Volume Ii Part 6 (1/2)
”Well,” continued Witichis, ”it shall never be said that a woman was judged by the people of the Goths unheard and undefended. However she may be hated, she has a right to be heard and protected. I will be her defender and pleader.”
And he went towards the youthful complainant, likewise drawing his sword.
A pause of respectful admiration followed.
”So thou deniest the deed?”
”I say it is not proven.”
”Prove it!” said the judge, turning to Arahad.
The latter, unprepared for a formal proceedings and not ready to cope with an opponent of Witichis's weight and steady composure, was somewhat embarra.s.sed.
”Prove?” he cried impatiently. ”What need of proof? Thou, I, all the Goths know that Gothelindis hated the Princess long and bitterly. The Princess disappears from Ravenna; at the same time her murderess also.
The victim is discovered in a house belonging to Gothelindis--dead; and the murderess escapes to a fortified castle. What need, then, of proof?”
And he looked with impatience at the Goths near him.
”And on this argument thou wilt accuse the Queen of murder before the open Ting?” asked Witichis quietly. ”Truly may the day be far distant when a verdict is founded upon such evidence! Justice, my men, is light and air. Woe, woe to the nation which makes its hatred its justice! I myself hate this woman and her husband; but where I hate I am doubly strict.”
He said this in so simple and n.o.ble a manner, that the hearts of all present were touched.
”Where are the proofs!” now asked Hildebrand. ”Hast thou a palpable act?
Hast thou a visible appearance? Hast thou an important word? Hast thou a true oath? Dost thou claim the oath of innocence from the accused?”
”Proof!” again repeated Arahad angrily. ”I have none but the conviction within my heart!”
”Then,” said Hildebrand----
But at this moment a soldier made his way to him from the gate, and said:
”Romans stand at the entrance. They beg for a hearing. They say they know all about the death of the Princess.”
”I demand that they be heard!” cried Arahad eagerly. ”Not as complainants, but as witnesses of the complainant.”
Hildebrand made a sign, and the soldier hastened to bring up the Romans through the curious throng.
Foremost came a man, bent with years, wearing a hair s.h.i.+rt, and a rope tied round his loins; the cowl of his mantle hid his features. Two men in the habit of slaves followed. Questioning looks were fixed upon the old man, whose bearing, in spite of simplicity and even poverty, was full of dignity and n.o.bility.
When he reached Hildebrand's seat, Arahad looked closely into his face, and started back in surprise.
”Who is it,” asked the judge, ”whom thou callest as a witness to thy words? An unknown stranger?”
”No,” cried Arahad, and threw back the old man's mantle. ”A man whom you all know and honour--Marcus Aurelius Ca.s.siodorus.”
A cry of general surprise arose from the Ting-place.
”Such was my name,” said the witness, ”during the time of my worldly existence; now only Brother Marcus.”
An expression of holy resignation beamed from his features.