"Pardon me, Sire! It is impossible for me to comply with your wishes," said Erwin, respectfully but firmly. "Hermengarde was carried off by Nigri's son; her release depends upon that of the consul. In this circumstance, I feel sure that your Majesty will make no opposition to the course which I have taken, and which is entirely consistent with the laws of chivalry."
"Ah! the duties of chivalry!" cried Barbarossa, angrily. "Under this pretext our vassals have hesitated to protect their sovereign in the late battle; and Count Rechberg, always on the same plea, refuses what the Emperor requests. When will this stop? If it goes on, all our vassals will soon be false to their oaths of fealty."
"Loyalty and courage are a part of the duties of chivalry," replied Erwin, "and they are as sacred as the others."
"You appear to set great store by them, young man. It is very lucky for Bonello! But do not go too far,--and fear our displeasure."
Erwin-bore with calmness the monarch's angry looks.
"It is strange," resumed the Emperor, still more violently; "it is strange how this girl seems always to glide between us. I tell you, it is high time that you return to reason, and discard these absurd illusions. The daughter of the traitor Bonello is no fit wife for a Count of Rechberg."
The young man was in a most unpleasant position; but after a moment's hesitation, he answered,--
"Sire, I cannot, I must not comply with your wishes."
"Very good!" said the enraged monarch; "since you will not do as I ask, it would be absurd to test your courage any further. Go and prepare for your journey. To-morrow you will return to Germany."
Erwin had not expected this result. He felt sure that with one word he could soften Frederic's displeasure by yielding to his demand. But,--
"No!" he muttered to himself, "I cannot!" and bowing respectfully, he turned and left the Imperial chamber.
"If we could put his disobedience out of the question, we should think him charming," said Frederic. "Did you notice that he would not give way to his emotions, even although his heart was full to bursting?"
"It seems to me entirely natural," replied the Chancellor; "he is a Rechberg, and all of his family bear in this respect a striking resemblance to their relatives of Hohenstauffen."