He turned. Before him stood Eckhardt, the Margrave.
"I have seen and heard," he spoke in response to Otto's questioning gaze. "King of the Germans, I have enough of Rome, enough of feasts, enough of conquests. I am stifling. I cannot breathe in this accursed air. Command the return beyond the Alps. On these siren rocks your ship will founder! Rome is no place for you!"
Otto stared at the man as if he feared he had lost his senses.
"King of the Germans," Eckhardt continued, "on my knees I entreat you—at the risk of your displeasure,—return beyond the Alps! See what has become of you! See what a woman has made of you, you, the son of the vanquisher of the Saracens!"
He stretched out his arms entreatingly, as if to lead him away.
Otto covered his face with both hands.
"And I love only her in the wide, wide world," he muttered.
At this juncture a light, elastic step resounded on the gravel path.
Benilo stepped into the clearing.
"Stephania awaits the king in the pavillion."