We know not when we sleep nor when we wake.
Visions distinct and perfect cross our eye,
Which to the slumberer seem realities;
And while they waked, some men have seen such sights
As set at naught the evidence of sense,
And left them well persuaded they were dreaming.
ANONYMOUS.
The apparition of Anne of Geierstein crossed her lover--her admirer,
at least we must call him--within shorter time than we can tell the
story. But it was distinct, perfect, and undoubted. In the very
instant when the young Englishman, shaking off his fond despondency,
raised his head to look out upon the scene of his watch, she came from
the nearer end of the bridge, crossing the path of the sentinel, upon
whom she did not even cast a look, and passed with a rapid yet steady
pace towards the verge of the woodland.
It would have been natural, though Arthur had been directed not to
challenge persons who left the castle, but only such as might approach
it, that he should nevertheless, had it only been in mere civility,
have held some communication, however slight, with the maiden as she
crossed his post. But the suddenness of her appearance took from him
for the instant both speech and motion. It seemed as if his own
imagination had raised up a phantom, presenting to his outward senses
the form and features which engrossed his mind; and he was silent,
partly at least from the idea that what he gazed upon was immaterial
and not of this world.
It would have been no less natural that Anne of Geierstein should have
in some manner acknowledged the person who had spent a considerable
time under the same roof with her, had been often her partner in the
dance, and her companion in the field; but she did not evince the
slightest token of recognition, nor even look towards him as she
passed; her eye was on the wood, to which she advanced swiftly and
steadily, and she was hidden by its boughs ere Arthur had recollected
himself sufficiently to determine what to do.
His first feeling was anger at himself for suffering her to pass
unquestioned, when it might well chance that upon any errand which
called her forth at so extraordinary a time and place he might have
been enabled to afford her assistance, or at least advice. This
sentiment was for a short time so predominant, that he ran towards the
place where he had seen the skirt of her dress disappear, and,
whispering her name as loud as the fear of alarming the castle
permitted, conjured her to return, and hear him but for a few brief
moments. No answer, however, was returned; and when the branches of
the trees began to darken over his head and to intercept the
moonlight, he recollected that he was leaving his post, and exposing
his fellow-travellers, who were trusting in his vigilance, to the
danger of surprise.
He hastened, therefore, back to the castle gate, with matter for
deeper and more inextricable doubt and anxiety than had occupied him
during the commencement of his watch. He asked himself in vain with
what purpose that modest young maiden, whose manners were frank, but
whose conduct had always seemed so delicate and reserved, could sally
forth at midnight like a damsel-errant in romance, when she was in a
strange country and suspicious neighbourhood; yet he rejected, as he
would have shrunk from blasphemy, any interpretation which could have
thrown censure upon Anne of Geierstein. No, nothing was she capable of
doing for which a friend could have to blush. But connecting her
previous agitation with the extraordinary fact of her leaving the
castle, alone and defenceless, at such an hour, Arthur necessarily
concluded it must argue some cogent reason, and, as was most likely,
of an unpleasant nature.--"I will watch her return," he internally
uttered, "and, if she will give me an opportunity, I will convey to
her the assurance that there is one faithful bosom in her
neighbourhood, which is bound in honour and gratitude to pour out
every drop of its blood, if by doing so it can protect her from the
slightest inconvenience. This is no silly flight of romance, for which
common-sense has a right to reproach me; it is only what I ought to
do, what I must do, or forego every claim to be termed a man of
honesty or honour."
Yet scarce did the young man think himself anchored on a resolution
which seemed unobjectionable, than his thoughts were again adrift. He
reflected that Anne might have a desire to visit the neighbouring town
of Bâle, to which she had been invited the day before, and where her
uncle had friends. It was indeed an uncommon hour to select for such a
purpose; but Arthur was aware that the Swiss maidens feared neither
solitary walks nor late hours, and that Anne would have walked among
her own hills by moonlight much farther than the distance betwixt
their place of encampment and Bâle, to see a sick friend, or for any
similar purpose. To press himself on her confidence, then, might be
impertinence, not kindness; and as she had passed him without taking
the slightest notice of his presence, it was evident she did not mean
voluntarily to make him her confidant; and probably she was involved
in no difficulties where his aid could be useful. In that case, the
duty of a gentleman was to permit her to return as she had gone forth,
unnoticed and unquestioned, leaving it with herself to hold
communication with him or not as she should choose.
Another idea, belonging to the age, also passed through his mind,
though it made no strong impression upon it. This form, so perfectly
resembling Anne of Geierstein, might be a deception of the sight, or
it might be one of those fantastic apparitions, concerning which there
were so many tales told in all countries, and of which Switzerland and
Germany had, as Arthur well knew, their full share. The internal and
undefinable feelings which restrained him from accosting the maiden,
as might have been natural for him to have done, are easily explained,
on the supposition that his mortal frame shrank from an encounter with
a being of a different nature. There had also been some expressions of
the magistrate of Bâle, which might apply to the castle's being liable
to be haunted by beings from another world. But though the general
belief in such ghostly apparitions prevented the Englishman from being
positively incredulous on the subject, yet the instructions of his
father, a man of great intrepidity and distinguished good sense, had
taught him to be extremely unwilling to refer anything to supernatural
interferences which was capable of explanation by ordinary rules; and
he therefore shook off, without difficulty, any feelings of
superstitious fear which for an instant connected itself with his
nocturnal adventure. He resolved finally to suppress all disquieting
conjecture on the subject, and to await firmly, if not patiently, the
return of the fair vision, which, if it should not fully explain the
mystery, seemed at least to afford the only chance of throwing light
upon it.
Fixed, therefore, in purpose, he traversed the walk which his duty
permitted, with his eyes fixed on the part of the forest where he had
seen the beloved form disappear, and forgetful for the moment that his
watch had any other purpose than to observe her return. But from this
abstraction of mind he was roused by a distant sound in the forest,
which seemed the clash of armour. Recalled at once to a sense of his
duty, and its importance to his father and his fellow-travellers,
Arthur planted himself on the temporary bridge, where a stand could
best be made, and turned both eyes and ears to watch for approaching
danger. The sound of arms and footsteps came nearer--spears and
helmets advanced from the greenwood glade, and twinkled in the
moonlight. But the stately form of Rudolph Donnerhugel, marching in
front, was easily recognised, and announced to our sentinel the return
of the patrol. Upon their approach to the bridge, the challenge, and
interchange of sign and countersign, which is usual on such occasions,
took place in due form; and as Rudolph's party filed off one after
another into the castle, he commanded them to wake their companions,
with whom he intended to renew the patrol, and at the same time to
send a relief to Arthur Philipson, whose watch on the bridge was now
ended. This last fact was confirmed by the deep and distant toll of
the Minster clock from the town of Bâle, which, prolonging its sullen
sound over field and forest, announced that midnight was past.
"And now, comrade," continued Rudolph to the Englishman, "have the
cold air and long watch determined thee to retire to food and rest, or
dost thou still hold the intention of partaking our rounds?"
In very truth it would have been Arthur's choice to have remained in
the place where he was, for the purpose of watching Anne of
Geierstein's return from her mysterious excursion. He could not easily
have found an excuse for this, however, and he was unwilling to give
the haughty Donnerhugel the least suspicion that he was inferior in
hardihood, or in the power of enduring fatigue, to any of the tall
mountaineers, whose companion he chanced to be for the present. He did
not, therefore, indulge even a moment's hesitation; but while he
restored the borrowed partisan to the sluggish Sigismund, who came
from the castle yawning and stretching himself like one whose slumbers
had been broken by no welcome summons, when they were deepest and
sweetest, he acquainted Rudolph that he retained his purpose of
partaking in his reconnoitring duty. They were speedily joined by the
rest of the patrolling party, amongst whom was Rudiger, the eldest
son of the Landamman of Unterwalden; and when, led by the Bernese
champion, they had reached the skirts of the forest, Rudolph commanded
three of them to attend Rudiger Biederman.
"Thou wilt make thy round to the left side," said the Bernese; "I will
draw off to the right--see thou keepest a good look-out, and we will
meet merrily at the place appointed. Take one of the hounds with you.
I will keep Wolf-fanger, who will open on a Burgundian as readily as
on a bear."
Rudiger moved off with his party to the left, according to the
directions received; and Rudolph, having sent forward one of his
number in front, and stationed another in the rear, commanded the
third to follow himself and Arthur Philipson, who thus constituted the
main body of the patrol. Having intimated to their immediate attendant
to keep at such distance as to allow them freedom of conversation,
Rudolph addressed the Englishman with the familiarity which their
recent friendship had created.--"And now, King Arthur, what thinks the
Majesty of England of our Helvetian youth? Could they win guerdon in
tilt or tourney, thinkest thou, noble prince? Or would they rank but
amongst the coward knights of Cornouailles?"[5]
"For tilt and tourney I cannot answer," said Arthur, summoning up his
spirits to reply, "because I never beheld one of you mounted on a
steed, or having spear in rest. But if strong limbs and stout hearts
are to be considered, I would match you Swiss gallants with those of
any country in the universe, where manhood is to be looked for,
whether it be in heart or hand."
"Thou speakest us fair; and, young Englishman," said Rudolph, "know
that we think as highly of thee, of which I will presently afford thee
a proof. Thou talkedst but now of horses. I know but little of them;
yet I judge thou wouldst not buy a steed which thou hadst only seen
covered with trappings, or encumbered with saddle and bridle, but
wouldst desire to look at him when stripped, and in his natural state
of freedom?"
"Ay, marry, would I," said Arthur. "Thou hast spoken on that as if
thou hadst been born in a district called Yorkshire, which men call
the merriest part of Merry England."
"Then I tell thee," said Rudolph Donnerhugel, "that thou hast seen our
Swiss youth but half, since thou hast observed them as yet only in
their submissive attendance upon the elders of their Cantons, or, at
most, in their mountain-sports, which, though they may show men's
outward strength and activity, can throw no light on the spirit and
disposition by which that strength and activity are to be guided and
directed in matters of high enterprise."
The Swiss probably designed that these remarks should excite the
curiosity of the stranger. But the Englishman had the image, look, and
form of Anne of Geierstein, as she had passed him in the silent hours
of his watch, too constantly before him, to enter willingly upon a
subject of conversation totally foreign to what agitated his mind. He,
therefore, only compelled himself to reply in civility, that he had no
doubt his esteem for the Swiss, both aged and young, would increase in
proportion with his more intimate knowledge of the nation.
He was then silent; and Donnerhugel, disappointed, perhaps, at having
failed to excite his curiosity, walked also in silence by his side.
Arthur, meanwhile, was considering with himself whether he should
mention to his companion the circumstance which occupied his own mind,
in the hope that the kinsman of Anne of Geierstein, and ancient friend
of her house, might be able to throw some light on the subject.
But he felt within his mind an insurmountable objection to converse
with the Swiss on a subject in which Anne was concerned. That Rudolph
made pretensions to her favour could hardly be doubted; and though
Arthur, had the question been put to him, must in common consistency
have resigned all competition on the subject, still he could not bear
to think on the possibility of his rival's success, and would not
willingly have endured to hear him pronounce her name.
Perhaps it was owing to this secret irritability that Arthur, though
he made every effort to conceal and to overcome the sensation, still
felt a secret dislike to Rudolph Donnerhugel, whose frank but somewhat
coarse familiarity was mingled with a certain air of protection and
patronage, which the Englishman thought was by no means called for. He
met the openness of the Bernese, indeed, with equal frankness, but he
was ever and anon tempted to reject or repel the tone of superiority
by which it was accompanied. The circumstances of their duel had given
the Swiss no ground for such triumph; nor did Arthur feel himself
included in that roll of the Swiss youth over whom Rudolph exercised
domination by general consent. So little did Philipson relish this
affectation of superiority, that the poor jest, that termed him King
Arthur, although quite indifferent to him when applied by any of the
Biedermans, was rather offensive when Rudolph took the same liberty;
so that he often found himself in the awkward condition of one who is
internally irritated, without having any outward manner of testifying
it with propriety. Undoubtedly, the root of all this tacit dislike to
the young Bernese was a feeling of rivalry; but it was a feeling which
Arthur dared not avow even to himself. It was sufficiently powerful,
however, to suppress the slight inclination he had felt to speak with
Rudolph on the passage of the night which had most interested him; and
as the topic of conversation introduced by his companion had been
suffered to drop, they walked on side by side in silence, "with the
beard on the shoulder," as the Spaniard says--looking round, that is,
on all hands; and thus performing the duty of a vigilant watch.
At length, after they had walked nearly a mile through forest and
field, making a circuit around the ruins of Graffs-lust, of such an
extent as to leave no room for an ambush betwixt them and the place,
the old hound, led by the vidette who was foremost, stopped, and
uttered a low growl.
"How now, Wolf-fanger!" said Rudolph, advancing.--"What, old fellow!
dost thou not know friends from foes? Come, what sayest thou, on
better thoughts?--Thou must not lose character in thy old age--try it
again."
The dog raised his head, snuffed the air all around, as if he
understood what his master had said, then shook his head and tail, as
if answering to his voice.
"Why, there it is now," said Donnerhugel, patting the animal's shaggy
back; "second thoughts are worth gold; thou seest it is a friend after
all."
The dog again shook his tail, and moved forward with the same
unconcern as before; Rudolph fell back into his place, and his
companion said to him--
"We are about to meet Rudiger and our companions, I suppose, and the
dog hears their footsteps, though we cannot."
"It can scarcely yet be Rudiger," said the Bernese; "his walk around
the castle is of a wider circumference than ours. Some one approaches,
however, for Wolf-fanger is again dissatisfied--Look sharply out on
all sides."
As Rudolph gave his party the word to be on the alert, they reached an
open glade, in which were scattered, at considerable distance from
each other, some old pine-trees of gigantic size, which seemed yet
huger and blacker than ordinary, from their broad sable tops and
shattered branches being displayed against the clear and white moonlight.
"We shall here, at least," said the Swiss, "have the advantage of
seeing clearly whatever approaches. But I judge," said he, after
looking around for a minute, "it is but some wolf or deer that has
crossed our path, and the scent disturbs the hound--Hold--stop--yes,
it must be so; he goes on."
The dog accordingly proceeded, after having given some signs of doubt,
uncertainty, and even anxiety. Apparently, however, he became
reconciled to what had disturbed him, and proceeded once more in the
ordinary manner.
"This is singular!" said Arthur Philipson; "and, to my thinking, I saw
an object close by yonder patch of thicket, where, as well as I can
guess, a few thorn and hazel bushes surround the stems of four or five
large trees."
"My eye has been on that very thicket for these five minutes past, and
I saw nothing," said Rudolph.
"Nay, but," answered the young Englishman, "I saw the object, whatever
it was, while you were engaged in attending to the dog. And by your
permission, I will forward and examine the spot."
"Were you, strictly speaking, under my command," said Donnerhugel, "I
would command you to keep your place. If they be foes, it is essential
that we should remain together. But you are a volunteer in our watch,
and therefore may use your freedom."
"I thank you," answered Arthur, and sprang quickly forward.
He felt, indeed, at the moment, that he was not acting courteously as
an individual, nor perhaps correctly as a soldier; and that he ought
to have rendered obedience, for the time, to the captain of the party
in which he had enlisted himself. But, on the other hand, the object
which he had seen, though at a distance and imperfectly, seemed to
bear a resemblance to the retiring form of Anne of Geierstein, as she
had vanished from his eyes, an hour or two before, under the cover of
the forest; and his ungovernable curiosity to ascertain whether it
might not be the maiden in person, allowed him to listen to no other
consideration.
Ere Rudolph had spoken out his few words of reply, Arthur was halfway
to the thicket. It was, as it had seemed at a distance, of small
extent, and not fitted to hide any person who did not actually couch
down amongst the dwarf bushes and underwood. Anything white, also,
which bore the human size and form must, he thought, have been
discovered among the dark-red stems and swarthy-coloured bushes which
were before him. These observations were mingled with other thoughts.
If it was Anne of Geierstein whom he had a second time seen, she must
have left the more open path, desirous probably of avoiding notice;
and what right or title had he to direct upon her the observation of
the patrol? He had, he thought, observed that, in general, the maiden
rather repelled than encouraged the attentions of Rudolph Donnerhugel;
or, where it would have been discourteous to have rejected them
entirely, that she endured without encouraging them. What, then, could
be the propriety of his intruding upon her private walk, singular,
indeed, from time and place, but which, on that account, she might be
more desirous to keep secret from the observation of one who was
disagreeable to her? Nay, was it not possible that Rudolph might
derive advantage to his otherwise unacceptable suit, by possessing the
knowledge of something which the maiden desired to be concealed?
As these thoughts pressed upon him, Arthur made a pause, with his eyes
fixed on the thicket, from which he was now scarce thirty yards
distant; and although scrutinising it with all the keen accuracy which
his uncertainty and anxiety dictated, he was actuated by a strong
feeling that it would be wisest to turn back to his companions, and
report to Rudolph that his eyes had deceived him.
But while he was yet undecided whether to advance or return, the
object which he had seen became again visible on the verge of the
thicket, and advanced straight towards him, bearing, as on the former
occasion, the exact dress and figure of Anne of Geierstein! This
vision--for the time, place, and suddenness of the appearance made it
seem rather an illusion than a reality--struck Arthur with surprise,
which amounted to terror. The figure passed within a spear's-length,
unchallenged by him, and giving not the slightest sign of recognition;
and, directing its course to the right hand of Rudolph, and the two or
three who were with him, was again lost among the broken ground and
bushes.
Once more the young man was reduced to a state of the most
inextricable doubt; nor was he roused from the stupor into which he
was thrown, till the voice of the Bernese sounded in his ear--"Why,
how now, King Arthur--art thou asleep, or art thou wounded?"
"Neither," said Philipson, collecting himself; "only much surprised."
"Surprised? and at what, most royal"----
"Forbear foolery," said Arthur, somewhat sternly, "and answer as thou
art a man--Did she not meet thee?--didst thou not see her?"
"See her!--see whom?" said Donnerhugel. "I saw no one. And I could
have sworn you had seen no one either, for I had you in my eye the
whole time of your absence, excepting two or three moments. If you saw
aught, why gave you not the alarm?"
"Because it was only a woman," answered Arthur, faintly.
"Only a woman!" repeated Rudolph, in a tone of contempt. "By my honest
word, King Arthur, if I had not seen pretty flashes of valour fly from
thee at times, I should be apt to think that thou hadst only a woman's
courage thyself. Strange, that a shadow by night, or a precipice in
the day, should quell so bold a spirit as thou hast often shown"----
"And as I will ever show, when occasion demands it," interrupted the
Englishman, with recovered spirit. "But I swear to you, that if I be
now daunted, it is by no mere earthly fears that my mind hath been for
a moment subdued."
"Let us proceed on our walk," said Rudolph; "we must not neglect the
safety of our friends. This appearance, of which thou speakest, may be
but a trick to interrupt our duty."
They moved on through the moonlight glades. A minute's reflection
restored young Philipson to his full recollection, and with that to
the painful consciousness that he had played a ridiculous and unworthy
part in the presence of the person whom (of the male sex, at least) he
would the very last have chosen as a witness of his weakness.
He ran hastily over the relations which stood betwixt himself,
Donnerhugel, the Landamman, his niece, and the rest of that family;
and, contrary to the opinion which he had entertained but a short
while before, settled in his own mind that it was his duty to mention
to the immediate leader under whom he had placed himself, the
appearance which he had twice observed in the course of that night's
duty. There might be family circumstances--the payment of a vow,
perhaps, or some such reason--which might render intelligible to her
connections the behaviour of this young lady. Besides, he was for the
present a soldier on duty, and these mysteries might be fraught with
evils to be anticipated or guarded against; in either case, his
companions were entitled to be made aware of what he had seen. It must
be supposed that this resolution was adopted when the sense of duty,
and of shame for the weakness which he had exhibited, had for the
moment subdued Arthur's personal feelings towards Anne of
Geierstein--feelings, also, liable to be chilled by the mysterious
uncertainty which the events of that evening had cast, like a thick
mist, around the object of them.
While the Englishman's reflections were taking this turn, his captain
or companion, after a silence of several minutes, at length addressed
him.
"I believe," he said, "my dear comrade, that, as being at present your
officer, I have some title to hear from you the report of what you
have just now seen, since it must be something of importance which
could so strongly agitate a mind so firm as yours. But if, in your own
opinion, it consists with the general safety to delay your report of
what you have seen until we return to the castle, and then to deliver
it to the private ear of the Landamman, you have only to intimate your
purpose; and, far from urging you to place confidence in me
personally, though I hope I am not undeserving of it, I will authorise
your leaving us, and returning instantly to the castle."
This proposal touched him to whom it was made exactly in the right
place. An absolute demand of his confidence might perhaps have been
declined; the tone of moderate request and conciliation fell
presently in with the Englishman's own reflections.
"I am sensible," he said, "Hauptman, that I ought to mention to you
that which I have seen to-night; but on the first occasion, it did not
fall within my duty to do so; and, now that I have a second time
witnessed the same appearance, I have felt for these few seconds so
much surprised at what I have seen, that even yet I can scarce find
words to express it."
"As I cannot guess what you may have to say," replied the Bernese, "I
must beseech you to be explicit. We are but poor readers of riddles,
we thick-headed Switzers."
"Yet it is but a riddle which I have to place before you, Rudolph
Donnerhugel," answered the Englishman, "and a riddle which is far
beyond my own guessing at." He then proceeded, though not without
hesitation, "While you were performing your first patrol amongst the
ruins, a female crossed the bridge from within the castle, walked by
my post without saying a single word, and vanished under the shadows
of the forest."
"Ha!" exclaimed Donnerhugel, and made no further answer.
Arthur proceeded. "Within these five minutes, the same female form
passed me a second time, issuing from the little thicket and clump of
firs, and disappeared, without exchanging a word. Know, further, this
apparition bore the form, face, gait, and dress of your kinswoman,
Anne of Geierstein."
"Singular enough," said Rudolph, in a tone of incredulity. "I must
not, I suppose, dispute your word, for you would receive doubt on my
part as a mortal injury--such is your northern chivalry. Yet, let me
say, I have eyes as well as you, and I scarce think they quitted you
for a minute. We were not fifty yards from the place where I found you
standing in amazement. How, therefore, should not we also have seen
that which you say and think you saw?"
"To that I can give no answer," said Arthur. "Perhaps your eyes were
not exactly turned upon me during the short space in which I saw this
form--perhaps it might be visible--as they say fantastic appearances
sometimes are--to only one person at a time."
"You suppose, then, that the appearance was imaginary, or fantastic?"
said the Bernese.
"Can I tell you?" replied the Englishman. "The Church gives its
warrant that there are such things; and surely it is more natural to
believe this apparition to be an illusion, than to suppose that Anne
of Geierstein, a gentle and well-nurtured maiden, should be traversing
the woods at this wild hour, when safety and propriety so strongly
recommend her being within doors."
"There is much in what you say," said Rudolph; "and yet there are
stories afloat, though few care to mention them, which seem to allege
that Anne of Geierstein is not altogether such as other maidens; and
that she has been met with, in body and spirit, where she could hardly
have come by her own unassisted efforts."
"Ha!" said Arthur; "so young, so beautiful, and already in league with
the destroyer of mankind! It is impossible."
"I said not so," replied the Bernese; "nor have I leisure at present
to explain my meaning more fully. As we return to the castle of
Graffs-lust, I may have an opportunity to tell you more. But I
chiefly brought you on this patrol to introduce you to some friends,
whom you will be pleased to know, and who desire your acquaintance;
and it is here I expect to meet them."
So saying, he turned round the projecting corner of a rock, and an
unexpected scene was presented to the eyes of the young Englishman.
In a sort of nook, or corner, screened by the rocky projection, there
burned a large fire of wood, and around it sat, reclined, or lay,
twelve or fifteen young men in the Swiss garb, but decorated with
ornaments and embroidery, which reflected back the light of the fire.
The same red gleam was returned by silver wine-cups, which circulated
from hand to hand with the flasks which filled them. Arthur could also
observe the relics of a banquet, to which due honour seemed to have
been lately rendered.
The revellers started joyfully up at the sight of Donnerhugel and his
companions, and saluted him, easily distinguished as he was by his
stature, by the title of Captain, warmly and exultingly uttered,
while, at the same time, every tendency to noisy acclamation was
cautiously suppressed. The zeal indicated that Rudolph came most
welcome--the caution that he came in secret, and was to be received
with mystery.
To the general greeting he answered,--"I thank you, my brave comrades.
Has Rudiger yet reached you?"
"Thou seest he has not," said one of the party; "had it been so, we
would have detained him here till your coming, brave Captain."
"He has loitered on his patrol," said the Bernese. "We too were
delayed, yet we are here before him. I bring with me, comrades, the
brave Englishman, whom I mentioned to you as a desirable associate in
our daring purpose."
"He is welcome, most welcome to us," said a young man, whose richly
embroidered dress of azure blue gave him an air of authority; "most
welcome is he, if he brings with him a heart and a hand to serve our
noble task."
"For both I will be responsible," said Rudolph. "Pass the wine-cup,
then, to the success of our glorious enterprise, and the health of
this our new associate!"
While they were replenishing the cups with wine of a quality far
superior to any which Arthur had yet tasted in these regions, he
thought it right, before engaging himself in the pledge, to learn the
secret object of the association which seemed desirous of adopting
him.
"Before I engage my poor services to you, fair sirs, since it pleases
you to desire them, permit me," he said, "to ask the purpose and
character of the undertaking in which they are to be employed."
"Shouldst thou have brought him hither," said the cavalier in blue to
Rudolph, "without satisfying him and thyself on that point?"
"Care not thou about it, Lawrenz," replied the Bernese, "I know my
man.--Be it known, then, to you, my good friend," he continued,
addressing the Englishman, "that my comrades and I are determined at
once to declare the freedom of the Swiss commerce, and to resist to
the death, if it be necessary, all unlawful and extortionate demands
on the part of our neighbours."
"I understand so much," said the young Englishman, "and that the
present deputation proceeds to the Duke of Burgundy with remonstrances
to that effect."
"Hear me," replied Rudolph. "The question is like to be brought to a
bloody determination long ere we see the Duke of Burgundy's most
august and most gracious countenance. That his influence should be
used to exclude us from Bâle, a neutral town, and pertaining to the
empire, gives us cause to expect the worst reception when we enter his
own dominions. We have even reason to think that we might have
suffered from his hatred already, but for the vigilance of the ward
which we have kept. Horsemen, from the direction of La Ferette, have
this night reconnoitred our posts; and had they not found us prepared,
we had, without question, been attacked in our quarters. But since we
have escaped to-night, we must take care for to-morrow. For this
purpose, a number of the bravest youth of the city of Bâle, incensed
at the pusillanimity of their magistrates, are determined to join us,
in order to wipe away the disgrace which the cowardly inhospitality of
their magistracy has brought on their native place."
"That we will do ere the sun, that will rise two hours hence, shall
sink into the western sky," said the cavalier in blue; and those
around joined him in stern assent.
"Gentle sirs," replied Arthur, when there was a pause, "let me remind
you, that the embassy which you attend is a peaceful one, and that
those who act as its escort ought to avoid anything which can augment
the differences which it comes to reconcile. You cannot expect to
receive offence in the Duke's dominions, the privileges of envoys
being respected in all civilised countries; and you will, I am sure,
desire to offer none."
"We may be subjected to insult, however," replied the Bernese, "and
that through your concerns, Arthur Philipson, and those of thy
father."
"I understand you not," replied Philipson.
"Your father," answered Donnerhugel, "is a merchant, and bears with
him wares of small bulk but high value?"
"He does so," answered Arthur; "and what of that?"
"Marry," answered Rudolph, "that if it be not better looked to, the
Bandog of Burgundy is like to fall heir to a large proportion of your
silks, satins, and jewellery work."
"Silks, satins, and jewels!" exclaimed another of the revellers; "such
wares will not pass toll-free where Archibald of Hagenbach hath
authority."
"Fair sirs," resumed Arthur, after a moment's consideration, "these
wares are my father's property, not mine; and it is for him, not me,
to pronounce how much of them he might be content to part with in the
way of toll, rather than give occasion to a fray in which his
companions, who have received him into their society, must be exposed
to injury as well as himself. I can only say, that he has weighty
affairs at the court of Burgundy, which must render him desirous of
reaching it in peace with all men; and it is my private belief that,
rather than incur the loss and danger of a broil with the garrison of
La Ferette, he would be contented to sacrifice all the property which
he has at present with him. Therefore, I must request of you,
gentlemen, a space to consult his pleasure on this occasion; assuring
you, that if it be his will to resist the payment of these duties to
Burgundy, you shall find in me one who is fully determined to fight to
the last drop of his blood."
"Good King Arthur," said Rudolph; "thou art a dutiful observer of the
Fifth Commandment, and thy days shall be long in the land. Do not
suppose us neglectful of the same duty, although, for the present, we
conceive ourselves bound, in the first place, to attend to the weal of
our country, the common parent of our fathers and ourselves. But as
you know our profound respect for the Landamman, you need not fear
that we shall willingly offer him offence, by rashly engaging in
hostilities, or without some weighty reason; and an attempt to plunder
his guest would have been met, on his part, with resistance to the
death. I had hoped to find both you and your father prompt enough to
resent such a gross injury. Nevertheless, if your father inclines to
present his fleece to be shorn by Archibald of Hagenbach, whose
scissors, he will find, clip pretty closely, it would be unnecessary
and uncivil in us to interpose. Meantime, you have the advantage of
knowing, that in case the Governor of La Ferette should be disposed to
strip you of skin as well as fleece, there are more men close at hand
than you looked for, whom you will find both able and willing to
render you prompt assistance."
"On these terms," said the Englishman, "I make my acknowledgments to
these gentlemen of Bâle, or whatever other country hath sent them
forth, and pledge them in a brotherly cup to our further and more
intimate acquaintance."
"Health and prosperity to the United Cantons, and their friends!"
answered the Blue Cavalier. "And death and confusion to all besides."
The cups were replenished; and instead of a shout of applause, the
young men around testified their devoted determination to the cause
which was thus announced, by grasping each other's hands, and then
brandishing their weapons with a fierce yet noiseless gesture.
"Thus," said Rudolph Donnerhugel, "our illustrious ancestors, the
fathers of Swiss independence, met in the immortal field of Rutli,
between Uri and Unterwalden. Thus they swore to each other, under the
blue firmament of heaven, that they would restore the liberty of their
oppressed country; and history can tell how well they kept their
word."
"And she shall record," said the Blue Cavalier, "how well the present
Switzers can preserve the freedom which their fathers won.--Proceed in
your rounds, good Rudolph, and be assured that at the signal of the
Hauptman the soldiers will not be far absent;--all is arranged as
formerly, unless you have new orders to give us."
"Hark thee hither, Lawrenz," said Rudolph to the Blue Cavalier,--and
Arthur could hear him say,--"Beware, my friend, that the Rhine wine be
not abused;--if there is too much provision of it, manage to destroy
the flasks;--a mule may stumble, thou knowest, or so. Give not way to
Rudiger in this. He is grown a wine-bibber since he joined us. We must
bring both heart and hand to what may be done to-morrow."--They then
whispered so low, that Arthur could hear nothing of their further
conference, and bid each other adieu, after clasping hands, as if
they were renewing some solemn pledge of union.
Rudolph and his party then moved forward, and were scarce out of sight
of their new associates, when the vidette, or foremost of their
patrol, gave the signal of alarm. Arthur's heart leaped to his
lips--"It is Anne of Geierstein!" he said internally.
"The dogs are silent," said the Bernese. "Those who approach must be
the companions of our watch."
They proved, accordingly, to be Rudiger and his party, who, halting on
the appearance of their comrades, made and underwent a formal
challenge; such advance had the Swiss already made in military
discipline, which was but little and rudely studied by the infantry in
other parts of Europe. Arthur could hear Rudolph take his friend
Rudiger to task for not meeting him at the halting-place appointed.
"It leads to new revelry on your arrival," he said, "and to-morrow
must find us cool and determined."
"Cool as an icicle, noble Hauptman," answered the son of the
Landamman, "and determined as the rock it hangs upon."
Rudolph again recommended temperance, and the young Biederman promised
compliance. The two parties passed each other with friendly though
silent greeting; and there was soon a considerable distance between
them.
The country was more open on the side of the castle, around which
their duty now led them, than where it lay opposite to the principal
gate. The glades were broad, the trees thinly scattered over pasture
land, and there were no thickets, ravines, or similar places of
ambush, so that the eye might, in the clear moonlight, well command
the country.
"Here," said Rudolph, "we may judge ourselves secure enough for some
conference; and therefore may I ask thee, Arthur of England, now thou
hast seen us more closely, what thinkest thou of the Switzer youth? If
thou hast learned less than I could have wished, thank thine own
uncommunicative temper, which retired in some degree from our
confidence."
"Only in so far as I could not have answered, and therefore ought not
to have received it," said Arthur. "The judgment I have been enabled
to form amounts, in few words, to this: Your purposes are lofty and
noble as your mountains; but the stranger from the low country is not
accustomed to tread the circuitous path by which you ascend them. My
foot has been always accustomed to move straight forward upon the
greensward."
"You speak in riddles," answered the Bernese.
"Not so," returned the Englishman. "I think you ought plainly to
mention to your seniors (the nominal leaders of young men who seem
well disposed to take their own road) that you expect an attack in the
neighbourhood of La Ferette, and hope for assistance from some of the
townsmen of Bâle."
"Ay, truly," answered Donnerhugel; "and the Landamman would stop his
journey till he despatched a messenger for a safe-conduct to the Duke
of Burgundy; and should he grant it, there were an end of all hope of
war."
"True," replied Arthur; "but the Landamman would thereby obtain his
own principal object, and the sole purpose of the mission--that is,
the establishment of peace."
"Peace--peace?" answered the Bernese, hastily. "Were my wishes alone
to be opposed to those of Arnold Biederman, I know so much of his
honour and faith, I respect so highly his valour and patriotism, that
at his voice I would sheathe my sword, even if my most mortal enemy
stood before me. But mine is not the single wish of a single man; the
whole of my canton, and that of Soleure, are determined on war. It was
by war, noble war, that our fathers came forth from the house of their
captivity--it was by war, successful and glorious war, that a race,
who had been held scarce so much worth thinking on as the oxen which
they goaded, emerged at once into liberty and consequence, and were
honoured because they were feared, as much as they had been formerly
despised because they were unresisting."
"This may be all very true," said the young Englishman; "but, in my
opinion, the object of your mission has been determined by your Diet
or House of Commons. They have resolved to send you with others as
messengers of peace; but you are secretly blowing the coals of war;
and while all, or most of your senior colleagues are setting out
to-morrow in expectation of a peaceful journey, you stand prepared for
a combat, and look for the means of giving cause for it."
"And is it not well that I do stand so prepared?" answered Rudolph.
"If our reception in Burgundy's dependencies be peaceful, as you say
the rest of the deputation expect, my precautions will be needless;
but at least they can do no harm. If it prove otherwise, I shall be
the means of averting a great misfortune from my colleagues, my
kinsman Arnold Biederman, my fair cousin Anne, your father,
yourself--from all of us, in short, who are joyously travelling
together."
Arthur shook his head. "There is something in all this," he said,
"which I understand not, and will not seek to understand. I only pray
that you will not make my father's concerns the subject of breaking
truce; it may, as you hint, involve the Landamman in a quarrel, which
he might otherwise have avoided. I am sure my father will never
forgive it."
"I have pledged my word," said Rudolph, "already to that effect. But
if he should like the usage of the Bandog of Burgundy less than you
seem to apprehend he will, there is no harm in your knowing that, in
time of need, he may be well and actively supported."
"I am greatly obliged by the assurance," replied the Englishman.
"And thou mayst thyself, my friend," continued Rudolph, "take a
warning from what thou hast heard: Men go not to a bridal in armour,
nor to a brawl in silken doublet."
"I will be clad to meet the worst," said Arthur; "and for that purpose
I will don a light hauberk of well-tempered steel, proof against spear
or arrow; and I thank you for your kindly counsel."
"Nay, thank not me," said Rudolph; "I were ill deserving to be a
leader did I not make those who are to follow me--more especially so
trusty a follower as thou art--aware of the time when they should
buckle on their armour, and prepare for hard blows."
Here the conversation paused for a moment or two, neither of the
speakers being entirely contented with his companion, although neither
pressed any further remark.
The Bernese, judging from the feelings which he had seen predominate
among the traders of his own country, had entertained little doubt
that the Englishman, finding himself powerfully supported in point of
force, would have caught at the opportunity to resist paying the
exorbitant imposts with which he was threatened at the next town,
which would probably, without any effort on Rudolph's part, have led
to breaking off the truce on the part of Arnold Biederman himself, and
to an instant declaration of hostilities. On the other hand, young
Philipson could not understand or approve of Donnerhugel's conduct,
who, himself a member of a peaceful deputation, seemed to be animated
with the purpose of seizing an opportunity to kindle the flames of
war.
Occupied by these various reflections, they walked side by side for
some time without speaking together, until Rudolph broke silence.
"Your curiosity is then ended, Sir Englishman," said he, "respecting
the apparition of Anne of Geierstein?"
"Far from it," replied Philipson; "but I would unwillingly intrude any
questions on you while you are busy with the duties of your patrol."
"That may be considered as over," said the Bernese, "for there is not
a bush near us to cover a Burgundian knave, and a glance around us
from time to time is all that is now needful to prevent surprise. And
so, listen while I tell a tale, never sung or harped in hall or bower,
and which, I begin to think, deserves as much credit, at least, as is
due to the Tales of the Round Table, which ancient troubadours and
minne-singers dole out to us as the authentic chronicles of your
renowned namesake.
"Of Anne's ancestors on the male side of the house," continued
Rudolph, "I dare say you have heard enough, and are well aware how
they dwelt in the old walls at Geierstein beside the cascade, grinding
their vassals, devouring the substance of their less powerful
neighbours, and plundering the goods of the travellers whom ill luck
sent within ken of the vulture's eyry, the one year; and in the next,
wearying the shrines for mercy for their trespasses, overwhelming the
priests with the wealth which they showered upon them, and, finally,
vowing vows, and making pilgrimages, sometimes as palmers, sometimes
as crusaders as far as Jerusalem itself, to atone for the iniquities
which they had committed without hesitation or struggle of
conscience."
"Such, I have understood," replied the young Englishman, "was the
history of the house of Geierstein, till Arnold, or his immediate
ancestors, exchanged the lance for the sheep-hook."
"But it is said," replied the Bernese, "that the powerful and wealthy
Barons of Arnheim, of Swabia, whose only female descendant became the
wife to Count Albert of Geierstein, and the mother of this young
person, whom Swiss call simply Anne, and Germans Countess Anne of
Geierstein, were nobles of a different caste. They did not restrict
their lives within the limits of sinning and repenting--of plundering
harmless peasants, and pampering fat monks; but were distinguished
for something more than building castles with dungeons and
folter-kammers, or torture-chambers, and founding monasteries with
Galilees and Refectories.
"These same Barons of Arnheim were men who strove to enlarge the
boundaries of human knowledge, and converted their castle into a
species of college, where there were more ancient volumes than the
monks have piled together in the library of St. Gall. Nor were their
studies in books alone. Deep buried in their private laboratories,
they attained secrets which were afterwards transmitted through the
race from father to son, and were supposed to have approached nearly
to the deepest recesses of alchemy. The report of their wisdom and
their wealth was often brought to the Imperial footstool; and in the
frequent disputes which the Emperors maintained with the Popes of old,
it is said they were encouraged, if not instigated, by the counsels of
the Barons of Arnheim, and supported by their treasures. It was,
perhaps, such a course of politics, joined to the unusual and
mysterious studies which the family of Arnheim so long pursued, which
excited against them the generally received opinion, that they were
assisted in their superhuman researches by supernatural influences.
The priests were active in forwarding this cry against men who,
perhaps, had no other fault than that of being wiser than themselves.
"'Look what guests,' they said, 'are received in the halls of Arnheim!
Let a Christian knight, crippled in war with the Saracens, present
himself on the drawbridge, he is guerdoned with a crust and a cup of
wine, and required to pass on his way. If a palmer, redolent of the
sanctity acquired by his recent visits to the most holy shrines, and
by the sacred relics which attest and reward his toil, approach the
unhallowed walls, the warder bends his crossbow, and the porter shuts
the gate, as if the wandering saint brought the plague with him from
Palestine. But comes there a greybearded, glib-tongued Greek, with his
parchment scrolls, the very letters of which are painful to Christian
eyes--comes there a Jewish Rabbin, with his Talmud and Cabala--comes
there a swarthy sun-burnt Moor, who can boast of having read the
language of the Stars in Chaldea, the cradle of astrological
science--Lo, the wandering impostor or sorcerer occupies the highest
seat at the Baron of Arnheim's board, shares with him the labours of
the alembic and the furnace, learns from him mystic knowledge, like
that of which our first parents participated to the overthrow of their
race, and requites it with lessons more dreadful than he receives,
till the profane host has added to his hoard of unholy wisdom all that
the pagan visitor can communicate. And these things are done in
Almain, which is called the Holy Roman Empire, of which so many
priests are princes!--they are done, and neither ban nor monition is
issued against a race of sorcerers, who, from age to age, go on
triumphing in their necromancy!'
"Such arguments, which were echoed from mitred Abbots to the cell of
Anchorites, seem, nevertheless, to have made little impression on the
Imperial council. But they served to excite the zeal of many a Baron
and Free Count of the Empire, who were taught by them to esteem a war
or feud with the Barons of Arnheim as partaking of the nature, and
entitled to the immunities, of a crusade against the enemies of the
Faith, and to regard an attack upon these obnoxious potentates as a
mode of clearing off their deep scores with the Christian Church. But
the Lords of Arnheim, though not seeking for quarrel, were by no means
unwarlike, or averse to maintaining their own defence. Some, on the
contrary, belonging to this obnoxious race, were not the less
distinguished as gallant knights and good men-at-arms. They were,
besides, wealthy, secured and strengthened by great alliances, and in
an eminent degree wise and provident. This the parties who assailed
them learned to their cost.
"The confederacies formed against the Lords of Arnheim were broken up;
the attacks which their enemies meditated were anticipated and
disconcerted; and those who employed actual violence were repelled
with signal loss to the assailants: until at length an impression was
produced in their neighbourhood, that by their accurate information
concerning meditated violence, and their extraordinary powers of
resisting and defeating it, the obnoxious Barons must have brought to
their defence means which merely human force was incapable of
overthrowing; so that, becoming as much feared as hated, they were
suffered for the last generation to remain unmolested. And this was
the rather the case, that the numerous vassals of this great house
were perfectly satisfied with their feudal superiors, abundantly ready
to rise in their defence, and disposed to believe that, whether their
lords were sorcerers or no, their own condition would not be mended by
exchanging their government, either for the rule of the crusaders in
this holy warfare, or that of the churchmen by whom it was instigated.
The race of these barons ended in Herman von Arnheim, the maternal
grandfather of Anne of Geierstein. He was buried with his helmet,
sword, and shield, as is the German custom with the last male of a
noble family.
"But he left an only daughter, Sybilla of Arnheim, to inherit a
considerable portion of his estate; and I never heard that the strong
imputation of sorcery which attached to her house, prevented numerous
applications, from persons of the highest distinction in the Empire,
to her legal guardian, the Emperor, for the rich heiress's hand in
marriage. Albert of Geierstein, however, though an exile, obtained the
preference. He was gallant and handsome, which recommended him to
Sybilla; and the Emperor, bent at the time on the vain idea of
recovering his authority in the Swiss mountains, was desirous to show
himself generous to Albert, whom he considered as a fugitive from his
country for espousing the imperial cause. You may thus see, most noble
King Arthur, that Anne of Geierstein, the only child of their
marriage, descends from no ordinary stock; and that circumstances in
which she may be concerned are not to be explained or judged of so
easily, or upon the same grounds of reasoning, as in the case of
ordinary persons."
"By my honest word, Sir Rudolph of Donnerhugel," said Arthur,
studiously labouring to keep a command upon his feelings, "I can see
nothing in your narrative, and understand nothing from it, unless it
be that because in Germany, as in other countries, there have been
fools who have annexed the idea of witchcraft and sorcery to the
possession of knowledge and wisdom, you are therefore disposed to
stigmatise a young maiden, who has always been respected and beloved
by those around her, as a disciple of arts which, I trust, are as
uncommon as unlawful."
Rudolph paused ere he replied.
"I could have wished," he said, "that you had been satisfied with the
general character of Anne of Geierstein's maternal family, as offering
some circumstances which may account for what you have, according to
your own report, this night witnessed, and I am really unwilling to go
into more particular details. To no one can Anne of Geierstein's fame
be so dear as to me. I am, after her uncle's family, her nearest
relative, and had she remained in Switzerland, or should she, as is
most probable, return thither after the present visit to her father,
perhaps our connection might be drawn yet closer. This has, indeed,
only been prevented by certain prejudices of her uncle's respecting
her father's authority, and the nearness of our relationship, which,
however, comes within reach of a licence very frequently obtained. But
I only mention these things, to show you how much more tender I must
necessarily hold Anne of Geierstein's reputation, than it is possible
for you to do, being a stranger, known to her but a short while since,
and soon to part with her, as I understand your purpose, for ever."
The turn taken in this kind of apology irritated Arthur so highly,
that it required all the reasons which recommended coolness to enable
him to answer with assumed composure.
"I can have no ground, Sir Hauptman," he said, "to challenge any
opinion which you may entertain of a young person with whom you are so
closely connected, as you appear to be with Anne of Geierstein. I only
wonder that, with such regard for her as your relationship implies,
you should be disposed to receive, on popular and trivial traditions,
a belief which must injuriously affect your kinswoman, more especially
one with whom you intimate a wish to form a still more close
connection. Bethink you, sir, that in all Christian lands, the
imputation of sorcery is the most foul which can be thrown on
Christian man or woman."
"And I am so far from intimating such an imputation," said Rudolph,
somewhat fiercely, "that, by the good sword I wear, he that dared give
breath to such a thought against Anne of Geierstein must undergo my
challenge, and take my life, or lose his own. But the question is not
whether the maiden herself practises sorcery, which he who avers had
better get ready his tomb, and provide for his soul's safety; the
doubt lies here, whether, as the descendant of a family whose
relations with the unseen world are reported to have been of the
closest degree, elfish and fantastical beings may not have power to
imitate her form, and to present her appearance where she is not
personally present--in fine, whether they have permission to play at
her expense fantastical tricks, which they cannot exercise over other
mortals, whose forefathers have ever regulated their lives by the
rules of the Church, and died in regular communion with it. And as I
sincerely desire to retain your esteem, I have no objection to
communicate to you more particular circumstances respecting her
genealogy, confirming the idea I have now expressed. But you will
understand they are of the most private nature, and that I expect
secrecy under the strictest personal penalty."
"I shall be silent, sir," replied the young Englishman, still
struggling with suppressed passion, "on everything respecting the
character of a maiden whom I am bound to respect so highly. But the
fear of no man's displeasure can add a feather's weight to the
guarantee of my own honour."
"Be it so," said Rudolph; "it is not my wish to awake angry feelings;
but I am desirous, both for the sake of your good opinion, which I
value, and also for the plainer explanation of what I have darkly
intimated, to communicate to you what otherwise I would much rather
have left untold."
"You must be guided by your own sense of what is necessary and proper
in the case," answered Philipson; "but remember I press not on your
confidence for the communication of anything that ought to remain
secret, far less where that young lady is the subject."
Rudolph answered, after a minute's pause,--"Thou hast seen and heard
too much, Arthur, not to learn the whole, or at least all that I know,
or apprehend, on the mysterious subject. It is impossible but the
circumstances must at times recur to your recollection, and I am
desirous that you should possess all the information necessary to
understand them as clearly as the nature of the facts will permit. We
have yet, keeping leftward to view the bog, upwards of a mile to make
ere the circuit of the castle is accomplished. It will afford leisure
enough for the tale I have to tell."
"Speak on--I listen!" answered the Englishman, divided between his
desire to know all that it was possible to learn concerning Anne of
Geierstein, and his dislike to hear her name pronounced with such
pretensions as those of Donnerhugel, together with the revival of his
original prejudices against the gigantic Swiss, whose manners, always
blunt, nearly to coarseness, seemed now marked by assumed superiority
and presumption. Arthur listened, however, to his wild tale, and the
interest which he took in it soon overpowered all other sensations.
FOOTNOTE:
[5] The chivalry of Cornwall are generally undervalued in the
Norman-French romances. The cause is difficult to discover.