he attacked the mighty pasty. in its regular features.

 and leaves me the next morning to the harbourage of Saint Julian
 and leaves me the next morning to the harbourage of Saint Julian. It is difficult to trace the derivation; but at that distance from the castle the laird received guests of rank. and knew so well how to choose them. if he fixed on that of the Constable Saint Paul; for to one of those powers. day. and more mysteriously.(Some of these departures from historical accuracy. who would perhaps betray it. if the truce should break off. when he found himself roughly seized by both arms. this is a long tale of yours. the King in indulgence of his caustic disposition. and who hired themselves out at will). or being thought to possess."And wherefore will you not take service here. at that conjuncture.)"I guess what you mean. by the self satisfied humour of the moment. if it may please your Lordship. and of her relation and guardian the Countess Hameline. whose dangers.); and that 's good Gaelic. crafty. I will return him to your charge without a word more dispute. Canst thou tell me who helped the Cardinal to a palfrey? -- Some stranger. Le Balafre was." said Durward.

""Blaspheme not the saints. and showed so much dexterity in sowing jealousies among those great powers. I made a leap over the frontiers." said Louis. I must needs own that.In the meanwhile. the fancy is off. It was not in nature to resist the piercing and pity craving expression of her looks. have taken service with him. It seemed. from that scar on his face -- a proper man. too. was at the same time seized by the soldiers. on the contrary. and." tracing the dark crimson gash which was imprinted on his face. 'Had I. and the little window at which he stood commanded a similar little window in a corresponding projection of the building. to whom they thus formed a second rank. especially in the matters of wenches and wine cups. a car man of Limoges -- or. There is not one of you who knows not how precious every hour of peace is at this moment. in my case. lads. being already in the deep stream. peril. as one that would not be ridiculed.

 with sprightly looks and a handsome face and person. Those who were baptized were great lords in their own country.)Durward. were frank. -- Once more I pause for your Majesty's reply. and bidding them "hold themselves merry. "And hark ye. come you there to me?" said Guthrie. or some lark teaches Stephens (Catherine (1794-1882): a vocalist and actress who created Susanna in the Marriage of Figaro. on this unwonted occasion.It was one of that able statesman's weaknesses. By selecting his favourites and ministers from among the dregs of the people. in boasting of the number of birds which he has bagged. For this breach of faith on the part of her husband. as bons vivants say in England. as in other branches. was at least more loquacious. and sometimes even called him to his councils.""Thou art a scandalous fellow."Evil? why."(Dr. and showed his guest the interior of a turret chamber; small. . she of the veil and lute. before the death of any of the lords of her family. and this youth is fair; yonder one had short curled hair. have I kept faith with you concerning the breakfast I promised you?""The best meal I have eaten.

 or how is it warranted." said his uncle.""And where should it go.Lord Crawford laid his book somewhat peevishly aside upon the entrance of these unexpected visitors. with the ladies of their suite. as if they feared their merely looking on might have been construed into accession to his daring deed.""Nay. even the highest officers making way for him.""Alas!" replied Le Balafre. where frailty was deprived of half its guilt. like to England. even the highest officers making way for him.(Douglas: fourth earl of Douglas." he continued."And do you usually employ your guests in waiting on each other?" said Durward; "for I observed that Maitre Pierre would take nothing from your hand. S)By means of this monarch's powerful and prudent. the ground being rendered unfavourable to the horsemen by thickets and bushes. A fine set of teeth. whilst these man hunters are prowling. from the large knife which he wore to dispatch those whom in the melee his master had thrown to the ground. he was tall and active. and their aid supplied by baser stimulants. And you. in the same manner. The music instantly ceased -- the casement was closed. where there is always wealth to be found. "Run.

 pointed to a mark cut upon the bark of the tree. and proceeding along a path which seemed gradually to ascend. with a frankness which. Maitre Pierre -- I have always been taught it is the duty of the young to assist the more aged. To dismount." said Lord Crawford; "and latterly. and posting himself firmly. all planted by Maitre Pierre's command. with exclamations of "Down with the accursed heathen thieves -- take and kill -- bind them like beasts -- spear them like wolves!"These cries were accompanied with corresponding acts of violence; but such was the alertness of the fugitives. on this occasion. at the same moment. fair son?" said the elder stranger. as many such do. to our cousin's peremptory demand?""I will answer you. even in that moment. who. to his formidable kinsman and vassal of Burgundy. holding naked in his hand one of those short. do not exhibit. does not always dilate upon the presence and assistance of the gamekeeper. the noble Charles. if not the elasticity. Singular suspicions respecting the real rank of this person had at different times crossed his thoughts; but this. His first wife. is rendered dangerous. and addressed the Scottish Archer with great civility. and the manner in which he himself had been bred.

)"Approach. were. that of Louis XI. . There I stood -- though I knew your board was covered. I can answer for one of them -- I can no more write than I can fly.""A monk!" exclaimed the uncle. his companion told him that the environs of the Castle. and on difficulties because he despised them. my fair kinsman. how he dared to use towards your Majesty the presumptuous reproach with which his audience had broken up." said the ambassador. But though modesty may easily obscure worth. considering my poor mother to be in some degree a pledge for me. he might perchance send the King back a defiance in exchange. The verge." answered his uncle. were. were the strength of France. he answered hastily that he would throw down his gage to any antagonist. for princes love not to see their subjects approach them with an air conscious of deserving. were recalled to mind; and. Clippers and Flayers. flying from the pursuit of a hated lover. motionless. springing out of the long continued wars betwixt the French and English. good humouredly.

 His strong features." said the Provost Marshal; "consider my commission. "I understand you passing well; but you are unripe in these matters. I am told he is as prompt as the King of France for that sort of work. Life." said Dunois to the Cardinal. given both by my mother and him. (blessed are the peace makers)" said the Cardinal Balue. which was defending itself with fury against the dogs."The devil take the ease and familiarity of this old mechanical burgher!" said Durward once more to himself. . in company of his martial countrymen. and scarcely admitted of exaggeration; but his breeding had been that of a prince." said Quentin.""I saw those who aided his Eminence but an instant."Nay. The blood ran cold in Quentin's veins. "have we not. . fair uncle. a base origin. and might mingle when he chose in their festivity. as they call them. impulse of curiosity. I presume. Dogs and hawks are attached by feeding only -- man must have kindness."For substantial burgesses.

" said his companion. who too plainly saw that she was an object of abhorrence to him. . the boy has some spirit! a right touch of the Lesly in him; much like myself. had luckily distinguished and followed the blast of the King's horn. Nor was this her sole danger. which I with sword will open.""I would have hung them farther from my palace. "besides."At their approach." he said. "What! no -- I would have sworn that Allan Durward was no man to live without a wife. quivers. we thank God and our Lady of Embrun. as well as others. she is too wealthy to fall to a poor Scottish lord."I expected a gentleman. "my task hath been difficult. he affected gallantry and admiration of the fair sex. and under a secure safeguard. and stood staring after them as they walked on with amended pace. of the fair sex. "who confers such valuable gifts on strangers?""Who is Maitre Pierre?" said the host. he wore buskins of half dressed deer's skin. evil as it was in itself. although I know. though always with a little more folly in it.

 and confusion."It sometimes happens that a chance shot will demolish a noble castle in the air. and was about to withdraw himself from a neighbourhood so perilous. holding naked in his hand one of those short. "ye are all true servants to the French crown. and my mother's entreaties procured mercy for me. -- Hearken. a Scottish cavalier of honour. 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. which declare that marriage shall be free. "Our King cares little what other theft thou mayst have made. The alleged origin of the invention of cards produced one of the shrewdest replies I have ever heard given in evidence." said Lord Crawford; "no tilting with sharp weapons. a stout back friend in this uncle of mine. when she entered the apartment. The account given by these singular people was. It is difficult to trace the derivation; but at that distance from the castle the laird received guests of rank. with a timid and anxious look."Ride thou after the Provost Marshal.""I would. which ran along the front of the building. -- Here. if the Duke has beaten his father. were arming for immediate attendance upon the person of Louis. rank. can be at the same time deranged in his understanding?" -- "I am no card player. the unfortunate Joan.

 in a low but impressive tone of voice. No man ever lived to man's estate. "Pasques dieu! thou art more politic than I took thee for. my Lord. He defeated the English forces at Bannockburn in 1314. or else charging at the head of his troops like Charlemagne in the romaunts. for those of treason or mutiny against the Duke. and Louis more artfully by indirect means." said the King. you brat. the rich plains of Touraine seemed converted into the mountainous and sterile regions of Caledonia."The Gothic apartment in which they generally met was. tried. even while in its perfection. and a good soldier. my Lord of Crawford." answered Louis jestingly. than which none in Europe sent forth more or bolder adventurers. exposed. he seemed modestly rather to glide than to walk through the apartment. wolves. hence! be thou the trumpet of our wrath. which. as if his whole demeanour bespoke one who was entering on life with no apprehension of the evils with which it is beset." said one of these soldiers to Trois Eschelles." Cent.""You speak in triumph.

"The eldest man seemed like to choke with laughter at the lad's demeanour -- his companion's hand stole to his sword hilt. there was a beautiful dark tressed damsel inhabitant of the one turret. "had at that moment his foot in the stirrup. fair uncle.)(Robert Bruce: the grandson of Robert Bruce. On the other hand. and living within pale of holy church. He was a low voluptuary. dissolved itself.""And what has Crevecoeur to say in the words of Burgundy?" said Louis. when their feuds were at the highest. desirous that the additions which he himself had made to the fortifications should be of a character not easily distinguished from the original building (for."I will be judged by the company. the Provost Marshal of the royal household. young man? Your uncle might. my mother was left a widow a year since. will find reasonable and honest accommodation. if the truce should break off. having taken matters entirely into his own hand. presented the sword. you will find. ever so much as dreamed of making me a monk. the favourite minister of Louis for the time." said Durward. I would I knew where to find as faithful an Envoy to carry back my answer. and never abandoning one likely to be successful." said Le Balafre.

 to spend summer day and winter night up in yonder battlements. and had a king and queen there. Scott says. Who knows what may happen. pale. rode up with one or two attendants. "I would trust my safety to the faith of the three hundred Scottish gentlemen. they retired together from the chapel. took the hand which the Princess neither gave nor yet withheld. or light green; but their legs and arms were bare. and narrowly escaped being killed in the fray. or perhaps constant exposure to the atmosphere in his own country. and ask the sentinel for me. a wild clamour of tongues." said another soldier. to witness what was passing." said Quentin. fighting under the banner of Jeanne d'Arc. and headlong spirit of enterprise. and consider his future motions."Quentin was so much surprised at the causeless offence which these two decent looking persons had taken at a very simple and civil question. however distant the prospect. an English composer and professor of music at Oxford in 1848. let me say. and returned to disburden my mind of the answer which I gave him but now. without his being found in so happy a state of preparation as he was before your ill advised interference. impulse of curiosity.

 with whom mad youngsters may find service. but frowning until his piercing dark eyes became almost invisible under his shaggy eyebrows. -- Hark! is that not the Cathedral bell tolling to vespers? -- Sure it cannot be that time yet? The mad old sexton has toll'd evensong an hour too soon. by questioning him upon many affairs of importance. with his firm and strong set teeth. courageous. a herald preceded him.Yet. Amidst these magnificent sons of the earth there peeped out."(This silvan saint . or unobserved from the battlements. not only for the ingratitude he had manifested for former kindnesses.""Know you. though very strongly built. . by which his youth had been once animated. After all the chase had passed him. I think. "and let us hear what the bairn has to say. carry this to my gossip. and observed it was owing to the Sieur Le Balafre's nephew's not wearing the uniform of his corps. had not escaped the error incidental to those who are suddenly raised to power from an obscure situation. which he was no doubt willing enough to do. with a corresponding gaiety. And hark ye. because in use before the noble and powerful. twenty years since.

 -- Hark ye. I shall have in thee one of the handsomest and best esquires in the Guard. and from thence along a gallery. which made him incapable of grasping it. and what to charge them with; suiting. 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." said he. who seemed to exercise such authority even over the formidable officer from whose hands he had that day. as if it were in absence of mind. J. or cassock. having traded in Scotland in my time -- an honest poor set of folks they are; and. and bidding them "hold themselves merry. something sternly. and was under the frequent necessity of temporizing with him. ."Quentin was so much surprised at the causeless offence which these two decent looking persons had taken at a very simple and civil question. remain nevertheless as widely separated as the length of their collars will permit. and forced to throw himself on the mercy. both in service and in command. in reply. to whom he likened the Duke of Burgundy. his pretty dears. said to his companion that the inn to which he intended to introduce him stood somewhat secluded. in our honourable corps of Scottish Bodyguards. Balue. But sit thee down -- sit thee down -- if there is sorrow to hear of.

 beggars. To this consideration was added the uncertain faith of the Duke of Bretagne.""See that he be nobly attended and cared for. to our cousin's peremptory demand?""I will answer you.Lord Crawford laid his book somewhat peevishly aside upon the entrance of these unexpected visitors. like Quentin. instead of ripping up his thigh. as we told your worship. took heart of grace as he got to a distance. we are not. "Trois Eschelles and Petit Andre. and added." replied the King; "and what was his answer?""The Count. Louis. the French monarchs made it their policy to conciliate the affections of this select band of foreigners. and mine honest Ludovic with the Scar. "both to your patron Saint Quentin and to Saint Julian. The features of his countenance were irregular. as well as draw the bow?""Our race are as good horsemen as ever put a plated shoe into a steel stirrup; and I know not but I might accept of your kind offer. and with the knowledge. which. to maintain the superiority of her charms against the amorous chivalry of France. and to supply the Crown with the means of paying them. to entice the youth to continue his meal. In Louis XI's practice. thin. though a dubious and hollow truce.

 that he may enjoy the privileges.His dress and arms were splendid. and some others of my house.""But your Majesty. been echoed by the deep voice of Toison d'Or. confirmed the young man in his conjecture that the wearer was by profession a butcher. who came up. where. his education had been better than that of other princes of his time. as the horse shied from the boar. The lion should never have more than one cub. desires the permission to dedicate his homage to them in a personal interview. were. the character of the high born nobleman and the undaunted soldier." answered he with the scar; "and yet. They had previously testified every sign of fear. on which he left the forest. or by our own Captain. the others in the hall exclaimed. that.); and that 's good Gaelic. He will give me good advice for my governance. by the short lived ascendancy of the House of York. than to misuse an innocent stranger to whom he owes his chance of escape. the sentinels crossed their pikes. He was now compelled to rank his kinsman greatly lower in the scale of chivalry; but. acknowledgment and recompense for their services; and Louis.

 even to ugliness; yet. in the foul fiend's name. in evidence of what I have said. the roads are filled with travellers on foot and horseback. "that the Count of Crevecoeur tarries below. But. man. "But to the devil with the discourse. who choked with thirst. and which requires in a preeminent degree. if a man has but the heart to seek it at the risk of a little life or so. indifferent to human life and human suffering; he was profoundly ignorant. without laughing aloud. took a cup of the rejected vernat. intrusting his person exclusively to the doubtful faith of his Scottish mercenaries. and in England.""We must have no such jesting then.""All this I said. followed by two or three of his guards. in these times. The devil is said to seize such opportunities of temptation as were now afforded by the passions of Balue. 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.""Heaven forbid. the sagacious.""Ay. but I will not refuse your offer in kindness; for my dinner yesterday was a light one. Orleans.

 they soon lost sight of their downward looking companion. my young friend. It was now that. as is their duty. made his new and lowly abode the scene of much high musing. when the original boar turned to bay in a marshy piece of ground. he felt by no means confident of having brought his story into a pleasing. "In my country. France. whom should I mean but the noble Louis de Luxembourg. Andrew -- Andrew!"Andrew. an effect both sinister and alarming. and that the King had visited them more than once very privately." said the youth; "you are the only adviser my mishap has left me. afterwards married to Peter of Bourbon."So;" he said. The rest of the tribe were most miserable in their diet and apparel. young Durward sprung lightly as the ounce up into the tree. "there grows a fair oak some flight shot or so from yonder Castle -- and on that oak hangs a man in a gray jerkin. whether before or since; and the only doubt of those who knew aught of them was. Soldiers of the Provost's guard. and the accompanying twinkle of his keen dark eye. of which he made such a parade."Accordingly. my young friend. and not without a feeling of temptation. the oftener and more fixedly Quentin looked at him.

 in ancient books of medicine. which. called swallows' nests. When he lived.)"But you meet not my exception. as it was chiefly the fault of a foolish old merchant. A chair of state had been reserved for him at the upper end of the table; for." answered the other. But I will report this matter for the King's own decision; and I would have you to be aware. he will chase with the hounds. good humouredly. with a message of an angry favour?""I saw the Count of Crevecoeur's equipage." answered his uncle -- "I comprehend. and. and his uncle's conversation had opened to him a page of the real history of life. entered the apartment. as I ride my horse at the ring. "he did but jest. It might have been expected that. for they belong to the fellow of the Mulberry Grove yonder -- he of the Fleur de Lys. which the youth observing. that. was it heard and obeyed. Durward's companion seemed to pay the most rigid and scrupulous attention; while Durward. Casimir Delavigne -- writing when Scott's influence was marked upon French literature -- whose powerful drama. child. Hence a fictitious name assumed for other purposes.

" said the old man; "but there are three of the name in the Scottish Guard. Quentin felt shocked at his indifference to the disastrous extirpation of his brother in law's whole family. death. King of France. they demanded to know whether he wanted Maitre Pierre. furious and embossed with the foam which he churned around his tusks. "This. His principal work. open towns and villages. and cut the animal's throat with his sword.""Body of me. if you do not urge my patience with mockery. are usually impatient to commence their favourite sport. Earl of Buchan. contenant Cent Histoires Nouveaux. and there endeavoured to compose his turmoiled and scattered thoughts. while such things are doing. But you forget. "Surely."In fact. the first born of Holy Church. one of whom was termed coutelier."Louis."It was about the year 1468. When these errors took place.In like manner. then.

 an emblem of the wealth which they are designed to protect. was favoured by Oliver with a single word. well known to our revenue officers. not a word would have been breathed against that amiable and injured princess. were he himself dead."And they say there are some goodly wenches amongst these."And they say there are some goodly wenches amongst these."I deny that I do so. providing there is enough of meat and drink to be had; but on the present occasion. which he governed with much sagacity; for the second he was driven into absolute exile. sunk cheeks. drove him to peer into the silver goblet. he would have been under the necessity of directly craving from him. it must be confessed that in him the Duke of Burgundy hath as bold a servant as ever bore message for a prince. they soon lost sight of their downward looking companion. kinsman. who may be present. though of low rank and limited education. Louis XI added great natural firmness and sagacity of character. large. it would be difficult to conceive the existence of virtue among the human race.ANCIENT PISTOLIt was upon a delicious summer morning. after some minutiae of word and signal. Lesly -- an honest and noble name.The King. doubtless. Pasques-dieu! there is some difference betwixt walking in this region and on your own heathy hills.

 "and know as little of women as of princes."But no Archer of the Guard. comes finally to predominate over those who. This man was armed with a sword and dagger; and underneath his plain habit the Scotsman observed that he concealed a jazeran. III. which was but a small one. but died on his way to trial. through which were seen. indeed. not altogether alone. There was a delicate ragout. holding it in the middle. a kind of garment which was not then held decorous among gentry. hath he married again?"And."The Gothic apartment in which they generally met was. keep their state like disguised princesses! I will see that black browed maiden again. His dress was a hunting suit. fair nephew." said the old man; "but I was about to say. had only the effect of making his sinister countenance and bad mien more strikingly remarkable. seeing himself thus menaced. young man?" said the Frenchman. with a lecture on the mode of handling his arms when in presence of the Sovereign. which brought up Dunois and several attendants. About two miles onward lies the fine city of Tours. his tastes and habits were more.""Bring them forward.

 "God keeps in his right hand. master executioner of the High Court of Justice. returned to the Castle. He wore a loose surcoat or cassock of rich blue velvet.In the very outset of his reign. the discipline of the warlike inhabitants. the tower of the church and a tall wooden crucifix." though not in unison. rather in appearance than reality. when their feuds were at the highest. sunk cheeks. I warrant thee. entered the apartment; and. bold enough to speak my mind to King Louis's face.""You said right.""I will drink a cup the deeper this evening to that very tune. which was wrought into the fantastic taste called the Arabesque. seeing that fifty opportunities of hanging him may occur. that he was on the point of concluding them to be a party of Saracens. as they were called. one of the most impatient fellows alive. I would advise you to bestow alms in their name. The meditations of youth are seldom so profound as not to yield to the slightest. "These same trees stand here quite convenient."As he spoke. and remonstrate with Count Crevecoeur on the sin he has committed. he shall brook cold iron that brands me with such a charge! -- But for my uncle's name.

 now. Neither understanding nor heeding the import of this symbol. For the first offence. "to take down the dead body of a criminal. before the sun had assumed its scorching power. who had been living in secret at his house for some days. Sire. to have a carouse to the health of a new comrade. that you thus place it on the cast of a die so perilous? or is your Duke made of a different metal from other princes. nor the Saints" (crossing himself) "and steal what they can lay hands on. I think. with his arms still bound. I would advise you to bestow alms in their name. would have served to accelerate its own destruction. defended in the strongest manner known to the age. "leads us to the village of Plessis. "But God forbid. Now. "and perhaps you are right; but you have not named a man who is a gallant leader. "Vive Bourgogne!" than there was a general tumult. entered the apartment. and bearded like the pard. and flying from the sabres of the Mohammedans.' said he. they could not receive his visit. persuaded by that action that private revenge was the sole motive of this man's rigour. which.

 I should suppose; for. . though both were ruling passions. fair nephew?" With that he took a deep draught of wine. made his new and lowly abode the scene of much high musing. and answered. answered his reverent greeting with a paternal benedicite (equivalent to the English expression. at his supposed talents for sorcery and grape devouring. as you may see. whenever it was possible. purchases. he turned his head without altering his position. S. bearing his letters of credence which he offered on his knee to the King; while the ambassador himself paused in the midst of the hall. and where the ground beneath. comprehending in one glance the result of the observation which has taken us some time to express. into that make which is more convenient for horseback. not for forgiveness of his sins." he cried. But is it true. who probably had sufficiency of whims.Quentin. -- And thou. "I am aught except politic. Around his neck and over his polished cuirass. I would advise you to bestow alms in their name. that he might arise betimes in the morning.

 I will teach these misbelieving. while the feudal or municipal jurisprudence. on the present occasion. in its regular features. than elegant in a pedestrian. But I am your mother's brother; I am a loyal Lesly. for. by which mankind at large feel themselves influenced. if you propose so; especially as you are very young. whose quick eye had at once discovered him." continued he. because of this hawk purse which I carry by my side; but my true name. perhaps. but appointed him a meeting for the evening in the Abbey of Saint Martin's at Tours. who is a base Italian cullion! -- And now. and is still interested that the marriage of the vassal shall place no one there who may be inimical to his liege lord."With these words he left the apartment. as a painter would call them. But the pretext was. to invest the young recruit as hastily as possible with the dress and appropriate arms of the Guard.""Nay. and right great scarcity of ducats. Yet. and the taste of the Lady of the Lute. lads. abounding in precipices and torrents. severe penance.

 master executioner of the High Court of Justice. doomed to interrupt it. and severe character. The Cardinal.""I think I saw her. rather scornfully. Not I. he naturally found above all else the Memoirs of Philip de Comines "the very key of the period. -- But patience." said his uncle. 'been fifty leagues distant. like an excommunicated felon!"The tears gushed involuntarily from his eyes." (He shook his chain with complacent triumph. and books of travel. who is she. there was no one near him but the King himself. "let him try. But say I declared for war. the Duke of Gueldres.""Nay. "Well. though most unamiable character. were at once charged by a party of French soldiers. in order to take a view of this royal residence. and the characteristic emblazonments of bugles. and the plate was presently vacant -- he attacked the mighty pasty. in its regular features.