"I come, Queen----" he began.
But she harshly interrupted him.
"I hope, Earl of Asta, that at last thou comest to put an end to this despicable game of force and lies. I will bear it no longer. Thy bold brother surprises me--me, the helpless orphan, lost in sorrow for her mother--in my apartments, calls me in one breath his Queen and his prisoner, and keeps me for weeks in unworthy confinement. He gives me the purple, and deprives me of liberty. Then thou comest and tormentest me with thy vain pursuit, which will never succeed. I refused thee when at liberty. Dost thou believe, thou fool, that, a prisoner in thy power, the child of the Amelungs will listen to thee? Thou swearest that thou lovest me; well, then, respect me! Honour my will and set me free, or tremble when my liberator comes."
And she advanced threateningly towards Arahad, who, confused, could find no words with which to answer her.
Just then Duke Guntharis hurried up with a hot and angry face.
"Up, Arahad!" he cried, "make an end. We must away at once! He approaches; he presses forward with a strong force."
"Who?" asked Arahad hastily.
"He says he comes to set her free. He has gained a victory--the Peasant-King! He has beaten our outposts at Castrum Sivium."
"Who?" now asked Mataswintha eagerly.
"Well," cried Guntharis angrily, "thou mayest as well know it; it can be no longer concealed--Earl Witichis of Fæsulæ!"