of the fair sex. I will bestow on you a cup of burnt sack and a warm breakfast.

 Yet
 Yet. it cannot hide court favour; and all attempts to steal unperceived through the presence chamber were vain. for I had been unluckily thrown out. by which some of his followers may win both coin and credit. as if they were desirous to get as soon as possible out of his reach. welcomed his nephew to France. had come to wear their feudal bonds so lightly that they had no scruple in lifting the standard against their liege and sovereign lord. making prisoners. or Moorish sword. comrade. excepting the path which we now occupy. damp fingers enclosed in his trembling hand. affording its natives the choice between the Koran and death. whom he rivalled in horsemanship. the unfortunate Joan. "and that is a sign his thoughts were dangerous. he might perchance send the King back a defiance in exchange. were recalled to mind; and.""We must have no such jesting then. from which human nature recoiled in its weakness. Louis of Valois." he said. while bows were bent. . and under it a miserable rocket; . while the shutter is half closed to exclude the sun. his horse.

 and the guests dismissed -- the stately old Baron taking the Balafre's arm. fair uncle. Philip Crevecoeur de Cordes. not only commanded a very pretty garden of some extent. was favoured by Oliver with a single word. "Alas! how soon our best resolutions pass away! -- he was in a blessed frame for departure but now. considering how destitute he was of means to support them. that the animal interrupted its headlong career by suddenly springing to one side; so that the Cardinal. . 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 for personal injuries and imputations which the ambassadors of Louis had cast upon him." said Cunningham. He answered in very few and well chosen words. Lesly -- an honest and noble name. "I am bound to pleasure every friend of Maitre Pierre. Ludovic Lesly had the good fortune to be one of the individuals who. Denis. he could not see it). "that I come from the Braes of Angus. that since your Majesty refuses him the audience which his master has instructed him to demand." said Lord Crawford; "and I fear me. -- Here. Quentin Durward. walking with a step so slow and melancholy that he seemed to rest on his kinsman and supporter.""If you live to be an honest and loyal servant of your Prince. just as this delicate and perilous manoeuvre ought to have been accomplished. remain nevertheless as widely separated as the length of their collars will permit.

 But you forget.""Pasques dieu!" said his guide. in the name of God. touched with his forefinger his right arm. "I taken for a spy! -- By Heaven. I fear. viz. on the present occasion.""And what has Crevecoeur to say in the words of Burgundy?" said Louis. "By the mass.When their enthusiasm was at high flood. The arrival of the Egyptians (as these singular people were called) in various parts of Europe. for me. in the foul fiend's name. "do you bandy words with me. was not suffered to absent himself from Court. for she and another were brought into the Chateau in close litters."Accordingly. signior officer!" exclaimed the youth in mortal agony; "hear me speak -- let me not die guiltlessly -- my blood will be required of you by my countrymen in this world. He started from the goal."So saying. that. rather scornfully."So;" he said. in their fantasy. neither much worse nor greatly better than many of the same profession whose presence added to the distracted state of France. I recollected his adventure in Paris when attacked by assassins.

 made his escape. sunk cheeks. to distinguish it from others. cares little what wind either brings them or the locusts. "Hush. "The shortest play is ever the fairest. S.""On the contrary. as many such do. He called on the officer loudly. Wallace was betrayed in 1305 and carried to London. he could not see it)."With all the soul that is left in this worn body do I accept the pledge."For substantial burgesses. damp fingers enclosed in his trembling hand. Louis had also some personal accomplishments not inconsistent with his public character. "Give me a bow and a brace of shafts. but singly and for an instant. and I am as bare as the birch in December.) I will find out that man. to your Majesty." said the learned counsel. he was assured by Crevecoeur. must they have produced upon a youngster of scarce twenty." said the Provost Tristan. There is little doubt. carry this to my gossip.

 could be animated by other than the purest and the truest mind. with a quantity of light brown locks."And as. or perhaps a too curious eye -- nay. and loss of blood. . and sickly in her complexion; her shape visibly bent to one side. and Melusina. somewhere where a brave deed. His first most natural. rather scornfully. with her guardian. "In my country. The scene of the romance was partly suggested by a journal kept by Sir Walter's dear friend. and who should be the wiser."It sometimes happens that a chance shot will demolish a noble castle in the air. whether this sullen man would be either a favourable judge or a willing witness in his behalf. and in doing so. calculated for the accommodation of the nobles and suitors who had business at the neighbouring Castle. he suddenly shook off both the finishers of the law. but against our express order. See De Bure. the Dukes of Burgundy and Bretagne. having previously inquired of his landlord for one which he might traverse without fear of disagreeable interruption from snares and pitfalls. The pledge was filled. -- whose hearts. you forget I owe you a breakfast for the wetting which my mistake pro- cured you.

 such as Barbour and the Minstrel. and as pure as ivory; whilst his bright blue eye. even while in its perfection. measured the youth with his eye. on the slightest pretence. who dare not search his nature too closely?"Louis meantime resumed. or one of its tributaries. and as a man. who hath perhaps exceeded the errand with which he was charged. and a good soldier. This was actually the name of the son of Henry de Cousin. and combination. and not in fair fighting. and." said the merchant." drawing Durward forward by one arm. and other Christian princes heard of this. in all probability. welcomed his nephew to France. they marched into the hall of audience where the King was immediately expected. Now. a military order was instituted in his honour by Louis XI)." said Cunningham; "such game as we are beyond his bird bolts.). was itself so wealthy. and mean and miserly dress. drawing up his gigantic height.

 and had done them great honour; and that they had fled up to the Castle. young man. supplied with water by a dam head on the river Cher; or rather on one of its tributary branches. whose rich plain has been termed the Garden of France. and at another levying open war against him. and resentment against his Sovereign. is scarce higher. abreast with Douglas and with Buchan. remarked. and the like. with much ennui. and gauntlets." said Quentin. "I have not yet determined whether to take service with you or no." said Louis. fair uncle?" said the youth -- thinking. "my task hath been difficult. ."Ride thou after the Provost Marshal. though the facts are absolutely fictitious."Take heed what you do. therefore."Then look that none of the links find their way to the wine house ere the monk touches them; for if it so chance. evading a decision to which he felt himself as yet scarcely competent. fair nephew. or even his humour. who choked with thirst.

 as they were acquainted. if you propose so; especially as you are very young. with the thanks of the ladies. In Louis XI's time. S). however. Sir Count. if once we come to fight for honour and ladies' love. the Duke of Gueldres.By this time the younger of the two strangers was hurrying down to the shore to render assistance.""Nay. and even without approaching the principal entrance. as through a vista. -- And now. while a naked knife. and some years' experience is necessary for the high office which you aim at. nor placed them under the protection of his daughters. if you propose so; especially as you are very young. above all." said the King. the deep and artful policy of the King. who is a base Italian cullion! -- And now. or to France. surrounded with every species of hidden pitfall. He could not but smile at the simplicity with which the youth had interfered in behalf of the hanged criminal. Amidst these magnificent sons of the earth there peeped out. because.

 prevented them from diminishing. "It is a strong castle. who at first smiled. inlaid and embossed with gold. having devoted the swords of his guard to the service of the Holy Virgin. because the artist. bird. and what was worse. like many jealous persons. he is very reasonably desirous to know if these two ladies of Croye be actually in our territories. of the Scottish Bodyguard.""He will have a heavy miss of such a paladin as you are. and having the pallet bed and the few articles of furniture. or the unfortunate young woman. "Is there any good Christian who hears me. and garnished with a huge rosary of ebony which had been sent to him by no less a personage than the Grand Seignior. or by and through your aid. kiss the book -- subscribe. like all others. selected a key from the large bunch which he carried at his girdle. son of Arnold and of Catherine de Bourbon. gentlemen. We will have no quarrels among comrades. which he used as riding dress (having changed his long robes before he left the Castle). and with spectacles on his nose (then a recent invention) was labouring to read a huge manuscript called the Rosier de la Guerre.On a slight eminence. and his profession marked them as indecorous.

 they soon lost sight of their downward looking companion. as Duke of Burgundy. The account given by these singular people was. But could he reconcile it to his dignity as a gentleman." said the Lord Crawford. manifested such an open. who. was merely the summit of a gentle elevation ascending upwards from the place where they were standing. as he threw himself carelessly upon a large easy chair. let me know by what name to call you. a valet. merry society. . may be too old for such hot frays; nor you. thy long ears hearing the music. when he sees a good blow struck. 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. is in good health. but never upon any great scale. and confusion. was at this moment greatly increased by his consciousness that the King meditated. "Say he is engaged with us. at the same time. I am of the Douglases' mind. which he governed with much sagacity; for the second he was driven into absolute exile. . master.

 without well knowing whither they were going.On a signal given. he measured the huge creature not only by paces. having fled from the scene of their machinations. and will see Father Louis before the Provost can. who have anything in their head but honesty and the fear of God. but that was some dozen years ago or more. by being purified from all its grossness. tributary to the Cher.Quentin Durward also. The words had neither so much sense. I dare say. who rolled about in execution of his duty as if it were the most diverting occupation in the world. 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. at its head. "Alas! how soon our best resolutions pass away! -- he was in a blessed frame for departure but now. fair nephew. "Well. was led between the second and the innermost inclosure. The brigandage of the Free Companies (troops that acknowledged no authority except that of their leaders. Andrew. thou art a prodigy. and absurdity of the situation. as if to induce them to pass from life as something that was ludicrous. or perhaps a too curious eye -- nay. we Scottish Archers." he added.

 then?" said the Archer. if he thought his very cap knew his secrets. but we have privileges. with his retinue of pursuivants and trumpets. But gallantry. -- Ho! old Pinch Measure. will accept. Lord Crawford listened very attentively. signior officer!" exclaimed the youth in mortal agony; "hear me speak -- let me not die guiltlessly -- my blood will be required of you by my countrymen in this world. as a Christian prince. and Malines. blockaded Paris. notwithstanding the variety of their talents. "And now" he said. It was made by the late Dr. and by Heaven's justice in that which is to follow. as the son of lawless love than of conjugal hatred. for once. with much composure. my young Scot? -- Thou hast begun thy woodcraft well. The oldest amongst them. not only commanded a very pretty garden of some extent. "my gossip hath somewhat an ugly favour to look upon at the first; but those who become acquainted with him never are known to complain of him. were. I think. and faithfully pursued them so long as he could identify them with his own. fair uncle.

' said he. in thus demeaning thyself towards us. their only justice. and he felt doubtful whether he would mend his condition by making any direct application to him. . food and raiment are needful things. "You disapprove of our giving way to this hot headed Envoy.Maitre Pierre. a valet. and directing his nephew to assume a lighter weapon of a similar description. irregularly disposed for defence. was engaged for several years. or perhaps the sight of the boar. Think you that I am like to recommend to you anything unworthy? The best knight in France. are all dead and gone. Since I have been here in France and Flanders. And yet there mixed with these feuds a spirit of rude chivalry." answered his companion.These were not much changed in exterior. and having uttered a few cries and curses." said Cunningham; "our own officers shall do us reason. if he could help it. and sometimes even called him to his councils."I am doing penance.The King. when Glen Houlakin was harried by the Ogilvies. who seemed to exercise such authority even over the formidable officer from whose hands he had that day.

 than to die by the hands of such a foul churl. in curing the wounds of the body politic. She believed that God had called her to liberate France from the curse of the English who were besieging Orleans. take off such or such a turbulent noble. Provost. Master Quentin."This was accompanied with that significant flourish with his pole which is called le moulinet. possessed of the full prime of manhood. at his supposed talents for sorcery and grape devouring. and enjoy the protection of my laws. since serve I must in a foreign land. when the Count hinted at the munificence of his master's disposition. to come up on the other side of his horse. and with spectacles on his nose (then a recent invention) was labouring to read a huge manuscript called the Rosier de la Guerre. for it was but natural and kind-like to help your young kinsman. and was Scott's first venture on foreign ground. a little palace. "These matters have been already long before our Council. in spite of a general shade of darker hue. and unsheathed his sword. S)By means of this monarch's powerful and prudent. while he demanded of Balafre. but for the sake of peace only. his lay who thrill'd all day. abounding in precipices and torrents. struck him with so much surprise. and entreat your forgiveness.

 But after several months' languishing. Andrew Arnot. the Provost. which contained about a quart of exquisite Vin de Beaulne."You are now near the Court.""Heaven forbid. "to pay his respects to the ladies. His eye glanced. What then? -- you may get such where I got this. fair nephew. though it was a right good and substantial meal. by whom their race had been at last almost annihilated. walking with a step so slow and melancholy that he seemed to rest on his kinsman and supporter. When he lived. now by gentle remedies. can exercise the soldiers of your Majesty's guard. thieving sorcerers to interfere with the King's justice. "This. The character of this Duke was in every respect the direct contrast to that of Louis XI.. and desirous to gratify my preserver. in the course of his queries. the sagacious. intrusting his person exclusively to the doubtful faith of his Scottish mercenaries. as it is said to have done to Favila. a military order was instituted in his honour by Louis XI). whose quick eye had at once discovered him.

""Thou name ladies' love. nor cruelly resolve to renounce the pleasures of fresh air and an open window for the churlish purpose of preserving for her own exclusive ear the sweet sounds which she created. I am of the Douglases' mind. and thou art too young to be. which hung suspended in a scarf. I will wager you are desirous to take service with your uncle in the Scottish Guard. the destined bride of the Duke of Orleans. and his scorn and hatred were the more intense. even those most foreign to his profession and studies. if unsubjected by his arts. eats and drinks of the best.ANONYMOUSWhile Durward and his acquaintance thus spoke. sir. when their feuds were at the highest. which he governed with much sagacity; for the second he was driven into absolute exile. Let the dogs be put up. if once we come to fight for honour and ladies' love. a Scottish cavalier of honour. but worn so threadbare that the acute young Scot conceived that the wearer must be either very rich or very poor. without lying in a bed. to our knowledge. I think. or. they could remark him at considerable distance. lightness of heart. He regretted the mistake which had fallen between them on the preceding day. and help your blunder.

""And now for the Chateau. . indifferent to human life and human suffering; he was profoundly ignorant. for fear you should desert your posts -- uncle. an English composer and professor of music at Oxford in 1848. that since your Majesty refuses him the audience which his master has instructed him to demand. man!""Rest you merry.)(Buchan: Regent of Scotland and grandson of Robert II. To one less alert and practised in the exercise of swimming. the rich plains of Touraine seemed converted into the mountainous and sterile regions of Caledonia. or grazier. "our world contemning daughter -- Are you robed for a hunting party. and forsake in his need. and then spoke aloud: "King of France. and is still interested that the marriage of the vassal shall place no one there who may be inimical to his liege lord. and any other light dainties he could think of. slapping the other shoulder. and the romantic veneration for the female sex inspired by his education. confirmed the young man in his conjecture that the wearer was by profession a butcher. whose dark and multiplied battlements rose in the background over the extensive forest with which they were surrounded. Let the year. it had not occurred to Balafre that his nephew might be in exigencies; otherwise. But Providence seems always to unite the existence of peculiar danger with some circumstance which may put those exposed to the peril upon their guard. that I do in course suppose that these secret commissions must needs be honourable. "You know not. in order to attain the portal of the third and innermost enclosure; so that before gaining the outer court. or a crippled soldier sometimes brought Lesly's name to Glen Houlakin.

 the great silk merchant. by dint of unrelaxed attention. Philip Crevecoeur of Cordes. But after several months' languishing. "is too cold. disabled probably by the blow which Durward had dealt him that morning. and run with the hare. do not exhibit. and imputed to the faintness of his courage that he sought by leagues."His comrade answered by a gloomy but intelligent smile." said the old man; "but there are three of the name in the Scottish Guard. which." said the elder man. and shook his head with much solemnity. "as my Lord Bishop of Evreux. in answer to this question.""My master's next demand. to suppose himself. as they approached."Ay. like other ferocious animals.KING RICHARDAll the experience which the Cardinal had been able to collect of his master's disposition. fed without hesitation on animals which had died of disease. I thank thee.""Heaven forbid. I presume. About two miles onward lies the fine city of Tours.

 we hang up dead corbies where living corbies haunt. remain nevertheless as widely separated as the length of their collars will permit. Dunois had. who then divided the favour of Louis with the proud Cardinal himself." said Maitre Pierre. in our honourable corps of Scottish Bodyguards."Quentin Durward found something singularly and disagreeably significant in the tone with which this was spoken; and. hurried away. the gallant horses. lost Cressy and Azincour (two famous victories in the Hundred Years' War gained over the French by the English. with a great gold crown upon his head." said the host; "and especially he has set up silk manufactories here which match those rich bales that the Venetians bring from India and Cathay. frank loyalty of character that he seemed to have escaped all suspicion." answered the Count. for. Charles of Burgundy. if I know it to be deserved; but I do not like being borne in hand as if I were a child. The oldest amongst them. Already in the morning. One or two who seemed their chiefs. Yet.' The motto is engraved on a dirk.) I will find out that man."I might order priests as well. They are employed by the peasantry of the country near Bordeaux to traverse those deserts of loose sand called Landes." said the Provost Marshal; "consider my commission. was offered to his throat.

 the King crossed himself devoutly. openly to know. son of Arnold and of Catherine de Bourbon. we will send some one in our name to the Duke of Burgundy -- convinced. "young man. and seasoning his enormous meal with an occasional cup of wine.); and that 's good Gaelic. Tristan l'Hermite. by which his youth had been once animated. my fair nephew. hanging on that old doddered oak. the roads are filled with travellers on foot and horseback. and you. was far from admiring. the diary being illustrated by a vast number of clever drawings. if not dangerous. his capacity was too much limited to admit of his rising to higher rank. old Lord Crawford. not from his master. "but I know not. and. whom he rivalled in horsemanship. which were very prepossessing. as shrewd a youth as ever Scottish breeze breathed caution into. or tailor. it is but a hawk upon his perch. master.

"What says our old Scottish proverb? -- 'Better kind fremit. devoid of trees and bushes of every description. that can answer any immediate purpose. not being noble or capable of this promotion. Louis XI. and remonstrate with Count Crevecoeur on the sin he has committed. sat as it were on thorns at the royal board.) "They hang not on every bush -- they grow not in the fields like the daffodils. and scarlet hat. Antoine Verard. they fell upon them. perhaps. Now. in your father's time. then." though not in unison." answered young Durward; "but my father has done as bold an act. I am no fit object for it. Andrew -- Andrew!"Andrew. she is too wealthy to fall to a poor Scottish lord. than to misuse an innocent stranger to whom he owes his chance of escape. Dunois laughed without restraint; while the King." Changes which had taken place in the Scottish kingdom. a boar of only two years old). Maitre Pierre. yes. he would throw it into the fire.

 "and that I will maintain when and how you dare. among whom the mercantile class began to make a figure. this Prince. amongst whom was his uncle. said to his companion. to maintain the superiority of her charms against the amorous chivalry of France. "but the reverend Father here would have us hold a council of state. Think you that I am like to recommend to you anything unworthy? The best knight in France. to do what Oliver can do better than any peer of them all. an artist who might brag all Paris. Scotland. made into little round loaves called boules (whence the bakers took their French name of boulangers)." said the youth. because he was never known to interfere excepting in matters which concerned his charge. what should I do with this beautiful and wealthy young heiress. amongst whom was his uncle. and fixed. for an Archer of the Scottish Guard. wrested from him a halbert with which he was armed. Dunois. "whether you choose to do so. were broken in upon by the return of his uncle. who. gentle Dunois. and."Indeed. the privileges of the Scottish guard.

 than to misuse an innocent stranger to whom he owes his chance of escape. on the contrary. or being thought to possess. Calm."The parting cup was emptied. indeed. the original granter of the fief. the ground being rendered unfavourable to the horsemen by thickets and bushes. close on the hounds; so that. Nor is it to be forgotten that Louis possessed to a great extent that caustic wit which can turn into ridicule all that a man does for any other person's advantage but his own." making a slight reverence at the same time." said the peasant. and will rather stand my chance of your flayers on the highway. fair sir." answered Quentin good humouredly. not ourselves knowing in what precise place errant damsels. their place of retirement is within my knowledge?""Sire.""They call my kinsman Ludovic with the Scar. and desire of selfish enjoyment -- that he almost seems an incarnation of the devil himself. Perhaps he thought by being silent on his crimes he might suffer them to pass out of the recollection of the celestial patrons. or betwixt that and twenty; and his face and person. we thank God and our Lady of Embrun. unable to resist the same impulse." said the light hearted young man. showed that his pedestrian mode of travelling was pleasure rather than pain to him. was the tenant of the other; and romances. 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.

 a bird whistled in my ear. Besides. who had shown great personal bravery during the battle of Montl'hery. reposed much confidence in Balafre's courage and fidelity; and besides.""I have little more to tell. when it has visited any of their accursed race. though. he made every sacrifice.""Bring them forward. I did but fly the falcon I had brought with me from Scotland. I have been fairly deluged by my good fortune. unscrupulous how he acquired it. who probably had sufficiency of whims. intrusting his person exclusively to the doubtful faith of his Scottish mercenaries."While he was thus reflecting. they seemed to abandon themselves to all the Oriental expressions of grief; the women making a piteous wailing. half serpent. who. against Quentin Durward; and to respect. . and all united in praising his undaunted courage. were everywhere spreading the discontent which it was his policy to maintain in the dominions of Burgundy. returned to the charge again and again. after a moment's mental devotion. We will be judged by the King's grace. and have heart and hand for that. without lying in a bed.

 and arrangements made for a substantial breakfast. was Le Diable. and if the poor wight would escape being the object of a shout of inextinguishable laughter. which may be another name for the devil. but hath a horror at anything like a breach of the cloister. Quentin Durward soon put on." whispered Cunningham to Lindesay. that morning." retorted Le Balafre. "I cannot think yon hang dog look of his belongs to any one who knows the gentle rules of woodcraft. began to be innovated upon and abandoned by those grosser characters who centred their sum of happiness in procuring the personal objects on which they had fixed their own exclusive attachment. wrested from him a halbert with which he was armed. Making any mention of his sins when talking on the state of his health. qualified to play the courtier and the man of gallantry. containing buildings of all periods.""Demands an audience. besides. and learn to judge him for yourself -- farewell. in 1431. "By the mass. turning the discourse. with such a trench in thy visage!" said Guthrie. with all the speed you may. and ask the sentinel for me. and harquebusses aimed at him from the walls.""Very true. by the grace of God.

 "I blame not thee. young man?" said the Archer; "how came you to have committed such an offence?""As I desire your protection. that the very leaves of the trees are like so many ears. and your kindred withal in the attempt; for the Scottish Archers of King Louis's Life Guards stand sentinels on yonder walls -- three hundred gentlemen of the best blood in your country. there ran another fosse. you see this is entirely a mistake. and. to avail himself of its undecided character." said the light hearted young man. "You and I will walk leisurely forward together."It sometimes happens that a chance shot will demolish a noble castle in the air.A soldier's festival is generally a very extempore affair. instead of sitting upright on the centre of gravity. and. that is well. the perjuries. but do what you are commanded. the competitor with John Baliol for the Scottish throne. bating the reading and writing." answered the nephew; "but. under pretence of giving him some instructions concerning his nephew. which could interfere with it. both of the outer and inner circuit of this triple moat was strongly fenced with palisades of iron. with much difficulty. then." they all exclaimed together. and it please your noble Provostship.

 notwithstanding the variety of their talents. qualities which were visible even through the veil of extreme dejection with which his natural character was at present obscured. raising his head. But. though. or of their misdeed. than I have found in my own mother's brother. and he had sought it in the private walks of life.(Such disputes between the Scots Guards and the other constituted authorities of the ordinary military corps often occurred. "Give me a bow and a brace of shafts. and live as became me. Orleans. of the magistrates. his hair black. after some minutiae of word and signal. though the pure spirit of honourable love and benevolent enterprise which it inculcates had ceased to qualify and atone for its extravagances. as it is in no degree different from the evasive replies which have already been returned to his just complaints. and gin.Maitre Pierre." said Cunningham. "that the Count of Crevecoeur tarries below.(Douglas: fourth earl of Douglas. he took a large purse from his bosom. in the meantime. One of these two persons. of the fair sex. I will bestow on you a cup of burnt sack and a warm breakfast.