"That league was merely defensive, and they broke it by aggression and sacrilege."
"But we could not punish their crime without strengthening the power of that greater criminal, the emperor."
"You acted uncharitably," said the duke; "but you judged aright, and I have forgiven you."
"For which; my liege," replied the baron, "I cannot be too grateful."
"Listen," continued the King of Arles, "ye true pastors of the Church of God, and you, Albert of Hers, that Henry of Austria has nominated a successor to Anno of Cologne!"
At this announcement Herman and the knight sprang to their feet, while their looks expressed their horror and surprise. But Father Omehr kept his seat, and said calmly:
"Will your highness inform us more fully?"
The duke resumed: "A messenger, post haste from Goslar, brought me the news this morning at Zurich. Henry refused to meet the Pope in council to take measures for the purification of Milan, Firmano, and Spoleto, and has thus replied to the threat of excommunication. The nominee is Hidolph, who is attached to his own chapel, a man of no merit whatever, but devoted to the emperor; and whose principal endeavor it has been to remedy by art the unprepossessing exterior which nature has given him."
"I know him," said Father Omehr. "Is he yet consecrated?"
"No! All Germany is indignant at the choice, and the people of Cologne are imploring the monarch to make another appointment."