Louis appreciated the danger of a quarrel between his vassals, and he hastened to change the subject.
"The hour has passed," he said, looking at the sun. "You, my lords, can bear witness that it is not we who failed to appear."
"But the Emperor will certainly come; wait a little longer," urged the Count Henry.
"No, Count; our self-respect forbids it, and I am tired of waiting. Frederic shows clearly by his absence, that his consideration for your sovereign is not excessive, and I am almost inclined to believe the reports which attribute to him pretensions to supremacy over all the princes of Christendom."
"As it may please you, Sire. However," continued Henry of Champagne, "you may possibly regret the results of your too hasty departure."
"The results! What mean you?"
"The Count means to say," replied the Duke of Burgundy, "that the enemies of France may profit by the opportunity to accuse you of breaking your royal word, and to invade our frontiers."
"Let them come if they wish; we will meet them!"
Louis looked towards the German camp, and under the influence of returning fears, was about to wait still longer, but the Duke opposed him.
"You cannot, Sire, without compromising yourself. If the Emperor means war, all your concessions will not prevent him from fixing a quarrel on you."