The taxes
you complain of shall be instantly removed;--and for the more speedy
replenishment of the National Exchequer, I gladly resign one half my
revenues from all sources whatsoever for the space of five years; or
longer, if considered desirable. But I want your aid! Will you all
stand by me?"
A mighty shout answered him.
"To the death!"
He turned to Thord.
"Sergius," he said, "my task is finished--my confession made! The next
Order of this meeting must come from you!"
Thord looked at him amazedly.
"From me? Are you not the King?"
"Only so long as the People desire it!" replied the monarch gently;
"And are you not the representative of the People?"
Thord's chest heaved. Burning tears stood in his eyes. The strangeness
of the situation--the deliberate coolness and resolve with which this
sovereign ruler of a powerful kingdom laid his life trustingly in his
hands, was too much for his nerve.
"Lotys!" he said huskily; "Lotys!"
She rose at once and came to him, moving ghostlike in her white
draperies, her eyes shining--her lips tremulous.
"Lotys," he said, "The King is in our hands! You saved his life once--
will you save it again?"
She raised her bent head, and the old courageous light flashed in her
face, transfiguring its every feature.
"It is not for me to save!" she replied in clear firm tones; "It is for
you--and for all of us,--to defend!"
A ringing cheer answered her.
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