e as considerate as possible, was the reply. At the
same time it was not forgotten to mention the letter of protection, and
the Spanish general was asked to bear it strictly in mind.

A friendly reception and a well-spread table awaited the Duke of Alva at
the castle. He was obliged to confess that the Thuringian ladies knew
how to keep a good kitchen and to maintain the honour of the house. Yet
scarcely had they sat down, when a servant called the Countess out of
the hall. She was informed that the Spanish soldiers not far off had
used force and had driven away the peasants' cows.

Katharina was a mother to her people, and what befell the poorest of her
subjects concerned herself. Irritated to the uttermost by this breach of
faith, yet keeping her presence of mind, she commanded all her servants
to arm themselves in swiftness and silence, and to bar the castle gates.
She herself went back to the table at which the visitors were still
sitting. Here she complained in the most touching way of what had been
reported to her and of the manner in which the Emperor's word had been
kept. They replied to her with laughter that it was only a custom of
war, and that on a marching through of soldiers such little accidents
were not to be prevented.

'We will see about it,' she answered in anger; 'my poor subjects must
have their own returned to them, or'--raising her voice--'_Princes for
oxen!_'

With this clear declaration she left the room, which in a few moments
was filled with armed men, who, sword in hand, planted themselves behind
the chairs of the princes, and with much respectfulness served the
breakfast.

At the entrance of this warlike troop the Duke of Alva changed colour;
cut off from the army by a superior number of sturdy men, it only
remained for him to be patient and to make the best terms he could with
the offended lady. Henry of Brunswick recovered himself the first, and
broke out into ringing laughter. He took the wise course of turning the
whole occurrence into a jest, and highly praised the Countess for the
care and the resolute courage she had shown. He asked the Germans to
keep calm, and took upon himself to persuade the Duke of Alva to do
everything that was reasonable. He did persuade the Duke of Alva so
effectively, that upon the spot he sent an order to the army to deliver
up without delay the stolen cattle to their owners. As soon as the
Countess was certain that restitution had been made, she thanke