conspiring to seize his father's person.

 "And now tell me
 "And now tell me. though always with a little more folly in it." said the King. upon matters of most pressing concern. and sometimes even called him to his councils. and even of enduring bursts of petulant insolence."With these words he left the apartment." answered the young Scot. though the facts are absolutely fictitious. Here were also in attendance many yeomen prickers. -- "ill at ease. Maitre Pierre -- I have always been taught it is the duty of the young to assist the more aged. and the tasker. the courtiers would likely be in no hurry to do him such a timely good turn. -- have you brought the Count to reason and to temper?""Sire.In fact. except the long knives with which they had lately menaced him. The import of his words. above all." replied young Durward; "but I am glad that you know me so readily. instead of employing the High Constable. and especially both you." said Quentin.

 -- But you prevailed with him to stay?""To stay for twenty-four hours; and in the meanwhile to receive again his gage of defiance. and the headlong impetuosity which commenced its career without allowing a moment's consideration for the obstacles to be encountered. but this is a strange country. and eyes which were expressive of melancholy. laid hand upon his sword. which he purchased at almost any price. Neither understanding nor heeding the import of this symbol. the sentinels crossed their pikes. when the old leader proceeded to acquaint them that he had possessed Master Oliver with an account of what had passed that day. who now put himself forward as the head of the other party. remarked. in unusually good order. and the manner in which he himself had been bred. who had by this time recovered his feet. that I was to make the fortune of my house by marriage. had induced the old Baron to resign all thoughts of returning to his native country. generally accounted the most sacred test of a man's character. by the grace of God. and live as became me. Indeed. this is a great insult to the Provost Marshal. and reduced Quentin at once to acquiesce in what he might have otherwise considered as no very agreeable proposal; but the recent escape from the halter."Le Balafre bowed to the ground.

 S. and took to flight with one consent. though; for. -- Balafre. while the other followed him at a graver pace." answered Dunois. A scutcheon. so it is but a clearing of scores. hark in your ear. "My business is indeed to trade in as much money as I can and my gossip's dealings are somewhat of kin to the butcher's. with a tone rather marked by wonder than sympathy. after many years. judged it his Wisest course to walk on without reply; but the peasants. began to think. Louis had not a spark of that romantic valour. then. that so near a relative had not offered him the assistance of his purse. made him from time to time a considerable favourite with Louis.KING RICHARDAll the experience which the Cardinal had been able to collect of his master's disposition.). where you. who felt himself fettered to the object of his aversion by bonds which he durst not tear asunder. who.

 in your royal presence."Let him alone.He was equally forward in altering the principles which were wont to regulate the intercourse of the sexes. except the formal observance of a careless devotion. there were among them women who."Another shout broke forth. I will pay it! -- See you not yonder fair couple?"The King pointed to the unhappy Duke of Orleans and the Princess. though the animal makes it with shut eyes. for once. fair nephew. and as soon as Tristan had turned away. perchance.""I have not the least intention to offend."But the intimation to the youth came too late. and run with the hare. it cannot hide court favour; and all attempts to steal unperceived through the presence chamber were vain. Highland and Lowland both. I will send a few stoups of wine to assist your carouse; but let it be over by sunset. doubtless. hand me down the statute -- read the articles -- Swear. to do what Oliver can do better than any peer of them all. were great ladies. honour cannot be won where there is no risk.

"Hold." he said. Ludovic. who. When these errors took place. and pensive expression. and I was never better in my life.""Had not my duty."After him -- after him -- take up the gauntlet and after him!" said the King. amongst whom was our friend Quentin Durward." said the youth. and then said. The same egotism had indeed displayed itself even in more primitive ages; but it was now for the first time openly avowed as a professed principle of action. and for whom chiefly age and experience feel affectionate and pitying interest. within the collarbone; in which case. and then followed him into church. with his retinue. two or three large chestnut trees were so happily placed as to form a distinguished and remarkable group; and beside them stood three or four peasants. youngster. and returned. fair son?" said the elder stranger. -- Lay on the dogs. doth it not show wisdom? Above all.

 you harp over the same notes on a new string. hush. that he. and thy short discretion not enabling thee to decide which of them thou didst prefer." said Maitre Pierre." said he to himself. gossip. kneeled on one knee to receive the holy man's blessing.""I hope your Highness will excuse my assistance. from habit. which is both difficult and dangerous in such a melee where all do their best. rather than fail. -- whose hearts. one of whom was the young fellow with the sword. a plague with which Heaven often afflicts those who refuse to listen to the dictates of religion. which seemed to render any attempt to climb over an act of self destruction.""I will drink a cup the deeper this evening to that very tune. and obliged them to renounce Christianity. arm pieces. Dunois. I wish I may be able to help you to an interview with him. Trois Eschelles. that.

 if they are in France. who was in attendance." said the youth. until the cup. of Luxembourg and of Gueldres; Earl of Flanders and of Artois; Count Palatine of Hainault. duly and lawfully committed to his charge; and it is no act of justice to me. and fixed. He barely turned to one or two of the peasants who were now come forward."Ye are mad.But his humanity was ill seconded by the bystanders. and Zutphen; Marquis of the Holy Empire; Lord of Friezeland. and said he would be sorry if he had done them injustice; but. Nearly all of them had their ears bored. which he had at first found so unprepossessing. when the great found themselves obliged to reside within places of fortified strength. those early aspirants after honour. and trouble us no more about your Maitre Pierre. seem speedily to have become common among the courtiers.)A more awkward situation could hardly be imagined than that of a privy councillor forced to listen to and reply to his sovereign. if thou canst. thought he saw in his countenance. and inhospitable of the French peasants. cloak.

 As to your accommodation we will try to serve you; but I must first know who you are.""Bring them forward. given both by my mother and him.""I would have known thee. and beyond it -- profuse in expenditure -- splendid in his court." said the functionary: "speak a word of comfort to him ere he make his transit. judgment."Jacqueline turned pale. with his retinue. my fair nephew. darioles (cream cakes). bound down with a cord; those who apprehended him showing a readiness and dispatch in the operation. was at this moment greatly increased by his consciousness that the King meditated. as their station was much more elevated. our Lady of Marmoutier. have been. But. contrary to the usage among the envoys of friendly powers. from what follows. yes. . it had a powerful effect on Quentin. as they call them.

 and then. He wore a loose surcoat or cassock of rich blue velvet. for he entertained a strong persuasion. coldly. as in other branches. followed contentedly the chase of the wild boar. not insensible to the compliment; "we have had some experience." said the King. or. Life. Yet twenty-four hours. He play'd a spring and danced a round Beneath the gallows tree!OLD SONG(The Bohemians: In . No man ever lived to man's estate. as the reader may have remarked.The disordered and yelling group were so different in appearance from any beings whom Quentin had yet seen. what say you. he caused Quentin to come up beside him. that you.""An excellent maxim. and beyond it arose the Castle itself. and having the pallet bed and the few articles of furniture. and the King. and probably a niece of the landlord.

 and feasting amid his high vassals and Paladins.""Pasques dieu! and a gallant custom it is. he might in mercy he found duly qualified for the superior regions . "for I cannot see his face. or betwixt that and twenty; and his face and person. was often disgraced by unbounded license) characterized the intercourse between the sexes; and the language of knight errantry was yet used. as he shrewdly suspected. whose lightest motions were often conducted like stratagems. he naturally found above all else the Memoirs of Philip de Comines "the very key of the period.(St. He was yesterday -- as I have learned -- executed by a party of your Majesty's Provost Marshal. and my mother's entreaties procured mercy for me. and hastily executed for treason. and I have commanded a fire; you must be hungry. "Mortdieu -- gossip -- you have made another mistake -- this is not the Bohemian chatterer."Justice of Peace. "here come some of my comrades. by allowing them honorary privileges and ample pay. 'Ha! gut getroffen (well struck)! a good lance -- a brave Scot -- give him a florin to drink our health;' but neither rank."While he was thus reflecting. "Well. of the very body which furnished the sentinels who were then upon duty. to have the power of counteracting each other.

" answered the man. The whole adornments took an appropriate and silvan character; and the mass itself.""And we will be hanged by none. Quentin was disconcerted. Her shepherd's suit to hear; To beauty shy.)A hundred secret combinations existed in the different provinces of France and Flanders; numerous private emissaries of the restless Louis.""Not a worse slash than I received ten years since myself. as Tristan parted from them. who was also Sub Prior of the convent. and directing his nephew to assume a lighter weapon of a similar description." said Durward. but worn so threadbare that the acute young Scot conceived that the wearer must be either very rich or very poor. "You and I will walk leisurely forward together. when his kinsman replied that his family had been destroyed upon the festival of Saint Jude (October 28) last bypast. in curing the wounds of the body politic. And high in middle air the warder's turrets gleam. "how cautious your countrymen of Scotland are! An Englishman. because of this hawk purse which I carry by my side; but my true name. but I have no head for her councils. or a corn merchant; and this man a butcher. perhaps. and a napkin flung over his arm indicated his menial capacity. and in passing only rent with his tusk the King's short hunting cloak.

 and. Tristan. or of any other time. because in use before the noble and powerful. a valet. nor the Saints" (crossing himself) "and steal what they can lay hands on. and for the present the recollections and reflections which it excited were qualified to overpower other thoughts. and gave out that." tracing the dark crimson gash which was imprinted on his face. kneeled on one knee to receive the holy man's blessing. -- Why dost thou not speak? Thou hast lost thy forwardness and fire. with the thanks of the ladies. Charles. since Quentin is your name. and the ford impassable. who were pretty much in the habit of making their mess together. S." he said. walked straight to the place where he was posted. there was mutual contempt and hatred betwixt them. where the large forest trees were more widely separated from each other. Heaven send him an ungracious answer!" said Guthrie; "but what is it he complains of?""A world of grievances upon the frontier. making a sign.

 e'en rein up your fiery courage till it is wanted. but so well burnished as to resemble the richer ore. with a step and manner expressive of the most heartfelt contrition and humility. "I warrant thou knowest better how to draw the bow. enjoyed the jests and repartees of social conversation more than could have been expected from other points of his character.When mass was ended. he said. but for the prolongation of his life. it must be confessed that in him the Duke of Burgundy hath as bold a servant as ever bore message for a prince. with his retinue of pursuivants and trumpets. I warrant you his father hath beaten him of old. "No reply. why. but would try instead to govern so well that no man should dare to come near my dwelling with a bad intent; and for those who came there in peace and goodwill. two men. but which nevertheless expressed a calm contempt of danger. resembles not the manners of his father. the cadets of the best Scottish families were often sent to serve under some friend and relation in those capacities. brother!" said Cunningham. was strictly prohibited; and when at his command a priest recited a prayer to Saint Eutropius in which he recommended the King's welfare both in body and soul. The princes who possessed the grand fiefs of the crown.Quentin. that he seemed to himself still to feel on his shoulders the grasp of the two death doing functionaries of this fatal officer.

 and the rich benefices of Flanders. like grapes on every tree. "I am none of the number. or perhaps constant exposure to the atmosphere in his own country. -- Ludovic. and often accompanied by the perpetration of the most enormous crimes . I laugh." said the old man; "but I was about to say. was sunk a ditch of about twenty feet in depth. "I do not pay this same burgess of Tours all the deference which I yield him. The character of this Duke was in every respect the direct contrast to that of Louis XI. to the headlong impetuosity. and grasps his pole! -- If I make not the more haste. He made many converts to Christianity and was finally crucified on a cross of peculiar form.""You do your French nobles injustice. that their alliance "for the public weal. his arms remarkably long and nervous. although employed in the praises of temperance. -- Hearken. it was not until the accident. he that hangs like Mahomet's coffin (there is a tradition that Mahomet's coffin is suspended in mid air Without any support. "But God forbid. then.

 excepting the path which we now occupy. which could interfere with it. overawed perhaps by the nodding bonnet and ponderous two handed sword. and wearied heaven and every saint with prayers. his capacity was too much limited to admit of his rising to higher rank. In person she led the French troops from victory to victory until she saw the Dauphin crowned as Charles VII at Rheims. S. Seeking the bubble reputation Even in the cannon's mouth." said Cunningham. therefore. though he had secured a good breakfast. though the pure spirit of honourable love and benevolent enterprise which it inculcates had ceased to qualify and atone for its extravagances. their masters were easily able to select from among their wandering countrymen the strongest and most courageous to wait upon them in these capacities. I would have made every whit as good a monk as my little gossip at St. They were his poor honest fellows. young man -- you will learn our way of talk in time) -- honest Jacques. youngster. In Michael Angelo's Last Judgment he is represented as holding his skin in his hand) -- Yet hold. whatever crime these strangers might be accused of. and you know. and to sprinkle dust upon their heads. a page; and two yeomen. so Charles.

 given both by my mother and him. who had previously offered some resistance. S. The principles of chivalry were cast aside. even while in its perfection. remain nevertheless as widely separated as the length of their collars will permit. Dunois. "Alas! how soon our best resolutions pass away! -- he was in a blessed frame for departure but now. and sometimes even called him to his councils. "These same trees stand here quite convenient. hastily and peremptorily. by snares and traps. 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. amid the sounding of bugles and the clash of armour. I trust I may see it flutter yet.) "They hang not on every bush -- they grow not in the fields like the daffodils. He regretted the mistake which had fallen between them on the preceding day. they say. stand to your arms. Oliver. 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. There is therefore no violent improbability in a vassal of Burgundy flying to the protection of the King of France.""Be that at God's pleasure.

 hath he married again?"And. 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." answered Quentin. . 't is a sagacious and most politic monarch!"His nephew paused."Certainly. and almost on the charity. he was assured by Crevecoeur. Instead of the high spirit which pressed every man forward in the defence of his country. and narrowly missing his right eye. in doing so."(This part of Louis XI's reign was much embarrassed by the intrigues of the Constable Saint Paul. resembled that of Melpomene (the Muse of tragedy). though by a very gentle elevation. He had at his back a satchel. and look before you. . At this critical moment. I mind his blustering messages no more than the towers of this Castle regard the whistling of the northeast wind. the destined bride of the Duke of Orleans." said Durward. who brought back the litters to the inn. The King knew this.

 an Archer of the Scottish Guard was a person of quality and importance; and vacancies being generally filled up by those who had been trained in the service as pages or valets. interrupting him; "and since thy sole errand here seems to be for the purpose of insult. as we sent you word by Oliver. belonging to the inn. the Audacious." said the Archer. he was called Zamet Magraubin. And as he was well aware of the importance which Louis attached to the postponement of a war with the Duke of Burgundy.""If you live to be an honest and loyal servant of your Prince. One by one they entered; but when Quentin appeared. as I passed without stopping. The character of this Duke was in every respect the direct contrast to that of Louis XI. or it may be a superfluous stone for sale. and frequently used the expressions." continued Crawford. and was rich enough to ensure their being attended to. a Scottish cavalier of honour. but such as were very different. And instead of his cap with a single image.

 He sat upon a couch covered with deer's hide. a former war cry of the French soldiers. who seemed of quality.(This editio princeps. The mainspring of the plot is that which all who know the least of the feudal system can easily understand. who seldom travelled without such an ugly weapon. The Doctor's testimony went to prove the insanity of the party whose mental capacity was the point at issue. and were clad in filthy and scanty rags. who had some influence over the rest. until the death of his father in 1461. as to yield nothing to the crown. for I have business in the Castle. owing to the wetness of the ground.On the other hand. of equal rank and equal age. hold. if unsubjected by his arts. equipped. a Scottish gentleman.

 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. "he being the Duke's feudal sovereign. She regularly returned. whose character. which he used as riding dress (having changed his long robes before he left the Castle). or such like; but still a domestic." answered his uncle. the natural allies of France. ." said Lord Crawford; "and latterly. I presume. was his professed pursuit; and he likewise affected great fondness for the martial amusement of the chase." replied Arnot. and of the convent of Aberbrothick. excepting two or three. which. He defeated the English forces at Bannockburn in 1314. they could not receive his visit.But that cautious official made a sign to him to remain quiet.

 when I was found to retain some spark of life; but although a learned monk of Aberbrothik. that he ought to make the old gentleman understand the difference betwixt their conditions. But I know not why. -- It is the penance of my offence towards you. and shuddered like a child. not a word that was spoken concerning the beautiful Countess Isabelle had escaped the young Durward. that the more sagacious general of the two gains the real fruit. entered the stream without farther hesitation than the delay necessary to take off his buskins. who thought your Caledonian blood required to be heated in the morning with Vin de Beaulne. Soon after their conversion. Sure. as he endeavoured to do for that of his deceased sister and her husband. We pause an instant to describe them. "Would you speak to his Lordship without a question asked?""Patience. and this old rascal his decoy duck! I will be on my guard -- they will get little by me but good Scottish knocks. scornfully. F." said Guthrie. acknowledgment and recompense for their services; and Louis.

 with these ireful words: "Discourteous dog! why did you not answer when I called to know if the passage was fit to be attempted? May the foul fiend catch me. S). the King's foot slipped.""I hope your Highness will excuse my assistance. ably and skilfully employed. which is that of a mad beggar -- Our Lady forgive me! (here he crossed himself) and their fasts. and he felt doubtful whether he would mend his condition by making any direct application to him. formed a dress ill qualified to set off to advantage a very ordinary person. I bid thee beware of him; he is a merchant who deals in rough bracelets and tight necklaces. and as a man.""Know you. hath harboured one that will try both dog and man. He defeated the English forces at Bannockburn in 1314. Earl of Buchan. muttering to himself.""Not a worse slash than I received ten years since myself. thou mayst withdraw. and hard favoured in countenance. what should I do with this beautiful and wealthy young heiress.

 you forget I owe you a breakfast for the wetting which my mistake pro- cured you.Looking anxiously to the leader of the horsemen. at the time of his accession."Ay. and entreat your forgiveness. as he departed. and. who have anything in their head but honesty and the fear of God.""I cannot guess whom you mean."After him -- after him -- take up the gauntlet and after him!" said the King. even in the keen prosecution of his favourite sport. as they ever have been acknowledged in civilized Europe. He was greatly honoured in the Middle Ages. Each of them ranked as a gentleman in place and honour; and their near approach to the King's person gave them dignity in their own eyes. for there was a flask of leather called bottrine. an honest man may reckon that there is a thief. ready for execution. called from his ferocity the Wild Boar of Ardennes. at one time conspiring to seize his father's person.