He made a courteous salutation to Duke Otho upon the high seat.

“I am a stranger, most noble Duke,” he began, “and as such have no standing in this your High Court of Justice.  But there is a certain courtesy extended to doctors of the law—­the right of speech in great trials—­in many of the lands to which I have adventured in the search of wisdom.  I am encouraged by my friend, the most venerable prelate, Bishop Peter, to ask your forbearance while I say a word on behalf of the prisoner, in reply to that learned and most celebrated jurisconsult, Master Gerard von Sturm, who, in support of his cause, has spoken things so apt and eloquent.  This is my desire ere judgment be passed.  For in a multitude of councils there is wisdom.”

He was silent, and looked at the Duke and his tool, Michael Texel.

They conferred together in whispers, and at first seemed on the point of refusing.  But the folk began to sway so dangerously, and the voice of their muttering sank till it became a growl, as of a caged wild beast which has broken all bars save the last, and which only waits an opportunity to put forth its strength in order to shiver that also.

“You are heartily welcome, most learned doctor,” said Duke Otho, sullenly.  “We would desire to hear you briefly concerning this matter.”

“I shall assuredly be brief, my noble lord—­most brief,” said Dessauer.  “I am a stranger, and must therefore speak by the great principles of equity which underlie all law and all evidence, rather than according to the statutes of the province over which you are the distinguished ruler.

“The crime of witchcraft is indeed a heinous one, if so be that it can be proven—­not by the compelled confession of crazed and tortured crones, but by the clear light of reason.  Now there is no evidence that I have heard against this young girl which might not be urged with equal justice against every cup-bearer in the Castle of the Wolfsberg.

“The Duke Casimir died indeed after having partaken of the wine.  But so may a man at any time by the visitation of God, by the stroke which, from the void air, falleth suddenly upon the heart of man.  No poison has been found on or about the girl.  No evil has been alleged against her, save that which has been compelled (as all must have seen) by torture, and the fear of torture, from the palsied and reluctant lips of a frantic hag.”

“Hear him!  Great is the Stranger!” cried the folk in the hall.  And the shouting of the guards commanding silence could scarce be heard for the roar of the populace.  It was some time before the speech of Dessauer was again audible.

Ho was beginning to speak again, but Duke Otho, without rising, called out rudely and angrily: 

“Speak to the reason of the judges and not to the passions of the mob!”