midday
There came up the broad , winding stair , to the landing on which opened the great doors of the Kaisersaal , two joyous-looking young people , evidently lovers , and with the hilt of his sword the youth knocked against the stout panels of the door . It was Herr Durnberg himself who opened , and he said haughtily -- `` The Romer is closed , and will not be free to strangers until after the Election . '' `` We enter , nevertheless . I am Prince Roland , here to meet the Court of Electors , who convene at midday in the adjoining Wahlzimmer . You , Romer-meister , will announce to their august Lordships that I am here , and , when their will is expressed , summon me to audience with them . '' Herr Durnberg bowed almost to the polished floor , and flinging open both doors , retreated backwards , still bent double as he implored them to enter . Locking the doors , for the Electors would reach the Wahlzimmer through a private way , to be used by none but themselves , the bustling Durnberg produced two chairs , which he set by the windows in the front , and again running the risk of falling on his nose , bowed his distinguished visitors to seats where they might entertain themselves by watching the enormous crowd that filled the Romerberg from end to end , for every man in Frankfort knew an Election was impending , and it was after the banquet , when the wine began to flow in the fountain , that the new Emperor exhibited himself to his people by stepping from the Kaisersaal out upon the balcony in front of it .