None is so wise as thou in matters of peace, but honour is
here concerned."
"My question is," persevered the mother, "whether honour be not
better served by obeying the summons of the king against the infidel,
with the men thou hast called together at his behest? Let the count
do his worst; he gives thee legal ground of complaint to lay before
the king and the League, and all may there be more firmly
established."
"That were admirable counsel, lady," said Schleiermacher, "well
suited to the honour-worthy guildmaster Sorel, and to our justice-
loving city; but, in matters of baronial rights and aggressions, king
and League are wont to help those that help themselves, and those
that are over nice as to law and justice come by the worst."
"Not the worst in the long run," said Friedel.
"Thine unearthly code will not serve us here, Friedel mine," returned
his brother. "Did I not defend the work I have begun, I should be
branded as a weak fool. Nor will I see the foes of my house insult
me without striking a fair stroke. Hap what hap, the Debateable Ford
shall be debated! Call in the serfs, Hatto, and arm them.
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