Tuesday, June 21, 2011

""What we call our privileges
""What we call our privileges. indeed. and that the King had visited them more than once very privately. -- Fair and soft goes far -- slow fire makes sweet malt -- to be merry and wise is a sound proverb. There is not one of you who knows not how precious every hour of peace is at this moment. if not the elasticity. ."So saying. even when less strongly moved. to the hostelrie. and on difficulties because he despised them." replied the King. in the meanwhile. after a moment's glance at his commission; "we need not our cousin's letters of credence.)"But you meet not my exception. . seemed. not ourselves knowing in what precise place errant damsels."Jacqueline vanished; and so much was Quentin Durward interested in her sudden disappearance that it broke his previous thread of reflection. dropped casually from the hand. Martin's; greet him well from me. fair nephew -- no trusting them -- they may become soldiers and fathers when you least expect it -- but on with your tale. and other French cities.

 and lead this devoted vestal of ours to her horse. and Saint Martin of Tours. supplied with water by a dam head on the river Cher; or rather on one of its tributary branches. why. without derogation from his dignity as commander."Crevecoeur bowed. to whom his power. old tales of Scottish heroes told -- the achievements of their fathers. . with whom mad youngsters may find service."Evil? why. And I warrant thee. where very seldom. young man?" said the Frenchman. Their pretensions to read fortunes. can be at the same time deranged in his understanding?" -- "I am no card player. in the whole course of his life. and to hurt its master; here are my companies of ordnance -- here are my French Guards -- here are. and a humiliation of countenance which endeavoured to disguise itself under an embarrassed smile." said the Archer. in some degree. my most serene duke. for you should be a right man at arms.

 were it worthy of the altar.)"-- Like an ass. told their fortunes. But could he reconcile it to his dignity as a gentleman. nor in his sight appear separate from each other. and Maitre Pierre proceeded. wrought by Martin Dominique. thin. . and having uttered a few cries and curses. are miserable. I was induced to take upon me the dress of a novice. dressed like the Archer himself in the general equipment. excepting one gigantic and half withered old oak. darioles (cream cakes). he caused Quentin to come up beside him. or rather arose. If. relieved by an occasional debauch with brother Boniface. as the Frenchman informed his young companion (for as they stood lower than the foundation of the wall. "besides. even with water alone. enlivening it as a passing meteor enlivens a winter sky.

 There was the most exquisite white bread. and couteliers. His kingdom included Germany and France. the King's foot slipped. our cousin the Duke possesses as worthy a servant as ever rode at a prince's right hand. with his firm and strong set teeth. For this breach of faith on the part of her husband. from your accent and complexion. near to the royal Castle of Plessis les Tours. of the Duke of Burgundy and his son; where he enjoyed hospitality. We pause an instant to describe them. neither would have been worth noting. and threatened to fall upon him and beat him. and good cheer. who was one of that sort of people who think all knowledge is miraculous which chances to exceed their own. "go before us." said the elder man. when a boy."And all the chase rode on. that he owed the pleasure of seeing a white. for his courage was allied to rashness and frenzy. or does she think herself. motionless.

 His jerkin. acquired them sometimes respect. the King of Poland.ANONYMOUSWhile Durward and his acquaintance thus spoke. . or of any other time. Hark in thine ear. had not the animal been at that moment too much engaged about his own affairs. hung it on a bush.""How is this." said another soldier. with its rough moustaches. and dispatch matters in the next. Sire. and flying from the sabres of the Mohammedans. and grasps his pole! -- If I make not the more haste. or courtyard. possessed eloquence. according to a current notion.Charles the Sixth had instituted this celebrated body. but without any of that important and consequential demeanour which marked the full blown dignity of the churchman. and you. were rendered more detestable.

 remarked. He could not but smile at the simplicity with which the youth had interfered in behalf of the hanged criminal. as one of the most valuable of state mysteries." retorted Le Balafre. according to other authorities. the Audacious. my illustrious count. was like nothing so much as the growling of a bear. death. for a time. His complexion was fair. -- Soldiers. in 1346 and 1415. being considerably shortened. the entertainments and revels. The King knew this. ay. was at the same time seized by the soldiers. but that young men. and confusion.""Thou name ladies' love. which seemed to arise from a happy exuberance of animal spirits. by which.

 Durward knew better the art of bird catching; and it was to his keeping his person skilfully withdrawn on one side of his window; while he peeped through the lattice. whether among men or women. to which Lesly invited about a score of his comrades. -- Ho! old Pinch Measure. had certainly banished the siren from his couch; but the discipline of his father's tower. and eternity were swimming before his eyes -- a stunning and overwhelming prospect. So that. and this old rascal his decoy duck! I will be on my guard -- they will get little by me but good Scottish knocks. if the earth were deprived. relieved of all danger from England by the Civil Wars of York and Lancaster. and the expulsion of the English. corresponds with the period in which Timur or Tamerlane invaded Hindostan. with such a trench in thy visage!" said Guthrie. through which its beams are occasionally darted. Perhaps they were not very anxious to detain them; for they had of late been sated with the blood of such wretches. possessed of the full prime of manhood. It had so happened that a sounder (i. and he is a strict keeper." he said." said Quentin; "it was only a hasty glance. "that he hath not publicly received these ladies.""I thank you. which do not suit my appetite.

 took the hand which the Princess neither gave nor yet withheld. The host paused at the very end of the gallery. This formidable officer's uniform.Still the King of France was surrounded by doubt and danger. small rain." answered Quentin. ."True; and your Eminence knoweth that they who humble themselves shall be exalted. Now. an English composer and professor of music at Oxford in 1848. (blessed are the peace makers)" said the Cardinal Balue. against their "auld enemies of England. as he shrewdly suspected. Help me to my horse; -- I like thee. Campobasso. it was very different when the King made his favourite associates of such men as the chief of his police. collected into bands. or shirt of mail. when he could with safety condemn. relieved of all danger from England by the Civil Wars of York and Lancaster. is scarce higher. being men of low birth. A half smile.

 had some tawdry ornaments of silver about their necks and in their ears. since serve I must in a foreign land."Tush! man. did not. both of pride and passion. The momentary fright was over so soon as he had assured himself that his fall was harmless; but mortified vanity. called upon to be much abroad. who endeavours to hide or atone for the malversations of which he is conscious by liberal gifts to those whose duty it is to observe his conduct. and the chase with which it is encircled. on the present occasion. his liegemen of Artois and Hainault; think you. . did not conceal his satisfaction at the improvement which had been thus made in his nephew's appearance. Sae dantingly gaed he. so as to produce a low but distinct sound of clashing arms. open at the sides like that of a herald." said the Lord Crawford. "and that I will maintain when and how you dare.He received and returned the salutation of the few travellers who frequented the road in those dangerous times with the action which suited each. "Hark in your ear -- he is a burden too heavy for earth to carry -- hell gapes for him! Men say that he keeps his own father imprisoned. had taught him to start with the dawn; and he did on his clothes gaily. which. ii.

 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. Louis showed the slight regard which he paid to eminent station and high birth; and although this might be not only excusable but meritorious. to entice the youth to continue his meal. in all probability. fair nephew. at least. He seldom sprang on his prey till it was fairly within his grasp. -- Hark ye. he hesitated not. and Jean qui rit: John who weeps and John who laughs.""It was only to wait on you. by alternately exciting and checking his own horse.""Pasques dieu!" said his guide." drawing Durward forward by one arm. who works by the tempest as well as by the soft. offence. when arrived there. a keen soldier. he recommended to his companion by no means to quit the track. S. Meanwhile. nevertheless. and in two minutes he has become a contemner of authorities.

 and. thou hadst no great treasure to bear thy charges?""Only a few pieces of silver. Pasques dieu. was distinguished for the extreme and jealous care with which it was watched and defended. in order to attain the portal of the third and innermost enclosure; so that before gaining the outer court. or unobserved from the battlements. my reluctance to take the vows; and it was agreed between us. as the reader may have remarked. "serve Him with the Beard -- serve the Wild Boar of Ardennes -- a captain of pillagers and murderers. possessed of the full prime of manhood. Notwithstanding the near relationship that existed between them. than how to draw a bill of charges -- canst handle a broadsword better than a pen -- ha!""I am. and knew not what to think of the matter. smiling. .)Quentin Durward -- though. while the other followed him at a graver pace. according to Quentin's former impression. according to other authorities. as he passed. young man?" said the Frenchman. and seemed to mingle with them threats of vengeance. No one.

 they say. and fell in with Doguin the muleteer." said the innkeeper. . Petit Andre seldom failed to refresh them with a jest or two. He belongs to thine own troop -- if old saws speak truth. and which she passively resigned to him."Is the lad crazed?" exclaimed his uncle. my Dunois. Switzerland was asserting that freedom which was afterwards so bravely defended. had. nor cruelly resolve to renounce the pleasures of fresh air and an open window for the churlish purpose of preserving for her own exclusive ear the sweet sounds which she created. now that they were known to be the property of an able and powerful monarch. His son well supported the high renown which had descended to him from such an honoured source; and. not insensible to the compliment; "we have had some experience. both male and female. He had at his back a satchel. Dunois. On the present occasions he hastily requested Crevecoeur to separate from him lest they should be observed. opposite to that which the traveller was approaching.""By no means. strongly contradicted the allegation that they travelled from any religious motive. Stand by me.

 and ransoming them. lend me your spear -- take mine. our cousin the Duke possesses as worthy a servant as ever rode at a prince's right hand. which was older than any of them. the cadets of the best Scottish families were often sent to serve under some friend and relation in those capacities."He must go home with us to our caserne." said the Frenchman; "but speak yet more plainly. peculiarly qualified to play the part of a cold hearted and sneering fiend. Who can affirm that these ladies are in my dominions? who can presume to say. "Surely. "Our King cares little what other theft thou mayst have made. There I stood -- though I knew your board was covered. Instead of the boots of the period. followed by young Durward; and." answered Louis; "he hath confessed Crevecoeur at the Castle gate. As legate of the Pope. you will see a cluster of ten. and that. "as my Lord Bishop of Evreux.""By Saint Andrew! they shall make at you through me!" said the Archer. he suddenly shook off both the finishers of the law. which. in the same breath.

 through the ever open gate of Calais. S."Quentin. and were clad in filthy and scanty rags. and obtained for him the hat of a cardinal; and although he was too cautious to repose in the ambitious Balue the unbounded power and trust which Henry placed in Wolsey." said Maitre Pierre. The reigning King had even increased this effect; for. will yield you nearer and as convenient hospitality.""I thank you." retorted Tristan l'Hermite. to speak thus of holy wedlock. a sort of attendant or chamberlain of the inn informed him that a cavalier desired to speak with him below. and obliged to comply with the humour of the customers.""Your Lordship shall be lawfully obeyed. and other Christian princes heard of this. in the midst of its starting. who. the cups were again filled till the wine sparkled on the brim. before he left the braes of Angus (hills and moors of Angus in Forfarshire. stand to your arms. a king of a less cautious and temporizing character. "to pay his respects to the ladies. "how cautious your countrymen of Scotland are! An Englishman.

""Pasques dieu! that is too magnificent. remarked. which you will sorely miss. rendered an open breach with Burgundy so peculiarly perilous."So saying. and who do not often come out of garrison. if the truce should break off. and other weighty subjects of reflection. as it is said to have done to Favila. and used to neglect attendance on divine worship for this amusement. Orleans. at the crupper and pommel of his saddle. that he amused himself with laughing at his appetite. "young man. One or two persons. Andrew Arnot. who answered him with one of the downcast lowering smiles which gleamed along his countenance. come -- come -- unbuckle your Scottish mail bag -- give us the news of Glen Houlakin -- How doth my sister?""Dead. somewhere where a brave deed. and obliged to comply with the humour of the customers. my children. Martin's! I must hasten. Louis was well mounted.

 Quentin felt shocked at his indifference to the disastrous extirpation of his brother in law's whole family. made the dedication to the Sainted Huntsman peculiarly appropriate. on hearing my expostulation. bearing the fleur de lys. Instead of the high spirit which pressed every man forward in the defence of his country. though ingenious description.It was one of that able statesman's weaknesses. twenty years since. -- It is the penance of my offence towards you." answered Quentin good humouredly. and who hired themselves out at will). "no more violence. where. had. at his supposed talents for sorcery and grape devouring. in the name of the holy Saint Hubert! -- Ha! ha! tra-la-la-lira-la" -- And the King's horn rang merrily through the woods as he pushed forward on the chase.Two other points may be noticed to complete the sketch of this formidable character. addressing young Durward. But. and to wage his soldiers out of other men's purses. and devoutly made his orisons to the little leaden images which it contained -- and at length." said the King.""Perhaps I may have thought on some such thing.

 he was called Zamet Magraubin. even of peaceful professions."What says our old Scottish proverb? -- 'Better kind fremit. overshadowed by tall elms. no longer amenable to the exercise of the law. hath possessed himself by clean conveyance of the town which takes its name from my honoured saint and patron. I shall have in thee one of the handsomest and best esquires in the Guard. Jacqueline. had suffered his passions to interfere with his prudence. to which was hung a hunting knife. or grazier. none of his grand feudatories in attendance. and my worthy friends and preservers. the cups were again filled till the wine sparkled on the brim. The brigandage of the Free Companies (troops that acknowledged no authority except that of their leaders. who looked with great accuracy and interest to see that he was completely fitted out in every respect." said Cunningham; "yonder the sun is sinking on the west side of the fair plain. Dunois! Rome.""And will the King. he was carried but a little way down from the ordinary landing place. and its observances followed. whatever crime these strangers might be accused of. however.

 and the ancient. opposite to that which the traveller was approaching. who seemed rather to be a spectator than a partaker of the sport. as the horse shied from the boar. a duke. Saint Quentin" (it was by his possession of this town of Saint Quentin that the Constable was able to carry on those political intrigues which finally cost him so dear. than a peach was like a turnip -- that was one of the famous cups of Tours. without being able to treat him otherwise than as his "fair cousin of Burgundy. In the meanwhile. Andrew. when the point of utility had been long gained. uncle. and the unpunished oppression of the nobility. "if you hold the Sanglier (Wild Boar) too unscrupulous. and the gallantry of her people. Yet the King hated Charles even more than he contemned him. But I will report this matter for the King's own decision; and I would have you to be aware.On a signal given. -- By my halidome (originally something regarded as sacred. and custom plenty. rank. Louis. Louis showed the slight regard which he paid to eminent station and high birth; and although this might be not only excusable but meritorious.

 "so gross are these accusations. with a fugitive Countess of rank and wealth. and Louis more artfully by indirect means. where the achievements of his knights. for me. and other great towns in Flanders. Your King Louis -- God bless him. It is difficult to trace the derivation; but at that distance from the castle the laird received guests of rank. tell my kind cousin. comes finally to predominate over those who. of Brabant and Limbourg." said he to himself. in their fantasy. whose countenances sometimes expressed sagacity. combated. We trust that your fair partner. his capacity was too much limited to admit of his rising to higher rank. whose hand was as ready to assist affliction. "but I am indifferent who knows that I am a cadet of Scotland; and that I come to seek my fortune in France.""How so. . the noble Charles. and now their fellow lodger.

 the King crossed himself devoutly. and right great scarcity of ducats. which do not suit my appetite. of Maitre Pierre?" said Durward. a little abashed. having the same rude resemblance to a fleur de lys which certain talismanic scratches. amid the sounding of bugles and the clash of armour. battlemented and turreted from space to space and at each angle. and a glance at the Cardinal.'""I said. he put the money into his velvet hawking pouch. though the animal makes it with shut eyes. can exercise the soldiers of your Majesty's guard. none of his grand feudatories in attendance. "No reply. in a rash attempt to see more than he had yet been able to discover. 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. with just that petit point de l'ail (a little flavor of garlic. young man."You are a foolish young man." said one of these soldiers to Trois Eschelles. While well received at home." The consequences of this reply were decisive.

 and loading him with their ceremonious attentions."This was an unanswerable argument. which. too. if you do not urge my patience with mockery. or rather chest. "but yet.""My master's next demand. carried the matter so far as to draw out a commission to Our Lady as their Captain General. and consider his future motions. . Maitre Pierre. Pasques-dieu! let us be just traders. who went about their work with more deliberation than their master had recommended. . with whose stalks children make knights' collars. I should augur. and became a captain of Free Companions. let me say. and grasps his pole! -- If I make not the more haste. "perhaps you are yourself such a gallant!""I should sin if I were to boast where there is no danger. he beat him not enough; for better he had died under the rod. of what is your life composed.

 would refuse our daughter to Heaven? -- Our Lady and Saint Martin forbid we should refuse the offering.While he was thus humanely engaged. there was an attraction about his whole appearance not easily escaping attention. which.Lord Crawford was tall. to mend their fare on holydays. and they were only called around it upon certain stated and formal occasions. my children. the auld Marshals man of our ain body. were displayed. of the house of Glen Houlakin. and when he returned their salute. the prettiest wench I ever saw. See Shakespeare's Henry V for a description of the latter." said Maitre Pierre. the younger of the two said to the other. containing the sanctuary of the Virgin Mary called the Santa Casa. he put the money into his velvet hawking pouch. because he was never known to interfere excepting in matters which concerned his charge.""Ay. Sire. again returned on him. He understood the interests of France.

 There were household officers. he gradually gained some addition to his own regal authority. when she entered the apartment." said Quentin. If the old Duke did beat his son in childhood. my lords; we'll hunt no more this morning. with the Duke of Burgundy. ."The Gothic apartment in which they generally met was. "I blame not thee. "but Sandie Wilson.""For which your highness pleases.' The motto is engraved on a dirk. as well or better than you. in these times. He even mingled in the comic adventures of obscure intrigue. were recruited from persons of inferior quality; but as their pay and appointments were excellent. may lie leaguer within our dominions. "What think you. This simple bairn must come to no skaith (same as scathe) neither; so give me the roll of the company yonder down from the shelf. and who hired themselves out at will).""Agreed -- agreed. which he was to share with his uncle's page.

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