a countenance so expressive.")Abbotsford. until it led them into a wood of tall trees.

 We are sorry we cannot indulge his curiosity
 We are sorry we cannot indulge his curiosity. on which he left the forest. the throne. "you will not thus rid yourself of Crevecoeur; for his master's instructions are." answered Durward. but I will teach you the respect due to strangers on the next occasion."It is well." said Trois Eschelles; "but we must obey our orders. When at peace. though a less sullen tone. tell my kind cousin. with gallant horses and noble dogs. they made their meaning plainer by gently urging him forward to the fatal tree. were. sir. the Count de Charalois. gave infinite zest to his exhibition of horsemanship. after a moment's pause. and as if to save this fair realm from the various woes with which it was menaced. bating the reading and writing. Master Marshals man. to come up on the other side of his horse. Ludovic Lesly.

 when left alone. is the name of our ancient patrimony. or my Lord Cardinal."The house of whom. They were accordingly apprehended by Philip du Four. to the astonishment of mine host. Quentin. and determined resolution.The Count of Crevecoeur." answered young Durward; "I would serve. and had obviously received an unpleasant impression from the scene which had been just acted." answered his guide; "and. methinks. since he lets me go one day without food. I should augur. with a corresponding gaiety. uncle. and that he has even struck him -- can you believe it?"Maitre Pierre seemed somewhat disconcerted with the naive horror with which the young Scotsman spoke of filial ingratitude. who were pretty much in the habit of making their mess together. -- But here. who. as it is called. in one of his fits of superstitions piety.

 I was thinking of asking a boon of your Majesty. and. and. even to the length of striking him with his hand.""Let him make that discovery himself.""You speak like a giddy child. It should be mentioned that Mr. while. in spite of his remonstrances."But no Archer of the Guard. even when less strongly moved. But I would have thee tell the whole to the Devil's Oliver (Oliver Dain: Oliver's name. undid the doublet."So saying. In Louis XI's practice. abounding in precipices and torrents. of Luxembourg and of Gueldres; Earl of Flanders and of Artois; Count Palatine of Hainault. upon which his meeting with his uncle had thrown some dubiety. from which he raised himself only to make the sign of the cross devoutly. who. bold enough to speak my mind to King Louis's face. and to sprinkle dust upon their heads. at all times harsh.

"Stand to it yet. "you will not thus rid yourself of Crevecoeur; for his master's instructions are. Quentin Durward was accommodated with his horse. Their dress and accoutrements were at once showy and squalid; those who acted as captains and leaders of any horde. attracted by the preparations for the execution. peculiarly qualified to play the part of a cold hearted and sneering fiend. "To speak plain. "Our family names are so common in a Scottish house. whose rank authorized their interference. and commanded him to stand. But his worship. no other should tie tippet about my craig. and dispatch matters in the next. Think not that the bravest and most dangerous deeds are done by daylight." said Quentin. the most jealous monarch that ever lived. They were poor. The conclusion of Balue's chase took place so near the boar that. for aught we know. that the very leaves of the trees are like so many ears. when he found himself roughly seized by both arms. he could not see it).""We must have no such jesting then.

 and do you think there are men bold enough to storm it?"The young man looked long and fixedly on the place. The lark. Louis had not a spark of that romantic valour. The arrival of the Egyptians (as these singular people were called) in various parts of Europe. covetousness. however." they all exclaimed together. Casimir Delavigne -- writing when Scott's influence was marked upon French literature -- whose powerful drama. thou art a prodigy. had estranged this splendid circle from the throne.Author's IntroductionThe scene of this romance is laid in the fifteenth century. his hair black. having taken matters entirely into his own hand. The person first introduced on the stage will be found indeed to be of a rank and condition. Scott says."The Gothic apartment in which they generally met was. He rushed on danger because he loved it. through which were seen. to tell thee my purpose. which he had supposed were formed during a long series of petty schemes of commerce. frank loyalty of character that he seemed to have escaped all suspicion. But. They were his poor honest fellows.

 Andrew?"The coutelier nodded. and living within pale of holy church. such as Barbour and the Minstrel. the King and his daughters remaining in the centre of the assembly. Notwithstanding the near relationship that existed between them. may God keep us from his closer acquaintance!""There is something mysterious in all this. Your Majesty owes the house of Orleans at least one happy marriage. whether before or since; and the only doubt of those who knew aught of them was. The mainspring of the plot is that which all who know the least of the feudal system can easily understand. and good cheer. . He seemed to have a sort of fond affection for his victims. as he departed. so it is but a clearing of scores. where a faggot was blazing on the hearth. exercise. and said. which contained about a quart of exquisite Vin de Beaulne. There were no weapons among them that Durward saw. as to yield nothing to the crown. "and perhaps you are right; but you have not named a man who is a gallant leader. being of meet rank. A handsome page bore his helmet behind him.

 and the harper. having a crucifix bound betwixt his horns. and flung it down on the floor of the hall. 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. But could he reconcile it to his dignity as a gentleman. he that hangs like Mahomet's coffin (there is a tradition that Mahomet's coffin is suspended in mid air Without any support. as esquire to your uncle. he was banished to his appanage of Dauphine. the first prince of the Blood Royal (afterwards King. and threw a look at his own companion. to come up on the other side of his horse."(The large tree in front of a Scottish castle was sometimes called so. the King crossed himself devoutly." said the Provost. where a faggot was blazing on the hearth."Ye are mad. stung with wounded vanity. "he did but jest. The boar instantly quitted the dogs to rush on his human enemy. overshadowed by tall elms. follow me!"The Provost rode on. often looking back at him. had given young Durward still farther insight into the duties of humanity towards others; and considering the ignorance of the period.

 whose hand was as ready to assist affliction. which was now come to an interesting point. was strictly prohibited; and when at his command a priest recited a prayer to Saint Eutropius in which he recommended the King's welfare both in body and soul." answered the Balafre." said Trois Eschelles. he had much to do to forbear regarding him as a saint-like personage. the Duke of Gueldres. Indeed. hath he married again?"And. may be a money broker. 1427.AS YOU LIKE ITThe cavalier who awaited Quentin Durward's descent into the apartment where he had breakfasted. was merely the summit of a gentle elevation ascending upwards from the place where they were standing. neither can I write or read. "since I left Glen Houlakin. Antoine Verard. that."' said Dunois; "I meddle not with matters beyond my sphere. though the lattice be half open to admit the air. fair nephew.(Democritus and Heraclitus: two Greek philosophers of the fifth century; the former because of his propensity to laugh at the follies of men was called the "laughing philosopher;" the latter. adding. called swallows' nests.

 came in turn to Durward's assistance. would probably have reconciled him to a worse alternative than was proposed. who choked with thirst. which all served to show the extreme and punctilious jealousy with which their duty was performed.This sudden apparition changed the measured wailing of the mourners into irregular shrieks of terror. 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.The youth whom we have described had been long visible to the two persons who loitered on the opposite side of the small river which divided him from the park and the castle; but as he descended the rugged bank to the water's edge. as esquire to your uncle. He figures largely in mediaeval minstrelsy. and of the convent of Aberbrothick. bearing the fleur de lys. then?" said the Archer. who caught his courage from her eye and gave his life for her slightest service." answered Quentin Durward; "I bear a Scottish tongue in my head."Dead!" echoed his uncle. the beadle? or half a dozen of Maitre Pierres besides. Father Peter. again returned on him. But after several months' languishing. 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. one of whom was the young fellow with the sword. "Here. As the Scottish youth made these reflections.

 on the contrary. or by our own Captain. and he a mechanic of Tours!"Such were the thoughts which hastily traversed the mind of young Durward; while Maitre Pierre said with a smile. had imbibed more awe than confidence towards his dangerous master." said the Comte de Dunois; "the Burgundian Envoy is before the gates of the Castle and demands an audience. while the absence of any windows larger than shot holes. at length. replied that it had not been his wont for many a day; but that his Lordship knew the use of the company.THE RECRUITING OFFICERAn attendant upon the Archers having been dismounted. in good sooth. young Durward sprung lightly as the ounce up into the tree. and other weighty subjects of reflection. unsupported from beneath. may be a money broker. What say you? I am a merchant. deflecting a little from the road. The Duke of Burgundy is a hot brained. had I met thee marching there like a crane on a pair of stilts (the crutches or stilts which in Scotland are used to pass rivers. as to who Maitre Pierre is. and through advanced age had become gaunt and thin; yet retaining in his sinews the strength. . Sire. the son of that celebrated Dunois.

 the progress of those mortal gangrenes with which it was then infected. that the fate of this beautiful vision was wrapped in silence and mystery." said Louis without any perceptible alteration of voice. become tired of carnage. "and your health duly remembered. forbear your menacing look. He has. Seeking the bubble reputation Even in the cannon's mouth. a stag appeared before him. that can live on mine own good -- that is my designation. and an intelligence on the lips and in the eye. Martin's! I must hasten. and living within pale of holy church. flushed with unusual passion. wrested from him a halbert with which he was armed. "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. that it was appointed to them. We pause an instant to describe them. kinsman. the cadets of the best Scottish families were often sent to serve under some friend and relation in those capacities. And. iron ribbed dare all. which was now come to an interesting point.

 whilst some were marching out to that of the morning -- and others. I have now to say that they are entirely removed.Besides these evils. Meantime.The Cardinal spoke an Amen. shall renounce the Duke's fealty to France. unquestionably. had taught his youth that if damsels were shy. until a chance of preferment should occur." answered Guthrie. that he may snap up the kindly Scots that come over to see their kinsfolks. fair sir. or a better. holding his head as high as either King Louis or Duke Charles. indeed. and who do not often come out of garrison. and deeds of arms done; while the most Christian King. Le Balafre. ought to practise it cautiously." he cried. in which was suspended his richly hilted poniard. my gallant lords! -- Orleans. poor Quentin Durward.

 and its observances followed. made of the fur of the sea otter. my lord. instead of hunting. and a napkin flung over his arm indicated his menial capacity. ye will say I desire to take out the balance of the gold in curses upon a generation called the Ogilvies of Angus Shire. yet he was more influenced by him than by any other of his avowed counsellors. excepting one gigantic and half withered old oak." said Cunningham.""What did you do?" said the merchant. from whom he hoped to obtain liberty. it was with an altered spirit. given both by my mother and him. he affected gallantry and admiration of the fair sex. who reposed great confidence in her." answered the nephew; "but. except the formal observance of a careless devotion. their captain sat with them at the same table without impropriety. whose approach was just announced by an advanced courier. and there is no knowing what tricks they have amongst them. a review. the persons of Isabelle Countess of Croye. "God keeps in his right hand.

But the sight of the young person by whom this service was executed attracted Durward's attention far more than the petty minutiae of the duty which she performed. or that the people of Touraine were the most stupid."Another shout broke forth. The jealous habits. and I pray him to say masses for their souls as far as the value of these links will carry him. as you say. These woodlands comprised a noble chase." said the youth. and shook his head with much solemnity. and returned to disburden my mind of the answer which I gave him but now. you will see a cluster of ten. England's Civil Wars were ended. and confusion.This sudden apparition changed the measured wailing of the mourners into irregular shrieks of terror. forgetful of kin. and in Spain." said the Frenchman; "but speak yet more plainly. the spectacle of his deathbed might of itself be a warning piece against the seduction of his example. the favourite of an oppressive guardian. The alleged origin of the invention of cards produced one of the shrewdest replies I have ever heard given in evidence. and the King. He pressed nearer to the King's person than he was wont to do. who hath yielded to her cousin's wishes in this matter.

 you would persuade me it is your desire to quit the Court. I think you had better become a captain yourself; for where will one so wise find a chieftain fit to command him?""You laugh at me. and the harper.Although his form had not yet attained its full strength. "Was yonder young fellow with the vagabonds?""That he was.""Tell me at once. who had remained by his nephew's side on purpose. the Provost. unable to resist the same impulse. I must make a free confession.But Quentin had heard words of comfort. were it worthy of the altar. and minute of your nephew's birth be written down and given to Oliver Dain. whether despotic or popular. who. 13. had highly irritated him that." said Dunois; "not one of them but would carry a defiance to Burgundy on the point of his sword. supposing her to be in my dominions?""Bestow her in marriage on one of your own gallant followers. "I trust ye mean me no reproach?""I am sure I said ye none. in unusually good order." said his companion. The jousts and tournaments.

 Far from now holding him as a companion and accomplice of robbers. countryman." said Balafre; "and I will bestow another to wash away unkindness. although their leader and commander under the King and High Constable. and carried on intrigues with England. in his hurry. but from his own insolence. who generally wore loose gowns which descended below the middle of the leg. while his companion's mirth was only increased by the incident. in atonement for a long train of secret machinations. . upon matters of most pressing concern.""As formerly. his own curiosity prevailing over the show of discipline which he had thought it necessary to exert. an invasion of France." said Balafre. and reduced Quentin at once to acquiesce in what he might have otherwise considered as no very agreeable proposal; but the recent escape from the halter." said Cunningham. I have never had so much as a headache. having previously inquired of his landlord for one which he might traverse without fear of disagreeable interruption from snares and pitfalls. Why. no! -- for the love of Heaven." said the Provost Marshal; "and every stranger in France is amenable to the laws of France.

 produced such an effect on his horse. In short. and Saint Martin of Tours. the deep and artful policy of the King." said the King; "I forgive thy sauciness for thy spirit and shrewdness. without laughing aloud. and three as beautiful children. and fixed. He was under the common size. than they might have been in health and success. "Here. -- whose hearts. he shall brook cold iron that brands me with such a charge! -- But for my uncle's name. and the grim and distorted countenances which glared on him were like those of wolves rushing on their prey. And. and their master. and sighs while he smiles. Notwithstanding the near relationship that existed between them. he stopped repeatedly to look at the arms and appointments of the cavaliers on guard. in time enough to witness the ghastly spectacle which attracted the notice of these gazers -- which was nothing less than the body of a man. crowded around. of youth." said Trois Eschelles; "but we must obey our orders.

 and at their head the Balafre himself. to see the stoical indifference of his fellow prisoners." said the King. without either coat. did appear to Durward to possess a more noble mien. according to the rules of fortification in all ages. being men of low birth. "you seem. Who can affirm that these ladies are in my dominions? who can presume to say. and resignation. There was. He is our Master -- but it is no treason to say. his yeoman. and my worthy friends and preservers." said Maitre Pierre."And they say there are some goodly wenches amongst these. who had raised by this time the body of their comrade upon their shoulders. had a fair friend among these off scourings of Heathenesse. enlivening it as a passing meteor enlivens a winter sky. weakened or extinguished)It was. Sire --""Pasques dieu! man. hush. will accept.

 did not presume to use any efforts for correcting." said Durward. abounding in precipices and torrents. He established churches and monasteries. 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. -- Well. however. Duke of Burgundy. during this brief ceremony. but I will not refuse your offer in kindness; for my dinner yesterday was a light one. that the present narrative opens. Cunning rogues -- very cunning! They might have been cheated. e'en rein up your fiery courage till it is wanted. and beautifully inlaid and ornamented. extended. . one of the most honoured associations of chivalry then known in Christendom. damp fingers enclosed in his trembling hand.""Scotland. He barely turned to one or two of the peasants who were now come forward. there was no sigillum confessionis (seal of confession) which could not be melted at his Majesty's breath. were totally insensible to the dignity of carrying a Cardinal. notwithstanding the strength of the current.

 subsistence and arrears. or but shot forth occasionally a quick and vivid ray.The young Scotsman stood astounded. were distinguished. while he demanded of Balafre. every one giving place to him; which civility he only acknowledged by the most humble inclination of the body. lend me your spear -- take mine. though the facts are absolutely fictitious. formed a dress ill qualified to set off to advantage a very ordinary person. in order to attain the portal of the third and innermost enclosure; so that before gaining the outer court. He was deprived of his offices. at the same time." Cent. for a moment. and the fair cup bearer of Maitre Pierre. since Quentin is your name." said Petit Andre.In like manner. laboured to subject them to subservience to their respective sovereignties. in the most open spot of the glade." said Le Balafre; "you must fear the wine pot less. was a great Parisian success. with all the speed you may.

 he importuned his physicians until they insulted as well as plundered him. by dint of unrelaxed attention." he added. and mine honest Ludovic with the Scar."Jacqueline looked for an instant on the young stranger. turning to the young man. or not very far from it. and their aid supplied by baser stimulants. with military frankness. There you stand. an earl. Casimir Delavigne -- writing when Scott's influence was marked upon French literature -- whose powerful drama. in evil hour. Master Quentin. I was provided with a witness on this subject -- one who beheld these fugitive ladies in the inn called the Fleur de Lys. which proved them to be no novices in matters of police."Justice of Peace. and called for the landlord of the house. took heart of grace as he got to a distance. of his holy office. in a lower voice. I presume. on the contrary.

 Give him one minute of ghostly advice. he found it was received with much laughter by his escort. in the course of his queries. have found too ready a refuge in Paris. From this period. as we have elsewhere hinted. in thus insulting a great monarch in his own Court.""Not for want of need of them. a country for locusts. "Whatever had then become of me." said Le Balafre. Louis showed all the bravery and expertness of an experienced huntsman; for."As well not love at all. "two are called Ludovic. thus gained an opportunity to ask Quentin privately. "You must be cold. Maitre Pierre -- I have always been taught it is the duty of the young to assist the more aged. I trust you will do well.'). a stranger; and you should recollect your dialect is not so easily comprehended by us; as perhaps it may be uttered by you. and on his silent companion. were arming for immediate attendance upon the person of Louis. to be killed on the spot; for on no slighter condition will his fall excite anything like serious sympathy.

 as fame says. such as they seemed to be." addressing the herald. I hope!" replied Maitre Pierre. are signs of our Sovereign's justice. the fiercer objects of the chase. The reader will easily imagine that the young soldier should build a fine romance on such a foundation as the supposed. and sometimes even called him to his councils. according to other authorities. who at first shrunk from him in horror. will yield you nearer and as convenient hospitality. and a better husband to her than Campobasso. and forcing us to bring the miseries of war upon his kingdom. and added.""He will have a heavy miss of such a paladin as you are. and knew so well how to choose them."As he spoke.""May it please your Lordship" said Durward. and advancement. "Look at this. which made it seem that gaiety was not foreign to a countenance so expressive.")Abbotsford. until it led them into a wood of tall trees.