The Duke d’Aigremont insisted on his intention of declining to serve the king and refused to listen while, said he, he had three brothers from whom he had a right to expect support, without counting his four nephews, the sons of the Duke d’Aymon, without doubt the most valiant warriors of the kingdom. Meanwhile, during the occurrence of these scenes, the cavalcade of Lothaire came into view of the castle. He had never seen a fortress in a more formidable position, situated as it was on a high and almost inaccessible rock at the foot of which a deep river ran. “Indeed, your highness,” said the commander of the escort to the young prince, “yon is a formidable place truly.” The castle had now come more fully into view and as its tall battlements flanked by two high towers arose on high, outlined against the blue sky, the prince only smiled and replied: “Tut! Gaston, the sight of such an obstacle only incites me the more to fulfill the mission intrusted me, and nothing shall retard me.” In due time, to the sound of a lively fanfare by his heralds, Prince Lothaire stood before the gates of the castle and was admitted to the great court that was ominously guarded by grim soldiery. The Duke d’Aigremont received him in the great audience-chamber seated upon his throne. Beside him were his wife and son Renaud. Lothaire advanced to the duke to acquaint him with his mission, but instead of talking with moderation and following the counsels of the principal knights of his suite, he forgot all reserve and with a haughty mien spoke as follows: “Woe to the servant who disobeys his master! Monseigneur! Charlemagne is irritated against you because you have not obeyed his commands. He demands to know your reasons. Also am I come by his commands to promise you his pardon, provided you will at once place yourself at his mercy and make oath to send him five hundred knights. If you persist in your refusal you shall receive no pity. Punishments most cruel will be visited upon thee and thine, and the loss of all thy domains and all thy subjects will be the consequence of thy obstinacy. I require an immediate answer. Decide quickly, for Charlemagne awaits my return with impatience.” At these bold and indiscreet words the Duke d’Aigremont bounded to his feet enraged. “By Saint Gris!” he cried, “tell thy father, Charlemagne, that not only do I refuse his appeal to assist him in war, but that I will myself make war upon him. I will come with my own army and destroy the kingdom of France.” “Thou traitor!” shouted Lothaire in reply, forgetting all restraint and refusing the warnings of his suite to conduct himself moderately. Those old days were grim times—there was very little between a word and a blow. “Have a care, young man,” hissed D’Aigremont, his eyes blazing. “You will never return to thy father.” “Traitor and coward!” hotly responded the prince, drawing his sword.