"However that may be," interposed the King, "you will now understand my silence. If the army knew the contents of that parchment, they might be discouraged, and go over to the rebels, who hold the Princess in their power. There remain to me only two courses: either to take the city by storm--and that we tried yesterday in vain--or, to yield. You say the first course cannot be repeated, so there only remains the last--to yield. Arahad may woo the Princess and wear the crown; I will be the first to do him homage and protect the kingdom, in concert with his brave brother." "Never!" cried Hildebad. "Thou art our King, and shall remain so. Never will I bow my head to that young coxcomb! Let us march to-morrow against the rebels; I alone will drive them out of their camp, and carry the royal child--at the touch of whose hands those fast-shut gates will fly open as if by magic--into _our_ tents." "And when we have her," asked Earl Teja, "what then? She is of no use to us if we do not make her our Queen. Wilt thou do so? Hast thou not had enough with Amalaswintha and Gothelindis? Once more the rule of a woman?" "God forbid!" laughed Hildebad. "I think so too," said the King, "otherwise I should have taken this course long since." "Well, then, let us remain here and wait until the city is wearied out." "It is impossible." said Witichis, "we cannot wait. In a few days Belisarius may descend from yonder mountains and conquer us, Duke Guntharis, and the city; then the kingdom and people of the Goths are lost for ever! There are only two ways--to storm--" "Impossible!' said Hildebrand. "Or to yield. Go, Teja, take the crown. I see no other expedient." The two young men hesitated. Then old Hildebrand, with a sad and earnest and loving look at the King, said: "I know of another course to take; a painful, but the only one. Thou must take this course, my Witichis, even if thy heart should break." Witichis looked at him inquiringly. Even Teja and Hildebad were struck by the tender manner of the old man. "Go out," continued Hildebrand, turning to Hildebad and Teja. "I must speak to the King alone." CHAPTER XIV. Silently the two Goths left the tent, and walked up and down, awaiting the result. From the tent they now and then heard Hildebrand's voice, who appeared to warn and argue with the King; and now and then an outcry from the latter. "What can the old man be thinking of?" asked Hildebad, stopping in his walk. "Dost thou not know?" "I guess," sighed Teja; "poor Witichis!" "What the devil dost thou mean?" "Let me alone," said Teja; "it will all come out soon enough." A considerable time elapsed thus. Ever more violent and more full of pain sounded the voice of the King, who seemed to defend himself desperately against Hildebrand's arguments. "Why does the greybeard so torture the brave hero?" cried Hildebad angrily. "It is just as if he would murder him! I will go in and help him!"