on you may think proper--only not at this
moment--not as long as the League possesses a foot of land in
Wuertemberg. This rash act may prejudice your cause. Consent to a short
delay."

"Indeed!" interrupted the chancellor, "and let them by degrees come
round to the old state of things? Do you suppose, when once the
representatives are assembled and talk over their affairs, they will
concede to your reform with good will? Hi! hi! force will be requisite
to compel them, and that's what will create hatred. Strike the iron
whilst it's hot. Or is it your grace's pleasure, to stand again humbly
under the yoke, and be forced to bend to circumstances?"

The Duke did not answer, but snatching the pen and parchment
impatiently out of the chancellor's hands, cast a hasty and penetrating
look, first at him and then at the knight, and, before the latter could
hinder him, signed his name. Old Lichtenstein remained in speechless
consternation; his head sunk over his breast. The chancellor glanced a
triumphant look at him and at the Duke. Ulerich seized a silver
hand-bell, which was on the table, and rang violently. A page entered,
and asked his commands.

"Are the citizens assembled?" asked the Duke.

"Yes, your grace! they are assembled on the meadow near to Cannstadt.
Six companies of the lansquenet also are moving in that direction."

"The lansquenet! Who ordered them?"

The chancellor trembled when he heard this last question. "It was only
for the sake of keeping order," said he, "I thought of it, because in
such cases it is generally the custom to have armed men by way of
precaution----"

The Duke waved to him to be silent. An expression in the look of the
knight condemnatory of this rash act, met the Duke's eye, and caused
him to blush. "It has been done without my permission," said he;
"but----if we now recall them, it would create suspicion. However, it
is of no great consequence. Bring me my red cloak and hat;--quick!"

The Duke stept to the window, and looked out in silence. The chancellor
appeared uncertain whether his master was angry or not, and did not
venture to speak; whilst the knight of Lichtenstein continued wrapt in
deep anxious thought. They remained some time in this state, until the
entrance of attendants interrupted the silence. Four pages entered the
apartment, one carrying the cloak, another the hat, a third a gold
chain, and the fourth the military sword of the Duke. They robed him in
his ducal man