"
"Then were he sullen and unruly, indeed!" said the old burgomaster
with displeasure; "none have shown him more kindness, none could
better aid him in court and empire. The lad has never had restraint
enough. I blame thee not, child, but he needs it sorely, by thine
own showing."
"Alas, uncle! mine be the blame, but it is over late. My boy will
rule himself for the love of God and of his mother, but he will brook
no hand over him--least of all now he is a knight and thinks himself
a man. Uncle, I should be deprived of both my sons, for Friedel's
very soul is bound up with his brother's. I pray thee enjoin not
this thing on me," she implored.
"Child!" exclaimed Master Gottfried, "thou thinkst not that such a
contract as this can be declined for the sake of a wayward Junker!"
"Stay, house-father, the little one will doubtless hear reason and
submit," put in the aunt. "Her sons were goodly and delightsome to
her in their upgrowth, but they are well-nigh men. They will be away
to court and camp, to love and marriage; and how will it be with her
then, young and fair as she still is? Well will it be for her to
have a stately lord of her own, and a new home of love and honour
springing round her.
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