some trouble to penetrate the ulterior views of the League, and
found they were directed, not only to the dispossessing him of his
dominions and banishing him his country, but, in order to gratify the
real object of their views, they grasped at the partition of his
sovereignty among themselves. With the impression of the injustice of
their intentions strong in my mind, I viewed the Duke's cause in a
light totally different to what I had hitherto done. His character was
raised still higher in my estimation, when I also learnt, that though
urged by the patriotism and love of his people to venture a battle in
defence of his rights, he would not risk the blood of his faithful
Wuertembergers in such a hazardous game. And though possessing the power
of extorting money from his subjects to subsidize the Swiss, he rather
preferred exile for the good of his country. These are my reasons for
befriending the ill-used Prince."

The knight, whose eyes had been fixed on the ground, now raised them
upon Albert, and he seemed overpowered with the kind expressions which
he had used towards the Duke. "Truly," he said, "your feelings are pure
and generous, my young friend! I know the Duke as well as I do myself,
and I may venture to say with you, that he rises superior to his
misfortunes, and merits a far better name than report gives of him. Ah!
if he had a hundred hearts such as yours, not a rag of the League's
ensigns would ever float over the castles of Wuertemberg;--could I but
persuade you to join his cause! Far be it from me, however, to invite
you to share his misery; it is enough that your sword, and an arm such
as yours, do not belong to his enemies. May your days be happier than
his! may heaven reward your good opinion of an unfortunate man!"

The spirit which breathed throughout the words of the exile, struck
many a corresponding chord in the heart of Albert. He was flattered and
encouraged to hear his own actions thus acknowledged.

The similarity which appeared to exist between the fate of his unknown
friend and the impoverished fortunes of his own house, together with
the prompting of the noble desire to espouse the weakest but honest
cause in the pending struggle, in preference to taking the side of
victorious injustice, were so many irresistible inducements to the
manly mind of Albert to stand by the exile in his present deep
distress.

Inspired by this feeling, he took his hand, and said, "Let no one
henceforth talk