n of this name
was sufficient to raise great uneasiness in the breast of the knight of
Lichtenstein. He was acquainted with Bolland; and though he knew him to
be expert, and particularly well versed in state affairs, and capable
of executing any intricate piece of service, yet he was a man who had
often played a deep, if not a false game. "Should the Duke give his
confidence to this man, and follow his council, may God be merciful to
him! The country is a mere bit of parchment in the eyes of Ambrosius,
to be turned and twisted according to his whim. He'll know how to shape
and fashion it preparatory to meeting the Duke's eye; but he'll keep
the pen in his own hand. But, as old Rosel would say, 'Any fool can cut
out; the art is to sew the garment together.'" Thus thought the knight
of Lichtenstein, in passing along the gallery. He seized his long white
beard in anger; whilst his heart beat with zeal in the cause of
Wuertemberg.

He was immediately admitted to the presence of the Duke, whom he found
in deep; consultation with Ambrosius. The latter was seated, holding a
large swan's pen in one hand and a parchment in the other, which was
written over with black, red, and blue ink, in many neat columns. The
Duke was playing with a piece of sealing wax, which he held in his
hand; and appeared in a state of indecision, first casting a
penetrating glance at the chancellor, and then looking at the wax, as
if it were destined to seal some important document. They were both so
deeply immersed in their occupation, that Lichtenstein stood some
minutes in the room, contemplating with intense interest the noble
features of the Duke, without being remarked. The various sensations
which were agitating him were plainly visible upon his countenance and
in his expressive eyes. The frown upon his forehead, giving place in
rapid succession to a milder expression, bespoke a mind hesitating
between an act of severity and one of grace, whilst his companion,
presenting him with the pen which he held in his hand, sat before him
like the tempter. He turned and moved about like the serpent; and the
eternal hypocritical smile, which his little green eyes could with ease
convert into the expression of humility when his master looked at him
sharply, appeared to urge him to taste the forbidden fruit.

"I cannot comprehend," said the chancellor with an insinuating tone of
voice, "why your Grace will not do it! Did Caesar hesitate to pass the
Rubicon?