Hereupon the blood of the Schoppers surged up; I laid hands on the mad wight, whose strength was scarce greater than mine, but he hit and stamped about like one bereft, crying:  “Your planets stand over the houses of Death, Captivity, and Despair.  The fulfilment thereof began on Saint Lazarus’ day, and on this day it falls first on thee; and thus the doom shall run its course till it hath an end on Saint John’s eve, by reason that ye will then have nought left to lose!”

Here Abenberger’s raving came to a sudden end.  His outcry had brought up Cousin Maud, and when she opened the door behind him and saw a man standing in my way, she clutched him from behind, throwing her arms about him, and dragged him out of the chamber.  Meanwhile she shrieked aloud “Fire!” and “Murder!” and again “Fire!” and all the men and wenches ran up in hot haste and had the gold-maker down the stairs fast enough.

Howbeit, I felt truly grieved for him; yet, as I gazed down on him from the window, I saw that he had taken his stand without in the street, and was shaking his fist up at me till a constable saw it and sent him homewards.

Then I must first comfort Cousin Maud for this untoward scene, and suffer her to rub my wrists with wine and spirit of balm, forasmuch as they tingled like fire and were scratched by the hapless wight’s nails.  She was beside herself with rage, and the evil prediction of the master of the black arts and of star-gazing filled her with unbounded terrors.  Thus it was my part, though; the younger, to give her courage, notwithstanding the awful curse haunted me likewise, and rang in my ears even when at last I made my way through the dark streets, followed by the serving-man, to do Ann’s bidding.  My heart was heavier than it had been for many a day; for my fears were mingled with pity for that hapless soul, so skilled in much learning.  I had learned to feel other woes and joys besides my own, and I could full well picture in my mind the despair which at this hour, must wring the soul of that poor fellow.  I was glad to think that the serving-man might believe that I put my kerchief to my eyes only to wipe away the whirling snow.  At the same time, methought that for certain some new and terrible sorrow hung over us nay, never so clearly as then, after Abenberger’s violent attack, had I perceived how much alone and without protection I stood in the world.  And wherefor had Ann not come to me?  For what reason or matter had she sent for me at so late an hour?

Then, when I looked up at the Pernharts’ house; saw that the windows of the first floor which had be made ready as guest chambers some days ago, for my lord Cardinal, were lighted up, so he must have come home and now be lodging there again.

But Ann knew full well how truly I honored the reverend and illustrious uncle, and for sure if he had brought her good tidings she would forthwith have sent me word, or have come to me herself.