Expeditiously, and with indifference, they went about the
preparations for the task entrusted to them.
The Cardinal writhed, and fought for breath. "Lord Prince, this
must not be!" He stretched forth supplicating hands. "Lord
Prince, you must release my nephews."
"Lord Cardinal, you must absolve my people."
"If . . . if you will first make submission. My duty . . . to the
Holy See . . . Oh God! Will nothing move you?"
"When they have been hanged you will understand, and out of your
own affliction learn compassion." The Infante's voice was so
cold, his mien so resolute that the legate despaired of
conquering his purpose. Abruptly he capitulated, even as the
halters went about the necks of his two cherished lads.
"Stop!" he screamed. "Bid them stop! The curse shall be lifted."
Affonso Henriques opened the window with a leisureliness which to
the legate seemed to belong to the realm of nightmare.
"Wait yet a moment," the Infante called to those outside, about
whom by now a little knot of awe-stricken villagers had gathered.
Then he turned again to Cardinal Corrado, who had sunk to his
chair like a man exhausted, and sat now panting, his elbows on
the table, his head in his hands.
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