do we sweeten sin by our bodily pains, and by the memory
of hours of virtuous hardships.
 By the three sainted kings of Koeln, and the eleven thousand
virgins of that honoured city. Master Albrecht, but thou wert
much favoured in thy narrow island, if it were permitted to thee
to sin in this fashion, with the certainty of tempering punishment
with so light service! These griping monks of Limburg make
much of their favours, and he who would go with a safe skin
must needs look to an indulgence had and well paid for in ad-
vance. I know not the number of goodly casks of the purest
Rhenish that little sallies of humour may have cost me, first and
last, in this manner of princely expenditure; but certain am I,
that did occasion offer, the united tributes would _ leave little
empty space in Prince Eriedrich's vaunted tun, in his ample eel-
lars of Heidelberg.
 I have often heard of that royal receptacle of generous liquor,
and have meditated a pilgrimage in honour of its capacity. Does
the Elector receive noble travellers with a hospitality suited to his
rank and means ?
 That doth he, and right willingly, though this war presses
sorely, and giveth him other employment. Thy wayfaring will
not be weary, for thou mayst see the towers of Heidelberg from
pff these hills, and a worthy steed might be pricked from this
court of mine into that of Duke Eriedrich in a couple of hours of
hard riding.
 When the merits of thy cellar are exhausted, noble Emich,
it will be in season to put the Tun to the proof, replied the
Knight of Rhodes, "as our esteemed friend here, the Abbe, will
maintain, in the face of all the reformers with which our Germany
is infested.
THE HEIDEHMATJEE. 57
In introducing another character we claim the reader's patience
for a moment of digression Whatever may he said of the merits
and "legality of the Reformation, effected chiefly by the courage
of Luther (andwe are neither sectarian nor unbeliever, to deny
the sacred origin of the Church from which he dissented), it is
very generally admitted, that the long and undisputed sway of
the prevailing authority of that age had led to abuses, which
called loudly for some change in its administration. Thousands
of those who had devoted their lives to the administrations of the
altar were quite as worthy of the sacred office as it falls to man's
lot to become; hut thousands had assumed the tonsure, the cowl,
or the other symbols of ecclesiastical duty, merely to enjoy the
immunities and facilities the character conferred. A long and
nearly undisputed monopoly of letters, the influence obtained by
the unnatural union between secular and religious power, and the
dependent condition of the public mind, the legitimate conse-
quence of both, induced all who aspired to moral pre-eminence to
take this, the most certain, because the most beaten, of the paths
that led to this species of ascendancy. It is not alone to the
religion of Christendom, as it existed in the time of Luther, that
we are to look for an example of the baneful consequence of
spiritual and temporal authority, as blended in human institu-
tions. Christian or Mahommedan, Catholic or Protestant, the
evil comes in every case from the besetting infirmity which tempts
the strong to oppress the weak, and the powerful to abuse their
trusts. Against this failing there seems to be no security but an
active and certain responsibility. So long as the.severe morality
required of its ministers by the Christian faith is uncorrupted by
any gross admixture of worldly advantage, there is reason to
believe that the altar, at least, will escape serious defilement; but
no sooner are th6se fatal enemies admitted to the sanctuary, than
a thousand spirits, prompted by cupidity, rush rashly into the
temple, willing to bear with the outward exactions of the faith,
in order to seek its present and visible rewards. _
However pure maybe a social system, or a religion, in the com-
mencement of its power, the possession of an undisputed ascen-
dancy lures all alike into excesses fatal to consistency, to justice,
and to truth. This is a consequence of the independent exercise
of human volition, that seems nearly inseparable from human
frailty. We gradually come to substitute inclination and interest
for right, until the moral foundations of the mind are sapped by
indulgence, and what was once regarded with the aversion that
wrong excites in the innocent, gets to be not only familiar, but
justifiable by expediency and use. There is no more certain
symptom of the decay of the principles requisite to maintain even
our imperfect standard of virtue, than when the plea of necessity
is urged, in vindication of any departure from its mandate, since
it is calling in the aid of ingenuity to assist the passions; a coali-
tion that rarely fails to lay prostrate the feeble defences of a totter-
wonder, then, that the world, at a period when religious
abuses drove even churchmen reluctantly to seek relief in insub-
58 THE HEIDENMAT7EE.
ordination, should exhibit bold instances of the flagrant excesses
we have named. Military ambition, venality, love of ease, and
even love of dissipation, equally sought the mantle of religion as
cloaks to their several objects; and if the reckless cavalier was
willing to flesh his sword on the body of the infidel, in order that
he might live in men's estimation as a ber0 °f the Cross, so did the
trifler, the debauchee, and even the wit of the capital, consent to
obtain circulation by receiving an impression which gave currency
to all coin, whether of purer or of baser metal, since it bore the
outward stamp of the Church of God.
 Reformers, or rather revilers, for that is the term they most
merit, returned the Abbe, alluded to in the last speech of Al-
brecht of Yiederbach,  I consign without remorse to the devil.
As for this pledge of our brave Knight of Saint John, noble Count
Emich, so far as I am concerned, it shall be redeemed ; for I am
certain the cellars of Heidelberg can resist a heavier inroad than
any that is likely to invade them by such means. But I am late
from my chamber, and I had hoped, ere this, to have seen our
brethren of Limburg ! I hope no unnecessary misunderstanding
is likely to deprive us of the satisfaction of their presence, Lord
Count?
 Little fear of that, so far as it may depend on any disappoint-
ment in a feast. If ever the devil tempted these monks of the
hill, it has been in the shape of gluttony. Were I to judge by the
experience of forty years passed in their neighbourhood, I should
think they deem abstinence an eighth deadly sin.
""Your Benedictine is privileged to consider hospitality a vir-
tue, and the Abbot has fair licence for the indulgence of some
little cheer. We will not judge them harshly, therefore, but form
our opinions of their merits by their deeds. Thou hast many ser-
vitors without, to do them honour to-night, Lord Emich.
The Count of Leiningen frowned, and, ere he answered, his eye
exchanged a glance with that of his kinsman, which the Abbe
might have interpreted into a hidden meaning, had it attracted
his observation.
 My people gather loyally about their lord, for they have
heard of this succour sent by the Elector to uphold the lazy Bene-
dictines, was the reply.  Four hundred mercenaries lie within
the Abbey walls this night, Master Latouche, and it should not
cause surprise that the vassals of Emich of Hartenburg are ready
with hand and sword to do service in his defence. God's mercy !
The cunning priests may pretend alarm, but if any here hath cause
to be afraid, truly it is the rightful and. wronged lord of the Jae-
gerthal.
 Thy situation,_ cousin of Hartenburg, observed the wearer
of the cross of Saint John,  is, in sooth, one of masterly diplo-
niacy. Here dost thou stand at sword's point with the Abbot of
Limburg, ready at need to exchange deadly thrusts, and to put
this long-disputed supremacy on the issue of battle, while thou
callest on the keeper of thy cellar to bring forth the choicest of its
contents, in order to do hospitality and honour to thy mortal foe !
This beateth, in all niceties, Monsieur Latouche, the situation of
the HEIDENMATTEK. 59
an abbe of tby quality, who is scarce churchman enough to merit
salvation, nor yet deep enough in sin to be incontinently damned
in the general mass of evil-doers.
 It is to be hoped that we shall share the common lot of mor-
tals, which is to receive more grace than they merit, returned
the Abbe, a title that, in fact, scarce denoted one seriously de-
voted to the Church.  But I trust this present meeting between
the hostile powers may prove amicable; for, not to conceal the
truth, unlike our friend the Knight here, I am of none of the bel-
ligerent orders.
 Hark!  exclaimed the host, lifting a finger to command at-
tention:  heard ye aught ?
 There is much of the music of thy growlers in the courts,
cousin, and some oaths in a Herman that needs be translated to
be understood; but that blessed signal the supper-bell is still
mute.
_ Go to !—'Tis the Abbot of Limburg and his brethren, Fathers
Siegfried and Cuno. Let us to the portal, to do them usual
honour.
As this was welcome news to both the Knight and the Abbe,
they manifested a suitable desire to be foremost in paying the re-
quired attention to a personage as important in that region as
the rich and powerful chief of the neighbouring religious esta-
blishment.
CHAPTER YI.
"Why not?—The deeper sinner, better saint."—Byron.
A wild and plaintive note had been sounded on a horn far in the
valley towards the hill of Limburg. This melodious music was
of common occurrence, for of all that dwell in Europe, they who
inhabit the banks of the Rhine, the Elbe, the Oder, and the
Danube, with their tributaries, are the most addicted to the culti-
vation of sweet sounds. We hear much of the harshness of the
Teutonic dialects, and of the softness of those of Latin origin;
but, Yenice and the regions of the Alps excepted, nature has
amply requited for the inequality that exists between the lan-
guages, by the difference in the organs of speech. He who jour-
neys in those distant lands must, as a rule, expect to hear
German warbled, and Italian in a grand crash, though exceptions
are certainly to be found in both cases. But music is far more
common on the vast plains of Saxony, than on the Campagna
Felice, and it is no uncommon occurrence to be treated by a fair-
haired postilion of the former country, as he slowly mounts a hill,
with airs on the horn that would meet with favour in the orchestra
of a capital. It was one of these melancholy and peculiar strains
which now gave the signal to the spies of Count Emich, that his
clerical guests had quitted the convent. _
 Heard ye aught, brothers? demanded Father Bonifacius of
the companions who rode at his side, nearly at the same moment
60 THE HElbEITMATTER.
that the lord of Leiningen put the same question in his hold:
 that horn spoke in a meaning strain! t
"We may be defeated in our wish to reach the castle suddenly,
returned the monk, already known to the reader as Father Sieg-
fried;  but though we fail in looking into Count Emich's secret
with our own eyes, I have engaged one to do that office for us, and
in a manner, I trust, that shall put us on the scent of his designs.
Courage, most holy Abbot, the cause of Grod is not likely to fail
for want of succour. When were the meek and righteous ever
deserted?
The Abbot of Limburg ejaculated, in a manner to express little
faith in any miraculous interposition in behalf of his cure, and he
drew about him the mantle that served in some degree to con-
ceal his person, spurring the beast he rode only the quicker, from
a feverish desire, if possible, to outstrip the sounds, which he in-
tuitively felt were intended to announce his approach. The pre-
late was not deceived ; for no sooner did the wild notes reach the
castle, than the signal, which had caught the attention of its
owner, was communicated to those within the walls.
At the expected summons there was a general movement among
the idlers of the courts. Subordinate officers passed among the
men, hurrying those away to their secret lodging places who were
intractable from excess of liquor, and commanding the more obe-
dient to follow. In a very few minutes, and long before the
monks, who, however, pricked their beasts to the utmost, had time
to get near the hamlet even, all in the hold was reduced to a state
of tranquil repose; the castle resembling the abode of any other
powerful baron, in moments of profound security. Emich had
seen to this disposition of his people in person, taking strict cau-
tion that no stragglers should appear, to betray the preparations
that existed within his walls. When this wise precaution was ob-
served, he proceeded, with his two companions, to take a station
near the door of the building, more especially appropriated to the
accommodation of himself and his friends, in order to await the
arrival of the monks.
The moon had ascended high enough to illuminate the moun-
tain-side, and to convert the brown towers and ramparts of
Hartenburg into picturesque forms, relieved by gloomy shadows.
The signals appeared to have thrown all who dwelt in the hamlet,
as well as they who inhabited the frowning hold which overhung
that secluded spot, into mute attention. For a few minutes the
quiet was so deep and general, that the murmuring of the rivulet,
which meandered through the meadows, was audible. Then came
the swift clattering of hoofs.
"Our churchmen are in haste to taste thy Rhenish, noble
Emich, said Albrecht of Yiederbach, who rarely thought;  or is
it a party of their sumpter-mules that I hear in the valley ?
 Were the Abbot about to journey to some other convent of his
order,_ or were he ready to visit his spiritual master of Spires,
there is no doubt that many such cattle would be ill his train ; for
of all lovers of fat cheer, Wilhelm of Venloo, who has been styled
Bonifacius in his baptism of office, is he that most worships the
THE HEIDEHMATJEK. 61
fruits of tlie earthy I -would he and all his brotherhood were
spiritually- planted in the garden of Eden ! They should be well
watered with my tears !
 The wish hath a saintly odour, but may not be accomplished
without mortal aid—unless thou hast favour with the Prince
Elector of Ivoeln, who might haply do thee that service, in the way
of miracle.
 Thou triflest, Knight, in a matter of great gravity, answered
Emich roughly; for, notwithstanding his inherited and deadly
dislike of the particular portion of the Church which interfered
with his own power, the Count of Hartenburg had all the depend-
ence on superior knowledge that is the unavoidable offspring of a
limited education.  The Prince Elector hath served many noble
families in the way thou_ namest, and he might do honour to
houses less deserving of his grace than that of Leiningen. But
here cometh the Abbot and his boon associates. God's curse await
them for their pride and avarice!
The clattering of hoofs had been gradually increasing, and was
now heard even on the pavement of the outer court; for in order
to do honour to his guests, the Count had especially ordered there
should be no delay or impediment from gate, portcullis, or bridge.
 Welcome, and reverence for thy churchly office, right holy
Abbot! cried Emich, from whose lips had just parted the male-
diction, advancing officiously to aid the prelate in dismounting—
"thou art welcome, brothers both; worthy companions of thy
respected and honoured chief.
The churchmen alighted, assisted by the menials of Hartenburg,
with much show of honour on the part of the Count himself, and
on that of his friends. When fairly on their feet, they courteously
returned the greetings.
 Peace be with thee, son, and with this cavalier and servitor of
the Church! said Father Bonifacius, signing with the rapid
manner in which a Catholic priest scatters his benedictions.  St.
Benedict and the Virgin take ye all in their holy keeping! I
trust, noble Emich, we have not given thee cause of vexation by
some little delay.
 Thou never comest amiss, father, be it at morn, or be it at
even ; I esteem Hartenburg more than honoured when thy reve-
rend head passeth beneath its portals.
"We had every desire to embrace thee, son ;.but certain offices
of religion, that may not be neglected, kept us from the pleasure.
But let us within; for I fear the evening air may do injury to
those that are uncloaked.
At this considerate suggestion, Emich, with much show of
respect to his guests, ushered them into the apartment he had
himself so lately quitted. Here recommenced the show of those
wily courtesies which, in that semi-barbarous and treacherous
age, often led men to a heartless and sometimes to a blasphemous
trifling with the most sacred obligations, to effect their purposes,
and which, in our times, has degenerated to a deception^ that is
more measured perhaps, but which is scarcely less sophisticated
and vicious. Much was said of mutual satisfaction at this oppor-
E
62 the heidematteb.
tunity of commingling spirits, and the blunt professions of the
sturdy hut politic baron were more than met by the pretending
sanctity and official charity of the priest. .
The Abbot of Limburg and his companions had come to the m-
tended feast with vestments that partially concealed their cha-
racters ; but when the outer cloaks and the other garments were
removed, they remained in the usual attire of their order, the
prelate being distinguished from his inferiors by those symbols of
clerical rank which it was usual for one of his authority to
display, when not engaged in the ministrations of the altar.
When the guests were at their ease, the conversation took a less
personal direction; for though rude and unnurtured as his own
war-horse, as regards most that is called cultivation in our bookish
days, Emich of Hartenburg wanted for none of the courtesies that
became his rank, more especially as civilities of this nature were
held to be worthy of a feudal lord, and in that particular region.
 'Tis said, reverend Abbot, continued the host, pushing the
discourse to a point that might favour his own secret views,  that
our common master, the Prince Elector, is sorely urged by his
enemies, and that there are even fears a stranger may usurp the
rule in the noble Castle of Heidelberg. Hast thou heard au^ht
of his late distresses, or of the necessities that bear upon his
house?
 Masses have been said for his benefit in all our chapels, and
there are hourly prayers that he may prevail against his enemies.
In virtue of a concession made to the Abbey, by our common father
at Pome, we offer liberal indulgences, too, to all that take up arms
in this behalf.
 Thou art much united in love with Duke Friedrich, holy
prelate ! muttered Emich.
"We owe him such respect as all should willingly pay to the
strong temporal arm that shields them ; our serious fealty is due
alone to heaven. But how comes it that so stout a baron, one so
much esteemed in warlike exercises, and so well known in danger-
ous enterprises, rests in his doublet, at a time when his sovereign's
throne is tottering ? We had heard that thou wert summoning
thy people, Herr Count, and thought it had been in the Elector's
interest.
 Friedrich hath not of late given me cause to love him. If I
have called my vassals about me, 'tis because the times teach
every noble to be wary of his rights. I have consorted so_ much
of late with my cousin of Viederbach, this self-denying Knight of
Rhodes, that martial thoughts will obtrude even on the brain of
one, peaceful and home-bred as thy poor neighbour and penitent.
The Abbot bowed and smiled, like one who gave full credit to
the speaker's words, while a by-play arose between the wandering
and houseless Knight, the Abbe, and the brothers of Limburg. In
this manner did a few minutes wear away, when a flourish of
trumpets announced that the expected banquet awaited its guests.
Menials lighted the party to the hall in which the board was
spread, and much ceremonious form was observed in assigning to
each of the individuals the place suited to his rank and character.
THE HEIDEHMAUER. 63
Count Emich, who in common was of a nature too blunt and
severe to waste his efforts in superfluous breeding, now showed
himself earnest to please, for he had at heart an object that he
knew was in danger of being baffled by the more practised arti-
flees of the monks. During the preliminary movements of the
feast, which had all the gross and all the profuse hospitality
which distinguished such entertainments, he neglected no cus-
tomary observance. The robust and sensual Abbot was frequently
plied with both cup and dish, while the inferior monks received
the same agreeable attentions from Albrecht of Yiederbach, and
Monsieur Latouche, who, notwithstanding it suited his con-
venience to pass through life under the guise of a churchman,
was none the worse at board or revel. As the viands and the
generous liquors began to operate on the physical functions of the
brothers, however, they insensibly dropped their masks, and each
discovered more of those natural qualities which usually lay con-
cealed from casual observation.
It was a rule of the Benedictines to practise hospitality. The
convent-door was never closed against the wayfarer, and he who
applied for shelter and food was certain of obtaining both, admi-
nistered more or less in a manner suited to the applicant's ordi-
nary habits. The practice of a virtue so costly was a sufficient
pretence for accumulating riches, and he who travels at this day in
Europe will And ample proofs that the means of carrying into
effect this law of the order were abundantly supplied. Abbeys of
this particular class of monks are still of frequent_ occurrence in
the forest cantons of Switzerland, Germany, and in most of the
other Catholic States. But the gradual and healthful transfer of
political power from clerical to laical hands, has long since shorn
them of their temporal lustre. Many of these abbots were for-
merly princes of the empire, and several of the communities exer-
cised sovereign sway over territories that have since taken to
themselves the character of independent States.
While the spiritual charge and the mortifications believed to
characterise a brotherhood of Benedictines, were more especially
left to a subordinate monk termed the prior, the abbot, or head of
the establishment, was expected to preside not only oyer the tern-
poralities, but at the hoard. This frequent communication with
the vulgar interests of life, and the constant indulgence in its
grosser gratifications, were but ill adapted to the encouragement
of the monastic virtues. We have already remarked that the in-
timate connection between the interests of life and those of the
Church is destructive of apostolical character. This blending of
God with Mammon, this device of converting the revealed ordi-
nances of the Master of the Universe into a species of buttress to
uphold temporal sway, though habit has so long rendered it fami-
liar to the inhabitants of the other hemisphere, and even to a
large portion of those who dwell in this, is, in our American eyes,,
only a little removed from blasphemy; but the triumphs of the
press, and. the changes made by the steady advances of public
opinion, have long since done away with a multitude of still more
equivocal usages, that were as familiar to those who existed three
64 THE HEIDENMATTEE,
centuries ago, as our own customs to us at this_ Lour. When pre-
lates were seen in armour, leading their battalions to slaughter, it
is not to be supposed that the other dignitaries of this privileged
class would be more tender of appearances than was exacted by
the opinions of the age.
lYilhelm of Yenloo, known since his elevation as Bonifacius of
Limburg, was not possessed of all that temporal authority, how-
ever, which tempted so many of his peers to sin. Still he was the
head of a rich, powerful, and respected brotherhood, that had
many allodial rights in lands beyond the abbey walls, and which
was not without its claims to the fealty of sundry dependants. Of
vigorous mind and body, this dignified churchman commanded
much influence by means of a species of character that often
crosses us in life, a sturdy independence of thought and action
that imposed on the credulous and timid, and which sometimes
caused the bold and intelligent to hesitate. His reputation was
far greater for learning than for piety, and his besetting sin was
well known to be a disposition to encounter the shock between the
powers of mind and matter, as both were liable to be affected by
deep potations and gross feeding—a sort of degeneracy to which
all are peculiarly liable, who place an unnatural check on the
ordinary and healthful propensities of nature—just as one sense is
known to grow in acuteness as it is deprived of a fellow. The
Abbot loosened his robe, and threw his cowl still farther from his
neck, while Emich pledged him in Rhenish, cup after cup; and
by the time the meats were removed, and the powers of digestion,
or \ve might better say of retention, would endure no more, his
heavy cheeks became flushed, _ his bright, deeply-seated, and
searching gray eyes flashed with a species of ferocious delight,
and his lip frequently quivered, as the clay gave eloquent evi-
dence of its enjoyment. Still his voice, though it had lost its
rebuked and schooled tones, was firm, deep, and authoritative,
and ever and anon he threw into his discourse some severe and
pointed sarcasm, bitinglv scornful. His subordinates, too, gave
similar proofs of the gradual lessening of their caution, thojigh in
degrees far less imposing, we had almost said less grand, than that
which rendered the sensual excitement of their superior so re-
markable. Albrecht and the Abbe also betrayed, each in his own
manner, the influence of the banquet, and all became garrulous,
disputative, and noisy.
Not so with Emich of Hartenburg. He had eaten in a manner
to_ do justice to his vast frame ana bodily wants, and he drank
fairly; but, until this moment, the nicest observer would have
been puzzled to detect any decrease of his powers. The blue of
his large leaden eyes became brighter, it is true, but their expres-
sion was yet in command, and their language courteous.
 Thou dost but little compliment to my poor fare, most holy
Abbot, cried the host, as he witnessed a lingering look of the
prelate, whose eye followed the delicious fragments of a wild boar
from the hall— If the knaves have stinted thee in the choice
of morsels, by St. Benedict! but the mountains of my chase can
still furnish other animals of the kind—How now 
THE HEIDEHirATJEK. 65
 I pray thee mercy, noble Emich ! Thy forester hath done
thee fair justice with his spear ; more savoury beast never smoked
at table.
 It fell by the hand of young Berchthold, the burgher of
Duerckheim's_ orphan. 'Tis a bold youth in the forest, and I
doubt not, his will one day be a ready hand in battle. Thou
knowest him I mean, father, for he is often at thy abbey confes-
sionals.
.  He is better known to the prior than to one so busied with
worldly cares as I. Is the youth at hand ? I would fain render
him thanks.
 Hear ye that, varlet! Bid my head forester appear. The
reverend and noble Abbot of Limburg owes him' grace.
 Didst thou say the youth was of Duerckheim?
 Of that goodly town, reverend priest; and, though reduced
"by evil chances to be the ranger of my woods, a lad of mettle
in the chase, and of no bad discourse in moments of ease.
 Thou claimest hard service, cousin of Hartenburg, of these
peaceful townsmen ! Were they left freely to choose between the
ancient duty of our convent and this stirring life thou leadest the
artisans, we should have more penitents within our walls.
The fealty of Duerckheim was a long-mooted point between the
corporation of Limburg and the house of Leiningen, and the allu-
sion of the monk was not thrown away upon his host. Emich's
brow clouded, and for a moment it threatened a storm; but,
recovering his self-command, he answered in a tone of hilarity,
though with sufficient coolness,—
 Thy words remind me of present affairs, reverend Bonifacius,
and I thank thee'that thou hast put a sudden check on festivities
which were getting warm without an object. The Count arose,
and filled to the brim a cup of horn, elaborately ornamented with
gold, drawing the attention of all at table to himself by the action.
"Nobles and reverend servants of Grod, he continued, "I drink
to the health and happiness of the honoured Wilhelm of Yenloo,
the holy Abbot of Limburg, and my loving neighbour. May his
brotherhood never know a worse guide, and may the lives and
contentment of all that now belong to it, be as lasting as the
abbey walls.
Emich concluded the potent cup at a single draught. In order
to do honour to the mitred monk, there had been placed by the
side of Bonifacius a vessel of agate richly decorated with jewelry,
an heir-loom of the house of Leiningen. While his host was
speaking, the looks of the latter watched every expression of his
countenance, through gray, overhanging, shaggy brows that
shaded the upper part of his fa ce like a screen of shrubbery planted
to shut out prying eyes from a close; and he paused when the
health was given. Then, rising in his turn, he quaffed a compli-
ment in return.
 I drink of this pure and wholesome_liquor, he said, "to the
noble Emich of Leiningen, to all of his ancient and illustrious
house, to his and their present hopes, and to their final deliverance.
May this goodly hold, and the happiness of its lord, endure as
66 the heidexmattes.
long as those walls of Limburg of which the Count has spoken,
and which, were his loving wishes consulted, would doubtless
stand for ever. . _ .
 By the life of the Emperor, learned Bonifacius! exclaimed
Emich, striking his list on the table with force,  you as much
exceed one of my narrow wit in wishes, as in godliness and other
excellences ! But I pretend not to set limits to my desires in
your behalf, and throw the fault of my . imperfect speech on a
youth that had more to do with the sword than with the breviary.
And now let us to serious concerns. It may not be known to you,
cousin of Yiederbach, or to this obliging churchman who honours
Hartenburg with his presence, that there has been subject of
amicable dispute between the brotherhood of Limburg and my un-
worthy house touching the matter of certain wines, that are
believed by the one party to be its dues, and by the other to be a
mere pious grace accorded to the Church
 Nay, noble Emich, interrupted the Abbot,  we have never
held the point to be disputable in any manner. The lands in
question are held of us in soccage; and, in lieu of bodily service,
we have long since commuted for the produce of vines that might
be named.
 I cry you mercy; if there be dues at all, they come of naught
else than knight's service. None of my name or lineage ever paid
less to mortal.
"Let it be thus, Bonifacius answered more mildly. "The
question is of the amount of liquor, and not of the tenure whence
it comes.
 Thou sayest right, wise Abbot, and I cry mercy of these
listeners. State thou the matter, reverend Bonifacius, that
our friends may know the humour on which we are madly
bent.
The Count of Hartenburg succeeded in swallowing his rising
ire, and made a gesture of courtesy towards the Abbot, as he
concluded. Eather Bonifacius rose again, and notwithstanding the
physical ravages that excess was making within, it was still with
the air of calmness and discipline that became his calling.
 As our upright and esteemed friend has just related, he said,
 there is truly a point of a light but unseemly nature to exist be-
tween so dear neighbours, open between him and us servants of
God. The Counts of Leiningen have long considered it a pleasure
to do favour to the Church, and in this just and commendable
spirit, it is now some fifty years that, at the termination of each
vintage, 'without regard to seasons or harvest, without stooping to
change their habits at every change of weather, they have paid
to our brotherhood 
 Presented, priest!
 Presented;—if such is thy will, noble Emich,—fifty casks of
this gentle liquor that now warms our hearts towards each other,
with brotherly and praiseworthy affection. Now, it has been
settled between us, to avoid all future motive of controversy, and
either the better to -garnish our cellars, or to relieve the house
of Hartenburg altogether of future imposition, that it shall be
THE HEIDEraATTEE. 67
decided this night, whether the tribute henceforth shall consist
of one hundred casks, or of nothing.
"By 'r Lady ! A most important issue, and one likely to im-
poverish or to enrich, exclaimed the Knight of Rhodes.
"As such we deem it, continued the monk, "and in that
view, parchments of release, with all due appliances and seals,
have been prepared by a clerkly scholar of Heidelberg. This in-
denture, duly executed, he added, drawing from his bosom the
instruments in question, "yieldeth to Emich all the Abbey's
rights to the vines in. dispute, and this wanteth but his sign of
arms and noble name, to double their present duty.
"Hold! cried the Chevalier of the Cross, whose faculties be-
gan already to give way, though it was only in the commencement
of the debauch: "here is matter might puzzle the Grand Turk,
who sits in judgment in the very seat of Solomon! If thou ren-
derest thy claims, and my cousin Emich yieldeth double tribute-
money, both parties will be the worse, and neither possessed of the
liquor!
 In a merry mood it hath been proposed that there shall be the
trial of love and not of battle between us for the vines. _ The ques-
tion is of liquor, and it is agreed,—St. Benedict befriend me, if
there be sin in the folly!—to try on whose constitution the dis-
puted liquor is the most apt to work good or evil. Let the Count
of Hartenburg give to his parchment the virtue that hath already
been given to this of ours, and we shall leave both in some place
of observation;—then, when he alone is able to rise and seize
on both, let him give the victor's cry; but should he fail of that
power, and there be a servant of the Church ready and able to
grasp the instruments, why let him go, and think no more of land
that he hath right merrily lost.
 By St. John of Jerusalem! but this is a most unequal contest
—three monks against one poor baron, in a trial of heads !
 Kay, we think more of our honour, than to permit this wrong.
The Count of Hartenburg hath full right to call in equal succour,
and I have taken thee, gallant Chevalier of Rhodes, and this
learned Abb6, to be^ his chosen backers!
'' Let it be so! cried the two in question,—'' we ask no better ser-
vice than to drain Count Emich's cellars to his honour and profit!
But the lord of the hold had taken the matter, as indeed it was
fully understood between the principals, to be a question on which
depended a serious amount of revenue, for all futurity. The
wager had arisen, in one of those wild contests for physical and
gross supremacy, which characterise ages and countries of imper-
Feet civilisation; for next to deeds in arms and other manful
exercises, like those of the chase and saddle, it was deemed
honourable to be able to undergo the trials of the festive board with
impunity. Nor should it occasion surprise to find churchmen en-
gaged in these encounters; for, independently of our writing of
an a"-e when they appeared in the field, there is sufficient evidence
that'our own times are not entirely purified from so coarse abuses
of the *11. But Bonifacius of Limburg, though a man of exten-
give learning and strong intellectual qualities, had a weakness on
68 THE HEIDEKMAHEE.
this particular point, for which we may he driven to seek an ex-
planation in his peculiar animal construction. He was ot a
powerful frame and sluggish temperament, both of which required
strong excitement to be wrought up to the highest point of phy-
sical enjoyment; and neither the examples around him, nor his
own particular opinions, taught him to avoid a species of indul-
gence that he found so agreeable to his constitution. With these
serious views of a contest, to which neither party would probably
have consented, had not each great confidence in himself as a
yell-tried champion, both Emich and the Abbot required that the
instruments should be openly read. The discharge of this duty
was assigned to Monsieur Latouche, who forthwith proceeded to
wade through a torrent of unintelligible terms, that were generated
in the obscurity of feudal times for the benefit of the strong, and
which are continued to our own period through pride of profes-
sional knowledge, a little quickened by a view to professional gain.
On the subject of the true consideration of the respective releases,
the instruments themselves were silent, though nothing material
was wanting to give them validity, especially when supported
by a good sword, or the power of the Church, to which the parties
looked respectively in the event of flaws.
Count Emich listened warily as his guest the Abbe read clause
after clause of the deed. Occasionally his eye wandered to the
firm countenance of the Abbot, betraying habitual distrust of his
hereditary and powerful enemy, but it was quickly riveted again
on the heated features of the reader.
 This is well, he said, when both papers had been examined.
 These vines are to remain for ever with me and mine, without
claim from any grasping churchman, so long as grass shall grow
or water run, or henceforth they pay double tribute, a tax that
will leave little for the cellar of their rightful lord.
 Such are our terms, noble Emich._ But to confirm the latter
condition, thy seal and name are wanting to the instrument.
 Were the latter to be written by a good sword, none could do
the ofiice better than this poor arm, reverend Abbot; but thou
knowest well, that my youth was too much given to Avarlike and
other manly exercises befitting my rank, to allow much time for
acquiring clerkly skill. By the holy Yirgins [of Koeln ! it were,
in sooth, a shame to confess, that one of my class in these stirring
times had leisure for such lady games! Bring hither an eagle's
feather—hand of mine never yet touched aught from meaner wing
—that I may do justice to the monks.
The necessary implements being produced, the Count of Harten-
burg proceeded to execute the instrument on his part. The wax
Avas speedily attached and duly impressed with the bearings of
Leiningen, for the noble wore a signet ring of massive size, ready
at all times to give this token of his will. But when it became
necessary to subscribe the name, a signal was made to a domestic,
who disappeared in quest of the Count's man of charge. This
individual manifested some reluctance to perform the customary
office, but, as there was just then a clamorous dialogue among the
party at table, he seized the moment to examine into the nature
THE HEIDEHMAHEH. 69
of the document, and the consideration that was to decide the
ownership of the vineyard. Grinning in satisfaction, at a species
of payment in which he held it to be impossible Lord Emich could
fail to acquit himself honourably, the dependant took the hand
of his master, and, accustomed to the duty, he so guided it as to
leave a very legible and creditable signature. "When this had
been done, and the papers were properly witnessed, the Count
of Hartenburg glanced suspiciously from the deed in his hand to
the indomitable face of the Abbot, as if he still half repented
of the act.  Look you, Bonifacius, he said, shaking a finger,
"should there be flawi or doubt of any intention in this our cove-
nant, sword of mine shall cut it!
 First earn the right, Count of Leiningen. The deeds are of
equal virtue, and he who would lay claim to their benefits must
win the wager. We are but poor brothers of St. Benedict, and
little worthy to be named with warlike barons and devoted fol-
lowers of St. John, but we have an humble trust in our patron.
 By St. Benedict, it shall pass for a miracle, if thou prevail-
est! shouted Emich, yielding the deed in a burst of delight.
 Away with these cups of agate and horn, and bring forth vessels
of glass, that all may see we deal fairly by each other, in this
right manly encounter. Look to your wits, monks. By the word
of a cavalier, your Latin will do little service in this dispute.
 Our trust is in our patron, answered Father Siegfried, who
had already done so much honour to the banquet as to give
reason to believe, that, in his case, the fraternity leaned upon a
fragile staff.  He never yet deserted his children, when fairly
enlisted in a good cause.
"You are cunning in reasons, fathers, put in the Knight,
 and I doubt not that sufficient excuses would be forthcoming,
were you pushed, to justify service to the devil.
"We suffer for the Church, was the Abbot's answer, after
taking a bumper in obedience to a signal from his host. "We
hold it to be commendable to struggle with the flesh, that our
altars may flourish.'
As soon as executed, the two deeds had been placed on a high
and curiously wrought vessel of silver, that contained cordials,
and which occupied the centre of the board, and more fitting cups
having been brought, the combatants were compelled to swallow
draught after draught, at signals from Emich, who, like a true
knight, saw that each man showed loyalty. But, as the conflict
was between men of great experience in this species of contention,
and as it endured hours, we deem it unworthy of the theme to
limit its description to a single chapter. Before closing the
page, however, we shall digress for a moment, in order to ex-
press our opinions concerning the great human properties involved
in this sublime strife.
It has been the singular fortune of America to be the source of
numberless ingenious theories, that, taking their rise in the other
hemisphere, have been let loose upon the world to answer ends
that we shall not stop to investigate. The dignified and beneficed
prelate maintains there is no worship of God within our land,
70 THE HEIDEIfMATTER.
probably because there are no dignified and beneficed prelates;
a sufficiently logical conclusion for all who believe in the efficacy
of that self-denying class of Christians ; while the neophyte, m
some lately invented religion, denounces us all in a body, as so
many miserable bigots, devoted to Christ! In this manner is a
pains-taking and plain-dealing nation of nearly fourteen millions
of souls kept, as it were, in abeyance in the opinions of the rest of
mankind, one deeming them as much beyond as another fancies
them to be short of truth. In the fearful catalogue of our
deadly sins, is included a propensity to indulge in excesses similar
to that it is now our office to record. As we are confessedly
democrats, dram-drinking in particular has been pronounced to be
a  democratic vice.
It has been our fortune to have lived in familiarity with a
greater variety of men, either considered in reference to their
characters or their conditions, than ordinarily falls to the lot _ of
any one person. "We have visited many lands, not in the capacity
of a courier, but staidly and soberly, as becomes a grave occu-
pation, setting up our household gods, and abiding long enough
to see with our eyes and to hear with our ears; and we feel em-
boldened to presume on these facts, in order to express a different
opinion, amid the flood of assertions that has been made by those
who certainly have no better claim to be heard. And, firstly, we
shall here say that, as in the course of justice, an intelligent, up-
right, single-minded, and discriminating witness is, perhaps, the
rarest of all desirable instruments in effecting its sacred ends, so
do we acknowledge a traveller entitled to full credit, to be the
mortal of all others the least likely to be found.
The art of travelling, we apprehend, is far more practised than
understood. To us it has proved a laborious, harassing, puzzling,
and oftentimes "a painful pursuit. To divest oneself of impres-
sions made in youth; to investigate facts without referring their
merits to a standard bottomed on a foundation no better than
habit; to analyse, and j ustly to compare the influence of insti-
tutions, climate, natural causes, and practice ; to. separate what is
merely exception from that which forms the rule; or even to
obtain and carry away accurate notions of physical things, and,
most of all, to possess the gift of imparting these results compre-
hensively and with graphical truth, requires a combination of
time, occasion, previous knowledge, and natural ability, that
rarely falls to the lot of a single individual. One assumes the
task prepared by acquaintance with established opinions, which
are commonly no more than prejudices, the result of either policy,
or of the very difficulties just enumerated; and he goes on his
way, not only ready but anxious to receive the proofs of what he
expects, limiting his pleasure to the sort of delight that depen-
dent minds feel in following the course pointed out by those that
are superior. As the admitted peculiarities of every people are
sufficiently apparent, he converts self-evident facts into collateral
testimony, and faithfully believes and' imagines all that is con-
cealed on the strength of that which is obvious. For such a
traveller time wears away men and things in vain; he accords his
THE HEIDEHMATJER. 71
belief to the last standard opinion of his sect with a devotion to
convention that might purchase salvation in a better cause. To
him Vesuvius is just as high, produces the same effect in the
view, and has exactly the same outline as before the crater fell;
and he watches the workmen disinterring a house at its base, and
goes away rejoicing at having witnessed the resurrection of a
Roman dwelling after eighteen hundred years of interment,
simply because it is the vulgar account that "Pompeii was lost for
that period. If he should happen to be a scholar, what is his
delight in following a cicerone (a title assumed by some wily
servitore di Piazza) to the little garden that overlooks the Roman
Forum, and in fancying that he stands upon the Tarpeian Rock!
His faith in moral qualities, his graduation of national virtue,
and his views of manners, are equally the captives of the last
popular rumour. A Frenchman may roll incontinently in the
gras de Paris, filled with an alcohol inflammable as gunpowder,
and in his eyes it shall pass for pure animal light-heartedness,
since it is out of all rule for a Frenchman to be intoxicated, while
the veriest tyro knows that the nation dances to a man! The
gallant general, the worshipful alderman, the right honourable
adviser of the king, may stammer around a subject for half an
hour, in St. Stephen's, in a manner to confound all conclusion,
and generalise so completely as to baffle particularity, and your
hearer shall go away convinced of the excellence of the great
school of modern eloquence, because the orator has been brought
up at the "feet of Gamaliel. When one thoroughly imbued
with this pliant faculty gets into a foreign land, with what a
diminished reverence for his own does he journey ! As few men
are endowed with sufficient penetration to pierce the mists of re-
ceived opinion, fewer still are they that are so strong in right as
to be able to stem its tide. He who precedes his age is much less
likely to be heard, than he who lingers in its rear; and when the
unwieldy body of the mass reaches the eminence on which he has
long stood the object of free comment, it may he assumed as cer-
tain, that they who were his bitterest deriders when his doctrine
was new, will be foremost in claiming the honours of the advance.
In short, to instruct the world, it is necessary to watch the cur-
rent, and to act on the public mind like the unseen rudder, by
slight and imperceptible variations, avoiding, as a seaman would
express it, any very rank sheer, lest the vessel should refuse to
mind her helm and go down with the stream.
We have been led into these reflections, by frequent opportuni-
ties of witnessing the facility with which opinions are adopted
concerning ourselves, because they have come from the pens of
those who have long contributed to amuse and instruct us, but
which are perfectly valueless, both from the unavoidable ignorance
of those who utter them, and from the hostile motives that gave
them birth. To that class which would wish to put in a claim to
ban ton, by undervaluing their countrymen, we have nothing to
say, since they are much beyond improvement, and are quite
unable to understand all the high and glorious consequences
dependent on the great principles of which this republic is the
72 the heidenmaeeh.
guardian. Their fate was long since settled by a permanent and
wise provision of human feeling; hut, presuming on the oppor-
tunities mentioned, and long habits of earnest observation in the
two hemispheres, we shall conclude this digression by merely
adding, that it is the misfortune of man to abuse the gifts of God,
let him live in what country or under what institutions he may.
Excess of the description in question is the failing of every people,
nearly in proportion to their means; nor are there any certain
preventives against a vice so destructive, but absolute want, or a
high cultivation of the reasoning faculties.
He who has accurately ascertained how far the people of this
, republic are behind or before the inhabitants of other lands, in
mental improvement and moral qualities, will not be far from the
truth in assigning to them a correspondent place in the scale of
sobriety. It is true that many foreigners will be ready_enough to
deny this position, but we have had abundant opportunities of ob-
serving, that all those who visit our shores do not come sufficiently
prepared, by observation at home, to make just comparisons, and
what we have here said has not been ventured without years of
close and honest investigation. We shall gladly hail the day when
it can be said, that not an American exists so lost to himself as to
trifle with the noblest gift of the Creator; but we cannot see the
expediency of attaining an end, desirable even as this, by the con-
cession of premises that are false.
CHAPTER VII.
"What a thrice-double ass
Was I, to take this drunkard for a god 1"—Caliban.
Physical qualities are always prized in_ proportion to the value
that is attached to those that are purely intellectual. So long as
power and honour depend on the possession of brute force, strength
and agility are endowments of the last importance, on the same
principle that they render the tumbler of more account in his
troop; and he who has ever had occasion to mingle much with the
brave, and subject to a qualification that will readily be under-
stood, we might add, the noble savages of this continent, will have
remarked, that, while the orators are in general a class who have
cultivated their art for want of qualifications to excel in that
which is deemed still more honourable, the first requisite in the
warrior is stature and muscle. There exists a curious document
to prove how much even their successors, a people in no degree
deficient in acuteness, have been subject to a similar influence.
We allude to_ a register that was made of the thews and sinews
among the chiefs of the army of Washington, during the moment
of inaction that preceded the recognition of Independence. By
this_report it would seem, that the animal entered somewhat into
the ideas of our fathers, when they made their original selection
of leaders, a circumstance that we attribute to the veneration that
man is secretly disposed so show to physical perfection, until a
better training and experience have taught him there is still a
THE HEIDEHHAUEK. 73
superior power. Our first impressions are almost always received
through the senses, and the connection between martial prowess
and animal force seems so natural, that we ought not to be sur-
prised that a people so peaceful and unpractised, in their sim-
plieity, betrayed a little of this deference to appearances. Hap-
pily, if they sometimes put matter into stations which would have
been better filled by mind, the honesty and zeal that were so
general in the patriotic ranks carried the country through in
triumph.
It was a consequence of the high favour enjoyed by all manly
or physical qualities in the sixteenth century, that men were even
prized for their excesses. Thus he who could longest resist the
influence of liquor was deemed, in a more limited< sense, as much
a hero as he who swung the heaviest mace, or pointed the surest
cannon in battle. The debauch in which the Abbot of Limburg
and his neighbour Emich of Leiningen were now engaged, was
one of no unusual nature; for in a country in which prelates ap-
peared in so many other doubtful characters, it should not excite
surprise that some of the class were willing to engage in a strife
that had little danger, while it was so highly in favour with the
noble and the great.
The reader will have seen that great progress had been made
towards the issue of the celebrated encounter it is our duty to
relate, even before its precise object had been formally' introduced
among the contending parties. _ But while the monks came _ to the
struggle apprised of its motive, and prepared at all points to
maintain the reputation of their ancient and hospitable brother-
hood, the Count of Leiningen, with a sullen reliance on his own
powers, that was somewhat increased by his contempt for priest-
eraft, had neglected to bestow the same care on his auxiliaries.
It is scarcely necessary to add that both the Abbe and the Knight
of Rhodes had become heated to garrulousness, before they per-
fectly understood the nature of the service that was expected _ at
their hands, or, we ought rather to say, of their heads. With
this explanation we shall resume the narrative, taking up its
thread some two hours later than the moment when it was last
dropped.
At this particular juncture of the strife, Fathers Siegfried and
Cuno had become thoroughly warmed with their endeavours, and
habitual and profound respect for the Abbot was gradually giving
way before the quickening currents of their blood. The eyes of
the former glistened with a species of forensic ferocity, for he was
ardently engaged on a controversial point with Albrecht of
Yiederbach, all of whose faculties appeared to be rapidly exhaling
with his potations. The other Benedictine and the Abbe from
time to time mingled in the dispute, in the character of seconds,
while the two most interested in the issue sat, warily collecting
their powers, and sternly regarding each other, like men who knew
they were not engaged in idle sport.
 This is well, with thy tales of L'lsle Adam, and the Ottoman
power, continued Father Siegfried, pursuing the discourse from a
point, beyond which we consider it unnecessary to record all that
7i THE HEIDENUAJJER.
passed—"This will do to repeat to the dames of our German
courts, for the journey between theseRhenish plains and_ yonder
island of Rhodes is far, and few are inclined to make it, in order
to convict thy chiefs of neglect, or their sworn followers of forget-
fulness of their vows.
 By the quality of my order, reverend Benedictine, thou push-
est words to unseemliness ! Is it not enough, that the chosen and
the gentlest of Europe should devote soul and body to services
that would better become thy lazy order—that all that is noble
and brave should abandon the green fields and pleasant rivers of
their native lands, to endure hot suns and sultry winds from
Africa, in order to keep the unbeliever in his limits, but they
must be taunted with gibes likes these ? Go, count the graves and
number the living, if thou wouldst learn the manner in which
our illustrious master held out against Solyman, or wouldst know
the services of his knights!
 It would sound ill in thy ears, were I to bid thee enter pur-
gatory, to inquire into the fruits of our masses and prayers, and
yet one and the other are equally easy to perform. Thou knowest
well, that Rhodes is no longer a Christian island, and that none
bearing the cross dare be seen on its shores. Go to, Count Albrechti
thy order is fallen into disuse, and it is better where it is, hid
beneath the snowy mountains of the country of Rice, than it
might be in the front ranks of Christendom. There is not a
crone in Germany that does not bewail the backsliding of an order
so esteemed of old, or a maiden that does not speak lightly of its
deeds.
 Heavenly patience ! hearest thou this, Monsieur Latouehe ?
and from the mouth of a chanting Benedictine, who passeth his
days between safe walls of stone, here in the heart of the Palati-
nate, and his nights on a warm pallet, beyond sound even of the
rushing winds, unless, in sooth, he be not bent on offices of mid-
night charity among the believing wives of the faithful!
"Boy! dost presume to scandalise the Church, and dare its
anger! demanded Bonifacius, in a voice of thunder.
 Reverend Abbot, answered Albrecht, crossing himself, for
habit and policy equally held him subject to the predominant au-
thority of the age,  the little I say is more directed to the man
than to his cloth.
"Let him give utterance to all he fancies, interrupted the
wily Siegfried.  Is not a knight of Rhodes immaculate, and
shall we refuse him right of speech?
"It is held at the court of the chivalrous Yalois, observed the
Abbe, who perceived it was necessary to interfere in order to pre-
serve the peace, "that the defence of Rhodes was of exceeding
valour, and few survived it who did not meet with high honours
from Christian hands. We have seen numberless of the brave
knights among us, in the most esteemed houses of Paris, and at
the merry Castle of Fontaineblcau, and, believe me, none were more
sought or better honoured. The scars of even Marignano and of
Pavia are less prized than those given by the hands of the infidel.
 Thou dost well, my learned and self-denying brother, an-
THE HEIDEEMATJEE. 75
swered Siegfried, with a sneer,  to remind us of the fight of Pavia,
and of thy great master's present abode! Are these tidings of
late from the Castiles, or is it not permitted to thy prince to dis-
patch couriers to his own capital ?
"Nay, reverend monk, thou pressest with unkind allusions,
and forgettest that, like thee, we are both servitors of the
Church.
"We count thee not—one nor the other. Martyred St. Peter !
what would become of thy keys, were they entrusted to the keep-
ing of such hands!—Go, doff thy vanities—lay aside that attire
of velvet, if thou wouldst be known as of the nock.
"Master Latouche, exclaimed Emich, who was boiling with
indignation, but who preserved his self-command in order to cir-
culate the cups, and to see that each man did true service in the
prescribed contest, "tell him of his brother of Wittenberg, and
of these late doings in the hive. Stick that thorn into his side,
and thou shalt see him shrink like a jaded and galled steed under
a pointed spur ! Who art thou, and. why dost thou disturb my
pleasures?
This sudden interruption of himself was addressed by the baron
to a youth, in neat but modest attire, who had just entered the
banqueting-room, and who, passing by the menial that filled the
glasses at the beck of his master's hand, now stood, with a firm
but respectful mien, at the elbow of the speaker.
 'Tis Berchthold, my lord's forester. They bid me come to do
your pleasure, noble Count.
 Thou art seasonably arrived to keep the peace between a sworn
knight of Rhodes and a garrulous monk of Limburg. This
reverend Abhot would do thee favour, boy.
Berchthold bowed respectfully, and turned towards the prelate.
 Thou art the orphan of our ancient liegeman, he who bore
thy name, and.was well esteemed among the townsmen of Duerck-
heim?
"I am the son of him your reverence means; but that he was
liegeman of any of Limburg, I deny.
"Bravely answered, boy!  shouted Emich, striking his fist on
the table so hard as to threaten destruction to all it held: "ay,
and as becomes thy master's follower! Hast enough, Eather Boni-
facius, or wilt dip deeper into the youth's catechism ?
 The young man has been tutored to respect his present ease,
returned the Abbot, affecting indifference equally to the exultation
of the Count, and to the disrespect of his forester.  When he
next comes to our confessionals, there will be occasion to give him
other schooling.
 God's truth! that hour may never happen. > We are half dis-
posed to live on in our sins, and to take soldier's fortune in these
stirring times ; which is ever the chance of sudden death without
the Church's passport. We are fast getting of this mind—are we
not, brave Berchthold ?
The youth bowed respectfully, but without answering ; for he
saw by the inflamed countenances and swimming eyes of all at
table, that the moment was one in which explanations would be
76 THE HEIDENMAUEB.
useless. Had it been possible to doubt the cause of the scene he
witnessed, the manner in which glass after glass was swallowed,
at the will of the cup-bearer, would have explained its nature.
But, far advanced as Father Bonifacius had now become in
inebriety, in common with the other guests, he retained enough of
his faculties to see that the words of Emich contained an allusion
of a dangerously heretical character.
 Thou art resolved to despise our counsel and our warnings,
he exclaimed, glancing fiercely at one and the other.  'Twere
better to say at once that thy Avish is to see the walls of Limburg
Abbey lying on the side of Limburg Hill.
 Hay, reverend and honoured priest, thou pushest a few hasty
words beyond their meaning. "What is it to a Count of the noble
house of Leiningen that a few monks find shelter for their_ heads,
and ease for their souls, beneath a consecrated roof, within can-
non-shot of his OAvn towers. If thy walls do not tumble until
hand of mine helps to unsettle them, they may stand till the
fallen angel that set them up shall aid in their overthrow.
Truly, Father Bonifacius, for a godly community, this tale of
thy sanctuary's origin makes it of none of the best parentage.
"Hear ye that! sputtered Albrecht of Viederbaeh, who,
though his tongue had continued to sound a sort of irregular
accompaniment to his cousin's speeches, was no longer able to
articulate clearly—"Hear ye that! imp of St. Benedict! The
devil set ye up, and the devil will be your downfall. L'Isle Adam
is a saint to thy holiest; and his—good—sword——
At this word, the Knight of Rhodes succumbed, losing his
balance in an animated effort to gesticulate, and fairly falling
under the table. A sarcastic smile crossed the Abbot's face at
this overthrow of one of his adversaries, while Emich scowled in
disdain at the ignoble exhibition made by his kinsman, who,
finding it impossible to rise, resigned himself to sleep on the
spot where he had fallen.
 Swallow thy Rhenish, monk, and count not on the slight
advantage thou hast got in the overthrow of that prating fool,
said the host, Avhose tones grew less and less amicable as the
plot thickened. "But to a more fitting subject: Berchthold is
worthy of his lord, and is a youth that thinks of things as things
appear. We may quit thy confessionals for divers reasons, as
thou knowest. Here is the Monk of Erfurth! Ha! what think
you of his new teaching, and of the manner in which he advises
the faithful to come to the altar? You have had him at Rome,
and at Worms, and among ye in many councils ; and yet the ho-
nest man stands fast in all reasonable opinions. Thou hast heard
of Luther, is it not so, young Berchthold?
 'Tis certain, my lord Count, that few in the Jaergerthal escape
the tidings of his name.
 Then are they in danger of a most damnable heresy, inter-
rupted Bonifacius in a voice of thunder.  Why tell me of this
driveller of Erfurth, Lord Emich, if thou art not in secret praying
that his rebellious wishes may prosper at the Church's cost ?
But we mark thee, irreverent Count, and hard and griping penance
THE HE1DEN1TAHEK. 77
may yet purge tliee of these prurient fancies— Here the Abbot,
inflamed as he was with wine and resentment, paused; for the
silent monk, Father Cuno, fell from his seat like a soldier shot
in battle; the simple inferior having entered into the trial of
heads more with a relish for the liquor than with any thought
of victory, and having, in consequence, done so much honour to
the potations, as to become an easy sacrifice to the common enemy.
The Abbot looked at his prostrate follower with grim indifference,
showing, by his hard, scowling, and angry eye, that he deemed
the loss of little moment to the main result.  What matters the
impotency of a fool! he muttered, turning away to his principal
and only dangerous opponent, with a full return of all his angry
feelings That the devils are suffered to gain a momentary and
specious triumph, we are well aware, Baron of Hartenburg 
 By my father's bones, proud priest, but thou strangely for-
gettest thyself! Am I not a prince of Leiningen, that one of the
cowl should please to call me less ?
"I should have said the Summer Landgrave ! answered Boni-
facius sneeringly, for long-smothered hatred was beginning to
break through the feeble barriers that their reeling faculties still
f)reserved.  I crave pardon of your highness: but a short reign
eaves brief recollections. Even thy subjects, illustrious Emich,
may be forgiven, that they know not their sovereign's title. The
coronet that is worn from June to September scarce gets the fit of
the head!
 It was worn longer, Abbot, than ever head of thine will wear
a saintly crown. But I forget my ancient house, and the forbear-
ance due to a guest, in honest anger at an artful and malignant
monk!
Bonifacius bowed with seeming composure, and while each ap-
peared to recover his moderation, in a misty recollection of the
true affair in hand, the dialogue between the Abbe and Father
Siegfried, which had been drowned by the stentorian lungs of the
principal disputants, broke out in the momentary pause.
 Thou sayest true, reverend father, said the former,  but
were our fair and sprightly dames of France to perform these pil-
grimages to distant shrines of which thou speakest, rude treat-
ment in the wayfaring, evil company, and, haply, designing con-
fessors, might tarnish the present lustre of their graces, and leave
them less ornaments to our brilliant and gallant court_ than they
at present prove. Ho, I espouse no such dangerous opinions, but
endeavour, by gentle persuasion and courtly arguments, to lead
their precious souls nearer to the heaven they so well merit, and
which it were scarce impious to say, they will so rarely become.
 This may be well for the towering fancies of thy French
imaginations, but our slower German minds must be dealt with
differently. By the mass! I would give little for the success _of
the confessor that should deal only in persuasive and gentle dis-
course! Here, we throw out manifold hints of damnation in
plainer speech. .
 I condemn no usage on speculation, Benedictine; but truly
this directness of condemnation would be thought indecorous in
F
78 THE HEIDEN HATJEIi,.
our more refined presences. As yet, thou wilt acknowledge, we
are less tainted with heresies than thy northern courts.
Here the deep voice of Emich, who had recovered a little self-
command, again drowned the by-play of the subordinates.
"We are not children, most reverend Bonifacius, 'he resumed,
 to irritate ourselves with names. That I have been denied the
honours and rights of my birth and line, for one come of no direct
descent, is admitted; but let it be forgotten. Thou art welcome
to my board, and there is no dignitary of the Church, or of thy
brotherhood, that I esteem more than thee and thine, within a
hard ride of these towers. Let us be friends, holy Abbot, and
drink to our loving graces.
 Count Emich, I pledge thee, and pray for thee, as thou meritest.
If there have been misunderstandings between our convent and
thy house, they have come of the misguiding of the devil. We
are a peaceful community, and one given more to prayer and
a just hospitality, than to any grasping desire to enrich our
coffers.
 On these points we will not dwell, father, for it is not easy for
baron and abbot, layman and priest, to see at all times with the
same eyes. I would that this question of authority in Duerck-
heim were fairly disposed of, that there might always be good
neighbourhood in the valley. Our hills shut in no wide plain,
like yon of the river, that we must needs turn the little level land
we have into a battle-ground. By the mass, most holy Abbot, but
thou wouldst do well to dismiss the Elector's troops, and trust this
matter between us, to gentle and friendly argument.
"If it were the last prayer I uttered, before passing into the
fruition of a self-denying and holy life, princely Emich, thy wish
should not want support! Have we not often professed a willing-
ness to refer the question to the Holy Father, or any other high
church authority, that can fittingly take cognizance of so knotty
a point. Less than this arbitration would scarce become our apos>
tolic mission.
 God's truth ! mein Herr Wilhelm, but ye are too grasping for
those who mortify the flesh! Is it meet, I ask ye, that a goodly
number of valiant and pains-taking burghers should be led by
shaven crowns„ in the day of strife, in fair and foul, evil and
good, like so many worthless women, who, having lived in the
idleness and vanities of gossip and backbiting, are fain to hope
that their sex's sins may be hid beneath a monk's frock ! Give me
up, therefore, this question of Duerckheim, and certain other rights
that might be fairly written out, and the saints in Paradise shall
not live in more harmony than we of the Jaegerthal.
 Truly, Lord Emich, the means of fitting us for the heavenly
state thou namest have not been forgotten, since thou hast made a
purgatory of the valley these many years 
."By the mass, priest, thou again pushest thy remarks beyond
discreet speech! _ In what manner have I done aught to bring this
scandal on the neighbourhood, beyond a mere forethought to mine
own interest. Hast thou not opened thy abbey gates to receive
armed and irreligious men ?—are not thy ears hourly wounded by
THE HEIDEHMAHEH. 79
rude oaths, and thy eyes affronted by sights that should be thought
unseemly in a sanctuary?—Nay, that thou mayest not suppose I
am ignorant of thy hidden intentions, do not the armed hands of
Duke Friedrich lie at watch, this very moment, within thy clois-
ters?
 "We have a just caution of our rights and of the Church's
honour, answered Bonifacius, who scarce endeavoured to con-
ceal the contemptuous smile the question excited.
 Believe me, Abbot of Limburg, so far from being the enemy
of our holy religion, I am its sworn friend; else should I long
since have joined the proselytes of this brother Luther, and have
done thee harm openly.
"'Twere better than to pray at our altars by day, and to plot
their fall at night.
 I swear by the life of the Emperor that thou urgest me too
far, haughty priest!
The clamour created by the Abbe and Father Siegfried here
caused the two principal speakers to direct their attention for the
moment to the secondary combatants. From a courtly dispute,
the argument had got to be so confused and warm between the
latter, that each raised his voice in a vain endeavour to drown
that of his adversary. It was but an instant before the whirling
senses of M. Latouche, who had only maintained his present place
in the debauch by fraud, gave way to so rude an assault, and he
staggered to a settee, where, gesticulating wildly, he soon sunk at
his length, unable to lift his head. Fathcr Siegfried witnessed
the retreat of his mercurial foe with a grin of exultation; then he
raised a ferocious shout, which, coming from lungs that had so
lately ehaunted to the honour of Grod, caused the young Bercht-
hold to shudder with horror. But the glazed eyes of the monk,
and his failing countenance, betrayed an inability to endure more.
After staring wildly about him, with the unmeaning idiotcy of a
drunkard, he settled himself in his chair, and closed his eyes in
the heavy sleep that Nature unwillingly furnishes to those who
abuse her gifts.
The Abbot and the Count witnessed the manner in which their
respective seconds were thus put hors cle combat in sullen silence.
Their growing warmth, and the feelings excited by the mention
of their several grievances, had insensibly drawn their attention
from the progress of the contest, but each now regained a certain
glimpse of its nature and of its results; the recollection served
to recall the temper of both, for they were too well practised in
these scenes not to understand the valtie of presence of mind in
maintaining the command of their faculties.
 Our brother Siegfried hath yielded to the frailties of nature,
noble Emich, resumed Boniface, smiling as placidly on his re-
maining companion as flushed features and a heated eye would
fiermit.  The flesh of priest can endure no more than that of
ayman, else would he have seen thy flasks drained of their last
drop, for better intention never tilled grateful heart in doing
honour to the gifts of Providence.
 Ay, thou passest thy debauches to the account of this subtlety
r 2
80 THE HEIDENHAUEB.
while we ofj tlie sword, Master Abbot, sin to-night and ask for-
giveness to-morrow, without other pretence than our pleasures.
But the hood of a monk is a mask, and he who wears it thinks he
hath a right to the benefit of the disguise. I would I knew, to
a boddice,.the number of burghers' wives thou hast shrived since
Corpus Domini! _ .
"Jest not with the secrets of the confessional, Count Emich;
the subject is too sacred for profane tongues. There has been
bitter penance for greater than thou!
"Nay, mistake me not, holy Abbot, returned the baron, hur-
riedly crossing himself;  but your bold talkers say there is dis-
content in Duerckheim on this point, and I deem_ it friendly to
communicate the accusations of the enemy. _ This is a moment in
which our German monks are in danger; for, in sooth, thy brother
of Erfurtli is no driveller in his cry against Borne.
The eye of Father Boniface flashed fire, for none are so quick
to meet, or so violent to resent, attacks on what they consider
their rights as those who have long been permitted to enjoy
monopolies, however frail or unjust may be the tenure of their
possession.
 In thy heart, rude Emich, thou clingest to this heresy! he
said.  Beware, in what manner thou castest the weight of thy
example and name into the scale, against the commands of God
and the authority of the Church! As for this Luther, a back-
sliding wretch, that unquiet ambition and love for a professed but
misguided nun having urged to rebellion, the devils are rejoicing
in his iniquity, and imps of darkness stand ready to riot in his
final and irretrievable fall.
 By the mass! father, to a plain soldier it seemeth better to
wive the sister honestly, than to give all this scandal in Duerck-
heim, and otherwise to do violence to the peace of families on the
fair plains of the Palatinate. If brother Luther hath done no
more than thou sayest here, he hath fairly cheated Satan, which
is what thy community did of old, when it got the evil spirit to
aid in raising thy chapel, and then, with no great regard to a
debtor's obligations, sent him away penniless.'
 Were the truth known, Emich, I fear it would be found that
thou hast faith in this silly legend !
 If thou hast not outwitted the devil, priest, it hath been that
his prudence hath kept him from bargaining with those he knows
to be his betters in cunning. By the rood ! 'twas a bold spirit
that would grapple, wit to wit, with the monks of Limburg !
Disdain kept the Abbot from answering, for he was too superior
to vulgar tradition to feel even resentment at an imputation of
this kind. His host perceived that he was losing ground, and he
began to see, by the manner in which his senses were slowly
receding, that he was in imminent danger of forfeiting the im-
portant stake that now depended wholly on his powers of en-
durance. The Abbot had a well-earned reputation of having the
strongest-head of all the churchmen of the Palatinate, and Count
Emich; ^ho was nowise wanting in physical excellence of this
sort, began to feel that species of failing which is commonly the
THE HEIDE 2TH ATJEK. 81
forerunner, as it is often the cause, of defeat. He swallowed
bumper after bumper, with a reckless desire to overwhelm his
antagonist, without thought of the inroads that he was producing
on his own faculties. _ Bonifacius, who saw and felt his superiority,
willingly indulged his antagonist in this feverish desire to drive
the struggle to a premature issue, and several glasses were taken
in a sort of sullen defiance, without a syllable issuing from the
lips of either. In this strait, the Count turned his swimming
eyes towards his_ attendants, in a vague hope that they who
served him so faithfully on ordinary occasions, might aid him
in the present desperate emergency.
Young Berchthold Hintermayer stood near his lord, in respect-
ful attendance on His pleasure, for habit prevented him from with-
drawing without an order. Enough had fallen from the parties
in this singular contest to let him into the secret of its object.
He appeared to understand the appeal, and advancing to do the
office of cup-bearer, a duty that in truth required some such inter-
ference, for he who should have discharged it had been too dili-
gently imitating those at the board to be able any longer to acquit
himself with propriety of his functions.
"If my lord Abbot would but relieve the passing time, said
Berchthold, as he poured out the wine,  by descanting more at
large on this heresy, he might be the instrument of saving a
doubting soul; I freely confess, that, for one, I find much reason
to distrust the faith of my fathers.
This was attacking the Abbot on his weakest, not to say his
only vulnerable, point.
 Thou shalt smart for this, bold boy I he cried, striking the
table with a clenched fist.  Thou harbourest heresies, unfledged
and paltry reasoner on apostolic missions ! 'Tis well—'tis well—
the impudent avowal is noted ! 
Emich made a sign of gratitude, for in his rage the priest took a
heavy draught, unconscious of what he was about.
"Hay, my lord, the most reverend Abbot will pardon impru-
dent speech in one little gifted in knowledge of this sort. Were
it to strike a wild boar, or to stop a roebuck, or haply to do harm
to my master's enemies, this hand might prove of some account;
but is it matter of fair surprise that we of simple wit should be
confounded, when the most learned of Germany are at a loss what
to believe ? I have heard it said, that Master Luther made noble
answers in all the councils and wise bodies in which he hath of
late appeared.
"He spoke with the tongue of Lucifer! roared the Abbot,
fairly frothing with the violence of ungovernable rage.  Whence
cometh this new and late-discovered religion ? Of what stock and
root is it ? Why hath it been so long hid, and where is its early
history ? Doth it mount to Peter ana Paul, or is it the invention
of modern arrogance and rank conceit?
"Hay, father, the same might be asked of Borne itself, before
Borne knew an apostle. The tree is not less a tree after it hath
been trimmed of its decayed branches, though it may be more
comely.
82 THE HEIDEJTMATTEE.
Father Bonifacius -was hoth acute and learned, and, under
ordinary circumstances, even the monk of Wittenberg might have
found him a stubborn and subtle casuist; but in his actual eondi-
tion the most sophistical remark, if it had but the aspect of reason,
was likely to inflame him. Thus assailed, therefore, he exhibited
an awful picture of the ferocity of human passions when brutalised
by indulgence. His eyes seemed starting from his head, his lips
quivered, and his tongue refused its functions. He was now in
the predicament in which the Count had so lately stood *, and,
though he foresaw the consequences, with the desperation of an
inebriated man he sought the renewal of his forces in the very
agent which had undermined them. Count Emich himself was
past intelligible utterance, but eloquence not being his strongest
arm, he still maintained sufficient command of his physical powers
to continue the conflict. He flourished his hand in defiance, and
muttered words that seemed to breathe hatred and scorn. In this
manner did a noble of an illustrious and princely house, and a
mitred prelate of the Church, stand at bay, with little other con-
seiousness of the existence of the nobler faculties of their being,
than that connected with the common mercenary object which had
induced this trial of endurance.
"The Church's malediction on ye all! Boniface at length sue-
ceeded in uttering :—then falling back in his elbowed and well-
cushioned chair, he yielded his faculties to the sinister influence
of the liquor he had swallowed.
When Emich of Leiningen witnessed the overthrow of his last
antagonist, a gleam of intelligence and triumph shot from beneath
his shaggy brows. By a desperate effort he raised himself, and
stretching forth an arm he gained possession of the deed by which
the community of Limburg formally released its claims upon the
products of the disputed vineyards. Arising with the air of one
accustomed to command even in his cups, he signed for his forester
to approach, and aided by his young and nervous arm he tottered
from the room, leaving the banqueting-hall like a deserted field,
a revolting picture of human infirmity in its degradation and
neglect.
As the Count fell heavily upon his couch, clad as he had been at
table, he shook the parchment towards his young attendant, till the
folds rattled. Then closing his eyes, his deep and troubled breath-
ing soon announced that the victor of this debauch lay like the
vanquished, unconscious, feverish, and unmanned.
Thus terminated the well-known debauch of Hartenburg, a feat
of physical endurance on the part of the stout baron who prevailed,
that gained him little less renown among the boon companions of
the Palatinate, than he would have reaped from a victory in the
field; and which, strange as it may now appear, derogated but
little from any of the qualities of the vanquished.
the heidenitauer.
83
CHAPTER VIII.
 And from the latticed gallery came a chant
Of psalms, most saint-like, most angelical,
Verse after verse sung out most holily."—Rogers.
The succeeding day was tlie Sabbatlx. The morning of the
weekly festival was always announced to the peasants of the
Jaegerthal with the usual summons to devotion. The matin bell
had been heard on the abbey walls, even before the light pcne-
trated to the bottom of the deep vale ; and all the pious had bent,
in common, wherever the sounds happened to reach their ears, in
praise and thanksgiving. But as the hours wore on, a more ele-
vated display of Roman worship- was prepared in the high mass, a
ceremony addressed equally to the feelings and the senses.
The sun was fairly above the hills, and the season bland to
seduction. The domestic cattle, relieved from their weekly toil,
basked against the hill-side, ruminating in contentment, and.filled
with the quiet pleasures of their instinct. Children gambolled
before the cottage doors ; the husbandman loitered, in the habiH-
ments that had borne the fashions of the Haard through many
generations, regarding the silent growth of his crops, and the
housewife hurried from place to place, in the excitement of sim-
pie domestic enjoyment. The month was the most grateful of the
twelve, and well filled with hopes. The grass had reached its
height, and was thawing out its exuberance, the corn was filling
fast, and the vine began to give forth its clusters.
In the midst of this scene of rural tranquillity, the deep-toned
bells of the Abbey called the flock to its usual fold. Long prac-
tice had made the brotherhood of Limburg expert in all the duties
that were necessary to the earthly administration of their func-
tions. Ea'cu the peals of the bells were regulated and skilful.
Note mournfully succeeded note, and there was not a silent dell,
for miles, into which the solemn call did not penetrate. Bells
were heard, too, from Duerckheim, and even from the wide plain
beyond; but none rose fuller upon the air, or came so sweet and
melancholy to the ear, as those Avhich hung in the abbey towers.
Obedient to the summons, there was a gathering of all in the
valley towards the gate of Limburg. A crowd appeared also in
the direction of the gorge, for devotion, superstition, or curiosity,
never failed to attract a multitude on these occasions, to witness
mass in that celebrated conventual chapel. Among the latter
came equally the sceptical and the believing, the young and the
old, the fair and her who deemed it prudent to shade a matronly
countenance with the veil, the idle, the half-converted follower of
Luther, and the lover of music. It was customary for one of the
brothers to preach when mass was ended; and Limburg had many
monks that were skilled in the subtleties of the times, and some
even who had names for eloquence.
With a management and coquetry that enter into most human
devices that are intended to act on our feelings, especially in
84 THE HEIDEEMAEEB.
matters that it is not thought safe to confide too much to naked
reason,-the peals of the bells were continued long, with a view to
effect. As group after group arrived, the court of the Abbey
slowly filled, until there appeared a congregation sufficiently
numerous to gratify the self-love of even a clerical star of our
own times. There was much grave salutation among the different
dignitaries that were here assembled, for of all those who doff the
cap in courtesy, perhaps the German is the most punctilious and
respectful. As the neighbouring eity was fully represented in this
assembly of the religious and curious, there was also a profitable
display of the duties that are due to station. A herald might have
obtained many useful hints, had he been there to note the diffe-
rent degrees of simple homage that were paid, from the Burgomaster
to the Bailiff. Among the variety of idle and ill-digested remarks
that are lavished on the American people and their institutions,
it is a received pleasantry to joke on their attachment to official
dignities. But he who has not only seen, but observed, both his
own countrymen and strangers, will have had numberless occa-
sions to remark that this, like most similar strictures, is liable to
the imputation of vapidity, and of being proof of a narrow obser-
vation. The functionary that is literally a servant of the people,
whatever may be his dispositions, can never triumph over his
masters; and, though it be an honest and commendable ambition
to wish to be so distinguished, we need only examine the insti-
tutions to see that in this, as in most other similar circumstances,
there is no strict analogy between ourselves and European nations.
The remark has probably been made because a respect for official
authority has been found among us, when there was the expecta-
tion, ana possibly the wish, to find anarchy.
At the high mass of Limburg there was more ceremony observed
in ushering the meanest village dignitary to his place in the
church, than would be observed in conducting the head of this
great republic to the high station he occupies; and care was had,
by an agent of the convent, to see that no one should approach
the altar of the Lord of the Universe, without his receiving the
deference he might claim in virtue of his temporal rank! Here,
where all appear in the temple as they must appear in their graves,
equals in dependence on divine support as they are equals in
frailty, it will not be easy to understand the hardihood of sophis-
try which thus teaches humility and penitence with the tongue,
and invites to pride and presumption in the practice ; and which,
when driven to a reason for its conduct, defends itself against
the accusation of inconsistency by recriminating the charge of
envy.
There had been a suitably display of ceremony when several
functionaries of Duerckheim appeared, but the strongest mani-
festation of respect was reserved, for a burgher, who did not enter
the gates until the people were assembled in the body of the
church. This personage, a man whose hair was just beginning to
be gray, and whose solid, vigorous frame denoted full health
and an easy life, came in the saddle; for at the period of which
we write, there was a bridle path to the portal of Limburg. He
THE HEIDEHMATJER. 85
was accompanied by a female, seemingly bis spouse, who rode an
ambling nag, bearing on the crupper a crone that clung to her
well-formed waist with easy, domestic familiarity, but like one
unused to her seat A fair-haired, rosy girl sat the pillion of the
father, and a serving-man, in a species of official livery, closed
the cavalcade.
Sundry of the more substantial citizens of Duerckheim has-
tened to the reception of this little party, for it was Heinrich Frey,
with Meta, her mother, and Ilse, that came unexpectedly to
the mass of Limburg. The affluent and flourishing citizen was
ushered to the part of the church or chapel where especial chairs
were reserved for such casual visits of the neighbouring func-
tionaries_, or for any noble that devotion, or accident, might lead
to worship at the abbey altars.
Heinrich Frey was a stout, hale, obstinate, sturdy burgher, in
whom prosperity had a little cooled benevolence, but who, had he
escaped the allurements of office and the recollection of his own
success, might have passed through life as one that was wanting
in neither modesty nor humanity. He was, in short, on a dimi-
nished scale, one of those examples of desertion from the ranks of
mankind to the corps d'elite of the lucky, that we constantly wit-
ness among the worldly and fortunate. While a youth, he had
been sufficiently considerate for the burthens and difficulties of the
unhappy; but a marriage with a small heiress, and subsequent
successes, _ had gradually brought him to a view of things that
was more in unison with his own particular interests, than it was
either philosophical or Christian-hke. He was a firm believer in
that dictum which says none but the wealthy have sufficient inte-
rest_ in society to be entrusted with its control, though his own
instinct might have detected the sophistry, since he was daily
vacillating between opposing principles, just as they happened to
affect his own particular concerns. Heinrich Frey gave freely to
the mendicant, and to the industrious; but when it came to be a
question of any serious melioration of the lot of either, he shook
his head, in a manner to imply a mysterious political economy,
and uttered shrewd remarks on the bases of society, and of things
as they were established. In short, he lived in an age when Grer-
many, and indeed all Christendom, was much agitated by a ques-
tion that was likely to unsettle not only the religion of the day,
but divers other vested interests ; and he might have been termed
the chief of the conservative party, in his own particular circle.
These qualities, united to his known wealth, a reputation for high
probity, which was founded on the belief that he was fully able to
repair any pecuniary wrong he might happen to commit; a sturdy
maintenance of his own opinions, that passed with the multitude
for the consistency of rectitude; and a perfect fearlessness in de-
ciding against all those who had not the means of disputing his
decrees, had procured for him the honour of being the first burgo-
master of Duerckheim.j . . ,
Were the countenance a certain index of the qualities ot the
mind, a physiognomist might have been at a loss to discover the
motives which had induced Ulricka Hailtzinger, not only the
86 THE IIEIDEXSIAUEIt.
fairest but the wealthiest maiden of thetown, to unite hciself in
marriage with the man we have just delineated. A mild, melan-
choly, blue eye, that retained its lustre in despite of forty years, a
better outline of features than is common to the region m which
she dwelt, and a symmetry of arm and- bust that, on the other
hand, are rather peculiar to the natives of Germany, still fur-
nished sufficient evidence of the beauty for which she must have
been distinguished in early life. In addition to these obvious and
more vulgar attractions, the matronly partner of Heinrich had an
expression of feminine delicacy and intelligence, of elevated views,
ana even of mysterious aspirations, which rendered her a woman
that a nice observer of nature might have loved to study—and
have studied to love.
In personal appearance, Meta was a copy of her mother, en-
grafted on the more ruddy health and less abstracted habits of the
father Her character will be sufficiently developed, as we proceed
in the tale. We commit Ilse to the reader's imagination, which
will readily conceive the sort of attendant that has been intro-
duced.
The Herr Heinrich did not take possession of his customary
post before the high altar, without causing the stir and excite-
ment among the simple peasants of the Jaegerthal, and the truant
Duerckheimers who were present, that became his condition in
life. But even city importance cannot predominate for ever in
the house of God, and the bustle gradually subsiding, expectation
began to take precedency of civic rank.
The Abbey of Limburg stood high among the religious com-
munities of the Rhine, for its internal decorations, its wealth, and
its hospitality. The chapel was justly deemed a rare specimen of
monastic taste, nor was it wanting in most of those ornaments
and decorations that render the superior buildings, devoted tcr
the service of the Church of Rome, so imposing to the senses, and
so pleasing to the admirers of solemn effect. The building was
vast, and, as prevailed throughout that region and in the century
of which we write, sombre. It. had numerous altars, rich in mar-
bles and pictures, each celebrated in the Palatinate for the kind
mediation of the particular saint to whom it was dedicated, and
each loaded with the votive offerings of the suppliant, or of the
grateful. The walls and the nave were painted alfresco, not in-
deed with the pencil of Raphael or Buonorotti, but creditably,
and in a manner to heighten the beauty of the place. The choif
was carved in high relief, after a fashion much esteemed, and
that was admirably executed, in the middle States of Europe, no
less than in Italy, and whole flocks of cherubs were seen poising
on the wing around the organ, the altar, and the tombs. The
latter were numerous, and indicated, by their magnificence, that
the bodies of those who had enjoyed the world's advantages slept
within the hallowed precincts.
At length a door, communicating with the cloisters, opened,
and the monks appeared, walking m procession. At their head
same the Abbot, wearing _ his mitre, and adorned with the gor-
geous robes of his ecclesiastical office. Two priests, decorated
THE HEIDEHHA.TJEK. 87
for the duties of the altar, followed, and then succeeded the pro-
fessed and the assistants, in pairs. The whole procession swept
through the aisles, in stately silence; and, after making the tour
of most of the church, paying homage and offering prayers at
several of the most honoured, altars, it passed into the choir.
Father Bonifacius was seated on his episcopal throne, and the
rest of the brotherhood occupied the glossy stalls reserved for
such occasions. During the march of the monks, the organ
breathed a low accompaniment, and, as they became stationary,
its last strain died in the vaulted roof. At this moment the clat-
tering of horses' hoofs was audible without, causing the startled
and uneasy priests to suspend the mass. The rattling of steel
came next, and then the heavy tread of armed heels was heard on
the pavement of the church itself.
Emich of Hartenburg came up the principal aisle, with the
steady front of one confident of his power, and claiming defer-
ence. He was accompanied by his guests, the Knight of Bhodes
and Monsieur Latouche, while young Berchthold Hintermayer
kept at his elbow, like one accustomed to be in close attendance.
A small train of unarmed dependants brought up the rear. There
was a seat of honour, in the choir itself, and near the master
altar, to which it was usual to admit princes and nobles of high
consideration. Passing through the crowd, that had collected at
the railing of the choir, the Count inclined towards one of the
lateral aisles, and was soon face^ to face with the Abbot. The
latter arose, and slightly recognised the presence of his guest,
while the whole brotherhood imitated his example, though with
greater respect; for, as we have said, it was usual to pay this
homage to worldly rank, even in the temple. Emich seated him-
self, with a scowl on his visage, while his two noble associates
found seats of honour near. Berchthold stood at hand.
An inexperienced eye could have detected no outward signs of
his recent defeat, in the exterior of Wilhelm of Yenloo. His mus-
cles had already regained their tone, and his entire countenance
its usual expression of severe authority, a quality for which it was
more remarkable than for any lines of mortification or of thought.
He glanced at the victor, and then, by a secret sign, communicated
with a lay brother. At this moment the mass commenced.
Of all the nations of Christendom, this, compared with its num-
bers, is the least connected with the Church of Borne. _ The pecu-
liar religious origin of the people, their habits of examination and
mental independence, and their prejudices (for the Protestant is
no more free from this failing than the Catholic), are likely to
keep them long separated from any policy, whether of church or
state, that exacts faith without investigation, or obedience without
the right to remonstrate. An opinion is sedulously disseminated
in the other hemisphere, that busy agents are rapidly working
changes in this respect, and a powerful party is anxiously antici-
pating great ecclesiastical and political results from the return of
the American nation to the opinions of their ancestors of the
middle ages. Were the fact so, it would give us little concern, for
we do not believe salvation to be the peculiar province of sects;
83 THE HEIDENMATTEK.
but, had we any apprehensions of the consequences of such a con-
version, they would not he excited by the accidental accumula-
tions of emigrants in towns, or on the public works in which the
country is so actively engaged. "We believe that where one native
Protestant becomes a Catholic in America, ten emigrant Catholics
drop quietly into the ranks of the prevailing sects; and, without
at all agitating the point of which is the gainer or the loser by the
change, we shall proceed to_ describe the manner of the mass, as a
ceremony that ninety-nine in a hundred of our readers have never
had, nor probably ever will have, an opportunity of witnessing.
There is no appeal to the feelings of man which has given rise
to opinions so decidedly at variance as those which are entertained
of the Roman ritual. To one description of Christians, these cere-
monies appear to be vain mummeries, invented to delude, and
practised for unjustifiable ends; while, to another, they contain
all that is sublime and imposing in human worship. As is usual
in most cases of extreme opinions, the truth would seem to lie be-
tween the two. The most zealous Catholic errs when he would
maintain, the infallibility of all who minister at the altar, or when
he overlooks the slovenly and irreverent manner in which the
most holy offices are so frequently performed ; and, surely, the
Protestant who quits the temple, in which justice has been done
to the formula of this Church, without perceiving that there is
deep and sublime devotion in its rites, has steeled his feelings
against the admission of every sentiment in favour of a sect that
he is willing to proscribe. We belong to neither class, and shall,
therefore, _ endeavour to represent things as they have been seen,
not disguising or affecting a single emotion because our fathers
happened to take refuge in this western world, to set up altars of
a different shade of faith.
The interior of the abbey church of Limburg, as has just been
stated, was renowned in Germany for its magnificence. Its vaulted
roof was supported by many massive pillars, and ornamented
with scriptural stories, by the best pencils of that region. The
grand altar was of marble, richly embellished with agate, con-
taining as usual a laboured representation of the blessed Mary
and her deified child. A railing of exquisite workmanship, and
richly gilded, excluded profane feet from this sanctified spot,
which, in addition to its fixtures, was now glittering with vessels
of gold and precious stones, being decorated for the approaching
mass. The officiating priests wore vestments stiffened with golden
embroidery, while the inferior attendants were as usual clad in
white, and bound with scarfs of purple.
Upon this scene of gorgeous and elaborate splendour, in which
the noble architecture united with the minute preparations of the
service to lead the spirit to lofty contemplations, the chant of the
monks, and the tones of the organ, broke in a deep and startling
appeal to the soul. Lives dedicated to the practices of their com-
munity had drilled the brotherhood into perfection, and scarce a
note issued among the vaults that was not attuned to the desired
effect. Trombones, serpents, and viols, lent their aid to increase
the solemn melody of powerful masculine voices, which were so
THE HEIDENMAUER. 89
blended with tlie wind instrument, as to comprise but one deep,
grand, and grave sound of praise. Count Emich turned on his
seat, clenching the handle of his sword, as if the clamour of the
trumpet were in his ears ; then his unquiet glance met that of the
Abbot, and his chin fell upon a hand. As the service proceeded,
the zeal of the brotherhood seemed to increase, and as it was
afterwards remarked, on no occasion had the mass of Limburg, at
all times known for its power in music, been so remarkable for its
strong and stirring influence. Yoice rolled above voice, in a man-
ner that must be heard to be understood, and there were moments
when the tones of the instruments, full and united as they were,
appeared drowned in the blending of a hundred human aspira-
tions. _ From the deepest of one of these solemn peals therer arose
a strain, at whose first tone all other music was hushed. It was
a single human voice, of that admixture of the male and female
tones which seem nearest allied to the supernatural, being, in
truth, a contr'alto of great compass, roundness, and sweetness.
Count Emich started, for, when these heavenly strains broke upon
his ear, they seemed to float in the vault above the choir; nor
could he, as the singer was concealed, assure himself of the delu-
sion, while the solo lasted. He dropped his sword, and gazed
about him, for the first time that morning, with an expression of
human charity. The lips of young Berchthold parted m admira-
tion, and as he just then met the blue eye of Meta, there was an
exchange of gentle feeling in that quiet and secret glance. In
the meantime, the chant proceeded. The single unearthly voice
that had so stirred the spirits of the listeners ceased, and a full
chorus of the choir concluded the hymn.
The Count of Leiningen drew a breath so heavy, that it was
audible to Bonifacius. The latter suffered his countenance to un-
bend, and as in the case of the youthful pair, the spirit of concord
appeared to soothe the tempers of these fierce rivals. But here
commenced the ritual of the mass. The rapid utterance of the
officiating priest, gesticulations which lost their significance by
being blended and indistinct, and prayers in a tongue that de-
feated their object, by involving instead of rendering the medium
of thought noble and clear, united to weaken the effect produced
by the music. Worship lost its character of inspiration, by as-
suming that of business, neither attracting the imagination, in-
fluencing the feelings, nor yet sufficiently convincing the reason.
Abandoning all these persuasive means, too much was left to the
convictions of a naked and settled belief.
Emich of Hartenburg gradually resumed his repulsive mien, and
the effect of all that he had so lately felt was lost in cold indif-
ference to words that he did not comprehend. Even young
Berchthold sought the eye of Meta less anxiously, and both the
Knight of Rhodes and Monsieur Latouche gazed listlessly towards
the throng grouped before the railing of the choir. In this man-
ner did the service commence and terminate. There was another
hymn, and a second exhibition of the power of music, though
with an effect less marked than that which had been produced
When the listeners were taken by surprise.
90 THE HEIDENMAUER.
Against a column near the centre of the church was erected a
pulpit. A monk rose from his stall at the close of the worship,
and, passing through the crowd, ascended its stairs like one
about to preach. It was Father Johan, a brother known for the
devotedness of his faith and the severity of his opinions. The
low receding forehead, the quiet but glassy eye, and the fixedness
of the inferior members of the face, might readily have persuaded
a physiognomist that he beheld a heavy enthusiast. The language
and opinions of the preacher did not deny the expectations ex-
cited by his exterior. He painted, in strong and ominous lan-
guage, the dangers of the sinner, narrowed the fold of the saved
within metaphysical and questionable limits, and made frequent
appeals to the fears and to the less noble passions of his audience.
While the greater number in the church kept aloof, listening in-
differently or gazing at the monuments and other rich decorations
of the place, a knot of kindred spirits clustered around the pillar
that supported the preacher's desk, deeply sympathising in all his
pictures of pain and desolation.
The sharp, angry, and denunciatory address of Father Johan
was soon ended; and as he re-entered the choir the Abbot arose
and retired to the cloisters, followed by most of the brotherhood.
But neither the Count of Hartenburg nor any of his train seemed
disposed to quit the church so soon. An air of expectation ap-
peared also to detain most of those in the body of the building.
A monk, towards whom many longing eves had been cast, yielded
to the general and touching appeal, and quitting his stall, one of
high honour, he took the place just vacated by Father Johan.
This, movement was no sooner made, than the name of Father
Arnolph, the Prior, or the immediate spiritual governor of the
community, was buzzed among the people. Emich arose, and,
accompanied by his friends, took a station near the pulpit, while
the dense mass of uplifted and interested faces that filled the
middle aisle proclaimed the interest of the congregation. There
was that in the countenance and air of Father Arnolph to justify
this plain demonstration of sympathy. His eyo was mild and
benevolent, his forehead full, placid, and even, and the whole
character of his face was that of winning philanthropy. To the
influence of this general and benevolent expression must be
added evident signs of discipline, much thought, and meek
hope.
The spiritual part of such a man was not likely to belie the
exterior. His doctrine, like that of the Divine Being he served,
was charitable and full of love. Though he spoke of the terrors
of judgment, it was with grief rather than with menace ; and it
was when dwelling on the persuasive and attractive character of
faith that he was most earnest and eloquent. Again Emich found
his secret intentions shaken, and his frown relaxed to gleamings
of sympathy and interest. The eye of the preacher met that of
the stern baron, and, without making an alarming change of man-
ner, he continued, as it were by a natural course of thought—
"Such is the church in its purity, my hearers, let the errors, the
passions, or the designs of man pervert it in what manner they
THE HEIDENHAUEE. 91
may. The faith. I preach, is of God, and it partakes of the godlike
qualities of His divine essence. He who would_ impute the sins of
its mistaken performance to aught hut His erring creatures, casts
odium on that which is instituted for his own good; and he who
would do violence to its altars, lifts a hand against a work of Om-
nipotence.
With these words in his ears, Emich of Hartenburg turned away,
and passed musingly up the church.
CHAPTER IX.
 Japhet, I cannot answer thee."—Byron.
The Abbey of Limburg owed its existence and its rich endowments
chiefly to the favour of an emperor of Germany. In honour of
this great patron, an especial altar, and a gorgeous and elaborate
tomb, had been erected. Similar honours had been also paid to
the Counts of Leiningen, and to certain other noble families of
the vicinity. These several altars were in black marble, relieved
by ornaments of white, and the tombs were decorated with such
heraldic devices as marked the particular races of the different
individuals. They stood apart from those already described in
the principal church, in a sort of crypt, or semi-subterranean
chapel beneath the choir. Thither Count Emich held his way
when he quitted the column against which he had leaned while
listening to the sermon of Father Arnolph.
The light of the upper church had that soft and melancholy tint
which is so peculiar and so ornamental to a Gothic edifice. It
entered through high, narrow windows of painted glass, colouring
all within with a hue that it was not difficult for the imagination
to conceive had some secret connection with the holy character
of the place. The depth and the secluded position of the chapel
rendered this light still more gloomy and touching in the crypt.
When the Count reached the pavement he felt its influence deeply,
for few descended into that solemn and hallowed vault without
becoming sensible to the religious awe that reigned around. Emich
crossed himself, and, as he passed before the altar reared by his
race, he bent a knee to the mild and lovely female countenance
that was there to represent the Mother of Christ. He thought
himself alone, and he uttered a prayer; for though Emich of
Leiningen was a man that rarely communed seriously with God,
when exposed to worldly and deriding eyes, he had in his heart
deep reverence for his power. As he arose, a movement at his
elbow attracted a look aside.
"Ha! thou here, Herr Prior! he exclaimed, suppressing as
much of his surprise as self-command enabled him to do with sue-
cess :  thou art swift in thy passage from the stall to the pulpit,
and swifter from the pulpit to the chapel.
"We that are vowed to lives of monkish devotion need to be
often at all. Thou wert kneeling, Emich, before the altar of thy
race?
92 THE HEIEENITAETER.
 By St. Benedict tliy patron! but tbou bast, in good sooth,
found me in some such act, holy father. A -weakness came over
me, on entering into this gloomy place, and I would fain do
reverence to the spirits of those who have gone before me.
 Callest thou the desire to pray a weakness? At what
shrine could one of thy name worship more fittingly than at
this, which has been reared and enriched by the devout of his
own kindred; or in what better mood canst thou look into
thyself, and call upon divine aid, than in that thou hast men-
tioned?
 Herr Prior, thou overlookest the occasion of my visit, which
is to hear the Abbey mass, and not to confess and be shrived.
"It is long since thou hast had the benefit of these sacred
offices, Emich!
 Thou hast done well in thy way, father, at the desk ; and I
question not that the burghers of Duerckheim and their gossips
will do thee credit in their private discourses. Thy fame as a
preacher is not of mean degree even now, and this effort of to-day
would well nigh gain thee a bishopric, were the women of our
valley in the way of moving Rome. How fareth it with the most
holy Abbot this morning, and with those two pillars of the com-
munity, the Eathers Siegfried and Cuno ?
 Thou sawest them in their places at the most holy mass.
 'Fore heaven ! but they are worthy companions ! Believe
me, father, more honest boon associates do not dwell in our
merry Palatinate, nor men that I love in a better fashion, ae-
cording to their merits! Didst hear, reverend Prior, of their
visit to Hartenburg, and of their deeds in the flesh ?
"The humour of thy mind is quickly changed, Herr Count,
and pity 'tis 'twere thus. I came not here to listen to tales
of excesses in thy hold, nor of any forgetfulness of those who,
having sworn to better things, have betrayed that they are
merely men.
 Ay, and stout men, if any such dwell in the empire. I prize
my good name as another, or I would tell thee the number of ves-
sels that my keeper of the cellar sweareth are no better than so
many men-at-arms fallen in a rally or an onset.
 This love of wine is the curse of our region and of the times.
I would that none of the treacherous liquor should again enter
the gates of Limburg !
 Grod's justice ! reverend Prior, thou wilt in sooth find some
decrease of quantity in future, returned Emich, laughing; "for
the disputed vineyards have at last found a single, and, though it
might better come from thee, as one that hath often looked into
my interior, as it were, by confession, a worthy master. I
pledge thee the honour of a noble, that not a flask of that
which thou so contemnest shall ever again do violence to thy
taste.
The Count cast a triumphant glance at the monk, in the expec-
tati<on, and possibly, in the hope, that, notwithstanding his pro-
fessions of moderation, some lurking signs of regret might betray
themselves at this announcement of the convent's loss. But
THE EEIDEXMATJEE. 93
Father Arnolph was what he seemed, a man devoted to the
holy office he had assumed, and one but little influenced by
worldly interests.
"I understand thee, Emich, he said mildly, but unmoved.
"This scandal was not wanting at such a moment, to bring ob-
loquy upon a reverend and holy Church, against which its
enemies have been permitted to make rude warfare, for reasons
that are concealed in the inscrutable mysteries of Him who
founded it.
 Thou speakest in reason, monk, for, to say truth, yon fellow
of Saxony, and his followers, who are anything but few or weak,
begin to move many in this quarter to doubts and disobedience.
Thou must most stoutly hate this brother Luther in thy heart,
father!
For the first time that day, the countenance of the Prior lost
its even expression of benevolence. But the change was so im-
perceptible to a vulgar eye, as to escape the scrutiny of the
Count; and the feeling, a lingering remnant of humanity, was
quickly mastered by one so accustomed to hold the passions in
subjection.
 The na,me of the schismatic hath troubled me, returned the
Prior, smiling mournfully at the consciousness of his own weak-
ness ;  I hope it has not been with a feeling of personal dislike.
He stands on a frightful precipice, and from my soul do I pray,
that not only he, but all the deluded that follow in his dangerous
track, may see their peril in time to retire unharmed !
 Father, thou speakest like one that wishest good to the Saxon
rather than harm!
 I think I may say, the words do not belie the thoughts.
 Nay, thou forgettest the damnable heresies he practiseth, and
overlooketh his motive'. Surely one that can thus sell soul and
body for love of a wanton nun, hath little claim to thy charity !
There was a slight glow on the temples of Father Arnolph.
 They have attributed to him this craven passion, he answered,
 and they have tried to prove, that a mean wish to partake of the
pleasures of the world lies at the bottom of his rebellion; but I
believe it not, and I say it not.
 God's truth! thou art worthy of thy holy office, Herr Prior,
and I honour thy moderation. Were there more like thee among
us, we should have a better neighbourhood, and less meddling
with the concerns of others. With thee, I see myself no such
necessity of his openly wiving the nun, for it is very possible to
enjoy the gifts of life even under a cowl, should it be our fortune
to wear it.
The monk made no answer, for he perceived he had to do with
one unequal to understanding his own character.
 Of this we will say no more, he rejoined, after a brief and
painful pause;  let us look rather to thine own welfare. It is
said, Count Emich, that thou meditatest evil to this holy shrine;
that ambition, and the longings of cupidity, have tempted thee
to plot our abbey's fall, in order that none may stand.jbetween
thine own baronial power and the throne of the Elector.
Or
94 THE HEIDENMATTEK.
 Thou art less unwilling to form unkind opinions of thy near-
est neighbour, than of that mortal enemy of the Church, Luther,
it would appear, Herr Prior. What hast thou seen in me, that
can embolden one of thy charity to hazard this accusation ?
 I do but hazard what all in our convent think and dread.
Hast, thou reflected well, Emich, of this sacrilegious enterprise,
and of what may be its fruits ? Dost thou recall the objects for
which these holy altars were reared, or the hand that laid
the corner-stone of the edifice thou wouldst so profanely over-
throw?
"Look you, good Father Arnolph, there are two manners of
viewing the erection of thy convent, and more especially of this
identical church in which we stand. One of our traditions sayeth
that the arch-knave himself had his trowel in thy masonry.''
 Thou art of too high lineage, of blood too noble, and of intel-
ligence too ripe, to credit the tale.
 These are points in which I pretend not to dip too deeply. I
am no scholar of Prague or Wittenberg, that thou shouldst put
these questions so closely to me. It were well that the brother-
hood had bethought itself of this imputation in season, that the
question might have been settled, for or against, as justice needed,
when the learned and great among our fathers were met at Con-
stance, in grave and general council.
Father Arnolph regarded his companion in serious concern. He
too well knew the deplorable ignorance, and the consequent super-
stition, in which even the great of his time were involved, to
manifest surprise; but he also knew the power the other wielded
sufficiently to foresee the evils of such a union between force and
ignorance. Still it was not his present object to combat opinions
that were only to be removed by time and study, if, indeed, they
can ever be eradicated, when fairly rooted in the human mind.
He pursued his immediate design, therefore, avoiding a discussion
which, at that moment, might prove worse than useless.
 That the finger of evil mingles more or less with all things that
come of human agency, may be true, he continued, taking care
that the expression of his eye should neither awaken the pride,
nor arouse the obstinacy of the noble; "but when altars have
been reared, and when the worship of the Most High Hod hath
continued for ages, we have reason to hope that his holy spirit
presideth in majesty and love around the shrines. Such hath
been the case withLimburg, Count Emich: and doubt it not, we
who stand here, holding this discourse, stand also in the imme-
diate presence of that dread Being who created heaven and earth,
who guideth our lives, and who will judge us in death.
 God help us, Herr Prior ! Thou hast already done thy office
in the desk this day, and I see no occasion that thou shouldst
doubly perform a function that was so well acquitted at first. I
like not the manner of being ushered, as it were unannounced,
into so dread a presence as this thou hast just proclaimed. Were
it but the Elector Friedrich, Emich of Leiningen could not pre-
sume to this familiarity, without some consultation as to its fit-
ness.
THE HEIDEMATTEK. 95
 In the eyes of the Being we mean, electors and emperors are
equally indifferent. He loveth the meek, and the merciful, and
the just, while He scourgeth them that deny his authority. But
thou hast named thy feudal prince, and I will question thee in a
manner suited to thy habits. Thou art, in truth, Emich of Lei-
ningen, a noble of name in the Palatinate, and one known to be of
long-established authority in these regions. Still art thou second,
or even third, in worldly command in this thy very country. The
Elector and the Emperor both hold thee in check, and either is
strong enough to destroy thee at pleasure in thy vaunted hold of
Hartenburg.
 To the last I yield the means, if thou wilt, worthy Prior, in-
terrupted the Count;  but for the first, he must needs dispose of
his own pressing enemies before he achieves this Victory.
Father Arnolph understood the other's meaning; for it was no
secret that Friedrieh was just then so pressed as to sit on a totter-
ing throne ; a circumstance that was known to have encouraged
the long-meditated designs of the Count of Hartenburg to get rid
of a community that thwarted his views and diminished his local
authority.
 Forgetting the Elector, we will turn only to the Emperor,
then, rejoined the Prior.  Thou believest him to be in his
palace, and remote from thy country, and certainly he hath here'
no visible force to restrain thy rebellious hand. We will imagine
that a family he protected—nay, that he loved—stood in the way
of some of thy greedy projects, and that the tempter had per-
suaded thee it would be well to remove it, or to destroy with the
strong hand. Art thou weak enough, Count Emich, to listen to
such advice, when thou knowest that the arm of Charles is long
enough to reach from his distant Madrid to the most remote
corner of Germany, and that his vengeance would be as sure as it
would be fearful?
 It would be a bold warfare, Herr Prior, that of Emich of
Leiningen against Charles Qnintus ! Left to mine own humour,
holy monk, 1 would rather choose another enemy.
 And yet thou wouldst war with one mightier than he ! Thou
raisest thy impotent arm, and thy audacious will, against thy
God ! Thou wouldst despise his promises, profane his altars, nay,
thou wouldst fain throw down the tabernacle that He hath reared!
Dost thou think that Omnipotence will be a_ nerveless witness of
this sin; or that an eternal or benign wisdom will forget to
punish?
 By St. Paul! thou puttest the matter altogether in thine own
interest, Father Arnolph, for there is yet no proof that this Abbey
of Limburg hath any such origin, or, if it had, that it hath not
fallen into disfavour by the excesses of its own professed. 'Twere
well to send, for the right reverend Abbot, and those pillars of
sanctity the Fathers Cuno and Siegfried, to bear witness in thy
behalf. God's wisdom! I reason better with those worthies, in
such a matter, than with thee !
Emich laughed, the sound echomg in that vaulted chapel to the
ears of the monk, like the scoffing of a demon. Still, the natural
96 THE HEIDENJIAHEK.
equity of Father Arnolph told him that there was too much to
justify the taunt of the noble, for he had long and bitterly mourned
the depravity of many of the brotherhood.
"I am not here to sit in judgment on those who err, but to
defend the shrines at which I worship, and to warn thee from a
fatal sin. If thy hand is ever lifted against these_ walls, it is
raised against that which God hath blessed, and which God will
avenge. But thou art of human feeling, Emich of Hartenburg;
and though doubting of the sacred character of that which thou
wouldst fain destroy, thou canst not deceive thyself concerning
these tombs.—In this holy chapel have prayers been often raised,
and masses said, for the souls of thine own line.
The Count of Leiningen looked steadily at the speaker. Father
Arnolph had placed himself, without design, near the opening
which communicated between that sombre chapel and the superior
church. Bays of bright light shot through the eastern window,
and fell upon the pavement at his feet, throwing around his form
the mild and solemn lustre which comes from the stained glass of
the Gothic ages. The services of the morning had also spread,
throughout the entire building, that soothing atmosphere which
is usually the attendant of Boman worship. The incense had
penetrated to the crypt, and unconsciously the warlike noble had
felt its influence quieting his nerves and lulling the passions. All
who have entered the principal Basilica of modern Borne, have
been subject to a combination of moral and physical causes that
produce the result we mean, and which, though more striking in
that vast and glorious pile, resembling a world with attributes and
an atmosphere of its own, is also felt in every Catholic temple of
consequence in a lessened degree.
 Here lie my fathers, Arnolph, answered the Count, huskily ;
"and here, as thou sayest, have masses been said for their
souls.
 And thou contemnest their graves—thou wouldst violate even
their bones!
 'Twere not an act for a Christian !
 Look hither, Count. This is the monument of the good
Emich, thy ancestor. He honoured his God, and did not scruple
to worship at our altars.
 Thou knowest, holy Prior, that I have often bared my soul at
thy knees.
 Thou hast confessed, and hast been shrived; that thou didst
not lay up future griefs 
 Say rather damnation, interrupted one behind, whose voice,
issuing suddenly from that sepulchral chapel, seemed to come
from the tombs themselves.  Thou triflest, reverend Prior, with
our holy mission, to deal thus tenderly with so sore a sinner.
The Count of Leiningen had started, and even quailed, at the
first words of interruption; but looking around, he beheld the
receding front, the sunken eye, and the bending person of Father
Johan.'
 Monks, I leave you, said Emich, firmly.  It is good for ye
to pray, and to frequent these gloomy altars; but I, who am a
THE HEIPENMATTEK. 97
soldier, cannot waste further time in your vaults. Herr Prior,
farewell. Thou hast a guardian that will protect the good.
Before the Prior could recover his voice, for he too had "been
taken by surprise, the Count stalked, with a heavy footstep, up
the marble stairs, and the tread of his armed heel was soon heard
on the flags above.
CHAPTER X.
 The way is but short; away— Arm ado.
While all must he conscious of the fearful infirmities that heset
human nature, there are none so base as not to know that their
being contains the seeds of that godlike principle which still
likens them tO( their divine Creator. "Virtue commands the re-
spect of man, in whatever accidental stage of civilisation, or of
mental improvement, he may happen to exist; and he who prac-
tises its precepts is certain of the respect, though he may not al-
ways secure the protection, of his contemporaries.
As the Count of Leiningen walked down the rich and vast aisle
of the abbey church, his thoughts vacillated between the impres-
sions produced by the Prior and his latent, but still predominant,
intentions. He might have been likened to one who listened to
the councils of a good and of an evil genius; that exhorting to
forbearance and mercy, and this tempting to violence by the usual
array of flattery and hopes. While he brooded over the exactions
of the community, which were founded on a legal superiority that
was alike hurtful to his power and galling to his pride, its man-
ner of thwarting his views, and its constant opposition to his su-
premacy in the valley, motives of enmity that were justly height-
ened by the dissolute and audacious deportment of too many of
its members, the effect of all was secretly opposed by the image
of Father Arnolph, surrounded by the mild and noble character-
istics of Christian virtue._ Emich could not, though he fain would,
chase from his imagination the impression of meekness, charity,
and of self-denial, that a long acquaintance with the monk had
made, and which the recent interview had served both to freshen
and to render more deep. But a spectacle was prepared to meet
his eyes in the court of the convent, that did as much towards
weakening this happy influence of the Prior, by setting the pride
of the noble in opposition to his better feelings, as could have
been wished by the bitterest enemy of Limburg.
It has been said that the outer wall of the Abbey encircled the
entire brow of the hill, or mountain, on which the convent stood.
Though the buildings were spacious and numerous, the size of the
little plain on the summit left ample space for exercise and air.
Besides the cloisters, which were vast, though possessing the cha-
racter of monkish seclusion, there were gardens in the rear of the
Abbot's abode, and a court of considerable extent, immediately in
front of the church. Athwart this court, in which sundry groups
of the late congregation yet lingered, was drawn up, in military
order, a band of soldiers, wearing the colours, and acknowledging
98 THE HEIDENHAUEE.
the authority, of the Elector Friedrich. The secret signal given
by Father Bonifacius, when the Count entered the choir, had pre-
pared this unwelcome sight for his neighbour.
While the men-at-arms leaned on their arquebuses, m grave
attention to discipline, the Knight of Rhodes and the Abbe were
occupied in paying their court to the fair wife of the Burgomaster
of Duerckheim, and to her scarce fairer daughter. Young Bercht-
hold stood aloof; watching the interview with feelings allied
equally to envy and jealousy. .
 A fair morning and a comfortable mass to you, nigh-born
Emich ! cried the husband and father heartily, but lifting his
cap, as the noble approached the spot where the burgher stood,
waiting for this meeting ere he put foot into the stirrup ;  I had
thought the sight of your fathers' altar was like to cheat me of
this honour, and to send me away without a word from your
friendly and much-prized grace.
 Between thee and me, Heinrich, this slight could not happen,
answered the Count, grasping the hand of the Burgomaster, which
he squeezed with the cordiality and vigour of a soldier.  How
fareth it with all in Duerckheim, that town of my affection, not to
say of my right ?
 As you could wish, noble Count, and well disposed to the
house of Leiningen. In all that pertaineth to love of your name
and race, we lack nothing.
 This is well, honest Heinrich; it may yet be better—but thou
wilt do me grace this summer morning ?'
 Hay, it is for your grace to command in this particular, and
for one like me to obey.
 Herr Heinrich, hast looked well at these knaves of Friedrich ?
Ha! are they not melancholy and ill-disposed' at being cooped
with Benedictines, when there are stirring times in the Palati-
nate, and when their master hath as much as he can do to hold
his court in Heidelberg ! Seest thou aught of this ?
Emich had dropped his voice, and the burgher was not a man
to express more in answer than the circumstances actually re-
quired. He looked eloquently, however, and the exchange of
glances between him ana the Count betrayed the nature of the
understanding that connected the castle and the city.
"You spoke of commanding my duty, mein Herr Graf, and it
is fitting I should know in what manner to do you pleasure.
 Hay, 'tis no pain-giving penance I ask. Turn thy horse's
head towards Hartenburg, and share of my poor fare, with a
loving welcome, for an hour or so.
 I would it were within compass, my lord Count, returned
Heinrich, casting a doubting look towards Meta and his wife—
 but these Sunday masses are matters in which the women love
to deal; and fron the first sound of the matin bell, till we shut the
gates at even, I scarce call myself master of a thought.
"By the Yirgin ! 'twould seem ill indeed, did not Hartenburg
contain a roof to shelter all of thy name and love.
 There are noble gentlemen already on your hospitality, and
I would not fain 
THE HEIDENMATTEB. 99
 Name them not. This in the gay doublet, that weareth the
white cross, is but a houseless Knight of Rhodes, one that wan-
dereth like the dove from the ark, uncertain where to place his
foot; and he of black vestments, an idle Abbe from among the
French, who doth little else but prate with the women. -Leave
thy female gender in their hands, for they are much accustomed
to these gallantries.
"Zum Henker! most nobly born eccellenz, I never doubted
their handiness in all idlenesses; but my wife hath little humour
for vain attentions of this nature, and not to conceal from my lord
any of our humours, I will confess it is as little to my pleasure to
witness so much ceremony with a woman. Were the well-born
Ermengarde, your noble consort, in the castle, my female charge
might be glad to pay their court to her, but in her absence I doubt
that they will cause more encumbrance than they will afford satis-
faction.'
"Name it not, honest Heinrich, hut leave the matter to me.
As for these idlers, I will find them occupation, when fairly out of
the saddle; so will I not excuse the youngest of thy name.
The warm, frank manner of the noble prevailed, though the
arrangement was not altogether agreeable to the Burgomaster;
but in that age hospitality was always_ of so direct a character
as seldom to admit denial without sufficient excuse. Emich now
paid his court to the females. Smoothing his moustache and
beard, he saluted the cheeks of Ulrike, with affectionate freedom,
and then, presuming on his years and rank, he pressed a kiss on
the ruby lips of Meta. The girl blushed and laughed, and in her
confusion curtesied, as if in acknowledgment of the grace from one
of so high quality. Heinrich himself, though he so little liked the
coquetry of the strangers, witnessed these liberties, not only with-
out alarm, but with evident contentment.
 Many thanks, noble Emich, for this honour to my women,
he cried, lifting his bonnet again.  Meta is not used to these
compliments, and she scarce knoweth rightly how to acknowledge
the grace, for to say truth, it is not often that her cheek feeleth
the tickling of a beard. I am no saluter of her sex, and there are
none in Duerckheim that may so presume.
 St. Denis defend me I exclaimed the Abbe;  in what shame-
ful negligence have we fallen! saluting themild Ulrike on the
instant, and repeating the same ceremony with the daughter, so
suddenly as to leave none present time to recover from their sur-
prise.  Sir Knight of Rhodes, we appear in this affair as but of
indifferent breeding.
"Hold, cousin of Yiederbach, said Emich, laughing, while he
placed a hand before his kinsman—"we forget, all this time, that
we are in the court of Limburg, and that salutations which savour
so much of earth may scandalise the holy Benedictines. "We will
to horse, and keep our gallantries for a better season.
The forward, impatient movement of young Berchthold was
self-checked, and, swallowing his discontent, he turned aside to
conceal his vexation.
In the meantime, the whole party prepared to mount. AI-
100 THE HEIDEHHATJEK.
though repulsed in his effort to obtain a salute from the fair girl,
who had so passively received these liberties from his kinsman and
the Abbe, the Knight of Rhodes busied himself in assisting the
damsel upon the crupper of her father's saddle. A similar office was
-performed for Ulrike by the Count of Leiningen himself, and then
the noble threw his own booted and heavy leg across the large and
strong-jointed war-horse that was pawing the pavement of the
court. The others imitated his example, even to the mounted ser-
vitors, who were numerous; when, doing stately reverence to the
large crucifix that stood before them, the whole cavalcade ambled
from the court.
There were many curious spectators around the outer gate,
among whom were sundry of the more humble defendants of
Hartenburg, purposely collected there, by an order _ot their lord,
in the event of any sudden violence arising from his visit to the
Abbey, together with a crowd of mendicants.
 Alms, great Emich! Alms, worthy and wealthy Burgomaster!
God's blessing on ye both, and holy St. Benedict heed ye in his
prayers ! "We are a-hungered and a-cold, and we crave alms at
your honourable hands!
 Give the rogues a silver pence, said the Count to the purse-
bearer, who rode in his train— they have a starving look, in
sooth. These godly Benedictines have of late been so busied be-
tween their garrison and their masses, that they have forgotten to
feed their poor. Come nearer, friend;—art of the Jaegerthal?
"No, noble Count. I come from a pilgrimage to a distant
shrine, but want and suffering have befallen me by the way.
"Hast pressed the monks for charity? or dost thou find them
too much engaged in godliness to remember human suffering?
 Great Count, they give freely; but where there are many
mouths to feed, there needs be much gold. I say naught against
the holy community of Limburg, which is godly in charity, as in
grace.
"Give the knave a kreutzer, growled Heinrich Frey; "hast
thou aught to show in the way of authority for undertaking this
pilgrimage, and for assailing the Elector's subjects and servitors
in a public horse-fath ?
 Naught but this, illustrious Burgomaster,"—Heinrich wore
his chain of office— naught but the commands of my confessor,
and this pass of our own chief men.
 Callest this naught ? Thou speakest of a legal instrument of
high quality, an' it were but a copy of silly rhymes. Hold! thou
must not be led into temptation by too much want. Meta, wench,
hast a kreutzer ?
 Here is a silver pence, that may better suit the pilgrim's
necessities, father.
 God keep thee, child! Dost expect to escape want thyself,
with such prodigality? But stay—there are many of them, and
the piece justly distributed might do good. Come nearer, friends.
Here is a silver zwanziger, which you will divide honestly into
twenty parts, of which two are for the stranger, for to him are we
most indebted by the commands of God, and one for each inha-
THE HEEDEmiAXTEE. 101
bitant of the valley, not forgetting the poor woman that, in your
haste, and by reason of her years, you have prevented from draw-
ing near. For this boon, I ask prayers of you in behalf of tLe
Elector, the city of Duerckheim, and the family of Frey.
So saying, the Burgomaster pushed ahead, and was soon at the
foot of the mountain of Limburg. The train of footmen, who
had lingered to witness the largess of the magistrate, and who had
considered the indifference of Emich as what was no more than
natural in one placed by Providence in a situation so far removed
from vulgar wants, was about to follow, when a lay brother of the
convent touched one of the party on the arm, signing for him to
re-enter the court.
 Thou art needed further, friend, whispered the lay-brother.
"Amuse thyself with these men-at-arms till they retire; then
^eek the cloisters.
A nod sufficed to tell the lay brother that he was understood,
and he immediately disappeared. The follower of Count Emich
did as commanded, loitering in the court until the object of the
Abbot was accomplished, that of exhibiting the protection of the
Elector to his dangerous neighbour, and the arquebusiers marched
to their quarters. The road was no sooner clear, than the peasant
who had been detained proceeded to do as he had been ordered.
In each conventual edifice of the other hemisphere, there is an
inner court surrounded by low and contemplative arcades, called
the cloisters. The term, which is given to the seclusion of monas-
tic life in general, and to the objects of the institution itself, in
an architectural sense, is limited^ to the secluded and sombre
piazzas just mentioned. When this part of the building is deco-
rated, as often happens, with the elaborate ornaments of the
Gothic style, it is not easy to conceive a situation more happily
imagined for the purposes of reflection, self-examination,- and
religious calm. To us the cloisters have ever appeared pregnant
with the poetry of monkish existence, and, Protestant as we are,
we never yet entered one without feeling the influence of that
holy and omnipotent Power that is thought to be propitiated by
conventual seclusion. In Italy, the land of vivid thought and of
glorious realities, the pencils of the greatest masters have been
put in requisition to give the cloisters a mild attraction, blended
with lessons of instruction, that are in strict consonance with
their uses. Here are found some of the finest remains of Ra-
phael, of Domenichino, and of Andrea del Sarto; and the tra-
veller now enters vaulted galleries, that the monk so long paced
in religious hope or learned abstraction, to visit the most prized
relies of art.
The dependant of Count Emich had no difficulty in finding his
way to the place in question, for, as usual, there was a direct
communication between the cloisters of Limburg and the church.
By entering the latter, and taking a lateral door, which was
known to lead to the sacristy, he found himself beneath the ar-
cades, in the midst of the touching seclusion described. Against
the walls were tablets with Latin inscriptions, in honour of dif-
ferent brothers who had been distinguished by piety and know-
102 THE HEIDENMATTEK.
ledge; and here and there was visible, in ivory or stone, that
constant monitor of Catholic worship, the crucifix.
The stranger paused, for a single monk paced the arcades, and
his mien was not inviting for one who doubted of his reception.
At least so thought the dependant of Emich, who might easily
have mistaken the chastened expression of Father Arnolph's fea«
tures, clouded as they now were with care, for severity.
"What wouldst thou? demanded the Prior, when a turn
brought him face to face with the intruder.
 Reverend monk, thy much-prized blessing.
 Kneel, and receive it, son. Thou art doubly blest; in seeking
consolation from the Church, and in avoiding the fatal heresies of
the times.
The Prior repeated the benediction, made the usual sign of
grace, and motioned for the other to rise.
 Wouldst thou aught else ? he asked, observing that the
peasant did not retire, as was usual for those who received this
favour.
 Naught—unless yonder brother hath occasion for me.
The face of Siegfried was thrust through a door which led to
the cells. The countenance of the Prior changed like that of one
who had lost all confidence in the intentions of his companion,
and he pursued his way along the arcade. The other glided past,
and disappeared by the door which he had been covertly invited
to enter.
It has already been said that the Benedictine is an order of hos-
pitality. A principal building of the hill was especially devoted
to the comforts of the Abbot and to those of the travellers it was
always his duty, and in the case of Father Bonifacius scarcely
less often his pleasure, to entertain. Here were seen some signs
of the great wealth of the monastery, though it was wealth
chastened by forms and restricted by opinion; still there was
little of self-denial, or indeed of any of that self-mortification
which is commonly thought to be the inseparable attendant of the
cell. The rooms were wainscoted with dark oak; emblems of re-
ligious faith, in costly materials, abounded; nor was there any
want of velvet and other stuffs, all, however, of sober colours,
though of intrinsic value. Father Siegfried ushered the peasant
into one of the most comfortable of these rooms. It was the
cabinet of the Abbot, who, having thrown aside the robes of office
in which he had so lately appeared in the choir, and, ungirt and
divested of all the churchly pomp in which he had just shown
himself to the people, was now taking his ease, with the indo-
lence of a student, and with some of the negligence of a de-
bauchee.
 Here_ is the youth I have named to you, holy Abbot, said
Father Siegfried, motioning his companion to advance.
Bonifacius laid down a parchment-covered and illuminated
volume, one but lately issued from the press, rubbing his eyes like
a man suddenly roused from a dreamy abstraction.
 Truly, brother Siegfried, these knaves of Leipzig have done
wonders with their art. Not a word can I find astray, or a
THE HEIDEHMAUEB. 103
thought concealed. God knows to what pass of information thia
excess of knowledge, so long sacred to the learned, may yet lead
us. The office of a librarian will no longer be of rare advantages
or scarcely of repute.
 Have we not proofs of the evil in the growing infidelity and
in the manifest insubordination of the times ?
 It were better for all their souls, and their present repose,
that fewer did the thinking in this troublesome world.—Thou art
named Johan, son?
 Gottlob, most reverend Abbot, by your leave, and with the
Church's favour.
 'Tis a pious appellation, and I trust thou dost not forget to
obey the duty of which it should hourly remind thee.
 In that particular I can say that I praise God, father, for all
the benefits I receive, and were they double what they are, I feel
that within me which says I could go on rendering thanks for
ever, for gracious gifts.
The answer of Gottlob caused the Abbot to turn his head. After
studying the demure expression of the young man's face intently,
he continued—
 This is well; thou art a huntsman in Count Emich's house-
hold?
"His cow-herd, holy Abbot,, and a huntsman in the bargain;
for a more scampering, self-losing? trouble-giving family is not to
be found in the Palatinate than this of mine.
"I remember it was a cow-herd; thou dealt a little lightly
with my brother Siegfried here, in pretending thou wert of
Duerckheim, and not of the Castle.
 To speak fairly to your reverence, there was some business
between us; for be it known to you, holy Abbot, a cow-herd is
made to suffer for all the frolics of his beasts, and so I preferred
to do_ penance simply for my own backslidings, without white-
washing the consciences of all Lord Emich's cattle in the bar-
gain.
The Abbot turned again, and this time his look was still longer
and more scrutinising than before.
 Hast thou heard of Luther?
 Does your reverence mean the drunken cobbler of Duerck-
heim.
_ I mean the monk of "Wittenberg, knave: though, by St. Bene-
diet! thou hast not unaptly named the rebel; for truly doth he
cobble that would fain mend the offices or discipline of Holy
Church! I ask if thou hast sullied thy understanding and weak-
ened thy faith, by lending ear to this damnable heresy, that is
abroad in our Germany ?
 St. Benedict and the blessed Maria keep your reverence in
mind, according to your deserts ! What hath a poor cow-herd to
do with questions that trouble the souls of the learned, and cause
even the peaceably disposed to become quarrelsome and warlike ?
"Thou hast received a schooling above thy fortune.—Art of the
Jaegerthal?
 Born and nurtured, holy Abbot. We are of long standing
104 THE HEIDENMAUER.
in tlie valley, and few families are better known for skill in rear-
ing beeves, or for dealing cunningly with aberd, than tbat of which
I come, bumble and poor as I may seem to your reverence. _
 I doubt but tbere is as much seeming as reality in this indif-
ferent opinion of thyself. But thou bast had an explanation with
brother Siegfried, and we count on thy services. Thou knowest
the power of the Church, son, and cannot be ignorant of its dis-
position to deal mercifully with those that do it homage, nor of
its displeasure when justly angered. We are disposed to deal in
increased kindness with those who do not stray from the fold, at
this moment when the devils are abroad scattering the ignorant
and helpless.
 Notwithstanding all you have said, most reverend Abbot, con-
cerning the trifle I have gleaned in the way of education, I am
too little taught to understand aught but plain speech. In the
matter of a bargain it might be well to name the conditions clearly,
lest a poor but well-meaning youth should happen to be damned,
simply because he hath little knowledge of Latin, or cannot clearly
understand what hath not been clearly said.
 Lhave no other meaning than that thy pious conduct will be
remembered at the altar and the confessional; and that indul-
gences, and other lenities, will not be forgotten when there is
question of thee.
 This is excellent, holy Abbot, for those that may profit by it;
but, Saint Benedict help us! of what account would it all be,
were Lord Emich to threaten his people with the dungeon and
stripes, should any dare to frequent the altars of Limburg, or
otherwise to have dealings with the reverend brotherhood ?
 Dost think our prayers, or our authority, cannot penetrate
the walls of Hartenburg?
 Of that, most powerful Bonifacius, I say nothing, since I
never have yet profited in the way you mean. The dungeon of
Hartenburg ana I are not strangers to each other; and, were I
to speak my most intimate thoughts, it would be to say, that Saint
Benedict himself would find it no easy matter to open its doors, or
to soften its pavements, so long as the Count was in an angry
humour. Potz Tausend, holy Abbot! it is well to speak of mira-
cles and of indulgences; but let him who imagines that either is
about to make that damp and soul-chilling hole warm and plea-
sant, pass a night within its walls in November. He may enter
with as much faith in the abbey prayers as he will; but if he do
not come forthwith great dread of Lord Emich's displeasure, why
he is not flesh and blood, but a burning kiln in the form of mor-
tality!
Father Bonifacius saw that it was useless endeavouring to in-
fluence the mind of the cow-herd in the vulgar manner, and he
had recourse to surer means. Motioning his companion to hand
him a little casket^ externally decorated with many of the visible
signs of the Christian faith, he took out of it a purse that wanted
for neither size nor weight. The eyes of Gottlob glistened—had
not the monks been much occupied in examining the gold, they
might have suspected that the pleasure he betrayed was a little
THE HEIDENITATTER. 105
affected—and he manifested a strong disposition to know the con-
tents of a hag that had so many outward signs of value.
 This will make peace and create faith between us, said the
Abbot, handing a golden mark to Gottlob.  Here is that which
the dullest comprehension can understand; and whose merits, I
doubt not, will be sufficiently clear to one of thy ready wit.
 Your reverence does not overvalue my means, answered the
cow-herd, who pocketed the piece without further ceremony.
 Were our good Mother of the Church to take this method of se-
curing friends, she might laugh at all the Luthers between the
Lake of Constance and the ocean, him of Wittenberg among the
number: but, by some strange oversight, she has of late done
more towards taking away the people's gold, than towards bestow-
ing! I am rejoiced to find that the mistake is at last discovered;
and chiefly am I glad that one, poor and unworthy as I, has been
among the first that she is pleased to make an instrument of her
new intentions!
The Abbot appeared at a loss to understand the character of his
agent; but, being a worldly and selfish man himself, he counted
rather loosely on the influence of a mediator whose potency is
tacitly admitted by all of mercenary propensities. He resumed
his seat, therefore, like one who saw little necessity- for further
concealment, and went directly to the true object of the interview.
 Thou hast something to communicate from the Castle of Har-
tenburg, good Gottlob ?
 If it be your reverence's pleasure to listen.
"Proceed—Canst tell aught of the force Emich. hath gathered
in the hold ?
 Mein Herr Abbot, it is no easy matter to count varlets that
go staggering about, from the moment the sun touches your abbey
towers to that in which he sets behind the Teufelstein.
 Hast thou not means of separating them in divisions, and of
making the enumerations of each apart?
 Holy Abbot, that experiment hath failed._ I divided them
into the drunk and the sober; but, for the life of me, I could
never get them all to be long enough of the same mind, to hunt
up those that were in garrets and cellars; for while this slept off
his debauch, that swallowed cup after cup, in a manner to recruit
the drunkards as fast as they lost. It were far easier to know the
Emperor's policy than to count Lord Emich's followers.
 Still they are many.
 They are and they are not, as one happens to view soldiership.
In the way of draining a butt, Duke Friedrich would find them a
powerful corps, even in an attack against his Heidelberg tun; and
yet I doubt whether he would think them of much account in the
pressing warfare he wageth.
 Go to; thou art too indirect in thy answers for the duty thou
hast undertaken. Return the gold, if thou refusest the ser-
yice.
 I pray thee, reverend Abbot, to remember the risks I have
already run in this desperate undertaking, and to consider that
the trifle you have so munificently bestowed is already more than
106 THE HETDEH1TATJEE.
earned by the danger of my ears, to say nothing of great loss of
reputation, and some pricking of conscience. _ ,
 This clown hath tampered with thee. Father Siegfried, ' said
the Abbot, in a tone of reproach to the attending monk;  he even
dares to make light of our presence and office.
"We have the means of recalling him to his respect, as well as
to a remembrance of his engagements.
 Thou sayest true; let the remedies be applied; but hold !
During this brief colloquy between the Benedictines, Father
Siegfried had touched a cord, and a lay brother, of _ vigorous
frame, showed himself. _ At a signal from the monk he laid a hand
on an arm of the unresisting Gottlob, and was about to lead him
from the room, when the last words of the Abbot, and another
signal from Father Siegfried, caused him to pause.
Bonifacius leaned a cheek on his hand, and mused long on the
policy of the step he was about to take. The relations between
the Abbey and the Castle, to adopt diplomatic language, were pre-
cisely in that awkward state in which it was almost as hazardous
to recede as to advance. To imprison a vassal of the Count of
Hartenburg might bring matters to an immediate issue; and yet
to permit him to quit the convent was to deprive the brotherhood
of the means of extracting the information it was so important to
obtain, and to procure which had been the principal inducement of
attending the debauch already described, at a moment when there
was so little real amity between the revellers. The precaution of
Emich had frustrated this well-laid scheme, and the result of the
experiment had been too costly to admit of repetition. There was
also hazard in permitting Gottlob to return to Hartenburg, for the
expectations and hostile spirit of the Abbey had been so unad-
visedly exposed to the hind, as to render it certain he would relate
what had occurred. It was desirable, too, to maintain an appear-
ance of confidence, although so little was felt; for the monk well
knew, that next to friendship, its apparent existence was of ac-
count in preventing the usual expedients of open hostility. Agents
were at Heidelberg, pressing the Elector on a point of the last
concern to the welfare of the brotherhood, and it was particularly
material that Emich should not be driven to any overt act before
the result of this mission was known. In short, these two little
powers were in a condition similar to that in which some greater
communities have been known to exist, instinctively alive to the
opposing character of their respective interests, and yet tampering
with the denoument, because neither was yet prepared to pro-
claim all it wished, meditated, and hoped to be able to attain. In
the meantime, there was an ostensible courtesy between the belli-
gerent parties, occasionally obscured by bursts of natural feeling,
which, in politics, the world calls bonhomie, but which would,
perhaps, be better termed by the frank designation of artifice.
_ The Abbot was so much accustomed to this sort of politic reflec-
tion, that all these considerations passed before his mind in less
time than we have consumed in enumerating them. Still the
pause weCs salutary, for when he resumed the discourse, he spoke
like one whose decision was supported by thought.
THE HEIDEHMAHEE. 107
 Thou wilt tarry with us a little, Gottlob, for the good of
thy soul, he said, making a sign that was understood hy his
inferiors.
 A thousand thanks, humane and godly Abbot. Next to the
present good of my body, I look with most concern to the future
condition of my poor soul; and there is great comfort and con-
solation in your gracious words. It is but the soul of a poor
man; but, being my all, in the way of souls, it must needs be
taken care of.
 The discipline we meditate will be healthful. Brothers, lead
the penitent to his cell.
The singular indifference with which Gottlob heard his doom
might have given the Abbot motive for reflection, had he not been
so much occupied by other thoughts. As it was, the hind aceom-
panied the lay brother without resistance, and indeed with the
manner of one who appeared to think he was a gainer by this
especial notice from the community of Limburg. So natural and
easy was the air of Gottlob, as they took the direction of a gloomy
corridor, that Father Siegfried began to believe he had employed
an agent whose mind, shrewd and. peculiar as it seemed at times,
was in truth subject to moments of more than usual imbecility
and dulness. He placed the cow-herd in a cell, pointed to a
crucifix, its only article of furniture, and, without deeming it
necessary even to secure the door, retired.
CHAPTER XI.
—  The Lady Valeria is come
To visit you. Coriolanus.
A shout ride brought the cavalcade of Count Emich to the gates
of Hartenburg. When all had alighted, and the_ guests, with the
more regular inmates of the castle, were ushered into the hall, the
lord of the hold again saluted Ulrike and her daughter. This
freedom was the privilege of his rank, and of his character as
host; and for its exercise, he once more received the grateful ac-
knowledgments of Heinrich Frey. The females were then com-
mitted to the care of Gisela, the warden's daughter, who, in the
absence of its more noble mistress, happened to be the presiding
person of her sex in the place.
 Thou art thrice welcome, upright and loyal Heinrich!
exclaimed the Count, heartily, while he led the Burgomaster by
the hand into one of the rooms of honour—  none know thy
worth, and thy constancy to thy friends, better than the master of
this poor castle; and none love thee better.
 Thanks, well-born Emich, and such duty as one of poor birth
and breeding can and should pay to a noble so honoured and
Erized. I am little used to courtesies, beyond those which we
urghers give and take in the streets, and may not do myself full
justice in the expression of reverence and respect, but I pray you,
Herr Count, to take the desire for the performance.
"Wert thou the Emperor's most favoured chamberlain, thy
108 THE HEIDEjrWATTEE.
speech could not do thee more credit. Though Duerckheim be not
Madrid, it is a well-respected and courtly city, and none need envy
the Roman or the Parisian, that dwelleth there. Here is my kins-
man of Yiederbach, a knight that Providence hath cast a little
loosely upon the world since the downfall of his Mediterranean
island of Rhodes, and who hath travelled far and near, and he
swears daily, thy townhuth no parallel, for its dimensions.
 Considered as a mountain city of no great magnitude^ meine
Herren, we do not blush at the aspect of our ancient walls.
 Thou needst not, and thou must have noted that I spoke in
reference to its size. Monsieur Latouche is. a gentleman that
Cometh from the capital of King Francis itself; and no later than
this morning, he remarked on the neatness, and wealth, and
other matters of consideration, that make themselves apparent,
even to the stranger, in thy well-goyerned and prosperous
borough.
The Burgomaster acknowledged the compliment, by a profound
inclination and a gratified eye, for no flattery is so palpable as
not to meet a welcome with those who labour for public distinc-
tion ; and Emich well knew, that the police and order of his city
were weak spots in Heinrich Frey's humility.
"Lord Emich scarce does me justice, returned the pliant Abbe,
 since I found many other causes of admiration. The deference
that is paid to rank in thy populace, and the manner in which the
conyenience of the honourable is respected, are particularly worthy
of commendation.
 The churchman is right, Lord Emich; for, of all the towns in
Germany, I do not think it easy to find another in which the poor
and base are so well taught to refrain from thrusting their impor-
tunities and disadvantages on the gentle, as in our Duerckheim.
I think my lord the Count must have observed the strict severity
and cautious justice of our rules in this particular?
 None know them better, nor does any heed them more. I
cannot recall the moment, cousin Albrecht, when any unpleasant
intrusion on my privileges hath ever occurred within its gates.
But I keep you from refreshing yourselves, worthy friends. Give
us leave a little;—we will seek you again, at your own con-
yenience.
The Knight and the Abbe took this intimation of the desire of
the Count to be alone with the Burgomaster in good part, and
withdrew without unnecessary delay. "When alone, Emich again
took Heinrich Frey by the hand, and led him away into a part of
the castle where none presumed to intrude without an especial
errand. Here he entered one of those narrow rooms, which were
devoted to secret uses, and which was well termed a closet, being
in effect but little larger and scarcely better lighted than the
straitened apartments to which we give the same appellation in
these later times.
When fairly protected from observation, and removed beyond
the danger of eaves-droppers and spies, the Count threw aside his
cloak, unbuckled his sword-belt, and assumed the manner of one
at his ease. The Burgomaster took a seat on a stool, in deference
THE HEIDEHMAUEE. 109
to his companion's rank ; "while the latter, without seeming sensi-
hie of the act, seated himself at his side, in the only chair that
the closet contained. Whoever has had much intercourse with
Asiatics, or with Mussulmans of the southern shore of the Medi-
terranean, must have frequently observed the silent, significant
manner with which they regard each other, when disposed to
court or to yield confidence; the eye gradually kindling and the
muscles of the mouth relaxing, until the feeling is fully betrayed
in a smile. This is one of the means employed by men who dwell
under despotic and dangeroxis governments, and where the social
habits are much tinctured with violence and treachery, of assuring
one another of secret faith and ready support. There is a sort of
similar freemasonry in all conditions of life, ill which frank and
just institutions do not spread their mantle equally over the
powerful and the weak, superseding, by the majesty of the law,
the necessity of these furtive appeals to the pledges and svmpa-
thies of confidants. Such, in some degree, was the nature of the
communication with which Emich of Hartenburg now commenced
his private intercourse with Heinrich Frey. The Count first laid
his square, bony hand on the knee of the Burgomaster, which he
squeezed until the iron fingers_were nearly buried in the fleshy
protuberance. Each turned his head towards his companion,
looking askance, as if they mutually understood the meaning of
what was conveyed by this silent coquetry. Still, notwithstand-
ing the apparent community of thought and confidence, the coun-
tenance and air of each was distinguished by the personal cha-
racter and the social station of the individual. The eye of the
Baron was both more decided, and more openly meaning, than
that of the Burgomaster ; while the smile of the latter appeared
rather like a faint reflection of the inviting expression of the
former, than the effect of any inward impulse.
 Hast heard of last night's success? abruptly demanded the
Count.
"Nothing of the sort hath gladdened me, Herr Count; my
heart yearns to know all, if it touches your high interests.
 The mass-singing rogues are stripped of their wine-tribute.
Of that much are they fairly and legally disburthened. Thou
knowest of our long-intended trial of heads. I had intended to
have prayed thee to be a second at the banquet, but the presence
of these idlers put some restraint on my_ hospitality. Thou
wouldst have proved a staunch second in such an onset,
Heinrich!
 I thank my lord the Count, and shall deem the grace as
good as accomplished in the wish. I am not worse than another
at the board, and may boast of some endurance in the way of
liquor; but the seriousness of the times admonishes us, of civic
authority, to be prudent. There is a wish in the people to be
admitted to certain unreasonable and grave privileges, such as
the ri°"ht of vending their wares in the market-place at unsea-
sonable hours, when the convenience of the burgomasters would
be much vexed by the concession ; and other similar innovations,
against which we must make a firm stand, lest they come, in time,
110 THE HEIDENMAJGTEB.
to invade our general authority, and cause an unnatural con-
vulsion. "Were we to give way to pretensions so extravagant,
Herr Count, the town would come to general confusion; and the
orderly and respectable city of Duerckheim would justly merit
to be compared to the huts of those countries of which they
speak in the distant land of America, that hath so much, of late,
given cause to writings and conversation. We need, therefore,
look to the example set; for we have busy enemies, who make
the most of the smallest indulgences. At another time, I^would
gladly have drained Heidelberg to your gracious honour.
 Thou wouldst not have been in danger of observation here ;
and, by the three holy Kings of Koeln, I should know how to
tutor any prying knave that might chance to thrust a curious
eye within these walls! But thy discretion is worthy of thy
prudence, Heinrich; for, with thee, I deem the time serious for
all lovers of established order, and of the peace of mankind.
What would the knaves, that they thus trouble thy authority ?
Are they not fed and clad ? and do they not now possess privi-
leges out of number ? The greedy rogues, if left to their humours,
would fain envy their betters each delicate morsel they carry to
their mouths, or each drop of generous Khenish that moistens
their lips.
 I fear, well-born Emich, that this spirit of covetousness is in
their vile natures. I have rarely consented to any little yield-
ing to their entreaties, such as a wish to swell out the time of
their merry-makings, or a desire like this of the market-place,
that the taste of the indulgence hath not given a relish for fuller
fare. No; he that would govern quietly, and at his own ease,
must govern thoroughly; else shall we all become illiterate
savages, fitter for the forests of these Indies, than for our present
rational and charitable civilisation.
 Braver words were never uttered in thy council-hall, and well
do I know the head that conceived them! Had there been occa-
sion to have summoned thee hither for the banquet, the excuse
should have satisfied, though the vineyards were the forfeiture.
But what didst think, friend Heinrich, of the priests to-day, and
of their warlike company.
"'Tis plain Duke Friedrich still upholds them; and to deal
frankly with my lord the Count, the men-at-arms have the air
of fellows that are not likely to yield the hill without fair conten-
tion.
 Thinkest thou thus, Burgomaster? 'Twere a thousand pities
that men of tried mettle should do each other harm, for the bene-
fits and pleasure of a community of shaven Benedictines. What
is there to m'ge in favour of pretensions so audacious as these they
prefer, and which are so offensive, both to me as a noble of the em-
pire, and to all of any note or possessions in Duerckheim ?
"They lay great stress, Herr Count, on the virtue of ancient
usages, and on. the sacred origin of their mission.
"As much respect as thou wilt for rights that are sealed by
time; for such is the stamp that gives value to my own fair claims;
and many of thy city privileges come chiefly of use. But the
THE HEIDEMATTEB. Ill
matter between us is of abuse ; and I hold it to be unworthy of
those who can right themselves, to submit to wrong. Do the
monks still press the town for dues?
 With offensive importunity. If matters be not quickly stayed,
we shall come to open and indecent dissension.
 I would give a winter's enjoyment of my chases, were Fried-
rich more sorely pressed, exclaimed the Count, laying his hand
again on the Burgomaster's knee, whose countenance he studied
with a significance that was not lost on his companion.  I speak
merely in the manner of his being driven to know his true and
fast Mends from those who are false.
Heinrich Frey remained silent.
 The Elector is a mild and loving prince, but one sorely ridden
by Rome! I fear we shall never have a tranquil neighbour-
hood, notwithstanding our forbearance, until the Church is per-
suaded to limit its authority to its duties.
The eyelids of the Burgomaster lowered, as it might be in re-
flection.
 And chiefly, Heinrich, am I troubled lest my good and loving
Duerckheimers lose this occasion to do themselves right, con-
tinued the Count, squeezing the knee he still grasped, until even
the compact citizen flinched with the force of the pressure. '' What
say they in the council-hall touching this matter ?
There was no longer any plausible apology for the silence of the
Burgomaster, who did not answer, however, without working the
heavy muscles of his face, as if delivered of his opinions with pain.
 Men speak their minds among us, noble-born Count, much as
Duke Friedrich prospers, or fails, in his warfare. When we hear
good tidings from the other side of the river, the brotherhood
lares but badly in our discourses; but when the Elector's warriors
triumph, we hold it prudent to remember they have Mends.
 God's truth! Herr Heinrich, it is full time that you come to
certain conclusions, else shall we be saddled to the end of our
days by these hard-riding priests! Art thou not wearied with all
their greedy exactions, that thou waitest patiently for more ?
"In that particular, a little sufficeth for our humours. There
is not a city between Constance and Leyden that is more quickly
satisfied with paying than our Duerckheim : but we are husbands
and fathers, Herr Count, and men that bear a heavy burthen of
authority; and we must be wary, lest in throwing aside one
portion of the load, space be found on our shoulders to place
another that is heavier. When I would speak of your strong
love to the town, there are distrustful tongues, that question me
sorely of its fruits, and of your own honourable, intentions in our
behalf.
"To all of which thou couldst not be wanting of replies.
Have I not often entertained thee with my loving wishes in be-
half of the citizens ?
 If wishes in our behalf could serve our interests, the towns-
men might, in their proper right, put in a claim to high favour.
In the way of longing for our own success, Antwerp itself is not
our better.
H 2
112 THE HEIDEHHAHEK.
 Nay, thou takest my meaning1 unkindly: what Emich of
Hartenburg wishes for his friends, he finds means to perform.
But we will not trouble digestion, as we are about to feed, with
these tiresome details 
 I pray you, Herr Count, not to doubt my means;—little
troubles me, when 
 Thou shalt yield to my humour. "What! is not the_ Count of
Leiningen master in his own castle. Not a word more will I hear
till thou hast tasted of my poor hospitality. Did my knaves serve
thee, as I commanded yesterday, with the fat buck that fell by
my own hand, Heinrich?
 A thousand thanks, mein Herr—they did, and right cheer-
fully. I gave the rogues a silver penny for their largess; and
the dust of the Jaegerthal was washed away in heavy draughts
of our wine of the plain.
 I would have it so ; between friends there shouhl be no nig-
gardly reserve in the way of courtesies, said Emich, rising.
 Dost not bethink thee, Burgomaster, of looking among the
youths of Duerckheim for a son to stay thy age ? Meta hath
reached the years when maidens gladly become wives.
 The wench is not ignorant of her time of life, and the search
of a suitable husband hath not failed to give me fatherly concern.
I do not presume to compare our conditions and early lives in
aught that is disrespectful, mein Herr Grraf; but, touching all
that is common to great and little, the youth of this day seem
not as they were in the time of our young manhood.
 Priest-ridden, Burgomaster !—too much of Borne in our laws
and habits. Grod's my life! when I first mounted steed in the
court below, I could have leaped the convent towers, did a Bene-
dictine dare gainsay the feat.
 That would have been a miracle little short of the raising of
their convent walls, answered Heinrich, laughing at his com-
panion's flight, and rising in deference to the attitude the noble
had been pleased to take.  These Benedictines have been care-
less of their advantages, else might they still have kept the eir-
■cumstanee of that miracle as much beyond dispute as it was in
our young days, lord Count.
"And wdiat say they in Duerckheim, now, touching the
affair?
 Nay, men treat it, at present, as they treat other disputable
subjects. Since this outcry of Brother Luther, there have ap-
peared many who call in question not only that, but divers others
of the Abbey's feats. _
The_ Count unconsciously crossed himself, seeming to ponder
gloomily on the subject within his own mind ; then glancing to-
wards his companion he perceived that he was standing.
"I cry thy mercy, worthy Burgomaster; but my inattention
hath given thee this pain. My leg hath been so much of late sus-
pended in the_ stirrup, that it hath need of straightening; but it
should not, in justice, cause thee this inconvenience. I pray thee,
Herr Frey, be seated. _ r
 That would ill become my station in your presence, noble and
THE HEIDENMATJER. 113
well-born Emicb; nor would it do fit credit to my reverence and
affection.
 Nay, I will bear none of tbis. Tby seat, Master Heinricb, and
tbat without delay, lest I seem to overlook tby merits.
 I pray mein llerr Graf not to do himself tbis wrong ; nay, if
it be your honourable will—I blush at mine own daring—if I con-
sent, I call my lord to witness 'tis only in profound respect for bis
will.
During tbis struggle of courtesy the Count succeeded, by means
of gentle violence, in forcing the Burgomaster to resume bis seat.
Heinrich bad yielded with a species of maiden coyness; but when
be found tbat, instead of occupying bis own bumble stool, he bad
unwittingly been forced into the arm-chair of the noble, be re-
bounded from the cushion, as if the leather contained enough of
the electric fluid to bid defiance to the non-conductor qualities
of the ample woollen garment in which bis nether person was
cased.
 Gott bewabre ! exclaimed the Burgomaster, in harsh, ener-
getic German:  the Empire would cry out against tbis scandal,
were it known! I owe it to my reputation to deny myself an
honour so little deserved.
 And I to my authority to enforce my will, and to proclaim tby
deserts.
Here the amiable force on the part of the Count, and the eour-
teous coquetry of Heinricb Frey, were resumed, until the latter,
fearful of offending by longer resistance, was obliged to submit;
protesting, however, to the last, against the apparent presumption
on bis own part, and against the great injustice which the lord of
the hold was doing to his own rights by thus insisting.
A distinguished foreign orator once pronounced the titles of
honour, ana the social distinctions that are conferred by the Eu-
ropean governments, to be the  cheap defence of nations. This
opinion strikes us to be merely one of the thousand bold fallacies
that have been broached to uphold existing interests, without
reference to their true effects or to their inherent justice. This
"cheap defence, like the immortal Falstaff, who was not only
witty himself, but the cause of wit in others, is the origin of a
hundred sufficiently costly habits, that leave him who bears the
burthen but little reason to exult in its discovery. "We recom-
mend to all one-eyed economists who still retain any faith in this
well-known opinion, of the English orator, to read that letter in
the Spectator, in which a city youth relates_ the manner he is
driven to vindicate his own reserve to his fair country cousins,
who would fain reproach him with an ungraceful disrespect of his
'holiday privileges, by reminding them of the calculations of the
individual who refused to indulge in cheese-cakes because they
brought with them so many other unnecessary expenditures.
But whether honours of the description just alluded to do or do
not form any portion of the economy of a nation, there is little
question but flattery, like this which Emich has just bestowed on
the Burgomaster, is one of the subtle and most powerful agents of
the great in effecting their secret purposes. Few are they—alas,
114 THE HEIDENMAUEE.
how few !-"that possess a vision sufficiently clear, and an ambi-
tion so truly noble, as to look beyond the narrow and vulgar bar-
riers of human selfishness, and to regard truth as it came irom
God, without respect for persons and things, except as they are
the instruments of his will. It is certain that Heinrich I rey had
little pretension to be one of this scrutinising and elevated class;
for when he found himself fairly seated in the chair of the Count
of Hartenburg, with the noble himself standing, his sensations
were like those which are felt by the_ philosopher of the other
hemisphere who is authorised to put a ribbon at his button-hole;
or the tradesman of this, who is elected to the common council of
his native city, after being run on both tickets. Still he greatly
regretted there was no one to envy his preferment ; for,_ after the
first soothing effect on his own self-love, that unquiet spirit which
haunts us to the last, disfiguring the fairest pictures, and casting
its alloy into every scheme of happiness, suggested that his triumph
would be imperfect without a witness. Just as this rebellious
feeling became troublesome, there appeared at the door of the
closet the very being of all others that the Burgomaster would
have chosen to see him in the enjoyment of this high honour. A
gentle tap announced the presence of the intruder, and when the
authoritative voice of Emich had given the permission, the mild
Ulrike appeared on the threshhold.
Surprise was strongly painted on the features of the Burgo-
master's wife. The husband had crossed his legs, and was m-
dulging in his ease, with a sort of nohle indifference to the un-
usual situation in which he was placed, when this extraordinary
sight greeted the eyes of his amazed consort. So absolute and so
tenacious were the rules of Germany on all things that concerned
the respect due to rank, that even one as little troubled by ambi-
tion as the meek Ulrike had great difficulty in believing her
senses when she beheld Heinrich Frey thus suddenly elevated to
a seat of honour in the presence of a Count of.Leiningen.
"Hay, enter without fear, my good Ulrike, said Emich, gra-
ciously;  thy worthy husband and I do but indulge in mutual
friendship, while my varlets prepare an unworthy banquet. Do
not think to break our discourse. '
"I only hesitate, noble Emich, at seeing Heinrich Erey pre-
ferred to that seat, while the Lord of Hartenburg stands, like one
of humble birth, at his side."_
 Touch not the matter, meine Frau, said the husband conde-
scendingly.  Thou art a loving consort, and art well enough
amid thy sex, and in questions that belong to thy breeding ; but
in an affair like this, between mein Herr Graf and me, thou may est
only mar what thou canst not mend.
 By the life of the princely Karl! master Heinrich, you do in-
sufficient justice to Ulrike's discernment! Were mine own Er-
mengarde among us, thou shouldst see that we prize thy loving
wife little less than we esteem thee. But it were better that we
inquire of Ulrike the occasion of her visit, before we attempt to
school her on matters of deportment.
Though so rough and unnurtured on many of the points that
THE HEIDENMAUEE. 115
are now deemed essential even to an indifferent civilisation,
Emich had a quick interest for the perception of character, and
possessed as much of the refinement that marks a superior condi-
tion in life, as the state of the age and the situation of his own
country permitted. There can he no greater mistake than to ima-
gine that mere nominal rank is any pledge for a correspondent
degree of refinement, since everything is relative in this world,
and where the base of the pillar is rude and little polished, it
would be a violation of all architectural keeping, to expect a capi-
tal of a different style. Thus it is that we, without any social
orders but those of convention, are struck with so_ many glaring
discrepancies among people whose patricians, having studied all
that is factitious and plausible in breeding, are still deficient in
the grand essentials of reason and humanity, simply because the
roots of the society, of which they are only the more luxuriant
branches, are planted in the soil of ignorance and debasement.
The Count of Hartenburg had possessed ample opportunities of
witnessing how much the intellectual qualities of the Burgo-
master's wife were superior to those of her husband; and he had
sufficient discrimination and experience to be quite aware of the
importance of conciliating such an ally in advancing his own par-
ticular views. It was in this spirit, therefore, that he ventured
on so blunt a reproof of Heinrich's superciliousness, and volun-
teered the compliment to the spouse; probably hazarding the lat-
ter, from an intimate conviction that most husbands are content
to hear eulogies on those who are so completely in their power as
their own wives.
 Since it is your honourable pleasure, Herr Count, for God's
sake let the woman come in, answered Heinrieh, still, however,
without changing an attitude so soothing to his self-esteem.  If
she should see me seated in a presence in which it would much
better become me to kneel, why it may help to show that God
hath given her a companion that is not altogether without the
world's esteem, little as he may merit it. Enter freely, therefore,
good Ulrike, since it is my lord's pleasure ; but presume not on
Ins condescension to me, which is rather a mark of great love for
our town, than any matter connected with domestic life.
 In all that the high-born Count hath done honour to any of
us, whether as of Duerckheim, or as his unworthy neighbours, I
desire respectfully to be grateful, returned the wTife, who, by this
time, had recovered from her surprise, and who now advanced
farther into the narrow room, with the modest self-possession
which ordinarily distinguished her manner If I do not come
amiss, I crave to be heard of both, in a manner that toucheth
nearly a mother's heart; and a matter, as it is of Heinrieh Frey's
child I would fain speak, that I trust may not be indifferent to
my lord the Count. _
""Were it of mine own little Kumgunde, the subject should
not be more welcome, said the noble. _ "Speak freely then,
gentle Ulrike, and with the same simplicity thou wouldest use
Were it only to thy husband's ear.
 Thou hearest, woman! Mein Herr Graf enters, as it were,
116 THE HEIDENM-iUEB.
into all our tribulations and happiness, an' he were no other than,
a brother. So mince not the matter, but deal frankly with us ;
though I admonish thee not to push thy words to all the fami-
liarity of household discourse.
 As it is of a subject so near, I pray leave to close the door,
before more is uttered.
The words of Ulrike were cut short by a hasty gesture of appro-
bation from her husband, and by the Count himself, who, with
more of the consideration and manner of a gentleman, performed
the desired office with his own hands, thus admitting the wife, as
it were, into the very cabinet of their secret councils.
CHAPTER XII.
 You would be another Penelope: yet they
Say, all the yam she spun, in Ulysses* absence, did
But fill Ithaca full of moths. Coriolanus.
When TTlrike found herself fairly closeted with the Count and
her husband, and was quietly seated on the stool which the
former, spite of the latter s protestations to the contrary, had in-
sisted on her taking, she cast her mild eyes about her, with that
expressive and touching appeal that a woman is apt to make, when
she feels called on to act as the adviser, if not theguardian, of him
whom nature intended and the law presumes is both able and
willing to discharge those offices for her. _ Notwithstanding Hein-
rich's obstinacy and masculine swaggering, many occasions had
arrived, in the course of their matrimonial life, to produce a latent
conviction in both, that the order of things was a little inverted,
as respects judgment and moral authority, by inclining one to
lean, though with but an indifferent grace, where he should have
supported; and tempting the other, at times, to overstep her sex's
duties, though it was always done with an intuitive perception of
her sex's seemliness and means.
 For this condescension I thank my Lord Emich, and thee,
Heinrich, commenced the thoughtful matron ; "for it is not, at
all times, advisable for the wife to intrude unbidden even to her
husband's presence.
A significant ejaculation, which might almost merit a coarser
term, was the manner in which the Burgomaster expressed his
assent, during the brief pause that succeeded this excuse of
Ulrike. The more courteous host bowed with sufficient respect,
though, even by his manner, it was evident he was getting im-
patient to know the real motive of the interruption.
"We are too well pleased to receive thee, to remember the
usages and rights of manhood, answered the latter, with a kind-
ness( of manner that was insensibly extorted by the winning and
feminine qualities of her he addressed, and which, in some degree,
softened the pretensions of his language—"proceed with thy
matter, for none can be more ready to listen.
"Thou hearest, good Ulrike ! the Herr Count is willing to re-
member thou art a Burgomaster's consort; and, as he is pleased
THE HEIDEHILUTEE. 117
to 'say, we are truly impatient to be let into tbe cause of tby
sudden visit.
Tbe thoughtful Ulrike _ received this encouragement like one
accustomed to be treated, in some measure, as a being inferior in
capacity and force to her husband, but not without a shade like
that which is produced by unmerited humiliation. Smiling—and
few, even in early and attractive youth, had so sweet an expres-
sion, when her countenance thus gleamed, whether it were in
pleasure or in melancholy—smiling, as it might be, partly in
female gentleness, and partly in sadness, she commenced the
purport of her visit, coming, however, to her true object with
great reserve, and with the caution of a woman accustomed to
influence, rather than to control.
 For the great kindness and condescension of the Herr Emich,
in behalf of Heinrich Frey, and of all that are his, no one is more
grateful than I, she said;  if I may now seem to trouble him
with the concerns of a family on which he has already so freely
lavished favours 
 And friendship, good Ulrike.
 And friendship, since you permit me, noble Count, to use the
word—but, if I now seem to trespass beyond breeding, by troubling
your mind with a concern that is so remote from your own
interests, I trust you will remember a mother's tenderness, and
think of the high-born Ermengarde, whose anxiety for her own
offspring may furnish some excuse for that I feel for mine.
 Hath aught befell the blooming Meta ?
 God's my life ! exclaimed the troubled Heinrich, abandoning
his much-prized seat in the suddenness of paternal alarm.  Hath
the wench suffered from the overrich eels of the lthine ? or is
she massed to death by these accursed monks?
 Our child is well in the body, and, the blessed Maria be
Eraised ! she is pure and innocent in mind, returned Ulrike.  I
ave little cause for aught but gratitude in either of these be-
halfs ; but she is of an age when girlish fancies become unsettled,
and the flexible female spirit seeks impressions from others than
those whom nature hath made its guardians.
 This is some of thy usual incomprehensibilities, good woman,
and language that is not easily understood by any but thyself.
The noble Graf hath no leisure to hunt up new ideas to maintain
a discourse in subtleties. Had the girl indeed tasted too freely of
the rare dish which the honest Burgomaster of Mannheim so
kindly sent me, as I at first feared, no doubt the means to cure
might be found in Hartenburg ; but thou askest too much, wife of
mine, when thou wouldest have any but thine own husband
enter into all the cunning niceties that sometimes beset thy
imagination.
"Nay, Master Heinrich, hare may be more urgent matter than
thou thinkest: thy dame is not a woman whose opinions are to be
neglected. "Wilt proceed with thy recital, good Ulrike?
 Our child is at that period of life, continued the mother, too
much accustomed to the manner of her husband to permit it to
divert her thoughts from their main intention, "when the young
118 THE HEIEEITMATJEIt.
of every sort begin to think of the future. It is a principle that
God hath implanted, Herr Emich, and therefore it is .for good;
and we who have watched over the infancy of our offspring with
so much anxiety, have trained their youth with so much care, and
have so often trembled for their noon-time, must, sooner or later,
consent to loosen the sweet ties that bind us to our second selves,
in order that the great ends of the creation shall be accomplished.
 Umph ! ejaculated Heinrich.
"Hay, gentle Ulrike, said the Count, "maternal love hath
drawn this picture in stronger colours than may be necessarj*.
When the time for matrimony comes, God's my life ! daughter of
thine and honest Heinrich Frey need not wear maiden's coif a day
longer than is necessary to do suitable reverence to the Church.
Here have I youths, out of number, that look to the house of
Leiningen for grace, any one of whom would be glad to wive with
the damsel I should name. There is young Friedrich Zantzinger,
the orphan of my last deputy in the villages of the plain ; he is a
lad that would gladly do harder service to gain my love.
 When old Friedrich left the boy fatherless, he left him without
a penny, drily rejoined the Burgomaster.
 That is a fault which might be mended; but I have others
that can be named. What thinkest thou of the eldest son of my
Heidelberg attorney, worthy Conrad Walther?
 Curse the knave ! I hate him from my heart.
 Thou art warm, Master Heinrich, against one that I both trust
and favour.
 I cry your mercy, Herr Graf; but a sudden rising of the bile
at the mention of the fellow's name got the better of respect,
answered the Burgomaster, with more moderation, who, as he saw
by the lowering look of Emich's brow the necessity of explanation,
continued, with rather more openness than he might have thought
necessary under circumstances of less urgency:  perhaps the
high-born Count was never possessed of the matter of our late
controversy ?
 Hay, I pretend not to judge, my friends,—
 Let but my lord condescend to hear me, and I leave him arbi-
ter between us. It is well known to you, Herr Emich, that col-
lections were made, and charity asked, in behalf of the peasants
who suffered, the past year, from the sudden rising of the Ithine.
Among others, the good Christians of our town were importuned
for succour; and, for none will deny that it was a sad visitation
of Providence, we gave freely as became our several means. To
prevent improper uses of the money, in all cases of liberal dona-
tions, the sealed bond of the donor, at a near day, was asked in
preference to the silver; and mine was granted for the fair sum of
twelve crowns, as a poor donation suited to my hopes avd station.
It so fell out, Herr Graf, that those charged with the distribution
had occasion for their money before the instruments were up; and
they sent agents among us, in order to enter into such negotiations
as the cases might need. Gold was scarce at the moment; and
because, in regaining my bond, I had a heedful regard to mine
own interests, the misdealing Conrad would fain transport me, like
THE HEIDENMAUEE. 119
a thief, before the authorities of Heidelberg, to undergo the penal-
ties of a usurer. Son of his shall never call me father, with your
gracious leave, nobly-born Count of Leiningen!
 This truly offereth some impediment to the affair ; but, fail-
ing young Conrad, I have others that may be accounted worthy
of this advantage. So put thy maternal heart at ease, good Ul-
rike, and trust to my active friendship to dispose of the girl.
The Burgomaster's consort had been a patient listener during
the short but characteristic digression of her husband. Trained
in the opinons of the times, she did not possibly endure all that a
mother and a wife, of equal native sensibility, might now suffer at
so evident a debasement of her sex; but as the laws of nature are
Eermanent, neither did she escape a pang of wounded feeling as she
eard the different expedients that were so hastily devised for the
future disposal of one who formed her chief happiness in life. There
was less of that hectic colour which commonly gave a lustre to
eyes that were by nature rather melancholy than bright, and her
voice was fuller of emotion than before, as she continued—
"For all this heed of me and mine, I again thank the Herr
Count; but there is a power that is stronger with the young than
the counsel of the experienced, or even than the wishes ot their
friends, she said. "My intent, in intruding myself, unbidden,
into this secret conference, was to say that Meta had listened to
the voice of her sympathies more than to the usages' of her class,
and chosen for herself.
1 The Count and Heinrich Frey stared at the speaker in mute
surprise, for neither fully comprehended her meaning ; while Ul-
rike herself, one of her objects being accomplished, in having
made this long-dreaded declaration in the presence of a person
able to repress the anger of her husband, sate silent, inwardly
trembling for the consequences.
 Wilt thou explain the meaning of thy worthy consort, Herr
Heinrich? abruptly asked the Count.
 Zum Henker! you ask me to perform an office, lord Count,
that might better ht a Benedictine, or a clerk. When Ulrike,
who is an excellent and obedient companion in the main, once gets
upon the stilts of fancy, I never pretend to be able to raise an idea
to the level of her shoe-buckle. Gro to! thou hast well spoken,
wife of mine; and it will now be better to seek our child, lest
yonder cavalier of Rhodes be oiling her ears with the unction of
flattery.
"Nay, by my house's honours ! but I will know more of this
matter, thy fair and virtuous consort consenting, Master Heinrich.
Wilt explain thyself freely, dame ?
Whether it be from the instinct of weakness and delicacy, or
only the fruit of precepts constantly inculcated, a virtuous woman
rarely admits the existence of the sentiment of love, either in her-
self or in any that is dear to her, without a feeling of shame,
and possibly not without an intuitive knowledge that she is
conceding some of the vantage-ground of her sex's privileges.
This feeling was apparent in Ulrike, by the slow but complete
suffusion of her cheek, and by the manner in which her looks
120 THE HEIDEHMAHEE.
avoided those of Enrich, spite of the self-possession and calm of
her years.
 I would merely say, Herr Emich, she replied,  that Meta,
like all who are young and innocent, hath fancied an image of
perfection, and that she hath found an original for her picture in
a youth of the Jaegerthal. While of this mind, she cannot, in
honesty or in maidenly respect, become the bride of any other
than him she loves.
"The affair grows clearer, returned the Count, smiling like
one who took no very deep interest in the matter;  and it is as
well explained as heart could wish—at least, heart of the youth
in question. What thinkest thou of this, Herr Burgomaster?']
The comprehension of Heinrich Frey could not altogether mis-
conceive so plain an explanation, and, since the moment when his
wife had ceased speaking, he sat regarding her mild but troubled
countenance, with parted lips and open eyes, like a man that first
learns some unlooked-for intelligence of great moment.
 Herr Teufel! exclaimed Heinrich, taking up the last words
of the baron, unconscious of the disrespect of what he did— art
talking of our own natural-born child ?
 Of none other. In whom else have I this motherly affection ?
—or for what other can I feel this deep concern ?
 Dost mean that Meta—my daughter, Meta Frey—hath inclina-
tion for son of woman, except it may be the natural love and
reverence she beareth her own father ?—that the girl hath truant
and free fancies ?
 I say nothing to give this opinion of Meta—my daughter
Meta, returned Ulrike, with womanly dignity.  Our child, has
done no more than listened to the secret whisperings of nature ;
and, in yielding her affections to a youth whom she hath often
seen, and long known, she hath merely paid an homage to merit,
that the most virtuous are the most apt to yield.
 Go to, Ulrike ! Thou art well enough among thy household,
and a woman for whom I have esteem; but these visions with
which thou art so often troubled, give thee an air, at times, of
being of less discernment than thou mayest fairly claim to be.
Excuse the dame, Herr Count; for, though her own husband,
and a little weak on the subject of her infirmities perhaps, there
is not a more thrifty manager, a more faithful spouse, or a kinder
mother in the Palatinate.
 Hay, thou little need say this to me ! Hone know the worth
of Ulrike better ; and, I may add, few respect her so much. It
were well to hear further of this matter, Heinrich ; for, to treat
thee in candour, there may lay more beneath this opening of the
excellent wife, than is at first apparent. Our Meta hath seen the
qualities of some worthy youth sooner than they have struck
the eye of ^her quick-sighted father, thou wouldst say. Is it not
so, dame?
 I would say that the heart of my child is so_ closely bound in
that of another, as to leave little hope of happiness, should her
matrimonial duties teach her to forget him.
 Thou thinkest then, good dame, that the young fancies of a
THE HEIDEHMAHEE. 121
female, when once indulged, are not to be removed by the offices
of wife and mother—that a caprice of the imagination is stronger
than a vow made at the altar ?
Though the eyes of both the Count and the Burgomaster were
riveted on the fine and speaking countenance of Ulrike, the vo-
lume of eloquent nature, that was thus opened to their observa-
tion, proved little better than a blank. Strong and dramatic
exhibitions of feeling require but little interpretation for the
dullest faculties; but few indeed are they who are capable of
eomprehinding the secret workings of a spirit chastened and
restrained as that of a virtuous but unhappily-paired woman.
There is, perhaps, no one aspect of human nature more common-
place, or more easily understood, than that which is hourly offered
by a worldly-minded and capricious fair. She runs her little
career, seemingly as erratic as a comet, though, in truth, her
course is always to be calculated on the infallible principles of
vanity and selfishness; but no secret is more hermetically sealed
against impertinent and vulgar curiosity, than the elevated senti-
ments which sustain the suffering and silent female who is truly
instinct with the high qualities of her sex.
"We are no railer at the domination of man; for we are per-
suaded that he who would wish to transform the being that was
created to be his solacer and companion—his guide in moral dark-
ness, and his sharer in sorrow as in joy—into a worldly competi-
tor, changing love and confidence to rivalry and contention, is
but miserably instructed in that sublime ordinance of nature,
which has thus separated the highest order of its creation into
two great classes, so replete with mutual consolation and happi-
ness.
Had the wife of the Burgomaster arisen, and, in chosen terms,
made an appeal to the sympathies of her companions, in which
language should unite with manner to produce an effect, she
might have been understood, as the every-day reader understands
all such pictures of female character; but where she sat, silent,
suffering, and meek, she was completely concealed from any
means of comprehension possessed by either. Her eye did not
kindle, for long and patient subordination had taught her to sub-
mit to the misconstructions of her husband; nor scarcely did the
faint colour of her cheek deepen, since the load at her heart coun-
teracted the natural impulses of pride and resentment.
 I think, lord Count, that when an innocent and youthful
female heart yields to a power that nature perhaps has made irre-
sistible, she said, "it, at least, merits to be treated tenderly.
Meta hath few fancies of the kind you mention; and the attach-
ment she feels, though doubtless deepened by those colours which
the least experienced in the truths of life are the most apt to
paint, is but the natural consequence of much association, and of
great deserving on the part of the young man.
 This is getting to be plain, Herr Emich, said Heinrich Frey,
pithily,  and must needs be looked to. Wilt condescend to name
the youth thou meanest, Ulrike ?
 Berchthold Hintermayer,
122 THE HEIDEHMAUEE.
 Berchthold Teufelstein ! exclaimed the Burgomaster, laugh-
ing, though there was something like a secret consciousness of
danger in the very manner in which he gave loose to his merri-
ment.  A penniless hoy is truly a fit husband for child of
mine!
The quiet blue eye of Ulrike was fastened on her husband; but
she averted it with sensitive haste, lest it might betray that she
was thinking of the time when her own father had consented
to her marriage with one nearly as poor, merely because the pene-
tration of the parent had discovered those qualities of prudence
and gainful industry in his townsman, which after-experience so
fully developed.
 He is not rich, Heinrich, was her answer;  but he is worthy:
and why need a chill be thrown on the heart of Meta for the desire
of that which she already hath in sufficient plenty ?
 Hear you this, Herr Emich ? My wife is lifting the curtain of
privacy before your respected eyes, with a freedom for which I
could fain cry mercy.
 Berchthold is a youth I love, gravely observed the Count.
"In that case I shall say nothing disrespectful of the lad, who
is a worthy forester, and in all things suited to his service in the
family of Hartenburg; still, he is but a forester, and a very penni-
less one. I had not thought to dispose of the girl so soon, for a
little maidenly leisure does none of the sex injury, lord Count;
but as she hath her head set upon this Berchthold, it may be well
to wxap it in a matron's coif, by way of filling it with ideas more
suited to her hopes.
 The remedy may prove fatal, Heinrich, mildly observed
Ulrike, raising her tearful eye to the obstinate features of the
Burgomaster.
"Hay, I ought to know the constitution of the family; what
has so well succeeded with the mother, cannot harm the child.
The wife did not reply. But Emich of Hartenburg had been
deeply interested by her gentle and winning manner, for he had
watched her_ countenance closely, and understood the womanly
effort by which the appearance of calm was preserved. Turning
to the Burgomaster, he laid a hand on his shoulder, with a friendly
smile, and said—
 Herr Heinrich, thou hast a fair and gentle consort; but 1
think, too, thou hast scarce less faith in me than in thy wife.
Give us leave; I would fain reason this matter with Ulrike with-
out the aid of thy influence.
"A thousand thanks for the honour to me and mine, high-born
Count! As to faith, I would leave the dame a year on Limburg
Hill, without other thought than for her convenience; for none
know the worth of Ulrike better, though she is so difficult to com-
prehend when her fancy is moulting. How kiss me, dame, and
prithee do no dishonour to the Count's counsel.
Thus saying, Heinrich Frey placed a hearty kiss on the soft
cheek that the obedient Ulrike freely offered, and left his wife
alone with the noble, without other thought than of the high dis-
tinction that was conferred on his name. The manner in which
THE HEIDEHMAUEB. 123
he prized the notice of the baron was sufficiently manifested by
the readiness with which he communicated the circumstance that
Emich and his consort were closeted on an affair touching the
interests of the family of Frey to all who would listen to his
tale.
CHAPTER XIII.
 Ah me! for aught that ever I could read.
Could ever hear by tales or history,
The course of true love never did run smooth I"—Shakspeare.
When the door was closed on the husband, the Count turned to
the wife, and continued the discourse.
 I love young Berchthold Hintermayer, good Ulrlke, he said,
 and would gladly be of aid in this affair, which, I see plainly,
thou hast much at heart.
 The mother would be unnatural that had not anxiety for the
happiness of her child. In youth, lord Count, we gaze before us, fill-
ing the dim ascent with scenes drawn after our wishes, and peopling
the world with beings that we deem most necessary to our hopes;
but when we have reached the eminence, whence the commence-
ment and the end of life can both be plainly seen, do we first find
truth. I am as little disposed as another to venture rashly on a
union that has no better security for its fruits than a blind and
feverish passion, that will be certain to consume itself by its own
fierceness; but, on the other hand, none who have known life as I,
can be disposed to consider lightly those resemblances of taste
and opinions, those gentle touches of character and disposition,
that are most likely to conduce to wedded love.
 Thou art esteemed lucky in thine own consorting, dame.''
 God hath much blessed me in many mercies—the question is
of Meta, my lord Count.
Ulrike, spite of herself, had changed colour; but, aided by the
manner of matronly reserve she immediately assumed, the little
emotion passed with Emich as no more than a display of feminine
reserve, that was intended to repress a curiosity he had no title to
indulge.
"The question is of Meta, in sooth, he answered; "and, by
Saint Benedict! the youth shall not want for friendly and free
support. But favour should have favour's reward. If I give in to
thy humour in this concern of thy daughter's marriage, good
Ulrike, in return I expect of thee a service on which I scarce lay
less stress.
The matron raised her eyes to the countenance of her companion
in surprise. One who had not so uniformly preserved her own
self-respect might have doubted of what she heard; but the look
of the Burgomaster's wife merely conveyed a meaning of curiosity
and innocence.
"You will deserve far more than I can bestow, Herr Count,
should you do aught to secure the happiness of Meta.
 Fair wife, continued Emich, seating himself, and taking her
124 THE HEIDENMATTER.
hand, with, -the freedom which his superior rank and the usages of
the country allowed,  thou knowest the manner in which these
Benedictines have so long vexed our valley ; and, being so deeply
in the confidence of the honest Heinrich, thou must have sus-
pected that, wearied of their insolence and exactions, we have
seriously bethought us of the means by which to reduce them to
the modesty that becometh their godly professions, and which
might better justify their pretensions.
_ Emich paused, and sat intently regarding the face of his quiet
listener. He had unwittingly touched upon the very subject that
had been the chief inducement with the Burgomaster's wife for
intruding upon the privacy of the conspirators. She had long
suspected their intentions ; and, though she felt deep care for the
future lot of Meta, and had gladly availed herself of a favourable
occasion to break the ice on a subject that, sooner or later, must
be disclosed, her real object was to warn Heinrich against the
probable consequences of the plot. In this disposition, then, she
heard the Count with secret pleasure, and prepared herself to
reply, in the manner she had long meditated.
 All that you say, Herr Count, she answered, "has more than
once crossed my mind; and deeply have I grieved that those I so
love and honour should thus meditate injury to the altars of God
—plan desperate devices to interrupt his praise.
"How! dost thou call the whinings of these knaves praise of
aught but their own hypocrisy? interrupted Emich.  Are they
not the instigators of most of our sins, by their example—the
parents of all the contention that troubles the neighbourhood?
Consider, good Ulrike, that heaven is not a close into which souls
are to be driven blindfolded; but that we, who are of the flock,
have at least the right, as we have the means, of judging whether
the shepherds are fit for their office, or not.
 And should they prove unequal to, or unworthy of, their
duties, where do we find authority to do them harm ?
 God's my life! good wife; are our swords nothing ? Are a
noble name, an ancient and high descent, a long-standing claim to
command, and a stout heart, nothing?
"Arrayed against the Almighty, they count as the leaves of
your own forest, when fluttering in a gale;—less than the flakes
of snow that drive, in winter, against the battlements of your
strong castle. Limburg is reared in honour of God ; and he that
raises a hand against the sacred walls, will be apt to repent the
rashness in woe. If there are unworthy ministers at its altars,
there are also those that are worthy; and, were it not so, the mis-
sion is too high to be sullied by any frailty of those who abuse
their trusts.
The Count was disturbed; for Ulrike spoke earnestly, and in a
voice of sweet persuasion. He leaned his chin upon a hand, as a
man that pondered well on the hazards of his enterprise.
"What thinkest thou, Ulrike, of this brother of Wittenberg?
he at length asked.  Could we but fairly make him out honest
and wise, ecclesiastical authority for lowering the pride of Lira-
burg might be had.
THE HEIDEHHAUEE. 125
 I am one of those who think brother Luther honest; I am also
one of those who think him mistaken: hut even he is far from
urging to deeds of violence.
"By Saint Benedict! woman, thou hast had converse with
Father Arnolph, touching this question. Echo does not answer
sound more faithfully than thou repeatest the sentiments of the
Prior.
 It is not strange that they who love God should feel and speak
alike in a matter affecting his honour. I have said naught to
Father Arnolph, nor to any other of the Abbey, of your designs;
for it is not easy for Ulrike Frey to forget she is both wife and
mother. But I have prayed often, that the hearts of those who
contemplate this dangerous sacrilege may be softened ; and that,
for their own safety, they may yet see the evil of their plot. Be-
lieve me, Count, the Dread Being who is worshipped in Lim-
burg will not forget to avenge Himself of those who despise his
power!
 Thou art certain, Ulrike, that thy opinions have weight with
me, for since childhood have I known and respected thy wisdom.
Nay, had there not been want of those claims which birth can
alone give, thou wouldst now be sitting in this castle its mistress,
and not a guest. The self-denial which was practised, in order to
do my father pleasure, cost me much pain for many years; nor did
I rightly regain my freedom, until the birth of my eldest born
turned my hopes towards posterity.
It is seldom woman hears the acknowledgment of her influence
with the stronger sex, without secret satisfaction. As there had
been nothing in the attachment to which the Count alluded, to
alarm her principles or to offend her delicacy, Ulrike listened to
this reference to the feelings and incidents of their younger days
with a smile that produced an effect on her gentle features, which
resembled the melancholy light which illuminated the chapel of
the religious community in question; or which was mild, placid,
and, if we may be permitted an expression so vague, tinged with
hues of the past.
"We are no longer young, Emich, she answered, withdrawing
her hand, under a keen impulse of its propriety, "and that
which thou speakest belongs to a former age. But if thou dost,
in sooth, entertain this opinion of my discretion, I have never
said aught of thee but in thy honour. There were other reasons
than the late Count's will, why I could not listen to thy suit,
as thou wert then informed; for we are none of us the con-
trollers of those sentiments which so much depend on taste or
accident.
 By the sainted eleven thousand of Eoeln! Heinrich Frey was
scarce a youth to do this disadvantage to the heir of my line and
name !
 Heinrich Frey received my troth, as the noble Ermengarde re-
ceived thine, Herr von Hartenburg, answered Ulrike, with the
composure of one whose feelings had never been interested in the
refusal to which she alluded, and with the dignity of a woman
sensitively alive to her husband's character. "By Heaven's
I
126 THE HEIDENMATJER.
favour, we are both happier than if wedded either above or beneath
our hopes. But if thou couldst deny thyself this boon—for such,
in thy young fancies, didst thou believe my hand—to oblige thy
father of earth, wilt thou still defy him of Heaven, to gratify a
longing less excusable ?
 Go to, Ulrike; thou pressest me out of reason; I know not
fairly that I even meditate the enterprise thou meanest.
 Or, in other language, thou art not yet decided to commit the
sacrilege. Before thy hand strikes the irretrievable blow, Herr
Count, hear one that, in thy youth, thou professed to love, and
who yet remembers thy preference with grateful kindness.
 Thou art more indulgent as a matron than as a maid. This
is the first word of pity for all the sorrow thou causedst my youth,
that hath ever escaped thee.
 Pity is a term it would ill become Ulrike Haitzinger to use
to Emich von Leiningen. I said, gratitude, Herr Count; for the
woman that pretendeth not to feel this sentiment towards the
honourable youth that has preferred her to all others of her sex,
payeth an indifferent compliment to her own heart. I never dis-
avowed that thy suit gave me both gratification and sorrow—
gratification, that one of thy hopes could find sufficient in me
to justify thy choice; sorrow, that thou wert necessarily dis-
appointed.
"And had our births been nearer an equality, gentle Ulrike—
hadst thou, like me, come of noble parentage, or I, like thee, been
of more humble origin—couldst thou, in sooth, have found, in thy
heart, the excuse for a different answer?
"We are here to discuss other matters, Herr von Hartenburg,
than these recollections of childish feelings.
 God's my life! Callest thou the pain of disappointed affection
a childish sorrow ? Thou wert ever tranquil in temper, and too
much disposed to indifference on the subject of any warmth of
heart beyond the cold duties of family regard.
 This may be my fault, if you will, Count Emich, but I esteem
it an advantage to feel strongest where duty most directs the af-
fections.
 I remember thy final answer, made through thy friend young
Berchthold's mother—I owe the lad no grace for the boon, were
justice done—but thou answered, that the daughter of a Burgo-
master was unfit to be the partner of a Baron ; and thou prayedst
me to render all duty to the Count my father, that his blessing
might lighten the disappointment. Now, were the truth known,
that reply cost thee no more than a simple refusal to one of thy
maidens of some trifling grace.
"Were the truth known, Emich, it would tell a different tale.
Thou wert then young, and, though violent and hot-headed, not
without many manly virtues; and thou greatly overratest the
power of a thoughtful girl, if thou supposest she would gladly
give pain, where she has received naught but esteem.
"And had I been thy neighbour's child — or wert thou the
daughter of some equal of the Empire ?
 In that case, lord Count, the answer would have been the
THE HEIDENMAT7EE.. 12?
same, said the other, firmly though, her countenance evidently
lost its tranquil brightness in a transient cloud:  the heart
of Ulrike Haitzinger spoke in that reply, as well as her pru-
dence.
 God's truth! thou art of cutting simplicity, cried the Count,
rising abruptly, and losing the expression of gentleness that the
recollection of his better days and youthful feelings had given his
features, in their usual hardened character.  Thou forgettest,
Frau Frey, that I am a poor Count of Leiningen!
 If I have failed in meet respect, returned the mild Ulrike,
 I am now reminded of the fault, and will sin no more.
 Nay, I would say naught unkind or ungentle—hut _ thou
bruised my spirit, with a sore answer. We were conversing of
the accursed monks, too, and blood gets hot at the mention of
their names. Thou thinkest, then, my excellent neighbour, that,
as Christians, we are hound to submit to all the exactions of these
reverend knaves, and that to presume to right ourselves is flying
in the face of Heaven's authority ?
"You put the case in your own humour, Count. I have said
naught of abject forbearance, or of unnecessary submission. If
the Limburg monks are forgetful of -their vows, the question is
of their own safety :—as for us, we have to look that we do no-
thing wrongful of itself, or nothing that may be accounted dis-
respectful to Him we worship 
 Prithee, good Ulrike, interrupted Emich, resuming his seat,
in the familiar manner he had used at the commencement of the
dialogue, "let us converse, in freedom, of this inclination of
thy child. I love young Berchthold, and would fain do him ser-
vice, were the means offering; but I greatly fear we shall have
difficulty in bringing Heinrich to a complying state of mind.
 The apprehension of his refusal hath caused me much uneasi-
ness, Herr von Hartenburg, returned the tender mother;  for
the Burgomaster is not one of those who change their opinions
readily. The over-zealous persuasion of friends increases his
faith in himself, at times, instead of softening those resolutions
which the wisest of us are apt to form hastily and without
thought.
 This quality of thy excellent consort hath not escaped me.
But Heinrich Frey was wived so happily himself, and with so
little claim to riches on his own part, that he should not, in rea-
son, bear too heavily on a youth that might have known better
days, hut for a hard fortune befalling his parents. He that hath
been poor, should have respect for poverty in others.
"I fear that such is not the working of human nature,
answered the thoughtful wife, nearly unconscious of what she
uttered.  Our experience in, life n ould prove that they who have
risen show the least tolerance'for those who tarry in the rear; and,
as none prize the gifts of rank and consequence so much as they
to whom they are novelties, we ought not to expect the successful
man too soon to forget the longings he felt when in adversity, nor
him to whom honours are new, to look too closely into their
vanity.
128 THE HEIDEKMATJEK.
 Nay, Heinrich is not so young in consideration, or so new to
fortune, as to be classed with these.
 Heinrich ! exclaimed the matron, across whose chaste hrow
there stole a crimson suffusion, that resembled the flush of even
upon the snowy peaks of the Alps—"there is not question here
of Heinrich Prey.
The Count smiled till the mustachios curled upon his brown
cheeks.
'' Thou art right, he answered courteously;  it is in Berchthold
and Meta that we are most interested. I think I see the means of
accomplishing all we wish in their behalf, and means that ^ offer
so readily as to wear the air of being a gift of Providence.
 They are only the more welcome for their character.
 Thou knowest, TJlrike, that I am greatly burthened with
charges that lay heavily on all of my rank. Ermengarde hath
most of the qualities of her station, and a love of splendour that
is costly ; besides, this outfit of my young heir, who travels with
the Emperor, hath much drained me of means of late ; else would
I offer, of pure love for thee and thine, that which would make
the connection acceptable to Heinrich. In this strait, borne down
as we all are by the war, and saddled with the cost of keeping on
foot so many men in Hartenburg, I see no other present means
than that I have just mentioned.
 Or have not mentioned; for, in the desire to prove your
inability to serve the youth, nothing hath yet been said of this
favourable chance offered by Providence.
 I cry thy mercy ! Thou hast rightly judged me, Ulrike;
for I feel it a reproach to be able to do nothing for one I so
esteem.
"Put no undue meaning on my words, interrupted _ the ma-
tron, smiling like one who wished to reassure her companion.  It
has never entered my thoughts that the Counts of Leiningen are
bound to portion all who serve them, according to their several
hopes. It would lighten the heaviest purse in the Palatinate,
Herr Emich, to furnish an equal marriage-gift to that which may
be the share of Meta Erey.
 None know this better than I. Heinrich and I have often dis-
coursed of the affair, and I could fain wish there existed no
inequality of rank—but this is idle, and we will talk only of
Berchthold and his hopes. Thou art aware, Ulrike, that there are
heavy issues between me and the brothci hood concerning certain
dues, not only in the valley, but on the plain, and that the contest
fairly settled in my favour will much increase my revenues. Now
were this unhappy dissension decided as I could wish, it would
not only be in my power, but it would become my wish, to bestow
such grace on all my principal followers, and on none so much as
on Berchthold, as might leave a favourable opinion of my bounty.
"We want but this affair rightly settled to possess the means of
winning Heinrich to our desires.
 Could this be honestly done, my blessing on him that shall
effect it!
"I rejoice to hear thee say this, good Ulrike. Thou, of all
THE nEIDEXMATJEE. 129
others, mavst be most useful in the matter. Heinrich and I have
well nigh decided on the fitness of disturbing the monks in their
riotous abominations 
 The words are strong, when applied to professed Benedic-
tines!
 By the holy Magi! they are more than merited. Here has
not the day twice turned since I had Bonifacius himself weltering
in wine beneath the roof of Hartenburg, an' he had been a
roisterer of a suburb ! Bonifacius, Limburg's Abbot, have I seen
in this unfit condition, Frau Ulrike, within mine own good castle
walls!
 And in thine own good castle company, Herr Emich?
 Dost thou make no difference betwen baron and monk ? Am
I a sworn professor of godliness, a shaven crown, or one that
looketh to be accounted better than his fellows ? That I am noble
is the chance of fortune, and as such I receive and profit by
the advantage, though, I trust, always in fitting reason; but no
man can say that Emich of Leiningen pretends aught to the especial
virtues of a monkish character. We that are modest may claim
to indulge our failings, but justice should heavily visit him that
sins under a cloak of sanctity.
 I know not that thy exception may avail thee in the end. But
thou wouldest say something to Berchthold Hintermayer's advan-
tage! 
 That would I, and right heartily. Could Heinrich be brought
to a firm mind, that I might count on the support of the towns-
men, these reprobates in cowls should be quickly disposed of; and
as, of necessity, my dues would be much augmented, by clothing
Berchthold with a deputy's authority over the recovered fields
and villages, he should so gain in men's respect as to soften the
reluctance of the hardest-hearted Burgomaster in all Germany.
 And in what manner dost thou look to me, in effecting this
object?
 One of thy understanding need scarce put the question. Thou
hast been long a wife, Ulrike, and art skilled in the persuasions of
thy sex. I know not thy practice with Heinrich; but when Ermen-
garde would have her way, spite of her husband's inclinations,
she has various manners of coming to her wishes. To-day she is
smiling, to-morrow silent; now she fondles, and then she frowns;
and, most of all, is she ready in seizing the moments of idle con-
fidence to press on my unprepared reason the arguments of kisses
and coquetry.
 It were idle to say I do not understand you, Herr von Harten-
burg. I wish not to raise the curtain of your domestic confidence,
nor do I feel disposed that any should presume to lift mine. Hein-
rich and I pursue our several ways, as each deems right, though, I
trust, always with the harmony of wedded interests, and I am
little practised in the influence you mention. But, dear as Meta is
to the heart of her mother—and surely no shoot from the parent
stem ever gave fonder hopes, or justified more tender regard—
Ulrike folded her arms, and turned her meek blue eye to heaven—
"much as I esteem young Berchthold, who is the child of my
130 THE HEIDEN MAT7EB.
outh's nearest friend; and gladly as I would see their young
earts for ever hound up in the same ties of family concord and
matrimonial love, the common parents of lisping laughing babes
that should cluster at my knee, giving the evening of life some
compensation for the chill of its noon-tide—rather than aid thee
in this unhallowed design—rather than do aught, even in rebel-
lious thought, against the altars of my God—rather than set my
selfishness in array against his dread power, or fancy wish of mine
can prove excuse for sacrilege—I could follow the girl to her grave,
with a tearless eye, and place my own head by her side, without
regret for that calm decline which, when the weary probation of
life is ended, Heaven grants to the deserving.
The Count of Leiningen recoiled at the energy with which his
companion spoke ; for none are so commanding as the mild when
aroused to resistance, or so authoritative as the good when re-
quired to exhibit the beauty of their principles. He was disap-
pointed; but though a sort of instinct warned him that he had no
further hopes of gaining the assistance of Ulrike, and almost
without knowing it himself, the respect which he had always en-
tertained for his companion was increased. Taking the hand she
extended to him in amity, the moment her excitement had a little
abated, he was about to reply, when a footstep in the adjoining
room, and a timid tap at the door, interrupted him.
 Thou canst enter, said the baron, believing that one of the
castle maidens was without, and glad for the relief.
"A million of thanks for the honour, returned Hse, curtsying
to the floor as she availed herself of the privilege.  This is the
first time so great a favour ever befell me in Hartenburg, though,
when a girl, as it might be a ruddy maiden like our Meta, I once
was admitted to a closet in Heidelberg. There was I, and the late
Burgomaster, Ulrike's father, and the good wife, her mother, on a
junketing, in our young days, to see the curiosities of the Elector's
Palace, and we had visited the tun 
 Thou art sent to seek me? interrupted the mistress. "Hath
Meta need of her mother?
 That may be always said of a certainty, for girls of that age
are like the young of the nest, Herr Count, who are ever in danger
of breaking their necks, if they take a hasty flight, without the
example of the old to give them prudence as well as courage.
Twenty times each day—I know not an' it be not fifty—do I say
to our Meta, ' Do as thou wilt, child, an' thou dost nothing amiss.'
I hold it to be wrongful to curb young humours so long as they are
innocent; and therefore do I say, that kindness is a better rod
than anger; and, in this reproving and chastening manner, Herr
von Hartenburg, have I reared bqth Meta and her mother. Well,
here you both are, in friendly communion, an' you were children
of the same cradle !—and Heinrich Frey is yon, without tasting
the Rhenish, with the two churchmen that infect the castle 
 Thou wouldst surely say frequent, good nurse.
 What matters a word, child ! Infect or frequent are much the
same, when one speaketh of the gentle and gay! I remember ye
both young and handsome, and a pair that the whole town of
TKE HEIDENMATJEE. 131
Duerckheim said ought never to be parted; for if one was noble,
the other was good ; if one was strong and valiant, the other was
fair and virtuous; hut the ways of the world led ye on different
paths, and Heaven forbid that I should say aught against ways
that so many travel!
 And thou hast left Meta with those that infect the castle, to
come and say this ?
 Naught like it. It is true I let the girl listen to a few of their
idle words, for without experience a maiden may not know when
to repulse an improper freedom; but for any levity to escape my
eye were as impossible as for my lord Count to fail in duty to the
Limburg altars. No, I complain not of the stranger nobles, for
while he of Rhodes did many gentle offices in behalf of Meta, the
reverend Abbe held me in discourse touching this heresy of
Luther, and, I warrant you, ecclesiastic as he is, he went not away
the worse for my opinion of the schismatic. We had goodly dis-
course on the dangers and tribulations of the times, and might
have had much learning between us, but for young Berchthold,
who fancied himself beating the forest, by the manner in which
he threshed among the old armour of the hall, disturbing all pre-
sent with the idle pretence of seeking a cross-bow for the Count's
pleasure in the morning, as if the Herr Count would have hunted
with less satisfaction because there were wise words uttered in his
halls! The Hintermayers are a race I love, but this youth seemeth
to be wanting of respect for years.
 And what hast done with my child ?
 Thou knowest it was thy desire she should say a few greetings
to the fallen Lottchen; and when I thought the wandering ca-
valier had had his say, I beckoned the child away, in order that
she might go to the hamlet on that errand. She will be none
the worse for the discourse with that free cavalier, for naught so
quickens virtue of the pure stamp as a little contamination with
vice—it is like the base metal they put in gold, to make the pre-
cious ore hard, and able to undergo many hands.
 Thou has not suffered Meta to go unattended ?
"Didst ever know me fail in duty? Thy motherly heart is
quick to take alarm, like the bird fluttering at each leaf that
rustles. Not I, in sooth: I sent the vain Gisela to keep her com-
pany, and whispered our Meta well, as they departed, not to fail
to draw instruction from her companion's light discourse, which,
I will warrant, turns on naught else but the gallantries of these
strangers. Oh! leave old Use_to profit by anything edifying that
may turn up in the way of accident!—I that never yet lost a good
moral for want of pushing an opportunity; and here stands Ulrike
as proof of what I have done. I owe you excuses, Herr Emich,
for sending away your forester; but the boy vexed, me with his
clatter among the shields and arquebuses, and, in order to give
him a wholesome lesson in silence, I sent him to see Meta safe
to his mother's door, under the pretence of its being necessary
to have a manly arm present, to beat off the barking curs of the
hamlet.
 Does Heinrich know this ?
132 THE HEIDENMATTER.
 In sooth, lie is so beset -with thy honour in heing closeted with
my lord the Count, that he does little besides talk of it, and take
his cup. When the child was thus cared for, by the one who first
held her in arms, and one, too, whose experience is little short of
threescore and fourteen, I saw not the necessity of calling him from
his pleasures.
Ulrike smiled, and turning to the Count, who had been so much
lost in thought as to give little heed to the words of the nurse, she
offered him her hand, and they left the closet in company.
CHAPTER XIV.
 Ah, now soft blushes tinge her cheeks,
And mantle on her neck of snow."—Rogers.
The cottage of Lottchen, the mother of Berchthold, was distin-
guished from the other habitations of the hamlet only by its greater
neatness, and by that air of superior comfort which depends
chiefly on taste and habit, and of which poverty itself can scarcely
deprive those who have been educated in the usages and opinions
of a higher caste. It stood a little apart from the general cluster
of humble roofs; and, in addition to its other marks of supe-
riority, it possessed the advantage of a small inclosure, by which
it was partially removed from the publicity and noise that rob
most of the villages and hamlets of Europe of a rural character.
We have had frequent occasions to allude to the difficulty of
conveying accurate ideas of positive things, or even of moral and
political truths, while using the terms which use has appropriated
to the two hemispheres, but which are liable to so much qualifica-
tion in their respective meanings. What is comfort in one country
would be thought great discomfort in another, and even the two
higher degrees of comparison must always be understood subject
to a right knowledge of their positive qualities Thus, most beau-
tiful conveys nothing clear, unless we can agree on what is
beautiful; while neatness and elegance, and even size, taken in
their popular significations, become purely terms of local conven-
tion. Were we to say that the cottage of Lottchen Hintermayer
resembled, in the least, one of those white and spotless dwellings,
with its Venetian blinds and pillared piazzas, its grassy court in
front, and its garden teeming with golden fruit in the rear, its
acacias and willows shading the low roof, and its shrubbery ex-
haling the odours that a generous sun can extract, we should give
such a picture to the reader as Europe nowhere presents—nowhere,
because in those regions in which nature has been bountiful, man
has been held in mental duress; and in those in which man is
sufficiently advanced and free to require the indulgences we have
named, nature denies the boons so necessary to their existence.
Here, and here only, do those whom fortune has not smiled upon,
Sossess the union of comfort, space, retirement, and luxury, which
epend on the causes named, for it is only here that are found the
habits necessary to their production, in conjunction with the re-
quired climate and a cheapness of material and land, to place the
THE HEIDEtfMAPEIt. 133
whole within tlie reach of those who are not affluent. We wish,
therefore, to be understood as speaking-, at all times, under the
consciousness of this difference in the value of terms, for, without
such an understanding, there will be little intelligence between us
and our countrymen.
We have made this explanation lest the reader might fancy
some affinity between the hamlet of Hartenburg and one in the
older settlements of the Union. The remoteness of the period
might, indeed, give some reason to suspect such a resemblance, but
were the tale one of our own times, it would _ be scarcely probable.
The Germans, like all the more northern nations, are neat, in pro-
portion to their several degrees of civilisation ; and the great fre-
quency of the little capitals which dot its surface, and which
nave all been, more or less, beautified by their respective princes,
has caused it to possess a greater number of spacious and cleanly
towns, in proportion to its population, than are to be met with in
most of the other countries of the European continent; but, as
elsewhere in that quarter of the world, the poor are poor indeed.
The little cluster of houses that were grouped beneath the
salient bastions of Hartenburg, had the general character of
poverty and humility which still belongs to nearly all such ham-
lets. The buildings were constructed of timber and mud, with
thatched roofs, and openings to which, in that age, glass was a
stranger. In speaking of the comfort of the dwelling of Lottchen,
we wish to say little more than that it was superior to its fellows
in these particulars, and that it had the additional merit of fault-
less neatness. The furniture, however, gave much stronger evi-
dence of - the former condition of its tenant. Enough of this
description of property had been saved from the wreck of her
husband's fortunes, to leave before the eyes of its mistress these
traces of happier days—one of those melancholy consolations in
adversity which are common among those whose fall has been
broken by some light circumstances of mitigation,_ and which, as
monitors to delicacy and tenderness, make touching appeals to
the recollections of the spectator. But Berchthold's mother had
still better claims to the respect of those who came beneath her
humble lintel. As we have already said, she had been the bosom
friend of Ulrike in early youth, and, by education and character,
she was still every way worthy of holding so near a trust with
the wrife of the Burgomaster. The allowance of her son was small
in money, but the Count permitted his forester to use the game
freely; and, as German frugality left her mistress of the ward-
robes of several generations, the respectable matron had never
known absolute want, and was at all times able to make such
a personal appearance as better suited her former than her pre-
sent means. In addition to these advantages, Ulrike never visited
the Jaegerthal without thought of her friend's necessities; and
full often, at times and seasons when this sacred duty could not
be performed in person, was Ilse dispatched to the hamlet as the
substitute of her considerate and affectionate mistress.
The cavalcade from the Abbey had, of necessity, passed the
door of Lottchen, and she was fully aware of the intended visit.
134 THE HEIBEUMATTEll.
"When, therefore, Meta, blooming1 and happy, entered the cottage,
attended by the warder's daughter, and accompanied by Bercht-
hold, though secretly rejoicing in what she saw,_ the pleased and
watchful matron neither expressed nor felt surprise.
"Thy mother? were the first words which passed the lips of
the widowed Lottchen, after she had kissed the glowing and, warm
cheek of the girl.
 Is closeted with the Herr Emich, my father says; else would
she be sure to be here. She has sent me to say this. _
"And thy father ? added Lottchen, with emphasis, glancing
an uneasyeye from Meta to her son.
 He drinks of Bhenish with the castle wassailers. Truly, my
mother Lottchen, thou must find the hamlet unquiet with these
graceless spirits in the hold. Our Limburg monks are scarcely so
thirsty; and for idle discourse, I know not their equal in Duerck-
heim, town of yanities and folly though it be, as good Use is apt
to say.
Lottchen smiled, for she saw by the playful eye of her young
visitor, that nothing unpleasant had occurred; and giving Grisela
welcome, she led the way within.
 Does Heinrieh know of this visit ? asked the widow, when
her young guests were seated, and with a painful interest in the
answer.
 I tell thee, Lottchen, that my father quaffs with the strangers.
Here is Berchthold, thy son—the restless, impatient Berchthold—
he can tell thee, mother, into what goodly company the Burgo-
master of Duerckheim hath fallen.
As Meta said this, she laughed, though, in very sooth, she scarce
knew why. The more experienced Lottchen saw little else in the
mirth of her young visitor than one of those buoyant impulses of
youth which lead equally to gaiety and sorrow, without sufficient
cause; but she watched the countenance of her own child with
solicitude, to note how far he sympathised with the merriment of
Meta. Berchthold, by speaking, was the interpreter of his own
thoughts.
"Since thou appealest to me, he said, "my answer is, that
Heinrieh Frey consorts at present with two as hopeless idlers as
ever darkened door in Hartenburg. Truly, Brother Luther needs
bestir himself for the Church, when such as these go forth in its
garments!
 Say what thou wilt, Master Berchthold, cried Grisela,  of the
prating half-shaven Abb6, but respect him of Rhodes, as a soldier
in evil fortune, and one that is both gentle and gallant.
 As gallant as thou wilt, cried Meta, with warmth.  Thy
humour for mild discourse must be formed by the rude company
of the bold, if thou stylest these gentle.
Lottchen had examined each face earnestly, and her countenance
brightened with the frankness and fervour of the last speaker.
She was about to say something in guarded commendation of her
judgment, when a light step was heard before the outer door, and
Ulrike herself entered. Notwithstanding the early departure of
the young people from the castle, and the trifling distance between
THE HEIDENMATJEB. 135
its walls and the hamlet, so much leisure had been wasted in idle
laughter by the way, or in culling flowers on the hill-side, that
she had sufficient time to exhaust all that old Ilse had to recount
concerning the manner in which she had disposed of her charge,
and to follow them to the cottage, ere the discourse had gone far-
ther. The meeting between the friends was, as wont, warm and
happy. When the usual inquiries were exhausted, and a few
unmeaning observations had been made by the girls, the younger
part of the company were gotten rid of, under pretence of con-
ducting Meta to witness the manner in which Berchthold had
arranged the nests for some doves, which had been a present
from herself to his mother. The two parents saw the departure
of their children, always accompanied by Gisela, with satisfaction;
for each had need of a secret conference with the other, and both
knew how apt youth and inclination were to prolong their absence,
by means of those thousand little delays which form the uncon-
scious and innocent coquetry of love.
When left to themselves, Ulrike and Lottchen sat for some time
with hands interlocked, regarding one another earnestly.
 Thou hast borne the trying season of the spring-time well,
good Lottchen, said the former, with affection.  I have no
longer any fear that thy health might suffer in this damp abode.
 And thou lookest youthful and fair as when we strolled, like
thy Meta there, laughing and thoughtless girls, on the heath of
the Heidenmauer. _ Of all I have known, Ulrike, thou art the least
changed by time, either in form or heart.
The gentle pressure, before they released each other's hands,
was a silent pledge of their mutual esteem.
 Thou findest Meta blooming and happy ?
 As she meriteth to be—and Berchthold;—I think him fast
growing into the comeliness and form of his sire.
 He is all I could wish—one qualification excepted, my friend;
and that, thou well knowest, I do not wish him for any other rea-
son than to satisfy Heinrich's scruples.
 For my child, that qualification is hopeless. Berchthold' has
too much generous indifference to gold, ever to accumulate, were
the means bis. But what hope is there for an humble forester,
who travels his range of chase, follows his lord to ceremonies, or
attends him in battle ?
 The Herr Emich values thy son, and I do think would fain
do him favour. Were the Count earnestly to reason with Hein-
rich, all hope would not yet be lost.
Lottchen dropped her eyes to the work on which her needle was
employed, for necessity had rendered her systematically indus-
trious. The pause was long and thoughtful. But while Ulrike
pondered on the chances of overcoming her husband's love of
money and his worldly views, a very different picture had pre-
sented itself to the mind of her friend. The eyelids of the latter
trembled, and a hot tear fell upon the linen in her lap.
"I have thought much of late, Ulrike, she said, "of the
justice of burthening thy happiness and golden fortunes with the
load of our adversity. Berchthold is young and brave, and there
136 THE HEIDEH1TATJEE.
seems as little necessity as there is right, in weighing thee and
Meta down to onr own level. I have anxiously wished for the
means of counselling with some friend less interested than thou,
on the fitness of what we do ; hut it is difficult to speak of so de-
licate a subject without wronging thy daughter.
 If thou wouldst have the most disinterested and wisest of all
advisers, Lottchen, take counsel of thine own heart.
 That tells me to he just to thee and Meta.
 Dost thou know aught of Berchthold's manners or mind, that
may have escaped the observation of an anxious mother, who de-
sires to match her own child with none but the deserving ?
Lottchen smiled through her tears, and gazed at the mild fea-
tures of Ulrike with reverence.
 If thou wouldst .hear evil of the youth, do not come to her
who hath no other hope, for the tidings. The orphan is the sole
- riches of his widowed mother, and thou mayst not get the truth
from one that regards her treasure with so much covetousness. _
"And dost thou fancy, Lottchen, that thy son in poverty is
dearer to thee than is Meta to her mother, though Providence may
have left us wealth and consideration ? Misfortune hath, indeed,
changed thee, and thou art no longer the Lottchen of my young
days.
 I will say no more, Ulrike, answered the widow, in a low
voice, speaking like one rebuked: "I leave all to heaven and
thee ! Thou art certain that were Berchthold Count of Leiningen,
his and my desire would he to see Meta his bride.
A nearly imperceptible smile played upon the sweet mouth of
Ulrike, for she bethought her of the recent discourse with Emich;
hut there was neither suspicion nor discontent in the passing
thought. She was too wise to put human nature to very severe
tests, and much too meek to believe all who fell short of perfection
unworthy of her esteem.
""We will think of things as they are, she answered, "and
not dwell on impossible chances. Wert thou Ulrike and I Lott-
chen, none can believe more fervently than I, that these opinions
would undergo no change. Of Meta thou art sure, my friend;
hut truth bids me say, that I fear Heinrich will never yield. His
mind is much occupied with what the world deems its equality of
interests; and it will he hard indeed to bring him to balance
virtues against gold.
 And is he so wrong ? Of what excellence is Berchthold pos-
sessed, that does not find at least its equal in Meta ?
 Happiness cannot be bartered for, as we would look into the
value of houses and lands. He is wrong; and I could weep—oh,
how bitterly I have wept!—that Heinrich Erey should be thus
bent on easting the happiness of that artless and unpractised
child on the rude chances of so narrow calculations. But we will
stillhope, added Ulrike, drying her tears,  and turn our thoughts
to the more cheerful side.
 Thou saidst something of the power of my boy with the Count,
and of his wish to do us service.
"I know no other means to move Heinrich's mind. Though
THE HEIDENMAXTEE. 137
kind and yielding to me, in all matters that he believes touch my
state, he believes that no woman is a fit judge of the world's
interests; and, I fear I should add, that, from too much familiarity
with my poor means, he places his wife lowest among her sex in
this particular: there is no hope, therefore, that any words of
mine can change him. But the Lord Emich has great hold on his
judgment, for, Lottchen, they who prize the world's smiles, ever
yield reverence to those that chance-to possess them largely.
The widow dropped her eyes, for rarely, in their numerous
and friendly conferences, did her friend allude to the weaknesses
of her husband.
"And the Herr Emich? she asked, desirous to change the
discourse.
 The Count is much disposed to aid us, as I have said; for I
have laid bare to him_ our wishes this morning, and have much
entreated him to do this kind act.
"It is not wont for thee to he the solicitor with the Herr von
Hartenburg, Ulrike, rejoined Lottchen, raising her eyes again
to the countenance of her friend, across whose cheek there passed
a flush so faint as to resemble the reflection of some bright colour
of her attire, while a still less obvious smile dimpled the skin.
The looks that were exchanged told of recollections that were
both joyous and melancholy, being, as it were, hasty but compre-
hensive glances into the pregnant volume of the past.
 It was the first request,' resumed Ulrike ;  nor can I say the
boon was absolutely refused, though its gift was coupled with a
condition impossible to grant.
 If it were too much for thy friendship, it must have been hard
indeed!
Lottchen spoke under the influence of one of those sudden and
keen impulsed of disappointment, which sometimes make the
strong in principle momentarily forget their justice ; and Ulrike
perfectly understood the meaning of her words. The difference
in their fortunes, the hopelessness of the future with the fallen
Lottchen, and all the bitterness _ of unmerited contumely and
poverty, the severe judgments which a thoughtless woi'ld inflicts
on the unlucky, passed quickly through the mind of the latter,
amid a tumult of regrets and recollections.
 Of this thou shalt judge for thyself, Lottchen, she answered
calmly; "and when thou hast heard me, I require thy uncon-
cealed reply, conjuring thee, by that long and constant friendship
across which no cloud has ever yet passed, to lay bare thy soul,
shading no thought, nor desiring to colour even the most latent of
thy wishes.
 Thou hast only to speak.
 Hast thou never suspected, that all this warlike preparation
in the hold, in the presence of the men-at-arms in Limburg,
tends to no good? ,
 Both speak of war; but the Elector is sore pressed, and it is
now long since our Germany was at perfect peace.
"Nay, thy surmises must have gone beyond these general
causes?
138 THE HEIDENMATJEE.
The look of surprise assured Ulrike she was mistaken.
 And Berchthold ? Has he said naught of his lord's intentions.
continued the latter.
 He talks of battles and sieges, like most of his years, and he
often essays the armour of his grandfather, which lumbers yon
closet; for thou knowest, though not of knightly rank, we have
had soldiers in our race.''
 Is he not angered against Limburg ?
 He is, and yet is he not. There is a little flame of resentment,
I regret to say, in all of the Jaegerthal against the monks, which
is much fanned in my son by his foster-brother, Gottlob, the cow-
herd.
 This flame hath descended to the hind from his lord. All that
Gottlob says, Emich hath more than hinted.
"Hay, there was revelling in the hold, between Bonifacius and
the Count, no later than the night past!
"Too much blindness to that which passeth before thy eyes,
dear Lottchen, is a virtuous feeling of thy nature. The Count of
Hartenburg plots the downfall of the abbey altars; and he has
this day sworn to me, that if I will win Heinrich to his wishes, no
influence or authority of his shall be wanting to make Berchthold
and Meta happy.
Lottchen heard this announcement with the silent amazement
with which the unsuspecting and meek first hearken to the bold
designs of the ambitious and daring.
 This would be sacrilege! she exclaimed with emphasis.
 'Twould be to disgrace the altars of God that our desires might
prevail.
There was a pause. Lottchen rose from her chair with so little
effort, that, to the imagination of her excited friend, it seemed her
stature grew by supernatural means. Then, raising her arms, the
widowed mother poured out her feelings in words.
 Ulrike, thou knowest my heart, she said:  Ihou, who art
the sister of my love, if not of my blood; thou, from whom no
childish thought was hid, no maiden feeling concealed; thou, to
whom my mind was but a mirror of thine own, reflecting every
wish, all impulses, each desire; and well dost thou know how
dear to me is Berchthold ! Thou canst say, that when Heaven
took his father, the yearnings of a mother alone tempted me to
live; that for him I nave borne adversity with contentment, smil-
ing when he smiled, and rejoicing when the buoyancy of youth
made him rejoice; that as for him I have lived, so that for him
would I die. Thou canst say, Ulrike, that my own youthful and
virgin afl'ections were not yielded with greater delight and conli-
dence than I have witnessed this growing tenderness for Meta;
and yet do I here declare, in the pr< sence of God and his works,
that before a rebel wish of mine shall aid Count Euiich in this act,
there is no earthly sorrow I will not welcome, no humility that I
will dread!
The pious Lottchen sank into her seat, pale, trembling, and
exhausted with an effort so unusual. The widowed mother of
Berchthold had.never possessed the rare personal attractions of
THE HEIDETOATTEE. 139
her friend, and those which wefb left by time had suffered cruel
marks from sorrow and depression. Siill, where she now sat, her
face beaming with the inspiration of the reverence she felt for the
Deity, and her soul charged to bursting, Ulrike thought she had
never seen one more fair. _ Her own eyes brightened with delight,
for at that moment of spiritual elevation neither thought of any
worldly interests ; and her strongest wish was that the Count of
Hartenburg could be a witness of this triumph of principle over
selfishness. Her own refusal, though so similar in manner and
words, the natural result of their great unity of character, seemed
destitute of all merit; for what was the simple denial of one of her
means, compared to this lofty readiness to encounter a contumely
that was already so bitterly understood.
 I expected no less, answered Ulrike, when emotion permitted
speech: from thee, Lottchen, less would have been unworthy, and
more could scarcely come ! "We will now speak of other things,
and trust to the power of the dread Being whose majesty is
menaced. Hast thou yet visited the Heidenmauer ?
Notwithstanding the excited state of her own feelings, which
were, however, gradually subsiding to their usual calm, Lottchen
took heed of the change of manner in her friend as she uttered
the last wmrds, and the slight tremor of the voice with which her
question was put.
 The kindness of the anchorite to Berchthold, and his great
reputation for sanctity, drew me thither. I found him of mild
discourse, and a recluse of great wisdom.
 Didst note him well, Lottchen?
 As the penitent regards him who offers consolation.
 I would thou hadst been more particular.
The widow glanced towards her friend in surprise, but imme-
diately turned her eyes, that were still filled with tears, to her
work. There was a moment of musing and painful pause, for each
felt the want of their usual and entire confidence.
 Dost thou distrust him, Ulrike ?
 Not as a penitent, or one willing to atone.
 Thou disapprovest of the deference he receives from the coun-
try round?
 Of that thou mayst judge, Lottchen, when I tell thee that I
suffer Meta to seek counsel from him.
Lottchen showed greater surprise, and the silence was longer
than before, and still more embarrassing.
 It is long since thou hast named to me, good Lottchen, one
that was so much and so warmly in our discourse when we were
girls!
The amazement of the listener was sudden and marked. She
dropped her work, and clasped her hands together with force.
 Dost thou believe this ? ' burst from her lips.
Ulrike bowed her head, apparently to examine the linen, though
really unconscious of the act, while the hand she extended trem-
bled violently.
 I have sometimes thought it, she answered, scarce speaking
above a whisper.
140 the heidenmauee.
A merry laugh, one of those joyous impulses which spring from
the gaiety of youth, was heard at the door, and Meta entered,
followed by Berehthold and the warder's daughter. At this
interruption the friends arose, and withdrew to an inner room.
CHAPTER XV.
 I pray thee, loving wife, and gentle daughter,
Give even way unto my rough affairs."—King Henry IV.
About an hour after the moment when Ulrike and Lottchen dis-
appeared, as described in the close of the last chapter, the cavalcade
of Heinrich Frey was seen moving along the Jaegerthal, beneath
the hill of Limburg, on its way towards the town. Four light-
armed followers of Emich accompanied the party on foot, under
the pretence of doing honour to the Burgomaster, hut in truth to
protect him against insult from any stragglers belonging to the
men-at-arms who lay in the Abbey—a precaution that was not
altogether without utility, as the reader will remember that the
path ran within call of the ecclesiastical edifices.
As the beasts ambled past the imposing towers and wide roofs
that were visible even to those who journeyed in that deep glen,
Heinrich's countenance, which had been more than usually
thoughtful ever since he passed beneath the gate of Hartenburg,
grew graver; and Meta, who rode as usual at his crupper, heard
him draw one of those heavy respirations which were so many in-
fallible signs that the-mental part of her worthy parent was
undergoing extraordinary exercises.
Nor did this shade appear only on the face of the Burgomaster.
A deep and thoughtful gloom clouded the fine features of his wife,
while the countenance of the blooming daughter betrayed that
sort of sombre rest which is apt to succeed high excitement; a
moment in which the mind appears employed in examining the
past, as if disposed to dissect the merits and demerits of its recent
enjoyments. Of them all, the male attendants alone excepted,
old Ilse returned as she had gone, self-satisfied, unmoved, and
talkative.
 Count Emich hath displeased thee, father, Meta said quickly,
when a respiration, which in one less physical would have been
termed a sigh, gave her reason to think the Burgomaster's bosom
was struggling with some bitter vexation;  else wouldst thou
be more cheerful, and better disposed to give me thy parental
counsel, as is_ thy habit, when we go together on the pillion. _
 The occasion shall not fail, girl; and these abbey walls offer in
good time to prick my fatherly memory. But thou art in error if
thou thinkest that the souls of the Herr Emich and mine are not
bound together like those of David and Jonathan. I know not the
man I more love, or, the Emperor and the Elector apart, as is my
duty, the noble I so much respect.
"It is well it is so, for I greatly value these airy rides among
the hills; and most of all do I prize a visit to the cottage of
Lottchen.
THE HEIDEHMATJEE. 141
Heinrich ejaculated audibly. Then, riding a short distance in
silence, he continued the dialogue.
 Meta, he said, "thou art now getting to he of a womanish
age, and it is time to fortify thy young mind in a manner that it
may meet the cunning and. malice of the world. Life is of great
precariousness, especially to the valiant and enterprising, and we
live in perilous times. "He that is in his prime to-day, honoured
and of credit, may be cut down to-morrow, or even to-night, to
bring the allusion more closely to ourselves; and thine own parent
is as mortal as any reptile that creeps, or even as the most worth-
less roisterer of the Electorate, that wasteth his substance, the
saving of some gainful parent perhaps, in riotousness !
 This is true, father, rejoined the girl,, who, though accus-
tomed to the homely morality of the good citizen, never before had
heard the Burgomaster deal with so little deference to himself,
and who spoke in a lowered tone, as if the reflection of his sudden
humility produced a withering influence on her own self-esteem.
 We are no better than the poorest of Duerckheim, and scarcely as
good as poor Lottchen and Berchthold. _
A stronger ejaculation betrayed Heinrich's displeasure.
 Let these honest people alone, he answered;  since each must
be saved or be damned on his own account, let Lottchen and her
son take such fare as Providence shall send; we have just now se-
rious matters of great family concernment to occupy us. I would
reason with thee gravely, child, and therefore I have need of thy
closest attention.. It being conceded that I am mortal—an admis-
sion thou mayst be certain, Meta, I should not loosely make or
without necessity—it follows, as a consequence, that, sooner or
later, I must be taken from thee, when thou wilt be left an orphan.
Now this great calamity may befall us both much sooner than
thou fanciest; for, I repeat it, we live in perilous times, when
hot-headedness and valour may any day bring a man to a pre-
mature end.
The round arm of Meta clung more forcibly to the body of the
Burgomaster, who took the gentle pressure as so much proof of
his child's concern in his supposititious end.
"Why tell me of this, father, she exclaimed, "when thou
knowest it only makes both unhappy ? Though young, it may be
my fate to die first.
 That is possible, but little probable, returned Heinrich, with
a melancholy air.  Giving nature a fair chance, it will be my
turn to precede even thy mother, since I have ten good years the
start of her; and as for thee, I greatly dread it will be, one day,
thy misfortune to be left an orphan. God knows what will be
the end. of all these contentions that now beset us, and therefore
I hold it wise to be prepared. Whenever the evil day of parting
may come, Meta, thou wilt be left with a sore companion for one
of tender years and little experience.
"Father!
 I mean money, child, which is a blessing, or a curse, as it
proveth. Were I taken suddenly away, many idle and dissolute
gallants would beset thee, swearing by their mustachios and beards
x
142 THE HEIDENMAtTEK.
that thou wert dearer to them than the air they breathe, when in
truth their sole desire would be to look into the leavings of the
departed Burgomaster. There is great difficulty in marrying one
of thy neutral condition happily, for, while want of birth closeth
the door of the castle and the palace against thy entrance, ample
means give thee right to look beyond the mere burgher. I would
fain have one of good hopes for a son-in-law, and yet no spend-
thrift.
"That may not be so easy of accomplishment, good father,
returned Meta, laughing, for few girls of her years listen to con-
jectures or plans concerning their future establishment, without a
nervous irritability that easily takes the appearance of merriment
—"to me the world seems divided into those who get and those
who spend.
 Or into the wise and foolish. There are three great ingredients
that commonly enter into all marriages of girls m thy condition,
and without which there is little hope of happiness, or even of
every-day respect. The first is the means of livelihood, the second
is the consent and blessing of the parents, and the third is equality
of condition.
 I had thought thee about to say something of tastes and in-
clinations, father.
"Idle conceit, child, that any whim may change. Look at
yonder peasant, who is trimming the abbey vines—dost think
him less happy with his cup of sour liquor, than if he quaffed of
the best Rhenish in Bonifacius' cellar ? And yet, had the hind his
choice', doubt it not he would be ready to swear none but the li-
quor of Hockheim should wet lip of his! The fellow might make
himself miserable, by mere dint of fancy, were he once to set his
mind on other fare; but, taking life soberly and industriously,
who so content as he? Oh! I have often envied these knaves
their happiness, when vexation and losses have weighed upon my
spirits!
 And wouldst thou change conditions with these vine-trim-
mers, father?
 What art thinking of, wench? Is there not such a thing as
order and propriety on earth.—And this brings me to my pur-
pose. There has been question to-day concerning some silliness,
not to say presumption, on the part of young Berchthold Hin-
termayer, in wishing to couple his poverty with thy means.
The head of Meta fell abashed, and the arm which clasped the
body of her father, trembled perceptibly.
 I doubt that Berchthold has not thought of this, she answered,
in a voice but little above her breath, though her respiration was
very audible.
"All the better for him, since such a desire would be just as
unreasonable as it would be, on thy part, to wish to wed with
Count Emich's heir.
 Nay, that silly thought never crossed me, exclaimed Meta,
frankly.
"All the better for thee, girl, since the Herr von Hartenburg
has had the boy betrothed these many years. Well, as we no,v
THE HEIDENHAUEK. 143
understand each, other so well, leave me to my thoughts, for
weighty matters press on my mind.
So saying, Heinrich composed himself to reflection, fully con-
tent with the parental lesson he had just imparted to his daughter.
But, in the few and vague remarks that had. fallen from the Bur-
gomaster, M<'. found sufficient food for uncomfortable conjecture
for the rest of the ride.
During the short dialogue between Heinrich and Meta, there had
also been a discourse between Ulrike and the crone that rode on
her pillion. The propensity of old Ilse to talk, and the well-tried
indulgence of her mistress, induced the former to break silence
the moment they were clear of the hamlet, and were so far
advanced beyond the rest of the party as to render it safe to
speak freely.
"Well, exclaimed the nurse, "this hath been, truly, a day!
First had we matins in Duerckheim; and then, the stirring words
of Father Johan, with the abbey mass; and lastly, this high de-
meanour of the Count Emich! I do not think, good wife, that
thou hast ever before seen the Burgomaster so preferred.
 He is ever in the graces of the Herr von Hartenburg,_ as thou
mayst know, Ilse, returned Heinrich's partner, speaking like
one that thought of other things.  I would that they were less
friendly at this moment.
"Hay, therein thou dost little justice to thy husband. It is
honourable to be honoured by the world's honoured, and thou
shouldst wish the Burgomaster favour with all such, though it
were even with the Emperor. But thou wert ever particular, even
as a child; and I should not deal too harshly with a propensity
that, coming as it were_ of nature, is not without reason. Ah!
Heaven is ever tender with the good ! How, what a happy life is
thine, Ulrike ; here canst thou go forth before all that were once
thy equals, a Burgomaster's companion—and not a varlet between
Duerckheim-gate, or indeed thine own gate, and the hold of Har-
tenburg, shall stand covered as thy steed shuffles past. This is it
to be fortunate. Then have we worthy Heinrich for a master,
and such another fur keeping all in due respect, is not to be seen
in our town j and Meta, who, beyond dispute, is both the fairest
and the wisest of her years among all the maidens, and thyself
scarcely less blooming than of old, with such health and content-
ment as might even disarm widowhood of its sorrows. Ah!
what a life hath been thine !
Ulrike seemed to arouse herself from a trance, as the nurse thus
chanted praUes in honour of her good fortune, and the sigh she
drew, unconscious of its meaning, was long and tremulous.
 I complain not of my fate, good Ilse.
 If thou didst, I would cause the beast to halt, that I might
quickly descend, for nothing good could come of a journey so
blasphemous. Ho, gratitude before all other virtues, except hu-
mility; for humility leiuleth to favours, and favour is the lawful
parent of gratitude itself. I would thou couldsl ha\e been at
my last shriving, Ulrike, and thou shouldst have heard qucs-
tions of nice meaning closely reasoned! It happened that Father
144 THE HEIDENMATTEH.
Johan was in the confessional, and when he had got the little
I had to say of myself in the way of acknowledgment (for,
though a great sinner like all human, it is little I can do_ against
heaven at threescore and ten), we came to words concerning doc-
trine. The monk maintained that the best of ns might fall away,
so as to merit condemnation; while I would have sworn, had it
been seemly to swear in such a place, that the late Prior, than
whom none better ever dwelt in Limburg, always gave com-
fortable assurance of mercy being safe, when fairly earned. I
wonder not that these heresies should be abroad, when the
professed throw this discouragement in the way of the old and
weak.
 Thou art tpo apt, good Use, to dwell on subtleties, when a
meeker faith might better become thy condition.
 And. what is this condition, prithee, that thou namest it as a
disqualifler ? Am I not aged—and can any say better what is
sin, or what not ? Didst thou know what sin was thyself, child,
till I taught thee ? Am I not mortal, and therefore frail—am I
not a woman, and therefore inquiring—and am I not aged, and
therefore experienced ?_ No, come to me an' thou wouldest get an
insight into real sin—sin that hath much need of grace.
 Well, let it be thus. But, Use, I would recall thy mind to
days long past, and take counsel of thy experience in a matter
that toucheth me nearly.
 That must be some question of Meta; naught else could touch
a mother nearly.
 Thou hast reason in part: 'tis of Meta, and of us all, in
sooth, that I would speak. Thou hast now been to the Heiden-
mauer more than once with our girl, in quest of the holy ancho-
rite ?
"Have I not! Thon mayest well say more than once, since
I have twice made that weary journey; and few of my years
would have come off so lightly from the fatigue.
"And what is said in the country round of the holy man—of
his origin and history, I mean ?
 Much is said; and much that is good and edifying is said.
It is thought that one blessing of his is as good as two from the
Abbey; for of him no harm is known, whereas there is much
reputed of Limburg that had better not be true. For myself,
Ulrike—and I am one that does not treat these matters lightly—I
should go away with more surety of favour with a single touch of
the hermit's hand, than if honoured with blows from all of Lim-
burg. But from the account I except Father Arnolph, who, if
he be not an anchorite, well deserves, from his virtues, to be one.
Oh! that is a man, were justice done him, who ought never to
taste other liquor than water of the spring, or other food than
bread hard as a rock.
 And hast thou seen him of the Heidenmauer ?
 It hath been sufficient for me to be in sight of his hut. I am
none of those that cannot have a good thing in possession, with-
ou.t using it up. I have never laid eyes on the holy man, for that
is a virtue I keep in store against some of the sore evils that be-
THE HETDElOrATTEB. 145
set all in age. Let any of the autumn plagues come upon me,
and. thou shalt see in what manner I will visit him !
 Ilse, thou mayest yet remember the days of my infancy, and
hast some knowledge of most of the events of Duerekheim. for
these many, many years ?
 I know not what thou callest infancy, hut if it mean the first
cry thy feeble voice ever made,_ or the first glance of thy twink-
ling eyes, I remember both an' it were yesterday's vespers.
 And thou hast not forgotten the youths and maidens that
then sported at our merry-makings, and were gay in their time,
as these we see to-day?
 Call you these gay? These are hired mourners compared to
those of my youth. You that have been horn in the last fifty
years know little of mirth and gaiety. If thou wouldest learn— '
 Of this we can speak at another season. But since thy me-
mory remains so clear, thou canst not have forgotten the young
Herr von Eitterstein—he that was well received of old within my
father's doors ?
XJlrike spoke in a low voice, but the easy movement of the
beast they rode suffered every word to reach the ear of her com-
panion.
"Do I remember Odo von Eitterstein? exclaimed the crone.
 Am I a heathen, to forget him or his crime ?
"Poor Odo! Bitterly hath he repented that transgression in
banishment, as I have heard. We may hope that his offence is
forgiven!
"Of whom—of Heaven? Never, as thou livest, TJlrike, can
such a crime be pardoned. It will be twenty years this night
since he did that deed, as all in the Jaegerthal well know; for
there have been masses and exorcisms without number said in
the abbey chapel on his account. What dost take Heaven to be,
that it can forget an offence like that?
"Jt was a dreadful sin! answered Ulrike, shuddering, for
though she betrayed a desire to exonerate the supposed penitent,
horror at his offence was evidently uppermost in her mind.
 It was blasphemy to God, ana an outrage to man. Let him
look to it, I say, for his soul is in cruel jeopardy.
A heavy sign was the answer of the Burgomaster's wife.
 I knew young Odo von Eitterstein well, continued the crone,
 and, though not ill gifted as to outward appearance, and of most
seductive discourse to aU who would listen to a honeyed tongue, I
can boast of having read his inmost nature at our very first ac-
quaintance.
 Thou understood a fearful mystery! half whispered XJlrike.
 It was no mystery to one of my years and experience. What
is a comely face and a noble birth, and a jaunting air, and a bold
eye, to your woman that hath had her opportunities, and who
hath livcu. long ?_ Nay, nay—young Odo's soul was read by me,
as your mass-saying priest readeth his missal; that is, with half
a glance.
 It is surprising that one of thy station should have so quickly
146 THE HEIDEHMATTEB.
and so well understood him, that most have found inexplicable.
Thou knowest he was long in favour with my parents ?
 Ay, and with thee, Ulrike; and this proves the great differ-
ence of judgments. But not a single day, nay, not even an hour,
was I mistaken in his character. What was his name to me ?
They say he had crusaders among his ancestors, and that nobles
of his lineage bore the sign of the cross, under a hot sun and in a
far land, in honour of God; but none of this would I hear. I
saw the man with mine own eyes, and with mine own judgment
did I judge.
 Thou sawest one, Ilse, of no displeasing mien.
 So thought the young and light-minded. I deny not his ap-
pearance;_ 'twas according to Heaven's pleasure—nor do I say
aught against his readiness in exercises, or any other esteemed and
knightly qualities; for I am not one to backbite a fallen enemy.
But he had. a way! How, when he came first to visit thy father,
here did he enter the presence of the honest Burgomaster an' he
had been the_ Elector, instead of a mere baron; and. though there
I stood, waiting to do him reverence as became his rank and my
breeding, nay, doing him reverence, and that oft repeated, not a
look of grace, nor a thank, nor a smile of condescension did I get
for my pains. His eyes could not stoop to the old nurse, but were
fastened on the face of the young beauty, besides many other levi-
ties.—Oh! I quickly accounted him for what he was!
 He was of contradictory qualities.
 Worse than that—a hundred-fold worse. I can count you up
his graces in brief speech—First was he a roisterer that never
missed occasion to enter into all debaucheries with the very monks
he dishonoured, 
 Hay, that I did never hear!
 Is it reasonable to suppose otherwise, after what we know of a
certainty ? Give me but one bold vice in a man, and I will quickly
show you all its companions.
_ And is this true ? Ought we not rather to think .that most
yield in their weakest points, while they may continue to resist in
their strongest ? That there are faults which, inviting the world's
condemnation, produce indifference to the world's opinion, may be
true; but I hope few are so evil as not to retain some portion of
their good qualities.
 Hadst thou ever seen a siege, good wife, thou wouldst not say
this. Here is your enemy without the ditch, shouting, and scream-
ing, and doing his worst to alarm the garrison—I say now but
what I have thrice seen here, in our very Duerckheim—but so long
as the breach is not made, or the ladders placed, each goes his
way in the streets quietly and unharmed. But let the enemy
once enter, though it be but by a window, or down a chimney,
open fly the gates, and in pour the columns, horsemen and foot-
men, till not a house escapes rifling, nor a sanctuary violation.
How this blasphemy of Herr Odo was much as if a curtain of
wall had fallen at once, letting in whole battalions and squa-
drons of vices in company.
THE HEIDESnUAHER. 147
 That the act was fearful is as certain as that it was heavily
punished; but still may it have been the fault of momentary folly,
or of provoked resentment.
 It was blasphemy, and as such it is punished ; why then say
more in its defence ? Here cometh Meta within call, and it were
well she should not hear her mother justify sin. Remember thou
art a mother, and bear thy charge with prudence.
As the horse ridden by the Burgomaster and his daughter drew
near, Ulrike ceased speaking, with the patient forbearance that
distinguished her intercourse with the old woman. And during
the rest of the ride, little more passed among the equestrians. On
reaching his own abode, however, Heinrich hastened to hold a
secret council with the chief men of the place.
The remainder of the day passed as was wont in the towns of
that age. The archers practised with their bows, without the
walls; the more trained arquebusiers were exercised with their
unwieldy but comparatively dangerous weapons; the youthful of
the two sexes danced, while the wine-houses were thronged with
artisans, who quaffed, after the toil of the week, the cheap and
healthful liquor of the Palatinate, in a heavy animal enjoyment.
Here and there a monk of the neighbouring Abbey appeared in
the streets, though it was with an air less authoritative and
assured, than before the open promulgation of the opinions of
Luther had brought into question so many of the practices of the
prevailing Church.
CHAPTER XYI.
 Thus I renounce the world and worldly things."—Rogers.
It will be remembered, that the time of this tale was in the win-
ning month of June. When the sun had fallen beneath those vast
and fertile plains of the west, among which the Rhine winds its way,
a swift and turbid though noble current, that, like some bold
mountaineer, has made a descent from the passes of Switzerland,
to gather tribute from every valley on his passage, there remained
in the air the bland and seductive warmth of the season. Still the
evening was not a calm moonlight night, like those which grace a
more alluring climate; but there reigned in its quiet a character
of sombre repose that constantly reminded all of the hour. It
seemed a moment more adapted to rest than to indulgence. The
simple habits of Duerckheim caused its burghers to shut their
doors early, and, as usual, the gates of the town were closed
when the bells sounded the stroke of eight. The peasants of the
Jaegerthal had not even waited so long, before they sought their
beds.
It was, however, near ten, when a private door in the dwelling
of Heinrich Frey opened, and a party of three individuals issued
into the street. All were so closely muffled as effectually to con-
ceal their persons. The leader, a man, paused to see that the way
was clear, and then, beckoning to his companions, who were of the
148 THE HEIDENMAXTEE.
otter sex, to follow, lie pursued his way within the shadows thrown
from the houses. It was not long1 ere they all reached the gate of
the town, which opened to the hill of the Heidenmauer.
There was a stronger watch afoot that night than was usual in
Duerckheim, though the city, and especially at a moment when
armies ravaged the Palatinate, was never left without a proper
guard. A few armed men paced the street, at the point where it
terminated with the defences, and a sentinel was visible on the
superior wall.
 Who cometh? demanded an arquebusier.
The muffled man approached, ana spoke to the leader of the
guard in a low voice. It would seem, that he spoke him fair; for
no sooner did he utter the little he had to say, than a bustle among
the citizens announced an eager desire to do his pleasure. The keys
were produced, and a way made for the exit of the party. But
the man went no farther. Having procured the egress of his
companions, he returned into the town, stopping, however, to hold
discourse with those on watch, before he disappeared.
When without the gate, the females began to ascend. The way
was difficult, for it lay among terraces and vineyards, by means of
winding narrow footpaths, and, as it appeared, the limbs of those
who were now obliged to thread them, felt all the difficulties of
the steep acclivity. At length, though not without often stopping
to breathe and rest, they reached the fallen pile of the ancient wall
of the camp. Here both seated themselves, to recover their
strength, in profound silence. They had mounted by means of a
path that conducted them towards that extremity of the mountain
which overlooked the valley of our tale.
The sky was covered with fleecy clouds, that dimmed the light
of the moon so as to render objects beneath uncertain and dull;
though occasionally the mild orb seemed to sail into a little field
of blue, shedding all its light below. But these momentary
illuminations were too fitful to permit the eye to become accus-
tomed to the change, and ere any saw distinctly, the driving
vapour would again intercept the rays. To this melancholy cha-
raeter of the hour, must be added the plaintive sound of a night-
breeze, which audibly rustled the cedars.
A heavy respiration from the one of the two who, by her air and
attire, was evidently the superior, was taken by the other as a
permission to speak.
 Well, thrice in my life have I mounted this hill at night,
she said:  and few of my years could do the deed by the light
of the sun 
 Hist, Use! Hearest thou naught uncommon ?
 Naught but mine own voice, which, for so mute a person, is,
in sooth, of little^ wont 
 Truly, there is other sound? Come hither to the ruin; I fear
we are abroad at a perilous moment.
As both arose, there was but a minute before their persons were
concealed in such a manner as to render it little probable that any
but a yery curious eye would remark their presence. It was evi-
THE HETDENMAUEK. 149
dent that many footsteps were approaching, and nearly in their
direction. Use trembled, hut her companion, more self-possessed,
and better supported by her reason, was as much or even more
excited by curiosity than by fear. The ruined hut, in which they
stood, was within the cover of the cedars, where a dull light alone
penetrated. By means of this light,.however, a band of men was
seen moving across the camp. They came in pairs, and their
march was swift and nearly noiseless. The glittering of a morion,
as it passed beneath some opening in the trees, and the reclining
arquebuses, no less than their order, showed them to be warriors.
The line was long, extending to some hundreds of men. They
came, in this swift and silent manner, from the direction of the
Jaegerthal, and passed away, among the melancholy cedars, in
that of the plain of the Rhine.
'When the last of this long and ghost-like band had disappeared,
Ilse appeared to revive.
"In very sooth, she said, "they seem to be men! Do they,
too, come to visit the holy hermit ?
 Believe it not. They have gone down by the rear of Duerck-
heim, and will soon be beyond our wishes, or our fears.
 Lady ! Of what origin are they—and on what errand do they
come?
This exclamation of old Ilse sufficiently betrayed the nature of
her own doubts, though the firmness of her companion's manner
Sroved that, now the armed men were gone, she no longer felt
istrust.
 This may, or may not, be a happy omen, she answered,
musingly.  There was a goodly number, and warriors, too, of
fair appearance.
 Thrice have I visited this camp at-night, and never before has
it been my fate to view its tenants! Thinkest thou they were
Romans—or are they the followers of the Hun ?
 They were living men—but let us not forget our errand.
Without permitting further discourse, the superior of the two
then took the way towards the hut of the hermit. At first her
footstep was timid and unassured; for, strengthened as she was
by reflection and knowledge, the sudden and sprite-like passage
of such a line of warriors across the deserted camp was indeed
likely to affect the confidence of one even more bold.
 Rest thy old limbs on this bit of fallen wall, good nurse, said
the muffled female,  while I go within. Thou wilt await me
here.
 Go, of Heaven's mercy ! and speak the holy anchorite fair.
Take what thou canst of comfort and peace for thine own soul,
and if there should be a blessing, or a relic more than thou
needst, remember her who fondled thy infancy, and Avho, I may
say, and say it I do with pride, made thee the woman of virtue
and merit thou art.
 God be with thee—and with me ! murmured the female, as
she moved slowly away. .
The visitor of the anchorite hesitated at the door of his hut.
150 THE HEIDENMATTER.
Encouraged by sounds -within, and certain that the holy man was
still afoot, by the strong light that shone through the fissures of
the wall, she at length summoned resolution to knock. _
 Enter, of God's will! returned a voice from within.
The door opened, and the female stood confronted to the person
of the anchorite. _ The cloak and hood both fell from the female's
head, as by an involuntary weakness of her hands—and each
stood gazing long, wistfully, and perhaps in doubt, at the other.
The female, more prepared for the interview, was the first to
speak.
 Odo! she said, with melancholy emphasis.
 Ulrike!
Eye then studied eye, in that eager and painful gaze, with
which the memory traces the changes that time and the passions
produce in the human face. In that of tllrike, however, there
was little to be noted but the development of more mature woman-
hood, with such a shadowing of thought as deeper reflection and
diminished hopes are apt to bring; but, had she not been apprised
of the person of him she sought, and had her memory not retained
so vivid an impression of the past, it is probable that the wife of
Heinrich Erey might not have recognised the features of the
fayest and handsomest cavalier of the Palatinate, in the sunken
ut still glowing eye, the grizzled beard, and the worn though
bold lineaments of the anchorite.
 Thou, Odo, and a penitent ? Ulrike added.
 One of a stricken soul. Thou seest me, sworn to mortifica-
tions and sorrow.
 If repentance come at all, let it be welcome. Thou leanest on
a rock, and thy soul will be upheld.
The recluse made a vague gesture, which his companion be-
lieved to be the usual sign of the cross. She meekly imitated the
symbol, and, bowing her head, repeated an Ave. In all great
changes in religions and politics, the spirit of party attaches im-
portance to immaterial things, which, by practice and convention,
come to be considered as the evidences of opinion. Thus it is,
when revolutions are sudden and violent, that so many mistake
their symbols for their substance, and men cast their lives on the
hazards of battle, in order to support an empty name, a particular
disposition of colours in an ensign, or some idle significations of
terms that were never well explained, long after the real merits
of the controversy have been lost by the cupidity and falsehood
of those entrusted with the public welfare; and thus it is, that
here, where all change has been gradual and certain, that the
neglect of these trifles has subjected the country to the imputation
of inconsistency, because, in attending so much to the substance
of their work, it has overlooked so many of those outward signs
which, by being the instruments of excitement in other regions,
obtain a value that has no influence among ourselves. The Re-
formation made early and rude inroads upon the formula of the
Romish Church. The cross ceased to be a sign in favour with
the Protestant; and, after three centuries, it is just beginning to
THE HEIDEMAHER. 15V
be admitted that this sacred symbol is a more fitting ornament
of one of  those silent fingers pointing to the skies, which so
touchingly adorn our churches, than the representation of a barn-
yard fowl! Had Ulrike been more critical in this sort of distinc-
tions, or had her mind been less occupied with her own sad
reflections, she might have thought the movement of the hermit's
hand, when he made the sign alluded to, had such a manner of
indecision and doubt, as equally denotes one new in practices of
this nature, or one about to abandon any long-established ritual.
As it was, however, she noted nothing extraordinary, but silently
took the seat to which the anchorite pointed, while he placed
himself on another.
The earnest, wistful, and half-mournful look of each was
renewed. They sat apart, with the torch throwing its light fully
upon both.
 Grief hath borne heavily upon thee, Odo, said Ulrike.  Thou
art much changed.
 And innocence and happiness have dealt tenderly by thee I
Thou hast well merited this favour, Ulrike.
 Art thou long of this manner of life—or touch I on a subject
that may not be treated ?
 I know not that I may refuse to give the world the profit of
my lesson—much less can I pretend to mystery with thee. '
"I would gladly give thee consolation. Thou knowest there is
great comfort in sympathy.
 Thy pity is next to the love of angels—but why speak of this ?
Thou art in the hut of a hermit condemned, of his own con-
science, to privation and penitenee. Go to thy happy home, and
leave me to the solemn duty which I have allotted to be done this
night.
As he spoke, the anchorite folded his head in a mantle of
coarse cloth, for he was evidently clad to go abroad, and he
groaned.
 Hay, Odo, I quit thee not, in this humour of thy mind. The
sight of me hath added to thy grief, and it were uncharitable—
more, it were unkind—to leave thee thus.
 What wouldst thou, Ulrike ?
 Disburthen thy soul; this life of seclusion hath heaped a load
too heavy on thy thoughts. Where hast thou passed the years of
thy prime, Odo? what hath brought thee to this condition of
bitterness? •
"Hast thou still so much of womanly mercy, as to feel an in-
terest in the fate of an outcast ?
The paleness of Ulrike's cheek was succeeded by a mild glow.
It was no sign of tumultuous feeling, but a gentle proof that a
heart like hers never lost the affinities it had once fondly and
warmly cherished.
 Can I forget the past? she answered. "Wert thou not the
friend of my youth—nay, wert thou not my betrothed ?
"And dost thou acknowledge those long-cherished ties?_ Oh,
Ulrike! with what maddened folly did I throw away a jewel
152 THE HEIDENMATTEB.
beyond price! But listen, and tbou sbalt know in what manner
God hath avenged Himself and thee.
The Burgomaster's wife, though secretly much agitated, sat
patiently awaiting, while the hermit seemed preparing his mind
for the revelation he was about to make.
 Thou hast no need to hear aught of my youth, he at length
commenced.  Thou well knowest that, an orphan from child-
hood, of no mean estate, and of noble birth, I entered on life ex-
posed to all the hazards that beset the young and thoughtless. I
had most of the generous impulses of one devoid of care, and a
heart that was not needlessly shut against sympathy with the
injured, and, I think, I may say one that was not closed against
compassion ''
"Thou dost not justice to.thyself, Odo. Say that thy hand
was open, and thy heart filled with gentleness.
_ The anchorite, humbled as he was by penitence and self-devo-
tion, did not hear this opinion, uttered by lips so gentle and so
true, without a change of features. His eye lighted, and for a
moment it gazed towards his companion with some of its former
bright youthful expression. But the change escaped Ulrike, who
was occupied with the generous impulse that eaused her, thus in-
oluntarily, to vindicate the hermit to himself.
It might have been so, the latter resumed, coldly, after a
moment of thought; "but in youth, unless watched and wisely
directed, our best qualities may become instruments of our fall.
I was of violent passions above all; miserable traces in that un-
erring index, the countenance, prove how violent!
Ulrike had no answer to this remark; for she had felt how easy
it is for the strong of character to attach the mild, and how com-
mon it is for the human heart to set value on qualities that serve
to throw its own into relief.
 When I knew thee, Ulrike, the influence of thy gentleness,
the interest thou gavest me reason to believe thou felt in my hap-
piness, and the reverence which the young of our sex so readily
pay to innocence, and beauty, and faith, in thine, served to tame
the lion of my reckless temper, and to bring me, for a time, in
subjection to thy gentleness.
His companion looked grateful for his praise, but she remained
silent.
 The tie between the young and guiltless is one of nature's
holiest mysteries. I loved thee, Ulrike, purely, and in perfect
faith. The reverence I bear, here in my solitude and penance, to
these signs of sacred character, is not deeper, less tinctured with
human passion, or more fervent than the respect I felt for thy
virgin innocence.
Ulrike trembled, but it was like the leaf quivering at the pas-
sage of a breath of air.
"Tor this I gave thee credit, Odo, she whispered, evidently
afraid to trust her voice.
''Thou didst me justice. When thy parents consented to our
union, I looked forward to the marriage with blessed hope; for
THE HEIDENMATTEK. 153
young though. I was, I so well understood myself, as to foresee
that some spirit, persuasive, good, and yet firm as thine, was
necessary to tame me. "Woman winds herself about the heart of
man by her tenderness, nay, by her very dependence, in a man-
ner to effect that which his pride would refuse to a power more
evident.
 And couldst thou feel all this ?
 Ulrike, I felt more, was'convinced of more, and dreaded more,
than I ever dared avow. But all feelings of pride are now past.
What further shall I say ? Thou knowest the manner in which
bold spirits began to assail the mysteries and dogmas of the vene-
rable Church that has so long governed Christendom, and that
some were so hardy as to anticipate the reasonings and changes of
more prudent heads by rash acts. 'Tis ever thus with young and
heated reformers of abuses. Seeing naught but the wrong, they
forget the means by which it has been produced, and overlook
the sufficient causes which may mitigate, if they do not justify,
the evil.
 And this unhappily was thy temper ?
 I deny it not. Young, and without knowledge of the various
causes that temper every theory when reduced to practice, I
looked eagerly to the end alone.
Though Ulrike longed to extort some apology from the penitent
for his own failings, she continued silent. After minutes of
thought, the discourse at length proceeded.
 There were some among thy friends, Odo, who believed the
outrage less than the convent reported.
 They trusted too much to their wishes, said the anchorite,
in a subdued tone.  It is most true, that, heated with wine, and
maddened with anger, I did violence, in presence of my armed
followers, to those sacred elements which Catholics so reverence.
In a moment of inebriated frenzy, I believed the hoarse applause
of drunken parasites, and the confusion of a priest, of more ac-
count than the just anger of God! I impiously trampled on the
host, and sorely hath God since trampled on my spirit. '
_  Poor Odo !—that wicked act changed the course of both our
lives! and dost thou now adore that Being to whom this great
indignity was offered ? Hast thy mind returned to the faith of thy
youth?
 'Tis not necessary, in order to feel the burthen of my guilt,
exclaimed the anchorite, whose eye began to lose the human ex-
ression which had been kindled by communion with this gentle
eing, in gleamings of a remorse that had been so long fed by
habits of morbid devotion.  Is not the Lord of the universe my
God ? The insult was to Him ; whether there be error in this or
that form of devotion, I was in his temple, at the foot of his altar,
in the presence of his Spirit. There did I mock his rule, and defy
his power; and this for a silly triumph over a terrified monk!
 Heart-stricken Odo ! "Where soughtest thou refuge after the-
franfi'c act?
The anchorite looked intently at his companion, as if a flood of
154 THE HEIDENMAUEE.
distressing and touching images were pressing painfully upon his
memory.  My first thought was of thee, he said: "the rash
blow of my sword was no sooner given, than it seemed suddenly
to open an abyss between us. I knew thy gentle piety, and could
.not, even in that moment of frenzy, deceive myself as to thy deci-
sion. When in a place of safety, I wrote the letter which thou
answered, and which answer was so firm and admirable a mixture
of holy horror and womanly feeling. When thou renounced me, I
became a vagrant on earth, and from that hour to the moment of
my return hither, have I been a wanderer. Much influence and
heavy fines saved my estates, which the life of a pilgrim and a
soldier has greatly augmented, but never till this summer have I
felt the courage necessary to revisit the scenes of my youth.
 And whither strayed thou, Odo ?
 Ihave sought relief in every device of man:—the gaiety and
dissipation of capitals—hermitages (for this is but the fourth of
which I am the tenant)—arms—and rude hazards by sea. Of late
have I much occupied myself in the defence of Rhodes, that un-
happy and. fallen bulwark of Christendom. But wherever I have
dwelt, or in whatever occupation I have sought relief, the reeol-
lection of my crime, and of its punishment, pursues me. Ulrike,
I am a man of woe !
"Nay, dear Odo, there is mercy for offenders more heavy than
thou. Thou wilt return to thy long-deserted castle, and be at
peace.
 And thou, Ulrike! hath my crime caused thee sorrow ? Thou,
at least, art happy ?
The question caused the wife of Heinrieh Frey uneasiness. Her
sentiments towards Odo von Ritterstein had partaken of passion,
and were still clothed with hues of the imagination; while her
attachment to the Burgomaster ran in the smoother channel of
duty and habit:—still time, a high sense of her sex's obligations,
and the common bond of Meta, kept her feelings in the subdued
state which most fitted her present condition. Had her will been
consulted, she would not have touched on this portion of the sub-
ject at all; but since it was introduced, she felt the absolute ne-
cessity of meeting it with composure.
 I am happy in an honest husband and an affectionate child,
she said.  Set thy heart at rest on this account; we were not
fitted for each other, Odo; thy birth, alone, offered obstacles we
might not properly have overcome.
The anchorite bowed his head, appearing to respect her reserve.
The silence that succeeded was not free from embarrassment. _ It
was relieved by the tones of a bell that came from the hill of Lim-
burg. The anchorite arose, and all other feeling was _ evidently
lost in a sudden return of that diseased repentance which had so
long haunted him, and which, in truth, had more than once gone
nigh to unsettle his reason.
 That signal, Ulrike, is for me.
 And dost thou go forth to Limburg at this hour 3
"An humble penitent. I have made my peace with the Bene-
THE HEIDENMAtTER. 155
dictines by means of gold, and I go to struggle for my peace ■with.
God. This is the anniversary of my crime, and there will he mid-
night masses for its expiation.
The wife of Heinrich Frey heard of his intention without sur-
prise, though she regretted the sudden interruption of their inter-
view.
 Odo, thy blessing, said TJlrike, kneeling.
"Thou ask this mockery of me! cried the hermit, wildly.
 Go, Ulrike! leave me with my sins.
The anchorite appeared irresolute for a moment, and then he
rushed madly from the hut, leaving the wife of Heinrich Frey still
kneeling in its centre.
CHAPTER XVII.
 Mona, thy Druid rites awake the dead 1"—Rogers.
Ulbike was in the habit of making frequent and earnest appeals
to God, and she now prayed fervently, where she knelt. Her
attention was recalled to earth by a violent shaking of the
shoulder.
 Ulrike, child ! Frau Frey! exclaimed the assiduous Hse.
 Art glued to the ground by necromancy ? Why art thou here,
and whither hath the holy man sped ?
 Sawest thou Odo von Ritterstein!'•'
_  Whom ? Art mad, Frau ? I saw none but the blessed ancho-
rite, who passed me an' he were an angel taking wing for heaven;
and though I knelt, and beseeched but a look of grace, his soul
was too much occupied with its mission to note a sinner. Had I
been evil as some that might be named, this slight might give
some alarm; but being that I am, I set it down rather to the
account of merit than to that of any need. Nay, I saw naught
but the hermit.
 Then didst thou see the unhappy Herr von Ritterstein!
Ilse stood aghast.
"Have we harboured a wolf in sheep's clothing? she cried,
when the power of speech returned.  Hath the Palatinate knelt,
and wept, and prayed at the feet of a sinner like ourselves—nay,
even worse than ourselves, after all ? Hath what hath passed for
true coin been naught but base metal—our unction, hypocrisy—
our hopes, wicked delusions—our holy pride, vanity ?
<  Thou sawest Odo von Ritterstein, Ilse, returned Ulrike,
rising,  but thou sawest a devout man.
Then giving her arm to the nurse, for of the two the attendant
most required assistance, she took the way from the hut. While
walking among the fallen walls of the deserted camp, Ulrike en-
deavoured to bring her companion to consider the character and
former sins of the anchorite with more lenity. The task was not
easy ; for Ilse had heen accustomed to think the truant Pdo alto-
gether abandoned of God, and opinions that have been pertina-
ciously maintained for twenty years are not gotten rid of in a
156 THE HEIDENHATJER.
moment. Still there is a process by "which the human mind can
he made to do more than justice, when prejudice is finally eradi-
cated. It is by this species of reaction that we see_ the same indi-
viduals now reprobated as monsters, and now admired as heroes;
the common sentiment as rarely doing strict justice in excessive
applause as in excessive condemnation.
We do not mean to say, however, that the sentiment of Ilse to-
wards the anchorite underwent this violent revulsion from detes-
tation to reverence; for the utmost that Ulrike could obtain in his
favour was an admission that he was a sinner in whose behalf all
devout Christians might, without any manifest impropriety, occa-
sionally say an Ave. This small concession of Ilse sufficiently
favoured the wishes of her mistress, which were to follow the her-
mit to the abbey church, to kneel at its altars, and to mingle her
prayers with those of the penitent, on this the anniversary of his
crime, for pardon and peace. We pretend not to show by what
cord of human infirmity the wife of Heinrich Trey was led into
the indulgence of a sympathy so delicate, with one to whom her
hand had formerly been plighted; for we are not acting here in
the capacity of censors of female propriety, but as those who en-
deavour to expose the workings of the heart, be they for good or
he they for evil. It is sufficient for our object, that the result of
the whole picture shall he a lesson favour-able to virtue and truth.
So soon as Ulrike found she could lead her companion in the
way she wished, without incurring the risk of listening to stale
morals dealt out with profuse garrulity, she took the path directly
towards the convent. As the reader has most probably perused
our Introduction, there is no necessity of saying more than that
Ulrike and her attendant proceeded by the route we ourselves
took in going from one mountain to the other. But the progress of
Ilse was far slower than that described as our own, in ascending
to the Heidenmauer under the guidance of Christian Kinzel. The
descent itself was long and slow, for one of her infirmities and
years, and the ascent far more tedious and painful. During
the latter, even Ulrike was glad to halt often, to recover breath,
though they went up by the horse-path over which they had rid-
den in the morning.
The character of the night had not changed. The moon ap-
peared to wade among fleecy clouds as before, and the light was
misty, but sufficient to render the path distinct. At this hour, the
pile of the convent loomed against the sky, with its dark Gothic
walls and towers, resembling a work of giants, in which those who
had reared the structure were reposing from their labours. Ac-
customed as she was to worship at its altars, Ulrike did not now
approach the gate without a sentiment of admiration. She raised
her eyes to the closed portal, to the long ranges of dark and
sweeping walls, and everywhere she met evidences of midnight
tranquillity. There was a faint glow upon the side of the narrow
giddy tower that contained the bells, and which flanked the gate;
'and she knew that it came from a lamp that burnt before the
image of the Yirgin in the court. This gave no sign that even the
THE HEIDEHITATTEE. 157
porter was awake. She stepped, however, to the wicket, and rang
the night-bell. The grating of the bolts quickly announced the
presence of one within.
 Who cometh to Limburg at this hour ? demanded the porter,
holding the wicket chained, as if distrusting treachery.
 A penitent to pray.
The tones of the voice assured the keeper of the gate, who had
means also of examining the stranger with the eye, and he so far
opened the wicket as to permit the form of Ulrike to be dis-
tinctly seen.
 It is not usual to admit thy sex within these holy walls, after
the morning mass hath been said, and the confessionals are empty.
 There are occasions on which the rule may be broken, and the
solemn ceremony of to-night is one.
 I know not that.—Our reverend Abbot is severe in the ob-
servance of all decencies  ...
"Nay, I am one closely allied to him in whose behalf this
service is given, said Ulrike hastily.—"Repel me not, for the
love of God!
 Art thou of his kin and blood ?
 Not of that tie, she answered, in the checked manner of one
who felt her own precipitation,  but bound to his hopes by the
near interests of a flection and sympathy.
She paused, for at that instant the form of the anchorite filled
the space beside the porter. He had been kneeling before the
image of a crucifix hard by, and had been called from his prayers
by the soft appeal that betrayed Ulrike's interest in him, every
tone of which went to his heart.
 She is mine, he said, authoritatively;  she and her attendant
are both mine.—Let them enter!
Ulrike hesitated—she scarce knew why,—and Ilse, wearied with
her efforts, and impatient to be at rest, was obliged to impel her
forward. The hermit, as if suddenly recalled to the duty on
which he had come to the convent, turned and glided away. The
porter, who had received his instructions relative to him for whom
the mass was to be said, offered no further obstacle, but permitted
Ilse to conduct her mistress within. No sooner were the females
in the court than he closed and barred the wicket.
Ulrike hesitated no longer, though she trembled in every limb.
Dragging the loitering Ilse after her with difficulty, she took the
way directly towards the door of the chapel. With the exception
of the porter at the wicket, and the lamp before the Yirgin, all
seemed as dim and still within as it had been without the abbey
walls. Not even a sentinel of Duke Friedrich's men-at-arms was
visible; but this occasioned no surprise, as these troops were
known to keep as much aloof from the more religious part of the
tenants of Limburg as was possible.^ The spacious buildings, in
the rear of the Abbot's dwelling, might well have lodged double
their number, and in these it was probable they were now housed.
As for the monks, the lateness of the hour, and the nature of the
approaching service, fully accounted for their absence.
158 THE HEIDENMAHEK.
The door of the abbey church was always open._ This usage is
nearly common to every Catholic place of worship in towns of any
size, and it contains an affecting appeal, to the passenger, to
remember the Being in whose honour the temple has been raised.
The custom is,_ in general, turned to account equally by the pious
and the inquisitive, the amateur of the arts, and the worshipper
of God ; and it is to be regretted that the former, more especially
when they belong to a different persuasion or sect, should not
oftener remember, that their taste becomes bad, when it is in-
dulged at the expense of that reverence which should mark all
the conduct of man in the immediate presence of his Creator. On
the present occasion, however, there were none present to treat
either the altar or its worship with levity. When Ulrike and
Ilse entered the chapel, the candles of the great altar were lighted,
and the lamps of the choir threw a gloomy illumination on its
sombre architecture. The fretted and painted vault above, the
carved oak of the stalls, the images of the altar, and the grave
and kneeling warriors in stone, that decorated the tombs, stood
out prominent ia the relief of their own deep shadows.
If it be desirable to quicken devotion by physical auxiliaries,
surely all that was necessary to reduce the mind to deep and con-
templative awe existed here. The officials of the altar swept past
the gorgeous and consecrated structure, in their robes of duty;
grave, expectant monks were in their stalls, and Boniface himself
sat on his throne, mitred and clad in vestments of embroidery.
It is possible that an inquisitive and hostile eye might have de-
tected in some weary countenance or heavy eyelid, longings for the
pillow, and little sympathy in the offices; but there were others
who entered on their duties with zeal and conviction. Among
the last was Father Arnolph, whose pale features and thoughtful
eye were seen in his stall, where he sat regarding the preparations
with the tranquil patience of one accustomed to seek his happiness
in the duties of his vow. To him might be put in contrast the
unquiet organs and severe, rather than mortified, lineaments of
Father Johan, who glanced hurriedly from the altar, and its rich
decorations, to the spot where the anchorite knelt, as if to calcu-
late to what degree of humiliation and bitterness it were possible
to reduce the bruised spirit of the penitent.
Odo of Ritterstein, for there no longer remains a reason for re-
fusing to the anchorite his proper appellation, had placed himself
near the railing at the foot of the choir, on his knees, where he
continued with his eyes fixed on the golden vessel that contained
the consecrated host he had once outraged—the offence which he
had now come, as much as in him lay, to expiate. The light fell
but faintly on his form, but it served to render every furrow that
grief and passion had drawn athwart his features more evident.
Ulrike studied his countenance, seen as it was in circumstances of
so little flattery ; and, trembling, she knelt by the side of Ilse, on
the other side of the little gate that served to communicate be-
tween the body of the church and the choir. Just as she had as-
sumed this posture, Gottlob stole from among the pillars, and
THE HEIDEHMATJEK. 159
knelt in tlie distance, on tlie flags of the great aisle. He had
come to the mass as a ceremony refused to none.
So strong was the light around the altar, and so obscure the
aisles below, that it was with difficulty Bonifacius could assure him-
self of the presence of him in whose behalf this office was had.
But when, by contracting his heavy front, so as to form a sort of
screen of his shaggy brows, he was enabled to distinguish the
form of Odo, he seemed satisfied, and motioned for the worship to
proceed.
There is little need to repeat the details of a ceremony it has
been our office already to relate in these pages; but as the music
and other services had place in the quiet and calm of midnight,
they were doubly touching and solemn. There was the same
power of the single voice as in the morning, or rather on the pre-
ceding day_, for the turn of the night was now passed, and the
same startling effect was produced, even on those who were accus-
tomed to its thrilling and superhuman melody. As the mass pro-
ceeded, the groans of the anchorite became so- audible, that, at
times, these throes of sorrow threatened to interrupt the cere-
monies. The heart of Ulrike responded to each sigh that escaped
the bosom of Odo, and, ere the first prayers were ended, her face
was bathed in tears.
The examination of the different countenances of the brother-
hood, during this scene, would have been a study worthy of a
deep inquirer into the varieties of human character, or of those
who love to trace the various forms in which the same causes work
on different tempers. Each groan of the anohorite lighted the
glowing features of Father Johan with a species of holy delight,
as_ if he triumphed in the power of the offices; and, at each
minute, his head, was bent inquiringly in the direction of the rail-
ing, while his ear listened eagerly for the smallest sound that
might favour his desires. On the other hand, the working of the
Prior's features were those of sorrow and sympathy. Every sigh
that reached him awakened a feeling of pity—blended with pious
joy, it is true—but a pity that was deep, distinct, and_ human.
Bonifacius listened like one in authority, coldly, and with little
concern in what passed, beyond that which was attached to a pro-
per observance ot the ritual; and, from time to time, he bent his
head on his hand, while he evidently pondered on things that had
little connection with what was passing before his eyes. Others of
the fraternity manifested more or less of devotion, according to
their several characters ; and a few found means to obtain portions
of sleep, as the rites admitted of the indulgence.
In this manner did the community of Limburg pass the first
hours of the day, or rather of the morning, that succeeded the
sabbath of this tale. It may have been, afterwards, source of
consolation to those among them that were most zealous in the ob-
servance of their vows, that they were thus passed; for events
were near that had a lasting influence, not only on their own des-
tinies, but on those of the very region in which they dwelt.
The strains of the last hymn were rising into the vault above
L 2
ISO the heidenhahee.
the choir, when, amid the calm, that exquisite voice never failed
to produce, there came a low rushing sound, which might have
been taken for the murmuring of wind, or for the suppressed hum
of a hundred voices. "When it was first heard, stealing among the
ribbed arches of the chapel, the cow-herd arose from his knees,
and disappeared in the gloomy depths of the church. The monks
turned their heads, as by a general impulse, to listen, but the com-
mon action was as quickly succeeded by grave attention to the
rites. Bonifacius, indeed, seemed uneasy, though it was like a
man who scarce knew why. His gray eyes roamed over the body
of darkness that reigned among the distant columns of the church,
and then they settled, with vacancy, on the gorgeous vessels of
the altar. The hymn continued, and its soothing power appeared
to quiet every mind, when the sound of tumult at the great gate
of the outer wall became too audible and distinct to admit of
doubt. The whole brotherhood arose as a man, and the voice of
the singer was mute. Ulrike clasped her hands in agony, while
even Odo of Ritterstein forgot his grief in the rude nature of the
interruption.
CHAPTER XYIII.
 Thy reason, dear venom, give thy reason!"—Twelfth Night.
It is scarcely necessary to explain, that the man who had accom-
panied Ulrike and Ilse to the gate of Duerckheim, was Heinrich
Frey. No sooner had his wife disappeared, and his short confer-
ence with the men on watch was ended, than the Burgomaster
hurried towards that quarter of the town which lay nearest to the
entrance of the Jaegerthal. Here he found collected a band of a
hundred burghers, chosen from among their townsmen, for resolu-
tion and physical force. They were all equipped, according to
the fashion of the times, with such weapons of offence as suited
their several habits and experience. "We might also add, that, as
each good man_, on going forth on the present occasion, had seen
fit to consult his bosom's partner, there was more than the usual
display of headpieces, ana breastplates, and bucklers.
When with his followers, and assured of their exactitude and
numbers, the Burgomaster, who was a man nowise deficient in
courage, ordered the postern to be opened, and issued first him-
self into the field. The townsmen succeeded in their allotted order,
observing the most profound silence. Instead of taking the direct
road to the gorge, Heinrich crossed the rivulet by a private bridge,
pursuing a footpath that led him up the ascent of the most ad-
vanced of the mountains on that side of the valley. The reader
will understand, that this movement placed the party on the hill
which lay directly opposite to that of the Heidenmauer. _ At the
period of the tale, cedars grew on the two mountains alike, and
the townsmen,_ of course, had the advantage of being concealed
from observation. A half-hour was necessary to effect this
lodgment, with sufficient caution and secrecy; but once made, the
THE HEIDENMAUEE. 161
whole hand seemed to consider itself beyond the danger of dis-
covery. The men then continued the march with less attention to
order and silence, and even their leaders began to indulge in dis-
course. Their conversation was, however, guarded, like that of
those who felt they were engaged in an enterprise of hazard.
 'Tis said, neighbour Dietrich, commenced the Burgomaster,
speaking to a sturdy smith, who acted on this occasion as lieute-
nant to the commander-in-chief, an honour that was mainly due
to the power of his arm, and who, emboldened by his temporary
rank, had advanced nearly to Heinrich's side,  'Tis said, neigh-
bour Dietrich, that these Benedictines are like bees, who never go
forth but in the season of plenty, and rarely return without rich
contribution to their hive. Thou art a reflecting and solid towns-
man, one that is little moved by the light opinions of the idle, and
a burgher that knoweth his own rights, which is as much as to
say, his own interests, and one that well understandeth the neces-
sity of preserving all of our venerable usages and laws, at least in
such matters as touch the permanency of the welfare of those that
may lay claim to have a welfare. I speak not now of the varlets
who belong, as it were, neither to heaven nor earth, being con-
demned of both to the misery of houseless and irresponsible
knaves, but of men of substance, that, like thee and thy craft, pay
scot and lot, keep bed and board, and are otherwise to be marked
for their usefulness and natural rights; and this brings me to my
point, which is neither more nor less than to say, that God hath
created all men equal, and therefore it is our right, no less than
our duty, to see that Duerckheim is not wronged, especially in
that part of her interests that belong, in particularity, to her sub-
stantial inhabitants. Do I say that which is reasonable, or do I
deceive both myself and thee, friend smith?
Heinrich had a reputation for eloquence and logic, especially
among his own partisans, and his appeal was now made to one
who was little likely to refuse him any honour. Dietrich was one
of those animal philosophers who seem specially qualified by na-
ture to sustain a parliamentary leader, possessing a good organ,
with but an indifferent intellect to derange its action. His mind
had precisely the description of vacuum which is so necessary to
produce a good political or moral echo, more particularly when
the proposition is false ; for the smallest addition to his capacity
might have had such an effect on his replies, as a sounding-board
is known to possess in defeating the repetitions of the voice.
 By Saint Benedict, Master Heinrich, he answered, "for it is
permitted to invoke the saint, though we so little honour his
monks, it were well for Duke Friedrich had he less wine in his
Heidelberg tuns, and more of your wisdom in his councils! What
you have just proclaimed is no other than what I have myself
thought these many years, though never able to hammer down an
idea into speech so polished ana cutting as this of your worship.
Let them that deny what I say take up their weapons, and I will
repose on my sledge as on an argument not to be answered. We
must, in 'sooth, see Duerckheim righted, and more is the need,
162 THE HEIDENMATTEB.
since there is this equality between all men, as hath just been so
well said.
_ "Nay, this matter of equality is one much spoken of, but as
little understood. Look you, good Dietrich ; give me thy ear for
a few minutes, and thou shalt get an insight into its justice. Here
are we of the small towns born with all properties and wants of
those in your large capitals. Are we not men to need our privileges ?
—or are we not human, that air is unnecessary for breath ?—I
think thou wilt not gainsay either of these truths.
 He that would do it is little better than an ass.
 This being established, therefore, naught remains but to show
the conclusion. We, having the same rights as the largest towns
in the Empire, should be permitted to enjoy them; else is lan-
guage little better than mockery, and a municipal privilege of no
more value than a serfs oath.
 This is so clear, I marvel any should deny it. And what say
they of the villages, Master Burgomaster ? Will they, think you,
sustain us in this holy eause?
 Nay, I touch not on the villages, good smith, since they have
neither burgomasters nor burghers; and where there is so little
to sustain a cause, of what matter is resistance. I speak chiefly
of ourselves, and of towns having means, which is a case so clear,
that it were manifest weakness to confound it with any other.
He that hath right of his side, were a fool to enter into league
with any of doubtful franchises. All have their natural and holy
advantages, but those are the best which are most clear by their
riches and force.
 I pray you, worshipful Heinrich, grant me but a single favour,
an' you love me so much as a hair.
"Name thy will, smith.
 That I may speak of this among the townsmen-—such wis-
dom, and conclusion so evident, should not be cast to the winds.
 Thou knowest I do not discourse for vain applause.
 By my father's bones ! I will touch upon it with discretion,
most honourable Burgomaster, and not as one of vain speech—
your honour knows the difference between a mere street babbler
and one that hath a shop.
 Have it as thou wilt; but I fake not the merit of originality,
for there are many good and substantial citizens, and some states-
men, who think much in this manner.
 Well, it is happy that Hod hath not gifted all alike, else might
there have been great and unreasonable equality, and some would
have arrived to honours they were little able to bear. But having
so clearly explained your most excellent motives, worshipful
Heinrich,. wilt condesoend to lighten the march by an application
of its truth to the enterprise on which we go forth ?
 That may be done readily, for no tower in the Palatinate is
more obvious. Here is Limburg, and yon is Duerckheim ; rival
communities, as it were, in interests and hopes, and of necessity
but little disposed to do each other favour. Nature, which is a
great master of all questions of right and wrong, sayeth that
THE HEIEENMATTEE. 163
Duerekheim stall not harm Limburg, nor Limburg, Duerekheim.
•—Isthis clear?
 Himmel! as the flame of a furnace, honourable Burgo«
master.
"Now, it being thus settled, that there shall be no interference
in each other's concerns, we yield to necessity, and go forth armed,
in order to prevent Limburg doing wrong to a principle that all
just men admit to be inviolable. You perceive the nicety; we
confess that what we do is weak in argument, and the greater
need it should be strong in execution. We are no madcaps to
unsettle a principle to gain our ends, but then all must have
heed to their interests, and what we do is with a reserve of doc-
trine.
 This relieves my soul from a mountain, exclaimed the
smith, who bad listened with a sort of earnestness that denotes
honesty of purpose; "naught can be more just, and woe to him
that shall gainsay it, while back of mine carries harness!
In this manner did Heinrich and his lieutenant lighten the
way by subtle discourse, and by arguments that we feel some
consciousness may subject us to the imputation of plagiarisms, but
for which we can vouch as genuine, on the authority of Christian
Kinzel, already so often named.
The high and disinterested intellect that is active in regulating
the interests of the world has been so often alluded to, in other
places and on different occasions, that it is quite useless to expa-
tiate on it here. We have already said, that Heinrich Frey was a
stout friend of the conservative principle, which, reduced to prac-
tice, means little more than that
 They shall get, who have the power,
And they shall keep, who can.
Justice, like liberality, has great reservations, and perhaps there
are few countries in the present advanced condition of the human
species, that does not daily employ some philosophy of the same
involved character as this of Heinrich, supported by reasoning as
lucid, irresistible, and nervous.
The direction in which the band of Duerckheimers proceeded,
led them, by a tortuous way, it is true, but surely, to the side of
the valley on which the Castle of Hartenburg stood. Heinrich,
however, brought his followers to a halt long before they had
made the circuit which would have been necessary to reach the
hold of Count Emich. The place he chose for the collection and
review of the band, was about midway between Duerekheim and
the castle, pursuing a line that conformed to the sinuosities and
variations of the foot of the mountain. It was in an open grove,
where the shadows of the trees effectually concealed the presence
of the unusual company. Here refreshments were taken by all,
for the good people of the town were much addicted to practices
of this consolatory nature, and the occasion must have been doubly
urgent that could induce them to overlook the calls of the
appetite.
164 THE HEIDENMATTEE.
 Seest tHou aught of our allies, honest smith? demanded
Heinrich of his lieutenant, who had been sent a short distance
along the brow of the hill to reconnoitre.  It were unseemly in
men so trained as our friend, to be lacking at need.
 Doubt them not, Master Heinrich. I know the knaves well;
they merely tarry to lighten their packs by the way, in consump-
tions like this of our own. Dost see the manner in which the
Benedictines affect tranquillity, worshipful Burgomaster ?
'' 'Tis their usual ghostly hypocrisy, brave Dietrich; but we shall
uncloak them. Grood will come of our enterprise, for, of a truth,
by this-spirit on our part, which shall for ever demonstrate the
necessity of not meddling in the concerns of a neighbour, we settle
all uncertainties between us. By the Kings of Koeln! is it to be
tolerated, that a gownsman shall hoodwink a townsman to the day
of judgment ?—Is there not a light in the abbey chapel ?
 The reverend fathers pray against their enemies. Dost think,
worshipful Burgomaster, that the tale concerning the manner in
which those heavy stones were carried up on Limburg Hill has re-
ceived small additions by oft telling ?
 It may be thus, Dietrich; for naught, unless it may be damp
snow, gaineth more by repeated rolling, than your story.
 And gold, rejoined the smith, chuckling in a manner not to
displease his superior, since it palpably intimated the idea he en-
tertained of the Burgomaster's success in accumulating money, an
idea that is always pleasant to those who deem prosperity of this
nature to be the principal end of life— Grold well rolled increases
marvellously! I am of your mind, Master Heinrich; for to speak
truth, I much question whether the Evil Spirit would have
troubled himself with so light an affair as carrying the smaller
material a foot. As to the heavy columns, and the hewn key-
stones, with other loads of weight, it was not so much beneath his
character, and may be considered as probable. I have never con-
tradicted that part of the legend, for it hath likelihood to back it,
but—ha! here cometh the succour.
The approach of a band of men, who came from the direction of
Hartenburg, always keeping along the margin of the hills, and
within the shadows, absorbed all attention. This second party
was treble the force of the townsmen; like them it was armed,
and, like them, it showed every sign of military preparation. When
it had halted, which it did at a little distance from the band of
Heinrich, as if it were not deemed advisable to blend the two
bodies in one, a warrior advanced to the spot where the Burgo-
master had taken post. The new comer was well but lightly armed,
wearing head-piece and harness, and carrying his sword at rest.
 Who leadeth the Duerckheimers? he demanded, when near
enough to trust his voice.
 Their poor Burgomaster, in person; would there had been a
better for the duty! '
 Welcome, worshipful sir, said the other, bowing with more
than usual respect. "In my turn, I come at the head of Count
Emich's followers.
THE HEIDEHMAHER
165
 How art thou styled, brave captain?
 'lis a name but little worthy to be classed with yours, Herr
Frey. But such as it is, I disown it not. I am Berebtbold Hin-
termayer.
 Umpb!—A young leader for so grave an enterprise!—I bad
hoped for the honour of thy lord's company.
It is well known to most of our readers, that every baron of
note, at the time of which we write, entertained more or fewer
dependants, who, succeeding to the regularly banded vassals of
the earlier ages, held a sort of middle station between the servitor
and the soldier. There stands a noble ruin, called Pierrefont,
within a day's ride of Paris, and on the very verge of a royal
forest—a forest that in some of its features approaches nearer to
an American wood than any we have yet met in the other hemi-
sphere—which Castle of Pierrefont is known to have been the
hold of one of these warlike nobles, who did many and manifest
wrongs to the lieges of the king, even in an age considerably later
than this of our tale. In short, European society, just then, was
in the state of transition, beginning to reject the trammels of
feudalism, and struggling to wear its bonds, at least in a new and
less troublesome form. But the importance and political authority
of the Counts of Leiningen fully entitled them to preserve a train
that barons of lesser note were beginning to abandon, and conse-
quently all of their castles had many of these loose followers,
who have since been entirely superseded by the regularly em-
bodied and trained troops of our own time.
The smith found much to approve, and something to censure,
in the party that Berchthold had led to their support. So far as
recklessness of character and object, audacity in acts, and indiffe-
rence to moral checks, were concerned, a better troop could not
have been desired, for more than half of them were men who
lived by the excesses of the community, occupying exactly that
position in the social scale that fungi do in the vegetable, or that
sores and blotches fill in the physical economy of the species.
But in respect to thews and sinews, a primary consideration with
the smith in estimating the value of every man he saw, they were
much inferior, as a body, to the townsmen, in whom orderly
living, gainful and regular industry, had permitted the animal to
become developed. There was, however, a band of peasants,
drawn from among the mountains, or inhabitants of the hamlet
beneath the castle walls, who, though less menacing in air, and
bold of speech, were youths that Dietrich thought only required
the Duerckheim training to become heroes.
"When Heinrioh and Berchthold rejoined their respective follow-
ers, after the private discourse, all discontent was banished from
the former's brow, and both immediately occupied themselves in
making the dispositions necessary to the success of the common
enterprise. The wood, in which they had halted, lay directly
166 THE HEIDENHAHER.
opposite to tlie inner extremity of the abbey hill, from which it
was separated by a broad and perfectly even meadow. The dis-
tance, though not great, was sufficient to render it probable, that
the approach of the invaders would be seen by some of the senti-
nels, whom, there was little doubt, the men-at-arms lent by the
Elector to the monks, maintained, were it only for their own
security. Limburg was not a fortress, its impunity being due
altogether to the moral power that the Church, to which it be-
longed, still wielded, though it were so much weakened in that
part of Germany; but its walls were high and solid, its towers
numerous, its edifices massive, and all was so disposed that a body
within, resolutely bent on resistance, might well have set at de-
fiance a force like that which now came against it.
Of all these truths Heinrich was sensible, for he had shown
courage and gained experience in the defence of places, during
a life that was now past its meridian, and which had been neces-
sarily spent amid the tumults and contentions of that troubled
age. He looked about him, therefore, with greater seriousness, in
order to ascertain on whom he might rely, and the fine and col-
lected deportment of Berchthold Hintermayer gave him that sort
of satisfaction which brave men feel by communion with kindred
spirits in the moment of danger. When every necessary dispo-
sition was made, the party advanced, moving deliberately to pre-
serve their order, and conscious that breath would be necessary in
mounting the steep declivity.
Perhaps there is no time in which the ingenuity of man is more
active than in those moments when he has a sensitive consciousness
of being wrong, and consequently a feverish desire to vindicate his
works or acts to himself, as well as to others. _ A deep conviction
of truth, and the certainty of being right, -fortifies the mind with
a high moral dignity, that even disinclines it to the humility of
vindication. _ Thus he who rushes from a dispute in which his
own convictions cause him to distrust his own arguments, into
rash and general asseverations, betrays the goadings of conscience
rather than spirit, and weakens the very cause that it may be his
wish to establish. An arrogant assumption of knowledge, especially
in matters that our previous habits and education rather disqualify
than teach us to comprehend, can only lead to contradiction and
detection; and although circumstances may lend a momentary
and fallacious support to error, the triumph of truth is as certain
as its punishments are severe. Happily, this is an age in which
no sophistry can long escape unscathed, nor any injury to natural
i'ustice go long unrequited. No matter where the wrong to truth
ias been committed—on the throne, or in the cabinet, in the senate,
or by means of the press—society is certain to avenge itself for the
deceptions of which it has been the dupe, and its final judgments
are recorded on that opinion which lasts long after the specious
triumphs of the plausible are forgotten. It were well -that they
who abuse their situations, by 9 reckless disregard of consequences,
in order to obtain a momentary object, oftener remembered this
fact, for they would spare themselves the mortification, and in
THE HEIDEHMATTEK. 167
some cases the infamy, that is so sure to rest on him who dis-
regards right to attain an end.
Heinrich. Frey greatly distrusted the lawfulness of the enter-
Erise in which he was engaged; for, unlike his companions, he
ad the responsibility of advising, as well as that of execution, on
his head. He had, therefore, a restless wish to find reasons of jus-
tifieation for what he did; and as he marched, slowly across the
meadows, with Berchthold and the smith at his side, his tongue
gave utterance to his thoughts.
 There cannot he any manner of doubt of the necessity and jus-
tiee of what we do to Limburg, Master Hintermayer, he said ; for
men usually affirm in all dubious cases with a confidence precisely
in an inverse ratio to the distrust they feel of the rectitude of their
cause:— else why are we here ? Is Limburg for ever to trouble
the valley and the plain, with its accursed exactions and avarice,
or are we slaves for shaven monks to trample on ?
 There are sufficient reasons, of a truth, for what we do, Herr
Burgomaster, answered Berchthold, whose mind had taken a
strong bias to the new change in religious opinions that were then
fast gaining ground.  When we have so good motives, let us look
no further.
 Hay, young man, I am certain that the honest smith here will
say, no nail that he drives into a hoof can be too well clenched.
 That fact is out of all question, Master Berchthold, answered
Dietrich, "and therefore must his worship be right in the whole
argument.
 Let it be so; I shall never gainsay the necessity of breaking
up a nest of drones.
 I call them not drones, young Berchthold, nor do I come to
break them up ; but simply to show the world, that he who would
deal with the affairs of Duerckheim hath need of a lesson to teach
him not to enter his neighbour's grounds.
 This is wholesome, and will bring great credit on our town,
responded the smith.  The more the pity that we do not press
the same matter home upon the Elector too, who hath of late
raised new pretensions to our earnings.
 With the Elector the affair may not be discussed, for his in-
terference is of too strong a quality to eall upon our manhood in
maintaining the right ot non-interference. These subtle ques-
tions of law are not to be learned over a furnace, but need nice
capacities to render them clear; but clear they are, to all who
have the power to understand them. It is more than probable,
that to thee, Dietrich, they are not so manifest; but wert thou
one of the town council, thou shouldst'look into the question with
different eyes.
 That 1 doubt not, honourable Heinrich—that I doubt not.
Could but such an honour light on one of my name and breeding
—Himmel! the worshipful council should find a man ready to
believe any nicety of this sort, or indeed of any other sort.
 Ha! There is a light at yonder loop, exclaimed Berchthold..
 This bodes well.
168 THE HEIDENMATTEB.
 Hast a friend in tlie Abbey ?
 Gio to, Herr Burgomaster—this toucb.es on excommunication;
—but I much like yon light at the loop.
 Let there be silence, whispered Heinrichto those in his rear,
who passed the order to their fellows.  We draw near.
The party was now at the foot of the hill. Hot a sign of their
approach being known had yet met them ; unless a single taper
placed at a dungedh-loop could thus he interpreted. On the con-
trary, the stillness already described in the approach of Ulrike,
reigned over the whole 01 the vast pile. But neither Heinrich
nor his companion liked this fearful quiet, for it boded a defence
the more serious when it did come. They would have greatly
preferred an open resistance, and nothing would have more re-
lieved the minds of the two leaders, than to have been able to
command a rush, under a hot discharge from the arquebusiers of
Duke Friedrich. But this relief was refused them, and the whole
band reached a point of the hill, under a flanking tower, where it
became necessary to abandon all idea of cover, and to_ make a
swift movement to gain the road. It was the rush of this evolu-
tion which first disturbed the monks in the chapel. The second
interruption proceeded from the ruder sounds of the assault that
immediately after was made upon the outer gate itself.
CHAPTER XIX.
 I'll never
Be such a ghostling to obey instinct, but stand
As if a man were author of himself,
And knew no other line."—Coriolanus.
The assailants, as has been seen, were led by the Burgomaster,
and his two lieutenants, Berchthold and the smith. Close at the
heels of the latter followed three of his own journeymen^ each,
like his master, armed with a massive sledge. Ho sooner did the
party reach the gate, than these artisans commenced the duty of
Eioneers, with great readiness and skill. At the third blow, from
•ietrich's brawny arm, the gate flew open, and those in front
rushed into the court.
"Who art thou? cried Berchthold, seizing a man who knelt
with a knee on another's breast, immediately across his passage;
 speak! for this is not a moment of trifling.
 Master forester, be less hot, and remember thy friends. Dost
not see it is Gottlob that holdeth the convent porter, lest the
knave should use the additional bars. There are strangers within,
and to consult his ease, the faithless varlet hath not done his fas-
tenings properly, else mightest thou have pounded till Duke Fried-
rich's men were upon thee.
 Bravely done, foster-brother! Thy signal was seen and
counted on; but since thou knowest the ways so well, lead on at
once against the men-at-arms.
THE HEIDENMAT7EE. 169
 Himmel! The rogues have bristly beards, well grizzled with
war, and may not like to have their sleep thus suddenly broken;
but service must be done. Choose the most godly of thy followers,
worshipful Burgomaster, to go against the monks, who are forti-
fled in their choir, and well armed with prayer; while I will lead
the more carnal to another sort of work against the Elector's
people.
While this short dialogue had place,-the whole of the assailants
poured through the gate, their officers_ endeavouring to' maintain,
something like order among the ill-trained hand. All felt the im-
perious necessity of first disposing of the troops; for, as respects
the monks themselves, there was certainly no cause of immediate
apprehension. A few were left, therefore, to guard the gate, while
Heinrich, guided by the cow-herd, led his followers toward the
building where the men-at-arms were known to lodge.
If we were to say that the party advanced to this attack with-
out concern, we should overrate their valour, and do the reputa-
tion of the Elector's men injustice. There was sacrilege in the
invasion of the convent, according to the predominant opinions of
the age; for though Protestantism had made great progress, even
reformers had grievous doubts in severing the bonds of habit and
long-established prejudices. To this lurking sentiment was added
the unaccountable silence that still reigned among the men-at-
arms, who, as Gottlob had said, were known to be excellent sol-
diers at need. They lay in the rear of the Abbot's dwelling, and
were sufficiently intrenched behind walls, and among the gardens,
to make a fierce resistance.
But all these considerations rather flashed upon the minds of the
leaders, than they were maturely weighed. In the moment of
assault there is little leisure for thought, especially when the affair
gets to be as far advanced as this we are now describing. The
men rushed towards the point of attack, accordingly, beset by mis-
givings rather than entertaining any very clear ideas of the dan-
gers they ran.
t Gottlob had evidently made the best of the time he had been at
liberty in the Abbey, to render himself master of the intricate
windings of the different passages. He was soon at the door of the
Abbot's abode, which was dashed into splinters by a single blow
of Dietrich's sledge, when there poured a stream of reckless, and
we may add lawless, soldiery through the empty apartments. In
another moment,_ the whole of the assailants were in the grounds
in the rear of this portion of the dwellings.
As there is nothing that more powerfully rebukes violence than
a calm firmness, so there is nothing so appalling to, or so likely
to repulse, an assault, as a coolness that seems to set the onset at
defiance. In such moments^ the imagination is apt to become
more formidable than the missiles of an enemy ; conjuring dan-
gers in the place of those which, in the ordinary course of warfare,
might be lightly estimated were they seen. Every one knows
that the moment which precedes the shock of battle is by far the
most trying to the constancy of man, and a reservation of the
170 THE HEIDENMATJER.
means of resistance is prolonging tliat moment, and of course
increasing its influence.
Every man among the hostile hand, even to the leaders, felt the
influence of this mysterious quiet among the troops of the Elector.
So imposing, in fact, did it become, that they halted in a group—
a position, of all others, most likely to expose them to defeat'—and
there was a low rumour of mines and ambuscades.
Berchthold perceived that the moment was critical, and that
there was imminent danger of defeat.
 Follow! he cried, waving his sword, and springing towards
the silent buildings in which it was known the men-at-arms were
quartered. He was valiantly seconded by the Burgomaster and
the smith, when the whole party resumed its courage, and ad-
vanced tumultuously against the doors and windows. The sounds
of the sledges, and the yielding of bars and bolts, came next; after
which the rush penetrated to the interior. The cries of the assail-
ants rang among empty vaults. There was the straw, the rem-
nants of food, the odour of past debauches, and all the usual dis-
gusting signs of ill-regulated barracks; for in that day neatness
and method did not descend far below the condition of the affluent;
but no cry answered cry, no sworfl or arquebuse was raised to meet
the blow of the invader. Stupor was the first feeling on gaining
the knowledge of this important fact. Then Heinrich and Bercht-
hold both issued orders to bring the captured porter, who was in
the centre of the assailants, before them.
 Explain this, said the Burgomaster, authoritatively; "what
hath become of Duke Friedrich's followers ?
 They departed at the turn of the night, worshipful Herr, leav-
ing Limburg to the care of its patron saint.
"Gone! whither, and in what manner? If thou deceivest
me, knave, thy Saint Benedict himself shall not save thee from a
flaying!
 I pray you be not angered, great magistrate, for I say nothing
but truth. There came an order from the Elector, as the sun set,
recalling his meanest warrior; for, it is said, he is sore pressed,
and hath great need of succour.
The silence which followed this explanation was succeeded by a
shout, and individuals began to steal eagerly away from the main
body, bent on their own designs of pillage.
 What road took the Duke's men ?
 Worshipful Heinrich, they went down by the horse-path, in
great secrecy and order, and passed up the opposite mountain, in
order to escape troubling the townsmen to open the gates at that
late hour. It was their intention to cross the cedars of the Hei-
denmauer, and, descending on the other side of the camp, to gain
the plain in the rear of Duerckheim.
There no longer remained a doubt that the conquest was achieved,
and the entire party broke off in bands; some to execute their
private orders, and others, like those who had already proved de-
linquent, to look after their own particular interests.
Until this moment not a solitary straggler had gone near the
THE HEIDEXMATTER. 171
chapel. As it was not the wish of those who had planned the
assault to do personal injury to any of the fraternity, the orders
had been so worded as to leave this portion of the Abbey for a time
unvisited, in the expectation that the monks would profit by the
omission to escape by some of the many private posterns that
communicated with the cloisters. But, as there no longer was an
armed enemy to subdue, it now became necessary to think of the
fraternity. The process of sacking their dormitories was already
far advanced; and the bursts of exultation that began to issue
from the buildings, announced that the rich and commodious
dwelling of the Abbot himself was undergoing a similar summary
process.
_  Himmel! muttered Gottlob, who from the moment of his
liberation had not quitted the side of his foster-brother,  our
castle rogues are taking deep looks into the books of "the most
reverend_ Bonifacius, Master Berchthold! It were good to tell
them which are Latin, at least, lest they burthen their shoulders
with learning they can never use.
 Let the knaves plunder, replied Heinrich, gruffly;  as much
evil as good hath come from that store of letters, and it will be
all the better for Duerckheim were the damnable ammunition of
the Benedictines a little less plenty. There are those on the plains
who doubt that necromancy is bound up in some of the volumes
that bear a saint's name on their backs.'
Perhaps Berchthold might have remonstrated, had not his in-
stinct told him, that remonstrance on such a subject, in that
moment of riot and confusion, would have been worse than use-
less. The consequence was, that valuable works and numerous
manuscripts, which had been collected during centuries of learned
ease, were abandoned to the humour of men incapable of estimat-
ing their value, or even of understanding their objects.
 Let us to the monks, said Heinrich, sheathing his heavy
blade, for the first time since they had quitted the wood.  Friend
smith, thou wilt look to the duties here, and see that what is done
is done thoroughly. Eemember that thy metal is well heated, and
on the anvil, waiting thy pleasure; it must be beaten flat, lest at
another day it be remoulded into a weapon to do us harm. Go to,
Dietrich; thou knowest what we of the town would have, and
what we expect of thy skill.
Taking Berchthold by the arm, the Burgomaster led the way
towards that far-famed pile, the abbey church. They were fol-
lowed by a body of some twenty chosen artisans, who, throughout
the whole of that eventful night, kept close to the two leaders,
like men wbo had. been selected for this particular duty.
The same ominous silence reigned around the chapel as had
rendered the approach to the quarters of the men-at-arms impos-
ing. But here tbe invaders went against a different enemy. With
most then living, the mysterious power of the Church still pos-
sessed a deep and fearful interest. Dissenters had spoken boldly,
and the current of public opinion had begun to set strongly against
the Romish Church, in all that region, it is true; but it is not easy
172 THE HEIDENMAT7EE.
to eradicate by tbe mere efforts of reason, the deep roots that are
thrown out by habit and sentiment. At this very hour, we see
nearly the entire civilised world committing gross and evident
wrongs, and justifying its acts, if we look closely into its philoso-
phy, on a plea little better than that of a sickly taste formed by prac-
tices which in themselves cannot be plausibly vindicated. The very
vicious effects of every system are quoted as arguments in favour
of its continuance; for change is thought to be, and sometimes is,
a greater evil than the existing wrong; and men, in millions, are
doomed to continue degraded, ignorant, and brutal, simply because
vicious opinions refuse all sympathy with those whose hopeless lot
it has been to have fallen, by the adventitious chances of life, be-
neath the ban of society. In this manner does error beget error,
until even philosophy and justice are satisfied with making abor-
tive attempts to palliate a disease that a bolder and better practice
might radically cure. It will not occasion surprise, therefore,
when we say, that both Heinrich and Berchthold had heavy mis-
givings concerning the merit of their enterprise, as they drew
near the church. Perhaps no man ever much preceded his age,
without at moments distrusting his own principles; and it is
certain, that Luther himself was often obliged to wrestle with
harassing doubts. Berchthold was less troubled, however, than
his companion, for he acted under the orders of a superior, and
was both younger and better taught than the Burgomaster. The
first of these facts was sufficient of itself, under his habits, to
remove a load of responsibility from his shoulders, while the latter
not only weakened the influence of previous opinions, but caused
those which he had adopted to be well fortified. In short, there
existed between Heinrich and Berchthold that sort of difference
which all must have remarked in the advancing age in which we
live, between him who has inherited his ideas from generations
that have passed, and him who obtains them from his contempo-
raries. The young forester had grown into manhood since the
voice of the Reformer was first heard in Germany, and as it hap-
pened to be his lot to dwell among those who listened to the new
opinions, he had imbibed most of their motives of dissent, without
ever having been much subject to the counteracting influence of
an opposite persuasion. It is in this gradual manner, that nearly
all salutary moral changes are effected, since they who first enter-
tain them are rarely able to do more, in their generation, than to
check the progress of habit; while the duty of causing the current
to flow backward, and to take a new direction, devolves on their
successors.
In believing that Wilhelm of Yenloo would be foremost in de-
serting his post, in this moment of outrage and tumult, the
authors of the assault did him injustice. Though little likely to
incur the hazards or to covet the honours of martyrdom, the mas-
■culine mind of the Abbot elevated him altogether above the in-
fluence of any very abject passion; and if he had not self-corn-
mand to curtail the appetites, he had a dignity of intellect which
rarely deserts the mentally-gifted in situations of difficulty.
THE HEIDENMAUEB. 173
"When Heinrich and Berchthold, therefore, entered the church,
they found the entire community in the choir, remaining, like
Roman senators, to receive the blow in their collective and official
character. There might have been artifice, as -well as magna-
nimity, in the resolution which had decided Bonifacius to adopt
this course; for, coming as they did from the scene of brutal
violence without, those who entered the church were much im-
pressed by the quiet solemnity which met them.
The candles still burned before the altar, the lamps threw their
flickering light on the quaint architecture and the gorgeous orna-
ments of the chapel, while every pale face and shaven head he*-
neath, looked like some consecrated watchman, placed near the
shrine to protect it from pollution. Each monk was in his stall,
with the exception of the Prior and Father Johan, who had sta-
tioned themselves on the steps of the altar; the first as the
officiating priest of the late mass, and the latter under an impulse
of his governing and natural exaggeration, which moved him to
throw his person as a shield before the vessel that contained the
host. The Abbot was on his throne, motionless, indisposed to
yield, and haughty, though with features that betrayed great and
condensed passion.1
The Burgomaster and Berchthold advanced into the choir alone,
for their followers remained in the body of the church, in obe-
dience to a sign from the former. Both were uncovered, and while
they walked slowly up the choir, scarce a head moved. Every
eye seemed riveted, by a common spell, on the crucifix of precious
stones and ivory that stood upon the altar. The blood of Heinrich
crefeped under the influence of this solemn calm, and by the time
he had reached the steps, where he stood confronted equally to
the Abbot and the Prior, for the former of whom he had quite as
much fear as hatred, and for the latter an unfeigned love and
reverence, the resolution of the honest Burgomaster was sensibly
weakened.
"Who art thou? demanded Bonifacius, admirably timing
his question, by the indecision and the quailing eye of him he ad-
dressed.
 By Saint Benedict! my face is no such stranger in Limhurg
that you put this question, most holy Abbot, answered Heinrich,
making an effort to imitate the other's composure, that was very
sensible to himself, hut better concealed from others;  though
not shaven and blessed, like a monk, I am one well known to
most that dwell in or near Duerckheim.
 I had better said, ' What art thou ?' Thy name and office are
known to me, Heinrich Frey; but in what character dost thou now
presume to enter Limburg Church, and to show this want of re-
yerence to our altars ?
 T? speak thee fairly, reverend Bonifacius, 'tis in the character
of the head man of Duerckheim, a much-injured and long-abused
town, that is tired of monkish exactions and monkish pride, and
which hath at length assumed the office of doing itself justice,
that I appear. We are here to-night, not as peaceful citizens
M
174 THE HEIDEHMAUEB.
bent on prayers and hymn-singing, but armed, as thou seest, and
bold in the intention to do away a nuisance from the neighbour -
hood for ever.
 Thy words are as little friendly as thy guise, and what thou
gayest here, but too well answers to that which thy rude followers
perform beyond the walls of this consecrated spot. ' Hast thou
well pondered on this hold step of thy town, Herr Heinrich?
 If often pondering be well pondering, it hath been before us,
Bonifacius, at different meetings, and in various discussions, any
time this year past.
 And hast thou no dread of Rome?
 That_ is an authority which lessens daily in this Tegion, holy
Benedictine. Hot to deal doubly by thee, of the two we have
most distrusted the anger of Duke Friedrich; but that fear is
diminished by the certainty that he hath so much on his hands
just now, that his_ thoughts cannot easily turn to other affairs.
We did not know, in sooth, that he had recalled his men-at-arms,
but had counted on some angry discussion with those obstinate
warriors; and thou wilt easily comprehend that their absence
hath, in no manner, lessened our faith in our own cause.
 The Elector may regain his power, when a day of reckoning
will come for those who have dared to profit by his present dis-
tress.
 We are traders and artisans, good Bonifacius, aifd have made
our estimates with some nicety. If the Abbey must be paid for—
an event by no means certain—we shall count the bargain pro-
fitable, so long as it cannot be rebuilt. Brother Luther, we think,
is laying a corner-stone that will prevent the devil from ever at-
tempting to set up that which we now propose to throw down.
 This is thy final answer, Burgomaster?
"Hay, I say not that, Abbot. Send in thy terms to the town-
council to-morrow, and, if we can entertain them, it may happen
that a present accommodation shall stop all further claims. But
what has here been so happily commenced, must be as happily
finished.
 Then before I quit these holy walls, hearken to my maledic-
tion, returned Bonifacius, rising with priestly and practised dig-
nity,— on thee and on thy town—on all that call thee magistrate
—parent 
 Stay the dreadful words 1 cried a piercing female voice from
among the columns behind the choir. "Reverend and holy Abbot,
have mercy!  added Ulrike, pale, trembling, and shaken equally
with horror and alarm, though her eye was bright and wild, like
that of one sustained by more than human purpose: "holy Priest,
forbear! He knows not what he does. Madness hath seized on
him and on the town. They are but tools in the hands of one
more powerful than they.
At the appearance of Ulrike, Bonifacius resumed his seat, dis-
posed to await the effect of her appeal.
 Thou here ! said Heinrich, regarding his wife with surprise,
but entirely without anger or suspicion.
THE HEIDENMATTER. 175
 Happily here, to avert this fearful crime from thee and thy
household.
 I had thought thee at thy prayers with the poor Herr von
Ritterstein, in his comfortless hermitage of the Heidenmauer.
 And canst thou think of the deed which hath driven the Herr
Odo to this penitence and suffering, and stand here armed and
desperate ! Thou seest that years do not suffice to relieve a soul
on which the weight of sacrilege rests; oh! hadst thou been with
me, to witness the agony that preyed upon poor Odo, as he knelt
at yonder step, listening to the mass that hath this night been
said in his behalf, thou mightest better know how deep is the
wound made on the heart that hath been seared by God's
anger! _
 This is most strange ! rejoined the wondering Burgomaster;
"that those whom I had hoped well disposed of, and that in a
manner neither to suspect nor to trouble our enterprise, should
cross us at the moment when all is so near completion ! Sapper-
ment! young Berchthold, thou se°st in what manner matrimony
clogs the stoutest of us, though girded with the sword.
 And thou, Berchthold Hintermayer, son of my dearest friend
—child of my fondest hope—thou comest, too, on this unholy
errand, like the midnight robber, stealing upon the unarmed anil
consecrated!
 Hone love, or none reverence thee, more than I, Madame
Ulrike, answered the youth, bowing with sincere respect; "but
Wert thou to address thy speech to the Herr Heinrich, it would go
at once to him who directs our movements.
 Then on thee, Burgomaster, will be thrown the heaviest load
of Heaven's displeasure, as on the leader of the outrage. What
matters it that the Benedictines are grasping, or overweening in
their respect for themselves, or that some among them have for-
gotten their vows ? Is not this temple devoted to God ? Are not
these his altars, before which thou hast dared to come, with a hos-
tile heart and an angry purpose ?
 Go to, good Ulrike, returned Heinrich, saluting the cold but
ever handsome cheek of his wife, who leaned her head on his
shoulder to recall her faculties, while she firmly held his hand
with both her own, as if to stay his acts:  go to, thou art excel-
lent in thy way, but what can thy sex know of policy ? This mat-
ter hath been had up before many councils; and—by my beard!
—tongue of woman cannot shake the resolutions of Duerckbeim.
Go, depart with thy nurse, and leave us to do our pleasure.
"Is it thy pleasure, Heinrich, to brave Heaven? Dost thou
not know, that the crimes of the parent are visited on the child—
that the wrong done to-day, however we may triumph in present
success, is sure to revisit us in the dread shape of punishment ?
Were there no other power than conscience, so long as that fear-
ful scourge remains on earth, 'tis vain to expect immunity.
Dost thou owe all to thy Duerckheim council and its selfish
policy ? Hast thou forgotten the hour that my pious parents
gave thee my hand, and the manner in which thou then plighted
M 2
176 THE HEIEENMAUEE.
thy faith to protect me and mine, to assume the place of these
departed friends, to be father, and mother, and husband, to her
thou took to thy bosom? Is Meta—that child of our mutual
esteem—naught, that thou triflest with her peace and hopes?
Lay aside, then, these hasty intentions, and turn thy mind to
thine own abode; bethink thee of those whom nature and the
law condemn to suffer for thy faults, or to whom both have given
the dearer right to rejoice in thy clemency and mercy.
 Was ever woman so bent on crossing the noble duties of man,
said the Burgomaster, who, spite of himself, had been sensibly
moved by this hasty and comprehensive picture of his domestic
duties, and who was greatly troubled to find the means of extri-
eating himself from the position in which he stood.  Thou art
. better in thy chamber, good Ulrike. Meta will hear of this onset,
and have her fears. Go then, and calm the child; * thou shalt
have such escort as becometh my quality and thy deserts.
 Berchthold, I make the last appeal to thee. This cruel father,
this negligent husband, is too madly bent on his council, and on
the wild policy of the town, to remember God! But thou hast
young hopes and sentiments that become thy years and virtue.
Dost think, rash boy, that one like Meta will dare trust the last
chance of happiness to a participator in this crime, when such an
inheritance of guilt will be the portion that shall descend from her
own father?
A stir among the monks, who had hitherto listened with an at-
tention that vacillated between hope and fear, interrupted the
answers of the wavering Burgomaster and his young companion.
The movement was caused by the entrance of the group, which,
until now, had stood aloof in the obscurity of the great aisle, but
which seized the moment of doubt to advance into the centre of
the choir. One, closely muffled, walked from out its centre, and
throwing aside the cloak that had concealed his form, showed the
armed person of Emich of Leiningen. The moment Ulrike recog-
nised the unbending eye of the baron, she buried hfer face in her
hands, and quitted the place. She went not unattended, however,
for both her husband and Berchthold followed anxiously ; nor did
either return to the work of the night, until he had seen the heart-
stricken wife and mother under the protection of a well-chosen
company of the townsmen.
CHAPTER XX.
 He, who the sword of heaven will bear,
Should be as holy as severe— Measure for Measure.
The first glances between Emich and Bonifacius were filled with
those passions which each had so long dissembled, and of which
the reader has already had glimpses during the more unguarded
moments of the recent debauch. In the eyes of the Count, triumph
mingled with hatred; while there still remained a slight covering
THE HEIDEKMAHEE. 17?
of artifice and caution about the lineaments of the Abbot—masks
that he scarcely thought it yet expedient to throw entirely aside.
 We owe this visit, then, to thee, Herr Emich? said the latter,
struggling to appear calm.
 And to thine own desert, most holy Bonifacius.
 What wouldst thou, audacious baron ?
 Peace in this oft-violated valley—humility in shaven crowns—
religion without hypocrisy—and mine own.
"I will not talk to thee of Heaven, bold man, for the word were
blasphemy in such a presence; but thou art not yet so lost to
Worldly policy as to overlook the punishment of the Empire. Hast
thou well counted thy gold, and art thou sure thy coffers are suf-
ficiently stored to rebuild the sainted pile which thy hand would
fain destroy; or dost think thy riches can replace all that pious
princes have here bestowed, during ages in which the Church hath
been duly reverenced ?
 As to thy vessels and precious stones, reverend Abbot, it shall
be my heed to preserve them to meet this demand, which haply
may never be made ; and as to the cost of rebuilding the Abbey,
why the same notable workman that helped first to set it up, will
owe me a good turn for punishing those that outwitted him, and
sent him away without the promised boon of souls. Though, God's
truth! were the fact fairly dived into, I am of opinion that Lim-
burg, after all, hath sent more customers to his furnaces than all
the drinking-inns and pot-houses of the Palatinate ! 
This sally of their lord produced a general and deriding laugh
among his followers, who now began to flock into the church from
other parts of the Abbey, with the expectation that there was rich
plunder to be had in the sanctuary. It was about this time, too,
that a brand was cast among the straw of the barracks, and the
strong light which glared through the stained windows very
effectually told the monks of the inefficiency of further re-
monstrances.
Notwithstanding his known licentiousness, and the general free-
dom of his life, the Abbot had imbibed from the high objects of
his calling, by that secret process that renders even the least
deserving in some measure subject to the influence of their pro-
fessions, a cast of dignity, and perhaps we might add even of
sincerity (for there is often a strange admixture of inherent faith
and practical unbelief about the dissolute), that paused him fre-
quently to rise to the level of his most solemn duties. A character
strong and masculine as his could not be aroused without displaying
some of its latent energies, be it for good or be it for evil; and
Emich had doubts of the result when he witnessed the manner
in which his enemy succeeded in repressing his fierce resent-
ment, and the expression of clerical dignity and official calmness
that reigned in his countenance. The Abbot arose, like a prelate
in the undisturbed exercise of his functions, and raising his voice,
so as to send his words to the deepest recesses of the chapel, he
spoke after the manner of the peculiar rites of the Church he
served.
178 THE HEIDENMATTEH.
 God, in Ms Mdden wisdom, hath, permitted to the wicked a
momentary triumph, he said;  we search not now into the rea-
sons of this mysterious dispensation ; the truth will he known in
his own time:—hut, as servitors of the altar—as guardians of this
holy sanctuary—as the sworn and professed of Heaven—as one
consecrated and blessed—there remameth a solemn, an imperative
duty to perform.
 Bonifaeius, beware! interrupted the Count of Leiningen;
 thou dealest not now with burgomasters and weeping wives.
 In the behalf, then, of that God to whom this shrine hath been
raised, continued the unmoved Abbot, "in Ms holy interest, and
in his holy name 
 At thy peril, priest! and Emich shook, partly in anger, and
partly in a terror he could scarce explain.
"As Ms unworthy but necessary minister—as oonseerated and
blessed—gifted with the power by the head of the Church, and
now required to use it, do I pronounce thee
 Where _ are ye, followers of Hartenburg? Down with the
silly maledictions of this mad monk; remember, ye are not trem-
hling women, to need a Benedictine's blessing I
The voice of Emich was drowned, as well as that of the Abbot,
by the noises that were now raised in the chapel. The first inter-
ruption came from a long dark instrument, that was thrust from
out of the aisle behind the throne of Bonifaeius, and within a few
feet of Ms head; an interruption that filled the whole edifice with
the wild, plaintive strains of the mountains.
TMs signal, which came from the cherry-wood trumpet of
Gottlob, who rarely went abroad without tMs badge of his profes-
sion, was immediately followed by a general shout from the band
of the Count, and by a variety of similar sounds, that were raised
by different instruments that had Mtherto been mute. The effect
of these shrill strains, echoing among the vaulted and fretted
roofs, which were brightly illuminated by the growing and fierce
light that now pervaded the church, and of the seeming calm
of the Abbot, who ended his malediction, spite of the uproar,
is left to the reader's imagination. When he had finished the
unheard curse, Bonifaeius looked about him in gloomy observa-
tion.
It was evident to his cool and instructed mind, wMch was far
too earthly in its habits to cling to any hopes of a merely spiritual
nature, that the outrage had already gone so far, as to render it
more hazardous to his enemy to retreat than to advance. _ Signing
to the community, he descended slowly, and with dignity, from
Ms throne, and led the way from the choir. The ready monks
obeyed, the fraternity walking from that extraordinary scene in
their customary silent order. Emich followed the dark procession
with a troubled eye, for even the conqueror regards the calm re-
treat of his foes with uneasiness, and. there was an instant of
painful distrust of his own purpose, as the last flowing robe va-
nished through a private door that led to a secret postern, by
wMch the routed Benedictines quitted a mountain where they
THE HEIDEEMAtTEE. 179
had so long dwelt, in the calm, and, we might add, in the ease, of
an affluent and privileged seclusion.
The invaders of the Abbey took this open abandonment of the
place by its ancient possessors to be an unequivocal admission of
their triumph. There is no moment so likely to produce excesses,
as that in which the uncertainty of strife is changed to the cer-
taintv of victory. The feelings seem willing to avenge themselves
for all their previous doubts, and man is ever too ready to ascribe
his successes to some inherent qualities, which give him an appa-
rent right to abuse any advantages that may happen to be their
consequence. The band of the castle and the people of the town,
among whom a large proportion had to the last distrusted the pre-
sence of the community, to which vulgar opinion attributed the
power of working miracles, no sooner found themselves, as they
believed, in undisputed possession of the mountain, than the
reaction of feeling, to which there has just been allusion, urged
them to increase their violence, and to redouble those efforts
which had momentarily been checked.
A shout of triumph was the common signal for renewing the
assault. It was followed by the crashing of windows, ana the
overthrow of every fixture in the body of the church, that was
not too solid to resist their first and ill-directed efforts, and a
general mutilation of the monuments and laboured statuary.
Marble cherubs fell on every side, wings and limbs of angels sepa-
rated from the trunks, and the grave and bearded visages of many-
an honoured saint were doomed to endure contumely and frac-
tures. Even the inferior altars were no longer respected, but they
and their decorations were ruthlessly scattered, as if the enmity
of the conquerors was transferred from those who had adminis-
tered at them to the dreaded Being in whose name the rites had
been celebrated.
The reader will imagine the confusion and tumult that attended
a scene like this. During the uproar, Emich buried his face in
his mantle, and paced to and fro m the choir, which his presence,
and perhaps some lingering reverence for the sacred spot, still
preserved from violence. He was joined only by the Burgomaster
and Berchthold, the remainder of the party having mingled with
those who were destroying the chapels and decorations of the
church. Heinrich seated himself in one of the vacant stalls, for
the recent scene and the subsequent parting with his wife had
shaken his resolution; while the young forester advanced respect-
fully to the side of his lord.
 Is the Herr Count troubled? demanded the latter, after a
moment of deferential silence.
Emich dropped the cloak, and leaning a hand familiarly on the
shoulder of his young servitor, he stood regarding the gorgeous
riches and the elaborate beauty of the high altar, ail of which was
rendered doubly imposing by the powerful light that now illumi-
nated the whole interior of the edifice, which was never more
beautiful than as then seen, with its strong relief and deep
shadows.
J 80 THE HEIDENMATTEE.
 Berchthold, there is a God! he said with emphasis.
 None hut the fool doubts it, Herr Emich.
"And He hath his ministers on earth—those whom He hath
commissioned to do Him pleasure, and to burn his incense.
 We have high authority for this belief, my good lord.
"We have—the authority is high, that hath so much antiquity
—which so suits our secret desires—which descends to us from our
fathers.
 And which is so supported by proofs, sacred and profane.
 Thou hast been well schooled, good Berchthold, said the
Count, looking earnestly at his companion.
 Heaven left me a pious and tender mother, when it took my
father away.
Emich continued to lean on the shoulder of Berchthold, while
his eye, in which sternness of purpose was singularly blended with
the waverings of doubt, never turned from its contemplation of
the altar. Above the chased and gilded cabinet which contained
the host, was a small picture of the Mother of Christ, delineated
in those mild and attractive colours with which the pencil is ac-
customed to pourtray the Virgin Wife of Joseph. Her eye seemed
to meet the gaze of Emich in sorrow. It was easy to fancy the
gentle expression was in reproach of the sacrilege.
 These Benedictines are at length unhoused, he continued,
trying fruitlessly to avert his look from that mild but expressive
image;  they have too long ridden roughly on their betters.
Berchthold bowed.
 Dost thou see aught strange, youth, in that image of Maria?
 'Tis a skilful design, Herr Count, and a fair face to regard.
 Methinks it looks upon this violence with an evil eye!
 'Tis but the work of an ingenious man, my lord, and -cannot
look other than it hath always seemed.
"Dost think thus, Berchthold? There are many who pretend
that images and paintings have been known to speak, when it was
Heaven's pleasure.
"They relate such legends, my good lord, but these are events
that are little wont to touch those who are not much disposed to
see them.
 And yet in these facts had my fathers faith, and in this belief
was I trained.
Berchthold was mute, his own education having been more
suited to the growing opinions of the times.
 That God can surpass the ordinary workings of nature to effect
his pleasure, continued Emich,  we may at least believe.
 It may be believed, Herr Count; but is it necessary ? He who
made nature may use it at his pleasure.
 Ha! thou hast no faith in miracles, boy.
 I am myself a miracle, that tells me every moment of the
existence of a superior power; and in that much I bend to its
control. But it hath never been my fortune to hear an image
speak, or see it do aught else that belongs to the will.
"By my father's bones! but thou art fit to deal with the cun-
THE HEIDENJIATJER. 181
ningest knave that wears a cowl. How now, brave followers!
turning towards his people;  leave no vestige of the roguery and
abominations that have so long been done within these pollute 1
walls!
"Herr Count, said Berchthold, eagerly, presuming in his
haste to touch the cloak of Emich, "here are the Benedictines !
The word caused the bold, and, at the moment, the independent
baron, to turn suddenly, laying a hand on his sword, as he did so.
But the hand released its grasp, and the features of Emich imme-
diately reverted to their former expression of anxiety and doubt,
at what he now beheld.
By this time all of the different edifices which _ composed the
Abbey of Limburg were fired, the churoh and its immediate ap-
pendages alone excepted. The Ansequence was such an increase
of light within the latter as penetrated the most obscure of its
Gothic recesses. The choir, above all, received the strongest illu-
mination; and young Berchthold thought its tracery never ap-
peared so beautiful as in that fearful moment of impending
destruction. The candles and lamps of the great altar began to
look dim, and all around prevailed the glorious and fiery bright-
ness which accompanies a fierce conflagration. During the instant
that Emich was turned towards his people, two monks had come
from the sacristy, and placed themselves on the steps of the altar.
They were the Prior and Eather Johan. The former bore a small
ivory crucifix, which from time to time he kissed, while the latter
placed at his feet a massive and curiously carved chest, of suffi-
cient size and weight to have required the aid of a lay brother to
bring it from its repository.
The countenance of the Prior was mild, persuasive, and filled
with holy concern. That of his companion flushed, excited, and
bearing the look of feverish fire, which is the effect of an enthu-
siasm that springs as much from temperament as from convic-
tion.
Emich looked at the Benedictines uneasily, and he advanced so
near, always attended by the forester, as to be within reach of his
arm.
"'Fore God, but ye are tardy, fathers, he said, determined to
assume an indifference he was far from feeling;  the pious Boni-
facius hath departed many minutes, and quickened as he is by
love of his person, I make no question that his footsteps have
already gone down the mountain-side.
"Thou hast at length yielded to the whispering of the devil,
Count of Leiningen, returned the Prior;  thou art resolute that
this blot shall rest upon thy soul.
"We are not at confession, holy Arnolph, but engaged in a
knightly redressing of our rights; if thou hast aught here that
is dear to thee, take it, of God's name, and go thy way. Thou
shalt have safe conduct, were it to the gates of Borne; for, of all
thy fraternity, thou art he for whom alone I feel regret or amity,
in this just enterprise.
 I know not this difference in love, when it touches the exist-
182 THE HEIDEHMAHEE.
ence of our shrine, or the duty that ties us to its service. This
question is not between thee and me, Lord Emich, hut between
thee and God!
 Have it as thou wilt, Herr Prior, so thou dost hut depart in
peace.
 I am not weak enough to resist when resistance is vain,
mildly answered the monk; "nor am I quick to desert my post,
while there is hope. Thou hast not well bethought thee of this
act, Emich; .thou hast not remembered thy posterity, nor thy
kind interest in the noble Ermengarde I
"Dost fancy me an uxorious citizen, reverend Arnolph, that
thou wouldst fain stop a knight in his onset, by speaking of the
good wife and her babes?
As he concluded, Emich laughed.
 Thou hast not well conceived me. This is not a question of
death in battle, or of the grief of those who survive; for such
thoughts are, unhappily, but too common with those who rule the
earth, to raise disquiet; but I would speak to thee of the long
future and of its pains. Dost thou know, irreverend haron, that
the God of Israel—who is my God and thine—the God of Israel
hath said, that He will visit the sins of the parent upon the de-
scendant, from generation to generation ? and yet, blinded by this
specious success, thou seemest to court his anger.
"•This may be so or not; for ye of the cloisters have-many
subtle ways of reasoning as you wish; but to me it appeareth
better that each should suffer for his own sins ; and such, I take
it, is what the community of Limburg doth now undergo.
 That we have done much evil, and neglected much good, is,
alas, too true !
"By the kings of Koeln! thou art getting to be of our side,
holy Arnolph!
 For such is the common course, continued the unmoved
Prior ;  but that thou art not our judge is equally certain. That
each does and will suffer for his own acts is beyond denial, hut
the fearful consequences of crime do not stop with him who hath
committed it. This much is taught us by reason, and, what is still
more sure, it is consecrated by words from God's own mouth.
Ponder, then, whilst thou may, on the load of sorrow thou art
heaping on thy descendants; remember that thou standest there,
subject to goading passions, the miserable being thou art, simply
that in thy person thou payest the price of a parent's sins. "What
our common father did, is still avenged on us his children.
 How now, Herr Prior, thou pushest my pedigree much be-
yond its pretensions. Noble and princely, if thou wilt, but I pass
not the dark ages in any of my claims. Let them that have greater
ambition pay for the purchase in the way thou namest; I am con-
tent with more modern honours.
Emich spoke jeeringly, but the attentive monk saw that he was
troubled.
 If thou hast no thought for posterity—none for thyself—none
for thy God, Emich, the latter resumed*  bethink thee of those
THE HEIDEHMAHEB. 183
who have gone before. Hast already forgotten thy visit to the
tombs of thy family ?
 Thou hast me there, Arnolph !—those sacred vaults have been
thy convent's shield these many months.
 And thou art now disposed to forget them ?
 If thou wilt ask yon honest men, they will tell thee, Prior,
they have no order to spare the meanest of thy marble cherubs,
even though it hover over a grave of mine own house.
 Then uo I indeed despair of touching thy heart, answered
Father Arnolph, sorrowing as much for the crime as for its con-
sequences.  Then indeed art thou madly and ruthlessly bent,
not only on our destruction, but on thine own; for pity for the
child and love of the parent are equally despised. Emieh of
Leiningen, I curse thee not—this is a weapon too fearful for
human hands lightly to wield.—I bless thee not; duty to God
forbids the holy office.
 Hold! reverend Arnolph, let us not part in anger—I would, in
sooth, crave from thy worthy hands some touch of consolation—
if—ay—if there be chapel in this chureh, for which thou hast
more than usual reverence, let it be named, and I swear, by
knight's faith, unless the work be already done, it shall stand
unscathed amid the ruins, in testimony of my love for thee—or if
thou hast aught here of price, whether of monkish or worldly
value, point it out, that it may be held safe for thy better leisure.
In return, I ask but the parting words of peace.
 'Tis forbidden to_ those who war against God, returned the
grieved Prior, releasing his robe from the eager grasp of the
baron.  I can and will pray for thee, Emieh; but to bless thee
were treachery to Heaven!
So saying, the pious Arnolph buried his face in his dress, to
shut out the view of the profanation that was working around
him, and withdrew slowly from the choir.
CHAPTER XXI.
 A vaunt!
Incarnate Lucifer 1 'tis holy ground:
A martyr's ashes now lie there, which make it
A shrine.— Byron".
Dtjkiwg the foregoing scene, the Benedictine, already known to
the reader as Father Johan, had awaited its issue with a species
of lofty patience on the steps of the altar. But in a character so
exaggerated, there remained, little that was purely natural; even
the forbearance of the monk partook of the forced and fervid
qualities of his mind. Conventual discipline, deep and involun-
tary respect for the Prior, and that very disdain which he felt for
all gentle means of recalling a sinner to the fold, kept him tolerably
tranquil, while Emieh and his spiritual superior held their parley;
but th ere was a gleam of wild delight in his eye when he found,
of all that powerful and boasted fraternity, that he alone remained
184 THE HEIDENMAHEB.
to defend tlie altars. The feeling of the moment in such a breast,
notwithstanding the scene of tumult that rather increased than
diminished in the church, was that of triumph. He exulted in
his own constancy, and he anticipated the effects which were to
follow from his firmness, with the self-complacency of a prurient
confidence, and with the settled conviction of an enthusiast.
Emich took little heed of his presence during the first moments
that succeeded the departure of the Prior. There is a majesty and
a quiet energy in truth and sound principles, that happily form
their constant buttresses. Without this wise provision of Provi-
dence, the world would be hopelessly abandoned to the machina-
tions of those who consider all means lawful, provided the ends
tend to their own success. All near the Abbey of Limburg had
felt the influence of these high qualities in Eather Arnolph, and
it is more than probable that, as in the case of the city of Canaan,
had the community contained four of his spiritual peers, the Abbey
would not have fallen.
The Count, in particular, who, like all that first break from
mental servitude, was so often troubled with strong doubts, had
long entertained a deep respect for this monk; and it is not im-
probable, that had the pious Arnolph fully understood his own
power, by an earlier and more vigilant use of his means, he
might have found a way to avert the blow that had now alighted
on Limburg. But the meekness and modesty of the Prior were
qualities as strongly marked as his more active virtues, and the
policy of Limburg was not of a character to rely on either for its
security.
 There is good in that brother, said Emich to Berchthold,
when his thoughtful eye again rose to the face of the young
forester: —  had he been mitred, instead of Bonifacius, our
rights might have still suffered.
 Few are more beloved than Father Arnolph, Herr Count, and
none so deserve to be.
"Thou art of this mind! How now, Master Heinrich! art in
monkish meditation in thy stall, or dost dispose of the lesson of
the virtuous Ulrike more at thy ease, in a seat where so much
substantial carnal aliment hath been digested by godly Benedic-
tines ? Come to the front, like a stout soldier, and give us the
savour of thy good wisdom in this strait.
 Methinks, our work is well nigh done, Lord Emich, an-
swered Heinrich, complying with the request;  my faithful
townsmen are not idle m the chapels and among the tombs, and
the sledge of yon smith dealeth with an angel an' it were a bar of
molten iron. Each stroke leaves a mark that no chisel will repair.
 Let the knaves amuse themselves ; every blow is quickened
by the recollection of some hard penance. Thou seest that they
place the confessionals in a pile ready for the torch. This is
attacking the enemy in his citadel. But, Heinrich, is the excel-
lent Ulrike wont to come forth with thee in thy frays against the
Church ? God's judgments ! "Were Ermengarde of this humour,
we should have no hope of salvation in our castle.
THE HEIDENMAUER. 185
"You do my wife injustice, Herr Count; Ulrike was here to
pray, and not to encourage.
 Thou mightest have spared the explanation, for truly such
encouragement never did soldier need. Wert privy to the visit
—ha!—wert privy, worthy Burgomaster ?
 To speak you honestly, Herr Emich, I thought the woman
otherwise bestowed.
 By the Magi!—in her bed ?
 Nay, at her prayers, but in a different place. But we do her
too much honour, noble Emich, to let the movements of a mere
housewife occupy our high thoughts in this busy moment. _
 Nothing that touches thee is of light concern with thy friends,
good Burgomaster, answered the baron, who pondered with in-
stinctive uneasiness, even in that moment of tumult, on this visit
of Ulrike to the Benedictines, at an hour so unusual.  Thou art
well wived, Herr Heinrich, and all that know thy consort do her
honour.
The Burgomaster was a man by far too well satisfied with his
own superior merits to harbour jealousy. Self-complacency might
have been at the bottom of his security, though it were scarce
possible for one even much more addicted by nature to that tor-
menting passion, to have lived so long in perfect familiarity with
the pure mind of Ulrike, without feeling reverence for its princi-
pies and virtue. The sentiments of the baron were very dif-
ferent; for though in his heart equally convinced of the character
of her to whom he alluded, he could not altogether exclude the
suspicions of a man of loose habits, nor the uneasiness of one who
had himself been discarded. The answer of the husband, how-
ever, served to turn the discourse, by giving the Burgomaster an
opportunity of placing himself in the most prominent relief.
 A thousand thanks, illustrious Herr, he said, raising his cap;
 the woman is not amiss, though much troubled with infirmity on
the score of altars and penances. When we shall have fairly dis-
posed of Limburg, another reign will commence among our wives
and daughters, and we can hope for more quiet Sabbaths. As to
this grace of your present speech, lord Count, I take it, as it was
no doubt meant, to be another pledge of our lasting amity and
close alliance.
 Thou talkest well, quickly answered Emich, losing the pass-
ing feeling of distrust in the recollection of his present purpose;
 no words of friendship are lost, on a true and sworn supporter.
Well, Heinrich, is our affair finally achieved ?
 Sapperment! Herr Count, if not finished, it is in a fair way
to be so quickly.
 Here •remaineth a Benedictine, said Berchthold, drawing
their attention to the monk, who still maintained his post on the
steps of the altar.
 The bees do not relish quitting their hive, while any of the
hard earnings are left, said the Count, laughing;  what wouldst
thou, Father Johan ? if thy careful mind hath had thought of the
precious vessels, make thy choice and depart.
186 THE HEIDEFMAUEK.
The Benedictine returned the laugh of the noble with a smile of
deep but quiet exultation.
■ Assemble thy followers, rude baron, he said;  call all within
thy control to tbis sanctified spot, for there yet remaineth a power
to be overcome of which thou hast not taken heed; at the moment
when thou fanciest thyself most secure, art thou nearest to dis-
grace and to destruction.
As the excited monk suited his words by a corresponding energy
of emphasis and tone, Emich recoiled a step, like one who dis-
trusted a secret mine. The desperate character of Father Johan's
enthusiasm was well known, and neither of the three listeners was
without apprehension, that the fraternity, aware of the invasion,
had plotted some deep design of vengeance, which this exagge-
rated brother had been deputed to execute.
 Ho ! without there! cried the Count.  Let a party descend
quickly to the crypt, and look to the villanies of these pretended
saints; cousin of Viederbach, revealing in the eagerness of the
moment the presence of this sworn soldier of the Cross,  see thou
to our safety, for the Bhodian warfare hath made thee familiar
with these treacheries.
The call of the Count, which was uttered like a battle cry,
stayed the hands of the destroyers. Some rushed to obey the
order, while most of the others gathered hastily into the choir.
It is certain that the presence of fellow-sufferers diminishes the
force of fear, even though it may in truth increase the danger;
for such is the constitution of our minds, that they willingly admit
the influence of sympathy, whether it be in pain or pleasure.
"When Emich found himself backed by so many of his band, he
thought less of the apprehended mine, and he turned to question
the monk with more of the calmness that became his condition.
 Thou wouldst have the followers of Hartenburg, father, he
said, ironically,  and thou seest how readily they come.
 I would that all who have listened to schismatics, all who re-
fuse honour to the holy Church, all who deny Rome, and all that
believe themselves on earth freed from the agency of Heaven, now
stood before me, answered the Benedictine, examining the group
of heads that clustered among the stalls, with the bright but
steady eye of one engrossed with the consciousness of his force.
 Thou art in hundreds, Count Leiningen—-would it were God's
pleasure that it had been in millions! '
 We are of sufficient strength for our object, monk.
 That remaineth to be seen. Now, listen to a voice from above.
I speak to you, unhallowed ministers of the will of this ambitious
baron—to you, misguided and ignorant tools of a scheme that
hath been plotted of evil, and hath been brought forth from the
prolific brain of the restless Father of Sin. Ye have come at the
heels of your lord, vainly rejoicing in a visible but impotent power
—impiously craving the profits of your unholy enterprise, and
forgetting God!
"By the mass, priest! interrupted Emich, "thou hast once
already given us a sermon to-day, and time presseth. If thou
THE HEIDENMATTEE. 187
hast an enemy to present, bring him forth; but we tire of these
churchly offices.
 Thou hast had thy moment of wanton will, abandoned Emieh,
and now cometh the judgment. Seest thou this box of precious
relics ? dost thou forget that Limburg is rich in these holy remains,
and that their virtues are yet untried? Woe to him who scoffeth
at their character, and despiseth their power !
"Stay thy hand, Johan! cried the Count, hastily, when he
saw that the monk was about to expose some of those well-known
vestiges of mortality to which the Church of Rome then, as now,
attributed miraculous interventions;  this is no moment for
fooleries!
 Callest thou this sacred office by so profane a name ? Abide
the issue, foul-mouthed asperser of our holy authority, and triumph
if thou canst!
The Count was much disturbed, for his reason had far less
influence now in supporting him than his ambition. The party
in the rear, too, began to waver; for opinion was not then suffi-
ciently confirmed to render the mass indifferent to such an expo-
sure of clerical power. Whatever maybe the difference that exists
between Christian sects concerning the validity of modern miracles,
all will allow that, when trained m the belief of their reality, the
mind is less prepared to resist their influence than that of any
other engine by which it can be assailed, since it is placing the
impotency of man in direct and obvious collision with the power
of the Deity. _ Before such an exhibition of force nature offers no
means of resistance; and the mysterious and unseen agency by
which the wonder is produced, enlists in its interest both the
imagination and that innate dread of omnipotence which all
possess.
"'Twere well this matter went no further, said Emieh, un-
easily whispering his principal agents.
 Nay, my lord Count, answered Berchthold, calmly,  it may
be good to know the right of the matter. If we are not of Heaven's
side in this affair, let it be shown in our own behalf; and if the
Benedictines are no better than pretenders, our consciences will
be all the easier.
 Thou art presuming, boy; none know the end of this. Herr
Heinrich, thou art silent ?
 What would you have, noble Emieh, of a poor Burgomaster ?
I will own, I think it were more for the advantage of Duerckheim
that the matter went no further.
 Thou hearest, Benedictine, said the Count, laying the point
of his sheathed sword on the richly chased and much reverenced
box that the monk had already unlocked,— this must stop
here.
 Take away the weapon, Emieh of Leiningen, said Father
Johan, with dignity.
The Count obeyed, though he scarce knew why.
 This is a fearful instant for the unbeliever, continued the
monk;  the moment is near when our altars shall be avenged—
188 THE HEIDEHMAHEE.
nay, recoil not, bold baron—remain to the end, ye dissolute and
forsaken followers of the wicked, for in yain ye hope to flee the
judgment.
There was so much of tranquil enthusiasm in the air and faith
of Father Johan, that, spite of a general wish to be at a distance
from the relics, curiosity, and the inherent principle of religious
awe, held each man spell-bound; though every heart beat qxucker
as the monk proceeded, calmly, and with a reverential mien, to
expose the bones of saints, the remnants of mantles, the reputed
nails of the true cross, and morsels of its wood, with .divers other
similar memorials of holy events, and of sainted martyrs. Not a
foot had power to retire. "When all were laid, in solemn silence,
on the bright and glowing shrine, Father Johan, crossing himself,
again turned to the crowd.
 What may be Heaven's purpose in this strait, I know not,
he said;  but withered be the hand, and for ever accursed the
soul, of him who dareth violence to these holy vestiges of Christian
faith!
Uttering these ominous words, the Benedictine faced the crucifix,
and kneeled in silent prayer. The minute that followed was one
of fearful portent to the cause of the invaders. Eye sought eye in
doubt, and one regarded the fretted vault, another gazed intently
at the speakingimage of Maria, as if each expected some miraculous
manifestation of Divine displeasure. The issue would have been
doubtful, had not the cherry-wood trumpet of the cow-herd again
sounded most opportunely in his master's behalf. The wily knave
blew a well-known and popular imitation of the beasts of his herd,
among the arches of the chapel, striking at the effect of what had
just passed by the interposition of a familiar and vulgar idea. The
influence of the ludicrous, at moments when the passions vacillate,
or the reason totters, is too well known to need elucidation. It is
another of those caprices of humanity that baflle theories, proving
how very far we are removed from being the exclusively reason-
ing animal we are fond of thinking the species.
The expedient of the ready-witted Gottlob produced its full
effect. The most ignorant of the castle followers, those even whose
dull minds had been on the verge of an abject deference to super-
stition, took courage at the daring of the cow-herd; and, as the
least founded in any belief are commonly the most vociferous in
its support, this portion of the band echoed the interruption from
fifty hoarse throats. Emich felt like a man reprieved; for under
the double influence of his own distrust, and the wavering of his
followers, the Count for a moment had fancied his long-meditated
destruction of the community of Limburg in great danger of being
frustrated.
Encouraged by each other's cries, the invaders returned to their
work laughing at their own alarm. The chairs and confessionals
had been already heaped in the great aisle, and a brand was thrown
into the pile. Fire was applied to the church wherever there was
food for the element, and some of the artisans of Duerckheim,
better instructed than their looser associates, found the means to
THE HEIDENMAHEE. 189
light the conflagration in such parts of the roofs and the other
superior stories, as would ensure the destruction of the pile. In
the meantime, all the exterior edifices had been burning, and the
whole hill, to the eye of him who dwelt in the valley beneath, pre-
sented volumes of red flames, or of lurid smoke.
During the progress of this scene, Emich paced the choir, partly
exulting in his success, and partly doubting of its personal fruits.
Over the temporal consequences he had well pondered; but the
motionless attitude of Father Johan, the presence of the long-
reverenced relics, and the denunciations of the Church, still had
their terrors for one whose mind had few well-grounded resources
to sustain it. From this state of uneasiness he was aroused by
the noise of the sledge at work in the crypt. Followed by Hein-
rich and Berchthold, the Count hastened to descend to this place,
which it will be remembered contained the tombs and the chapel
of his race. Here, as above, all was in bright light, and all was
in confusion. Most of the princely and noble tombs had already
undergone mutilation, and no- chapel had been respected. Before
that of Hartenburg, however, Albreeht of Yiederbach stood with
folded arms and a thoughtful eye. The cloak which, during the
commencement of the attack, had served to conceal his person,
mns now neglected, and he seemed to forget the prudence of dis-
guise in deep contemplation.
"We have at length got to the monuments of our fathers,
cousin, said the Count, joining him.
 To their very bones, noble Emich!
 The worthy knights have long slept in evil company; there
shall be further rest for them in the chapel of Hartenburg.
"I hope it may be found, Herr Graf, that this adventure is
lawful!
 How!—dost thou doubt, with the work so near accom-
plished?
"By the mass ! a soldier of Ehodes might better be fighting
your turbaned infidel, than awakening the nobles of his own
house from so long a sleep, at so short a summons !
 Thou canst retire into my hold, Herr Albreeht, if thy arm is
wearied, said Emich, coldly;  not a malediction can reach thee
there.
 That would be poor requital for a free hospitality, cousin;
the travelling knight is the ally of the last friend, even though
there be some wrong to general duties. But we cavaliers of the
island well know that a retreat, to be honourable, must be orderly,
and not out of season. I am with thee, Emich, for the hour, and
so no more parley. This was the image of the good bishop of our
line?
 He had some such reverend office, I do believe ; but speak of
him as thou wilt, none can say he was a Benedictine.
 It had been better, cousin, since this Church is to be sacked,
that our predecessors had found other consecrated ground for their
dust. Well, we sworn soldiers pass uneven lives. It is now some
twelve months or so that, like a loyal and professed Khodian,
N
190 THE HEIDENMAHER.
I stood to my knees in water, making good a trench, against your
believer in Houris and your unbeliever in Christ; and now, for-
sooth, I am here as a spectator (none call me more with honesty),
while a Christian altar is overturned, and a brotherhood of shaven
monks are sent adrift upon earth, like so many disbanded mer-
cenaries !
 By the Three Kings! my cousin, thou makest a fit comparison;
for like disbanded mercenaries have they gone forth to prey upon
society^ a new shape. _ Spare the angel of my grandfather, good
smith, cried Emich, interrupting himself; "if there be any
virtue in the image, 'tis for the benefit of our house !
Dietrich stayed his uplifted arm, and directed the intended blow
at another object. The marble flew in vast fragments at each col-
lision with his sledge, and the leaders of the party soon found it
necessary to retire to avoid the random efforts of the heated
crowd.
There no longer remained a doubt of the fate of these long-known
and much-celebrated conventual buildings. Tomb fell after tomb,
monuments were defaced, altars were overturned, chapels sacked,
and every object that was in the least likely to resist the action of
fire, received such indelible injuries as rendered its restoration dif-
ficult or impossible.
During the continuance of their efforts, the conflagration had
advanced, as the fierce element that had been called in to assist
.the destroyers is known to do its work. Most of the dormitories,
kitchens, and outer buildings were consumed, so far as the mate-
rials allowed, beyond redress ; and it became apparent that the
great church and its dependencies would soon be untenable.
Emich and his companions were still in the crypt, when a cry
reached them, admonishing all within hearing to retreat, lest they
became victims to the flames. Berchthold and the smith drove
before them the crowd from the crypt, and there was a general
rush to'gain the outer door.
When the interior of the church was clear, the Count and his
followers paused in the court, contemplating the scene, with cu-
rious eyes, like men satisfied with their work. No sooner was the
common attention directed back towards the spot from whence
they had just escaped, than a general crv, that partook equally of
wonder and horror, broke from the crowd. _ As the doors were all
thrown wide, and every cranny of the building was illuminated
by the fierce light of the flames that were raging in the roofs, the
choir was nearly as visible to those without as if it stood exposed
to the rays of a noon-day sun. Eather Johan was still kneeling
before the altar.
In obedience to the commands of Emich, the sacred shrine had
been stripped of its precious vessels, but none had presumed to
touch a relic. _ On these long-venerated memorials, the Bene-
dictine kept his eyes riveted, in the firm conviction that, sooner
or later, the power of God would be made manifest in defence of
his violated temple.
 The monk! the monk! exclaimed fifty eager voices.
THE HEIDENMATTEE. 191
 I "would fain save the fanatic, said Enrich, with great and
generous concern.
"He may listen to one who beareth this holy emblem, cried
the Knight of Rhodes, releasing his cross from the doublet in which
it had been concealed.  Will any come with me, to the rescue of
this mad Benedictine ?
There was as much of repentant atonement in the offer of Al-
brecht of Yiederbach, as there was of humanity. But the impulse
which led young Berchthold forward, was purely generous. Hot-
withstanding the imminent peril of the attempt, thejr darted
together into the building, and. passed swiftly up the choir. The
heat was getting to be oppressive, though the great height of the
ceilings still rendered it tolerable. They approached the altar,
advising the monk of his danger bv their cries.
"Do ye come to be witnesses of Heaven's power? demanded
Father Johan, smiling with the calm of an inveterate enthusiast;
 or do ye come,, sore-stricken penitents that ye have done this
deed?
 Away, good father! hurriedly answered Berchthold; Heaven
is against the community to-night; in another minute, yon fiery
root will .fall.
 Hearest thou the blasphemer, Lord ? Is it thy holy will,
that 
 Listen to a sworn soldier of the cross, interrupted Albrecht,
showing his Rhodian emblem— we are of one faith, and we will
now depart together for another trial.
"Away! false servant! and thou, abandoned boy!—See ye these
sainted relics ?
At a signal from the Knight, Berchthold seized the monk by one
side, while Albrecht did the same thing on the other, and he was
yet speaking as they bore him down the choir. But they struggled
with one that a long-encouraged and morbid view of life had ren-
dered mad. Before they reached the great aisle the fanatic had
liberated himself, and, while his captors were recovering breath,
he was again at the foot of the altar. Instead of kneeling, how-
ever, Father Johan now seized the most venerated of the relics,
which he held on high, audibly imploring Heaven to hasten the
manifestation of its majesty.
 He is doomed, said Albrecht of Yiederbach, retiring from the
church.
As the Knight of Rhodes rushed through the great door, a mas-
sive brand fell from the ceiling upon the pavement, scattering its
coal like so many twinkling stars. ,
 Berchthold I Berchthold! was shouted from a hundred throats.
 Come forth, rash boy! cried Emich, with a voice in which
agony was blended with the roar of the conflagration.
Berchthold seemed spell-bound. He gazed wistfully at the monk*
and darted back again towards the altar. An awful crashing above*
which resembled the settling of a mountain of snow about to de-
scend in an avalanche, grated on the ear. The very men who, so
short a time before, had come upon the hill ready and prepared to
N 2
192 THE HEIDEHMAHEE.
slay, now uttered groans of horror at witnessing the jeopardy of
their fellow-creatures; for, whatever we may he in moments of
excitement, there are latent sympathies in human nature, which
too much use may deaden, hut which nothing but death can finally
extinguish.
"Come forth, young Berchthold! come forth, my gallant ,fores-
ter! shouted the voice of the Count above the clamour of the
crowd, as if rallying his followers with a battle-cry. "He will
die with ihe wretched monk!—The youth is mad!
Berchthold was struggling with the Benedictine, though none
knew what passed between them. There was another crash, and
the whole pavement began to glow with fallen brands. Then came
a breaking of rafters, and a scattering of fire that denoted the end.
The interior of the chapel resembled, the burning shower which
usually closes a Roman girandola, and the earth shook with the
fall of the massive, structure. There are horrors on which few
human eyes can bear to dwell. At this moment nearly every
hand veiled a face, and every head was averted. But the move-
rnent lasted only an instant. When the interior was again seen,
it appeared a fiery furnace. The altar still stood, however, and
Johan miraculously kept his post on its steps. Berchthold had
disappeared. The gesticulations of the Benedictine were wilder
than ever, and his countenance was that of a man whose reason
had hopelessly departed. He kept his feet only for a moment,
but withering fell. After which his body was seen to curl like a
green twig that is seared by the flames.
CHAPTER XXII.
"Masters, you ought to consider with yourselves.
Midsummer Night's Dream.
The constant moral sentinel that God hath set on watch in every
man's breast, but which acts so differently in different circum-
stances, though, perhaps, in no condition of humiliation and igno-
ranee does it ever entirely desert its trust, is sure to bring repent-
ance with the sense of error. It is vain to say that this innate
sentiment of truth, which we call conscience, is the mere result of
opinion and habit, since it is even more apparent in the guileless
and untrained child than in the most practised man, and Nature
has so plainly set her mark upon all its workings, as to prove its
identity with the fearful being that forms the incorporeal part of
our existence. Like all else that is good, it may be weakened and
perverted, or be otherwise abused; but, like everything that
comes from the same high source, even amid these vicious changes,
it will retain traces of its Divine author. We look upon this un-
wearied monitor as a vestige of that high condition from which
the race fell; and _we hold it to be beyond dispute, that precisely as
men feel and admit its influence do they approach, or recede from,
their original condition of innocence.
The destruction, of the Abbey was succeeded by most of those
THE HEIPENATATJER. 193
signs which attend all acts of violence, in degrees that are propor-
tioned to previous habits. Even they who had been most active
in accomplishing this long-meditated, blow began to tremble for
its consequences; and few in the Palatinate heard of the deed
without holding their breaths like men who expected Heaven
would summarily avenge the sacrilege. But in order that the
thread of the narrative should not be broken, we will return to
our incidents in their proper order, advancing the time but a few
days after the night of the conflagration.
The reader will have to imagine another view of the Jaegerthal.
There was the same smiling sun, and the same beneficent season ;
the forest was as green and waving, the meadows were as smooth
and dark, the hili-sides as bright beneath the play of light and
shade, while the murmuring brook was as limpid and swift as
when first presented to his eye in these pages. Hot a hut or cot-
tage was disturbed, either in the hamlets or along the travelled
paths, andthe hold of Hartenburg still frowned in feudal power
and baronial _ state, on the well-known pass of the mountains,
gloomy, massive, and dark. But the hill of Limburg presented
one of those sad and melancholy proofs of the effects of violence
which are still scattered over the face of the Old World, like so
many admonitory beacons of the scenes through which its people
have reached their present state of comparative security—bea-
cons that should be as useful in communicating lessons for the
future, as they are pregnant with pictures of the past.
The outer wall remained unharmed, with the single exception of
the principal gate, which bore the indelible marks of the smith's
sledges; but above this barrier the work of devastation appeared
in characters not to be mistaken. Every roof (and there had been
fifty) was fallen; every wall, some of which were already totter-
ing, was blackened; and not a tower pointed towards the sky that
did not show marks of the manner in which the flames had
wreathed around its slender shaft. Here and there a small thread
of white smoke curled upwards, losing itself in the currents of the
air, resembling so many of the lessening symptoms of a volcano
after an explosion. A small crucifix, which popular rumour said
was wood, but which, in fact, was of painted stone, still kept its
place on a gable of the ruined church; and many a peasant ad-
dressed to it his silent prayers, firm, in the belief that God had
protected this image of his sacrifice throughout the terrors of the
memorable night.
In and about the castle, there appeared the usual evidences of
a distrustful watch—such ward as is kept by him who feels that
he has justly become obnoxious to the hand of the constituted
powers. The gates were closed; the sentinels on the walls and
bastions were doubled; and from time to time, signals were made
that communicated with look-outs so stationed on the hills that
they could command views of the roads which led towards the
llhine, beyond the gorge of the valley.
The scene in Duerckheim was different, though it also had some
points of resemblance with that in the hold. There was the same
194 THE HEIDENMAUER.
apprehension of danger from without, the same watchfulness on
the walls and in the towers, and the same unusual display of an
armed force. But in a town of this description, it was not easy to
imitate the gloomy reserve of baronial state. The citizens grouped
together in the streets, the women gossiped as in all sudden and
strong cases of excitement, and even the children appeared to re-
fleet the uneasiness and indecision of the parents; for as the hand
of authority relaxed in their seniors, most wandered idly and
vaguely among the men, listening to catch such loose expres-
sions as might enlighten their growing understandings. The
shops were opened as usual, but many stopped to discourse at the
doors, while few entered; and most of the artisans wasted their
time in speculations on the consequence of the hardy step of their
superiors.
In the meantime, there was a council held in the town-haU.
Here were assembled all who laid claim to civic authority in
Duerckheim, with some who appeared under the claim of their
services in the late assault upon the monks. A few of the anxious
wives of the burghers also were seen collected in the more public
rooms of the building; for domestic influence was neither covert
nor trifling in that uxorious and simple communityWe shall
resume the narrative within the walls of this municipal edifice.
The Burgomaster and other chief men were much moved by
the vague apprehension which was the consequence of .their ha-
zardous experiment. Some were bold in the audacity of success;
some doubted merely because the destruction of the brotherhood
seemed too great a good to come unmixed with evil; some held
their opinions in suspense, waiting for events to give a value to
their predictions ; and others shook their heads in a manner that
would appear to imply a secret knowledge of consequences that
were not apparent to vulgar faculties. The latter class was more
remarkable for its pretension to exclusive merit than for numbers,
and would have been equally prompt to exaggerate the advan-
tages of the recent measure, had the public pulse just then been
beating on the access. But the public pulse was on the decline,
and, as we have said, seeing and understanding all the advantages
that were to be hoped from the defeat of Bonifacius, uncertainty
quickened most imaginations in a manner to conjure disagreeable
pictures of the future. Even Heinrich, who wanted for neither
moral nor physical resolution, was disturbed at his own victory,
though, if questioned, he could scarcely have told the reason why.
This uneasiness was heightened by the fact that most of his com-
peers regarded him as the man on whom the weight of the Church's
and of the Elector's displeasure was most likely to fall, though
it is more than probable that his situation would have been far
less prominent had there been no question of any results but such
as were agreeable.
This sort of distinction, so isolated in defeat, and so social in
prosperity, is a species of revenge that society is very apt to take
of all who pretend to be wiser or better than itself, by presuming
to point the way in cases of doubtful expediency, or in presuming
THE HEIDENHAtTEE. 195
to lead tlie way in those that require decision and nerve. He
alone is certain of an unenvied reputation who, in preceding the
main body in the great march of events, leaves no very sensible
space between him and his fellows; while he alone can hope for
impunity who keeps so near his backers as to be able to confound
himself in the general mass, when singularity brings comment
and censure.
Heinrich fully felt the awkwardness of his position, and, just
then, he would gladly have compounded for less of the fame ac-
quired by the bold manner in which he had led the attack, in
order to be rid of some of his anxiety. Still a species of warlike
instinct led him to put the best face on the affair, and when he
addressed his, colleagues, it was with cheerfulness in his tones,
however little there might have been of that desirable feeling in
his heart.
 Well, brethren, he said, looking around at the knot of well-
known faces which surrounded him in the gravity of civic autho-
rity,  this weighty matter is, at length, happily, and, as it has
been effected without bloodshed, I may say, peaceably over. The
Benedictines are departed, and though the excellent Abbot hath
taken post in a neighbouring abbey, whence he sends forth brave
words to frighten those who are unused to more dangerous mis-
siles, it will be long before we shall again hear Limburg bell
tolling in the Jaegerthal.
 For that I can swear, said the smith, who was among the
inferiors that crowded a corner of the hall, occupying as little
space as possible, in deference to their head men; "my own sledge
hath helped to put the fine-tuned instrument out of tune.
"We are now met to hear further propositions from the monks;
but as the hour set for the arrival of their agent is not yet come,
we can lighten the moments by such discourse as the circum-
stances may seem to require. Hast anything to urge that will
ease the minds of the timid, brother Wolfgang?—if so, of Grod's
name, give it utterance, that we may know the worst at once.
The affinity between Wolfgang and Heinrich existed altogether
in their civic relations. The former, although he coveted the
anticipated advantages that were to result from the downfall of
Limburg, had a constitutional deference for all superior power,
and was unable to enjoy the triumph, without the bitterest mis-
givings concerning the displeasure of the Elector and Borne. He
was aged, too,—a fact that served to heighten the tremor of tones
that, by a very general convention, are termed raven.
"It is wise to call upon the experienced and wise, for counsel,
in pressing straits, returned the old burgher,  for years teach,
the folly of everything human, inclining us to look at the world with
moderation, ana with less love for ourselves, and our interests—
 Brother Wolfgang, thou art not yet yielding so fast as thou
wouldst have us believe, interrupted Heinrich, who particularly
disliked any discouraging views of the future.  Thou art but a
boy—the difference between us cannot be greater than some five-
imd-twenty years.
196 THE HEIDEUmtTER.
 Hot that, not that;—I count but three-and-seventy, and thou
mayst fairly number fifty and five.
 Thou heapest honours on me I little deserve, friend "Wolfgang1.
I shall not number the days thou namest these many months, and
Time marches fast enough without any fillips from us to help him.
If I have yet seen more than fifty-four, may my fathers arise from
their graves to claim the little they left behind, when they took
leave of earth !
 Words will make neither young, but I could wish we had
found means to lay this unquiet spirit of Limburg, without so
much violence and danger to ourselves. I am old, and have little
interest in life, except to see those who will come after me happy
and peaceful. Thou knowest that I have neither chick nor child,
neighbour Heinrich, and the heart of such a man can only beat
for all. 'Twere, indeed, folly in me to think of much else than
of that great future which lies before us.
 Sapperment! exclaimed the smith, who was disposed to pre-
sume a little on the spirit he had shown in the late attack.—
"Worshipful Burgomaster, were Master Wolfgang to.deal out
some of his stores a little freely to the Benedictines, the whole
affair might be quietly settled, and Duerckheim would be a great
gainer. I warrant you now, that Bonifacius would be glad to re-
ceive a well-told sum in gold, without question or further account,
in lieu of his lodgings and fare in Limburg, of which he was only
a life-tenant at best. At least, such had been my humour, an' it
had pleased Heaven to have made me a Benedictine, and Boni-
faeius a smith.
"Andwhere is this gold to be had, bold-speaking artisan?
demanded the aged burgher, severely.
"Where but from your untouched stores, venerable W olfgang,
answered the single-minded smith; "thou art old, father, and,
as thou truly sayst, without offspring; the hold of life is getting
loose, and to deal with thee in frankness, I see no manner in which
the evil may be so readily turned from our town.
 Peace, senseless talker! dost think thy betters have no other
employment for their goods than to cast them to the winds, as thy
sparks scatter at the stroke of the sledge ? The little I have hath
been gained with sore toil and much saving, and it may yet be
needed to keep want and beggaryffrom my door. Hay, nay, when
we are young we think the dirt may be turned to gold ; hot blood
and lusty limbs cause us to believe man equal to any labour, ay,
even to living without food; but when experience and tribulation
have taught us truth, we come to know, neighbours, the value of
pence. I am of a long-living stock, Heaven help us ! and there
is greater likelihood of my yet becoming a charge to the town
than of my ever doing a tithe of that this heedless smith hath
hinted.
"By St. Benedict] master, I hinted naught: what I said was
in plain words, and it is this, that one so venerable for his years,
and so respected for his. means, might do great good in this strait.
Such an act woitld sweeten the few days thou yet hast.
THE HEIDENITAHEK. 197
 Get tliee away, fellow; thou talkest of death, an' it were a
joke. Do not the young go to their graves as well as the old, and
are there not instances of thousands that have outlived their
means ? No, I much fear that this matter will not be appeased
without mulcting the artisans in heavy sums ;—but happily, most
that belong to the crafts are young and able to pay.
The reply of the smith, who was getting warm in a dispute in
which he believed all the merit was on his own side, was cut short
by a movement among the populace, who crowded the outer door
of the town-house ; the burghers seemed uneasy, as if they saw
a crisis was near,' and then a beadle announced the arrival of a
messenger from the routed community of Limburg. The civic
authorities of Duerckheim, although assembled expressly with the
expectation of such a visit, were, like all men of but indifferently
regulated minds, taken by surprise at the moment. Nothing was
digested, no plan of operations had been proposed, and, although
all had dreamed for several nights of the very subject befo? 3 them,
not one of them'all had thought upon it. Still it was now neces-
sary to act, and after a little bustle, which had no other object
than an idle attempt to impose upon the senses of the messenger
by a_ senseless parade, orders were given that the latter should be
admitted.
The agent of the monks was himself a Benedictine. He entered
the hall, attended only by the city-guard who had received him at
the gate, with his cowl so far drawn upon his head as to conceal
the features. There was a moment of curiosity, and the name of
"Father Siegfried was whispered from one.to another, as each
judged of the man by the exterior.
 Uncover, of Heaven's mercy! father, said Heinrich, "and
scat thyself as freely in the town-hall of Duerckheim as if thou
wert at thine ease in the ancient cloisters of Limburg. We are
lions in the attack, but harmless as thy marble cherubs, when
there is not occasion for your true manly qualities; so take thy
seat, of God's name ! and be of good cheer; none will harm thee.
The voice of the Burgomaster lost its confidence as he concluded.
The Benedictine was calmly removing the cowl; and when the
cloth fell, it exposed the respected features of Father Arnolph.
 He that comes in the service of Him I call master needeth not
this assurance, answered the monk:  still I rejoice to find ye in
this mood, and not bent on maintaining an original error by fur-
tlier _ outrages. It is never too late to see our faults, nor yet to
repair them.
 I cry thy mercy, holy Prior! we had taken thee for a very dif-
ferent member of the fraternity, and thou art not the less welcome
for being him thou art.
Heinrich arose respectfully, and his example was followed by
all present. The Prior seemed pleased, and. a glow, like that
which a benevolent hope creates, passed athwart his countenance.
With perfect simplicity, he took the offered stool, as the least ob-
trusive manner of inducing the burghers to resume their seats.
The experiment produced the effect he intended.
198 THE HEIDENMAUEE.
 I should pretend to an indifference I do not feel, were I to say,
Heinrich Frey, that I come among you, men to whom I have often
administered the rites of the Church during long and watchful
years, without the wish to find that my ministrations are
remembered.
 If there dwelleth knave in Duerckheim whose heart hath not
been touched by thy good works, father, the hound is without
bowels, and unfit to live among honest people.
"Most true! exclaimed the smith, in his audible by-play.
 The Burgomaster doth us all justice. I never struck spark from
iron more freely than I will render respect to the most reverend
Prior. His prayers are like tried steel, and next to those of him
of the hermitage are in most esteem among us. Fill me an abbey
with such men, and for one, I shall be ready to trust all our sal-
vation to their godliness, without thought or concern for ourselves.
Sapperment! could such a community be found, it would be a
great relief to the laymen, and more particularly to your artisan,
who might turn all his thoughts to his craft, with the certainty of
being watched by men capable of setting the quickest-witted
devil at defiance.
Arnolph listened to this digression with patience, and he ac-
knowledged the courtesy and friendliness of his reception by a slow
inclination of the head. He was too much accustomed to hear
these temporal applications of the spiritual interests of which he
was a minister, to be surprised at anything; and he was too meek
on the subject of his own deserving to despise any because they
were weaker than himself. The Christian religion seems to be
divided into two great classes of worshippers ; those who think its
consolations are most palpable in their direct and worldly form,
and those whose aspirations are so spiritualised, and whose
thoughts are so sublimated, as to consider it a metaphysical
theory, in which the principal object is to preserve the logical har-
mony. For ourselves, we believe it to be a dispensation from God,
to those of his creatures who are fearfully composed of the mate-
rial and immaterial; and that so far as it is connected with our
probation here, it is never to be considered as entirely distinct
from one or the other of the great attributes of our nature. It is
evident that such were not the views of the honest smith; and it
is probable, had the matter been thoroughly sifted, it would have
been found that, as respects Duerckheim, he was altogether of the
popular party.
 Thou comest, father, like the dove to the ark, the bearer
of the olive-branch, resumed Heinrich; "though for our
northern regions a leaf of the oak would more likely have been
the emblem, had Ararat been one of these well-wooded hills of
ours.
"I come to offer the conditions of our brotherhood, and to
endeavour to persuade the misguided in Duerckheim to accept
them. The holy abbots, with the right reverend fathers in God,
the Bishops of Spires and "Worms, now assembled in the latter
city, have permitted me to be the bearer of their terms—an office
THE HEIDENMATTEB. 199
I have sought, lest another should forget to entreat and influence
in the desire to menace.
 Gott bewahre ! thou hast done well, as is thy wont, excellent
Arnolph! Threats are about as useful with Duerckheim as the
holy water is in our Rhenish, both being well enough in their
places ; hut he that cannot be driven must he led, and liquor that
is right good in itself needeth no flavour from the Church. As
for this old misunderstanding between Limburg of the one side,
and the noble Count of Hartenburg with our unworthy town of
the other, the matter may be said to be now of easy adjustment,
since the late events have cleared it of its greatest difficulty ; _ and
so, from my heart, I wish thee joy of thy mission, and felicitate
the town that it hath to treat with one so skilful and so reasonable.
Thou wilt find us in a friendly humour, and ready to meet thee
half-way; for I know not the man in Duerckheim that desireth
to push the controversy a foot further, or who is not at heart
content.
 No, that would be out of reason and charity, said the smith,
speaking again among the auditors. "We ought to show these
Benedictines an example of moderation, neighbours; and there-
fore for one, though no better than a poor artisan that gaineth his
bread by blows on the anvil, do I agree with the worshipful Hein-
rich, and say, of God's name, let us be reasonable in our demands,
and be content with as little as may be in the settlement of our
dispute.
The Prior listened patiently, as usual, but a hectic glowed for
an instant on his cheek. It disappeared, and the benevolent blue
eye was again seen shining amid features that the cloister and the
closet had long since robbed of all other bloom. "Ye know,
burghers of Duerckheim, he answered,  that in assailing the
altars of Limburg ye set a double power at defiance—that of the
Church, as it is constituted and protected on earth, and that of
God. My errand, at this moment, is to speak of the first. Our
Rather of Worms is sorely angered, and he has not failed to
address himself directly and promptly to our Father at Rome.
In addition to this reverend appeal, messengers have been dis-
patched to both the Elector and Emperor, as well as to divers
of the ecclesiastical princes who rule on the banks of the Rhine.
This is a fearful array of power to be met by a mountain baron,
and a city whose walls can be measured by the leg in so short a
time. But chiefly would I lay stress on the evil that may flow
from the displeasure of the Head of the Church.
 And should he read the late exploit with severity, reverend
Prior, what are we to look to, as its fruits ?
 To be denounced as excluded from the fold, and to be left to
the wickedness and felly of your own hearts. In a word, excom-
munication.
 Umph !—this might prove a short way of recruiting the fol-
lowers of brother Luther! Thou knowest, holy Arnolph, that
men look more and more closely, every day, into these disputed
points.
200 the heidenmauer.
 "Would tliat they looked with more humility and understand-
ing! If ye consider the denunciations and benedictions of him
to whom has been confided the authority to bless and to curse, as
of little weight, no words of mine can heighten their effect; but
all among ye who are not prepared to go the length that your
Burgomaster hath just_ hinted, may deem it prudent to pause, ere
they incur the heavy risk of living under such a weight of Hea-
yen's displeasure.
The burghers regarded each other in doubt, few among them
being yet prepared to push resistance so far. Some inwardly
trembled, for habit and tradition were too strong for the new opi-
nions; some shrewdly weighed the temporal rather than the spi-
ritual consequences, and others ruminated on the possibility of
enduring the anathema in so good company. There are thou-
sands that are willing to encounter danger in large bodies, who
shrink from its hazards alone; and perhaps the soldier goes to
the charge quite as much stimulated by the sympathy of asso-
ciation, as he is sustained by the dread of shame or the desire of
renown. The . civic counsellors of Duerckheim now found them-
selves in some such plight, and each man felt assurance or doubt,
much as he happened to meet with either of those feelings ex-
pressed in the eyes of his neighbour.
"Have ye any less godly proposition to make? asked Hein-
rich, who perceived that the moral part of his civic support began
to waver, '' for these are points in which we are better skilled,
than on those that touch your doctrinal niceties.
 I am commanded^ to say, that, as becomes their divine office,
the brotherhood of Limburg is disposed to pardon and forget, in-
asrnuch as duty will allow, the late act of Duerckheim, on con-
ditions that may be named.
 Ay, this is Christian-like, and will meet with a ready return,
in our dispositions. On our side, too, holy Prior, there is every
wish to forget the past, and to look only to a quiet and friendly
future—do I interpret the intentions of the town well, my neigh-
hours?
 To the letter!—-no clerk could do it better."— Yes, we are
of the community's mind; it is wise to live at peace, and to par-
don and overlook ; were ready answers to this appeal.
 Thou hearest, father ! a better mood no minister or messenger
need wish. 'Fore Heaven! we are all of one mind in this par-
ticular ; and I know not that the man would find safety in Duerck-
heim who should talk of aught but peace.
"It is to be mourned, that ye have not always been of this
humour; I come not, however, to reproach, but to reclaim; not to
defy, but to persuade; not to intimidate, but to convince. Here
are the written propositions of the holy divines by whom I am
charged with this office of mediator, and I leave it for a time to
your private consultations. "When ye shall have well digested
this fit offer, I will come among ye in peace and friendliness.
The written proposals were received, and the whole assembly
rose to do the Prior honour. As the latter left the hall, he asked
THE HEIDENMAEEE. 201
permission of several of the burghers, among whom was Heinrich
Frey, to visit their families, in the spirit of Christian guardian-
ship. The desired consents were obtained without demur or doubt
on the part of any; for whatever may be said or thought of the
errors of public opinion, it is usually right where the means are
possessed of at all giving it a true direction. The high estimation
in which Arnolph was held, by the mere force of popular instinct,
was never more plainly seen than on the present occasion, when
even those who had so lately warred against the community,
threw open their doors without reserve; though it was well knoAvn
that the late policy of the town had many a secret enemy, and
many a bitter commentator, in that sex which is sometimes as
slow to incite to violence and resistance, as at others it is thought-
less and hasty.
CHAPTER XXIII.
 What well-appointed leader fronts ns here?"—King Henry IV.
The missive of the monks was written in Latin. At that period
few wrote but the learned, and every noble or town was obliged to
maintain a scholar to perform what are now the commonest duties
of intercourse. The clerkly agent of Duerckheim had been edu-
cated for the Church, and had even received the tonsure; but
some irregularities of life, which, as it would appear, were not
within the pale of clerical privileges, or which had been so un-
guarded as to bring scandal on the profession, compelled him to
give his destinies a new direction. As happens with most men
who have expended much time and labour in qualifying them-
selves for any particular pursuit, and who are unexpectedly driven
from its exercise, this individual, who was named Ludwig, and
who was often ironically styled in common parlance Father Lud-
wig, never completely succeeded in repairing the injury done by
the first false step he had made. His acquirements procured for
him a certain amount of consideration; but as he was known to
be somewhat free in his manner of life, and, especially as schism
grew strong in Germany, a bold sceptic on most of the distinctive
doctrines of the Catholic Church, he ever wore about his character
some of that fancied looseness which insensibly attaches itself to
all renegades, whether their motives be more or less corrupt.
Still, as he was known to be instructed, the multitude ascribed
more virtue to his secession than it would have imputed to the
withdrawal from the fold of fifty sincere believers; for most be-
lieved there were means of judging that belonged to the initiated,
which did not fall to the lot of those who worshipped in the outer
court. We have daily proofs that this weakness reaches into the
temporal interests of life, and that opinions are valued in propor-
tion as there is believed to be some secret means of acquiring in-
formation; though men rarely conceal anything that they know
which may be revealed, and few indeed are disposed to "hide their
lights under a bushel.
202 THE HEIDEHMAUEB.
Ludwig forgot no part of the intonation or emphasis^ while he
uttered the unintelligible phrases of the monkish missive. His
auditors listened the more attentively because they did not under-
stand a syllable of what was said; attention seeming usually to
be riveted in an inverse ratio to the facilities of comprehension.
Perhaps some of the higher dignitaries flattered themselves that
their inferiors might be duped into the belief of their attainments;
a fact that could not fail to increase their influence, since there is
no better evidence of the innate aspirations of our intellectual
being than the universal deference that is paid to knowledge.
"We have hazarded this supposition against the civic authorities of
Duerckheim, because we believe it depends upon a general prin-
ciple of human ambition; and because, in our own case, we well
remember hearing out a sermon of more than an hour's duration
delivered in Low Dutch, and in a damp church in Holland, when
not a word, from the text to the benediction, was understood.
 Right learnedly worded, and no doubt of proper courtesy, ex-
claimed Heinrich, when the letter was ended, and while the clerk
was clearing his spectacles, preparatory to the more vulgar version
— It is a happy strife, neighbours, in which such language passes
between the parties; for it proves that charity is stronger than
malice, and that reason is not forgotten merely because there have
been blows!
'' I have rarely heard braver words, answered a fellow-burgher,
 or those that are better penned.
"Potz Tausend! muttered the smith; "it were almost a sin
to dispossess men that can write thus.
Murmurs of approbation passed through the crowd, and not an
individual was there, with the solitary exception of a gaping idiot
that had stolen into the hall, who did not affect to have received
more or less pleasure from the communication. Even the idiot
had his share of satisfaction, for, by the pure force of sympathy,
he caught gleamings of a delight that seemed so strong and so
general.
Ludwig now commenced translating the letter into the harsh,
energetic German of the Rhine. The wonderful capabilities of
the language enabled him to convert the generalities and compre-
hensive terms of the Latin, with a minuteness of signification
which put the loss of any shade of idea utterly out of the ques-
tion.
_ What.the monks had meant, and perhaps even more, was labo-
riously, and with malignant pleasure, rendered; and so rendered,
as to give to each expression the fullest weight and meaning.
We have no intention of attempting the office of translating
this harsh summons ourselves, but must be content with a brief
summary of its contents. The instrument opened with a greeting
that was not unlike those which were sent, in the first ages of the
f resent dispensation, from the apostles to the churches of the East,
t then contained a short but pointed narrative of the recent
events, which were qualified in a way that the reader can easily
imagine; it proceeded to refer to the spiritual and temporal autho-
THE HEIDENMATTEB. 203
rities from which, the brotherhood had assurances of support; and
it concluded by demanding, under the penalty of incurring every
earthly and heavenly risk, an enormous sum in gold, as a pecu-
niary reparation for the injury done—a complete and absolute sub-
mission of the town to the jurisdiction of the community, even more
than was ever before pretended to—a public and general acknow-
ledgment of error, with a variety of penances and pilgrimages to
he performed by functionaries that were named—and the delivery
of Heinrich Frey, with eleven others of the principal inhabitants,
into the Abbot's hands as hostages, until all of these exactions
and conditions should be completely and satisfactorily fulfilled.
 TFh—e—e—e—w! whistled Heinrich, when Ludwig ended,
after a most provoking prolixity, that had completely exhausted
the Burgomaster's patience.  Himmel! here is a victory that is
likely to cost us our means, our characters, our liberties, our con-
sciences, and our ease ! Are the monks mad, Master Ludwig, or
art thou sporting with our credulity ? Do they really speak of
hostages, and of gold?
 Of a surety, worshipful Herr, and seemingly with a right
good will.
 "Wilt read the part touching the hostages again, in the Latin;
thou mayst have indiscreetly overlooked a conjunction or a pro-
noun, as I think thou callest these notable figures of speech.
"Ay, it were well to judge of the letter by the Latin, echoed
the smith;  one never knows the quality of his metal, at the
first touch of the hammer.
Ludwig read, a second time, extracts in the original, and,
through a species of waggery, by which he often took a secret and
consolatory revenge for the indignities he frequently received
from the ignorant, and which served him as food, of merriment,
and as a vent to his confined humours in occasional interviews
with others of his own class, he gave with singular emphasis the
terms of greeting, which were, as usual, embellished with phrases
of priestly benediction, as the part that especially demanded the
prompt delivery of Heinrich Frey and his fellows into the hands
of the Benedictines.
 Grott bewarhe! cried the Burgomaster, who had shifted a
leg each time the clerk glanced an eye at him over his spectacles
—"I have other concerns than to sit in a cell, and Duerekheim
would fare but badly were the town left without so large a share
of its knowledge and experience. Prithee, Master Ludwig, give
us the kinder language of these Benedictines; for methinks
there may be found, some words of peace in the blessings they
bestow.
The crafty clerk now read, in the original, the strongest of the
denunciations, and the parts of the letter which so peremptorily
demanded the hostages.
 How now, knave! said the hasty Burgomaster,  thou hast
not been faithful in thy former readings! Thou hearest, neigh-
hours, I am named especially in their benedictions; for you must
know, worthy burghers, that Henricus means Heinrich, and Frey,
204 THE HEIDENHAHEK.
well pronounced, is much, the same in all languages. This I know
from long experience in these cunning instruments. I owe the
reverend Benedictines grace for their good wishes, expressed with
this particularity; though the manner in which they introduce
the hostages is Unseemly.
tt v"'' bought when it came to the worst, muttered the smith,
 that Master Heinrich would he considered with especial favour.
This it is, brother artisans, to he honoured in one's town, and to
have a name!
"There sounds a parley! interrupted the Burgomaster.  Can
these crafty monks have dared to trifle with us, by sending the
choicest of their flock to hold us in discourse, while they steal
upon us in armour?
The idea was evidently unpleasant to most of the council, and
to none more so than to the aged Wolfgang, whose years would
seem to have given less value to his personal safety than to the
rest. Many quitted the hall, while those that remained appeared
to he detained more by their apprehensions than by their forti-
tude. Heinrich, who was constitutionally firm, continued the
most undisturbed of them all, though even he went from window
to window, like a man that was uneasy.
 If the godly villains have done this treachery, let them look
to it—we are not vassals to be hoodwinked with a cowl!
"Perhaps, worshipful and wise Heinrich, said the crafty
Ludwig,  they send the trumpet, in readiness to receive the
hostages.
 The holy magi curse them, and their impudent long-winded
musician!—How now, fellow!—who maketh this tan—ta—ra—ra
at our gate?
 The noble Count of Hartenburg is at the valley side of the
town, honourable Burgomaster, with a stout troop of mounted
followers, announced the breathless runner, who came on this
errand. "He chafes at the delay, but as the order to keep fast
is so rigid, the captain of the watch dares not unbar and unbolt
without permission had.
 Bid the valiant and faithful burgher undo his fastenings o'
Heaven's name!—and right speedily. We should have bethought
us, excellent neighbours, of the chances of this visit, and had a
care that our princely friend were without this cause of complaint.
But we should rejoice, too, that our people are so true, as to keep
their trust even against one so known and honoured. I warrant
ye, neighbours, were it the imperial Karl himself, he would fare
no better.
Heinrich was interrupted while vaunting and extolling the
civic discipline, by the trampling of horses' feet 'on the pavement
below the windows, and on looking out he saw Emich and all his
cortege coolly alighting.
"Umph! ejaculated the Burgomaster; "go forth and do
reverence to my lord the Count.
The council awaited in deep silence the appearance of their
visitor. Emich entered the hall with the assured step of a supe-
SMLB HJS1DU.NMAU-EK. 205
rior, and with a countenance that was clouded. He bowed to the
salutations of the council, signed for his armed followers to await
at the door, and walked himself to the seat which Heinrich had
previously vacated, and which, in truth, was virtually the throne
of Duerckheim. Placing his heavy form in the chair, with the
air of one accustomed to fill it, he again bowed, and made a ges-
ture of the hand, which the burghers understood to be an invita-
tion to be seated. With doubting faces the awed authorities sub-
mitted, receiving that permission as a boon, which they were ready
so lately themselves to urge as a civility. Heinrich looked sur-
prised, but, accustomed to pay great deference to his noble friend, he
returned the bow and smile—for he was especially saluted with a
smile—and took the second place.
 It was not well, my worthy townsmen, to close your gates
thus churlishly against me, commenced the baron; "there are
Tights and honours that ought to be respected, at all hours and
seasons, and I marvel that this need be taught to the Duerckheim-
ers by a Count of Leiningen. I and my train were held at par-
lance at your barriers, an' Aye had been so many wandering
gipsies, or some of the free bands that sell their arquebuses ana
lances to the highest bidder.
 That there may have been some little delay, my lord Count—
answered Heinrich.
"Little, Burgomaster! dost thou call that little which keeps a
noble of Leiningen chafing at a gate, amid dust and heat, and
gaping mouths ? Thou knowest not the spirit of our steeds, Herr
Prey, if thou imaginest they like such sudden checks of the curb.
"We are of high mettle, horses and riders, and must have our way
when fairly spurred.
 There was every desire, nobly-born Emich, to do you honour,
and to undo our bolts as speedily as might be done ; for this end
we were about to depute the necessary orders, when Ave were sud-
denly favoured Avith your gracious and high dispensing company.
"We doubt not that the captain of the watch reasoned with him-
self, and did that, of good intention and of his own accord, Avliich
he would speedily have been called upon to do, by our commands.
 God's truth ! that may not prove so true, answered Emich,
laughing.  Our impatience was stronger than your bolts, and
lest the same oversight might renew the inconvenience, we found
means to enter Avith little formality.
The burghers in general seemed greatly troubled, and Heinrich
as greatly surprised. The baron saAV that enough had been said,
for the moment; and, assuming a more gracious mien, he continued
in another strain.
""Well, loving toAvnsmen, he said,  it is now a happy week,
since all our desires have been accomplished. The Benedictines
are defeated, the Jaegerthal is at peace and under the sAvay of its
rightful lord, and yet the sun rises and sets as before, the heavens
seem as smiling, the rains as refreshing, and all our hopes as
reasonable, as of old. There is to be no miracle in their behalf,
Herr Heinrich, and we may fain sleepin peace.
o
206 THE HEIDEJTMATTEB.
 That may depend, lord Count, on other humours than ours.
Here are reports abroad that are anything hut pleasant to the
ear, and our honest townsmen are troubled, lest, after doing good
service in behalf of their betters, they may yet be made to pay all
the charges of the victory.
 Set their hearts at peace, worthy Burgomaster, for I have not
thrust a hand into the ecclesiastical flame, without thought of
keeping it from being scorched. Thou knowest I have friends,
and 'twill not be easy to put a Count of Leiningen to the ban.
 Nay, we doubt but little, illustrious noble, of your safety, and
of your house's; our fear is for ourselves.
 Thou hast only to lean on me, Master Frey. "When the tie
between us shall be explained more clearly to the Emperor and
the Diet, and when our loving wishes, as respects each other, shall
be better understood, all will know that to strike Duerckheim is
to aim a blow at me. Whence cometh this sudden fear, for last
reports touching your condition said that the town was firm of
heart, and bent on joining Luther, rather than confess?
 Sapperment! the heart must not always be judged by the
countenance ! Here is the smith, who is seldom of a bright visage;
but were it said that his heart is as black as his face, great injus-
tice would be done the man.
A movement and a murmur betrayed the admiration of those
who crowded the door, at this figure of the Burgomaster.
 Thou hast some reason for this sudden despondency ? rejoined
the Count, glancing a look of indifference at the artisans.
"Why, to speak the truth, Lord Emich, Bonifacius hath sent
us a missive, written in very fair Latin, and in a scholarly manner,
that threatens us to a man with every Christian wish, from plagues
to downright and incurable damnation.
 And art thou troubled, Heinrich, at a scrawl of unintelligible
words?
 I know not what is to be understood, Herr Count, if a demand
for Heinrich Frey, with eleven others of our most respected, as
hbstages, doubtless to be kept from their affairs in some convent
cells, on hard fare, and hard penance, for weary months, be not
plain. To this they add demands for gold, with pilgrimages, and
penances, and other godly recreations.'
 By whose hand got ye this ?
 By that of the honest Prior, a man of so much bowels that I
marvel he should be the bearer of a message so unwelcome and so
uncharitable. But the best of us have our moments of weakness,
for all are not always thoughtful or just.
 Ha ! Arnolph is afoot!—Hath he departed ?
 He tarries, my good lord; for look you, we have not yet deter-
mined on the fashion of our reply.
 Thou wouldst not have thought of sending answer, without
taking _ counsel of me, Herr Frey, said Emich, sharply, and
much in the manner that a parent reproves his child.  I am
luckily arrived, and the matter shall be looked to. Have ye be-
thought ye of the fitting terms ?
THE HEIDENMATJEH. 207
 No doubt all have bethought tbem much, tbougb as yet none
have uttered their secret opinions. For one, I cry out loudly
against all hostages, though none could be readier than I to under-
go this risk to serve the town but it is admitting an error in too
plain evidence, and carrieth with it a confession that our faith is
n * to he depended on.
this sentiment, which had long been struggling in Heinrich's
breast, met with an audible echo in that of every one of the eleven
who were likely, by situation and years, to he chosen for this
honourable distinction; and every man among them uttered some
proper phrase concerning the value of character, and the necessity
of so demeaning themselves as not to cheapen that of Duerck-
heim. Emich listened coolly, for it was of great indifference to
him how much the burghers were alarmed, since their fears could
only induce them the more to seek support from his interest and
power.
 Thou hast then refused the conditions ?
"We have done nothing, Herr Count, hut we have thought
much and sorely, as hath just been said. I take it, the gold and
the hostages will find hut little favour among us ; hut rather than
keep the Palatinate in a disturbed and insecure state, and as we
are quiet burghers, who look to peace and the means of getting
their bread, our answer may not he so short, could the matter be
brought down to a few chosen penitents and pilgrimages. Though
half of Brother Luther's mind in many things, it were well to get
quit of even the chances of damnation for a few sore feet and
stripes, that might he so managed as to do little civic harm.
 By the lineage of my house! excellent Heinrich, thou dost
hut echo my thoughts. The Prior is a man with bowels, and this
matter shall be speedily arranged. We must bethink us of the
details, for these monks are close calculators, and on a time are
said to have outwitted Lucifer. First, then, there shall be an
offering of gold.
 Nay, my lord Count will consider the means of our town !
"Peace, honest Heinrich, whispered Emich, leaning towards
the place where the Burgomaster and two or three of the principal
members of the council sat, "we have accounts from the Hebrews
at Koeln, which say the Limburg treasures may be well applied,
in this manner, to purchase a little peace. We will be liberal as
becomes our names, he now spoke to_ all,  and not send the
brotherhood naked into a world which is getting every. day less
disposed to clothe them; we must drain our coffers rather than
they should starve, and this point may be looked upon as settled.
As for our penitents and pilgrims, the castle and the town shall
equally furnish a share. I can send the lieutenant of my men-at-
arms, who hath a nimble foot; Gottlob the cow-herd, to whom
Sunishment is fairly due, on many general accounts ; and others
oubtless that may be found. "What good, of this nature, can
Duerckheim supply? .
"We are a homely people, high-born Graf, and having fewer
virtues than our betters, are not so well gifted either in vices. As
o 2
208 the heieenmatter.
becometh a middle state, we are content with no great excess in
the one or the other of the more striking qualities; and yet I
doubt not, neighbours, that at need there might be among us men
who would not fare the worse for wholesome correction and fitting
penances ?
Heinrich looked about him in an inquiring manner, while each
burgher passed the investigation on to the next, as men forward a
glance that they wish to think has no application to themselves.
The crowd at the door recoiled a pace, and heads were turned
curiously, and eyes roamed among the inferiors, with quite as
much expression as had just been done by their superiors.
 There are delinquents, young and thoughtless varlets, who vex
the town with, their ribaldry and noise, that it might do to scourge
with the church's rod, suggested the tremulous and aged "Wolf-
gang.
"St. Benedict will be put off with none of these, bluffly an-
swered the Burgomaster; "he must have men of substance and
of some esteem, or the affair will be as far as ever from a happy
conclusion. What thinkest thou, honest and patriotic Dietrich?
Thou hast a constitution to endure, and a heart of iron.
 Tausend sex und zwanzig! returned the smith;  you little
know all my ailings, most worshipful masters, if you think I am
near this force! I have difficulties of breath, that are only at
peace near the heat of the forge, and my heart gets soft as a
feather on a journey. Then there is the wife and the young to
wail my absence, and I am not scholar enough to repeat a prayer
more than some six or ten "times in a day.
This excuse did not appear to satisfy the council, who, acting
on that principle of exaction which is found among all people and.
in all communities, felt disposed to recollect the former services
of the artisan as a sort of apology for further claims on his ex-
ertions.
 Nay, for one that hath ever been so free at the wish of Duerck-
heim, this plea cometh with an ill grace, answered Heinrich,—a
sentiment that was audibly repeated in a general exclamation of
discontent by all the other burghers.—
"We expected other reply from thee!
"Well, since the worshipful council expects—but there will be
the wife and the young, with none to care for them!
 That difficulty may be disposed of—thou hast six, if I remem-
ber, in thy household?
 Ten, honourable Heinrich—not a mouth less than half a score,
and- all of an age to require much food and strong.
"Here are all but two of our dozen, in a word, noble Emich,
promptly added the Burgomaster; "and of a scriptural quality,
for we are told the prayers and sacrifices of the young and innocent
are acceptable. Thanks, honest smith, and more than thanks:
thou shalt have marks of a quality different from those left by the
scourge. No doubt the others may be picked up among the useless
and idle.
 Our affairs seem settled, loving burghers, answered the Count.
THE HEIDENMATTEB. 209
 Leave me to dispose of the question of indemnity, and look ye to
the penitents, and to the seemliness of the atonement. Ye may
retire, ye that throng1 the way."—The mandate was hurriedly
obeyed, and the door closed.—"As for support at Heidelberg and
Madrid, continued the Count,  the matter hath been looked to;
and should the complaint be pushed beyond decency at Kome, we
have always Brother Luther as an ally. Bonifacius wanteth not
for understanding, and when he looks deeper into our defences,
and into the humour of the times, I know him for one that will
be disposed to stay an evil, before it becomes an incurable sore.
These shaven crowns, Master Heinrich, are not, like us fathers of
families, much troubled for posterity; for they leave no name or
blood behind them; and so long as we can fairly satisfy their pre-
sent longings, the truce may be considered as more than half con-
eluded. To strip a churchman of his hoardings needeth but a bold
spirit, a present bribe, aDd a strong hand.
The whole council murmured its approval of this reasoning, and
the discussion now took a turn more inclining to the details.
Emich grew gracious, and the burghers bolder. Some even
laughed openly at their late apprehensions, and nearly all thought
they saw a final settlement of this long-disputed and serious ques-
tion. The Prior, who had been engaged in visits of religious
charity in the town, was soon summoned, and the Count assumed
the office of communicating the common answer.
The meeting between Emich and Father Arnolph was charac-
teristic. It took place in the public hall, and in the presence of
a few of the principal burghers. The Count was at first disposed
to be haughty, imperious, and even repulsive ; but the monk was
meek, earnest, and calm. The effect of this forbearance was
quickly apparent. Their intercourse soon grew more courteous,
for Emich, when not excited, or misled by the cupidity that dis-
graced the age, possessed most of the breeding of his peers. On
the other hand, Arnolph never lost sight of his duties, the chiefest
of which he believed to be charity.
 Thou art the bearer of the olive-branch, holy Prior, said the
Count, as they took their seats, after some little previous parley;
 and pity 'tis, that all who wear the cowl do not as well com-
prehend the pleasantest quality of their sacred characters._ The
world would grow less quarrelsome, and we who worship in the
court of the temple, would be less disturbed by doubts touching
those who lift its veil.
 I did not look to hold discussion of clerkly duties with thee,
lord Count, when my superior sent me on this errand to the town
of Duerckheim, mildly answered the monk, indifferent to the
other's wily compliments.  Am I, then, to consider the castle
and the council as one?
 In heart, humour, and interests;—I might add also in rights,
and sovereignty; for, now all question of the Abbey is settled,
the ancient temporal rule is replaced.—Say I well, loving
burghers}
"djmph i ejaculated Heinrich. The rest bent their heads,
210 THE HEIDENMATTER.
though, douhtingly, like men taken hy surprise. But Emich seemed
perfectly satisfied.
"It is of no great moment "who governs here, since the wrong
done to God and our brotherhood must be repaired by those who
have committed it. Hast thou examined the missive of the Abbey,
Herr Burgomaster, and art ready with the reply ?
 This duty hath been done, reverend Arnolph, and here is our
answer. As for the letter, it/ is our mature opinion, that it hath-
been indited in a fair hand, and in very learned Latin, as befitteth
a brotherhood of so much repute. "We deem this more creditable,
since there have been some late heavy losses in books, and he who
did this might not have the customary aid of materials to which
use had made him familiar. As for what hath been said in the
way of greeting^ and benedictions, holy Prior, we are thankful,
and most especially for the part that is of thy share, which we
esteem to be of particular unction; in mine own behalf, espe-
cially, would I thank all the convent for the manner in which my
name hath been introduced into their good wishes; though 1 must
add, it were better that he who wrote had been content to stop
there, since these frequent introductions of private personages, in
^matters of general concernment, are apt to raise envy and other
evil passions. > As respecting, moreover, any especial pilgrimages
and penances in my own person, I feel not the occasion, as would
doubtless be the fact at need, since we see most men pricked, on to
these mortifications by their own consciences.
 The expiation is not sought for particular consolation, neither
is it desired as a balm to the Convent's wounds, but as an hum-
ble and a necessary atonement to God. In this view have we
deemed it important to choose those who are most esteemed
among men, since it is before the eyes of mankind that the ex-
piation must be made. I am the bearer of similar proposals to
the Castle; and by high ecclesiastical authority am I charged to
demand that its well-born lord himself make these acknowledg-
ments in his own person. The sacrifice of the honoured and inno-
cent hath more flavour than that of the mean and wicked.
 Potz Tausend ! muttered Heinrich;  I see little use for lead-
ing a clean life with such doctrines and discipline.
But Emich heard the proposal without a frown. Bold, haughty,
and audacious, he was also deeply artful and superstitious._ Eor
years, his rude mind had been tormented by conflicting passions—
those of cupidity and religious dread; and now that the former was
satisfied, he had begun to reflect seriously of appeasing his latent
apprehensions in some effectual manner. Plans of various expia-
tory offerings had already crossed his mind, and so far from hear-
ing the declaration of the Benedictine with resentment, he enter-
tained the idea with pleasure. It seemed an easy and cheap
expedient of satisfying all scruples; for the re-establishment of
the community on the hill of Limburg was a condition he knew
to be entirely out of the question in the present state of the public
mind in Germany. In this humour, then, did he reply. The con-
ference of course proceeded harmoniously, and it was protracted
THE HEIDENHATJEK. 211
for several hours. But as its results will he more regularly
developed iu the course of the narrative, we shall not anticipate
events.
CHAPTER XXIY.
 In a strange land
Such things, however trivial, reach the heart,
And through the heart the head, clearing away
The narrow notions that grew up at home,
And in their place grafting good will to all— Rogers.
It is necessary to advance a few weeks in the order of time; a
change that will bring us to the middle of the warm and generous
month of July. The hour was towards the close of day, and the
place and scenery such as it is now our duty to describe.
Let the reader imagine a high naked down, whose surface was
slightly broken by irregularities. Scarce a tree was visible over
the whole of its bald face, though a few stunted shrubs betrayed
the efforts of the earth to push forth a meagre vegetation. The
air was pure, thin, and volatile, and, together with the soft blue
of the void, denoted a great elevation above the vapours and im-
purities which linger nearer to regions that lie on the level of the
sea. Notwithstanding these never-failing signs of a mountain-
country, here and there were to be seen distant peaks, that shot
upward into the fierce light, glittering with everlasting frost.
Along one side of this naked expanse, the land fell suddenly
away towards a long, narrow sheet of water, which lay a thousand
feet below. The shores of this lake, for such it was, were clothed
with innumerable white dwellings, and garnished with hamlets
and vineyards, while a walled town, with its towers and battle-
ments, occasionally darkened the shores. But these were objects
scarcely to be seen from the precise situation which we desire
the mind of the reader to occupy. In the distant view, always
in that direction, one favourably placed might have seen a vast
range of undulating country, stretching towards the north and
east, that had the usual characteristics of a region in which
Alpine mountains begin gradually to melt into the plain. This
region was beautified with several spots of dark blue, resembling
so many deep reflections of the skies, which were sheets of limpid
and tranquil water. Towards the south and west, the down was
bounded by a natural wall of rude and gray rock, that rose in
nearly all its line to the elevation of a mountain, and which shot
up to a giddy height near its centre in two pointed cones, that by
their forms, coupled with other circumstances that shall be soon
explained, had. obtained the name of the  Mitres.
Near the barrier of mountain, and almost directly beneath these
natural mitres, was a small village, whose houses, constructed of
wood, had the wide roofs, numerous windows, and the peculiar
resin-like colour of Swiss habitations.
The place was a hamlet rather than a village, and most of the
212 XHE HEIDENilATTEB.
land around it lay at waste, like all that was visible for miles in
every direction. On a rising ground near the hamlet, from which
it was separated merely by a large esplanade, or green, as we
should he apt to term the spot, stood one of those mazes of roofs,
chimneys, and towers, which in that age, and, indeed, even now,
mark a conventual pile. The edifices were large, complicated in
their forms and order, and had been constructed without much
architectural knowledge or taste; the air of the whole being that
of rude hut abundant wealth. In the centre was a church, or
chapel, evidently of ancient existence and simple origin, though
its quaint outlines were elaborately decorated, after the fashion
of the times, by a variety of after-thoughts, and in a manner to
show that means were not wanting to render the whole more mag-
nificent, and that the fault of the construction lay rather in the
first idea, than in any subsequent ability or inclination to re-
pair it.
The site of this hamlet and down was in the celebrated Canton
of Schwytz, a small district that has since given its name to the
heroic confederation that occupies so much of the country among
and near the "Western Alps. Its name was Einsiedlen; the mo-
nastic buildings belonged to a_ convent of Benedictines, and the
church contained one of the shrines even then most in repute after
that of Loretto. Time and revolutions have since elevated our
Lady of Einsiedlen, perhaps, to the very highest rank among the
pilgrimages of the Catholic; for we have lately seen thousands
crowding her altars, while we found the Santa Casa abandoned
chiefly to the care of its guardians, or subject to the casual inspec-
tion of curious heretics.
Having thus described the spot to which the scene is shifted, it
is proper to refer to the actors.
At a point distant less than a league from the hamlet, and on
the side of the open down just mentioned, which lies next to the
steep ascent from the lake of Zurich, and in the direction of the
llhine, there came a group of travellers of both sexes, and appa-
rently of all ages, between declining manhood and vigorous youth.
They were afoot, wearing the garb and symbol of pilgrims. Wea-
riness had caused them to lengthen their line, and they went in
pairs, the strongest in front, the feeble and more fatigued in the
rear.
In advance marched two men. One wore the gown and cowl of
a Benedictine, while he carried, like the rest, the staff and wallet
of a pilgrim. His companion had the> usual mantle, decorated
with scollop shells, and also bore his scrip and stick. The others
had the same attire, with the usual exceptions that distinguish
the sexes. They consisted of two men of middle age, who followed
those in front; two of each sex in pairs, all still young and active;
two females, who were in their prime, though wearied and sad;
and a maiden, who dragged her limbs after them with a difficulty
disproportioned to her years. At the side of the latter was a crone,
whose infirmities and age had enabled her to obtain the indulgence
of an ass, on which she was seated comparatively at her ease;
THE HEIDEtfirAtrEIt. 213
though, hy a licence that had been "winked at by the monk, her
saddle was encumbered with the scrips of most of the female peni-
tents. In the rear of all came two males, who seemed to form a
sort of rear-guard to the whole party.
This group was composed of the Prior and Emieh, who led the
van ; of Heinrich, and Dietrich the smith; of Gisela and Gottlob,
with a youth and maiden from Duerckheim; of Ulrike and Lott-
chen, of Meta and Ilse, and of M. Latouche and the Knight of
Ehodes. These were the penitents chosen to expiate the late
offence to the majesty of God, by prayers and mortifications before
the shrine of Einsiedlen. The temporal question had been par-
tially put at rest by the intrigues and influence of the Count,,
backed, as he was, by timely applications of gold, and by the in-
creasing heresy that had effectually shaken the authority of the
Church throughout all Germany, and which had sufficiently ap-
rised the practised Bonifacius, and his superiors, of the expe-
iency of using great moderation in their demands.
 St. Benedict make us thankful, holy father! said the Count,
as his gratified eye first beheld the long wished-for roofs of the
convent^  We have journeyed a weary distance ; and this snail's
pace, which, in deference to the weak, we are bound to' observe,
but little suits the impatience of a warrior, accustomed to steed
and spur. Thou hast often visited this sacred shrine, pious Ar-
nolph?
The monk had stopped, and with a tearful eye he stood gazing,
in religious reverence, at the distant pile. Then, kneeling on the
trass, he prayed, while the others, accustomed to these sudden
emonstrations of zeal, gladly rested their limbs the while.
 if ever before hath eye of mine greeted yon holy pile, an-
swered the Prior, as they slowly resumed their journey ,  though
often, in night dreams, hath my soul yearned for the privilege.
 Methinks, father, thou hast little occasion for penitence or
pilgrimage—thou, whose life hath rolled on in deeds of Christian
charity and love.
 Each day brings its evil, and each day should have its expia-
tion.
'' Truly, not in marches over stony and mountain paths, like
these we travel. Einsiedlen must have especial virtue, to draw
men so far from their homes to do it honour. Hast the history of
the shrine at command, reverend Prior ?
"It should be known to all Christians, and chiefly to the pil-
grim. I had thought thee instructed in these great events.
 By the Magi! to speak thee honestly, Father Arnolph, the
little friendship which hath subsisted between Limburg and my
house had given a disrelish for any Benedictine miracle, let it be
of what quality it would; but now that we are likely to be so
lovingly united, I could gladly hear the tale, which will at least
serve to divert our thoughts from a subject so grovelling as our
own feet; for, to conceal nothing, mine make most importunate
appeals to be at rest.
 Our journey draweth near its end; but as thy request is rea-
214 THE HEIDENMAHER.
sonable, it shall he answered. Listen, then, Emich, and may the
lesson profit thy sonl! During the reign of the illustrious and
warlike Charlemagne, who governed Gaul, with so much of our
Germany and the country of the Franks, there lived a youth of
the ancient family of Hohenzollern, branches of which still possess
principalities and marches in the Empire. The name of this
learned and pious youth "was Meinard. Early fatigued with the
vanities of life, he sought a, hermitage, nearer than this to the
banks of that lake which we so lately crossed at Rapperschwyl.
But, overburdened by the number of the curious and pious who
visited his cell, the holy Meinard, after seven years of prayer,
retired to a clear fountain, which must still run near yonder church,
where another cell and a chapel were built for him, expressly by
command of Hildegarde, a royal lady, and the abbess of a monas-
tery in the town of Zurich. Here Meinard lived and here he died,
filled with grace, and greatly blessed by godly exercises.
 Father, had he a profitable and happy end, in this wild re-
gion ?
 Spiritually, nothing could' have been more desirable; tem-
porally, naught more foul. He died by the hands of vile as-
sassins, to whom he had rendered hospitality. The deed was
discovered by means of two crows, who followed the murderers to
Zurich, where they were taken and executed—at least, so sayeth
tradition. In a later age, the holy Meinard was canonised by
Benedict Till. For nearly half a century, the cell of Meinard,
though in great request as a place of prayer, remained without a
tenant; but at the end of that period, Beurun, a canon of the
house of Burgundy, which house then ruled most of the country
far and near, caused the chapel and cell to be repaired, replaced
the image of the blessed Maria, and devoted his own life to the
hermitage. The neighbouring seigneurs and barons contributed
to endow the place, and divers holy men joined themselves to the
service of the altar, from which circumstance the shrine obtained
the name of ' Our Lady of the Hermits,' its true appellation to
this hour. _ It would weary thee to listen to the tale of miracles
performed in virtue of their prayers, even in that early and less-
gifted condition of the place ; but its reputation so circulated, that
many came from afar to see and to believe. In the process of
time, a regular community was established, and the church thou
seest was erected, containing in its nave the original cell, chapel,
and image of Saint Meinard. Of the brotherhood, Saint Eber-
haud was named the Abbot.
 I had thought there was still higher virtue in the place,"_ob-
served Emich, when the Prior paused, and seemingly a little
disappointed; "for your deep sinner as little likes a simple dis-
pensation, as the drunkard relishes small drinks.
 Thou shalt hear. When the buildings -were completed, and
it became necessary to consecrate the place, agreeably to the forms
and usages of the Church, Conrad, Bishop of Constance, was in-
vit,ed to discharge the holy office. Here cometh the wonderful
favour of Heaven! As Conrad of Constance, writh other pious
THE HEIDEHHAHER. 215
men, arose to pray, at midnight of the day appointed for the ser-
vice, they suddenly heard divine music most sweetly chanted by
angels. Though sore amazed and impressed, they were still suffi-
ciently masters of their reason to discover that the unseen beings
sang the prescribed formula of the consecration, that office which
they were preparing themselves to perform a few hours later.
Satisfied with this especial and wonderful interference, Conrad
would have abstained from repeating a service which had already
been thus performed, but for the demands and outcries of the
ignorant. But when, after hours of delay, he was about to yield
to their impatience, a clear voice three times admonished him of
the blasphemy, by saying, ' Cease, brother! thy chapel is divinely
consecrated!' From that moment the place is so esteemed, and.
all our rites are performed as at a shrine of high behest and par-
ticular virtue.
Emich crossed himself devoutly, having listened in perfect faith,
and with deep interest;—for at that moment early impressions
were stronger than the modern doubts.
 It is good to be here, father, he reverently answered; "I would
that Ermengarde, and all of my house, were at my side ! But are
there any especial favours accorded to those who come hither, in a
fitting temper, in the way of temporal gifts or political considera-
tions ? since, being before a shrine so holy, I could fain profit by
the sore pains and privations by which the grace is gained.
The Prior seemea mortified, for, though he lent the faith required
by the opinions of the age to the tradition he had recounted, he
was too well instructed m the true doctrines of his Church not to
perceive the false bias of his companion's mind. The embarrass-
ment caused a silence, during which the reader is to imagine that
they passed on, giving place to other personages of the tale.
Before turning to another group, however, we desire to say dis-
tinctly, that, in relating the manner of the miraculous consecra-
tion of the chapel of ' Our Lady of the Hermits,' we have wished
merely to set the tradition before the reader, without inferring
aught for, or against, its authenticity. It is well known that the
belief of these supernatural interferences of Divine Power forms
no necessary part of doctrine, even in that Church which is said to
be the most favoured by these dispensations; and it ought always
to be remembered, that those sects which impugn these visible and
physical signs of Omnipotence entertain opinions, of a more
purely spiritual character, that are scarcely less out of the course
of ordinary and vulgar nature. In cases in which there exist so
nice shades of distinction, and in which truth is so difficult of dis-
covery, it is our duty to limit ourselves to popular facts, and as
such have we given the history of Einsiedlen, its Abbey,' and its
Virgin. The opinion of Father Arnolph is the local opinion of our
own times, and. it is the opinion of thousands who, even now,
yearly frequent the shrine.
Heinrich and the smith were the couple next to the Count
and the Prior, and of course they were the next to cross the
stage.
216 the heidenmatjer.
 It is no doubt much, or I may add altogether, as you say,
worshipful Burgomaster 
 Brother pilgrim, ruefully interrupted Heinrich.
"I should have said, brother worshipful pilgrim,—though,
Heaven it knows, the familiarity goes nigh to choke me !—but it is
much as you say, that whether we cling to Rome, or finally settle
quietly _ into the new worship of Brother Luther, this journey
ought, in all fairness, to be set down to our account, as of so much
virtue ; for, look you, brother worshipful, it is made at the cost of
Christian flesh and blood, and therefore should it be savoury, with-
out much particularity concerning mere outward appearances. I
do not think, were truth spoken, that wielding the sledge a twelve-
month would have done this injury to my feet.
 Have mercy on thyself and me, good smith, and think less of
these trifling grievances. What Heaven wills must happen, else
would one of thy merit have risen higher in the world.
 Thanks, worshipful brother pilgrim and Burgomaster; I will
bethink me of resignation, though these wire-drawn pains are
never to the liking of your men of muscle and great courage. A
knock o' the head, or the bullet of an arquebuse, gives less un-
easiness than smaller griefs much endured. Were things pro-
perly governed, the penances and pilgrimages, and other expia-
tions of the Church, would be chiefly left to the women.
"We shall see hereafter how Luther hath ordered this; but
.having ourselves embarked in this journey for the good of Duerck-
heim, to say nothing of our own souls, it behoveth us to hold out
manfully—a duty the more easily performed, as we can now see
the end of it. To speak thee fair, Dietrich, I do not remember
ever to have beheld Benedictine abode with so much joy, as this
we see at yonder mountain's foot.
 Be of cheer, most honourable and excellent brother worshipful
pilgrim ; the trial is near its end, and if we come thus far to do
this honour to our own community, why,—Himmel! it is but the
price paid for getting rid of another.
"Be of cheer, truly, brother smith, for it is but some kneeling,
and a few stripes that each is to apply to his own back; after
which the return will reasonably be more joyous than the ad-
vance.
Encouraged by each other, the devotees hobbled on, their heavy
massive frames yielding at every step, like those of overgrown
oxen which had been but indifferently shod. As they passed by,
their places were filled by the four, of whom Gisela and Gottlob
formed a part. Among these the discourse was light and trifling,
for. bodily fatigue had little influence on the joyous buoyancy of
such spirits ; especially at a moment when they saw before them
the immediate termination of their troubles. Not so with those
that came next; these were Ulrike and her friend, who moved
along the path like those who were loaded with griefs of the
soul.
 God is among these hills, as He is on our plains, Lottchen,
said the former, continuing the discourse. "Yon temple is his
THE lEEIDENMATTER. 217
shrine, as was tliat of Hamburgand it is as vain for man to think
of forgetting Him on earth, as it would be to invade Him in that
heaven which is his throne ! "What He doth is wise, and we will
endeavour to submit.
The words of Ulrike were perhaps more touched with resigna-
tion than her manner. _ The latter, though subdued, was tilled
with sorrow, and her voice was tremulous nearly to tears. Though
the exhibition of her melancholy was deep and evident, *it was of
a character which denotes no extinction of hope. On the other
hand, the features, eye, and entire manner of her friend, bore the
heavy and fatal impress of incurable woe.
"God is among these hills! repeated Lottchen, though she
scarce seemed to hear the words;  Grod is among these hills !
 We approach a much-csteemed shrine, dearest Lottchen : the
Being, in whose name it hath been raised, will not permit us to
depart from it unblessed.
"We shall be blessed, Ulrike !
 Thou dwellest hopelessly on thy loss, my Lottchen! "Would
thou had less thought of the past, and more of the future !
The smile with which the widow regarded her friend was full of
anguish.
 I have no future, Ulrike, but the grave !
 Dearest Lottchen!—we will speak of this holy shrine. Emotion
smothered her voice.
 Speak of what thou wilt, my friend, answered the childless
widow, with a frightful calm.  I see no difference in subjects.
 Lottchen !—not when we discourse of heaven ?
The widow bowed her vacant eyes to earth, and they passed on.
Their footsteps were succeeded by those of the beast ridden by
Ilse, and by the faltering tread of Meta.
 Ay,—yon is the shrine of our Lady of the Hermits, said
the former; "a temple of surpassing virtue. Well, Heaven is
not in churches and chapels, and that of Limburg may yet be
spared ; the more especially as the brotherhood was far from being
of unexceptionable lives. Keep up thy heart, Meta, and think
not of weariness, for not a pain dost thou now bear, that will not
be returned to thee, another day, in joy, or in some other precious
gift. This is Heaven's justice, which is certain to requite all
equally, for good or evil. Well-a-day!—it is this certainty that
comforteth the godly, and giveth courage to the tottering.
She spoke to an insensible listener. The countenance of Meta,
like that of Lottchen, expressed hopelessness, though it were in less
palpable and certain signs. The eye was dull but wandering, the
cheek pale, the mouth convulsive and at times compressed, the step
languid, and the whole being of this young and innocent creature
seemed wasting under a premature and unnatural blight! She
looked at the convent with indifference, though it brought relief
to her bodily pains. The mountains rose dark and rugged near,
or glittered in the distance like hills of alabaster, without giving
birth to a single exclamation of that delight which these scenes
are known to excite in young breasts; and even the pure void
218 THE HEIDEHMAXJEE.
above was gazed at, though, it seemed to invite to a more tranquil
existence, with vacuity and iu difference.
 Ah's me ! continued Use, whose observation rarely penetrated
beyond her own feelings, and whose tongue was never known to
wax weary.— Ah's me ! Meta. 0 ! it must be a wicked world
that needs all these pilgrimages and burnings. But they are only
types, child, of the past and of the future; of the ' has been,'
and of the ' to come. First, life is a pilgrimage, and a penance;
though few of us think so while journeying on its way, but so it
is to all; especially to the little favoured—but a penance it is, by
means of our ailings and other infirmities, particularly in age;
and therefore do I bear with it cheerfully, since penances are to be
borne ; and the burnings of convents and villages are types of the
burnings of the wicked. Thou dost not answer, child ?''
 Dost think, nurse, that they who die by fire are blessed?
 Of what art speaking, Meta ?—Poor Berchthold Hintermayer
perished, as thou knowest, in the flames of Limburg; so did
Father Johan, and so did one far more evil than either. Oh!
I could reveal secrets, an' I had not a prudent tongue.—But
wisdom lieth in prudence, and I say naught; therefore, Meta, be
thou silent.
 I will obey thee, nurse.
The tones of the girl trembled, and the smile with which she
gladly acquiesced in the demand of Ilse was such as the sinking
invalid gives the kind attendant.
 Thou art dutiful, and it is a merit. I never knew thee more
obedient, and less given to merriment or girlish exclamations,
than on this very pilgrimage ; all of which shows that thy mind
is in a happy state for these holy offices. Well-a-day !—the pious
Arnolph has halted, and now we are about, in sooth, to reap the
virtue of all our labours. Oh! an' I had been a monk, thou
wouldst have had a leader !
Ilse beat the sides of the patient animal she rode, and Meta
toiled after, as well as her trembling limbs permitted. The
Knight and the Abbe came last.
 Thou hast made many of these pious expiations, reverend
Abbe ? observed the former, when they had risen the hill, which
commanded a view of the convent.
 Never another. Had not chance made me an innocent partici-
pator in the destruction of Limburg, this indignity would have
been spared.
 How! callest thou a pilgrimage, and prayer at a shrine, an
indignity ?—thou, a churchman!
 Gallant Knight, I speak to thee as to a comrade of many days,
and of weary passages; as one enlightened. Thou knowest the
constitution of earth, and the divers materials that compose
society. _ We have doctrines for all; butpractices must be miti-
gated, like medicaments to the sick. Your pilgrimage is well
enough for the peasant, or the citizen, or even for your noble of
the provinces, but their merit is much questioned among us of the
capitals—unless, indeed, there should mingle some hope for the
IHE HEIDEHTIATTEE. 219
future ; but penance for deeds accomplished we hold to he supere-
rogatory.
 By my rapier! no such doctrine was in vogue at Rhodes,
where all ordinances were much respected, and uniformly ad-
mitted.
 And had ye then these familiar practices of religion in your
daily habits, Sir Knight ?
 I say not in practice; but ever in admission. Thou knowest
the distinction, Sir Abbe, between the purity of doctrine, and some
constructions of practice.
 That doubtless. Were we to tie the gentle down to all the
observances and exactions of a severe theory, there would grow
up numberless inconveniences. For myself, had it been possible
to preserve the ecclesiastical character, without penance, under
the odium of this unhappy but accidental visit to our host the
Count, I could have dispensed with the last act of the drama.
 'Tis whispered, Herr Latouehe, my cousin bethought him
that the presence of an ecclesiastic might prove a cloak to his in-
tentions, and that we owe the pleasure of thy agreeable society to
a policy that is deeper than chance.
Albrecht of Yiederbach laughed, as he intimated this ruse of
Emich; and his companion, who had long perceived how com-
pletely he had been the dupe of his host, for in truth he knew
nothing previously of the intended assault, was fain to make the
best of his situation. He laughed, in his turn, as the loose of
principle make light of any misadventure that may happen to be
the consequence of their laxity of morals; and, pressing each
other on their several parts in the late events, the two proceeded
leisurely towards the spot where the Prior and Emich, as leaders
of the party, bad now come to a halt. We shall profit by the
occasion to make some necessary explanations.
We are too much accustomed m this Protestant country to be-
lieve, that most of the piety of those who profess the religion of
B-ome consists in externals. When the great antiquity of this
Church shall be remembered, as well as the general tendency, in
the early ages, to imitate the forms and habits of their immediate
predecessors, it should not occasion surprise if some observances
were retained, that cannot "very clearly be referred either to apos*
tolic authority or to reason. The promulgation of abstract truth
does not necessarily infer a departure from those practices which
have become of value by use, even though they may not materially
assist in the attainment of the great end. We have inherited
many of the vestments and ceremonies which are retained in the
Protestant Churches, from Pagan priests; nor is there any suffi-
cient motive for abandoning them, so long as they aid the decen-
cies of worship without weakening its real objects. The Pagans
themselves probably derived some of these very practices from
those whom we are taught to believe held direct communion with
God, and who should have best known in what manner to render
human adoration most acceptable to the Ruler of the Universe.
In this country, Catholicism, in its limited and popular mean-
220 THE HEIEENMATJEE.
ing is no longer catholic, since it is in so small a minority as to
have no perceptible influence on the opinions or customs of the
country. The outward symbols, the processions, and all the pecu-
liar ceremonies of the Romish Church, are confined to. the temples,
and the eye rarely or never meets any evidence of its existence
beyond their walls. But in Europe the reverse is altogether the
case, more particularly in those countries in which the spiritual
sway of the head of the Church has not been interrupted .by any
adventitious changes, proceeding from political revolutions, or
other powerful causes. The crucifix, the spear, the cock, the
nails, and the sponge, are erected at cross-roads; chapels dedi-
cated to Mary are seen near many a spring, or at the summit of
some weary mountain; while the usual symbols of redemption
are found scattered along the highways, marking the site of some
death by accident, or the scene of a murder.
In no part of the other hemisphere are these evidences of faith
and zeal more, common than in the Catholic cantons of Switzer-
land. Hermitages are still frequent among the rugged rocks
of that region, and it is usual to see near these secluded abodes a
sort of minor chapel, that is termed, in-ordinary language, a
 station. These stations are so many tabernacles raised by the
way-side, each containing a representation of one of the twelve
sufferings of Christ. They are met equally on the side of Vesu-
vius, overlooking the glorious sea and land of that unequalled
country, among the naked wastes of the Apennines, or buried in
gorgeous groves, as accident may have determined their location.
In some of the valleys of Switzerland, these little tabernacles dot
the mountain side for miles, indicating, by zigzag lines and white
walls, the path that leads from the village beneath, to some shrine
that is perhaps perched on the pinnacle of a naked rock, or which
stands on a spur of the nearest range.
The shrine of Einsiedlen possessed the usual number of these
tabernacles, stretching along the path that communicated with
the Lake of Zurich. They were designated in the customary
manner ; each alluding to some one of those great personal afflic-
tions that preceded the Crucifixion, and each having sentences of
holy writ to incite the pious to devotion. Here the pilgrims ordi-
narily commenced the worship peculiar to the place, and it was
here that the Prior now awaited his companions.
CHAPTER XXY.
 Was Godde to serclie our hertes and reines,
The best were svuners grete;
Christ's vycarr only knowes ne synne,
Ynne alle thys inortall state."—Chattertoh.
"When all were arrived, the pilgrims divided themselves along
the path, some kneeling before one tabernacle, and some at
another. Ulrike and Lottehen, followed by the pallid Meta,
prayed long at each in succession. The other females imitated
THE HEIDEIOIAtrER. 221
their example, though, evidently with less zeal and earnestness
The Knight of Ehodes and Monsieur Latouche limited their observ-
ances to a few genuflexions, and much rapid crossing of them-
selves with the fingers, appearing to think their general profes-
sions of faith possessed a virtue that superseded the necessity of
any extraordinary demonstrations of piety. Heinrich and_ ths
smith were more particular in showing respect for the prescribed
forms; the latter, who was secretly paid by his townsmen for
what he did, feeling himself bound in honour to give them the
worth of their money, and the Burgomaster, in addition to his
looking for great temporal advantages from the whole affair, being
much influenced by paternal regard for Duerckheim. As for Ilse,
none was more exact than she; and we may add, none more osten-
tatious.
 Hast bethought thee, Dietrich, to say an extra word in behalf
of the general interests? demanded Heinrich, while he patiently
awaited the removal of the other from before the last tabernacle,
in order to assume the post himself.
 Hay, worshipful Burgomaster—
 Brother pilgrim, good smith!
 Hay, worshipful brother and good pilgrim, there was no ques-
tion of this duty in the understanding.
 Himmel! Art such a hound, Dietrich, as to need a bribe to
pray in thine own interest ? Do that thou hast promised for the
penance, and in the interest of the monks, and then bethink thee,
like an honest artisan, of the town of which thou art a citizen.
I never rise from my knees without counting a few beads on the
score of Duerckheim, and others for favour on the family of
Drey.
 I cry you mercy, honourable Heinrich, and excellent brother
pilgrim ; the wish is reasonable, and it shall be performed.
The smith then counted oft his rosary, making place for the
Burgomaster as soon as he could conveniently get through with
the duty. In the meantime, Arnolph had prayed devoutly, and
with sincere mental abasement, before each station.
The pilgrims then arranged themselves in two lines, a form of
approaching the convent of Einsiedlen that is still observed.by
thousands annually: the men placing themselves on the right of
the path in single files, and the females on its left, in a similar
order. Arnolph walked ahead, and the whole proceeded. Then
began the repetition of the short prayers aloud.
Whoever has wandered much through this remarkable and wild
country must have frequently met with parties of pilgrims,
marching in the manner described, and uttering their aspirations
in the pure air, as they ascend to, or descend from, the altar of
 Our Lady of the Snow, on the Ithigi, or wend their way among
rocky and giddy paths, seeking or returning from some other
shrine. We know of no display of human worship that is more
touching or impressive than this. The temple is the most magni.
ficent on earth, the air is as limpid as mountain torrents and
a high region can bestow while sound is conveyed to the ear in its
222 JkXLJU _LL_tJ. JJ_E.X> Hi A. Li J5It.
clearest and most distinct tones, aided perhaps by the echoes of
dells that are nearly unfathomable, or of impending masses that
appear to prop the skies. Long before the party is seen, the ear
announces its approach by the music of the prayers ; for music it
is in such a place, the notes alternating regularly between the
deep bass of the male to the silvery softness of the female
voice.
Such was now the effect produced by the advance of our party
from the Palatinate. Father Arnolph gave the lead, and the
powerful lungs of Heinrich and the smith, though much restrained,
uttered the words in tones impressively deep and audible. The
response of the women was tremulous, soft, and soothing. In
this manner did they proceed for a mile, when they entered the
street of the hamlet.
An express had announced to the community of Einsiedlen the
approach of the German penitents. By a singular perversion of
the humble doctrines of the founder of the religion, far more im-
portance was attached to the expiations and offerings of princes,
and of nobles of high degree, than to those which proceeded from
sources that were believed to be meaner. All the dwellers of the
hamlet, therefore, and most of the others that frequented the
shrine, were abroad to witness this expected procession. The
name of Emich was whispered from ear to ear, and many curious
eyes sought the form of the powerful baron, under the guise com-
mon to the whole party. By general consent, after much specula-
tion, the popular opinion settled on the person of the smith, as on
the illustrious penitent; a distinction which Dietrich owed to the
strength of his lungs, to some advantage in stature, and par-
ticularly to the zeal which, as a hireling, he thought it just to
throw into his air and manner.
Among the other traditions that serve to give a popular
celebrity to the shrine of our Lady of the Hermits, is one which
affirms that, on an occasion it is unnecessary to relate, the Son of
God, in the form of man, visited this favoured shrine. He is said
to have assuaged his thirst at the fountain which flows, with Swiss
purity and profusion, before the door of the building; and as the
clear element has been made to run through different metal tubes,
it is a custom of the pilgrims, as they arrive, to drink a hasty swal-
low at each, in order to obtain the virtue of a touch so revered.
There was also a plate of silver, that had marks which were said
to have been left by the fingers of Jesus, and to these it was the
practice to apply the hand. The former usage is still universal;
though modern cupidity has robbed the temple of the latter evi-
dence of the reputed visit, in consequence of the value of the metal
which bore its memorial.
Arnolph halted at the fountain, and, slowly making its circuit,
drank at each spout. He was followed by afl. of his companions.
But he passed, the silver plate, and entered the building, praying
aloud until his foot was on the threshold. Without stopping, he
advanced and knelt on the cold stones before the shrine, fastening
his eye the while on the carved image of Mary. The others imi-
THE HEIHENHATTEE. 223
tated his movements; and, in a few minutes, all were kneeling
before the far-famed Chapel of the Divine Consecration.
The ancient church of Einsiedlen (for the building has since been
replaced by another still larger and more magnificent) had been
raised around the spot where the cell of Saint Meinard originally
stood. The chapel reputed to have been consecrated by angels was
in this revered cell, and the whole stood in the centre of the more
modern edifice. It was small, in comparison with_the pile which
held it, but of sufficient size to admit of an officiating priest, and
to contain many rich offerings of the pious. The whole was en-
cased in marble, blackened by time ana the exhalations of lamps ;
while the front, and part of the sides, permitted a view of the
interior, through openings that were protected by gratings
curiously and elaborately wrought.
In the further and dark extremity of this sacred chapel were
the images of the Mother and Child. Their dresses, as is usual at
all much-worshipped shrines, were loaded with precious stones
and plates of gold. The face of each had a dark and bronzed
colour, resembling the complexion of the far east, but which pro-
bably is a usage connected with the association of an origin and
destiny that are superhuman. The whole was illuminated by
strong lights, in lamps of silver-gilt, and the effect, to a mind in-
disposed to doubt, was impressive, and of a singularly mysterious
influence. Such was the shrine of our Lady of the Hermits at the
time of our tale, and such it continues to be to this day, with some
immaterial additions and changes, that are more the results of
time than of opinion.
We have visited this resort of Catholic devotion in that elevated
region of hill and frost; have strolled, near the close of day,
among its numerous and decorated chapels; have seen the bare-
kneed peasant of the Black Forest, the swarthy Hungarian, the
glittering-eyed Piedmontese, and the fair-haired German, the
Tyrolese, and the Swiss, arrive, in groups, wearied and foot-sore ;
have watched them drinking with holy satisfaction at the several
spouts, and, having followed them to the front of the altar, have
wondered at the statue-like immovability with which they have
remained kneeling, without changing their gaze from that of the
unearthly-looking image that seemed to engross their souls._ Cu-
riosity led us to the spot alone, and at no moment of a pilgrimage
in foreign lands, that has now extended to years, do we remember
to have felt so completely severed from all to which we were most
accustomed, as at that hour. The groups arrived in scores, and,
without pausing to exchange a greeting, without thought of lodging
or rest, each hurried to the shrine, where he seemed embodied with
the stone of the pavement, as, with riveted eye and abased mien,
he murmured the first prayers of expiation before the image of
Mary.—But to return to the narrative.
For the first hour after the arrival of the expected pilgrims of
Duerckheim, not a sign of recognition, or of grace, was manifested
in the convent. The officials came and went, as if none but of
common character made their expiations ; and the fixed eye and
p 2
224 THE HEIDEHMATJEE.
swarthy face of the image seemed to return, each steady gaze
with supernatural tranquillity. At length Arnolph arose,_ ana, as
if his movements were watched, a hell rang in a distant aisle. A
lateral door, which communicated with the conventual buildings,
opened, and the whole brotherhood issued through it into the
body of the church. Arnolph immediately kneeled again, and, by
a sign, commanded his companions to> maintain their places.
Though grievously wearied with their positions, the men complied,
but neither of the females had yet stirred.
The Benedictines of Einsiedlen entered the church in the order
that has heen already described in the processions of Limburg.
The junior monks came first, and the dignitaries last. In that
age, their Abbot was commonly of a noble and ancient, and some-
times of a princely, house; for, in maintaining its influence, the
Church has rarely been known to overlook the agency of those
opinions and prejudices that vulgarly exist among men. In every
case, however, the prelate who presided over this favoured com-
munity possessed, in virtue of his office, the latter temporal dis-
tinction ; being created a mitred Abbot and a Prince of the Em-
pire, on the day of his consecration.
During the slow advance of the long line of monks that now
drew near the shrine, there was a chant in the loft, and the deep
organ accompanied the words, on a low key. Even Albrecht ana
the Abbe were much impressed, while Emich fairly trembled, like
one that had unwittingly committed himself into the hands of his
enemies.
The head of the train swept round the little chapel, and passed
with measured steps before the pilgrims. The Prior and the females
only prayed the more devoutly, but neither the Count nor the
Burgomaster could prevent their truant eyes from watching the
movement. Dietrich, little schooled in his duties, fairly arose,
and stood repeating reverences to the whole fraternity as it passed.
When the close drew near, Emich endeavoured to catch a glance
of the Abbot's eyes, hoping to exchange one of those secret signs of
courtesy, with which the initiated, in every class of life, know
how to express their sympathies. To his confusion, and slightly
to his uneasiness, he saw the well-known countenance of Boni-
facius, at the side of the dignitary who presided over the brother-
hood of Einsiedlen. The glances of these ancient and seemingly
irreconcileable rivals, were such as might have been anticipated.
That of Bonifacius was replete with religious pride, and a resent-
ment that was at least momentarily gratified; though it still re-
tained glimmerings of conscious defeat; while that of Emich was
fierce, mortified, and alarmed, all in a moment.
But the train swept on, and it was not long ere the music an-
nounced the presence of the procession in the choir. Then Ar-
nolph again arose, and, followed by all the pilgrims, he drew near
to listen to the vespers. After the prayers the usual hymn was
sung. #
 Himmel! master brother pilgrim, whispered the smith to the
Burgomaster, "that should be a voice known to all of Duerckheim.
THE HEIDENMATTER. 225
 Umpli! ejaculated Heinrich, who sought the eye of Enrich,
 These Benedictines sing much in the same strain, Herr Emich,
whether it he in Limhurg, or here in the church of our Lady of
the Hermits.
 By my fathers! Master Frey, hut thou sayst true ! To treat
thee as a confidant, I little like this intimate correspondence he-
tween the Abbots, and, least of all, to see the reverend Bonifacius
enthroned here, in this distant land, much as he was wont to be in
our valley. I fear me, Burgomaster, that we have entered lightly
on this penance.
 If you can say this, well-horn Emich, what should he the re-
ply of one that hath wife and child, in addition to his own per-
son, in the risk ? It would have been better to covet less of hea-
ven, the least portion of which must naturally he better than the
best of that to which we are accustomed on earth, and to be satis-
fied with the advantages we have. Do you note, noble Count, the
friendly manner in which Bonifacius regards us, from time to
time ?
 His favours do not escape me, Heinrich;—hut peace! we shall
learn more, after the vespers are ended.
_ Then came the soothing power of that remarkable voice. The
singer had been presented to the convent of Einsiedlen, by Boni-
facius, to whom he was now useless, as a boon that was certain to
give him great personal favour; and so it had proved; for in
those communities, that passed their lives in the exercise of the
offices of the Church, the different^ shades of excellence in the
execution, or the greater external riches and decorations of their
several shrines, often usurped, the place of a nobler strife in zeal
and self-denial. The ceremony now ended, and a brother ap-
proaching whispered Father Arnolph. The latter proceeded to
the sacristy, attended by the pilgrims, for it was forbidden, even
to the trembling Meta, to seek refreshment or rest, until another
important duty had been performed.
The sacristy was empty, and they awaited still in silence, while
the music of the organ announced the retiring procession of the
monks. After some delay, a door opened, and the Abbot of Ein-
siedlen, accompanied by Bonifacius, appeared. They were alone,
with the exception of the treasurer of the abbey, and. as the place
was closed, the interview that now took place, was no longer sub-
ject to the vulgar gaze.
 Thou art Emich, Count of Hartenburg-Leiningen, said the
prelate, distinguishing the noble, spite of his mean attire, by a
single glance of an eye accustomed to scan its equals;— a peni-
tent at our shrine, for wrongs done the Church, and for dishonour
to Grod?
 I am Emich of Leiningen, holy Abbot! 
 Dost thou disclaim the obligation to be here ?
 And a penitent— the words  for being here  being bitterly
added, in a mental reservation.
The Abbot regarded him sternly, for he disliked the reluctance
of his tongue. Taking Bonifacius apart, they consulted together
226 THE HEIDENMAHEB,.
for a few minutes; then, returning to tlie group of pilgrims, ho
resumed—
 Thou art now in a land that listeneth to no heresies, Herr von
Hartenburg; and it would "be well to remember thy tow, and thy
object. Hast thou aught to say ?
Emich slowly undid his scrip, and sought his offerings among
its scanty contents.
 This crucifix was obtained by a noble of my house when a
crusader. It is of jasper, as thou seest, reverend Abbot, and it is
not otherwise wanting in valuable additions. _
The Abbot bowed, m the manner of one indifferent to the rich-
ness of the boon, signing to the treasurer to accept the gift.
There was then a brief pause.
 This censer was the gift of a noble far less possessed than
thee, said he who kept the treasures of the abbey, with an em-
phasis that could not easily be mistaken.
"Thy zeal outstrippeth the limbs of a weary man, brother.
Here is a diamond, that hath been heir-loom of my house, a cen-
tury. 'Twas an emperor's gift.
 It is well bestowed on our Lady of the Hermits; though she
can boast of far richer offerings from names less known than
thine.
Emich now hesitated, but only for an instant, and then laid
down another gift.
"This vessel is suited to thy offices, he said, "being formed
for the altar's services.
 Lay the cup aside,'' sternly and severely interrupted Boni-
facius: "it cometh of Limburg ! 
Emich coloured, more in anger than in shame, however, for in
that age plunder was one of the speediest and most used means of
acquiring wealth. He eyed the merciless Abbot fiercely, but
without speaking.
 I have no more, he said;  the wars—the charges of my
house — and gold given the routed brotherhood, have left me
poor!
The treasurer turned to Heinrich, with an eloquent expression
of countenance.
 Thou wilt remember, master treasurer, that there is no longer
any question of a powerful baron, said the Burgomaster,  but
that the little I have to give cometh of a poor and saddled town.
First we offer our wishes and our prayers,—secondly, we present,
in all humility, and with the wish they may prove acceptable,
these spoons, which may be of use in some of thy many cere-
monies,—thirdly, this candlestick, which, though small, is war-
ranted to be of pure gold by jewellers of Frankfort,—and lastly,
this cord, with which seven of our chief men have grievously and
loyally scourged themselves, in reparation of the wrong done thy
brethren.
All these offerings were graciously received, and the monk
turned to the others. It is unnecessary to repeat the different
donations that were made by the inferiors, who came from the
THE HEIDENMATJEB. 227
castle and the town. That of Gottlob was, or pretended to he,
the offending horn, which had so irreverently been sounded near
the altar of Limburg, and a piece of gold. _ The latter was the
identical coin he had obtained from Bonifacius, in the interview
which led to his arrest; and the other was a cracked instrument,
that the roguish cow-herd had often essayed among his native
hills, without the least success. In after-life, when the spirit of
religious party grew holder, he often boasted of the manner in.
which he had tricked the Benedictines by bestowing an instrument
so useless.
Ulrike made her offering with sincere and meek penitence.
It consisted of a garment for the image of the Yirgin, which
had been chiefly wrought by her own fair hands, and on which
the united tributes of her townswomen had been expended, in
the way of ornaments, and in stones of inferior price. The gift
was graciously received: for the community had been well in-
structed in the different characters of the various penitents.
 Hast thou aught in honour of Maria? demanded the trea-
surer of Lottchen.
The widowed and childless woman endeavoured to speak, hut
her power failed her. She laid upon the table, however, a neatly
bound and illuminated missal; a cap that seemed to have no
particular value, except its tassel of gold and green, and a hunt-
ing horn ; all of which, with many others of the articles named,
had made part of the load borne on the furniture of the ass.
 These are unusual gifts at our shrine, muttered the
monk.
 Beverend Benedictine, interrupted Ulrike, nearly breathless
in the generous desire to avert pain from her friend, "they are
extorted from her who gives, like drops of blood from the heart.
This is Lottchen Hintermayer, of whom thou hast doubtless
heard.
The name of Lottchen Hintermayer' had never reached the
treasurer's ear; hut the sweet and persuasive manner of Ulrike
prevailed. The monk bowed, and he seemed satisfied. The next
that advanced was Meta. The Benedictines all appeared struck
by the pallid colour of her cheek, and the vacant, hopeless ex-
pression of an eye that had lately been so joyous.
 The journey hath been hard upon our daughter! said the
princely Abbot, with gentleness and concern.
 She is young, reverend father, answered Ulrike;  hut God
will temper the wind to the shorn lamb.
The Abbot looked surprised, for the tones of the mother met
his ear with an appeal as touching as that of the worn coun-
tenance of the girl.
"Is she thy child, good pilgrim?
"Father, she is — Heaven make me grateful for its blessed
gift!
Another gaze from the wondering priest, and he gave place to
the treasurer, who advanced to receive the offering. The frame
of Meta trembled violently, and she placed a hand to her bosom.
228 THE HEIDEHHAHEK.
Drawing forth, a paper, she laid it simply before the monk, who
gazed at it in wonder.
 What is this ? he asked.  It is the image of a youth, rudely
sketched.
"It meaneth, father, half whispered Ulrike, "that the heart
which loved him now belongs to God.
The Abbot bowed, hastily signing to the inferior to accept the
offering; and he walked aside to conceal a tear that started to
his eye. Meta at that moment fell upon her mother's breast,
and was borne silently from the sacristy.
The men followed, and, with a single exception, the two Ab-
bots and the treasurer were now left alone.
"Hast thou an offering, good woman? demanded the latter
of the female who remained.
"Have I an offering, father? Dost think I would come thus
far with an empty hand? I am Ilse, Frau Frey*s nurse, that
Duerckheim hath sent on this pilgrimage, as an offering in her-
self; and such it truly is for frail bones, and threescore and past.
We are but poor townspeople of the Palatinate, but then we
know what is available at need. There are many reasons why
I should come, as thou shalt hear. Firstly, I was in Limburg
Church, when the deed was 
 How ! did one of thy years go forth on such an expedition?
 Ay, and on many other expeditions. Firstly, I was with the
old Burgomaster, Frau Ulrike s father, when there was succour
sent to Mannheim; secondly, I beheld, from our hills, the onset
between the Elector's men and the followers of 
"Dost thou serve the mother of yonder weeping girl? de-
manded the Abbot, cutting short the history of Use's campaigns.
 And the weeping girl herself, reverend and holy and princely
Abbot, and, if thou wilt, the Burgomaster too, for, at times, in
sooth, I serve the whole family.
 Canst thou repeat the history of her sorrow? _
 Naught easier, my lord and Abbot. Firstly, is she youthful,
and that is an age when we grieve or are gladdened with little
reason; then she is an .only child, which is apt to weaken the
spirit by indulgence ; _ next, she is fair, which often tempts the
heart into various vanities, and, doubtless, into sorrow, among the
others: then is she foot-sore, a bitter grief of itself; and, finally,
she hath much repentance for this nefarious sin, of which we are
not yet purged, and which, unless pardoned, may descend to her,
among other bequests from her father.
"It is well. Deposit thy gift, and kneel that I may bless
thee.
Ilse did as ordered, after which she withdrew, making many
reverences in the act.
As the door closed on the crone, Bonifacius, and his brother
Abbot, quitted the place in company, leaving the monk charged
with that duty to care for the wealth that had been so liberally
added to the treasury-of Einsiedlen.
the heideemat7ee.
229
CHAPTER XXVI.
Israel, are these men
The mighty hearts you spoke of?"—Byron.
Thebe was little resemblance in the characters of the two pre-
lates, beyond that which was the certain consequence of their com-
mon employment. If Bonifacius was the most learned, of the
strongest intellectual gifts, and, in other particulars relating to
the mind, of the higher endowments, the princely Abbot of Ein-
siedlen had more of those gentle and winning qualities which best
adorn the Christian life. Perhaps neither was profoundly and
meekly pious, for this was not easy to men surrounded by so many
inducements to flatter their innate weaknesses; but both ha-
bitually respected the outward observances of their Church; and
both, in degrees proportioned to the boldness and sagacity of
their respective intellects, yielded faith to the virtue of its
offices.
On quitting the sacristy, they proceeded through the cloisters,
to the abode of the chief of the community. Here, closeted
together, there was a consultation concerning their further pro-
ceedings.
 Thou wert of near neighbourhood, said he of our Lady of
the Hermits,  to this hardy baron, brother Bonifacius ?
 As thou mayst imagine by the late events. There lay but a
few arrows' flights between his castle and our unhappy walls.
"Had ye good understanding of old, or cometh the present
difficulty from long-standing grievances?
"Thou art happy, pious Rudiger, to be locked, as you are,
among your frosts and mountains, beyond the reach of noble's
arm, and. beyond the desires of noble's ambition. Limburg and
the craving Counts have scarce known peace since our abbey's
foundation. Your unquiet baron fills some such agency, in re-
spect to our religious communities, as that which the unquiet
spirit of the Father of Sin occupies in the moral world.
 And yet I doubt that the severest blow we are to receive will
come from one of ourselves! If all that rumour and missives
from the bishops reveal be true, this schism of Luther promises us
a lasting injury.
Bonifacius, whose mind penetrated the future muck further than
most of his brethren possessed the means of doing, heard this re-
mark gloomily; and he sat brooding over the pictures which a
keen imagination presented, while _ his_ companion watched the
play of his massive features, with intuitive interest.
 Thou art right, princely Abbot, the former at length replied.
"To us both the future and the past are filled with lessons of
deep instruction, could we but turn them to present advantage.
All that we know of earth shows that each physical thing returns
to its elements when the object of its creation has been accom-
230 THE HEIDEHMAUEE.
plished. The tree helps to pile the earth which once nourished its
roots; the rock crumbles to the sand of which it was formed; and
even man turns to that dust which was animated that he might
live. Can we,_ then, expect that our abbeys, or that even the
Church itself, in its present temporal organisation, will stand for
ever?
 Thou hast done well to qualify thy words by saying temporal,
good Bonifaeius, for if the body decays, the soul remains; and the
essence of our communion is in its spiritual character.
"Hearken, right reyerend and noble Rudiger. Go ask of
Luther the niceties of his creed on this point, and he will tell thee,
that he is a believer in the transmigration of souls—that he
keepeth this spiritual character, but in a new dress; and that
while he consigns the ancient body to the tomb, he only lightens
the imperishable part of a burthen that has grown too heavy to be
borne.
 But this is rank rebellion to authority, and flat refusal of
doctrine.
 Of the former, there can be no question; and, as to our Ger-
man regions, most seem prepared to incur its risks. In respect to
doctrine, learned Rudiger, you now broach a thesis which resem-
bles the bells in your convent towers, on which there may be rung
endless changes, from the simple chime to a triple-bob-major.
 Hay, reverend Bonifaeius, thou treatest a grave subject with
irreverent levity. If we are to tolerate these innovations, there is
an end of discipline; and I marvel that a dignified priest should
so esteem them.
 Thou dost me injustice, brother, for what I urge is said in be-
fitting seriousness. The ingenuity of man is so subtle, and his
doubts, once engaged, so restless, that when the barrier of disci-
pline is raised, I know no conclusion for which a clever head may
not find a reason. Has it never struck thee, reverend Rudiger,
that a great error hath been made from the commencement, in
founding all our ordinances to regulate society, whether they be of
religious or of mere temporal concerns ?
 Thou askest this of one who hath been accustomed to think of
his superiors with respect.
"I touch not on our superiors, nor on their personal qualities.
What I would say is, that our theories are too_ often faulty, inas-
much as they are made to suit former practices; whereas, in a
well-ordered world, methinks the theory should come first, and
the usage follow as a consequence of suitable conclusions.
 This might have done for him who possessed Eden, but those
who came after were compelled to receive things as they were, and
to turn them to profit as they might.
"Brother and princely Abbot, thou hast grappled with the
dilemma. Could we be placed in the occupancy of this goodly
heritage, untrammelled by previously endeared interests, seeing
the truth, naught would be easier than to make practice conform
to theory; but, being that we_ are, priest and noble, saint and
■sinner, philosopher and worldling, why, look you, the theory is
THE HEIDENMAUEK. 231
driven to conform to tlie necessities of practice; and hence doc-
trine, at the best, is but a convertible authority. As a Benedic-
tine, and a lover of Bome, I would that Luther had been satisfied
with mere changes in habits, for these may be accommodated to
climates and prejudices; but when the flood-gates of discussion
are raised, no man can say to what extent, or in what direction,
the torrent will flow. _
 Thou hast little faith, seemingly, in the quality of reason.
Bonifacius regarded his companion a moment with an ill-con-
cealed sneer.
 Surely, holy Rudiger, he gravely replied,  thou hast not so
long governed thy fellows to put this question to me. Hadst thou
said passion, we might right quickly come to an understanding.
The corollaries of our animal nature follow reasonably enough
from the proposition; hut when we quit the visible land-marks of
the species, to launch upon the ocean of speculation, we commit
ourselves, like the mariner who trusts his magnet, to an unknown
cause. He that is a-hungered will eat, and he that is pained will
roar; he that hath need of gold will rob, in some shape or other;
and he that loveth his ease may prefer quiet to trouble: all this
may he calculated, with other inferences that follow; but if thou
wilt tell me what course the Lammergeyer wifl take when he hath
soared beyond the Alps, I will teU thee the direction in which the
mind of man will steer when fairly afloat on the sea of speculation
and argument.
 The greater the necessity that it should be held in the whole-
some limits of discipline and doctrine.
"Were doctrine like our convent walls, all would be well; but
being what it is, men become what they are.
"How! Dost thou account faith for naught? I have heard
there were brothers of deep piety in Limburg. Father Johan,
who perished in defence of thy altars, may go near to be canonised
—to say nothing^of the excellent Prior, who is here among us on
this pilgrimage. '
 I count faith for much, excellent brother; and happy is he
who can satisfy uneasy scruples_ by so pleasant an expedient.
Brother Johan may be canonised, if our Father of Bome shall see
fit, hereafter, and the fallen Limburg will have reason to exult in
its member. Still I do not see that the unhappy Johan proveth
aught against the nature of doctrine, for, had he been possessed of
less pertinacity in certain of his opinions, he would have escaped
the fate which befell him.
 Is martyrdom a lot to displease a Christian? Bethink thee of
the Fathers, and of their ends.
"Had Johan bethought him more of their fortunes, his own
might have been different. Beverend Abbot, Johan hath long
ceased to be a riddle to me;—though I deny not his utility with
the peasant and the fervent. But him thou hast last mentioned
—here Bonifacius leaned a cheek on his hand, and spoke like one
that was seriously perplexed—"him thou namedst last—the sin-
cere, and wise, and simple Arnolph, have I never truly compre-
232 THE HEIDENMAHEK.
hended! That man appeareth equally contented in his cell, or
in his stall; honoured equally in his office, and on this weary pil-
grimage; whether in prosperity or in misfortune he is ever at
peace with himself and with others. Here is truly a man that no
reasoning of mine hath been able to fathom. He is not ambitious,
for thrice hath he refused the mitre. He is sustained by no wild
visions or deceitful fantasies, like the unhappy Johan; nor yet is
he indifferent to any of the more severe practices of his profession,
all of which are observed quietly, and seemingly with satisfaction.
He is learned, without the desire of discussion; meek, amid a
firmness that would despise the stake; and forgiving: to a degree
that might lead us to call him easy, but for a consistency that
never seemeth to yield to any influence of season, events, or hopes.
Truly, this is a man that baffleth all my knowledge !
Bonifacius, in despite of his acquirements, his masculine intel-
lect, and his acquaintance with men, did not perceive how much
he admitted against himself by expressing his own inability to
fathom the motives of the Prior. Nor did the enigma appear to
he perfectly intelligible to his companion, who listened curiously
to the other's description of their brother, much as we hearken to
a history of inexplicable or supernatural incidents.
 I have heard much of Arnolph, observed the latter,  though
never matter so strange as this ; and yet most seem to love him.
 Therein is his power. Though often most opposed to me, I
cannot say that I myself am indifferent to the man. By our patron
saint, I sometimes fain believe I love him! He was among the
last to desert our altars, when pressed by this rapacious noble
and his credulous and silly burghers; and yet was he foremost to
forgive the injury when committed. But for him, and his high
influence with the bishops, there might have been blows for blows,
spite of this schism that hath turned so many in Germany from our
support. _
"And since thou speakest of the schism, in what manner dost
thou account for an innovation so hardy in a region that is usually
esteemed reasonable ? There must have been relaxation of autho-
rity; for there is no expedient so certain to prevent heresies or
errors of doctrine as a Church well established, and which is main-
tained by fitting authority.
Bonifacius smiled, for even in that early age his penetrating
mind saw_ the fallacy to which the other was a dupe.
 This is well when there is right; hut when there is error,
brother, your established authority does but uphold it. The pro-
visions that are made in thy comfortable abode to keep the cold air
out, may be the means of keeping foul air within.
 In this manner of reasoning truth can have no existence. Thou
dreadeet doctrine, and thou wilt naught of discipline.
"Nay, holy Budiger, in the latter thou greatly misconceiveth
me. Of discipline I would have all that is possible; I merely deny
that it is any pledge of truth. We are apt to say that a well-
ordained and established Church is the buttress of truth, when
experience plainly showeth that this discipline doeth more harm
THE HEIDEHMAHEE. 233
to truth tlian it can ever serve it, and that simply because there
can be but one truth, while there are many modes of discipline;
many establishments, therefore, uphold many errors, or truth hath
no identity with itself.
 Thou surprisest me. "Whatever may come of this heresy, as
yet I know of but one assault on our supremacy; and that cometh
of error, as we come of right.
 This is well for Christendom, but what sayeth it for your
Moslem—your fire-worshipper—your Hindoo—your Pagan, and all
the rest; any one of whom is just as ready to keep out error by
discipline, as we of Rome? Until now, certainly among Chris-
tians this evil hath not often happened, though even we are not
without our differences ; but looking to this advance of the print-
ing art, and of the variety of opinions that are its fruits, I foresee
that we are to have many opposing expedients, all of which will
be equally well pondered and concocted to keep in truth and to
■exclude error. This pretension of high authority, and of close
exactions to maintain purity of doctrine, and what we deem
truth, is well, as the jurists say, quoad hoc; but touching the
general question, I do not see its<virtue. Now.that men enlist
with passion in these spiritual discussions, we may look to see
various modifications of the Church, all of which will be more or
less buttressed by human expedients, as so many .preservatives of
truth; but when the time shall come that countries and commu-
nities are divided among themselves on these subtleties, look you,
excellent Rudiger, we may expect to shut in as much error by our
laws and establishments as we shall shut out. I fear heaven is a
goal that must be reached by a general mediation, leaving each to
give faith to the minor points of doctrine, according to his habits
and abilities.
 This savours more of the houseless Abbot than of him who
lately had an obedient and flourishing brotherhood, Rudiger
•somewhat piquantly rejoined.
Bonifaeius was unmoved by the. evident allusion, regarding his
companion coolly, and like a man who too well knew his own
superiority easily to take offence. His reply, however, would
probably have been a retort, notwithstanding this seeming modera-
tion, had not a door opened, and Arnolph quietly entered the
room.
The reception of the Prior by his two mitred brethren proved
the deep respect which had so universally been won by his self-
denying qualities. In the great struggle of the conflicting egotism
which composes, in a great degree, the principle of most of the
actions of this uneasy world, no one is so likely to command
universal esteem as he who appears^ willing to bear the burthen of
life with as little as possible of its visible benefits, by withdrawing
himself from the arena of its contentions. In the great mass, an
occasional retreat from the struggle, on the part of those who have
few means of success, creates but little feeling of any sort,
perhaps; but when he that hath undeniable pretensions exhibits
his forbearance, he may be certain of obtaining full credit for all
234 THE HEIDEJTMAHEE.
that tie possesses, and more, eyen to the admission of qualifications
that would be vehemently denied had he taken a different atti-
tude _in respect to his rivals. Such was, in some measure, the
position of Father Arnolph ; and Bonifacius himself never strug-
gled to resist his natural impulses towards the pious monk, having
a secret persuasion that none of his virtues, however publicly
proclaimed, were likely to militate against his own interests.
_  Thou art much wearied, holy Prior, said the Abbot of Ein-
siedlen, offering a seat to his visitor with assiduous and flattering
attention.
 I count it not, princely Eudiger ; having lightened the way
with much good discourse and many prayers: my pilgrims are
faint, but, happily arrived, they are now fairly committed to the
convent's hospitality.
 Thou hast with thee, reverend Arnolph, a noble of high esteem
in thy German country ?
 Of ancient blood, and of great worldly credit, returned the
Prior, with reserve.
'' What thinkest thou, brother Bonifacius ? It may not be prudent
to make any very public manifestations of a difference of treat-
ment between those who seek our shrine; but do not hospitality,
and such courtesy as marketh our own breeding, demand some
private greetings. Is my opinion suitable, worthy Arnolph?
 God is no respecter of persons, Abbot of Einsiedlen.
 Can any know this better than ourselves ? But we pretend not
to perfection, nor can our judgments be set up as decisive of men's
merits, further than belongs to our office. Ours is an hospitable
order, and we are privileged to_ earn esteem, and therefore doth it
appear to me not only becoming, but politic, to show a noble of
this repute, and at a moment when heresy runs mad, that we do
not overlook the nature of his sacrifices. Thou art silent, brother
Abbot!
The Abbot of Limburg listened with secret satisfaction, for he
had views of his own that the proposal favoured. He was there-
fore about to give a ready assent, when Arnolph interrupted him.
 I have nobles among my followers, right reverend Abbots,
said the latter earnestly; "and I have those that deserve to be
more than noble, if deep Christian humility can claim to be so
esteemed. I did not come to speak of Emich of Hartenburg, but
of spirits sorely bruised, and to beg of thee, in their behalf, a
boon of churchly offices.
 Name it, father, and make certain of its fair reception. But
it is now late, and no rites of the morrow need defeat our inten-
tions of honest hospitality.
 They in whose behalf I would speak, said Arnolph, with
apparent mortification, "are already without: if admitted, they
may best explain their own desires.
The Abbot signified a ready assent to receive these visitors, and
the Prior hastened to admit them, anticipating a wholesome effect
on the minds of his superiors from the interview. When he re-
appeared, he was followed by Ulrike, Lottchen, and Meta, who
THE HEIDENMATJEB. 235
came after him in the order named. Both the Ahhots seemed sur-
prised, for it exceeded their confidence in themselves to admit
visitors of that sex, at an hour so equivocal, in the more retired
parts of the buildings, and they counted little on the boldness of
innocence.
"This exceedeth usage, exclaimed the superior of Einsiedlen.
 It is true, we have our privileges, pious Arnolph, hut they are
resorted to with great discretion.
 Fear not, holy Abbot, Arnolph calmly answered;  this visit
may at least claim to be as harmless as that of those thou hast
i'ust named. Speak, virtuous Ulrike, that thy wishes may be
mown.
Ulrike crossed herself, first casting a tearful eye on the pallid
and depressed countenances of her daughter and of her friend.
"We are come to your favoured shrine, princely and pious
Abbot, she slowly commenced, like one who feared the effects of
her own words,  penitents, pilgrims, and acknowledging our sins,
in order to expiate a great wrong, and to implore Heaven's par-
don. The accomplishment of our wishes hath been promised by
the Church, and by one greater than the Church, should we
bring with us contrite hearts. In this behalf, then, we have
now little to offer, since our pious guide, the beloved and in-
structed Arnolph, hath taught us to omit no observance, nor
hath he, in any particular, left us ignorant of the state of mind
that best befitted our present undertaking. But, right reverend
Abbot 
 Proceed, daughter; thou wilt find all here ready to listen,
said Budiger kindly, observing that her words became choked, and
that she continued to cast uneasy looks at Lottchen and Meta.
The voice of the speaker sank, but her tones were still more
earnest, as she continued.
 Holy Benedictine, aided by Heaven's kindness, I will. In all
that toucheth our pilgrimage and its duties, we confide entirely to
the pious council of the learned and godly Arnolph, and he will
tell you that naught material hath by us been neglected. We have
prayed, and confessed, and fasted, and done the needed expiations,
in a meek mood, and with contrite hearts. We come then to ask
a service of this favoured community, which, we trust, may not
be refused to the Christian.
The Abbot looked surprised, but he awaited her own time to
continue.
 It hath pleased Heaven to call away one dear to us, at a short
summons, proceeded Ulrike, not without casting another fearful
glance at her companions; "and we would ask the powerful
prayers of the community of our Lady of the Hermits, in be-
half of his soul.
 Of what age was the deceased?
 God summoned him, reverend Abbot, in early youth.
 By what means did he come to his end ?
 By a sudden display of Heaven's power.
 Hied he at peace with God and the Church?
236 1HE HEIDENIIATJEK.
 Father, his end was sudden, and calamitous. None can know
the temper of the mind at that awful moment.
 But did he live in the practices of our faith ? Thou comest
of a region in which there is much heresy, and this is an hour in
which the shepherd cannot desert the fold.
Ulrike paused, for the breathing of her friend was thick and
audible.
 Princely Abbot, he was a Christian. _ I held him myself at
the font. This humble penitent and pilgrim gave him birth, and
to this holy Prior hath he often confessed.
The Abbot greatly disliked the manner of the answers. His
brow drew over the eyes, and he turned jealous glances from
Arnolph to the females.
 Canst thou vouch for thy penitent? he demanded abruptly
of the Prior.
 His soul hath need of masses.
 Was he tainted with the heresy of the times ?
Arnolph^ paused. His mind underwent a severe struggle, for,
while he distrusted the opinions of Berchthold, he knew nothing
that a scrupulous and conscientious judge could fairly construe
into unequivocal evidence of his dereliction from the Church.
 Thou dost not answer, Prior !
 God hath not gifted me with knowledge to judge the secret
heart.
 Ha ! this grows plainer. Reverend Bonifaeius, canst thou say
aught of this ?
The dethroned Abbot of Limburg had, at first, listened to the
dialogue with indifference. There had even been an ironical smile
on his lips while Ulrike was speaking, but when Arnolph was
questioned, it disappeared in an active and a curious desire to
know in what manner a man so conscientious would extricate
himself from the dilemma. Thus directly questioned, however,
he found himself obliged to become a party in the discourse. _
 I well know, princely and pious Rudiger, that heresy is rife in
our misguided Palatinate, he answered;  else would not the
Abbot of Limburg be a houseless guest in Einsiedlen.
 Thou hearest, daughter! The youth is suspected of having
died an enemy of the Church.
 The greater the errors, if this be true, the greater the need
that prayers be offered for his soul.
 This would be truly aiding Lucifer in his designs to overturn
our tabernacles, and a weakness not to be indulged. I am grieved
to be compelled to show this discipline to one ot thy seeming zeal,
but our altars cannot be defiled by sacrifices in behalf of those
who despise them. "Was the youth connected with the fall of
Limburg?
 Father, he died in the crush of its roofs, said Ulrike, in
nearly inaudible syllables ;  and we deem the manner of his end
another reason why extraordinary masses should be said in his
behalf.
 Thou askest an impossibility. Were we to yield to our pity in
THE HEIBEHHATJER. 237
these cases of desperate heresies, it would discourage the faithful,
and embolden those who are already too independent.
 Father! said a tremulous and low, but eager voice.
 What wouldst thou, daughter? asked the Abbot, turning to
Lottchen.
 Listen to a mother's prayer. The boy was born and educated
in the bosom of the Church. For reasons, at which I do not
repine, Heaven early showed its displeasure on his father and on
me. We were rich, and we became poor ; we were esteemed of
men, and we learned how much better is the support of God. We
submitted ; and when we saw those who had once looked up to us
in respect, looking down upon us in scorn, we kissed the child,
were grateful, and did not repine. Even this trial was not suffi-
cient—the father was taken from his pains and mortifications, and
my son put on the livery of a baron. I will not say—I cannot say
—my strength would have been equal to all this of itself. An
angel, in the form of this constant and excellent woman, was sent
to sustain me. Until the late wrong to Limburg, we had our hopes
and our hours of happiness—but that crime defeated all. My
boy hath perished by a just anger, and I remain to implore
Heaven in his behalf. Wilt thou refuse the Church's succour to a
childless mother, who, this favour obtained, will be ready to bless
God and die.
 Thou troublest me, daughter ; but I beg thee to remember I
am but the guardian of a high and sacred trust.
 Father ! said a second and still more thrilling appeal.
 Thou, too, child ! What wouldst thou of one but too ready to
yield, were it not for duty?
Meta had kneeled, and throwing back the hood of her pilgrim's
mantle, the change left her bloodless face exposed to the Abbot's
view. The girl seemed severely struggling with herself; then,
finding encouragement in her mother's eye, she was able to
continue.
 I know, most holy and very reverend Abbot, she commenced,
with an evidently regulated phraseology, like one who had been
instructed how to make the appeal,  that the Church hath need
of much discipline ; without which there would be neither dura-
tion nor order in its existence. This hath my mother taught me;
and we both admit it, and prize the truth. For this reason have
we submitted ourselves to all its .ordinances, never failing to con-
fess and worship, or to observe fasts and saints' days. Even the
mitred Bonifacius there will not deny this, as respects either of
us 
.Meta delayed, as if inviting the Abbot to gainsay her words if
he could ; but Bonifacius was silent.
 As for him that hath died, resumed Meta, whose voice
sounded like plaintive music,  this is the truth. He was born a
Christian, and he never said aught in my presence against the
Church. Thou canst not think, father, that he who sought my
esteem would strive to gain it by means that no Christian girl
could respect? That he was often at the Abbey confessionals I
Q
238 THE HEIDENHAUER.
know ; and that he was in favour with this holy Prior, thou hast
but to ask to learn. In going against Limburg, he did but obey
his lord, as others have often done before; and surely all that fall
in battle are not to be hopelessly condemned. If there is heresy
in Germany, is it not enough of itself to endure so great a danger
in life, that the dead must be abandoned to their past acts, with-
out succour from the Church, or thought from their friends ? Oh!
thou wilt think better, holy but cruel Rudiger, of thy hasty deci-
sion. Give us, then, masses for poor Berchthold! I know not
what Bonifacius may have said to thee in secret concerning the
youth, but this much would I say in his favour, in presence of the
assembled earth—more^pious son, more faithful follower, a braver
at need, a more gentle in intercourse, a truer or kinder heart than
his, does not now beat in the Palatinate ! I know not but I ex-
ceed the limits of a maiden's speech in what I say, continued the
girl ardently, a bright spot shining on each cheek amid her tears,
 but the dead are mute, and if those they loved are cold to their
wants, in what manner is Heaven to know their cruel need ?
"Good daughter, interrupted the Abbot, who began to feel
distressed,  we will think of this. Go thou to thy rest,—and
may God bless thee!
 Hay, I cannot sleep while the soul of Berchthold endures this
jeopardy. Perhaps the Church will demand penance in his behalf.
My mother Lottchen is no longer young and strong, as formerly;
but thou seest, father, what I am! Hame what thou wilt—pil-
grimages, fasts, stripes, prayers, or vigils, are alike to me. Hay,
think not that I regard them. Thou canst not bestow more happi-
ness than to give this task for poor Berchthold's sake. Oh! hadst
thou known him, holy monk, so kind with the weak, so gentle
with us maidens, and so true, thou wouldst not, nay, thou couldst
not, need another prayer to grant the masses.
 Bonifacius, is there no means of justifying the concession ?
 I would speak with thee, brother, answered he of Limburg,
who, with a thoughtful countenance, awaited his companion a
little apart from the others.
The conference of the two prelates was short, but it was de-
cisive.
 Take away the child, said the Abbot Rudiger to Ulrike;
"the weight of Heaven's displeasure must be borne.
_ The Prior sighed heavily; but he signed for the females to obey,
like one who saw the uselessness of further entreaties. Leading
the way, he left the Abbot's abode, his companions following; nor
did a murmur escape either, while giving this proof of patient
submission. It was only when Ulrike and Lottchen had reached
the open air, that they found the helpless girl they supported was
without sensibility. As fits of fainting had been common of late,
her mother felt no great alarm, nor was it long before all the
female pilgrims sought the pillows they so much needed.
THE HEIDEN 3IAT7EB.
239
CHAPTER XXYII.
 Fy, uncle Beaufort! I have heard you preach,
That malice was a great and grievous sin."—King Henry VI.
The social character of a Benedictine Community has been men-
tioned in one of the earlier chapters. That of Einsiedlen, though
charged with the worship of altars especially favoured, formed no
exception to the general rule. If anything, the number of dis-
tinguished pilgrims that frequented its shrine rendered it liable
to more than usual demands on its hospitality—demands that
were met by a suitable attention to the rules of the brotherhood.
Even Loretto has its palace for the entertainment of such princes
as can descend from their thrones to kneel in the  santa casa
for policy, not to speak of a more generous motive, requires that
the path should be smoothed to those devotees who are unaccus-
tomed to encounter difficulties. In conformity with the rule of
their order, then, though dwelling in the secluded and wild region
already described, the fraternity of our Lady of the Hermits had
their Abbot's abode, their lodgings for the stranger, and their
stores of cheer, at well as their cells and their religious rites.
It was about three hours after the interview related in the last
chapter—a time that brings us near the turn of the night—that
we shall return to the narrative. The scene is a banqueting-hall,
or, to speak in more measured phrase, a private refectory, in
which the princely Abbot was wont to entertain those in whose
behalf he saw sufficient reasons to exercise more than ordinary
attention and favour. There was no great show of luxury in the
ordinary decorations of the place, for a useless display of its
means formed no part of the system of a community that chiefly
existed by the liberality of the pious. Still the hall was as well
arranged as comported with the rude habits of the age, in that
secluded region—habits that consulted the substantial portion of
human enjoyments far more than those elaborate and effeminate
inventions, which use has since rendered nearly indispensable to
later generations. The floor was of tile, not very nicely polished;
the walls were wainscoted in dark oak; _ and the ceiling had a
rude attempt to represent the supper given at the marriage of
Cana, and the miracle of the wine. Notwithstanding it was .mid-
summer, a cheerful fire blazed in a chimney of huge dimensions;
the size of the apartment and the keen air of the mountains ren-
dering such an auxiliary not only agreeable, but necessary. _ The
board was spacious and well covered, offering a generous display
of those healthful and warm liquors, which have so long given
the Rhine additional estimation with every traveller of taste.
Around the table were placed the Abbot, and his unhoused peer,
Bonifacius ; a favourite or two of the community of Einsiedlen ;
with Emich, the Knight of Rhodes, the Abbe, Heinrich Frey,
and the smith. The former were in their usual conventual robes;
while the latter were confounded, so far as externals were con-
240 THE HEIDENMAUEB.
cerned, in their dresses of pilgrims. Dietrich owed his present
advantage altogether to the fortuitous circumstance_ of being
found in so good company, divested of the usual distinguishing
marks of his rank. If Bonifacius was at all aware of his charac-
ter, indifference or policy prevented its exposure.
Had one been suddenly introduced to this midnight scene, he
would scarce have recognised the weary penitent and the reprov-
ing churchman, in the jovial cheer and boon companionship of
the hour. The appetite was already more than satisfied, and
many a glass had been quaffed in honour of both hosts and guests,
ere the precise moment to which we transfer the action of the
tale.
The princely prelate occupied the seat of honour, as became his
high rank, while Bonifacius was seated at one elbow, and the
Count of Hartenburg at the other. The great consideration due
to the first, as well as his personal character and mild manners,
had served to preserve all outward appearances of amity and
courteous intercourse between his neighbours, neither of whom
had as yet suffered the slightest intimation of their former
knowledge of each other to escape him. This polite duplicity,
which we have reason to think is of very ancient origin, and in
which Albrecht of Yiederbach and Monsieur Latouche_ assisted
with rare felicity, aided in curbing the feelings of their inferiors,
who, being less trained in the seemliness of deception, might
otherwise have given vent to some of their bodily pains, by allu-
sions of an irritating and questionable nature.
 Thou findest our liquors palatable ? courteously observed the
Abbot, as we shall, par excellence, now distinguish him of Einsied-
len.  This of the silver cup cometh from the liberality of thy
late Elector, who had occasion to send votive offerings, in behalf of
the illness of one of his family, to our Lady of the Hermits, and
who had the grace to accompany the memorial to the convent
treasury by this sign of private regard; and that thou seemest
most to relish is a neighbourly boon from our brother of Saint
Gall, than whom more generous churchman does not wear a cowl.
Thou knowest, son, that the matter of good wine hath long
been the subject of especial care with that thriving brother-
hood.
 Thou overratest my knowledge of history, princely Abbot,
returned Emich, setting down the glass, however, in a manner to
show that his familiarity with good liquors might safely be
assumed. _ "We of the lower countries waste but little time on
these studies, trusting chiefly to those who dwell at the universities
for the truth of what we hear. If he of Saint Gall dispenseth
much of this goodly liquor,_ certes it were well that our spiritual
guardians sent us, on occasions, to make our pilgrimages in that
region, which cannot be far from this, unless my geography ft
greatly in fault.
 Thou couldst not have better divined, hadst thou been a
doctor of Wittenberg, or of Itome itself. Considering our moun-
tain paths, and the insufficiency of the bridges and other con-
THE HEIDENMATTEE. 241
veniences, it may require two suns to urge a beast from our con-
vent gate to tbat of our brother of Saint Gall, though, on cmer-
gencies, we have succeeded, by means of faithful footmen, in
getting tidings to their ears within the day and night. Saint Gall
is a wealthy and well-bestowed abbey, of very ancient existence,
and. of much repute as the haven of letters, during the darkest
Jieriod, learnedBonifacius, of our more modern times; though the
ate increase of its town, and the growing turbulence of the times,
have not permitted it to escape, with impunity, from the dangers
that now beset all of Rome.
This was the first allusion which had been made to the events
that had so singularly brought the present company together;
and, but for the address and self-command of Bonifacius, it
might have brought on a discussion that would not have proved
agreeable.
 Saint Gall and its merits are unknown to none who wear the
frock of Saint Benedict, he said, with admirable composure.
 Thou hast well said that its walls were, for many ages, the sole
protectors of learning in our Europe; for without the diligence
and fidelity of its abbots and brotherhood, much that is now pre-
served and prized would have been irretrievably lost to posterity
and to ourselves.
 I doubt not, reverend Benedictine, observed Emich, speak-
ing courteously across the Abbot to Bonifacius, much as a well-
bred guest at board addresses a convive to whom he is otherwise a
stranger,  that this rare taste in liquors, of which there has just
been question, is the fruit of the excellent knowledge which you
extol.
 That is a point I shall not hastily decide, returned Bonifa-
cius, smiling. "It may be so, for we have accounts of sore dis-
cord, between Saint Gall and others even of the Church, touching
the uses and qualities of their wines.
 That have we, and right faithfully recorded, rejoined the
Abbot.  There was the war between the Prince Bishop of Basle
and our brethren of Saint Gall, that led to sore contentions and
heavy losses.
 How! did the desire to partake, urge out Rhenish prelate to
push adventure so far, as to come this distance in quest of liquor ?
 Thou art in error, son pilgrim, concerning the nature of Saint
Gall's stores. We have vineyards, it is true, among these moun-
tains, as witness those on the shores of the neighbouring Lake of
Zurich, as well as others that might be named; but our country
wines will warm the blood of peasant only. He that hath tasted
better seldom fills his cup with liquor that comes from any region
this side the further border of Swabia—your vines of the Rheingau
in specialty; whereas the territories of Saint Gall lie still further
tfom those favoured countries than we ourselves.
 You have need to explain, princely Abbot; for that the
Baslois should come in our direction in quest of good liquor
is clear enough, whereas the war you have named would have
sent him further from his object.
242 THE HEIDENMAtTEK.
 Thou hast not come hither, son, without marking the course of
the Rhine, on whose hanks thou hast so long journeyed. This
great stream, though so turbulent and dangerous among the moun-
tains, is of much use in procuring our supplies. By means of the
Lake of Constance, and the lower river, heavy burthens arrive^ at
the very territory of our sister Abbey; and the dispute to which
there has been allusion, came of the fact that the right reverend
prelate of Basle would fain have demanded toll on the purchases
of the Abbey. Thou mayst remember, brother, looking towards
Bonifacius,  that when both were tired of blows, the good Bishop
sent to demand, ' What the Yirgin had done, that the churchmen
above should slay her people?' and that he received for a merry
answer the question of, 'What has Saint Gall done, that thou
shouldst stop his wines?"'
The listeners laughed, in low simpers, like'men amused with
this characteristic narrative; for such incidents were yet too recent
to excite much other reflection, even among churchmen, than
what was connected with the vulgar temporal interests of the in-
cident.
_  By the Magi! holy and princely Abbot, thy tale giveth addi-
tionalflavour! said Emich, who greatly enjoyed the quarrel;
"it moreover serveth to shut out thoughts that come from aching
hones and weary feet.
 T^hy pilgrimage, son, will bring its rewards, as well as its
pains. Should it be a means of removing thee, for a time, from
the heresies of Germany, and of placing thee and thine in more
friendly communion with the Church, the toil will not be lost. _
 As such do I esteem the duty, returned Emich, tossing off his
glass, after steadily regarding the liquor a moment by the fire-
light.  Saint Gall had the right of the matter; and he who would
not take up arms for this, did not deserve to wear them. How
now, Herr Frey! Thou art silent ?
"Hot more so, I trust, nobly-born Emich, than becometh one
on a pilgrimage, and one who hath need to bethink him of his
duties, lest his town should have cause to reproach him with
negligence.
 God's truth, Master Burgomaster! If any here have reason
to bethink them of Duerckheim, it is the city's sovereign and
lord. So cheer up, and let us lighten the load we carry, always
under the favour and good graces of this hospitable and well-
endowed brotherhood.
 Thou art a servitor of the cross ? demanded the Abbot, of
Albrecht of Yiederbach, beckoning the Knight to come nearer.
 An indifferent one, princely and pious Rudiger, and, I might
say, one that hath yielded to the seductions of company and good
fellowship, not to speak of the force of blood; else would he have
been spared this expiation.
 Hay, I name not thy pursnit with the intent to reproach,
interrupted the courteous prelate.  Such liberty does not become
hospitality. We make a difference within these walls between
the confessional and the board.
THE HEIDESTMATTER. 243
 The distinction is just, and promises perpetuity and lasting-
respect to our faith, spite of all heresies. The rock on which this
Brother Luther and his followers will split, holy Abbot—at least,
it so seemeth to an uninstructed capacity—is the desire to refine
beyond men's means of endurance. Religion, like chivalry, is
good in its way ; but neither the priest nor the knight can'bear
his armour at all times and seasons. Your schismatic hath the
desire to convert the layman into a monk, whereas the beauty of
creation is its order; and he that is charged with the cure of souls
is sufficient for his object, without laying this constant burthen on
the shoulders of him that hath already more of temporal cares
than he can bear.
''"Were others more_ of thy mind, son, we should have less
trouble, and better discipline. Our altars are not useless, and if
they who frequent them could be content to think that we are
sufficient for their safety, the world would be saved much dispu-
tation, and haply some shedding of blood. But with these safe
and creditable opinions, Sir Knight and pilgrim, continued the
Abbot, dropping his voice to a more confidential key, "it may be
permitted me to express surprise, that I see thee one of a penitence
commanded for violence done a convent.
Albrecht of Yiederbach shrugged his shoulders, and glanced
meaningly towards his cousin.
 What will you, right noble and reverend Prelate ?—We are
but the creatures of accident. There is respect due to fellowship
and hospitality, to say naught of the claims of blood and kindred.
The evil turn of the Rhodian warfare, some longings to look again
at our German fields, for the father-land keeps its hold of us more
particularly in adversity, with the habits of an unsettled exist-
ence, served to lead me to the Castle of Hartenburg ; and fairly
entered, it will excite no wonder that the guest was ready to lend
Ids sword, in a short foray, to the host. These sallies, as thou
well knowest, princely Rudiger, are not so rare as to be deemed
miracles.
 What thou sayst is true, returned the Abbot, always speak-
ing as it were aside to the Knight, and manifesting no great sur-
prise at this avowal of principles that were common enough in
that age, and which have descended in a different form to our
own, since we daily see men, in the gravest affairs of a nation,
putting their morality at the disposal of party, rather than incur
the odium of being wanting in this speoies of social faith.
 What thou sayst is very true, and may well furnish thy plea
with the Grand Master. Thou mayst on many accounts, too,
find this pilgrimage wholesome.
 Doubt it not, reverend Abbot. We had little time during the
siege to pay due attention to the rites; and the general looseness
of our lives, since driven from the island, has left long arrears to
settle; a fact that I endeavour to remember now.
 And thy associate—he of gentle mien; hath he not also con-
nection with the Church?
Albrecht turned to whisper the reply.
244 THE HEIDEHHATJEE.
 'Tis but one that circulates under tbe frock, holy Benedictine
—a youth that hath been the dupe of Lord Emich; for to speak
thee fair, my cousin wanteth not of the policy necessary to his
condition, and to the habits of a sage government.
The Abbot smiled in a way to show a good intelligence between
him and his companion. After this, they talked opart earnestly
for a while, beckoning Monsieur Latouche to make one of their
party, after sundry glances in his direction. In the meantime,
the general discourse proceeded among the other^ guests.
 I was sorrowed to hear, reverend Benedictine, proceeded the
Count, purposely avoiding the eye of Bonifacius, by addressing
himself to one of the brotherhood of Einsiedlen,  that thy com-
munity hath refused us masses, for the soul of one that fell in
that unhappy dispute which is the cause of our present pleasure,
in being in so goodly company. I loved the youth, and would
fain deal liberally by those that remember his present necessities.
 Hath the matter been fairly put to those having the right to
decide? demanded the monk, showing by the direction of his
• eye, that he meant his superior.
 They tell me it hath, and put touchingly; but without sue-
cess. I trust there has been no hostile interference in this affair,
which concerneth no less than a soul, and ought to be dealt by
tenderly.
 I know of but one, and that is the Bather of Evil himself,
that hath an enmity to souls, answered the monk, with very
honest surprise.  As for us, it is our pleasure to be of use on all
such occasions; and that especially when the request is preferred
by friends of the deceased, that are worthy of so much higher
favour.
 Dost thou call those who overturn altars, said Bonifacius,
sternly, and with great firmness of voice,— who visit the temple
with the armed hand, and who defy the Church, worthy of her
favours ?
 Beverend Abbot!
 Hay, let him give his humour vent, said Emich, proudly—
 the cold air and a roofless head are apt to move the temper. I
would fain have met thee, Bonifacius, in amity, as should have
been the case, after our solemn treaty, and all the reparations that
are made; but the desire to rule, it would seem, does not abandon
thee, even in banishment.
 Thou art deceived in imagining that I shall forget myself, or
my office, rude Emichthe question put was to the Benedictine,
and not to thee.
 Then let the Benedictine answer. I ask thee, father, is it
becoming or just, that the soul of a youth of good repute, of mo-
ral life, and of reasonable earthly hopes, should be refused aid,
on the mere grudge of ancient hostility, or haply that there were
some passages at his death that might have been better avoided ?
 The Church must judge for itself, noble pilgrim, and decide
on those rules which regulate its course.
 By the sainted eleven thousand! thou forgettest that all
THE HEIDENMAUEK. 245
usages have been respected, and that the masses are not asked as
the beggar imploretn alms, but that fairly-counted gold is prof-
fered in behalf of the youth._ If enough has not been done in
this way, I swear to thee, Bonifacius, since it would seem thy in-
fluence here is so strong, that on my return there shall be further
offerings on his account. Berehthold was very dear to me, and I
would not have it said that all memory of the boy is lost beneath
the ashes of Limburg.
Though both in their several ways were irascible, violent, and
unaccustomed to control, neither Emich nor Bonifacius was want-
ing in that species of self-command which is so necessary to men
entrusted with the care of important interests. They had early
learned to bring feeling more or less in subjection to their policy ;
and. though not quite equal to a cold and managed display of
indifference on such subjects as too closely crossed their views, it
required a certain combination of excitement to induce either,
unnecessarily, to betray his true emotions. Their personal inter-
course had, in consequence of this affected moderation, been less
violent and wrangling than would otherwise have proved; for it
did not often happen that both found themselves wrought up
to the point of explosion precisely at the same instant; and he
that_ happened to remain the coolest stood as a check on the
passions of him who had .momentarily forgotten appearances.
But for this fact, the ill-timed and ill-worded question of the
Count might have produced an immediate rupture, to the injury
of the pilgrims' interests, and to the great scandal of the bro-
therhood of Einsiedlen; as it was, however, Bonifacius listened
with outward courtesy, and answered more like one that re-
membered his priestly office than his particular injuries.
 Had it been my good fortune, Herr Pilgrim, he said calmly,
 to have remained in charge of altars so esteemed as to he
sought on such a behalf, thy application in favour of the youth
would have received meet attention; but thou now addressest
a prelate, that, like thee, is indebted to_ the hospitality of these
excellent brothers for a roof to cover his head.'
 Hay, I know not, added the Count, a little confused by this
sudden humility, "but rather than desert so young a soul in this
strait, and soul of a servitor whom I so much loved, that I would
not even now endow some chapel, of a size and decorations suited
to his station, while living.
 On Limburg Hill, Herr Emich?
 Hay, excellent Bonifacius, thou forgettest our loving treaty,
this pilgrimage and other conditions honourably fulfilled. Altars
can never rise again on Limburg Hill, for that were to lose sight of
our oaths and promises, which would be a crying sin in both;
but altars and chapels may exist elsewhere. Give us, then, this
grace, and look to our gratitude and justice for the reward.''
Bonifacius smiled, for he felt his power ; and he enjoyed it like
a man conscious of having so lately been in the hands of the very
baron who now so earnestly besought his favour. It may not bo
easy for one educated in these later days to understand the
246 THE HEIDENMAtTEE.
singular contradiction which led Emich of Hartenburg, the de-
stroyer of Limburg, thus to entreat a monk; hut he who would
properly understand his character must remember the_ durability
of impressions made in youth, the dread mystery that is attached
to the unknown future, and, most of all, the flagrant inconsistencies
that are always the fruits of a struggle between principles and
interests—between the force of reason and the desires of
selfishness.
 Thou accusest me unwarrantably, when thou sayst that our
oaths or our loving treaty is forgotten, pious pilgrim, returned
the Benedictine;  both are respected and well remembered, as
thou wilt see in the end. But there is a feature in this request of
thine that hath apparently escaped unwittingly one of thy known
justice and impartiality. Thy forester is well known for having
greatly affected the heresy that is ripe in Germany 
"Nay, Bonifacius, here must be an error, interrupted the
Count;  thou hast his very mother in our pilgrimage; and dost
think a proselyte of Luther would undertake so grievous pain to
satisfy Borne ?
"We speak of the child, and not of the parent, Herr Pilgrim.
Had all that were trained in better principles observed the opinions
of their fathers, our age would have been spared this heresy. Of
the boy's irreverence there can be little doubt, since mine own ears
have been my witnesses.
 How! hast thou ever shrived the youth, reverend Abbot ? de-
manded Emich, in surprise.  I did not Think thee of so great
condescension to one of his hopes, nor, by the mass! did I think
the youth so weak as to touch on disputed points at the con-
fessional.
 There are other acknowledgments made, Herr Pilgrim, than
those which are heard in the Church, or under the cloak of her
mysteries. There was formerly a question between us, noble
Count, amicably settled, and in a merry manner that need not
now be named.
 Touching certain vineyards, rejoined Emich, laughing.
 The fact is not so distant as to he forgotten, though neither
my cousin nor this good Abbe proved as staunch in that matter
as had been expected.
 Thy forester did better service. Thou mayst also remember
there were certain discussions then had, and that the hold hoy
ventured on a comparison of the tree trimmed of its useless
branches, and the tree .suffered to stand in its deformity.
 Wilt thou abandon a soul to jeopardy for speech light as this,
Herr Bonifacius ? God's justice ! this promiseth but little in
mine own behalf, at some future day. Berchthold, heated and
warm in the interest of his lord, threw out hints that might
otherwise have been spared; moreover, the greater the sinner,
father, the greater need of masses and prayers.
 This will not I gainsay—my objection goeth no further than
to urge that those who are willing to live by the counsels of
Luther should be also willing to seek salvation by his means.
the heidenmaeee. 247
 Friends and pilgrims, said the Abbot of Einsiedlen, approach-
ing the table, from which he had retired a little, to converse more
freely with the Abbot and the Knight of Khodes,  the hour is at
hand which has been set to celebrate an early mass in behalf of
this pilgrimage. The bell is giving the first summons, and it is
meet that we retire to prepare ourselves for the duty.
At this interruption, Bonifacius, who saw a storm gathering,
gladly arose and instantly withdrew; the rest dropped off, accord-
ing to their several conditions; Emich and his cousin retiring with
the leisure of men more accustomed to make others wait, than of
hastening their movements to the injury of their own convenience.
After perusing this scene, we admonish the reader to spare his
remarks, until the subject has been well pondered in his mind.
In pourtraying what passed in the private refectory of the convent
of our Lady of the Hermits, we wish to convey no censure on any
particular persuasion, or sect, or order of Christians, but simply
to exhibit the habits and opinions of the age in which the indivi-
duals of this legend existed. Let those who are disposed to be
hypercritical or censorious in their remarks, coolly look around
them, and, first making the necessary allowances for the new
aspects of society, put the question, whether contradictions as
apparent, inconsistencies nearly as irreconcileable with truth, and
selfishness almost as gross and as unjust, is not now manifest
equally among the adherents of Rome and the proselytes of
Luther, as any that have been here represented. We may claim
to have improved on the opinions and practices of our predeces-
sors, but we are still far from being the consistent and equitable
creatures that, it is to be hoped, we are yet destined to become.
CHAPTER XXVIII.
 Forbear to judge, for we are sinners all."—King Henry VI.
Among the expiations prescribed to the pilgrims of Duerckheim
and Hartenburg, there had been included an especial and early
morning service, the one to which they were now summoned. Time
had been allowed the weaker portion of the party to rest, while
the stronger had been employed, in the manner described in the
preceding chapter. Certain self-inflicted stripes, it was taken for
granted, had been duly bestowed at different periods during the
long journey from the Palatinate.
It was an hour after the separation of the abbey guests, that
the procession of Benedictines swept out of the cloisters into the
body of the church. Though far from being a community re-
markable for the austerity of its practices, it was not unusual for
monks of all orders to quit their pallets on extraordinary occa-
sions, and to break the stillness of night with the music and ser-
vice of the altar. When the spirit comes thus fresh from repose,
and in a disposition suited to the object, into the immediate pre-
sence of the Deity, incense and praise, so free from the dross of
248 THE HEIDEN3IA.TJEE.
humanity, must come nearer to that high purity which adorns the
worship of angels than any other that can ascend from man, since
it is at such a moment that all least feci the burden of their cor-
poreal adjunct.
Even in the daily parochial'duty, the good Catholics still oh-
serve a uniformity and rigidity of practice that are unknown even
in this land of Puritan origin. The church-bell is heard in every
village with the first dawn of light; at indicated hours, all within
hearing of its sound are admonished to recall their thoughts from
earth by addressing a, prayer to God; and with the close of day,
the flock is once again summoned to the fold at the service of ves-
pers. These are beautiful and touching memorials of our duties,
and, when practised in sincerity, cannot fail to keep the mind in bet-
ter subjection to the great authority that directs all our destinies.
In countries where the husbandmen dwell together in villages, the
practice is easy, and we hold its loss to be one of the greatest dis-
advantages of our own diffuse distribution of rural population;
a distribution which is also the reason why we must for ever be
wanting in several other features of social intercourse, that give
to life more or less of its poetical charm. Happily there are, on
the other hand, accompanying advantages that perhaps more than
serve as offsets to this, as to most other similar anomalies in our
usages.
The arrangements of a Benedictine chapel, and the decorations
of its altars, together with the manner in which the brotherhood
occupy their stalls in the choir, have been too often mentioned in
these pages to require repetition. Long accustomed to these ex-
ercises, the monks were early in their places, though they for whom
the mass was to be said were not all as punctual.
Ulrike and Lottchen, with the rest of the females, entered the
church in a body, while the men, as is usual in matters that touch
the finer feelings, were the last. Emich and the Burgomaster,
however, finally made their appearance, followed by their compa-
nions, the whole betraying by their drowsy air that they had been
endeavouring to sleep off the late repast, and to recover from
their fatigue.
_ During the mass, the companions of Lottchen and Ulrike exhi-
bited exemplary devotion, and a close attention to the service ;
but the gaping of the Count and his circle, the wanderag eyes,
and finally the profound repose of several, sufficiently showed
that the ethereal part of their natures was altogether unequal to
the mastery of that which was material.
There was a procession from the choir to the shrine, and prayers
were said, as on the previous day, with the eyes of all riveted
on the unearthly countenance of Maria. As each was left to judge
for himself of the manner in which he discharged his particular
duties, there was a very sensible difference in the time occupied
by the several devotees, in the performance of the common vows.
The females appeared to be embodied with the stone, and there
were entire minutes during which their motionless forms would
have seemed to be as inanimate as the image on which they gazed,
THE HEIEENilAUEB. 249
but for the heaving of a breast, or an occasional tremor,—out-
ward and visible signs of the workings of the spirit within. Meta
kneeled between her mother and Lottchen, her whole soul appa-
rently engrossed in devotion. As she studied the bright eye that
gleamed upon her from the depths of that mysterious chapel, illu-
minated as it was by gorgeous and bright lamps, her fancy trans-
formed the image into a being sainted and blessed by the choice of
God ; and her own gentle spirit clung to the delusion, as one re-
plete with a hope to cheer her own desolation. She thought of
the future, and of the grave; of the rewards of the just, and of
Heaven; of that endless eternity and its fruition in which she
confided,—and the ties of earth began sensibly to lessen. There
was a holy desire to be at rest. But, notwithstanding the spiri-
tual nature of her employment, the form of Berchthold, gay in
the green garb of a forester, with laughing eye, light step, and
cheerful voice, mingled in all the pictures of her imagination.
How he appeared a saint, robed and bearded, as she had been
wont to see those holy men represented in works of art, and yet,
by a contradiction wrought by her own heart, always bright and
youthful; and now she thought him gifted with wings, and united
to the_ beings of that heavenly choir, which had so many repre-
sentatives around her suspended between the roof and the pave-
ment of the edifice. Singular as it may seem to some of our
readers, so busy and _ so alluring was the working of her ima-
gination at this thrilling moment, that the mourning and affec-
tionate girl had rarely spent an hour of more holy enjoyment
than this which she passed'before the shrine of our Lady of the
Hermits.
Yery different were the sensations of Lottchen. Her grief were
those in which the fancy had no share. She wept for the child to
which she had given birth, for the stay of her age, and for the
pride of her life. No fancy could betray the imagination of a
mother, nor could any workings of the mind convert the sad
reality into aught but the bitter truth. _ Still Lottchen found
consolation in her prayers. Religious faith was active, though
imagination slumbered; for nothing can be more different than
the delusions of the one, and the deep sustained convictions of
the other; and she was able to find a solace for her sorrow, by
looking with calm, Christian hope beyond the interests of life.
The sentiments and feelings of Ulrike differed from those of her
friend only in the degree and in the peculiarity of those circum-
stances which directed her material solicitude to a still living
object. But Ulrike, kind, true, and warm of heart, had tenderly
regarded the lost BerchthQld. Had there been no other motive
than the fact of his being the offspring of Lottchen, she could not
have been indifferent to him; but, accustomed, as she had been
.for years, to look forward to his union with Heta, she felt his loss
little less than she would have mourned over that of a child of her
own.
Not so with Heinrich. The bold and spirited support he re-
ceiyed from Berchthold during the assault had sensibly won upon.
250 THE HEIDENMATTER.
his esteem, for the affinities between the brave are amongst the
strongest; but the_ Burgomaster had not passed a life in the in-
diligence of a passion so engrossing, and so incurable, as the love
of gain, readily to cast aside all his intentions and objects at the
impulse of a purely generous feeling. He would freely have given
of his beloved stores to the youth; but to bestow Meta was, in his
eyes, to bestow all, and, under his habits, it seemed to be giving
gold without an equivalent, to give his daughter's hand to a pen-
niless husband. There are some who accumulate for the advan-
tages that are incidental to wealth; others hoard under the
goadings of an abstract and nearly inexplicable passion; while
another set heap together their means, as boys roll up snow, with
a delight in witnessing how large a mass may be collected by their
agency. Heinrich was of the latter class, subject, however, to a
relish for the general results of wealth, and like all men who deem
money as an end and not as a means, he was in the practice of
considering the last measure of his policy, which was intended to
double the stock by the marriage of his daughter, as the happiest
and the greatest stroke of a fortunate and prosperous life. And
yet Heinrich Frey had his moments of strong natural feeling, and
the manner in which Meta mourned for the death of Berchthold
touched him to a degree that might have disposed him to say he
regretted the fate of his young lieutenant as much on her account
as on his own. It is more than probable, however, could Bercht-
hold have been suddenly restored to life, that the Burgomaster
would have returned to his former mode of thinking, and would
have thought the resuscitation of the young forester sufficient, of
itself, to assuage the grief of a whole family.
Heinrich and the Count were among the first to quit their sup-
pliant attitudes before the shrine. They had each said the required
number of prayers, and, brushing their knees, the two pilgrims
strolled away, deeper into the body of the church, like men well
satisfied with themselves. But, while so ready to give relief to
his own bones, the Burgomaster kept a vigilant eye on Dietrich,
who, being a hired penitent, was expected to give Duerckheim
the full worth of its money, in the way of mortifications and
Aves.
_ Most of the lights in the choir had been extinguished, and the
aisles of the edifice were dimly visible, by means of a few scat-
tered candles, that burned almost without ceasing, before the altars
of different subordinate chapels. As they walked down the great
aisle, Emich slowly laid a hand on the shoulder of his com-
panion, seeming to invite his close attention, by the grave and
meaning manner of the action.
"I could wish that our poor Berchthold, after all, had the
virtue of masses from these servitors of our Lady of the Hermits,
said the Count. "If there be especial savour in any of this de-
soription of prayers, methinks it must be among men who watch a
shrine of which they tell all these miracles.
 Your wish, nobly-born brother pilgrim and friend, is but the
expression of mine own. To own the truth, I have thought of
THE HEIDENMATTEK. 251
little else, while going through the Ayes, but to devise the means
of persuading the holy Abbot, at a reasonable rate, to change his
mind, and honestly to let the youth's soul benefit by his inter-
cessions.
_  Thou hast not well bethought thee altogether, friend Hein-
rich, of thine own errand here !
 Sapperment! what would you, Herr Emich, from a man of
my years and education ? One gets to be so ready with the words
by oft repeating, that going through the beads is much like tapping
with a finger while the eye looks over an account. But to speak
of the boy—were we to bid higher for these masses, it might raise
the present price, and we be uselessly losers; for, as I understand
the question, the amount given in no manner changes the true
value of the intercession to the defunct.
"Heinrich! returned the Count, musingly, "they say that
Brother Luther denounces these post mortem prayers as vain and
of none avail.
 That would alter the case greatly, lord Count and brother
pilgrim. One could -wish to be sure in an affair of this delicacy ;
for if the monk of Wittenberg hath reason of his side, we lose our
gold; and if he hath wrong, the soul of Berchthold may be none
the better for our doubts.
"We laymen are sorely pressed_between the two opinions,
worthy Burgomaster; and I could fain wish that these reformers
would bring the question speedily to a conclusion. By the mass !
there are moments when I am ready to throw away the rosary,
and to take Duke Friedrieh of Saxony's side of the question, as
being the most reasonable and manly. But, then, again, should
he prove wrong, thou knowst, Heinrich, we lose the benefit of
chapels built, of Aves said, of gold often paid, and the high protec-
tion of Rome. Thou seest the strait of poor Berchthold, and this
only for some little freedom of discourse.
Heinrich sighed, for he felt the force of the dilemma, and he
appeared to ponder well before he answered. Edging nearer to
the Count, like a man who felt he was about to utter dangerous
sentiments in a delicate situation, he whispered the reply.
 Here, Emich, he said,  we are but dust, and that of no very
excellent quality. The potter's ware hath its utility, if well baked
and otherwise prepared; but of what use is man when the breath
hath departed ? They say the soul remains, and that it must be
cared for, neither of which will I dispute; but is it reasonable to
buy out a patent of salvation for an intangible thing with current
coin ? Look to that knave the smith! Your pardon, nobly-born
Count, but here hath our town engaged the rogue to do penance
in its behalf, and my eyes are no sooner off him than his lips be-
come as stationary as the wings of a mill in a calm. Duty to
Duerckheim demands that I should give him a jog, after which,
with your gracious leave, we will look further into the philosophy
of that in which we were dealing.
So saying, the zealous Heinrich hurried down the aisle towards
his religious mercenary, with a laudable and sensitive watchful-
252 THE HEIDENHAHEE.
ness oyer the interests of his constituents. He found the smith
perfectly immovable, and it was only by repeated and vigorous
shakes, that he succeeded in arousing his auxiliary from a pro-
found slumber.
> In the meanwhile, Emich walked on, still occupied by his reflec-
tions. On reaching the gate of the choir, he was about to retrace
his steps, when he was privately beckoned by one whose dusky
form appeared at a side door of the church, to draw nearer. On
approaching, Emich found that his old rival, Bonifaeius, awaited
his coming.
The salutations of these ancient enemies were courteous, but
distant. After a short parley, however, they withdrew in com-
pany; and it was past the turn of the day ere the Count of Har-
tenburg reappeared among the pilgrims. The details of what
passed in this secret conference were never known to the public,
though subsequent events gave reason to believe that they had
reference to the final settlement of the long- contested existence of
Limburg in the Jaegerthal. It was known generally in the
Abbey that the Abbot Itudiger made one of the council, and that
its termination was friendly. Those who were disposed to be
critical intimated, in after-days, that in this dispute, as in most
others in which the weak and humble lend themselves to the views
of the great and the strong, they for whom the battle had been
fought, and whose apparently implacable enmities had sown dis-
cord among their followers, suddenly found means to appease
their resentments, and to still the tempest they had raised, in
such a manner as to suffer most of its consequences to fall on the
heads of their allies. This result, which appears to be universal
with those who have the imprudence to connect themselves indis-
solubly with friends who can irretrievably dispose of their desti-
nies, was perhaps to be looked for, since the man or the commu-
nity that is so weak as to confide too implicitly in the faith of the
powerful, whether considered individually or as nations, may at
once consider itself a tool to favour views that have little connec-
tion with its own interests. In cases of this nature men are wont
to share the fate of the orange-skin, which is thrown away after
being sucked; and communities themselves are apt to undergo
some such changes as those which mark the existence of the
courser, which is first pampered and caressed, then driven upon
the pole, and which commonly ends its career at the plough.
During the time Bonifaeius and Emich were arranging their
secret treaty, in the best manner that the former could hope for in
the actual state of Germany, and to the entire satisfaction of the
latter, the ceremonies of the expiation proceeded. Aroused from
his sleep, Dietrich endeavoured to compensate for lost time by re-
newed diligence, and the Burgomaster himself, apprehensive that
the negligence of the hireling might bring a calamity on the town,
joined himself to the party, with as much zeal as if he had as yet
done nothing towards effecting the object of their journey. _
The sun had fallen far towards the west, when the pilgrims
finally took their departure for the Palatinate. Father Arnolph
THE HEIDENMATJEE. 253
was again at their head, and, blessed by the Abbot and in favour
with the Church, the whole went their way, if not with lightened
hearts, at least with bodies much refreshed, with hopes rekindled,
and with packs materially diminished in size.
Ulrike and Lottchen paused when they reached the boundary of
the plain, where they could command a parting view of the abbey.
Here they, and Meta, and indeed most of the party, prayed long
and fervently, or at least so seemed to pray. "When they arose
from their knees, the Prior, whose whole time while at the con-
vent had been deeply occupied by religious exercises, and whose
spirit had been refreshed, in a degree proportioned to his sincerity
and faith, came to the side of the principal group of the females,
his eye beaming with holy hope, and his face displaying innate
peace of mind.
"Ye are now, daughters, about to take leave, for ever, of the
shrine of our Lady of the Hermits, he said. "If ye have seen
aught to lessen the high expectation with which the pious are apt
to draw near this sacred altar, ascribe it to that frailty which is
inherent in the nature of man; and if ye have reaped consolation
and encouragement from your offerings and prayers, ye may, with
all security, impute it to the goodness of God. And thou, my
child, he added with paternal tenderness, addressing Meta,
"thou hast been sorely tried in thy young life—but God is with
thee, as He is in yon blue sky—in that sun of molten gold—in
yonder icy pile that props the heavens, and in all his works, that
are so glorious in our eyes ! Turn with me to yonder mountain,
that from its form is called the Mitre. Regard it well. Dost see
aught in particular ?
 'Tis an abrupt and dreary pile of rock, father, answered
Meta.
 Seest thou naught else—on its highest summit.
Meta looked intently, for in sooth there did appear on the upper-
most pinnacle of the mass, an object so small, and so like a line,
that, at first, she passed a hand across her eye to remove a floating
hair from before her sight.
 Father ! exclaimed the girl, clasping her hands fervently,
 I behold a cross I
 That rock is the type of God's durable justice ; that cross is
the pledge of his grace and love. Go thy way, daughter, and
have hope. . .
The pilgrims turned and descended the mountain m musing
silence. That evening they crossed the lake, and slept within the
ancient walls of the romantic town of Rapperschwyl. On the
following day, the pilgrimage being now happily accomplished,
they proceeded toward their own distant habitations, descending
the Rhine in boats.
B
254
THE HEIDENMATTEB.
CHAPTER XXIX.
 But thou art clay—and canst but comprehend
That which was clay, and such thou shalt behold."—Cain.
The return of tlie pilgrims was a happy moment to all who dwelt
in Duerckheim. Many prayers had been offered in their be-
half, during the long absence, and divers vague reports of their
progress and success had been eagerly swallowed by their friends
and townsmen. When, however, the Burgomaster and his com-
panions were actually seen entering their gates, the good citizens
ran to and fro in troubled delight, and the greetings, especially
among the gentler sex, were mingled with many tears. Emich
and his followers did not appear, having taken a private path to
the Castle of Hartenburg.
The simple and still Catholic (though wavering) burghers had
felt many doubts, concerning the fruits of their bold policy, while
the expiatory penance was pending. Their town was in the midst
of a region that is perhaps more pregnant with wild legends, even
at this hour, than any other of equal extent in Europe ; and it
can be easily conceived that, under such circumstances, the imagi-
nations of a people who had been, as it were, nurtured in super-
stition, would not be likely to slumber. In effect, numberless
startling rumours were rife, in the town, the valley, and on the
plain. Some spoke of fiery crosses gleaming at night above the
walls of the fallen Abbey; others whispered of midnight chants,
and spectre-like processions, that had been heard or seen among
the ruined towers; while one peasant, in particular, asseverated
that he had held discourse with the spirit of Father Johan. These
tales found credulous auditors or not, according to the capacity
of the listener; and to these may be added another, that was
accompanied by such circumstances of confirmation, as are apt
momentarily to affect the minds of those even who are little
wont to lend attention to any incidents of miraculous nature._
A peasant, in crossing the chase by a retired path, was said to
have encountered Berchthold, clad in his dress of green, wearing
the hunting-horn and cap, and girded with the usual couteau-de-
chasse, or, in fine, much as he was first presented to the reader in
our early pages. The youth was described to have been hot on
the chase of a roebuck, and flushed with exercise. From time to
time, he was said to wind his horn. The hounds were near, obe-
dient, as usual, to his call, and indeed the vision was described as
partaking of most of the usual accompaniments of the daily exer-
cise of the forester.
Had the tale ended here, it might have passed off among the
thousand other similar wonderful sights that were then related
in that wonder-loving country, and been forgotten. But it was
accompanied with positive circumstances, that addressed them-
selves, in a manner not to be disputed, to the senses. The two
favourite hounds of the forester had been missing for some weeks,
THE HEIEENMATTEH. 255
and, from time to time, CTies resembling theirs were unequivocally
heard, ringing among the arches of the forest, and tilling the
echoes of the mountains.
This extraordinary confirmation of the tale of the boor occurred
the week preceding the return of the pilgrims. The latter found
their townsmen under a strong excitement from this cause, for
that very day nearly half the population of Duerckheim had been
into the pass of the Haart, which was described in the opening
chapter of this work, and with their own ears had heard the deep
baying of the hounds. It was only after the first felicitations of
the return were over, and during the night which followed, that
the pilgrims learned this unusual circumstance. It reached Emich
himself, however, ere his foot crossed the threshold of his castle.
On the following day, Duerckheim presented a picture of pleased
but troubled excitement. Its population was happy in the return
of their chosen and best, but troubled with the marvellous inci-
dent of the dogs, and by the wild rumours that accompanied it—
rumours which thickened every hour by corroborating details
from different sources. Early that very morning a new occur-
rence helped to increase the excitement.
From the moment that the Abbey was destroyed, not an indivi-
dual had dared to enter its tottering walls. Two peasants of the
Jaegerthal, incited by cupidity, had indeed secretly made the
attempt, but they returned with the report of strange sights, and
of fearful groans existing within the consecrated pile. The rumour
of this failure, together with a lingering respect for altars that
had been so long reverenced, effectually secured the spot against
all similar expeditions. The alarm spread to the Heidenmauer,
for, by a confusion of incidents that is far from unusual in popular
rumours, an account of Ilse, concerning the passage of the armed
band through the cedars on the night of the assault, coupled with
the general distrust that was attached to the place, had been so
perverted and embellished, as effectually to leave the ancient
camp to its solitude. Some said that even the spirits of the Pagans
had been aroused by the sacrilege from the sleep of centuries, and
others argued that, as the hermit was known to have perished in
the conflagration, it was a spot accursed. _ The secret of the true
name, and of the history of the anchorite, was now generally
known, and men so blended the late events with former offences,
as to create a theory to satisfy their own longings for the mar-
vellous; though, as is usual in most of these cases of supernatural
agency, it might not have stood the test of a severe logical and
philosophical investigation.
During the night which succeeded the return of the pilgrims,
there had been a grave consultation among the civic authorities,
on the subject of all these extraordinary tales and spectacles.
The alarm had reached an inconvenieht point, and the best
manner of quieting it was now gravely debated. There was not a
burgher present at the discussion who felt himself free from the
general uneasiness; but men, and especially men in authority,
ordinarily choose to affect a confidence they are frequently far
256 THE HEIDENMAUEH.
from, feeling. In this spirit, then, was the matter discussed and
decided, we shall refer to the succeeding events for the explana-
tion,
Just as the sun began to shed his warmth into the valley, the
people of Duerckheim, with few exceptions, collected without that
gate which the Count of Hartenburg had so unceremoniously
forced. Here they were marshalled by citizens appointed to that
duty, in the usual order of a religious procession. In front went
the pilgrims, to whom an especial virtue was attached in conse-
quence of their recent journey ; then came the parochial clergy,
with the ordinary emblems of Catholic worship ; the burghers
succeeded, and last of all followed the women and children, with-
out much attention to order. "When all were duly arranged, the
crowd proceeded, accompanied by a chant of the choristers, and
taking the direction of Limburg.
 This is a short pilgrimage, brother Dietrich, said the Burgo-
master, who in his quality of a Christian of peculiar savour was
still associated with the smith, "and little likely to weary the
limbs; still had the town been as active and true as we who have
visited the mountains, this little affair of a few barking hounds,
and some midnight moans in the abbey ruins, would have been
ready settled to our hands. But a town without its head is like a
man without his reason.
 Sou count on an easy deliverance then, honourable Heinrich,
from this outcry of devils and unbidden guests. For mine own
particular exercises, I will declare that, though sufficiently foot-
sore with what hath already been done, I could wish the journey
Were longer, and the enemy more human.
 Go to, smith; thou art not to believe above half of what thou
hast heard. The readiness to give faith to idle rumours forms a
chief distinction between the vagrant and the householder—the
man of weakness and the man of wisdom. Were it decent, be-
tween a magistrate and an artisan, I would hold thee some hazard
of coin, now, that this affair turns out very different from what
thou expectest; and I do not account thee, Dietrich, an every-day
swallower of lies.
 If your worship would but hint what a fair-dealing man ought
in truth to believe 
 Why look you, smith, here is all that I expect from the in-
quiry, though we hunt and exercise for a month. It will be found
that there is no pack of hounds at all, loose or in leash, but at
most a dog or two, that may be beset or not, as the case shall
prove ; next, thou wilt see that this tale of Father Johan chasing
young Berchthold, while the boy hunts a roebuck, is altogether
an invention, since the monk was the last man to give loose to
such a scampering, noisy device; as for the forester, my life on
it, his appearance, too, will end in footmarks, or perhaps some
other modest sign that he desires the masses refused by the Bene-
dictines; for I know not the youth that would be less likely need-
lessly to disturb a neighbourhood with his own particular con-
•ems, than Berchthold Hintermayer, living or dead,
THE HEIDEKMAT7EE. 257
A general start, and a common murmur among liis companions,
caused Heinrich to terminate his explanations. The head of the
procession had reached the gorge, and, as it was about to turn
into the valley, the trampling of many hoofs became audible.
Peelings so highly wrought were easily excited to a painful de-
gree, and the common expectation, for the moment, seemed to be
some supernatural exhibition. A whirlwind of dust swept round
the point of the hill, and Count Emich, with a train of well-
mounted followers, appeared from its cloud. It was so common
to meet religious processions of this nature, that the Count would
not have manifested surprise, had he been ignorant of the motive
which induced the population of Duerckheim to quit its walls;
hut, already apprised of their intentions, he hastily dismounted
and approached the Burgomaster, cap in hand.
"Thou goest to exercise, worshipful Heinrich, he said, "and
love for my town hath quickened our steps, that no honour or
attention _ should be wanting to those I love : hast a place among
thy pilgrims for a poor baron and his friends ?
The offer was gladly accepted, courage being quickened by
every appearance of succour. Emich, though equipped as a cava-
lier, was therefore willingly received among his fellow-travellers.
The delay caused by this interruption ended, the procession, or
rather the throng, for eagerness and anxiety and curiosity had
nearly broken all order, proceeded towards the ascent of the
mountain.
The ruins of Limburg, then recent and still blackened with
smoke, were found in the deep silence of utter desertion. _ To
judge from appearances, not a footstep had trodden them since
"the moment when the band of the assailants had last poured
through the gates, after a tumultuous triumph which had been
so chilled by the awful catastrophe of the falling roofs. If that
party had drawn near the Abbey in expectation of a sudden and
furious assault, this slowly advanced with a troubled apprehen-
sion of witnessing some fearful manifestation of superhuman
power. Both were disappointed. The unresisted success of the
assailants is known, and the procession now proceeded with the
same impunity, though many a voice faltered in the chant as they
entered the spoiled and desolate church. Nothing, however, oc-
cured to justify their alarm.
Encouraged by this pacific tranquillity, and desirous of giving
proofs of their personal superiority to vulgar terrors, the Count
and Heinrich commanded the throng to remain in the great aisle
of the church, while they proceeded together into the choir.
They found, the usual evidences of a fierce conflagration at every
step, but nothing to create surprise, until they arrived at the
mouldering altar.
"Himmel! exclaimed the Burgomaster, hastily pulling back
his noble friend by the cloak,—"your foot was about to do disre-
verence to the bones of a Christian, my lord Count!—For Chris-
tian Father Johan was, beyond all question, though one more
given to damnation than to charity.
258 THE HEIDENMA.TTEE.
Enrich recoiled, for he saw, in truth, that with heedless step
he had been near crushing these revolting remnants of mor-
tality.
 Here died a wild enthusiast, he said, moving the skeleton
with the point of his sheathed sword.
 And here he is still, nobly-born Graf!—This settles the ques-
tion of the monk chasing young Berchthold through the forest,
and among the cedars of the Heidenmauer, and it would be well
to show these remains to the people.
The hint was improved, and the throng was summoned to bear
witness, that the bones of Johan still lay on the precise spot in
which he had died. "While the curious and the timid were whis-
pering their opinions of this discovery, the two leaders descended
to the crypt.
This portion of the edifice had suffered least by the fire. Pro-
tected by the superior pavement, and constructed altogether of
stone, it had received no very material injury, but that which had
been inflicted by the sledges of the invaders. Fragments of the
tombs lay scattered on every side, and here and there a wreath of
smoke had left its mark upon a wall; but Emich saw with regret,
that he owed the demolition of the altar, and of the other memo-
rials of his face, entirely to his own precipitation.
 I will cause the bones of my fathers to be interred else-
where, he said, musingly;— this is no sepulchre for an honoured
stock.
_  Umph!—They have long and creditably decayed where they
lie, Herr Emich, and it would have been well had they been left
beneath the cover of their ancient marbles; but our artisans
showed unusual agility in this part of their toil, in honoui, no
doubt, of an illustrious house.
 None of my race shall sleep within walls accursed by Bene-
dictines. Hark!—what movement is that above, good Hein-
rich?
 The townsmen have doubtless fallen upon the bones of the
hermit, and of young Berchthold. Shall we go up, lord Count,
and see that fitting reverence be paid their remains ? The forester
has claims upon us all, and as for Odo von Bitterstein, his crime
would be deemed all the lighter in these days; moreover he was
betrothed to Ulrike in their youth.
 Heinrich, thy wife was very fair;—she had many suitors.
"I cry your mercy, noble Count; I never heard but of poor
Odo, and myself. The former was put out of the question by his
own madness, and as for the latter, he is such as Heaven was
pleased to make him; an indifferent lover and husband if you
will, but a man of some credit and substance among his equals.
_ The_ Count did not care to dispute the possession of these quali-
ties with his friend, and they left the crypt, with a common desire
to pay proper respect to the remains of poor Berchthold. To their
mutual surprise the church was found deserted. By the clamour
of voices without, however, it was easy to perceive that some
extraordinary incident had drawn away the members of the pro-
THE HEIDEN'MATTER. 259
cession, in a body. Curious to have so violent an interruption of
the proceedings explained, the two chiefs, for Heinrich was still
entitled to be so styled, hastened down the great aisle, picking
their way among fallen fragments, towards the great door. Near
the latter, they were again shocked by the spectacle of the
charred skeleton of Johan, which seemingly had been dropped
under the impulse of some sudden and great confusion.
 Himmel! muttered the Burgomaster, while he hurried after
his leader,  they have deserted the bones of the Benedictine.
Can it he, Lord Emich, that some fiery miracle, after all our unhe-
lief, hath wrought this fear ?
Emich made no reply, hut issued into the court with the air of
an offended master. The first glimpse, however, that he caught
of the group, which now thronged the ruined walls of the minor
buildings, whence there was a view of the surrounding country,
and particularly of parts of the adjacent hill of the Heidenmauer,
convinced him that the present was no moment to exhibit dis-
pleasure. Climbing up a piece of fallen stone-work, he found
himself on a fragment of wall, surrounded by fifty silent, won-
dering countenances, among whom he recognised several of his
own most trusty followers.
 What meaneth this disrespect of the service, and so sudden
an abandonment of the remains of the monk? demanded the
baron, vainly looking about him, in the hope of finding some
quicker explanation by means of his own eyes.
"Hath not my lord the Count seen and heard? muttered the
nearest vassal.
"What, knave? I have seen naught but pallid and fright-
ened fools, nor heard more than beating hearts. Wilt thou ex-
{(lain this, varlet ?—for, though something of a rogue, thou, at
east, art no coward?
Emich addressed himself to Grottlob.
 It may not be so easy of explanation as is thought, lord
Count, returned the cow-herd, gravely: "the people have come
hither with this speed, inasmuch as the cries of the supernatural
dogs have been heard, and some say the person of poor Berchthold
hath been again seen.
The Count smiled contemptuously, though he knew the speaker
sufficiently well to be surprised at the concern which was very
unequivocally painted in his face.
 Thou wert attached to my forester ?
 Lord Emich, we were friends, if one of so humble station may
use the word, when speaking of a youth that served so near the
person of our master. Like his, my own family once knew better
days, and we often met in the chase, which I was wont to cross,
coming or going to the pastures. I loved poor Berchthold, nobly-
born Cou t ana still love his memory.
 I believe thou hast better stuff in thee than some idle and
silly deeds would give reason to believe. I have remembered thy
good-will on various occasions, and especially thy cleverness in
making the signals on the night these walls were overturned, and
260 THE HEIDEHMAUEK.
thou wilt find thyself named to the employment left vacant by my
late forester's unhappy end.
Gottlob endeavoured to thank his master, but he was too much
troubled by real grief for the loss of his friend, to find consolation
in his own preferment.
 My services are my lord Count's, he answered;  but though
ready to do as commanded, I could well wish that Berchthold were
here to do that for me which 
 Listen!—Hark! cried a hundred voices.
Emich started, and bent forward in fixed attention. The day
was clear and cloudless, and the air of the hills pure as a genial
breeze and a bright sun could bestow. Favoured by such circum-
stances, and amid a silence that was breathing and eloquent, there
were borne across the Valley the well-known cries of hounds on
the scent. In that region and age none dared hunt, and indeed
none possessed the means of hunting, but the feudal lord. Since
the late events, his chases had been unentered with this view,
and the death of Berchthold, who had especial privileges in this
respect, had left them without another who might dare to imitate
his habits.
 This is at least bold, said Emich, when the cries had passed
away:  hath any other near dogs of that noble breed ?
"We never heard of other. "Hone would dare use them,
were the. answers.
 I know those throats—they are, of a certainty, the favourite
hounds of my poor forester. Have not the dogs escaped the leash,
to play their gambols at will among the deer ?
 In that case, lord Count, would tried hounds remain abroad
for weeks? answered Gottlob. "It is now a se'nnight since
these cries have been first heard, and yet no one has seen the
dogs, from that hour to this, unless, as some one of our hinds says,
they have in sooth been seen running madly on the scent.
 'Tis said, mein Herr Graf, put in another,  that Berchthold
himself hath been viewed in their company, his garments floating
in the wind, while he flew along, keeping even pace with the dogs,
an' he had been swift of foot as they.
"With Father Johan at his heels, cowl undone, and robe
streaming like a pennon, by way of religious amusement, added
the Count, laughing.  Dost not see, dotard, that the crackling
bones of thy monk are still in the ruin ?
The hind was daunted by his master's manner, but nothing
convinced. There then succeeded a long and expecting silence,
for this little by-play near the Count had not in the least affected
the solemn attention of the mass. At length the throats of these
mysterious dogs again opened, and the cries indeed appeared like
those of hounds rushing from beneath the cover of woods into the
open air. In a few moments they were repeated, and beyond all
dispute, they were now upon the open heath that surrounded the
Teufelstein. The crisis grew alarming for the local superstitions
of such a place, in the commencement of the sixteenth century.
Even Emich wavered. Though he had a vague perception of the
THE HEIDENMAUEE. 261
inconsistency of living dogs being bunted by a dead forester, still
there were so many means of getting over this immaterial diffi-
culty, when the greater point of the supernatural chase was
admitted, tbat he found little relief in the objection. De-
scending from the wall, he was in the act of beckoning the
priests and Heinrich to his side, when a general shout arose
among the male spectators, while the women rushed in a body
around Ulrike, who was kneeling, with Lottchen and Meta, before
the great crucifix of the ancient court of the convent. In the
twinkling of an eye, Emich re-occupied his place on the wall,
which shook with the impetus of his heavy rush.
"What meaneth this disrespectful tumult? angrily demanded
the baron.
 The hounds !—mein Herr Graf!—the' hounds!  answered
fifty breathless peasants.
 Explain this outcry, Gottlob.
 My lord Count, we have seen the dogs leaping past yonder
margin of the hill—here,—just in a line with the spot where the
Teufelstein lies. I know the dear animals well, Herr Emich,
and, believe me, they are truly the old favourites of Bercht-
hold.
"And Berchthold ! continued one or two of the more decided
lovers of the marvellous,— we saw the late forester, great Emich,
bounding after the dogs, an' he had wings.
The matter grew serious, and the Count slowly descended to
the court, determined to bring the affair to some speedy explana-
tion.
CHAPTER XXX.
 By the Apostle Paul, shadows to-night
Have struck more terror to the soul of Richard,
Thau can the substance of ten thousand soldiers 
Richard III.
The consultation that now took place was between the principal
laymen. The connection which the Church had so long maintained
with supernatural agencies determined Emich, who was jealous of
its again obtaining its lost ascendancy in that country, to exclude
the officiating priests altogether from the decision he was about to
take. Were we to say that the Count of Hartenburg gave full
faith to the rumours concerning the spirit of his late forester
having been seen engaged in the chase, as when in the flesh, we
should probably not do entire credit to his intelligence and habits
of thinking; but were we to say that he was altogether free from
superstition and alarm on this difficult point, we should attribute
to him a degree of philosophy and a mental independence which
in that age was the property only of the learned and reflecting,
and not always even of them. Astrology, in particular, had taken
strong hold of the imaginations of those who even pretended to
general science ; and when the mind once admits of theories of a
character so little in accordance with homely reason, it opens the
262 THE HEIDENiTATJEE.
avenues to a multitude of collateral weaknesses of the same
nature, which seem to follow as the necessary corollaries of the
main proposition.
The necessity of a prompt solution of the question was admitted
by all of those whom the Count consulted. Many had begun to
whisper that the extraordinary visitation was a consequence^ of
the sacrilege, and that it was hopeless to expect peace or exemption
from supernatural plagues, until the Benedictines were restored
to their abbey and their former rights. Though Emich felt con-
vineed that this idea came originally from the monks, through
some of their secret and paid agents, he saw no manner of defeat-
ing it so effectually as that of demonstrating the falsity of the
rumour. In our time, and in this land, a weapon that was
forged by a miracle, would be apt to become useless of itself; but
in the other hemisphere, there still exist entire countries that are
yet partially governed by agents of this description. At the period
of the tale, the public mind was so uninstructed and dependent,
that the very men who were most interested in defeating the
popular delirium of the hour, had great difficulty in overcoming
their own doubts. It has been seen that Emich, though much dis-
posed to throw off the dominion of the Church, so far clung to his
ancient prejudices as secretly to distrust the very power he was
about to defy, and to entertain grave scruples not only of the
Eolicy, but of the lawfulness of the step his ambition had urged
im to adopt. In this manner does man become the instrument
of the various passions and motives that beset him, now yielding,
or now struggling to resist, as a stronger inducement is presented
to his mind; always professing to be governed by reason and con-
strained by principles, while in truth he rarely consents to consult
the one, or to respect the other, until both are offered through the
direct medium of some engrossing interest that requires an im-
mediate and active attention. Then indeed his faculties become
suddenly enlightened, and he eagerly presses into his service every
argument that offers, the plausible as well as the sound; and thus
it happens that we frequently see whole communities making
a moral pirouette in a breath, adopting this year a set of principles
that are quite in opposition to all they had ever before professed.
Fortunately, all that is thus gained on sound principles is apt to
continue, since whatever may be the waywardness of those who
profess them, principles themselves are immutable, and, when
once fairly admitted, are not easily dispossessed by the bastard doc-
trines of expediency and error. These changes are gradual as
respects those avant-couriers of thought, who prepare the way for
the advance of nations, but who, in general, so far precede their
contemporaries, as to be utterly out of view at the effectual moment
of the reformation or revolution, or by whatever name these
sudden summersets are styled; but as respects the mass, they
often occur "by a coup-de-main ; an entire people awakening, as it
were, by magic to the virtues of a new set of maxims, much as
the eye turns from the view of one scenic representation to that
of its successor.
THE HEIDEXITATTEK. 263
Our object in tliis tale is to represent society under its ordinary
faces, in the act of passing from the influence of one set of
governing principles to that of another. Had our efforts been
confined to the workings of a single and a master mind, the
picture, however true as regards the individual, would have been
false in reference to a community; since such a study would have
been no more than following out the deductions of philosophy and
reason—something the worse, perhaps, for its connection with
humanity; whereas, he that would represent the world, or any
material portion of the world, must draw the passions and the
more vulgar interests in the boldest colours, and be content with
pourtraying the intellectual part in a very subdued background.
We know not that any will be disposed to make the reflection that
our labours are intended to suggest, and without which they
will scarcely be useful; but, while we admit the imperfection of
what has been here done, we feel satisfied that he who does
consider it coolly and in candour will be disposed to allow that
our picture is sufficiently true for its object.
We have written in vain, should it now be necessary to dwell on
the nature^ of the misgivings that harassed the minds of the Count
and Heinrich, as they descended the hill of Limburg, at the head
of the new procession. Policy, and the determination to secure
advantages that had been so dearly obtained, urged them on;
while doubt, and all the progeny of ancient prejudices, contributed
to their distrust.
The people advanced much in the same order as that in which
they had ascended to the ruins of the Abbey. The pilgrims were
in front, followed closely by the parochial priests and their choirs;
while the rest succeeded in an eager, trembling, curious, and de-
vout crowd. Beligious change existed, as yet, rather in doctrine,
and among the few, than in the practices of the many ; and all
the rites, it will be remembered, were those usually observed by
the Church of Eome on an occasion of exorcism, or of an especial
supplication to be released from a mysterious display of Heaven's
displeasure. The Count and Heinrich, as became their stations,
walked boldly in advance; for, whatever might have been the
extent and nature of their distrust, it was wisely and successfully
concealed from all but themselves—even the worthy Burgomaster
entertained a respectful opinion of the noble's firmness, and the
latter much wondering at a man of Heinrich's education and
habits of life being able to show a resolution that he thought more
properly belonged to philosophy. They passed up towards the
plain of the Heidenmauer, by the hollow way that has already
been twice mentioned in these pages—once in the Introduction,
and again, as the path by which Ulrike descended, on her way to
the Abbey, on the night of its destruction. _ Until near the sum-
mit, nothing occurred to create' new uneasiness ; and as the cho-
risters increased the depth of their chant, the leaders began to feel
a vague hope of escaping from further interruption. As the
moments passed, the Count breathed freer, and he already fancied
264 THE HEIDENMATTEE.
that he had proved the Heidenmauer to he a spot as harmless as
any other in the Palatinate.
"You have often pricked courser over this wild common of the
devil, noble and fearless Count, said Heinrich, when they drew
near the margin of the superior plain.  One so accustomed to
its view is not easily troubled by the cries and vagaries of a leash
of uneasy dogs, though they might be kennelled beneath the shade
of the Teufelstein.
 Thou mayst well say often, good Heinrich. "When but an
urchin, my excellent father was wont to train his chargers on
this height, and it was often my pleasure to be of the party.
Then our hunts frequently drove the deer from the cover of the
chases to this open ground 
The Count paused, for a swift, pattering rush, like that of the
feet of hounds beating the ground, was audible just above their
heads, though the edge of the mountain still kept the face of the
level ground from being seen. Spite of their resolution, the two
leaders came to a dead halt—a delay which those in the rear were
compelled to imitate.
"The common hath its tenants, Herr Frey, said Emieh,
gravely, but in the tone of a man resolute to struggle for his rights;
 it will soon be seen if they are disposed to admit the sovereignty
of their feudal lord.
Without waiting for an answer, the Count, spite of himself,
muttered an Ave, and mounted with sturdy limbs to the summit.
The first glance was rapid, uneasy, and distrustful; but nothing
rewarded the look. The naked rock of the Teufelstein lay in the
ancient bed—where it had probably been left, by some revolution
of the earth's crust, three thousand years before—gray, solitary,
and weather-worn as at this hour ; the grassy common had not a
hoof or foot over the whole of its surface; and the cedars of the
deserted camp sighed in the breeze, as usual, dark, melancholy,
and suited to the traditions which had given them interest.
"Here is nothing, said the Count, drawing a'heavy breath,
which he would fain ascribe to the difficulty of the ascent.
 Herr von Hartenburg, God is here, as He is among the hills
we have lately quitted—on that fair and wide plain below—and in
thy hold 
 Prithee, good Ulrike, we will of this another time. We touch
now on the destruction of a silly legend, and of some recent
alarms.
At a wave of his hand the procession proceeded^ taking the
direction of the ancient gateway of the camp, the choir renewing
its chant, and the same leaders always in advance.
It is not necessary to say that the Heidenmauer was approached
on this solemn occasion with beating hearts. No man of reflec-
tion and proper feeling can ever visit a spot like this without
fancying a picture that is fraught with pleasing melancholy. The
certainty that he has before his eyes the remains of a work raised
by the hands of beings who existed so many centuries before him
the hlidexuauee. 265
in that great chain of events which unites the past with the pre-
sent, and that his feet tread earth that has been trodden equally
by the Roman and the Hun, is sufficient of itself to raise a train
of thought allied to the wonderful and grand. But to these cer-
tain ana natural sensations was now added a dread of Omnipotence,
and the apprehension of instantly witnessing some supernatural
effect.
Hot a word was uttered until Emich and the Burgomaster
turned to pass the pile of stones which mark the position of the
ancient wall by means of the gateway already named, when the
former, encouraged by the tranquillity, again spoke.
 The ear is often a treacherous companion, friend Burgomas-
ter, he said,  and like the tongue, unless duly watched, may
lead to misunderstandings. Ho doubt we both thought at the mo-
ment that we heard the feet of hounds beating the earth, as on a
hunt; thou now seest by means of one sense, that the other hath
served us false. But we approach the end of our little pilgrim-
age, and we will halt, while I speak the people in explanation of
our opinions and intentions.
Heinrich gave the signal, and the choir ceased its chant, while
the crowd drew near to listen. The Count both saw and felt that
he touched the real crisis in the furtherance of his own views, as
opposed to those of the brotherhood, and he determined, by a severe
effort, not only to overcome his enemies, but himself. In this
mood he spoke.
"Ye are here, my honest friends and vassals, he commenced,
 both as the faithful who respect the usefulness of the altar when
rightly served, and as men who are disposed to see and judge for
themselves. This camp, as ye witness by its remains, was once
occupied by armed bands of warriors, who in their day fought and
fortified, suffered and were happy, bled and died, conquered or
were vanquished, much as we see those who carry arms in our
own time perform these several acts, or submit to these several
misfortunes. The report that their spirits frequent the spot is
as little likely to be true as that the spirits of all who have fallen
with arms in their hands remain near the earth that hath swal-
lowed their blood; a belief that would leave no place in our fair
Palatinate without its ghostly tenant. As for this late alarm con-
cerning my forester, poor Berchthold Hintermayer, it is the less
}>robable from the character of the youth, who well knew when
iving the disrelish I have felt for all such tales, and my particular
desire to banish them altogether from the Jaegerthal, as well as
from his known modesty and dutiful obedience. You see plainly
that here are no dogs 
Emich met with a startling contradiction. Just as his tongue,
which was getting fluent with the impunity that had so far at-
tended his declarations, uttered _ the latter word, the long-drawn
cries of hounds were heard. Eifty strong German exclamations
escaped the crowd, which waved like a troubled sea. The sounds
came from among the trees in the very centre of the dreaded Hei-
denmauer, and seemed only the more unearthly from rising be-
neath that gloomy canopy of cedars.
266 THE HEIDEETMATJER.
 Let us go on, cried the Count, excited nearly to ^ madness,
and seizing the handle of his sword with iron grasp.  'Tis hut a
hound? Some miscreant hath loosened the dog from his leash,
and he scents the footsteps of his late master, who had the habit
of visiting the holy hermit that dwelt here of late-;—
 Hush! interruptedLottchen, advancing hurriedly, and with
a wild eye, from the throng of females.  God is about to reveal
his power, for some great end! I know—I know—that footstep—
She was fearfully interrupted, for while speaking the hounds
rushed out of the grove, in the swift, mad manner common to the
animal, and made a rapid circuit around the form of the dazzled
and giddy woman. In the next moment a tottering wall gave
way to the powerful leap of a human foot, and Lottchen lay sense-
less on the bosom of her son.
We draw a veil before the sudden fear, the general surprise, the
tears, the delight, and the more regulated joy of the next hour.
At the end of that period the scene had altogether changed.
The chant was ended, the order of the 'procession was forgotten,
and a burning curiosity had taken place of all sensations of su-
perstitious dread. But the authority of Emich had driven the
crowd back upon the common of the Teufelstein, where it was
compelled to content itself, for the moment, with conjectures, and
with tales of similar sudden changes from the incarnate to the
carnate, that were reputed to have taken place in the eventful
history of the borders of the Rhine.
The principal group of actors had retired a little within the
cover of the cedars, where, favoured by the walls and the trees,
they remained unseen from without. Young Berchthold was
seated on a fragment of fallen wall, supporting his still half-
incredulous mother in his arms, a position which he had received
from the Count's peremptory but kind orders to occupy. Meta
was kneeling before Lottchen, whose hand she held in her own,
■ though the bright eye and glowing face of the girl followed, with
undisguised and ingenuous interest, every glance and movement
of the countenance of the youth. The emotions of that hour
were too powerful for concealment, and had there been any secret
concerning her sentiments, surprise, and the sudden burst of feel-
ing that was its consequence, would have wrung it from her heart.
Ulrike kneeled, too, supporting the head of her friend, but smiling
and happy. The Knight of Rhodes, the Abbe, Heinrich, and the
smith, paced back and forth as sentinels to keep the curious at a
distance, though occasionally stopping to catch sentences of the
discourse. Emich leaned on his sword, rejoicing that his appre-
hensions were groundless, and we should do injustice to his rude
but not ungenerous feelings, did we not say glad to find that
Berchthold^ was still in the flesh. When we add that the dogs
played their frisky gambols around the crowd on the common,
which could hardly yet believe in their earthly character, our
picture is finished.
The deserving of this world may be divided into two great
classes—the actively and the passively good. Ulrike belonged to the
former, for though she felt as strongly as most others, an instinc-
THE HEIDEXJVIAIJEK. 267
tive rectitude rarely failed to suggest some affirmative duty for
every crisis tliat arrived. It was she, then (and we here beg to
tell the reader plainly, she is our heroine), that gave such a diree-
tion to the discourse as was most likely to explain what was un«
known, without harassing anew feelings that had been so long and
so sorely tried.
 And thou art now absolved from thy vow, Berchthold ? she
asked, after one of those short interruptions, in which the exqui-
site happiness of such a meeting was best expressed by silent
sympathy.  The Benedictines have no longer any claim to thy
silence ?
 They set the return of the pilgrims as their own period, and,
as I first learned the agreeable tidings by seeing you all in the
procession, I had called in the hounds, who were scouring the
chase, and was about to hurry down to present myself, when I
met you all at the gateway of the camp. Our meeting would have
taken place in the valley, but that duty required me first to visit
the Herr Odo Yon Ritterstein 
 The Herr Yon Ritterstein! exclaimed Ulrike, turning pale.
 What of my ancient comrade, the Herr Odo, boy ? demanded
Emich.  This is the first we have heard of him since the night
the Abbey fell.
 I have told my tale badly, returned Berchthold, laughing
and blushing, for he was neither too old nor too practised to blush,
 since I have forgotten to name the Herr Odo.
 Thou told us of a companion, rejoined his mother, glancing a
look at Ulrike, and raising herself from the support of her son,
instinctively alive to her friend's embarrassment,  but thou called
him merely a religious.
 I should have said the holy hermit, whom all now know to be
the Baron Yon Ritterstein. When obliged to fly from the falling-
roof, I met the Herr Odo kneeling before an altar, and recalling
the form of one who had shown me much favour, it was he that I
dragged with me to the crypt. I surely spoke of our wounds and
helplessness.
 True; but without naming thy companion.
 It was the Herr Odo, Heaven be praised! _ When the monks
found us, on the following day, unable to resist, and weakened
with hunger and loss of blood, we were secretly removed together,
as ye have heard, and cared for in a manner to restore us both, in
good time, to our strength and to the use of our limbs. Why the
Benedictines chose to keep us secret I know not; but this silly
tale of the supernatural huntsman, and of dogs loosened from-
their leash, would seem to prove that they had hopes of still
working on the superstition of the country.
 Wilhelm of Yenloo had naught to do with this, exclaimed
Emich, who had been musing deeply.  The underlings^have
continued the game after it was abandoned by their betters.
"This may be so, my good lord ; for I thought Father Boni-
facius more than disposed to let us depart. But we were kept
until the matters of the compensation and of the pilgrimage were
268 THE HEIDEHHAPEK.
settled. They found us easy abettors in their plot, if plot to work
upon the fears of Duerckheim was in their policy; for when they
pledged their faith that my two mothers and dearest Meta had
been let into the secret of our safety, I felt no extraordinary
haste to quit leeches so skilful, and so likely to make a speedy
cure of our hurts.
 And did Bonifacius affirm this lie ?
"I say not the Abbot, my lord Count, hut most certainly
the Brothers Cuno and Siegfried said all this and more—the
malediction of a wronged son, and of a most foully treated
mother 
His mouth was stopped by the hand of Meta.
"We will forgive past sorrow for the present joy, murmured
the weeping girl.
The angry and flushed brow of Berchthold grew more calm, and
the discourse continued in a gentler strain.
Emich now walked away to join the Burgomaster, and together
they endeavoured to penetrate the motives which had led the
monks to practise their deception. In the possession of so effec-
tual a key, the solution of the problem was not difficult. The
meeting of Bonifacius and the Count at Einsiedlen had been ma-
turely planned, and the uncertain state of the public mind in the
valley and town was encouraged, as so much makeweight in the
final settlement of the convent's claims ; for in that age, the men
of the cloisters knew well how to turn every weakness of hu-
manity to good purpose, so far as their own interests were con-
cerned.
CHAPTER XXXI.
 'Tis over, and her lovely cheek is now
On her hard pillow— Kooers.
Oh the following morning the Count of Hartenburg took horse at
an early hour. His train, however, showed that the journey was
to be short. _ But Monsieur Latouche, who mounted m company,
wore the attire and furniture of a traveller. It was, in truth, the
moment when Emich, having_ used this quasi churchman for his
own ends, was about to dismiss him, with as much courtesy and
grace as the circumstances seemed to require. Perhaps no picture
of the different faces presented by a Church that had so long en-
joyed an undisputed monopoly in Christendom, and which, as a
consequence, betrayed so strong a tendency to abuses, would have
been complete without some notice of such characters as the
Knight of the Cross and the Abbe; and it was, moreover, our
duty, as faithful chroniclers, to speak of things as they existed,
although the accessories might not have a very capital connection
with the interest of the principal subject. But here our slight
relations with the Abbe are to cease altogether, his host haying
treated him, as many politic rulers treat others of his profession,
THE HEIDESTMATJER. 269
purely as the instrument of his own views. Albrecht of Viecler-
bach was prepared to accompany his boon associate as far as Mann-
heim, but with the intention to return, the unsettled state of his
order, and his consanguinity with the Count, rendering such a
course both expedient and agreeable. Young Berchthold, too,
was in the saddle, his lord having, by special favour, commanded
the forester to keep at his crupper.
The cavalcade ambled slowly down the Jaegerthal, the Count
courteously endeavouring to show the departing Abbe, by a spe-
cies of misty logic that appears to be the poetical atmosphere of
diplomacy, that he was fully justified by circumstances for effect-
ing all that had been done, and the latter acquiescing as readily
in his conclusions as if he did not feel that he had been an egre-
gious dupe.
 Thou wilt see this matter rightly represented among thy
friends, Master Latouche, concluded the baron,  should there
be question of it, at the court of thy Francis—whom may Hea-
ven quickly restore to his longing people—the right valiant and
loyal Prince and gentleman.
'  I will take upon myself, high-born and ingenuous Emich, to
see thee fully justified, whenever there shall be discussion of thy
freat warfare and exquisite policy, at the court of France. Nay,
y the mass! should our jurists or our statesmen take upon
themselves to prove to the world that thy house hath been wrong
in this immortal enterprise, I pledge thee my faith to answer their
reasons, both logically and politically, to their eternal shame and
confusion.
As Monsieur Latouche uttered this promise with an unequivocal
sneer, he thought himself fully avenged for the silly part he had
been made to act in the Count's intrigues. At a later day he often
told the tale, always concluding with a recital of this bold and
ironical allusion to the petty history of the Jaegerthal, which not
only he, but a certain portion of his listeners, seemed to think
gave him altogether the best of the affair. Satisfied with his
success, the Abbe pricked on, to repeat it to the Knight, who
laughed in his sleeve at his friend while he most extolled his wit,
the two riding ahead in a manner to leave Emich an occasion to
speak in confidence with his forester.
 Hast treated of this affair with Heinrich, as I bid thee, boy?
demanded the Count, in a manner between authority and affec-
tion, that he was much accustomed to use with Berchthold.
"I have, my lord Count, and right^pressingly, as my heart
urged, but with little hope of benefit.
"How? Doth the silly burgher still count upon his marks,
after what hath passed ? Didst tell him of the interest I take in
the marriage, and of my intent to name thee to higher duties in
my villages ?
 None of these favours were forgotten, or aught else that a
keen desire could suggest, or a willing memory recall.
 What answer had the burgher ?
Berchthold coloured, hesitating to reply. It was only when
s
270 THE HEIDEHMATTEK.
Emich sternly repeated the question, that the truth was extorted
from him; for naught hut truth would one so loyal consent to
use.
 He said, Herr Count, that if it was your pleasure to name a
husband for his child, it should also he your pleasure to see that
he was not a beggar. I do but -give the words of the Herr Erey;
for which liberty, I beg my lord to hold me free of all disrespect.
 The niggardly miser! These hounds of Duerckheim shall be
made to know their master. But be of cheer, boy; our tears and
pilgrimages shall not be wasted, and thou shalt soon wiye with a
fairer and better, as becometh him I love.
 Nay, Herr Emich, I do beseech and implore 
"Ha ! Yon is the drivelling Heinrich seated on a rock of this
ravine, like a vidette watching the marauders. Prick forward,
Berchthold, and desire my noble friends to tarry at the town-hall
making their compliments; as for thee, thou mayst humour thy
folly, and greet the smiling face of the pretty Meta the while.
The forester dashed ahead like an - arrow: while the Count
reined his own courser aside, turning into that ravine by which
the path led to the Heidenmauer, when the ascent was made from
the side of the valley. Emich was soon at the Burgomaster's side,
having thrown his bridle to a servitor that followed.
"How"is this, brother Heinrich? he cried, displeasure disap-
pearing in habitual policy and well-practised management— art
still bent on exorcism, or hast neglected some offices in yester's
pilgrimage ?
 Praised be St. Benedipt, or Brother Luther!—for I know not
fairly to which the merit is most due—our Duerckheim is in a
thrice happy disposition as touching all witchcraft and devilry,
or even churchly miracles. This mystery of the hounds being so
happily settled, the public mind seemeth to have taken a sudden
change, and from sweating in broad daylight at the nestling of a
mouse, or the hop of a cricket, our crones are ready to set demono-
logy and Lucifer himself at defiance.
 The lucky clearing up of that difficulty will, in sooth, do
much to favour the late Saxon opinions, and may go near to set
the monk of Wittenberg firmly upon his feet m our country.
Thou seest, Heinrich, that a dilemma so unriddled is worth a
library of musty Latin maxims.
 That is it, Herr Emich, and the_ more especially as we are a
reasoning town. Our minds once fairly enlightened, it is no easy
matter to throw them into the shade again. It was seen how sorely
the best of us were troubled with a couple of vagrant dogs so
lately as yesterday, and now I much question if the whole of the
gallant pack would so much as raise a doubt. We have had a
lucky escape, lord Count, for another day of uncertainty would
have gone nigh to set up Limburg Church again, and that without
the masonry of the devil. There is naught so potent in an argu-
ment, as a little apprehension of losses or of plagues thrown into
the scale. Wisdom weighs light against profit or fear.
 It is well as it is, though Limburg roof will never again cover
lip: HETIXEITMAirnit.. 271
Limburg wall, friend Heinricli, while an Emieli rules in Harten-
burg and Duerckheim."—The Count saw the cloud on the Burgo-
master's brow as he uttered the latter word, and slapping him
familiarly on a shoulder, he added so quickly as to prevent re-
flection: "But how now, Herr Frey; why art at watch in this
solitary ravine ?
_ Heinrich was flattered by the noble's condescension, and not
displeased to have a listener to his tale. _ First looking about him
to see that no one could overhear their discourse, he answered on
a lower key, in the manner in which communications that needs
confidence are usually made.
"You know, Herr Emich, this weakness of Ulrike, concerning
hermitages and monks, altars and saints' days, with all those other
{iractices of which we may now reasonably expect to quit, since
ate rumours speak marvels of Luther's success. Well, the good
woman would have a wish to come upon the Heidenmauer this
morning, and as there had been some warm argument between us,
and the poor wife had wept much concerning marrying our child
with young Berchthold, a measure out of all prudence and reason,
as you must see, nobly-born Count, I was fain willing to escort
her thus far, that she might give vent to her sorrow in godly dis-
course with the hermit.
 And Ulrike is above, in the cedars, with the anchorite ?
 As sure as I am here waiting her return, lord Count.
 Thou art a gallant husband, Master Frey !—Wert wolit of old
to resort much with the Herr Odo Yon Ritterstein—he who playeth
this masquerade of penitence and seclusion?
 Sapperment! — I never could endure the arrogant! But
Ulrike fancieth he hath qualities that are not so evil, and a
woman's taste, like a child's humours, is easiest altered by giving
it scope.
Emich laid both hands on the shoulders of his companion, look-
ing him full and earnestly in the face. The glances that were
exchanged in this attitude were pregnant with meaning. That
of the Count expressed the distrust, the contempt, and the wonder
of a man of loose life, while that of the Burgomaster, by appear-
ing to reflect the character of the woman who had so long been
his wife, expressed volumes in her favour. Ho language could
have said more for Ulrike's principles and purity, than the simple,
hearty, and unalterable confidence of the man who necessarily
had so many opportunities of knowing her. Neither spoke, until
the Count, releasing his grasp, walked slowly up the mountain,
saying in a voice which proved how strongly he felt,—
 I would thy consort had been noble, Hemrich !
"Nay, my good lord, answered the Burgomaster, "the wish
were scarcely kind to a friend! In that case, I could not have-
wived the Frau.
"Tell me, good Henrich—for I never heard the history of thy
love—wert thou and thy proposal well received, when first offered
to the virgin heart of Herr Hailtzinger's daughter ?
The Burgomaster was not displeased with an opportunity ot
s 2
272 THE HEIDEHMAXTEK.
alluding to a success tliat liad made him the envy of his
equals.
 The end must speak for the means, Herr Count, he answered
chuckling.  Ulrike is none of your free and forward' spirits to
jump out of a window, or to meet a youth more than half-way,
but such encouragement as# becometh maiden diffidence was not
wanting, or mine own ill opinion of myself might have kept me
a bachelor to this hour.
Emich chafed to hear such language coming from one he so little
respected, and applied to one he had really loved. The effort to
swallow his spleen produced a short silence, of which we shall
avail ourselves to transfer the scene to the hut of the hermit,
where there was an interview that proved decisive of the future
fortunes of several of the characters of our tale.
The day which succeeded the restoration of Berchthold had
been one of general joy and felicitation in Duerckheim. There
was an end to the doubts of the timid and superstitious, concern-
ing an especial and an angry visitation from Heaven, as a merited
punishment for overturning the altars of the Abbey, and few were
so destitute of good feeling as not to sympathise in the happiness
of those who had so bitterly mourned the fancied death of the
forester. As is usual in cases of violent transitions, the reaction
helped to lessen, the influence of the monks, and even those most
inclined to doubt were now encouraged to hope that the religious
change, which was so fast gaining ground,, might not produce all
the horrors that had been dreaded.
Heinrich has revealed the nature of the discussion that took
place between himself and his wife. The latter had endeavoured
in vain to seize the favourable moment to work upon the feelings
of the Burgomaster, in the interests of the lovers ; but, though
sincerely glad that a youth who had shown such mettle in danger
was not the victim of his courage, Heinrich was not of a tern-
perament, to let any admiration of generous deeds affect the
settled policy of a whole life. It was at the close of this useless
and painful conference, that the mother suddenly demanded per-
mission of her husband to visit the hermit, who had been left, as
before the recent events, in undisturbed possession of the dreaded
Heidenmauer.
Any other than a man constituted like Heinrich might, at such
a moment, have heard this request with distrust. But strong in
his opinion of himself, and accustomed to confide in his wife, the
obstinate Burgomaster hailed the application as a means of re-
lieving him from a discussion, in which, while he scarce knew
how plausibly to defend his opinion, he was resolutely determined
not to yield. The manner in which he volunteered to accompany
his wife, and in which he remained patiently awaiting her return,
and the commencement of his dialogue with Emich, are known.
"With this short explanation, we shall shift the scene to the hut of
the anchorite.
Odo of Bitterstein was pale with loss of blood from the wounds
received from a fragment of the falling roof, but palor still by the
THE HETDENMATTEE. 273
force of that inward fire which consumed him. The features of
his fair 'and gentle companion were not bright, as usual, though
naught could rob Ulrike of that winning beauty which owed so
much of its charm to expression. Both appeared agitated with
what had already passed between them, ana perhaps still more
by those feelings which each had struggled to conceal.
 Thou hast indeed had many moving passages in thy life, Odo,
said the gentle Ulrike, who was seemingly listening to some
recital from the other's lips; "and this last miraculous escape
from death is among the most wonderful.
 That I should have perished beneath the roof of Limburg, on
the anniversary of my crime, and with the fall of those altars I
violated, would have been so just a manifestation of Heaven's dis-
pleasure, Ulrike, that even now I can scarce believe I am per-
mitted to live ! Thou then thought, in common with others, that
I had been released from this life of woe ?
 Thou lookest with an unthankful eye at what thou hast of.
hope and favour, or thou wouldst not use a term so ungrateful in
speaking of thy sorrows. Remember, Odo, that our joys, in this
being, are tainted with mortality, and that thy unhappiness
does not surpass that of thousands who still struggle with their
duties.
 This is the difference between the unquiet ocean and tranquil
waters—between the oak and the reed. The current of thy calm
existence may be ruffled by the casual interruption of some trifling
obstacle, but the gentle surface soon subsides, leaving the element
limpid and without stain. Thy course is that of the flowing and
pure spring, while mine is the torrent's mad and turbulent leaps.
Thou hast indeed well said, Ulrike, God did not form us for each
other.
 Whatever nature may have done towards suiting our disposi-
tions and desires, Odo, rrovidence and the world's usages have
interposed to defeat.
The hermit gazed at the mild speaker with eyes so fixed and
dazzling, that she bowed her own look to the earth.
 Ho, he murmured rapidly,  heaven and earth have different
destinies—the lion and the lamb different instincts.''
 Nay, I will none of this disreputable depreciation of thyself,
poor Odo._ That thou hast been erring, we shall not deny—for
who is without reproach?—but that thou meritest these harsh
epithets, none but thyself would venture to affirm.
"I have met with many enigmas, Ulrike, in an eventful and
busy life—I have seen those who worked both good and evil—en-
countered those who have defeated their own ends by their own
wayward means—hut never have I known one so devoted to the
right, that seemed so disposed to extenuate the sinner's faults!
 Then hast thou never met the true lover of God, or known a
Christian. It matters not, Odo, whether we admit of this or that
form of faith—the fruit of the right tree is charity and self-
abasement, and these teach us to think humbly of ourselves and
kindly of others.
274- THE HEIDENMAHEB.
 Thou began early to practise these golden rules, or surely thou
never wouldst have forgotten thine own excellence, or have been
ready to sacrifice it to the heedless impulses of one so reckless as
him to whom thou wast betrothed.
The eye of Ulrike grew brighter, but it was merely because a
tinge of colour diffused itself on her features.
 I know not for what good purpose, Herr Yon Ritterstein,
she said,  that these allusions are now made. You know that I
have come to make a last effort to secure the peace of Meta.
Berchthold spoke to me of your intention to reward the service he
did your life, and I have now to say, that if in aught you can do
the youth favour, the moment when it will be most acceptable
hath come—for Lottchen has been too sorely stricken to hear up
long against further grief.
The hermit was reproved. He turned slowly to one of his
receptacles of worldly stores, and drew forth a packet. The rat-
tling told his companion that it was of parchment, and she waited
the result with curious interest.
 I will scarce say, Ulrike, he replied,  that this deed is the
price of a life that is scarce worth the gift. Early in my acquaint-
ance with young Berchthold and Meta, I wrung their secret from
them; and from that moment it hath been my greatest pleasure to
devise means to secure the happiness of one so dear to thee. I
found in the child the simple, ingenuous faith which was so admi-
rahle in the mother, and shall I say that reverence for the latter
quickened the desire to serve her offspring ?
 I certainly owe thee thanks, Herr von Ritterstein, for the
constancy of this good opinion, returned Ulrike, showing sensi-
bility.
 Thank me not, hut rather deem the desire to serve thy child a
tribute that repentant error gladly pays to virtue. Thou knowest
that I am the last of my race, and there remained naught but to
endow some religious house, to let my estate and gold pass to the
feudal prince, or to do this.
"I could not have thought it easy to effect this change, in
opposition to the Elector's interests.
 Those have been looked to ; a present fine has smoothed the
way, and these parchments contain all that is necessary to install
young Berchthold as my substitute and heir.
"Friend! — dear, generous friend! exclaimed the mother,
moved to tears, for, at that moment, Ulrike saw nothing but the
future happiness of her child assured, and Berchthold restored to
more than his former hopes— generous and noble Odo !
The hermit arose, and placed the parchment in her hand, in
the manner of one long prepared to perform the act.
 And now, Ulrike, he said, with a forced calm,  this solemn
and imperative duty done, there remaineth hut the last leave-
taking.
 Leave-taking!—Thou wilt live with Meta and Berchthold—
the Castle of Ritterstein will he thy resting-place, after so much
sorrow and suffering!
THE HEIDENMATXER. 275
 This may not be; my yow—my duties, Ulrike, I fear, my
prudence forbids.
 Thy prudence !—Thou art no longer young, dear Odo; pri-
vations thou hast hitherto despised will overload thy increasing
years, and we shall not be happy with the knowledge that thou
art suffering for the very conveniences which thine own liberality
hath conferred on others.
 Habit hath taken nature's place, and the hermitage and the
camp are no longer strangers to me. If thou wouldst secure not
only my peace, but my salvation, Ulrike, let me depart. I have
already lingered too long near a scene which is filled with recol-
lections that prove dread enemies to the penitent.
_ Ulrike recoiled, and her cheek blanched to paleness. Every
limb trembled, for that quick sympathy, which neither time nor
duty had entirely extinguished, silently admonished her of his
meaning. There was a fervour in his voice, too, that thrilled on
her ear like tones which, spite of all her care, the truant imagina-
tion would sometimes recall; for, in no subsequent condition of
life, can a woman entirely forget the long-cherished sounds with'
which true love first greets the maiden ear.
 Odo, said a voice so gentle that it caused the heart of the
anchorite to beat,  when dost thou think to depart ?
 This day—this hour—this minute.
 I believe—yes,—thou art right to go'.
 Ulrike, God will keep thee in mind. Pray often for me.
"Farewell, dear Odo.
 God bless thee—may He have mercy on me !
_ There was then a short _ pause. The hermit approached and
lifted his hands in the attitude of benediction; twice he seemed
about to clasp the unresisting Ulrike to his bosom, but her meek,
tearful countenance repressed the act, and, muttering a prayer,
he rushed from the hut. Left to herself, Ulrike sank on a stool,
and remained like an image of woe, tears flowing in streams down
her cheeks.
Some minutes elapsed before the wife of Heinrich Frey was
aroused from her forgetfulness. Then the approach of footsteps
told her that she was no longer alone. For the first time in her
life, Ulrike endeavoured to conceal her emotion with a sentiment
of shame ; but ere this could be effected, the Count and Heinrich
entered.
"What hast done with poor Odo von Ritterstein, good Frau;
that man of sin and sorrow ? demanded the latter, in his hearty,
unsuspecting manner. _
 He has left us, Heinrich.
 For his castle !—well, the man hath had his share of sorrow,
and ease may not yet come too late. The life of Odo, lord Count,
hath not been, like our own histories, of a nature to make him
content. Had that affair of the host, though at the best but an
irreverent and unwarrantable act, happened in these days, less
might have been thought of it; and then (tapping his wife's
cheek) to lose Ulrike's favour was no slight oalamity of itself.
But what have we here?
276 THE HEIDENMATJEB.
 'Tis a deed, "by which the -Herr von Eitterstein invests Bercht-
hold with his worldly effects.
The Burgomaster hastily unfolded the ample parchment.^ At a
glance, though unahle to comprehend the Latin of the instru-
ment, his accustomed eye saw that all the usual appliances were
there. Turning suddenly to Emich, for he was not slow to com-
prehend the cause of the gift, he exclaimed—
 Here is manna in the wilderness! Our differences are all
happily settled, nobly-born Count, and next to according the hand
of Meta to the owner of the lands of Eitterstein, I hold it a plea-
sure to oblige an illustrious friend and patron. Henceforth, Herr
Emich, let there be naught but fair words between us.
Since entering the hut, the Count had not spoken. His look
had studied the tearful eyes and colourless cheeks of Ulrike, and
he put his own constructions on the scene. Still he did the fair
wife of the burgher justice, for, though less credulous than Hein-
rich on the subject of his consort's affections, he too well knew
the spotless character of her mind, to change the opinion her vir-
tue had extorted from him, in early youth. He accepted the con-
ditions of his friend, with as much apparent frankness as they
were offered, and, after a few short explanations, the whole party
left the Heidenmauer together.
Our task is ended. On the following day Berchthold and Meta
were united. The castle and the town vied with each other in doing
honour to the nuptials, and Ulrike and Lottchen endeavoured to
forget their own permanent cause of sorrow in the happiness of
their children.
In due time Berchthold took possession of his lands, removing
with his bride and mother to the Castle of Eitterstein, which he
always affected to hold merely as the trustee of its absent owner.
Gottlob was promoted in his service, and having succeeded in per-
sua ding Gisela to forget the gay cavalier who had frequented
Ilartenburg, these two wayward spirits settled down into a half-
loving, half-wrangling couple, for the rest of their lives.
Duerckheim, as is commonly the case with the secondary actors
in most great changes, shared the fate of the frogs in the fable ;
it got rid of the Benedictines for a new master, and though the
Burgomaster and Dietrich, in after-life, had many wise discourses
concerning the nature of the revolution of Limburg, as the first
affected to call the destruction of the Abbey, he never could very
clearly explain to the understanding of the latter, the great prin-
ciples of its merits. Still the smith was not the less an admirer
of the Count, and to this day his descendants show the figure of a
marble cherub, as a trophy brought away by their ancestor on
that occasion.
Bonifacius and his monks found shelter in other convents, each
endeavouring to lessen the blow, by such expedients as best suited
his tastes and character. The pious Arnoiph persevered to the
end, and, believing charity to be the fairest attribute of the
Christian, he never ceased to pray for the enemies of the Church,
or to toil that they might have the benefit of his intercession.
As for Odo von Eitterstein, the country was long moved by dif-
THE HEIDENMAHEE. 277
ferent tales of his fate. _ One rumour—and it had much currency
—said he was serving in company with Albrecht of Viederbach,
who rejoined his brother knights, and that he died on the sands
of Africa. But there is another tradition extant in the Jaegerthal,
touching his end. It is said, that, thirty years later, after Hein-
rich, and Emich of Leiningen, and most of the other actors of
this legend, had been called to their great accounts, an aged wan-
derer came to the gate of Ritterstein, demanding shelter for the
night. He is reported to have been well received by Meta, her
husband and son being then absent in the wars, and to have greatly
interested his hostess, by the histories he gave of customs ana
events in distant regions. Pleased with her guest, the Madame
von Ritterstein (for Berchthold had purchased this appellation by
his courage) urged him to rest himself another day within her
walls. Erom communicating, the stranger began to inquire ; and
he so knew how to put his questions, that he soon obtained the
history of the family. TJlrike was the last he named; and the
younger female inmates of the castle fancied that his manner
changed as he listened to the account of the close of her life, and
of her peaceful and pious end. The stranger departed that very
day, nor would his visit probably have been remembered, had not
his body been shortly after found in the hut of the Heidenmauer,
stiffened by death. Those who love to throw a colouring of ro-
mance over the affections, are fond of believihg this was the
Hermit, who had found a secret satisfaction, even at the close of
so long a life, in breathing his last on the spot where lie had
finally separated from the woman he had so long and fruitlessly
loved.
To this tradition—true or false—we attach no importance. Our
object has been to show, by a rapidly-traced picture of life, the
reluctant manner in which the mind of man abandons old, to
receive new, impressions—the inconsistencies between profession
and practice—the error in confounding the good with the bad, in
any sect or persuasion—the common and governing principles that
control the selfish, under every shade and degree of existence—
and the high and immutable qualities of the good, the virtuous,
and of the really noble.
THE END.
Woodfall and Kinder, Printers, Angel Court, Skinner Street, London.
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On the 1st of December, 1856, will be published, Past I.
of a New Edition of
THE NATIONAL CYCLOPAEDIA
OF USEFUL KNOWLEDGE,
(to be continued in monthly shilling parts,)
Founded on the Penny Cyclopaedia, but brought down
to the present state of Progressive Information.
*jf* For all purposes of education and information, the most useful book that
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work the substance of many; and of all the Cyclopaedias in existence it would be
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N ATI ONAL CYCLOPEDIA,
FIBST PUBLISHED BY
CHARLES KNIGHT,
Founded on the Penny Cyclopaedia, a work of immense labour and research, on
the production of which the most eminent men in every department of Literature,
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to the present state of progressive knowledge, and is now issued at a price that
precludes all competition.
This truly National Cyclopaedia is a Cyclopaedia of Alphabetical Reference
for every subject of human inquiry, embracing—
M e dJcin ef-S urge ry
.afro Anatomy.
ArtA#Manufac-
tsks»i nd Trade,
1 PUTTING AND
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Ancient and Modern
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Music.
It has been the aim and endeavour of every one engaged in producing this really
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knowledge is the best employment of those spare hours which millions have
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all Collections oe Books forming, or that will be formed, throughout the
land, for the Advancement of Education. Its portability will eventually
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How publishing in Parts (Price Sixpence), every Fortnight,
CRAIG'S
UNIVERSAL DICTIONARY;
being
AN ETYMOLOGICAL, TECHNOLOGICAL, AND PRONOUNCING
dictionary of the english language—
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To show the value of the Work,
In Law:
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defined by the highest legal authorities.
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All the Terms used in Great Britain
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for without a good English Dictionary, many persons will frequently find them-
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e briefly summed up as under:—
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