The Duke remained silent, his eyes still fixed upon the ground.
"My plan is the result of mature deliberation," pursued Barbarossa; "but we would listen to your counsel."
"As your Majesty pleases," replied Henry.
The Emperor glanced towards Rinaldo, who answered by a look of astonishment.
"Your Grace seems out of spirits;--you will, I know, pardon my remark," said Frederic, cordially. "I trust that you have received no bad news from the Duchy, or that you have no domestic annoyances!"
"Domestic annoyances, only, Sire!" said Rinaldo.
"How so?"
Dassel read in Henry's silence, an invitation to take upon himself the explanation of the affair, and he began to paint in gloomy colors and with crafty skill the misfortune of the Duke, who, with all his power and renown, was doomed to leave no posterity to reflect his greatness and his fame.
"These sad facts have been the subject of our interview," he said. "Your Majesty will readily appreciate the natural despondency of a prince who looks beyond the present and who labors for ages yet unborn!"
"Really, I am deeply grieved," said Barbarossa, "but I can perceive no remedy. It does not seem as though Clemence were destined to realize your Grace's desires."