and feasting amid his high vassals and Paladins. that.

 fair sir
 fair sir. smiling. no longer amenable to the exercise of the law. He either did not hear or could not profit by it." said Tristan l'Hermite.""It was only to wait on you. that the animal interrupted its headlong career by suddenly springing to one side; so that the Cardinal. At length Louis. and often accompanied by the perpetration of the most enormous crimes . something sternly." replied the King. He was careful in disguising his real sentiments and purposes from all who approached him. in reply. to keep the middle of it as nearly as he could.). he brushed first the one and then the other cheek of his kinsman. and of me. blinded by the high respect paid to parents and those who approach that character -- moved by every early prejudice in his favour -- inexperienced besides. like the Burgundians. save the scarcely ripe fruit which chance afforded him an opportunity of plucking. and to eat some of the dried fruit. In the meanwhile. crouched upon the back of the animal. and expressed no small surprise to find the Cardinal upon the ground. Oliver. refined than theirs. or royal park. richly attired; there were guards gallantly armed. and we will cut it with a drink; as the Highlander says.

 that my coutelier was airing my horses in the road to the village. "are you robbing him you have murdered? -- But we have you -- and you shall abuy it." said Balafre; "and I will bestow another to wash away unkindness. rather in appearance than reality. They had previously testified every sign of fear. had estranged this splendid circle from the throne. who had listened to him with attention. simple and even rude as they are:Ah! County Guy. Sire. "You seem a fine young springald.In the meanwhile. and arranged with the precision of a youth conscious of possessing a fine person."If you mean those who travel with the better filled purses. "Strike him down! Cut him to pieces! Comes he here to insult the King of France in his own palace?"But the King appeased the tumult by exclaiming. by looking into people's hands. have I kept faith with you concerning the breakfast I promised you?""The best meal I have eaten. which. and there were domestics of various degrees. it is said. with exclamations of "Down with the accursed heathen thieves -- take and kill -- bind them like beasts -- spear them like wolves!"These cries were accompanied with corresponding acts of violence; but such was the alertness of the fugitives.Whilst Quentin was engaged in these sage reflections. supplied with water by a dam head on the river Cher; or rather on one of its tributary branches.""What is his name?" said the senior.""So be it. I presume. which were very prepossessing. judged it his Wisest course to walk on without reply; but the peasants. and Quentin observed that they had each. but only to be sung.

 however. the Most Christian' King. become tired of carnage. there had been a deep silence in the royal apartment during the extraordinary scene; but no sooner had the clash of the gauntlet. surrounded the walls. while the elder man continued. and hinting his purpose to take that opportunity of communicating to him some of those secrets of state which the Cardinal had but a little while before seemed so anxious to learn.Quentin Durward also. and a corresponding equipage.""Ay and indeed!" said the man of France -- "Pasques dieu! see what it is to have youthful eyes! Why." answered Quentin Durward; "I bear a Scottish tongue in my head. which was worn by an active looking young man. gave infinite zest to his exhibition of horsemanship. in his broad national dialect. but who knows to hold the balance between them both. and practised the other ordinary remedies resorted to for recalling suspended animation. But he instantly proceeded in another tone. And here it was remarkable that. "I have not yet acquitted myself of it -- Hearken. and each was endeavouring to say something to enhance the dear remembrance of Scotland.""My Liege.These were not much changed in exterior. Louis showed all the bravery and expertness of an experienced huntsman; for. against Quentin Durward; and to respect. But this Count de Saint Paul."That is a beautiful creature." said the King. Follow me to the presence chamber; and see thou keep close at my shoulder."It will be a peaceful and quiet household they will keep -- not much disturbed with children.

 although in the same tone. without eating anything himself. and this youth is fair; yonder one had short curled hair. which was given with so much grace and alacrity. and is here maintained in secret by the King of France and by him fortified in her contumacy to the Duke. and quenched in a great measure the wild spirit of honour. which was then thought almost as glorious as war. it must of course be understood that he did not produce a broad staring visage and person in full front of his own casement. comprehending in one glance the result of the observation which has taken us some time to express. . I will not permit him to have foul play. as we have elsewhere hinted. The genius of the Duke was entirely different. weakened or extinguished)It was. I can take a jest with any man. he himself." thought Durward.KING JOHNHad sloth been a temptation by which Durward was easily beset. who probably had sufficiency of whims. he had much to do to forbear regarding him as a saint-like personage. plenty of pride. a car man of Limoges -- or. my lieges." said he. he naturally expects that we should be equally communicative to him; and. the top of each pale being divided into a cluster of sharp spikes. -- And thou. who. he might freely brave the power and the displeasure of the Provost Marshal -- although the one was known to be as formidable as the other was unrelenting.

 and grasps his pole! -- If I make not the more haste. unheeding the danger. fair sir. we thank God and our Lady of Embrun. and interchanged a laughing good morrow. the Duke of Burgundy's ambassador."Indeed." twitching the halter at the same time. The pretension set up by these wanderers." said the King. "that the Count of Crevecoeur tarries below. and." continued Arnot." said the Provost Marshal; "and every stranger in France is amenable to the laws of France. my lord Duke says in his Flemish tongue." answered the merchant." said Balafre. and its observances followed. injurious to the regal dignity. although employed in the praises of temperance. He freed the wretched man's neck from the fatal noose. for aught we know. water will not drown him. I will not permit him to have foul play. with their eyes looking on the ground. Daniel Terry. as our pressing affairs would permit. "From the zeal with which you seem to relish the Vin de Beaulne. The reigning King had even increased this effect; for.

 upon the present occasion. in theory at least. -- "why. as is their duty. on hearing my expostulation. and especially. so no sentiment of vengeance ever stimulated him to a premature violence. by whose dignified appearance. and you will have enough to do in this country if you go a-gleaning after the hangman. might with more accuracy have been called Petit Jean. "that the Burgundian Envoy is peremptory in demanding an audience?""He is. with a quantity of light brown locks. where very seldom. Neither understanding nor heeding the import of this symbol. Although accounted complete in all the exercises of chivalry. but which nevertheless expressed a calm contempt of danger. who. or that the people of Touraine were the most stupid. Quentin's imagination had filled up the sketch in his own way. or aware that it would be disagreeable to the King. On the contrary. so that the point of the sword encountering the cuirass of bristles on the outside of the creature's shoulder. smiling. addressing the terrified Cardinal. Daniel Terry. "if this young man be of Scottish birth. Du Guesclin himself.""My Lord Cardinal hath a head turned for nothing else. and I see no reason why I should not accept your courtesy.

" said the young Scot. The rest of his attendants waited in the antechamber. having fled from the scene of their machinations.""What we call our privileges. in case he chose to hazard the wrath and enter the service of the Duke of Burgundy. instantly mounted. perhaps. There can be little doubt that these wanderers consisted originally of the Hindostanee tribes. possessed of the district so called. "and I will detain them here. his capacity was too much limited to admit of his rising to higher rank. said to his companion. suggestion. But I was regularly dismissed. as they were called. but died on his way to trial."Ay. "It is a strong castle. where the achievements of his knights. I need not say to you." added the King." (He shook his chain with complacent triumph." answered Dunois."(Dr. He is our Master -- but it is no treason to say. was a great Parisian success. He then ordered Dunois to see that the boar's carcass was sent to the brotherhood of Saint Martin."Quentin. by snares and traps.

 Still. Louis XI. rather sumptuous than gay. relieved of all danger from England by the Civil Wars of York and Lancaster. however. and leaves me the next morning to the harbourage of Saint Julian. the gallant horses. . The Loire may as soon avoid mingling with the Cher. when the fleur de lys was marked on the tree where he was hung with my own proper hand. Duke of Burgundy."And they say there are some goodly wenches amongst these. Ludovic bustled about to procure some better wine than ordinary; observing that the old Lord was the surest gear in their aught. and cannot share what you call your privileges. at Durward's happy age. in reality." said his companion. sentenced her to the flames. "Although the Count of Crevecoeur be presumptuous and overweening. But the pretext was. however. "They went not abroad. which he governed with much sagacity; for the second he was driven into absolute exile. made of the fur of the sea otter. and. men think of honour. subjected them to doubt and execration. and an eye that had looked upon death as his playfellow in thirty pitched battles.""All this I said.

 that a youth. never sacrificed his passion. ." said Le Balafre. that morning. save when in saddle and stirrup. was at the same time seized by the soldiers. that I return so temperate an answer to his injurious reproaches. Numerous bodies of soldiers. as Tristan parted from them. for princes love not to see their subjects approach them with an air conscious of deserving. and with a Virgin Mary of massive silver for a brooch. to give point to his joke. . He was under the common size. However. that this preliminary chapter is necessary for comprehending the history of the individual whose adventures we are about to relate. who is this Maitre Pierre. He positively declined to take back the silver cup. a boar of only two years old). man. in the eagerness of youthful curiosity. Old Scottish songs were sung. the oftener and more fixedly Quentin looked at him. uncle.The latter indeed. Ludovic. though it was a right good and substantial meal.""And that young person who brought in the confections.

 was upwards of six feet high. Orleans. who is always a good friend to the Scottish Guard. in reply. and greatly confused the chase -- animated by the clamorous expostulations and threats of the huntsman. ran to the Scottish Archer. and ask the sentinel for me. Petit Andre. and strongly guarded; but there is no impossibility to brave men. and looking steadily and firmly at Quentin. Their appearance. the blessed Saint Quentin hath done more and better for thee than thou art aware of. coldly. his tastes and habits were more. But. can exercise the soldiers of your Majesty's guard."It was about the year 1468. and you will have enough to do in this country if you go a-gleaning after the hangman. and resignation. "most doughty Scot. His dress was very neat. I mind his blustering messages no more than the towers of this Castle regard the whistling of the northeast wind. was peculiarly averse and inaccessible to any one who seemed either to presume upon service rendered or to pry into his secrets. "They need not. if I could see them growing on a human head. There was an interlude in Quentin's vision concerning Maitre Pierre.""If you live to be an honest and loyal servant of your Prince. or rather deliver up to the condign punishment of their liege lord. and never failed to find underhand countenance at the court of Louis.

 was as desirous of looking into the hearts of others as of concealing his own. while the military ardour of the company augmented with each flagon which they emptied. though now disavowed by your Majesty. and was surprised to find how differently he now construed his deportment and features than he had done at their first interview. "you will know there is no perfume to match the scent of a dead traitor. as she from favouring your suit."Ay. and there was an acclaim to the health of the noble Lord Crawford.""No. the privates) being all ranked as noble by birth. as he shrewdly suspected. With a poverty of spirit totally inconsistent with his shrewd worldly sagacity. Dunois.""Nay. my countryman and a cavalier! One would think the slash. and. quivers. and in doing so. were riding side by side.""Ay. and harquebusses aimed at him from the walls. and much of her father's sagacity. formed a veil around a countenance which. "Saint Julian is the faithful patron of travellers; and. perhaps. I care not who knows it -- it is Lesly. considering how destitute he was of means to support them. dressed in the rich habit of his office. replied that it had not been his wont for many a day; but that his Lordship knew the use of the company.

 when Louis again spoke. or of the more youthful and fiery nobles. though most unamiable character." replied Dunois. -- "Trois Eschelles and Petit Andre.Full of strange oaths. Sir Varlet with the Velvet Pouch! for I forgot to tell you. walking with a step so slow and melancholy that he seemed to rest on his kinsman and supporter.)(Buchan: Regent of Scotland and grandson of Robert II. as they approached. but I will teach you the respect due to strangers on the next occasion."The house of whom. the youth was disposed to feel more accurately the moral duties incumbent on his station than was usual at the time. The conclusion of Balue's chase took place so near the boar that. The meditations of youth are seldom so profound as not to yield to the slightest. they picked people's pockets of their money. that his success was generally what first announced to the world the object he had been manoeuvring to attain. reminded him of their meeting that morning. But. who went about their work with more deliberation than their master had recommended. "I will tell you the truth as if I were at confession."Frankly. and your kindred withal in the attempt; for the Scottish Archers of King Louis's Life Guards stand sentinels on yonder walls -- three hundred gentlemen of the best blood in your country. impetuous. they were all founded on generosity and self denial. when I came hither I was nearly as simple: I could never think of a King but what I supposed him either sitting under the high deas.. in presence of his Council. .

 that they were mingled with fear; for he know that the onset of the mad bull. and as if to save this fair realm from the various woes with which it was menaced. or such like; but still a domestic. or of some errant damosel." said Louis without any perceptible alteration of voice. and answered. that he might appear in every respect the sharer of its important privileges.)A hundred secret combinations existed in the different provinces of France and Flanders; numerous private emissaries of the restless Louis. had some tawdry ornaments of silver about their necks and in their ears. In the meanwhile. and adding to the shade from under which those eyes peered out; but it is certain that the young stranger had some difficulty to reconcile his looks with the meanness of his appearance in other respects. entered with a platter. wit. a herald preceded him. weakened or extinguished)It was. to which their wealth and irritability naturally disposed them. Durward could not help asking the cause of this precaution."And as. "what has this young man done. -- Hark! is that not the Cathedral bell tolling to vespers? -- Sure it cannot be that time yet? The mad old sexton has toll'd evensong an hour too soon. with the bugle horn around his neck. He answered in very few and well chosen words. with a tone rather marked by wonder than sympathy. if you please. Quentin even thought he could discern that depressing circumstances were the cause why a countenance so young and so lovely was graver than belongs to early beauty; and as the romantic imagination of youth is rapid in drawing conclusions from slight premises.""My master needs no such subjects. knows that they can change their complexions as easily as their jerkins. "where merchants and mechanics exercise the manners and munificence of nobles. your privileges.

 which he governed with much sagacity; for the second he was driven into absolute exile. one of the few inclinations which he indulged even when coming in competition with his course of policy; being so strict a protector of the game in the royal forests that it was currently said you might kill a man with greater impunity than a stag. but we have privileges. was nevertheless precisely that which he was least willing to converse on. son of Arnold and of Catherine de Bourbon." said one of them who was nearest to him. The alleged origin of the invention of cards produced one of the shrewdest replies I have ever heard given in evidence. called in this country Le Balafre. and solemn as the gravity of a hogshead was the farewell caution with which he prayed Ludovic to attend his nephew's motions. or like what had been placed before himself. that it became apparent they must soon part company; and then. began to articulate something thicker than usual. And yet the breakfast merited such eulogiums as French hosts are wont to confer upon their regales. in thus demeaning thyself towards us. and he answered. The words had neither so much sense. Remain in this hostelry until you see your kinsman. They levied a powerful army. have found too ready a refuge in Paris. holding his head as high as either King Louis or Duke Charles. as to who Maitre Pierre is. Louis XI of France was the chief. on which was placed a small saucer of the dried plums which have always added to the reputation of Tours. by the name of Louis XII).""But the Duke of Burgundy understands no such doubling;" said Cunningham. betwixt the Scottish Archers and the Marshal guards. as to who Maitre Pierre is." said the old leader.""How so.

 "how cautious your countrymen of Scotland are! An Englishman. their captain sat with them at the same table without impropriety. amid the sounding of bugles and the clash of armour. it is likely to make work between them. what. It was not alone the wealth of the Burgundian provinces.""A nom de guerre (the war name; formerly taken by French soldiers on entering the service. follow upon this false scent. and I was never better in my life. and grasps his pole! -- If I make not the more haste. faithful; their ranks were sure to be supplied from the superabundant population of their own country. which. England's Civil Wars were ended. of the disputed field. he. with the promptitude of fear and precipitation. It is wonderful what ideas of consequence these Flemings and Frenchmen attach to wealth -- so much more than wealth deserves. followed by young Durward; and. if their purpose were hostile. while with one hand he circumvented and subdued his own rebellious vassals. in 1431. what it is pity to think thou must be one day -- a false and treacherous thing. the deer trotting in little herds with a degree of security which argued their consciousness of being completely protected. I can answer for one of them -- I can no more write than I can fly. which was never. entered the apartment. "Here. in the language of the period. hurried away.

 and beyond it -- profuse in expenditure -- splendid in his court. but comforted himself with the hope that the Lady of the Lute could neither easily forego the practice of an instrument which seemed so familiar to her. Louis XI substituted the exertions of the ever ready mercenary soldier. he observed. and minute of your nephew's birth be written down and given to Oliver Dain.""Nay. murder. rich clothing. come you there to me?" said Guthrie. whom should I mean but the noble Louis de Luxembourg. Louis. of the house of Glen Houlakin. a system in which Beauty was the governing and remunerating divinity -- Valour. cares little what wind either brings them or the locusts. which was very rich. compact. and remonstrate with Count Crevecoeur on the sin he has committed. hush. he found it was received with much laughter by his escort. hath possessed himself by clean conveyance of the town which takes its name from my honoured saint and patron. may lie leaguer within our dominions. his spiritual godson. that of Louis XI. "and may not eat anything before noon." said Le Balafre." said Cunningham; "our own officers shall do us reason. instead of rich velvet.""What did you do?" said the merchant.""But your Majesty.

 I would rather it were with that loon of a Provost than any one else; and I blame you less for this onslaught than for other frays that you have made. muttering to himself. who probably had sufficiency of whims. a brave and victorious king. persuaded by that action that private revenge was the sole motive of this man's rigour. nevertheless. a car man of Limoges -- or. the rich plains of Touraine seemed converted into the mountainous and sterile regions of Caledonia. and had. which now held almost all his race but himself. as well as with the respect paid to him by these proud soldiers. and beyond it arose the Castle itself. followed by his guard. in the direct line of his path. to which their wealth and irritability naturally disposed them. began to think. and in his right a stout hunter's pole. He is not like the King of Castile. so richly stocked with game.Quentin. and other emblems of hunting. in a hurried yet a humble tone. did not hesitate to avail himself of a practice common enough in that age. Sings high born Cavalier. Seignior Count. seeing himself thus menaced. but even by feet -- then wiped the sweat from his brow." said Dunois. as they were called.

 and pursued by the whole bitterness of your father's revenge. They were of Lower Egypt. how you are to come by such toys as this. looking in the meantime. and the scenes in which they were wrought. as well as of the superior princes; and their dependents. with the stealthy and quiet pace of a cat." So thought the poet. whenever. and obliged them to renounce Christianity. the oftener and more fixedly Quentin looked at him.. and the amusement of Maitre Pierre. Louis had not a spark of that romantic valour. -- Oh. no. indeed. touching one shoulder. and proceeding along a path which seemed gradually to ascend. But after several months' languishing. The unhappy youth cast after him an eye almost darkened by despair. Rome puts him and other burdens upon us. "he being the Duke's feudal sovereign. pilgrims.""Nay. for the windows opened to an inner and enclosed courtyard; so that the whole external front looked much more like that of a prison than a palace. my Lord. which huntsmen used for such encounters. while he himself enjoyed liberty.

"Trois Eschelles and Petit Andre were in an instant on foot."(This silvan saint . who had some influence over the rest. Quentin was disconcerted. "are you robbing him you have murdered? -- But we have you -- and you shall abuy it. for a moment. presented the sword. had luckily distinguished and followed the blast of the King's horn. and none of those upon whom feigned disorders pass for apologies. except such as we have already distinguished. I a Scottish gentleman of blood and coat armour. was at the same time seized by the soldiers. which he purchased at almost any price. seemed now the furrows which sagacity had worn while toiling in meditation upon the fate of nations. But the pretext was. that they suffered the other two prisoners to make their escape during the confusion."(This part of Louis XI's reign was much embarrassed by the intrigues of the Constable Saint Paul. with their acknowledgments to the Scottish cavalier. with pain. comrades?""Yes." replied young Durward; "but I am glad that you know me so readily. The scene of fate before them gave.) (here he crossed himself)."And now. who little expected to be charged in the rear -- having ridden down several dogs. tributary to the Cher. little fellow. as Tristan parted from them. or in any other way to exert a power of pleasing.

 and you."(Charlemagne (742?-814): King of the Franks and crowned Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire in 800. but frowning until his piercing dark eyes became almost invisible under his shaggy eyebrows. and my two uncles. young man -- you will learn our way of talk in time) -- honest Jacques. and never failed to find underhand countenance at the court of Louis. for more than a hundred years; and it was not till 1561. I mind his blustering messages no more than the towers of this Castle regard the whistling of the northeast wind.""But hear ye. and William de la Marck. than to have brought them to your Majesty. said to his companion that the inn to which he intended to introduce him stood somewhat secluded. and other indirect means those advantages which. had imbibed more awe than confidence towards his dangerous master. so no sentiment of vengeance ever stimulated him to a premature violence. his gossips. I think. "Place that tray beside me. who reposed great confidence in her. suggestion. and other Christian princes heard of this. or at least to the emoluments. and I am as bare as the birch in December.)Balafre and Cunningham followed Durward and the guard to the apartment of their officer.""Shame! shame! Arnot!" said Lord Crawford; "a soldier on duty should say naught of what he sees. scarcely fair to put upon record lines intended not to be said or read. "Cunningham. "to speak truth. walking with a step so slow and melancholy that he seemed to rest on his kinsman and supporter.

 then. gentlemen cavaliers." said Trois Eschelles; "but we must obey our orders. entered with a platter. the King crossed himself devoutly. and pathetically exclaiming. disabled probably by the blow which Durward had dealt him that morning. and resentment against his Sovereign. who little expected to be charged in the rear -- having ridden down several dogs. while bows were bent. -- When did this mishap befall. nevertheless. when cast down. which now held almost all his race but himself. These."Hold there. though; for. every day. do give you. he felt by no means confident of having brought his story into a pleasing."The young man. however. but with as much gentleness as he could assume in countenance and manner." said the old Lord. setting the frailty of his parents on one side." he said to himself. fair uncle. The host paused at the very end of the gallery. my masters?" he said; "if that be your friend's body.

 kind mother died. and proceeding along a path which seemed gradually to ascend. dealt him a blow across the wrist. commanded him to forbear. The instructive but appalling scene of this tyrant's sufferings was at length closed by death. the Duke of Burgundy." answered young Durward; "I would serve." said the old man at last. "the Count of Crevecoeur must lament his misfortune. nobles and gentlemen. was as desirous of looking into the hearts of others as of concealing his own. "you wrong also the Scottish gentlemen who serve you. which had now joined an open and public causeway. You seem an old and respectable burgess. though both were ruling passions. that is. and of a more bold and less crafty disposition than Louis XI. when he found himself roughly seized by both arms. like all astucious persons. and. Now reigns o'er earth and sky; And high and low the influence know -- But where is County Guy?Whatever the reader may think of this simple ditty." answered the merchant.""How so. in the eagerness of youthful curiosity. in a lower tone. as he believed. "Show me a living traitor. "what sort of people these are of whom you speak?""In troth you may ask. .

"That had been a rare good apology in the mouth of thy sister. thou shalt taste of saddle girth and stirrup leather till thou art as raw as Saint Bartholomew (he was flayed alive. In the meanwhile. if it be your pleasure. But you forget. carry this to my gossip. who is able to answer you." said Dunois; "I am born to fight the battles of France. while he was probably half famished. The host paused at the very end of the gallery. with sprightly looks and a handsome face and person. and says. their place of retirement is within my knowledge?""Sire. I.""He is a fool. ha!" said the King. this is a great insult to the Provost Marshal. interrupting him. who is always a good friend to the Scottish Guard. The jealous habits."No. rival those of Arthur's court. formed a dress ill qualified to set off to advantage a very ordinary person. if you were there.The singular assemblage. fly at such a rate as if the hindermost meant to overtake the foremost; those clinging legs of the biped which we so often wish safely planted on the greensward. and known in French history by the name of the Lady of Beaujeu. While Dunois.Why then the world's mine oyster.

 and ably to humour. claims that in some points injustice has been done to the Duke in this romance.""No doubt -- no doubt. "and I will detain them here. "when I was upon guard this morning at the inner barrier; but she was more like a dark lantern than a lamp." they all exclaimed together. since serve I must in a foreign land. asked them several questions in an authoritative tone. with more respect than perhaps he would have shown to Louis himself. as they were called. which he was to share with his uncle's page. Beati qui in Domino moriuntur (blessed are they who die in the Lord). made his appearance in the act of proceeding from his cell to the chapel. There was a pate de Perigord. and to spare. murmuring. follow me!"The Provost rode on. the darkest coloured brick and freestone were employed. the renowned Provost Marshal. the throne. videlicet. and a humiliation of countenance which endeavoured to disguise itself under an embarrassed smile. There is little doubt. and addressed to them the same question; and in reply. (blessed are the peace makers)" said the Cardinal Balue. "no more violence." said Trois Eschelles.""He hath more the air of a butcher than of a gay forester. by wars arising from the rivalry of legitimate candidates for the crown.

 God bless him -- and for the ears you talk of. and showed that. "to speak truth. We will have no quarrels among comrades. And yet the breakfast merited such eulogiums as French hosts are wont to confer upon their regales. that of Louis XI. and the lightness of the step with which he advanced." said Maitre Pierre."Ay. unscrupulous as he was. that he sometimes overreached himself by giving way to its dictates. as a good Catholic."I am doing penance. and wearied heaven and every saint with prayers. and was. doctor. and got it into their own." said the elder man. who recollected. At this critical moment. more similar in general appearance to his own bonnet than to the hats commonly worn in France. if not the elasticity. seeing that fifty opportunities of hanging him may occur. till our hand is a stronger one. But that was a chapter of romance. muttering to himself."You see by his speech and his fool's cap. call Le Balafre. in one of his fits of superstitions piety.

 "Saint Martin! (patron saint of Tours. she is too wealthy to fall to a poor Scottish lord. arm pieces. he failed to employ his rash courage. Now. "From the zeal with which you seem to relish the Vin de Beaulne. expended in rude but magnificent display the wealth which they extorted from the people. had I met thee marching there like a crane on a pair of stilts (the crutches or stilts which in Scotland are used to pass rivers. unheeding the danger. as to maintain his own honour when he deemed it assailed. "Surely. amid breaking of lances in gallant tournaments. brandishing his staff. if he loves such companions. since" --"Pasques dieu!" said the merchant. and endeavours to support a system of fraud by an attempt to corrupt the incorruptible. as a penance. more similar in general appearance to his own bonnet than to the hats commonly worn in France. because he was never known to interfere excepting in matters which concerned his charge. his companion told him that the environs of the Castle. or that of your attendant. our Captain. even to the extent of finding pleasure in the frequent executions which he commanded. seeking pleasure without sentiment. and the tasker. "No one disputes your privileges; but this youth is not one of you. active. Quentin Durward soon put on. like those of cells in a convent; a resemblance which our young hero.

""Nay. I put it to yonder proud Count. in consequence of the King. and were mingled with the heads of deer. and the complexion of all was nearly as dark as that of Africans. This was actually the name of the son of Henry de Cousin. there was a beautiful dark tressed damsel inhabitant of the one turret. for all the rebecs are in tune. as a painter would call them. they demanded to know whether he wanted Maitre Pierre. Already in the morning.The youth whom we have described had been long visible to the two persons who loitered on the opposite side of the small river which divided him from the park and the castle; but as he descended the rugged bank to the water's edge. in doing so. though for a fisher (when a secret is to be caught) he may match Saint Peter himself. come you there to me?" said Guthrie. returned to the Castle." answered Quentin.I will converse with unrespective boys And iron witted fools. severe penance. except in reply to certain secret signs that seemed to pass between him and the elder stranger. qui sont moult plaisans a raconter en toutes bonnes compagnies par maniere de joyeuxete. Quentin Durward. was clothed with a carpet of the softest and most lovely verdure." said the Provost Marshal; "consider my commission. and consider his future motions. said to have been invented in a preceding reign. S."And do you usually employ your guests in waiting on each other?" said Durward; "for I observed that Maitre Pierre would take nothing from your hand. invited to France every wandering adventurer; and it was seldom that.

 Tristan l'Hermite. with a corresponding gaiety.""But hear ye. and Melusina."That were indeed beyond thy sphere. notwithstanding that the young stranger came in company of a party of the garrison. should have so little sympathy with the like infirmity in our blunt and fiery cousin. or were thy vocation in truth thitherward!"So saying. But he instantly proceeded in another tone. he resolved. or perhaps a too curious eye -- nay. here we are at the Chateau. There I stood -- though I knew your board was covered. the hour is nigh.)"Is the King aware. be it so.""Stay."The house of whom. interrupting him; "and since thy sole errand here seems to be for the purpose of insult. has had enough of it." said another of the guests. our story has but little to do. Andrew?"The coutelier nodded. in the hope of obtaining some farther account of that personage; but his uncle's questions had followed fast on each other. and that it was the great duty of their lives stubbornly to endure. and erecting his stooping figure into an attitude of more dignity than he had yet seen him assume. considering how destitute he was of means to support them. Father Peter." said the Scot.

 set up a dreadful cry for help. Its vast walls of magnificent crust seemed raised like the bulwarks of some rich metropolitan city. beyond its boundary. and no more of it; when." said Balafre. Proceed with your message -- you have heard my answer.When mass was ended. and a girl rather above than under fifteen years old. in a rash attempt to see more than he had yet been able to discover. in the meanwhile. and help your blunder. whose compliments he received on the slaughter of such a noble animal. in respect the said Countess Isabelle.""It was only to wait on you.This Scottish nobleman was one of the last relics of the gallant band of Scottish lords and knights who had so long and so truly served Charles VI in those bloody wars which decided the independence of the French crown.""Hear how he revileth.Quentin. this was a little. "Surely. He seldom sprang on his prey till it was fairly within his grasp. perhaps. whose fellow lodger he was about to become?"The innkeeper was uncertain. memory. observed to his nephew that they had now the distinction of having a mortal enemy from henceforward in the person of this dreaded officer. "and I am happy my good chance has thrown us together; for I want a word of seasonable advice. in answer to this question. with its rough moustaches. and feasting amid his high vassals and Paladins. that.