ld not divine; his face, like a
mystic oracle, might bear manifold interpretations; verily his speech
went to my heart. And albeit hitherto life had brought me an hundredfold
more reasons for thanksgiving than sorrow, meseemed that it had many
griefs in store. The Queen indeed replied full solemnly: "Peradventure
it is true. Yet forget not that it is not as Sage that you attend
us.--Moreover I, as a good Hungarian, know my Latin, and the great
Horatius Flaccus puts your dismal lore to shame; albeit, as a Christian
woman, I am fain to confess that it is wiser and more praiseworthy to
bewail our own sins and the sins of the world, and to meditate on the
life to come, than to live only for present joys. As for thee, sweet
maid, for a long time yet thou may'st take pleasure in the flowers, even
though venom may be hidden in their cups."

"Men are not wont to eat them," replied the fool. "And I have often
marvelled wherefor the flighty butterfly wears such gay and painted
wings, while every creature that creeps and grubs is grey or brown and
foul to behold."

Whereupon he burst into loud laughter and such boisterous mirth that we
fairly wept for merriment, and my lady Queen bid him hold his peace.

On my departing I had need to pass through the King's audience-chamber.
He was bidding my Hans depart right graciously, and I went forth into
the castle yard with Masters Tucher, Stromer, and Schurstab, all members
of the Council. I fancy I hear them now thanking Hans for his fearless
manfulness in saying to his Majesty that the treasure-chest must ever
be empty if the old disorder were suffered to prevail. Likewise they
approved the well-devised plan which he had proposed for the bettering
of such matters, and my heart beat high with pride as I perceived the
great esteem in which the worshipful elders of our town held their
younger fellow.

Hans might not part company from them; but when I got into the litter
he whispered to me: "Be not afraid--as to Herdegen and the Junker--you
know. Farewell till we meet at the Tetzels'."

When I came home I learnt that my brother, and Ann, and then Eppelein
had come to ask for me; now must I change my attire for the feast, and
my heart beat heavy in my bosom. The bold Brandenburger and my brother
were perchance at this very hour crossing swords.

Cousin Maud, who now knew all, and I stepped out of our litters at
the Tetzels' door. Eppelein was standing by the great gate, booted and
spur