tle of purple velvet, trimmed with ermine. His hat was
then presented to him, carrying the black and yellow colours of the
house of Wuertemberg in rich waving plumes, bound together by a clasp of
gold, set in precious stones, the value of which was worth a seigniory.
The Duke covered his head with his hat. His powerful figure appeared
more dignified in this dress than it did before, and his open majestic
forehead, with his brilliant eye sparkling from beneath the flowing
feathers, inspired awe in those around him. He desired the pages to
place the gold chain over his neck; then, buckling on his sword, gave a
sign to the chancellor to follow.

The knight of Lichtenstein still uttered not a word. He had observed
these preparations with a troubled countenance, and turned away from
the scene. The Duke made a slight inclination of the head to his old
friend as he passed him in going towards the door, followed by the
strange figure of the Chancellor Ambrosius Bolland, who strutted with
magisterial step. He did not think it necessary to salute the old man,
his master not having done so, but satisfied his malice by casting a
crafty triumphant look at the spot where he was standing, accompanied
by a scornful smile, which played about his toothless mouth. The Duke
stopt on the threshold of the door, and, looking back, his better
nature appeared to get the mastery of him; he returned to Lichtenstein,
to the astonishment and confusion of the chancellor.

"Old man, and faithful friend," said he, trying in vain to conceal a
deep emotion which agitated him, "you were my only friend in my
troubles, and I have experienced your tried fidelity on a hundred
different occasions,--proofs sufficient to convince me of your
attachment to Wuertemberg. I feel this step the most important of my
life, and, perhaps, the most hazardous; but where the stake is high we
must risk the more."

The knight of Lichtenstein raised his venerable head, with tears in his
eyes. He seized Ulerich's hand, and said, "Remain, for God's sake!
follow my advice only this once! My hair is grey,--I have lived long,
and known and loved you since your thirteenth year." At this moment the
drums of the lansquenet sounded in the courtyard, the impatient
stamping of horses echoed through the vaulted halls, and the heralds
blew their trumpets to proclaim the taking the oath of fidelity.

"Jacta alea esto! was Caesar's motto," said the Duke, with animated
countenance. "I am n