Seite 326 von 788

"Neighbour Judge," pronounced the Chamberlain at last, "the

servant of God has rightfully won the first reward; but it is not

easy to decide who is the next to him, for all seem to me to have

equal merits, all to be equal in skill, adroitness, and courage.

Fortune, however, has this day distinguished two by the danger in

which they were; two were nearest to the bear's claws, Thaddeus

and the Count; to them the skin belongs. Thaddeus will yield, I

am sure, as the younger, and as the kinsman of our host; hence

Your Honour the Count will receive the spolia opima.94 Let this

trophy adorn your hunting chamber, let it be a reminder of

to-day's sport, a symbol of fortune in the chase, a spur to

future glory."