"Sire, we have but one petition to make," said the count, speaking for the others. "One common misfortune threatens us all—"
"What can it be"
"Oh, your majesty," cried he, fervently, "have mercy upon Count
Podstadsky and Baron von Szekuly!"
"Mercy, sire, mercy for Podstadsky and Szekuly!" cried the noble petitioners with one accord, while all knelt before the astounded emperor.
He surveyed them with an angry frown. "Rise, all of you," said he. "Have you forgotten that kneeling has been abolished here? The Spanish customs which were once so popular in the palace, are unbecoming in this room, where all who enter it are nothing but petitioners seeking justice at my hands."
"And mercy, sire!" added Count Lampredo, imploringly.
"And mercy which can be conceded only so far as it is perfectly compatible with justice."
"Mercy, gracious emperor, mercy for Podstadsky and Szekuly!" reiterated the petitioners.
"You ask for mercy which wounds justice, and I repeat that I cannot grant the one without the other. Count Podstadsky, through his frauds, has ruined thousands of my subjects; Baron von Szekuly has stolen sixty thousand florins, and both these men have disgraced their births and titles."
"Allow Szekuly to be tried by a military court, sire. They at least would shield him from dishonor, for they would sentence him to death."