and burned by hundreds, and
hitherto he had gained nothing but the hatred of the nation which he
preferred to all others. His bodily health was destroyed, his mind had
lost its buoyancy, and he was now fifty years old. What lay before him
was a brief pilgrimage--perchance numbering only a few years--here on
earth, and the limitless eternity which would never end. How small
and trivial was the former in comparison with the latter, which had
no termination! And would he desire to rear for the space of time that
separates the grave from the cradle the child for whom he desired
the best blessings, instead of securing for him salvation for the
never-ceasing period of eternal life?

No! This beauty, this strength, should be consecrated to no vain secular
struggle, but to Heaven. The boy when he matured to a correct judgment
would thank him for this decision, which was really no easy one for his
worldly vanity.

Then he reverted to the wish with which he had approached the child's
couch. The son, from gratitude, should take upon himself for his father
and, if he desired, also for his refractory mother, what both had
neglected--the care for their eternal welfare--in prayer and penance.

By consecrating him to Heaven and rearing him for a peaceful existence
in God, far from the vain pleasures of the world and the court he had
done his best for his son and, as if he feared that the sight of his
beautiful, strong boy might shake his resolution, he turned away from
him and called Quijada.

While Charles in a fervent, silent prayer commended John to the favour
of Heaven, the most faithful of his attendants was gazing at the
sovereign's son. Hitherto Heaven had denied him the joy of possessing a
child. How he would have clasped this lovely creature to his heart if it
had been his! What a pleasure it would have been to transmit everything
that was excellent and clever in himself to this child! To devote it to
a monastic life was acting against the purpose of the Providence that
had dowered it with such strength and beauty.

The Emperor could not, ought not to persist in this intention.

While he was supporting his royal master through the dark park he
ventured to repeat what Adrian and his wife had told him of the strength
and fearlessness of the little John, and then to remark what rare
greatness this boy promised to attain as the son of such a father.

"The highest of all!" replied Charles firmly. "He only is truly great
who