"It was not I, it was the Holy Virgin, who overthrew him! It was she to whom I had devoted my sword, and it was in her service that it was broken. It is thus she consecrated it. May she bless you also,—you who, for love of her, receive me as a son!"
Gottfried had nothing to say in reply. He wished to pour out his tears before the Lord, and left the chevalier, to whom he sent the faithful and prudent Ethbert.
"Sit down," said Theobald to the domestic, and tell me who is this Prince of peace, of whom you spoke to me, last night. "Was it not you who bore me hither with another servant, and who, leaning towards me, when we passed the threshold of this house, said to me: May the Prince of peace himself receive you? Who is this Prince? Is it thy master, this venerable and mild old man?"
"Jesus is the Prince of peace," replied Ethbert; "for he is love, and love does not war against any one."
"Jesus! did you say, is the Prince of peace! But is he not with us who support his cause, and who yet fight valiantly?"
Ethbert. The cause of Jesus is the gospel of his grace. His cause is not supported by the sword and lance; but is defended by truth and love.
Theobald, surprised. Your words, Ethbert, are sermons. Where do they come from?
Ethbert. He who is acquainted with God speaks the word of God; and God is love. God will not revenge and kill with hatred. God pardons and bestows grace.
Theobald, agitated. You would say, perhaps, that God is not with me, because I avenge myself of my enemies. Have they not deserved my hatred?
Ethbert. "Love your enemies," saith God to those who know him. "Avenge not yourselves," he says again to his beloved.