ed
a light that no longer seemed to be of this world. With friendly
greetings to the by-standers, he entered the circle.

"I die innocent," he exclaimed in a loud clear voice, that sounded far
beyond the market-place. "But what earthly son shall dare to boast
himself free from all earthly failings? I therefore humbly pray to
Heaven for pardon for any acknowledged and unacknowledged sins, and
hope also, from your Christian charity, that you will forgive me such,
and put up your prayers in my behalf, that I may have a blessed end!"

A general sobbing answered this address, and amidst it, from the
distance, sounded the lamenting voice of the poor Althea.--

"If I could but see you once again!"

"This is more bitter than death," sighed Tausdorf half to himself, and,
turning to the quarter whence her voice had come, he cried, "My dear
Althea, that can no more be in this world, but we shall meet again in
life everlasting!"

The sobbing of the people grew louder, and here and there were heard
single words of discontent. But the marshal gave a sign to two of the
gens-d'armes, who went with their spears to that part whence the voice
of Althea had come. Then advancing to Tausdorf, he said earnestly, "It
is time!"

Tausdorf immediately undid his doublet with his own hands, and flung it
amongst the people; then, loosening his ruff, he did the same with
that.--And now he knelt upon the sand-heap, with unbound eyes, looked
up to Heaven, and exclaimed joyfully, "To thee, my Saviour, I commend
myself--Amen!"

With the _amen_, the sword glittered behind him, and his head fell.

* * * * *

The council was still assembled in their sessions-chamber. Erasmus sate
again at the green-covered table, with deep sorrow in his iron
features, for now that the spirit of vengeance was satisfied, pain had
found more room in his hard heart. The city-marshal entered.

"All is done as you ordered, worshipful Mr. Burgomaster. Your son and
von Tausdorf have been solemnly interred, with the attendance of the
whole college, the preachers, and a considerable train of mourners, and
I caused the bodies to be laid in ONE grave, according to your order,
and in the family burial-place. I have also had the town gates
re-opened."

"You have done well," replied the burgomaster, with a hollow voice, and
made him a sign with his hand to depart.

"Moreover," continued the marshal, "all the noble inquilines[4] of the
cit