pors arising from the censer that disturbed the action of the 

 lungs and heart, the wierd sounds that distressed the ears, 

 and the infernal sights that dazzled the eyes, combined to 

 overwhelm the resolute, cold-blooded man of experience ; his 

 eyes drooped, his features blanched, and he fell backward in 

 a semi-unconscious condition. Instantly the performers 

 dropped their robes, tore off their masks, relit a sconce, and 

 rolled the dais out of the cavern into the fresh air at its 

 mouth, supporting meanwhile the Emperor's head with great 

 gentleness. Revived by the cool night air, as well as by a 

 stimulating draught given him to swallow, Rudolph soon 

 recovered himself and as if ashamed of his weakness, assumed 

 imperial dignity, and ordered his valet-de-chambre to drive him 

 back to the Hradschin. The storm had passed, the moon 

 and stars shone brightly, and the return was accomplished 

 without incident, the gate keepers and sentinels prudently 

 keeping to themselves their surprise at the small escort with 

 which the monarch arrived; as he alighted the clock in the 

 steeple of St. George's Church struck two. 



Rudolph never afterward alluded to his adventure. 



181 



