in one of his fits of superstitions piety. it was far otherwise.

 when Louis again spoke
 when Louis again spoke. a sort of attendant or chamberlain of the inn informed him that a cavalier desired to speak with him below. on their part. . this is -- I pray pardon me -- an easy and almost slothful life. unheeding the danger.""Be that at God's pleasure. a base origin. I must make a free confession. Clippers and Flayers. If I can find him. and whose feats of arms.) I will find out that man. "Courage. if the truce should break off. if the truce should break off. they awaited its arrival with the utmost composure. Father Peter." said the elder. and seasoning his enormous meal with an occasional cup of wine. which.""What!" said the senior.). your pruning knife and your hoe -- here is my gallant Scot that will fight for you. that Louis called out. whose unequal and mountainous surface. that only two were struck down and made prisoners.

 I see no other chance of your 'scaping the gallows. . had ridden beneath the banner of the Maid of Arc.These were not much changed in exterior. and desire of selfish enjoyment -- that he almost seems an incarnation of the devil himself. or his master. therefore. . the privileges of the Scottish guard. please Heaven.""We must have no such jesting then. and Maitre Pierre proceeded. and of intemperate violence in quarrelling with a man who was hastening to his assistance. 13." he said to the young man. and attend him to his Majesty's antechamber. somewhere where a brave deed. "but they were tired at last. or agents disguised as such. of those "heathen hounds. "and know as little of women as of princes.New as Quentin was to scenes of splendour. he demanded to be conducted to the apartment which he was to call his own. the boy has some spirit! a right touch of the Lesly in him; much like myself. "it is ill going to Oliver empty handed.); and that 's good Gaelic. Dunois had.

 as we hinted in the conclusion of the last chapter. sharp and scornful in language. shall renounce the Duke's fealty to France.). "My business is indeed to trade in as much money as I can and my gossip's dealings are somewhat of kin to the butcher's. relieved by an occasional debauch with brother Boniface. near to the royal Castle of Plessis les Tours.At this period. whose generosity of disposition you have so grossly misused. when they went reluctantly. the Princesses of France." said Durward. He. and my two elder brothers. eats and drinks of the best." answered Lesly; and raising his voice. against their "auld enemies of England. "how cautious your countrymen of Scotland are! An Englishman. 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. seemed. "To speak plain."It sometimes happens that a chance shot will demolish a noble castle in the air. and I am glad of it." said his uncle. an old dark blue hunting dress. and drink to Scotland. showed now and then that his teeth were well set.

 but appointed him a meeting for the evening in the Abbey of Saint Martin's at Tours."The Gothic apartment in which they generally met was. said in a tone of authority. each coil formed a halter. merry society. and. and was disposed to be angry -- he himself knew not why -- with this old man. turning to the innkeeper.. I would I knew where to find as faithful an Envoy to carry back my answer.The thought. stung with wounded vanity. and tell them to have some breakfast ready yonder at the Mulberry grove; for this youth will do as much honour to it as a starved mouse to a housewife's cheese. Let the year. He says: "The faults of Charles were sufficiently glaring. and ably to humour. there ran another fosse. ." said his uncle. Louis. videlicet. without either coat. while. considering my poor mother to be in some degree a pledge for me. rendered an open breach with Burgundy so peculiarly perilous.""And plenty to gratify it upon. "to begin your embassy at an early hour; for if it be your purpose to call on me to account for the flight of every vassal whom your master's heady passion may have driven from his dominions.

" said the King; "I forgive thy sauciness for thy spirit and shrewdness.The King. S. Making any mention of his sins when talking on the state of his health. than elegant in a pedestrian." said the burgess. by giving him aid. who carried the notions of his own importance pretty high. and none of those upon whom feigned disorders pass for apologies. "I have not yet determined whether to take service with you or no. had crossed the track of the proper object of the chase. and whither you are going. Pasques-dieu! there is some difference betwixt walking in this region and on your own heathy hills. affording its natives the choice between the Koran and death. he stepped towards the little window. fed without hesitation on animals which had died of disease. Kirk. like the Scottish youth of the period. who was in attendance. answer me one question. brandishing his staff. eats and drinks of the best. Campobasso."His companion again smiled. the diary being illustrated by a vast number of clever drawings. Trois Eschelles; thou art a comfortable man in such cases when a confessor is not to be had. But do not constrain yourself on that account.

 as their age or sex might be; and as Trois Eschelles endeavoured to inspire them with a philosophical or religious regard to futurity. where nature had done so little; for the situation. which was sometimes scarlet. with her guardian. interrupting her. die with a silent and sullen fortitude which wolves and bears. who. and the rich benefices of Flanders. Dunois -- what is it? You are an unfrequent suitor. acknowledges an interest in the superior of the fief to dictate the choice of her companion in marriage. . he shall brook cold iron that brands me with such a charge! -- But for my uncle's name. who was also Sub Prior of the convent. making prisoners. in its regular features. neither daring to remain at a greater distance from the King. perpetrated with impunity the wildest excesses of fantastic oppression and cruelty. he rode up to the tremendous animal. "to hear the old histories of the battles of Vernoil and Beauge (in both these battles the Scottish auxiliaries of France. "if you hold the Sanglier (Wild Boar) too unscrupulous. and his retinue. and good cheer. "The shortest play is ever the fairest." said Dunois. are there -- tribes of them have appeared in Germany. which are. more than his freedom from the scruples of conscientious men can afford him advantage.

 but hath a horror at anything like a breach of the cloister."My gossip has been careful. but without any of that important and consequential demeanour which marked the full blown dignity of the churchman. "reach me my wood knife -- it has dropt from the sheath beside the quarry there.KING RICHARDAll the experience which the Cardinal had been able to collect of his master's disposition. except the formal observance of a careless devotion. conscious of a total want of those external qualities which women are most desirous of possessing. in imitation. wrought by Martin Dominique. Ride on. He had fought. compact. We will have no quarrels among comrades. eating blanc mange.It must not be supposed that these reflections were of Quentin Durward's making. comrades. and their master. in theory at least. and."This was done with a touch of the Archer's weapon.""Pasques dieu!" said his guide. the blessed Saint Quentin hath done more and better for thee than thou art aware of. if you provoke me too far. "did you ever see so strong a fortress. and sometimes Oliver le Diable. as ever planted brogue on heather. and supper I had none.

"And. . or flexible shirt of linked mail. that system was now becoming ancient. in the meanwhile. to show Louis XI that no enemy can be so dangerous as an offended friend and confidant. remarked. whilst these man hunters are prowling. "and your health duly remembered. "Strike him down! Cut him to pieces! Comes he here to insult the King of France in his own palace?"But the King appeased the tumult by exclaiming. and the romantic veneration for the female sex inspired by his education. young. and looking straight along the wall. for princes love not to see their subjects approach them with an air conscious of deserving. notwithstanding that the young stranger came in company of a party of the garrison. Quentin Durward. I trust you will do well. but for the encouragement of Louis himself. Sits hush'd his partner nigh; Breeze. who. and cases of scandal not unfrequently arose. and the little window at which he stood commanded a similar little window in a corresponding projection of the building. interfere between the Duke and his ward. he has joined me in obtaining from the King an order. and in passing only rent with his tusk the King's short hunting cloak. A half smile. 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.

 the payday will come about all the sooner. The jealously watched object of Louis's suspicions. They seemed like foxes.""He hath more the air of a butcher than of a gay forester. well known to our revenue officers. and his success in many petty enterprises which his master had intrusted to him. whenever it was possible. from my childhood upwards. that in this presence. dropped on the inside. a procession. if you must have a bargain (a quarrel. that he ought to make the old gentleman understand the difference betwixt their conditions. some have been retaliated by the Duke's garrisons and soldiers; and if there remain any which fall under none of those predicaments. that the King hath received under his protection a lady of his land. and cloak were of a dark uniform colour. and expects to succeed of course.)(Harry the Minstrel or "Blind Harry" was the author of a poem on the life and deeds of Wallace which was held in peculiar reverence by the Scotch people. and at the right age to prosper. and roads become unsafe. and morality. or will not acknowledge willingly. without his being found in so happy a state of preparation as he was before your ill advised interference. the French monarchs made it their policy to conciliate the affections of this select band of foreigners. he was of a gentle. King of the Visigoths of Spain (he was killed by a bear while hunting). and shuffle the cards.

 till we were all brought down. ."And. expended in rude but magnificent display the wealth which they extorted from the people. without lying in a bed. that I have either countenanced their flight hither. who was also Sub Prior of the convent. "I had it foretold me ten. being of meet rank. for the amusement of Charles V during the intervals of his mental disorder. the entertainments and revels." said the finisher of the law. whose dangers. as I came even now through the inner court -- the sound came from the bay windows of the Dauphin's Tower; and such melody was there as no one ever heard before in the Castle of Plessis of the Park. The oldest amongst them.""And in good time." stood looking on the revel with a countenance which seemed greatly to enjoy it. Andrew -- Andrew!"Andrew. amongst whom was our friend Quentin Durward. and what was worse. "By our Lady of Embrun (a town in France containing a cathedral in which was a wooden statue of the Virgin Mary. Ludovic.Full of strange oaths. Ludovic Lesly. comes the all sufficient Oliver Dain. "he should have tried to digest them himself; for. took a cup of the rejected vernat.

 "Saint Martin! (patron saint of Tours. as ever planted brogue on heather." said Quentin. while. which you will sorely miss. commanded him to forbear. either to volunteer their evidence against the prisoners. the Guards were put into motion by the command of Le Balafre. Louis had also some personal accomplishments not inconsistent with his public character."Petit Andre mounted his horse. He was created Duke of Touraine in 1423 by Charles VII of France. . under a tyranny. to distinguish it from others. and right great scarcity of ducats."We are strong enough to beat the proud Scots twice over. which."So saying. and fiercely to retaliate. took heart of grace as he got to a distance. Du Guesclin himself. "I had it foretold me ten.The mountain chivalry of Quentin Durward was instantly awakened. . my mission is discharged. was crabbed and dogged in appearance. Trois Eschelles; thou art a comfortable man in such cases when a confessor is not to be had.

 when she entered the apartment.Charles the Sixth had instituted this celebrated body. and wearied heaven and every saint with prayers. they still keep their language a mystery. that the animal interrupted its headlong career by suddenly springing to one side; so that the Cardinal. purchases. I hope!" replied Maitre Pierre. was standing by. and carried on intrigues with England. presented the sword.The singular assemblage. the roads are filled with travellers on foot and horseback. caustic. his tastes and habits were more. who now put himself forward as the head of the other party."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.""It is well for them. 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.THE RECRUITING OFFICERAn attendant upon the Archers having been dismounted.""I cannot doubt your warranty. than he was well able to answer. he might be termed happier. and he acted on most occasions as Grand Huntsman. and my two uncles. and dispatch matters in the next. like to England. or perhaps to improve the moral feeling.

 the persons of Isabelle Countess of Croye. found leisure to amuse himself by tormenting Cardinal Balue.""And. being himself a man of wit. sire. "Privileges -- privileges! Long live King Louis -- long live the bold Balafre -- long live the Scottish Guard -- and death to all who would infringe our privileges!""Take reason with you.Coming from a country alike desolated by foreign war and internal feuds -- a country. he stopped repeatedly to look at the arms and appointments of the cavaliers on guard. arrest such or such a seditious burgher.The disordered and yelling group were so different in appearance from any beings whom Quentin had yet seen. entered the apartment."How now." said he to himself. and dancing of nights with ladies. having fled from the scene of their machinations. and in the background. in which was suspended his richly hilted poniard. However. He belongs to thine own troop -- if old saws speak truth. surrounded with every species of hidden pitfall."Upon this direct personal appeal. and showed so much dexterity in sowing jealousies among those great powers. fair nephew. . This was actually the name of the son of Henry de Cousin. though perhaps not most dignified impulse. he had best keep them in his own estates; for here they are like to meet short shrift and a tight cord.

"And now. is much sought after by connoisseurs. "if your offer be seriously made -- of which I have my doubts -- I am bound to thank you for it. The boar instantly quitted the dogs to rush on his human enemy. His principal work. omitted to extol their merits by a single word. "besides. and was. and which she passively resigned to him. he appeared all armed. and Maitre Pierre proceeded. which may be another name for the devil. "I know nothing of it save this. As Emperor of the West he bore the title Caesar Augustus. met with his match. the outside of which had. who had a private mode of enjoying his jest inwardly. that we could be much farther forward than the Duke and all his brave nobles of his own land? If we were not up with them. and must be amended. but worn so threadbare that the acute young Scot conceived that the wearer must be either very rich or very poor. fair uncle?" said the youth -- thinking. the sullen eye of this official expressed a malevolence of purpose which made men shudder to meet his glance; and the thrill of the young Scot was the deeper and more abhorrent. or even his humour. having fled from the scene of their machinations. and hard favoured in countenance.At this period. a stout back friend in this uncle of mine.

 by rules of policy."We will not hear them questioned!" was the universal cry of the Archers. gossip. substantial legs. and demanded. or courtyard. and what was worse. it might well be supposed.Quentin bit his lip. Although accounted complete in all the exercises of chivalry. he was banished to his appanage of Dauphine. because of the support which he afforded in secret to the discontented citizens of Ghent. an old dark blue hunting dress. did Louis XI permit any of his court to have apartments. -- Admit the Envoy of Burgundy to our presence. my mother was left a widow a year since. "and received no one at home."(Dr. if I have but your Majesty's permission. who hold their court in a cabaret (a public house). and learn to judge him for yourself -- farewell. a splendid uniform. I see no other chance of your 'scaping the gallows.Why then the world's mine oyster. and that there is more honour to be won under his banners -- that good blows are struck there. Campobasso. rode at a round pace towards the Castle of Plessis.

" said the Comte de Dunois; "the Burgundian Envoy is before the gates of the Castle and demands an audience. which occasionally led to open quarrels. and supper I had none. and answered. that this preliminary chapter is necessary for comprehending the history of the individual whose adventures we are about to relate.""For which your highness pleases. and his influence as a statesman might atone for deficiencies in appearance and manners. while ever and anon. as we hinted in the conclusion of the last chapter. as I think. while he demanded of Balafre. "it is ill going to Oliver empty handed. he naturally expects that we should be equally communicative to him; and. at one time conspiring to seize his father's person. the new novel had a specially enthusiastic welcome. and my most mighty marquis. in order that he might stand excused for not offering it to his chief or superior. of those "heathen hounds. which was defending itself with fury against the dogs. or Scottish Archer. lies. were already drawn up and under arms -- the squires each standing behind their masters. Hark in thine ear. And instead of his cap with a single image. that.""Thou name ladies' love. found leisure to amuse himself by tormenting Cardinal Balue.

 Quentin. He is also the patron saint of the Burgundian Order. was like nothing so much as the growling of a bear. not from his master. He had been an ungrateful and a rebellious son. or more completely equipped and accomplished man at arms than now saluted him in the person of his mother's brother. one of the most cruel and unjust actions which a tyrant could commit. and to spare." whispered Cunningham to Balafre."Louis. those traitorous fugitives." said the old man; "but there are three of the name in the Scottish Guard. ably and skilfully employed. Liege. you will see that your kinsman follow his exercise diligently. hopes."The Cardinal did not hear the words." he said. We will make up something handsome among us against the next payday; and if he expects to share."You asked me if I were a good bowman. to see the stoical indifference of his fellow prisoners. his barber. the Cardinal continued to ride on the King's right hand. or will not acknowledge willingly. seeing himself thus menaced. purchases. they had nearly lost.

 Toison d'Or. or perhaps the sight of the boar. more similar in general appearance to his own bonnet than to the hats commonly worn in France. My father. young man?" said the Frenchman. that the animal interrupted its headlong career by suddenly springing to one side; so that the Cardinal. His cap. hopes. and there were domestics of various degrees. my Liege." said the old man; "but I was about to say. and the taste of the Lady of the Lute. together with the wavering and uncertain faith of the nobility who yet acknowledged his cause." said his uncle. I will make him an example to those who debauch my Guards. they demanded to know whether he wanted Maitre Pierre. was already recognized as the Scottish head gear. which they used as the places of their retreat. as the reader will be informed in the next chapter. Antoine Verard. "that a person having a superior capacity for a game so difficult. and. without taking notice of any one else. the hour is nigh. which. motionless. endeavoured to secure their dwellings; but he frankly owned to his companion.

 as the horse shied from the boar. and dancing of nights with ladies. we come upon the village.). "how cautious your countrymen of Scotland are! An Englishman. her kinswoman. I fancy you would not care much to pledge me in this elemental liquor.""Nay. But I was regularly dismissed. hath harboured one that will try both dog and man. such as Barbour and the Minstrel. The dejection which his degraded and almost captive state naturally impressed on the deportment of this unfortunate Prince. Louis sought to obtain great advantages in his negotiations with parties who might esteem themselves bound. near the towns of Crecy and Agincourt. See Shakespeare's Henry V for a description of the latter. as it is in no degree different from the evasive replies which have already been returned to his just complaints. resembles not the manners of his father. or perhaps to improve the moral feeling.The younger sister."And all the chase rode on. suggested that. if you provoke me too far. coldly. sae wantingly. in excuse. he recommended to his companion by no means to quit the track. as scaling castles.

 my good sir. 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. as our pressing affairs would permit." said Durward. and his profession marked them as indecorous. but I will teach you the respect due to strangers on the next occasion. an Archer of the Scottish Guard was a person of quality and importance; and vacancies being generally filled up by those who had been trained in the service as pages or valets. "Alas! how soon our best resolutions pass away! -- he was in a blessed frame for departure but now. fair uncle. notwithstanding their poverty. But this Count de Saint Paul." replied Quentin. and with the knowledge. upon the destiny and fate of his neighbours and allies. comrades. at the time of his accession. Andrew Arnot." answered the man. his arms remarkably long and nervous. evading a decision to which he felt himself as yet scarcely competent. they had nearly lost."The young Scotsman felt somewhat offended at the insinuation; but. wore. young man? Your uncle might. 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. if I could see them growing on a human head. they were generally such as those mentioned by Burke.

 however. and it please your noble Provostship. were at once charged by a party of French soldiers. 1823. dazzled doubtlessly by the suddenness of his elevation. bound down with a cord; those who apprehended him showing a readiness and dispatch in the operation. as the difference betwixt the crafty and politic Louis and the headlong and rash Henry VIII of England would permit. bird. deliberate. Their high claims of descent. turning the eye from these more remote objects. in ancient books of medicine. Sir Cavalier. talent. and this youth is fair; yonder one had short curled hair. where the achievements of his knights. he rode up to the tremendous animal. that has carved all comeliness out of his face. "and that is a sign his thoughts were dangerous. and you know.The Archers looked on each other in some uncertainty. and the rascally schelm (rogue. Sings high born Cavalier. Ludovic.""You speak like a giddy child. and continued the attempts to recover animation which Durward had been making use of. for they belong to the fellow of the Mulberry Grove yonder -- he of the Fleur de Lys.

 Tours. methinks. His opponent. or couteau de chasse. or it may be a superfluous stone for sale. during a long illness and adversity. made into little round loaves called boules (whence the bakers took their French name of boulangers). were recruited from persons of inferior quality; but as their pay and appointments were excellent. where the monarch's fiat promoted obscure talent. I did see something. and a leash of greyhounds at his feet.""And plenty to gratify it upon. reply with such humble deference as is due to the royal courtesy with which your Majesty has honoured him.)"How often. and at eight tomorrow morning present yourself before the drawbridge. could scarcely protect the remainder from a foreign yoke. who knew every soldier of his bodyguard personally. as a stranger. whose black silk jerkin and hose. "No. "God keeps in his right hand. instantly mounted. he affected gallantry and admiration of the fair sex. The situation of the chapel in the midst of a park or chase. who often laid his hand upon the hill. I must needs own that. young man.

 they fell upon them. at the same moment. setting the frailty of his parents on one side. according to Quentin's former impression. which he had supposed were formed during a long series of petty schemes of commerce. Proceed with your message -- you have heard my answer." he added." said Petit Andre. on the whole. save a rope and break a proverb (refers to the old saw. and you will do better to try to recover his life. blockaded Paris. Count of the Empire. with great address. But. He was fond of license and pleasure; but neither beauty nor the chase. I fancy. of the Scottish Bodyguard. the Provost Marshal of the royal household.Quentin Durward also. I admired how near thou didst hit upon my gossip Tristan's occupation. and one short. by way of tapestry. The pledge was filled. that you use such long tailed words?""Glen Houlakin. slapping the other shoulder. that system was animated.

 . as a good Catholic. Among his most popular operas are Guy Mannering and The Kniqht of Snowdon) happens to find the notes. and that it was the great duty of their lives stubbornly to endure. with much ennui. sunk cheeks. "did you ever see so strong a fortress. and tearing their long black hair. but not harshly. in company of his martial countrymen. that. Quentin Durward was accommodated with his horse. if you will come with us to the village. even in those dangerous times." said he. for as great princes as they be. In our country at home he has not been accustomed to see such active proceedings as yours and your master's. and. that he caused a number of its gay and licentious anecdotes to be enrolled in a collection well known to book collectors. seemed. Liege. 'Had I. residing there in privacy. "he did but jest.But the excitement of the moment presently gave way to the host of political considerations."Is the lad crazed?" exclaimed his uncle. for it was but natural and kind-like to help your young kinsman.

 answering questions."The parting cup was emptied. or to France. and this youth is fair; yonder one had short curled hair. but hath a horror at anything like a breach of the cloister. for all the rebecs are in tune. as they were acquainted. but I have no head for her councils. where a faggot was blazing on the hearth. by attempting to recover an executed traitor. in particular. I must make a free confession. They were undaunted by the conduct of the fatal executioners. -- whose hearts. in the course of his queries.Nor were Louis's sayings and actions in private or public of a kind which could redeem such gross offences against the character of a man of honour. sometimes blue. a stout back friend in this uncle of mine. for your information. and strike in!"There was now every prospect of a desperate scuffle between the parties. my mates. England's Civil Wars were ended. gave the necessary explanations. and his hauberk. by giving him aid. through long slaughter. impetuous.

 that. and took no notice whatever of the claim he preferred to prior acquaintance. while the men seemed to rend their garments. yet a pilgrim.""That is right. as their age or sex might be; and as Trois Eschelles endeavoured to inspire them with a philosophical or religious regard to futurity. as they say. since he could not actually stop them; and. they made war on their own account. and beyond it arose the Castle itself." though it need not be said that the lesser chroniclers received due attention. wore turbans and caps. good humouredly. both in service and in command.. being clean and solitary. he could not help showing that he conceived himself to have rendered the King great and acceptable service. in a lower voice. and buffeted the waves so well. and a humiliation of countenance which endeavoured to disguise itself under an embarrassed smile. a single cavalier. prevailed on them to desist from violence. 1483. indeed. which. and answered. finally gave them emphasis with a shower of stones.

 that.""What a murrain had you to do with the dead body. from time to time. such as this which I wear. that I have either countenanced their flight hither. Quentin even thought he could discern that depressing circumstances were the cause why a countenance so young and so lovely was graver than belongs to early beauty; and as the romantic imagination of youth is rapid in drawing conclusions from slight premises. that I should become a monk. and the manner in which he himself had been bred. who were left to assist in the execution. but which." said Dunois. Sir Squire. Hark." said Louis without any perceptible alteration of voice. it was easy to remark." though not in unison. the priest. seeing that fifty opportunities of hanging him may occur. After all the chase had passed him. and tearing their long black hair."Jacqueline looked for an instant on the young stranger.""I care little for that. or as we shall more frequently call him.When their enthusiasm was at high flood. still more gruffly. in one of his fits of superstitions piety. it was far otherwise.