A MEDIAEVAL ROMANCE. 173 



hath been absolutely crowned in presence of the people — she shall die ! So heed 

 my words. Pretend humility. Pronounce your judgments from the Premier's 

 chair, which stands at the foot of the throne. Do this until you are crowned and 

 safe. It is not likely that your sex will ever be discovered, but still it is the part 

 of wisdom to make all things as safe as may be in this treacherous earthly life." 



" O my father ! is it for this my life hath been a lie ? Was it that I might cheat 

 my unoffending cousin of her rights.? Spare me, father, spare your child!" 



" What, hussy ! Is this my reward for the august fortune my brain has wrought 

 for thee .? By the bones of my father, this puling sentiment of thine but ill accords 

 with my humor. Betake thee to the Duke instantly, and beware how thou meddlest 

 with my purpose !" 



Let this suffice of the conversation. It is enough for us to know that the prayers, 

 the entreaties, and the tears of the gentle-natured girl availed nothing. Neither 

 they nor anything could move the stout old lord of Klugenstein. And so, at last, 

 with a heavy heart, the daughter saw the castle gates close behind her, and found 

 herself riding away in the darkness surrounded by a knightly array of armed vassals 

 and a brave following of servants. 



The old baron sat silent for many minutes after his daughter's departure, and 

 then he turned to his sad wife, and said — 



" Dame, our matters seem speeding fairly. It is full three months since I sent 

 the shrewd and handsome Count Detzin on his devilish mission to my brother's 

 daughter Constance. If he fail we are not wholly safe, but if he do succeed no 

 power can bar our girl from being Duchess, e'en though ill fortune should decree 

 she never should be Duke !" 



" My heart is full of bodings; yet all may still be well." 



" Tush, woman ! Leave the owls to croak. To bed with ye, and dream of 

 Brandenburgh and grandeur!" 



CHAPTER IL 



FESTIVITY AND TEARS, 



Six days after flie occurrences related in the above chapter, the brilliant capital 

 of the Duchy of Brandenburgh was resplendent with military pageantry, and noisy 



