"
But the prelate was obstinate and proud.
"That is not the answer that our Holy Father awaits."
"It is the answer that I send."
"Rash, rebellious youth, beware!" The cardinal's anger flamed up,
and his voice swelled. "I come armed with spiritual weapons of
destruction. Do not abuse the patience of Mother Church, or you
shall feel the full weight of her wrath released against you."
Exasperated, Affonso Henriques bounded to his feet, his face
livid now with passion, his eyes ablaze.
"Out! Away!" he cried. "Go, my lord, and go quickly, or as God
watches us I will add here and now yet another sacrilege to those
of which you accuse me."
The prelate gathered his ample robes about him. If pale, he was
entirely calm once more. With stern dignity, he bowed to the
angry youth, and so departed, but with such outward impassivity
that it would have been difficult to say with whom lay the
victory. If Affonso Henriques thought that night that he had
conquered, morning was to shatter the illusion.
He was awakened early by a chamberlain at the urgent instances of
Emigio Moniz, who was demanding immediate audience. Affonso
Henriques sat up in bed, and bade him to be admitted.
The elderly knight and faithful counsellor came in, treading
heavily.
Pages:
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33