's gardens."

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Note 1. In the medieval mystery plays, Noah's wife was always
represented as a scolding vixen.

CHAPTER SIX.

TAKEN IN THE NET.

"There is no time so miserable
But a man may be true."

Shakespeare.

"Berthold, hast thou heard the news?"

"I have, Pastor. I was coming to ask if you had heard it."

"Ah, it was told me last night, by one that meant it kindly. I knew it
would come sooner or later."

"What will they do, think you?" Gerhardt hesitated. It was not so easy
to guess in 1165 the awful depths to which religious hatred could
descend, as it would have been some two centuries later. They knew
something then of the fury of the Church against open unbelievers or
political enemies; but persecution of Christians by Christians on
account of nothing but their belief and the confession of it, was
something new at that time.

"They will impose penance on us, I suppose," suggested old Berthold.

"Doubtless, if we stand firm. And we must stand firm, Berthold,--every
one of us."

"Oh, of course," replied Berthold calmly. "They won't touch the
women?--what think you?"

"I know not what to think. But I imagine--not."

"Fine and scourging, perchance. Well, we can stand that."

"We can stand any thing with God to aid us: without Him we can bear
nothing. Thanks be to the Lord, that last they that trust Him will
never be called upon to do."

"I heard there was a council of the bishops to be held upon us,"
suggested Berthold a little doubtfully.

"I hope not. That were worse for us than a summons before the King.
Howbeit, the will of the Lord be done. It may be that the hotter the
furnace is heated, the more glory shall be His by the song of His
servants in the fires."

"Ay, there'll be four," said old Berthold, bowing reverently. "Sure
enough, Pastor, whatever we are called upon to bear, there will be One
more than our number, and His form shall be that of the _Son_ of God.
Well! the children will be safe, no question. But I am afraid the
hottest corner of the furnace may be kept for you, dear Teacher."

"Be it so," answered Gerhardt quietly. "Let my Lord do with me what is
good in His sight; only let me bring glory to Him, and show forth His
name among the people."

"Ay, but it does seem strange," was the response, "that the work should
be stopped, and the cause suffer, and eloquent lips be s