rHE rORCH-f3EA
OF BOHEMIA"
V, {, K.RYSHANOVSK/J
CORNELL
UNIVERSITY
LIBRARY
Cornell University Library
PG 3467.K77S9 1916
3 1924 026 712 087
Cornell University
Library
The original of tliis book is in
tine Cornell University Library.
There are no known copyright restrictions in
the United States on the use of the text.
http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924026712087
THE TORCH-BEARERS OF
BOHEMIA
THE TORCH-BEARERS
OF BOHEMIA
BY
V. I. KRYSHANOVSKAYA
TRANSLATED FROM THE RUSSIAN
BY
JULIET M. SOSKICE
LONDON
CHATTO Gf WINDUS
1916
, >
PRINTED IN ENGLAND BY
WILLIAM CLOWES AND SONS, LIMITED,
LONDON AND BECCLE5.'
All rights reserved
NOTE
This story, which has been awarded Honorable Mention by
the Imperial Academy of Science of Petrograd, is the work
of a living writer ; but its scene is laid in past times, in the
days of John Hus and his contemporaries. Although it
is full of exciting incident as a story, " The Torch-Bearers of
Bohemia " seeks also to give a picture of the life of Bohemia
at the beginning of the fifteenth century, and to show the
intense hatred, which persists to this day, of the Czechs (or
Bohemians, as they are called throughout) for their Teutonic
oppressors. In such highly-coloured passages as those con-
nected with the trial of Hus, or the revolt in Prague upon
the death of King Venceslas, the author is so clearly com-
bining her vivid sense of historical colour with intense
sympathy for the Hussite cause that this personal conviction
unquestionably adds to the " immediacy " of the passionate
scenes, and brings them leaping to the eye. Hus, to the
writer, is the hero of the book, in spite of all the heroic
virtues of Jerome and Vok ; while the villain is not so
much Brancaccio as the whole assembly of the clerical
abuses against which Hus thundered his denunciations.
Wickedness in plenty is here of a personal and quite
privately terrible kind ; but then so is one lurid aspect of
the history of a fierce religious conflict. And so moved
has the author been by the tragic figure of Hus, and by the
consciousness of the loyalty he inspired in his followers,
vi NOTE
that she has shown these things wonderfully set among the
baser and more violent happenings of those days. The
story consists of many stories ; but they are all unified
and made significant for us in virtue of the dominating
personality of Hus.
THE TORCH=BEARERS OF
BOHEMIA
PART I
At the junction of the rivers Radbusa and Mies stands the
old town of Pilsen, now a large commercial town, containing
numerous breweries for the preparation of the world-famed
beer.
At the end of the fourteenth century the predominant
element in the population of Pilsen — as in those of most of
the Bohemian towns — were the German burghers who had
grown fat and rich at the direct expense of the native inhabi-
tants, thanks to the many privileges by which the kings of
Bohemia had sought to attract them to the country. To-
wards the end of the century, however, there had occurred
certain changes which were not to the advantage of the
Germans. The Bohemian town-populations had grown
considerably, many Bohemian nobles had built or purchased
houses for themselves in the towns, and a rivalry had
sprung up and increased between the two nations.
On a beautiful summer's day in the year 1401 a large
company on horseback was proceeding through the narrow,
winding streets of Pilsen. At its head rode a man of about
thirty-five, slight, but well-built, with an exceedingly dark
complexion of the pronounced Italian type. The undeni-
able beauty of his face was marred by a smile of sugary
beatitude which was not in harmony with it ; his cunning
black eyes also produced a disagreeable impression : there
2 THE TOECH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA [part i
was a hint of something cruel lurking in their depths. He
wore a splendid suit of black velvet, with a light steel breast-
plate, while his head was adorned by a cap with feathers,
which sat jauntily upon his jet-black curls. Into his belt
was thrust a dagger with an embossed handle, while a sword
of imposing size hung at his side. In sharp contrast with
this worldly and warrior-like attire was the big cross which
hung from a golden chain upon his breast, and the epis-
copal ring which he wore upon one finger outside his deer-
skin glove. This Bishop bravely bestrode a magnificent
black charger, and blessed the passers-by as he went. His
helmet, shield, lance, and other pieces of armour were
carried behind him by four pages ; then followed an im-
posing retinue ; while several heavily-laden mules completed
the procession.
The Bishop stopped before a house situated not far
from the town walls. It was a large house, with a high,
pointed roof, ornamented with wooden carvings. It had
been built by a barrel-maker grown rich, and at one time
it had in no way differed from the houses of other burghers.
But Lord Ginek Waldstein, who had bought the house,
had added to it several crenulated turrets, and surrounded it
by a thick wall, so that the modest, peaceful-looking trades-
man's house had acquired the aspect of a fortified castle.
The Bishop was evidently expected, for his foot-boy
had scarcely knocked at the wicket before the gates in the
wall were flung open, and an old serving-man ran to meet
him. This man quickly helped the Bishop to alight from
his horse, and informed him that the Count was absent ;
but he added that the Countess was awaiting Bishop
Brancaccio, and had directed that His Eminence be straight-
way conducted to her.
At the head of the staircase the Countess herself court-
eously and respectfully greeted her illustrious guest and
inquired concerning his health,
PART I] THE TOECH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA 3
" I am well, praise God. Nevertheless, my fair cousin,
I would ask shelter of you for some days. The long journey
on horseback has caused the old wound I received in my
youth to trouble me ; and I should like to rest."
" My whole house is at the disposal of Your Eminence.
You will pardon us if it cannot afiord you sufficient ease."
" Why, verily, a poor monk requires but little ! One
thing I would beg — that my page Richiotto be accom-
modated near me. I often need his services, and therefore
must have him close at hand."
An hour later, thoroughly refreshed by a hearty supper,
the Bishop was sitting alone with his cousin, in her chamber,
far remote from indiscreet ears.
The Countess Waldstein was a tall, fair, thin woman,
just under forty. Her face, with its aquiline nose and
wide, thin-lipped mouth, was not attractive. Even her
beautifully-shaped, large, black eyes were no ornament to
her, on account of their cunning and evil expression. The
meekness she afEected was at variance with the haughtiness
which was perceptible in her, and which evidently lay at
the root of her character. Countess Jan was a relation of
Bishop Brancaccio's on her mother's side, and there were
evidences of her Italian blood in her almost fanatical
bigotry, and in the duplicity of her nature.
She watched her guest with ihcontrollable impatience,
but he did not appear to notice her anxiety, and continued
indifierently to finger the chain which hung about his neck,
and to clank the spurs which he had not yet removed. At
length she could contain herself no longer, and, bending
towards the Bishop, she said, in a low voice, speaking in
Italian :
" Well, Cousin Thomasso, what news have you brought
me?"
The Bishop sat up straight in his chair.
4 THE TOECH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA [part i
" Bad news, Madonna Giovanna. My mission hath
failed completely."
" The Baron would consent to nothing ? " murmured
the Countess turning pale.
" To scarcely anything. I will relate to you fully my
conversation with Baron Rahstein. First of all, of course,
I informed him of your proposal concerning the marriage
of your son with his daughter Rugena. That he positively
refused, saying that the child was already affianced to the
son of Heinrich von Rosenberg, and that their betrothal
would take place in a few days. Besides that, the young
Count would not be acceptable to him as a son-in-law, being
light-minded and insolent — in a word, as little agreeable to
him as your husband, whose religious and political con-
victions Count Rabstein does not share. ' Instead of up-
holding the party of the great barons who seek to protect
their rights,' he said, ' Ginek injures us in whatever way he
can, and cleaves to Venceslas, having nearly prevented his
capture at Beroun.' "
Brancaccio stopped, observing the Countess's agitation,
and the red spots which had dawned in her cheeks.
" Forgive me, cousin," he said, " for repeating such
discourteous remarks to you, but methinks that the position
of affairs should finally be made clear."
" Of course, of course, go on," she whispered, nervously
plucking with her long, bony fingers at the black-and-gold
cords which encircled her waist.
" Well then, setting aside the question of marriage ... I
told the Baron of your financial difficulties arising from the
troubled conditions of the times ; and in the name of your
close relationship begged him to assist you. In this he proved
more amenable, although he declared that it would be for the
last time, as he had already repeatedly come to the aid of his
cousin. He promised to redeem your debt to that impudent
burgher of Prague who persecutes you. That, of course, is a
PART I] THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA '5
valuable concession, but . , . you yourself understand that
it is not enough to put you on your feet."
" But, in that case . . . what is to be done ? " the
Countess whispered irresolutely, gazing beseechingly at him.
A cunning, searching glance flashed upon her for an
instant from beneath the Bishop's drooping lids.
" It seems to me . . . the only thing is to . . . revert to the
plan we had considered before I went to the Baron," he
answered thickly.
The Countess breathed heavily as though she lacked air.
Her hand trembled so violently that the handkerchief with
which she had been convulsively wiping her forehead nearly
dropped from her fingers.
" That only way of which you speak is horrible," she
muttered in a shaking voice. " But I must sacrifice myself
to assure the future of my son," she added, suppressing with
a violent efEort the agitation which had seized her.
" I understand your hesitation, and esteem the pious
apprehensions that harass your Christian heart, although
you are prompted by materiial love alone," remarked the
Bishop ; and, raising his eyes to Heaven, he continued,
" Yet assuredly the forgiveness of God extends to every sin.
Have you forgotten that our holy Mother Church doth
welcome the sinner, even as the father his prodigal son, and
through the instrumentality of the substitute and earthly
representative of Christ enfoldeth him anew in the cloak of
innocence
2 "
Bright colour rushed into the pale face of the Countess ;
and a joyful light glowed in her eyes.
" Is it possible ? " she cried, piously clasping her hands.
" Will you secure from the Holy Father absolution for the
sin I am impelled to commit out of love for my family ? "
" Yes, my spiritual daughter and sister ! It lies in your
power to procure at once that inestimable blessing. My
uncle. Cardinal Cossa, hath provided me with several
6 THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA [part i
indulgences, and he permits me to dispose of them at my own
discretion. But you know that absolution for such a sin as
that which you are preparing to commit costs Aear. Heaven
demands a generous reward for its clemency. . . ."
" I know, I know ! But what matter ? Such a benefit
is priceless," she answered joyfully. " I will beg of you a
complete indulgence for myself, my husband and son, and
pay for it as much as you wish. I would also beseech Your
Eminence to grant me a partial indulgence besides, and to
allow me to place a certain sum for the poor at your disposal."
A pleasant smile played upon the Bishop's face.
" I fully consent, Cousin Giovanna. And if the Heavens
prove as generous to you as you to them there will surely be
a special place set aside for you in Paradise. To return,
however, to the matter we have in hand. There is no time
to be lost ! I have not told you yet that I arrived here in
company with Baron von Rabstein, who is journeying to
Prague on certain of his affairs. We separated at the
entrance to the town. I rode here, and he to the hostel
of the ' Golden Calf.' We must make haste, for Rabstein
proceeds further at dawn."
" Now that my conscience is at rest our project shall not
fail for lack of energy. Heaven itself, it seems, favours us,
and hath causdd the Baron to delay his journey at the ' Golden
Calf.' The serving woman at the inn is a . , . penitent . . . and
a good friend of my confessor, Father Ilarius. She is blindly
obedient to him. She will serve the Baron a meal according
to his deserts. But are you sure that the means you have
provided will act as we desire ? "
" Have no fear as to that. My methods are sure. And
in the meantime warn Father Ilarius not to leave the house,
but to await my treasurer, Father Bonaventura, who will
give him the medicine, and the necessary instructions."
Bending towards the Countess, he whispered :
" Rest assured. If he leaves the town to-morrow he will
PART I] THE TORCH-BEAKiiKS OF BOHEMIA 7
fall ill upon the road, and that will be stUl more opportune ;
for then they will apply to us for medical help, and I shall
take him under my own care. Everything will be for the
best."
The Countess rose hastily, but Brancaccio checked her.
"Stay. Have you said anything to the Count about
our plan V
" No. Ginek might oppose it, or he might simply betray
us at one of the King's banquets where they always drink so
much," answered the Countess, with some confusion.
" Excellent ! Wisdom is not always drawn with wine.
Your discretion does you honour, Countess," remarked the
prelate with a light laugh. " And when will your husband
return ? "
" He went on some urgent business, and will not return
before the day after to-morrow."
" Better still. We will set him aside, and leave him to
peacefully enjoy the r61e of guardian of the beauteous
Rugena."
Blessing the Countess, who reverently kissed his hand,
the Bishop departed to the rooms prepared for him, and soon
after sent for the father treasurer. Later, after a short
conversation, Bonaventura, a small Italian monk with a fox-
like face, hastily left the room and went in search of the
Countess's confessor, Father Ilarius.
Remaining alone, Brancaccio for a long time paced
thoughtfully about the room. Then, sitting down at a table,
he began casting up accounts. Evidently he was pleased
with the result, for with an air of satisfaction he shut his
note book and enclosed it in his cash-box. Then he called :
" Richiotto ! "
A page entered, tastefully attired in a suit of violet-
coloured velvet, with the Bishop's coat-of-arms embroidered
on the breast. He was a beautiful youth, with a smooth.
8 THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA [pakt i
pale face, long black curls floating upon his shoulders, and
burning black eyes. His figure was well-built, but slim and
graceful, like that of a woman.
" Tell my people that I shall have no further need of
them to-night and that they may go to rest. Then come
back and undress me."
Richiotto went out, but soon returned again. He un-
dressed his master and handed him a wide, silken cloak ;
then placed wine and two goblets upon the table. At last,
having carefully barred the door, he stood in front of
Brancaccio, arms akimbo, and said saucily :
" So, our official service is at an end. What now,
Thomasso ? "
" Yes, little devil, now my time begins," answered the
other, and, drawing the page on to his knee, began to kiss
him tenderly.
Filling a goblet of wine he held it to the page's lips for
him to sip, and fed him with the sweetmeats lying upon the
silver tray. Under the influence of the drink the beautiful
page grew more and more merry and garrulous : obscene
jests and witticisms poured freely from his lips, and the
Bishop did not lag behind. This orgy of two, behind barred
doors, was evidently to his taste, and he enjoyed it, being
raised to the highest pitch of rapture by the mad tarantella
which the so-called Richiotto danced before him in the
guise of a heathen goddess. Only some lingering threads of
caution prevented him from accompanying the dance with a
disgusting Neapolitan song.
It was already late when the saintly Bishop and his
" faithful page " retired to their several rooms, and then they
only parted because of a quarrel. Wine and love had
inspired audacity.
" What mischief art thou brewing with Father Bona-
ventura ? I'll wager thou art opening the gates of Heaven
for somebody again."
PART I] THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA 9
" I would counsel thee, my daughter," snarled the Bishop,
suddenly sobered, " to look, listen, and judge only in matters
which concern mine own service, secret or open. Take care
that the doors of Heaven are not opened for thee too.
Any wayside convent would take charge of Marguerita
Angelli, the runaway nun ! " . . .
Marguerita Angelli grew angry. Dealing her spiritual
father a sound thump upon the back, she fled into her room.
Next day the Countess and the Bishop were still sitting
at dinner, which, according to the custom of that time, was
served at midday, when it was announced to Brancaccio that
one of his people had brought to him a squire, sent to ask
medical aid for Baron Babstein. The Baron, it seemed, had
fallen ill upon the road, and was lying at an inn, at about
three hours' journey from the town.
The Bishop, surprised and grieved at the news of Baron
von Babstein's illness, summoned the squire. He then
questioned him closely, and said that not only would he
immediately send his doctor, but would come himself to ex-
amine the invalid, and superintend his removal to the town.
The Countess also took a hearty share in the proceedings.
She melted in praise of the Christian love and magnanimity
of the Bishop, who, forgetting his own fatigue and the
sufiering caused by his wound, was ready to hasten to the
sick bed to sustain the invalid by faith and science.
" I have a comfortable litter which I will place at the
sick man's disposal," she added at the conclusion of her
gushing speech. " And I gladly ofEer him hospitality in the
name of my husband, who I am sure would have acted in the
same manner."
" I recognise your heart of gold in this generous offer,
dear cousin," said the Bishop ; " and I am sure the Baron
will accept your hospitality most gratefully." Taking leave
of the Countess, he prepared for immediate departure upon
his own pious errand.
10 THE TORCH-BEAEERS OF BOHEMIA [part i
II
A MILD, clear summer's evening was falling. Tke radiant
sun was setting, gilding every object with its fiery rays.
Two horsemen were jogging along the road to Pilsen.
One of these was a priest, dressed in a black cassock
with wide sleeves and in a cloth cap. His thin, pale face,
with its sharp-pointed beard, was exceedingly attractive.
His forehead was broad, his lips firmly moulded. His large,
thoughtful eyes looked benignant, but seemed as though
th5y were clouded by some hidden sorrow. They be-
tokened the thinker and idealist, an upright, honest soul,
which suffers no tinkering with conscience, though capable
of boundless enthusiasm in the cause of faith, love, and
truth. Great, though unconscious, simplicity was expressed
in his every action.
His companion was an extremely handsome young man,
tall, straight, remarkably well made, with ,hair as black
as the raven's wing. His large dark eyes shone with intel-
ligence and strength of will. He was in secular garb — a
modish suit of fine brown cloth. A broad black cloak hung
from his shoulders, a sword with a steel handle was per-
ceptible at his side, while a dagger was thrust into the
front of his belt. He led by the bridle a horse loaded with
baggage, and to the saddle of each rider was attached a
travelling-case. They were conversing animatedly.
" So there thou hast, in brief, the principal events of
my stay in Oxford," the young man was saying. " When
we are in Prague I will teU thee much that is interesting
in our spare moments, Master John ; but now I am beside
myself with joy at having met thee on the high-road so
unexpectedly. And indeed thou hast not yet told me
whence thou bast come, and whither thou art pro-
ceeding."
" I have been to Husenic on a family matter, to arrange
PART I] THE TORCH-BE AEERS OF BOHEMIA 11
an affair of inheritance for my cousin Katherine. From
thence I went to visit some friends and to preach the word
of God to some poor folk to whom their pastors bring no
joy. Lord God, what infamies I chanced upon ! In truth
one sometimes involuntarily asks one's self if the -time of
Antichrist has not already come ! But witnessing the
profound faith of these poor people, and the fervent joy
with which they listen to a sermon in their native tongue,
the hope of some better time blossomed in my heart, and
with tears I besought God to restore peace to the Church
and to regenerate her." *■
" And every truly Christian heart will say ' Amen ! ' to
such a prayer. Let us hope that God in His mercy will not
forget his faithful Bohemian people, and will free them
from the German locusts who plunder, oppress and deprave
them. From whom, if not from them, comes all this evil,
all the misfortunes and the dissensions ? "
" Grow not heated, Jerome. It is certain that these
foreigners inflict many evils upon us ; but we also have
deserved chastisement by our sins."
" Could there be any punishment greater than the
presence of these sharpers ? " cried Jerome angrily. " Is
there any limit to their insolence and greed ? When they
are beaten on the battlefield they return in the guise of
colonistSi They gather all the land, all the offices and
privileges, into their hands. They work their will in the
university, and sooner or later they'll drive us from it
altogether, if a check be not put upon them in time. We
Bohemians are strangers in our fatherland ! We work, and
they direct I We sow, and they reap ! They would deprive
us of our language, even ! "
At these words the face of the priest flushed slightly.
He drew his brows together and his clear eyes expressed
discontent.
" Thou speakeat truly, Jerome, and all this is mortifying.
12 THE TORCH-BEAREES OF BOHEMIA [paet i
Though it is sinful, one is often indignant at the injuries
done to our people in the university alone. Strife be-
tween the professors, and disputes between the German
and Bohemian students have become customary ; and the
rector is always on the side of his Germans."
They were silent, absorbed in their thoughts. The
handsome rider whom his companion had called Jerome
was the first to speak again.
" Shall we not find some inn upon this road. Master
John ? We have ridden a goodly stretch, and I am
beginning to feel the need of food and rest. It seems to
me that I remember an inn not far away from here."
" Some drunken soldiers set fire to it last year, and it
was burnt to ashes. No, it is far to an inn. But there is
a village close at hand, and we can find shelter in the
house of the priest, who has been away for a year, according
to the woman left in charge of the house. There we can
take our rest."
" And whither has this pious shepherd of the Church
gone a-roving ? " asked Jerome, laughing.
" Why, he has two parishes, and when he is not in one
he represents himself to be in the other, so that it is difficult
to verify his words. Though he is remarkably punctual in
the gathering of his tithes, they say."
" Ah, he is sure to be exacting at that harvest, especially
if he is a German."
" I don't know what he is. It seems he was the youngest
of his family and was ordained a priest when scarce seven
years of age."
" His parents were provident. It probably cost them
dear. The Bishop's charge for a parish is considerable —
he has to pay for his own place. In truth, all priests share
with Rome — ^that is, I should say, with the Pope, or better
still, the popes. That may serve as some excuse for the
parish priests."
PART I] THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA 13
" Yes, simony like leprosy is gnawing at the Church ."
" The Archbishop of Prague, for instance, vrith his
herald, his chamberlain, his chancellor, his marshal, his
treasurer, and whatnot, who has three thousand marks of
income — not counting the poll-tax, the fruits of forced
labour, the sale of benefices and absolutions, and other
profits. He little resembles his Heavenly Teacher,"
remarked Jerome, and suddenly burst into laughter.
" Why dost thou laugh ? Can the mournful subjects
of our conversation lead to mirth ? "
" Pardon my laughter, it was involuntary, dear Master
John. I suddenly remembered the ridiculous story of
Nicholas Poukhnika, the worthy Canon of Prague, of
Tchernina, and Olumutzka, Prior of SS. Nicholas and
Jemnitza of Moravia, famed for his niggardliness."
A smile appeared also upon the face of the priest.
" Ah, yes ! The King jokingly said he might take away
with him from the palace as much money as he could
carry, and Nicholas so loaded his pockets and boots that
he was unable to move. A sad and absurd incident ! "
" But the best part of the story was the end, when the
King, breaking into a mad fit of laughter, ordered that all
the gold should be taken from him, and he himself driven
away. The King is sometimes seized with such stupendous
ideas, and in truth I love him. Notwithstanding his weak-
ness he is well-disposed towards the Bohemians. But look,
it seems we have arrived. There on the right are some
miserable hovels. That must be the village of which thou
didst speak ; and, on the road next to the church, I can
see a stone building. That must be the priest's dwelling."
" Yes, yes," said his companion, turning into a pathway
that led to the village.
A high, solid stone wall surrounded the house. The
gate was wide open, and in the courtyard, attached to a
trough filled with hay, were twenty saddle-horses. Several
14 THE TORCH-BEAEERS OF BOHEMIA [part i
packs of hounds lay around, and in a covered waggon could
be seen a couple of dead stags and a boar.
" Some hunting-party has reached the house before us.
Thou seest the window is lighted, and, judging from the
noise, the feast must be at its height. We must turn back,"
said Hus, not without some regret.
" Indeed we will not ! Where there is enough for
twenty there is enough for two, and I am faint with hunger.
Descend, Father John, and let us ask the hunters to
entertain us. They must be some nobles of these parts,^"
said Jerome, nimbly springing from his horse.
The priest alighted also, and tethering their horses they
went towards the house, from which there issued a confused
clamour of voices, laughter, and singing.
Just as they were ascending the stone steps the door
was flung suddenly open. Upon the threshold appeared a
corpulent monk with a lantern in his hand. He had a
greasy-red face and round blinking eyes. Beneath his dark
cassock, which was tucked up inside the rope serving him
as a girdle, were seen his swollen feet in sandals to which
big spurs were fastened with straps.
He was evidently drunk, and swayed backwards and
forwards, supporting himself by the door-post to keep from
falling. The lantern in his hand dangled from side to side.
Wine had been spilt over his cassock, and there were spots
of grease upon it.
" See, here, the Lord has sent more guests to us — a
brother, even," he drawled with a faltering voice, and broke
into tipsy laughter. " Salve, salve ! Enter, my Father,
and you, honoured guest. There is room for all, and we
will find something to eat for our friends."
He lurched aside to let them enter, and our two travellers,
with irrepressible disgust, stepped into the passage which
led into a large room.
In the doorway they stopped short, astounded. In the
PART I] THE TOROH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA 15
centre of the room was a large table, spread with wine and
eatables. By then the guests had finished eating. They
had pushed plates and dishes to the end of the table, and
were playing at dice. Little piles of gold, silver, and copper
coins were scattered about.
It was an amazing assembly. There were monks and,
apparently, priests — ^judging from their tonsures which
alone suggested a spiritual calling — a few knights, and
several women. Among the latter were three nuns, whose
disordered dress and wanton attitudes betrayed how low
they had fallen. At the middle of the table was sitting
a man, still young, not more than thirty-five, but com-
pletely bald. His worn and wrinkled face spoke of a wild,
dissolute life. On his knees lolled a gipsy in a many-
coloured petticoat, with bare arms and a mane of black
hair hanging about her shoulders.
At that very moment she had raised the horn and was
casting the dice upon the table with a loud laugh. At the
appearance of the strangers the uproar in the room suddenly
died away.
" Look, Berthold is bringing us reinforcements ! A
doughty warrior, and one of our own fraternity — a rake, like
us ! " cried the man sitting at the middle of the table.
" Ditrioh von Stern, the master of these premises, the pious
shepherd of this miserable parish, invites you to his modest
repast. Thou, my worthy knight, mayest dispose of thyself
as it best please thee. Thou, brother of the cassock, shalt
sit there, near Zdenko, who speedily will disappear beneath
the table and leave thee as a heritage our beauteous sister
Bertha."
Jerome was silent, apprehensively smoothing his black
beard. The pale face of Hus turned livid. His eyes blazed
with wrath. Striding to the table he struck it with his fist,
a blow which made the crockery rattle.
" Miscreant ! befouling the priestly vestments thou
16 THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA' [part i
wearest ! " he shouted vehemently. " Art thou not
ashamed of thine obscenities ? Art thou not ashamed to
hold that harlot on thy knees, to surround thyself with all
this bestial rabble ? Reflect, thou betrayer of the priestly
vow ! Thou dost wallow in thy drunkenness like the vilest
soldier ; thou dost turn thy dwelling into a tavern, into a
den of infamy ! "
Ditrich von Stern listened to tfcis harsh and unexpected
harangue, gazing blankly at the speaker, his mouth wide-
open with astonishment. But his petrification suddenly
changed into an outburst of fury.
" Ha ! dost thou venture to speak so to me, thou scurvy
street-babbler ? I'll teach thee to affront me in mine own
house ! " he roared, trying to rise, and pushing away the
gipsy, who, with a shriek, slipped down upon the ground.
With difficulty he got upon his feet and endeavoured to
puU from its sheath a hunting-knife which hung at his side.
" I will slit thy tongue ! 'Twill teach thee to sermonise
Ditrich von Stern as though he were a shoemaker ! " he
continued, staggering towards Hus with the knife uplifted
in his hand.
At this moment one of the tipsy monks seized an
earthenware pot from the table and hurled it straight at
Hus. It missed its mark, and was shivered to atoms on the
doorpost, an inch or so behind the head of Jerome, who,
drawing his sword, leapt with one bound in front of Hus,
protecting him.
" When thou comest to thy senses, most reverend Father
Ditrich, take to heart the truth thou hast heard. A tussle
with me might end sadly for thy worthy friends," he shouted
scornfully. " Come, Master John, let us leave this sty ! " '
" Yes, let us shake its dust from our feet. A crust of
bread beneath this roof would poison any man," said Hus,
in a voice trembling with agitation.
Taking no notice of the oaths and execratidns hurled in
PART I] THE TORCH-BEAEERS OF BOHEMIA 17
their wake, they left the room, and in the passage nearly
stumbled over the prostrate body of Father Berthold, who
lay stretched upon the ground, bitterly sobbing, beating
his breast, and lamenting :
" Mea culpa ! Mea culpa ! I have sinned against Thee,
my Heavenly Father ! "
With the greatest aversion they stepped across the
drunkard, hastily mounted their horses, and rode out of the
courtyard. From the house came the sound of a horrible
din, with which the shrieks of women mingled.
For some moments they rode on silently.
" There we have seen a speaking picture of what is
becoming of the Church," said Jerome, slackening his pace ;
" though as regards Ditrich nothing is surprising. Three
years ago in Prague I witnessed a scene of abomination which
clearly showed of what he is capable. You know I dwelt
then with my aunt, in the Mala Strana, and once I was
returning home in the evening with Master Yakubek when,
in front of us, we heard cries, laughter, and hooting from a
crowd of people, artisans, boys, and such like. We hastened
our steps to see what had occurred, and there before us was
a tipsy man with a tonsured head — he had a good deal of
hair at that time — ^perfectly naked, proceeding in a zigzag.
The people were mocking, and throwing mud at him, and
he retorted by spitting at them and pouring forth choice
oaths. They would certainly have thrashed him soundly,
had he not found refuge in the gateway of some house
where he remained hidden. Yakubek, who could not contain
himself for wrath, at once set inquiries afoot, and we learned
that the name of this rascal was Ditrich von Stern, and that
he was a priest who had travelled to Prague, seeking to
become a canon. Meanwhile he diverted himself in pot-
houses and the vilest haunts, being an impassioned gambler.
That day luck had forsaken him, and he had gambled every-
thing away, even to his shirt, and was returning naked to the
c
18 THE TORCH-BEARERS OE BOHEMIA [past i
Vysehrad, where his mistress dwelt. Yakubek presently
uttered a thunder-like denunciation, but the Archbishop
hushed up the matter, ordering Ditrich to quit the town
forthwith. Nevertheless he was not made canon."
" Well, thou hast seen a drunken priest stark naked in
the street, and I not long since beheld one who refused to
bury the dead until he had received payment therefor.
Which of these is worse I know not," said Hus, bitterly.
' " Thanks to this accursed Ditrich we are again upon the
high-road, and like to pass the night there. Our horses are
in more need of food and rest than we."
" Nay, I hope that we may soon find shelter. Methinks,
not far from here must stand the castle of Baron Eabstein,
with whom I became acquainted in Prague," said Hus to
comfort him. "The Baron entertained me with great
benevolence, and I even made fast friends with his daughter,
the little Eugena. We shall be honourably received beneath
his hospitable roof."
Ill
It was already quite dark when the travellers at last reached
Rabstein Castle — an imposing feudal fortress — and knocked
at the gate. On learning the names of the new-comers the
old castellan hastened to admit them, notwithstanding the
absence of the master and the lateness of the hour.
They were first conducted to the dining-hall, and mean-
while two sleeping apartments were prepared for them.
While they were being served with supper the castellan
related how, ten days before, the Baron had gone to Prague,
and how, that day, a journeying pedlar had brought the
news that he had fallen ill upon the road and had been
removed to Pilsen by a Bishop of his acquaintance.
" Perhaps it is untrue ; yet nevertheless the news of the
Baron's illness hath alarmed us all," said the faithful servant,
with tears in his eyes.
At that moment the door suddenly flew open and a little
girl, followed by an elderly woman in a white hood, ran into
the room. She was a charming child, tall for her nine
years. There was fairy-like lightness in her slim, graceful
figure. Her pretty little face was thin, and of a clear pale-
ness. Her large blue eyes, so dark as to appear almost
black, looked gravely out from between thick, curling lashes.
Breaking away from the nurse who sought to restrain
her, the child ran straight to Hus, not noticing Jerome.
" HaiSt thou brought news of my father. Master John ?
Is he better ? " she asked in a frightened voice. " The
pedlar said that he was very ill, and that they were carrying
him in a litter."
Hus tenderly took the child's cold little hands within
his own.
20 THE TOKCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA [part i
"Dear Rugena, I have not come from Pilsen. I am
but going there now, and I know nothing of thy father's
illness. Have no fear, but trust in the Heavenly mercy."
Rugena lifted to him her beautiful eyes, filled with
tears.
" Thou dost not think that God will let my father die,
thus leaving me alone ? " . . .
Sobs choked her voice.
Touched by the grief of the child, Hus drew her to him,
and tried to comfort her.
The deep, mild voice and fascinating personality of the
young preacher produced a beneficial efiect upon the child.
Rugena's sorrowful face grew brighter. She meekly folded
her hands and laid her little curly head trustingly on the
consoler's shoulder. Then she remarked the presence of
Jerome, and gave him a friendly greeting.
Rejoiced at the calming influence of his words, Hus
persuaded Rugena to go back to bed, and she was preparing
to obey him when suddenly muffled sounds arose in the
corridor without.
Hasty steps were heard, cries and lamentations ; then,
at last the door opened and on the threshold appeared an
old armour-bearer, pale and covered with dust. Behind
him followed the castellan, with tears running down his
distracted-looking face.
" Alas, reverend Master John," said the castellan in a
shaking voice, " what terrible woe has befallen us ! Our
beloved lord is dead ! "
On seeing the Baron's armour-bearer Rugena ran
towards him, but his mournful and exhausted aspect terrified
her, and she stopped and stood as though rooted to the
spot. On hearing of her father's death she gave a dull cry
and helplessly threw up her arms. Her head fell back,
and she would have fallen to the floor had not the nurse
caught her in time.
PART I] THE TORCH-BEAREES OF BOHEMIA 21
Those present hastened to her aid ; but Rugena was
insensible, and she was carried away without recovering
consciousness.
Hus, profoundly affected by this tragic circumstance,
begged the armour-bearer Matthias to go with him, and to
relate in full the details of the untimely death of the Baron,
whose splendid physique and perfect health had promised
him still many years of Ufe.
Matthias minutely described the circumstances of his
master's death, with difficulty restraining his sobs.
Upon hearing Brancaccio's name, Jerome started.
" What ! Brancaccio, the nephew of Baldassare Cossa,
connected with this misfortune ! Oh, then . . ."
A disapproving glance from Hus restrained him, and he
resumed more quietly :
" I know the Bishop ; but his presence here astonished
me. I thought he was in Italy."
A bitter smile appeared for an instant upon the armour-
bearer's lips, but he continued his story, and at the end
asked permission to depart.
" What didst thou wish to say by thine uncautious
exclamation concerning Brancaccio 1 " asked Hus, when
they remained alone.
" I could not restrain myself ! The thought entered my
head that the sudden illness and death of the Baron were
unnatural and the Bishop's solicitous attentions to the sick
man — suspicious ! When I was in Italy I heard stories
about Cossa — he was then Archbishop Ankonsky — incredible
stories that set the hair on end. It was said that he had
been a pirate and had forsaken that calling to become a
chief of Italian mercenaries. I don't know why he deserted
and assumed the cassock, but it is certain that it does not
hinder him from continuing his former occupations — brigan-
dage and depravation. The nephew of this cut-throat, they
say, is the right hand of his uncle, and is it likely he would
22 THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA [paet i
take the trouble to visit Botemian nobles if he were not
certain of some rich booty ? It is strange that Waldstein
is appointed executor, the more strange as it is well known
that he and the late Baron were political antagonists.
Rabstein, as you know, is a fervent adherent to the ' Union
of Bohemian Nobles,' and aided Rosenberg to seize the
King at Beroun, while Ginek Waldstein is an influential
member of that gang of court menials who surround the
King. That is enough to uphold my sxispicions."
" May the mercy of God protect the innocent orphan
amid all these abominations ! " whispered Hus, piously
crossing himself.
Then, sinking to his knees, he said his evening prayer,
and retired to rest, as he was nearly dropping with fatigue.
On leaving the guests' apartments Matthias was obliged
to repeat in the servants' quarters the whole story of the
Baron's death ; and afterwards the castellan spoke with
him for a long time. Free at last, he hastened to the
apartments of Rugena, and notwithstanding the lateness of
the hour knocked lightly at a door next to that of the
child's bedroom.
It was opened at once.
" I thought thou wouldst come, Matthias, and was
awaiting thee," whispered the nurse.
" I wished to speak with thee of the calamity which has
befallen us. How fares our luckless little mistress ? "
" The angel sleeps. Her grief and tears exhausted her
at last. When I carried her here I feared at first that she
would lose her reason ; but afterwards she grew calmer
and fell asleep upon my knee."
Matthias went into the room and sat down at the table,
upon which an oil lamp was burning.
Itka and Matthias were cousins and had been friends
from childhood. They were both born and brought up in
the castle, and their lives had passed in the service of the
PARTI] THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA 23
Rabsteins, to whom they were devoted. The deceased
Baron Svietomir knew and valued their fidelity, and had
distinguished them by his trast in a manner amounting
almost to friendship.
Silence fell in the room. Itka wept softly, while Matthias
sat with his elbows upon the table, gloomily frowning.
" Now, tell me how our beloved master died. I cannot
understand from whence he caught this illness. When he
left us he was as sound as a fish in the water."
" For that reason I am convinced that the Baron fell
the victim of a dastardly crime," whispered Matthias,
bending towards the nurse, who was electrified by his words,"
" Infamy ! . . . Infamy ! . . ." she murmured with
trembling lips. ' ' But who could have killed him, so kind and
generous as he was ? To whose profit could it have been 1 "
" Oh, the profit is clear enough. Listen, and I will tell
thee everything, because I can rely upon thy silence, and
then thou canst judge thyself whether my suspicions are
well founded. Thou rememberest how displeased I was at
the unexpected arrival of the Italian Bishop. I have no
faith in these false, cunning, insinuating foreigners : they
creep up to you like a dog in order to bite. So on the eve
of our departure, while undressing my master, I tried skil-
fully to learn from him why the Italian had come. But the
master was clever. He at once understood my intention,
and laughed. He clapped me upon the back, and said,
' Know then, old fox, that the Bishop came to me as an
emissary from my cousin, Ginek, to wheedle me out of
my money, and to propose that I should give my daughter
to Ginek's son, Vok. But I have no intention either of
ruining myself for the Waldsteina or of bestowing my
daughter upon their feather-brained son, and so I told him.
He undertook the negotiations because he is a relation of
the Countess herself. So, now, go, and sleep peacefully. . . .'
Until we reached Pilsen the master was in excellent health
24 THE TORCH-BEAREES OF BOHEMIA [part i
and the disorder seized him after he had supped in the
' Golden Calf.' When we set forth again at dawn next day
I noticed that the Baron was ailing and could scarce retain
his seat upon the saddle ; and when we reached the first
inn he fell senseless. I forthwith dispatched one of our
people to the town for a physician. The Baron recognised
nobody and seenled to burn as though on fire. With the
physician came the Bishop himself and his treasurer. Our
master was placed within the litter and carried to the town,
to the house of the Count Waldstein. All this I deemed
suspicious. I mistrust the Bishop since I perceived that
one of his pages is — a woman in disguise."
" What shamelessness ! "
" Yes, yes.. Thou canst understand, Itka, that this
discovery did not lead me to respect him. And when that
night the villain dismissed us all, saying that he himself
would tend the Baron, I was seized with such despair that
I could not close my eyes. Hearing steps and spoken words
in my master's room I crept into a kind of storeroom ad-
joining it, and listened. They spoke softly, but I could
discern that our master was dictating his will, which the
Bishop presently read out aloud. All I could not hear,
but I remember well that Rugena was committed to the
guardianship of Rosenberg who should bring her up until
-her marriage. Thou canst imagine what I felt when that
evening, the body of our master having been placed within
the coffin and borne to the church. Count Waldstein
assembled us all and read to us a will by which he was
appointed Rugena's guardian and entrusted with her
property until her marriage with Vok, his son ; the
betrothal to take place speedily according to the desire of
our master."
" Why, that is brazen deceit. The will is false. We
must disclose the treachery, and make complaint."
" Complaint ! " he answered, smiling bitterly, f* Com-
PART I] THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA 25
plaint to whom ? Who will believe the accusation of a
Borry fellow such as I ? All would call it libel. No, Itka.
Some time later perhaps we will disclose the truth to the
child herself, but now we Inust needs be silent. I grieve that
they will straightway begin to plunder our lord's possessions,
and in his coffer are great sums of money, and our lady's
diamonds are kept there too. They are great wealth in
themselves."
" Shall we not conceal them in some secret corner of the
tower ? Count Waldstein has not set foot within the castle,
and he would never find them."
" A good thought ! I have the key of the coffer. I
hid it straightway when I saw the Bishop accompanying
the litter. To-morrow night we will contrive it ! "
Before they parted these two honest servants had
arranged all the details of their plan.
Before leaving the castle next day Hus and Jerome
asked to see Rugena that they might express their sympathy
to her and bid her farewell.
The sight of the pale child, who seemed to have shrunk
away during the night, moved them to the bottom of their
hearts. With tears in his eyes Hus drew Rugena towards
him, kissed her little head, and blessed her. He talked to
her for a long time, trying to awaken in her despairing heart
submission to the will of God, and to convince her that she
would not be separated for ever from her father, but would
see him again in the future life if she had deserved it by
piety and virtue. Her father, he said, would be her
advocate in Heaven, before the throne of God Almighty.
The ardent faith by which Hus was inspired, and which
never deserted him, sustaining him even in the hour of
death, acted like balm upon the pure, impressionable soul
of the child. Her anguish was by degrees replaced by a
deep though tranquil sorrow, while a rush of tears relieved
her heart. She looked lovingly and trustingly into the clear^
26 THE TOECH-BEAEERS OF BOHEMIA [part i
sad eyes of her consolerj and whispered, clasping her arms
about his neck :
" Thou art kind, Master John ; and I love thee. Stay
with me."
" Gladly would I stay, my child ; but duty summons
me to Prague. But I will pray for thee every day, and for
thy father. God grant we soon may meet again ! "
" And I too, as thou hast told me, will pray God morning
and evening, thinking of my father and looking at Heaven
where he is gone. He will know that I am always thinking
of him."
That night Itka and Matthias crept to the room of their
late master, and the armour-bearer opened a great iron
cofEer chained against the wall. From this coffer they
hastily removed two large, heavy boxes, and several sacks
of gold. They locked the coffer again and carried the
objects they had taken from it into the so-called library,
where a mass of ancient parchments and family documents
were preserved. A part of the wall, hung with shelves,
moved aside at pressure upon a spring, and disclosed an
entrance into a rather large room, from which a secret
passage led out into the wood.
" Here it will all lie safe, until Eugena comes of age, and
her mother's diamonds will not pass into the pockets of
that Italian knave," said Matthias, contentedly. "And
you, Itka, in case of our death, must tell the child where her
goods lie hid. She must herself give the key of the coffer
to Count Waldstein. He musfhave no suspicion that they
have passed through our hands."
The next day Itka spoke much to Eugena about her
future guardians, and expressed her suspicions as to their
greed, thus skilfully giving the child to understand the
necessity for concealing part of her property to prevent
others from depriving her of it.
PART I] THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA 27
Rugena was not only older than her years, but she
possessed, too, that intelligent observation which develops
early in solitary children brought up entirely among older
persons. In a trice she realised that her guardians were —
enemies, not to be trusted, and said, without hesitation :
" Let us hide the most valuable things ! "
Then Itka showed her the secret room, and everything
that she and Matthias had hidden there ; and finally gave
her the key of the cofEer.
" Rest assured," said the child firmly, " I will betray
nothing, and I will not give up my mother's things. And I
will give Count Waldstein the key in such a manner that
not the slightest suspicion shall fall upon Matthias."
And her pretty face expressed such sagacity and deter-
mination as she spoke, that the nurse was positively amazed.
A few days later the Count arrived with the body at
Rabstein Castle in order that the dead man might be buried
in the family vault ; and upon the following morning all the
inhabitants of the castle were summoned to the great hall
by order of the Count. He himself read the Baron's will
appointing him Rugena's guardian and entrusting him with
all her property until her marriage with Vok von Waldstein,
designated her bridegroom. Finally the Count declared
that, after having completed the inventory of the property
and acquainted himself with the position of afEairs, he would
take his ward back with him to his house, where she would
be educated.
On that same day Waldstein energetically applied himself
to work, and the absence of the keys of the cofier at once
became apparent. He carefully questioned all the servants,
who of course knew nothing. After some consideration the
Count bethought himself to inquire of Rugena whether she
knew by chance where the key had been kept,
" Yes, I know where it is ; but my father strictly forbade
me to tell anybody whatsoever," the child answered firmly.
28 THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA [part i
Mindful of what she had been told, she continued to regard
the Count with an air of reserve and distrust ; and it was
not until Waldstein had been at some pains to convince her
that' he now represented her father that Rugena finally
yielded to his persuasions. Demanding, therefore, that
everybody, even Itka, should be sent from the room, she
led her guardian into her father's apartments and drew the
key out of a secret hiding-place.
When, two days later, the Count asked Rugena whether
she knew the whereabouts of her mother's jewels, she
expressed complete ignorance, and maintained her ground
BO firmly that at length he believed her. This inspired Itka
and Matthias with an almost awe-struck respect for the
child's intelligence.
Their departure was fixed for a week later. Waldstein,
desiring to be on good terms with his future daughter-in-law,
asked her what she would like to take with her.
" Will you permit me to take anything I wish ? " she
inquired.
" Yes, my child, if only thou dost not ask to take the
castle or one of its towers, which would be difficult," he
laughed.
" Then let me keep my nurse and Matthias with me to
wait upon me, and Perouna, my father's favourite hunting-
dog."
" To that I agree, the more willingly as I had thought of
it myself."
On the appointed day, Rugena, sitting with Itka in the
litter, with Perouna at her feet, quitted the home of her
ancestors, under the protection of Matthias, who rode on
horseback by their side. With eyes wet with tears, and a
face serious beyond her years, she bade farewell to her
father's castle ; and when at a turn in the road it was
hidden from her sight she burst into sobs and hid her
face against the shoulder of her faithful nurse.
IV
It was seven o'clock in the evening, and the inhabitants of
Waldstein Castle were preparing to sit down to supper. In
the great dining-hall, ornamented with dark oak carvings,
the table was spread, covered with sumptuous plate and
Venetian crystal. The Countess, accompanied by Bishop
Brancaccio and Father Bonaventura, came in and sat down
at the table. The pages began to wait upon them.
The Countess was evidently displeased at something.
" I cannot understand Vok's absence. He should have
been here half an hour ago. It is a most impermissible lack
of attention on his part," she said in an angry voice.
At that moment the sound of footsteps was heard in the
room adjoining, and in the doorway appeared a youth of
about sixteen, who bore a strong resemblance to the Countess.
Young Count Waldstein was a very handsome boy, tall,
and beautifully made, looking much older than his years.
His slightly sun-buined face was expressive of daring, even
of arrogance. The large black eyes which he had inherited
from his mother shone with pride and betrayed a passionate
soul.
Going to his mother he kissed her hand and asked her
pardon for his lateness.
The love and pride with which the Countess followed
every movement of her son showed clearly that she idolised
him. He sat down and began to eat, but suddenly with a
frown glanced round the table.
" Where is Svietomir ? " he inquired.
" Where should the glutton be 1 Doing penance, of
course," said the Countess, disdainfully ; and turning to
Brancaccio she added, " I cannot express the grief that
30 THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA [part i
worthless boy occasions me. It is really a punishment for
our good Father Ilarius to teach him Latin and the Sciences.
He is so lazy that he will not even learn the psalms by heart ! ' '
" What crime hath he committed to-day ? "
" Father Ilarius caught him eating ham, and it is a fast-
day ! And he lied besides, saying that the steward's wife
had given it to him."
" Ah, that was, in truth, a monstrous crime. And where
is the revered father himself ? Exhorting the criminal,
treating him to admonitions instead of supper, and setting
him a good example of fasting and restraint ? " asked Vok,
slyly.
The Countess was indignant.
" Vok ! " she said angrily. " You are again permitting
yourself the use of unseemly jests. You forget in whose
presence you are. It is your duty to respect my confessor.
Know, then, that our goodFather Ilarius is visiting the sick."
Vok answered nothing, but smiled maliciously. Bran-
cacoio, who had been closely observing him, in order to avert
the threatening storm, began to speak of other matters. In
especial he referred to the fact that, from news received that
morning, they expected the Count to arrive at the castle with
Rugena in two days' time. The conversation then turned
upon Baron Rabstein and the part he had played in the
union of nobles, with Rosenberg, Gradetsky, Landstein, and
others. At length they rose from the table.
Letting his mother and the Bishop pass before him, Vok
lingered by the door, and, summoning one of the pages by a
gesture, whispered something into his ear. The boy nodded
to show that he had understood, and ran to do his bidding.
A few minutes later he returned with a basket in his
hands, and began to fill it with food that had been left upon
the table ; fish, roast meat, cakes and fruit.
" Bogumil ! Thou good-for-nothing rascal ! How darest
thou steal from off the table ? Put it all back, or I will
PART I] THE TORCH-BEAEEES OF BOHEMIA 31
pull thine ears ! " cried the steward angrily, and seized
him by the collar.
But the boy slipped through his hands like an eel.
" Count Vok has ordered it to be taken to his room to feed
the dogs with. Go thyself and ask him ! " the boy answered
saucily, and disappeared through the door snatching up a
piece of cheese as he passed the sideboard.
" What foolishness — ^feeding dogs on pike and cakes and
fruit ! " grumbled the steward angrily. He had been count-
ing upon the dainties for himself.
Saying that he was tired after the long journey on horse-
back, Vok took leave of his mother and the Bishop and
retired to his apartments.
His two rooms were furnished with all the luxuries
available in those times. It was nearly dark already, and
little light penetrated through the narrow window set in the
thick wall. Aservant lit a wax candle in a copper candlestick.
Little Bogumil was meanwhile laying the table with the
provisions he had brought. Vok, presenting him a cake aa
a reward, bade him retire, saying that he was not to be
disturbed without some pressing cause. Then, after thinking
awhile, Vok rose and went into the corridor, at the end of
which was a closed door. Vainly he tried to open it ; and
at last he thumped upon it with his fists, crying :
" Svietomir, thou silly boy ! What, art thou asleep or
dead from hunger ? Open the door ! "
" I've been locked in since morning, Vok ; and I can
neither come out nor open to thee," said a weak, childish,
tearful voice from within the room.
A look of pity and disdain appeared upon young Wald-
stein's expressive face.
" Well, then, open the window at leas't, and wait for me.
I will come to thee," he said, and went back along the
corridor.
He hastened down the winding staircase into the garden
32 THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA [part i
at the foot of the castle, and went towards the tower, at the
top of which, through an open window, a childish figure
could be dimly distinguished in the dusk.
" I am here, Vok ; but how canst thou get me down from
such a height ? " said the little voice, anxiously.
" Look now ! Is that high ? If I had been in thy place
I had been free long ago, if only to pull the nose of that shorn
devil who torments thee. Thou art but a wet chicken !
• Look, I will show thee the way."
A thick creeper covered the tower with its dark green
leaves. Making use of its mighty branches, Vok with daring
agility quickly gained the window, which indeed was not
very far from the ground.
He clambered into the round room whose bare walls and
scanty furniture presented a striking contrast to the comfort
and elegance of his own apartment. The twinkling light of
the oil lamp before the holy statue revealed a simple bed, a
table, a few wooden benches, and a reading-desk in the
corner. On the table near a pile of books lay a jug of water
and some crusts of bread.
" Here am I ! And it is not harder to get down than to
come up ! " said Vok, laughing contentedly. " Wouldst
thou prefer to stick here and await the coming of the doughty
Ilarius, or to come down into my room, to sup bravely and
receive a present ? Choose ! "
" Of course I would rather go to supper ! I am so
hungry. But I do not know whether I can climb down like
thee."
" Bah ! Necessity gives birth to heroes ! I will put
thee through the window, and thou must climb courageously.
See that great branch ; it is like a step. Hold the bar with
thy hands and do not let thyself go till thou standest firm
upon it."
He helped Svietomir to climb through the window and
did not let go of him until the boy said that he stood firm.
PAKT I] THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA 33
" Courage ! Have no fear ! Thou weighest no heavier
than a hungry cat. I will come down afterwards, so as
not to tear the creeper."
The descent was safely accomplished, and in five minutes
they were safe in Vok's room. He carefully locked the door.
" Eat, and fortify thy strength ! " he said, pointing to the
table. " After a holy fast with Father Ilarius thou lookest
sickly."
" I thank thee, Vok. In all the house thou alone art
kind and pitiful to me," answered the famished child, sitting
at the table and proceeding to fill his mouth with the good
things prepared for him.
Now, in the lighted room, it was possible to judge of
Svietomir's appearance. He was a thin boy of about
thirteen, with long, fair, wavy hair and big, clear, greyish-
green eyes; His thin, pleasant little face looked transparent,
like wax. There was a sad, shy smile on his pale lips. The
shabby old coat he wore, which was far too wide for him,
could not conceal the native elegance of his childish figure,
as graceful as that of a girl.
When at length the meal was finished to the last crumb
Svietomir ran to wash his face and hands. Then he sat
down at Vok's side and gazed at him in silence.
" Ah, how well I have supped ! " he said, with a satisfied
sigh. " And how thankful I am to thee, Vok, for thy kind-
ness to me." ,
" Poor little goose ! " said the other with feeling, tenderly
stroking his curly head. " Why art thou silent before that
wretch who uses thee so vilely^? "
" But how should I oppose him ? He is stronger than I,
and my aunt is always on his side. It is now fom: days
since he returned, and he hath already beaten me thrice.
And not once have I dined or supped, because he says
a future priest must accustom himself to fasting and
mortification of the flesh, and not glut his stomach. Only
D
"34 THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA [paet i
to-day, because of that unlucky piece of ham, he flogged
me till the blood ran, and said I should be locked up for a
week.
The boy was silent because of the tears that choked his
voice.
" Scoundrel ! " muttered Vok, through his teeth.
" Yes, he is a bad man, and I hate him — as indeed I hate
all priests. I will sooner drown myself than be a priest,"
said Svietomir, energetically clenching his fists, while his
eyes flashed beneath their long lashes.
" Ah, at last ! That is how I like to see thee. And now
I will give thee the present I promised thee."
The young Count produced a sheet of parchment from
beneath his tunic and spread it out upon the table.
" Look, Svietomir ! Here is an indulgence for all sins of
the flesh, properly signed by the Archbishop of Prague,
The name of its possessor is not written yet, and I am going
to write it now : Svietomir Kryshanov. After that thou
canst eat ham under the very nose of Ilarius, and he will not
dare to chide thee for it. Even though thou shouldest
pummel him with thy fists, the gates of Heaven will still be
open to thee ! " Vok said, laughing.
Svietomir ran into the adjoining room to fetch ink and
a pen.
" Where didst thou find such a treasure ? " he asked
joyfully while Vok was writing on the parchment.
" I bought it of a begging monk who was tumbling drunk
about the high-road. He must have stolen it from some-
where, because he sold it me so cheap — for one gold piece.
But that does not deprive it of any of its value as a key to the
gates of Heaven. Ah ! Father Ilarius has returned it seems
from his charitable mission."
--And indeed in the corridor was heard the sound of quick
though heavy footsteps. Svietomir trembled and turned
pale.
PART I] THE TORCH-BEAEERS OF BOHEMIA 35
" What will he say now when he does not find me in the
room ? " he whispered, terror in his voice.
" Ah, we will see ! I will have an explanation with him
here, and try to cure him of his passion for making thee a
saint," said Vok, throwing the door wide open. At the end
of the corridor could be seen — ^purple with rage — ^the face of
Father Ilarius.
" If you are seeking Svietomir, most reverend Father, he
is here with me," cried Vok, beckoning him to enter.
" So you are hiding him ? Wait, thou abandoned boy !
I will deal with thee afterwards for thy knavery," said the
priest, turning with a threatening look to Svietomir, who was
huddling against the table half dead with terror.
" Pardon me, most reverend Father ! I wish that your
reckoning with Svietomir should take place now, in my
presence ; the more so since I myself went to fetch him
and brought him here. You should be ashamed to act so
inhumanly towards a child who has nobody to protect him."
" Insolent youth, do you dare preach me a sermon ? I
will complain to your mother of your want of respect ; and
as to this worthless boy, committed to my care, I will reduce
him properly by abstinence and fasting. I will make him a
fitting servant of God's altar," wrathfully hissed the priest.
Vok turned pale, and grasping the handle of his dagger
advanced towards him with a threatening face.
" Before making Svietomir a worthy servant of the Lord
see that you are one yourself. Cease this mockery with the
child. You do but accustom him to lies and hypocrisy.
And I would have you aware, most reverend Ilarius Schwarz,
liat I know well the object of your charitable visits : it is
none other than the daughter of the charcoal-dealer, Michael,
whom you seduced last spring, forcing her and her father to
keep silence for fear he lose his place. If I tell that to my
father there will be much unpleasantness for you. He would
not be best pleased that my mother's confessors should so
36 THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA [part i
disport themselves upon his lands. Be contented with your
salutary influence upon the Countess, my mother, who is so
blind as not to note your escapades ; and refrain from your
iniquitous behaviour to Svietomir, who, by the way, is now
possessed of an indulgence freeing him from the obligation of
observing fasts," Vok concluded derisively, pointing to the
parchment spread out upon the table.
But the monk vouchsafed it not a glance. Choking with
rage he turned and ran out of the room, noisily slamming the
door behind him.
" Curse thee ! Thou shalt answer to me for this ! " he
hissed between his teeth, as he swept along the corridor like
a hurricane.
The impotent wrath of his mother's confessor threw the
young Count into a merry mood. He flung himself, laughing,
into an armchair, and oidy after his first fit of mirth had
passed did he turn to Svietomir, who was still standing
mournfully by the table.
" Fear not, Svietomir," he said reassuringly. " Thou
wilt not be made to answer for this parley. If he beat thee
again, complain to me, and I will find the means to muzzle,
this German dog. To-night thou shalt sleep in my room.
We will let the first wrath of this fire-eater die away before
thou encounterest him again."
While the servant, at the young Count's command, was
preparing a bed for Svietomir, Vok himself ascended the
winding staircase to a room in the highest story of the tower
in which little Kryshanov was lodged. Here too the furnish-
ing was of the simplest description, but an abundant array
of swords, daggers, lances, gauntlets, cross-bows, and various
other implements of warfare gave a martial appearance to
the room.
A man of gigantic build was sitting at the table, reading
the Bible by the light of an oil lamp. This was Anton
PART I] THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA . 37
Broda — ^teacher of knightly arts at the castle. Broda
enjoyed the respect of the old Count and especially that of
Vok, to whom in earlier years he had been nurse, as he had
been later his instructor in the science of war.
At the entrance of young Waldstein, Broda rose, but the
boy made him a»sign to be seated again, and dragging
forward a beiich sat down at his side.
" Ah, Broda," he said gaily, " I must tell thee what has
occurred between Father Ilarius and me. He nearly burst
with rage when he discovered that I knew of his intrigue
with old Michael's daughter. Thou didst him a sorry turn
when thou toldst me of that escapade." And he related his
conversation with Svietomir, the purchase of the indulgence,
and the colUsion with the priest. " Thou seest, Anton, that
I have kept my word, and taken Svietomir under my pro-
tection," concluded the youth with a contented air.
" Grod will reward thee, sir, for a good deed. And I
can ill support the sobs and cries of that unhappy child when
the German dog torments him. That such a villain, such
a shameless libertine, should wear the priestly cassock ! "
"Now he is in my hands. But I would bid thee
remember, Broda, that while I have kept my promise thou
hast not yet kept thine. Thou wilt take me to one of the
secret meetings of which thou hast spoken ? "
Broda leant his elbows on the table and grew thoughtful.
" I have not brought myself to do so yet. Lord Vok,
because I am not sure whether thy father would approve.
But since thou dost so urgently desire it — ^let it be so !
Why, it is not a sin to gather in our fashion, to pray to God
as our fathers prayed, to speak of the misery of our country,
which no Bohemian can contemplate without a bleeding
heart. So, let us go next Saturday. I know that thou
wilt never betray me. . . ."
" That I swear by Christ ! "
After some further conversation the young Count went
38 THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA [past i
back to his room, and Anton resumed his reading of the
Bible.
A strange man was this Broda — preserved, and of a
severe and gloomy aspect. All the servants in the castle
feared him, yet they loved and respected him because of
his justice and integrity. Frequently, too, as they were
awate, he used his great influence over the young Count to
rescue people from misfortune, or from the wrath of the
German manager, a protege of the Countess.
His life had been stormy and full of adventure.
In those hard times his family had found it difficult to
live, since his father, a poor gentleman, possessed but a
small estate in the neighbourhood of the Kladburg monastery.
The indifEerence of Squire Nicholas and his family to
the religious observances of the Chnrch caused them to be
suspected of belonging to the ancient faith (which had been
pronounced heretical in the country), and of secretly
receiving communion in both kinds. This suspicion called
forth the disfavour of the prior, and it was known that he
was hotly desirous of purging the fold of such black sheep
who might infect the whole flock.
But in this case it was difficult, as Squire Nicholas kept
tight hold of his little piece of land, and was held in high
respect by the surrounding peasantry. His weakness,
however, was poverty, and in a difficult moment he was
forced to borrow money at a high rate of interest from a
German townsman. Two years later, while travelling to
the town to see his creditor, Squire Nicholas disappeared,
entirely without trace. The German presented his claim
for payment, and the debt appeared to be of such magnitude
that the whole property passed into his hands. The widow,
with her two children, Martin and Anton, was thrown into
the street. She soon died, carrying with her to the grave
the conviction that her husband, who on the day of his
disappearance had been carrying with him money for the
PART I] THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA 39
payment of his debt, had been done to death. This she
believed had occurred at the instigation of the creditor
himself, in order that he might become possessed of their
land, upon which he afterwards settled a nephew of
his own.
Alone in the world, without a farthing of money, Martin
and Anton, one eighteen years of age and the other sixteen,
were forced to adopt roving lives. Anton, who was dis-
tinguished by remarkable beauty and by gigantic strength
and stature, became a captain of mercenaries, and fought
in many battles, at first in his own country and afterwards
even in Italy in the army of the Duke of Mantua. But
through all the vicissitudes of his stormy life two feelings
were firmly imprinted upon his soul — ^love for his country
and invincible hatred of everything German.
Chance led him to Count Waldstein, who offered him
a place in his house as teacher of knightly accomplishments ;
and as that was an honourable and well-paid position, he
gladly accepted the offer. During the Count's long absence
in Prague Broda became a constant attendant at the
sermons of Mathew of Janov. To him, Germanism and
Catholicism were one, and were therefore equally detestable ;
so that he became a fervent partisan of reform. Old
religious memories awoke in him and bound him body and
soul to the Greek form of worship practised by his ancestors,
adherents to which continued secretly to exist. A few
years after entering the service of the Count, Broda saved
the life of the five-year-old Vok, who was being nearly
gored to death by an infuriated bull, and this feat not only
gained him the favour of his employers, but gave rise to a
close friendship between the boy and his rescuer.
Vok's fiery and coiurageous nature was dear to the heart
of the old warrior, and the little Count loved his tutor's tales
of war and hunting, and his legends of the ancient heroes
of Bohemia.
40 THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA [part i
All his bile and savage hatred o| everything German, all
his scorn for the priesthood in their depravity and blind
subservience to the foreigners, Anton poured into the young
Count's heart, and their conversations led inevitably to Vok's
entering into relations with the adherents of the ancient
faith, and his admission to their secret gatherings.
At length Count Waldstein arrived with Rugena at the
castle. Vok met them in the courtyard, bowed low to his
little betrothed, and helped her to ahght from the litter.
Taking in all the details of Rugena's appearance with one
proud glance he appeared satisfied with her and led her to
his mother. But Rugena regarded her bridegroom in an
unfriendly, almost inimical manner, and tried to with-
draw her hand from his. The Countess Waldstein also dis-
pleased her excessively, so that after submitting in silence
to her kisses and demonstrative embraces Rugena sat
stiffly down. The Countess, upon her part, appeared not
to notice the cold hostility of her future daughter-in-law,
and leading her afiectionately to a luxurious chamber set
apart for the wealthy heiress, bade her rest until evening.
Half an hour before supper the Countess came to her
again, and, bidding Itka accompany them, led Rugena to a
large room where were gathered to meet them the Bishop,
both Counts — ^father and son — ^the two priests, and the
principal servants of the castle, with the castellan and Broda
at their head. When all were assembled Count Ginek
solemnly announced that in conformity with the will of his
deceased cousin, which was in complete agreement with his
own desires, he further betrothed Rugena Rabstein to Vok,
Count Waldstein, his son, and that the joyful event would
be appropriately feasted at the conclusion of the period of
mourning for the heavy loss which the family had incurred ;
while the wedding itself would take place when the bride
had accomplished sixteen years of age.
Although Rugena was still a child she instinctively felt
the gravity of the moment and turned pale ; and when the
42 THE TORCH-BEAEERS OF BOHEMIA [part i
Count endeavoiired to join her hand with that of her future
bridegroom she tore it away and drew back.
" I don't want to ! " she whispered.
" Rugena ! " protested the Count in a severe voice, " I
did not think that thou wouldst oppose the will of thy dead
father ! The Lord Bishop there, who assisted at thy father's
last moments, can vouch for his desire. His Eminence in
the kindness of his heart expressed the wish to bless your
betrothal, and now thou art refusing like a capricious,
ill-taught little girl ! "
Rugena had been trained in a deep respect for the
Church and its servants, and had seen Brancaccio in friendly
relations with her father when he had last visited the castle.
In the face of such an authority her childish obstinacy melted
at once. Without further resistance she stretched out her
hand to the Bishop, who laid it in that of Vok and placed
an emerald ring upon her finger. Her soul was seized with
sudden anguish when she lifted her eyes to the face of her
betrothed and caught his gloomy, displeased glance. With
difficulty she kept back the tears that trembled on her long,
thick lashes.
At the supper-table the betrothed couple were placed in
seats of honour, and when their health was toasted Bran-
caccio made a speech setting forth the sanctity of the bonds
of love and duty which united them. Rugena, observant
and developed beyond her years, observed that the Bishop's
words provoked a disdainful smile from Vok, and this want
of reverence for the words of an orator of such high dignity
surprised and grieved her, so that when at last she went to
her room with Itka, who was waiting to undress her, she
burst into despairing sobs. Erom these she did not cease —
in spite of the nurse's attempts at consolation — until at
last sleep came to relieve her weary body and aching heart.
The next day Rugena was calmer when she awoke. A
PART I] THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA 43
great box of toys and sweetmeats sent by her betrothed
somewhat conciliated her. She was also interested in the
unpacking of the various objects brought from her home, and •
at last she went out into the garden to play with Perouna.
Running with the dog along the shady alleys she remem-
bered her walks with her father, and her gaiety suddenly
disappeared. A feeling of loneliness wrung her heart, and
the tears gushed from her eyes. With drooping head she
sat down upon a bench, while Perouna stretched himself
out at her feet.
Suddenly, through her tears, she perceived a boy, with
a book in his hands, sitting beneath a tree not far away.
He was looking at her with some curiosity. His pale little
face and big sorrowful eyes attracted Rugena, and diverted
her sad thoughts.
" Who art thou ? What art thou doing here ? " she
asked, forgetting everything else in her newly awakened
interest.
" I am Svietomir," answered the boy hesitatingly ;
" and I am learning the Latin lesson set me."
" Thy name is Svietomir like my father's ? " exclaimed
Rugena in astonishment. " Come here quickly, and tell me
where thou livest and what thou art."
But the boy did not move.
She ran to him, took his hand, and led him back to
her seat.
" How beautiful thou art ! Thou must be Vok's
betrothed ! " said Svietomir, looking at her in delight.
With her big bright eyes and masses of curly golden hair
Rugena seemed to him, indeed, like some unearthly vision.
" Yes, but I should like better not to be betrothed to
him, he is wicked," she said.
" But that is not true. Vok is good and kind, and he
protects me," Svietomir asserted — with such warmth that
Rugena was disconcerted.
a THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA [pakt i
" But who art thou that thou hast need of protection,
and protection from whom ? " she asked, half in astonish-
ment and half in scorn.
" I am an orphan. Count Waldstein took me out of
cTiarity to educate me. My name is Svietomir Kryshanov."
" Sigismund Kryshanov often came to visit my father
in Prague ; but he was a rich noble."
" He was my second cousin."
" And why dost thou not live with him ? "
" He and his brother were enemies to my father who is
dead ; but I know not why. And when my father was
killed in the last war between the nobles and the King they
would not acknowledge me. We had nothing left then.
Count Waldstein was my father's friend and took me home
with him, and it is now seven years since I came to live
here. When I grow up I am to be a priest, though I have
no desire at all to be one." And Svietomir sighed deeply.
" If Vok is thy protector he will not let them make thee
one by force."
" Oh, he has not so much power ! It is his mother who
desires that I should be a priest. And when her confessor.
Father Ilarius, beats me and starves me with fasts, so that
I know not what to do for hunger, Vok feeds me secretly."
" I shall think better of Vok now. But thou shalt no
longer hunger. Come to me, and thou shalt have as many
dainties as thou canst wish. And I will tell the Countess
that thou art my friend and that thy preceptor must set
thee free when I desire it, that thou mayest play with me."
The conversation grew still more intimate. The loneli-
ness of their positions as orphans in a strange house drew
them to one another. Svietomir was much nearer to
Rugena in years and character than Vok, who was almost
a grown youth. They separated with warm embraces and
a promise to meet and play together as often as possible.
VI
On the Saturday morning Vok begged permission of his
father to set forth on a hunting tour which might keep him
absent until the evening of the following day. The Count
was a passionate hunter himself, and gave his consent the
more freely for knowing that with Broda his son would
be in safe hands. Having breakfasted heartily and armed
themselves thoroughly — not only for the purpose of hunting
but for that of self-defence in case of an unexpected attack —
they rode out of the courtyard.
They talked together as they rode. Broda related to
the young Count how his father had suffered for his attach-
ment to old customs, and how, in his youth, in the time of
King John, he had heard John of Moravia preach.
Towards evening they entered a thick wood in a hilly
part of the country, intersected by ravines and rocks. They
turned aside into a path and rode straight forward along
a roadless track, guided by the setting sun. The wind
swayed the tree-tops and the wood seemed haunted by a dull
uncanny moaning sound. A wilderness lay spread around
them, and the gathering darkness made it look still more
gloomy and forbidding. At length Broda stopped his horse.
" Alight, sir ! Here we must leave the horses and go
forward on foot," he said.
" Shall we find them later in such darkness ? " Vok
anxiously inquired.
" Don't be afraid. I know this place well," said Broda,
springing to the ground.
They unharnessed and tethered the horses and Broda,
taking his pupil's arm, turned into the thickest part of the
forest. But they had only proceeded a few paces when the
46 THE TORCH-BEAEEES OF BOHEMIA [part i
figure of a man holding a naked sword appeared from behind
a tree and barred their way.
" Who comes ? " he asked.
" Brothers, on their way to the Temple of Sion ! "
answered Broda. " Let us pass, Juste ; and have a care
of our horses."
After a few moments they emerged from the wood.
Before them lay a narrow though deep hollow beset with
rocks. Deep in the hollow red flames here and there
twinkled amid the darkness.
" Here is our meeting-place. We are just in time," said
Broda, and began carefully descending a path which turned
and twisted like a snake.
Nearly two hundred people were gathered on a little
meadow in the hollow's depths. They were of various
aspects and ages, and of both sexes. Most of them were
peasants, but there were nobles and craftsmen among them.
On all faces could be read the solemn influence of the
moment.
An altar had been arranged upon a large elevated stone,
and a number of torches lit up the big silver cross, the Bible
in its gilded cover, and the tall figure of the old priest. His
thin face wore an inspired expression, and his eyes shone
with fervour.
Vok and Broda made their way through the crowd and
fell on their knees to the right of the altar.
" Sad times have fallen upon us, my brethren," the
preacher was saying ; and his deep, sonorous, impressive
voice resounded through the valley. "A heavy load
oppresses us, for the true sons of Christ must perforce gather
like thieves in the night to celebrate the holy sacraments.
But let us not lose heart ! The earlier Christians suffered
more than we. They too gathered in secret, underground
places, hiding from the wrath of impious heathens. We
flee the wrath of the thrice-crowned, double-visaged
PART I] THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA 47
Antichrist, who, like a rotten apple, hath fallen apart, one half
being enthroned in Rome, the other in Avignon. And the
heathens, swollen with pride and swayed by passions, have
dared to conceal the truths of the Gospel behind their own
conceits. When did the Saviour say that His Word should
be preached in a tongue unknown to the hearers ? Yet we
are tied to the Latin mass, and they would affirm that the
Bohemian tongue is not worthy to be spoken in presence
of the altar. Are not all tongues and nations equal before
the Lord 1 . . .
" But that is nothing to the audacious sacrilege of their
attempt upon the most holy of all the sacraments — the
Holy Eucharist — by which they dare to separate that which
Christ united for ever. Breaking the bread He said, ' Take ye
and eat ; this is My body ' ; and He gave them the cup with
these words, ' Take ye and drink, all of ye, for this is My blood
of the New Testament.' Against these words of Christ as
agaiiist a rock should be shattered all the vain babble, all
the idle controversies of man. But unhappily it is not so.
Some through weakness and ignorance, others through
baseness and vanity, allow themselves to be deprived
of such a priceless blessing as the chalice, that recep-
tacle of the blood of Christ, that inexhaustible source of
spiritual welfare, of health to body and soul. We will
be faithful to Christ's commandments ; and no misusage
shall prevent us from gathering to pray after the manner
of our fathers ! . . ."
An approving murmur greeted the words of the preacher.
The service was brought to a conclusion, and the priest
began to give the communion in both kinds, the worshippers
passing in turn before the chalice, calmly and ecstatically
observing the dictates of the Eastern faith, The picture,
illuminated only by the light of the torches, was inexpres-
sibly solemn, and seemed as though impregnated with
something mystical.
48 THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA [part i
Vok was infected by the bearing of tbe rest and of their
religious exaltation, especially impressive to his ardent
young soul. Trembling with emotion he approached the
altar, and, for the first time in his life, partook of the body
and blood of Christ.
The communion ended, the altar and the other holy
objects were hidden away. Bonfires were lighted. The
worshippers mingled together and sat down upon the grass.
Roast meat, wine, and bread were produced from a great
basket, and a brotherly feast commenced.
When their first hunger was satisfied, and when the
wine-cups had circulated freely, Broda arose, and all eyea
turned towards him.
" Friends and brothers in Christ ! " he said. " Our
revered Father Nicholas has just fortified our souls by
communion and by the wisdom of his words. Let an old
soldier put before you some thoughts which have been given
rise to by the experiences of a long life, and by the sermon
we have just been hearing. It is true that we, like thieves,
gather secretly to worship God, which every Christian
should be free to do in the light of a^y. And why ? What
people are the cause of this unjust oppression 1 The
foreigners ! The Italian Pope and his devilish abettors the
Germans ! When the Emperor Charles still reigned the
chalice was offered, unopposed, to the faithful. The
Emperor and Empress at their coronation communicated
in both kinds. And now ? Since the university was opened
the foreigners have assumed such power that the Germans
have placed their feet upon our heads and have forced us
even to deny the. teachings of Christ. Who are they who
with most strength and obstinacy stand for that sacri-
legious innovation — communion by bread alone ? The
German professors and students who drive us from the
university, as the burghers drive us from the towns, and the
settlers from the soil. Is that not the height of effrontery ?
PART I] THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA 49
Has not the time yet arisen to place limits to the humiliation
of our nation ? Yes, my friends and brethren ! I feel that
the day of the decisive struggle is rapidly approaching, and
each of us must be prepared for ruthless warfare, since peace
between us and the Germans means — our ruin ! Our
enemy is a terrible enemy. He welcomes any means for
our destruction. Neither conscience, nor honour nor
humanity can stay him. Violence, perfidy, villainy and
deceit — all are fit weapons to be used against us. But one
thing he has forgotten — ^that we are those same Bohemians
from whom great heroes have sprung, such as Zabo of
wondrous valour and the doughty Benik Germanovitch.
He has forgotten that on the day when our country awakens
she will crush the German serpent beneath her heel. Let
us prepare fighters and leaders for that day, my brothers.
Let us each work as best he can ; to sustain those who falter ;
to uphold those who are striving for our country, our
customs, and our tongue ; who seek to win for us our rightful
place of habitation.
"The aim is worth the struggle, Bohemia for the
Bohemians, the free and happy life of ancient times under
the protection of our ancient laws — and the expulsion of
the foreigners ! "
Broda was filled with animation. His ejres flashed with
zeal and courage, and his powerful hand clutched at the
dagger in his belt.
With his broad, mighty figure, his strong face eloquent of
firmness and intelligence, he seemed in the reddish light of
the fires and torches like an incarnation of those legendary
heroes whose names he had mentioned, like an impersona-
tion of that patient, heroic Bohemian nation which twelve
centuries of incessant struggle has failed to subdue, which
till to-day stands like a valiant, faithful sentry at the gates
of Slavdom.
Those listening to his words were conscious of the warm
50 THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA [paet i
access of love for their fatherland and faith in its destiny
which emanated from this future soldier of Zizka's army.
From all lips, even those of women, burst forth the simul-
taneous cry :
" Long live Bohemia ! Death to the Germans ! "
Then the old priest arose.
" Nothing can be accomplished, my brethren, without
the help of God ! Let us not pray to our Heavenly Father
for the death of the sinners, but for their removal, remem-
bering the words of the Lord : ' Vengeance is Mine, and
I will repay ! ' "
He sank upon his knees and chanted a prayer which the
rest repeated after him in chorus :
" King of Heaven ! Hear us. Thy people ! Incline unto
us and send unto our days prosperity ! "
After the prayer another meeting for the following
spring was arranged. Then those present swore one to
another to maintain an indefatigable struggle against the
enemy, and after some further time spent in conversation
the meeting silently dispersed.
All this produced an overwhelming effect upon Vok's
impressionable nature. For a long timg he rode in silent
thought by Broda's side. Then, suddenly seizing his hand
and bending towards him in the saddle, he whispered
passionately :
" Broda, I too will work for the delivery of our country,
and for the preservation of Christ's Word ! "
" I believe thee, sir, and will rely upon thy promise !■
Let but all rich and powerful people such as thou unite with
us and we shall triumph. . . . But remember one thing :
all that thou seest and hearest must be kept in unbroken
secrecy. And now at dawn we must indeed go hunting so
as not to return home empty-handed, and thereby awake
suspicion," Broda said, smiling.
VII
RuGENA little by little grew accustomed to her new sur-
roundings. The Count and his wife tried by every means
within their power to attach the child to them, indulging
her, and giving in to her slightest caprice ; and as conse-
quence of such kind treatment there was soon established
a good understanding between Rugena and her gay, kind-
hearted guardian. But the little girl still maintained her
antipathy for the Countess in spite of all that lady's
amiability. Nothing could conquer Rugena's instinctive
dislike of her aunt. Vok was also kind and attentive to his
little betrothed, in whose budding beauty he even took
some pride. The considerable difference in their ages,
however, prevented at that time any real attachment
between them ; besides which the lively and enterprising
nature of the youth frequently drove him forth from the
dull and monotonous life of his father's house, and kept
him absent for weeks, even months at a time.
Rugena's inseparable companion and best-loved friend
was Svietomir. His life had changed considerably since the
arrival of the little lady, whose protection proved to be more
powerful and efficient than that of Vok.
Rugena, with her fine and penetrating intelligence, at
once became aware that her guardians were endeavouring
to please and attract her ; and as the Count was still more
indulgent to her than his wife she asked him that Svietomir
might sit next to her at table. If at any time he were
absent from his place she would touch nothing. With no
less obstinacy she insisted that he should be allowed to
play with her as soon as he had finished his lessons ; and
the first time Father Ilarius dared to use the rod to him
52 THE TOECH-BEAEERS OF BOHEMIA [part i
Eugena sobbed so bitterly and was so distracted that the
Countess implored her confessor to be more careful in his
behaviour towards his pupil, and not to cause dissension
between her and her future daughter-in-law about such a
trifle as the teaching of " that blockhead " Svietomir.
So life ran on comparatively peacefully at Castle Wald-
stein, but without its walls political events of the greatest
importance were occurring, which bathed Bohemia in blood
and plunged her into all the horrors of, civil warfare.
A few months after Eugena's arrival the Count departed
to the court of King Venceslas, who was then awaiting the
arrival of his brother, Sigismund, King of Hungary.
This perfidious and dishonest man had all his life cast
envious eyes upon the inheritance of King Venceslas. He
had in every possible way abused his brother's trust, and
hoped now to make use of the approaching meeting to con-
clude finally the secret agreement he had made against him
with the Austrian lords and dukes. Securing the King's con-
sent to his appointment as viceroy, he on the first convenient
occasion confined Venceslas within his own court. The two
following years were years of tumult and ceaseless warfare.
Sigismund crushed the country beneath a load of taxes,
and dehvered it over to hordes of inimical Magyars by whose
inroads Bohemia was despoiled by fire and plunder like a
conquered land.
Sigismund's behaviour filled the people with dismay, and
arrayed upon the side of Venceslas a considerable number of
the nobility. The occupation of Kutna Hora, from which
place Sigismund stole his brother's treasure and extorted a
pitiless redemption, still more augmented the universal
indignation.
Waldstein took an active part in all these events, and
in most of his military expeditions he was accompanied by
his son, who soon distinguished himself by his great courage
PART I] THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA 53
in battle. It seemed indeed that Vok's hot, impulsive
nature had been especially created for a life of warfare.
Their own castle was provided with a garrison and stocked
with provisions, while Broda was appointed principal com-
mander and supervisor, since it was possible to place full
confidence in his fidelity and experience. Only at times,
therefore, did the Count himself return home for a few days
to see his family, inspect the guard, and give certain
necessary orders.
On one of these visits he brought with him a little girl
a year or two older than Rugena, whom he designed as a
companion for her. The child's name was Anna, and she
was the sister of a young Bohemian noble, John Zizka of
Trocnov, an adherent to the Eling's party, and long a sworn
enemy of Heinrich Rosenberg.
VIII
It was the 25th of December, 1408, and Christmas was being
celebrated in the city of Prague. The whole town was in
movement. In the squares, in hastily erected wooden
booths, tradesmen were briskly selling their wares : toys,
cakes, sweetmeats, various holy objects, and so on.
Wandering acrobats were exhibiting their strength and
agility ; fortune-tellers mingled with the crowds ; while
some sort of wizard, balancing himself upon a waggon, pro-
claimed for sale various secrets for imparting beauty,
charms for awakening love, pomades warranted to restore
grey hair to its original colour, infusions warranted to cure
all disorders, and charmed money warranted to bring good
trade. The merry, laughing, jostling crowd was consuming
the sweetmeats, listening to the prophecies, and buying all
sorts of drugs and talismans. Nevertheless, an observant
spectator would have noticed that the gaiety and careless-
ness of the crowd was rather assumed than real, save
perhaps in the women and children.
Men were gathered in groups loudly discussing, in
Bohemian or in German, various questions relating to Pope
Gregory XII., the King, John Hus, the council at Pisa,
and the distribution of votes according to nationalities in
the University. It must be remarked that the Germans and
Bohemians gathered separately, and that the inimical
glances and provocative remarks which they exchanged
boded no good.
Two men in dark cloaks were walking silently across the
great square in the new town, mixing with none of the
chattering groups. One of these was Broda, the teacher of
knightly accomplishments at the castle of Count Waldstein-
PART 1] THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA 55
■The passage of the years seemed at first to have left no
traces upon him : his tall and mighty figure was just as
straight and supple ; he betrayed the same calm faith in
his gigantic strength and vigorous health ; his keen eyes
had not lost their fire, and looked sternly out from beneath
their overhanging brows. Only the silver threads among
his hair, and the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes gave
hint that he too must at length succumb to the ravages
of time.
Broda's companion was a young man of about twenty,
tall and slight. His face was pale and tender-hued as that
of a girl, his features were regular, and his head was covered
with thick, fair hair. His mild grey eyes shone with intelli-
gence. At that moment a look of sadness was clouding his
gaze, and there was an expression of discontent upon his
red, delicately chiselled lips.
The couple reached the corner of the square, lost in
silent thought. Near by stood an eating-house, and through
the wide-open door could be seen a big room set out with
benches and tables. At the further end of the room was
a counter covered with bottles and tankards. Joints of
meat and various kinds of game hung roasting upon spits
in front of the enormous hearth, and the warm, appetising
smell penetrated even into the street. Broda stopped,
inhaling the tempting odour, and said, turning to his
companion :
" Let us enter, Svietomir ! We'll eat some goose and
drink a glass of wine ! Thou hast eaten nothing to-day, and
that is not right. Devil take it, thou art not yet a monk !
Right thinking comes not from an empty stomach."
The young man glanced into the room, and, as though
to dispel unwelcome thoughts, passed his hand across his face.
" Come then," he said ; " only the place is filled with
Germans, and they are most likely drunk."
" Why, heed them not ! Shall we incommode ourselves.
66 THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA [pakt i
forsooth, fearing to disturb them ? " asked Broda, derisively.
As he spoke he entered the eating-house.
The room was filled to overflowing, and nearly all the
tables were occupied by Germans — monks, burghers, and
students. Only at the far end, near the fireplace, one or
two groups of Bohemians sat and conversed, almost in
whispers. They were for the most part tradesmen or
workers. Broda and Svietomir took places at a table
already occupied by two — a student and a fat merchant.
These glanced askance at the new-comers, and theil continued
talking loudly with others at a neighbouring table.
They were discussing, in German, the burning topics of
the day : the dissensions between the rival Popes, to which
the congress of cardinals in Pisa was to have put an end,
and the distribution of votes at the University. The
student was relating how a few days previously the rector,
Heinrich von Baltenhagen, had summoned a great con-
ference at which representatives of the Archbishop had
assisted, and how, after an animated debate and a splendid
speech from Master Gubner, the majority had decided that
the University and the priesthood should remain faithful
to Pope Gregory XII.
" A just and wise decision ! Christians cannot make
sport of conscience according to the demands of the moment,
and cast a Pope away as though he were an apple and not
the head of the Christian Church," shouted the richly-clad,
red-faced burgher.
" Aye, thou art right, Gotthold ! We all will remain
loyal to Pope Gregory XII. After the decision of so august
an assembly the King will never yield to the slanders of the
Wycliffites and grant his approval to the cardinals," added
another German.
" Let us hope so ! And indeed it were time that a
check were put to the shameless intrigues of these sectarians.
Thanks to them Bohemia has been suspected of heresy and
PART I] THE TOECH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA 57
put to shame in the face of the Christian world," said the
first burgher ; and added some ofEensive words concerning
the Bohemian national party, and its attempts to uphold
the rights of its people.
" They will achieve nothing, for we are the head and
hands of the country ! What would these stupid savages
be without us ? They would wallow in their ignorance like
cattle had not we Germans blessed them with our science
and commerce, our laws and customs, which have made
them into human beings ! " said the student boastfully.
With a side-glance at Svietomir, whose face had flushed
and paled alternately at his insolent words, he continued
in a mocking tone :
" I repeat, they will achieve nothing, for we are a master
race, created to command the lower races. But in order to
avoid useless worry, and to put an end once for all to their
ridiculous pretensions it were better to cut out the tongues
of such dangerous chatterboxes as John Hus and Jerome.
They preach not piety, but set hatred alight. They fling
themselves like dogs upon the higher spiritual dignitaries,
and rejoice that they can spread their filth before the boot-
makers and swineherds and such-like trash who are ready
to listen to them."
Broda appeared not to pay the slightest attention to the
provocative speeches of his neighbour, but attacked his slice
of goose with appetite, drinking his wine, and only bestowing
a passing glance from time to time at the fat burgher, whose
red, greasy face shone with conceit. But at the name of
Hus he pushed his plate away, and turning to the German
struck, his fist upon the table with the words :
" Enough of this ! I would counsel you to leave the
preacher of the Bethlehem chapel in peace ! Who should
be a scourge of vice if not he — the model of all Christian
virtues ? "
" What has it to do with thee, blockhead ? " the student
58 THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA [part i
interrupted indignantly. "Thy model of virtues is a
heretic, whom the Bang will burn alive one of these fine
days, as he hath lately promised. Now, the dog is sick of
fright, and will die of it, they say."
" 'Tis not worth thy heat, Gotthold ! What have we
to do with this Bohemian vagabond ? " the fat burgher
remarked with a disdainful laugh. " He is belike one of
Hus's swineherds of whom thou hast just spoken."
" 'Tis true, thou German drunkard ! " roared Broda.
" I am a swineherd, and this is how I deal with foreign
swine when they dare fall upon my herd."
He rose threateningly to his full height, and in an instant,
before anybody knew what was happening, he was at the
German's elbow. Clutching him with one hand by the belt
and with the other by his collar he lifted him like a child
into the air and flung him from the room. The German
flew over the tables like a stone from a catapult, and crashed
upon the pavement without, overturning several of the
passers-by.
A commotion arose in the street, but within the room,
for the first few moments, deathlike silence reigned. Then
the Germans rose in a body, with furious cries and oaths.
Weapons gleamed in their hands and jugs and tankards
flashed above their heads, despite the heated protests of
the host.
At that moment the burgher who had been flung out
appeared in the doorway, and foaming at the mouth with
rage rushed like a madman upon Broda. But the latter,
who, like S\ietomir, had drawn his sword, repulsed the
attackers with the greatest composure. The other Bohe-
mians present joined them, and a general scrimmage began.
The terrible cries and noise, and the sound of breaking
crockery, tables, and benches soon gathered a crowd about
the outer door. The spectators also, with words if not with
deeds, took a lively part in the proceedings.
PART I] THE TORCH-BEAREES OF BOHEMIA 59
Broda and Svietomir with the aid of their weapons fought
their way to the door, and had scarcely emerged into the
street when a detachment of the guard, summoned by one
of the townsmen, appeared upon the field of battle. But
the majority of the spectators were upon the side of Broda,
the fame of whose deed had spread from mouth to mouth ;
and the crowd made way for him and his companion, pro-
tecting them like a wall.
They had succeeded in escaping down a side-street long
before the guard had been made to understand what had
occurred.
" A sound lesson thou gavest that German braggart ! "
said Svietomir, laughing, as he walked behind Broda in the
narrow lane.
" Now that he has flattened his nose upon the pavement
he will not carry it so high ! Come, to Zizka's. I must
needs tell him of our adventure. He will be mightily
diverted," said Broda, merrily.
They crossed the famous bridge built by Charles IV.
across the Moldau, and turned into a deserted winding by-
street in the old town.
It was already night when they stopped at the door
of a poor-looking house, and they were obliged to grope
their way up the narrow crooked staircase. At length they
knocked at a door from beneath which a ray of light could
be observed.
The room was spacious, but simply furnished. A large
bed with bright-coloured curtains stood against the wall,
and at a table in the middle of the room upon which an
oil lamp was burning, three people sat. They were an
old woman, as clean as an apple ; a little girl who was
playing with a wooden sheep ; and a young man of about
thirty with a clever, courageous face. His dark eyes shone
forth sternly from beneath thick brows. One felt an
exuberance of hidden force in him, and his whole appearance
60 THE TORCH-BEAEERS OF BOHEMIA [part i
was expressive of inherent austerity, curiously mingled with
nobility, and even magnanimity.
Zizka, for this was Zizka, was dressed — ^as was Broda —
after the Pohsh manner. He was sitting, writing ; but at
the entrance of the guests he rose to greet them, and
turning to the old woman who was shaking hands with
them, said :
" Take the child away, dear aunt, and bring us some
wine."
" Thy little child is lovely and well-grown," observed
Broda as they took their seats around the table.
" She remarkably resembles my departed wife, and my
aunt cherishes her as though she were her daughter," said
Zizka, pouring wine into the brass wine-cups which the old
woman had brought.
Broda began relating the incident in the eating-house in
a voice which, though contented, at times grew angry.
Zizka in his turn described a courageous attack against
Rosenberg which he had carried out some months before,
when, at the head of his doughty comrades, he had devas-
tated the property of his all-mighty enemy, and extorted a
ransom from him.
Svietomir took no part in the conversation, and fell
again into a fit of gloomy abstraction, seeing and hearing
nothing.
" What is amiss with Svietomir ? He seems so strange
to-night," Zizka remarked, observing him attentively.
" The poor youth received sad news yesterday evening,
and I know not how to help him, answered Broda with a
sigh. " Thus it is : thou knowest that the Countess
Waldstein — ^the devil knows wherefore — has bethought
herself to make Svietomir a priest, notwithstanding his
loathing for the sacred calling. Thinking he had two years
before him we were quite at ease, when yesterday, of a
sudden, came a command to him to repair straightway to the
PART I] THE TOECH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA 61
Brevnovsk Monastery, there to become a novice. Had
they but caused hina to enter the secular priesthood one
could have bought a parish for him and so assured his future.
But to make a monk of him ! . . ."
" I desire neither the one nor the other ! I will cast
myself into the Moldau rather than let them shave me ! "
Svietomir said firmly, his voice trembling with agitation.
" Well, well, if thou so little valuest thy life then lay it
down for something high and useful," said Zizka. " A
thought hath entered my head. In a few days I go to
Cracow, where I have friends among the Polish nobles.
Come thou with me and enter the service of King Vladislav.
Young warriors are everywhere and at all times gladly
welcomed, and I think I can help thee on this path and gain
for thee the favour of the highest nobles. What dost thou
say to that ? "
Svietomir's face shone with joy.
"With all my heart! " he cried gladly, stretching out both
hands to Zizka. " Take me with thee, John, and I swear I
will put thee to no shame ! I am ready in all honesty to fight
and die for the King. And I shall be free, and enabled to
cast ofi the yoke they would hang about my neck in exchange
for shelter and a crust of bread."
Zizka warmly returned his grasp.
" Our hands upon it, then ! For the present seem to
submit ; and later thou shalt set forth upon the road to
Cracow instead of that which leads to Brevnov. So here's to
the sword instead of the tonsure."
" To the sword ! " cried Svietomir, joyfully toasting him.
And then, having arranged a few more details of this
project so unexpectedly arisen, the friends separated.
After many years of emptiness and solitude the ancient
Castle of Rabstein had again received its young mistress
beneath its roof. It was six months since Rugena, with her
62 THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA [past i
friend Anna and her devoted servants Itka and Matthias,
had taken up her abode again in the home of her fathers.
She lived in complete solitude, rarely quitting the castle
and receiving nobody.
During all the preceding years she had lived in Wald-
stein Castle, with the exception of two winters she had passed
with her guardians in Prague.
Countess Waldstein, absorbed in her extreme piety, and
exceedingly economical, held aloof from society. She was,
besides, anxious that Rugena should not make her appear-
ance in the world until she was safely married. The Countess
feared, not without cause, that the rich and lovely heiress
would attract admirers who might be dangerous rivals to
Vok. She even regarded the childish attachment between
Rugena and Svietomir with suspicion, and did not rest until
the latter was despatched to Prague, there to enter the
University.
Rugena was greatly grieved at the separation- from the
friend of her childhood, and her dejection was still further
increased by the indisposition occasioned by a bad chill she
had caught at a hunt to which she had been taken for dis-
traction.
A few months after Svietomir's departure she became so
seriously ill that fears were even entertained for her life.
Although she recovered from this illness her health was
impaired, and the doctor insisted that her marriage should
be delayed for a year or two. At this time they were
awaiting the return of Vok from France, whither he had gone
to amuse and disport himself; when the Countess suddenly
received the unexpected news of her inheritance in Italy,
and decided to hasten there without delay. She wished to
take Rugena with her, but the young girl did not like the
plan.
At their first meeting the Countess had produced a dis-
agreeable impression upon her, and neither time nor the
PART I] THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA 63
caresses and attention of hei aunt had been able to conquer
the instinctive repulsion she felt for her. Besides which she
excessively disliked the Countess's Italian relative who had
sometimes visited them in Bohemia ; and had no desire to
sufier this lady's hospitality and society for several months.
Therefore she declared that she would like, during her aunt's
absence, to return to the old castle, which she had not seen
since her father's death, in order to pray by his grave and
pass the last months of her girlhood in solitude.
Her guardian unhesitatingly gave his consent. The
country was comparatively peaceful at that time, the castle
was strongly fortified and provided with a sufficient guard,
and it was near enough to Prague for the Count to visit
during his intervals of freedom from service upon the King.
With the deepest joy, therefore, Rugena returned to the spot
wh^re the happiest years of her life had been passed, where
every object reminded her of the father she had adored.
One bright, though cold January morning the friends
were sitting together in the room which had formerly served
as a study to Baron Rabstein.
Anna was diligently at^work upon a white silk altar-
cloth which she was embroidering with vine-leaves in
different coloured silks. She was a pretty girl, fresh and
blooming, and her black hair was twisted into two heavy
plaits which reached her knees. Her small aquiline nose
and her mouth with its expression of energy slightly
resembled those of her brother ; but her large dark eyes,
so mild and joyful, in no way recalled Zizka's stern and
thoughtful gaze.
Rugena was doing nothing. She sat, reclining against
the high back of her armchair, gazing thoughtfully through
the window at the widespread winter landscape. Near
her, on a cushion, lay her favourite dog, whose head, as she
thus sat dreaming, Rugena from time to time mechanically
fondled.
64 THE TORCH-BEAREES OF BOHEMIA [pakt i
She had fulfilled her early promise of great beauty. She
was a radiant and lovely girl, tall and graceful, with a clear
pale face, large dark-blue eyes of extraordinary lustre, and
boldly pencilled brows. Her hair had retained the golden
tinge of childhood, and the thick plait gleamed bright against
the dark-blue material of her dress. With the stately grace
of her young figure, the smooth rose-hued skin of her tender
face, her mass of curls, and her clear bright gaze, she resem-
bled one of those dream-like ethereal forms the creation of
which was the triumph of the brush of Era Angelico.
Suddenly Rugena's dreamy gaze became alert, and she
sat up in her chair.
" Two horse-riders are approaching the castle. Look,
Anna, who can they be 1 " she asked, gazing fixedly through
the window.
Anna pushed aside her embroidery-frame and also
approached the window.
" They are far still, and so encumbered with their cloaks
that it is difficult to distinguish them. Maybe thy betrothed
hath sent thee a letter by a messenger."
" I doubt that Vok would spend so much time upon me,"
laughed Rugena. "He is at the Court now, and such
attention would assuredly not enter his mind. But think
not that it grieves me or that I thirst to see him or have news
of him. I am so happy here that I should like well to stay
here. And, thou, Anna 1 "
" I am always happy with thee, and 'tis my fondest wish
never to part from thee," said Anna, tenderly kissing her
friend.
The horsemen disappeared through the entrance to the
courtyard, and a few minutes later the sound of the horn at
the gates announced the approach of guests.
Though both girls w6re extremely anxious to know who
had arrived they awaited the announcement, and when a
little page ran in breathless to inform his mistress that John
PAET I] THE TORCH-BEAREES OF BOHEMIA 65
of Trocnov and Svietomir Kryshanov were below they both
flew to meet the new-comers.
Anna flung herself upon her brother's neck and Rugena
was about to do the same with Svietomir ; but the three
years of separation had so changed her friend that she
stopped short in confusion and at length stretched forth
her hand, which the youth repeatedly pressed to his lips.
" Heavens, how pleased am I to see thee ! I have so
much to speak of and to hear from thee. But wait, dear
one," she said with a smile, withdrawing her hand, " I have
yet to greet thy companion."
When the greetings had been exchanged Rugena turned
joyfully to her friend, with the words ;
" See to thy brother, Anna ! Order that rooms be at
once prepared for him and Svietomir, and that food be served
to them without delay. And forget not to make additions
to our supper. Let us go to the dining-hall."
After a hearty meal the young hostesses and their guests
separated in pairs. Anna wished to speak with her brother
before taking leave of him, and Rugena to question Svietomir
on many things. As in the days of their childhood she led
him to her room, and they sat together before the fire.
The first impression which had made this close friend
seem a stranger to her little by little died away.
Noticing Svietomir's gaze fixed upon her with un-
concealed dehght, she said to him with her accustomed
frankness :
" Why dost thou gaze with such attention at me ? "
" I cannot refrain from admiring thee. My God, how
lovely thou art, Rugena ! Thou art so like an angel that I
look for thy wings ! "
Rugena burst into laughter.
" Hast thou nothing more sensible to say to me ? But
not to be outdone in courtesy, I will tell thee that thou art
grown and improved in looks, and that the down upon thy
66 THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA [vmr i
Up becomes thee mightily. Now, let us speak of other
things ! Tell me how thou hast chanced hither with John 1 "
Svietomir related what was impelling him to flee to
Poland.
" And I profited with the chance to say farewell to thee,
perhaps for ever. For who knows what may lie before a
poor soldier ? And what dost thou think of my plan ? "
During his recital Rugena's face, in spite of her new self-
control, had expressed the emotion she felt.
" Why speak thus of eternal separation ! " she began,
trying to speak cheerfully. " Cracow is not at the world's
end, and not all perish in warfare. I am firmly persuaded
that we shall meet again, and I approve thy decision. 'Tis
unworthy to be a priest after the kind of Father Ilarius, and
thou wilt never make a second Father John, I think."
" True ! The very thought of debating with him
seemeth sacrilege to me ! " Svietomir said, warmly. "Master
John is — a saint, whose knowledge is equal to his virtue !
All in Prague who are poor, suffering, or unfortunate
hasten to him. And for all he has help and comfort.
The Queen reveres him ; the most powerful honour and
respect him — and thinkest thou that he is proud of this ?
In no wise ! He is mild and humble, accessible to all, and
useth rich and poor alike. And what a preacher ! His
words kindle and inspire the soul ; one's conscience trembles
in listening to him, one is ashamed of one's spiritual poverty ;
one resolves with all one's strength to rise to better things.
And when he begins to thunder against the vice of men,
without distinction of rank. Holy Saviour ! it seems as if
Michael the archangel himself were making ready to smite
the fiends ! Broda and I have not missed one of his sermons.
The Queen herself often visits the Bethlehem chapel."
"I love and honour Master John with all my heart.
During the two winters we spent in Prague he schooled me
in faith and gave me my first communion. Vok and my
PART I] THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA 67
guardian revere him highly, and pronounce him Bohemia's
good genius."
" Undoubtedly he is that ! He knows how to waken
love for the Fatherland in the soul ! Now too, he is at work
to improve Bohemian orthography, that our tongue may be
as pure and pliant as the Latin, and that the Germans may
no longer term it the jargon of savages."
Having chanced upon this subject Svietomir described
the whole course of the struggle of the Bohemians in the
University. In this manner the hours passed imperceptibly
until supper-time, after which all repaired to their rooms.
But Rugena, before retiring to rest, summoned Matthias to
her, and ordered him to prepare a couple of the finest riding
horses for Svietomir, and a complete set of weapons, which
she herself would select from among those belonging to her
father. Then she went with him to the secret room near
the library where the objects they had hidden long ago were
still preserved.
Ordering that two saddle-bags should be filled with
money, she began her selection from among the weapons
and objects of gold, laying aside for Svietomir a dagger,
its handle embossed with precious stones, a sword with an
Italian blade, and a richly worked silver drinking-cup.
When she opened the casket containing her mother's
jewels, and the diamonds, rubies, and emeralds flashed forth
thousand-coloured flames in the Ught of Matthias's torch,
Rugena laughed lightly.
" How angry my guardians were, especially the Countess,
at the loss of these boxes ! " she said. " How much time
they spent in searching for them ! " . . .
She picked up a long necklace of snowy pearls and let
them slip through her fingers.
" They would certainly be adorning the reverend Bishop
Brancaccio, or Cardinal Cossa, hadst thou not been so far-
sighted; my good Matthias," she said, smiling.
68 THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA [pabt i
Taking from the casket a, heavy gold chain set with
precious stones, a buckle for the hat, and a sapphire ring,
she left the hiding-place, and Matthias, beaming with
happiness, closed the aperture again.
Next morning Rugena and Anna, with the help of Itka,
set to work to pack the travelling-case destined for Svietomir ,
filling it with linen, some suits which had belonged to the
dead Baron, and various trifles. The rest of the day passed
happily in conversation and in contriving plans for the
future when Svietomir should return a hero.
After supper, which was served earlier than usual,
Anna led her brother aside to present him with Rugena'a
gifts, and the young hostess took Svietomir to her room,
where the pleasant surprises were awaiting him.
Rejoiced and touched by her kindness, Svietomir
examined the weapons, the clothes, and the heavily-loaded
saddle-bags which set him free from all anxiety regarding
the means of subsistence. Falling upon his knees he grate-
fully pressed Rugena's hand to his lips,
" How can I thank thee for the generosity with which
thou hast come to my help ? Thou hast provided me with
plenitude and eased my path in life ! " he whispered, with
tears in his eyes.
" By acting in all life's amenities according to God's
will and the laws of honour. Why, we are both orphans,
and as God has blessed me with happiness and abundance
may I not help a friend of my childhood in a hard moment ?
I wish not that thou shpuldst make a poorer show than
others, Svietomir ; and I Isnow that men will respect thee
more if thou art well equipped and hast a full purse in thy
pocket."
" I swear to be worthy of thee. Thy bright image will
be my guiding star, remembrance of thee my last thought
if I be fated to die in battle. Daily will I pray for thy
happiness and Vok's, that God may bless your union."
PART I] THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA 69
Rugena listened thoughtfully to this speech, but at the
last words she smiled, and pushing forward an armchair
motioned Svietomir towards it.
" What is this chatter ? " she said. " Thou knowest as
well as I that our marriage will take place not for love, but
for family reasons."
There was a blending of anger and mockery in her voice.
" Vok does not love me, and I feel nothing for him.
They say that love is a heavenly gift, sent us by God. But
no man till to-day hath roused that feeling in me, and I
much doubt that Vok will do so."
" Why so ? Vok is handsome and attractive, and full
of knightly honour ; and there can be no shade of doubt
that he will love thee. Who could look calmly upon thee
without exulting ? Especially he to whom thou wilt belong.
And how can he fail to admire and take pride in thee when
in all Prague is no woman to compare with thee ? "
Rugena laughed. She knew, of course, that she was
beautiful ; but her native modesty and artlessness had
kept her from pride in the knowledge. Now the passionate
adoration betrayed in the words and looks of this friend of
her childhood amused her.
She placed both her hands upon the shoulders of the
youth, and looking into his face said roguishly :
" Ta, ta, ta ! Art not thou thyself enamoured of me
that thou dost sing me such hymns ? "
" Do not mock me, Rugena ! Could such a sorry fool
as I dare lift his eyes to thee ? " Svietomir said, flushing.
" Not because thou art poor, biit because a love like that
would be a heavy encumbrance for thee, and a hindrance
in thy life ! . . . Yes, happily thou hast nothing like that,"
said Rugena, growing serious. " Preserve for me, Svietomir,
a brother's love, as I will be a faithful sister to thee. Re-
member that thou hast a tried friend to whom thou canst
turn in a difficult moment. Know that in me thou canst
70 THE TORCH-BEAREES OF BOHEMIA [past i
ever find comfort, good counsel, and material aid, if need be.
But if in the course of years thou visitest us again with thy
heart still free, look well at Anna, our childhood's dear
friend, and perhaps thou mayest yet receive her a bride
from these hands of mine."
(The youth was dumfounded and confused. For some
time he did not speak.
" Anything that comes from thee promises me happi-
ness," he said firmly at last. " If I return to Prague I will
try to love her whom thou proposest as a wife for me."
" Let us hope that the future bring joy for us both. Go
now and rest : a long journey is before thee to-morrow.
Kiss me farewell before our long separation as in former
days when we were children," said Rugena, embracing him,
filled with emotion.
The travellers set forth next morning. Svietomir sprang
bravely on to the splendid horse led out by Matthias, and
cantered delightedly round the courtyard. On taking leave
he cast a furtive look at Anna, and saw that she was beautiful
indeed, though not to be compared to Rugena.
From the self-same window through which they had
watched the riders' approach Anna and Rugena now
followed them with long, farewell glances until they had
disappeared from view.
Then Anna silently began to work, and Rugena took up
her prayer-book ; but she did not open it. She cast stealthy
glances at her sorrowful friend, who was working abstract-
edly, surreptitiously wiping away the tears which fell from
her eyes.
" Why dost thou weep, Anna ? Thy brother will soon
return," said Rugena, suddenly.
Anna started,
" Nevertheless I fear for him — ^the roads are not quite
safe," she answered confusedly.
PABT I] THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA 71
" Art thou not ashamed to lie so 1 Thy brother is not
the cause of thy tears. They flow because of the parting
with Svietomir. I have remarked since long that thou wert
partial to him, but as he was destined for the priesthood I
had no right to speak of it. But now it is different. He is a
warrior, and when he returns why should he not love a pretty
maid like thee ? I will give thee a dowry, and thou shalt
marry Svietomir ! "
" Ah, speak not so, Rugena ! " said Anna, flushing.
" When Svietomir returns, a hero, there will be not a few
rich and beautiful maidens to love him. He will not even
notice me. And besides, thou well knowest it is thee he
loves,"
" Ah, jealous one ! I shall be married then to Vok, and
wherefore should Svietomir love me ? Am I a Madonna
that men should be satisfied by silently adoring me ? Take
heed thyself that some rich gentleman from Prague come
not a-courting fair Anna of Trocnov, and thus leave poor
Svietomir lamenting ! "
" There is no fear of that. Svietomir is too good and
kind to be forgotten. Can it be that he doth not please
thee ? Dost thou consider Vok more handsome ? He is
Bo proud and haughty. When he is wrathful his eyes are
terrible : they pierce like spurs ! B — ^r — ^r — ^r, I am afraid
of him ! Dost thou not fear to be his wife ? "
Rugena leaned her beautiful head against the back of
her chair and fell thoughtful. Her life in the Waldsteina'
house passed like a panorama before her, and she pondered
the relations between herself and her fiance.
There had been no approach to intimacy or tendernesB,
or even real understanding between them. For one thing
the difference in their years, for another the character of the
youth himself, had persistently held them apart. He had
been kind and attentive to his little betrothed, had showered
gifts upon her, and even played with her. But the child had
72 THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA [part i
felt that he despised the games, and that they wearied him,
and that he could never be to her a playfellow, like Svietomir .
After some silence she sat up in her chair.
" I will tell thee, Anna. I do not fear Vok, but neither
do I love him ; even as I love not Svietomir ! The one is too
sugar-sweet, too much of a cherubim as one might say ; the
other is too frivolous and insignificant. I cannot well
explain it to thee ; but, in a word, they both lack something
the man must possess who shall make me love him."
" Dear Lord ! What dost thou wish 1 What unattain-
able ideal hast thou imagined for thyself ? " asked Anna in
amazement.
" I have imagined nothing. Such a man as the one I
think of exists. I saw him first very long ago, but I have
never forgotten him."
" But who is he ? Never before hast thou spoken of
him," said Anna, curiously.
" Who he is I know not, and do not wish to know. Why
should I ? I do but liken him to others, and each time
I am brought to confess that none can be compared to him.
He is the incarnation of knighthood, kind and courageous,
and of a great intelligence."
" But where then hast thou seen this perfection of
manhood ? " said Anna, incredulously, half inclined to laugh.
" I have seen him but twice in my life. The first time
on that awful day when I learnt of my father's death.
Master John Hus chanced to be at the castle, and that
unknown gentleman accompanied him. The next morning
before setting forth they both strove to console me for my
grievous loss. Master John spoke many words of comfort,
but he said nothing but ' poor child ! ' and gently stroked
my head. Never shall I forget his look, nor the sound of
his voice. Since then his image dwells ever in my memory.",
" Of what appearance was he ? "
" Tall he was, and thin, with a black beard and great
PART I] THE TOECH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA 73
black eyes. Not only outward is his charm ; in all things
he is enchanting : his glance, deep, burning and caressing,
his winning and enthralliug smile ! . . . The second time
I saw him was on the eve of our departure from Prague — ^the
last time we visited the city. I stood at the window and
saw him riding down the street with other gentlemen. He
was proceeding methinks to some festival, for he was clad
in lilac velvet, and among the rest he seemed like a prince
or king. He was talking and laughing merrily, and his
gaiety made him doubly beautiful. Methought that were
he desirous he might cast a spell upon beholders ; and all
who accompanied him seemed swayed by his charm, and
with delight to listen to his words. They passed swiftly
by, but the memory of my beautiful unknown awoke anew
in me."
" But we must find out who he is ! Perhaps some in
the castle may recall who came with Master Hub."
" No. I wish not to seek him out or know who he may
be. I told thee that all this is but — ^a vision, an idle dream.
Let it remain thus ! I wish not to be disenchanted. They
may tell me that he is married and hath seven children, or
that he is no knight, but a wealthy draper or pastry-cook !
. . . Ugh !" laughed Rugena, amused at her own imaginings.
IX
Kino Venceslas, upon his return from Silesia, remained in
Kutna Hora, residing in his palace there for nearly three
months. The King was fond of this commercial town, and
the population always expressed unalterable loyalty to him.
It was the 17th of January, 1409, a cold day, with the
enow falling in great flakes.
The great hall in the royal palace, in which the King
was sitting at that moment, was filled with pleasant warmth,
and its luxurious appointments breathed comfort and tran-
quillity. A bright fire burnt in the great grey marble
fireplace, and near the table sat two people playing at dice.
One was the King himself, who was sitting in a large
armchair, the high back of which was embroidered with the
royal arms. He was absorbed in thought, and leaning with
his elbows upon the table sipped abstractedly from a golden
drioking-cup which stood near.
The King was a man of about eight and forty, tall and
heavily built. Like his brother Sigismund he was hand-
some, but the cares of riding, combined with the excesses
to which he was habituated (it was said the King had been
poisoned), had prematurely aged him, and covered his face
with wrinkles. Yet, notwithstanding the unhealthy redness
of his face and the puffiness of his cheeks, King Venceslas
was, on the whole, pleasing in appearance. His inherent
kindness and frankness of disposition could be perceived
in his smile and in his glance when his tired eyes were not
dimmed by the fumes of wine ; the sufferings he had known
in his life had not distorted his lips with lines of bitterness,
and the fits of wild rage, so terrible for the beholders, had
PART I] THE TORCH-BEAREES OF BOHEMIA 75
not deprived Mm of self-control, or obscured in him the
consciousness of his own dignity.
Opposite the King, upon a folding-chair, sat Vok von
Waldstein, who also wore an air of abstraction and played
in silence. Suddenly the King drew himself up and tossed
back his head as though to drive annoying thoughts away,
and swallowing the remains of his wine gazed steadily at
the frowning face of his youthful partner.
The Count was his favourite. Venceslas was fond of
the young man, besides preserving a grateful memory of his
skill and courage at the time of the flight from Vienna.
Vok, bold and enterprising, a lover of women as of every
sort of adventure, knew better than any one how to divert
and entertain the King, relating such marvellous or comic
stories that the heavy clouds upon his brow were speedily
dispersed, and succeeded by a mirthful mood and peals of
laughter. The youth was perfectly at ease with his royal
master, and permitted himself a freedom of speech, amount-
ing at times to insolence, which would have cost dear to
any other but himself.
His obstinate silence gave Venceslas to understand that
he was angry, and the pains he took to avoid the King's
glance proved that the object of his wrath was none other
than the august person of the King himself.
With his customary good nature Venceslas began to
search his memory for any ofience of which he might have
been guilty towards this spoilt darling ; but he could
remember nothing.
" What ails thee, Vok ? Thou art dumb as a fish to-day,
and angry as a snake whose tail hath been trod upon."
" 'Tis nothing, sire. But I was about to ask leave of
Your Majesty for a few weeks, for the arrangement of certain
of my affairs which demand my immediate presence,"
answered the youth with cold respect.
The King glanced doubtingly at him ; then replacing
76 THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA [fart i
upon the table the dice-horn he had been holding in his
hand, said, half angrily, and half in jest :
" What is this foolish chatter ? Thou hast no afEairs
which need arranging ; but I see that thou presumest to be
vexed with me. Now, confess what is it thou wouldst have
of me ? Belike I have forgot the fulfillment of some
promise to thee ? "
" Nay, sire ! I should grow entangled were I to en-
deavour to select one from among the promises Your
Majesty has made and broken. No, 'tis simply that I fear
to stay here, and am desirous to depart."
" Fear ? Thou art mocking me. I bid thee tell me
straightway why thou art wrathful and what thou fearest."
" I fear being burnt alive and offered as roast meat to
the Germans ! "
The King broke into a prolonged fit of laughter.
" Ah ! Thence blows this wind ! The several hasty
words I spoke to Hus and Jerome have thus upset thee. Be
not foolish, dear Vok ! How doth it concern thee what I
may say to a deputation that hath wearied me with their
importunings ? "
" How doth it concern me ? You forget, sire, that I am
a Bohemian. I cannot stand by indifferent while my King
threatens two of my friends with the stake, and refuses to
acknowledge the rights of my people, wlio have always been
loyal and devoted upholders of his throne."
And the young Count began warmly trying to convince
the King how right the Bohemians were in demanding for
themselves the first place in their own fatherland, and how
natural it was for them to be dismayed at the present unjust
position of affairs. The King listened attentively and
without anger to the passionate words of his young favourite.
" Well, well, if I am negligent in upholding the rights of
the Bohemians, they at least slumber not in seeking to
uphold them," said the King, laughing good-naturedly.
PART I] THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA 77
" Since that ill-fated interview I am besieged. Lobkovitz
as soon as he beholds me begins to buzz like a bee into my
ear, and showers upon me convincing pioofs that he is
right and the Germans — ^wrong. The Queen hath shed
fountains of tears in that her confessor lies sick through me.
Even thou art harsh to me and threatenest to leave me. It
hath come to this, that Abbot Solon of the French legation
endeavours to convince me that it is my duty to give three
votes to the Bohemians. 'Tis clear that I can no longer
live at peace until this matter be decided. But now I wish
to sleep ! Good-night, my Vok. I'll not be angered at thine
impertinence, which was called forth in thee by patriotic
fervour. Wear another face to-morrow, and make ready
with some merry story of which thou hast so rich a store."
He rose, took a friendly leave of Vok, and went from the
hall into an inner apartment.
The sleeping apartment into which the King had entered
was lit by a silver lamp which hung from the ceiling, while
two wax candles were burning before a shrine. The Queen
was at prayer on her knees with a prayer-book in her hands,
and did not notice her husband's entrance.
Sophia of Bavaria, daughter of Duke John of Munich,
was the second wife of Venceslas. His first wife, Johanna,
had met with a tragic death, having been suffocated by a
huge hunting-dog which always slept near the King's
pillow, and which flung itself upon the Queen as she rose
from the bed one night. To the King's intense grief his
second union, as his first, proved childless.
Sophia was a kind and gentle woman. She suffered in
silence the King's unfaithfulness, his caprices, and the
vexations arising from his unruly passions ; and thanks to
her patience gained at length some influence over him.
This influence the Queen used in aiding and protecting the
Bohemians, whom she loved ; and all her life she was a
jealous upholder of their rights. To the great discontent
78 THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA [part i
of the German priests by whom she was surrounded, she
chose as her confessor John Hus, and constantly visited
the Bethlehem chapel. This openly-expressed preference
for the Bohemians aroused the disapproval of her Bavarian
relations, to such a degree that neither her brother nor her
uncles, Dukes Stephen and Frederick, would consent to be
present at her coronation. The Germans of Prague pro-
nounced the Queen a heretic and Wycliffite.
" Of what sin hast thou been guilty to-day, Sophia, that
thou prayest with such fervour ? " asked the King, observing
that she continued not to notice him.
" No sin ! I do but pray for thee, beseeching God to
illumine thy heart and reason, and to inspire thee with that
justice and impartiality which should grace a King."
" And which 1 must prove by fulfilling the demands of
the Bohemians ? I have heard that song before, and desire
not that it be sung me even in my bed," said Venceslas,
half angrily and half jokingly.
The Queen arose, approached her husband, and kissed
his hand.
" I have not yet spoken of that matter, though it affects
me to the bottom of my heart, and though I deem it just."
" 'Tis unjust, in that the statutes, the custom and will
of my father gave priority to the Germans," the King
interrupted her calinly.
"I do not feel myself a fit judge in such weighty
matters, but both Lobkovitz and the Abbot Solon have
opined that the Emperor Charles granted to our University
the self-same rights as those of Paris and Bologna, where in
both priority is given to the native-born. Is it not thy
duty to set aside customs pronouncedly unjust ? 'Tis but
in thine own interest I would speak some few words to thee.
Whom dost thou protect, my King and husband ? Whom
dost thou set in the foremost places to the detriment of
thy loyal Bohemian subjects ? Thy most evil enemies !
PART I] THE TORCH-BEAEERS OF BOHEMIA 79
Ib there one deed of treacheiy or effrontery these Germans
have spared thee? Have not they by their stratagems
sown discord 'twixt thee and thy brother Sigismund ? Did
the base, seditious vassals hesitate to deprive thee of thine
Empire, setting aside thy rights, while the majority of the
electors were faithful to thee ? And who in Prague took
sides with Rupert of the Palatinate and would assuredly
have opened the gates to him at the siege of Meissen, had
not the Bohemians opposed them ? Why, the Germans !
In their arrogance they dared to censure thy decrees and
oppose thy will. 'Twas their desire to gain the mastery of
thee, God pardon me the words, as they have gained that of
the University. Remember how, not long since, theyrefused
to withdraw from their obedience to Pope Gregory XII.,
while the Bohemians unhesitatingly submitted to thy
will ? 'Tis to these perfidious and thankless foreigners thou
wouldst sacrifice the lawful rights of thy people ! "
While the Queen was speaking red spots of anger had
appeared upon the face of Venceslas, and his eyes flashed
with indignation. The sudden remembrance of the indigni-
ties he had suffered awoke his latent anger and resentment.
In his passionate though vacillating soul an evolution
was in course of progress, defeating all arguments which
had hitherto spoken in favour of the Germans, and deciding
the victory of the Bohemians.
" Thou art right, Sophia ! And what reason have I for
mistrusting such a wise and devoted servant as Nicholas
Lobkovitz ? Truly he is right in maintaining that it is the
bounden duty of Bohemia's King to uphold and protect
his people's rights, and not offer them, a sacrifice, to
foreigners ! To-morrow I will ordain that a decree be drawn
up giving the Bohemians the three votes of which they are
so desirous."
Overjoyed at this unlooked-for victory, the Queen threw
herself upon her husband's neck.
80 THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA [paet i
Next morning Nicholas Lobkovitz was summoned to
the palace, where the King handed him the decree, the text
of which had been prepared by him long since.
After mature consideration the King approved and signed
that momentous act, which abolished German predominance,
and which later was productive of such fateful results in
the history of the Bohemian nation.
The deliberation was prolonged and, was exhausting to
the King, who nevertheless emerged from it more cheerful
and contented than he had been for a very long time.
After dining he retired to the same hall in which we
beheld him on the evening before, and ordered that Vok von
Waldstein should be summoned to play dice with him.
The young Count seemed preoccupied and agitated. A
short while before he had met Lobkovitz, who had looked
at him with deep and joyful significance ; but owing to the
presence of other courtiers Lobkovitz had been unable to
convey more than a silent message.
The King sat down to the table with his favourite.
" To-day, Vok, thou must treat me to some very
diverting story as a reward for the good news I have for
thee," Venceslas said, heartily. "From to-day thou art
freed from all danger of getting roasted and eaten by the
Germans. I have but newly played a pretty trick upon
them. I have signed a decree giving precedence to the
Bohemian nationality over the remaining three."
Waldstein turned pale and leapt to his feet. He had
not in the least expected such a signal victory.
Falling to his knees, he kissed the King's hand pas-
sionately, while Venceslas patted him in a friendly manner
on the shoulder.
" See, what a fiery patriot ! And I thought that thy
chief interest was centred now in love, and not in politics."
" One does not prevent the other, sire ! 'Tis of women
one can best learn politics," Vok answered, happily.
PART I] THE TORCH-BEAEEES OF BOHEMIA 81
" Though truly my course in love's career is nearly run,"
he added, growing serious.
" Why dost thou speak thus, and with such a face
besides, as though thou'hadst been just condemned to death ? "
" Truly it amounteth to that, sire ! Death socially, at
least."
" What is this ? Can I not help thee ? " Venceslas
asked laughingly, supposing his favourite to be in debt.
" Impossible, sire. No man, not even Your Majesty's
self, can help me. I am to be married ! "
" Truly I would prevent it if I could. Though I doubt
not it will be more lamentable for the future Countess than
for thee. What, is she ugly then, that thou makest such
a mien
1 "
" No, sire — as lovely as an angel ! "
" Why, then— is she stupid ? "
" Nay, she is clever ; and as subtle, I should conceive,
as any doctor at the University."
" As poor, then, as a church-mouse ? "
" She will bring me a great inheritance."
" Why, then I cannot understand thee," said the King,
shrugging his shoulders.
" She is enchanting, but cold, and she loves not me.
Aye, and I love her not, for her indifference to me offends
me too sorely."
" The devil ! Why, thy bride is squeamish if such a
pretty fellow suit her not. Who is she, and why does she
wed thee if she love thee not ? "
" She is Rugena Eabstein, only daughter to Baron
Rabstein, long since deceased. We were betrothed for
family considerations in our childhood."
Venceslas frowned,
" Baron Rabstein ? The friend of Rosenberg ? I have
but an ungracious recollection of him. He was an unworthy
rebel ! "
Q
82 THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA [part i
" Sire ! For nine years Rugena hath been brought up
in our house, and that alone should serve as a pledge of her
respect and steadfast fidelity to Your Majesty's person.
I hope for your gracious permission to present my bride
to the Queen."
" Willingly do I permit it ! When is thy marriage ? "
" I cannot say with certainty. My mother is now in
Bologna, and only when she returns will she herself bring
Rugena to Prague."
" If I am in town then I will come to thy wedding. And
with regard to love be not dismayed. The bride may be
cold, but the wife will be full of fire. There is much differ-
ence between the one position and the other."
" A vast difierence, in truth ! 'Till we have crossed the
church portal she may command, and I will suffer her to
step upon me as upon a worm. But afterwards I will
command, and I will richly repay her for her audacity in
presuming not to love me," said Vok, laughing.
The King applauded him, and with much jesting and
laughter they began to play.
Venceslas was in high spirits, and the sound of his
ringing laugh was heard every moment, even in the rooms
adjoining. The young Count amused him with unflagging
humour, regaling him with anecdotes and tales of adventure
worthy of Boccaccio himself.
On the evening of the same day Vok had a short meeting
with Lobkovitz, who confirmed "the news of the King's
decree ; and they dispatched a messenger to Hus without
delay.
X
The Countess Waldstein returned from Bologna much sooner
than she had expected. She was in such haste to get to
Prague that before reaching Kabstein she sent news of her
approaching arrival, so that there remained for Eugena only
just enough time for the packing of her things.
On a dark, foggy day at the end of February the Countess
arrived with Eugena in Prague. She, with her future
daughter-in-law, occupied one litter; Anna with Itka a
second; while Father Ilarius rode on horseback beside
Matthias, who was in command of the guard. Not far
from the gates of the city they were met by Count Ginek
and his son at the head of a company of men-at-arms. The
Count announced that disorders in the town had prompted
him and Vok to come to meet them, and accompany them to
the house. And indeed Prague was in an unusually restless
condition.
In spite of the darkness of the night, which generally
drove peaceful citizens from the unlit, narrow streets, which
were the haunts of night-thieves, brigands, and other evil
people, there were crowds of German students on every
hand. They strolled noisily about, with torches in their
hands, casting inimical glances, or even abusive words, at
every Bohemian they chanced to meet.
The Count rode with his son beside the litter. Eugena
and the Countess dropped their veils over their faces ; but
whenever they passed a lighted house or the flare of torches
the young girl cast a curious and tremulous glance at her
future bridegroom.
Vok had changed and grown still handsomer in the two
years during which she had not seen him.
84 THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA [paet i
He had acquired a manly figure, and his face breathed
energy and youthful assurance. The disdainful smile
which never left his lips revealed his white and perfectly-
shaped teeth. He wore a light helmet without a vizor, and
was entirely enveloped in a long dark cloak. His big black
eyes also cast frequent glances into the interior of the litter
where his betrothed was sitting now entirely hidden by an
impenetrableveil. The darkness had prevented him from
seeing Rugena at meeting, and he had perforce to be content
with a kiss on her little hand in its silk, fur-lined glove.
Their way was often barred by groups of students or towns-
men, who by cries and oaths sought to detain them ; but on
each occasion a demonstration on the part of the numerous
armed escort inspired the crowd with a becoming respect and
cleared the road for the travellers.
At length they reached the Waldsteins' house, a huge,
gloomy building, with towers on either side. The procession
entered the courtyard through a wide iron-work gate, strongly
guarded. Vok leapt from his horse and was about to lead
his betrothed into the house, when Rugena, without lifting
her veil, passed her arm through that of Anna and entered
with her, merely greeting her bridegroom with the words :
" I bid you farewell until supper-time."
The vexation she read on his face amused her.
The young Count, thus abandoned, went to his mother's
room, where he remained until supper-time conversing with
her about the journey and the various items of news
she had learnt in Italy. Among other things the Countess
told her son that she had brought thence many beautiful
things which he might ofier to his bride as wedding gifts.
" I bought them very cheaply, thanks to my cousin
Thomas, who has had vast experience in such matters."
" Not in vain is he a Bishop ! " Vok remarked ironically.
" But where are these things ? I should much like to inspect
them.".
PART I] THE TORCH-BEAEERS OF BOHEMIA 85
" I will show them thee directly. They lie apart, in a
special trunk," the Countess answered hastily, seeming
unable to remove her gaze from her son, delightedly following
every movement of his handsome form.
" Nay, better delay the inspection till to-morrow. Thou
art tired, and they will soon summon us to supper," he said,
in a somewhat disturbed manner. Rising, he hastened to
the dining-room.
Rugena entered almost at the same moment.
She had changed her attire. Her wide-sleeved dress of
lilac silk clung close about her graceful figure. Her wondrous
golden hair, gleaming bright against the d^k background,
framed her pale and agitated face with a shining aureole.
Her big eyes, that now looked almost black, gazed in a shy
and frightened manner at the young Count, who had stopped
as though spellbound in the doorway.
It was difficult to recognise in Rugena, standing before
him now in her brilliant beauty, that pale thin girl of fifteen,
looking almost sickly because of the quickness of her growth,
to whom he had bidden farewell two years before.
" Rugena ! Is it thee or some heavenly vision ? " he
exclaimed, with such sincere rapture that Rugena blushed
and grew shamefaced. The Count and Countess, who
entered at that moment, laughed at her embarrassment.
" Embrace her, then, and convince thyself that it is not
a vision thou beholdest ! " his father cried to him merrily.
Vok did not await a second command, but followed his
father's directions, embracing his betrothed and kissing her
passionately. Rugena made no opposition, only hanging
her head in confusion, and afterwards allowed him to lead
her to the table, where she was placed by his side.
The old Count, in order to enliven the company at the
dining-table, began a conversation with his wife and son,
and in the mean time Rugena recovered from her embarrass-
ment and began to look about her.
86 THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA [part i
" Tell me, Uncle Ginek," she said suddenly, " what is
going forward in Prague ? There seems to be an insurrection
in the town ! Thou didst thyself say that it was unquiet
here, and that therefore thou earnest with Vok to meet us.
Why are the people so unrestful, the students especially ? "
" In truth, neither thou nor Yana can yet have heard
the great news ! " said the Count, and began to tell them the
story of the King's decree bestowing three votes on the
Bohemians.
" The Germans are beside themselves with rage since
its proclamation," he continued. " They besiege the ]^ng
with protests and complainings, and pester him with depu-
tations ; and since nothing hath availed, they dare resort
to threats. Three nationalities gathered in conference on
the 16th, and all magisters and students took solemn oath
to qdt Prague if the decree were not withdrawn."
" Yet if they in truth fulfil this oath it will be a great
loss for the town," remarked the Countess. " For think,
only, how many thousand German professors, students, and
masters are dwelling here ; how many parchment-makers,
copyists, bookbinders, and so forth are fed by the University.
They will of course all follow those who leave."
" Ah ! but the living interests of the Bohemians must
not be sacrificed to the comfort of transcribers and book-
binders," Vok exclaimed angrily. " If they go the more
bread will be left for others ! Praise God, the University
will not perish for want of German professors ! Aye, and
be sure they will not go ! They hope but to affright us and
force the King to accede to their demands. The fools !
They imagine that such measures will have the same success
here as in Bologna, from whence the students and professors
withdrew to Siena when the University deemed itself
affronted by the town. The people of Bologna ran after
them to fetch them back. But things are different here,
and their threats will not have the desired effect, be sure ! '!
PART I] THE TORCfl-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA 87
The ladies being very fatigued by their^ journey, the
company separated soon after supper.
Next morning the Countess was still busied with servants
in the arrangement of her things when Vok came in and
asked to see the presents destined for Rugena.
"For such a bride as my Rugena nothing can be too
good ! Heavens, how beautiful she is ! I tell thee, mother,
the whole Court will envy me," Vok said proudly.
" Yes, she is beautiful ; too beautiful, I fear me, to
bring thee happiness," said the Countess, shaking her head.
" Seest thou, my child, women of such rare beauty awaken
many passions and cause no few griefs and vexations to
their husbands. God grant Rugena be wise enough to love
thee as thou dost deserve. Look you, this material is for
her wedding-gown. It might well awaken the desire of.
any maid to don it the more speedily. What sayest thou ? "
She unwound a length of white brocade wonderfully
embroidered with arabesque and silver flowers.
The material was so thick and solid that it stood alone
and rustled at the slightest movement.
" 'Tis ravishing indeed, and Rugena must needs admire-
it ! I thank thee, mother ! "
" And here is the adornment for her head," the Countess
continued, carefully extracting from a box a silver fillet
finely worked and set with pearls and brilliants, to which
was attached a veil of silver gauze.
" 'Tis fit for a Queen ! Where hast thou found such
marvels, mother ? In sooth the Venetian merchants must
have left thee with an empty purse ! **
" Such treasures must of needs cost dear. Yet I
acquired them at a moderate cheapness. My cousin Thomas
had brought them for a relative who was to have been
married. But the bridegroom was slain in duel, and the
bride entered a nunnery, so that these things were cast
upon the Bishop's hand, and he let me have them.'!
88 THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA [part i
After dinner, Vok, longing to be alone with his betrothed,
begged her to go with him into a room adjoining to see the
wedding presents he had brought her.
On entering the room Rugena's eyes began to seek with
curiosity for the promised gifts. Spoilt as she was by every
sort of luxury, a cry of ecstasy broke from her lips at sight
of the beautiful silver circlet and the brocade spread along
the table. She examined the costly fabric, turning it about
with childish joy.
" This dress shalt thou don on the day when thou art
mine for ever," whispered Vok into her ear, and lifting the
bridal veil he placed it upon her head and drew her to the
Venetian mirror which hung upon the wall.
The fillet glowing with jewels, and the long white veil
which enveloped Rugena in a silvery mist, made her look
so beautiful that even she herself could not refrain from
admiring the enchanting image in the glass. Vok, hterally
blinded by her loveliness, drew her towards him and
embraced her.
" Thou art so superb, my Rugena, that a saint would
be tempted at sight of thee ! I shall count not only the
days but the hours to our wedding ! " he whispered, kissing
her.
Rugena turned to him, and meeting his passionate,
devouring glance, flushpd and trembled, hiding her eyes with
her hands.
" Look not at m& so ! It is terrible to me ! Thou hast
never looked like that before," she murmured, turning pale.
" Foolish' little one ! " said Vok, half laughing, half
offended. " Thou wast but a little girl before, whom I knew
for my betrothed but loved not. Of a certainty I wish not
to frighten thee ; but I wish with all my soul to win thy
heart. Thou canst not ask that I should hide my feelings."
He seated her on a red velvet bench, and bent over her.
" Tell me, Rugena, dost thou love me even though a
PART I] THE TOECH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA 89
little 1 Since yesterday thou hast not paid me back one
kiss."
Rugena lifted her head and her pure eyes looked straight
into those of her bridegroom, as though they would search
his very soiil.
" I am very desirous to love thee, Vok. I have no one
in the world to love me, whom I may love. But dost thou
really love me ? Or is it but admiration thou feelest for
me ? They tell me I am beautiful, but beauty is a frail
gift. Dost thou not understand, I love thee not as yet
because I know thee little. Thou art handsome and attrac-
tive, and if thy soul doth but answer thine exterior, if I can
but esteem it as wholly as I acknowledge thy beauty,
then ... I will give my whole heart to thee. Then, be
thou beautiful or ugly, sick or in good health, even crippled
or blind, I will love thee 'till death, so long as thy heart
doth beat for me."
The Count listened, bewildered, to these solemn words,
spoken with so much emotion by the rosy lips of the being
he adored ; and suddenly his heart contracted with dismay.
Light-minded as he was, caressed by women and their easy
victor, he realised that now a deep and lasting sentiment
was being demanded of him — in a word, love, whose true
meaning he had never known. The very knowledge of this
expectation seemed irksome to him.
" I will try, Rugena, to deserve thy love and gain thy
heart," he murmured irresolutely.
" I will accept thy word, and may God send us happi.
ness ! "
She took his head between her hands and kissed him on
the forehead. Then she fluttered from the room like a
frightened bird.
XI
Rucjena's wedding was to take place in April, immediately
after Easter. As gaieties of any kind were for the most part
forbidden during Lent, she led a more or less secluded life,
although she was presented at Court when the King arrived
in Prague.
Venceslas was struck with Rugena's beauty, and hia
reception was therefore gracious, while good Queen Sophia,
greatly interested, behaved as with maternal affection, and
admitted the girl to her most intimate circle. She often
took Rugena on Sundays and holidays to the Bethlehem
chapel to hear the preaching of her confessor, John Hus.
Rugena grew daily more delighted and impressed by
this fearless servant of God, choosing him as her confessor,
and bestowing her entire confidence upon him. She eagerly
followed every word of the preacher, as with burning faith
he expounded the word of Christ, presenting it in its con-
vincing clearness and deep significance ; or as he condemned
the vanity of those who, instead of promulgating the Holy
Scriptures, plunged themselves into senseless controversies.
Such evil priests, he said, sought, not the blessings of
Christianity, but their own advancement, or the indulgence
of their passions. With enthusiasm Hus depicted the
figure of the true priest, as he should be : chaste, dis-
interested, mild, self-sacrificing, and filled with love as the
Heavenly Teacher Himself had been. Sternly he compared
this ideal with the priesthood as it was : greedy, pugnacious,
swelled with pride, consumed with every kind of vice,
daring in holy vestments to consummate God's sacraments
with hands stained by blood and plunder.
But while those who truly sought for good and thirsted
PART I] THE TORCH-BEARERS OP BOHEMIA 91
to hear the pure words of the Gospel filled the Bethlehem
chapel and overflowed in crowds into the street — others who
felt the words of the preacher to be applicable to themselves,
and saw their vices laid bare by him, were filled with
resentment and an increasing hatred.
Thanks to favourable circumstances the preacherof the
Bethlehem chapel occupied a quite exceptional position, the
importance of which he alone with his sincere humility had
failed to recognise.
His friends and admirers in all grades of society numbered
thousands ; but the number of his enemies was also growing,
and the members of the higher priesthood gazed with envy
at the modest servant of the altar, whom knowledge and
worth alone had placed at the head of the Bohemian
Church.
As her wedding-day drew nearer Rugena grew in-
creasingly thoughtful and silent. She seemed disturbed by
some troublesome presentiment. The memory of her
father's love for her was still preserved in her tender heart ;
while in her guardian's family she always felt alone. Anna
and Svietomir were the nearest to her, but even for them
she felt no more than a calm, sisterly attachment.
She yearned for the love of the man to whom she was to
be for ever united. She was not content with the knightly
courtesy of Vok, the presents he lavished upon her, or even
the passion he expressed. Rugena, with her serious,
observant, and penetrating mind, was well aware that her
betrothed's amusing salhes reflected but the customary
chatter of the Court gallants, and that his protestations of
love were but the outcome of boisterousness and the
intoxication of passion.
Eagerly she sought in Vok's eyes the spark of that
warm and pure aflection for which she thirsted, and in his
voice those notes straight from the heart which woidd have
united them for ever by an ardent and unfailing sentiment.
92 THE TORCPI-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA [part i
On the eve of her wedding Rugena was conscious of
peculiar anguish in her heart. She was seized by an in-
definable longing to pour forth her soul, to seek some aid
and counsel that might strengthen and direct her in her
dark and unknown future.
Never had she felt so bitterly until this moment that
she was an orphan, lacking not only father and mother but
any near friend to whom she might reveal her heart. She
thought of Hus.
He was her spiritual father, a friend known to her from
childhood, whose purity, wisdom, and benevolence inspired
her with full confidence.
The wedding was to take place in the church of St.
Michael, and the officiating priest was to be Hus.
Though she had but that morning confessed and received
communion, Eugena sent a letter to her confessor, begging
him to come to pass an hour with her in conversation.
Receiving an answer from him consenting to her request,
Rugena retired into her oratory, ordering that Hus should
be conducted thither as soon as he arrived.
The eve of the wedding was, according to custom, cele-
brated by a festive gathering of young people and by games.
But Rugena expressed the desire to spend the last hours
of her girlhood in solitude and reflection.
Entering her oratory she fell upon her knees before the
shrine and became engrossed in prayer. She did not hear
the opening of the door or the entry of Hus who stopped
short upon the threshold. He gazed for long at her, and
an indefinable expression flitted across his face. Then he
approached and touched her hand, Rugena trembled and
rose to her feet.
" You wished to see me, my child ? Did you forget
some sin at your confession, or simply desire to seek my
counsel ? " asked Has, seating himself in the armchair near
the shrine.
PART I] THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA 93
" I have no sin on my conscience, Father John, except
perhaps the doubts by which I have been visited. I have
no mother, and to you alone I can speak without reserve,
seeking your counsel. I have ventured thus to disturb you
because to-night I am oppressed by apprehension and alarm."
" Speak ! I pray God may school me to calm you, and
disperse your doubts."
Rugena was thoughtful for a moment, and then began
speaking in a low voice.
" To-morrow I must swear fidelity and love to Vok for
all my life, and yet I do not love him as I should."
Hus started.
" You do not love the Count ? But why ? " he asked
amazed, pausing between his words.
" I did not wish thus to speak. Father John ! Yet me-
thinks love might be different — both on his side and
mine. . . ."
As quickly and clearly as possible she strove to explain
that feeling which was disturbing her, adding : " They say
that love is a mighty feeling, all-suffering and all-forgiving.
Yet I know that I could suffer no offence from Vok, that I
could not forgive him, but should cease to love him if he
offended me. And he would, methinks, act towards me in
the like manner."
Hus thoughtfully shook his head.
" My daughter, I like not the feelings with which you
are preparing to approach God'a altar. The oath which
to-morrow you will take of your own free will doth oblige
you to share grief and joy with your husband and unfaiUngly
to offer him a devotion that shall forgive all, and judge with
leniency. You will take a great duty upon yourself to-
morrow ! Fate has in store for you, as for all other women,
more than one trial. But though the wife's heart be
visited by disappointment, another, a new and lasting love
will blossom for her by the cradle of her child. As yet you
M THE TORCH-BEAREES OF BOHEMIA [part i
know not life, Rugena ; no passion hath yet disturbed your
calm. But when your soul shall awaken, when pride,
jealousy, anger, temptation shall whisper their evil counsels
to you, then must you cling to virtue to duty, and to faith.
All that is easy if you can but love ! And why, my daughter,
should you not strive to gain that great love that doth melt
hearts and make all sacrifices easy ? The Count, like all of
us, is subject to human weaknesses, yet he is worthy of your
love ; and God hath endowed you with that powerful
instrument, your beauty, to attract him to you. Make use
of this divine gift, my daughter, not for displays of empty
vanities, but to exercise a salutary influence upon your
husband that shall enuoMe him and make of him a man of
piety and stern morality."
Rugena was deeply moved and big tears trickled down
her cheeks.
" I understand that this duty is great and sacred,
yet . . . yet ... I fear that I lack strength wherewith to
fulfil it," she faltered, in a voice trembling with emotion.
" Life, my child, is a struggle which God doth send to
be a blessing to us, and which good will doth help us to
maintain. When heavy hours and weak moments shall
befall thee, communicate thy grief to me, and Our Lord
Jesus Christ, who knoweth human frailty, shall suffer me
, to point thee out the path of righteousness."
Placing his hands upon Rugena's downcast head he
prayed fervently.
" And now," he said, with his kindly smile, " calm your-
self, and remember that not one hair falls from our heads
without the knowledge of our Heavenly Father,"
He was about to rise, but Rugena clasped his hand
restraining him.
" I thank you, dear Father John, for your instruction,"
Bhe said, looking at him almost childishly, her clear eyes
Btill moist with tears. " Kiss me now, as you were wont
PAET 1] "THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA 95
to do when I was little, and I shall know that through your
pure lips my dear father sends me from Heaven his blessing
for my wedding-day,"
" Willingly, my child," said Hus, and bending over her
kissed her forehead, giving her his blessing. Her doubts
relieved, Rugena rose joyfully to her feet.
Night fell, and the little lamp burning before the
Crucifix cast a glimmering light in the preacher's cell. He
lay upon his hard and narrow bed, but could not sleep.
Alarming fancies were distressing him.
The thoughts and feelings which now assailed Father
John, and which during the whole evening had prevented
him from working were guests unknown in this peaceful
asylum of the scholarly hermit.
The image of a woman was haunting him with an
unnatural persistency. Rugena's curly golden head, and
her large, bright eyes gazing with naive trustfulness into his
own, had floated like a seductive vision across the pages of
the dry theological tract, had smiled upon him from the
pages of the volume on which he was at work, and dis-
tracted his attention during the evening prayer.
With a heavy head and anxious heart he lay down to
rest, ignorant of what had befallen him.
He had in the course of his life passed indifferently by
numbers of women, young and beautiful. Neither beauty
nor the adoration which many had professed for him had
touched his heart or thrilled his senses. Impure desires
which had been the ruin of too many of his fellow priests,
impelling them even to the seduction of fair penitents who
visited the confessional, had left him untouched. Chaste
by nature, he had led a strict and strenuous life, consecrated
to science and prayer ; and the flesh, thus conquered, had
never discomposed him.
But the evening's interview with Rugena had finally
96 THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA [paet i
cast his soul into dismay. The image of her upon her
knees, pure, fair, and as fresh as a field-flower, haunted him
like a pursuing vision. He fancied he still felt the clasp of
her soft white hand, and still inhaled the delicate fragrance
wafted from her hair when he bent to kiss her forehead. At
these remembrances his heart contracted painfully, and a
cold sweat broke out upon his brow. And on the next day
he was to unite her to a hare-brained fellow who probably
would never understand what a treasure fate had bestowed
upon him ! Oh, why could he not consecrate her to God
while her innocent soul was s^ill undefiled by contact with
a frivolous and depraved society, while passion and jealousy
were still unknown to her, while she was still uncontaminated
by the sins, into which th^idle hangers-on at Court, inflamed
by her beauty, would seek to lead her ? His heart grew still
heavier, and a deep groan broke from his breast.
He sprang from his couch and fell on his knees before
the Crucifix, raising his tightly clenched hands to Heaven.
" Jesus, Merciful Saviour ! " he cried, beseechingly.
" Crush this demon which torments me, which hath assumed
the image of a guiltless child. Drive from me these unclean
thoughts, that I may not blush, serving Thine altar with
the stains of sinful imaginings upon my soul. Sustain me,
Lord, in this hour of struggle which hath revealed my
weakness unto me while I thought myself to be strong !
Give me strength to be a priest according to Thy law, and
cleanse my heart from fleshly appetites.
" Thee, Thee alone and my duty have I the right to love !
The one aim of my life is to preach Thy Holy Word, to
struggle with delusion and iniquity, to open the eyes of the
blind and lead the repentant to Thy footstool. Oh, Jesus,
if my prayer reach to Thy throne, send me some token to
sustain me in mine infirmity. . . ."
Jjittle by little he was dominated by a profound ecstasy.
Sunk in a swoon of passionate adoration of his Heavenly
PART I] THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA 97
Teacher, with his eyes fixed upon the figure of the Crucified,
he lost all consciousness of his surroundings.
Then suddenly it seemed f o him that a spark began to
glow above the head of the Saviour, that it was joined by
another, and that soon a fiery sheaf streamed forth, which
grew broader and enveloped him, while at length he was
seized and uplifted above an abyss of fearful gloom by a
cloud of flame.
Wrapped in the flames he felt unutterable bliss. Some
heavy weight fell from him, and his soul was bathed in deep
tranquillity so that it no longer was troubled by earthly
longings. Light was in him and around him ; while beneath
him, very far below, in a dim, whitish mist, swarmed a
crowd of frantic people, in crown, tiaras and mitres, with
distorted faces upon which traces of all earthly passions
were imprinted.
With curses and execrations they flung mud and stones
at him, striving to strike him within his fiery halo. But he
felt himself in safety, and in his heart was no shade of
resentment against his powerless enemies.
He floated far in the brilliant, pellucid atmosphere. The
ravine disappeared in the distance, and the wild, discordant
shrieks of the crowd melted into harmonies of indescribable
tenderness. Suddenly, in"a blinding light, appeared a shining
figure, in snow-white raiment with azure wings and a green
palm-branch in its hand. The spirit had Rugena's features
and her golden curls, but in its serene gaze there was nothing
earthly.
" AH hail, thou valiant warrior ! " said the heavenly
apparition. " See, where thy lying and perfidious enemies
have vanished into the abyss, and instead of destroying thee
have rendered thee immortal ! Upon the tables of the
history of peoples, stained with blood and crime, the name
of him who was courageous to proclaim God's Word, to
censure the transgressions of those high placed on earth,
H
98 THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA [part i
and to die for Ms convictions, will be inscribed in letters
of fire. All frailities of the flesh will be consumed like a
hair in the flames encircling thee, and thy name shall shine
forth like a star in the memory of the Bohemian people, a
star leading them on to truth and freedom. . . ."
The rising sun, peeping in at the tiny, lead-encircled
window of Hus's cell, revealed him lying on the floor at the
foot of the Crucifix, but his face, emaciated from work and
with long sleepless nights, looked calm and restful. When
the first ray of sunlight fell upon him he trembled and drew
himself together. Then, rising to his feet, he sat down at
the table and buried his face in his hands.
He felt exhausted, but his soul was bright. God had
heard his prayer and the torturing dreams had fled. But
had he slumbered or beheld a vision ? Was it possible that
God had reserved him for that exalted mission, to serve as
an example to his people, a mission to be crowned by an
illustrious death ? In his meekness and humility the
thought of such a glorious destiny struck awe into his
soul.
" Be Thy will done in all things, and I will bless Thee
for whatever fate awaits me," he murmured, crossing himself.
" Thou hast inclined unto my prayer, O Lord, and expelled
the mischief. Of Thy mercy now preserve me from the
demon of Pride."
Soon after midday an enormous crowd gathered around
the church of St. Michael, while within the building was
assembled the flower of the nobility and gentry of Prague.
The streets through which the bridal procession was to
pass were thronged with sight-seers, for the King and Queen
had promised to grace the marriage of young Count Wald-
stein by their presence.
Cries from the street proclaimed the arrival of the royal
cortege, and a short while afterwards the bride and bride-
groom entered.
PART 1] THE TORCH-BEAREES OF BOHEMIA 99
Beautiful as a dream, yet pale as the silvery veil envelop-
ing her in filmy mist, Rugena moved with downcast head.
Only when she reached the altar she raised her eyes and
looked at Hus, standing before her on the steps.
He also was pale, for he had taken no food since the
day before. A strict fast must be employed to crush and
subdue the riotous flesh which had dared to oppose his iron
will.
Solemnly, and with deep feeling, he conducted the
service ; and from the bottom of his heart invoked Heaven's
blessing on the newly wed.
The triumphant victory he had gained over his own
weakness resounded in the words with which he addressed
the youthful pair, exhorting them to love one another
faithfully, to live according to God's Word, remembering
that only the fulfilment of duty can impart real happiness
and tranquillity of conscience.
Even upon Vok, light-minded though he was, the words
of the preacher, dehvered with extraordinary force, had
their efEect, though they awakened unpleasant feelings in
his soul. He loved his bride, and his resolves were strong
and deep ; but the notion that it was now his duty to
remain exclusively faithful to Rugena, lovely though she
was, was extremely disconcerting, and, in his opinion, it was
superfluous for Hus to make such demands upon the newly
married.
Not once did Jerome remove his eyes from Rugena during
the ceremony. It seemed to him that he had never seen
a woman so enchanting, or one who was such a complete
incarnation of the ideal of maiden parity and innocence.
He strove to renew his acquaintance with her, but the crowd
pressing around the young couple hindered his approach,
and only at the Waldsteins' house, before the guests sat
down to table, was he enabled to ask Vok to present him
to the bride.
100 THE TORCH-BEARBRS^OF BOHEMIA [part i
The Queen had kept Rugena by her side nearly all the
time, but at that minute the Countess Waldstein had
replaced her, when her husband led Jerome across the room.
" Allow me, Rugena," he said merrily, " to present to
thee Jerome, the most sarcastic and seductive man in all
Bohemia ! "
" You seek to flatter me by your elaborate eulogy. Count.
But I prefer to present myself as an old acquaintance to the
Countess," answered Jerome with a deep bow. " I had the
happiness of seeing you, a child. Countess, in your castle
at Rabstein, where you gave shelter to Hus and myself.
Doubtless you have forgotten me, but I have retained a
clear remembrance of a little fairy. . . ."
At sight of Jerome Rugena's face grew deadly white,
and she looked distractedly at the stately figure of the
famous orator, bowing with innate elegance before her, and
pressing his lips to her cold hand. But she conquered her-
self, answering in a low voice :
" I too remember seeing you before. It was when I
received the news of my father's death, and all the details
of that fearful day are deeply graven on my memory."
Vok had departed to some other guests, not noticing
Rugena's agitation, while Jerome attached no significance
to it. Conversing with her for a short time with his
customary wit and brilliance he stood aside, as the guests
were now preparing to sit down to table.
Rugena was completely overwhelmed. The meeting
with Jerome had cast her soul into a turmoil. The ideal of
her childish dreams had suddenly appeared before her in
the flesh, and had lost nothing by nearer acquaintance.
Jerome was, in fact, one of the handsomest men of his
time, and the most dashing cavalier in Prague, a city
surpassing in luxury all other cities of the epoch. Daring,
alluring, highly gifted and learned, he was famous, not only
in his own country, but in the whole of Europe, where he
PAET I] THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA 101
was always attended by unfailing success. He seemed
created to enslave the hearts of women. Even his sworn
enemies succumbed to his fascination.
And this ideal of manhood, whom she already adored not
even knowing him, and by whose side Vok seemed entirely
insignificant, Rugena was fated to meet upon her wedding-
day !
She knew that the unruly thoughts which wandered
through her mind were sinful, a betrayal of the oath of
fidelity which she had given, that it was her duty to banish
them from her heart, and to regard Jerome as nothing but
her husband's friend. But notwithstanding this wise
resolve she could not keep her eyes from wandering to his
face, as he animatedly proposed one toast after another and
amused the King to tears by his wit and merriment.
After the banquet the royal couple with their suite
retired to the Palace ; but the remaining guests continued
to feast, to the annoyance of Rugena, who felt imperative
need for rest and quiet. Pale and thoughtful, she had
taken little part in the conversation at the table. Vok,
on the contrary, was in excellent spirits. The universal
admiration for Rugena, and the innumerable congratula-
tions he had received, were extremely flattering to his
self-esteem.
The wine-cups circulated again, and more toasts were
drunk to the heroes of the day. Then, to the sound of
flutes and singing, with little pages strewing flowers before
their feet, the young couple were solemnly conducted to the
bridal chamber.
PART II
(EzEE. zzxvii.)
" Prophet, arise, and let us live !
And let hearts beat, let eyes behold.
And let the breath of life stream forth
And sweep across the desert cold. . . ."
N. SOKOLOF.
Thk first months of marriage passed for Rugena like a dream,
between celebrations in honour of the newly-wed couple,
and the political unrest which had seized the population of
Prague.
The question of votes in the University had become
acute ; and it reached its culminating point with the election
of the new Rector and the Dean of the Faculty of Science.
The Germans, with characteristic stubbornness, clung to the
old order of things ; but the Bohemians opposed the unjust
system of voting, and they triumphed. The elections were
postponed, and Baltenhagen, like Wahrentrappe, remained
for the time in his former post.
The affair was only prevented from leading to hand-to-
hand fighting by the strict injunction of King Venceslas ;
but relations between the antagonistic parties were strained
to the utmost.
The tempest, which for so long had been hanging in the
air, broke forth on the 7th of May, 1409.
In order to put an end to the disorders in the University, .
the King on his own authority appointed as Rector his secre-
tary, Zdenka Dubov, while Simon Tishnov was made Dean,
and Nicholas Lobkovitz entrusted with the power of putting
the King's decree into efiect.
PART 11] THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA 103
Lobkovitz, a great friend of the Waldsteins, was supping
with them one evening, and laughingly related the results
of the duty laid upon him.
" At the King's order I summoned the masters of all four
nationalities to Carolinum, and myself repaired to the Old
Place (town) in company with an advisor, provided with a
considerable guard for the purpose of keeping wranglers in
order. When I proposed to the Germans that they should
submit to the will of the King they flatly refused ; and what
was their dismay when I took from Baltenhagen the Rector's
seal and matricula of the University, and the keys of the
tr-j-jury and library, and conferred the posts of Rector and
Deacon on Zdenka and Simon. I thought they would have
burst.with rage. But the Germans are thick-skinned ; they
confined themselves to shouts and curses," Lobkovitz con-
cluded with a smile.
" 'Twill be curious to see what they will do now. The
Germans cannot resist much longer, and yet I do not believe
that they will fulfil their oath to leave the town," remarked
the elder Waldstein.
But the next day proved that the Germans were
serious in their intention. All over the town they were
making feverish and hasty preparations for their de-
parture.
On the third day at dawn an unusual noise and bustle
reigned in the streets of Prague. One might have thought
that the whole population was deserting the city.
The German professors and students were departing,
their faces gloomy and preoccupied, some on horseback,
some in carriages, and others simply on foot. After them
followed a long line of tradesmen, with their wives and
children, the latter distributed among the carts and waggons
loaded with baggage. It was a veritable exodus. More than
five thousand people (some chronicles say twenty thousand)
left Prague that day.
104 THE TORCH-BEARERS OP BOHEMIA [part ii
A bewildered crowd gazed in silence at those who were
departing. Until that moment nobody had seriously believed
in the German threat. The sweets of victory were poisoned
for many by the fear of inevitable financial losses ; but
we must do^he Bohemians the justice of saying that they
bore the temporary disadvantages of the position courage-
ously, considering their national interests to be of greater
importance.
At the first University elections after the departure of
the Germans John Hus was chosen Rector.
It would have seemed natural, after such a signal victory,
for peace to be proclaimed ; but instead, the struggle was
but diverted' into theological channels, and maintained as
furiously as before.
The disputes between the partisans of WyclifEe and
reform, and those of the Church hierarchy and Papal abso-
lutism passed from the halls of the University into the ranks
of the people and divided the whole population into two
inimical camps. In the Palace and in the castles of the
nobility, in shops and workshops, in street conversations
and in sermons, two topics reigned supreme — ^the works of
WyclifEe, and the imperative necessity of reforming the
Church, in which scandal had abeady reached its climax with
the election of a third Pope, Alexander V.
Though the masses of the people may not have quite
understood the scholastic subtleties of the English philo-
sopher's teachings they knew very well that upon the side
of Church-reform were ranged the noblest people, famed
not only for their virtue but for love of their fatherland ;
while their opponents — ^the wealthy and vicious priesthood —
were for the most part Germans, and therefore enemies
immemorial of the Bohemian people.
These arguments and dissensions increasing in acuteness
found an echo in the house of the Waldsteins, which was
visited not only by Hus and Jerome, but by a number of
PART 11] THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA 105
other friends, members partly of the priesthood and partly
of the University.
Meanwhile, while the political and religious life of
Bohemia was being confronted by a new crisis which was to
lead inevitably to the Hussite wars, a situation no less
intricate was being evolved in Rugena's spiritual life.
In the early days of her marriage she had felt stunned.
She was, at first, terrified by the ardent passion of her young
husband, but after a time resigned herself to it, as to a
necessary evil, and bore it with indifference, seeking her
entertainment in the society of Jerome. His constant visits
had sustained in her that vague feeling with which he had
inspired her long ago, but which she had never imagined to
be love. If anybody, indeed, had suggested such a thing to
her she would have been deeply ofEended. Rugena was
sincerely convinced that she delighted in Jerome's society
merely because he was distinguished from other men by his
beauty, intelligence, and learning.
A passing joy was afforded her by a letter from Svietomir,
brought by Zizka when he returned from Poland.
The youth wrote that the Cracow castellan had taken a
great interest in him, and had introduced him to the Court.
He was pleased with his position and had zealously applied
himself to the learning of the knightly arts.
The first love adventure of the young Count after their
marriage unexpectedly changed Rugena's spiritual attitude.
Vok had always considered that strict adherence to the
marriage-vow was a task beyond him. Besides which, how-
ever much in love he might be with his beautiful wife, he
could not help remarking her coldness to him, and partly
through anger restrained himself still less. His absences
from home grew more prolonged, and Rugena, who often
visited the Court through mere tedium, soon learned from a
compassionate friend that the constant preoccupations and
journeys of Vok were caused by nothing less than love
106 THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA [part ii
intrigues which he was maintaining with two ladies at once.
This discovery roused in Rugena's heart an utterly new and
unknown feeling. She was a woman now, and the knowledge
that she was being betrayed for wanton creatures who could
not be compared to her in beauty was a deadly oSence to her.
She unrestrainedly visited her scorn and indignation
upon her husband. Stormy scenes followed, and Vok,
moved by the recklessness of his nature, and purely as a
mockery of his wife, began to take an open part in all sorts of
notorious escapades.
The coolness between husband and wife became obvious,
and attracted to Rugena's side numberless adorers. These
hoped to profit by her wrath against her husband, but they
were speedily disillusioned. The fame of the young Countess
Waldstein's impregnabiUty spread in the town.
The only attentions gladly received by her were those of
Jerome, and that was merely because he never exceeded the
bounds of respectful courtesy, though he loved Rugena more
sincerely than others, being attracted not only by her beauty
but by her intelligence as well. He had no notion of the
part he played in her heart and imagination ; nor had he
any desire to risk the loss of her friendship by a rash and
hopeless declaration of love.
The month of July, 1410, arrived .A new act of religious
intolerance was being prepared, the ostensible excuse for
which was the teaching of Wyclifie, its real occasion being
the rebellion of free human thought against the oppression of
the Church of Rome.
No man can stand higher than the crowd without arousing
the envy and hatred of the mediocrities surrounding him.
Hus fell a victim to this law, and the enemies who surged
about him sought, out the most dangerous and efficacious
weapons, with intent to work his ruin.
Protected by the King and Queen, adored by the people,
and possessing an untarnished fame, Hus seemed to defy all
PART ii] THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA 107
such intrigues. Yet he was defenceless against the accu-
sation of heresy. It was at this weak spot that the attack
against him was directed, and many people whom he had
considered his friends appeared now in the ranks of his most
malignant enemies — among them Stephen Paleck and
Stanislav of Znoima.
The teachings of WyclifEe were pronounced heretical,
and all those who possessed his books were ordered by the
Archbishop of Prague to bring them to his palace.
This irrational measure aroused the discontent of all
partisans of reform, and was of course utterly condemned
in the Waldsteins' house. Father llarius persistently en-
deavoured to uphold the Archbishop's authority, but always
met with resistance on the part of Jerome.
Learned and gifted as he was, Jerome would not at first
descend to arguing with an ignoramus like Father llarius.
But noticing on one occasion that a dispute between them
diverted Rugena, he changed his tactics and began involving
the priest in all manner of scholarly controversies. The
dull-witted llarius was entirely incapable of parrying the
attacks of his brilliant opponent ; and Jerome never
released him until he was helpless with rage, to the intense
enjoyment of the young Countess.
But after a time llarius suddenly began to be imper-
tinent, and the change in him took place when the news
was received that Alexander's successor upon the papal
throne was none other than Badassare Cossa. This aggran-
dizement of her near relation was a source of indescribable
joy to the Countess Waldstein, and llarius began to conduct
himself with unconcealed disdain towards Hus and his
followers.
On July 16th Hus and Jerome were to dine at the
Waldsteins', but arrived somewhat earlier for the purp^ose
of discussing current afEairs. The guests and their hosts
were sitting, conversing, in a room overlooking the street,
108 THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA [part ii
when suddenly their attention was arrested by the stroke
of a bell, and afterwards came an ominous protracted
tolling, like that of a funeral-bell which seemed to resound
all over Prague.
" What means this ? " said Jerome, springing to his feet.
Vok rushed to the window and threw it open. The
passers-by in the street had stopped, and were gathering in
groups ; but nothing further was to be observed.
" We must go and discover what hath occurred," said
those present, buckling on their swords.
But at that moment the door opened and Father Ilarius
appeared upon the threshold, his face flushed and beaming,
and his eyes shining with delight.
" Do not trouble to go forth, good sirs ! I will explain to
you what hath happened ! That sound is the funeral-khell
of heresy which hath infected Prague. At this moment the
accursed works of Wycliffe are ablaze in the Archbishop's
courtyard. May the impious soul of the heretic burn even
thus in Hell ! "
Hus gave a low cry, and Jerome said angrily :
" Thou liest, monk ! 'Tis impossible ! "
" Ha-ha-ha ! " tittered Ilarius. " Soon you will be con-
vinced of the truth. The Archbishop's palace is now sur-
rounded by guards. And Zbynek doth himself supervise
^the deed which hath been authorised by the Holy Father."
" An Antichrist is he — thy Holy Father ! A robber who
hath purchased for himself a mitre. How dare he burn
works of philosophy which neither he nor his priests can
understand ! "
" The Holy Father an Antichrist ? A robber ? He,
who can bind and loosen souls in Heaven and on earth !
Not dare to burn the works of a heretic ! " Ilarius cried
furiously.
" Yes, an Antichrist ! Not souls but purses doth he
bind and loosen ! " Jerome said wrathfuUy.
PART 11] THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA 109
" Ah ! I see, thou too art a, heretic, like thine accompUce
John, who doth inspire thee to the like revilement of the
representative of Christ ! He will teach you, scofEers, to
respect his power. He will send you both to the stake,
which you have richly merited."
He flung himself with upraised fist upon Jerome,. who at
this final insult also lost ^11 self-control.
Turning the blow aside with the handle of his sword he
seized the monk, raised him in the air and flung him through
the open window near which he stood, with the words :
" There ! I will teach thee to insult an honourable man
whose shoes thou art not worthy to unlace."
All this had happened so quickly and unexpectedly that
Hus, who had sprung forward, was unable to prevent it.
The Countess Waldstein, who had entered the room just
in time to behold her confessor fly through the window,
screamed and fell senseless.
Rugena turned pale, but stood silent, gazing steadily
at Jerome.
" Forgive me, dear lady, for having made you witness
of my passion," he said, alarmed at the condition of the
Countess, upon whom Rugena was now in attendance.
" I hope. Master Jerome, that my presence may never
hinder you from defending a noble cause, especially when
the matter doth concern our Father John, so dear to all of
us ! I am, on the contrary, much delighted that that viper
hath received the chastisement he hath long deserved,"
answered Rugena, looking at him with a peculiar expression.
Love and delight were so clearly expressed in this look
that Jerome trembled and involuntarily turned aside, seeking
Vok's eyes. But the young Count was leaning out of the
window, looking laughingly on at what was happening in
the street.
The noise of the dispute had attracted curious onlookers,
and a crowd had already begun to gather in front of the
no THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA [pakt ii
house when Father Ilarius, bursting through the window,
crashed on to the pavement nearly crushing two women
who were listening open-mouthed to the noise within the
house. The insults which had been directed at Hus spread
from mouth to mouth among the people, who lost no time
in avenging their favourite. Instead of helping the monk
to his feet they began to rain blows and unflattering
epitaphs upon him, spitting upon his tonsure ; and Heaven
knows in what the scene would have terminated had not
Hus himself appeared in the street and by the severity of
his words restrained the crowd which shortly afterwards
dispersed.
Ilarius, covered with bruises and scratches, with a
bleeding face, a broken tooth, and a torn and dirty cassock,
retired to his room. He was panting with rage and thirst
for revenge, and on the following day a letter, filled with
spiteful and malicious calumnies against Hus and Jerome,
and setting forth a long list of insults pronounced by them
against the Pope, was dispatched to Bologna. It was
addressed to Father Bonaventura, treasurer of his Eminence,
Bishop Brancaccio.
II
The days succeeding were marked by great disturbances in
the town.
Hu8 protested against his excommunication and con-
tinued to preach in the Bethlehem chapel, being upheld in
this by the Queen, who attended her confessor's sermons as
before.
King Venceslas, although he forbade the singing of
obscene songs about the Archbishop under penalty of death,
nevertheless authorised the possessors of the books that
had been burnt to demand payment for their loss from
Zbynek and the priests who had taken part in the auto-da-fe.
The knight Kobyl, Governor of Vyshegrad, and Vok von
Waldstein were chosen to put the King's will into effect.
This was a time of special difficulty for Rugena, poisoned
for her by domestic annoyances.
Not only was her husband constantly absent upon
different matters, but her mother-in-law began to persecute
her. The Countess Waldstein had heard Rugena's ap-
proving words when Harius had been flung out of the window
and visited the offence to her confessor upon her daughter-
in-law. She blamed her too for Vok's excesses, declaring
that Rugena had driven him away by her coldness, capri-
ciousness, and tyranny.
Rugena felt herself completely deserted, and in this
state of mind her warm and friendly relations with Jerome
acted like healing balm on her sick heart.
Although Jerome, like all adherents of reform, was
absorbed in the argument and deliberations concerning the
questions which engrossed all University and political
gatherings, he gladly spent his feee time with the young
112 THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA [part ii
Countess, and tried in every way to entertain her by reading,
singing, or instruction in the arts and sciences. His atten-
tions evoked the deepest gratitude on Rugena's part, and
established a dangerous intimacy between them. The visits
of Jerome cost her more than one scene with the Countess
Jan, who, while far from suspecting Rugena's fidelity to her
husband, accused her of encouraging Jerome's visits as an
annoyance to herself.
Jerome's love for the young Countess had increased
tenfold since he had received that intoxicating glance from
her on the famous occasion of Father Ilarius's aerial flight.
The thought that perhaps he was beloved by this adorable
woman agitated him and awoke in him the burning desire,
by some means or other, to become assured of it, to behold
Rugena divested of the mask behind which she always hid
her feelings.
An unexpected event accelerated the crisis.
Vok had delightedly headed a punitive expedition
against the abbot of a certain monastery, and other priests
who had taken part in the destruction of the works of
WyclifEe, and had carried away for redemption some precious
objects from their sacristries and gold from their treasuries.
A priest of one of the largest and richest parishes in the
environs of Prague shut himself up in his house and flatly
refused to pay the sum of money demanded of him. Wald-
Btein forced an entry into his house, and in searching for
his treasures found among them a beautiful young girl
whom the pious shepherd of the Church — despite her cries
and protests — had carried to his house. Before departing
from that place Vok ordered the priest to be soundly thrashed
for his depravity.
Unhappily Rugena, after leaving the Queen, met her
husband in the road returning from the expedition, and
carrying before him on his horse the beautiful girl whom
he had rescued from her " spiritual " lover. Vok glanced
PART 11] THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA 113
smilingly at his wife, and rode past with his prize to the
tavern to get some refreshments.
Rugena returned home furious, and a bold plan of
revenge entered her mind. At that moment she hated her
■'husband, imagining that everybody would now begin to
mock and point at her. Walking about the room absorbed
in. her thoughts, she noticed neither the page who entered
to make an announcement, nor Jerome, who came in shortly
afterwards, and who, on receiving no answer to his greeting,
looked at her in amazement.
" Good Heavens ! What ails you. Countess ? Has
something terrible happened 1" he asked, approaching
her.
" I hate Vok, and never wish to meet him again ! That
is what has happened ! " broke from her lips.
" Happy man to arouse this jealousy ! He is to be
envied," said Jerome, sniiling sadly. " I guessed the mad-
cap had in some way ofEended you. But take it not so
close to heart. He is fiery and impulsive, and easily carried
away, but it is impossible for him not to love you. Be
assured that he will soon appear to ask your pardon."
Rugena laughed scornfully.
" You are profoundly mistaken. Master Jerome. I am
not jealous of Vok, for I have never loved him ; nor will
he come to ask my pardon, for neither doth he love me.
I am but the victim of family necessities ! Did I know to
what manner of man they had given me ? He saw in me
but a wealthy heiress who would bring him ten castles,
eighty villages, and much gold as a dowry, to cover the
debts of the family and pay for his dissoluteness. I wish
not for his love, but I have the right to demand that he put
me not to public shame ! The thought that I am united
to him and cannot free myself from the chains I loathe
maddens me ! "
She spoke passionately, but suddenly hei wrath melted
I
114 THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA [part ii
into despair. She sank upon a chair, and covering her face
with her hands burst into sobs.
" In what have I deserved such shame ? All have
abandoned me and I have none to love me ! " she moaned.
Jerome forgot everything. He fell upon his knees
before her and took her hand.
" None to love you ! You ? Have you never felt that
I adore you with all my soul, and am ready to shed the last
drop of my blood for you ? "
Rugena rose to her feet with a pale face. Had she heard
aright ? Was it possible that he, the idol of all Prague, whose
learning surpassed that of the professors, whose eloquence
held crowds captive, could really love her ? Yet his gaze
was full of passion. . . . She saw that he spoke the truth,
and that the hero of her childish dreams was at her feet.
Had Rugena been calmer she might have been frightened
at his avowal. But at that moment, outraged pride and
anger against her husband had convulsed her whole soul. A
feeUng of victorious and intoxicating happiness banished all
obstacles, all doubts.
"Is it true that you love me, Jerome ? " she asked,
stooping over him.
" Alas ! To my misfortune it is true. Forgive me,
Rugena, for my mad words. They were called forth by
your tears. Do not drive me from you," muttered Jerome,
trying to rise.
But Rugena encircled his neck with her arms, and
bowing her head to his shoulder whispered with trembling
lips:
" I have nothing to forgive. For the first time in my
life I have felt a moment of true happiness. I have loved
thee for long, Jerome, since that first day when I saw thee
in Rabstein Castle."
And in a few words she told him of her childish dreams,
whose ideal he had been. Enraptured by this unexpected
PAET n] THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA 115
joy Jerome drew ter into hia arms and pressed his lips
to hers.
Rugena hid her face in his breast. She was experiencing
a feeling she had never known till then — a feeling in which
bliss, peace, and agonising bitterness were mingled.
At that moment Anna's face appeared between the folds
of the door hangings. Petrified with amazement at what
she saw she dropped the curtain, but did not leave the room,
desiring to protect her friend's weakness from the gaze of
prying eyes. Jerome was the first to recollect himself. He
seated himself beside Rugena, holding her hand in his.
" Beloved ! " he said, looking tenderly at her. " Had I
but dreamt that an old bird of passage such as I could have
been pleasing to a charming child, who even then gave
promise of rare beauty I would have become a stay-at-home,
and contested thee against all the world. And now it
remains for me but to gird up my loins and flee, for such
moments make me traitor to my friend."
Rugena turned pale. It seemed beyond her strength
to relinquish such happiness, but newly tasted; and her
heart besides was in a ferment of resentment against her
husband.
" A traitor to such as he ! He deserves to be betrayed.
I at least feel it not binding upon myself to be true to a
profligate who is not ashamed to ride along the streets with
a fallen woman," she said with scorn. " Is it for hia sake
that we must part ? Never. I do not wish thee to leave
me. If thou goest, let us go together. This house is
abhorrent to me. I will fly from it and follow thee to the
uttermost ends of the earth ! "
" Tempt me not, Rugena ! Your words will blind my
reason ! Conscience tells me that to bind thy fate with
mine, to involve thee in all the adventures of my roving life
with its eternal struggles, were a sin ! Maybe the stake
awaits a heretic such as I. Can I offer the woman I adore
116 THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA [part ii
a certain shelter, and a peaceful life ? Truly I could not
even die becomingly did I know thee to be left in a false
and insecure position."
" I wish thee not to die ! I wish thee to live, and to
live for me alone. If thou dost really love me thou wilt
find the means to free me and to bear me with thee," Rugena
said, warmly.
Jerome passionately kissed her hand.
" From this moment I am thy slave ! I will consider
well and find a means to save thee. We will depart in a
few days. And afterwards from some safe place we will
seek a divorce, for thou must be mine in face of God and
man. And now fare thee well. To-morrow I will come to
thee again. We have been too incautious as it is ! "
He again bent and kissed her, and before Rugena had
time to recover herself he was gone.
It was dusk already, and he did not perceive Anna as he
left the room. Meeting nobody except two pages who were
lighting candles in the candlesticks, Jerome gained the street
and returned home.
His head was burning and his heart beat violently.
What had happened was for him a turning-point in his life.
Perhaps Heaven had sent this new indescribable happiness
to him as a token that he had worked sufficiently for others,
and might begin to think of himself 1
To his astonishment he beheld Hus, sitting at the table
in his room turning over the leaves of a manuscript which
was spread open before him.
" Hail to thee, John ! What art thou doing ? " Jerome
asked absent-mindedly, casting his hat and cloak on to a
chair.
" Why, while waiting for thee I have been glancing at
thy tract in defence of WyclifEe's Be Trinitate," answered
Hus, looking at him in some astonishment.
" Ah ! That indeed is interesting," answered Jerome,
PART II] THE TOECH-BEAREES OF BOHEMIA 117
in a tone which showed clearly that his thoughts were far
away, and that he listened with his ears alone.
Hus took his hand and drew him to a chair.
" There now ! Sit down and make confession," he said
in a friendly manner. " Why dost thou wear such a strange,
preoccupied, and blissful aspect 1 Something has befallen
thee. Thy head, it seems, doth float in air ! "
"Yes, thou art right; andlam like to lose it altogether,"
answered Jerome, running his fingers through hi» clustering
hair.
Noting his friend's searching glance he continued :
" Ah, John ! If thou didst but know from whence I
come, and what 1 have been doing thou wouldst most sternly
reprove me."
A sad smile played for a moment upon the pale face of
Hus.
" Confession — doth remove half the guilt ! "
" Nay, not in this case. If it did but concern me alone !
But I have sinned and thereby disturbed an innocent
heart," he said, leaping to his feet and striding excitedly
about the room,
" Thou art incorrigible ! Is it possible that neither
years nor reason have placed a check upon thy foolish love
adventures ? " said Hus, reproachfully. " I know that
women favour thee, but at least leave maiden hearts in
peace. Bethink thee whether thou art fit to be a husband —
a homeless vagabond, who like the eternal Jew can find
no rest."
" But now 'tis another matter ! 'Tis time for me to
settle down, abandoning my roving life. Thou art right :
I have loved much, and for the most part lightly. But now
my heart hath been given for ever. A feeling such as I
have never felt before consumes my soul. A woman, lovely
as an angel, pure as a lily, loves me ! Dost thou hear, John ?
Loves me to distraction, and ... I am her slave."
118 THE TOECH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA [pabt u
A look of deadly horror overspread the face of Hus, and
he gazed sternly into the eyes of his friend.
" I understand thee well ! That woman lovely as an
angel is the wife of Vok von Waldstein, and her purity hath
surely offended thine eyes, that thou dost seek to sully it
with a foul stain."
It was now Jerome's turn to turn pale.
" Thou hast guessed — ^it is Rugena ! And I will permit
thee, ascetic, who hath subdued the flesh, a;nd is untouched
by passion, to judge me as a priest, and as a friend. But
there are circumstances that make our guilt less heavy.
Vok doth betray his wife in the most unpardonable manner,
and her woman's pride is daily outraged. Is it marvellous
that she should thirst for love and happiness and strive to
rend the chain that binds her 1 I sin, for I am but a- man,
and cannot resist temptation when such a woman as Rugena
says to me, ' I love thee, and have ever loved thee. I will
follow thee to the world's end : only bear me hence.' Her
will is law to me, and I will fly with her. I will be happy, and
give her happiness ! "
Passion and indomitable resolution were betrayed in his
words, his actions, and his shining glance.
A flush rose to the face of Hus and he got up from his
seat.
" Thou art preparing to abduct Rugena ? Madman !
'Tis not enough for thee to besmirch her pure soul with a
forbidden love ! Thou must still degrade her, make her
thy concubine, drag the tender being, accustomed to all ease
and luxury, through the vicissitudes of thy wandering life ! "
" Stay, John ! Do not offend me needlessly. Yes, I
wish to bear away Rugena and to hide her, but only until
such time as a divorce may be obtained, and she may stand
beside me at God's altar."
" Thou dost wish for her to be divorced ? To which
Pope art thou minded to apply for such a favour ? " said
PAST n] THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA 119
Hub, smiling. " To Gregory XII. in Rimini ? But thou
hast refused obedience to him, and he will scarcely help thee.
Pope John XXIII. in Rome is no better disposed towards
thee, for thou hast dubbed him Antichrist. And Boniface
is too far removed from us, and his power is acknowledgfed
in Arragon alone. Even if one of these should grant thee a
divorce, the remaining two would annul the decision as
unlawful. Recollect thyself, Jerome ! Listen to the voice
of reason and honour, and fly before thou hast worked
irremediable evil, before thou art weighed down by three
great crimes : against God, against a man who holds thee
his friend, and against a weak and blindly-trustful woman
who loves thee ! "
Jerome was confused, and hung his head in silence. He
felt that Hus was right ; his hopes seemed unrealisable, and
conscience whispered to him too. Yet to abandon happiness
seemed beyond his strength.
" John, thou dost demand an inhuman sacrifice from
me ! Thou dost condemn me to two deaths ; for not only
shall I sufEer the loss of the most exquisite creature vouch-
safed to man, but Rugena will hate me if I abandon her
after what to-day hath passed between us."
" 'Twere better for her to hate than to despise thee.
The human heart is changeable. Who knows but what the
bliss of which you both dream in time may weigh upon you ?
I demand nothing of thee. But as thy priest I recall to thee
the words of the Gospel : ' Thou shall not covet thy neigh-
bour's wife ! ' And as thy friend I say to thee : pity the
woman thou dost profess to love ; do not condemn her to
a moral death, do not deprive her of the possibility to return
to the true path. The intoxication of passion is brief ;
repentance is terrible and prolonged. And as a last resort
I would remind thee of the national and religious struggle
in which we both are engaged. Will honour permit thee
to fly the field of battle in that moment when thine
120 THE TORCH-BEAEERS OF BOHEMIA [part ii
eloquence and learning should belong entirely to thy
country ? "
Jerome covered his face with his hands. It was obvious
that a terrible struggle was proceeding within him.
After long silence he rose, pale but determined. Traces
of the moral upheaval through which he had just passed
were observable in his voice and downcast gaze.
" Thou hast conquered, John," he said, dully. " I
renounce personal happiness and will depart as soon as
possible without again seeing Rugena. Let this renunciation
serve thee as the measure of my love to her. I tvill not be
the cause of her fall. The future will show whether I am
right in this, and whether I have acted well in condemning
her to life with Vok, which can mean nothing for her but
unhappiness."
" When a man fulfils his duty he cannot be unhappy.
A tranquil conscience will sustain him," Hus answered
firmly. " Friend, give me thy hand ! I congratulate thee
on thy victory ! Believe me that one day Rugena too will
thank thee for not profiting by her inexperience."
" I had promised to be with her to-morrow. Go thou,
in place of me, bid her farewell from me, and explain to her
the reason that I fly from her," said Jerome, in a low voice.
Then, seizing hat and cloak, he rushed from the room.
Hus followed him.
After Jerome's departure Rugena shut herself within
her room and her first agitation melted in a gush of tears.
Vok, happily, did not return that night ; and when she
awoke late next morning after a heavy sleep a reaction took
place within her. With a feeling of horror, not unmixed
with rapture, she recalled the events of the evening
before.
At thought of the kisses and words of love she had
exchanged with Jerome her whole being was thrilled with
PART ii] THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA 121
joy ; but shame and remorse were already awakening in her
soul. She was too pure and honest to be able to reject all
the principles of morality in a single night.
The day dragged on with almost unbearable heaviness,
and when (Vok being still absent) her mother-in-law, sur-
prised at her evident discomposure, asked in a friendly
manner what ailed her, Rugena nearly swooned. Her
agitation increased hour by hour. Jerome, she thought,
had probably fixed the time and arranged the details of
their flight which she herself had desired. But now she was
terrified at thought of this decisive step.
Instead of Jerome, Hus appeared and asked to speak
with her alone, tinder the sad, stern gaze of her confessor
Rugena blushed and trembled.
With bowed head she followed him into the oratory and
sank upoa her knees before the shrine,
" You awaited another whose words would have been
pleasanter to you than mine," said Hus, after a silence,
" But I, in fulfilment of the promise I gave, have come to
bring you Jerome's farewell. To-morrow he will depart,
not to return until he can look upon you without a blush."
Rugena gave a dull cry.
" He hath abandoned me ? He doth not love me ? "
" Nay, he loved you too much to ruin you and to lower
you to the position of women ... of another sort. Come
to yourself, Rugena, and be ashamed that you have so
grievously forgot your duty," said Hus, severely.
But the blow had fallen too heavily upon Rugena. The
loss of the man she loved banished all thought of shame from
her heart. Bitterly she began recounting the insults and
betrayals of her husband, repudiating every obligation on
her part to be true to him,
Hus did not interrupt her until sobs choked her voice.
" Make open declaration of that, and then depart
courageously," he said.
122 THE TORCH-BEAEERS OF BOHEMIA [part n
" But may I ? " she murmured, looking at him in
astonishment.
" You may not, it is sure. Yet you desire to flee
stealthily, by night. Believe me, my daughter, every act
that fears the light and would hide under cover of darkness
is an evil act ! You know as well as I why you are ashamed,
why you would hide from human eyes, far less terrible than
the eye of God. You accuse your husband and maintain
that you hate him for his transgressions against you ; but
how shall the sins of others serve as a condonation for our
own ? Is your conscience above reproach ? "
And sternly he recalled her life since her marriage. Had
she striven to love her husband and attract him to her by
mildness and indulgence ? he asked. Had she not rather
repelled him by coldness and indifierence and cruel, offensive
words ? Then he spoke of duty which man is obliged to
fulfil however irksome it may be, submitting to the trials
of life that he may not later be tormented by pangs of
conscience and the fear of judgment.
The preacher had never, perhaps, been so eloquent as
at that moment, when he poured forth his burning faith and
passionate love of righteousness upon the troubled soul of
the penitent.
When at length Hus departed, Rugena, entirely con-
quered by his exhortations, firmly resolved to submit to
the demands of the duties God had imposed upon her.
Ill
It was a Sunday towards the end of May, 1412. Notwith-
standing the early hour the streets of Prague were filled
with people. Some were hastening to mass ; others to
make purchases at the innumerable little stalls and booths
which had sprung up for the fair like mushrooms, for the
sale of different commodities brought in from the surrounding
districts.
On the square before the Tynsky Cathedral the crowd
was particularly dense, and a soUd mass of people was sur-
rounding two platforms constructed out of planks, from
each of which a monk was haranguing them. The noise of
drums and trumpets which resounded at intervals in the
neighbourhood of these street pulpits attracted new and new
crowds of spectators.
Among them stood Broda and Matthias. One was
listening &owningly, the other siuiling sarcastically at the
monkish oratory.
" Brothers ! " squeaked one of the preachers, loudly,
" words of mine are too weak to depict the blessings which
you may enjoy by acquiring one of the indulgences conferred
upon the faithful by His Holiness, John XXIII., with the
inexhaustible generosity of a father for his erring children.
Which of us hath a conscience unstained by sin ? Who
doth not tremble at thought of God's judgment, or beseech
Heaven for the pardon of departed dear ones who are suffer-
ing the awful torments of Hell ? Who doth not fear for his
children lest eternal perdition be awaiting them ? It lies
with you to flee from all these torments by laying in a store
of absolution. . . . Here are indulgences for all, and to meet
124 THE TOECH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA [part ii
every need, total and partial, for 500, for 300 or 200 years;
here are remission of future sins and exemptions from the
pains of Purgatory. These blessings are for the poorest
as for the highest nobility : all have equal ehances of escaping
the torments of the world to come. Even he who hath
already set forth upon the path of ruin may boldly present
himself at the gates of Paradise, and St. Peter on reading
the indulgence will not question him concerning his trans-
gressions, but will fling open the gates of Heaven before
him. And there, behold, God the Pather will be sitting on
gold and silver clouds, and beside Him, His Heavenly Son,
surrounded by throngs of angels and archangels, by
Cherubim and Seraphim. The sinner in terror will fall
down before the Throne of the Almighty, but the angels,
beholding the indulgence in his hand, will present it unto
God, and Christ will say, ' What My representative hath
pardoned on earth shall be pardoned in Heaven likewise.
Go, My son, and sing My praises.' And the angels will
upraise the blessed one upon a cloud and show him the
glories of the Heavenly Kingdom. He will sleep in the
shade of the Tree of the knowledge of good and evil, and
will fearlessly partake of that same fruit that wrought the
downfall of Adam. ..."
The monk, exhausted, paused to taike breath.
His words had produced various sentiments in Ms
listeners. Some laughed and giggled mockingly. Un-
flattering remarks concerning the Pope and his ambassadors
were heard on different sides ; and there were also cries of
indignation against the audacious vendor of indulgences.
Many from among the crowd rushed into the church, but
Broda, laughing heartily, turned to Matthias.
" Be of good cheer, old friend ! This shaven rascal shall
charm nothing from our pockets ! " he cried.
" Yes, 'tis well that Master Hus doth open the eyes of
fools, and reveal the true value of all these indulgences and
PART II] THE TORCH-BEAEERS OF BOHEMIA 125
bulls. 'Tis not his fault if theie aie still sheep that let
themselves be shorn."
" Yes, he stands like a lion for truth, with his sermons
and contentions, and doth paste refutations at all street-
corners. Jerome, since his return to Prague, hath aided him
in all as 'tis his wont. A wondrous man, Jerome," said
Broda, warmly. " God hath endowed him with all talents !
Hast thou seen, Matthias, the picture which not long since
he did paint upon a wall ? "
" No."
" Come, I Will show it thee ! "
" Shall we not be late for the sermon in the Bethlehem
chapel ? "
" Not so ! We will hasten our steps and be in time,"
said Broda, drawing his companion away.
Not only was the building filled to overflowing, but
surrounded in the street by a crowd of such density that
all Broda's gigantic strength was needed to force a way
for them, and even then they could get no further than the
door. But being both of immense size they were able to
see, over the heads of the people, what was proceeding in
the chapel.
Hus was in the pulpit, and his ardent face expressed the
burning conviction inspiring him.
Some of the preacher's words were lost by dis-
tance, but when in an outburst of enthusiasm he raised
his voice, fragments of his speech reached Broda and
Matthias.
" Brethren," he was saying at that moment, " think not
that I deny the power of the Holy See. None can submit
more humbly than I to the power with which God hath
invested the Pope. I do but protest against the niisuse of
that power, especially that of to-day. Conscience doth
oblige me to protect you all against deception which perverts
the very words of Christ.".
126 THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA [part n
The preacher's voice was lost for a few moments ; but
then was heard again.
" Take heed, my brethren ! Trust not in absolution
which hatred hath dictated, the words of which are blas-
phemy against the truths of Scripture. Take heed, I say,
and purchase not for yourselves indulgences measuring by
gold God's mercy, lulling yourselves with vain hopes that
unrighteousness can be expiated by aught save true and
deep repentance, and good works ! . . ."
When the sermon was ended the crowd began, little by
little, to disperse.
Among those who now appeared in the entry were old
Count Waldstein, Vok, Rugena, and Anna. They had
stopped not far from the door, waiting for the people to
pass out, and exchanging their impressions of the sermon
they had just been listening to.
At that moment Jerome emerged through a second door,
that leading to the sacristry and the cell of Hus. He
passed the Waldsteins without seeing them, and mingled
with the crowd. Vok hastened after him and seized him
by the cloak.
" Whither speedest thou, Jerome ? Or was it thy wish
to shun thy friends 1 "
" Why so ? I knew not thou wert in the church.
Myself, I have heard the sermon sitting upon the bench
behind the pulpit."
" Why, we are all here ; my father and Rugena too.
Come, they will rejoice to see thee. And I am like to rate
thee for having been so long in Prague and coming not to
visit us."
" Every day have I purposed to be with you, but all this
time I have been so engrossed in work that my head is in a
whirl. And the two last weeks I have spent in Voykovitz."
Thus conversing they approached the old Count and
the ladies. Jerome kissed Rugena's hand with knightly
PART n] THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA 127
grace and seemed not to notice the tiembling of her fingers,
the only sign of agitation which escaped her.
Jerome seemed tranquil, and as witty as before ; but
his face had assumed a serious and stern expression hitherto
unobserved upon it. The old Count invited him to his
house, and he at once accepted the invitation. They all
proceeded in the direction of home.
" What took thee to Voykovitz when there were such
weighty happenings here 1 " Vok inquired.
" I had to put in order divers old aSairs and reckonings.
But, beyond that, I was mightily diverted by the edifying
sale of seats in Paradise. Conceive that there they march
about to the beating of drums bartering their devilish wares
in towns and villages. And when a poor fool of a clod-
hopper hath not sufficient money the monks take from
him in payment sheep, cows, and other cattle. If, by good
fortune, I had not been in Voykovitz they would have laid
bare my peasants."
" I will follow thy wise example, and take measures to
restrain the labours of the reverend fathers in my estates
that lie near Prague," said Vok, laughingly.
After dinner Countess Jan withdrew, pleading indisposi-
tion. But the truth was that she had been on bad terms
with her son and husband since Vencel Tim, the papal
legate, had arrived in the town to sell indulgences, and to
preach a crusade against the bishoprics of Salzburg, Magde-
burg, and Prague.
Relations between Rugena and her husband had im-
proved. Led by remorse and the desire to expiate her
fault, the young woman had been less severe, and had tried
by meekness and gentleness to attract him to her side. He
was at first amazed by this, and afterwards touched, and
as he in reality adored his young wife he refrained from
escapades of too scandalous a nature, in order to avoid
ofEending her.
128 THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA [part ii
Although the whole nervous crisis through which Rugena
had lived had acted powerfully upon her tender nature, it
was the fierce though silent struggle with her love for
Jerome, in which she had stubbornly refused to be con-
quered, which finally prostrated her.
She fell seriously ill, and for two weeks her life hung upon
a thread. The fear of losing his wife sobered young Count
Waldstein, and drew him penitent to her sick-bed.
When Rugena began to recover he tried indeed to be
more steady, and his repentance was as extravagant and
noisy as his folly had been. Rugena was kind and affec-
tionate, and when from time to time Vok's impulsive nature
drove him in spite of everything to some mad adventure
she still preserved her indulgent attitude. But during her
illness she grew more self-absorbed, more serious and
reserved, and her whole being was pervaded by her hidden
sorrow.
Anna, as before, lived in the Waldsteins' house in spite
of several exceedingly advantageous offers of marriage, even
resisting her brother's repeated invitations to her to share
his home. Rugena, to tease her, asserted that she was still
waiting for Svietomir, but in her heart — since Anna had
confessed to witnessing the scene with Jerome — she was
very glad to keep by her side this devoted friend who alone
knew of her weakness.
IV
A FEW days later several horsemen were riding along a
street in the Mala Strana, which lies upon the left bank of
the river. One of these wore a light suit of armour, and
rode at the head of the others with his vizor dropped.
Behind him rode a priest, a page, an equerry, and four armed
men, leading pack-horses by their bridles.
The nearer they drew to the market-place the more
difficult grew their progress, as there were many people in
the streets. The sound of singing, shouts, and laughter
arose from the moving crowds. Reaching the square, the
knight was obliged to keep close to the houses, and at last
he halted altogether.
A mass of heads was seething on all sides. In front
of the Archbishop's palace a high chariot was drawn up,
but it was difficult, owing to the people, to obtain a clear
glimpse of it.
Suddenly the crowd gave way, making a passage for
a procession which then emerged and passed just in front
of the travellers.
Musicians, drummers, and trumpeters, pounding with
all their might upon their instruments, came marching
before an enormous vehicle, in which sat two women with
impudent faces, and of dissolute appearance. From the
throat of each hung a papal bull. All around them, in the
chariot and by the side of it, sat or walked monks singing
hymns, though far from devout ones, ridiculing the Pope, his
indulgences, and his Crusade. The people clapped their
hands, joining in the singing of the monks, and giving vent
to various ejaculations concerning the priesthood. At
E
130 THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA [part n
length the procession disappeared round the corner of the
street.
All this time the knight stood motionless. The hand
which held his rein was trembling slightly, while the other
sternly clutched the handle of the dagger which hung from
his belt.
Noticing a clerk who was passing, the rider stopped
him and inquired, in Latin, the meaning of the strange
procession.
" They bear the bull of ' the Romish Antichrist ' in
triumph to the New Town, there to burn it beneath a
scaffold," said the other with an absorbed air, hurrying to
overtake the procession.
Now it was possible for the riders to proceed further.
Reaching the Archbishop's palace they turned into the
courtyard, after some parley with the gatekeeper.
On the evening of that same day we behold the knight
in the Archbishop's sleeping chamber, whither he had been
led after his conversation with Albik, who had succeeded
Zbynek Zaitza as Archbishop of Prague.
He was reclining in an armchair wrapped in a wide
mantle of violet-coloured silk. Two wax candles in silver
candlesticks shed a quivering light upon the strongly
marked features of our old acquaintance, Thomas Brancaccio.
He has changed little since we saw him last, being still the
same handsome, well-built man, with hair as black as jet.
Behind his armchair Father Bonaventura was standing,
and before him, on a folding chair, sat Ilarius, who was
listening in a cringing attitude to the words of the Bishop.
" I have come personally to acquaint myself as to what
is happening in Prague, later to give an account thereof to
the Holy Father. But in order that my actions may be
freer, I wish not to appear officially, and my presence here
must be made known to as few as possible. You, Father
Ilarius, are probably well-informed of everything, and will
PART II] THE TORCH-BEAREES OF BOHEMIA 131
be able to communicate much to me. I am particularly
desirous to learn the details of that sacrilegious ceremony
which to-day I witnessed."
" Alack, Your Eminence ! Sacrilege is common here.
'Tis impossible to describe the sufferings of the Christian
soul at the constant derision of everything it holds most
sacred. But at your command I will endeavour to describe
the bacchanalia held by these heretics during the presence
of our most revered Vencel Tim in the city."
With a malignant expression he began describing to the
Bishop the outrageous scenes which had accompanied the
sale of the indulgences, ascribing all the evil to the accursed
and criminal activity of John Hus and Jerome.
" 'Tis these two Hell-born heretics have infected all
Bohemia ! God knows to what it all may lead if the Holy
Father take not strict and timely measures against these
machinators who dare to vent their spleen on all they should
respect. None of the priesthood can count upon their
safety ! " cried Ilarius, his face crimson with indignation.
" The voice of the blasphemer must be choked ! He must be
forbidden to preach ! For he dares openly revile the Pope,
denying the power of his indulgences, and inciting the people
by his sermons. Only yesterday there was, at his order, a
great controversy at the University, at which one of the
professors put him to shame, saying : ' Thou art a priest
and yet dost revile the priesthood. 'Tis a sorry bird that
sullies its own nest.' But then that worthy man was
laughed to scorn, and Jerome pronounced a speech still more
inflaming, and the students bore him in triumph upon their
shoulders. That infamous procession Your Eminence had
the unhappiness of witnessing was a device of Vok von
Waldstein, whose head is turned by heresy and vice. Only
to madness or the promptings of the devil can be ascribed
the brazen audacity of carrying two harlots decked with
papal bulls in triumph through the city. And, good Lord,
132 THE TORCH-BEAEERS OF BOHEMIA [part ii
what have they not done besides 1 Close to the ravine by
the New Towni;hey erected a scaffold, and beneath it a stake
at which they burned the buUs. And near by, in mockery,
they placed a box like those in which the faithful place their
money for the indulgences, and cast into it all sorts of filth.
The people were in such excitement that when I, with
Brother Bojek of the Strakhovsky Monastery, returned to
the Old Town they cried out after us : ' Seize the monks ! '"
" Dogs ! I hope that more than one of them will still
burn at the stake instead of papal bulls ! " said Brancaccio,
furiously.
" I will sing Hallelujah from morn till night on the day
Jerome and Hus are burnt," squeaked Ilarius, his little
roving eyes aglow with malice.
" First of all," remarked Brancaccio, " the Archbishop
must complain to the King, and Vok von Waldstein must
be removed."
After a long interview, during which the Cardinal closely
questioned Ilarius concerning Vok von Waldstein, his father,
and other of the nobility who were aUied to Hus, he released
the monk, ordering him to tell the Countess Jan that he
would visit her two days later. In this way he would avoid
a meeting with both Counts, who had gone for some days
to Totchnik where the Court was lying.
None of these pious cronies had observed that Bran-
caccio's page, whom he had sent to rest, had slipped behind
the curtains and had not lost a word of their conversation.
When Ilarius began to take his leave, the page darted out
like a shadow, and, stretching himself upon his couch,
pretended to be asleep.
This page was a beautiful youth, of middle height, very
slender, almost lean. His face was framed by thick, fair,
reddish hair with a metallic tinge. His large, black,
languishing eyes wore a saturnine expression, especially now,
as he crept beneath the coverlets, murmuring :
PART ii] THE TORCH-BEAEERS OF BOHEMIA 133
" By what villainies and tears of blood this gang of
reprobates will stain their path ! "
Two days later Brancaccio was in the company of his
cousin in the Waldstein palace. The Countess's eyes were
swollen with crying. She sat imparting to the Cardinal her
grief concerning the manifest heresy of her husband and son,
and trying anxiously to elicit from him whether the indul-
gences she already possessed would be sufficient to expiate
their apostacy. Brancaccio reassured her upon this point,
while advising her for the sake of perfect safety to become
possessed of a special indulgence from among those which
the Holy Father's generosity had now placed at the disposal
of the faithful.
The Cardinal's refusal to stay at their house occasioned
the Countess a fresh outburst of tears.
" Know, Cousin Giovanna," said the Cardinal, touched
by her despair, " that a prince of the Church cannot receive
the hospitality of heretics who defame those things which
are most sacred to him. But I will often visit you, and
hope that both the Counts, if only out of respect for my
rank and for me, their relative, will refrain from openly
insulting me."
Then he inquired about Rugena, and whether she too
had been affected by the heresy.
" Alas ! Hus is her confessor, and I need say no more.
Though her behaviour is blameless. Do you desire to see
her. Cousin Thomasso ? She hath gone to accompany Vok
and my husband, but may return at any moment. Here
she is, I think. I hear the sound of horses' hoofs."
Brancaccio went to the window and drew aside the edge
of the curtain which covered it. He gazed at Rugena with
eyes wide open with astonishment, as she and Anna,
escorted by Broda and Matthias, trotted lightly up to the
steps of the house. She was mounted upon a beautiful
white horse covered with a handsome cloth, and she rode
134 THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA [part ii
it like an experienced horsewoman. The quick ride had
brought a faint rosy flush to her usually pale cheeks. The
clinging folds of her black velvet riding-habit revealed her
graceful figure, and her golden curls loosened by the wind
gleamed in the sunshine.
A deep flush suddenly sufEused the Cardinal's face and
his black eyes glowed. But Brancaccio was an adept at
concealing his feelings, and when he turned from the
window his face wore an expression of indifference.
" The woman has fulfilled the promise of childhood," he
remarked patronisingly. " The Countess Rugena is charm-
ing, and I shall be rejoiced to renew my acquaintance with
her, I will accept your invitation, Madonna Giovaima, and
remain to dine with you and your fair daughter-in-law."
Rugena met Brancaccio with respect but with reserve.
His assured manner and tall figure invested him with a
certain dignity. It could not fail to produce an effect upon
her, notwithstanding her somewhat inimical and irreligious
attitude towards the priesthood which was nourished by the
spirit of the times.
When the courtly Cardinal began in a most friendly
mianner to converse with her about her past, calling to mind
her father, Rugena's distrust of him was finally dispersed.
Brancaccio's words revived her childish recollections,
and she remembered seeing him at Waldstein on the eve
of that fatal day on which Baron Svietomir departed, to
return only in his coffin. She remembered that her father
was then amicably disposed towards the Bishop, who was
with him during his last moments. All these circumstances
were propitious to Brancaccio, and Rugena, when taking
leave of him, asked his blessing in all sincerity.
From that day the Cardinal became a constant guest at
the Waldsteios' palace, and, what was most surprising of all,
was as cordially received by the young as by the elder
Countess. Vok was displeased by these visits, and looked
PART II] THE TORCH-BEAEEES OF BOHEMIA 135
askance at them. He was convinced ttat Brancaccio, like
most priests, was a rascal, particularly as he was the nephew
of Baldassare Cossa. But he was assured of his wife's
fidelity, and did not wish to quarrel again with his mother.
Besides which, the young Count was too heedless to dwell
for long on disturbing thoughts, and he had so much to
distract him during his constant and prolonged absences
from home occasioned by his attendance upon the King
that at times he forgot the very existence of the " papal
spy," as he termed Brancaccio. He little suspected what
a terrible threat hung above his head through the skilful
machinations of the perfidious Italian, who hated him doubly
as a scoffer at the Church and as the husband of Rugena.
The second reason was, indeed, the most powerful. The
young woman's striking beauty and spiritual purity were
especially alluring to a cynic like Brancaccio, who had
already tasted everything in life. A storm of passion was
raging in the Cardinal's dark soul, which increased in fury
day by day. Profligate by nature, putting no limits upon
his desires, he thirsted at all costs to possess Rugena — ^by
force or cunning. In his resourceful mind he had conceived
a fiendish plan which demanded first of all an irreparable
estrangement between husband and wife.
It was necessary to gain Rugena's confidence, and this
he succeeded in doing by his simulated benevolence and the
Christian forbearance he displayed in his pronouncements
upon the events of the day. Emboldened by this attitude
Rugena spoke to him of her confessor, endeavouring to
exonerate him from the accasations levelled against him.
Brancaccio listened to her indulgently, and although he
refused to meet Hus personally, promised to use his influence
with the Pope to put an end to his trial, being now con-
vinced that Hus was a devoted son of the Chmch who had
been led astray only by his excessive zeal for truth.
Matthias noted with ever-growing mistrust and dis-
quietude Brancaccio's frequent visits and his friendly
relations with the young Countess. He could not forget
the suspicious, perhaps criminal, role Brancaccio had played
at the time of the death of Baron Waldstein, who, the old
servant was firmly persuaded, had been the victim of a foul
murder. Matthias was constantly haunted by the thought
that Brancaccio might be dangerous to Kugena, and he
communicated his fears to Broda, with whom he was on very
friendly terms. He could not bring himself to reveal the
whole truth, but confessed that it alarmed him to witness
the long conversations of the young Countess with the
Italian Cardinal, whom he considered a dissolute villain, as a
proof of which he told how he had detected a disguised
woman in Brancaccio's suite in Pilsen.
" I'll wager that the page Tullius who waits upon him
now is also some make of female."
This hint was not made in vain. Broda's attention was
aroused, and he began to watch the page, who often came to
the house ; sometimes with the Cardinal himself, sometimes
upon a mission from him. He very quickly reached two
decisions : firstly that Tullius was undoubtedly a woman,
and secondly that she hated Brancaccio. Deep sufEering was
expressed in the mournful glance of the page and in the
bitter lines about his mouth. Then the suspicion awoke in
Broda that this must be some victim of the Cardinal's. He
began to observe the page still more closely, keeping a watch
upon his comings and goings in the Archbishop's palace.
What was his astonishment on one occasion at beholding
PART 11] THE TOECH-BEAREES OF BOHEMIA 137
the page, wrapped in a cloak, his face hidden in the folds of
his hood, standing within the Bethlehem chapel, where he
listened to the sermon with evident emotion, and eyes fvdl
of tears. Broda followed him, and observed how in a dark
corner he threw aside the cloak, subsequently returning
openly towards the palace.
Not far from the market-place Broda overtook the page,
greeted him, and invited him to accompany him to a tavern
to drink a cup of wine. Tullius glanced at him mistrustfully.
" I thank you," he answered coldly, " but, methinks
you are not amicably disposed unto my lord . . . and as a
faithful servant I deem it not meet to drink with you."
" Well spoken, boy. But unless you deem it a necessity
to be an enemy to all that love not the Cardinal, accept my
invitation. Our discourse perhaps may please you."
The page gazed searchingly into Broda's frank and
honest eyes.
" A cup of wine can bind me to nothing," he said at last.
" Come, then, sir."
Broda led his companion to a tavern with which he was
acquainted, and whispered the host to show him a private
room and bring thither wine, fruit, and honey-cakes. When
the inn-keeper left the room, closing the door behind him,
TulUuB suddenly broke into laughter.
" Honey-cakes 1 " he said with a sly smile. " One
might think that you were about to feast your mistress."
" In any case I feast a pretty woman, Tullius ! " answered
Broda, patting the page significantly upon the shoulder.
The page turned white, then crimson.
" A lie ! " he cried, in a voice unlike his own, seizing his
dagger.
" Drop that toy, sweetheart ! 'Twould not stand against
my sword. But I swear I have no evil intentions towards
you. I would merely tell you, signor, that I have long known
Brancaccio's habit to bear a hidden woman with him. I
138 THE TORCH-BEAREES OF BOHEMIA [part n
have remarked that you have no love for the reverend
Thomasso. And when a young and beautiful woman like
you plays a shameful role for a man she hates it means that
she is forced to do it and therefore deserving of pity and help
from every honest man. And I offer you this help, in no
way seeking to penetrate your secrets. If you reject my
offer then I swear on this " — ^and'he raised the cross-shaped
handle of his sword — " to forget our encounter and leave you
to go your ways."
Tullius (or Tullia) listened to him with distracted air,
with difficulty repressing her sighs, and suddenly sank on to
a chair.
" It is true ! I am a woman," she said in a low voice.
" I am put to shame and cannot defend myself, for that
shame is . . . voluntary ; incurred for the safeguarding of
another who was dear to me. Mine is a long story, but,
believe me, signor, I am no harlot."
" Had I thought that I should not have spoken thus to
you. You are but the luckless victim of the unclean love of
that villainous monk."
Tullia sat up, and her eyes were filled with a fierce
hatred.
" Love 1 Can he love, even uncleanly 1 " she cried.
" No, the monster knoweth nought save brutal animal
passion. Oh, I have not words to describe the loathing with
which he fills me " — and she pressed both hands to her
breast. " If I have not fled from him tiU now, or sought
refuge in death 'tis only that I desire first to be revenged on
him. I follow his every step, and have already foiled more
than one of his plans while he doth not suspect from whence
the blow hath fallen. I do but await the chance to destroy
him finally ere he dispatch me, as he did my predecessors."
She shook as though in fever, and Broda tried with all
his power to soothe her. They became friends, and Tullia
informed him at parting that something was being plotted
PART II] THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA 139
against the Waldsteins, and promised to warn him as soon as
she could discover exactly what it was.
They left the inn by separate doors.
And Brancaccio was indeed contemplating the destruc-
tion of Vok, the most insolent and daring blasphemer against
the Church. He must be made to pay for his buffoonery in
arranging the procession, and for having plundered the
monasteries and mocked at the priesthood. In Ilarius and
Bonaventura the Cardinal had two devoted followers. The
last, especially, was consumed with personal hatred against
the young Count because of an adventure which had
befallen him, for which he held Vok responsible. On one
occasion, Father Bonaventura, when returning from the New
Town to the Archbishop's palace, was set upon by a group
of unknown people, who dragged him into the courtyard of
some house, and there gave him a sound thrashing. The
miscreants subsequently fled, taking with them his boots and
cassock, so that he returned home in his shirt. But the
monk had heard some one cry out, " 'Tis he ! " before he was
seized, and the voice had sounded to him like that of Vok
von Waldstein.
Brancaccio's passion increased day by day, fed by the
very impossibility of its being appeased. Sometimes he
even felt the lack of power to conceal it any longer, and with
the licentiousness common to the age, and the insolent
audacity which his long impunity had implanted in him,
he decided to hasten the conclusion.
Once, Brancaccio appeared at the Waldsteins' house
earlier after midday than was his wont, and going straight to
Rugena said that he had brought her a present as a souvenir,
in view of his approaching departure. From a small case
he drew forth a finely worked medallion in the form of a
heart, set with rubies and brilliants.
" It was lately sent me from Rome. It containeth a
fragment of the True Cross and the finger-nails of some holy
140 THE TOECH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA [part n
martyrs whose relics have just been unearthed in the cata-
combs. I felt I could not do better than confide these
sacred things into your innocent hands."
Touched by this attention on the part of the Cardinal,
Rugena thanked him warmly.
" May it bring you happiness," he concluded with
apparent feeling. " Methinks, my daughter, that you are
not happy, though you have never bestowed your confidence
upon me, or opened your heart to me."
" I have not ventured to trouble Your Eminence,"
Rugena answered in confusion.
" That was not well, my daughter ! Believe me that I
feel disposed towards you as a father, and I have a weighty
reason for my desire to see into your soul. But I would
liefer speak with you in your oratory."
Rugena looked at him in surprise. But it seemed to her
impossible to refuse such a simple request on the part of a
member of the priesthood, especially one of such high
standing as Brancaccio. And besides, her curiosity was
aroused. Rising immediately, she led the Cardinal to her
oratory, motioning him towards an armchair, while she
herself sank on her knees beside him, at the reading-desk.
" Nay, my daughter, I am not minded to confess you.
You have your own spiritual director, and I wish not to
intrude upon his rights. I wish you but to tell me as a
priest and friend whether you love and respect your
husband, and whether indeed you are happy with
him."
Brancaccio's tone and glance were so stern that Rugena
murmured in confusion :
" I strive to love Vok from a sense of duty. . . . But he
hath so oft insulted and betrayed me, our natures are so at
variance, that I am sometimes very full of grief.",
" Have you felt no desire to rend your chains ? . . . "
He stopped, seeing that Rugena had flushed deeply.
PART II] THE TORCH-BEAEERS OF BOHEMIA 141
" Your face hath given me clear answer," he said, " and shows
me how to act to save you from remorse of conscience. I
have involuntarily contributed to your unhappiness."
" I do not understand you."
" You will soon understand. But can you keep silence
till a given moment 1 "
" Most surely, if 'tis needful," she answered, with alarm
in her voice.
Brancaccio rose, and looked through the door into th«
neighbouring room. Satisfying himself that there was
nobody in it, he returned to his place and bent over
Rugena.
" I promise you the possibility to seek happiness in
another love more worthy of you, and that the Church will
break the fetters which bind you to a man whom it is not
even your duty to love, for he became possessed of you
through crime."
" What say you ? What crime ? " cried Rugena, dully.
"The murder of your father."
Seeing that Rugena swayed, and nearly fell, the Cardinal
drew a little bottle from his pocket and held it to her nostrils.
" Take courage, my child. Listen to what I have to
reveal to you."
Rugena pressed her hands to her head. She felt that
she was hastening to destruction; but she desired at all
costs to learn the truth, and by a desperate efiort of will
controlled her weakness.
" Speak, I hear you ! "
" You belike remember Giuseppa, the Coimtess's ItaUan
waiting-woman, who was married in Bologna in the same
year as yourself ? "
" Yes."
" That woman died some weeks before my coming hither.
But before her death she communicated to me in confession
the details of a certain act of villainy, and permitted me to
142 THE TOECH-BBARERS OF BOHEMIA [part ii
use Jier depositions as I miglit find needful. This is what I
learnt from her. In the year your father died Count Vok
was sixteen and Giuseppa was his mistress. The Waldsteins
were at that time nearly beggared through the prodigality of
the old Count, and the sole means of saving themselves from
ruin was to seize the enormous property of Baron Svietomir
by bestowing you on Vok in marriage. Negotiations were
commenced, and your father was favourably inclined towards
the plan, for he loved his cousin, with whose political con-
victions alone he was at variance. I spoke to him personally
about it at the time when I was with you at Rabstein, and
we repaired together to Prague, where the Baron was to
deliberate upon the question with the Count. Your husband,
though he was still young, knew well the worth of money,
and wished not to wait for years to profit by your great
inheritance. Perhaps, too, his father urged him. But this
is the plan they conceived. Giuseppa, being much in love,
let out in some manner to her lover that she had from her
mother a secret, a certain poison which killed without any
trace whatever, and not immediately, but in the course of
time, according to the dose. Swearing her to silence, Vok
commanded Giuseppa to prepare the poison and to deliver to
him a dose which would begin to act only after several hours,
and would not kill before two days. This poison was ad-
ministered to your father in the hostel at which he stayed in
Pilsen, by a servant who was bought, I know not by whose
means. The crime was accomplished, and the Baron was
carried, dying, to his cousin's house. Suspecting nothing,
and touched by the careful nursing he received, the Baron
dictated the will that is known to you."
Rugena felt benumbed. She began to breathe heavily ;
her head turned giddy ; and her heart sank in her breast.
The father she adored had been treacherously murdered !
His murderer was her husband ! . . .
" Calm yourself, my daughter," said Brancaccio, alarmed
PART ii] THE TOECH-BBARERS OF BOHEMIA 143
by her looks. " I understand your horror at being united to
such a man ; and I again repeat to you the promise that you
may be freed from him."
" I thank you, my father, that you have thus opened my
eyes," murmured Rugena, dully.
" Yet I fear me you will have no strength to hide the
secret. And this is necessary until I can send to you from
Italy the document confirming the depositions of Giuseppa,
which was witnessed in my presence."
Rugena thrust her hair back with her hands and drew
herself together. She was terribly white, and her eyes
gleamed feverishly.
" Yes, I will be silent, and hide all, for I wish the guilty
to be convicted of the murder, and punished with all the
severity the law proclaims," she said in a low voice.
" It will be but just. The blood of your father cries out
for vengeance from his untimely grave."
Only the grief and despair raging within Rugena's soul
could have prevented her from turning with loathing from a
servant of Christ's Church who thus preached hate and
vengeance instead of mercy. At that moment she had
entirely lost all power of judgment, all discernment.
" My father shall be avenged. I will contrive that he
return not before to-morrow."
At supper that evening Brancaccio was evidently in
excellent spirits. But it did not escape Anna's watchfulness
that her friend's thoughts were straying, and that her eyes
burnt feverishly. To her questions Rugena answered that
her head ached, and Anna left the room to fetch some medi-
cine for her. During her absence Brancaccio, unobserved,
poured into the young Countess's goblet something from a
little bottle concealed in the palm of his hand.
After supper the Cardinal immediately took leave and
departed, and Rugena, pleading headache, retired to her
144 THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA [part ii
apartments. She felt it, in truth, an imperative necessity to
be left alone.
She hastily undressed, and sending every one, even Anna,
from her, began feverishly to pace from corner to corner of
the room.
She was thinking of her father, recalling him, handsome
and full of vigour as he was when he left Rabstein Castle, and
she was suddenly possessed by an unreasoning fury. It was
for such a scoundrel, who had darbd to stretch his blood-
stained hands towards her, that she had renounced Jerome
and engaged in that cruel moral struggle to forget the man
she loved and fulfil that which she had thought to be her
duty. Her head swam, and she felt that she was about to
swoon.
" I am overheated ! I must get quickly into bed," she
thought.
Her legs would scarcely obey her, and it was with great
difficulty that she reached the bed. She had scarcely lain
down upon it when she fell into a deep and heavy sleep.
Quite unexpectedly the two Counts returned home that
evening. On hearing that his wife was ill, Vok, not wishing
to disturb her, went to a separate sleeping-apartment, where
supper was served him ; and afterwards — since he also felt
strangely unwell — ^he hastened to go to bed.
Midnight fell, and the inhabitants of Waldsteins' house
were wrapped in deep sleep.
Broda alone was awake, engrossed as usual in the reading
of the Scriptures. Suddenly a little stone was flung against
his window, followed by a second and a third.
Broda jumped to his feet. This was the night-signal
resolved upon by him and Tullia in the case of her wishing to
communicate to him something of importance which could
not be deferred. He ran down to the house-door, the key of
which he kept, and admitted the page, who was pale and out
of breath.
PART II] THE TORCH-BEAREES OF BOHEMIA -fid
" Some danger threatens your young signora," said
Tullia, hurriedly. " Thomasso when he returned this evening
ordered Bonaventura hastily to proceed to Ilarius to pass the
night with him, and at midnight to open the door which
leads into the lane. You understand that they can be no
good intentions which prompt these wretches to steal into
your house, especially during the yoimg Count's absence. I
could not hear all, but I heard something about a sleeping
mixture administered that none should disturb them. ..."
" Count Vok hath unexpectedly returned."
" So much the better ! Perhaps Bonaventura hath
informed the Cardinal of this, for he should be here by now.
I was but a few moments in advance of him."
" Wait you here, and I will see what is going forward."
VI
Seizing his dagger Broda ran from the room, and hastened,
first of all, to Vok. The young Count was fast asleep.
That meant that Eugena was alone, and Broda began to
shake the sleeper, to warn him that an unexpected visitor
was about to enter his house. But all his efforts to awaken
Vok were useless, and but for his breathing he might have
been taken for dead. Broda, in alarm, was considering
what to do further, when suddenly he heard a noise as of
some one knocking against furniture in the adjoining room.
Instantly he sprang aside and slipped behind the curtain
of the bed. Almost at the same moment a small, nimble
figure appeared in the doorway and glided like a shadow
towards the bed.
To Broda's intense astonishment he recognised Bona-
ventura. The tiny, sharp, malignant eyes of the monk
glanced furtively round the room, and his thin, fox-like face
expressed fiendish malice.
Bending over the sleeper he listened to his breathing
and lifted one of his hands, which fell back lifelessly on to
the coverlet. Then he seized a silken cushion from an
armchair at the foot of the bed, and laid it upon his face.
Vok gave a slight moan.
But at that moment Broda seized the monk by the neck,
dragged him backwards and thrust his dagger into his throat.
Bonaventura fell on to the steps of the dais, without
uttering a cry, or relinquishing his hold upon the cushion.
Broda, without a glance at him, drew his dagger from the
wound, and hastened without delay to the apartments of
Eugena.
PART n] THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA 147
We have said above that Anna had remarked Rugena's
unusually excited condition, and had watched her with some
alarm. She had at first been ofEended by the unaccustomed
sharpness of tone with which the Countess had dismissed her,
and in a mood of estrangement she repaired to her room and
began to undress. But love for her friend and anxiety
concerning her welfare prevailed, and, wrapping a wide
night-mantle around her, she crept noiselessly to Rugena's
room. Through an opening in the curtains she beheld
Rugena walking feverishly backwards and forwards, and
then creeping slowly towards the bed and falling helplessly
upon it. Waiting for a quarter of an hour, Anna silently
entered the room and drew near to the bed. The Countess
was asleep, breathing with difficulty, and her face, though
burning, was as white as death.
" My God ! If she is ill again ! " murmured Anna, in
terror seizing her friend's moist, cold hand.
"A doctor should be summoned, but where shall we
find one at such an hour ? " she thought in despair. What
could she do ? Quickly Anna resolved to remain for the
night beside the bedside of her friend, and, in case of new
and alarming symptoms, to waken Matthias and dispatch
him for a doctor.
She sat down in the armchair by the bed, and leaning
her head upon her hand, began to think of the past, of the
future, and of Svietomir, of whom for two years they had
heard no tidings.
A neighbouring bell striking midnight roused Anna from
her thoughts.
" How late it is ! But I shall still sit here awhile. Later,
I will call Itka to take my place."
After a quarter of an hour Anna fell into a doze.
The sound of light footsteps caused her to open her
eyes. She listened in astonishment. For the second time
she plainly heard the creak of boards in the corridor leading
148 THE TORCH-BEAREKS OF BOHEMIA [part ii
into the robe-room, where there were trunks and cupboards.
She was trying to imagine what the noise could be when
the door from the corridor opened, and a tall figure, wrapped
in a dark cloak, crept into the room.
Anna froze with terror at sight of the unknown, who
promptly threw ofE his cloak and strode straight towards
the bed. Then she recognised him. It was Brancaccio.
He was in secular clothes, and the handle of a dagger gleamed
in his belt. Such bestial lust was painted on his face that
the young girl shuddered from head to foot.
But Anna was courageous by nature, and the excitement
gave her fresh courage. She stood firmly before the
Cardinal.
" What seek you here in this room ? You should not
dare to enter at such an unseemly hour. Begone, or I will
call for aid ! She began to shake Rugena with all her
strength, crying aloud :
"Awake! Awake!"
Brancaccio drew back, and a terrible oath escaped him.
The presence of a witness at the moment when he was so
near the attainment of his object filled him with fury.
" Away, thou serpent ! Dare not to stand in my path
or I will kill thee ! " he hissed, in a voice hoarse with rage.
Then, seeing Anna's vain efforts to awaken Rugena, he
laughed maliciously.
" Spend not thy strength, fair Anna. Thou canst not
waken her I But as the devil himself hath led thee hither,
thou too shalt pay me tribute."
The monstrous thought flashed through his mind that
he would violate Anna and then kill her, so as to be
assured of her silence. She alone could betray his villainy,
so skilfully had everything been thought out beforehand.
Seizing Anna he dragged her from the bed, at which she
clutched, trying to throw her down. She defended herself
desperately ; but she could neither scream nor call for help,
PART n] THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA 149
her throat being paralysed with terror. Her cries froze on
her lips, but her strength appeared to be redoubled, an^
Brancaccio had need of his adroitness.
Beside himself with rage and malice, the Cardinal tried
to draw his stiletto without releasing the young girl fronr
his grasp. His fiery breath scorched her face, and she bit
him in the cheek. The terrible pain deprived Brancaccio
of all self-control. Drunk with rage he uttered a muffled
roar and seized her by the throat.
She fell back, half-stifled. She felt as though her brain
were bursting. Horror at the outrage committed upon her
was drowned in the unbearable pain. She lost conscious-
ness, . . .
At that moment the door burst open and Broda rushed
into the room. One glance sufficed to show him what had
happened. With a savage cry he rushed at Brancaccio and
plunged his dagger in his back.
The Cardinal dropped to the ground, his arms helplessly
spread, and lay motionless. Broda thrust him aside with
his foot, and bent over Anna who was lying as though
dead.
" Heavens ! What hath happened ? " cried Itka,
running into the room holding a candle, half-dressed and
with her hair hanging in disorder. Looking round, and
realising what had happened, she dropped the candlestick
and covered her face with her hands.
" There will be time for lamentation afterwards, Itka,"
said Broda, picking up the candle and placing it on the
table. " But run, now, and wake Matthias. Tell him to
hasten quickly hither to bear away this unhappy girl, and
cast forth this swine. Then must we succour our lady, who
is sleeping an unnatural sleep," he added, approaching the
bed and carefully examining the pale face of Rugena, who
lay, as before, in utter unconsciousness of what was pro-
ceeding around her.
150 THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA [part ii
" Poor lady ! 'Twas the spirit of thy father protected
thee," he murmuied.
After a few moments Matthias appeared, and between
them they carried Anna to her room and left her to the care
of Itka.
" And now," said Broda, " I will go and waken the old
Count. 'Twill be better to await his orders. Let him
himself see where these villains lie, so that later no suspicion
may be cast on us."
But before going to the Count Broda returned to his room
to tell TulHa of what had occurred.
" Ah ! He is dead ! At last his soul hath returned to
Hell whence it came," she cried joyfully.
" My masters will reward you for the service you have
rendered to-night," said Broda, warmly pressing her
hand.
Count Ginek and his wife occupied rooms at the opposite
end of the palace. When Broda burst in upon them like a
hurricane and began to tell them what had happened, the
old Count at first could not beheve his ears, while the Countess
understood nothing but that Brancaccio and Bonaventura
had both been killed. This seemed to her so frightful that
she broke into sobs, shrieks, and abuse, nearly flinging her-
self upon Broda to strangle him.
But when the Count had made her understand that
Broda had saved the life of her son, whom Bonaventura
had tried to sufiocate, she sprang from her bed, and rushed
barefoot to Vok's room. Beholding Bonaventura lying in a
pool of blood, still clutching the tell-tale cushion in his hand,
while Vok was stretched like a corpse upon the bed, the
Countess fell into a faint and was carried away.
Broda and Matthias had scarcely quitted Rugena's room
when Ilarius crept into it, pale and distracted. He fell upon
his knees beside Brancaccio and leaning his ear towards the
PART II] THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA 151
Cardinal's breast laid his trembling hands upon it. Then
he shivered and drew himself together. It seemed to him
that the heart was beating, though faintly. Without delay
he wrapped the Cardinal in his cloak and raising him beneath
the armpits dragged him from the room.
He had neared the door when Itka entered to look at
Rugena, having given Anna into the care of another servant.
She drew aside in silent horror.
Ilarius conveyed the body into his room, and, locking
the door behind him, hastened from the house, returning
quickly with some monks from the adjacent monastery.
They laid the bodies of Bonaventura and the Cardinal upon
a stretcher, and carried them away to the Archbishop's
palace.
Old Count Waldstein smiled scornfully on learning from
Itka that the Cardinal's body had been carried ofi by
Ilarius. It was perhaps better, for otherwise the hideous
affair would have awakened much noise in the town. The
sight of Anna, who still lay unconscious, filled the Count's
heart with wrath and pity.
Rugena awoke late, feeling ill. Her head was as heavy
as lead, and her hands and feet seemed frozen. She was
so weak that it was difficult for her to think or remember.
Nevertheless, when Itka brought her some milk she at once
remarked her nurse's distracted looks, and asked if anything
had happened in the house.
" Tell me the truth. I must know all ! " she cried com-
mandingly, seeing that the nurse hesitated to answer her
question.
Itka dared no longer disobey, and related the incredible
events of the night, at first omitting some of the details,
but afterwards being more and more carried away by the
recital.
Rugena grew red, then white, at hearing of the danger
by which she had been threatened, and from which she had
152 THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA [part ii
escaped merely by chance, and at the price of her friend's
dishonour.
" Oh, the villain, the villain ! To plot such crimes !
God saved me, but Anna, dear Anna is ruined in my stead !
What doth she now ? I wish to see her. Ah ! Why did
Broda come too late to save her too ? " she cried through
her tears.
" Calm yourself, lady ! The poor thing sleeps. The
physician hath been and hath given her a medicine to send
slumber to her. When she came to herself she was like one
bereft of reason, and he feared for her brain."
" I will go to her."
" Wait, you are still too weak yourself. Marga Nak-
hodsky, for whom I sent, is with her now."
When Itka began to speak of the danger that had
threatened her husband Rugena cut her short. All her
wrath against Vok and Count Ginek had revived. If the
murderers of her father had perished it would have been
but just. It never entered Rugena's head in her present
state of agitation that such a villain as Brancaccio might
have lied. Her conviction of their guiltwas even strengthened
when she noticed that Itka was embarrassed and turned
pale at her words.
" Never mention to me the name of that scoundrel
against whom my father's blood cries out ! "
" Itka," she added, beside herself, " if thou knowest
something of that crime then tell it me. How didst thou
dare so long to hide the truth from me, how didst thou dare
let me contract that infamous marriage 1 "
" I know nothing . . ." muttered the old woman in
confusion. " Matthias did but suspect the will was
false."
At that moment the door opened, and both Counts came
into the room. Vok looked pale and distracted, and was
leaning on his father's arm. A cold douche with friction
PART II] THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA 153
had scarcely served to rouse him from his heavy torpor.
The story of the night's events had produced a terrible
effect on him and had roused him to such a pitch of fury
that his father had had difficulty in calming him by the
assurance that the culprits had been killed, and had thus
paid the penalty for their crimes.
Strengthened by a goblet of old wine, Vok expressed
the desire to see his wife. He had never loved her so deeply
or sincerely as at that moment when a miracle had preserved
her purity from a horrible defilement.
On seeing Rugena pale and distraught, her eyes swollen
by the tears which still were coursing down her cheeks, he
rushed to her with outstretched arms.
" Calm thyself, my beloved ! " he cried and made to
draw her to him.
But Rugena could restrain herself no longer. Itka's
words concerning the falsity of the will still sounded in her
ears and seemed to support Brancaccio's accusation. Every
nerve in her body quivered, and, in her feverish imagination
her father's spirit stood between her and her husband.
" Touch me not ! " she cried, wrenching herself free with
an expression of such horror that Vok stopped in bewilder-
ment and dropped his arms.
" Rugena ! Recollect thyself ! Thou art raving ! "
" Not so ; but my blindness hath departed. Let me go
back to Rabstein. I cannot stay another hour beneath thy
roof."
The Counts exchanged astonished glances. It was clear
they thought her mad. Rugena understood their looks, and
this caused a new convulsion in her tortured soul.
" Oh no, I am not mad ! But I know the whole truth
about my father's death, and no longer will I be the wife of
a man who could be incited by his father to kill mine," she
muttered brokenly.
For a moment the Counts were petrified ; then Vok's
154 THE TOECH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA [pakt n
face flushed and he seized Rugena's hand'and pressed it till
it hurt her.
" What meanest thou ? " he said hoarsely. " Explain
thyself ! Such accusations must be proved."
" There is proof uncontestable — the confession of thy
former mistress, Giuseppa — ^though it hath not yet reached
my hands. But for thee it is enough to know that she
hath made full confession of the poisoning she accomplished
at thine instigation."
Vok grew deadly white and dropped her hand.
" I will contrive that strictest investigation lay bare the
circumstances of Baron Rabstein's death," he said in a voice
trembling with anger, with his wrathful gaze fixed on his
wife. " And God be my witness, I will not keep thee in a
murderer's house. Thou mayest freely depart and live in
any of thy castles. But that thou canst count me capable
of such villainy is a mortal insult, and I will have thee
answer for it when the truth shall be revealed."
He took the arm of the old Count, who had also listened
with indignation to the accusation levelled at them, and_
drew-him from the room, with the words :
" Come, father. Here we have nothing more to do."
VII
Left to herself Eugena sank into an armchair, and her
terrible nervous tension was dissolved by a flood of tears.
Her husband's astonishment and indignation had been so
sincere that her beUef in his guilt was involuntarily shaken.
Yet the crime had certainly been committed by somebody.
When she grew somewhat calmer and her tears had
ceased she insisted in spite of her weakness upon going to
Anna.
Before she had succeeded in gaining the door a servant
entered to announce the arrival of John Hus.
" Ah, Father John ! God Himself hath sent thee to
enlighten me and guide me in the maze of doubts in which
I am involved," said Rugena, eagerly, stretching out both
hands to her confessor, who also seemed much agitated.
" Broda hath been with me and informed me of what
hath happened here," he said, sitting down near Rugena.
Passing his hand across his face he added sadly : " That
a servant of the altar should commit such iniquities ! But
speak, my daughter ! I will strive to calm thy spirit."
In a voice trembling with emotion Rugena repeated all
that Brancaccio had told her about her father's death, not
concealing the fact that the indignation of her husband and
his father when she had cast the accusation in their faces
had seemed to her unfeigned.
" In whom can I beheve ? In what ? I am astray in
this tissues of lies and infamies ! " Rugena concluded,
bursting into tears.
Hus listened to her in agitation, and suddenly he
remembered the suspicions expressed by Jerom& on the
156 THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA [part ii
occasion of Baron Rabstein's strange and unexpected
death.
" At the present moment I can but say that it is per-
missible to doubt whether truth can spring from such a
polluted source as Brancaccio," he answered after some
consideration. " The Cardinal's passion for you explains
his intent — ^that of sowing dissension 'twixt wife and husband.
The guilt of the two Counts is hardly credible. For not-
withstanding their purely human failings they are worthy
people and good Christians. I fear me you have acted
inconsiderately in accusing your husband of such an awful
crime ! 'Tis a grievous offence, especially if undeserved.
Be not agitated," he added, seeing that the Countess had
turned pale; "this sordid mystery will of a certainty T&e
unravelled, and God will grant that the true culprit be
revealed. In the mean time, pray, my daughter ! Believe
me that in the souls of the faithful is no place for gloom
and repining. True prayer issues from the heart like a
radiant beam of light which illumines the darkness of doubt
and points out to us the path of duty. I will go to poor
Anna now, and endeavour to soothe her."
Hus th«n made his way into Anna's room. At sound
of the voice of the preacher so beloved by all Anna gave a
wild cry and buried her face in the pillow. Hus sat down
by the bedside and took her hand. Her whole body was
shaken by her violent sobs.
" From me, poor child, thou needest to hide nothing,"
Hus said gently. " In my eyes, as in those of all just and
honest men, thou wilt ever be the victim of an abominable
outrage. But though never so heavy thy fate, canst thou
imagine for a moment that God hath forgotten and deserted
thee 1 He doth but try thee, and thou must believe that
everything sent by Him is sent for good. Thou must submit
thyself beneath His hand, and not blaspheme and seek
refuge in self-destruction. He, the Almighty, who doth
PART II] THE TOECH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA 157
ordain the fate of man, alone doth know the reason of all
reasons, and hath already judged thy torturer, calling him
before His face."
For a moment Anna straightened her body.
" Is he dead 1 "
" Yes, I have heard so."
" Ah, why did he die 1 Who dared to kill him before
I with mine own hands did strangle him, gloating over his
agony 1 "
With her tightly clenched hands, her bloodshot eyes,
and the distorted smile which drew the lips back from her
white teeth, Anna indeed was terrible to look upon.
Hus clasped her hand and gazed imperatively into her
feverishly burning eyes.
" ' Vengeance is Mine. I will repay,' said the Lord, and
His judgment is more terrible than that of man. Christ
forgave His enemies and prayed for His torturers. Barest
thou now, with a heart filled with hate and thirsting for
revenge, fall before the Cross of Christ and beg for mercy ? "
said Hus, sternly.
Anna shuddered, and, as though overwhelmed by a
transport of rage, dropped back helplessly amid the pillows.
Hus fell on his knees beside the bed and placed his hand
upon her burning forehead. Raising his eyes to the Crucifix
upon the wall he began to pray fervently, and it seemed as
though healing strength flowed from his hands.
Anna's agitation little by little subsided, and bitter tears
trickled silently down her pale cheeks.
At length her tears, too, were exhausted, and she fell into
a deep sleep.
Making s\ire that the unhappy girl was indeed asleep,
Hus rose, and after a few moments spent in further silent
prayer, noiselessly went out of the room.
Marga was awaiting him in the room adjoining.
" Well ? " she asked anxiously.
158 THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA [part n
" She sleeps, and will, I hope, awaken calmer and more
resigned. Tell her that I will come to her to-morrow, after
dinner."
He was leaving the house when he was overtaken by
a little page, who begged him to return for a moment to
the young Count's room.
When Hus entered, Vok was pacing backwards and for-
wards, frowning and excited. Count Ginek, whose face was
also agitated, sat by the window. He had just at that
moment called to mind the fleeting suspicion which had
awakened in him at news of his cousin's imexpected death,
knowing himself to be entirely innocent of participation in
any crime, if indeed one had been committed.
"I desired to beg your counsel in a matter of great
difficulty," said Vok, pressing his hand.
" I can guess of what you would speak. The Lady
Rugena hath told me of the fiendish device of Brancacoio
which hath entirely confounded her."
" But the matter must be sifted ! What did the villain
say ? " interrupted Count Ginek.
Hus repeated everything he had heard from Rugena.
" If you would hear my counsel," he added, " question
Matthias. I think that he perhaps may give you some
indications."
" I will straightway order him to be summoned. The
most terrible thing of all is that Giuseppa was indeed my
mistress, but the rest is — ^an insufEerable lie ! And Bran-
caccio himself must needs expire at the most critical
moment without unravelling this web of his own weaving ..."
But Vok was mistaken. Brancaccio was not dead.
Broda's mighty hand would, of course, have dispatched
him on the spot had the prudent Italian not been wearing
a fine coat of mail beneath his clothes. Nevertheless, the
blow he had received was so powerful that the dagger,
PART n] THE TORCH BEARERS OF BOHEMIA 159
although its point was broken, had deeply embedded some
of the steel rings in the Cardinal's flesh. The pain had been
terrible so that Brancaccio had, for a time, lost conscious-
ness, and Broda had taken him for dead.
The Archbishop was afraid to keep him in his palace,
and he was immediately conveyed to the Strakhovsky
Monastery. There he at length recovered consciousness,
and the Abbot, who regarded the Cardinal's amorous ad-
venture with an indulgent eye, surrounded his distinguished
guest with all possible attentions. Bonaventura, though,
was dead, and had been secretly buried.
When Matthias appeared and the Count ordered him
to reveal unreservedly everything he knew concerning the
death of his master, the old man was evidently afraid, and
stood silent in confusion, until both Counts succeeded in
convincing him of the necessity for them to learn the truth.
Then he told everything he knew, and expressed the
suspicion that Baron Svietomir had been poisoned by the
supper served to him by some unknown waiting-woman at
the inn.
The former servant fell ill of a sudden, and the inn-
keeper said that the new one had been recommended to
him by some priest in Pilsen. She served there but for a
week, and then left, and disappeared, leaving no trace.
" The criminal hand, it seems, is found. It remains but
to discover by whom it was directed," Vok remarked.
" I have a notion as to that ..." began Matthias, and
then again fell silent.
" Speak ! speak ! " cried both Counts together.
" During the first month when I lived with you at the
castle I was once returning thither from a neighbouring
village when I heard the sound of voices in the bushes near
old Khvala's mill. One voice sounded to me like that of
Father Ilarius, and, out of curiosity, I hid and watched.
160 THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA [part ii
It was indeed he, and with him was a girl, in whom I
recognised the servant who had taken the Baron his supper.
But I never saw her later."
Vok glanced gloomily at his father.
" If Ilarius be implicated in this crime it means that
my mother hath protected him. But I hope, my father,
that this will not hinder thee in searching for the truth."
" In no way ! I myself desire to learn the truth, and
if Jan be guilty I will force her to confess."
" 'Tis difficult to force my mother, especially since she
hath been ill, they tell me. Should we rather not seek to
overhear some secret conversation betwixt her and the
monk. Perhaps in view of all that hath occurred they may
let drop words that will give us some indication as to what
further steps to take."
" It is not good to peep and overhear," said Hus.
" True, Father John, it is not good. But to be unjustly
accused of murder is stiU worse ! All means are good enof- gh
to provp my innocence," said Vok in a tone of displeasure.
" I think I can contrive that which thou dost desire,^'
said the old Count, thoughtfully. " I remember that ad-
joining thy mother's oratory is a secret hiding-place from
whence one can see and hear everything, and- even enter if
necessary. My grandfather constructed it, and my father
showed it me when I married Jan. Not once have I made
use of it, for 'tis not in my nature — and little did I dream
in what sad manner it would prove of service," he added,
sighing deeply. " Go, Matthias, learn if Ilarius be now at
home and with the Countess ; and come forthwith to tell us."
A quarter of an hour passed. Hus and the Counts were
deliberating upon what they had just heard when Matthias
returned. He wore a preoccupied air, and announced that
Ilarius had just come home for the first time since he had
carried ofE the Cardinal, and that he was now closeted with
Countess Jan.
PART ii] THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA 161
" No time must be lost ! Come with us, Father John. I
wish. you to be witness. And thou, Vok, go fetch Rugena."
Rugena lay, half reclining, in an armchair. Her head
felt heavy, and, physically and mentally, she was broken.
The entrance of her husband disturbed her, and she
slowly raised herself in the chair.
" Come with me ! Perhaps we shall learn who was thy
father's murderer," Vok said dryly.
But she shook her head. He seized her by the arm.
" At once shalt thou come ! Since thou didst incline
thine ears to a perfidious monk and cast accusation of
murder at me and my father, thou shalt now, willy nilly,
proceed to the end ! Dost thou hear me ? "
Rugena rose silently, and, though her head swam,
followed Vok into the old Count's presence, where the sight
of Hus somewhat reassured her. They all four repaired to
Count Ginek's study. Here the Count pressed a spring in
the wall, and a door hidden by a huge iron chest immediately
opened, revealing a rather long, narrow passage. This
passage apparently penetrated the thickness of the wall,
and led into a small chamber, where the only light was that
seen through several chinks in the solid stone. Old
Waldstein carefully placed Rugena and his son and Hus
near these chinks, which proved to be nothing less than
small pierced holes, and which were concealed upon the
other side by the frame of a large picture hanging in the
oratory itself.
The voices of the Countess and her confessor could be
plainly heard. Rugena, trembling with excitement, placed
her eye to one of the holes, and discovered that she could
see and hear everything.
The oratory was a spacious room. The reading-desk
was placed straight opposite the traitorous picture. There
were two folding-chairs, an armchair, and a finely encrusted
table with a drawer in it. At the end of the room could be
M
162 THE TOECH-BEARERS 01" BOHEMIA, [paet ii
seen the fireplace, near which the Countess sat, muffled up
and shivering. She was ill, having caught cold on the night
when she ran barefoot to the apartment of her son.
Her yellowish face expressed uneasiness. Opposite her,
with his hands behind him, stood Ilarius. He seemed
thinner and shrunken, and his little roving eyes looked
apprehensive.
" I will answer all your questions later, my daughter.
But first it is necessary to consider one highly important
circumstance which threatens us with fearful danger. I
knew of it already yesterday, but too late to speak to you
about it, and the events of the night have kept me from
home till now. To be brief I will but say that the Cardinal
hath revealed to Rugena the secret of her father's violent
death."
" Impossible ! " cried the Countess, turning pale.
" I have it from Bonaventuia, and from Maria, the young
Countess's handmaid. She is favourably disposed to me
and doth acquaint me with all that may be of interest to
me. The fact in itself is indisputable ; but the Cardinal
hath named your son and husband as instigators and perpe-
trators of the crime."
" But why such a lie ? Ginek was in Prague then, and
Vok in Waldstein. Thomasso must in truth have lost his
head to hang this ancient coil about our necks, when it was
long forgotten, and was at the time contrived so skilfully
that no one had the least suspicion. 'Tis on his part the
worse since I paid him liberally for the remission of the sin."
" 'Tis true the matter was well managed ! But once the
devil hath inspired Monsignor Thomasso with a carnal
passion for your daughter-in-law and prompted him to
reveal the truth to her, thereby to separate her from her
husband, this same devil may well have another surprise in
store for us ! "
" In truth I know not what there is to please men in
PAET n] THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA 163
that pale face. Concerning Rabstein I think that your
fears are vain, Fattier Ilarius. There are no proofs. The
Cardinal assured me that the poison would leave no traces>
and nobody hath seen. . . ."
" God hath seen ! " thundered a terrible voice.
The frame and picture moved aside and opened the
hiding-place, from whence Vok leapt forth and flinging him-
self upon Ilarius dragged him backwards and placed his
dagger at his throat.
The Countess shrieked. She was so overwhelmed with
amazement at the sudden appearance of her son that at
first she did not notice the opening in the wall. Rushing
up to Vok she tried to wrench the dagger from him.
" Thou art mad ! How darest thou thus assault my
confessor and violate my solitude ? " she cried.
But Count Ginek dragged her away from Vok, and thrust
her to the wall.
" We have heard on what thou hast deliberated in thy
solitude I "
" Speak, thou scurvy dog ! Confess thy villainy, or I
will pluck out thine eyes," roared Vok, and his dagger
flashed before the face of the monk, who was half dead with
terror.
But Hus hastened to him and drew away his hand.
" 'Twere best to promise him his life if he avow all, and
not to stain thy hands with his contemptible blood," he
said.
" You are right. Father John ! Let him go to the devil
if he will but confess," interrupted the old Count. " Free
him, Vok, and let him speak."
Ilarius fell on his knees, trembling with fear, his eyes
protruding from his head.
" Will you promise me not to touch me if I tell you
all 1 " he whimpered.
" We swear," answered both Counts together.
lU THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA [part ii
Then Ilarius, in a shaking voice, related the details of
the poisoning of Baron Svietomir, and what he knew of
Brancaccio's plan to delude Rugena with hopes of a divorce
in order to entice her to Italy. But Bonaventiira had
decided otherwise. Suspecting Vok of responsibihty for his
beating, he suddenly conceived the notion of profiting by
the young Count's unexpected return to make an end of
him. He had no poison, nothing but a sleeping-draught
prepared by him for Brancaccio, which the servant Maria
mixed with the food served to the Count for his supper.
" Instead of being divorced she will be widowed," said
Bonaventura to himself. But Anna's presence in Rugena's
room frustrated the plans that had been so well devised.
" Well," said the Count, as Ilarius finished his story and
wiped the sweat from his face. " Now begone, thou rascal !
Set not thy foot in my house again, and draw not nigh to my
estates, or my people shall hang thee like a dog ! "
Ilarius jumped up and disappeared through the door
with an alacrity which at any other time would have
amused the spectators.
The Countess Jan, throughout the whole course of her
spiritual father's long confession, had stood as immovable
as a statue. Her self-possession, it seemed, had returned to
her, and she kept her forbidding gaze, full of hatred, upon
Rugena, who had been sobbing during the narration of the
terrible story.
When Ilarius had disappeared Count Ginek went up to
his wife and measured her with a scornful glance.
" I have freed my house from one monster, but what am
I to do with thee, abandoned woman ? With thee who hast
dared draw near me and fondle my innocent child, thy soul
guilty of murder, a murder doubly terrible for being that
of one so close akin to us. Thou canst have no shame, and
remorse of conscience cannot touch thee. But hast thou
no fear of what shall come after death ? Dost thou not
PART ii] THE TOECH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA 165
tremble at the thought of appearing before thy God, thy
hands stained by the blood of the unhappy Svietomir ? "
The Countess proudly threw up her head.
" I have nought wherewith to reproach myself," she said
with assurance. " That which I did was done through a
mother's love, to assure a brilliant future for my son. I am
at peace, for my conscience accuses me not, and I shall stand
fearless before the throne of God. . . ."
" Either thou art mad or thou hast lost all conception
of God and of His judgment," the Count interrupted, full
of wrath.
" Nay, I am not mad, and my faith shall save me ; and
the pardon of Christ's substitute who hath power to bind
and loosen upon earth shall ope the gates of Heaven to me.
Look ! "
And she ran to the table and opened the drawer with a
key which hung from her waist-belt. Drawing forth a sheet
of folded parchment she held it out to her husband.
" Read, thou shameless one. This is a full indulgence
not only for myself, but for thee too, ungrateful man, and
e'en for my posterity. Dost thou understand now the
injustice of thy accusations ? "
Those present looked with horror at the Countess. She
boldly and tranquilly returned their gaze.
" Ah, thou hast an indulgence ! How could I have
forgot that shield which covers every vUlainy 1 " said the
Count, with a bitter smile. He unfolded the parchment
and began to read it, mockingly accentuating every word.
Then suddenly, consumed with fury, he flung the docu-
ment into the fire, with the words :
" Thus do I value this devihsh compact, drawn up 'twixt
Antichrist and Satan to ruin souls and prompt fools to
iniquities !"
The Countess with a wild shriek clutched her head with
her hands. For a second she stood motionless, her mouth
166 THE TOECH-BBAEERS OF BOHEMIA [part ii
open witli terror, staring at the parcliment which was
blackening and writhing in the flames. Then she rushed
to the fireplace and bent over the fire. Careless both of
heat and danger she endeavoured to rescue the precious
parchment, which, she was assured, would save her from
punishment. The wide sleeves of her dress took fire, and
Vok and Hus rushed forward to draw her back, and ex-
tinguish the smouldering material. But she herself, as
though noticing nothing, continued to gaze fixedly at the
burning parchment.
When nothing was left of it but ashes, the Countess
sank on to the floor, and with an almost inhuman cry began
writhing in terrible convulsions. Her strength was such
that the three men could do nothing with her, and were
obliged to summon Broda, with whose help she was at length
carried away. But her piercing shrieks resounded through-
out the building.
Rugena in terror sought the protection of Hus, who,
though himself painfully disturbed, endeavoured to calm
her.
Vok and the old Count were too overcome to speak.
" Dear Lord," sighed Hus, crossing himself, " what a
fearful example of the fatal influence of these indulgences !
Is it not the duty of every honest man to struggle perpetu-
ally, according to the measure of his strength, against such
an abuse of the simple-hearted faith of men ? The unhappy
Countess, blinded by her fanaticism, was overwhelmed at
beholding the destruction of that piece of parchment with
its revolting lies. Yet none who are thus deceived ask why
Christ spake not of documents so momentous if really they
have significance in Heaven ? "
" Such delusions are in truth most frightful," said Count
Ginek with a sigh, and then, turning to Rugena, he remarked
bitterly :
" Thou seest that Vok and I are guiltless of thy father's
PART II] THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA 167
death. Yet, alack, we are powerless to remedy the conse-
quences of the crime."
" Forgive me, father, for my imjust ofience. But I
was overwrought, and I believed what I was told," she
answered in a low voice.
" Of a truth, what proofs were needful when such a
model of virtue as Brancaccio denounced such reprobates
as I and my father ! 'Tis proof sufiScient," remarked Vok,
scathingly, and without glancing at his wife went from the
room.
Rugena flushed, but before she could answer Broda
appeared, profiting by an interval of peace, and reminded
them of the presence of Tullia, who had rendered them such
signal services.
" 'Tis true ! I had nearly forgot her. We are indeed
most deeply indebted to the unhappy girl," said the Count.
" Speak with her, Rugena ; and tell her that if she desireth
to return to Italy I will dispatch her thither with a trusty
escort and assure her future. If she would rather stay with us
my house shall afiord her shelter till the day of her death."
Tullia was sitting mournful and absorbed in thought
when Rugena approached. At sight of the Countess, Tullia
jumped up, and fell on her knees before her. But Rugena
embraced the girl tenderly and in the warmest terms
expressed the gratitude of the whole family, and told of the
Count's proposition.
" Let me stay with you, signora ! No near soul is left
to me now in the fatherland. Believe me, I will serve you
faithfully," answered Tullia, with tears in her eyes.
" You shall stay with us, sweetheart ; but as a friend,
not as a servant," Rugena answered kindly. " Come, I will
make arrangements for thee, and give thee woman's
clothing. Throw ofi this garb, and forget thy terrible past.
God in His infinite goodness may yet send thee happiness
and peaceful days,"
VIII
Two months had passed since TuUia had come to live at
the Waldsteins'. She had grown completely accustomed to
her new lite, and had gained universal favour by her amiable
character and her eagerness to be of use. She felt inexpres-
sibly happy, and the way in which she was treated by the
Count's family, and by Anna and Hus, raised her in her
own estimation, and awakened in her breast new hopes for
the future.
Their affection for her was increased by the knowledge
of her sad story.
One evening Anna, who had not yet quite recovered,
went early to bed. Eugena sat near the bedside, while
TuUia placed herself upon a cushion at its foot. Suddenly
Anna asked what made her hate Brancaccio so much, and
how it was that she had become his mistress.
TuUia shuddered and turned pale at the remembrance
of the past of which she was now renainded. Anna and
Eugena, touched by her evident emotion, declared that
they did not wish her to tell them anything, but Tullia
herself had begun to feel the need of pouring forth her soul,
and relating the events of her short but troubled life.
She was the eldest daughter of a master goldsmith in
Bologna, and with her sisters had been brought up by an
old aunt. Their life had been peaceful and happy. She
was turned fifteen when misfortune descended upon the
family. One morning her aunt had sent her with a message
to her father, at his workshop, where he always received
important clients and visitors. On this particular morning
a highly placed member of the priesthood was with him,
PART n] THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA 169
having come to order a costly chalice for the Cardinal-
Legate of Bologna, Baldassare Cossa. This visitor, who
appeared to be Brancaccio, never removed his eyes from
TuUia's beautiful face, and from that day she could not
move a step without meeting the Bishop.
One day an unknown woman accosted her in the street,
and began to tell her of the passionate love with which she
had inspired a distingidshed member of the priesthood,
embellishing her words with all sojts of promises on the
condition of her becoming his mistress. Tullia refused with
disgust, but this had no efiect upon the womaa, who per-
sisted in urging her proposals, even entering their house,
which she watched, as soon as the aunt was observed to
leave it. But at last, one day the father found her there,
and, giving her a thorough beating, flung her out into the
street.
After that several weeks passed quietly, until at last
one day the City Guard appeared at the house. They pro-
ceeded to arrest the goldsmith, upon the pretext that he
had inserted false jewels in the work upon the chalice,
instead of the real ones which had been entrusted to him
for the purpose. '
Tullia, highly agitated, had reached this point in her
story when she paused to take breath.
" How can I describe our despair ? Our father was
cast into prison in spite of vowing and protesting his
innocence ! His afiairs were thrown into disorder, for all
our property was distrained in compensation for the jewels
supposed to have been stolen.
" Once, when leaving the prison, where in vain I had
besought an interview with my father, I met that shameless
woman, and she with a mocking laugh declared that I ' had
not knocked at the right door,' meaning thereby that
nothing but Brancaccio's influence with the Cardinal-Legate
could save my father.
170 THE TOECH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA [paet n
" For long I could not summon resolution to go and
beseech that man, whom, I know not why, I held to be the
principal author of our misfortunes ; but at last I was com-
pelled to do so. We were reduced to beggary, and my aunt
and little sisters had fallen ill from grief and deprivation.
" Brancaccio received me kindly, but to my prayers he
answered smiling :
" ' One favour for another ! Accept my love and I will
save the old thief.'
" ' He is no thief ! He put the rightful brilliants in the
chalice ! God knows who changed them ! ' I answered
indignantly,
" ' If thou canst prove that, my daughter,' said he,
* why comest thou to petition me ? But make good haste,
for I warn thee that thy father will be put to torture
to extort confession from him, and will afterwards be
hanged.'
" I thought I should go mad, and it seemed to me a
trifle then to sacrifice my life to save my family. I answered
that I would agree, yet demanded some token that he would
not deceive me and execute my father. He laughed and
praised my forethought, saying that I should not enter his
service till the prisoner were set at liberty. A few days later
I learnt that my father had escaped and settled in another
town under a false name. My aunt and sisters repaired to
that same town, while I entered Brancaccio's service as a
page. From the first he declared to me that he would not
lose my family from sight, and at his slightest displeasure
with me would seize my father and punish him twofold — ^for
theft and for flight,
" I bore my cross submissively, and he sported with me
as doth a cat with a mouse. He was diverted at my
endeavours to hide my loathing from him. Then something
occurred which turned that loathing into a hatred I cannot
describe. , . .
PART 11] THE TOECH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA 171
" I was about to become a motlier, whicli filled him
with wrath, yet he would not risk my health, for, it seemed,
I pleased him. When my condition would suffer me no
longer to fulfil my r61e he sent me to a villa in the suburbs,
where I lived alone, with an old woman to guard me, and
where my son was born. I loved the babe passionately,
and the servant, who had grown attached to me, promised
that he should be sent to my father and my aunt to be
brought up. Erom this old Nutsi I learnt much concerning
the Cardinal and my predecessors, who had always dis-
appeared in secret, that none might learn what had become
of them.
" Once Nutsi and I sat and talked in front of the fire.
Suddenly he arrived unexpectedly, and was enraged at sight
of the child upon my knee.
" ' Nutsi, thou old fool ! ' he said, ' thou wert mad to
keep this brat alive to be a source of trouble to us ! Did
I not tell thee that I did not want him ? . . .'
" And before I could prevent it he had seized the babe
from me and flung him in the fire. . . .
" Seeing the rosy little arms and legs struggling helpless
in the flames I fainted, and for many weeks hung between
death and madness. . . .
" Then health returned to me, though slowly, and, to
my misfortune — ^beauty. . . . There are no words to tell of
the hatred I felt towards Brancaccio, yet, knowing my help-
lessness, I hid my feelings, awaiting that moment when I
could take vengeance. . . . You know the rest," Tullia con-
cluded, wiping away the tears that were streaming, down
her face.
In deep silence Anna and Rugena listened to this story,
which was only interrupted from time to time by Tullia's
" My God ! " Rugena cried, when she had finished ;
' and this monster doth dare with his foul hands to
172 THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA [part ii
administer the holy sacraments ! Why doth no bolt from
Heaven strike him down before the altar 1 "
" Ask rather how priests like Brancaccio, and a Pope
like John XXIII. — ^thieves and scoundrels both — dare to
excommunicate a saint like Master John ! " Anna exclaimed,
indignantly.
IX
The news that the Pope had ordered Hus to be laid under an
interdict if he failed to make submission within twenty days
delighted his enemies, and as this stern measure of the Holy
See was not openly opposed by the King their arrogance
increased.
The Council of the Old Place consisted at that time
mostly of Germans ; and under its auspices a meeting of
townsmen, also Germans, took place. At this meeting it was
decided to attack the Bethlehem chapel, to drive away the
worshippers, and to seize the preacher himself, without
waiting for the publication of the interdict.
October 2nd, a Church festival in Prague, had arrived.
A considerable number of armed burghers gathered together
in the morning, headed by the traitorous Bohemian, Bernard
Khotek, and by Ginz Leinhardt, who was really the insti-
gator of the contemplated onslaught. The butcher's son,
in his blind hatred of the Bohemians, thirsted to tear from
their midst the man so beloved by them, the incarnation of
their dreams of national regeneration.
The Bethlehem chapel was filled by worshippers who were
following the words of Hus with that rapturous faith which he
knew how to arouse in the hearts of his hsteners. Suddenly
several persons rushed into the building, with cries :
" The Germans have surrounded the chapel and are
attacking us with spears and halberds ! "
For a moment the congregation was dumb with aston-
ishment, but then a sudden tumult arose. Erom without
came the sounds of shouts, oaths, and the clash of weapons
of the attackers who were endeavouring to force their way
into the chapel.
174 THE TORCH-BEAREES OF BOHEMIA [part n
But before a general panic could prevail several knights
and noblemen, among them Vok von Waldstein, had leapt
on to their benches, crying out :
" Women and children, stay in your places. Men, press
forward to defend the chapel, without bloodshed if it be
possible ! "
All able-bodied Bohemians rushed to the entry. The
Germans, who had succeeded in gaining the porch, were
thrown back, and a wall of defenders of the sacred building,
silent, but firm and composed, arose before them. Seeing
that their efforts to take the chapel unawares had failed,
and disconcerted by the threatening calm of their opponents,
the Germans fell back. In vain Giuz, foaming at the mouth
with rage, tried to rally his followers and urge them to force
a way into the church. Khotek and the majority of the
burghers feared a fight within it, and noisily made their way
back to the town hall.
The town council gathered, and after a stormy sitting
decided that at least the chapel itself should be destroyed,
according to the injunction which had come from Rome.
On the evening of the same day Hus was at the Wald-
steins'. ' Even his mild soul was dismayed by the infamous
attack of the morning, and he could not restrain his indig-
nation.
" This," he said, " is an example of the effrontery of the
Germans. They would not dare destroy a neighbour's oven
against the King's will ; yet they presume to outrage God's
temple ! "
" Oh, we will protect the chapel ! Let the German dogs
but try another time if they would feel the weight of our
fists ! " cried Vok, boiUng with rage. " I fear but for you.
Master John. These filthy priests will now begin to persecute
you unceasingly."
" I have already been summoned to the Bishop to declare
whether I had submitted to the apostolic order."
PART ii] THE TORCH-BEAEERS OF BOHEMIA 175
" And what did you answer ? "
A sad smile appeared upon the face of Hus.
" Erom my heart I answered ..."
But seeing the general impatience he continued :
"Apostolic I call the injunctions of Christ's apostles,
and I am ready to obey the Pope in so far as his decrees are
in accordance with the Saviour's teachings. But when they
oppose them I will not listen, though I be confronted with
the stake."
" Master John, you run a fearful risk ! " said Rugena with
a sympathetic pressure of Ids hand.*
" Everything will be according to the will of God, my
daughter ; but I think the hour hath not yet sounded !
Christ hath not finished the work with which He charged me
and my brethren, and hath not snatched from Behemoth's
jaws all those destined by the Lord for salvation. He will
strengthen the bearers of good tidings until they have at
length crushed the head of Behemoth ! With all my heart
I strive for that, and for that I will humbly embrace my
death "
" Such a life doth make you worthy of the crown of
sainthood," said Anna ; and her eyes, which had looked
dull and passionless since her sorrow, suddenly flashed with
fanatical excitement.
" Refrain, my daughter, from the use of such bold words ;
and above all do not audaciously transfer the gratitude we
owe to God for leading and sustaining us, to His unworthy
servant," Hus said sternly.
Notwithstanding the passionate desire of the Germans to
destroy the Bethlehem chapel, they were obliged to deny
themselves the joy, for the people kept watch night and day
over their beloved place of worship.
In all the churches of Prague it was solemnly announced
that services would be suspended until Hus had left the
176 THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA [part ii
town, and that all Christians were forbidden, under threat
of the like excommunication, to speak to him, offer him food
or drink, afiord him shelter, bury him, and so forth.
A threatening cloud seemed to hang above the ancient
capital of Bohemia. A sinister and melancholy spirit was
abroad, as though the town had just been visited by some
most terrible catastrophe. The bells no longer rang, the
churches were closed and no services were held in them. The
dying were denied the sacraments, the newly-born their
baptism, the newly-wed God's blessing, and the dead
Christian burial.
Yet for the most part the population were unshaken by
this fearful chastisement, and unwavering in their love for
Hus. The general indignation was directed at the priest-
hood known by the people to be envious and depraved, who
thus revenged themselves upon an idolised preacher for
having boldly revealed their greed, venaUty, and cunning.
During this time of suffering Hus gave proof of that mild,
unmurmuring steadfastness which was one of the most
striking features of his character. He invoked none but
Christ, the true Head of the Church, concerning the unjust
punishment with which he had been visited ; and for the
rest continued to lead his usual life ; visiting the sick and
suffering, preaching the true gospel, and on every occasion
betraying that burning faith, that self-forgetfulness, which
conquered the hearts of all contemporaries and created for
posterity one of the most fascinating figures in history.
Meanwhile, we return to the Waldstein family.
The old Count and his son spent the greater part of their
time with the King at Jerbrak Castle, and Eugena and Anna
lived in retirement, scarcely leaving the house, partly on
account of mourning, and partly because their state of mind
inclined them to solitude.
Anna had not yet quite recovered from the terrible shock
she had sustained. Apart from the agonising headaches
she suffered at times she felt physically better, but her
appearance and character were strikingly changed. Her
pretty little face had become somehow longer, had lost its
freshness and grown pale. Her eyes, formerly so bright
and joyous, were dull and clouded by grief, and would only
shine occasionally under the influence of some wild excite-
ment. Her open-hearted gaiety, her love of fun, and her
sociability had entirely disappeared and been replaced by
gloomy, silent reserve. Dressed perpetually in black, almost
in the garb of a nun, she passed whole hours in prayer.
She avoided meeting people, and nothing could persuade her
to leave her room when guests came to the house.
Discord had reigned between Eugena and her husband
since that ill-fated morning following Brancaccio's attempt.
Vok had been mortally insulted by the accusation cast
against him, and could not forgive his wife for having
suspected him of murder. The fall of God's vengeance upon
his mother, and the subsequent terrible death of the Countess
had made a painful impression upon him. He lost his taste
for adventure and became gloomy, silent, and irritable,
N
178 THE TORCH-BEAEERS OF BOHEMIA [part ii
sometimes seeking a quarrel 'with Rugena, but generally
obstinately avoiding her.
This estrangement from his wife, which he maintained
through stubbornness and wounded self-esteem, was painful
to Vok, who, in spite of his impulsive nature, was deeply
attached to his wife, and as greatly fascinated by her beauty
as before.
He was especially mortified because Rugena, who had
asked his father's pardon, considered it superfluous to
address to him one word of penitence or regret. Rugena
herself understood very well that she was wrong, and that
she ought to make amends for the terrible accusation which
had proved to be so completely undeserved ; but she was too
proud and unbending to ask forgiveness.
Such was the position of things at the time of Hus'a
departure. During his last conversation with Rugena,
when they had touched upon the disagreement between her
and her husband, Hus had earnestly endeavoured to decipher
her state of mind and to discover whether her guilty love for
Jerome had not something to do with her cruelty to Vok.
" I have for ever renounced all earthly love for him,"
she answered. " But I shall never cease to take delight
in him as a man of learning who loves his country, and as
a knight ! Nor shall I cease to follow him afar with my
sympathy and to pray for him, God will not count that
a sin against me ! "
At last she had consented to ask Vok's forgiveness.
One evening Rugena had been sitting in her friend's
room. Both Counts were away, and there was a strong
feeling of unrest in the city that night. Several funeral
processions passed the house, and from the crowds accom-
panying them arose the sounds of oaths mingled with sobs
and suppressed weeping. Groups of men-at-arms patrolled
the streets. In a word, there was an impression of some-
thing sinister in the air.
PART II] THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA 179
With a feeling of alarm Rugena left her apartments
and went to Anna's room, which overlooked the courtyard,
so that sounds from the street could not reach it. But when
the abbey bell struck one, she rose to return to her bedroom.
She did not feel inclined to sleep, but she was tired.
As she passed through the long corridor to reach her
room she saw her husband mounting the staircase which
led from the lower story, accompanied by an armour-bearer,
carrying a torch. Vok was pale and evidently very tired.
His face wore the sullen and gloomy expression which of late
had become habitual to it.
On seeing his wife the Count stopped short, in astonish-
ment.
" Not yet asleep, at such a late hour ? Why so ? " he
asked coldly, looking suspiciously at her,
" I have been chattering with Anna, and did not note
how late it grew," answered Rugena. " Wilt thou not sup ? "
she asked after a silence. ' ' We were not expecting thee, and
the servants are asleep. But there is food awaiting me in
my room of which I have no need."
" I am in truth hungered by my long ride, and I would
gladly eat if it will not disturb thee," Vok said hesitatingly.
" Disturb me 1 In no way ! Come, and while Zimon
disarms thee I will light the fire."
They entered a small room adjoining the sleeping apart-
ment of Rugena, and the armour-bearer, having taken off.
Vok's armour, retired. On the table in the bedroom lay some
cold meats, cakes and milk. Rugena took a flagon of wine
from the cupboard and lit the candelabra.
Vok sat down at the table and cut some slices of venison
for his wife and for himself. They ate in silence. There
was a sense of constraint between them, and attempts at
conversation failed.
Vok, in spite of his hxmger and thirst, ate httle. He
drank a cup of wine, then put aside his knife and rose.
180 THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA [past ii
" A good nigtt to ttee, and my thanks ! Thou hast sat
late with Anna and I will detain thee no longer."
" I am afeared to go to bed. The noise in the street is
ceaseless," Rugena answered in a low voice.
Vok said nothing, and made towards the door. An
expression of inward struggle appeared upon Rugena's face,
and just as her husband reached the door she timidly pro-
nounced his name.
" Vok ! "
He stopped immediately and turned towards her, fixing
his gloomy, abstracted glance upon her agitated face.
" What wouldst thou 1 " he asked, coldly.
She ran to him and took his hand.
" Forgive me, Vok, that I ofended thee unjustly by my
base suspicions. But on that fearful day my soul was
steeped in blood, and the thought that I was wife to a man
who had helped to kill my father was so intolerable that I
lost all measure."
Her beautiful face flushed and paled by turns, and her
bright eyes, full of tears, looked appealingly at her husband.
Vok's anger melted in an instant.
He drew her to him impulsively, and imprinted a
passionate kiss upon her trembling Hps.
" Ah, wicked one ! And wast thou not ashamed to with-
hold thine acknowledgment so long ? Was it so difficult to
say to thy husband : ' I repent me for accounting thee a
villain ' ? "
Putting his arm around her he led her to a seat covered
with cushions and sat down beside her.
" Thou didst wish to punish me for my former antics,"
he said with a return of his old gaiety. " I will confess that
I have sometimes been a sorry husband ; but for the future
I swear to be true to thee, and to sit at home like a rabbit in
its burrow."
Rugena could not help laughing.
PART 11] THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA 181
" Thou hast well pictured thyself : ' a faithful husband,'
and above all : ' a rabbit in its burrow ' ! "
" In sooth, it is not easy. The devil is strong, and doth
sow temptations in our path. Thou canst not understand,
because thy modesty and thy pure soul make thee unassail-
able. Wrapped in thy stainless virtue thou dost judge
severely, and thou hast full right to do so ! "
At these last words of her husband's Rugena's cheeks
were dyed by a flush of shame at the remembrance of the
guilty kisses she had exchanged with Jerome, and how near
she had been to a fall, to flight from her husband's house,
and the betrayal of her duty. Her soul was tortured by
remorse. Her agitation was so evident that Vok could not
avoid remarking it, and asked, surprised :
" What troubles thee, my dear one ? "
Rugena gently released herself from his embrace. She
was by now as white as her dress.
" I am not worthy of thy good opinion, or of thy love,"
she said, firmly. " I will have no more lies betwixt us !
Perhaps thou wilt kill me when I have spoken, but yet my
conscience will be at rest."
Vok listened, but could not believe his ears. At Rugena's
last word a hoarse exclamation broke from him and his eyes
blazed with that terrible anger which was so soon provoked
in his passionate nature and which made all tremble who
beheld it.
Rugena thought her last hour had come, but against
all expectations the threatened storm did not break
forth, and Vok with a mighty efiort of his will controlled
himself.
Passing a trembling hand across his forehead he said,
thickly :
" Rugena, thou art raving ! Or have I been blind ?
Couldst thou, whose glance doth reflect the purity of Heaven,
commit a crime deserving of death ? Yet, whatever thou
182 THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA [part ii
hast to confess, speak on ; for I must know all ; and I will
try to judge with leniency."
He fell back on the seat and covered his face with his
hands. For a short time there was silence in the room, then,
at last, Rugena began her confession in low and broken tones.
She spoke of the mortification, the ofience to her pride
and self-esteem her husband's infidelity had caused her, of
the impression Jerome had produced upon her in her child-
hood, of how he had become her hero, and lastly, of the
meeting on her wedding-day which had transformed the
dream into reality.
With merciless fidelity she pictiued her admiration of the
orator of genius, an admiration which had grown in the
measure of Vok's betrayals and neglect of her. She
described her fury at meeting her husband with the girl on
the saddle before him, and how Jerome's unexpected visit
had led to a declaration of love and plans for flight which
Hus had prevented by recalling them both to a sense of
duty, and how after that Jerome had renounced his love
for her and left, without even bidding her farewell.
During his wife's story the young Count's expressive
face had been portraying the feelings of amazement,
jealousy, wrath, and mortification he experienced. At the
mention of Jerome's name he leapt up, and bending forward
listened with a painful intentness to every word spoken by
his wife.
When Rugena had finished her story, and, overpowered
by the weight of her guilt, sat with mournfully drooping
head, a playful, joyous smile shone on Vok's face, and a
deep sigh of relief escaped his breast. With a half -merry,
half-angry glance at his wife's bowed head he sat down
beside her, taking her hands, in which her face was hidden .
" So thou didst let that rascal kiss thee, and thyself did
kiss him back ? " he asked.
" Yes," she answered, in a voice hardly audible.
PART II] THE TOECH-BEAEERS OF BOHEMIA 183
" And canst thou swear that nought save kisses passed
between you ? "
Rugena's pale face was suSused by a bright flush.
" Vok ! Of what dost thou think ? I did not leave thy
house ! I am not some street-dancer, to give myself
straightway to any man, even though I should love him."
" Why, then, I am ready to forget it all ! And dost
thou promise me to dream no more of flight ? "
" I swear it ! If only thou, thyself, drive me not forth
from thy house as I have deserved," Rugena answered,
bursting into tears.
" I were a fool to drive away from me so bewitching a
woman, who cries her sins aloud before one asks her of
them. Now, weep not, or thou wilt fall ill. I have told
thee that I pardon thee thy kisses. Enough ! "
He gave her milk to drink and tried to calm her, but
Rugena could not overcome her nerves, and her tears
continued to fall.
" Thesewomen have in truth a flow of tears as abundant
as a fountain," Vok said, shaking his head. " If thou didst
let forth such a river in sight of Jerome no wonder that he
melted like a piece of soap. But hark thee, Rugena ; thou
hadst gained nothing by betraying me. He is a mad-cap,
and hath led more women-folk astray than I, since he
hath combated in love's arena for more years than I.
'Tis true that he is cleverer than I, and hath had more
success, since even little g rls have loved him ; but as
concerns virtue. . . . Fu-u-uh ! We will discuss that anon,
and his story with thee shows that he grows old and foolish !
Had I been in his place the Lord Himself had not persuaded
me to renounce such happiness ! "
Rugena gave a weak and shamefaced smile. Then Vok
bent towards his wife and gazed searchingly into her eyes.
" Is all thy heart given up to thine ideal, or dost thou
still retain one spark of affection which might serve us to
184 THE TORCH-BEAEERS OF BOHEMIA [part ii
kindle anew the flame of our love which is well-nigh ex-
tinct 1 " he asked with a sad snule.
Rugena threw her arms gratefully around her husband's
neck and laid her beautiful head upon his breast.
" How can I help loving thee when thou hast shown me
such magnanimity ? I promise thee I will do everything
to merit thy love."
" Now God be praised ! And I on my part will promise
to become so virtuous as never more to carry women with
me on my horse. That I can swear ! "
He embraced his wife, and lifting her like a feather in
his arms kissed her passionately.
" Peace is signed and concluded ! "
Next day Vok set out in search of Jerome. He under-
stood now why the latter had become such a rare visitor.
At Jerome's house the Count was told that he had been
summoned to a hunt at one of the castles of Lord Wartenberg.
Seeing a sheet of unused parchment on the table, Vok
seized a pen, sat down and began to draw. He depicted
a narrow, winding path beset with thorns which led to
Heaven, at the gate of which the Apostle Peter was sitting.
Along the road galloped an ass, with tail uplifted, and the
head of Jerome, while behind him a splendid bundle of hay
could be seen.
" What wouldst thou here ? " asked the Apostle. " Every
day husbands with horns a-growing, deserted maidens and
mistresses betrayed, do make complaint against thee."
" I am reformed, and on one occasion I was even virtuous.
But instead of wings ass's ears have for some reason grown
upon me," answered Jerome on the long ribbon which
proceeded from his mouth.
" Why, I will not trouble myself to unroll these heavy
gates for thee, for sake of the one occasion of thy virtue.
Return whence thou camest ! None will recognise Jerome
PART II] THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA 185
of Prague in ass's skin, and no husband will be on his guard
against thee ! "
Having finished the caricature Vok rolled up the parch-
ment, addressed it, and, mightily pleased with himself, set
out in quest of Hus. The latter, sad and alone, sat reading
in his cell. The Count nearly stifled him in his embrace,
and kissed him on both cheek s.
" Hast thou brought me good news. Count Vok, that
thou art so cheerful ? " asked Hus, with a smile.
" I have come. Father John, to thank thee for the service
thou didst render me in preventing my wife's flight with
Jerome — which would have forced me, to my great regret,
to cut the throat of my friend."
" What ? Dost thou know all ? " said Hus, surprised.
" Yes. Rugena hath made full confession to me. I
have forgiven her, and we have proclaimed a peace."
" Praise be to God ! It was but my duty to hinder two
insane creatures from committing a folly the consequences of
which they would themselves have deplored."
At that moment Vok noticed upon the ground a travelling
case and two saddle-bags.
" What means this. Master John ? Are you preparing
again to leave us ? "
" Alas, my friend ! I can no longer behold the suffering
which the interdict doth inflict upon the people. And the
King himself doth desire me to depart. To-morrow at dawn
I set forth from Prague."
" But where are you going ? " inquired Vok, deeply
grieved.
" For the time being to castle Kosigrad, where the Lord
Ousti hath kindly offered me shelter. Then God will decide
and point me out my path," Hus answered mildly.
After some further conversation, and having extracted
from Hus a promise to dine with them and take leave, Vok
pressed his hand and left him.
XI
Two weeks had gone by since Hus's departure. Prague had
resumed its accustomed aspect. The churches were open,
and outwardly everything was tranquil. But beneath
that tranquillity a storm was brewing.
Eugena was sitting, embroidering, by the window,
awaiting her husband's return to dinner. She was absorbed
in her work, and only exchanged a word from time to time
with Anna, who was sitting opposite to her. Suddenly the
sound of horses' hoofs distracted her attention. Glancing
through the window, she beheld a gentleman in sumptuous
Polish attire ride up to the house, followed by grooms who
led two superb chargers, and several pack-horses by their
bridles.
" Guests have arrived, and Vok is not home yet," said
Eugena, with some displeasure.
Anna looked indifferently out of the window and suddenly
trembled.
" 'Tis Svietomir ! " she murmured, growing pale, and
turning as if to fly from the room. But Eugena detained
her.
" Surely thou wilt not fly from Svietomir ? "
" I will see him later, but now I have no strength to meet
him," whispered Anna, and tearing her dress away from
Eugena's hold she ran out of the room.
Eugena followed her with a displeased glance, and,
laying aside her work, went to inquire whether the guest
were really her childhood's friend.
It appeared that it was indeed Svietomir who had
arrived ; but he had so changed since their last meeting
that Eugena was obliged to gaze for long at him before she
PART n] THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA 187
could recognise him. The thin, pale-faced youth had
become a man, and was now a handsome stalwart figure,
with a calm assured glance and warrior-like deportment.
" Thy gifts have brought me happiness and assured my
future," he said, in a low voice, greeting Rugena. " And
I have come to give thee personal testimony of this."
Vok soon appeared and welcomed his former comrade
with outstretched arms.
" Why, Svietomir, thou art grown magnificent ! " he
said, embracing him. " Who would recognise in thee the
pitiful urchin whom that villain Ilarius so misused ? First
of all let us sup, and then thou shalt relate thine adventures.
Hast thou come back to us for good ? "
" No, my service is now in Cracow ; but if you would
shelter me for several weeks. . . ."
" Nay, what nonsense ! Think not that we will let thee
go for several months. They will make shift without thee
well enough in Cracow," said Vok, good-humouredly, drawing
him towards the dining-room.
At table Svietomir inquired about Anna, and whether
she were not married.
" No. She is somewhat ailmg to-day, but thou shalt
see her later," Rugena said hurriedly.
When they were left alone the Count and Countess told
him of the terrible tragedies which had happened in their
house. Svietomir was deeply afiected by the revelation of
so much villainy.
" God have mercy on the unhappy soul of my aunt Jan, !
To what fearful sins did her immeasurable trust in these vile
priests induce her ! " he said, crossing himself. " I under-
stand now that Anna doth hide herself from me through
shame ; yet, poor friend of my childhood, she is now doubly
dear to me in her sorrow," he added, in a voice trembling
with emotion.
The recital of all the terrible events that had taken
188 THE TOECH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA [part ii
place occupied so much time that Svietomir was only able
to touch lightly upon his life in foreign parts. Remarking
that he was exhausted, Vok hastened him off to bed.
On the following morning Svietomir distributed the
presents he had brought them: for Rugena some silken
material embroidered with silver, for Vok some skins of
sable, and for Count Ginek a fine dagger with its handle set
with amethysts.
" I have some brocade for Anna, and other things ; but
in her present state of mind such trifles will not please her,"
he said, regretfully. " I will rather present her the shrine
of relics which I had purposed for my aunt, and will beg
thee to accept the brocade, Rugena."
" Saints above ! Thou must be rich to make such
presents. Hast thou chanced upon some treasm:e ? " asked
Vok, laughing.
' " Alack, no ! But God hath not forsaken me, and hath
given me a position of honour and independence. Such
small things are not worth speaking of. They are part of
my booty from the battle of Tannenberg and the taking of
Gildenberg."
" Thou didst take part at Tannenberg ? " cried Vok,
astonished. " Thou happy man ! How I do envy thee !
There would I fain have been to give those Germans a sound
lesson ! "
" Yes, thou didst miss a splendid opportunity ! Oh, they
learnt a, lesson they will not soon forget. Some day I will
tell thee all about it ! "
The enl^fance of Count Ginek, who had been away on
business, interrupted the conversation and altered its course.
He too gave the guest a hearty welcome, and made him
promise to stay longer with them.
Svietomir related how, upon his arrival in Cracow, good
fortune had led him to King Vladislav's secretary, who had
interested a Cracow warrior, John Tarnovsky, in him ; and
PART 11] THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA 189
how the latter had taken him into his service and sent him
as a messenger to the Grand Duke Vitov, and later to
Janusha Mazovetzky. The speed, punctuality, and skill
with which he had fulfilled the mission entrusted to him
gained him a place at Court, and after the battle of Grunen-
wald (or Tannenberg) the King had rewarded his services
by making him a knight and giving him a fine estate, which,
together with the booty fallen to his share, fully assured his
future.
On the evening of that same day Svietomir at last saw
Anna, and was struck by the change in her.
Deadly pale, and with obstinately lowered eyes, she
muttered some words of greeting to him. But when he
fervently kissed her hand and uttered some tender words
she raised her eyes, convulsively returned the pressure of
his hand, and burst into bitter tears.
XII
Time passed now peacefully in the Waldstein family.
Svietomir renewed his acquaintance with former comrades
and professors, but passed much of his time at home in
conversation with Eugena or Vok, or his old friend Broda,
who besieged him with questions about the war with the
Germans and the battle of Tannenberg, feasting upon the
details of the rout of the Teuton Order.
Only Anna held aloof from him. Although she did not
directly avoid him the friendly relations she had maintained
with Eugena were not renewed with him. He more than
once, in conversation with the young Countess, expressed
his deep concern at the girl's condition.
" Yes, 'tis as though something had snapped in her since
that fatal night. She hath become quite different and very
strange. I had dreamed of another fate for Anna ..."
said Eugena, wiping her falling tears.
" I remember thou didst desire that I should marry her.
I will confess that thy project pleased me, and I would now
joyfully carry her with me to Cracow."
" What ? Thou wouldst marry her even after ... all
that hath occurred ? Oh, how good thou art, Svietomir !
How noble-hearted ! And how I love thee for it ! " cried
Eugena in a burst of joy.
Taking his head between her hands, she kissed him
tenderly upon the forehead.
" The reward exceeds the service," he answered, laugh-
ing, and kissing her hand.
" Dost thou love her ? "
" In truth I know not how to answer thee. Perhaps
not ! Yet she inspires me with sincere respect and fervent
PART II] THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA 191
pity, and all that, united to our old attachment to one
another, urges me to bear her hence, that in fresh sur-
roundings and new circumstances she may forget her grief.
And her sacrifice to save thee, my benefactress, renders the
good and beauteous Anna doubly dear to me. I shall not
find a better wife, and I hope that love will soon make our
happiness. But I would ask thee, dear Rugena, to transmit
my proposal to Anna ; for she, poor thing, is so timid and
afErighted that I dare not seek an opportunity to speak with
her."
" Willingly will I do so ! I will tell her of it to-day.
And to-morrow with the grace of God we will celebrate
your betrothal," Rugena answered joyfully.
All through the day Anna was suffering from an un-
bearable headache. She sat exhausted in an armchair
reading her prayer-book. The broad folds of her black
clothing and the darkness of her hair sharply defined the
waxen pallor of her face and the hands which lay upon her
knee. It was late, and Anna was surprised to see Rugena
enter her room, the more so as the Countess's face seemed
shining with unwonted happiness.
" Leave thy prayer-book, Anna ! I have news for thee
which will brighten thy life and change thy destiny," said
Rugena gladly, kissing her.
Anna smiled painfully in answer. When Rugena told
her of Svietomir's proposal she trembled, and a burning
flush suffused her face. But it was only for a moment ;
and then her head drooped sadly on her breast.
Surprised at her silence, Rugena took her hand.
" Art thou not glad, Anna ? But wait until to-morrow,
when our good Svietomir shall give thee the betrothal kiss.
Then shalt thou be convinced that the past is dead to thee
and that a bright new future liath opened before thee."
Anna raised her head, sat up, and- passed her hand across
her face.
192 THE TORCH-BEAEEES OF BOHEMIA [part n
" I am very grateful to Svietomir, and shall always
remember his proposal, which doth me honour and raiseth
me in mine own esteem, but ... I cannot accept it."
Rugena was astonished.
" Why, thou art mad ! " she cried indignantly. " A
young, handsome, and wealthy man doth offer thee his
name and love, and a brilliant and happy life ; and thou
dost repulse him ! 'Tis foolish and ungrateful ! I wiH not
listen to such nonsense ! "
" The advantages of Svietomir's proposal are apparent
to me. But I refuse it because I could not make him happy.
Something in my soul hath given way, and I am dead to all
the joys of life. My dear and generous-hearted friend doth
merit a better wife than I, broken as I am in soul and body."
" But Svietomir doth love thee. His devotion will make
thee whole again. Thou dost not consider how thy refusal
will grieve and offend him ! "
" I know that in Svietomir's proposal lies as much pity
as love for me. The heart of woman doth judge infalUbly
in these matters. Even though he should be ofiended now,
the time will come when he will thank me for leaving him
his freedom. And I myself desire not to be bound. That
which remains of my heart after the catastrophe which
hath wrecked my life belongs not to him. . . ,"
Eugena started.
" Dost thou love another, Anna ? But who, in God's
name 1 "
" Who, if not him who sustained me in my sufiering,
who rescued me from the al)andonment of despair, and saved
me from self-destruction 1 "
" Thou lovest Master John ? . . . Art thou not jesting,
Anna ? " said Eugena in amazement. " Eemember, to
cherish such feelings for a servant of the altar is a sin ! "
Anna looked into her eyes, and a bright flush dyed her
cheeks.
PAET II] THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMA 193
" Thou hast misunderstood me, Rugena ! That which
I feel for Master John doth in no way resemble sensual love.
I love him ! Oh, I love him — as the earth loves the fresh
dew that doth slake her thirst, as the grass loves the sun
which doth revive and warm it. I adore him with reverence
as a healing spirit ! To listen to his teaching, to be led by
him along the path to Heaven whose messenger he is, to
see his mild glance turned approvingly upon me-^that is all
I value on this earth."
" I understand thee, Anna. Yet, however deep this
feeling, I doubt if it can fill thy life. Thou art young, and
the time will come when dreams will fade and reality assert
its truth."
" Nay, I am already old in soul, and the feelings with
which this saint inspires me — for he is a saint— can never
fade ! Why art thou astonished 1 Canst thou deny that
he doth possess the gift of healing ? Dost thou ask a proof ?
Did not his voice have a more calming influence upon mad
Countess Jan than any of the doctors ? And when I had
those torturing headaches that seemed to rend my skull
'twas enough for him to lay his hand upon my brow to
allay the sufEering, and in that same instant I saw — hearest
thou, Rugena ? — ^I saw a golden, brightness shining about his
head as he prayed, and from his fingers streamed rays of
light which imparted warmth to my whole body. I was
wrapped in wondrous bliss, and my soul was turned to God
till healing sleep did seal mine eyes."
Rugena listened to her in amazement. Anna's enthu-
siasm filled her with the conviction that Hus was indeed a
higher being, and the passionate faith which resounded in the
voice of her friend infected her as well.
" I see that thy decision is irrevocable, and will give
Svietomir thine answer," she said, after a moment's silence.
" I should like best to speak to him myself. Tell him I
beg that he will come to me to-morrow."
194 THE TOBCH-BEAEEES OF BOHEMIA [paet ii
Next day a long conversation took place between Anna
and Svietomir, and at length they exchanged assurances of
friendship and mutual trust. But Svietomir was grieved
and agitated when he left her. From that day the morbid
constraint with which Anna had behaved towards him was
replaced by a warm and sisterly affection.
XIII
A YEAE passed by, full of alarms and unrest. Great events
in the life of the Middle Ages came to pass, and there were
burning religious and political questions which demanded a
speedy decision.
The plan, discussed during the past year, of summoning
a General Council to put an end to the disorders in the
Church was carried out. The Emperor Sigismund took the
afEair into his own hands, and conducted it energetically and
successfully. At his famous meeting with Pope John XXIII.
in Lod it was settled that the Council should sit in the
imperial town of Constance, and the Pope, restraining his
wrath, was obUged to consent to this. The Divine nemesis
thus laid its £mger on the iniquitous Baldassare Cossa, and
obUged him to appear at the Council, to his own extreme
danger. There was no escape. On one side he was threat-
ened by the Neapohtan Bang who hated him, and who was
now the victorious master of Eome. On the other, his sole
protector, the crafty Sigismund, was summoning him to
Constance to put an end to dissension in the Church which
could only damage the Pope by throwing a Ught upon hia
own life. In vain did he try to withdraw his head from the
noose. His efforts were frustrated by Sigismund's inexorable
will, and on the 30th of October an edict was proclaimed by
which the Emperor, with the Pope's agreement, summoned
all Christian sovereigns, all princes of the Church, and all
those whose names and learning were famed in Christendom
to appear in Constance on the 1st of November, 1414, in
order to consider the question of Church reform, and put an
end to heresy.
196 THE TORCH-BEAREKS OF BOHEMIA [part n
This last point referred directly to Bohemia, for there
dwelt the dauntless preacher whose inspired teaching and
spotless purity was a living reproach to the depraved and
vicious priesthood. This man was John Hus, in a certain
way the incarnation of the protest of Christianity. All
hatred was concentrated upon him, and he was to be made
to pay for all the crimes of all those innovators who had
dared to demand chastity and disinterestedness from the
servants of the altar. So Hus, condemned beforehand by
his enemies, was summoned by the Council to appear and
answer the accusation of heresy. With his habitual mildness
and firmness he immediately responded to the summons,
though in no way deceiving himself as to the danger to which
he was exposed through his profession of the truths of the
Gospel.
On a beautiful September evening several friends were
gathered in a small, modestly furnished room in one of the
houses in the Old Town. The windows looked out upon the
garden, and a long dark corridor separated the room from
the rest of the house, and preserved its occupant from any
indiscretion on the part of neighbours . Its present occupant
was Hus, who had come to Prague to make ready for his
long journey, and take leave of his friends before his
departure for Constance.
The Prague priesthood pretended not to know of his
presence in the town, and, for the time being, did not perse-
cute him. So now we behold him in his humble dwelling,
surrounded by friends, who were conferring with him about
his coming journey. Among these friends were John of
Jesenice, Prokop of Pilsen, Peter of Mladenovic, Jacob of
Stribo, Hus's substitute in the Bethlehem chapel, Magister
Gavlik, and Jerome of Prague, who had only just returned
from his travels in Lithuania.
" Do not afflict yourselves, my friends, with thoughts
PART 11] THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA 197
of over-many dangers. The Emperor will present me a
letter of safe conduct which will give me full freedom to
prove and defend my integrity," Hus was saying at that
moment.
" I doubt not Sigismund's good intentions to protect
thee ; but in Constance thou wilt fall in with Paleck and
other of thine enemies who hate thee," said John of
Jesenice.
" Yes, I do not deceive myself with dreams, and I know
that heavy sufierings await me. But I trust in Christ's
protection, and whatever the fate in store for me I shall bless
God's will. I believe firmly in the victory of our cause, and
am assured that if I perish truth will send to Prague instead
of one feeble and impotent ' Goose ' (Hus) — many eagles
and falcons. And the quickness of their eyes will surpass
that of other feathered fowl. Thus they may with God's
grace fly high, leading the other birds to Christ Jesus, Who
will strengthen and sustain all His faithful. ..."
At that moment came a knock at the door, and Vok
Waldstein entered. He was evidently pleased by something,
and greeted his friends cheerfully.
" I have good news for thee, Master John," he said
brightly. " The King hath appointed three nobles to
accompany thee to Prague whose names will assure thee
perfect safety : John of Chulm, Venceslas of Duba, and
Hemy Chulm of Lacembok."
" 'Tis most gracious of the King, and indeed I know not
how to thank his Majesty," said Hus with feeling. " Never
should I have conceived of such a powerful escort, or of all
the protection that hath been afEorded me."
" Who can know thee without loving thee ? Since now
thou wilt be stoutly safe-guarded, I hope that pestiferous
Council will refute the accusations of Paleck and the rest of
the Bohemian traitors. And besides that, thanks to
Emirzlik, Bishop Nazaretsky hath borne testimony that
198 THE TOECH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA [part ii
thou art in no way guilty of heresy, and even Archbishop
Conrad was obliged, through the Barons' insistency, to
declare that he accounts thee a good Catholic. All that,
added to the Emperor's letter, will render thee well-nigh
unassailable."
The next few days were occupied with preparations for
the journey, and as Hus was travelling to Constance at his
own expense his friends vied with one another to free him
from all material cares. Innumerable sums of money and
other gifts were showered upon him from all sides . A relative
of Rugena's, Baron Bojek Rabstein, gave him, among other
things, a splendid horse ; Vok and his father a complete suit
of black Flanders cloth ; while Rugena herself pressed a
considerable sum upon him.
Finally, on the 11th of October, Hus left Prague after
taking a touching farewell of his friends, especially of
Jerome, who accompanied him for several miles beyond
the town.
" Beloved Master," he said, tenderly embracing Hus at
parting, " stand firm in the coming struggle, and if any
danger whatsoever should threaten thee I wiU fly to thy
rescue."
It really seemed as though there were nothing to warrant
the fears of Hus's friends or his own forebodings. The
journey was successfully accomplished^ and everywhere
upon his road Hus met with respect and most friendly
attention.
When his letter dispatched from Nuremberg arrived,
filled with the most curious and interesting details, a verit-
able holiday was held in the Waldsteins' house. With joyful
astonishment Hus described how,^ instead of meeting him
with hatred as he had expected, the German population had,
on the contrary, turned out in crowds to meet him, and the
most distinguished people, even among the priesthood, had
conversed with him and extolled his teaching.
PART n] THE TORCH-BEAREES OF BOHEMIA 199
His jomney was, in fact, a triumplial progress ... to
martyrdom. But his letter showed something else beside.
The mere fact that he was so struck by his unexpected
popularity proved that in his pmre and modest heart he had
never for an instant attached any special significance to the
greatness of his r6Ie.
PART III
"... And this Bohemian land for which we fight
Loves not the master whom the chance of war —
Not its own choice or will — ^has given to it.
Men murmur at the oppression of their conscience.
And power hath only awed but not appeased them.
A glowing and avenging memory lives
Of cruel deeds committed on these plains ;
How can the son forget that here his father
Was hunted by the blood-hound to the mass ?
A people thus oppress'd must still be feared,
Whether they sufler or avenge their wrongs."
WaUen$tein. Trans. S. T. Coleeidge.
Towards evening on the 3rd of November, 1414, along the
road leading to Constance, people were crowding to meet the
traveller whom every one was anxious to see, so great was
the interest aroused by his personality, his teaching, and the
courage with which he had revealed the evil-doings of the
priesthood.
Night was falling when at length the sound of many
horses' hoofs was heard, and all eyes were turned towards
an imposing array of horsemen, who came trotting round a
bend in the road. At their head, between two armed
knights, rode a priest, dressed in black. Behind them came
an armed convoy, grooms, pages, and several pack-horses.
" Look, look ! " exclaimed a townsman, nudging his
neighbour with his elbow, " he who rides between the
knights must be John Hus."
" Who be the knights ? " inquired the other.
" Wait, we'll ask old Sograd. He's from Prague, and he
must know them."
PART III] THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA 201
Following in the wake of the horsemen they overtook a
tall old man, talking to some compatriots who had arrived
with the cortege. He willingly answered their questions and
told them that the knights were Baron John of Chulm and
Lord Henry of Lacembok, while those that rode behind were
the Baron's secretary, Peter of Madenovic, and John
Kardinalis of Rheinstein, Prior of the Church of Yanovitch,
on the Baron's estates.
The crowd grew greater as the travellers made their way
along the streets of the town. At last they stopped in St.
Paul Street, in front of the house in which Hus was to take
up his abode. His hostess, the Widow Fida, who was
standing on the doorstep, joyfully greeted the esteemed
guest.
" So, Master John, we have reached the harbour ! God
grant we bring you back as happily to Prague, where you
will have a welcome even more rousing," said John of
Chulm, with a cheerful smile, before he departed to his
own quarters.
Next day, refreshed by sleep, and having read mass in
one of the rooms of the house, Hus set about to arrange his
things. When that was accomplished, he sat down by the
window and looked at the animated crowds moving back-
wards and forwards in the street. At that moment his two
protectors rode up to. the house, and Hus, not without some
apprehensiveness, went to meet them.
But their cheerful faces immediately set his fears at rest,
and he began to feel more hopeful.
" We bring good news, dear Master," said Baron John,
pressing his hand. " We have come to tell you the details
of our audience with the Pope. We told him of your arrival,
and begged him not to withhold his protection from you. His
Holiness received us graciously, and to our petition made
answer : ' If Hus had killed mine own brother, yet would I
use all means at my disposal to preserve him from violence
202 THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA [part in
in Constance.' And when he learned that the Emperor had
granted you a letter of safe-conduct and taken you under
his protection, he promised to remove the interdict which
weighs upon you. That will enable you to move freely in
the town and visit the churches."
" Though I would counsel you. Master John, to be careful
for the while, to avoid collisions of anything that might
serve as a pretext for blame. Most of all not to appear at
great religious solemnities," said Henry of Lacembok.
" I will follow your counsel, noble Lord, and refrain from
appearing among the people," said Hus, submissively.
And indeed he shut himself up within the house, never
leaving it, even when Venceslas of Duba brought him a safe-
conduct, and the Pope and Cardinals officially declared that
the interdict was for the time suspended.
He led a secluded life, working at sermons and speeches
he hoped to be allowed at some time to deliver, and deliber-
ating different theological questions with his numerous
visitors.
But while he, absorbed in work, never departed from his
voluntary isolation, his enemies were not idle, and displayed
extraordinary activity, letting slip no opportunity of inciting
the members of the Council and public opinion against
him.
Particular venom was displayed by Venceslas Tiem,
the seller of indulgences in Prague, Paleck, and Michael de
Causis. The first had never forgiven Hus for having spoilt
his trade, the second his banishment from Prague, while the
third hated him for his revelations of the venality of the
priesthood, of which he himself had presented a striking
instance. They felt instinctively that the time had come
for their revenge, and hurried indef atigably about the town,
showing the Cardinals distorted passages from the works of
Hus, pasting up notices in which he was denounced as a
heretic, excommunicated from the Church, and went as far
PAET ra] THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA 203
I
as to spread rumours in the town that he had endeavoured
to escape, hidden in a bundle of straw. In consequence of
these intrigues, it was decided to arrest the dangerous
preacher.
On the morning of the 28th of November, the good Fida
was standing on her doorstep discussing the dearness of
foodstuffs with a neighbour returning from the market.
Suddenly her attention was attracted by two companies
of the Town Guard which appeafed at either end of
the street and silently took possession of the neighbouring
house.
" What doth this mean ? " asked Fida, in alarm. " Can
they be plotting some mischief against the good Master ? "
" 'Twere best to go and warn him," said the neighbour.
" I like not to disturb him. The noble knight of Chulm is
with him now," said Fida.
But at that moment four horsemen, followed by grooms,
drew up in front of the house, and one of them demanded
authoritatively whether Hus were at home.
" Yes, Master Burgomaster," answered Fida, with a
deep curtsey.
The riders alighted and went into the house. The
women inquired of the grooms who were the gentlemen who
accompanied the burgomaster.
" The Bishops of Augsberg and Trent, and the knight,
Hans von Poden," they answered.
Hus and Chulm were calmly conversing when the new-
comers opened the door and advanced into the room. One
of the Bishops announced that they had been sent by the
Pope to invite Master John to appear before them and
explain his teaching, as he had repeatedly asked to do.
Chulm's proud face flushed at these words. Being a
man of experience and foresight, he at once suspected the
true object of this visit, and could scarcely restrain his
wrath.
204 THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA [part hi
" What means this course of action, my Masters ? You
have forgot that Master John is under special protection of
the Emperor, who hath strictly forbidden the trial to begin
before his arrival. I am authorised to preserve the inviola-
bility of Master Hus, and in the Emperor's name I protest
against these hasty measures. I warn you, gei^tlemen, that
the honour of the Empire is at stake ! "
" Calm yourself, my Lord," said the Bishop of Trent, in
a conciliatory voice. " You are mistaken. We have come
with good intent."
Here Hus interposed, and said that though he had by no
means come to Constance for the Pope and Cardinals alone
to judge his teachings, but in order to defend himself publicly
before the Council ; yet, if it were demanded of him, he would
not refuse to appear before His Holiness.
" 'Tis a wise decision, which of course will operate in
your favour. Master Hus," said the burgomaster. " Take
your cloak and follow us without fear."
" I will accompany Master Hus and not leave him, for
I feel it to be my duty," said John of Chulm.
" You are free to do as it may please you, my Lord,"
answered the Pope's messengers^
When Hus, having changed his clothing, was preparing
to leave the house with the knights, the Widow Fida, who
was awaiting them in the passage, approached and asked
his blessing.
" Something is being plotted against you. The neigh-
bouring house is full of soldiers," she whispered, bursting
into tears.
Hus turned pale, but controlled himself. He blessed
her, went out, and mounted his horse ; and the cavalcade
started in the direction of the papal residence.
The Cardinals were gathered in a room of the palace.
When Hus and Chulm entered, the President of the assembly
called upon Hus to defend himself against the accusation of
PART III] THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA 205
having preached grave errors, and sown the seed of pernicious
heresy in Bohemia,
" Know, most reverend fathers, that I had rather die
than spread errors of any sort in opposition to the teaching
of the Gospel. Of my own will I came to Constance to
submit to punishment for any false teaching of which I might
be convicted," Hus answered, in an agitated voice.
" A wise response ! In that case we will withdraw to
confer upon which questions to put to thee," answered the
Cardinals, and left the room.
They had scarcely done so when an armed guard took
possession of all the entrances, which aroused Chulm's
displeasure, and helped to confirm his suspicions. His
excitement grew still greater when the Cardinals reappeared
and by a succession of cunningly thought-out questions
strove to catch Hus tripping through some ill-considered
word, which he, however carefully avoided.
" These vipers seek to catch you unawares in order the
more freely to accuse you of heresy," said the knight,
scornfully.
" In the truth of the holy teachings lies my strength,
wherefore I need fear nothing," Hus answered firmly.
Several hours passed, and it was nearly three o'clock
when Paleck suddenly entered. His gaunt face expressed
proud self-satisfaction.
" At length thou hast fallen into our hands, thou shame-
less heretic ! " he said disdainfully to his former friend.
" Think not to escape till thou hast paid the last farthing."
Hus made no answer, and turned away from him. Then
Chulm, flushed with anger, began sternly to rebuke Paleck for
his betrayal of his fatherland. The dispute waxed keener
when Michael de Causis appeared, no less pleased with him-
self than Paleck, and in spiteful words, mingled with abuse,
began to reproach Hus for having ruined the University of
Prague, and caused the withdrawal of the German piof essora
206 THE TOECH-BEAEERS OF BOHEMIA [part hi
and students, for which his hour of punishment had
come.
Seeing that Hus preserved an unmoved silence, and that
the knight made no endeavour to conceal his scorn for both
of them, the worthy couple thought it better to withdraw.
Night fell. At length the Pope's hammer-herr came in
and announced to the knight that he was free to leave, but
that Master Hus, by order of the Cardinals, was to remain in
custody.
Though all the events of the day had pointed to this
dencmemeiiit, the noble knight of Chulm was seized with a
burst of uncontrollable fury.
" 'Tis a vile trap ! " he shouted. " I will complain to
the Emperor of this outrage upon a man to whom he has
aSorded his protection ! 'Tis shameless to act thus against
a godly man, a saint, under cover of lies and treachery !
The Pope will not dare to do so. I will forthwith demand
from him the fulfilment of his given word — ^not to lay hands
on Hus," he cried, beside himself, striding from the room.
Meantime a convoy of soldiers led Hus to the house of
the Canon of the Constance Cathedral, where he was kept
for a week under strict surveillance, after which the Arch-
bishop of Riga, John von Waldenrod, ordered him to be
taken to the Dominican monastery on the banks of the Rhine.
It was the 6th of December, and a heavy frost ; and the
prisoner shivered with cold in his place of detention — ^a
damp, dark, underground cell. The only sound to break
the stillness was the splash of the waves against the monas-
tery walls ; and the stench from a sewer close at hand
poisoned the air.
The soul of Hus, tender even to weakness in the presence
of others' sufiering, seemed during this period of his own
anguish, to be made of steel. Meek, yet steadfast in his
faith, he submitted without a murmur to the terrible
conditions of his imprisonment. Yet, though the spirit
PAET m] THE rcOECH-BEAREES OF BOHEMIA 207
was strong, the flesh proved to be weak, and Hus fell danger-
ously ill. . . .
At that time events of extreme importance were taking
place in Prague. Yakubek, and several other priests
following his footsteps, began openly to preach the necessity
of returning to the original apostolic institutions, and of
communicating under both forms. After preaching, the
next thing was to apply the practice, and Yakubek was the
first to administer the chalice to the faithful.
Dissensions occurred among the population : the greater
part sided with the " Calixtines," the upholders of the
chalice, but the higher priesthood, and especially the
German burgherhood, adhered to the Roman rites.
Amid the disagreements and disturbances accompanying
the reform of the greatest of the Christian sacraments,
the news of Hus's imprisonment fell like a thunderbolt.
Bohemia was convulsed with wrath. A meeting of nobles
was held to protest against its illegality, and Count Ginek
actually decided to go personally to Constance to confer
upon the spot with the Bohemian barons as to the necessary
measures for the liberation of the beloved preacher.
On learning his intentions, Rugena begged the Count
to take her with him. Besides the deep and lively interest
she felt in the fate of her friend and confessor, the young
Countess was eager to behold the brilliancy of the Imperial
and Papal Courts, to which spiritual princes, worldly
aristocrats, and famous scholars were hastening from all
parts of the world. But it was with difficulty that she
obtained the consent of both the Counts. In view of the
-crowded state of Constance and the probable difficulty of
finding accommodation. Count Ginek at last promised to
take her on condition that a relative of his who owned a
house in Constance would afford them hospitahty.
But it seems that " ce que femme veut, Dieu le veut."
The messenger dispatched to Constance brought the news
208 THE TORCH-BEAREKS OF BOHEMIA [part hi
that the house in question was at their disposal, and that
they were eagerly awaited. This removed the last obstacle,
and Rugena began to prepare for her journey. Anna,
Tullia, and Itka were to accompany her, but Vok, to his
huge displeasure, could not get leave just then from the
King, and was obliged to remain in Prague. But it was
decided that he should join them at the earliest opportunity.
Whoever now visits the fair city of Constance can have
no conception of what took place within its walls during the
famous Council of 1414.
It seemed as if the whole of Christendom had gathered
there. There were thirty cardinals, twenty archbishops,
one hundred and fifty bishops, prelates, and doctors, more
than eighteen hundred ordinary priests ; kurfursts, Austrian
and Bavarian dukes, and an innumerable quantity of
princes, counts, barons, and courtiers of every nationality.
Those of the higher ranks brought with them lengthy
suites (a contemporary chronicle bears witness to 30,000
horses), and altogether, counting foreign sightseers, mer-
chants, and strolling players, the crowd amounted to at
least 100,000 persons. The little town was filled to over-
flowing, and those who came late were obliged to camp in
tents in the surrounding districts.
The town itself seemed transformed into one vast fair
given up entirely to noisy merry-making, and the weightiness
of the questions to be decided did not hinder the worthy
fathers of the Council from patronising the festivals, tour-
neys, and banquets. A great deal was talked about reform
in the Church, but the lusty cardinals, bishops and prelates
had not the slightest notion of reforming their own loose
style of living. With the utmost brazenness they carried
their mistresses with them, and disported themselves more
boldly with the 15,000 wanton women, who had hastened
to Constance, than did the young men of the secular
world.
PARTiiiJ THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA 209
The shamelessness displayed was such that Hus wrote
to his friends : " If you could but cast eyes on this assembly,
calling itself sacred and most impeccable, you would behold
great demoralization. The inhabitants say that thirty
years will be needful to purify the town from the abomina-
tions which have defiled it."
n
On Monday, the 26th of March, Count Waldstein, with
his daughter-in-law and their suite, arrived in Constance.
Although it was the beginning of Passion Week, the streets
were crowded, and the air seemed full of confused noise
and bustle. Eugena's eyes, as she rode on horseback beside
the Count, roved hither and thither in eager curiosity, so
new was everything to her, so varied, so teeming with life
and movement. They were obliged to traverse the whole
town to reach their relative's house, and at nearly every
step their progress was hindered : now in order to pass
through a crowd gathered round a strolling pedlar, a street
singer, or some attraction of the sort ; then again to draw
up in line and stand aside to give passage to the pompous
suite of some prelate, magnificently clad, mounted on a
richly caparisoned horse, and gazing indifierently at the
crowds surrounding him. Groups of warriors of the most
various types strolled hither and thither : swarthy Italians
with fiery eyes ; huge, haughty Englishmen ; slim, well-
made Frenchmen, carrying the elegant fashions of the day
to the extreme ; thick-set Slavs, with their childishly naive
glances — ^all forming a kaleidoscope which made the eyes
dim and the head giddy. Once they were even obliged to
make a detour in order to avoid a street brawl, the unruly
servants of one of the Polish ambassadors having fallen out
with the suite of some Teuton knight.
At length they reached the house of Bridget von Lauf en-
stein, the widow of a German noble. This lady received
her Bohemian relations with enthusiasm and conducted
them to a set of large and comfortable apartments, a
PART III] THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA 211
veritable godsend in such a state of overcrowdedness.
Rugena at once conquered the heart of the good old lady,
who promised that she should see everything of interest
in the town, beginning with the Emperor and Empress,
whom, thanks to her connections with the Court, she was
enabled to approach.
" Had you come a little sooner you should have seen
the Pope as well ; but only imagine ! he slipped away last
week, leaving the whole town in a state of consternation,"
said Bridget, excitedly. " When the news of his flight
spread next morning, all lost their heads : dealers shut up
their shops and "pedlars hid themselves for fear of being
pillaged. And, in truth, the people broke into many of
the apartments abandoned by prelates who had followed
the Pope, and plundered them. The Burgomaster even
summoned the citizens to arms. It was as though the
judgment day had come ! "
" And is it known whither the Pope hath fled ? " inquired
the Count.
" 'Tis supposed he is in Shafihausen. Dear Lord ! Who
could have thought it would have come to that, when His
Holiness entered the city so triumphantly with the Cardinals
and Bishops all about him, and with such a splendid suite ! "
said the old lady, sorrowfully.
" Methinks the Emperor's entry was no less brilliant,"
observed Rugena.
Leaving the ladies in conversation, the Count went out
to visit John of Chulm.
The knight John, that courageous and indefatigable
defender of Hus, was sitting alone, composing a letter to
the Moravian nobles, protesting against the imprisonment
of Hus in spite of his safe-conduct. The Baron was over-
joyed at sight of his old friend. He immediately threw
down his pen, embraced the Count, and ordered wine to be
brought in. The conversation at once turned upon the
212 THE TOKCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA [paet m
subjects wkich were occupying all minds : the Pope's flight
and the imprisonment of Hus. For them, as Bohemians,
ardent partisans of Hus and of Church reform, the last of
the two questions was the most important, and John of
Chulm, with natural indignation, described the details of
their friend's imprisonment.
" Thou canst conceive, Lord Ginek, that I was beside
myself ; and I told them, not mincing my words, what I
thought of their premeditated snare. Then I betook me
to the Pope, to persuade him to keep his given word to
protect Master Hus. ' What wouldst thou of me ? ' said
he, shrugging his shoulders. ' They that accuse him are
thine own compatriots ! ' Then, turning his eyes upon
the Cardinals and Bishops, he added low, ' Dost thou not
see that I am in their hands ? ' "
" At any rate, 'tis as though he acknowledged that base
calculation which urged him to deliver up the innocent
victim as a sacrifice to the priesthood. He thought his
betrayal of Hus would array the priests upon his side,"
said Waldstein, scornfully.
" But this time his villainy hath brought him no ad-
vantage ; while for Master Hus the results are lamentable.
He hath fallen defenceless into the hands of his worst
enemies, and they act towards him in a revolting manner !
They have cast him into the prison of the Dominican
monastery, a stinking den, close by the monastery sewer,
which may in truth be called a grave. The walls are sodden
with damp, and Master John fell dangerously ill. Even
then those barbarians tormented him with questions, hoping
that while dying he might in some manner incriminate
Jiimself ! "
" Well, and Sigismund ? What says he concerning this
insolent violation of his safe-conduct ? "
" At first he seemed dismayed, and turned a courteous
ear to our protest. But since he hath been here he hath,
PART III] THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA 213
it seems, changed his opinion, and doth make no step to free
the hapless one who confided in his imperial word. . . . God
alone knoweth what Asrill chance with the Council and the
schism now that the Pope hath fled."
" Cossa must have a powerful accomplice, else had he not
dared to act in that manner."
" 'Tis certain ! The public finger points to the Austrian
duke, whose protection he purchased. Duke Erederick,
to aid the Pope's escape, organised a brilliant tourney, and
while the town was lost in admiration of that spectacle,
Cossa fled, disguised, and repaired to Shafihausen, which
belongs to the Duke. Now that he is free and master of the
situation, he will make work for Sigismund."
For long the friends conversed, and although both were
so keenly interested in political and Church questions, they
turned at length to family matters, and Waldstein remarked
among other things that he had brought his daughter-in-law
with him to Constance.
"By the way, dost thou know that Svietomir Kry-
shanov, thy former protege, is here ? " the Baron asked.
" Is't possible ? How comes he here 1 "
" 'Tis true ! I have myself spoke with him many times.
He is in the suite of Lord Zavisha, the Ambassador of King
Vladislav. If thou dost wish it I will send one of my people
to inform him of thy coming."
" I should be much beholden to you ! Rugena will be
overjoyed to see her friend."
The next day, just as the Countess had finished dressing
to set forth with Tullia under Broda's escort, Svietomir
appeared among them with a radiant face.
Rugena, who imagined him to be in Cracow, was delighted
to see him, and at once put off her expedition.
They talked of their journeys, and of the Council.
Rugena was enchanted by the animation of the town, and
described the impression produced upon her by the mingling
214 THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA [part iii
nationalities and by attires of the foreigners assembled in
Constance. Svietomii assented, delighted with her eager-
ness.
" There is assuredly much here to marvel at," he said ;
" and if thou wilt permit me to escort thee I will show thee
everything, beginning with the Imperial entry into the
Cathedral for holy service."
" I will accept thy services most gratefully, the more so
since the protection of a knight in such chaos as doth prevail
is very welcome. For, though never so careful, one may
fall into some trouble ! " And she related how, only the day
before, they had been obliged to go out of their way to
avoid a street fight, when the Poles had fallen foul of the
Teutons.
" I have heard of that, A Pole and two Germans were
wounded. . , ."
" But what a watch must be kept here for them to inform
you of every such collision ! " said Rugena, laughing.
" Not such a good one as you think. But some people
of the castellan of Kalisch, Lord Ganusha Tulitzky, took
part in yesterday's tussle, and I heard him tell Lord Zavisha
about it in the evening. But such things are trifles. We
have more notable afirays than that," laughed Svietomir.
" At one of the banquets the Archbishops of Pisa and Mainz
had a difierence of opinion. The dispute waxed keen, and
they began to swear at one another, and soon came to fisti-
cuffs. But as the reverend pastors of the Church were
unarmed, they clutched at one another by the hair and
rolled under the table, striving to strangle one another.
Many of the priests who were present took fright and leapt
through the window ! "
" In truth an edifying spectacle 1 " said Rugena, laughing
hearbily.
Then they began talking of what they would like to visit,
mentioning among other things the sacristry of the Cathedral,
PART III] THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA 215
where many treasures from the districts surrounding Con-
stancse were preserved ; and the church of the old Benedic-
tine abbots, with the tomb of the Emperor Charles the
Heavy. Anna, who was present during the conversation,
remarked with a smile that she would like to take part in
the inspection of the monasteries and holy places ; but flatly
refused to look on at the antics of strolling acrobats, tight-
rope dancers, and people of that description.
" Poor Anna hath not yet regained repose of spirit. Her
heart is as heavy as ever," said Svietomir, sorrowfully, when
Anna had left the room.
" Alas ! Her malady, it seems, cannot be cured,"
sighed Rugena. " Sometimes she grows so strange that I
am afraid."
" In what way is she strange 1 "
" Why, for example, she will sit for hours together
looking fixedly somewhere into the distance, seeing and
hearing nothing of what is going on around her. Then
suddenly she will begin to say things that none may under-
stand, like incantations of some kind. Once, before we
had heard of Master John's imprisonment, she said to me
suddenly with a fearful aspect, ' Hast thou received no news
from John Hus 1 ' ' No,' I said, ' but judging from his last
letter, we may hope that all is well with him.' ' But I have
seen him,' she said, ' in a dark, damp, evil-smelling cell, it
seems to me — a prison.' I thought she had dreamt it, for
since her fanatical passion for Master Hus she thinks but of
him. But yesterday Uncle Ginek told us that Master John
is indeed interned in a foul hole, where he lies ill. Then my
heart was full of fear for Anna ! "
" In God's name, Rugena, bid her hold her peace about
such things, or she will be taken for a witch ! " Svietomir said,
crossing himself. After being silent a moment, he added,
" 'Tis well that you arrived not sooner, for Anna would have
lost her reason altogether had she met Brancaccio.".
216 THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA [part hi
" Almighty God ! Brancaccio here ? " exclaimed the
Countess, turning pale.
" He was here, in attendance upon the Pope. But he
left Constance three days after Cossa's flight, and probably
is now with him in ShafEhausen."
" Praise God the monster is not here ! " said Rugena,
with a sigh of relief.
" Ah, how my hands itch every time I see him ! I would
give one of mine eyes for the bliss of plunging my dagger into
his throat ! " exclaimed Svietomir, clenching his fists.
The conversation was interrupted by the entrance of
Count Ginek, who was evidently perturbed by something.
" Imagine what I have learnt ! Hus is not in Constance,"
he said, sinking into an armchair.
"Is he free 1 Hath he escaped ? " cried Rugena and
Svietomir in one voice.
" Free ? Will those blood-suckers relinquish the prey
they have hunted so long ? " the Count answered, wrath-
fuUy. " No, this is what hath happened. After the Pope's
flight, the fate of Hus lay iu Sigismund's hands, and Chulm
and all other friends of Hus hoped to profit by this to secure
his deliverance. Now, suddenly, this perfidious Sigismund
hath placed Master Hus under the authority of the Archbishop
of Kosnitsky, a personal enemy of Hus, who assuredly will
not pardon him the accusation at one time cast into his face.
And to-night Otto von Hochberg hath removed him to his
castle of Gottlieben under convoy of one hundred and
seventy soldiers, which will serve to show you how they all
fear the poor humble priest, armed with his virtue and
God's word alone."
" My God ! Now 'tis impossible either to see him or
render him help," said Svietomir in a sad voice.
" But didst thou visit Master Hus and see him in his
prison ? " asked Rugena.
" In truth I did. And not I alone, but many other
PART III] THK TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA 217
friends contrived to see him, thanks to the aid of the gaolers,
who are all much attached to their mild and patient captive.
Especially one of them, Robert. He and his wife are both
good people, and have done all for him that lies in their
power."
" He must needs be removed jnst as we came hither ! "
said Rugena, and burst into tears.
Ill
It was April. One day, as it was growing dusk, the
Countess was sitting at liome by herself. The Count had
gone to visit Lord Ganusk Tulikovsky, with whom Svietomir
had made him acquainted ; TuUia had gone to a friend of
hers from Bologna, whom she had known since childhood,
and had met accidentally in Constance, married to an
Italian doctor ; and Anna was praying in her room. Profit-
ing by her solitude, Eugena was writing a letter to Vok,
minutely describing her impressions of all she had seen
and heard in this ant-hill. She was disturbed by the
hurried entrance of Yaromir, who came to say that Broda
begged her to go to the Count's room whither he had con-
ducted a stranger who had arrived on important and urgent
business. The Countess, astonished, immediately rose and
followed the page. Broda met her at the door of her
father-in-law's room, and said in a whisper :
" Master Jerome hath arrived hither disguised, to sea
Baron John ; but not finding him at his house hath come
on here. Detain him, my lady, until the Count returns,
and persuade him if possible to quit the town : for otherwise
he is lost. I will keep watch that none shall enter."
And without waiting for an answer he went away, and
Rugena hastily opened the door of the Count's room.
The daring guest was standing at the open window,
looking with a morose, abstracted air at the fresh young
grass in the garden. He had thrown his hat and cloak on
to a chair, and the setting sun was bathing in its tender
light his handsome manly face, and his finely-shaped white
PARTin] THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA 219
hands, which played nervously with the handle of the
Italian dagger hanging from his belt.
Jerome had scarcely changed at all. The same gay self-
assuxance lighted up his big, dark eyes, as, turning at the
sound of the opening door, he saw Rugena standing con-
fusedly on the threshold.
Her heart was beating violently. This was her first
meeting with him since that memorable interview when
they had revealed their hearts to one another, and they both
stood silent, overcome by the rush of remembrances of
those intoxicating, though oppressive, moments.
Jerome was the first to recover himself.
" Forgive me for disturbing you. I had hoped to find
Count Waldstein and Lord John here."
" You are always a welcome guest to us, Master Jerome,
as you well know. Nevertheless I must scold you for your
lack of caution," she said, with a friendly smile, stretching
out to him her hand, which he kissed.
" I have demanded a safe-conduct from the Council, but
have received no reply. The uncertainty and the agony of
inactivity in that refuge to which I fled have grown so
intolerable, that I resolved to seek news in Constance."
" But you risk your life," said Rugena, in frightened
tones.
A bitter smile appeared upon his lips.
" My life 1 In truth, it must come to an end some day,"
answered Jerome : and there was a note of deep sorrow in his
voice.
" Yes, to an end ordained by God ; but not hastened by
recklessness."
So saying, she sat down by the window.
Jerome answered nothing. His head drooped, and he
grew thoughtful. His roving life passed like a panorama
before his eyes, fuU of adventure, danger, struggl§s, and
successes; but devoid of peace and happiness. The
220 THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA [part hi
seductive image of hearth and home at which he might
rest, body and soul, and find pure bliss, was here beside
him, yet removed from him by insurmountable barriers.
Capricious fate, as though in mockery, had revealed
these treasures to him, had even permitted him to behold
them, and then had snatched them away again, saying to
him :
" Away ! Resume thy lonely path with its unknown
aims ! "
At that moment Jerome felt that he was tired of living,
and his soul was filled with bitter grief.
Suddenly recollecting that his long silence might offend
the Countess, he summoned up the knightly gallantry
inherent in him to banish the involuntary sense of awkward
constraint. But just at that moment his eyes encountered
those of Rugena. Love and commiseration were shining in
her timid glance.
Jerome at once understood that he was not quite for-
gotten, and that, although perhaps unconsciously, that
pure soul still preserved within its depths a corner in which
he reigned and in which there was still a store of tenderness
for him. His pale face was flushed with a slight tinge of
colour, and seizing Rugena's hand he asked in a low voice :
" You do not wish me to die ? "
Rugena's hand trembled in his.
" No, I do not wish it ! I wish you to live for Bohemia,
for the sacred cause, and f or . . . your friends who love
you," she said, overcoming her emotion, and there was a
note of tenderness in her hasty whisper.
Jerome's eyes shone with a calm and tranquil gladness.
" Your wish is law to me. I will depart to-day, and
return to our fatherland."
" Oh, I thank you," she cried joyfully.
She could say no more. She was trembling with
agitation, and tears choked her voice.
PART HI] THE TOECH-BBAEERS OF BOHEMIA 221
The sound of hasty footsteps was heard in the next
room, the door was flung noisily open, and the Count entered
with John of Chulm. They were both in a great state of
alarm, and could not resist reproaching Jerome for his
foolhardiness as they embraced him.
He repeated to them what he had told Rugena about
his impatience in awaiting the letter of safe-conduct.
" And a passing fine one it will be," remarked Baron
John, indignantly. " Peter of Mladenovic hath procured
a copy which this morning he did bring me, and here is what
it says among other things." He drew a sheet of parchment
from his pocket and read aloud : " ' Nothing is more desired
of our hearts than to ensnare the foxes who ravage the
orchards of the Lord, and we hereby call upon thee to
appear,' and so forth. I hope 'tis clear enough expressed !
But the end is still better ! Hearken to this : ' We give thee
this letter to safeguard thee so far as it be in our power,
and consistent with justice, and not opposed to faith. And
besides, we would have thee know that we shall try thee,
whether thou dost appear at the appointed time or not.'
Thou canst imagine what a safe-conduct of the like sort
doth augur for thee if even that which Master Hus received
from the Emperor could not protect him. With thee they
will stand on still less ceremony."
" Yes, Master Jerome, prithee depart ; and that as soon
as possible ! We shall not rest until we know that thou art
safe at home," said the Count.
" You have convinced me ! I will hasten hence at
once, and wiU send you news so soon as I have crossed
the borders of Bohemia," answered Jerome, with a glance
at Eugena.
■Night fell. Two monks, their faces hidden in their
cowls, entered the daift alley by the house in which Bran-
caccio lived. Through a small gate hidden in the wall they
222 THE TOECH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA [part m
entered the garden, and from thence the house. One of
them lit the candles in the candelabra in the room we have
described above, and the other, casting upon the table the
grey beard which had been attached to his chin, threw ofE
his cassock. It was Brancaccio with his secretary.
Ilarius's fat, greasy face was shining with fiendish
Relight, and handing Brancaccio his silken house-attire he
said, maliciously : ' ^
" We have made no mistake, your Eminence ! The
disdainful Jerome hath indeed dared to appear in these
parts."
" What said the girl we awaited at the cross-roads ? "
" Only that which we knew before : that Jerome was
come hither. But she said besides that the Countess had
told Anna that the heathen had fled straight to Boliemia.
'Twill be indeed vexatious if he escape just vengeance."
" Verily ! If only for having tossed thee through the
window, he hath deserved the stake," laughed Brancaccio,
in the scornful tone which he always used towards Ilarius.
Though he had succeeded the bold and resourceful Bona-
ventura, Ilarius in no way replaced him. " But can we not
detain him in some way, denounce him ? In a word, hinder
his flight ? " he added.
" The Devil only knoweth which road he will take ; and
then of course he will travel at full speed. Yet if I had
money it might be possible to send a messenger to the
Abbot of Hirschaus. He is like to pass through there
since 'tis near the borders of Bohemia," said Ilarius,
significantly.
" Send thou thy inessenger. I'll pay the cost ! Thou
hast deserved that gratification by thy faithful services,"
said Brancaccio, with a wicked smile, as he dismissed his
secretary.
Left alone the Cardinal fell into gloomy thoughtfulness.
At moments his face was distorted by an almost diabolical
PAET iiij THE TOECH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA 223
anger, and he had many reasons to be angry, Baldassare
Cossa's afiairs were going from bad to worse. His protector,
Frederick of Austria, frightened at the results of his own
act, had made submission to the Emperor ; and the fugitive
Pope, abandoned by his adherents, was roving meanwhile
from town to town.
The fall of his uncle and benefactor occupied Brancaccio's
thoughts almost as much as his plan for taking revenge upon
the Waldsteins.
Ilarius had punctually carried out his instructions, and
had entered into relations with one of the Waldsteins'
servants, who kept them informed of all that occurred in
the house. Brancaccio himself haunted the neighbourhood
disguised as a monk, and had seen Rugena, Anna, and
Tullia.
Rugena's beauty had reawakened the Cardinal's brutal
appetites. But now these feelings were mingled with
hatred, and he thirsted, not so much to possess Rugena as
to ruin her. Since she was not destined for him he resolved
that she should be destined for the tomb alone. With this
aim he concocted a poison, the secret of which had been
imparted to him by his uncle, which did not kill at once,
but wasted the organism by degrees. It only remained to
find the fitting occasion for administering the poison to his
victim.
He was boiling with wrath against Tullia also, whose
betrayal of him had worked his ruin, upon the very threshold
of success. The traitress was to be repaid with hellish
torments ; but he wished to seize her alive, in order to be
able to gloat over her agony.
As to Anna, she seemed to him to have grown im-
measurably ugly and stupid in her black garments, with her
pale face, and wild, uncanny glance. In Brancaccio's
perverted soul there was not the slightest trace of pity for
her, or for the young life he had ruined. He was only sorry
224 THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA [part hi
that he had wasted time upon her on that fateful night,
and had not killed her on the spot.
Feasting in anticipation upon the suffering and tears he
would occasion all who had dared to stand in his way, he
forgot his own political failures and even the sharp pain in
his back, which at every abrupt movement reminded him
that he too was mortal.
Rugena was impatiently awaiting the news of Jerome's
safe arrival in Bohemia. Suddenly a rumour spread
through the town that Jerome had been recognised at
Hirschof by a lod&l priest, denounced by him to the authori-
ties, arrested on April 24:th by officers of John of Bavaria,
Prince of the Palatinate, and imprisoned in Zulzbach to
await the further orders of the Council. -
The Bohemians and Moravians then in Constance were
deeply affected by these tidings. Fortunately Rugena
heard of them through Anna, who communicated the sad
news to her as they sat alone together, so that her devoted
friend was the only witness of her tears and her despair.
The fearful danger which threatened Jerome awakened the
love for him which was still slumbering in the Countess's
heart, and which she sincerely imagined to be friendship ;
while the terrible fate in store for the brilliant and fascinating
man, the pride of all Bohemia, was in her eyes a sufficient
reason for the warmest sympathy towards him. Perhaps
Vok, noting his wife's pallor, her nervousness and obvious
state of suffering, guessed at her real feelings ; but Count
Ginek at that time paid little attention to his daughter-
in-law.
Like most of his friends assembled in Constance, Wald-
stein was completely absorbed in contemplating the struggle
between the Pope and the Emperor ; and the implacable
severity with which the Roman Pontiff had been condemrfed
excited the whole of Christendom.
Completely broken down, and ready to do anything to
PART III] THE TOECII-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA 225
obtain pardon for himself, Erederick of Austria arrived in
Constance ; and, falling at the feet of Sigismund at one of
the banquets, begged his forgiveness and ceded to him all
his possessions in Alsace and the Tyrol. The Emperor
returned his lands to him in exchange for his oath of
vassalage, and from that moment not a single protector was
left to Baldassare Cossa.
IV
It was a beautiful day towards the end of May. Svietomir,
who had come upon a visit to the Waldsteins, related to
them how he had been the day before to consult a fortune-
teller, who had not only told his past with surprising
accuracy, but had predicted a brilliant future for him. He
tried to persuade the ladies to pay a visit to this woman,
under his escort.
Bugena's sadness and apathy disquieted Svietomir, and
he proposed this expedition with the object of diverting
her. Two days before, the Countess had been ill, complain-
ing of giddiness and a pain in her chest, and she had vomited,
and fallen into a prolonged swoon after drinking a cup of
milk. At Tullia's advice she sent for her friend's husband,
a young Italian doctor who was in attendance upon the
person of Cardinal Ursino.
After a careful examination of his patient the doctor,
Cosimo Bonelli, felt alarmed. The medicine which he pre-
scribed caused the Countess to vomit again, after which she
fell asleep.
On the following day Rugena was completely restored
again, and even assented with some pleasure to Svietomir's
proposal.
The longing to lift the veil which hides the future is
inborn in every man.
Eugena was influenced by it, and Tullia, with her
Italian superstition, was particularly so.
The peaceful, happy circumstances of her new life had
reawakened in her the gaiety of youth and joy of life which
had been for so long apparently extinguished ; and Svie-
tomir's proposition inspired her with the wish to learn what
PAET III] THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA 227
Fate had still in store. Rugena hoped to ascertain how the
trials of Hub and Jerome would end, and, in regard to herself,
whether God would send her a son as Vok so passionately
desired.
It was finally decided to pay the fortune-teller a visit,
and all began to make ready for the expedition excepting
Anna, who declared that for her there was no future, and
therefore nothing to foretell.
The Count, when consulted about it, laughingly approved
the intention of the young people, but insisted that Broda
should accompany them as well, since in view of the
frequent disorders it would be better for the ladies to have
two swords instead of one to protect them.
Although the witch lived in a distant quarter of the
town, it was such beautiful weather that they set forth on
foot. None of them paid any attention to the fact that as
soon as they left the house two monks began persistently to
follow them, though at a respectful distance. Only Broda,
who walked with Tullia behind Svietomir and the Countess,
noticed them, and began to observe their movements ; but
finally he lost sight of the monks in the crowd, and soon
afterwards forgot about them, which was not surprising as
monks of all sorts and conditions were swarming on every
hand.
They were reaching the end of their walk when suddenly,
from not far off, came the sound of a huge crowd approach-
ing, which subsequently invaded the street, filling its whole
breadth. They were surrounding something on all sides,
but it was difficult to see what this was. The pikes and
halberds of the Town Guards were seen glistening above the
heads of the people.
Svietomir began with his eyes to seek some place of
refuge in which they might avoid the crush, and wait until
the crowd had passed. But at that moment people began
to run out of neighbouring houses, attracted by the noise ;
228 THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA [part hi
and in an instant he and Rugena were hemmed in by an
excited and curious mass. At first they were pressed
against the wall, but then suddenly, by some accident,
they were pushed forward and forced into the first row of
spectators.
It could now be clearly seen that soldiers were sur-
rounding a waggon in which was sitting a man, bound and
loaded with chains. Svietomir turned pale on seeing that
the captive was Jerome. He seemed calm, and his pale,
proud face wore a look of mournful abstraction. Rugena,
too, had recognised him, and for the first moment stood
petrified, gazing at him with wide-open eyes. Then with a
wild shriek she fell senseless to the ground.
Notwithstanding the noise, the piercing cry reached the
ears of Jerome, who glanced towards them, and also recog-
nised Rugena.
He started and drew himself together, so that the
rattling of his chains was heard. He tried to spring to the
earth, but all his efforts to free himself were in vain. He
sank helplessly back on to his seat, with an expression of
wrath and despair on his face. .
With great difficulty, and the help of the sympathising
spectators, Svietomir managed to clear a passage and carry
Rugena to the steps of a neighbouring house. The waggon
with the prisoner was far ofi already, but the crowd which
followed it was still filing through the narrow street. But
suddenly the stream of people was arrested : something
bewildering had happened ; there was the sound of a woman's
piercing cry, and then a loud voice was heard :
" Seize him, seize him ! "
Then everything was confusion again as the crowds,
advancing from behind, pressed forward, crushing those in
front.
Svietomir strained his ears in alarm. In the powerful
resonant voice he thought he recognised that of Broda.
PAET III] THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA 229
But it was impossible to distinguish anything. The crowd
pressing around was highly excited, and kept shouting and
waving their arms. A pale, distracted-looking woman who
passed near them answered hurriedly to Svietonair's
question :
" Some one is killed."
At that moment there was an opening in the crowd,
and several men could be seen carrying the body of a
woman. To Svietomir's horror he perceived that it was
Tullia.
She lay immovable, as though dead, and they put her
down several paces away from Rugena, who had not yet
recovered consciousness.
Svietomir, distracted, did not know what to do. He
dared not leave the Countess to question the men who had
been carrying Tullia. Suddenly, to his great joy, he
noticed two Polish soldiers of Lord Tarnovsky's convoy.
Calling to them, he placed them on guard near Rugena, and
hastening to a group of people who were noisily discussing
the event, asked how the tragedy had occm-red.
" I saw it all, yet can make nought of it," answered one
of the citizens. " She was not far from me, and seemed to
wish to escape the throng, which was difficult as the crowd
was very great. I was standing a little in front of her and
did not notice her ; but my neighbour, this one, nudged me
with his elbow : ' Look you,' quoth he, ' there's a monk
trying to carry off his light o' love. A scmvy lot, these
black-frocks ! ' So I turned round and beheld a monk
endeavouring to bear away a beautiful young woman, while
his companion forced a passage for him with his elbows.
She seemed dumb, whether with shame or fear I know not,
and made no resistance ; but afterwards she began to
struggle and call for help from a friend of hers, I fancy ; for
some sort of warrior, doughty and strong as a bullock,
though advanced in years, began to force his way towards
230 THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA [part hi
her. The monks observed him also, and one said something
to the other in a strange tongue. Then something flashed
in his hand, and they both vanished in the crowd like stones
in the water. The woman stood for a moment as though
nothing had happened, then threw up her hands and fell.
We ran to her and saw that a dagger was thrust into her
bosom. -Then she was carried here, and the warrior dis-
appeared with the monks."
Svietomir bent down and examined Tullia. It seemed
to himthat^the wound, if not mortal, must be very dangerous,
as the stiletto was embedded in her body as far as its handle.
Her heart still beat, though faintly, and if she could be
restored to consciousness she might be able to say who had
attacked her.
Explaining that the wounded girl belonged to the suite
of the Countess Waldstein, who was lying in a fainting-fit
through terror at the crush, Svietomir promised a handsome
reward and asked the spectators to help him to convey them
both home. The request was heartily acceded to, and one
of the citizens offered to run to Dr. Bonelli and summon him
to the aid of the sufferers.
By this time the crowd had nearly dwindled away, and
Rugena opened her eyes. In order not to alarm her
Svietomir merely told her that Tullia had fainted, having
received some slight injury in the crowd, and that he had
already sent for the physician. The young Countess was
too weak to proceed home on foot. A litter was procured
for her and for Tullia, and the mournful procession set out,
accompanied by Svietomir, who was indignant at Broda's
mysterious disappearance.
The doctor who had been summoned arrived at the house
almost simultaneously with them. As Rugena was nearly
dropping from weakness the doctor ordered her to be put
to bed, saying that he would attend to her after he had
bound up Tullia's wound.
PART III] THE TORCH-BEAEERS OP BOHEMIA 231
Tullia still ky senseless. Anna, pale and distraught,
was bathing her forehead and tenaples with water.
" She breathes, Signer Bonelli ; but is still unconscious.
I fear to remove her dress as it is adhering to the wound,"
she said, giving up her seat to the doctor.
Bonelli carefully cut away the bodice, and laying bare
the gash examined it attentively.
" The wound is mortal. She will die when the dagger
is drawn forth," he said to Svietomir, who entered at the
moment.
" But can she not be restored to consciousness ? Per-
haps she might say something to explain the outrage," said
Svietonair, gazing with pity at Tullia's lifeless face.
" I will try ! Be so kind as to raise her a little while I
administer a stimulant."
He took two bottles from the case he had brought with
him. With the contents of one he moistened Tullia's
temples and the palms of her hands, and then held the othej
to her nose. After a few moments a shudder ran through
her body, and a moan of anguish was heard, her eyes
opened and were fixed with a dim glassy gaze on the spec-
tators. But then she evidently recognised them, and their
expression grew more animated.
" Brancaccio stabbed me ! " she pronounced in hoarse,
hissing tones. " He and Ilarius tried to carry me away. ..."
Her strength failed her and she was silent. But then,
reviving a little, she continued in a whisper :
" Everything grows dark . . . farewell . . . thank them
all, and the Signora Rugena ... for the kindness shown
poor Tullia. ... I will pray God for you there, and on
them . . . the villains ... I will be revenged. ..."
These last words she pronounced in an unexpectedly
loud voice, and there was a flash of wild hatred for a moment
in her eyes that were already beginning to grow dim again.
But it seemed as though this strain had snapped the
232 THE TORCH-BEAREES OF BOHEMIA [part iii
thread of life. Tullia's head fell back and the blood
spurted from her mouth ; her body shuddered con-
vulsively and grew rigid.
" All is over," said Bonelli, in a trembling voice.
When the young doctor heard Tulha's words that her
murderer was Brancaccio he started and turned pale.
Anna and Svietomir were struck as though by a thunder-
bolt at the sound of the Cardinal's name, and they stood
beside the bed in dumb astonishment.
At that moment the door was flung open and Count
Ginek entered, in a state of alarm. He had only learnt
of the tragic event on his return home, and was hastening
to make inquiries of Svietomir. He was deeply afiected
on hearing of the murder, and of Tullia's last words upon
her death-bed.
Having commissioned Svietomir to make arrangements
for the funeral, he was about to depart again when Bonelli
approached him and asked leave to speak to him for a few
minutes. The Count, surprised, took the doctor into his
room. When they were alone Bonelli said with evident
agitation :
" I consider it my duty to warn you, Count, that your
daughter-in-law's state of health is very dangerous. Coun-
tess Rugena hath been poisoned arid. . . ."
" Maestro Cosimo, you are at fault ! How can she have
been poisoned ? By whom ? 'Tis impossible, you are
mistaken," said the Count with evident annoyance.
" I would I were mistaken, but unhappily what I have
said is but the bitter truth ! When I was summoned before
to the young Countess some symptoms awoke suspicions
of poison in my mind. But I deemed it impossible myself
and would not speak of it till I was quite convinced. The
antidote prescribed at once gave rise to vomiting, and part
of the vomit I tgok away to examine it after a manner
known to me. This morning I gained certain proofs that
PART III] THE TORCH-BEAKEKS OF BOHEMIA 233
poison hath been administered to the Countess, such a
dangerous poison that I will not answer for her life. I was
preparing to bring this news to you when they came to
summon me."
The Count turned pale, and listened with horror to the
speech of the young doctor, the gravity of whose tone could
admit no doubt of the truth of his conclusions.
" But what is to be done 1 " the Count asked helplessly.
" We must fight against it according to the measure of
our strength, and^trust in God's help. I think I have
discovered the sort of poison that has been given to the
Countess. The countless cases of poisoning in our times
have caused me to devote myself to the study of poisons.
I will take the necessary measures, though I warn you that
I cannot answer for their success."
It is easy to imagine the grief of the Count. The mention
of Brancaccio's name in connection with Tullia's murder
filled him with extremest dread. It was as though Rugena
were now threatened, not merely by poison, but by some
malign force ; and it was with earnestness that verged
upon passionate supplication that he besought the doctor
to fight against this force by which his daughter-in-law's life
was endangered.
Bonelli went to Rugena, and the Count summoned
Svietomir to him, to tell him what he had just learnt, and
his own conjectmres on the subject. Svietomir was also
overwhelmed by the terrible news, and did not for a moment
doubt its truth. Brancaccio was quite capable of poisoning
a woman whom he had striven in vain to possess.
Svietomir was abeady leaving the house to purchase a
place for Tullia's grave and order her co£&n when Broda
returned, exhausted, but consumed with rage. Svietomir
begged to know the details of his exploit ; and Broda
related how, having recognised Ilarius as one of the monks,
he had pursued him. Through being hindered by the crowd
234 THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA [paet m
however, he had not succeeded in catching the scoundrel,
and although he had continued the chase for a long time
Ilarius had eventually disappeared in some dark by-way, as
completely as though he had vanished into the earth.
From inquiries, however, he had learnt that the empty
house, the garden of which ran along by that same dark
by-way, had formerly been inhabited by Brancaccio, who
still remained master of the premises, as the rent was paid
some months in advance.
" So that I have discovered the robbers' den. I swear,
as I hope to gain heaven, that I will not rest until both
those ruffians have received the punishment they have
merited."
Count Ginek had intended to inform Vok immediately
of the Countess's condition ; but as on the following day
Rugena seemed to be almost entirely well again, and was
busily making preparations for the funeral, he felt less
anxious, and hoped that the danger had been averted by
the timely measures of the doctor. So he wrote nothing of
it to his son, in order that he should not be uselessly
alarmed.
At the same time important events were taking place
which absorbed the attention of contemporaries and kept
the eyes of all Christendom fixed upon the little German
town in which the Council was then sitting. In a solemn
conference the Council of Constance tried the absentee,
Pope John XXIII., and forbade him the further fulfilment
of his duties ; while thirty-seven witnesses, among them
twelve bishops, brought sixty-three charges against him.
The Council, out of respect for the apostolic throne, and
for the rank of Cardinal, struck out from the long list thirty
of the crimes ascribed to the representative of Christ, and
they remained a secret. But in order to impart some
adequate notion of the nature of those points concealed it
PART III] THE TOECH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA 235
is enough to mention a few of the charges which were upheld
and publicly proclaimed. Thus, it was held to be proved
that Cossa had poisoned his predecessor, Alexander V. ; that
he had shamelessly bartered places and Church property ;
that he had robbed, plundered, and murdered during his
presence in Bologna, and had been guilty of criminal inter-
course with his daughter-in-law ; that he had seduced three
hundred nuns whom afterwards he had made abbesses of
difierent nunneries, and had committed many other out-
rages. In conclusion the Council declared that such a
monster was unworthy of his rank, and released Christianity
from its oath of allegiance to him, ordered his coat-of-arms
to be destroyed, and+he papal seal presented to him to be
broken. This decree, together with the act of abdication,
was carried by five Cardinals to be personally signed by
Cossa in Rudolphtsel Castle, where he had been confined
by the Austrian duke, who had now become his gaoler.
Pope John XXIII., now transformed into plain Bal-
dassare Cossa, was then imprisoned in the very castle of
Gottheben in which his innocent victim John Hus was
languishing.
While these weighty events were in course of progress
all Bohemians were trembling for the fate of Jerome.
After a preliminary investigation, the prisoner was handed
over to Johannes von Wallenrod, Bishop of Riga, of infamous
memory. This Bishop, with the concealed malice of a
German and a Catholic priest, submitted the unhappy
Jerome to an absolutely inquisitorial regime, thus revenging
himself upon his victim for his Slav origin, his love for his
country, and his adhesion to the Orthodox Church. At
night Jerome was transferred to the tower of the cemetery
of St. Paul, where he was enclosed in a dark, evil-smelling
cell with his arms chained above his head in such a manner
that they compressed his throat and even prevented his
sitting down. It was only after two days that his friends
236 THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA [part hi
learnt what had become of him, and took measures to
alleviate his lot. But his torments nevertheless were such
that he fell ill. While he was still struggling with death
Hus was transferred to the Franciscan monastery.
Count Waldstein's fears were soon aroused again after
their temporary lull. The shght amelioration in Rugena's
health gave place to terrible weakness and constant fainting
fits. At first Count Ginek ascribed these symptoms to
agitation and the tears Rugena had shed over TuUia's tragic
fate. Rugena was kept in ignorance of the fact that she
had been poisoned. But Bonelli openly admitted to the
Count that the poison was little by little accomphshing its
work of destruction, and that Rugena's condition was
extremely dangerous. Count Ginek fell into despair, and
no longer delayed in communicating the fearful tidings to
Vok, and urgently summoning him to Constance.
A cloudrof gloom and anxiety lay over the house. Anna
and Svietomir could scarcely conceal their anguish, and
lavished upon the invalid the most loving and devoted care.
Sometimes, when Rugena seemed a little better, their spirits
rose, and they began to hope ; but with every fresh fainting-
fit, followed by a prolonged attack of weakness, they were
cast into despair again.
In Svietomir and Broda the fear for Rugena's life was
mixed with the longing to punish the infamous murderer.
With this object Broda often strolled about the town and
the surrounding districts in disguise, hunting for traces of
Brancaccio and hiS accomplice ; but so far his efiorts had
been in vain.
One day when Svietomir had returned home from the
Waldsteins and was sitting alone, sad and thoughtful, Broda
suddenly entered dressed as a driver. He looked disturbed,
but triumphant, and hastened to tell Svietomir that he had
captured Uarius in the most unexpected manner.
PART III] THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA 237
" I was deeply convinced that the house in which Bran-
caccio lived at one time, and which he doth still retain, serves
them as a trysting-place. Therefore for the most part I
kept near it. To-day I was tired by much walking, and
went to rest and refresh myself in the drinking-tavern over
against the house in which Cardinal Ursino dwells. I sat
and drank my wine, and marked a begging-friar come forth
from the gates. At first I paid not much attention to him,
for they are no rare birds here. But when, as he cast his
sack over his shoulder, his wide sleeves fell back, I noted
a great scar upon his elbow. 'Twas a revelation to me, for
I recognised it as the scar of that same wound Ilarius
received at the hunt — when the wild boar tore his arm.
Then, knowing him in spite of his disguise, I began to follow
him. He had evidently not observed me, for who would
take notice of a common driver ? The scoundrel went
straight to Brancaccio's house. Slipping down the lane, he
drew the key from his pocket and opened the gate in the
wall. I did not let him shut it again, but pushed against it
with such strength that he fell flat at the blow. Then I
bound him, gagged him and dragged him into the house,
making sure beforehand that it was quite empty. The
scurvy knave, may God forgive me, had lost his senses from
the fright; and though I shook him never so violently he
gave no sign of life. But if you will give me your aid we
will soon loosen his tongue."
Svietomir at once seized his cloak and his weapons, and
they both set out for the house almost at a running pace.
They found Ilarius in the same condition in which Broda
had left him, except that he was conscious and lay with his
eyes open. Removing the gag from his mouth, Svietomir
ordered him to tell them where Brancaccio was, and what
he knew of the poisoning of Rugena.
With his usual abjectness, Ilarius counted on acquiring
his freedom once again by making full confession. Pale with
238 THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA [past m
terror, he muttered that Brancaocio was travelling in Italy,
where he was to follow him after having fulfilled his secret
mission to the secretary of Cardinal Ursino. Then, quite
openly, he proceeded to describe how Brancaccio, thirsting
for vengeance, had resolved to poison Rugena and to punish
the traitress Tullia by carrying her away and submitting
her to a lingering death by torture. A servant in the
Waldsteins' house had been bought with the aid of a monk
of their acquaintance, and this woman had administered
the poison to Rugena, who, accidentally, had only drunk
a part of it. The attempt could not be repeated because
Mistress von Laufenstein had left the town on a visit to a
sister of hers who was sick, and had taken their accomplice
with her.
As Tullia went out very seldom, and never alone, it had
been impossible to abduct her. The Cardinal was furious,
and daily haunted the house which contained his victim.
On that fatal day they had followed the Countess and her
attendants the whole way. Observing that Tullia had got
separated from her companions and lost in the crowd, the
Cardinal had thought it a fitting occasion to make his attempt.
And he had actually seized her, and while Ilarius made a
way was dragging her along with him. Tullia, when she
saw the Cardinal, was at first too terrified to utter a word,
and the crowd had laughed and jested at their expense.
When she began to scream and struggle, several people had
come forward to her aid; but the Cardinal had cried to
them that she was a run-away nun whom he was taking
back to her convent, so that the others had ceased to inter-
fere. He might have succeeded in getting clear with her,
had not Broda noticed them, and put them both to flight.
Then, in mad rage that his enterprise was on the point of
failing Brancaccio had stabbed Tullia, resolved that she
should not escape him alive.
" And even now he cannot forgive himself that all ^id
PART m] THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA 239
not fall out as he desired," concluded Ilarius, exhausted,
looking with terror at his auditors.
Then he wriggled to their feet and began to pray for
mercy. Broda, paying no attention to his suppUcations,
gagged his mouth again, unbound his legs, and ordered him
to follow them unless he desired to taste his dagger.
On the following day passers-by were confounded by a
horrifying spectacle. From the iron hook over the outer
door of this empty house, instead of a lantern, dangled the
body of a monk. When the body was taken down it proved
to be that of the Italian Cardinal's secretary, who had
formerly lived in the house. But it was never discovered
who had committed the murder, and the affair was soon
forgotten amid the general unrest and the extraordinary
events that followed quickly one upon another.
The latest news wtich reached Hus in the Castle of
Gottlieben was that his sworn enemy, John XXIII., now
plain Baldassare Cossa, was his companion in misfortune,
and that they were imprisoned within the same walls.
Another man might have found pleasure in this retribu-
tion dealt by Fate ; but the gentle soul of Hus was free
from every taint of spite or malice.
" The earthly God hath fallen and lies groaning in
chains," wrote Hus to his friends. " The Council hath
deposed him for trading in indulgences, bishoprics, and
profitable places ; while they who have condemned him
have themselves bought them of him and traded in them.
Oh, perfidious brood ! Why do they not pluck the beam
from their own eyes ! Should Lord Jesus say to the Council,
' Let him among you who is guiltless of simony judge Pope
John, methinks all would flee, one after the other. . . ."
Hus's removal to Constance for trial roused the hopes
of his innumerable friends. They were convinced that if
only he were given the opportunity he would inevitably
disprove all the accusations brought against him. But the
very first sitting was a disappointment to them, since it
showed that justice was the last thing the reverend fathers
of the Council had in view.
In the morning of the 5th of June the cardinals, bishops,
prelates, magisters, doctors, and other members of the
Council assembled in the great refectory of the Franciscans.
Among them were Peter of Mladenovic and Ulric, a young
Bohemian priest, one of his friends.
The meeting was excited, and began the reading of the
PART in] THE TORCH-BEAREES OF BOHEMIA 241
indictment and the examination of the witnesses before the
accused had been led in. One of the members even proposed
to go straight on to the consideration of the incriminating
articles and to the casting of votes, the results of which
could be later communicated to Hus. While this proposi-
tion was being discussed, Ulric, whom we have mentioned
above, looking over the shoulder of the secretary at the
indictment, gave a sudden exclamation and turned pale.
He turned hastily to his friend and whispered into his
ear :
" I have just seen Hus's sentence abeady dra,wn up ! "
Peter of Mladenovic, no less horrified, hastened to
acquaint John of Chulm and Venceslas of Duba with the
proceedings of the Council ; and they went at once to
Sigismund and succeeded in persuading him to put a stop
to such flagrant illegalities. The prelates dared not oppose
him, and Hus was led before the Council. Such a beginning
augured no good to the prisoner. > '
Serious, absorbed, and full of dignity, Hus stood before
his enemies, in the front ranks of whom were placed Paleck
and Michael de Causis, seething with hatred and insolently
derisive. The reading of some of the accusations was begun,
and the enumeration of the witness's depositions in their
support. But when Hus tried to give an explanatory
answer the scarcely concealed spite of those present was
vented upon.him in a torrent of insults and abuse which
drowned his voice.
The noise and uproar was such that Luther, recalling
the scene in one of his writings, characterises it in the
following bold words : " They all raged like savage swine,
bristling, grinding their teeth, and sharpening their tusks
against Hus. He alone stood cahn amidst the tempest,
and only looked mournfully at these people in whom he had
hoped to find impartial judges, and in whom he found none
but enemies."
B
242 THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA [part m
When the uproar had subsided a little Hus observed
mildly :
" In truth, I thought this Council would have been con-
ducted in a manner more seemly and more orderly ! "
Whether or no his judges, blinded by the spirit of party-
hatred, felt the reproach contained in the simple words of
the humble priest whom they desired to ruin, does not
appear; but the senior Cardinal {supremis cardindlis),
Cardinal D'AiUy (Petrus ab Alliaco), shouted :
" How canst thou speak so ? In the castle thou didst
speak far more reasonably ! "
" None cried out against me in the castle. Now all cry
out together," answered Hus.
His answer provoked a new outburst of anger and abuse.
The president, seeing that the excited condition of the
reverend fathers would effectually prevent the achievement
of any result, closed the meeting.
The Bohemian barons in indignation complained to
Sigismund, and he promised to be present at the second
meeting, which was appointed for the 7th of June,
It is impossible to dwell in detail upon this revolting
parody of a trial, which set at defiance all law, and even the
most elementary forms of justice. The proceedings were
conducted by pronounced enemies of Hus ; their depositions
alone were accepted. Hus, upon the other hand, was
refused a hearing and deprived of every possibility of
defending himself. They tried to force him to deny asser-
tions which he had never made, such, for example, as that
he was the fourth person of the blessed Trinity, that he did
not believe in God, and so forth. They accused him of
having spread and defended the doctrines of WycMe, even
those which he had himself rejected. It may safely be con-
jectured that the Council, which had taken a lenient view
of teachings far more dangerous and criminal than the
doctrines of the English philosopher (namely, those of Jean
PART III] THE TOKCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA 243
Petit), sought to punish in Hus not so much a heretic as a
bold reviler of the misdeeds and vices of the priesthood.
Hus appeared four times before the Council, three times
for examination and so-called self-defence, and the fourth
for judgment and deconsecration.
The second meeting took place upon the 7th of June,
and the presence of the Emperor, who threatened to expel
all unruly persons from the hall, imposed some restraint
upon it. The prisoner's most implacable enemy, Michael
de Causis, read the act of indictment, and Cardinal D'Ailly,
who presided, submitted the prisoner to a rigorous cross-
examination with the object of eliciting whether or no he
were a Christian. Then there came to light one of the
reasons which had provoked so much spite against Hus,
namely, that he had been instrumental in driving the
Germans from Prague ; and this accusation was the signal
for new and furious attacks, notwithstanding the fact that
on the two points to which he was permitted to answer he
was able to exculpate himself. This gave birth to hopes
of a happy outcome, but . . . the illusion was short-lived.
The third inquiry commenced with the reading of
different extracts from Hus's book, De Ecclesia, and other
works, in support of Paleck's accusation that Hus had
denied the power of the Pope in the case of the latter's
being guilty of crime. Hus answered warmly that the habit
of bestowing the title of " Holiness " upon an unworthy and
criminal Pope was pernicious ; but he protested against
opinions ascribed to him which he had never professed, as
also against the incorrect interpretation and distortion of
expressions used by him. He was cut short, and his voice
was drowned, by various ofiensive outbursts and vile
insinuations on the part of Paleck and Michael de Causis.
It was a stormy meeting, and finally Cardinal D'Ailly
called upon Hus to submit to the decision of the Council, to
admit that he had erred in those of his works presented to
244 THE TORCH-BEAREES OF BOHEMIA [part hi
the Council, to renounce them publicly, and henceforward
to preach and write the opposite of what he had preached
and written until that day.
But notwithstanding the danger menacing him Hua
stood firm for his convictions. While denying the power
of the Church representatives present in the Council to force
him to an act which he considered shameful, this dauntless
champion of freedom of conscience against the powers of
the Church of Rome, through his characteristic modesty,
was unaware of the greatness of his historical mission.
He was unaware that he was at that moment struggling for
the deliverance of the Western world from a crushing
yoke.
He answered simply that he was ready to submit to the
Council and deny the doctrines he had hitherto defended,
on condition that the Council would prove to him by the
holy Gospel that those doctrines were erroneous. But he
begged them not to ask him to deny doctrines which he had
never professed, as such falseness was forbidden by his
conscience.
In vain the Archbishops of Florence and Cambray tried
to persuade him to make an unconditional submission.
" Hearken, John Hus," said the Emperor, who also
wished to get the-^ matter settled. " Wherefore dost thou
not recant those false views which thou hast said the witnesses
have unjustly ascribed to thee ? I should be very ready to
renounce all errors and to swear that I will no more enter-
tain them ; but that would not prove that I had entertained
them hitherto."
"Emperor! That is not the meaning of the word
recavt."
Realising that this play of words was proposed to him
in order that he might be saved and the authority of the
Council at the same time upheld, he firmly rejected it.
Though it was obvious to him that his case was lost, he
PART III] THE TORCH-BEAEERS OF BOHEMIA 245
would not purchase his life at the price of denying the truth
of his convictions.
Even Paleck was subdued by this firm stand of one
against the whole Christian world. Either he was moved
by pity, or else he felt a pang of conscience at the vileness
of the r61e he played ; but now he thought it opportune to
state that h6 himself had no personal cause for displeasure
against Hus, and that only the interests of Christianity had
impelled him to demand his conviction. Perhaps the
Fathers of the Council believe(| this declaration, for they
praised his restraint and humanity; but posterity may
permit itseU to doubt his sincerity.
But even supposing that Paleck, who was all the same
a man of learning, a former friend of Hus, and born in the
same village, may have been moved by shame and pity, it
was ridiculous for Michael de Causis, that son of a German
miner, a proven liar and swindler, and a sworn enemy of
the Bethlehem preacher, to pretend to share his feelings
and embark upon a dissertation on the voice of conscience,
the general welfare, and Christian faith.
Hus contented himself by saying :
" God will be our Judge."
Sigismund closed the sitting with the following address
to the accused :
" I did promise thee my protection during thy journey,
and on thine arrival here, that none might ofier the smallest
ofEence, and that thou mightest freely expound thy views
before the Council and answer as to thy beliefs. Thou hast
seen thyself with what leniency and conscientiousness the
Cardinals and Bishops have redeemed my promise to thee,
for which I owe them much gratitude."
After this Bishop John von Wallenrod, who was com-
missioned to guard the prisoner, ordered him to be removed
and conveyed back to his prison.
VI
In the dark, damp prison of the Franciscan monastery which
he was fated to quit only to go to his death, Hus was
sitting at a table reading the Gospel by the light of a small
oil lamp — a luxury for which he was deeply grateful to his
friends.
He had grown much thinner. His face, emaciated by
illness, deprivation, and sufiering both physical and moral,
looked as though it were made of wax. But in his large,
sad, dreamy eyes shone the same proud spirit which nothing
could subdue.
He was not chained to his bed as he had been in Gott-
lieben ; but he still had chains upon his hands and feet.
He shut the book at last, and leaning upon the table
became thoughtful. As the days had passed he had lived
through many painful moments, and many feelings which
he had thought to be vanquished and extinct had revived
again and racked his soul. During the long months of
moral agony his whole being was completely transformed —
purified and made more spiritual. The earthly weaknesses
at last forsook him, and all human desires were forgotten
in his fervent faith in God, into Whose hands he committed
his life and destiny.
A few days before, the Bishops had asked him whether
he desired to confess, and he, accepted the proposal joyfully.
With that truly Christian meekness and humility which
distinguished him even among the ranks of famous martyrs,
he chose as his confessor Stephen Paleck.
" He is my bitterest opponent," said Hus, " and to him
will I confess."
Even Paleck was touched by the nobility of his victim's
PART ni] THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA 247
soul. He would rather have refused the painful task of-
absolving the sins of a man to whom he had himself been
the cause of so much evil ; moved perhaps by remorse of
conscience, however, he went to the prison of his former
friend with the intention of persuading him to recant.
It was an affecting meeting. Hus begged his false
friend's pardon for any chance rough or discourteous words
which might have escaped him during his trial ; but to
Paleck's persuasions he answered :
" What wouldst thou do if thou wert pressed to deny
heresies which thou hadst never preached ? "
" It would indeed be difficult," answered Paleck ; and
burst into sobs.
" How couldst thou say that I believe not in God, and
that since the birth of Christ there has been no more
dangerous heretic than I ? "
Paleck tried to deny having said this, and with renewed
earnestness tried to persuade Hus to abandon his con-
victions.
Hus categorically refused and added :
" Why, why hast thou worked me so much evil ? "
And Paleck departed from him in tears.
The agitating influence of this meeting was still fresh
upon the prisoner when, shortly after noonday Michael de
Causis appeared in his cell ; abused ^im ; and with malicious
joy informed him of his approaching martyrdom.
His bitter disappointment in humankind, his anguish at
the betrayal of friendship, a feeling of protest against the
Emperor who had treacherously incited his judges against
him after having promised him proteotipn, and against the
unjust cruelty with which he had been treated, these
emotions shook the steadfast soul of Hus. His spirit
writhed in its agony. He was bitterly grieved at leaving
the work, not yet accomplished, among his faithful followers
and in the Bethlehem chapel. A shudder convulsed his
248 THE TORCH-BEAEERS OF BOHEMIA [part hi
body at thought of the frightful torments which awaited
him. . . . These were minutes of fierce struggle, of rebellion
of spirit, of human weakness by which the elect of God are
frequently visited ; and Hus sought vainly in the Gospel
for that support, strength, and tranquilhty which he was
wont to draw from it. He tried to pray, but that access
of fervour which usually transported him above the earth
and its sorrows was not forthcoming.
The sound of bolts being drawn back in his door roused
him from his reflections.
" One of my friends hath come to visit me, and the
turnkey will inform me of it," thought Hus.
" But to his astonishment he beheld two female figures
shrouded in cloaks. One was aiding the feeble steps of the
other, who sank upon her knees in front of him and with
trembling hands threw back her veil.
" Rugena ! "
The cry broke from him, full of astonishment, and joy
and grief. " My dearest children ! How can I thank you
for not having'forgot the poor prisoner and for giving him
the joy of seeing you ! I have not even seats to ofier you
in this sorry place."
" There will be place for Rugena upon the bench beside
you, for she is ill. But I will remain at your feet. Nowhere
am I happier," said Anna, raising her friend and seating
her.
Rugena was so weakened by agitation that Hus was
obliged to support her.
She trembled at the sound of his fetters.
" Yo.u are in chains. Father John ? Oh, monstrous !
How can they deal thus with the most righteous of men,
with a saint ! "
Hus shook his head reprovingly.
" Speak not thus, my daughter. Do not compare me,
a grievous sinner, with the holy ones of God ! "
PART III] THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA 249
" Oh, hush ! What sins have you committed, and
when ? " cried Rugena.
Hus smiled sadly.
" All the sins common to men, my daughter ! In my
youth I loved fine clothes and society, and the game of
chess. I was vain of my success in science and inclined to
wrath. Oh, the list of my transgressions is long, and the
pain which God inflicts upon me richly deserved ! "
" You have long since redeemed it all by sufiering !
Anna and Svietomir and I are resolved to arrange your
escape, or your enemies will kill you."
Hus shook his head.
" I thank you for your devotion, my daughter. But
know that even if the doors of my prison were opened I
would not go before justifying myself in the eyes of all. I
would not betray the truth to save my contemptible body,
and give my brethren the sorry example of flight in the
face of danger. Of what worth would be my life to me —
stained, dishonoured, and of use to none ? "
" But they will commit you to a horrible death. All
betray you and persecute you ! " Anna could not refrain
from exclaiming, with tears in her eyes.
" I know that the Emperfir condemned me before my
trial ! But if my death can serve as an example to my
brethren I will gladly sacrifice myself."
" Why is there no justice in the world ? " moaned
Rugena.
" Are lies and falsity ever persecuted ? Of what im-
portance is my death when Christ died on the Cross 1 And
how numerous are the consolations God hath sent me !
Hath He not sustained me, and sent me friends whom
nothing can dismay, as, for instance, John of Chulm, who
hath come hither to stretch out a hand to the luckless one
by all abandoned and scorned as a heretic 1 And to-day
you two have come. . . ."
250 THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA [part hi
He stopped, observing that Rugena had turned pale, and
that her head drooped helplessly towards his^ shoulder.
At first sight of the Countess he had noticed the terrible
change in her — ^her deadly paleness, her feverishly burning
eyes, the presence of those indescribable tokens which death
imprints on man. At that moment, with her eyes closed,
and her mouth half-open Rugena seemed already dead.
Yet she was beautiful, as before, with that wonderful
ethereal beauty in which there was no trace of earth.
" That villain Brancaccio hath poisoned her, and nothing
now can help her," whispered Anna, moistening Rugena's
forehead and temples with water from the pitcher.
Rugena soon opened her eyes, and meeting the gaze of
Hus, so full of alarm and pity, burst into sobs.
' " Father John ! " she ^ried, seizing his hands within
her own ; " you too see that my death is close at hand ?
I feel that he hath already laid his icy grip upon me ; and
yet I fear. . . I fear so much to die ! I want to live ! . . ."
Sobs choked her utterance. Hus was consumed with
pity.
" Do not give way thus to gloomy thoughts, my daughter,
imagining your passing weakness a foreshadowing of death,"
he said compassionately, bending over her, " The young
have an inexhaustible reserve of strength ; and I am full
of hope that you will recover. But nevertheless let us not
account Death a cruel enemy. He is a kindly spirit sent
from Heaven to assuage our sufierings and carry our souls
home to our Heavenly Father. Death is terrible only to
the sinner whose soul is heavy with transgressions, and will
appear in shame and nakedness before the throne of the
Almighty Judge. The gates of Heaven are closed to such
a soul until it hath redeemed its faults by grievous torments.
But you are young and pure and innocent, and have faith
in Gk)d. You have nothing to fear in the future life on
the threshold of which you will meet you beloved father.
PART III] THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA 251
You need but pray with faith and assiduity, and God will
do all for your happiness and benefit."
At that moment the door was slightly opened, and the
gaoler's voice was heard :
" The time is passing, my good ladies ! "
" In a moment, dear Robert. They are going," Hus
said, rising.
Turning to Anna, he placed his hands upon her head.
" Farewell, my child ! I thank thee for thine afiection,
which hath been a most sweet consolation to me. Stand
firni in life and be a loving sister to Rugena."
He bent over her, blessed her, and kissed her on the
forehead ; and then turned to the Countess with tears in
his eyes. Her heart was filled with angiiish at this final
parting. The thought that this was the last time she would
meet his pure and loving glance and hear the voice of the
friend she so deeply reverenced, who ever siuce her child-
hood had sustained and guided her in the difficult moments
of her life, was intolerable to her. She felt as though she
were losing her father for the second time. She sobbed
convulsively, and throwing her arms round him leant her
golden head upon his shoulder.
His heart beat painfully. He too was tormented at
thought of parting with the one woman who had inspired
him with a feeling which, though pure and disinterested,
had reminded him, nevertheless, that he was a man. At
that moment there awoke within him the great mover of
life, which controls the world and the human beings who
dwell upon it, and a faint flush dawned in his pale cheeks.
His glance rested lovingly upon Rugena. He pressed her
impulsively to his breast, and raising her drooping head
gazed at her long and earnestly as though seeking to imprint
her features upon his memory for all eternity.
But his iron will speedily triumphed over this momentary
weakness. With trembling lips he touched Rugena's fore-
252 THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA [part hi
head ; then, falling back a step, raised his hand as though
to bless her.
"Now go, my children. May God bless, strengthen,
and direct you ! "
Anna, who was herself pale and tottering, took Rugena's
arm and led her from the cell. Svietomir, disquieted by
their long absence, met them in the corridor, fortunately
just in time to support Rugena, who lost consciousness.
When the litter had set out towards home, Anna bent
over Rugena, who still lay motionless.
" Happy girl ! " she whispered, scarcely audibly, with
trembling lips. " God hath created thee to be beloved of
all. Even in his heart thou art first ! "
Hus, left alone, sank on to the bench and covered his
face with his hands. The agitation he had undergone still
had strong hold of him.
" Homo sum," he murmured, half in anguish, half in
rapture.
Was this his final test in life ? he asked himself, involun-
tarily ; or was it God's mercy which had sent him this dying
woman cut ofi by a criminal hand in the flower of her youth
and beauty ? The spirit which Anna and Rugena had
brought with them into the prison was indeed a Heavenly
blessing, and the knowledge that such loving hearts would
lament him was a potent consolation. His feeling for
Rugena had not a trace of egotism in it, and was imbued
with desire for her welfare. God assuredly would pardon
him.
Little by little peace was restored to his tortured soul.
It seemed to him that the last ties which bound him to earth
had been broken ; that he was freed from the flesh and was
being borne aloft into the bright domains of the other
world.
Suddenly he remembered the wonderful vision he had
PART III] THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA 253
had on the eve of Rugena's wedding, and its meaning became
completely clear to him. The furious crowd swarming in
the abyss and casting stones and filth at him were his enemies
assembled in the Council. The fiery cloud which had enve-
loped him was the burning stake to which to-morrow, perhaps,
his body would be bound. Yes, now everything was at last
clear : he was to seal with his blood the truths which he had
propagated. It remained for him but to beseech God to
sustain him in the torments to come.
He fell on his knees and sank into fervent prayer, passing
imperceptibly into ecstasy. In fervour his soul was up-
lifted above this earthly vale to those far-o£E regions where
harmony reigns eternal, there to be immersed in the very
source of the inexhaustible mercy of God.
But such bold flights to the Heavenly Father are ex-
hausting to the soul of man, still burdened by the coarse
trappings of the flesh ; and the spirit falls from the starry
heights prostrated by the transcendant effort. Hus, on
returning to earth, felt how, little by little, the radiant
brightness of that other world was fading, while the walls
of his prison uprose menacing as before. Only that tran-
quillity was preserved which had filled his being.
He sighed deeply, wearied with excess of light ; and, the
lamp being by that time extinguished, groped through the
darkness to his bed. As he did so, his attention was attracted
by a slight crackling sound and a few steps before him there
appeared a pale cloud dotted with sparks of fire which,
revolving, grew and spread, filling the cell with a brilliant
bluish light, and wafting to him a breath of pure, mild
air. Against this bright background the tall figure of
a man became by degrees defined, clad in Byzantian
priestly vestments, holding in his hand the Gospel and
a cross.
The face of the unknown was majestic and austere ; but
his eyes were mild and tender. His figure seemed filled with
254 THE TOECH-BEAREES OF BOHEMIA [paet hi
life and vigour. Awed and absorbed, still exalted by his
ecstasy, Hus whispered :
" Who art thou, reverend Father ? "
As though from afar, a deep voice answered him :
" I am he who was the first to spread the divine light of
the Gospel in thy fatherland, and whose dust now lies in
Velegrad. Each son of that land — ^my spiritual daughter —
is dear to my heart. To thee, about to die for the truth, and
for God's Word, I have come to say : Be steadfast, and fear
neither earthly sorrows nor bodily torments. Thy passage
to the new life will be agonising but short ; and then will
come the sweetness of reward. My presence and my prayers
will sustain thee."
The vision grew paler, began to fade, and at length
completely disappeared. But Hus was unconscious that the
light had died away, and that darkness reigned once more.
He had fallen face-downwards to the earth, praying and
thanking God and the Apostle of his Fatherland for the
revelation vouchsafed to him.
Neither fear nor confusion was in his soul. He felt
courageous, armed with fortitude to bear his last, great
trial. . . .
VII
On the morning of Saturday, the 6th of July, a crowd had
assembled round the Constance Cathedral. On that day
sentence was to be passed on Hus. The occasion was one of
extraordinary solemnityj and a mass of idlers had gathered
together.
Their expectations were not disappointed. The Bishops
and even the simpler Prelates arriving at the Cathedral were
sumptuously attired. They were followed by Cardinals clad
in purple, mounted on horses with costly trappings, and
surrounded by knights, pages, and their priestly suites.
Then came the Ambassadors from various nations. Princes,
Dukes, and reigning Sovereigns, and lastly Sigismund him-
self, escorted by the highest officials of the Empire.
Solemnity reigned, too, in the interior of the Cathedral.
Upon an elevated throne sat Sigismund, in the Imperial
mantle, while grouped around him stood the Kurfurst Ludwig
of Bavaria, holding the orb ; Frederick, Bargrave of Niirn-
berg, sceptre in hand ; Duke Henry of Bavaria in his crown,
and a Hungarian magnate with a sword.
A crowd of prelates, knights, and dignitaries in magnifi-
cent and brightly coloured clothing formed a brilliant
setting to the group around the throne.
In the middle of the Cathedral a wooden platform was
erected, and a complete set of priestly vestments was
fastened to a pole upon it?
During the service the guard which had conveyed Hus
from his prison detained him at the entrance, so that the
presence of the " pernicious " heretic might not sully the
sacred proceedings, at the conclusion of which the Bishop of
Lodi mounted the pulpit. Then the prisoner was brought
256 THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA [paet hi
in and stationed near the platform. He fell upon his knees
and prayed silently during the whole sermon, which was based
upon the words, " Cast ofE thy sinful body," and which
was distinguished throughout by extraordinary cruelty.
The orator called upon the Emperor to fulfil his word, and
mercilessly to exterminate all heresies and heretics. After
this eminently Christian address the Bishop read aloud the
resolutions of the Council, convoked and inspired by the
Holy Spirit, exhorting all those present, under threat of
curse or imprisonment, not to break the silence by any
expression of feeling, such as applause, or by any movement
whatsoever of their bodies.
Then Henry de Piro, Procurator of the Council, arose
and demanded the condemnation of Hus and of his writings.
The unhappy prisoner was then made to mount the
platform, and stood in the sight of all. The reading of the
indictment, the contents of incriminating works of Wyclifie
and other passages taken from the works of Hus, and the
declarations of the witnesses began, and the ridiculous
accusation that Hus had represented himself to be the fourth
person of the Blessed Trinity was not forgotten.
The unhappy man, hearing this tissue of lies, perverted
interpretations, and slanders inspired by hatred, was driven
to despair, and tried to protest and justify himself. But
Cardinal Zabarella cut him short and severely ordered him to
be silent. Then Hus fell on his knees and began to pray
aloud for his enemies, committing his fate to his Heavenly
Judge ; but this only provoked laughter and derision among
his hearers.
When the reading of the lengthy accusation was at last
concluded the Bishop appointed to conduct the ceremony
of the unfrocking of Hus called upon him to renounce his
teachings. To this the latter answered firmly though mildly
that he was always ready to renounce errors proved to be
contrary to the Gospel, and therefore had accounted himself
PART III] THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA 257
innocent of heresy and had voluntarily presented himself
before the Council, believing in the Emperor's promise to
protect him.
As he spoke he directed a reproachful glance at Sigis-
mund, and traditions say that the Emperor dropped his eyes,
while a flush of shame dyed his cheeks.
Several German authors declare this tradition to be false,
and we are willing to defer to their opinion. For Sigismund
was not a man to blush for his perfidy, especially towards a
poor and humble priest, who, nevertheless, had dared to say
that " if a king falls inio mortal sin he is not a true ruler in the
sight of God." And the general conviction of Sigismund's
contemporaries that he had poisoned his brother John
Gerlitzky shows of what he was considered capable.
In any case, if his conscience were at all able to move him
it was not strong enough to awaken feelings of justice and
humanity within his heart. He sat silent through the
proclamation of the shamefully and iniquitous sentence
condemning Hus to be " deconsecrated " and burnt at the
stake.
The painful ceremony of deconsecration was carried out
without delay. The Bishops clothed Hus in thie priestly
vestments and placed the chalice in his hands, as though he
were about to say mass. Then, for the last time, they
called upon him to recant ; and the unhappy man answered
with tears in his eyes that his conscience forbade him to
appear as a Uar before the throne of God.
After this the chalice was snatched from his hands, and
the vestments were taken from him, to the accompaniment
of words of execration. At length the point of shaving him
was reached, and the Bishops disputed among themselves as
to whether his hair should be cut with razors or scissors.
Hus turned once more to the Emperor :
" Reconcile them, Emperor," he said, smiling. " They
cannot agree how best to accomplish my dishonour."
258 THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA [paet in
At length they decided to resort to the scissors, and
afterwards they placed a paper cap upon his head, adorned
with painted devils and an inscription in big letters :
" Hceresiarcha " (a heretic).
" The Lord for me did wear the crown of thorns, and
joyfully of my love for Him will I now wear this cap of shame,' '
was his mild answer to this mockery.
The ceremony concluded with the words of the Arch-
bishop of Milan :
" Henceforth the Church hath nothing in common with
thee. She doth commit thy body to the worldly powers,
and thy soul — ^to the Devil ! "
According to the Swabian statutes heretics were handed
over to the civic authorities, so that the Bishops thus ad-
dressed themselves to the Emperor :
" The Holy Council of Constance doth consign the decon-
secrated priest, John Hus, to the civic powers, he being
excluded from the jurisdiction of the Church."
The Emperor handed him over to Ludwig, Kurfurst of
Bavaria, with the words :
" Most benevolent Duke ! Take this man, and in my
name commit him to the death befitting a heretic."
Ludwig in his turn delivered him to his executioners with
the following words :
" Take Master John Hus, who, by the decision of our
Most Gracious Emperor and King of Rome, and by my own
order, is condemned to death by burning."
With bound hands, between four of his guards, escorted
by a company of eight hundred men-at-arms, and
followed by an immense crowd, Hus set out for the place
of execution.
His emaciated face was pale but tranquil. His eyes,
full of faith, were raised to Heaven. He continued to pray
aloud, and the people, moved by his strength of soul and
piety, loudly expressed their sympathy with him.
PART ni] THE TORCH-BEAKERS OF BOHEMIA 259
" We know not his fault ; but he doth pray like a true
man of God," they said.
When Hus passed the Bishop's palace and beheld the
flames that were devouring his works he only smiled. He
knew that no fire could destroy the truth he had proclaimed
in them.
The field between the village of Gottlieben and the
gardens of the palace had been selected as the place of exe-
cution. Perceiving the stake already erected, Hus stopped
for a moment. Did his frail body shudder at thought of
the torment and death awaiting him ? His temptation
lasted but for an instant. His heroic spirit triumphed once
again, and falling upon his knees he raised his clasped hands
to Heaven, and murmured full of emotion :
" Christ Jesus, my Divine Master ! For the sake of
Thy Holy Gospel, and that truth which I have propagated,
I accept this agony with joy and resignation. Leave me not
in this great hour. Sustain me to the end."
Anna and Svietomir had been present in the Cathedral
during his condenmation. The latter knew beforehand
what was to take place upon that day, and had told Anna
about it ; and they had decided to be present. They said
nothing to Rugena, who had been particidarly ill during the
last few days. They had not even told her that the fate of
her beloved friend and confessor was irrevocably sealed..
In indignant agitation Svietomir followed all the details
of the hideous farce. Absorbed in what was passing before
his eyes he forgot the presence of his companion, when,
glancing upon one occasion towards her, he started, so stern,
so terrible was the expression upon the young girl's face.
The blood seemed completely to have deserted her face,
which was as pale as a waxen mask. Only her eyes looked
living, and from time to time were filled with an expression
of despair, or glowed with unutterable scorn and hatred,
as when they were directed towards the priests who were
260 THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA [part hi
disputing as to the manner of cutting the prisoner's hair.
At that moment Anna strikingly resembled her brother
John : there was the same austere glance, the same cold
cruelty in the expression of the mouth. In spite of her
intense excitement she did not shed a single tear, and when
Hus, delivered to his executioners, left the Cathedral, she
muttered to Svietomir :
" Let us follow him to the end."
" Were it not better to return home, Anna ? The sigHt
will be too fearful for thee," he said, feehngly, bending
towards her.
" If he can bear it, can I not at least behold it and pray
God to support the guiltless sufferer 1 " she answered
firmly.
Svietomir made no reply, and drawing her arm within
his own, joined the crowd which followed the condemned.
Slowly and with many halts the seething mass of people
moved along the winding streets of the city, and when they
reached the place of execution they dispersed into a wide
circle around the stake.
Svietomir and Anna pressed forward, and the dense rows
of people made way, almost with superstitious awe for the
woman in her deep mourning, with her gloomy, burning
eyes. But before they had succeeded in gaining the first row
a monk on horseback turned into the crowd and began
without hesitation to make his way straight through its
midst ; and Svietomir, profiting by this, drew Anna forward
in the horse's wake.
In this manner they reached the front of the crowd and
stood not far from Hus. The victim was at that moment
considering the question of a last confession, proposed to him
by the crowd, but hotly opposed by a priest in a light green
mantle, who cried :
" A heretic must neither confess himself nor let others
confess to him ! '-
PART III] THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA 261
Another priest, no less loudly, declared that if Hus wished
to confess he must fiist recant his heresies.
Hus answered in a clear, firm voice :
" I am guiltless of mortal sin. And at this moment
when I am making ready to appear before the throne of
God I will not purchase redemption of my sins by lying
declarations."
Taking no further notice of the priests, Hus asked to be
allowed to bid his gaolers farewell, and, having obtained
permission, embraced them, and thanked them for their
kindness to him. He wished then to address a few words to
the people, but Palatine forbade this, and ordered that the
execution should proceed.
" Lord Jesus, receive my spirit and pardon mine enemies,"
besought Hus, raising his eyes to Heaven.
The paper cap' fell from his head to the ground, and one
of the soldiers thrust it on again, crying :
" Let it burn, and the devils as well, whom thou hast so
diligently served."
The eyes of Hus, wandering sadly among the crowd
surrounding him, fell suddenly upon Anna and Svietomir ;
and a joyful smile dawned in his face. He bent his head
to them slightly in farewell, but turned away again as the
executioner and his assistant began to tear apart his
clothing.
They bound his hands behind him with a wet rope and
tied him to the post, while a chain smeared with soot was
placed round his neck. Faggots drenched with tar, and
mixed with bundles of straw, were piled about him. He
stood calmly during these horrible preparations. Never
perhaps had his heroic soul been firmer, more tranquil, more
strong in faith.
Turning aside from the cruel crowd which demanded
that he should be placed with his face to the West as it was
not fitting for a heretic to look towards the East, he fixed his
262 THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA [part m
eyes on Heaven, and suddenly they began shining with an
expression of ecstatic bliss.
Abovethe stake he beheld the majestic figure of Bohemia's
first apostle. His deep, stern eyes gazed lovingly at the
martyr, and with the cross in his hands he pointed to
Heaven.
Absorbed in (Contemplation of the vision, Hus did not
notice that the pile of faggots had reached his neck. But
suddenly a voice recalled him from oblivion.
It was that of the Grand Marshal of the Empire, Count
Pappenheim, who had come in the name of Sigismund to
endeavour for the last time to persuade him to save his life by
recantation.
" Why do you trouble the great peace of my soul ? I
have nothing to recant since I have never professed heresy or
taught the heresies of which they have falsely accused me.
Joyfully do I seal with my blood those divine truths which
I have spread by my lips and by my writings," Hus answered
gently, though with firmness.
Trembling from head to foot, and with wide-open eyes,
Anna watched the execution. At the first crackling of the
flames she swayed and closed her eyes. Svietomir placed
his arm around her to support her, thinking that she was
about to faint. But Anna drew herself erect, and fixed her
feverishly burning eyes on the stake. At that moment a
clear voice singing a prayer was heard from amid the flames.
This song, proclaiming in the midst of fearful torments the
triumph of spirit over flesh, produced an overwhelming effect
upon the crowd. It stood petrified in dumb amazement.
The eyes of aU were strained towards the colunm of smoke
and fire from which no cry, no groan, no sound of complaint,
nothing but that melodious appeal to the Heavenly Father
could be heard.
Suddenly the martyr's voice was silenced — ^the smoke
was blown into his face. A little while afterwards it could be
PART III] THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA 263
seen that his lips were moving, and then his head dropped
lifelessly.
Anna fell on her knees, covering her face with her
hands.
" Come. All is over," Svietomir whispered, trying to
raise her.
But Anna of her own accord rose and followed him in
silence with bowed head. Tears were pouring down Svie-
tomir's face.
" A saving gust of wind put an end to his agony," he
said in a low, trembling voice, as they emerged from the
crowd.
Anna stopped and clasped his hand.
" That gust of wind in this quiet weather was a miracle,"
she whispered with unsteady lips. " Heaven's messenger
came for the soul of the innocent victim of this infamous
injustice. While Hus was singing I saw above the flames
the figure of a saint of God with a cross in his hand, and a
bright, shining angel, who waved his mighty wings and
wafted the smoke into the face 'of the blessed martyr, and
then received his soul."
Svietomir trembled and crossed himself, not in the least
doubting in the truth of her vision.
Rugena, left at home alone, Count Ginek being away,
was seized at this time with an unaccountable feeling of
alarm, and was unable to rest quietly in any place.
Itka, the devoted nurse, tried in vain to divert her,
reminded her that Count Vok would soon be at hand, and
begged her to go into the garden and lie down and rest.
But nothing had any efEect. Both in the garden and in her
bed the Countess felt uneasy. Concerning the coming of her
husband she remarked shortly that it would be a long time
before they saw him, as in his last letter he had complained
of the impossibility of getting leave.
264 THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA [part hi
At length Rugena sat down near the window and fell
into a doze, while Itka took her place at her feet, and,
suppressing her tears, gazed sadly at the pale, drawn face
of her nursling.
Suddenly Rugena sat straight up, gazing fixedly into the
distance as though she saw something terrible. Her lips
were half opened, and her hands were stretched out appeal-
ingly. The old nurse gazed at her in horror.
" A stake ! A stake ! And Father John in the flames ! "
cried the Countess wildly, and with her hands clutched at
her breast.
" Thou dost dream, my darling ! There is nothing in
the garden ! " said Itka, in a quaking voice.
" Yes, 'tis he ! I see him burning, bound to a stake,"
said Rugena, falling back senseless in her chair.
At that moment several horsemen in dusty cloaks, their
horses exhausted and covered with foam, drew up before the
house. Vok had arrived with his suite. He leapt from his
horse and began impatiently knocking at the door. But he
was obliged to wait some time before it was opened, as most
of the servants had gone to witness the execution.
The young Count in great vexation continued to knock
furiously at the door, until at last it was opened by an
ancient serving-woman, from whose toothless mumblings
he could only make out that his father was not at home.
Ordering that the servants he had brought with him should
be fed and lodged, he told her to conduct him to the apart-
ments of his wife.
Rugena lay as though dead in her armchair, while Itka,
distracted, was moistening her face and hands with aromatic
vinegar. The door flew open, and Vok came in, but stopped
short like a statue on the threshold. He stared in dumb
horror at his wife, and then, rushing to her, fell on his knees
before her, pressed her wasted, motionless form to hia
breast, and covered her face and hands with kisses.
PART III] THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA 265
" She is dead ! Dead ! I am too late ! " he cried, with
anguish in his voice.
" No, no, my dear Lord. She ha-th but fainted. And
now that you are come, with the grace of God, all will be
well," said Itka, soothingly, kissing his hands, with tears of
joy in her eyes.
She related how the fainting fit had been brought on by
a terrible vision. It seemed to Vok as though a mountain
had been removed from his shoulders ; but he was neverthe-
less greatly alarmed at the terrible change that had taken
place in his wife.
When Rugena opened her eyes and recognised her
husband bending over her, she smiled gladly, and blushed.
But beholding her gay and heedless Vok with tears in his
eyes and an expression of misery on his face, she threw her
arms about his neck and rested her head against him.
" Thou dost bewail our speedy parting ? " she whispered.
" That means that thou dost love me and art sorry for me ? "
" Love thee 1 '\Vok exclaimed, passionately, embracing
her. Speak to me not of parting ! Thou shalt recover. I
will have it so ! "
But that day had still much sufiering in store for the
young Count, When his father, Anna, and Svietomir
returned they related to him the details of the scandalous
trial of Hus and of his terrible death.
Bitterly did Vok regret having arrived too late to bid
farewell to the friend whom he regarded as a saint.
VIII
A FEW days later, rumours suddenly arose in the town
that Jerome of Prague, yielding to the persuasions of the
Cardinals, had recanted the erroneous doctrines he had
professed, and had even signed an Act in which he accepted
all the decisions of the Council and made submission to it.
But, while condemning the articles of WyclifEe which had
been propagated by Hus, Jerome made several reservations
which showed how dear his decision had_cost him. Thus,
he continued to maintain that they had both preached many
divine truths, and that, as to Hus, he had always loved him,
and, while recognising his errors, still preserved the most
whole-hearted reverence for his character.
Notwithstanding these reservations, the Council seemed
entirely satisfied with its victory and the subjection of the
famous scholar. And after September 23rd, when Jerome,
at a public sitting of the Council, solemnly repeated his
recantation, and declared that for the future he would never
seek to spread those erroneous ideas which he had just
denied, his position in the prison was improved. The watch
kept over him was less severe, and there' were even rumours
that he would be restored to freedom.
It was an agonising time for Jerome. His proud soul
writhed and pined beneath the humiliation of the public
renunciation of the cause to which his life had been conse-
crated. His heart was tortured by the delay and by the
endless difficulties to be overcome before he could gain those
few hours of freedom for which he had-paid so dear. ... He
was tormented by fear and despair lest his sacrifice might
prove to be in vain, lest those blue eyes, in which he had
once read such a wealth of love, those dear lips which had
PART ni] THE TORCH-BEAEERS OF BOHEMIA 267
intoxicated him by their words, might be closed for ever
before he could gaze upon them for the last time, before he
could receive their last farewell.
Broda and Svietomir visited him and told him that
Rugena was sinking fast, and his misery had reached its
zenith when one night, towards the end of September,
Svietomir entered his cell with the guard, carrying a parcel.
Svietomir was pale, and evidently disturbed.
" I have brought thee some clothes, Master Jerome,
Don them quickly and come with me ! This good fellow
gives thee leave."
" Yes. My lord knight hath seduced me with a sum
that to a poor fellow such as I, is a property in itself ! But
promise me. Master Jerome, that you will return. For even
though there is talk of your speedy deliverance, yet without
your promise I dare not let you go ; and for my weakness I
may yet pay with my life. Do not ruin me and my poor
wife, and my six children."
" Give me thy sword, Svietomir," said Jerome. " Now,
on this sacred sign of our redemption," he said, placing his
hand on the cross-shaped handle of the weapon, " I swear to
return before dawn to the prison. May God visit me with
His wrath if I betray my word."
The gaoler, reassured, helped him to don the black velvet
suit and hooded cloak that covered him from head to foot.
Then he let them both out, saying that he would keep cease-
less watch near the entry for the return of his captive.
Emerging from the prison, Jerome took deep breaths of
the fresh, fragrant night air. After so many months spent
in the dark, malodorous prison his head turned giddy, and
he reeled.
But resolutely overcoming this weakness, and the pain
caused by the sores on his legs, he stepped quickly forward
with Svietomir, and thanked him for the service he had
rendered him.
268 THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA [part hi
" It was necessary to drag thee from that den to-night,
for otherwise thou wouldst not have beheld Rugena. Vok
says that she desires to see all her friends now, for the last
time."
" What sayest thou ? Is the Countess so much worse
already ? "
" Alas ! This morning the doctor told Vok that she
would not live through the night. The unhappy Count
roves hither and thither like a madman ; yet he thought of
thee, and asked me, at any cost, to bring thee," answered
Svietomir in a low voice. Clenching his fists as he spoke, he
hurled a curse at Brancaccio, and a wish that he might
succeed in visiting the vile murderer with the same fate that
befell Ilarius.
Jerome had not heard of the death of Ilarius, and Svie-
tomir began with peculiar pleasure to describe the details
of the hanging of the obnoxious monk.
That same morning, the doctor, Bonelli, had considered
it his duty to inform the Count that his wife had only a few
Sours to live. Although the sad fact might easily have been
foreseen, the news fell upon Vok like a bolt from Heaven,
and he could not control the frenzy of his grief. But it was
a passing weakness, and he quickly persuaded himself that
it was his duty not to trouble the last moments of his dying
wife ; but to render them as happy and tranquil as possible.
He involuntarily thought of Jerome, and begged Svietomir
to make arrangements for his coming, no matter at what
cost.
Then he sat down by Rugena's bed, resolved not to
leave her for one moment till the last.
The Countess awoke after a deep and heavy sleep. She
was terribly weak, and this weakness was accompanied by
a strange, heavy feeling which she had not hitherto experi-
enced. An icy stream flowed through her veins and made
her shiver. It seemed to her that something was rending
tAET III] THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA 269
her very being asunder. At one moment her soul seemed
freed from her body, and then again a black curtain
dropped suddenly before her eyes.
"It is the approach of Death ! " she thought, with
anguish.
She was about to explain her feelings to Vok, but meeting
the frightened, despairing eyes of her husband, she could not
bring herself to reveal the truth. She closed her eyes and
began to pray, beseeching God to make the swift approach-
ing, terrible transition easy for her, calling with all her soul
upon her beloved father and her reverenced friend, John
Hus, to meet her upon the threshold of the awful, unknown
world. . . .
Her prayer restored her to tranquillity, and the rest of
the day passed in peace. But when night fell, Rugena was
overcome again with ever-increasing terror, and began to
. toss about in her bed.
Anna and Vok gazed apprehensively at the agonised
expression on the almost transparent face of the sick woman,
and at the restless movements of her hands beneath the
bed-clothes.
At about halt-past eleven the alarming symptoms in-
creased.
" Lift me up ! I suffocate ! " she murmured, trying to
rise.
Anna brought Rugena's silk dressing-gown and put it
round her. Vok lifted her in his arms as though she had
been a child, carried her to an armchair, and arranged the
pillows, while Itka wrapped some rugs about her mistress.
" Art thou comfortable thus, my darling ? " said Vok,
falling upon his knees before his wife and supporting her.
Her head dropped helplessly on to his shoulder.
" Yes," answered Rugena, feebly. " Where is Svieto-
mir ? Why hath he not come to-day ? Call him . . , and
call Broda, too. I want to see them all to say good-bye."
270 THE TORCH-BEAEERS OF BOHEMIA [part in
" Svietomir will be here immediately, and perhaps he will
bring with him some one thou wilt be rejoiced, to see. Go,
dear Anna, and order that Broda should come hither as soon
as Svietomir and his companion arrive."
Rugena's eyes brightened gladly, and she fixed her gaze
upon the door. She had not long to wait, for scarcely ten
minutes had, passed when steps were heard in the adjoining
room, and Anna entered, followed by Jerome, Svietomir, and
Broda.
Jerome had put the final touches to his dress in Broda's
room, and his pale, worn face bore an expression of still
greater suffering. On entering the room he stopped short
in the doorway. He had not imagined the change in Rugena
would be so terrible ; and for a moment he could not speak.
Quickly recovering himself he went up to her, bent his knee
before her, and silently pressed her thin white hand to his
lips.
Rugena, too, was horror-stricken when she looked at
him.
"Dear God! How you must have suffered, Master
Jerome ! " she whispered. " But what can be done i I am
very glad to see you for the last time."
Feeling his tears upon her hand, she gently withdrew it
and placed it tenderly upon his bowed head.
" Do not weep, Jerome ! Vok's grief and yours wUl
make my death more painful and deprive me of the great
happiness God hath vouchsafed me of gathering about me
all those I love." .
She was too exhausted to say more, and closed her eyes.
Vok and Jerome gave a cry of alarm. On hearing it Rugena,
with an effort of her will, struggled with her weakness and
looked at them.
" It is nothing ! A slight langour which hath passed,"
she whispered, as though excusing herself. " Come closer
to me, Anna, Svietomir, Broda, I want to bid you farewell.''
PART m] THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA 271
Supported by Vok and Jerome she embraced them, and
thanked Broda for his unfailing and generous devotion
to her.
Then she kissed Jerome on the forehead, and her long
farewell glance rested lovingly upon him. Vok, pressed her
convulsively to his breast, and unable longer to restrain
himself showered kisses upon her face and bathed it with
his bitter tears. Eugena's courage . finally deserted her,
and with a deep sob she sank as though dead into her
husband's arms.
The Count trembled, and in terror listened for her
breathing. But suddenly Rugena drew herself together
and stood up. Her wide-open eyes gazed into the distance,
bright with joy and rapture. Vok involuntarily turned his
head in the direction of her gaze and grew petrified with
amazement.
At the end of the room in a broad halo of dazzling blue
light stood . . . John Hus. He was clothed in the same
manner as on the day of his death, but his garments instead
of being black were of a snowy whiteness with gleaming
folds. His face of miraculous beauty had grown younger
and was full of peace, and his deep, radiant eyes gazed with
infinite tenderness upon Rugena,
The apparition, which was real, though light as haze, drew •
near the dying girl, beckoning to her with its hands and
with its smile.
" Father John ! Art thou come for me ? ... I am
ready ! " . . . whispered Rugena, stretching out her arms
towards him.
But at that moment the figure disappeared, and Rugena
fell heavily to the ground. . . .
For a few seconds death-like silence reigned in the room.
They all had seen and recognised their friend, who had given
them such striking proof that earthly attachments are
preserved in that " world to come."
272 THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA [part hi
But although he had been so sacred and dear to them,
the present appearance of their mysterious visitor caused
something like a panic among them.
Jerome was the first to recover his self-control. He
crossed himself and looked irresolutely about him. Anna
was upon her knees, seemingly unconscious of everything
around her. Her eyes were burning with a strange, fanatical
excitement. Vok had sunk into the armchair and was
lying senseless. Fear was unknown to him when the living
were in question, but the vision had unstrung his nerves.
Jerome was about to go to his assistance when Broda and
Svietomir, who had recovered from their stupor of amaze-
ment, raised him up. Then his eyes fell upon Rugena.
Convinced that she was dead, he lifted her body, still warm,
into his arms, and pressing her to his breast carried her
reverently to the bed, closed her eyes, and laid a coverlet
over her feet.
Bending above the body, his eyes filled with tears,
Jerome gazed for long upon the beautiful face which wore
an expression of surpassing joy. Then he fell upon hia
knees and sank into fervent prayer.
Vok was not long insensible. For the fia;st moment
shame at having given way to such womanly weakness
overcame all other feelings in him. But soon realising his
loss his frightful nervous tension was broken by a burst of
convulsive sobs.
Jerome appeared outwardly composed. Having ex-
changed a few words with Broda and Svietomir about the
extraordinary apparition, he began to wish to return to his
prison, feeling the necessity for being alone.
" My good keeper will be happy to see me again, and I
wish to think and pray in solitude," he said, in a tired voice.
Forbidding Broda or Svietomir to accompany him, as
he was able to find the way himself, he asked them only to
provide him with a sword.
PAET III] THE TOECH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA 273
He took leave once more of the dead ; embraced his
friends, and thanked them for the priceless service they had
rendered him ; and pressed the hand of Anna, who stood
apart, pale, with vacant eyes, as though just aroused from
sleep. Then, folding his cloak about him, Jerome went out,
followed by Broda, who accompanied him to the door of
the house.
A week later a mourning procession left Constance. On a
carriage drawn by two horses was placed the massive oak
coffin, containing Rugena's body, which had been carefully
embalmed by the doctor, Bonelli. Behind it, on horseback,
rode Anna, Vok, Broda, and Svietomir, though the latter
was obliged to return to the town after accompanying them
as far as the first halting-place.
On account of difficulties of the road, the procession was
obliged to proceed at a walking-pace, so that the journey
was very slowly accomplished. The state of irksome in-
activity to which Vok was condemned, and the constant
sight of the coffin, lacerated the wounds in his heart, and
acted exasperatingly on his nervous, restless nature.
Worn out by suffering, he kept silence for whole days
together. Broda, who watched him, feared that if that
state of things continued he would fall ill upon the road.
Once, when they had stopped for the night at a hostel,
he tried to persuade the Count to hasten forward to Prague,
where he would probably find important political events in
course of progress.
" There your brains and sword may be necessary, Lord
Vok ; while here you can be of no assistance."
" That may be true, Broda. But how can I leave my
beloved, before consigning her to the grave ? " the Count
said sadly.
" The Lady Rugena was an angel, or the holy martyr
would not have descended from Heaven to fetch her ; and
T
274 THE TOECH-BEAEERS OF BOHEMIA [part hi
angels attach no value to earthly usages," said Broda, in a
convincing tone. " She sees your heart, and how it sorrows
for her. Confide her body's safe-keeping to my tried
fidelity,"
The Count's further objections were also overcome, and
it was decided that on the following day Vok, with several
others, should ride forward, taking Anna with him if she
preferred it, and leaving Broda and the rest of the convoy
in charge of the body. But Anna refused to go with the
Count, preferring to remain near her friend.
" I will stay with Eugena ! There is nothing that bids
me hasten to Prague, now that it is empty of all I have loved ;
and I should but hinder you. Count," she said.
IX
VoK arrived in- Prague after a hurried journey, having
scarcely allowed his men and horses time for rest. The
mad rush, though it exhausted him, diverted his thoughts
from the sufierings he had undergone, and restored him
some measure of spiritual equilibrium. In the endeavour
to deaden the ceaseless pain of his bleeding wounds, he
plunged head foremost into the seething vortex of political
activities in which his contemporaries were at that time
engulfed.
He had arrived in the fatherland in the nick of time.
Never had the minds of men been more disturbed, and the
first mutterings of the national storm which was destined
to break out four years later were already beginning to be
heard.
The young^ Count, like his father, became a member of
the Union of" Bohemian and Moravian nobles which had
been formed in September for the defense of the purely
Hussite doctrines. The first act of this Union had been the
dispatch of a messenger to Constance with a spirited protest
against the execution of Hus, the imprisonment of Jerome,
and the unjust calumnies of which their fatherland had been
the subject. And further, under the direction of three
chosen leaders, Tchenek of Wartenberg, Latzek of Kravarzh,
and Bozhek of Podibrag, the Union of Bohemian-Moravian
nobility declared that it would give full freedom in its
domains for the propagation of the word of God ; confer
upon the theological faculty of Prague the right to decide
religious questions upon the basis of the Gospel; and
finally, that it would submit to the decrees of none- but the
276 THE TORCH-BEAEBRS OF BOHEMIA [part hi
national Bishops, setting at nouglit all excommunicationa
and proMbitions of the foreign priesthood.
This was a clear declaration of war against the Eoman
Church, and laid the first foundations of the National
Church. The patriotic movement declared itself. The
upholders of Hus and the chalice became a stronger and
more dangerous party, for this time the peasants sided with
the nobility against the King and Catholicism, the narrow
intolerance and cruelty of which continued stiU further to
inflame the minds of the people.
And in Constance in the mean time was being presented
the final act of that sinister tragedy played by Catholicism
before the eyes of the whole world, and entitled the trial
of Hus and of Jerome of Prague.
The most far-seeing and diplomatic of the Cardinals, those
of Florence and Cambray, together with Cardinal Ursino,
were for the liberation of Jerome. In their opinion, if he
could be got to submit to the Council, both justice and
caution dictated that an end should be put to the persecu-
tions which were only driving the whole of Bohemia into
rebellion. Paleck and Michael de Causis, full of spite and
thirst for vengeance, were against this wise proposal.
They summoned monks from Prague, new and lying wit-
nesses against Jerome, and dared to invoke in their support
the voice of a fanatic as narrow and fierce as Doctor Naso,
who did not hesitate in face of the whole Council to accuse
the Cardinals who advocated the acquittal of Jerome of
having been bought by* the King of Bohemia and his
subjects — ^heretics like himself.
The offended Cardinals immediately announced their
resignation from the investigating committee, and the
Council appointed new judges for Jerome, among whom were
two pronounced enemies of Hus and Jerome — John Rokka
and the Patriarch of Constantinople.
PART m] THE TORCH-BEAREES OF BOHEMIA 277
On tlie day after tMs sitting, which showed clearly what
fate was in store for the prisoner, Svietomir had an interview
with him, and, full of indignation, told him what had
occurred.
Jerome listened calmly, almost smiling.
" Know that the worthy Naso hath rendered me a
service," he' said, cheerfully. " He hath given me the
possibility to withdraw my recantation and to proclaim
aloud my unalterable convictions."
To Svietomir's arguments he answered firmly :
" I wish for death, which alone will redeem my weakness
and free me from the shame which my denial of the
truth and of my holy friend and teacher, John, hath
covered me."
On the strength of this resolution, Jerome refused to
answer his new judges, and dejnanded a public hearing.
His demand was granted, and on the 23rd of May, 1416,
exactly a year after his arrest, he appeared before the
Council.
This controversy, which continued throughout two
sittings — ^those of May 23rd and 26th — resulted in an un-
doubted victory for Jerome.
To the one hundred and seven accusations brought
against him he answered with a presence of mind and a
sustained power of reasoning that demolished the false and
treacherous snares of his enemies, and laid bare the real
cause of the hatred with which they pursued him.
His hearers were confounded and powerless to under-
stand how, after a whole year's sufiering and deprivation
in a dark hole, he was still able to speak and defend himself,
with as much ready wit and freedom of expression as if he
had devoted his whole time to the study of his case and
stood now in the pulpit instead of in the dock.
Never, perhaps, had Jerome proved himself a more
brilliant orator than on that famous occasion. Armed with
278 THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA [part in
his scientific erudition, his enthralling eloquence, the com-
pelling force of his genius, and his dazzling personality, he
defended his case, knowing well that it was lost and that
his life was forfeit.
His hearers, though inimical to him, were fascinated,
conquered, and nearly ready to acquit him. But Jerome,
it appeared, was by no means desirous of such a victory, for
he passed from his defence of himself to the extolment of
Hus, who, like the prophet Elijah, had ascended in a fiery
chariot before the awful tribunal of God to appeal against
his persecutors and his unjust judges.
His words provoked an uproar in the Council. Some
shouted and reviled him, while those who were well-wishers
tried in vain to check him.
But Jerome was not dismayed.
" Do you think that I fear death ? " he said, disdain-
fully ; " even a death as terrible as that prepared for me
by mine enemies and those false witnesses who will answer
to God for their perjury ? Have you not treated me with
barbarity unpardonable in Christians ? Have I not rotted
alive in prison a whole year ? I have not complained, deeming
complaint beneath my dignity. But I have no desire to
buy my life with lies, and here I declare that of all the sins
I have committed, the greatest and most unpardonable was
my base recantation, my shameful weakness in denying the
teaching of that saint, my former friend and teacher. You
condemned Hus and WyclifEe, not for having undermined
the teaching of the Gospel, as you pretended ; but exposing
the presumption, the venality, and the viciousness of the
priesthood. These accusations were not disproved, and I
too maintain them as did they."
It is impossible to describe the scene that followed. A
witness of the event, Poggio, an Italian, writes in his
memoirs : " Jerome stood, calm and pale amid the hurri-
cane, proud and unwavering. It was clear he cared not for
PAET m] THE TOECH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA 279
death, and even welcomed it. Tkough repeatedly inter-
rupted by the attacks hurled upon him from all sides, he
answered each, causing some to blush, and others to hold
their peace ! "
Followed by -cries of "he hath condemned himself,"
Jerome was led back to his prison and cast into chains.
Five days later, on the 30th of May, after another vain
attempt to force him to a recantation, he was condemned
to death at the stake.
Three years had passed since the death of Jerome.
The night of the 28th of July descended upon Prague.
The town was silent ; everything seemed asleep. The
streets were empty, and not a light was to be seen in any
window.
Yet the sleeping tpwn did not produce an impression
of peace and repose. The City Guard passed more fre-
quently than usual, and scarcely had they departed when
shadows glided from dark corners, crept along by walls, and
disappeared into houses where they were evidently awaited,
for doors were opened at given signals and closed immediately
behind them.
The same movement was to be observed in the neigh-
bourhood of the Waldsteins' house. That huge buildingj
too, seemed wrapped in slumber, yet people hidden in cloaks
were to be seen, creeping stealthily down the narrow dark
alley which ran along one side of it, and disappearing into
the house, after knocking three times at the little door in
the wall.
It was the same door through which TuUia had entered
to warn the family of the Cardinal's contemplated attempt
upon Rugena. And it was Broda, too, who now opened the
door to admit and direct those who arrived. But instead
of ascending the staircase to the apartments of the family,
these nocturnal visitors traversed a long corridor, and
descended into the cellar by the stone flight at the end of it.
By the light of three candles which stood upon a table
in the centre it could be seen that several people were
assembled in the low-vaulted chamber, around the walls of
which barrels and vats were ranged. The guests were
PART m] THE TOECH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA 281
sitting on wooden benches at a long oak table wMch
ordinarily served the butler for the pouring of wine into
bottles or jugs. Broda, after carefully bolting the massive
door above, entered last, and sat down at the end of the
table.
Count Ginek was sitting in the middle of the table,
while on both sides of him were Nicholas Hus, John Zizka,
Milota Nakhodsky, the priest John Zelivo, three other
gentlemen, and a townsman, with a clever, swarthy face.
Vok was standing opposite his father, speaking with
great warmth.
The young Count had grown much thinner. His big
black eyes had lost their expression of gaiety and daring,
and his mouth its scornful smile. He looked courageous,
as before, but gloomy, and even stern.
" The news I bring you augurs nothing good, and seems
t» me to call for immediate action. The King is so incensed
against us that we may expect none but the harshest
measures from him," he said, with a note of derision in his
voice. " You know that we are beset with spies who pene-
trate into our meetings, observe our actions, and give
detailed, though not always accurate, accounts to the King
of all that passes. Venceslas of late hath been so timid,
so excited and suspicious, that it was painful to be near
him. Hfs wrath hath been aroused by one who informed
him that we purpose to deprive him of his throne and to
set upon- it Lord Nicholas, or thee, Zizka. For thou too,
it would appear, art thirsting to adorn thyself with Bohemia's
crown."
A sly smile appeared upon the clever, expressive face of
Nicholas Hus.
" Terror and an unclean conscience — 'tis they originate
such scares ! " he said.
Growing more heated, he continued :
" Woe to the land that hath a foreign ruler ! In the
282 THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA [part hi
depths of Ms heart he will always incline to the race which
gave him birth and bear a half-conscious inimical dislike to
the people whose crown he bears. Venceslas — a German of
Luxemberg — ^is a clear proof of my words. Though he is
not in reality an evil man and can at times be just, yet he
is a stranger to the Bohemian people, to their glory, and
to their interests. He is ever entangled with Sigismund,
and his Teuton blood doth draw him to the Germans who
infest our fatherland like locusts. He knows that the
Catholic priests are servants of the Romish Antichrist, and
the most hopeful support of the German robbers whom
they brought hither, and who would harness us like oxen
or slaves to their triumphal chariot. And what then ?
Venceslas- doth still protect those scurvy priests, and deny
his favour to such men as Nicholas."
Zizka's solitary eyes shone wrathfuUy as he clenched
his fists. John of Zelivo grew livid.
" Down with the German yoke and the traitor Venceslas,
who knows his guilt towards us, and therefore fears us !
He hath summoned Sigismund with his horde of barbarians
to help destroy us," he cried in a voice hoarse with indig-
nation.
" Calm yourself ! What you say is very true. Venceslas
hath no fatherly feelings towards us, and cannot have them-
He is against us as he was against the Poles, with the
Lithuanians and the Teuton Order, and will always sacrifice
a hundred Bohemians to one German. Yet we must not
act against him, for Sigismund is a thousand times worse,
and the people are attached to the old King for the crumbs
of justice he hath thrown them, and the affection he doth
outwardly profess," said Nicholas Hus, calmly. " He must
not be deprived of the throne ; but we must force him to
change his policy, and remove the Catholics from his Council
and replace them by men devoted to our sacred cause. And
we can accomplish niuch, for the whole peasant kingdom
PAET ni] THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA 283
is behind us ! But in order to hinder the King's intentions
we must know them ; therefore continue your work, Sir
Count, and let us know all you may learn."
" They are watchful of me in Kunratitz, and the King
in his present mood doth trust nobody, even our gracious
Queen ; therefore 'tis not easy to gain much information,"
Vok began. " But I have learnt from trusty sources that
Venceslas recently received a letter from his brother, and
communed long with his Councillor Jan Lazan ; after which
he decided to reform the Town Councils of the Old and
Small Towns in the same manner as that of the New Town.
That is to say, by replacing our people by those ' maho-
metans' "
" I can give some explanations of that which the Count
hath told us," remarked the townsman, who up to that time
had been silent. " One of my friends is writer to Lazan,
and he told me that the reform of the Town Council was
in truth being prepared, and that most stern measures
would be adopted against us. Yesterday the pupils were
driven from a Hussite school that is given over to the
Catholics. We are to be forbidden public processions —
and even religious gatherings ; and the Germans . . . ."
" What ? Forbidden processions ? Let them but try
it, and they will bitterly repent it ! I have arranged a
procession for next Sunday and it shall take place, I swear
to you ! " cried John of Zelivo, unable to restrain his
wrath.
" Gently, gently, Father John ! Be assured that your
procession shall take place ; but let Peter Kuss tell us
what he knoweth of the Germans," Count Ginek said
impatiently.
" I know that Leinhardt hath called upon his friends to
provoke a collision on Sunday," said Kuss, a rich butcher,
devoted to the Hussite cause. " The German townsmen
have already held a meeting, and the butchers and pastry-
284 THE TORCH-BEAEERS OF BOHEMIA [paet in
cooks have agreed to cause disorders, and that old dog Kuntz
hath formed relations with Judge Niklashek, who like a
true Catholic, will hear of nothing beyond his Rome, and
doth encourage the Bohemian traitors in the Council to
denounce us. Sunday will be a stormy day, and I wanted
to acquaint you of it."
" Thank you for your valuable information," said Zizka.
" We will prepare, and the conspirators shall not take us
unawares ! I propose, my brothers, that all of ours shall
be armed, and ready for self-defence. And to show that
our enemies are'not so terrible, we will go to the Town Hall
and request the Councillors to free those unhappy men they
arrested a few days since, pretending that they had pro-
voked disorders."
" Yes, yes ! A good thought, John ! " said Vok. " My
poor old Matthias is among the prisoners, and I would
gladly free my dead wife's faithful servant, who was only
taken for protecting one of ours from a gang of minions of
the Cathedral."
" We will free him ! And now, my friends, let us decide
upon the necessary measures. We have much work before
us, and only to-morrow remains," said Zizka, who thirsted
for action.
They all turned to him and the discussion was continued
in lowered tones.
When the leaders of the Hussite movement separated
an hour later they had worked out a detailed plan of action.
Sunday, the 30th of July, dawned bright and warm.
Long before the hour of mass worshippers were hurrying
towards the Church of Mary the Snow-white Virgin, which
was reserved for the utraquists by order of the King. An
observer might have been surprised at the small number of
women in the crowd, and at the gloomy, preoccupied faces
of the townsmen and shopkeepers. They all were armed ;
PART ni] THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA 285
some with swords and daggers, some with javelins and
pikes, and others simply with sticks.
The church was soon packed to overflowing, and the
crowd kept increasing till it filled the porch, the street, and
even the adjacent lane.
At the end of the service John of Zelivo mounted the
pulpit and began his customary vehement address.
To-day he was more than usually excited. His thunder-
like voice reached the street through the wide-open doors,
and every word penetrated to the hearts of his Usteners.
He spoke of the misery of the times in which they lived,
and of the persecutions to which true servants of Christ
were submitted.
It is difficult to describe the impression produced by his
passionate words upon the excited and fanatical crowd
which filled the church. He was gifted with the power of
moving masses by his thrilling and enlightened eloquence,
and inspiring them to action.
So far ever)^hing was outwardly tranquil, though faces
were heated and impetuous hands clutched their weapons ;
but lips were singing hymns, and the procession moved ofi
headed by John, who walked before it in his vestments,
holding the chalice in his hands.
The human river flowed slowly through the streets of
the New Town,' but, on reaching the Church of St. Stephen,
suddenly halted. The church gates were closed by order
of the priests, who desired thus to demonstrate their dis-
pleasure with the Hussites.
The moment for such a challenge was badly chosen. At
first a Jow murmur was heard among the people, a mmmur
which gradually rose to a roar. The crowd pressed forward,
and in a moment the heavy gates were broken in.
Had the prior fallen into their hands he would certainly
have been killed ; but, fortunately for him, he had hidden him-
self, and the crowd, pleased with its first success, passed on.
286 THE TORCH-BEARERS 01 BOHEMIA [part hi
Vencelstein Castle, the new royal residence, had been
recently built near the village of Kunratitz by Venceslas.
The King was sitting by a window with several courtiers
about him, listening to the reading of a book of hunting
stories. But he paid small attention to the reading. His
eyes roved here and there with an absent and dissatisfied
expression. At one moment he opened them wide and gazed
before him vacantly, at another he screwed them together,
contracting his bushy eyebrows in a peculiar manner. His
fingers played nervously with the handle of the stiletto
which hung from his waistbelt.
Venceslas was by now nearing sixty.
His face had grown flabby, and his complexion was of
a purplish tinge. His lower lip hung down and his eyes,
with their yellowish whites, were inflamed and dim as
though with age. They grew bloodshot at the least excite-
ment. An expression of vindictive mockery was seen in
every feature of his face.
The King's character had changed not less than his
appearance. His good-humour, which at times had been
mixed with a certain merry slyness, his love of truth, his
joviality, his looseness of speech, and his liking for ribald
anecdotes, had changed into a morose suspiciousness which,
thanks to his excitable temper, frequently led to fits of
ungovernable fury.
Nobody was free from his suspicion ; not even his pious
and gentle wife, whom he rudely accused of heresy and of
acting hand in hand with his enemies. Queen Sophia
endured her husband's outbursts uncomplainingly. She
sufiered in silence, and in prayer alone sought strength to
bear her bitter fate. This very morning a painful scene had
taken place, the more painful for having been witnessed
by several courtiers.
Sophia retired, deeply mortified, to her apartments, and
restraining her tears endeavoured to divert her thoughts
PART III] THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA 287
by working upon an embroidered altar-cloth for the chapel
of the castle.
A young fraiilein, the niece of Lord Wartenberg, was
with her ; but seeing that the Queen was disturbed she
dared not break the silence, and looked instead from the
window at what was taking place below in the courtyard.
" Your Majesty ! " she suddenly exclainfed, " Count
Waldstein hath arrived. Methinks he came in great haste,
for he is grey with dust, and his horse covered with foam."
The Queen raised her head, and glanced at the young
girl. A sad smile played upon her lips.
" Oh, Gracious Lord ! Hath something occurred in
Prague 1 " she murmured. " The King will be distraught
again. He is already indisposed, and the doctor hath for-
bidden all excitement to him."
After a moment's thought Sophia rose, and lifting the
train of her long velvet dress, hurried to the King's apart-
ments. Mary followed her like a shadow.
Without entering the room in which the King was
sitting she stood listening behind the lowered hangings of
the door. The reading had been interrupted by the entrance
of a page, who reported that Count Waldstein was below
and begged immediate admission to the sovereign.
" Let him enter," Venceslas commanded. " Though he
is no longer the old Vok, yet he may bring us some diversion,
and may dispel this mortal tedium."
Shortly afterwards young Waldstein entered; but at
sight of his dusty clothing and gloomy, abstracted face the
King frowned.
" Thou hast a dismal face, my friend. And methinks
thou wilt anger instead of enlivening me. Yet let me
quickly hear thy woeful news . By thine aspect I judge that
thou hast ihade great haste to bring it to me."
" Sire, thou speakest truly. My news is very sad."
" Ha, ha, ha ! '.'-laughed the King, mirthlessly. " Have
288 THE TORCH-BEAEBRS OF BOHEMIA [part hi
the people of Prague made Nicholas Hus King in my
place ? "
His sunken eyes gleamed angrily.
" Your Majesty doth deign to jest ! Such an idea could
sprout but in the brain of a too zealous informer. In
any case not I would bring such news to you," said Vok,
slightly frowning.
" Excellent ! I am beset with proofs of the loyalty of
all about me. But inasmuch as I am still King I order
thee tell me in what manner my loyal subjects of Prague
have acted, to express their devotion," Venceslas growled
angrily.
Respectfully, but without admitting or softening any
details, Vok described the terrible happenings of the 30th
of July, and as he proceeded the King's face became more
and more purple. The courtiers ■^ho were present grew
petrified with terror and amazement.
" Ah, scoundrels ! Traitors ! " he roared savagely,
clenching his fists. " They dared to disobey me and slay
the Councillors by me appointed ? Well, this time the
accursed rebels shall pay dear for their audacity. I will
teach them to defy my orders ! I know the vile instigators
of these riots and murders : Yakubek, John of Jesenice,
Nicholas Hus, John of Zelivo, and the other scurvy dogs !
My patience is at an end at last. I will exterminate the
brood of heretics. I will have them hanged, broken on the
wheel, impaled. . . ."
His voice was choked, and he could not proceed.
Vok flushed at the King's last words, and the wrath of
Venceslas was suddenly turned upon him.
" Thou too art of that gang, and thy father ! You both
were given body and soul to that profligate blasphemer
Hus, thanks to whom all these miseries have fallen on
Bohemia. You always sacrificed my peace and interests
to him and to Jerome, that vicious babbler ! "
PAET m] THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA 289
Vok drew himself up and looked darkly at the King.
" Sire ! I am a Bohemian, and ready to defend the sacred
memory of my country's most illustrious sons with my
bloed. 'Tis not the pure and exalted teaching of Hus, not
the devotion of his followers to the Gospel truths, that have
caused the misery and degradation of Bohemia ! Foreigners,
and a dissolute priesthood who were checked in their vices,
now seek to revenge themselves by sowing strife in the
country and inciting brother against brother. These are
the real malefactors. But all that has happened could have
been foreseen. And you. Your Majesty, yourself have lit
the torch of rebellion, by forcing rulers upon the people who
were inimical to their faith and who now have given rise to
the storm of universal indignation. . . ."
He had not time to finish, for Venceslas, who had been
listening to him in petrified amazement, suddenly flung
himself upon him with a yell.
" Traitor ! Rebel ! Dost thou still dare insult me to
my face ? " he hissed, half stifled with fury.
He seized Vok, by whom the attack was totally un-
expected, by the throat and flung him to the ground.
Exclamations of horror rose from the bewildered courtiers,
and the pale Queen sprang out from her place of hiding,
with a shriek.
" Separate them ! " she cried.
The courtiers bent over the King, wjio at that moment
was feeling for his stiletto to plunge into the half-sufiocated
and unconscious Vok.
The King wrenched himself from their restraining hands
with a savage bellow. But suddenly his face grew livid,
and twitched convulsively ; and in a fit of apoplexy he
rolled over and lay like a corpse.
He was carefully upraised and borne away, and while
the doctors, summoned to his bedside, busied themselves
around him, the Queen went into the room to which the~
u
290 THE TORCH-BEAREES 0F BOHEMIA [part ni
young Count had been carried, and where he had regained
his senses.
Vok was standing near the window, deadly pale, and
evidently preparing to depart, as he had put on his cloak
and hat, and was drawing on his gloves. He had waved
aside the glass of wine which one of the courtiers was
ofiering him.
On seeing the Queen Vok bared his head and bowed
respectfully.
" Leave us," the Queen ordered the courtier.
As soon as they were alone she approached the Count,
and stretching out her hand to him said :
" You are departing, Count ? Have you recovered
sufficiently to mount your horse ? "
Vok bent one knee and kissed her hand.
" I thank you. Your Majesty, for your gracious solici-
tude. But I am quite recovered, and would beg your
permission to return to Prague."
" However I may regret your departure, I would not
detain you. I wish but to tell you that I am deeply
grieved at what .hath happened. But the King lost all
seK-control. He hath been ill of late, and therefore fretful.
To-day's excitement may cost him his life."
She stopped and wiped away a tear.
Sophia of Bavaria was beloved by the Bohemians. Her
constant intercession on their behalf, her attachment to
Hus and to the national cause had won her such popularity
that Vok's anger half melted at sight of her tears.
" Godforbid that Your Majesty's forbodingsbe justified ! "
he said hastily, to soothe her. "The King, I hope, will
recover, and I shall never forget that he signed the momen-
tous decree of the 18th of January, 1409. Therefore I
nourish no resentment against him for the insult he inflicted
upon me. But as a loyal subject of Your Majesty I con-
sider it my duty to warn you that events in Prague demand
PART in] THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA 291
the greatest circumspection from the King, if His Majesty
desires not to raise a tempest."
" Alas, I fear me he may take stern measm;es, and I
myself am powerless now. For thanks to his morbid
suspiciousness he trusts not even me."
" Confer with His Majesty's counsellors. Perhaps His
Majesty may follow their advice."
" I will endeavour to do so ! But tell me, Count, how
did the disorder end ? The King's mad outburst cut short
your story."
" It is not mere disorder. Your Majesty. It is more like
an insurrection ! The power granted to the Catholics and
their provoking actions, which stopped not even before the
desecration of the blood of Christ, have roused the people.
And they are resolved henceforth to defend their faith and
liberties with weapons in their hands. As I quitted the
city the Town Hall was occupied by a detachment of the
insurgents. Four leaders were elected, and they had formed
a provisional government, while all citizens, under penalty of
death or banishment, were called to arms. You understand
that the leaders of the movement would not dare to adopt
such measures had they not found support in other towns,
as well as among the peasantry of all the realm."
The Queen turned pale.
" I understand the danger, and will follow your counsel !
Farewell, Count, and forget not that whatever happens you
will find in me a friend."
The afflicted Queen went with drooping head to the
apartments of her husband, while Vok mounted his horse
and set out for Prague.
His head was bowed, and therefore he did not see the
pale, agitated little face of the young fraiilein at the window
of the Queen's room. Her sad eyes followed him, filled with
tears.
Thanks to timely aid Venceslaa recovered consciousness,
292 THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA [part in
and, apart from a slight paralysis of his left side, seemed
restored.
But his state of mind was terrible. He trusted no one
who approached him, and saw in every one a traitor or a
rebel. He was the prey alternately of fits of mournful
anguish and despair and outbursts of wrath and fear.
The Queen relied on Sigismund alone, and sent a mes-
senger begging for his assistance, forgetting that the King
had no more bitter enemy than his brother.
By this time the counsellors of the King, at the Queen's
solicitations, had entered into negotiations with the people
of Prague, who had agreed to make submission and sue for
pardon on condition that they should be allowed to install
Town Councillors chosen by the people. This request was
granted, and the King confirmed the new appointments.
The new Burgomaster proved to be Peter Kuss, the butcher,
and his election was obnoxious to the King, who did not
like him.
On the morning of Thursday, 17th of August, Anna of
Trocnov was sitting by herself, sewing some childish gar-
ments, and murmuring the words of the penitential psalm.
She was disturbed suddenly by a heavy knock upon the door
which caused it to open, and she turned in displeasure.
Seeing, however, that the new-comer was her friend, who,
pale and agitated, hastened towards her, she asked anxiously:
" Hath anything occurred ? "
" Yes, something most serious. The King is dead,"
answered Marga, sinking into an armchair.
Anna piously crossed herself.
" May God have mercy upon him, and rest his soul, and
pardon him his many sins ! When did he die, and who
told thee of it 1 "
" Count Vok. He is below with Milota, describing the
King's death in full detail. Thou knowest that a few days
since the Queen did summon him to Kunratitz for that the
PART in] THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA 293
King had suddenly restored him again to his favour and
demanded insistently that he should be brought. When
the Count reached the castle he learnt that the King's
health had grown worse and worse since he was forced to
confirm the appointment of Kuss, the butcher, which threw
him into a fit of fury. He suffered from constant vomiting,
and a pain in his left arm. But nevertheless on the morning
of the 15th he felt better, so that the Queen ordered that
communion should be administered to him. Count Vok
arrived just before the ceremony, and the King said a few
gracious words to him. Then he piously confessed, but
could not take communion, for the vomiting came on again ;
and yesterday morning he had a second stroke. The Count
was with him to the end, and is still disturbed by the
remembrance of the horrors of the King's last moments.
He shrieked so wildly that the sound was heard several
rooms off ; and his last breath was a cry of anguishT Count
Vok went immediately to inform his father, and then came
on to tell us. But it seemed the sad tidings had already
spread through the town, for the Count saw many people
in the street, and a crowd hath gathered in the square.
Come and see."
When they entered the room from which they had
watched the Councillors being flung from the Town Hall
a fortnight before, they found Vok and Milota standing at
the open window.
" The day will not pass without disturbances," the Count
was saying at that moment.
And certainly the aspect of the great square was far
from reassuring. Armed citizens were running towards it
from all directions, and the remainder of the people, among
whom were many women and children, had gathered in
groups and were talking excitedly and waving their
arms. The crowd was greatly excited : many of its
members shook their fists threateningly in the air, while
294 THE TORCH-BEAREES OF BOHEMIA [part hi
the sound of a thousand voices was mingled in one
terrible roar.
Various ragamuffins not seen at ordinary times had
appeared like birds of ill-omen among the people, and were
making speeches. The name of Venceslas, and terrible
threats against the Catholic priesthood, reached the ears
of the listeners at the window of Milota's house.
" I must go and see what is happening there, and talk
with John and the Burgomaster," said Waldstein, taking
up his hat. " Wilt thou come too, Milota ? "
" If you are going to John, then take me with you. For
I must see my aunt, who is ailing."
" Of what art thou thinking, Anna ? How canst thou
run about the town in these unrestful times ? Thine aunt
will not die if thou delay thy visit to her."
" Who can answer for to-morrow's being more tranquil ?
And I cannot leave my aunt alone to-day, for she is terribly
afraid when there are disorders in the town. And I fear
nothing, especially under such protection. The streets are
full of women, as you see, and I am well known among our
people, so that they will not touch me. As for the Catholics,"
and there was a note of scorn in her voice, " they will have
no time to-day for me."
Paying no attention to Marga's persuasions and en-
treaties, Anna ran for her cloak, and left the house with
Vok and Milota, who had only laughed and shrugged their
shoulders at her request. For it was well known that Anna
was no less obstinate than her brother John.
In the mean time the crowd had gathered once more in
front of the Town Hall.
As they pushed their way through the people Anna and
her companions heard many ugly stories as to the King's
death, and many expressions of hatred towards the papists.
In one of the neighbouring streets their way was hindered
by a crowd of people assembled in front of a church belonging
PART III] THE TORCH-BEAREES OF BOHEMIA 295
to the CathoKc priesthood. There was a deafening noise
both outside and within the building. Cries and shrieks
were heard, swearing and laughter, blows of hatchets, and
the sound of doors being broken in.
" What is going on here ? " Vok inquired of one of the
citizens.
" 'Tis a vengeance upon the ' mahometans ' for their
insults. They cast forth all the church utensils which had
formerly been used by ours, pretending that they were
defiled ; so now we break and destroy everything of theirs.
Happily the King — the chief support of the Germans and
their scurvy priests — hath rendered his soul up to the devil,
so we have nought to fear," the man said gloomily.
At that moment a holy statue crashed into the porch,
and fragments of the organ^ which had been destroyed, were
flung out through a broken window.
Vok and his companions went on their way with drooping
heads. But the same pictures of destruction met them
wherever churches or monasteries were situated.
The great mass of the people hurled themselves furiously
upon the church buildings of the hated Catholics, destroying
the altars and church vessels with a ferocity hitherto
unknown in the population of Prague.
Their terrible wrath had broken loose at last, and like
a hurricane was devastating everything within its path.
At one place the crowd was so dense that Anna was torn
apart from her companions and carried away in the opposite
direction. But she was not in the least dismayed. Ever
since the meeting on Mount Tabor, Zizka's sister had been
known and beloved by the Hussites, and notwithstanding
the crush the people now made way wherever possible for
the tall figure in its perpetual mourning. The Catholics on
that day had hidden themselves in terror, and dared attack
nobody openly.
Making her way thus, step by step, towards her brother's
296 THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA [part in
house, Anna passed near the Church of St. Stephen, the prior
of which was particularly unpopular with the Prague popu-
lation on account of his incredible intolerance.
The sacking of the church was evidently at an end, for
the people, with joyful shouts, were pouring out of it, and by
their audacious whistling and hooting encouraging those
who were dragging priestly vestments behind them, and
tearing the costly embroidered brocades into ribbons.
A townsman noticed Anna standing near the porch.
" See how we revenge ourselves upon the ' mahometans '
for trampling upon the truths of the Gospel, and how we
avenge the holy martyr of Constance," he cried. " Dost
thou think he sees and approves us from Heaven ? "
Anna shook her head.
"I think that his angelic soul was incapable of vengeance.
He preached nothing but love and forgiveness, and certainly
would not approve indecorum in any sacred place. If you
would in truth establish the kingdom of justice and virtue,
should you not rather seek out the nests of corruption
amongst us which befoul our town ? 'Tis they should be
destroyed ! "
Those who stood by were silent ; but the townsman who
before had spoken cried out :
" Why, as to John Hus blaming us — ^all that is but the
foolish chatter of a woman who can have no notions on
matters of importance. 'Tis said in the Bible, ' An eye for
an eye and a tooth for a tooth.,' so that we are but acting
according to the Holy Book. And as to the places of
corruption, where the scurvy priests drink and indulge them-
selves to the scandal of all good Christians, thou hast spoken
truly, and we will soon attend to them. Heh, my brothers !
Now for these hellish dens ! We will soon pluck these birds
of paradise ! "
The crowd gave an approving roar in answer, and rushed
off on-its new errand.
PART III] THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA 297
Anna huddled close against the- gates of a n^hbouiing
house in order to avoid being crushed ; and, when the street
was empty, hastened to her brother's Jiouse, which she
reached without further obstacle.
Disorder still reigned in the streets, and to the sacking
of churches was added the destruction of houses of pkasure,
upon which the mob hurled itself with such fury that they
were all laid waste to their very foundations in the New
Town as well as in the Old.
When night fell, the storm for the most part died away,
but passions once let loose were not so easily to be appeased.
Somebody mentioned the Carthusian monastery in
Smikhov as a nest of hostile Germans which must necessarily
be stamped out — ^and the words fell upon fruitful soil.
It was nearly ten o'clock at night when a huge crowd
besieged the abbey. The gates were thrown down in a
moment, and the invaders rushed into the building.
The brothers hid in the refectory, where they were
discovered by the crowd, derided for their want of courage,
and terrified by hoots and threats. But notwithstanding
the excitement of the crowd there were no killed or wounded,
and the Hussites confined themselves to the destruction of
books, food, stores, church vessels, and furniture, and to
breaking into the cellars, where they smashed the barrels and
poured the precious liquors on to the earth.
This restraint was due in part to Broda, who, though he
took an active part in the events of the day, and even led the
attack upon the monastery, had no liking for killing defence-
less people.
All the wrath and hatred of the old warrior and his
comrades was directed against the monastery itself, and
only after the monks had been dragged from the refectory
and conveyed under guard to the town did they finally
demolish the building and burn it to the ground.
The massive and beautiful edifice broke into fiame on all
298 THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA [part hi
sides at once, like a gigantic bonfire, scattering clouds of
sparks to the winds, and startling the Heavens with a blood-
red glare.
And while fire and devastation were crowning this
prologue to the Hussite wars — ^that terrible reckoning of the
Bohemians with their century-long oppressors — ^the body of
King Venceslas was being hastily embalmed and secretly
conveyed from Vencelstein to Vyshegrad.
In view of the state of unrest prevailing in the town a
solemn royal burial could not take place, and so in the
Zbraslavsk monastery was quietly interred that monarch
around whose cradle so much hope, glory, and majesty were
arrayed, and who, after a reign of fifty-six years, died un-
happy and abandoned.
Outraged Bohemia was making ready to arise under her
brilliant and unconquerable leader, John Zizka, the first to
amaze the world by the stupendous spectacle of an armed
people defending its faith and freedom.
This war, one of the most terrible that has ever drenched
the earth in blood, was destined to bear the name of the meek
and gentle martyr of Constance, and from end to end of his
fatherland churches and monasteries were consumed in
flames in atonement for his agony.
EPILOGUE
It is a wondrous July night, warm and fragrant. Radiant
stars are twinkling against the dark azure of the skies, and
the moon is flooding earth with gentle, dreamy light.
The river winds in and out like a broad ribbon, flecked
with silvery spangles ; and along both its banks lies a great
city, with huge and stately churches, spires, and towers of
striking and fantastic architecture. Amid the handsome
modern edifices, ancient buildings may be seen, their walls
blackened by age, majestic witnesses of bygone days,
monuments of a bloody and glorious past, wrapped in an
atmosphere of mystery and legend, — invested, in a word,
with that magic fascination that only the passing of centuries
can bestow upon the frail creations of man.
The city is Prague — Prague the Golden Beauty. She
has grown and developed during the centuries since Hus and
Jerome lived and fought for their country and their faith.
But her soul is unchanged. Within her, as in dayS of old, the
heart of the ancient Bohemian land is beating. Within her
its brain contrives, its genius inspires.
On this sublime July night something unusual is
occurring in the city.
In spite of the lateness of the hour, it teems with life.
Beacons are ablaze on the surrounding heights, and even
in the mild, pellucid air, something mysterious is happening,
something invisible to the eyes of men.
A marvellous being, of indefinable and misty form, is
hovering above the earth. The head alone seems living,
with its large, deep, stern and passionless eyes : the head
of an old man, judging by the wrinkles upon the brow, and
the lines of bitter disillusionment about the mouth, with its
300 THE TORCH-BEARERS OF BOHEMIA [part ni
thin, compressed lips : the head of a young man, by the
energy it breathes, the vigour, the consciousness of its own
might. The silvery whiteness of the hair and beard mingle
with the folds of the garments which envelop the figure in
a filmy haze, and stretch like a nebulous mist far behind it,
encircling the horizon and melting in infinity.
Floating in air, the spirit reaches the bank of the river
and stops. Befoi^e it stand the remnants of a ruined wall,
the hardly noticeable relic of a building which stood there
in ancient times.
A beautiful and stately woman, with dark hair and large
eyes shining with power and genius, is sitting among the
ruin. She is clothed in snow-white garments, and a golden
circlet confines the transparent covering of her head.
" I greet thee. Time," she says, raising her eyes to the
old man. " It is long since I beheld thy face. I have but
felt thee passing near me."
" I find thee still at thy post, my poor tubusha," he
answers. " When at last wilt thou pass to thy rest ? "
" How can I rest when my beloved people still fight and
sufier, and their fierce and ancient enemy, still greedy and
audacious, plans their destruction and rends their bodies
with its claws ? "
" And dost thou still weep and despair ? "
Lubusha proudly raises her head.
" Nay. I pray and hope, because my people are wise
and mighty, patient and persistent, and forget not their
past glory."
She lifts her transparent hand and points to the fires
upon the hilltops.
" Seest thou those flames ? They were lit by Bohemians
faithful to the memory of Hus and of Jerome, in honour of
their martyrdom. To-day is the 6th of July, the anni-
versary of the infamous condemnation of the martyr of
Constance. The love and reverence of a million hearts
PART ni] THE TORCH-BEARERS OP BOHEMIA 301
draw hither the valiant souls of Hus and his friends. Behold !
Dost thou see sparks, the sheaths of which fly forth
from the fires and are borne upon the wind ? They are the
ashes of the two champions come to life ! Those sparks
are animated by their thoughts. They soar and descend
upon the people's hearts like living dew, and kindle them
with inejctinguishable love for their country, and a valour
which makes them invincible."
A vague murmur arises in the distance, and grows louder
and louder until it swells into the confused clamour of an
approaching multitude. Innumerable shadowy forms draw
near.
An army is approaching. With heavy, measured steps
it draws nearer and nearer, and the clank of swords is clearly
heard, the rattle of chains, the rumbling of wheels, and the
neighing of horses. A tall old man at the head of the army
carries a standard on which a chalice of gold gleams bright.
He is followed by warriors armed with spears and daggers,
flails and clubs, with hatchets, swords, and arlebets. The
majority are dressed in peasant garb. Their stern faces
breathe such assurance in their indomitable strength, such
scorn of death, such passionate faith in their holy cause,
that every obstacle must needs fall before them.
The human avalanche moves slowly but steadily forward,
like an elemental force which nothing can stay, and behind
it the heavy carts come rumbling, girdled with iron and
hung with chains : the fearful moving fortresses of the
Hussite armies.
" Who, then, are these warriors who spring forth from
the folds of my garments, where the past of all nations is
hidden 1 " asks Time.
" The fearless hordes of Zizka, whom he led from victory
to victory, and who caused their foes to tremble ! "
Lubusha answers proudly. " The ancient Bohemian
land comes back to life upon this holy night, . . . The land
302 THE TORCH-BEAREES OF BOHEMIA [part iii
drenched in blood, and sown with the bones of giants who
fell for their country and the chalice. Dost thou hear their
war-song ?
" ' Thy heritage reject not.
Thy leader's word neglect not.
Thy comrades bold forsake not ;
Stand firm unto the end ! ' "
"Whither go they?"
" To Mount Blanik, near Tabor. There Zizka sleeps
with his chiefs, waiting for the voice of the people to call
him forth to the decisive battle for his country's fate. They
go to awaken him : ' Rise, Zizka ! The time is come ! ' The
Hussites have not yet spoken their last word ! "
Lubusha is sUent, and with her eyes follows the martial
shadows which are passing. And she listens.
From the distance come the words :
"To arms now, my brothers !
Strike hard at the foe.
Shout, ' God is our Father ! ',
Spread havoc and woe ! "
Her form begins to fade away, and melts into the air like
a light mist dispersed by the bre.eze.
Petrograd, 1912.
THE END.
EEINIBD IH ENQIAND BT WILLIAM CLOWES AND SONS, LIMITED,
LONDON AND BECOLES.