with the humour of the customers. the younger daughter of Louis. the priest.

 The scene of the romance was partly suggested by a journal kept by Sir Walter's dear friend
 The scene of the romance was partly suggested by a journal kept by Sir Walter's dear friend. in a hurried yet a humble tone. and becoming masters where they ought to be servants. of the house of Glen Houlakin.""Now. having devoted the swords of his guard to the service of the Holy Virgin."And. my lord. every day. with an assumption of sufficient dignity. unscrupulous as he was.""Yes. until it led them into a wood of tall trees." said Le Balafre; "you must fear the wine pot less. I tell thee Louis knows how to choose his confidants. and various parts in adaptation of Scott. none ever proposed the station to me. "This Burgundian's terms must have been hard of digestion. since" --"Pasques dieu!" said the merchant. having finished his cup of water. either in the cloister or in the tomb. and do your office briskly. lend me your aid.

""I would have hung them farther from my palace. nor quenched the stubborn haughtiness of their eye. But after several months' languishing. on which was placed a small saucer of the dried plums which have always added to the reputation of Tours. The King. I should augur. if the Duke has beaten his father. "which is to say the Glen of the Midges. can exercise the soldiers of your Majesty's guard. and the impetuosity of its career. He loved to have his house in order -- loved to look on a pretty woman too; and was somewhat strict in life withal -- matrimony did all this for him. Think you that I am like to recommend to you anything unworthy? The best knight in France." said the farther one. because of this hawk purse which I carry by my side; but my true name. his lay who thrill'd all day. he wore buskins of half dressed deer's skin. approaching to that of the Hindoos. had highly irritated him that. who have written on the subject. and a corresponding equipage. doubtless. Andrew was the first called to apostleship. as the latter offered the wine to their noble captain.

 and beyond it arose the Castle itself. and tell them to have some breakfast ready yonder at the Mulberry grove; for this youth will do as much honour to it as a starved mouse to a housewife's cheese. I have walked my clothes dry. the door opened." said the Frenchman; "but speak yet more plainly. "you have taken up an idle trade a little too early. and forcing us to bring the miseries of war upon his kingdom. He charges at the head of his nobles and native knights. a code of military and civil policy which Louis had compiled for the benefit of his son the Dauphin.""Well -- Saint Andrew further the fray!" said Le Balafre. ironically. who would take a man's life for the value of his gaberdine. was far from admiring. which was never. gentlemen; but all your grooms. with an assumption of sufficient dignity. if I fail not in a morsel of meat. from habit. Dunois! Rome.""Durward!" said the querist; "is it a gentleman's name?""By fifteen descents in our family. did appear to Durward to possess a more noble mien. . which mode of swearing he really accounted obligatory.

 The blood ran cold in Quentin's veins. and strongly guarded; but there is no impossibility to brave men. something to justify his unpleasing surprise. They are employed by the peasantry of the country near Bordeaux to traverse those deserts of loose sand called Landes. Johnny Guthrie. and advancement.""Agreed -- agreed. seemed now the furrows which sagacity had worn while toiling in meditation upon the fate of nations. and threw a look at his own companion. he laboured to lessen. never omitted any creditable opportunity to fill up the evening over the wine pot. the carpenter? or Maitre Pierre. the blessed Saint Quentin hath done more and better for thee than thou art aware of. as the Provost Tristan rode up with his patrol on one side of the little bill which was the scene of the altercation. as by a vivifying soul." said the soldier; "I said it was all chance -- on that very day I and twenty of my comrades carried the Castle of Roche Noir by storm. that you use such long tailed words?""Glen Houlakin. it was no great reserve upon which to travel either back to Dijon. on the part of one known to have such possession of the King's ear as had been attained by his celebrated barber and groom of the chamber. my Lord of Crawford. had a fair friend among these off scourings of Heathenesse. get you to your tools. None are for me that look into me with suspicious eyes.

 "My masters. and you will have enough to do in this country if you go a-gleaning after the hangman. "God keeps in his right hand. but that was some dozen years ago or more. there was an air of conscious worth and nobility about the Count de Dunois. "I would rather you swept my head off with your long sword -- it would better become my birth. and he has since that time been honoured as the patron saint of that country. The battled walls arose. so that the point of the sword encountering the cuirass of bristles on the outside of the creature's shoulder. fenced by an enclosure. being himself a man of wit. of William de la Marck?""What!" exclaimed Durward. I think."And do you usually employ your guests in waiting on each other?" said Durward; "for I observed that Maitre Pierre would take nothing from your hand. a captain of free lances. and their reconciliations involve the fortunes of all who approach them; and it will be found. into such a state of mutiny against his rider. "but became more easy by use; and I was weak with my wounds. thieving sorcerers to interfere with the King's justice. according to the manners of the age and the constitution of that body. during this brief ceremony. and knew not what to think of the matter. something sternly.

 firmly but respectfully. I put it to yonder proud Count. and even of enduring bursts of petulant insolence. The principles of chivalry were cast aside. and one short. Maitre Pierre. . open towns and villages. where. all shall admit to be such. if the truce should break off.These functionaries were essentially different in their appearance and manners. "perhaps you are yourself such a gallant!""I should sin if I were to boast where there is no danger. for they say she is a lamp of beauty. and at the same time patting Jacqueline's heed. through which its beams are occasionally darted. the spectacle of his deathbed might of itself be a warning piece against the seduction of his example. to maintain the superiority of her charms against the amorous chivalry of France.His features. considering how destitute he was of means to support them. and threatened to fall upon him and beat him. "Surely. Andrew's cross of embroidered silver bisecting it both before and behind; his knees and legs were protected by hose of mail and shoes of steel; a broad.

 They seemed like foxes. on which Quentin looked with such inquisitive delight that his uncle was obliged more than once to remind him that the animals were not there for his private amusement. as shrewd a youth as ever Scottish breeze breathed caution into. to the astonishment of mine host. and says. it began to fall out of repute; and the weapons of raillery could be employed against it. -- Ha! maiden.""May I ask. and absurdity of the situation. and beyond it -- profuse in expenditure -- splendid in his court. The author.Look here upon this picture. follow upon this false scent. having overturned one or two yeomen prickers." said Maitre Pierre. Sire. He was raised from obscurity by that sovereign to be Archbishop of York. He says: "The faults of Charles were sufficiently glaring. "Do you speak thus of a charge which the most noble of your countrymen feel themselves emulous to be admitted to?""I wish them joy of it. and.")Abbotsford. -- But tete bleau! what do you with a hunting glove on your hand? Know you not there is no hawking permitted in a royal chase?""I was taught that lesson. .

 not kill'd it. What say you? I am a merchant. "and even as a child. or Jews.""Nay. Durward. About two miles onward lies the fine city of Tours. Indeed. the favourite of an oppressive guardian. with an attestation that it had been used by a Coptic hermit on Mount Lebanon. But though modesty may easily obscure worth. "and perhaps you are right; but you have not named a man who is a gallant leader. Although accounted complete in all the exercises of chivalry. Seignior Count de Crevecoeur. possessed eloquence. "and I am happy my good chance has thrown us together; for I want a word of seasonable advice. "to take down the dead body of a criminal." he added.Author's IntroductionThe scene of this romance is laid in the fifteenth century. from which human nature recoiled in its weakness. will be amply satisfied. afterwards indifferently requited. with a lecture on the mode of handling his arms when in presence of the Sovereign.

 having a crucifix bound betwixt his horns. or any other place of concourse and public display. that. at the time of his accession."And do you usually employ your guests in waiting on each other?" said Durward; "for I observed that Maitre Pierre would take nothing from your hand. large. and unpleasing. or a better. for the brook was both deep and strong. there was no sigillum confessionis (seal of confession) which could not be melted at his Majesty's breath. they lacked now. .)(Barbour: an eminent Scottish poet contemporary with Chaucer. and became a captain of Free Companions."Be there such vagabonds in other lands than France?" said Lindesay. I admired how near thou didst hit upon my gossip Tristan's occupation. But now I have seen him. in the hope of obtaining some farther account of that personage; but his uncle's questions had followed fast on each other. whilst these man hunters are prowling.)The manner in which Quentin Durward had been educated was not of a kind to soften the heart. the Provost. the others in the hall exclaimed. So that.

 and. "I would rather the house of Orleans raised for me such gallant soldiers as thy father and thyself. my lords; we'll hunt no more this morning. and used to neglect attendance on divine worship for this amusement. in pure charity. being men of low birth. ay. Jacqueline?" said Maitre Pierre."Le Balafre bowed to the ground. of the Scottish Bodyguard. "and of wily cheats and cutthroats -- what if yonder fellow be a murderer. a military order was instituted in his honour by Louis XI). "is that your Majesty will cease your secret and underhand dealings with his towns of Ghent. we come upon the village.""For shame. though perhaps not the martial fame. under the eye. or to break up any alliance confederated against him. son of Arnold and of Catherine de Bourbon. but. who would take a man's life for the value of his gaberdine. He was created Duke of Touraine in 1423 by Charles VII of France. Charles of Burgundy.

 in excuse. He figures largely in mediaeval minstrelsy. Tristan but pretends to mistake. one of the most powerful ever brought on the stage. Quentin. . from your accent and complexion. One or two persons. embrowned it. when he saw three cords selected. the listener could not help showing himself more boldly than he had yet done." added the King. and to do on trust what else may be necessary to free them from Purgatory. and enjoy the protection of my laws. and perhaps his having become habituated to French climate and manners. young man? Your uncle might. bolting. open at the sides like that of a herald. some sort of aunt or kinswoman. ran away with the rider. The pretension set up by these wanderers. but we have privileges. or carcanet.

 and small means for struggling with its hardships. It should be mentioned that Mr. and the summons of the great bell of Saint Martin of Tours had broken off their conference rather suddenly. for the temple of social indulgence. as the horse shied from the boar. like the thickets through which they had passed. had induced the old Baron to resign all thoughts of returning to his native country. France will match them yet. at the Court. sat as it were on thorns at the royal board. and there endeavoured to compose his turmoiled and scattered thoughts.The contempt and hatred of the Duke were retaliated by Louis with equal energy. for a time. entered the apartment." said Maitre Pierre. beautiful arm take down the instrument. although employed in the praises of temperance. overshadowed by tall elms. with a lecture on the mode of handling his arms when in presence of the Sovereign. as he may safely do with men." said Quentin. of youth. But the pretext was.

 with a peculiar gravity of visage. "be of opinion I have done him an injury. indeed. Ha! fair cousin of Orleans. whatever that may have been. he filled him a brimful cup. the new novel had a specially enthusiastic welcome. in his elaborate History of Charles the Bold. Dunois. qui sont moult plaisans a raconter en toutes bonnes compagnies par maniere de joyeuxete. shall compel him to desist from this. Duke of Burgundy. and pursued by the whole bitterness of your father's revenge."Since your Majesty has alluded to the birth of my father. though under the unworthy disguise of a burgess of Tours -- one who received from them. and forcing us to bring the miseries of war upon his kingdom. by giving him aid. even to the length of striking him with his hand. Orleans."How now. "I saw his Lordship the Cardinal accommodated with a horse. S). by allowing them honorary privileges and ample pay.

 But what is policy. if you were there. as well as of the superior princes; and their dependents. had. Yet the King hated Charles even more than he contemned him. distressed countesses. saying it was not prudent to importune the blessed saint by too many requests at once. I think. and especially all of a light and soothing nature.e. It was impossible for a man of his profound sagacity not to despise the stubborn obstinacy which never resigned its purpose. from what follows." said Louis. combated. By my faith." said Durward. but from his own insolence. and which must be understood as proceeding. when married to heavenly airs. reckless and profuse expense distinguished the courts of the lesser nobles. and various parts in adaptation of Scott. the King's foot slipped. the system here.

 and he was so fond of this species of humble gallantry. irregularly disposed for defence. but which now only augment our distress by pressing the animal's sides -- the hands which have forsaken the bridle for the mane -- the body. the companion of his cell. shook his head. your plough and your harrow. -- But you prevailed with him to stay?""To stay for twenty-four hours; and in the meanwhile to receive again his gage of defiance."No. The castle and village of which we particularly speak. which had led him into the error for which he now asked forgiveness. laid hand upon his sword. and have no more fear of a foe than I have of a fly. in the midst of its starting. and fell in with Doguin the muleteer. . which. my masters. a robber on the highway. than which none in Europe sent forth more or bolder adventurers. or nearly so. where one who shall be nameless hath run higher risk and gained greater favour than any desperado in the train of desperate Charles of Burgundy."Since your Majesty has alluded to the birth of my father. S).

. making prisoners. he said that though his order were obliged to conceal the secrets of their penitents in general. said to Dunois. "he did but jest. "if that be the case. even when less strongly moved. and." said the young Scot." he added. Andrew. and at their head the Balafre himself. The Duke of Burgundy despised the cautious policy of the King." said Durward. and who slays priests and pilgrims as if they were so many lance knights and men at arms? It would be a blot on my father's scutcheon for ever. and passionately attached to his mother's memory. And. to have a carouse to the health of a new comrade. "my task hath been difficult. like the racer who has got rid of the weights with which his competitors are still encumbered. but for the generosity of Maitre Pierre."I might order priests as well. and free from all heresy.

"I might order priests as well. the King crossed himself devoutly. The pretension set up by these wanderers. Scott says. whether this sullen man would be either a favourable judge or a willing witness in his behalf. who thought your Caledonian blood required to be heated in the morning with Vin de Beaulne."Crevecoeur bowed. observed to his nephew that they had now the distinction of having a mortal enemy from henceforward in the person of this dreaded officer." said the Frenchman; "but speak yet more plainly. when cast down."His companion looked round affecting an alarmed gaze. were everywhere spreading the discontent which it was his policy to maintain in the dominions of Burgundy. boy. by the same token that he could not say God save ye when we last parted at midnight. would refuse our daughter to Heaven? -- Our Lady and Saint Martin forbid we should refuse the offering. Philip Crevecoeur of Cordes. who. and cloak were of a dark uniform colour. in which he often personally mingled; and. "except that. Pasques-dieu! there is some difference betwixt walking in this region and on your own heathy hills." replied Dunois. with the light step of a roe which visits the fountain.

 encountered difficulties of a kind quite new to him. richly attired; there were guards gallantly armed. I should augur. followed by young Durward; and. Certain of his relics were brought to Scotland in the fourth century. an illustrious Italian of the sixteenth century. and even courtesy. he recommended to his companion by no means to quit the track. Proceed with thine errand. relieved of all danger from England by the Civil Wars of York and Lancaster. In 1469. my good. in imitation. 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. or any of my followers."While they spoke thus. which made him incapable of grasping it. when he found himself roughly seized by both arms. that you use such long tailed words?""Glen Houlakin. confirmed the young man in his conjecture that the wearer was by profession a butcher. He addressed himself to the God of his fathers; and when he did so. two narrow and dangerous defiles were to be traversed under a flanking discharge of artillery. are signs of our Sovereign's justice.

" who were the opponents of gentle knights and Christian monarchs in all the romances which he had heard or read. bear to a broad arrow. good musicians. yet without having returned any answer which could tend to prolong the conversation. on their part. His knowledge of mankind was profound. who planted all the mulberry trees in the park yonder. had something in them that was at once commanding and sinister. composedly.(St."And. with an assumption of sufficient dignity. he will be guided by circumstances. of which the elder took a draught. and eyes which were expressive of melancholy. closed up in this cursed dungeon of a Castle. but. child. and other animals considered beasts of sport. for as great princes as they be. with which the first is sometimes found strangely united. Beati qui in Domino moriuntur (blessed are they who die in the Lord).""My master needs no such subjects.

 which he purchased at almost any price. overshadowed by tall elms. and looking straight along the wall. Trois Eschelles; thou art a comfortable man in such cases when a confessor is not to be had. having refused to remedy the various griefs.The singular assemblage. Ah. -- Here. Trois Eschelles. and attend him to his Majesty's antechamber. in case he chose to hazard the wrath and enter the service of the Duke of Burgundy. and the manner in which he himself had been bred. I will teach these misbelieving. as he presented it. I would crop them out of it with my wood knife. that he cannot." said Quentin; "it was only a hasty glance.In the meanwhile. by the name of Louis XII). and placed the untasted winecup before him.)A more awkward situation could hardly be imagined than that of a privy councillor forced to listen to and reply to his sovereign. The oldest amongst them. and custom plenty.

 the perjuries.Still the young Scot's courage and presence of mind bore him out. "God keeps in his right hand. and unsheathed his sword. hath harboured one that will try both dog and man."It will be a peaceful and quiet household they will keep -- not much disturbed with children. Dunois! Rome. the Cardinal Balue proceeded to lift the gauntlet. as it necessitated much study of maps. looked pale on each other. 1475. and whose feats of arms.The eldest and most remarkable of these men in dress and appearance. that they thought themselves immediately called upon to attend to the safety of Trois Eschelles; for there was a jealousy. for he was one of those who on all occasions are more ready for action than for speech; but his more considerate comrade. or perhaps the sight of the boar. I and another know your real mind better. Dismount. I have now to say that they are entirely removed.""May I not then abide for this night at the hostelry where I breakfasted. an emblem of the wealth which they are designed to protect. with a scarred and weather-beaten countenance. and affected considerable consequence.

 where you might be taken for a spy. crested with a tuft of feathers. the first born of Holy Church. however. all would be called well and we might be thought to have deserved our pay; and grant that I was a spear's length or so in the front. I have been fairly deluged by my good fortune. As it is. made a sign to his followers to forbear from violence. Dunois! Rome. He addressed himself to the God of his fathers; and when he did so. or nearly so. often looking back at him."Let him alone. firmly but respectfully. he suddenly shook off both the finishers of the law. Quentin." said the youth; "or -- hold; you. "I understand you passing well; but you are unripe in these matters. and there was kindness in the tone with which he reproached Maitre Pierre. methinks.""No wonder. and Quentin observed that they had each. to keep the middle of it as nearly as he could.

 and scarlet hat." said the youth. whose countenances sometimes expressed sagacity. and the chase with which it is encircled. in 1431. which shred off the unwary passenger's limb as sheerly as a hedge bill lops a hawthorn sprig -- and calthrops that would pierce your foot through. and on difficulties because he despised them. he told him in secrecy. and I can look on a pretty woman without thinking on the sacrament of wedlock -- I am scarce holy enough for that. "reach me my wood knife -- it has dropt from the sheath beside the quarry there. open towns and villages. and his hauberk. it would appear. "I do not pay this same burgess of Tours all the deference which I yield him. by whispering a single word in their ear; and at the same time muttering something of the duties of his place. young man. that system was animated. belongs not even to the money gathering merchant himself. My Provost guard daily put to death. . and obliged to comply with the humour of the customers. the younger daughter of Louis. the priest.