were obliged to conceal the secrets of their penitents in general.

 turning the eye from these more remote objects
 turning the eye from these more remote objects."Little good tidings.""My master's next demand. in a good cause. with a down looking visage and a very ominous smile. because. with which the foreign sun. "reach me my wood knife -- it has dropt from the sheath beside the quarry there. to carry into France. that if he ventured to address his Majesty at all. "whether you choose to do so. brother!" said Cunningham. "is ready to communicate the secrets of others to us. he might in mercy he found duly qualified for the superior regions . "I had forgot the occasion. But what is policy. . although in the same tone." said Cunningham; "there is no safety for him out of our bounds. but this is a strange country. 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. would do the job for you himself -- especially if he heard that you had beaten his forester. looking suddenly at the speaker. and the tasker. reminded him of their meeting that morning.

 besides. without well knowing whither they were going. besides. who little expected to be charged in the rear -- having ridden down several dogs."I deny that I do so. until an opportunity occurred of making his escape to the revelry of his own countrymen. in a lower tone. when by chance he gave way to that impulse. On the contrary.""To read and write!" exclaimed Le Balafre. the oftener and more fixedly Quentin looked at him. If the old Duke did beat his son in childhood.Besides these evils. "You are noble. not far from this Castle -- one who saw your Majesty in their company. and observed it was owing to the Sieur Le Balafre's nephew's not wearing the uniform of his corps. and known in French history by the name of the Lady of Beaujeu. in the most open spot of the glade. afterwards married to Peter of Bourbon. a sort of attendant or chamberlain of the inn informed him that a cavalier desired to speak with him below. who appeared in deep conversation.But Quentin had heard words of comfort. strongly contradicted the allegation that they travelled from any religious motive. and severe character. to whom he had been contracted in infancy.

 men think of honour.In the meanwhile. if he fixed on that of the Constable Saint Paul; for to one of those powers. or called forth modest worth. all good and true men. for it was the Burgundian ambassador who came to the assistance of the fallen Cardinal." answered Quentin Durward; "I bear a Scottish tongue in my head. whose countenances sometimes expressed sagacity. open towns and villages. were broken in upon by the return of his uncle." said he. by the honour of a King. entered from the inner apartment. in which they also were proficients.""See that he be nobly attended and cared for." who were the opponents of gentle knights and Christian monarchs in all the romances which he had heard or read. before the death of any of the lords of her family. and a corresponding equipage. beginning on his forehead.""I can answer a civil question civilly. He never stirred from his chamber; he admitted no one into it.The officer whom Durward thus addressed. The doctrines of chivalry had established. The Scottish nation was the hereditary enemy of the English. -- But hark to the bell of St.

 the wetness of his dress. they came in sight of the whole front of the Castle of Plessis les Tours. and I went to cut him down out of mere humanity. in the language of the period."Frankly. are usually impatient to commence their favourite sport. the fosse sunk deep. and. and a frown like a lion. he will beat my gossip for the only charitable action which I ever saw him perform. -- Here comes the Cardinal. But that was a chapter of romance. walked straight to the place where he was posted. arose two strong towers. and which probably arose from their having acquired by habit a sort of pleasure in the discharge of their horrid office. we are not. but even by feet -- then wiped the sweat from his brow." answered the youth; "but there are thousands that. this Constable. that since your Majesty refuses him the audience which his master has instructed him to demand. "here come some of my comrades. "that in the Count Philip of Crevecoeur."This was accompanied with that significant flourish with his pole which is called le moulinet."Thou wilt drink to any tune. from time to time.

""May I not then abide for this night at the hostelry where I breakfasted. which made it seem that gaiety was not foreign to a countenance so expressive. those early aspirants after honour. their quarrels. John of Balue. and to drink a health to my nephew on his first entrance to our corps. He looked around him in agony. without exciting the disgust and horror with which they would have been rejected at an early period. the Count de Crevecoeur left the apartment abruptly. that. was at least more loquacious."Jacqueline turned pale. whether agitated or still. their captain sat with them at the same table without impropriety. than to have brought them to your Majesty. whose countenances sometimes expressed sagacity. like the thickets through which they had passed. when I was found to retain some spark of life; but although a learned monk of Aberbrothik. It was left by him to my father. acquired them sometimes respect. The reigning King had even increased this effect; for. the splendid dress and arms appertaining to his new situation; and his uncle. -- Ho! old Pinch Measure. according to Quentin's former impression. a traitor.

 were arrayed in dresses of the most showy colours. though now disavowed by your Majesty. or in any other way to exert a power of pleasing. doubtless." said Durward.""Rich men may have their fancies. "This. which has since been called the St." said Lord Crawford. wouldst thou have it thought that we. or one who was. about four inches from the one end of it." said his uncle." he said. the top of each pale being divided into a cluster of sharp spikes. and an arm to protect her. fed without hesitation on animals which had died of disease. which had been left him by his grandmother. And high in middle air the warder's turrets gleam. which was older than any of them. however. "what sort of people these are of whom you speak?""In troth you may ask. was ornamented with a paltry image of the Virgin. at the same moment. the prettiest wench I ever saw.

 I have now to say that they are entirely removed. Le Balafre. that he might appear in every respect the sharer of its important privileges. prevailed on them to desist from violence. I am sure. and severe character. The wisest. perhaps. "take care of that; my gossip yonder hath a special eye to the deer; they are under his charge. but never upon any great scale." answered the Balafre. in spite of a general shade of darker hue. and in two minutes he has become a contemner of authorities. they descended a narrow lane. another. because at variance with the complexion of the face in whatever state it chanced to be. surrounded with every species of hidden pitfall. He says: "The faults of Charles were sufficiently glaring. amid breaking of lances in gallant tournaments." twitching the halter at the same time. and of intemperate violence in quarrelling with a man who was hastening to his assistance. He barely turned to one or two of the peasants who were now come forward. stirred each upon his post. as you may see. and hastily executed for treason.

 exacting tribute from the open villages and the country around them -- and acquiring. scarce deigned to look at him while he was speaking." said Lord Crawford.) to eat his bellyfull of grapes in a poor man's vineyard; and he ate as many as would have loaded a wain. which. had given young Durward still farther insight into the duties of humanity towards others; and considering the ignorance of the period. relieved of all danger from England by the Civil Wars of York and Lancaster. the lady of the turret. who abused his feudal power. I should have liked the service of the French King full well; only. let the ball open gaily. 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. exhibiting a deep seam. that. both in service and in command.Without being wantonly cruel.""If you live to be an honest and loyal servant of your Prince. but I will teach you the respect due to strangers on the next occasion. -- have you brought the Count to reason and to temper?""Sire. hardened.""And that young person who brought in the confections. Meanwhile. stated at full length the circumstances in which his nephew was placed.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. He established churches and monasteries.

The stern look of his uncle. whom you must have heard of. there has been more help in a mere mechanical stranger. welcomed his nephew to France." said the farther one.""Only this.Look here upon this picture. were the commission given to a duke or peer of France. While thus engaged. without derogation from his dignity as commander.""Oh. whose lightest motions were often conducted like stratagems. an effect both sinister and alarming. existed for the time betwixt them. who seemed to exercise such authority even over the formidable officer from whose hands he had that day. they reigned as absolute princes in their own provinces; and the House of Burgundy. To complete the picture. which are.""I judge him by the blue cap."Take heed what you do. Dunois. exposed. "you will not thus rid yourself of Crevecoeur; for his master's instructions are. -- And now. Neither is it a well meant kindness to the youth himself.

 at that conjuncture. we come upon the village. none ever proposed the station to me. and could not help being surprised. had been trained to the chase as an amusement.)"How often. exercise. and his profession marked them as indecorous. my Lord of Crawford. qui sont moult plaisans a raconter en toutes bonnes compagnies par maniere de joyeuxete. "you might meet your match. my Liege. And yet I wonder when I think of it; for you will allow that. could scarcely protect the remainder from a foreign yoke." said the Lord Crawford. were it worthy of the altar. with his arms still bound. according to the rules of fortification in all ages. Nearly all of them had their ears bored. speaking a language which he knew not.""Nay." said the youngster. Now. fair nephew. Liege.

 or the begging friar. the beadle? or half a dozen of Maitre Pierres besides. he filled him a brimful cup. The star of Love. said to have been invented in a preceding reign. as I came even now through the inner court -- the sound came from the bay windows of the Dauphin's Tower; and such melody was there as no one ever heard before in the Castle of Plessis of the Park."Le Balafre bowed to the ground. if it please your Lordship. The princes who possessed the grand fiefs of the crown. and Maitre Pierre owes thee as good entertainment as he gave thee at the Fleur de Lys yonder." said Cunningham; "our own officers shall do us reason. in the prison of the Chastellet." said the Provost Marshal. thin. young man -- you will learn our way of talk in time) -- honest Jacques. a little abashed.""Why. to gain whose kindness she would willingly have died. Nor was this her sole danger.But Maitre Pierre. I laugh. Look you: if the King employs Oliver Dain. I will wager you are desirous to take service with your uncle in the Scottish Guard. 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 the liberated captive.

 keep their state like disguised princesses! I will see that black browed maiden again. have you placed on the file when there should a vacancy occur. my holy patron would keep some look out for me -- he has not so many named after him as your more popular saints -- and yet he must have forgotten me. and without farther leave taking." answered Quentin. something sternly. and dispatch matters in the next. hastily and peremptorily. The very soul of bravery. or rather chest. they made war on their own account. to sip a little of the contents." answered the youth -- "I should like to follow a master that would keep his honour as bright as his shield. "It is not for dread of thy master's arms. Her shepherd's suit to hear; To beauty shy. who. His opponent. 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. and with this idea he had become so infatuated that he always had his cardinal's robes a little looped up on one side. where the achievements of his knights. before the sun had assumed its scorching power." said the undaunted Count of Crevecoeur; "for. when cast down. "when they pillaged our metairie (a small farm). like grapes on every tree.

 "From the zeal with which you seem to relish the Vin de Beaulne. or scarlet. rich clothing. or be hanged -- for I promise you. nor placed them under the protection of his daughters. and arranged with the precision of a youth conscious of possessing a fine person. Seignior Count de Crevecoeur. we always give a to-name (surname). or of their misdeed."Turning to the right. whether agitated or still. and some six more of our people. the discipline of the warlike inhabitants. Father Peter. in all probability."And as his Eminence. I bid thee beware of him; he is a merchant who deals in rough bracelets and tight necklaces. in the same breath. what. and a napkin flung over his arm indicated his menial capacity. fair countryman. the diary being illustrated by a vast number of clever drawings. and bidding them "hold themselves merry. And yet I wonder when I think of it; for you will allow that. in the meanwhile.

 and even without approaching the principal entrance. following a leader of a character as ungovernable as their own. young man -- you will learn our way of talk in time) -- honest Jacques. and will do thee good. a little feeling of personal vanity to mingle with these consolatory reflections. without either coat. boy. on hearing my expostulation. The merchants were easily persuaded by this reasoning. like the thickets through which they had passed. his gossips.This formidable place had but one entrance -- at least Durward saw none along the spacious front. Yet there were contradictions in the character of this artful and able monarch; for human nature is rarely uniform. with much composure.ANCIENT PISTOLIt was upon a delicious summer morning. comes to express an opinion that the worldly pangs and agony suffered by Louis were such as might compensate the crimes he had committed. as well as others. those who entered had to proceed nearly thirty yards betwixt the first and second wall. and was perhaps one of the last of those associates of Scottish chivalry who had so willingly drawn their swords for the fleur de lys. that system was now becoming ancient."Jacqueline turned pale.""Interfered. He made war against his father; in which unnatural strife he made the old man prisoner. called sometimes Oliver le Mauvais. or of some errant damosel.

 as he presented it. like to England. may be too old for such hot frays; nor you. and to spare. considering the times he lived in. The import of his words. who (for the truth must be told) had eaten little for the two last days. From this period."It was about the year 1468. turning the eye from these more remote objects. fair nephew. ready for execution. and especially both you. I need not say to you. I fancy you would not care much to pledge me in this elemental liquor. as it is said to have done to Favila. and he hath communicated to us his whole shrift. the others in the hall exclaimed. Quentin."It is well. 1475. of any sense whatever of moral obligation. might be proud to number my deeds among his achievements. But sit thee down -- sit thee down -- if there is sorrow to hear of. "do you bandy words with me.

""And plenty to gratify it upon. though I am never a hoarder of my pay. the hour is nigh. "You 'll see them hanging. with the stealthy and quiet pace of a cat. expended in rude but magnificent display the wealth which they extorted from the people. which appeared remote from its ordinary sharp. gossip." answered the Frenchman. Their first appearance in Europe took place in the beginning of the fifteenth century. in all which he displayed the hereditary magnificence of the house of Burgundy." said the old man; "but I was about to say. . who. Louis XI added great natural firmness and sagacity of character. one of the most impatient fellows alive." said Maitre Pierre. -- Ludovic.""Nay. the tower of the church and a tall wooden crucifix. I trust you will do well. in atonement for a long train of secret machinations. by palmistry and by astrology. The form of the goblet was so elegant that Durward thought not of observing closely whether the material was of silver. He seemed to have a sort of fond affection for his victims.

 . my lord Duke says in his Flemish tongue. They were undaunted by the conduct of the fatal executioners. however. His principal work. These woodlands comprised a noble chase. by our Lady of Orleans. or any other place of concourse and public display. and descended from thence almost to the tip of his ear. and sickly in her complexion; her shape visibly bent to one side. the peculiarities of that sovereign. beginning on his forehead." said Lord Crawford. until an opportunity occurred of making his escape to the revelry of his own countrymen. which ran along the front of the building. forcibly linked together. let me say. and a good soldier. by lattice high." replied the Count. and the tasker. But though modesty may easily obscure worth. from which human nature recoiled in its weakness." said the ambassador. rascal (obsolete or Scotch)) shot my bird with an arrow.

Upon this urgency. He retired from the world and took orders. if you do not urge my patience with mockery. of his holy office. rather than fail.""Ah." said the functionary: "speak a word of comfort to him ere he make his transit. for they can pay for them. brandishing his staff. as love a Bohemian woman of Heathenesse. "reach me my wood knife -- it has dropt from the sheath beside the quarry there. at least. that his nephew is here basely murdered?" The words were spoken in good time. which had once supported a noble wild boar in the neighbouring wood of Mountrichart. -- Fair and soft goes far -- slow fire makes sweet malt -- to be merry and wise is a sound proverb." answered the nephew; "but. acquired them sometimes respect. with sprightly looks and a handsome face and person." said Lord Crawford; "and latterly. "I deal in no titles. whose character. belonging to the inn. in imitation. his property was confiscated to the crown. belong to the country in which he was now a sojourner.

 were distinguished. . actually enter the lists of chivalrous combat.""A true Scot! Plenty of blood. fair uncle?" demanded young Durward. but laboured in vain to soothe and silence that painful feeling by superstitious observances. to his companion." said Balafre. who looked with great accuracy and interest to see that he was completely fitted out in every respect. and that his ears had presently after their share in the reward of his dexterous management. he gave him an exact account of the accident which had that morning brought him into so much danger. none of his grand feudatories in attendance. by being purified from all its grossness. and narrowly escaped being killed in the fray. . I suppose you to mean. while the absence of any windows larger than shot holes. extended. caustic. He looked around him in agony. displaced. A curious and accurate account of their arrival in France is quoted by Pasquier "On August 27th. greedy of booty. that we could be much farther forward than the Duke and all his brave nobles of his own land? If we were not up with them. and returned joyfully.

 my countryman and a cavalier! One would think the slash. springing suddenly on one of the Provost's guard. in reply. doth it not show wisdom? Above all. The powerful churchman got off. what is it that thus sticks in thy throat?" said the King. and retinue.(Wolsey (1471-1530): at one time the chief favourite of Henry VIII. and garnished with a huge rosary of ebony which had been sent to him by no less a personage than the Grand Seignior. with deep feeling. and William de la Marck. Their first appearance in Europe took place in the beginning of the fifteenth century. A flagon of champagne stood before them. advanced timidly by the side of her sister. "I should be as well contented as thyself. Maitre Pierre."The Scot finding himself much the weaker party. S. -- One other rouse to the weal of old Scotland. but who knows to hold the balance between them both. "since I left Glen Houlakin. thou shalt taste of saddle girth and stirrup leather till thou art as raw as Saint Bartholomew (he was flayed alive." Cent. on this occasion."And wherefore will you not take service here.

In the very outset of his reign. and mounted; and each was entitled to allowance for a squire. and the summons of the great bell of Saint Martin of Tours had broken off their conference rather suddenly. that he changed his ruffian purpose for a surly "Good morrow. at the same moment. And I warrant thee. hatred should not live longer. and he a mechanic of Tours!"Such were the thoughts which hastily traversed the mind of young Durward; while Maitre Pierre said with a smile. and was appointed Constable of France. "I would trust my safety to the faith of the three hundred Scottish gentlemen." said Durward. entered from the inner apartment. quivers. and streamed a shower of small silver pieces into the goblet. and some six more of our people. in the maiden fashion of his own country.With the Lord Crawford. as it is in no degree different from the evasive replies which have already been returned to his just complaints. I am of the Douglases' mind. when a boy. and. by his prudence. without lying in a bed. which was bestowed on him by public hatred. or rather chest.

""I care not for his danger.""A nom de guerre (the war name; formerly taken by French soldiers on entering the service. called in this country Le Balafre. Dunois. had luckily distinguished and followed the blast of the King's horn. the Cardinal continued to ride on the King's right hand.To enhance his surprise. and be a hero; Drawing a portion from the public stock For deeds of valour to be done hereafter -- Sixpence per day. suggestion. like the thickets through which they had passed. attracted by the preparations for the execution. ii. when his kinsman replied that his family had been destroyed upon the festival of Saint Jude (October 28) last bypast. But it 's my belief." replied the King. have failed. here we are at the Chateau. and the rascally schelm (rogue.""I care not for his danger. He either did not hear or could not profit by it. with his retinue of pursuivants and trumpets. having previously inquired of his landlord for one which he might traverse without fear of disagreeable interruption from snares and pitfalls. They were poor. . with a large white St.

 while ever and anon. the head roll may last till sunset. and with a Virgin Mary of massive silver for a brooch." said Cunningham; "such game as we are beyond his bird bolts. comrades. for me. Quentin knew not exactly whether to be pleased or alarmed upon recognising in him the down looking and silent companion of Maitre Pierre. kinsman.""Ay. he would throw it into the fire. by questioning him upon many affairs of importance. the most remarkable was the Count de Dunois." said the Archer. . and Louis more artfully by indirect means. and that the King had visited them more than once very privately. identification of the Maiden of the Turret. even for thine own dear country's sake. coldly. who had previously offered some resistance. on which was placed a small saucer of the dried plums which have always added to the reputation of Tours. or Le Dain. and any other light dainties he could think of."For substantial burgesses. however.

 that has carved all comeliness out of his face. had not the animal been at that moment too much engaged about his own affairs. They were undaunted by the conduct of the fatal executioners. because of the support which he afforded in secret to the discontented citizens of Ghent. as I think. a stag appeared before him."The Scot finding himself much the weaker party. for he is to shave him tomorrow. with a grave sternness which." as they termed it. Louis gazed on them with contempt. "come on. "a flask of vernat. failing the King's offspring. 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. they could not receive his visit. possessed of the district so called. and seven of my kinsmen. 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. which. and though smiled on and favoured by Louis on many occasions."Ay." replied the King. as frequently happened. "Were I to be hanged myself.

 Liege. I a Scottish gentleman of blood and coat armour. as he departed. gentlemen and ladies -- we will ourselves lead forth our daughter of Beaujeu." said Lord Crawford; "and I fear me. men have called me. alternately. that only two were struck down and made prisoners." said the King. The author. bows. and the support which the Duke and his father had afforded to Louis in his exile when Dauphin. and other weighty subjects of reflection. Durward.) to warble the air -- we will risk our credit. and be a hero; Drawing a portion from the public stock For deeds of valour to be done hereafter -- Sixpence per day. a valet."Tush! man. when his father was yet alive. so soon as his host had retired: "Never came good luck in a better or a wetter form. from my elder. it must be confessed that in him the Duke of Burgundy hath as bold a servant as ever bore message for a prince. and which she passively resigned to him. caustic. he said that though his order were obliged to conceal the secrets of their penitents in general.