n, his master signed to him to take it away, and asked for one of
the newest works of art of his Brussels tailor, a violet velvet garment,
with slashes of golden yellow sill: on the breast, in the puffed sleeves
and short plush breeches. With this were silk stockings tightly incasing
the feet and limbs, as well as a ruff and cuffs of Mechlin lace.

Shaking his head, the valet took these articles of dress from the chest;
but before he put them on his master, the latter sat down to have his
hair and beard carefully arranged.

For weeks he had performed this slight task himself, though with very
ill success, for his hair and beard had seemed to his visitors rough
and unkempt. This time, on the contrary, mirror in hand, he directed
the work of the skilful servant with many an objection, showing as much
vanity as in his youth.

After Adrian had put on the new costume, the Emperor shook off the
large, warm boot, and held out his gouty foot to the valet.

The faithful fellow gazed beseechingly into his master's face, and
modestly entreated him to remember the pain from which he had scarcely
recovered; but the Emperor imperiously commanded, "The shoes!" and the
servant brought them and cautiously, with grave anxiety, fitted the
low-cut violet satin shoes on his feet.

Lastly, the sovereign ordered the Golden Fleece, which he usually wore
on a hook below his neck, to be put on the gold chain which, as the head
of the order, he had a right to wear with it, and took from the jewel
case several especially handsome rings and a very costly star of
diamonds and rubies, which he had fastened in the knot of the bow of his
ruff. The state sword and sheath, which Adrian handed to him unasked,
were rejected.

He needed no steel weapons to-day; the victory he sought must be won by
his person.

When the servant held the Venetian mirror before him, he was satisfied.
The elderly, half-broken-down man of the day before had become a tall,
stately noble in the prime of life; nay, in spite of his forty-six
years, his eyes sparkled far more brightly and proudly than many a young
knight's in his train.

His features, even now, did not show beautiful symmetry, but they bore
the stamp of a strong, energetic mind. The majestic dignity which he
knew how to bestow upon it, made his figure, though it did not exceed
middle height, appear taller; and the self-confident smile which rested
on his full lips, as he was sure of a speedy triumph, well be