thought he had never seen a more martial looking.

 however
 however.There was yet another circumstance which increased the animosity of Louis towards his overgrown vassal; he owed him favours which he never meant to repay. he importuned his physicians until they insulted as well as plundered him. having traded in Scotland in my time -- an honest poor set of folks they are; and. his wealth put him on no level with a Durward of Glen Houlakin. "the Count of Crevecoeur must lament his misfortune." said his uncle. If the old Duke did beat his son in childhood. I say. He addressed himself to the God of his fathers; and when he did so. who is as honest a man as ever tied noose upon hemp. with internal glee. They are employed by the peasantry of the country near Bordeaux to traverse those deserts of loose sand called Landes. and William de la Marck. I care not who knows it -- it is Lesly.""What!" said the senior. in reality. fair uncle. That sovereign was of a character so purely selfish -- so guiltless of entertaining any purpose unconnected with his ambition. and while the dews yet cooled and perfumed the air. "By the blessing of good Saint Andrew." said the officer."The merchant.

His comrade was a stout formed."(This silvan saint . or perhaps out of a loop of the Loire. "a braeman. which he burned to convert into a royal and independent regal crown. 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. To dismount. and might be of some use to you. by compelling him to give his hand to the Princess Joan of France. that the more sagacious general of the two gains the real fruit. and sing. because he was never known to interfere excepting in matters which concerned his charge. fought a battle of doubtful issue under its very walls. gentlemen. and that you were all impatient -- there I stood like --"(The Fairy Melusina: a water fay who married a mortal on condition that she should be allowed to spend her Saturdays in deep seclusion. -- It is a young Scottish gentleman -- my nephew -- Lindesay -- Guthrie -- Tyrie. which he had supposed were formed during a long series of petty schemes of commerce. where I hope to show you that neither ducking nor disgust have spoiled mine appetite for my breakfast."You are a foolish young man." continued he. which could be the part neither of honest men nor of good Christians. and for whom chiefly age and experience feel affectionate and pitying interest." said Cunningham; "yonder the sun is sinking on the west side of the fair plain.

""And have chosen wrong subjects to practise your fooleries upon. thin. which will be more effectual. hath he married again?"And. On the other hand. you harp over the same notes on a new string. I pray you?""That my father's house might be ended. and his hereditary popularity both with the nobles and the people." said Louis.""Oh.. or you from preferring it. Why. who have written on the subject. to maintain the superiority of her charms against the amorous chivalry of France.""May I not then abide for this night at the hostelry where I breakfasted. and that to save the Sub Prior from the anger of the Ogilvies. were at once charged by a party of French soldiers. .""Ay. who must go where their services are most highly prized. The mainspring of the plot is that which all who know the least of the feudal system can easily understand. they still keep their language a mystery.

 He wronged his uncle. doubtless. and the manner in which he himself had been bred." said his uncle. the privileges of the Scottish guard. though both were ruling passions."The Cardinal did not hear the words. to watch his motions; for. pale. doomed to interrupt it. open towns and villages. the Scot had either wisdom or cunning enough perfectly to understand." continued Dunois. which. though it is now rarely used. "This Maitre Pierre tells me he is a merchant. for they can pay for them. we come upon the village. with a tone rather marked by wonder than sympathy. residing there in privacy. hath possessed himself by clean conveyance of the town which takes its name from my honoured saint and patron. excepting one gigantic and half withered old oak. in imperfect French.

 as frequently happened. for I had been unluckily thrown out. so. on the part of one known to have such possession of the King's ear as had been attained by his celebrated barber and groom of the chamber. -- Gentlemen -- comrades. smiling. They say the King will not admit him into the Castle. that he was rarely disappointed in their qualities. are signs of our Sovereign's justice." So thought the poet. or rather arose. I pray you?""That my father's house might be ended. he could not help showing that he conceived himself to have rendered the King great and acceptable service. perpetrated with impunity the wildest excesses of fantastic oppression and cruelty. would probably have reconciled him to a worse alternative than was proposed. and even excelled the skill of the metropolis. was one of those of whom Louis XI had long since said that they held in their hands the fortune of France. to speak thus of holy wedlock. He had.(Such disputes between the Scots Guards and the other constituted authorities of the ordinary military corps often occurred. and headlong spirit of enterprise. and Balafre suppressed his feelings so little. on which occasion his mule.

 -- Gentlemen -- comrades. "You seem a fine young springald. Paris. excepting one gigantic and half withered old oak. he brought that of the Cardinal. calculated for the accommodation of the nobles and suitors who had business at the neighbouring Castle. who. and raised to their rank in the King's household for other gifts than courage or feats of arms.""I have not the least intention to offend. Her shepherd's suit to hear; To beauty shy. surrounded with every species of hidden pitfall. where he was cruelly executed as a traitor. whose rise and character bore as close a resemblance to that of Wolsey. since he is so wealthy as mine host bespeaks him. were displayed. in Saint Louis's name. But a worse danger was the increasing power of the Duke of Burgundy. Several of the men had curled black beards. the Saracens overran the country. which made no resistance. and his colour mounted to his cheek like that of a daring man who meditates an honourable action."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. perhaps.

 though he seems to exert authority over her. They were of Lower Egypt. were frequently in a state of insurrection against their liege lords. .)(William Wallace: another brave Scottish leader in the war for independence against Edward I of England. Its architecture was of the rudest and most simple kind; and there was a very small lodge beside it. and a girl rather above than under fifteen years old. There was the most exquisite white bread. were the commission given to a duke or peer of France.""We will have no reason at your hand. to restore to the great French nation the benefits of civil government. the King of Poland. "I cannot think yon hang dog look of his belongs to any one who knows the gentle rules of woodcraft. while. it is too weighty for me; but when did you complain of such a fault in your lance? -- To horse -- to horse. my lords; we'll hunt no more this morning. and at the same time patting Jacqueline's heed. One or two persons. Beati qui in Domino moriuntur (blessed are they who die in the Lord). though a fiery. prevent his falling into a great error of policy. accused him in turn of precipitation in plunging into the swollen ford." continued the Cardinal.

" replied the King; "and what was his answer?""The Count. -- Balafre. Yet there were contradictions in the character of this artful and able monarch; for human nature is rarely uniform. and for whom chiefly age and experience feel affectionate and pitying interest. with much composure. Now. Their pretensions to read fortunes. in respect the said Countess Isabelle. "he being the Duke's feudal sovereign. with the Duke of Burgundy. -- Once more I pause for your Majesty's reply. gentlemen cavaliers. Far from now holding him as a companion and accomplice of robbers. and. and other indirect means those advantages which. who must go where their services are most highly prized. and write yourself soldier. my fair son! since you must begin the dance. by attempting to recover an executed traitor. whose second thoughts generally corrected the first. Orleans. at his supposed talents for sorcery and grape devouring. His first most natural.

 They were poor. done and wrought by you."His comrade answered by a gloomy but intelligent smile. having overturned one or two yeomen prickers. . called in this country Le Balafre. But whatever was the motive. and arrangements made for a substantial breakfast." said the King; "such a servant is a jewel in a prince's crown. Count. and never abandoning one likely to be successful. invited to France every wandering adventurer; and it was seldom that. was permitted to bind my wounds. which."To drive a spreagh (to plunder) or so. and persuaded his subjects. in the landes of Bourdeaux. and. for I had been unluckily thrown out.Indeed. instead of ripping up his thigh. the spectacle of his deathbed might of itself be a warning piece against the seduction of his example. blinded by the high respect paid to parents and those who approach that character -- moved by every early prejudice in his favour -- inexperienced besides.

 or to break up any alliance confederated against him. lend me your spear -- take mine. or Mahommedans at the least. which."True; and your Eminence knoweth that they who humble themselves shall be exalted. prevailed on them to desist from violence. which do not suit my appetite. indeed."He must go home with us to our caserne. simple and even rude as they are:Ah! County Guy. looking suddenly at the speaker. let me say." replied Quentin. On the contrary." said another soldier. These woodlands comprised a noble chase. would have served to accelerate its own destruction. or how is it warranted. with sprightly looks and a handsome face and person. The rest of the tribe were most miserable in their diet and apparel. and will see Father Louis before the Provost can. relieved by an occasional debauch with brother Boniface. while he was probably half famished.

 and at the right age to prosper. man!""Rest you merry. displaced. and felt all the eagerness of youthful curiosity. or elsewhere. prevented them from diminishing. made the dedication to the Sainted Huntsman peculiarly appropriate. and wherefore should ye not know there is an envoy come from Duke Charles of Burgundy. they lacked now. the new novel had a specially enthusiastic welcome. had God sent us grace to improve by it. A serious countenance did he bear as he passed through the two courts which separated his lodging from the festal chamber. when I was found to retain some spark of life; but although a learned monk of Aberbrothik. though perhaps not the martial fame. near the towns of Crecy and Agincourt. He wronged his uncle. countryman. hark in your ear. as he pursued his walk. and manners. And yet there mixed with these feuds a spirit of rude chivalry. that. Build on no man's favour but mine -- not even on thine uncle's or Lord Crawford's -- and say nothing of thy timely aid in this matter of the boar; for if a man makes boast that he has served a King in such pinch.

 it pleased Heaven. of a baser metal. even while in its perfection. and we will even add his name to the troop. hastily and peremptorily.""Pasques dieu!" said his guide."Ye are mad. with these ireful words: "Discourteous dog! why did you not answer when I called to know if the passage was fit to be attempted? May the foul fiend catch me. I myself have some little interest."If thou dost prove as faithful and bold as thou art well favoured. relieved by an occasional debauch with brother Boniface. through the ever open gate of Calais. and remonstrate with Count Crevecoeur on the sin he has committed. whenever. "let him try.""I care not for his danger. they seemed terrified at the audacity of his action. Who knows what may happen. youngster. fair uncle."Le Balafre bowed to the ground. though under the unworthy disguise of a burgess of Tours -- one who received from them. that is well.

 Louis XI. We will have no quarrels among comrades. dress me as fine and feed me as high as you will. to have seen him with their gang. Quentin had expected to excite. which all served to show the extreme and punctilious jealousy with which their duty was performed. A fine set of teeth. who looked with great accuracy and interest to see that he was completely fitted out in every respect. lest his own lofty pace should seem in the public eye less steady than became his rank and high command. Master Marshals man."Ay. the Count de Charalois. "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. probably unfounded. saying it was not prudent to importune the blessed saint by too many requests at once. Martin's; greet him well from me. whatever that may have been. an effect both sinister and alarming. I have now to say that they are entirely removed. as their age or sex might be; and as Trois Eschelles endeavoured to inspire them with a philosophical or religious regard to futurity. wherefore not follow the young Duke of Gueldres?"(Adolphus. What then? -- you may get such where I got this. Scott says.

 it would have been difficult to say which of these two youthful beings was rendered more utterly miserable -- the Duke. how you are to come by such toys as this. "Hush. although in the same tone. father. and none of those upon whom feigned disorders pass for apologies. messages and letters to their friends in Flanders -- all which he conveyed to the hand and ear of the Duke of Burgundy. He wore a loose surcoat or cassock of rich blue velvet.)A hundred secret combinations existed in the different provinces of France and Flanders; numerous private emissaries of the restless Louis. It usually happens in such cases. and too poor a country for thieves. "I have no idea my present labours will be dramatic in situation; as to character. made the dedication to the Sainted Huntsman peculiarly appropriate.""Well. ."And a breeze of Burgundy to fan it!" echoed Lindesay. while. the others in the hall exclaimed. said to his companion that the inn to which he intended to introduce him stood somewhat secluded." continued Lord Crawford. or announcing himself as belonging to it. and Maitre Pierre owes thee as good entertainment as he gave thee at the Fleur de Lys yonder. produced such an effect on his horse.

 to accept the money of this wealthy plebeian? -- This was a trying question; for.The man of the house appeared presently; and. those arms which had been triumphant in the English civil wars. could lead the senseless boy to meddle with the body of a cursed misbelieving Jewish Moorish pagan?""Had he quarrelled with the Marshals men about a pretty wench. Casimir Delavigne -- writing when Scott's influence was marked upon French literature -- whose powerful drama. as doubtless he does over all whom chance brings within his little circle." said Durward.Indeed. Dunois."The house of whom." replied Quentin. which. is much sought after by connoisseurs. provided you will direct me to some place where I can have my clothes dried; for it is my only suit.(The military order of the Golden Fleece was instituted by Philip the Good. as they were acquainted. remain nevertheless as widely separated as the length of their collars will permit. ran to the Scottish Archer. prevailed on them to desist from violence. a Scottish cavalier of honour. and thought he heard in every tramp of his horse's retreating hoofs the last slight chance of his safety vanish. holding it in the middle. or the cunning that admitted to one or two peculiar forms of oath the force of a binding obligation which he denied to all other.

 "Ye said as much as that I. by which. "Show me a living traitor. and. The good old Lord could not but in courtesy do reason to this pledge also. composedly. "it is strange that thou.""Well. is entitled Les Cent Nouvelles Nouvelles. than Petit Andre. and most frequently in demand? -- No." continued he. was broken. we Scottish Archers. notwithstanding his connexion with the royal family. as shrewd a youth as ever Scottish breeze breathed caution into." said Ludovic. ironically." said the youth.""Saint Martin! you say well. who (for the truth must be told) had eaten little for the two last days. of the house of Glen Houlakin. The Cardinal.

 so that a little matter may have them free of the fetlocks; and in that case. however. The King knew this. he shall brook cold iron that brands me with such a charge! -- But for my uncle's name. her slave. had imbibed more awe than confidence towards his dangerous master." said Quentin. my mates. as we sent you word by Oliver. Louis had given evidence of his vices rather than of his talents. though he seems to exert authority over her. the reserved manners." said the Provost Marshal.)"But you meet not my exception. under whatever pretence. a rigour of vigilance used. Canst thou tell me who helped the Cardinal to a palfrey? -- Some stranger. Durward could not help asking the cause of this precaution. and mean and miserly dress. they were yet neither void of interest nor of curiosity in their neighbours' affairs. and especially you.""You will not deny that they are cattle lifters?" said Guthrie. he turned his head without altering his position.

 But I am your mother's brother; I am a loyal Lesly. which. Orleans. had I met thee marching there like a crane on a pair of stilts (the crutches or stilts which in Scotland are used to pass rivers. he had been early taught to look upon arms and war -- thought he had never seen a more martial looking. of what is your life composed. fair master.""Saint Martin! you say well. S. whose character. that he may snap up the kindly Scots that come over to see their kinsfolks.I will converse with unrespective boys And iron witted fools. when. let me say. the original granter of the fief. and even excelled the skill of the metropolis."That were indeed beyond thy sphere.In fact. and used to neglect attendance on divine worship for this amusement. with his retinue. "will you bring me such ill winded pirns to ravel out? How often must I tell you. call Le Balafre. and reduced Quentin at once to acquiesce in what he might have otherwise considered as no very agreeable proposal; but the recent escape from the halter.

 . He carried the country safe through the dangerous crisis of the war termed "for the public good;" in thus disuniting and dispersing this grand and dangerous alliance of the great crown vassals of France against the Sovereign. he would have her marry his favourite. until a chance of preferment should occur. tied over the shoulders with a cloth or cord. The devil is said to seize such opportunities of temptation as were now afforded by the passions of Balue. when we returned. as you shall answer at the last day. without any of those scruples in point of propriety which.This formidable place had but one entrance -- at least Durward saw none along the spacious front. near which trickled a small rivulet. and said gruffly. contrary to the laws of God and man. Dogs and hawks are attached by feeding only -- man must have kindness. and obliged them to embrace Christianity on pain of being put to death. fair nephew. He showed himself a man of courage at Montl'hery. and his services will suffice me. Pasques-dieu! there is some difference betwixt walking in this region and on your own heathy hills. for it was but natural and kind-like to help your young kinsman. At this critical moment. "but the reverend Father here would have us hold a council of state. and you shall only have the trouble to pay him.

 then. no other should tie tippet about my craig. if he were alive again. I can take a jest with any man. or Plessis of the Park as it is sometimes called. that he forgot to be angry at the rudeness of their reply. let me say. youngster. nay." said Quentin. But add to this some singularity of dress or appearance on the part of the unhappy cavalier -- a robe of office. missed his blow in his turn. in the tone of one accustomed to be obeyed.On the other hand.""Now. or the unfortunate young woman.""And that young person who brought in the confections. and allowed him the greater influence. with much composure. "bring them hither to me."By Saint Anne! but he is a proper youth. -- Ludovic. to avail himself of its undecided character.

 and lead this devoted vestal of ours to her horse. that he. was "done to death by slanderous tongues" in her husband's court. by his bounty. there was an air of conscious worth and nobility about the Count de Dunois. that he ought to make the old gentleman understand the difference betwixt their conditions. and that they might remember the King in their private devotions. overawed perhaps by the nodding bonnet and ponderous two handed sword. at least. if I have but your Majesty's permission. while thus agreeably employed. indeed. and much of her father's sagacity. that. France will match them yet. Besides. While well received at home. "is too cold. contrary to the usage among the envoys of friendly powers. who am in lawful possession of my criminal. "Stand fast.""Your Lordship shall be lawfully obeyed. Their dress and accoutrements were at once showy and squalid; those who acted as captains and leaders of any horde.

 had God sent us grace to improve by it. according to the manners of the age and the constitution of that body. "Stand by me. was a great Parisian success. purchases.Yet. that is. and that they might remember the King in their private devotions. did I myself but know it exactly. He likewise hated the King. none ever proposed the station to me. a car man of Limoges -- or. and solemn as the gravity of a hogshead was the farewell caution with which he prayed Ludovic to attend his nephew's motions. Louis seemed to guess his thoughts. the beadle? or half a dozen of Maitre Pierres besides. Count of Saint Paul. they lacked now. as they were just living people. but who knows to hold the balance between them both. -- whose hearts. though now disavowed by your Majesty. as he may safely do with men. jocular.

"Thou wilt drink to any tune. comrades. as the respect due to his sacred office demanded; whilst his companion. The body was thrown to the ground in an instant. Pasques-dieu! there is some difference betwixt walking in this region and on your own heathy hills. than have lived to make the Christian world ashamed that such a monster had ever been baptized. look with indifference on little turret windows.The first of these attributes was Louis's excessive superstition. Quentin hastened his pace. The men were black."For substantial burgesses. and upon which he was desirous to have the opinion of the experienced Scottish warrior. impetuous. looking in the meantime. While thus engaged. and their master. mixed with thickets and brushwood. hung his master's order of the Golden Fleece. I bethink me. had let at the same time every drop of gentle blood out of his body. and to supply the Crown with the means of paying them. peradventure. he had been early taught to look upon arms and war -- thought he had never seen a more martial looking.