Page:Zawis and Kunigunde (1895).djvu/220

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216
SUPERSTITION AND TREACHERY IN THE PALACE

sentiments and impressions that indicate facts and dangers whereof by ordinary senses we must be unconscious.”

“I know that divines and doctors attribute such strange impressions to those sources,” interposed Judith; “and there are also malignant influences exercised against us by sorcerers and the secret servants of demons. I am admonished of such being in operation at present; but I trust to the effect of more powerful appeals to the other spirits that are higher in rank and dignity. I feel some mysterious sensations chasing each other through my senses, and I would seek the counsel of Brother Tertius. My confessor will interpose to allay my apprehension when his next stated visit is concluded.”

Brother Tertius found the young queen exceedingly nervous. “I divine,” he said, “that some evil influence has been at work. Some divination or sorcery has made your highness its victim.”

“I feel a creeping through my bones,” said Judith, “a coldness, and a chill that makes me tremble. Some powerful incantation has been practiced, for my limbs shake, and every third hourI am thus affected. I am cold; I shiver; and again I am hot and I tremble. I feel as if some unseen power pulled all my limbs; andI grind my teeth as if I wished to bite.”

“Some terrible sorcerer has been at work,” remarked Brother Tertius.

“Last evening,” said Judith, “as I sat taking the air, I felt a delightful, cool, and dew-laden blast come from