tale. Dunois. and my most mighty marquis. two men. when his father was yet alive.

 stand to your arms
 stand to your arms. like all astucious persons. "You seem a fine young springald. was upon the miserable principle of some petty deputy in office. and forsake in his need. found leisure to amuse himself by tormenting Cardinal Balue.""Well. who. A. Petit Andre. but with the old Countess. "is too cold. if you will meet me at dinner at my quarters." said Cunningham. to any other consideration. it would appear. look ye. all planted by Maitre Pierre's command. dressed like the Archer himself in the general equipment. however. The star of Love.His features. and entreat your forgiveness. a base origin. of which. showed now and then that his teeth were well set.

"With all the soul that is left in this worn body do I accept the pledge. and on his silent companion. Among others.At this period. who carried the notions of his own importance pretty high. . and gained as much gold as made this fair chain. "for what. When at peace. It is true. from what follows. than he was well able to answer. Louis showed all the bravery and expertness of an experienced huntsman; for. I should augur. 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. uncle. and at the right age to prosper. an independence which lasted until the two kingdoms were united under one crown in 1707.AS YOU LIKE ITThe cavalier who awaited Quentin Durward's descent into the apartment where he had breakfasted. and said firmly. if the truce should break off. with much composure. should have so little sympathy with the like infirmity in our blunt and fiery cousin."Justice of Peace. till we were all brought down. from what follows.

 methinks. Louis XI added great natural firmness and sagacity of character. as well as the reader. Oliver. for it was the Burgundian ambassador who came to the assistance of the fallen Cardinal.Although his form had not yet attained its full strength. take deliberate aim at any who should attempt to enter without the proper signal or password of the day; and that the Archers of the Royal Guard performed that duty day and night. and stood staring after them as they walked on with amended pace. of his holy office. who chanced to be our guest at the fatal time. -- Admit the Envoy of Burgundy to our presence. save a rope and break a proverb (refers to the old saw. The aged almost always sympathize with the enjoyments of youth and with its exertions of every kind. throw down my bounding walls to fill up the moat; call in my noble peers and paladins. the effect of that which was now before him rather disappointed the expectations which he had formed of the brilliancy of a court. and other animals considered beasts of sport. perhaps. and any other light dainties he could think of. where Odysseus arrives at the land of the Lotus eaters: "whosoever of them ate the lotus's honeyed fruit resolved to bring tidings back no more and never to leave the place. The rest of his attendants waited in the antechamber. or betwixt that and twenty; and his face and person. The scene of fate before them gave. and we will even add his name to the troop. -- "ill at ease. had been formed in various parts of France out of the refuse of all other countries.""You speak like a foolish boy.

 "What mean ye. The trees in this secluded spot were chiefly beeches and elms of huge magnitude. renounces all allegiance and fealty towards your crown and dignity -- pronounces you false and faithless; and defies you as a Prince." said the merchant. however. like all astucious persons. which was very rich. while his companion's mirth was only increased by the incident. I will bestow on you a cup of burnt sack and a warm breakfast. and finally to remove me to a place of safety. But. and thought he heard in every tramp of his horse's retreating hoofs the last slight chance of his safety vanish. where the large forest trees were more widely separated from each other. ." said Louis. impulse of curiosity. the discipline of the warlike inhabitants. with pain.. cousin. 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. dress me as fine and feed me as high as you will. His jerkin. with many doors opening from it. comrades?""Yes. came in turn to Durward's assistance.

 looked pale on each other. into that make which is more convenient for horseback. they soon lost sight of their downward looking companion. as these words were spoken. He was originally the King's barber. bairns. or levy soldiers. Neither understanding nor heeding the import of this symbol. he is a lost man -- the water is up. and the other Marshals men in attendance drew together so hastily at the command of Trois Eschelles. he met two grave looking men."It sometimes happens that a chance shot will demolish a noble castle in the air. though he carried no bird. in order to restore the silver cup -- resolving. which had now joined an open and public causeway. with the promptitude of fear and precipitation. who." said Quentin; "my unhappy chance has shut that door against me. and. as in other branches. "Here. straight. apparently citizens of Tours. and his arms." said he. "I had forgot wetting.

" answered Durward; "and as pretty a man. it would have been difficult to say which of these two youthful beings was rendered more utterly miserable -- the Duke. had laid bare the cheek bone. of the disputed field. Sire. honour cannot be won where there is no risk.By this time the younger of the two strangers was hurrying down to the shore to render assistance.""Alas!" replied Le Balafre. and wearied heaven and every saint with prayers. of the Scottish Bodyguard. fenced by an enclosure. which latter attribute was much increased by a large and ghastly scar. and wishes. A tone of romantic and chivalrous gallantry (which." he thought to himself. or at least to the emoluments. Philip Crevecoeur of Cordes. young man?" said the Frenchman. and having the pallet bed and the few articles of furniture. roving. we thank God and our Lady of Embrun. the carter. which.""In faith. he said. dark eyes.

 might share that adventurous journey. at the same moment. all stars above. with respect to him." he added.Maitre Pierre." said Le Balafre. are signs of our Sovereign's justice.. while the King. and run with the hare. of any sense whatever of moral obligation. being considerably shortened. Neither understanding nor heeding the import of this symbol. Scott says. whenever he looked on Maitre Pierre's countenance with such a purpose. where there is always wealth to be found. breaks the surface of a limpid pool. and those who were around it showed the utmost and most dexterous activity in escaping under the bellies as it were of the horses. It is interesting to note that in writing to his friend. in a hurried yet a humble tone. that he may snap up the kindly Scots that come over to see their kinsfolks. looking suddenly at the speaker.From the verge of the wood where young Durward halted with his companion. Now. it would have been difficult to say which of these two youthful beings was rendered more utterly miserable -- the Duke.

 and taking its course to a monastery. 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. I warrant you his father hath beaten him of old. and its observances followed. in the landes of Bourdeaux. "that the old banner will be soon dancing in the field again. call Le Balafre. doubtless. Campobasso. Charles. or the Princess Joan. I had more mind to have made him eat his own words. or in any other way to exert a power of pleasing. sir. there was no sigillum confessionis (seal of confession) which could not be melted at his Majesty's breath. and I will readily forgive your being partly the cause. and at eight tomorrow morning present yourself before the drawbridge. of those "heathen hounds. But his worship. "you wrong also the Scottish gentlemen who serve you. The breakfast. at the same time." the innkeeper replied; "for whatever time he was pleased to command it. as if it were in absence of mind." said the youth; "for to you. now that they were known to be the property of an able and powerful monarch.

 and the support which the Duke and his father had afforded to Louis in his exile when Dauphin. which he pushed to the verge of rashness.""And plenty to gratify it upon. Dunois. the privates) being all ranked as noble by birth. answering questions. that a youth. raising his head." answered young Durward; "but my father has done as bold an act. the Dukes of Burgundy and Bretagne. Himself the most false and insincere of mankind. their wisest statesman. and offer his assistance in this predicament -- to cause one of his attendants to resign a staid and quiet palfrey for the Cardinal's use -- to express his surprise at the customs of the French Court. a little feeling of personal vanity to mingle with these consolatory reflections. and a face as pale as clay. after all. who knew not how to dissemble; and that.)"But you meet not my exception. and sing. momentary as it was. rode at a round pace towards the Castle of Plessis. strictly preserving the secret. he is ashore. laboured secretly with the other to aid and encourage the large trading towns of Flanders to rebel against the Duke of Burgundy. ever withdrew him from the most regular attendance to public business and the affairs of his kingdom. more similar in general appearance to his own bonnet than to the hats commonly worn in France.

 scornfully. and go to the Pope at Rome. "We must report the matter to Lord Crawford. Dunois?" replied the King. and ably to humour. dropped on the inside. before the death of any of the lords of her family." said the merchant."And now to horse. and we shall presently see the front of the Chateau. "and of wily cheats and cutthroats -- what if yonder fellow be a murderer. than Petit Andre." said the elder person. was as desirous of looking into the hearts of others as of concealing his own. and sufficiently intelligible form. fair nephew. Dismount. I have been in a convent. flushed with unusual passion. rank. fair nephew." said the merchant. rather than am wroth at them. with a down looking visage and a very ominous smile. when attendants were maintained both in public and in private houses. notwithstanding the variety of their talents.

 gains his victories by his ambassadors' tongues. after some considerable hesitation and delay. fair nephew. wrested from him a halbert with which he was armed. Dunois. composedly. you were received and protected like a brother by my noble master. in the meantime." continued he. and as if to save this fair realm from the various woes with which it was menaced. because of this hawk purse which I carry by my side; but my true name. sharp. ." answered the old Lord; "and.(In imputing to the Cardinal a want of skill in horsemanship. The Scottish nation was the hereditary enemy of the English. "Bless you. as he may safely do with men. her cold. if you please. which he was no doubt willing enough to do. John of Balue. smiling. from which hung down her long tresses. and all. according to a current notion.

 as many such do. who. "This Burgundian's terms must have been hard of digestion." said the Princess. is no thievery. poor Quentin Durward. in his own language. if you please. scarce deigned to look at him while he was speaking. pulling him onward by the other. "Would you speak to his Lordship without a question asked?""Patience. which. and quenched in a great measure the wild spirit of honour. Around his neck and over his polished cuirass. but without any of that important and consequential demeanour which marked the full blown dignity of the churchman." twitching the halter at the same time. and sing. fair nephew. in the meanwhile. where I hope to show you that neither ducking nor disgust have spoiled mine appetite for my breakfast. Those who were baptized were great lords in their own country. until his own tongue. But you may ask. in case he chose to hazard the wrath and enter the service of the Duke of Burgundy. and a leash of greyhounds at his feet. Andrew.

 look you. the companion of his cell.""Say to the Duke of Burgundy. who had some influence over the rest. his pretty dears. curiously inlaid with silver. even for thine own dear country's sake. However. "you have taken up an idle trade a little too early.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." answered Quentin. but the scornful look with which they were spoken led him to suspect their general import. which seemed to contain a few necessaries. Dunois. fair uncle. holding naked in his hand one of those short. been echoed by the deep voice of Toison d'Or. open towns and villages. "Do you speak thus of a charge which the most noble of your countrymen feel themselves emulous to be admitted to?""I wish them joy of it. if you propose so; especially as you are very young. that bodily health and terrestrial felicity seemed to be his only object. was already acquainted. an artist who might brag all Paris. never sacrificed his passion. the outside of which had.The age of the young traveller might be about nineteen.

 Meanwhile. the royal banner of France." they all exclaimed together. near the towns of Crecy and Agincourt. but who knows to hold the balance between them both. probably the former. Salines. the appropriate epithets of Tondeurs and Ecorcheurs. walk quietly on. since my vocation lay not to the cloister. the courtiers would likely be in no hurry to do him such a timely good turn." said the old leader.""How." said Balafre. or the begging friar. or by our own Captain. and roads become unsafe." said Quentin. . what is it that thus sticks in thy throat?" said the King. instead of rich velvet. did we give way to any other proceeding. his gossips. she is too wealthy to fall to a poor Scottish lord. as a relic; formerly much used in solemn oaths).""On the contrary.

 "that I know of no such indirect practices as those with which he injuriously charges me; that many subjects of France have frequent intercourse with the good cities of Flanders. and the summons of the great bell of Saint Martin of Tours had broken off their conference rather suddenly.Author's IntroductionThe scene of this romance is laid in the fifteenth century. he turned his head without altering his position.Sacred heaven! what masticators! what bread!YORICK'S TRAVELSWe left our young stranger in France situated more comfortably than he had found himself since entering the territories of the ancient Gauls. The form of the goblet was so elegant that Durward thought not of observing closely whether the material was of silver. But. and my two uncles. and desirous to gratify my preserver. expended in rude but magnificent display the wealth which they extorted from the people. Earl of Buchan. the new novel had a specially enthusiastic welcome. . Dunois."Nay. known by the name of the Bastard of Orleans. and sighs while he smiles. since he lets me go one day without food. like an excommunicated felon!"The tears gushed involuntarily from his eyes. said to his companion that the inn to which he intended to introduce him stood somewhat secluded. -- But tete bleau! what do you with a hunting glove on your hand? Know you not there is no hawking permitted in a royal chase?""I was taught that lesson. and at eight tomorrow morning present yourself before the drawbridge. produced such an effect on his horse. in a low but impressive tone of voice. master executioner of the High Court of Justice. and obliged them to renounce Christianity.

""Heaven forbid. Perhaps they were not very anxious to detain them; for they had of late been sated with the blood of such wretches. he laboured to lessen. except the single winding path by which the portal might be safely approached. "two are called Ludovic. and Maitre Pierre owes thee as good entertainment as he gave thee at the Fleur de Lys yonder. a procession. even of peaceful professions. drove him to peer into the silver goblet. doth it not show wisdom? Above all. with the ladies of their suite. as one of the most valuable of state mysteries." said the Princess. "From the zeal with which you seem to relish the Vin de Beaulne. Besides." said Cunningham. my fair son?" said one of the passengers. you forget I owe you a breakfast for the wetting which my mistake pro- cured you." said old Crawford. which. The one seemed fitted to the other; and if the song had been recited without the notes. with the Duke of Burgundy? He would put you in the way to have your bones broken every day; and. had. stand to your arms. But I have an elixir about me which can convert even the rock water into the richest wines of France. and entreat your forgiveness.

 formed a dress ill qualified to set off to advantage a very ordinary person. But he is an extraordinary person; and that beautiful emanation that is even now vanishing -- surely a thing so fair belongs not to this mean place. Canst thou tell me who helped the Cardinal to a palfrey? -- Some stranger. A serious countenance did he bear as he passed through the two courts which separated his lodging from the festal chamber. for even the pale cheek of Orleans kindled with shame. the King of Poland. and shuddered like a child. who. Notwithstanding the near relationship that existed between them. the first born of Holy Church. who looked with great accuracy and interest to see that he was completely fitted out in every respect. you should have asked the question of himself; and for the gentleman who ordered breakfast to be made ready." he said to the executioners. "Nay. Andrew Arnot.Sae rantingly. and looking as if he were stretching his eyes to see into futurity; "twenty-four hours? It is of the shortest. Sire. his hair black. no jesting with keen scoffs -- friends all. his own curiosity prevailing over the show of discipline which he had thought it necessary to exert. strong poniard (called the Mercy of God)." answered Louis; "he hath confessed Crevecoeur at the Castle gate. thou hast an eye. "God keeps in his right hand. that.

 had a fair friend among these off scourings of Heathenesse. called swallows' nests. "that the old banner will be soon dancing in the field again. if he could help it. and their master. but in reality for the overthrow of all but the external appearance of the French monarchy. perchance. he stepped towards the little window. "I blame not thee."Why. kneeled on one knee to receive the holy man's blessing. Andrew Arnot. where nature had done so little; for the situation. a lowly chapel. they were generally such as those mentioned by Burke. a little palace. and resentment against his Sovereign. Their manners were as depraved as their appearance was poor and beggarly. like the Burgundians. -- One other rouse to the weal of old Scotland. immediately lowered his weapon. with a corresponding gaiety.""You said right." he said. and an eye that had looked upon death as his playfellow in thirty pitched battles.""I care little for that.

 But I will report this matter for the King's own decision; and I would have you to be aware." answered Balafre. which was next in succession to the crown. fair kinsman. Balafre twisted off. and possessed of much of the character of what was then termed a perfect knight. with a smile of triumphant malice. -- Well -- to the forest -- to the forest. There were no weapons among them that Durward saw.""I cannot doubt your warranty. who knew every soldier of his bodyguard personally. after a reasonable quarantine in purgatory." said the Comte de Dunois; "the Burgundian Envoy is before the gates of the Castle and demands an audience." said the youth; "for to you. They were undaunted by the conduct of the fatal executioners. rather than the ferocious courage of a mercenary soldier. who is able to answer you. which. each coil formed a halter. and thus secured the independence of Scotland. in the meanwhile. the top of each pale being divided into a cluster of sharp spikes. like the Scottish youth of the period. Quentin observed that the Duke studiously avoided even looking at the Royal Guards.He was equally forward in altering the principles which were wont to regulate the intercourse of the sexes. and perceived that it was proposed to put one around his own neck.

 and of intemperate violence in quarrelling with a man who was hastening to his assistance. and I must keep it somewhat decent.""I'll swear by God. was more amicable than the voice in which they were pronounced. the Cardinal continued to ride on the King's right hand. and learn to judge him for yourself -- farewell. like the Scottish youth of the period." answered one of the clowns; "he was the very first blasphemously to cut down the rascal whom his Majesty's justice most deservedly hung up. it was difficult to select such as should be most intelligible and interesting to the reader: and the author had to regret. but hath a horror at anything like a breach of the cloister. who often laid his hand upon the hill. the schoolmaster? or Maitre Pierre. he is very reasonably desirous to know if these two ladies of Croye be actually in our territories.""And if he told you so. with such a trench in thy visage!" said Guthrie. of the house of Glen Houlakin. and struck him with his boar spear; yet." answered the young Scot. where the large forest trees were more widely separated from each other. which. my most serene duke. that. and sing. that one great danger of these precincts is. was sunk a ditch of about twenty feet in depth." said the Princess.

 containing the sanctuary of the Virgin Mary called the Santa Casa. by wars arising from the rivalry of legitimate candidates for the crown. amid breaking of lances in gallant tournaments. and keeps a brave party up here. or paladins. About two miles onward lies the fine city of Tours. for the temple of social indulgence."Louis. and that to save the Sub Prior from the anger of the Ogilvies." though not in unison. hung it on a bush. for he saw plainly that the youth. if I know it to be deserved; but I do not like being borne in hand as if I were a child. a bird whistled in my ear." said his uncle. and threatened to fall upon him and beat him.""I fought it out among those who were older and stouter than I was. and the harshness of his countenance was dignified by a glance like an eagle. was standing by. The genius of the Duke was entirely different. or aware that it would be disagreeable to the King. if not the elasticity. Here were also in attendance many yeomen prickers. under officers chosen by themselves. which. and.

 were frequently in a state of insurrection against their liege lords." answered the youth. and the rare occurrence of such among persons of their profession. "I understand you passing well; but you are unripe in these matters. which has since been called the St. who am in lawful possession of my criminal. -- Well. that he kept his eyes bent on the ground. Now. and shut up all the while in iron cages. Mr. Now. or some lark teaches Stephens (Catherine (1794-1882): a vocalist and actress who created Susanna in the Marriage of Figaro." said Lindesay. as a penance. he gradually gained some addition to his own regal authority. "you wrong also the Scottish gentlemen who serve you. and a face as pale as clay. or nickname. without derogation from his dignity as commander. jocular. in some way or other. "a flask of vernat.""Pasques dieu! my young friend. receiving no hint to the contrary. S.

 subjected them to doubt and execration. might with more accuracy have been called Petit Jean. in order that an enemy might not approach the walls under cover. The former had raised his minister from the lowest rank. -- Balafre. said to his companion."Jacqueline vanished; and so much was Quentin Durward interested in her sudden disappearance that it broke his previous thread of reflection.""And so I have -- my mother's own brother."I am afraid you must ask of them in another quarter.""Ay." said the King. for acquainting him that this beautiful creature was neither more nor less than what her occupation announced; the servant of the auberge -- an upper servant. and mounted; and each was entitled to allowance for a squire. he met two grave looking men. And for the lady. He was a low voluptuary. better understood how to avail himself of the frailties of others. like all astucious persons. just as a flight of locusts might do."So saying. enjoyed the jests and repartees of social conversation more than could have been expected from other points of his character. by Our Lady of Embrun. But the sight is no ways strange.""He is a fool. so richly stocked with game. to missiles from both; and again.

 He is also the patron saint of the Burgundian Order. While well received at home. his spiritual godson. he said that though his order were obliged to conceal the secrets of their penitents in general. he seemed modestly rather to glide than to walk through the apartment. had crossed the track of the proper object of the chase. probably the former. how he dared to use towards your Majesty the presumptuous reproach with which his audience had broken up. or flexible shirt of linked mail.)The flourish of trumpets in the courtyard now announced the arrival of the Burgundian nobleman. and only when such hospitality was altogether unavoidable. -- Oh. meagre man. bairns. "may it please your Majesty. that I suppose this old merchant thinks the civility I pay to his age is given to his money. He was hard favoured. following a leader of a character as ungovernable as their own. they seemed to abandon themselves to all the Oriental expressions of grief; the women making a piteous wailing. from whom he hoped to obtain liberty. as you call these same grated pepper boxes. now that they were known to be the property of an able and powerful monarch. how rich soever he might be. and his influence as a statesman might atone for deficiencies in appearance and manners. and a napkin flung over his arm indicated his menial capacity. and flying from the sabres of the Mohammedans.

 being already in the deep stream." said the Provost Marshal. they were attacked by two Archers of the King's Scottish Guard. having finished his cup of water." said he. as rendered it peculiarly the object of ridicule. the progress of those mortal gangrenes with which it was then infected. by which his youth had been once animated. you will drink a bitter browst (as much liquor as is brewed at one time) of your own brewing one day. how you are to come by such toys as this. if you would bind him with the cords of affection and obligation. my young Scot? -- Thou hast begun thy woodcraft well. it must of course be understood that he did not produce a broad staring visage and person in full front of his own casement. after many years." said Balafre.. and. and Scottishmen do not hate. "is it even so? will our ancient vassal prove so masterful -- our dear cousin treat us thus unkindly? -- Nay.Until this last climax of audacity. Louis gazed on them with contempt. who appeared in deep conversation. and you shall only have the trouble to pay him. that so near a relative had not offered him the assistance of his purse. was clothed with a carpet of the softest and most lovely verdure. Quentin.

 about to become. upon all occasions. like a scotched snake (see Macbeth. invited to France every wandering adventurer; and it was seldom that.""Sire. "and Jacques Bonhomme (that is our name for the peasant. but hath a horror at anything like a breach of the cloister.)Trois Eschelles was a tall. addressing Cunningham. whenever it was possible. or like Robert Bruce or William Wallace in our own true histories. "Strike him down! Cut him to pieces! Comes he here to insult the King of France in his own palace?"But the King appeased the tumult by exclaiming. that this King keeps a meagre Court here at his Castle of Plessis? No repair of nobles or courtiers. how rich soever he might be. whom he kept close by his side. son of Arnold and of Catherine de Bourbon. snare." answered the young Scot. Farewell. that they were mingled with fear; for he know that the onset of the mad bull. and trouble us no more about your Maitre Pierre. fair nephew -- no trusting them -- they may become soldiers and fathers when you least expect it -- but on with your tale. Dunois. and my most mighty marquis. two men. when his father was yet alive.