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As usual the court divided on the question, when, to quiet the factions, His Majesty ordered Phranza, the Grand Chamberlain, a courtier of learning and diplomatic experience, who held the Emperor's confidence in greater degree than any other court official, unless it might be the Dean himself, to go see the rivals personally, and report with recommendation. The ambassador had been gone two years.
It is nature! ... Oh, my Phranza, what thinkest thou the false monk is carrying under his hood?" "Some egg of treason, I doubt not." "Having driven His Serenity, the pious and venerable Gregory, into exile, he aspires to succeed him." "The hypocrite! the impostor! the perjured! He, Patriarch!" cried Phranza, with upraised eyes. "And from whose hands thinkest thou he dreams of deriving the honor?"
The Court was in full attendance, and, after my presentation to His Majesty, I was introduced to its members. The ceremony was in charge of the Grand Chamberlain, that Phranza with whom my Lord is acquainted. Much I feared lest he should recognize me. Fortunately he is dull and philosophical, and too much given to study of things abstract and far away to be mindful of those close under his nose.
The guest was then left alone; and while he ate and drank he wondered at the stillness prevalent; the very house seemed in awe. Ere long another official entered, and after apologizing for introducing himself, said: "I am Dean of the Court. In the absence of my lord Phranza, it has fallen to me to discharge, well as I can, the duties of Grand Chamberlain."
"You must know, dear Princess, that the Grand Chamberlain, Phranza, has been negligent and remiss in the time he has consumed, saying nothing of his lavishment of treasure so badly needed at home.
With respect to this mysterious person, the time was favorable, in the opinion of the council, for demanding an increase of the stipend. Instructions concerning the project were accordingly delivered to Lord Phranza. The High Commissioner was received with flattering distinction at Adrianople.
At length Phranza wearied of waiting, and being summoned home left the two affairs in charge of an ambassador instructed to forego no opportunity which might offer to press them to conclusions. Afterwhile Mahommed went into Asia to suppress an insurrection in Caramania. The Greek followed him from town to camp, until, tiring of the importunity, the Sultan one day summoned him to his tent.
There were with him Justiniani, the Cardinal Isidore, John Grant, Phranza, Theophilus Palaeologus, Duke Notaras, and a number of inferior persons native and foreign. He had come to see all there was to be seen of the Turks going into position. The day was spring-like, with just enough breeze to blow the mists away.
James' and all present from the other Orders, broke up and took to the streets, where they are now, exhorting the people not to go to the Church, and there is reason to believe they will" "Enough," said the Emperor, with sudden resolution. "The good Gregory shall not pray God singly and alone." Turning to Phranza, he ordered him to summon the court for the occasion.
"And therefore the Duke, not our Phranza, is in danger. She will discomfit him." "May Heaven dispose so!" And the Rhetorician almost immediately added, "Observe thou. Notaras has established himself within easy hearing of the two. He has actually invaded the space reserved for them." "As if to confirm my forecast!" Then the Philosopher raised a cup. "To Phranza!"
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