Whilst the cart was rolling slowly along the Neckar valley, Erastus
gradually regained his composure. His daughter's image in all its
purity and goodness appeared before his eyes. This harmless child might
have been led astray, but had never been depraved. The humiliated
father called to mind every conversation which she had had in his
presence with the Priest, and felt fully convinced that morally his
child was pure and unspotted, whatever might have been the cause of the
extraordinary nightly adventure. He begged his companions to drive
quicker, as he longed to interrogate Lydia face to face. The cart
rolled rapidly through the streets of the town, though it trailed up
the steep Schlossberg much too slowly for the impatient Erastus. But on
the carter wishing to drive over the draw-bridge he found the entry
blocked up. A vehicle guarded by four riders had just driven into the
court-yard. Near a police-officer of the Palatinate sat with fettered
hands the former Parson, Adam Neuser. Wearied and dejected he gazed
straight before him. His hair had become grayer, his complexion more
sun-burnt. Otherwise the flight with its many privations appeared to
have agreed with him better than the boozing life at the Hirsch. He had
wandered much about the world, but had been unable to make without
recommendations, without testimonials, without a name, any position for
himself. Fortune and his star had abandoned him. Thus utterly
discouraged, degraded as to body and soul, with torn clothing, and but
a few pence in his pockets, he found himself in a tavern near the
Danube where he had put up for the night, next to the children's room.
Whilst the heat from the hot kitchen warmed delightfully his stiffened
limbs, and he listened to the childish prattle of the children, a
longing to see his own family once more overpowered him. It seemed to
him as if his wife brought to him their youngest child, which wrapped
in a woollen cloth felt as warm as the chimney against which he leant,
and the little one placed his cheek against his father's and nibbled at
it, as if to try, whether he tasted as good as did its mother. And next
he saw his second little daughter stumbling about before him, and who
only now beginning to talk called all four-footed animals from the
horse downwards "wau" and all winged creatures from the fly upwards
"bibi" and mankind "man". And his little Jack showed him his slate with
the exercises which he had written, and the butterflies which he had
caught in the garden. A heavy sadness came over the stout Parson, and
he shut his eyes, as do the chickens, by raising the lower eyelid
upwards, whilst the upper remained stationary, as was his wont,
whenever he felt gently moved, and he fell asleep. In his dreams he
fancied himself once more in his comfortable chair near the round table
at the Hirsch in Heidelberg, and Chancellor Probus congratulated him in
a friendly manner on his return. "All is forgiven and forgotten. As a
matter of course," he distinctly heard the Chairman of their meeting
say in his deep tones. At these words of the honored gentleman so
intense was the joy that came over Parson Neuser that he awoke, and
called out as did Doctor Luther at Koburg: "Home, home, home!" He
trusted certainly that his wife had burnt the dangerous papers in good
time. He did not think of the mad address which he had written in a
moment of drunken intoxication to Sultan Selim II., and with his usual
buoyancy he imagined, that if the worst came to the worst he would get
off with a mild punishment. He surrendered himself up to the magistrate
at Amberg, who immediately sent him on to Heidelberg, where the trial
of his companions was still taking place. Erastus was glad, that Neuser
did not notice him. He did not feel inclined to greet this foolish man
who had drawn this calamity on himself and his family. But the gate
still remained closed and Erastus fretted with impatience at the
enforced delay. Finally the trotting of horses and the rattling of a
cart was heard within. Another cart guarded by armed men escorting a
prisoner appeared. This time however it was Sylvanus who sat near the
officer. The once so stately man looked pale and haggard, his eyes were
sunken and an expression of resigned despondency lay on his wan face.
At his feet sat his nine-year old son, who was allowed by order of the
kind-hearted Kurfuerst to accompany him to his prison, although the
clergymen of the court had violently opposed this soul-destroying
indulgence on the part of the Kurfuerst. The prisoner was being taken to
Mannheim, so as to prevent any communication between himself and
Neuser. On seeing Erastus, Sylvanus stretched out his hands towards him
as if imploring for aid. The physician also raised his hand, but let it
drop wearily down, as if to express how powerless he himself was. He
was thinking of some kindly expression when the driver whipped up the
horses and they rolled under the dark gate-way. Immediately on reaching
his apartment Erastus inquired for Lydia. She had gone to pay a visit
to Frau Belier, as she had only expected her father at a late hour,
still she might be back at any moment. Erastus' eye now caught sight of
a large envelope among his papers, bearing the seal of the Church
Council, but addressed to him in his mere capacity of Doctor of
Medicine. Surprised he broke it open, expecting some fresh misfortune.
The youthful President Zuleger informed him in brief terms that the
Church Council had found it advisable to issue their ban of
excommunication over him. His conscience would sufficiently explain to
him the causes of this step. "No Pope who at any time sent forth the
_fulmen_ of excommunication ever did it with more comfort to himself,"
hissed Erastus. Till he could again be admitted to participate in the
Communion of the Lord's Supper, it added, he was forbidden to attend
the meetings of the Church Council. Trembling with rage and emotion he
held in his lame hand the document, whilst he seized his hat with the
other, saying to the terrified maid-servant: "I must go immediately to
the Prince." The anxious old woman wanted to induce him to take some
refreshment, but he hurried out, merely leaving word that Lydia should
wait for him at home, as he had something important to tell her.
The Kurfuerst was sitting in his private room in the new court, which we
have already described, as Erastus requested the page to beg an
audience in his name. Utterly worn out by his exertions the wearied man
heard the Prince within talking loudly and earnestly. After a time the
Magistrate, Hartmann Hartmanni appeared at the door and passed him by
without notice. Now at length was Erastus allowed to enter.
"I was about to send for you this afternoon," said the stout Prince
good-naturedly, "as it is not my habit to condemn any one unheard. Sit
down. What we have to talk about, will not be decided within the hour."
The wearied physician gloomily took his seat on the chair pointed out
to him. "The report of the spiritual members of the Church Council on
the arian clergymen has been sent in," began the Kurfuerst. "Before
discussing your matter. I should like to hear what you think about it?"
"The theological gentlemen have not deemed it necessary to send me a
copy," said Erastus coldly.
"Did you not attend the preliminary meetings as to the result of the
inquiry?"
"What advantage would it have been to me?" replied Erastus bitterly.
"In Your Gracious Highness' Church Council there are three kinds of
Counsellors. The Jurists read the documents and report their contents.
The learned Doctors do not read yet nevertheless report on them, the
Theologians read them and report totally differently to what is written
in them. When I saw that I remained away."
"Your old song," growled the Kurfuerst fretfully. "But now I must read
you a report instead of your doing so to me. First of all then," he
said turning over the leaves of the report above mentioned, "these
gentlemen enjoin on me, that whosoever acquits those blasphemers, is as
much an abomination in the sight of God, as the blasphemers
themselves." Erastus shrugged his shoulders contemptuously. "The first
part refers to the blasphemies, invectives, and repudiation of the
Christian dogmas by these clergymen, as well as their endeavours to
unite themselves with the Turks. All the points in Sylvanus' libel are
clearly marked out, and it is thus evident, that the Inspector intended
to taint the world with his blasphemies. Do you differ from this
opinion?"
"No," answered Erastus, "Sylvanus' letter deserves punishment. But I
cannot possibly look upon Neuser's ridiculous composition as a serious
production, more especially as it is endorsed: _potest omitti_. I
believe that the foolish man wrote it in a drunken mood, and though he
read it again when more sober, he was too lazy to burn the document and
wrote instead: 'need not be forwarded.' Sylvanus has been however
severely punished by his long imprisonment and regrets his aberration
sincerely. Most certainly those two cannot go unpunished, but the only
question is what punishment those gentlemen consider fitting?"
"That is just the point," said the Kurfuerst sorrowfully. "These
theologians continually refer to the divine law as it is written in the
Books of Moses. There it is commanded, to stone such blasphemers, to
pierce them with the sword, to burn them. The words of the Vth Book of
Moses Chapter 13 are clear. 'If thy brother, the son of thy mother, or
thy daughter, or the wife of thy bosom or thy friend which is as thine
own soul entice thee secretly, saying, Let us go and serve other gods,
neither shall thine eye pity him, neither shalt thou spare, neither
shalt thou conceal him: But thou shalt surely kill him, thine hand
shall be the first upon him to put him to death and afterwards the hand
of all the people, and thou shalt stone him with stones that he die
because he hath sought to thrust thee away from the Lord thy God.'" The
Kurfuerst put down the report and looked earnestly at Erastus.
"Do those gentlemen really wish to introduce stoning into the
Palatinate?" asked Erastus mockingly.
"No," answered the Kurfuerst. "Further on it is stated, 'It is certain
that as to this _qualitas, circumstantia_, or fact, namely as regards
stoning, the christian authorities are not bound thereto, but that they
may make use of the sword, or hanging or some other means of destroying
life. If however the sin is not visited upon the head of him who has
sinned, God will pour out his wrath upon the entire people, who have
not rooted out the transgressor. But to increase and call forth God's
wrath which has already been kindled as shown by the plague, would be
the most horrible cruelty towards the entire christian community.'"
"To calmly sit in the lofty rooms of the chancellory, and to offer up
an atoning sacrifice to the angel of the plague on the green-cloth of
the table, is much easier," said Erastus bitterly, "than to oppose him
on the sick-bed and to fumigate his haunts. I think however that Your
Highness can be at rest. Our God is not so revengeful as are those
pious learned men of God."
"True, true," sighed the Kurfuerst, "but these gentlemen point out that
further on God has commanded in Moses V. Chapter 13 thus that the
inhabitants of a city fallen from God shall be smitten with the sword
even to the small children, and those that prophesy falsely shall be
rooted out whether they turn from their ways or not."
"Fine, fine," said Erastus angrily. "Then indeed was Pius IV. right
when he slew four thousand Waldensees in Calabria and destroyed their
villages, trees and vineyards. The Duke of Guise was justified at Vassy
in shooting women and children. The Jesuit Possevin was right when he
led two thousand arquebusiers against the Protestants in Piedmont.
Verily it is so written! Fie, upon the fools!"
"Truly," continued the Kurfuerst. "What difference would there be
between me and those bloody men at Paris and Madrid, if I were to
follow out such advice? They write to me, that they themselves would be
responsible for the wrath of God, which has already been kindled, if
they prolonged the finite life of the blasphemers, and suffered the
Honor of God which has been trodden under foot by so many varied
damnable blasphemies, to remain thus trampled upon through a godless
leniency. It is all very well for them to talk. They do not know what
it means to dip a pen and wipe out a human life by one's own
signature."
"Your Gracious Highness' christian conscience is more satisfying to me
than the wisdom of the Church Council and all the Faculties. I pray God
may keep both your conscience and heart strong in this matter. But what
has Your Gracious Highness decided upon?"
"The matter is not yet ripe for sentence," said the Prince. "I will ask
my brother in Dresden to look over the report of the trial, as well as
the theologians at Zurich, that thereby Judges may look into the case,
who cannot be suspected of personal enmity against the accused. We
disciples of Calvin dare not in matters of general belief be more
sanguinary, or appear more lax than those of Luther or Zwingli."
Erastus bowed his head assentingly.
"The Theologians also demand that a codicil be added to the inquiry,"
continued the Kurfuerst with a troubled look.
"Sylvanus in his letters to the Transylvanians mentions several as
holding the same views as himself who would be willing to migrate
thither, Neuser does the same in his letter to the Sultan. Being asked
during the trial, who these accomplices might be, Sylvanus named
Neuser, Neuser, Sylvanus. In the same way Vehe mentioned Suter, and
Suter Vehe. The Church Council thinks therefore that these matters call
for a strict inquiry, or searching inquisition."
"That means," cried Erastus excitedly, "that the prisoners must be
racked till they name as accomplices any one who may be opposed to
Olevianus. Quotes this ruffianly fox any scriptural authority for such
a proceeding?"
"Certainly," said the Kurfuerst taking up the report once more. "The
Lord says Moses V, 13. 14.: _Tunc inquires, investigabis ac
interrogabis diligenter._ That is 'thou shalt inquire, interrogate and
investigate diligently.' The Lord commands such a diligent and accurate
investigation, in order that the authorities may not overlook such
evils, or become careless, inattentive or drowsy. That such sin be not
committed, it is not sufficient that the prisoners acknowledge their
own blasphemies, they must likewise be compelled to name their
accomplices. And for that cause as God does not command this diligence
with one word alone, but insists upon it with three distinct words, and
says: _inquires, investigabis ac interrogabis diligenter_, it is
certain that the authorities who remained satisfied with the wicked
lies of the prisoners, would act with remissness." The Kurfuerst laid
down the documents.
"Horrible!" cried out Erastus.
"Calm yourself," said the Prince. "Torture would in this case only
render the matter worse. I shall not permit it."
"God reward you, gracious Prince, for making the council of evil doers
of no avail."
"Justice must be on both sides," said the Prince thoughtfully. "What I
am about to say to you now will perhaps not meet with so much approval
from you." Saying this he took up another bundle of papers, while his
brow became overcast. "The Church Council informs me that it has been
forced to issue the ban of excommunication over you, which as a
spiritual court it has the authority to do, through the power given by
Christ to his Church, without asking the consent of the Sovereign of
the land, nay more even against him in person."
"To his Church," cried Erastus. "Since when however do the few
counsellors mentioned by the Sovereign, constitute the Church."
"Let us drop that matter for the moment," replied the Kurfuerst. "For
the present let us inquire into the cause of this step. Here is the
deposition of Dr. Pigavetta, accusing you of being the especial head of
the Arian conspiracy."
"Pigavetta," ejaculated Erastus.
"Calm yourself; if I doubted you, you would not be sitting here but in
the great Tower. The facts adduced by the italian Doctor, do not amount
to much. That you went often to Ladenburg with Xylander and even drove
out with him, that Sylvanus also as he was being brought in here begged
you to warn Neuser, that you in every case have taken under your care
and protection the imprisoned blasphemers does not prove anything to
me. Here however is the sworn assertion that you have concealed
Neuser's papers and hidden them in your apartment, as they would never
be sought for in the Castle itself." The Kurfuerst stopped short.
"Will Your Gracious Highness order my apartment to be searched from
cellar to garret; if a line of Neuser's be found, let my head be laid
between my feet," said Erastus coldly.
"For your sake I am sorry, but not to draw down on myself the reproach
of partiality, I could not spare you this." The Prince summoned a page
by knocking on the table, and ordered the Amtmann Hartmann Hartmanni to
be admitted. The Amtmann appeared at the door holding a bundle of
papers under his arm. From his remarks it could be gathered that he had
already fulfilled his commission whilst Erastus was being retained in
audience. The astonished physician fixed his eyes on the Prince. This
proceeding during his absence was new to him. It showed him, how low he
had already fallen.
"You have completed the search of the papers belonging to my
Counsellor?" asked the Kurfuerst.
"No great search was necessary," replied Herr Hartmann. "Neuser's
papers laid on the top."
"How!" called out the Kurfuerst and Erastus at the same time. The
Magistrate handed some papers over to the Prince.
"The plague take it!" called out Frederic the Pious, looking at Erastus
with flaming eyes.
Erastus pressed forwards and turned the papers over with trembling
hands. "A letter of Neuser's to Blandrata, a document from Beckhess the
Transylvanian ambassador, letters of the Superintendent David in
Klausenburg, letters of Vehe, Suter, and Sylvanus ..." Angrily he threw
the bundle down on the table. "I do not know anything about these
letters. A rascally trick to destroy me! Where did you find these
papers, Amtmann?"
"In your desk."
The Kurfuerst looked stedfastly at Erastus, as if he wished to read to
the bottom of his soul. "Remember, most Gracious Lord," said the
physician, "that for months a scaffolding has stood before my windows,
and that anyone who wishes can enter my apartment."
The prince appeared for a while to struggle within himself, and then
asked. "Did you discover anything else?"
The Magistrate smiled mockingly, and handed a note over to Erastus. "Is
that your hand-writing. Counsellor?"
Erastus cast a glance at the writing. "Yes, it is."
"This letter lay also among Neuser's papers, most Gracious Lord," said
the Amtmann. "Hear what the Counsellor writes to this conspirator.
'Dear Herr Adam! I have received your letter and quite agree with you.
Matters are going on well, to-morrow you will receive the required
pass, and then follow my directions exactly in all things, greet the
Inspector. Your friend!' Does Your Highness now believe that a
conspiracy of the Arians exists in Your Highness' lands, to lead the
Palatinate to Talmudism and Mahommedanism?"
"Did you write this, Erastus?" asked the Kurfuerst.
The exhausted man's whole body trembled, the words choked in his throat
as he answered: "I have never written to Neuser.... as far as I can
recollect.... He never asked me for credentials, and I never promised
him any."
"Not even last summer, when Neuser used his vacation, in endeavoring to
obtain an office in Transylvania?" asked the Amtmann.
"I know nothing about this. The letter is a forgery."
"Then these letters must also be forgeries," replied the Amtmann
mockingly, handing over another bundle of papers to the physician.
Erastus looked at them and turned pale. "These are letters from
Bullinger to me, that is if you have not mixed some counterfeits with
them."
The Amtmann turned to the Kurfuerst. "From this letter of the Zurich
Theologian may be gathered, how inimically and hostilely the accused
was wont to speak to strangers of the Church Council of the Palatinate
of which he was a member."
Erastus replied: "To strangers? I think I daily said to the Prince what
I wrote to Bullinger."
The Kurfuerst looked angrily at him: "That does not excuse your
treachery. You are not allowed to calumniate my Counsellors to the
Swiss. What more?" added he turning to the Amtmann.
"I found nothing else among the papers belonging to the Counsellor, but
in a gipsire belonging to his daughter Lydia was this note, in which
some unknown person makes an assignation with her of an evening on the
secluded Holtermann, as he has important communications to make
concerning her father." Violently did Erastus pluck the note from his
hand. His head was dizzy. This then was the secret appointment which
caused Lydia to dislocate her foot. In what terrible hands might his
child find herself?
"How did the Maiden explain the note?" asked the Kurfuerst coldly.
"She refused any explanation, till she had spoken with her father."
The Kurfuerst laughed derisively. On this Erastus fell fainting to the
ground. Busy the whole day previous, without his night's rest, hunted
down since the early morning, fasting, prey to the most violent
feelings, the sickly physician succumbed rather to anger, weariness,
and exasperation than to fear.
"The best confession," said the Prince gloomily. "Take him to the
Tower, but treat him gently. He has rendered me and the Palatinate good
service; the Lord have mercy on him for wishing to undo them."
"And Your Highness will still not permit the question by rack to be
used on the plainly obdurate prisoners, who are wilfully keeping back
the truth from the authorities?"
"I will not longer stand in the way of the conduct of the trial," said
the Prince sorrowfully. "Do nothing cruel except through strict
necessity. But I will have light in this darkness. If yonder man
betrayed me, whom indeed can I trust?"
The Prince left the room with an expression of the profoundest
melancholy, the Amtmann however called in the pages from the
ante-chamber, who raised up Erastus and sprinkled water over him, till
he came to himself. But the wretched man only opened his eyes, in order
to find himself taken off to the Tower. His look horrified all the
inhabitants of the Castle, who saw him pale as death tottering off
supported by two officers. "None but a convicted criminal could
possibly look so broken down. The consciousness of his treachery is
stamped upon his countenance," remarked the court servant Bachmann, who
had formerly ever numbered among the friends of the Counsellor. "I
never saw such a picture of an evil conscience. Man is a weak
creature," he said consolingly to Barbara who appeared weeping at the
door, "and the Devil always tempts the best most severely."
"Alas, how can I break this to my young mistress," cried the old woman.
"Even the search through the house has nearly killed her."