Page:Libussa, Duchess of Bohemia; also, The Man Without a Name.djvu/78

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Libussa.

of a husband, your arduous desire to see a prince reigning over you has not changed, and you have not thought better of it, and wish now to give the subject more mature consideration, or if you still remain unchanged in your determination.”

She was silent for a moment; but the noise and bustle, as well as the gestures of the senators, did not long leave her in doubt, and the speaker affirmed her conclusion, that the choice of a duke was firmly decided upon.

“Let it then be so,” she said; “the die is cast. I am not responsible for the result. The gods have chosen a prince for Bohemia, who will hold the sceptre with wisdom and justice. The young cedar does not as yet surpass the proud oak trees in size; he grows unobserved among the trees of the forest, surrounded by vile shrubs; but soon will he extend his branches, to give shadow to the roots, and his top will tower into the clouds. Ye nobles of the land, choose twelve honest men from amongst you, that they may go and look for the prince, and bring him to the throne. My favourite horse shall show the way; it shall trot before you free and unencumbered; and, as a sign that you have found the man of whom you are in search, you must