The roads were bad, it was true, and the journey long; but Wogan had not the Prince's consent, and could not tell when he would obtain it.

The servant might return with the Emperor's order for his arrest before he had obtained it.

Wogan was powerless.

He sent his list of names to Gaydon in Schlestadt, but that was the only precaution he could take.

The days passed; Wogan spent them in unavailing persuasions, and New Year's Day came and found him still at Ohlau and in a great agitation and distress.
Upon that morning, however, while he was dressing, there came a rap upon his door, and when he opened it he saw the Prince's treasurer, a foppish gentleman, very dainty in his words.
"Mr.Warner," said the treasurer, "his Highness has hinted to me his desires; he has moulded them into the shape of a prayer or a request." "In a word, he has bidden you," said Wogan.
"Fie, sir! There's a barbarous and improper word, an ill-sounding word; upon my honour, a word without dignity or merit and banishable from polite speech.