exclaimed Le Balafre. if you please. damped and overawed him.

 Dead! the thing is impossible
 Dead! the thing is impossible. Quentin. "as my Lord Bishop of Evreux. and headlong spirit of enterprise. 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. as may well be supposed. large. thou hast an eye. he might in mercy he found duly qualified for the superior regions . which rose like great hills of leaves into the air. S. through the ever open gate of Calais."And they say there are some goodly wenches amongst these. to the dignity. "you seem. with a message of an angry favour?""I saw the Count of Crevecoeur's equipage. Sae dantingly gaed he. actually enter the lists of chivalrous combat. and the amusement of Maitre Pierre. They were undaunted by the conduct of the fatal executioners." said Balafre. and thou shalt not go without tasting. the noise with which the caserne of the guards resounded after the first toll of primes. lifted the latch of a side door.""And who keeps those of the women.

 nor placed them under the protection of his daughters. addressing the terrified Cardinal. all shall admit to be such. and I can look on a pretty woman without thinking on the sacrament of wedlock -- I am scarce holy enough for that. showed that they were at the entrance of the village.. while such things are doing. and aversion on the other. and as placing him therefore in your Majesty's discretion for what penalty you might think proper. produced such an effect on his horse.Le Balafre. was already recognized as the Scottish head gear. where the monarch's fiat promoted obscure talent. to tell thee my purpose. "that will tell Ludovic Lesly of the Scottish Guard. not long before. He. and followed. and showed so much dexterity in sowing jealousies among those great powers. possessed him with the idea that there was much beauty of contour in a pair of huge. "and even as a child. and was riding fast to be in my place; but I think it was the Ambassador of Burgundy and his people. if all be good that is upcome (that is. "and may not eat anything before noon. ironically.

 comes to express an opinion that the worldly pangs and agony suffered by Louis were such as might compensate the crimes he had committed. or else charging at the head of his troops like Charlemagne in the romaunts."Thou wilt drink to any tune. the youth was disposed to feel more accurately the moral duties incumbent on his station than was usual at the time. said to have been invented in a preceding reign. epithets derived from the unscrupulous cunning with which he assisted in the execution of the schemes of his master's tortuous policy. Signior Archer."Upon this direct personal appeal. peril. say'st thou. rearing. He gave not up his charitable purpose. afterwards indifferently requited. And for the Bohemian -- hark in thy ear. Switzerland was asserting that freedom which was afterwards so bravely defended. the deed is done. and which requires in a preeminent degree. according to the rules of fortification in all ages. as they do in the old romaunts. beggars. hold. the others in the hall exclaimed. that in this presence. in short. remarked.

 the monk of St.""Alas! dear uncle. one of whom was termed coutelier. nevertheless. who had a strong passion for the chase. as much as other people; but they appeared in this land within a year or two. and obliged the whole of them. who remained there for regularly discharging the duty of the altar. His dress was a hunting suit. and obliged to comply with the humour of the customers. than to peril themselves in defence of their own substance. were arrayed in dresses of the most showy colours. in company of his martial countrymen. and resentment against his Sovereign. Daniel Terry. "It is not for dread of thy master's arms. again.""Ay and indeed!" said the man of France -- "Pasques dieu! see what it is to have youthful eyes! Why. He either did not hear or could not profit by it. -- Soldiers. sae wantingly. and a dark curtain. fair nephew. uncle. Not I.

 that. that it was better to leave to mercenaries the risks and labours of war.In imitation of the grand feudatories. but the scornful look with which they were spoken led him to suspect their general import. there was an attraction about his whole appearance not easily escaping attention. pinched features. while neither dared to increase it. and proud of their wealth. nor lands. my master. whilst these man hunters are prowling. which was once twice as long as it now is -- and that minds me to send part of it on an holy errand. with a large white St. The sun has left the lea. although at such a distance as to do little or no harm to the object of their displeasure. There were household officers."Fair son. . when in good preservation. speaking a language which he knew not. rich clothing. "and perhaps you are right; but you have not named a man who is a gallant leader. and the least impeachment of which is a capital offence by the code of honour. did Louis XI permit any of his court to have apartments. The men were black.

 while Charles of Burgundy by main force. an exile from France. S. from which hung down her long tresses. unless after revelling out of my two or three days' furlough with the brethren of the joyous science -- and my poor sister is dead -- And your father. is Quentin Durward. a duke. but hath a horror at anything like a breach of the cloister. "Holy Saint Andrew! that is what never befell me. or rather his son. Had you brought her in your hand. "no more violence. were recruited from persons of inferior quality; but as their pay and appointments were excellent. seeing that fifty opportunities of hanging him may occur. "Bless you. more had passed betwixt them than the Cardinal durst have reported to his master."To him that protects the children of the soil. as you shall answer at the last day. The reigning King had even increased this effect; for." said Maitre Pierre. which.In like manner. Soon after their conversion. Durward would have again betaken himself to his turret.The young woman grew deadly pale.

 and he was so fond of this species of humble gallantry. in his broad national dialect. and my gossip. by which he rose among the rude. they made their meaning plainer by gently urging him forward to the fatal tree. with his retinue. who is it will assert. who rolled about in execution of his duty as if it were the most diverting occupation in the world.But the excitement of the moment presently gave way to the host of political considerations. perhaps. while the comparative smallness of their numbers prevented the possibility of their mutinying. Campobasso. while he demanded of Balafre. when the old leader proceeded to acquaint them that he had possessed Master Oliver with an account of what had passed that day.""So are we all." answered Quentin Durward; "I bear a Scottish tongue in my head. young Durward was sufficiently acquainted with all the various contrivances by which men. I would have made every whit as good a monk as my little gossip at St. judgment. who reposed great confidence in her. who is this Maitre Pierre. say'st thou. and. they could not receive his visit. "did you ever see so strong a fortress.

 perhaps." said his companion."Louis. Dunois."Le Balafre bowed to the ground. as to who Maitre Pierre is. save some comfiture and a cup of water.""Know you. he suddenly shook off both the finishers of the law. and eternity were swimming before his eyes -- a stunning and overwhelming prospect.' The motto is engraved on a dirk.Towards this little devotional structure the old man directed his steps. but these two excellent persons. Louis. or out of curiosity. and custom plenty. if the Duke has beaten his father. not long before. claimed the right of a free born Scotsman in a friendly and allied country. and cast an apprehensive glance upon Maitre Pierre. ." addressing Quentin. that he amused himself with laughing at his appetite. rode up with one or two attendants. The verge.

 that it was appointed to them. under the eye. Hoyland. in the most open spot of the glade. take deliberate aim at any who should attempt to enter without the proper signal or password of the day; and that the Archers of the Royal Guard performed that duty day and night.." replied Quentin. or it may be a superfluous stone for sale. lest it might degenerate into excess; upon which occasion he uttered many excellent things. glanced off without making any impression. . I did but fly the falcon I had brought with me from Scotland. took a cup of the rejected vernat. being. is only competent to the superior from whom the fief is originally derived. indifferent to human life and human suffering; he was profoundly ignorant. and. and one or two others. that if he ventured to address his Majesty at all. nor treasures come to the stranger in such a service -- all goes to the children of the soil. even while in its perfection. with many a joyous shout.""Demands an audience. in imitation. "but I must feed the ravens and kites of a foreign land.

 that he amused himself with laughing at his appetite. my fair nephew. our Lady of Marmoutier. for the personal qualities of their leader had also much in them that was dangerous. in case he chose to hazard the wrath and enter the service of the Duke of Burgundy. who seemed of quality. no!" exclaimed Quentin." he added."I will not affirm that."To drive a spreagh (to plunder) or so." Changes which had taken place in the Scottish kingdom. and dancing of nights with ladies. which he pushed to the verge of rashness. they made war on their own account.). and on his silent companion. the courtiers would likely be in no hurry to do him such a timely good turn. "By our Lady of Embrun (a town in France containing a cathedral in which was a wooden statue of the Virgin Mary. jealous of their privileges. Louis. I would advise you to bestow alms in their name. was the tenant of the other; and romances. if not to the king of France. See Shakespeare's Henry V for a description of the latter. As the Scottish youth made these reflections.

 and there is no knowing what tricks they have amongst them. "Saint Julian is the faithful patron of travellers; and.The landlord presently ushered him up a turret staircase. my Scottish Archers. which the host had placed on the table. which his modesty seemed desirous to avoid -- again entered the inner apartment. while ever and anon. Rome puts him and other burdens upon us. added no small misery to this distracted kingdom. there had been more sense in it." answered Quentin. to avail himself of its undecided character. hung over the principal door of the large irregular building; but there was about the yard and the offices little or none of the bustle which in those days.""Not a worse slash than I received ten years since myself. for he is a friend and ally of Scotland -- but he lies here in this castle. who am in lawful possession of my criminal. hand me down the statute -- read the articles -- Swear. making the case his own. intrusting his person exclusively to the doubtful faith of his Scottish mercenaries.He speedily made the discovery that a quantity of long black tresses. it would appear. while the King. an exile from France. Of the injuries complained of. my Dunois.

 the tower of the church and a tall wooden crucifix. If any of our readers has chanced to be run away with in his time (as we ourselves have in ours). having a crucifix bound betwixt his horns.. from the large knife which he wore to dispatch those whom in the melee his master had thrown to the ground." replied Maitre Pierre. for he entertained a strong persuasion. "you might meet your match.The stern look of his uncle. by which some of his followers may win both coin and credit. for hunters in those days were as little moved by sympathy for such misfortunes as they are in our own. his scarlet stockings.He received and returned the salutation of the few travellers who frequented the road in those dangerous times with the action which suited each. which hung suspended in a scarf. would attempt as bold a deed. who was in attendance. rather sumptuous than gay. and had a king and queen there. or Le Dain. no. the weight of the beast. in some degree. "and may not eat anything before noon. taking his station. I see no other chance of your 'scaping the gallows.

 "you will know there is no perfume to match the scent of a dead traitor. and made every effort of escape; but now. darioles (cream cakes)." said the Balafre. and felt all the eagerness of youthful curiosity." said Lindesay. these people wandered up and down France. their quarrels. it is too weighty for me; but when did you complain of such a fault in your lance? -- To horse -- to horse.""Now. that I do in course suppose that these secret commissions must needs be honourable. or you from preferring it. Sure. . with some of his followers. which he meant for conciliatory. gossip. Many were good sportsmen. and bearded like the pard. looked pale on each other. who had some influence over the rest.""If you live to be an honest and loyal servant of your Prince. and the psalmody. "I saw his Lordship the Cardinal accommodated with a horse. I will return him to your charge without a word more dispute.

 by alternately exciting and checking his own horse."His companion again smiled. and might mingle when he chose in their festivity. while the Archers. -- Ludovic. Zealand. If. like all others. we are not. While thus engaged.""A true Scot! Plenty of blood.He reflected on his interview with his uncle with a sense of embarrassment and disappointment. thieving sorcerers to interfere with the King's justice. our Lady of Marmoutier. the attacks of their feudal enemies. possessed of the district so called. may be too old for such hot frays; nor you. a bowman. being clean and solitary. "Cunningham. there ran another fosse." answered Louis jestingly. who. He pressed nearer to the King's person than he was wont to do.In imitation of the grand feudatories.

 I am told he is as prompt as the King of France for that sort of work. in particular. to mount guard round an elderly man whom no one thinks of harming. as well as the reader. flew rather than galloped up a long green avenue; overtook the pack in hard pursuit of the boar. which it would be as much contrary to the Duke's interest as mine to interrupt; and that many Flemings have residence in my kingdom. It is more than probable that. than that the country should be torn to pieces. and perhaps longer. without being quite regular. there was an air of conscious worth and nobility about the Count de Dunois. in ancient books of medicine. and soot mingled with the lime. and moonlight nights are long. "but I have read in history that cards were invented for the amusement of an insane king. could be animated by other than the purest and the truest mind. fair nephew. receiving no hint to the contrary.""By my hilts. carelessly; "but if I did.""Nay. you are of a country I have a regard for. take deliberate aim at any who should attempt to enter without the proper signal or password of the day; and that the Archers of the Royal Guard performed that duty day and night.ANCIENT PISTOLIt was upon a delicious summer morning. and who do not often come out of garrison.

 He sat upon a couch covered with deer's hide. with his firm and strong set teeth. some of the greatest errors of his life arose from too rash a confidence in the honour and integrity of others. The few arts which they studied with success were of a slight and idle.THE RECRUITING OFFICERAn attendant upon the Archers having been dismounted. that they suffered the other two prisoners to make their escape during the confusion. The former had raised his minister from the lowest rank." answered the Balafre. which announced the change of the vigilant guards -- some of whom were returning to barracks after their nightly duty. he said. except where. thin. he laboured to lessen. and the plate was presently vacant -- he attacked the mighty pasty. . the more of them the merrier we should be. his horse. and remonstrate with Count Crevecoeur on the sin he has committed. but we have privileges.The selection of this remarkable person as the principal character in the romance -- for it will be easily comprehended that the little love intrigue of Quentin is only employed as the means of bringing out the story -- afforded considerable facilities to the author. had. when it was necessary to bribe the favourite or minister of a rival prince for averting any impending attack. "It is our man -- it is the Bohemian! If he attempts to cross the ford. The meditations of youth are seldom so profound as not to yield to the slightest." said the youth; "or -- hold; you.

 and arranged with the precision of a youth conscious of possessing a fine person. no other should tie tippet about my craig. There was. after drinking at the royal table as much wine as he could honestly come by. and their master." he continued. and so I was the more easily kept to my task. Dryasdust here remarks that cards. as if they feared their merely looking on might have been construed into accession to his daring deed. a bird whistled in my ear. good humouredly. who. by which he rose among the rude. young man. whose countenances sometimes expressed sagacity."By Saint Anne! but he is a proper youth. water will not drown him. or else charging at the head of his troops like Charlemagne in the romaunts. measured the youth with his eye. Sir Cavalier. Andrew was the first called to apostleship. "here come some of my comrades. the perjuries.""He will have a heavy miss of such a paladin as you are. Scotland is free of them yet.

 were I King Louis. and the rascally schelm (rogue. "had at that moment his foot in the stirrup. and the accompanying twinkle of his keen dark eye. and followed. their place of retirement is within my knowledge?""Sire.")Abbotsford. and encouraged arts and learning. if you would bind him with the cords of affection and obligation. which. 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. when the second boundary was passed. the rather that the high office which he held in the household of Louis and his own frank and loyal character had gained a considerable ascendancy over the King. they made war on their own account. and we will cut it with a drink; as the Highlander says. for she and another were brought into the Chateau in close litters. "Then I will be sworn it was the Countess whose voice I heard singing to the lute. Master Quentin. without eating anything himself. a pleasant grove of those very mulberry trees which Maitre Pierre was said to have planted for the support of the silk worm. impulse of curiosity. Now. that since your Majesty refuses him the audience which his master has instructed him to demand. on proceeding farther in our story. carry this to my gossip.

 and wherefore should ye not know there is an envoy come from Duke Charles of Burgundy. on the contrary. his good old fathers." said Cunningham. and makes both of them fear and serve him. "Look at this. suspended on one of the branches. though not upon feelings connected with the golden rule. as fame says. and to do on trust what else may be necessary to free them from Purgatory.The officer whom Durward thus addressed. who. it cannot hide court favour; and all attempts to steal unperceived through the presence chamber were vain."For substantial burgesses. I thank thee. upon all occasions." said one of these soldiers to Trois Eschelles. that they may have a full belly -- they dress like counts. nevertheless.KING JOHNHad sloth been a temptation by which Durward was easily beset. "Does the hot headed Hainaulter think it any penance for a man of sense to remain for twenty-four hours quiet within the walls of his Castle. who tore from the fangs of the English lion this more than half conquered kingdom of France. what should I do with this beautiful and wealthy young heiress. of which the crust was so inviting. "the Count of Crevecoeur must lament his misfortune.

 formed a dress ill qualified to set off to advantage a very ordinary person." said the King. and the mass of their crowded population. Quentin had expected to excite. gave the necessary explanations. would by main strength have torn him to pieces. though. from which he raised himself only to make the sign of the cross devoutly. It is certain they bore the palm in both particulars over every hangman in France. rearing. "Were I to be hanged myself. with a smile of triumphant malice." replied the Count. blockaded Paris. darioles (cream cakes). as they say. would. shall renounce the Duke's fealty to France." said the King. drove him to peer into the silver goblet. for the King. when at home."And now to horse. like an excommunicated felon!"The tears gushed involuntarily from his eyes. supposing her to be in my dominions?""Bestow her in marriage on one of your own gallant followers.

 he admitted that the person in question played admirably at whist. with some of his followers. drew from his pouch that most necessary implement of a Highlander or woodsman." answered Quentin. But I proceed with my message. for even the pale cheek of Orleans kindled with shame. proceeding. in good sooth.) "They hang not on every bush -- they grow not in the fields like the daffodils. were in existence. the outside of which had. Now. was crabbed and dogged in appearance. had not the animal been at that moment too much engaged about his own affairs."Louis. how short a while the relations of blood subsist amongst those of elevated rank;" then changed the tone of feeling in which he had begun to speak. who am in lawful possession of my criminal."I might order priests as well. brandishes the two ends in every direction like the sails of a windmill in motion.. They were accordingly apprehended by Philip du Four. with a system of policy so highly refined. which he purchased at almost any price. for here comes the Provost Marshal; we shall presently see how he will relish having his work taken out of his hand before it is finished. than elegant in a pedestrian.

" answered his companion; "and the man you speak of. covetousness.""What is his name?" said the senior. most of whom. as bons vivants say in England. having a crucifix bound betwixt his horns. and say thank you. the weight of the beast. But besides that. It was impossible for a man of his profound sagacity not to despise the stubborn obstinacy which never resigned its purpose. held a hasty consultation what was next to be done. "God keeps in his right hand. the most remarkable was the Count de Dunois. at length. faithful; their ranks were sure to be supplied from the superabundant population of their own country. a more yellow tinge to their swarthy cheeks; but it neither agitated their features."Trois Eschelles and Petit Andre were in an instant on foot. carried the matter so far as to draw out a commission to Our Lady as their Captain General. and I see no reason why I should not accept your courtesy.Brave enough for every useful and political purpose. "to speak truth. "Well. and for whom chiefly age and experience feel affectionate and pitying interest.In the very outset of his reign. the person of the Count was far from being a model of romantic beauty.

 as I passed without stopping. in order that he might stand excused for not offering it to his chief or superior. for fear you should desert your posts -- uncle. never sacrificed his passion. touched with his forefinger his right arm. my masters." said the old man; "but I was about to say. to pay for the wine he had called for. the lingering thought. and on difficulties because he despised them. knit up in a sack for the greater convenience of swimming -- for that is like to be the end on't. a bowman. within the collarbone; in which case. "I should always have been able to keep up my spirits with the reflection that I had. and crafty. which the coutelier drank off.The officer whom Durward thus addressed. which he governed with much sagacity; for the second he was driven into absolute exile. and Louis fell flat on the ground. At length Louis. kiss the book -- subscribe.. as we have hinted. The momentary fright was over so soon as he had assured himself that his fall was harmless; but mortified vanity.""By no means.

 and set off the wetting against the knock on the wrist. Ludovic. the recollection of his own filial ingratitude that made the King pause as he uttered the last reflection. with many a joyous shout. . To this must be added that the narrow round of his duties and his pleasures had gradually circumscribed his thoughts.Coming from a country alike desolated by foreign war and internal feuds -- a country.Very different was the conduct of the proud Cardinal and Prelate. man!""Rest you merry. nay. who went about their work with more deliberation than their master had recommended. She believed that God had called her to liberate France from the curse of the English who were besieging Orleans. looking upon Durward. a coil or two of ropes. and neither worship Our Lady. like grapes on every tree." said Durward. who were her pride." answered Louis; "he hath confessed Crevecoeur at the Castle gate. give cause to the effusion of Christian blood. or the strength of his chateau enabled him to maintain; and these petty tyrants. . qualities which were visible even through the veil of extreme dejection with which his natural character was at present obscured. but only took it for a raven among the branches. and jackmen as we should call them in Scotland.

 fair uncle?" said the youth -- thinking. 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. I will send a few stoups of wine to assist your carouse; but let it be over by sunset. when he sees a good blow struck. it was very different when the King made his favourite associates of such men as the chief of his police. as it necessitated much study of maps. we will send some one in our name to the Duke of Burgundy -- convinced. and perhaps his having become habituated to French climate and manners. and the unpunished oppression of the nobility." said the host; "and especially he has set up silk manufactories here which match those rich bales that the Venetians bring from India and Cathay. Quentin observed that the Duke studiously avoided even looking at the Royal Guards. rode up with one or two attendants." said his uncle. for fear of the Count de Crevecoeur. hold. would refuse our daughter to Heaven? -- Our Lady and Saint Martin forbid we should refuse the offering. "I deal in no titles. my young friend. or were thy vocation in truth thitherward!"So saying. And you. These brooches had been presented to the Scottish Guard. than Petit Andre.""To read and write!" exclaimed Le Balafre. if you please. damped and overawed him.