the formularies appended of the Catharic ordination ceremonial. Pietro also presented to Zawis a black cross, potent at each arm. “It was your uncle’s badge,” exclaimed Pietro; “and bears on it only the mark of the original institution, undefiled by the gold of covetousness or the eagle symbol of slavery.”
“Forgive my caution, excellent brother,” now said Zawis seriously, “but the times, and imminent perils and conspiracies require it. Henceforward you will find Zawis, and all he has, devotedly at your service.” Pietro then explained that Lord Boppo, Solomon, Duke Nicolas and a host of others had been dragged off towards Hungary. “Ladislaus has become our enemy,” said Zawis, “now that he openly dares to exhibit himself. We may expect cruelties from his cowardly and treacherous character. Henceforward he serves Rudolph and Rome, in expectation of profiting thereby. But both Rudolph and his Roman masters always exact full price for what they do. Rudolph seeks lands for his daughters; and the pope covets money and power, and wields his spiritual weapons to subjugate nations more than to people heaven. But as you seem to be somewhat learned in heraldic devices, what means the new badge borne by our ecclesiastical knights just arrived?”
“It is the badge of the new Order of Jesus Christ,” replied Pietro. “It was instituted against the Albigeois in France, and its presence here means a similar crusade against Bohemia.” Looking seriously downward, Zawis said as if to himself: “I would
