"Hoch!"
was raised, I roused me and joined in; scarce knowing, however, in whose
honor. Likewise the hall waxed hotter and hotter, and the air right heavy
to breathe.

To-day again, as yesterday, a storm burst over us. Albeit the sun was not
yet set, it was presently so dark that lights had been brought in and
fifty tapers in the silver candlesticks added to the heat. The lightning
flashes glared in at the curtained windows like a flitting lamp, and the
roar of the thunder shook the panes which rattled and clanked in their
leaden frames. The reverend Prior called on the blessed saints whose
special protection this house had never neglected to secure, and crossed
himself. We all did the same, and had soon forgotten the storm without.
The glasses ere long were clinking once more. I watched the numberless
dishes borne in and out-roasted peacocks, with showy spread tails and
crested heads raised as it were in defiance: boars' heads with a lemon in
their mouth and gaily wreathed; huge salmon lying in the midst of blue
trout, with scarlet crawfish clinging to them; pasties and
skilfully-devised sweetmeats; nay, now and again, I scarce consciously
put forth my hand and carried this or that morsel to my mouth but whether
it were bread or ginger my tongue heeded not the savor. Silver tankards
and Venetian glasses were filled from flasks and jugs; I heard the guests
praising the wines of Furstenberg and Bacharach, of Malvoisie and Cyprus,
and I marked the effects of the noble and potent grape-juice, nay, now
and then I played the part of "warder" to Uncle Christian; yet meseemed
that it was only by another's will or ancient habit that I raised a
warning finger. Was I in truth at a banquet or was I only dreaming that I
sat as a guest at the richly spread board? The only certain matter was
that the storm was overpast, and that no hail nor rain now beat upon the
window panes. How wet must my Hans be, who had ridden forth in court
array, without a cloke to cover him.

To judge by the voices and demeanor of the menfolk the end of the endless
meal must surely be not far off, and indeed dishes were by this time
being served with packets of spices and fruits and pies and sweetmeats
for the little ones at home. I drew a deeper breath, and methought the
company would soon rise from the table, forasmuch as that Jost Tetzel had
already quitted his seat. Then I beheld his pale face through a curtain
and his lean hand beckoning to my grand-un