Page:Zawis and Kunigunde (1895).djvu/64

 not attribute my seeming neglect to any forgetfulness, or disposition to overlook ancient friendship. I fill and drink a goblet to your good health.” The old man replied: “It is not for me either to forget or to remember, highness. My sentiments and feelings are such as they ever were, and do not require either mnemonics or rehearsals. Men who have borne the doublet and cuirass as long as you and I have, are not likely to be affected by the transitions of an hour.”

“Gentlemen, I give you a toast,” said Rudolph. “To the memories of Romové and Auf-ban. Let us honor the presence of Lord Boppo, to whom I am indebted for valiant shelter against the arrows and maces of the Prussians.” The toast was drunk with loud clatter, all eyes being turned on the old hero.

“By and by we shall resume those themes,” continued Rudolph. “For this moment I am perplexed to discover a solution of the mystery of the Fall of kingdoms. I propose, then, this theme for investigation: What is the chief cause of the downfall of kingdoms? Lord Bruno, be good enough to favor us first with your decision.”

“The wrath of God upon the offending I pronounce without hesitation to be the chief cause,” replied the bishop of Olmütz. “When princes err from the path of duty enjoined on them by the holy church, their steps wander in the mazes of willfulness, and become entangled among the thorns and brambles that ever beset the feet of the disobedient.”