like foxes, which, after all their wiles and artful attempts at escape are exhausted, die with a silent and sullen fortitude, which wolves and bears, the fiercer objects of the chase, do not exhibit. They were undaunted by the conduct of the fatal executioners, who went about their work with more deliberation than their master had recommended, and which probably arose from their having acquired by habit a kind of pleasure in the discharge of their horrid office. We pause an instant to describe them, because, under a tyranny, whether despotic or popular, the character of the hangman becomes a subject of grave importance. These functionaries were essentially different in their appearance and manners. Louis used to call them Democritus and Heraclitus, and their master, the Provost, termed them, Jean-qui-pleure, and Jeanqui-rit. Trois-Eschelles was a tall, thin, ghastly man, with a peculiar gravity of visage, and a large rosary round his neck, the use of which he was accustomed piously to offer to those sufferers on whom he did his duty. He had one or two Latin texts continually in his mouth on the nothingness and vanity of human life; and, had it been regular to have enjoyed such a plurality, he might have held the office of confessor to the jail in commendam with that of executioner. Petit-André, on the contrary, was a joyous-looking, round, active little fellow, who rolled about in execution of his duty as if it were the most diverting occupation in the world. He seemed to have a sort of fond affection for his victims, and always spoke of them in kindly and affectionate terms. They were his poor honest fellows, his pretty dears, his gossips, his good old fathers, as their age or sex might be; and as TroisEschelles endeavoured to inspire them with a philosophical or religious regard to futurity, Petit-André seldom failed to refresh them with a jest or two, as if to induce them to pass from life as something that was ludicrous, contemptible, and not worthy of serious consideration. I cannot tell why or wherefore it was, but these two excellent persons, notwithstanding the variety of their talents, and the rare occurrence of such among persons of their profession, were both more utterly detested than, perhaps, any creatures of their kind, whether before or since; and the only doubt of those who knew aught of them was, whether the grave and pathetic Trois-Eschelles, or the frisky, comic, alert Petit-André, was the object of the greatest fear or of the deepest execration. It is certain they bore the palm in both particulars over every hangman in France, unless it were perhaps their master, Tristan l'Hermite, the renowned Provost-Marshal, or his master, Louis XI.* | the youth turned his dismayed looks, first on one and then on the other, they made their meaning plainer by gently urging him forward to the fatal tree, and bidding him be of good courage, for it would be over in a moment. In this fatal predicament, the youth cast a distracted look around him. "Is there any good Christian who hears me," he said, "that will tell Ludovic Lesly of the Scottish Guard, called in this country Le Balafré, that his nephew is here basely murdered?" The words were spoken in good time, for an Archer of the Scottish Guard, attracted by the preparations for the execution, was standing by, with one or two other chance-passengers, to witness what was passing., "Take heed what you do," he said to the executioners; "if this young man be of Scottish birth, I will not permit him to have foul play.' "Heaven forbid, Sir Cavalier," said Trois-Eschelles; "but we must obey our orders," drawing Durward forward by one arm. "The shortest play is ever the fairest," said PetitAndré, pulling him onward by the other. But Quentin had heard words of comfort, and, exerting his strength, he suddenly shook off both the finishers of the law, and, with his arms still bound, ran to the Scottish Archer. 'Stand by me, countryman," he said in his own language, "for the love of Scotland and Saint Andrew! I am innocent-I am your own native landsman. Stand by me, as you shall answer at the last day!" "By Saint Andrew! they shall make at you through me," said the Archer, and unsheathed his sword. Cut my bonds, countryman," said Quentin, "and I will do something for myself." This was done with a touch of the Archer's weapon; and the liberated captive, springing suddenly on one of the Provost's guard, wrested from him a halberd with which he was armed; And now," he said, "Come on, if you dare!" The two officers whispered together. Ride thou after the Provost-Marshal," said TroisEschelles, "and I will detain them here, if I can.-Soldiers of the Provost's guard, stand to your arms. Petit André mounted his horse and left the field. and the other Marshal's-men in attendance drew together so hastily at the command of Trois-Eschelles, that they suffered the other two prisoners to make their escape during the confusion. Perhaps they were not very anxious to detain them; for they had of late been sated with the blood of such wretches, and, like other ferocious animals, were, through long slaughter, become tired of carnage. But the pretext was, that they thought themselves immediately called upon to attend to the safety of Trois-Eschelles; for there was a jealousy, which occasionally led to open quarrels betwixt the Scottish Archers and the Marshal-guards, who executed the orders of their Provost. "We are strong enough to beat the proud Scots twice over, if it be your pleasure," said one of these soldiers to Trois-Eschelles. It must not be supposed that these reflections were of Quentin Durward's making. Life, death, time, and eternity, were swimming before his eyes-a stunning and overwhelming prospect, from which human nature recoiled in its weakness, though human pride would fain have borne up. He addressed himself to the God of his fathers; and when he did so, the little rude and unroofed chapel, which now held almost all But that cautious official made a sign to him to rehis race but himself, rushed on his recollection. "Our main quiet, and addressed the Scottish Archer with feudal enemies gave my kindred graves in our own great civility. "Surely, sir, this is a great insult to land," he thought, "but I must feed the ravens and the Provost-Marshal, that you should presume to inkites of a foreign land, like an excommunicated fe- terfere with the course of the King's justice, duly and lon!" The tears gushed involuntarily from his eyes. lawfully committed to his charge; and it is no act of Trois-Eschelles, touching one shoulder, gravely con- justice to me, who am in lawful possession of my gratulated him on his heavenly disposition for death, criminal. Neither is it a well-meant kindness to the and pathetically exclaiming, Beati qui in Domino mo- youth himself, seeing that fifty opportunities of hangriuntur, remarked the soul was happy that left the ing him may occur, without his being found in so body while the tear was in the eye. Petit-André, slap-happy a state of preparation as he was before your ill ping the other shoulder, called out, Courage, my fair advised interference." son! since you must begin the dance, let the ball open gaily, for all the rebecs are in tune," twitching the halter at the same time, to give point to his joke. As * One of these two persons, I learned from the Chronique de Jean de Troyes, but too late to avail myself of the information, might with more accuracy have been called Petit-Jean, than Petit-André. This was actually the name of the son of Henry de Cousin, master executioner of the High Court of Justice. The Constable Saint Paul was executed by him with such dex- VOL. IV. "If my young countryman," said the Scot, smiling, "be of opinion I have done him an injury, I will re turn him to your charge without a word more dispute. "No, no!-for the love of Heaven, no!" exclaimed Quentin. "I would rather you swept my head off with your long sword-it would better become my birth, than to die by the hands of such a foul churl." "Hear how he revileth!" said the finisher of the law. Alas! how soon our best resolutions pass away! he was in a blessed frame for departure but] "but Sandie Wilson, the auld Marshal's-man of our now, and in two minutes he has become a contemner ain body." of authorities. ,, Tell me at once," said the Archer, "what has this young man done?" "Interfered," answered Trois-Eschelles, with some earnestness, "to take down the dead body of a criminal, when the fleur-de-lys was marked on the tree where he was hung with my own proper hand." How is this, young man?" said the Archer; "how came you to have committed such an offence?" "As I desire your protection," answered Durward, "I will tell you the truth as if I were at confession. I saw a man struggling on the tree, and I went to cut him down out of mere humanity. I thought neither of fleur-de-lys nor of clove-gilliflower, and had no more idea of offending the King of France than our Father the Pope." "What a murrain had you to do with the dead body then?" said the Archer."You'll see them hanging, in the rear of this gentleman, like grapes on every tree, and you will have enough to do in this country if you go a-gleaning after the hangman. However, I will not quit a countryman's cause if I can help it. -Hark ye, Master Marshal's-man, you see this is entirely a mistake. You should have some compassion on so young a traveller. In our country at home he has not been accustomed to see such active proceedings as yours and your master's." "Not for want of need of them, Signior Archer," said Petit-André, who returned at this moment."Stand fast, Trois-Eschelles, for here comes the Provost-Marshal; we shall presently see how he will relish having his work taken out of his hand before it is finished. "And in good time," said the Archer, "here come some of my comrades." Accordingly, as the Provost Tristan rode up with his patrol on one side of the little hill which was the scene of the altercation, four or five Scottish Archers came as hastily up on the other, and at their head the Balafré himself. "It would be a positive cheating of Sandie, who is as honest a man as ever tied noose upon hemp, did we give way to any other proceeding," said the Balafré. Were I to be hanged myself, no other should tie tippet about my craig.' "But hear ye,' said the Provost-Marshal, "this young fellow belongs not to you, and cannot share what you call your privileges." "What we call our privileges, all shall admit to be such," said Cunningham. "We will not hear them questioned!" was the universal cry of the Archers. Ye are mad, my masters." said Tristan l'Hermite -"No one disputes your privueges; but this youth is not one of you.' "He is my nephew," said the Balafré, with a triumphant air. But no Archer of the Guard, I think," retorted Tristan l'Hermite. The Archers looked on each other in some uncertainty. 'Stand to it yet, comrade," whispered Cunningham to Balafré-"Say he is engaged with us.' "Saint Martin! you say well, fair countryman," answered Lesly; and, raising his voice, swore that he had that day enrolled his kinsman as one of his own retinue. This declaration was a decisive argument. "It is well, gentlemen." said the Provost Tristan, who was aware of the King's nervous apprehension of disaffection creeping in among his Guards-"You know, as you say, your privileges, and it is not my duty to have brawls with the King's Guards, if it is to be avoided. But I will report this matter for the King's own decision; and I would have you to be aware, that, in doing so, I act more mildly than perhaps my duty warrants me." So saying, he put his troop into motion, while the Archers, remaining on the spot, held a hasty consultation what must next be done. 64 We must report the matter to Lord Crawford, our Captain, in the first place, and have the young fellow's name put on the roll." 66 Upon this urgency, Lesly showed none of that indifference towards his nephew of which Quentin had in his heart accused him; for he no sooner saw his comrade and Durward standing upon their defence, than he exclaimed, "Cunningham, I thank thee.Gentlemen-comrades, lend me your aid-It is a young Scottish gentleman-my nephew-Lindesay-Gu- or no. thrie Tyrie, draw, and strike in !" promise you, that, nephew of mine as you are, I see no other chance of your 'scaping the gallows." But, gentlemen, and my worthy friends and preservers," said Quentin, with some hesitation, “I have not yet determined whether to take service with you "Then settle in your own mind," said his uncle, There was now every prospect of a desperate scuf-"whether you choose to do so, or be hanged-for 1 fle between the parties, who were not so disproportioned in numbers, but that the better arms of the Scottish cavaliers gave them an equal chance of vic- This was an unanswerable argument, and reduced tory. But the Provost-Marshal, either doubting the Quentin at once to acquiesce in what he might have issue of the conflict, or aware that it would be disa-otherwise considered as no very agreeable proposal; greeable to the King, made a sign to his followers to forbear from violence, while he demanded of Balafré, who now put himself forward as the head of the other party, "What he, a cavalier of the King's Body Guard, purposed by opposing the execution of a criminal?" "I deny that I do so," answered the Balafré.Saint Martin! there is, I think, some difference between the execution of a criminal, and the slaughter of my own nephew?" "Your nephew may be a criminal as well as another, Signor," said the Provost-Marshal; "and every stranger in France is amenable to the laws of France.' "Yes, but we have privileges, we Scottish Archers," said Balafré; "have we not, comrades?" "Yes, yes," they all exclaimed together. "Privileges-privileges! Long live King Louis-long live the bold Balafré-long live the Scottish Guard-and death to all who would infringe our privileges !" "Take reason with you, gentlemen cavaliers," said the Provost-Marshal; 'consider my commission." "We will have no reason at your hand," said Cunningham; our own officers shall do us reason. We will be judged by the King's grace, or by our own Captain, now that the Lord High Constable is not in presence." 'And we will be hanged by none," said Lindesay, but the recent escape from the halter, which had been actually around his neck, would probably have reconciled him to a worse alternative than was proposed. "He must go home with us to our caserne," said Cunningham; "there is no safety for him out of our bounds, whilst these man-hunters are prowling about.' May I not then abide for this night at the hostelry where I breakfasted, fair uncle?" said the youththinking, perhaps, like many a new recruit, that even a single night of freedom was something gained. "Yes, fair nephew," answered his uncle, ironically, "that we may have the pleasure of fishing you out of some canal or moat, or perhaps out of a loop of the Loire, knit up in a sack, for the greater convenience of swimming-for that is like to be the end on't.-The Provost-Marshal smiled on us when we parted," continued he, addressing Cunningham, "and that is a sign his thoughts were dangerous.' "I care not for his danger," said Cunningham; "such game as we are beyond his bird-bolts. But I would have thee tell the whole to the Devil's Oliver, who is always a good friend to the Scottish Guard, and will see Father Louis before the Provost can, for he is to shave him to-morrow." "But hark you," said Balafré, "it is ill going to Oliver empty-handed, and I am as bare as the birch in December." "So are we all," said Cunningham-" Oliver must not scruple to take our Scottish words for once. We will make up something handsome among us against the next pay-day; and if he expects to share, let me tell you, the pay-day will come about all the sooner." And now for the Chateau," said Balafré; "and my nephew shall tell us by the way how he brought the Provost-Marshal on his shoulders, that we may know how to frame our report both to Crawford and Oliver."* • Gipsies or Bohemians.-In a former volume of this edition of the Waverley Novels, (Guy Mannering,) the reader will find some remarks on the gipsies as they are found in Scotland. But it is well known that this extraordinary variety of the human race exists in nearly the same primitive state, speaking the same language, in almost all the kingdoms of Europe, and con: forming in certain respects to the manners of the people around them, but yet remaining separated from them by certain material distinctions, in which they correspond with each other, and thus maintain their pretensions to be considered as a distinct race. Their first appearance in Europe took place in the begin ning of the fifteenth century, when various bands of this singular people appeared in the different countries of Europe. They claimed an Egyptian descent, and their features attested that they were of Eastern origin. The account given by these singular people was, that it was appointed to them, as a penance, to travel for a certain number or years. This apology was probably selected as being most congenial to the superstitions of the countries which they visited. Their appearance, however, and manners, strongly contradicted the allegation that they travelled from any religious motive. Their dress and accoutrements were at once showy and squalid; those who acted as captains and leaders of any horde, and such always appeared as their commanders, were arrayed in dresses of the most showy colours, such as scarlet or light counts, and affected considerable consequence. The rest of the green; were well mounted; assumed the title of dukes and tribe were most miserable in their diet and apparel, fed without hesitation on animals which had died of disease, and were clad in filthy and scanty rags, which hardly sufficed for the ordinary purposes of common decency. Their complexion was positively Their manners were as depraved as their appearance was poor and beggarly. The men were in general thieves, and the women Eastern, approaching to that of the Hindoos. of the most abandoned character. The few arts which they studied with success, were of a slight and idle, though ingenious description. They practised working in iron, but never upon any great scale. Many were good sportsmen, good musicians, and masters, in a word, of all those trivial arts, the prac tice of which is little better than mere idleness. But their ingenuity never ascended into industry. Two or three other peculiarities seem to have distinguished them in all countries. Their pretensions to read fortunes, by palmistry and by astrology, acquired them sometimes respect, but oftener drew them under suspicion as sorcerers; and lastly, the universal accusation that they augmented their horde by stealing children, subjected them to doubt and execration. From this it happened, that the pretension set up by these wanderers, of being pilgrims in the act of penance, although it was at first admitted, and in many instances obtained them protection from the governments of the countries through which they travelled, was afterwards totally disbelieved, and they were considered as incorrigible rogues and vagrants; they incurred almost everywhere sentence of banishment, and, where suffered to remain, were rather objects of persecution than of protection from the law. There is a curious and accurate account of their arrival in France in the Journal of a Doctor of Theology, which is preserved and published by the learned Pasquier. The following is an extract:-" On August 27th, 1427, came to Paris twelve penitents, Penanciers, (penance doers,) as they called themselves, viz. a duke, an earl, and ten men, all on horseback, and calling themselves good Christians. They were of Lower Egypt, and gave out that, not long before, the Christians had subdued their country, and obliged them to embrace Christianity on pain of being put to death. Those who were baptized were great lords in their own country, and had a king and queen there.Soon after their conversion, the Saracens overran the country, and obliged them to renounce Christianity. When the Emperor of Germany, the King of Poland, and other Christian princes, heard of this, they fell upon them, and obliged the whole of them, both great and small, to quit the country, and go to the Pope at Rome, who enjoined them seven years' penance to wander over the world, without lying in a bed. "They had been wandering five years when they came to Paris first; the principal people, and soon after the commonalty, about 100 or 120, reduced (according to their own account) from 1000 or 1200, when they went from home, the rest being dead, with their king and queen. They were lodged by the police at some distance from the city, at Chapel St. Denis. "Nearly all of them had their ears bored, and wore two silver rings in each, which they said were esteemed ornaments in their country. The men were black, their hair curled; the women remarkably black, their only clothes a large old duffle garment, tied over the shoulders with a cloth or cord, and under it a mi serable rocket. In short, they were the most poor miserable creatures that had ever been seen in France; and, notwithstanding their poverty, there were among them women who, by looking into people's hands, told their fortunes, and what was worse, they picked people's pockets of their money, and got it into their own, by telling these things through airy magic, et cætera." Notwithstanding the ingenious account of themselves render AN attendant upon the Archers having been dismounted, Quentin Durward was accommodated with his horse, and, in company of his martial countrymen,, rode at a round pace towards the Castle of Plessis, about to become, although on his own part involuntarily, an inhabitant of that gloomy fortress, the outside of which had, that morning, struck him with so much surprise. In the meanwhile, in answer to his uncle's repeated interrogations, he gave him an exact account of the accident which had that morning brought him into so much danger. Although he himself saw nothing in his narrative save what was affecting, he found it was received with much laughter by his escort, 66 And yet it is no good jest either," said his uncle, for what, in the devil's name, could lead the senseless boy to meddle with the body of a cursed misbelieving Jewish Moorish pagan?" Had he quarrelled with the Marshals-men about a pretty wench, as Michael of Moffat did, there had been more sense in it," said Cunningham. But I think it touches our honour, that Tristan and his people pretend to confound our Scottish bonnets with these pilfering vagabonds' tocques and turbands, as they call them," said Lindesay-"If they have not eyes to see the difference, they must be taught by rule of hand. But it's my belief, Tristan but pretends to mistake, that he may snap up kindly Scots that come over to see their kinsfolks." May I ask, kinsman," said Quentin, "what sort people these are of whom you speak?" of the In troth you may ask," said his uncle, "but I know not, fair nephew, who is able to answer you.' "Not I, I am sure, although I know, it may be, as much as other people; but they have appeared in this ed by these gipsies, the Bishop of Paris ordered a friar, called Le Petit Jacobin, to preach a sermon, excommunicating all the men and women who had had recourse to these Bohemians on the subject of the future, and shown their hands for that purpose. They departed from Paris for Pontoise in the month of September. Pasquier remarks upon this singular journal, that however the story of a penance savours of a trick, these people wandered up and down France, under the eye, and with the knowledge, of the magistrates, for more than a hundred years; and it was not till 1561, that, a sentence of banishment was passed against them in that kingdom. The arrival of the Egyptians (as these singular people were called) in various parts of Europe, corresponds with the period in which Timur or Tamerlane invaded Hindostan, affording its natives the choice between the Koran and death. There can be little doubt that these wanderers consisted originally of the Hindostanee tribes, who, displaced, and flying from the sabres of the Mahommedans, undertook this species of wandering life, without well knowing whither they were going. It is natural to suppose the band, as it now exists, is much mingled with Europeans, but most of these have been brought up from child hood among them, and learned all their practices. It is strong evidence of this, that when they are in closest contact with the ordinary peasants around them, they still keep their language a mystery. There is little doubt, however, that it is a dialect of the Hindostanee, from the specimens produced by Grellman, Hoyland, and others, who have written on the subject. But the author has, besides their authority, personal occasion to know that an individual, out of mere curiosity, and availing himself with patience and assiduity of such opportu nities as offered, has made himself capable of conversing with any gipsy whom he meets, or can, like the royal Hal, drink with any tinker in his own language. The astonishment excited among these vagrants on finding a stranger participant of their mystery, occasions very ludicrous scenes. It is to be hoped this gentleman will publish the knowledge he possesses on so singular a topic. There are prudential reasons for postponing this disclosure at present; for although much more reconciled to society since they have been less the objects of legal persecution, the gipsies are still a ferocious and vindictive people. But notwithstanding this is certainly the case, I cannot but add, from my own observation of nearly fifty years, that the manners of these vagrant tribes are much ameliorated;-that I have known individuals amongst them who have united themselves to civilized society, and maintain respectable characters, and that great alteration has been wrought in their cleanliness and general mode of life. land within a year or two, just as a flight of locusts | had so willingly drawn their swords for the fleurmight do." Ay," said Lindesay, "and Jacques Bonhomme, (that is our name for the peasant, young man,-you will learn our way of talk in time,) honest Jacques, I say, cares little what wind either brings them or the locusts, so he but knows any gale that would carry them away again." "Do they do so much evil?" asked the young man. Evil? why, boy, they are heathens, or Jews, or Mahommedans at the least, and neither worship Our Lady nor the Saints"-(crossing himself)-" and steal what they can lay hands on, and sing, and tell fortunes," added Cunningham." แ And they say there are some goodly wenches amongst these women," said Guthrie; 'but Cunningham knows that best." How, brother!" said Cunningham; "I trust ye mean me no reproach?"" de-lys, against their "auld enemies of England.' Changes which had taken place in the Scottish kingdom, and perhaps his having become habituated to French climate and manners, had induced the old Baron to resign all thoughts of returning to his native country, the rather that the high office which he held in the household of Louis, and his own frank and loyal character, had gained a considerable ascendency over the King, who, though in general no ready believer in human virtue or honour, trusted and confided in those of the Lord Crawford, and allowed him the greater influence, because he was never known to interfere excepting in matters which concerned his charge. Balafré and Cunningham followed Durward and the guard to the apartment of their officer, by whose dignified appearance, as well as with the respect paid to him by these proud soldiers, who seemed to respect no one else, the young man was much and strongly "I am sure I said ye none," answered Guthrie. "I will be judged by the company," said Cunning-impressed. ham. "Ye said as much as that I, a Scottish gentleman, and living within pale of holy church, had a fair friend among these off-scourings of Heathenesse." "Nay, nay," said Balafré, "he did but jest-We will have no quarrels among comrades." "We must have no such jesting then," said Cunningham, murmuring as if he had been speaking to his own beard. "Be there such vagabonds in other lands than France?" said Lindesay. "Ay, in good sooth, are there-tribes of them have appeared in Germany, and in Spain, and in England," answered Balafré. By the blessing, of good Saint Andrew, Scotland is free of them yet." "Scotland," said Cunningham, "is too cold a country for locusts, and too poor a country for thieves." 66 Or perhaps John Highlander will suffer no thieves to thrive there but his own," said Guthrie. "I let you all know," said Balafré, "that I come from the braes of Angus, and have gentle Highland kin in Glen-isla, and I will not have the Highlanders slandered." "You will not deny that they are cattle-lifters?" said Guthrie. "To drive a spreagh, or so, is no thievery," said Balafré, "and that I will maintain when and how you dare." "For shame, comrade," said Cunningham, "who quarrels now?-the young man should not see such mad misconstruction.-Come, here we are at the Chateau. I will bestow a runlet of wine to have a rouse in friendship, and drink to Scotland, Highland and Lowland both, if you will meet me at dinner at my quarters." Agreed-agreed," said Balafré; "and I will bestow another, to wash away unkindness, and to drink a health to my nephew on his first entrance to our corps." At their approach, the wicket was opened, and the drawbridge fell. One by one they entered; but when Quentin appeared, the sentinels crossed their pikes, and commanded him to stand, while bows were bent, and harquebusses aimed at him from the walls-a rigour of vigilance used, notwithstanding that the young stranger came in company of a party of the garrison, nay, of the very body which furnished the sentinels who were then upon duty. Le Balafré, who had remained by his nephew's side on purpose, gave the necessary explanations, and, after some considerable hesitation and delay, the youth was conveyed under a strong guard to the Lord Crawford's apartment. Lord Crawford was tall, and through advanced age had become gaunt and thin; yet retaining in his sinews the strength, at least, if not the elasticity, of youth, he was able to endure the weight of his armour during a march as well as the youngest man who rode in his band. He was hard-favoured, with a scarred and weather-beaten countenance, and an eye that had looked upon death as his playfellow in thirty pitched battles, but which nevertheless expressed a calm contempt of danger, rather than the ferocious courage of a mercenary soldier. His tall erect figure was at present wrapped in a loose chamber-gown, secured around him by his buff belt, in which was suspended his richly-hilted poniard. He had round his neck the collar and badge of the order of Saint Michael. He sat upon a couch covered with deer's hide, and with spectacles on his nose, (then a recent invention,) was labouring to read a huge manuscript, called the Rosier de la Guerre, a code of military and civil policy which Louis had compiled for the benefit of his son the Dauphin, and upon which he was desirous to have the opinion of the experienced Scottish warrior. Lord Crawford laid his book somewhat peevishly aside upon the entrance of these unexpected visiters, and demanded, in his broad national dialect, “What, in the foul fiend's name, they lacked now?" Le Balafré, with more respect than perhaps he would have shown to Louis himself, stated at full length the circumstances in which his nephew was placed, and humbly requested his Lordship's protection. Lord Crawford listened very attentively. He could not but smile at the simplicity with which the youth had interfered in behalf of the hanged criminal, but he shook his head at the account which he received of the ruffle betwixt the Scottish Archers and the Provost-Marshal's guard.* 66 'How often," he said, "will you bring me such illwinded pirns to ravel out? How often must I tell you, and especially both you, Ludovic Lesly, and you, Archie Cunningham, that the foreign soldier should bear himself modestly and decorously towards the people of the country, if you would not have the whole dogs of the town at your heels? However, if you must have a bargain,t I would rather it were with that loon of a Provost than any one else; and I blame you less for this onslaught than for other frays that you have made, Ludovic, for it was but natural and kindlike to help your young kinsman. This simple bairn must come to no skaith neither; so give me the roll of the company yonder down from the shelf, and we will even add his name to the troop, that he may enjoy the privileges." May it please your Lordship"-said Durward This Scottish noblemen was one of the last relics of the gallant band of Scottish lords and knights who had so long and so truly served Charles VI. in Such disputes between the Scots Guards, and the other conthose bloody wars which decided the independence stituted authorities of the ordinary military corps, often occurof the French crown, and the expulsion of the Eng-red. In 1474, two Scotsmen had been concerned in robbing John lish. He had fought, when a boy, abreast with Douglas and with Buchan, had ridden beneath the banner of the Maid of Arc, and was perhaps one of the last of those associates of Scottish chivalry who See Note on the Gipsies or Bohemians, end of preceding Chapter. Pensart, a fishmonger, of a large sum of money. They were of his followers. But ere they could lodge one of them, called accordingly apprehended by Phillip du Four, Provost, with some Mortimer, in the prison of the Chastellet, they were attacked by two Archers of the King's Scottish Guard, who rescued the prisoner. See Chronique de Jean de Troyes, at the said year, 1474. ! A quarrel, videlicet. "Is the lad crazed !" exclaimed his uncle-"Would I of which, and by the support of his countrymen, he you speak to his Lordship, without a question asked?" might freely brave the power and the displeasure of "Patience, Ludovic," said Lord Crawford, "and the Provost-Marshal-although the one was known let us hear what the bairn has to say." to be as formidable as the other was unrelenting. "Only this, if it may please your Lordship," replied Quentin, "that I told my uncle formerly I had some doubts about entering this service. I have now to say, that they are entirely removed, since I have seen the noble and experienced commander under whom I am to serve; for there is authority in your look." "Weel said, my bairn," said the old Lord, not insensible to the compliment; "we have had some experience, had God sent us grace to improve by it, both in service and in command. There you stand, Quentin, in our honourable corps of Scottish Body-guards, as esquire to your uncle, and serving under his lance. I trust you will do well, for you should be a right manat-arms, if all be good that is upcome, and you are come of a gentle kindred.-Ludovic, you will see that your kinsman follow his exercise diligently, for we will have spears breaking one of these days." "By my hilts, and I am glad of it, my Lord-this peace makes cowards of us all. I myself feel a sort of decay of spirit, closed up in this cursed dungeon of a Castle." "Well, a bird whistled in my ear," continued Lord Crawford, "that the old banner will be soon dancing in the field again." "I will drink a cup the deeper this evening to that very tune, said Balafré." "Thou wilt drink to any tune," said Lord Crawford; "and I fear me, Ludovic, you will drink a bitter browst of your own brewing one day." Lesly, a little abashed, replied, "that it had not been his wont for many a day; but his Lordship knew the use of the company, to have a carouse to the health of a new comrade." True," said the old leader, "I had forgot the occasion. I will send a few stoups of wine to assist your carouse; but let it be over by sunset. And, hark ye -let the soldiers for duty be carefully pricked off; and see that none of them be more or less partakers of your debauch." Your Lordship shall be lawfully obeyed," said Ludovic; "and your health duly remembered." "Perhaps," said Lord Crawford, "I may look in myself upon your mirth-just to see that all is carried decently." "Your Lordship shall be most dearly welcome," said Ludovic; and the whole party retreated in high spirits to prepare for their military banquet, to which Lesly invited about a score of his comrades, who were pretty much in the habit of making their mess together. The banquet was joyous in the highest degree; and the guests gave vent to the whole current of their national partiality on receiving into their ranks a recruit from their beloved father-land. Old Scottish songs were sung, old tales of Scottish heroes toldthe achievements of their fathers, and the scenes in which they were wrought, were recalled to mind: and, for a time, the rich plains of Touraine seemed converted into the mountainous and sterile regions of Caledonia. When their enthusiasm was at high flood, and each was endeavouring to say something to enhance the dear remembrance of Scotland, it received a new impulse from the arrival of Lord Crawford, who, as Le Balafré had well prophesied, sat as it were on thorns at the royal board, until an opportunity occurred of making his escape to the revelry of his own countrymen. A chair of state had been reserved for him at the upper end of the table; for, according to the manners of the age, and the constitution of that body, although their leader and commander under the King and High Constable, the members of the corps (as we should now say, the privates) being all ranked as noble by birth, their Captain sat with them at the same table without impropriety, and might mingle when he chose in their festivity, without derogation from his dignity as commander. At present, however, Lord Crawford declined occupying the seat prepared for him, and bidding them hold themselves merry," stood looking on the revel with a countenance which seemed greatly to enjoy it. "Let him alone," whispered Cunningham to Lindesay, as the latter offered the wine to their noble Captain, "let him alone-hurry no man's cattle-let him take it of his own accord.' In fact, the old Lord, who at first smiled, shook his head, and placed the untasted wine-cup before him, began presently, as if it were in absence of mind, to sip a little of the contents, and in doing so, fortunately recollected that it would be ill-luck did he not drink a draught to the health of the gallant lad who had joined them this day. The pledge was filled, and answered, as may be well supposed, with many a joyous shout, when the old leader proceeded to acquaint them that he had possessed Master Oliver with an account of what had passed that day: "And as," he said, "the scraper of chins hath no great love for the stretcher of throats, he has joined me in obtaining from the King an order, commanding the Provost to suspend all proceedings,, under whatever pretence, against Quentin Durward; and to respect, on all occasions, the privileges of the Scottish Guard.” A soldier's festival is generally a very extempore affair, providing there is enough of meat and drink to be had; but on the present occasion, Ludovic bustled Another shout broke forth, the cups were again fillabout to procure some better wine than ordinary; ob- ed till the wine sparkled on the brim, and there was serving, that the "old Lord was the surest gear in an acclaim to the health of the noble Lord Crawford, their aught, and that, while he preached sobriety to the brave conservator of the privileges and rights of them, he himself, after drinking at the royal table as his countrymen. The good old Lord could not but much wine as he could honestly come by, never omit-in courtesy do reason to this pledge also, and gliding ted any creditable opportunity to fill up the evening over the wine-pot; so you must prepare, comrades,' he said, "to hear the old histories of the battles of Vernoil and Beauge."+ The Gothic apartment in which they generally met was, therefore, hastily put into the best order; their grooms were despatched to collect green rushes to spread upon the floor; and banners, under which the Scottish Card had marched to battle, or which they had taken from the enemies' ranks, were displayed, by way of tapestry, over the table, and around the walls of the chamber. The next point was, to invest the young recruit as hastily as possible with the dress and appropriate arms of the Guard, that he might appear in every respect the sharer of its important privileges, in virtue *That is, if your courage corresponds with your personal appearance. In both these battles, the Scottish auxiliaries of France, under Stewart, Earl of Buchan, were distinguished. At Beauge they were victorious, killing the Duke of Clarence, Henry Vth's brother, and cutting off his army. At Vernoil they were defeated, and nearly extirpated. into the ready chair, as it were without reflecting what he was doing, he caused Quentin to come up beside him, and assailed him with many more questions concerning the state of Scotland, and the great families there, than he was well able to answer; while ever and anon, in the course of his queries, the good Lord kissed the wine-cup by way of parenthesis, remarking, that sociality became Scottish gentlemen, but that young men, like Quentin, ought to practise it cautiously, lest it might degenerate into excess: upon which occasion he uttered many excellent things, until his own tongue, although employed in the praises of temperance, began to articulate something thicker than usual. It was now that, while the military ardour of the company augmented with each flagon which they emptied, Cunningham called on them to drink the speedy hoisting of the Oriflamme (the royal banner of France.) "And a breeze of Burgundy to fan it!" echoed Lindesay. "With all the soul that is left in this worn body do I accept the pledge, bairns," echoed Lord Crawford; |