"The Bishop of Brixen, the Prior of Reichersburg, and several abbots," answered Conrad.
"We are highly pleased at the arrival of these worthy prelates. Be prepared, my lord Abbot, to return here soon with some of my courtiers, whom we will send forward to meet the Archbishop."
Scarcely had Conrad left the room when Victor entered; mortification and anger were depicted on his countenance.
"I crave your pardon," he said, "if my visit here be inopportune, but I have been grievously insulted, and I am well aware that your Majesty will not leave unpunished those who outrage the legitimate Pope."
"We are seriously busy in State affairs," replied Frederic, in a tone of ill-humor; "however, relate at once your complaint."
"Eberhard of Salzburg refuses to obey me, and rather than contaminate himself by contact with the schismatic Victor, has left Pavia. This public degradation is insupportable; the Chief of the Church, duly appointed and confirmed by the Emperor, must not be thus vilified before all Christendom; such an indignity deserves punishment."
"I am extremely grieved by this affront; what would you advise me to do?" asked the Emperor.
"Chastise the Archbishop's pride, Sire; and oblige him to acknowledge the lawful Pope."
"Oblige him! how does your wisdom interpret this?"
"If he will not obey willingly, let him be made to obey by force:--The only man whose energy sustains the schism in the German Church is in your power."
"You counsel, then, his arrest and close confinement?"
"It will scarcely be necessary to proceed to such extreme measures. The fear which your Majesty inspires is quite enough of itself to make him bend the knee."
"Men of Eberhard's character are not easily influenced by fear; that sentiment is unknown to them. A much more effective mode of persuasion would be a visit from you to the Archbishop."
"What say you!--I humble myself thus!--I solicit the friendship of a rebellious prelate!"
"Perhaps we may desire you to take this step. If this alone can put an end to the present difficulty, it must be done."
Victor was thunderstruck at these words. Although his relations with the Emperor were such that he had long lost all self-consideration or respect; even his spirit revolted at the baseness of the step which he was advised to take.