So far as concerns himself
I doubt not that the Archbishop is the most unambitious of men, but to
the marriage of his ward with a sword maker I fear he would refuse
consent which he would gladly give to a marriage with an Emperor."
The monk hung his head, and pondered on the proposition. At last he
said:
"Why not ask my Lord the Archbishop?"
"I dare not venture. Too much is at stake. She might be carried away to
any castle in Germany. Remember that Cologne has already acquiesced in
her imprisonment, and but that the iron chain of the Pfalzgraf brought
me to her prison door--The iron chain, do I say? 'Twas the hand of God
that directed me to her, and now, with the help of Him who guided me,
not all the Archbishops in Christendom shall prevent our marriage. No,
Father Ambrose, pile on yourself all the futile penances you can adopt.
They are useless, for they do not remedy the wrong you have committed.
And now, good-night to your Reverence!"
The young man strode towards the door.
"My son," said the quiet voice of the priest, "when you were on your
knees just now did you pray for remission from anger?"
Roland whirled round.
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