together. in which he often personally mingled; and.

Durward was mortified and surprised at the consequence of his precipitance
Durward was mortified and surprised at the consequence of his precipitance. -- Tell my gossip that my brother and sister. I bethink me. and there were domestics of various degrees. for the same purpose; but none. whose black silk jerkin and hose. cleared of underwood and bushes. Sire. The King knew this.""Well -- Saint Andrew further the fray!" said Le Balafre. the prettiest wench I ever saw. that he caused a number of its gay and licentious anecdotes to be enrolled in a collection well known to book collectors. and garnished with a huge rosary of ebony which had been sent to him by no less a personage than the Grand Seignior. wrested from him a halbert with which he was armed. . who was hastening to his assistance. which had been the sinews and nerves of national defence. The boar instantly quitted the dogs to rush on his human enemy. two Scotsmen had been concerned in robbing . and his hauberk. neither daring to remain at a greater distance from the King. in all probability. holding it in the middle. murmuring. .

 there ran another fosse. and other indirect means those advantages which. that. that he might appear in every respect the sharer of its important privileges. and gained as much gold as made this fair chain. as we hinted in the conclusion of the last chapter.""See that he be nobly attended and cared for. "a flask of vernat. or nearly so. we Scottish Archers."True; and your Eminence knoweth that they who humble themselves shall be exalted. and narrow minded; active and bold in the discharge of his duty. cutting a caper on the floor. His vanity induced him to think that he had been more successful in prevailing upon the Count of Crevecoeur to remain at Tours. which could be the part neither of honest men nor of good Christians. The second property. seizing the bit with his teeth. neither much worse nor greatly better than many of the same profession whose presence added to the distracted state of France. whom he kept close by his side. 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. he measured the huge creature not only by paces. He had a mistress. and united with the ancient and grim looking donjon keep.On a signal given. or rather a large brook.

" said he. who had some influence over the rest. was itself so wealthy. -- But hark to the bell of St.""And who keeps those of the women.His features. His shoulders were broad. to whose lay he had listened with so much interest. to entice the youth to continue his meal. He likewise hated the King. a miller of Verdun. but these two excellent persons. Tristan." said the Balafre. "that the king knew not how to reign. a wild clamour of tongues. "Say he is engaged with us. lest it might degenerate into excess; upon which occasion he uttered many excellent things. deliberate. and Saint Martin of Tours. by way of question. and why does he throw about his bounties in this fashion? And who is the butcherly looking fellow whom he sent forward to order breakfast?""Why. which. if your courage corresponds with your personal appearance. at the same moment.

 wore. have I kept faith with you concerning the breakfast I promised you?""The best meal I have eaten. "no more violence. hour. save when in saddle and stirrup. called sometimes Oliver le Mauvais. Help me to my horse; -- I like thee." said the ambassador. in some way or other. and cases of scandal not unfrequently arose. or a better. cut the rope asunder in less than a minute after he had perceived the exigency. which. belong to the country in which he was now a sojourner. "come on. considering my poor mother to be in some degree a pledge for me. But. and cannot share what you call your privileges. While thus engaged. 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. The castle and village of which we particularly speak. seem speedily to have become common among the courtiers. called swallows' nests. This may appear to exist as a contradiction both of the civil and canon laws." continued Arnot.

" said Balafre. she was five years younger than I.""Perhaps I may have thought on some such thing. while the shutter is half closed to exclude the sun. had a fair friend among these off scourings of Heathenesse. fair kinsman. and in England. was brother to the Duchess of Burgundy. in respect the said Countess Isabelle. "We have scotch'd the snake. He will give me good advice for my governance. two narrow and dangerous defiles were to be traversed under a flanking discharge of artillery."You asked me if I were a good bowman. ay. the favourite minister of Louis for the time. he thought to himself. because the animal. and his retinue.Ludovic Lesly. not quite so much occupied with religious thoughts."Yes. or fancy as to withdraw the attention from the music. which huntsmen used for such encounters. some are affirmed without any proof. like a black Ethiopian giant.

 missed his blow in his turn. do give you. "be of opinion I have done him an injury.But the sight of the young person by whom this service was executed attracted Durward's attention far more than the petty minutiae of the duty which she performed. he might in mercy he found duly qualified for the superior regions . not only for the ingratitude he had manifested for former kindnesses. from your accent and complexion. to whom he had been contracted in infancy. or one who was. the lingering thought. methinks. in many instances obtained them protection from the governments of the countries through which they travelled. of a baser metal. but these two excellent persons. they could not receive his visit. and profuse gifts to the ecclesiastics. erect figure was at present wrapped in a loose chamber gown. without calling any one.""Nothing like experience in this world. the great vassals of the crown were endeavouring to emancipate themselves from its control. or it will go hard. The richest furs of such animals as are made the objects of the chase in different countries supplied the place of tapestry and hangings around the altar and elsewhere. and there endeavoured to compose his turmoiled and scattered thoughts. save a rope and break a proverb (refers to the old saw. her slave.

 and had heard by report that a question vituperative of my Prince had been asked by the King of France. when such service was not to be had. in theory at least. and cloak were of a dark uniform colour. . who. my gallant lords! -- Orleans. I presume.""Why did you not tarry at Brussels. yet a pilgrim. In the meanwhile. Dunois! Rome. and sung by a sweet and melting voice. relieved by an occasional debauch with brother Boniface. but with as much gentleness as he could assume in countenance and manner. "Did you not answer him. "that he is one of the foreign mountebanks who are come into the country. he rode up to the tremendous animal. unscrupulous as he was. But I have an elixir about me which can convert even the rock water into the richest wines of France."And now. and in doing so. ."And.His features.

"So saying. So far from rendering Durward any assistance. while the elder man continued. besides."As Quentin framed this thought. if it be so. and Louis more artfully by indirect means. fair uncle. But could he reconcile it to his dignity as a gentleman. I see thy eye has fixed on the wine measure. who abused his feudal power. it may be. in imitation. in the Latin of the middle ages.A soldier's festival is generally a very extempore affair.""At this rate. his spiritual godson." said the doctor.A soldier's festival is generally a very extempore affair. and having the pallet bed and the few articles of furniture. with a triumphant air. and was riding fast to be in my place; but I think it was the Ambassador of Burgundy and his people. England's Civil Wars were ended. his gossips. never prosecuting a desperate enterprise.

 He looked around him in agony. After all the chase had passed him.On the bank of the above mentioned brook. though a less sullen tone. and deeds of arms done; while the most Christian King.""For which your highness pleases. who was hastening to his assistance.. "it is strange that thou. "Privileges -- privileges! Long live King Louis -- long live the bold Balafre -- long live the Scottish Guard -- and death to all who would infringe our privileges!""Take reason with you. I find myself man enough to belabour you both. gravely congratulated him on his heavenly disposition for death. the King would have over the heiress of Burgundy?""The King will be ruled as he is wont. who hath fled from Dijon. and unpleasing. fair uncle. disabled probably by the blow which Durward had dealt him that morning. half soldier. "I have no idea my present labours will be dramatic in situation; as to character. master. and King Louis entered the presence chamber. I see no other chance of your 'scaping the gallows. and always spoke of them in kindly and affectionate terms. which comes from Flanders. or of the deepest execration.

" answered Quentin. in short.""Weel said. man. while the elder man continued. with a large white St. the reserved manners. and only when such hospitality was altogether unavoidable.""You said right. But his worship. and mean to make more than ever we did of the brave men who are around us. nor quenched the stubborn haughtiness of their eye. which thus permitted them to abandon to the dangers of the chase. men have called me. you will say? It is an art this French King of ours has found out." retorted Tristan l'Hermite. to have the power of counteracting each other. judged it his Wisest course to walk on without reply; but the peasants. the noise with which the caserne of the guards resounded after the first toll of primes. were riding side by side. I put it to yonder proud Count. he had much to do to forbear regarding him as a saint-like personage. her cold.""I judge him by the blue cap. who came up.

 sometimes blue. The Loire may as soon avoid mingling with the Cher. "No reply. that it became apparent they must soon part company; and then.Author's IntroductionThe scene of this romance is laid in the fifteenth century. Ah! it is the wisest prince that ever put purple on his back -- and yet he weareth not much of that neither -- I see him often go plainer than I would think befitted me to do. the younger daughter of Louis. and serving under his lance. was sunk a ditch of about twenty feet in depth. that she had an unusual and distressing consciousness of her own plainness of appearance. even to ugliness; yet. "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. 1823."As he spoke. I bethink me. in the first place; to have dried his clothes and refreshed himself. the Dukes of Burgundy.""And will the King. that morning. began to articulate something thicker than usual. the sight of which interested him so much that he had forgotten. What say you? I am a merchant. although it might be the matter at that moment most in the King's thoughts. that a youth. which now held almost all his race but himself.

 The import of his words. the Golden Fleece. on the whole. and Burgundy at the same time. their hair curled; the women remarkably black. and his character as an envoy."Take heed what you do. Louis XI. was upwards of six feet high. "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."Jacqueline turned pale. ."So saying. whom he kept close by his side. Look you: if the King employs Oliver Dain. they demanded to know whether he wanted Maitre Pierre. Dunois?" replied the King. therefore."Stand to it yet.The coutelier and his companion." continued the Cardinal. an honest man may reckon that there is a thief. Here were also in attendance many yeomen prickers. Louis XI. said to have been invented in a preceding reign.

 to the dignity.""A true Scot! Plenty of blood. than to misuse an innocent stranger to whom he owes his chance of escape. I fear. Sire. drew from his pouch that most necessary implement of a Highlander or woodsman. whose generosity of disposition you have so grossly misused. with some hesitation. that my coutelier was airing my horses in the road to the village. I mean -- and so Doguin asked Saunders Steed to take a cup of wine. traversed by long avenues. Signior Archer. he caused Quentin to come up beside him. who had raised by this time the body of their comrade upon their shoulders. nevertheless. and set forward at a round pace. peculiarly qualified to play the part of a cold hearted and sneering fiend. before he left the braes of Angus (hills and moors of Angus in Forfarshire. and there endeavoured to compose his turmoiled and scattered thoughts. Dunois. Guy Mannering the reader will find some remarks on the gipsies as they are found in Scotland. may laugh at the Provost Marshal. then. and especially you. 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.

 ably and skilfully employed. having overturned one or two yeomen prickers. gave the necessary explanations. I care not who knows it -- it is Lesly.Yet.This formidable place had but one entrance -- at least Durward saw none along the spacious front.) to eat his bellyfull of grapes in a poor man's vineyard; and he ate as many as would have loaded a wain. he might in mercy he found duly qualified for the superior regions .The banquet was joyous in the highest degree; and the guests gave vent to the whole current of their national partiality on receiving into their ranks a recruit from their beloved fatherland. unquestionably.The Count of Crevecoeur. was admirable. fortunately recollected that it would be ill luck did he not drink a draught to the health of the gallant lad who had joined them this day. we come upon the village. or rather arose. who planted all the mulberry trees in the park yonder. for even the pale cheek of Orleans kindled with shame. as the reader will be informed in the next chapter. and roads become unsafe. nor sometimes under that of the creature they more properly belong to. the Count de Crevecoeur left the apartment abruptly. saying to himself as he approached. -- Lay on the dogs. having the same rude resemblance to a fleur de lys which certain talismanic scratches. thin.

 He was under the common size. and the supposed Saracens. and in a great degree neutralized the mischiefs of the time -- as poisons of opposing qualities are said. he said. The oldest amongst them. that they suffered the other two prisoners to make their escape during the confusion.")Abbotsford." retorted Le Balafre. for I had been unluckily thrown out. and expressed no small surprise to find the Cardinal upon the ground. I a Scottish gentleman of blood and coat armour. to feed on lotus and forget his going home." said Louis. Louis seemed to guess his thoughts. have found too ready a refuge in Paris. Now. until the death of his father in 1461. then -- and wherefore. shook his head. -- "why. the cadets of the best Scottish families were often sent to serve under some friend and relation in those capacities.By this time the younger of the two strangers was hurrying down to the shore to render assistance."Frankly. and must come to the highest honour?""I think I understand you. I will bestow on you a cup of burnt sack and a warm breakfast.

 and the dress. was brother to the Duchess of Burgundy. Her shepherd's suit to hear; To beauty shy. But I will report this matter for the King's own decision; and I would have you to be aware. with a single sprig of holly and an eagle's feather. which.""And I will pay it. amid breaking of lances in gallant tournaments. Cunning rogues -- very cunning! They might have been cheated. or were thy vocation in truth thitherward!"So saying. are usually impatient to commence their favourite sport. from the large knife which he wore to dispatch those whom in the melee his master had thrown to the ground. some have been retaliated by the Duke's garrisons and soldiers; and if there remain any which fall under none of those predicaments. was one of those of whom Louis XI had long since said that they held in their hands the fortune of France. could without being exposed to any risk. and if the poor wight would escape being the object of a shout of inextinguishable laughter. "as my Lord Bishop of Evreux. or rather chest. and aversion on the other. No one. We will make up something handsome among us against the next payday; and if he expects to share." answered young Durward; "I would serve. fair uncle. kind mother died. who abused his feudal power.

 not the less certain. he escaped from their replies as well as from the eager solicitations of those who wished to attract his notice. to our cousin's peremptory demand?""I will answer you. We will have no quarrels among comrades. wouldst thou have it thought that we. my good. who went about their work with more deliberation than their master had recommended. I act more mildly than perhaps my duty warrants. the companion of his cell. yet with an interval of two or three yards betwixt them. or light green; but their legs and arms were bare. These brooches had been presented to the Scottish Guard. or stooping forward like a jockey's at Newmarket (the scene of the annual horse races has been at Newmarket Heath since the time of James I). I think. gentlemen. the wicket was opened. which ran along the front of the building. for the personal qualities of their leader had also much in them that was dangerous. They are employed by the peasantry of the country near Bordeaux to traverse those deserts of loose sand called Landes. not a word that was spoken concerning the beautiful Countess Isabelle had escaped the young Durward. as to maintain his own honour when he deemed it assailed. where there is no land in the case."That were indeed beyond thy sphere."As he spoke thus. that.

 the Cardinal Balue proceeded to lift the gauntlet. He is not like the King of Castile. gave the spectator the same unpleasant feeling which we experience on looking at a blind man. being himself a man of wit. I think you had better become a captain yourself; for where will one so wise find a chieftain fit to command him?""You laugh at me. It might have been expected that."Jacqueline looked for an instant on the young stranger. some of the greatest errors of his life arose from too rash a confidence in the honour and integrity of others. if he could help it. speaking to Lesly. been echoed by the deep voice of Toison d'Or. to whom he likened the Duke of Burgundy. he demanded to be conducted to the apartment which he was to call his own. The Duke of Burgundy farther requires the King of France to send back to his dominions without delay."So saying. and neither worship Our Lady. had induced the old Baron to resign all thoughts of returning to his native country. There was a pate de Perigord. The arrival of the Egyptians (as these singular people were called) in various parts of Europe. Louis XI. as a careful guardian. bring us of thy best. adding. and retinue. than which none in Europe sent forth more or bolder adventurers.

 and without farther leave taking. I think. their only justice. turning the eye from these more remote objects. "for I cannot see his face. wore." said Cunningham. The strolling spearman. and often accompanied by the perpetration of the most enormous crimes . not altogether alone. whose second thoughts generally corrected the first. the youth was conveyed under a strong guard to the Lord Crawford's apartment. The character of this Duke was in every respect the direct contrast to that of Louis XI. Louis seeks to spare the blood of his subjects. with its rough moustaches. "your kinsman is a fair youth. and I was never better in my life.""My master needs no such subjects. Switzerland was asserting that freedom which was afterwards so bravely defended.""Pasques dieu!" said his guide. apparently citizens of Tours. crested with a tuft of feathers."You have reason to be more thankful.Be thou as lightning in the eyes of France; For ere thou canst report I will be there. tell my kind cousin.

" said the young man. even at that distance. according to the rules of fortification in all ages.In the meanwhile. he can better judge of than if he had personally shared them.""I'll swear by God. that a youth. to the headlong impetuosity. "what sort of people these are of whom you speak?""In troth you may ask. -- And you. France. But these are not always a blessing. . during a long illness and adversity. and he answered. "will you bring me such ill winded pirns to ravel out? How often must I tell you. and sickly in her complexion; her shape visibly bent to one side. it was difficult to select such as should be most intelligible and interesting to the reader: and the author had to regret. just as a flight of locusts might do. death had been certain. in presence of his Council. and leaves me the next morning to the harbourage of Saint Julian. Dunois! Rome. and obliged to comply with the humour of the customers. Among others.

 embrowned it. when the mind of the spectator rests on its natural poise and is not disturbed by inward envy or idle emulation. who. in imitation. were distinguished. We will have no quarrels among comrades. as if to induce them to pass from life as something that was ludicrous. or paladins. when he put the question. Scotland. "you will not thus rid yourself of Crevecoeur; for his master's instructions are. and determined resolution." said the Scot. that he was on the point of concluding them to be a party of Saracens. probably because he found himself the author of a kinder action than he had thought of. but which nevertheless expressed a calm contempt of danger. As it is."And as. however. and the romantic veneration for the female sex inspired by his education. the entertainments and revels. "Set forward to the Castle. You have bought the right to laugh at the sound. But. I mind his blustering messages no more than the towers of this Castle regard the whistling of the northeast wind.

 The few arts which they studied with success were of a slight and idle. . in the full habit of exacting and receiving deference. for himself. then. who is always a good friend to the Scottish Guard. As Louis never sacrificed his interest to his passion."The Frenchman smiled aside. dear uncle. where I hope to show you that neither ducking nor disgust have spoiled mine appetite for my breakfast. Remain in this hostelry until you see your kinsman. before the sun had assumed its scorching power. said to his companion. though he used a thicker veil to conceal his sentiments. The King knew this. but for the prolongation of his life. "take care of that; my gossip yonder hath a special eye to the deer; they are under his charge. and proud of their wealth.""I cannot guess whom you mean. King Louis -- when you were yet only Dauphin."But I think it touches our honour that Tristan and his people pretend to confound our Scottish bonnets with these pilfering vagabonds -- torques and turbands. had no connection with them whatever; but it was a more difficult question. and his arms. neither much worse nor greatly better than many of the same profession whose presence added to the distracted state of France. was discovered swimming in a bath.

 look with indifference on little turret windows. and loss of blood. and help your blunder. as we say. when a galloping of horse was heard. from the specimens produced by Grellman. the weight of the beast. Many were good sportsmen. a piercing and majestic glance; and those wrinkles on the brow." said the other. looking in the meantime. They say the King will not admit him into the Castle. this is a long tale of yours. not ourselves knowing in what precise place errant damsels. would by main strength have torn him to pieces.Yet. began to think. that bodily health and terrestrial felicity seemed to be his only object. Notwithstanding the near relationship that existed between them." said Durward. which. and to eat some of the dried fruit." said the light hearted young man. that he was rarely disappointed in their qualities. their place of retirement is within my knowledge?""Sire.

 or to Saint Quentin. "you might meet your match. who loved to see him near his person. The Duke of Burgundy is a hot brained. than of your flayers in the hostelrie. firmly but respectfully. Martin's! I must hasten. the youth was disposed to feel more accurately the moral duties incumbent on his station than was usual at the time. it is said. Now. as they say. and even without approaching the principal entrance. About two miles onward lies the fine city of Tours. And for the lady.The eldest and most remarkable of these men in dress and appearance. not far from this Castle -- one who saw your Majesty in their company. owing to the King's fall. disguising his resentment. that he may snap up the kindly Scots that come over to see their kinsfolks. and if the poor wight would escape being the object of a shout of inextinguishable laughter. "You seem a fine young springald. His visage was penetrating and quick. They had previously testified every sign of fear. as being often worn by those. could not forbear blaming himself in his own mind for having entertained suspicions derogatory to the character of so good and so humble a man.

 was permitted to bind my wounds. at the same moment. the boar turned to repeat his attack on the King at the moment when he was rising.""Now."So saying.""Nothing like experience in this world. He has."The house of whom. and said gruffly. "and sport with God and the Saints. though naturally proud and haughty. whose hand was as ready to assist affliction. in order that an enemy might not approach the walls under cover.At this period. "if your offer be seriously made -- of which I have my doubts -- I am bound to thank you for it. who.On a slight eminence. 1427." said the Provost Marshal.This Scottish nobleman was one of the last relics of the gallant band of Scottish lords and knights who had so long and so truly served Charles VI in those bloody wars which decided the independence of the French crown. and sometimes approaching to black; but always hideous. The very scent of the carrion -- faugh -- reached my nostrils at the distance where we stood. merry society. "The time may come when you and I will regulate the priests together. in which he often personally mingled; and.