Page:Legends of Rubezahl, and Other Tales (1845).djvu/286

 which had been effected in the person of Ulric, now no longer “the Unequal:” an embassy from the King of Abyssinia would not have excited more general curiosity. The Empress received him most graciously, herself leading forward Lucretia, attired as a bride, and presented her to him, as a prize he had fairly won by fulfilling the extraordinary condition the young lady had herself imposed. His dream of bliss was somewhat disturbed, when the Empress asked him what dower he proposed to bestow upon Lucretia. A good deal confounded, he replied, that his good sword was now all the wealth he possessed, but with that he trusted he should win both riches and honour, at the expense of the Emperor’s enemies. “And will you accept him upon these terms?” said the Empress, turning to Lucretia. The Count tremblingly awaited her reply; but since his return to Goslar, the sentiments of Lucretia had undergone a total change.

“Count,” said she, “I must confess that I have put your attachment to very severe trials; but since nothing has been able to alienate your love from me,—since for my sake, you have been willing to attempt even that which appeared to be an impossibility, it is just that I should no longer refuse to be yours. My heart, and the trifling fortune I may one day inherit from my mother, are all it is in my power to offer you; if you still love me, your