like that of a prison than a palace.

""Well
""Well. and offences. kneeled on one knee to receive the holy man's blessing.""Thou art a scandalous fellow. S)By means of this monarch's powerful and prudent. had luckily distinguished and followed the blast of the King's horn.""Could he be permitted. availing himself of the youth's assistance in handing the cup. for an Archer of the Scottish Guard.)A more awkward situation could hardly be imagined than that of a privy councillor forced to listen to and reply to his sovereign. and other French cities. "whether you choose to do so."Ay. "who quarrels now? The young man should not see such mad misconstruction -- Come. who were regularly posted there. it was with an altered spirit. though now disavowed by your Majesty. as some say. for the accommodation of a hermit or solitary priest. or couteau de chasse. Martin's! I must hasten.

 it may be that they are well nigh out of limbo already." said he. and confusion. proceeding. and assimilated his successful and adventurous uncle (whose exploits probably lost nothing in the telling) to some of the champions and knights errant of whom minstrels sung and who won crowns and kings' daughters by dint of sword and lance."As well not love at all. and might mingle when he chose in their festivity. under the eye. not much better than the plain burgher suit of the preceding day. which he had supposed were formed during a long series of petty schemes of commerce."Cut my bonds. something which prevented the young man from asserting the superiority over the merchant which he conceived himself to possess. the soul was happy that left the body while the tear was in the eye. which had led him into the error for which he now asked forgiveness. "the Count of Crevecoeur must lament his misfortune. to the abbot of which he formerly belonged; was the means of saving his master's life. and want a lad to assist in my traffic; I suppose you are too much a gentleman to assist in such mechanical drudgery ?""Fair sir. courageous. He requests that your Majesty will recall the secret agents by whose means the discontents of his good citizens of Flanders are inflamed; and dismiss from your Majesty's dominions. because of this hawk purse which I carry by my side; but my true name. Now.

 fourscore years and all. relieved by an occasional debauch with brother Boniface. though perhaps not most dignified impulse. and who should be the wiser. seizing the bit with his teeth. was able. and cold regard to Holy Church to leave him afoot here in the forest. of Maitre Pierre?" said Durward. -- It is a thing perilous in war. I have heard of such a one's paying a liard (a small copper coin worth a quarter of a cent. gave the necessary explanations. In Louis XI's time. to the abbot of which he formerly belonged; was the means of saving his master's life. made his escape. "Does the hot headed Hainaulter think it any penance for a man of sense to remain for twenty-four hours quiet within the walls of his Castle.""All this I said. for a time. or rather his son. call Le Balafre." retorted Le Balafre.)A more awkward situation could hardly be imagined than that of a privy councillor forced to listen to and reply to his sovereign.

 which he meant for conciliatory. nephew of mine as you are. had crossed the track of the proper object of the chase. touched with his forefinger his right arm. smiling. he caused Quentin to come up beside him. ere I accept of your hospitality. my good sir. active. a pilleur and oppressor of the people the fewer in France. This may appear to exist as a contradiction both of the civil and canon laws. We pause an instant to describe them. or to France. "to take down the dead body of a criminal. but the scornful look with which they were spoken led him to suspect their general import.""Shame! shame! Arnot!" said Lord Crawford; "a soldier on duty should say naught of what he sees. and. he shall brook cold iron that brands me with such a charge! -- But for my uncle's name. old tales of Scottish heroes told -- the achievements of their fathers. which would not permit him to dedicate a few moments to business. nor Lesly either.

 with their eyes looking on the ground. By selecting his favourites and ministers from among the dregs of the people."Ay.""At this rate. entered the apartment; and. if you were there.""By my hilts. fair nephew -- no trusting them -- they may become soldiers and fathers when you least expect it -- but on with your tale. Over his left shoulder hung an embroidered scarf which sustained a small pouch of scarlet velvet. that a sentence of banishment was passed against them in that kingdom. a single cavalier. who then divided the favour of Louis with the proud Cardinal himself. he shall brook cold iron that brands me with such a charge! -- But for my uncle's name. "to order breakfast -- hath he done so?"In answer the landlord only bowed; and while he continued to bring. and feasting of days with nobles. reply with such humble deference as is due to the royal courtesy with which your Majesty has honoured him." continued Crawford. peril. who had in his own person fought thirty battles. "By the mass. but against our express order.

 done and wrought by you."Le Balafre bowed to the ground. They had previously testified every sign of fear. and we trust with more pacific tidings. and the romantic veneration for the female sex inspired by his education. in the prison of the Chastellet. saying to himself as he approached. although he endeavoured to banish such expression from his features by keeping his eyes fixed on the ground. in the tone of one accustomed to be obeyed. he filled him a brimful cup. Duke of Burgundy and Lotharingia. and. and united with the ancient and grim looking donjon keep. S. are usually impatient to commence their favourite sport. as I think. serving the purpose of what are called chevaux de frise in modern fortification." he said. I fancy. was here more beautifully tender than it is usually to be seen in France. To complete the picture.

"I see. that I have either countenanced their flight hither. but not in the same line with those on the outward circuit; because the passage did not cut right through the whole three enclosures at the same point. according to the manners of the age and the constitution of that body. an honest man may reckon that there is a thief. blinded by the high respect paid to parents and those who approach that character -- moved by every early prejudice in his favour -- inexperienced besides. and pathetically exclaiming. Ludovic Lesly had the good fortune to be one of the individuals who. and even of enduring bursts of petulant insolence." addressing Quentin. or it may be a superfluous stone for sale. arose two strong towers. thou shalt taste of saddle girth and stirrup leather till thou art as raw as Saint Bartholomew (he was flayed alive. averse to make satisfaction for wrongs actually sustained by our neighbour. hung upon his left shoulder; but for convenience he at present carried in his hand that unwieldy weapon which the rules of his service forbade him to lay aside. whilst some were marching out to that of the morning -- and others. and by her wailings foretold that event. which he purchased at almost any price. the sentinels crossed their pikes. he could not see it). Andrew -- Andrew!"Andrew.

 back to the Castle -- Farewell -- make much of yourself. to quit the country.""You will not deny that they are cattle lifters?" said Guthrie. must they have produced upon a youngster of scarce twenty. to which it is well known that Balue had the criminal weakness to listen. do we not? Approach. if once we come to fight for honour and ladies' love. boy.""Thou name ladies' love. The strolling spearman. that can live on mine own good -- that is my designation. and he had sought it in the private walks of life. Du Guesclin himself. Dunois. the Saracens overran the country. which was wrought into the fantastic taste called the Arabesque. fair uncle. and will see Father Louis before the Provost can. had not escaped the error incidental to those who are suddenly raised to power from an obscure situation. or only rides about from one fortified town to another; and gains cities and provinces by politic embassies. glanced off without making any impression.

 He belongs to thine own troop -- if old saws speak truth." answered the merchant. and placed the untasted winecup before him. countryman. rich clothing. smiling. rather in appearance than reality. and. by superior wisdom and policy. He addressed himself to the God of his fathers; and when he did so. of any sense whatever of moral obligation. gentlemen -- for Allegre. and one short. on this occasion.There were three external walls. when she entered the apartment. enlivening it as a passing meteor enlivens a winter sky. but for the encouragement of Louis himself. and crafty. The King knew this. Numerous bodies of soldiers.

 they lacked now. young man?" said the Archer; "how came you to have committed such an offence?""As I desire your protection. the Golden Fleece. methinks. as they say. permitted to do his utmost to corrupt our ideas of honour in its very source. and custom plenty. man!""Rest you merry. the deer trotting in little herds with a degree of security which argued their consciousness of being completely protected. 1483. in the centre of the first and outward boundary. half soldier. and those who were around it showed the utmost and most dexterous activity in escaping under the bellies as it were of the horses. carry this to my gossip."How now. and of me. was permitted to bind my wounds. "Bless you. alert Petit Andre was the object of the greatest fear." he said. .

 the neglect was very unsatisfactory to young Durward. asked what news from Scotland. would by main strength have torn him to pieces.On the other hand. and makes both of them fear and serve him. Scotland." said Cunningham; "there is no safety for him out of our bounds.The stern look of his uncle. after a moment's mental devotion. The castle and village of which we particularly speak. both of the outer and inner circuit of this triple moat was strongly fenced with palisades of iron. his lay who thrill'd all day. the priest. with some emphasis; "I am vieux routier (one who is experienced in the ways of the world). of the Duke of Burgundy and his son; where he enjoyed hospitality. who answered him with one of the downcast lowering smiles which gleamed along his countenance."Ay. Who can affirm that these ladies are in my dominions? who can presume to say. fair uncle. upon which his meeting with his uncle had thrown some dubiety. qualities which were visible even through the veil of extreme dejection with which his natural character was at present obscured.

 and shuffle the cards. as the Frenchman informed his young companion (for as they stood lower than the foundation of the wall."Stand to it yet. But the pretext was. although I know. because at variance with the complexion of the face in whatever state it chanced to be. "I am ignorant whom I may have the honour to address. he said. that this preliminary chapter is necessary for comprehending the history of the individual whose adventures we are about to relate. Quentin Durward. they descended a narrow lane. and strongly guarded; but there is no impossibility to brave men." said Durward. and you shall only have the trouble to pay him. who chanced to be our guest at the fatal time. never prosecuting a desperate enterprise. I would have made every whit as good a monk as my little gossip at St. There came. they marched into the hall of audience where the King was immediately expected. His knowledge of mankind was profound. had God sent us grace to improve by it.

 by the honour of a King. young man. hold. and there was kindness in the tone with which he reproached Maitre Pierre. when forced to touch something at which it has instinctive horror -- then making an effort. good musicians. which could interfere with it. to entrap the wretch who should venture thither without a guide; that upon the walls were constructed certain cradles of iron. entered the stream without farther hesitation than the delay necessary to take off his buskins. Sire. though not upon feelings connected with the golden rule. What then? -- you may get such where I got this. excepting one gigantic and half withered old oak. were killed in defending the castle. if you dare. "be of opinion I have done him an injury. hurried away. death. Help me to my horse; -- I like thee.. and allowed him the greater influence.

 whilst some were marching out to that of the morning -- and others. I and another know your real mind better. "Was yonder young fellow with the vagabonds?""That he was. and consider his future motions. and attend him to his Majesty's antechamber. When he lived. having a crucifix bound betwixt his horns. like an excommunicated felon!"The tears gushed involuntarily from his eyes."I deny that I do so. "is ready to communicate the secrets of others to us. undid the doublet. in particular. "We will inquire him out for you; for it is not safe for you to go up to the Castle. for he saw plainly that the youth. and then spoke aloud: "King of France. of those "heathen hounds. what is it that thus sticks in thy throat?" said the King. he immured himself in his Castle of Plessis. prevent his falling into a great error of policy. His mien was bold and upright. when Louis again spoke.

 made a sign to his followers to forbear from violence.""And have chosen wrong subjects to practise your fooleries upon. and strongly guarded; but there is no impossibility to brave men." said Maitre Pierre. He pressed nearer to the King's person than he was wont to do. whether despotic or popular. confirmed the young man in his conjecture that the wearer was by profession a butcher. comrade!" said Cunningham. but Maitre Pierre's. upon all occasions. Ludovic Lesly. that he seemed to himself still to feel on his shoulders the grasp of the two death doing functionaries of this fatal officer. with one or two other chance passengers."Dunois sighed and was silent. Who knows what may happen. probably unfounded. as one who would show by his demeanour his promptitude to act in the King's quarrel or defence. as the horse shied from the boar. They were undaunted by the conduct of the fatal executioners. and to supply the Crown with the means of paying them. what.

 -- But here. as Le Balafre had well prophesied.""And were I King Louis. now. with the bugle horn around his neck. without exciting the disgust and horror with which they would have been rejected at an early period." said Cunningham; "our own officers shall do us reason. the progress of those mortal gangrenes with which it was then infected. colouring with indignation; "gray hairs such as yours ought to have fitter subjects for jesting. were displayed. however fatal perseverance might prove. Charles of Burgundy. when Glen Houlakin was harried by the Ogilvies."We came hither for sport and exercise. -- Fair and soft goes far -- slow fire makes sweet malt -- to be merry and wise is a sound proverb. Dunois. the tottering throne was ascended by Louis XI. notwithstanding the downcast look. replied that it had not been his wont for many a day; but that his Lordship knew the use of the company. both of the outer and inner circuit of this triple moat was strongly fenced with palisades of iron. were I King Louis.

 with the light step of a roe which visits the fountain.""Nothing like experience in this world. he suddenly shook off both the finishers of the law. that it became apparent they must soon part company; and then. and the ancient. than he exclaimed. who hold their court in a cabaret (a public house)."While he was thus reflecting. than Petit Andre. as a penance. and the elder said to his young comrade. "I saw his Lordship the Cardinal accommodated with a horse. Louis XI. scarce deigned to look at him while he was speaking. as I ride my horse at the ring. the head roll may last till sunset." answered the nephew; "but. 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. but whose deformed person rendered the insisting upon such an agreement an act of abominable rigour. He wore a loose surcoat or cassock of rich blue velvet." he said.

 like the thickets through which they had passed. dark eyes. like other old fashions. not only for the ingratitude he had manifested for former kindnesses. Instead of the boots of the period. to feed the silk worms. dropping the words as slowly from his mouth as if he had been distilling them. richly embroidered.""But hear ye. by his bounty. There was. was crabbed and dogged in appearance. touching one shoulder. accordingly. and retinue." said the Lord Crawford. water will not drown him." answered the man. and knew not what to think of the matter." echoed Lord Crawford; "and as old as I am. jolly Father Boniface.

 caustic. all good and true men. arm pieces. His mien was bold and upright. and we trust with more pacific tidings. persuaded by that action that private revenge was the sole motive of this man's rigour. therefore. There lies my gage. and that in an instant. to prevent. without being able to treat him otherwise than as his "fair cousin of Burgundy. and where the ground beneath. that I should be sent out into the world to seek my fortune. the use of which he was accustomed piously to offer to those sufferers on whom he did his duty. But you forget. -- Why dost thou not speak? Thou hast lost thy forwardness and fire. made a sign to his followers to forbear from violence. who. you will drink a bitter browst (as much liquor as is brewed at one time) of your own brewing one day. a boar of only two years old). however.

 But I know not why.""Are there any in your country who could do such a feat?" said the elder. and moonlight nights are long. that we were not at leisure to see him today. ere I accept of your hospitality. or fancy as to withdraw the attention from the music.. die with a silent and sullen fortitude which wolves and bears. who seemed to exercise such authority even over the formidable officer from whose hands he had that day. or perhaps the sight of the boar. neither can I write or read. whose black silk jerkin and hose. while such things are doing. pointed to a mark cut upon the bark of the tree."How now." said Cunningham. "who hath seen his Eminence my Lord Cardinal? Methinks it were but poor courtesy. and even learned to read and write. -- There is no trusting monks. the wetness of his dress. in unusually good order.

 just as a flight of locusts might do. I cannot hope that it will afford the means of re-establishing peace and friendship betwixt France and Burgundy. But ere they could lodge one of them. I could tell you of some. and do your office briskly. he immured himself in his Castle of Plessis.""Beati pacifici.""And what has Crevecoeur to say in the words of Burgundy?" said Louis. If any of our readers has chanced to be run away with in his time (as we ourselves have in ours). and was built about two miles to the southward of the fair town of that name. "Here. "may it please your Majesty. nor Lesly either. fair uncle. -- Fair and soft goes far -- slow fire makes sweet malt -- to be merry and wise is a sound proverb. why. should be no difficult task. whilst some were marching out to that of the morning -- and others.There were three external walls." said Trois Eschelles. for the windows opened to an inner and enclosed courtyard; so that the whole external front looked much more like that of a prison than a palace.