The first prayer presented by the royal suppliant, ascribed ambition and envy to the leaders of the coalition against him." "Tyrant!" interposed the Lord of Hers, "he begins his penitence by a calumny." "Our Holy Father only replied," continued the priest, "that the ecclesiastical law did not permit him to judge the accused in the absence of his accusers; and invited him, since he confided in his innocence, to meet his accusers at Augsburg, and abide by the Papal decision." "Yes!" exclaimed Rodolph, eagerly.

"And what said the king ?" "That the anniversary of his excommunication was approaching, and that unless the interdict were raised, his rights to the crown would be forfeited.

Should the Pope receive him to favor at once, he promised to submit to whatever His Holiness might subsequently decree, and answer his accusers at Augsburg." "Artful villain!" ejaculated Albert of Hers.
"But His Holiness remained inflexible," resumed the missionary.

"At last, moved by the prayers and tears of those around him, he permitted Henry to approach him, to prove his penitence and atone for his contempt of the Holy See.

The prince delayed not to avail himself of this grace; and the next morning presented himself at the inner gate of the castle, barefoot and in sackcloth, where he remained, fasting, from daybreak to sunset.