n
entering, ordered the gates to be closed, and then summoning his
retainers, told them that he had resolved to abandon the castle, rather
than kill any of the misguided people who might come to attack it. He
gave them their choice of remaining within the open gates, or obtaining
safety by concealing themselves in the neighbourhood. "I have no
children, and my distant heir has no right to blame me for my conduct,"
he said, when remonstrated with for this proceeding. "I have, besides,
One to whom I am first answerable, and He I am sure approves of it."
There was, however, a large amount of plate and valuables of various
sorts in the castle: these he had carried to a place of concealment,
such as most buildings of the sort in those days were provided with.
These arrangements were not concluded till nearly midnight. He then set
out unaccompanied, and took his way to the hut of old Moretz.

The next day, when the insurgents returned, they found the castle of
Furstenburg deserted. Some of their leaders urged them to burn it to
the ground, in consequence of having been tricked, by its owner. They
were about to rush in, when an old man, who had remained concealed close
to the gates, presented himself before them.

"What are you about to do, my friends?" he exclaimed. "Is this the way
you show your love of liberty? Because a man does not approve of your
mode of proceeding, are you right in destroying his property, and
injuring him in every way you can? You speak of the tyranny of your
rulers--is not this greater tyranny? I am one of yourselves, and know
what you all feel. I feel the same. I desire that our people should
have their rights; but I am very sure that by the way you are proceeding
you will not obtain them. A just cause cannot be supported by unjust
means."

Moretz, for it was he, spoke more to the same effect. Happily, Herder
was not with the party, or his success might have been different. At
length they were convinced by his arguments, and consented to depart
without destroying the castle. After they had gone to a considerable
distance, Moretz hurried back to the count with the good news.

"Alas!" said the old noble, "it matters, in truth, but little to me. I
am childless, and almost friendless; for with those I once associated I
have no longer a desire to mix; and, except that I may live a few years
longer, and forward the noble cause of the Reformation, I should be
ready even now to lay down