head of the table where the contending Princes were seated.

On the contrary, the tools and agents whom Louis had dragged forward out of their fitting and natural places, into importance which was not due to them, showed cowardice and cold heart, and, remaining still in their seats, seemed resolved not to provoke their fate by intermeddling, whatever might become of their benefactor.

of my brave fellows, instead of being loaded with more than the like number of years, I would try whether I could have some reason out of these fine gallants, with their golden chains and looped-up bonnets, with braw-warld dyes and devices on them."

The Duke stood with his eyes fixed on the ground for a considerable space, and then said, with bitter irony, "Crèvecœur, you say well; and it concerns our honour, that our obligations to this great King, our honoured and loving guest, be not so hastily adjusted, as in our hasty anger we had at first proposed. We will so act, that all Europe shall acknowledge the justice of our proceedings.-Gentlemen of France, you must render up your arms to my officers! Your master has broken the truce, and has no title to take farther benefit of it. In compassion, however, to your sentiments of honour, and in respect to the rank which he hath disgraced, and the race from which he hath degenerated, we ask not our cousin Louis's sword."

Not one of us," said Dunois, "will resign our weapon, or quit this hall, unless we are assured of at least our King's safety, in life and limb."

The first of the more generous party was the venerable Lord Crawford, who, with an agility which no one would have expected at his years, forced his way through all opposition, (which was the less violent, as many of the Burgundians, either from a point of honour, or a secret inclination to prevent Louis's impending fate, gave way to him,) and threw himself boldly between the King and the Duke. He then placed his bonnet, from which his white hair escaped in dishevelled tresses, upon one side of his head-his pale cheek and withered brow coloured, and his aged eye lightened with all the fire of a gallant who is about to dare some desperate action. His cloak was flung over one shoulder, and his action intimated his readi- "Nor will a man of the Scottish Guard," exclaimness to wrap it about his left arm, while he unsheath-ed Crawford, "lay down his arms, save at the comed his sword with his right. mand of the King of France, or his High Constable." "Brave Dunois," said Louis, "and you, my trusty Crawford, your zeal will do me injury instead of benefit.-I trust," he added with dignity, "in my rightful cause, more than in a vain resistance, which would but cost the lives of my best and bravest.-Give up your swords-the noble Burgundians, who accept such honourable pledges, will be more able than you are to protect both you and me.-Give up your swords -It is I who command you."

"I have fought for his father and his grandsire," that was all he said, "and, by Saint Andrew, end the matter as it will, I will not fail him at this pinch."

What has taken some time to narrate, happened, in fact, with the speed of light; for so soon as the Duke assumed his threatening posture, Crawford had thrown himself betwixt him and the object of his vengeance; and the French gentlemen, drawing together as fast as they could, were crowding to the same point.

The Duke of Burgundy still remained with his hand on his sword, and seemed in the act of giving the signal for a general onset, which must necessarily have ended in the massacre of the weaker party, when Crevecœur rushed forward, and exclaimed, in a voice like a trumpet," My liege Lord of Burgundy, beware what you do! This is your hall-you are the King's vassal-do not spill the blood of your guest on your hearth, the blood of your Sovereign on the throne you have erected for him, and to which he came under your safeguard. For the sake of your house's honour, do not attempt to revenge one horrid murder by another yet worse!".

It was thus that, in this dreadful emergency, Louis showed the promptitude of decision, and clearness of judgment, which alone could have saved his life. He was aware, that until actual blows were exchanged, he should have the assistance of most of the nobles present to moderate the fury of their Prince; but that were a melée once commenced, he himself and his few adherents must be instantly murdered. At the same time, his worst enemies confessed, that his demeanour had in it nothing either of meanness or cowardice. He shunned to aggravate into frenzy the wrath of the Duke; but he neither deprecated nor seemed to fear it, and continued to look on him with Out of my road, Crèvecœur," answered the Duke, the calm and fixed attention with which a brave man "and let my vengeance pass !-Out of my path!- eyes the menacing gestures of a lunatic, whilst conThe wrath of Kings is to be dreaded like that of Hea-scious that his own steadiness and composure operate ven." as an insensible and powerful check on the rage even "Only when, like that of Heaven, it is just," an- of insanity. swered Crevecoeur, firmly-"Let me pray of you, my lord, to rein the violence of your temper, however just ly offended.--And for you, my Lords of France, where resistance is unavailing, let me recommend you to forbear whatever may lead towards bloodshed."

Crawford, at the King's command, threw his sword to Crèvecœur, saying, Take it! and the devil give you joy of it.-It is no dishonour to the rightful owner who yields it, for we have had no fair play."

"Hold, gentlemen," said the Duke, in a broken "He is right," said Louis, whose coolness forsook voice, as one whom passion had almost deprived of him not in that dreadful moment, and who easily utterance, retain your swords; it is sufficient you foresaw, that if a brawl should commence, more vio- promise not to use them.-And you, Louis of Valois, lence would be dared and done in the heat of blood, must regard yourself as my prisoner, until you are than was likely to be attempted if peace were preser- cleared of having abetted sacrilege and murder. Have ved." My cousin Orleans-kind Dunois-and you, him to the Castle-Have him to Earl Herbert's Tower. my trusty Crawford-bring not on ruin and bloodshed Let him have six gentlemen of his train to attend him, by taking offence too hastily. Our cousin the Duke such as he shall choose.-My Lord of Crawford, your is chafed at the tidings of the death of a near and guard must leave the Castle, and shall be honourably loving friend, the venerable Bishop of Liege, whose quartered elsewhere. Up with every drawbridge, and slaughter we lament as he does. Ancient, and, un-down with every portcullis--Let the gates of the town happily, recent subjects of jealousy, lead him to sus- be trebly guarded-Draw the floating-bridge to the pect us of having abetted a crime which our bosom right-hand side of the river-Bring round the Castle abhors. Should our host murder us on this spot-us, my band of Black Walloons, and treble the sentinels his King and his kinsman, under a false impression of on every post!-You, D'Hymbercourt, look that paour being accessory to this unhappy accident, our fate trols of horse and foot make the round of the town will be little lightened, but, on the contrary, greatly every half-hour during the night, and every hour duaggravated, by your stirring.-Therefore, stand back, ring the next day,-if indeed such ward shall be neCrawford-Were it my last word, I speak as a King cessary after daybreak, for it is like we may be sudden to his officer, and demand obedience-Stand back, in this matter.-Look to the person of Louis, as you and, if it is required, yield up your sword. I command | love your life!" you to do so, and your oath obliges you to obey."

"True, true, my lord," said Crawford, stepping back, and returning to the sheath the blade he had half drawn-"It may be all very true; but, by my honour, if I were at the head of threescore and ten

He started from the table in fierce and moody haste, darted a glance of mortal enmity at the King, and rushed out of the apartment.

"Sirs," said the King, looking with dignity around him, "grief for the death of his ally hath made your

Prince frantic. I trust you know better your duty, as knights and noblemen, than to abet him in his treasonable violence against the person of his liege Lord."

At this moment was heard in the streets the sound of drums beating, and horns blowing, to call out the soldiery in every direction.

"We are," said Crevecoeur, who acted as the Marshal of the Duke's household," subjects of Burgundy, and must do our duty as such. Our hopes and prayers, and our efforts, will not be wanting to bring about peace and union between your Majesty and our liege Lord. Meantime, we must obey his commands. These other lords and knights will be proud to contribute to the convenience of the illustrious Duke of Orleans, of the brave Dunois, and the stout Lord Crawford. I myself must be your Majesty's chamberlain, and bring you to your apartments in other guise than would be my desire, remembering the hospitality of Plessis. You have only to choose your attendants, whom the Duke's commands limit

to six.

"Then," said the King, looking around him, and thinking for a moment,- 'I desire the attendance of Oliver le Dain, of a private of my Life-Guard, called Balafré, who may be unarmed if you will-of Tristan 'Hermite, with two of his people-and my right loyal and trusty philosopher, Martius Galeotti."

"Your Majesty's will shall be complied with in all points," said the Count de Crevecœur. “Galeotti," he added, after a moment's inquiry, "is, I understand, at present supping in some buxom company, but he shall instantly be sent for; the others will obey your Majesty's command upon the instant."

"Forward, then, to the new abode, which the hospitality of our cousin provides for us," said the King. 'We know it is strong, and have only to hope it may be in a corresponding degree safe."

"Heard you the choice which King Louis has made of his attendants?" said Le Glorieux to Count Crevecoeur apart, as they followed Louis from the

Hall.

Surely, my merry gossip," replied the Count, "What hast thou to object to them?"

"Nothing, nothing-only they are a rare election! -A panderly barber-a Scottish hired cut-throat-a chief hangman and his two assistants, and a thieving charlatan. I will along with you, Crèvecœur, and take a lesson in the degrees of roguery, from observing your skill in marshalling them. The devil himself could scarce have summoned such a synod, or have been a better president amongst them."

Accordingly, the all-licensed jester, seizing the Count's arm familiarly, began to march along with him, while, under a strong guard, yet forgetting no semblance of respect, he conducted the King towards his new apartment.*

The historical facts attending this celebrated interview, are expounded and enlarged upon in the foregoing chapter. Agents sent by Louis had tempted the people of Liege to rebel against their superior, Duke Charles, and persecute and murder their Bishop. But Louis was not prepared for their acting with such promptitude. They flew to arms with the temerity of a fickle rabble, took the Bishop prisoner, menaced and insulted him, and

tore to pieces one or two of his canons. This news was sent to the Duke of Burgundy at the moment when Louis had so unguardedly placed himself in his power; and the consequence was, that Charles placed guards on the Castle of Peronne, and, deeply resenting the treachery of the King of France in exciting friendship, he deliberated whether he should not put Louis to

sedition in his dominions, while he pretended the most intimate

death.

CHAPTER XXVIII.

UNCERTAINTY.

Then happy low, lie down ;
Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown.

Henry IV.-Part Second. FORTY men-at-arms, carrying alternately naked swords and blazing torches, served as the escort, or rather the guard, of King Louis, from the town-hall of Peronne to the Castle; and as he entered within its darksome and gloomy strength, it seemed as if a voice screamed in his ear that warning which the Florentine has inscribed over the portal of the infernal regions, "Leave all hope behind!"

At that moment, perhaps, some feeling of remorse might have crossed the King's mind, had he thought on the hundreds, nay thousands, whom, without cause, or on light suspicion, he had committed to the abysses of his dungeons, deprived of all hope of liberty, and loathing even the life to which they clung by animal instinct.

The broad glare of the torches outfacing the pale moon, which was more obscured on this than on the former night, and the red smoky light which they dispersed around the ancient buildings, gave a darker shade to that huge donjon, called the Earl Herbert's Tower. It was the same that Louis had viewed with misgiving presentiment on the preceding evening, and of which he was now doomed to become an inhabitant, under the terror of what violence soever the wrathful temper of his overgrown vassal might tempt him to exercise in those secret recesses of despotism.

To aggravate the King's painful feelings, he saw, as he crossed the court-yard, several bodies, over each of which had been hastily flung a military cloak. He was not long of discerning that they were corpses of slain archers of the Scottish Guard, who having disputed, as the Count Crèvecœur informed him, the command given them to quit the post near the King's apartments, a brawl had ensued between them and the Duke's Walloon body-guards, and before it could be composed by the officers on either side, several lives had been lost.

My trusty Scots!" said the King, as he looked upon this melancholy spectacle; "had they brought only man to man, all Flanders, ay, and Burgundy to boot, had not furnished champions to mate you.'

"Yes, an it please your Majesty," said Balafré, who attended close behind the King, "Maistery mows the meadow-few men can fight more than two at once. I myself never care to meet three, unless it be in the way of special duty, when one must not stand to count heads."

Art thou there, old acquaintance?" said the King, looking behind him; then I have one true subject with me yet."

And a faithful minister, whether in your councils, or in his offices about your royal person," whispered Oliver le Dain.

"We are all faithful," said Tristan l'Hermite, gruffly; "for should they put to death your Majesty, there is no one of us whom they would suffer to survive you, even if we would."

Now, that is what I call good corporal bail for fidelity," said Le Glorieux, who, as already mentioned, with the restlessness proper to an infirm brain, had thrust himself into their company.

Meanwhile, the Seneschal, hastily summoned, was Three days Louis was detained in this very precarious situa turning with laborious effort the ponderous key which tion; and it was only his profuse liberality amongst Charles's opened the reluctant gate of the huge Gothic Keep, favourites and courtiers which finally ensured him from death or deposition. Comines, who was the Duke of Burgundy's and was at last fain to call for the assistance of one chamberlain at the time, and slept in his apartment, says, of Crèvecœur's attendants. When they had sucCharles neither undressed nor slept, but flung himself from ceeded, six men entered with torches, and showed time to time on the bed, and, at other times, wildly traversed the way through a narrow and winding passage, the apartment. It was long before his violent temper became in any degree tractable. At length he only agreed to give Louis commanded at different points by shot-holes from his liberty, on condition of his accompanying him in person vaults and casements constructed behind, and in the against, and employing his troops in subduing, the mutineers thickness of the massive walls. At the end of this whom his intrigues had instigated to arms. This was a bitter and degrading alternative. But Louis, passage, arose a stair of corresponding rudeness, conseeing no other mode of compounding for the effects of his sisting of huge blocks of stone, roughly dressed with rashness, not only submitted to this discreditable condition, but the hammer, and of unequal height. Having mountswore to it upon a crucifix said to have belonged to Charle-ed this ascent, a strong iron-clenched door admitted magne. These particulars are from Comines. There is a succinct epitome of them in Sir Nathaniel Wraxall's History of France, vol. i.

them to what had been the great hall of the donjon, lighted but very faintly even during the daytime, (for

the apertures, diminished in appearance by the ex- will be the wish of every counsellor around him-excessive thickness of the walls, resembled slits rather cepting perhaps one-that he should behave in this than windows,) and now, but for the blaze of the matter with mildness and generosity, as well as torches, almost perfectly dark. Two or three bats, justice." and other birds of evil presage, roused by the unusual "Ah! Crevecoeur," said Louis, taking his hand as glare, flew against the lights, and threatened to ex- if affected by some painful recollections, "how tinguish them; while the Seneschal formally apolo-happy is the Prince who has counsellors near him, gized to the King, that the State-hall had not been put in order, such was the hurry of the notice sent to him; and adding, that, in truth, the apartment had not been in use for twenty years, and rarely before that time, so far as ever he had heard, since the time of King Charles the Simple.

"King Charles the Simple!" echoed Louis; "I know the history of the Tower now.-He was here murdered by his treacherous vassal, Herbert, Earl of Vermandois-So say our annals. I knew there was something concerning the Castle of Peronne which dwelt on my mind, though I could not recall the circumstance. Here, then, my predecessor was slain?"

"Not here, not exactly here, and please your Majesty," said the old Seneschal, stepping with the cager haste of a cicerone, who shows the curiosities of such a place-"Not here, but in the side-chamber a little onward, which opens from your Majesty's bedchamber."

He hastily opened a wicket at the upper end of the hall, which led into a bedchamber, small, as is usual in such old buildings; but, even for that reason, rather more comfortable than the waste hall through which they had passed. Some hasty preparations had been here made for the King's accommodation. Arras had been tacked up, a fire lighted in the rusty grate, which had been long unused, and a pallet laid down for those gentlemen who were to pass the night in his chamber, as was then usual.

"We will get beds in the hall for the rest of your attendants," said the garrulous old man; "but we have had such brief notice, if it please your Majesty -And if it please your Majesty to look upon this little wicket behind the arras, it opens into the little old cabinet in the thickness of the wall where Charles was slain; and there is a secret passage from below, which admitted the men who were to deal with him. And your Majesty, whose eyesight I hope is better than mine, may see the blood still on the oak-floor, though the thing was done five hundred years ago.' While he thus spoke, he kept fumbling to open the postern of which he spoke, until the King said, "Forbear, old man-forbear but a little while, when thou mayst have a newer tale to tell, and fresher blood to show.-My Lord of Crèvecœur, what say you ?"

"I can but answer, Sire, that these two interior apartments are as much at your Majesty's disposal as those in your own Castle at Plessis, and that Crèvecœur, a name never blackened by treachery or assassination, has the guard of the exterior defences of it."

"But the private passage into that closet, of which the old man speaks?" This King Louis said in a low and anxious tone, holding Crevecour's arm fast with one hand, and pointing to the wicket door with the other.

66

"It must be some dream of Mornay's," said Crèvecœur, or some old and absurd tradition of the place; but we will examine."

He was about to open the closet door, when Louis answered, "No, Crèvecœur, no-Your honour is sufficient warrant.-But what will your Duke do with me, Crevecoeur? He cannot hope to keep me long a prisoner; and-in short, give me your opinion, Crevecœur."

"My Lord and Sire," said the Count, "how the Duke of Burgundy must resent this horrible cruelty on the person of his near relative and ally, is for your Majesty to judge; and what right he may have to consider it as instigated by your Majesty's emissaries, you only can know. But my master is noble in his disposition, and made incapable, even by the very strength of his passions, of any underhand practices. Whatever he does, will be done in the face of day, and of the two nations. And I can but add, that it

who can guard him against the effects of his own angry passions! Their names will be read in golden letters, when the history of his reign is perused.-Noble Crèvecœur, had it been my lot to have such as thou art about my person!"

"It had in that case been your Majesty's study to have got rid of them as fast as you could," said Le Glorieux.

Aha! Sir Wisdom, art thou there?" said Louis, turning round, and instantly changing the pathetic tone in which he had addressed Crevecœur, and adopting with facility one which had a turn of gayety in it-"Hast thou followed us hither?", Ay, sir," answered Le Glorieux, "Wisdom must follow in motley, where Folly leads the way in purple."

"How shall I construe that, Sir Solomon," answered Louis-"Wouldst thou change conditions with me?"

"Not I, by my halidome," quoth Le Glorieux, "if you would give me fifty crowns to boot."

Why, wherefore so?-Methinks I could be well enough contented, as princes go, to have thee for my

Ay,

king, Sire," replied Le Glorieux; "but the question is, whether, judging of your Majesty's wit from its having lodged you here, I should not have cause to be ashamed of having so dull a fool."

"Peace, sirrah!" said the Count of Crèvecœur; your tongue runs too fast."

"Let it take its course," said the King; "I know of no such fair subject of raillery, as the follies of those who should know better.-Here, my sagacious friend, take this purse of gold, and with it the advice, never to be so great a fool as to deem yourself wiser than other people. Prithee, do me so much favour as to inquire after my astrologer, Martius Galeotti, and send him hither to me presently."

"I will, without fail, my Liege," answered the jester; "and I wot well I shall find him at Jan Dopplethur's; for philosophers, as well as fools, know where the best wine is sold."

"Let me pray for free entrance for this learned person through your guards, Seignior de Crèvecœur," said Louis.

For his entrance, unquestionably," answered the Count; but it grieves me to add, that my instruc tions do not authorize me to permit any one to quit your Majesty's apartments. I wish your Majesty a good night," he subjoihed, "and will presently make such arrangements in the outer hall, as may put the gentlemen who are to inhabit it, more at their ease."

"Give yourself no trouble for them, Sir Count," replied the King, "they are men accustomed to set hardships at defiance; and, to speak truth, excepting that I wish to see Galeotti, I would desire as little further communication from without this night as may be consistent with your instructions."

These are, to leave your Majesty," replied Crèvecœur, "undisputed possession of your own apartments. Such are my master's orders."

"

Your master, Count Crèvecœur," answered Louis, "whom I may also term mine, is a right gracious master. -My dominions," he added, "are somewhat shrunk in compass, now that they have dwindled to an old hall and a bedchamber; but they are still wide enough for all the subjects which I can at present boast of."

The Count of Crevecoeur took his leave; and shortly after, they could hear the noise of the sentinels moving to their posts, accompanied with the word of command from the officers, and the hasty tread of the guards who were relieved. At length all became still, and the only sound which filled the air, was the sluggish murmur of the river Somme, as it glided, deep and muddy, under the walls of the castle.

"Go into the hall, my mates," said Louis to his

Hold your-person from the Madonna of Embrun, a favourite idol, to whom he often paid his vows.

train; "but do not lie down to sleep.
selves in readiness, for there is still something to be
done to-night, and that of moment."

Oliver and Tristan retired to the hall accordingly, in which Le Balafré and the Provost-Marshal's two officers had remained, when the others entered the bedchamber. They found that those without had thrown fagots enough upon the fire, to serve the purpose of light and heat at the same time, and, wrapping themselves in their cloaks, had sat down on the floor, in postures which variously expressed the discomposure and dejection of their minds. Oliver and Tristan saw nothing better to be done, than to follow their example; and, never very good friends in the days of their court-prosperity, they were both equally reluctant to repose confidence in each other upon this strange and sudden reverse of fortune. So that the whole party sat in silent dejection.

Sweet Lady of Clery," he exclaimed, clasping his hands and beating his breast while he spoke"blessed Mother of Mercy! thou who art omnipotent with Omnipotence, have compassion with me a sinner! It is true, that I have something neglected thee for thy blessed sister of Embrun; but I am a King, my power is great, my wealth boundless; and, were it otherwise, I would double the gabelle on my subjects, rather than not pay my debts to you both. Undo these iron doors-fill up these tremendous moats-lead me, as a mother leads a child, out of this present and pressing danger! If I have given thy sister the county of Boulogne, to be held of her for ever, have I no means of showing devotion to thee also? Thou shalt have the broad and rich province of Champagne; and its vineyards shall pour Meanwhile, their master underwent, in the retire- their abundance into thy convent. I had promised ment of his secret chamber, agonies that might have the province to my brother Charles; but he, thou atoned for some of those which had been imposed by knowest, is dead-poisoned by that wicked Abbé of his command. He paced the room with short and Saint John d'Angely, whom, if I live, I will punish! unequal steps, often stood still and clasped his hands-I promised this once before, but this time I will together, and gave loose, in short, to agitation, which, keep my word.--If I had any knowledge of the crime, in public, he had found himself able to suppress so believe, dearest patroness, it was because I knew no successfully. At length, pausing, and wringing his better method of quieting the discontents of my kinghands, he planted himself opposite to the wicket- dom. O, do not reckon that old debt to my account door, which had been pointed out by old Mornay as to-day; but be, as thou hast ever been, kind, benigleading to the scene of the murder of one of his pre- nant, and easy to be entreated! Sweetest Lady, work decessors, and gradually gave voice to his feelings in with thy child, that he will pardon all past sins, and a broken soliloquy. one one little deed which I must do this night-nay, it is no sin, dearest Lady of Clery-no sin, but an act of justice privately administered; for the villain is the greatest impostor that ever poured falsehood into a Prince's ear, and leans besides to the filthy heresy of the Greeks. He is not deserving of thy protection; leave him to my care; and hold it as good service that I rid the world of him, for the man is a necromancer and wizard, that is not worth thy thought and care-a dog, the extinction of whose life ought to be of as little consequence in thine eyes, as the treading out a spark that drops from a lamp, or springs from a fire. Think not of this little matter, gentlest, kindest Lady, but only consider how thou canst best aid me in my troubles! and I here bind my royal signet to thy effigy, in token that I will keep my word concerning the county of Champagne, and that this shall be the last time I will trouble thee in affairs of blood, knowing thou art so kind, so gentle, and so tender-hearted."

"Charles the Simple-Charles the Simple!-what will posterity call the Eleventh Louis, whose blood will probably soon refresh the stains of thine? Louis the Fool-Louis the Driveller-Louis the Infatuated -are all terms too slight to mark the extremity of my idiocy! To think these hotheaded Liegeois, to whom rebellion is as natural as their food, would remain quiet-to dream that the Wild Beast of Ardennes would, for a moment, be interrupted in his career of force and blood-thirsty brutality-to suppose that I could use reason and arguments to any good purpose with Charles of Burgundy, until I had tried the force of such exhortations with success upon a wild bull -Fool, and double idiot that I was! But the villain Martius shall not escape-He has been at the bottom of this, he and the vile priest, the detestable Balue.* If I ever get out of this danger, I will tear from his head the Cardinal's cap, though I pull the scalp along with it! But the other traitor is in my hands -I am yet king enough-have yet an empire roomy enough-for the punishment of the quack-salving, word-mongering, star-gazing, lie-coining impostor, who has at once made a prisoner and a dupe of me! -The conjunction of the constellations-ay, the conjunction-He must talk nonsense which would scarce gull a thrice-sodden sheep's-head, and I must be idiot enough to think I understood him! But we shall see presently what the conjunction hath really boded. But first let me to my devotions."

After this extraordinary contract with the object of his adoration, Louis recited, apparently with deep devotion, the seven penitential psalms in Latin, and several aves and prayers especially belonging to the service of the Virgin. He then arose, satisfied that he had secured the intercession of the Saint to whom he had prayed, the rather, as he craftily reflected, that most of the sins for which he had requested her mediation on former occasions had been of a different character, and that, therefore, the Lady of Clery was less likely to consider him as a hardened and habitual shedder of blood, than the other saints whom he had more frequently made confidants of his crimes

Above the little door, in memory perhaps of the deed which had been done within, was a rude niche, containing a crucifix cut in stone. Upon this emblem the King fixed his eyes, as if about to kneel, but stop-in that respect.t ped short, as if he applied to the blessed image the While I perused these passages in the old manuscript chroprinciples of worldly policy, and deemed it rash to approach its presence without having secured the private intercession of some supposed favourite. He therefore turned from the crucifix as unworthy to look upon it, and selecting from the images with which, as often mentioned, his hat was completely garnished, a representation of the Lady of Clery, knelt down before it, and made the following extraordinary prayer; in which, it is to be observed, the grossness of his superstition induced him, in some degree, to consider the virgin of Clery as a different

* Louis kept his promise of vengeance against Cardinal La Balue, whom he always blamed as having betrayed him to Burgundy. After he had returned to his own kingdom, he caused his late favourite to be immured in one of the iron cages at Loches. These were constructed with horrible ingenuity, so that a person of ordinary size could neither stand up at his full height nor lie lengthwise in them. Some ascribe this horrid device to Balue himself. At any rate, he was confined in one of these dens for eleven years, nor did Louis permit him to be liberated till his last illness.

nicle, I could not help feeling astonished that an intellect acute as that of Louis XI. certainly was, could so delude itself by a sort of superstition, of which one would think the stubest savages incapable; but the terms of the King's prayer, on a similar occasion, as preserved by Brantome, are of a tenor fully as extraordinary. It is that which, being overheard by fool or jester, was by him made public, and let in light on an act of fratricide, which might never have been suspected. The way in which the story is narrated by the corrupted courtier, who could jest with all that is criminal as well as with all that is profligate, is worthy the reader's notice; for such actions are seldom done where there are not men with hearts of the nether mill stone, capable and willing to make them

a

matters of laughter.

"Among the numerous good tricks of dissimulation, feints, and finesses of gallantry, which the good King (Louis XI.) did in his time, he put to death his brother, the Duke de Guyenne, at the moment when the Duke least thought of such a thing, and while the King was making the greatest show of love to him during his life, and of affection for him at his death, ma naging the whole concern with so much art, that it would never have been known had not the King taken into his own service a fool who had belonged to his deceased brother. But it chanced that Louis, being engaged in his devout prayers and

"You say well," said the King; "but, at least, it belongs to thy duty to prevent interruption, and to guard the execution of my most just sentence."

When he had thus cleared his conscience, or rather | dealing with him than a Scottish gentleman of my whited it over like a sepulchre, the King thrust his family and standing in the service." head out at the door of the hall, and summoned Le Balafré into his apartment. My good soldier," he said, "thou hast served me long, and hast had little promotion. We are here in a case where I may either live or die; but I would not willingly die an ungrateful man, or leave, so far as the saints may place it in my power, either a friend or an enemy unrecompensed. Now, I have a friend to be rewarded, that is thyself-an enemy to be punished according to his deserts, and that is the base, treacherous villain, Martius Galeotti, who, by his impostures and specious falsehoods, has trained me hither into the power of my mortal enemy, with as firm a purpose of my destruction, as ever butcher had of slaying the beast which he drove to the shambles."

"I will challenge him on that quarrel, since they say he is a fighting blade, though he looks somewhat unwieldy," said Le Balafré. I doubt not but the Duke of Burgundy is so much a friend to men of the sword, that he will allow us a fair field within some reasonable space; and if your Majesty live so long, and enjoy so much freedom, you shall behold me do battle in your right, and take as proper a vengeance on this philosopher as your heart could desire."

"I commend your bravery and your devotion to my service," said the King. But this treacherous villain is a stout man-at-arms, and I would not willingly risk thy life, my brave soldier."

"I were no brave soldier, if it please your Majesty," said Balafré, "if I dared not face a better man than he. A fine thing it would be for me, who can neither read nor write, to be afraid of a fat lurdane, who has done little else all his life!"

"I will do so against all Peronne," said Le Balafré. "Your Majesty need not doubt my fealty in that which I can reconcile to my conscience, which, for mine own convenience and the service of your royal Majesty, I can vouch to be a pretty large oneat least, I know I have done some deeds for your Majesty, which I would rather have eaten a handful of my own dagger than I would have done for any else.'

"Let that rest," said the King; " and hear youwhen Galeotti is admitted, and the door shut on him, do you stand to your weapon, and guard the entrance on the inside of the apartment. Let no one intrudethat is all I require of you. Go hence, and send the Provost-Marshal to me."

Balafré left the apartment accordingly, and in a minute afterwards Tristan l'Hermite entered from the hall.

"Welcome, gossip," said the King; "what thinkest thou of our situation?"

"As of men sentenced to death," said the ProvostMarshal, " unless there come a reprieve from the Duke."

Reprieved or not, he that decoyed us into this snare shall go our fourrier to the next world, to take up lodgings for us," said the King, with a grisly and ferocious smile. Tristan, thou hast done many an act of brave justice-finis-I should have said funiscoronat opus. Thou must stand by me to the end." "I will, my liege," said Tristan; "I am but a plain these walls, or elsewhere; and while I live, your Majesty's breath shall pour as potential a note of condemnation, and your sentence be as literally executed, as when you sat on your own throne. They may deal with me the next hour for it if they will-I care not."

"Nevertheless," said the King, "it is not our plea-fellow, but I am grateful. I will do my duty within sure so to put thee in venture, Balafré. This traitor comes hither, summoned by our command. We would have thee, so soon as thou canst find occasion, close up with him, and smite him under the fifth rib -Dost thou understand me?"

"Truly I do," answered Le Balafré; "but, if it please your Majesty, this is a matter entirely out of my course of practice. I could not kill you a dog, unless it were in hot assault, or pursuit, or upon defiance given. or such like."

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Why sure thou dost not pretend to tenderness of heart?" said the King; "thou who hast been first in storm and siege, and most eager, as men tell me, on the pleasures and advantages which are gained on such occasions by the rough heart and the bloody hand?"

"It is even what I expected of thee, my loving gossip," said Louis; "but hast thou good assistance?the traitor is strong and able-bodied, and will doubtless be clamorous for aid. The Scot will do nought but keep the door; and well that he can be brought to that, by flattery and humouring. Then Oliver is good for nothing but lying, flattering, and suggesting dangerous counsels; and, Ventre Saint-dieu! think is more like one day to deserve the halter himself, than to use it to another. Have you men, think you, and means, to make sharp and sure work?"

My lord," answered Le Balafré, "I have neither feared nor spared your enemies, sword in hand. And an assault is a desperate matter, under risks which raise a man's blood so, that, by Saint Andrew, it will not settle for an hour or two,-which I call a fair license for plundering after a storm. And God pity us poor soldiers, who are first driven mad with danger, and then madder with victory. I have heard of a legion consisting entirely of saints; and methinks it would take them all to pray and intercede for the rest of the army, and for all who wear plumes and corslets, buff-coats and broadswords. But what your Majesty purposes is out of my course of practice, though I will never deny that it has been wide enough.jesty no offence." As for the astrologer, if he be a traitor, let him e'en 'Most true," said the other. "Know then, Trisdie a traitor's death-I will neither meddle nor make tan, that the condemned person is Martius Galeotti. with it. Your Majesty has your Provost, and two of-You start, but it is even as I say. The villain hath his Marshal's-men without, who are more fit for trained us all hither by false and treacherous repreorisons at the high altar of our Lady of Clery, whom he called sentations, that he might put us,into the hands of the his good patroness, and no person nigh except this fool, who, Duke of Burgundy without defence." without his knowledge, was within earshot, he thus gave vent to his pious homilies :

"I have Trois-Eschelles and Petit-André with me," said he-" men so expert in their office, that out of three men, they would hang up one ere his two companions were aware. And we have all resolved to live or die with your Majesty, knowing we shall have as short breath to draw when you are gone, as ever fell to the lot of any of our patients.-But what is to be our present subject, an it please your Majesty? I love to be sure of my man; for, as your Majesty is pleased sometimes to remind me, I have now and then mistaken the criminal, and strung up in his place an honest labourer, who had given your Ma

Ah, my good Lady, my gentle mistress, my only friend, in whom alone I have resource, I pray you to supplicate God in my behalf, and to be my advocate with him that he may pardon me the death of my brother whom I caused to be poisoned by

that wicked Abbot of Saint John. I confess my guilt to thee as to my good patroness and mistress. But then what could I do? he was perpetually causing disorder in my kingdom. Cause me then to be pardoned, my good Lady, and I know what

a reward I will give thee."'

This singular confession did not escape the jester, who upbraided the King with the fratricide in the face of the whole company at dinner, which Louis was fain to let pass without observation, in case of increasing the slander

"But not without vengeance!" said Tristan ; home like an expiring wasp, should I be crushed to were it the last act of my life, I would sting him pieces on the next instant!"

"I know thy trusty spirit," said the King, "and the pleasure which, like other good men, thou dost find in the discharge of thy duty, since virtue, as the schoolmen say, is its own reward. But away, and prepare the priests, for the victim approaches.'

"Would you have it done in your own presence, my gracious liege?" said Tristan.

Louis declined this offer; but charged the Provost