Frederic received this overture with evident satisfaction; the mutual jealousy of the Italian cities served his own projects admirably.
"What tidings does the Knight Goswin bring us?" asked the Emperor, as the noble entered.
"A communication which your Highness----"
"Is it very important?" said Frederic, hastily, fearing lest the imprudent soldier might reveal, to indiscreet ears, things which ought not to be known to every one. "Excuse me for a moment, my lords," and he withdrew on one side with Goswin.
"Count Rechberg has returned to Lombardy."
"Is that all? there was scarcely need to take the trouble of telling me anything so unimportant."
"It was the abbot who announced it to me; and I was to communicate it to you," replied Goswin.
"The abbot!--What abbot?" asked the Emperor.
"The one who came to your camp before Milan, last summer."
"Perhaps that is his name; he awaits you in the palace."
"What motive can bring him?" inquired Frederic, greatly surprised.
"I can tell you, Sire: the abbot comes in the name of the Archbishop of Salzburg, who is now near Pavia with some other prelates."
"What is this you say?" cried Barbarossa; "the Archbishop of Salzburg in Italy, near us! How stupid in you, Goswin, to announce in this frivolous manner a matter of such great importance!"
"I supposed that Count Erwin had, at least, as much importance in your eyes, as the Bishop of Salzburg," answered the knight.
"But why does he remain outside of the town? What prelates are with him?"
Frederic was going out, when the Podestà of Pavia entered.
"Well, but speak quickly; the Metropolitan of Salzburg, accompanied by several other prelates, has just arrived to offer us their congratulations."
The crafty Pavian understood better than Goswin the bearings of this visit.
"It is another victory, Sire, a new triumph for your ideas, more important, perhaps, even than that which you achieved at Milan. I merely wished to inquire whether the two hundred silver marks, which Pavia has laid at your feet, will be sufficient?--we are quite ready to offer more, should it be required."
"The sum is sufficient, Count; many thanks!"
"I also desire to remark, that the destruction of Tortona is absolutely necessary to the security of your faithful Pavia. Your magnanimous generosity was satisfied with the demolition of the fortifications; but, Sire, the work is only half done."