princes would bid Frederic take his inheritance by force, if he can: they would not stake their dignity on a single combat: they would not submit it to the decision of unknown mutes!--Pardon me, gentlemen, I am too warm; but suppose yourselves in my situation: as ye are stout knights, would it not move your choler to have your own and the honour of your ancestors called in question?--But to the point: ye require me to deliver up the Lady Isabella.--Sirs, I must ask if ye are authorized to receive her?”--The knight nodded.--“Receive her!” continued Manfred; “well, you are authorized to receive her--but, gentle knight, may I ask if you have full powers?”--The knight nodded.--“’Tis well,” said Manfred. “Then hear what I have to offer.--Ye see, gentlemen, before you the most unhappy of men (he began to weep); afford me your compassion; I am entitled to it; indeed I am. Know, I have lost my only hope, my joy, the support of my house--Conrad died yester-morning.”--The knights discovered signs of surprise.--“Yes, sirs, fate has disposed of my son. Isabella is at liberty.” “Do you then restore her?” cried the chief knight, breaking silence. “Afford me your patience,” said Manfred. “I rejoice to find, by this testimony of your good will, that this matter may be adjusted without bloodshed. It is no interest of mine dictates what little I have farther to say. Ye behold in me a man disgusted with the world; the loss of my son has weaned me from earthly cares. Power and greatness have no longer any charms in my eyes. I wished to transmit the sceptre I had received from my ancestors with honour to my son--but that is over! Life itself is so indifferent to me, that I accepted your defiance with joy: a good knight cannot go to the grave with more satisfaction than when falling in his vocation. Whatever is the will of Heaven I submit; for, alas! sirs, I am a man of many sorrows. Manfred is no object of envy--but no doubt you are acquainted with my story.”--The knight made signs of ignorance, and seemed curious to have Manfred proceed.--“Is it possible, sirs,” continued the prince, “that my story should be a secret to you? Have you heard nothing relating to me and the Princess Hippolita?”--They shook their heads.--“No! thus, then sirs, it is. You think me ambitious: ambition alas! is composed of more rugged materials. If I were ambitious, I should not for so many years have been a prey to all the hell of conscientious scruples--but I weary your patience: I will be brief. Know, then, that I have long been troubled in mind on my union with the Princess Hippolita.--Oh, sirs, if ye were acquainted with that excellent woman! if ye knew that I adore her like a mistress, and cherish her as a friend--but man was not born of perfect happiness! She shares my scruples, and with her consent I have brought this matter before the Church, for we are related within the forbidden degrees. I expect every hour the definitive sentence that must separate us for