“His Eminence suffered me to go forth on my promise to return,” replied Carver, “and I will now prove to him that I am to be relied on.” “I cannot prevent your departure,” said Pole; “neither can I set you free.” “Then I stay,” replied Carver. “I am not disappointed in you,” observed Pole, approvingly. “If such be your determination when freedom is offered you, you must have taken leave of your senses,” said Osbert. “Constance, I call upon you—and shall not, I am sure, call in vain.” “I cannot leave the good Cardinal, who has sheltered and protected me, without his consent, even at your bidding, Osbert,” she replied. “And my consent must be refused,” said Pole. “Alas! misguided man,” he continued to Osbert. “You little know what you have done. Just as the King has assented to your union with Constance, you yourself raise an insuperable obstacle to it. Now Constance is lost to you for ever.” “It is too true, Osbert!—it is too true,” she cried. “Why did you come hither thus?” “Ah! why?” he cried, striking his head with his clenched hand. “Perdition on my folly!” “Save yourself by instant flight—that is the best advice I can give you,” said the Cardinal. “Desert my friends—never!” exclaimed Osbert. “The die is cast, and I must stand the issue. Constance, by all the love you profess to bear me, I implore you to come with me.” “Alas! alas! I cannot obey you,” she rejoined. “Then I will carry you off in spite of your resistance,” cried Osbert. “Forward, friends, forward!” Some few advanced at the summons, but the majority, upon whom the Cardinal’s harangue, combined with subsequent circumstances, had produced a powerful impression, held back. As Osbert stepped forward, Rodomont and his two comrades placed themselves in his way. “Back, misguided man!” cried the Cardinal. “Another step, and you rush on certain destruction. The sanctity of this asylum shall not be violated with impunity.” Just then loud shouts were heard, and some of the insurgents rushing forth to see what was the matter, immediately returned to say that a large number of the royal guard were landing from boats, and that some of them were already on the wharf. “What shall we do?” cried several voices. “Give them battle,” rejoined Osbert, in a loud voice. “Farewell, Constance,” he added; “if I fall, think that I came to save you. Now, friends, to the wharf!—to the wharf!” Hereupon, all the insurgents, headed by Osbert, rushed forth simultaneously from the archway, shouting, “Down with King Philip!—down with the Pope!” As soon as they were gone, the gates were closed by order of the Cardinal.