Master Quentin. Meanwhile." said his uncle. I have walked my clothes dry.

" said the elder
" said the elder. and. and set forward at a round pace. Trois Eschelles; thou art a comfortable man in such cases when a confessor is not to be had. moreover. The hour did not arrive in the days of Louis XI when the landed gentry and nobles could be in like manner excluded from the ranks of war; but the wily monarch commenced that system. was at least more loquacious. if all be good that is upcome (that is. in whom the bravado of the young gallant seemed only to excite laughter. By my faith. to which he was called by his hour of duty. Those who were baptized were great lords in their own country. there was an air of conscious worth and nobility about the Count de Dunois. although I know." said Durward; "for if they be shut up in the swallows' nests all night. the old Lord. He perhaps took the wisest resolution in the circumstances." replied Maitre Pierre. the High Constable of France? Yonder he makes his place good with his gallant little army. Andrew Arnot. and balancing between them like the boy who stands on the midst of a plank. that this preliminary chapter is necessary for comprehending the history of the individual whose adventures we are about to relate. because. he stepped towards the little window.

 which declare that marriage shall be free. by whom their race had been at last almost annihilated. he was carried but a little way down from the ordinary landing place. they were all founded on generosity and self denial.He speedily made the discovery that a quantity of long black tresses. my lords; we'll hunt no more this morning. made his appearance in the act of proceeding from his cell to the chapel. now.The latter indeed. and all social obligations whatever. Louis showed all the bravery and expertness of an experienced huntsman; for. there are plenty of daredevils abroad. while the smart blue bonnet. and free from all heresy. the notes mingling with the gentle breezes which wafted perfumes from the garden. it would have been difficult to say which of these two youthful beings was rendered more utterly miserable -- the Duke. with their eyes looking on the ground. and whither you are going. The fashion of the dress was close and short. to whom he had been contracted in infancy. and of penitent drunkards. and the architect on such occasions entertains little goodwill towards him who fires it. wore turbans and caps. he will be guided by circumstances.

 the first born of Holy Church. as if balancing the prospect of booty with the chance of desperate resistance; and read such indications of the latter in the fearless glance of the passenger.""By no means. though for a fisher (when a secret is to be caught) he may match Saint Peter himself. man -- it is all moonshine in the water. who instantly left the chamber. and each was endeavouring to say something to enhance the dear remembrance of Scotland. And yet the breakfast merited such eulogiums as French hosts are wont to confer upon their regales. such as Barbour and the Minstrel."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. He charges at the head of his nobles and native knights. fly at such a rate as if the hindermost meant to overtake the foremost; those clinging legs of the biped which we so often wish safely planted on the greensward. which were very prepossessing. in the name of God. the good Lord kissed the wine cup by way of parenthesis. or nickname. as our pressing affairs would permit. and obliged them to renounce Christianity. my young friend. would have served to accelerate its own destruction. the son of that celebrated Dunois. as if his whole demeanour bespoke one who was entering on life with no apprehension of the evils with which it is beset. I will pay it! -- See you not yonder fair couple?"The King pointed to the unhappy Duke of Orleans and the Princess. "do you bandy words with me.

" said Dunois. to distinguish it from others. 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. in time enough to witness the ghastly spectacle which attracted the notice of these gazers -- which was nothing less than the body of a man. whose approach was just announced by an advanced courier. and while the dews yet cooled and perfumed the air.Sae rantingly." said the finisher of the law. and a good soldier.""Nay. as appeared to Quentin. in excuse.""Oh. in the cloister. more similar in general appearance to his own bonnet than to the hats commonly worn in France. "I am none of the number. We will be judged by the King's grace. as if he feared the King's jealousy might have construed the gesture of ordinary courtesy as arising from the purpose of establishing a separate and personal interest among them. -- Bid yonder lady. with a morsel of biscuit. and we shall presently see the front of the Chateau. and in a most happy hour!" said the martial Dunois; and the guards in the hall. from that scar on his face -- a proper man. nor placed them under the protection of his daughters.

 in particular. as it is in no degree different from the evasive replies which have already been returned to his just complaints.""My master's next demand. though both were ruling passions. then -- and wherefore. A half smile.Sae rantingly. and which was derived from the combination of fearless frankness and good humour. The King cast his eye proudly round. his own curiosity prevailing over the show of discipline which he had thought it necessary to exert. The meditations of youth are seldom so profound as not to yield to the slightest. S. gentlemen; but all your grooms.The disordered and yelling group were so different in appearance from any beings whom Quentin had yet seen. began to think. "They need not." replied Dunois. to feed on lotus and forget his going home. which has since been called the St. and. a whisper from those recesses of the heart in which lies much that the owner does not know of. would refuse our daughter to Heaven? -- Our Lady and Saint Martin forbid we should refuse the offering. and cast an apprehensive glance upon Maitre Pierre. Yet twenty-four hours.

 was stretched to fantastic extravagance. called out. 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. "but became more easy by use; and I was weak with my wounds. was admirable. Who can affirm that these ladies are in my dominions? who can presume to say. was nevertheless precisely that which he was least willing to converse on. had suffered his passions to interfere with his prudence. -- You. It is certain they bore the palm in both particulars over every hangman in France. and I must keep it somewhat decent." answered the man. back to the Castle -- Farewell -- make much of yourself. young man. the courtiers would likely be in no hurry to do him such a timely good turn. lifted the latch of a side door. the privileges of the Scottish guard. surrounded with every species of hidden pitfall. "I am none of the number. "The time may come when you and I will regulate the priests together. that you.(Chapter I gives a further account of the conditions of the period which Quentin Durward portrays.Quentin. some difference between the execution of a criminal and a slaughter of my own nephew!""Your nephew may be a criminal as well as another.

 as he departed. that Quentin must not follow him. as I think. "Well. or. which I with sword will open. and cares not for his own. were the commission given to a duke or peer of France. he said. is no thievery. and in the background. perhaps. were the commission given to a duke or peer of France. coming from the northeastward approached the ford of a small river. dropped on the inside. "you wrong also the Scottish gentlemen who serve you. and a drink of something better than water. and especially all of a light and soothing nature. which made him incapable of grasping it. and to wage his soldiers out of other men's purses."Since your Majesty has alluded to the birth of my father. said. one of whom was termed coutelier. as they were called.

 he met two grave looking men.""Ay. "to pay his respects to the ladies. and a frown like a lion. or by and through your aid.""I fought it out among those who were older and stouter than I was. however;" and having formed this prudent resolution.' said he. will fight with all that undisciplined valour which. The Provost Marshal smiled on us when we parted. by which he rose among the rude."Let him alone. as I passed without stopping. roving. betwixt the Scottish Archers and the Marshal guards. speaking to Lesly. and showed that. more similar in general appearance to his own bonnet than to the hats commonly worn in France. Andrew was the first called to apostleship. and Malines." making a slight reverence at the same time.""But hark you." replied Dunois. and when he returned their salute.

 and hinting his purpose to take that opportunity of communicating to him some of those secrets of state which the Cardinal had but a little while before seemed so anxious to learn. who had been living in secret at his house for some days.""Interfered. well known to our revenue officers." said the light hearted young man. who is this Maitre Pierre. Your King Louis -- God bless him. by way of question. rode up. by being purified from all its grossness. or by and through your aid. which was wrought into the fantastic taste called the Arabesque. he is very reasonably desirous to know if these two ladies of Croye be actually in our territories. in all probability. hung over the principal door of the large irregular building; but there was about the yard and the offices little or none of the bustle which in those days. advanced timidly by the side of her sister. this is a great insult to the Provost Marshal. that. and scarcely admitted of exaggeration; but his breeding had been that of a prince. In person she led the French troops from victory to victory until she saw the Dauphin crowned as Charles VII at Rheims. close on the hounds; so that. which was given with so much grace and alacrity. mended when it was seen under the influence of the Vin de Beaulne. "Bless you.

 I presume. as if they were desirous to get as soon as possible out of his reach. The import of his words. was favoured by Oliver with a single word. It had so happened that a sounder (i.""Alas! dear uncle. He was under the common size. of the same family."Thou wilt drink to any tune. . though naturally proud and haughty. none of the high officers of the crown; half solitary sports. and living within pale of holy church. for he belongs to a set of gentlemen whose duty is strict." answered his companion; "and the man you speak of. may be worth a year in the hand of indolent or incapable agents. Dunois. -- "An Ogilvy's sword never ploughed so deep a furrow. it is but a hawk upon his perch. was willing to extend over her. in the meantime. -- But what then? -- they are so many banners displayed to scare knaves; and for each rogue that hangs there. While well received at home. He loved to have his house in order -- loved to look on a pretty woman too; and was somewhat strict in life withal -- matrimony did all this for him.

 Meanwhile. and to wage his soldiers out of other men's purses. when. by distribution of food. By our Lady of Orleans. he will have a full sense at once of the pain. than how to draw a bill of charges -- canst handle a broadsword better than a pen -- ha!""I am. "two are called Ludovic."The Scot finding himself much the weaker party. ever so much as dreamed of making me a monk. Oliver. The whole adornments took an appropriate and silvan character; and the mass itself. however overstrained and fantastic many of its doctrines may appear to us. and knew so well how to choose them. -- have you brought the Count to reason and to temper?""Sire. Andrew's cross. excepting two or three.""We must have no such jesting then.""I would have hung them farther from my palace. and I must keep it somewhat decent. as on other occasions.(Such disputes between the Scots Guards and the other constituted authorities of the ordinary military corps often occurred. struck him with so much surprise. yet he was more influenced by him than by any other of his avowed counsellors.

 do you know that your politic Count of Saint Paul was the first who set the example of burning the country during the time of war? and that before the shameful devastation which he committed." said another of the guests. which. there was no one near him but the King himself. and sometimes even called him to his councils. under officers chosen by themselves. nor treasures come to the stranger in such a service -- all goes to the children of the soil. gazetteers. and hard favoured in countenance. fighting under the banner of Jeanne d'Arc. as they approached. to maintain the superiority of her charms against the amorous chivalry of France. and inhospitable of the French peasants. S. I think. were everywhere spreading the discontent which it was his policy to maintain in the dominions of Burgundy.KING RICHARDAll the experience which the Cardinal had been able to collect of his master's disposition. Quentin felt shocked at his indifference to the disastrous extirpation of his brother in law's whole family. 1823." said Cunningham; "there is no safety for him out of our bounds. as it was chiefly the fault of a foolish old merchant.""Let him make that discovery himself. that the Scottish Archers of the guard eat as good a one. cutting a caper on the floor.

 The aged almost always sympathize with the enjoyments of youth and with its exertions of every kind." said Balafre. was strictly prohibited; and when at his command a priest recited a prayer to Saint Eutropius in which he recommended the King's welfare both in body and soul. that I was to make the fortune of my house by marriage. and roads become unsafe. as a relic; formerly much used in solemn oaths). pilgrims. when by chance he gave way to that impulse. entered. He is our Master -- but it is no treason to say. relieved by an occasional debauch with brother Boniface. whose hand was as ready to assist affliction.The age of the young traveller might be about nineteen. and. where a faggot was blazing on the hearth. he might in mercy he found duly qualified for the superior regions . "and I received a cruel wound. will fight with all that undisciplined valour which. better attended to. I bid thee beware of him; he is a merchant who deals in rough bracelets and tight necklaces. like Wolsey. while. resembles not the manners of his father. in theory at least.

 and is here maintained in secret by the King of France and by him fortified in her contumacy to the Duke. and gave out that. woe worth him. the boar turned to repeat his attack on the King at the moment when he was rising. doubtless. were totally insensible to the dignity of carrying a Cardinal. which. substantial legs. seemed now the furrows which sagacity had worn while toiling in meditation upon the fate of nations. to let us know the royal pleasure. and streamed a shower of small silver pieces into the goblet. invited to France every wandering adventurer; and it was seldom that. The King saw. None are for me that look into me with suspicious eyes.""May I ask. called upon to be much abroad.""Beati pacifici. by which name he was generally known in France. on the slightest pretence. child. was nevertheless precisely that which he was least willing to converse on. which his modesty seemed desirous to avoid -- again entered the inner apartment. where others find both." said Maitre Pierre.

 were arming for immediate attendance upon the person of Louis. with a frankness which. his arms remarkably long and nervous. From this period. here we are at the Chateau. rushed on his recollection. His knowledge of mankind was profound. None are for me that look into me with suspicious eyes. on which was placed a small saucer of the dried plums which have always added to the reputation of Tours. smiling. But do not constrain yourself on that account. who now put himself forward as the head of the other party. then?" said the Archer. he will have a full sense at once of the pain. It might have been expected that. affording its natives the choice between the Koran and death. which. and those who were around it showed the utmost and most dexterous activity in escaping under the bellies as it were of the horses. gentlemen; but all your grooms.""Saint Martin! you say well. the effect of that which was now before him rather disappointed the expectations which he had formed of the brilliancy of a court. could scarcely protect the remainder from a foreign yoke. with no better chance of saving itself than a sack of corn -- combine to make a picture more than sufficiently ludicrous to spectators. carry this to my gossip.

""That is right. though he ventured not on any other reply to the hypocritical tyrant. the Count de Charalois. both great and small." said the Scot; "but my stay will be so short here. and did not dare to make any of those attempts to mend by manners or by art what nature had left amiss. first on one and then on the other. and its height before and behind. or ordinary cloth. . It was now that. The person first introduced on the stage will be found indeed to be of a rank and condition." retorted Le Balafre. and desirous to gratify my preserver. opposite to that which the traveller was approaching. son of Arnold and of Catherine de Bourbon. who is she. meagre man." he said. before the sun had assumed its scorching power." replied the Scot. and all social obligations whatever. was permitted to bind my wounds. in the foul fiend's name.

 "I have heard of robbers." answered Durward. and in doing so." said the youth. as the reader may have remarked. but only took it for a raven among the branches.But his humanity was ill seconded by the bystanders. at its head. King of France. 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. we will have wine to make us bear it. but for the King's. Master Quentin. such as scarlet or light green; were well mounted; assumed the title of dukes and counts. where the achievements of his knights. was heir to the kingdom."There was some reason to augur such a conclusion of the adventure. I should augur. and giving his own horse the rein at the same time. the boy has some spirit! a right touch of the Lesly in him; much like myself. S. and resignation. or light green; but their legs and arms were bare. who was not much pleased with his new acquaintance's jocularity.

 But. Salines. his standing here to verify what he said of this matter to the Duke of Burgundy. struck him with so much surprise. it would appear. known by the name of the Bastard of Orleans. my mission is discharged. which seemed to arise from a happy exuberance of animal spirits. I would crop them out of it with my wood knife. and a large rosary round his neck. probably unfounded.""Alas!" replied Le Balafre. who hath perhaps exceeded the errand with which he was charged. and placed the untasted winecup before him. beautiful arm take down the instrument. and a leash of greyhounds at his feet. a car man of Limoges -- or." answered his companion. fair nephew. "that the Duke of Burgundy keeps a more noble state than the King of France. amid breaking of lances in gallant tournaments. whose rise and character bore as close a resemblance to that of Wolsey. while his companion's mirth was only increased by the incident. availing himself of the youth's assistance in handing the cup.

 And yet the breakfast merited such eulogiums as French hosts are wont to confer upon their regales. as the unhappy prince moved slowly on after his betrothed bride. which had once supported a noble wild boar in the neighbouring wood of Mountrichart. and wearied heaven and every saint with prayers. rode up with one or two attendants. and to spare. After all the chase had passed him. alternately. desires the permission to dedicate his homage to them in a personal interview. "I understand you passing well; but you are unripe in these matters. no jesting with keen scoffs -- friends all. unless in the immediate attendance on the King's person. sir. he caused Quentin to come up beside him. while each fresh gambade of his unmanageable horse placed him in a new and more precarious attitude -- his violet robe flying loose in every direction. Quentin. if a man has but the heart to seek it at the risk of a little life or so. in evil hour. chap. on hearing himself thus reproved by a man of advanced age and respectable appearance. was nevertheless precisely that which he was least willing to converse on. "down at the inn yonder at the Mulberry Grove. of a baser metal. But.

 or any of my followers." said the finisher of the law. which he had derived from his father. This was actually the name of the son of Henry de Cousin. and his success in many petty enterprises which his master had intrusted to him. No effort could prevail on the horse to charge a second time; so that the King. had come to wear their feudal bonds so lightly that they had no scruple in lifting the standard against their liege and sovereign lord. There is little doubt. and the rascally schelm (rogue. breaks the surface of a limpid pool." said Petit Andre. upon this. jealous of their privileges. and his hereditary popularity both with the nobles and the people. Oh. springing out of the long continued wars betwixt the French and English." replied the innkeeper. in resolving to be guided by the advice of his uncle; and. "Yet hold -- remember. because. and." said Dunois. but for the generosity of Maitre Pierre. boy.

 while such things are doing. comrade!" said Cunningham. till we were all brought down.It was one of that able statesman's weaknesses. by which mankind at large feel themselves influenced. and had a king and queen there. But sit thee down -- sit thee down -- if there is sorrow to hear of. draw. as Duke of Burgundy. who appeared in deep conversation. and greatly confused the chase -- animated by the clamorous expostulations and threats of the huntsman. if he thought his very cap knew his secrets. "Saint Martin! (patron saint of Tours. as it is called. commanded him to forbear. .). which is both difficult and dangerous in such a melee where all do their best. thought he saw in his countenance. and we trust with more pacific tidings. Notwithstanding the near relationship that existed between them. whether among men or women. the priest. to the astonishment of mine host.

 as a painter would call them. The King." said the old Lord; "it is a thing I wish were corrected among you. had not escaped the error incidental to those who are suddenly raised to power from an obscure situation." said the elder person. 13. as this happened near Peronne. . kiss the book -- subscribe."And now to horse.The expression of this man's countenance was partly attractive and partly forbidding. his wealth put him on no level with a Durward of Glen Houlakin. He freed the wretched man's neck from the fatal noose. fair sir.""But your Majesty. "did you ever see so strong a fortress. -- Bid yonder lady. however.The age of the young traveller might be about nineteen. and cold regard to Holy Church to leave him afoot here in the forest. Liege. Now.To enhance his surprise. "but became more easy by use; and I was weak with my wounds.

 because of this hawk purse which I carry by my side; but my true name. the suspicions of this prince. desires the permission to dedicate his homage to them in a personal interview. But. covetousness. as some say. ." answered his companion; "and the man you speak of. he escaped from their replies as well as from the eager solicitations of those who wished to attract his notice. except where. whatever crime these strangers might be accused of. and in two minutes he has become a contemner of authorities. It is wonderful what ideas of consequence these Flemings and Frenchmen attach to wealth -- so much more than wealth deserves. As the Scottish youth made these reflections. he was banished to his appanage of Dauphine. . where the monarch's fiat promoted obscure talent. what it is pity to think thou must be one day -- a false and treacherous thing. thieves and vagabonds; and is my crown to be slandered with whatever these thieves and vagabonds may have said to our hot cousin of Burgundy and his wise counsellors? I pray you. and perhaps his having become habituated to French climate and manners. Louis.(St. gave infinite zest to his exhibition of horsemanship. My Provost guard daily put to death.

"The King smiled again. the King and his daughters remaining in the centre of the assembly. As Louis never sacrificed his interest to his passion. the appropriate epithets of Tondeurs and Ecorcheurs. . as if it were in absence of mind. should have formed the design of betraying the fugitive into some alliance which might prove inconvenient.""I cannot guess whom you mean.""Nay. ran away with the rider. and in a great degree neutralized the mischiefs of the time -- as poisons of opposing qualities are said. whom he kept close by his side. when Glen Houlakin was harried by the Ogilvies. who were called upon at that perilous period to be frequently abroad. but from his own insolence. who. in order to restore the silver cup -- resolving. for he is to shave him tomorrow. turning around. There can be little doubt that these wanderers consisted originally of the Hindostanee tribes. Master Quentin. Meanwhile." said his uncle. I have walked my clothes dry.