Thekingturnedawayhishead，andretiredslowly，confidingtheprisonerstothecareofStephenVayvodaandtheCountofZornic，whoguardedthemduringthenightinaroomadjoiningtheking’schamber。
　　ThenextdayLouisheldanothermeetingofhiscouncil，andorderedthatCharlesshouldhavehisthroatcutontheveryspotwherepoorAndrehadbeenhanged。Hethensenttheotherprincesoftheblood，loadedwithchains，toHungary，wheretheywerelongkeptprisoners。
　　Charles，quitethunderstruckbysuchanunexpectedblow，overwhelmedbythethoughtofhispastcrimes，trembledlikeacowardfacetofacewithdeath，andseemedcompletelycrushed。Bowed，uponhisknees，hisfacehalfhiddeninhishands，fromtimetotimeconvulsivesobsescapedhim，ashetriedtofixthethoughtsthatchasedeachotherthroughhismindliketheshapesofamonstrousdream。Nightwasinhissoul，buteverynowandthenlightflashedacrossthedarkness，andoverthegloomybackgroundofhisdespairpassedgildedfiguresfleeingfromhimwithsmilesofmockery。Inhisearsbuzzedvoicesfromtheotherworld;hesawalongprocessionofghosts，liketheconspiratorswhomNicholasofMelazzohadpointedoutinthevaultsofCastelNuovo。Butthesephantomseachheldhisheadinhishand，andshakingitbythehair，bespatteredhimwithdropsofblood。Somebrandishedwhips，someknives：eachthreatenedCharleswithhisinstrumentoftorture。Pursuedbythenocturnaltrain，thehaplessmanopenedhismouthforonemightycry，buthisbreathwasgone，anditdieduponhislips。Thenhebeheldhismotherstretchingoutherarmsfromafar，andhefanciedthatifhecouldbutreachherhewouldbesafeButateachstepthepathgrewmoreandmorenarrow，piecesofhisfleshweretornoffbytheapproachingwalls;atlast，breathless，nakedandbleeding，hereachedhisgoal;buthismotherglidedfartheraway，anditwasalltobeginoveragain。The，phantomspursuedhim，grinningandscreaminginhisears：——
　　"Cursedbehewhoslayethhismother！"
　　Charleswasrousedfromthesehorrorsbythecriesofhisbrothers，whohadcometoembracehimforthelasttimebeforeembarking。Thedukeinalowvoiceaskedtheirpardon，andthenfellbackintohisstateofdespair。Thechildrenweredraggedaway，beggingtobeallowedtosharetheirbrother’sfate，andcryingfordeathasanalleviationoftheirwoes。Atlengththeywereseparated，butthesoundoftheirlamentationsoundedlongintheheartofthecondemnedman。Afterafewmoments，twosoldiersandtwoequerriescametotellthedukethathishourhadcome。
　　Charlesfollowedthem，unresisting，tothefatalbalconywhereAndrehadbeenhanged。Hewasthereaskedifhedesiredtoconfess，andwhenhesaidyes，theybroughtamonkfromthesaneconventwheretheterriblescenehadbeenenacted：helistenedtotheconfessionofallhissins，andgrantedhimabsolution。ThedukeatonceroseandwalkedtotheplacewhereAndrehadbeenthrowndownforthecordtobeputroundhisneck，andthere，kneelingagain，heaskedhisexecutioners——
　　"Friends，inpitytellme，isthereanyhopeformylife？"
　　Andwhentheyansweredno，Charlesexclaimed：
　　"Thencarryoutyourinstructions。"
　　Atthesewords，oneoftheequerriesplungedhisswordintohisbreast，andtheothercuthisheadoffwithaknife，andhiscorpsewasthrownoverthebalconyintothegardenwhereAndre’sbodyhadlainforthreedaysunburied。
　　CHAPTERVII
　　TheKingofHungary，hisblackflageverbornebeforehim，startedforNaples，reusingallofferedhonours，andrejectingthecanopybeneathwhichhewastomakehisentry，notevenstoppingtogiveaudiencetothechiefcitizensortoreceivetheacclamationsofthecrowd。Armedatallpoints，hemadeforCastelNuovo，leavingbehindhimdismayandfear。HisfirstactonenteringthecitywastoorderDonaCanchatobeburnt，herpunishmenthavingbeendeferredbyreasonofherpregnancy。Liketheothers，shewasdrawnonacarttothesquareofSt。Eligius，andthereconsignedtotheflames。Theyoungcreature，whosesufferinghadnotimpairedherbeauty，wasdressedasforafestival，andlaughinglikeamadthinguptothelastmoment，mockedatherexecutionersandthrewkissestothecrowd。
　　Afewdayslater，GodfreyofMarsana，CountofSquillaceandgrandadmiralofthekingdom，wasarrestedbytheking’sorders。HislifewaspromisedhimonconditionofhisdeliveringupConradofCatanzaro，oneofhisrelatives，accusedofconspiringagainstAndre。
　　Thegrandadmiralcommitted，thisactofshamelesstreachery，anddidnotshrinkfromsendinghisownsontopersuadeConradtocometothetown。Thepoorwretchwasgivenovertotheking，andtorturedaliveonawheelmadewithsharpknives。Thesightofthesebarbarities，farfromcalmingtheking’srage;seemedtoinflameitthemore。
　　Everydaytherewerenewaccusationsandnewsentences。Theprisonswerecrowded：Louis’spunishmentswereredoubledinseverity。Afeararosethatthetown，andindeedthewholekingdom，weretobetreatedashavingtakenpartinAndre’sdeath。Murmursaroseagainstthisbarbarousrule，andallmen’sthoughtsturnedtowardstheirfugitivequeen。TheNeapolitanbaronshadtakentheoathoffidelitywithnowillinghearts;andwhenitcametotheturnoftheCountsofSanSeverino，theyfearedatrickofsomekind，andrefusedtoappearalltogetherbeforetheHungarian，buttookrefugeinthetownofSalerno，andsentArchbishopRoger，theirbrother，tomakesureoftheking’sintentionsbeforehand。Louisreceivedhimmagnificently，andappointedhimprivycouncillorandgrandprotonotary。Then，andnottillthen，didRobertofSanSeverinoandRoger，CountofChiaramonte，ventureintotheking’spresence;afterdoinghomage，theyretiredtotheirhomes。Theotherbaronsfollowedtheirexampleofcaution，andhidingtheirdiscontentunderashowofrespect，awaitedafavourablemomentforshakingofftheforeignyoke。Butthequeenhadencounterednoobstacleinherflight，andarrivedatNicefivedayslater。HerpassagethroughProvencewaslikeatriumph。Herbeauty，youth，andmisfortunes，evencertainmysteriousreportsastoheradventures，allcontributedtoarousetheinterestoftheProvencalpeople。Gamesandfeteswereimprovisedtosoftenthehardshipofexilefortheproscribedprincess;butamidtheoutburstsofjoyfromeverytown，castle，andcity，Joan，alwayssad，livedeverinhersilentgriefandglowingmemories。
　　AtthegatesofAixshefoundtheclergy，thenobility，andthechiefmagistrates，whoreceivedherrespectfullybutwithnosignsofenthusiasm。Asthequeenadvanced，herastonishmentincreasedasshesawthecoldnessofthepeopleandthesolemn，constrainedairofthegreatmenwhoescortedher。Manyanxiousthoughtsalarmedher，andsheevenwentsofarastofearsomeintrigueoftheKingofHungary。
　　ScarcelyhadhercortegearrivedatCastleArnaud，whenthenobles，dividingintotworanks，letthequeenpasswithhercounsellorSpinelliandtwowomen;thenclosingup，theycutherofffromtherestofhersuite。Afterthis，eachinturntookuphisstationasguardianofthefortress。
　　Therewasnoroomfordoubt：thequeenwasaprisoner;butthecauseofthemanoeuvreitwasimpossibletoguess。Sheaskedthehighdignitaries，andthey，protestingrespectfuldevotion，refusedtoexplaintilltheyhadnewsfromAvignon。MeanwhileallhonoursthataqueencouldreceivewerelavishedonJoan;butshewaskeptinsightandforbiddentogoout。Thisnewtroubleincreasedherdepression：shedidnotknowwhathadhappenedtoLouisofTarentum，andherimagination，alwaysaptatcreatingdisasters，instantlysuggestedthatshewouldsoonbeweepingforhisloss。
　　ButLouis，alwayswithhisfaithfulAcciajuoli，hadaftermanyfatiguingadventuresbeenshipwreckedattheportofPisa;thencehehadtakenrouteforFlorence，tobegmenandmoney;buttheFlorentinesdecidedtokeepanabsoluteneutrality，andrefusedtoreceivehim。Theprince，losinghislasthope，wasponderinggloomyplans，whenNicholasAcciajuolithusresolutelyaddressedhim：
　　"Mylord，itisnotgiventomankindtoenjoyprosperityforever：
　　therearemisfortunesbeyondallhumanforesight。Youwereoncerichandpowerful，andyouarenowafugitiveindisguise，beggingthehelpofothers。Youmustreserveyourstrengthforbetterdays。I
　　stillhaveaconsiderablefortune，andalsohaverelationsandfriendswhosewealthisatmydisposal：letustrytomakeourwaytothequeen，andatoncedecidewhatwecando。Imyselfshallalwaysdefendyouandobeyyouasmylordandmaster。"
　　Theprincereceivedthesegenerousofferswiththeutmostgratitude，andtoldhiscounsellorthatheplacedhispersoninhishandsandallthatremainedofhisfuture。Acciajuoli，notcontentwithservinghismasterasadevotedservant，persuadedhisbrotherAngelo，ArchbishopofFlorence，whowasingreatfavouratClementVI’scourt，tojoinwiththeminpersuadingthepopetointeresthimselfinthecauseofLouisofTarentum。So，withoutfurtherdelay，theprince，hiscounsellor，andthegoodprelatemadetheirwaytotheportofMarseilles，butlearningthatthequeenwasaprisoneratAix，theyembarkedatAcque-Morte，andwentstraighttoAvignon。ItsoonappearedthatthepopehadarealaffectionandesteemforthecharacteroftheArchbishopofFlorence，forLouiswasreceivedwithpaternalkindnessatthecourtofAvignon;whichwasfarmorethanhehadexpected：Whenhekneeledbeforethesovereignpontiff，HisHolinessbentaffectionatelytowardshimandhelpedhimtorise，salutinghimbythetitleofking。
　　Twodayslater，anotherprelate，theArchbishopofAix，cameintothequeen’spresence，——
　　"Mostgraciousanddearlybelovedsovereign，permitthemosthumbleanddevotedofyourservantstoaskpardon，inthenameofyoursubjects，forthepainfulbutnecessarymeasuretheyhavethoughtfittotakeconcerningyourMajesty。Whenyouarrivedonourcoast，yourloyaltownofAixhadlearnedfromatrustworthysourcethattheKingofFrancewasproposingtogiveourcountrytooneofhisownsons，makinggoodthislosstoyoubythecessionofanotherdomain，alsothattheDukeofNormandyhadcometoAvignontorequestthisexchangeinperson。Wewerequitedecided，madam，andhadmadeavowtoGodthatwewouldgiveupeverythingratherthansufferthehatefultyrannyoftheFrench。Butbeforespillingbloodwethoughtitbesttosecureyouraugustpersonasasacredhostage，asacredarkwhichnomandaredtouchbutwassmittentotheground，whichindeedmustkeepawayfromourwallsthescourgeofwar。Wehavenowreadtheformalannulmentofthishatefulplan，inabriefsentbythesovereignpontifffromAvignon;andinthisbriefhehimselfguaranteesyourgoodfaith。
　　"Wegiveyouyourfullandentireliberty，andhenceforthweshallonlyendeavourtokeepyouamongusbyprayersandprotestations。Gothen，madam，ifthatisyourpleasure，butbeforeyouleavetheselands，whichwillbeplungedintomourningbyyourwithdrawal，leavewithussomehopethatyouforgivetheapparentviolencetowhichwehavesubjectedyou，onlyinthefearthatwemightloseyou;andrememberthatonthedaywhenyouceasetobeourqueenyousignthedeath-warrantofallyoursubjects。"
　　JoanreassuredthearchbishopandthedeputationfromhergoodtownofAixwithamelancholysmile，andpromisedthatshewouldalwayscherishthememoryoftheiraffection。Forthistimeshecouldnotbedeceivedastotherealsentimentsofthenoblesandpeople;andafidelitysouncommon，revealedwithsinceretears，touchedherheartandmadeherreflectbitterlyuponherpast。Butaleague’sdistancefromAvignonamagnificenttriumphalreceptionawaitedher。LouisofTarentumandallthecardinalspresentatthecourthadcomeouttomeether。PagesindazzlingdresscarriedaboveJoan’sheadacanopyofscarletvelvet，ornamentedwithfleur-de-lysingoldandplumes。
　　Handsomeyouthsandlovelygirls，theirheadscrownedwithflowers，wentbeforehersingingherpraise。Thestreetswereborderedwithalivinghedgeofpeople，thehousesweredeckedout，thebellsrangatriplepeal，asatthegreatChurchfestivals。ClementVIfirstreceivedthequeenatthecastleofAvignonwithallthepompheknewsowellhowtoemployonsolemnoccasions，thenshewaslodgedinthepalaceofCardinalNapoleonoftheOrsini，whoonhisreturnfromtheConclaveatPerugiahadbuiltthisregaldwellingatVilleneuve，inhabitedlaterbythepopes。
　　NowordscouldgiveanideaofthestrangelydisturbedconditionofAvignonatthisperiod。SinceClementVhadtransportedtheseatofthepapacytoProvence，therehadsprungup，inthisrivaltoRome，squares，churches，cardinals’palaces，ofunparalleledsplendour。
　　AllthebusinessofnationsandkingswastransactedatthecastleofAvignon。Ambassadorsfromeverycourt，merchantsofeverynation，adventurersofallkinds，Italians，Spaniards，Hungarians，Arabs，Jews，soldiers，Bohemians，jesters，poets，monks，courtesans，swarmedandclusteredhere，andhustledoneanotherinthestreets。Therewasconfusionoftongues，customs，andcostumes，aninextricablemixtureofsplendourandrags，richesandmisery，debasementandgrandeur。TheausterepoetsoftheMiddleAgesstigmatisedtheaccursedcityintheirwritingsunderthenameoftheNewBabylon。
　　ThereisonecuriousmonumentofJoan’ssojournatAvignonandtheexerciseofherauthorityassovereign。Shewasindignantattheeffronteryofthewomenofthetown，whoelbowedeverybodyshamelesslyinthestreets，andpublishedanotableedict，thefirstofitskind，whichhassinceservedasamodelinlikecases，tocompelallunfortunatewomenwhotraffickedintheirhonourtoliveshutuptogetherinahouse，thatwasboundtobeopeneverydayintheyearexceptthelastthreedaysofHolyWeek，theentrancetobebarredtoJewsatalltimes。Anabbess，chosenonceayear，hadthesupremecontroloverthisstrangeconvent。Ruleswereestablishedforthemaintenanceoforder，andseverepenaltiesinflictedforanyinfringementofdiscipline。Thelawyersoftheperiodgainedagreatreputationbythissalutaryinstitution;thefairladiesofAvignonwereeagerintheirdefenceofthequeeninspiteofthecalumniousreportsthatstrovetotarnishherreputation：withonevoicethewisdomofAndre’swidowwasextolled。Theconcertofpraiseswasdisturbed，however，bymurmursfromthereclusesthemselves，who，intheirownbrutallanguage，declaredthatJoanofNapleswasimpedingtheircommercesoastogetamonopolyforherself。
　　MeanwhileMarieofDurazzohadjoinedhersister。Afterherhusband’sdeathshehadfoundmeanstotakerefugeintheconventofSantaCrocewithhertwolittledaughters;andwhileLouisofHungarywasbusyburninghisvictims，theunhappyMariehadcontrivedtomakeherescapeinthefrockofanoldmonk，andasbyamiracletogetonboardashipthatwassettingsailforProvence。Sherelatedtohersisterthefrightfuldetailsoftheking’scruelty。Andsoonanewproofofhisimplacablehatredconfirmedthetalesofthepoorprincess。
　　Louis’sambassadorsappearedatthecourtofAvignontodemandformallythequeen’scondemnation。
　　ItwasagreatdaywhenJoanofNaplespleadedherowncausebeforethepope，inthepresenceofallthecardinalsthenatAvignon，alltheambassadorsofforeignpowers，andalltheeminentpersonscomefromeveryquarterofEuropetobepresentatthistrial，uniqueintheannalsofhistory。Wemustimagineavastenclosure，inwhosemidstuponaraisedthrone，aspresidentoftheaugusttribunal，satGod’svicaronearth，absoluteandsupremejudge，emblemoftemporalandspiritualpower，ofauthorityhumananddivine。Torightandleftofthesovereignpontiff，thecardinalsintheirredrobessatinchairssetroundinacircle，andbehindtheseprincesoftheSacredCollegestretchedrowsofbishopsextendingtotheendofthehall，withvicars，canons，deacons，archdeacons，andthewholeimmensehierarchyoftheChurch。FacingthepontificalthronewasaplatformreservedfortheQueenofNaplesandhersuite。Atthepope’sfeetstoodtheambassadorsfromtheKingofHungary，whoplayedthepartofaccuserswithoutspeakingaword，thecircumstancesofthecrimeandalltheproofshavingbeendiscussedbeforehandbyacommitteeappointedforthepurpose。Therestofthehallwasfilledbyabrilliantcrowdofhighdignitaries，illustriouscaptains，andnobleenvoys，allvyingwithoneanotherinprouddisplay。Everyoneceasedtobreathe，alleyeswerefixedonthedaiswhenceJoanwastospeakherowndefence。Amovementofuneasycuriositymadethiscompactmassofhumanitysurgetowardsthecentre，thecardinalsaboveraisedlikeproudpeacocksoveragoldenharvest-fieldshakeninthebreeze。
　　Thequeenappeared，handinhandwithheruncle，theoldCardinalofPerigord，andheraunt，theCountessAgnes。Hergaitwassomodestandproud，hercountenancesomelancholyandpure，herlookssoopenandconfident，thatevenbeforeshespokeeveryheartwashers。Joanwasnowtwentyyearsofage;hermagnificentbeautywasfullydeveloped，butanextremepallorconcealedthebrillianceofhertransparentsatinskin，andherhollowcheektoldthetaleofexpiationandsuffering。Amongthespectatorswholookedonmosteagerlytherewasacertainyoungmanwithstronglymarkedfeatures，glowingeyes，andbrownhair，whomweshallmeetagainlateroninournarrative;butwewillnotdivertourreaders’attention，butonlytellthemthathisnamewasJamesofAragon，thathewasPrinceofMajorca，andwouldhavebeenreadytoshedeverydropofhisbloodonlytocheckonesingletearthathungonJoan’seyelids。Thequeenspokeinanagitated，tremblingvoice，stoppingfromtimetotimetodryhermoistandshiningeyes，ortobreatheoneofthosedeepsighsthatgostraighttotheheart。Shetoldthetaleofherhusband’sdeathpainfullyandvividly，paintedtruthfullythemadterrorthathadseizeduponherandstruckherdownatthatfrightfultime，raisedherhandstoherbrowwiththegestureofdespair，asthoughshewouldwrestthemadnessfromherbrain-andashudderofpityandawepassedthroughtheassembledcrowd。Itisafactthatatthismoment，ifherwordswerefalse，heranguishwasbothsincereandterrible。Anangelsoiledbycrime，sheliedlikeSatanhimself，butlikehimtooshesufferedalltheagonyofremorseandpride。Thus，whenattheendofherspeechsheburstintotearsandimploredhelpandprotectionagainsttheusurperofherkingdom，acryofgeneralassentdrownedherclosingwords，severalhandsflewtotheirsword-
　　hilts，andtheHungarianambassadorsretiredcoveredwithshameandconfusion。
　　Thatsameeveningthesentence，tothegreatjoyofall，wasproclaimed，thatJoanwasinnocentandacquittedofallconcernintheassassinationofherhusband。Butasherconductaftertheeventandtheindifferenceshehadshownaboutpursuingtheauthorsofthecrimeadmittedofnovalidexcuse，thepopedeclaredthattherewereplaintracesofmagic，andthatthewrong-doingattributedtoJoanwastheresultofsomebanefulcharmcastuponher，whichshecouldbynopossiblemeansresist。Atthesametime，HisHolinessconfirmedhermarriagewithLouisofTarentum，andbestowedonhimtheorderoftheRoseofGoldandthetitleofKingofSicilyandJerusalem。Joan，itistrue，hadontheeveofheracquittalsoldthetownofAvignontothepopeforthesumof80，000florins。
　　WhilethequeenwaspleadinghercauseatthecourtofClementVI，adreadfulepidemic，calledtheBlackPlague——thesamethatBoccacciohasdescribedsowonderfully——wasravagingthekingdomofNaples，andindeedthewholeofItaly。AccordingtothecalculationofMatteoVillani，Florencelostthree-fifthsofherpopulation，Bolognatwo-
　　thirds，andnearlyallEuropewasreducedinsomesuchfrightfulproportion。TheNeapolitanswerealreadywearyofthecrueltiesandgreedoftheHungarians，theywereonlyawaitingsomeopportunitytorevoltagainstthestranger’soppression，andtorecalltheirlawfulsovereign，whom，forallherilldeeds，theyhadneverceasedtolove。Theattractionofyouthandbeautywasdeeplyfeltbythispleasure-lovingpeople。Scarcelyhadthepestilencethrownconfusionintothearmyandtown，whenloudcursingaroseagainstthetyrantandhisexecutioners。LouisofHungary，suddenlythreatenedbythe，wrathofHeavenandthepeople’svengeance，wasterrifiedbothbytheplagueandbytheriots，anddisappearedinthemiddleofthenight。
　　LeavingthegovernmentofNaplesinthehandsofConradLupo，oneofhiscaptains，heembarkedhastilyatBerletta，andleftthekingdominverymuchthesamewayasLouisofTarentum，fleeingfromhim，hadleftitafewmonthsbefore。
　　ThisnewsarrivedatAvignonjustwhenthepopewasabouttosendthequeenhisbullofabsolution。ItwasatoncedecidedtotakeawaythekingdomfromLouis’sviceroy。NicholasAeciajuolileftforNapleswiththemarvellousbullthatwastoprovetoallmentheinnocenceofthequeen，tobanishallscruplesandstirupanewenthusiasm。
　　ThecounsellorfirstwenttothecastleofMelzi，commandedbyhissonLorenzo：thiswastheonlyfortressthathadalwaysheldout。
　　Thefatherandsonembracedwiththehonourablepridethatnearrelativesmayjustlyfeelwhentheymeetaftertheyhaveunitedintheperformanceofaheroicduty。FromthegovernorofMelziLouisofTarentum’scounsellorlearnedthatallmenwereweariedofthearroganceandvexatiousconductofthequeen’senemies，andthataconspiracywasintrain，startedintheUniversityofNaples，butwithvastramificationsalloverthekingdom，andmoreoverthattherewasdissensionintheenemy’sarmy。TheindefatigablecounsellorwentfromApuliatoNaples，traversingtownsandvillages，collectingmeneverywhere，proclaimingloudlytheacquittalofthequeenandhermarriagewithLouisofTarentum，alsothatthepopewasofferingindulgencestosuchaswouldreceivewithjoytheirlawfulsovereigns。Thenseeingthatthepeopleshoutedashewentby，"LongliveJoan！DeathtotheHungarians！"hereturnedandtoldhissovereignsinwhatframeofmindhehadlefttheirsubjects。
　　Joanborrowedmoneywherevershecould，armedgalleys，andleftMarseilleswithherhusband，hersister，andtwofaithfuladvisers，AcciajuoliandSpinelli，onthel0thofSeptember1348。Thekingandqueennotbeingabletoenterattheharbour，whichwasintheenemy’spower，disembarkedatSantaMariadelCarmine，neartheriverSebeto，amidthefrenziedapplauseofanimmensecrowd，andaccompaniedbyalltheNeapolitannobles。TheymadetheirwaytothepalaceofMessireAjutorio，nearPortaCapuana，theHungarianshavingfortifiedthemselvesinallthecastles;butAcciatjuoli，attheheadofthequeen’spartisans，blockadedthefortressessoablythathalfoftheenemywereobligedtosurrender，andtheotherhalftooktoflightandwerescatteredabouttheinteriorofthekingdom。WeshallnowfollowLouisofTarentuminhisarduousadventuresinApulia，theCalabrias，andtheAbruzzi，whereherecoveredonebyonethefortressesthattheHungarianshadtaken。Bydintofunexampledvalourandpatience，heatlastmasterednearlyallthemoreconsiderableplaces，whensuddenlyeverythingchanged，andfortuneturnedherbackuponhimforthesecondtime。AGermancaptaincalledWarner，whohaddesertedtheHungarianarmytosellhimselftothequeen，hadagainplayedthetraitorandsoldhimselfoncemore，allowedhimselftobesurprisedatCornetobyConradLupo，theKingofHungary’svicar-general，andopenlyjoinedhim，takingalongwithhimagreatpartyoftheadventurerswhofoughtunderhisorders。
　　ThisunexpecteddefectionforcedLouisofTarentumtoretiretoNaples。TheKingofHungarysoonlearningthatthetroopshadralliedroundhisbanner，andonlyawaitedhisreturntomarchuponthecapital，disembarkedwithastrongreinforcementofcavalryattheportofManfredonia，andtakingTrani，Canosa，andSalerno，wentforwardtolaysiegetoAversa。
　　Thenewsfelllikeathunder-claponJoanandherhusband。TheHungarianarmyconsistedof10，000horseandmorethan7000infantry，andAversahadonly500soldiersunderGiacomoPignatelli。Inspiteoftheimmensedisproportionofthenumbers，theNeapolitangeneralvigorouslyrepelledtheattack;andtheKingofHungary，fightinginthefront，waswoundedinhisfootbyanarrow。ThenLouis，seeingthatitwouldbedifficulttotaketheplacebystorm，determinedtostarvethemout。Forthreemonthsthebesiegedperformedprodigiesofvalour，andfurtherassistancewasimpossible。Theircapitulationwasexpectedatanymoment，unlessindeedtheydecidedtoperisheveryman。RenauddesBaux，whowastocomefromMarseilleswithasquadronoftenshipstodefendtheportsofthecapitalandsecurethequeen’sflight，shouldtheHungarianarmygetpossessionofNaples，hadbeendelayedbyadversewindsandobligedtostopontheway。Allthingsseemedtoconspireinfavouroftheenemy。LouisofTarentum，whosegeneroussoulrefusedtoshedthebloodofhisbravemeninanunequalanddesperatestruggle，noblysacrificedhimself，andmadeanoffertotheKingofHungarytosettletheirquarrelinsinglecombat。WeappendtheauthenticlettersthatpassedbetweenJoan’shusbandandAndre’sbrother。
　　"IllustriousKingofHungary，whohascometoinvadeourkingdom，we，bythegraceofGodKingofJerusalemandSicily，inviteyoutosinglecombat。Weknowthatyouareinnowisedisturbedbythedeathofyourlancersortheotherpagansinyoursuite，nomoreindeedthaniftheyweredogs;butwe，fearingharmtoourownsoldiersandmen-at-arms，desiretofightwithyoupersonally，toputanendtothepresentwarandrestorepeacetoourkingdom。Hewhosurvivesshallbeking。Andtherefore，toensurethatthisduelshalltakeplace，wedefinitelyproposeasasiteeitherParis，inthepresenceoftheKingofFrance，oroneofthetownsofPerugia，Avignon，orNaples。Chooseoneofthesefourplaces，andsendusyourreply。"
　　TheKingofHungaryfirstconsultedwithhiscouncil，andthenreplied：——
　　GreatKing，wehavereadandconsideredyourlettersenttousbythebearerofthesepresents，andbyyourinvitationtoaduelwearemostsupremelypleased;butwedonotapproveofanyoftheplacesyoupropose，sincetheyareallsuspect，andforseveralreasons。
　　TheKingofFranceisyourmaternalgrandfather，andalthoughwearealsoconnectedbybloodwithhim，therelationshipisnotsonear。
　　ThetownofAvignon，althoughnominallybelongingtothesovereignpontiff，isthecapitalofProvence，andhasalwaysbeensubjecttoyourrule。NeitherhaveweanymoreconfidenceinPerugia，forthattownisdevotedtoyourcause。
　　AstothecityofNaples，thereisnoneedtosaythatwerefusethatrendezvous，sinceitisinrevoltagainstusandyouarethereasking。Butifyouwishtofightwithus，letitbeinthepresenceoftheEmperorofGermany，whoislordsupreme，ortheKingofEngland，whoisourcommonfriend，orthePatriarchofAquilea，agoodCatholic。Ifyoudonotapproveofanyoftheplaceswepropose，weshallsoonbenearyouwithourarmy，andsoremovealldifficultiesanddelays。Thenyoucancomeforth，andourduelcantakeplaceinthepresenceofbotharmies。"
　　Aftertheinterchangeofthesetwoletters，LouisofTarentumproposednothingfurther。ThegarrisonatAversahadcapitulatedafteraheroicresistance，anditwasknownonlytoowellthatiftheKingofHungarycouldgetsofarasthewallsofNaples，hewouldnothavetoendangerhislifeinordertoseizethatcity。HappilytheProvencalgalleyshadreachedportatlast。ThekingandthequeenhadonlyjusttimetoembarkandtakerefugeatGaeta。TheHungarianarmyarrivedatNaples。Thetownwasonthepointofyielding，andhadsentmessengerstothekinghumblydemandingpeace;butthespeechesoftheHungariansshowedsuchinsolencethatthepeople，irritatedpastendurance，tookuparms，andresolvedtodefendtheirhouseholdgodswithalltheenergyofdespair。
　　CHAPTERVIII
　　WhiletheNeapolitanswereholdingoutagainsttheirenemyatthePortaCapuana，astrangescenewasbeingenactedattheothersideofthetown，ascenethatshowsusinlivelycolourstheviolenceandtreacheryofthisbarbarousage。ThewidowofCharlesofDurazzowasshutupin，thecastleofOvo，andawaitinginfeverishanxietythearrivaloftheshipthatwastotakehertothequeen。ThepoorPrincessMarie，pressingherweepingchildrentoherheart，pale，withdishevelledlocks，fixedeyes，anddrawnlips，waslisteningforeverysound，distractedbetweenhopeandfear。Suddenlystepsresoundedalongthecorridor，afriendlyvoicewasheard，Mariefelluponherkneeswithacryofjoy：herliberatorhadcome。
　　RenauddesBaux，admiraloftheProvencalsquadron，respectfullyadvanced，followedbyhiseldestsonRobertandhischaplain。
　　"God，IthankThee！"exclaimedMarie，risingtoherfeet;"wearesaved。"
　　"Onemoment，madam，"saidRenaud，stoppingher："youareindeedsaved，butupononecondition。"
　　"Acondition？"murmuredtheprincessinsurprise。
　　"Listen，madam。TheKingofHungary，theavengerofAndre’smurderers，theslayerofyourhusband，isatthegatesofNaples;thepeopleandsoldierswillsuccumb，assoonastheirlastgallanteffortisspent——thearmyoftheconquerorisabouttospreaddesolationanddeaththroughoutthecitybyfireandthesword。ThistimetheHungarianbutcherwillsparenovictims：hewillkillthemotherbeforeherchildren’seyes，thechildrenintheirmother’sarms。Thedrawbridgeofthiscastleisupandtherearenoneonguard;everymanwhocanwieldaswordisnowattheotherendofthetown。Woetoyou，MarieofDurazzo，iftheKingofHungaryshallrememberthatyoupreferredhisrivaltohim！"
　　"Buthaveyounotcomeheretosaveme？"criedMarieinavoiceofanguish。"Joan，mysister，didshenotcommandyoutotakemetoher？"
　　"Yoursisterisnolongerinthepositiontogiveorders，"repliedRenaud，withadisdainfulsmile。"ShehadnothingformebutthanksbecauseIsavedherlife，andherhusband’stoo，whenhefledlikeacowardbeforethemanwhomhehaddaredtochallengetoaduel。"
　　Marielookedfixedlyattheadmiraltoassureherselfthatitwasreallyhewhothusarrogantlytalkedabouthismasters。Butshewasterrifiedathisimperturbableexpression，andsaidgently——
　　"AsIowemylifeandmychildren’slivessolelytoyourgenerosity，Iamgratefultoyoubeyondallmeasure。Butwemusthurry，mylord：
　　everymomentIfancyIhearcriesofvengeance，andyouwouldnotleave，menowapreytomybrutalenemy？"
　　"Godforbid，madam;Iwillsaveyouattheriskofmylife;butI
　　havesaidalready，Iimposeacondition。"
　　"Whatisit？"saidMarie，withforcedcalm。
　　"Thatyoumarrymysonontheinstant，inthepresenceofourreverendchaplain。"
　　"Rashman！"criedMarie，recoiling，herfacescarletwithindignationandshame;"youdaretospeakthustothesisterofyourlegitimatesovereign？GivethankstoGodthatIwillpardonaninsultoffered，asIknow，inamomentofmadness;trybyyourdevotiontomakemeforgetwhatyouhavesaid。"
　　Thecount，withoutoneword，signedtohissonandapriesttofollow，andpreparedtodepart。AshecrossedthethresholdMarierantohim，andclaspingherhands，prayedhiminGod’snamenevertoforsakeher。Renaudstopped。
　　"Imighteasilytakemyrevenge，"hesaid，"foryouraffrontwhenyourefusemysoninyourpride;butthatbusinessIleavetoLouisofHungary，whowillacquithimself，nodoubt，withcredit。"
　　"Havemercyonmypoordaughters！"criedtheprincess;"mercyatleastformypoorbabes，ifmyowntearscannotmoveyou。"
　　"Ifyoulovedyourchildren，"saidtheadmiral，frowning，"youwouldhavedoneyourdutyatonce。"
　　"ButIdonotloveyourson！"criedMarie，proudbuttrembling。
　　"OGod，mustawretchedwoman’sheartbethustrampled？You，father，aministeroftruthandjustice，tellthismanthatGodmustnotbecalledontowitnessanoathdraggedfromtheweakandhelpless！"
　　Sheturnedtotheadmiral’sson;andadded，sobbing——
　　"Youareyoung，perhapsyouhaveloved：onedaynodoubtyouwilllove。Iappealtoyourloyaltyasayoungman，toyourcourtesyasaknight，toallyournoblestimpulses;joinme，andturnyourfatherawayfromhisfatalproject。Youhaveneverseenmebefore：youdonotknowbutthatinmysecretheartIloveanother。Yourprideshouldberevoltedatthesightofanunhappywomancastingherselfatyourfeetandimploringyourfavourandprotection。Onewordfromyou，Robert，andIshallblessyoueverymomentofmylife：thememoryofyouwillbegraveninmyheartlikethememoryofaguardianangel，andmychildrenshallnameyounightlyintheirprayers，askingGodtograntyourwishes。Oh，say，willyounotsaveme？Whoknows，lateronImayloveyou——withreallove。"
　　"Imustobeymyfather，"Robertreplied，neverliftinghiseyestothelovelysuppliant。
　　Thepriestwassilent。Twominutespassed，andthesefourpersons，eachabsorbedinhisownthoughts，stoodmotionlessasstatuescarvedatthefourcornersofatomb。Mariewasthricetemptedtothrowherselfintothesea。Butaconfuseddistantsoundsuddenlystruckuponherears：littlebylittleitdrewnearer，voicesweremoredistinctlyheard;womeninthestreetwereutteringcriesofdistress——
　　"Fly，fly！Godhasforsakenus;theHungariansareinthetown！"
　　ThetearsofMarie’schildrenweretheanswertothesecries;andlittleMargaret，raisingherhandstohermother，expressedherfearinspeechthatwasfarbeyondheryears。Renaud，withoutonelookatthistouchingpicture，drewhissontowardsthedoor。
　　"Stay，"saidtheprincess，extendingherhandwithasolemngesture：
　　"asGodsendsnootheraidtomychildren，itisHiswillthatthesacrificebeaccomplished。"
　　Shefellonherkneesbeforethepriest，bendingherheadlikeavictimwhooffershernecktotheexecutioner。RobertdesBauxtookhisplacebesideher，andthepriestpronouncedtheformulathatunitedthemforever，consecratingtheinfamousdeedbyasacrilegiousblessing。
　　"Allisover！"murmuredMarieofDurazzo，lookingtearfullyonherlittledaughters。
　　"No，allisnotyetover，"saidtheadmiralharshly，pushinghertowardsanotherroom;"beforeweleave，themarriagemustbeconsummated。"
　　"OjustGod！"criedtheprincess，inavoicetornwithanguish，andshefellswooningtothefloor。
　　RenauddesBauxdirectedhisshipstowardsMarseilles，wherehehopedtogethissoncrownedCountofProvence，thankstohisstrangemarriagewithMarieofDurazzo。Butthiscowardlyactoftreasonwasnottogounpunished。Thewindrosewithfury，anddrovehimtowardsGaeta，wherethequeenandherhusbandhadjustarrived。Renaudbadehissailorskeepintheopen，threateningtothrowanymanintotheseawhodaredtodisobeyhim。Thecrewatfirstmurmured;sooncriesofmutinyroseoneveryside。Theadmiral，seeinghewaslost，passedfromthreatstoprayers。Buttheprincess，whohadrecoveredhersensesatthefirstthunder-clap，draggedherselfuptothebridgeandscreamedforhelp，"Cometome，Louis！Come，mybarons！Deathtothecowardlywretcheswhohaveoutragedmyhonour！"
　　LouisofTarentumjumpedintoaboat，followedbysometenofhisbravestmen，and，rowingrapidly，reachedtheship。ThenMarietoldhimherstoryinaword，andheturnedupontheadmiralalightningglance，asthoughdefyinghimtomakeanydefence。
　　"Wretch！"criedtheking，transfixingthetraitorwithhissword。
　　Thenhehadthesonloadedwithchains，andalsotheunworthypriestwhohadservedasaccomplicetotheadmiral，whonowexpiatedhisodiouscrimebydeath。Hetooktheprincessandherchildreninhisboat，andre-enteredtheharbour。
　　TheHungarians，however，forcingoneofthegatesofNaples，marchedtriumphanttoCastelNuovo。ButastheywerecrossingthePiazzadelleCorreggie，theNeapolitansperceivedthatthehorsesweresoweakandthemensoreducedbyalltheyhadundergoneduringthesiegeofAversathatamerepuffofwindwoulddispensethisphantom-
　　likearmy。Changingfromastateofpanictorealdaring，thepeoplerushedupontheirconquerors，anddrovethemoutsidethewallsbywhichtheyhadjustentered。ThesuddenviolentreactionbroketheprideoftheKingofHungary，andmadehimmoretractablewhenClementVIdecidedthatheoughtatlasttointerfere。AtrucewasconcludedfirstfromthemonthofFebruary1350tothebeginningofApril1351，andthenextyearthiswasconvertedintoarealpeace，JoanpayingtotheKingofHungarythesumof300，000florinsfortheexpensesofthewar。
　　AftertheHungarianshadgone，thepopesentalegatetocrownJoanandLouisofTarentum，andthe25thofMay，thedayofPentecost，waschosenfortheceremony。Allcontemporaryhistoriansspeakenthusiasticallyofthismagnificentfete。ItsdetailshavebeenimmortalisedbyGiottointhefrescoesofthechurchwhichfromthisdayborethenameofL’Incoronata。Ageneralamnestywasdeclaredforallwhohadtakenpartinthelatewarsoneitherside，andthekingandqueenweregreetedwithshoutsofjoyastheysolemnlyparadedbeneaththecanopy，withallthebaronsofthekingdomintheirtrain。
　　Buttheday’sjoywasimpairedbyanaccidentwhichtoasuperstitiouspeopleseemedofevilaugury。LouisofTarentum，ridingarichlycaparisonedhorse，hadjustpassedthePortaPetruccia，whensomeladieslookingoutfromahighwindowthrewsuchaquantityofflowersatthekingthathisfrightenedsteedrearedandbrokehisrein。Louiscouldnotholdhim，sojumpedlightlytotheground;butthecrownfellathisfeetandwasbrokenintothreepieces。OnthatverydaytheonlydaughterofJoanandLouisdied。
　　Butthekingnotwishingtosaddenthebrilliantceremonywithshowofmourning，keptupthejoustsandtournamentsforthreedays，andinmemoryofhiscoronationinstitutedtheorderof’ChevaliersduNoeud’。Butfromthatdaybegunwithanomensosad，hislifewasnothingbutaseriesofdisillusions。AftersustainingwarsinSicilyandApulia，andquellingtheinsurrectionofLouisofDurazzo，whoendedhisdaysinthecastleofOvo，LouisofTarentum，wornoutbyalifeofpleasure，hishealthunderminedbyslowdisease，overwhelmedwithdomestictrouble，succumbedtoanacutefeveronthe5thofJune1362，attheageofforty-two。HisbodyhadnotbeenlaidinitsroyaltombatSaintDomenicobeforeseveralaspirantsappearedtothehandofthequeen。
　　OnewasthePrinceofMajorca，thehandsomeyouthwehavealreadyspokenof：heboreherofftriumphantoverallrivals，includingthesonoftheKingofFrance。JamesofAragonhadoneofthosefacesofmelancholysweetnesswhichnowomancanresist。Greattroublesnoblybornehadthrownasitwereafunerealveiloverhisyouthfuldays：
　　morethanthirteenyearshehadspentshutinanironcage;whenbytheaidofafalsekeyhehadescapedfromhisdreadfulprison，hewanderedfromonecourttoanotherseekingaid;itisevensaidthathewasreducedtothelowestdegreeofpovertyandforcedtobeghisbread。Theyoungstranger’sbeautyandhisadventurescombinedhadimpressedbothJoanandMarieatthecourtofAvignon。Marieespeciallyhadconceivedaviolentpassionforhim，allthemoresofortheeffortsshemadetoconcealitinherownbosom。EversinceJamesofAragoncametoNaples，theunhappyprincess，marriedwithadaggeratherthroat，haddesiredtopurchaseherlibertyattheexpenseofcrime。Followedbyfourarmedmen，sheenteredtheprisonwhereRobertdesBauxwasstillsufferingforafaultmorehisfather’sthanhisown。Mariestoodbeforetheprisoner，herarmscrossed，hercheekslivid，herlipstrembling。Itwasaterribleinterview。Thistimeitwasshewhothreatened，themanwhoentreatedpardon。Mariewasdeaftohisprayers，andtheheadofthelucklessmanfellbleedingatherfeet，andhermenthrewthebodyintothesea。ButGodneverallowsamurdertogounpunished：Jamespreferredthequeentohersister，andthewidowofCharlesofDurazzogainednothingbyhercrimebutthecontemptofthemansheloved，andabitterremorsewhichbroughtherwhileyetyoungtothetomb。
　　JoanwasmarriedinturntoJamesofAragon，sonoftheKingofMajorca，andtoOthoofBrunswick，oftheimperialfamilyofSaxony。
　　Wewillpassrapidlyovertheseyears，andcometothedenouementofthishistoryofcrimeandexpiation。James，partedfromhiswife，continuedhisstormycareer，afteralongcontestinSpainwithPetertheCruel，whohadusurpedhiskingdom：abouttheendoftheyear1375hediednearNavarre。OthoalsocouldnotescapetheDivinevengeancewhichhungoverthecourtofNaples，buttotheendhevaliantlysharedthequeen’sfortunes。Joan，sinceshehadnolawfulheir，adoptedhernephew，CharlesdelaPaix（socalledafterthepeaceofTrevisa）。HewasthesonofLouisDuras，whoafterrebellingagainstLouisofTarentum，haddiedmiserablyinthecastleofOvo。Thechildwouldhavesharedhisfather’sfatehadnotJoanintercededtosparehislife，loadedhimwithkindness，andmarriedhimtoMargaret，thedaughterofhersisterMarieandhercousinCharles，whowasputto，deathbytheKingofHungary。
　　Seriousdifferencesarosebetweenthequeenandoneofherformersubjects，BartolommeoPrigiani，whohadbecomepopeunderthenameofUrbanVI。Annoyedbythequeen’sopposition，thepopeonedayangrilysaidhewouldshutherupinaconvent。Joan，toavengetheinsult，openlyfavouredClementVII，theanti-pope，andofferedhimahomeinherowncastle，when，pursuedbyPopeUrban’sarmy，hehadtakenrefugeatFondi。ButthepeoplerebelledagainstClement，andkilledtheArchbishopofNaples，whohadhelpedtoelecthim：theybrokethecrossthatwascarriedinprocessionbeforetheanti-pope，andhardlyallowedhimtimetomakehisescapeonshipboardtoProvence。UrbandeclaredthatJoanwasnowdethroned，andreleasedhersubjectsfromtheiroathoffidelitytoher，bestowingthecrownofSicilyandJerusalemuponCharlesdelaPaix，whomarchedonNapleswith8000Hungarians。Joan，whocouldnotbelieveinsuchbaseingratitude，sentouthiswifeMargarettomeetheradoptedson，thoughshemighthavekeptherasahostage，andhistwochildren，LadislausandJoan，whobecamelaterthesecondqueenofthatname。
　　ButthevictoriousarmysoonarrivedatthegatesofNaples，andCharlesblockadedthequeeninhercastle，forgettinginhisingratitudethatshehadsavedhislifeandlovedhimlikeamother。
　　Joanduringthesiegeenduredalltheworstfatiguesofwarthatanysoldierhastobear。Shesawherfaithfulfriendsfallaroundherwastedbyhungerordecimatedbysickness。Whenallfoodwasexhausted，deadanddecomposedbodieswerethrownintothecastlethattheymightpollutetheairshebreathed。OthowithhistroopswaskeptatAversa;LouisofAnjou，thebrotheroftheKingofFrancewhomshehadnamedashersuccessorwhenshedisinheritedhernephew，neverappearedtohelpher，andtheProvenqalshipsfromClementVII
　　werenotduetoarriveuntilallhopemustbeover。Joanaskedforatruceoffivedays，promisingthat，ifOthohadnotcometorelieveherinthattime，shewouldsurrenderthefortress。
　　OnthefifthdayOtho’sarmyappearedonthesideofPiedigrotta。
　　Thefightwassharponbothsides，andJoanfromthetopofatowercouldfollowwithhereyesthecloudofdustraisedbyherhusband’shorseinthethickestofthebattle。Thevictorywaslonguncertain：
　　atlengththeprincemadesoboldanonsetupontheroyalstandard，inhis，eagernesstomeethisenemyhandtohand，thatheplungedintotheverymiddleofthearmy，andfoundhimselfpressedoneveryside。Coveredwithbloodandsweat，hisswordbrokeninhishand，hewasforcedtosurrender。AnhourlaterCharleswaswritingtohisuncle，theKingofHungary，thatJoanhadfallenintohispower，andheonlyawaitedHisMajesty’sorderstodecideherfate。
　　ItwasafineMaymorning：thequeenwasunderguardinthecastleofAversa：OthohadobtainedhislibertyonconditionofhisquittingNaples，andLouisofAnjouhadatlastgottogetheranarmyof50，000
　　menandwasmarchinginhothastetotheconquestofthekingdom。
　　NoneofthisnewshadreachedtheearsofJoan，whoforsomedayshadlivedincompleteisolation。Thespringlavishedallhergloryontheseenchantedplains，whichhaveearnedthenameoftheblessedandhappycountry，campagnafelite。Theorangetreeswerecoveredwithsweetwhiteblossoms，thecherriesladenwithrubyfruit，theoliveswithyoungemeraldleaves，thepomegranatefeatherywithredbells;
　　thewildmulberry，theevergreenlaurel，allthestrongbuddingvegetation，needingnohelpfrommantoflourishinthisspotprivilegedbyNature，madeonegreatgarden，hereandthereinterruptedbylittlehiddenrunlets。ItwasaforgottenEdeninthiscorneroftheworld。Joanatherwindowwasbreathingintheperfumesofspring，andhereyesmistywithtearsrestedonabedoffloweryverdurealightbreeze，keenandbalmy，blewuponherburningbrowandofferedagratefulcoolnesstoherdampandfeveredcheeks。
　　Distantmelodiousvoices，refrainsofwell-knownsongs，wereallthatdisturbedthesilenceofthepoorlittleroom，thesolitarynestwherealifewaspassingawayintearsandrepentance，alifethemostbrilliantandeventfulofacenturyofsplendourandunrest。
　　Thequeenwasslowlyreviewinginhermindallherlifesincesheceasedtobeachild——fiftyyearsofdisillusionmentandsuffering。
　　Shethoughtfirstofherhappy，peacefulchildhood，hergrandfather’sblindaffection，thepurejoysofherdaysofinnocence，theexcitinggameswithherlittlesisterandtallcousins。Thensheshudderedattheearliestthoughtofmarriage，theconstraint，thelossofliberty，thebitterregrets;sherememberedwithhorrorthedeceitfulwordsmurmuredinherear，designedtosowtheseedsofcorruptionandvicethatweretopoisonherwholelife。Thencametheburningmemoriesofherfirstlove，thetreacheryanddesertionofRobertofCabane，themomentsofmadnesspassedlikeadreaminthearmsofBertrandofArtois——thewholedramauptoitstragicdenouementshowedasinlettersoffireonthedarkbackgroundofhersombrethoughts。Thenarosecriesofanguishinhersoul，evenasonthatterriblefatalnightsheheardthevoiceofAndreaskingmercyfromhismurderers。Alongdeadlysilencefollowedhisawfulstruggle，andthequeensawbeforehereyesthecartsofinfamyandthetortureofheraccomplices。Alltherestofthisvisionwaspersecution，flight，exile，remorse，punishmentsfromGodandcursesfromtheworld。Aroundherwasafrightfulsolitude：husbands，lovers，kindred，friends，allweredead;allshehadlovedorhatedintheworldwerenownomore;herjoy，pain，desire，andhopehadvanishedforever。Thepoorqueen，unabletofreeherselffromthesevisionsofwoe，violentlytoreherselfawayfromtheawfulreverie，andkneelingataprie-dieu，prayedwithfervour。Shewasstillbeautiful，inspiteofherextremepallor;thenoblelinesofherfacekepttheirpureoval;thefireofrepentanceinhergreatblackeyeslitthemupwithsuperhumanbrilliance，andthehopeofpardonplayedinaheavenlysmileuponherlips。
　　SuddenlythedooroftheroomwhereJoanwassoearnestlyprayingopenedwithadullsound：twoHungarianbaronsinarmourenteredandsignedtothequeentofollowthem。Joanarosesilentlyandobeyed;
　　butacryofpainwentupfromherheartwhensherecognisedtheplacewherebothAndreandCharlesofDurazzohaddiedaviolentdeath。Butshecollectedherforces，andaskedcalmlywhyshewasbroughthither。Forallanswer，oneofthemenshowedheracordofsilkandgold……
　　"MaythewillofajustGodbedone！"criedJoan，andfelluponherknees。Someminuteslatershehadceasedtosuffer。
　　ThiswasthethirdcorpsethatwasthrownoverthebalconyatAversa。