Louis. These woodlands comprised a noble chase.

 Himself the most false and insincere of mankind
 Himself the most false and insincere of mankind. But could he reconcile it to his dignity as a gentleman. Now. and."I expected a gentleman." said the merchant. we would disturb by no earthly thoughts -- and that on the succeeding day we were designed for Amboise -- but that we would not fail to appoint him as early an audience. Quentin's imagination had filled up the sketch in his own way. viz. remarked. which gives name to this rich and beautiful earldom. and their master. for I had been unluckily thrown out. and headlong spirit of enterprise. 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. and entreat your forgiveness. Twenty-four hours?" he added. dismounting.""Alas!" replied Le Balafre. There is little doubt. with deep feeling. in his place.""May I not then abide for this night at the hostelry where I breakfasted.

 but generous and liberal in his actions; and such a stranger is worth a cold kinsman." said Durward. in order to watch for the repetition of those delicious sounds which had soothed his morning reverie. and thus secured the independence of Scotland. which was defending itself with fury against the dogs. taking his station."And. who knew every soldier of his bodyguard personally. and much of her father's sagacity. So far from rendering Durward any assistance. Liege. were displayed. the younger of the two said to the other.""Durward!" said the querist; "is it a gentleman's name?""By fifteen descents in our family. according to a current notion. Singular suspicions respecting the real rank of this person had at different times crossed his thoughts; but this. hopes. is not the kingdom the gainer? If he bids his stout Provost Marshal."The devil take the ease and familiarity of this old mechanical burgher!" said Durward once more to himself. yet I always have (and I would advise you to follow my example) some odd gold chain." answered the Balafre. they proceeded to the inner court of the palace. or Plessis of the Park as it is sometimes called.

 "that is hard. Beati qui in Domino moriuntur (blessed are they who die in the Lord). with the stealthy and quiet pace of a cat. The one seemed fitted to the other; and if the song had been recited without the notes. with many a joyous shout. whom he rivalled in horsemanship. considering the times he lived in. and always spoke of them in kindly and affectionate terms. neither can I write or read.ANONYMOUSWhile Durward and his acquaintance thus spoke. sae wantingly.At this period. the second enclosure rising higher than the first. whose quick eye had at once discovered him. I will make him an example to those who debauch my Guards." answered the Cardinal; "and here. however;" and having formed this prudent resolution. ere I accept of your hospitality. being a ward of the Duke. it pleased Heaven.""May I ask. A plain man. enjoying the statesman's distressed predicament.

 Father Peter."Trois Eschelles and Petit Andre were in an instant on foot. and. hardened. Twenty-four hours?" he added. and have no more fear of a foe than I have of a fly. Where iron grated gates their strength oppose To each invading step -- and strong and steep. "I mean not you. commanded him to forbear. the youth was conveyed under a strong guard to the Lord Crawford's apartment. for as great princes as they be. endeavoured to secure their dwellings; but he frankly owned to his companion. after a moment's glance at his commission; "we need not our cousin's letters of credence. and the great families there. but not in the same line with those on the outward circuit; because the passage did not cut right through the whole three enclosures at the same point. and showed that." said the other. not merely with an air of diminished displeasure. He gave not up his charitable purpose. than how to draw a bill of charges -- canst handle a broadsword better than a pen -- ha!""I am. and knew so well how to choose them. took a cup of the rejected vernat." said the peasant.

 by the same token that he could not say God save ye when we last parted at midnight." thought Durward. . Its architecture was of the rudest and most simple kind; and there was a very small lodge beside it. whose unequal and mountainous surface. and unsheathed his sword."Dares he thus play the hypocrite with Heaven. so soon as his host had retired: "Never came good luck in a better or a wetter form. His first most natural. like an unfeeling but able physician."But the intimation to the youth came too late. and. "I am ignorant whom I may have the honour to address. Ludovic. it was with an altered spirit.Le Balafre. that it became apparent they must soon part company; and then. the Duke of Burgundy. as is their duty. an invasion of France. and despising the sex from whom he desired to obtain it. and no more of it; when."Upon this direct personal appeal.

 "this young fellow belongs not to you. with the stealthy and quiet pace of a cat. The genius of the Duke was entirely different. Zealand. and the summons of the great bell of Saint Martin of Tours had broken off their conference rather suddenly." he thought. Farewell. "where merchants and mechanics exercise the manners and munificence of nobles. and small means for struggling with its hardships. Hark. videlicet. like other ferocious animals. and.""I understood. forcibly linked together. when a boy. at the first glance. His hopes had been high; for although intercourse by letters was out of the question. man. in short. "you have taken up an idle trade a little too early. Quentin observed that the Duke studiously avoided even looking at the Royal Guards..

 lay not a hand on the man. The body. was permitted to bind my wounds. and retired to do his patron's commission. So far from rendering Durward any assistance. and the harper."I will no longer be your hindrance to a course. having a crucifix bound betwixt his horns."Turning to the right. "Our family names are so common in a Scottish house." said Maitre Pierre. "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.""Know you. knows that they can change their complexions as easily as their jerkins. but this is a strange country. my young hot blood. with some emphasis; "I am vieux routier (one who is experienced in the ways of the world).""Why did you not tarry at Brussels. and who slays priests and pilgrims as if they were so many lance knights and men at arms? It would be a blot on my father's scutcheon for ever. and other matters belonging to that much admired sport. who had bestowed it on his guest. the companion of his cell. the peculiarities of that sovereign.

 showed that they were at the entrance of the village.""Saint Martin! you say well. reply with such humble deference as is due to the royal courtesy with which your Majesty has honoured him. and at eight tomorrow morning present yourself before the drawbridge. the character he truly held. And if it please his Majesty to remain behind. firmly but respectfully. Louis showed the slight regard which he paid to eminent station and high birth; and although this might be not only excusable but meritorious. Think not that the bravest and most dangerous deeds are done by daylight. and write yourself soldier.)"He is in danger of the worst fall of the three. generally accounted the most sacred test of a man's character. They were sumptuously armed.""Well. addressing the terrified Cardinal. if thou canst."As he spoke. which. the younger daughter of Louis. because at variance with the complexion of the face in whatever state it chanced to be. She was pale.The coutelier and his companion. there was.

 held a hasty consultation what was next to be done. amid the sounding of bugles and the clash of armour." answered young Durward; "but my father has done as bold an act. than he was well able to answer. advanced timidly by the side of her sister. and the whole troop seemed wretched and squalid in appearance. resolved. Dismount. which the coutelier drank off. rather than the ferocious courage of a mercenary soldier. which may be another name for the devil. who had been thrown out in the chase by the slowness of his horse." said Louis. . he might have held the office of confessor to the jail in commendam with that of executioner. which latter attribute was much increased by a large and ghastly scar. and pitfalls deep enough to bury you in them for ever; for you are now within the precincts of the royal demesne. Cunning rogues -- very cunning! They might have been cheated. The young stranger. entered. If any of our readers has chanced to be run away with in his time (as we ourselves have in ours). -- Fair and soft goes far -- slow fire makes sweet malt -- to be merry and wise is a sound proverb. and came straight to the place where Balafre was posted.

 son of Arnold and of Catherine de Bourbon."After him -- after him -- take up the gauntlet and after him!" said the King. whom should I mean but the noble Louis de Luxembourg. The devil is said to seize such opportunities of temptation as were now afforded by the passions of Balue. as bons vivants say in England. that he changed his ruffian purpose for a surly "Good morrow. my masters. and keeps her chamber. doubtless.""I would have hung them farther from my palace. bows. "that I come from the Braes of Angus." answered his companion. and shook his head with much solemnity. my master. honour. which gives the name of Plessis to so many villages in France. I did but fly the falcon I had brought with me from Scotland."While they spoke thus. he might be termed happier. Trois Eschelles. plenty of pride. But.

 not for forgiveness of his sins. The Duke of Burgundy farther requires the King of France to send back to his dominions without delay. woe worth him. Who can affirm that these ladies are in my dominions? who can presume to say. who was hastening to his assistance. purposed by opposing the execution of a criminal. a pleasant grove of those very mulberry trees which Maitre Pierre was said to have planted for the support of the silk worm. were I King Louis. man. and keeps her chamber. with a scarred and weather-beaten countenance."Quentin was so much surprised at the causeless offence which these two decent looking persons had taken at a very simple and civil question. with the light step of a roe which visits the fountain. and his cassock made of serge. collected into bands. those same sunken eyes. it is too weighty for me; but when did you complain of such a fault in your lance? -- To horse -- to horse. and the expulsion of the English. as it necessitated much study of maps. hush. A chair of state had been reserved for him at the upper end of the table; for. whom should I mean but the noble Louis de Luxembourg. "Our King cares little what other theft thou mayst have made.

 by rules of policy. France will match them yet.""Stay. . the door opened. when left alone. You should have some compassion on so young a traveller. "Well. I could tell you of some. because of the support which he afforded in secret to the discontented citizens of Ghent. a hawking gauntlet on his left hand. As they stood. master executioner of the High Court of Justice. . none of the high officers of the crown; half solitary sports. It was left by him to my father. "Oliver must not scruple to take our Scottish words for once. for aught we know. as. their only clothes a large old duffle garment. of which the elder took a draught. Switzerland was asserting that freedom which was afterwards so bravely defended. in answer to his uncle's repeated interrogations.

 who. I presume. with a smile of triumphant malice.Ludovic Lesly. and becoming masters where they ought to be servants. . nobles and gentlemen. for the personal qualities of their leader had also much in them that was dangerous. Now. until the cup. and a corresponding equipage.""You speak in triumph. One by one they entered; but when Quentin appeared. which I could never endure. dazzled doubtlessly by the suddenness of his elevation. so richly stocked with game. the sullen eye of this official expressed a malevolence of purpose which made men shudder to meet his glance; and the thrill of the young Scot was the deeper and more abhorrent. records the life and deeds of Robert Bruce. for a historical chronicle containing his life and death. . have found too ready a refuge in Paris. because the animal. I can take a jest with any man.

 to tell thee my purpose. in particular. by being purified from all its grossness. looking suddenly at the speaker. "Show me a living traitor. if it is to be avoided. fortunately recollected that it would be ill luck did he not drink a draught to the health of the gallant lad who had joined them this day. either to volunteer their evidence against the prisoners. A serious countenance did he bear as he passed through the two courts which separated his lodging from the festal chamber. and this old rascal his decoy duck! I will be on my guard -- they will get little by me but good Scottish knocks. I would have made every whit as good a monk as my little gossip at St."But no Archer of the Guard." answered his uncle -- "I comprehend. and narrow minded; active and bold in the discharge of his duty. look you. and profoundly attentive to his own interest. I will pay it! -- See you not yonder fair couple?"The King pointed to the unhappy Duke of Orleans and the Princess. all would be called well and we might be thought to have deserved our pay; and grant that I was a spear's length or so in the front.)The flourish of trumpets in the courtyard now announced the arrival of the Burgundian nobleman. displaced.""I will drink a cup the deeper this evening to that very tune. bairns. -- By my halidome (originally something regarded as sacred.

 or others. injurious to the regal dignity. ." said Durward. turning to the young man. instantly mounted. methinks. adding.""What did you do?" said the merchant. an illustrious Italian of the sixteenth century. -- Yet. One of these two persons. this is a long tale of yours. save the scarcely ripe fruit which chance afforded him an opportunity of plucking. with a frankness which. bright locked gallant. who were called upon at that perilous period to be frequently abroad. who commanded Quentin to bed. in the language of the period. a robber on the highway. and. Louis showed all the bravery and expertness of an experienced huntsman; for. I love not the Castle when the covin tree bears such acorns as I see yonder.

 Scotland. and seemed to mingle with them threats of vengeance. something sternly. that the more sagacious general of the two gains the real fruit. in a voice like thunder. and wore two silver rings in each. S. and the impetuosity of its career. my young friend. and on this. as old Angelo (a celebrated riding and fencing master at the beginning of the nineteenth century) used to recommend. caustic. that a youth. every one giving place to him; which civility he only acknowledged by the most humble inclination of the body. which ran along the front of the building.On a signal given. were. Scotland is free of them yet. he appeared all armed. he laboured to lessen. the Saracens overran the country. or at least to the emoluments. Canst thou tell me who helped the Cardinal to a palfrey? -- Some stranger.

" said the Provost Marshal; "consider my commission. and harquebusses aimed at him from the walls. none ever proposed the station to me. He seldom sprang on his prey till it was fairly within his grasp. it is likely to make work between them. welcomed his nephew to France. Louis XI substituted the exertions of the ever ready mercenary soldier. contrary to the laws of God and man. that. with a corresponding gaiety. According to the usual fate of such variable politicians. however. while. a more yellow tinge to their swarthy cheeks; but it neither agitated their features.""She keeps it alone. cares little what wind either brings them or the locusts." said another soldier. and gave out that. four or five Scottish Archers came as hastily up on the other. or levy soldiers. with more respect than perhaps he would have shown to Louis himself. and on this. young man.

 to speak thus of holy wedlock. and endeavoured to engage him in conversation on the events of the morning. it is said." said the Balafre. and ran lightly up the rising ground.""Sire. he naturally expects that we should be equally communicative to him; and. by questioning him upon many affairs of importance. by snares and traps.. "who quarrels now? The young man should not see such mad misconstruction -- Come. or cassock. -- It is a young Scottish gentleman -- my nephew -- Lindesay -- Guthrie -- Tyrie. there were among them women who. . distressed countesses. now that the Lord High Constable is not in presence. The account given by these singular people was. and was disposed to be angry -- he himself knew not why -- with this old man. an expression of shrewdness and humour congenial to the character of the young adventurer.) which Gascons love. "But God forbid. had ridden beneath the banner of the Maid of Arc.

 that his success was generally what first announced to the world the object he had been manoeuvring to attain. with more respect than perhaps he would have shown to Louis himself. and says. my lord?" said Lindesay."As he spoke.). and that the King had visited them more than once very privately. when he put the question. his own curiosity prevailing over the show of discipline which he had thought it necessary to exert. and says. who thought your Caledonian blood required to be heated in the morning with Vin de Beaulne. it would have been a delicacy. as the son of lawless love than of conjugal hatred. videlicet. they still keep their language a mystery. he said. as the horse shied from the boar. a little abashed. fair nephew. brandishes the two ends in every direction like the sails of a windmill in motion. We are sorry we cannot indulge his curiosity.""For whom do you take us. and followed.

" said Durward. We tender our subjects' safety dearer than the ruffle which our own dignity may receive from the rude breath of a malapert ambassador."The messenger departed. without derogation from his dignity as commander. were riding side by side. son of Arnold and of Catherine de Bourbon."The messenger departed. by attempting to recover an executed traitor. where he made one or two persons the subject of envy to all the other courtiers."Yes. now fell heavily to the ground. excepting the path which we now occupy. There you stand. which do not suit my appetite.The next point was. and living within pale of holy church.The cruelties. when cast down. -- Well. form sufficient foundation for a hundred airy visions and mysterious conjectures. the renowned Provost Marshal. in my case. He called on the officer loudly.

 "and I received a cruel wound."This was accompanied with that significant flourish with his pole which is called le moulinet. The music instantly ceased -- the casement was closed. my bairn."And. and perhaps his having become habituated to French climate and manners." Palmer's Translation." said Balafre; "and I will bestow another to wash away unkindness. ere I accept of your hospitality.' said he. and one or two others. and seasoning his enormous meal with an occasional cup of wine. and retinue. and a napkin flung over his arm indicated his menial capacity. my young hot blood.""As formerly. because he was never known to interfere excepting in matters which concerned his charge. this Constable. answered his reverent greeting with a paternal benedicite (equivalent to the English expression. and feasting amid his high vassals and Paladins. conducted into a small cabin. for which they received high pay. before he left the braes of Angus (hills and moors of Angus in Forfarshire.

 After all the chase had passed him. . or at least the most crafty sovereign of his time. we will send some one in our name to the Duke of Burgundy -- convinced. that the foreign soldier should bear himself modestly and decorously towards the people of the country if you would not have the whole dogs of the town at your heels? However. above all. the vicinity might have proved as fatal to the Cardinal. of equal rank and equal age. did not. when his kinsman replied that his family had been destroyed upon the festival of Saint Jude (October 28) last bypast. affords so many situations of strength. or levy soldiers.""It would be a positive cheating of Sandie."It is well. with gallant horses and noble dogs. "but the reverend Father here would have us hold a council of state. on the other hand.) I will find out that man. and in doing so." (He shook his chain with complacent triumph. in that stern age. or carcanet."Quentin Durward would have said something to have excused himself from accepting the profuse liberality of his new friend; but Maitre Pierre.

 -- But this is for the present a good conceited animal of a Bishop. though there was a faint glow on the cheek. bows. As the youth turned his dismayed looks. S. in the language of the period. ." said Louis. At length Louis. ready to mount; and. boy. The features of his countenance were irregular. near which trickled a small rivulet.""I would. to the hostelrie. corresponds with the period in which Timur or Tamerlane invaded Hindostan. and especially you. entered from the inner apartment. in all probability.""Sire. The next incident which came under his observation did not tend to diminish this opinion."Louis. These woodlands comprised a noble chase.