“Thou canst feel, then,” said Manfred, “what it is to lose an only son! A little hour ago thou didst preach up resignation to me: _my_ house, if fate so pleased, must perish—but the Count of Falconara—” “Alas! my Lord,” said Jerome, “I confess I have offended; but aggravate not an old man’s sufferings! I boast not of my family, nor think of such vanities—it is nature, that pleads for this boy; it is the memory of the dear woman that bore him. Is she, Theodore, is she dead?” “Her soul has long been with the blessed,” said Theodore. “Oh! how?” cried Jerome, “tell me—no—she is happy! Thou art all my care now!—Most dread Lord! will you—will you grant me my poor boy’s life?” “Return to thy convent,” answered Manfred; “conduct the Princess hither; obey me in what else thou knowest; and I promise thee the life of thy son.” “Oh! my Lord,” said Jerome, “is my honesty the price I must pay for this dear youth’s safety?” “For me!” cried Theodore. “Let me die a thousand deaths, rather than stain thy conscience. What is it the tyrant would exact of thee? Is the Princess still safe from his power? Protect her, thou venerable old man; and let all the weight of his wrath fall on me.” Jerome endeavoured to check the impetuosity of the youth; and ere Manfred could reply, the trampling of horses was heard, and a brazen trumpet, which hung without the gate of the castle, was suddenly sounded. At the same instant the sable plumes on the enchanted helmet, which still remained at the other end of the court, were tempestuously agitated, and nodded thrice, as if bowed by some invisible wearer. CHAPTER III. Manfred’s heart misgave him when he beheld the plumage on the miraculous casque shaken in concert with the sounding of the brazen trumpet. “Father!” said he to Jerome, whom he now ceased to treat as Count of Falconara, “what mean these portents? If I have offended—” the plumes were shaken with greater violence than before. “Unhappy Prince that I am,” cried Manfred. “Holy Father! will you not assist me with your prayers?” “My Lord,” replied Jerome, “heaven is no doubt displeased with your mockery of its servants. Submit yourself to the church; and cease to persecute her ministers. Dismiss this innocent youth; and learn to respect the holy character I wear. Heaven will not be trifled with: you see—” the trumpet sounded again. “I acknowledge I have been too hasty,” said Manfred. “Father, do you go to the wicket, and demand who is at the gate.” “Do you grant me the life of Theodore?” replied the Friar. “I do,” said Manfred; “but inquire who is without!” Jerome, falling on the neck of his son, discharged a flood of tears, that spoke the fulness of his soul. “You promised to go to the gate,” said Manfred. “I thought,” replied the Friar, “your Highness would excuse my thanking you first in this tribute of my heart.” “Go, dearest Sir,” said Theodore; “obey the Prince. I do not deserve that you should delay his satisfaction for me.”