"Only look at the Imperial mantle! how it glitters!"
"Yes; and see how proudly Barbarossa rides! They might call him Jupiter tonans!"
In fact, Frederic slowly advanced with the grave and stern bearing of a conqueror. Not a trace of emotion was visible on his countenance, and his eyes glanced calmly upon the admiring multitude.
A branch of laurel was entwined upon his diadem, and he bore, in his right hand, the Imperial sceptre, with a more haughty grace than Augustus himself in his triumphal chariot.
"The Empress is a gracious lady," said Anselm; "she looks like a lamb by the side of a lion."
"Who is that red-bearded noble behind the Emperor?"
"Frederic of Hohenstauffen, Duke of Suabia, a good and kind prince, very different from his cousin. They say the Emperor does not trust him, and that the Duke looks so sadly, because Frederic forced him to join his army.
"Ah! look there! Here comes the Chancellor Rinaldo! What a handsome little man he is! See how he smiles,--you would never imagine, from his appearance, that he is deceit personified?"
A squadron of men-at-arms closed the procession, which was followed by an immense crowd.
"Quick, my friends," said Ambrose, "let us go to St. Peter's as fast as we can! If we can only get through the crowd! What a retinue of bishops!"