awis and Kunigunde ROBERT H. VICKERS ZAWIS AND KUNIGUNDE ft BoDemian Tale BY ROBERT H. VICKERS OF THE CHICAGO BAR AUTHOR OF “martyrdoms of literature, ““the history of bohemia, ETC., ETC. CHICAGO CHARLES H. KERR & COMPANY 175 Monroe Street 1895 Copyright 1894, by ROBERT H. VICKERS ALL RIGHTS RESERVED PREFACE. The restricted limits prescribed for this book have prevented as full a detail of minor events as the writer had proposed. The chief incidents are all historically true. The grouping and the sequences present a revival picture of the age in which the events occurred without dis- tortion of fact or exaggeration of statement. Replete with strong contrasts of light and shade as the age was; rugged as the life of every people long continued; yet amid the fiercer passions arose, in vividly distinctive beauty, the gentler virtues, the loftier motives, and the purer sentiments of multi- tudes of individuals. Not only the essential ten- dencies of human nature, but the constant recur- rence of human sympathies, and the ineffaceable marks of these on the surface of human life wherever peace and security permitted their display, strongly prove that women and men were not then worse than at other times, but that the prevalence of delusions more or less plausible, and all springing from ignor- ance of natural facts, had for a time usurped the place of better inspiration. One of the most lamentable perils to which we are all subject is the readiness we exhibit to employ the best motives for the worst 4 PREFACE purposes. A terrified imagination, a sensitive na- ture, and a confusion of ideas that buries an act un- der a feeling, will render a man or woman, essentially good, temporarily a fiend. When a long era, under apparently divine sanction, devotes itself to the cultivation of such excitable feelings, and associates them with supernatural agencies, the result must be, and always has been, to fill the world with virtuous frenzy that destroys all virtue but that of its own distorted character. Such was the age here depicted. The chief personages are real; the inter-play of their associations, as herein set down, is such as most naturally arose out of their historical relation with each other. No false position, improbable senti- ment, or excessive coloring has been adopted. Real life, such as this book recalls, is more replete with records containing evidence of the good oppressed, sometimes rewarded, and the evil exalted and glorified, than can be presented by the fictitious annals of ingenious invention, however skillfully or elaborately drawn. Bohemian history contains an accumulation of such historic memorials, and here is one. CONTENTS. CHAPTER AGE Preface 3 I. The Journey 7 11 . The Camp 21 III. The Battle 37 IV. The Council Banquet 50 V. Parties and Conspiracies 72 VI. Furstenberg: Friends and Foes 90 VII. Slavery. Deliverance. Ordination.... 105 VIII. Weddings 117 IX. A Widow Pleads for the Body of Her Dead Husband 151 X. Marriage of Zawis and Kunigunde 140 XI. Martyrdom 141 XH. Furstenberg and its Politics 161 XHI. Drda Imprisoned. Prokop’s Prophecy. 170 XIV. New Policies. Death of Kunigunde... 178 XV. Plots and Counterplots 188 XVI. Marriage Embassy to Hungary 196 XVH. Superstition and Treachery in the Palace 212 XVHI. A Treacherous Invitation and a Prison 221 XIV. Wrath IN Hungary. Lord Boppo Aroused 230 XX. Boppo Confronts and Repudiates Ru- dolph 241 XXL Arraignment of Zawis and Jaroslav.... 253 XXH. Alarm at Furstenberg. Mission to Wenzel 264 XXHI. Murder of Zawis Before Hluboka 276 XXIV. Innocence of Zawis Proved 285 XXV. Quiet at Furstenberg. Weddings 295 I CHAPTER L THE JOURNEY. In the latter part of the month of August, A. D. 1278, two travelers journeyed on foot, not far from each other, along the road from Vienna towards the March. They were strangers in that country and with difficulty made themselves understood. But little opportunity existed, however, for the ex- ercise of conversational powers, and the region seemed depopulated. In several miles not an inhabitant was encountered on the highway; and once or twice only a frightened peasant who came in sight in the cultivated portions showed himself for an instant and then hastily disappeared. Toward evening the foremost traveler checked his steady pace occasionally and scanned the surrounding country for a symptom of possible shelter. These halts enabled the second stranger to diminish the dis- tance between them, and, as he approached, his gen- eral appearance was scrutinized very closely by the other. The investigation, conducted on both sides with obvious attention, appeared to be mutually as- suring. Neither carried a weapon, except a straight staff evidently not fashioned for combat. The fore- 7 8 THE JOURNEY most one briefly addressed his companion in the Ara- bic language, but he only obtained in reply a sign that he was not understood. As he hesitated to speak again, not knowing of what kindred the stranger might be, he was in turn addressed in Spanish Pro- ven9al. Replying in broad Spanish and being at once answered therein, a method of communication was welcomed by each. “A dreary prospect, brother stranger,’^ remarked the foremost, “and slight promise of even a bag of straw and a crust to-night.” “Let not my brother speak so,” replied the other; “there is always a superintending eye and a ready hand for those who commit themselves to the High- est.” “You speak worthily, excellent sir,” was the an- swer, a relaxed countenance indicating confidence, “and I trust that this supreme care maybe extended to us, for according to appearances we shall need it. Our own potency seems to be at a limit here.” “Our assurance of the protection of a better wis- dom than our own should not deprive us cf the exer- cise of the free faculties intrusted to us,” was the re- joinder. “Let us see what we can do to help our- selves.” Whether the free voices were heard by sensitive ears of man or quadruped in the quiet summer air, and recognized as human, or whether more probably an indistinct sound was conveyed farther than the two men believed possible, the barking of a small dog at a distance became faintly audible. Both men THE JOURNEY 9 had spoken with that candor and frankness of word and manner which denotes a life of naturalness and unconstraint. Looking around to discover whence probably came the sound, one of the men perceived a line of tracks through the shrubs and thickets that betokened the customary presence here of that ele- mentary indication of civilization, a herd of swine. “Not an invitixUg symbol,” said the other, when these tokens of habitation were pointed out to him, “but probably the associations of the forbidden crea- ture may possess redeeming opportunities. We are not to avoid that progress towards perfect reason which apparently trivial circumstances frequently supply to us in daily life, during our advance to perfection, which is the end of all being.” Following the track thus presented, the strangers advanced along an irregular and circuitous, but, con- sidering the unevenness of the ground, a remarkably level line; and before long found themselves in pres- ence of a congeries of huts formed out of the broken walls of what had previously been a large and pre- tentious edifice. Dogs barked, scared children ran hither and thither, women appeared at doors and at once retired. The strangers stood and looked around, and then at each other without speaking. An old man with long white hair and beard presented him- self, and with an air indicating fallen fortunes saluted the strangers. His language was unintelligible. Spanish, Arabic, Proven9al, were tried without effect. German he would not or could not understand; it difficult from hi5 air to determine which. At 10 THE JOURNEY length he uttered a few words in Greek, and was at once perfectly comprehended by one of the strangers. From the implements of husbandry visible it was clear that younger men still inhabited the place, but they were nowhere seen. A simple meal and a lodging were cheerfully provided as soon as it be- came ascertained that the visit was not accompanied with evil intentions. The old gentleman waited upon his guests himself, and left them to their repose, complete masters of one of the huts which consti- tuted the complex habitation. “What are they?^^ eagerly inquired the old lady of the place as soon as all was quiet. “What does it mean, do you think.^ More emissaries to do the evil work of our destroyers? More secret agents of the hated Latin man come to uproot our ancient faith and show his myrmidons the by-ways of our land that he may grasp our inheritance to nourish his persecuting superstition? What think you, father?’’ “Be assured, good heart,” said the old man, “our new friends are no servants of the Latin tyrant. They are both men of grave, if not reverend aspect, and express themselves with all due ceremony. The elder is somewhat swarthy of complexion, and I judge about fifty years of age. From his dress and language I consider him a Hebrew of X,he Spanish stock, and I should infer a man of sound learning after his system. His dress corresponds to his per- sonality, and is of the Hebrews’, without ostentation or concealment. His language is that of a scholar; THE JOURNEY 11 and his mode of address is that of the modern school patterned after the pagan maxims of the unenlight- ened days, but reverenced by men of Eastern mental tastes. His companion is younger, and if I mistake not, is one of our brethren whose fathers’ home was in the sunny fields of France ere the whirlwind of cruelty drove them forth to such shelter as we and our neighbors can supply. I judge that he is bound on a mission of faith to our brethren in Hungary and Poland. He has learned some of the Dalmatian speech too, as he took occasion to let me perceive, and I infer that he bears a message from the exiles along that coast. He is less of a philosopher than his companion; but I doubt not that his heart is of the purified, and his light is from the Enlightener of men. But I marvel that our new friends have ven- tured hither at this moment, when the deadly em- brace of death again menaces all. The new sworn ally of the Latin tyrant is again bearing down against us, and I fear that our gallant King must succumb to the treacherous combination that assails him.’’ ‘‘But the books, father,” earnestly rejoined the old lady, “did you secure them from prying eyes, and possibly hands of covetousness or destruction.!’ You know the Hebrews are no friends of the inspired wisdom of our revelation.” “Be assured again, good heart,” said the old man; “our friends are not likely to injure or remove the sources whence is derived the hospitable and en- lightening spirit that sheds harmony over the home of the one, surrounded as he is by many creeds and 12 THE JOURNEY races, and secures to the other that brotherly wel- come of which the books themselves furnish the most appropriate example and result. The Hebrew stranger is encompassed in his own home by an atmosphere of culture, and his friends are among the educators of men. I doubt not that his associations are of the learning and the splendor of Cordova, and that he has drunk deep of the widely diffused maxims of Saadia and the sages of Sora. Nowhere have I seen more generous rivalry in the search for the true and the good than in the schools of Andalusia; and no- where does the human heart blossom out into more devoted search for the divine which they have not yet found. The brightest colors of human aspiration after the good and best are there displayed undimmed by the dark shades of calculating demon-craft in the west, which struggle by every undivine and unhal- lowed stimulus of the baser passions to crush out the gentle research into the works of the omnipotent which brings the divine in the human soul into such sweet harmony with the equally divine things around it. Let us repose in peace, good heart. It is not from our new friends that my apprehensions arise, but from some probable new troubles that may have suggested their journey.” “Let us congratulate ourselves,” exclaimed the Hebrew stranger, “on the peaceful shelter we have obtained. Far better is a humble abode like this than the best of the resorts where travelers usually take lodgment. Such places are frequented by footpads, and those who conduct them are usually THE JOURNEY 13 the associates of robbers. Here, I am well assured, we are secure.” “Did I not remind you of the protection of a bet- ter wisdom than our own.^” replied the other. “Truly you did; but it appears to me that it was the exercise of the faculties conferred upon you by the all-pervading power which is diffused everywhere, and of which your intelligence is a constituent part, that composed the protecting agency. Let men cease to put those faculties in operation and we have no evidence whatever of a governing mind. We take nothing without demonstration.” “The supreme mind, ” said the ether cautiously, “does not appear to me to need any aid from us. Its operations are of its own volition; and that voli- tion is benevolence and universal interposition.” “On that theory,” dryly responded his friend, “it is hard to account for the ruins that surround us, and the oppression which seems to impede the good efforts and the noble human feelings that seem to animate our worthy host. His heart is not without benevolence, and he interposes where he can ; and it is difficult to account for the want of sympathy evidenced in these days, and in all days ancient and modern, towards such worthy persons by the su- preme benevolence you speak of. But let us not wrangle ourselves out of our rest. We need all the repose we can secure.” The apartment occupied by the wayfarers really consisted of an addition to an addition to the original hut of the congeries. Similar additions and expan- 14 THE JOURNEY sions existed on the other sides, until the entire collec- tion constituted a small hamlet of itself, but con- structed around and attached to an original residence now forming the center of the group. Each addition seemed to constitute a separate abode, and to have been added on as a son introduced a daughter-in- law to the original family, or a daughter had settled down with her husband beside her parents, who ruled the increasing family in real patriarchal form, and with full patriarchal cordiality. The present cham- ber seemed to be habitually occupied by some mem- bers of the family, and contained a small rough box set on end, with one shelf, in which were some twenty books, old and worn and discolored. One volume lay on the top of the box and had evidently been recently used. It was a fair manuscript copy of the gospels in Greek, and contained some illumi- nation in that exceedingly delicate tracery which in- terwove flowing lines and patterns so frequently into themselves in their endless convolution that pattern became lost, and a general sense of beauty without fixedness or form was presented. This book was opened by the younger man and examined by both with joyful surprise. “See,” said the elder,“an apt symbol of the wisdom which pervades all things, and diffuses itself every- where alike from the infinite treasury of nature. All this commingled beauty without beginning, without end, spreads a charm all over whereof each part is a constituent portion, by which each part is produced as it is, and to which each lends its aid in turn. So THE JOURNEY 15 is the diffused wisdom which composes and is com- posed by the world around us.’’ ‘‘And the hut we are in,” responded the younger with a faint smile, “is a constituent portion of that beauty, and the life of our host is omitted altogether.” The Jew looked grave, and said he could explain the mystery, he thought, on his principles. “But how came that book here, think you.^”’ he asked. “Oh, nothing is more simple,” was the reply. “The doctrines held in this region for two hundred years and more were directly taught by Greeks. Cyril and Methodius were commissioned from Constanti- nople, and their mission was in full sympathy with the faith that pervaded all Eastern and a large por- tion of Western Europe for many centuries. Their language also was formally permitted here in com- pliance with the uninterrupted communication with the Northern Church in Constantinople. It is, how- ever, cultivated now only by a few.” The speaker here incautiously permitted himself to betray a greater knowledge of the traditions of the country than had been his purpose. He there- fore added, “I have heard these things from travelers, because my country was long associated with these regions by trade in furs and silks, and horses and wool.” He then laid down the volume, and after performing his devotions without noticing whether any similar proceeding was observed by his compan- ion, rest was speedily attained in a sleep that was as quiet as it was welcome. 16 THE JOURNEY The morning sunrise beheld the venerable host on the alert to attend to the comfort of his guests. Breakfast consisting of coarse bread, apparently of barley and millet, and wild venison accompanied with home-brewed beer promised a substantial support for the expected fatigue of the coming journey. ^‘You will need it all and more, replied the old man in answer to a remark on his munificent hospitality. “The country you will pass through has been, I fear, ravaged and wasted in all directions. Already the destroyers have crossed the March, and scattered bands of them are even now plundering the helpless cottagers in Moravia. I fear that dreadful woes await us here. The ruin inflicted by the Tartar hordes in my youth was indeed a shocking sight, but even they disappeared almost as speedily as they came. Now we have a foe that will seize us in his talons and tear us with his ravenous beak. He is a foe that has come to stay; and he is more pitiless than the insatiate bird that emblems him. The skull and bones that figured the Tartar carnage might be appropriately borrowed by the new destroyers. The former created a desolation of death; the latter will set up a living pandemonium.” “We have but recently reached these borders,” ex- claimed the strangers in rapid succession. “We have carefully abstained from discussions, and from asso- ciation indeed with those we meet.” “I have en- sconced myself in the quietest corners,” declared the Jew, “and have passed along as if no outward purpose moved me. Journeying swiftly and in silence,! have THE JOURNEY 1 ? escaped molestation, and I can with difficulty com- prehend the cause of your extreme apprehension. In my country we are menaced with troubles, and I have devoted little attention to this.” “The explanation might be tedious,” replied the venerable host. “Be thankful, then, if you escape the impending storm. After three days you will be beyond its fury for the present. We are in its track, and our land, I fear, shall be an ^Eolian bag of tem- pests for a long time. Be cautious, and be not sur- prised, and I would gladly see you safe again.” The old man then filled the pouch of each way- farer with the same substantial viands that had served for breakfast, adding, “You will need it. Should you pass this way again, my friends, or either of you, and the miscreants who torment us should spare our hovels, or should we have no more for them to convert into palaces of idleness and supersti- tion,” said the old man again when his guests ten- dered their farewell greeting, and the security of his company rendered free speech permissible, “and you will honor my humble abode with your re- spected presence,! hope that the results of events now transpiring will enable me to do you as much honor as I could wish.” Thereupon the Jew, placing his hand on the old man’s shoulders, imprinted a kiss upon his lips, saying: “My honored friend, most wel- come shall your roof be to my eyes should I so far progress in that evolution which brings wisdom, and advance in that soul-growth which leads to perfec- tion, as to be able meetly to appreciate the divine 18 THE JOURNEY life which unity with the all-pervading soul has nourished up in yourself. Accept this trifling token of my esteem, and let it remind you that the illumi- nation which is the essence of the soul is not united to any one phase of its manifestation, or any one degree of its essential potency. The universal rea- son of which we are emanations, and to which we must return, is immanent in all alike, and constitutes our eternal and necessary brotherhood, and merges all our natures into one. Though we may never meet we shall mingle, and again and again partake in the diffusion of living intellect through the universe.^’ While he yet spoke he drew forth from what seemed to be the skin of his arm, but was in reality a leather armlet dyed to perfection, four fine rings of gold, each apparently notched in two places. Stringing them together through a fine diagonal slit, and ad- justing the notches, he formed of the four one gold ring handsomely chased and forming a three-stranded coil of gold. Then loosing them again a little and bringing them close to each other, he showed to the old man the Arabic inscription: — ‘Tbn Roschd’^ — formed in distinct characters by the different chas- ings. Closing the rings into one again, with grave obeisance he presented it to his host. “My name,^’ he added, “I need not fear to give, and if your prog- ress towards the universal essence should require or permit your presence at Cordova, be assured that Solomon Ben Gerson will welcome his brother in the spirit as his own soul. We are not as we once THE JOURNEY 19 were,^’ he added sadly, “but the hearts of our fathers beat in our breasts.’’ The old man melted under this touching address. Seeing that further greetings would oppress a heart now overflowing, the younger traveler cordially em- braced his host, merely adding: “Receive the bless- ing of the Lord through his pilgrim Pietro Felice.” “Now, my brothers,” finally said the old patriarch, “as I am well assured of your fidelity, and I feel in my heart that essential unity of being through the manifestations of its divine lovingness which makes all men of kin with each other and with the great Lord of all love, permit me to gratify myself by directing your steps towards another shelter far more worthy than mine. Should you escape the casualties that I fear you must encounter, direct your steps to the borders of Moravia and Bohemia, and at the se- cure castle of the lord Zawis you will find congenial associations and cordial welcome. In order to as- sure you an unquestioned reception present this token. It was the cognizance under which the lord Zawis’ honored father fought at Remove when our brave but too confiding King founded Konigsberg, and originated a new power in Europe.” In silence the old man presented to Solomon a small silk banner apparently taken from a knight’s lance. The colors were white and red in parallel bars, the white above, and in the center was emblazoned in embroidery a black eagle. “I fear our cognizance has been 20 THE JOURNEY changed/^ added the old man, “but if you will quietly present that symbol the lord Zawis will know whence it comes. A member of my family is there, and will gladly hear a message from hence.” Thereupon he dismissed his guests with a low obeisance. CHAPTER 11. THE CAMP. ^‘Truly a noble and a reverend veteran,’’ ex- claimed the Jew to his companion when they had reached a little distance; “and a stout one too in his day, I doubt not. Marked you his erect and sinewy frame, his open countenance, his eye, round, full and fearless.^ It would be strange if our vener- able host had not wielded a trenchant toledo with Louis at Damietta and Mansoora.” “And it would be stranger still,” replied his com- panion, “if the same toledo, and the ambition to wield it under the deceitful suggestions and urgings that goaded men to assume the cross in those days, were not the cause of those ruined walls and that premature decadence of fortune which has brought the old man to what he is. Not the love of Christ nor yet zeal for the honor of his sepulcher has dic- tated those furious paroxysms of insanity that have blinded the world since the first one perhaps honestly preached by the Hermit. Through their deadly in- fluence nobles have been pauperized and cities en- slaved. Through them magistrates have been abol- ished and monasteries substituted for them. The widows and orphans of zealots who fell beneath famine, disease and the sword at Antioch and Dory- 21 22 THE CAMP leum, at Odessa and Jerusalem, have perished from want on their own land and in their own homes, while the tonsured spoiler of their substance reveled in luxury and wantonness in those rich valleys which the unreasoning fanaticism of their possessors left deserted, to be the spoil of the grasping hierarchy that remained. No more cunning and daring plot for the plunder of princes and kingdoms under the guise of religion has ever been imposed upon man- kind.’’ The Jew regarded his companion with a thought- ful smile. The outburst cf indignant feeling that had just expended itself contrasted strangely with the circumspection that had hitherto marked the pilgrim, as he styled himself. “My thanks for your confidence, brother; it shall not be abused. I think I could find parallels in other faiths to the cruel greediness you have justly denounced. Perhaps mankind has not yet dis- covered the Source of Life. And yet the essential constituent of enlightenment necessarily enters into the being of every human soul. Men who dwell ‘on the face of the whole earth’ are not only of one blood, but of an identical mental constitution. From that boundless and eternal unity of power diffused through all the range of being all things are. All the modes of this activity are itself in various manifestations and degrees. The unity of its elements, if there be such, is absolute, and there can be no dependence or coercive force. Power cannot exist without in- strumentalities; and those in which it clothes itself THE CAMP 23 are suited to the combinations in which the classes of its activities are conjoined in every object. The omnipresent activity conjoins these kinds in various proportions. Hence men are not only of that power, but they are that power according to its manifesta- tions in each. The unity of all being is eternal, immutable, but it has displayed itself alike in all ages. The diversities of combinations and results that we witness in this age spring from no new prin- ciple.’’ “The power you speak of,” replied the pilgrim, “is interpreted to us as the omnipotent Being who diffuses his presence everywhere, and by his fiat calls all things that are into the being that he confers upon them. He bestows gifts on men for their eternal welfare and for his glory, and exacts nothing in return but their trust and obedience. He purifies and exalts every spirit that communes with him, and no part of his works is deprived of the tenderness of his love.” “The perfection of a rational soul,” replied the Jew, “is reached when it becomes a mirror of the universe; when the unity of tendency that prevails in the universe is reflected in it. All activity in natural forces is towards the divine tendencies which alone can sustain the marvelous manifestations of good that are everywhere. Our nature is thus purified and perfected and prepared for complete reunion with the divine essence. But stay, who and what are these At an elevated point of the road about *a mile or 24 THE CAMP more before them, a cloud of dust suddenly arose, and in the midst of it appeared horsemen riding furiously. The travelers hurriedly turned aside into the thickets, and worked their way with all speed in an angular direction into the broken forest. Hiding among some rocks where horsemen could not easily pursue, they waited for the enemy, if they should prove such. The travelers had been perceived, for as soon as the horsemen arrived near the place where they had been seen they halted, and pointed towards the forest with loud cries and threatening gestures. They were a wild, fierce, dirty and forbidding troop. The small snub noses, high cheek bones, sunken fiery eyes, and streaming hair of Tartars could not be mistaken. They wore caps of sheepskin, and brandished long spears with horse-hair pennons. Their saddle was a sheepskin strapped on with hide, and between this saddle and the horse were stretched strips of meat. They did not venture into the thickets, and soon disappeared again along the road the travelers had just traversed. After this incident the wayfarers advanced with great circumspection, listening for every sound, and scanning the road before them from every available point. At length smoke appeared in the forest. Some heavy, lumbering wagons with broad wooden wheels, each consisting of two solid semi-circles of wood joined and fastened together with thick wooden pins, were drawn up on the edge of the road, and among the trees. A long series of smoldering fires THE CAMP 25 became perceptible. More wagons, oxen, with here and there a horseman, came into view, and the neigh- borhood of a camp was clearly recognized. Were they friends or foesi’ became a serious question. Turn- ing aside again into the forest, the strangers cau- tiously felt their way towards the skirts of the camp. Looking through the undergrowth, they perceived that it was not strictly speaking a military encamp- ment they had reached, but rather the motley equip- ment of a crowd of men and women apparently ol the lowest and most ruffianly character. Groups of half ragged men lay here and there, apparently in a state of intoxication. Some low sheltering hovels of branches were occupied by women who boro over soiled and mean raiment, rich shawls and velvets, brocades of costly descriptions which the^ flaunted with mock dignity. Scattered here and there were rich saddles and pieces of armor. Ir one place a group of men were busily examining u chest that had been broken open, and holding up the contents to the common gaze. Fine linens, silks and laces were dragged out without regard to value. A pend- ant lamp with a chain of gold was reached and held up with a shout of savage satisfaction. A necklace of pearls created another pea^ of hoarse triumph, and a small casket inlaid with ivory and silver was fiercely contended for by the coarse and vulgar crowd. A party of ferocious plunderers had been in pursuit of spoil, and the abodes of industry and opulence and gentle life had furnished the coveted booty. Silver coin was not lacking, for handfuls of 26 THE CAMP large pieces, each bearing the name of Otakar, were offered by one and another for each rich prize as soon as a possessor had violently asserted his right of seizure. Garments of fur covered the persons of burly robbers, and pelisses of white and scarlet silk adorned the figures of abandoned and unkempt women. While this scene was being watched by the amazed strangers, another body of plunderers reached the camp by the road that led towards the March. They brought with them several wagon loads of household and wardrobe stuff, and sacks of meal, with meat and cheese and wine The plunder was evidently only beginning, and much more might be expected. With special glee the new-comers exhibited several chalices of silver, patens of the same material, and lamps and ecclesiastical vestments. In gratification seemingly of especial hatred, the chalices were flung on the ground and stamped on. As this procedure was slow and ineffectual, the vessels were set wher- ever a projecting rock was found and pounded with stone until all shape had as nearly as possible dis- appeared. A coat of mail formed of rings and with a Greek cross worked of steel plates on the breast was adopted by a lusty ruffian, who donned the manly garment to exhibit it in mockery to the crowd. At length the wine was distributed, and a scene of ghastly hilarity soon ensued. Through want of ves- sels the ruffians employed their united hands held to their mouths at the wrists, and had the costly bever- age poured thus into their throats. Rough familiar- THE CAMP 27 ity speedily led to quarreling, and much of the rich garniture that decked the ruffians was torn into shreds. Blows with deadly weapons and spear thrusts followed, and the plundered victims could have witnessed a large measure of retaliation had they been present. At length a noise of horses approach- ing at the gallop became audible, and our horrified observers recognized the same Tartar troop return- ing from their reconnaissance. They bore some trophies of iheir visit. One carried a crusader’s sword and helmet, and another held across his hcrse before him a bag filled with plunder recently ac- quired. The party rode up to a horseman stationed on the road in front of the camp, and having seem- ingly made their report, all the horsemen in the place, Tartars without exception, rode off towards the March. “If we can only avoid or baffle the vagabonds be- fore us,” observed Solomon in a low tone, “and reach the road beyond, we may be able to advance another stage.” “Your resources surpass mine,” returned Pietro. “These wretches are now in a dangerous mood, and no little skill will be necessary to elude them by the direct road, and I see no other.” “A little wit is more than a match for a great deal of ruffianism,” replied Solomon, “and I think I have seen more dangerous customers baffled. We will try not only to pass along our journey, but to se- cure perhaps some mementoes to prove that fools and their ill-gotten wealth can be easily parted. 28 THE CAMP We cannot appeal to any sentiment of good in these wretches. Greed is their actuating passion, and by the same passion can they as well as other men be circumvented.’’ The Jew then sought out a straight slight sapling of oak. It was not readily found, but after consid- erable search one sufficient for his purpose was dis- covered. The bark was all stripped off carefully, leav- ing the white surface of the inner sapwood smooth and shining. It was cut to about five feet in length. Then advancing cautiously through the woods to- wards the contentious crowd, the Jew suddenly walked up to the nearest group, waving his wand with the air of a necromancer. Being too intent on their own disputes to notice the approach of the strangers, the ruffians stood astonished. The Jew promptly drew a circle around the group on the ground with his wand; then pointing with the wand towards the east, and drawing circles through the air, he muttered half aloud some Arabic jargon wholly unintelligible to his auditors. Astonishment and curiosity strongly mingled with superstitious fear produced perfect quiet. Again waving his wand over the heads of the crowd, and bringing it near to one and another with- out permitting it to touch, and pointing to the plun- der lying around, he signified by gestures that they must allow it to remain where it was until the dis- tribution could be accomplished by divination. At this moment a luckless dog approached from the road. The dog was still more luckless in being black. Pointing to the wretched, starving quadruped THE CAMP 29 with an earnest gesture with one hand, the Jew raised his wand to heaven, at the same time obliter- ating a portion of the circle, and at once the wretches rushed upon the dog and speedily cut its throat, and hung the carcass to a pole placed upright. Signify- ing then that a fire should be kindled, the Jew pointed to the plunder and directed it to be collected. He was obeyed. All this time he stood with his wand uplifted, his eyes turned toward heaven and uttering in a hoarse voice powerful incantations in Arabic, and when the fire was well kindled, selecting two of the least intoxicated in the crowd by a touch of his wand, they quickly flayed the dog and the carcass passed rapidly over the fire. The limbs were torn asunder, and each portion again purified with fire. The sacred morsels were then passed around, and every man tasted a portion. It was the oath of their sacrament. Eacti portion of the accumulated prop- erty was then distributed. The Jew’s keen eye dis- cerned the most influential and the most sober. Di- viding and distributing according to his judgment, each man’s share was apportioned, the Jew and his companion reserving only a small enameled casket inlaid on the cover with a diademed head, the casket being of very beautiful and ancient Greek workman- ship. “Within we shall assuredly find enough to content ourselves with,” he said aside to his com- panion. Then spreading out his arms and waving his wand, uttering aloud his parting invocation, the Jew beckoned to his partner and both rapidly passed on before their astonished congregation had time to 30 THE CAMP combine their stupefied senses in the least opposition or remonstrance. During the performance of this comedy Solomon took care to adopt looks and gestures as emphatic as possible. He raised his loose robe and spread it as wide es possible, and with his tall figure, full and flowing beard, and impassioned gesticulation, he really seemed to be the magician he pretended to be. Pietro regarded his companion with a feeling akin to apprehension. ‘‘Oh, be comforted, my brother,” exclaimed Solomon; “I told you a little presence of mind was better than a sword and buckler. Ah, my brother, the ceaseless energy that pervades all nature is especially active in the soul advancing towards perfection. The more uninterrupted this vital action in any being, the more potent will its manifestations be. We cannot ourselves resist that universal vitality of which we are manifested ele- ments. Much less can these wretches resist it.” “Then there must be imperfections, or vacant spaces, in the diffused influences you mention,” slyly interposed Pietro. “Had we remained longer among them we might have discovered that this activity is capable of manifesting itself in methods neither re- freshing nor ethical. “But pardon my apparent intrusiveness,” he added ; “from what source have you acquired the sort of ceremonial which you practiced but awhile ago.^” “From no source whatever, but the sensitiveness as to my surroundings which arises from the related activity I have described. Ah,” added Solomon, THE CAMP 81 ^^the world has been darkened and corrupted by so- called revelations until it is filled with cruelty. In these corrupt days, brother, a black cat, a brindle cock, a brown toad, a black dog, a few rags, craven credulity on one side, and audacity' on the other, and you have all the elemental paraphernalia of a necromancer or a priest.” Then drawing the small casket from his robe, ‘‘Let us be seated,” he said, “and see what memorial we possess.” The wayfarers withdrew a little from the road, and being seated out of view of passers by, the Jew looked intently at the casket. The cover bore an inlaid portrait with a Greek imperial dia- dem. The miniature was formed entirely of ivory and precious stones surrounded by interlacing scroll- work. In a corner was a Greek cross with a small pearl in the center. Beneath the miniature were the letters M. III., but there was no date. Solomon pointed out these details to Pietro, commenting on each separately. “I cannot at this moment recall the prince who is probably , here represented,” he said. “But the casket is of ancient date. It is long since workmanship equally skillful has come to my notice even from Constantinople. There was an Emperor Michael the Third, but I do not now asso- ciate his name with any event connected with these regions. He never exercised jurisdiction here, nor did any other Greek sovereign. These countries were scarcely — if at all — within the empire of East- ern Rome.” “I have understood,” replied Pietro, “that the 32 THE CAMP Slavonian people were long identified with Constan- tinople, and that it was from her care that the first Christian teachers were derived. They arrived here after the middle of the ninth century, and if my reading has been correct Michael IIL wore the tiara at that date.” “You may be correctly informed,” replied Solo- mon. “Let us examine the contents if any.” After some examination the casket was opened by a spring carefully concealed in the carvings of the front face. The box was lined with purple silk, embroidered on the inside of the cover with the motto, aoe:a en rwi:ETOi:s OEn . The covered casket only contained a cross of ivory, inlaid with a large pearl at the intersection of the arms. There were no carvings whatever. This simple article was wrapped in silk. Under- neath were the fragments of an ancient parchment. The edges of the several portions were frayed and worn, and no arrangement could make the original complete. The fragments were covered with Greek writing, nearly defaced, all discolored by frequent handling and illegible except some separate charac- ters. Replacing all as they had been, the Jew handed the casket to his companion, saying: “Take your choice, brother.” Pietro took the articles and looked at them long and carefully. “It is difficult to choose,” he said at last, “especially as the treasure by right is at your disposal. But whatever I select, with your permission, I promise to restore to the owner if ever he shall be discovered. I make no difficulty in res- cuing this much from the ruffians who had seized it.” THE CAMP 33 ‘‘The emblem is more appropriate to you/' ex- claimed the Jew. “For my part, I make the same promise as to the casket itself. There will be, I fear, little probability that the wretches who stole these things left many to claim ownership of what they grasped.” Pietro deposited the cross within his vesture, and Solomon placed the casket carefully in his wallet. This formal ceremony being completed, they re- sumed their journey, after enjoying a portion of the provision generously supplied to them by their ven- erable host of the preceding night. After advancing some distance in silence, the Jew suddenly halted. “Do you not hear a strange sound from before us,” he asked, “or is it in my own ear.? Have I become troubled with extra sensitiveness that has excited my hearing unnaturally, and created the resemblance of sounds where there are none.? There are those who would explain my sensation by the motions of the whirring wings of spiritual visitants to this lower sphere. But I have communed with nature through her operations, and especially those manifested in the phenomena of our own share in the universal activities, too long to be thus deluded. I have searched into the methods by which vital action is transmitted through our own frame, and it is not necessary to have recourse to hallucinations outside the workings of our own constituent mem- bers, as they are necessarily acted on by the percepti- ble world around us.” Both men stood and listened, and as they did so an arrow whizzed past them and 34 THE CAMP was lost in the bushes beside the way. Both men threw themselves on the ground and were quickly surrounded by a band of wild-looking marauders ap- parently of different nationalities, European, Asiatic, and some half one and half the other. The wrists of the travelers were roughly bound with raw hide, and escorted by a motley guard of Tartars and Mag- yars they were marched forward at the lance’s point. Crossing an elevation in the road, the party came right in view of a regular military encampment ex- tending widely on both sides of the road before them. The escort formed but a small part of the troop concealed among the thickets. From time to time a blow or a thrust from the butt of a lance quickened the pace of the prisoners even when speed had not diminished. Their captors seemed deter- mined to maltreat them, with or without cause. A rapid pace was kept up for a few miles, and the pris- oners were almost choked with dust and thirst. At length the line of the camp itself was reached, and the party halted. Solomon and Pietro were dis- figured with the coarsest travel stains. After the leader of the troop had reported to an officer stationed further on, the prisoners were conducted within the lines of the camp and on to headquarters. Here were drawn up fully one thousand men, of dif- ferent nationalities, largely Magyar, and included about two hundred Tartar horse. The entire force was commanded by a Knight in full armor, with several esquires around him. The prisoners were at once conducted into the presence of this officer. THE CAMP 35 Solomon and Pietro advanced with head erect and calm and respectful demeanor. The officer raised 'his hand slightly, as if in astonishment, but promptly suppressed all symptoms of his emotion. Solomon too looked fixedly, but made no sign. “Let these men be secured until I shall have occasion to ques- tion them,” was the order. “Have they been taken with weapons.^^” inquired the officer, at once divining a reason for leniency. The reply being in the neg- ative, — “Then let their bonds be removed and let water and food be supplied.” Solomon and Pietro were conducted to a hut that seemed to have belonged to a swineherd. Here a scanty supply of coarse bread, and a gourd of water were furnished them, several skins of the liquid be- ing placed on a wagon and covered with a rough awning of branches. But the water was muddy and disagreeable. The prisoners thankfully removed the dust that had begrimed them, and enjoyed the shade and rest. After an hour they were summoned into the presence of the commanding officer, who demanded in very bad German if either of them un- derstood anything of medicine. Solomon replied in a mixture of Arabic and Spanish that he had ac- quired some knowledge of the art of healing and had practiced it. “Several of my men,” replied the officer in broad Spanish, “have been wounded in a skirmish, and your services on their behalf would be acceptable. But beware,” he added, “hov/ any malpractice becomes mingled with your proceedings. Instant death will result from the least deviation from prescribed rules.” 36 THE CAMP In what way the deviation alluded to should be ascertained, and by whom decided, and to what de- gree of deviation, and in which application of the healer’s art, were questions not determined, and Sol- omon was again master of the situation. ‘‘This man is your attendant, Sir Esculapius, I presume,” said the officer; “let him attend you, but I hold you re- sponsible for his conduct as well as himself.” Sir Esculapius was conducted to a low black tent where lay several Magyars, Poles and Tartars, and one or two Germans. Their ailments were simply flesh wounds, but a lit- tle attention was obviously very necessary. The wounds were washed and bandaged and the tem^ porary hospital put to rights. Solomon and Pietro proceeded to collect and prepare what remedies were procurable, and none dared dispute their authority. “A little wit, my brother, is better than a spear and buckler,” gravely remarked the Surgeon General of the department. CHAPTER III. THE BATTLE, Solomon and Pietro had disposed their patients in as comfortable a position as the rude surroundings would permit, and had taken a few hours’ much needed rest, when an esquire with a Spanish Arab countenance presented himself at the door of the hospital where Solomon and Pietro still reposed. Gently waking the sleepers, he announced his errand. It was simply to examine and report. Shortl)^ after his disappearance he returned and stated in Spanish that his commanding officer desired an interview with the physician stranger and his attendant. “You will be allowed an interval for reflection,” he said, “and I am to admonish you to be candid; for Don Abraham is not to be trifled with. Follow me.” The strangers were ordered to remain in the shade of a tree in a space otherwise open. The day had not yet dawned; and all around was comparatively hushed. Solomon placed his fingers lightly on his companion’s arm, saying: “Be as silent as possible, brother, and in all matters touching this questioning refer to me as the person from whom you receive orders. I think I perceive a rift in the cloud, and a familiar star shining beyond it. From the relation H7 38 THE BATTLE of that Star to others not yet perceptible I shall be better able to infer my position. Some data for my calculations are not yet at hand, and it must be my business to acquire them.’’ The Jew then relapsed into silence. After an interval the commanding officer approached, accompanied by two esquires, one the same who already appeared, and another of swarthy yellow complexion, bearing in one hand a tablet consisting of separate leaves of semi-trans- parent whitish paper, and in another a reed pen and a small cup containing a sponge soaked in ink. ‘‘Whence come you.^” abruptly inquired Don Abra- ham. “From Cordova, or rather from the remnant of it,” promptly replied Solomon. “Your business .J”’ “Physician and student of nature.” “Your purpose in this journeying.?” “The acquisition of potent wis- dom which the bounty of universally diffused life and activity, and intelligence of the laws and quali- ties of plants supplies to those of my profession whose nature is in harmony with their manifestations and can assimilate their vitalizing influences.” “Are you acquainted in these countries.?” “There are some brethren some time resident among the Lech. Them I would visit in order to convey to my own land the results of development attained by them, and possibly convey to their intelligence the results that have been manifested to us.” “Search these men,” ordered Don Abraham. The esquire examined the raiment of the strangers carefully, but without offensive minuteness. Solomon was, however, re- quired to remove his semi-turban, which suffered THE BATTLE 39 somewhat in consequence of the investigation. The small casket was produced by Solomon volun- tarily and held openly in his hand. No weapons or correspondence was discovered. The box was or- dered opened to reveal concealed poison, if any there should be. “What are these papers.?” inquired Don Abraham, looking at the ancient parchment frag- ments. “No physician travels without the mysteries of his art,” replied the Jew gravely. The investi- gation of Pietro produced only the ivory cross, and Don Abraham professed to hold that symbol in sufficient veneration to accept it as testimony of the harmlessness of his prisoners. These details were inscribed in due form, and Don Abraham subscribed them with a flourish, complex and intricate, and then his full name underneath, — “Don Abraham Abouya- coub,” in Latin characters, that partook of as close* similarity to Arabic in formation as the simpler Latin could well assume. “You are dismissed for the present,” he said, “but without orders you are not permitted to quit this camp.” The attendants then retired and Don Abraham, quickly turning towards the strangers, signified by an emphatic gesture his request that Solomon and Pietro remain where they were. They accordingly seated themselves and waited. At this moment the camp was quiet. Only the lone flame of a few scattered fires gave any light above the somber gloom of the forest. Within a very brief time a quiet figure arrayed in a dark robe thrown over his armor quickly approached. A few words in Ara- bic in a low tone speedily announced Don Abraham himself, 40 THE BATTLE “Let US withdraw to a more sheltered place/^ he said. Without another word the three retired towards the rear of the camp and seated them- selves in the deeper shade caused by a smouldering fire at the opposite side of some bushes. “Here we shall be unobserved/^ said Don Abraham. “No in- trusion need be feared, and those around are only too glad of repose.’’ “You may well feel surprised at this renewal of our . acquaintance,” said the officer. “I on my part felt astonished and perhaps slightly embarrassed. The circumstances of the time and the harsh nature of my present service had almost convinced me that strangers would carefully avoid making acquaintance with this neighborhood. But I am glad of the op- portunity to renew our personal associations. Per- • mit me first to express my thanks for the wisdom of your replies to my interrogations. The necessity of attendance to the wounded afforded me sufficient reason to defer the examination until you had ob- tained some rest. A battle is imminent and your services will certainly be needed. As you clearly perceived, my questions were harsher in tone than intent. Bear you pleasant tidings from the scenes of our former prosperity “Your highness was far less astonished than myself at our meeting,” replied Solomon. “You had disap- peared so completely from observation that we may be pardoned for tacitly assuming that you had com- mingled with the eternal essence which had in such large ruQasure diffused itself through your forefathers THE BATTLE 41 and kindred. The tempest of disordered motion daily grows more subversive about us, and but little that is progressive toward the happy consummation is experienced by your brethren or mine,” ‘T would hear, if you object not, some of the most recent events which have troubled our once peaceful paradise in the South. The years I have passed in Rudolph’s service have neither drawn me closer to him than at first, nor increased my taste for the po- sition assigned to me. He is surrounded with men determined to accomplish in these countries the same task, even against those who profess the same faith as themselves, that they have thus far perfected in the happy homes of our fathers. A violent sub- version of ancient and honored laws, the suppres- sion of a reasonable and enlightened philosophy, and the overthrow of a Christian Kingdom are marked out by them. It is not the name of Christ that they revere, but their own sort of Christ, and one, as I am assured, very different from the real one.” ‘‘Permit me to reply to your- highness’ interroga- tion,” replied Solomon. “After King Mohammed Alahmar had consented to renounce the chiefs of what was denominated the rebellion, thirteen years ago, and had thus consigned many princes to exile, and after repeated promises given by the Christians, that tlie ancient liberty ot cult, of taxes and of customs should be re-established among the still numerous body of your countrymen and mine, the en- gagements thus made have been persistently and malignantly broken. Under solemn covenants the 42 THE BATTLE city where your father had become entitled to royal authority opened its gates. These matters you will remember. Since the distribution of lands was com- pleted and a wall of separation divided the Moriscoes of Murcia from their persistent persecutors, your brethren in the villages and country places have been the objects of unceasing malevolence. Daily insults and frauds deprive them of their just share, and no redress for the most wanton injuries is extended. Valencia has been consigned to the operation of a relentless succession of bitter outrages under the direct instigation of the Roman disturber by peremptory orders to Don Jayme; and the same spirit is manifested everywhere. I regret to antici- pate that little will be left to your highness but an empty dignity as king, and a depleted exchequer as a sovereign. But if you should carry into effect your once meditated design of identifying yourself with what seemed the universal tendency towards chief control of our native lahd by the Christians, and the cross should become your symbol also, permit me to express a warning that this step will not ex- tricate you from the perilous descent to the extinc- tion of your dynasty. Your fathers fought nobly for the independence of Cordova, and the philoso- phers of your race added luster to its halls of learn- ing. But a new tendency is assuming chief control and I fear that still more evil days are inevitable.” ‘^Accept my thanks for your candor, my excellent friend,” returned Don Abraham; ‘‘should the events now commencing in this region not proceed as you THE BATTLE 43 at least and your friend here would desire, it may become my duty to accept the lot of sharing with my brethren the evil of the present, as I and my ancestors have shared with them the glories of the past.” ‘‘Permit me now in turn,” observed Solomon, “to request of your highness some illumination in regard to the countries immediately before us. I would as- certain, if possible, if there be favorable reasons for searching among the Lech, and Tchekh an asylum of retreat from the remorseless inhumanities that are destroying us. We would willingly surrender digni- ties to our persecutors. We seek but a habitation and an industry. Even these primary necessities are denied us. Your brethren and mine, highness, have always dwelt together in amity, and the Christians within our borders enjoyed our aid and sympathy, and all the benefit that our science, our commerce, and our progress could confer. To their credit be it said, they dwelt with us in harmony and brotherly security^ Even their bishops participated in our studies, adopted our sentiments, and lent their tal- ents to the development of our intellectual life. But the lust of Roman conquest has assumed new weap- ons, and nourishes itself with the blood of its victims. Old Rome aimed to transform; new Rome thirsts only to destroy.” “Should the purposes of your journey detain you long, or conduct you far into these countries,” said Don Abraham, “your observation may in part, at least, correct the views I must express in reply to 44 THE BATTLE your interrogation. The increasing feebleness of Constantinople, the decline of her elasticity of spirit as a result of the puerile investigations, dreamy dis- putes, and narrow tone of her literature, as well as the audacity and practical researches into real things which signalize her enemies from without, and the diversion of the attention of western Europe to the dreams of a new kingdom in Palestine, have enabled the ambition of Rome to direct men’s energies from the wise investigation of the world that encircles and sustains us, to a vicious subjective gratification of the passion for power in the realm of superstitious mastery of one set of modern fancies over another set of fancies. This gratification being designedly mixed up with intoxicating dreams about an unseen world, where this same vicious subjective passion is expected to have an unlimited and eternal exercise, has stimulated men under crafty counsels to the madness of wanton destruction of tangible wealth and means of progress.’^ “I observe with satisfaction that your highness has not forgotten the principles of Sora and Cordova,’’ observed Solomon. ‘^Permit me to proceed,” added Don Abraham. ^‘This spirit has infected princes and emperors. Obedience to it has been made the price for the aid of the coarse multitude to those ambitious aspirants who would bow to Beelzebub for a throne or a prin- cipality. The multitude always favors the intoxi- cation supplied by appeals to the imagination; and pmits the investigation of details on which all pro- THE BATTLE 45 gress in civilization has been and must be founded. These combined forces are united in the* spirit that directs the proceedings whereof our present surround- ings form a part. Some of these principles apply to one side and some to the other. The countries be- yond us are agitated by this new spirit which has long been in contention with the older one that ex- pressed itself in native efforts at patriotism more or less wise. The collision has attained its extreme of violence on the scene where we now find ourselves. It is not two men, nor even two ambitions or dynasties, that contend in this vicinity. The old investigating philosophy and the new superstition are the real antagonists. It is the realm of reason and reason- ableness in contention with the factitious fear that begets ferocity, that meet on this battle-ground That is what I regard as the issue now pending in close proximity to where we are seated. “Rudolph is not ignorant of the real nature of the contest, or who is the real commander-in-chief. He takes his orders from Rome. He is poor; he is ambitious, restless in temper; and he regards the blinding power of the superstitious imagination as at present the stronger party, and therefore the more useful ally. He has made* his contract accordingly. If I have not forgotten the school of Sora I would add that this determination springs from a fixed na- ture which will descend to Rudolph’s line. Otakar has been stung to indignation and imprudence by the duplicity of his former friend of Rome, and the sub- tle craft of his imperial antagonist. The Tchekh 46 THE BATTLE nation is an obstacle to the universal dominion of Rome in this, direction ; and their subversion by all evil means has been determined on. Rudolph has sustained Otakar’s own subjects in their resistance to h^’s authority as their king, as I personally know. Imperial requirements are the pretext ; but the Roman and the German confederates are fully cognizant of the real causes of the dissension. Otakar was sus- tained and encouraged by the duplicity of Rome un- til he had irretrievably committed himself. Should he fall— and as I know and honor the man he will either fall or win — you would be wise to seek some other asylum than can be found in the Tchekh do- minion. If I mistake not, your friend is of those dis- persed people who have found a refuge in these countries, from other parts of Europe, on account of divergence from the sentiments claimed by Rome as peculiarly hers, and most deserving of regard on that account. These people have readily assimilated themselves with the general sentiment prevailing among the native inhabitants. Their prudence and their industry are alike commendable. Personally remaining distinct, and still avoiding public notice, their sentiments find ready acquiescence among the populations whose patriotic feeling and old associ- ations with the Eastern Empire find a common ex- pression in antagonism to Roman encroachment. Their numbers are far greater than generally sup- posed. Otakar has silently countenanced them; and the Lech princes have usually protected and en- couraged their establishments. Many new and prom- THE BATTLE 47 ising villages are wholly of their construction, and the wastes created by Tartar atrocities have been reclaimed and beautified by their peaceful industry.. See,” added Don Abrahdm, holding up a small vol- ume, “your friend is not the first of his fraternity who has visited this camp, and Rudolph’s own tent has been supplied by a mysterious hand with a token of the prudent courage of these people.” “Does your highness speak of a combat as now im- minent?” asked Solomon. “The lines are now formed on both sides,” added Don Abraham; “and this is likely to be an eventful day for a brave but contentious and divided people, and an ancient and valiant dynasty. Should Ru- dolph fall or be discomfited the result must be only temporary.” “Can your highness estimate the numbers on either side.^” asked the Jew. “It is difficult on our side at least,” said the officer. “Old feuds between Tchekh and Magyar have stimu- lated national animosity, and the acquisitions of territory within these few years, extending the bor- ders of Bohemia to the Adriatic and giving her a considerable coast line, have enraged the princes of some of the southern provinces. Germany pushes him from the west; and in the imperial election de- liberately rejected Otakar’s candidacy on account of his growing power and personal vigor of character. Every troop that can assemble for revenge pours even now over the defenceless fields of Moravia. Otakar’s forces had hardly appeared in position ere 48 THE B/iTTLE bands of plunderers were furiously pressing on his rear in search of booty and slaves. Otakar’s pre- vious contentions with Rudolph have, I fear, ex- hausted his strength.” “Surely,” said the Jew, “two stranger princes must have had violent provocation on one side or the other in the first instance.” “You are insufficiently informed as to the acquaint- ance of the two leaders,” said Don Abraham. “Ru- dolph and Otakar have been intimately acquainted since the expedition that led to the foundation of Konigsberg and the subjugation of the Prussians. During that expedition Rudolph was a poor knight captain in Otakar’s pay, and his rough leather coat formed a subject for mirth to his commander and brother in arms. He bore the jests with his seem- ing good humor; but since that time he has had more than his revenge. But pardon,” added Don x\braham. “I see the day is breaking in reality. Be prepared. Sir Esculapius, for professional duty in quarters that certainly you dreamed not of.” With this parting admonition Don Abraham departed, and Solomon and Pietro at once betook themselves to their patients. But a new difficulty here arose. Solomon was pressed to prescribe for horses, for oxen, and for men still more foul and dirty. Teeth, eyes, hands, feet were all chronically affected, and a species of cutaneous ailment resembling diffused ringworm was almost universal. The fierce stoicism of the affected wretches suppressed as much as possible all THE BATTLE 49 outward manifestations of their complaints until the disease assumed a virulence that amounted practi- cally to a pestilence. Everything they touched was tainted, and it became dangerous to handle any por- tion of their weapons or liieir clothing. Solomon and his companion, though offered frequent hospi- tality in expectation of services, peremptorily declined to accept food prepared by other hands than their o\yn. Numerous accessions of Magyars and nonde- scripts continually reached the camp; and crowds of noisy, greedy niarauders of the most repulsive type accompanied these troops, bringing with them moie clumsy wagons. Wives and children filled the wagons and the camp assumed the appearance of a migrating na- tion. The sheepskin cap and coat predominated as the style of uniform. The lance was the principal weapon of the mounted men, but every trooper also carried a knife, and many possessed also a species of long dirk, the handle of which was set cross-ways to the blade and protected by a double guard extending much above the wrist at each side. After Dorf Abraham’s retirement Solomon and Pie- • tro walked freely among this rabble. In the babel of tongues the names “Rudolph” and “Otakar” continually j^ecurred. Towards Otakar a fierce re- sentment had been created, and in alluding to him the wildest excitement arose. In speaking, men stood up and brandished their knives and daggers, plunging them into unseen enemies, and then indi- cating with fierce gestures the licking of blood from the reeking blades. CHAPTER IV. THE COUNCIL BANQUET. As Solomon and Pietro returned to their hospital headquarters they were met by the same officer of the early morning. He handed Solomon a small packet, and commanded him to read it at once. Solomon obeyed. It contained three papers — one a brief message and two others evidently letters of in- troduction, one for each of the strangers. The mes- sage came direct from Don Abraham, and was as follows: “I am ordered to attend the Emperor in person at the front. Keep yourself in readiness to attend at any moment. The emperor delays his at- tack because each moment surrounds his opponent's rear with new assailants. The battle will be fierce and decisive, and the emperor expects a desperate assault on himself. The other side may anticipate a similar movement. We have friends in th^e opposite ranks.'' The other papers contained expressions of recognition and recommendation to be used in case the writer might be unable at a later moment to present these recipients in person. A verbal answer sufficed, and Solomon pledged himself to prompt compliance. ‘‘Your lives depend on strict attention," said the officer, and quickly rode away. 50 THE COUNCIL BANQUET 51 Gradually the crowd surged towards the front, and only women, children and a few stragglers remained. The noise at a distance became greater. Shouting grew more fierce and. contentious. At intervals a wild horseman rode into the camp, announcing the bloody contention and its incidents as observed, and then rode away again. Even the women and older children left the camp, and went forward. Seeing their opportunity, a group of prisoners hitherto un- noticed, with hands still bound since the previous evening, approached the tent. In front advanced a tall veteran, of dignified carriage and venerable appear- ance. Solomon and Pietro regarded this apparition at first with surprise and then with alarm. With difficulty they recognized their host of the previous morning. Hastily unbinding his wrists and admin- istering every possible attention, they conducted the old man to the best couch at their disposal, and hav- ing disposed him to rest, gave similar attention to the others. They were all members of the same family, sons or sons-in-law; and men and women, old and young, all were tortured captives together. “Be not uneasy,” said Solomon; “we shall need your ser- vices during the day while these wretches are en- gaged in their favorite pastime.” The group then quietly disposed of themselves at hand. Food and water were supplied and all waited in silence. “It will be as I expected,” said Solomon at length. “Otakar is overmatched. He will fall, and an an- cient dynasty and a prosperous kingdom will fall with him. Woe to the land infested with these hordes. 52 THE COUNCIL BANQUET It were better given over for a season to the beasts of the forest. I apprehend dreadful sufferings for these fine countries.” The two friends waited long and patiently, not daring to leave their posts. They listened intently to the shouting as the sound swayed hither and thither, rose to a furious height, and then sunk in one direction, and again surged over to another. “It goes well for Rudolph, I deem,” said Solomon. “I see none of these miscreants returning. Evi- dently they apprehend no impediment to their ply- ing their vocation from that quarter.” Early in the afternoon they were surprised to find two of the younger prisoners whom they had liber- ated in the morning returning from the front. The old man, much refreshed but still looking haggard, approached the group. “Now,” he said, “be accu- rate, and speak the truth whatever it may be.” “Until within an hour, ”returned the young man ad - dressed, “there has been little advantage on either side. But the slaughter is great Kill, kill, is the spirit; none seem to be spared. Several battalions have already been driven into the river, and Otakar greatly weakened at one point. These were Russians, Poles and Bohemians. The center of each line is now the object of attack by the other. The chief comman- ders on each side are there situated. We witnessed a furious onslaught made against Rudolph in person. He went down, but we cannot tell the result. If he is unharmed, or but wounded, we may now look for the turning point.” “I know what you allude to,” said THE COUNCIL BANQUET 53 the old man. “Milota has waited for his opportu- nity, and now if a counter charge be made against Otakar in person, and it seems likely to succeed, or is forcibly made, we may at once look for a wide gap in his line and on his most vulnerable side. Milota’s vengeance ‘will be complete.” The party still waited until the noise centered in one point. ‘‘It is nearly over,” said the old man. “From this day Bohemia is dead. She may rise again, but her resurrection will exhibit a melancholy metamorphosis, and I regret to believe that some of my own kindred shall have materially aided in the transformation. Otakar, too, was betrayed by the very power that lured him by deceitful professions to his doom,” Towards evening the noise died away. A mes- senger approached the party and ordered the stranger physician, whose name he did not know, to repair at once to headquarters with all the attendants he could procure. Solomon, Pietro, and the old man and his sons, and the entire group, at once proceeded towards head- quarters under the guidance of the messenger. On their way they noticed a large number of men, evi- dently wounded and some desperately so, lying along the road and under the trees, in all directions. They endeavored to obtain what relief they could by their own efforts; but no thought of any general sur- gical aid or appliance, or hospital care of any kind, seemed even to have entered their minds. They all lay in one common neglect, so far as any organ- 54 THE COUNCIL BANQUET ized surgical arrangements were concerned. In fact there were none. Thousands of men lay around, and blood met the eye in every direction. Any effectual aid to this multitude was hopeless, even if there was time or permission to extend it. Still the air seemed filled with a diffused moan, which gradu- ally gave place to distinct voices, and some laughter, as the party approached headquarters. Here a wild spectacle was presented. Troops of every nation- ality in mixed groups stood, moved about and min- gled with each other. Weapons lay ar ound, many broken. Many horses lay dead; others, wounded, shrieked and kicked in agony. Helmets and gar- ments were thrown off. A few were engaged in bind- ing up arms and legs and heads; but the work was that of comrades, and rendered with rough yet friendly alacrity. Wagons were being besieged for provisions; prisoners were marched to the rear, but these were not many and were all of distant nation- alities. Many of those present fiercely gesticulated, showing hovv^ blows had been given and received. Dust, sweat, blood were everywhere, and water, water, was the universal cry. In an open space, not far from a large tent, numerous groups of officers were assembled. Among them stood one preeminent, the center of the group, tall, with a hooked nose, spare figure, bald head and severe look. He sus- tained himself with a spear, as if he had been hurt but would not avow it. Near him stood a centenarian veteran who still held the Austrian banner by the middle of the staff. THE COUNCIL BANQUET 55 Close by, another officer still grasped the oak pole that bore on a cross bar the imperial eagle. Beside him stood a handsome youth with features resem- bling those of the chief personage, and he still guarded the banner of the cross which had marked the po- sition of the commander-in-chief during the day. At a short distance and towards the rear, surrounded by a group evidently of another nationality, stood a stalwart person, clad in Bohemian garb, and even still bearing, through forgetfulness, the white and red sash of that nationality. He seemed to be a pris- oner, but treated with consideration as a person to be reserved, but not openly avowed. On approach- ing this group, Solomon and his friends were met by Don Abraham. “I have sent for you,’’ said the officer, ‘‘because we fear that the emperor is injured, although he will not acknowledge it. He was des- perately assailed and unhorsed during the fight, and almost trampled to death. He protected his face with his shield. His horse was killed and his dan- ger seemed extreme, until a fresh horse was sup- plied. Your first duty will be to prescribe for the emperor, if you find any injuries have been sus- tained.” At this point the emperor’s eye fell on the approaching strangers and was at once fixed on the old man. The two looked at each other, but not in enmity. Don Abraham interposed. “The most renowned physician and master of the medi- cal art in your highness’ dominions is fortunately present, and is prepared to relieve us of our anxi- eties if you will permit his services,” he said. 56 THE COUNCIL BANQUET ‘‘I am bruised, but that is all,’’ replied Rudolph; “but let him come.” Solomon approached. “Whence come you.^^” said Rudolph. “From the ancient and honored city of Cordova,” replied Solomon, assuming an air of courtly dignity, “that has supplied physicians to all the royal houses in Europe for centuries. But while I v/ould not presume to obtrude myself on your highness, time is of supreme importance, and as imperial duties re- quire health and activity, and especially those of the present time, the promptitude that distinguishes your highness may wisely be exhibited on this occa- sion.” Rudolph smiled. His armor w.as removed. A few slight lesions were discovered and trifling bruises; his battered armor pressed the flesh and produced discolorations in several places; but no serious in- jury was revealed. Solomon’s proceedings disclosed the mastery of his art, at once delicate and thorough; and Rudolph very speedily perceived that he was in the hands of a man who perfectly understood his business. Solomon enjoined positive rest for the present, promising that by next day all stiffness would disappear under his care. “I must remain here at least until to-morrow,” said Rudolph. “I am not yet certain of Otakar’s death, although I know he has fallen. We must search for his body, dead or alive, as it is most im- portant that the truth be not only known but fully exhibited to the world. In the meantime you and THE COUNCIL banquet 57 your attendants will remain here and you will be duly recompensed for services.’’ Then summoning to his presence a nobleman who stood in another group, Rudolph said: “I commit the superintendence of these men and their proceed- ings to your fidelity, Lord Zawis; I well know your humane and honorable character. Let the field be thoroughly searched, and if the body of the king of Bohemia be found let it be instantly entrusted to our physician present. You will see that the body be fully identified and proofs produced of its identity; and as you were personally closely acquainted with the king of Bohemia,! charge you that all prompti- tude and formality be observed.” Lord Zawis at once selected his attendants from among Solomon’s new acquaintances and others. Solomon, Pietro and the old man remained at head- quarters, to bestow needed attention on wounded officers. This duty occupied them constantly through the night; allowing only an interval during the darker hours, when effort to discover wounded men was useless, and exhaustion utterly prevented further exertion. All night long plunderers and marauders stripped and robbed the dead. Armor, clothing, weapons, everything was remorselessly carried oft by the hordes of the morning, and by trocps of combatants also, new robbers for the occasion. The wounded, unable to defend themselves, were pillaged like the rest and left naked on the plain. The morning dis- closed a frightful spectacle. Corpses of men, carcasses 58 THE COUNCIL BANQUET of horses lay in thousands, exposed to the burning sun that poured down uninterrupted heat on the Marchfield. Still Otakar’s body had not been identified. At last, towards noon, in front of the center line of the Bohemian position, a body was discovered, horribly disfigured and ghastly with seventeen wounds. It was carefully examined, and by the eye of Lord Zawis fully identified as that of the great Otakar, king of Bohemia. Little remained of the clothing; the splendid raiment, and the shining armor of the previous day replaced by bloody mud; and the kingly rank utterly extinguished in the wreck of reeking car- casses and offal that lay around. The body was placed on a rough bier and at once conveyed to head- quarters. There it was again fully identified. A guard was set around the tent where it was deposited. Most stringent orders were issued as to its safe keep- ing, and Solomon informed to omit no secret or pro- cedure known to his art to preserve the appearance, Solomon applied the only means within his power — plain clean water; but he advised that the body be dispatched at once to Vienna, where the means of embalming prior to interment were at hand. “Your highness perceives that I am powerless to do more,’’ said Solomon. Rudolph immediately dispatched the body, care- fully enveloped, under a special guard, chosen by his son Albert, to the abbey of the Scotch Minorites at Vienna. The day was now devoted to the burial of the THE COUNCIL BANQUET 59 dead. It was hurriedly performed. The wounded helped each other off the field as well as they could. Women by hundreds appeared, some from consider- able distances; and by evening the camp began to assume again the appearance of a rough order. Pil- lagers by thousands spread over the country, where now no impediment whatever to their ravages was presented. Rudolph was perplexed as to his next step, and delayed his march. Bohemia, although beaten, was not yet wholly crushed. Many of her stoutest elements had kept aloof from the Marchfield contest, not through disloyalty, but from that blind party spirit that so frequently assists enemies at a distance whose hostility is not instantly felt, in order to secure gratification over domestic opponents whose petty irritations rankle at the hour. In the evening the emperor invited all his officers and guests to an entertainment. He was now for the first time undisputed emperor. His greatest triumph had been achieved. All the elements of his empire were represented. He would secure their sentiments for his guidance, and with this view he determined to hold a political council of war. The banquet, such as the camp could afford, was spread early. All present were refreshed and cheer- ful. Many were jubilant. It was the moment to expect candor and ready speech. As soon as tongues could be devoted to articulation of formal speech Rudolph sought out the old man. ‘‘Old comrade,” he said, “your good judgment will GO THE COUNCIL BANQUET not attribute my seeming neglect to any forgetful- ness, or disposition to overlook ancient friendship. I fill and drink a goblet to your good health.’’ The old man replied: “It is not for me either to forget or to remember, highness. My sentiments and feel- ings are such as they ever were, and do not require either mnemonics or rehearsals. Men who have borne the doublet and cuirass as long as you and I have, are not likely to be affected by the transitions of an hour.” “Gentlemen, I give you a toast,” said Rudolph. “To the memories of Romove and Auf-ban. Let us honor the presence of Lord Boppo, to whom I am indebted for valiant shelter against the arrows and maces of the Prussians.” The toast was drunk with loud clatter, all eyes being turned on the old hero. “By and by we shall resume those themes,” con- tinued Rudolph. “For this moment I am perplexed to discover a solution of the mystery of the Fall of kingdoms. I propose, then, this theme for investi- gation: What is the chief cause of the downfall of kingdoms Lord Bruno, be good enough to favor us first with your decision.” “The wrath of God upon the offending I pro- nounce without hesitation to be the chief cause,” replied the bishop of Olmiitz. “When princes err from the path of duty enjoined on them by the holy church, their steps wander in the mazes of willful- ness, and become entangled among the thorns and brambles that ever beset the feet of the disobedient.” THE COUNCIL banquet 61 ^‘What Is thy judgment, Lord de Haslan,” asked Rudolph. “It is thy province to instruct the counsels of kings, to enlighten the conscience of rulers, and disseminate the sentiments of justice among popu- lations.” “The downfall of kingdoms, in my judgment,” re- plied the chancellor, “is the result of disregard of those native principles of equity which bind man to his fellov/ man, which are crushed, undeveloped, or concealed by reason of the weight of authority, wealth, or rapacity; and thus the concentration of national forces is broken up, and an opening left in the national armor for a fatal thrust from an insidious foe, or an open assailant. I believe the insidious foe who attacks from within, under the guise of loy- alty, is the chief source of the disunion and fall of kingdoms. When the arm of justice is palsied by the poison of deceitful insinuations emanating from the intriguing emissaries of a foreign despot, and plain honor and good faith are subjected to specu- lations on unseen things, and these speculations are associated designedly with assumed menaces from the unseen, the heart of a nation must lose its native throb, and its hand must be weak before its enemies.” “I would inquire,” said Lord Bruno, “to what ‘in- sidious foe’ the Lord Justice alludes.” “To every insidious foe,” replied the chancellor, “who to-day counsels his King to adopt one course until the King is irretrievably committed thereto, and then on the field of battle or elsewhere, before the walls of Vienna, or at any other place, in the 62 THE COUNCIL BANQUET very hour and strait of peril, assumes a changed atti- tude when that change favors the designs of a for- eign despot, and creates a wide gap in the ranks of a nation’s defenders. A traitor to-day can never be a trustworthy counselor to-morrow. His foreign master may have some new phase of interest to pro- mote ” Rudolph’s good humor came to the rescue, for he well remembered Bruno’s defection from Otakar be- fore Vienna two years previously under direct order from Rome. Accordingly he said cheerily: ‘‘All is fair in love and war, you know. Lord Justice. I would hear Lord Boppo express his judgment and observation.” “Should I rely on the observation of the eye,” replied Lord Boppo, “I should refer the cause of the downfall of kingdoms to the number of Rudolphs there are in the world. But that explanation must be incomplete, as the existence of conquerors must have the same cause as the fall of kingdoms, and afford the occasion for their manifestation. Your highness and myself aided in the destruction of a people because we were the stronger. Had the Prussians possessed the same elements of knowledge in war and the industry that perversely supplies the strength and appliances of war, their native courage, their fastnesses and morasses, and their patriotic devotion must have proved victorious. It is the want of knowledge that conduces most to the fall of kingdoms. Men cannot act when they do not know how to act; and their skill and efforts are wasted The council banquet 63 through insufficient supply of those facts and natural laws which provide men with infinite details of in- strumentalities derived from nature’s abundant re- sources and powers. Hence is the world filled with civilizations arrested, and with the remnants of na- tions whose development had reached an unripe stage and was then made stagnant there; but the intru- sion of alien superior forces, whether by might or by fraud, fixed the conditions in disastrous perma- nence of existing incompleteness. Every nation that develops itself unceasingly along its own lines, and by the constant growth of its inherent elements, must endure. Let its career be broken, then the unripe principles and crude systems it has reached become indurated for ever through retrospective appeals of patriotism to the life and glory it had lost. Bohemia had attained a fuller stage of polity in one respect. That stage conferred splen did prospects and had developed in most hopeful direc- tions, and it is for these reasons her enemies con-- spired. I trust your highness may be able in your imperial dignity to preserve that which has been at- tained.” “I invite the judgment of our physician present. His skill, learning, travel, and acquaintance with men and with principles will enlighten us,” said Rudolph. “My judgment, highness,” replied Solomon, “must coincide in part with each sentiment that has been expressed. I believe the downfall of kingdoms may be referred, however, to the acceptance and enforce- 04 THE COUNCIL BANQUET ment in separate nations of each of those sentiments to the exclusion of the other. True it is, indeed, that the wrath of God destroys kingdoms; but God operates through a myriad of instrumentalities, each and all adapted to our faculties and each and all constituting the connecting links between us and the world around U5. The exclusion of all reliance on these instrumentalities in a blind dependence on the unseen and unknown, necessarily severs us from that source of strength supplied to us in abundance in the natural wealth of forces and activities surround- ing U3. What has created the difference between the civilized man and the savage of the past? The intelligent and persistent investigation of details. Here a fact, there an operation, next the combi- nation of both intelligently exhibited, thence adopted by observing men. A myriad of these details consti- tute our visible progress. The denial of this investi- gation or the exclusion of all spirit to promote it through assumed terror of unseen spirits separates men from God, as it shuts them off from his visible .operations which hang before us as the apples on the tree. “The wealth he supplies to us is the adaptable concretion of himself ready to our intelligence. Ne- glect of this by superstitious terrors is the rejection of God. His power thus rejected and cringed from instead of being conformed to, becomes a terrible potency and its operation is indeed a wrath. Man's nature must grow and bloom as the flower grows and blooms, according to its inherent qualities left to THE COUNCIL BANQUET 65 derive immortalizing sustenance from the essence of divine potency and life distributed in the nutriment that feeds the flower into beauty. No outward skill can confer those capabilities, although it may en- courage them. Cut a nation thus off from God and a terrible wrath necessarily overwhelms it, and it falls. ‘‘The disregard of the native principles of equity is but another name for the rejection of the example of unity and co-operation between all the forces that work harmoniously in the world around us. The same light and air confer their elastic growth; the same rain and lightning stimulate their activities. All is oneness in the great unity of har- mony and co-operation. Men observe this phe- nomenon, but through factitious doctrines invented from the outside, allow themselves to be cheated out of the spirit of equity this observation, if unim- peded, must confer. The insufficient supply of facts and natural laws in the mind of a nation, whereof the Lord Boppo has spoken, is the necessary result of the obstructions created between the soul and its surroundings. When the nature of these is mis- represented, for the purpose of erecting an antago- nistic system through the neglect or the fear of them, poverty of mind and beggary in appliances must en- sue. The better informed in the exuberance of nature’s skill and methods have always prevailed and filled the world with abortive civilizations, crushed by men goaded on by ignorant terror of the unseen. I believe that my own nation has fallen through submission to similar misdirection. 66 THE COUNCIL BANQUET “In a word, the fall of kingdoms has arisen from the substitution of principles ignorantly manufactured by the fancies of men, for the eternal, omnipresent, ceaseless activities that live in us as in all other ob- jects, and makes us one with the great unity around. It is the discovery and adaptation of these activities that bestows intelligent effort on mankind, and strengthens them in their individual and national development. What constituted the diamond mind and conferred its luster? It was formed independent of the genius of man; and his grandest imagination cannot add to its perfection; his utmost malignity cannot tarnish its splendor. He may crush the diamond indeed i’f it does not exhibit the dull, dis- colored light that he proposes, but his utmost inge- nuity cannot insert the least spark of the divine bril- liancy whose native gleam ^springs from its own purity and perfection.’ ’’ Rudolph, apparently satisfied, exclaimed: “Friend Pietro, I hear thou art something of a jongleur; be good enough to present to us some demonstration of thine art.” Don Abraham furnished a guitar. Pietro reflected a moment. “Take thy theme from Lord Abraham’s own land and kindred,” exclaimed Rudolph. “His valiant heart to-day interposed with ready arm and skillful lance for our rescue.” Pietro, thus encouraged, seated himself a little apart, and accompanying himself, sang in a full voice the Spanish Arab melody of THE COUNCIL BANQUET 67 zerah’s halls. I. “Through Zerah’s halls the marbles shine In all the glories nature gave; And pearl and fretted gold combine To tint the light’s reflected wave. The clustered pillar’s slender stem Lightly sustains the airy dome, Chased with a patterned diadem To crown with rosy light the true believer’s home. II . “Through Zerah’s halls the fountains play In tireless tranquilizing stream, Mingling their living silver’s spray With the light’s soft and tinted beam; And perfumed breath of leaf and bloom Diffuse their fragrance o’er the sense, Bidding the faithful soul assume A rapture of belief in Allah’s providence. III. “In Zerah’s halls the pages wait; The cushioned couch invites repose; And Spahis marshaled at the gate Regal security disclose; And all the perfumes of the East From soft exotic petals rise, And join to yield a monarch’s feast Of soul, to guide his hopes to views of Paradise IV. "And Zerah’s halls protect the rare And costly tomes of v^isdom’s lore, Gathered from all lands, treasured there, — Wrought by the sages who explore The pathways of the stars and suns. And laws that guide the planets’ course; Or seek of plants the rarer ones Whose hidden virtues break diseases’ poison force, 68 THE COUNCIL BANQUET V. “Or teach men’s hearts that goodness dwells In virtue’s undefiled commands, Where wisdom’s purity compels An upright soul and stainless hands, And spreads its potent charms around In courtesy of word and deed, Mingling high wisdom’s truths profound With industry’s full toil, and alms for those who need. VI. “In Zerah’s halls the gentler tread Of tender woman lightly glides, And silken hues and rustle spread By the soft movement; and, besides, Music’s enchantment soothes the soul And sheds a foretaste of the peace Promised through the long ages’ roll When Allah’s summons hence confers the great release. VII. “The subtle wit that charms in song Trills melody for Zerah’s dames, And mirrored boudoir courts prolong The strain. Each opening hour proclaims Fair science ruler of the scene By some new token — gift divine Of her inspiring embassy between The One Light and the soul wherein its glories shine.” Hardly had Pietro concluded when a messenger conveyed to Rudolph some tidings apparently of im- portance. ‘‘Gentlemen,” he said, “I am just in- formed that the gallant son of the late King of Bo- hemia has been captured. It were unseemly, perhaps, to greet a soldier of his rank with songs of joy over the discomfiture and death of his illustrious father, and his own disaster likewise. Only the late king’s dignity and power enabled him to sustain his gallant son in lofty station.” THE COUNCIL BANQUET 69 Hardly had this delicate allusion to Duke Nicolas been uttered when the prisoner was escorted into the imperial presence. Rudolph presented his hand cordially. “I am sincerely sorry for your great mis- hap, duke,” he said; “but 1 am assured that you will accept the soldier’s fate without repining.” “The soul of the Premysls,” responded Nicolas, “has never shrunk from any encounter either with des- tiny from mysterious, and at times traitorous sources, or from the open and announced hostility of a soldier enemy. I trust I shall meet these present appar- ently evil fortunes with such fortitude as I know my father would have required.” “I believe your forces have been either dispersed or taken,” replied Rudolph, “and that little, if any, of your army remains.” “It would be useless to deny or conceal the completeness of your triumph,” an- swered the Duke of Troppau. “But I feel assured your highness is not informed of the devastations now being committed against non‘Combatants far and wide throughout the towns and villages of Moravia. Bands of marauders and murderers estab lished themselves in the most peaceful and prosper- ous neighborhood to await the issue of the battle. Now that we are defenceless, these ruffians slay, pil- lage and burn with all their Cumanian savagery.” “I have given orders to arrest such violence,” briefly replied Rudolph; but no further commands to that effect were issued. “Personally you are under my immediate care,” continued the emperor; “but you will remain at my headquarters for the present. In other respects your freedom is assured/’ 70 THE COUNCIL BANQUET Hereupon the soldier company separated into many groups, and much animated discussion ensued. Gradually these groups assumed some stability; and those persons whose sentiments on the present emer- gencies seemed to correspond settled themselves to close, animated, and gradually to confidential discus- sion, as they penetrated deeper into each other’s deliberate and apparently fixed lines of action. One of these groups included Lord Zawis, Duke Nicolas, the Chancellor, Lord Boppo and Solomon. Another group included Bruno, Bishop of Olmut.2, Duke Albert, Milota of Deidicz and some distin- guished commanders who had shared in the battle. Rudolph took Pietro apart saying: “You seem to be a scholar. I would have you write some lines, and as the subject is not secret I shall avail myself of your skill, which probably exceeds my own with the stylus.’’ The emperor at once dictated the fol- lowing letter: “Rudolph, Emperor, to the Queen of Bohemia: “Excellent Queen, With sincere sorrow we are compelled to officially announce the defeat and death of the king, your illustrious husband. We extend our protection to his family and shall counsel for their welfare. Be assured of our good will in that regard. Your valiant husband fought most nobly. The king, after seeing his army discomfited and himself left alone, still would not submit to our conquering standards, but fighting with the strength and spirit of a giant, defended himself with wonderful courage until he was unhorsed and mortally wounded by some of our soldiers. Then that magnanimous monarch lost his life at the same time with the victory, and THE COUNCIL BANQUET 71 was overthrown not by our power and strength, but by the greater power that controls destiny and dis- poses of kingdoms. The gracious lady, Queen Kuni- gunde, need entertain no alarm as to the safety of herself and her children. ‘‘Rudolph, Imp.’’ “I will provide an escort, and you shall be the bearer of that letter as directed,” the emperor added^ “and you will be ready to set forth when good light spreads clear to-morrow morning.” CHAPTER V. PARTIES AND CONSPIRACIES. Rudolph neither expected nor intended that this letter should be delivered. His purpose was to dis- cover the real object of the visit of Solomon and Pietro to Bohemia. He already suspected that they were different from what they pretended to be. He therefore resolved to separate them, to keep them employed if possible, and in the meantime to watch their efforts to communicate with their probable allies. As usual where simple merit and ingenuous- ness combine, and real superiority is vestured in humble garb, and is found in strange surroundings, a suspicious mind associates them with deep and dangerous design. Integrity was not expected and therefore not believed. In pursuance of his design, after his charge to Pietro, Rudolph summoned from among the captives a knight of unusually large stature. This person was a Thuringian named Valens, who had furiously charged Rudolph at the Marchfield, and had slain his horse and almost succeeded in creating a vacancy in the empire. ‘‘Valens,’’ said the emperor, “you are a tried soldier and a brave knight. I honor valor wherever I find it, and if I mistake not yoi; 12 PARTIES AND CONSPIRACIES 73 are now released from any engagement on the Bohe- mian side.” Valens replied that he did not very clearly understand his position. But hitherto his campaign had been brief and unprofitable, and no prospect of better employment seemed before him. ‘‘I admire your energy and fidelity,” added the em- peror, “and if you will serve me with as much honor as you served the King of Bohemia I shall know how to apportion you a recompense worthy of your knighthood.” “I gave my word to serve during the campaign,” replied Valens, “and as far as I can observe that is already ended. I know not how I am under further obligation.” “So far as I can judge,” added the emperor, “ser- vice with me is now likely to be continuous. There is no formidable enemy, and although there will be many petty disturbers, chiefly robbers, I anticipate no further serious campaigns. Otakar’s body is now embalmed in Vienna, and his campaigns are over.” “Then I accept your highness’ proposition,” said Valens, “and I pledge my knightly word to a knight’s fidelity.” Rudolph then instructed Valens to select such ret- inue as he chose among those whom he could un- dertake to control. “Your orders will be handed to you under seal in the morning. You will depart for the northwest at full day, and you will not break the seal of your orders until you have passed at least ten miles from the camp. You will depart with all possible quietness, and communicate your journey or its direction to no man.’^ 74 PARTIES AND CONSPIRACIES Having dismissed Valens, Rudolph’s attention was at once engaged by his son Albert, Bishop Bruno, Seyfried von Ehrenberg, his brother Biernhard von Wolkiersdorf and Milota of Dadicz. These persons had been engaged in earnest conversation and had cast very frequent and angry glances towards the group containing Lord Zawis, Lord Boppo, the Chancellor, Solomon and Duke Nicolas, joined at a late hour by Otto the Tall of Brandenburg. “Your highness may well argue some design of im- portance being fabricated,’’ observed Bruno. “Hiked not the tone of the infidel Jew’s harangue this even- ing, although I think I divine your highness’ purpose in eliciting it.” “Be at peace, good bishop,” replied Rudolph half gaily, and with that sardonic humor that he could assume; “that flock consists not of birds of one species, or they might fly together. There are too many varieties there to form one covey.” “It is strange indeed that such apparent com- munity of sentiment should be observable among men of such diverse origin and station,” observed Albert. “I like not these confidential associations. Mischief is easily brewed in such an earnest con- clave, impromptu though it may have been.” “Nicolas fought most viciously against us,” observed Seyfried von Ehrenberg, “and I cannot accept his sudden conversion to our side. But for his fierce resistance his tyrannical father must have fallen much earlier.” ^^How know yoq th^t?” sharply inquired Rudolph. PARTIES AND CONSPIRACIES 75 “Because it was my brother’s spear and mine that dispatched Otakar,” replied Seyfried. “Wherefore was not this circumstance previously reported?'’ inquired the emperor with a severe look. “It was most important, and might have spared us a severe search. I am not pleased at this tardy re- port.” Thereupon Seyfried and his brother at once retired from the emperor’s presence. “Nicolas shall pay the penalty for this,” he muttered, “and that speedily if any favoring chance be presented.” The emperor accosted the remaining group, and at once Lord Zawis addressed him. “We most loyally congratulate your highness,” said he; “previous op- portunity did not present itself. Your highness may command our most ready and complete efforts to pacify and protect the open country now we fear subject to the inevitable consequences of defeat.” “It may not become me to speak, perhaps,” ob- served Nicolas, who bore a striking resemblance to his father; “but if any efforts of mine can render your highness’ task easier or more effectual in re- storing order and industry, no more willing or loyal servant is now living.” “Our new friend Solomon is versed in the art of government,” observed the Chancellor, “and his knowledge is as valuable as his talents are conspic- uous. I am sure his counsel would aid us materially.” “Gentlemen,” said Rudolph, “your expressions of loyalty and devotion are more welcome and timely than you seem to think. We move our camp to- morrow morning, and your presence at headquarters 70 PARTIES AND CONSPIRACIES until further orders is hereby required. Your ser- vices shall be employed as there may be occasion. I must now seek a few hours recuperation.’^ “That evil enemy of the Lord, an imperial coun- selor!” observed Bruno aside. “Perhaps I can find means to enlighten his highness of the error of his ways in that respect; and I doubt whether the infidel Solomon can long sustain himself in an exalted station from which the counsel of the Lord has long banished his race to be the despised of mankind.” Solomon retired, as invited, to the quarters oc- cupied by Don Abraham. Nicolas and Lord Zawis withdrew together, and Bishop Bruno also sought his resting place, but not to sleep. During several hours he penned a lengthy epistle to Rome, and giving in full detail a narration of the eventful day’s deliber- ations he earnestly sought for specific instructions, even for the minute particulars that he explained. The dispatch was entrusted to a dark-robed brother before daylight, and this messenger speedily and cautiously retired from the camp. “The Jew shall remember this day,” was Bruno’s last exclamation. Early next morning Valens received sealed orders, and together with Pic:tro and a few troopers almost as wild looking as the depredators around, departed on his mission. The party traveled rapidly for a few miles. In fact the evidences of pillage abounded on every hand. Not a dwelling remained unran- sacked; the population apparently had fled. Some stray cattle and other domestic creatures wandered around aimlessly, as if in wonder, totally untqnded. PARTIES AND CONSPIRACIES n Wells were broken and filled in with stone and rub- bish; fruit trees and vines hacked and broken ; gates, doors, windows or the wide shutters that apologized for such, smashed in wantonness; fodder burned, smouldering fires in all directions. Further on the bodies of victims lay in fields, on the road, and in the ruined cottages. Still further the stronger fires still blazed, as the depredators advanced into the country. Broken domestic furniture, crockery and torn clothing lay around. Dogs yelped from behind the walls and then hurried snarling away. Some dead horses lay scattered, the shoes torn off. Un- garnered crops lay neglected, over-ripe, and fast spoiling in the sun. Hurried devastation every- where. Smoke arose on every hill, and lay thick on every valley. The cavalcade advanced and at length sought for water. Every well had been broken in, and many contained the bodies of animals or human beings, or both. Every pr'oof was presented of a most peaceful, industrious and thrifty agricultural population. Here and there a stronger edifice held out by walls or moat against the marauders; but in such case the fields had been wasted and burned to the very gates. Measurement of the distance was entirely forgotten by the travelers. They hurried on hour after hour as well as the rough road would permit, the horses sweating in excess from want of water. ^^Our chargers’ feet are in bad condition,” said Valens, “neglected during several weeks, and should they cast shoes now our case would be in- convenient.” A range of low hills being passed, to- 78 PARTIES CONSPIRACIES wards afternoon the party came insight of a burning village situated in a rich and retired meadow. Here were assembled one troop of the miscreants, engaged in the fell work of plunder and devastation. The road traversed was not the most frequented in that region, and the main body had passed much further on in that direction. But this troop numbered about one hundred. The road was encumbered with rough wagons laden with spoil of every conceivable kind heaped hastily together. A score or more of vehicles were surrounded with a special guard. In these had been assembled a number of the younger women and grown girls from the plundered residences. They were all roughly bound to each other by the wrists and by the neck. In an open space in front of the little church a heap of church furniture and books had been collected and was at that moment blazing high. The church itself was already burn- ing, and many bodies had been flung into it to be consumed. To this edifice the eyes of all the girls were directed; and when the flames shot up and roared, a piercing cry of lamentation and woe arose at once, for there the helpless maidens beheld the remains of parents and kindred, and some of younger brothers and sisters, consigned to incineration at the hands of savages incarnate. The agony of the girls was all the more poignant as not one hand could be lifted to dry a tear, or shade the evidences of misery behind the veil of shawl or of kerchief. As the troop rode up, and the plunderers caught full view of the armed strangers, they at once gathered PARTIES AND CONSPIRACIES 79 for a conflict. “We are only wayfarers, brothers,’^ exclaimed Valens; “we would pass undisturbed.’’ “You can travel without those horses,” replied the bandits. At once a rush was made towards them. The way in front was blocked. A hundred fierce savages seized both bridles and riders. The latter were speedily dismounted, and Valens recognized. “Oh, ho, it is you, impudence!” exclaimed a burly -robber. “But yesterday you rode over us, and glad may you be if your neck be not cracked as a recompense.” Valens was speedily overpowered and bound to a wagon. The others clearly bore the outward marks of consanguinity, at least in tendency and occupa- tion, with the brigands, and at once seeing their plight joined the party. Pietro kept quiet and was almost overlooked. He was, however, lightly bound to a fellow prisoner, a man of grave demeanor, who gave sign of grief only by extreme pallor. All his armor was stripped roughly from the doughty Thur- ingian, and some severe bruises from rough cudgels set in place of it. Valens’ packet of instructions, still unopened, was discovered, and being purposely expressed in Latin was unintelligible to the ruffians present. “I can explain that to you,” exclaimed Pietro, “if you so desire. But you must allow me to examine it.” It was as follows: “The bearer, Valens of Thuringia, was a soldier in the Bohemian army. He is now in my service; and is ordered to proceed with all haste in order that the wretches who now plunder the country may be 80 PARTIES ANDCONSPIRACIES punished as speedily as possible, and either slain or driven from the land ‘‘Rudolph, Imp.” Whether the emperor designed the foregoing as a snare, knowing that his messenger must inevitably be waylaid, or it was his purpose to discover the extent to which the roads were then unsafe, may be judged from Rudolph's known dissimulation, and iron resentment under a veil of good humor. “Oh, ho, you are dispatched to murder us, are you.^” roared the crowd; “we shall see to that.” At once the wretched Valens was seized by the fierce, resentful rabble, and hung with a rope of withes from the nearest tree. The miserable victim slowly choked, and struggled long in his agony. Pietro was at once released both from Rudolph and his escort and left to his own resources. The banditti soon settled down in a rough en- campment, having resolved to start with their slaves and other plunder by the earliest light. They were already aware that the Hungarian contingent of Rudoph’s army, under King Ladislaus in person, had encamped since the battle apart from the imperial troops, and had accumulated, immense plunder. In fact the entire contents of Otakar’s camp were in their hands, and thousands of captives of all ranks held either for ruinous ransom, or for sale into slavery in the east and south. In order to avoid any larger body of troops under Zawis or Milota of Dedicz, known to be also now permitted to return home, the miscreants divided PARTIES AND CONSPIRACIES 81 their company into two bands, resolved to pursue separate routes, both having the same objective point, the city of Gran in Hungary. Wild hilarity arose in the rough encampment. Coarse songs and jests mingled strangely v^ith the lamentations of the prisoners. These creatures, ch'efly young women and grown girls, had never be- fore been separated from parents and neighbors in their quiet villages. The shock of sudden seizure, and the violence and destruction to their homes, ren- dered them crazed and hysterical. But one or two of their number retained more control of their judg- ment. These exerted themselves to encourage their despairing sisters. With fiendish cunning the ma- rauders selected one of these to accompany each caravan, in order to appease the weeping unfortu- nates. More presentable appearance and an earlier market formed the only motive for this proceeding. The two groups bade each other a most affection- ate farewell. One of these two leaders seemed to be universally a favorite; and all expended especial fervor in their final greetings. “Farewell, Eudocia, dear,” they cried amid choking sobs, “and if we never meet again on earth you shall live in our hearts forever.” Little souvenirs, of no inherent value, were exchanged all around. Locks of hair were rudely cut, knotted up with shreds of string or cotton or woolen torn from raiment all too scanty. Kisses and melting tears commingled the emotions and heart- throbs of young and suffering souls, and the 8 ^ ARTIES AND CONSPIRACIES two groups parted on the eve, as they expected, of a dreadful future, “All this is agonizing,^’ exclaimed Pietro to the grave person already mentioned. “Even so, my brother,’’ replied the stranger, “but I have seen many such in Bohemia, We seem to be the prey of all the ruffians of the East. During Otakar’s days we enjoyed protection, and the safety of his people from similar inroads formed the fundamental reason of his seemingly ambitious policy. But henceforth, weep, Bohemia, weep! lament, O Moravia, in thy deso- lation! for the foe ravages at his pleasure, and a more devastating enemy than the Cumanians now controls the destinies of the nation. But, good brother, canst thou not add a word of consolation to these afflicted children.” “Speak up, stranger, ” added one who overheard the last remark; “we would have a song. Thou comest not unprovided with jingles.” “A song, jongleur,” exclaimed the crowd; “thou must earn thy entertainment at this castle.” “A song, a song!” shouted the whole vagabond company. Pietro now became far more master of the situation than his jailers were aware. He knew the kind of song, at that bitter moment, most acceptable to his fellow captives. Accordingly he disposed himself a little in the shade and sang: “My love is lost, and a weary way Have I trod through the desert wide; For a man of sin, seeking choicest prey, Hath seized her to be his bride, PARTIES AND CONSPIRACIES 83 And his ravening heart now gloats at the view Of her suppliant grief and tears, And pales on her cheek the fresh Sharon rose hue As the home of her love disappears. “But her lily heart is as pure as the chaste Silver beam of the dawning day; And no white almond blossom more sweet hath graced Virtue’s cheek with its tenderest ray; And the pearl that she bore on her radiant brow Sheds no halo more pure and bright Than the virtue that glows round her true heart now In her ministering angel’s sight.” The allusions in these lines being among those commonly adopted by multitudes in Moravia, Bohe- mia and other surrounding regions by those who desired recognition by the initiated, were at once per- fectly understood by his audience; and the captives at once responded in a verse of a well known hymn of the period: “We wander far, yet our steps shall be On the rock by our help supplied. And a pillar of light in the night we see Before us our constant guide.” Such response as this Pietro expected, and from that moment the band of captives surrendered them- selves to repose, as they well knew that help of some kind would not be wanting. •Jf * ^ -Jf * -K- While these events transpired on the road taken by Pietro, others still more momentous occupied Solomon. Hardly had the emperor dispatched his first messenger when a visit from Ladislaus, King of Hungary, was announced. This sovereign had been Rudolph’s chief ally, and well knew the value of his 84 PARTIES AND CONSPIRACIES services. His country still entertained fierce ani- mosity against Bohemia, and the king now determined to wreak full vengeance, especially as his neighbors of Poland had undertaken Otakar’s quarrel, and had formed the most numerous contingent that fought for Bohemia at the Marchfield. Accordingly Ladis- laus had studiously enveloped his movements since the battle in mystery. In fact his troops controlled the field and the surrounding country. His camp had become an enormous receptacle for plunder, and not only property of all kinds had been indiscrimi- nately heaped together, but the means of transpor- tation were chiefly procured by open spoliation from Moravia itself. All this Rudolph may well have known, but he maintained absolute silence and ap- parent indifference on the subject. The king on his arrival presented Rudolph with a rich Hungarian saddle, with housings and bridle complete; two splendid chargers; a robe of Astra- kan fur, and two illuminated manuscripts, one being the old Bohemian liturgy in Slavonian and Greek, a remnant of the community of Sassawa during their sojourn in Poland and Hungary, and the other a Russian version of the new testament, of the pre- ceding century, ‘‘On taking leave of your imperial highness,” said Ladislaus, “I may express the satisfaction of Hun- gary at finding her frontier again disencumbered of a dangerous and restless ambition. Henceforward it shall be the interest of our nation to cultivate the most friendly intercourse with the empire,” — Ladis- PARTIES AND CONSPIRACIES 8o laus shrewdly omitted the word Roman, — “and we have the best reason to believe that the valor which has distinguished your highness will be rivaled by that political sagacity which you have already ex- hibited on many occasions.” “Your illustrious highness is requested,” replied Rudolph, “to accept our cordial thanks for the good wishes you have expressed. Hungary may rest as- sured that no provocation from our side shall be per- mitted to disturb the peace and amity that now hap- pily unite that kingdom and the empire. The hu- miliation of King Bela on the Marchfield has been effaced. In order now to exhibit to your illustrious highness the consideration in which we hold your wisdom, I request you to favor me with your views on the proper course to be taken in the present con- juncture. These states are now without a formal government capable of exercising concentrated au- thority, however useful their local assemblies may be. The heir to the ancient throne of Bohemia is but a child. The country must be placed as speed- ily as possible in subordination to constituted au- thority. Your highness’ views will be most welcome.” “The electorate is not a numerous body,” rejoined Ladislaus. “The reduction of one vote will not only be a serious step in itself as tending to alienate a kingdom, never more than half acquired, from all participation in imperial affairs; and any assault on the body of the electoral college will be certainly resented by the other electors, who will all be alarmed at the prospect of an attack on themselves. The 86 PARTIES AND CONSPIRACIES kingdom of Bohemia will be judiciously maintained in form, but its direction can assume in wise hands a more favorable tendency in relation to the empire than it has ever exhibited in the past. For many years it must remain subject to imperial control, and 5^our highness will know how to employ the op- portunity.’’ The King of Hungary here sketched the policy adopted by Rudolph's house towards Bo- hemia for three hundred and fifty years. Ladislaus then took formal leave of the emperor and withdrew. Solomon, on issuing from his resting place, found himself at once seized and hustled hastily along by a guard of Cumanians, who handed him over speedily to Hungarian troops. He was thus thrust into a company that had already similarly seized Duke Nicolas, Lord Boppo, and even Don Abraham. All were urged forward and forced to join the march of the main body towards the frontiers. Rudolph struck his camp and moved by Nicolsberg towards a point between Oslawan and Rossitz, east of Briinn. Here he awaited the approach of the nobles of Moravia, who assembled to tender their sub- mission. During the retreat of the Hungarians, foragers and plunderers were despatched in every direction. Not a town, hamlet, or private house, not a public edi- fice, monastery, or even cattle-stall was spared. Dev- astation and fire marked the track of the unre- strained miscreants. The walled town of Znaim gallantly resisted, and a numerous body of marauders PARTIES AND CONSPIRACIES 87 met a bloody repulse from her gates. Even Ladislaus did not dare formally to assault an important city of his ally. During this march the multitude of pris- oners was constanty augmented, until it became an immense throng. Increasing numbers of starving wretches intensified the devastation until the fam- ishing prisoners became in turn the spoliators of their own land. The population fled to mountains and morasses, and hid in caves and swamps, before this desolating multitude. On reaching the frontier, several organized bands separated from the main body, quietly established themselves in secure places, and prepared to con- tinue their ravages as man-stealers and slave-dealers. By preconcerted arrangement fixed stations were determined on, the common meeting place being the city of Gran in Hungary. Of the Bohemian army remained only a few fragments. These discomfited outcasts disguised themselves and straggled back to the desolation where had been their homes. Rudolph early took occasion to relieve himself of the presence of his most useful and timely ally, Milota of Dedicz. This trusted officer’s defection, with the strength of Otakar’s horse, in a critical moment exposed the Bohemian flank to certain destruction. Lord Witek, brother of Lord Zawis, and a few followers slowly and with difficulty wound their way towards the Moravian march. Each troop cautiously approached every other dur- ing the day, and avoided all contact during the night. Towards evening of the third day after the battle 88 PARTIES AND CONSPIRACIES Witek and his company approached the low range that forms the northern boundary of Moravia. Even- ing’s dusk warned the party to seek a retired loca- tion for a night’s encampment. Having selected their resting place on the bank of a small stream, they prepared for the night; when a sound of sing- ing attracted and astonished them. The voice was evidently practised and the air more sedate than usual with a jongleur. Another encampment was soon discerned, and the entire party cautiously approached. There about twenty Cumanians guarded a number of young women, several wagons laden with booty of the lighter sort, and two men, of whom the singer was one. Witek’s company did not exceed twelve, but all bore arms under their loose clothing. They were wholly undiscovered. The words of the song were inaudible, but the melody was unmistakable. Every dweller along that march well knew it. One of the new-comers wore sandals of a peculiar pattern. They were more than sandals and not complete shoes. The opening in front was loosely secured by a thong carefully tied in imitation of a cross. These shoes were the zabbata, sabbata, modern sabots of the Waldensian sectaries. Approaching the ban- ditti, the stranger craved a shelter. Throwing his arms at full length and at right angles to his body, he at the same moment stepped into the light of the fire. His shoes at once revealed his character to Pietro’s practised eye. As soon as the wearied troop sank to sleep, for they kept no sentinel, Pietro and his new auxiliary quietly withdrew Eudocia and PARTIES AND CONSPIRACIES 89 two of her companions. To liberate them all must create a burden which their small number could not protect. These young women had been suddenly seized by a marauding body of the banditti who had penetrated into that part of the country, and had been borne off from among the cottagers during the absence of the military population. Hastily retiring to a separate camp with their new acquisition of num- bers, W'itek and his followers watched with true military precision, all the more strict as the young women had been recognized by Witek as being members of his brother’s household. In the early dawn this party hastily retreated along a track well known to them. The same day placed the low mountain range between them and pursuit, and they toiled wearily along the desolate path. Two more days of painful travel, especially exhausting to Eu- docia and her companions, found the party at length within the walls of Furstenberg, the strong castle of Lord Zawis. CHAPTER VI. furstenberg: friends and foes. The speedy arrival of Lord Zawis, accompanied by his train and a number of strangers, some of whom seemed to be ecclesiastics, although their dress did not distinctly announce that character, created order in the prevailing noise and confusion. The residents of the fortress at once indicated by their strict demeanor the trained habits of persons subject to formal discipline under a leader whom they feared and respected. After a brief rest and a hasty meal, rendered doubly necessary by the desti- tute condition of the country. Lord Zawis assembled all the persons now present within the walls. Addressing the motley throng, he said: ^‘The present calamitous condition of public affairs com- pels us to take instant measures for our safety. We are situated now on the frontier of Bohemia, and may feel the first shock. We are imperfectly prepared for defence. Our means, scanty as they are, most heartily I place at your disposal, but those persons whose homes lie beyond us will act with prudence if they join their friends and prepare against impending perils. Our garrison and imme- diate friends must instantly assume a fixed place and 90 FURSTENBERG: FRIENDS AND FOES 91 specific duties.” Hereupon Lord Witek, without further order, summoned the garrison to their ranks, and assigned each his post. Those who could claim no residence retired north or west, taking with them many fugitives. Remained now Pietro, Eudocia and her companions; the ecclesiastics, and a number of refugees too much exhausted for travel. Seeing Pietro, Lord Zawis requested him to retire into the main hall, where he would converse with him apart. To the ecclesiastical strangers Lord Zawis ap- proached regarding them steadfastly, retaining a few of his own trusted followers about his person. The strangers had traveled well-mounted and seemed to be men well used to knightly duties. Their bearing appeared soldierly, and they recognized one leader who signified his commands by signs. Over a semi-military dress, including a cuirass, they bore a dark robe; and over this outer dress hung suspended an emblem of a new device. It consisted of a cross of equal arms, fleurie, quarterly sable and argent. “Friends,” exclaimed Lord Zawis, “and I think I may add, brothers in arms, the rules of hospitality and knighthood compel me to bid you welcome. But the times require me also to discover friend from foe. Who are you, and whence do you come? The badge you wear is nevv^ to me, and if mistake not, foreign also.” “We are of the Order of Jesus Christ,” replied the spokes- man, “and we require all persons faithful to the church, and the foes of heresy, to marshal themselves with us, under such penalties as the church may 92 FURSTENBERG: FRIENDS AND FOES order.” “You are welcome, Sir Knight,” replied Lord Zawis. “I know of no heretics in Bohemia, except those who conspire against the ancient laws and constitutional independence of our country. From your profession of faith, you will, of necessity, aid in repelling foreign aggression on our walls, and obey, like good knights, the orders of the highest authority of the fortress.” “We will obey such or- ders as are conformable to our specific duties, and none other,” replied the spokesman. “I am entitled to know your name and rank,” said Lord Zawis, “and those of your companions.” “My name in knighthood is Brother Primus,” replied the stranger, “and my companions are named Brother Secundus, and Brother Tertius. We claim no preeminence but such as more success in uprooting heresy may confer.” At this point Lord Witek arrived, and after brief conference with him Lord Zawis said: “My brother will assign you quarters; and if you are not perfectly content therewith, and further, if you do not exhibit to my satisfaction the soldierly subordi- nation that your professed knighthood requires, and demean yourselves as true men, you shall receive more than liberty to retire whither you will.” Perplexed by the 'apparition of these strangers. Lord Zawis retired to his own apartments for re- flection. “Would I had good Lord Boppo here,” he exclaimed in a low tone. “These intruders bode us no good, and Lord Boppo is fully advised of their probable character. I had not heard of the Order of Jesus Christ, and I surmise it is one of those new FURSTENBERG: FRIENDS .^ND FOES 93 imitations of chivalry that would pervert the loftiest impulses of true manhood from the defence of the pilgrim, and the protection of dames and children, to the distorted and evil energy of fanatics’ cruelty, against the inherent right of every man to obey in his thoughts and actions those impulses of his own constitution that are the necessary expression of the qualities his Maker has thought good to have him consist of. In obeying those impulses in thought, belief and action, he truly utters the voice that God has endowed him with.” Absorbed in these reflections, Lord Zawis passed within. Pietro retired to the great hall, and here Eudocia sat, and two or three apparently aged women near her. As Pietro entered Eudocia wearily ad- vanced to meet him. “We are indebted to you,” she said quietly, “for most timely and generous aid in great peril. Truly our good Father did not pre- pare sacrifice at the hands of those sons of Belial. He has, I trust, reserved us for some more signal act of conformity to his eternal purposes. My com- panions, who are exhausted by travel, have charged me to express their thanks and blessings,” Being reassured still further by the predestinarian tone of these words, Pietro relinquished all pretence of dis- guise. “Sister,” he replied courteously, “I am but a younger son in my father’s house. Called by his inward voice, I seek that full consolation that only the perfect can partake of.” A beaming eye, a grace- ful smile, and gently extended hand, on both sides revealed at once that unanimity of faith, that trust- 94 PURSTENBERG: FRIENDS AND FOES fulness of soul, and individual serenity that marked the union of two minds and, unknown to each, of two hearts, in that sacred amity of inner life that betokened, according to Solomon ben Gerson's phi- losophy, a spirit emanating from the eternal Unity itself, and forming the connecting link between the divine Oneness and the identity of love and peace that rendered the blending hearts of Pietro and Eudocia indissolubly one forever. “Reverend Barba,” timidly said Eudocia — “Peace and a blessing, child of the spirit,” interposed Pietro; “where hearts are full many words are not needed. You are weary, be seated.” Taking her hand gently, he led her to a seat, and between those hands there passed those tokens of faith, recognition and mutual assurance, that thrilled their confiding hearts, and poured forth in a steady look of love and tenderness that spoke the angel grace of purity and peace. “I have,”said Pietro, “a token; perhaps you can enlighten me respecting it.” In order to extract the ribbon from his robe, Pietro first drew forth the cross of ivory. Seeing this emblem, Eudocia exclaimed in amazement: “Where, whence, how, did your faith- ful hand acquire possession of that lost emblem.^” Pietro briefly stated the events, alluding to the brief sojourn with Lord Boppo, “My father,” exclaimed Eudocia again; “my father!” and sank in her seat overpowered by her emotions. After a pause, “That cross,” explained Eudocia, “formed one of the final gifts sent by our lamented king from his camp to his loved queen, Kunigunde. It was reft from us FUkSTENBERG: FRIENDS AND FOES 95 with other treasures by a band of Cumanian plun- derers. Probably it now forms the only memorial sent by the gallant Otakar that can be found.” “The case,” added Pietro, “remains with my fellow traveler, who has, I fear, departed towards Hungary and Poland, whither he was bound. But it can be recovered, as the excellent Solomon will preserve it in all fidelity.” Here a summons to the presence of Lord Zawis compelled Pietro to retire, and another full, fond look, another clasp of confiding hands, another smile of tenderness, with open eye that beamed full of the guileless soul within, and Pietro and Eudocia went from each other’s presence, happy indeed, but soon to need all the elastic strength that inspiring sympathy can impart. Arrived in presence of Lord Zawis, Pietro saluted with much gravity. “Worthy stranger,” exclaimed the knight somewhat abruptly, “I have reason to inquire your errand in these countries.” Calmly Pietro withdrew from his robe the packet containing the pennon handed to him by Lord Boppo. Tender- ing this symbol in silence, Pietro again saluted gravely. Taking the token, Zawis regarded it with care. Then raising his looks full to Pietro’s face and being thus further assured, Zawis said: “My good friend, how came you by this.? I ask that question, as I know that many similar tokens have lately fallen into unworthy hands.” In reply Pietro drew from his wallet a manuscript carefully enveloped. It was a Catharic translation of the New Testament, with 96 FURSTENBERG: FRIENDS AND FOES the formularies appended of the Catharic ordination ceremonial. Pietro also presented to Zawis a black cross, potent at each arm. ‘‘It was your uncle’s badge,” exclaimed Pietro; “and bears on it only the mark of the original institution, undefiled by the gold of covetousness or the eagle symbol of slavery.’^ “Forgive my caution, excellent brother,” now said Zawis seriously, “but the times, and imminent perils and conspiracies require it. Henceforward you will find Zawis, and all he has, devotedly at your ser- vice.” Pietro then explained that Lord Boppo, Solomon, Duke Nicolas and a host of others had been dragged off towards Hungary. “Ladislaus has become our enemy,” said Zawis, “now that he openly dares to exhibit himself. We may expect cruelties from his cowardly and treacherous charac- ter. Henceforward he serves Rudolph and Rome, in expectation of profiting thereby. But both Ru- dolph and his Roman masters always exact full price for what they do, Rudolph seeks lands for his daughters; and the pope covets money and power, and wields his spiritual weapons to subjugate nations more than to people heaven. But as you seem to be somewhat learned in heraldic devices, what means the new badge borne by our ecclesiastical knights just arrived?” “It is the badge of the new Order of Jesus Christ,” replied Pietro. “It was instituted against the Albi- geois in France, and its presence here means a simi- lar crusade against Bohemia.” Looking seriously downward, Zawis said as if to himself: “I would FURSTENBERG: FRIENDS AND FOES 97 Lord Boppo were here.” Then addressing Pietro, he said: “I must exact a serious service. I must commission you to Hungary if possible to discover Lord Boppo and release him.” ‘T feel honored by the commission,” replied Pietro, “and as my solemn principle excludes oaths at all times, so I believe it renders asseverations of fidelity unnecessary.” “Be prepared,” said Zawis; “I may need your courage and prudence on more momentous embassies afterwards.” Being warden of the fortress, Lord Witek kept close watch during the following night. When all was dark and still he observed approaching him on the rampart, or rather a portion of wall connecting two of the towers, which, with other works built square, formed the fence without an outer encircling line, three dark figures. Instantly giving the challenge, one figure advanced and said: “By virtue of my commission I have the right to inspect all castles within my jurisdiction at any hour.” “By whose commission.^” sharply returned Lord Witek. “By commission of my Lord Bruno of Olmiitz, counter- signed by his majesty the emperor, now Lord of Bohemia,” retorted Brother Primus. “I recognize no such commission,” fiercely answered Lord Witek. “Ho, guard!” Speedily six stout fellows sprang for- ward from the adjoining towers. “Conduct these men to their apartments instantly,” ordered the warden; “and permit no further dark inspection of these ramparts; especially,” he added pointedly, “on this side, where an enemy, if any there 98 FURSTENBERG: FRIENDS AND FOES be, will certainly approach.” Slowly, reluctantly, and still taking all possible observations, the strangers marched under guard to the apartments originally assigned to them. The occurence being at once reported to Lord Zawis, the three members ot the Order of Jesus Christ appeared before their indignant host soon after dawn. “Depart at once from these premises,” commanded Zawis. “Every principle of knighthood, hospitality and honor, you have violated. I grieve to find the sacred name of Jesus Christ associated with such dark treachery.” “Is there no grace for needed refreshment.^” replied Brother Primus. “The dungeon or the highway is your only choice,” ex- claimed Zawis. “Begone!” A strong guard im- mediately conducted the prisoners to the outer gate. Resting at a short distance, the strangers viewed the fortress, pointing out the chief features to each other. Slowly they departed towards Moravia. A brief in- quiry revealed the fact that abundant provisions had been furnished to them by some person in the castle whose name remained concealed. The first meal over, a kind of family council of war assembled. The menacing aspect of affairs, the desolation of the kingdom, the appalling ruin im- pending, created the most grave apprehension. “Our first care must be to provision our fortress,” declared Zawis. “The fugitives have not wholly ceased to reach us. Our numbers are unusual, and we know not how soon we may receive a visit from our recent guests under other and more avowed conditions. On FURSTENBERG: FRIENDS AND FOES 99 the side of Bohemia we are safe. Rudolph’s allies have departed. He is poor. Otakar has fallen indeed; but the electors do not desire to see Rudolph sud- denly too powerful. He would receive no aid for the subversion of the kingdom; but he and his pres- ent advisers will undermine our institutions, divide us into parties worse than at present; will stimulate some against the more independent by promises and by corruption, and thus will sow a full crop of dis- sension. Politically and with the strong hand, he will do that which his new allies have secretly pre- pared for during the more recent reigns of our august but deluded dynasty.” “Have not the Przemysls been always loyally de- voted to Bohemia.^” inquired Lord Witek. “By intention, yes,” replied Lord Zawis,“but they have been duped. The insidious course of recent reigns can be best expressed by one word ‘Sentimen- talism’ in politics, and religion. During four cen- turies of our history we were Bohemians devoted to Bohemia. Our civilization, such as it was, grew up within ourselves, tinctured indeed by such color- ing as our commercial associations supplied. The natural tendencies and native mind of our people shaped our politics. We grew from within, and we progressed in the line that a growing community, guided by effervescing human virtues and instincts, permitted. Reason, heart, conscience, as our Maker bestowed them on us, controlled our actions. But within two centuries past a gradually insinuated alien sentimentalism has been substituted. We have been 100 FURSTENBERG: FRIENDS AND FOES taught that a divine commission to enlighten and dominate us has been conferred on an Italian eccle- siastic. His place and his character have been in- sidiously exhibited to our youth as the representa- tives of heaven. His agents, introducing themselves into our schools, have silently and stealthily stolen the sympathies of the young towards the assumptions of this Italian. He is held up as a god. From a teacher of morality he advanced to become a dicta- tor of education; from the position of educator he leaped into the attitude of dictator of social duties. From this posture he assumed to suggest first, and then to control policies; and now we behold him the open ally of our enemies, aiming at our complete sub- jugation. During this process the current of national sympathy has been enlisted in favor of an alien who has no interest in our manufacturing or scientific in- dustries, and is only bent on extracting from us good money in exchange for sentimentalism, and alleged benedictions. The respect of our, population has been diverted from our own magistrates towards an overlauded foreigner who has thrust himself into our civil and social life, and assumes the functions of government by these indirect means, although he has never been, and could not be elected to any direct authority in conformity with our laws. I am re- minded of a warning in the gDspel that applies to civil as well as to religious order. ^He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.' False sentimentalism has been substituted for the practical sense that previously guided us. FURSTENBERG: FRIENDS AND FOES 101 ‘‘Bohemia, on the verge of Europe, and largely in- fluenced by eastern civilization and habits of thought, has long formed an obstacle to the ambition of this Italian. By an insidious bargain with the present emperor, who has renounced all claim on Italy in exchange for the fair provinces of the Tchekh, that never belonged either to emperor or pope, this Italian now gathers armies even from Tartars and Cumanians for our overthrow. He assumed to come as an apos- tle-; he claimed our conscience, then our thoughts, then our policies, and now he fills our academies, our homes, our fortresses with his agents, who obey and exalt him first, and pretend some concern for our laws in order that they may pervert them still more insidiously to our enslavement. His agents rob our city treasuries that they may buy meretricious honors from him. He has done this in every coun- try, until from being an apostle without scrip or san- dal, he places his iron-shod heel on the necks of kings. Our walls may crumble, our lives may be forfeited, but there is a soul in Bohemia that will outlive Italian craft and Roman domination.’’ At this point report announced the approach at the distance of a few miles of a strange company of persons on foot, all in habit, looks, gestures and language different from aught hitherto observed. “I surmise,” said Lord Zawis, “that these stran- gers are the unfortunates whose approach from the west had been vaguely intimated to me before the recent battle.” Lord Witek, Pietro and a small guard went forth 102 FURSTENBERG: FRIENDS AND FOES to a neighboring eminence to accost the strangers. Seeing them approach, the travelers drew up in an ir- regular line on one side of the highway. Being beck- oned into the adjoining land, they refused, and pointed each with a staff to the road as the only place for them. In numbers several hundreds, clad in rags, limbs bound in coarse bandages, many with rough branches for crutches, many others painfully limp- ing, all emaciated, dirty and cadaverous. “They are the lepers from the Frankish coun- try,’’ exclaimed Pietro. “They are returning to their own land, as these regions are exhausted, and they can find no sustenance.” With some difficulty Lord Witek and Pietro prevailed on the leader to advance from the rest a short space. To the ques- tion, “Who are you, and why come you here.?” the spokesman replied, after carefully placing himself be- low the wind: “We are the afflicted of the Lord. Upon us he has laid the plague of leprosy. We come here because, although there are in our own land more than two thousand leproseries, all crowd- ed until not one poor cabin, of the hundreds in each asylum, can hold another patient, yet our affliction multiplies our numbers until not a foot of space remains. We burrow in the hillsides for a momen- tary shelter. We dare not leave the highways, as death is the penalty. By-paths, markets, churches and above all meat stalls are forbidden. We dare not bathe in any stream or even draw water from it. A morsel of bread in the place I point to is all we crave,” “Whither go you?” inquired Lord Witek. FURSTENBERG: FRIENDS AND FOES 103 ‘‘To our own land. We were more than three thou- sand from different provinces; now we number scarcely four hundred.” With this most piteous tale, the wretched way- farers, after receiving such a dole as could be hur- riedly deposited for them, departed; those who could do so sounding the hoarse clickety of their wooden leper rattles as they went. This distress- ing scene being at once reported, “Alas,” said Eudo- cia, “we are not wholly free from this affliction. One unhappy woman found exhausted a year ago by some of our cultivators, and refusing to approach a dwelling, was hidden for shelter in a hut of branches and earth. I found her by accident during my visits to the sick with medicine and food. Kind persons gave her a goat to supply her with some nourish- ment, and I have just been informed that certain strangers recently here, notified by some person of the facts, and declaring that the poor goat would spread pestilence and that the manifest will of the Lord upon the impenitent must not be thwarted by a goat, the symbol of sin, ordered the poor dumb, beneficent creature to be slain.” Eudocia found further recital impossible, and a sad silence told the mingled wrath and pity of the assembly. “You will attend me this afternoon,” saidZawisto Pietro. “We have no time to lose.” “Brief words, Eudocia,” said Pietro when they met in the large hall, where one of the elderly women, before mentioned, carefully watched, “are all now allowed to us. Though you shall not be with me 104 FURSTENBERG: FRIENDS AND FOES in presence, yet the real image of your being that represents you before the Father, and is the true soul whereof you are the worthy substance, shall be ever at my side, not to whisper, but to infuse such words, not in tone but essence, as I know your good heart would bless me with.’’ “And my heart enshrines you, Pietro, as that eternal similitude to mine, given before the worlds were, to form our united perfection in the eternal Oneness, I pray not, as our Euchitoe brethren, for your peace which is eternal love from above; but I commune with you through the gracious spirit in whom we dwell.” “To your keeping I commit this,” said Pietro, handing her the cross. “I will endeavor to procure the case that enclosed it.” “You will deliver this packet to the king of Hun- gary,” said Lord Zawis, when Pietro appeared be- fore him. “I rely on your prudence and courage. Lord Boppo will return with you. His presence and influence can procure us allies in the north such as no other living man can command.” A small donation of money Pietro declined, as the effigy on the coins must betray him. CHAPTER VIL SLAVERY. DELIVERANCE. ORDINATION. During the retreat of the Hungarian army, if such it could now be called, a halt was ordered at the foot of the Carpathian mountains. Here a separation took place; and a division numbering about five hundred set a camp apart. This band consisted of a motley array. The location had obviously become a customary rendezvous, as evidences of frequent camps were numerous. Here the leaders set apart the younger women captives, and assigned them sepa- rate wagons, not from any motive of humanity, but to preserve their fresh appearance. Next day they were joined by the same band that had encountered Pietro and Valens, The women of this party, dis- covering their Bohemian sisters, instantly screamed for joy. During several hours the most effusive greet- ings continued. Women hitherto perfect strangers, and who at home would have criticised each other severely, embraced each other, and a scene of smiles tears, streaming hair, wild grief, faintings, and ex- citement was exhibited, wholly unrestrained by the experienced slave dealers, who well knew the value of this relief to the health of their captives. These marauders numbered about five hundred, and their 105 106 SLAVER Y. DELIVERANCE. ORDINA TION victims nearly as many. As the surrounding coun- try lay utterly waste, the only hope of life consisted in keeping steadily with the main body. Among the chief of these dealers Solomon could now detect several of his own nation, and these men seemed perfectly familiar with the chiefs of the banditti. They had also unpleasantly observed Solomon. A messenger invited him to their black tent. Solomon refused, saying: “Am I a dog,to abandon my friends.^^^’ “Choose your friends, then, and come,” was the angry reply; and on these conditions Solomon, Don Abra- ham, Lord Boppo and Prokop, the grave person who arrived with the second party of prisoners, enterevd the traders’ tent. At once drawing from his robe the small casket, and taking out the soiled and worn parchment, he held it aloft, exclaiming, “Let all the curses denounced against the impious of old be upon your heads, unless you renounce your criminal pro- ceedings!” Then placing the parchment before his breast, he added in Hebrew, in a severe and solemn tone, “Cursed be he that perverteth the judgment of the stranger, the fatherless and the widow. Let all Ebal ” “Nay, rabbi,” loudly interposed the astonished traders, “we are not thus guilty. We have paid our customary money for captives whom these priests of Belial would have sold to Tartars worse than we are. We never dreamed that one of the lights of our own nation was among the number.” Solomon was master. Himself, Don Abraham, Lord Boppo, Prokop and six young men and six young women were at once released. Beyond that he Qould SLAVERY. DELIVERANCE. ORDINATION 107 not prevail. will not detain your own com- pany,” said the dealers, “but we cannot afford to be ruined.” For the moment the freedom of these captives sufficed, “It is the Lord’s will,” said Prokop, “and I think I perceive his guidance also.” The whole party approached Gran together; and established themselves in a large caravanserai a short distance from the town. Solomon and his friends came and went as they pleased. On enter- ing the town they observed that the buildings de- noted an origin and style not Hungarian. The roofs were formed very sloping; there were low chimneys, and many of the cottages were detached, and sur- rounded by flowers well tended. The streets con- verged to a large bazaar whence Ben Yusuf drew his supplies. Solomon and Prokop advanced through the crowded bazaar, and observed down aside street, most cleanly kept, an edifice noticeable from its style. It consisted of a larger circular building, and a smaller of a square form attached, and higher considerably than the other. Here were evidences of a residence in the upper pDrtion. The undulating lines that formed a kind of facade denoted an origin not gothic. Prokop gazed at this edifice steadily. “If I mis- take not,” he said, “we are in the place whither I specially desired to go; and the building I behold is the tabernacle where I hope to reach the conso- lation I desire.” The women frequently wore small Greek crosses, the chief rays growing wider outward, and then divided each into two points. Once or twice the words of a Christian hymn greeted his ears 108 SLAJ/ERY. DELIVERANCE. ORDINATION from the houses, and in a tongue he partly under- stood. Prokop accosted the first well-dressed per- son he met, and inquired for the episcopos. The residence of this dignitary was at once pointed out in the building already mentioned. Prokop forthwith made himself and his eventful condition known; and before two hours had elapsed a formidable body of more than fifteen hundred men had seized Ben Yusuf and all his appendages. The entire property was placed under guard, the captives instantly liber- ated with shouts, and Ben Yusuf himself escaped a severe flogging only by the intercession of Prokop. Of Ben Yusuf’s men three were recognized as old offenders, and bastinadoed. The bazaar received the new-comers with loud demonstrations. The women were distributed through the households, the men dis- posed of themselves as opportunity offered. Prokop, already known by reputation, entered the presbyter’s household, and assumed duties in the religious min- istrations to the greatly increased population of the place. Don Abraham, with astonishment, found in Gran two Mahomedan merchants who evidently held a position of respect and influence. Two days later Pietro approached Gran, and with him a number of fugitives whose homes had been desolated in Moravia. With this small company, numbering about twenty persons, appeared two strangers, dressed in dark robes, and bearing as a badge each a cross of equal arms, fleurie, quarterly sable and argent. In the early afternoon of the Saturday after SLAVERY. DELIVERANCE. ORDINATION 109 their arrival our pilgrims noticed a general ces- sation of business. Shops and booths closed at an unusual hour. Houses were swept; the popu- lation evidently prepared for a solemnity. Towards sundown the occasion appeared in the arrival of a venerable company in the suburbs. Many of the chief persons in spotless raiment went forth to greet the visitors. At the head of this deputation walked Sergius the chief pastor, noticeable as the only per- son who wore a dark robe. This personage attracted much respect, many of the company advancing to kiss his robe. He was tall, swarthy, with an ori- ental countenance, inclining to the aquiline. Spare of frame, and of a demeanor denoting strong self-con- trol, his grave aspect and action compelled the greater number, and especially the women, to remain at a respectful distance. The greeting extended to the chief personage of the new group assumed an air of the most solemn dignity. It was cordial with unaffected courtesy, and betokened an affection, confidence and mutual devotedness that profoundly impressed all observers. ^‘Most reverend child of God,’’ exclaimed Sergius, ‘‘truly happiness-giving-to-us are your steps, and the preparation of the gospel of peace encompasses your feet. Our Father is gracious to us in prospering the advent of his servant.” “My discreet and rever- end brother,” replied Markos, the diocesan bishop of that circle, chief dignitary of the evangelical Catha- roi, for it was none other, who held his chief abode at Tragur on the Adriatic, “grateful am I to be no SLAVERY DELIVERANCE. ORDINATION Spared for another communion with the faithful. In these sad hours much outward speech may be re- strained. May the Master whom we serve imper- fectly receive a large accession of devoted sons.’’ A kiss on each cheek mutually bestowed, with much respectful grace, a cheerful salutation of all around, wholly devoid of pride, proffered with a most affable smile and gesture of both hands, denoted the well understood intimation that the journey might be con- cluded. The entire population greeted the bishop, all maintaining a respectful distance, while smiles and happy obeisances indicated the supremacy of love, harmony and the sincere pursuit of those Christian graces, and attainments, prized by the various denominations then assembled in Gran. These persons consisted largely of Catharoi from Dalmatia, Bosnia, and the Adriatic provinces, of Euchitae from Bulgaria, of the Lord’s Mercy as- sembly or Boghomili from Roumania, Bulgaria and Constantinople; of Waldenses from France, Italy and Austria, and a few of each of several other denomi- nations from Lombardy, Vienna and especially Neu- stedt, and several churches in Hungary, Poland, Bohemia and Moravia. The real purpose of Pietro’s visit to that region now became apparent. Being presented by Prokop, together with several other candidates, he attended the bishop in the evening, and as his answers, testi- monials and especially his copy of the Catharic New Testament, the work of his own pen, declared ac- ceptability, Pietro and the others gladly heard the SLAVERY. DELiyERANCE. ORDINATION 111 invitation to present themselves the next Sunday to receive the Paraclesis, or Consolamentum that they sought. At sunrise exactly the services commenced next morning. The church edifice represented in its ar- rangement the three degrees of Perfect or real Cath- aroi, the pure, the Believers, in a circle surrounding the inner one, and the Hearers or ordinary inquirers not yet advanced to the full membership of Believers. Ordinary prayers and hymns being ended, the offici- ating minister announced that in lieu of exhortation, the sacred communion of bread and wine, and the holy Paraclesis would be administered. ‘Hn these hours of threatened woe,’’ explained Sergius, ‘^Chris- tian wisdom and charity prescribe tenderness of our differences. Only the ceremonies we all deem es- sential can to-day occupy our devotion. The bread, the wine, that is the body, the blood of the J^ord, as we severally revere them, are now freely bestowed on all according to their several faiths. We relin- quish for the moment the discrepancies that divide us; and all our brethren and sisters are to-day in- deed brethren and sisters in the Lord.” Flat cakes of unleavened bread were then broken in presence of all, wine in silver chalices all of Greek workmanship was set out, and both were pre- sented on a clean linen cloth in the inner circle where sat Markos, Sergius and Prokop, all clad in black robes. To each believer a portion of the bread was first presented. Many partook of only a portion of this, retaining the rest; of the wine all partook in moderation. 112 SLAVERY, DELIl^ERANCE. ORDINATION The services ended, and the remainder of the feast being all removed, a silver basin with water was presented to Markos. The bishop slowly and care- fully washed his hands, and dried them in a white napkin. Sergius produced a splendidly bound copy of the New Testament. Pietro and the other candi- dates entered the inner circle, and knelt on cushions. Markos, taking the New Testament, open at the gospel of John, solemnly exhorted the candidates to place all their faith in the Paracletos, and all hope of their souls’ salvation in God and the grace of the Para- cletos. Then placing the book on the head of each, he repeated the Lord’s prayer over each seven times, the last clause being rendered, “in order that thine may be the kingdom, and the glory forever.’’ The bishop then read the gospel of John from the words “In the beginning,” to the words, inclusive, “Grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.” Then other prayers followed. A kiss of peace on the lips administered by Markos to each, accompanied by a gentle breath- ing, closed the solemn ordinance whereby the candi- dates were admitted to the orders they sought, Pietro becoming a“Filius Major,” and a “Perfectus,” that is a priest in orders without reference to the modifi- cations of his belief. Few at that time did insist sharply on technical points of faith, and the purpose of this special service became more clearly revealed in the address that followed, at an exhortation meet- ing held during the afternoon. “Brethren in the Lord,” said Bishop Markos, “you have asked of me counsel in this hour of threatened SLAyER Y. DE LI y FRANCE. ORDINA TION 113 distress. During many centuries our predecessors, since the first days, have continued to bear their testimony. At no time has the church lacked con- fessors. In the Lord I can offer to you no better counsel than that given by my most reverend prede- cessor in the faith, Bishop Niquinta, during the mem- orable council of Toulouse in 1167. He said: ‘The seven churches of Asia in Apostolic days were divided among themselves. But no church harmed another or bore aught but charity for another. We are also divided, and my counsel is that we retain the essen- tial verities of our common faith, that we nourish our souls in the grace of the Paracletos, and if we entertain speculative dogmatizings let us do so in humility and charity. We are happily united to-day in spiritual communion. We number among us many brethren from remote churches. We see Philip Paternon, grandson of that Philip who testi- fied nobly at Florence in 1228. We have Pietro Felice, who represents the church of Barcelona, and inherits the fidelity of our brother Arnaldus of Leon in 1230. We have Theoderic, who bears to us love from Treves as his predecessor did in 1231, where he and others sealed their testimony in the flames in 1238. We have Prokop, one of the poor of Lyons, and many of his brethren who have restored this land since the devastation of the Tartars. We have rep- resentatives here of the church at Milan, at Viterbo, at Correggio, at Strassburg, at Passau, at Donne- ^zach, at Bajolo, at Vincentina, at Florence, at Spo- leto, at Toulouse, at Carcassonne, at Albi, at Sla- il4 SLAVER Y, M LIVE RANGE. ORDINA TlON vonia,of the Latin church of Constantinople and also of the Greek, of Philadelphia in Roumania, of Bul- garia, of Cremona, where we are reminded of the excellent name of Petro Gallo, of Aquileia, of Car- inthia, Austria and chiefly of Neustedt and Vienna, of Bagnolo, of Brescia and of my own church of Tra- gur and of Bosnia, The stream of doctrine that overspread the west, broken indeed and divided by the troubles that followed the death of Charlemagne, yet touched again the former and still living water of the Scoti in Ireland, where the fountain of life has never ceased to flow, especially in the northern region. The Greek brethren of Dragometia and of Trim have met and felicitated each other. Our pro- test against the innovations, the paganism of our chief persecutor has always been founded on the adulterations of the faith since Bishop Sylvester, who infused the evil spirit of Antichrist into the church. We reject all sacraments but two, baptism and the communion of the Lord as he instituted and admin- istered it. We believe that ‘‘he that believeth and is baptized shall be saved, and therefore we reject the baptism of infants. We reject all adoration of the cross as being the cruel means of the death of the Master; we believe that the sacrifice of Calvary was offered once for all, and can never be repeated; we believe that prayers and offerings for the dead cannot avail; and we believe that hymns and cere- monies for pay are only a remnant of paganism if offered for souls departed. Believe not then, breth-. ren, any bishop or priest that attempts to seduce you SLAVERY. DELiyERANCE. ORDINATION 115 by the assertion that he offers Christ or — blasphemy! — that he can make Christ on the altar. No second Calvary can be so long as the world lasts. We receive the bread and the wine without caviling or sophistries or prevarication about ‘Svhole Christ;” because the Master instituted bread and wine, and no man can be presumptuous enough to change the form that the master himself sanctified and ordained. Likewise I would, brethren, in all charity, suggest that the cus- tom of removing portions of the bread be discon- tinued ; with some the custom has given rise to an un- wise use that tends to superstition. Many other subjects I might allude to. But as these are the es- sentials, let us devote ourselves in these most menac- ing times to the salvation of souls, to the purification of hearts and homes, to the education of the young in truth, industry, and charity. Let us cultivate sound knowledge in all useful arts and sciences; and let us ‘labor with our hands in that which is good that we may have to give to him that needeth.’ Time presses, brethren. I may never see you again in the flesh, but you will need alb faith and duty, A new power has arisen in close alliance with the scarlet woman of the seven hills; and I fear that these countries, Bulgaria, Bosnia, Thrace, Lom- bardy, Italy, Dalmatia, Carinthia, Poland, Bohemia Moravia, Hungary will form the special field for the cruel persecutions of the new alliance. In these lands an unbroken chain of belief has testified since Apostolic days; and the spirit of Antichrist will now sweep over them in fury and blood. Be prepared, iKi SLAVERY. DELIVERANCE. ORDINATION brethren; your Master calls for full fidelity to his ex- ample.” A loud but solemn “Amen” followed this earnest exhortation, and the service, nearly the last in those regions for about a century and a half, closed with the following hymn: Thee,, the good Lord, we now adore; The evil Lord disown, Blessings, not curses, deign to pour On all thy saints alone. Lord, bless the bread, the wine, that we Thy death, thy life, may know; And that thy grace through them may be Thy presence as we go. Let married love continue, Lord, ^As Paul and Peter say; And brethren with sweet accord In prayer pursue thy way. Bless the baptized, the perfect, all Believers; let them see Antichrist slain; and with him fall Sin and its slavery. This hymn, compiled chiefly through the prepon- derating Waldensian influence, happily presented and harmonized the meeting points of the various denominations. Pietro and Solomon met immedi- ately after the ordinance. ‘‘I comprehend it all now,’’ exclaimed Ben Gerson; “and although I can- not participate in your creed, yet I sincerely pray for a blessing on your earnestness and philanthropy. We shall all blend in the great oneness whereof we are infinitesimal atoms.” CHAPTER VIII. WEDDINGS. The distracted condition of the empire compelled Rudolph to hasten. Accordingly preparations were speedily forwarded for the double imperial nuptials at Iglau. Thither repaired lords and ladies, aspir- ing knights and observant maidens, all attracted by those delightful anticipations that a wedding, and especially a double wedding, is calculated to inspire. Cavalier and sturdy beggar jostled each other in the streets of the little town Traffickers and friars, semi-nomads from Hungary, yellow Jews from Mo- rocco, mingled with rotund Germans all bent on business. It was known to be a business transaction, and every man felt justified in deriving from it all the personal benefit that he could. The encampment of knights, all aspiring to honors in the tournament, resembled that of a formidable army; and the motley array of troops and followers represented every species of wild adventurer in Europe and western Asia. In only a few hearts was glad- ness, and at the head of these stood Albert of Austria. He arrived early, accompanied by a close band of followers. These men by incessant discussion gathered around 117 118 IVEDDINGS them a numerous body of adherents, all bent on a fixed design. Queen Kunigunde also arrived early, though quietly. Her train consisted chiefly of Bohemians. They located themselves away from the Austrians and little if any communication was observed between them. The children Wenzel, of Bohemia, and Ru- dolph of Habsburg had reached the ages of seven and eight respectively, and the princesses Giuta and Agnes about the mature age of eight and nine. Queen Kunigunde appeared at the ceremony splen- didly attired, but wear ing a white crepe capote denoting her widowhood. The lady Ludmila of Falkenstein attended the queen, and as lady in waiting appeared Eudocia of Osterna, daughter of the distinguished ■knight, Boppo of Osterna, who had relinquished his vows by special permission as a Teutonic Knight at the special instance of King Otakar. The Lady Lud- mila had gathered at her brother’s castle of Fiirs- tenberg the most distinguished persons in science, eloquence and arms, and her court became the center of song, music, and chivalry, as well as practical knowledge and philanthropy. Her halls were the resort of troubadours and jongleurs; and the tales of Palestine, Egypt, Rome, and Spain, narrated in in- genuous freedom by pilgrims of every rank, presented more truthful pictures of current and recent his- tory than could be obtained in any narrower circle, and cultivated a breadth of sentiment, an ele- vation of political principle, and an abhorrence of the growing superstition of the time, that gradually ren- dered Fiirstenberg an object of hatred to the new policy of Vienna. IVEDDINGS 119 The religious ceremonies of the occasion formed only a flimsy disguise for deep political plottings. Among the crowd jugglers and jongleurs vied for popularity and pennies. The sack of the mendicant friar exacted toll from every stall of fruit, fish, meat, and sweetmeats. The itinerant stage player gamboled before his booth, and beggars from Paris, both narquois, pietres, malingreux callots, coquillarts, capons, sabouleux and others of the craft, exhibited their well-painted deformities and fictitious ailments before every eye. The tournament was set, the reviewing stands erected, the knights contestant duly arrayed, proc- lamation made, and the tilts proceeded gayly. Ru- dolph had arranged the seats so that a blonde lady sat next a dark cavalier and the white-dressed dames interposed between knights in dark armor. Himself occupied a place next the queen, conspicuous with her white capote, and displayed much courtesy to her, styling her “Frau” in most friendly fashion, as if he were not conspiring against every fiber of her exist- ence at that moment. Heroes and chevaliers dashed each other to the ground amid the plaudits of the corona. Among others the well-known cognizance of Sey- fried von Ehmersberg advanced proudly into the list. At sight of her husband’s slayer. Queen Kunigunde turned deathly pale, and Rudolph’s eye noticed the pallor. His opponent was mounted on a large Hun- garian charger, of the noble Tschmud race, recently imported seemingly, and of great size and strength* 120 IVEDDINGS The knight contestant seemed a man of large frame but apparently stiff oi movement, and he bore on his helmet a spray of oak leaves. ^‘Now, before the Lord, that is none other than my valiant friend and de- fender, Lord Boppo!” exclaimed Rudolph. “A braver knight never led his Teutonic brethren. Thrice he accompanied Otakar to Prussia’’ — but the callous rudeness of this allusion checked all further utterance in presence of the murdered Otakar's widow. The old knight, for it was he indeed, set- tling himself for the charge lowered his lance almost to the level, and on the signal urged his great charger with a tremendous rush against his opponent. The latter held his shield straight across his person and the mighty onset drove his antagonist’s spear through shield and steel, and hurled the rider to the earth with the broken lance still imbedded in his body. The victor rode slowly from the ring, while the body of Seyfried was borne hastily away. Two new knights answered the summons. These aspirants were both in the prime of life, and bore re- spectively the cognizance of Bernard von Walkers- dorf and Zawis of Falkenstein. Steeds were reined up for the charge, lances couched, spurs plied, a desperate onset, a crash, and Von Wolkersdorf falls heavily from the saddle. He lies as dead. His neck is broken by the fall and the body is hastily removed. Rudolph himself claims the right to enter the list against the victor after the discomfiture of his esquire, and the claim is allowed. Again lances are set, a charge, a crash, and the Emperor falls, but un- JVEDDINGS 121 wounded. A third combat by the same victorious knight is disallowed. Even imperial rank must obey implicitly the rules of the tourney. Lord Zawis retired amid tumultuous applause from the Bohe- mians, while the Austrians maintained an ominous silence. A herald invited the conqueror to receive customary compliments from the ladies of his party. Advancing towards the queen, Zawis removed his helmet, and exhibited a face of singular manliness and intelligence. Proudly the Lady Ludmila pre- sented the conqueror, who although well known, must come in his character as disputant as a stranger. “Most gallant knight,” exclaimed Kunigunde, — the sense of her own wrongs, the inconsistency of her present surroundings with her consuming grief ren- dering her words slow and emphatic, — “accept at once a lady’s admiration, a mother’s thanks, and a queen’s commendation. Receive this token of my profound esteem, and let it rest in your memory as a pledge from one who feels the loss of a strong de- fender, and can therefore still more deeply appreciate the valor of a true knight.” Saying this, the queen removed a clasp of golden filligree from her mantle, and binding it with a white and scarlet ribbon to the crest of Zawis’ helmet, permitted the hero to resume his covering, and back- ing from the queen’s presence, to attain his place among the successful champions. While the gay company assembled for this enter- tainment during the bright cool hours of the crisp and cheery morning, another company also assembled 122 IVEDQINGS beyond the suburbs of Iglau. There in a smooth meadow lawn, decked and green with soft grass and modest, simple flowers, near the confluence of two clear and rippling brooks, about forty persons quietly met from different directions. A sloping undulation of the ground, aided by still blossoming shrubs, effectually secluded the company from observation. All other eyes turned towards the scene of the approaching tourney. There in the pure air of the early day, while birds flitted and sang un- interrupted, the fair lawn smiled in placid beauty, and all told loveliness and* peace, the little assembly formed into about equal portions. In the midst stood a grave man sedately robed; and before him two younger persons, each seeming calmly happy, yet with a slight air of solicitude. One of these was a young man of six and twenty summers, of studious aspect, intellectual and kind. Beside him now, and slightly apart from the company, stood a young wom- an veiled in white. Each bore sabbata tied in front in cross fashion. Brethren and sisters,” ex- claimed the venerable Prokop, ^‘this man and this woman, of mature years and goodly reputation, professing sincere affection for each other, present themselves as desiring to enter the holy estate of matrimony. Does any brother or sister know of any good reason why this marriage should not he? A second time, is there objection to this marriage And yet, a third time.” At this point two younger women approached the bride, and two younger men approached the bridegroom. One of these on each IVEDDINGS 123 side, taking the hand of the woman and the man respectively, placed them together clasped, and re- tired. As the two persons stood thus, Prokop said: “According to the example of the Apostles, and of our fathers in all time since the command of the Lord was given, this man and this woman here en- ter the good estate of marriage. Pietro Felice, do you take this woman for your wife in presence of God and of this congregation?” Pietro answered dis- tinctly, “I do, father.” “Eudocia von Osterna, do you take this man for your husband in presence of God and of this congregation?” Eudocia replied, “I do, father.” Then Prokop raised his hands and said, “Let the blessing of the Lord of love and life, the Lord of good and not of evil, and the promised Para- cletes rest upon you and your household. Amen.” A manuscript roll of parchment was then produced from a robe. Pietro and Eudocia inscribed their names; and then the company, in a low and clear voice, sang a hymn. Between the cadences and pas- sages of this hymn, intervened as if intertwined there- in the happy songs of birds, and the rippling purl of the brook; the hue of petals blended with the happy flush of faces, and the singers inhaled the gentle per- fume of the flowers as if to mingle with the essence of their song. All nature smiled, in the oneness of perfect repose and joy, as two more souls transfused the harmony of their love into the living essence of nature’s gladness around. If the incense of sweet savor ever did ascend to heaven it was from that communion. 124 IVEDDINGS At the close of the service a timid figure was seen to approach to a respectful distance, and unwrapping a bunch of flowers from the grass carefully folded round the stems so that the fingers could not touch, to deposit them on a small knoll. ‘‘Oh! Ulda! Poor Ulda!” exclaimed Eudocia in astonishment. ‘‘How came you here? How did you know?” “Ah! dear soul,” replied Ulda, the poor leper woman, retiring farther and holding her hand before her lips, “dear soul, Ulda’s eyes cease not to watch, nor her ears to listen. Teresa, the black strangers’ friend knows not always what I hear.” With these admonitory words Ulda retired from view; and Eudocia confi- dently took the flowers, though observing the still further caution of dipping and moving them in the stream. During the evening Rudolph and Albert exhibited decided bad humor. “Take him,” said the emperor to Otto the Tall of Brandenburg, “take him at once. I will not interfere in regard to this boy. Bohemia creates more distraction than all the rest of the em- pire.” “True, your majesty,” rejoined Otto, “but we must remember that Bohemia is really an ad- junct of the empire, and not an integral part. Bo- hemia is a Kingdom in her own right, the king rules by law. The constitution of Bohemia is the only formal government in Europe independent of the autocracy of a king. Otakar advanced his domin- ions under direct imperial sanction.” “Otakar was a tyrant and a usurper!” exclaimed Albert. “Sixteen years ago,” rejoined Otto, “the tVEDDINGS 125 provinces of Styria, Carinthia, and Carniola were formally conferred on Otakar by the emperor Richard of Cornwall, who had as good a right to do that as his majesty has to confer one of these provinces on you. The gift, likewise, was wholly untainted by family preference.’^ ‘‘Take the boy,” interposed Rudolph sharply. “You are his guardian and your responsibility is your own.” A significant look accompanied the words; and Otto soon with- drew from Iglau, taking young Wenzel in his train. The queen entertained her own circle, chiefly Bo- hemian lords. Her accumulating difficulties directed the conversation towards the fortunes of the dy- nasty and the Kingdom; and various groups apart studied surrounding conditions, and their own pros- pects. “Your counsel is much needed. Lord Zawis!” ex- claimed Kunigunde. “Bohemia requires the devotion of her sons and I am sure yours will not be wanting.” “The throes of Bohemia wring my heart, gracious lady,” replied Zawis. “So soon as the present tempest sweeps over, and we can again concentrate the scat- tered force of the country, I shall not fail to re- spond to the pressing requirements of my position. Among our first duties must be the task of providing adequate provision for the widow of our deceased sovereign. If my counsel and aid can be of any ser- vice they are most cheerfully at your command.” “You have my most grateful recognition of your gen- erous and dutiful engagement, good Lord Zawis,” an- swered the queen. “Every sentiment of knightly de- i 26 iVEDDiNGS vctiun and patriotic fidelity will be required to re- pair the disasters of our country/’ ‘‘Herein now is Bohemia doubly unhappy and oppressed,” answered Zawis. “Her conqueror exults in her overthrow and disposes of her provinces at his pleasure, and conspires with her sworn foes to annihilate the very sentiments that nourished our patriotism since we were a nation. This he does by the secret intrigues of the zealous minions who traverse our land to betray us to Rudolph’s master. But be of good cheer, lady; if there be warmth in Bohemian hearts, and devotion in Bohemian loyalty, that warmth and that loyalty would commend them- selves to your acceptance.” “Good Lord Zawis,” answered the queen, moved to tears by the earnest sympathy of her companion, “where do you think the}^ will dispose of my boy, this day torn from me by a mock marriage, sanctioned by those called the priests of God.^ Surely such acts are neither religion nor humanity.” “They are, however, Rudolphian policy. Madam,” answered Zawis. “And whatever enormity, pro- vided only it bears the semblance of decent form, serves best the cause of Rudolph’s master at Rome, will be made to assume the mask of virtue, however hideous its essential constituents may be.” “Have you any policy. Lord Zawis,” quietly asked the queen. “I have, Madam,” replied the statesman, “and if I were assured of your sympathy with its principles, I would not hesitate to explain its outlines.” tVEDDlNG^ 127 “Then you may be assured of my personal sym- pathy and cooperation/’ rejoined the queen. “I pledge you the utmost fidelity in all your efforts to extricate us from the wiles and the toils that encircle us.” “My whole soul, and mind, and heart are combined in this dreadful emergency,” earnestly answered Zawis. “And you, good lady, have this day combined towards yourself, as the representative of my country, all the personal and patriotic sympathies I am capable of. In you I see Bohemia living and to you as the object of all my devotion I pledge my most sacred duty.” “Believe me, I accept the pledge in all its honor, and my heart goes out to the gallant knight, and the valiant patriot, who thus nobly presents himself as a sacrifice for the distressed; for sacrifice my pre- sentiment assures me it must be.” “Your acceptance of my pledge is my highest joy and honor, Madam,” answered Zawis, “and hence- forth I live devoted to your service, until death, as your good knight and true,” whereupon the queen permitted a solemn clasp of hand as chivalrous as it was impassioned, and the lovers parted for the time. In another apartment, whither the company now proceeded, were seated Lady Ludmila and Eudo- cia, and as the queen entered they sang together: “My love was a gallant and courteous Knight And his spirit was proud and gay, And his chivalrous heart bore him strong in fight As the bravest who led the fray. 128 PVEDDINGS But his marble halls echo his steps no more, And his voice sings not now to cheer In camp or in court, for his life’s throb i^ o’er And he lies on his lonely bier. “Then sigh, all ye lads and lasses tender, As I mourn for the fall of my youth’s defender; Oh, think ere your hearts to young love surrender That love’s smile often blends with a tear. “I weep for my love, for his heart was true, And he robed me in silk of white; And a mantle of scarlet and gold he drew Round my neck with a diamond bright. Good viands full measure enriched his board; Brimming over his cup of wine; No orphan in vain hath his aid implored, Nor did widow in want repine. “Then hope, all ye knights and sad ladies weeping. Your hearts may rest long in such good knight's keeping, As one now with strangers, in coldness sleeping; And aye bless that sweet love of mine. “My love was wise and his wisdom’s lore Blessed with counsel the young and old; And the sages replenished their learning’s store. From his lips minted words of gold. And his strong arm guarded his own good land And his ancient ancestral throne; Then no alien imposed a usurped command On the realm that was his alone, “Then cling, ye Bohemian hearts forever To the hope that though tears may your lives dissever. My love and his faithful heart shall never Cease to live in the warmth of your own.’’ Scarcely had this song ceased when a gang of roisterers outside attracted attention, and a merry fellow sang, as the crowd slowly moved away: IVEDDINGS 129 “Ho! I am a soldier bold, And I follow my captain, — gold. I will bow to its rule Though each pedantry fool Of a rhymer may rant and scold. Sing tra la la — go gay; Ho, tra la la — ’tis my way; And my heart is ever light For a lassie or a fight; Let us live a jolly life while we may. “Fill bumpers of rare old wine, Though the burgher may rave and whine. His last ounce of good meat Must my ration complete, And his pretty lass is much more mine. Sing tra la la; — ’tis my fate; Star gazers and priests may go prate; While there’s plunder, gold and wine, Dainty kisses shall be mine, And old Moloch for this hosti still must wait. “See., in purple and gold I am dressed; Fools may toil, but for me is the best; And the fairest maiden’s eyes, — Ruby lips, — the soldier’s prize, — Of the earth and all its beauty he’s possessed. Sing tra la la, boys, sing; To-morrow to the winds let us fling. And our hearts be ever gay; While fools toil we tramp away; And gold and luck will bring us everything. ” This song seemed so simply merry and gay thought- lessness, that the soldiers were invited into the hall of ordinary assembly and there presented with some sweetmeats, of which the chief consisted of a thin tube of exceedingly fine pastry filled with honey, and called May Bliss, and sometimes Bride’s May Bliss. 130 IVEDDINGS The jolly fellows amused themselves with the con- fection and the name, and the women jestingly chal- lenged them to take an early opportunity to distrib- ute some of both on their own account. CHAPTER IX. A WIDOW PLEADS FOR THE BODY OF HER DEAD HUS- BAND. During the following month of March, 1279, Ru- dolph, Albert, Bruno bishop of Olmiitz, and Brother Primus held a solemn conference at Vienna. Each came to the meeting the representative of a distinct power, then struggling for pre-eminence, to some extent, in rivalry of the others. Rudolph embodied the imperial power on the new basis, assumed since his election, of abandoning German claims in Italy and seeking a compensation of equal importance in the eastern provinces of Europe. Alberf strove to establish the principle of a new sovereignty, distinct from the empire with its center at Vienna. Bruno maintained the cause of Rome, then putting forth ceaseless efforts to include the Greek provinces with- in its jurisdiction. Brother Primus advocated the foundation of a religious-military authority on the principle of knightly organization, but directed against heresy in all its forms. This new combinaticn he strove to constitute a permanent jurisdiction combined with the others. ^‘A new era opens before us, ’’said Rudolph abruptly; “we must confront fresh combinations. For cen- 181 132 A mooiv PLEADS turies Bohemia has resisted our development. Now that power is effectually broken. They confronted us indeed recently, with the old spirit, notwithstanding the loss of their great prince; but the unity and re- sources of the kingdom have been shattered. Bo- hemia must blend with the empire. Poland, Silesia, Brandenburg, Austria, and the Adriatic provinces have been disposed of. Bohemia no longer possesses a coast or a harbor. Look to it, Albert, that your favorite policy of an Austrian empire to the East and South, shall include control of the Adriatic.^’ “We are divided by mountains, jealousies, and tongues,’’ replied Albert. “Venice is still strong; Italy restless; Sicily controls commerce; Spain acquiring consolidation. Our first policy is to unify our populations.” “In order to effect that purpose,” exclaimed Bruno, eagerly, “the authority of the holy father is essential. Through the one sacred Latin tongue, and uniformity of creed, alone can the newly acquired populations be harmonized. Our chief antagonist, Constantinople, has been humbled since 1204, and the glorious cru- sades have placed outer as well as inner Europe at our feet. By the former we have acquired military supremacy, and provinces; and by the latter we have possessed magistracies, dignities and lands easily ac- quired during the absence of leaders and defenders. Our monastic fortresses and garrisons hold internal Europe. ” “True, lord bishop,” observed brother Primus, “but while the crusades have thus benefited your outward A IVIDOIV PLEADS 133 jurisdiction, they have also liberated from the East, from Thrace, from Bulgaria, Constantinople, Dalma- tia, Bosnia, and even from Asia Minor, a flood of hither- to concealed or imperfectly announced doctrines, dog- mas, and communities that have spread far more widely and acceptably than we openly admit. Since the tenth century these doctrines have claimed attention and have kept the stake fires active everywhere, and although thousands have suffered by the fagot, the sword, and the dungeon, yet the pestilence has con- tinually spread until it has reached from the western ocean to the holy see itself. The heretics have bish- ops and popes, churches and castles. They are as numerous as the sands. They hold great councils and infect provinces and cities. “Our clergy have grown wealthy, and in too many cases, proud and immoral. The heretics have adopted that simple earnestness of preaching, and that air of sympathy with the poor that have wholly supplanted the church in the hearts of multitudes. “The combined strength of the empire and of the hierarchy is imperative]}^ necessary, or this perilous invasion will overwhelm us.” “I fear that commendable zeal surpasses dutiful discretion. Brother Primus,” interposed Bruno with a severe look. “A century ago such apprehensions were justifiable. But the illustrious Innocent, of divine memory, gathered the forces of the church, and the chief power of the heretics in Albigensium fell utterly before them. Rulers have taken warning by these merited punishments to eradicate heresy 134 A IVIDOJV PLEADS from their states, even at the cost of population, ruin, beggary, and desolation.’^ “I would rather, a thousand times, rule over a wilderness than over prosperity gained by heretics,” interposed Albert. “And such shall be the principle I shall establish in my states.” “Every true son of the church will imitate your example,” observed Brother Primus, “but our peril is still greater than the reverend bishop is aware of.” “I am well informed,” firmly responded Bruno. “Until about a century ago in every one of these provinces from Constantinople, and especially Philip- popolis to Milan, and from Viterbo to the Rhine mouth, every district listened with joy not only to abuse and defamation of the clergy, but to the so- called evangelism of the heretics. From Smyrna to lerne they extended. Until Nikol the Slavonian abjured heresy under compulsion, and from dread of foreign intervention, the entire Bosnian dynasty was heretical. Hungary, Poland, Bohemia more than tolerated the Greek heretics who had always affiliated with Constantinople, whence they had sprung. Their chief churches of Bulgaria, Druguria, Philadelphia in Roumania, of Passau, and Donnezach, of Slavonia, of Constantinople both Greek and Latin, of Metz, Strasbourg, of Milan, where a large college had long subsisted, of Coucorrezo, of Bajolo, of Florence, of Valle Spoletana,of Tolosa, Carcassonne, of Aquileia, Cremona, Carinthia, Austria, and especially at Vi- enna and Neustedt, at Bagnolo, Brescia, Treves, Cologne, and many other cities, exercised wide juris- A mOOlV PLEADS 135 diction; and a strong and regular heretical hierarchy added strength to their accursed combination. Their division into ‘Auditores, ’ ‘Credentes, ’ ‘Christians’ or ‘Perfecti,’ ‘Sacerdotes, ’ ‘Prelates’ and ‘Popes’ is cur- rent history. On this point, brother, I must suggest to you that a worthy effort could be made, by your chosen agents, in suppressing, effacing, and extir- pating all evidences of the power, the numbers, and the doctrines of these heretics. Centuries hence the absence of proof will aid the church in its claim of unbroken universality. The church of Rome has never been either unbroken or universal. With difficulty it has made head in these provinces chiefly through the contentions of the populations. By aid- ing one and another ambitious aspirant the church has introduced her dismembering policy. ‘‘Your highness will do well to observe and forma- lize that principle,’’ added Bruno especially to Albert. “Such is our chief aim, and must continue to be in all countries. By beginning with education and schools, we can, as we have, proceed to regulate, and gradually to enforce, our supreme authority, until Rome sways the policy and the wealth of the world for her unlimited supremacy in all things.” “The empire has never been thus subordinated,” claimed Rudolph, making an effort to resist the sweeping arrogance of his whilom obeisant but now dictatorial priest. “The church has imposed its terms, as your highness knows, and will enforce them/’ haughtily exclaimed Bruno, 136 A mooiv PL EADS “We will see to that,’’ responded Rudoph, now sensible of his degradation, and aware how he had been duped. During this conference another scene had been en- acted out of doors. A small cortege approached Vienna. As it drew near the gate on the Moravian side, an elderly woman, closely veiled, was observed to start rapidly towards the imperial schloss for the time. As she hurried, another woman, limping and poorly clad, placed herself beside her, and at once started to clicket her wooden leper rattle. This fearful sound instantly attracted attention. “The lepers, the lepers!” at once became the cry, and the most angry demonstrations drove both women far out of the town. The cortege proceeded uninterrupted and on signal readily obtained admission. With a daring arid fidelity that could be exhibited only in full reliance on thousands of sympathizers in Vienna, the schloss attendants, first loudly knocking, boldly an- nounced to the astonished conference, “The queen of Bohemia, your highness, and her retinue.” Albert frowned both from anger and disappointment. He had confided in Teresa to announce the approach of the cortege in time at least to create difficulties. Bruno and Brother Primus looked chiefly at the faces of those accompanying the queen. The persons who entered were Queen Kunigunde, Lady Ludmila, Eu- docia, Lord Zawis, Lord Drda, and Solomon. Ru- dolph smiled, but continued seated. “A sudden visitation, but not unwelcome,” exclaimed the em- peror, bis srpile somewh^^t clouded. ‘‘What cbeer^ A IVIDOIV PLEADS 137 good frau?’^ he added, partly recovering his self-con- trol. Advancing a few steps, and slightly separated from her attendants, Kunigunde slowly drew aside her veil, and looked quietly at the emperor. “Truly as frau do I come, your majesty,” she said, “and my commission is such as any bereaved frau might undertake Deprived in one hour of home, country, dignity, husband, protection, and of child, I represent such accumulation of unhappiness as may well commend me even to the sternness of my coun- try’s subjugator. A queen indeed, and yet not a queen, I resignedly surrender all state, rank and honor. With acquiescence I bow to the strokes that have overwhelmed my royal prosperity. But while I can renounce all earthly pre-eminence, while I can lay aside with serenity the homage of faithful sub- jects and the honors of courts, I cannot surrender or divest myself of those rights of a woman, and a wife, that the decrees of God, the solemnities of the church, the law of the land, and the dictates of humanity have conferred upon me. Formerly the representative of the exaltation of womanhood in Bo- hemia, I now simply represent the claims of woman in her depression, her solitude and her bereavement. Nay more, highness, I represent the ordinary claims of humanity on behalf of one not the least among his fellows. In life he vindicated the respect due to every human being of his nation as typified by him- self the prince, and in death he demands the rever- ence of all men for his still unburied remains. In the name of our common humanity, in the name of 138 A IVIDOIV PLEADS the rights of society, in the name of that Christian faith that you profess, I ask the restoration to me for respectful burial of the — body — of — my— husband,’’ the last words almost inaudible with sobs. At this point the other ladies, without any invitation, aided the distressed suppliant to a seat. Albert bit his lip to blood with vexation. Bruno and Primus looked angrily at the floor. Rudolph moved uneasily, blanched, colored, but laying his clenched fist on the table, he said, with extraordi- nary recovery of calmness: “Your words, madam, imply a reproach to me, that all this ceremony of burial has not taken place. I appeal to all present whether the occasion did not require and justify the delay. On the paramount necessities of state must the reasons rest. Whenever a great prince has fallen, a legion of personators has sprung up. After the death of our predecessor Frederick II., more than twenty or thirty false Fredericks advanced preten- sions and caused infinite commotion. Frederick Barba- rossa is even yet expected by the peasantry, and not- withstanding all precaution multitudes of Bohemians will believe their late king is only hidden. But I must thank you for contributing greatly to the removal of my apprehension on that point. The testimony of yourself, madam, and of the distinguished persons present, one of whom can certainly certify whether a man is dead, and who first touched for embalming the still uninjured remains of the distinguished and gallant king, I deem amply sufficient testimony to satisfy the requirements of state.' Sir Esculapius/^ A IVIDOIV PLEADS 139 he added, addressing Solomon, “I cannot forget wel- come services to myself, on the same occasion. Do you certify to the death of Otakar, king of Bohemia; and to the identity of the body still preserved, with that you partly operated on at the time I refer to.?” ‘‘The body is the same, highness,” answered Solo- mon, “and I am willing to furnish any certificate to that effect. But it has been barbarously muti- lated by some coarse and ignorant bungler.” “Albert, and bishop, I charge you as commissioners to have the remains of Otakar, king of Bohemia, surrendered with all propriety to the control of his consort, the queen dowager. Let it be done at once, and I strictly require prompt report of your doings in the premises to me as your liege lord and sovereign,” the emperor added, rising, and with a stern look and gesture in reply to Bruno’s attempt to assume first place in the empire. CHAPTER X. MARRIAGE OF ZAWIS AND KUNIGUNDE. % On the return of Lord Zawis and his party to the castle, Teresa welcomed them with much obeisance. Not one of the household knew of her absence and its purpose better than Eudocia. At the earliest moment arrangements were perfected to relieve the garrison of all unnecessary persons. Prokop remained in the character of pedagogue to the retainers’ chil- dren, a person then very generally employed by wealthy laymen who desired instruction for their households in other branches than those adapted to train priests, which now almost universally consti- tuted the sole knowledge imparted in conventual or cathedral schools. The principle enounced by Thomas Aquinas and Roger Bacon,, that science is only the handmaid of theology, had become the controlling doctrine, as it is to this day in similar establishments. It subordinates the entire faculties of every student to the service of the church in every sphere of life. The total destruction of a multitude of Bohemian homes created impromptu camps on mountains, and in forests throughout many parts of Bohemia. The ani- mosity created by Rudolph and his emissaries spread also hostility to the church. Disorder, destitution, apd disease, already began their ravages. Among HO MARRIAGE OF ZAIVIS AND KUNIGUNDE 141 these camps Pietro and Eudocia now went forth, cheering, consoling, laboring. Cooperation among strangers hastily thrown together, united action among mothers for the attendance on children and the sick, and an example of cheerfulness and cour- age, enabled Eudocia to bring harmony and even a semblance of social order out of the dreadful chaos around. Pietro undertook a similar office among the depressed and angry men. In every camp a steward, as in old Bohemian villages, directed the common labors. Huts arose, stray cattle were col- lected, rough enclosures erected and new cultivation promised subsistence. Many died of actual want, and were laid away as tenderly as might be. The exhausted country gave sign of extreme dearth of food; and in many places even the seed corn was con- sumed. As the season of 1279-80 advanced,a dread- ful drought multiplied the afflictions of the peasantry. Food ceased. Famished creatures wandered aim- lessly along the desolate roads until they fell never to arise, and skeletons strewed the deserted and grass-grown tracks. The starving crowded to the doors of those who still possessed a morsel, and fiercely snatched food from the inmates. Bands of Tartars still infested the borders, until the threat of utter ruin compelled Rudolph to interpose. Amid these scenes Pietro and Eudocia went; and by their means supplies saved many wretched camps from utter annihilation. Many regions became totally des- olate, and not until 1281 was the dreadful famine alle- viated by generous showers, and the production of a 142 MARRIAGE OF ZAIVIS AND KUNIGUNDE small harvest. Gradually from year to year the area of culture spread; many exiles returned to re-occupy now weedy and shrub-grown fields. Forest and camp restored a few more for the tillage of the soil, and Bohemia arose as if from the dead. Not until then did Pietro and Eudocia depart for their destined duties in Gran. Here Pietro assumed the office va- cated by Prokop two years previously, and with Eudocia renewed avowed Waldensian ministrations among the rapidly increasing Christian community of that place. During this interval Queen Kunigunde resided at Koenigin-gratz, whither imperial jealousy had ban- ished her from Prague; and the fidelity of some Bo- hemian nobles had provided a modest maintenance according to the known purpose of the deceased king. At this place, in the early spring of 1280, a small company of strangers quietly assembled. These persons consisted of some Bohemian lords cf the queen's party who perceived the necessity of sustain- ing the fortunes of the royal house now represented only by young Wenzel, detained out of the kingdom by Otto of Brandenburg, and according to general report treated with harshness and neglect. Here arrived a cortege that had been expected and prepared for, Lord Zawis and his sister Lady Lud- mila, Lord Drda, several retainers,! ncluding Prokop, and two servants, Teresa and Milada from Fiirsten- berg. Both companies assembled in the queen's residence. Documents had been prepared and were now spread before the company. All being seated, MARRIAGE OF Z A IV IS AND KUNIGUNDE 143 Lord Drda said, “A ceremony of deep imp nt to Bo- hemia is now to be performed. As interests of the most weighty character depend not only on the ac- credited regularity, legal formalities, and recorded testimony of these solemnities, all present will ex- pect precision and due form in the preliminary con- tract. I will therefore request our legal functionary and notarius, Nikolas Jaroslav, to read the formal document that has been prepared, and is to attest the presence of the witnesses now assembled.’’ Here- upon Jaroslav read from an engrossed parchment the following: — “Before the Nobles' Court of Koenigin-gratz, “In the Schloss of Koenigin-gratz. “During the minority of our Lord, King Wenzel, and in the month of March, 1280, on the iSthday thereof. “In the presence of the exalted Kunigunde, Queen of Bohemia, the LordZawis of Falkenstein, the Lady Ludmila of Falkenstein, the Lord Drda, the Lord Ogev of Lomnic, the Lord Sezima of Straz, Witek of Krumau, and the Lady Agaphia Brzava, and notary Nikolas Jaroslav: — “Contract of marriage between the Lady Kuni- gunde, and the Lord Zawis, witnesseth: “That by this contract each of the said contracting parties retains all the private property appertaining to them severally in right of rank, dignity, dower, in- heritance and purchase. Especially the Lady Kuni- gunde retains the ownership in full of the sum of fifty thousand marks bestowed upon her by the late King Otakar, for her maintenance, and to be em- 144 MARRIAGE CF ZAU/IS AND KUNIGUNDE ployed solely to that end, in case of the death of the said King Otakar before other provision should be made* Said sum of money having been reserved for said use out of the revenues of Koenigin-gratz and the lands adjoining, to the extent of one mile in each direction, and already set apart for said pur- pose. The said Lord Zawis reserves to his descend- ants, if any, the full ownership and property of the castle of Furstenberg and the estates attached thereto. In witness whereof, we have hereunto subscribed our names and affixed our seals. “Kunigunde, Queen and widow. ‘‘Nikolas Jaroslav. Zawis of Falkenstein. “Agaphia Brzava. Ludmila of Falkenstein “Drda of Wittau. “Oger of Lomnic. “Sezima of Straz. “Witek of Krumau.” The marriage ceremony being performed without ostentation by the pastor in ordinary of the schloss, the party observed the generous Bohemian custom of a wedding festivity, wherein wine and beer were not wanting. Hilarity, however, yielded to restraint; and quiet cheerfulness pervaded the company. “Permit me now,^^ said Sezima of Straz, at the close of the festival, “to propose the good health and happiness of our honored bride and bridegroom. May their hearts be as warm to each other as the sun is to the vine around the hillsides of Bohemia; may their love be as true as the vintage of Prague; and may their esteem in the hearts of their countrymen be as last- MARRIACE OF ZAlVlS AND KUNlGUNDE 145 ing as that of Bohemians for the beverage of their own sunny hills. “May their concord be greater,” added Ogev of Lomnic, “than the said beverage has ever been able to confer on those who love it most.” “May their love be as that of the true vine,” said Prokop; “and may the clear vintage of their lives be to them as the essence of that pureness which the Sun of Righteousness never fails to instill and toper- feet.” “Lords and gentlemen,” said Zawis, rising, “your good wishes are as sweet and refreshing as the mel- lowest juice of the grapes of Melnik, or the choic- est of Fiirstenberg itself. The unhappiness of the country, and the menacing aspect of affairs now compel gravity, and calm counsel among the wisest. In evidence of our appreciation of your generous congratulations permit me to present to you, ere we separate, some views that seem to me imperatively to command attention at this moment when we hope for the reconstruction of our country and its institutions. We will, if you please, abandon strict formality and discuss these themes as friends and allies. We have fallen,” he continued, resum- ing his seat, “by our abandonment of practical knowledge, and useful science as studied and applied by our fathers, according to their light. We have largely become sentimentalists in religion first, and lastly in politics also. Our schools, that formerly inculcated the knowledge required in daily life, have been ecclesiasticised, and so far as they 146 MAkkIAGE Ok ^AlVlS AND KUNIGUNDk are permitted to remain open, are devoted solely to the training of priests. Even herein the instruction conferred is entirely defective, “Our doctrines aie directed not to correct and purify morals and elevate character, but to sustain, exact and give pre-eminence to an alien authority; and the hearts of our youth are stolen both from their country, and the useful sciences, by a sentimental devotion to the assumed divine viceregency of an Italian intruder. We need neither his secular learn- ing, and of that he has not much, nor his ethical in-' struction. Bohemia was ever as near to her Creator before this Italian intervened in our affairs, as at any moment since his agents have sown dissension. “We loved, we prized, we cultivated good literature, in our native speech, before this Italian imposed his degraded and antiquated dregs of Latin upon our youth. “We have been taught that if we instruct the young in verbose sentimentalism, and set before them a cor- rect example, we shall have prepared their character by instilling very doubtful tastes and myths of assumed saints. But in practical life we shall have held up to them, as the manner now is, exhibitions of lordly pomps, of excessive covetousness, of remorseless ex- actions, of disregard of marriage, and universal pro- motion of concubinage among prelates and priests; and we shall have taught them to veil all this vice under a semblance of religious sentimentalism, and a most sensuous ritual. “Even when we do instill what is good, and we are MARRIAGE OF ZAIVIS AND KUNIGUNDE 147 compelled to imbibe this from fountains opened to us by others outside the domains of the church, and when we instruct young persons in the arts necessary to secure sustenance, we think we have completed their education. We first make their hearts tender and susceptible, then we bestow an art or an occu- pation; but the third element of the essential trinity of permanent life, the art of preserving what they can procure or acquire, we omit altogether. Sup- pose, for instance, we train a youth in all morality, until he abhors evil, we then instruct him in the art and skill necessary to produce a gem like this,” drawing forth the identical casket containing the identical cross secured by Pietro and Solomon, “and we allow him to confront the world knowing not how to preserve and protect himself from the abounding fraud, violence, treachery, and seductions of society, we render him only a helpless victim. His virtue incites him to good; his skill enriches him with wealth; and his simplicity renders him only a prey to the seducer and the thief. We do not teach bus- iness in our schools; we banish business from our politics, we eschew business from our morals; and we think to build up, to defend, and exalt Bohemia by sentimentalism. This is the new deception that has broken our strength, and prostrated us before Cumanian barbarism. Under the seductive and in- sinuating false charm of the new theology, all prac- tical science has been banished; all study of medicine has been proscribed under the direst penalties; all secular knowledge denounced as the agency of the 148 M/IRRIAGE OF ZAIVIS AMD KUMIGUNDB devil; all pursuits of nature’s treasures in metals, light, water, air, and the vegetable and animal worlds is now anathematized as magic; and before our e)^es the learning, skill, and wonderful attainments of the Moors of Spain have been trodden down in blood, until Spain can neither feed herself, clothe herself, build her houses, nor cultivate her fields. Such is the dire result of the truculent sentimental- ism that I denounce. Such a spirit is not Bohemian; it never was Bohemian; and Bohemians will repu- diate such sentimentalism to their latest breath. “Permit me now,” resumed Lord Zawis, “to present to my wife a most fitting emblem of the practical, artistic genius that especially distinguishes Bo- hemia. It is, my dear love, the same casket in- tended by the lamented King Otakar as the expres- sion of his parting affection for his queen. I am happy indeed to be able to present it now, as being a true symbol of the scientific, industrial, and simply religious tendencies of our countrymen; and let it be also a token from me that I cherish the memory of my lamented prince, and honor him by my love for you. It is also a symbol of the reunion of loving hearts for long dissevered.” Zawis recounted the story of the casket; its recovery, preservation, services on different occasions, and its happy restoration on the auspicious day of their marriage. Kunigunde received the gift with much emotion, and profound gratitude. “It shall be,” she said, “for- ever a most cherished evidence of the generous de- votion of my husband, and a reminder of the honor and reverence that he merits.” MARRIAGE OF ZAIVIS AND KUNIGUNDE 149 Then Lord Zawis said, “I have received advices from Hungary that afford reassurance to myself, but which forebode distress to our brethren in that region. King Ladislaus is good enough to say in a communi- caton to myself: ‘I cannot forget the generous de- votion of your family to my grandfather, King Bela, during his severe experience when compelled to flee to Lissa from the Tartars. The high behests of state policy, and the altered relations of Hungary to the empire compel us adopt a procedure conformable to that inaugurated in Bohemia by the emperor and his dynasty. The unity of my government requires, likewise, the repression of growing divisions in the church; and efforts must be directed to abate this evil. During our proceedings, however, although the severity of existing laws is again put in force, you may rest assured that your own territories, castles, and retainers shall be respected.’ ’’ “This is a distressing reassurance,” observed Lord Drda. “The King intimates severities towards dis- sidents in his own estates; and also threatens to re- vive the old hostility of Hungary against Moravia, and his resolve to secure again Hungarian dominion over Southern Moravia and the Adriatic coast, from which our late prince expelled his predecessor.” “We may rest without apprehension, on that point,” answered Zawis. “The bargain made by Ru- dolph with Rome excludesHungary absolutely from the Adriatic provinces. That condition is well known in Venice and was in fact intimated by the answer of the emperor to the Venetian deputation of three 150 MARRIAGE OF ZAIVIS AND KUNIGUNDE years ago. Zara can never become Hungarian again. For the present we are secure at home; and my He- brew ambassador has discharged his negotiations right nobly At this point the company agreed to meet again at Furstenberg a month hence, in order to organize their party in Bohemia, an arrangement now ad- mitted to be in fact begun by the queen’s marriage with Lord Zawis. CHAPTER XL MARTYRDOM. During Solomon’s sojourn in Hungary he was en- abled to employ, for the benefit of his brethren in that region and in Poland, much favorable influence through the mediation of both Lord Zawis and the Emperor. The latter felt little regard for Jews; but the internal quiet of Hungary suited his momentary policy. He knew that Jews and sectaries occupied the one the finance, and the other the chief commerce of the neighboring kingdoms; and he did not desire that a sympathetic insurrection should disturb his own estates. Austria, and especially Vienna, included a large population long alienated in religion from Rome, and decidedly favorable to the Premsyl dy- nasty. He did not possess a florin in his treasury; and even his present small force clamored for pay. Rome exacted every groschen for herself, and com- pelled obedience by enforcing poverty. Rudolph had irretrievably bound himself to the church; and the repression of so-called heretics at once concili- ated ecclesiastics, and removed a possible source of antagonism to himself. For these reasons, Ru- dolph encouraged Ladislaus in renewing in Hungary, during the spring of 1280, the almost obsolete laws 151 152 MARTYRDOM against heresy. The church thus proposed to annihi- late, as in Spain, the most industrious, frugal, and intel- ligent elements of her population, that had restored prosperity after the terrible Tartar ravages of 1241. “If Ladislaus,’’ he often remarked, “chooses to root out, like the Alfonsos, the best portion of his own people, I shall have less fears of any occasion for an- other Kressenbriinn. The less power he possesses at home the more secure is the Adriatic from his am- bition.’^ In this policy Venice steadily encouraged the emperor; and the Senate countenanced the di- version of the stream of trade from Hungary and Bo- hemia to the Tyrol. This trade speedily languished indeed; but the shrewd liberation of Venetian trade from the guild that had held it, enabled the queen of the Adriatic to augment her commerce with Barcelona, Sicily, Italy, England, and even the Baltic, almost to the total deprivation of Rudolph of any share. At this date the foundation of French, English, and Dutch commerce was imperishably laid. A momentary supposed advantage to his dynasty from the support of the ecclesiastics totally blinded Ladislaus to every such consideration. In conform- ity to his policy, Brother Primus easily obtained au- thority to enforce the revived laws against heresy; and Gran became his objective point. Accordingly at Ofen he kept close watch on Solomon’s move- ments; and when the latter had discharged his com- mission for Lord Zawis he started for Gran in order to advise Pietro, Lord Boppo, and his friends of the renewal of legalized severities. To afford them such MARTYRDOM 153 aid as might lie in his power, he solicited a commis' sion from Ladislaus, which in brief and vague terms was reluctantly presented. This open letter, how- ever, according to a well known device, fatally prac- ticed on several occasions, did not receive enroll- ment, and thus fell short of full legal effect. Brother Primus and several companions joined Solomon on his departure. The latter, perceiving the attention, saluted his companion in Hebrew. Receiving no an- swer, he tried Spanish. Brother Primus looked con- fused. Then Solomon tried Arabic with equal want of success. Lastly Solomon, with a look of scorn, pointed to the most ignorant of the crowd, indicating to Brother Primus that he might possibly be able to converse with him. The Jew then strode forward until the company encountered a small military guard. Here the party halted. The officer saluted respectfully and Solomon recognized the commander of the escort that had conveyed Otakar’s body to Vienna. Further explanation was not required; and the chief hope and plan for the arrest of Solo- mon was disappointed. The party advanced, and by degrees one and another of the travelers ap- proached in a friendly manner, and Brother Primus saw his chosen guard on most friendly acquaintance with his intended victim. On approaching Gran, the party observed signs of commotion. Along the road from Moravia advanced an irregular multitude. The crowd increased as it proceeded. In front marched a numerous band of men stripped to the waist, each carrying a scourge with which from time 154 MARTYRDOM to time he smote his fellows nearest, and was him- self also scourged. With dolorous cries, lamentations, contortions, and wailings the flagellants approached Gran. By a side path Brother Primus withdrew un- noticed. The strange company settled on the edge of the town at the same caravanserai whither Solomon and his friends had been conducted on their first arrival. During all that night excited multitudes poured towards Gran from every quarter. At stated intervals the flagellants screamed and smote each other. Orators with streaming hair stood on plat- forms of any kind and wildly denounced the wrath of God against his enemies. Some worked them- selves into convulsions, and were pointed to as possessed with demons. ‘‘The wrath of God; the wrath of God,’^ men screamed, “is about to fall.” The contagion spread. The wild multitude be- came frenzied. At this favorable moment Brother Secundus ascended a platform, and holding up a large crucifix, denounced the sin of heresy as the object of the deserved vengeance of the Almighty. “The heretics, the heretics!” shouted the multitude. “Death to the heretics!” During this scene another party, flagellants and peasants, started through the town, and thus the excitement spread. Solomon retired and observed. The townsmen assembled and stood on their defense. The great body of the flagellants at length marched through the town, and joined the former body in the further suburb. Shouts and scream^long resounded. MARTYRDOM 155 Advancing cautiously, Solomon observed two rough heaps of wood, fagots and broken furniture. In the midst of each a stake, and fastened to the stakes two persons he could not distinguish. A frantic multitude gesticulated. The fires blazed up. In front of the crowd stood Brother Primus and Brother Secundus. Advancing nearer, Solomon perceived, — oh, horror! the forms of Pietro and Eudocia. With a roar the flames ascended. “Oh, water,’’ cried Eudocia, “water, water!” Quickly advancing, a poor limping creature rushed between the very flames, held the cup to Eudocia’s lips, and at that moment fell suffocated in the fire that speedily consumed both. Pietro sang at first aloud, and then more feebly: “Glory to the Lord on high, His mercy is assured; In life and death his love is nigh, The cross hath Christ endured. “Father forgive us; let our sin Measure thy mercy — free. Receive us* with — thy — saints — within; — Thy death — our — tory!” The last words, choked in utterance, told that Pie- tro Felice in religion. Lord of Besalu, of the line of Berengario, last duke of Provence, of the stock of the Counts of Barcelona, had passed from earth by the sudden fury of a frenzied multitude, under the direct guidance and preparation of Brothers Primus and Secundus, who saw their unexpected opportunity to enforce the sanguinary law now renewed. The dread- ful suddenness of the event prevented any measures 156 MARTYRDOM from being taken. In great anger the now aroused townsmen assailed the flagellant fanatics; and under the guidance and leadership of an old man with streaming white hair, drove the disordered rabble with fierce blows and wounds and desperate menaces far from the town. Brother Primus and Secundus retired a short distance, and quietly requested from the magis- trates additional guards to quell the commotion that had arisen, and now resisted the royal commands. They also demanded special protection for them- selves, particularly from the violence of Boppo, Solo- mon, and others whom they designated, and also instant refreshments, provision, and secure lodging. A public meeting immediately held selected a dep- utation to proceed to Ofen to lay the dreadful occur- rence before King Ladislaus. Robberies and disorder among the hungry mul- titude created angry disturbance; and when the still tumultuous throng departed much of the bazaar and many houses had been pillaged. Fires also broke out that required much labor, and created further losses and distress. In twelve short hours the thriving town of Gran, that had just reached the verge of steady and permanent prosperity, but had accumulated little, became as if visited again by the Tartars. With admirable foresight, the magistrates divided the people into sections, each with a prescribed duty. Some provided lodg- ing for the homeless. Others removed the rubbish and prepared for rebuilding; and a chosen body tenderly gathered up the ashes where Pietro, Eu- MARTYRDOM 157 docia, and UIda had yielded their lives. Here the first place fell, by universal respect, to Lord Boppo, the father of the martyred lady. In one casket the ashes were reverently deposited; and then again un- der the open sun the little congregation sang their burial hymn, and spoke to each other of the honors attached to their fidelity. “Forgive me, brethren,’’ said the afflicted veteran, “if I feel unable to express my deep emotion at the example of serenity and faith exhibited by my sainted daughter. “An equal nobility must be attributed to her faithful husband. Assuredly such constancy is imperish- able; and the divine love that imparts-it will yet sanctify the world.” Then taking Solomon’s hand, the old man, shad- ing his own tearful eyes, presented him in silence to the congregation. A hush of surprise spread through the company. “Brethren in the same Lord,” said Solomon, with that confidence in himself and that aspect of practiced address, tempered by the solem- nity of the occasion, that propriety dictated, “our common humanity revolts against such cruel violence. Not the spirit of love inculcates these evil deeds. Yet in presence of the dignified fortitude, the majestic constancy we have witnessed, our human character is invested with a new nobility. Elevated indeed above the common instincts and cravings of human life must those hearts be that can with like serene prepared- ness depart from all that men commonly deem most excellent. A bond of divine energy unites such 158 martyrdom hearts with that origin of power and love which thus sacredly conjoins heaven and earth. Not in ascetic annihilation of the graces God had given, not in absorbed abstraction that abandons all human sympathies, not in immured exile from the love and sympathy that ^exalts humanity by partaking of its daily sorrows, and imparting its sanctified discipline in the love and care of conjugal life, the patience of parental endurance, and the calm forbearance among provocations in our chequered life, did our revered friends exhibit their love for their human kindred, their devotion to divine progress in grace, and near- ness to the essence of the pure source of all good. Such gifts as they possessed they devoted to the ser- vice of their fellows. ‘‘Dutiful and loving children, affectionate and in all honor as husband and wife; and earnest in daily avocations of useful industry in sympathy with men and women, their fidelity is a demonstration of the presence of a divine spirit; and their death leaves an inheritance of love for suffering humanity that never can depart from the earth. Of the generous and de- voted sister who sacrificed herself in the very flames to perform a work of love, my knowledge is that even the affliction of leprosy could not extinguish from her soul that abnegation of self in discharge of the duty she felt prompted to perform that marks the highest advance in divine things. An outcast among men, a wanderer and an object of loathing, she per- formed an act of sublime charity that ought to put to eternal shame the real instigators of these barbari- Martyrdom 15 ^ ties. The world shall learn to distinguish between the pompous ambition, noisy assertion of piety and charity, and consuming pretensions of the one party, and the humble, unostentatious, and heroic devoted- ness of the other. “The fiery trial that consumed her has exalted un- assuming truth and charity forever.” Six vigorous men, of whom Solomon was one, then raised the common simple bier, and bore it, while all uncovered sang a dirge, slowly to its rest- ing place. Ladislaus returned a reply in the words that his- tory has attributed to him. “In our duchy,” he said, “and the diocese of Bos- nia, and some of the adjacent countries, divers sects of heretical pravity are known now for a long time to have detestably multiplied and damnably increased, to the dishonor of the Creator, and the disgrace of the Christian faith.” Ladislaus added, as if apolo- getically, “Our diplomatic records remind us that in 1226 the pope Honorius III. praised Coloman, Duke of Slavonia, for his willingness to exterminate the heretics of Bosnia; and censured John, lord of the further Sirmium for not entering on the crusade against them. In 1233 the bishop ot Bosnia was de- posed for heresy; and Nikol the Slavonian, Duke of Bosnia, whose predecessors had been addicted to heresy, abjured it. In 1234 Gregory IX. dispatched a legate to preach a crusade against heretics. At that time throughout all Bosnia and the neighboring provinces so greatly had the multitude of the false 160 Martyrdom believers increased, that the whole land moaned and groaned like a trackless desert. In 1236 Prince Zbislas and many other chiefs of the diocese of Bosnia were distinguished for heretical pravity. In i 238 a new crusade was preached against the Bosnian here- tics in Hungary. In 1243 Innocent IV. commissioned a legate to Croatia and Dalmatia to extirpate the stain of heretical pravity wherewith the entire region was infected. In 1247 Innocent IV. declared that as well the church as the entire diocesan district of Bosnia had totally lapsed into the iniquity of heresy; although the Archbishop of Cologne, not without great effu- sion of blood, much slaughter of men, and great ex- penditure of the church property of Cologne, which had obtained the temporal dominion of that region, had violently subdued a portion of that country; while nevertheless the church could not be sustained in the purity of the faith because castles and for- tresses had not been sufficiently strengthened to re- sist assault and siege. We are compelled to preserve the friendship of the empire and the church under the conditions recently established.’’ The unsettled condition of Prussia restrained the sanguinary pur- poses of Ladislaus for the present. CHAPTER. XII. FURSTENBERG AND ITS POLICY. “Now, dear heart, said Zawis as soon as the shel- ter of his own towers, and the fidelity of his retainers afforded security, “we may perhaps, hopefully, re- view the conditions for honor, fidelity, and happiness in each other’s affection that surround us. For yourself, dear heart, you may confidently rely on my own unfailing love, devotion, and respect. “Urge it not, good Zawis, earnestly interposed Kunigunde. “Had I not discerned a manly heart under the hauberk of a good knight, and learned the generous zeal of a proud and loyal baron, as respectful to his own honor as faithful in his chivalrous service to his country and his prince, I trust I know my duty too well ever to have given you my heart, as I have done, and here I do again, in all wifely duty and cheerfulness. Believe me, Zawis, no shade of distrust dims the bright surface of my confidence, no uneven ruffle breaks the placidity of my sincere affec- tion. I am yours, Zawis, in a love as free from blemish as the diamond, and as stainless of doubt or speck of insincerity as the fairest lily in your gar- den.’» “I doubt it not, dearest heart,’’ earnestly replied Zawis, “and amid the uncertainties, the possible con- 161 162 FURSTENBERG AND ITS POLICY fusion, and the unconcealed jealousies that encom- pass us we shall need all the courage, all the undi- vided purpose that the tenacity of mutual love, coun- sel, and sympathy can bestow. “We confront a perilous conjuncture. On one side an ambitious emperor, poor, greedy of provinces, and as unscrupulous in his disregard of rights as he is remorseless in his methods of enriching his neces- sitous family. He cannot acquire for himself a foot of land, but he can confer provinces and dukedoms. “Having disposed of the greater part of the external Bohemian domain, he now has taken measures to absorb the remainder by the double marriage of his son and daughter to a son and daughter of Bohemia. On the other side we confront, unhappily, a divided country. Our marriage has already created fierce jealousies; and men too feeble to govern a county, too uncultured to compose an agricultural report, through their very ignorance of details, are ambitious of governing a kingdom, solely because they cannot even dream of the minute general knowledge that is required. The more feeble the reason, the more ir- regular its processes; and the more ignorant of de- tails the more rapidly and presumptuously it leaps into vast generalities that cloud its opaque understanding still more fatally. Persons who cannot compute the simplest problems of calculation, or of ratios, or of proportions, discuss vast millions with the flippancy of vanity and fatuity. Men who can scarcely com- mand intelligence enough to earn a subsistence with the best opportunities, discourse volubly of legislat- ing for the masses.” FURSTENBERG ARID ITS POLICY lOB “The king will, on his restoration,’^ said Kunigunde, “assuredly rally round him the respect and power of the nation.” “The respect is of small importance without strength. A man, like a nation, is respected in pro- portion as he is feared,” answered Zawis. “Such a source of command as platonic authority, resting on mere sentiment, never did enforce order or obedience; certainly not in Bohemia. Authority can only be enforced even b}^ the strongest, by a spirit of equity and the equalization of the burdens of life. Men will claim, and they are entitled to, equality before the law, whereof the prince is only the representative in this kingdom. No class of men in this land, or of our stock, will ever long be content, like some in Asia, to be the bearers of burdens for any other. That is the true Bohemian mind. Oppression creates deception, cunning, fraud, and violence against the oppressor. To sustain this principle during the con- fusion that confronts us will require wisdom indeed.” “Assuredly, my dear lord,” interposed Kunigunde, “our institutions have acquired sufficient stability to survive our present troubles.” “The best law will never enforce itself,” answered Zawis, “unless the opinion of the nation coincides with it. Unhappily opinion is too often swayed by self-interest; and a political party is being sedulously formed now by the emperor’s adherents whose pur- pose is to substitute imperial power and Roman as- cendency for the ancient law that has created Bo- hemian nationality. In politics we are to be an integral 164 FURSTENBERG AND ITS POLICY province of the empire instead of an accretion or ad- junct to it; and in religion we are to be subordinated completely to the deadening influence of Roman sub- tlety that is to leave us no thought which it does not suggest, and no mind but such as merges in blind veneration for Roman dogmatism. The leavening process in both respects will now be intensified with more material and more fervor than ever. We are scarcely in a condition to resist, much less to counter- act either. Wisdom indeed must that statesman possess who can preserve his country from such a combination of perils.” “Surely I can perform my part in this great duty ” earnestly pleaded Kunigunde. “Indeed, dear Zawis, you can command my utmost devotion.” “So far as I can at present perceive the propriety of your action, dear Kunigunde,” thoughtfully rejoined Zawis, “it will consist in prudent silence and watchful- ness. First, our house will be the resort of spies sent hither by the emperor and his agents and mas- ters, both lay and clerical. I perceive plots and counterplots. They will watch who comes and goes in order to find who are our friends and partizans, Next, our own countrymen will plan and combine. Your wisdom towards them will consist of friendli- ness and in showing them consideration Bohemian gratitude is composed largely of earnestness for favors yet in expectancy. The few official positions to be bestowed, after the young king’s restoration, poorly paid and uncertain, will speedily develop a host of applicants. FURSTENBERG AND ITS POLICY 165 “The emperor will promise but never bestow favors in order to counteract the possibility of union among us; and the church will extend its lands, abbacies, and orders, until Bohemia shall be doubly garrisoned with armies devoted to the power of aliens, sus- tained out of the coveted treasures of its own hills. Our silver mines, that for centuries have largely sup- plied Europe, are now in the hands of our enemies. Our chief hope must rest in the toughness of the Bo- hemian character, and its constancy in adhering to the native customs. To sustain Bohemian inde- pendence in the midst of these conflicting hostilities will require wisdom indeed.” “My dear Zawis,” sadly interposed Kunigunde, laying her hand gently on his, “the fate of my boy causes me disquietude. I know that his uncle of Brandenburg is in a measure responsible for his well- being; but I have received no intelligence since Wenzel’s removal into Brandenburg. I fear all is not well.” “All is not well,” replied Zawis; “the boy, I am indirectly informed, is grossly neglected. He is re- quired to recite twenty masses a day, and that exercise includes his whole education. But I will endeavor to obtain accurate information. The emperor does not propose that Wenzel shall acquire much of the spirit of his fathers; and when he does return I apprehend he will exhibit only the distorted and disingenuous devices instilled into him by his young and artful wife, and her advisers. ^‘We can expect no more of the unmingled and 16G FURSTtNBERG AND ITS POLICY manly patriotism of the Premysls; however mistaken many of their methods and policies may have been. They will pervert Wenzel’s mind, but they will not instruct him.’’ “Surely,” urged Kunigunde, “Wenzel’s royal de- scent will exhibit the qualities of his ancestors. Na- tive proclivities, and race characteristics cannot be eradicated.” “Royal birth and origin will do much,” replied Zawis, “but a mind left wholly uninstructed in facts must easily yield to superstitious fictions that only bear a semblance of reason. In such case natural tendencies can only give force to perverted sensibili- ties. Sound knowledge is denounced even now as the magic taught by the evil one Such association with the malignant spirit is hurled at me as a re- proach, and an appeal to the passions of the ignor- ant, by the new ecclesiasticism that is the chief agent employed to enslave us. We have, however, a bas- tioned fortress in my Witkowici adherents. Rudolph early discovered the local power of that family alliance, and partly succeeded in detaching it from Otakar. His intrigues in that quarter, and his treach- erous wiles to undermine Otakar’s legitimate author- ity provoked the king’s manly indignation. My strong policy must be to combine all this native strength in favor of Bohemian unity. If I succeed, we may be wounded, but Bohemia will survive. ‘Melius mori quam videre patriam mori.” After a pause Zawis added, “It is now time for Witekto report. Hourly precaution must not be neglected/’ A messenger FURSTENBERG AND ITS POLICY 167 summoned Lord Witek the castellan. That guar- dian promptly appeared, exhibiting an unusually stern aspect. Without waiting to be questioned Witek said, ‘‘The guard reports sinister rumors of severe events in Hungary. One of our women attendants returned last night bringing tidings, as she claims, of a violent outbreak at Gran; and the death by fire of our friends Pietro and Eudocia, under direct orders from King Ladislaus.” Zawis received the intelligence calmly as an officer who hears from an attack on an outpost in what di- rection his enemy has commenced to operate. “We must commission Lord Drda to Rudolph to ascertain if possible the imperial policy in such events; and also to Ladislaus that we may ascertain how far he has succeeded in enlisting the aid of the Teutonic order. I know he has applied to Hartman von Heldrungen, the grand master; but I do not be- lieve that the knights are either able or willing to abandon the Prussian enterprise at present.” “If there be any thought of such an alliance,” said Witek, “I feel confident that old Lord Boppo von Osterna, who possesses almost as much influence as his illustrious namesake, would speedily dissi- pate it.” The next day Lord Drda attended, having been hastily summoned from his Moravian home. His instructions consisted more of suggested advice than of definite duties; and as his absence might be pro- tracted, his leave-taking gathered around him the chief persons of the household. Approaching Lady 168 FURSTENBERG AhID ITS POLICY Ludmila, who sat silent and apart, Lord Drda said, “How long I shall be absent, dear lady, I know not; but I hope I bear with me some assurance that I shall be remembered by none more than by yourself/’ “Most assuredly, dear Lord Drda,” replied Ludmila, “I shall remember you very warmly indeed. You have my best wishes for your success and safety.” “Perhaps, ” Lord Drda replied, “I may ask some more definite expression of your personal regard. You know that I entertain the tenderest feelings to- ward you.” “Thank you,” the lady replied, speaking more with her eyes than her words, “I would see more placid prospects than are perceptible at this moment before I could seriously permit myself to indulge in hopes such as you have already alluded to. Our fortunes, and all that we hold most dear, demand our unre- served homage ; but I cherish the most earnest hopes for the success of your mission. Believe me you bear with you my best esteem, and constant good wishes ” “Dear Lady Ludmila, you know I trust to earn a far greater share of your heart, and warmer expres- sion of your regard than you are pleased to give me But as your devoted knight and true, I ask for some slight token that I am not wholly without hope of possessing your full heart, for which you know I would venture any knightly duty.” Ludmila allowed Drda to take one of her gloves and set it securely within his belt. This he did openly, so that all eyes observed the action; and with FURSTENBERG ARD ITS POLICY 169 courtly adieu he departed. Ludmila at once sought her chamber; and then a passionate burst of tears expressed the strong earnestness of her love that a lofty reserve alone had forbidden her expressly to avow. CHAPTER XIII. DRDA IMPRISONED, PROKOP’S PROPHECY. Drda, being left to his own discretion, slowly jour- neyed to Prague, He had not seen the city since the summer of 1278; and although it had grown de- pressed in enterprise since 1276, yet its aspect pre- sented a scene of gayety then compared with the somber melancholy of the present. The crowd of merchants, especially from Hungary and the Adriatic, had disappeared. Not a single foreign costume pre- sented itself. Inertness, silence everywhere. Dur- ing two years not a bell had been tolled in the sor- rowing city. Eberhard, bishop of Brandenburg, held control as the representative of Otto. The state treasures had disappeared; even the archives had fallen a prey to the ravage of the spoiler. Not despair but sulleness, not discouragement but reserve marked the look and tone of the people. Through the country desolation extended, except where a strong castle, a walled town, or a hasty ram- part of earth protected a cultivated area. A remnant of the estates sat during the summer to concert meas- ures for the expulsion of German and Cumanian bands of freebooters and robbers, and the recovery of some of the royal property both in lands and personalty that had been seized by daring aggressors. Armed by 170 DRDA IMPRISONED. PROKOFS PROPHECY 171 these conditions, Drda proceeded to Rudolph's camp in Moravia. The emperor felt compelled to adopt some energetic measures to expel the plunderers, who still devastated wherever anything remained to seize. Drda experienced some difficulty in obtaining an audience. Not until after the arrival of an ex- pected cavalcade from Hungary did Rudolph choose to receive the envoy. On entering, Drda found the emperor seated in company with Nicolas of Trop- pau, son of Otakar, and Bishop Bruno. The three personages regarded Drda with hostility mingled with disdain. “State your errand briefly, ’^exclaimed the emperor. “I come to solicit imperial protection against ene- mies both within and without the dominions of Bohe- mia,’^ replied Drda. “The country necessarily appeals to imperial power now that other strength has failed.” “I am credibly informed that certain robbers have fortified their castles to a dangerous degree recently,” added the emperor, “and that combinations by mar- riage and otherwise have been formed in opposition to our interests, and without our permission.” “As the imperial troops afforded not sufficient pro- tection,” answered Drda, “some have taken the pre- caution of rendering their defenses equal to their danger.” “Our representative v/ould surely have furnished sufficient aid,” added the emperor. “The Bishop Eberhard is inaccessible,” replied Drda. “His methods are harsh; and during his government the last mark from our treasury has disappeared. 172 DRDA IMPRISONED ^ROKOP’S PROPHECY Even the public accounts and archives have been ran- sacked. Public creditoiTs and state debtors are alike liable to wrong through the destruction of our records.” ‘‘I am compelled to regard you as an emissary in the direct interest of an insubordinate and dangerous intriguer,” sternly said Rudolph. “I have commis- sioned Duke Nicolas to ascertain the present con- dition of all the fortresses in Bohemia. You will ex- plain to him in full the resources, strength, garrison, and munitions of every strong place, especially Fiirstenberg, Hluboka, and your own; although the last I believe is of little account.” “I am not sufficiently informed as to the strength of Hluboka and Fiirstenberg,” answered Drda; ‘‘and therefore I must refer your highness to the best authority. No doubt the Duke Nicolas would re- ceive a welcome from Lord Zawis.” “I shall never seek hospitality in that quarter,” suddenly exclaimed Nicolas. “If I go at all it will be to overthrow the presumptuous usurper who hides there.” “Such language would properly be addressed to the nobleman in person. In such case it would re- ceive such reply as becomes the unmerited and sin- ister,” — this word with special emphasis, — “accu- sation it contains,” firmly exclaimed Drda, looking Nicolas in the face. “Only a mind irregular in its sense of honor as well as in its antecedents would thus shelter itself by the absence of its intended ob- ject ” “This in my presence!’’ exclaimed Rudolph. DRDA IMPRISONED. PROKUrS PROPHECY 173 “Your highness failed to interpose in behall of a nobleman who knows how to bear himself bravely both in battle and the tournament/’ answered Drda, “and therefore you impliedly cast on me the duty of upholding the cause of m)^ friend.” “What further would you?” asked Rudolph. “I would inquire if your highness proposes to de- mand reparation for the murder of Bohemian sub- jects recently slain in Hungary.” “King Ladislaus is master in his own dominions. His alliance is important; and all persons must be- ware how they expose themselves to the penalties enacted against offenses.” “Those persons suffered the death due to their odious character and pernicious practices,” observed Bruno. “You will fully inform Duke Nicolas of the can- dition of the fortresses I have named,” said Rudolph. “And I rnust refer your highness to the lord of those castles,” quietly answered Drda. “Then I remit you to prison until my further pleasure,” decided the emperor; and Drda found the sentence promptly executed by his removal and in- carceration at Olmiitz. Here he continued, his po- sition utterly unknown, cheered only by the hope that the force of events, culminating in the restoration of young Wenzel to the throne, might decide his fate. Slowly Bohemia emerged into life. Communi- cations between Hungary and Moravia grew less frequent, and more interrupted. A son born to Zawis and Kunigunde occasioned congratulations in 174 DRPA IMPRISONED. PROKOFS PROPHECY the castle, and renewed attention to the inmates. Imperalists and Bohemians awaited the slow course of time that should renew in weakness the regular forms of Bohemian monarchy under conditions humiliating to one political party, a cause of subdued acceptance to another, and an occasion of unbounded gratification to the greatly increased numbers of re- ligious fraternities that now occupied the fairest and richest portions of the land. During this dreary period no communication whatever is known to have passed between young King Wenzel in his exile, lone- liness, and neglect, and his young and girlish queen. The imperial household accepted in full the relig- ious forms, spirit, tendencies, policies and tone of thought, inculcated without hinderance by the teach- ers commissioned from Rome. Such as they were, the Roman clergy could point to them as the result of their system ; such sentiments as they held they derived from Roman sources exclusively. No move- ment in Bohemia attracted imperial attention; and no pretense could be invented for depriving Wenzel of his inheritance. The electors jealously watched the imperial policy in that respect. The emperor well knew that any attempted suppression of an elec- toral vote, or the autocratic transfer of it to a scion of the imperial family would inevitably provoke dangerous alarm. He also knew that the present course of events tended very strongly to incorporate the kingdom of Bohemia more closely than ever with the empire; and he found a less expensive and peril- ous policy in allowing events to shape themselves DRDA IMPRISONED. PROKOP^S PROPHECY 175 than in attempting forcibly to hasten the work to which his aims, and the ambition of his family prompted him. Nicolas received a commission to traverse the kingdom and make observations. Not being allowed an escort, he selected, or was induced to accept Brother Tertius as traveling comrade. Slowly pene- trating the desolated inlands, the companions at length approached the hill of Sadowa, where signs of habi- tations presented themselves. Here a numerous camp of refugees had created a rough palisade defense. A few wagons also and oxen were observed, the former with wheels composed of solid blocks, or con- sisting of two half circles of wood joined by strong wooden pins. Here the travelers respectfully craved shelter and some food. ‘‘We are famishing in truth,’’ said Nicolas, “and we suffer.” The outpost replied by bidding his visitors wait. He soon returned with a peasant named Kralek, who recognized the duke, having formerly been attached to Otakar’s own cavalry legion at Kressenbrunn, and Yedensdorf. “Personally you are welcome. Lord Duke,” exclaimed Kralek, “but your companion is of those we like not. He bears the cross of those now well known to have been concerned at Gran. He must remain without; and as for food, he must be content if you share with him your own ration. Our supply is extremely scanty.” Nicolas must needs accept the terms. Brother Tertius accommodated himself as best he could; and a small piece of black, coarse bread con- stituted his sole entertainment. 176 DRDA IMPRISONED. PROKOP'S PROPHECY As Nicolas advanced he displayed the insignia of the lion of Habsburg, wrought on his mantle as indication of his 'service. The company consisted of about seventy persons, evidently in sore need. Their only shelter consisted of rude huts thatched with grass; poor and ragged clothing supplemented by grass matting shielded women and children from the chilly air; but all seemed cheerful. They were just then closing their religious exercise under the guidance of Prokop. Lady Ludmila and Milada stood among the mixed congregation; and as Nicolas advanced slowly he heard Prokop close his exhortation saying: — “But in these sad times, brethren, the evil prevails over the good; and the reproach of men is directed against the poor of Christ. “Sin’i alcun bon que ame et tene Yeshu Xrist Que non volha maudir, ni jurar, ni mentir, Ni avoutrar, ni aucir; ni penre de I’antruy Ni venger se de li seo enemis, Ilhdion qu ’esVaudes edegne de murir.” Then observing Nicolas and the lion insignia on his vesture, the old man, raising his hands and looking upwards, declared with much fervor, “There shall come an eagle by whose flight the lion shall be des- troyed. There shall come a young eagle, and it shall build its nest in the lion’s den. From the stock of this eagle shall arise another eagle whose name shall be Frederic, who shall reign and rule, and spread his wings even to the ends of the earth. In whose time the chief Pontiff and his clergy shall be broken and dispersed.” bRDA IMPRISON Bb. PROKOP^S PROPHECY 177 Kralek conducted Nicolas to a very rude shelter of branches, procured for him some muddy water, and at early dawn the duke and his companion silently departed. CHAPTER XIV. NEW POLICIES, DEATH OF KUNIGUNDE. The dreary winter dragged itself slowly away, all the more noticeably dilatory as men’s hopes had confidently centered in the revival of national auton- omy, at least nominally, at the close of Otto’s term of regency. In May, 1283, the emperor expressed himself satisfied that peace and obedience were as- sured in Bohemia. A numerous cavalcade, unex- pectedly brilliant, conducted young Wenzel to Prague. Here a faded court in some degree restored, and also disappointed public expectation. The young queen came surrounded with attendants exclusively foreign. But the government administered by aliens created violent, albeit suppressed antagonism. The boy king yearned for the presence and sympathy of his mother, whom he had not seen during more than four years. Queen Kunigunde, Zawis and their son, with a few chosen attendants, assumed at Wenzel’s special command a permanent residence in the royal palace; and all parties yielded pre-eminence to the commanding mind, energy, and dignity of Lord Zawis, as the person best capable of directing state affairs in the present emergency. Zawis knew, counseled, directed, and soon controlled by the force of his per- 178 I^EIV POLICIES. DEATH OF KUNIGUNDE 179 sonality, his experience, and the glad deference of his step-son. This condition of the government at Prague, where Lord Zawis of necessity administered the chief au- thority without hinderance, created displeasure and disquietude at the imperial court. A strong patriot, the chief of the Wtkowici, the embodiment of Bohe- mian distinctive nationality ill suited the jealousy and the ambition of the now consolidated Habsburg interest. By a singular oversight, no precaution had been adopted against such an eventuality. Wenzel succeeded to the formal and legitimate jurisdiction of his hereditary estates. His crown represented an independent internal jurisdiction. His vote in the empire could not be impugned so soon as he grew old enough to exercise it; and Albert appre- hended disastrous results to his own prospects should he now provoke the hostility of the Bohemian crown. Accordingly court favor was carefully cultivated. Ru- dolph and Albertexhibited both respect and deference to the King of Bohemia; but the emperor claimed greater compliance with his wishes on the part of his son-in-law than he had hitherto received. As Wen- zel advanced in age, the influence of Queen Judith*^- and her confessor and counselors acquired still greater influence. The young king exhibited im- patience of the authority of his step-father; and the effect of imperial suggestions on that side became apparent. The first care of the new administrator had arisen 180 hIBlV POUCIBS. DBAtH OF kUNiGUNDB . from the presence and lawless activity of military depredators who had established themselves in vari- ous strong places, and rendered traffic perilous, and in many directions iippossible. To the suppression of this brigandage Zawis directed his energetic efforts. His first selection of an officer to suppress these disorders rested on Duke Nicolas, partly as son of the late king, partly as an experienced captain, and partly as an avowed advocate of the imperial policy. ‘‘To you, valiant duke, the king commits the sup- pression of these culprits,” declared Zawis, “well knowing your soldier fidelity, and your adherence to the royal house.” “The commission does me honor,” replied Nicolas; “but I presume the selection is made in default of a more confidential person.” “I know of none whom I more willingly confide in,” answered Zawis. “To whom does your valor al- lude.?” “Probaby the malefactors’ retreat at Olmiitz can answer your question,” insolently replied the duke. “The fellow attempted to play the ambassador, and earned a dungeon for his presumption. He has left his lady love to mourn by his effrontery.” “You will proceed to execute your commission,” re- plied Zawis; and the king expects full obedience and prompt report of your proceedings.” Here unexpectedly flashed the intelligence of Drda’s imprisonment. The fact had been closely concealed; and Nicolas had been the instigator. “He be? ^ about him the tokens of his illegitimate origin,” HEIV POLICIES. DEATH OF KUNIGUNDE 181 soliloquized Zawis; has the valor of his father spoiled by a vulgar malignity that never sullied the character of the Premysls. He will yet work us evil in revenge for his consciousness of his own exclusion.” An order from the king to inspect the condition of all the prisons of the kingdom for the purpose of reviving the long neglected criminal jurisprudence previously administered with strict regularity, en- abled Zawis to inform himself of the number, pos- sibly considerable, of prisoners of malice he might discover. All these persons must certainly increase his partisans, and extend the reputation of his policy. The general order, issued in very indefinite terms, afforded Zawis wide latitude. With Drda received their liberty a number of persons imprisoned solely on the order of Bishop Bruno, and charged, when charged at all, only with neglect of attendance at divine ordinances. Drda entered Prague with a cheerful air, deter- mined to deprive his enemies of all reason for sup- posing him either depressed or out of humor. As none at court, except Lord Zawis, knew of his de- tention, he received and sought for no special recog- nition. Lady Ludmila welcomed him with her usual stately grace; but accorded no manifestation of es- pecial interest. Her questions, however, were nu- merous; and a wish for information on the state oi the country detained Drda long by her side. She held him there, and yet restrained his earnest replies; until Kunigunde herself rallied him on his emaciated appearance. 182 NEIV POLICIES. DEATH OF KUNIGUNDE “In truth/’ replied Drda, “there is little to eat where I have been. The residents are surly; and yet their hospitality will not permit a stranger to depart so long as they can overcome his disposition to be gone.” Here a shade of care she struggled to conceal passed over Lady Ludmila’s face. A sentiment of sympathy did exhibit itself; and a slight tremor of the lip told of an emotion she would not avov/. Drda received scant opportunity for dalliance, how- ever. As Rudolph had seized the entire revenues of Moravia for two years to indemnify himself for mili- tary expenses, and as these sources of income consti- tuted in fact the chief dependence of Wenzel for household disbursements, the charges of the palace formed a subject of great anxiety to Zawis. Drda accordingly received commission to investigate the economic condition of Moravia, and endeavor to restore order to the finances of that dukedom, which, according to ancient custom, belonged to Wenzel un- til the birth of an heir to the crown. During nearly two years Zawis held his place and his dignity; and Wenzel exhibited a boy’s preference for the counsels of his mother over the petty fractious- ness and girlish whims of his queen. With difficulty Wenzel acquired some of the elements of education, He learned to read, and imbibed some ideas of state duties from persons around him; but all mingled with the fictions told to him by idle mercenaries who amused his imagination with tales of magic and of supernatural inventions. 'He grew suspicious, moody, perplexed by the contradictions between his kingly NEJV POLICIES. DEATH OF KUNIGUNDE 183 duties and the practical affairs of state, and the wild theories of ghostly influences instilled in his mind by the interested gossips about him. In such a con- dition of mind Wenzel lent a ready ear to accusations against his officers, and especially his step-father. To an ignorant mind success and power seem to spring only from abuse of opportunity. The thousand details, the myriad of special instances, and the infinite exercise of skill and judgment that lead to the combination known as success, are all overlooked. Ignorance always attributes the worst motives, and if this ignorance be associated with supposed super- natural or Satanic influences, the result is an amal- gam of fear and hatred that is ready to annihilate the success as the result of hostility to the dupe himself. The ignorant always believes himself to be the es- pecial object of attack. This moody temper readily corresponded with the purposes of the young queen and her counselors. Judith frequently complained of the straitened circumstances of the royal finances. A peremptory order from the king required Zawis to disclose the condition of the kingdom, and especially of the revenues. Wenzel had already acquired that disposition so frequently exhibited since by the rulers of Austria and Spain, — to require wealth to spring from the substance of the country's property and not from the economic proceeds of it. Hence, at the urgent in- stigation of the queen, he required his minister to seize all that was needed directly from those who had something, utterly regardless of the instant ruin 184 NEIV POLICIES. DEATH OF KUhllGUNDE thereby created. In presence of full royal council Zawis exposed the condition of the country. “According to my polyptic carefully compiled dur- ing the last two years/^ explained Zawis, “instead of thirty-eight great towns there remain but nine. “Instead of two hundred and nineteen towns of second class are to be found now but seventy-three; and our villages and hamlets have been reduced from fourteen hundred and eighteen to less than three hun- dred. On the happy return of the king not a mark remained in the treasury. “Even the archives had been pillaged. We have not yet secured a full statement of the debts due to or from the crown. “The crown lands have been alienated, some openly enclosed by greedy lords in order to extend their own domains, some seized under pretense of donation by old and new monastic orders. The revenues from the crown lands, hitherto the most regular and relia- ble source of income, have almost disappeared. The peasantry have wholly died out in many parts of Bo- hemia and Moravia and steps have been taken to transfer colonists into the vacant regions. Robbers long destroyed the hopes and the industry of mer- chants; but these banditti have felt the arm of power. The public accounts have been regularly submitted; and rarely have we succeeded in covering our ex- penses. Army there is none. Scarcely a nobleman can furnish the quota that his estate demands. The king’s interest compels the most careful suppression of all but the most needful expenses.” NEIV POLICIES. DEATH OF KUNIGUNDE 185 “The church has not received its dues in tenths, primates, offerings, or services,” exclaimed the queen’s confessor. “The comforts of the ecclesiastics have been suffi- ciently provided for,” replied Zawis. “On this sub- ject hear the report of the king’s comn^issioner: ‘Among other complaints and remonstrances must be mentioned that of the “Thorn Crown,” now by some named the “Golden Crown,” monastery. This house, established by King Otakar about twenty-four years since, and endowed munificently, has cease- lessly complained that its revenues are not paid. It is situated on the very field of Kressenbriinn, and has been the center of repeated conflict. On our visit we perceived a marked contrast between • this establishment and the poverty of the sur- rounding region. Ten large, shaggy deer hounds reposed before the huge fire in the great hall where we gladly sheltered ourselves. Ample viands and wine stocked the larder and the cellar, and the breth- ren exhibited every proof of abundant good cheer. The stables furnished us with the best horses, and we departed with thankfulness for the best provison and most munificent hospitality we have as yet en- joyed.’ I would,” concluded Lord Zawis, “that all the king’s dominions exhibited the same picture of prosperity.” During this period Kunigunde’s health gradually and mysteriously declined. Her life formed the only bond between Lord Zawis and the power that he wielded. 186 NEIV POLICIES. DEATH OF KUNIGUNDE Increasingly the king and queen exhibited impa- tience of his authority; but the presence of Kunigunde, still the natural guardian of her son, a youth of six- teen, and retaining much of his deference and attach- ment, supported the presence, and with the pres- ence the undisputed authority of her husband. A ca- bal in the palace gradually coalesced into a distinct party, at first secretly, and soon openly hostile to Zavvis. Kunigunde’s attendants were suddenly changed; and Teresa, with quiet mystery, but incessant vigi- lance, directed the purchase and distribution of all provision for the palace. “I experience a depressing change,’’ said the dow- ager queen to her husband, ^‘since that woman was thrust upon me. I feel a burning, a thirst, and a lassitude that causes me apprehension.” “I would we enjoyed the services of my former Hebrew friend,” answered Zawis, ^'but I fear he is at too great a distance. I will, however, dispatch a messenger. Perhaps he may arrive in time.” Kunigunde languished, and ere many days drooped towards death. ^‘Dear Zawis,” she said, “I have ob- served a change in my son. He is now wholly un- der the control of the queen. Even the selection of my own viands has been denied to me. I charge you to beware also; or we may both be the victims of ill practice. We must soon be separated, my dear lord; I feel it. To your wisdom I commend our son. To you I entrust for his benefit all the incon- siderable fortune appertaining to me. Farewell, NEIV POLICIES. DEATH OF KUNIGUNDE 187 dear, I know the end approaches. You have with you my whole love and honor; and I ask for you the best blessings from on high. You have deserved far better than you have received; and I fear your manly heart must encounter still more determined animosity when my poor presence is withdrawn. Farewell; kiss me, dear Zawis. It is the last time’’ — and with these gentle words Kunigunde suddenly breathed her last. CHAPTER XV. PLOTS AND COUNTERPLOTS. The death of the queen mother produced almost a revolution in Bohemia. Immediately the national party gave way to the court and clerical party. Not, however, until nearly two years after did Zawis retire to his estate, still retaining the avowed leadership of the opposition to the encroachments of the Habs- burg dynasty. The years 1285 and 1286 found Zawis and the young king employed in reducing refractory barons, especially in Moravia. Here Wenzel received his first practical lessons in actual military ope- rations. The great minister supplied every oppor- tunity to his royal pupil to acquire the full education of a ruler. At once started into prominence a host of enemies, each of whom preferred some grievance. One had suffered imprisonment for brigandage; another had been compelled to surrender a portion of the royal domains; a third had been refused an official place, and had seen it bestowed on a rival neighbor. The court resounded with clamors. The truth of these complaints demonstrated the justness of the suffering in each case. But the remonstrants well knew that their partisanship would find welcome, however their denunciations might be despised. Such persons fail to 188 PLOTS MD COUNTERPLOTS 189 remember that party will exact tenfold slavery by the very confessions that intensify its new-found zeal. Rudolph smiled at these demonstrations, and directly refused to adopt any measure against the lord of Fiirstenberg, He felt more than content to discover palpable evidences of hot dissensions in Bohemia in the near future. To the clerical party the retirement of Zawis caused only mild gratification. They dreaded to create antagonism between Bohemia and Albert, already openly attempting to render the imperial throne hereditary. The quiet character of Tobias, the bishop, precluded demonstrations from that quar- ter; and he prudently awaited developments, before declaring to which side he perceived the victory would incline. A bishop from the Witkowici, Dietrich of Neuhaus, now governed Olmiitz as successor to Bruno; and that strong family alliance still remained unbroken. A state council necessarily assembled for the pur- pose of enabling the new administration to present to the king a full statement of public affairs. At this council were present Wenzel, Duke Nicolas, Tobias, Burkhard of Janowic, Zdislas of Lowenberg, and Benes of Wartenberg. The notarius employed by Lord Zawis, Nicolas Jaroslav, also attended to make explanations if nec- essary. The king had already become familiar with the military administration and knew its condition. At length Nicolas arose. must call the atten- tion,” he said, ‘^of my lords, to a deficiency in the revenues from Gratz in the dukedom of Troppau, 190 PLOTS AND COUNTERPLOTS which I have the honor to represent in this council. I observe a payment of fifty thousand marks to the late autocrat — “Do you refer to my father?’^ sharply interposed Wenzel. “I allude, your highness, to the usurper whose long control of our affairs seems to have been not unaccompanied by personal enrichment at the ex- pense of the kingdom. The sum of fifty thousand marks has been set down as paid to that person, in the public record; but no authority for such payment seems producible.” “How say you, Mr. Notarius.^”’ asked Benes. “I know that the records contain the entry,” replied Jaroslav; “and my recollection is that the order setting apart that sum for the late queen was duly enrolled and registered under orders from King Otakar.” “Can you produce that document.?” tauntingly in- quired Nicolas. “I can only repeat that it was duly deposited with the others in the chest devoted to such papers. Only this morning I placed it before me in readiness for this council; but being suddenly called away by a messenger from your highness, I did not restore the document to its place, and on my return, to my dis- traction, it was missing.” “What other evidence have you, if any, of the proper payment of that sum to the Queen Kuni- gunde .?” “I respectfully present to the council, ”replied Jar- PLOTS AND COUNTERPLOTS 191 oslav, “the marriage contract between the Queen Kunigunde and the Lord Zawis. It is signed by the queen’s hand, and duly authenticated by noble lords not now present/^ “The signature,” observed Wenzel, with some em- barrassment, “may be that of my honored mother. The docum.ent seems regular; it has been within the reach of noble lords for examination; and I can- not permit my respected parent’s word to be ques- tioned.” “The marriage contract as such,” observed Benes, “is good as between the parties. But as a state document, it should be accompanied with the author- ity duly registered.” On consultation, the council decided to exclude Jaroslav and place him under guard until final action could be taken. But he was permitted to make further search. His first efforts proving fruitless, he appealed to Agaphia, the other witness to the marriage contract then present in the palace. “Never you yield, Nicolas,” exclaimed Agaphia. “It is a conspiracy. I served my adorable queen during all her sojourn here, during her first marriage, and her second. I transacted all her business in the purchase of robes, in the expenses of her household, and of her children; I distributed her bounty to those who now defame her. I have often clothed the children of spendthrift lords and ladies, of gamblers and profligates, who squandered their living, and decked themselves in finery from the queen’s ward- robe generously bestowed; and a more truthful, hon- 192 PLOTS AND COUNTERPLOTS orable, and devoted wife and mother never lived. To question her word, and her signature, indeed, poor dead lady!’’ “That is all very well, Agaphia,” replied Nicolas, “but did you happen to observe any person enter my writing apartment this forenoon?” “A woman went through here,” observed the guard. “Give me her description,” said Nicolas. “Dressed in black, much stooped, or seeming to be so; about fifty years of age, and carrying,! noticed, a small golden key from a silver string around her neck. The key shook out from her dress as she hur- ried away.” “Nicolas, dear,” said Agaphia solemnly, “never you give in. This is a conspiracy.” Nicolas seemed depressed. “There, my dear,” said Agaphia, putting her hands to his face and kissing him, “there, you have asked for that; now take heart; and as sure as one woman’s wit can match another woman’s, we will discover the thief.” “Do you know such a woman?” asked Nicolas in great confusion. “Whether I know such a woman or not, makes no difference now,” answered Agaphia. “Be true to my dead mistress, poor dear; and as I once heard a strange man say, ^ A little wit is more than a match — ’” but here a summons from the council called Nicolas and his guard before that body. “You are committed to prison during the king’s pleasure,” exclaimed Duke Nicolas. PLOTS AhID counterplots 193 Hereupon Nicolas Jaroslav retired, and forthwith marched to a cell in the White Tower of the Burgate. On his return the guard addressed Agaphia with great friendliness, mingled with forwardness. “I feat that young man has made a permanent investment in a dwelling,” he said. ‘‘Now, like all you women, I sup- pose you will seek the best chance you can get.” Agaphia, who had waited for the guard’s return to obtain what tidings she could, at once perceived her opportunity. Casting down her eyes and seeming to busy herself with a besom of the period, that con- sisted of a bundle of birch rods tied around a stick, she said archly, “Oh, I suppose one man may be as good as another; and if he is made away with — ”here she turned away an instant to hide an involuntary sob, “well, I presume there are fish in the sea.” “You need not travel so far,” answered the guard; “you might succeed as well much nearer home.” “Yes, perhaps,” answered Agaphia, “but I don’t know when is a good time for fishing; perhaps you will tell me when the fish can be taken.” “All right,” answered the yeoman. “Now,”said Agaphia, “how did you dispose of him. “Oh, he said 'That woman made a fool of me, kiss- ing me in that way.’ Now he said too, ‘She once gave me this clasp; but I have no use for it now.’” Hereupon the guard handed the article to Agaphia. “Take it from me.” Agaphia received the clasp with great politeness and cordiality. She knew that she had never given any such thing to Nicolas; and she concluded that he had not really sent it to her by the 194 PLOTS AhJD COUNTERPLOTS hand of his yeoman messenger. Like all fabricators, the latter had overreached himself. On further ex- amination, however, she observed that the clasp had formerly belonged to Queen Kunigunde, and had been given to her by Lord Zawis. But it had disap- peared. Clearly the source whence the soldier had obtained it probably corresponded with the origin of the disappearance of the missing state document. On further reflection Agaphia concluded that the soldier well knew the woman whom he had, in an unwitting moment, described. For these reasons and others she determined to watch that soldier dur- ing his turn of guard in the palace, and avoid all visit to the White Tower during his duty there. Her presence during the yeoman’s watch in the palace en- couraged him; and he gradually confided to her many items of importance. Among other disclosures he incidentally alluded to his knowledge of a strong chest securely deposited in the palace. He also handed to her one day a scrap of parchment containing a com- pliment from himself; but on the other side were easily legible the letters, ‘Kar, ’ in a bold, dignified chirography. This scrap Agaphia carefully pre- served. During the year 1287 the young Queen Judith threatened to retire to a private station, and took formal steps to carry her threat into execution. This proceeding created consternation in the palace. During the confusion the adherents of Zawis momentarily assumed the mastery. Agaphia made careful search for the strong chest; and succeeded in PLOTS AND COUNTERPLOTS 195 discovering Teresa in the act of closing and locking precisely such an inclosure. The woman retired, supposing herself unobserved; and soon afterwards departed on one of her mysterious errands to Mo- ravia. CHAPTER XVL MARRIAGE EMBASSY TO HUNGARY. During this long interval Solomon and Don Abra- ham had been engaged, the one in embassies among his brethren in Poland, Hungary and Russia, and partly in directing the travels of Spanish Jews, who found Spain utterly uninhabitable by men of their race. By means of merchants already established in Russia Solomon effected exchanges whereby con- siderable sums escaped from the inquisitional search of the Castilian authorities, who proved themselves far more truculent than those of Aragon. The other exerted himself in establishing a connection, by way of the Volga and the Caspian on one side, and the trade routes from Barcelona through Dalmatia on the other, between the many wanderers of his race who passed eastward from Spain, and joining men of the same faith in the orient spread a knowledge of the condition of Europe, the means of entry, and the furious fanaticism prevalent there, among the now restless and conquering hordes that had begun the final movement from the confines of Turcomania and Tartary. Returning at this time in order to escort his family to a friendly shelter accorded to him among the Kharesmians, he decided to pay a final visit to his friends in Moravia. 19G MARRIAGE EMBASSY TO HUNGARY 197 Zawis resolved to avail himself of the mediation of Solomon, Don Abraham, and his brother Witek in the negotiation he had just commenced with Ladislaus of Hungary for the hand cf his youngest sister Judith. This princess had entered a convent; but as in the case of Otakar, the vows assumed presented no ob- stacle to an offer of marriage from so distinguished a suitor. It was known also at that period that Lad- islaus suffered from a cutaneous affection, then ex- tremely common, for which local practitioners could suggest no cure, especially as the study of medicine had been severly proscribed under ban of the king- dom as well as the church. Ladislaus exhibited an irritability of temper, and impatience of contradiction that rendered him easily influenced by appeals to ex- cess of severity."^ For this reason Solomon, Don Abraham and Witek determined to assume all their dignity. No other men in Europe could command more courtly demeanor, more royal self-carriage, and more diplomatic learning and address. Abraham, himself a member of one of the most cultivated and exalted reigning families, who had augmented the splendor of Cordova; Solomon, a rabbi of the rabbis, of the school that had shed infinite luster on the science of Spain; and Witek, a knight unstained in honor, and not surpassed in grave discourse even by his brother, formed an embassy by whose presence Lad- islaus felt himself abashed. The foremost position *Napoleon Bonaparte contracted a similar disease at the siege ol Toulon from the rammer of. a gun. He did not eradicate it until after he became emperor; and much of his sleepless restlessness and impatience rose from the torment of this ailment, 198 MARRIAGE EMBASSY TO HUNGARY necessarily fell to Witek as the personal representa- tive of his brother; to Abraham and Solomon fell such a share as their wisdom might suggest. Ladislaus received this deputation in the midst of a retinue of the most heterogeneous character and appearance. Abraham, clad in his full robes with aigrette and plume, advanced at the head of the cavalcade. His charger, an Arab of descent that might be from the stud of King Solomon, proudly represented the symmetry, gentleness, and endur- ance of the noblest in Arabia. Witek, in full knight’s armor, bearing his shield and cognizance with sash of white and scarlet silk, came next; and then rode his escort, consisting of twelve stout men at arms, every man a bronzed veteran who had followed Ota- kar from Kressenbriinn to Remove and the Baltic, and had seen alike the flight of the Hungarians, Cu- manians, and Prussians, and sometimes of the Teu- tonic brethren also, who found the blue eyes and fair hair of the sons of Pogesania not unaccompanied by stalwart arms and keen military perception. In the rear rode Solomon on a Spanish mule, his quiet demeanor and professional garb denoting his character as a student. The cortege reproduced in all particulars the elements of an oriental embassy of the first rank, the prince, the knight, and the statesman. Ladislaus very ceremoniously acknowledged the honor done to his sister and his house, and the dig- nity of the princely nobleman who had commissioned the embassy. Abraham and Solomon, accustomed MARRIAGE EMBASSY TO HUNGARY 199 to the stately splendor of Cordova, the wealth of taste and ornament in its palaces, the profusion of art in accessories and embellishments, the combined utility and beauty of aqueduct and fountain, and the splendor of coloring in the habiliments even of the poorest, that shone out even where soiled and worn, felt a momentary thrill of pride, at observing, as now they did for the first time with keen percep- tion because their thoughts assumed that direction, the contrast presented between the royal surround- ings of the king of Hungary and the wonders their people had conferred on Spain, that despised and mutilated them. Witek explained his embassy formally. “My brother, the Lord Zawis,’’ he said, “seeks an alliance with the illustrious house of Hungary. He desires thus to testify at once his confidence in the royal family of which your highness is the royal chief, and his personal devotion to the excellent and virtuous lady whose hand he solicits.” “Permit me,” added Abraham “to add my personal tribute of respect and admiration for the distinguished nobleman whom I have the honor, in part, to repre- sent. His character and his career are alike illustrious in wisdom, virtue, and patriotism. He has long nobly and with marked success ruled a nation re- quiring all the dignity of self-possession, all the skill of statesmanship, and all the patience of true cour- age to control. He has evoked order out of extreme confusion; he has created prosperity where he found pnly poverty and ruin; and he has placed his conntry 200 MARRIAGE EMBASSY TO HUNGARY on an elevation to be respected and trusted, after it had been prostrated by enemies of whom your high- ness is by no means the least in power and courage. His personal character is exhibited by the prefer- ence accorded to him by the distinguished queen whom he has lost; and he believes he sees in the princess whom he solicits a worthy successor of the amiable lady whom his country still deplores/^ Abraham’s diplomatic purpose extended beyond the marriage alliance. It included also a deeper meaning; and as such Ladislaus interpreted his ad- dress. To Solomon, for the present, fell the more prosaic duty of assuring the king that Bohemia and Moravia were absolutely free from epidemic; that peace and revived prosperity encouraged domestic industries; and that repose seemed to portend a happy residence at Fiirstenberg, should the king ac- cept the very friendly overture now made.’’ Ladislaus replied that he felt flattered by the re- quest presented for his sister’s hand. “I am especially honored,” he added, ‘*by the il- lustrious embassy that my brother Zawis has com- missioned; and I return to your highness, — to your excellent valor, — and to your scholarly wisdom, my profound acknowledgment for the conspicuous cour- tesy with which you have honored my court, and the exalted sentiments and polished language which you have spoken. That you considered such com- mendation of your illustrious chief appropriately pre- sented to me demands my grateful thanks for the compliment it implies, that I am a person to whoni MARRIAGE EMBASSY TO HUNGARY 201 such sentiments and such expression of them could rightfully and worthily be addressed. Permit me to add, that I trust three such distinguished personages will deign to favor me still further, with the expres- sion of your wise counsel, so soon as we can have provided such entertainment as is fitting.” The best resources of Hungary furnished a royal banquet; and Ladislaus had acquired sufficient knowledge of Jewish and Islamite abhorrence of the forbidden quadruped carefully to banish every, even indirect viand of that quality from the bountiful re- past. “Pardon our national custom,” said Ladislaus, in having his first measure of wine poured. “I drink to your best health, highness, and valiant lords and gentlemen.” Abraham and Solomon permitted a portion of wine to be set before each of them; and as Ladislaus drank to their health they raised the cup to their lips, allow- ing the wine barely to touch, but did not taste. This concession, the highest compliment they could offer, afforded Ladislaus and Witek perfect gratification; as on this point alone they had apprehended a slight fissure in the otherwise firm and placid surface of friendly harmony. Ladislaus and his lords were prepared, in perfect candor, to accept such expres- sion of statesmanship as their guests might be pleased to present. “Your highness,” said Ladislaus, “has traveled and observed in the east, and west, and south. From the north at present I anticipate nothing. Perhaps you will favor us with your judgment of the political 202 MARRIAGE EMBASSY TO HUNGARY prospects of those countries, and of the cause of them.’’ “Your ro3^al courtesy,” replied Abraham, “will per- mit me to dispose myself, according to the gravity of this occasion, in the attitude I find most consonant to discourse.” He then seated himself on a large cush- ioned divan, after his national custom. Then bend- ing his head a little, and stroking his long black beard with his left hand, the prince said: “I have observed, among the nations that I am familiar with, that the complex principle which we call humanity can be successfully addressed only in part to a race that could not develop the same prin- ciple to an equal degree for itself. “An isolated race, like the Tatars, acquires one idea in great intensity, usually that of extreme hostility to strangers, in order to preserve its own isolation. Conversely, the people that develops a passion for inflicting death as a penalty for opinions that it dis- likes, exhibits therein a descent towards barbarism. The passion itself has its origin in sources allied to savagery. “An inferior race, receiving from another more ad- vanced an idea higher than it had developed for itself, intensifies that idea to the exclusion of others; and if the higher race does not practice the same idea with equal vigor, it will become the victim of the in- ferior rendered desperate by the singleness that con- centrates all its energy. “During six centuries the Asiatic and African tribes in Spain have presented to the Spanish mind an exr. MARRIAGE EMBASSY TO HUNGARY 203 ample of advance in elegant arts, in science, and in all polite and useful literature. The picture here presented has stung the Spaniards to desperation, by its elevation above them. They see glories before them which they never could have created, and these glories appeal to their activity; but their pas- sion for cruelty prevents an imitation or even admi- ration of those glories. We have infused a feeling, but cannot confer capacity. They desire greatness for themselves; but they reproduce the ferocity of barbarism by the intensity of the one idea that their chosen moral isolation has developed. We have presented to the Spaniards a wealth of scientific ac- quirement, artistic taste, and splendor of constructive achievement such as no other nation has ever re- ceived. Yet a wilderness surrounds the halls of beauty; poverty and degradation have replaced ele- gance of attire and of manners; and the howl of the wolf has in wide districts supplanted the cheerful song of the shepherd and the cultivator. We de- veloped one idea in our isolation, and by that one we swept the world before us for a time. Our de- votion to one exclusive idea will prove our ruin. The Spaniards in their seclusion have reproduced that love of shedding blood which furnishes a demon- stration of the readiness of men to re-exhibit the pas- sion necessary to the isolation of savages, as the re- sult of cultivating that solitude that distinguishes savages. The cold separation of their monasteries has produced some of the most intense examples of this passion. 204 MARRIAGE EMBASSY TO HUNGARY “They have extended this tendency from open war- fare to secret murder; and this intoxicating fury blinds their eyes to the noble attainments of science, the glorious achievements of handicraft, and the pro- found investigations of philosophy. But the science that they despise, the art and beauty that they de- face, must, according to the essential attributes of the human mind, produce a power in some people that cultivate and apply them with generous intelli- gence, which will inflict on ignorant and cruel Spain a bloody chastisement that will cover her with in- famy. She renders herself empty even of her natural strength; she cuts out her own vitals, and exposes her wanton decrepitude to the anger of insulted humanity. The alleged divine sanction on which she rests this w0 ARRAIGNMENT OF ZAIVIS AND JAROSLA^ “The emperor desires that all records of the event shall be at once presented to him by the hand if possible of the notarius who engrossed and certified to them. He does not require the presence of the attesting lords. I believe that Nicolas Jaroslav is the person in question. He will therefore be permitted to depart under guard with such records as the king requires. Nicolas at once selected the documents in ques- tion; and set forth on his journey to Eger. Arrived at this place, where Rudolph waited with great impatience, Nicolas was instantly ushered into the imperial presence. “Representations have been made to me,’’ said Rudolph, “that certain informalities have been dis- covered in the proceedings recorded of the marriage of the late king and the Queen Kunigunde. I be- lieve that Bishop Tobias and the duke of Trop- pau are mistaken. But I feel compelled, in presence* of the embarrassing condition of affairs that should result should these statements prove true, to make an investigation.” Rudolph examined the documents, received the sworn answers and explanations as to the professed technicalities of Nicolas, and concluded by an impatient exclamation: “I have a new meaning of my often repeated maxim, ‘Suurn cuique,’and that is that a bishop, and an ambitious intriguer, if he happens to belong to the wrong side of the house, will each exhibit his professional and special peculiarities, and make mischief according to his own devices.” ARRAIGNMENT OF ZAIVIS AND JAROSLAF 261 Wenzel received his investiture; and could do no less than not only liberate Nicolas, but confer on him a continuance of his official position of notarius in the palace. Zawis returned to his dungeon. Here he enter- tained his weary hours with such solace as his am- ple store of mental wealth and companionship could confer. According to the custom of the time, he had culti- vated something of the art of the troubadour; and the walls of his dungeon long presented the results of his meditations, in compositions that associated his name with the familiar poesy of the day in Mo- ravia. Among others the following lines testify to his taste and philosophy: TRUTH AND FALSEHOOD. Moravian mountains knew my tread In youth, at dawning day, As through the dewy glades I sped Where stags in covert lay; And coursing vein and freshening morn Inspired the glad career, While eager steed and sounding horn Quickened the bounding deer. The mellow light within my eye, And breeze that thrilled my frame, Filled me with life from that good sky Whence conscious gladness came; And I felt one before the day With beauteous things that grew; I breathed the same glad breath as they, All constant, good, and true. 263 ARRAIGNMENT OF ZAIVIS AND JAROSLA^ Softly as plays the genial sun In warmth within the tree, Imparting motioned life begun In starry coursings free, And spreads through branch and blushing spray The essences they know, That mingle heaven’s own tinting ray In blossoms’ lustrous glow: — Thus gently through my sentient soul, Inspiring vernal youth, Beamed the full meaning of the whole, Its oneness and its truth. Bird, blade, each clung in conscious grace To its own sameness there; The aurochs, — grandest of his race; The elk within his lair. That unity of guiding mind Which moves through every line Fixed an impress of equal kind Within and moulded mine. A rent, a break distressed my sight; — A gaping wound laid bare; — A dark streak in a vision bright. Else all conjoined and fair. Thus truth found nurture in my soul, Sourced in that unity That moved it with a grand control And blent all life with me. Truth is that essence all divine By whose ete rnal flow The flowers bloom, the planets shine, Man lives and speaks below. A falsehood is a crumbling stone, A fissure in the wall; A limb torn from the fairest grown Most graceful tree of all; ARRAIGNMENT OF ZAIVIS AND JAROSLAF 263 A pang that wrings in ceaseless pain; A wound that will not heal; A fractured link in life’s bright chain That tearful eyes reveal. A falsehood is the coward heart That hides the grace it feels. A falsehood works the tyrant’s part; — To dungeon’s night appeals. In the strong honor of my trust A falsehood bound me here; But the firm truth within me must In heaven’s fixed light appear. And that poor pittance that she gave — Loved Kunigunde lost — Tells mother s foresight from her grave, Though rueful now the cost. Yet even here each word from me Must speak high truth alone; — That gift her prince’s grace and free, In love’s glad day her own. CHAPTER XXII. ALARM AT FURSTENBERG. MISSION TO WENZEL. During the period immediately preceding and following the departure of Zawis, Lady Ludmila dis- charged the duties of the household at Fiirstenberg with more than ordinary grace and dignity. A queenly deportment, and possibly a consciousness of personal pre-eminence in stateliness, characterized all her movements. Not a step could be heard as she approached, and yet she always contrived to an- nounce her coming; no bold advance marked her presence. Only the rustle of silk indicated her prog- ress. Tall and majestic Lady Ludmila did not seem to walk. She moved as if her person obeyed one impulse, and with an active unity of progression her place was changed. A smile, a graciousness for all; an order of method that told of system well arranged; a clear, specific statement that indicated precision of thought, all rendered her task seemingly facile and light, and proffered to each a special courtesy and attention. Witek, and Wok, and Drda received the sturdy visitors, and distributed themselves among the guests of all degrees; and each felt himself of as much importance and the object of as much affabil- ity as any other in that equal company. Squire and ?64 ALARM AT FURSTENBERG. MISSION TO IVENZEL 265 peasant quaffed the same vintage of wine, and the same brimming beer. To all Lady Ludmifa distribut- ed pleasant compliments with impartiality; yet un- usually keen observers did detect a watchfulness for Lord Drda's comfort, a confidence of phraseology, and a willingness to confer light commissions that betokened an interest not the less because not ob- vious or avowed. His wax light found its place with strict regularity; a flower graced his chamber; and a water pitcher ever replenished intimated a larger in- terest in his personal welfare than the attention itself announced. In the midst of all this confidence and joy the 'dreadful intelligence arrived from Prague; — the lord of the castle and its dependent castles, the center of all this honor and congratulation, suddenly and with brutal violence beaten down and flung into a dun- geon, at the instant when his loyal heart entrusted his person, wholly unattended, to the honor of his prince, and his liege homage spoke eloquently in the graceful gift of affectionate courtesy to his sovereign’s queen! Men felt stunned with overpowering indig- nation. Wrath, fury, and then suppressed resent- ment occupied all minds. The best lord in Bohemia, and the greatest; the noblest heart and most devoted subject ; the greatest councilor, and most illustrious and successful statesman ; the truest knight and most honorable upholder of Bohemian chivalry, with ineffable baseness entrapped by an appeal to his own honor, and insidiously made the victim of royal duplicity by his own loyal trustfulness! Worse than 2(36 ALARM AT FURSTENBERG. MISSION TO H^ENZEL this in relation to the patriotic feelings of all the in- dignant company, the instructed wisdom that had restored Bohemia from prostration to comparative prosperity, the wholesome knowledge that promised to elevate the land in scientific industry and wealth, the practical education that gave life and direction to aptitude and skill, all denounced with malignant abhorrence as magic and the diabolism of the great fiend, appealed to righteous resentment, and created a loathing, a contempt for the new spirit which had invaded the palace of Bohemia that demonstrated an established divergence between the people and the deluded prince. Necessarily the first impulse turned towards gates, and walls, and barriers.' Witek, a rugged soldier more than a statesman, and Wok, a cadet of the house and obeying the orders of his elders, at once visited the outposts, and sum- moned warders and retainers to the ramparts and drawbridges. Drda took his place where ordered, and soon the danger of surprise had passed. Stones were collected, weapons examined, and missiles placed in readiness. Visitors quickly departed, each diffusing a vague sense of danger, none able to divine what might happen first. All preparations indicated a resolute resistance. Ere the closing of the gates, and with the departure of the most reluctant guests, glided forth in the gloom the dark figure of a veiled woman, whose pres- ence had been scarcely heeded in the throng and the gaiety. Quickly now she sped away, and hid herself in the night. ALARM AT FURSTENBERG. MISSION TO IVENZEL 2G7 Ere long a summons of surrender reached Fiirs- tenbeig. It contained a menace of the most rigor- ous punishment to be visited on all who should ven- ture to resist the king's troops. The commander of the party also intimated that an imperial force had been dispatched in aid of the king; and formally required Witek to surrender all garrisons and castles under threat of the direst pen- alties already decided against their master in case of delay. He also declared that unconditional sur- render alone could release Zawis from the dreadful doom awaiting him in case of hesitation. “You will see him severed in pieces before your walls,'' said the amiable officer, “if you attempt to fight; and your only hope of seeing him again in freedom, and in his place, is to submit to the king’s mercy." Necessarily consultations followed. Long debates and divided sentiment distracted every garrison. In the dreadful alternative before them every soldier received a welcome to express his thoughts; every retainer enjoyed the right to elicit the best counsel by interposing his own sentiment. The fatal ab- sence of the one mind whom all would have obeyed to the death, the disposition to look to that source alone, both from confidence and from habit, at length turned the course of debate to the question: “What would Zawis himself have done in such a conjuncture.?" “I know," said Witek, “my brother’s face has never turned from his foe, and his hand has never failed when an enemy came before him. 268 ALARM AT FURSTENBERG. MISSIO^^ TO IVENZEL “He never provoked a quarrel, nor threw down a de- fiance without deliberation. No wanton hostility ever showed itself in his temper; and no treachery or cruelty ever stained his knighthood. Were he now present, I believe he would undauntedly accept this challenge. “My judgment is that we resist to the last; and if we must fall, let us fall as men who feel that their soldier’s honor is more sacred to them than all else.” “My judgment,” said Wok, “corresponds with that of my brother. We must consider, however, that now it is not only the king but the empire that con- fronts us. I do not believe that any concession, and especially any weakness, will procure for our brother the least relaxation. I am sure he would never counsel us to consider him, but to sustain the honor of his house. His fate is already decided. Those who could abandon honor, degrade the name of hospitality, abjure truth, and conspire to betray, can also send to us deceitful messages and perjured promises. This offer, in terms indirect, of freedom to our brother contains no stipulation, and is only another snare intended to deceive us. No consider- ation of dignity or good faith can be expected from those who now compose the king’s council. The palace has become a den of infamy; the wisdom that restored Bohemia is denounced, by a contemptible superstition, as magic; and the honor we did the Austrian woman only elicits the depraved spirit that now corrupts the palace of the Premysls. Our only hope is in our hands; and by our swords alone can we expect any terms from our enemies.” ALARM AT FURSTENBERG. MISSION TO JVENZEL 2G9 The garrisons of the different castles, Furstenberg, Landskron, Landsberg, Hluboka, gradually consti- tuted themselves into separate councils. Wide di- versity of sentiment arose. Witek visited each in turn; and around him gathered the more resolute, and the more indignant. Self-interest prevailed with some; and temporizing controlled others. As soon as Witek had departed from each fortress the division of opinion created numerous small parties, each clamorous for its own proposal ; and these again subdivided into individuals who held strongly to their several sentiments with that centrifugal tem- per so strongly characteristic of the Bohemian peo- ple. That individualist and independent spirit, which made the nation the first reformers in Europe, and has longest and most persistently asserted the right of private judgment, and must do so because such tendency is inherent in their nature and cannot be eradicated, on the present occasion, as on many others, exposed the united cause to ruinous pros^ tration. Well did the Duke of Troppau understand his countrymen when he presented to them the double source of discord, an offer of compromise, and an appeal to their nationalist sentiment as embodied in one chieftain, adulterated by a provocation of per- sonal self-appreciation. Never yet have the Bo- hemians failed in exhibiting their dislike of one-man government; and never, accordingly, have they ad- hered to any one leader, even when that one com- bined in himself all that human excellence could present. They have had such on many occasions; 270 ALARM AT FURSTENBERG. MlSSlOht TO U/ENZEL and never did they disavow their own individualism in presence of the best leader in the best cause. Only two men have succeeded in combining the enthusi- asm and the self-forgetfulness of the Bohemians; and those two had not arisen when the fate of the Lord Zawis’ castles depended on unanimity. Cohesiveness as a nation had not yet been estab- lished among them. They were still subjects of a dynasty, and their habits of thought corresponded to that condition. Much discussion, some dissension, left the chief garrisons undecided. The bolder spirits under Wi- tek. Wok, Drda, resolved to defy their foes; and for this purpose they selected Witek’s fortress of Hluboka, where his personal authority commanded absolute discipline, as the scene of their final chal- lenge. At this juncture Solomon arrived and learned the condition of affairs. He at once volunteered his services as mediator before the court at Prague. Through some mysterious channel Duke Nicolas acquired intimate information of the internal status at Fiirstenberg. He learned its provisions, its garri- sons, its divided sentiment, the names of the visitors, and their expressed abhorrence of his treachery. The king and queen evoked little but a sentiment of con- tempt, as being merely the ignorant dupes of crafty councilors. But Nicolas had been brought up a Bo- hemian in Bohemia. He had not, however, received intimation of the arrival there of Solomon, and of Lord Boppo and Prokop. ALARM AT FURSTENBERG. MISSION TO IVENZEL 271 Nicolas had hitherto acted in the name of King Wenzel; and the meeting of these three persons changed his pDsition completely. It had been the pol- icy of Rudolph and Queen Judith to impose the entire responsibility for proposed violence against Zawis on the native dynasty. Wenzel had now, however, reach- ed an age when his personality had acquired some maturity, and insight into men’s motives. He knew also that the emperor’s life drevi to a close; and he possessed in himself sufficient of the Premysl to feel a strong throb of individuality. Boppo’s presence inspired resolution at Fursten- berg. “By a strange coincidence,’^ he said, “three per- sons have met here at this juncture who individually represent the principal phases of Bohemian social constituents. Perhaps I may be permitted to say that I, in some measure, embody the military element, and the tone and sentiment that characterized it. Like myself, I fear the old knighthood of Bohemia is passing away. In its place we seem to have in- troduced a deceitful imitation of soldierhood that adopts the nomenclature of military rank, and in- cites others to perform acts of cold vengeance un- mingled with any of the chivalry or forbearance of a soldier, or any of the admiration for the valor of an adversary that a soldier is always proud to ac- knowledge. Our knighthood is being converted to the abhorrent purpose of being executioner of decrees passed without its concurrence, on persons deserv- ing of its respect. 272 ALARM AT FURSTENBERG. MISSION TO IVENZEL “My statesman friend, the learned Rabbi ben Gerson, now in large measure represents the unrestricted as- sociations of Bohemian enterprise with all nationali- ties, especially to the east and south. The new in- road from the west threatens to alter these relations and circumscribe the political as well as the com- mercial conditions in the future. “My respected and reverend friend Prokop em- bodies the growth of thought that has marked Bo- hemia during four centuries; and is being rapidly effaced and obscured, but not eradicated, by new western dogmas and tendencies. “Unitedly we represent the Bohemia of the past. But if an old man’s long experience and observation are of value, neither the one nor the other, nor yet the third can continue darkened or extinguished. The native heart of Bohemia will assert itself; and the generosity of soldierhood will exhibit manliness under heroes of Bohemian race, after the present sudden violence shall have allowed time to Bohe- mian manhood to recover. A wider sphere of influ- ence shall center in Bohemia; and men shall again look to it as the inspirer of mind and hope. “Last of all, the free intelligence and right of inves- tigation, of research, and of judgment will reas- sert its native force, and Bohemian thought shall lead the van in the reformation of the world. I see this by necessary inference from the past; for you can not change the essentials of national inherent qualities. “Permit me to suggest that we proceed as a depu- ALARM AT FURSTBNBBRG. MISSION TO IVBNZEL 273 tation to the king’s court. If I am rightly advised the present proceedings are not of the king's sug- gestion. We may at least release his name from complicity in this envenomed crime.” The approach of these remarkable persons, each in his own peculiarity a representative of Bohemia, created much attention, and some excitement. Wen- zel, hearing of this singular deputation through Jar- oslav, and Ulrich, his father’s former secretary, or- dered the immediate admission of the embassadors. The guard, notified of Lord Boppo’s grand character, exhibited every mark of military respect. “It is probable that your highness does not re- member me personally,” observed Boppo. “I am changed from what I was when I carried your highness on my saddle bow, when the rough- ness of tracks, and the weariness of travel rendered a tedious and hasty journey especially wearisome to a child of ten years. Your highness may not remem- ber when I supplied needed refreshments often ne- glected even to the denial of absolute necessaries of life. Your highness may not recall the introduction of young companions to break the neglectful monot- ony of an abode practically a captivity. Perhaps I may add, and I doubt not with some truth, that to such attentions your highness owes your throne, to- gether with your life. I had never anticipated such requital as I fear I must now experience; I solicit the only recognition I have ever suggested, the full re- lease of the most gallant knight and the truest liege subject in your highness’ dominions.” m ALARM at FURSTBNBERG. MISSION TO DENZEL “Your highness may not be aware/^ said Solomon, “that since the last unhappy effort of your illustrious father, large sums are due to members of my nation at Briinn, Olmiitz, and also in Hungary. These claims have not been pressed, as we know the exhausted condition of Bohemia. They form now a serious demand which the Hungarian court has promised to enforce, all the more rigorously as the lady Judith expects of her brother vengeance for the dreadful injuries committed against her. I am authorized to grant acquittance of these claims on the same terms suggested by my lord of Osterna.’’ “Your highness certainly does not recall the fact,’^ remarked Prokop, “and I believe it has been studi- ously concealed, that as the honored and lamented Queen Kunigunde’s chaplain I administered the rite of baptism that admitted the heir to the Bohemian throne into the church. Your highness, however, is aware that the lamented queen, your royal mother, as a Russian princess, favored the Greek communion, and largely aided in promoting sympathy with that expression of our faith throughout Bohemia. Her highness’ almost sudden demise deprived your royal mind of that affection, and that wise statesmanship that at once formed the solace of your life, and the power of your throne. With much difficulty could Wenzel reply to these addresses. His heart was profoundly touched; and with an evident feeling of intense remorse, as well as of his personal subjection, he replied with emotion, “I am not the author of these proceedings. I would ALARM AT FURSTENBERG. MISSION TO IVENZEL 275 gladly do myself the pleasure of acceding to the re* quest you honor me with. To my extreme regret, the necessary orders have been issued. The imperial troops are even now on their march under imperial authority; and I would even at this late moment re- call my own forces if it were possible. This day is not the least bitter of all my bitter days. I have long suspected that the whole truth was not told to me; and I fear I shall learn it only when too late. To you, my Lord Boppo, and to you, gentlemen, I return most respectful thanks. I would most gladly accede to your wishes as my most grateful acknowl- edgment.” The deputation noticed the king’s evident embar- rassment and grief; and with profound sympathy they courteously withdrew. CHAPTER XXIII. MURDER OF ZAWIS BEFORE HLUBOKA. Wenzel dispatched Jaroslav to Fiirstenberg with instructions to observe and report the proceedings around that fortress. With Jaroslav and a few others, — close relations of persons in the same neighbor- hood — departed also several women; and the com- pany soon rejoined Lord Boppo and his party. Ap- proaching Furstenberg, several of these persons pur- posely fell to the rear and disappeared. As they neared the fortress all eyes gazed on a dreadful scene. In presence of the garrison who still held gates closed, and in fact all access barred, a number of ballistae for the discharge of stone had been drawn up. Breastworks for the partial protection of bow- men sharpshooters had been erected. Seeing these preparations, the garrison hurled a defiance. On ob- serving this proceeding, and expecting immediate hostilities, Duke Nicolas ordered a special guard to produce the wasted but still defiant person of Lord Zawis, to be fastened to a stake in the immediate front of the chief center of attack. A shout of rage, and the confusion of irresolution at once checked the operations of the defenders. 276 MURDER OF ZAJVIS BEFORE HLUBOKA 277 ‘‘Pay no heed to me,’’ loudly exclaimed Zawis to his followers- but his cry seemed not to have reached their hearing. Again and again he loudly exhorted his men to do their duty; and arrows on both sides fell around. Hereupon Nicolas placed Zawis in the immediate front of the most advanced ballista. Here a stone from the walls crashed through the engine, striking splin- ters into the face of the exposed prisoner. “Not by our hands shall he die,” exclaimed his men. “We will forfeit our own lives first,” A parley succeeded and the garrison accepted terms, more favorable than they expected, as an encouragement to the others to surrender. A similar exposure of the unflinching captive oppo- site the walls of Landskron and Landsberg produced a repetition of the same scene, with like results. Having thus far succeeded, Nicolas next advanced against Hluboka. Here he published a proclamation offering terms to all except Witek, Wok, Drda, Boppo, and Solomon. Within the fortress, accordingly, the menaced per- sons at once took refuge. With them entered a few others long associated with the household. To this proclamation Witek hurled a defiance in the form of a huge stone cast from the weightiest ballista on his wall. Here had now assembled the last of the house of Fiirstenberg, Witek, Wok, Lady Ludmila, together with Boppo, Solomon, Prokop, Agaphia Brszava, Sambor, Milada, and the strongest garrison the place could accommodate. 278 MURDER OF ZAJVIS BEFORE HLUBOKA The men manned the walls and the women stood near to furnish fresh arrows, water, and sometimes stone, boiling water, and bundles of rags steeped in oil and then set on fire. Again and again the assailants attempted escalade and were beaten back. Stones, arrows flew, and men on both sides fell rapidly. On the second day Drda fell from a blow of a stone that bruised his shoulder violently. Instantly Lady Ludmila knelt on the bloody rampart at his side. Cheering him up with affectionately soothing words, with the aid of a stout retainer she bore him to a shelter; and as he fainted from the shock she stooped and kissed him again and again; and raised his head, and gave him strong restoratives; and only left his side when the wounds had been bathed and bound, and he lay conscious but motionless on the soldier’s straw bed that her hands had smoothed and softened. Gallantly did the defenders repel every attack, and the assailants seemed unequal to the reduction of the fortress. On the fourth day Nicolas exposed his still defiant victim on the most conspicuous elevation whence the attack proceeded. Even this maneuver failed to check the storm from the wall, or diminish the reso- lution of the garrison. Wenzel himself entered the besiegers’ camp; and perceiving the current of events, and finding himself not in fact the real commander, allowed Duke Nico- las to proceed with Zawis according to his pleasure. Then with ostentatious purpose Nicolas ordered MURDER OF ZAIVIS BEFORE HLUBOKA 279 prepared a solid block of oak. This instrument he directed to be beveled down at one side until it formed a sharpened edge. Hardening this wooden knife in fire and setting it between two upright grooved posts, forming a sort of guillotine, Nicolas placed Zawis, bound to a plank underneath, so that his neck lay under the wooden knife raised up and weighted with stone. Then raising a shout, the assailants pointed to the rude scaffold, and tauntingly re- proached the garrison with the murder of their mas- ter. A shower of stones and arrows answered; and Nicolas giving the order, the wooden knife descended, and with a horrid, jagged gash tore, rather than cut, the noble head of Lord Zawis from his body. A pause intervened as the defenders stood ago- nized with the dreadful butchery. Siege operations temporarily ceased and even a few of the garrison ventured outside during the necessary burial of the dead. Among others Sambor went forth to inquire after former comrades. His good will towards Nic- olas had not been augmented by the refusal of prom- ised promotion when the opportunity came round. Among the dead lay two women, one closely veiled, her face wholly crushed by a stone, and unrecogniz- able. Nicolas, attracted by the report of the occur- rence, repaired to the spot. Sambor stood there among the soldiers. “Can any person declare who that woman was.^^’^ asked Nicolas. As yet no reply. “I offer a reward and promotion to any one who can tell who that woman was.’’ 280 MURDER OF ZAJVIS BEFORE HLUBOKA Then Sambor stepped forward; “I accept the offer/^ he said, ‘‘if you will add to it a safe conduct from this place and from hence forward, in presence of these witnesses.’^ “I accept the conditions,’’ replied Nicolas. “Then,” said Sambor, “the woman who lies there, crushed and a bloody corpse, was your own mother! And as surely as Lord Zawis has met his death, as you say, by the hands of his own men, so surely has your mother met this fearful fate by your treachery and violence.” Nicolas turned away, and departed covered with ignominy. Stout hands raised the remains of the dead women; and Sambor contrived to withdraw, no difficult albeit a bloody task now, the golden key and chain that hung around the neck of one of them. Returning to the fortress, Sambor sought Agaphia, and handed her the still bloody trophy. “I promised you that,” he said. “Take it. But I impose no conditions. I cannot look upon a woman’s face with- out recalling the horrible scene I have witnessed. Let us part simply as friends.” Agaphia, strangely wondering, took the gift and laid it away where only her own hand could find it. With fiercer fury than ever Nicolas renewed the fight. The strength of the garrison declined. The assailants possessed the country, and reinforcements. Witek, and Wok, finding that Wenzel’s presence ren- dered resistance hopeless, resolved to retire to Hun- gary, leaving to the garrison the terms of accommo- dation offered. Nicolas prepared beacons to illumi- nate the hills in case of attempted escape. MURDER OF ZAIVIS BEFORE HLUBOKA 281 Solomon resolved to accompany his friends. Bop- po declared he would as soon die in one locality as another, and as well now as at any time. Issuing from the fortress at midnight, the outlawed men gained but a short distance when sentinels discovered their movement. A beacon fire raised the alarm, but blinded the eyes and intensified the shadows. A company of fifty men assailed the fugitives. Boppo set himself in front and took the first shock. Well the old hero kept the path until Witek and Wok made good their escape. Falling at last, covered with blood, the gallant knight shaded his face with his broad sleeve and there, in the midst of his ene- mies, breathed his last. Solomon, apprehended mortally wounded, lay where he fell until morning; and then, as the sun’s first rays beamed upon the spot, and shed a golden glory upon his face, he too yielded his spirit, to mingle, as he hoped, with the great Oneness of the hereafter. To the garrison the promised terms were harshly accorded. Drda reached his own domain in Mo- ravia; and an amnesty at once issued by Wenzel, without any exception, rendered Drda’s home the refuge of many of the remaining friends of the mur- dered chieftain. In Solomon’s raiment was discovered a memo- randum of the recent events intended as the basis of a formal report to King Ladislaus. It stated the course of the recent negotiations, and tragedy involving the death of Zawis. Solomon 282 MURDER OF ZAWIS BEFORE HLUBOKA also had included the representations laid before Wenzel to secure a revocation of his orders. It closed by stating that a refusal on the part of Wen- zel to accept the conditions offered having been avoided by his candid avowal of non-complicity except under duress, the guilt became transferred to the court of Vienna. This memorandum contained statements of such high political importance at the time, that it was forwarded to Hungary by Wenzel’s direct order, with- out being submitted to his Aulic council. Ladislaus received this communication with deep concern, and ordered its formal portions to be read to his chief advisers. The paper created intense agitation, especially the following passage: “Thus by profound dissimulation, the abandonment of that unity whereon alone can states establish permanence, or acquire cohesion of their essential elements, has the guilt of this crime been transferred from the per- sons really culpable to the crown of Bohemia. Such is the tendency of that insidious policy that I ob- serve is being established in modern kingdoms. The royal power is constituted the executioner of de- crees that it does not formulate, and is rendered the active oppressor of its own subjects by appeals to its overstrained religious sentiment. A sensitiveness hostile to the ordinary pursuits of men is cultivated that mistakes inquiry into nature’s truths for enmity to spiritual conceptions. “The beneficence that supplies its myriad blessings to us from the limitless store of nature’s sweets and MURDER OF ZAmS BEFORE HLUBOKA 283 essences is banished from multitudes whose exhausted strength is famished by its loss. The nourishment that would mingle with our constituent elements, and fill them with life and energy, yielding health and cheerfulness, is brushed from hungry lips, and men are consigned to want, and waste, and the breaking down of tissues, decay, and disease and death. The divine gifts implanted in herb and fruit, whereof the human frame is but the inspissated combination, is banished from its natural completion in its application to human nourishment; and the supernal virtues of love, generosity, justice, and purity that are diffused through the charms and the riches of nature, and would adorn the human soul if instilled through na- ture’s bounties, are violently banished from society. Thus cruelty, treachery, hatred, and vicious destruc- tiveness are being implanted in men’s hearts through denial of the enrichment that would infuse tender- ness of feeling together with richness of the blood. Poverty of the mind springs from depravation of the body; and so long as men hate and persecute and torture, and deaden the sensibilities of their frame, the wonder of all creation, so long also must they inflict on themselves vices of the mind. As the world is filled with mortification of the one it droops and is cursed with the depravities and vices of the other. Virtue is generally good food, warmth, ab- sence of anxiety, freedom from the despair in feelings that spring from wasted and unhealthy bodies, and the consequent fierce longings that produce a ten- dency in the very flesh to reproduce the same con- 284 MURDER OF ZAWIS BEFORE HLUBOKA ditions that it sprang from. If the mass of mankind in our cities are not thus nurtured we must antici- pate only fierce animosities and contentions. The spirit of persecution that now pervades Europe springs directly from the multiplied famines, pesti- lences, black deaths, and similar horrors, that have at length produced their natural result in the feroc- ity of the human soul.” The Lady Judith and her son, and the Lady Lud- mila, and Agaphia, Milada and other of their former co-sufferers continued to reside in quietness at Fiirs- tenberg. Here Lord Drda, and Nicolas Jaroslav, and Sambor found always a ready welcome. Grad- ually the soothing alleviation of time replaced the keen sufferings of the moment with a subdued cheer- fulness that welcomed sympathy and love with a profounder appreciation. The monument to Solomon at Ofen, and the sim- pler memorial tomb of Boppo at Gran long expressed the high estimation extended to those honored and lamented worthies. CHAPTER XXIV. INNOCENCE OF ZAWIS PROVED. Scarcely had the amnesty published by King Wen- zel assured security when Agaphia Brzava transferred to Nicolas Jaroslav the key and chain she had ob- tained. Nicolas on his side debated long with him- self as to the use he should make of the power now in his hands. He felt the necessity, however, of ex- hibiting his own fidelity in his calling; and he knew that any uncertainty or taint of suspicion cast on his acts as notarius must involve interests too serious to permit any trifling. He accordingly watched a favorable opportunity to unlock the great chest which he knew contained many revelations of state impor- tance. The confusion created in the kingdom, since the death of the great Otakar, resulting from that sovereign’s pre-eminentl}^ commanding character, and his compulsory union of the branches of adminis- tration in his own person, enabled designing persons to remove, or conceal, or destroy archives almost at their pleasure. Among other documents Nicolas discovered the official decree, formally subscribed and engrossed, creating Nicolas son of Otakar, Duke of Troppau, and conferring upon him the revenues of that duchy. 285 ^86 INNOCENCE OF ZAIVIS PROVED “This/’ thought Nicolas, “is worth a thousand fold its weight in gold. I know that the right of Nicolas to enjoy those revenues, and even that title, is being disputed and will come up in council.” With some difficulty Jaroslav also discovered securely wrapped in other documents, as if for the purpose of close con- cealment, the partially mutilated decree of Otakar conferring on Queen Kunigunde, as her own prop- erty, the sum of fifty thousand marks drawn from the revenues of Gratz. Nicolas also acquired both the information and the possession of documents whereby Tobias and Duke Nicolas had attempted to throw suspicion on the marriage of King Otakar and Queen Kunigunde. He knew that such doubts had been laid before Rudoph; but no document on the subject had previously been suspected to exist. Now became evident the explanation of the veiled woman’s posses- sion of those documents and of that chest. In the days of the unhappy. Queen Margaret the veiled woman, then the most attractive person at court, en- joyed the largest share of the king’s confidence, and became in fact custodian of many state archives. Hence the golden key and chain. The mutilation of the king’s grant to his queen created extreme perplexity. Only the letters “Ota” remained, the last being imperfect and divided be- tween the shreds still remaining on the edge of the parchment and the corresponding shreds on the torn piece. During the siege of Hluboka, Agaphia had been obliged to tear up many portions of her store of gar- INNOCENCE OF ZAIVIS PROyED ^81 merits, to be used as bandages. During this hurried process the closely wrapped slip picked up at Prague came to her hand. By the faithful agency of Sam- bor it was conveyed to Prague on the return of the troops; and by him on the first opportunity presented to Nicolas Jaroslav. In addition to these papers came to light in the great chest many items relating to Queen Kunigunde’s expenditure, public accounts, decrees long missing and now greatly needed; and above all, a written promise purporting to have been executed by Otakar to recog- nize his son Nicolas, and qualify him as successor to the throne, in case of the failure of heirs of Queen Kunigunde. By this paper a bright light fell on the history of young Wenzel; his cruel neglect; the aban- donment of his education; the failure to furnish him even with necessary food; and the apparent attempt to wear out his life without actual violence. On this revelation Jaroslav determined to obtain a private audience with King Wenzel. Only by seizing an unexpected opportunity could it be obtained. Jaroslav read these documents to the king. “Your highness is already aware,’’ he said, “of the personality of the veiled woman. She was the mother of Duke Nicolas; and the great efforts and successful courage of Lord Zawis enabled your high- ness’ loyal supporters to protect your throne at a moment when Bohemia had sunk to prostration un- der accumulated misfortunes. Your highness can now perceive how grossly you have been deceived. 288 INNOCENCE OF ZAIVIS PROyED “My own share in these events, merely clerical, is also corroborated, and the official entries sustained by further evidence at hand. “Your highness perceives the widely different usage these too portions of the same document have under gone; one clean, fresh, and uncreased; the other soiled, bruised, and worn. One has lain almost un- touched, the other has been concealed, either for protection, or misuse. Place them together, and the rough edges correspond even to the minutest thread. Your illustrious father’s signature is perfect and the name and probity of his excellent queen, Kunigunde, have been vindicated by the most official proofs. “Permit me to add that these documents all attest a deep and foul conspiracy to remove, by cruel and crafty violence, the one man whose honor and fidelity have hereby received absolute demonstration. Those fifty thousand marks did appertain by right to the personal estate of the queen; and a gross wrong has been committed against a true subject as well as against the whole kingdom of Bohemia.” Jaroslav also read to the king many entries of royal estates recovered, of crown property restored, of rents alienated, much of the sum not yet paid by the unlawful possessors, and one most serious item of large tracts of land forcibly seized by the com- munity of the Thorn Crown, at the moment of the king’s fall. Above all, Jaroslav reaa the official entry record- ing the birth of Wenzel and the corresponding an- nouncement entitling him sole heir to the throne of INNOCENCE OF ZAIVIS PROVED 289 the Bohemian dominions. Wenzel well understood the meaning of this phraseology. He was born heir of a kingdom that extended from the Baltic to the coast and islands of Dalmatia. The production of these archives required the as- sembling of the royal council. Many of the most perplexed questions of administration obtained full solution. Respecting the documents affecting the Duke Nicolas as duke of Troppau, and Lord Zawis, the king authorized Jaroslav to present them in such manner as he thought best. Impelled by a sense of wounded honor, and by a just resentment, Jaroslav first read the official entry in his own handwriting, recording che royal grant. ‘^But,^^ said Duke Nicolas sharply, “that entry is unsupported by any royal decree. Without such document the council must decide that your entry is a forgery.^’ “His highness the king, and the lords present, ^re- plied Jaroslav, impressively, “can at once recall the sentence of imprisonment inflicted on myself in con- nection with this subject. Events equally startling and opportune have furnished me with the necessary vindication. During the recent struggle, although brief, before Hluboka, two women, one of them closely veiled, were observed to watch with evident anxiety the movements of Duke Nicolas here present. They briefly addressed and encouraged the wounded, and were permitted to move as they chose. The per- son of the duke attracted missiles, and two of these aimed together struck and slew with a dreadful dis- 290 INNOCENCE OF ZAIVIS PROVED figurement the two women on the instant. A soldier present, on invitation specially uttered, and on safe conduct specifically pronounced, recognized the veiled woman as the mother of the Duke Nicolas, then standing before the mutilated corpse. “From the same veiled body that soldier drew this chain and key that he had long searched for. With that key came to light the concealed document this honorable council had demanded. Whether the document remained hidden with the full knowledge of Nicolas Duke of Troppau may be gathered from the challenge of the duke to produce such a docu- ment. He knew such record existed, for his own signature is attached to it, and he knew that his mother formerly kept the golden key of the recep- tacle where that record lay for safety. The duke’s mother was supposed to have disappeared from the palace at the time of King Otakar’s marriage. “Does the duke challenge the authenticity of this parchment.^” boldly inquired Nicolas. “It is preserved with the same caution, found in the same enclosure, guarded by the same mother’s care as the equally secured and authentic document conferring upon him the revenues of the dukedom of Troppau. “The subscription is the same, the witnesses are the same, as my Lord Benes will certify, for his name also occurs in both.*’ The king here presented both parchments to Benes and Nicolas, and as neither uttered a syllable Jaroslav continued: INNOCENC^E OF ZAIVIS PROVED 291 “Let the shame, then, of this conspiracy fall on the heads of those who are guilty of it. “A good knight has gone down to a new and atro- cious death in order to forward the guilty ambition of traitors and deceivers, and those who knew the crime they committed exult in their infamous suc- cess.” At this point the queen and Bishop Tobias, wholly uninformed of the revelations now presented, entered the council. The bishop at once requested opportunity to pre- sent to the king in council for official ratification the decree already authorized but not yet executed set- ting apart a tract of rich land, and specific donations from the treasury, for the erection and maintenance of the new Cistercian Monastery which the king had vowed to erect at his own charge, in memory of his victory over the Lord Zawis. “In imitation of the glorious example of our pious and illustrious father,” the decree said, “who perpet- uated the glory of his arms and his zeal for the Chris- tian faith by erecting and endowing houses of God to promote the interests and protect the rights and liberties of the church, and in recognition of special grace accorded to us in the punishment of a rebel and plunderer of our treasury, we do hereby author- ize the erection and perpetual endowment of the holy house to be named ‘Aula Regia,’ at Zbraslaw, for the brethren of the Cistercian order, and we decree the same accordingly.” “We have this day presented to us, Lord Bishop,” 292 INNOCENCE OF ZAJVIS PROVED said the king, ‘‘authentic and indubitable proofs that at least in the one matter of the fifty thousand marks the Lord Zavvis expressed the strict truth, and his probity has been vindicated. I fear that rash- ness and abitrary haste have marked the proceedings that have recently occurred. Personally I feel a deep regret at the result.” Tobias took the documents and explained their purport to the queen. After a brief conference To- bias said: “The queen’s highness reminds the council of a most happy escape from the machina- tions and magical devices of the guilty conspirator, whose poisoned gift threatened the queen’s highness and the king with the fatal results of their diabolical effects. No deliverance could be more providential, no intervention of holy powers could be more gra- cious, than the auspicious discovery of the malignant purposes of the heretical culprit who has justly suf- fered. Such an interposition merits our most grate- ful acknowledgment. Surely no memorial could be more just, and no pious work more suitable than the erection and endowment of this holy house that shall preserve the memory of this fortunate event.” Here Benes interposed. He possessed acuteness and observation. “The reverend bishop has as- sumed that the gift from the Lady Judith contained the venom of poison magic. The reverend bishop is aware that the Lady Judith had entered into vows in holy church, and had exhibited exemplary de- votion and faith, Such profession and life are not favorable to the belief that the Lady Judith could INNOCENCE OF ZAJVIS PROVED 293 or would have encouraged any communion with the black arts of devotees of the evil one. No proof has been offered that the gift in question had ever been exposed to the influence of any hands but those of the Lady Judith herself. For my part, I am now con- vinced that the reverend bishop’s apprehensions arise from a commingling of pious fear and inten- tional policies, both resulting in a purpose to discredit the marriage of the Queen Kunigunde, and the king’s right to the throne of his fathers. I am of opinion that the queen’s highness has been the dupe of more experienced plotters who have employed the cry of magic to disquiet her young mind for purposes adverse to the king’s interests.” » “I have pledged my royal vv^ord,” said Queen Judith in some alarm, “that the king’s consent would erect and endow the koenigsaal for the brethren of the Cistercian order; and I therefore appeal to his highness in council to sustain my promise by issuing the decree required.” “I may pledge the brethren beforehand,” said To- bias, “to faithfully preserve the record as it shall be delivered to them of the recent events to which they owe their foundation; and I doubt not that their zeal will supply any defects that may be found in existing report oh the subject. Their house shall not want well attested statements justifying their comimunity, and furnishing all needful details of the long contin- ued wickedness, and merited death of that servant of evil who forfeited his life for his crimes.” “His memory,” said Benes, “is acquitted of all 294 INNOCENCE OF ZAIVIS PROVED malversation in office, and misappropriation of crown property; and his eminent services to the crown are recorded in the authentic documents now before us.’^ “The brethren are even now proceeding with their work,’^ responded Tobias, “in reliance on the king’s encouragement.” “Let the house named Aula Regia be constructed and endowed,” said Wenzel. “But whatever de- tails the records of that institution may afford, let it be remembered that all will be based on their own interest and the necessity of present- ing an apparent justification of their foundation. The excellent Bishop Tobias has found himself de- ceived; and if the brethren present the same reasons that he has done we shall have only another instance of rumor mistaken for fact, of pious imagination in- terpreted as well informed judgment, and of zealous wishes becoming the suggestive origin of positive as- sertions.” “The notarius will authenticate the records,” finally declared the king. “He will also adopt such meas- ures as will present a correct memorial of recent un- happy events; and such as will convey the true spirit, and disclosed motives that have governed the actors in the recent tragedy at Hluboka.” CHAPTER XXV. QUIET AT FURSTENBERG. WEDDINGS. Quiet seclusion enveloped the residents at Fiirs- tenberg during the sorrowful winter of 1290. The still rugged evidences of strife without corresponded with the agitated, and at times ebullient emotions of those within. The general stillness produced a calm feeling, and turbulent thoughts subsided. The current of human sensibilities necessarily obeys the external influences that supply the sources whence those sen- sibilities receive their moving power, and which in time engross human attention. Impossible to with- draw ourselves from that light and life whereof we form a part. All attempts to do this have resulted only in stag- nation and the unnatural perversion of human facul- ties. Equally impossible it is for throbbing hearts to resist the impulse communicated from the changing and brightening and enlivening scenes and activities around. They are drawn into the current and share its rapids and its eddies. As the leaves drooped, and died, and withered as they lay, and mingled in one common change, the emotions and hopes and joys that had adorned the life of those within the half de- serted castle, also drooped, and blended, as they de- ^95 296 QUIET AT FURSTENBERG. IVEDDINGS parted, with the one great grief that included and covered them all. And as new spring light shone, and inspiring breezes breathed on the passive suiface of the landscape, and cheered the hearts, and quick- ened the blood of men, young hopes peeped out again through the mass of withered feelings, and fairer prospects bloomed amid the wreck of fallen greatness; and although these evidences of reviving life con- trasted with the sad evidences of death around, yet the weary eye rested thankfully on the new beaut}^, and loved it as the beginning of a larger and more generous joy to come A lighter step moved within the halls and chambers; voices recovered a tone less whispered; eyes looked forward less dimmed and shrouded; and present cares and duties assumed the mastery over thoughts and hands. The summer came with its glories; and in the midst of the affluence of health and rejoicing,of bloom and fruitage without, the Lady Judith habitually sat gazing on the charming scene, and feeling all the more keenly for the gladness before her the abrupt and painful severance of her own heart from the love that had filled her life with similar exuberance. Beside her stood her boy, gazing sadly into his mother’s mourning face, and wondering why she felt so sad. Gradually, and with a flowing tear, she told him the melancholy tale. “Bad men,’’ she said “had taken his papa from her and him;” and as the child inquired why they had done that, she could merely reply; ‘‘My son, I can only hope that you will grow QUIET AT FURSTENBERG. IVEDDINGS 29 ? up to be as good and true a man as your father was. To tell you all the reasons why they slew him so cruelly,’^ — and here again the tears flowed fast, — “would only seem an idle tale, so dreadful and so wicked does it seem. But I must believe that such deeds will bring down on those who commit them a punishment as sure as it will be deserved.’^ Lady Ludmila, too, moved with quiet gracefulness through her apartments. Her step continued not less light and elastic; and her dignity had assumed a subdued seriousness and tender affability that diffused a sense of serenity all around her. Lord Drda came and went, and received the gentle welcome that con- cealed no love, and assumed no repulsion. Quietly they strolled, and talked, and confided in each other. As gently as the summer blends with the autumn, their two hearts mingled in happy one- ness and unconstrained affection. Lady Judith gazed on the avowed devotion of the lovers to each other, and smiled as she sympathized with their happiness; and then she drew her boy closer to her, as being the living embodiment of her own love now past, and the center of her widowed hopes. At intervals Prokop visited his friends, and with unaffected earnestness and simplicity inspired all hearts with his own devotion to the duties and sym- pathies before them. During one of these always welcome residences, as he passed with cheering message from the home of comparative prosperity to the refuge of poverty and 298 QUIET AT FURSTENBERG. JVEDDINGS of sickness, Milada quietly conveyed to him the intelli- gence that in a poor and lonely hut lay a sick man who obtruded his condition on none, and seemed to desire only obscurity. Immediately proceeding to the place designated, Prokop found it tenanted only by a white-haired woman, and a man evidently laid very low by fever aggravated by want. During his delirium the sufferer wandered back to former days, and called up scenes he had shared in. A moan and a shout interspersed with a hollow laugh, and at- tempts at hilarity mingled with cries of horror, told of experiences of rough mirth, and furious contention. “Ah, the wood; they sharpened it!’^ he shouted. “Ah, the fire; not hard enough;” and then with staring eyes he gazed into space and shouted, “Ah, it falls! Dead, dead!” and then with a groan he fell back exhausted. Again a sickly smile stole over his emaciated but puffy face, and he cried: “Sing, tra la la, boys, sing; ah, it is over; we march, — m-a-r-ch,” and again sank into stupor. Sadly Prokop bethought of Solomon, and a sigh escaped him as he felt his helplessness. Attention, and soothing drinks could be supplied. Fresh air came in abundance. A strong constitution gradually threw off the fever and then simple food reached reviving appetite; and after ten days recovery seemed fairly assured. Consciousness resumed its functions and Sambor knew that more than one ten- der hand had smoothed his pillow and held the cup of cooling and yet nourishing drink to his fevered lips. QUIET AT FURSTENBERG. IVEDDINGS 299 “Good Milada,” he said, “you and your good mother have nursed me back to life, I feel already that a totally different occupation must employ my days henceforth. I am not an old man, only twenty-eight, and I have spent ten years at soldiery. Surely there is room for me around here, and I have resolved to fill such place as I may find. Many brave fellows have fallen. I would rather they were still here, that I might be one with them. Not hatred, nor love of bloodshedding moved me, but the example and influ- ence on a strong boy of the wild company I was among. “Milada, I owe my life to you, for I know your care supplied all my wants, although you did not avow it. I will devote my life to you henceforth if you will allow me to do so.’’ “When you grow well and strong again we will see how you feel about that,” she said;“perhaps then you will not care about Milada.” “Thank you for that condition,” replied Sambor; “you will see.” As Sambor recovered strength, no lack of duties kept his hands idle. Above all other occupations the restoration of the vineyards required the skill of a practised hand. These had been broken down; and now choice vines lay in a tangled mass, a luxuriant growth of wild vegetation. Herein his early training now found congenial application; and trellis and wall soon gave token of the return of more than former order and precision. With the sense of contrast between his present 300 QUIET AT FURSTENBERG. IVEDDINGS occupation and his last grew deeper into Sambor’s mind a restlessness alniost amounting to resentment. “The duke of Troppau,” he said to Milada, “twice gave me his promise of advancement, and twice he failed to keep his promise. And, Milada, I am sincerely glad he broke his word. I have learned to form a new estimate of human nature. I long regarded men and women as lawful prey, to be seized by the most successful spoiler. That is the feeling that animates multitudes of plunderers who are called soldiers. That feeling has worked itself into the hearts of kings, and that feeling is as- sociated with a ferocity towards all who differ from them in opinion as well as in possession. Each be- comes, like the other, the foe of the spoiler. But it is all passed now, Milada; and I avow that it is to you that I owe my change of sentiment. I feel your hand on my brow yet, Milada; I drink again the cup you gave me; and I should be less than human if I did not rise to a better sense of human dignity, through the sympathy you have shown, and the gentle nobility you have exhibited. You have raised me up, Milada; and I thank you and love you, and honor you all the more for it.” “Hush now,” said Milada, taking his hand and smiling archly; “how about your flirtation with Frau Agaphia Brzava.^^ There was nothing in that, was there “Only a soldier’s frolic,” replied Sambor. “Only a passing jest; and I now know it was you who gave me the May bliss, Frau Agaphia was there, but it was QUIET AT FURSTENBERG. IVEDDINGS 301 your hand that gave it; and, Milada, I cannot forget the arch smile that came with it.” Milada avowed the smile and the May bliss; and now she went further. Placing her hand in his, she said, “Take it, Sambor, and my heart with it. Long I served the Lady Kunigunde. By her generosity I secured more than a little, that I have managed to secrete through all these trou'bled times. Take it, Sambor, it is yours ; it will purchase for us the vine- yard that my father tended. I know you will wel- come good old Brzena. She is my father’s sister and has an interest in the place; and I promise you that if a faithful wife can make you happy you shall be happy indeed.” As the Christmas time drew near, the friends gath- ered around the hospitable hearth. A cheerfulness there was, and yet a subdued joy in presence of the widow who cordially received her guests. Lady Ludmila was there and Drda, and Jaroslav and Agaphia, and a company of neighbors, all friends and old retainers. The hearth was open to all friends who chose to honor it with their presence. Early in the afternoon of that day four strange faces ap- peared, and quietly presented themselves to pay their respects. Wearing the Russian costume of the re- moter provinces, but speaking, though with some hesitation, the Bohemian language, their presence at first created a slight uneasiness. As soon as welcome warmth and generous repast had refreshed the travelers, the elder said: “I am al- ready aware that I come as a stranger; but I know 302 QUIET AT FURSTENBERG. IVEDDINGS your kindly hearts will feel emotion when I say that I am the eldest son of the Lord Boppo of Osterna. “My brother also comes and his wife; but our chil- dren have not arrived, as we have not yet reached our proposed home. We were all present on the fatal Marchfield; and we repeatedly saw the Lord Zawis there after he became a prisoner. We went all into bondage togetheV; and at last have returned, as we hope, to live and die among my father’s friends/’ “The honored name of the Lord Boppo ensures you cordial greeting and welcome,” replied the Lady Judith. “We are happy indeed that this unexpected pleasure multiplies our guests, especially of those who bear so noble a lineage. You are of our own indeed.” A sedately happy company thus found themselves assembled. Lord Drda, and Prokop, and Nicolas Jaroslav related each his portion of the eventful history, now introducing changed conditions through the Moravian border. The visitors heard with pro- found emotion the facts respecting Lord Boppo’s fall, imperfectly narrated to them at Gran. They also listened with subdued hearts to the story of the death of Solomon, whom they well remembered and had inquired for. “Now,” said Salza of Osterna, “it is my duty to narrate to this company the story of our experiences after we were forcibly separated from Lord Boppo at Gran. While the old man, who had secured a special release through his friend Solomon ben Gerson, was temporarily absent, engaged in supplying the most honorable sepulture to our mother that our unhappy QUIET AT FURSTENBERG. IVEDDINGS 803 condition admitted, our captors moved away toward the Vistula. Here a slave-dealer from Astrakhan for- tunately purchased us all; and we moved forward into Turkestan. A body of Kharesmian plunderers seized our caravan, and conveyed us to the Khares- mian frontier, the Khan of this region proposing to make us part of a body of slave colonists intended to cultivate his tract of country, almost depopulated by the Tartars long ago, and scarcely occupied ever since. Here we received each a dwelling, but our em- ployment consisted exclusively of herding horses and goats. Our flocks of goats yielded us meat; and kumyss formed our chief drink. Years we continued in this employment. The Khan of Kharesm claimed dominion over our territory; and dispatched a large force for its subjugation. Repeatedly we observed an officer in command whom we thought we recog- nized. At last our district fell into his power and we found ourselves again subject to a change of masters. An order given one day, to his own servant, in the Spanish language, convinced us that our new viceroy was none other than Don Abraham, whom we had re- peatedly seen; and whom my father and Solomon well knew, and frequently conversed with. We made ourselves known to him; and with a noble generosity and a friendly gladness that gave him infinite pleas- ure, Don Abraham not only secured our absolute re- lease, but furnished us with ample means to purchase the estate where Solomon and his friend first made my father’s acquaintance. We could not continue our journey without enjoying the profound pleasure 304 QUIET AT FURSTELBERG. IF'EDDIhIGS of visiting friends here, and without making a sojourn at this place so intimately associated with my father’s memory and death” The warmest congratulations followed the simple avowal thus narrated. The entire company made good cheer, yet with a quiet joy. The Lady Judith placed her guests according to their obvious and ap- propriate preferences. Lord Drda and Lady Ludmila sat together at table and smiled and chatted with per- fect composure and undisguised affection. Nicolas Jaroslav and Agaphia entertained each other, and were happy in each other’s confidence; and again Sambor and Milada enjoyed each other’s looks, and seemed better contented to hear the cheerful com- munings of the other guests than propose their own. Prokop devoted himself to the new arrivals, who again entertained the Lady Judith with many details and rough adventures with goats’ flesh and kumyss; and the nomad life of the steppes. The Lady Judith listened with placid cheerfulness; but no demonstra- tion of absorption in her own sorrow, or of inatten- tion to her present duties allowed itself to mar the decorous gayety of the evening. As the long winter’s deeper glow approached, the logs in the wide fireplace emitted a brighter blaze, and diffused a welcome such as only a Christmas hearthstone can. Although the wood may crackle and blaze as lustily and with as demonstrative a splen- dor at other times, yet the glow of feeling that cheers the Christmas family group, bestows a more graceful curl on the blaze, infuses a more genial warmth into QUIET AT FunSTBNBERG. tVEDDINCS SOS the fire, and a more merry explosion to the crackling spark that shoots among the feet of the company. The flutter that ensues creates livelier merriment, and the abashed and happy looks that reward the recap- ture of the ruddy fragment, endow that simple pro- jectile with an inspiring potency that unseals the lips, and melts the feelings, and brushes away the last impediment between two hearts that longed for more avowed communion. ^ Before such cheerful hearth, when the clear red light of the well burned wood diffused its crimson brightness on every cheek, with a gentle signal Lady Judith smilingly tokened the affianced and happy parties to stand in the open hall before the mellow blaze. Then Prokop arose before them, as each wedding pair assumed a separate place, and said, “These per- sons severally, Andreas and Ludmila, Nicolas and Agaphia, Sambor and Milada, propose before God, before each other, and this company to assume the state of marriage. Does any person present know any just reason why these persons should not be united severally in the good estate of matrimony? Again, a second time, is any such reason given? Again, a third time?” There in that cheerful glow, where Lady Judith looked on the bright reflection from the happy faces before her, at her side the amused child now her chief consoler, Andreas Lord Drda and Ludmila, Nicolas Jaroslav and Agaphia Brszava, Sambor and Milada, severally pledged and plighted themselves; 306 ^lET AT FURSTENBERC, iVEbOlNGS and the respective husbands and wives looked con- fidently into the faces of their partners, and gave their promises with unaffected candor and honest avowal; and that ruddy beam that illuminated their faces only represented and reflected the still happier and brighter light that beamed in hope and can- fidence on their faith and their hearts in permanent warmth and devotion. “Trebly happy as^this celebration is/’ said Prokop, when all were seated, “and ardently as I pray for mul- tiplied blessings on our loved friends, it presents still another feature that confers on this m.arriage in each case a peculiar significance. We see our native land again recovering from dreadful calamities. Her fair surface betokens the renewed assiduity of her children. “In this hall, you, my younger friends, may hope to see again the glory of former days. But the old is passing away. We have seen assembled here repre- sentatives of chivalry, national welcome to commer- cial enterprise, and also the ethical recollecticn and continuance of the faith of departed centuries. Two of these representatives we have seen perish before our eyes. The third, however feeble, still survives. So fades the greatness, the national glory of Bohemia Lingers still in quiet scenes much of the old and cherished belief of our fathers. It will almost disap- pear; it will be obscured; in its quietness will it be overlooked ? “But beneath the mass of new and ambitious vege- tation that marks the successive growths of the forest QUIET AT FURSTENBERG. IVEDDINGS 30t eras, and leaves as it falls mouldering heaps and de- caying fragments, ever spring forth the scattered blossoms of half buried plants that cling tenaciously to their native soil, and never can be eradicated. “I doubt not that these indigenous and hardy roots will yet fill the land, and will cover its surface with their verdure. And never from Bohemia shall its own peculiar gifts be obliterated, or its own fruits and flowers of belief and nationality be destroyed. The mighty have been prostrated, the wise and good have been cut down; but in the quiet and unaffected paths of dut}^ in conspicuous honor or in humility, shall Bohemian life and faith revive; and as I believe, to greater dignity than ever.” And then a dance and song made gay the happy company. Ludmila’s skillful fingers added nimble- ness to the foot of the dancer; Sambor’s ringing voice enlivened the hearts of the merry-makers; and long through Moravia was told the tale of that inspiring evening, as men and women refreshed their thoughts with its memories, while they recounted the sad history of Zawis and Kunigunde. -^doeology. A scientific and popular treatise on Pre- natal Influence, the Prevention of Conception, and the Hygiene and Physiology of Generative Life. By Sydney Barrington Elliot, M. D. Chicago: Charles H. Kerr & Company, 175 Monroe Street. Cloth, ^1.50, postpaid. Nothing among the gloomy signs of the times to- day sheds a brighter ray of hope than the scientific discoveries in the field of pre-natal influence. It is now an established fact that parents may, to an extent be- fore undreamed of, determine the lives of their children. “It is the right of every child to be well •born. “ Par- ents may ignore that right. If they do, the chances are that the child will suffer through life from some physical, mental or moral deformity which might have been prevented. Parents may recognize that right, study the laws of pre-natal influence, and so apply them as to intensify in their offspring every good qual- ity they themselves possess, and greatly remedy every defect. If only a riiajority of our people would do this, the life of the nation would be transformed in a generation. Dr. Elliot is one of the scientists who have studied these laws of pre-natal influence, and in this book he has done priceless service in so explaining them that all may understand and apply them. One position which he takes deserves special comment. He holds that there should be no chance conception, and as a corol- lary to this he holds that every married woman should know that there are safe and harmless methods for its prevention. This view will be decried by some, but all who judge conduct by its bearing on the best hap- piness of mankind, rather than by pre-conceived notions, will heartily commend it. Un-American Immigration : Its Present Effects and Future Perils. By Rena Michaels Atchison, Ph. D. Chicago: Charles H. Kerr & Company, 175 Monroe Street. Cloth, $1.25, postpaid. This is a book of facts and not theories. The author has had no partisan proposition to prove, or measure to advocate, but has simply aimed to collate all facts bearing upon this important subject, and so arrange them that they may tell their own story and teach their own lessons. The book aims to be thoroughly non-partisan, non- sectarian and non- sectional, and directs its appeal to the candid judgment and patriotic feeling of every true lov^er of the American Republic. The lax administration of our immigration laws, which has made our European immigration practically unrestricted, has added much to our burdens of crime, pauperism and illiteracy. In this work are found, condensed and compared, the latest investigations on these important topics, as well as facts showing their bearings upon industrial, educational, municipal and national problems. The comparison therein given of the voting power of the native and foreign elements of the several states, together with the analysis of the racial elements by states and cities, has important sociological bearings. This book deals exhaustively with every phase of this important question. In short, it deals with the American problem of the twentieth century. It aims to state that problem so clearly, in terms so simple, that every patriot can read its meaning and appreciate its magnitude. Dr.* Josoph Cook, in his introduction to the work, says: “The present writer has nowhere met with a more judicious and convincing presentation than the follow- ing volume contains of our perils from lax immigration laws. This is a book of telling facts and of sound and far-reaching inferences on the increasing mischiefs of unsifted immigration. Mrs., Rena Michaels Atchison, of Chicago, has long been known as an expert in this branch of sociological discussion. Her treatise is timely, incisive, and strategic both in the exhibition of the great evils it describes and. in the suggestion of remedies.” Money Found: Recovered from its hiding-places and put into circulation through confidence in govern- ment banks. By Thomas E. Hill. Chicago: Charles H. Kerr & Company, 175 Monroe St. Paper, 25 cents; cloth, 75 cents; leather, ^i.oo; postpaid. In 1890 Hon. Thos. E. Hill, well known as the author of “Hill’s Manual” and other standard educa- tional works, proposed, in a letter to the Farmer’s Voice, a vital and far-reaching reform in the banking system of the United States, — no less a reform than the government ownership and contiol of the whole banking business. Mr. Hill’s system met with instant approval from many of the clearest thinkers of the country, especially the leaders of the People’s Party. It has already been endorsed by local conventions of the party, and is likely to be incorporated into the next national platform. In response to many requests Mr. Hill has elaborated his system in the book Money Found, over 20,000 copies of which have already been sold. He points out that the terrible business depression which began in 1893 was due mainly to the people’s lack of confi- dence in the unsound private banks miscalled “national. ” He explains how the United States might open its own bank in every important town, pay 3 per cent on long time deposits, lend at 4 per cent to every borrower who has adequate security, do away with usury and revive business, and all this not only without expense but with a net revenue to the government of about ^390,000,000. The latest edition of Money Found contains a glossary of financial terms, together with important statistical tables showing the financial legislation in the United States, the rates of interest in the several states, the amount of gold, silver and paper money in the principal countries of the world, etc. The appen- dix alone is worth many times the cost of the book. The Pullman Strike. By Rev. William H. Car- wardine, Pastor of the First Methodist Church, Pullman, 111 . Fourth edition. Chicago: Charles H. Kerr & Company, 175 Monroe Street. Paper, 25 cents, postpaid. The Pullman strike has passed into history. The Pullman problem remains unsolved, and every patriotic American must do his part in solving it. For it is only part of a larger problem, one that is already upon us. Had the strikers any real grievances, or were they the dupes of ambitious men with private ends to serve? Which ought the people to demand of their legisla- tors, that they restrict the power of organized capital, or that they go further in repressing the movements of organized labor? The answers to such questions depend rather on facts than on logic, but facts are hard to arrive at, when statements come from the parties vitally interested in the disputed questions. Mr. Carwardine’s little book has therefore a high and permanent value both to the citizen of to-day and the student of the future. For he is neither a capitalist nor, in the restricted sense, a workingman, but an observer, with nothing to preju- dice him in favor of either side. This being the case, his testimony in favor of the men and against the Pullman Company is most convincing, and it is no wonder that the allied monopolists have done every- thing possible in indirect ways to discredit the little book, nor that its sale has been phenomenally rapid among those who are hoping and working for social progress toward a more humane civilization. Not a single important statement in the book has been successfully challenged, and fair-minded men may read it with the certainty of getting at the facts. A Story from Pullmantown. By Nico Bech-Meyer. Chicago: Charles H. Kerr & Company, 175 Monroe Street. Paper, 25 cents; cloth, 50 cents, postpaid. The year 1894 will pass into America’s history as a memorable one. Throughout the nation the irrepres- sible conflict between human rights and “vested rights’* has been growing more intense. Upon the town of Pullman all eyes have been focused, for here the na- tional struggle has been reproduced in miniature, — re- produced in a fashion so concrete that the dullest minds have understood. Rarely has so grand a theme been found ready to the artist’s hand, and never has the artist appeared so promptly. Mrs. Nico Bech-Meyer is an American by adoption and loyalty, though a Norsewoman by birth. She has acquired a mastery of the English language that most of our native authors might well envy. But she does not often let the reader stop to think of her style, — the movement of her story is too rapid. Very artistically yet simply she discloses, as her story proceeds, the insufferable oppressions of the Pullman company; she interprets the mental struggle of the more intelligent of the working people; she closes her book with their final decision to begin the strike, and every reader who has followed the story from the be- ginning will feel that as free men and women they could not have done otherwise. This book is full of inspiration for those who are tempted to think of the strike as only a failure: “Never yet have great changes been effected without birth- pains. There are walls which must be torn down, and old stuff which must be thrown out. Better to lie down on the street and die than to live a slave’s life and leave it as an inheritance to their children.” The Rights of Labor. An inquiry as to the rela- tion between employer and employee. By W. J. Chicago: Charles H. Kerr & Company, 175 Mon- roe Street. Paper, 25 cents; postpaid. Few employers and few of those in their employ have very definite ideas as to the implied agreements which legally attach to the ordinary verbal contract to work for so many dollars a week, and still fewer have any definite ideas as to how the law might be improved. The anonymous writer of this book gives much valua- ble information as to the present status of the labor contract, and he advocates certain legal reforms the discussion of which can not fail to do good. He holds that under present conditions the laborer is usually at a disadvantage in making a labor contract, since his very life depends on his finding work, and that thus the employer often grasps an unduly large share of the product. The remedy which the author proposes is to limit by law the percentage of profit (after all expenses are paid) which capital may receive each year on its actual investment. He would put this limit high enough to compensate for the losses of unprofitable years. All profits above this limit he pro- poses to divide among those who do the work, either of hand or head, in proportion to their wages. Also he would make some provision against the enforce- ment of needless and oppressive regulations. Never in the world’s history were the toiling millions so near as now to a union for political action to secure their rights. Given a plan on which all can unite, and the union can be effected with astonishing rapidity. This book develops many if not all the features of the coming plan for action, and every thinking man should read it. Shylock's Daughter. By Margret Holmes . Bates. Illustrated with eleven drawings by Capel Rowley- Chicago: Charles H. Kerr & Company, 175 Monroe Street. Paper, 25 cents; cloth, 75 cents; postpaid. This book is, to begin with, a thoroughly well written love story, with an interesting plot and lifelike char- acters. Whoever begins it will read it through. When he has read it, if he was already a Populist, he will overflow with enthusiasm, while if he was a Republican or a Democrat he will have many things to think over. The hero of the story is a People’s Party legislator, elected to represent a constituency of farmers and miners. The heroine is the daughter of one of our typical plutO' crats,a man who had secured his election to the state sen- ate in the interest of a wealthy corporation, and whose aim was to prevent just the legislation that the hero of the story was bent on securing. The senator conceived the happy idea of using his daughter’s influence with the popular young legislator, and the consequences of his endeavors are worked out by the novelist in a decid- edly interesting fashion. For the final outcome, the reader must consult the book itself. The hero, John Longwood, opens his political career by writing a series of letters on money, land, trans- portation, etc., to his local paper. The ideas thus advanced are sound and timely, embodying some of the most important reforms which the country is suffer- ing for to-day. The book is dedicated to the People’s Party of America. “Never a party with so magnificent an op- portunity. Never a party with rank and file so sturdy and noble. Never such a need for brave, wise and in- corruptible leaders. If these pages encourage another John Longwood to come forward, it will not have been written in vain.” A Modern Love Story. By Harriet E. Orcutt. Chi- cago: Charles H. Kerr & Co., 175 Monroe Street. Paper, 25 cents; cloth, ^i.oo; postpaid. “It is full of interest.” — Ohio State Jour 7 iaL “In this beautiful volume we have a story of love that did not end at the altar.” — The Old Homestead. “It is essentially a tale of this period, when women’s rights, women’s emancipation, women’s individuality, are in full force. ” — Inter Ocean. “The book is one that will increase the reader’s faith in humanity and respect for the rights and opin- ions of others.” — Woman' s Standard, Des Moines. This modern love story, like its subject, does not end with the altar, but continues, quite in sympathy with modern progress, to prove that despite misunder- standing and trouble, marriage is never a failure when it is a union of souls. The heroine is a veritable fin de siecle maiden; she is devoted to her art, at least she thinks she is; not at all sentimental, until her heart is touched, when, quite to her own surprise and the amusement of the reader, she suddenly becomes a very ordinary damsel, none the less lovable for that, either in the e3^es of her lover or his sympathetic confidante, who is likewise the reader. The tale is pleasantly told, bright with incident and not too serious with reflection to make it an enjoyable holiday companion.” — Journal of Education, Boston. Miss Orcutt is perhaps best known as the “Editor of Economist Educational Exercises,” a series of lessons on economic subjects which were published in 1892 — in the National Economist, then the official organ of the Farmers’ Alliance. Miss Orcutt is a member of the Illinois Woman’s Press Association, and a contributor to leading periodicals. She wrote “The Danger of the Hour,” a striking article published in the American Journal of Politics. Jetta, A Story of the South. By Semrick. Chicago: Charles H. Kerr & Company, 175 Monroe Street. Paper, 50 cents; postpaid. Miss Lucy A. Orrick, of Canton, Miss., has evoked the favorable criticism of the press and public in her production of “Jetta,” a story of the South and Lou- isiana, redolent with the perfume of yellow jasmine, wisteria and honeysuckle, and depicting, as the St. Louis Republic says, “with captivating genuineness,” life on the famous Louisiana plantation. The char- acters drawn are true to life, and the scenes and in- cidents pictured are familiar to many Louisianians of the present day. The story is told with the ardor and enthusiasm of a Southern girl imbued with Southern ideas and Southern customs, and in this re- spect presents to the people of other sections of the country a faithful portrayal of life in the South as seen by one of its daughters. — New Orleans Tifnes- Democrat. Stories of Southern life are just now much in evi- dence. Many of them contain the best indication of the birth and growth of a genuine literature, because they are written by Southerners who know whereof they write, and show that they recognize the value of materials that lie close to their hands. They exhibit a sincere effort to depict life and character. This cap- tivating genuineness is noticeable in “Jetta,” a story of the South, which has just been published by Charles H. Kerr & Co., of Chicago. Under the nom de plume of Semrick one may easily recognize the personality of a bright young woman with a manifest gift of story telling. — St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Throughout one breathes and revels in an atmosphere essentially Southern; the characters are genuine types of Southerners; the negro dialect perfect, and one always feels that there is a promise of something stronger from the same pen in the future. — Canton Times. Essentially a Southern story, fresh, vivid and inter- esting in every line of character portrayed. — Memphis Commercial Appeal. CONDEMNED BY COMSTOCK BUT COMMENDED BY INTELLIGENT CRITICS EVERYWHERE. Anthony Comstock condemns “Woman, Church and State.” * In a letter written Feb. 26 , 1894, but only recently made public, he says: “In reference to whether this is a proper book to put in a school library for children to read, I unhesitatingly say no, it is not a proper book for children to read The incidents of victims of lust told in this book are such that if I found a person putting that book indiscrim- inately before the children I would institute a crim- inal proceeding against him for doing it.” This letter was in answer to an inquiry from a Cath- olic member of a school board at Fayetteville, N. Y., the author’s home. She had presented the work to the school library, and the member in question, objecting to Mrs. Gage’s straightforward statements of fact in her chapters on “Celibacy,” “Canon Law,” etc., sent the book to Anthony Comstock for his opinion. Commenting on this letter, the Boston “Investiga- tor” says: “The only question to be asked and an- swered regarding the work of Mrs. Gage is this: Does she tell the truth? That is the point. If Mrs. Gage has stated what is false, has given to fictions the face and form of facts, let her be corrected; let her be shown up as a falsifier; but, if she has told the truth, if she has bodied forth in her volume the ugly wrongs of church and state against her sex, then they who * Woman, Church and State, a historical account of the status of woman through the Christian ages; with reminiscences of the matriarchate. By Matilda Joslyn Gage, Chicago. Charles H. Kerr & Company, 175 Monroe Street. Cloth, gilt top, 554 pages, $2.00 postpaid. 1 2 WOJViAN, CHURCH AND STATJi vilify her name and attempt to throw dishonor upori her work, fear the truth and are afraid to have the dead body of history uncovered. Mrs. Gage is the victim of Christian superstition, of religious prejudice, but this foolish and unjust persecution of one of Amer- ica’s great women and one of the century’s true re- formers, ought to bring her latest and greatest effort before the public, which we feel confident will, after reading it, vindicate not alone her work, but her forci- ble language, as necessary to fitly reveal the subject under discussion.” The “Church Union” of New York, a Congregational paper of wide circulation, which numbers eight clergy- men among its contributing editors, has given the book two reviews, the first from the pen of its editor- in-chief, the second presumably from that of Rev. Charles H. Parkhurst, D. D., the famous reform cler- gyman of New York. The first says, “We have not space for more than a notice of this highly interesting book. We should like to give it the extensive review it deserves and thus to summon the attention of our readers to some of the very important truths that are presented and which call for thought on the part of all. But get the book and study its striking con- tents for yourself. ” The second review declares that “its teeming pages contain not a few important and neglected truths which it would be well for churches and state to ponder. ” Moncure D. Conway, of London, England, the biog- rapher of Emerson, wrote, “It has long been my usage to read everything I encountered from your pen. I shall probably have something to say of it in one of my discourses at South Place. ” Woman, church and state ^ From a lady Professor in a Pennsylvania College: “The style of your book is clear, the argument conclu- sive, borne out as it is by authority. It has stirred us all as I wish that the book might stir the entire race of women in every part of the world. One million ought to be distributed and read in our country alone. “ Judge Merrick of the Louisiana Supreme bench de- clared he had “nothing but unqualified praise for the book. ” A Boston physician wrote, “Allow me to congratu- late you. “Woman, Church and State’’ is the greatest book ever written by a woman and the grandest book ever written in the interests of woman. I mention it to every woman I meet, and all who have read it are pleased, instructed and astonished.” The “Woman’s Tribune” of Washington, D. C., edited by Mrs. Clara Berwick Colby, commends the book as “especially valuable for study in woman’s clubs. ” A Washington, D. C., lady, a Christian Scientist, said, “What a wonderful book! I cannot read but a little at a time, for it seems to stir up the old Adam in me, that I thought was buried. Every library in the world ought to have it. ” The “Advance” of Chicago, the leading Congrega- tional weekly of the West, says that the book “shows much research and learning.” Rev. Dr. Keeling, an Episcopal clergyman of Da- kota, says, “It is a most remarkable book and is bound to make a stir among the clergy. I have read it once, shall read it again and mark it, read it a third time and take notes. ” “The Banner of Light, a noted Spiritualistic paper 4 WOMAN, CHURCH AND STATE of Boston, says, “If any writer has done the present generation an extremely valuable service, Mrs. Gage’s name heads the list. There is no true man or woman who cannot but feel under obligations to its author. “ Victor K. Lemstrand, a literary gentleman and pro- found thinker of Stockholm, wrote, “I want to make the work known here in Sweden and perhaps translate parts of it into Swedish. “ A noted lady reformer of the South, a woman of wealth and position, after receiving the book wrote,. “I came home and looked your book through; was so chained to it I could not let it go. I am thankful and overjoyed at the book. It will make a stir and emancipate thousands. I thank you in my soul. I cannot see anything 3^ou could have omitted. It throws a light on the park pages of life, a strong light, it is true, strong because true, but in a most solemn and dignified manner.” Column after column could be filled with notices similar in character, from newspapers, magazines and letters, all speaking in the highest manner of the purity of the book, its profound learning, the research shown, and its immense value to the world. It is a history, both of the church and the state, especially in their relations to woman, which touches many points that have been ignored by male historians, and herein lies its greatest value. Intelligent men and women who do not believe in a censorship are invited to send for the book and judge whether its tendency is to corrupt the imagination of girls, or to teach them the dignity of womanhood.