n. After some time Erastus
himself was led out of his prison across the court. A deep-blue
September sky looked down on the beauteous square surrounded by
palaces. The lindens on the Bastion were already turning yellow, the
asters bloomed in the beds surrounding the spring, the sparrows were
besporting themselves in the trellis-work, and were fighting over the
ripening grapes. Erastus gazed long and joyously about him and drew in
long thirsty draughts the first delicious breath of freedom. Then he
cast an astonished look at the "new building," which owing to Felix's
art had attained a beauty which it had never possessed before. "A
worthy man," he said commendingly, "in spite of his brother." He then
calmly ascended the well-known staircase leading to the chambers of his
sovereign, where the discussion was to take place. Herr Bachmann
stepped up respectfully to the liberated court physician, Erastus
however held out his hand to the porter in his usual friendly manner.

Within the discussion was carried on long and eagerly, and Herr
Bachmann tired of standing sat down with a sigh on a bench, saying: "It
will be well when the old Counsellors once more meet together. The new
always remain three times as long," and he dozed off. The good fellow
was able to enjoy his nap thoroughly and then return to his waking
condition with a feeling of comfort, which is ever the best part of an
afternoon snooze. That day he had plenty of time to render his limbs
supple by pacing up and down, for the members did not seem to be able
to come to any decision. At last chairs and tables were pushed aside.
"God be praised," said Bachmann, "this time they set hard to work." At
the same moment the five professors appeared at the door; the Rector
Magnificus first with an air of importance suitable to his office, the
Jurists with a somewhat mocking look of malicious joy, the Theologians
with long faces and unusually green complexions. "The theological
faculty always precedes," said the Rector with sarcastic politeness.
The two men of God passed down the stairs before him without any
acknowledgement. "Is the discussion at an end?" asked Bachmann modestly
of the Rector. "At an end like my departed cousin," replied the jovial
gentleman.

"And Herr Erastus," inquired the servant.

"Is once more, privy Counsellor, court physician, Church Counsellor."

"The great God in Heaven be praised," cried Bachmann. "These Italians
were becoming unbearable. And t