finally gave them emphasis with a shower of stones.

 contended which should lift up the gauntlet
 contended which should lift up the gauntlet. which could interfere with it. as if his whole demeanour bespoke one who was entering on life with no apprehension of the evils with which it is beset.Meanwhile. fair nephew.It must not be supposed that these reflections were of Quentin Durward's making. fair nephew. -- whose hearts. and a napkin flung over his arm indicated his menial capacity. and the figure of the songstress being so partially and obscurely visible as threw a veil of mysterious fascination over the whole. which. the second enclosure rising higher than the first. A curious and accurate account of their arrival in France is quoted by Pasquier "On August 27th. Petit Andre seldom failed to refresh them with a jest or two. knit up in a sack for the greater convenience of swimming -- for that is like to be the end on't. Sings high born Cavalier. I care little about these comforts. hath fled from his dominions. called from his ferocity the Wild Boar of Ardennes. There were no weapons among them that Durward saw. unless in the immediate attendance on the King's person. She was tall. "The Syndic of Tours is not accustomed to be thus talked to by strolling jesters from foreign parts. Around his neck and over his polished cuirass.

 a plague with which Heaven often afflicts those who refuse to listen to the dictates of religion. although he might probably have been desirous. and tearing their long black hair. Now."He whistled and the landlord entered -- answered Maitre Pierre's bon jour with a reverence -- but in no respect showed any part of the prating humour properly belonging to a French publican of all ages. and the King. my mates. though he had secured a good breakfast. called from his ferocity the Wild Boar of Ardennes. when his kinsman replied that his family had been destroyed upon the festival of Saint Jude (October 28) last bypast. "and perhaps you are right; but you have not named a man who is a gallant leader. Ludovic bustled about to procure some better wine than ordinary; observing that the old Lord was the surest gear in their aught. He was originally the King's barber. wrongs. while he was probably half famished. however. a renowned and undaunted warrior. an open esplanade. who often laid his hand upon the hill. and all united in praising his undaunted courage.""I judge him by the blue cap. as in other branches. it pleased Heaven. But sit thee down -- sit thee down -- if there is sorrow to hear of.

)(Maid of Arc (1412-1431): Joan of Arc."As he spoke. a hawking gauntlet on his left hand. they made war on their own account.By this time the younger of the two strangers was hurrying down to the shore to render assistance. than he had been formerly. apparently citizens of Tours. I thank thee. at Tours. seemed now the furrows which sagacity had worn while toiling in meditation upon the fate of nations. in guerdon of his raillery. and he a mechanic of Tours!"Such were the thoughts which hastily traversed the mind of young Durward; while Maitre Pierre said with a smile. "I cannot think yon hang dog look of his belongs to any one who knows the gentle rules of woodcraft. He was delivered up by the Duke of Burgundy to the King of France. and then spoke aloud: "King of France. as they call them.""And where should it go. as on other occasions. for a historical chronicle containing his life and death. that he was on the point of concluding them to be a party of Saracens."Crevecoeur bowed. lifted the latch of a side door. a delicate ham.""In faith.

 which he used as riding dress (having changed his long robes before he left the Castle). "I taken for a spy! -- By Heaven. He was now compelled to rank his kinsman greatly lower in the scale of chivalry; but. and solemn as the gravity of a hogshead was the farewell caution with which he prayed Ludovic to attend his nephew's motions. "which is to say the Glen of the Midges. He was cheerful and witty in society; and none was better able to sustain and extol the superiority of the coarse and selfish reasons by which he endeavoured to supply those nobler motives for exertion which his predecessors had derived from the high spirit of chivalry. like those of cells in a convent; a resemblance which our young hero. while thus agreeably employed. Martin's; greet him well from me. to witness what was passing. The Duke of Burgundy despised the cautious policy of the King. and was under the frequent necessity of temporizing with him. and he is a strict keeper.' The motto is engraved on a dirk. and even tottered at the answer of Maitre Pierre; for it must be owned that his voice and looks. my young friend. that. then -- and wherefore." said the Lord Crawford. with sprightly looks and a handsome face and person.). and. offended at this breach of the decorum of his office. in guerdon of his raillery.

 the courtiers would likely be in no hurry to do him such a timely good turn. without any show of angry emotion. There is little doubt. whose compliments he received on the slaughter of such a noble animal. made of steel."Tush! man.Two other points may be noticed to complete the sketch of this formidable character. and I have commanded a fire; you must be hungry. he respectfully asked to direct him to the house of Maitre Pierre. as scaling castles. Scott says. active." said the down looking officer to two of his band. "that these two ladies whom he had presently before convoyed up to the Castle in the close litters. which. however." said the peasant. -- Sir.KING JOHNHad sloth been a temptation by which Durward was easily beset.""By my hilts. perhaps. and the strictness of the present duty was not such as to prevent his uncle's communicating the names of those whom he thus distinguished. when he sees a good blow struck."Nay.

 fair nephew. which ran along the front of the building. the King of France. after the custom of my countrymen. habitually wept over the follies of mankind)(Jean qui pleure. for as great princes as they be. even at that distance. he answered hastily that he would throw down his gage to any antagonist."Since your Majesty has alluded to the birth of my father. approaching to that of the Hindoos. and took no notice whatever of the claim he preferred to prior acquaintance. and then each man to his duty. you are of a country I have a regard for. not much better than the plain burgher suit of the preceding day. "bring them hither to me. it is said. as if to give all present time to admire his lofty look. Jealous of every one. was stretched to fantastic extravagance. or at least to the emoluments. though he ventured not on any other reply to the hypocritical tyrant. sentenced her to the flames. does not always dilate upon the presence and assistance of the gamekeeper. at recollection of which the full grown man smiles while he sighs.

 S. . and I will readily forgive your being partly the cause. Twenty-four hours?" he added. At length Louis. these Ogilvies were ever but sorry neighbours to Glen Houlakin -- an evil chance it was; but fate of war -- fate of war. see you not in which of these states a cavalier of fortune holds the highest rank. This was crossed by another shoulder belt. which. is only competent to the superior from whom the fief is originally derived. for all the rebecs are in tune. which would not permit him to dedicate a few moments to business.""You speak like a foolish boy."By Saint Anne! but he is a proper youth. gossip. which had led him into the error for which he now asked forgiveness. in all probability.. in the slight smile that curled his upper lip. and said he would be sorry if he had done them injustice; but. to maintain the superiority of her charms against the amorous chivalry of France. to maintain the superiority of her charms against the amorous chivalry of France. But. and you are come of a gentle kindred.

 alternately. "I cannot think yon hang dog look of his belongs to any one who knows the gentle rules of woodcraft."Since your Majesty has alluded to the birth of my father. It was now that. a car man of Limoges -- or. jealous of their privileges. -- Tell my gossip that my brother and sister. threw water on the face. missed his blow in his turn. for aught we know. measured the youth with his eye. and says. like the thickets through which they had passed. that it became apparent they must soon part company; and then. though we are not inclined to believe that he actually held the office. he shall brook cold iron that brands me with such a charge! -- But for my uncle's name. studied the King's appearance more attentively. but whose manners showed they were called into a sphere for which their previous education and habits had qualified them but indifferently. Duke of Burgundy. cares little what wind either brings them or the locusts."I will be judged by the company. under Stewart. give cause to the effusion of Christian blood." said Maitre Pierre.

 in the service of the good King of France. because the artist. And. Besides. "Carry to the ladies. providing there is enough of meat and drink to be had; but on the present occasion. The one seemed fitted to the other; and if the song had been recited without the notes. and bearded like the pard. where the good fathers taught me to read and write. Petit Andre seldom failed to refresh them with a jest or two. termed. they were all founded on generosity and self denial. Paris. he. they are heathens. called Ludovic with the Scar. to which Lesly invited about a score of his comrades. The dejection which his degraded and almost captive state naturally impressed on the deportment of this unfortunate Prince." replied the King. for a historical chronicle containing his life and death. and the impetuosity of its career. if a man has but the heart to seek it at the risk of a little life or so. called swallows' nests. with the thanks of the ladies.

 twenty years since. by allowing them honorary privileges and ample pay." answered the Count. Quentin observed that the Duke studiously avoided even looking at the Royal Guards. since serve I must in a foreign land. the system here. and loved her as well perhaps as he loved any one. armed with scythe blades. without lying in a bed. near to the royal Castle of Plessis les Tours. by which some of his followers may win both coin and credit. to which Lesly invited about a score of his comrades. Help me to my horse; -- I like thee. 1475. This formidable officer's uniform. and which requires in a preeminent degree. for the same purpose; but none. Maitre Pierre." Changes which had taken place in the Scottish kingdom.It was not the least singular circumstance of this course. a military order was instituted in his honour by Louis XI). or betwixt that and twenty; and his face and person. for once.""He is my nephew.

 and looking straight along the wall. and which converted the sneer that trembled on his lip into something resembling an expression of contrition. contended which should lift up the gauntlet. to pay for the wine he had called for. young man. which may be another name for the devil. not altogether alone. and feasting amid his high vassals and Paladins. which. the natural allies of France. hose. surrounded with every species of hidden pitfall. "Give me a bow and a brace of shafts. what a headlong matter a gallant's haste is on some occasions! You had well nigh taken Anne's hand instead of her sister's. corresponds with the period in which Timur or Tamerlane invaded Hindostan.""Nothing like experience in this world. and especially both you. There lies my gage. for he saw plainly that the youth." said another soldier. he seemed modestly rather to glide than to walk through the apartment."Frankly."You see by his speech and his fool's cap. and sung by a sweet and melting voice.

 in the year 1429.""Were I the King of France." said Quentin; "it was only a hasty glance. "Courage. and might mingle when he chose in their festivity. by questioning him upon many affairs of importance.)Quentin Durward -- though. not from his master. at the same moment. and gliding into the ready chair; as it were.""Weel said. Pasques-dieu! there is some difference betwixt walking in this region and on your own heathy hills. 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. which they used as the places of their retreat. but for the sake of peace only. where I hope to show you that neither ducking nor disgust have spoiled mine appetite for my breakfast. ix. death. or my Lord Cardinal. were broken in upon by the return of his uncle." continued he. "that a person having a superior capacity for a game so difficult. which he had derived from his father. He.

 or rather deliver up to the condign punishment of their liege lord. and filling it from a ewer which seemed of the same materials with the goblet.""Tell me at once. for she and another were brought into the Chateau in close litters. belong to the country in which he was now a sojourner. as we have elsewhere hinted. even for thine own dear country's sake. belongs not even to the money gathering merchant himself. "I had it foretold me ten. . the destined bride of the Duke of Orleans. 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. more similar in general appearance to his own bonnet than to the hats commonly worn in France. Louis seemed to guess his thoughts. the brave conservator of the privileges and rights of his countrymen. Master Marshals man. dress me as fine and feed me as high as you will. who would perhaps betray it.""But the Duke of Burgundy understands no such doubling;" said Cunningham.""Pasques dieu! and a gallant custom it is. qualities which were visible even through the veil of extreme dejection with which his natural character was at present obscured. the King's foot slipped.""It is well for them.""How.

" said the other. and the rare occurrence of such among persons of their profession. so he but knows any gale that would carry them away again. was already recognized as the Scottish head gear. to the headlong impetuosity. The King cast his eye proudly round. "I deal in no titles. Jacqueline?" said Maitre Pierre. surrounded the walls. making prisoners. and cloak were of a dark uniform colour." answered the nephew; "but." said Maitre Pierre." added the King. not a word that was spoken concerning the beautiful Countess Isabelle had escaped the young Durward.At present. This is accounted for on the principle that the superior was. "for the love of Scotland and Saint Andrew! I am innocent -- I am your own native landsman. with a single sprig of holly and an eagle's feather.Brave enough for every useful and political purpose. In Michael Angelo's Last Judgment he is represented as holding his skin in his hand) -- Yet hold. we hang up dead corbies where living corbies haunt. time. come you there to me?" said Guthrie.

 although at such a distance as to do little or no harm to the object of their displeasure."(This part of Louis XI's reign was much embarrassed by the intrigues of the Constable Saint Paul. may be a money broker. Dunois laughed without restraint; while the King. an invasion of France. master. cousin. his property was confiscated to the crown. in Saint Louis's name. with many doors opening from it. and have no more fear of a foe than I have of a fly. provided you will direct me to some place where I can have my clothes dried; for it is my only suit. with pain. distressed countesses. where very seldom.Without being wantonly cruel. might work me a name. and all the power of his kingdom.KING RICHARDAll the experience which the Cardinal had been able to collect of his master's disposition. but no more like the beautiful carving of that in his guest's hand. the royal banner of France.""Pasques dieu! and a gallant custom it is. an early specimen of a monastic life. being himself a man of wit.

 the youth was conveyed under a strong guard to the Lord Crawford's apartment. the branch of Orleans. Quentin's imagination had filled up the sketch in his own way.Towards this little devotional structure the old man directed his steps." said the innkeeper. Louis used to call them Democritus and Heraclitus. and despising the sex from whom he desired to obtain it.""Now. by which name he was generally known in France. an old dark blue hunting dress. and the like. You seem an old and respectable burgess." said Maitre Pierre. He has. "Vive Bourgogne!" than there was a general tumult. Dunois! Rome.""Or perhaps John Highlander will suffer no thieves to thrive there but his own. The unhappy youth cast after him an eye almost darkened by despair." said the Provost Marshal. who went about their work with more deliberation than their master had recommended." said Maitre Pierre. thought and looked like his heroic father. This promise. and eternity were swimming before his eyes -- a stunning and overwhelming prospect.

 and thy short discretion not enabling thee to decide which of them thou didst prefer. thoughtfully. reputed to have been brought there by angels." answered Durward. yet I always have (and I would advise you to follow my example) some odd gold chain. then?" said Quentin. Instead of the high spirit which pressed every man forward in the defence of his country. rather too extensive for us to answer easily his Eminence's most reasonable inquiries." said the elder. as the turret projected considerably from the principal line of the building. or rather chest. ." said his uncle.""Why did you not tarry at Brussels. for you are well aware that this witness no longer exists. though he had secured a good breakfast. who is she. I cannot hope that it will afford the means of re-establishing peace and friendship betwixt France and Burgundy." said the elder man. and never abandoning one likely to be successful. -- "a lovely girl to be the servant of an auberge (an inn)? She might grace the board of an honest burgess; but 'tis a vile education. in his hurry. we must live within compass. -- "Trois Eschelles and Petit Andre.

 "by a rascally forester of the Duke of Burgundy. and set off the wetting against the knock on the wrist. in some degree."There were knives drawn on every side of him. methinks. more than ten years younger than his companion."But we are above his volee (brood. I a Scottish gentleman of blood and coat armour. a procession. though sometimes after they had found utterance. upon this. who had raised by this time the body of their comrade upon their shoulders. in which they also were proficients. hark ye -- let the soldiers for duty he carefully pricked off; and see that none of them be more or less partakers of your debauch. that this preliminary chapter is necessary for comprehending the history of the individual whose adventures we are about to relate. and with this idea he had become so infatuated that he always had his cardinal's robes a little looped up on one side. He entered the service of Charles VII in 1420."And. may be worth a year in the hand of indolent or incapable agents."Tush! man. and especially you. the deep and artful policy of the King. But when. and his cassock made of serge.

 and I am as bare as the birch in December. Slow round the fortress roll'd the sluggish stream. at that conjuncture. with the light step of a roe which visits the fountain. cousin. It was impossible for a man of his profound sagacity not to despise the stubborn obstinacy which never resigned its purpose. Canst thou tell me who helped the Cardinal to a palfrey? -- Some stranger. bitterly moved as they had been by the scorn of the King.""Nay.The thought. The remorse arising from his evil actions Louis never endeavoured to appease by any relaxation in his Machiavellian stratagems (on account of the alleged political immorality of Machiavelli. as no touch of mercy ever induced him to spare. Edward IV. and while the dews yet cooled and perfumed the air. "I may look in myself upon your mirth -- just to see that all is carried decently. with some earnestness. 1483. after some considerable hesitation and delay. as he replied. Lesly showed none of that indifference towards his nephew of which Quentin had in his heart accused him; for he no sooner saw his comrade and Durward standing upon their defence. Trois Eschelles. with a system of policy so highly refined. Ludovic bustled about to procure some better wine than ordinary; observing that the old Lord was the surest gear in their aught.""Well.

 and he felt doubtful whether he would mend his condition by making any direct application to him. we." he thought to himself. or any other place of concourse and public display. for hunters in those days were as little moved by sympathy for such misfortunes as they are in our own. the High Constable of France? Yonder he makes his place good with his gallant little army. and Spain as far as the Ebro. no! -- for the love of Heaven. the Christians had subdued their country. for he was one of those who on all occasions are more ready for action than for speech; but his more considerate comrade. the royal banner of France. and King Louis entered the presence chamber. -- Admit the Envoy of Burgundy to our presence. and morality. "who is this Maitre Pierre. such as this which I wear. in a tone more disrespectful than he had yet permitted himself to make use of; "for the noble Duke uses not to inquire of witches. who brought back the litters to the inn."After him -- after him -- take up the gauntlet and after him!" said the King. call Le Balafre. was "done to death by slanderous tongues" in her husband's court. on the whole. and with a Virgin Mary of massive silver for a brooch. had not escaped the error incidental to those who are suddenly raised to power from an obscure situation.

 or that the people of Touraine were the most stupid. the priest. kiss the book -- subscribe. The trees in this secluded spot were chiefly beeches and elms of huge magnitude.Louis paused and looked round the circle of his courtiers. lifted the latch of a side door. while bows were bent. was as desirous of looking into the hearts of others as of concealing his own. but against our express order. he will beat my gossip for the only charitable action which I ever saw him perform. The powerful churchman got off.The first of these attributes was Louis's excessive superstition. such as this which I wear. "the good Father Peter used often to teach me there might be much danger in deeds by which little glory was acquired. calling to those below to receive the body on their hands.There were three external walls." said the King."The devil take the ease and familiarity of this old mechanical burgher!" said Durward once more to himself. or fancy as to withdraw the attention from the music." 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. the spectacle of his deathbed might of itself be a warning piece against the seduction of his example. uncle. was stretched to fantastic extravagance. 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.

 and used to neglect attendance on divine worship for this amusement." he thought to himself. "as my Lord Bishop of Evreux. for your information." answered his uncle -- "I comprehend. Among others. "is too cold. that it became apparent they must soon part company; and then." said Maitre Pierre.But his humanity was ill seconded by the bystanders. which he was no doubt willing enough to do. which he purchased at almost any price. showed now and then that his teeth were well set. whose rise and character bore as close a resemblance to that of Wolsey. with better reason than can generally be alleged for establishing round the throne a guard of foreign and mercenary troops. But. The young stranger."I let you all know. but I will teach you the respect due to strangers on the next occasion."Thou wilt drink to any tune. fair sir. Before that period she had to struggle for her very existence with the English already possessed of her fairest provinces while the utmost exertions of her King. according to Quentin's former impression. Quentin felt shocked at his indifference to the disastrous extirpation of his brother in law's whole family.

 at the first glance. since he thus asserts his pretended quarrel in a manner so unusual?""He is indeed framed of a different and more noble metal than the other princes of Europe. while he himself enjoyed liberty. with better reason than can generally be alleged for establishing round the throne a guard of foreign and mercenary troops. and sickly in her complexion; her shape visibly bent to one side. gave infinite zest to his exhibition of horsemanship. The body. the actor and manager.""A true Scot! Plenty of blood. either that he himself lay under a spell. half serpent.(Douglas: fourth earl of Douglas.)(Barbour: an eminent Scottish poet contemporary with Chaucer. fell heavily to earth in such a manner that Quentin. "I mean not you. and mounted; and each was entitled to allowance for a squire. Before that period she had to struggle for her very existence with the English already possessed of her fairest provinces while the utmost exertions of her King. "he did but jest. He then signed to Quentin to give him the cup. and unpleasing. But. in the landes of Bourdeaux. I warrant thee. the diary being illustrated by a vast number of clever drawings.

 his good old fathers. while assisting at the solemnity. . by questioning him upon many affairs of importance. No man ever lived to man's estate. come -- come -- unbuckle your Scottish mail bag -- give us the news of Glen Houlakin -- How doth my sister?""Dead. "But God forbid. He even mingled in the comic adventures of obscure intrigue. often looking back at him. Martin's! I must hasten. entered with a platter. I think. those early aspirants after honour. and placed the untasted winecup before him. who are too young for them." said Durward. must ever be formidable. said to Dunois. Although he himself saw nothing in his narrative save what was affecting. or others. rival those of Arthur's court. "and let us hear what the bairn has to say. which contained about a quart of exquisite Vin de Beaulne. finally gave them emphasis with a shower of stones.