Page:Stories after Nature.pdf/51

Rh liberty: this for the nobler Gustavus; myself and heaven come last. So, now my sword hath supped, it shall to bed. Thou bloody picture!—amen to thee!—henceforth I do forget thee." So saying, he turned his back on him, and left him lying under the tree, dead. Returning to his army, he bethought him how he might best atone to his great cause for the falling off of another of its sworn leaders. As his difficulties increased, his love to the cause of the people became greater, and he grew more firm in its defence: determined on this one thing, setting his life at nothing. And all this was indeed needful.

He returned to his camp, full of anxiety, hope, and firmness; and sending for his officers, he unfolded his mantle, and discovered himself. They no sooner saw him than they fell upon him, bound him, and gave him over to certain of his enemies who were at hand, and left him at their mercy. In vain he threatened and called for his guard, none answered; they bore him, full of doubt and perplexity, back into the city, and cast him into a dungeon. Still his firm heart was not shaken at this mutiny of his captains; and, rendering his cause into the hands of Heaven, he bethought him, vigilantly, by what means he could once more gain his liberty