, these guiltless youths were
reduced to a state of servitude; and one of them, Attalus, [107] whose
adventures are more particularly related, kept his master's horses in
the diocese of Treves. After a painful search, he was discovered, in
this unworthy occupation, by the emissaries of his grandfather, Gregory
bishop of Langres; but his offers of ransom were sternly rejected by the
avarice of the Barbarian, who required an exorbitant sum of ten pounds
of gold for the freedom of his noble captive. His deliverance was
effected by the hardy stratagem of Leo, an item belonging to the
kitchens of the bishop of Langres. [108] An unknown agent easily
introduced him into the same family. The Barbarian purchased Leo for
the price of twelve pieces of gold; and was pleased to learn that he was
deeply skilled in the luxury of an episcopal table: "Next Sunday," said
the Frank, "I shall invite my neighbors and kinsmen. Exert thy art, and
force them to confess, that they have never seen, or tasted, such an
entertainment, even in the king's house." Leo assured him, that if he
would provide a sufficient quantity of poultry, his wishes should
be satisfied. The master who already aspired to the merit of elegant
hospitality, assumed, as his own, the praise which the voracious guests
unanimously bestowed on his cook; and the dexterous Leo insensibly
acquired the trust and management of his household. After the patient
expectation of a whole year, he cautiously whispered his design to
Attalus, and exhorted him to prepare for flight in the ensuing night. At
the hour of midnight, the intemperate guests retired from the table;
and the Frank's son-in-law, whom Leo attended to his apartment with a
nocturnal potation, condescended to jest on the facility with which
he might betray his trust. The intrepid slave, after sustaining this
dangerous raillery, entered his master's bedchamber; removed his spear
and shield; silently drew the fleetest horses from the stable; unbarred
the ponderous gates; and excited Attalus to save his life and liberty
by incessant diligence. Their apprehensions urged them to leave their
horses on the banks of the Meuse; [109] they swam the river, wandered
three days in the adjacent forest, and subsisted only by the accidental
discovery of a wild plum-tree. As they lay concealed in a dark thicket,
they heard the noise of horses; they were terrified by the angry
countenance of their master, and they anxiously listened to his
d