he plucked the feathers off the larger birds, and tore the singing-birds to pieces.”
This speech, expressive as it was, made but little impression upon minds longing for a change in the government; and they adhered to the plebiscite, which required that Miss Libussa should choose a consort in the course of three days.
Prince Wladomir was highly pleased, for now he expected to obtain the prize to which he had so long aspired. Love and ambition gave him energy, and made him eloquent. He came to court, and asked for an audience from the duchess. “Gracious sovereign of the people and of my heart,” he said to her, “there is no secret unknown to thee. Thou knowest the flames which consume my heart—they are sacred and pure; and thou knowest the heavenly fire that has lit them. By order of the people, thou art to give a prince to the country. Canst thou refuse a heart that only lives and beats for thee? To be worthy of thee, to place thee upon thy father’s throne, I have risked fortune and life; grant me also the honour of keeping thee upon the throne through the alliance of tender love. Let us divide throne and heart; the first be your’s, and the second mine. Thus thou wilt
E 4