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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d7b82bc --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,4 @@ +*.txt text eol=lf +*.htm text eol=lf +*.html text eol=lf +*.md text eol=lf diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..222fa8f --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #65142 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/65142) diff --git a/old/65142-0.txt b/old/65142-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index c39171d..0000000 --- a/old/65142-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,4128 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg eBook of Barbarossa, by Franz Kuhn - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and -most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms -of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you -will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before -using this eBook. - -Title: Barbarossa - Life Stories for Young People - -Author: Franz Kuhn - -Translator: George P. Upton - -Release Date: April 22, 2021 [eBook #65142] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -Produced by: D A Alexander, Stephen Hutcheson, and the Online Distributed - Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was - produced from images generously made available by The Internet - Archive) - -*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BARBAROSSA *** - - - - - [Illustration: _The Return of the Crusaders_] - - _Life Stories for Young People_ - - - - - BARBAROSSA - - - _Translated from the German of - Franz Kühn_ - - BY - GEORGE P. UPTON - _Translator of “Memories,” etc._ - - WITH FOUR ILLUSTRATIONS - - [Illustration: A. C. McCLURG & CO.] - - CHICAGO - A. C. McCLURG & CO. - 1906 - - Copyright - A. C. McClurg & Co. - 1906 - Published September 22, 1906 - - THE UNIVERSITY PRESS, CAMBRIDGE, U.S.A. - - - - - Translator’s Preface - - -From whatever point of view we consider Frederick I,—more familiarly -known as “Barbarossa,” because of his red beard,—whether as the greatest -of the sovereigns of the Holy Roman Empire, or as one of the most -gallant of the famous crusade leaders, the story of his life is one of -absorbing interest. This little volume includes a sketch of the events -which led up to his accession to the throne of Germany, of his various -campaigns in Italy after he had received the imperial crown, and of the -disastrous third Crusade, in which he took part with Richard the -Lion-hearted of England and Philip Augustus of France. The young reader -will probably feel most interested in Barbarossa as a Crusader, -particularly because in this connection appear the two young knights, -Raymond and Conrad, who became the _protégés_ of Barbarossa after the -death of their gallant father, Conrad of Feuchtwangen, on the -battlefield. Their brave exploits in battle, the adventurous ride of -Raymond when he carried to the Emperor the news of the danger of his -father and his little band in the valley, the capture of the brothers by -the fleeing Turks at Iconium, and the exciting description of the test -to which the Sultan exposed them, will appeal to the young from the -romantic side, while their noble qualities as Christian knights and -their high manly character should make an equally forcible appeal, in -these days when knighthood can hardly be said to be in flower. - -In making this translation I have endeavored to retain the vigorous -descriptions as well as the healthy sentiment and charming simplicity of -the author’s moralizing by keeping as closely to the original as -possible. The only liberty I have taken with the text is the omission of -passages here and there,—without marring the context, however,—so as to -make the volume nearly uniform in size with the others in the series. I -have invariably characterized Frederick as Emperor, referring to him -thus as Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire rather than as King of Germany. - - G. P. U. - -Chicago, July 1, 1906. - - - - - Contents - - - I. Return of the Crusaders 11 - II. Frederick Ascends the Throne 21 - III. The Italian Campaigns 33 - IV. The Mayence Festival and Tournament 45 - V. Life in the Castle 52 - VI. The Third Crusade 61 - VII. Conrad’s Victory in the Valley 73 - VIII. Raymond’s Heroic Ride 86 - IX. Conrad’s Death 100 - X. Capture of the Brothers 112 - XI. The Brothers’ Ordeal 126 - XII. The Emperor to the Rescue 138 - XIII. Barbarossa’s Victory and Death 153 - Appendix 167 - - - - - Illustrations - - - The Return of the Crusaders _Frontispiece_ - Raymond’s Ride 92 - The Test 132 - Redbeard and the Lion 156 - - - - - Barbarossa - - - - - Chapter I - Return of the Crusaders - - -The second Crusade was ended.[1] Exploits as heroic as those in the -first Crusade, under Godfrey of Bouillon,[2] had been performed, but no -battles as glorious as those in the first had been fought. It was a -difficult task to wrest Palestine from the domination of the Turks. -Scarcely the tenth part of the stout champions who set out from the -various provinces of France and Germany returned, and of this little -remnant many were exhausted by marches, enfeebled by disease, and doomed -to speedy death. Most of the castles resounded with lamentations over -the death of their masters. Widows and orphans stood wringing their -hands around catafalques in front of the altars in the castle chapels, -as the chaplains prayed for the souls of the noble ones who had given -their lives for the Christian religion in the far distant wastes of -Asia. Every province mourned its dead, for in many cases the people had -lost their lord and protector, who had restrained cruelty and -lawlessness. Even in cases where these masters had ruled with an iron -hand and, in violation of their knightly and Christian duties, had -maltreated their inferiors, there was no rejoicing over their death; for -during the son’s minority the guardian came into absolute control and -might rob and plunder at will, while if there were no heir, the Emperor -had the power to place a stranger over them. “It is better to cling to -the old ways” was a German saying, even then. - -Felseck was one of the few joyous castles. A great banner bearing the -colors of its master waived from the loftiest turret. Armed servitors -stood upon the ramparts and the guardians of his widely scattered -possessions awaited his coming at the gates and portcullises. From the -watchtower the warder scanned the plain, which stretched a long distance -from the castle heights, watching with experienced eye every cloud of -dust raised by each little passing troop. Many a time the heart of the -warder, who had grown gray in faithful service to his master, beat more -quickly as his keen glance recognized signs of an approaching company, -and repeatedly he brushed away a tear when he found himself deceived and -saw the company riding off in another direction, or not displaying the -colors of the house. - -It was already past midday. Many a face was clouded with anxiety and -suspense, and some even feared that the report of the safe return of the -lord of the castle might be false, especially as so many reports had -proved untrue. Rather than have their joy turn to bitter grief, it would -have been less sorrowful tidings had they been told at once that Conrad -of Feuchtwangen was no longer among the living. It would have been a -crushing sorrow, but they could have submitted to the inevitable with -more courage than if they had had to realize that the hope of his -return, once aroused, must give place to life-long disappointment. - -A cloud of dust appeared again, and the warder gave the signal. A -solitary knight was seen riding swiftly toward the castle. His colors -could not yet be made out, and the occupants of the castle, as well as -the people round about who were awaiting the arrival of the lord of the -manor, hovered between fear and hope. All watched the approaching -stranger anxiously; many insisted they could distinguish the colors of -the house, but others were in doubt. When it was certain that the former -were right, then all were eager to know whether he brought joyous or sad -tidings. - -A trumpet signal was heard in the distance, to which the warder at once -replied. This interchange of calls announced the approach of a friend of -the house. Rushing forward to meet him, the people questioned the rider -and begged for information. They followed after his sweating steed and -exultantly surged forward to the castle gate. The nearer he came, the -bigger and more clamorous grew the multitude, and long before the gates -were opened to him, the people were confident he was the bearer of good -tidings. - -Then the castle halls resounded with joyful acclamations which could be -restrained no longer, and which grew more exultant as another and louder -flourish of the trumpet was heard from the watchtower; all rushed out to -extend their welcome, for, rapidly as the little band approached, it was -all too slow for the impatient throng. The broad plain was soon covered -with the enthusiastic multitude. All were eager to witness the return of -their good master to his ancestral halls after the performance of such -glorious deeds in the face of such adverse circumstances. - -Stout hands bore the consort of the returning knight in a litter at the -front; and by her side were her two lovely, fair-haired boys, images of -their father, who could not restrain their impatience and were doing -their utmost to keep up. At last they met the returning knights. Conrad -of Feuchtwangen quickly dismounted from his great war-horse, and in an -instant his faithful Gertrude was in his arms. The joy of seeing her -lord once more overcame her, and she clung helplessly to the strong man -who was again all her own after such long absence, and spared from the -dreadful dangers to which he had been exposed daily and almost hourly. -She had hardly recovered herself before she was greeted with passionate -embraces and expressions of joy, which the boys also shared. Frightened -at first by the stern, sun-browned face of their father and the pallor -of their mother, they soon regained their courage. They clung to him and -were loth to desist from hugging and kissing him and calling him the -tenderest of endearing names. Universal joy prevailed, and tears of -sympathy came to the eyes of many a bearded warrior at the sight of such -happiness. Good wishes and the heartiest of welcomes were extended on -all sides, and Knight Conrad cordially thanked all, both high and low. - -When the first joyous outburst was over, they made their way to the -castle. Gertrude mounted a beautiful snow-white palfrey; the boys were -placed on their father’s war-horse, and supported by his strong arms -they passed through the joyous multitude, who followed after them. The -knight and his train entered the beautifully decorated castle halls, -while the armed servitors and the people could hardly find room in the -large courtyard. Evening came, but its cool air did not dampen the -enthusiasm. The courtyard glowed with the light of torches illuminating -the crowd, which was hilariously but harmlessly celebrating the occasion -with the contents of the castle cellars. Within, in his high ancestral -hall, Conrad sat with his family and friends at a richly furnished -table, and many a bumper of choice wine was drank in honor of the happy -home-coming. At intervals the cheerful strains of lutes were heard, and -the Minnesingers, inspired to do their best, sang many a long-drawn-out -story of the heroic deeds of the old German heroes, in majestic verse. - -“We have had enough, noble sirs,” at last said Conrad. “Thanks for your -painstaking service. Now join us in celebrating this happy day. You must -be weary.” - -“Oh, my lord, how could we ever tire of relating the great deeds of our -ancestors? Are they not the source of all the pleasures and sorrows of -the present and future? Do they not inspire emulation of noble actions, -and the exercise of knightly virtues?” - -“Their remembrance is a treasure for all time,” said a knight of about -the same age as Conrad, “but we have also witnessed exploits worthy of -our ancestors, even if the outcome was not as fortunate.” - -“Oh,” said Gertrude, and many joined in her request, “tell us of your -exploits in the Holy Land among the Turkish hordes, even though it may -temper our joy to hear the true account.” - -“As you see,” replied the knight who was called Frederick of Swabia, “we -do not return as numerous or as imposing as when we set out. It was then -a goodly sight to look upon,—nigh seventy thousand heavily armored -knights, not including foot-soldiers, riding to the Holy War. Hungary -and Greece were astonished when they saw the array, and exulted over the -certain destruction of the Turkish army. Oh, the treachery of these -villains, who expected their deliverance at our hands and then placed -almost insurmountable obstacles in our way! They overcharged us in the -sale of supplies. Our hungry men were often obliged to procure -subsistence by force when they were out of money. This occasioned many -fatal quarrels, and we reached Asia Minor at last needy and sorely -troubled. It was there our real misfortunes began, for the Greeks -carried their knavery to the extreme. Sometimes when our army, which -unfortunately had chosen the shorter but more dangerous route, arrived -at cities, we were not allowed to enter. There was no way of obtaining -food except in baskets let down from the walls, for which extortionate -prices were demanded. It was ‘Money, or your life!’ Often, when the -money was sent up, the rope was not lowered again, and the unfortunate -one, who perhaps had parted with his last penny, was only laughed at. -Even when we obtained anything for our money it was wretched stuff, -barely fit to eat, and sometimes poisoned. In some cases lime was found -in the bread, which caused the death of several of our half-starved -warriors.” - -“Terrible!” cried Gertrude, shuddering at the thought of such suffering, -“was that Christian-like?” - -“The Greeks treated us even worse than the heathen Turks did, and it -will always be remembered to their shame. Their guides purposely led us -astray. More than once they disappeared at daybreak, when they were most -needed. Once, to our great surprise, we found ourselves well-nigh -delivered by those scoundrels into the hands of the Saracens. For -Turkish gold they led us into an arid waste, where the Turks suddenly -attacked us and, favored by the almost limitless stretch of level -country, surrounded us and used their fatal skill at fence so -dexterously that in a few days the greater part of the German army was -sacrificed. Hardly the tenth part of it returned to Byzantium. We were -among the fortunate ones, but our friendly reception at the hands of the -Greek Emperor was poor compensation for our misfortunes. Shame upon the -people of a country who would rather see their champions perish than aid -them against a dangerous foe! - -“Little grateful for this hospitality, we continued our retreat as soon -as possible. At Nicea we met the French, who at the outset had as large -a force as our own, and who had met with similar misfortunes. The most -of them had been slaughtered by the Turks. An agreement was made to take -the remainder to Antioch, whither the King of France had gone by vessel. -Instead of keeping their word, however, the Greeks detained them in dark -hovels, and left them a prey to hunger and disease.” - -“Horrible!” exclaimed all. - -“But true,” said Frederick. “Will you believe me when I tell you that -thousands voluntarily surrendered to the Turks, for they expected and -received better treatment from them than from those of their own faith?” - -These dreadful revelations brought tears of sorrow to the eyes of -Gertrude and many of the listeners. - -“At last,” continued Frederick, “we reached Jerusalem, where also both -sovereigns came. Reduced in numbers and half-starved as we were, we -nevertheless ventured to besiege Damascus, but were baffled again by -these Eastern Christians, who, in consideration of Turkish gold, helped -the enemy and obstructed us.” - -“So you see,” interrupted Conrad, “we came back rich in exploits, but -not crowned with victory.” - -“That is not our fault,” replied Frederick, “and yet it is not just to -lay the blame upon Providence. It is just as unreasonable also to -reproach the Abbé Bernard of Clairvaux,[3] who advocated the Crusade, as -to charge us with responsibility for the failure of the movement which -he was certain would be successful. The highest human skill cannot avail -against treachery. The grand work of rescuing the Holy Sepulchre will -not succeed until all engaged in it are animated by Christian love and -harmony, and work together for the common purpose, allowing nothing to -divert them from its attainment.” - - - - - Chapter II - Frederick Ascends the Throne - - -The German Empire suffered many grave calamities the following year.[4] -Henry, who already had been designated successor of Conrad III, suddenly -died, and all hope of filling the vacancy on the throne without exciting -dangerous quarrels among the princes and their adherents seemingly was -gone. The seriousness of the situation was soon apparent. Two years -passed, and no successor was found. Then the sudden death of Conrad -occurred, causing great sorrow and even dismay in the German provinces; -for he had been a good ruler, even though he had not always been -successful in securing peace. - -The situation was alarming. In Lombardy, on the other side of the Alps, -the great and rich cities were struggling for absolute independence. -Each of them demanded exclusive privileges and individual freedom. They -refused to pay taxes or take commands from any one. Each sought to -dominate the others and make them tributary. At one time they formed -alliances to subjugate others, and when this was accomplished they -turned against each other. One day in alliance with the Pope, the next -with the Emperor, as soon as they were on good terms with each -other,—which was not often the case,—they would join hands against both. -Every device was employed to prevent a lasting agreement between Church -and State, and nothing gave them greater delight than the desperate -conflict between the Emperor and the representative of Christ, when -excommunications and edicts of outlawry were hurled from the respective -thrones. They favored the one who would concede the most to them, though -perhaps a few days before they had bitterly detested and harassed him. -They pretended to submit to the victor, with the secret determination to -throw off his yoke at the first opportunity. Indeed, in the very act of -making an agreement, they were often planning to break it. Many a ruler -had vainly exerted his utmost power to end this wretched business. After -the death of Conrad, Italian affairs were in almost inextricable -confusion, and the German fatherland was in almost as desperate a -condition, growing out of lust for power, and oppressive restrictions. -The grand dukes repeatedly defied the imperial power, and forcibly -extorted from weak rulers privileges and immunities which they used for -their own profit in dealing with their inferiors. Their vassals, the -knights, were humiliated, deprived of all authority, robbed of their -possessions, and even church and convent property did not escape -spoliation. Many resorted to arms to defend their rights against the -feudal lords, or indemnified themselves at the expense of the common -people. The freedom of the latter grew continually less, and their -humiliation greater. The regular taxes were increased and new ones were -levied, until at last the peasant had little left but life. The -industrious workers of the cities hardly ventured to carry their -products to the nearest market without first purchasing protection from -the nobles. Even then, they were often plundered by having to pay ransom -to save themselves from being dragged to some dungeon. - -This is but a feeble description of the wretched plight of the mightiest -Empire in Christendom. To redress these evils and restore order required -almost superhuman ability, and the princes looked around in vain for a -deliverer. The haughty Henry the Lion,[5] an aggressive, ambitious -prince, had no one’s confidence. Some were only solicitous to increase -their personal power, while others lacked the ability to protect -themselves successfully against any assailant. - -The dying Conrad, however, took every precaution. He had experienced the -difficulty of ruling such an Empire, and had decided upon the right man -for the place. His own son Frederick was still a boy, and Conrad knew -the Empire would not be safe in his hands. He proposed his nephew, -Frederick of Swabia, whom we have already met. In a full assembly of the -princes at Frankfort-on-the-Main, one praised the heroic courage he had -displayed in the Crusade, another his judgment and wisdom, a third his -knightly virtues, and a fourth was confident he would shortly put an end -to the long and bloody conflicts of the Guelphs and Ghibellines.[6] He -was unanimously elected, March 4, 1152. All the German provinces -voluntarily and enthusiastically endorsed the choice of the princes, and -a vast multitude of all classes and conditions exultantly greeted him -when the coronation ceremony took place at Aix-la-Chapelle, on the tenth -of the same month. - -No complaint was made this time of irregularity in the election.[7] Some -slight regret was expressed that it had not been conducted publicly -instead of in the Frankfort town-hall, but this was of little moment. -The choice satisfied every one. All hoped to see the glorious old period -of Charlemagne restored, and considered it auspicious that the selection -was made in a city which, according to tradition, owed its origin to -that great hero of the olden time; for, when hard pressed by the Saxon -heathen, it was there he discovered a ford across the Main, which saved -his army, and near that spot he founded the city of Frankfort. - -The coronation ceremonies at last were over, and the various popular -entertainments gradually came to an end. The tumult of the crowds about -the hall was hushed, and only two knights remained, who walked up and -down the spacious apartment engaged in earnest conversation. The one, -although only of medium stature, was strong and well made. His piercing -glance, so terrible to an enemy on the battlefield, rested quietly upon -his friend and helper. It was easy to recognize the new Emperor by his -fair complexion, which the burning sun of Asia had but little browned, -his blond hair, and his red beard.[8] The other was Conrad of -Feuchtwangen, his friend and comrade in arms at a time when deeds almost -passing belief were performed. - -“I know as well as thou, my dear Conrad, the magnitude of my task,” said -the Emperor. “Whichever way I turn I find difficult problems, any one of -which will require almost superhuman ability to solve. Germany and -Italy, so widely separated from each other, are involved in desperate -complications, but I feel that I have sufficient strength and courage to -face the situation and fill my high position.” - -“The princes were certain of that when they elected thee.” - -“With divine help I will prove myself worthy of their confidence. The -history of our people shows that the man who is called to high duties, -and places his reliance upon God, is a safe guide and protector of the -people, and such an one often accomplishes important results in a short -time. The incomparable Charles the Great united all classes of his -people into a powerful whole, forced the most rebellious to recognize -his authority, eradicated heathenism in a single generation, reformed -the habits of the people by the glorious teachings of Christianity, and -established a well-ordered Empire. At a later period, when princes -failed to profit by what he had accomplished, when fraternal strife -swept away the best and devastated the country, they suffered many years -from the disgrace of it and bowed their necks under the yoke of the -barbarous Magyars, until the matchless Henry[9] came with all the old -authority and the old virtues, and made the barbarians tremble at the -very name of Germany.” - -“How faithfully thou hast treasured in thy memory the actions of the -great!” - -“Yes, I have vowed that these men, but above all that Charles, the -noble-hearted founder of German power, called ‘the Great’ by the world -and ennobled by the Church, shall be my constant exemplar. The German -authority shall again prevail, and the German Empire shall flourish -again as in the days of old.” - -“And yet, how many obstacles stand in the way of this achievement!” - -“Charles also encountered obstacles, and certainly as great ones as -these, but he finally overcame them. He found the most potent remedies -for the evils of his time, and we must do the same for ours.” - -“But the evils now are entirely different.” - -“I think they are very similar. He was forced to break the power of the -grand dukes and protect the common people, and that is what we must do.” - -“The first task may be impossible, for it is extremely difficult to -decide what the dukes have rightly inherited and what they have -usurped.” - -“In such cases we shall have to prevent any further increase of their -power,—the remedy which Henry attempted to apply. The great cities with -their industries and commerce, where the arts and sciences are -cultivated more assiduously than in many knightly castles, must employ -their wealth and power to curb insolence and punish offences against the -laws. This will enable them to help each other and manage their own -affairs. They certainly should know better what is for their welfare -than those at a distance, who are ignorant of their circumstances.” - -“That will exercise an important influence upon the general welfare.” - -“True. The Emperor will find in every city a power already organized -with which to punish those who now violate the law with impunity; -because the law-enforcing power is so distant they can escape with their -plunder behind protecting walls.” - -“But how about the people in the open country?” - -“They, too, must have the protection of the law, and their actions must -not be arbitrarily controlled.” - -“Excuse me, noble sire. The Italian cities manage their own affairs. The -possessions claimed by the nobles were inherited from their ancestors. -They associate freely with the common people, also, and yet these cities -do not enjoy the blessings of freedom.” - -“That is true, but they mistake their real position and welfare. They -dream of the glorious fame of ancient Rome, but they have not the -slightest comprehension of its exalted virtues. Where will you find a -Mucius, a Fabricius, or a Cincinnatus? But at every step you will find a -Catiline, a Nero, or a Heliogabalus. ‘Freedom for us, but none for -others,’ is the motto of the Lombardian cities, as it is of Rome. That -is the cause of their decadence.” - -“And do you expect to maintain a powerful authority there?” - -“With God’s help, yes. I will curb their audacity, but will concede to -them all their chartered rights. By demanding only what belongs to the -sovereign, protecting the weak against the strong, and firmly and -judiciously administering the government, there may be a successful -result.” - -“But have you considered what obstacles the temporal and spiritual -powers may place in your way? Should the latter oppose you, you will -find that bans and interdicts are dangerous and far-reaching weapons.” - -“All honor to the princes of the Church who administer its sacred -functions, but in all my relations with them the great Charles shall be -my exemplar. Spiritual affairs shall be respected and protected, as they -were by my great predecessor; but when unjustifiable encroachments are -made upon imperial rights and privileges, I will resist them just as -firmly as he did. Each must keep in his own place. I will take care not -to interfere in spiritual matters when I have no right to do so.” - -“The union of spiritual and temporal authority has never been productive -of good.” - -“For that very reason it is better for them to be separated. To the -emperor, the sword; to the bishop, the Scriptures. If God helps me, and -grants me the good fortune to win as sovereign such friends as I have as -Frederick of Swabia, I shall not be uneasy.” - -Conrad knew what the Emperor meant. Honored by his confidence, he -promised him anew his unchanging love and devotion. He pressed the -extended hand of his royal friend and they separated. - -Frederick had an opportunity that very year to demonstrate his -authority. Two Danish princes, who were contending for the crown left by -their father, appeared at the Diet at Merseburg and requested the -Emperor to arbitrate their claims. Frederick decided Canute should be -king and Sven should be indemnified with territorial possessions. His -decision was particularly approved by the Germans, because it made -Denmark once more a vassal of Germany. - -Two years after this, in 1154, Frederick made his first journey to Rome, -and but for a pestilence which broke out among his soldiers, would have -permanently settled Italian affairs. Returning to Germany, he exercised -his authority as effectively as any of his predecessors had done. He -summoned Archbishop Arnold, of Mayence, and the Count Palatine Hermann -before him because of their bloody conflicts during his absence, through -which several provinces had been devastated. They were powerful princes, -but Frederick did not hesitate to punish them severely. A dog was -fastened to the Count Palatine and his associates, and they were -compelled to go a mile with it amid the derision of high and low. The -same penalty was pronounced against the Archbishop, but was remitted in -consideration of his position and age. Soon after this, the Emperor -mustered a strong force and destroyed the castles of the robber knights -along the Rhine, who had plundered the fertile districts in their -vicinity and rendered life insecure. - -The German people joyfully listened to the accounts of these exploits. -They were proud of their Emperor, and hope now rose in many a breast -that all the burdens and misfortunes from which they had suffered would -be speedily removed. The Emperor hastened from Reichstag to Reichstag, -everywhere suggesting, reproving, and rewarding. He compelled King -Boleslaus IV of Poland to recognize him as feudal lord and to make -compensation to the children of his brother, Ladislaus; this resulted in -taking Silesia from Poland and making it a separate duchy. - -The power of the Empire steadily increased. Order and quiet were -everywhere restored, the cities were prosperous and the people were -happy and contented. Feared abroad, loved and honored at home, the -Emperor was at the very summit of his power. In the Reichstag at -Würzburg (1157) representatives from Italy, France, Burgundy, Denmark, -Spain, England, and Greece were present and paid homage to the German -Emperor. The King of England was also conspicuous in displaying his good -feeling, and sent costly gifts. - - - - - Chapter III - The Italian Campaigns - - -There was little sincerity in the protestations of loyalty which the -Italian cities made to the Emperor; indeed their disrespect for him was -soon openly displayed. Milan defied his authority with contemptuous -arrogance. Tortoria,[10] which had been destroyed by Frederick, was -rebuilt under Milan’s protection. The Milanese also demanded homage from -Lodi[11] and when that city refused to break faith with the Emperor, -they advanced upon it in force, drove away its citizens, robbed them of -their property, and demolished the city’s walls. Complaints of these -acts of violence were made to the Reichstag at Worms, and after the -hearing it was decided to send an expedition to Italy for the punishment -of the audacious rebels. - -The expedition was considered all the more necessary because the Pope -had taken sides against the Emperor, and his legate had declared before -the Reichstag that the Emperor derived his authority from the Pope. This -aroused the indignation of the German knights, who haughtily declared -that the Emperor occupied a free throne given to him by the free choice -of the German princes; that the Church was dependent upon the Empire; -and that the latter would not permit any usurpation of its authority. - -An armed force more numerous and better equipped than any previous one -crossed the Alps.[12] The Milanese this time appeared to be -conciliatory, for, at the Emperor’s summons, a delegation went to him -and sought to justify their conduct. Their explanations, however, did -not satisfy either the Emperor or the knights, still less the other -Italian cities which had suffered. Milan was declared under the ban of -the Empire, promptly besieged, and forced to surrender after making a -gallant defence. It was compelled to take the oath of loyalty, give up -its plunder, and promise to let its neighbors rest in peace. The -Milanese were also ordered to build an imperial castle and send three -hundred hostages to the Emperor’s camp. The nobles and dignitaries, -barefooted and with halters about their necks, begged for clemency. -Frederick decided that it was not enough merely to punish crimes already -committed. Wisdom dictated precaution against their commission in -future. He therefore summoned four of the most experienced law -authorities and required them to investigate and settle what rights -belonged to the Empire and what to the cities. He was willing to concede -all the rights of the latter, but he demanded that the cities should -take a solemn oath to respect the rights of the Empire. - -Everything now appeared settled and most of the German princes returned -home with their followers; but Frederick was anxious for the future, and -remained in Italy to watch the progress of events. His fears were -justified, for the wildest confusion soon prevailed. Milan, encouraged -by the Emperor’s complications with the Pope, secured the help of -Crema[13] and other cities, and the struggle began anew. Crema was -besieged by Frederick, but made a stout defence. The dreadful struggle -lasted seven months before Crema was forced to surrender. Abandoned by -its citizens, it was sacked and then destroyed. - -After obtaining reinforcements from Germany Frederick moved against -Milan. The same barbarities which had marked the siege of Crema were -repeated, and the Emperor could not prevent his troops from retaliating -in kind. He made a vow not to wear his crown again until Milan was -destroyed. The Milanese well knew that he would carry out his pledge to -the very letter. As the year drew near to its close they saw to their -dismay that he was not withdrawing his army as was his usual custom at -the approach of winter, and that the siege was to be continued. It -lasted all winter, but on March 1, 1162, the exhausted city sent -messengers to Frederick, tendering its submission and pleading for -merciful treatment. - -Frederick sternly replied, “I demand your unconditional surrender”; -whereupon the supplicants abandoned themselves to their fate. Three -hundred knights brought the keys of all the castles and gates, and -thirty-six municipal banners were laid at his feet. All persons of rank -took the oath of allegiance. The entire population of the city came -barefooted into camp with halters round their necks, ashes on their -heads, and crosses in their hands, pleading for mercy. As the long -procession was passing the Emperor, the state chariot, bearing the huge -banner of the city adorned with the portrait of Saint Ambrose, was -demolished, and the pride of Milan was humbled in the dust. - -Wailing and wringing their hands, the people prostrated themselves, -begging for mercy in the name of Christ. Every one wept. Even the stern -faces of the German knights were moistened by tears; for the severity of -the penalty, richly as it was merited, touched them. The Emperor alone -remained unmoved. Milan’s repeated acts of treachery, and its lust for -power, required exemplary punishment. - -“Your lives shall be spared,” he said, “but the city, with the exception -of the churches, shall be destroyed. Lodi, Cremona, Pavia, and Como -shall perform the work, and you Milanese must find homes among these -four cities.” - -Remonstrances and prayers alike were of no avail. The work of -destruction began at once and the sister cities exultantly revenged -themselves upon their haughty oppressor. Soon Milan was no more, and the -other cities leagued with it voluntarily surrendered. They, too, were -destroyed. - -The Italian troubles were hardly ended when the presence of the Emperor -was urgently demanded at home. There were quarrels and complications to -be settled everywhere. He travelled all over the Empire. Now he was at -Passau and Vienna, again at Cologne and Utrecht. From the Reichstags at -Ulm and Laufen he hurried to the eastern frontier and quelled the -Hungarian uprising. Soon after this he was at the Reichstags of Speier -and Nuremberg, organizing another expedition against Italy. His -representatives there unfortunately had failed to conciliate his -conquered enemies. Their passion for revenge had smouldered like a spark -in the ashes. Even without their once powerful leader, Milan, the larger -cities had leagued themselves against the Emperor. Pavia alone remained -loyal to him. - -Frederick now devoted his entire attention to the restoration of order -in the refractory cities, but his customary good fortune deserted him. A -virulent pestilence quickly swept away a large part of his army, and -those who had been weakened by illness were exposed to the fierce -attacks of the Lombardians, who, emboldened by this disaster among the -Germans, seized all the mountain passes in hopes of capturing the -Emperor. Secret flight was his only hope of escape. With his true friend -Conrad and a little band[14] of knights, he fortunately reached Savoy, -and attempted to enter Germany by way of the mountains; but he was -recognized by his enemies, who planned to murder him in the night. Their -plot was discovered, however. After considering various ways of escape, -a knight, Hermann of Siebeneich, who closely resembled the Emperor, -offered to lie in his bed while Frederick made his escape. His enemies -were not so inhuman as to punish the knight for his gallant act. - -Greatly depressed but not disheartened, Frederick returned to Germany, -where he found plenty to occupy his attention. Henry the Lion, Duke of -Brunswick and Saxony, the most powerful prince next to the Emperor, was -sorely oppressing his neighbors. All of them had suffered from his -depredations, the Archbishops of Magdeburg and Bremen being the special -objects of his hatred. Frederick quickly ended the trouble, however, and -made all concerned promise to keep the peace. - -In 1174 Frederick undertook his fifth Italian expedition. At the outset, -fortune seemed more propitious than before, but this was only an -illusion. He realized that there was no hope of success without fresh -reinforcements from Germany, and Conrad was sent to fetch them. The -latter had often performed this errand, and knew the roads and all the -dangers attending the task. He did not delay the faithful performance of -his mission. Many of the bravest knights hastened to the assistance of -the Emperor. Conrad brought both his sons with him, that they might have -their first experience of war under the greatest princes of their time. -That powerful Prince, Henry the Lion, however, was angry with the -Emperor, although he had been his benefactor and had increased his -possessions. He pretended he was too old for service. - -As soon as his reinforcements arrived, Frederick resolved to risk all in -one engagement. The Italians, who outnumbered his army, made a stand at -Legnano. The fields were decked in their loveliest attire; the sky -arched over the charming spot like a pure crystal, and was reflected in -the dancing ripples of the Ticino. It did not seem possible that deeds -of slaughter and death could be committed upon such a beautiful May -morning. The hosts on each side prepared for the fray. Frederick -carefully disposed his troops and gave the signal for attack, he -himself, as was his practice, leading the onset with desperate bravery. -Right and left he drove the enemy before him. Here he rode with levelled -spear straight against an entire troop, and there he smote with his -mighty war-club, or clove the heads of the rebels with his two-edged -sword, until blood flowed in streams. Conrad fought by his side with -equal spirit, and with him his sons, who were inspired by the great -examples before them. Notwithstanding their unflinching courage, -however, they could not force the enemy to give up an inch of ground, -although they hurled themselves again and again upon the very flower of -the Italian army and fought like desperate giants. - -The Germans, with their utmost efforts, made no progress. The Emperor -and those about him seemed rooted to the spot where they stood. Where -ten fell, twenty others immediately filled their places. Frederick’s -standard-bearer was felled by a terrible blow. The standard, emblem of -victory, dropped, and the exultant shouts of the enemy followed its -capture. Frederick grimly gnashed his teeth. He put spurs to his battle -horse, and dashed forward to recover it. As the noble animal reared, its -broad breast was pierced by a spear; a stream of blood gushed from the -wound, and it fell under its master. The enemy swept over them like a -great wave. Conrad, mindful of his duty as a vassal and brother-in-arms, -rushed upon them like a lion, but he, too, disappeared as if into a -grave. - -When the standard fell, the Germans wavered. When they no longer saw the -gleam of the Emperor’s helmet and heard the exultant shouts of the -enemy, they gave up all for lost. Their noblest and stoutest fighters -either had fallen or were incapacitated for further resistance. They -began to give way. The enemy charged them on all sides, and they were -soon routed. Thousands were drowned in the Ticino, and thousands more -were killed in retreat. - -The Germans were in a lamentable plight, for they believed they had lost -their Emperor. His devoted spouse, when she heard the news of the -disaster, clad herself in mourning and was inconsolable over her -loss.[15] The enemy were jubilant, for their most formidable foe was no -more. Then came the news, which sounded like a romance, that the Emperor -was living, and was safe and well in his faithful Pavia, to which city -he had fought his way with his friend Conrad. Who can describe the -change of feeling on both sides when this news was confirmed? To his -faithful followers he was still their great leader and Emperor. To the -enemy he was more an object of fear than a whole army. - -As Frederick could not expect any further reinforcements from Germany, -and the Lombardians feared to take part any longer in outside matters, -an agreement was made for a six years’ truce, to be followed by a treaty -of peace. Concessions were granted on both sides. Each retained its own -rights and respected those of the other. This was as satisfactory to the -Emperor as a great victory would have been, for there was a divine -spirit of compassion as well as of heroic courage in his nature. He did -not love war, but when forced to make war he was a lion. - -A sorrowful duty, which he could not shirk except at the risk of the -disintegration of the Empire, awaited him at home. It will be remembered -that Henry the Lion had refused service to him on the ground of age, and -paid no heed to his earnest pleading for assistance. His excuse was a -lie. He had shown, during the Emperor’s absence, that he was not too old -for war by harrying and attacking his neighbors. It was the Duke’s -disobedience and defiance which forced the Emperor to humble this -insolent vassal. Besides this, the German princes also demanded the -punishment of this disturber of their peace. Frederick would gladly have -effected his purpose in some mild way, but it was impossible. Henry -failed to appear before the Reichstag after being thrice summoned. The -decision was then announced that he should be outlawed as a disobedient -vassal and deprived of all his rights. - -Thereupon, the lion-hearted Henry unsheathed his sword. He feared not -the whole German Empire. He defeated small bodies of the army, but when -the Emperor took the field the end came speedily. Subdued by the greater -hero, he threw himself at his feet. With tears in his eyes the Emperor -was forced to execute the penalty; for they had been good friends, and -until now there had been peace between the houses of Hohenstauffen and -Welf. Henry retained only his hereditary possessions; his feudal tenure -and rights were distributed among more faithful subjects, and he was -banished from Germany for three years. - -Thus, after years of warfare, the enemies of the Emperor were either -destroyed or they wisely decided to submit to the stronger power. - - - - - Chapter IV - The Mayence Festival and Tournament - - -Peace now prevailed both in Italy and Germany. Frederick regarded the -remarkable prosperity of the Italian cities without envy, for it -contributed greatly toward the prosperity of the German cities; and the -German people did not withhold their gratitude to the Emperor for the -good fortune they enjoyed. Frederick indeed was richly rewarded for his -great achievements both in youth and manhood. - -In recognition of this great prosperity, the Emperor organized a -national festival upon a scale grander than had ever been known before. -At Whitsuntide of 1184, princes, counts, and knights from all parts of -Germany assembled by his invitation at Mayence, the seat of the highest -spiritual princes, prelates, abbots, and priests. Strangers poured into -the city in such numbers that they could hardly find accommodation. Upon -the great plain before the gates a new city of tents quickly arose, -where lodging could be obtained. The princes entered through the city -gates splendidly mounted and with large retinues. The Archbishop of -Cologne had over four thousand followers. If it was hardly possible to -count the nobles and distinguished persons, how can the number of people -who streamed in from everywhere be estimated? It was not so much the -brilliant spectacle that drew these burghers and peasants to the city, -as it was affection for the highest and most revered personage in the -Empire, who had secured peace and prosperity for them. The joy of the -Emperor was the joy of the people. It exalted the one and glorified the -other. The streets of Mayence swarmed with people of all conditions. The -fields were thronged by them, and the neighboring mountains loudly -echoed their festive songs. - -The Emperor entertained all the princes and nobles, the strangers and -the people of the city for three days. An incredible amount of food was -consumed, and wine flowed in streams. All were happy and satisfied, for -every one found something that contributed to his highest pleasure. Some -regaled themselves at the abundant feasts, others admired the stately -knights, the brilliancy of their armor, the beauty and strength of their -steeds, while still others visited the various sports. - -Along the tented city stretched a wide plain, surrounded by barriers, -and in the midst an elevated dais decorated with gaily colored banners, -splendid tapestries, and brilliant draperies. At early daybreak one -morning people stood in crowds by the barriers, evidently awaiting a -spectacle. As the sun rose, the crowds increased, and distinguished -guests from far and near assembled on the dais. At last the Emperor -appeared, and received an enthusiastic and long-continued welcome from -the people. In the open space, in sight of the exultant thousands, he -knighted his two sons with his own hands, and then ordered the -tournament to begin. The contestants in the feats of arms had already -been waiting long. Their powerful battle horses, seeming to know what -was impending, stamped impatiently and champed at their bits. Their -shields, embellished with their crests and arms, hung upon columns. The -heralds advanced and loudly and distinctly read the rules and -regulations of the tournament, each one of which must be strictly -observed. After sharply scrutinizing the weapons, helmets, and shields, -and inquiring the name of each knight, the heralds announced, “All are -qualified for the tournament.” - -The barriers were then opened. The heralds stepped aside, two overseers -entered, carrying long white staves, and behind them followed two -knights splendidly mounted upon fiery, prancing steeds. They rode around -the grounds at a quick gallop, and as they passed the dais their steeds -stepped more proudly, the knights saluted the Emperor by lowering their -lances, and then took positions at opposite sides of the barriers. After -remaining there a short time, they couched their lances with the right -hand, and holding high their shields with the left, put spurs to their -horses and rushed at each other. They came together in the centre of the -arena. Their shields rang from the impact of the lances, but neither of -the knights was shaken. Changing positions, they rode around a second -time and then prepared for a fresh onset. It was plain that both were -greatly excited. The spectators, who had been so enthusiastic, were now -quiet, and looked on almost breathlessly as the overseers advanced near -the spot where the knights would meet. The rush was swift and impetuous. -One of the gallant knights wavered a little, but resolutely kept his -place. Furiously they came together; a lance was shattered, and its -bearer was hurled from his horse to the ground. The victor greeted the -spectators, received his prize, and withdrew. The vanquished knight -arose, and, to the delight of all, was found to be unhurt. - -Two other contestants were announced with a flourish of trumpets, and -their names were loudly called. There was instant and universal -attention, for it was known that the two cherished an old grudge, and an -open encounter between them had been prevented only by the Emperor’s -command. Would they settle their quarrel now? Easily handling their -high-strung battle horses and testing their heavy lances with strong, -skilful hands, they rode to their respective positions, while a -messenger from the Emperor was conferring with the heralds and -overseers. Many were apprehensive he might forbid the contest at the -very instant the signal was given. - -The knights were ready at once for the onset. The ground shook under the -hoofs of the mighty steeds, and there came a fearful crash. Both lances -struck the centres of the shields, but neither knight moved in his -saddle. With a jerk they turned their horses around and rode back to -their positions, savagely glaring at each other. Their steeds snorted as -if excited by their masters’ fury and seemed to know what was expected -from them. Like two mighty billows rushing together the knights met the -second time. The spectators eagerly watched their every movement. It was -a frightful collision: first, a shock, then a crash like a thunderbolt -tearing its way through dry branches. Both lances were shivered, the -shields clashed together, and the horses ran against each other. - -The next instant the stumps of the lances were flung away and the -startled heralds and overseers sprang to one side. The broad, two-edged -swords flew from the scabbards, and blow rapidly followed blow. The -horses themselves seemed to know they were engaged in a life and death -struggle, and instantly obeyed the slightest signal of their riders. The -contest between the evenly matched combatants lasted several minutes, as -neither left himself exposed at any point or made any mistake in his -sword play. Nor did their thirst for revenge affect their presence of -mind or their caution. Blows fell with the rapidity of lightning and -were as rapidly warded off. It seemed as if the contest would never end; -but suddenly one of them dealt the other’s horse a mighty blow which -clove its head and killed the brave beast. In a trice its rider was on -his feet, the other knight dismounted, and the fight was renewed on -foot. Their shields had already crashed together and their swords were -clashing with such force that the sparks flew, when the overseers -advanced at the Emperor’s command, shouting, and interposed their white -staves as a signal that the contest must cease. The knights heard the -order with ill-concealed indignation. They looked at each other for a -moment, breathing hatred and revenge, but sheathed their swords before -they were stained with blood. - -Amid loud applause for their bravery they reluctantly left the arena and -paid their homage to the Emperor. Their honorable recognition by the -first knight of his time and his mild conciliatory advice to them -exorcised the demon of hatred, and, once more reconciled, the strong, -brave men, who had just been engaged in a death-struggle, embraced one -another. - - - - - Chapter V - Life in the Castle - - -After the battle at Legnano, the Emperor’s old friend Conrad, who had -almost miraculously escaped every danger, returned to Castle Felseck. -Those were sad days for him and his wife, for their two young heroes had -fallen in the first battle for the Emperor. They did not complain, -however, of their sorrowful bereavement. Their children had been taken -from them in the very flower of their youth, but they made no public -show of grief. The Emperor’s companion-in-arms, formerly so active and -impetuous, spent his time quietly in the desolate halls of his castle, -and consequently had more time to look after the interests of his -dependents than when every tumult of war called him away from his home. -The fierce passion which used to flame in his eyes in camp and on the -battlefield gave place to gentleness and compassion. His wife, always a -mother to every one of their dependents, a nurse for the sick, a -consoler for the sorrowing, was now doubly eager to serve them; for that -bitter grief which only a mother can feel made her all the more -sympathetic. Every day she went down the steep road from the castle to -those lowly abodes where care and sorrow were usually the only guests. -Her servants went with her, carrying food for the hungry and delicacies -for the sick and infirm. She provided clothes for the needy, made by her -own hands in her solitary hours. The two found their highest consolation -in dispensing aid and happiness to all around them, for “it is more -blessed to give than to receive.” The tears of gratitude and the hearty -“God bless you,” from those they assisted, richly repaid them. God, -indeed, beheld their acts of mercy. He, who is all goodness and love, -was so pleased as they untiringly carried out His precepts and imitated -His example, that He filled their hearts with the highest happiness. A -few years after their bereavement He sent them two little sons, faithful -likenesses of those they had lost. The first-born brothers lived again -in them, and soon the traces of grief disappeared from Conrad’s brow as -the lovely little ones embraced him, pulled his beard in childish -wantonness, or ran their chubby little hands through his blond hair. -Sometimes he would toss them upon his knees, after they had clambered up -with a boisterousness that seemed like misbehavior, but was only their -clumsy way of showing their affection. As soon as they were old enough -it was their chief delight to play in the sunshine the livelong day, to -frolic in the castle yard and the garden, to catch the brilliant -butterflies, and pluck lovely flowers for welcome gifts to their mother. -It was their delight also to visit the stalls where their father’s -battle horses were now resting undisturbed, mount his favorite steed, -and imitate his exploits with the help of the groom. - -During these years the castle grew more cheerful. Stranger knights often -arrived and met with a hospitable welcome. Indeed, it had never been -refused, but because of the family’s trouble, they had rarely visited -the knight. More and more frequently also his old friends—for he had no -enemies near him—came to see him. Every one felt the highest esteem for -this brave man who had all the knightly virtues. It was only those -barbarous marauders who could not endure goodness, lofty purpose, and -just conduct, whose strength was never used in defence of innocence but -always for oppression and plunder, who shunned Felseck. As Conrad once -more assumed the responsibilities of life he did not overlook the -welfare of his dependents. His simple manner of life enabled him to fill -his treasury with his savings, and he used them to help those who had -been unfortunate and who could not meet their taxes or other -obligations. - -Conrad also looked strictly after the education of his boys. The mother -sowed the seeds of virtue in their tender hearts, and awoke their -reverence for God in their earliest youth. When they admired the beauty -and diversity of the flowers, and the lovely hues of the butterflies, -and questioned her with eager words about them, she told them of the -creative power and the wisdom and goodness of the Almighty; of His care -for all His creatures; of His boundless love for them, and of His -delight in their welfare. She told them that the bright stars, upon -which they gazed so wonderingly, and the happy life of the animals -revealed His glory and His care, and that the birds always praised Him -in their songs. In this manner she aroused in their souls the sense of -divine power and goodness. - -Their father sought to cultivate their minds and impress them with the -importance of the duties of life. He enriched their knowledge of nature. -He explained to them what the relations of one human being to another -should be, and told them that every one has his duties as well as his -rights, and that while they had duties toward the animals, their highest -and most sacred duties were to their fellow-men. He did not teach them -to treat their inferiors as if they were hardly human—much less as -barely deserving a share of the abundant mercies of the Almighty—but as -divinely created and intended to rise to higher things. He taught them -in the true Christian sense that all men are brothers—all children of -God, the one Father, and that if He did not suffer all to have an equal -share in His beneficence, if it happened that one had more than another, -still each had what was necessary to his real happiness. He told them -that even where one had more, it was often the cause of bitter sorrow to -him, from which the one having less was spared. Thus there was -compensation for all. He impressed it upon them also that it was wrong -for men to make this disparity, which God permitted, still greater by -robbery, force, or oppression, and that they should seek to equalize it -so that the suffering caused by life’s various misfortunes should be -reduced as much as possible. - -“We need each other in this world,” said he one day to them; “and the -poor, who have few desires, often need the rich less than the rich need -them. What might happen to us if a powerful stranger knight should -attack our castle and we were here alone? He would scale the walls with -little exertion; he would murder, plunder, and burn until nothing was -left. But suppose he should attempt it now! At one blast of the warder’s -horn my good servitors, whom I have protected when they were in trouble, -would rush to our defence, drive off the assailants and send them home -with broken heads. So it is all over the world. One is servant to the -other, from the lowest menial to the Emperor, the first and highest -person in the Empire. He cares alike for all, banishes all disturbers of -the peace, decides justly, and makes laws which all must obey if they -wish to be happy. Whoever disturbs this order or violates the laws -richly deserves punishment, for he is thereby destroying the happiness -of others. Oh, if you had only been with me in that far-off land where -force is the only law, where one obeys the will of one master to-day and -of another to-morrow, you would have seen how miserable people can be, -and have thanked God that you live in a land where all obey fixed laws, -and where every one knows what he must do and what is expected of him. -Even the Emperor himself cannot act entirely alone. He needs the help of -others. He who would be a true knight must be ever mindful of his -calling,—must protect innocence, resist enemies, and courageously -maintain justice and support the law. Above all, he must keep -untarnished the shield and escutcheon inherited from his ancestors, -whose portraits upon the castle walls look down upon him and his deeds -and judge him. By their self-sacrifice and faithful performance of duty -they earned what all enjoy, and it would be criminally ungrateful were -we to forsake the path of virtue they followed.” - -Such counsels as these still more deeply impressed the boys because the -living examples of their truth were ever before them. They saw their -father impartially awarding justice, protecting innocence, and rescuing -the oppressed. When they gladly went with their mother to the homes of -the needy and the abodes of the sick, and consoled them and distributed -material comfort, the lessons of love and compassion were indelibly -impressed upon their hearts. - -With like eagerness and faithfulness they devoted themselves to -exercises for the strengthening of the body, for their father once said -to them: “He who would do good must not merely know how to do it but -also be able. While one should love peace, he should also be ready for -war, for not every one is peaceful.” The boys devoted themselves with -the utmost zeal to the use of arms and practised a certain number of -hours a day under their father’s or some trusted attendant’s -supervision. They ran, exercised on the bars, stretched their limbs, and -strengthened themselves by severe tests. They travelled the woods in -light clothing, paying no heed to storms, or winds, or the heat of the -sun. They cooled themselves in a forest brook, hardened themselves for -the fatiguing exercise of the day, and returned home refreshed and -invigorated. Then they practised hurling the light javelin at a mark, -until they could use the heavy spear without straining themselves. They -wielded the battle-axe, mace, club, and broadsword, as if they were -giving the finishing blow to an adversary on the field. How delighted -they were when they were allowed to mount the war-horse and practise the -actual manœuvres of battle! They were strong and agile, hardened against -the effects of weather, capable of great endurance, afraid of no -dangers, strong in body and soul, and qualified for the performance of -knightly duty. - -During this peaceful period, which lasted several years, there was -little opportunity to practise their attainments except in the pleasant -but sometimes perilous chase, but soon knight Conrad’s weapons were -taken from the armory and the castle resounded to the tramp of armed -men. Fate ordained that the old knight Barbarossa, who had spent nearly -his whole life on the battlefield, should not die peacefully at home. -From that far-distant Eastern land where in youth he and Conrad had -fought for the Holy Sepulchre, suddenly came the evil tidings that -Jerusalem, which had been in Christian possession eighty-eight years, -had again been taken by the Sultan Saladin.[16] Of all the conquests, -which had cost so many lives, only Antioch and Tyre remained to the -Christians. The Crescent was victorious everywhere, and persecutions -were renewed, as in the period before Godfrey of Bouillon had rescued -the country. - -The complications between the Pope and the Emperor were settled at once. -Frederick’s old heroic spirit was aroused, and he looked forward to an -expedition to the Holy Land as a fitting close to his life’s work. At an -assembly of princes held at Mayence a crusade was decided upon. - -How could Conrad help joining it? Was he not the Emperor’s -brother-in-arms? Had they not once, amid disasters of every kind, sworn -to fight together and to help each other to the last breath? Could he -remain behind and rest at ease, while the Emperor, who was no younger -than he, was in the field? No! To have stayed at home would have been a -stain upon his escutcheon. He went with a force to Regensburg, the -rendezvous of the Crusaders, and by his side rode his two stalwart sons, -barely twelve and thirteen years of age, but, notwithstanding their -youth, exultant and eager to face any danger. - - - - - Chapter VI - The Third Crusade - - -It will be remembered that the second Crusade, under Conrad III, was -disastrous to the Christians in the Holy Land. The discords which -everywhere prevailed and the wranglings and jealousies of Templars and -Knights of Saint John were not unwelcome to the Turks. There appeared -among the latter about that time the mighty hero, Saladin, of Kurdish -origin. - -He was sent with an army by the vizier Noureddin to Egypt, where he -achieved such success as a leader that he made his preparations to -dispute the sovereignty of that country with his master, but the -latter’s sudden death rendered his plans unnecessary. He became Sultan -of Egypt and ruler of the whole country from Cairo to Aleppo, so that -his possessions inclosed the kingdom of Jerusalem in a half circle. Such -an enemy would have been dangerous to a much stronger city, and was all -the more dangerous to the weak kingdom of Jerusalem because it could not -rely upon concert of action for its defence. Individual leaders -contended with their powerful enemy and performed deeds of heroism -worthy to be compared with those of the first Crusade, but they were to -no purpose. These warriors were glad when a truce was made, but they -neglected during its continuance to prepare for the inevitable conflict. -They even went so far as to provoke the enemy. Rainald of Chatillon, a -Christian Knight, committed an audaciously violent act by robbing the -Sultan’s mother of her treasures while she was travelling through the -Christians’ possessions, and by killing her attendants; in revenge for -which Saladin attacked him. The Christian army was routed in a single -battle at Tiberias. Guy de Lusignan, King of Jerusalem[17] and Grand -Master of the Temple, and most of the knights were made prisoners, and -the whole country fell into the hands of the Sultan. The crosses were -torn from Christian churches; the emblems and vessels used in Christian -service were carried away, and Moslems assembled for prayer in the -Temple of Solomon. - -The appeals of the Christians were heard in the West, and grew in -intensity as the deeds of the Turks increased in cruelty. And yet it was -Saladin’s purpose to avoid carnage. His severest demand was that each -man should pay ten gold pieces, each woman five, and each child one, for -ransom. Forty days were allowed for payment, and when the time expired -he magnanimously released two thousand Christians who could not procure -the money, as well as all the prisoners; and besides this he divided -nearly twenty thousand gold pieces among the enemy’s poor and sick. - -Notwithstanding such generosity, the old war spirit was aroused in -Europe, as already related. Crusaders flocked from all sides to the army -which the Emperor was organizing. Every possible precaution was taken to -prevent another disaster. To rid the army of the rabble which had -followed it before, and which had hindered and annoyed it and plundered -at every opportunity, the Emperor ordered that no one should accompany -it who could not show at least three silver marks. He also concluded -agreements with Kilidj Arslan, Sultan of Iconium,[18] King Bela of -Hungary,[19] and Isaac Angelus,[20] the Emperor of Greece, and received -their assurances of help. - -Frederick’s greatest anxiety was that peace and quiet should prevail in -the Empire during his absence. To secure this he destroyed many more of -the robber barons’ castles while on the march, and issued an order that -no one should begin hostile operations without giving three days’ -notice. Henry the Lion was banished three years longer and submitted to -the penalty. - -The expedition set out in imposing array for Regensburg,[21] April 23, -1189, the festival of Saint George. Whitsuntide was celebrated at -Presburg[22] and in front of Gran[23] the army awaited the arrival of -the Hungarian King with his brilliant following. The Emperor reviewed -his army before the city of Belgrade on the Hungarian frontier, and -found he had about fifty thousand knights and an equal number of -warriors of lower grades. Encouraged anew by fortune, which thus far had -been so favorable, and relying upon the great strength of his army, -Frederick prepared to lead his pilgrims to the Holy Land, confident that -he would wrest it from the infidels this time and permanently restore it -to the Christians. - -We behold the Emperor Frederick seated in his tent in camp at Belgrade, -with the most famous of his princes and those leaders of his army who -were in his closest confidence. Among them is Conrad of Feuchtwangen, -whose sons Raymond and Conrad are standing at a respectful distance, -awaiting the Emperor’s orders. Owing to the Emperor’s affection for -their father they have had the good fortune to be selected as his pages. -After earnestly discussing the objects of the expedition and the best -means of securing them, they begin to talk of the assistance they might -expect from their allies. - -“Let us wait,” said the Emperor, “until our messengers return, and we -learn what Isaac proposes to do.” - -“Do you not fear, your Majesty, that he will violate his word?” asked -the Bishop of Mayence. - -“What has happened once, or a thousand times, of course may happen now. -But it seems to me our messengers will know definitely when they -return.” - -“We shall know for certain if they bring no message of peace.” - -“In that case they would hurry back, I think, for that would clearly be -their duty. I suspect the Greeks will prove faithless.” - -“It is almost certain,” said the Bishop of Passau. “Greeks cannot keep -faith.” - -“It is not yet absolutely certain,” replied the Emperor, “and we must do -nothing rashly. Still, I confess I am not over hopeful, for, alas, too -often has the hatred between the members of the two Churches manifested -itself and brought harm to both.” - -“Then let us attack at once,” cried the young Duke of Swabia, -Frederick’s second son. “Let us fall upon them like a thunderbolt out of -the clear sky, before they can make their preparations to help the -Turks.” - -“Gently, my dear son,” said the Emperor. “You are carried away by -excitement. We can do nothing until we have actual proof of their -perfidy. Your ungovernable zeal would make an enemy of our ally if he -were not one already.” - -“He is our enemy,” replied the Duke of Swabia. “My messenger who is at -hand will tell you so. Tired of the long delay, I despatched an alert -and trusty friend to get some news of your messengers. His speedy return -proves that my assertion is correct.” - -All present turned their eyes to the door of the tent and saw a rider in -light armor dismounting from his panting steed. Coming into the tent, he -announced: - -“Isaac is faithless. Our messengers are chained in dungeons because the -Emperor fears you are coming to take his empire from him. There is a -multitude of his troops in the distance, who have followed me.” - -“His treachery is beyond all doubt,” exclaimed several of the princes. - -“Let us act accordingly,” said the Emperor, with great seriousness. “As -we have not been notified of the dissolution of the alliance, we will go -to Constantinople and settle matters. So long as the people do not -manifest open hostility to us we will treat them as friends, but at the -same time keep in readiness to protect ourselves if we be attacked.” - -“Let me lead the vanguard,” implored the Duke of Swabia. - -“You are too young and hot-headed,” said the Emperor. “There is double -need for prudence and discretion in this emergency. Conrad, my old and -tried friend, you shall lead. It will not be the first time you have -been through the country, and you know the tricks which those people -play at times, while pretending to be friends. You are cautious enough -not to rush into unnecessary danger, and yet brave enough to protect -yourself against any assault. Above all, I would fain not see Christian -arrayed against Christian; but if it must be so, then we will clear the -enemies of Christendom from the way with our good swords.” - -“I thank your Majesty,” replied Conrad, “for this unexpected honor, -which I hardly ventured to ask in the presence of so many noble princes, -renowned for their valor and good judgment. I will ask but one favor. -Allow my sons to go with me.” - -“It is granted. And now to our work.” - -The council of war was ended. The vanguard left at once, and the -remainder of the army followed at intervals. - -Conrad’s belief in Isaac’s treachery was confirmed at the very outset. -He not only did not find the new bridges which should have been built, -but the old ones had been purposely destroyed. The mountain passes were -obstructed, and hordes of Bulgarians harassed the gallant little band on -all sides with poisoned arrows. Several stragglers were killed, and one -of the prisoners admitted that they had been employed and paid by Isaac -for this shameful work. - -Conrad at once changed his plans. He began hostile operations, and -informed the Emperor of the condition of affairs. Philippopolis[24] was -found to be without a garrison and almost depopulated, but the Greek -troops in its vicinity made no concealment of their hostility. Frequent -encounters took place, in which the invaders were successful, and at -last Isaac was forced to submit and release the messengers he had -treacherously imprisoned; but he still remained hostile. The patriarch -of Constantinople, indeed, stated in a sermon that any one who killed a -hundred Germans should have absolution for ten murders. - -The Emperor was infuriated by this. He fell upon the hypocritical knaves -and scattered them in wild flight. Adrianople[25] was easily taken, and -Demotika[26] surrendered to his son after the first assault. - -Conrad, who was continually at the front, had the hardest tasks. The -Greeks harassed him in great numbers, but never ventured to meet his -little force, man to man. He and his Germans, who never seemed to weary, -performed prodigies of valor, and his young sons had plenty of -opportunity to show their knightly prowess. Upon one occasion they -rushed to the defence of their father when he was hard pressed, and at -another they hurled themselves upon the cowards and displayed the -highest type of knightly gallantry. Victory followed the Crusaders -everywhere. Isaac soon realized that he was no match for his adversary, -and that, while the Greeks were very courageous when shooting poisoned -arrows at safe distances, they dared not face German swords. He -abandoned his policy therefore, and a new agreement was made, for -Frederick was anxious not to waste his strength and lose time. Isaac -promised free passage and the necessary supplies, as well as -transportation for the Crusaders over the Hellespont, and Frederick -agreed to maintain discipline, so that none of the country people should -be harmed. - -It is little wonder, however, that after so many exhibitions of -treachery the Crusaders had no confidence in the renewed alliance, and -took unusual precautions. They rested after the day’s hard exertions, -partly mailed and with their weapons close at hand. They did not think -themselves any too secure, even when surrounded by guards on all sides. -If two or three of the Crusaders discussed any matter, they made sure -that no Greeks were near, and war councils were always held in the most -secret manner. The Emperor’s confidants alone were acquainted with his -plans. No one was trusted whose faithfulness had not been proved. This -was not because there was any fear of traitors in the German army, but -because a thoughtless person might let slip a word which would arouse -the malice or excite the cunning of the enemy. - -Their stay among these faithless people was a hard trial to the honest, -high-minded German knights. It galled them to have to protect themselves -against an ally as if he were an open enemy. If he only had been one or -the other, friend or foe, they would have been better pleased. Hypocrisy -was unknown wherever German speech was heard. They would rather suffer -from honesty than profit from deceit in word or act. - -The Greeks, on the contrary, were so thoroughly degenerate that they -were found now on the one side, now on the other, as one or the other -seemed to offer them the greater profit. Boasting their Christian -orthodoxy, they persecuted with deadly hatred and sought to exterminate -all who differed with them, so that they were as greatly detested in -western Europe as the Turks themselves. Indeed, they were so blind as -not to see that they were precipitating their own ruin when they, too -weak by themselves to resist the enemy of Christendom, were obstructing -those who were coming to its rescue. - -It was impossible to convince either these unfortunate people or their -leaders of the fate impending over them. For a long time already, indeed -for centuries, they had been controlled and held together only by the -absolute and rigorous sway of their masters. They were not content even -with those mild and wise sovereigns who ruled by law. Indeed, most of -these as well as the tyrants died violent deaths. Sons, urged on by -intriguing friends, would dethrone their fathers. Incarcerations and -cruel tortures were of common occurrence, and, as so often happens in -this world, the very agency by which an undutiful son secured his -elevation brought about his ruin. - -How could any one keep faith in such a country? Craft and dishonesty -were the only protection from harm. The person in authority was -treacherously flattered so long as it was of advantage; when he could no -longer subserve personal advantage he was forsaken, and the faithless -friend became the most malignant of enemies. How could such a people, -false to each other, be honest with strangers? - -Such were the reasons for the continual distrust shown by the Germans, -and their longing to leave the country. As soon as all the preparations -for the crossing were completed they started for Asia, hoping to find -more regard for honesty among the Turks, or at least to meet them as -foes in the open field. The crossing occupied six days, and was made in -Grecian vessels. Even at the last moment the Greeks did everything to -obstruct it, and it was only the fear of force that restrained them from -violating their agreement and attacking the German rear. - - - - - Chapter VII - Conrad’s Victory in the Valley - - -At last the Germans reached the sacred land of Asia Minor. He who -beholds it for the first time cannot fail to admire the surpassing -beauty of the country. Winter, instead of destroying its luxurious -vegetation, enriches the exceedingly fertile soil with refreshing rains. -The numerous mountain ranges, which traverse that region in all -directions, covered with majestic forests, present ever-changing -spectacles of beauty. Blooming valleys stretch between them abundantly -watered by clear and sparkling brooks. Groves of beautiful fruit-trees -cover them in some places, and in others olive-trees delight the eye -with their dark green foliage. Unusually large and brilliant poppies -grow there and the cotton and corn fields yield abundant harvests. -Between its numerous cities are pretty villages, which add to the -natural beauty of the country. The stranger is impressed by the thought -that life must be very enjoyable there; but those acquainted with the -history of the people, while admiring all this beauty, only mourn that -men should give way to their evil passions and change this paradise into -a place of wretchedness and suffering. - -“This blessed land,” said the Emperor Frederick, who was well versed in -history, “has had stranger and more varied experiences than almost any -other country on earth. Here once stood mighty Troy, which excelled its -neighbor, Greece, in learning and the arts, until the folly of a -prince’s son led the outraged Greeks to destroy it. Centuries later, -there were many peoples here—among them the Mysians, Carians, Lycians, -Paphlagonians, Bithynians, and Lydians,—the last the most powerful of -all, and to whom all the rest were tributary, and whose king was the -richest person on earth.[27] But, happy? No! His wealth tempted Cyrus to -invade the country, and its effeminate people were powerless to resist -him. But Cyrus did not long enjoy his plunder; nor did Alexander, at a -later period. After the latter’s time, the country was split up into -petty kingdoms, which fell into the hands of the Romans, one after -another being subjugated more or less easily, as the King and people -were cowardly or warlike. The innumerable ruins which everywhere meet -the eye are mute witnesses of the dreadful experiences of this land. -Those wretched hovels cover the spot where once stood famous Ephesus -with its splendid temple of Diana. The ancient Nicomedia,[28] residence -of Roman emperors after Diocletian’s time, is to-day an insignificant -place. Of many other famous places hardly a trace can now be found. - -“Where Christianity in its early stages enjoyed its greatest prosperity, -where the most famous and the greatest of its communities lived and -transformed the land into a garden, the Turk now rules and persecutes -Christians with fierce hatred and sharp swords, thanks to the -cowardliness and faithlessness of the Greek Emperor and his people.” - -The sad story of desolation which the Emperor briefly outlined to his -listeners made a sorrowful impression upon them, but it also awakened -the sense of duty in their brave souls; and a feeling of gratitude that -they were called upon to rescue and redeem this land filled the hearts -of the brave champions of the Cross. They even hoped that the Sultan of -Iconium, as the country was then called, would prove faithless, like -Isaac, for then they could act regardless of him, and victory would be -assured. This singular wish, which was natural enough at that time, when -knights were ever eager to encounter new dangers, was soon gratified. -Kilidj Arslan proved as faithless as Isaac. - -Conrad of Feuchtwangen, leader of the vanguard, encountered Turkish -troops at the very outset. As soon as he entered the mountain region he -was harassed on all sides by swift, alert horsemen. Every grove and hill -concealed them. As the Germans approached they dashed out, brandishing -their scymitars or shooting arrows at them. Strong bands suddenly -attacked them in ravines and narrow passes, and when the Germans -attempted to resist in regular battle order, they disappeared like the -wind in all directions. It was impossible for the heavily mailed knights -to follow them or to force them to make a stand. Although the attacks -were not very disastrous, as the scymitars made no impression upon the -mail and arrows glanced off from it, yet stragglers fell easy victims to -the Turks. Many were suddenly killed, and there was no one near to -avenge them. Under such circumstances the stoutest grew uneasy, even -though there were no actual hand-to-hand encounters. There was no time -to rest, for the enemy was active both day and night. Subsistence began -to fail, and hunger and thirst, the Turks’ best allies, threatened to -claim the Crusaders for their victims. - -Thus matters continued day after day, and each morning brought more -enemies, weakened their own numbers, and increased the need of -subsistence. The Turks destroyed everything they could not take with -them, and filled up or polluted the wells. The scanty supplies furnished -by the Greeks were insufficient for the main army, and nothing reached -the vanguard from that source. - -It was hard to believe these were the same Crusaders who presented such -a brilliant spectacle in camp at Belgrade. Wan and worn they sat upon -their emaciated steeds, which dragged themselves forward like farm -horses. The hopelessness of the situation was depicted upon every face. -Their once glittering arms were stained and rusted from lack of care, -for all their leisure was spent in searching for roots and herbs to -satisfy the cravings of hunger. Thousands succumbed to their hardships, -but the German knights made no complaint. The influence of their -training was apparent. Accustomed from boyhood to strenuous exertions -they rendered splendid service on this expedition. - -From a lofty mountain ridge Conrad surveyed his little band. Hardships -troubled him little; but when he looked upon his sons, who had been so -full of hope, whose robust health was impaired, and whose rosy cheeks -were now pale, it nearly broke his heart. When they noticed the tears in -his eyes and inquired the cause, he regained composure by a strong -effort, to show them they must still keep up courage. - -Indeed, there was little time for brooding over misfortunes, as the -Turks were assailing them on all sides. There lay the beautiful valley -flooded with sunshine, far as the eye could reach. The fields were -luxuriant with verdure, and a plashing brook sparkled in the sunlight. -They beheld an abundance which they could not enjoy. Suddenly the Turks -rushed up the slope like sand driven before the wind. Fear seized the -knights, but they summoned up courage and resolved either to conquer or -die. If they could only gain a half-hour in which to appease the pangs -of hunger and quench their thirst with the cool waters of the brook, -they would die, if they must, or they would fight with renewed strength, -even though the legions of hell were on the enemy’s side. - -They prepared to meet the attack without command or the need of -encouragement from their leader. They raised their shields with tired -hands, grasped their lances, and stood in orderly array, awaiting the -onset. The Turks delayed, but their desperate purpose did not escape the -experienced eyes of the knights; their numbers continually increased and -still the attack was delayed. The knights grew impatient, but at a -sudden signal from Conrad the entire band swept down the slope like the -whirlwind. The front ranks of the enemy were shattered and gave way. -Steeds and their riders were piled in heaps. Nothing could withstand the -Germans. They dashed into the thickest of the fight, unmindful of dead -or dying, and exchanging their lances for the terrible battle-axe, they -rained blows upon the Turks, death following every stroke. It was a -terrible harvest of death in that small area. The Turks were appalled by -the sudden attack. They now recognized their own danger, and advanced -upon the Christians with all the bravery of their race, and the skill -and adroitness of their methods of fighting. The storm of arrows, which -struck upon the knights’ mail, unceasingly but uselessly, was -discontinued, for it injured more friends than enemies. They engaged -their foes man to man, with their sharp scymitars, and tried to -perforate the grooves of the mail; but the Christians still had the -advantage, for they mowed them down with swords and war-clubs before the -Turks could make use of their shorter weapons. Still the latter swarmed -about the little band like ants. - -With the swiftness of the tiger they would leap upon their enemies, -cling to them and seek to pierce the mail where it was weakest; but with -equal swiftness the Christians drew their daggers and used them with -dreadful effectiveness. Hundreds of the enemy were killed; others, badly -wounded, sought safety in flight, and riderless steeds were rushing -about the mountain side in numbers, and yet there seemed to be no -decrease in the numbers of the enemy. - -Resting for a moment, Conrad anxiously scanned his little band. He was -solicitous for the safety of his sons, who, because of their light -armor, were more exposed than the knights. He saw them in the very thick -of the fight, in turns attacking the enemy and protecting each other. A -number of fallen Turks showed that the boys were doing their duty. -Conrad noticed that Raymond was mounted on a magnificent Arab courser -and that, while he was in great danger, he was making a successful -fight. A gleam of satisfaction lit up his face, but it was only -temporary, for almost in an instant it changed to deadly apprehension. - -A Turk, noticing his apparent forgetfulness of the battle, rushed -swiftly at him, seized him in his powerful arms, and held him as in a -vice. Pressing his heels against the horse’s flanks, he sought to drag -Conrad off, in hopes he would be trampled under the animal’s hoofs. But -Conrad sat as immovably as if rider and steed were one, trying to use -his dagger, for his arms were pinioned. His enemy could easily have -killed him with his own weapons, but he sought to dispose of him in -another way. Slightly unloosing his hold the Turk tried to drag him -aside, so that he might hurl him into an abyss; but, notwithstanding all -his exertions, he could not accomplish it. Though old and well-nigh -exhausted, Conrad had sufficient presence of mind to improve every -advantage and to save his strength. - -The Turk now had to consider the danger to which he himself was exposed -in bringing the struggle to a close. His cries attracted the attention -of the knights. Warding off blows on every hand, a young Christian -champion made his way through the enemy, dashing over the fallen at the -imminent risk of his life. A skilfully directed blow severed one of the -Turk’s arms, and a second stretched him upon the earth, howling with -pain and rage. It was Conrad’s eldest son, whose heroic act had saved -his father’s life. They exchanged grateful looks of satisfaction, and -then side by side engaged the foe. - -The Turks soon realized the hopelessness of their efforts. Half of them -lay dead or wounded, and the other half were exhausted with their -efforts to make some impression upon the knights’ mail, while the -Christians still confronted them with unimpaired strength. Soon German -reinforcements were seen approaching, which inspired hopes of victory. -The Turks were still making a furious fight, when a sudden shrill cry -from their leader changed the aspect of the situation. The Turks -instantly disengaged themselves from the enemy, and wheeling their swift -steeds about, rushed down the mountain side, and quickly disappeared. -The Christians watched them as if dazed. It was like waking from a -dreadful dream. They could hardly trust their senses or believe their -leader when he told them the battle was over and the enemy had fled; but -when he pointed to the other side of the valley and they saw the riders -vanishing away like ghosts, they were convinced of their glorious -victory. - -Their first act was one of thanksgiving to God. Then they hurried to the -valley as rapidly as they could to seek refreshment. Their tired steeds -could hardly make their way, and many a knight dismounted and led his -horse by the bridle, choosing rather to suffer himself a little longer -than forsake his battle-companion. - -The little band exulted when they reached the valley. The refreshing -water strengthened man and beast. The fruits of that genial climate -satisfied hunger, and the luxuriant grass was enjoyed by the exhausted -animals. Conrad advised them to exercise wise moderation, for he knew -from experience that over-indulgence after severe exertion was injurious -and might have dangerous results in that climate. - -The eventful day at last drew to a close, and all felt invigorated by -food and drink. Cooling baths had revived their strength, and after a -few hours of sleep they hoped to be able to withstand anything the next -day. They now made their arrangements for rest. A comfortable spot in an -olive grove where they could easily protect themselves was picked out -and sentinels were stationed. Conrad, however, was very anxious. - -“We are safe here for the time,” said he, “but the enemy will again -appear with reinforcements to drive us from this blessed valley, for -they well know that its abundant product is our only salvation. We are -too weak to hold it for ourselves and our approaching comrades, who are -now suffering from hunger and thirst, while we are relieved.” - -“They ought to hurry forward as fast as their strength will allow,” said -one. - -“A messenger should be despatched to inform the Emperor.” - -“But whom can we afford to send? Whom would you deprive of this night’s -needed rest and send into danger?” said Conrad. - -The knight made no reply. - -“Send me, dear father,” implored Raymond. “I am not so weary that I -cannot make the effort.” - -“Do not send the boy! The errand is more dangerous than he imagines. If -no one else will go, I will,” said the former speaker. - -“Oh, no, no!” said Raymond. “I am no longer a boy. I can take care of -myself. Spare your tired bones, for you are no longer the youngest, and -my strength is sufficient.” - -“I do not dispute that. Who could, after seeing the many deeds you have -performed?” - -“Then assign me to the duty.” - -“It is all the more dangerous because of the strength required. Even if -you had a giant’s strength it might be of no avail. You must remember -that the enemy are swarming about us on all sides. They are hovering -between us and the army, like birds of prey, seeking to swoop down upon -their victims. Foresight and skill, cunning and shrewdness, alone can -avail, and only one whose steed can equal the speed of their horses may -hope to escape unharmed.” - -“That I can do better than any of the rest of you,” said Raymond. “You -are not aware that I have captured a Turkish horse, one of those -incomparable coursers. Having lighter armor than the rest of you, I can -surely go without danger.” - -“That is fortunate. It almost seems as if the Divine Hand were pointing -the way to the accomplishment of our wishes,” said Conrad. “I have no -objection, and assign you to this difficult task. But be wary and alert. -Delay not a moment. Let not weariness overcome you, and be not deceived -by the quiet around you. It is only the noble lion who openly seeks his -prey; the bloodthirsty tiger lies in wait for the approach of its -unsuspecting victim. So it is with our enemies. When you reach the camp, -hasten to the Emperor’s tent, and if you have to rouse him from sleep, -do so, and urge haste upon him and the army. If that is of no avail, -then tell them of this valley. Tell them they will find an end to their -privations here and they will long for wings to fly hither. Now depart -with God’s blessing, and may He go with you.” - -A hearty embrace followed these words. The boy went out, mounted his -horse, and flew across the valley like the wind. The last rays of the -setting sun gilded the mountain tops, and those in the valley saw the -young hero riding as if in a blaze of golden glory, and waving his hand -to them in greeting, as he disappeared behind the heights. The little -band were soon sleeping, all save the sentinels, who noiselessly paced -their rounds, listening and watching for any suspicious sound or object. - - - - - Chapter VIII - Raymond’s Heroic Ride - - -Our young hero rode with a stout heart. His steed showed itself a worthy -representative of the splendid Arab breed. The waves of a gently flowing -stream could not have borne him more easily. His horse’s hoofs hardly -disturbed the soil. It glided with the swiftness of the wind or the -swallow, rather than ran, and was so perfectly trained that it obeyed -the slightest touch upon its shoulder or pull upon the bridle. It never -needed the spur and yet the rider, as the noble animal sped along with -flying mane and distended nostrils, making the sparks and gravel fly, -knew that it could make still greater speed, should that be necessary. - -Raymond rode at this speed for nearly an hour. The night was very dark -and so still that only the echoes of his horse’s hoof-beats were heard -among the neighboring hills as he flew at a swift trot through the -ravines and passes. At times he heard the cry of the hungry jackals in -the dense forest, but no other sounds reached his ears. - -Thus in the silent solitude of the forest, far from friends but perhaps -close to lurking enemies, our hero said good-bye to his youthful days -almost before he had entered upon them, and boldly took up the work of -manhood. He knew nothing of that silly fear which arises from the -imagination. However or wherever he might encounter an enemy, he -determined to show his knighthood if that enemy met him manfully. The -possibility of defeat never occurred to him. He felt himself under -divine protection. He believed, as his comrades did, that this war -against the Turks was well-pleasing to God, and that all engaged in it -were under His special protection, for had not God been with them thus -far in all their troubles? Had He not already guided Conrad well-nigh to -the accomplishment of his purpose? Since the honor of bringing that -purpose to completion had been assigned to him, surely God would guide -him also and bring him to success. - -With such uplifting thoughts his soul was filled as he rode rapidly on, -watching carefully all about him lest he should be surprised by some -unseen danger. His road now lay between two walls of rock, which loudly -echoed the clatter of his horse’s hoofs. The stony ground made the -slightest sound audible. It was one of those spots which the Turks had -defended so obstinately and which the Christians had taken in their -recent gallant attack. While thinking of the possibility that the enemy -might be lying in wait upon the mountain sides, if not for him then for -the army, and that the outlet of the pass might be blocked, a slight -tremor, but not of fear, seized him as he heard a sharp whiz through the -air and a sudden blow upon his armor, which he at once knew was caused -by an arrow. Like a flash he touched his steed’s flank. The Arab -bounded, gave a loud snort, and then flew like the storm-wind. Stooping -a little in his saddle, Raymond glanced up the heights. He thought he -saw dark figures gliding about who had delayed attacking him in their -uncertainty whether he was friend or foe. - -There was a great difference between the hoof-beats of the Arab and -those of the Crusaders’ horses. Misled by this and by their inability to -see distinctly in the thick darkness, the Turks lost an easy victim. But -Raymond was not yet out of danger. He heard individual calls, which the -echoes repeated over and over again. It was clear they came from -outposts warning those in the distance of his approach. He still further -increased his speed, for delay now was dangerous, thinking that by -swifter flight he might reach the end of the pass before the Turks could -oppose him in force. While he was still some distance from it, the moon -rose and shed its faint lustre upon the mountain sides, making his -enemies look like ghosts. As he urged his horse to its utmost speed, -that he might not be an easy mark, the ravine was suddenly illuminated -with moonlight, and directly ahead of him a faint streak of light -appeared. It was the outlet of the pass and beyond it the open country -was flooded with the radiance of the moon. With thankful heart he looked -up to heaven, gently patted his noble horse, which, seeming to -understand the meaning of his caresses, shook its mane, tossed its head, -and bounded along exultantly. - -Imagine Raymond’s feelings, however, when he espied two dark figures at -the outlet of the pass whom he instantly recognized as Turkish horsemen. -His good lance was levelled at once, ready for a strong thrust with his -right hand, while his left held his shield before his breast. He rushed -upon them at a furious gallop with the intention of running down the one -on the right, at the same time protecting himself against the other with -his shield. He had hardly formed his plan when a skilfully aimed arrow -hit his shield and fell to the earth. His practised eye saw that it came -from the right side. All that he had now to fear was the other enemy -with his keen scymitar. He must dispose of him before the archer had -time to place another arrow. In an instant he was upon him, ran his -lance into his breast and threw him from his horse. The animal struggled -and pranced about so furiously that the archer was confused and his -arrow flew wide of its mark. The prospect of victory encouraged our -young hero. Emboldened by the success of his first onset, and expecting -to be attacked at any instant by the enemy in his rear, he swiftly -turned, levelled his lance, and rushed upon his enemy. The Turk was -ready for the attack, but as he had no means of protecting himself -against the thrust of the lance, he dodged aside. The lance struck a -tree near by with such force that it was broken in two. The Turk’s eyes -glistened with fiendish delight like those of a hyena. He swung his -scymitar above Raymond’s head with the intention of severing it at a -blow. The Turk’s dexterity with this weapon made the situation extremely -dangerous for our friend. He seized his shattered lance, however, and -hurled it with such force that it averted the scymitar from its course -and knocked his enemy’s turban off. The Turk was furious with rage, but -Raymond was cool. He drew his sword and like a flash smote the Turk’s -uncovered head. A dark stream of blood gushed forth, and a muttered -“Giaour”[29] escaped from his lips, as he fell from his steed dead. - -Raymond now fully realized the danger of the position he had been in, -and his victory seemed almost miraculous. Alarmed by his experience and -dreading new dangers, he urged his horse to swifter flight. Danger was -more imminent on those broad moonlit plains; for his enemies, who had -been swarming round him in the mountains, would certainly betake -themselves to the open country as a more favorable spot for their -operations and more likely to result in his capture, as their horses -were fresh and well fed. The cowardly thought of avoiding battle, -however and whenever it might come, never occurred to him; indeed, for -an instant, he was inclined to halt and face his pursuers. His better -judgment, however, told him this would be a mistake, for in that case he -might fail to accomplish his purpose of reaching the army and delivering -his message. He reflected that the lives of thousands hung upon his -success, and among these thousands was the noble Emperor and hero, the -flower of chivalry. So he still rushed on, for horse and rider were -unwearied. Two hours later they skirted a dark forest, shadowed by a -mountain range, the last he would have to cross, for upon its other side -were the army’s outposts, and thence the road led straight to the -Emperor’s camp. The road here was not so rough as that where he had made -such a fortunate escape. It wound through gently rolling foothills, and -was seldom stony, the most of it being covered with a soft, springy -turf, upon which his horse’s hoofs made but little noise. While his -progress was easier and swifter, still it was to be taken into account -that horsemen could approach him on every side and that his pursuers had -no obstacles in their way. - -The nature of the locality made it more difficult to find the way in -some places than it was in the mountain region, where the wild torrents -which dashed from the rocks in the rainy season left dry beds which -could be used as pathways. The dense foliage of the trees also hardly -allowed the moonlight to penetrate it, and more than once Raymond was in -doubt whether he was on the right road. He tried other directions -several times but this invariably made his horse restless and -ungovernable. At last he decided to let it take its own way, for he was -well aware that the horse is often the surest guide. The noble animal -must have travelled that way many times while he himself was going over -it for the first time, and besides this he had but little time to study -his way. Stroking his horse, who had already become very dear to him, as -if to compensate him for the injustice done to his sagacity, he let him -choose his own way. As it no longer seemed necessary to make such great -haste he rode more quietly and found by the position of the moon, which -at times peeped through openings in the trees, that he was now riding in -the right direction to reach the end of his journey. - - [Illustration: _Raymond’s Ride_] - -As Raymond slowly climbed the heights and grew calmer, he almost forgot -all dangers, for he felt he was near his friends and supposed that his -wearied enemies would not risk a near approach to their still formidable -opponents in the camp by daylight. He actually imagined that he saw the -white tents of the Christians glistening in the moonlight, where -treeless vistas admitted an open view. His heart leaped for joy as he -reflected that he was bringing consolation and encouragement to so many -thousands, and a tear stood in his eyes as he thought of their suffering -and fancied the joyful impression his news would make. He pursued his -way almost carelessly. He was nearing the end of his journey and gave -little heed to his surroundings. It is not singular, therefore, that he -was alarmed by a sudden noise. Looking back he saw that he was followed. -He thought that three horsemen, riding furiously, were seeking to -overtake him, hoping to capture him by surprise rather than by attack. - -Raymond slackened his pace an instant to ascertain the real nature of -his danger and the best means of avoiding it. It was impossible for him -to make a successful resistance, for even should he escape their arrows -he must have a hand-to-hand contest, one against three, and give up as -soon as he was surrounded by them. He was all the more helpless against -numbers as he had lost his lance and had only his sword for protection. -Flight was his only alternative, and he felt sure that once out of -arrow-shot he would escape. - -Throwing his shield across his back he urged his horse to its greatest -speed. It shot away like an arrow. The hanging boughs of the trees often -brushed his face and he repeatedly crashed through thickets of dense -bushes, which snapped and broke. It was like the magic wild hunt for the -slender, swift stag of the forest, so quiet were the hoof-beats. -Notwithstanding all the efforts of his noble steed he gained no -advantage over his pursuers. In an incredibly short time they approached -him at the foot of the range. Raymond could see no trace of the camp, -not even a sentry. Had he been deceived when he thought he saw the -tents? Were his friends still farther away than he had supposed? What if -his pursuers should be taking different routes to head him off? Looking -around with hasty glance he noticed that only two were now following -him. He had been carefully instructed by his father not to act upon -guesswork but to have a fixed course always in view for an emergency. He -decided to give battle only as a last resort, but he was determined that -two of them should die before he lost his life. Saying to himself “With -God’s help, I will win,” he rode on. - -He soon realized that the distance between himself and his pursuers was -lessening. One of the latter must have noticed it also, for he had taken -his bow and was holding an arrow in his right hand. Raymond felt a -terrible apprehension that he might be killed almost at the goal he was -striving to reach. The road now turned a little to the left and caution -was still more necessary. An arrow grazed his face. Had his horse made -its last step an instant sooner or an inch farther, he might have fallen -and been trampled upon. He had hardly time to realize this, however, -when a Turk with fiercely gleaming eyes rode out of the thickets. -Swinging his scymitar he confronted Raymond, who met him with his sword. -The horses came together at such furious speed that the Turk was thrown, -and Raymond’s steed came down upon his knees. He was down for an instant -only, for his rider helped him to his feet with a stout pull and he at -once dashed on, while the Turk’s horse was panting and snorting, -evidently as much enraged as his master, who sent curses after Raymond -as he rode along exultantly. - -Suddenly a halberdier confronted him. His horse stopped so quickly that -Raymond was nearly thrown. It was a foot-soldier of the Emperor’s army -and at his call several others came up. How grateful that call in the -dear mother tongue sounded! His only thought was, “Saved, saved.” He -made himself known, pointed to his enemies, who shot their arrows and -shouted curses at them, and then took themselves off. - -Raymond explained to the outposts the nature of his mission in a few -words. Then he inquired the shortest way to the Emperor’s tent, and as -he hurried on his way to it the warriors’ eyes beamed with joy and their -lips uttered thanksgivings. Raymond’s message was received with general -exultation. The warriors rushed up to him, caressed and kissed him, and -could hardly find words to express their joy. Weariness and despondency -vanished. The shout, “Forward, forward,” resounded everywhere. After -hearing Raymond’s report, to the great delight of all, the Emperor -issued the order to move. Tents were struck at once, and the advance, -led by Raymond, plunged into the darkness of the forest, while the rest -followed as eagerly as if on the way to some richly appointed banquet. - -Though the fresh night air lessened their fatigue somewhat, it was still -very great. The tired soldiers, little refreshed by their short sleep, -dragged themselves along with much effort. It was so dark they could not -distinguish the rough places in the road. Their weary feet continually -slipped and those on foot repeatedly fell, while horses stumbled over -roots of trees and other obstacles. The farther they went the more -unmistakable were the evidences that the Turks were aware of their -movements and were on the alert themselves. Those in the advance had to -look out for themselves as best they could, but even after the utmost -precautions many horses were badly wounded and some of the poorly -protected foot-soldiers were killed. - -The real fighting began when the first valley was reached. The knights -fought with all their remaining strength, and many a Turk, brought to -bay, was slain. They entered the narrow pass, where Raymond had made his -victorious fight, with grave apprehensions. The Turks in small bands -disputed every inch of the ground with dogged pertinacity, while others -concealed behind rocks and thickets, sent showers of arrows into their -ranks. The knights in the advance protected themselves with their -shields; but the arrows fell like hail into the dense mass of those -behind them, and it was only here and there that they escaped injury by -holding their halberds obliquely. Most of the arrows, however, reached -the mark only too surely. They hugged the rocky walls upon which the -enemy were standing, as closely as possible, and held up broken branches -for their protection. Many of those who neglected such precautions were -wounded. - -As morning dawned, their danger increased, for now they were clearly -exposed to the assaults of the continually increasing enemy. Many of the -Christians wrung their hands in despair, bewailed their apparent fate, -and implored God to save them. Just as the last hope of rescue seemed to -vanish, a band of the enemy suddenly halted in their front and appeared -to be making a hurried inspection of the mountain sides. Almost -immediately they rode at full speed to the outlet of the pass and -disappeared. The Crusaders were astonished by this movement, and feared -some new trick on the enemy’s part; but Raymond joyfully assured them -they were nearing the end, and that assistance was certainly on the way. -His assurances revived their hopes. They advanced at a quicker pace, and -had hardly gone a hundred yards before they found the Turks in battle -with the Germans. At a sign from their leader the knights in front -levelled their lances and charged upon the enemy, who, finding -themselves assailed on two sides, gave way at the first onset. The -exhausted warriors exulted when they saw them in flight, and a moment -later father and son were in each other’s arms; for it was Conrad who -had come to the rescue. After consultation between the leaders it was -decided to keep at a safe distance until they had time to rest, after -which they would consult the Emperor and decide upon their future -operations. When told of the dangers to which the Crusaders were exposed -in that mountain region, Conrad determined to send a force, as soon as -all were rested, and clear it of the enemy. - -My young readers already know the impression which that beautiful valley -made upon the vanguard. It was all the greater upon the army, whose joy -was boundless. Troop after troop poured out of the pass. The wide plain -was soon crowded with the entire German force. The banks of the stream -were densely lined with horses and men, and it was a long time before -the last of the army emerged. Finally the Emperor appeared, surrounded -by the bravest of his army. He had personally directed every movement -for the protection of his men, and refused to rest until the last one -had safely reached the valley. Enthusiastic shouts of welcome greeted -them, which the mountains reëchoed, announcing to the Turks that the -courage of the Christian host was still unbroken. - -Gnashing their teeth with rage, the Turks disappeared like ghostly -shadows among the mountains which separated the two armies. - - - - - Chapter IX - Conrad’s Death - - -The intention of Frederick’s faithless allies to destroy his army by -hunger rather than by the sword was frustrated by the indefatigable -exertions of the Germans. Though greatly reduced in numbers, they had -thwarted every device of cunning and hatred, and though menaced by -continually increasing numbers, had reached the region they had hoped -for—a region where no German foot had ever trodden before. They found -everything there which they needed, and even more, for the enemy had not -been able to carry it away or destroy it. - -Frederick, who had accurately divined the plans of the enemy, only -allowed his army to take so much rest as was absolutely needed, for his -foes behind the mountains were increasing their strength every day. All -the princes approved of the Emperor’s policy to advance at the earliest -moment and overcome the enemy, and not to take a long rest until it -became indispensable. - -Conrad again led the advance, and this time the Emperor’s son, Frederick -of Swabia, like his noble father, a true type of German chivalry, -accompanied him. The army followed on foot. The advance approached the -open country on the other side of the grandly swelling hills unmolested, -and there the knights made their first stand against the Turks, who -confronted them in dense masses. It was then the German knights showed -their prowess. With levelled lances they charged into the close ranks of -the enemy, dashed them to the earth in heaps, then with lightning-like -swiftness exchanged lance for sword and battle-axe, with which they -fought so furiously that all who could make their escape fled shrieking -and howling. The onset made room for those in the rear, and the base of -the hills soon swarmed with Christians, who fiercely attacked the Turks -at a swift gallop and drove them back with broken heads. - -The battle, which lasted nearly all day, showed that the Turks had been -surprised by the Christians before all their preparations were -completed; for as evening came on, the Christians beheld large dark -masses of troops coming from the distance to strengthen the enemy. Every -one realized that a great battle was impending on the following day, and -all eagerly awaited it. The Christians gradually and steadily advanced, -in accordance with the Emperor’s orders, while the enemy’s force fell -back to support their approaching reinforcements and gain more room for -their cavalry. - -Frederick and the princes realized that they must meet a formidable foe. -His orders for the disposition of his forces showed great skill and -experience. The superior numbers of the enemy, which were continually -increasing, and the fact that the ground was specially favorable to the -latter, particularly to their cavalry, called for the highest skill and -most persistent courage on the part of the Christians. On the other -side, in the rear of the enemy, lay a rich fertile region, for the -protection of which they would exhaust their resources in order not to -crowd upon their neighbor, the Sultan Saladin, who might be willing -enough to help them, but who would not, under any circumstances, be -disposed to share the country with them if they were defeated. The only -alternatives for the Christians were victory or death; for behind them -was a malignant, perfidious people, who had harassed and plundered them -when they were victorious. What, then, might they expect, if they were -defeated, disarmed, and exhausted? Battle was inevitable, and all were -certain it must be a life-and-death struggle. - -On the evening of May thirteen, the Emperor held another council of war; -preparations for the struggle were thoroughly discussed. Nothing was -overlooked, and every one was asked for his opinion. As soon as the -plans had been settled upon and it was decided to attack in the morning, -all betook themselves to rest. - -Morning dawned after a short, cool May night. The first faint streaks of -light were barely visible when the outposts noticed a great bustle in -the enemy’s camp. As soon as Conrad was informed of it he ordered -Raymond to carry the news to the Emperor’s tent. Raymond found the -Emperor already busily making his preparations. After a hurried -observation of the enemy he ordered that attack should be made as -quickly as possible. The camp was at once astir. Noiselessly, but with -astonishing rapidity, the eagerly expected commands were executed, the -various divisions led by the princes and the nobles were massed, and -messengers hurried in all directions conveying the orders of the -Emperor, who meanwhile mounted his battle-horse in full armor and rode -to the front with Raymond. Cheers greeted the grizzled old hero faring -forth to battle as fresh and vigorous as in the days of his youthful -strength. Victory shone in his eyes and declared itself in his general -bearing. The faintest-hearted must have been emboldened by his look. The -enemy in the meantime were busily engaged with their own preparations. - -The German army steadily advanced upon the Turks, who at first fell back -without striking a blow. Nevertheless, there were real encounters, for -here and there small groups of the enemy would come within arrow shot, -kill some Christians, and then swiftly retreat, and avoid pursuit. Many -believed the Turks were repeating their old game, and that either they -did not intend to make a stand or they were luring them on to some -favorable spot where they could make an attack from every side. - -The leaders watched these movements very carefully, giving especial -attention to the enemy’s wings to prevent themselves from being -surrounded. These tactics lasted for some hours, and during that time -the two armies were often so near to each other that battle seemed -inevitable. The Christians were eager for it, but found no opportunity -to attack, for whenever they made anything resembling an offensive move, -the Turks scattered like chaff. The Emperor, who kept in the front, -repeatedly ordered an attack, but before a sword could be drawn the -enemy would fly in every direction and render it useless. - -This style of fighting was repugnant to the Germans and the German -nature. They were accustomed to look an enemy in the eye, meet him -valiantly, and not retreat. This useless expenditure of strength, this -wearisome effort to force the Turks into an engagement enraged them, and -they determined to make an end of it. As a large body of Turks came -near, the Emperor loudly cried, “Why delay longer to purchase the -heavenly kingdom with our blood? Christ commands! Christ triumphs!” With -these words he dashed into the densest of the enemy’s ranks, taking them -by surprise. They waved their scymitars, with loud cries of “Allah!” The -battle had begun, Frederick fighting like a lion in the midst of the -constantly increasing enemy. The mailed giants hurled themselves upon -the Turks with all their force, and the fight soon raged all along the -line. Here the Turks swarmed around a troop of German knights, and there -single knights fought against superior numbers, who strove in vain to -break through their steel mail. Arrows whizzed through the air; -battle-axes and clubs crashed down. The fight was furious on both sides; -where the German foot-soldiers were engaged, the Turks were most -successful, for being unprotected by armor, the former were slain by -arrows. But when the full-armed knights, the flower of the army, were -encountered, their assailants fell, never to rise again. - -The noonday sun flamed down so fiercely upon the knights that their -armor glowed with heat and their faces were bathed in perspiration. Some -were hardly able to raise their weapons. They no longer sought the -enemy, being satisfied to repel him when attacked. The German ranks were -already thinned, but their losses were not so great as the enemy’s. - -The Germans, after almost endless exertions, succeeded in forcing the -enemy back, and looked upon a field covered with slain. They also heard -loud wailings and lamentations for the dead, which inspired them with -fresh courage. The Turks fiercely disputed every foot of ground, and -every step gained was dearly paid for. It was apparent that the enemy -either were unwearied or else that they were frequently reinforced, for -each fresh attack was stoutly resisted. Seemingly it would have been an -endless battle had not night stopped the slaughter. As the sun went -down, its intense heat lessened, but heated passions did not cool. The -whole field resounded with shouts of “Allah!” and “Christ!” The Germans -succeeded in driving the enemy before them. As the latter fell back they -defended themselves step by step, but as the darkness fell they suddenly -abandoned the struggle and disappeared. - -The Emperor wisely and emphatically forbade pursuit. The knights stood -by their panting horses and wiped the sweat from their brows, while the -foot-soldiers gathered about their leaders. They distrusted the enemy -for a long time and held themselves in readiness to repulse one of those -subtle attacks which were so characteristic of the Turks. When the -spies, however, reported that they could find no trace of them, -Frederick gave orders to pitch the tents. Every one sought food and -drink, the first requisites after a hard battle. As soon as all were -satisfied, they searched for the wounded, of whom there were not many -thus far; partly because almost every scymitar blow had been fatal, and -partly because the heat hastened the death of the severely wounded. -Those who could rest by the side of their own friends and -comrades-in-arms were fortunate. Among these was Conrad of Feuchtwangen, -who held both his sons in his arms, while they in turn embraced him and -murmured prayers of thankfulness to God for protecting him. Then the -weary ones slumbered, gathering fresh strength for new victories, of -which their souls dreamed while their bodies rested from their strenuous -exertions. - -With the first beams of the rising sun, the Turks renewed their -operations by approaching the Christians and daring them to battle. The -latter advanced more quickly than on the previous day so as not again to -waste their strength, and also to force the enemy back more speedily. -The entire plain was covered with the combatants. It seemed like some -great thoroughfare upon which one crowd was advancing and the other -retiring. Only here and there did they come together. Except in such -spots, the two movements were continuous and in a southerly direction. -The Christians imagined that the enemy made this move so as to reach the -extreme frontier of the kingdom of Iconium and meet the approaching -Egyptian troops, and then jointly attack. The Emperor himself at last -came to this opinion. He regarded it as possible, although he failed to -understand why the enemy on the day before had made such sacrifices when -there was no prospect of victory. Nevertheless, he completed his -preparations to attack the united forces, and, if God so willed, to -crush them at a blow, and thus all the more quickly accomplish the -object of the expedition. - -The Turks, indeed, made little resistance all that day, and many were so -credulous as to believe they would disappear again as they did on the -preceding day; but toward evening they again rallied in force, -apparently to make a vigorous attack. The Christians were at once in -readiness to meet them. The princes headed the knights, with levelled -lances. Conrad, with his large retinue, did the same, and like a -terrible thunder storm in a dark night they hurled themselves upon the -enemy. The latter’s dense mass was riven in twain as if by a lightning -stroke, and a fearful hand-to-hand encounter ensued. Lances were soon -exchanged for battle-axes and war-clubs, and these in turn for swords. -The Christians strove to overcome the superior numbers of the enemy by -separating them so as to attack them in detached groups, and the plan -succeeded. Every knight was engaged with three or four or more of the -enemy, handjars[30] and sabres flashed in the air, and many a one, who -up to this time had escaped fatal assault, fell lifeless in sight of his -comrades, and his blood mingled with that of his foe. Conrad and his -sons, who as yet were safe, fought like lions against overpowering -numbers, but Raymond was suddenly wounded in the arm by a blow from a -scymitar. In his anxiety for him, Conrad for a moment neglected his own -safety, and as he turned to help his son, he received a terrible cut in -the neck. At the same instant Raymond’s sword descended with all the -strength of his wounded arm upon the head of the Turk, who fell dead -from his horse. Raymond’s sword, however, dropped from his hand, and he -found himself unable to protect his father or himself amid a swarm of -bloodthirsty Turks. But help was at hand, for the Emperor had led his -forces to a glorious victory. Those of the enemy who were not disabled -fled before the lions, who shook their manes in furious rage and looked -about them for more victims. - -With tears in their eyes the two youths stood by the side of their dying -father. They had laid their dear one under a great oak tree, which -extended its branches over him like protecting arms, and sought to -stanch his wound. The sight bitterly grieved the Emperor as he -approached. He had found the steed and shield of his old -comrade-in-arms, and well knew what he had lost; but the spot showed -clearly what his life had cost the enemy, for the shield was covered -with blood and a wall of slain lay beside it. He at once ordered that -his brave friend should be taken to his own tent and cared for as such a -friend deserved. - -“Were it possible to purchase thy life, thou faithful one, I would give -this day’s honor,” said the Emperor, with great emotion. - -“Thanks, my noble sovereign, for thy true friendship, which accompanies -me even to the grave,” said Conrad; “but I feel I shall not long enjoy -it. Death steadily approaches, and my life swiftly nears its close. But -it would be a great consolation in my dying hour to know that my sons -will be cared for. I brought them here in the morning of their life that -they might see how brave knights can die for God and their Emperor. I -think I myself have set them the best example—I can do no more. Take -them when I am gone.” - -“I will care for them,” said the Emperor, “as if they were my own sons, -and they shall always be near me. I pledge my life for them as freely -and as courageously as thou hast pledged thine for me.” - -The dying Conrad cast a look of gratitude upon the Emperor, then turned -to his sons, pressed their hands to his heart with all his remaining -strength, and said: - -“Be worthy of your ancestors your whole life long—turn not a step from -the path—of virtue—true to your Emperor to—the last breath—to innocence -a—protector—to evil-doers and blasphemers—an avenging judge—and—I die -willingly.” - -Thus Conrad of Feuchtwangen passed away. All were in tears. Even the -Emperor’s eyes were moist. At last he ordered that the body should be -buried with the highest honors, and that Raymond and Conrad should -follow him to his tent and stay with him in future. - - - - - Chapter X - Capture of the Brothers - - -The brothers passed a sorrowful and sleepless night. Though they felt -greatly honored by the Emperor’s protection, they would rather have -grown to manhood under their father’s eyes, learned their highest duties -from his lips, and, inspired by his example, have reached his lofty -standard of honor. They fervently prayed for strength to face the -inevitable, but no rest came to their tired bodies. Raymond suffered -pain in his wounded arm, and Conrad, who was greatly overcome by his own -exertions and by the loss of his father, was even more greatly troubled -by the fear that he might lose his brother also and be left utterly -alone. - -The morning found them still disturbed by their sad thoughts. There was -great activity in the camp. The Emperor had decided to move at once, -attack the enemy wherever they were found, and destroy them or force -them to make peace, whatever the cost. The army therefore quickly -advanced. The brothers remained in the camp, the elder because he was -incapacitated for active work, and the younger to look after his -brother, according to what the Emperor said, but in reality because he -did not wish to expose one so young to the possible dangers ahead of -them. An old henchman, grown gray in the Emperor’s service, was assigned -to look after the brothers and advise with them whenever necessary. As -soon as all these matters were settled, the Emperor set out in pursuit -of the enemy. - -On the third day, as on previous days, the Turks adopted their customary -tactics, but the Christians by this time had gained confidence by the -success of their attacks and knew how to follow them up. The horses -which had been captured were very useful to the Christian knights, as -their own half-starved animals had a chance to rest. Thus they were in -excellent condition to execute their plan and from every point of view -were ready for battle. Shortly, they neared the capital of Iconium. They -beheld it in the distance about noon, and felt that their hardest battle -was imminent; and so it proved. The Turks occupied a better position -than on the previous days, and put forth every exertion to beat back the -Christians. By their peculiar tactics, as well as by their superiority -in numbers, they occasionally succeeded in forcing back detachments of -the knights, so that they crowded upon the camp. - -At last the Turks in overwhelming force directed an attack upon the spot -where the Emperor and the bravest of his knights were fighting, for they -knew the battle must be decided there. Thousands of scymitars flashed -about the heads of the little Christian band and glanced off from -shields and mail. Hundreds fell victims to German steel, but fresh -fighters took their places as if they sprang from the earth to avenge -the slain. The slaughter was appalling, for at every blow of the -Germans’ heavy two-edged swords, death followed. But at last the -stoutest arms began to tire and the bravest hearts to weaken; for -notwithstanding all this sanguinary work the numbers of the enemy -apparently were not reduced. A brief rest was absolutely necessary and -the Emperor granted it. The knights halted for rest in vain, however, -for the enemy, elated by their seeming victory, rushed forward and the -Christians were forced back toward their camp. The brothers, unprepared -for battle, were suddenly surrounded in the _mêlée_ and were in imminent -danger of capture. Their critical position appealed to the heroic soul -of the old Barbarossa, and he determined to give battle anew. In thunder -tones he shouted to his knights: “Comrades-in-arms, help to defend my -_protégés_. Let me not be guilty of breaking faith with the dying!” The -next instant he fell upon the enemy, followed by his faithful knights. -Nothing could withstand them. They charged as the hurricane sweeps -through the forest. Again the enemy divided up and made isolated -attacks, here and there with success; but the Christians did not waver. -“No more retreating!” was the cry. “Christ commands!” they shouted, and -“Christ triumphs!” was the answering cry. - -The Emperor’s bold example inspired all. They not only held their -ground, but forced the enemy to give way. As their courage rose that of -the enemy proportionately weakened. They realized more and more that all -the advantages they might secure could not compensate them for the loss -they must suffer. The irregular hordes of cavalry, which had been -harassing the Christians from motives of pure hatred, saw they had been -deceived. They expected to overcome them with ease, but for every dead -Christian there were hosts of dead Turks. The Sultan himself discovered -that his plans had come to naught, and rather than sacrifice his -subjects for the benefit of an ambitious neighbor, he decided simply to -defend his city until peace was made. Finding that the Turks were -falling back on all sides, Kilidj Arslan ordered a hasty retreat. His -warriors were so glad that they fled precipitately. Inspired afresh by -this new victory the Christians rapidly pursued them, and evening found -them at the gates of Iconium and in possession of much rich booty which -the enemy had abandoned. - -The Emperor allowed but a few hours of rest, for he had decided to storm -the city while yet the hearts of the knights beat high with victory and -before the enemy could make the necessary preparations for defence. -Everything was made ready in the gray of twilight, and at break of day -the general assault began. The enemy, who imagined they alone excelled -in swift movements, found themselves outdone. Surprised by the -unexpected attack, some of them became panic-stricken, but the most of -them, who were only accustomed to fighting in the open country, could -not stand confinement within city walls. Troops of cavalry rode -helplessly up and down the streets, seeking some way of escape and -finding none. Desperate over the possibility of a Christian victory, the -foot-soldiers fought upon the walls. The Germans in the lead, bold as -lions, climbed the scaling ladders in spite of all obstacles. Descending -the walls, they plunged into the very thick of the enemy, shouting, -“Christ triumphs!” and piled the streets with Turkish dead. A terrible -panic seized the Moslems, and they fled helter-skelter, hotly pursued by -the Christians. No resistance was attempted; flight was their only -thought. They dared not surrender to an enemy whom they had so greatly -incensed and for whom they had shown so little consideration. Indeed, -the Christians would have made them no offer of peace, so intense was -their indignation. From the Emperor down to the lowest man in the ranks -they fought so continuously and so unweariedly that they had no time to -think of making such an offer, to say nothing of negotiating a treaty. - -The Turks at last opened the gates to secure their liberty and life, and -out they poured, with the Sultan at their head, eager to escape. When -they reached the camp of the Christians they gave vent to their rage by -slaying the sick and non-combatants. Our young friends suddenly found -themselves surrounded by furious Moslems swinging their scymitars over -their unprotected heads. Faithful to his trust their care-taker sought -to defend them, but fell in the unequal contest, and the same fate -seemed to threaten them. A muscular, sun-browned hand was already -directing a blow at Raymond’s head with a blood-stained scymitar, but -the blow was averted by a sudden order. The enemies conversed in a -language the brothers did not understand, with the result that their -lives were spared, although they were dragged away in spite of all -resistance. They were placed upon light, fleet horses, and, guarded by a -strong band of the enemy, left the camp, fleeing afar with the wind’s -speed, they knew not whither. - -They soon discovered that they had fallen into the hands of the Sultan, -and that it was he who had rescued them from instant death. But alas! -they feared that they had only been spared to gratify his revenge by -some painful mode of torture. At the same time it did not escape their -notice how carefully they were guarded from any possibility of danger, -and that great consideration was paid to the wounded brother. They could -not account for this, nor could they reconcile such solicitude with the -malicious expression of the Sultan’s face whenever he looked at them. -After a short halt, during which the prisoners got some rest, they went -on. Though the night was very dark, Raymond noticed that their way led -through ravines and narrow defiles like those in which the Christians -had suffered so many disasters. He had hoped to return that way after -the war was over, but, alas! how cruelly was he disappointed! They were -defenceless prisoners in the hands of an enemy who knew no pity, who -blindly followed his relentless rage, and was preparing to take their -lives in the most barbarous manner as an expiation for the thousands who -had been slain by the Christians. - -Ready as he was to sacrifice his life for Christ and His holy religion, -Raymond would rather have fallen, weapons in hand, fighting with the -infidels, the arch-enemies of Christianity, than perish by torture. How -he lamented the fatality of his wounded arm! His effort to protect his -father’s life had been in vain, and now he was a helpless prisoner. His -mind was filled with sad reflections in the stillness of the night, -broken only by the hoof-beats of the horses. - -The increasing coolness and light gray streaks in the sky announced the -approach of morning, and as it gradually dawned he felt somewhat less -anxious. The same horde surrounded him, the same browned faces scowled -at him; but he could see the dear face of his brother, and he felt -cheered by his unwavering reliance upon the will of God. This was a -great consolation, and they enjoyed it with all the ardor of innocent -souls. God’s glorious nature lay spread out before them, bathed in the -morning radiance. Millions of dewdrops glistened on the grass. The -flowers, refreshed by the moisture, exhaled delicious fragrance, and -thousands of the gentle singers of the wood proclaimed their joy in -song. When tears of sadness came to their eyes at times, as they -reflected that the birds could enjoy a happiness denied to them, they -found consolation in the thought that God cared for all his creatures, -and that He would not forget them. “Not a sparrow falls from the roof -without the will of the Heavenly Father,” say the Scriptures.[31] “It is -God’s will that we suffer. It is in accordance with His plans, and we -must submit. When His wise purpose is accomplished, He will send us -help.” Thus Raymond consoled his beloved brother. - -The cool morning wind, which hardly stirred the tree boughs, -occasionally brought a peculiar roar to their ears. Now it sounded -strong, again weak; at times it entirely ceased, and then was loud -again. The brothers thought it must come from some distant spot at the -end of their journey. They strained their eyes to find it, but as soon -as their guards saw them doing this, they bandaged their eyes. During -the brief delay occasioned by this, they noticed that the leader gave -one of his attendants an order, and that the latter hastily left in the -opposite direction. - -The march was at once resumed. It was not long before the roar grew -stronger. The brothers were convinced it was the noise of waves breaking -right and left along their way. “The sea,” thought Raymond; “we are by -the sea, and no longer in the interior of the enemy’s country.” - -Soon the horses clattered over a bridge and halted in a spacious -courtyard. The bandages were removed, and the brothers found themselves -in a narrow space inclosed by high walls. Nothing could be seen around -them, but the beautiful clear blue sky seemed to say, “Despair not! God -is watching over you.” They embraced each other and heart to heart wept -tears of sorrow and joy—of sorrow over the death of their beloved -father, of joy that they still had each other and loved each other so -faithfully. Their joy was short-lived, however, for they were soon led -into a solitary room and confined securely like ordinary prisoners. - -They saw nothing of their enemy that day. A grinning slave silently -brought their simple food, and after a time as silently carried away the -dishes. It seemed to the brothers that he was a mute, he manifested so -little interest in their conversation. - -The prisoners naturally talked much about their unfortunate plight,—what -the Emperor would think, and what great anxiety their absence would -cause him. At one moment they hoped he would rescue them, but at the -next they feared he might be so occupied with his great undertaking that -he would find neither time nor opportunity to come to their help. -Possibly he might even forget them in the wild tumult of war raging -about him. How could he be expected to think of their lives when the -lives of so many thousands depended upon his activity? If their father -were only living, he would either attempt their rescue himself or induce -the Emperor to undertake it. The sad thought brought tears to their eyes -again. - -After considering their situation from every point of view, they -continued to repose their trust in God, who has so many agencies for the -accomplishment of His purposes. This reconciled them to the thought of -dying for the religion of Christ. Indeed, it seemed to them now as -glorious to sacrifice their lives within prison walls as upon the -battlefield. They shed tears less often; their lips no longer uttered -laments. - -Thus the time passed for several days, but at length the Sultan suddenly -entered the room. They instantly realized that they were not regarded as -ordinary prisoners. The Sultan inquired if there was anything they -needed, but they made no complaints. He expected to see them at his -feet, deploring their situation, but he heard no request for mitigation -of their imprisonment, for better food, or for the enjoyment of fresh -air. They were quiet and calm in his presence. Every trace of sorrow had -disappeared from their faces, and confidence and courage shone in their -eyes. The Sultan stood before them, astonished at their bearing. At -last, with scornful look and menacing voice, he said: - -“Your death will follow the slightest attempt you make to escape, or -which your Emperor shall make to rescue you.” - -“We shall make no attempt to escape, for it is impossible,” said -Raymond, “but we cannot prevent the Emperor from doing what he thinks is -right. If you kill us, we will die joyfully.” - -“But that will not be necessary, if your protector, the Emperor, keeps -his word as faithfully as they say he does.” - -“He always keeps his word, whatever malicious tongues may say to the -contrary.” - -“Why, then, does he delay keeping it in your case?” - -“How do you know he has given his word to us?” - -“Oho! you innocent doves! On the very spot where your father died, and -where you (pointing to Raymond) killed one of my bravest, I heard him -say, ‘I will care for thy sons as if they were my own, and I will pledge -my life for them.’” - -“And he will do what he said. He will keep his word, but he has hardly -had time to hear of our capture.” - -“He knows it well enough, but he will not keep his word.” - -“That is false.” - -“Don’t be so hasty! Listen. I have sent word to him by one of my most -trusty messengers that you are in my hands and that I will kill you if -he attacks my castle. In addition to this, I offered to release you if -he would make peace and quit the country. And what was his reply?” - -“He has considered your proposition, and rejects it.” - -“You have guessed right; and yet by doing as he has done, he has put -your lives in danger. He has been faithless.” - -“He esteems honor—without which one cannot be a knight—higher than life. -Will he, the greatest sovereign on earth, whose long life is one series -of heroic acts such as have rarely been performed in this world, before -whom Europe and Asia tremble, will he forget his imperial duty and prove -himself guilty in his old age of such a cowardly act as you expect from -him? No, never! The world would point its finger of scorn at him, and -those who were slain in executing his designs would rise up and say, -‘Thou hast deliberately sacrificed us at the close of thy victorious -career; thou hast thrown away all that thou hast purchased with our -blood.’” - -The Sultan, astonished at these words, replied: “It is true the Emperor -promised to free Palestine; but he also promised to protect you, and his -obstinacy consigns you to death.” - -“We will die willingly when the time comes. What we expected in battle -we will not fly from in prison, if God so wills. The Emperor knows our -feelings, and if he shall leave us to our fate, that will be because he -is engaged in carrying out a higher purpose.” - -“Perhaps if you remind him of his pledge he will recall the services of -your father and accede to my demands. Write to him, and a trusty -messenger shall take your letter to him.” - -“Never! It would be disgraceful for us to do it. We would rather die a -thousand times.” - -Seeing that his efforts were fruitless, the Sultan contemptuously left -the apartment. The brothers now realized their importance in the eyes of -the enemy, and were satisfied that their noble father would have -approved what they had done. - - - - - Chapter XI - The Brothers’ Ordeal - - -Evening had hardly fallen when the Sultan again suddenly appeared in the -brothers’ room. He entered noiselessly and regarded the two with a -malicious expression, as they stood arm in arm at the window gazing at -the glorious sunset, which seemed to them a reflection of the infinite -father-love of God and awakened filial devotion for Him in their hearts. - -Their fearlessness surprised the Sultan. He had hoped to find them -downcast, and expected they would tremble before him and prostrate -themselves at his feet. But nothing of this kind occurred. They merely -glanced at the intruder, then turned their heads away and resumed their -contemplation of the sunset, as if he were some insignificant person. - -“Look at the brilliant red which illuminates half the sky,” said -Raymond, gently. - -“We see this every day and yet every day it gives us the same delight,” -replied his brother. “How many times we have seen it with father and -mother from the windows of our castle! And it was just as beautiful -there as here.” - -“That is because it is the work of the almighty and all-gracious God, -who has the same love for all His earthly children. He overlooks none of -them. He cares alike for all, and although the needs of His creatures -are so different, yet He knows what each one wants, and from His endless -bounty He can satisfy all.” - -“And does He also think of us?” asked Conrad. - -“How canst thou ask such a question? Certainly He does, foolish boy! He -is everywhere, and of course He is here. As He watches over all He of -course sees our condition and will help us in His own good time.” - -“Why, Raymond, you do not actually believe I doubt what you say! I was -only eager that this imprisonment might soon end, so that thy wounded -arm might heal more quickly under the care of our Christian brethren.” - -“Your liberty is in your own hands,” interposed the Sultan. “Like two -young fools, you have rejected my proposal. Now I will renew it—write to -the Emperor.” - -“Not one word,” replied Raymond. “We have given you our answer, and we -do not change our minds like smooth-tongued Greeks and Turks.” - -The Sultan restrained his anger at the reproach hurled at him, and -addressed Conrad: - -“Be more reasonable than your insolent brother. You are young yet, but -you know it is a sin against God to shorten life. The Emperor will be -forced to free you. Write to him yourself.” - -“I well know it is a crime to take one’s own life, but it is also a -crime to preserve that life by a shameful deed. It would be the grossest -offence to induce the Emperor to abandon his high purposes by my appeals -for liberty. I refuse your request, as my brother has done.” - -Wild rage flamed in the Sultan’s eye, and his face was distorted with -unrestrained anger. - -“Well,” he roared, “be it so! You shall now feel my power. I have -foolishly been considerate of your youth, but shall be so no longer. You -must die,—that is a matter of course. But death will be too mild a -punishment for you. You have dared to defy me, me whom millions obey! -You shall now suffer all that your brethren, the Christian dogs, have -suffered. I will inflict hunger, thirst, punishments of every kind. I -will devise tortures more painful than any one before has ever imagined. -While you are enduring them your cries of agony will sound like heavenly -music in my ears. When you supplicate for mercy there shall be no -respite. The time will have passed then for securing what I offer now.” - -With trembling voice—but not from fear—Conrad replied: “We have hitherto -considered you an honorable enemy. We do not complain because you -securely imprison us, but to treat us as you have threatened to do -lowers you to the level of the savage beast.” - -The Sultan somewhat regained his composure, and left the room speechless -from amazement at their boldness. - -The brothers again embraced, unmoved by his horrible threat, and -determined with God’s help to remain steadfast and not to deviate a -finger’s breadth from the path of right and duty. - -Their conversation was now disturbed by a swarthy visaged person looking -in at the door and grimacing. He was a gigantic Turk, who signified by -gesture rather than by speech that they were to follow him. They were a -little alarmed at first, but a glance at each other and a mutual grasp -of the hand reassured them, and they courageously followed him. Their -apprehensions, however, were not realized. They were simply changing the -place of their confinement. A low, dark room with small iron-grated -windows and bare walls, and destitute of the customary furniture it was, -where they were now to spend their time. The slave left some wretched -food, and so slight an allowance of it that it barely sufficed to -relieve the pangs of hunger. They realized by his conduct that he was -their new keeper. - -The change in their situation made little impression upon them. The -slave had hardly left the room before they fell upon their knees, -thanked God that so far He had kept them from yielding, and fervently -prayed that He would continue to aid them and save them from any severer -trials. - -Several days passed without affording them a sight of their enemies. The -miserable food did not allay the cravings of hunger. The moisture -trickling down the walls, the damp, sticky atmosphere, and the lack of -refreshing rest nearly made them ill. The slave’s face manifested not a -sign of pity. On the contrary, the brothers thought they noticed an -expression of malicious satisfaction whenever their eyes met his; but -they made no complaint. - -One day, to their great astonishment, their keeper, who seemed to have -forgotten them, entered the room bringing dainty food instead of the -usual prison fare. A hot rice soup steamed from a clean dish, regaling -the senses and tempting the appetite. The slave’s conduct was also -different. A look of sympathy had taken the place of his scornful smile. -He invited them to partake of the food, and placed it before them -himself, in the most friendly manner, for they were afraid to take it, -suspecting that it was only offered to them in malicious mockery. But -when he went out and returned with a pair of roasted fowls, they no -longer distrusted him or hesitated to accept his repeated invitations. - -The slave waited upon the table with as much ceremony as if he were -serving distinguished company, now helping one, then the other, and -urging both to take more. They ate with gratitude to God for making such -a change in their master’s heart, but made no conversation with the -servant, though he evidently was expecting them to do so. Indeed, the -meal closed without a word from them, though the Turk coughed and hemmed -and made every sort of hint to them, hoping they would speak. At last he -withdrew, but speedily returned with a tankard. “Here is something to -warm Christian hearts,” he said with a smile, as if confident they would -at last break their silence. - -“Wine?” said Conrad. “I thought the Turks did not drink wine. What does -the Sultan mean?” - -Though Conrad was only speaking to his brother, the servant answered: -“The Sultan? This wine is not from him. It is from Rustan, your servant, -young gentlemen.” - -“Do you mean you have done this without the Sultan’s knowledge?” - -“As sure as I am Rustan. But, by Allah, the Sultan does not and must not -know a word of it.” - -The boys looked at each other in amazement. - -“Do not be alarmed, dear young gentlemen,” said Rustan. “You shall know -all. Look you! old Rustan loves the Christians though he is a Mussulman. -When I was a young man I bravely fought them, for I was incited by the -dervishes, the bloodthirsty enemies of your faith. I was wounded, taken -prisoner, and nursed by a Christian in his home. I have never forgotten -it. I have never fought against them since. Fate brought me to this -castle and made me your keeper. The Sultan forced me to treat you -harshly. It broke my heart to see you suffering, and I have improved the -first opportunity to make you some amends.” - -Both the brothers were greatly moved by his story, and believed they -were doing right to accept his proffer. - -“Now, drink,” said the Turk. “It is pure Cyprus, which, as I have heard, -is much esteemed by the Franks.” - -After considerable persuasion the prisoners drank, and the excellent, -strong wine refreshed them. Rustan urged them to take some more, but -they declined. They restrained their desires as usual, for they well -knew that much wine was not wholesome for those so young. They were -satisfied with what was reasonable, and this had always been the habit -of their lives. - - [Illustration: _The Test_] - -Rustan improved his opportunity, and while repeatedly lamenting their -hard lot, he informed them they must attempt to free themselves, for -they could expect no mercy from the Sultan, who had sworn by the beard -of the Prophet to punish their insolence. “No Mussulman, least of all -Kilidj Arslan, ever breaks this oath,” said he; “therefore, fly!” - -“That is easier said than done,” replied Raymond, “and you, Rustan, know -even better than we do how impossible it is to escape from here.” - -“I will find the way for you. Like you, I suffered greatly before you -came. Then, as your keeper, I was forced to be cruel to you. My old head -cannot invent cruelties, and my back has to suffer for it. I have had -enough of cruelty; I will escape with you. Come and see.” - -Rustan took the boys by the hands and led them quietly down a long -corridor. They followed him involuntarily, but without a tremor. At last -they came to a door opening upon a handsome apartment with a gorgeous -tapestry dividing it in the centre. Behind it the Sultan was soundly -sleeping upon silken cushions with curtains undrawn. - -“You see escape is possible. The tyrant who tortures you and me is fast -asleep. He will not be awakened, for woe to him who disturbs his rest. -The castle garrison is an insignificant one. I know all the passages and -have the keys of the gate leading to the causeway. Put on Turkish -costumes, and in a trice you will be out, and we will fly to the -Emperor’s camp.” - -The temptation to escape came so suddenly that the boys were inclined to -yield to it. - -“And yet,” said Rustan, “we are not absolutely safe even when the tyrant -sleeps. When he wakes, his first question will be about you, for even in -sleep he dreams of you and is busy devising new tortures. So, if you -would be absolutely safe, take this dagger and thrust it into the heart -of your torturer.” - -With these words he placed a sharp, polished dagger into the hand of -each of the boys in spite of their resistance. All at once they felt -these glittering but fearful weapons in their hands. To secure their -liberty they must make no noise, scarce venture a word of reply, to say -nothing of dropping the daggers. Their dangerous situation alarmed them. -They would rather have remained in their gloomy prison. Rustan, however, -was both deaf and blind to their evident signs of abhorrence of such a -shameful deed. They attempted to leave the apartment but he prevented -them. - -“You shall not leave here until you have disposed of that tyrant’s -accursed life. I supposed you were brave sons of a brave father,” he -craftily whispered, “but you are cowards, and incapable of bold deeds. -As I will not return to the yoke of the slave or die a miserable death -with you, when we are discovered, I will risk it alone.” Drawing a -dagger, he advanced upon the sleeping Sultan with the intention of -stabbing him, but Raymond rushed between them and said: - -“It is not the custom of knights to kill a sleeping, defenceless enemy. -We will fight for our liberty with the same weapons, man to man. You -shall reach him only over our dead bodies.” - -“Awake!” cried Conrad, vigorously shaking the Sultan. “Awake! your life -is in danger. An assassin threatens you. Take this dagger and protect -yourself.” - -The Sultan roused up. Raymond was still holding Rustan’s dagger arm and -with his wounded arm holding his own dagger at his heart, while Conrad -was standing in a threatening attitude by the side of the Sultan and -looking at the assassin with blazing eyes. - -“Keep these daggers as souvenirs from me,” said the awakened Sultan. “I -shall not forget this hour. I have heard and seen all. You are brave and -honest boys, and have well stood the test I arranged. From now on you -will be released from prison; but I cannot give you your liberty, -because I must avail myself of every agency to make a lasting peace with -your Emperor. But I will treat you as my sons.” - -The Sultan then left the apartment, which was next to his own, so that -it might be put in order for them, and that they should be near him. -Rustan, who had played his role so masterfully, was again the Sultan’s -old faithful servant, and as such was doubly dear to the boys. - -Life was now far different. Many would have highly enjoyed it, and felt -happy amid such good living, handsome surroundings, and abundance of -everything, and have soon forgotten their old conditions. But it was not -so with the brothers. They could hardly forget the Emperor for a moment, -and they nearly always spoke of him when they were alone. Their desire -for liberty was still strong, and though they scorned to secure it by -such a horrible deed as murder, yet they would have followed Rustan’s -lead if he could have freed them in any way but that. They were -convinced that their steadfastness in the right course would result in -greater advantage to them, as well as to the Christian army, than an act -of murder when they were still too young and inexperienced to unravel -the web of the cunning Turk and see through his plans. They had earned -his respect—the respect of an enemy second to none in the world. Since -he respected them, he certainly would respect the knights and, above -all, the Emperor, for he was the ideal of all knightly virtues. What -might have been their fate if, urged on by the unchristian thirst for -revenge, and forgetful of their duty, they had attempted to use the -murderous steel? Both Rustan and the Sultan would have confronted them, -and against two such foes two weak boys would have been powerless. Even -if they had overcome them and secured their liberty, the deed would not -have been approved in the camp, and they would have been held in -contempt all their lives. Though their noble course was unknown to the -Emperor and Christendom, though it dissipated their hope of rescue, and -they might have to pass their young lives in a lonesome castle, there -was One who had seen their act and had tested their hearts. God would -not let it pass unrequited. - - - - - Chapter XII - The Emperor to the Rescue - - -We left the Emperor fighting furiously in the streets of Iconium. Where -the danger was greatest he fought with the bravery always characteristic -of him. None could withstand him. They either fell before his vigorous -attacks, or fled as fast and far as their feet could take them. The -Christians were equally bold even when the Turks assailed them with the -fierceness of lions. Their bitter resentment over broken faith, their -remembrance of the sufferings they had undergone, the thought of so many -fallen comrades, and their unwavering belief that the destruction of the -enemies of Christianity was pleasing to God, inflamed them to a pitch of -fury that extinguished every spark of humanity. They did not desist -until every turban-wearer was killed or, like the Sultan, fortunate -enough to make his escape. The Emperor was one of the last to sheathe -his reddened sword. Many fell utterly exhausted, for in the excitement -of the battle they had not noticed their waning strength. The -foot-soldiers, who had driven stakes into the ground to protect -themselves from the enemy’s cavalry charges, were hardly able to move. -In addition to an immense amount of spoils and the wealth of the city, -they secured an abundance of subsistence. All who were able procured -enough for themselves and for the needs of their exhausted comrades. - -After the Emperor’s work was complete, and in the midst of his -exultation over his victory and the fruits of his conquest of the city, -he first learned what he had lost in the meantime. He could hardly trust -his ears when he was informed of the capture of his wards. After -repeated assurances that the news was true, and that their faithful -caretaker had been found dead, the Emperor’s cheeks paled and his -flashing eyes dimmed, for he realized at once the impending fate of the -unfortunate lads. - -“You could not have struck me a harder blow than this, cruel Sultan,” he -said, grimly. “You were cunning enough to know how dear those boys are -to me. A fine proof of your courage this is, you coward, who shun open -battle face to face, who can only succeed with overwhelming numbers, who -lie in wait and strike your foeman in the back!” - -The glory of his victory was dimmed for him. The spoils he had won lost -all their value in his eyes. This was no more than he had often done. -But how should he redeem his knightly word, which never yet had been -broken? He had allowed himself to be deceived by a subtle enemy, to whom -he had exposed the boys, fancying them secure even when not under his -watchful eye, and the result might be fatal to those who had trusted to -his protection. - -His associates vainly tried to convince him he had not been guilty of -any neglect of duty. Empty words could not comfort him. “It has all -happened because of my negligence,” he replied. His first move was to -order immediate pursuit of the enemy, in the hope of rescuing the boys. - -The most devoted of his knights mounted steeds they had captured, and -set off in pursuit of the fugitives, believing that the latter, after -the long day’s battle, could not have gone any considerable distance. -They returned shortly, however, bringing with them a messenger sent by -the Sultan to the Emperor. He was at once taken before him, and -announced that the two boys were in the Sultan’s power, and that the -latter well knew how dear the sons of the Emperor’s old friend were to -him, as well as the promise he had made to that friend in his dying -moments. He further announced that the Sultan would engage to return -them if the Emperor would give up the spoils he had captured, as well as -the Sultan’s possessions. If the Emperor refused the proposal, the boys -should die in the strong castle by the sea the moment he attacked it. - -The messenger’s announcement caused general astonishment. When the first -shock of the blow had passed, however, the Emperor’s eyes gleamed with -exultant determination. His very soul revolted against such a proposal, -and his anger against the Sultan for expecting him to accede to it was -furious. - -“Tell your prince,” he exclaimed in thunder tones, “tell your prince I -spurn his proposal. My imperial honor will not allow me to release my -wards in such a manner. By God’s grace, I will keep my word, but I will -not surrender the fruits of a victory purchased with the blood of -thousands. No! with God’s help, I will find some way to redeem my -promise becoming to a hero and an Emperor. Tell the Sultan I will hold -him responsible with his head for the safety of my boys.” - -With these words the Emperor turned his back upon the messenger. All -present applauded the reply of the old hero. Though none had believed he -would accept the Sultan’s terms, they had thought it possible that the -Emperor might open negotiations, and, if possible, reach a settlement -without bloodshed. They feared any such arrangement, as it would only -secure them a fickle-minded and unreliable friend; and should conditions -arise at any time like those they had found in their dealings with the -Greeks, they would never be certain whether he was their friend or their -enemy. Every step they took would be hindered, and their plans might be -entirely frustrated. But since the Emperor had replied in such a -decisive manner, and the messenger’s departure from the city would end -all negotiations, they knew to a certainty that they now had to deal -with an enemy. - -The Germans remained in Iconium an entire week. The houses were filled -with wounded who had to be cared for, and this duty was all the more -imperative because of the lack of doctors. The knights and their -attendants were so well skilled in the treatment of wounds that they -were of great service; but in the cases of those who had been overcome -by their strenuous exertions, and weakened for want of proper food, the -wounds were exceedingly dangerous; and, besides, the danger was -aggravated by the heat. The natives could not be trusted; hence every -one had to depend upon the love of his Christian neighbor; and if ever -this most beautiful doctrine of Christianity was practised, it was -there. Proud knights who governed hundreds at home, cared for all their -faithful attendants, even for the sons of the lowest of their vassals; -and sometimes those who had been accustomed to wealth and splendor, and -perhaps had been hard rulers, waited upon the meanly born. Again, some -knight nursed another of equal station who, before they espoused the -cause of the Cross, had been his mortal enemy and might then have been -attacking him or burning his castle, had they not ceased their strife to -go to the rescue of Christians in the Orient. Such were the -extraordinary scenes among these warriors whose swords were still red -with Turkish blood. But a moment ago they were fierce as lions and -tigers; now they were as gentle as lambs. - -The Emperor was omnipresent. He had room in his heart for every one in -his service. He consoled many an old comrade lying on his bed of pain. -He closed many an eye which had watched for him and with him. He held -many a cold hand which had wielded the sword for him, and tears of -sympathy often came to his eyes. Then he turned to the well who were -enjoying rest in the plazas and streets of the city, and cleaning their -weapons and armor; or he visited the sentinels on the walls to see if -they were faithful to their duties. While there, his eyes involuntarily -turned to the spot where he thought the castle stood in which his boys -were prisoners. Notwithstanding they were far away, he strained his eyes -as if to find out their condition and to read in their faces whether -they still confided in him, or whether, like their present master, they -doubted his word. - -The Emperor gave long consideration to the means at his command for -effecting their rescue, but none of them appeared practicable. One thing -was certain. If an attack were made upon his really impregnable castle -the Sultan would carry out his threat. Then again of what use would it -be to capture the castle, even if it were possible? They could not catch -the Sultan and bring him to account so long as they could not cut off -his escape by sea. As for negotiation, the Emperor gave it no thought. -He was certain that the Sultan would not make a second offer; and even -if he found that the Emperor was willing to listen, he felt sure that he -not only would repeat the old demands but probably would add new and not -less ignominious ones. - -From every point of view the deed was almost superhuman. The castle -could be approached only by land, over a narrow causeway, which was in -plain sight and could be easily defended. But even if they crossed it -without resistance, they would come to portcullises which could be -easily lowered so as to cut them off and ensure their destruction. -Seawards a large inclosure was filled with most trustworthy guards—a -number of huge and powerful lions, tigers, and panthers, whose loud -roars were terrible enough to prevent any one from attempting to scale -the wall on that side. But even supposing a knight were found ready to -attempt this rash exploit, what could be accomplished? Could he rescue -the boys from the Sultan and escape with them past the castle garrison? -And if he failed what would become of the Emperor’s promise? Would he -have risked his life for them as he agreed? He would have done no more -than any other might have done and the faithless Turk would have laughed -at him for his pains. Frederick’s honor had thus far been unquestioned. -His word was of more worth than gold. He could not escape the conclusion -that to uphold his honor to the last he must undertake the deed alone. - -This thought flashed through his mind like the lightning. A knight in -every sense of the word, as his whole life had shown, Frederick had all -the virtues of true knighthood in their highest development. In his time -knighthood was not satisfied with ordinary dangers. It sought for daring -exploits, and purposely invited and magnified them that victory might be -all the more glorious. It was regarded as a misfortune that the world no -longer swarmed with dragons and serpents, with which, according to the -legends, the heroes of the olden time contended. Giants and goblins had -also disappeared, and the knightly heroes therefore eagerly seized the -opportunity to encounter dangers in the Orient they had never faced -before, and to overcome them and thereby display their knighthood as -well as their religious enthusiasm. - -No exploit more dangerous than that which Frederick decided to perform -could have been conceived. He industriously made plans to reach the -Sultan, rejecting this and that, until but one remained. He must risk -that, and no other. But in the meantime how could he attend to his other -duties? His army certainly was safe from any immediate attack by the -Turks. But did the Sultan actually expect that his proposal would be -accepted? Probably, otherwise he would have been more actively engaged. -But what would happen in case he, the Emperor, failed in this dangerous -undertaking? In that case, if his army were attacked, his name would no -longer be a terror to the enemy, and still, with so many valiant knights -in the army, it would not lack for a leader. His son, inheritor of his -name and his virtues, now in the very flower of youthful strength and -courage, would lead it to victory, with God’s help, as he had done. - -The evening star was shining serenely on the horizon when the Emperor -completed his plans. He determined there should be no further delay. -What was to be done must be done quickly. He went to his son, Frederick -of Swabia, frankly laid his plans before him, assigned him to the chief -command of the army, and requested him to keep his absence a secret, so -that it should not have a disquieting effect upon the army. If he did -not return in three days he instructed him to attack the Turkish castle -by the sea with all his strength, and look for him there. - -Night had enveloped the city in thick darkness when the Emperor, -disguised in plain costume, passed through the gate leading to the -south. With his armor and cloak securely packed upon his horse, he rode -through the ranks of the sleeping army. Now and then a sentinel -challenged him, but he was not halted as he well knew the watchword. He -had very wisely selected one of those horses which could be relied upon -to cover a long distance in a short time, and which in battle were -accustomed to carry heavy armor in case their riders were exhausted. - -Reaching the open country, the noble animal flew along with the ease and -speed characteristic of Oriental steeds. There was no obstruction in his -way, no enemy in sight. They seemed to have vanished as completely as if -the wind had swept them away. His way now stretched over luxurious -grassy plains, now through gloomy mountain forests. Many miles lay -behind him, but his steed seemed as fresh as at the start, and the -Emperor himself was but little wearied. The fresh night air, the -pleasure of the ride, and the thought that at last he would redeem his -word inspired him with more enthusiasm than he had felt at any time -since the loss of the boys. He rode to face danger as exultantly as if -he were faring to a tournament. - -In the early gray of the morning the Emperor came to a solitary -fisherman’s hut, which showed no sign of life within. Evidently it was -either deserted or its owner was sleeping. He was now sure he was in the -vicinity of the castle. He knocked at the door and waited long for -admission. He soon grew impatient and had just decided to break down the -weak door and wait inside until daylight; or if he found the occupant -had been afraid to open it, to take him along as a guide. A person -looked out of the little window, but instantly drew back as if in fear -when he saw the knight. Frederick espied him and demanded admission. - -After considerable delay the fisherman opened the door. He suddenly -appeared to have recovered from his fright, for he received the knight -very hospitably, brought him food, placed it upon the table, and begged -his guest to partake. “I would gladly offer you more, brave knight; but -I am poor, and this is all I have.” - -“Make no excuses, my good man,” replied Frederick. “I am not so satiated -that I need to have luxuries. I have been living on simple fare for -several days, and have become quite accustomed to it.” - -“Are the Christians reduced to their old straits again?” asked the -fisherman. - -“Yes, thanks to the Greeks and Turks. They have proved alike unfaithful. -Your Greek Christians have broken their word again, and would have been -open enemies had they not been afraid of the brave Germans. Your master, -the Sultan, has been worse than any of them.” - -“But his subjects ought not to be held responsible for his offences. -They say your Emperor is a powerful sovereign, but mild and conciliatory -also.” - -“If you had been with him daily you could not have described him more -accurately, but neither your people nor your Sultan should presume upon -his gentle disposition too far. It has bounds. The entire country is now -subdued. The enemy has fled, and the Sultan has taken refuge in his -castle by the sea. Tell me, do you know anything about that place?” - -“Oh, yes, Sir Knight, I can inform you about it if you wish to know. -Come here! Look! there are its walls with towers overtopping them. You -can recognize them though it is not yet day. The Sultan is staying there -now.” - -“Alone?” - -“No, oh, no! The garrison is not strong, but the castle is by no means -empty. I will tell you, but in confidence, that the Sultan keeps two -boy-prisoners there who are very dear to the Emperor.” - -“Have you seen them?” said the Emperor, with much excitement. - -“Not yet; but I heard of them when I was there selling fish.” - -“Ah!” said the Emperor, with an air of indifference, not wishing to -betray himself, for he observed that the fisherman was watching him -curiously. “Does the Sultan keep no guards about him because he has no -fear that the Emperor will attack him?” - -“Oh, sir, he is safe against all the armies in the world! I ought not to -reveal this to you, for the Sultan is my master; but believe me, I have -so much respect for your Emperor that I am willing to do him or one of -his knights a service. The castle is strongly protected. It cannot be -taken from the land side, and seawards it is skirted by an inclosure -filled with savage beasts. Oh, sir! I have now and then seen those cruel -animals from a distance, and been terribly frightened by their dreadful -roars. When I have seen them spring upon one another in mighty leaps, -though they were only in sport, it has scared me so that I have seized -my oars and rowed far from the spot.” - -“You timorous hare! Do you suppose a German knight fears to go among -those beasts?” - -The fisherman stared at the knight in astonishment. “For God’s sake, Sir -Knight, do not think of going there. No prisoner who has tried to escape -that way has ever come out alive. They could hardly find his bones in -the morning, and sometimes only a few blood spots told the story of his -awful death.” - -“But how can a prisoner get in there?” - -“Near the centre of the enclosure there is a door which remains closed, -but unlocked, day and night. A passage from it leads to the lion tower -where the prisoners are. You can see it rising from the centre of the -castle. They say that the guards sometimes pay no attention to their -prisoners, because they know that if they seek to escape through this -passage they will meet an awful death.” - -The Emperor’s blood ran cold as the thought occurred to him that the -Sultan might take the same course with the boys, but he quickly regained -his composure. - -“Promise me, Sir Knight, not to throw away your life there.” - -“Fool, where did you get that idea? If I wished to go there I should not -hesitate, for I should expect to succeed; but I don’t know that I have -any interest over there. Find me a quiet little place where I can sleep -a few hours.” - -The fisherman promptly replied: “No one will disturb you here, for no -one else lives here. Lie down anywhere and rest. I am going to look for -firewood, and shall not be back until it is time to get dinner.” - -“Many thanks to you, but go as soon as you can, so that I can sleep.” - - - - - Chapter XIII - Barbarossa’s Victory and Death - - -The Emperor thoroughly understood the friendly solicitude of his host. -He had had large experience with Greek treachery in little as well as in -great affairs. He was well aware that their greed and their hatred of -the Western Christians would lead them to work against him at every -opportunity. It was easy enough to protect himself against the -fisherman’s hostile designs by killing him or by putting him in safe -custody until his work was accomplished, but he regarded such action as -ungrateful, cowardly, and vile. He knew also that he could purchase the -man’s faithfulness, but he would not debase himself so far as to redeem -his pledge by the use of gold. He must rely, therefore, upon his own -resources. He decided to make no further concealment of his purpose, but -at the same time to be cautious about revealing his identity. He would -defeat any treacherous act the fisherman might be contemplating, by -prompt action, and at the same time astonish his enemy by the boldness -of his exploit, whether he succeeded or perished in the attempt. He -quickly made his plan and lost no time in putting it into execution, for -the moment was favorable. - -Quickly donning his armor, helmet, and cloak, he stepped out of the hut. -A little boat was dancing on the gentle waves, and a light wind was -blowing toward the castle. “Everything is propitious,” he said to -himself, delightedly; “now to my work with God’s help.” He sprang into -the boat, seized the oar, and rowed as deftly as if he were an oarsman -by occupation. - -The sun was already high and beat down upon our seaman scorchingly. -Great drops of perspiration ran down his face, for he was unused to the -work, and his armor made it all the more laborious; but he did not -lessen his efforts. Now and then he would let the boat glide along of -its own motion, and then, resuming the oar, send it ahead with still -more vigorous strokes. - -Gradually he neared the castle, which seemed to emerge from the waves of -the sea in all its hugeness of outline. Looking up, he surveyed the -imposing and colossal work of human industry. With practised eye he -estimated the strength and height of towers and walls, as well as the -size of the enclosure, and tried to ascertain the exact locality of the -door leading from it. The sight before him and the magnitude of the -task, which seemed to transcend human ability, might well have induced -him to abandon his attempt; but a voice within him said: “Thy pledged -word is sacred. Duty calls thee. It is no time for fear or doubt. -Courage and presence of mind alone will aid thee.” He studied the -situation and planned out his method of attack with the same coolness -and composure that characterized him when laying out his movements on -the battlefield. His hand had not trembled, his heart had not wavered in -a hundred battles. It beat undauntedly when all seemed lost at Legnano, -and in many a desperate battle with the Turks. Why, then, should it beat -less resolutely in a contest which must decide in a moment whether -victory or death was to be his fate? - -It was a little past midday when our hero reached the castle. The beasts -at that time should have been in deep sleep, but to his astonishment -they were restlessly moving about. From time to time they ran growling -toward the centre of the enclosure as if pursued by some stronger -animal. Then they would go back to their resting-places, but without -showing any disposition to sleep. Then, yawning frightfully and eagerly -licking their lips, they would spring up and rush about again with -wildly gleaming eyes. - -The Emperor had not expected such conduct from the beasts, and the -thought occurred to him, Is it due to something besides mere chance? Has -the fisherman actually carried out his treacherous design? It seemed -likely to him. He had to admit to himself that the danger arising from -such a consideration might prove fatal; but even were it so, he decided -to carry out the plan which he had fixed upon, as the best under the -circumstances. - -He approached the sea-washed wall as noiselessly as he could, so as not -to attract the attention of the beasts. Bending low, he drove the boat -ahead with short, quick strokes until he reached it; then, laying down -his oar, he examined his sword and dagger, fastened his cloak loosely -about his broad shoulders, clutched the rail running along the wall: a -step, a spring, and he was up. - -Not an instant elapsed before he was in the enclosure, confronting the -savage beasts. He realized at the first glance the full extent of his -danger, and decided what to do. He discerned the trap-door at once and -with drawn sword in his right hand rushed to it. At the same instant the -beasts noticed him. The lithe, bloodthirsty monsters emerged from their -lairs at once and advanced upon him in swift leaps. A large panther -outstripped them all. He reached the Emperor from the left side in two -bounds, followed closely by a huge lion from the right. Being still -three paces away from the trap-door, a fearful struggle was unavoidable, -for either of those terrible animals would have been a formidable foe -for one man. - - [Illustration: _Redbeard and the Lion._] - -With the quickness of lightning the Emperor plunged his sword into the -lion’s breast, at the same time tearing his cloak from his shoulders -with his left hand and throwing it over the panther’s head. The hope of -victory shone in the Emperor’s face; his most cruel enemy was harmless -for the moment. Unopposed by him he advanced to the trap-door in the -midst of numerous smaller but hardly less dangerous beasts seeking to -pounce upon him, each in his own way. As the Emperor stooped to raise -the trap-door, a leopard sprang over him and another was thrown back by -the lifting of the trap-door, the panther still being enveloped in the -cloak. All this took but an instant, but in that instant the Emperor -sprang into a dark passage and the door closed down behind him. - -Our hero waited only long enough to make sure that he had securely -fastened the door on the inside, for overhead there was a bedlam of -roars and growls as if all the beasts of Asia and Africa were loose -there. The shrieks and snarls of the smaller mingled with the heavy -roars of the larger beasts. Sharp claws scratched on the door, and the -animals tore at it and hurled themselves against it so furiously that it -seemed as if they would burst it open, and the whole cruel pack fall -upon the bold hero. - -Victor over the wild animals, he must now prove himself victor over -human ones. The Emperor proceeded steadily but cautiously. With sword in -hand he tested the floor of the passage lest he should stumble into some -pitfall. He also carefully felt the walls to see if there were any side -passages from which he might be attacked in the rear. He found none, and -at last came to a door. There were several cracks in this door, but not -a gleam of daylight penetrated through them. The passage also grew -wider. Fearing it might lead under the castle and thence out into the -open air again, he calculated the distance from the door in the -enclosure to the castle. He was now sure that the second door must open -directly into the castle, and the masonry on the right and left -confirmed his judgment. With the help of his sword he forced the door -open. He advanced a few steps and, to his infinite astonishment, saw the -Sultan sitting immediately before him with a numerous and brilliant -suite, and the two boys, Raymond and Conrad, on either side of him. -Amazement and defiance were visible on every face. The Emperor was -overcome with surprise. The silence grew so intense and painful that -every one could hear his own heart beat. - -The Sultan at last broke the silence: - -“I bid thee welcome to my castle, thou great hero.” - -A heavy burden was lifted from every heart. Anxiety gave way to pleasant -anticipation as the Sultan continued: - -“Have no fear that I shall abuse the power which thy boldness has given -me. I am disarmed, not by terror of thy name, which has made my bravest -tremble, but by thine indomitable courage of arm and lofty magnanimity -of soul. I will henceforth be thine ally; and as a pledge of my faith I -give thee thy dear ones. They are worthy of thee.” - -Frederick was deeply moved. His beloved boys fervently embraced him. -They called him their rescuer and second father, and then turned and -warmly expressed their gratitude to the Sultan. Frederick cordially -extended his hand to the generous Turk and the alliance was made. - -Thereupon the Sultan joyfully conducted his noble guest to magnificent -apartments on the upper floor of the castle, where everything conducive -to his comfort was provided. The servants were ordered to bring the best -of food and drink at once. The great rooms of the castle, which had been -so empty and desolate, were now full of good cheer. Frederick listened -with lively satisfaction to the story of the chivalrous action of the -boys; and the Sultan in telling it did not omit to mention his threats -and promises and cruel tests. The Emperor closely embraced the boys, and -when the Sultan had finished his story, said to them: - -“With God’s help you have accomplished one of the hardest of tasks. You -have secured more respect for the Christian name than I have done with -the sword. Henceforth Turks will have a different opinion of us, and -this is due to your noble achievement with the simple weapons of -Christianity—love of virtue, love of your enemy. God’s blessing will -rest upon such Christian warriors.” - -The details of the alliance were soon settled. The Emperor willingly -gave up the spoils he had captured, and the Sultan promised to be a -faithful ally in the future, to assist the Emperor with troops against -Saladin, and to furnish plenty of subsistence. Rustan was ordered to -take his swiftest horse, ride to Iconium and carry the joyful news to -the army and the citizens. He accomplished his errand with an alacrity -which proved how overjoyed he was himself at the happy outcome of the -situation. - -After a few days the Emperor took leave of his friendly host. Before he -left he went to look at the animal enclosure. Holding his boys by the -hand, he looked down upon the spot of the terrible encounter, where his -first assailant, the huge panther, was now king of the savage pack, for -the Emperor had disposed of his predecessor, the lion. The boys looked -down apprehensively from their secure position, but the Emperor was -exultant over the memories of victory. They repeatedly expressed their -gratitude to him, but he only pointed upward, saying that their thanks -were due to Him who controls all human destinies. - -The three now left the castle upon the fleetest horses in the Sultan’s -stables, gifts from him to his new friends. Their steeds flew over the -long, narrow causeway toward the spot where the army awaited them. -Escorted by a strong guard, they took a shorter route, known to the -natives, and were at their journey’s end in an incredibly short time. - -The towers of Iconium were hardly in sight before the roads were crowded -with those who could not wait to welcome the Emperor and tender him -their joyful congratulations. The nearer they came to the city the -greater was the rejoicing. Shouts and cries of welcome from Christians -and Turks alike followed him to his quarters in the city; and when in -sight of the army and the whole city he conferred the honor of -knighthood upon the two boys, it seemed as if the enthusiastic shouts -would never cease, for every one had heard their story from the lips of -Rustan. - -The Emperor at once resumed his duties. Astonishment mingled with -admiration was everywhere aroused as the news of his heroic achievement -and the new alliance spread through the country. It also made a deep -impression upon Saladin and his army. Frederick decided to secure -victory or peace before the enthusiasm of his army and the astonishment -of the enemy had subsided. He hoped to win over Saladin also, for he -knew he was a nobler enemy than Kilidj Arslan had been. But he was -deceived in the expectation that he could accomplish it without a -battle. Saladin, perhaps the noblest sovereign in the East since -Mohammed’s time, besides being high-minded, noble-hearted, and a lover -of justice and humanity, was also a very brave and warlike ruler and a -devoted follower of the Prophets. He was called the Eastern Barbarossa. -Thus far he had fought only against Christians, whom he despised because -of their conduct and their faithlessness with each other. He had openly -expressed his contempt for the weak Guido of Lusignan, King of -Jerusalem, and especially for the Templars and Knights of St. John, who -had been treacherous to each other in violation of their vows[32]. - -The struggle began as soon as the Christian army entered Syria. They -were in position on one side of the insignificant Kalykadnos or Saleph -River; on the other side the enemy was awaiting attack. The Christians -at once began building a bridge. They were continually harassed by the -arrows and javelins of the enemy, but they did not desist. On the -contrary they worked persistently hours at a time. - -The old Emperor, however, became impatient. As boldly as if the blood of -youth were still coursing in his veins, he plunged into the river and -tried to swim to the other shore. But he who had overcome so many -dangers, many of them far greater than this, now met his doom. A stroke -of apoplexy ended that life so rich in glorious deeds. He had escaped -the sharp Lombard dagger, the poisoned Saracen arrow, and the tiger’s -cruel tooth, to lose his life in the sluggish waters of the river -Saleph, the name of which was hardly known beyond its banks. - -Words cannot describe the sorrow of the Christian host. With Frederick, -an army perished. The world had trembled at his name and the Orient had -been terrified by it. Now he who bore this name was a corpse. His once -strong arm was powerless. His once bold heart was still. They took him -from the water, stark and cold. He would no longer terrify those -enemies, who exulted as if they and not the cold waves of the river had -killed their great adversary. - -After the first shock of sorrow the Christians attacked the enemy with -all their power. Frederick of Swabia, the Emperor’s son, led them, but -after some minor successes, the greater part of them succumbed to the -superior numbers of this foe, and the effects of the climate. Of that -well-equipped army of ninety-five thousand men only about five thousand -were left. Starvation swept away many of those who escaped the Turkish -scymitars, and those who escaped both fell victims to strange malignant -diseases and lack of care. The Templars and the Knights of St. John had -many hospitals, which they had built and which were maintained by -contributions from all over Europe; but they never asked the sick if -they were Christians, but if they were Englishmen or Frenchmen. The -Germans were not received. Many a German heart at home was touched with -pity at the unspeakable suffering of so many of their people, and was -filled with indignation, at such unchristian conduct; others busily -engaged themselves in plans for relief. The merchants of Bremen gave the -sails of their vessels to be made into tents for the sick Germans. -Knights who had been in life-long struggle with the Saracens closed -their glorious careers by imitating the example of the merciful -Samaritan. They organized an order for the care of the sick, similar to -those of the Templars and the Knights of St. John.[33] were permitted to -become members, but its charitable ministrations were offered to all -nationalities. Frederick of Swabia gladly gave his assent to the pious -work and did his utmost to secure its recognition by the Pope, as well -as by his brother, King Henry of Germany; but he did not live to see the -work completed. He was a victim of that deadly pestilence which swept -away so many thousands. - -Our young friends, who survived all the perils of that unfortunate -crusade and had wept at the grave of the heroic Emperor, now mourned for -his great-hearted son. They deemed it their highest honor to enter the -Teutonic order and in its service to perform the two great Christian -duties: - -To strive for the doctrines of Christ; and - -To obey his highest command, “Love one another.” - - - - - APPENDIX - - -The following is a chronological statement of the most important events -in the life of Barbarossa: - - 1123 Birth. - 1147 Married Adelaide; succeeded his father as Duke of Swabia; - accompanied the second Crusade. - 1152 Received the Crown of Germany. - 1153 Divorced Adelaide. - 1154 First Italian Campaign. - 1155 Crowned Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire. - 1156 Restored the Duchy of Bavaria to Henry the Lion; - married Beatrice, daughter of the Count of Burgundy. - 1157 Secured allegiance of Poland and Hungary. - 1158 Second Italian Campaign. - 1160 Excommunicated by Pope Alexander III. - 1164-1174 Italian Campaigns. - 1176 Defeated at Legnano. - 1177 Made truce for six years with the Italian cities. - 1183 Treaty of Constance. - 1183 Led the third Crusade with Richard the Lion-Hearted of - England and Philip Augustus of France. - 1190 Death in Asia Minor by drowning. - - - - - Footnotes - - -[1]The first Crusade for the recovery of the Holy Land from the - infidels, as they were called, was led by Godfrey of Bouillon - (1096-1099), and resulted in the capture of Jerusalem. The second - (1147-1149), advocated by Saint Bernard, was unsuccessful. The third - (1189-1192), in which Frederick Barbarossa of Germany, Richard the - Lion-hearted of England, and Phillip Augustus of France were - associated, failed in the reconquest of Jerusalem, which the - Musssulmans had retaken in 1187. The fourth (1202-1204) resulted in - the establishment of a Latin Empire at Constantinople, under Count - Baldwin of Flanders. The fifth, under Frederick II (1228-1229), the - sixth (1248-1250) and the seventh (1270-1271), under St. Louis of - France, were unsuccessful. - -[2]Godfrey of Bouillon was born in Brabant in 1061, and died in - Jerusalem in 1100. He was made Duke of Lower Lotharingia, Germany, in - 1088, and joined the Crusade in 1096. He was the leader in the - capture of Jerusalem and was made its King, but preferred to be known - as Protector of the Holy Sepulchre. He completed the conquest of the - Holy Land by defeating the Sultan at Ascalon, 1099. - -[3]Saint Bernard, a French ecclesiastic, was born in Burgundy in 1091, - and died at Clairvaux in 1153. He became abbot of Clairvaux in 1115, - and held that position until his death. He had great influence in - ecclesiastical politics, and preached the second Crusade in 1146. - -[4]The succession about this period was as follows: The Saxon dynasty - (Henry I, Otto I, Otto II, and Otto III) reigned from 919 to 1002. At - the death of Otto III, no representative of that dynasty was left. He - was succeeded by Henry II, who reigned from 1002 to 1024. After his - death the Franconian dynasty (Conrad II, Henry III, Henry IV, and - Henry V) occupied the throne from 1024 to 1125, the dynasty ending - with the death of Henry V. The latter was succeeded by Lothair, Duke - of Saxony, who reigned from 1125 to 1137. At his death, Conrad III of - the Hohenstaufen dynasty was elected. He reigned from 1137 to 1152, - and was succeeded by Frederick Barbarossa, his nephew, and son of - Frederick, Duke of Swabia, who reigned from 1152 to 1190. - -[5]Henry the Lion was the son of Henry the Proud. He was of such haughty - disposition and so ambitious that he was generally disliked, but - Frederick succeeded in making him Duke of Bavaria and Saxony. He did - much for these duchies by building new towns and colonizing them, and - by founding bishoprics. - -[6]The Guelphs, or Welfs, as they were called in Germany, were the papal - party in Italy in the Middle Ages. They were the founders of the - house of Brunswick and Hanover to which the present English royal - family belongs. The Ghibellines were the imperial and aristocratic - party in Italy who derived their name from Waiblingen, an estate in - Franconia. The conflict between the two parties was begun in Germany - and transferred to Italy, where it raged until the end of the - fifteenth century. - -[7]Conrad’s election had been called hasty and irregular. - -[8]Frederick’s appellation, “Barbarossa” in Italian, “Rothbart” in - German, came from his red beard. - -[9]This refers to Henry I (919-936) who subdued the Magyars and the - Slavs (including the Bohemians), recovered German territory from - Denmark, and rid Germany of all its enemies. - -[10]Tortoria, in the province of Alessandria, Italy, was a conspicuous - sufferer in many wars. It was destroyed by Frederick Barbarossa in - 1155, again by the Ghibellines in 1163, and was several times - captured in the War of the Spanish Succession. - -[11]Lodi, in the province of Milan, was founded by Barbarossa in place - of the Lodi destroyed in 1158. It is the locality of the great - victory won by the French under Napoleon over the Austrians under - Beaulieu, May 10, 1796. It is now principally famous for its Parmesan - cheese and Majolica ware. - -[12]Frederick’s army was composed of 100,000 foot and 15,000 horse. - -[13]Crema is in the Province of Cremona and about twenty-four miles from - Milan. - -[14]Frederick set out for Germany attended by thirty horsemen, and at - Susa only saved himself by escaping on foot at night with two - followers. - -[15]Frederick’s first wife was Adelaide, whom he married in 1147 and - divorced in 1153, upon the pretext of kinship. In 1156 he married - Beatrice, mentioned above, daughter of the Count of Burgundy. - -[16]Saladin, the Egyptian Sultan, was born at Tekrit in 1137, and died - at Damascus in 1193. He was made Sultan in 1173, and conquered - Damascus and Syria. He defeated the Christians at Tiberias in 1187, - and also captured Acre, Jerusalem, and Ascalon. The fall of Jerusalem - led to the third Crusade, in which Frederick Barbarossa, Richard the - Lion-hearted of England, and Philip II of France took part. In 1192 - Richard forced Saladin to make a three years’ truce. Saladin died - before its expiration. - -[17]Guy de Lusignan succeeded to the throne of Jerusalem in 1186, on the - death of Baldwin V. After his capture by Saladin he was released on - renouncing his claims to the throne; but he disregarded his - agreement, and in 1192 transferred his claim to Richard I of England, - in exchange for Cyprus. - -[18]Iconium is the ancient name of Konièh, a vilayet in Turkish Asia - Minor. It was captured by Barbarossa in 1190, and was incorporated - with the Turkish Empire at the close of the fourteenth century. - -[19]Bela II succeeded Stephen II, and reigned from 1131 to 1141. - -[20]Isaac Angelus was one of the early Grecian tyrants. His reign was so - oppressive that some of his subjects rose in revolt, and, uniting - with the Bulgarians, formed what is called the Bulgaro-Wallachian - Kingdom. It existed until the Turks established sovereignty in - Greece. - -[21]The German name for Ratisbon, capital of the upper palatinate of - Bavaria. - -[22]Capital of the County of Presburg, Hungary. - -[23]Capital of the County of Gran, and famous for its fine Cathedral. - -[24]Philippopolis is now the capital of Eastern Rumelia, which is a part - of Bulgaria. It was named after Philip II of Macedon. - -[25]A town in Rumelia, a few miles south of Adrianople. - -[26]Adrianople was founded by the Emperor Hadrian, A. D. 125, and has - been the scene of many assaults. It has been stormed and taken by - Bulgarians, Turks, Crusaders, and Russians. - -[27]In ancient geography, Mysia was bounded on the north by the - Propontis, south by Lydia, east by Bithynia, and Phrygia, and west by - the Ægean; Caria, north by Lydia, south and west by the Ægean, east - by Phygia; Lycia, west by the Mediterranean, north, south, and east - by Caria, Phrygia, and Pamphylia; Paphlagonia, north by the Black - Sea, south by Galatia, east by Pontus, and west by Bithynia; - Bithynia, north by the Propontis, Bosphorus, and Euxine, south by - Phrygia and Galatia, east by Paphlagonia, and west by Mysia. Lydia, - on the west coast of Asia Minor, was the mightiest of all these - provinces. Its King, referred to above, was Crœsus, who was captured - by the Persians, under Cyrus, 546 B. C. - -[28]Nicomedia was the capital of Bithynia. It was the residence of - Diocletian, Constantine, and other Roman emperors. - -[29]“Giaour,” a Turkish word, meaning “infidel.” It has also an added - signification of contempt and hate, and was applied by the Turks to - designate adherents of other religions than Mohammedanism. - -[30]The handjar, an obsolete weapon, was a sword with very broad blade, - and leaf-shaped. It was sometimes used as a projectile. - -[31]“Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not - fall on the ground without your Father.” _Matthew_ x, 29. - -[32]The Templars were a military order, taking their name from the - temple of Solomon, where they had their early headquarters in - Jerusalem. The order was founded in 1118, and its object was to - protect pilgrims on the way to the shrines in the Holy Land. They - spread rapidly and rose to great power; but after being charged with - heresy, immorality, and other offences, the order was suppressed by - the Council of Vienne in 1312. - - The Knights of the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem were organized - early in the twelfth century. The order was a religious and - charitable body, and was also semi-military in character. - Associations which trace their origin to this order are still in - existence, among them the “Johannites” in Germany, and the Knights of - St. John in England. - -[33]This was the Teutonic Order, or Teutonic Knights of St. Mary’s - Hospital at Jerusalem. Its name is derived from a German hospital - founded at Jerusalem in 1128. It at one time played an important part - in the political history of northern Europe and it had much to do - with the spread of Christianity and German national life. About all - left of the order now is a semi-religious knighthood in Austria - presided over by an archduke, which was restored in 1840, after - Napoleon suppressed the whole order (1809). - - - - - LIFE STORIES FOR _YOUNG PEOPLE_ - - - _BIOGRAPHICAL ROMANCES - TRANSLATED FROM THE GERMAN BY_ - GEORGE P. UPTON - -_A new, interesting, and very useful series that will be found especially - suitable for school libraries and for supplementary reading_ - -The books in this series are translated from the German, because in that -country a specialty is made of really desirable reading for the young. -Eight titles are now ready and more will follow. - -Their simplicity and accuracy make them very useful for every school -library in the grades. - -For parents who feel disposed to give their children books that provide -a mild element of historical information, as well as first-class -entertainment, the little books will prove a veritable find. - -The “life-stories” retain the story form throughout, and embody in each -chapter a stirring event in the life of the hero or the action of the -time. The dramatis personæ are actual characters, and the facts in the -main are historically correct. They are therefore both entertaining and -instructive, and present biography in its most attractive form for the -young. - - A FULL LIST OF THE TITLES IS GIVEN ON THE NEXT PAGE - -The work of translation has been done by Mr. George P. Upton, whose -“Memories” and Lives of Beethoven, Haydn, and Liszt, from the German of -Max Mueller and Dr. Nohl, have been so successful. - - _Each is a small square 16mo in uniform binding, with four - illustrations. Each 60 cents net._ - - - _FULL LIST OF TITLES_ - - - Barbarossa - William of Orange - Beethoven - Mozart - Johann Sebastian Bach - Maria Theresa - Gudrun - The Nibelungs - The Maid of Orleans - William Tell - Frederick the Great - The Little Dauphin - -“These narratives have been well calculated for youthful minds past -infancy, and Mr. Upton’s version is easy and idiomatic.”—_The Nation._ - -“He is a delightful writer, clearness, strength, and sincerity marking -everything to which he puts his hand. He has translated these little -histories from the German in a way that the reader knows has conserved -all the strength of the original.”—_Chicago Evening Post._ - -“They are written in simple, graphic style, handsomely illustrated, and -will be read with delight by the young people for whose benefit they -have been prepared.”—_Chicago Tribune._ - -“The work of translation seems to have been well done, and these little -biographies are very well fitted for the use of young people.... The -volumes are compact and neat, and are illustrated sufficiently but not -too elaborately.”—_Springfield Republican._ - -“These books are most entertaining and vastly more wholesome than the -story books with which the appetites of young readers are for the most -part satisfied.”—_Indianapolis Journal._ - - _OF ALL BOOKSELLERS OR OF THE PUBLISHERS_ - A. C. McCLURG & CO., CHICAGO - - - LIFE STORIES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE - - _Translated from the German by - GEORGE P. UPTON_ - - 12 Vols. Ready - - Beethoven - Mozart - Bach - Maid of Orleans - William Tell - The Little Dauphin - Frederick the Great - Maria Theresa - Barbarossa - William of Orange - Gudrun - The Nibelungs - - _Illustrated, each 60 cents net_ - A. C. 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} - ul { max-width:23em; margin-right:auto; margin-left:auto; } - -</style> -</head> -<body> - -<div style='text-align:center; font-size:1.2em; font-weight:bold'>The Project Gutenberg eBook of Barbarossa, by Franz Kuhn</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and -most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms -of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online -at <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a>. If you -are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the -country where you are located before using this eBook. -</div> - -<table style='min-width:0; padding:0; margin-left:0; border-collapse:collapse'> - <tr><td>Title:</td><td>Barbarossa</td></tr> - <tr><td></td><td>Life Stories for Young People</td></tr> -</table> - -<div style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Author: Franz Kuhn</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Translator: George P. Upton</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>Release Date: April 22, 2021 [eBook #65142]</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>Language: English</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>Character set encoding: UTF-8</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Produced by: D A Alexander, Stephen Hutcheson, and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive)</div> - -<div style='margin-top:2em; margin-bottom:4em'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BARBAROSSA ***</div> -<div class="img"> -<img class="cover" id="coverpage" src="images/cover.jpg" alt="Barbarossa" width="786" height="1080" /> -</div> -<div class="img" id="pic1"> -<img src="images/p00.jpg" alt="" width="733" height="1001" /> -<p class="caption"><i>The Return of the Crusaders</i></p> -</div> -<div class="box"> -<p class="center"><span class="sc"><i>Life Stories for Young People</i></span></p> -<h1>BARBAROSSA</h1> -<p class="tbcenter"><span class="large"><i>Translated from the German of -<br />Franz Kühn</i></span></p> -<p class="center"><span class="small">BY</span> -<br /><span class="large">GEORGE P. UPTON</span> -<br /><i>Translator of “Memories,” etc.</i></p> -<p class="center"><span class="smaller">WITH FOUR ILLUSTRATIONS</span></p> -<div class="img"> -<img src="images/p01.jpg" alt="A. C. McCLURG & CO." width="200" height="199" /> -</div> -<p class="center">CHICAGO -<br />A. C. McCLURG & CO. -<br />1906</p> -</div> -<p class="center small"><span class="sc">Copyright -<br />A. C. McClurg & Co.</span> -<br />1906 -<br />Published September 22, 1906</p> -<p class="center smaller">THE UNIVERSITY PRESS, CAMBRIDGE, U.S.A.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_v">v</div> -<h2>Translator’s Preface</h2> -<p>From whatever point of view we consider -Frederick I,—more familiarly known as -“Barbarossa,” because of his red beard,—whether -as the greatest of the sovereigns of -the Holy Roman Empire, or as one of the most -gallant of the famous crusade leaders, the story of -his life is one of absorbing interest. This little -volume includes a sketch of the events which led -up to his accession to the throne of Germany, of -his various campaigns in Italy after he had received -the imperial crown, and of the disastrous third Crusade, -in which he took part with Richard the Lion-hearted -of England and Philip Augustus of France. -The young reader will probably feel most interested -in Barbarossa as a Crusader, particularly because in -this connection appear the two young knights, -Raymond and Conrad, who became the <i>protégés</i> of -Barbarossa after the death of their gallant father, -Conrad of Feuchtwangen, on the battlefield. Their -brave exploits in battle, the adventurous ride of -Raymond when he carried to the Emperor the news -of the danger of his father and his little band in the -valley, the capture of the brothers by the fleeing -Turks at Iconium, and the exciting description of -the test to which the Sultan exposed them, will -appeal to the young from the romantic side, while -their noble qualities as Christian knights and their -high manly character should make an equally forcible -appeal, in these days when knighthood can hardly -be said to be in flower.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_vi">vi</div> -<p>In making this translation I have endeavored to -retain the vigorous descriptions as well as the healthy -sentiment and charming simplicity of the author’s -moralizing by keeping as closely to the original as -possible. The only liberty I have taken with the -text is the omission of passages here and there,—without -marring the context, however,—so as to -make the volume nearly uniform in size with the -others in the series. I have invariably characterized -Frederick as Emperor, referring to him thus as -Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire rather than -as King of Germany.</p> -<p><span class="jr">G. P. U.</span></p> -<p><span class="small"><span class="sc">Chicago</span>, July 1, 1906.</span></p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_vii">vii</div> -<h2>Contents</h2> -<dl class="toc"> -<dt><span class="cn">I. </span><a href="#c1"><span class="sc">Return of the Crusaders</span></a> 11</dt> -<dt><span class="cn">II. </span><a href="#c2"><span class="sc">Frederick Ascends the Throne</span></a> 21</dt> -<dt><span class="cn">III. </span><a href="#c3"><span class="sc">The Italian Campaigns</span></a> 33</dt> -<dt><span class="cn">IV. </span><a href="#c4"><span class="sc">The Mayence Festival and Tournament</span></a> 45</dt> -<dt><span class="cn">V. </span><a href="#c5"><span class="sc">Life in the Castle</span></a> 52</dt> -<dt><span class="cn">VI. </span><a href="#c6"><span class="sc">The Third Crusade</span></a> 61</dt> -<dt><span class="cn">VII. </span><a href="#c7"><span class="sc">Conrad’s Victory in the Valley</span></a> 73</dt> -<dt><span class="cn">VIII. </span><a href="#c8"><span class="sc">Raymond’s Heroic Ride</span></a> 86</dt> -<dt><span class="cn">IX. </span><a href="#c9"><span class="sc">Conrad’s Death</span></a> 100</dt> -<dt><span class="cn">X. </span><a href="#c10"><span class="sc">Capture of the Brothers</span></a> 112</dt> -<dt><span class="cn">XI. </span><a href="#c11"><span class="sc">The Brothers’ Ordeal</span></a> 126</dt> -<dt><span class="cn">XII. </span><a href="#c12"><span class="sc">The Emperor to the Rescue</span></a> 138</dt> -<dt><span class="cn">XIII. </span><a href="#c13"><span class="sc">Barbarossa’s Victory and Death</span></a> 153</dt> -<dt><span class="cn"> </span><a href="#c14"><span class="sc">Appendix</span></a> 167</dt> -</dl> -<div class="pb" id="Page_ix">ix</div> -<h2>Illustrations</h2> -<dl class="toc"> -<dt><a href="#pic1">The Return of the Crusaders</a><i>Frontispiece</i></dt> -<dt><a href="#pic2">Raymond’s Ride</a>92</dt> -<dt><a href="#pic3">The Test</a>132</dt> -<dt><a href="#pic4">Redbeard and the Lion</a>156</dt> -</dl> -<div class="pb" id="Page_11">11</div> -<h2>Barbarossa</h2> -<h2 id="c1"><span class="h2line1">Chapter I</span> -<br /><span class="h2line2">Return of the Crusaders</span></h2> -<p>The second Crusade was ended.<a class="fn" id="fr_1" href="#fn_1">[1]</a> -Exploits as heroic as those in the first -Crusade, under Godfrey of Bouillon,<a class="fn" id="fr_2" href="#fn_2">[2]</a> -had been performed, but no battles as -glorious as those in the first had been fought. It -was a difficult task to wrest Palestine from the domination -of the Turks. Scarcely the tenth part of -the stout champions who set out from the various -provinces of France and Germany returned, and of -this little remnant many were exhausted by marches, -enfeebled by disease, and doomed to speedy death. -Most of the castles resounded with lamentations over -the death of their masters. Widows and orphans -stood wringing their hands around catafalques -in front of the altars in the castle chapels, as the -chaplains prayed for the souls of the noble ones who -had given their lives for the Christian religion in the -far distant wastes of Asia. Every province mourned -its dead, for in many cases the people had lost their -lord and protector, who had restrained cruelty and -lawlessness. Even in cases where these masters had -ruled with an iron hand and, in violation of their -knightly and Christian duties, had maltreated their -inferiors, there was no rejoicing over their death; -for during the son’s minority the guardian came into -absolute control and might rob and plunder at will, -while if there were no heir, the Emperor had the -power to place a stranger over them. “It is better -to cling to the old ways” was a German saying, -even then.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_12">12</div> -<p>Felseck was one of the few joyous castles. A -great banner bearing the colors of its master waived -from the loftiest turret. Armed servitors stood -upon the ramparts and the guardians of his widely -scattered possessions awaited his coming at the gates -and portcullises. From the watchtower the warder -scanned the plain, which stretched a long distance -from the castle heights, watching with experienced -eye every cloud of dust raised by each little passing -troop. Many a time the heart of the warder, who -had grown gray in faithful service to his master, beat -more quickly as his keen glance recognized signs of -an approaching company, and repeatedly he brushed -away a tear when he found himself deceived and saw -the company riding off in another direction, or not -<span class="pb" id="Page_13">13</span> -displaying the colors of the house.</p> -<p>It was already past midday. Many a face was -clouded with anxiety and suspense, and some even -feared that the report of the safe return of the lord -of the castle might be false, especially as so many -reports had proved untrue. Rather than have their -joy turn to bitter grief, it would have been less sorrowful -tidings had they been told at once that -Conrad of Feuchtwangen was no longer among the -living. It would have been a crushing sorrow, but -they could have submitted to the inevitable with -more courage than if they had had to realize that the -hope of his return, once aroused, must give place to -life-long disappointment.</p> -<p>A cloud of dust appeared again, and the warder -gave the signal. A solitary knight was seen riding -swiftly toward the castle. His colors could not yet -be made out, and the occupants of the castle, as well -as the people round about who were awaiting the -arrival of the lord of the manor, hovered between -fear and hope. All watched the approaching -stranger anxiously; many insisted they could distinguish -the colors of the house, but others were in -doubt. When it was certain that the former were -right, then all were eager to know whether he -<span class="pb" id="Page_14">14</span> -brought joyous or sad tidings.</p> -<p>A trumpet signal was heard in the distance, to -which the warder at once replied. This interchange -of calls announced the approach of a friend of the -house. Rushing forward to meet him, the people -questioned the rider and begged for information. -They followed after his sweating steed and exultantly -surged forward to the castle gate. The nearer he -came, the bigger and more clamorous grew the -multitude, and long before the gates were opened -to him, the people were confident he was the bearer -of good tidings.</p> -<p>Then the castle halls resounded with joyful acclamations -which could be restrained no longer, and -which grew more exultant as another and louder -flourish of the trumpet was heard from the watchtower; -all rushed out to extend their welcome, for, -rapidly as the little band approached, it was all too slow -for the impatient throng. The broad plain was soon -covered with the enthusiastic multitude. All were -eager to witness the return of their good master to his -ancestral halls after the performance of such glorious -deeds in the face of such adverse circumstances.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_15">15</div> -<p>Stout hands bore the consort of the returning -knight in a litter at the front; and by her side were -her two lovely, fair-haired boys, images of their -father, who could not restrain their impatience and -were doing their utmost to keep up. At last they -met the returning knights. Conrad of Feuchtwangen -quickly dismounted from his great war-horse, -and in an instant his faithful Gertrude was in -his arms. The joy of seeing her lord once more -overcame her, and she clung helplessly to the strong -man who was again all her own after such long -absence, and spared from the dreadful dangers to -which he had been exposed daily and almost hourly. -She had hardly recovered herself before she was -greeted with passionate embraces and expressions -of joy, which the boys also shared. Frightened at -first by the stern, sun-browned face of their father -and the pallor of their mother, they soon regained -their courage. They clung to him and were loth -to desist from hugging and kissing him and calling -him the tenderest of endearing names. Universal -joy prevailed, and tears of sympathy came to -the eyes of many a bearded warrior at the sight of -such happiness. Good wishes and the heartiest -of welcomes were extended on all sides, and -Knight Conrad cordially thanked all, both high -and low.</p> -<p>When the first joyous outburst was over, they -<span class="pb" id="Page_16">16</span> -made their way to the castle. Gertrude mounted a -beautiful snow-white palfrey; the boys were placed -on their father’s war-horse, and supported by his -strong arms they passed through the joyous multitude, -who followed after them. The knight and -his train entered the beautifully decorated castle -halls, while the armed servitors and the people -could hardly find room in the large courtyard. -Evening came, but its cool air did not dampen the -enthusiasm. The courtyard glowed with the light -of torches illuminating the crowd, which was hilariously -but harmlessly celebrating the occasion with -the contents of the castle cellars. Within, in his -high ancestral hall, Conrad sat with his family and -friends at a richly furnished table, and many a -bumper of choice wine was drank in honor of the -happy home-coming. At intervals the cheerful -strains of lutes were heard, and the Minnesingers, -inspired to do their best, sang many a long-drawn-out -story of the heroic deeds of the old German -heroes, in majestic verse.</p> -<p>“We have had enough, noble sirs,” at last said -Conrad. “Thanks for your painstaking service. -Now join us in celebrating this happy day. You -must be weary.”</p> -<p>“Oh, my lord, how could we ever tire of relating -<span class="pb" id="Page_17">17</span> -the great deeds of our ancestors? Are they not the -source of all the pleasures and sorrows of the present -and future? Do they not inspire emulation of noble -actions, and the exercise of knightly virtues?”</p> -<p>“Their remembrance is a treasure for all time,” -said a knight of about the same age as Conrad, -“but we have also witnessed exploits worthy of our -ancestors, even if the outcome was not as fortunate.”</p> -<p>“Oh,” said Gertrude, and many joined in her -request, “tell us of your exploits in the Holy Land -among the Turkish hordes, even though it may -temper our joy to hear the true account.”</p> -<p>“As you see,” replied the knight who was called -Frederick of Swabia, “we do not return as numerous -<span class="pb" id="Page_18">18</span> -or as imposing as when we set out. It was then a -goodly sight to look upon,—nigh seventy thousand -heavily armored knights, not including foot-soldiers, -riding to the Holy War. Hungary and Greece -were astonished when they saw the array, and exulted -over the certain destruction of the Turkish -army. Oh, the treachery of these villains, who expected -their deliverance at our hands and then -placed almost insurmountable obstacles in our way! -They overcharged us in the sale of supplies. Our -hungry men were often obliged to procure subsistence -by force when they were out of money. This -occasioned many fatal quarrels, and we reached Asia -Minor at last needy and sorely troubled. It was -there our real misfortunes began, for the Greeks -carried their knavery to the extreme. Sometimes -when our army, which unfortunately had chosen the -shorter but more dangerous route, arrived at cities, -we were not allowed to enter. There was no way -of obtaining food except in baskets let down from -the walls, for which extortionate prices were demanded. -It was ‘Money, or your life!’ Often, -when the money was sent up, the rope was not -lowered again, and the unfortunate one, who perhaps -had parted with his last penny, was only laughed at. -Even when we obtained anything for our money it -was wretched stuff, barely fit to eat, and sometimes -poisoned. In some cases lime was found in the -bread, which caused the death of several of our -half-starved warriors.”</p> -<p>“Terrible!” cried Gertrude, shuddering at the -thought of such suffering, “was that Christian-like?”</p> -<p>“The Greeks treated us even worse than the -heathen Turks did, and it will always be remembered -<span class="pb" id="Page_19">19</span> -to their shame. Their guides purposely led -us astray. More than once they disappeared at -daybreak, when they were most needed. Once, to -our great surprise, we found ourselves well-nigh -delivered by those scoundrels into the hands of the -Saracens. For Turkish gold they led us into an -arid waste, where the Turks suddenly attacked us -and, favored by the almost limitless stretch of level -country, surrounded us and used their fatal skill at -fence so dexterously that in a few days the greater -part of the German army was sacrificed. Hardly -the tenth part of it returned to Byzantium. We -were among the fortunate ones, but our friendly -reception at the hands of the Greek Emperor was -poor compensation for our misfortunes. Shame -upon the people of a country who would rather -see their champions perish than aid them against a -dangerous foe!</p> -<p>“Little grateful for this hospitality, we continued -our retreat as soon as possible. At Nicea we met -the French, who at the outset had as large a force -as our own, and who had met with similar misfortunes. -The most of them had been slaughtered by -the Turks. An agreement was made to take the -remainder to Antioch, whither the King of France -had gone by vessel. Instead of keeping their word, -however, the Greeks detained them in dark hovels, -and left them a prey to hunger and disease.”</p> -<p>“Horrible!” exclaimed all.</p> -<p>“But true,” said Frederick. “Will you believe -me when I tell you that thousands voluntarily surrendered -to the Turks, for they expected and received -better treatment from them than from those -of their own faith?”</p> -<p>These dreadful revelations brought tears of sorrow -to the eyes of Gertrude and many of the listeners.</p> -<p>“At last,” continued Frederick, “we reached -Jerusalem, where also both sovereigns came. -<span class="pb" id="Page_20">20</span> -Reduced in numbers and half-starved as we were, we -nevertheless ventured to besiege Damascus, but were -baffled again by these Eastern Christians, who, in -consideration of Turkish gold, helped the enemy -and obstructed us.”</p> -<p>“So you see,” interrupted Conrad, “we came -back rich in exploits, but not crowned with victory.”</p> -<p>“That is not our fault,” replied Frederick, “and -yet it is not just to lay the blame upon Providence. -It is just as unreasonable also to reproach the Abbé -Bernard of Clairvaux,<a class="fn" id="fr_3" href="#fn_3">[3]</a> -who advocated the Crusade, -as to charge us with responsibility for the failure of -the movement which he was certain would be successful. -The highest human skill cannot avail -against treachery. The grand work of rescuing -the Holy Sepulchre will not succeed until all engaged -in it are animated by Christian love and -harmony, and work together for the common purpose, -allowing nothing to divert them from its -attainment.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_21">21</div> -<h2 id="c2"><span class="h2line1">Chapter II</span> -<br /><span class="h2line2">Frederick Ascends the Throne</span></h2> -<p>The German Empire suffered many grave -calamities the following year.<a class="fn" id="fr_4" href="#fn_4">[4]</a> -Henry, who already had been designated successor -of Conrad III, suddenly died, and all -hope of filling the vacancy on the throne without -exciting dangerous quarrels among the princes and -their adherents seemingly was gone. The seriousness -of the situation was soon apparent. Two years -passed, and no successor was found. Then the -sudden death of Conrad occurred, causing great sorrow -and even dismay in the German provinces; for -he had been a good ruler, even though he had not -always been successful in securing peace.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_22">22</div> -<p>The situation was alarming. In Lombardy, on -the other side of the Alps, the great and rich cities -were struggling for absolute independence. Each -of them demanded exclusive privileges and individual -freedom. They refused to pay taxes or take -commands from any one. Each sought to dominate -the others and make them tributary. At one time -they formed alliances to subjugate others, and when -this was accomplished they turned against each -other. One day in alliance with the Pope, the next -with the Emperor, as soon as they were on good -terms with each other,—which was not often the -case,—they would join hands against both. Every -device was employed to prevent a lasting agreement -between Church and State, and nothing gave them -greater delight than the desperate conflict between -the Emperor and the representative of Christ, when -excommunications and edicts of outlawry were -hurled from the respective thrones. They favored -the one who would concede the most to them, -though perhaps a few days before they had bitterly -detested and harassed him. They pretended to -submit to the victor, with the secret determination -to throw off his yoke at the first opportunity. Indeed, -in the very act of making an agreement, they -were often planning to break it. Many a ruler had -vainly exerted his utmost power to end this wretched -business. After the death of Conrad, Italian affairs -were in almost inextricable confusion, and the German -fatherland was in almost as desperate a condition, -growing out of lust for power, and oppressive -restrictions. The grand dukes repeatedly defied -the imperial power, and forcibly extorted from weak -rulers privileges and immunities which they used -for their own profit in dealing with their inferiors. -Their vassals, the knights, were humiliated, deprived -of all authority, robbed of their possessions, -and even church and convent property did not -escape spoliation. Many resorted to arms to defend -their rights against the feudal lords, or indemnified -themselves at the expense of the common -people. The freedom of the latter grew continually -less, and their humiliation greater. The regular -taxes were increased and new ones were levied, -until at last the peasant had little left but life. The -industrious workers of the cities hardly ventured to -carry their products to the nearest market without -first purchasing protection from the nobles. Even -then, they were often plundered by having to pay -ransom to save themselves from being dragged to -<span class="pb" id="Page_23">23</span> -some dungeon.</p> -<p>This is but a feeble description of the wretched -plight of the mightiest Empire in Christendom. To -redress these evils and restore order required almost -superhuman ability, and the princes looked around -in vain for a deliverer. The haughty Henry the -Lion,<a class="fn" id="fr_5" href="#fn_5">[5]</a> -an aggressive, ambitious prince, had no one’s -confidence. Some were only solicitous to increase -their personal power, while others lacked the ability -to protect themselves successfully against any -<span class="pb" id="Page_24">24</span> -assailant.</p> -<p>The dying Conrad, however, took every precaution. -He had experienced the difficulty of ruling -such an Empire, and had decided upon the right man -for the place. His own son Frederick was still a -boy, and Conrad knew the Empire would not be -safe in his hands. He proposed his nephew, Frederick -of Swabia, whom we have already met. In a -full assembly of the princes at Frankfort-on-the-Main, -one praised the heroic courage he had displayed -in the Crusade, another his judgment and -wisdom, a third his knightly virtues, and a fourth -was confident he would shortly put an end to the -long and bloody conflicts of the Guelphs and Ghibellines.<a class="fn" id="fr_6" href="#fn_6">[6]</a> -He was unanimously elected, March 4, -1152. All the German provinces voluntarily and -enthusiastically endorsed the choice of the princes, -and a vast multitude of all classes and conditions -exultantly greeted him when the coronation ceremony -took place at Aix-la-Chapelle, on the tenth of -<span class="pb" id="Page_25">25</span> -the same month.</p> -<p>No complaint was made this time of irregularity -in the election.<a class="fn" id="fr_7" href="#fn_7">[7]</a> -Some slight regret was expressed -that it had not been conducted publicly instead -of in the Frankfort town-hall, but this was of -little moment. The choice satisfied every one. -All hoped to see the glorious old period of Charlemagne -restored, and considered it auspicious that -the selection was made in a city which, according -to tradition, owed its origin to that great hero of the -olden time; for, when hard pressed by the Saxon -heathen, it was there he discovered a ford across the -Main, which saved his army, and near that spot he -founded the city of Frankfort.</p> -<p>The coronation ceremonies at last were over, and -the various popular entertainments gradually came -to an end. The tumult of the crowds about the -hall was hushed, and only two knights remained, -who walked up and down the spacious apartment -engaged in earnest conversation. The one, although -only of medium stature, was strong and well made. -His piercing glance, so terrible to an enemy on the -battlefield, rested quietly upon his friend and helper. -It was easy to recognize the new Emperor by his -fair complexion, which the burning sun of Asia had -but little browned, his blond hair, and his red -beard.<a class="fn" id="fr_8" href="#fn_8">[8]</a> -The other was Conrad of Feuchtwangen, -his friend and comrade in arms at a time when deeds -<span class="pb" id="Page_26">26</span> -almost passing belief were performed.</p> -<p>“I know as well as thou, my dear Conrad, the -magnitude of my task,” said the Emperor. “Whichever -way I turn I find difficult problems, any one -of which will require almost superhuman ability to -solve. Germany and Italy, so widely separated -from each other, are involved in desperate complications, -but I feel that I have sufficient strength -and courage to face the situation and fill my high -position.”</p> -<p>“The princes were certain of that when they -elected thee.”</p> -<p>“With divine help I will prove myself worthy -<span class="pb" id="Page_27">27</span> -of their confidence. The history of our people -shows that the man who is called to high duties, -and places his reliance upon God, is a safe guide -and protector of the people, and such an one often -accomplishes important results in a short time. -The incomparable Charles the Great united all -classes of his people into a powerful whole, forced -the most rebellious to recognize his authority, eradicated -heathenism in a single generation, reformed -the habits of the people by the glorious teachings of -Christianity, and established a well-ordered Empire. -At a later period, when princes failed to profit by -what he had accomplished, when fraternal strife -swept away the best and devastated the country, -they suffered many years from the disgrace of it -and bowed their necks under the yoke of the barbarous -Magyars, until the matchless Henry<a class="fn" id="fr_9" href="#fn_9">[9]</a> came -with all the old authority and the old virtues, and -made the barbarians tremble at the very name of -Germany.”</p> -<p>“How faithfully thou hast treasured in thy -memory the actions of the great!”</p> -<p>“Yes, I have vowed that these men, but above -all that Charles, the noble-hearted founder of German -power, called ‘the Great’ by the world and -ennobled by the Church, shall be my constant exemplar. -The German authority shall again prevail, -and the German Empire shall flourish again as in -the days of old.”</p> -<p>“And yet, how many obstacles stand in the way -of this achievement!”</p> -<p>“Charles also encountered obstacles, and certainly -<span class="pb" id="Page_28">28</span> -as great ones as these, but he finally overcame them. -He found the most potent remedies for the evils of -his time, and we must do the same for ours.”</p> -<p>“But the evils now are entirely different.”</p> -<p>“I think they are very similar. He was forced -to break the power of the grand dukes and protect -the common people, and that is what we -must do.”</p> -<p>“The first task may be impossible, for it is extremely -difficult to decide what the dukes have -rightly inherited and what they have usurped.”</p> -<p>“In such cases we shall have to prevent any further -increase of their power,—the remedy which -Henry attempted to apply. The great cities with -their industries and commerce, where the arts and -sciences are cultivated more assiduously than in -many knightly castles, must employ their wealth -and power to curb insolence and punish offences -against the laws. This will enable them to help -each other and manage their own affairs. They -certainly should know better what is for their welfare -than those at a distance, who are ignorant of -their circumstances.”</p> -<p>“That will exercise an important influence upon -the general welfare.”</p> -<p>“True. The Emperor will find in every city a -<span class="pb" id="Page_29">29</span> -power already organized with which to punish those -who now violate the law with impunity; because -the law-enforcing power is so distant they can escape -with their plunder behind protecting walls.”</p> -<p>“But how about the people in the open country?”</p> -<p>“They, too, must have the protection of the law, -and their actions must not be arbitrarily controlled.”</p> -<p>“Excuse me, noble sire. The Italian cities manage -their own affairs. The possessions claimed by -the nobles were inherited from their ancestors. -They associate freely with the common people, also, -and yet these cities do not enjoy the blessings of -freedom.”</p> -<p>“That is true, but they mistake their real position -and welfare. They dream of the glorious fame of -ancient Rome, but they have not the slightest comprehension -of its exalted virtues. Where will you -find a Mucius, a Fabricius, or a Cincinnatus? But -at every step you will find a Catiline, a Nero, or -a Heliogabalus. ‘Freedom for us, but none for -others,’ is the motto of the Lombardian cities, as it -is of Rome. That is the cause of their decadence.”</p> -<p>“And do you expect to maintain a powerful -authority there?”</p> -<p>“With God’s help, yes. I will curb their audacity, -but will concede to them all their chartered -rights. By demanding only what belongs to the -sovereign, protecting the weak against the strong, -and firmly and judiciously administering the government, -there may be a successful result.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_30">30</div> -<p>“But have you considered what obstacles the -temporal and spiritual powers may place in your -way? Should the latter oppose you, you will find -that bans and interdicts are dangerous and far-reaching -weapons.”</p> -<p>“All honor to the princes of the Church who -administer its sacred functions, but in all my relations -with them the great Charles shall be my exemplar. -Spiritual affairs shall be respected and -protected, as they were by my great predecessor; -but when unjustifiable encroachments are made -upon imperial rights and privileges, I will resist -them just as firmly as he did. Each must keep in -his own place. I will take care not to interfere in -spiritual matters when I have no right to do so.”</p> -<p>“The union of spiritual and temporal authority -has never been productive of good.”</p> -<p>“For that very reason it is better for them to be -separated. To the emperor, the sword; to the -bishop, the Scriptures. If God helps me, and -grants me the good fortune to win as sovereign -such friends as I have as Frederick of Swabia, I -shall not be uneasy.”</p> -<p>Conrad knew what the Emperor meant. Honored -by his confidence, he promised him anew his unchanging -love and devotion. He pressed the extended -hand of his royal friend and they separated.</p> -<p>Frederick had an opportunity that very year to -<span class="pb" id="Page_31">31</span> -demonstrate his authority. Two Danish princes, -who were contending for the crown left by their -father, appeared at the Diet at Merseburg and requested -the Emperor to arbitrate their claims. -Frederick decided Canute should be king and Sven -should be indemnified with territorial possessions. -His decision was particularly approved by the Germans, -because it made Denmark once more a vassal -of Germany.</p> -<p>Two years after this, in 1154, Frederick made -his first journey to Rome, and but for a pestilence -which broke out among his soldiers, would have -permanently settled Italian affairs. Returning to -Germany, he exercised his authority as effectively -as any of his predecessors had done. He summoned -Archbishop Arnold, of Mayence, and the Count -Palatine Hermann before him because of their -bloody conflicts during his absence, through which -several provinces had been devastated. They were -powerful princes, but Frederick did not hesitate to -punish them severely. A dog was fastened to the -Count Palatine and his associates, and they were -compelled to go a mile with it amid the derision -of high and low. The same penalty was pronounced -against the Archbishop, but was remitted -in consideration of his position and age. Soon after -this, the Emperor mustered a strong force and destroyed -the castles of the robber knights along the -Rhine, who had plundered the fertile districts in -<span class="pb" id="Page_32">32</span> -their vicinity and rendered life insecure.</p> -<p>The German people joyfully listened to the -accounts of these exploits. They were proud of -their Emperor, and hope now rose in many a breast -that all the burdens and misfortunes from which -they had suffered would be speedily removed. The -Emperor hastened from Reichstag to Reichstag, -everywhere suggesting, reproving, and rewarding. -He compelled King Boleslaus IV of Poland to recognize -him as feudal lord and to make compensation -to the children of his brother, Ladislaus; this -resulted in taking Silesia from Poland and making -it a separate duchy.</p> -<p>The power of the Empire steadily increased. -Order and quiet were everywhere restored, the cities -were prosperous and the people were happy and -contented. Feared abroad, loved and honored at -home, the Emperor was at the very summit of his -power. In the Reichstag at Würzburg (1157) representatives -from Italy, France, Burgundy, Denmark, -Spain, England, and Greece were present and -paid homage to the German Emperor. The King -of England was also conspicuous in displaying his -good feeling, and sent costly gifts.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_33">33</div> -<h2 id="c3"><span class="h2line1">Chapter III</span> -<br /><span class="h2line2">The Italian Campaigns</span></h2> -<p>There was little sincerity in the protestations -of loyalty which the Italian -cities made to the Emperor; indeed their -disrespect for him was soon openly displayed. -Milan defied his authority with contemptuous -arrogance. Tortoria,<a class="fn" id="fr_10" href="#fn_10">[10]</a> which had been -destroyed by Frederick, was rebuilt under Milan’s -protection. The Milanese also demanded homage -from Lodi<a class="fn" id="fr_11" href="#fn_11">[11]</a> and when that city refused to break -faith with the Emperor, they advanced upon it in -force, drove away its citizens, robbed them of their -property, and demolished the city’s walls. Complaints -of these acts of violence were made to the -Reichstag at Worms, and after the hearing it was -decided to send an expedition to Italy for the -<span class="pb" id="Page_34">34</span> -punishment of the audacious rebels.</p> -<p>The expedition was considered all the more -necessary because the Pope had taken sides against -the Emperor, and his legate had declared before the -Reichstag that the Emperor derived his authority -from the Pope. This aroused the indignation of -the German knights, who haughtily declared that the -Emperor occupied a free throne given to him by the -free choice of the German princes; that the Church -was dependent upon the Empire; and that the latter -would not permit any usurpation of its authority.</p> -<p>An armed force more numerous and better -equipped than any previous one crossed the -Alps.<a class="fn" id="fr_12" href="#fn_12">[12]</a> -The Milanese this time appeared to be conciliatory, -for, at the Emperor’s summons, a delegation went -to him and sought to justify their conduct. Their -explanations, however, did not satisfy either the -Emperor or the knights, still less the other Italian -cities which had suffered. Milan was declared -under the ban of the Empire, promptly besieged, -and forced to surrender after making a gallant defence. -It was compelled to take the oath of loyalty, -give up its plunder, and promise to let its neighbors -rest in peace. The Milanese were also ordered -to build an imperial castle and send three hundred -hostages to the Emperor’s camp. The nobles and -dignitaries, barefooted and with halters about their -necks, begged for clemency. Frederick decided -that it was not enough merely to punish crimes -already committed. Wisdom dictated precaution -against their commission in future. He therefore -summoned four of the most experienced law authorities -and required them to investigate and settle what -rights belonged to the Empire and what to the -cities. He was willing to concede all the rights of the -latter, but he demanded that the cities should take -<span class="pb" id="Page_35">35</span> -a solemn oath to respect the rights of the Empire.</p> -<p>Everything now appeared settled and most of -the German princes returned home with their -followers; but Frederick was anxious for the future, -and remained in Italy to watch the progress of -events. His fears were justified, for the wildest -confusion soon prevailed. Milan, encouraged by -the Emperor’s complications with the Pope, secured -the help of Crema<a class="fn" id="fr_13" href="#fn_13">[13]</a> and other cities, and the struggle -began anew. Crema was besieged by Frederick, -but made a stout defence. The dreadful struggle -lasted seven months before Crema was forced to surrender. -Abandoned by its citizens, it was sacked -and then destroyed.</p> -<p>After obtaining reinforcements from Germany -<span class="pb" id="Page_36">36</span> -Frederick moved against Milan. The same barbarities -which had marked the siege of Crema -were repeated, and the Emperor could not prevent -his troops from retaliating in kind. He -made a vow not to wear his crown again until -Milan was destroyed. The Milanese well knew -that he would carry out his pledge to the very -letter. As the year drew near to its close they saw -to their dismay that he was not withdrawing his -army as was his usual custom at the approach of -winter, and that the siege was to be continued. It -lasted all winter, but on March 1, 1162, the exhausted -city sent messengers to Frederick, tendering -its submission and pleading for merciful treatment.</p> -<p>Frederick sternly replied, “I demand your unconditional -surrender”; whereupon the supplicants -abandoned themselves to their fate. Three hundred -knights brought the keys of all the castles and -gates, and thirty-six municipal banners were laid at -his feet. All persons of rank took the oath of -allegiance. The entire population of the city came -barefooted into camp with halters round their necks, -ashes on their heads, and crosses in their hands, -pleading for mercy. As the long procession was -passing the Emperor, the state chariot, bearing the -huge banner of the city adorned with the portrait -of Saint Ambrose, was demolished, and the pride -of Milan was humbled in the dust.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_37">37</div> -<p>Wailing and wringing their hands, the people -prostrated themselves, begging for mercy in the -name of Christ. Every one wept. Even the -stern faces of the German knights were moistened -by tears; for the severity of the penalty, richly as -it was merited, touched them. The Emperor -alone remained unmoved. Milan’s repeated acts of -treachery, and its lust for power, required exemplary -punishment.</p> -<p>“Your lives shall be spared,” he said, “but the -city, with the exception of the churches, shall be -destroyed. Lodi, Cremona, Pavia, and Como -shall perform the work, and you Milanese must -find homes among these four cities.”</p> -<p>Remonstrances and prayers alike were of no -avail. The work of destruction began at once and -the sister cities exultantly revenged themselves upon -their haughty oppressor. Soon Milan was no more, -and the other cities leagued with it voluntarily -surrendered. They, too, were destroyed.</p> -<p>The Italian troubles were hardly ended when the -<span class="pb" id="Page_38">38</span> -presence of the Emperor was urgently demanded at -home. There were quarrels and complications to -be settled everywhere. He travelled all over the -Empire. Now he was at Passau and Vienna, again -at Cologne and Utrecht. From the Reichstags at -Ulm and Laufen he hurried to the eastern frontier -and quelled the Hungarian uprising. Soon after -this he was at the Reichstags of Speier and Nuremberg, -organizing another expedition against Italy. -His representatives there unfortunately had failed -to conciliate his conquered enemies. Their passion -for revenge had smouldered like a spark in the -ashes. Even without their once powerful leader, -Milan, the larger cities had leagued themselves -against the Emperor. Pavia alone remained loyal -to him.</p> -<p>Frederick now devoted his entire attention to -the restoration of order in the refractory cities, but -his customary good fortune deserted him. A virulent -pestilence quickly swept away a large part of -his army, and those who had been weakened by -illness were exposed to the fierce attacks of the -Lombardians, who, emboldened by this disaster -among the Germans, seized all the mountain passes -in hopes of capturing the Emperor. Secret flight -was his only hope of escape. With his true friend -Conrad and a little band<a class="fn" id="fr_14" href="#fn_14">[14]</a> of knights, he fortunately -reached Savoy, and attempted to enter Germany -by way of the mountains; but he was recognized -by his enemies, who planned to murder him in the -night. Their plot was discovered, however. After -considering various ways of escape, a knight, Hermann -of Siebeneich, who closely resembled the -Emperor, offered to lie in his bed while Frederick -made his escape. His enemies were not so inhuman -<span class="pb" id="Page_39">39</span> -as to punish the knight for his gallant act.</p> -<p>Greatly depressed but not disheartened, Frederick -returned to Germany, where he found plenty to -occupy his attention. Henry the Lion, Duke of -Brunswick and Saxony, the most powerful prince -next to the Emperor, was sorely oppressing his -neighbors. All of them had suffered from his -depredations, the Archbishops of Magdeburg and -Bremen being the special objects of his hatred. -Frederick quickly ended the trouble, however, and -made all concerned promise to keep the peace.</p> -<p>In 1174 Frederick undertook his fifth Italian -expedition. At the outset, fortune seemed more -propitious than before, but this was only an illusion. -He realized that there was no hope of success without -fresh reinforcements from Germany, and Conrad -was sent to fetch them. The latter had often performed -this errand, and knew the roads and all the -dangers attending the task. He did not delay the -faithful performance of his mission. Many of -the bravest knights hastened to the assistance of -the Emperor. Conrad brought both his sons with -him, that they might have their first experience of -war under the greatest princes of their time. That -powerful Prince, Henry the Lion, however, was -angry with the Emperor, although he had been -his benefactor and had increased his possessions. -<span class="pb" id="Page_40">40</span> -He pretended he was too old for service.</p> -<p>As soon as his reinforcements arrived, Frederick -resolved to risk all in one engagement. The Italians, -who outnumbered his army, made a stand at -Legnano. The fields were decked in their loveliest -attire; the sky arched over the charming spot like -a pure crystal, and was reflected in the dancing ripples -of the Ticino. It did not seem possible that -deeds of slaughter and death could be committed -upon such a beautiful May morning. The hosts -on each side prepared for the fray. Frederick carefully -disposed his troops and gave the signal for attack, -he himself, as was his practice, leading the onset -with desperate bravery. Right and left he drove -the enemy before him. Here he rode with levelled -spear straight against an entire troop, and there he -smote with his mighty war-club, or clove the heads -of the rebels with his two-edged sword, until blood -flowed in streams. Conrad fought by his side with -equal spirit, and with him his sons, who were inspired -by the great examples before them. Notwithstanding -their unflinching courage, however, -they could not force the enemy to give up an inch -of ground, although they hurled themselves again -and again upon the very flower of the Italian army -and fought like desperate giants.</p> -<p>The Germans, with their utmost efforts, made no -<span class="pb" id="Page_41">41</span> -progress. The Emperor and those about him seemed -rooted to the spot where they stood. Where ten fell, -twenty others immediately filled their places. Frederick’s -standard-bearer was felled by a terrible blow. -The standard, emblem of victory, dropped, and the -exultant shouts of the enemy followed its capture. -Frederick grimly gnashed his teeth. He put spurs -to his battle horse, and dashed forward to recover -it. As the noble animal reared, its broad breast -was pierced by a spear; a stream of blood gushed -from the wound, and it fell under its master. The -enemy swept over them like a great wave. Conrad, -mindful of his duty as a vassal and brother-in-arms, -rushed upon them like a lion, but he, too, disappeared -as if into a grave.</p> -<p>When the standard fell, the Germans wavered. -When they no longer saw the gleam of the Emperor’s -helmet and heard the exultant shouts of the -enemy, they gave up all for lost. Their noblest -and stoutest fighters either had fallen or were incapacitated -for further resistance. They began to give -way. The enemy charged them on all sides, and -they were soon routed. Thousands were drowned -in the Ticino, and thousands more were killed in -retreat.</p> -<p>The Germans were in a lamentable plight, for they -<span class="pb" id="Page_42">42</span> -believed they had lost their Emperor. His devoted -spouse, when she heard the news of the disaster, -clad herself in mourning and was inconsolable over -her loss.<a class="fn" id="fr_15" href="#fn_15">[15]</a> The enemy were jubilant, for their most -formidable foe was no more. Then came the news, -which sounded like a romance, that the Emperor -was living, and was safe and well in his faithful -Pavia, to which city he had fought his way with his -friend Conrad. Who can describe the change of -feeling on both sides when this news was confirmed? -To his faithful followers he was still their great -leader and Emperor. To the enemy he was more -an object of fear than a whole army.</p> -<p>As Frederick could not expect any further reinforcements -from Germany, and the Lombardians -feared to take part any longer in outside matters, -an agreement was made for a six years’ truce, to be -followed by a treaty of peace. Concessions were -granted on both sides. Each retained its own -rights and respected those of the other. This was -as satisfactory to the Emperor as a great victory -would have been, for there was a divine spirit of -compassion as well as of heroic courage in his nature. -He did not love war, but when forced to make war -he was a lion.</p> -<p>A sorrowful duty, which he could not shirk except -at the risk of the disintegration of the Empire, -<span class="pb" id="Page_43">43</span> -awaited him at home. It will be remembered that -Henry the Lion had refused service to him on the -ground of age, and paid no heed to his earnest pleading -for assistance. His excuse was a lie. He had -shown, during the Emperor’s absence, that he was -not too old for war by harrying and attacking his -neighbors. It was the Duke’s disobedience and -defiance which forced the Emperor to humble this -insolent vassal. Besides this, the German princes -also demanded the punishment of this disturber of -their peace. Frederick would gladly have effected -his purpose in some mild way, but it was impossible. -Henry failed to appear before the Reichstag -after being thrice summoned. The decision -was then announced that he should be outlawed -as a disobedient vassal and deprived of all his -rights.</p> -<p>Thereupon, the lion-hearted Henry unsheathed -his sword. He feared not the whole German Empire. -He defeated small bodies of the army, but -when the Emperor took the field the end came -speedily. Subdued by the greater hero, he threw -himself at his feet. With tears in his eyes the -Emperor was forced to execute the penalty; for -they had been good friends, and until now there -had been peace between the houses of Hohenstauffen -and Welf. Henry retained only his hereditary -possessions; his feudal tenure and rights were -distributed among more faithful subjects, and he -<span class="pb" id="Page_44">44</span> -was banished from Germany for three years.</p> -<p>Thus, after years of warfare, the enemies of the -Emperor were either destroyed or they wisely decided -to submit to the stronger power.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_45">45</div> -<h2 id="c4"><span class="h2line1">Chapter IV</span> -<br /><span class="h2line2">The Mayence Festival and Tournament</span></h2> -<p>Peace now prevailed both in Italy and -Germany. Frederick regarded the remarkable -prosperity of the Italian cities -without envy, for it contributed greatly -toward the prosperity of the German cities; and -the German people did not withhold their gratitude -to the Emperor for the good fortune they enjoyed. -Frederick indeed was richly rewarded for his great -achievements both in youth and manhood.</p> -<p>In recognition of this great prosperity, the Emperor -<span class="pb" id="Page_46">46</span> -organized a national festival upon a scale -grander than had ever been known before. At -Whitsuntide of 1184, princes, counts, and knights -from all parts of Germany assembled by his invitation -at Mayence, the seat of the highest spiritual -princes, prelates, abbots, and priests. Strangers -poured into the city in such numbers that they -could hardly find accommodation. Upon the great -plain before the gates a new city of tents quickly -arose, where lodging could be obtained. The -princes entered through the city gates splendidly -mounted and with large retinues. The Archbishop -of Cologne had over four thousand followers. If it -was hardly possible to count the nobles and distinguished -persons, how can the number of people -who streamed in from everywhere be estimated? -It was not so much the brilliant spectacle that drew -these burghers and peasants to the city, as it was -affection for the highest and most revered personage -in the Empire, who had secured peace and prosperity -for them. The joy of the Emperor was the joy of -the people. It exalted the one and glorified the -other. The streets of Mayence swarmed with -people of all conditions. The fields were thronged -by them, and the neighboring mountains loudly -echoed their festive songs.</p> -<p>The Emperor entertained all the princes and -nobles, the strangers and the people of the city for -three days. An incredible amount of food was consumed, -and wine flowed in streams. All were happy -and satisfied, for every one found something that -contributed to his highest pleasure. Some regaled -themselves at the abundant feasts, others admired -the stately knights, the brilliancy of their armor, the -beauty and strength of their steeds, while still others -visited the various sports.</p> -<p>Along the tented city stretched a wide plain, surrounded -by barriers, and in the midst an elevated -<span class="pb" id="Page_47">47</span> -dais decorated with gaily colored banners, splendid -tapestries, and brilliant draperies. At early daybreak -one morning people stood in crowds by the -barriers, evidently awaiting a spectacle. As the sun -rose, the crowds increased, and distinguished guests -from far and near assembled on the dais. At last -the Emperor appeared, and received an enthusiastic -and long-continued welcome from the people. In -the open space, in sight of the exultant thousands, -he knighted his two sons with his own hands, and -then ordered the tournament to begin. The contestants -in the feats of arms had already been waiting -long. Their powerful battle horses, seeming to -know what was impending, stamped impatiently and -champed at their bits. Their shields, embellished -with their crests and arms, hung upon columns. -The heralds advanced and loudly and distinctly -read the rules and regulations of the tournament, -each one of which must be strictly observed. -After sharply scrutinizing the weapons, helmets, -and shields, and inquiring the name of each knight, -the heralds announced, “All are qualified for the -tournament.”</p> -<p>The barriers were then opened. The heralds -<span class="pb" id="Page_48">48</span> -stepped aside, two overseers entered, carrying long -white staves, and behind them followed two knights -splendidly mounted upon fiery, prancing steeds. -They rode around the grounds at a quick gallop, -and as they passed the dais their steeds stepped -more proudly, the knights saluted the Emperor -by lowering their lances, and then took positions -at opposite sides of the barriers. After remaining -there a short time, they couched their -lances with the right hand, and holding high their -shields with the left, put spurs to their horses and -rushed at each other. They came together in the -centre of the arena. Their shields rang from the -impact of the lances, but neither of the knights -was shaken. Changing positions, they rode around -a second time and then prepared for a fresh onset. -It was plain that both were greatly excited. The -spectators, who had been so enthusiastic, were now -quiet, and looked on almost breathlessly as the -overseers advanced near the spot where the knights -would meet. The rush was swift and impetuous. -One of the gallant knights wavered a little, but -resolutely kept his place. Furiously they came -together; a lance was shattered, and its bearer was -hurled from his horse to the ground. The victor -greeted the spectators, received his prize, and withdrew. -The vanquished knight arose, and, to the -delight of all, was found to be unhurt.</p> -<p>Two other contestants were announced with a -<span class="pb" id="Page_49">49</span> -flourish of trumpets, and their names were loudly -called. There was instant and universal attention, -for it was known that the two cherished an old -grudge, and an open encounter between them had -been prevented only by the Emperor’s command. -Would they settle their quarrel now? Easily handling -their high-strung battle horses and testing their -heavy lances with strong, skilful hands, they rode to -their respective positions, while a messenger from -the Emperor was conferring with the heralds and -overseers. Many were apprehensive he might forbid -the contest at the very instant the signal was -given.</p> -<p>The knights were ready at once for the onset. -The ground shook under the hoofs of the mighty -steeds, and there came a fearful crash. Both lances -struck the centres of the shields, but neither knight -moved in his saddle. With a jerk they turned their -horses around and rode back to their positions, -savagely glaring at each other. Their steeds snorted -as if excited by their masters’ fury and seemed to -know what was expected from them. Like two -mighty billows rushing together the knights met -the second time. The spectators eagerly watched -their every movement. It was a frightful collision: -first, a shock, then a crash like a thunderbolt tearing -its way through dry branches. Both lances were -shivered, the shields clashed together, and the horses -ran against each other.</p> -<p>The next instant the stumps of the lances were -flung away and the startled heralds and overseers -<span class="pb" id="Page_50">50</span> -sprang to one side. The broad, two-edged swords -flew from the scabbards, and blow rapidly followed -blow. The horses themselves seemed to know they -were engaged in a life and death struggle, and instantly -obeyed the slightest signal of their riders. -The contest between the evenly matched combatants -lasted several minutes, as neither left himself -exposed at any point or made any mistake in his -sword play. Nor did their thirst for revenge affect -their presence of mind or their caution. Blows fell -with the rapidity of lightning and were as rapidly -warded off. It seemed as if the contest would never -end; but suddenly one of them dealt the other’s -horse a mighty blow which clove its head and killed -the brave beast. In a trice its rider was on his feet, -the other knight dismounted, and the fight was renewed -on foot. Their shields had already crashed -together and their swords were clashing with such -force that the sparks flew, when the overseers advanced -at the Emperor’s command, shouting, and -interposed their white staves as a signal that the -contest must cease. The knights heard the order -with ill-concealed indignation. They looked at -each other for a moment, breathing hatred and -revenge, but sheathed their swords before they were -stained with blood.</p> -<p>Amid loud applause for their bravery they reluctantly -left the arena and paid their homage to the -<span class="pb" id="Page_51">51</span> -Emperor. Their honorable recognition by the first -knight of his time and his mild conciliatory advice -to them exorcised the demon of hatred, and, once -more reconciled, the strong, brave men, who had -just been engaged in a death-struggle, embraced one -another.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_52">52</div> -<h2 id="c5"><span class="h2line1">Chapter V</span> -<br /><span class="h2line2">Life in the Castle</span></h2> -<p>After the battle at Legnano, the Emperor’s -old friend Conrad, who had almost -miraculously escaped every danger, returned -to Castle Felseck. Those were -sad days for him and his wife, for their two young -heroes had fallen in the first battle for the Emperor. -They did not complain, however, of their sorrowful -bereavement. Their children had been taken from -them in the very flower of their youth, but they -made no public show of grief. The Emperor’s -companion-in-arms, formerly so active and impetuous, -spent his time quietly in the desolate halls -of his castle, and consequently had more time to -look after the interests of his dependents than when -every tumult of war called him away from his -home. The fierce passion which used to flame in -his eyes in camp and on the battlefield gave place -to gentleness and compassion. His wife, always a -mother to every one of their dependents, a nurse -for the sick, a consoler for the sorrowing, was now -doubly eager to serve them; for that bitter grief -which only a mother can feel made her all the more -sympathetic. Every day she went down the steep -road from the castle to those lowly abodes where -care and sorrow were usually the only guests. Her -servants went with her, carrying food for the hungry -and delicacies for the sick and infirm. She provided -clothes for the needy, made by her own hands in -her solitary hours. The two found their highest -consolation in dispensing aid and happiness to all -around them, for “it is more blessed to give than to -receive.” The tears of gratitude and the hearty -“God bless you,” from those they assisted, richly -repaid them. God, indeed, beheld their acts of -mercy. He, who is all goodness and love, was so -pleased as they untiringly carried out His precepts -and imitated His example, that He filled their hearts -with the highest happiness. A few years after their -bereavement He sent them two little sons, faithful -likenesses of those they had lost. The first-born -brothers lived again in them, and soon the traces of -grief disappeared from Conrad’s brow as the lovely -little ones embraced him, pulled his beard in childish -wantonness, or ran their chubby little hands -through his blond hair. Sometimes he would toss -them upon his knees, after they had clambered up -with a boisterousness that seemed like misbehavior, -but was only their clumsy way of showing their -affection. As soon as they were old enough it -was their chief delight to play in the sunshine -the livelong day, to frolic in the castle yard and -the garden, to catch the brilliant butterflies, and -pluck lovely flowers for welcome gifts to their -mother. It was their delight also to visit the stalls -where their father’s battle horses were now resting -undisturbed, mount his favorite steed, and imitate -<span class="pb" id="Page_54">54</span> -his exploits with the help of the groom.</p> -<p>During these years the castle grew more cheerful. -Stranger knights often arrived and met with a hospitable -welcome. Indeed, it had never been refused, -but because of the family’s trouble, they had rarely -visited the knight. More and more frequently also -his old friends—for he had no enemies near him—came -to see him. Every one felt the highest -esteem for this brave man who had all the knightly -virtues. It was only those barbarous marauders who -could not endure goodness, lofty purpose, and just -conduct, whose strength was never used in defence -of innocence but always for oppression and plunder, -who shunned Felseck. As Conrad once more -assumed the responsibilities of life he did not overlook -the welfare of his dependents. His simple -manner of life enabled him to fill his treasury with -his savings, and he used them to help those who -had been unfortunate and who could not meet their -taxes or other obligations.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_55">55</div> -<p>Conrad also looked strictly after the education of -his boys. The mother sowed the seeds of virtue in -their tender hearts, and awoke their reverence for -God in their earliest youth. When they admired -the beauty and diversity of the flowers, and the -lovely hues of the butterflies, and questioned her -with eager words about them, she told them of the -creative power and the wisdom and goodness of -the Almighty; of His care for all His creatures; of -His boundless love for them, and of His delight in -their welfare. She told them that the bright stars, -upon which they gazed so wonderingly, and the -happy life of the animals revealed His glory and -His care, and that the birds always praised Him in -their songs. In this manner she aroused in their souls -the sense of divine power and goodness.</p> -<p>Their father sought to cultivate their minds and -impress them with the importance of the duties of -<span class="pb" id="Page_56">56</span> -life. He enriched their knowledge of nature. He -explained to them what the relations of one human -being to another should be, and told them that -every one has his duties as well as his rights, and -that while they had duties toward the animals, their -highest and most sacred duties were to their fellow-men. -He did not teach them to treat their inferiors -as if they were hardly human—much less as barely -deserving a share of the abundant mercies of the -Almighty—but as divinely created and intended to -rise to higher things. He taught them in the true -Christian sense that all men are brothers—all children -of God, the one Father, and that if He did not -suffer all to have an equal share in His beneficence, -if it happened that one had more than another, -still each had what was necessary to his real happiness. -He told them that even where one had more, -it was often the cause of bitter sorrow to him, from -which the one having less was spared. Thus there -was compensation for all. He impressed it upon -them also that it was wrong for men to make this -disparity, which God permitted, still greater by -robbery, force, or oppression, and that they should -seek to equalize it so that the suffering caused by -life’s various misfortunes should be reduced as much -as possible.</p> -<p>“We need each other in this world,” said he one -<span class="pb" id="Page_57">57</span> -day to them; “and the poor, who have few desires, -often need the rich less than the rich need them. -What might happen to us if a powerful stranger -knight should attack our castle and we were here -alone? He would scale the walls with little exertion; -he would murder, plunder, and burn until -nothing was left. But suppose he should attempt -it now! At one blast of the warder’s horn my good -servitors, whom I have protected when they were -in trouble, would rush to our defence, drive off -the assailants and send them home with broken -heads. So it is all over the world. One is servant -to the other, from the lowest menial to the Emperor, -the first and highest person in the Empire. He -cares alike for all, banishes all disturbers of the -peace, decides justly, and makes laws which all must -obey if they wish to be happy. Whoever disturbs -this order or violates the laws richly deserves -punishment, for he is thereby destroying the happiness -of others. Oh, if you had only been with me -in that far-off land where force is the only law, -where one obeys the will of one master to-day and -of another to-morrow, you would have seen how -miserable people can be, and have thanked God -that you live in a land where all obey fixed laws, and -where every one knows what he must do and what -is expected of him. Even the Emperor himself -cannot act entirely alone. He needs the help of -others. He who would be a true knight must be -ever mindful of his calling,—must protect innocence, -resist enemies, and courageously maintain -justice and support the law. Above all, he must -keep untarnished the shield and escutcheon inherited -from his ancestors, whose portraits upon the -castle walls look down upon him and his deeds and -judge him. By their self-sacrifice and faithful performance -of duty they earned what all enjoy, and it -would be criminally ungrateful were we to forsake -the path of virtue they followed.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_58">58</div> -<p>Such counsels as these still more deeply impressed -the boys because the living examples of their truth -were ever before them. They saw their father impartially -awarding justice, protecting innocence, and -rescuing the oppressed. When they gladly went -with their mother to the homes of the needy and the -abodes of the sick, and consoled them and distributed -material comfort, the lessons of love and compassion -were indelibly impressed upon their hearts.</p> -<p>With like eagerness and faithfulness they devoted -themselves to exercises for the strengthening of the -body, for their father once said to them: “He who -would do good must not merely know how to do it -but also be able. While one should love peace, he -should also be ready for war, for not every one is -peaceful.” The boys devoted themselves with the -utmost zeal to the use of arms and practised a certain -number of hours a day under their father’s or -some trusted attendant’s supervision. They ran, -exercised on the bars, stretched their limbs, and -strengthened themselves by severe tests. They -travelled the woods in light clothing, paying no -heed to storms, or winds, or the heat of the sun. -They cooled themselves in a forest brook, hardened -themselves for the fatiguing exercise of the day, -and returned home refreshed and invigorated. Then -they practised hurling the light javelin at a mark, -until they could use the heavy spear without straining -themselves. They wielded the battle-axe, mace, -club, and broadsword, as if they were giving the -finishing blow to an adversary on the field. How -delighted they were when they were allowed to -mount the war-horse and practise the actual manœuvres -of battle! They were strong and agile, hardened -against the effects of weather, capable of great -endurance, afraid of no dangers, strong in body and -soul, and qualified for the performance of knightly -<span class="pb" id="Page_59">59</span> -duty.</p> -<p>During this peaceful period, which lasted several -years, there was little opportunity to practise their -attainments except in the pleasant but sometimes -perilous chase, but soon knight Conrad’s weapons -were taken from the armory and the castle resounded -to the tramp of armed men. Fate ordained -that the old knight Barbarossa, who had spent -nearly his whole life on the battlefield, should not -die peacefully at home. From that far-distant Eastern -land where in youth he and Conrad had fought -for the Holy Sepulchre, suddenly came the evil tidings -that Jerusalem, which had been in Christian -possession eighty-eight years, had again been taken -by the Sultan Saladin.<a class="fn" id="fr_16" href="#fn_16">[16]</a> -Of all the conquests, which -had cost so many lives, only Antioch and Tyre remained -to the Christians. The Crescent was victorious -everywhere, and persecutions were renewed, as -in the period before Godfrey of Bouillon had rescued -<span class="pb" id="Page_60">60</span> -the country.</p> -<p>The complications between the Pope and the -Emperor were settled at once. Frederick’s old -heroic spirit was aroused, and he looked forward to -an expedition to the Holy Land as a fitting close -to his life’s work. At an assembly of princes held -at Mayence a crusade was decided upon.</p> -<p>How could Conrad help joining it? Was he not -the Emperor’s brother-in-arms? Had they not -once, amid disasters of every kind, sworn to fight -together and to help each other to the last -breath? Could he remain behind and rest at ease, -while the Emperor, who was no younger than -he, was in the field? No! To have stayed at -home would have been a stain upon his escutcheon. -He went with a force to Regensburg, the rendezvous -of the Crusaders, and by his side rode his two -stalwart sons, barely twelve and thirteen years of -age, but, notwithstanding their youth, exultant and -eager to face any danger.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_61">61</div> -<h2 id="c6"><span class="h2line1">Chapter VI</span> -<br /><span class="h2line2">The Third Crusade</span></h2> -<p>It will be remembered that the second Crusade, -under Conrad III, was disastrous to the Christians -in the Holy Land. The discords which -everywhere prevailed and the wranglings and -jealousies of Templars and Knights of Saint John -were not unwelcome to the Turks. There appeared -among the latter about that time the mighty -hero, Saladin, of Kurdish origin.</p> -<p>He was sent with an army by the vizier Noureddin -<span class="pb" id="Page_62">62</span> -to Egypt, where he achieved such success as a -leader that he made his preparations to dispute the -sovereignty of that country with his master, but the -latter’s sudden death rendered his plans unnecessary. -He became Sultan of Egypt and ruler of the whole -country from Cairo to Aleppo, so that his possessions -inclosed the kingdom of Jerusalem in a half circle. -Such an enemy would have been dangerous to a -much stronger city, and was all the more dangerous -to the weak kingdom of Jerusalem because it could -not rely upon concert of action for its defence. Individual -leaders contended with their powerful enemy -and performed deeds of heroism worthy to be compared -with those of the first Crusade, but they were -to no purpose. These warriors were glad when a -truce was made, but they neglected during its continuance -to prepare for the inevitable conflict. -They even went so far as to provoke the enemy. -Rainald of Chatillon, a Christian Knight, committed -an audaciously violent act by robbing the Sultan’s -mother of her treasures while she was travelling -through the Christians’ possessions, and by killing -her attendants; in revenge for which Saladin attacked -him. The Christian army was routed in a -single battle at Tiberias. Guy de Lusignan, King of -Jerusalem<a class="fn" id="fr_17" href="#fn_17">[17]</a> and Grand Master of the Temple, and -most of the knights were made prisoners, and the -whole country fell into the hands of the Sultan. -The crosses were torn from Christian churches; -the emblems and vessels used in Christian service -were carried away, and Moslems assembled for -prayer in the Temple of Solomon.</p> -<p>The appeals of the Christians were heard in the -<span class="pb" id="Page_63">63</span> -West, and grew in intensity as the deeds of the -Turks increased in cruelty. And yet it was Saladin’s -purpose to avoid carnage. His severest -demand was that each man should pay ten gold -pieces, each woman five, and each child one, for -ransom. Forty days were allowed for payment, -and when the time expired he magnanimously released -two thousand Christians who could not procure -the money, as well as all the prisoners; and -besides this he divided nearly twenty thousand -gold pieces among the enemy’s poor and sick.</p> -<p>Notwithstanding such generosity, the old war -spirit was aroused in Europe, as already related. -Crusaders flocked from all sides to the army which -the Emperor was organizing. Every possible precaution -was taken to prevent another disaster. To -rid the army of the rabble which had followed it -before, and which had hindered and annoyed it -and plundered at every opportunity, the Emperor -ordered that no one should accompany it who could -not show at least three silver marks. He also concluded -agreements with Kilidj Arslan, Sultan of -Iconium,<a class="fn" id="fr_18" href="#fn_18">[18]</a> -King Bela of Hungary,<a class="fn" id="fr_19" href="#fn_19">[19]</a> and Isaac Angelus,<a class="fn" id="fr_20" href="#fn_20">[20]</a> -the Emperor of Greece, and received their -assurances of help.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_64">64</div> -<p>Frederick’s greatest anxiety was that peace and -quiet should prevail in the Empire during his -absence. To secure this he destroyed many more -of the robber barons’ castles while on the march, -and issued an order that no one should begin hostile -operations without giving three days’ notice. Henry -the Lion was banished three years longer and submitted -to the penalty.</p> -<p>The expedition set out in imposing array for -Regensburg,<a class="fn" id="fr_21" href="#fn_21">[21]</a> -April 23, 1189, the festival of Saint -George. Whitsuntide was celebrated at Presburg<a class="fn" id="fr_22" href="#fn_22">[22]</a> -and in front of Gran<a class="fn" id="fr_23" href="#fn_23">[23]</a> the army awaited the arrival -of the Hungarian King with his brilliant following. -The Emperor reviewed his army before the city of -Belgrade on the Hungarian frontier, and found he -had about fifty thousand knights and an equal number -of warriors of lower grades. Encouraged anew -by fortune, which thus far had been so favorable, and -relying upon the great strength of his army, Frederick -prepared to lead his pilgrims to the Holy -Land, confident that he would wrest it from the infidels -this time and permanently restore it to the -Christians.</p> -<p>We behold the Emperor Frederick seated in his -tent in camp at Belgrade, with the most famous of -<span class="pb" id="Page_65">65</span> -his princes and those leaders of his army who were -in his closest confidence. Among them is Conrad -of Feuchtwangen, whose sons Raymond and Conrad -are standing at a respectful distance, awaiting -the Emperor’s orders. Owing to the Emperor’s -affection for their father they have had the good -fortune to be selected as his pages. After earnestly -discussing the objects of the expedition and the best -means of securing them, they begin to talk of the -assistance they might expect from their allies.</p> -<p>“Let us wait,” said the Emperor, “until our -messengers return, and we learn what Isaac proposes -to do.”</p> -<p>“Do you not fear, your Majesty, that he will -violate his word?” asked the Bishop of Mayence.</p> -<p>“What has happened once, or a thousand times, -of course may happen now. But it seems to me -our messengers will know definitely when they -return.”</p> -<p>“We shall know for certain if they bring no message -of peace.”</p> -<p>“In that case they would hurry back, I think, -for that would clearly be their duty. I suspect the -Greeks will prove faithless.”</p> -<p>“It is almost certain,” said the Bishop of Passau. -“Greeks cannot keep faith.”</p> -<p>“It is not yet absolutely certain,” replied the -Emperor, “and we must do nothing rashly. Still, I -<span class="pb" id="Page_66">66</span> -confess I am not over hopeful, for, alas, too often has -the hatred between the members of the two Churches -manifested itself and brought harm to both.”</p> -<p>“Then let us attack at once,” cried the young -Duke of Swabia, Frederick’s second son. “Let us -fall upon them like a thunderbolt out of the clear -sky, before they can make their preparations to help -the Turks.”</p> -<p>“Gently, my dear son,” said the Emperor. -“You are carried away by excitement. We can do -nothing until we have actual proof of their perfidy. -Your ungovernable zeal would make an enemy of -our ally if he were not one already.”</p> -<p>“He is our enemy,” replied the Duke of Swabia. -“My messenger who is at hand will tell you so. -Tired of the long delay, I despatched an alert and -trusty friend to get some news of your messengers. -His speedy return proves that my assertion is -correct.”</p> -<p>All present turned their eyes to the door of the -tent and saw a rider in light armor dismounting -from his panting steed. Coming into the tent, he -announced:</p> -<p>“Isaac is faithless. Our messengers are chained -in dungeons because the Emperor fears you are -coming to take his empire from him. There is a -multitude of his troops in the distance, who have -followed me.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_67">67</div> -<p>“His treachery is beyond all doubt,” exclaimed -several of the princes.</p> -<p>“Let us act accordingly,” said the Emperor, with -great seriousness. “As we have not been notified -of the dissolution of the alliance, we will go to Constantinople -and settle matters. So long as the -people do not manifest open hostility to us we will -treat them as friends, but at the same time keep in -readiness to protect ourselves if we be attacked.”</p> -<p>“Let me lead the vanguard,” implored the Duke -of Swabia.</p> -<p>“You are too young and hot-headed,” said the -Emperor. “There is double need for prudence -and discretion in this emergency. Conrad, my old -and tried friend, you shall lead. It will not be the -first time you have been through the country, and -you know the tricks which those people play at -times, while pretending to be friends. You are -cautious enough not to rush into unnecessary danger, -and yet brave enough to protect yourself -against any assault. Above all, I would fain not see -Christian arrayed against Christian; but if it must be -so, then we will clear the enemies of Christendom -from the way with our good swords.”</p> -<p>“I thank your Majesty,” replied Conrad, “for -<span class="pb" id="Page_68">68</span> -this unexpected honor, which I hardly ventured to -ask in the presence of so many noble princes, renowned -for their valor and good judgment. I will -ask but one favor. Allow my sons to go with -me.”</p> -<p>“It is granted. And now to our work.”</p> -<p>The council of war was ended. The vanguard -left at once, and the remainder of the army followed -at intervals.</p> -<p>Conrad’s belief in Isaac’s treachery was confirmed -at the very outset. He not only did not find the -new bridges which should have been built, but the -old ones had been purposely destroyed. The -mountain passes were obstructed, and hordes of -Bulgarians harassed the gallant little band on all -sides with poisoned arrows. Several stragglers -were killed, and one of the prisoners admitted that -they had been employed and paid by Isaac for this -shameful work.</p> -<p>Conrad at once changed his plans. He began -hostile operations, and informed the Emperor of -the condition of affairs. Philippopolis<a class="fn" id="fr_24" href="#fn_24">[24]</a> was found to -be without a garrison and almost depopulated, but -the Greek troops in its vicinity made no concealment -of their hostility. Frequent encounters took -place, in which the invaders were successful, and at -last Isaac was forced to submit and release the -messengers he had treacherously imprisoned; but -he still remained hostile. The patriarch of Constantinople, -indeed, stated in a sermon that any -one who killed a hundred Germans should have -<span class="pb" id="Page_69">69</span> -absolution for ten murders.</p> -<p>The Emperor was infuriated by this. He fell -upon the hypocritical knaves and scattered them in -wild flight. Adrianople<a class="fn" id="fr_25" href="#fn_25">[25]</a> was easily taken, and -Demotika<a class="fn" id="fr_26" href="#fn_26">[26]</a> surrendered to his son after the first -assault.</p> -<p>Conrad, who was continually at the front, had -the hardest tasks. The Greeks harassed him in -great numbers, but never ventured to meet his little -force, man to man. He and his Germans, who -never seemed to weary, performed prodigies of -valor, and his young sons had plenty of opportunity -to show their knightly prowess. Upon one occasion -they rushed to the defence of their father when he -was hard pressed, and at another they hurled themselves -upon the cowards and displayed the highest -type of knightly gallantry. Victory followed the -Crusaders everywhere. Isaac soon realized that -he was no match for his adversary, and that, while -the Greeks were very courageous when shooting -poisoned arrows at safe distances, they dared not -face German swords. He abandoned his policy -therefore, and a new agreement was made, for -Frederick was anxious not to waste his strength -and lose time. Isaac promised free passage and -the necessary supplies, as well as transportation for -the Crusaders over the Hellespont, and Frederick -agreed to maintain discipline, so that none of the -<span class="pb" id="Page_70">70</span> -country people should be harmed.</p> -<p>It is little wonder, however, that after so many -exhibitions of treachery the Crusaders had no confidence -in the renewed alliance, and took unusual -precautions. They rested after the day’s hard -exertions, partly mailed and with their weapons -close at hand. They did not think themselves any -too secure, even when surrounded by guards on all -sides. If two or three of the Crusaders discussed -any matter, they made sure that no Greeks were -near, and war councils were always held in the -most secret manner. The Emperor’s confidants -alone were acquainted with his plans. No one was -trusted whose faithfulness had not been proved. -This was not because there was any fear of traitors -in the German army, but because a thoughtless -person might let slip a word which would arouse -the malice or excite the cunning of the enemy.</p> -<p>Their stay among these faithless people was -<span class="pb" id="Page_71">71</span> -a hard trial to the honest, high-minded German -knights. It galled them to have to protect -themselves against an ally as if he were an open -enemy. If he only had been one or the other, -friend or foe, they would have been better pleased. -Hypocrisy was unknown wherever German speech -was heard. They would rather suffer from honesty -than profit from deceit in word or act.</p> -<p>The Greeks, on the contrary, were so thoroughly -degenerate that they were found now on the one -side, now on the other, as one or the other seemed -to offer them the greater profit. Boasting their -Christian orthodoxy, they persecuted with deadly -hatred and sought to exterminate all who differed -with them, so that they were as greatly detested in -western Europe as the Turks themselves. Indeed, -they were so blind as not to see that they were -precipitating their own ruin when they, too weak -by themselves to resist the enemy of Christendom, -were obstructing those who were coming to its -rescue.</p> -<p>It was impossible to convince either these unfortunate -people or their leaders of the fate impending -over them. For a long time already, indeed -for centuries, they had been controlled and held -together only by the absolute and rigorous sway -of their masters. They were not content even -with those mild and wise sovereigns who ruled by -law. Indeed, most of these as well as the tyrants -died violent deaths. Sons, urged on by intriguing -friends, would dethrone their fathers. Incarcerations -and cruel tortures were of common occurrence, -and, as so often happens in this world, the very -agency by which an undutiful son secured his -<span class="pb" id="Page_72">72</span> -elevation brought about his ruin.</p> -<p>How could any one keep faith in such a country? -Craft and dishonesty were the only protection from -harm. The person in authority was treacherously -flattered so long as it was of advantage; when he -could no longer subserve personal advantage he was -forsaken, and the faithless friend became the most -malignant of enemies. How could such a people, -false to each other, be honest with strangers?</p> -<p>Such were the reasons for the continual distrust -shown by the Germans, and their longing to leave -the country. As soon as all the preparations for -the crossing were completed they started for Asia, -hoping to find more regard for honesty among the -Turks, or at least to meet them as foes in the open -field. The crossing occupied six days, and was -made in Grecian vessels. Even at the last moment -the Greeks did everything to obstruct it, and it was -only the fear of force that restrained them from -violating their agreement and attacking the German -rear.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_73">73</div> -<h2 id="c7"><span class="h2line1">Chapter VII</span> -<br /><span class="h2line2">Conrad’s Victory in the Valley</span></h2> -<p>At last the Germans reached the sacred land -of Asia Minor. He who beholds it for -the first time cannot fail to admire the -surpassing beauty of the country. Winter, -instead of destroying its luxurious vegetation, -enriches the exceedingly fertile soil with refreshing -rains. The numerous mountain ranges, which traverse -that region in all directions, covered with majestic -forests, present ever-changing spectacles of -beauty. Blooming valleys stretch between them -abundantly watered by clear and sparkling brooks. -Groves of beautiful fruit-trees cover them in some -places, and in others olive-trees delight the eye with -their dark green foliage. Unusually large and brilliant -poppies grow there and the cotton and corn -fields yield abundant harvests. Between its numerous -cities are pretty villages, which add to the natural -beauty of the country. The stranger is impressed -by the thought that life must be very enjoyable -there; but those acquainted with the history of the -people, while admiring all this beauty, only mourn -that men should give way to their evil passions and -change this paradise into a place of wretchedness and -<span class="pb" id="Page_74">74</span> -suffering.</p> -<p>“This blessed land,” said the Emperor Frederick, -who was well versed in history, “has had stranger -and more varied experiences than almost any other -country on earth. Here once stood mighty Troy, -which excelled its neighbor, Greece, in learning and -the arts, until the folly of a prince’s son led the -outraged Greeks to destroy it. Centuries later, there -were many peoples here—among them the Mysians, -Carians, Lycians, Paphlagonians, Bithynians, and -Lydians,—the last the most powerful of all, and -to whom all the rest were tributary, and whose king -was the richest person on earth.<a class="fn" id="fr_27" href="#fn_27">[27]</a> But, happy? -No! His wealth tempted Cyrus to invade the -country, and its effeminate people were powerless to -resist him. But Cyrus did not long enjoy his plunder; -nor did Alexander, at a later period. After -the latter’s time, the country was split up into petty -kingdoms, which fell into the hands of the Romans, -one after another being subjugated more or less -easily, as the King and people were cowardly or -warlike. The innumerable ruins which everywhere -meet the eye are mute witnesses of the dreadful experiences -of this land. Those wretched hovels cover -the spot where once stood famous Ephesus with its -splendid temple of Diana. The ancient Nicomedia,<a class="fn" id="fr_28" href="#fn_28">[28]</a> -residence of Roman emperors after Diocletian’s -time, is to-day an insignificant place. Of many -<span class="pb" id="Page_75">75</span> -other famous places hardly a trace can now be found.</p> -<p>“Where Christianity in its early stages enjoyed -its greatest prosperity, where the most famous and -the greatest of its communities lived and transformed -the land into a garden, the Turk now rules and -persecutes Christians with fierce hatred and sharp -swords, thanks to the cowardliness and faithlessness -of the Greek Emperor and his people.”</p> -<p>The sad story of desolation which the Emperor -<span class="pb" id="Page_76">76</span> -briefly outlined to his listeners made a sorrowful -impression upon them, but it also awakened the -sense of duty in their brave souls; and a feeling of -gratitude that they were called upon to rescue and -redeem this land filled the hearts of the brave champions -of the Cross. They even hoped that the Sultan -of Iconium, as the country was then called, would -prove faithless, like Isaac, for then they could act -regardless of him, and victory would be assured. -This singular wish, which was natural enough at -that time, when knights were ever eager to encounter -new dangers, was soon gratified. Kilidj Arslan -proved as faithless as Isaac.</p> -<p>Conrad of Feuchtwangen, leader of the vanguard, -encountered Turkish troops at the very outset. As -soon as he entered the mountain region he was harassed -on all sides by swift, alert horsemen. Every -grove and hill concealed them. As the Germans -approached they dashed out, brandishing their scymitars -or shooting arrows at them. Strong bands -suddenly attacked them in ravines and narrow passes, -and when the Germans attempted to resist in regular -battle order, they disappeared like the wind in -all directions. It was impossible for the heavily -mailed knights to follow them or to force them to -make a stand. Although the attacks were not very -disastrous, as the scymitars made no impression upon -the mail and arrows glanced off from it, yet stragglers -fell easy victims to the Turks. Many were suddenly -killed, and there was no one near to avenge -them. Under such circumstances the stoutest grew -uneasy, even though there were no actual hand-to-hand -encounters. There was no time to rest, for -the enemy was active both day and night. Subsistence -began to fail, and hunger and thirst, the -Turks’ best allies, threatened to claim the Crusaders -<span class="pb" id="Page_77">77</span> -for their victims.</p> -<p>Thus matters continued day after day, and each -morning brought more enemies, weakened their own -numbers, and increased the need of subsistence. -The Turks destroyed everything they could not -take with them, and filled up or polluted the wells. -The scanty supplies furnished by the Greeks were -insufficient for the main army, and nothing reached -the vanguard from that source.</p> -<p>It was hard to believe these were the same Crusaders -who presented such a brilliant spectacle in -camp at Belgrade. Wan and worn they sat upon -their emaciated steeds, which dragged themselves -forward like farm horses. The hopelessness of the -situation was depicted upon every face. Their once -glittering arms were stained and rusted from lack of -care, for all their leisure was spent in searching for -roots and herbs to satisfy the cravings of hunger. -Thousands succumbed to their hardships, but the -German knights made no complaint. The influence -of their training was apparent. Accustomed -from boyhood to strenuous exertions they rendered -splendid service on this expedition.</p> -<p>From a lofty mountain ridge Conrad surveyed his -<span class="pb" id="Page_78">78</span> -little band. Hardships troubled him little; but -when he looked upon his sons, who had been so -full of hope, whose robust health was impaired, -and whose rosy cheeks were now pale, it nearly -broke his heart. When they noticed the tears in -his eyes and inquired the cause, he regained composure -by a strong effort, to show them they must -still keep up courage.</p> -<p>Indeed, there was little time for brooding over -misfortunes, as the Turks were assailing them on -all sides. There lay the beautiful valley flooded -with sunshine, far as the eye could reach. The -fields were luxuriant with verdure, and a plashing -brook sparkled in the sunlight. They beheld an -abundance which they could not enjoy. Suddenly -the Turks rushed up the slope like sand driven -before the wind. Fear seized the knights, but they -summoned up courage and resolved either to conquer -or die. If they could only gain a half-hour in -which to appease the pangs of hunger and quench -their thirst with the cool waters of the brook, they -would die, if they must, or they would fight with -renewed strength, even though the legions of hell -were on the enemy’s side.</p> -<p>They prepared to meet the attack without command -<span class="pb" id="Page_79">79</span> -or the need of encouragement from their -leader. They raised their shields with tired hands, -grasped their lances, and stood in orderly array, -awaiting the onset. The Turks delayed, but their -desperate purpose did not escape the experienced -eyes of the knights; their numbers continually -increased and still the attack was delayed. The -knights grew impatient, but at a sudden signal from -Conrad the entire band swept down the slope like -the whirlwind. The front ranks of the enemy were -shattered and gave way. Steeds and their riders -were piled in heaps. Nothing could withstand the -Germans. They dashed into the thickest of the -fight, unmindful of dead or dying, and exchanging -their lances for the terrible battle-axe, they rained -blows upon the Turks, death following every stroke. -It was a terrible harvest of death in that small area. -The Turks were appalled by the sudden attack. -They now recognized their own danger, and advanced -upon the Christians with all the bravery of -their race, and the skill and adroitness of their -methods of fighting. The storm of arrows, which -struck upon the knights’ mail, unceasingly but uselessly, -was discontinued, for it injured more friends -than enemies. They engaged their foes man to -man, with their sharp scymitars, and tried to perforate -the grooves of the mail; but the Christians -still had the advantage, for they mowed them down -with swords and war-clubs before the Turks could -make use of their shorter weapons. Still the latter -swarmed about the little band like ants.</p> -<p>With the swiftness of the tiger they would leap -<span class="pb" id="Page_80">80</span> -upon their enemies, cling to them and seek to pierce -the mail where it was weakest; but with equal swiftness -the Christians drew their daggers and used them -with dreadful effectiveness. Hundreds of the enemy -were killed; others, badly wounded, sought safety -in flight, and riderless steeds were rushing about the -mountain side in numbers, and yet there seemed to -be no decrease in the numbers of the enemy.</p> -<p>Resting for a moment, Conrad anxiously scanned -his little band. He was solicitous for the safety of -his sons, who, because of their light armor, were -more exposed than the knights. He saw them in -the very thick of the fight, in turns attacking the -enemy and protecting each other. A number of -fallen Turks showed that the boys were doing their -duty. Conrad noticed that Raymond was mounted -on a magnificent Arab courser and that, while he -was in great danger, he was making a successful -fight. A gleam of satisfaction lit up his face, but -it was only temporary, for almost in an instant it -changed to deadly apprehension.</p> -<p>A Turk, noticing his apparent forgetfulness of -the battle, rushed swiftly at him, seized him in his -powerful arms, and held him as in a vice. Pressing -his heels against the horse’s flanks, he sought to -drag Conrad off, in hopes he would be trampled -under the animal’s hoofs. But Conrad sat as immovably -as if rider and steed were one, trying to -use his dagger, for his arms were pinioned. His -enemy could easily have killed him with his own -weapons, but he sought to dispose of him in another -way. Slightly unloosing his hold the Turk tried to -drag him aside, so that he might hurl him into an -abyss; but, notwithstanding all his exertions, he -could not accomplish it. Though old and well-nigh -exhausted, Conrad had sufficient presence of mind -<span class="pb" id="Page_81">81</span> -to improve every advantage and to save his strength.</p> -<p>The Turk now had to consider the danger to -which he himself was exposed in bringing the struggle -to a close. His cries attracted the attention of -the knights. Warding off blows on every hand, -a young Christian champion made his way through -the enemy, dashing over the fallen at the imminent -risk of his life. A skilfully directed blow severed -one of the Turk’s arms, and a second stretched -him upon the earth, howling with pain and rage. -It was Conrad’s eldest son, whose heroic act had -saved his father’s life. They exchanged grateful -looks of satisfaction, and then side by side engaged -the foe.</p> -<p>The Turks soon realized the hopelessness of their -<span class="pb" id="Page_82">82</span> -efforts. Half of them lay dead or wounded, and -the other half were exhausted with their efforts to -make some impression upon the knights’ mail, -while the Christians still confronted them with unimpaired -strength. Soon German reinforcements -were seen approaching, which inspired hopes of victory. -The Turks were still making a furious fight, -when a sudden shrill cry from their leader changed -the aspect of the situation. The Turks instantly -disengaged themselves from the enemy, and wheeling -their swift steeds about, rushed down the mountain -side, and quickly disappeared. The Christians -watched them as if dazed. It was like waking from -a dreadful dream. They could hardly trust their -senses or believe their leader when he told them the -battle was over and the enemy had fled; but when he -pointed to the other side of the valley and they saw -the riders vanishing away like ghosts, they were -convinced of their glorious victory.</p> -<p>Their first act was one of thanksgiving to God. -Then they hurried to the valley as rapidly as they -could to seek refreshment. Their tired steeds could -hardly make their way, and many a knight dismounted -and led his horse by the bridle, choosing -rather to suffer himself a little longer than forsake -his battle-companion.</p> -<p>The little band exulted when they reached the -valley. The refreshing water strengthened man -and beast. The fruits of that genial climate satisfied -hunger, and the luxuriant grass was enjoyed by -the exhausted animals. Conrad advised them to -exercise wise moderation, for he knew from experience -that over-indulgence after severe exertion -was injurious and might have dangerous results in -that climate.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_83">83</div> -<p>The eventful day at last drew to a close, and all -felt invigorated by food and drink. Cooling baths -had revived their strength, and after a few hours of -sleep they hoped to be able to withstand anything -the next day. They now made their arrangements -for rest. A comfortable spot in an olive grove -where they could easily protect themselves was -picked out and sentinels were stationed. Conrad, -however, was very anxious.</p> -<p>“We are safe here for the time,” said he, “but the -enemy will again appear with reinforcements to -drive us from this blessed valley, for they well know -that its abundant product is our only salvation. -We are too weak to hold it for ourselves and our -approaching comrades, who are now suffering from -hunger and thirst, while we are relieved.”</p> -<p>“They ought to hurry forward as fast as their -strength will allow,” said one.</p> -<p>“A messenger should be despatched to inform -the Emperor.”</p> -<p>“But whom can we afford to send? Whom -would you deprive of this night’s needed rest and -send into danger?” said Conrad.</p> -<p>The knight made no reply.</p> -<p>“Send me, dear father,” implored Raymond. -“I am not so weary that I cannot make the -effort.”</p> -<p>“Do not send the boy! The errand is more -<span class="pb" id="Page_84">84</span> -dangerous than he imagines. If no one else will -go, I will,” said the former speaker.</p> -<p>“Oh, no, no!” said Raymond. “I am no -longer a boy. I can take care of myself. Spare -your tired bones, for you are no longer the youngest, -and my strength is sufficient.”</p> -<p>“I do not dispute that. Who could, after seeing -the many deeds you have performed?”</p> -<p>“Then assign me to the duty.”</p> -<p>“It is all the more dangerous because of the -strength required. Even if you had a giant’s -strength it might be of no avail. You must remember -that the enemy are swarming about us on all -sides. They are hovering between us and the army, -like birds of prey, seeking to swoop down upon -their victims. Foresight and skill, cunning and -shrewdness, alone can avail, and only one whose -steed can equal the speed of their horses may hope -to escape unharmed.”</p> -<p>“That I can do better than any of the rest of -you,” said Raymond. “You are not aware that I -have captured a Turkish horse, one of those incomparable -coursers. Having lighter armor than the -rest of you, I can surely go without danger.”</p> -<p>“That is fortunate. It almost seems as if the -<span class="pb" id="Page_85">85</span> -Divine Hand were pointing the way to the accomplishment -of our wishes,” said Conrad. “I have -no objection, and assign you to this difficult task. -But be wary and alert. Delay not a moment. Let -not weariness overcome you, and be not deceived -by the quiet around you. It is only the noble lion -who openly seeks his prey; the bloodthirsty tiger -lies in wait for the approach of its unsuspecting -victim. So it is with our enemies. When you -reach the camp, hasten to the Emperor’s tent, and -if you have to rouse him from sleep, do so, and -urge haste upon him and the army. If that is of no -avail, then tell them of this valley. Tell them they -will find an end to their privations here and they -will long for wings to fly hither. Now depart with -God’s blessing, and may He go with you.”</p> -<p>A hearty embrace followed these words. The -boy went out, mounted his horse, and flew across -the valley like the wind. The last rays of the setting -sun gilded the mountain tops, and those in the -valley saw the young hero riding as if in a blaze of -golden glory, and waving his hand to them in greeting, -as he disappeared behind the heights. The -little band were soon sleeping, all save the sentinels, -who noiselessly paced their rounds, listening and -watching for any suspicious sound or object.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_86">86</div> -<h2 id="c8"><span class="h2line1">Chapter VIII</span> -<br /><span class="h2line2">Raymond’s Heroic Ride</span></h2> -<p>Our young hero rode with a stout heart. -His steed showed itself a worthy representative -of the splendid Arab breed. -The waves of a gently flowing stream -could not have borne him more easily. His horse’s -hoofs hardly disturbed the soil. It glided with -the swiftness of the wind or the swallow, rather -than ran, and was so perfectly trained that it obeyed -the slightest touch upon its shoulder or pull upon -the bridle. It never needed the spur and yet the -rider, as the noble animal sped along with flying -mane and distended nostrils, making the sparks and -gravel fly, knew that it could make still greater -speed, should that be necessary.</p> -<p>Raymond rode at this speed for nearly an hour. -The night was very dark and so still that only the -echoes of his horse’s hoof-beats were heard among the -neighboring hills as he flew at a swift trot through -the ravines and passes. At times he heard the cry -of the hungry jackals in the dense forest, but no -other sounds reached his ears.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_87">87</div> -<p>Thus in the silent solitude of the forest, far from -friends but perhaps close to lurking enemies, our -hero said good-bye to his youthful days almost before -he had entered upon them, and boldly took up -the work of manhood. He knew nothing of that -silly fear which arises from the imagination. However -or wherever he might encounter an enemy, he -determined to show his knighthood if that enemy -met him manfully. The possibility of defeat never -occurred to him. He felt himself under divine protection. -He believed, as his comrades did, that -this war against the Turks was well-pleasing to God, -and that all engaged in it were under His special -protection, for had not God been with them thus far -in all their troubles? Had He not already guided -Conrad well-nigh to the accomplishment of his purpose? -Since the honor of bringing that purpose -to completion had been assigned to him, surely God -would guide him also and bring him to success.</p> -<p>With such uplifting thoughts his soul was filled -<span class="pb" id="Page_88">88</span> -as he rode rapidly on, watching carefully all about -him lest he should be surprised by some unseen -danger. His road now lay between two walls of -rock, which loudly echoed the clatter of his horse’s -hoofs. The stony ground made the slightest sound -audible. It was one of those spots which the Turks -had defended so obstinately and which the Christians -had taken in their recent gallant attack. While -thinking of the possibility that the enemy might be -lying in wait upon the mountain sides, if not for him -then for the army, and that the outlet of the pass -might be blocked, a slight tremor, but not of fear, -seized him as he heard a sharp whiz through the air -and a sudden blow upon his armor, which he at once -knew was caused by an arrow. Like a flash he -touched his steed’s flank. The Arab bounded, gave -a loud snort, and then flew like the storm-wind. -Stooping a little in his saddle, Raymond glanced up -the heights. He thought he saw dark figures gliding -about who had delayed attacking him in their uncertainty -whether he was friend or foe.</p> -<p>There was a great difference between the hoof-beats -of the Arab and those of the Crusaders’ horses. -Misled by this and by their inability to see distinctly -in the thick darkness, the Turks lost an easy victim. -But Raymond was not yet out of danger. He -heard individual calls, which the echoes repeated -over and over again. It was clear they came from -outposts warning those in the distance of his approach. -He still further increased his speed, for delay now -was dangerous, thinking that by swifter flight he -might reach the end of the pass before the Turks -could oppose him in force. While he was still -some distance from it, the moon rose and shed its -faint lustre upon the mountain sides, making his -enemies look like ghosts. As he urged his horse -to its utmost speed, that he might not be an easy -mark, the ravine was suddenly illuminated with -moonlight, and directly ahead of him a faint streak -of light appeared. It was the outlet of the pass and -beyond it the open country was flooded with the radiance -of the moon. With thankful heart he looked -up to heaven, gently patted his noble horse, which, -seeming to understand the meaning of his caresses, -shook its mane, tossed its head, and bounded along -<span class="pb" id="Page_89">89</span> -exultantly.</p> -<p>Imagine Raymond’s feelings, however, when he -espied two dark figures at the outlet of the pass whom -he instantly recognized as Turkish horsemen. His -good lance was levelled at once, ready for a strong -thrust with his right hand, while his left held his -shield before his breast. He rushed upon them at -a furious gallop with the intention of running down -the one on the right, at the same time protecting -himself against the other with his shield. He had -hardly formed his plan when a skilfully aimed arrow -hit his shield and fell to the earth. His practised -eye saw that it came from the right side. All that -he had now to fear was the other enemy with his -keen scymitar. He must dispose of him before the -archer had time to place another arrow. In an -instant he was upon him, ran his lance into his -breast and threw him from his horse. The animal -struggled and pranced about so furiously that the -archer was confused and his arrow flew wide of its -mark. The prospect of victory encouraged our -young hero. Emboldened by the success of his -first onset, and expecting to be attacked at any -instant by the enemy in his rear, he swiftly turned, -levelled his lance, and rushed upon his enemy. -The Turk was ready for the attack, but as he had -no means of protecting himself against the thrust of -the lance, he dodged aside. The lance struck a tree -near by with such force that it was broken in two. -The Turk’s eyes glistened with fiendish delight like -those of a hyena. He swung his scymitar above -Raymond’s head with the intention of severing it at -a blow. The Turk’s dexterity with this weapon -made the situation extremely dangerous for our -friend. He seized his shattered lance, however, and -hurled it with such force that it averted the scymitar -from its course and knocked his enemy’s turban off. -The Turk was furious with rage, but Raymond was -cool. He drew his sword and like a flash smote the -Turk’s uncovered head. A dark stream of blood -gushed forth, and a muttered “Giaour”<a class="fn" id="fr_29" href="#fn_29">[29]</a> -escaped from his lips, as he fell from his steed dead.</p> -<p>Raymond now fully realized the danger of the -<span class="pb" id="Page_91">91</span> -position he had been in, and his victory seemed almost -miraculous. Alarmed by his experience and -dreading new dangers, he urged his horse to swifter -flight. Danger was more imminent on those broad -moonlit plains; for his enemies, who had been -swarming round him in the mountains, would certainly -betake themselves to the open country as a -more favorable spot for their operations and more -likely to result in his capture, as their horses were -fresh and well fed. The cowardly thought of avoiding -battle, however and whenever it might come, -never occurred to him; indeed, for an instant, he -was inclined to halt and face his pursuers. His -better judgment, however, told him this would be a -mistake, for in that case he might fail to accomplish -his purpose of reaching the army and delivering his -message. He reflected that the lives of thousands -hung upon his success, and among these thousands -was the noble Emperor and hero, the flower of -chivalry. So he still rushed on, for horse and rider -were unwearied. Two hours later they skirted a -dark forest, shadowed by a mountain range, the last -he would have to cross, for upon its other side were -the army’s outposts, and thence the road led straight -to the Emperor’s camp. The road here was not -so rough as that where he had made such a fortunate -escape. It wound through gently rolling foothills, -and was seldom stony, the most of it being -covered with a soft, springy turf, upon which his -horse’s hoofs made but little noise. While his -progress was easier and swifter, still it was to be -taken into account that horsemen could approach -him on every side and that his pursuers had no -<span class="pb" id="Page_92">92</span> -obstacles in their way.</p> -<p>The nature of the locality made it more difficult -to find the way in some places than it was in the -mountain region, where the wild torrents which -dashed from the rocks in the rainy season left dry -beds which could be used as pathways. The dense -foliage of the trees also hardly allowed the moonlight -to penetrate it, and more than once Raymond was -in doubt whether he was on the right road. He -tried other directions several times but this invariably -made his horse restless and ungovernable. At -last he decided to let it take its own way, for he -was well aware that the horse is often the surest -guide. The noble animal must have travelled that -way many times while he himself was going over it -for the first time, and besides this he had but little -time to study his way. Stroking his horse, who -had already become very dear to him, as if to compensate -him for the injustice done to his sagacity, he -let him choose his own way. As it no longer -seemed necessary to make such great haste he rode -more quietly and found by the position of the -moon, which at times peeped through openings in -the trees, that he was now riding in the right direction -to reach the end of his journey.</p> -<div class="img" id="pic2"> -<img src="images/p02.jpg" alt="" width="1000" height="738" /> -<p class="caption"><i>Raymond’s Ride</i></p> -</div> -<div class="pb" id="Page_93">93</div> -<p>As Raymond slowly climbed the heights and -grew calmer, he almost forgot all dangers, for he felt -he was near his friends and supposed that his -wearied enemies would not risk a near approach to -their still formidable opponents in the camp by -daylight. He actually imagined that he saw the -white tents of the Christians glistening in the moonlight, -where treeless vistas admitted an open view. -His heart leaped for joy as he reflected that he was -bringing consolation and encouragement to so many -thousands, and a tear stood in his eyes as he -thought of their suffering and fancied the joyful impression -his news would make. He pursued his -way almost carelessly. He was nearing the end of -his journey and gave little heed to his surroundings. -It is not singular, therefore, that he was -alarmed by a sudden noise. Looking back he saw -that he was followed. He thought that three -horsemen, riding furiously, were seeking to overtake -him, hoping to capture him by surprise rather -than by attack.</p> -<p>Raymond slackened his pace an instant to ascertain -<span class="pb" id="Page_94">94</span> -the real nature of his danger and the best -means of avoiding it. It was impossible for him -to make a successful resistance, for even should he -escape their arrows he must have a hand-to-hand -contest, one against three, and give up as soon as -he was surrounded by them. He was all the more -helpless against numbers as he had lost his lance -and had only his sword for protection. Flight was -his only alternative, and he felt sure that once out -of arrow-shot he would escape.</p> -<p>Throwing his shield across his back he urged his -horse to its greatest speed. It shot away like an -arrow. The hanging boughs of the trees often -brushed his face and he repeatedly crashed through -thickets of dense bushes, which snapped and broke. -It was like the magic wild hunt for the slender, -swift stag of the forest, so quiet were the hoof-beats. -Notwithstanding all the efforts of his noble steed -he gained no advantage over his pursuers. In an -incredibly short time they approached him at the -foot of the range. Raymond could see no trace of -the camp, not even a sentry. Had he been deceived -when he thought he saw the tents? Were -his friends still farther away than he had supposed? -What if his pursuers should be taking different -routes to head him off? Looking around with -hasty glance he noticed that only two were now -following him. He had been carefully instructed -by his father not to act upon guesswork but to -have a fixed course always in view for an emergency. -He decided to give battle only as a last -resort, but he was determined that two of them -should die before he lost his life. Saying to himself -<span class="pb" id="Page_95">95</span> -“With God’s help, I will win,” he rode on.</p> -<p>He soon realized that the distance between himself -and his pursuers was lessening. One of the -latter must have noticed it also, for he had taken -his bow and was holding an arrow in his right hand. -Raymond felt a terrible apprehension that he might -be killed almost at the goal he was striving to reach. -The road now turned a little to the left and caution -was still more necessary. An arrow grazed his -face. Had his horse made its last step an instant -sooner or an inch farther, he might have fallen and -been trampled upon. He had hardly time to realize this, -however, when a Turk with fiercely gleaming -eyes rode out of the thickets. Swinging his -scymitar he confronted Raymond, who met him -with his sword. The horses came together at such -furious speed that the Turk was thrown, and Raymond’s -steed came down upon his knees. He was -down for an instant only, for his rider helped him to -his feet with a stout pull and he at once dashed on, -while the Turk’s horse was panting and snorting, -evidently as much enraged as his master, who sent -curses after Raymond as he rode along exultantly.</p> -<p>Suddenly a halberdier confronted him. His -<span class="pb" id="Page_96">96</span> -horse stopped so quickly that Raymond was nearly -thrown. It was a foot-soldier of the Emperor’s -army and at his call several others came up. How -grateful that call in the dear mother tongue sounded! -His only thought was, “Saved, saved.” He made -himself known, pointed to his enemies, who shot -their arrows and shouted curses at them, and then -took themselves off.</p> -<p>Raymond explained to the outposts the nature -of his mission in a few words. Then he inquired -the shortest way to the Emperor’s tent, and as he -hurried on his way to it the warriors’ eyes beamed -with joy and their lips uttered thanksgivings. -Raymond’s message was received with general -exultation. The warriors rushed up to him, caressed -and kissed him, and could hardly find words to express -their joy. Weariness and despondency vanished. -The shout, “Forward, forward,” resounded -everywhere. After hearing Raymond’s report, to -the great delight of all, the Emperor issued the order -to move. Tents were struck at once, and the -advance, led by Raymond, plunged into the darkness -of the forest, while the rest followed as eagerly -as if on the way to some richly appointed banquet.</p> -<p>Though the fresh night air lessened their fatigue -<span class="pb" id="Page_97">97</span> -somewhat, it was still very great. The tired soldiers, -little refreshed by their short sleep, dragged themselves -along with much effort. It was so dark they -could not distinguish the rough places in the -road. Their weary feet continually slipped and -those on foot repeatedly fell, while horses stumbled -over roots of trees and other obstacles. The farther -they went the more unmistakable were the evidences -that the Turks were aware of their movements and -were on the alert themselves. Those in the advance -had to look out for themselves as best they could, -but even after the utmost precautions many horses -were badly wounded and some of the poorly protected -foot-soldiers were killed.</p> -<p>The real fighting began when the first valley was -reached. The knights fought with all their remaining -strength, and many a Turk, brought to bay, was -slain. They entered the narrow pass, where Raymond -had made his victorious fight, with grave apprehensions. -The Turks in small bands disputed -every inch of the ground with dogged pertinacity, -while others concealed behind rocks and thickets, sent -showers of arrows into their ranks. The knights in -the advance protected themselves with their shields; -but the arrows fell like hail into the dense mass of -those behind them, and it was only here and there -that they escaped injury by holding their halberds -obliquely. Most of the arrows, however, reached the -mark only too surely. They hugged the rocky walls -upon which the enemy were standing, as closely as -possible, and held up broken branches for their -protection. Many of those who neglected such -precautions were wounded.</p> -<p>As morning dawned, their danger increased, for now -<span class="pb" id="Page_98">98</span> -they were clearly exposed to the assaults of the continually -increasing enemy. Many of the Christians -wrung their hands in despair, bewailed their apparent -fate, and implored God to save them. Just as the -last hope of rescue seemed to vanish, a band of the -enemy suddenly halted in their front and appeared -to be making a hurried inspection of the mountain -sides. Almost immediately they rode at full speed to -the outlet of the pass and disappeared. The Crusaders -were astonished by this movement, and feared -some new trick on the enemy’s part; but Raymond -joyfully assured them they were nearing the end, and -that assistance was certainly on the way. His assurances -revived their hopes. They advanced at a -quicker pace, and had hardly gone a hundred yards -before they found the Turks in battle with the -Germans. At a sign from their leader the knights -in front levelled their lances and charged upon the -enemy, who, finding themselves assailed on two -sides, gave way at the first onset. The exhausted -warriors exulted when they saw them in flight, and -a moment later father and son were in each other’s -arms; for it was Conrad who had come to the rescue. -After consultation between the leaders it was decided -to keep at a safe distance until they had time to rest, -after which they would consult the Emperor and -decide upon their future operations. When told of -the dangers to which the Crusaders were exposed in -that mountain region, Conrad determined to send a -force, as soon as all were rested, and clear it of the -<span class="pb" id="Page_99">99</span> -enemy.</p> -<p>My young readers already know the impression -which that beautiful valley made upon the vanguard. -It was all the greater upon the army, whose -joy was boundless. Troop after troop poured out -of the pass. The wide plain was soon crowded -with the entire German force. The banks of the -stream were densely lined with horses and men, and -it was a long time before the last of the army -emerged. Finally the Emperor appeared, surrounded -by the bravest of his army. He had personally -directed every movement for the protection -of his men, and refused to rest until the last one had -safely reached the valley. Enthusiastic shouts of -welcome greeted them, which the mountains reëchoed, -announcing to the Turks that the courage of -the Christian host was still unbroken.</p> -<p>Gnashing their teeth with rage, the Turks disappeared -like ghostly shadows among the mountains -which separated the two armies.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_100">100</div> -<h2 id="c9"><span class="h2line1">Chapter IX</span> -<br /><span class="h2line2">Conrad’s Death</span></h2> -<p>The intention of Frederick’s faithless allies -to destroy his army by hunger rather than -by the sword was frustrated by the indefatigable -exertions of the Germans. Though -greatly reduced in numbers, they had thwarted every -device of cunning and hatred, and though menaced -by continually increasing numbers, had reached the -region they had hoped for—a region where no German -foot had ever trodden before. They found -everything there which they needed, and even more, -for the enemy had not been able to carry it away or -destroy it.</p> -<p>Frederick, who had accurately divined the plans -of the enemy, only allowed his army to take so -much rest as was absolutely needed, for his foes behind -the mountains were increasing their strength -every day. All the princes approved of the Emperor’s -policy to advance at the earliest moment and -overcome the enemy, and not to take a long rest -until it became indispensable.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_101">101</div> -<p>Conrad again led the advance, and this time the -Emperor’s son, Frederick of Swabia, like his noble -father, a true type of German chivalry, accompanied -him. The army followed on foot. The advance -approached the open country on the other side of -the grandly swelling hills unmolested, and there the -knights made their first stand against the Turks, -who confronted them in dense masses. It was then -the German knights showed their prowess. With -levelled lances they charged into the close ranks of -the enemy, dashed them to the earth in heaps, then -with lightning-like swiftness exchanged lance for -sword and battle-axe, with which they fought so -furiously that all who could make their escape fled -shrieking and howling. The onset made room for -those in the rear, and the base of the hills soon -swarmed with Christians, who fiercely attacked the -Turks at a swift gallop and drove them back with -broken heads.</p> -<p>The battle, which lasted nearly all day, showed -that the Turks had been surprised by the Christians -before all their preparations were completed; for as -evening came on, the Christians beheld large dark -masses of troops coming from the distance to -strengthen the enemy. Every one realized that a -great battle was impending on the following day, -and all eagerly awaited it. The Christians gradually -and steadily advanced, in accordance with the -Emperor’s orders, while the enemy’s force fell back -to support their approaching reinforcements and -<span class="pb" id="Page_102">102</span> -gain more room for their cavalry.</p> -<p>Frederick and the princes realized that they must -meet a formidable foe. His orders for the disposition -of his forces showed great skill and experience. -The superior numbers of the enemy, which were -continually increasing, and the fact that the ground -was specially favorable to the latter, particularly to -their cavalry, called for the highest skill and most -persistent courage on the part of the Christians. On -the other side, in the rear of the enemy, lay a rich -fertile region, for the protection of which they would -exhaust their resources in order not to crowd upon -their neighbor, the Sultan Saladin, who might be -willing enough to help them, but who would not, -under any circumstances, be disposed to share the -country with them if they were defeated. The only -alternatives for the Christians were victory or death; -for behind them was a malignant, perfidious people, -who had harassed and plundered them when they -were victorious. What, then, might they expect, -if they were defeated, disarmed, and exhausted? -Battle was inevitable, and all were certain it must be -a life-and-death struggle.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_103">103</div> -<p>On the evening of May thirteen, the Emperor held -another council of war; preparations for the struggle -were thoroughly discussed. Nothing was overlooked, -and every one was asked for his opinion. -As soon as the plans had been settled upon and it -was decided to attack in the morning, all betook -themselves to rest.</p> -<p>Morning dawned after a short, cool May night. -The first faint streaks of light were barely visible -when the outposts noticed a great bustle in the enemy’s -camp. As soon as Conrad was informed of it -he ordered Raymond to carry the news to the Emperor’s -tent. Raymond found the Emperor already -busily making his preparations. After a hurried -observation of the enemy he ordered that attack -should be made as quickly as possible. The camp -was at once astir. Noiselessly, but with astonishing -rapidity, the eagerly expected commands were executed, -the various divisions led by the princes and -the nobles were massed, and messengers hurried in -all directions conveying the orders of the Emperor, -who meanwhile mounted his battle-horse in full -armor and rode to the front with Raymond. Cheers -greeted the grizzled old hero faring forth to battle -as fresh and vigorous as in the days of his youthful -strength. Victory shone in his eyes and declared -itself in his general bearing. The faintest-hearted -must have been emboldened by his look. The -enemy in the meantime were busily engaged with -their own preparations.</p> -<p>The German army steadily advanced upon the -<span class="pb" id="Page_104">104</span> -Turks, who at first fell back without striking a blow. -Nevertheless, there were real encounters, for here -and there small groups of the enemy would come -within arrow shot, kill some Christians, and then -swiftly retreat, and avoid pursuit. Many believed -the Turks were repeating their old game, and that -either they did not intend to make a stand or they -were luring them on to some favorable spot where -they could make an attack from every side.</p> -<p>The leaders watched these movements very carefully, -giving especial attention to the enemy’s wings -to prevent themselves from being surrounded. -These tactics lasted for some hours, and during that -time the two armies were often so near to each other -that battle seemed inevitable. The Christians were -eager for it, but found no opportunity to attack, for -whenever they made anything resembling an offensive -move, the Turks scattered like chaff. The -Emperor, who kept in the front, repeatedly ordered -an attack, but before a sword could be drawn the -enemy would fly in every direction and render it -useless.</p> -<p>This style of fighting was repugnant to the -<span class="pb" id="Page_105">105</span> -Germans and the German nature. They were accustomed -to look an enemy in the eye, meet him -valiantly, and not retreat. This useless expenditure -of strength, this wearisome effort to force the Turks -into an engagement enraged them, and they determined -to make an end of it. As a large body of -Turks came near, the Emperor loudly cried, “Why -delay longer to purchase the heavenly kingdom with -our blood? Christ commands! Christ triumphs!” -With these words he dashed into the densest of the -enemy’s ranks, taking them by surprise. They -waved their scymitars, with loud cries of “Allah!” -The battle had begun, Frederick fighting like a lion -in the midst of the constantly increasing enemy. -The mailed giants hurled themselves upon the Turks -with all their force, and the fight soon raged all along -the line. Here the Turks swarmed around a troop -of German knights, and there single knights fought -against superior numbers, who strove in vain to -break through their steel mail. Arrows whizzed -through the air; battle-axes and clubs crashed down. -The fight was furious on both sides; where the -German foot-soldiers were engaged, the Turks were -most successful, for being unprotected by armor, -the former were slain by arrows. But when the -full-armed knights, the flower of the army, were -encountered, their assailants fell, never to rise -again.</p> -<p>The noonday sun flamed down so fiercely upon -<span class="pb" id="Page_106">106</span> -the knights that their armor glowed with heat and -their faces were bathed in perspiration. Some were -hardly able to raise their weapons. They no longer -sought the enemy, being satisfied to repel him when -attacked. The German ranks were already thinned, -but their losses were not so great as the enemy’s.</p> -<p>The Germans, after almost endless exertions, succeeded -in forcing the enemy back, and looked upon -a field covered with slain. They also heard loud -wailings and lamentations for the dead, which inspired -them with fresh courage. The Turks fiercely -disputed every foot of ground, and every step gained -was dearly paid for. It was apparent that the enemy -either were unwearied or else that they were -frequently reinforced, for each fresh attack was -stoutly resisted. Seemingly it would have been an -endless battle had not night stopped the slaughter. -As the sun went down, its intense heat lessened, but -heated passions did not cool. The whole field resounded -with shouts of “Allah!” and “Christ!” -The Germans succeeded in driving the enemy before -them. As the latter fell back they defended themselves -step by step, but as the darkness fell they -suddenly abandoned the struggle and disappeared.</p> -<p>The Emperor wisely and emphatically forbade -<span class="pb" id="Page_107">107</span> -pursuit. The knights stood by their panting horses -and wiped the sweat from their brows, while the -foot-soldiers gathered about their leaders. They -distrusted the enemy for a long time and held -themselves in readiness to repulse one of those subtle -attacks which were so characteristic of the Turks. -When the spies, however, reported that they could -find no trace of them, Frederick gave orders to -pitch the tents. Every one sought food and drink, -the first requisites after a hard battle. As soon as -all were satisfied, they searched for the wounded, -of whom there were not many thus far; partly -because almost every scymitar blow had been fatal, -and partly because the heat hastened the death of -the severely wounded. Those who could rest by the -side of their own friends and comrades-in-arms were -fortunate. Among these was Conrad of Feuchtwangen, -who held both his sons in his arms, while -they in turn embraced him and murmured prayers -of thankfulness to God for protecting him. Then -the weary ones slumbered, gathering fresh strength -for new victories, of which their souls dreamed while -their bodies rested from their strenuous exertions.</p> -<p>With the first beams of the rising sun, the Turks -<span class="pb" id="Page_108">108</span> -renewed their operations by approaching the Christians -and daring them to battle. The latter advanced -more quickly than on the previous day so -as not again to waste their strength, and also to -force the enemy back more speedily. The entire -plain was covered with the combatants. It seemed -like some great thoroughfare upon which one crowd -was advancing and the other retiring. Only here -and there did they come together. Except in such -spots, the two movements were continuous and in a -southerly direction. The Christians imagined that -the enemy made this move so as to reach the extreme -frontier of the kingdom of Iconium and meet -the approaching Egyptian troops, and then jointly -attack. The Emperor himself at last came to this -opinion. He regarded it as possible, although he -failed to understand why the enemy on the day before -had made such sacrifices when there was no -prospect of victory. Nevertheless, he completed -his preparations to attack the united forces, and, if -God so willed, to crush them at a blow, and thus -all the more quickly accomplish the object of the -expedition.</p> -<p>The Turks, indeed, made little resistance all that -<span class="pb" id="Page_109">109</span> -day, and many were so credulous as to believe they -would disappear again as they did on the preceding -day; but toward evening they again rallied in force, -apparently to make a vigorous attack. The Christians -were at once in readiness to meet them. The -princes headed the knights, with levelled lances. -Conrad, with his large retinue, did the same, and -like a terrible thunder storm in a dark night they -hurled themselves upon the enemy. The latter’s -dense mass was riven in twain as if by a lightning -stroke, and a fearful hand-to-hand encounter ensued. -Lances were soon exchanged for battle-axes and -war-clubs, and these in turn for swords. The Christians -strove to overcome the superior numbers of the -enemy by separating them so as to attack them in -detached groups, and the plan succeeded. Every -knight was engaged with three or four or more of -the enemy, handjars<a class="fn" id="fr_30" href="#fn_30">[30]</a> and sabres flashed in the air, -and many a one, who up to this time had escaped -fatal assault, fell lifeless in sight of his comrades, -and his blood mingled with that of his foe. Conrad -and his sons, who as yet were safe, fought like -lions against overpowering numbers, but Raymond -was suddenly wounded in the arm by a blow from -a scymitar. In his anxiety for him, Conrad for a -moment neglected his own safety, and as he turned -to help his son, he received a terrible cut in the -neck. At the same instant Raymond’s sword descended -with all the strength of his wounded arm -upon the head of the Turk, who fell dead from his -horse. Raymond’s sword, however, dropped from -his hand, and he found himself unable to protect -his father or himself amid a swarm of bloodthirsty -Turks. But help was at hand, for the Emperor -had led his forces to a glorious victory. Those of -the enemy who were not disabled fled before the -lions, who shook their manes in furious rage and -looked about them for more victims.</p> -<p>With tears in their eyes the two youths stood by -<span class="pb" id="Page_110">110</span> -the side of their dying father. They had laid their -dear one under a great oak tree, which extended its -branches over him like protecting arms, and sought -to stanch his wound. The sight bitterly grieved -the Emperor as he approached. He had found the -steed and shield of his old comrade-in-arms, and -well knew what he had lost; but the spot showed -clearly what his life had cost the enemy, for the -shield was covered with blood and a wall of slain -lay beside it. He at once ordered that his brave -friend should be taken to his own tent and cared -for as such a friend deserved.</p> -<p>“Were it possible to purchase thy life, thou -faithful one, I would give this day’s honor,” said -the Emperor, with great emotion.</p> -<p>“Thanks, my noble sovereign, for thy true friendship, -which accompanies me even to the grave,” -said Conrad; “but I feel I shall not long enjoy it. -Death steadily approaches, and my life swiftly nears -its close. But it would be a great consolation in my -dying hour to know that my sons will be cared for. -I brought them here in the morning of their life -that they might see how brave knights can die for -God and their Emperor. I think I myself have set -them the best example—I can do no more. Take -them when I am gone.”</p> -<p>“I will care for them,” said the Emperor, “as if -<span class="pb" id="Page_111">111</span> -they were my own sons, and they shall always be -near me. I pledge my life for them as freely and -as courageously as thou hast pledged thine for -me.”</p> -<p>The dying Conrad cast a look of gratitude upon -the Emperor, then turned to his sons, pressed their -hands to his heart with all his remaining strength, -and said:</p> -<p>“Be worthy of your ancestors your whole life -long—turn not a step from the path—of virtue—true -to your Emperor to—the last breath—to innocence -a—protector—to evil-doers and blasphemers—an -avenging judge—and—I die willingly.”</p> -<p>Thus Conrad of Feuchtwangen passed away. -All were in tears. Even the Emperor’s eyes were -moist. At last he ordered that the body should be -buried with the highest honors, and that Raymond -and Conrad should follow him to his tent and stay -with him in future.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_112">112</div> -<h2 id="c10"><span class="h2line1">Chapter X</span> -<br /><span class="h2line2">Capture of the Brothers</span></h2> -<p>The brothers passed a sorrowful and sleepless -night. Though they felt greatly -honored by the Emperor’s protection, -they would rather have grown to manhood -under their father’s eyes, learned their highest -duties from his lips, and, inspired by his example, -have reached his lofty standard of honor. They -fervently prayed for strength to face the inevitable, -but no rest came to their tired bodies. Raymond -suffered pain in his wounded arm, and Conrad, who -was greatly overcome by his own exertions and by -the loss of his father, was even more greatly troubled -by the fear that he might lose his brother also and -be left utterly alone.</p> -<p>The morning found them still disturbed by their -<span class="pb" id="Page_113">113</span> -sad thoughts. There was great activity in the camp. -The Emperor had decided to move at once, attack -the enemy wherever they were found, and destroy -them or force them to make peace, whatever the -cost. The army therefore quickly advanced. The -brothers remained in the camp, the elder because he -was incapacitated for active work, and the younger -to look after his brother, according to what the Emperor -said, but in reality because he did not wish to -expose one so young to the possible dangers ahead -of them. An old henchman, grown gray in the -Emperor’s service, was assigned to look after the -brothers and advise with them whenever necessary. -As soon as all these matters were settled, the Emperor -set out in pursuit of the enemy.</p> -<p>On the third day, as on previous days, the Turks -adopted their customary tactics, but the Christians -by this time had gained confidence by the success -of their attacks and knew how to follow them up. -The horses which had been captured were very useful -to the Christian knights, as their own half-starved -animals had a chance to rest. Thus they were in -excellent condition to execute their plan and from -every point of view were ready for battle. Shortly, -they neared the capital of Iconium. They beheld -it in the distance about noon, and felt that their -hardest battle was imminent; and so it proved. The -Turks occupied a better position than on the previous -days, and put forth every exertion to beat -back the Christians. By their peculiar tactics, as -well as by their superiority in numbers, they occasionally -succeeded in forcing back detachments of the -knights, so that they crowded upon the camp.</p> -<p>At last the Turks in overwhelming force directed -<span class="pb" id="Page_114">114</span> -an attack upon the spot where the Emperor and the -bravest of his knights were fighting, for they knew -the battle must be decided there. Thousands of -scymitars flashed about the heads of the little Christian -band and glanced off from shields and mail. -Hundreds fell victims to German steel, but fresh -fighters took their places as if they sprang from the -earth to avenge the slain. The slaughter was -appalling, for at every blow of the Germans’ heavy -two-edged swords, death followed. But at last the -stoutest arms began to tire and the bravest hearts to -weaken; for notwithstanding all this sanguinary work -the numbers of the enemy apparently were not reduced. -A brief rest was absolutely necessary and -the Emperor granted it. The knights halted for -rest in vain, however, for the enemy, elated by their -seeming victory, rushed forward and the Christians -were forced back toward their camp. The brothers, -unprepared for battle, were suddenly surrounded in -the <i>mêlée</i> and were in imminent danger of capture. -Their critical position appealed to the heroic soul of -the old Barbarossa, and he determined to give battle -anew. In thunder tones he shouted to his knights: -“Comrades-in-arms, help to defend my <i>protégés</i>. -Let me not be guilty of breaking faith with the -dying!” The next instant he fell upon the enemy, -followed by his faithful knights. Nothing could -withstand them. They charged as the hurricane -sweeps through the forest. Again the enemy -divided up and made isolated attacks, here and -there with success; but the Christians did not waver. -“No more retreating!” was the cry. “Christ commands!” -they shouted, and “Christ triumphs!” -<span class="pb" id="Page_115">115</span> -was the answering cry.</p> -<p>The Emperor’s bold example inspired all. They -not only held their ground, but forced the enemy -to give way. As their courage rose that of the -enemy proportionately weakened. They realized -more and more that all the advantages they might -secure could not compensate them for the loss they -must suffer. The irregular hordes of cavalry, which -had been harassing the Christians from motives of -pure hatred, saw they had been deceived. They expected -to overcome them with ease, but for every -dead Christian there were hosts of dead Turks. The -Sultan himself discovered that his plans had come -to naught, and rather than sacrifice his subjects for -the benefit of an ambitious neighbor, he decided -simply to defend his city until peace was made. -Finding that the Turks were falling back on all -sides, Kilidj Arslan ordered a hasty retreat. His -warriors were so glad that they fled precipitately. -Inspired afresh by this new victory the Christians -rapidly pursued them, and evening found them at -the gates of Iconium and in possession of much rich -booty which the enemy had abandoned.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_116">116</div> -<p>The Emperor allowed but a few hours of rest, -for he had decided to storm the city while yet the -hearts of the knights beat high with victory and before -the enemy could make the necessary preparations -for defence. Everything was made ready in -the gray of twilight, and at break of day the general -assault began. The enemy, who imagined they -alone excelled in swift movements, found themselves -outdone. Surprised by the unexpected attack, some -of them became panic-stricken, but the most of -them, who were only accustomed to fighting in the -open country, could not stand confinement within -city walls. Troops of cavalry rode helplessly up -and down the streets, seeking some way of escape -and finding none. Desperate over the possibility -of a Christian victory, the foot-soldiers fought upon -the walls. The Germans in the lead, bold as lions, -climbed the scaling ladders in spite of all obstacles. -Descending the walls, they plunged into the very -thick of the enemy, shouting, “Christ triumphs!” -and piled the streets with Turkish dead. A terrible -panic seized the Moslems, and they fled -helter-skelter, hotly pursued by the Christians. No -resistance was attempted; flight was their only -thought. They dared not surrender to an enemy -whom they had so greatly incensed and for whom -they had shown so little consideration. Indeed, -the Christians would have made them no offer of -peace, so intense was their indignation. From the -Emperor down to the lowest man in the ranks they -fought so continuously and so unweariedly that they -had no time to think of making such an offer, to -<span class="pb" id="Page_117">117</span> -say nothing of negotiating a treaty.</p> -<p>The Turks at last opened the gates to secure -their liberty and life, and out they poured, with the -Sultan at their head, eager to escape. When they -reached the camp of the Christians they gave vent -to their rage by slaying the sick and non-combatants. -Our young friends suddenly found themselves surrounded -by furious Moslems swinging their scymitars -over their unprotected heads. Faithful to his -trust their care-taker sought to defend them, but -fell in the unequal contest, and the same fate seemed -to threaten them. A muscular, sun-browned hand -was already directing a blow at Raymond’s head -with a blood-stained scymitar, but the blow was -averted by a sudden order. The enemies conversed -in a language the brothers did not understand, with -the result that their lives were spared, although they -were dragged away in spite of all resistance. They -were placed upon light, fleet horses, and, guarded -by a strong band of the enemy, left the camp, fleeing -afar with the wind’s speed, they knew not whither.</p> -<p>They soon discovered that they had fallen into -<span class="pb" id="Page_118">118</span> -the hands of the Sultan, and that it was he who had -rescued them from instant death. But alas! they -feared that they had only been spared to gratify -his revenge by some painful mode of torture. At -the same time it did not escape their notice how -carefully they were guarded from any possibility of -danger, and that great consideration was paid to the -wounded brother. They could not account for this, -nor could they reconcile such solicitude with the -malicious expression of the Sultan’s face whenever -he looked at them. After a short halt, during -which the prisoners got some rest, they went on. -Though the night was very dark, Raymond noticed -that their way led through ravines and narrow defiles -like those in which the Christians had suffered -so many disasters. He had hoped to return that -way after the war was over, but, alas! how cruelly -was he disappointed! They were defenceless prisoners -in the hands of an enemy who knew no pity, -who blindly followed his relentless rage, and was -preparing to take their lives in the most barbarous -manner as an expiation for the thousands who had -been slain by the Christians.</p> -<p>Ready as he was to sacrifice his life for Christ and -His holy religion, Raymond would rather have -fallen, weapons in hand, fighting with the infidels, -the arch-enemies of Christianity, than perish by torture. -How he lamented the fatality of his wounded -arm! His effort to protect his father’s life had -been in vain, and now he was a helpless prisoner. -His mind was filled with sad reflections in the stillness -of the night, broken only by the hoof-beats of -<span class="pb" id="Page_119">119</span> -the horses.</p> -<p>The increasing coolness and light gray streaks in -the sky announced the approach of morning, and as -it gradually dawned he felt somewhat less anxious. -The same horde surrounded him, the same browned -faces scowled at him; but he could see the dear face -of his brother, and he felt cheered by his unwavering -reliance upon the will of God. This was a great -consolation, and they enjoyed it with all the ardor -of innocent souls. God’s glorious nature lay spread -out before them, bathed in the morning radiance. -Millions of dewdrops glistened on the grass. The -flowers, refreshed by the moisture, exhaled delicious -fragrance, and thousands of the gentle singers of the -wood proclaimed their joy in song. When tears of -sadness came to their eyes at times, as they reflected -that the birds could enjoy a happiness denied to -them, they found consolation in the thought that -God cared for all his creatures, and that He would -not forget them. “Not a sparrow falls from the -roof without the will of the Heavenly Father,” say -the Scriptures.<a class="fn" id="fr_31" href="#fn_31">[31]</a> “It is God’s will that we suffer. -It is in accordance with His plans, and we must -submit. When His wise purpose is accomplished, -He will send us help.” Thus Raymond consoled -<span class="pb" id="Page_120">120</span> -his beloved brother.</p> -<p>The cool morning wind, which hardly stirred the -tree boughs, occasionally brought a peculiar roar to -their ears. Now it sounded strong, again weak; -at times it entirely ceased, and then was loud again. -The brothers thought it must come from some -distant spot at the end of their journey. They -strained their eyes to find it, but as soon as their -guards saw them doing this, they bandaged their -eyes. During the brief delay occasioned by this, -they noticed that the leader gave one of his attendants -an order, and that the latter hastily left in the -opposite direction.</p> -<p>The march was at once resumed. It was not -long before the roar grew stronger. The brothers -were convinced it was the noise of waves breaking -right and left along their way. “The sea,” thought -Raymond; “we are by the sea, and no longer in -the interior of the enemy’s country.”</p> -<p>Soon the horses clattered over a bridge and -halted in a spacious courtyard. The bandages -were removed, and the brothers found themselves -in a narrow space inclosed by high walls. Nothing -could be seen around them, but the beautiful clear -blue sky seemed to say, “Despair not! God is -watching over you.” They embraced each other -and heart to heart wept tears of sorrow and joy—of -sorrow over the death of their beloved father, of -joy that they still had each other and loved each -other so faithfully. Their joy was short-lived, however, -for they were soon led into a solitary room -<span class="pb" id="Page_121">121</span> -and confined securely like ordinary prisoners.</p> -<p>They saw nothing of their enemy that day. A -grinning slave silently brought their simple food, -and after a time as silently carried away the dishes. -It seemed to the brothers that he was a mute, he -manifested so little interest in their conversation.</p> -<p>The prisoners naturally talked much about their -unfortunate plight,—what the Emperor would -think, and what great anxiety their absence would -cause him. At one moment they hoped he -would rescue them, but at the next they feared -he might be so occupied with his great undertaking -that he would find neither time nor opportunity to -come to their help. Possibly he might even forget -them in the wild tumult of war raging about him. -How could he be expected to think of their lives -when the lives of so many thousands depended -upon his activity? If their father were only living, -he would either attempt their rescue himself or -induce the Emperor to undertake it. The sad -thought brought tears to their eyes again.</p> -<p>After considering their situation from every point of -view, they continued to repose their trust in God, who -<span class="pb" id="Page_122">122</span> -has so many agencies for the accomplishment of His -purposes. This reconciled them to the thought of -dying for the religion of Christ. Indeed, it seemed -to them now as glorious to sacrifice their lives within -prison walls as upon the battlefield. They shed tears -less often; their lips no longer uttered laments.</p> -<p>Thus the time passed for several days, but at -length the Sultan suddenly entered the room. -They instantly realized that they were not regarded -as ordinary prisoners. The Sultan inquired -if there was anything they needed, but they made -no complaints. He expected to see them at his -feet, deploring their situation, but he heard no -request for mitigation of their imprisonment, for -better food, or for the enjoyment of fresh air. -They were quiet and calm in his presence. Every -trace of sorrow had disappeared from their faces, -and confidence and courage shone in their eyes. -The Sultan stood before them, astonished at their -bearing. At last, with scornful look and menacing -voice, he said:</p> -<p>“Your death will follow the slightest attempt -you make to escape, or which your Emperor shall -make to rescue you.”</p> -<p>“We shall make no attempt to escape, for it is -impossible,” said Raymond, “but we cannot prevent -the Emperor from doing what he thinks is -right. If you kill us, we will die joyfully.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_123">123</div> -<p>“But that will not be necessary, if your protector, -the Emperor, keeps his word as faithfully as they -say he does.”</p> -<p>“He always keeps his word, whatever malicious -tongues may say to the contrary.”</p> -<p>“Why, then, does he delay keeping it in your -case?”</p> -<p>“How do you know he has given his word -to us?”</p> -<p>“Oho! you innocent doves! On the very spot -where your father died, and where you (pointing to -Raymond) killed one of my bravest, I heard him -say, ‘I will care for thy sons as if they were my -own, and I will pledge my life for them.’”</p> -<p>“And he will do what he said. He will keep -his word, but he has hardly had time to hear of -our capture.”</p> -<p>“He knows it well enough, but he will not keep -his word.”</p> -<p>“That is false.”</p> -<p>“Don’t be so hasty! Listen. I have sent word -to him by one of my most trusty messengers that -you are in my hands and that I will kill you if he -attacks my castle. In addition to this, I offered to -release you if he would make peace and quit the -country. And what was his reply?”</p> -<p>“He has considered your proposition, and rejects -it.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_124">124</div> -<p>“You have guessed right; and yet by doing as -he has done, he has put your lives in danger. He -has been faithless.”</p> -<p>“He esteems honor—without which one cannot -be a knight—higher than life. Will he, the greatest -sovereign on earth, whose long life is one series -of heroic acts such as have rarely been performed -in this world, before whom Europe and Asia tremble, -will he forget his imperial duty and prove himself -guilty in his old age of such a cowardly act as you -expect from him? No, never! The world would -point its finger of scorn at him, and those who were -slain in executing his designs would rise up and say, -‘Thou hast deliberately sacrificed us at the close of -thy victorious career; thou hast thrown away all -that thou hast purchased with our blood.’”</p> -<p>The Sultan, astonished at these words, replied: -“It is true the Emperor promised to free Palestine; -but he also promised to protect you, and his obstinacy -consigns you to death.”</p> -<p>“We will die willingly when the time comes. -What we expected in battle we will not fly from in -prison, if God so wills. The Emperor knows our -feelings, and if he shall leave us to our fate, that -will be because he is engaged in carrying out a -higher purpose.”</p> -<p>“Perhaps if you remind him of his pledge he will -recall the services of your father and accede to my -<span class="pb" id="Page_125">125</span> -demands. Write to him, and a trusty messenger -shall take your letter to him.”</p> -<p>“Never! It would be disgraceful for us to do -it. We would rather die a thousand times.”</p> -<p>Seeing that his efforts were fruitless, the Sultan -contemptuously left the apartment. The brothers -now realized their importance in the eyes of the -enemy, and were satisfied that their noble father -would have approved what they had done.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_126">126</div> -<h2 id="c11"><span class="h2line1">Chapter XI</span> -<br /><span class="h2line2">The Brothers’ Ordeal</span></h2> -<p>Evening had hardly fallen when the -Sultan again suddenly appeared in the -brothers’ room. He entered noiselessly -and regarded the two with a malicious -expression, as they stood arm in arm at the window -gazing at the glorious sunset, which seemed -to them a reflection of the infinite father-love of -God and awakened filial devotion for Him in their -hearts.</p> -<p>Their fearlessness surprised the Sultan. He had -hoped to find them downcast, and expected they -would tremble before him and prostrate themselves -at his feet. But nothing of this kind occurred. -They merely glanced at the intruder, then turned -their heads away and resumed their contemplation of -the sunset, as if he were some insignificant person.</p> -<p>“Look at the brilliant red which illuminates -half the sky,” said Raymond, gently.</p> -<p>“We see this every day and yet every day it -<span class="pb" id="Page_127">127</span> -gives us the same delight,” replied his brother. -“How many times we have seen it with father -and mother from the windows of our castle! And -it was just as beautiful there as here.”</p> -<p>“That is because it is the work of the almighty -and all-gracious God, who has the same love for all -His earthly children. He overlooks none of them. -He cares alike for all, and although the needs of His -creatures are so different, yet He knows what each -one wants, and from His endless bounty He can -satisfy all.”</p> -<p>“And does He also think of us?” asked -Conrad.</p> -<p>“How canst thou ask such a question? Certainly -He does, foolish boy! He is everywhere, -and of course He is here. As He watches over -all He of course sees our condition and will help -us in His own good time.”</p> -<p>“Why, Raymond, you do not actually believe I -doubt what you say! I was only eager that this -imprisonment might soon end, so that thy wounded -arm might heal more quickly under the care of our -Christian brethren.”</p> -<p>“Your liberty is in your own hands,” interposed -the Sultan. “Like two young fools, you have rejected -my proposal. Now I will renew it—write -to the Emperor.”</p> -<p>“Not one word,” replied Raymond. “We have -given you our answer, and we do not change our -minds like smooth-tongued Greeks and Turks.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_128">128</div> -<p>The Sultan restrained his anger at the reproach -hurled at him, and addressed Conrad:</p> -<p>“Be more reasonable than your insolent brother. -You are young yet, but you know it is a sin against -God to shorten life. The Emperor will be forced -to free you. Write to him yourself.”</p> -<p>“I well know it is a crime to take one’s own life, -but it is also a crime to preserve that life by a shameful -deed. It would be the grossest offence to induce -the Emperor to abandon his high purposes by my -appeals for liberty. I refuse your request, as my -brother has done.”</p> -<p>Wild rage flamed in the Sultan’s eye, and his -face was distorted with unrestrained anger.</p> -<p>“Well,” he roared, “be it so! You shall now -feel my power. I have foolishly been considerate of -your youth, but shall be so no longer. You must -die,—that is a matter of course. But death will be -too mild a punishment for you. You have dared to -defy me, me whom millions obey! You shall now -suffer all that your brethren, the Christian dogs, have -suffered. I will inflict hunger, thirst, punishments -of every kind. I will devise tortures more painful -than any one before has ever imagined. While you -are enduring them your cries of agony will sound -like heavenly music in my ears. When you supplicate -for mercy there shall be no respite. The time -will have passed then for securing what I offer now.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_129">129</div> -<p>With trembling voice—but not from fear—Conrad -replied: “We have hitherto considered -you an honorable enemy. We do not complain -because you securely imprison us, but to treat us -as you have threatened to do lowers you to the -level of the savage beast.”</p> -<p>The Sultan somewhat regained his composure, -and left the room speechless from amazement at -their boldness.</p> -<p>The brothers again embraced, unmoved by his -horrible threat, and determined with God’s help -to remain steadfast and not to deviate a finger’s -breadth from the path of right and duty.</p> -<p>Their conversation was now disturbed by a -swarthy visaged person looking in at the door -and grimacing. He was a gigantic Turk, who -signified by gesture rather than by speech that -they were to follow him. They were a little -alarmed at first, but a glance at each other and -a mutual grasp of the hand reassured them, and -they courageously followed him. Their apprehensions, -however, were not realized. They were -simply changing the place of their confinement. -A low, dark room with small iron-grated windows -and bare walls, and destitute of the customary -furniture it was, where they were now to -spend their time. The slave left some wretched -food, and so slight an allowance of it that it barely -sufficed to relieve the pangs of hunger. They realized -<span class="pb" id="Page_130">130</span> -by his conduct that he was their new keeper.</p> -<p>The change in their situation made little impression -upon them. The slave had hardly left the -room before they fell upon their knees, thanked -God that so far He had kept them from yielding, -and fervently prayed that He would continue to aid -them and save them from any severer trials.</p> -<p>Several days passed without affording them a sight -of their enemies. The miserable food did not allay -the cravings of hunger. The moisture trickling -down the walls, the damp, sticky atmosphere, -and the lack of refreshing rest nearly made them -ill. The slave’s face manifested not a sign of -pity. On the contrary, the brothers thought -they noticed an expression of malicious satisfaction -whenever their eyes met his; but they -made no complaint.</p> -<p>One day, to their great astonishment, their keeper, -who seemed to have forgotten them, entered the -room bringing dainty food instead of the usual -prison fare. A hot rice soup steamed from a -clean dish, regaling the senses and tempting the -appetite. The slave’s conduct was also different. -A look of sympathy had taken the place of his -scornful smile. He invited them to partake of -the food, and placed it before them himself, in -the most friendly manner, for they were afraid -to take it, suspecting that it was only offered to -them in malicious mockery. But when he went -out and returned with a pair of roasted fowls, -they no longer distrusted him or hesitated to -<span class="pb" id="Page_131">131</span> -accept his repeated invitations.</p> -<p>The slave waited upon the table with as much -ceremony as if he were serving distinguished company, -now helping one, then the other, and urging -both to take more. They ate with gratitude to God -for making such a change in their master’s heart, -but made no conversation with the servant, though -he evidently was expecting them to do so. Indeed, -the meal closed without a word from them, though -the Turk coughed and hemmed and made every -sort of hint to them, hoping they would speak. -At last he withdrew, but speedily returned with -a tankard. “Here is something to warm Christian -hearts,” he said with a smile, as if confident -they would at last break their silence.</p> -<p>“Wine?” said Conrad. “I thought the Turks -did not drink wine. What does the Sultan mean?”</p> -<p>Though Conrad was only speaking to his brother, -the servant answered: “The Sultan? This wine -is not from him. It is from Rustan, your servant, -young gentlemen.”</p> -<p>“Do you mean you have done this without the -Sultan’s knowledge?”</p> -<p>“As sure as I am Rustan. But, by Allah, -<span class="pb" id="Page_132">132</span> -the Sultan does not and must not know a word -of it.”</p> -<p>The boys looked at each other in amazement.</p> -<p>“Do not be alarmed, dear young gentlemen,” -said Rustan. “You shall know all. Look you! -old Rustan loves the Christians though he is a -Mussulman. When I was a young man I bravely -fought them, for I was incited by the dervishes, the -bloodthirsty enemies of your faith. I was wounded, -taken prisoner, and nursed by a Christian in his -home. I have never forgotten it. I have never -fought against them since. Fate brought me to -this castle and made me your keeper. The Sultan -forced me to treat you harshly. It broke my -heart to see you suffering, and I have improved the -first opportunity to make you some amends.”</p> -<p>Both the brothers were greatly moved by his -story, and believed they were doing right to accept -his proffer.</p> -<p>“Now, drink,” said the Turk. “It is pure -Cyprus, which, as I have heard, is much esteemed -by the Franks.”</p> -<p>After considerable persuasion the prisoners drank, -and the excellent, strong wine refreshed them. -Rustan urged them to take some more, but they -declined. They restrained their desires as usual, -for they well knew that much wine was not wholesome -for those so young. They were satisfied with -what was reasonable, and this had always been the -habit of their lives.</p> -<div class="img" id="pic3"> -<img src="images/p03.jpg" alt="" width="1000" height="737" /> -<p class="caption"><i>The Test</i></p> -</div> -<div class="pb" id="Page_133">133</div> -<p>Rustan improved his opportunity, and while repeatedly -lamenting their hard lot, he informed them -they must attempt to free themselves, for they could -expect no mercy from the Sultan, who had sworn by -the beard of the Prophet to punish their insolence. -“No Mussulman, least of all Kilidj Arslan, ever -breaks this oath,” said he; “therefore, fly!”</p> -<p>“That is easier said than done,” replied Raymond, -“and you, Rustan, know even better than -we do how impossible it is to escape from here.”</p> -<p>“I will find the way for you. Like you, I -suffered greatly before you came. Then, as your -keeper, I was forced to be cruel to you. My old -head cannot invent cruelties, and my back has to -suffer for it. I have had enough of cruelty; I will -escape with you. Come and see.”</p> -<p>Rustan took the boys by the hands and led them -quietly down a long corridor. They followed him -involuntarily, but without a tremor. At last they -came to a door opening upon a handsome apartment -with a gorgeous tapestry dividing it in the -centre. Behind it the Sultan was soundly sleeping -upon silken cushions with curtains undrawn.</p> -<p>“You see escape is possible. The tyrant who -<span class="pb" id="Page_134">134</span> -tortures you and me is fast asleep. He will not be -awakened, for woe to him who disturbs his rest. -The castle garrison is an insignificant one. I know -all the passages and have the keys of the gate leading -to the causeway. Put on Turkish costumes, -and in a trice you will be out, and we will fly to the -Emperor’s camp.”</p> -<p>The temptation to escape came so suddenly that -the boys were inclined to yield to it.</p> -<p>“And yet,” said Rustan, “we are not absolutely -safe even when the tyrant sleeps. When he wakes, -his first question will be about you, for even in sleep -he dreams of you and is busy devising new tortures. -So, if you would be absolutely safe, take this dagger -and thrust it into the heart of your torturer.”</p> -<p>With these words he placed a sharp, polished -dagger into the hand of each of the boys in spite -of their resistance. All at once they felt these -glittering but fearful weapons in their hands. To -secure their liberty they must make no noise, scarce -venture a word of reply, to say nothing of dropping -the daggers. Their dangerous situation alarmed -them. They would rather have remained in their -gloomy prison. Rustan, however, was both deaf and -blind to their evident signs of abhorrence of such a -shameful deed. They attempted to leave the apartment -but he prevented them.</p> -<p>“You shall not leave here until you have disposed -<span class="pb" id="Page_135">135</span> -of that tyrant’s accursed life. I supposed you were -brave sons of a brave father,” he craftily whispered, -“but you are cowards, and incapable of bold deeds. -As I will not return to the yoke of the slave or die -a miserable death with you, when we are discovered, -I will risk it alone.” Drawing a dagger, he advanced -upon the sleeping Sultan with the intention -of stabbing him, but Raymond rushed between them -and said:</p> -<p>“It is not the custom of knights to kill a sleeping, -defenceless enemy. We will fight for our -liberty with the same weapons, man to man. You -shall reach him only over our dead bodies.”</p> -<p>“Awake!” cried Conrad, vigorously shaking the -Sultan. “Awake! your life is in danger. An -assassin threatens you. Take this dagger and protect -yourself.”</p> -<p>The Sultan roused up. Raymond was still holding -Rustan’s dagger arm and with his wounded arm -holding his own dagger at his heart, while Conrad -was standing in a threatening attitude by the side of -the Sultan and looking at the assassin with blazing -eyes.</p> -<p>“Keep these daggers as souvenirs from me,” said -<span class="pb" id="Page_136">136</span> -the awakened Sultan. “I shall not forget this hour. -I have heard and seen all. You are brave and -honest boys, and have well stood the test I arranged. -From now on you will be released from prison; -but I cannot give you your liberty, because I must -avail myself of every agency to make a lasting peace -with your Emperor. But I will treat you as my -sons.”</p> -<p>The Sultan then left the apartment, which was -next to his own, so that it might be put in order for -them, and that they should be near him. Rustan, -who had played his role so masterfully, was again -the Sultan’s old faithful servant, and as such was -doubly dear to the boys.</p> -<p>Life was now far different. Many would have -<span class="pb" id="Page_137">137</span> -highly enjoyed it, and felt happy amid such good -living, handsome surroundings, and abundance of -everything, and have soon forgotten their old conditions. -But it was not so with the brothers. They -could hardly forget the Emperor for a moment, and -they nearly always spoke of him when they were -alone. Their desire for liberty was still strong, and -though they scorned to secure it by such a horrible -deed as murder, yet they would have followed -Rustan’s lead if he could have freed them in any -way but that. They were convinced that their -steadfastness in the right course would result in -greater advantage to them, as well as to the Christian -army, than an act of murder when they were -still too young and inexperienced to unravel the -web of the cunning Turk and see through his plans. -They had earned his respect—the respect of an -enemy second to none in the world. Since he respected -them, he certainly would respect the knights -and, above all, the Emperor, for he was the ideal -of all knightly virtues. What might have been -their fate if, urged on by the unchristian thirst for -revenge, and forgetful of their duty, they had attempted -to use the murderous steel? Both Rustan -and the Sultan would have confronted them, and -against two such foes two weak boys would have -been powerless. Even if they had overcome them -and secured their liberty, the deed would not have -been approved in the camp, and they would have -been held in contempt all their lives. Though -their noble course was unknown to the Emperor -and Christendom, though it dissipated their hope -of rescue, and they might have to pass their young -lives in a lonesome castle, there was One who had -seen their act and had tested their hearts. God -would not let it pass unrequited.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_138">138</div> -<h2 id="c12"><span class="h2line1">Chapter XII</span> -<br /><span class="h2line2">The Emperor to the Rescue</span></h2> -<p>We left the Emperor fighting furiously -in the streets of Iconium. Where -the danger was greatest he fought -with the bravery always characteristic -of him. None could withstand him. They either -fell before his vigorous attacks, or fled as fast and -far as their feet could take them. The Christians -were equally bold even when the Turks assailed -them with the fierceness of lions. Their bitter resentment -over broken faith, their remembrance of -the sufferings they had undergone, the thought of -so many fallen comrades, and their unwavering belief -that the destruction of the enemies of Christianity -was pleasing to God, inflamed them to a -pitch of fury that extinguished every spark of humanity. -They did not desist until every turban-wearer -was killed or, like the Sultan, fortunate -enough to make his escape. The Emperor was one -of the last to sheathe his reddened sword. Many -fell utterly exhausted, for in the excitement of the -battle they had not noticed their waning strength. -The foot-soldiers, who had driven stakes into the -ground to protect themselves from the enemy’s -cavalry charges, were hardly able to move. In addition -to an immense amount of spoils and the wealth -of the city, they secured an abundance of subsistence. -All who were able procured enough for -themselves and for the needs of their exhausted -<span class="pb" id="Page_139">139</span> -comrades.</p> -<p>After the Emperor’s work was complete, and in -the midst of his exultation over his victory and the -fruits of his conquest of the city, he first learned -what he had lost in the meantime. He could -hardly trust his ears when he was informed of the -capture of his wards. After repeated assurances -that the news was true, and that their faithful caretaker -had been found dead, the Emperor’s cheeks -paled and his flashing eyes dimmed, for he realized -at once the impending fate of the unfortunate lads.</p> -<p>“You could not have struck me a harder blow -than this, cruel Sultan,” he said, grimly. “You -were cunning enough to know how dear those boys -are to me. A fine proof of your courage this is, -you coward, who shun open battle face to face, -who can only succeed with overwhelming numbers, -who lie in wait and strike your foeman in the -back!”</p> -<p>The glory of his victory was dimmed for him. -The spoils he had won lost all their value in his -<span class="pb" id="Page_140">140</span> -eyes. This was no more than he had often done. -But how should he redeem his knightly word, which -never yet had been broken? He had allowed himself -to be deceived by a subtle enemy, to whom -he had exposed the boys, fancying them secure -even when not under his watchful eye, and the result -might be fatal to those who had trusted to his -protection.</p> -<p>His associates vainly tried to convince him he -had not been guilty of any neglect of duty. Empty -words could not comfort him. “It has all happened -because of my negligence,” he replied. His -first move was to order immediate pursuit of the -enemy, in the hope of rescuing the boys.</p> -<p>The most devoted of his knights mounted steeds -they had captured, and set off in pursuit of the fugitives, -believing that the latter, after the long day’s -battle, could not have gone any considerable distance. -They returned shortly, however, bringing -with them a messenger sent by the Sultan to the -Emperor. He was at once taken before him, and -announced that the two boys were in the Sultan’s -power, and that the latter well knew how dear the -sons of the Emperor’s old friend were to him, as -well as the promise he had made to that friend in -his dying moments. He further announced that -the Sultan would engage to return them if the Emperor -would give up the spoils he had captured, as -well as the Sultan’s possessions. If the Emperor -refused the proposal, the boys should die in the -<span class="pb" id="Page_141">141</span> -strong castle by the sea the moment he attacked it.</p> -<p>The messenger’s announcement caused general -astonishment. When the first shock of the blow -had passed, however, the Emperor’s eyes gleamed -with exultant determination. His very soul revolted -against such a proposal, and his anger against -the Sultan for expecting him to accede to it was -furious.</p> -<p>“Tell your prince,” he exclaimed in thunder -tones, “tell your prince I spurn his proposal. My -imperial honor will not allow me to release my -wards in such a manner. By God’s grace, I will -keep my word, but I will not surrender the fruits -of a victory purchased with the blood of thousands. -No! with God’s help, I will find some way to redeem -my promise becoming to a hero and an Emperor. -Tell the Sultan I will hold him responsible -with his head for the safety of my boys.”</p> -<p>With these words the Emperor turned his back -upon the messenger. All present applauded the -reply of the old hero. Though none had believed -he would accept the Sultan’s terms, they had -thought it possible that the Emperor might open -negotiations, and, if possible, reach a settlement -without bloodshed. They feared any such arrangement, -as it would only secure them a fickle-minded -and unreliable friend; and should conditions arise -at any time like those they had found in their dealings -with the Greeks, they would never be certain -whether he was their friend or their enemy. Every -step they took would be hindered, and their plans -might be entirely frustrated. But since the Emperor -had replied in such a decisive manner, and the messenger’s -departure from the city would end all negotiations, -they knew to a certainty that they now had -<span class="pb" id="Page_142">142</span> -to deal with an enemy.</p> -<p>The Germans remained in Iconium an entire -week. The houses were filled with wounded who -had to be cared for, and this duty was all the more -imperative because of the lack of doctors. The -knights and their attendants were so well skilled in -the treatment of wounds that they were of great -service; but in the cases of those who had been -overcome by their strenuous exertions, and weakened -for want of proper food, the wounds were exceedingly -dangerous; and, besides, the danger was -aggravated by the heat. The natives could not be -trusted; hence every one had to depend upon the -love of his Christian neighbor; and if ever this -most beautiful doctrine of Christianity was practised, -it was there. Proud knights who governed -hundreds at home, cared for all their faithful attendants, -even for the sons of the lowest of their vassals; -and sometimes those who had been accustomed to -wealth and splendor, and perhaps had been hard -rulers, waited upon the meanly born. Again, some -knight nursed another of equal station who, before -they espoused the cause of the Cross, had been his -mortal enemy and might then have been attacking -him or burning his castle, had they not ceased -their strife to go to the rescue of Christians in -the Orient. Such were the extraordinary scenes -among these warriors whose swords were still red -with Turkish blood. But a moment ago they were -fierce as lions and tigers; now they were as gentle -<span class="pb" id="Page_143">143</span> -as lambs.</p> -<p>The Emperor was omnipresent. He had room -in his heart for every one in his service. He consoled -many an old comrade lying on his bed of -pain. He closed many an eye which had watched -for him and with him. He held many a cold hand -which had wielded the sword for him, and tears of -sympathy often came to his eyes. Then he turned -to the well who were enjoying rest in the plazas and -streets of the city, and cleaning their weapons and -armor; or he visited the sentinels on the walls to -see if they were faithful to their duties. While -there, his eyes involuntarily turned to the spot where -he thought the castle stood in which his boys were -prisoners. Notwithstanding they were far away, he -strained his eyes as if to find out their condition -and to read in their faces whether they still confided -in him, or whether, like their present master, they -<span class="pb" id="Page_144">144</span> -doubted his word.</p> -<p>The Emperor gave long consideration to the -means at his command for effecting their rescue, -but none of them appeared practicable. One thing -was certain. If an attack were made upon his really -impregnable castle the Sultan would carry out his -threat. Then again of what use would it be -to capture the castle, even if it were possible? -They could not catch the Sultan and bring him to -account so long as they could not cut off his escape -by sea. As for negotiation, the Emperor gave it -no thought. He was certain that the Sultan -would not make a second offer; and even if he -found that the Emperor was willing to listen, he -felt sure that he not only would repeat the old demands -but probably would add new and not less -ignominious ones.</p> -<p>From every point of view the deed was almost -superhuman. The castle could be approached only -by land, over a narrow causeway, which was in -plain sight and could be easily defended. But even -if they crossed it without resistance, they would -come to portcullises which could be easily lowered -so as to cut them off and ensure their destruction. -Seawards a large inclosure was filled with most -trustworthy guards—a number of huge and powerful -lions, tigers, and panthers, whose loud roars -were terrible enough to prevent any one from -attempting to scale the wall on that side. But -even supposing a knight were found ready to -attempt this rash exploit, what could be accomplished? -Could he rescue the boys from the -Sultan and escape with them past the castle garrison? -And if he failed what would become of the -Emperor’s promise? Would he have risked his -life for them as he agreed? He would have -done no more than any other might have done and -the faithless Turk would have laughed at him for -his pains. Frederick’s honor had thus far been -unquestioned. His word was of more worth -than gold. He could not escape the conclusion -that to uphold his honor to the last he must undertake -<span class="pb" id="Page_145">145</span> -the deed alone.</p> -<p>This thought flashed through his mind like the -lightning. A knight in every sense of the word, -as his whole life had shown, Frederick had all the -virtues of true knighthood in their highest development. -In his time knighthood was not satisfied -with ordinary dangers. It sought for daring exploits, -and purposely invited and magnified them -that victory might be all the more glorious. It was -regarded as a misfortune that the world no longer -swarmed with dragons and serpents, with which, -according to the legends, the heroes of the olden -time contended. Giants and goblins had also -disappeared, and the knightly heroes therefore -eagerly seized the opportunity to encounter dangers -in the Orient they had never faced before, and -to overcome them and thereby display their knighthood -<span class="pb" id="Page_146">146</span> -as well as their religious enthusiasm.</p> -<p>No exploit more dangerous than that which -Frederick decided to perform could have been conceived. -He industriously made plans to reach the -Sultan, rejecting this and that, until but one remained. -He must risk that, and no other. But -in the meantime how could he attend to his other -duties? His army certainly was safe from any -immediate attack by the Turks. But did the Sultan -actually expect that his proposal would be -accepted? Probably, otherwise he would have been -more actively engaged. But what would happen -in case he, the Emperor, failed in this dangerous -undertaking? In that case, if his army were -attacked, his name would no longer be a terror to -the enemy, and still, with so many valiant knights -in the army, it would not lack for a leader. His -son, inheritor of his name and his virtues, now in -the very flower of youthful strength and courage, -would lead it to victory, with God’s help, as he had -done.</p> -<p>The evening star was shining serenely on the -horizon when the Emperor completed his plans. -He determined there should be no further delay. -What was to be done must be done quickly. He -went to his son, Frederick of Swabia, frankly laid -his plans before him, assigned him to the chief command -of the army, and requested him to keep his -absence a secret, so that it should not have a disquieting -effect upon the army. If he did not return -in three days he instructed him to attack the -Turkish castle by the sea with all his strength, and -<span class="pb" id="Page_147">147</span> -look for him there.</p> -<p>Night had enveloped the city in thick darkness -when the Emperor, disguised in plain costume, -passed through the gate leading to the south. With -his armor and cloak securely packed upon his -horse, he rode through the ranks of the sleeping -army. Now and then a sentinel challenged him, but -he was not halted as he well knew the watchword. -He had very wisely selected one of those horses -which could be relied upon to cover a long distance -in a short time, and which in battle were accustomed -to carry heavy armor in case their riders were -exhausted.</p> -<p>Reaching the open country, the noble animal flew -along with the ease and speed characteristic of -Oriental steeds. There was no obstruction in his -way, no enemy in sight. They seemed to have -vanished as completely as if the wind had swept -them away. His way now stretched over luxurious -grassy plains, now through gloomy mountain -forests. Many miles lay behind him, but his steed -seemed as fresh as at the start, and the Emperor -himself was but little wearied. The fresh night air, -the pleasure of the ride, and the thought that at -last he would redeem his word inspired him with -more enthusiasm than he had felt at any time since -the loss of the boys. He rode to face danger as -<span class="pb" id="Page_148">148</span> -exultantly as if he were faring to a tournament.</p> -<p>In the early gray of the morning the Emperor -came to a solitary fisherman’s hut, which showed no -sign of life within. Evidently it was either deserted -or its owner was sleeping. He was now sure he -was in the vicinity of the castle. He knocked at -the door and waited long for admission. He soon -grew impatient and had just decided to break down -the weak door and wait inside until daylight; or if -he found the occupant had been afraid to open it, to -take him along as a guide. A person looked out of -the little window, but instantly drew back as if in -fear when he saw the knight. Frederick espied -him and demanded admission.</p> -<p>After considerable delay the fisherman opened -the door. He suddenly appeared to have recovered -from his fright, for he received the knight very -hospitably, brought him food, placed it upon the -table, and begged his guest to partake. “I would -gladly offer you more, brave knight; but I am -poor, and this is all I have.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_149">149</div> -<p>“Make no excuses, my good man,” replied -Frederick. “I am not so satiated that I need to -have luxuries. I have been living on simple fare -for several days, and have become quite accustomed -to it.”</p> -<p>“Are the Christians reduced to their old straits -again?” asked the fisherman.</p> -<p>“Yes, thanks to the Greeks and Turks. They -have proved alike unfaithful. Your Greek Christians -have broken their word again, and would have -been open enemies had they not been afraid of the -brave Germans. Your master, the Sultan, has been -worse than any of them.”</p> -<p>“But his subjects ought not to be held responsible -for his offences. They say your Emperor is -a powerful sovereign, but mild and conciliatory -also.”</p> -<p>“If you had been with him daily you could not -have described him more accurately, but neither -your people nor your Sultan should presume upon -his gentle disposition too far. It has bounds. -The entire country is now subdued. The enemy -has fled, and the Sultan has taken refuge in his -castle by the sea. Tell me, do you know anything -about that place?”</p> -<p>“Oh, yes, Sir Knight, I can inform you about it -if you wish to know. Come here! Look! there -<span class="pb" id="Page_150">150</span> -are its walls with towers overtopping them. You -can recognize them though it is not yet day. The -Sultan is staying there now.”</p> -<p>“Alone?”</p> -<p>“No, oh, no! The garrison is not strong, but -the castle is by no means empty. I will tell you, -but in confidence, that the Sultan keeps two boy-prisoners -there who are very dear to the Emperor.”</p> -<p>“Have you seen them?” said the Emperor, with -much excitement.</p> -<p>“Not yet; but I heard of them when I was there -selling fish.”</p> -<p>“Ah!” said the Emperor, with an air of indifference, -not wishing to betray himself, for he observed -that the fisherman was watching him curiously. -“Does the Sultan keep no guards about him because -he has no fear that the Emperor will attack -him?”</p> -<p>“Oh, sir, he is safe against all the armies in the -world! I ought not to reveal this to you, for the -Sultan is my master; but believe me, I have so -much respect for your Emperor that I am willing -to do him or one of his knights a service. The -castle is strongly protected. It cannot be taken -from the land side, and seawards it is skirted by an -inclosure filled with savage beasts. Oh, sir! I -have now and then seen those cruel animals from -a distance, and been terribly frightened by their -dreadful roars. When I have seen them spring -upon one another in mighty leaps, though they -were only in sport, it has scared me so that I have -<span class="pb" id="Page_151">151</span> -seized my oars and rowed far from the spot.”</p> -<p>“You timorous hare! Do you suppose a German -knight fears to go among those beasts?”</p> -<p>The fisherman stared at the knight in astonishment. -“For God’s sake, Sir Knight, do not think -of going there. No prisoner who has tried to escape -that way has ever come out alive. They could -hardly find his bones in the morning, and sometimes -only a few blood spots told the story of his -awful death.”</p> -<p>“But how can a prisoner get in there?”</p> -<p>“Near the centre of the enclosure there is a door -which remains closed, but unlocked, day and night. -A passage from it leads to the lion tower where the -prisoners are. You can see it rising from the centre -of the castle. They say that the guards sometimes -pay no attention to their prisoners, because they -know that if they seek to escape through this passage -they will meet an awful death.”</p> -<p>The Emperor’s blood ran cold as the thought -occurred to him that the Sultan might take the -same course with the boys, but he quickly regained -his composure.</p> -<p>“Promise me, Sir Knight, not to throw away -your life there.”</p> -<p>“Fool, where did you get that idea? If I wished -<span class="pb" id="Page_152">152</span> -to go there I should not hesitate, for I should expect -to succeed; but I don’t know that I have any -interest over there. Find me a quiet little place -where I can sleep a few hours.”</p> -<p>The fisherman promptly replied: “No one will -disturb you here, for no one else lives here. Lie -down anywhere and rest. I am going to look for -firewood, and shall not be back until it is time to -get dinner.”</p> -<p>“Many thanks to you, but go as soon as you -can, so that I can sleep.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_153">153</div> -<h2 id="c13"><span class="h2line1">Chapter XIII</span> -<br /><span class="h2line2">Barbarossa’s Victory and Death</span></h2> -<p>The Emperor thoroughly understood the -friendly solicitude of his host. He had -had large experience with Greek treachery -in little as well as in great affairs. He -was well aware that their greed and their hatred of -the Western Christians would lead them to work -against him at every opportunity. It was easy -enough to protect himself against the fisherman’s -hostile designs by killing him or by putting him -in safe custody until his work was accomplished, -but he regarded such action as ungrateful, cowardly, -and vile. He knew also that he could purchase -the man’s faithfulness, but he would not debase -himself so far as to redeem his pledge by the use of -gold. He must rely, therefore, upon his own resources. -He decided to make no further concealment -of his purpose, but at the same time to be -cautious about revealing his identity. He would -defeat any treacherous act the fisherman might be -contemplating, by prompt action, and at the same -time astonish his enemy by the boldness of his -exploit, whether he succeeded or perished in the attempt. -He quickly made his plan and lost no -time in putting it into execution, for the moment -<span class="pb" id="Page_154">154</span> -was favorable.</p> -<p>Quickly donning his armor, helmet, and cloak, -he stepped out of the hut. A little boat was dancing -on the gentle waves, and a light wind was blowing -toward the castle. “Everything is propitious,” -he said to himself, delightedly; “now to my work -with God’s help.” He sprang into the boat, seized -the oar, and rowed as deftly as if he were an oarsman -by occupation.</p> -<p>The sun was already high and beat down upon -our seaman scorchingly. Great drops of perspiration -ran down his face, for he was unused to the -work, and his armor made it all the more laborious; -but he did not lessen his efforts. Now and then -he would let the boat glide along of its own motion, -and then, resuming the oar, send it ahead with still -more vigorous strokes.</p> -<p>Gradually he neared the castle, which seemed to -<span class="pb" id="Page_155">155</span> -emerge from the waves of the sea in all its hugeness -of outline. Looking up, he surveyed the imposing -and colossal work of human industry. With practised -eye he estimated the strength and height of -towers and walls, as well as the size of the enclosure, -and tried to ascertain the exact locality of the door -leading from it. The sight before him and the -magnitude of the task, which seemed to transcend -human ability, might well have induced him to -abandon his attempt; but a voice within him said: -“Thy pledged word is sacred. Duty calls thee. -It is no time for fear or doubt. Courage and -presence of mind alone will aid thee.” He studied -the situation and planned out his method of attack -with the same coolness and composure that characterized -him when laying out his movements on -the battlefield. His hand had not trembled, his -heart had not wavered in a hundred battles. It -beat undauntedly when all seemed lost at Legnano, -and in many a desperate battle with the Turks. -Why, then, should it beat less resolutely in a contest -which must decide in a moment whether victory -or death was to be his fate?</p> -<p>It was a little past midday when our hero reached -the castle. The beasts at that time should have -been in deep sleep, but to his astonishment they -were restlessly moving about. From time to time -they ran growling toward the centre of the enclosure -as if pursued by some stronger animal. -Then they would go back to their resting-places, -but without showing any disposition to sleep. -Then, yawning frightfully and eagerly licking -their lips, they would spring up and rush about -again with wildly gleaming eyes.</p> -<p>The Emperor had not expected such conduct -<span class="pb" id="Page_156">156</span> -from the beasts, and the thought occurred to him, -Is it due to something besides mere chance? Has -the fisherman actually carried out his treacherous -design? It seemed likely to him. He had to -admit to himself that the danger arising from such -a consideration might prove fatal; but even were -it so, he decided to carry out the plan which he had -fixed upon, as the best under the circumstances.</p> -<p>He approached the sea-washed wall as noiselessly -as he could, so as not to attract the attention of the -beasts. Bending low, he drove the boat ahead with -short, quick strokes until he reached it; then, laying -down his oar, he examined his sword and dagger, -fastened his cloak loosely about his broad shoulders, -clutched the rail running along the wall: a step, a -spring, and he was up.</p> -<p>Not an instant elapsed before he was in the enclosure, -confronting the savage beasts. He realized -at the first glance the full extent of his danger, and -decided what to do. He discerned the trap-door at -once and with drawn sword in his right hand rushed -to it. At the same instant the beasts noticed him. -The lithe, bloodthirsty monsters emerged from their -lairs at once and advanced upon him in swift leaps. -A large panther outstripped them all. He reached -the Emperor from the left side in two bounds, followed -closely by a huge lion from the right. Being -still three paces away from the trap-door, a fearful -struggle was unavoidable, for either of those terrible -animals would have been a formidable foe for one -man.</p> -<div class="img" id="pic4"> -<img src="images/p04.jpg" alt="" width="749" height="1000" /> -<p class="caption"><i>Redbeard and the Lion.</i></p> -</div> -<div class="pb" id="Page_157">157</div> -<p>With the quickness of lightning the Emperor -plunged his sword into the lion’s breast, at the -same time tearing his cloak from his shoulders -with his left hand and throwing it over the panther’s -head. The hope of victory shone in the -Emperor’s face; his most cruel enemy was harmless -for the moment. Unopposed by him he advanced -to the trap-door in the midst of numerous -smaller but hardly less dangerous beasts seeking to -pounce upon him, each in his own way. As the -Emperor stooped to raise the trap-door, a leopard -sprang over him and another was thrown back by -the lifting of the trap-door, the panther still being -enveloped in the cloak. All this took but an instant, -but in that instant the Emperor sprang into -a dark passage and the door closed down behind -him.</p> -<p>Our hero waited only long enough to make sure -that he had securely fastened the door on the inside, -for overhead there was a bedlam of roars and growls -as if all the beasts of Asia and Africa were loose there. -The shrieks and snarls of the smaller mingled with -the heavy roars of the larger beasts. Sharp claws -scratched on the door, and the animals tore at it -and hurled themselves against it so furiously that -it seemed as if they would burst it open, and the -<span class="pb" id="Page_158">158</span> -whole cruel pack fall upon the bold hero.</p> -<p>Victor over the wild animals, he must now prove -himself victor over human ones. The Emperor -proceeded steadily but cautiously. With sword in -hand he tested the floor of the passage lest he -should stumble into some pitfall. He also carefully -felt the walls to see if there were any side -passages from which he might be attacked in the -rear. He found none, and at last came to a door. -There were several cracks in this door, but not a -gleam of daylight penetrated through them. The -passage also grew wider. Fearing it might lead -under the castle and thence out into the open air -again, he calculated the distance from the door in -the enclosure to the castle. He was now sure that -the second door must open directly into the castle, -and the masonry on the right and left confirmed his -judgment. With the help of his sword he forced -the door open. He advanced a few steps and, to -his infinite astonishment, saw the Sultan sitting -immediately before him with a numerous and brilliant -suite, and the two boys, Raymond and Conrad, -on either side of him. Amazement and defiance -were visible on every face. The Emperor was -overcome with surprise. The silence grew so intense -and painful that every one could hear his own -heart beat.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_159">159</div> -<p>The Sultan at last broke the silence:</p> -<p>“I bid thee welcome to my castle, thou great -hero.”</p> -<p>A heavy burden was lifted from every heart. -Anxiety gave way to pleasant anticipation as the -Sultan continued:</p> -<p>“Have no fear that I shall abuse the power which -thy boldness has given me. I am disarmed, not by -terror of thy name, which has made my bravest -tremble, but by thine indomitable courage of arm -and lofty magnanimity of soul. I will henceforth -be thine ally; and as a pledge of my faith I give -thee thy dear ones. They are worthy of thee.”</p> -<p>Frederick was deeply moved. His beloved boys -fervently embraced him. They called him their -rescuer and second father, and then turned and -warmly expressed their gratitude to the Sultan. -Frederick cordially extended his hand to the -generous Turk and the alliance was made.</p> -<p>Thereupon the Sultan joyfully conducted his -noble guest to magnificent apartments on the upper -floor of the castle, where everything conducive to -his comfort was provided. The servants were -ordered to bring the best of food and drink at once. -The great rooms of the castle, which had been so -empty and desolate, were now full of good cheer. -Frederick listened with lively satisfaction to the -story of the chivalrous action of the boys; and -the Sultan in telling it did not omit to mention -his threats and promises and cruel tests. The -Emperor closely embraced the boys, and when the -<span class="pb" id="Page_160">160</span> -Sultan had finished his story, said to them:</p> -<p>“With God’s help you have accomplished one -of the hardest of tasks. You have secured more -respect for the Christian name than I have done -with the sword. Henceforth Turks will have a -different opinion of us, and this is due to your -noble achievement with the simple weapons of Christianity—love -of virtue, love of your enemy. God’s -blessing will rest upon such Christian warriors.”</p> -<p>The details of the alliance were soon settled. -The Emperor willingly gave up the spoils he had -captured, and the Sultan promised to be a faithful -ally in the future, to assist the Emperor with troops -against Saladin, and to furnish plenty of subsistence. -Rustan was ordered to take his swiftest horse, ride -to Iconium and carry the joyful news to the army -and the citizens. He accomplished his errand with -an alacrity which proved how overjoyed he was -himself at the happy outcome of the situation.</p> -<p>After a few days the Emperor took leave of his -<span class="pb" id="Page_161">161</span> -friendly host. Before he left he went to look at -the animal enclosure. Holding his boys by the -hand, he looked down upon the spot of the terrible -encounter, where his first assailant, the huge -panther, was now king of the savage pack, for the -Emperor had disposed of his predecessor, the lion. -The boys looked down apprehensively from their -secure position, but the Emperor was exultant over -the memories of victory. They repeatedly expressed -their gratitude to him, but he only pointed -upward, saying that their thanks were due to Him -who controls all human destinies.</p> -<p>The three now left the castle upon the fleetest -horses in the Sultan’s stables, gifts from him to -his new friends. Their steeds flew over the long, -narrow causeway toward the spot where the army -awaited them. Escorted by a strong guard, they -took a shorter route, known to the natives, and -were at their journey’s end in an incredibly short -time.</p> -<p>The towers of Iconium were hardly in sight -before the roads were crowded with those who -could not wait to welcome the Emperor and tender -him their joyful congratulations. The nearer -they came to the city the greater was the rejoicing. -Shouts and cries of welcome from Christians and -Turks alike followed him to his quarters in the -city; and when in sight of the army and the -whole city he conferred the honor of knighthood -upon the two boys, it seemed as if the enthusiastic -shouts would never cease, for every one had heard -their story from the lips of Rustan.</p> -<p>The Emperor at once resumed his duties. -<span class="pb" id="Page_162">162</span> -Astonishment mingled with admiration was everywhere -aroused as the news of his heroic achievement -and the new alliance spread through the country. It -also made a deep impression upon Saladin and his -army. Frederick decided to secure victory or peace -before the enthusiasm of his army and the astonishment -of the enemy had subsided. He hoped to -win over Saladin also, for he knew he was a nobler -enemy than Kilidj Arslan had been. But he was -deceived in the expectation that he could accomplish -it without a battle. Saladin, perhaps the -noblest sovereign in the East since Mohammed’s -time, besides being high-minded, noble-hearted, and -a lover of justice and humanity, was also a very brave -and warlike ruler and a devoted follower of the -Prophets. He was called the Eastern Barbarossa. -Thus far he had fought only against Christians, -whom he despised because of their conduct and -their faithlessness with each other. He had openly -expressed his contempt for the weak Guido of Lusignan, -King of Jerusalem, and especially for the -Templars and Knights of St. John, who had been -treacherous to each other in violation of their -vows<a class="fn" id="fr_32" href="#fn_32">[32]</a>.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_163">163</div> -<p>The struggle began as soon as the Christian army -entered Syria. They were in position on one side -of the insignificant Kalykadnos or Saleph River; -on the other side the enemy was awaiting attack. -The Christians at once began building a bridge. -They were continually harassed by the arrows and -javelins of the enemy, but they did not desist. On -the contrary they worked persistently hours at a -time.</p> -<p>The old Emperor, however, became impatient. -As boldly as if the blood of youth were still -coursing in his veins, he plunged into the river -and tried to swim to the other shore. But he -who had overcome so many dangers, many of -them far greater than this, now met his doom. -A stroke of apoplexy ended that life so rich in -glorious deeds. He had escaped the sharp Lombard -dagger, the poisoned Saracen arrow, and the -tiger’s cruel tooth, to lose his life in the sluggish -waters of the river Saleph, the name of which was -hardly known beyond its banks.</p> -<p>Words cannot describe the sorrow of the Christian -<span class="pb" id="Page_164">164</span> -host. With Frederick, an army perished. The -world had trembled at his name and the Orient had -been terrified by it. Now he who bore this name -was a corpse. His once strong arm was powerless. -His once bold heart was still. They took him from -the water, stark and cold. He would no longer terrify -those enemies, who exulted as if they and not -the cold waves of the river had killed their great -adversary.</p> -<p>After the first shock of sorrow the Christians -<span class="pb" id="Page_165">165</span> -attacked the enemy with all their power. Frederick -of Swabia, the Emperor’s son, led them, -but after some minor successes, the greater part -of them succumbed to the superior numbers of -this foe, and the effects of the climate. Of that -well-equipped army of ninety-five thousand men -only about five thousand were left. Starvation -swept away many of those who escaped the -Turkish scymitars, and those who escaped both -fell victims to strange malignant diseases and -lack of care. The Templars and the Knights -of St. John had many hospitals, which they had -built and which were maintained by contributions -from all over Europe; but they never asked the -sick if they were Christians, but if they were Englishmen -or Frenchmen. The Germans were not -received. Many a German heart at home was -touched with pity at the unspeakable suffering of -so many of their people, and was filled with indignation, -at such unchristian conduct; others busily -engaged themselves in plans for relief. The merchants -of Bremen gave the sails of their vessels to -be made into tents for the sick Germans. Knights -who had been in life-long struggle with the Saracens -closed their glorious careers by imitating the example -of the merciful Samaritan. They organized an order -for the care of the sick, similar to those of the Templars -and the Knights of St. John.<a class="fn" id="fr_33" href="#fn_33">[33]</a> -were permitted to become members, but its charitable -ministrations were offered to all nationalities. Frederick -of Swabia gladly gave his assent to the pious -work and did his utmost to secure its recognition -by the Pope, as well as by his brother, King Henry -of Germany; but he did not live to see the work -completed. He was a victim of that deadly pestilence -which swept away so many thousands.</p> -<p>Our young friends, who survived all the perils of -<span class="pb" id="Page_166">166</span> -that unfortunate crusade and had wept at the grave -of the heroic Emperor, now mourned for his great-hearted -son. They deemed it their highest honor -to enter the Teutonic order and in its service to -perform the two great Christian duties:</p> -<p>To strive for the doctrines of Christ; and</p> -<p>To obey his highest command, “Love one -another.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_167">167</div> -<h2 id="c14">APPENDIX</h2> -<p>The following is a chronological statement of the most -important events in the life of Barbarossa:</p> -<table class="center"> -<tr><td>1123 </td><td>Birth.</td></tr> -<tr><td>1147 </td><td>Married Adelaide; succeeded his father as Duke of Swabia; accompanied the second Crusade.</td></tr> -<tr><td>1152 </td><td>Received the Crown of Germany.</td></tr> -<tr><td>1153 </td><td>Divorced Adelaide.</td></tr> -<tr><td>1154 </td><td>First Italian Campaign.</td></tr> -<tr><td>1155 </td><td>Crowned Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire.</td></tr> -<tr><td>1156 </td><td>Restored the Duchy of Bavaria to Henry the Lion; married Beatrice, daughter of the Count of Burgundy.</td></tr> -<tr><td>1157 </td><td>Secured allegiance of Poland and Hungary.</td></tr> -<tr><td>1158 </td><td>Second Italian Campaign.</td></tr> -<tr><td>1160 </td><td>Excommunicated by Pope Alexander III.</td></tr> -<tr><td>1164-1174 </td><td>Italian Campaigns.</td></tr> -<tr><td>1176 </td><td>Defeated at Legnano.</td></tr> -<tr><td>1177 </td><td>Made truce for six years with the Italian cities.</td></tr> -<tr><td>1183 </td><td>Treaty of Constance.</td></tr> -<tr><td>1183 </td><td>Led the third Crusade with Richard the Lion-Hearted of England and Philip Augustus of France.</td></tr> -<tr><td>1190 </td><td>Death in Asia Minor by drowning.</td></tr> -</table> -<div class="pb" id="Page_168">168</div> -<h2>Footnotes</h2> -<div class="fnblock"><div class="fndef"><a class="fn" id="fn_1" href="#fr_1">[1]</a>The first Crusade for the recovery of the Holy Land from the infidels, as they -were called, was led by Godfrey of Bouillon (1096-1099), and resulted in the -capture of Jerusalem. The second (1147-1149), advocated by Saint Bernard, -was unsuccessful. The third (1189-1192), in which Frederick Barbarossa of Germany, -Richard the Lion-hearted of England, and Phillip Augustus of France were -associated, failed in the reconquest of Jerusalem, which the Musssulmans had retaken -in 1187. The fourth (1202-1204) resulted in the establishment of a Latin -Empire at Constantinople, under Count Baldwin of Flanders. The fifth, under -Frederick II (1228-1229), the sixth (1248-1250) and the seventh (1270-1271), -under St. Louis of France, were unsuccessful. -</div><div class="fndef"><a class="fn" id="fn_2" href="#fr_2">[2]</a>Godfrey of Bouillon was born in Brabant in 1061, and died in Jerusalem in -1100. He was made Duke of Lower Lotharingia, Germany, in 1088, and joined -the Crusade in 1096. He was the leader in the capture of Jerusalem and was -made its King, but preferred to be known as Protector of the Holy Sepulchre. He -completed the conquest of the Holy Land by defeating the Sultan at Ascalon, 1099. -</div><div class="fndef"><a class="fn" id="fn_3" href="#fr_3">[3]</a>Saint Bernard, a French ecclesiastic, was born in Burgundy in 1091, and -died at Clairvaux in 1153. He became abbot of Clairvaux in 1115, and held that -position until his death. He had great influence in ecclesiastical politics, and -preached the second Crusade in 1146. -</div><div class="fndef"><a class="fn" id="fn_4" href="#fr_4">[4]</a>The succession about this period was as follows: The Saxon dynasty (Henry -I, Otto I, Otto II, and Otto III) reigned from 919 to 1002. At the death of Otto -III, no representative of that dynasty was left. He was succeeded by Henry II, -who reigned from 1002 to 1024. After his death the Franconian dynasty -(Conrad II, Henry III, Henry IV, and Henry V) occupied the throne from -1024 to 1125, the dynasty ending with the death of Henry V. The latter was -succeeded by Lothair, Duke of Saxony, who reigned from 1125 to 1137. At -his death, Conrad III of the Hohenstaufen dynasty was elected. He reigned from -1137 to 1152, and was succeeded by Frederick Barbarossa, his nephew, and son -of Frederick, Duke of Swabia, who reigned from 1152 to 1190. -</div><div class="fndef"><a class="fn" id="fn_5" href="#fr_5">[5]</a>Henry the Lion was the son of Henry the Proud. He was of such haughty -disposition and so ambitious that he was generally disliked, but Frederick succeeded -in making him Duke of Bavaria and Saxony. He did much for these duchies by -building new towns and colonizing them, and by founding bishoprics. -</div><div class="fndef"><a class="fn" id="fn_6" href="#fr_6">[6]</a>The Guelphs, or Welfs, as they were called in Germany, were the papal -party in Italy in the Middle Ages. They were the founders of the house of -Brunswick and Hanover to which the present English royal family belongs. The -Ghibellines were the imperial and aristocratic party in Italy who derived their name -from Waiblingen, an estate in Franconia. The conflict between the two parties -was begun in Germany and transferred to Italy, where it raged until the end of the -fifteenth century. -</div><div class="fndef"><a class="fn" id="fn_7" href="#fr_7">[7]</a>Conrad’s election had been called hasty and irregular. -</div><div class="fndef"><a class="fn" id="fn_8" href="#fr_8">[8]</a>Frederick’s appellation, “Barbarossa” in Italian, “Rothbart” in German, -came from his red beard. -</div><div class="fndef"><a class="fn" id="fn_9" href="#fr_9">[9]</a>This refers to Henry I (919-936) who subdued the Magyars and the Slavs -(including the Bohemians), recovered German territory from Denmark, and rid -Germany of all its enemies. -</div><div class="fndef"><a class="fn" id="fn_10" href="#fr_10">[10]</a>Tortoria, in the province of Alessandria, Italy, was a conspicuous sufferer in -many wars. It was destroyed by Frederick Barbarossa in 1155, again by the -Ghibellines in 1163, and was several times captured in the War of the Spanish -Succession. -</div><div class="fndef"><a class="fn" id="fn_11" href="#fr_11">[11]</a>Lodi, in the province of Milan, was founded by Barbarossa in place of the -Lodi destroyed in 1158. It is the locality of the great victory won by the French -under Napoleon over the Austrians under Beaulieu, May 10, 1796. It is now -principally famous for its Parmesan cheese and Majolica ware. -</div><div class="fndef"><a class="fn" id="fn_12" href="#fr_12">[12]</a>Frederick’s army was composed of 100,000 foot and 15,000 horse. -</div><div class="fndef"><a class="fn" id="fn_13" href="#fr_13">[13]</a>Crema is in the Province of Cremona and about twenty-four miles from -Milan. -</div><div class="fndef"><a class="fn" id="fn_14" href="#fr_14">[14]</a>Frederick set out for Germany attended by thirty horsemen, and at Susa only -saved himself by escaping on foot at night with two followers. -</div><div class="fndef"><a class="fn" id="fn_15" href="#fr_15">[15]</a>Frederick’s first wife was Adelaide, whom he married in 1147 and divorced -in 1153, upon the pretext of kinship. In 1156 he married Beatrice, mentioned -above, daughter of the Count of Burgundy. -</div><div class="fndef"><a class="fn" id="fn_16" href="#fr_16">[16]</a>Saladin, the Egyptian -Sultan, was born at Tekrit in 1137, and died at Damascus -in 1193. He was made Sultan in 1173, and conquered Damascus and Syria. -He defeated the Christians at Tiberias in 1187, and also captured Acre, -Jerusalem, and Ascalon. The fall of Jerusalem led to the third Crusade, in which -Frederick Barbarossa, Richard the Lion-hearted of England, and Philip II of France -took part. In 1192 Richard forced Saladin to make a three years’ truce. Saladin -died before its expiration. -</div><div class="fndef"><a class="fn" id="fn_17" href="#fr_17">[17]</a>Guy de Lusignan succeeded to the throne of Jerusalem in 1186, on the death -of Baldwin V. After his capture by Saladin he was released on renouncing his -claims to the throne; but he disregarded his agreement, and in 1192 transferred -his claim to Richard I of England, in exchange for Cyprus. -</div><div class="fndef"><a class="fn" id="fn_18" href="#fr_18">[18]</a>Iconium is the ancient name of Konièh, a vilayet in Turkish Asia Minor. -It was captured by Barbarossa in 1190, and was incorporated with the Turkish Empire -at the close of the fourteenth century. -</div><div class="fndef"><a class="fn" id="fn_19" href="#fr_19">[19]</a>Bela II succeeded Stephen II, -and reigned from 1131 to 1141. -</div><div class="fndef"><a class="fn" id="fn_20" href="#fr_20">[20]</a>Isaac Angelus -was one of the early Grecian tyrants. His reign was so oppressive -that some of his subjects rose in revolt, and, uniting with the Bulgarians, -formed what is called the Bulgaro-Wallachian Kingdom. It existed until the -Turks established sovereignty in Greece. -</div><div class="fndef"><a class="fn" id="fn_21" href="#fr_21">[21]</a>The German name for Ratisbon, -capital of the upper palatinate of Bavaria. -</div><div class="fndef"><a class="fn" id="fn_22" href="#fr_22">[22]</a>Capital -of the County of Presburg, Hungary. -</div><div class="fndef"><a class="fn" id="fn_23" href="#fr_23">[23]</a>Capital of the County of Gran, -and famous for its fine Cathedral. -</div><div class="fndef"><a class="fn" id="fn_24" href="#fr_24">[24]</a>Philippopolis is now the capital of Eastern Rumelia, which is a part of -Bulgaria. It was named after Philip II of Macedon. -</div><div class="fndef"><a class="fn" id="fn_25" href="#fr_25">[25]</a>A town in Rumelia, a few miles south of Adrianople. -</div><div class="fndef"><a class="fn" id="fn_26" href="#fr_26">[26]</a>Adrianople was founded by the Emperor Hadrian, <span class="sc">A. D.</span> 125, and has been -the scene of many assaults. It has been stormed and taken by Bulgarians, Turks, -Crusaders, and Russians. -</div><div class="fndef"><a class="fn" id="fn_27" href="#fr_27">[27]</a>In ancient geography, Mysia was bounded on the north by the Propontis, -south by Lydia, east by Bithynia, and Phrygia, and west by the Ægean; Caria, -north by Lydia, south and west by the Ægean, east by Phygia; Lycia, west by -the Mediterranean, north, south, and east by Caria, Phrygia, and Pamphylia; -Paphlagonia, north by the Black Sea, south by Galatia, east by Pontus, and west by -Bithynia; Bithynia, north by the Propontis, Bosphorus, and Euxine, south by -Phrygia and Galatia, east by Paphlagonia, and west by Mysia. Lydia, on the west -coast of Asia Minor, was the mightiest of all these provinces. Its King, referred -to above, was Crœsus, who was captured by the Persians, under Cyrus, 546 <span class="sc">B. C.</span> -</div><div class="fndef"><a class="fn" id="fn_28" href="#fr_28">[28]</a>Nicomedia -was the capital of Bithynia. It was the residence of Diocletian, -Constantine, and other Roman emperors. -</div><div class="fndef"><a class="fn" id="fn_29" href="#fr_29">[29]</a>“Giaour,” -a Turkish word, meaning “infidel.” It has also an added signification -of contempt and hate, and was applied by the Turks to designate -adherents of other religions than Mohammedanism. -</div><div class="fndef"><a class="fn" id="fn_30" href="#fr_30">[30]</a>The handjar, an obsolete weapon, was a sword with very broad blade, and -leaf-shaped. It was sometimes used as a projectile. -</div><div class="fndef"><a class="fn" id="fn_31" href="#fr_31">[31]</a>“Are not two sparrows sold -for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall -on the ground without your Father.” -<i>Matthew</i> x, 29. -</div><div class="fndef"><a class="fn" id="fn_32" href="#fr_32">[32]</a>The Templars were a military order, taking their name from the temple of -Solomon, where they had their early headquarters in Jerusalem. The order was -founded in 1118, and its object was to protect pilgrims on the way to the shrines -in the Holy Land. They spread rapidly and rose to great power; but after being -charged with heresy, immorality, and other offences, the order was suppressed by -the Council of Vienne in 1312.</div> -<div class="fncont">The Knights of the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem were organized early in the -twelfth century. The order was a religious and charitable body, and was also semi-military -in character. Associations which trace their origin to this order are still -in existence, among them the “Johannites” in Germany, and the Knights of -St. John in England. -</div><div class="fndef"><a class="fn" id="fn_33" href="#fr_33">[33]</a>This was the Teutonic Order, or Teutonic Knights of St. Mary’s Hospital at -Jerusalem. Its name is derived from a German hospital founded at Jerusalem in -1128. It at one time played an important part in the political history of northern -Europe and it had much to do with the spread of Christianity and German national -life. About all left of the order now is a semi-religious knighthood in Austria -presided over by an archduke, which was restored in 1840, after Napoleon suppressed -the whole order (1809). -</div> -</div> -<div class="pb" id="Page_169">169</div> -<h2 id="c15"><span class="h2line1">LIFE STORIES FOR <i>YOUNG PEOPLE</i></span></h2> -<p class="center"><i>BIOGRAPHICAL ROMANCES -<br /><span class="small">TRANSLATED FROM THE GERMAN BY</span></i> -<br /><span class="large">GEORGE P. UPTON</span></p> -<p class="center small"><i>A new, interesting, and very useful series that will be found especially -<br />suitable for school libraries and for supplementary reading</i></p> -<p>The books in this series are translated from the German, because -in that country a specialty is made of really desirable -reading for the young. Eight titles are now ready and more will -follow.</p> -<p>Their simplicity and accuracy make them very useful for every -school library in the grades.</p> -<p>For parents who feel disposed to give their children books that -provide a mild element of historical information, as well as first-class -entertainment, the little books will prove a veritable find.</p> -<p>The “life-stories” retain the story form throughout, and embody -in each chapter a stirring event in the life of the hero or the action -of the time. The dramatis personæ are actual characters, and the -facts in the main are historically correct. They are therefore both -entertaining and instructive, and present biography in its most attractive -form for the young.</p> -<p class="center smaller">A FULL LIST OF THE TITLES IS GIVEN ON THE NEXT PAGE</p> -<p>The work of translation has been done by Mr. George P. -Upton, whose “Memories” and Lives of Beethoven, Haydn, and -Liszt, from the German of Max Mueller and Dr. Nohl, have been -so successful.</p> -<p class="center small"><i>Each is a small square 16mo in uniform binding, with four -<br />illustrations. Each 60 cents net.</i></p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_170">170</div> -<p class="tbcenter"><i>FULL LIST OF TITLES</i></p> -<hr class="dwide" /> -<dl class="undent"><dt><span class="sc">Barbarossa</span></dt> -<dt><span class="sc">William of Orange</span></dt> -<dt><span class="sc">Beethoven</span></dt> -<dt><span class="sc">Mozart</span></dt> -<dt><span class="sc">Johann Sebastian Bach</span></dt> -<dt><span class="sc">Maria Theresa</span></dt> -<dt><span class="sc">Gudrun</span></dt> -<dt><span class="sc">The Nibelungs</span></dt> -<dt><span class="sc">The Maid of Orleans</span></dt> -<dt><span class="sc">William Tell</span></dt> -<dt><span class="sc">Frederick the Great</span></dt> -<dt><span class="sc">The Little Dauphin</span></dt></dl> -<p>“These narratives have been well calculated for youthful minds -past infancy, and Mr. Upton’s version is easy and idiomatic.”—<i>The -Nation.</i></p> -<p>“He is a delightful writer, clearness, strength, and sincerity marking -everything to which he puts his hand. He has translated these little -histories from the German in a way that the reader knows has conserved -all the strength of the original.”—<i>Chicago Evening Post.</i></p> -<p>“They are written in simple, graphic style, handsomely illustrated, -and will be read with delight by the young people for whose benefit -they have been prepared.”—<i>Chicago Tribune.</i></p> -<p>“The work of translation seems to have been well done, and these -little biographies are very well fitted for the use of young people.... -The volumes are compact and neat, and are illustrated sufficiently but -not too elaborately.”—<i>Springfield Republican.</i></p> -<p>“These books are most entertaining and vastly more wholesome than -the story books with which the appetites of young readers are for the -most part satisfied.”—<i>Indianapolis Journal.</i></p> -<p class="center"><i><span class="small">OF ALL BOOKSELLERS OR OF THE PUBLISHERS</span></i> -<br />A. C. McCLURG & CO., CHICAGO</p> -<div class="box"> -<p class="tbcenter">LIFE STORIES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE</p> -<p class="center"><i>Translated from the German by -<br />GEORGE P. UPTON</i></p> -<p class="center">12 Vols. Ready</p> -<dl class="undent"><dt><span class="sc">Beethoven</span></dt> -<dt><span class="sc">Mozart</span></dt> -<dt><span class="sc">Bach</span></dt> -<dt><span class="sc">Maid of Orleans</span></dt> -<dt><span class="sc">William Tell</span></dt> -<dt><span class="sc">The Little Dauphin</span></dt> -<dt><span class="sc">Frederick the Great</span></dt> -<dt><span class="sc">Maria Theresa</span></dt> -<dt><span class="sc">Barbarossa</span></dt> -<dt><span class="sc">William of Orange</span></dt> -<dt><span class="sc">Gudrun</span></dt> -<dt><span class="sc">The Nibelungs</span></dt></dl> -<p class="center"><i>Illustrated, each 60 cents net</i> -<br />A. C. McCLURG & CO., <span class="sc">Chicago</span></p> -</div> -<h2>Transcriber’s Notes</h2> -<ul> -<li>Copyright notice provided as in the original—this e-text is public domain in the country of publication.</li> -<li>In the text versions, delimited italics text in _underscores_ (the HTML version reproduces the font form of the printed book.)</li> -<li>Silently corrected palpable typos; left non-standard spellings and dialect unchanged.</li> -</ul> -<div style='display:block; margin-top:4em'>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BARBAROSSA ***</div> -<div style='text-align:left'> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Updated editions will replace the previous one—the old editions will -be renamed. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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