And had I followed the example set me by him of Austria and the Frenchman, not one foot of the Holy Land would now remain in Christian hands." The trial was soon over, and without a single dissentient the King of England was acquitted of all the charges brought against him.

But the money was not yet raised, and King Richard was taken back into the heart of Germany.

At length, by prodigious exertions, half the amount claimed was collected, and upon the solicitations of the pope and of the counts of his own empire, the emperor consented to release Richard upon, receipt of this sum and his royal promise that the remainder should be made up.
Not as yet, however, were the intrigues at an end.

Prince John and King Phillip alike implored the emperor to retain his captive, and offered to him a larger sum than the ransom if he would still hold him in his hands.
Popular opinion was, however, too strong.

When the news of these negotiations became bruited abroad, the counts of the empire, filled with indignation, protested against this shame and dishonour being brought upon the country.