ins, when they had all gone to
war? I desired to go, but was not permitted. Now with Maria, my maid, I
have found a good observation point in the tower and watch the opposing
forces maneuvering for position in advance of hostilities.

"Maria, I make out father's standard on the hillside near the grove; and
just across the small stream, not more than five hundred yards away,
that of Alboin, King of Lombardy. See! they charge each other; you may
hear the din and shouting even at this distance.

"Maria asks: 'Mistress Rosamond, no matter what happens, will you care
for and keep me with you?'

"Do not be afraid; father will win. Our men heretofore have fought under
other leaders not so brave, while he massed this force for the supreme
struggle. * * * They seem to have fought for hours, neither side gives
an inch. * * * See! the stream which runs through the field of battle
and flows by the castle is red with blood. * * * I fear 'tis a sad day
for Pannonia. Oh! our army gives on the north wing, * * * but father
holds firm in his position * * * Oh! the north wing has broken and flees
toward the castle! All seems lost! Father will be surrounded! See how
our men and the enemy are intermingled in their flight. They will reach
the castle gates together; it will be impossible to let them in. Maria,
run to the gatemen and tell them to close the gates and let no one in
till father comes. That cowardly mass if they entered, would be no
protection but surrender the castle. But wait; we will go together to
the gates.

"Gatemen! Friend and foe come together. Raise the draw! Close the gates!
Let the first to flee be the first to die, and at the castle gates! Let
them make an unwilling stand in defense of their own lives and so defend
the gates! They tell me a coward fights hard when cornered. Dare disobey
at your peril! It is the command of your king.

"The princess is right; to let this fleeing mob enter is but to
surrender the castle. Raise the draw! Drop the portcullis!

"In a few minutes there was a struggling mass in front of the gates. Our
men, finding them closed and no way to escape their assailants, fought
with the desperation of cornered beasts.

"The standard of Pannonia still floated where first the conflict began,
showing that my father, the king, made desperate resistance against
overwhelming odds. * * * But even as I looked I saw it swept down under
a driving charge and knew he was of the dead and the battle lost.