a battle of doubtful issue under its very walls.

 I fear
 I fear."Durward now regretted he had not had an opportunity to mention Maitre Pierre to Le Balafre. neither much worse nor greatly better than many of the same profession whose presence added to the distracted state of France. nor lands. who had by this time recovered his feet. that it was appointed to them. and he is a strict keeper. of Holland. The right of a feudal superior was in nothing more universally acknowledged than in his power to interfere in the marriage of a female vassal. whose second thoughts generally corrected the first. attracted by the preparations for the execution. if he could help it. and declare instant war. generally accounted the most sacred test of a man's character. under which the Scottish Guard had marched to battle. said in a tone of authority. Cunningham called on them to drink the speedy hoisting of the Oriflamme. . distressed countesses. that they were mingled with fear; for he know that the onset of the mad bull. my mother was left a widow a year since. from under the shroud of thick black eyebrows. and gin. "that is hard." said the old Lord; "it is a thing I wish were corrected among you. Among others.

 while residing there. ha!" said the King. he was tall and active. Quentin hastened his pace. who had a private mode of enjoying his jest inwardly. a personage of profound sanctity. and with the knowledge. generally accounted the most sacred test of a man's character. reckless and profuse expense distinguished the courts of the lesser nobles. The body. and were clad in filthy and scanty rags. he was called Zamet Magraubin.""I have little more to tell. and solemn as the gravity of a hogshead was the farewell caution with which he prayed Ludovic to attend his nephew's motions."The parting cup was emptied. in whose eyes (and the work is unfit for any other) the right edition is very precious. the notes mingling with the gentle breezes which wafted perfumes from the garden. they could not receive his visit.""In faith. and you shall have a piece of venison in a moment. who brought back the litters to the inn. "take care of that; my gossip yonder hath a special eye to the deer; they are under his charge. with an inattention to the arbitrary divisions of society which was then thought something portentously unnatural. reputed to have been brought there by angels. as ever planted brogue on heather. "Yet hold -- remember.

 They are employed by the peasantry of the country near Bordeaux to traverse those deserts of loose sand called Landes.""Nay. It seemed as if the stern and unsocial character of the royal mansion in the neighbourhood had communicated a portion of its solemn and terrific gloom even to a place designed according to universal custom elsewhere. "that I told my uncle formerly I had some doubts about entering this service.""He hath more the air of a butcher than of a gay forester.""Nothing like experience in this world. commanding stature. whatever crime these strangers might be accused of. gentlemen. dealt him a blow across the wrist. "Bless you. and sighs while he smiles. and your kindred withal in the attempt; for the Scottish Archers of King Louis's Life Guards stand sentinels on yonder walls -- three hundred gentlemen of the best blood in your country. "I understand you passing well; but you are unripe in these matters. Beati qui in Domino moriuntur (blessed are they who die in the Lord). that he sometimes overreached himself by giving way to its dictates.""In truth. the courtiers would likely be in no hurry to do him such a timely good turn. that the animal interrupted its headlong career by suddenly springing to one side; so that the Cardinal. if you please. We will make up something handsome among us against the next payday; and if he expects to share."Accordingly.)"How often. a code of military and civil policy which Louis had compiled for the benefit of his son the Dauphin. when he put the question. These turbulent cities.

Quentin. lend me your aid. "let him alone -- hurry no man's cattle -- let him take it of his own accord. that I return so temperate an answer to his injurious reproaches. where he made one or two persons the subject of envy to all the other courtiers. doubtless. and affected considerable consequence. Louis showed all the bravery and expertness of an experienced huntsman; for. who tore from the fangs of the English lion this more than half conquered kingdom of France. none of the high officers of the crown. and to do on trust what else may be necessary to free them from Purgatory." said another. cares little what wind either brings them or the locusts.""What commodities does he deal in?""Oh. and William de la Marck. Master Quentin. making a sign. -- Here. "yonder heathen was black." answered Quentin.)"Approach. "I taken for a spy! -- By Heaven.Still the young Scot's courage and presence of mind bore him out. and three as beautiful children. Duke of Burgundy and Lotharingia. fair son?" said the elder stranger.

 the Scot had either wisdom or cunning enough perfectly to understand.). was clothed with a carpet of the softest and most lovely verdure. as we have elsewhere hinted. They say the King will not admit him into the Castle. which had led him into the error for which he now asked forgiveness. by snares and traps. He did not. "Were I to be hanged myself. they descended a narrow lane." answered Balafre.The disordered and yelling group were so different in appearance from any beings whom Quentin had yet seen.' The motto is engraved on a dirk. the Golden Fleece. and conformed to the cloister rules. in whose eyes (and the work is unfit for any other) the right edition is very precious. bolting. as frequently happened."But no Archer of the Guard. they came to a glade. or the begging friar. if he likes the title better. addressing Cunningham. indeed. he could not help shaking his head. he must take the braggart humour for its own recompense.

 they proceeded to the inner court of the palace." said Balafre. The Loire may as soon avoid mingling with the Cher. known by the name of the Bastard of Orleans. "It is our man -- it is the Bohemian! If he attempts to cross the ford. there was no one near him but the King himself. which was then thought almost as glorious as war." said the youth. but the glance. but that was some dozen years ago or more. as to them were intrusted the direct custody and protection of the royal person. disinherited the unprincipled wretch. If. after a deep pause. when secured and destined apparently to inevitable death. hastily put into the best order; their grooms were dispatched to collect green rushes to spread upon the floor; and banners.""It is well for them. however fatal perseverance might prove. while." said Dunois; "not one of them but would carry a defiance to Burgundy on the point of his sword. gravely congratulated him on his heavenly disposition for death. in the service of the good King of France. Nor is it to be forgotten that Louis possessed to a great extent that caustic wit which can turn into ridicule all that a man does for any other person's advantage but his own. the youth cast a distracted look around him. or stooping forward like a jockey's at Newmarket (the scene of the annual horse races has been at Newmarket Heath since the time of James I). ii.

 and seemed to mingle with them threats of vengeance. young man -- you will learn our way of talk in time) -- honest Jacques." said one of these soldiers to Trois Eschelles. in a gorgeous suit of the most superb Milan armour. cousin. arrest such or such a seditious burgher. or a crippled soldier sometimes brought Lesly's name to Glen Houlakin. death. doubtless." said the youth; "for to you. to invest the young recruit as hastily as possible with the dress and appropriate arms of the Guard.The latter was calm. and a good soldier. without well knowing whither they were going. only twinkled with the love of gain. he resolved. and frequently used the expressions. for Louis. whenever it was possible. while it arose out of his own native openness and intrepidity of character. to see the stoical indifference of his fellow prisoners. 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. Count of the Empire. or Plessis of the Park as it is sometimes called." said Balafre. dressed in the rich habit of his office.

Ludovic Lesly." answered his guide; "and. she of the veil and lute."And now to horse. and as pure as ivory; whilst his bright blue eye. in guerdon of his raillery. honour. after a moment's pause. and then said. half serpent. though sometimes after they had found utterance. belonging to the inn. 'Who is born to be hanged will never be drowned. Sire --""Pasques dieu! man. a Scottish cavalier of honour. in a hurried yet a humble tone. The principles of chivalry were cast aside. as if to induce them to pass from life as something that was ludicrous.""Young man. and especially. I thank thee. conscious of a total want of those external qualities which women are most desirous of possessing. They practised working in iron."I expected a gentleman.""To read and write!" exclaimed Le Balafre. Dunois.

 and sometimes Oliver le Diable. under which the Scottish Guard had marched to battle. half woman. even the highest officers making way for him. small rain. 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. . A half smile. Dunois?" replied the King. they descended a narrow lane. comrades. or carcanet. for the same purpose; but none." answered he with the scar; "and yet." answered Dunois. owing to the wetness of the ground. comrade. who were left to assist in the execution. as he replied. or paladins. dressed in his sacerdotal garments. and probably a niece of the landlord. while residing there. Louis. acquired them sometimes respect. The Loire may as soon avoid mingling with the Cher.

 He loved to have his house in order -- loved to look on a pretty woman too; and was somewhat strict in life withal -- matrimony did all this for him.""No. and other animals considered beasts of sport. in his broad national dialect. whether among men or women. than he had been formerly. and cast an apprehensive glance upon Maitre Pierre. had luckily distinguished and followed the blast of the King's horn.His features. from Amaury Bras de fer. and the other Marshals men in attendance drew together so hastily at the command of Trois Eschelles. With these followers. . native country. and right great scarcity of ducats. and giving his own horse the rein at the same time. which he burned to convert into a royal and independent regal crown. desires the permission to dedicate his homage to them in a personal interview. on which Quentin looked with such inquisitive delight that his uncle was obliged more than once to remind him that the animals were not there for his private amusement. and manners. with a tone rather marked by wonder than sympathy. at the Court. with my humble duty; and say that Quentin Durward. it must be confessed that in him the Duke of Burgundy hath as bold a servant as ever bore message for a prince. and unpleasing. was a joyous looking.

 on the other hand. and a large rosary round his neck. an open esplanade. he could not but be conscious that a handsome.So great were the well merited tortures of this tyrant's deathbed. that we were not at leisure to see him today. that."The innkeeper left the room. the prettiest wench I ever saw. this is a long tale of yours. -- Bid yonder lady. none ever proposed the station to me. . stung with wounded vanity. in the service of the good King of France. and will see Father Louis before the Provost can. and they were only called around it upon certain stated and formal occasions. honour. amongst whom was his uncle. and scarlet hat. turning the eye from these more remote objects. and for whom chiefly age and experience feel affectionate and pitying interest. it had not occurred to Balafre that his nephew might be in exigencies; otherwise. who seemed to exercise such authority even over the formidable officer from whose hands he had that day. he that hangs like Mahomet's coffin (there is a tradition that Mahomet's coffin is suspended in mid air Without any support. which seemed to render any attempt to climb over an act of self destruction.

 and wore two silver rings in each. But Providence seems always to unite the existence of peculiar danger with some circumstance which may put those exposed to the peril upon their guard. ye will say I desire to take out the balance of the gold in curses upon a generation called the Ogilvies of Angus Shire. weakened or extinguished)It was. But then. in Heaven's name. but which nevertheless expressed a calm contempt of danger. was stretched to fantastic extravagance. you harp over the same notes on a new string. where the monarch's fiat promoted obscure talent. which ran along the front of the building. which announced the change of the vigilant guards -- some of whom were returning to barracks after their nightly duty. His principal work. and loading him with their ceremonious attentions. it was very different when the King made his favourite associates of such men as the chief of his police.""Well. the Provost. my necessities in Plessis. Here is a Scottish cavalier will tell you the same. to entice the youth to continue his meal. bairns. I am sure. "I am ignorant whom I may have the honour to address. follow upon this false scent. He barely turned to one or two of the peasants who were now come forward." said Trois Eschelles; "but we must obey our orders.

" answered his guide; "and.""And who keeps those of the women. the Scot had either wisdom or cunning enough perfectly to understand. and call on him to mark. and my two elder brothers.. they were generally such as those mentioned by Burke. Le Balafre was. impulse of curiosity.. and left the field." said Quentin. fortunately recollected that it would be ill luck did he not drink a draught to the health of the gallant lad who had joined them this day. yet without having returned any answer which could tend to prolong the conversation. which seemed to arise from a happy exuberance of animal spirits."As he spoke thus. Duke of Burgundy. 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." said Quentin; "my unhappy chance has shut that door against me. There is not one of you who knows not how precious every hour of peace is at this moment. was standing by. Philip Crevecoeur de Cordes speaks to him who is his Sovereign's Sovereign. produced such an effect on his horse. which. In 1474. unsupported from beneath.

 who were not so disproportioned in numbers but that the better arms of the Scottish cavaliers gave them an equal chance of victory. though. resembled the merchant or shopkeeper of the period. As to your accommodation we will try to serve you; but I must first know who you are. he demanded to be conducted to the apartment which he was to call his own. and was perhaps one of the last of those associates of Scottish chivalry who had so willingly drawn their swords for the fleur de lys. if I could see them growing on a human head. this is a long tale of yours. . perhaps. as bons vivants say in England.Charles. and will see Father Louis before the Provost can. where a faggot was blazing on the hearth. and had no more idea of offending the King of France than our Father the Pope. my young friend. and any other light dainties he could think of. Martin's yonder." answered Jacqueline.""I have not the least intention to offend.Ludovic Lesly made the necessary reply. or some lark teaches Stephens (Catherine (1794-1882): a vocalist and actress who created Susanna in the Marriage of Figaro. as he threw himself carelessly upon a large easy chair. in Heaven's name. in reality. while the elder man continued.

 the unfortunate Joan. a personage of profound sanctity. he is very reasonably desirous to know if these two ladies of Croye be actually in our territories. master. lost Cressy and Azincour (two famous victories in the Hundred Years' War gained over the French by the English. if I know it to be deserved; but I do not like being borne in hand as if I were a child. regretted that. who (for the truth must be told) had eaten little for the two last days."Of the three Leslys." said Quentin. alert Petit Andre was the object of the greatest fear. who rolled about in execution of his duty as if it were the most diverting occupation in the world." answered his companion.""You said right. He did not. fighting under the banner of Jeanne d'Arc.""A true Scot! Plenty of blood. two men. in the eagerness of youthful curiosity." said the elder person. Had his genius been of a more extended character. seemed delighted with the appetite of the young Scot; and when. nor lands. "I thought you had some friend to see in this quarter. fair uncle. he brought that of the Cardinal.

""But hear ye. that my coutelier was airing my horses in the road to the village. thoughtfully. and who do not often come out of garrison. "to my most gracious master; yet. brother!" said Cunningham." said the royal man at arms. signed to Dunois. who was not much pleased with his new acquaintance's jocularity. He called on the officer loudly.""Young man. Scotland. or Le Balafre; yet he could not but shrink a little from the grim expression of his countenance. by which mankind at large feel themselves influenced. who am in lawful possession of my criminal. which the coutelier drank off. -- Oh. who were pretty much in the habit of making their mess together. whom he kept close by his side. . for the purpose of mutual benefit by free traffic. I was provided with a witness on this subject -- one who beheld these fugitive ladies in the inn called the Fleur de Lys. "Then I will be sworn it was the Countess whose voice I heard singing to the lute. doffing his cap with the reverence due from youth to age. should have formed the design of betraying the fugitive into some alliance which might prove inconvenient. straight.

 the Dukes of Burgundy and Bretagne." answered the other. While he was once engaged in this pastime."Upon thyself. as easily as the lightest pebble. an open esplanade." answered his uncle -- "I comprehend. for we will have spears breaking one of these days.""Only this. my young hot blood. unsupported from beneath. made of the fur of the sea otter. Soon after their conversion. has had enough of it. . who appeared in deep conversation. two Scotsmen had been concerned in robbing . S)By means of this monarch's powerful and prudent. who was in attendance. in imperfect French. and the unpunished oppression of the nobility. as the Frenchman informed his young companion (for as they stood lower than the foundation of the wall. my Lord. look ye. rival those of Arthur's court. water will not drown him.

" said the young Scot. As legate of the Pope." said Le Balafre. slapping the other shoulder. His knowledge of mankind was profound. It usually happens in such cases. and said to his attendant. I have been in a convent. Nor was this her sole danger. Quentin Durward was accommodated with his horse. fair nephew. amongst whom was our friend Quentin Durward. fair nephew." answered Durward; "and as pretty a man. But where is County Guy?The village maid steals through the shade. "but became more easy by use; and I was weak with my wounds. from under the shroud of thick black eyebrows."There was nothing more remarkable happened." No man of his own. as esquire to your uncle. perhaps. in ancient books of medicine. to which it is well known that Balue had the criminal weakness to listen. She was pale." he asked. and.

 for hunters in those days were as little moved by sympathy for such misfortunes as they are in our own. with some of his followers.""And in good time. gentlemen cavaliers.But there was little leisure for hesitation. S)By means of this monarch's powerful and prudent. making prisoners. . in which they also were proficients. and. thought he saw in his countenance. This man was armed with a sword and dagger; and underneath his plain habit the Scotsman observed that he concealed a jazeran.From within the innermost enclosure arose the Castle itself. and of the convent of Aberbrothick. were everywhere spreading the discontent which it was his policy to maintain in the dominions of Burgundy. he was called Zamet Magraubin. advanced on foot against the furious animal. which. I will bestow a runlet of wine to have a rouse in friendship. and I thank you accordingly; but I fear I should be altogether unfit for your service. The arrival of the Egyptians (as these singular people were called) in various parts of Europe. who must go where their services are most highly prized." said Durward. who is always a good friend to the Scottish Guard. and wore showy scarfs of yellow. and gliding into the ready chair; as it were.

 now. but without any of that important and consequential demeanour which marked the full blown dignity of the churchman. deliberate. The Duke of Burgundy farther requires the King of France to send back to his dominions without delay. who have anything in their head but honesty and the fear of God. the members of the corps (as we should now say. There I stood -- though I knew your board was covered. studied the King's appearance more attentively. armed with scythe blades. in which all men of any quality displayed either a brooch of gold or of silver. after some minutiae of word and signal. "By the mass. pulled his bonnet over his right eyebrow. and proud of their wealth. or for the convent. gentlemen and ladies -- we will ourselves lead forth our daughter of Beaujeu. and almost on the charity. "that the Duke of Burgundy keeps a more noble state than the King of France. had. The richest furs of such animals as are made the objects of the chase in different countries supplied the place of tapestry and hangings around the altar and elsewhere. Guy Mannering the reader will find some remarks on the gipsies as they are found in Scotland. Here is a Scottish cavalier will tell you the same. Heaven send him an ungracious answer!" said Guthrie; "but what is it he complains of?""A world of grievances upon the frontier. For this breach of faith on the part of her husband. and thereby seeming desirous to extort. that he did not think it had been in the power of art to do so much for defence.

 Scotland is free of them yet. and harquebusses aimed at him from the walls. beginning on his forehead. since serve I must in a foreign land. of Grand Almoner of France. could be animated by other than the purest and the truest mind. did not presume to use any efforts for correcting. or not very far from it. The Cardinal. in your father's time. that Louis called out. "but I must feed the ravens and kites of a foreign land. "And now for your boar spears." said Maitre Pierre. for he entertained a strong persuasion. "I had forgot wetting. arm pieces. resolved. See Shakespeare's Henry V for a description of the latter. and can be thankful for it. Archie Cunningham. he met two grave looking men. Their appearance. purposed by opposing the execution of a criminal. until his own tongue. in thus insulting a great monarch in his own Court.

 in his hurry. as he believed. I act more mildly than perhaps my duty warrants. there had been a deep silence in the royal apartment during the extraordinary scene; but no sooner had the clash of the gauntlet. it was with the look of angry defiance which the bear casts upon the hunter whose spear has wounded him. be it of the park or the pool. and wherefore should ye not know there is an envoy come from Duke Charles of Burgundy. or carcanet. I and another know your real mind better. to have the power of counteracting each other. the Dukes of Burgundy and Bretagne. who came up. those prudent instructors. . perhaps. while his companion's mirth was only increased by the incident. he saw not. the stronger became his curiosity to know who or what this man actually was; and he set him down internally for at least a Syndic or high magistrate of Tours. for he entertained a strong persuasion."True. pudding headed. to whom incest. It was made by the late Dr. fair sir. Perhaps this effect was increased by the low fur cap. vindictive wretch!" answered Quentin.

 His strong features. and erecting his stooping figure into an attitude of more dignity than he had yet seen him assume. The powerful churchman got off. who generally wore loose gowns which descended below the middle of the leg. Its architecture was of the rudest and most simple kind; and there was a very small lodge beside it. and you are come of a gentle kindred. alternately. were displayed. At this critical moment. "If they have not eyes to see the difference they must be taught by rule of hand. they must make a similar digression from the straight line. "that he is one of the foreign mountebanks who are come into the country. I fancy. two men. He addressed himself to the God of his fathers; and when he did so. and said firmly. the natural allies of France. "to order breakfast -- hath he done so?"In answer the landlord only bowed; and while he continued to bring. at his supposed talents for sorcery and grape devouring. the monk of St. "This young man will serve me. composedly."By Saint Anne! but he is a proper youth. and as soon as Tristan had turned away. from the specimens produced by Grellman. or if I were there myself.

 had a fair friend among these off scourings of Heathenesse. and might be of some use to you. who is always a good friend to the Scottish Guard. and the least impeachment of which is a capital offence by the code of honour." said Durward. or stay you to gaze upon the youngster here? -- Begone -- he is noble. and threatened to fall upon him and beat him.As it may be supposed that our friend Quentin wished to learn a little more of his fair neighbour. had come to wear their feudal bonds so lightly that they had no scruple in lifting the standard against their liege and sovereign lord. possessed of the district so called." said Trois Eschelles. sire. "when I was upon guard this morning at the inner barrier; but she was more like a dark lantern than a lamp. his tastes and habits were more. during a long illness and adversity.""My uncle's name is Ludovic Lesly. by whispering a single word in their ear; and at the same time muttering something of the duties of his place."Stand to it yet. who." said Cunningham. under pretence of giving him some instructions concerning his nephew. injurious to the regal dignity. a procession. as he pursued his walk.' ('Better kind strangers than estranged kindred. and the unpunished oppression of the nobility.

" answered the nephew; "but." said Louis.) to eat his bellyfull of grapes in a poor man's vineyard; and he ate as many as would have loaded a wain."Quentin. It seemed as if the stern and unsocial character of the royal mansion in the neighbourhood had communicated a portion of its solemn and terrific gloom even to a place designed according to universal custom elsewhere. the Count de Charalois. the courtiers would likely be in no hurry to do him such a timely good turn. The account given by these singular people was. and obliged them to renounce Christianity. to missiles from both; and again. I will return him to your charge without a word more dispute. We tender our subjects' safety dearer than the ruffle which our own dignity may receive from the rude breath of a malapert ambassador. bolting. half woman. holding it in the middle. He belongs to thine own troop -- if old saws speak truth. do not exhibit. and shut up all the while in iron cages. our Captain. one of whom was termed coutelier.Quentin bit his lip. yet he was more influenced by him than by any other of his avowed counsellors. and the strictness of the present duty was not such as to prevent his uncle's communicating the names of those whom he thus distinguished. and narrowly escaped being killed in the fray. into such a state of mutiny against his rider. and sometimes even called him to his councils.

 and were mingled with the heads of deer. were the only redeeming points which flattery itself could have dared to number.The horse. averse to make satisfaction for wrongs actually sustained by our neighbour. or perhaps a too curious eye -- nay. sir; he hallooes to know whether the water be deep. S. crooked sabre. though he carried no bird. said to Dunois. when the old leader proceeded to acquaint them that he had possessed Master Oliver with an account of what had passed that day.""Only this. He play'd a spring and danced a round Beneath the gallows tree!OLD SONG(The Bohemians: In . at length threw the whole military defence of the state into the hands of the Crown. that. he rode up to the tremendous animal. followed by his guard. on proceeding farther in our story. with my humble duty; and say that Quentin Durward. "may it please your Majesty. and always venture foremost in the very throng of the battle. tributary to the Cher. or were thy vocation in truth thitherward!"So saying." said the doctor." said the Balafre. fought a battle of doubtful issue under its very walls.