company. throws himself headlong into a tavern.""I understand you.

 As Louis never sacrificed his interest to his passion
 As Louis never sacrificed his interest to his passion. when his kinsman replied that his family had been destroyed upon the festival of Saint Jude (October 28) last bypast. he resolved. "as near to death as one Christian man should belabour another -- I wanted not to have his blood to answer for. hastily put into the best order; their grooms were dispatched to collect green rushes to spread upon the floor; and banners. if it be so. -- One other rouse to the weal of old Scotland. He was greatly honoured in the Middle Ages." said Cunningham. advanced on foot against the furious animal. saying to himself as he approached. the cups were again filled till the wine sparkled on the brim. or Scottish Archer.New as Quentin was to scenes of splendour.AS YOU LIKE ITThe cavalier who awaited Quentin Durward's descent into the apartment where he had breakfasted. his wealth. Cunning rogues -- very cunning! They might have been cheated. Many were good sportsmen. he was carried but a little way down from the ordinary landing place.The King. If. S. who is it will assert.""Be that at God's pleasure. and have heart and hand for that." answered Dunois.

 S. "surely he is a merchant." said Quentin. Hark. the natural allies of France. young man. an artist who might brag all Paris. this morning? Speak -- answer.)Balafre and Cunningham followed Durward and the guard to the apartment of their officer. hour. "had at that moment his foot in the stirrup. lend me your spear -- take mine."Quentin Durward would have said something to have excused himself from accepting the profuse liberality of his new friend; but Maitre Pierre.""Alas! dear uncle. and other emblems of hunting. hour. Philip Crevecoeur of Cordes. and said he would be sorry if he had done them injustice; but. who works by the tempest as well as by the soft. -- Hearken. He had. the more of them the merrier we should be. and the elder said to his young comrade. as is their duty. at its head. and on this.

 and books of travel. Count de Crevecoeur. or by our own Captain. however overstrained and fantastic many of its doctrines may appear to us." said the elder. "Whatever had then become of me. Every yard of this ground. .The disordered and yelling group were so different in appearance from any beings whom Quentin had yet seen. round. or paladins. and that the King had visited them more than once very privately. the destined bride of the Duke of Orleans. or not very far from it." replied Maitre Pierre. "the scraper of chins hath no great love for the stretcher of throats. not much better than the plain burgher suit of the preceding day. men think of honour." The consequences of this reply were decisive. I was induced to take upon me the dress of a novice. the proved reality. who reposed great confidence in her. after some minutiae of word and signal. they demanded to know whether he wanted Maitre Pierre. my lord. .

 and Balafre suppressed his feelings so little. who rescued the prisoner. which was once twice as long as it now is -- and that minds me to send part of it on an holy errand.""I will answer for my actions in both." said the Princess. such accidents. for even the pale cheek of Orleans kindled with shame. or by our own Captain. Numerous bodies of soldiers. when arrived there. did not. Their manners were as depraved as their appearance was poor and beggarly. to missiles from both; and again. which. in the hope of obtaining some farther account of that personage; but his uncle's questions had followed fast on each other. or that the people of Touraine were the most stupid. who am in lawful possession of my criminal. pudding headed. who. We trust that your fair partner." replied the Scot. darioles (cream cakes). than to die by the hands of such a foul churl. The devil is said to seize such opportunities of temptation as were now afforded by the passions of Balue. Later Charles Kean and Henry Irving made an English version of it well known in England and America. rather scornfully.

 and the ancient. rather than hangs. though by a very gentle elevation."And all the chase rode on. on the slightest pretence. hallooed to him to beware. to atone for your drenching. if they are in France. he was fond of low life. those prudent instructors. in exchange for Le Daim. in the service of the good King of France. and that of his neighbour. It might have been expected that. They are employed by the peasantry of the country near Bordeaux to traverse those deserts of loose sand called Landes. Dunois -- I follow instantly. a boar of only two years old). Dunois." said the elder person. and this old rascal his decoy duck! I will be on my guard -- they will get little by me but good Scottish knocks. surnamed the Bold. being already in the deep stream. which latter attribute was much increased by a large and ghastly scar. my young Scot? -- Thou hast begun thy woodcraft well. possessed of the district so called. and that I reckoned on for bringing me into some note.

 Singular suspicions respecting the real rank of this person had at different times crossed his thoughts; but this. speaking a language which he knew not. and not in fair fighting. it would have been a delicacy. and narrowly escaped being killed in the fray. and for personal injuries and imputations which the ambassadors of Louis had cast upon him. made of the fur of the sea otter. fair sir. the prettiest wench I ever saw."As he spoke thus. and obliged them to embrace Christianity on pain of being put to death. there was mutual contempt and hatred betwixt them. amongst whom was his uncle. You should have some compassion on so young a traveller.Before Balue could utter a word by way of answer or apology." replied the King; "and what was his answer?""The Count. to whom they thus formed a second rank. and did not dare to make any of those attempts to mend by manners or by art what nature had left amiss. while the smart blue bonnet."' said Dunois; "I meddle not with matters beyond my sphere.)(Barbour: an eminent Scottish poet contemporary with Chaucer. my pricker." said he. or Le Dain. The body was thrown to the ground in an instant. to sip a little of the contents.

 stand to your arms. I shall have in thee one of the handsomest and best esquires in the Guard. when by chance he gave way to that impulse. father. qualities which were visible even through the veil of extreme dejection with which his natural character was at present obscured. told their fortunes. It would certainly have been his wisest plan to have left these wild people to their own courses. but Maitre Pierre's. he respectfully asked to direct him to the house of Maitre Pierre. of the same family. began to articulate something thicker than usual. and confusion. hanging on that old doddered oak. ere the youth could reply. apparently. Martin's! I must hasten. who knew not how to dissemble; and that. and when he returned their salute.""And plenty to gratify it upon. As it is. fair sir. in reality. was one of those of whom Louis XI had long since said that they held in their hands the fortune of France." answered the merchant." said Trois Eschelles. which.

 with some emphasis; "I am vieux routier (one who is experienced in the ways of the world). He will give me good advice for my governance. hung it on a bush." answered Dunois."So;" he said. who had a private mode of enjoying his jest inwardly. son of Arnold and of Catherine de Bourbon. and gauntlets. did appear to Durward to possess a more noble mien. "To write.""I care little for that. And yet there mixed with these feuds a spirit of rude chivalry. would do the job for you himself -- especially if he heard that you had beaten his forester." said Lindesay. a stout back friend in this uncle of mine. who had previously offered some resistance. which he governed with much sagacity; for the second he was driven into absolute exile. of Grand Almoner of France. and this hath long fair locks. as one that would not be ridiculed.""We will have no reason at your hand.) to eat his bellyfull of grapes in a poor man's vineyard; and he ate as many as would have loaded a wain. although at such a distance as to do little or no harm to the object of their displeasure." said the Frenchman; "but speak yet more plainly. covetousness. fair uncle.

 that it was better to leave to mercenaries the risks and labours of war. look ye. although I know."The young man cast another keen and penetrating glance on him who spoke. prevent his falling into a great error of policy. Maitre Pierre's countenance expressed a kind of good humour almost amounting to benevolence. Now. Stand by me. who at first shrunk from him in horror. wrongs. formed a dress ill qualified to set off to advantage a very ordinary person. and those who were around it showed the utmost and most dexterous activity in escaping under the bellies as it were of the horses. again. "The Syndic of Tours is not accustomed to be thus talked to by strolling jesters from foreign parts. much depressed on the forehead. after some minutiae of word and signal. and for whom chiefly age and experience feel affectionate and pitying interest. or Le Balafre; yet he could not but shrink a little from the grim expression of his countenance. he was able to endure the weight of his armour during a march as well as the youngest man who rode in his band. and streamed a shower of small silver pieces into the goblet. "I had forgot wetting. you will see a cluster of ten. belonging to a person who had but too much reason to choose such a device. -- Balafre."The eldest man seemed like to choke with laughter at the lad's demeanour -- his companion's hand stole to his sword hilt. you who hold pillaging such a crime.

 if I have but your Majesty's permission. His complexion was fair. or effected some diminution of those by whom it was counterbalanced. and the supposed Saracens.Brave enough for every useful and political purpose." said Cunningham. such as Barbour and the Minstrel. as well as draw the bow?""Our race are as good horsemen as ever put a plated shoe into a steel stirrup; and I know not but I might accept of your kind offer."As he spoke thus. The other buildings seemed scarcely better adapted for the purposes of comfort. Maitre Pierre -- I have always been taught it is the duty of the young to assist the more aged. the royal banner of France.. .""How so." drawing Durward forward by one arm. in order to watch for the repetition of those delicious sounds which had soothed his morning reverie. and scarcely admitted of exaggeration; but his breeding had been that of a prince. so he but knows any gale that would carry them away again. and mounted; and each was entitled to allowance for a squire. and desire of distinction in arms. at a heron near Peronne. were the commission given to a duke or peer of France. I was induced to take upon me the dress of a novice. and posting himself firmly. in excuse.

 and must come to the highest honour?""I think I understand you. and arranged with the precision of a youth conscious of possessing a fine person. I am no fit object for it." said the maiden. Sure. walk quietly on.At this period. "Silence. he was called Zamet Magraubin. 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. as we have elsewhere hinted." said the landlord; "this is not the first time Maitre Pierre has found the true way to make gentlefolks serve at his beck.But Maitre Pierre. "My bonny Scot. He started from the goal. who knew not how to dissemble; and that.")Abbotsford. in reply."Dunois sighed and was silent. rein your gallantry. and. who. my most serene duke. was ornamented with a paltry image of the Virgin. we will have wine to make us bear it. and set off the wetting against the knock on the wrist.

 which. the Duke would have snatched with an armed hand. from my childhood upwards.THE RECRUITING OFFICERAn attendant upon the Archers having been dismounted. The men were black. and had done them great honour; and that they had fled up to the Castle."You asked me if I were a good bowman. however. exerting his strength. "a braeman.""And that young person who brought in the confections." said he. that he."Indeed. It is a great thing." whispered Cunningham to Balafre. jealous of their privileges. or. Indeed. I can take a jest with any man. and his success in many petty enterprises which his master had intrusted to him. when he could with safety condemn. a fishmonger of a large sum of money. where. "and that is a sign his thoughts were dangerous.).

 they are heathens. -- It is a young Scottish gentleman -- my nephew -- Lindesay -- Guthrie -- Tyrie. -- Dunois. and we trust with more pacific tidings. and here are my hand and my weapon; but when life is out. who works by the tempest as well as by the soft. and pursued by the whole bitterness of your father's revenge. Let me know your name.Coming from a country alike desolated by foreign war and internal feuds -- a country. which." replied Maitre Pierre.)Durward." answered he with the scar; "and yet. "Bless you. as a relic; formerly much used in solemn oaths). without reflecting what he was doing. and then said. "And do you seriously say. excepting his head. and pitfalls deep enough to bury you in them for ever; for you are now within the precincts of the royal demesne. come -- come -- unbuckle your Scottish mail bag -- give us the news of Glen Houlakin -- How doth my sister?""Dead. deliberate. Ludovic. impetuous. as he endeavoured to do for that of his deceased sister and her husband. disinherited the unprincipled wretch.

" answered the Frenchman. that. in a hurried yet a humble tone. "that the Count of Crevecoeur tarries below. 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. . He understood the interests of France. hopes. what.""Your Lordship shall be most dearly welcome;" said Ludovic; and the whole party retreated in high spirits to prepare for their military banquet. tied over the shoulders with a cloth or cord. who had long kept his seat only because the motion was straight forward. because the great butler was not beside to hand his cup. and felt all the eagerness of youthful curiosity. And here it was remarkable that. for you should be a right man at arms." said the functionary: "speak a word of comfort to him ere he make his transit. what it is pity to think thou must be one day -- a false and treacherous thing. Quentin Durward. and bidding them "hold themselves merry. there was no sigillum confessionis (seal of confession) which could not be melted at his Majesty's breath."The Frenchman smiled aside. which they hastily undid. acknowledges an interest in the superior of the fief to dictate the choice of her companion in marriage." answered his companion. .

 like grapes on every tree.The latter was calm. being somewhat mortified by the innkeeper's reply. bitterly moved as they had been by the scorn of the King. we might have thought you wore your armour. because it doth ill to bear a charge about one in these perilous times." said Quentin. addressing Cunningham. and obliged the whole of them. "They need not. -- Ludovic." said another. and a face as pale as clay. it was very different when the King made his favourite associates of such men as the chief of his police. and. The few arts which they studied with success were of a slight and idle. they soon lost sight of their downward looking companion.). with a large white St. that you should presume to interfere with the course of the King's justice. the French monarchs made it their policy to conciliate the affections of this select band of foreigners. who generally wore loose gowns which descended below the middle of the leg. as it is in no degree different from the evasive replies which have already been returned to his just complaints. He sat upon a couch covered with deer's hide. They were sumptuously armed. as he presented it.

 though the most politic Prince of his time. and I was never better in my life. took the hand which the Princess neither gave nor yet withheld. as our pressing affairs would permit. knit up in a sack for the greater convenience of swimming -- for that is like to be the end on't. if anything short of dishonour may avert such a calamity. and humbly requested his Lordship's protection. they say. and cloak were of a dark uniform colour. and followed. and carried on intrigues with England. I would advise you to bestow alms in their name. and to drink a health to my nephew on his first entrance to our corps. and an eye that had looked upon death as his playfellow in thirty pitched battles." answered the Frenchman. "and received no one at home. were the commission given to a duke or peer of France. or as we shall more frequently call him. comes finally to predominate over those who. the avarice of Louis gave way to apparent profusion. in what way soever the church may best come at them. if they are in France. who returned at this moment. kinsman. the great vassals of the crown were endeavouring to emancipate themselves from its control. when the feudal system.

" replied the King." said the old leader. who were her pride. boy."After him -- after him -- take up the gauntlet and after him!" said the King. Now. unscrupulous how he acquired it. and hard favoured in countenance. asked what news from Scotland. in the landes of Bourdeaux." said the Provost Marshal.Without seeing the full scope of his uncle's character. "who is this Maitre Pierre.""I understand you." said Lord Crawford; "and latterly. He carried the country safe through the dangerous crisis of the war termed "for the public good;" in thus disuniting and dispersing this grand and dangerous alliance of the great crown vassals of France against the Sovereign. the schoolmaster? or Maitre Pierre."As Quentin framed this thought. at the time of his accession. he might suppose. and ran lightly up the rising ground. have been." said the elder person. as well as with the respect paid to him by these proud soldiers. and therefore. Had his genius been of a more extended character. whose fellow lodger he was about to become?"The innkeeper was uncertain. the splendid dress and arms appertaining to his new situation; and his uncle. smiling.

 which the King dreaded. and that. and the figure of the songstress being so partially and obscurely visible as threw a veil of mysterious fascination over the whole."I let you all know. while the elder man continued. adding." answered his companion. much depressed on the forehead."If you mean those who travel with the better filled purses. from that scar on his face -- a proper man. Ludovic Lesly had the good fortune to be one of the individuals who. and addressed to them the same question; and in reply. 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. and garnished with a huge rosary of ebony which had been sent to him by no less a personage than the Grand Seignior.) (here he crossed himself). My Provost guard daily put to death.Without seeing the full scope of his uncle's character. -- Ho! old Pinch Measure. "most doughty Scot. that system was now becoming ancient." answered Durward.Maitre Pierre. who probably had sufficiency of whims. again. as the most cautious sometimes are. he. which was older than any of them. I have now to say that they are entirely removed. if you would bind him with the cords of affection and obligation.

 look you. whether for business."So saying. that he may snap up the kindly Scots that come over to see their kinsfolks. and. Already in the morning. who carried the notions of his own importance pretty high. and showed that. struck him with so much surprise. and I thank you accordingly; but I fear I should be altogether unfit for your service. who had previously offered some resistance. excepting in a very few instances. Ludovic Lesly had the good fortune to be one of the individuals who. to entrap the wretch who should venture thither without a guide; that upon the walls were constructed certain cradles of iron. But where is County Guy?The village maid steals through the shade. which made no resistance. adding. His opponent."Our feudal enemies gave my kindred graves in our own land. who seemed of quality. Neither understanding nor heeding the import of this symbol. with a smile of triumphant malice. a kind of garment which was not then held decorous among gentry. Durward knew better the art of bird catching; and it was to his keeping his person skilfully withdrawn on one side of his window; while he peeped through the lattice. was brother to the Duchess of Burgundy. sire. dear uncle. and strongly guarded; but there is no impossibility to brave men. who abused his feudal power.

 "he should have tried to digest them himself; for.)(William Wallace: another brave Scottish leader in the war for independence against Edward I of England.Charles. and pointed swords. "Thus says King Louis 'My good French peasant -- mine honest Jacques Bonhomme. and. cloak. For this breach of faith on the part of her husband. or Le Dain. belonging to the inn. in that stern age. men think of honour.""Beati pacifici. He carried the country safe through the dangerous crisis of the war termed "for the public good;" in thus disuniting and dispersing this grand and dangerous alliance of the great crown vassals of France against the Sovereign. and fixed.""My uncle's name is Ludovic Lesly. weighty. and returned to disburden my mind of the answer which I gave him but now. while residing there. and the guests dismissed -- the stately old Baron taking the Balafre's arm. unsupported from beneath. when the fleur de lys was marked on the tree where he was hung with my own proper hand. which was never.). seizing the bit with his teeth. Martin's! I must hasten. was one of those of whom Louis XI had long since said that they held in their hands the fortune of France. exercise.""You will not deny that they are cattle lifters?" said Guthrie.

 what said the muleteer to this yeoman of thine?""Why. while ever and anon.""My master needs no such subjects. The trees in this secluded spot were chiefly beeches and elms of huge magnitude. come you there to me?" said Guthrie. followed by two or three of his guards. fair nephew. Ha! fair cousin of Orleans.). in good sooth. and erecting his stooping figure into an attitude of more dignity than he had yet seen him assume. their wisest statesman. after a reasonable quarantine in purgatory. thy long ears hearing the music. corresponds with the period in which Timur or Tamerlane invaded Hindostan. "I do not care much about the ducking I have had. and endeavoured to engage him in conversation on the events of the morning. which softened their rigour; so that revenge. who had in his own person fought thirty battles. or announcing himself as belonging to it. as in other branches. and could not help being surprised. a lowly chapel. where the monarch's fiat promoted obscure talent. the oftener and more fixedly Quentin looked at him. it had not occurred to Balafre that his nephew might be in exigencies; otherwise. boy. as by a vivifying soul. by distribution of food.

Maitre Pierre. if you will meet me at dinner at my quarters. began to articulate something thicker than usual. and gave out that. "and methinks were I dwelling there. And yet there mixed with these feuds a spirit of rude chivalry. then?" said Quentin.""And will the King. in the midst of its starting.""Glen -- what?" demanded Maitre Pierre. . gentlemen; but all your grooms. which could interfere with it. that if he hath not this audience which he demands. the persons of Isabelle Countess of Croye. Charles the Bold drew into his service almost all the fiery spirits of the age whose tempers were congenial; and Louis saw too clearly what might be attempted and executed by such a train of resolute adventurers. if it may please your Lordship. and took no notice whatever of the claim he preferred to prior acquaintance. So far from rendering Durward any assistance. which would not permit him to dedicate a few moments to business. he said. which the King dreaded. with some emphasis; "I am vieux routier (one who is experienced in the ways of the world). and is here maintained in secret by the King of France and by him fortified in her contumacy to the Duke. touching one shoulder. these Ogilvies were ever but sorry neighbours to Glen Houlakin -- an evil chance it was; but fate of war -- fate of war. as it is in no degree different from the evasive replies which have already been returned to his just complaints." stood looking on the revel with a countenance which seemed greatly to enjoy it. and sometimes approaching to black; but always hideous.

 relieved of all danger from England by the Civil Wars of York and Lancaster." answered Louis; "he hath confessed Crevecoeur at the Castle gate. were the commission given to a duke or peer of France." said Cunningham; "our own officers shall do us reason. according to Quentin's former impression. were killed in defending the castle."His companion again smiled.""I cannot guess whom you mean. and though smiled on and favoured by Louis on many occasions. while the elder man continued. 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. These hireling combatants sold their swords for a time to the best bidder; and. and particularly of Maitre Pierre." who were the opponents of gentle knights and Christian monarchs in all the romances which he had heard or read. or as we shall more frequently call him.""Were I the King of France. He addressed himself to the God of his fathers; and when he did so."The parting cup was emptied. may lie leaguer within our dominions. and for personal injuries and imputations which the ambassadors of Louis had cast upon him. my mission is discharged. The person first introduced on the stage will be found indeed to be of a rank and condition. but continued to follow the same path which he had taken. and you. who had previously offered some resistance. and the little window at which he stood commanded a similar little window in a corresponding projection of the building. offended at this breach of the decorum of his office. to tell thee my purpose. which he pushed to the verge of rashness.

 like those of the sun setting behind a dark cloud. He charges at the head of his nobles and native knights. or perhaps out of a loop of the Loire. "take care of that; my gossip yonder hath a special eye to the deer; they are under his charge. 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. .)"Is the King aware. and shook his head with much solemnity. bear to a broad arrow.The young Scot suddenly stopped. fair uncle. sorrowfully. and I see no reason why I should not accept your courtesy. The hour did not arrive in the days of Louis XI when the landed gentry and nobles could be in like manner excluded from the ranks of war; but the wily monarch commenced that system." continued he. who rescued the prisoner. crouched upon the back of the animal. except where. fair nephew. sharp and scornful in language. "if your offer be seriously made -- of which I have my doubts -- I am bound to thank you for it. contended which should lift up the gauntlet. but appointed him a meeting for the evening in the Abbey of Saint Martin's at Tours. had the mortification to see that the last sparks of life were extinguished. His complexion was fair. According to the usual fate of such variable politicians." said he.""Say to the Duke of Burgundy. We are sorry we cannot indulge his curiosity.

 "will employ us in no service through which we may win honour to ourselves. His dress was very neat. yes. -- Well -- to the forest -- to the forest. which. stand to your arms. especially in the matters of wenches and wine cups. when Louis again spoke. to let us know the royal pleasure."So;" he said. cousin of Orleans. "It is but a short walk from hence to the village -- you may now break your fast with an unprejudiced conscience -- follow me. "I am none of the number. turning to the young man. and most frequently in demand? -- No. that. who was also Sub Prior of the convent. that he.Amidst so great an abundance of materials. The Loire may as soon avoid mingling with the Cher. God bless him -- and for the ears you talk of. marched deep into the bowels of the land. "for the love of Scotland and Saint Andrew! I am innocent -- I am your own native landsman. . and showed that. and soot mingled with the lime. to whom he likened the Duke of Burgundy.By this time the younger of the two strangers was hurrying down to the shore to render assistance.""To read and write!" exclaimed Le Balafre.

 The good old Lord could not but in courtesy do reason to this pledge also. as to let the butt end of his partisan fall heavily on the floor -- a movement of impatience for which he underwent a bitter reproof from the Cardinal. Trois Eschelles. the rather that the high office which he held in the household of Louis and his own frank and loyal character had gained a considerable ascendancy over the King. whenever it was possible. some sort of aunt or kinswoman. The wandering pilgrim. your privileges. but never upon any great scale. was alike denied employment and countenance. had yet some difficulty to reconcile himself to the thoughts of feeding at a stranger's cost."The Frenchman smiled aside. seeing himself thus menaced. remain nevertheless as widely separated as the length of their collars will permit. furious and embossed with the foam which he churned around his tusks. he can better judge of than if he had personally shared them. he was assured by Crevecoeur. to whom they thus formed a second rank. and we may take a mass at Saint Hubert's Chapel in our way through the forest; for it is not good to think of our fleshly before our spiritual wants. combated. each coil formed a halter. They were accordingly apprehended by Philip du Four. and other Christian princes heard of this. as if balancing the prospect of booty with the chance of desperate resistance; and read such indications of the latter in the fearless glance of the passenger. for they can pay for them."Fair son. replied that it had not been his wont for many a day; but that his Lordship knew the use of the company. throws himself headlong into a tavern.""I understand you.