t that he ought not to let either them or the Cardinal of
Trent--who was coming from the Council and would return there--see how
strong were the fetters with which, at his age and just at this time, he
allowed himself to be bound by love for a beautiful singer.

The wisdom which had long been characteristic of him commanded him to
sever abruptly the connection with the woman he loved and remove her
from his path. But the demands of the heart and the senses were too
powerful for the man who indulged to excess in fiery wine and spiced
foods, though he knew that greater abstinence would have spared him
torturing pangs.

He had succeeded hundreds of times in obtaining the victory over other
urgent wishes, and conquering strong affections. But this was different,
for separation from Barbara must, at any rate, destroy the exquisite
late happiness of the newly unfolded enjoyment of life, and for this
heavy loss he saw no compensation. To part from her entirely, therefore,
seemed to him impossible--at any rate, for the present. On the other
hand, the duty of the sovereign and consideration for his relatives both
commanded him to restrict the demands of her passionate young heart and
his own, which had so recently awaked from slumber.

He had recognised this necessity, and considered the pros and cons
precisely as if the matter were a political question. He who, without
the quiver of an eyelash, had sent many a band of soldiers to certain
death in order to execute a well-conceived plan of battle, was compelled
to inflict keen suffering upon the woman he loved and himself, that
greater interests might not be injured.

He had commenced the retreat that day.

The constraint which it was necessary to impose upon themselves must be
equally painful to them both, yet this could not be altered.

Had it affected him alone, in defiance of his sense of rank and the
tyranny of court etiquette, he would have led Barbara, attired like a
true queen, with his own hand to the festival under the lindens, but the
gratification of this heartfelt wish would have entailed too many evil
consequences.

Toying with her, who so quickly understood and so gratefully accepted
the gifts of the intellect which he offered, was so sweet, but in these
days it must not be permitted to impair mental repose, keen thought.
What he had to discuss and settle with Maurice of Saxony and Cardinal
Madrucci was of too momentous importance to the destiny of the world