Andreinsisted，andchallengingallthebaronspresenttoseewhowouldbeupfirst，heretiredwiththequeentotheroomthathadbeenreservedforthem，whereheverysoonfellintoadeepandheavysleep。Abouttwoo’clockinthemorning，TommasoPace，theprince’svaletandfirstusheroftheroyalapartments，knockedathis2876
master’sdoortorousehimforthechase。Atthefirstknock，allwassilence;atthesecond，Joan，whohadnotclosedhereyesallnight，movedasiftorouseherhusbandandwarnhimofthethreateneddanger;butatthethirdknocktheunfortunateyoungmansuddenlyawoke，andhearinginthenextroomsoundsoflaughterandwhispering，fanciedthattheyweremakingajokeofhislaziness，andjumpedoutofbedbareheaded，innothingbuthisshirt，hisshoeshalfonandhalfoff。Heopenedthedoor;andatthispointwetranslateliterallytheaccountofDomenicoGravina，ahistorianofmuchesteem。Assoonastheprinceappeared，theconspiratorsallatoncefelluponhim，tostranglehimwiththeirhands;believinghecouldnotdiebypoisonorsword，becauseofthecharmedringgivenhimbyhispoormother。ButAndrewassostrongandactive，thatwhenheperceivedtheinfamoustreasonhedefendedhimselfwithmorethanhumanstrength，andwithdreadfulcriesgotfreefromhismurderers，hisfaceallbloody，hisfairhairpulledoutinhandfuls。
Theunhappyyoungmantriedtogainhisownbedroom，soastogetsomeweaponandvaliantlyresisttheassassins;butashereachedthedoor，NicholasofMelazzo，puttinghisdaggerlikeaboltintothelock，stoppedhisentrance。Theprince，callingaloudthewholetimeandimploringtheprotectionofhisfriends，returnedtothehall;
butallthedoorswereshut，andnooneheldoutahelpinghand;forthequeenwassilent，showingnouneasinessaboutherhusband’sdeath。
ButthenurseIsolda，terrifiedbytheshoutingofherbelovedsonandlord，leaptfromherbedandwenttothewindow，fillingthehousewithdreadfulcries。Thetraitors，alarmedbythemightyuproar，althoughtheplacewaslonelyandsofarfromthecentreofthetownthatnobodycouldhavecometoseewhatthenoisewas，wereonthepointoflettingtheirvictimgo，whenBertrandofArtois，whofelthewasmoreguiltythantheothers，seizedtheprincewithhellishfuryroundthewaist，andafteradesperatestrugglegothimdown;thendragginghimbythehairofhisheadtoabalconywhichgaveuponthegarden，andpressingonekneeuponhischest，criedouttotheothers——
"Comehere，barons：Ihavewhatwewanttostranglehimwith。"
Androundhisneckhepassedalongcordofsilkandgold，whilethewretchedmanstruggledallhecould。Bertrandquicklydrewuptheknot，andtheothersthrewthebodyovertheparapetofthebalcony，leavingithangingbetweenearthandskyuntildeathensued。WhentheCountofTerlizziavertedhiseyesfromthehorridspectacle，RobertofCabanecriedoutimperiously——
"Whatareyoudoingthere？Thecordislongenoughforusalltohold：wewantnotwitnesses，wewantaccomplices！"
Assoonasthelastconvulsivemovementsofthedyingmanhadceased，theyletthecorpsedropthewholeheightofthethreestoreys，andopeningthedoorsofthehall，departedasthoughnothinghadhappened。
Isolda，whenatlastshecontrivedtogetalight，rapidlyrantothequeen’schamber，andfindingthedoorshutontheinside，begantocallloudlyonherAndre。Therewasnoanswer，thoughthequeenwasintheroom。Thepoornurse，distracted，trembling，desperate，randownallthecorridors，knockedatallthecellsandwokethemonksonebyone，beggingthemtohelpherlookfortheprince。Themonkssaidthattheyhadindeedheardanoise，butthinkingitwasaquarrelbetweensoldiersdrunkenperhapsormutinous，theyhadnotthoughtittheirbusinesstointerfere。Isoldaeagerly，entreated：
thealarmspreadthroughtheconvent;themonksfollowedthenurse，whowentonbeforewithatorch。Sheenteredthegarden，sawsomethingwhiteuponthegrass，advancedtrembling，gaveonepiercingcry，andfellbackward。
ThewretchedAndrewaslyinginhisblood，acordroundhisneckasthoughhewereathief，hisheadcrushedinbytheheightfromwhichhefell。Thentwomonkswentupstairstothequeen’sroom，andrespectfullyknockingatthedoor，askedinsepulchraltones——
"Madam，whatwouldyouhaveusdowithyourhusband’scorpse？"
Andwhenthequeenmadenoanswer，theywentdownagainslowlytothegarden，andkneelingoneatthehead，theotheratthefootofthedeadman，theybegantorecitepenitentialpsalmsinalowvoice。
Whentheyhadspentanhourinprayer，twoothermonkswentupinthesamewaytoJoan’schamber，repeatingthesamequestionandgettingnoanswer，whereupontheyrelievedthefirsttwo，andbeganthemselvestopray。Nextathirdcouplewenttothedoorofthisinexorableroom，andcomingawayperturbedbytheirwantofsuccess，，perceivedthattherewasadisturbanceofpeopleoutsidetheconvent，whilevengefulcrieswereheardamongsttheindignantcrowd。Thegroupsbecamemoreandmorethronged，threateningvoiceswereraised，atorrentofinvadersthreatenedtheroyaldwelling，whenthequeen’sguardappeared，lanceinreadiness，andalittercloselyshut，surroundedbytheprincipalbaronsofthecourt，passedthroughthecrowd，whichstoodstupidlygazing。Joan，wrappedinablackveil，wentbacktoCastelNuovo，amidherescort;andnobody，saythehistorians，hadthecouragetosayawordaboutthisterribledeed。
CHAPTERV
TheterriblepartthatCharlesofDurazzowastoplaybeganassoonasthiscrimewasaccomplished。Thedukeleftthecorpsetwowholedaysexposedtothewindandtherain，unburiedanddishonoured，thecorpseofamanwhomthepopehadmadeKingofSicilyandJerusalem，sothattheindignationofthemobmightbeincreasedbythedreadfulsight。OnthethirdheorderedittobeconveyedwiththeutmostpomptothecathedralofNaples，andassemblingalltheHungariansaroundthecatafalque，hethusaddressedthem，inavoiceofthunder：——
"Noblesandcommoners，beholdourkinghangedlikeadogbyinfamoustraitors。Godwillsoonmakeknowntousthenamesofalltheguilty：letthosewhodesirethatjusticemaybedoneholduptheirhandsandswearagainstmurderersbloodypersecution，implacablehatred，everlastingvengeance。"
Itwasthisoneman’scrythatbroughtdeathanddesolationtothemurderers’hearts，andthepeopledispersedaboutthetown，shrieking，"Vengeance，vengeance！"
Divinejustice，whichknowsnaughtofprivilegeandrespectsnocrown，struckJoanfirstofallinherlove。Whenthetwoloversfirstmet，bothwereseizedalikewithterroranddisgust;theyrecoiledtrembling，thequeenseeinginBertrandherhusband’sexecutioner，andheinherthecauseofhiscrime，possiblyofhisspeedypunishment。Bertrand’slooksweredisordered，hischeekshollow，hiseyesencircledwithblackrings，hismouthhorriblydistorted;hisarmandforefingerextendedtowardshisaccomplice，heseemedtobeholdafrightfulvisionrisingbeforehim。ThesamecordhehadusedwhenhestrangledAndre，henowsawroundthequeen’sneck，sotightthatitmadeitswayintoherflesh：aninvisibleforce，aSatanicimpulse，urgedhimtostranglewithhisownhandsthewomanhehadlovedsodearly，hadatonetimeadoredonhisknees。Thecountrushedoutoftheroomwithgesturesofdesperation，mutteringincoherentwords;andasheshewedplainsignsofmentalaberration，hisfather，CharlesofArtois，tookhimaway，andtheywentthatsameeveningtotheirpalaceofSt。Agatha，andtherepreparedadefenceincasetheyshouldbeattacked。
ButJoan’spunishment，whichwasdestinedtobeslowaswellasdreadful，tolastthirty-sevenyearsand——endinaghastlydeath，wasnowonlybeginning。AllthewretchedbeingswhowerestainedwithAndre’sdeathcameinturntohertodemandthepriceofblood。TheCataneseandherson，whoheldintheirhandsnotonlythequeen’shonourbutherlife，nowbecamedoublygreedyandexacting。DonaCanchanolongerputanybridleonherlicentiousness;andtheEmpressofConstantinopleorderedherniecetomarryhereldestson，Robert，PrinceofTarentum。Joan，consumedbyremorse，fullofindignationandshameatthearrogantconductofhersubjects，daredscarcelyliftherhead，andstoopedtoentreaties，onlystipulatingforafewdays’delaybeforegivingheranswer：theempressconsented，onconditionthathersonshouldcometoresideatCastelNuovo，withpermissiontoseethequeenonceaday。Joanbowedherheadinsilence，andRobertofTarentumwasinstalledatthecastle。
CharlesofDurazzo，whobythedeathofAndrehadpracticallybecometheheadofthefamily，and，would，bythetermsofhisgrandfather’swill，inheritthekingdombyrightofhiswifeMarieinthecaseofJoan’sdyingwithoutlawfulissue，senttothequeentwocommands：
first，thatsheshouldnotdreamofcontractinganewmarriagewithoutfirstconsultinghiminthechoiceofahusband;secondly，thatsheshouldinvesthimatoncewiththetitleofDukeofCalabria。Tocompelhiscousintomakethesetwoconcessions，headdedthatifsheshouldbesoilladvisedastorefuseeitherofthem，heshouldhandovertojusticetheproofsofthecrimeandthenamesofthemurderers。Joan，bendingbeneaththeweightofthisnewdifficulty，couldthinkofnowaytoavoidit;butCatherine，whoalonewasstoutenoughtofightthisnephewofhers，insistedthattheymuststrikeattheDukeofDurazzoinhisambitionandhopes，andtellhim，tobeginwith——whatwasthefact——thatthequeenwaspregnant。If，inspiteofthisnews，hepersistedinhisplans，shewouldfindsomemeansorother，shesaid，ofcausingtroubleanddiscordinhernephew’sfamily，andwoundinghiminhismostintimateaffectionsorclosestinterests，bypubliclydishonouringhimthroughhiswifeorhismother。
Charlessmiledcoldlywhenhisauntcametotellhimfromthequeenthatshewasabouttobringintotheworldaninfant，Andre’sposthumouschild。Whatimportancecouldababeyetunbornpossiblyhave——asafact，itlivedonlyafewmonths——intheeyesofamanwhowithsuchadmirablecoolnessgotridofpeoplewhostoodinhiswary，andthatmoreoverbythehandofhisownenemies？Hetoldtheempressthatthehappynewsshehadcondescendedtobringhiminperson，farfromdiminishinghiskindnesstowardshiscousin，inspiredhimratherwithmoreinterestandgoodwill;thatconsequentlyhereiteratedhissuggestion，andrenewedhispromisenottoseekvengeanceforhisdearAndre，sinceinacertainsensethecrimewasnotcompleteshouldachildbedestinedtosurvive;butincaseofarefusalhedeclaredhimselfinexorable。HecleverlygaveCatherinetounderstandthat，asshehadsomeinterestherselfintheprince’sdeath，sheoughtforherownsaketopersuadethequeentostoplegalproceedings。
Theempressseemedtobedeeplyimpressedbyhernephew’sthreateningattitude，andpromisedtodoherbesttopersuadethequeentograntallheasked，oncondition，however，thatCharlesshouldallowthenecessarytimeforcarryingthroughsodelicateabusiness。ButCatherineprofitedbythisdelaytothinkoutherownplanofrevenge，andensurethemeansofcertainsuccess。Afterstartingseveralprojectseagerlyandthenregretfullyabandoningthem，shefixeduponaninfernalandunheard-ofscheme，whichthemindwouldrefusetobelievebutfortheunanimoustestimonyofhistorians。
PoorAgnesofDuras，Charles’smother，hadforsomefewdaysbeensufferingwithaninexplicableweariness，aslowpainfulmaladywithwhichherson’srestlessnessandviolencemayhavehadnotalittletodo。Theempressresolvedthatthefirsteffectofherhatredwastofalluponthisunhappymother。ShesummonedtheCountofTerlizziandDonaCancha，hismistress，whobythequeen’sordershadbeenattendingAgnessinceherillnessbegan。Catherinesuggestedtotheyoungchamberwoman，whowasatthattimewithchild，thatsheshoulddeceivethedoctorbyrepresentingthatcertainsignsofherownconditionreallybelongedtothesickwoman，sothathe，deceivedbythefalseindications，shouldbecompelledtoadmittoCharlesofDurazzothathismotherwasguiltyanddishonoured。TheCountofTerlizzi，whoeversincehehadtakenpartintheregicidetrembledinfearofdiscovery，hadnothingtoopposetotheempress’sdesire，andDonaCancha，whoseheadwasaslightasherheartwascorrupt，seizedwithafoolishgaietyonanychanceoftakingherrevengeonthepruderyoftheonlyprincessofthebloodwholedapurelifeatacourtthatwasrenownedforitsdepravity。Onceassuredthatheraccompliceswouldbeprudentandobedient，Catherinebegantospreadabroadcertainvagueanddubiousbutterriblyseriousrumours，onlyneedingproof，andsoonafterthecruelaccusationwasstarteditwasrepeatedagainandagaininconfidence，untilitreachedtheearsofCharles。
Atthisamazingrevelationthedukewasseizedwithafitoftrembling。Hesentinstantlyforthedoctor，andaskedimperiouslywhatwasthecauseofhismother’smalady。Thedoctorturnedpaleandstammered;butwhenCharlesgrewthreateningheadmittedthathehadcertaingroundsforsuspectingthattheduchesswasenceinte，butashemighteasilyhavebeendeceivedthefirsttime，hewouldmakeasecondinvestigationbeforepronouncinghisopinioninsoseriousamatter。Thenextday，asthedoctorcameoutofthebedroom，thedukemethim，andinterrogatinghimwithanagonisedgesture，couldonlyjudgebythesilencethathisfearsweretoowellconfirmed。
Butthedoctor，withexcessofcaution，declaredthathewouldmakeathirdtrial。CondemnedcriminalscansuffernoworsethanCharlesinthelonghoursthatpassedbeforethatfatalmomentwhenhelearnedthathismotherwasindeedguilty。OnthethirddaythedoctorstatedonhissoulandconsciencethatAgnesofDurazzowaspregnant。
"Verygood，"saidCharles，dismissingthedoctorwithnosignofemotion。
Thateveningtheduchesstookamedicineorderedbythedoctor;andwhen，halfanhourlater，shewasassailedwithviolentpains，thedukewaswarnedthatperhapsotherphysiciansoughttobeconsulted，astheprescriptionoftheordinarydoctor，insteadofbringingaboutanimprovementinherstate，hadonlymadeherworse。
Charlesslowlywentuptotheduchess’sroom，andsendingawayallthepeoplewhowerestandingroundherbed，onthepretextthattheywereclumsyandmadehismotherworse，heshutthedoor，andtheywerealone。ThepoorAgnes，forgettingherinternalagonywhenshesawherson，pressedhishandtenderlyandsmiledthroughhertears。
Charles，palebeneathhisbronzedcomplexion，hisforeheadmoistwithacoldsweat，andhiseyeshorriblydilated，bentoverthesickwomanandaskedhergloomily——
"Areyoualittlebetter，mother？"
"Ah，Iaminpain，infrightfulpain，mypoorCharles。IfeelasthoughIhavemoltenleadinmyveins。Omyson，callyourbrothers，sothatImaygiveyouallmyblessingforthelasttime，forI
cannotholdoutlongagainstthispain。Iamburning。Mercy！Calladoctor：IknowIhavebeenpoisoned。"
Charlesdidnotstirfromthebedside。
"Water！"criedthedyingwomaninabrokenvoice，——"water！A
doctor，aconfessor！Mychildren——Iwantmychildren！"
Andasthedukepaidnoheed，butstoodmoodilysilent，thepoormother，prostratedbypain，fanciedthatgriefhadrobbedhersonofallpowerofspeechormovement，andso，byadesperateeffort，satup，andseizinghimbythearm，criedwithallthestrengthshecouldmuster——
"Charles，myson，whatisit？Mypoorboy，courage;itisnothing，I
hope。Butquick，callforhelp，calladoctor。Ah，youhavenoideaofwhatIsuffer。"
"Yourdoctor，"saidCharlesslowlyandcoldly，eachwordpiercinghismother’sheartlikeadagger，——"yourdoctorcannotcome。"
"Ohwhy？"askedAgnes，stupefied。
"Becausenooneoughttolivewhoknowsthesecretofourshame。"
"Unhappyman！"shecried，overwhelmedwith，painandterror，"youhavemurderedhim！Perhapsyouhavepoisonedyourmothertoo！
Charles，Charles，havemercyonyourownsoul！"
"Itisyourdoing，"saidCharles，withoutshowofemotion："youhavedrivenmeintocrimeanddespair;youhavecausedmydishonourinthisworldandmydamnationinthenext。"
"Whatareyousaying？MyownCharles，havemercy！Donotletmedieinthishorribleuncertainty;whatfataldelusionisblindingyou？
Speak，myson，speak：Iamnotfeelingthepoisonnow。WhathaveI
done？OfwhathaveIbeenaccused？"
Shelookedwithhaggardeyesatherson：hermaternallovestillstruggledagainsttheawfulthoughtofmatricide;atlast，seeingthatCharlesremainedspeechlessinspiteofherentreaties，sherepeated，withapiercingcry——
"Speak，inGod’sname，speakbeforeIdie！"
"Mother，youarewithchild。"
"What！"criedAgnes，withaloudcry，whichbrokeherveryheart。
"OGod，forgivehim！Charles，yourmotherforgivesandblessesyouindeath。"
Charlesfelluponherneck，desperatelycryingforhelp：hewouldnowhavegladlysavedheratthecostofhislife，butitwastoolate。
Heutteredonecrythatcamefromhisheart，andwasfoundstretchedoutuponhismother’scorpse。
StrangecommentsweremadeatthecourtonthedeathoftheDuchessofDurazzoandherdoctor’sdisappearance;buttherewasnodoubtatallthatgriefandgloomwerefurrowingwrinklesonCharles’sbrow，whichwasalreadysadenough。Catherinealoneknewtheterriblecauseofhernephew’sdepression，fortoheritwasveryplainthatthedukeatoneblowhadkilledhismotherandherphysician。Butshehadneverexpectedareactionsosuddenandviolentinamanwhoshrankbeforenocrime。ShehadthoughtCharlescapableofeverythingexceptremorse。Hisgloomy，selfabsorbedsilenceseemedabadauguryforherplans。Shehaddesiredtocausetroubleforhiminhisownfamily，sothathemighthavenotimetoopposethemarriageofhersonwiththequeen;butshehadshotbeyondhermark，andCharles，startedthusontheterriblepathofcrime，hadnowbrokenthroughthebondsofhisholiestaffections，andgavehimselfuptohisbadpassionswithfeverishardourandasavagedesireforrevenge。ThenCatherinehadrecoursetogentlenessandsubmission。
Shegavehersontounderstandthattherewasonlyonewayofobtainingthequeen’shand，andthatwasbyflatteringtheambitionofCharlesandinsomesortsubmittinghimselftohispatronage。
RobertofTarentumunderstoodthis，andceasedmakingcourttoJoan，whoreceivedhisdevotionwithcoolkindness，andattachedhimselfcloselytoCharles，payinghimmuchthesamesortofrespectanddeferencethathehimselfhadaffectedforAndre，whenthethoughtwasfirstinhismindofcausinghisruin。ButtheDukeofDurazzowasbynomeansdeceivedastothedevotedfriendshipshowntowardshimbytheheirofthehouseofTarentum，andpretendingtobedeeplytouchedbytheunexpectedchangeoffeeling，heallthetimekeptastrictguardonRobert’sactions。
Aneventoutsideallhumanforesightoccurredtoupsetthecalculationsofthetwocousins。Onedaywhiletheywereouttogetheronhorseback，astheyoftenweresincetheirpretendedreconciliation，LouisofTarentum，Robert’syoungestbrother，whohadalwaysfeltforJoanachivalrous，innocentlove，——alovewhichayoungmanoftwentyisapttolockupinhisheartasasecrettreasure，——Louis，wesay，whohadheldalooffromtheinfamousfamilyconspiracyandhadnotsoiledhishandswithAndre’sblood，drawnonbyanirrepressiblepassion，allatonceappearedatthegatesofCastelNuovo;andwhilehisbrotherwaswastingprecioushoursinaskingforapromiseofmarriage，hadthebridgeraisedandgavethesoldiersstrictorderstoadmitnoone。Then，nevertroublinghimselfaboutCharles’sangerorRobert’sjealousy，hehurriedtothequeen’sroom，andthere，saysDomenicoGravina，withoutanypreamble，theunionwasconsummated。
Onreturningfromhisride，Robert，astonishedthatthebridgewasnotatonceloweredforhim，atfirstloudlycalleduponthesoldiersonguardatthefortress，threateningseverepunishmentfortheirunpardonablenegligence;butasthegatesdidnotopenandthesoldiersmadenosignoffearorregret，hefellintoaviolentfitofrage，andsworehewouldhangthewretcheslikedogsforhinderinghisreturnhome。ButtheEmpressofConstantinople，terrifiedatthebloodyquarrelbeginningbetweenthetwobrothers，wentaloneandonfoottoherson，andmakinguseofhermaternalauthoritytobeghimtomasterhisfeelings，thereinthepresenceofthecrowdthathadcomeuphastilytowitnessthestrangescene，sherelatedinalowvoiceallthathadpassedinhisabsence。
AroarasofawoundedtigerescapedfromRobert’sbreast：allbutblindwithrage，henearlytrampledhismotherunderthefeetofhishorse，whichseemedtofeelhismaster’sanger，andplungingviolently，breathedbloodfromhisnostrils。Whentheprincehadpouredeverypossibleexecrationonhisbrother’shead，heturnedandgallopedawayfromtheaccursedcastle，flyingtotheDukeofDurazzo，whomhehadonlyjustleft，totellhimofthisoutrageandstirhimtorevenge。Charleswastalkingcarelesslywithhisyoungwife，whowasbutlittleusedtosuchtranquilconversationandexpansiveness，whenthePrinceofTarentum，exhausted，outofbreath，bathedinperspiration，cameupwithhisincredibletale。Charlesmadehimsayittwiceover，soimpossibledidLouis’saudaciousenterpriseappeartohim。Thenquicklychangingfromdoubttofury，hestruckhisbrowwithhisironglove，sayingthatasthequeendefiedhimhewouldmakehertrembleeveninhercastleandinherlover’sarms。HethrewonewitheringlookonMarie，whointercededtearfullyforhersister，andpressingRobert’shandwithwarmth，vowedthatsolongashelivedLouisshouldneverbeJoan’shusband。
Thatsameeveningheshuthimselfupinhisstudy，andwroteletterswhoseeffectsoonappeared。Abull，datedJune2，1346，wasaddressedtoBertramdeBaux，chief-justiceofthekingdomofSicilyandCountofMonteScaglioso，withorderstomakethemoststrictinquiriesconcerningAndre’smurderers，whomthepopelikewiselaidunderhisanathema，andtopunishthemwiththeutmostrigourofthelaw。ButasecretnotewasappendedtothebullwhichwasquiteatvariancewiththedesignsofCharles：thesovereignpontiffexpresslybadethechief-justicenottoimplicatethequeenintheproceedingsortheprincesoftheblood，soastoavoidworsedisturbances，reserving，assupremeheadoftheChurchandlordofthekingdom，therightofjudgingthemlateron，ashiswisdommightdictate。
ForthisimposingtrialBertramdeBauxmadegreatpreparations。
Aplatformwaserectedinthegreathalloftribunal，andalltheofficersofthecrownandgreatstatedignitaries，andallthechiefbarons，hadaplacebehindtheenclosurewherethemagistratessat。
ThreedaysafterClementVI’sbullhadbeenpublishedinthecapital，thechief-justicewasreadyforapublicexaminationoftwoaccusedpersons。Thetwoculpritswhohadfirstfallenintothehandsofjusticewere，asonemayeasilysuppose，thosewhoseconditionwasleastexalted，whoseliveswereleastvaluable，TommasoPaceandNicholasofMelazzo。Theywereledbeforethetribunaltobefirstofalltortured，asthecustomwas。Astheyapproachedthejudges，thenotarypassingbyCharlesinthestreethadtimetosayinalowvoice——
"Mylord，thetimehascometogivemylifeforyou：Iwilldomyduty;Icommendmywifeandchildrentoyou。"
Encouragedbyanodfromhispatron，hewalkedonfirmlyanddeliberately。Thechief-justice，afterestablishingtheidentityoftheaccused，gavethemovertotheexecutionerandhismentobetorturedinthepublicsquare，sothattheirsufferingsmightserveasashowandanexampletothecrowd。ButnosoonerwasTommasoPacetiedtotherope，whentothegreatdisappointmentofallhedeclaredthathewouldconfesseverything，andaskedaccordinglytobetakenbackbeforehisjudges。Atthesewords，theCountofTerlizzi，whowasfollowingeverymovementofthetwomenwithmortalanxiety，thoughtitwasallovernowwithhimandhisaccomplices;
andso，whenTommasoPacewasturninghisstepstowardsthegreathall，ledbytwoguards，hishandstiedbehindhisback，andfollowedbythenotary，hecontrivedtotakehimintoasecludedhouse，andsqueezinghisthroatwithgreatforce，madehimthusputhistongueout，whereuponhecutitoffwithasharprazor。
TheyellsofthepoorwretchsocruellymutilatedfellontheearsoftheDukeofDurazzo：hefoundhiswayintotheroomwherethebarbarousacthadbeencommittedjustastheCountofTerlizziwascomingout，andapproachedthenotary，whohadbeenpresentatthedreadfulspectacleandhadnotgiventheleastsignoffearoremotion。MasterNicholas，thinkingthesamefatewasinstoreforhim，turnedcalmlytotheduke，sayingwithasadsmile——
"Mylord，theprecautionisuseless;thereisnoneedforyoutocutoutmytongue，asthenoblecounthasdonetomypoorcompanion。Thelastscrapofmyfleshmaybetornoffwithoutonewordbeingdraggedfrommymouth。Ihavepromised，mylord，andyouhavethelifeofmywifeandthefutureofmychildrenasguaranteeformyword。"
"Idonotaskforsilence，"saidthedukesolemnly;"youcanfreemefromallmyenemiesatonce，andIorderyoutodenouncethematthetribunal。"
Thenotarybowedhisheadwithmournfulresignation;thenraisingitinaffright，madeonestepuptothedukeandmurmuredinachokingvoice——
"Andthequeen？"
"Noonewouldbelieveyouifyouventuredtodenounceher;butwhentheCataneseandherson，theCountofTerlizziandhiswifeandhermostintimatefriends，havebeenaccusedbyyou，whentheyfailtoendurethetorture，andwhentheydenounceherunanimously——-"
"Isee，mylord。Youdonotonlywantmylife;youwouldhavemysoultoo。Verywell;oncemoreIcommendtoyoumychildren。"
Withadeepsighhewalkeduptothetribunal。Thechief-justiceaskedTommasoPacetheusualquestions，andashudderofhorrorpassedthroughtheassemblywhentheysawthepoorwretchindesperationopeninghismouth，whichstreamedwithblood。ButsurpriseandterrorreachedtheirheightwhenNicholasofMelazzoslowlyandfirmlygavealistofAndre’smurderers，allexceptthequeenandtheprincesoftheblood，andwentontogivealldetailsoftheassassination。
Proceedingswereatoncetakenforthearrestofthegrandseneschal，RobertofCabane，andtheCountsofTerlizziandMorcone，whowerepresentandhadnotventuredtomakeanymovementinself-defence。
Anhourlater，Philippa，hertwodaughters，andDonaCanchajoinedtheminprison，aftervainlyimploringthequeen’sprotection。
CharlesandBertrandofArtois，shutupintheirfortressofSaintAgatha，badedefiancetojustice，andseveralothers，amongthemtheCountsofMeletoandCatanzaro，escapedbyflight。
AssoonasMasterNicholassaidhehadnothingfurthertoconfess，andthathehadspokenthewholetruthandnothingbutthetruth，thechief-justicepronouncedsentenceamidaprofoundsilence;and1897
withoutdelayTommasoPaceandthenotaryweretiedtothetailsoftwohorses，draggedthroughthechiefstreetsofthetown，andhangedinthemarketplace。
Theotherprisonerswerethrownintoasubterraneanvault，tobequestionedandputtothetortureonthefollowingday。Intheevening，findingthemselvesinthesamedungeon，theyreproachedoneanother，eachpretendinghehadbeendraggedintothecrimebysomeoneelse。ThenDonaCancha，whosestrangecharacterknewnoinconsistencies，evenfacetofacewithdeathandtorture，drownedwithagreatburstoflaughterthelamentationsofhercompanions，andjoyouslyexclaimed——
"Lookhere，friends，whythesebitterrecriminations——thisill——
manneredraving？Wehavenoexcusestomake，andweareallequallyguilty。Iamtheyoungestofall，andnottheugliest，byyourleave，ladies，butifIamcondemned，atleastIwilldiecheerfully。
ForIhaveneverdeniedmyselfanypleasureIcouldgetinthisworld，andIcanboastthatmuchwillbeforgivenme，forIhavelovedmuch：ofthatyou，gentlemen，knowsomething。You，badoldman，"shecontinuedtotheCountofTerlizzi，"doyounotrememberlyingbymysideinthequeen’sante-chamber？Come，noblushesbeforeyournoblefamily;confess，mylord，thatIamwithchildbyyourExcellency;andyouknowhowwemanagedtomakeupthestoryofpoorAguesofDurazzoandherpregnancy——Godresthersoul！Formypart，Ineversupposedthejokewouldtakesuchaseriousturnallatonce。Youknowallthisandmuchmore;spareyourlamentations，for，bymyword，theyaregettingverytiresome：letuspreparetodiejoyously，aswehavelived。"
Withthesewordssheyawnedslightly，and，lyingdownonthestraw，fellintoadeepsleep，anddreamedashappydreamsasshehadeverdreamedinherlife。
Onthemorrowfrombreakofdaytherewasanimmensecrowdontheseafront。Duringthenightanenormouspalisadehadbeenputuptokeepthepeopleawayfarenoughforthemtoseetheaccusedwithouthearinganything。CharlesofDurazzo，attheheadofabrilliantcortegeofknightsandpages，mountedonamagnificenthorse，allinblack，asasignofmourning，waitedneartheenclosure。Ferociousjoyshoneinhiseyesastheaccusedmadetheirwaythroughthecrowd，twobytwo，theirwriststiedwithropes;forthedukeeveryminuteexpectedtohearthequeen’snamespoken。Butthechief-
justice，amanofexperience，hadpreventedindiscretionofanykindbyfixingahookinthetongueofeachone。Thepoorcreaturesweretorturedonaship，sothatnobodyshouldheartheterribleconfessionstheirsufferingsdraggedfromthem。
ButJoan，inspiteofthewrongsthatmostoftheconspiratorshaddoneher，feltarenewalofpityforthewomanshehadoncerespectedasamother，forherchildishcompanionsandherfriends，andpossiblyalsosomeremainsofloveforRobertofCabane，andsenttwomessengerstobegBertramdeBauxtoshowmercytotheculprits。Butthechief-justiceseizedthesemenandhadthemtortured;andontheirconfessionthattheyalsowereimplicatedinAndre’smurder，hecondemnedthemtothesamepunishmentastheothers。DonaCanchaalone，byreasonofhersituation，escapedthetorture，andhersentencewasdeferredtillthedayofherconfinement。
Asthisbeautifulgirlwasreturningtoprison，withmanyasmileforallthehandsomestcavaliersshecouldseeinthecrowd，shegaveasigntoCharlesofDurazzoasshenearedhimtocomeforward，andsincehertonguehadnotbeenpierced（forthesamereason）withanironinstrument，shesaidsomewordstohimawhileinalowvoice。
Charlesturnedfearfullypale，andputtinghishandtohissword，cried——
"Wretchedwoman！"
"Youforget，mylord，Iamundertheprotectionofthelaw。"
"Mymother！——oh，mypoormother！"murmuredCharlesinachokedvoice，andhefellbackward。
Thenextmorningthepeoplewerebeforehandwiththeexecutioner，loudlydemandingtheirprey。Allthenationaltroopsandmercenariesthatthejudicialauthoritiescouldcommandwereechelonnedinthestreets，opposingasortofdamtothetorrentoftheragingcrowd。
Thesuddeninsatiablecrueltythattoooftendegradeshumannaturehadawakedinthepopulace：allheadswereturnedwithhatredandfrenzy;allimaginationsinflamedwiththepassionforrevenge;
groupsofmenandwomen，roaringlikewildbeasts，threatenedtoknockdownthewallsoftheprison，ifthecondemnedwerenothandedovertothemtotaketotheplaceofpunishment：agreatmurmurarose，continuous，everthesame，likethegrowlingofthunder：thequeen’sheartwaspetrifiedwithterror。
But，inspiteofthedesireofBertramdeBauxtosatisfythepopularwish，thepreparationsforthesolemnexecutionwerenotcompletedtillmidday，whenthesun’sraysfellscorchinglyuponthetown。
Therewentupamightycryfromtenthousandpalpitatingbreastswhenareportfirstranthroughthecrowdthattheprisonerswereabouttoappear。Therewasamomentofsilence，andtheprisondoorsrolledslowlybackontheirhingeswitharusty，gratingnoise。Atriplerowofhorsemen，withloweredvisorandlanceinrest，startedtheprocession，andamidyellsandcursesthecondemnedprisonerscameoutonebyone，eachtieduponacart，gaggedandnakedtothewaist，inchargeoftwoexecutioners，whoseordersweretotorturethemthewholelengthoftheirway。OnthefirstcartwastheformerlaundressofCatana，afterwardswifeofthegrandseneschalandgovernesstothequeen，PhilippaofCabane：thetwoexecutionersatrightandleftofherscourgedherwithsuchfurythatthebloodspurtingupfromthewoundsleftalongtrackinallthestreetspassedbythecortege。
ImmediatelyfollowingtheirmotheronseparatecartscametheCountessesofTerlizziandMorcone，theeldernomorethaneighteenyearsofage。Thetwosistersweresomarvellouslybeautifulthatinthecrowdamurmurofsurprisewasheard，andgreedyeyeswerefixedupontheirnakedtremblingshoulders。Butthemenchargedtotorturethemgazedwithferocioussmilesupontheirformsofseductivebeauty，and，armedwithsharpknives，cutoffpiecesoftheirfleshwithadeliberateenjoymentandthrewthemouttothecrowd，whoeagerlystruggledtogetthem，signingtotheexecutionerstoshowwhichpartofthevictims’bodiestheypreferred。
RobertofCabane，thegrandseneschal，theCountsofTerlizziandMorcone，RaymondPace，brotheroftheoldvaletwhohadbeenexecutedthedaybefore，andmanymore，weredraggedonsimilarcarts，andbothscourgedwithropesandslashedwithknives;theirfleshwastornoutwithred-hotpincers，andflunguponbrazenchafing-dishes。
Nocryofpainwasheardfromthegrandseneschal，heneverstirredonceinhisfrightfulagony;yetthetorturersputsuchfuryintotheirworkthatthepoorwretchwasdeadbeforethegoalwasreached。
InthecentreofthesquareofSaintEligiusanimmensestakewassetup：theretheprisonersweretaken，andwhatwasleftoftheirmutilatedbodieswasthrownintotheflames。TheCountofTerlizziandthegrandseneschal’swidowwerestillalive，andtwotearsofbloodrandownthecheeksofthemiserablemotherasshesawherson’scorpseandthepalpitatingremainsofhertwodaughterscastuponthefire——theybytheirstifledcriesshowedthattheyhadnotceasedtosuffer。Butsuddenlyafearfulnoiseoverpoweredthegroansofthevictims;theenclosurewasbrokenandoverturnedbythemob。Likemadmen，theyrushedattheburningpile，——armedwithsabres，axes，andknives，andsnatchingthebodiesdeadoralivefromtheflames，torethemtopieces，carryingoffthebonestomakewhistlesorhandlesfortheirdaggersasasouvenirofthishorribleday。
CHAPTERVI
ThespectacleofthisfrightfulpunishmentdidnotsatisfytherevengeofCharlesofDurazzo。Secondedbythechief-justice，hedailybroughtaboutfreshexecutions，tillAndre’sdeathcametobenomorethanapretextforthelegalmurderofallwhoopposedhisprojects。ButLouisofTarentum，whohadwonJoan’sheart，andwaseagerlytryingtogetthenecessarydispensationforlegalisingthemarriage，fromthistimeforwardtookasapersonalinsulteveryactofthehighcourtofjusticewhichwasperformedagainsthiswillandagainstthequeen’sprerogative：hearmedallhisadherents，increasingtheirnumberbyalltheadventurershecouldgettogether，andsoputonfootastrongenoughforcetosupporthisownpartyandresisthiscousin。Napleswasthussplitupintohostilecamps，readytocometoblowsonthesmallestpretext，whosedailyskirmishes，moreover，werealwaysfollowedbysomesceneofpillageordeath。
ButLouishadneedofmoneybothtopayhismercenariesandtoholdhisownagainsttheDukeofDurazzoandhisownbrotherRobert，andonedayhediscoveredthatthequeen’scofferswereempty。Joanwaswretchedanddesperate，andherlover，thoughgenerousandbraveandanxioustoreassurehersofarashecould，didnotveryclearlyseehowtoextricatehimselffromsuchadifficultsituation。ButhismotherCatherine，whoseambitionwassatisfiedinseeingoneofhersons，nomatterwhich，attaintothethroneofNaples，cameunexpectedlytotheiraid，promisingsolemnlythatitwouldonlytakeherafewdaystobeabletolayatherniece’sfeetatreasurericherthananythingshehadeverdreamedof，queenasshewas。
Theempressthentookhalfherson’stroops，madeforSaintAgatha，andbesiegedthefortresswhereCharlesandBertrandofArtoishadtakenrefugewhentheyfledfromjustice。Theoldcount，astonishedatthesightofthiswoman，whohadbeentheverysouloftheconspiracy，andnotintheleastunderstandingherarrivalasanenemy，sentouttoasktheintentionofthisdisplayofmilitaryforce。TowhichCatherinerepliedinwordswhichwetranslateliterally：
"Myfriends，tellCharles，ourfaithfulfriend，thatwedesiretospeakwithhimprivatelyandaloneconcerningamatterequallyinterestingtousboth，andheisnottobealarmedatourarrivingintheguiseofanenemy，forthiswehavedonedesignedly，asweshallexplaininthecourseofourinterview。Weknowheisconfinedtobedbythegout，andthereforefeelnosurpriseathisnotcomingouttomeetus。Havethegoodnesstosalutehimonourpartandreassurehim，tellinghimthatwedesiretocomein，ifsuchishisgoodpleasure，withourintimatecounsellor，NicholasAcciajuoli，andtensoldiersonly，tospeakwithhimconcerninganimportantmatterthatcannotbeentrustedtogo-betweens。"
Entirelyreassuredbythesefrank，friendlyexplanations，CharlesofArtoissentouthissonBertrandtotheempresstoreceiveherwiththerespectduetoherrankandhighpositionatthecourtofNaples。
Catherinewentpromptlytothecastlewithmanysignsofjoy，andinquiringafterthecount’shealthandexpressingheraffection，assoonastheywerealone，shemysteriouslyloweredhervoiceandexplainedthattheobjectofhervisitwastoconsultamanoftriedexperienceontheaffairsofNaples，andtobeghisactivecooperationinthequeen’sfavour。As，however，shewasnotpressedfortime，shecouldwaitatSaintAgathaforthecount’srecoverytohearhisviewsandtellhimofthemarchofeventssinceheleftthecourt。Shesucceededsowellingainingtheoldman’sconfidenceandbanishinghissuspicions，thathebeggedhertohonourthemwithherpresenceaslongasshewasable，andlittlebylittlereceivedallhermenwithinthewalls。ThiswaswhatCatherinewaswaitingfor：
ontheverydaywhenherarmywasinstalledatSaintAgatha，shesuddenlyenteredthecount’sroom，followedbyfoursoldiers，andseizingtheoldmanbythethroat，exclaimedwrathfully——
"Miserabletraitor，youwillnotescapefromourhandsbeforeyouhavereceivedthepunishmentyoudeserve。Inthemeanwhile，showmewhereyourtreasureishidden，ifyouwouldnothavemethrowyourbodyouttofeedthecrowsthatareswoopingaroundthesedungeons。"
Thecount，halfchoking，thedaggerathisbreast，didnotevenattempttocallforhelp;hefellonhisknees，beggingtheempresstosaveatleastthelifeofhisson，whowasnotyetwellfromtheterribleattackofmelancholiathathadshakenhisreasoneversincethecatastrophe。Thenhepainfullydraggedhimselftotheplacewherehehadhiddenhistreasure，andpointingwithhisfinger，cried——
"Takeall;takemylife;butsparemyson。"
Catherinecouldnotcontainherselfforjoywhenshesawspreadoutatherfeetexquisiteandincrediblyvaluablecups，casketsofpearls，diamondsandrubiesofmarvellousvalue，coffersfullofgoldingots，andallthewondersofAsiathatsurpassthewildestimagination。Butwhentheoldman，trembling，beggedforthelibertyofhissonasthepriceofhisfortuneandhisownlife，theempressresumedhercold，pitilessmanner，andharshlyreplied——
"Ihavealreadygivenordersforyoursontobebroughthere;butprepareforaneternalfarewell，forheistobetakentothefortressofMelfi，andyouinallprobabilitywillendyourdaysbeneaththecastleofSaintAgatha。"
Thegriefofthepoorcountatthisviolentseparationwassogreat，thatafewdayslaterhewasfounddeadinhisdungeon，hislipscoveredwithabloodyfroth，hishandsgnawedindespair。Bertranddidnotlongsurvivehim。Heactuallylosthisreasonwhenheheardofhisfather’sdeath，andhangedhimselfontheprisongrating。
ThusdidthemurderersofAndredestroyoneanother，likevenomousanimalsshutupinthesamecage。
CatherineofTarentum，carryingoffthetreasureshehadsogained，arrivedatthecourtofNaples，proudofhertriumphandcontemplatingvastschemes。Butnewtroubleshadcomeaboutinherabsence。CharlesofDurazzo，forthelasttimedesiringthequeentogivehimtheduchyofCalabria，atitlewhichhadalwaysbelongedtotheheirpresumptive，andangeredbyherrefusal，hadwrittentoLouisofHungary，invitinghimtotakepossessionofthekingdom，andpromisingtohelpintheenterprisewithallhisownforces，andtogiveuptheprincipalauthorsofhisbrother’sdeath，whotillnowhadescapedjustice。
TheKingofHungaryeagerlyacceptedtheseoffers，andgotreadyanarmytoavengeAndre’sdeathandproceedtotheconquestofNaples。
ThetearsofhismotherElizabethandtheadviceofFriarRobert，theoldminister，whohadfledtoBuda，confirmedhiminhisprojectsofvengeance。HehadalreadylodgedabittercomplaintatthecourtofAvignonthat，whiletheinferiorassassinshadbeenpunished，shewhowasaboveallothersguiltyhadbeenshamefullyletoffscotfree，andthoughstillstainedwithherhusband’sblood，continuedtolivealifeofdebaucheryandadultery。Thepoperepliedsoothinglythat，sofarasitdependeduponhim，hewouldnotbefoundslowtogivesatisfactiontoalawfulgrievance;buttheaccusationoughttobeproperlyformulatedandsupportedbyproof;thatnodoubtJoan’sconductduringandafterherhusband’sdeathwasblamable;butHisMajestymustconsiderthattheChurchofRome，whichbeforeallthingsseekstruthandjustice，alwaysproceedswiththeutmostcircumspection，andinsograveamattermoreespeciallymustnotjudgebyappearancesonly。
Joan，frightenedbythepreparationsforwar，sentambassadorstotheFlorentineRepublic，toassertherinnocenceofthecrimeimputedtoherbypublicopinion，anddidnothesitatetosendexcuseseventotheHungariancourt;butAndre’sbrotherrepliedinaletterlaconicandthreatening：——
"Yourformerdisorderlylife，thearrogationtoyourselfofexclusivepower，yourneglecttopunishyourhusband’smurderers，yourmarriagetoanotherhusband，moreoveryourownexcuses，areallsufficientproofsthatyouwereanaccompliceinthemurder。"
CatherinewouldnotbeputoutofheartbytheKingofHungary’sthreats，andlookingatthepositionofthequeenandhersonwithacoolnessthatwasneverdeceived，shewasconvincedthattherewasnoothermeansofsafetyexceptareconciliationwithCharles，theirmortalfoe，whichcouldonlybebroughtaboutbygivinghimallhewanted。Itwasoneoftwothings：eitherhewouldhelpthemtorepulsetheKingofHungary，andlaterontheywouldpaythecostwhenthedangerswerelesspressing，orhewouldbebeatenhimself，andthustheywouldatleasthavethepleasureofdrawinghimdownwiththemintheirowndestruction。
TheagreementwasmadeinthegardensofCastelNuovo，whitherCharleshadrepairedontheinvitationofthequeenandheraunt。TohercousinofDurazzoJoanaccordedthetitlesomuchdesiredofDukeofCalabria，andCharles，feelingthathewasherebymadeheirtothekingdom，marchedatonceonAquila，whichtownalreadywasflyingtheHungariancolours。Thewretchedmandidnotforeseethathewasgoingstraighttohisdestruction。
WhentheEmpressofConstantinoplesawthisman，whomshehatedaboveallothers，departinjoy，shelookedcontemptuouslyuponhim，diviningbyawoman’sinstinctthatmischiefwouldbefallhim;then，havingnofurthermischieftodo，nofurthertreacheryonearth，nofurtherrevengetosatisfy，sheallatoncesuccumbedtosomeunknownmalady，anddiedsuddenly，withoututteringacryorexcitingasingleregret。
ButtheKingofHungary，whohadcrossedItalywithaformidablearmy，nowenteredthekingdomfromthesideofAquila：onhiswayhehadeverywherereceivedmarksofinterestandsympathy;andAlbertoandMertinodeltaScala，lordsofVerona，hadgivenhimthreehundredhorsetoprovethatalltheirgoodwillwaswithhiminhisenterprise。ThenewsofthearrivaloftheHungariansthrewthecourtintoastateofconfusionimpossibletodescribe。Theyhadhopedthatthekingwouldbestoppedbythepope’slegate，whohadcometoFolignotoforbidhim，inthenameoftheHolyFather，andonpainofexcommunicationtoproceedanyfurtherwithouthisconsent;
butLouisofHungaryrepliedtothepope’slegatethat，oncemasterofNaples，heshouldconsiderhimselfafeudatoryoftheChurch，buttillthenhehadnoobligationsexcepttoGodandhisownconscience。
Thustheavengingarmyfelllikeathunderboltupontheheartofthekingdom，beforetherewasanythoughtoftakingseriousmeasuresfordefence。Therewasonlyoneplanpossible：thequeenassembledthebaronswhoweremoststronglyattachedtoher，madethemswearhomageandfidelitytoLouisofTarentum，whomshepresentedtothemasherhusband，andthenleavingwithmanytearshermostfaithfulsubjects，sheembarkedsecretly，inthemiddleofthenight，onashipofProvence，andmadeforMarseilles。LouisofTarentum，followingthepromptingofhisadventure-lovingcharacter，leftNaplesattheheadofthreethousandhorseandaconsiderablenumberoffoot，andtookuphispostonthebanksoftheVoltorno，theretocontesttheenemy’spassage;buttheKingofHungaryforesawthestratagem，andwhilehisadversarywaswaitingforhimatCapua，hearrivedatBeneventumbythemountainsofAlifeandMorcone，andonthesamedayreceivedNeapolitanenvoys：theyinamagnificentdisplayofeloquencecongratulatedhimonhisentrance，offeredthekeysofthetown，andsworeobediencetohimasbeingthelegitimatesuccessorofCharlesofAnjou。ThenewsofthesurrenderofNaplessoonreachedthequeen’scamp，andalltheprincesofthebloodandthegeneralsleftLouisofTarentumandtookrefugeinthecapital。Resistancewasimpossible。Louis，accompaniedbyhiscounsellor，NicholasAcciajuoli，wenttoNaplesonthesameeveningonwhichhisrelativesquittedthetowntogetawayfromtheenemy。Everyhopeofsafetywasvanishingasthehourspassedby;hisbrothersandcousinsbeggedhimtogoatonce，soasnottodrawdownuponthetowntheking’svengeance，butunluckilytherewasnoshipintheharbourthatwasreadytosetsail。Theterroroftheprinceswasatitsheight;butLouis，trustinginhisluck，startedwiththebraveAcciajuoliinanunseaworthyboat，andorderingfoursailorstorowwithalltheirmight，inafewminutesdisappeared，leadinghisfamilyinagreatstateofanxietytilltheylearnedthathehadreachedPisa，whitherhehadgonetojointhequeeninProvence。CharlesofDurazzoandRobertofTarentum，whoweretheeldestrespectivelyofthetwobranchesoftheroyalfamily，afterhastilyconsulting，decidedtosoftentheHungarianmonarch’swrathbyacompletesubmission。
LeavingtheiryoungbrothersatNaples，theyaccordinglysetoffforAversa，wherethekingwas。Louisreceivedthemwitheverymarkoffriendship，andaskedwithmuchinterestwhytheirbrotherswerenotwiththem。TheprincesrepliedthattheiryoungbrothershadstayedatNaplestoprepareaworthyreceptionforHisMajesty。Louisthankedthemfortheirkindintentions，butbeggedthemtoinvitetheyoungprincesnow，sayingthatitwouldbeinfinitelymorepleasanttoenterNapleswithallhisfamily，andthatbewasmostanxioustoseehiscousins。CharlesandRobert，topleasetheking，sentequerriestobidtheirbrotherscometoAversa;butLouisofDurazzo，theeldestoftheboys，withmanytearsbeggedtheothersnottoobey，andsentamessagethathewaspreventedbyaviolentheadachefromleavingNaples。SopuerileanexcusecouldnotfailtoannoyCharles，andthesamedayhecompelledtheunfortunateboystoappearbeforethe-king，sendingaformalorderwhichadmittedofnodelay。
LouisofHungaryembracedthemwarmlyoneaftertheother，askedthemseveralquestionsinanaffectionateway，keptthemtosupper，andonlyletthemgoquitelateatnight。
WhentheDukeofDurazzoreachedhisroom，LelloofAquilaandtheCountofFondislippedmysteriouslytothesideofhisbed，andmakingsurethatnoonecouldhear，toldhimthatthekinginacouncilheldthatmorninghaddecidedtokillhimandtoimprisontheotherprinces。Charlesheardthemout，butincredulously：suspectingtreachery，hedrylyrepliedthathehadtoomuchconfidenceinhiscousin’sloyaltytobelievesuchablackcalumny。Lelloinsisted，begginghiminthenameofhisdearestfriendstolisten;butthedukewasimpatient，andharshlyorderedhimtodepart。
Thenextdaytherewasthesamekindnessontheking’spart，thesameaffectionshowntothechildren;thesameinvitationtosupper。Thebanquetwasmagnificent;theroomwasbrilliantlylighted，andthereflectionsweredazzling：vesselsofgoldshoneonthetable，theintoxicatingperfumeofflowersfilledtheair;winefoamedinthegobletsandflowedfromtheflagonsinrubystreams：conversation，excitedanddiscursive，washeardoneveryside：allfacesbeamedwithjoy。
CharlesofDurazzosatoppositetheking，ataseparatetableamonghisbrothers。Littlebylittlehislookgrewfixed，hisbrowpensive。HewasfancyingthatAndremighthavesuppedinthisveryhallontheeveofhistragicend，andhethoughthowallconcernedinthatdeathhadeitherdiedintormentorwerenowlanguishinginprison;thequeen，anexileandafugitive，wasbeggingpityfromstrangers：healonewasfree。Thethoughtmadehimtremble;butadmiringhisownclevernessinpursuinghisinfernalschemes;andputtingawayhissadlooks，hesmiledagainwithanexpressionofindefinablepride。ThemadmanatthismomentwasscoffingatthejusticeofGod。ButLelloofAquila，whowaswaiting-atthetable，bentdown，whisperinggloomily——
"Unhappyduke，whydidyourefusetobelieveme？Fly，whilethereisyettime。"
Charles，angeredbytheman’sobstinacy，threatenedthatifheweresuchafoolastosayanymore，hewouldrepeateverywordaloud。
"Ihavedonemyduty，"murmuredLello，bowinghishead;"nowitmusthappenasGodwills。"
Asheleftoffspeaking，thekingrose，andasthedukewentuptotakehisleave，hisfacesuddenlychanged，andhecriedinanawfulvoice——
"Traitor！Atlengthyouareinmyhands，andyoushalldieasyoudeserve;butbeforeyouarehandedovertotheexecutioner，confesswithyourownlipsyourdeedsoftreacherytowardsourroyalmajesty：
soshallweneednootherwitnesstocondemnyoutoapunishmentproportionedtoyourcrimes。Betweenourtwoselves，DukeofDurazzotellmefirstwhy，byyourinfamousmanoeuvring，youaidedyouruncle，theCardinalofPerigord，tohinderthecoronationofmybrother，andsoledhimon，sincehehadnoroyalprerogativeofhisown，tohismiserableend？Oh，makenoattempttodenyit。Hereisthelettersealedwithyoursealinsecretyouwroteit，butitaccusesyouinpublic。Thenwhy，afterbringingushithertoavengeourbrother’sdeath，ofwhichyoubeyondalldoubtwerethecause，——
whydidyousuddenlyturntothequeen’spartyandmarchagainstourtownofAquila，daringtoraiseanarmyagainstourfaithfulsubjects？Youhoped，traitor，tomakeuseofusasafootstooltomountthethronewithal，assoonasyouwerefreefromeveryotherrival。Thenyouwouldbuthaveawaitedourdeparturetokilltheviceroyweshouldhaveleftinourplace，andsoseizethekingdom。
Butthistimeyourforesighthasbeenatfault。Thereisyetanothercrimeworsethanalltherest，acrimeofhightreason，whichIshallremorselesslypunish。YoucarriedoffthebridethatourancestorKingRobertdesignedforme，asyouknew，byhiswill。Answer，wretchwhatexcusecanyoumakefortherapeofthePrincessMarie？"
AngerhadsochangedLouis’svoicethatthelastwordssoundedliketheroarofawildbeast：hiseyesglitteredwithafeverishlight，hislipswerepaleandtrembling。Charlesandhisbrothersfellupontheirknees，frozenbymortalterror，andtheunhappyduketwicetriedtospeak，buthisteethwerechatteringsoviolentlythathecouldnotarticulateasingleword。Atlast，castinghiseyesabouthimandseeinghispoorbrothers，innocentandruinedbyhisfault，heregainedsomesortofcourage，andsaid——
"Mylord，youlookuponmewithaterriblecountenancethatmakesmetremble。ButonmykneesIentreatyou，havemercyonmeifIhavedonewrong，forGodismywitnessthatIdidnotcallyoutothiskingdomwithanycriminalintention：Ihavealwaysdesired，andstilldesire，yoursupremacyinallthesincerityofmysoul。Sometreacherouscounsellors，Iamcertain，havecontrivedtodrawdownyourhatreduponme。Ifitistrue，asyousay，thatIwentwithanarmedforcetoAquilaIwascompelledbyQueenJoan，andIcouldnotdootherwise;butassoonasIheardofyourarrivalatFermoItookmytroopsawayagain。IhopefortheloveofChristImayobtainyourmercyandpardon，byreasonofmyformerservicesandconstantloyalty。ButasIseeyouarenowangrywithme，Isaynomorewaitingforyourfurytopassover：Onceagain，mylord，havepityuponus，sinceweareinthehandsofyourMajesty。"
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