Barbarossa; An Historical Novel of the XII Century.

by Conrad von Bolanden

  _CHAPTER XXX_.

  _AMUSEMENTS_.

  On the 26th of March, 1162, the victorious Emperor made his triumphalentry into the conquered city, not through the gates, but over thedismantled fortifications. Thence he proceeded with his Court to Pavia,where he celebrated his successes with extraordinary pomp, and receivedthe envoys from the cities allied to Milan, who, despairing ofpreserving their liberty, came to tender their submission. Severe termswere imposed upon Brescia, Placenza, Imola, Faenza, and Bologna, whileimmense concessions were granted to those towns which had remainedfaithful to their allegiance. Barbarossa also opened negotiations withthe powerful maritime republics of Genoa and Pisa, to which weresecured, by a secret treaty, portions of Sicily and Catania, until amore equal division could be made of the rich treasures of the King ofNaples.

  In this way Frederic followed up his designs, even while he seemed mostabsorbed in his pleasures.

  Pavia surpassed herself in her efforts to entertain her illustriousguest. The different corporations took turns in the amusements; but healways found time to see everything, and nothing escaped his attentionor passed without praise. Accompanied by a brilliant retinue, oftenwith the Empress at his side, he rode through the streets decked withflags, winning golden opinions from all, for he conversed freely withthe humblest citizen, and never dismissed unaided any one who came toask his pity.

  Frederic possessed the great talent of nearly all those who aspire toextended dominion; he knew how to conciliate popular sympathy.

  After a succession of jousts and tournaments, balls and joyous galas,it was decided to produce the spectacle of the capture of a fortdefended by women and young girls. A square redoubt was built, flankedwith small towers and balconies, and with walls of variegated stuffs,of velvets, purple, and ermine. The actors were clothed in richtissues, decorated with gold and diamonds; and in place of helmets theywore crowns of filigree-work or costly diadems. In lieu of deadlyweapons, they carried perfumed rose-water and amber, with which theydrenched the assailants. The variety of colors, the splendid materialswhich formed the fortress, and the grace and beauty of its defenders,made up a charming picture.

  Before the assault, a new pageant advanced to the sound of joyousmusic; it was the corporation of bakers, carrying before them on a cardecked with flags and ribbons, an immense cake, a masterpiece of theirart. They marched around the fortress singing, and then deposited theiroffering near a tall pole, announcing that it was to be the prize ofthe person who could pull down the banner fastened to the summit of themast.

  Next came the corporation of the butchers, with an immense hog roastedwhole; they were followed by the game dealers and the other tradesocieties, all with costly presents. The vast cask of wine offered bythe tavern-keepers caused especial pleasure to the Germans.

  Meanwhile the young men prepared for the assault; surrounding the mimicfortress, they were met with a shower of dates, pears, apples, nutmegs,and cakes. Although it was only in sport, there was a good deal ofexcitement, as is the case in the beginning of every contest, and thecheeks of the fair defenders flushed, and their eyes flashed as theirenemies drew near.

  The podesta raised his baton, and, to the sounds of a flute, the strifebegan. On all sides a cloud of dates, quinces, and sweetmeats washurled against the fortress; the walls shook, and a noisy music drownedthe cries of the wounded. A shower of rose-water filled the air withrich perfume, whilst a crowd of boys eagerly picked up the daintymissiles.

  One young man, particularly, displayed great energy during the assault.Despite the rose-water and the amber, he reached the castle-door, andforcing the passage with a rose-covered wand, penetrated to the heartof the place. His courage excited the emulation and the envy of all;but his triumph was short-lived, and he was soon expelled by thebesieged. He came out, wrapped from head to foot in a sheet smearedwith honey, and when at last he had succeeded in disentangling himself,a swarm of flies covered him, to the great amusement of the spectators.Soon the besiegers declared that the citadel was impregnable, and thena lady of lofty bearing appeared upon one of the balconies, andannounced the terms of capitulation.

  "You have learned, valiant warriors," she said, "that violence canaccomplish nothing against us women. It is true that you are ourmasters, but we know how to repay with usury, anything like cruelty orill-treatment. Only show us kindness and courtesy, and you can havewhat you will. By virtue of my office, as governor of this castle, Ithink it my duty to inform you that we have kept it as long as it sopleased us, and now we surrender of our own free will, in order to setyou an example of moderation."

  This harangue was received with laughter and shouts of applause, andthen the music announced that the ascent of the pole would begin.

  The Knight of Groswin, who was among the lookers-on, took no pains toconceal his discontent; for the assault of the mimic fortress, far fromamusing him, had only provoked his anger, and it was evident that hewould have sought more congenial amusements, had he not been detainedthere on duty.

  "What a stupid game! what a silly idea!" he said, as he glanced towardsthe balcony, where Frederic and his courtiers were laughing and talkingwith animation.

  "I cannot understand the Emperor," he resumed; "he chatters like an oldwoman, and laughs as though he really were amused by these mummeries.But, after all, it may only be a mask, the better to deceive theseItalians.--I wonder how he will look when he hears my message?"

  Goswin left the crowd, and entering the palace, sought the Imperialhall.

  "That fellow climbs well," said Barbarossa to the Pisan envoy; "see howtightly he clings to the slippery pole; I advise you to recruit him foryour fleet."

  "We have plenty of sailors still more active than he Sire. Theapproaching hostilities against Naples will show you of what our menare capable."

  "Have the deputies yet started for Pisa and Genoa?" inquired theEmperor.

  "They went yesterday, Sire," replied the Pisan.

  "We will take advantage of the present opportunity, and no longer delaythe punishment which the unfriendly behavior of the Neapolitan king sowell merits. I am confident that the opposition of Venice is onlyprolonged by William's assistance."

  "Perhaps it would be well to curb the power of the Venetians a little?"remarked a Genoese. "It is not an easy matter, but your Majesty can beassured of our hearty co-operation."

  Frederic received this overture with evident satisfaction; the mutualjealousy of the Italian cities served his own projects admirably.

  "What tidings does the Knight Goswin bring us?" asked the Emperor, asthe noble entered.

  "A communication which your Highness----"

  "Is it very important?" said Frederic, hastily, fearing lest theimprudent soldier might reveal, to indiscreet ears, things which oughtnot to be known to every one. "Excuse me for a moment, my lords," andhe withdrew on one side with Goswin.

  "Well, what is it?" he asked.

  "Count Rechberg has returned to Lombardy."

  "Is that all? there was scarcely need to take the trouble of telling meanything so unimportant."

  "It was the abbot who announced it to me; and I was to communicate itto you," replied Goswin.

  "The abbot!--What abbot?" asked the Emperor.

  "The one who came to your camp before Milan, last summer."

  "The Abbot Conrad, you mean?"

  "Perhaps that is his name; he awaits you in the palace."

  "What motive can bring him?" inquired Frederic, greatly surprised.

  "I can tell you, Sire: the abbot comes in the name of the Archbishop ofSalzburg, who is now near Pavia with some other prelates."

  "What is this you say?" cried Barbarossa; "the Archbishop of Salzburgin Italy, near us! How stupid in you, Goswin, to announce in thisfrivolous manner a matter of such great importance!"

  "I supposed that Count Erwin had, at least, as much importance in youreyes, as the Bishop of Salzburg," answered the knight.

  "But why does he
remain outside of the town? What prelates are withhim?"

  "You can ask him yourself, Sire."

  Frederic was going out, when the Podesta of Pavia entered.

  "One word only, Sire," he said.

  "Well, but speak quickly; the Metropolitan of Salzburg, accompanied byseveral other prelates, has just arrived to offer us theircongratulations."

  The crafty Pavian understood better than Goswin the bearings of thisvisit.

  "It is another victory, Sire, a new triumph for your ideas, moreimportant, perhaps, even than that which you achieved at Milan. Imerely wished to inquire whether the two hundred silver marks, whichPavia has laid at your feet, will be sufficient?--we are quite ready tooffer more, should it be required."

  "The sum is sufficient, Count; many thanks!"

  "I also desire to remark, that the destruction of Tortona is absolutelynecessary to the security of your faithful Pavia. Your magnanimousgenerosity was satisfied with the demolition of the fortifications;but, Sire, the work is only half done."

  "Pavia has nothing to fear from an open place."

  "Walls are soon rebuilt, Sire, and you know the unfriendly feelings ofTortona towards us. We Pavians are ready to make any sacrifice, if youwill allow us to destroy that city."

  Frederic, without answering, left the room abruptly.

  "Very well!" said the Podesta, rubbing his hands gayly; "that means, doas you please: I will not do it myself, but I will not forbid it."

  Goswin had heard all the conversation, and even his intelligence tookin all the immorality of the scene.

  "This really is a piece of knavery!" he said, as he followed hismaster. "Tortona displeases Pavia; Pavia offers money to the Emperor,and Tortona will be destroyed! Now I call this proceeding neitherhonorable, imperial, nor even Christian."

  The monarch hastened to the ancient palace of the Lombard kings, inwhich he had established his quarters. Scarcely had he arrived, whenPope Victor requested an audience. It was refused, but the AbbotConrad, on the contrary, was immediately admitted in company with theChancellor Rinaldo.

  "You are right welcome to Pavia, my lord Abbot," said Barbarossa, "andthe more so, because you announce the visit of our worthy Metropolitanof Salzburg."

  At these words he glanced towards Dassel, whose impassive face, as theEmperor well knew, boded no good.

  "The prelate offers his respectful salutations, and begs your Majestyto appoint a time for an audience, in some other city than Pavia," saidthe Abbot Conrad.

  "In some other city! And for what reason?"

  "Because it is not seemly for the Archbishop to enter the city whereVictor holds his court. His duty forbids him to have any intercoursewith the Antipope, and a sojourn in Pavia might be construed as arecognition of his claims," replied the abbot.

  Rinaldo made a sign to Barbarossa, who listened without any evidenceof what was passing in his mind. Eberhard's reputation in Italy waswide-spread, and this refusal to hold any communication with theAntipope was naturally calculated to displease the Emperor.

  "We can fully appreciate the Archbishop's prudence," remarked Frederic,after a moment's reflection; "where is he at present?"

  "In the Abbey of St. Martin."

  "At St. Martin, in that paltry cloister which has scarcely wherewithalto feed its own monks! We will direct an immediate change, more inharmony with Eberhard's dignity and position. What prelates has he withhim?"

  "The Bishop of Brixen, the Prior of Reichersburg, and several abbots,"answered Conrad.

  "We are highly pleased at the arrival of these worthy prelates. Beprepared, my lord Abbot, to return here soon with some of my courtiers,whom we will send forward to meet the Archbishop."

  Scarcely had Conrad left the room when Victor entered; mortificationand anger were depicted on his countenance.

  "I crave your pardon," he said, "if my visit here be inopportune, but Ihave been grievously insulted, and I am well aware that your Majestywill not leave unpunished those who outrage the legitimate Pope."

  "We are seriously busy in State affairs," replied Frederic, in a toneof ill-humor; "however, relate at once your complaint."

  "Eberhard of Salzburg refuses to obey me, and rather than contaminatehimself by contact with the schismatic Victor, has left Pavia. Thispublic degradation is insupportable; the Chief of the Church, dulyappointed and confirmed by the Emperor, must not be thus vilifiedbefore all Christendom; such an indignity deserves punishment."

  "I am extremely grieved by this affront; what would you advise me todo?" asked the Emperor.

  "Chastise the Archbishop's pride, Sire; and oblige him to acknowledgethe lawful Pope."

  "Oblige him! how does your wisdom interpret this?"

  "If he will not obey willingly, let him be made to obey by force:--Theonly man whose energy sustains the schism in the German Church is inyour power."

  "You counsel, then, his arrest and close confinement?"

  "It will scarcely be necessary to proceed to such extreme measures. Thefear which your Majesty inspires is quite enough of itself to make himbend the knee."

  "Men of Eberhard's character are not easily influenced by fear; thatsentiment is unknown to them. A much more effective mode of persuasionwould be a visit from you to the Archbishop."

  "What say you!--I humble myself thus!--I solicit the friendship of arebellious prelate!"

  "Perhaps we may desire you to take this step. If this alone can put anend to the present difficulty, it must be done."

  Victor was thunderstruck at these words. Although his relations withthe Emperor were such that he had long lost all self-consideration orrespect; even his spirit revolted at the baseness of the step which hewas advised to take.

  "Your Majesty can never force me to this act of degradation," he said;"I would rather resign the tiara."

  "I have said perhaps:--We must be prepared for everything. But allow meto return to this business, which is pressing."

  Victor protested his ready obedience, and bowed himself out of theroom.

  "He will have to come to it," said Frederic, turning towards Dassel,who had kept to one side. "You will remember," he added, "that you haveheard nothing of our conversation with the Pope."

  "Sire, it is impossible; I must speak to you of it."

  "To what end?"

  "To what end! Can anything be of greater importance than to ward offthe blow which Eberhard is about to strike against you and the HolyFather? Thank Heaven, circumstances will permit you to surmount thedifficulty."

  "Explain yourself."

  "You expect, in the course of the next two days, the arrival of therelics of the three Magi which are to be borne here from Milan insolemn procession. The respect which you will show will prove to all inPavia the ardor of your religious faith, and to do them still greaterhonor, you will send the Pope in advance to meet them. Victor can startearly to-morrow, and in this way you can remove the purulent infectionwhich is so offensive to the too delicate Archbishop."

  "But will not Victor return with the relics?"

  "He must not return; an order from your Majesty will take him to Lodi,where he will wait until he is wanted."

  "Excellent!"

  "Eberhard is in earnest, and your Majesty must stint nothing in theevidences of respect shown to him. The people will admire yourcondescension. Let your embassy be as brilliant as possible. Count Haroshould be one of your envoys; he possesses a magnificent castle betweenPavia and St. Martin. He can conduct the prelates thither, and yourMajesty can then encounter this Goliah of the South-German Episcopacy."

  "Bravo!" cried Frederic; "I approve of everything: Act at once."