第12章

Itchanced，oneday，thatIwassittingandsunningmyselfinthewarmSeptemberweather，onasettleinasecureplacehardbytheChapelGate。WithmewasBarthelemyBarrette，foritwasthedayofOurLady\'sFeast，thatverydaywhereonwehadfailedbeforeParislastyear，andtherewastruceforthesacredseason。Wefelltodevisingofwhathadbefallenthatdayyear，andwithoutthoughtI toldBarthelemyofmyescapefromprison，andso，littlebylittle，IopenedmyhearttohimconcerningBrotherThomasandallhistreasons。 NeverwasmanmoreastoundedthanBarthelemy；andhebademeswearbytheBlessedTrinitythatallthistalewastrue。 \"Mayhapyouwerefevered，\"hesaid，\"whenyoulayinthecasementseat，andsawtheMaidtakenbydeviceofthecordelier。” \"IwasnomorefeveredthanIamnow，andIswear，bywhatoathyouwill，andbythebonesofSt。Andrew，whichthesesinfulhandshavehandled，thatFlavy\'sfacewassettheotherwaywhenthatcrycame，\'Downportcullis，updrawbridge，closegates!\'AndnowthatIhavetoldyoutheverytruth，whatshouldIdo？\" \"BrotherThomasshouldburnforthis，\"quothBarthelemy；\"butnotwhilethesiegeendures。HecarriestoomanyEnglishlivesinhismunition-box。Norcanyouslayhiminsinglecombat，oratunawares，forthemanisapriest。NorwouldFlavy，whoknowsyounot，listentosuchastory。” Sotherehesat，frowning，andpluckingathisbeard。\"Ihaveit，\" hesaid；\"D\'AulonisnofurtheroffthanBeaulieu，whereJeandeLuxembourgholdshimtillhepayshisransom。Whenthesiegeisraised，ifeverwearetohavesuccour，thenpurchasesafe-conducttoD\'Aulon，takehistestimony，andbringittoFlavy。” Ashespoke，somestirinthestillairmademelookup，andsuddenlythrowmybodyaside；anditwaswell，foraswordsweptdownfromthelowparapetaboveourheads，andsmoteintothebackofthatsettlewhereonweweresitting。 EreIwellknewwhathadchanced，Barthelemywasonhisfeet，hiswhingerflewfromhishand，andhe，leapingupontotheparapet，wasfollowingafterhimwhosmoteatme。 Inthesamemomentaloudgratingvoicecried——\"TheMaidshallburn，andnottheman，\"andaflashoflightwentpastme，thewhingerflyingovermyheadandclippingintothewaterofthemoatbelow。” RisingasIbestmight，butheedfully，Ispiedovertheparapet，andtherewasBarthelemycomingback，hisnakedswordinhishand。 \"Thedevilturnedasharpcornerandvanished，\"hesaid。\"Andnowwherearewe？WehaveaworsefoewithinthanallthemenofBurgundywithout。Theregoesthedevil\'stally!\"hecried，andthrewthelittlecarvenrodfarfromhimintothemoat，whereitfellandfloated。 \"Nomansawthisthatcouldbearwitness；mostareinchurch，whereyouandIshouldhavebeen，\"Isaid。 Thenwelookedoneachotherwithblankfaces。 \"Mypostisfarfromhis，andmyharnessisgood，\"saidBarthelemy； \"butforyou，beware!\"Thenceforth，ifIsawanycowlofacordelierasIwalked，Ieventurnedandwenttheotherway。 Iwasofnoavailagainstthiswolf，whomallmenpraised，soserviceablewashetothetown。 OnceanarbalestboltstruckmystafffrommyhandasIwalked，andIwasfaintotakeshelterofacorner，yetsawnotwhencetheshotcame。 Onceagreatstonefellfromaturret，andbrokeintodustatmyfeet，anditisnotmymindthatacannon-ballhadloosenedit。 Thusmylifewentbyindreadandwatchfulness。Nomorebitterpenancemaymandreethanwasmine，tobenearthisdevil，andhavenopowertoavengemydeadlyquarrel。Thereweremanyheavyheartsinthetown；for，onceitwastaken，whatmancoulddeemhislifesafe，orwhatwomanherhonour？Butthoughtheylaydownandroseupinfear，andweredevouredbydesireofrevenge，theirswasnosuchthirstasmine。 Sothedayswenton，anddarkenedtowardsthepromisedseasonofMartinmas，buttheredawnednolightofhope。Now，ontheWednesdaybeforeAllSaints，IhadclamberedupintothetoweroftheChurchoftheJacobins，onthenorth-eastofthecity，whencetherewasaprospectfarandwide。Withmewereonlytwooftheyoungestofthefathers。IlookeddownintothegreatforestofPierrefonds，andupanddownOise，andbeheldthearmyofourenemiesmovingindiversways。ThebannersoftheEnglishandtheirlongarraywerecrossingtheDukeofBurgundy\'snewbridgeofwood，thathehadbuildedfromVenette，andwiththemthemenofJeandeLuxembourgtroopedtowardsRoyaulieu。Onthecrestoftheirbastille，overagainstourPierrefondsGate，matcheswerelightedandmenwerewatchingindoubleguard，andthesameontheothersideofthewater，attheGateMargny。PlainlyourfoesexpectedarescuesenttousofCompiegnebyourparty。Buttheforest，fivehundredyardsfromourwall，laysilentandpeaceable，aseaofbrownandyellowleaves。 Then，whiletheEnglishandBurgundianmen-at-arms，thathadmarchedsouthandeast，weredrawnupinorderofbattleawaytotherightbetweenwoodandwater，behold，trumpetssounded，faintenough，beingfaroff。Thentherewasaglitterofthepalesunonlonglinesoflance-points，underthebannersofFrenchcaptains，issuingoutfromtheforest，overagainsttheenemy。Wewhostoodonthetowergazedlongatthesetwoarmies，whichweremarshalledorderly，withnomorethanabowshotandahalfbetweenthem，andeverymomentwelookedtoseethemchargeuponeachotherwiththelance。 MuchweprayedtotheSaints，fornowallourhopewasonthisonecast。TheyofBurgundyandofEnglanddismountedfromtheirhorses，fortheEnglisheverfightbestonfoot，andtheydeemedthattheknightsofFrancewouldrideinuponthem，andfallbeneaththeEnglishbows，asatAzincourandCrecy。We，too，lookedfornoughtelse；buttheFrencharrayneverstirred，thoughhereandthereaknightwouldgallopforthtodoavaliance。Seldomhasmanseenastrangersightinwar，fortheEnglishandBurgundianscouldnotcharge，beingheavy-armedmenonfoot，andtheFrenchwouldnotmoveagainstthem，weknewnotwherefore。 Allthisspectaclelayfaroff，tothesouth，andwecouldnotbesatisfiedwithwonderingatitnorturnawayoureyes，when，ontheleft，atrumpetrangoutjoyously。Then，allofuswheelingroundasoneman，wesawthemostblessedsight，wheretoourbackshadbeenturned；for，intotheChapelGate——thatis，fartotheleftofthePierrefondsGateonthenorth-east——werestreamingcattle，sheepandkine，prickedonandhastenedbyacompanyofahundredmen-at- arms。TheyhadcomebyforestpathsfromChoisyway，andanonallourgunsontheboulevardofthePierrefondsGateburstforthatonceagainsttheEnglishbastilleoveragainstit。Nowthisbastille，asIhavesaid，hadneverbeenstronglybuilded，and，insomesort，wasnotwhollyfinished。 Afteronegreatvolleyofgunsagainstthebastille，we，lookingdownintoourboulevardofthePierrefondsGate，sawtheportcullisraised，thedrawbridgelowered，andagreatarrayofmen-at-armscarryingladdersrushout，andchargeuponthebastille。Then，throughthesmokeandfire，theystrovetoscaletheworks，andforthespaceofhalfanhourallwasroarofguns；butatlengthourmencameback，leavingmanyslain，andtherunninglibbardsgrinnedontheflagofEngland。 Imightendurenolonger，but，clamberingdownthetowerstairsasbestImight，forIwasstilllame，IlimpedtomylodgingsattheJacobins，didonmyharness，and，takingahorsefromthestable，I mountedandrodetothePierrefondsGate。ForBrotherThomasandhismurderouswaysIhadnownocareatall。 Never，sure，sawanymansuchasight。Ourboulevardwasfull，notonlyofmen-at-arms，butofallwhocouldcarryclubs，burgessesarmed，oldmen，boys，yea，womenandchildren，somewithrustyswords，somewithcarpenters\'axes，somebearingcudgels，somewithhammers，spits，andknives，allclamouringfortheportcullistoriseandletthemforth。Theirfaceswereleanandfierce，theireyeswerelikeeyesofwolves，fornow，theycried，wasthehour，andtheprophecyoftheMaidshouldbefulfilled!Verily，thoughshelayinbonds，herspiritwaswithusonthatday! Butstillourportculliswasdown，andthelongtailofangrypeoplestretchedinwards，fromtheinnermouthoftheboulevard，alongthestreet，surginglikeaswollenlochagainstitsbarrier。 OnthecrestoftheboulevardwasFlavy，batoninhand，lookingforthacrossfieldandforest，watchingforIknewnotwhat，whilestillthepeopleclamouredtobeletgo。Buthestoodlikethestatueofaman-at-arms，andfromthebastilleoftheBurgundiansthearrowsrainedaroundhim，whoalwayswatched，andwasstill。 Nowtheguardsofthegatehadhardworktokeeptheangrypeopleback，wholeapedandtoreatthemen-at-armsarrayedinfrontofthem，andyelledforeagernesstoissueforthandfight。 Suddenly，onthecrestoftheboulevard，Flavythrewuphisarmandgaveonecry- \"Xaintrailles!\" Thenheroaredtodrawupportcullisandopengates；themen-at-armschargedforth，themultitudetrampledovereachothertobefirstinfield，Iwassweptonandalongwiththemthroughthegate，andoverthedrawbridge，likeastrawonawave，and，lo!alittleonourleftwasthebannerofPothondeXaintrailles，hisforemostmendismounting，therearguardjustridingoutfromtheforest。Thetwobandsjoined，wefromCompiegne，thefourhundredofXaintraillesfromthewood，and，liketwoswollenstreamsthatmeet，weracedtowardsthebastille，underarainofarrowsandballs。Nothingcouldstayus:aboyfellbymysidewithanarrowthrillinginhisbreast，buthisbrotherneveroncelookedround。IknewnotthatI couldrun，butrunIdid，thoughnotsofastasmany，andbeforeI reachedthebastilleourladderswereup，andthethrongwasclambering，falling，risingagain，andflowingfuriouslyintothefort。Thetownsfolkhadnothoughtbuttoslayandslay；fiveorsixwouldbeatthethroatofoneBurgundianman-at-arms；hammersandaxeswerebreakinguparmour，kniveswerescratchingandsearchingforacrevice；women，liftinggreatstoneballs，wouldstaggeruptodashthemontheheadsofthefallen。Ofthewholegarrison，one-half，ahundredandsixtymen-at-arms，wereputtothesword。OnlyPothondeXaintrailles，andthegentlemenwithhim，asknowingthemannerofwar，savedandheldtoransomcertainknights，asMessireJacquesdeBrimeu，theSeigneurdeCrepy，andothers； while，formyownpart，seeingaknightassailedbyaknotofclubmen，Istruckinonhispart，forgentlebloodmusteveraidgentleblood，andso，notwithoutshrewdblowsonmysalade，ItooktoransomMessireCollartdeBertancourt。 Thereafter，verylate，andinthetwilightofOctoberthetwenty- fifth，weturnedbacktoCompiegne，leavingtheenemies\'bastilleinaflamebehindus，whileinfrontwereblazingthebonfiresofthepeopleofthegoodtown。And，inCompiegne，weheardhowtheEnglishandthemainarmyofBurgundianshadturned，lateintheday，andcrossedbytheDukeofBurgundy\'sbridge，leavingmentokeepguardthere。Soourvictorywasgreat，andwisehadbeentheprudenceoftheFrenchcaptains，subtletybeingthemotherofvictory；for，withoutablowstruck，theyhadkeptJeandeLuxembourg，andtheEarlsofHuntingdonandArundel，waitingidleallday，whiletheirgreatbastillewastakenbyXaintraillesandthetownsfolk，andfoodwasbroughtintoCompiegne。ThusforthesecondtimeIpassedanightofjoyinabeleagueredtown，fortherewasmusicineverystreet，thechurchesfullofpeoplepraisingGodforthisgreatdeliverance，menandmaidsdancingaroundbonfires，yetgoodwatchwaskeptatthegatesandonthetowers。Nextdayweexpectedbattle，butourspiesbroughtintidingsthatBurgundiansandEnglishhaddecampedinthedawn，theirmendeserting。Thatdaywasnotlessjoyfulthanthenighthadbeen；foratRoyaulieu，intheabbeywhereJeandeLuxembourghadlain，thetownsfolkfoundallmannerofmeat，andofwinegreatplenty，sorightgoodcheerwemade，foritcostusnothing。 CHAPTERXXVIII——HOWTHEBURGUNDIANSHUNTEDHARES，WITHTHEENDOF THATHUNTING \"Tellme，whattidingsofhim？\"BarthelemyBarretteaskedme，onthedayafterthatunboughtfeastatRoyaulieu。 HewassittinginthenoondaysunonthebridgeofCompiegne，andstrangeitwastoseetheplacesobatteredyetsopeacefulafterfivemonthsofwar。TheOiseslidingbyandripplingonthepierswasnotmorequietthanthisbridgeofmanybattles，yetblackinplaceswithdried-upbloodofmenslain。\"TidingscanIfindnone，\" Ianswered。\"Hewhosawthecordelierlastwasonguardintheboulevardduringthegreatcharge。HemarkedBrotherThomaslevelhiscouleuvrinenowandagain，asweranforthebastille，andcriedouttohimtoaimhigher，forthattheballwouldgoamongstus。” \"Youwerehistarget，Imakenodoubt，\"saidBarthelemy，\"butbyreasonofthethronghehadnocertainaim。” \"Afterwebrokeintothebastille，Icanfindnomanwhohasseteyesonhim，\"andIcursedthecordelierforveryrage。 \"Heiswellaway，ifhestaysaway:youandIneedscarceanylongerprayforeyesinthebacksofourheads。Butwhatmakewenext？\" \"Ihavebutonethought，\"Isaid:\"toplucktheMaidoutofthehandsoftheEnglish，fornowmensaythatsheissoldtothembyJeanofLuxembourg。TheymeantotakehertoArras，andsobyCrotoyatthemouthofSeine，andacrossNormandytoRouen。SaveherFrancemust，forthehonourofFrance。” \"Mymindisthesame，\"hesaid，andfellintoamuse。\"Hencethestraightroad，andtheshortest，\"hesaidatlast，\"isbyBeauvaisontoRouen，whereshewilllieinchains，\"anddrawinghisdaggerhescratchedlinesonthebridgeparapetwithitspoint。\"HereisCompiegne；there，fartothewest，isthesea，andhereisRouen。 Thatstraightline，\"whichhescratched，\"goestoRouenfromCompiegne。Here，midway，isBeauvais，whereofwespoke，whichtownwehold。Butthere，betweenusandBeauvais，isClermont，heldbyCrevecoeurfortheBurgundians，andhere，midwaybetweenBeauvaisandRouen，isGournay，whereKyrielandtheLordHuntingdonliewithagreatforceofEnglish。Doyoucomprehend？WemustfirsttakeClermonterewecanridetorescuetheMaidatRouen!\" \"TheKingshouldhelpus，\"Isaid。\"ForwhatisthearmythathasdeliveredCompiegnebutasetofprivatebands，underthisgentleman\'sflagorthat，somewithBoussac，somewithXaintrailles，somewithadozenothers，andvictualsarehardtocomeby。” \"Ay，manyapeacefulmansitsbythefireandtellshowgreatcaptainsshouldhavedonethis，andmarchedthere，neverthinkingthatmenfightontheirbellies。AndtheKingshouldhelpus，andmarchwithD\'AlenconthroughNormandyfromthesouth，whileourcompaniestakeClermontifwemay，anddrivebacktheEnglishandBurgundians。ButyouknowtheKing，andmensaythattheArchbishopofReimsopenlydeclaresthattheMaidisrightlypunishedforherpride。Hehassetupamadshepherd-boytotakeherplace，Heavenhelphim!whocanfightaswellasthatstonecanswim，\"andhedroppedaloosestoneoverthebridgeintothewater。 \"Whoeverstaysathome，wetakethefield，\"Isaid；\"letusseekcounselofXaintrailles。” WeroseandwenttotheJacobins，whereXaintrailleswaslodged，andtherefoundhimathisdejeuner。 Hewasatallyoungknight，straightasalance，leanasagreyhound；forallhisdayshisswordhadwonhismeat；andhewashardy，keen，andbright，witheyesofsteelinascarredface，andhisbrowwasalreadywornbaldwiththehelmet。Whenhewalkedhislegssomewhatstraggledapart，byreasonofhismuchriding。 Xaintraillesreceivedusinthebestmanner，wetellinghimthatwehadriddenwiththeMaid，thatIwasofherownhousehold，andthattosaveherwewerewillingtogofar，andwellknewthatundernobannercouldwebesoforwardasunderhis。 \"IwouldallmycompanywereashonestasItakeyoutwaintobe，\" hesaid，\"andIgladlyreceiveyouundermycolourswithanymenyoucanbring。” \"Messire，IhaveahandfulofhorseoftheMaid\'scompany，\"saidBarthelemy，hardily；\"butwhendowemarch，forto-dayisbetterthanto-morrow。” \"Assoonasmaybe，\"saidtheknight；\"theMarechaldeBoussacleadsusagainstClermont。ThattownwecannotleavebehinduswhenwesetforthfromBeauvais。But，withthesegreatbombards，whichwehavewonfromtheBurgundians，wemayhavereasonofClermont，andthen，\"clappinghishandstogether，andlookingup，\"thenforRouen! Weshallburstthecageandfreethebird，Godwilling!\" Hestoodlikeoneinprayer，crossinghimself，andourheartsturnedtohiminloyalty。 \"IfbuttheKingwillsendaforcetojoinhandswithLaHireinLouviers，theEnglishshallhavenewsofyou，Messire!\"Imadeboldtosay。 \"Ay，if!\"quothXaintrailles，andhisfacegrewdarker，\"butwemustmakegoodspeedyforthemidwinterdrawsnigh。” Therewithwelefthim，and，infewdays，weremarchingonClermont，draggingwithlongtrainsofhorsesthegreatbombardsoftheBurgundians。 TooursummonsMessiredeCrevecoeuransweredknightly，thatClermonthewouldholdtilldeathorrescue，sowesettobatteringhishouseabouthisears。But，alas!afterfourdaysasentinelofourssaw，toolate，anEnglishknightwithninemenslipthroughthevines，undercoverofdarkness，andwinaposterngateinthetownwall。Soonweheardajoy-fireofgunswithinClermonttown，andforebodedtheworst。AtmidnightcameapeasanttoXaintrailles，withtidingsthatarescuewasridingtoClermont，andnextmorningitwasbootsandsaddlesandaway，sohastilythatweleftbehindusthegreatbombardsoftheBurgundians。Onthistheymademuchmirth；buttheylaughbestwholaughlast，asshallheseen。 AndthecauseofourgoingwasthattheEarlofHuntingdonhadriddenoutofGournay，inNormandy，withagreatforceofEnglish，todeliverClermont。Againstfoeswithinthetownandfoeswithoutthetownthecaptainsjudgedthatwewereofnoavail。Sowedeparted，heavyatheart。Nowthecompaniesscattered，andBarthelemyandI，sorryenough，rodebehindXaintrailles，duenorthtoGuermigny，whencewethreatenedAmiens。 AtGuermigny，then，forashortseason，layXaintrailles，gatheringalltheforcehemightalongthePicardymarches，fortheDukeofBurgundywasinPeronne，fullofwrathandsorrow，somanyevilshadbefallenhim。Forourselves，wewereinnogentlertemper，havinglostourhopeofpushingontoRouen。 Iwasglad，therefore，whenXaintrailleshimselfrodeonedaytothedoorofourlodginginGuermigny，strodeclangingintoourchamber，andaskedifwewerealone？Wetellinghimthatnonewaswithinear-shot，hesathimdownonthetable，playingwithhisdaggerhilt，and，withhishawk\'seyeonBarthelemy，asked，\"Youknowthislandwell？\" \"Ihaveriddenoverit，inwarorpeace，sinceIwasaboy。” \"HowfartoLihons？\" \"Amatteroftwoleagues。” \"Whatmannerofcountryliesbetween？\" \"Chieflyplain，rudeanduntilled，becauseofthedistressesofthesetimes。Thereismuchheathandlonggrasses，agreatcountryforhares。” \"Knowyouanycovertnightheroad？\" \"Thererunsabrookthattheroadcrossesbyabridge，midwaybetweenGuermignyandLihons。Thebanksaresteep，andwellwoodedwithsuchtreesandundergrowthaslovewater。” \"Youcanguidemethither？\" \"Thereisnomissingtheroad。” \"Godcouldnothavemadethislandbetterforme，ifHehadaskedmycounsel，\"saidXaintrailles。\"Youcankeepyourown？\" \"NomDieu，yea!\"saidBarthelemy。 \"AndyourScotsfriendIcantrust。Agood-daytoyou，andthanksmany。” Thereuponhewentforth。 \"Whathasheinhismind？\"IaskedBarthelemy。 \"Belikeanambush。TheDukeofBurgundyliesatPeronne，andhasmusteredagreatforce。LihonsismidwaybetweenusandPeronne，andisinthehandsofBurgundy。IdeemXaintrailleshastidingsthattheyintendtoridefromPeronnetoLihonsto-night，andthencemakeearlyonfallonusto-morrow。Beingheavy-patedmenofwar，andbemusedwiththeirstrongwine，theyknownot，belike，thatwehavemorewithusthanthesmallgarrisonofGuermigny。Andwearetoawaitthemontheroad，Idoubtnot。YoushallseementhatwearyourcrossofSt。Andrew，butnotofyourcolour。” IshamenottosaythatofbushmentsinthecolddawnIhadseenasmuchasIhadstomachfor，underParis。Butifanycaptainwaswaryinwar，andknewhowtodiscoverwhatsoeverhisenemydesigned，thatcaptainwasXaintrailles。NonethelessIhopedinmyheartthathissecrettidingsoftheBurgundianonfallhadnotcomethroughapriest，andnamelyacordelier。 Dawnfoundusmounted，andridingatafoot\'s-pacethroughthegreatplainwhichliesroughanduntilledbetweenGuermignyandLihons。 Allgreyandstillitwas，saveforacockcrowingfromafarmsteadhereandthereonthewidewold，brokenonlybyalineoftreesthatranacrosstheway。 Underthesetrees，whichweremainlypoplarsandthickundergrowthofaldersaboutthesteepbanksofalittlebrook，wewerehalted，andheretookcover，ourmenlyingdown。 \"Letnomanstir，orspeak，savewhenIspeaktohim，whateverbefalls，onperilofhislife，\"saidXaintrailles，whenwewerealldisposedinhiding。ThentouchingmeontheshoulderthatIshouldrise，hesaid- \"Youareyoungenoughtoclimbatree；areyoureyesgood？\" \"Icommonlywasthefirstthatsawthehareinherform，whenwewentcoursingathome，sir。” \"Thenupthistreewithyou!keepoutlookalongtheroad，andhideyourselfasbestyoumayintheboughs。Throwthisrussetcloakoveryourharness。”ItwasshrewdlychillinthegreyNovembermorning，ahoarfrostlyingwhiteonthefields。Itookthecloakgladlyandbestowedmyselfinthetree，sothatIhadawideviewdownLihonsway，whenceweexpectedourenemies，theroadrunningplaintoseeforleagues，likearibbon，whenoncethelowsunhadscatteredthemists。Itwasalongwatch，andaweary，myhandsbeinghalffrozeninmysteelgauntlets。Manyofourmenslept；ifeverawayfarercrossedthebridgehardbyhewasstopped，gagged，andtrussedinarope\'send。Butwayfarerswerefew，andallwerewanderingafoot。Iwassorryfortwolasses，whocrossedonsomebusinessoftheirfarm，buttherewasnoremedy。 Thesediversionspassedthetimetillnighnoon，whenIwhisperedtoXaintraillesthatIsawcloudsofdust(theroadsbeingverydry)aleagueaway。HesentBarthelemyandanothertowakenanythatslept，andbadeallbereadyataword。 Nowtherecameshoutsonthewind，criesofvenerie，loudlaughter，andsnatchesofsongs。 Andnow，upinmyperch，ImyselfbrokeintoalaughatthatIsaw。 \"Silence，\"fool!\"whisperedXaintrailles。\"Whylaughyou，inthenameofBehemoth？\" \"TheBurgundiansarehuntinghares，\"Iwhispered；\"theyareridingalldisorderly，someontheroad，somehereandthereabouttheplain。Onemanhasnolance，anotherisunhelmeted，manyhavelefttheirharnessbehindwiththebaggage!\"EvenasIspokeroseupagreathuntingcry，andapointofthechasewasblownonatrumpet。 TheforemostBurgundianswerespurringlikemadmenaftersomebeast，throwingatitwiththeirlances，andsoonIsawafoxmakingourwayforitsverylife。 \"Tohorse，\"criedXaintrailles，and，leavingthirtymentoholdthebridge，thewholeofourcompany，withspearsinrest，drovedownonthesehare-huntersofBurgundy。 Twohundredpickedmeninall，fullyarmed，werewe，andwescatteredtheforemostridersastheyhadscatteredthehares。 Saddleswereemptied，archerswerecutdownorspearederetheycoulddrawbows，theBurgundianswerespurringfortheirlives，manycriedmercy，andweretakentoransom，ofwhomIhadmyshare，asI shalltell。 Butafewmenmadearightgoodend。ThomasKyriel，aknightofEngland，stoodtohisbanner，hisarchersralliedaboutit，withthreeorfourknightsofBurgundy。There，unhelmetedforthemostpart，theychosethewayofhonour，buttheywereofnoavailwheresomanylanceswerelevelledandsomanyswordswerehewingatsofew。Therewasagreatslaughter，butGeoffreydeThoisy，nephewtotheBishopofTournay，pluckedfromdangerfortune，forhesoborehimthathebeingfullyarmedwetookhimforMessireAntoinedeVienne，averygoodknight。Forhiscouragewesparedhim，butAntoine，beingunhelmetedandunknown，wassmittenontheheadbyBarthelemyBarrette，withablowofacasse-tete。 ForthisBarthelemymademuchsorrow，notonlythatsogoodaknightwasslain，butthathehadlostagreatransom，wherebyheshouldhavebeenarichman。Yetsuchisthefortuneofwar!Whichthatdaywasstrangelyseen；foraknighthavingyieldedtomebecausehishorsethrewhim，andhelostforamomentallsensewiththefallandfoundmybootonhisneckwhenhecametohimself，whoshouldhebebutMessireRobertHeron，thesamewhomItookatOrleans! Who，whenheknewme，tookoffhissaladeforgreaterease，and，sittingdownonarockbytheway，sworeasneverIheardmanswear，French，English，Spaniard，orScot；andatlengthlaughed，andsaiditwasfortuneofwar，andsowascontent。Thisskirmishbeingthusended，wereturned，blitheandrichmeneveryoneofus，whatwithprisoners，horses，arms，andallmanneroftreasuretakenwiththebaggage。ThatnightwesleptlittleinGuermigny，butfeastedanddrankdeep。Formyownpart，IknownotwellwhereIdidsleep，orhowIwontowhatbed，whichshamesmesomedealafteralltheseyears。 OnthemorrowweleftGuermignytothegarrisonoftheplacefortheirill-fortune，androdebacktowardsCompiegne。 AndthiswasthesportthattheBurgundianshadinhare-hunting。 ThisBattleoftheHareswasthemerriestpassageofarmsforourparty，andbourdesweremadeonit，andsongssung，asbytheEnglishonthatotherBattleoftheHerrings。Now，moreover，I mightbecalledrich，whatwithransoms，whatwithmyshareoftheplunderinhorses，rings，chainsofgold，jewels，silverdishes，andrichcloths，outofthebaggageoftheenemy。VerilylackofwealthcouldnomoresunderElliotandme!ForPothonwasasopenofhandashewashighofheart，andwasnogreedycaptain，whereforemenfollowedhimthemoregladly。 CHAPTERXXIX——SHOWETHHOWVERYNOBLEWASTHEDUKEOFBURGUNDY Allthiswaswell，butwewerenonearerRouen，andthefreeingoftheMaid，onthistwentiethofNovember，thanwehadbeenwhenthesiegeofCompiegnebrokeup，onthetwenty-sixthofOctober。 TheDukeofBurgundy，welearned，waslikeamanmadwhenheheardoftheBattleoftheHares。NothingwouldservehimthatdaybuttoleadallhishosttoGuermignyfromPeronne，whencehewouldhavegotlittlecomfortofvengeance，forwewereinaplaceofsafety。 ButJeandeLuxembourgtoldhimthathemustnotventurehisnobilityamongroutierslikeus，whereinhepleasedtheDuke，butspokefoolishly。Fornoman，behedukeorprince，canbeofbetterbloodthanweoftheHouseofRothes，nottospeakofXaintraillesandmanyothergentlemenofourcompany。 TheDuke，then，putnothisnoblepersoninanyjeopardy，but，morewisely，hesentmessengersaftermyLordofHuntingdonthatheshouldbringuptheEnglishtoaidtheBurgundianhare-hunters。ButHuntingdonhaddepartedtoRouen，wherethenlayHenry，KingofEngland，aboyonwhomandonwhoseHouseGodhasavengedtheMaidwithterriblejudgments，andwillyetthemoreavengeher，blessedbeHisname! TheDukeofBurgundycomfortedhimselfafterhiskind，forwhenhedidpluckuphearttogoagainstGuermigny，he，findingusdeparted，sackedtheplace，andrazedittotheveryground，andsowithdrewtoRoye，andtherewaitedforwhathelpEnglandwouldsendhim。NowRoyeissomesixteenleaguesduenorthofCompiegne。 Sothedayswentby，forMessireLefebvreSaint-Remy，thepursuivant，washuntingformyLordofHuntingdon，allupanddownNormandy，andatlastcametoRouen，andtothepresenceoftheDukeofBedford，theuncleoftheEnglishKing。AllthisImyselfheardfromMessireSaint-Remy，whoisstillapursuivant，andalearnedman，andamakerofbooks。 Bedfordthen，whowasbusyhoundingthatdevil，Cauchon，sometimeBishopofBeauvais，againsttheMaid，senttheComtedePercheandMessireLoysRobsart，tobidtheDukeofBurgundybeofwhatcouragehemight，forsuccourofEnglandheshouldhave。WhereinBedfordwasnotrueprophet。 Ofallthiswe，inCompiegne，knewsomuchasthatitwaswisertostriketheDukeatRoye，beforehecouldaddEnglishtalbotstohisBurgundianharriers。Thereforeallthecaptainsofcompanies，asBoussac，Xaintrailles，AlainGiron，AmadeedeVignolles，andLoysdeNaucourt，musteredtheirseveralcompanies，tothenumberofsomefivethousandmen-at-arms。WehadnewsofsixhundredEnglishmarchingtojointheDuke，andonthemwefellatCouty，hardbyAmiens，andthereslewLoysRobsart，agoodknight，oftheOrderoftheGarter，anddrovetheEnglishthatfledintothecastleofCouty，andwetookalltheirhorses，leavingthemshamed，fortheykeptnoguard。 ThencewerodetowithinaleagueofRoye，andthencesentaherald，inalldueform，tochallengetheDuketoopenbattleforhishonour\'ssake。Thiswedid，becausewehadnostoreofvictual，andmustfightorridehome。 TheDukereceivedtheherald，andmadeasifhewouldhearhimasbeseemsagentlemanunderchallenge。Buthiswisecounsellorsforbadehim，becausehewassonoble。 Wewerebut\"routiers，\"theysaid，andhadnoPrinceinallourcompany；sowemusteventarrytillthemorrow，andthentheDukewouldfight。IntruthheexpectedtheEnglish，whowerefootingittoCastleCouty。 IstoodbyXaintrailleswhenthepursuivantborebackthismessage。 Pothonspatontheground。 \"Shallwebemorenobleto-morrowthanto-day，orto-morrowcanthishuxterofmaids，theDuke，belessnoblethanheis，everydaythathesoilsknighthood？\" Thereonhesenttheheraldback，tosaythattheDukeshouldhavebattleathisgatesifhegavenobetteranswer，forthatwaitforhispleasurewecouldnot，forwantofvictuals。 AndsowedrewhalfaleaguenearertoRoye。 TheDukesentbackourheraldwithwordthatofvictualshewouldgiveushalfhisownstore；forhehadread，asIdeem，theromanceofRichardLion-Heart，anothermannerofmanthanhimself。Wesaidnoughttothis，notchoosingtodineinsuchhighcompany，butrodeupunderthewallsofRoye，defyingtheDukewithopenribaldry，suchasnomanantcouldbearbuthewouldtakecudgelinhandtodefendhishonour。Ourintentwas，iftheDukeacceptedbattle，tofightwithnonebuthim，ifperchancewemighttakehim，andholdhimashostagefortheMaid\'slife。 Howbeit，soverynoblewastheDukethisday，thathedidnotputlanceinrest(asbelikehewouldhavedoneonthemorrow)，but，drawinguphismenonfoot，behindcertainmossesandmarshes，allinfirmarray，hekepthimselfcoybehindthem，andnottoofarfromthegateofRoye。 Tocrossthesemossesandmarsheswasbeyondourcunning，norcouldwefastallthatnight，andseeiftheDukewouldfeelhimselflessnoble，andmorewarlike，onthemorrow。 So，withcursesandcriesofshame，weturnedbridle，and，forthatwecouldnotholdtogether，beinginlackofmeat，thecompaniesbrokeup，andwenteachtohisownhold。 IhaveheardMessireGeorgesChastellaintell，intimesthatwerestilltocome，howfiercelytheDukeofBurgundyborehimincouncilthatnight，afterthatwehadallgone，andhowheblamedhispeoplewhowouldnotlethimfight。But，afterhehadwellsupped，heevenletthisadventureslipby，asbeingordainedbythewillofGod，who，doubtless，holdsinveryhighhonourmenofbirthprincely，andsuch，aboveall，asletsellyoungvirginstothetormentors。AndthusendedourhopetosavetheMaidbytakingcaptivetheDukeofBurgundy。 CHAPTERXXX——HOWNORMANLESLIETOOKSERVICEWITHTHEENGLISH \"Whatmakewenow？\"IaskedofBarthelemyBarrette，oneday，afterthecompanieshadscattered，asIhavesaid，andwehadgonebackintoCompiegne。\"WhatstrokemayFrancenowstrikefortheMaid？\" Hehunghisheadandpluckedathisbeard，erehespoke。 \"Tobeasplainwithyouasmyheartiswithmyself，Norman，\"heansweredatlast，\"deliverance，orhopeofdeliverance，seeInone。 TheEnglishhavethebirdinthecage，andRouenisnotastrengththatcanbetakenbysuddenonslaught。And，wereitso，whereisourforce，inmidwinter？Iratherputmyfaith，thatcanscarcemovemountains，insomesubtlemeans，ifanymanmightdevisethem。” \"Wecannotsitidlehere，\"Isaid。\"Andforthreelongmonthstherewillbenomovingofarmiesinopenfield。” \"AndinthreemonthsthesedogsoffalseFrenchdoctorsofPariswillhavetriedandcondemnedtheMaid。Formypart，IridewithmyhandfulofspearstotheLoire。PerchancethereisyetsomehopeintheKing。” \"ThenIridewithyou，grantedyourgoodwill，forImustneedstoTours，andIhaveovermuchtreasureinmywallettoridealone。” Indeed，Iwasnowarichman，morebyluckthanbyvalour；andthoughIsaidnoughtofit，Ihopedthatmylongwooingmightnowcometoahappyend。 Barthelemyclaspedhandsgladlyonthatoffer；andnottomakealongtale，heandhismenweremyescorttoTours，andthenceherodetoSullytoseetheKing。 Ihadnoheartforgladsurprisesthistime，buthavingsentonalettertomymaster，byaKing\'smessengerwhorodefromCompiegneerewedid，IwasexpectedandwelcomedbyElliotandmymaster，withallthejoythatmightbe，afterourlongseverance。Andinmymaster\'shandsIlaidmynewlygottengear，andheardprivilyfromhimthat，withhisgoodwill，Iandhisdaughtermightwedsosoonasshewould。 \"Forsheispiningwithgrief，andprayer，andfasting，andmarriageisthebestremedeforsuchmaladies。” OfthisgraceIwasrightglad；yetChristmaswentbyandIdarednotspeak，forElliotseemedsetonfarotherthingsthanmirth，andwaseverandearlyinthechurches，aboveallwhenserviceandprayerwereofferedupfortheMaid。Shewasverywillingtohearallthetaleofthelongsiege，andherface，thatwasthinandwan，unlikeherbrightcountenanceofold，flushedscarletwhensheheardhowwehadbeardedandshamedthenobleDukeofBurgundy，andwhatwordsXaintrailleshadspokenconcerninghisnobleness。 \"ThereisonetrueknightleftinFrance!\"shesaid，andfellsilentagain。 Then，webeingaloneinthechamber，Itriedtotakeherhand，butshedrewitaway。 \"Mydearlove，\"shesaid，\"Iknowallthatisinyourheart，andallmylovethatisinmineyouknowwell。Butinminethereisnocareforhappinessandjoy，andtospeakasplainasamaidenmay，Ihavenownowilltomarry。WhiletheSisteroftheSaintsliesinduresse，orifshebeunjustlyslain，Ihavesetupmyresttoabideunwed，forever，astheBrideofHeaven。And，ifthelastevilbefallher，aswellIdeemitmust，IshallwithdrawmefromtheworldintothesisterhoodoftheClarisses。” Hadthegreatmid-beamoftherooffallenandsmittenme，Icouldnothavebeenstrickenmoredumbanddead。Myfaceshowedwhatwasinmymindbelike，for，lookingfearfullyandtenderlyonme，shetookmyhandbetweenhersandcherishedit。 \"Mylove，\"Isaidatlast，\"youseeinwhatcaseIam，thatcanscarcespeakforsorrow，afterallIhaveventured，andlaboured，andwon，foryouandfortheMaid。” \"AndI，\"sheanswered，\"beingbutagirl，canventureandgivenothingbutmypoorprayers；andifshenowperish，thenImustpraythemorecontinuallyforthegoodrestofhersoul，andtheforgivenessofherenemiesandfalsefriends。” \"Sure，shehathalreadythecertainpromiseofParadise，andeveninthisworldherlifeiswiththeSaints。Andifmenslayherbody，weneedherprayersmorethansheneedsours。” ButElliotsaidnoword，beingverywilful。 \"ConsiderwhatmanneroffriendtheMaidis，\"Isaid，\"whodesiresnothingbutjoyandhappylifetoallwhomsheloves，asshelovesyou。Verily，Iamrightwellassuredthat，couldsheseeusinthishour，shewouldbidyoubehappywithme，andnotchoosepenanceforloveofher。” \"Ifsheherselfbidsmedoasyoudesire，\"saidElliotatlast，\"thenIwouldnotbedisobedienttothatDaughterofGod。” HereItooksomecomfort，fornowathoughtcameintomymind。 \"But，\"saidElliot，\"aswereadoftherichmanandLazarus，betweenherandusisagreatgulffixed，andnonemaycomefromhertous，orfromustoher。” \"Elliot!\"Isaid，\"ifeithertheMaidbedelivered，orifshesendsyousureandcertaintidingsunderherownhandthatshewillsyoutoputoffthishumour，willyouthenbepersuaded，andmakenomoredelay!\" \"Indeed，ifeitherofthesemiraclesbefall，orboth，rightgladlywillIobeybothyouandher。ButnowherSaints，methinks，havelefther，weariedbythewickednessofFrance。” \"Iasknomore，\"Ianswered，\"for，Elliot，eithertheMaidshallbefree，orsheshallsendyouthiscommand，oryoushallseemyfacenomore。” Mypurposewasnowclearbeforeme，evenasIexecutedit，asshallbeseen。 \"Indeed，ifmyvowmustbekept，nevermayIagainbeholdyou；foroh!mylove，myheartwouldsurelybreakintwain，beingalreadyweakwithgriefandfasting，andwearywithprayer。” Whereonshelaidherkindarmsaboutmyneck，and，despitemymanhood，Iweptnolessthanshe。 ForHolyWritsayswell，thathopedeferredmakeththeheartsick； andminewassickuntodeath。 OfmyresolveIspokenowordmoretoElliot，lesthercounselshouldchangewhensheknewthejeopardywhereintoIwasfirmlymindedtogo。AndtomymasterIsaidnomorethanthatIwasmindedtoridetotheCourt，andforthatendIturnedintomoneyapartofmytreasure，formoneyIshouldneedmorethanarms。 Onematterinespecial，whichIdeemedshouldstandmeinthegreateststead，IpurchasedforgoldofthepottingeratTours，thesamewhohadnursedmeaftermywound。ThisdraughtIbestowedinasilverphial，gravenwithstrangesigns，andIkeptitevercloseandsecret，foritwasmychiefmainstay。 SecretlyasIwrought，yetIdeemthatmymasterhadsomeunderstandingofwhatwasinmymind，thoughItoldhimnothingofthewordsbetweenmeandElliot。ForIwasinnowaywithouthopethat，whenthebitternessofhergriefwasoverpast，Elliotmightchangehercounsel。Andagain，Iwouldnothavehimdeviseanddisputewithher，asnow，wherebyIverywellknewthatshewouldbebutthemoreunhappy，andthemoresetontakingherownwilfulway。 IthereforesaidnomorethanthatitbehovedmetoseesuchcaptainsaswereabouttheKing。 ThereafterIbadethemfarewell，noramIdisposedtowriteconcerningwhatpassedatthepartingofElliotandme。ForthriceerenowIhadlefthertopassintothemouthofwar，butnowIwentintootherperil，andwithfainterhope。 IdidindeedridetotheCourt，whichwasatSully，andthereImet，asIdesired，BarthelemyBarrette。Hegreetedmewell，andwasrichlyclad，andprosperoustobehold。Butitgavemegreaterjoythathespokeofsomesecretenterprisewhichshouldshortlybeputinhand，whenthespringcame。 \"ForIhavegoodintelligence，\"hesaid，\"thattheBastardofOrleanswillrideprivilytoLouvierswithmen-at-arms。NowLouviers，whereLaHireliesingarrison，isbutsevenleaguesfromRouentown，andwhatsecretenterprisecanhepurposethere，savetobreakthecageandsetfreethebird？\" InthishopeItarriedlong，intendingtoridewiththespearsofBarthelemy，andplacingmytrustontwoknightssogoodandskilledinwarasLaHireandtheBastard，theMaid\'soldcompanionsinfight。 Butthedayswaxedlong，anditwasMarchthethirteentherewerodenorth，andalreadythedoctorshadbeguntoentraptheMaidwiththeirquestions，whereoftherecouldbebutoneend。 Withoutadventureverynotable，ridingmuchatnight，throughforestsandbyways，wecametoLouviers，wheretheyreceivedusjoyfully。ForitwasverywellknownthattheEnglishweremindedtobesiegethistown，thatbravedthemsoneartheirgatesatRouen，andthattheyonlyheldbacktilltheyhadslaintheMaid。Whileshelivedtheydarednotstiragainstus，knowingwellthattheirmenfearedtofollowtheirflag。 Now，indeed，Iwasingoodhope，butalas!therewerelongcounselsofthecaptains，therewasmuchharryingofNormandy，andsomeoutlyingbandsofEnglishweretrapped，andprisonersweretaken。 ButofanassaultonRouenweheardnoword，and，indeed，theadventurewasdesperate，though，forthehonourofFrance，Imarvelyetthatitwasnotputtothetouch。 \"Thereisnoughttobedone，\"Barthelemysaidtome；\"IcannottakeRouenwithahandfulofspears，andthecaptainswillnotstir。” \"Then，\"saidI，\"farewell，forundertheliliesIfightneveragain。 Onechanceremains，andIgotoproveit。” \"Man，youaremad，\"heansweredme。\"Whatdesperateperilareyoumindedtorun？\" \"Iammindedtoendthismatter，\"Isaid。\"Myhonourandmyverylifestanduponit。Askmenotwhy，andswearthatyouwillkeepthissecretfromallmen，ifyouwoulddothelastservicetome，andtoHer，whomwebothlove。Itellyouthat，helpmeorhinderme，Ihavenochoicebutthis；yetsomuchIwillsaytoyou，thatI putmyselfinthisjeopardyformyhonourandthehonourofScotland，andformylady。” \"Thedaysarepastfortheoldchivalry，\"hesaid；\"butnomorewords。IswearbySt。Ouentokeepyourcounsel，andifmoreIcando，withoutmeremadnessandriskoutofallhope，Iwilldoit。” \"Thisyoucandowithoutrisk。LetmehavetheaccoutrementsofoneoftheEnglishmenwholieinward，andletmeridewithyourbandatdaybreakto-morrow。Itiseasytotellsomefeignedtale，whenyouridebackwithoutme。”