"But the best, the most really meritorious! The true crown of glory is eternal and unfading! What we accomplish on earth is often valueless hereafter, for what then avails a lifetime spent in strife, and storms, and troubles! I implore you, dear husband, do not question the decrees of Providence; think less of earthly greatness, for pride leads to forgetfulness of God, and to eternal perdition!"
"You are right," said the Prince, who had listened calmly while Clemence was speaking, "if we are to measure honor's reward by what comes after death; but I maintain that I would gladly exchange some leaves of my heavenly crown, for the prospect of an earthly heir."
A slight noise was heard, the curtains were lifted, and Lanzo with a serious face entered the room.
"Whence come you, knave?"
"From the gallows, godfather!"
"What! am I the sponsor of a gallows-bird?"
"You have no reason to be ashamed of it, cousin, since it appears to be the fashion, nowadays, to hang honest people!"
"Who has been hanged?"
"Oh! just now, no one; but those who have the halter around their necks are not always the worst off. It may be that your Grace or the Emperor would send an honest citizen to execution; but, when the devil in person leads a man to the scaffold, it is another thing!"
"You are not bright to-day, Lanzo!"