my grand-uncle
and other some; but we went slowly and softly, by reason that all our
horses fell lame. And it fell that on the very spot where Ann had flown
into Herdegen's arms I beheld a high, yellow grave-stone, and on it was
written in great black letters: "HANS HALLER."

Hereupon I had started up with a loud cry, and it was long or ever my
brain was clear as to the world about me. Cousin Maud laughed to see me
so drunk asleep, as was not my wont; yet could she not deny that my dream
boded no good. Nevertheless, quoth she, it was small marvel that such a
heathen Turkish turmoil as we had been living in should beget monstrous
fancies in a young maid's brain. She would of set purpose have left me to
sleep the day through, to give me strength; howbeit Herdegen had twice
come to ask for me, and so likewise had Ann and Hans, and it wanted but
an hour and a half of noon. This made me laugh; nevertheless I minded me
then and there of all that had befallen last night at Pernhart's
house-door and in the school of arms, and, moreover, that we were bidden
this day to eat with the Tetzels; also that they, and eke my grand-uncle,
were still in the belief that Herdegen's betrothal to Ursula might be at
once proclaimed to their friends.

I began to dress in haste and fear, and Susan was in the act of plaiting
my hair when Cousin Maud flew in to say that Queen Barbara had sent her
own litter to carry me to her. Thus had I to make all speed.

The royal quarters in the castle had been newly ordered by the town at
his Majesty's desire, and they were indeed bravely decked; yet never had
the like show pleased me less. The Queen was giving audience to the
Pope's Legate, to their excellencies the envoys from the Greek Emperor,
to my Lord Conrad the Elector of Maintz, and many more nobles. She had
made so bold as to declare that the German maidens were no less skilled
in the art of song than the damsels of Italy, and had bidden me to her in
such hot haste that I might let the notables there assembled hear a few
lays. I might not say nay to the royal behest; for better, for worse, I
must fain take my lute and sing, at first alone, and then with my lord
Conte di Puppi. Our voices presently brought the King to the chamber, and
in truth I won praise enough if I had best cared to hear it. Nay, for the
first time it was a torment to me to sing, and when the notables had all
been sent forth, and I was alone with the Queen and her ladies, I knew