第11章

\"Nay，\"saidshe，checkingherhorsetoawalk，andsmilingonmeintheduskwithherkindeyes。\"Thentellmehowyouorderitinyourcountry。” \"Madame，\"Isaid，\"itwaswithalittleforce，andlightlymoving，thatMessireThomasRandolphscaledtheCastlerockandtookEdinburghCastleoutofthehandsoftheEnglish，akeepsostrong，andsetonacliffsoperilous，thatnomanmightdeemtowinitbysuddenonfall。AndinlikemannerthegoodMessireJamesDouglastookhisowncastle，morethanonceortwice，bycraftystratagemofwar，sothattheEnglishnameditCastlePerilous。Butineverysuchonfallfewmenfoughtforus，ofsuchascouldmovesecretlyandswiftly，notwithlongtrainsofwaggonsthatcoveraleagueofroad，andbytheirnoiseandnumbergivewarningtoanenemy。” \"Mymindisyours，\"shesaid，withasigh，\"andsoIwouldhavemadethisonslaught。ButIsubmittedmetothewillofthecaptains。” Throughthenightwepushedourwayslowly，forinsuchamarchnonemaygoswifterthantheslowest，namely，thecartsandthewaggons。 ThusitbefellthattheMaidandthecaptainswereinmorethoughtsthanonetodrawbacktoCompiegne，forthenightwasclear，andthedawnwouldbebright。And，indeed，afterstumblingandwanderinglong，anddoubtingoftheway，wedid，atlast，seethechurchtowersandwallsofPontl\'Evequestandoutagainsttheclearskyofmorning，alightmistgirdlingthebasementofthewalls。Hadwebeenasmallerandswiftercompany，weshouldhavearrivedanhourbeforethefirstgreynessshowstheshapesofthings。Butnow，alas!wenosoonersawthetownthanweheardthebellsandtrumpetscallingthetownsfolkandmen-at-armstobeontheirward。Thegreatgunsofthekeeproaredatussosoonaswewereinreachofshot；nevertheless，PothonandtheMaidsetcompaniestocarrythedoubleladders，forthewallswerehigh，andothersweretoldofftobringupthefascines，andso，leavingourmainbattletowaitoutofshot，andcomeonastheywereneeded，theMaidandPothonranupthefirstrampart，shewavingherstandardandcryingthatallwasours。Asweran，forImustneedsbebyherside，thedinofbellsandgunswasworsethanIhadheardatOrleans，andonthetopofthechurchtowersweremen-at-armswavingflags，asifforasignal。 Howbeit，wesprangintothefosse，undershield，waryofstonescastfromabove，andpresentlythreeladdersweresetagainstthewall，andwewentup，theMaidleadingtheway。 NowofwhatbefellIknowbutlittle，savethatIhadsoclimbedthatIlookeddownoverthewall，whentheladderwhereonIstoodwaswhollyoverthrownbytwogreatEnglishknights，andoneofthem，byhiscoatarmour，wasMessiredeMontgomeryhimself，whocommandedinPontl\'Eveque。OfallthatcameafterIremembernomorethanaflightthroughair，andthedeadstrokeofafallonearthwithastoneaboveme。Forsuchisthefortuneofwar，whereofamanknowsbuthisownshareforthemostpart，andeventhatdimly。Theeyesareoftenblindedwithswiftrunningtobeatthewall，and，whatwithahelmthatringstosword-blows，andwhatwithsmoke，anddust，andcrying，andclamour，androarofguns，itisbutlittlethatmanyaman-at-armscantellconcerningthefrayswherein，maybe，hehasbornehimselfnotunmanly。 ThiswasmylotatPontl\'Eveque，andIknewbutlittleofwhatpassedtillIfoundmyselfinverygreatanguish。ForIhadbeenlaidinoneofthecarts，andsowasbornealongthewaywehadcome，andateveryturnofthewheelsanewpangranthroughme。 FormylifeIcouldnotchoosebutgroan，asothersgroanedthatwereinthesamecartwithme。Formyrightlegwasbroken，alsomyrightarm，andmyheadwasstoundingasifitwouldburst。ItwaslateandnighsunsetoreverwewonthegatesofCompiegne，havinglost，indeed，butthirtymenslain，buthavingwhollyfailedinouronfall。ForIheardinthemonasterywhitherIwasbornethat，whentheMaidandXaintraillesandtheirmenhadwontheirwaywithinthewalls，andhadslaincertainoftheEnglish，andwerepushingtheothershard，beholdourmainbattlewasfallenuponintherearbytheEnglishfromNoyon，sometwomilesdistantfromPontl\'Eveque。 Thereforetherewasnohelpforitbutretreatwemust，drivingbacktheEnglishtoNoyon，whileourwoundedandallourmunitionsofwarwerecarriedorderlyaway。 AstothepainsIboreinthatmonasteryoftheJacobins，whenmybrokenbonesweresetbyaverygoodsurgeon，thereisnoneedthatIshouldwrite。Myfortuneinwarwaslikethatofmostmen-at- arms，orbetterthanthatofmanywhoareslainoutrightintheirfirstskirmish。SomegoodfortuneIhad，asatSt。Pierre，andagain，badfortune，ofwhichthiswastheworst，thatIcouldnotbewiththeMaid:nay，neveragaindidIrideunderherbanner。 She，forherpart，wasnotidle，but，aftertarryingcertaindaysinCompiegnewithGuillaumedeFlavy，sherodetoLagny，\"forthere，\" shesaid，\"werementhatwarredwellagainsttheEnglish，\"namely，acompanyofourScots。Andamongthem，aslaterIheardinmybed，wasRandalRutherford，whohadransomedhimselfoutofthehandsoftheFrenchinParis，whereatIwasrightglad。AtLagny，withherownmenandtheScots，theMaidfoughtandtookoneFranquetd\'Arras，aBurgundian\"routier，\"orknightoftheroad，whoplunderedthatcountrywithoutmercy。HimtheMaidwouldhaveexchangedforanArmagnacofParis，thehostoftheBearInn，thenheldinduressebytheEnglish，forhisshareinaplottoyieldParistotheKing。ButthisburgessdiedinthehandsoftheEnglish，andtheechevins{34}ofLagny，claimingFranquetd\'Arrasasacommonthief，traitor，andmurderer，triedhim，and，onhisconfession，puthimtodeath。ThiswascountedacrimeintheMaidbytheEnglishandBurgundianrobbers，nay，evenbyFrenchandScots。\"For，\"saidthey，\"ifagentlemanistobejudgedlikeamanant，orafatburgessbyburgesses，thereisnomoreprofitorgloryinwar。”Nay，IhaveheardgentlemenofFrancecryoutthat，astheMaidgaveupFranquettosuchjudgesaswouldsurelycondemnhim，soshewasrightlypunishedwhenJeandeLuxembourgsoldherintothehandsofunjustjudges。ButIanswerthattheMaiddidnotsellFranquetd\'Arras，asIsayDeLuxembourgsoldher:notalivredidshetakefromthefolkofLagny。Andasfortheslayingofrobbers，thisveryJeandeLuxembourghadbutjustslainmanyEnglishofhisownparty，forthattheyburnedandpillagedintheBeauvaiscountry。 YetmenmurmuredagainsttheMaidnotonlyintheirhearts，butopenly，andmanymen-at-armsceasedtolovehercause，bothfortheslayingofFranquetd\'Arras，andbecauseshewasforputtingawaytheleaguer-lasses，and，whenshemight，wouldsuffernoplundering。 Whethershewasrightorwrong，itbehovesmenottojudge，butthisIknow，thattheKing\'smenfoughtbestwhenshewasbestobeyed。 And，likeHimwhosenther，shewaseverofthepartofthepoorandtheoppressed，againststrongknightswhorobandravishandburnandtorture，andholdtoransom。ThereforetheArchbishopofReims，whowasneverafriendoftheMaid，saidopenlyinalettertotheReimsfolkthat\"shedidherownwill，ratherthanobeyedthecommandmentsofGod。”ButthatGodcommandsknightsandgentlementorobthepoorandneedy(thoughindeedHehassetagreatgulfbetweenamanantandagentlemanborn)Icaninnowisebelieve。Formypart，whenIhavebeenwheregentlemenandcaptainslamentedtheslayingofFranquetd\'Arras，andjustifiedthedealingsoftheEnglishwiththeMaid，IhaveseemedtoheartheclamourofthecruelJews:\"Tollehunc，etdimittenobisBarabbam。”{35}ForBarabbaswasarobber。Howbeitonthismatter，asonall，IhumblysubmitmetothejudgmentofmysuperiorsandtoHolyChurch。 MeantimetheMaidrodefromLagny，nowtoSoissons，nowtoSenlis，nowtoCrepy-en-Valois，andinCrepyshewaswhenthatbefellwhichIamabouttorelate。 CHAPTERXXVI——HOW，ANDBYWHOSEDEVICE，THEMAIDWASTAKENAT COMPIEGNE \"VerilyandindeedtheMaidisofwonderfulexcellence，\"quothFatherFrancoistome，inmychamberattheJacobins，whereIwashealingofmyhurts。 \"Anymanmayknowthat，whoisinyourcompany，\"thefatherwentonspeaking。 \"Andhow，goodfather？\"Iaskedhim；\"sureIhavecaughtnoneofhersaintliness。” \"AsaintIdonotcallyou，butIscarcecallyouaScot。Foryouareaclerk。” \"TheMaidtaughtmenoneofmyclergy，father，norhaveItaughtheranyofmine。” \"Sheneedsitnot。Butyouarepeacefulandgentle；youbrawlnot，nordrink，norcurse……\" \"Nay，father，withwhomamItobrawl，orhowshouldIcurseinyourgoodcompany？FindyouScotssofroward？\" \"Butnow，pretendingtobeourfriends，abandofthemisharryingtheSolognecountry……\" \"TheywillbeJohnstonsandJardines，andwildwoodfolkofGalloway，\"Isaid。\"ThesewescarcereckonScots，butratherPicts，andhalfheathen。AndtheJohnstonsandJardinesareherebelike，becausetheyhavemadeScotlandoverhottoholdthem。Weareapoorfolk，buthonest，letbytheclansoftheLandDebatableandofEttrickForest，andtheBorderfreebooters，andtheGallowayPicts，andMaxwells，andGlendinnings，andthered-shanked，jabberingHighlandersandIslesmen，andsomecertainoftheAngusfolk，and，maybe，awildcrewinStrathclyde。” \"Yours，then，isaverylargecountry？\" \"AboutthebignessofFrance，or，maybe，notsobig。Andthemainpartofit，andthemostlawfulandlearned，isbyitself，inasort，aseparatekingdom，namelyFife，whenceIcomemyself。TheLothians，too，andtheshireofAyr，ifyouexceptCarrick，arewellknownforthelandsofpeacefulandsobermen。” \"Whencecomesyourgreatcaptain，SirHughKennedy？\" \"Thereyounameanhonourableman-at-arms，\"Isaid，\"thegloryofScotland；andtoshowyouIwasright，heisnoneofyourmarchmen，orHighlanders，buthaslandsinAyrshire，andcomesofaveryhonourablehouse。” \"ItisSirHughthathathjustheldtoransomtheKing\'sgoodtownofTours，whereisthatgraciousladythemotheroftheKing\'swife，theQueenofSicily。” HereatIwaxedredasfire。 \"Hewillbeinarrearsofhispay，nodoubt，\"Imadeanswer。 \"Itisverylike，\"saidFatherFrancois:\"butconsideringallthatyoutellme，IcraveyourpardonifIstillthinkthattheBlessedMaidhaswonyoufromthecommonwaysofyourcountrymen。” Towhich，infaith，Ihadnoanswertomake，butthatmyfortunewasliketobethehappierinthisworldandthenext。 \"Muchneedhaveallmenofhergoodness，andweofhervalour，\"saidthefather，andhesighed。\"ThisisnowthefourthsiegeofCompiegneIhaveseen，andtwicehavetheleadsfromourroofsandthemetalofourbellsbeenmadeintomunitionofwar。AbsitomenDomine!AndnowtheysaytheDukeofBurgundyhassworntoslayall，andspareneitherwomannorchild。” \"Avauntofwar，father。CalltheynothimtheGoodDuke？WhenwelaybeforeParis，theEnglishputaboutalikelyingtaleconcerningus，asifweshouldsackandslayall。” \"Ipraythatyouspeaksooth，\"saidFatherFrancois。 Onthenextday，beingMaythetwentieth，hecametomeagain，withawanface。 \"BurgundiansareinClaroix，\"saidhe，\"acrosstheriver，andyetothers，withJeandeLuxembourg，atMargny，scarceamileaway，attheendofthecausewaythroughthewatermeadows，beyondthebridge。AndtheDukeisatCoudun，aleagueofftotherightofClaroix，andIhaveclombthetower-top，andthenceseentheEnglishatVenette，onthelefthandofthecauseway。Allisundone。” \"Nay，father，beofbettercheer。OurfortatthebridgeendisstrongerthanLesTourelleswereatOrleans。TheEnglishshotcanscarcecrosstheriver。Bridgetheenemyhasnone，andnorthwardandeastwardallisopen。Beofbetterheart，HeavenhelpsFrance。” \"WehavesenttosummontheMaid，\'saidhe，\"fromCrepy-en-Valois。 Inherisallmyhope；butyouspeaklightly，foryouareyoung，andwarisyourtrade。” \"Andprayingisyours，father，whereforeyoushouldbebolderthanI。” Butheshookhishead。 Sotwodayspassed，andnothinggreatbefell，butinthegreydawnofMaythetwenty-thirdIwasheldawakebyclatterofhorsemenridingdownthestreetunderthewindowofmychamber。AndaftermatinscameFatherFrancois，hisfaceveryjoyful，withthetidingsthattheMaid，andacompanyofsomethreehundredlancesofhers，hadriddeninfromCrepy-en-Valois，shemakingherprofitofthedarknesstoavoidtheBurgundians。 ThenIdeemedthattheenemywouldsoonhavenewsofher，andallthatdayIheardthebellsringmerrypeals，andthetrumpetssounding。AboutthreehoursafternoondayFatherFrancoiscameagain，andtoldmethattheMaidwouldmakeasally，andcuttheBurgundiansintwain；andnownothingwouldservemebutImustbeborneinalittertothewalls，andseeherbanneroncemoreonthewind。 So，bythegoodwillofFatherFrancois，somelaybrethrenboremeforthfromtheconvent，whichisbutastone\'s-throwfromthebridge。TheycarriedmeacrosstheOisetoamillhardbytheboulevardoftheBridgefort，whence，fromawindow，Ibeheldallthatchanced。Nomansittinginthegalleryofaknight\'shalltoseejongleursplayandsingcouldhavehadabetterstance，orhaveseenmoreclearlyallthemischiefthatbefell。 ThetownofCompiegneliesontheriverOise，asOrleansontheLoire，butontheleft，nottherighthandofthewater。Thebridgeisstronglyguarded，asiscustom，byatoweratthefurtherend，and，infrontofthattower，aboulevard。Allthewaterwasgaytolookon，beingcoveredwithboats，asifforaholiday，buttheseweremannedbyarchers，whomGuillaumedeFlavyhadsettoshootattheenemy，iftheydroveusback，andtorescuesuchofourmenasmightgiveground，iftheycouldnotwinintotheboulevardatthebridgeend。 Beyondtheboulevard，forthtotheopencountry，layawideplain，andbehindit，closingitin，along，lowwallofsteephills。Ontheleft，amileandahalfaway，FatherFrancoisshowedmethechurchtowerofVenette，wheretheEnglishcamped；totheright，aleagueoff，wasthetowerofClairoix；andattheendofalongraisedcausewaythatranfromthebridgeacrosstheplain，becauseofthewinterfloods，IsawthetowerandthevillageofMargny。 Allthesetownsandspireslookedpeaceful，butallwereheldbytheBurgundians。Men-at-armswerethickonthecrestofourboulevard，andonthegate-keep，alllookingacrosstherivertowardsthetown，whencetheMaidshouldsallybywayofthebridge。SothereIlayonacouchinthewindowandwaited，havingnofear，butgreatjoy。 Nay，neverhaveIfeltmyspiritlighterwithinme，sothatI laughedandchatteredlikeafeyman。Thefreshair，aftermylonglyinginachamber，stirredmelikewine。TheMaysunshonewarm，yetcooledwithasweetwindofthewest。Theroomwasfullofwomenandmaids，allwaitingtothrowflowersbeforetheMaid，whomtheydearlyloved。Everythinghadalookofholiday，andallwastoendinjoyandgreatvictory。SoIlaughedwiththegirls，andlistenedtoastrangetale，howtheMaidhadbutoflatebroughtbacktolifeadeadchildatLagny，sothathegothisrightsofBaptism，andanondiedagain。 Sowefleetedthetime，tillaboutthefifthhourafternoon，whenweheardtheclatterofhorsesonthebridge；andsomewomenwaxedpale。Myownheartleapedup。Thenoisedrewnearer，andpresentlySherodeacrossandforth，carryingherbannerinthenoblestmanner，mountedonagreyhorse，andcladinarichhucqueofcramoisie；shesmiledandbowedlikeaqueentothepeople，whocried，\"Noel!Noel!\"BesideherrodePothonleBourgignon(notPothondeXaintrailles，assomehavefalselysaid)，herconfessorPasquerelonapalfrey；herbrother，PierreduLys，withhisnewarmsbravelyblazoned；andhermaitred\'hotel，D\'Aulon。ButofthecaptainsinCompiegnenoonerodewithher。Shehadbutherowncompany，andagreatrudethrongoffootmenofthetownthatwouldnotbesaidnay。Theycarriedclubs，andtheylooked，asIheard，fornolessthantotakeprisonertheDukeofBurgundyhimself。 Certainofthesemenalsoborespadesandpicksandothertools；fortheMaid，asIdeem，intendednomorethantotakeandholdMargny，thatsoshemightcuttheBurgundiansintwain，andsunderfromthemtheEnglishatVenette。Nowasthenightwasnotfaroff，thenatnightfallwouldtheEnglishbeinsorestraits，asnotknowingthecountryandthecountryroads，andnothavingthepowertojointhemofBurgundyatClairoix。This，onetoldmeafterwards，wasthedeviceoftheMaid。 Bethisasitmay，andacaptainofhers，BarthelemyBarrette，toldmethetale，theMaidrodegallantlyforth，flowersrainingonher，whilemyheartlongedtoberidingatherrein。ShewavedherhandtoGuillaumedeFlavy，whosatonhishorsebythegateoftheboulevard，andso，havingarrayedhermen，shecried，\"Tirezavant!\" andmadetowardsMargny，thefoot-soldiersfollowingwithwhatspeedtheymight，whileIandFatherFrancois，andothersinthechamber，strainedoureyesafterthem。Allthewindowsandroofsofthehousesandwater-millsonthebridgewerecrowdedwithmenandwomen，gazing，anditcameintomymindthatFlavyhaddoneilltoleavethesemillsandhousesstanding。TheywroughtotherwiseatOrleans。Thiswasbutapassingthought，formyheartwasinmyeyes，strainingtowardsMargny。Thencenowaroseagreatdin，andclamouroftrumpetsandcriesofmen-at-arms，andwecouldseetumult，blowndust，andstirofmen，andsoitwentforitmaybehalfofanhour。Thenthatdustycloudofmenandhorsesdrove，forwardever，outofoursight。 Thesunwasnowredandsinkingabovethelowwallofthewesternhills，andtheairwasthickerthanithadbeen，andconfusedwithayellowlight。Despitethegreatmultitudeofmenandwomenonthecitywalls，therecamescarcelyasoundofavoicetousacrossthewideriver，sostilltheykept，andthearchersintheboatsbeneathusweresilent:nay，thoughthechamberwhereinIlaywasthrongedwiththepeopleofthehousepressingtoseethroughtheopencasement，yettherewassilencehere，savewhenthefatherprayed。 Astrongerwindrisingoutofthewestnowblewtowardsuswithasweetburdenofscentfromflowersandgrass，fragrantuponourfaces。Sowewaited，ourheartsbeatingwithhopeandfear。 ThenI，whoseeyeswerekeen，saw，blownuswardfromMargny，acloudofflyingdust，thatinScotlandwecallstour。ThedustrolledwhitealongthecausewaytowardsCompiegne，andthen，alas!forthfromitbrokelittleknotsofourmen，foot-soldiers，allrunningfortheirlives。Behindthemcamemoreofourmen，andmore，allrunning，andthenmountedmen-at-arms，spurringhard，andstillmoreandmoreofthese；andeverthefootmenran，tillmanyridersandsomerunnershadcrossedthedrawbridge，andwerewithintheboulevardofthebridge。Theretheystayed，sobbingandpanting，andafewwerebleeding。Butthoughtheforemostrunawaysthuswontheirlives，wesawothersrolloverandfallastheyran，tumblingdownthesidesofthecauseway，andwhytheyfellIknewnot。 Butnow，inthemidstofthecauseway，betweenusandMargny，ourflyinghorsemenralliedundertheMaiden\'sbanner，andforthelasttimeofall，Iheardthatcleargirl\'svoicecrying，\"Tirezenavant!enavant!\" Anonherhorsemenchargedbackfuriously，anddrovethePicardsandBurgundians，whopursued，overathirdpartoftheraisedroadway。 Butnow，forthfromMargny，troopedBurgundianmen-at-armswithoutendornumber，thebanneroftheMaidwavedwildly，nowup，nowdown，inthemadmellay，andevertheyofBurgundypressedon，andstillourmen，beingfewandoutnumbered，gaveback。Yetstillsomeofthemanyclubmenofthetownsfolktumbledoverastheyran，andthedrawbridgewaschokedwithmenflying，thrustingandthronging，wildandblindwiththefearofdeath。Thenroseonourleftonegreatcry，suchastheEnglishgivewhentheyrejoice，orwhentheycharge，andlo!forthfromalittlewoodthathadhiddenthem，camegallopingandrunningacrosstheheavywetmeadowlandbetweenusandVenette，themen-at-armsandthearchersofEngland。Thenwenighgaveupallforlost，andfainIwouldhaveturnedmyeyesaway，butImightnot。 NowandagaintheEnglisharcherspaused，andloosedaflightofclothyardshaftsagainstthestreamofourrunawaysonthebridge。 Thereforeitwasthatsomefellastheyran。ButthelittlecompanyofourhorsemenwerenowdrivenbacksonearusthatIcouldplainlyseetheMaid，cominglastofall，herbodyswungroundinthesaddleasshelookedbackattheforemostfoemen，whowerewithinalance\'slengthofher。AndD\'AulonandPierreduLys，grippingeachatherreins，werespurringforward。Butthroughthepressofourclubmenandflyinghorsementheymightnotwin，andnowIsaw，whatnevermansawbefore，theswordoftheMaidbareinbattle!Shesmoteonaknight\'sshield，herswordshiveredinthatstroke，shecaughthersteelspertheintoherhand，andstruckandhewedamain，andtherewereemptysaddlesroundher。 AndnowtheEnglishinthemeadowwerewithinfourlances\'lengthsofthecausewaybetweenherandsafety。SayitImust，norcannon- ballnorarrow-flightavailedtoturntheseEnglish。Stillthedrawbridgeandtheinletoftheboulevardwerechokedwiththepress，andmenwereleapingfrombankandbridgeintotheboats，orintothewater，whilesomixedwerefriendsandfoesthatFlavy，inagreatvoice，badearchersandartillerymenholdtheirhands。 Townsfolk，too，weremingledinthethrong，menwhohadcomebuttogapeascuriousfools，andamongthemIsawthehoodofacordelier，asIglancedfromthefighttomarkhowtheMaidmightforceherwaywithin。Stillshesmote，andD\'AulonandPierreduLyssmotemanfully，andanontheygainedalittleway，backingtheirhorses，whileourarchersdarednotshoot，somixedwereFrench，English，andBurgundians。 Flavy，whoworkedlikeamanpossessed，hadturnedabouttogiveanordertothearchersabovehim；hisback，Iswear，wastothepressofflyingmen，totheinletoftheboulevard，andtothedrawbridge，whenhisownvoice，asalldeemedwhoheardit，criedaloud，\"Updrawbridge，closegates，downportcullis!\"Themenwhosedutyitwaswerestandingreadyatthecranksandpulleys，theirtoolsinhand，andinstantly，groaning，thedrawbridgeflewup，castingintothewaterthemthatwereflyingacross，downcametheportcullis，andslewtwomen，whilethegatesoftheinletoftheboulevardwereswungtoandbarred，all，asitmighthesaid，inthetwinklingofaneye。 Flavyturnedinwrathandgreatamaze:\"InGod\'sname，whocried？\" heshouted。\"Downdrawbridge，upportcullis，opengates!Tothefront，men-at-arms，lancesforward!\" Formostofthemountedmenwhohadfledwerenowsafe，andonfoot，withintheboulevard。 AllthisIheardandsaw，inaglance，whilemyeyeswerefixedontheMaidandthefewwithher。Theywerelostfromoursight，nowandagain，inathrongofPicards，Englishmen，Burgundians，forallhavetheirpartinthisglory。Swordsandaxesfellandrose，steedscounteredandreeled，andthen，theysay，forthisthingI myselfdidnotsee，aPicardarcher，slippingundertheweaponsandamongthehorses\'hoofs，toretheMaidfromsaddlebythelongskirtsofherhucque，andtheywerealluponher。Thisbefellwithinhalfastone\'s-throwofthedrawbridge。WhileFlavyhimselftoiledwithhishands，andtoreatthecranksandchains，theMaidwastakenundertheeyesofus，whocouldnotstirtohelpher。NowwasthedayandthehourwhereoftheSaintstoldhernot，thoughsheimploredthemwithtears。NowinthethrongbelowIheardalaughlikethesoundofasawonstone，andonestruckhimthatlaughedonthemouth。ItwasthelaughofthataccursedBrotherThomas! Ihadlaidmyfaceonmyhands，beingsoweak，andwasweepingforveryrageatthatwhichmyunhappyeyeshadseen，whenIheardthelaugh，andliftingmyheadandlookingforth，Ibeheldthehoodofthecordelier。 \"Seizehim!\"IcriedtoFatherFrancois，pointingdownatthecordelier。\"SeizethatFranciscan，hehasbetrayedher!Run，man，itwashewhocriedinFlavy\'svoice，biddingthemraisedrawbridgeandletfallportcullis。Thedevilgavehimthatcrafttocounterfeitmen\'svoices。Iknowtheman。Run，FatherFrancois，run!\" \"Youaredistraughtwithverygrief，\"saidthegoodfather，thetearsrunningdownhisowncheeks；\"thatisBrotherThomas，thebestartillerymaninFrance，andFlavy\'schieftrustwiththecouleuvrine。Hecameinbutfourdaysagone，andtherewasgreatjoyofhiscoming。” ThuswastheMaidtaken，byartanddeviceofthedevilandBrotherThomas，andinnootherwise。TheywhotellthatFlavysoldher，closingthegatesinherface，dohimwrong；hewasanillman，butloyaltoFrance，aswasseenbytheverydefencehemadeatCompiegne，fortherewasnonelikeitinthiswar。ButofwhatavailwasthattouswholovedtheMaid？Rather，manytimes，wouldIhavediedinthathourthanhaveseenwhatIsaw。Forourenemiesmadenomoretarrying，noranyonslaughtontheboulevard，butrodeswiftlybackwiththeprizetheyhadtaken，withherwhomtheyfearedmorethananyknightorcaptainofFrance。ThispagewhereonIwork，inahandfeebleandold，andwearywithmuchwriting，isblottedwithtearsthatwillnotbeheldin。ButwemustbowhumblytothewillofGodandofHisSaints。\"Dominusdedit，etDominusabstulit；benedictumsitnomenDomini。” WhereforeshouldIsaymore？Theycarriedmebackinlitteroverthebridge，throughthegrowingdarkness。Everychurchwasfullofwomenweepingandprayingforherthatwasthefriendofthem，andtheplaymateoftheirchildren，forallchildrenshedearlyloved。 ConcerningFlavy，itwassaid，bythemwholovedhimnot，thatheshowednosignofsorrow。ButwhenhisownbrotherLouisfell，laterinthesiege，abrotherwhomhedearlyloved，nonesawhimweep，oralterthefashionofhiscountenance；nay，hebademusiciansplaymusicbeforehim。 IbesoughtthePrior，whenIwasbornehome，thatImightbecarriedtoFlavy，andtellhimthatIknew。Butheforbademe，sayingthat，inverytruth，Iknewnought，ornothingthatcouldbebroughtagainstaChurchman，andoneinaplaceoftrust。ForIhadnotseenthelipsofthecordeliermovewhenthatcommandwasgiven—— nay，atthemomentIsawhimnotatall。NorcouldIevenprovetoothersthathehadthisdevilishart，therebeingbutmyoathagainsthis，andassuredlyhewoulddenythething。AndthoughI mightbeassuredandcertainwithinmyself，yetotherwitnessIhadnoneatall，norwereanyofmyfriendstherewhocouldspeakwithme。ForD\'Aulon，andPasquerel，andPierreduLyshadallbeentakenwiththeMaid。ItwaslongindeedbeforePierreduLyswasfree，forhehadnomoneytoransomhimselfwithal。ThereforeFlavy，knowingmeonlyforawoundedScotoftheMaid\'s，wouldthinkmeabrainsickman，andaslikeasnotgivememoreofOiserivertodrinkthanIcraved。 Withthesereasoningsitbehovedmetocontentmyself。ThenightI passedinprayersfortheMaid，andformyself，thatImightyetdojusticeonthatdevil，or，atleast，mightseejusticedone。Buthowtheseorisonswereansweredshallbeseenintheend，wheretoI nowhasten。 CHAPTERXXVII——HOWNORMANLESLIEFAREDINCOMPIEGNE，WITHTHEEND OFTHATLEAGUER AboutallthatbefellinthebesiegedcityofCompiegne，afterthatwickeddayofdestinywhentheMaidwastaken，IheardforlongonlyfromtheJacobinbrothers，andfromoneBarthelemyBarrette。HewasaPicardyman，moreloyalthanmostofhiscountry，whohadjoinedtheMaidafterthefrayatParis。Nowhecommandedahundredofhercompany，whodidnotscatteraftershewastaken，andhewasthebestfriendIthenhad。 \"Theburgessesarenowhitdismayed，\"saidhe，comingintomychamberafterthedayoftheAscension，whichwasthesecondafterthecaptureoftheMaid。\"TheyhavesentamessengertotheKing，andexpectsuccour。” \"Theysueforgraceatagracelessface，\"saidI，inthecountryproverb；formyheartwashotagainstKingCharles。 \"Thatistobeseen，\"saidbe。\"ButassuredlytheDukeofBurgundyismorekeenabouthisownbusiness。” \"HowfaretheBurgundians？\"Iasked，\"for，indeed，Ihaveheardthegunsspeaksincedawn，butnoneofthegoodfatherscarestogoevenontotheroofofthechurchtowerandbringmetidings，forfearofastraycannon-ball。” \"Forholymentheyarewondrouscharyoftheirlives，\"saidBarthelemy，laughing。\"WereIamonk，Iwouldwelcomedeaththatshouldunfrockme，andletmegoa-wanderinginParadiseamongthesefairladysaintsweseeinthepictures。” \"Itiswritten，Barthelemy，thatthereisneithermarryingnorgivinginmarriage。” \"Faith，themoreIamfainofit，\"saidBarthelemy，\"andmaybeI mighttakethewrongtrack，andgetintotheParadiseofMahound，which，Ihaveheard，isnoillplaceforaman-at-arms。” Thismanhadnomorefaiththanapaynim，but，nonetheless，wasastoutcarlinwar。 \"Butthatmindsme，\"quothhe，\"oftheverythingIcamehithertotellyou。OnepriestthereisinCompiegnewhotakesnokeepofhislife，acordelier。Whatailsyou，man？doesyourleggiveatwinge？\" \"Ay，ashrewdtwingeenough。” \"Truly，youlookpaleenough。” \"Itisgone，\"Isaid。\"Tellmeofthatcordelier。” \"Doyouseethislittlerod？\"heasked，puttinginmyhandawandofdarkwood，carvenwiththeheadofastrangebeastinacowl。 \"Iseeit。” \"Howmanynotchesarecutinit？\" \"Five，\"Isaid。\"Butwhyspoilyouyourrod？\" \"FivemenofEnglandorBurgundythatcordeliershotthisday，fromthecreneauxoftheboulevardwheretheMaid，\"crossinghimself，\"wastaken。Afellmanheis，strongandtall，withalonghookednose，andasblackasSathanas。” \"Howcomesheinarms？\"Iasked。 \"FlavycalledhiminfromValenciennes，wherehewasaboutsomebusinessofhisown，forthereisnogreatermasteroftheculverin。 And，faith，ashesays，he\'hashadraresport，andwillhaveforlong。\'\" \"Wasthereanonfalloftheenemy？\" \"Nay，theyareoverwary。Heshotthemastheydugbehindpavises。 {36}FortheDukehasmovedhisquarterstoVenette，wheretheEnglishlay，hardbythetown。And，rightinthemiddleofthecausewaytoMargny，twoarrow-shotsfromourbridgeend，heislettingbuildagreatbastille，anddiggingatrenchwhereinmenmaygotoandfro。Thecordelierwasasgladofthatasamanwhohasstalkedacoveyofpartridges。\'Keepmytallyforme，\'hesaidtomyself；\'cutanotchforeverymanIslay\'；andhere，\"saidBarthelemy，wavinghisstaff，\"ishisfirstday\'sreckoning。” NowIwellsawwhatchanceIhadofbringingthatdeviltojustice，forwhowouldbelievesostrangeataleasmineagainstonesoserviceableinthewar？NorwasD\'Aulonheretospeakforme，theenemyhavingtakenhimwhentheytooktheMaid。Thinkingthus，I groaned，andBarthelemy，fearingthathehadweariedme，saidfarewell，andwentout。 Everyevening，aftersunset，hewouldcomein，andpartlycheerme，bytellinghowhardilyourpeopleborethem，partlybreakmyheartwithfreshtidingsofthatdevil，BrotherThomas。 \"Thingsgonotill，hadwebuthopeofsuccour，\"hesaid。\"TheDuke\'sbastilleisrising，indeed，andtheDukeisbuildingtaudis{37}ofoakenbeamsandearth，betweenthebastilleandourboulevard。Theskillistodrawnearerus，andnearer，tillhecanminebeneathourfeet。Heardyouanynewnoiseofwarthisday？\" \"Iheardsucharoarandclatterasneverwasinmyears，whetheratOrleansorParis。” \"Andwellyoumight!Thisconventisintheverylineofthefire。 Theyhavefourgreatbombardsplaced，everyoneofthemwithadevilishNetherlandnameofitsown。ThereisHoupembiere，——thatmeansthebeer-barrel，Itakeit，——andLaRougeBombarde，andRemeswalleandQuincequin，everyoneshootingstoneballsthirtyinchesingirth。Thehousesonthebridgeareaheapofstones，themillsarebattereddown，andwemustgrindourmealinthecity，inacellar，forwhatIcantell。NomDieu!whentheytaketheboulevardwelosetheriver，andifoncetheybarourgatestotheeast，whenceshallviandscome？\" \"Istherenogoodtidingsfromthemessenger？\" \"TheKinganswerseverlikeadrawerinatavern，\'Anon，anon，sir!\' Hewillcomehimselfpresently，alwayspresently，withallhishost。” \"Hewillnevercome，\"Isaid。\"Heisa……\" \"HeismyKing，\"saidBarthelemy。\"CurseyourownKingofScots，ifyouwill。Scots，bythebloodofIscariot，traitorsarethey；well，Icraveyourpardon，Ispakeinhasteandanger。KnowyouNicholeCammet？\" \"Ihaveheardoftheman，\"Isaid。\"Atown\'smessenger，ishenot？\" \"Thesame。Butaweekagone，CammetwassentonaswifthorsetoChateauThierry。ThegoodtowncravedofPothondeXaintrailles，whocommandsthere，tosendthemwhatsaltpetrehecouldspareformakinggunpowder。ThesaltpetrecameinthisdaybythePierrefondsGate，andCammetwithit，butonanotherhorse，ajade。” \"Well，andwhathavetheScotstodowiththat？\" \"Nomorethanthis。Aparcelofthem，routiersandbrigands，havecreptintoanoldcastleontheroad，andholditfortheirownhands。ThencetheysalliedforthafterCammet，andsochasedhimthathishorsefelldowndeadunderhiminthegatewayofChateauThierry。” \"TheywouldbemenoftheLandDebatable，\"Icried:\"ElliotsandArmstrongs，theyneverdoabetterdeed，beingcorruptedbydwellingnighourenemiesofEngland。FainwouldIpayforthathorse；seehere，\"andItookforthmypursefromundermypillow，\"takethattotheattournes，andsayaScotatonesforwhatScotshavedone。” \"Norman，Itakebackmyword；Icraveyourpardon，andIamshamedtohavespokensotoasickmanofhisowncountryfolk。Butforyourpurse，Iamillatcarryingpurses；Ihavenoskillinthatart，andthedicedrawmewhenIheartherattleofthem。Butlookatthecordelier\'stally:fourmento-day，threeyesterday；faith，hethinsthem!\" Indeed，toshortenalongstory，bytheendofBarthelemy\'scountthereweretwohundredandthirty-ninenotchesontherod。Thathekeptatruescore(tillhestintedandreckonednomore)，Iknow，havingprooffromtheotherside。Fortwelveyearsthereafter，I fallingintodiscoursewithMessireGeorgesChastellain，anesquireoftheDukeofBurgundy，andamakerbothofverseandprose，hetoldmethesametaletoaman，threehundredmen。AndImakenodoubtbutthathehaswrittenitinhisbookofthepraiseofhisprince，andofthesewars，towitnessifIlie。 Consider，then，whathopeIhadofbeinglistenedtobyFlavy，orbytheattournes(or，aswesay，bailies)，ofthegoodtown，if，beingrecoveredfrommybrokenlimbs，Ibroughtmywitnesstotheirears。 Nonetheless，theenemybatteredatuseverydaywiththeirengines，destroying，asBarthelemyhadsaid，thehousesonthebridge，andthemills，sothattheycouldnolongergrindthecorn。 AndnowcametheEarlsofHuntingdonandArundel，withtwothousandEnglishmen，whiletousappearednosuccour。Soatlength，beingsmittenbyballsfromabove，andruinedbyminesdugunderearthfrombelow，ourcompanythatheldtheboulevardatthebridgeendweresurprisedinthenight，andsomeweretaken，somedrownedintheriverOise。Whereforewasgreatsorrowandfear，themoreforthattheDukeofBurgundyletbuildabridgeofwoodfromVenette，tocomeandgoacrossOise，wherebywewerenowassailedonbothhands，forhithertowehadbeenfreetocomeandgoonthelandwardside，andthroughalltheforestofPierrefonds。Wehadbutonegateunbeleaguered，theChapelGate，leadingtoChoisyandthenorth-east。Nowwerewestraitenedforprovender，notablyforfreshmeat，andmenweredriven，asinacitybeleaguered，toeatthefleshofdeadhorses，andevenofratsanddogs，whereofIhavepartaken，anditisillfood。 Nonethelessweendured，despitethemurmuringofthecommons，sostrongaremen\'shearts；moreover，allFrancelaystakedonthisonecastofthedice，nolessthanatOrleansintheyearbefore。 Somewhatwewerekeptinheartbytidingsotherwisebitter。ForwordcamethattheMaid，beinginwardatBeaurevoir，astrongplaceofJeandeLuxembourg，hadleapedinthenightfromthetopofthetower，andhad，nextmorning，beentakenupallunhurt，asby，miracle，butastoundedandbereftofhersenses。Forthistherewasmuchsorrow，butwouldtoGodthatHehadtakenhertoHimselfinthathour! Nevertheless，whenshewascometoherselfagain，shedeclared，byinspirationoftheSaints，thatCompiegneshouldbedeliveredbeforetheseasonofMartinmas。WhenceI，forone，drewgreatcomfort，noreveragaindespaired，andmanywerefilledwithcouragewhenthistidingscametoourears，hopingforsomemiracle，asatOrleans。 Now，too，Godbegantotakepityuponus；for，onAugustthefifteenth，theeighty-fifthdayofthesiege，camenewstotheDukeofBurgundythatPhilip，DukeofBrabant，wasdead，andhemustgotomakesureofthatgreatheritage。TheDukehavingdeparted，theEnglishEarlshadfarlessheartfortheleaguer；Iknownotwellwherefore，butnow，atleast，wasseenthetruthofthatproverbconcerningthe\"eyeofthemaster。”Thebastille，too，whichourenemieshadmadetopreventusfromgoingoutbyourPierrefondsGateonthelandwardside，wasnegligentlybuilt，andofnogreatstrength。Allthisgaveussomeheart，somuchthatmyhosts，thegoodJacobins，andtheholysistersoftheConventofSt。John，strippedtheleadfromtheirroofs，andbestoweditonthetown，formunitionofwar。AndwhenIwasincasetowalkuponthewalls，andabovetheriver，ImightseemenandboysdivinginthewaterandsearchingforEnglishcannon-balls，whichweshotbackattheEnglish。