"
Mayence now asked a question that in his own mind was crucial. Once more
he would tempt the young man to state plainly what he actually knew.
"Can your Highness give us any reason why you fear danger from the
presence of troops commanded by three friendly men like my colleagues
and myself?"
"My fear is that the hands of one or the other of you may be forced, and
I can perhaps explain my apprehension better by citing an incident to
which I have already alluded. I had not the slightest intention of
burning Castle Furstenberg, but suddenly my hand was forced. I was
responsible for the safety of my men. I hesitated not for one instant to
fire the Castle. Of the peaceful intentions of my Lords the Archbishops
there can be no question, but at any moment a street brawl between the
soldiers, say, of Cologne and Treves, may bring on a crisis that can
only be quelled by bloodshed. Do you see my point?"
"Yes, your Highness, I do, and your point is well taken. I repose such
confidence in our future Emperor that voluntarily I shall withdraw my
troops from Frankfort at once.
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