uring these occurrences in the
town, stationed his best troops at this gate, as it was doubtful what
steps the League would take at the approach of the Duke. Ulerich
himself had examined the post. In vain did Albert von Sturmfeder
endeavour to persuade him that the garrison of Stuttgardt was too weak
to make any formidable resistance, in vain did he represent to him the
desire the burghers had to see him again, and would willingly open the
gates, the Duke looked darker than the night, pressed his lips
together, and gnashed his teeth in anger.

"You don't understand these things," he muttered to the young man; "you
don't know the world; they are all false; never trust any one but
yourself. They accommodate themselves to every change of wind. But I
have them this once under my thumb. Do you suppose I have been obliged
to turn my back upon my country to no purpose?"

Albert was unable to comprehend the Duke's meaning. He had seen him
firm in misfortune, yea even mild and gentle, and in speaking of the
many beneficent plans for the good of his people, which he intended to
put into execution when he returned to his country, he had seldom
manifested any violent fits of passion in talking of his enemies, and
scarcely ever betrayed any ill will towards his subjects, who had
deserted him. But whether it was the sight of his country that awakened
the feeling of vexation stronger in him than usual, whether he was
irritated that the nobility and representatives of his estates had not
come forward to welcome his arrival after he had passed the boundary of
Wuertemberg; whatever was the cause, his spirits were no longer cheerful
and buoyant. His look appeared as if troubled by a thirst for revenge,
and a certain severity and harshness in giving his opinion, struck
those about him as indications of alteration in his temper. Albert von
Sturmfeder, in particular, could not account for this new turn in
Ulerich's manner.

The town had been summoned more than half an hour. The time which had
been given was nearly expired, and still no answer had arrived. The hum
of voices was heard in the town, and a restless moving about the
streets, shewing that the besieged were doubtful whether their terms
would be accepted or not.

The Duke rode up to the lansquenets, who were resting on their halberds
and match guns, headed by their leaders, who were each occupied in
preserving discipline among their men. Albert remarked the countenance
of the Du