The Descent of the Column

"WITH ILLUSTRATIONS BY H.K.BKOWN'E.
lONDOU &TT£WYORK: GEORGE ROUTTEDGE &S01IS.

CKICIITON

WILLIAM IlAPtRISONaiNSWORTH

Ergo, flos jurenum, Scotioe spes, Pallatlis ingens,
Ereptumque decus Musarum e dulcibus ulnis,
Te, quanivis sileant alii, Critone, poetac,
Teque, tuamque necem nunquam mea Musa silebit.

Abernethy. Musa Campestris

WITH ILLUSTRATIONS BY HABLOT K. BROWNE

AUTHOR'S COPYRIGHT EDITION

LONDON
GEORGE ROUTLEDGE AND SONS, Limited

BROADWAY, LUDGATE HILL

MANCHESTKR AND XKW YORK

I89i»

^55

PREFACE.

There is a passage in David Buchanan's memorial of Crlchton, in
which, alluding to the deadly eimiity home towards the Admirable Scot
by Vincenzo di Gonzaga, he assigns as the cause — " quod amasiam
principis deperiret." This passage may be regarded as the text of the
narrative of Sir Thomas Urquhart, and of the following Romance. To a
certain extent I have pursued the course taken by the never-sufficiently-
to-be-admired Knight of Cromarty, whose " Discoverie of a Jewel" is,
indeed, a jewel of a book. Urquhart's descriptions of the masque and
duel at Mantua are inimitable. So tlioroughly was this singular writer
imbued with the spirit of Rabelais (of whom he has left an unSnished,
but, so far as it goes, most exquisite translation), that in his account of
the disputation in the college of Navarre, he seems to have unconsciously
imitated Panurge's controversy with Thaumast, the Englishman, while,
in the " true pedigree and lineal descent of the ancient and honourable
family of Urquhart,' he appears anxious to emulate the nii|-'ity genea-
logical honours of the good Pantagruel. Sir Thomas, ho.vever, is a
joyous spirit — a right Pantagruelist ; and if he occasionally

Projicit ampuUas et sesquipedalia verba,

he has an exuberance of wit and playfulness of fancy that amply redeems
his tendency to fanfaronade.

In my endeavour to ilhistrate the various shades of Crichtou's many-
coloured character, I have, ])erliaps, touched too lightly on its scholastic
features. But feeling that adequately to exhibit one of the scenes of
intellectual digladiation in which he was so frequently and so trium-
phantly engaged, it would require the possession of a depth of learning
little inferior to that of the invincible disputant himself, I have elected
as the safer and more suitable course to portray him as the preux cheva
Her and all- accomplished gallant, rather than as the philosopher and iia-
Wctitian, b

449

PRF.FACE.

Boccalini's "Satiric Sketcli," Sir Thomas Urquhart's "Jewel," and
other allusions of more accredited biographers, would justify me in giving
my hero an air of gallantry, were it possible to conceive that he who sur-
passed all the aspiring spirits of the age in which he flourished in the
feats of arts and arms (and whose aim was to excel in everything), could
be behind them in their excesses, especially when those very excesses
tended to advance his reputation. The manners of the time were corrupt
in the extreme ; and the fascinations of the belles et honnetes dames et
demoiselles of the Court of Catherine de Medicis were such as required
more stoicism to withstand than the handsome Scot cared to practise.
The reader may, if he chooses, speedily gather a notion of the universal
profligacy of the period from the bons contes of Bran tome, and the dif-
ferent memoirs included in the " Journal of Henri III."

What I have advanced respecting Margaret de Valois is fully borne
out by the Divorce Satirique, and the details of Scipio Dupleix. The
majestic and terrible figure of Catherine de Medicis is too deeply im-
pressed upon tlie page of history to make it necessary to advert to the
sources whence I have transferred its lineaments tc inj canvas.

It only now remains to speak of Vincenzo di Gonzaga, whose cause
has been warmly but unsuccessfully advocated by Dr. Black. Notwith-
standing his patronage of men of letters (extended towards them as
nmch from ostentation as any other motive by the various Italian rulers
of the time), this prince was, we learn from Muratori, exceedingly luxu-
rious and profuse in his habits — '^^ gran giocatore, grande scialacquator
dal danaro, sempre involto fra il lusso, egli amori, sempre in lieti pas-
\atempi o difcsti, o di balli, a di music/ie, o di commedie." Sismondi,
who has given an excellent summary of his character, says — " il umait
avec passion les femmes le jeu, la danse, le theatre." And Possevino,
the annalist (and, therefore, the panegyrist) of his family, expressly
alludes to his vindictive disposition — " qiiidam cindictce nimiiim, ideoque
in abrupta tructum opinantur" For the rest, I may aflSrm with
Victor Hugo — " que souvent les fables du peuple font la verite dtt
poete."

CONTENTS.

CHAP.

I. The Scholars
II. The Gelosa

III. The Hector .

IV. An English Bulldog
V. Cosmo Kuggieri .

VL The Mask

33oofi3I

. 1
IS

. 21
33
39
43

II.

III.

IV.

VI.

VII.

VIII.

IX.

XI.

XII.

XIII.

XIV.

XV.

II.

III.

IV.

VI.

VII.

VIII.

IX.

XI.

XII.

XIII.

KIV.

The Court of Henry III. .

EsCLAlRMONDE

Henri III

Catherine de Medicis .

Marguerite de Valois

The Oratory .

The Bezoar

The Jester

The Sabarcane

The Hotel de Soissons

The Laboratory ....

The Incantation

The Magic Ring ....

The Two Masks

The Column of Catherine de Medicis

asoofe im.

Hic Bibituk !
The Huguenot
The Procession
The Lists
The Pavilion
The Bearnais
The Barb
The Englishman
The Two Henris
The Missal
The Bull
The Prize
The Dungeon
The Conspiracy

104

119

126

141

149

157

172

181

191

199
219
226
232
242
255
268
273
282
295
308
318
325
332

Ugrfcs.

The Scottish Cavalier 17

The Admirable Scot 50

Marguerite 101

A^vl-Spice no

The Thirty REQuisiTBa . Ill

CONTENTS.

TuK Temptation of Saint Anthony
The TiiKF.E Okgif.s . . . .
The Lkgf.sd of Vai.dkz
Anacrkontic Ode
The Dirge or Bourron
The Ditty of Dcgi f-si i.in
The Sword of Bayard
YusEF akd Zorayda

YOLANDE

esci.air.monde ....

Ale and Sack

Incaxtation ....

Song of the Spirit

Invocation ....

The Sorcerkr's Sarrath

Venite Totem us

Song of the Scholar .

The Chronicle of Gargantua

Song of the Sorbonist .

Charles IX. at Montfaucon .

LeS plus rouges V SONT PUIS

Druid

Love's Hosiilt

PAGE

. 113
. 117
. 121
. 124
. ib.
. 128
. 129
. 132
. 1.33
. 13.5
, 143
. 170
. 172
. 174
. 175
. 206
. 209
. 210
. 214
. 217
. 260
. 278
. 334

glppcntif.x.

Epicedium ON the Cardinal Bokromeo
To Caspar Visconti

343
349

ILLUSTRATIONS.

AND BLOLTNT BEFORE

1. THE DF.SCENT OF THE COLUMN ... (fROM

2. CRICHTON AT THE GATE OF T1!E COLLEGE OF XAVAURE .

.'{. THK, CONFLICT WITH THE STUDEN IS . . . .

4. PRESENTATION OF ESCLAIRMONIJE TO HENHI III. •

5. THK MORT.Vi, DEFIANCE BY THE MASK . . .

6. THE OKATORYT ........

7. THE VENICE Gr.ASS

b. hknri and the demoiselle torhjni

9. crichton's rencounter with OGILVY

FALCON ....

10. THE LABORATORY ....

I 1. THE FT.lVIit ....

12. HENRY OF NAVARRE AT THE FALCON

13. REBOURS Rl cognising HENRY

14. THE PROCESSION

15. THE LISTS

1 6. THE PAVILIOH

17. THE BULL ....

la. crichton's fE.OWESS Kl.WAlU.El'

ispiece)
(title)

PAGE

. 196
1

. . 38
. OG

. . 81
. 97

. . 119
. 139

Tin;

. . 144
. 156
. 189
. 212
. 223
. 228

. . 238
249

. . 317
. 321

ORICIITON.

BOOK THE FIRST.— CHAPTER I.

THE SCHOLARS.

Tu vicns Joncques c!e Paris ? dist Pantagruel — Et a quoy passez-vousle temps
vous aultres Messieurs Estudians au diet Paris? — Kabelais. — Pantagruel. —
liv. II., chap. vi.

Towards the close of Wednesday, the 4tli of February, 1579,
a vast assemblage of scholars was collected before the Gothic gate-
way of the ancient college of Navarre. So numerous was this con-
course, that it not merely blocked up the area in front of tlie renowned
seminary in q\icstion, but extended lav down tire Rue de la Mon-
tague Sainte-Genevieve, in which it is situated. Never had such
a disorderly rout been brought together since the days of the
uproar in 1557, when tlie predecessors of these turbulent students
took up arms, marched in a body to the Pre-aux-Clercs, set fire to
three houses in the vicinity, and slew a sergeant of the guard, who
vainly endeavoured to re- train their fury. Their last election of" a
rector, IMcssirc Adrien D'Amboise, ^'pcder eniditionum," as he is
described in his epitaph, when the same body congregated within
the cloisters of the jMathurins, and thence proceeded, in tumultu-
ous array, to the church of Saint-Louis, in the isle of the same
name, — had been nothing to it. Every scholastic hive sent forth
its drones. Sorbonne, and Montaigu, Cluny, Harcourt, the Four
Nations, and a host of minor establishments — in all, amounting to
forty-two — each added its swarms ; and a pretty buzzing they
■created ! The lair of Saint-Germain had only commenced the
day before; but though its festivities were to continue till Palm
Sunday, and though it was the constant resort of the scholars, who
committed, during their days of carnival, ten thousand excesses,
it was now absolutely deserted.

The Pomme -de-Pin, the Castcl, the Magdaleine, and the ]\Iulc,

2 CRICriTON.

those tabernes viiritolrcs, celebrated :.n Pantagruel's conlerence with
tlie Liinosiu student, wliicli luii; conferred upon them an inimor-
trdity like thiit of our own hostel, the INIermaid, were wliolly neg-
lected; the dice-box was laid aside for the nonce; and the Avell-
\ised cards were tlirust into the doublets of these thirsty tipplers of
the schools.

Hut not alone did the crowd consist of the brawler, the gambler,
th(! bully, and the debauchee, though these, it must be confessed,
predominated. It v/as a grand medley of all sects and classes.
The modest demeanour of the retiring, })ale-browcd student,
•was contrasted witli the ferocious aspect and reckless bearinf^ of
his immediate neigliboiu', whose appearance Avas little better than
that of a bravo. The grave tlieolu'jian and embryo ecclesiastic
were placed in juxta-positiuu with the seofling and licentious
acolyte ; while lawyer in posse, and the law-breaker in esse,
Avere numbered amongst a group, wliose pursuits \vere those of
violence and fraud.

Various as were the characters that composed it, not less diver-
sified were the costumes of this heterogeneous assemblage. Subject
to no particular regulations as to dress, or rather openly infmcting
them, if any such were attempted to be enforced, — each scliolar, to
whatever college he belonged, attired himself in such garments as
best suited his taste or his llnanccs. Takin": it alt02;ether, the mob
was neither remarkable for the fashion, nor the cleanliness of the
apparel of its members.

From Rabelais we learn that the passion of J^lay "was so strongly
ini|)lanted in the students of his day, that they would frequently
stake tlie points of their doublets at tric-trac or trou-madame ; and
but little improvement had taken place in their morals or manners
some half century afterwards. The buckle at their girdle — the
mantle on their shoulders — the sliirt to their back — often stood
the hazard of the die; and hence it not unfrequently happened,
that a rusty pourpoint and ragged chausses wei-e all the covering
"vvhich the luckless dicers could enumerate, owing, no doubt, " to
the extreme rarity and penury of pecime in their inarsi/jfies.""

Round or square caps, hoods and cloaks of black, grey, or other
sombre hue, were, however, the prevalent garb of the members of
the university ; but here and there might be seen some gayer
specimen of the tribe, whose broad-rimmed, high-crowned felt hat
and Haunting feather; whose pulfed-out sleeves and exaggerated
ruff — with starched plaits of such amplitude that they had been
not inappropriately named plats de S'aint Jam Haptiate, from
the resemblance which the wearer's liead bore to that of the saint,
when deposited in the charger of the daughter of Herodias, were
intended to ape the leading mode of the elegant court of their
sovereign Henri Trois.

To such an extent had these insolent youngsters carried their
licence of imitation, that certain of tlicir members, fresh from the fair

THE SCnCLARS. 3

of St. Germain, and not ^Yholly unacquainted ^A'ith the Lippocrasof
thesuttlcvs crowding its mart, wore around their throats enormous
collars of paper, cut in rlvahy of the legitimate plaits of muslin,
and bore in their liands long hollow sticks, from which they dis-
charged peas and other missiles in imitation of the sarbacancs then
in vogue with the monarch and his liivourites.

Thus fantastically tricked out, on that same day — nay, only a
few houra before, and at the fair above-mentioned, had tlieso
facetious wights, with more merriment than discretion, ventured
to exhibit themselves before the corlege of Henri, and to exclaim
loud enough to reach the eai's of royalty, *' a hi f raise on connoit
le veaii /" — a piece of pleasantry for which they subsequently paid
dear.

Notwithstanding its shabby appearance in detail, the general
effect of this scholastic rabble "was striking and picturesque. The
thick moustaches and pointed beards with which tlic lips and chins of
most of them were decorated, gave to their physiognomies a manly
and determined air, fully borne out by their unrestrained carriage
and deportment. To a man, almost all were armed with a tough
vine-wood bludgeon, called in their language an estoc volant, tipped
and shod with steel — a weapon fully understood by them, and
rendered, by their dexterity in the use of it, formidable to their
adversaries. Not a few carried at their girdles the short rapier, so
celebrated in their duels and brawds, or concealed within their bosom
a poignard or a two-edged knife.

The scholars of Paris have ever been a ttu-bulcnt and ungovern-
able race ; and at the period of which this history treats, and,
indeed, long before, were little better than a licensed horde of
robbers, consisting of a pack of idle and "wayw'ard youths drafted
from all parts of Europe, as v/ell as from the remoter provinces of
their own nation. There was little in common between the mass
of students and their brethren, excepting the fellowship resulting
from the universal licence in which all indulged. Hence their
thousand combats amongst themselves — combats almost invariably
attended with fatal consequences — and which the heads of the
university found it impossible to check.

Their own scanty resources, eked out by wdiat little they could
derive from beggary or robbery, formed their chief subsistence ;
for many of them were positive mendicants, and were so denomi-
nated; and, being possessed of a sanctuarj'- wuthin their own quar-
ters, to which they could at convenience retire, they submitted to
the constraint of no laws except those enforced within the jurisdic-
tion of the imiversit}', and hesitated at no means of enriching
themselves at the expense of their neighbours. Hence, the frequent
warfxre waged between them and the brethren of Saint Germain
des Pres, whose monastic domains adjoined their territories, and
whose meadov/s were the constant champ c/os of their skirmishes ;
according to Duluure — p7'cifjue tmijoins un ihcutic dc tianalle, de

B 2

4 CRICIITON'.

galuntcrie, de comhats, de duds, de dlbaitclies, ct de sedition. Ilcnce
their sanguinary coiiHicts with tlic good citizens of Paris, to wliom
they ■were wholly obnoxious, and who occasionally repaid their ag-
gressions with interest. In 1407, two of their number, convicted
of assassination and robbery, were condemned to tlie gibbet, and the
sentence was carried into execution ; but so great was the uproar
occasioned in tlie university by this violation of its immunities, that
the provost of Paris, Guillaume de Tignonville, was compelled to take
down their bodies from Montduicon, and sec them honourably and
ceremoniously interred. This recognition of their rights only served
to make matters worse, and for a scries of years the nuisance con-
tinued unabated.

It is not our purpose to record all the excesses of the luiivcrsity,
nor the means taken for their suppression. Vainly were the civil
authorities arraved against them. Vainly were bulls thundered from
the Vatican. No amendment was eflectcd. The weed might be
cut down, but was never entirely extirpated. Their feuds were
transmitted from generation to generation, and their old bone oi*
contention with the abbot of Saint Germain (the Pre-aux-Clercs)
was, after an uninterrupted strife for thirty vears, submitted to the
arbitration of the Pope, who very equitably refused to pronounce
judgment in favour of cither party.

Such were the scholars of Paris in the sixteenth century — such
the character of the clamorous crew who besieged the poitals of the
college of Navarre.

The object that summoned together this unruly multitude, was,
it appears, a desire on the part of the scholars to be present at a
public controversy, or learned disputation, then occurring within
the i^rcat hall of the colle2,'e before which thev wei'e cono;reo;ated,
and the disappointment caused by their finding the gates closed,
and all entrance denied to them, occasioned their present disposition
to riot.

It v.'as in vain they were assured by the lialberdiers stationed at
the gates, and who, Avith crossed pikes, strove to resist the on-
ward pressure of the mob, that the hall and court were already
crammed to overflowing, that there Avas not room CA^en for the sole
ofafootof a doctor of the faculties, and that their orders Avere
positive and imperative that none beneath the degree of a
bachelor or licentiate should be admitted, and that a troop of mar-
tinets* and Bejaunesf could have no possible claim to admission.
In A^aln they Avcre told this Avas no ordinaiy disputation, no
common controversy, that all Avere alike entitled to license of in-
gress, tliat the disputant Avas no undistinguished scholar, Avhose re-
nown did not extend beyon i his own trilling sphere, and Avhose
■-Dj^inions, therefore, few Avould care to hear, and £:tlll fcAVcr to

■* Scliolars eitlicr not living witliin the walls of tlie university, or not being tn
f^Hsion at the c()l!ei;es.

t Yellow-beaks ; a nickname applied to unwly- admitted students.

THE SCHOLARS. 5

Oppugn, but a forei^uner of hi^li rank, in liigli favour and fasliion,
and not more remarkable for his extraordinary intellectual endow-
ments, than lor his brilliant personal acconiplishments. In vain
the trembling olllcials sought to clinch their arguments by
stating, that not alone did the conclave consist of the chief mem-
bers of the university, the senior doctors of theology, medicine, and
law, the professors of the humanities, rhetoric, and philosophy, and
all the various other dignitaries; but that the dehate was honouied
by the presence of Monsieur Cliristophe de Thou, first president ot
parliament ; by that of the learned Jacques Augustin, of the same
name; by one of the secretaries of state and governor of Paris, M.
Rene de Villequier; by the ambassadors of Elizabeth, Queen of
England; and of Philip II., King of Spain, and several of their
suite; by Abbe de Brantome; by M. INliron, the court physician;
by Cosmo Kuggieri, the Queen Mother's astrologer ; by the re-
nowned poets and masque writers, jVIaitres Ronsard, Paif, and
Philippe Desportcs; by the well-known advocate of parliament, Mes-
sire Etienne Pasquier; but, also (and here came x\\e gravamen of
the objection to their admission) by the two especial favourites of
his majesty and leaders of ailairs, the seigneurs of Joyeuse and
D'Epernon.

It was in vain the students were informed that, for the preserva-
tion of strict decorum, they liad been commanded by the rector to
make fast the gates. No excuses would avail them. The scholars
•were cogent reasoncrs, and a show of staves soon brought their op-
ponents to a nonplus. In this line of argument they were perfectly
aware of their ability to prove a major.

"To the wall with them — to the wall T' cried a hundred infuri
ated voices. " Down with the halberdiers — down with the gates — •
down with the disputants — down with the rector himself! — Deny
our privileges! To the wall with old Adrien d'Amboisc — ex-
clude the disciples of the university from their own halls ! — curry
favour with the court minions ! — hold a public controversy in pri-
vate ! — down with him ! We will issue a mandamus for a new elec-
tion on the spot !''

Whereupon a deep groan resounded throughout the crowd. It
was succeeded by a volley of fresh execratior:s against the rector,
and an angry demonstration of bludgeons, accompanied by a brisk
shower of peas from the sarbacanes.

The officials turned pale, and calculated the chance of a broken
neck in reversion, with that of a broken crown in immediate pos-
session. The former being at least contingent, appeared the milder
alternative, and they mlglit have been inclined to adopt it, had not
a further obstacle stood in their way. The gate was barred witiiin-
side, and the vergers and bedels who had the custody of the door,
though alarmed at the tumult without, positively le.'uicd to un-
fasten it.

C CRICHTON.

Again, the tlircats of llie scholars were renewed, and furtlier
intimations of violence were exhibited. Again the peas rattled
upon the hands and faces of the lialberdiers, till their ears tingled
■with pain. " Prate to us of the king's favourites," cried one of the
foremost of the scholars, a youth decorated with a paper collar;
" they may rule within the precincts of the Louvre, but not within
the walls of the \ini\'ersity. Maugrebleu ! We hold them cheap
enough. Wc heed not the idle bark of these full-fed court lapdogs.
What to us is the bearer of a bllboquet? By the four evangelists,
"wc will have none of them here! Let the Gasconcadet, D'Lper-
non, reflect on the fate of Qm'lus and Maugiron, and let our gay
Joyeuse beware of the dog's death ot" Saint Megrln. l^lace for better
men — place lor the schools — away with frills and sarbacanes !"

" What to us is a president of parliament, or a governor of the
city?" shouted anotlier of the same gentry. " We care nothing lor
their ministration. We recognise them not, save in their own cou.rts.
All their authority lell to the ground at the gate of the Rue Saint
Jacques, when they entered our dominions. We care I'or no
parties. We are poUtiqiies, and steer a middle course. We hold the
Guisards as cheap as the Huguenots, and the brethren of the League
weigh as little with us as the followers of Calvin. Our only sove-
reign is Gregory XIIL, Pontilt" of Rome. Away with the Guise
and the Bearnais !"

"Away witli Henri of Navarre, if you please," cried a scholar of
Ilarcourt; " or Henri of Valois, if you list, but, by all the saints,
not with Henri of Lorraine, he is the fast friend of the true iaitli.
No ! — no ! — live the Guise — live the Holy Union !"'

"Away with Elizabeth of England," cried a scholar of Chmy;
*' what doth her representative here? Seeks he a spouse for her
amongst our schools? She will have no great bargain, I own, if
she bestows her royal hand upon our Due d'Anjou."

"If you value your bulF jerkin, I counsel you to say nothing
flighting of the Queen of England in my hearing," returned a
bluff, broad-shouldered fellow, raising his bludgeon after a menacing
fashion. He was an Englishman belonging to the Four Nations,
and had a huge bull-dog at his heels.

" Away with riiilip of Spain and his ambassador," cried a Ber-
nard in.

" For los ojos de ml Dama !" cried a Spaniard belonging to tlie
College of I^Jarbonnc, with huge moustaches curled hall' way up
his bronzed and insolent visage, and a slouched hat pulled over his
brow. " This may not pass muster. The representative of the
King of Spain must be respected even by the Academics of Lutetia.
Which of you shall gainsay me? — ha!"

" What business has he here with his suite, on occasions like to
the present?" returned the Bernardln. "Tcte-DIcu! this disputa-
tion is one that little concerns the interest of your politic king;

THE SCIIOLAKS. 7

and mctliinlcs Dom Plnlip, or his representative, has rc^^rard for little
else than Avluitsoever advances his own interest. Your ambaS'
sador hath, I doubt not, some latent motive lor his present atten
dance in our seliools."

" Perchance," returned the Spaniard. " We will discuss that
point anon."

" And what doth the pander of the Sybarite within the dusty
!udls of learning?" ejaculated a scholar of Lcmoinc. " What doth
the jealous-patcd slayer of his wife and unborn child within the
reach of free-spoken voices, and mayhap of ■\vell-dlrected blades?
Methinksit were more prudent to tarry within the bowers of his
harem, than to hazard his perfumed pei'son among us."

" Well said," rejoined the scholar of Chniy — " down Avltli
Rene de Villequier, though he be Governor of Paris."

" What title hath the Abbe de Brantome to a seat amongst us?"
said the scion of Harcourt; " ceites ho hath a reputation for wit,
and scholarship, and gallantry. But what is that to us? His
place might now be filled by worthier men."

" And what, in the devil's name, brings Co:mo Buggieri
hither?" asked the Bernardin. " What doth the wrinkled old
dealer in the black art hope to learn from us? We arc not given
to alchemy, and the occult sciences; we practise no hidden mys-
teries; we brew no philtres; we compouud no slov/ poisons; .wo
vend no waxen images. What doth he here, I say! ^Tis a scan-
dal in the rector to permit his presence. And what if he came
under the safeguard, and by the authority of his mistress, Cathe-
rine do INIedicis! Shall we regard her passport? Down with the
lieathen abbe, his abominations have been endured too long; they
smell rank in our nostrils. Thiuk how he ensnared La Mole —
tliink on his numberless victims. W^ho mixed the infernal potion
of Cliarlcs IX.? Let him answer that. Down with the iniidel — •
the Jew — the sorcerer ! The stake were too li'ood for him.. Down
"With Buggieri, I say."

" Ay, down with the accursed astrologer," echoed the whole
crew. " He has done abundant mischief in his time. A day of
reckoning has arrived. Hath he cast his own horoscope? Did he
foresee his own fate? Ha! ha!"

" And then the poets," cried another member of the Foui
Nations, — " a plague on all three. Would they Averc elsewhere.
In what does this disputation concern them? Pierre Bonsard,
being an offshoot of this same College of Xavarre, hath indu-
bitably a claim upon our consideration. But he is old, and I
marvel that his gout permitted him to hobble so far. O, the
mercenary old scribbler ! His late verses halt like himself, yet
he lowercth not the price of his masques. Besides which he is
grown moral, and unsays all his former good things. Mort-Dieu !
your superannuated bards ever recant the indiscretions of their
nonafje. Clement INIarot took to psalm-writing in his old age.

8 CniCIITON'.

As to Bnif, his name will scarce outlast the scenery of his ballets,
liis ])lays arc out of fashion since the Gclosi arrived. He deserves no
place amonrrst us. And Pliilij) Desportes owes all his present pre-
leiment to tlic Vicomtc de Joyeuse. However, he is not alto^ivthcr
devoid of merit — let him Avear his bays, so lie trouble us not with
liis company. Kooni for the sophisters of Narbonnc, I say. To the
dogs Avitli poetry!"

"INIorbleu!" exclaimed anotlier. " "Wliat are the sophisters
of Narbonnc to the decretists of the Sorbonne, -who will discuss
you a position of Cornelius a Lapide, or a sentence of Peter Jjom-
bard, as readily as you would a llask of hippocras, or a slice of
botargo. Ay, and cry transcnt to a thesis ot" Aristotle, though it
be against rule. What sayst thou, Capete?" continued he, ad-
dressing his neighbour, a scliohir of Montaigu, Avhose modest grey
capucliin procured him tliis appellation; " Are we the men to be
thus scurvily entreated?"

" I see not that your merits are greater than oiu's," returned ho
of the capuch, " though our boasting be less. The followers of
the lowly John Standoncht are as well able to maintain tlieir tenets
in controversy as those of llobcrt of Sorbon? and I see no reason
why entrance should be denied us. The honour of the university
is at stake, and all its strength sliould be mustered to assert it."

" Rightly spoken," returned the Bernardin, " and it were a
lasting disgrace to our schools were this arrogant Scot to carry off
their laurels Avhen so manv who might have been found to lower
his crest are allowed no share in their defence. The contest is one
that concerns us all alike. We at least can arbitrate in case of
need."

" I care not lor the honours of the university," rejoined one of
the Ecossais, or Scotch College, then existing in the Rue dcs
Amandiers, " but I care much ibr the glory of my countryman,
aud I would gladly liavc witnessed the triumph of the disciples of
Rutherford, and of the classic Buchanan. But if the arbitrament
to which you Avould resort is to be that of voices merely, I am glad
the rector in his wisdom has thought fit to keep you Avithout, even
though I myself be personally inconvenienced by it."

" Hijo di Dios ! what line talking is this?'' retorted the Spaniard.
•' There is litt'e chance of the triumph you predicate for your coun-
tryman. Trust me, we shall have to greet his departure from the
debate with many hisses and few cheers; and if Ave could penetrate
through the plates of yon iron door and gaze into the court it con-
ceals from our vicAV, Ave should fmd that the loftiness of his pre-
tensions has been already humbled, and his argiunents gravelled.
Por la Litania de los Santos I to think of comparing an obscure
student of the pitiful College of Saint Andrew Avith the erudite
doctors of the most erudite university in the Avorld, always except-
ing those of Valencia and Salamanca, It needs all thy country's
assurance to keep the blush of shame from mantling in thy cheeks."

Till': SCIIOLAIJS. 9

** TIic seminary you revile,'" replied tlic Seot, liauglitily, *'ling
liecn the nursery of our Scottish kini^'s. Nay, the youthCul James
Stuart pursued his studio- under the same roof, beneath the same
uisc instruction, and at the seir-sanic time as our noble find giCicd
James Crichton, Avliom you have falsely denominated an adventurer,
but whoso lineage is not less distinguished than his learning. His
renown has preceded him hither, and he was not unknown to your
doctors when he allixed hisprofn-annneto these colleire walls. Hark !"
continued the speaker, exultingly, '• and listen to yon evidence of
Lis triumph."

And as he spoke, a loud and continued clapping of hands pro-
ceeding from within was distinctly heard above the roar of the
students.

" That may be at his defeat,"" muttered the Spaniard, between
his teeth.

"No such thing," replied the Scot. "I heard tiic name ot
Crichton mingled with the jdaudits."

" And who may be this Phoenix — this Gargantua of intellect —
•who is to vanquish us all, as Panurge did Thaumast, the EnglislN
man?"' asked the Sorbonist of the Scot. — " Who is he that is more
pliilosophic than Pythagoras? — ha!"

" Who is more studious than Carneades !" said tlie Bernardin.

*' iNIore versatile than Alcibiades !" said Montaigu.

*' More subtle than Averroes !" cried Hareourt.

*'Morc mystical than Plotinus!" said one of the Four Na-
tions.

" More visionary than Arteinidorus!" said Cluny.

** ]\Iore infallible than the l^ope !" added Lemoine.

*' And who pretends to dispute r/^; onini scioili I" shouted tho
Spaniard.

" £t quoiihet ente f' added the Sorbonist.

" Mine cars are stunned with your vociferations," replied the
Scot. " You ask me who James Cricliton is, and yourselves give
the response. You have mockingly said he is a raiu avis ; a pro-
digy of Avit and learning; and you have unintentionally spoken
the truth. He is so. But I will tell you that of him of which you
are wholly ignorant, or which you have designedly overlooked. His
condition is that of a Scottish irentleman of h'l'j-h rank. I^ike your
Spanish grandee, he need not dolf his cap to kings. On cither
Side hath he the best of blood in his veins. His motlier was a
Stuart directly descended from tliat regal line. His father, who
owneth the f^ir domains of Eliock and Cluny, Avas Lord Advocate
to our bonny and luckless Mary (whom Heaven assoilzie !) and still
liolds his high ollice. jNIcthinks the Lairds of Crichton might have
been heard of here. Howbeit, they are Avell known to me, Avho
being an Ogilvy of Balfour, have often heard tell of a certain eon-
tract or obligation, whereby — "

10 CRicnxox.

" Basta!" interrupted tlic Spaniard, " liccd not tlnnc own affairs,
worthy Scot. TcU us of tliis Crichton — lia !"

"I have told you alrcaily more than 1 ou^ht to liavc told,'' re-
plied Ogilvy, sullenly. " And if you lack further information
respcctin<^ James Crichton's favour at the Louvre, his feats of arms,
and the esteem in which he is held by all the dames of honour in
attendance upon your Queen Mother, Catherine do Mcdicis — and
moreover," he adtled, with somewhat of sarcasm, "-with her fair
daughter, Marguerite de Valois — you will do well to address your-
Felf to the king's buffoon jNIaitre Chicot, whom I see not far off.
Few there are, methinks, who could in such short space have won
so much favour, or acquired such bright renown.''

" Humph 1" muttered the Englishman, "your Scotsmen stick
by each other all the world over. This James Crichton may or
may not be the hero he is vaunted, but I shall mistrust his praises
from that quarter, till I find their truth confirmed."

" He has, to be sure, acquired the character of a stout swords-
man," said the Bernardin, " to give the devil his due."

" He has not met with his match at the salle-d'armes. though he
has crossed blades with the first in France,'' replied Ogilvy.

"I have seen him at the Manege,'' said the Sorbonist, " gfo
through his course of equitation, and being a not altogether unskil-
ful liorseman myself, I can report favourably of his performance."

'• There is none among your youth can sit a steed like him," re-
turned Ogilvy, " nor can anv of the jousters carry off the ring with
more certainty at the list?. I would lain hold my tongue, but you
enforce mc to speak in his praise."

"Cuerpo di Dios !" exclaimed the Spaniard, half unsheathing the
lengthy weapon that hung by his side. " I will hold you a wager
of ten rose-nobles to as many silver reals of Spain, that with this
staunch Toledo I Avill overcome your vaunted Crichton in close
fight in any manner or practice of fence or digladiation which he
may appoint — sword and dagger, or sword only, — stripped to the
girdle or armed to the teeth. For la s^nta Trinidad ! 1 will have
t-atisfiction for the contumelious aflront he hath put upon the very
learned gymnasium to which I belong; and it would gladden me
to clip the wings of this loud-crowing cock, or of any of his dung-
Lid ci-ew," added he, with a scornful gesture at the Scotsman.

" If that be all you seek, you shall not need to go far in your
quest," returned Ogilvy. "Tarry till this controversy be ended,
and if I match not your Spanish blade ^^^ith a Scottish broadsword,
and approve you as recreant at heart as you arc boa^cfid and inju-
rious of speech, may Saint Andrew for ever after withhold from
me his protection."

" Diablo !" exclaimed the Spaniard. " Thy Scottish saint will
little avail thee, since thou hast incurred my indignation. Betake
thee, therefore, to thy paternosters, if thou hast grace withal to

Tin: scrioLAits. 11

mutter tlicni ; for ^vitluu the lionr tliou art apsurccrfy food for the
kites of the Fro-aux-Clercs — sa-lia '" '

"' Look to thyrelf, vile bra^JTfrart !" rejoined Ogilvy, scornfully ;
" I proriiisc thcc thou slialt need other intercession than thine own
to purchase safety at my hands."

" Courag-e, jNlaster Ou-ilvy," s^iid the Eng-lishman, " thou wilt do
well to slit tlie er.vs of this Spanish swash-buckler. 1 Avarrant mc he
liides a craven spirit beneath that slashed pourpoint. Thou art in
the right, man, to make him eat his words, lie this Crichton what
he mav, he is, at least, thy countryman, and in part mine own."

'•' And as such 1 will u))lK)ld him," said Ouilvy, " against anv

odds." .^ . .], .

'•Bravo! my valorous Don Diego Carava a," said the Sorbonist,
slapping the Spaniard on the shoulder, and speaking in his ear.
" Shall these scurvy Scots carry all before them ? — 1 warrant me,
no. AVc will make common cause against the whole beggarly
nation ; and in the meanwhile we intrust thee with this particular
quarrel. See thou acquit thyself in it as beseemeth a descendant
of the Cid."

" Account him already abased," returned Caravaja. " By
Pclayo, I would the other were at his back, that both might be
transfixed at a blow — ha !"

" To return to the sul)ject of difference,*" said the Sorbo-
nist, who was too much delighted with the prospect of a duel to
xUow the quarrel a chance of subsiding, while it Wi'S in his
power to fan the ilame ; " to return to tb.e dillerence," said he,
iiloud, glancing at Ogilvy ; " it must be conceded that, as a
Avassailer, this Crichton is without a, peer. None of us may pre-
sume to cope with him in the matter of the flask and the llagon,
though we number amongst us some jolly topers. Friar John, with
the Priestess of Bacbuc, was a washy bibber compared with him."

" He worships at the shrines of other priestesses besides hers of
Bacbuc, if I be not wrongly inibrmed ;" added iNlontaigu, who
understood the drift of his companion.

" Else Avhcrefore our rejoinder to his cartels ?" returned the Sor-
bonist. " Do you not call to mind that beneath his arrogant
defiance of our learned body, affixed to the Avails of the Sorbonne,
it was written, ' That he wlio would behold this miracle of learn-
ing must hie to the tavern or the bordel ?' Was it not so, my
hidalgo ?"

" I have myself seen him at the tcnudentive tavern of the
Falcon," returned Caravaja, " and at the lupanarian haunts in the
Champ-Gaillard and the A^al-d' Amour, You understand me — ha !"

" Ha! ha! ha!" chormsed tlic scholars. "James Crichton is no
stoic. He is a disciple of Epicurus. Vcl m pudlaiii iiiipiiKjd, vel
ill pocnlum — ha ! ha !"

" 'Tis said that he hath dealings Avith the Evil One," observed
the man of Harcourt, Avith a mysterious air ; " and that, like Jeane

12 ClllCIlTOX.

d'Arc, lie hath suiTcudoi-ccl his soul for his temporal welfare
llencc his "wondrous lore ; hence his su[)crnatural beauty and ac-
complishments ; lienec his power of lancinating tlie fair sex; lienec
his consttait run oi' luck with tluj dice; hence, also, his invtd-
nerablenc^s to tlie sword."

" 'Tis said, also, that he has a familiar spirit, who attends lam in
the semblance of a black do^-," said Montaigu.

" Or in that of a dwarf, like the sooty imp of Cosmo rjuggieri,"
said llareourt. " Is it not so ?"' he asked, turning to the Scot.

" lie lies in his throat Avho says so," cried Ogilvy, losing ail
patience. " To one and all of you 1 breathe defiance ; and there
is not a brother in the colleire to which I belong who will not
maintain my quarrel."

A loud laugh of derision fullowed this sally; and, ashamed of
having justly exposed himself to ridicule by his idle and unworthy
display of passion, the Scotsman held his peace and endeavoured
to turn a deaf car to their tauuii.

THE GELOSO 3 3

CHAPTER .II.

THE GELOSO.

Ham. — Will 3'on play upon this jjipe?

Gail. — My lord, 1 cannot.

Ham. — 1 pray you. Shakspeare.

"While liis eye glanced fiercely round upon Ins tormentors,
Ogilvy suddenly encountered the dark and earnest orbs of a youtli,
standintjj at a little distance from liim, but I'ully within hearing of
their contention, Avho appeared to take a lively interest in the
cause of quarrel, though his sympathy was evidently strongly en-
listed in behalf of the Scotsman. There was something in the
appearance of this youth that, despite tlie excitement of his feel-
ings, at once arrested the attention of Ogiivy.

In age, the youth could not be more than eighteen, perhaps not
so much, as his slight, though exquisitely symmetrical figure,
fragile even to effeminacy, denoted innnaturity. But the fire and
intelligence of his glances showed that his spirit and resolution
wcie liir in advance of his years. Tresses of jetty hair ovcr-
■sluidowcd his fiushed cheek — the olive tint of which, together
with his intensely black eyes, proclaimed him a native of some
more southern clime — while his attire, though not otherwise
singular, was neither that of a member of the university nor
.accordant with any of the received usages then adopted by the
good citizens of Paris. A cap of green Genoa velvet fell on one
side of his head ; a mantle of the same material, and of ampler fold
than was the mode, was clasped with a chain of gold, and disposed
so as best to hide his slender shape, and to give a semblance of more
manly width to his narrow proportion of shoulder.

" You are moved in my behalf, young sir," said Ogllvy, re-
marking that the youth still kept Ids eye fixed upon him, forcing
his way at the same time towards the spot where he stood. *' ^lay
1 ask to which of our academies you belong ?"

" I belong to none of your schools," replied the youth, now
shrinking from the Scot's approach as mucli as he had courted his
attention from afar. " I came hither as a stranger, attracted solely

24 CRICHTON.

by curiosity to learn the result of a disputation %vitli Avliich all
Paris rings ; and having unwittingly entered this crowd, though 1
■would fliin retire, I must now perforce abide its issue, Avhich," he
added, with sonic hesitation, and a slight increase of colour, '' will, I
trust, result in the triumph of" your peerless countryman, in whose
success I am, I own, nearly as much interested as yoursell."

There was a music in the tones that vibrated in a strange manner
upon the heart of Ogilvy.

" As I have a soul to be saved," he thought, " but that they are
boy's lips that uttered that speech, I could have sworn it was tlie
very voice of Marion; and, but that the eyes are darker, and it may
be larger, I could swear they had the ain'.e look too. l>y Saint
Andrew, but it is singular how like they are. I would gladly know,
if he be not from my own coimtry, ■what can make him express him-
self so warmly in behalf of James Crichton. Hark ye, young sir,"
lie cried aloud, "you are not, I suppose, from Scotland, are you?"

The vouth could scarce Ibrbcar a smile at the inquiry ; but he
shook his head in denial. The smile that severed the lips displayed
a row of pearls. " The very teeth are Marion's," thought Ogilvy.

"From Scotland?" shouted the Sorbonist. "Can any good
come from out that rascal country? I know this youth well — he is
one of the Gelosi — one of the Venetian troop who have the king's
licence to enact their plays at the Hotel de Bourbon. I thought I
knew the face and figure, but the voice ■was not to bo mistaken.
*Tis he who singeth the airs in the comedies ; and right well, too,
I ■warrant him. Ah! — a thought strikes me — we have a minute
or two to spare, — why not employ it in a song ? What say you, com-
rades, shall we lose this golden opportunity? — A song! — a song!"

" Bravo I — bravo !" cried the scholars, clapping their hands.
** Nothing can be better. A song by all means ;" and a circle of
faces Avas presently formed round the Geloso.

iMeanwhilc Ogilvy, not less annoyed at the turn which alTairshad
taken, than at the supposed imputations thrown out against the
stranger, for, not being untinctured by the prejudices of his country,
as to the morality of stage representations, ho entertained a feeling
of contempt, amounting almost to abhorrence, for the vocation of
an actor, thus addressed him : — " Hath he not belied thee?" he said,
"with something of distrust. " Say he hath spoken falsely — say
thou art no player — no hired mimic, and, by the pious memory of
John Knox, I will hurl back the foul aspersion in his teeth."

" I'eace !" cried the scholar of Montaigu. "Down with the fro-
ward Scot, if he oiler further interruption."

" Let him answer me, and I am dumb," returned the resolute
Ogilvy. " Once more, stranger, — have I misconstrued thee?"

" You have done so if you supposed me other than I am," replied
the youth, raising his head. " I am one of the Gelosi !"

" You hear him," cried the Sorbonist. " He admits it. Now,
give us the song ■without more ado."

THE GELOSO. 15

'*! deny not my culling," iq)llccl tlic Geloso, "but 1 ^vlll not
sing at your bidding."

" Wq ■svill sec that," returned the Sorbonist. " '^I'here are pumps
•within our courts Avhosc waters arc tws song-compelling us those ot"
Helicon. Their virtue is marvellous."

" Sangrc di Dios ! let us drag the young spark thltlier," cried
Caravaja ; *' he'll iind his voice, I'll engage, rather than brook the
catarrhs likely to be engendered by the gelid fount."

So saying he laid his hand rudely upon the Geloso''s shoulder.
The latter started back — his dark eyes shot lightnings at the ag-
gressor, while, quick as thought, he drew forth a stiletto, and
placed it at Caravaja's throat.

" "Withdraw thv hand from my person," he cried, "or by St.
Mark I will strike!''

And Caravaja, seeing from his manner that the Geloso was in
earnest, deemed it prudent to relinqttish his hold, which he did
■with a shrug and his habitual bi'ag^iiadocio exclamation.

" Bravissimo !" shouted the bystanders with renewed acclama-
tion ; "a capital tableau. It would tell famously at the Hotel
de Bourbon."

" By my faith !" said the Englishman, laughing heartily, " our
Spaniard hath the worst of it."

" I pray you, signori," said the Geloso, heedless of their sarcasm,
taking off his cap and displaying at the same time a shower of
raven ringlets. " I beseech you to let me depart without further
molestation ; I have it not in my power to comply with your
■wishes, neither do I see your title to require my com]:)liance.

Though a player, I am not Avholly unfriended; and if "

" He threatens us," said the Sorbonist ; " marked you that if?
It will never do to give up our point. The song, Signor Geloso,
and then depart as soon as you list."

" Never !" replied the Geloso ; " and I coimscl you to bewaro
how you drive me to extremities."

" if none other will take the youth's part I will." said the Eng-
lisliman ; " I care not if he be Geloso or Diaboloso. If all are
against him I am for him. The Blounts ever take the weaker
side, and Simon Blount will not disgrace the name he bears.
Come, Sir Scot, this quarrel is partly yours. Draw your blade,
man, and stand by this poor lad, who looks as if he had never seen
a blow struck belbre."

A blithe jingle of small silver bells was heard amongst the
crowd, offering a seasonable interruption to the brawl, and a very
fantastic personage, from whom the sound proceeded, strove to
press forward. He was clad in a singular parti-coloured raiment,
composed of white, crimson, and blue damask, so quaintly fashioned,
and striped with such numberless straight and horizontal lines, that
it produced the most whimsical effect imaginable. His slashed
jiiste-au-corps was puffed out at the hips in the most extravagant

16 CRiCTlTON.

ftjle, and served as an admiinblc foil to lils tliin mis-shopcn lo^^s,
decked in ]io?c of amniantliine Imc. Over lils sliouldcrs was
thrown a, surcoat which rescndjled nothing' so nearly as the vestment
whcrewitli the knave of" ehabs is arrayed, and whicli depended
in Iniire sleeves over his arms.

At tlic back of this surcoat tlic royal arms were emblazoned in
'^old tissue, and again displayed on either sleeve. Innumerable
tags, to which, as well as to the edges of his sleeves, hung the bells
in question, adorned each knee. Around his neck he wore a chain
of small medallions, stamped with devices a /afulie,the gift of his
c/uT Jlenn'ot, as he fraternally termed his royal master, and his tall
conical cap — which had superseded the old orthodox cock's-comb,
then quite out of date — had the triple points a la cornette, borne
by all the servitors of the court. In his hand he carried his ensign
of oflice — the bauble, an ebony truncheon decorated with tlie fool's
head, cast in Avrought silver. A huge escarcelle, or pouch, filled
with confectionery, of which he was immoderately fond, hung a.t
his girdle, and near it was stuck a formidable dagger of lath.

'Jhis bizarre figure was the king's favoiu-ite bufibon Chicot.

" By your leave, my masters," he cried, shouldering his way
through the crowd, and bestowing buffets with his bauble upon all
who opposed his progress. " Why would you stop me? Fully
was ever current in the University of Paris, liesides, all my
wisdom is needed. They are about to souse a singer in cold water
to give him a voice. That were a feat worthy the first ibol in
France. I should lose my post were I not to assist. Have a care,
I say. Make way for the Abbe of the Bcjauncs, though he be
not mounted on his ass as at the Feast of the Innocents."

And planting himself immediately before the Geloso, to whom
he nodded in the most familiar manner, Chicot drew his laihcn
dagger, and, with abundance of gesticulations and grimaces, bran-
dished it in the face of the students. *' This youth, wdio is my
foster-brother," said the jester (here there was a loud laugh), " is
in the right to refuse you. He is engaged for the masque to-night,
and must not exhibit himself before-hand. Our gossip Henriot is
•chary of his services. If you want music, come with us to the
gates of the Louvre. The band of the Swiss Guard is celebrated
ibr its quick movement."

" Exasperate them nut, kind sir," whispered the Geloso, " I will
rather comply with their demands, unreasonable though they be,
than endanger another's safety by reliisal. Signori," he continued,
addressing his persecutors, " I will do your bidding, provided I
am free to depart when my song is ended.""

"Agreed!" shouted the scholars, waving their caps. In an
instant the clamour ceased. A dense ring was formed around the
Geloso, while in a voice of the most exquisite modulation, tliough
with something of sarcasm in its tone, he sang the following strain,
evidently the insjjirutiou of" the moment: —

THt. iJKLOsO. 17

THE SCOTTISH CAVALIER.

Trun Scoti;i's clime to lauj,'liinf,' Franco

'I'lie peerless Cricliton came ;
Like li'iii no kiiii^lit could shiver lance,

Wielil suonl, or worshij) (iame.
Alas I eat'li maiden siylis in vain,

Jle turns a careless ear :
Tor quceidij tetters last enchain

'I'lie bcottisli cavalier !
IL
Eut not o'er camp and court, alone,

Hesisticss Cricliton rules ;
Logicians next, del'eated, own

His empire o'er the Schools,
'Gainst soplusts shrewd shall wit prevail,

ThoM'jfh t ime on tome they rear ;
And pcdan.s i>ale, as victor, hail

I'lie bcottish cavalier !

*' No move of tlii?," crictl the Sorbonist, " tliis is not tlic sodl"^
Avc bai'ujaincd lor. AVc 'will liave thy favoiivite air from La Majd-
diileiia, or the caiizunct liom La FlorinJa, or thou stirrcst not,
nion mig-non."

" Ball !" ejaculated Chicot ; " you arc no judges. The song wa3
charming, and I vote for its repetition. But the bufloonery of the:
f.i.;op at the hutcl of the Abbe dc Clugni, in the Kue des Ma-
ti'.v.rins, Avould be more in your way. What say you to a motet
from their last sotte — La Furcejoynise dcs bejaunes sopliibtes ?"

'•' Ventrcblcu! What mockery is this ?" cried one of the scho-
lars with the preposterous paper collars. " Are Ave to be chaflered.
out of our projects by yon magot-pic, Avho, having newly-esctiped
his cage, hath llown hitlier to babble at his case ?"

" 'Tis well," returned Chicot, " that, like some I wot of, I have
not arrayed myself in peacock's plumes. Strut as it may, the daw
will out; and roar as loudly and lion-like as he may, the ass is.an ass
still. Fool as I am, I am not folly's counterfeit. The ape, but
not the ape's shadow, compere. ' By the caul you may know the
calf;' that is your cry, they tell me. Now, were your calf-ship to
be judged by that rule, we could scarce find subject fitter for the
shambles."

•' A thousand devils 1" cried the enraged schoLu-. "Were yoii
ten times the licensed fool you arc, you shall repent this insolence."'

" Back !" exclaimed Blount, interposing his bludgeon so as to
ward oil" the blow aimed at the jester's sconce, " A bloody cock's-
comb were an unseemly consmnmatlon to such gay apparel. Beservo
your blows ^oy one more able to requite them. See you not hi.r
weapon is of lath ?'

" Let him keep better ndc over his tongue, then," replied tl;^
angrv scholar.

'"'JIa! ha! ha!" cried Chicot^ screaming with laughter, "stay
me not. 1 will combat Avith him to the outrance. !My marotto

1 8 ciuciiT'^y

to liis ruli", but I slay him on tlie (.■xcliangc of a stoccata. "My fecMe
shall prove his reversed

" In the mean time we are losing sight of our songster," said
the Sorhonist. " What liath become of the Geloso?"

" Vanislied, ss I think," exclaimed Caravaja. " I nowhere be-
held hiui."

" I had not remarked his departure," thought Ogilvy, " but 'tis
better thus. I could not have refused the poor youth aid m case of
need, and yet my soul revolts at the thought of being embroiled
in the quarrel of a stage-player. 'Tis strange the face should haunt
me so much. I will think of him no more."

But, in spite of his resolution, Ogilvy could not prevent his eyes
from wandering amongst the distant ranks of the scholars in search
of the fugitive, liis quest was vain. During the confusion created
by the jester's deliance of the student, and not improbably by his
connivance, or that of the Englishman, the G;j1oso had contrived,
unobserved, to make good his retreat.

" Hath Maitre Chicot secreted him in his escarcelle ? It is largo
enough," said llarcourt.

" (Jr in the sleeves of his surcoat?" said the Bernardin.

" Or swallowed him, as Gargantua did the pilgrim," added
Caravaja, laughing.

" Or as thou wouldst a cup of Val dc Penas, Avere it proffered
thee ; or thine own words, if need be, Seiior CabalWo." said the
jester.

*•' Senor Satan!" roared Caravaja, unshc;;thing his sword; "1
will carve thee into as many slices as there are patches in thy
jerkin — sa — ha !"

" Or as there arc dints on thy sword, of thine own notching,"
rejoined Chicot, with a malignant grin; " or oaths in thy moutli, of
thine own coining. Or lies in thy brain, of thine own hatching. Or
dice in thy pocket, of thine own loading. Or pence in thy pouch, of
mine own pilfering. Or scars in thy back, of thine own procuring
^ha! ha! Slued me into as many pieces as a Spanish onion,
and the number shall yet be far below thy own countless pecca-
dilloes — sa — ha !"

" Sangrc di Dios! Give me way to the scurrilous ribald,"
vociferated Caravaja, furious as a bull chafed by the matador,
nourishing liis rapier and stamping on the ground, and with diih-
culiy wiiliheld by the students. But nothing could check the
wild exhilaration of the jester, who was nigh convulsed with
laughter at the inellectual attempts of the vindictive Spaniard to
reach him. He exhibited no alarm, but stood his ground as care-
lessly as if no danger threatened him. Nay, he even continued his
galling mockery, and might, in all probability, have paid the
penalty of his rashness, if a new incident hud not occurred, which
operated as a diversion in his i'avour.

The gates of the College of Navarre were suddenly tlu'own open,

THE GELOSO. 1 9

and a long-contimicd thunder of applause bursting from witliin, an-
nounced the conchislon of the debate. That it had terminated in
favour of Criehton could no longer be doubted, as his name formed
the burden of all the plaudits with which the courts were ringing.
All Vv'as excitement: there was a general movement. Ogilvy could
no longer restrain himself. Pushing forward by prodigious cllbrts,
he secured himself a position at the portal.

The first person who presented himself to his inquiring eyes, was
a gallant llgure in a glittering steel corslet, crossed by a silken
sash, who bore at his side a long sword with a magniticent handle,
and upon his shoulder a lance of some six feet in length, headed
with a long scarlet tnsscl, and brass half-moon pendant. " Is not
Criehton victorious?" asked Ogilvy of Captain Larchant, for he it
was.

" Pie hath acquitted himself to admiration," replied the guards-
man, who, contrary to the custom of such gentry (for captains of
the guard have been fine gentlemen in all ages), did not appear to
be displeased at this appeal to his courtesy, "-and the rector hath
adjudged him all the honours that can be bestowed by the uni-
versity."

"lluvrah for old Scotland," shouted Ogilvy, throwing his bon-
net in the air, "I was sure it would be so; this is a day worth
living for. Hccc olim vieininlsse juvabit !"

" Thou at least shall have reason to remember it," muttered Ca-
ravaja, who being opposite to him, heard the exclamation — "and
he too, perchance," he added, frowning gloomily, and drawing his
cloak over his shoulder.

" If the noble Cricliton be compatriot of yours, you are in tlio
right to be proud of him," replied Captain Larchant, " for the
memory of his deeds of this day will live as long as learning shall
be held in reverence. Never before hath such a marvellous display
of universal erudition been heard within these schools. -By my
liiith, I am absolutely wonder-stricken, and not i alone, but all. In
proof of whicli I need only tell you, that coupling liis matchless
scholarship with his extraordinary accomplishments, the professors
in their address to him at the close of the controversy, have be-
stowed upon him the epithet of ' admirable' — an appellation by
which he will ever after be distinguished."

" The Admirable Criehton 1" echoed Ogilvy — " hear you that ! —
a title adjudged to him by the whole conclave of the luiiversity —
hurrah! The Admirable CiiicnTON ! ^Tis a name will find
an echo in the heart of every true Scot. By Saint Andrew ! this is
a proud day for us."

''hx the meantime," said Larchant, smiling at Ogilvy's exulta-
tions, and describing a circle with the point of his lance, " I mu#t
trouble you to stand back, ^Messieurs Scholars, and leave free pa:^-
eaj;e for the rector and his train. — Archers advance, and make clea?

20 CRiciiTOir.

the way, and let the companies of the Baron D'Epcrnon and of the
Vlcomtc dc Joycuse be summoned as •well as the guard of his ex-
cellency, Seigneur Kenc dc Ville(juier. Patience, mcs!?iciirs, you
will hear all particulars luion.*'

So saying, he retired, and the men-at-arms, less complaisnut
than their leaders, soon succeeded in ibrcing back the crowd.

THE RECTOR OF THE UNlVliESITY Oi; fAKIS. 31

CHAPTER IIL

THE EECTOR OF THE UNIVERSITY OP PARIS.

Tlie rector now finding it hii^h time to give some relaxation to these wort'iy
spirits, v'hieli, during siicli a long space had been so iiitenscl}' bent upon tlio
abstrusest speculations, rose up, and saluting the divine Crichton, after he had
made an e'egant panegyric, or encomiastic speech of half an hour's continuance,
tending to nothing else but the extolling of hini for the rare and most singular
gifts witli which God and nature had endoweil him, presented him witii a diamond
ring, and a purse full of gold. — Sut TiiojiAS Urquiiart.

As the avchci-s advanced, and posted one of their number at
every interval of ten paces, the scholars drew back, and, with
almost military precision, formed themselves into two solid bodies.

A profound hush of expectation reigned tliroughout their lines.-
Each eye was directed towards the embrowned archway of the
Academy, but not a word was uttered. All remained in postures
as motionless as those of the statues of Philippe-lc-Bcl and Jeanne
de Navarre his spouse (the foundress of the institution), who looked
from their niches on the portal like mute spectators of the scene.

Meanwhile, from out the gateway there issued sitch a constant
stream of grave and gowned dignitaries, that the space between
the two files of students was presently fdlcd up by a moving mass
of robes and caps. First, flourishing his rod of ollicc; a blue wand
plentifully besprinkled with fleurs-de-lis of gold, alternately plant-
ing it on the ground, or elevating it in the air, with a strut and
simper worthy of IMalvolio, strode forth the clerk of the messengers,
who bore upon his tunic the blazon of the university, namely, a hand
descending from the sky, holding a book, surrounded by three
ilcurs-(Je-lis, or, on a field, azure. Glancing at the scholars Avith
a supercilious smile, the herald passed on. Next came the bedels
and the minor bedels of all Faculties, wdio by some accident
were so jumbled together that it was impossible to determine or
arrange any order of precedence. All put their best feet fore-
inost. jNIcdicine trod hard on the licels of Theology and the
.Arts, while Civil Law appeared most uncivilly inclined to out-
strip all three. These bedels or grediers were jolly robustious
fouls, bending beneath the weight of their ponderous silver maces,
and attired in gowns of black, blue, violet, or dark red, each colour

2i CKICIITO:>.

dcnolinpf the Faculty to ■\vliich the ■weaver pertained. To the bedels
succeeded a confusion worse confounded, in the heads of the Facul-
ties themselves, avIio strove in vain to collect together their scat-
tered forces, or to form them into any thing like processional array.

Violations of collegiate etifjuette took place each instant. Hero
vras a Doctor oi' Theology in his black cope edged with ermine, by
the side of a procureur of the Nations, in his red I'obe of office; a
propinquiiy which the Theologian internally execrated, and openly
rcsfjited. There a Doctor of Medicine in his scarlet cope, trimmed
with minever, was elbowed by a licentiate of Theology, who hap-
pened to be suppler of joint, and who was arrayed in cope of sable
bordered with white fur. No degrees Avere resjicctcd. The
Doctoi-s of the Canon and Civil Law, who had kept together
during the debate, and wlioso costume consisted of scarlet robes
with hoods of fur, were most scandalously luistled in maintaining
their ground against a rush of youthful baclielors of INledicine.

Notwithstanding all this confusion of raiments, which Averc so
massed and heaped together as to present an almost rainbow variety
of tints in the ravs of the setting sun — notwithstanding the utter
want of order Avliich occasioned much objurgation on the ])art of
the seniors, and not a little expenditure of patience as well as of
ermine, by tlieir too close pi'oximity to each other — notwithstand-
ing all this, the whole body of Doctors, Professors, Bachelor?, and
Licentiates, were imanimous upon one point — viz. that the dispu-
tation at which they had assisted had been more admirably con-
tested than any controversy since the days of Petrus Abelardus, and
Berengarlus, and that in vanquishing them Crichton had vanquished
the whole world of science and learning.

Suddenly the shrill blast of a trumpet shook the air, and echoed
far down the hill of St. Genevieve. The call was immediately an-
swered by the trampling of a troop of horsemen in the distance.
Presently the clatter of hoofs drew nearer, and a few seconds had
not elapsed ere two companies, each consisting of fifty archers of
the body-guard, fully accoutred and superbly mounted, rode into
the area and drew up in the rear of the students. Besides this
jirray of soldiery might be seen the numerous retinue of Rene de
Villcquier, composed not merelv of his own lacqueys and attendants
in their sumptuous apparel of blue and red cloth, but of certain
armed cross-bowmen of the Guet Royal, headed by their chevalier,
Avho surrounded the governor's huge unwicldly caroche of state
and richly caparisoned Flanders horses. Altogether it was a gal-
lant sight; and the scholars, though not entirely satisfied with the
presence of so many intruders, and perhaps not wholly unawed by
their numbers, manil'ested no further show of discontent.

A pause now took place in the procession. The foremost in ad-
vance came to a halt, and the whole body wheeled roimd and
iaced the college. Three semicircles were thus formed, of which
tlie professors described the inner and the lesser, the archers oa

THE RECTOR OF THE UNIVERSITY OF PARIS. 23

lioiscback tlie outer and wider, and tlic student? the intermediate
and den-er circle. Still, however, a small vacant space was pr<' •
served before the portal.

At this instant a murmur arose amongst the schoolmen. " Pie
comes, — he comes" — llew from one to other with the rapidity of
lightning. Four other mace-bearers, walking abreast, strode deli-
berately through the gateway, as if they had been the only objects
of interest, and drew up two on either side.

The course was now completely unobstructed. The rector ap-
peared. He was a man of venerable aspect and majestic mien, and
well became the magnificent apparel — the ample stole of scarlet,
and mantle of snowy ermine, in which, as chief of the university,
he was clad. A sash of sky-blue silk crossed his robe, and sustained
a sumptuous velvet escarccUc, fringed with lace and decorated with
buttons of gold. Upon his head he Avorc the square cap of a
Doctor of Theolo^'v.

At his side, and on his right, walked one on whom all eyes
"vvere bent with wonder and curiosity. The rector and his com-
panion stopped without the gateway, when, as if they were in-
iluenced by some sudden and uncontrollable impulse, one long,
loud, continuous acclamation burst from the ranks of the scholars.
Nor were the graver members of the university silent. Even the
Doctors of Theology lent the aid of their voices; while tlie archers,
'•aising themselves in their stirrups, lilted their helmets from their
brows, and waving them in the air, increased and prolonged the
•clamour by their vociferations.

James Crichton possessed an exterior so striking and a manner
so eminently prepossessing, that his mere appearance seemed to
act like a spell on the beholders. The strongest sympathy was
instantly and universally excited in his favour. Youth is ever in-
teresting; but youth so richly graced as his could not fail to
produce an extraordinary impression. At the sight of him the
■whole aspect of things was changed. Enthusiasm, amounting
almost to devotion, usurped the place of animosity, and all vin^
dictive feelings resulting from wounded pride or other petty am oy-
ances, were obliterated or forgotten. Even discomfiture wore the
aspect of victory.

But in the demeanour of the victor no external sign of self-
elation was perceptible. He might not be insensible to the distinc-
tion of his achievement, but he did not plume himself upon it, or
rather, with the modesty ever inherent in true greatness, appea ed
to iniderratc his own success. His cheek was slightly Hushed, and
a smile of tempered satisfaction played upon his countenance as ho
acknowledged the stunning applauses of the concourse before him.
No traces of over-e.xertion or excitement were visible in his fcatuxes
or deportment. His brow was unclouded, his look serene, his step
buoyant ; — and, as his blight eye wandered over the multitude,
there was not an individual upon whom his gaze momentar ly
tested, but he felt his heart \qvi> within his breast.

24 CRICHTON.

The countenance of Cricliton Avas one that Phidias might have
pourti"a3^ed, so nearly did its elevated character of beauty approach
to the standard of perfection erected by the great Athenian sculp-
tor. Chiselled like those of some ancient head of the Delphic god,
the features were "wrought with the utmost fineness and precision
— the contour of the face was classical and harmonious — the lip?
were firm, i'uU, and fraught with sensibility, yet giving token of
dauntless resolution — the chin was proudly curved — the nose
Grecian — the nostril thin and haughty — the brow ample and
majestical, shaded by hair of light brown, disposed in thick ringlets,
after the manner of the antique* There was a brilliancy and
IVeshness in Crichton's compleixion, the more surprising, as the
pallid hue and debilitated look of the toil-worn student might more
naturally be expected in his features than the sparkling bloom of
health. A slight moustache feathered his upper lip, and a short,
pointed beard, clothed his chin, and added to the manliness of his
aspect.

Crichton's attire, which partook more of his chivalrous than of his
scholastic character, was that of a complete gentleman of the period,
and was calculated to display to the utmost advantage the faultless
svmmetry of figure with wliich nature, not less lavish than art and
science in her gifts, had endowed him. A doublet of white da-
mask, slashed with black bands of the same material, crossed by
other bands, so as to form a sort of grating, buttoned from the throat
to the girdle, and fitting closely to the pci'son, revealed the outline
of his full Antlnous-llke chest, as well as his slender circumference
of waist ; while tlie just proportions of his lower limbs were as ac-
curately defined by the satin hose, similar in colour to his doublet,
and similarly slashed, in which they were enveloped. A short
Spanish cloak of black velvet, edged with gold lace, hung from
his left shoulder, and descended as low as the elbow. His arms
were a rapier and a poignard, suspended from a richly ornamented
girdle. Boots of bull-skin, sharply pointed at the top, as was then
the mode, were fitted upon feet that seemed almost diminutive in
comparison with the lofty stature of the wearer. His hat was
looped with a diamond buckle, and crested by a single green
feather.

To the modern observer, perhaps the triple folds of hk rufF and
the voluminous width of his sleeve might appear formal and redun-
dant ; but these exuberances were then altogether unnoticed, or
possibly regarded with as much complacency as a sleeve a (jifjot
mi'dit be at the present time. In soothe, despite its stilliicss and ex-
travagance, there was something picturesque and imposing in the
court costume of Henri Trois (who, if he had no especial genius
for monarchy, had unquestionably a great talent for the toilet), that
amply redeemed its incongruities of taste. Crichton's figure, how-

* Cricliton is described in the letter of Aldus IManutiiis to the Dulie of Sora
elsewhere quoted, as '•'■ yiunde ui stutuia, di julv bunah, et d'asjieltu LiUianinio"

Tin: IIFXTOR OF THE UNIVERSITY OF TAIIIS. 25

ever, owed little to tlie adventitious circumstance of dress, and in
lact was "wholly independent of it.

As Crichton lin<j;ered lor an instant beneath the shadow of llie
arcliway, the rector laid his hand upon his shoulder, with the inten-
tion, apparently, of arrestin:^ for a short space his further progress.
He was not, perhaps, unwilling to adbrd the junior members of the
iiniversitv, who had been debarred from attending the disputation,
ii momentary opportunity of noting the striking personal appear-
ance of one, whose name Avould long be associated with its annals,
or it might be that he was influenced by some ulterior motive.
AV^hatever occasioned the delay, it was a matter of gratulation to
the scholars, wdio renewed their applauses in consequence.

" By the rood !" exclaimed the Sorbonlst, " I am glad they have
come to a pause. We were out in our reckoning, Don Diego; this
Crichton is a perfect knight of romance, a Bayard as well as a
Politian. Was there ever such a combination of qualities ? I can
scarce credit my senses when I look at him. Why, he hath barely a
l^eard upon his chin, and yet to vanquish all our reverend doctors !
Shame and confusion to them, and glory and renown to /lim."

" Humph !" muttered Caravaja, " Will he pass by us, thiidc
you ?"

" I know not," returned the Sorbonlst, " let us, if possible, get
nearer. Methinks old Adricn is making up his mouth to a
speech. He deserves to be hooted for his pains — the toothless
mumbler I But we will liear what he lias to say. Perhaps he may
make out a good case. Our Scot, I see, is in the fore ranks, and
shouting loud enough to split our ears and his own lungs. Peace,
in front, I say! Keep him in view, my hidalgo, or we may lose
lilm in the confusion."

" I will do more," returned Caravaja, " I will dog him like hig
own shadow. Cuerpo ! he 'scapes me not, rely on it. Canst thou
not aid me to approach him ?"

" iNIy elbows are at your service," replied the Sorbonlst, " bravely
clone ! We have effected a passage with more ease than I antici-
])atcd, thanks to thy sharp bones. By my lalth, we are in the very
.nick of time. Look at the Seigneurs d'Epcrnon and Joyeuse.
They are accounted the handsomest, as the}'- are the bravest of our
king's court; and yet, certes, peerless cavaliers though they be, they
bear no comparison Avith this northern luminary."

" You own it !" cried Ogilvy, whom the speakers had ap-
proached ; " you admit my countryman's superiority — I am satis-
fied. Let not our quarrel go further. How say you, Sir Spaniard,
will you refuse me your hand? I was hasty, and rec;k'd not what I
said. We will drown the remembrance of our brawl over a stoop
of claret. I would willingly drink a cup to the health of our ad-
mirable Crichton."

Ogilvy stretched out his hand. Caravaja, however, hesitated to
accept it. " By the cinders of St. Anthony!" he muttered, "the
<Iut:lo must take its course."

2G ClilCIlTON'.

" St. Anthony forercnd !" Avlilspcrcd tlic Sorbonlst. " A cup of
claret slicd in the tavern is better than blood spilt in the dnth.
besides," he added, in a still lower key; " that need be no hind-
i-ance to the subsequent arrangement of the affair, if yon sco
lltting. I warrant me, you will readily find new grounds for offence.
tSwallow thy indignation," he continued, aloud, " and take the hand
of the valiant Scot."

" l^)ien," said Caravaja, apparently convinced by the reason-
ing of the Sorbonist ; " I assent. Wc will compotato to the liealth
of 'The Admirable Crichton,' since such is the epithet by which
he is henceforth to be distinguished."

" Enough," said Ogilvy, gi'asping the hand of the Spmiiard ;
" quit not my side in the press — or meet me anon at the Pine
Apple."

" Conclude me there already," returned Caravnja.

]\[eantime, all the more distinguished auditors of the disputation,
including the Governor of Paris, the ambassadors, tlie Vicomte do
Joyeuse, and the IJaron d'Epernon, who, with some others (ushered
forth by the grand master of the College of Navarre, Doctor Launoi,
and escorted by the two principals of dialectics and philosophy),
liad followed close upon the steps of the rector, were drawn up in a
small phalanx beside them, and appeared to await their further
movements. Amidst this group, the stately figures and magnifi-
cent accoutrements of the two favourites of the king stood out
conspicuously. Both were esteemed the flower of the cliivalry of
their time, and both were equally remarkable for their gallantry,
their good looks, and reckless courage. Jean-Louis de Nogaret
de la Valette, Baron d'Epernon possessed many brilliant qualities.
To his vigour and address, Henri was subsequently indebted for
the preservation of his throne; and to him might be traced the ulti-
mate overthrow of the Guises, wdiom he bitterly hated, and uni-
forndy opposed. D'Epernon still wore a suit of sables in memory
of liis brother-in-arms, Saint Megrin, assassinated by order
of the Duke of INIayenne, on suspicion of an amour with h\\
gister-in-law, the Duchess of Guise. His mourning, however,
was of the most costly description, and his black mantle was em-
broidered with tho cross of the Holy Ghost in orange-coloured
velvet, passmented with silver, of which newly-instituted order,
he, as well as his companion, was a knight-commander. Joy-
euse was radiant in orange-coloured satin, and velvet of the
most dazzling hues. Nothing could be more splendid than
liis attire, unless, perhaps, it was that of Bene de Villequier,
•who, being also a Knight Commander of the Holy Ghost, was upon
this occasion bedizened in all the finery of its full paraphernalia, the
doublet and hose of silver tissue, and the sweeping mantle of
black velvet bordered Avith fleurs-de-lis of gold and tongues of
llame intermingled Avith the royol cypher. From the necks of all
three, suspended by a blue riband, hung the decoration of the lesser
order, a small elaborately chased cross and dove of silver.

THE HECTOR OF THE UNIVERSITY OF PARIS. 27

Amongst this o-rc^ip also were to be seen tlic Abbe do Brantum«
and the poet llonsard. Hrantomc liad a piercing eye, a thin
visage, and a nose sUghtly aquiline. Imnrcnse moustaches clothed
his long upper lip, but his lolty brow was almost entirely destitute
ol' hair. Tliere was nnich of the courtier in his manner, but his
smile was sai'castic, and a vein of irony miglit be detected even
in liis most flowery compliments. A sneer was habitual to his lips,
and his eye, though full and keen, was enclosed witliin lids of a
pinkish hue and blear expression, sulliciently indicating the liber-
tuiage of his character. His attire was in the court lashion. His
doublet was of a deep blue, slaslied with white, the colours of
iNIarguerite de Valois, whose miniature he wore attached to a chain
of medallions. He bore, also, the order of St. Michael, then,
however, in great disrepute, and called le Colliir a touts hcte. The
Abbe de Brantome Avas then a man of middle age, somewhat on
the wane ; and Jiis frame appeared prematurely Avithered. His
shoulders were bent, and his legs slirunk witliin Ins hose. His look
M'as sharp, suspicious penetrating; and his general manner that
of a shrewd and accurate observer.

Age, and perhaps the life of sensuality he was known to have
led, had indeed conunitted sad havoc upon the once well-favom-ed
person of the poet Konsard. He was no hunger the heati Page
Avhose manner fascinated James of Scotland, and, perchance, his
Queen. Nor Avas he Avhat he sung of himself, Avhen, near his
fortieth year, he said —

" Trcntc et sopt ans passez, et encore n'ai-je atteint
])'ans, ni de maladic, et en toutes les sortes
j\Ies nerfs sont bieii tcndtis, et mes veincs bien fortes ;
Et si j'ai le teint pale et le cheveu grison,
i\Ies membres toutcfois sont hors de saison."

He noAV complained both of ill healtli and years. Sucb locks as
remained had become " sable silvered." His tint of skin Avas dull
and deadly pale; and, so grievously tormented Avas he Avitli his old
enemy, the gout, that he Avas compelled to support his frame, at
least on the present occasion, upon a crutch. Nevertheless, though
gross of person, the countenance of the poet Avas handsome and
intelligent, and, except Avhen an awkward tAvingc crossed it, ex-
pressive of extreme good humour.

" INlethinks, my dear Abbe," said Konsard, looking around
Avitli some mieasiness, and addressing Brantome, "it Avere scarce
Avise to liaA'C called together this tumultuous array. Our Caesar
may be crowned in the Capitol Avhile aa-c are sacrificed at his
oxation. I am too Avell acquainted Avitli the force of the poet's
Avords —

Monstrari digito et dicier ' hie est' —

as occasionally exemplified toA\'ards me by the students, to desire
any turther illustration of their abilities in my OAA'n person."

*' You have changed your tune since the reception of your last

28 CRICIITON.

masque, brotlicr bard," said Cliicot, wlio liad forced liimsclf, un-
pcrccivcd, ainon<jjst them. " These same scholars, I remember,
were once the only patrons of the Muses. Now they have lost
their discrimination. But ^-ive yourself no trouble: you will pass
unnoticed this time, depend on't, jgossip. Even I, you see, ibr a
marvel, have escaped attention.''

'• Then, of a surety, I will put myself under thy escort," said the
poet, seizing the arm of the jester. " It was the abandonment of
folly that hath brought me into disrepute. Thou shalt help me to
amend. But what hath brought one of thy calling into the haunts
of wisdom, my meriv gossip?"

" Wisdom and folly are nearer ahin than you suppose," returned
Chicot; " and fools who have soared to a greater height than I can
ever aspire, have been caught within these owl-roosts. 1 like ii
fine sight as well as my neighbours ; and though I care not to be
bespattered with a shower of nns and ntnims, or sit out a twclve-
liours' bout of rhetoric and philosophy, where, if one man hath not
all the talk to hinisclt', he, at least, doth his best to silence his com-
rades, I am mightily pleased to come in, as it were, for the last act
of a dull comedy, and to enjoy a laugh at the veteran stagers who
liave been driven oil" the boards by a youthful actor, who, though
he hath spent but a tithe of the time in the service, understandeth
their craft better than themselves."

" Have a care, sirrah," said Brantomc; " thou art within hear-
ing of James Crichton."

"James Crichton will acquit me of flattery, then," rejoined
the jester. " I am one of those who speak truth behind a man's
back, and falsehood to his face, and care not to avouch it. Pierre
de Bourdeille, a word in thine ear ! Thou wearest thy mistress's
colour? on thy pourpoint, and her miniature at thy neck, but she
hath another image than thine at her heart. Take a fool's counsel,
and forget her."

Brantome reddened with anger; but Chicot, who had all the
galling pertinacity of a gadlly, continued,

" You Avho are so well versed in history, seigneur, will assuredly
recollect the tradition of the fair queen, wdio founded this old pile,
and whose statue graces its doorway, how, above all her courtly
train, she smiled uf)ou the schohir Buridan ; and how, within her
bower upon the Seine, she- — but you mind the tale, I see — me-
thinks we might find a modern parallel to that ancient legend.
Alter all, Jeanne de Navarre was but a fickle jade, and played her
lovers scurvy tricks. Ilaiha!" And bursting into a loud laugh,
the jester flew to the side of the Vicomte de Joyeuse fur pro-
tection.

" Well encountered, cousin D'Arqucs," he said ; " our dear
rienriot needed thy presence at the fair of Saint Germain this
morning. ILidst thou or D'Epernon been with him, the insult he
brooked would not luue passed luuicticed."

THE RECTOR OF THE UXIVERSITY OF PARIS. 29

" Wliat Insult do you allude to?" askt'J the viconUe, ea^ijcrly.
"Let me liear it, that I may yet avenge it!"

" 'Tis a matter of little moment,"" returned Chicot ; " you slinll
know anon — that is, when your escort draws up to the gateway.
It relates to yon graceless students, who have been studying court
fashions rather than scholarly discourse ; and liaving plucked a
leaf out of your books, have twisted it fool-fashion round their
necks, as you perceive."

" I observe thein," replied Joyeuse. " 'Tis an insolent device
of the Guise or his faction. I would brain the knaves, but it were
idle to bestow a thought on the puppets while the charlatan show-
man is to be met with "

'* Our gossip, Ilcnriot, thought otherwise," said the jester,
"■when these varlcts roared within ear-shot of him, ' a la fiuhe on
coiuioU le vddu r "

" J\Iort-Dleu !" exxlaimed Joyeuse. " What ho ! there, Captain
Larchant 1 l^ummon my company of archers, and give me my
horse ! To the saddle, D'Epernon, and bring up thy qnarante-cinq.
We will disperse this rabble rout ! We will bind them hand and
heel — scourge them to the bone — slay in case of resistance ! — to
the saddle, 1 say !"

" Moderate your choler, Joyeuse," said D'Epernon, liolding back
the vicomte, and addressing him in a low tone. " You will only
incur his majesty's displeasure by involvingyourself in a broil with
the University, and gladden the hearts of the Guisards and the
Leaguers, who would rejoice in your rashness. The present is not
fitting season for retaliation. We will find surer means of ven-
geance."

" I would spurn the canailh beneath my charger's feet," replied
Joyeuse, " but bo it as you will. The rector, 1 know, is as jealous
of his privileges as the Guise of his duchess, and we might not,
perhaps, have sufficient plea of justification. Let him hang the
knaves himself, and I am satisfied. 'Twill save the provost marshal
a labour."

" All in good time," replied D'Epernon, " and his conference
with Crichton concluded, the rector appears inclined to address
his cari alumni. I trust in terms of sufficient reprobation."

The rector, who had, apparently much against Crichton's in-
clination, detained him in earnest conversation at the portal, now
turned towards the scholars, intimating his intention of addressing
them. The clamour ceased as soon as his gestures were understood.

" Messieurs scholars of the University of Paris," he said, " you
have already learned, I doubt not, that your most erudite doctors
and professors have this day sustained a defeat; a defeat, how-
ever, -which, while it reflects no disgrace on the conquered,
enhances the glory of the victor. In the whole circle of science
and learning James Crichton hath approved his supremacy, and
we willingly surrender to hiin our laurels, ^hxy he long continue

so CRicnxox.

to wear tlicm, and may his career, the dawn of wliich issobrilUant,
be equally glorious at its close ! Like the creat poet Dante he
came hither unknown. Like Dante he departcth witli a reputation
■\vhieli will be blazed throughout all the schools of Europe, Li
earnest of the profound admiration Avhich, in common with all the
principals of the university, I entertain for his transcendant abilities
and matchless scholarship, in their names and in my own name, in
your behalf and in that of every member of the imlversity by
■whom learning is reverenced, and with whom genius is held sacred,
I would tender lor his acceptance, as a mark of our esteem and
veneration, this ring; which I trust he will not disdain to Avear
upon his person as a trophy of the conquest he has this day
achieved, and in remembrance of the university he has vanquished.
And that every member of the university may participate in this
expression of our sentiments towards the Admirable Crichton, I
have taken this public opportunity of their manifestation. Scholars
of Paris, have I not your approval and concurrence ?"

A thunder of applause succeeded the rector's oration, and a thou-
fcand hurrahs responded to his appeal. All eyes were now turned to
Crichton, who, it was evident, only awaited a cessation of the cla-
mour to address the assemblage in his turn. Silence was instantly
commanded; and scarce a breath was drawn as he spoke, so intent
were all upon catching each syllable that fell from his lips.

" When the Phoenix of his age," began Crichton, in a voice distinct
and musical, "and the favourite of the Muses, Picus of IMirandula,
was proffered all the honours of the Roman School, he declined them,
saying that he felt his own unworthiness, and that he had acquired
more distinction than was his due in having obtained a hearing at
their hands. In imitation of the conduct of this illustrious prince,
though with far less claim to the same honourable note, I would
say that I neither deserve nor desire further distinction than I have
gained. Fortune has already favoured me beyond my deserts. 1
have engaged in amicable strife with men wdiose intellectual supe-
riority 1 ain ready to acknowledge, and who, if I have worsted
them in argument, have been foiled solely because I made a better
choice of weapons, and happened to be the more skilful in their use.
I am not blinded by self-esteem. I do not attribute my victory
to other than its right causes. Like most of the great events of
life, its issue has been the result of chance, Avhich lias upon this
occasion declared itself in my fa^'our. Were the contest to be
renewed on the morrow, 1 might be placed in the position of my
opponents. Courtesy to a stranger, and consideration for his youth,
have restrained my adversaries liom putting forth their strength.
Some such i'eelings must have had their inlluence. Grant, how-
ever, that I have triumphed. You have bestowed upon me your
applause. I am fully requited. Trophies of victory whicli may
be wrested from me as soon as won arc of little avail. Belter

THE HECTOR OF THE UNIVERSITY OF PARIS. 31

men may appear — Pl/ircs liabet Sjxirla Brasilia imVinrcs. My
ambition lias a liuiiJrcJ goals, which it would fain roach.

" Magiuun iter iiitcmlo, scil dat niilii gloria vires."

" Live Cricliton ! Live the Atliuirablc Crichtou I — Kinjc Oplinief
Kufjf! Enrje r shouted the scholars.

Crichtou gracefully saluted the asseuihlage and would have re-
tired, it' he had not been withheld by the rector. " You must per-
force accept this gem," said the latter; " the gilts of the University of
]*aris are not wont to be slighted," and taking a brilliant diamond
ring from his forelinger^ and loosening the velvet escarcelle from
Ills sash, Messire Adrien d'Amboisc presented them to Cricliton.

" I may not decline your olFer," replied Cricliton, reluctantly re-
ceiving the prolleredgem, " since you thus press it upon me, though
I I'eel how little I merit it. The ring I shall prize, but as to the
contents of the purse, you must suffer me to dispose of them as I
shall sec fitting."

" The purse is yours; do with its contents what you think proper,"
said the rector.

Crichton rcuiovcd the ring, and taking forth the crowns of
gold with which the escarcelle was filled, threw them amongst
the crowd of scholars. A violent commotion ensued, during
which many of the students broke through the lines and ap-
proached close to the persons of Crichton and the rector. One of
these, a youth, who for some space had held his green mantle be-
i'ore his liice, now rushed forward, and prostrating himself before
Crichton, threw down a garland of twisted bay-leaves at his I'eet.

" Disdain not my ollering. Seigneur Crichton," he said, in a low
and timid voice, " simple though it be, and all imworthy your ac-
ceptance. I will myself wind it round your brows, if I receive your
gracious permission to do so.""

" Ketlre, thou forward youth," said the rector, gravely. " This is
presiunption."

'* I pray you excuse him," said Crichton, " the compliment is too
flattering to be declined, and, let me add, the mode in which it is
conveyed is too graceful to be unwelcome. I accept your wreath,
^--oung sir, and beg you to ari.se. But v/hcrefore," he added,
with a smile,, "did you imagine I should come off victorious?
Surely there was nothing to warrant such a conclusion. And had
I returned inglorlously, this garland would have been wholly
thrown away."

The youth arose, and fixed his dark eyes full upon Crichton'a
countenance. " AVhatever the Admirable Crichton shall undertake,
in that he Avill excel all men," he said. "With him to engage iu
.a conflict is to obtain a victory. I w^as assured of his success."

" Your looks are sincere, and I will not distrust your words," re-
plied Crichton. " Your f ice resembles one I have seen, thou;;li
■where I cannot call to mind. Are you of these colleges ?"

32 CllICIITON.

" IIo is one of tlic Golo;-!, sir," snid Oc^ilvy, wlio, together with
Cnravaja and the Sorboni?;t, had forced liimself into tiie vicinity of
Ci'ichton. " Be not deceived by his lionest look, as I have been.
llcnce, youth, and take thv niiunnieiies with thee."

" One of the Gelosi !" exclaimed Crichton. " Ha ! now I remem-
ber the features. 'Tis the youth I have seen so oft. But why
avert thy head, gentle boy? I have said nothing, I trust, to wound
thy feelings ?"

The Geloso appeared crimsoned with shame. " Tell me," con-
tinued Crichton, "what may mean that masked figure whom I have
seen for e\'er hovering nigh thee in thy walks? nay, that seems like
thy shadow at the Hotel de Bourbon. Is it a device of thine own
to attract curiosity, young sir? If so, I can tell thee thou hast
succeeded. Even the royal Henri has noticed the singularity of
the figure."

" Have you, likewise, remarked that mask, signor?" rcj)lied the
Geloso, with an expression of imeasiness almost amounting to ter-
ror. " I have often thought it a trick of my own imagination. But
you liave seen it likewise !"

*• I have," replied Crichton; " but mcthinks you answer evasively.
I thought more of sincerity dwelt in those earnest eyes. Your
present action is but, I fear, an artifice to Avin attention."

So saying he turned from him. The Geloso attempted to
reply, but retired abashed. Ogilvy was about to thrust him back,
but perceiving that the youth had shrouded his flice with his
mantle, and voluntarily witlidrawn himself, he desisted.

There was something in the manner of the youth that struck
Crichton; and his feelings reproached him with undue severity to-
wards him. Laying his hand upon his shoulder, he addressed a
lew words to him in a more kindly tone.

The Geloso raised his eyes. The black orbs were fdlcd with
tears. He looked with a blinded gaze on Crichton, and thence at
the hand which he still suflercd to remain upon his shoulder. Sud-
denly he started. He pressed his hand across his eyes. He pointed
to Crichton's finger. " The ring!" he exclaimed. " Did you not
place it there?"

Surprised at the youth's emotion, and at the inquiry, Crichton
looked at the finger upon which lie had scarcely a moment ago
placed the gift of the rector. Tiie ring was wanting.

Unable to account for this extraordinary occurrence, and not
■Nvltiiout some suspicions of the youth himself, Crichton fixed a
cold scrutinising glance upon hiiii. The Geloso shuddered slightly
at the expression of his glance, but quailed not beneath it. " He
cannot have done it,''' thought Crichton. " I'alschood could not
dwell in looks so guileless."

At this instant tliere was a further rush amon-j^st the scholars.
Ogilvy and the Geloso were forcibly propelled against Crichton.
A knife was seen to glitter in the air. From its position it seemed

AX KNGLISII BULL- DOG. 3?

to be grasped by the luiiul of Ogilvy. For an instant tlic steel
Avas suspended over tlie liead of Crichton. The (ieloso saw it.
Utteiing a loud eiy of warning, lie t'nrfw himself in the way of
the blow. The blade dcsecnded. The arms of the youth were
entwined round Criehton's neck. In an instant he found himselt
deluged in blood.

A\'it]i Crii'hton to draw liis sword — to sustain the almost in-
smimatc body of the Geioso, was the work of an instant.

" This is the assassin !" he shouted. And with the hand that was
still at liberty, and with a force that seemed almost superhuman,
lie grasped the throat of the paralysed Ogilvy.

CHAPTER IV. ^

AX ENGLISH BULL DOG.
As sure a dog as ever fo.ight at head. — T,tus Androui us.

A CRY arose amongst the scholars that Crichton had been assas-
sinated, and such was the confusion that prevailed in his vicinity,
that for some space the truth or lalsehood of the report could not
be ascertained.

The crowd was fearfully incensed. They demanded that the
assassin should be niven up to their venjicance. Yellinir, <J■roanin^•^
uttering threats and imprecations, they pressed forward — at the
sides, in front, in all directions. The archers, stationed as a foot-
guard around the doctors and professors, were incontinently carried
off their legs. The principals of the colleges immediately beat a
retreat, and betook themselves for refuge to the hall of the institu-
tion they had so recently quitted. Aflairs assumed a \ery ominous
aspect. Bludgeons were waved in the air; blows were dealt indis-
criminately, and many a pretended random stroke wiped off old
scores with some rigid disciplinarian who had not been sufficiently
alert to eflect his escape. In vain did the Rector strive to check this
rising storm. His voice, wont to be listened to with awe, was
unheard or unheeded amid the tumult.

" Los aux Ecolcs !" shouted the scholars, pressing forward.

"Los aux Ecoles !" cried Chicot, who, safely ensconced within
the gateway, eyed the raging mob at a distance. " 1 never liear
that cry but I think of the screaming of a pack of gulls before a
tempest. Mischief is sure to be brewing."

" Their cursed croaking resembles that of the frogs in .Aristo-
phanes," said Ronsard ; "would it might end in croeitation! I
prophesied evil from the moment I beheld this rabble."

'* I trust you Avill rather approve yourself Vutes in its poetic than
its prophetic sense," replied Urantoine "I own my mind mis-
gives me."

" Methinks, my lord," !<aid Rene de Yillequier to tlie Rector, " it
were well to ni[) this riot in the bud. Some lives may else be

34 cnrcHTOx.

lost. Soc — they npproiicli the. assassin — tlicy seize lilm — tliey clra<^
iiiin from tlic grasp of Cricliton. Mort-dicu ! niy lord, they will
tear him in pieces — this must he prevented, we must not stand hy
and SCO outrage like tliis connnitted."

" The butchers!'' shouted Joyeuse. " Crichton lilnisclf will he
endangered. By my halidom ! I will hriiig down my archers upon
them !— "

" Stay, my lord, an instant, I implore of you," said the Rector,
*' my presence will restrain their violence. I Avill go amongst them
inyselt^ — they daie not disobey my mandates."'

And accompanied by the grand master of tlie College of Na-
varre, the Rector forced his way to\va''ds the principal scene of strife.

"(jiive tliem this further chanet," said D'Epernon to the
vicomte, who was v.-hafing like :'. high -mettled steed with im-
patience. '• If they heed not. their R(>ctor then — "

" Los aux Ecoles," replied Chicot, with a laugh. "We shall
have a pleasant specimen of their chivalry anon. By my marotte,
they are in no mood to listen to a dissertation now."

" 'Tis a waste of time,"' cried Joyeuse, "•forbearance is thrown
away. When the king's majesty is not lield sacred by these felon
scholars, how can their Rector expect obedience from them? To'
my side, Larchant — i7i avaiit T And drawing his sword, and
attended by the captain of the guard, the vicomte flung himself
headlong into the press.

Intelligence that Crichton was vmhurt somewhat abated the
frenzy of the multitude. Still they were vehemently excited.
Ogilvy had been dragged from Crichton's grasp, and was threatened
witli instant immolation. Deprived of utterance by the choaking
gripe of Ciichton ; stimned by the bullets of the students,
it v.as only in this perilous extn^mity that he recovered his power
of speech. With a force that could only have been given him by
despair, lie burst from their hold and shouted to Crichton for aid.
He was instantly retaken, and his cries drowned by a roar of
mockery from tlie ruthless mob.

" Call on Crichton lor jirotection I" shouted Caravaja, who had
been a prominent instrument ni assaihng the unfortunate Scot,
and Avluj indulged in a savage rejoicing at his situation. " As
well might tlie serpent sue for protection to tlie heel it hath bitten,
as thou implore succour from him thou wouldst have slain. But
thv count2ynian, thou scest, turns a deaf ear to thy plaints —
ha! ha!"

''Surely mine ears deceiAcd me," said Crichton, who, with
his broidered kerchief was busied in staunching the wound of
the Geloso, and who had only caught this latter exclamation of
the Spaniard. " Can it be that the assassin is countryman of
mine?"

" 'Tis even so, Senor Crichton," repHed Caravaja. *' To his
eternal infamy be it spoken."

AN ENGLISH BULL-DOG. 35

" ricarmc, noble Ciicliton!" shouted 0^sj;ilvy, whom the Spaniard
vahily endeavoured to silence. " Think nie not guilty of this I'oul
olFencc. I care not for death, but 1 would not die dishonoured.
I would not perish charged with a deed which my soul abhorreth.
I am no assassin. I am Jasper Ogilvy, of lialfouv."

*' Hold !" exclaimed Crichton, consigning his yet inanimate
burthen to the care of a bystander, and pressing towards Ogilvy,
*' let mc speak with this man. Give me some token that I may
know thou art he whom thou callest thyself. Thy voice brings
back by-gone days ; but I can discern nought of Jasper Ogilvy in
those blood-stained features."

" You would not know my visage, were it freed from its stain,"
returned Ogilvy. '"' We both have grown to manhood since we
met ; but you will call to mind a moonlight cruise upon the lake
of Cluny, years ago, when a noble youth was saved from perishing
in its waters. To me the recollection of that deed hath been ever
sweet; to-day it hath been proud. Let me but establish my truth
with you, honoured sir, and these hell-hounds may do their
worst."

" You have said enough; I am satisfied, more than satisfied,"
replied Crichton. " Messieurs, release this young man. He is
wholly guiltless of the crime laid to his charge. 1 will answer for
him with my life."

The scholars replied witli a laugh of Incredulity.

" We have only his bare word lor his innocence," replied the
Bernardin. " Appearances are sadly against him."

" This knife Avas within his vest when we drau'ircd him from the
Seiior Crichton," added Caravaja, holding up an ensanguined
blade. "Por los Revelationes de San Juan! this, metliiuks, is
proof unanswerable."

A volley of execrations answered this appeal to the passions of
the multitude.

" Thou liest," cried Ogilvy, struggling to set free his hands;
■*' that polgnard is thine own; my dirk hangs at my girdle — would
it Avere now within my grasp !"

" Produce the weapon, then," said Caravaja. And he thrust
his hand into the Scot's torn doublet. " Ha !" exclaimed he, sud-
denly, what have I found ? Por nuestra Senora ! ^tis the diamond
ring, with the cipher of the university. He is a robber as well as
an assassin."

A sudden light seemed to break upon Crichton.

" Let the accuser and the accused both be brought before the
Hector," he cried.

A murmur arose amongst the scholars.

*' He would shield his countryman," they vociferated; '* we are
satisfied of his guilt."

"But you are not to constitute yourselves his judges," replied
■Crichton, sternly. " Deliver him to the proper authorities; let

l> 2

rw) CRicnTox.

that Spaniard, who stands forth his accuser, be pocured ; and I aic
satisfied.""

" Mighty well !" returned Caravaja. "All I pet for my ex-
ertions in seizinj^ the assassin is to be accused of the crime myself.
But if you are so readily gulled by your countryman's subterfu^'e,
Senor Cricliton, my comrades are not so easily imposed upon, llijo
di Dios ! they know me too well to suspect me of any such
enormity."

" Tlie scholars of Paris are apt to take the law into their own
hands upon occasions like the present, where the guilt of the
ollcnder is manifestly established," said the Sorbonist. " It is the
part of their privileges to adjudicate their own causes, and they
are always wllHng to abide by the consequences of their own de-
cisions. We have sentenced this man to run the gauntlet of the
schools, and he shall not escape. Wherefore do we delay, comrades?"

" Ay, wherefore?" rejoined Caravfja.

" Beware," shouted Crichton, in a voice of thunder, "how you
proceed to further acts of violence. INIy respect for your university
has thus long withheld me ; but I will not stand by and see out-
rage committed."

" I am with you," said the English student, Simon Blount,
adA^incing towards him, and still followed by his huge bull-dog,
" Your countryman shall suffer no wrong, while I have staff to
wield, or blade to draw in his defence. And as to the merits of
his case, I have as little doubt of his innocence, as I have assurance
of yon cut-throat Spaniard's guilt. But in any case, he shall not
be put to death without judge or jury. What, ho! Druid," added
lie, glancing signilicantly at his dog, " it will be time to slip thy
muzzle in case these curs show their teeth."

At this juncture, the Eector and the Doctor Launoy made their
appearance.

" Hear me, my children," said the Hector, in a loud voice,
"justice shall be dealt upon this Scot. Deliver him into the
custody of the sergeant of the guard now in attendance upon me,
and I pledge myself to the instant examination of his case. Wlmt
more can you require ? By your threatened violence, you will
only add one crime to another, and increase the scaiuhd you have
already brought upon the university."

Crichton conferred an instant with the licctor, who apparently
acquiesced in the propriety of the suggestion ma;!e to him.

" Disperse at once : and let each man seek his respective
college," continued Adrian D'Amboise, with some severity.
" Sergeant, advance, and seize upon the persons of Jasper Ogilvy,
of the Ecossais, and Diego Caravaja of the college of Narbonne.
Messieurs Scholars, give hiin your aid. Ah I do you hesitate? —
is it possible that you venture to disobey the paternal injunction of
the latlier of the university — what frenzy is this?"

A sullen murmur ran through the battalion oi'the scholars; and

AN ENGLISH BULL-DOG. 37

sucli was tlieir tlircatcning aspect, that the sergeant of the guard
liesltated to obey the command of the Rector.

" Why should Ave respect his mandates ?" muttered the Sor-
bonii^t. " 'Tis plain we are but lightly considered at his paternal
hands. Let the Father of the University tell us why his Children
were excluded from the disputation this morning, and we will then
perpend the propriety of compliance with his request."

" Ay, let him answer that," said th*^ Bernardin.

'* 'Twould shrewdly perplex him to do so," returned Caravaja.
** By the perdition of the world! I will surrender myself to no
man living, sergeant or rector, Scot or Englishman ; and to show
them how little I regard tlieir threats, If no other can be found to
smite this starveling bravo, my hand shall deal the first blow."

Caravaja raised his knife wltli the Intent to strike. At that in-
stant, however, he was seized by a nervous grasp, and hurled
backwards with such force, that, muttering an oath, he fell
heavily to the ground. Crichton, for it was by his hand that
the Spaniard had been prostrated, threw himself amongst the ranks
of the scliolars with such Irresistible I'oree, that their united efforts
were unable to withstand him. Shaking off Ogilvy's captors, he
placed a poignard within his grasp, and, drawing his own sword,
calmly awaited the further assault of the students.

Rugged and resolute as the bull-dog at his heels, Blount fol-
lowed closely in his rear. Confining himself to the warding off a
few blows, aimed at Crichton, he at (irst dealt none in return ; but
he could not long act upon the defensive. A rude buffet on the
head aroused his ire. lie then laid about him with such good-
will and determination, that an opponent dropped for every blow
of his cudgel, Avhicli was not a vine-wood staffj but a huge l^nglisli
crab-stick, seasoned, knotty, and substantial. The might of twenty
threshers seemed to reside in Blount's single arm. Sconces were
cracked by him with as much ease as a boy for pastime would beat in
pieces as many gourds. The Sorbonist ventured to oppose his estoc
against the Englishman's club. The sophister, however, had now
a more difficult thesis to maintain than any he had hitherto de-
fended. His postulate Avas eflectually blanked by Blount's knotty
rejoinder. Yielding to the weighty blow, the supple vlne-statF
fled from his grasp, spinning throujjfh the air to u considerable
distance, while the arm tliat sustained it, shattered by the stroke,
sank powerless to his side.

Meantime, Ogilvy and Crichton were not left unmolested.
Placed back to back, both stood in postures of defence. Uttering
frightfid yells, and brandishing their staves, the scholars furiously
commenced the assault. Caravaja, who had regained his feet, was
amongst the foremost of the assailants.

" By Saint James of Compostella !" he roared, " 1 will wash out,
in blood, the stain he hath put on our academies, and on myself,
lilve way; look to thyself, proud Scot." And pressing forward,
he made a desperate thrust at Crichton.

38 cniciiTOX.

Caravaja was no contemptible swordsman ; but lie had to do with
an antagonist unequalled in the art ol" selt-deienee. His thrust was
parried with iu'lnite dexterity, and after the exchange of a lew
lierce and rapid passes, his long Toledo was twisted iiom his grasp,
and he lay at the mercy of his adversary. Crichton, hov/ever,
forbore to strike ; bvit dismissed his foe as one unworthy of his
steel. Gnashing liis teeth Avith rage, Caravaja sought a new wea-
pon ; and encouraging each other by shouts and cries, the scholars
still pressed madly on.

One amongst their number, of colossal stature, noted amongst
his brethren fur extraordinary atldetic feats, and rejoicing in the
liabelaisian sobriquet of Louiigarou, advanced deliberately towards
him. He wielded a bar of iron, and while Crichton was engaged
on all sides, he discharged a tremendous blow full at his hend.
The ponderous weapon descended, but Crichton had foreseen the
stroke and averted it, not, however, without some loss. Such was
the force of the blow, that his sword blade, ihough of the best
tempered steel, was shivered at the hilt.

It was now that Crlchton's great personal strength, and remark-
able activity, stood him in admirable stead. AV'^ithout allowing
his gigantic antagonist time to repeat his blow, he sprang forward
and grappled him with an energy tliat shook his Herculean frame
to its foundation. The Antajus of the schools reeled. For the
■jlrst time he had met Avlth his match. Locked in Crlchton's gripe,
LoupL!"arou could neither discntaniilc his rluht arm, nor brinir his
Unwieldy powers into play. He cuidd scarcely even draAV breath,
and his brawny chest heaved like a labouring mountain.

Confident of tlie result of the strife, and unwilling to deprive
their champion of the entire honours of conquest, the scholars sus-
pended further hostilities against Crichton, and directed their at-
tacks upon Ogilvy and Blount. Abandoned by his comrades,
Loupgarou was asliamed to roar ibr aid ; and experienced some
such qualms as I'ell to the share of his namesake when struggling
within the clutcli of the redoubted Pantagruel. Like a tower
shaken from its enullibrium bv the blatt of the miner, he tottered
on his base, and with a concussion heard above the din of the
fray, he I'cll to the ground, deprived of sense and motion.

Snatching the bar from the relaxed grasp of his adversary, Crich-
ton was about to rejoin his comrades, when his attention was
suddenly drawn to a new quarter. Hearing his own name called
upon, as he thought, by the voice of the Geloso, followed by a lotid
shriek for help, he strove to force Ills Avay in the direction ol the
soimd.

Ogilvy, meantime, found an unexpected and most eflicient ally
in the Englishman's dog, Druid. Galled by the fierce and per-
tinacious assaults of his enemies, Blount suddenly slipped the
inuzzle of the savage animal, and he rushed at the scholars. Blount
directed his attacks, and cheered him on. Blows availed nothing

COSMO KUGGIERI. 39

against the tough hide of the liardy anhnal, and served only to in-
cense him. He raged amongst them hkc a wolf" in a lamb-pusture.

I'ain would the students liave taken to their heels, but retreat
was impossible. Those behind puslied forward the ranks in front.
Shrieks and execrations evidenced the devastation of the relentless
pursuer. His teeth met in the legs of one, in the arms of another,
in the throat of a third.

A space was quickly cleared around Blount and Ogilvy bv their
staunch partisan. With his back on the ground — his fiice shielded
by his hands to protect himself li'om the teeth of the dog, by whom
he had been pinned to the earth, lay the prostrate form of the Ber-
nardin. Planting his heavy paws upon his neck, and sprawling
over the body of the half-dead scholar, Druid upturned his glowing
eyeballs to his master, as if to inquire whether or not he should
complete his Avork of destruction. It was a critical moment for the
Bernardin.

Just then, however, the clatter of swords, the trampling of steeds,
and shouts of " Joyeuse, to the rescue !" announced that the vi-
comte had reached his company of archers. With a swoop like
that of an eagle upon a flock of meaner fowl — and with his
charger rearing into the air, Joyeuse dashed amongst the multitude.

On the other hand came the halberdiers of the Rector and the
laeqi;eys of Bene de Villequier with bills and partisans ; and, fur-
thermore, the crowd was invested to the rl^ht by the well disci-
plined C^?/cr7«?^^e Cimj, imder the command of the Baron D'Epernon.
Thus menaced on all sides, the scholars found themselves in an
awkward predicament. At first there was a murmur of " Down
with the minions! — Down with the Gascon coufejarrctaV but
these cries were speedily silenced. A i'ew strokes from the blunt
edges of the swords of the guardsmen, and their staves were thrown
to the ground in token of submission,

CHAPTER V.

COSMO EUGGIEKI.

Icy pres, dist Epistemoii, denioure Her Trippa, vous s(,'avoz comment par art
d'AstroIogic, Gcomancie, Cliiromaiicie, et anltres de pareille farine, il predict
toutes choses futures ; conf'erons de vostre atl'aire avec lui. De cela, respuudit
Panurge, je lie s^ay rien. — Kabelais. — Panlugruel. — Liv. 111.

The by-stander to whom. Crichton committed the inanimate
Geloso, when he rushed to the assistance of Ogilvy, received his
charge with an eager readiness, that almost appeared as if he had
anticipated the event. Shielding his burden with his arms, and
unwilling, it would seem, to attract further attention, he endea-
voured to extricate himself from the crowd.

He was a little old man, of singular and inauspicious appearance,
dressed in a flowing robe of black taffeta, lined Avith llame-coloured
silk, and edged with sable fur. In lieu of doublet and hose, he

40 CRICnXON.

uuic a ricli gown of crimson velvet, fastened round the waist with
a silken cord, in the which was stuck a costly purse, embroidered
with the arms of Catherine de Medicis. A collar of medallions,
graven with cabalistic characters, hung over his shoulder, and upon
liis head he wore a small scull-cap of purple velvet. He bore
]ieither arms nor device of any sort beyond the blazon of the Queen
Mother. His forehead would have appeared venerable from its
lieight, haldness, and innumerable wrinkles, had not his black
scowling brows given it a sinister and portentous look. His temj)les
were hollow and sunken; his cheeks emaciated; the colour of his
skin was sallow and jaundiced, and its texture like tiiat of shrivelled
parchment. His nose was high and aquiline, tufted between the
eyes with a clump of dusky hair; and the wIkjIc expression of
his features was craity, s\isplciou?, and malignant. AVhen erect,
liis stature might have been lofty, but his height was now
dwindled to insignificance, by his stooping shoulders and contracted
spine. His distorted limbs were concealed from view by the arnplo
I'olds of his drapery ; but his joints had been wrenched from their
sockets, and but ill restored, during his confinement in the Bastille,
Avhere he had been incarcerated and tortured for supposed practices
of sorcer3% during the reign of Charles IX.

Cosmo Ruggierl, the forbidding personage described, — by birth
a Florentine, by vocation a mathematician, alchemist, nay, even
bard, as may be gathered from the Ana(jraniato<jraj)liie of Nicolas
Clement Treleaii, Secretary to the Due d'Anjou, where he is eu-
logised as " Florentinum, mathematicum, et poetam lectissinuun ;"
— officiated as chief astrologer to Catherine de Medicis, by whom
he was brought to Paris. It was to the inlluence ot the Queen
^lother that he owed his deliverance from the rack and tho
dungeon; his escape with life; his subi^equent advancement to court
favour under \wv third son FIcnri, for whose accession to the throne,
it was said, indeed, he had pavinl the way by thi- removal of his
brothers, Francis H. and Charles IX,, anil by whom, latitudinarian
and heretical, if not wholly heathenish and abominable as his tenets
were known to be, he was advanced to the ecclesiastical dignity
of Abbe of Saint jNIahe, in Brittany. It was to the protection of
Catherine's powerl'ul arm that, although surrounded by open and
secret foes, he Avas enabled to pursue his mysterious career unmo-
lested ; and it Avas to her he wat' indebted Icr the wonderful state
information he possessed.

In return for these obligations, the stars were iiightly consulted
for her by him, and on all emergencies Catherine had recourse
to his counsel. Rugf^ieri was blindly devoted to her will, and
mainly instrumental in the execution of her hidden projects and
machinations.

Kuggieri, however, did not stand alone. To such an extent did
the practice of judicial astrology prevail at the time, that tho
number of professurs in the science was estimated at thirty thoii-

COSMO RUGGIEEI. 41

sand; a calculation almost incredible, if the number of dupes ne-
cessarily required for tlieir support bo taken into consideration.

Be this as it may, Ruggieri llourislied, liut then it was whis-
pcretl, that he had anotlier and more terrible source of lucre. The
slew and subtle poisons of Florentine origin, wliose treacherous
effect was manifested in the gradual decay of the victim, were said
to be brewed by him. The blood that nightly bathed the couch of
Charles IX. Avas supposed to be the consequence of one of these dia-
bolical potions; and such was the dread entertained of his villanous
drugs, that a cup of wine would have fallen from the grasp of the
boldest bacchanal, if it had been thought to be medicated by Cosmo
Ruggieri.

By the side of the astrologer was a dumb African slave of the
most diminutive size and fantastic coniiguration, who had the re-
putation of being his familiar; and strange as was the appearance of
the sorcerer, tliat of his page was many degrees more grotesque.
Hideously deformed and hunchbacked, Elberich was so short in
-comparison with his width and girth, that, when moving, his squat
rotundity of liguie looked like a rolling ball of soot, in which, in
j)lace of eycSj two llaming carbuncles had been set; and when mo-
tionless, he appeared like a black, bloated baboon.

Aided by his dwarf, from whose contact all recoiled with dis-
gust, Ruggieri had but little difficulty in making good his retreat;
iind having gained the shelter of a Hying buttress of the college
wall, in the angle of wliich he was secnire from interruption, he
turned his attention to the restoration of his charge.

As he removed the black and clustering ringlets, i'allen in disorder
over the features of the Geloso, Ruggieri could not help being
struck by their exceeding loveliness. The cheek had indeed lost
the warm suffusion that, like a glow of simshine on a snowy peak,
iiad lit up its bright southern complexion; but the face was not
Jess beautiful; and Ruggieri perused its lineaments with the rap-
ture of a virtuoso. He peered into every line with increasing
•wonder. It was not so much the harmony and regularity of the
youth's features that struck him with astonishment, as the softness
■of the skin, and the polished whiteness of the throat, on which the
uzure veins were traced like wandering threads. These were what
■chiefly excited his admiiation. He grew so much absorbed in
contcnijjlation of the countenance, that he wholly neglected to
:apply the phial of"pungent spirit, which he held extended in his grasp.

Throwinij back the hair as fitr as it would admit, Rujiixieri cx-
amincd more narrowly the snowy forehead of the Geloso. Thence
his glance wandered to the face with renewed surprise. The eyes
were closed; but the dark orbs could almost be seen through the
thin lids. Then, those long silken lashes — that dark and pencilled
brow — those nostrils, fine and thin — those lifis so delicately carved!
The astrologer was lost in amazement. Taking the small Avhite
liand that hung listlessly at the youth's side, he opened it, and

42 CRICHTOX.

intently perused ks lines. A shade came over his countenance as
he pursued his study.

" Spirit of Sanibcthc !" he exclaimed, "can this be? Can I have
been so loni^ in error? Can the ht'av(.'uly iniiuenoes liavc so loni^
deceived their votary ? — Impossible ! True^ the planets have
of late assumed malevolent aspects — menacing me with ill. Sa-
turn hath rule •\vidiin the Chamber of Deatli. The Lord of the
Third House was combust and retrogadc within the Eleventh, pre-
saging peril from the hand of d stranger. This day, this hor.r, is
pregnant with calamity. I foresaw my danger, but I foresjiw like-
wise the means whereby it might be averted. Within my patii
stands Crichton. He is the foe by whom 1 am threatened. This
day links his fate with mine, and with that of another. That
other is my safeguard — that otlicr is within my arms. One of us
must perish. A thick curtain hangs between mo and the event.
Curses on my own imperfect skill, wdiich will only enable nie to see
so far, and no iarther. But I may ward off" the stroke."

And he again returned to the scrutiny of the Gelesc's counte-
nance. " Wlwjrefore is it," he continued, musingly, " that as I gaze
upon these beaiitiful feutures, a thousand ibrgotten fancies should
be awakened within my bosom? ■ This £ice, though lovelier far,
recals to me the image of one long since buried in oblivion — it re-
cals dreams of youth, of passion, fievev, delirium; of a deed of
which I will not even think. AVho is this youtli? or rather, unless
mine eyes are wholly sightless, or dim to aught save the midnight
glories of tlie heavens, wdio is this "

The reveiie of th.e astrologer was here interrupted by a slight
conviilsive attempt at respiration on the part of the Geloso. Kug-
gieri applied the phial, and, with a trembling hand, proceeded to
unclasp the youth's doublet to give him greater freedom in breath-
ing. In removing the folds of the blood-stained linen, the
heaving bosom of a young and lovely female was revealed. His
eye glistened through its iilm. " It is as I suspected," he muttered
— " a girl in masquerade attire. Most probably the fool hath
lost her heart to Crichton — if so, she Avill be a useful agent.
I have need of such an one in my designs upon him. Ha! what
have we here? — an amulet — no, by Hermes, a small key oi' gold,
of antique fashioning, attached toachtiln of the same metal, which,
from its exquisite workmanship, I judg(> to be Venetian. Ah, fair
maiden, I have here, no doubt, a. clue to your history, of wliich I
may avail myself hereafter ! By your leave, this key is mine."

And little scrupulous as to the means of accomplishing any
object, lUiggicri, without hesitation, unfastened the chain, and
was about to commit it to the custody of his pouch, when he
was alarmed by a monitory signal from his sable attendant.

The sound uttered by the dwarf resembled tlie liissing of a
startled snake. Indeed, the vocal powers of the wretched creature
only, ranged between gibbering and sibillution. By the former he

THE MASK. 43

expressed his rejoicing, by the latter his fears. The astrolocjcr well
knew how to interpret tlic present boding noise. Following tho
direction of the dwarf's red and glowing orbs, he eaufht sigli of
a figure, upon which the angry niannikin was glowering, pulHuf,
and spitting like an owl disturbed by some prowling specimen oi
, the furry tribe. The figure was masked, and mullled within the
folds of a large sable cloak; and ere lluggieri could thrust the
chain of gold into his girdle, the intruder was by his side.

CHAPTER VI.

THE MASK.

Don Garcia. — Qu'est-ce alors
Que ce niiisciue? — Tenez, le voila. — Victor Hugo. Hernani.

" Be not alarmed, father," said the mask, addressing Ruggieri,
I am a fr^'ond."

"What assurance have I of that?" returned the astrologer,
doubtfully. " Your speech is fair, but your guise and de-
j^ortmcnt are not calculated to inspire confidence. \V'e are not now
in Venice, Signer Maschera ; neither is this the season of Carni-
val. The good citizens of Paris deem the mask but an indifierent
excuse for intrusion ; and I have been long enough amongst them
to acquire some of their foolish notions on this head. Your par-
don, signor, if I misconceive you. Much treachery has made me
distrustful."

" You are in the right to be cautions, father," replied the mask;
" distrust becomes your years and character ; yet, methinks, the
science you profess should enable you to detect a liiend from a
foe."

" I read not men's looks beneath a vizard, my son," replied
Ruggieri, " that were, indeed, to see through a glass darkly.
Let me behold your features, and I will tell you whether .or not
you are a friend."

** You wrong me by your doubts, father," replied the mask —
" that I am well known to you, you shall have ample assurance
presently ; and that I have some claim to the service 1 am about to
require at your hands, you will then, I doubt not, admit. I\Iean-
time, as secrecy is my object, and as the disclosure of my features,
or even of my name, would only be attended witli risk, you
will, perhaps, suffer me to preserve my incognito."

'* Assuredly, my son," replied Ruggieri, who had now regained
his confidence, " I have no desire to penetrate your mystery.
Were it an object with me, I could readily gain information.
What do you require of me?"

" 13cfore we proceed," returned the mask, " I prayyou, father, to
accept this purse as an earnest of my sincerity. It will give you a
clearer insight into my character than even the display of my fea-
tures." And as he spoke, he thrust a well-lined purse into tho
hands of the astrologer, who received it, nothing loth.

44 CRICHTON.

" You have said well, my son," he returned ; " this is a
medium through which I clearly distinguish the false irom^ the
true friend. How can I assist you? Whatsoever comes witliiu
tlie scope of my art is yours to command."

'* In a word, then," returned the mask, " I love — "

" Ah ! I understand," replied Rugyieri, signiBcantly, " you love
without requital."

" Precisely so, father."

" And would subdue the heart of her for whom you sigh. Is it
not so?"

The mask nodded assent.

*' Doubt not its accomplishment. Be she chilly as Cancasean snow,
I will enf-ao-e to create a llame within her bosom that shall burn
with an ardour fiercer than that created by the Cf^stus of Venus."

" Swear to me. you will do this."

" By Orimasis ! she shall be yours."

" Enough — I am content."

" Tell the dainscFs name and dwelling — T*

" Neither are needed — she is here." And the mask pointed to
the Venetian girl.

" Jabamiah !" exclaimed the surprised astrologer.

" Nay, I know all," pursued the mask. " Plead nut ignorance.
I witnessed the discovery you made."

*' And — and you love lier— "

" Lovelier !"echoed the mask — " Hear me, fiither," he continued,
witli impetuosity. "You, Avho are of our fiery land, need not be
told with what tierceness we Italians love. With all the ardour of
overwhelming passion I pursued this damsel. She was deaf to my
entreaties. In vain I used (jvery blandisliment, every artifice — in
vain lavished gifts upon her that might have won a princess. All
my efforts were inelleitual. For me she had no smile. Nay, more,
the fury of my suit affrighted her. Indiilerence grew to lear, and
fear to hate. Hate in some bosoms is akin to love, but not in
liers. She lied my sight. Stung by resentment, I formed plans, that
had tliey not been foiled in execution, must have placed her with-
in my power. By some means slie became acquainted witli my
projects, and sought safety in flight. Her disappearance added to
my torture — I was frantic. While plunged in this despair, I re-
ceived intc'Uigence that she had flown to Paris. Thither I repaired
— traced her — saw through her disguise — hovered round her dwell-
ing — haunted her likelier sliadow, in the hope that chance would, in
the end, befriend me. It has befriended me wlicn least expected.
The moment has arrived — she has lallen into your power — no
further obstacle exists — i-he is mi/n;."

And the mask would have seized upon tlie inanimate girl, if
he luid not been withheld by the astiologer,

" One obstacle yet exists, my son," salt' Puggieri^ coldly; "j'Ol'i
have a rival."

THE MASK. 43

" A rival !" ecliocd the mask. *' Name him !"

" For wliom did she wreathe that garland ? For whom en-
danger lier life?"

"Ha!"

" For Crichton !'*

" Perdition seize him ! But he loves her not — knows her not —
—they must meet no more."

"Take back your purse, signor," said Kuggieri; " I cannot aid
you in this matter."

"How?" exclaimed the mask — " Have I not your oath?"

*' True; but 1 knew not what I swore."

*' 'Tis binding, nevertheless. That is, if aught can be binding
on a conscience supple as your own. What interest can you have
in this maiden ? Are your services already purchased by this
accursed Crichton, or do you hope to make a better market with
him T

" Put no further affront upon me, signor," returned Ruggieri.
*' I am not easily appeased, as you will learn, if you provoke mv
anger. I am no friend to Crichton, nor is this maiden aught to
me. Beyond the accidental discovery of her sex, and what you
yourself have told me, I am wholly ignorant in all relating to her;
but fate has thrown her upon my protection, and to violence like
yours I will never betray her. Take back your purse, signor, and
trouble me no longer."

"Away!'' exclaimed the mask. "Think not to impose upon
me by these idle pretences. Why should I stoop to solicit when I
can command ? A word from me — and thou art plunged within a
dungeon, — whence not even Catherine's mighty arm can accom-
plish thy deliverance. Of all men living, Ruggieri, thou hast
most cause of dread of me ; but of all agents of iniquity, I have
most need of thee, therefore thou art safe; but tremble if thou
disobeyest me. My vengeance is swifter and more certain than
thine own."

" Who, in the devil's name, are you that talk thus ?" inquired
the astrologer.

" Were I the devil himself, I could not occasion you more dis-
quietude than I should were I to reveal myself," replied the mask.
" Be satisfied, and seek to know nothing fiirtlier of me."

The haughty imperiousness of tone suddenly assumed by the
mask was not without its eflect upon the astrologer ; but he strug-
gled to maintain a composed demeanour.

" What if I still refuse compliance ?" he demanded.

The mask whispered in his ear. The astrologer started, and
trembled Irom head to foot.

" I am content," he said, after a pause. " Command me as you
see fitting. My life is at your disposal."

" I do not require so much/' returned the mask, scomfr.lly.
" Deliver up the girl. Yet stay, I am not unattended liere. Hast
thou no place of refuge, to which thou couldst convey her ?"

46 ORICHTON.

" I have," replied Rugifieii, after nn inslant's reflection; "if it
Tdc your pleasure, I Avill convey her to the mystic tower, near the
Hotel dc Soissons, -whither alone her majesty, Catherine delMcdicis,
and I have access. There she can remain concealed, till I am
acquainted with your further wishes. But can it he that she hath
refused your suit? There must bo witchcraft in the case. \ou
may he spell-hound, nohle signer. The Emperor Charlemagne was.
similarly enslaved to a foul hag — and now I mind me of a
strangely- fashioned key, which I discovered upon her bosom.
Perchance the charm resides in that. It may be a talisman of
potent virtue. I will put it to the proof. In any case we must
have a counter-enchantment."

" As thou wilt," interrupted tlie mask, '•' he that thy business.
Ha ! she stirt — quick, we lose time."'

For some moments before it was remarked by the astrologer and
his companion, the return of animation had been perceptible in
the Venetian girl. Heaving a deep sigh, she opened her large
and languid eyes, and fixed them upon Piuggieri and Elbericli ;
the former of whom was bending over her, at the instant of her
restoration to consciousness, Avhile the latter sustained her within
his grasp. In this crouching posture, with his unbared, yellow
arms, twined around lier person, the hideous dwarf resembled a
messenger from Eblis, sent to bear her to perdition. The objects
bel'ore her looked like visions in a dream. In vain did Ruggieri
raise his finger to his lips ; f^he neither comprehended her own
situation, nor perceived necessity for silence. Just then her wan-
dering gaze chanced upon the mask, and with a wild laugh she
pointed to the dusky figure, and muttered some incoherent
ejaculations.

" Avvav," exclaimed the mask, " about it quickly. Why listen
to her ravings ? Ilemove her to tlie turret.'

"That voice!" sliriekcd the maiden, starting to her feet, and
spreading her hand belore h^v eyes, " it is — ;'t must be he ! — where
am I ? Ha !"

" Seize her," vociferated the mask.

" He haunts me even while life is ebbing," screamed the dis-
tracted girl ; " I am dying, yet cannot escape him. Save me from
him, Crichton — save me.*" And, with a Avild scream, she broke
from the grasp of Ruggieri.

Tlie mask incflectually endeavoured to stay her flight.

" INIiscreants !" he criedj '• you have let lier go."

" The bird hath only fluttered forth," returned the astrologei ;
** we can easily retake it."

It was at this juncture that the cry reached the ears of Crichton.
Like a frail bark amidst troubled waters, the enfeebled maid strove
against the tumultuous mob, who little heeded either her plaints
or frantic ejaculations.

" Poor youth I" cried one of the schMars, " his hurt hath, turned
his brain. Get hence, foolish boy ! Crichton hath his hands too

THE MASK. 47

t"ull to cfivc attention to thy shouts, lie hatla more need of help
than thou. Dost sec yon tall green phnnc ? — It is Crichton's.^
Be advised, and venture not where blows shower thick as hail,
and where thou mavst conre in for thy sliare of them. Seek
shelter in the rear."

But the "-irl heeded him not, but still conlir.ued to crv,

*' Save me, Crichton, save mc !"

A thick battalion of scholars opposed themselves to Crichton's
progress. " Stand aside !" he vocilerated, nothing daunted by their
munbers. And, whirling the iron bar over his head, he dashed in
the direction of the girl.

She beheld him approach. She saw the scholars gave way
before his resistless clibrts. She heard his shout of encourage-
ment ; and at the very instant when her bosom throbbed highest
Avith hope, and when she almost deemed herself secure beneath his
protecting arm, she felt her waist encircled by a sudden clasp.

She looked uj). I cr eyes encountered two dark orbs Hashing
from a sable mas-k. Her brain reeled. She saw no more.

Crichton, meanwhile, pressed fiercely forward. Fresh dKhcultics
weie thrown in his path — fresh ranks obstinately opposed tliem-
selves to liis progress ; but all were at length overcome, and he
reached the spot where he beheld the Geloso. It was \'oid. A
roar of mockery from the students testified their satislhction at
liis disappointment. " You have arrived too late to succour your
lri(>nd," shouted a voice from out the crowd; — "he is beyond
your reach, and in the care of one who will not readily surrender
lum. Higados de Dios ! you are foiled, most jDuissant caballero,
nor shall it be mv fault if vou do not ever find a stumblinir-block
withni your path."

Turning towards the quarter whence the voice proceeded,
Crichton beheld the retreating figure of Caravaja. " By Saint
Andrew," he murmured, glancing fiercely round, " I would give
all the laurels I have this day won to effect tliat poor youth's
deliverance. Curses upon these brawling scholars ! It v.xre a
labour of Hercules to pvu'sue the quest amidst a scene of such
confusion ; and yet I would fain continue it if I saw a chance of
success. Why did Kuggierl, who so eagerly accepted the charge
of this woimded boy, suffer him to incur such peril? The old
astrologer shall render me an explanation of his conduct."

Crichton's further self-comm.union was cut short by the shouts of
the archers and tlie trampling of their steeds. Alter a brief, but
ineffectual, resistance, as before stated, the scholars threw down
their arms, and, shouting for quarter, ffed. Crichton was left alone.
No sooner did Joj'cuse, wlio was careering among the crowd,
perceive him, than he reined his charger by his side.

" Now Heaven and our Lady be praised," exclaimed the vicorate
gaily, '*you arc unhurt. Seigneur Crichton. By my blazon, it
had, indeed, been a blot upon the fair page of chivalry, if its
l>rightest minor had pcrislicd amid a rascal rout like this. Tcte-

4S CIITCIITON.

Dlcu! if tlic Lord Rector reprove not his froward children, our
serp^eants shall take tlie tusk from his hands, and give him a lesson.
Jiitt see, your page is at hand ; your charger paws the ground.
Ah, Crichton ! brave steed — iiiir page — both pledges of a royal
lady's favour; — you are twice fortunate!"

" Thrice fortunate, Joyeusc, in a brother-in-arms -who flies to
my rescue in extremities like the present," returned Crichton, in
the same lively tone as his companion, vaulting at the same time
into the saddle of a superb charger in rich housings, which was led
towards him by a pnge, mounted upon a milk-^v'hite palfrey, and
bedecked in doublet of white satin and velvet mantle of deepest
azure, the colours of Marguerite do Valois. " Methinks," he
added, smiling, " this hard-fuught field is at length our own;
and yet, after enacting more wonders than ever were achieved
by the doughtiest champions of liomance — Tristan or Launfal,
Huon or Parthenopex, when struggling against the powers oi
sorcelric and darkness — it moves me to tears to think in Avhat
light esteem my exploits will be held by preux chevaliers like
yourself, who think there is no honour to be Avon in such
perilous conflicts. Trust me a legion of swarthy gnomes, with
tiie fiiy Urganda at their head, were more ensily vanquished
than these disloyal varlets. I have now encountered this University
alike in hall and field ; disputed it with them by rule of rhetoric^
and by rule of fence; and will freely admit that I prefer the
weapons of the principals to those of their disciples, and plume
myself rather upon my conquest, if conquest it be, over these hard-
licaded, cudgel-wielding neo])hytes, whose stubborn brains were
more diflicult to be convinced than their renowned and learned
seniors. But it is time to bestow a thought upon my luckless
countryman, the original cause of all this scene of discord. I think
I discern him and his staunch ally, amid the thickest turmoil.
Forward, Joyeuse, I must speak with them."

A few bounds of his steed brought Crichton beside Ogiivy
and P>lount. The latter, perceiving that the fray was at an
end, called off his dog from tlie Bernardin, but finding that
his intimation was not attended to by the stubborn animal, he
seconded the hint Avith a heavy blow of his crab-stick, which
pi'oduced the desired efiect. Druid quitted his hold, and with
u surly growl plumped down at his master's feet.

" \\'c meet to-morrow, then, Ogiivy," said Crichton, *•' and such
service as I can render, you may command. Meantime, you shall
suffer no further molestation. Monsieur le Vicomte, hath he
your safe-guard?"

" He has," replied Joyeuse. " The brave Scot shall have a
post amongst my company of archers, if he choose to barter
his gown of gray serge for a steel breast-plate. Ho will not be
the first of his countrymen Avho hath found the change to his
advantage."

" I will reflect upon your olTer, my lord," replied (-'gilvy, with

THE MASK. 49

characteristic caution. " ^[cantiinc, my Lost thanks arc due to
you for tlic proposal."

"As vou please, sir," replied Joyeuse, hauulitily ; "nor arc your
acknowledi^ments due to nie, but to the Seigneur Crichton. To
liim alone you arc indebted lor my oiler."

" He knows not Avliat he declines, Joyeuse," returned Crichton.
"I will reason with him on the morrow. And now," he con-
tinued, "I would desire better acquaintance with ^our valiant
comrade, whom I judge to be an Englishman."

" I am so," returned Blount, " but I deserve not to be
called valiant. Had you bestowed the epithet on my dog
the term might not have been misapplied — on me 'tis wholly
thrown away. Druid hath some pretensions to valour — he will
never disgrace the soil liom which he sprung — nor will his master,
lor that matter. But since you have honoured me with your
notice, worthy sir, let us join hands upon our new-struck friend-
ship, if I be not too bold in assuming such a feeling on your part
to me, and you shall find, if you nei'd them, that in Simon Blount
and his dog, ibr I must not except Druid, who is part and parcel of
myself, and indeed the b(;st part, you will have two followers upon
whose faith you may rely. Audacte.r et Jidditer is my device."

" And a cordial and constant one it is," replied Crichton, as he
warndy returned the pressure of the Englishinan"'s huge hand.
" I gladly embrace your offer. Come to my hotel with Ogilvy
on tlie morrow, and neglect not to bring with you my new and
trusty follower."

" Doubt not that," returned Blount ; " Druid and I are in-
separable. "

Further conversation was interrupted by the sudden arrival of
Chicot, who, contrary to his wont, had a somewhat serious coun-
tenance.

"Ah! my gay gossip," said Crichton, "why that portentous
look? hast thou lost thy bauble in the fray?"

"Far worse than that, brother droll," returned Chicot, "I have
lost my reputation. Thou hast fairly won my cap and bells, and
shall have them by pre-eminence of wisdom. But bend down thjr
lordly neck to me, 1 have somewhat for thy private hearing."

And approaching Crichton, the jester breathed his information
in a low tone.

" \\ hat!" exclaimed Crichton, who appeared struck with surprise
at Chicot's intelligence, *' art sure this Geloso is ?"

" Hush!" muttered the jester, "who is now the fool? Would
jou betray the secret':"

" And it Avas the mask who seized her?" asked Crichton, in a
whisper. "Whose Icatures doth that vizard hide?"

"I know not,'' replied Chicot, "it may be the Balafrc, or the
Bcarnais, for aught I can tell. But this I Avill venture to assert,
-that it is neither my gossip, Henriot, nor thou, nor I, nor even the

50 ClMCllTON'.

Sciirncur .Toycusc; I will not say as mudi for the Due d'Anjou,
Avliom pcix-lianco it iiicy be."

" l)Ut J{uL;'j;ici'i, thou ?ay?t — "

" Was -with hiin. I beheld hiiu and his duarf Elbeilch. Both
lent assistance to the mask."

" He is g'one, thou say est?"

" I Avill seek the astro lo_i;cr in his tower, and compel him to
some explanation oi" this mystery, " said Crichton.

"That tower is the kennel of the slie-wolf (^Mi.herine — lake heed
what you do. ]\hiny a hand has b(.'en thj'ust intc a cage, tiic
bearer Avhcreof would have gladly withdrawn it unscathed. But
as you will, fools arc headers, Avise mcri recedcrs."

" Adieu, Ogilvy!" said Crichton; "remember our appoint-
ment of the morrow. Joycuse, our rendezvous is at the icte to-
nighit. — Au revoirF

So saying, Ciichton plunged spurs into his horse's sides, and,
followed by his page, rode swiftly down the Montague Sainte-
Genevieve. Chicot shrugged his shoulders.

" Knight-errantry is not wholly extinct, I perceive," he muttered.
]\ly gossip, Crichton, is born at least half a centiny too late. He
should have ilouiishcd in the good old times of Triboulet, and the
first Francis. He is caught at once by the silken meshes of this
dark-haired syren. What Avill Queen Margot say if this new
adventure reach her jealous ears? But I must to tlic Louvre.
This scholastic brawl will divert Henri's spleen. And as I descend
this Parnassian steep of Sain tc- Genevieve, to beguile the time I'll
invoke the muses in honour of—

THE ad:mieable scot.

A sons 111 write on
Matchless Cricbton;
In wit a bright one,
Form, a slight one,
Love, a light one!
AVho talketh Greek withufc
Like great Busbequius;
Knoweth the Cabala
■\Vell as IVIirandola;
Pate can reveal to us,
Like Aviso Cornebus ;
Eeasoneth like Socrates^
Or old Xenocvates ;
Whose system ethical*
Sound, dialectical,
Aristotelian,
Pantagruclian,
Like to chameleon,
rboi)iieih and cbangeth.
Everywhere rangeth !
Who'riJ.e* like Cent.iUT,
Prcacl.es likc]Nrfntor,
Drinks like Ly;eu3,
Sings like T3rla;u3,
Kcads like Bu'lacus

HIE COUUT OF HENRI III, 51

Vaulteth like Tuccaro,
raintr'tli like Zucclicro,
Dicftli like Spunianl,
Dancc'th like yallianl.
Tilts like Orlando,
Does all man can do 1
Qui ])ii/)ii^ iiobiles
iununicrubilis,

AllHtt UlU'.thill'S

At(jiie Ji((/iii(ii>i
JSdCdirce (licinani .'
"Whose rare prosjierity,
Graee and dexterity,
Courage, temerity,
Shall, lor a verity
Puzzle posterity !

"Ough, ougli," gasped the jester, "I am fairly out of brcatli
-tis old Marot sings, ' en rimant bien souveiit je m'enrirae.' ''

BOOK THE SECOND.— CHAPTER I.

THE COUPwT OF IIEXKI TEOIS.

Les peuples pipes de leur mine,

Les voyant alusi s'eiifermer,

Jugeoicnt qn'ils parloient de s'arme

Poiirconqiierir la Palestine.

Et toutefois leur entreprise

Etoit le parfum d'un collet ;

Le point coupe d'une chemise

Et la figure d'nn ballet.

De leur niollesse lethargique,

Le discord sortant des enters, »

Des maux que nous avons soufTertS

Nous ourdii la toile tragique.

Malherbe.

On the same night that the event previously narrated occurred,
high festival was held witliin the Louvre, by its effeminate and
voluptuous sovereign, who assembled upon the occasion the
wliole of his brilliant court, then without a rival in Europe, either
for the number and loveliness of the dames who frequented
it, or for the bravery and gallantry of the youthful chivalry, by
which it was graced. To Henri Trois the lighter amusements
of the revel, the ballet, and the masque, were as captivating as the
more manly sports of the chase were to his brother and prede-
ccssoi', Charles Neuf, of execrable memory. His fetes were
sumptuous and frequent — so frequent, indeed, that the chief part of
his time was occupied in the arrangement of these magnificent
spectacles. The sums lavished upon the marriage-feasts of his fa-
vourites, Avere enormous : the royal coflers were often drained by
his inordinate extravagance ; and, while the state groaned beneath
the weight of the burthens constantly imposed upon it, the un-
bridled licence that reigned at his orgies occasioned scandal and dis-

E 2"

52 CRICHTON.

content tlirougliout tlie reputable portion of tlic community, of
wlilch his enemies were not slow to take advantage.

Two years before the period of which we treat, Henri gave en
entertainment to his brother, the Duo D'Alen^-on, at which the
ladies assisted, " vcstucsde verd, en habits d'homme, a moitie nues,
et ayant leurs cheveux epars comme cpousecs."* The cost of this
banquet exceeded a hundred thousand francs ! In December, 1576,
as we learn from the Journal of liis reign, he went en muaque to the
Hotel de Guise, accompanied by thirty princesses and ladles of the
court, richl}'- attired in silks and silver tissue, braided with pearls
and gems of price ; and such was the confusion that prevailed, that
the more discreet part Avere obliged to retire, by reason of the
licence of the maskers ; ibr, as it is significantly observed, by
Pierre de I'Estoile, " could the walls and tapestry have spoken,
they would have, doubtless, found many pleasant particulars to
communicate/' Subsequently, in 1583, upon Shrove Tuesday,
attended by his favourites, masked like himself, Henri rushed into
the streets, where he committed such frantic and unheard-of
lollies and insolences, that he was publicly reprimanded the next
day by all the preachers in Paris,

Louise de Lorraine, or De V^audemont, his queen, a princess of
atniable but feeble character, entirely without ambition (on whicli
account she was selected as a suitable spouse to her son by the crafty
Catherine de Medicis, ever apprehensive of a rival near the throne),
and possessing the negative merit of passive submission, offered no
opposition to the wishes of her royal husband, though she took little
part in his festivities. Her gentle existence was divided between
her oratory, her garden, the establishment of coufrtiies, and other
religious institutions, and the retirement of a secluded apartment ;
her daily occupations Avcre embroidery, or the perusal of her book
of prayer ; her attire was of the simplest material, fushioned chiefly
of woollen cloth ; and, though her complexion had become deathly
pale, she refused the aid of rouge. Her immediate attendants
•and ladies of honour, were recommended to her regard, rather by
their jnety and decorum of conduct, than for any other dazzling
qualilications. Of this queen, many pleasing traits are narrated —
one, in particular, of a reproof conveyed to the flaunting and ovcr-
■dressed lady of a president, to whom, in the impretending garb she
had adopted, she was wholly unknown. But taken altogether, her
nature was too easy and acquiescent, and her frame of mind too
infirm, to promote in any way the welfare of the kingdom, or to
.accomplish the rcforniation of the monarch to whom she was united.
That she found rather sorrow than happiness in her exalted station,
■ can scarce be doubted ; indeed her woes have been thus embalmed
un verse, by the Jesuit Le Aloine : —

Son esprit fiit gene dans la couclie rovale;
La couronne iiii fat iinc cliaine fatale,

• Journal de Henri III, — Mai, 1577.

THE COURT OF IIENUI III. 53

Le I.oiivre une prison, le trone un ccliafaiid
Erigc pour montierson toiirmcnt de plus liaiit.

I?ut, perhaps, the severest of lier afllictions consisted in her being
denied the blessing- of children.

'J"he j)osItion whicli Louise de Vaudemont should have occupied,
was assumed by the queen-mother, who amply supplied whatever
might be wanting in her daughter-in-law. In lier hands, her sons
were mere puppets ; they filled the throne, while she wielded the
sceptre. Hers was truly, what it has been described, " a soul of
bronze, or of iron." Subtle, secret, INIachiavelian — tlie " Prince"
of the plotting Florentine was her constant study — her policy
worked in the dark: none could detect her movements till they
were disclosed by the results. Inheriting many of the nobler
qualities of the Medicis, her hatred Avas implacable as that of the
Borgias ; and, like that dread race, her schemes were not suffered
to be restrained by any tics of affinity. Kumour attributed to her
agency the mysterious removal of her two elder sons* froin the
path of the third, who was unquestionably her favourite ; and she
was afterwards accused of being accessory to the sudden death of
another, the Due d'Alen^on, who perished at Chateau-Thierry,
from smelling at a bouquet of poisoned flowers.

The court of Henri Trois numbered three hundred of the love-
liest and most illustrious dainsels of the land, a list of whom will
be found in the pages of Brnntome, who falls into raptures in
describing the charms of this galaxy of beauties, proclaiming them
to be little short of goddesses, and declaring that the palace which
they enlightened was " un vray paradis du monde, escole de
toute lionnestete ct vertu et ornement de la France." Now, how-
ever, we may differ from the vivacious chronicler of the " Dames
Galantcs" in our estimate of the honneslete et vertu of the ladies
in question, remembering, as we do, the adventure of the Demoi-
selle de Limeuil with the Prince de Conde, and the libellous
verses which it occasioned, we are quite satisfied, that his en-
thusiastic admiration of these dames was fully warranted by their
personal attractions. In later times the sparkling court of our own
Charles II. did not boast so much beauty as that of Henri III.

Surrounded by this fair phalanx, Catherine felt herself irre-
sistible. As in the case of the unfortunate Demoiselle de Limeuil,
she only punished their indiscretions when concealment was im-
possible. An accurate judge of human nature, she knew that the
most inllexible bosom Avas no proof against female blandishment,
and, armed with this " petite bande des dames de la cour," as they
were called, she made use of their agency to counteract the plans
of her enemies, and by their unsuspected influence, which extended
over the whole court, became acquainted with the most guarded
secrets of all parties. The profound dissimulation that enveloped

• See what Tliuanus says, upon the post mortem examination of Cliarles IX.
lib. lvii,-eT causa incuijtiiit'i reperti livores. The end of Cliarles Avas, indeed,
awful ; but its horror would be increased, if we could be assured that hi»
excruciating pangs were occasioned by his mother.

3 A: CIUCIITOX.

licr conduct, Ims left tlic clinractcr of'CntlicrInc a prohlcm wliicli tlie
Insloriau avouIJ in vain attempt to solve ; and equally futile Avould
in his endeavours to trace to their hidden sources the springs ot
all her actions. Blindly superstitious, bigoted, yet sceptical, and,
if her enemies are at all to be believed, addicted to the idolatrous
•worship of ftdse gods ; proud, yet never guilty of meanness ; a fond
wife — an Italian woman, yet exhibiting no jealousy of an incon-
stant husband ; a tender mother, yet accused of sacrificing three of.
her sons to lier ambitious vicAVS ; a rigid observer of etiquette, yet
not unfrequcntly overlooking its neglect ; fiery and vindictive, yet
never roused to betray her emotions by any gesture of impatience,
but veiling her indignation under a mask of calmness, her sup-
posititious character and actions were a perpetual contradiction to
each other.

Catherine's was a genius of a high order, No portion of her time
was left unoccupied. She was a lover of letters and of men of letters,
a cultivator of the arts, and the most perfect horsewoman of her
time. To her the ladies are indebted for the introduction of the
pommel in the saddle (female equitation being, up to that
period, conducted a la plancliette), a mode which, according to
Brantume, she introduced for the better display of her imequalled.
symmetry of person.

If Catherine was a paradox, not less so was her son, Henri III.,
whose youth held forth a brilliant promise not destined to be
realised in his riper years. The victor of Jarnac and Montcontour
— the envy of the warlike youth of his time — the idol of those
whose swords had been fleshed in many battles — the chosen monarch
of Poland — a well-iud^ing statesman — a fluent and felicitous orator,
endowed with courage, natural grace, a fine person, universally
accomplished in all the exercises of the tilting-yard, the manege,
and the hall-of-arms — this chivalrous and courageous prince as soon
as he ascended the throne of France, sank into a voluptuous lethargy,
from which, except upon extraordinary occasions, he was never
afterwards aroused : his powers of mind — his resolution — his cou-
rage, moral and physical, fading beneath the enervating life of sen-
suality in which he indulged.

Governed by his mother and his flivourites, who were Cathe-
rine's chief opponents, and of whose over-weening influence she
stood most in fear ; threatened by the Due de Guise, who scarcely
deigned to conceal his bold designs upon the throne ; distrusted
by the members of the League, of which he had named himself chief,
and who were, for the most part, instruments of the Guise ; dreaded
Huguenots, to whom he had alwa3'S shown himself a relent-
less persecutor, and who remembered with horror his cruelties at
the massacre of Saint-Barthelemi, of which dismal tragedy he
has avowed himself a principal instrument ; opposed by the Pope,
and by Philip II. of Spain (his brother-in-law), both of whom Avere
favourable to the claims of Guise ; with Henri of Navarre in the
ield, and his brother the Due d'Alcn^on disaffected; fuhninated

Tin: COITKT OF IIENIU III. 55

nciiinst by tlic Sorboiiiie ; rissailod by one of its doctors, in a
pamphlet endeavourin<^- to prove the necessity ol" his depositiou ;
Henri, Avith his crown totternig upon Ins liead, still maintained an
exterior of the same easy indillerence, abandoned none of his plea-
siu'es, or his devotions (for devotion with him took the semblance
<ot amusement — and the oratory and the ball-room "were but a step
asunder — the mass and the masquerade each the division of an hour)
— turned a deaf car to the remonstrances of his counsellors, and
could only be awakened, like the Assyrian monaix-h, from his lux-
urious trance, when the armed hand was put forth to grasp his
sceptre. Then, indeed, lor a brief space, he showed himself a king.

It is not, however, with this portion of his reign that we have
to do ; but with that in which this Sybaritic prince Avas altogether
sunk in indolence and dreamy enjoyment.

On the night in question, he had gatlicred togetlicr, within
his gorgeous halls, the loveliest and ihe proudest of his capital.
Catherine de jNIedicis Avas there with her brilliant bevy of beauties.
Marguerite de Valois, the iair Queen of Navarre, then in her seven-
and-twentieth summer, and gloAving in the noontide warmth of her
resplendent charms, was present, attended by her train ; nor Avere
the gentle Louise de Vaudemont, and her demure and discreet
dames of honour absent. All that Henri's court could boast, of
grace, Avit, youth, beaut}', or distinction, Avere assembled.

Perfumes exhaled I'rom a thousand aromatic lamps ; fragrant
exotics, iilled the air Avith svA'cets ; music, soi't and Ioav, breathed
from a band of unseen minstrels; lofty plumes Avaved to the cadences
of the melody ; small elastic feet tAvinkled in the A^aried elastic
moA'cments of the figure — noAv attuned to the rapid Avhirl of the
bransle — noAV to the graceful and majestic pauses of the Spanish
pavane, or to the grave, sIoav, and dignified deportment of the
Italian pazzameno.

It Avas a masked fete, and all, saA'c the monarch and a fcAv
of his privileged folloAvers, Avore the vizard. The costumes Avere
endless and diversified, but chosen rather Avith a vicAV to display the
person of the Avearcr to the best advantage in a guise dillcrent from
his Avont, than Avith that bizarre taste Avhieh characterises a
carnival. Bright eyes, not less bright that they Avere seer
peeping hke stars through the dusky loopholes of the pretty-
velvet mask called the louret de nez, which gave additional
piquancy and eflect, Avhen none was needed, to the ruby lips and
polished chin of the Avearer, rained their influence around. Of
all favourers to flirtation, commend us to the mask. Beneath its
shadoAV a thousand random darts may be shot that Avould fall point-
less, or ncA'cr be aimed at all Avere it not for the friendly covering.
Blessings, therefore, upon him that invented the mask, Avho
has thereby furnished the bashful and timid lover Avith a shield
to fight under.

The splendid company dispersed throughout the long suite of gilded
saloons — listening to the ravishing notes of a concert of harmonious

5Q CRTCIITON.

voices — gatlicrinr'' round the tables ^Ylle^e vast sums were li^st at tric-
trac, priinero, and other Ibrgottcn li-ainesof'hazard — pausing beneath
a scented arcade of flowers — loitering within the deep embrasure of
a tapestried window, or partalcing of the sumptuous banquet set forth
Avithin the great hall of carousal. Iho laugh and the jest were
loud and high ; the love ppt^ecli and its response faint and low.

Amidst tlic glittering throng might be discerned a group who
had laid aside their masks, and who lield themselves slightly aloof
from the proceedings of the assemblage. More mirth, however,
might be observed amongst his party than otherwise. 1 heir
langliter was heard above the conversation ; and few were there,
whether danu^s or seigneurs, who passed in review before them, if
their gait or features could be detected, but were exposed to a galling
lire of raillery and sarcastic remark.

One amongst their number was treated with marked deference
and respect by the others; and it would appear that it was for his
amusement that all these witticisms were uttered, as, whenever u
successful hit Avas made, he bestowed upon it his applause. A
man of middle height, slender figure, with a slight stoop in the
shoulders, he had a countenance charged with an undefinable
but sinister expression, something between a sneer and a smile.
His features were not handsome ; the nose being heavy and clubbed,
and the lips coarse and thick ; but his complexion Avas remarkable
for its delicacy and freshness of tint; neither Avere his eyes deficient
in lustre, though their glances Avere shifting, suspicious, and equi-
vocal. He Avore short moustaches curled upwards from the lips,
and a beard a. la royale tufted his chin. From either ear depended
long pearls, adding to his efieminate appearance, while, in lieu of
plumes, his black toquet, placed upon the summit of his head, and
so adjusted as not to disturb the arrangement of his Avell-curled
hair, Avas adorned Avith a brilliant aigrette of many-coloured gems.
Around his neck he Avore a superb nacklace of pearls, together
Avith a chain of medallions intermingled Avith ciphers, from Avhich
Avas suspended the lesser order of the Saint-Esprlt radiant Avith
diamonds of inestimable A-alue. In fact, the jewels flaming from
his belt, the buckles, and the various fastenings of his mag-
nificent attire, Avere almost beyond computation. On one side
this girdle sustained a pouch filled Avith small siK^er flacons
filled Avith perfumes, together Avith a sword Avith rich hilt and
velvet scabbard, and on the other, a chaplet of death's heads,
Avhich, ever mindful of a vow to that effect, he constantly carried
about his person, and which indicated the strange mixture of reli-
gion, that, together Avith depravity, Avent to the composition of the
Avearer's character. Adorned Avith the grand order of the Saint-
]^2sprit, and edged Avith silver lace, iiis chestnut-coloured A'clvet
mantle, cut in the extremity of the mode, Avas a full inch shorter
than that of his companions. His ruif Avas of ampler circum-
ference, and enjoyed the happiest and most becoming don de la
rotoude. Fitting as close to the figure as loops and Inittons could

THE- COURT OF IIKXRI III. 57

mnke it, lils exquisitely Avoilced and slashed pourpoint sat to a
]niiaclo, not less studied was the appointment of the balloon-like
iiose, swelling over his reins, and which, together with the doublet,
wove of yellow satin.

Far be it from us to attempt to portray tlie exuberant splendour
of his sleeve ; the nice investiture of tlie gracelul limb, with tiie
hose of purple silk, or the sharp point of the satin shoe. No pare
of his attire w'as left unstudied, and the tU-fiant of the nineteenth
century may aspire in vain to emulate the finished decorative taste
of the royal exquisite of the sixteenth.

Henri III., for it was the monarch whom we have endeavoured
to describe, conferred, as before str.ted, infinite attention upon the
mlnutiai of the toilet, and caried his consideration of dress some-
what to an extreme. Upon the solemnisation of his espousals with the
Queen Louise, so much time was occupied in the arrangement of
hiriself and his spouse for the ceremonial, that mass could not be
eel brated until five o'clock in the evening ; and the Te Denin was
in consequence neglected to be sung, an omission wliich was re-
garded as a most unfortunate augury. Of his personal appearance,
moreover, he was excessively vain ; and so anxious ■was he to pre-
seive the delicacy and freshness of his complexion, and tlie smootli-
n ss of his siiln, that during the night he always wore a mask, and
gloves prepai-ed with vmguents and softening pastes. Few ladies
of his court could compete with him in the beauty and smallness
of his hand ; a personal grace whicii he inherited i'rom his motlier,
and which was enjoyed in common with him by Marguerite de
Valois.

Upon the present occasion he had withdrawn one glove, of silk,
woven with silver tissue, and pinked with satin, in colours of white
and incarnadine; and suffered his small and snowy fingers, loaded
with sumptuous rings, to stray negligently through the luxuriant
ears of a little lap-dog, sustained by the jester Chicot, who stood by
his side. Of dogs, Henri was so passionately fond, that lie gene-
rally drove out with a carriage full of the most beautiful of the
species, and took possession of any others that pleased his fancy in
the course of the ride. Of his forcible abduction of their favou-
rites, loud complaints were made by the nuns, the convents being
the best canine store-houses, in the days of this great "dog-fancier,"
and frequently resorted to by him for fresh supplies.

Scarcely less splendidly equipped than their sovereign, Avere the
courtiers stationed around him. Upon the right of Henri, who
supported himself upon the shoidder of his chief valet, Du Halde,
■was placed the portly person of the Marquis de Villequier, sur-
named " le jeime et le (jros" though now laying little claim to the
former epithet, near to whom was liis son-in-law, D'O., siq^erin-
tendent of the finance, occupied in the childish amusement of the
bllboquet, then in vogue with all the courtiers, in consequeiice of
their monarch's partiality for it. Even the gallant Joyeuse, and

58 cniCHTON

the stately D'Epenion disdained not to indulge in tliis fiivoloug
pastime; and both of" thein carried lon^^ silver surbacanes in theii
hands, Avith -which, like the modern Italians at a carnival, they
occasionally pelted the masquers 'with coni'ectionery and sugar-
plumbs, displaying infinite cpiickness of aim.

Engaged in converse Avith D'Epernon, was Francois D'Epinay
de Saint Luc, Baron de Crevecocur, another lavourite of Henri,
and equally distinguished with his companions for a courage,
which, in its wild and iiei'ce display, amovmted almost to ferocity.
Saint Luc was accounted the handsomest man of his time, and
universally obtained the epithet of le beau. jNIany pages and
lacqueys, in the sumptuous liveries and emblazoned array of their
lords, were in attendance.

" Joyeuse," said the king, addressing the young vicomte, in a
soft and melodious tone, '"canst inform me whose lovely face lurks
beneath yon violet mask ? — for lovely 'tis, or else the lips and throat
belie it — there, within the train of her majesty, our mother —
thou seest whom I mean ?"

" I do, sire," replied Joyeuse ; " and I quite concur in your
majesty's opinion, that the lace must be divine which that envious
mask shrouds. The throat is superb, the figure that of a Venus.
But as to the angelic owner, though I Hatter myself I am sufli-
ciently acquainted with the dames of her majesty's suite, to ofler a
correct conjecture as to nine out of ten of them, let them be ever so
carefully disguised, I own I am puzzled by this fair incognita. Her
gait is charming. Vive Dieu ! with your majesty's permission, I
will ascertain the point."

" Stay," said the king. '•' 'Tis needless. Saint Luc will resolve
our doubts at once ; 'twas she Avith whom he danced the pavane.
How name you your fiiir partner, baron?"

" I am equally at a loss with yourself, sire, as to her name,"
replied Saint Luc, " my efforts were in vain to obtain a glimpse of
the features, and with the tones of the voice I was wholly unac-
quainted."

" ]\Iadame la baronne may well be jealous of her handsome hus-
band," said the king, smiling, (the baroness, according to the
memoirs of the time, was " bossue, laide et contrefaite et encore
pis," if worse can be well conceived); " but if thou, Saint Luc, hast
failed in making an imjircssion upon the fair imknown, which of
us shall hope to succeed? It cannot be, though the figure some-
what resembles hers, the Demoiselle de Chastaigneraye, or the liiir
La Bretesche, Villequier would be able to peer through any dis-
guise she might assume; nor Surgeres, Konsard's divinity, nor
Teligni, nor Mirande — jNIort-dieu I — not one of them is to com-
pare with her. She floats in the dance, as if she moved on air."

" You appear interested, sire," said Saint Luc, smiling, to show
his superb teeth, "are Ave to infer that the damsel may plume
herself upon a royal conquest?"

THE COURT OF IIENKI III. 59

"The Janiscl luitli already made another conquest, upon which
she has more roason to phune herself," said Chicot.

" Indeed I" exclaimed Saint Luc. " Who may that he?"

" Nay, it refers not to tliec, beau Francois," returned the jester.
**Thou, like our dear llenriot, art the victim of every passing
glance; and neither of ye ai'o a conquest upon -which a damsel might
<^spccially congratulate herself. Now, he whose love she hath won
is one ot whose homage a damsel might bo proud."

"lla!" exclaimed the king, "thou art in the secret, I perceive.
"Who is the damsel, and which of my gentlemen is her admirer ?"

"All appear to be so, sire," returned Chicot ; " but were I to
jioint out the most devoted of her admirers, I should indicate your
majesty's jester ; if the most audacious, Saint Luc ; if the most
lickle, Joyeusc ; if the most grave, D'Epernon ; if the most over-
•weening, D'O ; if tlie most bulky, Villcquier ; if the most impc-
lious, your majesty — "

" And the mort successful, thou shouldst add," interrupted
Henri.

" No," replied Chicot. " In love affairs kings are never success-
ful. They have no hoimes forfu?ies."

" Wherefore not?" asked Henri, smiling.

" Because their success is due not to themselves but to their
station," returned the jester, " and is therelore wholly unworthy
of the name good fortune. Can it be termed a triumph to obtain
that which may not be refused?"

" My ancestor, the great Francis, found it otherwise," returned
the king. "He at least was tolerably successful, even in thy sense
of the word."

" I doubt it," replied Chicot. " And so did my ancestor Tribou-
let. Poll ! kings are alwaj's detected. Did you ever find it other-
wise. Henriot?"

" I shall not make thee my confessor, compere," said Henri ; " but
what wouldst thou say were I to hazard the experiment in the case of
yon fair unknown ? What wager Avilt thou hold, that I do not
succeed en masque .?"

" Never throw away the best card, gossip," returned the jester,
■" that were poor play, ijideed. Approach her en roi, if you would
be assured of triumph. Even then I have my doubts. But I will
stake my sceptre against yoiu's that in the other case your majesty
is foiled."

" I may ])ut it to the proof anon," replied tlie king, " I am not
accustomed to defeat. Meantime, I command thcc to disclose all
thou knowest concerning tlie damsel in question."

" All I know may be told in a breath, gossip."

"Her name?"

" Esclairmonde."

" A fair beginning. The name likes us well — Esclairmonde do
— Eflvc me the surname?"

60 cinciiTON.

" Lo (liable inV'inporte ! tlieic T niii at fault, sire — slie has no sur-
name."

'* Sang-Dieu ! be serious, conipcie."

" By your i'uther, the great Pantagruel — an oath I never ejaeu-
late Avithout due reverence — I swear to you, sire, I am serious. The
lovely Esclairnionde hath no patronymic. She hath little occasion
to consult the herald for her escutcheon."

" How, sirrah ! and one of the attendants on our mother?''

" l-'aidon, sire. You require information — and I am literal in
mv rej)li('.«. There is a trilling mystery attached to her birth. Es-
clairmonde is an orphan — a Huguenot."

"A Huguenot!" exclaimed the king, with an expression of
disgust, and hastily crossing himself. " Paidieu ! thou must be in
error."

"The daughter of a Huguenot, I should have said," returned
Chicot. "JNo one would look lor heretics in the train of her
most Catholic IMajcsty, Catherine de Medicis. They -would flee
Irom her as the fiend from holy water. Martin Luther or Jolui
Calvin have few disciples witliin the Louvre."

" Heaven forbid !" ejaculated the monarch, fervently grasping
his chaplet of mort-heads. " 'Tis strange," he added, after a mo-
ment's pause, " that I have never before heard of this girl, or of her
story. Are vou sure you are not amusing us v\ith some silly fable?"*

" "Does Madame Catherine trust you with all her secrets, gossip?"
demanded Chicot. " 1 trow not. But attend tome, and you shall
have the stoi'v of Esclairmonde in the true style of a chronicler.
Immured within her chamber, carefully watclied by her Majesty's
attendants, sidlered to hold no intercourse with any of the palace,
and above all no communion with any suspected of heresy, Es-
clairmonde until within these few days has led a life of entire
seclusion. AVhoever her father may have been — and that he was
of rank, and a veritable Huguenot, cannot, methinks, be doubted —
he perished by the edge of the sword at the day of Saint Barthelemy,
of blessed memory. While yet a child she was placed within the
hands of your royal parent, by whom she hatli been reared in the
true Catholic and Apostolic faith, and in the manner I have
related."

"Moi't-Dieu ! the tale is cuiious," replied the king; ''and I now
remember somewhat of the details thou hast g^.vcn, though they had
lono- since escaped my memory. I nuist see and convr-rse wdth the
fair Esclairmonde. Our mother hath not used us well in neglecting
to present the damsel to us."

" Your royal motherhath usually good reason for her actions, sire,
and 1 will answer for it in the present instance she had the best of
motives for her apparent neglect."

'• Beshrew thy ribald tongue, sirrah," returned Henri, laughing;
*' I have yet, however, anotlier question to put to thee. Have a
care thou answerest it not lightly. Of what particular cavalier

Till-: COURT OF HENRI III. CI

lath Esclairmondc made conquest? OfAvliicli of tlicec gentlemen?
Take no heed of" their glances, but reply ^vithout I'ear."

" I should not ibar to Sjieah, weie it to any of them that I
alluded," replied Chicot ; " but it Avas not so. Let these gentleineu
■withdraw a lew paces, and thou shalt learn thy rival's name."

At a gesture Irom the king the courtiers retired to alittle distance.
— " ^Tis Crlchton," said Chicot.

*'Crichton!" echoed the king in surprise — "the peerless — the
Admirable Crichton, as he hath this day been surnamed — who hath
vanquished our university in close conllict — he were indeed a rival
to be feared. But thou art wrong in naming him, gossip. Crichton
is ensnared within the toils of our sister of Navarre, and she is as
little likely to brook inconstancy as any dame within the land.
We arc sale, therefore, on that score. Besides, he hath no thought
f)f other beauty. A-propos of Crichton, it now occurs to me that
I have not seen him to-night. Will he not grace our festival?
Our sister Marguerite languishes in his absence like a pining lloweret,
nor will she force a smile for Bran tome's sprightlicst sally, or lion-
sard's most fanciful rhapsody. What hath become of him?"'

" I am Avholly ignorant, sire," replied the jester. " He started
at full speed from the College of Navarre after our affray with those
disloyal scholars, ces bons rustres, as mine uncle Panurge would
call them; several of whom, as I already informed your majesty, are
safely lodged within the Grand-Chatelet awaiting your disposal.
lint what hath since befallen him I know not, save that he may by
accident have thrust his hand into the hornet's nest."

" Thou speakest in riddles, compere," said the king, gravely.

•' Here cometh one shall read them for you, sire," returned
Chicot: " One more learned than Q'^dipus — Lc llamoneur d'Astro-
logie — you will hear all from him."

" Ruggieri I*" exclaimed the king. " Is it indeed our astrologer,
or hath some masker assumed his garb?"

'* A circumstance not very likely," I'cplied Chicot, " unless the
■wearer has a fancy for being poignarded by accident, as will, in all
probabiHty, be the case with liuggieri, provided he escape the stake.
What hath happened, father?" asked the jester, surveying Rug-
gieri with a malignant grin. " Are the stars overcast — is the moon
eclipsed — or hath a bearded comet risen in the heavens ? — What
2-)rodigy hath occurred ? Have thy philters failed — are thine images
anolten — or hast thou poisoned a friend by mistake ? — Hath thy
dwarf eloped with a succuba or salamander — thy gold turned to
Avithered leaves — thy jewels proved counterfeit — thy drugs lost
their virtues? — By Trismegistus, what hath gone amiss ?"

" Can I have an instant's speech with your majesty?" said Rug-
gieri, -with a profound obeisance, and disregarding the taunts of tho
jester. " What I have to say imports you much."

" Say on, then," replied the king.

62 niiciiTox.

Ruijgicii looked at Chicot. Henri waved Lis Land, and the
jester rehictiintly withdrew.

" I warrant nie it is to speak of CricLton and tLe Gelosa tLat
iLe accursed old owl liath quitted Lis roost," he muttered. " Would
1 could catch a syllable ot" Lis speech. Methinks I am alllictcd
with a more tLan wonted deafness, or tLe crafty knave LatL prac-
tised tLc art of talkin*:; in an under-key to some purpose. His
majesty looks wonder-stricken, yet not displeased. He smiles ;
AvLnt pictended secret can tLe lyin^' old miscreant Lave to make
known?"

Henri, meanivLile, listened witL evident surprise to tLe com-
munication of Rufrgieri, but oftered no interruption beyond an
occasional exclamation of astonisLment, accompanied by a sligLt
sLrug of tLe sLouldcrs. As tLe astrologer concluded, Le mused
for a moment, and tLen addressed Lim.

" I Lave observed tLat mask, lluggieri," Le said, smiling, " at
tLe Hotel de Bourbon, but little tLouglit wLose visage it sLrouded.
Mort-dieu! tLou Last let me into a pretty confidence. I Lave
sufficient, metliinks, to answer for in my own indiscretions, witL-
out making myself responsible for tliose of otLers. However, tLis
young galliard sLall Lave my assistance. Hatli Le seen tLe Duo de
Nevers ?"

" No, sire," returned Ruggieri ; " and wLatever may betide,
into wLatever perils Lis youtli and Lot blood may lead Lim, I im-
plore your majesty to maintain Lis secret and afford him your
protection."

"Fear not. You Lave our royal word. Corbleu! I deliglit
in mysteries and intrigue of all kinds, and will lend Lim a Lelping
Land witli pleasure. He is a youtL after my own Leart, to engage
in sucL a madcap frolic. I am cLarmed witL Lis story, yet I own
I can scarce compreliend Low a player-girl like tLis can occasion
him so mucL trouble. Our actresses are not wont to be so Lard-
Learted — La, La, especially to one of our masker's consequence—
ell, Ruggieri ? TLis is new, metliinks."

"TLere is magic in tLe case, sire," replied Ruggieri, myste-
riously ; "Le is spell-bound."

" Mary INIotLer !" said tLe king, crossing Limself devoutly.
"SLield us from tLe devices of the evil one! And yet, Ruggieri,
I must own I am somewLat sceptical as to tLese imaginary temp-
tations. More witcLcraft resides in tLe dark eyes of tLat Gelosa
tLan in tliy subtlest compounds. But from wLatever source Ler
attraction originates, it is clear tLat tLe cLarm is sufficiently po-
tent to drive our mask to Lis wits' ends, or Le would never Lave
committed sucL extravagancies in Ler pursuit."

" Sire, I Lave now fullilled my mission," returned Ruggieri. '*I
have put your majesty upon your guard against wLat may be urged
bv CricLton. Have I your permission to depart ?"

" Stay I" said tLe king, " a tLouglit strikes me. Du Halde/*

THE COURT OF IIEXUI III. G?

\\c oxclulincd, motioning to the cliief valet, '^ say to tlic queen, our
mother, that Ave -would conl'ev an instant Avith her; and add our
request that her majesty will, at the same time, take an opportunity
oi presenting the Demoiselle Esclairmonde.''

L)a Haldc bowed and departed.

" 1 have my mystery, likewise, Ruggieri ; and, singularly
enough, this Criehton is in some way mixed up with it. For the
lirst time this evening I have discovered that a beauty of the first
order has been nurtured within the Louvre, whom no one knows,
but with wlioni Criehton is in love. Scarcely have I recovered
li'om the surprise into which I have been thrown by this incident^
■when thou comcst to tell me that the pretty Italian singing boy,
Avith Avhose canzonettas and romances I have been so much de-
liglited, and Avho has been the lite and soul of our comedies, turns
out to be a girl in masquerade, Avho, pursued by an ardent lover,
Hings herself into Crichton's arms. What am I to think of all this,
knowing, as I do, that this very Criehton is the favourite of our
sister Marguerite, who for him has abjured all her old amourettes,
and who watches over him with a jealous frenzy like a first passion ?'
"What am I to think of it, I say?"

" That Venus smiled upon his nativity, sire," replied Ruggieri,,
with a profound inclination of his head. " Little is due to him-
sell^ — much to the celestial influences — he is predestined to success.
By Nostradamus! 'tis fortunate for your majesty that you are not
placed in a similar predicament with our mask. Had your affec-
tions been fixed upon the same damsel with Criehton, I fear even,
your chance, sire, would have been a slight one."

" Sang-Dieu !" exclaimed Henri, "they are all of one opinion.
Tliese are Chicot's sentiments exactly. Mark me, Ruggieri. As
concerns Esclairmonde I have my own designs. In this matter of
the Gelosa, thou and thy mask may calculate upon my counte-
nance. In return I shall require thy assistance should any unforeseen
obstacles present themselves in my own case. As to Criehton, we
Avill leave him to the vigilance of our sister Marguerite. A hint
will suffice with her. She Avill save us a world of trouble. In affairs
of gallantry we shall see whether even the Admirable Criehton can
cope with Henri de Valois."

Ruggieri shru2:ged his shoulders. "'Tis vain to strugirle with
the stars, sire, Che sara, sara."

"But the stars say not that Esclairmonde shall be his, eh,
Ruggieri?"

" His destiny is a proud one," replied Ruggieri; "that, at least,
tl:cy have foretold."

At this moment Du Halde approached, announcing Her Majcstjf'
Catherine de INIedicis, and the Demoiselle Esclairmonde.

J^otli were unmasked.

6'4 CRICIITON.

CHAPTER II.

ESCLAIR MONDE.

L:i Reyne-^rt-re avoit ordinairemcnt de fort belles et honorables filles, rtbc
lesquelios tous les jours en son atitichambrc on conversoit, on discouroit, on devi-
8oit, taut sagement et taut niodestemei t que Ten n'eust os6 faire autrenient,

BuANJOME — Dames I (lustres. Discours IL

Henri III., though perrectly heartless, was the politest raonarcli
in the world. With all the refined courtesy of manner, therefore,
for which he was so eminently distinguished, he gracefully advanced
towards Esclairmonde, and, as she tendered to him her homage,
he gallantly raised her hand to his lips, and with his most captiva-
ting smile, proceeded to eulogise her beauty in those soft periods of
adulation which kings know so well how to turn, and no king
better than Henri; exerting himself so well to relieve her embar-
rassment, that his efforts were not long unsuccessful. To a
monarch's attention, indeed, few female hearts are insensible.

Surprised at the sight of Ruggieri, for whose unbidden appear-
ance at the fete she felt unable to account, and who in vain, by
sundry significant gestures, sought to convey to her some notion of
Jiis errand to the Louvre, Catherine de jSledicis, ever suspicious
ol'hcr confidants, could not, or would not, be made to comprehend
his hints ; but regarding him with a look of displeasure during
the brief ceremonial of presentation, she motioned him aside, so
i^oon as etiquette permitted, and proceeded to question him as to
the cause of his presence. Seeing his lynx-eyed mother tlms
occupied, Henri, not slow to profit bj the opportunity which
her present distraction aflordcd him of assailing the heart of her
lovely maid of honour, prollercd Esclairmonde his hand, and gently
drew her towards the deep embrasure of a magnificent window
where they might converse unobserved.

Though not habitually sincere in his expressions of admiration,
Henri, on this occasion, must be acquitted of any attempt at dissi-
mulation. He was greatly struck, as indeed, he could not fail to
be, with the loveliness of Esclairmonde. Accustomed to the blazo
•of beauty by which his court was encircled ; with a heart little sus-
ceptible of any new emotion, and with a disposition to judge some-
what too nicely eacli attribute of female perfection, he could not
help admitting, that not only were the charms of Eeclairmonde
without parallel, but that there was no point either of her coun-
tenance or person, or what was of equal importance in his eyes, of
her attire, which his critical eye did not pronounce to be faultless.

Alas ! how inadequate are mere words to convey a notion of
ithe beauty sought to be portrayed. The creation of the poet's
fancy fades in the evanescent colouring he is compelled to employ.
The pen cannot trace what the pencil is enabled so vividly to depict:
it cannot accurately define the exquisite contour of the face, neither
can it supply the breathing hues of the cheek, the kindling lustre

ESCLAIRMONDE. 65

of tlic eye, tlie dewy gloss of the iip, or the sheen of the hair, be
it bhick as the raven's wing, glowing as a sunbeam, or fleecy as
ii summer cloud. The imagination alone can furnish these details.

Imagine, then, features moulded in the most harmonious form of
beauty, and chiselled with a taste at once softened and severe. The
eyes of a dark deep blue, swimming with chastened tenderness.
An inexpressible charm reigns about the lips; and a slight dimple,
in which a thousand Cupids might bask, softly indents the smooth
and rounded chin. Raised from the brow so as completely to dis-
play its snoAvy expanse, the rich auburn hair is gathered in plaits
ut the top of the head, crisped with light curls at tlic sides, orna-
mented witli a string of pearls, and secured at the back with a
knot of ribands ; a style of head-dress introduced by the unfortu-
nate Mary Stuart, from whom it derived its name, and then
universally adopted in the French court. The swan dike throat is
encircled by a flat collar of starched muslin edged witii pointed
lace. Rich purple velvet of Florence, constitutes the material of the
dress, the long and sharp boddice of which attracted Henri's atten-
tion to the slender shape and distinctly defined bosom of the lovely
demoiselle.

In passing, it may be remarked, that the rage for the excessively
attenuated waist was then at its highest. Our tig^it-laced grand-
mothers were nothing to the wasp-shaped dames of the court of
Catherine de Medicis. Fitting like a cuirass, the corset was
tightened around the shape till its fair wearer, if her figure hap-
pened to exceed the supposed limits of gracefulness, could scarcely
gasp beneath the parasite folds, while the same preposterous sleeve
which characterised the cavaliers of the period, likewise distinguished
the dames. Nor had Esclairmonde neglected due observance of
this beauty-outraging mode, or despite her personal attractions she
would scarcely have found favour in her sovereign's eyes. Those
prodigious coverings of the arms were stuffed out, and sustained
by a huge pile of wool, and were of such amplitude and width
that they would easily have contained three or four of our mo-
dern sleeves. Edged with pointed lace, starched like that of the
collar, a ruff of muslin completed the gear of the arm. Around
her neck was twined a chain of bronze medallions, and a single
pear-shaped pearl descended from the acute extremity of her
stomacher.

Tall and majestic in figure, the carriage of Esclairmonde was
graceful and dignified ; and as he contemplated her soft and sunny
countenance, Henri thought that, with one solitarj'- exception, he
had never beheld an approach to its beauty. That exception was
IMary of Scotland, whose charms, at the period when she was
united to his elder brother, Francis the Second, had made a lively
impression on his youthful heart, some sense of wliich he still re-
tained, and whose exquisite lineaments those of Esclairmonde so
much resembled, as forcibly to recall their remembrance. Thero

6Q CRICHTOX.

■was tlic same sleepy languor of die dark, blue eye — the same in-
efiable sweetness of smile — the same j)carly teeth displayed by the
smile — the same petit iiex retrousse (that prettiest of all feminine
features and well meritlnir La Fontaine's admiration —

o
Ncz troiisst', c'cbt vin charme encore seloii rnon sens,
Ceil est mcme un des {)liis piiissans —

though perhaps it may evidence a shght tendency to coquetry on
the part of the owner) the same arched and even brow — in short,
there were a hundred traits of resemblance which Henri was not
slow to discover. In a few minutes lie became desperately in love;
that is as much in love as a king could be under the circumstances,
and moreover such a hldst king as Henri.

" By Cupidon ! belle Ksclairmonde," he said, still retaining pos-
session of her hand, "I am half disposed to charge my mother with
leze-majeste in so long denying me the gratification I now experi-
ence in welcoming to my masque the loveliest of my guests. Mort-
Dleu ! ardent admirer as she knows I am of beauty, her majesty's
omission savours of positive cruelty ; nor should I so readily over-
look the fault, did not my present satisfaction in some degree
reconcile me to the previous disappointment."

" Your majesty attaches more importance to the circumstance
tlian it merits," returned Esclairmonde, gently endeavouring to
disengage her liand. *' Flattered as I am bv vour notice, it is an
honour to which I had no pretension to aspire."

" In faith, not so, fair demoiselle," replied the king. " Beauty
has a claim upon my attention to Avhich all other recommendations
are secondary. I were no true Valois were it otherwise. You
Avill not reiusc me your hand at the banquet,"" he added, in a lower
tone, and with an eniprfmsement of manner which could not be
•.ilstaken.

'1 he colour mounted to Esclairmonde's clieeks.

"Sire!" she returned, with a thrill of apprehension, "my hand
is at your disposal."

" But not your heart?" asked the king, in an impassioned whisper,

Esclairmonde trembled. She saw at once the danger of her
position, and summoned all her firmness to her assistance.
" Sire !" she replied, with lier eyes fixed upon the ground, and in a
tone which struggled to be firm, " my heart is not my own. It is
devoted to another."

" Mort-Dleu !" exclaimed the king, unable to control his displea-
sure. " You avow it — you love — "

" I said not so, sire."

" How ! — and devoted to another?'

" 1 am betrothed to Heaven; my destiny is the cloister."

"Is that all?" said Henri, recovering his composure. "I half
suspected there were other ties that bound you to eartJi. But a
cloister — no, no — this must never be, mignonne. No mo-
nastery shall entomb so lair a auni, while I can liindcrit. Such

/C:

'-^

Presentation of Esclairjnonde to Henri III

ESCLAIRMONDE. 67

gifts arc not liglitly bestowed, nor should tliey be heedlessly
thrown uway ; and I shall fulfil a duty in preventing sueh an im-
molation at the shrine of mistaken zeal, as would be your iinpri-
sonment in a cloister. If the resolution proceed from the queen
inothcr, my authority shall be interposed to restrain her intentions,
for, by our lady I I cannot believe that you, child, have any such
dissatislaction with the world as to wish to withdraw yourself from
it, when its gayest prospects are opening before your view ; Avhen
your path i& strewn with flowers, and when all the chivalry of
JFrance, witli their monarch at their lieadj are eager to contend for
your smiles.""

" It is your royal mother's will that I accept it," replied Eschiir-
mcnde, timidly glancing at Catherine de Medicis, who, still
engngcd in deep conference with the astrologer, Avas too much
absorbed to observe her look. " From her majesty's resolves there
is no alternative. She will dispose of me as she sees fitting."

"But not without my concurrence," returned the king. " Mort-
Dieu ! — her majesty trifles with the sceptre till she fancies it is her
own hand that sways it. I must convince her to the contrary.
How she can entertain a notion so absurd as to think of burying
one of the loveliest of her attendants within the gloom of a con-
vent, passes our comprehension. Had it been our Queen Madame
Louise de Vaudemont, who ever carries a missal within her gibe-
cierc, I could understand it; but that our mother, who, though zea-
lous as ourselves at her vespers and masses, has no particular fana-
ticism, should contemplate an act so preposterous, seems unaccount-
able. INIorbleu ! she must have some motive."

" Her majesty has no motive save zeal in the cause of her re-
ligion."

" So it may appear to you, mi2'nonnc; but our mother's reason?
lie not on the surtiice. Be they ^vhat they may, you need no longer
apprehend her interference. Unless prompted by your own incli-
nations, you will never utter the vows which will bind you wholly
to Heaven to the neglect of all on earth."

" Upon my knees, sire," replied Esclairmonde, "would I thank
you for the precious boon you promise me, Avould thanks suffice;
but I feel they would not. I cannot misunderstand your looks.
Gratitude, devotion, loyal affection towards your majesty will ever
influence my bosom ; but not love, except such as a subject should
feel towards her sovereign. My life, my destiny is at your disposal ;
but seek not my heart, sire, which is neither mine to bestow, nor
yours to solicit."

*' If not your own," said Henri, somewhat maliciously, " to
"whose keeping have you intrusted it ?"'

" The question is ungenerous — unworthy of your majesty."
"You need not answer it, then," returned the king; "the
rather,'' he added, with a meaning smile, " that the secret is mine
•already. l"ew whispers breathed within these walls fail to reach

F 2

GS cniciiTON.

my cars; nor were tlio?c of the AdmiraLlc Cricliton so low as i.r>
escape our attention. Nay tremble not, child, I betray no con-
fidences. There is one person, liowever, against whom I must put
you upon your guard. You know her not as well as I do. Fate
grant you never may."

*' To Avliom does your majesty allude ?" asked Esclalnnonde,
with an expression oi' uneasiness.

" Have you no suspicion ? Docs not your heart prompt you? —
I' faith, you are not so much taken with this Crichton a? I imagined,
or else, wliich I can scarcely believe, you have little jealousy in your
composition."

" Of whom Avould your majesty have mc entertain a feeling of
jealousy? Against whom would you put me on my guard?"

" Whom you see yonder — the star queen of tlie revel, round
whom all the lesser orbs revolve, — who attracts all within her
sphere, and who sheds, as such stars generally do, her rays on all

alike

" Your majesty's sister, the Queen of Navarre ?"

" Precisely ; and it is of her I council you to beware."

" I do not understand your majesty."

" Mort-Dleu ! that is strange. You do not mean to say,
that, in alluding to Crichton's amourette with the Queen of
Navarre, we tell you any thing new. Wliy, the whole court
rings, or did ring, with it; for, in fact, the scandal is somewhat
stale, and no one now concerns himself about it. Our sister
changes her gallants so often that her constancy is the only thing
that excites a moment's marvel. A short while ago it was Mar-
tlgues — then La Mole — then Ic heau Saint Luc — then Mon-
sieur de Mayenne, ' bcm conipor/jion, f/rns et gras,^ as our brother
Henri of Navarre calls him — then Turcnne, a caprice — then
Bussy d'Ambolse, a real passion. After Bussy, appeared Crich-
ton, who, having disarmed D'Amboise, till that time deemed
invincible, became the reigning favourite — making the grand
corollary to these pleasant premises. So the affair stands at pre-
sent. How long it is likely to continue, rests Avith you to de-
termine. Marguerite will never brook a rival; and can you suffer
him you love to be the slave — the Avorshipper of another ?"

" 1 knew it not. And does he — does the Seigneur Crichton —
aspire to her affections?"

Henri smiled.

" He has deceived you," said he, after an instant's pause, during
which time he intently watched the workings of her countenance.
" Revenue is in your power. His perfidy demands it. The game
is in your hands — play off a king against his queen."

" Never.""

*' The cloister, tlien, awaits you."

*' I will die rather. I am of the reformed faith, sire."

*' Damnation I" ejaculated Henri, recoiling, tcUing his bcad^

ESCLAIKMONDE. G9

and sprinlclln^ liimself witli perfume iVoin one of the llacons at lils
girdle; "a Huguenot, Mort-Dieu! — I sliall expire — a heretic in
our presence ! It is an aifront to our understanding — and the girl is
so pretty, too — Diable ! * Indulgentlam absolutionem ct remissionem
peccatorum tribue, Domine !' " he continued, devoutly crossing
himself; "I ani stricken with horror — pali ! * Ab omni phantasia
ct ncquitia, vel vcrsutia diabolicai fraudis libera me, Domine!'"
And he recited another paternoster, performing a IVesh aspersion,
after which he added with more composure: *' Luckily, no one has
overheard us. It is not too late to recant your errors. Kecall those
silly words, and I will endeavour to forget them."

" Sire," replied Esclairmonde, calmly ; *' I cannot recall what I
have asserted. I am of the faith of which I have already avowed
myself a member. I reject all other creeds save that which I believe
to be the truth. In that I will live — in that, if need be, die."

" Your words may prove prophetic, demoiselle," returned Henri,
with a sneer ; " are you aware of the peril in which this mad avowal
of your opinions might place yoii?"

'* I am prepared to meet tlie doom, which in the same cause,
made martyrs of my father and all my family."

" Tush ! you heretics are ever stubborn. This accounts for your
non-compliance with my wishes. However," he muttered, " I shall
not give up the point thus readily, nor for a scruple or so in point
of conscience, baulk my inclinations. Besides, I remember I have
an indulgence from his Holiness, Gregory XHI., providing for
a contingency like the present. Let me see, it runs thus : for an
affair with a Huguenot, twelve additional masses per week, to be
continued for three weeks; item — a rich coffer for the Sacristy of
the Innocents; item— a hundred rose-nobles for the Ursulincs, and
a like sum for the Hieronimites ; item — a procession with the
Flagellants ; and then I have the condonation of his Holiness.
The penance is light enough, and were it more severe, I would
willingly incur it. 'Tis strange — a Huguenot perdue in the
Louvre — this must be inquired into. Our mother must be in the
secret. Her mystery — her caution — proclaim her acquaintance
with the fact. I will inquire into it at my leisure, as well as in-
vestigate all particulars of this girl's story. A Huguenot ! Mort-
Dieu ! From whom," he added, aloud to Esclairmonde, "did you
derive these abominable doctrines, demoiselle?"

" Your majesty will excuse my answering that question.**

" As you please, mignonne. Tliis is neither the time nor the
place to enforce a reply. Your story and your conduct alike per-
plex me — but, time will unravel the affair. Now mark me,
demoiselle. As yet I have approached you as a humble suitor, de-
sirous in that capacity to win your regard. I now resume the king,
and remind you, that your life, your liberty, your person, are at
my disposal; nor shall I forget the interests of your soul, in which
good office I may call in the assistance of some of my most zealous
ecclesiastics. If my measures appear harsh, you may thank your

70 CRTCITTON.

o"\vn perversity. l\Iy wish is to he lunieiit. Ol^ctlience is nil I re-
quire. Till midniglit, therefore, 1 give you to rcllect. On tlie
one hand, you will weigh my iiivour, my love — lor I still love you;
on the other, Crichton's iniidelity, a. cloister, perchance a darker
doom. Make your own election. After the banquet I shall expect
an answer."

*' My answer will still be the same," returned Esclairmonde.

At this moment, a loud clapping of hands was heard at the fur-
ther end of the hall, and the music replied to the acclamations in
loud and joyous strains. 'I'o Esclairmonde the notes sounded wild
and dissonant, and the laughing buzz of gaiety pealed like the din
of some infernal concourse. The glittering saloon and its gay and
ever-chanii'ing throng of masks and revellers vanished from her
sight, and before her, like a ghastly vision, rose the cowled inqui-
sitors, the stern and tlireatcning judges, the white-robed sisterhood,
in whose presence she seemed to stand Avith hair unbound, and
M-ith a thick black veil thrown over her face ! She shrank as for
protection, and recovered her senses only to encounter the libertine
gaze of Henri.

Again the music sounded joyously, and the torches of the bransle
being liglited, the giddy dancers passed them in a whirl of flame.

"]\Ia foi, we lose time here," said the king. "Not a word,
demoiselle — as you value your life or his, of our converse, to
Crichton — should he still, as is not unlikely, make liis apjDcarance
at our revel. — Resume 3'our mask and maintain your composure.
Soh, 'tis well."

Though scarcely able to command herself, Esclairmonde, in
compliance Avith the king's request, placed her violet-coloured mask
upon her face, and yielded, not without a shudder, her hand.

As they issued from the recess in which their conversation had
:aken place, the jester Chicot advanced towards the monarch.

" What wouldst thou, gossip ?" said Henri. " Thy wise
countenance is charged with more than its usual meaning."

" A proof I am neither in love nor dnuik, compere," replied
Chicot ; " as in either case our iamily resemblance becomes the
stronger, vour maicstv beinEf alwavs either the one or the other,
and not luifrequcntly both. Tlie su])erabundance of my meanmg,
therefore, you will lay to the chai'ge of my sobriety and discretion."

" Uah ! — this jesting is ill timed."

" Then it is in keeping Avith your majesty's love-making."

" Be silent, sirrah, or say Avhat brings thee hither !"

" What shall be done to the man Avhom the king delightetli to
lionour ?"

" And Avho is the man, gossip ?"

" He Avho threatens, more than Henri of Lorraine, or Henri of
Navarre, or Philip of Spain, or, despite the Salic laAV, your royal
mother to depose you, sire — see hoAV your loyal subjects quit your
side. If your majesty decline the otHce, permit the Demoiselle
Esclairmonde to ollL'r him Avelcomc."

ESCLAIRMOXDE. 7 1

** Ha ! I begin to comprcliend tlicc. It is the Admirable Ci-icli-
ton -whom thou -wouldst announce."

" I took the precaution to warn your majesty of" his cominn-, as I
would apprise a friend of" a jealous husband's return.""

" Crichton !" exclaimed Esclairmondc, roused from her stupor
by the mention of the name ; "he here ! May I crave your per-
mission to rejoin her majesty ?"

" By no means, mignonne," replied Henri, coldly; " I would
not deprive you of the pleasure of witnessing my interview with
this phccnix of schoolmen. You will, therefore, remain near me —
and neglect not," he added, in a tone only calculated for Esclair-
monde's hearing ; " the caution I have given you. You shall
have proof enough of his inconstancy anon. Messeigneiu's," he
added, aloud, addressing the lords in attendance; "approach. The
victor of the university is at hand. It is not often that it falls to
a king's lot to number a scholar amongst his courtiers. You may
remember, messcigneurs, at our last jousting, I foretold Crichton's
distinction, and promised him a boon. To-night I will redeem the
royal pledge. Joyeuse, bid her Majesty of Navarre attend upon
me. To her, no doubt, my welcome will possess peculiar interest.
Madame, my mother, if your conference be ended with Rugfi-ieri,
your presence will lend additional grace to the reception. Be
seated, I pray you. I would welcome tlie Admirable Crichton as
a king should welcome him."

Seating himself upon a richly-ornamented fiiuteuil, brought l)y
his attendants, Henri was instantly encompassed by his courtiers,
who formed a brilliant semicircle around him.

Catherine de Medicis, Avhose conference with the astrologer had
been long since ended, remarked Henri's attention to Esclairmondc
with some dissatisfaction. Accustomed, however, ratlier to encou-
rage her son's Avayward Inclinations than to check them (and
therein lay the secret of her rule), she allowed no expression of dis-
pleasure to escape her, but took her seat majestically by his side.
Behind Catherine, crouched Ruggieri, uneasily shuffling to and fro,
with the glare and the sluftino; movement of a caacd hvajna.

Nearer to the king, and clinging to his throne for support, Avas
placed Esclairmondc, now almost in a state of distraction.

Chicot reclined himself familiarly at Henri's feet, with his ma-
rotte in hand, and the monarch's long-eared, large-eyed, favourite
on his knee, its long ears sweeping the floor. Poor Chatelard ! As
the gentle animal submitted to his caress, Henri thought for an in-
stant of her from whom he had received liim as a sister's remem-
brance — he thought of Mary of Scotland — of her captivity — of her
charms — and of Esclairmonde's strange resemblance to her — and
this brought back the whole tide of passion. " Singular, most sin-
gular," he mused; " would she had been a Jewess, or a Pagan!
There might then have been some hope of her — but a Huguenot

— ouf r

7 a ceichton.

CHAPTER in.

HENRI III.

Don Carlos. A genoux, due! re^ois ce collier - sois fidtlel —
Par Saint Etienne, due, je te fais chevalier. —

Victor Hugo. IJcmani, Acte /!'., Scene VI.

CriCHTOn's arrival at the revel had created an extraordinary
sensation. His brilliant achievements at the university, wliich,
coupled with liisp;allant and chivalrous and any thing but scholastic
character, excited universal astonisliment, formed the chief topic of
conversation, and every body expressed surprise as to the time
when he acquired the wondrous store of erudition which had con-
founded all the wisdom of the land. How could he have attained
such boundless information ? He had been at the chase, the hall
of arms, the carousal, the fete — in short, he liad been everywhere,
but where he might be supposed to be, alone and in his study. He
had been the life of every thing — dashing at all, and succeeding in
all ; rejecting nothing in the whole round of pleasurable amuse-
ment — now swayed by the smile of beauty — now attracted by the
beck of the gamester, whose dice seemed obedient to liis will — now
pledging toast for toast with the votary of Bacchus, whose glowing
cups seemed to have for him no inebriation. He had been all this
and more ; and yet this reckless, heedless voluptuary, who pursued
enjoyment with an intensity of zeal unknown even to her most
ardent followers, had excelled the learned and laborious denizens
of wisdom's chosen retreat.

All was animation on his entrance. The report flew along the
saloon on wings, swifter than those of scandal. " He is arrived," was
echoed from mouth to mouth. The songsters were deserted, though
the band was Catherine's choicest Italian company — the ballet was
abandoned, though it had only just commenced — though the dan-
seiise.s were the most graceful imaginable, and a moitie nncs — the
branslc-des- flambeaux was neglected, though the perfumed torches
had reached the point when their blaze was to make one giddy whirl
of many-coloured flame — the stately pavanne broke into a quick
movement — the grave pazzameno lost all bounds — the commotion
became general — the infection irresistible. Eyes, brighter than the
jewels of their wearers, rained their influence upon Crichton as he
passed, and odorous bouquets fell at his icet as if they had dropped
like manna from the skies. Human nature could not resist homage so
flattering, and the handsome Scot appeared for an instant almost
overpowered by it.

The same richness of taste that characterised Crichton's cos-
tume of the morning, distinguished his evening attire. He wore
no mask — nor, what was then generally adopted, a toque or cap

HENRI III. 73

with a panaclie of gay-colonrcd feathers — neither liad he assumed
any fancii'ul garb. His dress was a rich suit of white satin slaslicd
with azure, the jerkin and liose fitting without a crease to the
modelled limbs. Having divested himself of his Spanish cloak and
plumed cap in the entrance-hall, nothing interfered with the exact
display of his symmetrical person ; and as, with a step elastic and
buoyant as that of a winged Mercury, he passed through the
crowded groups, he appeared like an impersonation of fabulous
grace and beauty.

Not a trace of the fatigue which might be supposed incident to
his prolonged intellectual conflict, was discernible in his proud, stead-
fast features. High emotions sat upon liis lofty brow — his coun-
tenance was radiant — and a smile sat upon his lip. With chival-
rous and courteous grace, he returned the congratulations and com-
pliments showered upon him, neither appearing to avoid nor yet
court attention, but essaying to pass on to the upper end of the
saloon.

Presently Du Haldc made his appearance ; and, sensible that all
eyes were upon him, that mirror of courtliness performed his task
to admiration.

When Henri's intimation became known, a new impetus was
given to the assemblage. In vain the almost bewildered l)u Haldc
raised high his fleur-de-lis- covered rod of oflice. In vain he shrugged
Lis shoulders, and made the most pathetic remonstrances, and to
remonstrances added entreaties, and to entreaties, threats. The tide
would not be repressed ; but, like that of the scholars of the morn-
ing, pressed forward quite resolved, it would seem, to be present at
Crichton's audience Avith the king. Deference, however, for the
royal presence withheld them from advancing too close. The royal
guard of halberdiers, pages, and lacqueys, placed themselves in
iront, and formed a dense phalanx round the throne.

The clamour subsided, as, preceded and announced by Du Halde,
Crichton approached the king, and made a graceful and profound
•obeisance. The music also ceased, there being no longer any reason
for its continuance. The distant minstrel strained his neck to gaze
towards the royal circle, and the attendant at the refreshment-table
took the opportunity of pledging his companions in a brimmer of
Cyprus.

ftl can while, the royal group had been increased by the arrival of
the lovely Marguerite de Valois, and her scarcely less lovely maids
of honour. La Torigni, Francoise de Montmorency, surnamcd J^a
Belle Fosseusc, and La Rebours ; the two latter of whom have
•been immortalised by Sterne.

The Queen Louise, with her discreet dames, had just withdrawn,
at having been whispered to her majesty that her august spousxi had
Ijctrayed symptoms of a new passion.

Henri was wholly unprepared lor, and not altogether pleased

/ 4 CKICnXON.

by, tlio rapturous admiration excited by Cricbton ; but be was too
niucli of an adept in dissimulation to suffer any symptom of dis-
pleasure to escape liim. On tbe contrary, he received the laurelled
scholar with his blandest and most deceptive smile, graciouslv
according: him his hand ; and, apparently rot content with this
jnark of liis friendship, instantly alter raising him from his kneeling
posture, and, cordially embracing him.

An irrepressible murmur of applause following this act of gracious
condescension, showed that Henri had not miscalculated its eflbct
upon the enthusiastic minds of the spectators. In fact, despite his
malevolence, he could not be entirely insensible to the influence of
the scene ; and, in common Avith all present, felt and recognised
the majesty and might of mind, and its wondrous combination in
the present case with personal advantages. He knew he Avas in
the presence of one of the master spirits of the age; and for an
instant, forgetting Esclairmonde, half persuaded himself he was
in reality the gracious monarch he was proclaimed by his courtiers.

There was one, however, who viewed his conduct in a different
light : but she was mute.

" Vive lo Roi ! — Vive notre bon Henriot !" cried Chicot, who
had withdrawn himself on Crichton's approach, addressing the
Viccmte de Joyeusc,, who stood near him ; " The grande Hue
Sairt-Jacques appears to be the high road to liis majesty's favour.
Henceforth, we shall all become scholars, and I may exchange my
fool's bauble for a folio, my cockscomb for the cappa rotunda, and
my surcoat for the prescribed tahaldi scu liovssice lonfjoi of tho
college of Navarre. How say you? It is only a year or two since
our dear Henriot took to the study of Latin in the grammar of
Denon. It is never too late to learn ; and if the good Pantagruel
propounded nine thousand, seven hundred, sixty-and-four conclu-
sions, as his historian, Maitre Alcofribas Nasicr, affirmeth, why
should not I ofier a like number for controversy ?"

" Nay, I see no reason to the contrary," replied Joyeuse.
" Thy conclusions will, in all probability, be as intelligible and
irrefragable as those of the sophists ; and, as extremes meet, thou
mayst be as near to Crichton as the line of intersection which
divides the heights of folly from the depth of wisdom will permit.
Meantime, pay attention to thy liege and master ; for methinks
he is about to bestow a gift on Crichton not unworthy of himself
or of the acceptor."

And so it proved. Commanding Crichton to kneel, Henri
detached the lesser collar of the Saint Esprit from his throat, and
placing the glittering badge around the scholar's neck, unsheathed
his sword from its crimson- velvet scabbard, and touching him thrice
with the blade upon the shoulder, added, " In the name of God
and of our lord and patron, Saint Denis, we create thee, James
Crichton, knight commander of the holy and honourable order of

HENRI III. 75

the Saint Esprit ! We do not say, support its statutes and maintain
its splendour without spot. TJiat wore needless. The name of
Cricliton is sudicient to preserve its glory untarnished."

" Your majesty has bestowed upon me a boon which I should
have esteemed more tlian adequate reward for long and /.ealous
service, or for highest desert," replied Crichton, rising. " But as
I can call to niind no such service, can discern no such desert,
I must esteem myself wholly unworthy of your distinction. This
consideration, however, Avlule it annihilates all fancied claim to
i'avour, enhances my gratitude ; and we shall see whether that
ieeling prove not a stronger stimulant than interest or ambition.
Devotion is all I can offer your majesty. I have a sword, and I
dedicate it to your cause; blood, nnd it shall flow in your defence;
lili", and it shall be laid down at your bidding. Emulative of your
own great deeds at Jnrnac and Moncontour, beneath your banner,
sire — bcneatli the Oriliamme of 1^ ranee, it shall be my aim to make
the holy and illustrious order with which you have invested me,
the proudest guerdon of knightly enterprise."

" I accept your devotion. Chevalier Crichton," returned
Henri. " 1 rejoice in your professions, and, by Saint Michael!
I am as proud of my knight as my good grandsire, Francois I., Avas
of his fellowship in arms with the i'earless and reproachless Bayard.
The ceremonial of your installation shall take place on Friday, Avithin
the church of the Augustines, where you Avill take the oath of the
Order, and subscribe to its statutes. After the solemnity, you will
dine at the Louvre Avith tlie Avhole assembled fraternity of the
knights commanders, and in the meantime, that nothing may be
omitted, our treasurer Avill have it in charge to disburse to your
uses our accustomed benefice of eight hundred croAvns."

" Sire, your favours overwhelm me."

" Tut!" interrupted Henri, " I Avould not be outdone by my
subjects in the expression of our admiration. Besides," he added,
smiling; " my conduct, after all, may not be so disinterested as at
first sight it Avould appear. Under any plea, I am glad to include
Avithin my ncAvly-institutcd and cherished Order, such a name as
that of the Admirable Crichton — a name Avhich reflects more lustre
on us, than knighthood can confer upon you. Freely as it was
nade, I accept your pledge. — I may, anon, take you at your word,
and require a serA'ice at your hands."

" Ask my life — 'tis yours, sire."

" Enough — I am Avell content."

As Henri spoke, a half-stifled sob Avas heara, proceeding frorrj
some one near liim. The sound reached Crichton's ears, and smote,
lie kncAV not Avhy, like a presage of ill upon his heart.

Henri could scarcely conceal his exultation. " I aauII no longer
detain my guests," he said, " this audience must be dull Avork to
them ; and, in sooth, I am tired by it myself Let the ballet
proceed."

76 cuicirroN,

Accordln^fly, the king's pleasure being made known, tlie musi-
cians instantly struck up a lively strain, the maskers dispersed to
comment upon the scene they had witnessed, and the bull recom-
menced with niore spirit than belbre.

CHAPTER IV.

CATHERINE DE MEDICIS.

Voila pourqnoi j'ai par quelqvie temps fait conscience d'tcrire cet ^chantillon ilc la
vie et (les actions dc Catherine de Medicis ; — ])our ce qiie cette femtne est un natif
tablea\i et exeinplaire de t3'rannie en ses deporteniens publics, et de toutes sortes
de vices on ses plus prives.

Henki EriiiNXE. Discours Mercelllcux de la fie de Catherine de Medicis.

"Par la mort dieu! men cher Cricliton," said Henri in a
lanijuld tone, helping himself to some of the perfumed confec-
tionery which he carried in his cscarcelle, " I am quite taken
Avitli the biilHancy and whiteness of yonr collar. I thought my
Courtrav gauderonneurs inimitable, but your artist far exceeds
those Flemish pretenders. I am critical in such matters, you
know — Heaven having endued me with a taste for costume."

" True, gossip," replied Chicot. " It is not for nothing that you
have acquired the titles of Gauderonneur des Collets de votie
Feinmc, et Mercier du Palah."

" Corbieu, messieurs !" continued Henri, heedless of the inter-
ruption, and apparently struck with a bright idea, " I abandon
for ever my pet project, the plat Saint Jean, and direct you hence-
forth to assume the collar a la Crichton !"

" Your majesty will then do manifest injustice to your own in-
vention," said Crichton, " by so styling my poor imitation of your
,own surpassing original ; and I pray you not to alter the designation
of a vestment which appears to have some importance in your eyes.
Let it bear the name of him alone to whom the merit of the con-
ception is due. I can by no means consent to hold honours which
do not belong to me; and no one would think for an instant of dis-
puting with your majesty the eminence you have so justly at-
tained."

"You flatter me," replied Henri, smiling; "but still I must
retain our opinion. And now a truce to compliment. Do not let
me detain you, mon cher, nor you, messelgneiu's, I know you
love the dance. The Navarroise is just struck up. That figure
has always attraction for our sister Marguerite. Pray ye, solicit
the favour of her hand."

With a smile like a simbeam, the royal Circe extended her hand
to Crichton, as he advanced towards her. That smile Avent like a
dajruer to the heart of Esclairmonde.

' CATHERINE DE MEDICIS. 77

" An instant, madame," said Crichton. " Ere I quit his majesty's
presence I liavc a suit to prefer."

" Say on," replied Henri.

" Were nay intercession in your behalf needful, you should have
it," said Marguerite do Valois, *' but your interest with tlic king
our brother is greater than my own."

•' Still let me have your voice, madame," returned Crichton,
" for my solicitation relers to one of your own sex. My life was
saved this morning by a disguised Venetian girl, and I liave since
ascertained that lier life is threatened by the traitor Ruggieri."

•' Traitor !" echoed Catherine de Medicis, starting to her feet, and
fixing a fierce glance upon Crichton — " ha ! consider well what you
advance, messire — this pertains to me — Ruggieri a traitor! — to
whom ?"

" To his sovereign, madame — to the king, your son," answered
Crichton, resolutely returning Catherine's gaze.

" By Notre Dame ! this concerns me, it would seem," said Henri.
*' Nay frown not, madame. Since his reported medication of my
brother Charles's beverage, I have ever misdoubted your Astro-
loger ; and, to speak truth, I wonder not at Crichton's charge ;
for the countenance of Ruggieri carries treason in every wrinkle.
But I will not judge him unheard. But first let us know more ot
this Venetian girl. How is she threatened by Ruggieri T'

" She is his prisoner, sire," replied Crichton, •'' confined within
the turret, belonging to her majesty, near the Hotel de Solssons.
I have myself penetrated the turret, where I heard moans, and saw
her through the bars of her cell "

"And 3'ou dared to force your way thither!" exclaimed
Catherine — "by my right hand, messire, you shall repent your
temerity I"

" The girl risked her life for mine, madame, — my head shall be
the price of her deliverance."

'• I take you at your word, messire. You shall have the girl
if you will adventure again wuthin my tower."

" Beware, beware," whispered Marguerite de Valois, pressing
Crichton's hand tenderly ; " as you value my love, say no more.
See you not, she smiles ; one step more, and you tread upon your
grave."

" It matters not,"" replied Crichton, withdrawing his hand from
the clasp of the Queen of Navarre. *' Your Majesty's threats,"
he added, addressing Catherine de Medicis, " will hardly deter me
from the execution of an enterprise in which my honour is at stake."

" Ha ! braved !" cried Catherine

*' No, no," said Marguerite, imploringly — " He does not bravo
you, mother."

" I only uphold the oppressed," said Crichton. " My head be
the penalty of my failure."

" Be it so," answered Catherine, reseating herself.

78 CRICIITON.

" And en attendant, Chevalier Crichton, you withdraw the charge
of treason which you preferred a^^ainst lluggieri ?" said Henri.

" No, sire," replied Cricliton, " 1 accuse Cosmo Kuggieri, Abbe
of Saint-]\Iahe, of high treason and leze-majesie, and of macliina-
tions against the state. These charges I will substantiate against
him by proof unquestionable."

" By what proof?" demanded Henri.

" liy this scroll, sire, set forth in alchemical characters ; unintel-
ligible it may be to your majesty, or to any one here assembled ;
but which my acquaintance with its cypher enables me to interpret.
This scroll, exhibiting a scheme for the destruction of your life,
seized within Ruggieri's retreat, upon his own table, with the traces
of his own ink scarce dried upon it, furnishes proof incontrovertible
of a dark conspiracy against your safety, of which this accursed
astrologer is the chief instrument. Let his person be secured, sire;
and, dillicult of comprehension as the mystic letters of this document
appear, I undertake to make them clear and evident as his guilt
is black and damning to the tribunal before which he shall be
arraigned."

Henri looked for an instant irresolutely towards his mother,
lluggieri was about to cast himself at the King's feet, but at a
gesture from Catherine he remained stationary, regarding Crichton
Avith a scowl of bitterest animosity. " Your boasted powers of logic.
Chevalier Crichton," said the Queen Mother, " might have taught
you that from unsound premises false conclusions must come. If
you have no further proof against Kuggieri than that adduced from
this document, your charge falls to the ground."

" Not so, madame ; this cypher implicates a higher power than
lluggieri."

" It does proceed from a higher source than that of Ruggieri,"
replied Catherine. " That scroll is my contrivance."

" Yours, madame !" exclaimed Henri, in surprise.

" Question me not further, my son," returned Catherine. •' Be
assiu'cd that I watch over your interests with maternal solicitude ;
and that if I work in darkness, I have only one aim — the main-
tenance of your glory and power. Hereafter you shall know the
real purport of this scroll. Leave the cares of rule to me."

" Puero recjmnde, fcemhta imperante,'' whispered Chicot.

" This hair-brained youth has marred one of my best-laid plans,**
continued Catherine, scornfully ; " but I pardon his indiscretion,
for his zeal in your behalf, Henri. But let him use more caution
in future. Zeal over much becomes ofticiousness, and will as such
be punished."

'* The zeal you reprobate, madame," replied Crichton, proudly,
*' prompts me, at the peril perhaps of my lil'e, to tell you, that even
you are the diq^e of lluggieri. This scroll is not what you sup-
pose it."

"Ha!" exclaimed Catherine.

CATHERINE BE MEDICIS. 79

" From its tenor I am satisfied it is not the document lie liad
your authority to prepare."

" Now, by our Lady ! this insolence pat^cth all endurance," cried
Catherine, furiously. " Henri, your sire would have hewed olf
his best knight's spurs at the heel ere your mother's word had been
doubted ! "

" Do not irritate yourself, madame," replied the king, coolly.
" The Chevalier Crichton's chief fault in your eyes appears to be
his anxiety for my safety, for which I own I find it diflicult to
blame. AVitli all your subtlety, you are no match for Ruggieri,
And I would willingly hear my advocate out ere I relinquish an
investigation which appears to involve such important consequences
to my safety."

Catherine grew pale, but she spoke with calmness. — " Proceed,
sir," she said, addressing Crichton, " the king wishes it. I will
answer you."

"To prove to j'ou, madame," said Crichton, "how much you
have been deceived, I will ask you whether it was by your autho-
rity this image was prepared ?" And Crichton drew forth from
his pourpoint a small wa.xcn figure representing the king.

"Par Notre Dame dc Bon Secours," stammered Henri, growing
•white, in spite of his rouge, with choler and affright, " an image
cf myself — ha ! — "

" Pierced with a poignard to the heart, sire," replied Crichton
— " Behold wliere the puncture is made ! "

" I see it — I see it," ejaculated Henri. " Ave Maria ! "

" Sire," exclaimed Ruggieri, flinging himself at the King's feet,
" hear me — hear me — "

"Away, infidel dog!" cried Henri, spurning Ruggieri from
him : " thy touch is pollution."

Exclamations of horror burst from tlie group immediately around
the king. Swords flashed from their scabbards ; and had it not
been for the interference of Catherine de Medicis, to whose knees
the affrighted astrologer clung in mortal terror, he would have
been slaughtered on the spot. " Back, messeigneurs ! " exclaimed
Catharine, rising and spreading her arms over Ruggieri ; " strike
him not — he is innocent — on your allegiance I charge you, sheathe
your swords ! "

"Be tranquil, gentlemen," said the king, who had by this time
collected himself — " Par la Mort-Dicu ! I Avill deal with this
traitor mvself. A waxen figure, forsooth ! Let me look at it
nearer. By my faith ! the knave has caught my lineaments far
better than my sculptor, Barthclemy Prieur ! — a dagger in the
heart — I have felt a strange pain in my side tlicsc three days. Is
this accursed image the handiwork of Ruggieri ?"

"Undoubtedly, sire," replied Crichton.

" 'Tis fiilse, sire. I had no liand in its manufacture. By my
salvation, I swear it." ejaculated ti\c affrlglited astrologer.

bO CKICHTON.

"Thy salvation!" echoed Chicot, with a scream of" derision —
"lia! ha! thou hast long since lost all chance of salvation ! llathcr
swear by thy perdition, miscreant abbe."

" I found it within his chamber," said Crichton. " Your ma-
jesty will treat the superstitious device with the scorn such a futile
attempt against your safety merits. But this consideration will not
relieve Ruggieri from the charge of treasonable practices against
your life. For like attempts, La Mole and Coconnas were adjudged
to the block."

"And on the scafiold he dies," replied the king, "if this offence
be proved against him. The question shall enforce the truth.
After this, madame," continued Henri, addressing his mother, " I
think you will scarcely seek to advocate further the conduct of your
astrologer."

" Were I satisfied of his guilt, assuredly not, my son," returned
Catherine. " But what proof have we that the whole of this accu-
sation is not a contrivance of this fair-spoken Scot, to rid himself
of a foe, for such he confesses Ruggieri to be?"

" You speak the truth, madame," cried the astrologer, "I will
satisfy his majesty of my innocence — and of the seigneur Crich-
ton's motive for this accusation. Grant me but time."

" I have said that a higher power than that of Ruggieri was
implicated in this matter," returned Crichton. " That power is — "

"Forbear !" cried the astrologer, " lead me to the rack; but utter
not that name ; you know not what you would do."

"Villain!" exclaimed Crichton; "you lind I am too well
acquainted with your crimes. I have read the secrets of your
heart. I would confront you with him you have betrayed. Would
he were here to confound you with his presence !"

'•' He is here," replied a masked figure, stepping suddenly for-
ward.

"The mask!" exclaimed Crichton.

"As I live, the mask in person!" said Henri. "I begin to
have some insight into all this mystery."

A momentary pause succeeded, during Avhicli no one spoke.
The mask at length broke silence. " The charge you have brought
against Ruggieri, Chevalier Crichton," he said, sternly, "is false,
unfounded, and malicious ; and that you have made it wilfully,
and knowing it to be such, I will approve upon you by mortal
combat ; to which, as Ruggieri's voluntary champion, I here defy

"And will you undertake the felon Ruggieri's defence? Will
you draw your sword in his behalf ?" asked Crichton, Avith a look
of incredulity and surprise.

" King of France," said the mask, dropping upon one knee
before Henri, " I beseech your majesty to grant me right of
combat (i V oiitrance with all weapons, and without favour against
the Chevalier Crichton."

CATHERINE DE MEDICIS. 81

Henri hesitated.

" Nay, my son," replied Catherine, " this is my quarrel — not
rjuggleri's — I am glad to find I have one sword ready to start
from its scabbard in my behalf. You cannot refuse this appeal."
" You have our permission, then," returned Henri.

*' I here, then, repent my defiance," said the mask, rising
liaughtily, and hurling his glove to the ground. " I challenge you,
Chevalier Crichton, to make good your accusation with your life."

" Enough," returned Crichton, " I accept the challenge, and
I counsel you, sir, not to throw aside your mask when you draw
your blade in a cause so inlamous. I am well content that liuggieri's
fate be left to the decision of my hand. Joyeuse," he continued,
'"may I calculate upon your services in this matter?"

"* Most certainly," replied tlie vicomte, " but will not your
adversary favour us with his name or title? As a commander of
tlie Saint-Esprit you are aware you cannot fight with one of inferior
lank?"

" If I am satisfied. Monsieur le Vicomte," replied tlie mask,
haughtily, " to waive that consideration, a cadet of fortune like the
Chevalier Crichton will have little need to take exceptions. We
meet as equals only with our swords."

So saying, the mask disdainfully placed his ungloved hand upon
the hilt of his rapier, Crichton regarded him fixedly for a moment.

•' Sir mask," he said, at length, in a tone of cold contempt,
*' whoever you may be, and I have no desire to publish your in-
cognito, whatever blood may flow in your veins, be it derived from
prince or peer, I hold it cheap as water in the unworthy cause you
have espoused ; and were you base-born vassal, as I believe you to
be honourable gentleman, and your quarrel the right, it would
weigh more Avith me than noblest lineage, or proudest blazonry.
Cadet of fortune I am, no doubt. Nevertheless, even the royal
Henri might cross swords with me without degradation. On either
side my ancestry is illustrious. My blood is that of the Stuart, my
heritage, an untarnished name ; my portion, a stainless sword. In
God and Saint Andrew I place my trust!"

" Bravely spoken," cried Saint Luc.

" You are satisfied of your antagonist's rank ?" asked Joyeuse of
Crichton.

" I will answer for him," said Ilcnri.

The vicomte raised the <dove, and thrust it in his jrirdle.

" whom may I have the honour of addressing as your second,
seigneur?" asked Joyeuse, in a tone of constrained courtesy.

" The Duke de Nevers," replied the mask, haughtily.

" Vive Dieu !" exclaimed the vicomte, "this is better than I
anticipated. iNlonsieur le Due, I shall be delighted to confer with
you on this duel."

At the mention of his name, the Due de Nevers, a grave and
stately nobleman, wearing the full insignia of the order of the Saint

82 CRTCIITON.

Esprit, stepped forward, in some astonisliment, Lut, rifter having
conversed an instant with the mask, he advanced, and with a
formal salutation took Criciiton's glove from the hand of the
vicomte.

** Mort-Dicu! mepsciiinenr?," said Henri, '* I had rather the
Avhole science of astrology were exterminated, together with all
its idolatrous professors, than that you should battle to each other
upon grounds so frivolous, and for a cause so unworthy of your
swords. However, since you will liave it so, I will not oppose your
inclinations. Let the combat take place at noon to-morrow, within
tlic hall of arms. ]\Iy pleasure, however, is tliat in lieu of" the
duel with rapier and dagger, — which, remembering the end of
Caylus and Maugiron, I interdict, — that you break a lance together
in the lists. On the issue of the third course, let the astrologer's
fate depend. I will not have the life of a valiant cavalier, or of
one dear to nie, sacriliced in this worthless dispute. Meantime,
Kuggieri shall be placed under the safeguard of the walls of the
Chatelet, to abide the issue of the encounter, and may God defend
the right !"

" I Avill answer for E-uggierl's attendance," said Catherine de
Medicis. " Let him be escorted to my turret. I will place my
own guard over him."

" As you please, madame," returned IlenrI, " but have a care
you produce him at the lists."

" Fear me not, my son."

" And now, sir mask," said the king, turning round. " Mort-
Dicu, vanished ! — "

" And now for the Navarroise," said Crichton, taking the hand
of Marguerite de Valois.

" I thought you had forgotten it," replied the queen, smiling ;
*' but let us go — I am Avearied of this crowd. We shall, at
least, be alone in the dance."

And, all eyes following their majestic figures, they swept down
the saloon.

While this was passing, Catherine motioned Ruggierl to approach
her. The astrologer threw himself at her feet, as if imploring
compassion. " I would question thee ere thou depart," she said,,
aloud, adding in a whisper, " this combat must never take place."

" It must not," returned the astrologer.

" I will find means to prevent it. Give me the phial thou hait
ever with thee — the Borgia tincture."

" That were too tardy, madame: — tliis potion you will find more
efficacious. It is the same deadly mixture as that prepared, by your
majesty's orders, for the Admiral Coligni, wdiich you entrusted to<
his valet, Dominique D'Albe."

" No more — I will find a surer agent than that timid slave," said
(Catherine, taking the phial which Kuggieri slipped into her hands p
" 1 must see the mask to-night," she continued. " Give me the

CATHERINE DE MEDICIS. 85

key of thine inner clianiber in tlie turret — I -will instruct him how
to come thither unperceivcd, by the subterranean passage I'rom the
Hotel (le Soissons."

" The key is here, madame," replied the astrologer.

" Let Ruggicri be removed," said Catherine, aloud ; " and a
triple guard placed at the portal of our hotel. Suifcr none to go
forth, nor to enter, save at our order."

" Your highness's commands shall be obeyed," said Larchsmt,
advancing towards Ruggieri, and surrounding him with some half-
dozen halberdiers.

" And your devilish schemes circumvented," added Chicot,
gliding from the fauteuil of the queen-mother, whither he had
crept unperceived ; " and, now to apprise Crichton of his danger!
— Mort-Dieu !— I tremble lest our Jezebel should find an oppor-
tunity of eifecting her accursed designs."

Full of apprehension for Crichton's safety, the jester was about
to follow the course taken by the Scot and his illustrious partner,
but he found them surrounded by sucli a crowd of eager spectators,
that approach was next to impossible. He was constrained,
therefore, to remain stationary. Presently, a lively flourish of
music told that the Navarroise had commenced ; and all the jester
could discern was the tall and majestic figure of Crichton revolving
Avith that of the queen in the rapid circles of the dance. Round
after round they Avliirled — the music each instant increasing the
rapidity of its movements, till Chicot's brain began to spin like the
giddy measure he witnessed.

Suddenly, the strains ceased. " Now is my opportunity," ex-
claimed the jester, preparing to dart forward.

At that instant he was arrested by a voice behind him. It was
that of tiie king, with the hand of a masked maiden within his own.
Henri stood by his side. " Follow me, compere," whispered the
monarch, " I liave need of thy assistance. I shall require a- mask
and domino, and a liat with plumes, unlike those I am accustomed
to wear. Follow me !"

" An instant, sire, "

" Not a second ! Keep near me ; I will not have thee quit my
siglit. Come, demoiselle," added Henri, with a triumphant look
at his companion ; " you shall now be satisfied of your lover's
perfidy."

Ciiicot did not hear the Avords ; but he saw the lady trem.ble
violently, as the king dragged her on.

"Malediction!" mentally he exclaimed. "Escape is now ini'
possible ! Crichton must take his chance."

G :i

84 ClilCUTON.

CHAPTER V.

MARGUERITE DE VALOIS.

Ah ! que le temps est bien clianpe a celuy que quand on les voyoit danser tous
deux en la grande salle du bal, d'une belle accoi dance, et de bonne volonte. Si Tun
avoit belle majeste, I'autre ne Tavoit pas moindre.

Brantome. Dames lUusiies, Dis. V.

Marguerite de Valois, consort of Henri of Navarre, after-
■\vards Henri IV., Avas now in the full eclat of her almost unrivalled
beauty. Smitten by her nascent charms, Konsard proclaimed her,
in her fifteenth sprinix, La belle Charit'e Pasithte. Nor was the
appellation immerited. Chiselled by the Apollonian sculptor,
Aglaia never rose upon the view more surpassingly lovely. Some
of her after-admirers distinguished her by the title of Venus
Urania; and Ave might follow in their steps, liad we not been
forewarned that such description — high-floAvn as it appears —
Avas Avholly inadequate to her matchless attractions. Hear Avhat
the Abbe de Brantome says on the subject : — " Encore croit-on,"
he Avrites, " que par I'advis de plusieurs jamais Dcesse ne fut veue
plus belle, si bien que pour publier ses beautez, .ses merites, et ses
vertus, il faudroit que Dieu allongeast le Monde, et haussast le ciel
plus qu'il n'est !" — and he concludes his panegyric by averring,
that by her side all the goddesses of old, and empresses, such as we
see them represented on the ancient medals, however pompously
arrayed, Avould appear little better than chambermaids — [que d aim -
brieres cm prix delle!) No Avonder Avhen her chronicler sent this
tloge for Marguerite's inspection, siie should return it, saying, '* I
fx'ould have praised you vtore, had you praised me less.''

But due allowance being made for the Avorthy abbe's Avarmth
of style, Avhich carried him a little into extremes, no doubt can be
exist as to INIarguerite's eminent personal attractions; and that she
ranked as beautilul amongst the beautiful, even in the age that
produced Mary Stuart.

Marguerite's eyes Avere large and dark, liquid, Impassioned,
voluptuous, Avith the fire of France, and the tenderness of Italy,
in their beams. An anchorite could scarce haA-e resisted their
Avitchery. And then her features ! Hoav shall Ave describe their
i'ascination? It Avas not their majesty — yet they Avere n^ajcstic as
those of her mother — (giace, in liict, is more majestical than ma-
jesty '.s self, and Marguerite was eminently graceful) — it Avas not
their regularity — yet they Avere regular as the severest judgment
might exact — it Avas not their tint — though Marguerite's skin Avas
dazzlingly fair — but it Avas that expression Avhich resides not in form,
but Avhich, emanating from the soul, imparts, like the sun to the
landscape, light, life, and loveliness. This it Avas that constituted
the charm of Marguerite's l"eatu.T';Su

MARGUERITE DE VALOIS. 85

The Queen of Navarre's figure was full and faultless ; or, if it Iv.id
a fault, it might be deemed by those who think embonpoint incompa-
tible with beauty, a little too redundant. But then if you complained
of the Hebe-like proportion of her swelling slioulders, surely the
slender waist from which those shoulders sprang would content you.
The cestus of Venus would have spanned that waist; and <■//>/ span it
for aught we know — Marguerite's fascination, indeed, would ahnost
warrant such a conclusion. Her throat was rounded and whiter
than drifted snow — " Jamais n'en fut vue," says her historian,
" une si belle, ny si blanche, si pleine, ny si charnue." Her hands
— the true Medici's hand — (Ronsard did well to liken them to the
fingers of the young Aurora — rose-dyed, dew-steeped) — were tlie
snowiest and smallest ever beheld — her feet were those of a fairy,
and the ankles that sustained them, fine and fairy-like as the feet.

Of her attire, which was gorgeous as her beauty, we dare scarcely
hazard a description. We shrink beneath the perilous weight of
its magnificence. Ikilliants flamed like stars thick set amidst her
dusky tresses. Besprent with pearls, lier stomacher resembled a
silvery coat of mail. Cloth of gold constituted her dress, the fashion
of which was peculiar to herself; for it was remarked of her that
she never appeared in the same garb twice ; and that the costume
in Avhich she was seen last, was that which became her most. Be
this as it may, upon the present occasion, she had studied to please
— and she who pleased without study, could scarce fall to charm
when it was her aim to do so. Around her fair throat hung a
necklace of cameos, Avhile in one hand nngnonnement engctntelt, as
Rabelais hath it, she held a kerchief fringed witli golden lace, and
in the other a fini of no inconsiderable power of expansion.

In accomplishments. Marguerite might vie with any queen on
record. Gifted with the natural eloquence of her grandsire, Francis
the First, her own Memoirs amply testify her literary attainments
— while her unpremeditated reply, in elegant latinity, to the Bishop
of Cracovia, may be brought in evidence of the extent of her clas-
sical information, proving her no unworthy descendant, as she wac
the inheritress of the kingdom and of the name, of the amiable
and virtuous Marguerite de Valois, spouse of Henri d'Albert, King
of Navarre, and authoress of the Hcptameron, and of the Miroir
dune dme Peckeresse, and sui named la Marguerite des Marguerites
— or pearl of pearls. Marguerite was the friend of the arts, and
cultivator of poesy; and if her predecessor could boast of the friend-
ship of Melancthon and Clement Marot, she was not less fortunate
in the devotion of Ronsard and Brantome, besides a host of minor
luminaries. But if she had many friends and panegyrists, she had
likewise nuTnerous enemies and detractors; and to discover how
busy scandal was with her reputation, we have only to turn to the
pages of the Divorce Sdtiriqne, published under the name and with
the sanction of her husband, Henri IV.

Her life, a mixture of devotion and levity, presents one of those

so CIIICIITOX.

singular anomalies oi' Avliiih lior pcx have occasionally furni-^licd
examples; and whicli, ^vitllout calling- her sincerity in question —
(lor Marguerite, though profligate, was not a dissembler, like the
rest of" her family) — can only be reconciled upon such grounds
as those on Avhich Shelley seeks to harmonise the enormities,
and yet continuous prayers and prostrations, of the ruthless
Ccnei. "Religion," he acutely remarks, "in a Catholic has no
connexion with any one virtue. The most atrocious villain may
be rigidly devout, and, -without any shock to established faith,
confess himself to be so. lieligiou pervades intensely the whole
frame of society, and is, according to the temper of the mind which
it inhabits, a passion, a persuasion, an excuse, a refuge ; never a
check." ISIarguerite, we have observed, Avas no hypocrite — her
undisguised excesses attest the very reverse. With her, religion
was a passion. Ojie half of her existence was abandoned to a
round of indulgences — the other to exercises of devotion, or to what
would bear the name of devotion. She would hear three masses a
day — line haute, hs deux autres petites* — would communicate thrice
a Aveek, and perform sundry acts of self-inflicted penance ; but this
inordinate zeal offered no interruption to her in-egularities; on the
conti-ary, it appeared to lend piquancy to them. Satiated with
amusement, she retired to pray with renovated fervour; and she
issu<3d from lier oratory with a new appetite for sin.

With her after-sorrows wo have no concern; nor with the darker
pei'iod of her existence, when, in the touching words of the poet-
ical Jesuit, Lemoinc, she became —

Epouse sans tpoux, et roine sans royaiime ;
Vaine ombre du passe, grand el noble lantome.

Our business is with the brighter portion of her career — ere care
had stricken her, or sorrow robbed her of a charm.

Of the grace and elegance of JNIarguerite dc Valois in the dance,
r>rantomc has left us the most rapturous particulars. With lover-
like enthusiasm he dilates upon her majestic carriage, and inde-
scribable fascinations; an' the vivid portrait he has taken of the
lovely queen (sketched at some such scene as that -we are now
attempting to describe) blooms, breathes, and stands before us in
all its original beauty and freshness — a splendid "phantom of
delight," sparkling within that gallery of high-born dames and
gallant cavaliers which he has preserved for the gaze of the world.

With Criehton's supremacy in the somewhat trifling, but then
highly estimated art which

Teaclieth lavoltas higli, and swift corantos,

\<\i\\ his perfect mastership of all its difllcultles — (for In those days,
when Italy, Spain, and Germany, and almost each province^ of
l^rancc contributed tlicir quota of figures and national peculiarities,

• pasquier.

MARGUERITE I)E VALOIS. 87

tlie dance had its difliciiltics) Avith lils unequalled possession of all its
graces, the reader, aware of" tlie universal scope of his accomplish-
ments, nuist be already acquainted. He was accounted the most pro-
ilcientin the dance at a court, eacli member of whicli would probal)ly
have been considered in the same important li^ht in any other in
Europe. Henri III. was passionately fond of the amusement, and
largely indulged in it. In earlier days, Catherine de INIedicis had been
no less partial to the dance, and Marguerite do Valois, as we know,
held it in high esteem. All the courtiers, therefore, emulous
of distinction in their sovereign's eyes, bestowed luiremitting
attention upon this accomplislunent, and it was no slight merit to
cclljjse in skill performers of such consummate ability. As in
the hall of arms, the arena of learning, the tourney, the chace, or
other exercises in Avhich strength or dexterity is concerned — so in
the ball-room Crichton outstripped all competitors. From the
inimitable " constitution of his leg," it would seem, " that he was
born under the star of a galliard." Terpsichore might have pre-
sided at his nativity.

It was Crichton's remarkable spirii, displayed in one of the wild
and national dances of his own country, then little known, or re-
garded as semi-barbarian in the polite court of France, and perliaps
seen there for the first time when he undertook it, that first at-
tracted the attention of the Queen of Navarre towards him, and
afterwards riveted licr regards. With Crichton, it Avas indeed that
poetry of motion, that inspiration of look and gesture (terms idly
applied in these later days to the performances of the hired artist),
called into play by th.c agency of the dance, and giving to that
light and graceful pastime its highest and most imaginative charac-
ter. In him, the dance was not a medium for the display of bril-
liant and faultless execution of paces, and flourishing of limb.
His action — his i/npersouatlou, ^Ye might almost say, of the melody
by which his movements were guided — was fanciful, inspiriting,
harmonious, as the melody itself. We question whether the
pyrrhic, or enoplian dance of old, or hyporchematic measure were
ever executed with more fervour and inspiration, or produced
more thrilling eflects upon the beholdeis tlum Crichton's perform-
ances. The same case — the same imconscious grace, which
accompanied his demeanour on the parade, followed him in the
volte, the bransle, or the pazzameno. In each, like mastery was
exhibited — in each were the various involutions required preserved;
but, change the figure as often as he might, one expression pervaded
ail — in that expression, unattainable by other aspirants, resided his
superiority.

Whether upon the present occasion Crichton felt inspired by
the presence and acclamations of the vast assemblage — the gaze of
which he felt was fixed upon him — or whether he was resolved
to show how inexhaustible were his energies, we know not; but he
appeared to surpass himself. Such was tlie springy lightness with

88 CUTCIITON.

wlilch lie bounded tlirouujh tlic rapid Navarroisc (a species of waltz
peculiar to the pleasant land from which it derived its name), that
Lis foot scarcely seemed to touch the floor, or if it did alii^dit upon it, it
was only as Antieus acquired fresli vigour fiom his mother earth, to
gaui elasticity from the momentary contact. A movement so rapid
and whirling as to have turned the heads of any less practised tlian
the admirable Scot and his royal partner, brouglit the dance to a
Bpirited and striking conclusion.

All etiquette was forgotten. An irrepressible excitement took
possession of the spectators — vivats and bravus resounded on all
sides — the burnished roof of the grand saloon re-echoed with the
plaudits, and the effect produced upon the courtly throng by the
brilliant achievements of the distinguished couple, seemed to be
precisely similar to that which results from the most electrifying
effects of the divinities of the ballet.

Never had Marguerite appeared so animated; even her dames of
honour were surprised at her unusual elation. " Mon dieii ! 1 have
never seen her majesty execute that dance with so much spirit since
I first beheld it," said La Fosseuse, " when her partner was Henry
of Navarre, and the occasion her own espousal."

" Her majesty has all the air of a bride now," returned La
Kebours, pensively. This fair demoiselle, whom IMarguerite in her
Memoirs terms " une Jille nialicieuse. qui lie m'tiimoit pas" became
shortly afterwards the chief favourite of Henri of Navarre. It
might be presentiment.

'• Poll!" replied La Torigni, "I remember the night La Fosseuse
speaks of well. By my reputation, I have reason to do so. Henri
of Navarre Avas a mere lump of rusty armour compared with the
Chevalier Crichton, who vaults in the dance as if he had stolen the
wings of Icarus. Nor does INLadame Marguerite appear insensible
to the change. She look like a bride, ma foi ! you ought to knov/
better La Kebours. Even if she have it not, your bride is sure to
affect a bashfulness, and you cannot lay any excess of that sort to
Madame Marguerite's charge at the present moment."

"Why no," replied La Kebours, "not exactly; but Henry
makes a charming partner."

" As to the spirit with which she dances," continued the sprightly
Torigni, " her nuptial ball was nothing to it. But what say you?
You recollect that night, I dare say. Abbe de Brantome ?"

" Perfectly," replied Brantome, with a significant glance, " iher.
it was Mars, now Apollo and Venus are in conjunction."

While Marguerite de Valois remained panting within Crichton's
arms with one hand retained within his own, and her waist still
encircled by the other — with her eyes, to the neglect of all observers,
])assionately fixed upon his gaze, a masked cavalier, enveloped in a
black domino, and Avearing a hat surmounted by sable plumes,
accomjianied by a dame whose features were concealed by a violet-
coloured vizard, took up a position opposite to them.

MARGUEUITE DE VALOIS. 89

*' Do you note their look? ? Do you mark their caressing
hands ?'' a?kcd the cavaher of his companion.
" I do — I do ?" "svas her reply.
** Look again."

•' My eyes dazzle — I can see no longer.
*' You are satisfied, then ?"

*' Satislied, oh ! my head burns — my heart throbs almost to
bursting — horrible emotions possess me. Heaven give me strength
to conquer them — prove — prt)ve him false — prove tlt<il — and — "

" Have I not proved it? iS'o matter; you shall hear him avow
his perfidy with his own lips, shall behold him seal it with his
kisses. Will that content you ?"

The maiden's reply, if her agitation permitted her to make any,
"was unheard in the din of a fresh burst of music, wliich struck up
in answer to a wave of Du Halde's wand. The grave and some-
what grandiose character of the strain, announced an accompani-
ment to the Pavanne d'Espagne, a dance not inaptly named after
the strutting bird of Juno, which had been recently introduced
from the court of Madrid into that of Paris, by the ambassador of
Philip H., and which, in consequence of the preference entertained
for it by Marguerite dc Valois, was, notwithstanding that its
solemn and stately pace harmonised more completely with the
haughty carriage of the grandees of Spain than with the livelier
bearing of the French noblesse, now greatly in vogue amongst the
latter.

La Pavanne d'Espagne, which had some of the stiffness with
more than the grace of the old nihiuetde la coiir, presented a strong
contrast to the national dance that preceded it. In the one all was
whirl, velocity, abandonment ; in the other, dignity, formality,
gravity. The first was calculated to display the spirit and energy
of the performers ; the second exhibited their grace of person and
majesty of deportment.

As, in accordance with the haughty prelude to the figure — a
slow martial strain breathing of the proud minstrelsy of Old
Castile, interrupted at intervals by the hollow roll of the Moorish
atabal — he drew his lofty person to its utmost height, his eyes
blazing with chivalrous fire, awakened bv the vaunting melody,
and his noble features lighted up with a kindred expression, the
beholder might have imagined he beheld some glorious descendant
of the Cid, or inheritor of the honours of the renowned Pelayo.

Advancing towards the Queen of Navarre with a grave and pro-
found salutation, he appeared to solicit the honour of her hand, to
which courteous request Marguerite, who, for the nonce, assumed
all the hauteur and august coquetry of an intiiuta, disdainfully
answered by conceding him the tips of those lovely fingers which
llonsard had likened to the rosy digits of the daughter of the dawn.
Here began that slow and stately procession from which the dance

90 cmcHTON.

obtained its designation, and in which its ciiief grace consisted.
Pland in hand they sailed down the saloon

" Like two compaHioii barks oa Cyndiis' wave,"

a prondcr couple never graced those festal halls. With a pace
majestic as tliat of a king about to receive the crown of his ances-
try, Crichton pursued his course. INIurmurs of admiration
marked his steps.

Nor was Marguerite do Valois without her share of admiration,
though our gallantry may be called into question, if we confess that
the meed of applause was chiefly bestowed on Crichton. With the
fair Queen of Navarre, Ave have observed, this dance was an espe-
cial favourite ; and justly so, for it was the one in which she most
excelled. In its slow measure the spectator had full leisure to
contemplate the gorgeous majesty and resplendent loveliness of her
person ; in its pauses, her surpassing dignity and queenly grace
were brought into play ; in its gayer passages — for even this grave
dance had a pleasant admixture of spirit (the sunshine stolen from
its clime) — her animation and fire were shown : while in its
haughtier movements was manifested the fine disdain she knew so
well how to express.

"By Apollo!" exclaimed Ronsard, as soon as the vivats which
followed the conclusion of the Pavanne had died away, " the whole
scene we have just witnessed reminds me of one of those old and
golden legends wherein we read how valour is assailed by sorcery,
and how the good knight is for a time spell-bound by the enthral-
ing enchantress."

"" Certes, la bella Alcina was but a prototype of Marguerite/'
said Brantome.

" And Orlando of Crichton," added La Torigni.

** Or Kinaldo," continued La Fosseuse. " He is the very mirror
of chivalry."

" He must have more skill than Ulysses to break the snares of
his Circe," whispered Ilonsard.

" True," rei)lied lirantome, in the same tone. *' It was not with-
out good reason that Don Juan of Austria said to me when he first
beheld her peerless charms: — ' Your Queen's beauty is more divine
than human, but is she the more likely to drag men to perdition
than to save them ! ' "

Turning then to the maids of lionour, the abbe added aloud —
♦' The mistake in all matters of enchantment appears to be, that
your knight errant should ever desire to burst such agreeable bon-
dage. To me it would be like awakening from a pleasant dream.
Ah ! were there some good fairy left who would tempt me — you
sliould see whether I would resist or seek to be disenchanted ! "

" Well, of all aGreeable dances commend me to the branslo,"
eaid La Torigni, as that figure was struck up.

" Apropos'of temptation, I suppose," said Brantome ; "for^oa

MARGUERITE DE VALOIS. 91

rover look so captivatin;; as avIk-u cn2-a<xc(i in it, Signora Tori"ni.
I'or my pivi't I envy the Clicvalier Crichton liis success in the dance
liiore than his boivu's fortunes. 1 never could accomplisli a pas^

" A fau.r pas, I suppose you mean, abbe," whispered Ronsard.

"Indeed!" returned La Torigni. "suppose you take a lesson
now. What sa}' you to a turn in the bransie ? That is tlie easiest
figure of all. Our royal mistress has disappeared Avitli her all-
accomplished Scot, so my attendance will be dispensed with for
the present. We shall be free from interruption. Never mind
your being a little lame — the bransle is the best specific in the
world for the rheumatism. Come along. Monsieur do llonsard,
your gout I know will not permit you, or I Avould bid you give
your hand to La Fosseuse ; but you can at least amuse her with a
mot, or perhaps improvise a sonnet for lier entertainment, upon the
pretty sight we have just witnessed ; and the more you stulf it witlr
loves and doves, kisses and blisses, gods, goddesses, and heroes, till
like a cup of hydromel it overflow with sweetness, the better she
will like it. Your hand, abbe." And, despite his remonstrances,
the laughing Florentine dragged the reluctant Brantome to the
bransle.

Slowly, meanwhile, glided along Crichton and the Queen of
Navarre. Neither spoke — neither regarded the other — the bosoms
of both were too full ; Marguerite's of intense passion — Crichton's
of very diflercnt emotions. He felt the pressure of her arm — the
throbbing of her bosom, but he returned not the pressure, neither
did his heart respond to those ardent pulsations. A sudden
sadness seemed to overspread his features ; and thus in silence they
wandered along, inhaling new clouds of flattering incense from each
"Worshipping group they passed.

Their steps were followed at a wary distance by three other
masks, but this circumstance escaped their notice. Marguerite
thought of nothing save her lover, and Crichton's mind was other-
wise occupied.

Anon they entered a small antichamber opening from the vesti-
bule of the hall of entrance. This room, which was filled with the
choicest exotics, and '-ung around with cages containing squirrels,
parrots, and other gaily plumaged birds, was for the moment de-
serted even of the customary attendants.

Marguerite glanced cautiously around her, and seeing the room
vacant, applied a small golden key, which she took from her girdle,
to a concealed door, in the side wall. The valve yielded to the
touch — thick tapestry then appeared, Avhich being raised, the pair
found themselves within a dimly-lighted chamber, the atmosphere
of which struck upon their senses, as they entered, warmly and
odoriferously. A prie-dieu, cushioned with velvet, stood at the
iurther end of the apartment. Before it, was placed a golden cru-
cifix. Over the crucifix, hung a Madonna by Raphael; the glow-
ing colouring of which admirable picture was scarcely discernible by

92 CRICHTON.

the faint llglit of tlic two pciTuine-distillinix lamps suspended on
either side. This room Avas the oratory ol' the Queen of Navarre.

Scarcely had the lovers gained this retreat when the valve was
opened noiselessly behind them — afjain as cautiously c'oscd — and
three persons who had thus stealthily obtained admission to the
chamber, posted themselves in silence behind the tapestry, the folds
of which being slightly drawn aside, enabled them to discern
whatever might be passing within the oratory.

CHAPTER VI.

THE O K A T O 11 Y.

Mane. Tu cs jeiinc, il y a bcaucoup de belles femmes qui te regardent tort
doucemeiit, je le sais. Enfin, on se lasse d'une reine conime d'une autre.

ViCTOK Hugo. Marie Tudor.

" Ceichtox, mon beau chevalier," exclaimed INIarguerite de
Valois, raising her beautiful head, an<l gazing fondly and inquiringly
into his face, " why are you thus silent and pre-occupied? Amid
the pi'ying assemblage wc have quitted — with all eyes upon us and
all ears eager to catch our lightest whisper — it were well to observe
such caution ; but here this reserve is needless. Is it that your
quarrel with the queen, my mother, gives you uneasiness ? I
cautioned you not to arouse her anger, but you were wilful, and
would not listen to my entreaties. Catherine de Medicis is an
enemy to be feared ; but you need have no fear of her. Dread not
her poignards — her poisons. I Avill watch over your safety, and
arrest the secret steel, should she point it at your breast. I will
prove an antidote against the infected chalice, should its venom touch
your lips. Be not afraid."

" I am not afraid, Marguerite. I will trust to my own arm for
deliverance from your mother's assassins, while, for preservation
from her poisons, I am content to rely upon forbearance from her
banquets."

" That were a vain precaution. The scarf you wear, the flower
you smell, tlie very atmosphere you breathe, may become the agent
of death. Even 1 might be the instrument of her vengeance."

" You, Marguerite !"

" Unconsciously, but you should not fall alone. I will save you,
or share your late."

" How can I repay this devotion ?" replied Crichton, in a tone
as if he struggled Avith some deep and suppressed emotion ; " I am
imworthy of this solicitude. Ik'lieve me, I have no fears for my
own safety — no dread of poisons, be they subtle as those of Parv-
sades, or Locusta. I possess an assured safeguard against their
baneful effects."

'* So thought Bernardo Glrolamo, yet he perished by the drugs

THE ORATORT. 93

of Cosmo (3c Medicis. Ilis "was a liglit offence companMl -with
yours. 13 ut a remedy does exist — a counter- poison. Henri and I,
alone, possess it. I liavc sworn to use it only for the preservation
of mv own existence. You are my existence. You shall have the
phial."

" You shall not break your vow, ray gracious queen. Nay, I
am resolute in this. For mc, I repeat, your mother's wrath has no
terrors. If it be the will of Heaven that I must liill by the assassin's
danger, or by more secret means, I shall not shrink from my fiite,
but meet it as beseems a brave man. But my destiny, I feel,
is not yet fuHllled. Much remains to be accomplished. My
aspirations, my energies, all tend towards one great end. Fate
may crown mc with success, or crush me in the outset of my
career. I can have no fbrc-knowlcdgc, though your mother's
starry lore would tell you otherwise — nor, it may be, free-agency.
No matter ! My aim is fixed — and thus much of the future,
metliinks, I can read — I shall not perish by the band of Catherine
dc Medicis."

" Is not your destiny accomplished, Crichton ? Arc not your
brows bound with laurels ? Have you not this day achieved more
than man ever achieved before you? Are you not girt with
hone urable knitrhthood ? What more remains to be performed ?"

" Much— much— "

" Have you not my love — my devotion — a queen's idolatry,
Crichton ? You are insatiate in your ambition, seigneur."

" I am insatiate, or how should my desires extend beyond this
moment ?"

" Crichton, you no longer love me. Beware — beware; I love
you fervently, but I can hate in the same degree. I am by nature
jealous. The Medicis"* blood within my veins, fires me to love with
desperation, or to resent as strongly. As yet I only love. But if
I discover aught to confirm my suspicions — if I find you have
breathed words of passion to another, my rival dies, though her
destruction cost me my kingdom — that which I hold dearer than
my kingdom — yourself. I am a queen, and if I am wronged, will
have a queen's revenge."

" Why this sudden frenzy. Marguerite? — whose rivalry do you
apprehend ?"

" I know not — I would not know. I look around in dread. At
the fete I am beset with fears — here I am assailed with new agonies.
My life is one long pang of jealousy. Have I a rival, Crichton?
— Answer me — Oh ! if I have one, let her avoid my presence."

" Calm yourself, Marguerite. — Banish these idle fancies — "

" Are they fancies, Crichton? — are they idle? Methinks I feel
my rival's presence Avithin this chamber — here — here."

" Shall I chide or smile at your folly, my queen ?"

" Again I ask you, are my suspicions groundless? Call to mind
your attentions to the Demoiselle Escluirmondc — were they not

94 CKicnTON.

sufficient to awnkcn doubts as to your sincerity to mc? 01\
Crichton ! I have been anxious — miserable since that ni^ht; but
I am easier now."

" Right — riulit, sweet Mariruerite — but, as you have alluded to
her, may I, without reviving your apprehensions, inquire whether
Esclairmonde is at the fete to-night?"

" She is," replied Marguerite, with a smile.

" I did not observe her," said Crichton, with aficcted indif-
ference.

" Yet she was at no great distance from you."

" With the queen your mother ?"

" With the king my brotlier."

*' With liim 1" ejaculated Crichton.

" She stood by Henri's side when he bestowed this decoration of
the Saint Esprit upon you."

" The violet mask!"

*' You have guessed shrcAvdly."

" And she remained with the king when we quitted the grand
saloon !"

Despite his efforts to control himself, Crichton was unable to
conceal his emotion. With sarcastic levity Marguerite replied to his
question. " Esclairmonde, I must inform you, has, upon her present-
ation to-night, achieved a conquest no less important than that
of his Jiiajesty. He is evidently enthralled by her; and (jealousy
apart) it must be owned she is sufficiently charming to warrant his
sudden fascination. With Henri it was decidedly love at first sight,
wliich, ridicule it as one may, is the only true love after all. Since
she tendered her hand to the king, he has never quitted it; and
to judge appearances, he has already made no inconsiderable pro-
gress in her alfcctions."

" Ha!" ejaculated Crichton.

" She will have the post of honour at the banquet," continued
Marguerite, "and will be henceforth the reigning favourite, with
power absolute over all the court. To speak truth, I am not sorry
for it, as it nips a rival in the bud, though the queen, my mother,
Avho, I suspect, had other intentions with the demoiselle, may not
entirely approve of the arrangement."

" Marguerite, I implore you to return to the fete."

" Crichton, you love this girl," cried Marguerite, furiously.

" I Avould save her from dishonour. Hear me, Marguerite ! —
Amid the tainted atmosphere of this court, one pure fair flower
blooms and is seen for a moment — the next, a rude hand grasps it
— scatters its fragrance to the wind, and levels it with the weeds
that grow rife around it. Esclairmonde is that flower — save her
from the spoiler's hand. Have pity on her youth — her innocence
She is unfriended — alone. Be to her a preserver, my gracious
queen. You know what Henri's love is — that he spares nou'dit to
gratify his desires. Save her — save her 1"

THE ORATOKT. 95

" For ycu — 'never — "

" jNiistakc ine not — let not your jealousy confound my appre-
}ieni;ion for her sal'ety with other feelings, which, even if I enter-
tained them, would weigh little with me in comparison with my
anxiety for her preservation."

" I am sure you love her. Now hear me, Crichton. My hushand,
Henri of Navarre, demands my presence. This morn a messenger
arrived from the camp at Pau. My reply depends on you. Will
you ibrm one of my escort? Say you will do so, and I will be
myself the bearer of my answer."

'•Marguerite, to what end sliould I go thither? I respect the
bravery of Henri of Navarre — I admire his cliivalrous character,
his bonhommie, his frankness; but liaving pledged mvself to your
royal brother's cause, how can I enHst mider hostile banners .' I
cannot quit the court of France."

" Do not equivocate, messire, you cannot quit Ksclairmonde —
you refuse to accompany me."

'' Torture me not thus, Marguerite; for pity's sake, if you will
not go with me to the lete, sutler me to return alone."

"Go."

" Marguerite, farewell. I quit you but fjr an instant."

"For ever."

" For ever ! Marguerite, did I hear aright ?"

*' Stay !" cried the queen, after a momentary but fearful struggle
with herself, "stay 1 command — entreat you — return not to the
fete. Have pity on vie, Crichton."

" This delay is cruel — even now I may be too late to warn her
of her danger. Henri may triumph if I tarry longer. Mai-gucrite,
I t d-cc my leave."

" It is true !" exclaimed Marguerite, with a look of unutterable
agony, " my frightful suspicions are conlirmed. You have never,
never loved me — ingrate — deceiver — never — never — "

Crichton would have spoken. Marguerite, however, impetu-
()\\<\y interrupted him. " Do not forswear yourself. You cannot
deceive me longer. Ah, Crichton ! Is it possible you can liave
IbriTotten — or that you are willing to Ibrget — my tenderness ?
Is it possible? but I Avill no longer indulge this weakness — leave
me, — go — iio I"

Crichton appeared irresolute. Marguerite continued in the same
vehement toi;e " But dare not to approach your minion Ksclair-
monde — dare not, as you value her life, breathe aught of love or
counsel Avithin her eai*, for, by my hope of Heaven, if you do so,
she survives not the night. Now you are at liberty to depart —
yet stay, you shall not go hence alone. After what I have said,
I shall be curious to see how you will attempt to succour this dis-
tressed damsel."

" Mort Dieu! Margot, you shall not go far to witness it,"
sa;d Henri, thrusting aside the tapestry, and dragging Esclairmonde

9G CRicnrox.

I'urwaicl. *' Your own appointment, you perceive, has n(.»t. Leon
Avitlioiit Avitncsscs."

" Ilcnvi I' ejaculated Miirguciitc, sternly, so soon as she recovered
her sin-prisc.

" Ksclulrinonclc !" exclaimed Crichton, recoilini^ in astonishment
and displeasure.

A momentary pause ensued, during which each party regarded
the other in doubt and silence. The king alone appeared easy
and unconcerned. He was at home in scenes like the present,
and hummed luughingly a light air. Crichton at length spoke.

" Is it customary, sire," he said, in a tone of irony, " with the
King of France to play the eaves-dropper? I have heard of such
practices in Arabian story, but the incident is new to the annals of
your realm."

" In love and war all ctratngems are fair," replied Henri, gaily,
*' and I have the sanction of precept and custom, if I cared for
cither, for my conduct. All that I desired was to satisfy Esclair-
monde of your perfidy. Yon ari-as afforded us an excellent screen
— not a word of your titt-a tele, or of our sister's reproaches
escaped us. I thank you for your good opinion of myself ; 1 thank
you for your kind intentions in respect to Esclairmonde, and I
thank you still more for proving yourself so satisfactorily the
inconstant she conceived you to be. Voila tout, chevalier!"

" I congratulate your majesty upon your address," returned
Crichton. "Few scruples appear to stand in the way of your
inclinations."

" Pardieu ! compere," exclaimed Chicot, who formed part of the
group, and wiio, with diflicultv had hitherto restrained himself
from interference, " our gossip, Henri, is too great a king not to be
exempt from vulgar weaknesses. Delicacy has never been classed
amongst his foibles."

*' And you, Esclairmonde," said Crichton, somewhat reproach-
fully, " you have condescended to this — "

" Meanness, you would say," interrupted Marguerite, scornfully.
" Give her conduct its proper term — none else will suit
it. My heart told me she was beside us. The instinct of hate
never deceives."

" Y^ou have, then, overheard our converse, demoiselle?" said
Crichton.

" I have," replied Esclairmonde, blushing deeply.

" And you are aware of the peril in which you stand,*" added
Crichton, looking significantly at Henri as he spoke. " Ojie step
more, and all is irretrievable."

" I know it," replied Esclairmonde, distractedly.

"Esclairmonde!" persisted Crichton, "by all that Is sacred in
your regards, I conjure you listen to my counsels — pause — reflect —
QT you are lost for ever."

" There is something of the Hu^rucnot about you after all,

The Oratory

THE ORATORT. 97

Crichton," interposed Ilcnrl. "You preach in a style worthy of
iin Anabaptist, or Antinomian, and not like the easy galliard 1 have
hitlierto supposed you. Esclairmonde is infinitely indebted to you
lor your agreeable diatribe; but she has had ample time lor reflection
behind yon arras, and her choice is made. The demoiselle prefers
a royal lover, with a heart, a court, rank, title, power, almost half a
throne to oiler her, to one wlio has none of" these gifts, not even an
undivided heart to bestow. Arc you answered, messirc ?''

" Esclairmondc !" exclaimed Crichton.

" Ik'ware, insensate madman !" cried Marguerite.

" Crichton !" exclaimed Esclairmondc, suddenly extricating
herself from the king's grasp, and throwing herself into his arms.
" To your protection I commit myself"

'• And with my life will 1 defend you," returned Crichton,
clasping her to his bosom.

'* I tremble no longer to a^■ow my love : I am yours f )r ever.
] will brave all. We can at least die together I" exclaimed Esclair-
mondc.

" It were bliss to do so," answered Crichton.

" Confusion !" exclaimed the king, " Chicot, our guard." The
jester reluctantly quitted the oratory.

" Be your wish gratified," exclaimed IMarguerite, in a tone of
bitter derision ; " perish together, since you wish it. Henri, I
crave a boon from you."

" Wliat is it, Margot ?"

" It is this," replied Marguerite, kindling into fury as she spoke:
" that the work of vengeance mny be intrusted to my hands ; that I,
Avho have witnessed tlieir transports, may witness, also, their pangs.
I must have blood, Henri — blood — Ids blood ! Call in the guard.
I^eave me alone with them — I will see it done. It will gladden me
to see a sword drawn."

"• I doubt it not, Margot," replied Henri, who liad now re-
sumed all the indifference he had previously exhibited ; "as Du
(iuast's epitaph can testify. I am in no mood for butchery. If I
should need an executioner, I will call in your aid. But tlic sword
is scarcely required on this occasion. A word will recall the Che-
valier Crichton to his senses."

" Be it as you please," replied Marguerite, fiercely. " jNIy own
particular wrong shall not pass unaveniicd."

" Clievalier Crichton," said Henri, advancing toward the Scot,
and, fixing a steadfast glance upon him, addressing liim at the same
time in a tone of high and princedike courtesy; " need I remind
you of your voluntary proffer of obedience to my mandates ? The
time is arrived when 1 hold it fitting to claim fulfilment of your
pfedge.

" What do you demand, sire ?"

" Possession of this damsel."

98 CRicnxox.

*' Crlchton !" slirickod E«clairmondc, cllnginr,^ more closely to
iicr lover, " kill nic ruthcr than yield me to him."

" I have his Avord," said Kcnri, coldly.

"lie lias! — he has!" exclaimed Criehton, in accents of despe-
ration. " Take back your title — take back your honours, sire, if
they arc to be bought by this sacrifice. Take my lilc — my blood
• — though it How drop by drop — but do not extort fuKilment of a
rash promise which, if you claim, you pronounce a sentence upon
two heads liir more terrible than death !"

" 1 am to imderstand, then, messire," returned Henri, scornfully
regarding him ; " that your word, rashly plighted, is not held
binding on your supple conscience. 'Tis well. I now know how
to proceed."

" Would your majesty have me break these clinging arms, and
liurl her I love senseless at your feet ? Call your guards, sire, and
let them imloose her clasp, i will not oppose your mandate."

" 'Twere better to do so," said j\Iarguerite, " or I Avlll stab the
minion in his arms."

'•'Peace," cried Henri, '" she relents even now."

" Criehton, your word is past," said Esclairmondc, " you cannot
J rotect me."

*• My arm is paralysed," replied her lover, in a tone of anguish,

" When that vov,- was uttered," continued Esclairmondc, with
dreadful calmness ; "I shuddered for its consequences. Nor was I
deceived. Who would place his dagger in the assassin's hand, and
hope for mercy ? He to Avhoin you pledged your knightly Avord
exacts its fuliilment — and I know he is inexorable. Obedience is all
that remains : and that you may, Avithout remorse, obey him, I Avill
voluntarily surrender myself. Think of me no more — you must
not think of me, Criehton — and, by the lo\'e you have professed
for me, I beseech you not to attempt my rescue."

" Did I not say she relented," exclaimed Henri, triumphantly
taking her hand. " As to you, Chevalier Criehton, I am really
sorry i'or your disappointment ; but I trust the order you are
graced Avitli Avill, in some degree, content you for the loss of your
mistress."

" Well has it been said — place no iiiitli in princes!" exclaimed
Criehton, tearing the jewelled badge of the Saint Esprit from his
neck, and trampling it beneath his feet, " their gifts, like that of
Nessus, are bestowed only to destroy. Perish these accursed chains
that fetter my soul's freedom, and Avitli them perish all sense of
obligation."

" Grand inerci !" rejoined Henri, coldly, " my HiA^ours must be
of little Avorth if they can be thus readily set aside, but I shall
take no oilence at your Avant of temper, chevalier. A little re-
H ;ction Avill make you calmer. You Scots are apt to be hot-
L -aded, I have heard, and I noAv experience the truth of the

THE ORATOJIV. 99

assertion. I inako all excuses for you. Your situation is mortifying,
but <2;ivc yourself no further uneasiness, I will answer for the demoi-
selle's safety. Allons ! To the banquet."

So sayinp:, lie applied a silver whistle to his li})s. At the
call, the valve was suddenly thrown o|)cn, the tapc.'stry drawn
aside, and through the door appeared the anti-chamber lull of
lights, with a file of valets and halberdiers arranged on either side
of the entrance. At tiie same moment Chicot entered the oratory.
A peculiar smile played on Henri's features.

" For what do we tarry ?" he asked, glancing exultingly at
Crichtou.

" For my guidance, I conclude," replied Chicot, stepping
forward; "nothing but Folly will serve to direct your majesty's
course."

''• Mcchant," exclaimed Henri. And passing Esclairmonde's aruT
within his own, he (putted the apartment.

Crichton stood for some moments like one suddenly stunned,
with his face buried in his hands. He was aroused by a light touch
upon the shoulder.

'- Marguerite," he exclaimed, returning the gaze of the Queen
of Navarre, with a terrible look, " why do you remain here? Is
not your vengeance completer You have sacrificed virtue, pure
alleetion, at the shrine of depravity — are you not content ? Do
you remain to taunt me, or do you pant for my blood ? Take this
dagger and plunge it into my heart."

" No, Crichton," returned Marguerite, '•' I Avlll have nobler
vengeance. I will liberate this maiden from lier thraldom,"

" Amazement.""

" 1 will free her from Henri's snares. But if I do this, you
must swear by the Virgin who regards us," pointing to the
Madonna, " never more to regard her as a lover."

Scarcely were the words uttered, than Chicot appeared. '

" His majesty commands your instant presence at the banquet,"
he said, almost breathless with haste.

" Hence !" exclaimed Marguerite.

" Her majesty, the queen-mother — " added the jester, in an
under-tone.

And as he spoke, Catherine de ]Medicis abruptly entered the
oratory.

•••Daughter," said Catlierine, "I have sought you throughout
the grand saloon. Wliy do I find you here, and thus attended.'"

" Madame," interposed Marguerite.

" I would speak with you alone — dismiss this gentleman,"
continued Catherine, glancing haughtily at Crlcliton.

"Leave us. Chevalier Crichton," said Marguerite, and she
added, in a lower tone, " remember what I have said."

Crichton had scarcely gained the antichamber when he per-
•ceived Chicot. A few hasty words passed between them.

loo CKICHTON.

"And tlioii apprchcndcst tlie abduction of the Gclosa?" said
Crichton. " The guard report, thou sayest, that lluggieri's tower
has been invested by an armed band requiring her deHverance
to them ? Diflicultics muhiply — no matter, I would be equal to
any emergency. Where is the mask ?"

" As well might you pick out a domino in carnival time as
discern him amidst yon crowd of revellers. No one noted his
approach, nor did any one, that I can learn, witness his departure.
For my part," added Chicot, pointing downwards, " I think he
disappeared as another black gentleman is said to be in the habit of
taking his departure. Were 1 you, gossip, I would have my sword
blessed by some holy priest ere I ventured to engage with him on
the morrow, or carry a scapulary, an Agnus Dei, or other sacred
relic beneath my pourpoint."

"Pshaw!' exclaimed Crichton. "He is a mere mortal foe.
But hence, good gossip — to the banquet hall — account for my
absence in the best way thou canst to his majesty. I will be there
anon."

" Make yourself easy on that score, gossip; I will divert his in-
quiries — but when you do appear at the banquet, bear in mind what
1 said respecting Catherine's kind intentions towards you."

"I shall not fail to do so, and in the meantime am greatly in-
debted to thy zeal."

And with this he quitted the antlchamber.

Chicot looked after him an instant, and shook his head. "Sang
de cabres ! ' he muttered, " it has turned out precisely as I antici-
pated. No good ever comes of making love to two women at the
same time, especially when one of them has the fortune to be a
queen. But, not content Avith this, th.is galliard, forsooth, must
saddle himself with a third. I wish him well of it! But if he
get clear of all these scrapes, and escape from the poisoned
bowl of Queen Catherine, he will richly deserve his title of the
Admirable Crichton. Corbleu ! I have never seen such a picture
of jealous rage as our own Queen of Navarre has just exhibited
since I beheld the Sieur la Mole devour the plumes of his hat for
very fury, and Clermont D'Amboise break a bottle of ink upon his
mistress's eyebrow with which she had indited a hdlet to a more
favoured lover. After all, her jealousy is absurd. She has already
had lovers enough to content an Isabel de Baviere, or a Marguerite
de Bourgogne. What says our chronicle?" And Chicot hr.mmed
the following ditty ; —

THE ORATOllT. 101

iHlnrgucn'tc*
L

ivlargiierite, with early wiles —

Marguerite
On light (liariiis iitici D'Antragiies smilc£ — -^

Margot, Marguerite.
Older grown, she favours tlien,
Sniootii Marligiies.* aiKJ hliitf"Tiirei)ne.

The latter but a foolish ;)r/j.

Margot, Marguerite en bas.^
But no more these gaiiiards please,

Matgueiite.
Sol'tiy sues the gallant CJuise,

Margot, Marguerite.
Guise succeeds, like God of" war,
Valiant Henri of" Navarre ;

J5etterstop, tiian further go,
AJargot, ]\Jargueiite en Itaut.

II.
Loudly next bewails La Mule,]

Marguerite,
On the block his head must roll,

-Margot, Marguerite.
Soon consoles iierself ag;iin,
\Mtii Brantome, l}ussi,!i and Maycnne,**

lioon comi)anions x,'''"* tt ^rnSf

Margot, Marguerite, t7i has.
^Vho sliall next your sliriiie adore,

Marguerite y
You have but one lover more,

Margot, Marguerite!
Cricliton comes— the ;)n?<.r, the wise.
You may well your conquest prize ;

Beyond linn you cannot go,

Margot, Marguerite en haut.

Chanting these libellous strains as he went, Chicot slowly sought
the banquet-hall.

Scarcely another moment elapsed when Catherine de Medicis,
and IMarguerite, issued from the oratory. The features of the
latter were pale as death, and their expression was utterly unlike
that which they habitually wore. Catherine was unmoved, majes-
tical, terrible. " Must it indeed be so, mother?" asked Marguerite,
in a broken voice.

* A catalogue of Jlarguerite's various amourettes will be fmnd in the Livorce
Satiriqne, published under the auspices of her consort, Henri IV. More than half,
however, are. most probably, scandal.

t ^larguerite was then (jf the tender age of eleven.

t Colonel-General of the French infantry. Brantome has w rittcn his £hge.

§ 'J'bis refrain is attributed to the Duchesse de Guise.

il Tbe Sieur La Mole, surnamed " I.e Buladin de la Coiir ;" beheaded by Charles
IX., it is said, from jealousy. Mollis Vita, Mvllior interilus.

^ Bussi D'Amboise. — Forwos Veneris Juriosi Mortis aliiinmis.

** ThelJuc de Ma^fcnne, brother to the Due dc Guise.

102 CRICHTON.

" It must,'' rc])lie(l Catlicnne, witli deep emphasis. " Henri
■will, no doubt, as lie is wont, carouse till dawn. By that time the
draught will have done its duty. But if he survive, INIaurevcrt
and his band will await Crichton's coming forth from the Louvre,
and will complete the work. Shrink not from thy task. Our
honour is at stake."

They then separated. Catherine rejoined her attendants,
and took the direction of the hall of entrance. Marguerite almost
mechanically returned to the grand saloon.

As Catherine pursued her course, she perceived a masked figure
single itself from the crowd at her approach. Its stature was that
of Crichton's challenger — the plumes were his — the sable cloak in
all respects the same. Catherine paused. The figure paused like-
wise. " 'Tis he !" thouglit the queen-mother, and she despatched
one of her pages to bid him to her presence.

" What Avould your highness with me?" said the mask, advancing
with a profound and courtly salutation, and addressing Catherine
in Italian.

" I Avas not deceived," thought Catherine; " it /.9 the voice. I
have sent for you, signore," she added, in a bland and gracious
tone, and addressing the mask in the same language, " in order
to express to you ere I quit the fete, the lively sense of gratitude
I entertain for the important service you have rendered me.
Assure yourself, your zeal shall not be overlooked. I am neither
imwilling, as Heaven be praised, I am not wholly unable to
requite it."

" Were your majesty aware of the natiu'c of the service I have
rendered you, you would scarcely deem it deserving of your thanks,"
replied the mask.

"Do you rate your adversary thus lightly then?" asked Cathe-
rine, complaisantly.

" I hold myself assured of conquest," returned the mask.

" The migniard Crichton dupes hirnself with like belief," rejoined
the queen-mother, " but not Avith like assurance of success. The
God of battles, I trust, will grant you victory, and enable you to
overthrow your enemy."

*' Amen !" returned the mask.

" Fall back, messieurs," said Catherine, to her attendants, " I
have much of moment to communicate to you," she added,
assuming a more confidential manner.

" Touching the Gelosa "r" inquired the mask, anxiously — " speak
madame."

" Not here," replied Catherine, " non puo bene deliberar chi non
e llbero — I am about to return to my palace. You must not
accompany me, nor quit the revel at the same time. Too mvich
caution cannot be observed. The palaces of princes are all eyes —
all ears."

" Your glove^ madame," interrupted the mask, stooping to raise

THE ORATOIiY, 103

the richly embroidered gauntlet, which Catherine let fall as if by
accident.

"Keep it,'' replied the quccn-mothcr, smiling, " within its I'uld?
you will find a key, the use of which I am about to explain to you.
That glove, I may premise, displayed upon your cap, will obtain
you admission to the Hotel do Soissons. Exchange no words with
the attendants, but pursue your way alone. Enter the gallery.
"Within a niche you will observe three statues. The central figure,
that of my father, Lorenzo de jMedicis, Duke of Urbino, revolves
upon a pivot. Touch the spear within its grasp, and you will per-
ceive a subterranean passage leading to my turret of observation.
Apply the key I liave given you to a door which will impede
your farther progress, and you will find yourself in liuggieri's
laboratory. An huirr lience I shall expect you there."

" And the Gelosa?"

" She is in my charge. Crichton's idle boast I see weighs with
you — but trust me neither force nor stratagem will gain liini
entrance to that lower. Santa Maria ! so easy do I feel on the
score that I will <jive him the s^irl if he finds means of reachlns;
her prison."

" Yet he has adventured there already, madame," returned the
mask, eagerly, " and should lie take you at your word, Avould you
part with your charge upon such easy terms ?"

Catherine smiled.

'•' Your majesty Avould almost appear to fiivour your enemy's
designs,'' continued the mask, jestingly.

•' Non per amor ma per vendetta," returned Catherine, in the
same tone. " Crichton Avill never more venture there, signorc,
unless," added she, smiling, *' he come thither under 7/011?' guidance.
You shall know more of his destiny an hour hence. Meanwhile, I
must conclude our interview — wc are observed. The banquet,
too, awaits you. One caution on parting I bequeath you. His
majestv hold his revels late, and it is often his custom to detain Ids
guests. Sliould he issue his commands to close the doors of the
oval chamber, you will find beneath the suit of liangings which
represents Diana and her nymphs, a sliding door."

" I understand, your majesty."

*' A rivedersi, signorc."

*' I kiss your majesty's hand," replied the mask, with a profound
obeisance. The figure then mingled with a group of revellers who
approached them, and who were joyously hurrying towards the
grand hall of banquet ; while Catherine, iishcred forth by a con-
course of pages and lacqucj'S, entered her sumptuous litter and
departed from the Louvre.

101 CRICHTON.

CHAPTER VII.

THE BEZOaR.

Maffio. Oh! Ton conte des choses bien etranges de ces soupers de Borgia!
Ascanio. Ce soiit des debauches effrcnecs, asnissonnecs d'empuisonnemens.

ViCTOu Hcoo. Lucrice Borgia.

The thick folds of the magnificent crimson lianginirs, heiglitencd
■with arabesques and flcur-de-lys of gold, that served in lieu of
folding doors to separate the chief banqueting-hall from the grand
saloon, had meanwhile, at a signal from the major-domo, been
drawn aside; and the long and glittering board, arrayed with all
the costly appliances of the royal feast, was suddenly exhibited to
the view of the assemblage.

The coup d'ceil was charming. Far as the eye could reach ap-
peared walls festooned with flowers iragrant and blooming as if the
season had been latest spring. Mirrors, wreathed with Provencal
roses, reflected the lustre of a thousand flambeaux, and multiplied
the gleaming plate and star-like crystal with whicli the board was
loaded. But the object on which the eye chiefly rested — not
merely because it Avas the principal feature of attraction to the
expectant guests, but by reason of its proud pre-eminence — was the
table itself. It was a fltting place for the celebration of the com-
bined rites of Ceres and Bacchus. Reared upon a massive platform
— six feet at least above the floor — approached by a triple flight of
steps — covered both as to its mimic stairs and summit, with cloths
of dazzling whiteness (fort varjuonnement damasse, as we learn from
a contemporary authority) — this mighty table, extending the whole
length of the vast hall, looked like a mountain of snow, or, perhaps,
to vary the simile, like a prodigious frosted cake baked in the oven
of Gargantua by the skilful Fauaciers de Lernt, the culminating
point of which cake or mountain was formed by a cloudy repre-
sentation of Olympus, in which Henri and his lavourites figured
as presiding divinities.

A rearer approach to the table showed that the surface of its
damask covering was, according to the fashion of the court, ribbed
in fanciful and waving plaits, so as to resemble the current of a
stream crisped by a passing breeze. This stream bore upon its
bosom a proud array of gold and silver vases, crj'stal goblets, and
cups, all of rarest workmanship, and many Avrought by the hand
of the matchless Benvcnuto Cellini during his visit to Francis
the First at Fontainebleau. In the words of brave Ben Jonson,
there were

Dishes of agate set in gold, and studded

With emeralds, sapjihiit!:, hyacintl'.s, and rubies.

Nothing could exceed the magnificence of the repast.

THE BEZOAR. 10.5

The material of the fcnst Avas worthy of Apicius or Lueiilhis.
Every dainty that tlie most consununate epicure of the time could
require, was to be met with in profusion. Fancy ran riot amid tlie
countless covers, and the endless varieties of piquant viands dis-
played on their removal. Pyramids of confectionery — piles of
choicest I'ruit appeared at intervals ; while, scented from afar like
the aromatic groves of Lebanon, appeared antique-shaped urns
steaming with the rich produce of the grapes of Crete, Cyprus, or
Svracuse ; wines being then, for the most part, drunk hot and
spiced, or, as we should say, nuiUed. Here and there might be
seen the ushers and chamberlains with their fleur-de-lys-covcred
wands of oHicc — butlers witli embossed llagons and salvers — troops
of valets and pages — and, distributed at certain stations of the
board, servitors, each with a napkin on liis shoulder, and an
enormous knife in hand, seemingly impatient for the signal of
attack.

Amid loud fanfares of trumpets, blended with the gentler notes
of the hautboy and viol, Henri, accompanied by Esclairmonde,
led the way to the banquet. The monarch, however, tarried
not within the hall we have described. His orgies were held
in a smaller and more retired salle-a-manger, opening from
the grand festal chamber, and separated from it by an arched,
door- way ; within which was placed a line of high gilded railing,
an unequivocal evidence of exclusiveness on the part of the
monarch, that called forth much sarcastic remark from his sub-
jects ; and, amongst other pasquinades, gave rise to the following
quatrain affixed to the oflensive partition —

Piiisqu' Henri, roi des Francois,
IV'en aime que qiiatre on trois,
II f'aiit que ses trois on (jnatre
Aillent ses enneniis combatire.

To the king's private table his favourites only, and their favourites,
were admitted. Ushers of the least were stationed at the door with
a list of the guests expected. No others were allowed to pass.
Towards this room Henri now repaired, followed by a jocund troop
of dames and revellers. He was in the most buoyant spirits, and
descanted with the greatest animation on all that passed. A sin-
gular change seemed to have been wrought in the demeanour of
Esclairmonde. She replied to Henri's lover-like assiduities with a
vivacity bordering almost upon levity, which a nicer observer might
have imputed to distraction and despair, but from which Henri
drew a favourable augury. Her cheek was Hushed, and her eye
shone Avith unwonted lustre. Once only, as she entered the oval
chamber, of which some rumours liad reached even her ears, she
started, and a slight shiver ran through her frame. But she in-
stantly recovered iierself.

The oval chamber was a retreat IJilcd for a voluptuary. Heavy

106 CRICHTON.

■with perfume, the atmosplicrc struck upon the senses of tlic Cfuesta
as tliey entered, producinu; a soft inebriating ellect. Pages, equipped
in fanciful attire, sustained torches, the odorous wax of which shed
a warni hglit upon the richly painted arras, charged with the glow-
ing legends of antiquity ; in which in the guise of nymphs and
goddes.-cs of old, Avere represented tlic chief beauties wlio had
bloomed within the atmos])here of the Louvre. In this suit of
tapestry the lovely Diane de Poitiers was represented, as the god-
dess her namesake, disporting after the chase : — in that, Venus
^Xnadyomene sparkled from the sea-foam in the shape and linea-
ments of La Belle Feronniere — the gallant Francis, blowing his
wreathed conch as an attendant Triton. Here the fascinatmg Pran-
^oise de Poix bloomed as Egcria, Prancis appealing again as Numa
— there the captivating Marie Pouchet, whose anagram '• Je
charmc tout," so well described her, was given as Callirhoe ; her
lover, Charles IX., being drawn as the hunter Eurimedon ; Avliilc
in the last compartment figured our bon Henri, who was repre-
sented, strangely enough, as Ulysses surrendering himself to the
blandishments of Circe, the features of the enchantress bearing evi-
dent resemblance to those of his iirst mistress, la belle Chateauneuf.
Upon the frescoed ceiling were depicted the silver fountains and
dragon-watched fruit of the Hespcrides.

The supper to which Henri sat down was the triumph of his chef
■ — the inimitable Berini — a cook, Avhose name deserves to be asso-
ciated with that of Luther, Calvin, Knox, and other great reformers
of the sixteenth century, the spirit of Avhich stirring age he repre-
sents as strongly as the great Ude stamped the character of our own
time. The signal revolution which took place in the science of
cookery at tliis remarkable epoch may be clearly traced to the
inwearying efforts of Berini. Comprehending the growing wants
of his species, with the prescience of a true philosopher, he saw
that a change must be effected, and he accomplished it. He over-
threw many old and tough abuses ; and if he increased the demand
for good cheer, he did not diminish the supply. To him, amongst
a thousand other gilts, mankind is indebted for the fricandcau, a
discovery which his biographer judiciously remarks, required une
fjrande force de tctel He projected sauces so savoury that terms
of alchemy were required to express their stimulative effects upon
the system. These sauces, however, we regret to say, modern
science has pronounced injurious. And, finally, he trampled down
popular prejudices which still remained in iavour of the finger,
and introduced the fork.

The only stain attached to the memory of Berini is, that he Avas
an instrument of Catlierine de Medicis — in other Avords, that he
occasionally mingled other compounds Avith his sauces than Avere
prescribed by the recipes of his art. Por the sake of so great a
professor of so great a science Ave hope this is mere scandal. No
wonder, Avith dishes so exquisite placed before him, that a great

THE KKZOAR. 107

man should occasionally die from indigestion ; but surely the cook
is not to be blamed for an occurrence so very natural. Kather let
ns look to the goblet as the origin of ill. We have mentioned that
the "wincs were at this time generally drunk mulled and spiced —
a practIc-3 which, while it presented abundant flicilities for the
insidious admixture of poisonous drugs, completely baffled all pre-
cautions of the drinker. Leaning, therefore, to the side of genius,
we are inclined to discredit this charge against the gifted Berini,
and impute the criminality of these transactions to Catherine's
cup-bearer, Avhose name is deservedly buried in oblivion.

The repast, Ave have said, was Berini's triumph. In conception
— in execution it was perfect. The eye of the gourmand INIarquis
de Villequier glistened as he gazed upon the dainty flxre. Ronsard
insinuated that witli such ragouts belbre him, it was easy to under-
stand how VitcUius and Heliogabalus exhausted an empire ; a
remark which, luckily for the poet, did not reach the ears of the
king. Henri, in fact, was too much engrossed by Esclairmondc
to attend to the pleasantries of his guests. So soon as his majesty
and the demoiselle, whom he honoured with his smiles, Avere
served, the monarch graciously expressed his pleasure that the
company, whom etiqutte had hitherto kept upon their feet, should
be seated.

The carouse now began in earnest. The guests were few in
number, consisting merely of some half dozen of Henri's favourites,
the dames of honour of Marguerite de Valois, one or two of
Catherine's prettiest attendants, the Abbe de Brantome, and, as we
have just hinted, the poet Konsard. The latter, who was by no
means indifferent to good cheer, as his gout testilled, was trans-
ported into a seventh heaven of delight with a ragout of ortolans
with which the considerate Abbe had loaded his plate; Villequier
had fallen to Avith equal industry and zeal. Esclairmondc Avas
placed at his majesty's right hand. On his left, two seats remained
unoccupied.

Behind the royal chair stood Chicot, and next to him another
buifoon, whom Ave haA'e hitherto omitted to notice: a strange mali-
cious Avight, yclept Siblot, inlinitely more disliked by the courtiers
than his companion in folly, Chicot, inasmuch as his jests AA'cre
chiefly practical ones, and his Juts for the most part made with his
marotte. In face — in figure, and in agility, he resembled an ape.
His head Avas clothed Avith sleek, sable, shining hair, like the skin
upon a mole's back. His nature Avas so snarling and malignant
that, when seized, he Avould snap and bite like an enraged cur,
and even severest chastisement Avas found ineffectual to change
or restrain his mischicA'Ous propensities. Siblot's costume only
differed from that of his brother buffoon in its hues. Embroidered
on the front and at the back Avith the royal blazon, the surcoat
was of sable, slashed Avith Avhite : his marotte Avas of ebony. Siblot
"was a favourite with Henri, Avho being a genuine lover of mischief,

103 CRICHTON.

was (livcitcd with his monkey tricks; and he would often laugh
till the tears ran down his cheeks at the confusion created by the
bufluon amongst the grave ambassadors, the scarlet-capped eccle-
siastics, and stately cavaliers, who attended his audiences.

Meanwhile, the feast proceeded. Henri continued unremitting
in his attentions to Esclairmonde, wdio, though she could not be
prevailed upon by all his importunities to partake of the banquet,
maintained an exterior of perfect calmness and composure. Be-
neath that mask of smiles was hidden acute suffering. The de-
moiselle was, however, an object of envy to the other dames of the
party, who attributed her indifference to the monarch's gallant
regard to mere coquetry.

" liy my faith, monsieur le vicomte," said the gay Torignl to
Joyeuse, who was placed on her right hand, " the Demoiselle Esclair-
monde is a finished coquette. Her coyness is admirably assumed.
Where she can have acquired such arts I cannot imagine. But
some people are born with a genius for their vocation — and conquest
is hers, 1 suppose. She would have the king beheve she has a
perfect horror of his freedoms. I need not tell you that I have
had some experience in the art of entanglement, and I declare upon
my reputation, I could not have played the part better myself."

" 1 am quite sure of it," replied Joyeuse, " because I think liis
majesty's attentions are not so perfectly to her taste as you might
conceive they would be to yours. Her thoughts, I suspect, are
wandering upon Crichton.''

" 1*. h I " rejoined La Torigni, " no such thing. She is not such
a simpleton. Why shoidd her love for Crichton prevent her be-
stowing an occasional smile elsewhere ? He is not a mirror of
constancy, whatever he may be of chivalry ; nor wholly insensible,
as you know, to the supreme attractions of our royal mistress. The
thing is quite natural."

" Your reasoning is perfectly convincing, demoiselle."

" '1 he Chevalier Crichton is very avcII in his way — but a king,
you know — "

" Is irresistible. You have found it so, demoiselle.'*

"You are impertinent, monsieur le vicomte.''

" A la bonne heure. You have prodigiously fine eyes, demoi-
selle. Italy boasts the darkest eyes in the world — Florence the
darkest eyes of Italy, and the lovely Torigni the darkest eyes of
Florence. I pledge them in a bumper of Cyprus."

" Your France is a nation of courtiers," replied La Torigni,
laughing, "and the Vicomte do Joyeuse the most finished courtier
in France. I return your pledge, monseigneur. After all," conti-
nued the lively Florentine, in a tone half jest, half earnest, " I
shoidd not object to be in Esclairmonde's situation."

*• Indeed!" replied Chicot, who happened to overhear this latter
exclamation.

At this moment Marijucrite de Valois entered the room. Somo

THE REZOAB. J 00

sll^'lit ceremony wns observed at her aj)pcaraiice, but the i\nv qucca
took her place at Henri's lelt hand, Avithout attraetinLi' his notice.

" Your majesty sullers from some sudden indisposition," observed
Brant(nne, in a tone ot" sympathy, remarking- the haggard looks ot'
the queen.

" No, no," returned Marguerite, " I aiii perfectly -well. Abbe."

" Will your highness allow me to recommend this cuulis a la
cr/r(///iaZ to your attention," said Villequier. " Konsard pronounces
it thoroughly Catholic, and 1 were an heretic to doubt him. Sufl'er
me, inadame — "

IMarguerito declined the tempting ojBfer of the marquis, and
suilered her eyes to stray over the company. Crichton was not
amongst the number.

" Thank Heaven, he is not here!" exclaimed the queen, giving
involuntary utterance to her thoughts, and sighing dee[)ly as if
some heavy oppression ■were removed from her bosom.

" Who is not here?" asked Henri, turning quickly round at the
exclamation.

Chicot stepped suddenly forward.

" Methinks," said he, familiarly placing his hand upon the king's
sboulder, " methinks, iiotre oncle, you arc in need of some excite-
ment, you lack somewhat to give a fillip to your spirits — a spice to
your Avine — what can we direct you to? Shall it be a song? I
have a rare charivari on Madame the Duchess d'Usez's third
espousals — a Pantagruelian legend on Pope Joan's confinement
before the conclave — or a ditty on the devil's exploit, at Pope
Teagueland — at your service. Or if you like not this, shall I bid
my gossip Siblot smack the rosy lips of all the coyest dames at
table, beginning -with tlie Demoiselle Torlgnl, and afterwards cut a
lavolta on the board itself to the blltlie accompaniment ol' ringing
glass? Or if a gayer mood possess you, will it please you to com-
mand Maitre Samson to bring forth that quaint drinking cup,' the
merry devices and playful grotesques whereof are wont to excite so
much amusement, and such mirthful exclamations from our dames
of honour — and which cup, moreover, is so much to the fancv of
our grave and discreet gossip, Pierre de Boiu'deiilc?"

" Cousin of Brantome/' said Henri, smiling ; " our jester libels

you." . , . ^

" Nay," replied Brantome, laughing, " I care not to own that
the goblet of which the knave speaks has afforded me amusement,
though I must, on the score of propriety, venture to oppose its
introduction upon the present occasion.'"

" Propriety !" echoed Chicot, derisively ; " propriety sounds
well in the lips of the Abbe de Brantome ; ha, ha, which of the
three shall it be, gossip — the song, the kiss, or the cup ?"

" A song," returned Henri, " and see that thy strains lack not
spice, gossip, or look for no hippocras from the hands of Samson as
thy meed."

110 CRICHTOX.

" Spice!" vc])C;itc(l C'iiic'ot, Avitli a droll grimace; "my strains
shall smack of pimento itseli'." And a^^suining the air of an impro-
vii-atore, the jetter delivered him::cli"as I'oUows: —

ivlll-.^picc, or a ^^pi'cc of ^U.

TuL poo[ile ciuliue all,

'1 lie inen-at-:irms cure all.

The ruvoiuitos sway ail,

'J'lieir ^evt'n.'Ilcc^ flay all,

The citizens [;ay all,

Our good king affirms all.

The seiKite conlirii;s all.

The chancellor seals all,

Queen ( atherine conceals all,

Queen Louise instructs all.

Queen iMar^oi conducts all.

The Leaguers contrive all,
' The Jacobins shrive all,

' The Lutherans doubt all.

The Zuiuuliaus scout all.

The Jesuits Hout all.

The Sorbonnisls rout all,

lirother Henri believes all,

Pierre de Goiidy receives all,*

Kuggieri defiles all.

Mad Siblot reviles all.

The bilboqucts please all.

The sarbacanes tease all.

The Due de (Juise tries all.

Hare Crichion outvies all.

Abbe Brantoiue retails all.

Hussy D'Aniboise assails all.

Old Ronsard recants all,

Young Jodelle enchants all,

Fat Villequier cra!iis a'l,

His Holiness damns all,

Esclairmondo bright outshines all,

And wisely declines all.

La IJebours will bless all,

La Fosseuse confess all,

LaGuyol wlllflyall,

Torigni deny all,

John Calvin misguide all,

"Wise Chicot deride all,

Spanish Philip-j- may crave all.

The Bearnais]; brave all.

Till: Devil will have all!

" Gramercy," said Henri, as Chicot came to a pause ; more, it
would appear, from want of breath, than from lack of material for
the continuance of his strains; " thou hast fairly earned thy hip-

' liisliop of I'aris.
t riiilip 11, I Henri ot Navarre, afterwards Henri IV.

THE BEZOAB. 1 1 1

pocras, ■vvcrc it only for the justice rendered to tlio lovely Eschiir-
inonde, Avho, as thou truly sa}'est, outshines all. But, by auv lady,
messeigneurs, avc must not negleet the service of Bacchus fur tliat
of Apollo. Samson, thy choi(;cst Cyprus--a health !"

Every glass was raised — every eye bent upon the king. " To
her," continued Henri, draining liis gohlet ; " who in her own
})erson comhiues all the perfections of her sex — la belle Esclair-
monde !"

" La belle Eselairmonde !" echoed each guest, enthusiastically
clashing his glass against that of his neighbour.

Amidst the eoniiision incident to this ceremony, Crichton entered
the room. For an instant his gaze rested upon that of tlic demoi-
selle; and, momentary as was that glance, a world of sad and pas-
sionate emotion was conveyed to tlie hearts of both. He then took
the seat which had been reserved for him, by the side of Margue-
rite de Valois. Conversation in the meantime proceeded. '' I
Avould fain inquire from your majesty, ' said Brantome, in a tone
which showed that the Cyprus he had quailed had n.it been without
its effect upon his brain ; " what are the precise notions wliicli you
entertain respecting beauty. For, with a due appreciation of
diaphonous orbs and hyacinthine tresses, 1 cannot entirely," and
here the abbe cast a look, inebriate as that of Septimius on Acme,
upon jNlarguerite de Valois ; " I cannot, I say, admit their supre-
macy over eyes black as night, and locks dark as the raven's wing.
Both styles have merit, no doubt; but surely your majesty cannot
be aware of the *• thirty requisites,' or you would never assign the
palm of perfect beauty to a blonde."

" Thou art a heretic, cousin," replied Henri, laughing; " but
we plead ignorance as to thy ' thirty requisites.' Let us hoar
them ; Ave shall then sec how far our own opinions correspond Avitli
thine."

"■ I had them from a fair dona of Toledo," replied Brantome,
*' a city where there are many gracious dames; and though I have
never, except in one instance," he added, again glancing at Mar-
guerite ; " met with a combination of such excellencies, yet I
juav fairly enough assert that I have encountered them all in
detail."

" The requisites, cotisin !" said Henri, impatiently.

" Your majesty will excuse my rhymes," replied the abbe, with
becoming modesty ; " I am no poet, like Konsard. Thus they
run —

^\)t ^Ijirtn Requisites.*

Thirty points ot perfection each judiie nndcrstands,
The Standard of foniinine beauty demands,

*Tlicse verses are imitated from a trentaine of beaux Sis, recorded in the Damea
Gakinles. Brantome gives tliem in Sjjunish prose from the hps of a fair To-
ledan, mentioned in the te.\t ; they are, liowever, to be met ■\vitli in an old French

112 CKICHTON.

Three white : — and, witlioiit fiirtlier jirolnde, we know

'I h:it the skin, hands, and tooth, shonid he pearly as snoj».

Three hlack : — and onr standard dt'|)artiire f'orhids

I'rom daik eyes, darksome tresses, and darkly-tViiigcd lids.

'i'hiee red :— and tl:e lf)vor of comeliness seeks

I'or the hue of the rose in the lips, nails, and cheeks.

Threi' loni; : — and ot this y*J"j '"> donht, are aware ?

Long the body should be, long the hands, long the hair.

Three short : — and herein nicest beauty appears — ■:

IVei short as a iiiiry's, short tooth, and short ears.

'I'hree large . — and renioniber this rule as to size,

Embraces the shoulders, the fort head, the eyes.

'I'liree nariow : — a maxim to every man's taste —

Circumference small in mouth, ancle, and waist

Tinee round : — and in this I see infinite charms —

I'ounded fulness apparent in log, hip, and arms.

Throe Hne :— and can anght the enchantment eclipse,

Of tine tapering fingers, tine hair, and tine lips?

'J'hree small ; — and my thirty essentials are told —

Small head, nose, and bosom, compact in its mould.

Now the dame who comprises attractions like these.

Will require not tiie ccstus of Venus to please,

Willie he who has met with an iniion so rare.

Has had better luck than has fall'ii to my share."

TJrantomc's sono; -was cxcocdinoly \\c\\ received, inosmuch ns it
(.'iiablcd the gallants to oiler various compliiiicut?, direct and indi-
rect, to the fascinations ot" their i'air companions. Neither did Henri
fail to take advantage of tlic pica it aiK)rded him, of scrutinising
the charms of Esclairmonde, as the particular features of beauty
passed in review before the abbe.

Crichton loohed sternly on. His blood boiled -within his veins,
and his indignation miirht have carried liim to some extremities,
if Esclairmonde's imploring looks had not restrained him.

Amidst the laughter and acclamations of the guests Marguerite's
voice shouted hollowly in his ear, " I have watched your glances,
Crichton. In your kindling eyes I read your thoughts. Your
minion is wholly in Henri's power. You caimot deliver her."

Crichton"s reply was intcrru]")ted by a Avild scream of laughtei
proceeding i'rom tiie bullonn Siblot, who, regardless of the confusion
he created, or the risk Avhich the costly vessels on the board might
incur from his antics, suddenly whirled himself into the very
centre of the table, taking up a position on the cover of a vase
supported on three feet, upon the knob of which he described
various rapid circles with the dexterity and case of the most perfect
posture-master. No sooner was this feat accomplished amidst the
laughter and astonishment of the guests, than bounding — without
injury to the economy of the banquet — over enamelled dish and
plate, with a velocity which left little time for consideration, he

work anterior to our chronicler, cntitleil De la Ldiiruirje et Beautc dcs Dames. The
«amc maxims have been turned into Latin hexameters by Francois Corniger (an
ominous name (or a writer on such a subject), and into Itidian verse by Vincentio
Calmcta.

THE BEZOAR. Hi

brushed with his shaggy beard the fair cliccks of every dame ho
passed, not excepting even ^Marguerite do Valois, and only paused
when he arrived at last before Esclairinonde. He then chuckled
and nodded at Henri, asif consulting his inclinations, as to whether
the demoiselle should be submitted to the same disgusting ordeal
as the others, but receiving no signs of encouragement iVom the
monarcli, he retreated to his vase, where, like a priestess of Apollo
upon her tripod, alter a brief prelude of gyrations, with a rapidity of
luterance almost as bewildering as Ins antic mazes, and an inlini-
tudc of grotesque gesticulations, he burst into the foUowinn; amnhi-
gouri; —

Zijt '(Temptation of ^t. .Qnifjonn.*
I.

Saint Anthony weary

Of hermit cell dreary.

Of penance, and [)raying.

Of iirison saying,

Of niortiticaion.

And fleshly vexation.

By good sprites forsaken,

By s-iii overtaken,

On flinty couch lying.

For death, like Job, crying,

Was suddenly shrouded

By thick mists, tliat clouded

All objects with vapour,

And tliroiii;h thcin, like taper,

A sin^ile star shimineicd.

And with blue flame gliiumtrecL

II.

What spell tlien was muttered

IMay never be uttered ;

Saint Anthony piayed not —

Saint Anthony stayed not —

But down — down descending

Through ca\eins unending,

Vv'hose labyrinths travel

May never unravel,

By thundering torrent,

l^y toppling crag horrei.t, ^

All penis unhefdiiiL',

As levin swift speeding,

llabakkuk out-vying

On seraph-wing flying,

V»'as borne on tieud's pir.io;;

To llelTs d; rk dominion.

• Sec Callot's magnificent piece ( f diablerie, upon this subject, and tlie less ex-
travngant, but not less admirable picture of Teuiers ; and what will well be'ir
comparison with either, Eetzch's illustration of the Walpurgis Nidit IJevels of
uoetne. * o o

Ill CIIICIITON.

III.

Oil ! rare is tlie revelry
Of Tartanis' devilry!
Abdve liim — around him—
On ail sides surround him—
Witli wildi'st grimaces
raiitastital faces !
Here hiiiie bats are twittering.
Strange winged mice flittering.
Great horned owls hooting,
Pale hissing stars shooting,
Red fire-drakes careering
Witli harpies are fleering.
Shapes whizzing and whirling.
Weird Sabbath-dance twirling,
Round l)earded goat scowling,
Tlieir wild refrain howling—
""aircjvcmonos ^Ifoircmos
Quccjcntc lutc ba tcncmos."*

IV.

Here Lemnres, Lares,
Trolls, foliots, fairies,
Nymph, gnome, salamander.
In frolic groups wander.
Fearful shapes there are rising,
Of aspect surprising,
Phantasmata Stygia,
Spectra, Prodigia I
Of aspect horrific,
Of gesture terrific.
NN here cauldrons are seething.
Lithe serpents are wreathing,
And wizards are gloating
On pois'noiis scum floating,
^ While skull and bone jilaced out

In circle are traced out.
Here witches air-gliding
On broomsticks are riding.
A hag a fawn chases,
A nun Pan emliraces.
Here mimic lights waging,
Hell's warriors are raging;
Each legion commanding
A cliief is seen standing.
Beelzebub gleaming,
Like (ientiie god seeming-
Proud Belial advancing,
With awful ire glancing ;
Asmodcus till' cunning,
Abaddon, light sliunning,

• According to Delancre, the usual rtfiain of the Sorcerers' Sabbath-song. See
his " J3escription of the Inconstancy ot Evil Angels and Demons." " Delancre'*
Description of the Witches' Sabbath," observes the amusing author of Monsieur
Oiijic, " is so very ample and ])articuhir, that I don't believe I should he better
in armed concerning it if I had been there mysell'."

THE BEZOAR. Llo

Dark INIolocli deceiving.
His subtle webs weaving ;
Meressin air-dweliitij:,
Red Mainiiion gold-telling.

The Fiend, then dissembling.
Addressed the saint trembling ;
" These are thine if down bowing.
Unto me thy soul vowing,
Thy worship thou'lt offer."

*' Back, Temi)ter, thy proll
^Vilh scorn is rejected."

" Unto me thon'rt subjected,
For thy doubts, by the Eternal!"
Laughed the Spirit Infernal.

At his word then compelHu'i.
Forth rushed from iier dwelling
A shape so inviting,
F.nticing, deligliting.
With lips of such witchery,
Tongue of such treachery,
(That sin-luring smile is
The torment of i.ilis,)
Like Kve in her Eden,
Our father misleading.
^Vitil locks so wide-flowing.
Limbs so bright-glowing.
That Hell hath bewrayed him,
If lieaven do not aid him.

*' Her charms are surrendered
If worship is rendered."

" Sathan. get thee behind me !
^ly sins no more blind me— -
By .lesu's temptation!
By lost man's salvation !
Be this vision banished !"*

And straight Hell evanished.

And suiting the action to tlic phrase, at the conclusion of his
sonir, Siblot threw himself head over heels from the table, and
Vanished likewise. Acclamations were heard on all sides. What-
ever the festive assemblage miglit think of the jester's song, they
Tvere infinitely amused by his summerset. By this time, too, the
generous wines, with which each goblet was constantly replenished,
had begun to do their duty. Every eye gresv bright — every
tongue loud, and a greater degree of licence reigned throughout.
Crichton alone partook not of the festivities.

" Par la Mort-Dieu, mon brave Ecossois," said Henri, with a

I 2

IIG CRICHTON.

smile of exultation, " you are not in your u^ual spirits to-night.
You have not a smile lor a liiir dame — you do but indifferent jus-
tice to Bcrini's supper (and Villequier, or your brother bard, Ron-
sard, will tell you it has merit) — and you wholly neglect Samson's
goblets, thougii this Syracuse hath potency enough to turn the blood
to flame. Try it, I pray of you. Your thoughtful visage assorts
ill with our sprightly associates. Let your spirits sparkle like our
wine, like the eyes around us, and drown your despondency in the
ilowing bowl."

" An excellent proposal, sire," said D'Epernon ; " Crichton is
«-ither in love oi jealous — perhaps both — he eats not, talks not,
drinks not, signs inlallible."

" Pshaw," replied Joyeusc, " lie has lost a favouiite hawk, or a
horse, or a thousand ])istolcs at play, or — "

" He thinks of his duel with the mask," added Saint Luc ; " he
has confessed and received the Holy Communion, and the priest
has enjoined a night of fasting and repentance."

" He has lost a supper, then, which, like Brantume's beauty, has
every requisite," said Villequicr, with his mouth full of marchpane.
" I pity him."

" Or his appetite," said Ronsard, "without which even a supper
at the Louvre would bo thrown away.''

" Or a rhyme," said Torigni ; '• a loss to make a bard look sad,
ch, iMonsieur Ronsard ?"

" Or a sarbacane," said Chicot.

*' Or a bibloquet," said Siblot.

" Or a toy of less moment than either," liicci.pcd Brantome —
"a mistress."

Here a loud laugh was raised. '^ A truce to raillery," said
Henri, laughing with the rest; " Crichton is a little out of sorts —
fatigued, naturally enough, Avith his disputation of the morning,
and his exertions in the ball-room — however, I trust he has not
entirely lost his voice, but that he will favour us with one of those
exquisite chansons-ii-boire, with which of old he was wont to
enliven our waissalry."

" A song ! — a song 1" echoed all the symposlacs. laughing louder
than ever.

" ]\ly strains will scarcely harmonise with your revel, sire,"
replied Crichton, gloomily; ''my livelier thoughts desert me."

" No matter," replied Henri, '' be they sad as those of Erebus —
'twill give a sharper edge to our festivity.''

In a voice then which, as he proceeded, gradually hushed all dis-
position to mirth, Crichton sang: —

THE BEZOAK. 117

In banquet hall, be5.iJe the king,
Sat proiul Thvcstes revcUing.
The festal board was covered fair,
The festal meats were rich and rare|
Thyestes ate lull daintily,
Tiiyestes laiighed full lustily ;
Bui soon his haughty visage fell —
A dish was brouglit — and. wo to tell I
A gory head that charger bore!
An iiifani's look the features wore!
Thvestes sliiit-ked — King Atreus siniled-
Tlie father had devoured his child!

Fill Ihe gohlel—fill il high—

To Th^e.slci^ levtliy.

Of blond-red wines I he h'ighlest cheese^

The glu inwi grape of Sj/rcicune !

ir.

For a victory obtained
O'er the savay:e (jeise chained,
In his grand (Jaesareai; liall
Domitian holds Ingh festival.
To a solemn feast besought
Thither are the senate broaght.
A? he joins the stately ciowd,
Smiles each pleased patrician [jroud.
One by one each guest is led:
^^ iiere Dc^niiiian's feast is spread ;
Each, Tecoiling, stares aghast
At the ominous repast :
]'i()uiid abacus tf blackest shade
l>lack triclinia are laid.
Sable vases deck the hoard
^Vith dark-coloured viands stored ;
Shaped like tombs, on either hand.
Rows of dusky pillars stand ;
O'er each pillar in a line.
Pale sepulchral lychni shine ;
Cinerary urns are seen,
Carved each with a name, I ween.
By the sickly radiance siiown
Kvery guest may read his own !
Forth then issue swarthy slaves.
Each a tiirch and dagger waves ;
Some like Manes habited.
Figures ghastly as the dead !
Some as Lemures attired,
Lai lae some, with vengeance fired.
See the throat of every guest
lU' a muiderous gripe is prest !
Wluifc tiie wretch, wiih horror dumb.
Thinks ins latest hour is come!
l-oud tlien laugii'd Domit'an,
Thus his solemn feast besan.

118 cuicnxox.

Fill ihr ciohlrl-fill it ir>nh-~

'I'o J loiiiitidii'x > IVc/'1/. -^

Let our gloiotiig gobli I be, .

Ciowil'd irilli uin ■ (if >ic/i'f/

in.

I}()r;:i;i* lioUls a papal i'Lte,

Ami Zizime, with lioart I'late,

Willi iiis chiefs haiiiariaii

Seeks the gcirgeotis Vatican.

*1 is a wondrous sijiht to see

In Christian hall that company I

I5nt the Othman wariiors soon

Scout the precepts of Mahoun.

Wines of Sicily and Spain,

Jovoiislv tho.-e paynims drain;

While iioiiiia's words their laiigliter stir^

" Bibiilllis J'opii/i/cr /"

At ;i siiinal— |)aifes three,
NNith liold gohleis, licnd the knee •
I'oriiia pours the purple stream
Till heads upon its surface gleam.
** Do IIS a reason, nohle guest,"
Tints Zizime. the pontiH' jnesscd :
'' Hy our triple-crown there lies.
In that wine-ciip Haradise I '
High Zizime the gohlet raised —
Loud Zizime the Cyprus praised—
To each guest in oider slow,
Nest the felon paL'esgo.
Ivach in turn the Cyjn us quaffs.
Like Zizime, each wildly laughs,—
laughter horrihle and strange!
Quick ensues, a fearful change,
Stifled soon is every cry,
Azracl is standing by.
Glared Zizime — but spake no more:
Eorijia's fatal feast was o'er!

Fill lite iTohlct-fill it high—

Willi the wines of llnlij ;

Bo< gill's iroids our luKglilcr slir—

liibuniis I'linuliler !

*' Bibhnus rcgaliter!'' exclaimed Henri, as Crichton's song con-
cluded. " Dleii Merci I we have no dread of such a consummation
at our orgies. A reveller might well stand in awe of the bowl, if
after his nocturnal banquet he should awaken in Elysium. You
must now perforce pledge us, mon Ecossois, or we shall think you
hold our leasts in the same horror as those of Borgia — a cup of
Cyprus — you will not refuse us ?"

• Pope Alexander VI., of the family of Lenznoli. Imt who assumed previous to
liis ])oiitificate the name of Borgia, a name rendered intamous, as well by his
own crimes and vices, as liy those of the monster offspring Cajsar and Lucrezia,
wliom lie had by tlie courtezan Vanozza, according io Gordon, instigated to the
murder of Zizime or Djem. son of r^Ialioiiut II., by a reward of 300,000 ducats,
promised by Bajazet, brother to the ill-fated Othman I'rincc.

THE .iF.s'rnR. 119

" He will not refuse we," said Marguerite de Valois. "^ Give me
a goblet, Loisel/*

A page approacliecl witli a, flagon of gold. " Fill for me," said
the Queen. And tlie wine was poured out. " To our reunion,"
■whispered she, drinkiiiLr. '*' La forza d' amore non ris<ruarda ai
debtto.

" I pledge you, niadanie," answered Crichton, raising the goblet.

Marguerite's eyes were lixed upon him. All trace of colour had
deserted her cheeks. " How is this? ' exclaimed Crichton, laying
down the iroblet untastod. '• Poison ! Do IJorijia's druirs lind
entrance here?'

" Poison !" echoed all, rising in astonishment and dismay.

" Ay — poison !" reiterated Crichton. '• See the ruddy bezoar
in this ring has become pale as opal. This wine is poisoned."

" / have drunk of it," said Marguerite, with a withering look.
** Your own faint heart misgives you."

'* Some poisons have their antidotes, madame," observed
Crichton, sternly. " The knife of Parysades was anointed on one
side onlv."

" BrlniT Venetian cjlass," cried Henri, " that will remove or
coniirm your suspicions. Sangdieu ! Chevalier Cricliton, if thi.'*
interruption be groundless, you shall bitterly repent it."

" Give mc the Venice glass,"" said Crichton, " I will abide the
issue."

A glass was brought, bcll-shapcd, light, clear as crystal. Crich-
ton took It and poured within it the contents of his own goblet.

For a second no change was observed. The wine then suddenly
hissed and foamed. The glass shivered into a thousand pieces.

All eyes were now turned on the Queen of Navarre. She had
fainted.

"Let her be cared for," said Plenri, affecting indifference,
** Miron must attend her — he will understand — " and the king
whispered a few Avords to Du Halde. " Fair dames, and you,
messeifineurs," added he to theirucsts, who looked on aofhast, " tliis
incident must not interrupt our revcL Samson, Ave appoint thee
our taster — wine — wine."

CHAPTER VHL

THE JESTER.

Ze Marcltant. Vous estes, ce croy-jc, Ic joyculx du Roy ?

Panurge. Voire.

Le Marcltant. Fourchez la.

Kabklais. I'antagrucL Liv. IV. Ch. VI.

The effect of the occurrence, just detailed, was visible in the
altered complexion and demeanour of the dames, and it required
all the gallantry and attention of the cavaliers, in any degree, to

120 CRICHTON,

restore tlielr gaiety. Conversation, however, soon became more Tree
and discursive. Each galliard boasted, in his turn, of his prowess
in arms — of liis dexterity in horsemanship — of liis unerring aim
with the pistol — of his fatal stroke witli tlie polgnard — of his ability
with the rapier — in short, of liis perfect acquaintance with the
wliole " theoric and practic" of the duello — a subject which neces-
sarily involved the discussion of Cricliton's approaching combat.
The discourse began to take a very animated turn, many specula-
tions being hazarded as to the rank and name of the cliallenger, a
subject upon whieli tlie dames appeared singularly curious, and
even Eselairmonde manifested anxiety ; when, as if brought thither
to gratilV tlieir wishes, the sable mask suddenly presented himself
at the entrance of the banquet-chamber.

Henri instantly commanded admittance to be given to hiin, and
the mask was, in consequence, ushered to the seat which Mar-
guerite de Valois had abandoned., tlius bringing him into immediate
contact with his adversary Cricliton. Their situation appeared to
be agreeable to neitiier party; but it was now too late to remedy
the mistake, and Henri laughed it olf in the best way he could.

" Nothing can be further from my intention than to interrupt
the harmony of your majesty's table," said the mask, in reply to
the king's apology, " and, I trust, I shall not incur the censure of
your brave gentlemen, by offering a second offence to one, wliom
I liave already defied to the combat. I am no faith-breaker, sire.
But I crave your pardon for trespassing on your patience. I came
not hither to join your revels.

"'Fore Heaven, then, mon cousin!"' replied Henri, regarding
the mask with some astonishment, " if not to festivity, imto what
hath your visit relation ?"

The mask looked with some anxiety towards Crichton. The
Scot instantly rose.

" I am in the way, sire," lie said. " Your counsels will be more
securely carried on if I quit the banquet."

" No, by our Lady !" cried Henri, rising, and with great coiu'tesy
motioning Crichton to resume his seat — " this shall never be.
If any one viust suffer inconvenience, it shall be ourself. I am at
your service, mon cousin, though 1 must need say you have chosen
a strange season for an audience."

So saying, the monarch reluctantly led the way towards an
embrasure —

" Chicot," he said, in an under tone as he passed, " do thou
assume our seat for the nonce? We must not attend to the in-
terests of others to the entire exclusion of our own — and hark
ye, gossip, as you value your cars, suffer not a syllable to pass
between Crichton and our mlirnonne, Eselairmonde — you under-
stand." . . . . ^

With a mock dignity, infinitely diverting to the guests, Chicot
instantly installed himself in Henri s vacant chair ; his first pro-

THE JESTER. 1 2 I

ceedin"" being to place liis iiiarotte between the lovers, winch lie
lauuhin'j; termed " his ambusj-'ador's sword, whereby they were to
understand they cuuia only speak by proxy." Mis next, was to
call upon Ronsard for a song. The bard would AvlUinfrly have
declined the jester's invitation, but the voices of the revellers were
acainst him, and he was necessitated to promise compliance.

" Fool," muttered Crlchton, sternly, who had already taken
advantage of the king's absence to hazard a whisper to Esclair-
monde — '' wilt thou mar this opportunity afforded us, by chance,
of devising means for her escape ? ^Vhy should she not lly now ?
I alone will with; a id every attempt at pursuit."

"And who will then be the foci?" replied Chicot. "No — no,
my addle pate hi;th hatched a scheme worth two of yours. Set
yourself at ease. 15orrow a sarbacane from the Vicomte de
Joyeuse ; and meanwhile suffer the ' law-^iver of Parnassus,'
as his flattercis term him, to proceed with his roundelay.
See you not that it diverts the attention of the guests, and
leaves us at liberty. — Fool, quotha ! — recant that appellation,
brother."

" I crv thee mercy, gossip," rejoined Crichton, " thou art,
indeed, a very miracle of wit. Joyeuse," he added, addressing the
vicomte; " I prithee, lend me thy sarbacane."

" To despatch a l-illet to some distant fair one in the oncer
bancpiet-hall ; ah! galliard ; here 'tis." And Avith this, Joyeuse
sent his page with the long tube of chased silver resting by his side,
to the Scot.

Konsard, meanwhile, commenced his song, which, if it should not
be found to ecpial in merit some better known lyrics of the bard,
*' qui, en i'runqois, parla (Wee et Latin^^ its failure must be attri-
buted to the supper he had eaten, and the Cyprus he had swallowed
(both, according to his former patron, Charles IX., unfavourable to
the j\Iuse), and, in some degree, to the cpiaintness of the measure he
selected,

%\^i Hcccnti of Faltic?.
I.

Tis niiilitl — fuitli Valdez, in disguise.

Hies;
And liis visage, as he glides,

Hides.
Goes he to von church to prav?

Ell !
No, that fane a secret path

Hatli,
Leading to a neighbouring pile's

Aisles ;
VVliere nuns lurk — by priests cajoled

Old.
T'liiher doth Don Valdez go —

Oh !
Tiiillicr vestal liji^ to taste

Haste.

122 CRICIITON.

11.

'Nfaili von nicli, wliv dotli lie str.'.iJ ?

And'
\\;\\)i it tii:it la- liniieis now

llow-
SiiiUicMilv cowrd piii'^ts ;i])jic'ar

Here.
Voices chant a dii ;i'--liki' dim

llynni:
Mutes a sable coffin drear

Kear ;
Wiieie a ni<iniinienl duili lie

Hiirli
"Sciitcliooiis nioiid beathV dark parade

Ai(l.
Vaide/ sees, v<illi fVcsli alarais,

A I nis,
\^ liicli hii cwn — (iiMles cross and star I)

Are.

III.

An Imur — and vet he hatli not none

■ On ,
Xei liei' can he siren^ili to speak

Kke!
Hark! he ciies, in fear and douiit,

Out,
'• \\'horn int<'r \c in iliat toinh?

\^ horn? — "
" Valde/ ! — He'll he. ere twelve hours,

Ours! —
Wait «e for his Ihik lal

All!"

IV.
" Monk I thou hiin;:^t. il'tl.is he trnij,

Kuth "■
Valdez his own I'lte wiih dr(ad

l{ead.
(jueslion none he uttered more; —

O'er
' I'was ; and he doth peacefullv

Lie
In the tcmh he saw, tiius crazed,

Uaisid.

IL'ISnboij.

itlrmcnto Jlilori — Life's a stale
Tale.

During tlic pro£^rcss ofRonsanl's song, the jester had not remained
idle. Amidst a thoiisnnd ab.«nid orlmaccs, intended lor tlie amuse-
ment of the company, lie had contrived in various Avays to make
known the nature of his intentions respecting Esclairmondc's
deUvemncc to Crichton, and the latter, struck, apparently, "with
the feasibility of his plan, traced a hurried line on the paper-

TIIK JEJ«TEK. 1:^3

covering; of a Ji-ai^ce, wliicii he took fiom a pile of confcctionerv
before him, and then applyini^ tlie sarhacane to his lijis, wiiii^ed
Avith dexterous aim, tlie suL':arcd missive into the lap of the De-
moiselle Torigni. This incident, if it attracted any notice at all,
passed for a mere })iece of gallantry, a supposition abundantly
confn-med by the conduct of the fair Florentine, whose sparkling
eves and throbbing bosom, as she perused the paper, as well as her
nod of acquiescence, while she finally crushed it within her hands,
sullicicntly attested the nature of her feelings. Brantomc, who
was her ireighbour, hemmed signidcantly. Torigni crimsomed to
the temples ; but nothing more passed npon the matter.

"Bravo!" exclaimed Crichton, who, Hushed with the anticipated
success of bis scheme, had now entirely recovered his spirits, and
joined enthusiastically in the applauses bestowed upon lionsard's
performance ; though it may be suspected, from the warmth of
his praises, that not a Avord of the song had reached his cars.
" Bravo 1" he cried, with well-feigned rapture ; " the strains we have
listened to are worthy of him who has won for himself the proud
title of the ' Potte Fra>i(;ois, par Excellence;' of him who will enjoy
a kindred immortality Avlth the Teian and Masonian burds ; of him
whom beauty has worshipped, and sages honoured ; and to Avhom
one fairer than the f lirest nymph of antiquity — the loveliest pearl
of Scotia's diadem hath inscribed her priceless gift.

A RoNSARD I'Apollon de la source des Pluses.

Happy bard ! upon Avhom such a queen hath smiled. Not Alain
Chartier, upon whose melodious lips, when closed in sleep, Margaret
of Scotland impressed a burning kiss ; not Clement Marot, the as-
piring lover of Diane de Poitiers, and of the royal INlarguerite, was
so much to be envied. Happy I — happy bard ! upon whom all
lovely things smile."

"Except the lovely Torigni," interrupted Chicot, "'and she
alone, who smiles on all, frowns upon him. For ni}'- part, I have
tbe bad taste to prefer my own A^erses, or those of Alellin de Saint
Oelais, our ' French Ovid,' or the elegies of my cousin, Philippe
Desportes, (our ' Tibullus,' if Ronsard is to be our ' Anacreon' —
bah !) 'rs connets are Avorth all the erotic poesy indited

By IJonsard on these Indies three,
Cassaiicha, Helen, or JMarie.''

"Peace!" said the Scot, "and to confound thee and all sucli
unbelievers, I will, if my memory serves me, recite an ode recently
Avritten by the bard thou hast traduced, Avorthy to be classed Avith
the most Icrvid strains ever poured out by him Avho sang of old, of
love, and of the vine. Attend!" And addressing the poet, Avhcso
handsome countenance gloAvcd Avith satisfaction, and avIio acknow-
ledged the compliment (for your bard is never insensible to flattery)
by kissing his Avine-cup, (Jrichton, Avith the grace and fervour of
an Alcibiades. delivered himself of the followinGr ode.

124 cr.icriTGzr.

Anacreontic*
I.

\VIicn Bacclms' izift assails my brain,
Care Hies, and all her gloomy train ;
My pulses throb, my youth rctiirrii,
Witli its o'd Hre mj' bosom burns ;
Before my kindling vision ii»e
A tliDU.-and glorious pliantasics !
Sudden my empty cotters swell,
^\ itii ricjies inconsumal)Ie ;
And mightier treasures 'round me sprin'>
Than Ciccsus owned, or Phrygia's king.

II.

Nouglit seek I in that frenzied hour,
Save love's intoxicating power;
An arm to guide me in the dance.
An eye to thrill me with its glance,
A lip impassioned words to breathe,
A hand my tfinples to enwreathe :
Rank, lionour, wealth, and worldly weal,
Scornful, 1 crush beneath my heel.

in.

Then fill the clialice till it shine

Bright as a gem inearnadiue !

Fill ! — till its fumes have freed me whnliy

From the black phantom — iMelancholy !

Better inebriate 'tis to he,

Aiid dying live, than living die!

"Trinquons, mon clier," cried Ilonsard, holding out his goLlet
as Cricliton concluded ; " my verses acquire a grace from you,
such as they never possessed before."

" Forget not tlie rhymes of tlae good Pantagruel," said Chicot —

" Ft veil qu'il est de ceiveau phanaticque,
Ce me seroit acte de trop picqueur,
Penser mocquer ung si noble trincqueur."

At this moment the Vicomte de Joyeuse slightly coughed, and
directing a glance of intelligence at Crichton, volunteered and
executed, with much vivacity and spirit, the following —

IDirgc of 13ourbon.
I.

When the good Count of Nassau

Saw Bourbon lie dead,
" By Saint Harbe and Saint Nicholas!

Forward ! ' he said.

II.

" Mutter never prayer o'er liilT,

For litter ne'er halt ;
But sound loud the tmmpet —

Sound, sound to assault !

• Paraphrased from Ilonsaid's Ode. — Lorsque Bacchus entre cuez mot, ifxi,

THE JESTER. 125

III.
" r>rin<; engine — brini; ladder,

Yon old walls to scale ;
AH Koine, by Saint Peter!

For liourbon siiall wail."

And now, to follow the king and the mask,

"We woukl willinuly serve you in this enlevement of the
Gclosa," said Henri, continuing a conversation with the unknown,
the earhcr part of which it is not necessary to repeat ; " willingly —
Lut shall 1 own to you a weakness ! — I have apprehensions — ""

" Of Crichton?" asked the mask, scarcely able to repress his
scorn.

" Of my mother, cnro mio. I hold it a rule never to interfere
Avith /ler plans, unless they interfere with my own, and in this in-
stance I see not how our interests can be mixed up with your
wishes. Besides, to speak plainly, I have an allair on hand at
this moment which may not improbably excite her displeasure ;
and I am unwilling to hazard aught tliat may occasion serious
grounds of dillerencc between us. Why not tarry till to-mor-
row?"

" Because — hut I have already stated my reasons for this urgency
— it /fiust be to-night — "

" You have as little reliance on Ruix^icrl as I have, mon ecu-
sin," laughed the king.

" I am as little accustomed to baulk my inclinations as your
majesty," replied the mask, impatiently — " The prey is stricken.
Shall I hesitate to seize it ? By Saint Paul, no. I detain you,
sire. Suffer me to quit the presence. Since you decline giving
me your authority I will act upon my own responsibility."

" Stay,'' replied the king, vacdlating between the awe in which
he stood of Catherine's resentment, and his anxiety to serve the
mask, " the guard stationed round the Hotel de Soissons refused
you admittance, you say. This ring will obtain it lor you. Take
it, and take the girl, and Ruggieri, too, if you list. So that you
rid us and our good city of Paris of liim and his accursed waxen
images, I care not. If you encounter the queen-mother 1 leave you
to make your own excuses. Take care not to compromise me in
the matter. You need fear no interruption on the part of Crich-
ton. He is safe within this chamber, and I will give instant
orders that the doors of the Louvre be closed till dawn."

" In an hour that caution will be needless," exclaimed the mask,
triumphantly. " Ere that space bo past, my views will be accom-
plished."

And with a haughty salutation the unknown departed.

The king remained an instant in conference with Du Halde.
Chicot, who, upon the departure of the mask, had vacated his
€cat, approached them. Our i ester had a strong penchant for
■eaves-dropping.

" Let the portals of the Louvre be Instantly closed," said Henri,

12fj cmciiTOX.

•* not a iriiest must iro fortli till dawn — above all, tlic Chevalier
Cricliton."

The chief valet bowed.

" I have liirther commands for thee," continued the Icinix, lower-
ing his tone — " at luy wonted sii^nal thoii wilt e.\tini,ai:sli the Hirhts."

A scarcely perceptible smile played upon Du Halde's courtier-
like countenance.

*' Ha ! runs it so?" said Chicot, drawing nearer to tlie group.
And here we leave him to return to the lovers.

" Eselairmonde," wliispered the Scot, as the buffoon quitted tlie
table, '' ])lace your trust unhesitatingly in th;it man. lie is your
safeguard. Coufule in liiin, and fear notliing."

'• 1 do not fear, Chevalier Crichton," repHed the demoiselle, in
the same low tone. " In my extremity I liavc one friend who
will not fail me — the good Florentin Chretien.^'

" You have one who will perish Jar you, or lolth you,'' re-
turned Crichton. " We shall meet again?"

" Perhaps," answered Esclairmonde ; "and yet I know not — the
future is a gulf into which I dare not gaze. If possible I will quit
this palace — this city — on the morrow. One tie alone can detain
me, if I am free from this hateful bondage."

" And that is— ?"

" Henri dc Valois," rejoined a voice.

CHAPTER. IX.

TIIESARBACANE.

Je (lis, et je le s(;ni (ine le Woy ayant pris une merveilluuse frayeur de ces clioses,
dt's le terns do la iSarbacane, devint enfin si peureux qu'il trembloit .a la vue du
inoindre eclair. Confession de Sancy.

The king, whose quick ear caught the last words of their con-
versation, had approached the lovers unperceived. In vain did
the jester attempt to warn them by slightly coughing. Henri
was too rapid in his movements to allow him to proceed, and he
was fearful of awakening suspicion by any overt display of his sym-
pathy witli their situation.

" Chevalier Crichton," said the monarch, angrily regarding the
Scot, " I woidd not have to remind you a second time of your
plighted word. Take heed how you rouse my choler. 1 have
something of the Mcdicis in my composition, though it may not
often manifest itself."

" And I," returned the Scot, fiercely —

" Lc monde est iin hoiiffon, I'linmme line comedie,
L'lui porte la marotte, et raiUie est la folie,"

chanted Chicot, adding in a whisper to Crichton, " Your intempe-
rate Scotch blood will ruin all — bethink you Avhat you do."

*' You talk boldly, chevalier," said Henri, " and I trust you

THE SAlinACANE. 127

will demean yourself as stoutly on the morrow witli your sworJ.
Your adversary of the mask threatens to rob you of your laurels,
and to put a stain upon the spotless order, with which I have in-
vested you."

" The modest precepts of chivalry teach us, sire," replied Crich-
ton, " that to vaunt is not to vanquish —

Un chevalier, n'eii doiitez pas,
Doit lerir liaut, et parler bas.

I shall abide the issue — content to rely upon a sword which has
never yet failed me, and a cause which I maintain to be tlie right."
" Enough," replied Henri, whose petulance was readily dissi-
pated. " 1 have bidden Du Halde give orders for the proclama-
tion of the jousts at noon upon the morrow, within the lesser
gardens of the Louvre, and I bid ye all, iair dames and puissant
knights, to grace it with your presence —

Servans d'amours, regaidcz donlcement
Aux eschatiTaux anges de Paradis:
Lors jousterez fore et joyeiisement
Et vous serez honorez et clicris."

As Henri sung this refrain of an old ballad of the Tourney by
Eustache Deschamps, with much taste and some feeling, his features
assumed, for a moment, the expression which might have animated
them, when, flushed with the promise of a glorious manhood, his
youthful valour had achieved the victory of Montcontour.

'* Ah, Crichton I" he sighed, as he concluded ; " the days of
Tannegui Du-Chatel, and Gaston de Foix arc past. With my
brave father, Henri de Valois, chivalry expired !"

*' Say not so, sire," replied Crichton, " while yourself can yet
■wield a lance, and while a Joyeuse, a D'Epernon, and a Saint-Luc,
yet live to raise their banners."

" To say nothing of a Crichton," interrupted Henri, " whose
name will ijild our reign hereafter, when others are forgotten. — ■
"With the Bearnais in the field — the Balafre coquetting with my
crown, and my brother of Anjou in open revolt against me, 1
have need of loyal hearts and true. Joyeuse, itwn enfant, I heard
thy voice just now — hast thou not some stirring strain of knightly
days, to chime with the cliord which chance has struck within my
breast?"

" If such be your pleasure, my gracious liege," replied Joyeuse,
" you shall have the lay of the truest knight that ever served monarch
of your realm — the valiant constable, Bertrand Du Guesclin."

With a fire and spirit which evinced how completely the glorious
prowess of the Avarrior, whose brave deeds he celebrated, was in
unison with his own ardent aspirations after chivalrous renown,
»^oyeuse then sang, in a rich melodious voice, the following

r.8 cm CI I Toy.

Bitnj o[ Bu Cliiicsclut*
1.

A silver s-hic'ld jqiiirc diil wirld. fliariicd with an (';!i;le likick,

Witli taldii led, ;uul two-told lieiid. wlio followed on the tnick

( )f the [)v-t kiiiiiht th:it ere in tii;lit luiili'd mace, or couched the Innce,

l)ii Giiesclin named, who taincheoii claimed as Constable of Fiuiicc.

II.
In Biittanv, where Rennesf dotli lie. Dn Gneschn first drew breath ;
Born for emiirize— in counsel wise, brave, lovai unto death.
W itii hand and sword, with heart and word, served well tiiis baron bold
The azure scutcheon that displayed three fleur-de-lis of gold. J

"ill.
Like (luescl'n bold of warriors old in prowess there was none,
'Mul peers that stood 'round Arthur good, ISaldwin or brave Kouillon ;
IVor, as I ween, liaili knighthood seen a chief more puissantly
\\ ith staff advance the flower of France 'gainst hostde chivalry.

IV.

— Guesclin is dead ! and with him fled the bravest and the best,
That ever yet, bv foe beset. mai::tained fair (iallia's crest !
His soul («od shrive! — were he alive, his spear were couched aeain
To guard the three gold lilies from the white cross of Lorraiu I>J»

" Ilcavcn rest tliC soul of tlic valiani constable !"' si^:;lK'd Henri,
as .Toycusc brought his bal'ad to a close. " Would he -were living
now ! — but ■wherefore," he added, glancing aflcctionately at the
vicoiute, " should I indulge the wi.sh while thou, my gallant
D'Arqucs, remainest to me ? — With thoc by my side," he con-
tinued, smiling", " I need have little anticipation of the third
,'rown which the Duchess dc ]\lontpensicr promises me — Poland's
diadem I have already borne — that of France I now possess —
but the monk's tonsure — "

•• Will become her brother, the Balafre, better than you, my
gracious liege," interrupted Joyeusc, " to Tartains, with the felon
cross of Lorrain and its supporters."

■• A free version of an "olde gcntil"' Breton lay of the age of Charles V. of
Prance, a stanza's subjoined, that the reader may have a taste of its freshness
:ni(l simplicity. 'J"!ie iiallad, it may be observed, lias remained wliolly inedited,
nntil tile jiulilicatioii by ^1. Crapclet, of the ,i;ol(leii manuscript of tlie Combat
dts Tnnte, extracted from tlie Jii/ilidl/dt/uc du liol.

3Le Distfr "de i>Ton5. •Drvtr.iu Dc Glasguin.
■L'csrtt toarctfin a . V. . rglc tjr s.ililc
^ . ij. testes rt . v.. rog'r daston
^Jourtotst H jjiciiv Ir li.Tlhim tonntsnlile
(^tii Ifc C'"ilasgiitn 13citvan atioist a nom
a luou fu ncs Ir cbclmlirr Inrton
prftrv ft bartii comactfuv runir . ]'.. tor
C]?iii tant smii ir lotiial curr rt trc lion
Ursctt lia?ttr a . iij. flours lie lis tjoi.
T Tlie Cliateau de la Motte-Broon, near IJennes.
i The royal arms of France.

§ The cognizance of the house of Guise. Tlie double Cross of Lorrain vas
adoptoi.1 as an ensign by the Leaguers, of wliom the Duke of Guise, was tl^
l>riine mover: — a circumstance which gave rise to the following sarcastic and
soniuwhat irreverent quatrain, quite in the spirit of the times : —
]\hiis, (iites nioi, que signifie
Que les Ligucurs ont double croix ?—
C"cst (pi'en la Ligue on crucifie
Jc'sus (lirist encore uiie fois.

THE SARBACANE. 129

*' An ; JoyeusG — my brother," said Henri, smiling affectionately,
*' thou art, indeed, as brave as Dii Guesclin, as loyal as Bayard."

" liayurd !" exclaimed Crichton, " my heart leaps up at that
name, as at the clarion's call. Would that my life might be like
Bayard's, and," he added, fervently ; " my hfe's close likewise I"

" To that prayer, I cry amen -with my Avhole soul," said Joyeuse,
*' But while our hearts are warmed ■with the thoughts kindled by
sucli glorious recollections, prithee, Crichton, clothe somewhat of
thel.' gallant deeds in thine inspiring verse. Thou art a minstrel
worthy of Bayard. Even my friend, Philippe Desportes must
yield the palm of song to thee."

" Joyeuse is in the right," said Henri. " A nobler subject for
the bard could not be found, nor better bard to rehearse sucli
subject. Three well beneficed abbeys were the meed of as munv
sonnets from Desportes. 1 know not how I shall requite vour
performance, mon chcr."

" Bestow not such immerited prnise on me, I beseech your
majesty," replied Crichton, "or I shall scarce adventure my lay
on a theme I cannot dwell upon without deepest emotion."

" First let us pledge the memory of the reproachless chevalier,"
said Henri, "and then embalm his deeds in sonjr."

The goblets were filled — and drained. Crichton pronounced his
pledge with devotion, and quaftcd the sparkling contents of his
wine-cup to the dregs.

In a tone, then, which showed how deeply his own sympathy
was enlisted in the subject-matter of his strains — with an unstudied
simphcity of manner perfectly in imison with the minstrel measure
he had chosen, and with much knightly fervour — he sang the
following ballad: —

'^i)t ^luorU of 23ni)arti.
I.

** A boon I crave, my Eayard brave:"- 'twas tims King Francis spoke;
"Tlie Held is won, ibe battle done,* yet deal one otlier stroke.
For by this light, to dub iis kniglit, none worthy is as thou.
Whom nor re])ruach, nor i'ear appioach, of prince or peer we trow."

II.

'Sire !" said the knight, " you judge not right, who owns a kingdom fair
'Neath his command all knights do stand — no service can he share."
" Nay .' by our fay !" the king did say, " lo ! at thy f-r-et we kneel,
Let silken rules sway tiltyard schools, our lav/s are here of steel."

III.
^Vith gracious mien did Bayard then, his sword draw from his side ;
" By God ! !?aint Michael ! and Saint George ! 1 dub thee knight!' he cried.

* The famous engagement with tlie Swiss, near :MiIan, in which Francis the First
came off victorious. Fleuranges places the ceremony of the king's knighthood
bf/oie tlie battle. The '• Loyal Servant," however, states that it occurred, as ia
most probable, after the conflict.

130 CKICHTON.

" Ari«c, good king! wool may tliis bring — sncli grace on tliec confer.
As erst irom blow of Cliarles did flow, Roland or Oliver! '

IV.

With belted blade, tlic king arrayed — the kiiii;Iit the sjiur applied,
And tlien his neck with rliani did deck — and accolade supplied —
" Do thy devoir at ghostly choir — maintain high conrtcsie,
And from the fray in war's array, God grant tliou never flee !'

"Certes, good blade,"* then Bayard said, his own sword waving high,
" Thon shalt, perdie, as relic be preserved full carefullv !
Kight fortunate art thou, good sword, a king so brave to kiiiaht!
And with strong love, all arn?s above, rest honoured in mv sight.

VI.
And never more, ns heretofore, by Ciiristian chivalry,
My trenchant blade, shalt thou be rayed, or e'er endangered be!
For Faynini foes reserve thy blows — the Saracen and iMoor
Thine edge shall smite in bitter right, or merciless estour!"f

VII.
Years, since that day, have rolled away, and Bayard hurt to death,
'Neatii gray Rebecco's walls outstretch'd, exhales his latest breath.
On Heaven he cried, or ere he died — but cross had none, I wist,
iiave that good sword-hilt crnciforui, which with pale lips he kissed J

VIII.

Kniglit ! whom reproach could ne'er approach, no name like >into thine.
With honour i)right, unsullied, white, on Fame's proud scroll shall shine!
But were it not to mortal lot denied by grace divine,
Shonld Ba}ard's life, and Bayard's death, and his good sword be mine.

" Bravo !" exclaimed Joyeuso, " may the same spirit which
animated JBayard animate you on the morrow !

A bien jonster gardez votre querelle
Et vous serez honorez et cheris,

as runs the old refrain. ' Souvins toi,' as the poursiiivants-at-arms
arc wont to cheer us at the tournev, ' de qui tu cs lils, et ne forligne
pas !' "

" ]My father's sword will, I trust, be grasped by no degenerate
hand," replied Crichton, smiling, " and prove as fortunate to
me as Orlando's resistless blade Durandal, or thy namesake
Joyeuse, the trenchant weapon of Cliarlemagne. I shall neither
forget of what worthy gentleman 1 am the son, nor," he added,
glancing at Esclairmonde, " of what fair dame I am the servant."

'' Will not the dame you serve," asked the vicomte, smiling,
*'in accordance with the good old practice of chivalry, too much

• " Tu es bien heurcuse d'avoir aujmirdhui, a im si beau et si puissant roi, doiuie
I'ordre do chevalerie. Certes, ma bonne epce, vous serez conmie relifiucs gardee,
et sur tout autre honore I" — Precis dc la Chevahrie.

t Estour — a grand melee.

I "Tills sword has been lost. Charles Emanuel, Duke of Savoy, requested it
of Bayard's heirs. One of them, Charles du ]Motet, Lord of Chichiliane, sent liim,
in default of it, the l)attle-axe of which Bayard made use. The duke told the
Dauphinese jjeutleman, when he wrote to thank liim for the present, 'That in
the midst of the pleasure he fell at beholding this weapon placed in the Avorthiest
part of liis gallery, he could scarce clioose, but regret that it was not in such good
hands as of its orijjinal owner.' " — Champier. — See also the accoiuit of Bayard's
death in the C/nonicIc of the Loijal Scrvjnt,

THE SAREACANE. 131

neglected, I grieve to sav, now-a-tlays, bestow some tol-cen or favour
upon you? The dame De Fluxasgave her sleeve to Bayard, wheu
lie gained the prize of the tourney at Carignan."

" I have no other token but this to bestow," said Esclairinonde,
blushing, and detaching a knot of ribands from her hair, '• which
I now give to the Chevalier Crichton, and pray him to wear for my
sake."

Crichton took the iraire, and pressinir it to his lips, exclaimed
■with lervour,

" I will bear it upon my lance ; and if my adversary boast like
token of his lady's favour, 1 trust to lay it as an offering at vour
feet."

" No more," interrupted Henri, impatiently. " I, myself,
will break a lance in your behoof, belle Esclairmonde, and licre
appoint you Queen of the Lists, Ilemcmber, messeigneurs, the
heralds will proclaim the joust to-morrow. I, myself, will enter
tlie barriers, which I have appointed Avith more than usual mag-
nificence. Thus much I owe to the combatants. Do tliou,
Joyeuse, array fourteen of thy followers in white scarves, and thou,
D'Epernon, the like number of thy Quarante-Cinq, in yellow. I
will have the courses, u la foule, take place by torchlight, as Avas
the custom of my chivalrous father — at which time, also, I will
make trial of my Spanish jennets in the new Ballet des Chevaux,
devised by my chief equerry. Par la IMort-Dieu ! if my reign be
remembered for nothing else, it shall be referred to for its ceaseless
festivities."

" And now,'^ he added, gallantly, " that we have listened to the
lay of preux chevalier, 1 trust the response of gentle dame will
not be denied us. The fair Torigni, I know hath a witching-
skill upon the lyre, but the voice I chiefly desire to hear is that
of my lovely neighbour. Nay, fair demoiselle, lam pei'emptory,
and will take no refusal. She whose lightest tones are music,
cannot be held excused on plea of want of skill. You need but
to link your voice wnth the words of some simple legend, and
I will engage that your performance shall exceed in attraction
the most finished effort of the choicest Italian cantatiice, even
though your opponent should be (with a glance at Crichton) the
divine Gelosa herself, whose notes attracted all our good citizens
to the Hotel de Bourbon."

Aware that renionstrance would be unavailing, with the best
g'race she could assume, and in a voice, the tones of which, as
Henri justly remarked, were perfectly musical, Esclairmonde,
without hesitation, complied with the king's request, and with
much natural and touching pathos, executed the following
Spanish romance: —

2 K

132 CRICHTON.

I^usef anlJ Z-oragtia.*
I

Tliroii^li the Vega of Granada, where the silver Darro glides —
From iiis tower within tlie Alpiixar — swift — swift Prifice Yiisefridea.
To her wlio holds his heart in thrall — a captive Christian niiiid —
On win;:s of fear and dnnbt he flits, of sore mischance afraid.
For ah I fnll well doih Yiisef know with what relentless ire,
His love for one of adverse faith is noted by his sire :
" Zoravda mine," he cries aloud — on — on — his courser strains—
"Zorayda mine ! — thine Yusef comes 1" — the Alhambia walls he gains

II.

Through the marble Court of Lions — through the stately Tocador—
To Lindaraxa's bowers he goes — tlie Queen he stands before ;
Her maidens round his mother group — birt not a word she speaks.
In vain amid that lovely throng, one lovelier form he seeks ;
In vain he tries 'mid orient eyes, orl)sd:.rker far to meet ;
No form so light, no eyes so bright, as hers his vision greet,
*' Zorayda mine — Zorayda mine ! ah whither art thorr fled.'"
A low, low wail returns his cry — a wail as for the dead.

III.

No answer made his mother, brrt her hand gave to her son —

To the garden of the Generalif together are they gone ;

^Vhere gushing fountains cool the air — where scents the citron pale,

^Vhere nightingales in concert fond rehearse their love-lorn tale,

\Vlrpre roses link'd with myrtles make green woof against the sky.

Half hidden by their verdant screen a sepulchre doth lie;

" Zorayda mine — Zorayda mine! — ah I wheiefore art thou flown,

To gather flowers in Yemen's bowers while 1 am left alone!"

IV.

Upon thegroirnd knrels Yusef— his heart is like to hre;rk ;

Itr vairr the queerr w( irlJ comfort hiiii — no comfort will he take.

His blinded gaze he lur.is rrpon that sculptured marble fair,

Embossed with gems, and glisterring with colorrred ])el)bles r-are ;

l{ed stones of Iiid — black, vermeil, gieerr, their mingled hues combine.

With jacinth, sap|)hire, amethyst, and dianiorrd of themirre.

'■ Zorayda mine — Zorayda mirre !" — thus ran sad Yusef 's cry,

" Zorayda nrine, within this tomb, ah ! sweet oire ! dost thou Her"

Upon that co«tly sepulchre, two radiant forms are seen.
In sparkling alabaster carved like crystal in its sheen ;
The or^e as Yusef fashioned, a golden crescent bears.
The other, as Zorayda wrought, a silver crosslet wears.

* The incidents of this ballad are, witli some slight variation, derived from
those of the exquisite French romance, Flore et. Blanchejior, tlie date of wliich nray
be referred to the tliirteenth century, and which unquestionably, as its recent
editor, M. Paulin, Paria, supposes, js of branisli or Lloorish origin.

TIIK sarbacane. 133

And ever, as soft zephyr sijzlis, the pair his breath obey,
And nu'Ct within t-adi others arms hite infants in their play.*
*• ZcirayiJT (air—Zomyda fair" — thus p;oiden letters tell
"A Christian maid lies buried here — by Moslem loved too well.

VI.

Three times those gnlden letters witli grief sad Yusef reads.

To tears and frantic agony a fearfnl calm succeeds —

" Ah ! wo is me ; Zora\da nnr)e — ali ; would tlie self-same blow

That laid thee 'ncath this moci\ing tomb, had laid tliy lover low;

Two faithful hearts, like ours, in vain stern death may strive to sever—

A moment more, the pang is o'er, ihe grave unites us ever,

Zorayda mine — Ztnayda mine— thii dagger sets me free —

Zurayda mine — look dosvn — look down— thus — thus I come to thee V*

VII.

" Hold ! Yusef, hold!" a voice exclaims, " thy loved Zoraydalives—
Thy constancy is well approved — thy sire his son forgives.
Thine ardent passion doubting long — thy truth I thus have tried.
Behold her whom thy faith hath won — receive her as thy bride!"
In ^'iisef sarins — to Yusef s heart, Zoravda close is pres>"d,
Half stifled by a flood of joy, these words escape hii breast : —
"Zoraydii mine— Zoiayda mine! — ah! dtubly dear thou art
Uninterrupted bliss be ours, whom death has failed to part !**

Tlie monarch's loud applauses at tlie close of the song were reite-
rated to the echo by the asseir.blage. Crimsoning with shame,
Eslairmonde ventured a glance towards her lover, whose silent admi-
ration was of more value in her eyes than the courtly compliments
•which were so freely lavished upon her eflbrts.

" And now for the lay of the belle Torigni," said Henri, " her
songs are wont to be of a more sprightly description — ah! Signorina
mia ! Shall we sue in vain?"

Torigni needed little pressing ; but Avith much archness and
spirit, complied with the king's request in the following ballad: —

Yolanlic.t

A golden flower embroidering,
A lay of love low murmuring ;
J^echided in the eastern tower
Sits fair Yolande witliin her bower:

Fair — fair Yolande J

• This circumstance is thus depicted in the French Romance t
En la tombe et quart re tuiuus
Aus quartrc cors bien fait et biaus.
Es quiex li quart re vent t'eroient
Cliasciins, ainsi eonril ventoient. .
Quant li vens los enfans toehoit,
L'un beisoit Tautre et accoloit ;
Si disoient, par nigrotnance
Ue tout lor bun, de lor enfance.

E/.ORE ET BLANCnEFLOR.

t A very free adaptation of a sparkling little romance by Audcfroy-le Bastard
to be found in the liomancsro Francois, entitled Bfle Yolans. JMuch liberty has
been taken with the eonc'.i/ir.tr f,t;inzu — indeed the song altogether bears buC
eliiiht resemblance to its original

134 CRICHTON.

Suddenly a voice atistere,

VVitli sharp reproof breaks on licr ear :—

Her nioiiier 'lis wlio silently

Has stolen upon iier privacy —

Ah ! fair Yolande!
♦' Motlier ! wliy that angry look?
Mother! why limt sharp rebuke?
Js it that I while away
My solitude with amorous lay''
Or, is it that my thread of i:old
Idly I weave, that thus you scold

Your own Yolande — Your own Yolande?

II.

It is not that you while away
Your solitude with amorous lay,
It is not that yonr thread of gold
Idly you weave that thus I scold

My fair Yolande!
Your want of caution 'tis I chide: —
The I'aron fancies that you hide
lieneath the cushion on your knee,
A letter from tiie Count Main: —

Ah! fair Yolande!
I5r.s\' tongues have filled his brain
^^ ith jealousy and frantic pain ;
Hither hastes he with his train! —
And //'a letter there should be
Concealed 'neath yonr embroidery?
.Say no more. But give it me.

My own Yolande — my own Yolande."

" By our Lady !" exclaimed Henri, laughing, " that ditty likes
me well. Samson, a cup oi" Syracuse — messcigneurs, I pledge our
fair minstrels — Ah ! — par la Mort Dieu ! — I have a Iceling ot' such
unwonted exhilaration in our heart, that I must pcrlbi'cc give vent
to it in song. My Hippocrenc is this fiery wine— my inspiration
the lovely Esclairmonde."

This gracious intimation on the part of his majesty was received,
as might be anticipated, coming from such u quarter, with acclama-
tions.

" Henri is certainly drunh, abbe," observed Joyeusc.

" Beyond a doubt," returned Brantuine, shaking his head, and
perfectly unconscious of his own condition, " wine speedily assaults
his brain — ha — ha ! But do you not perceive, my dear vicomte,
that the banquet draws to a close ?"

"Do you think so?" asked Torigni — "my heart flutters very
unaccountably. IMonsicur le vicomte, bid your page give me the
least possible drop of Cyprus. I have not entirely recovered the
shock her Majesty of Navarro gave me."

" Or the effects of Crichton's billet," returned Brantome, hem-
ming significantly.

" His majesty's song," interposed Joyou^e.

THE SARBACANE. 135

With a taste and skill that showed how highly cultivated had
been the musical talent he possessed, Henri then gave the
following rondel : —

lEscInirmonUc.
I.

The crown is proud

That decks our brow ;
The laugh is loud— •

That glads us now.
Tlie sounds that fail

Around — above
Are laden all

With love — with love —

NN iih love — witli love.

II.

Heaven cannot show,

'Mid all its sheen
Orbs of such glow

As here are seen.
And monarcli ne'er

Exulting own'd,
Queen inigiit compare

With Esclairmoiide. —

With tsclairmonde.

III.

From Baccluis' fount,

Deep draughts we drain;
Their spirits mount.

And Hre our brain ;
But in our heart

Uf hearts enthroned.
From all apart,

llests Esclairmonde —

llests Esclairmonde

"Perfect!" exclaimed Ronsard.

" Perfect !" repeated every voice.

" His late majesty, Charles IX., never improvised strains more
delightful," continued the bard.

" Never," replied Chicot, " Charles's unpremeditated strains
being generally understood to be your composition, Monsieur do
Konsard. I think nothing of tliem. Mediocrity is the prerogative
of royalty. A good king must be a bad poet. But you have all
praised his majesty's performance, now listen to the moral of the
story — though morality 1 must own is a little out of lasliion in the
Louvre." And mimicking, so far as he dared, the looks and tones
of the king, the jester commenced his parody as fbllov.'s :

The crown is proud,

But brings it peace?
The laugh is loud —

Full soon 'iw'.K cease.

13G CRICIITON.

Tlie sounds that fall

From li|:liti'st breath,
Are laden all

Witii death — witli death.

V\ itii death— with death.

" Enouirli, and too much," interrupted Henri, "wc will not have
our ilow ol" pplrit? checked by tliy raven croakinir. Be prepared,'
he whispered, "with the signal; and now, messeigneurs," he con-
tinued aloud, " the night wears, the nnisic sounds again, the new
masque of ' Circe and her nymphs'' awaits you. Nay, mignonne,"
he added, in a low impassioned tone, and forcibly detaining Esclair-
monde ; " you must remain with me."

At this hint from the monarch tlie guests arose ; and each gallant
taking a dame under his arm, left the banquet-h.all. Cricliton and
Torigni were the last to quit the room. A signillcant look passed
between the Scot and Chicot, as he lingered for an instant at the
doorway, the meaning of which the latter appeared clearly to
comprehend, for waving his hand, as if in obdicncc to the royal
command, the perfumed torches were suddenly extinguished.
Page, valet, usher, and bulfbon, disappeared ; the tapestry was
swiftly drawn together : the valves were closed ; and Henri was
left in darkness with the demoiselle.

Ail this was the work of a moment. The king was taken a little
by surprise. Chicot had given the signal sooner than he intended.

Conchiding himself alone with Esclairmonde, Henri addressed a
passionate exclamation to her, at the same time endeavouring to
obtain possession of her hand. The demoiselle, however, with a
cry of terror, eluded his 'grasp, and lied, so iiir as she Avas able to
determine in the obscurity in which all was wrapped, towards the
door.

" Ah, ah, fair bird ! you cannot escape me now," exclaimed
Henri, exultingly, following in pursuit.

And as he spoke, with outstretched hands he grasped at some-
thing which, in the darkness, appeared to be tlie Hying ligure of
the damsel. The sudden prostration of his royal person, and the
subsequent loud jingle of i'alling glass, mixed with the clatter of
plate, soon, however, convinced him of his error ; while a stifled
laugh, proceeding, as he concluded, from the demoiselle, completed
his mortification.

The king arose, but said nothing, and, suspending his own
respiration, listened intently. For a moment not a sound wni
lieard. Henri then thought he detected a light step stealing
towards the other side of the room, and directed his attention to
that quarter. A noise, as of arras being raised, followed by a famt
creak, such as might be produced by a sliding panel, was just
audible. " Diable ! the secret door — can she have discovered
it ?" ejaculated Henri, rushing in the direction of the sound.
" She may elude me after all."

A light laugh, however. i??;irng from a dilTerent part of the

THE SARBACANE. 137

chamber, and which, questionless, oric^inatcd with his inamorata,
satisfied him that she was still in the room. GHdinij noiselessly
forward, guided by the sound, ere another instant he had grasped a
small soft hand, which he covered witli a thousand kisses, and
which, strange to say, palpably returned his pressure.

Henri was in positive raptures.

" How much one may be deceived!" exclaimed the enamoured
monarch ; " this delightful gloom makes all the difference in the
world. 1 was quite right to have the torches extinguished. You,
fair Ksclairmonde, who, a ft!W minutes ago, were all coyness and
reserve — a very lielle dame sans merci — are as amiable and complai-
sant as — (whom shall I siiv ?) — as the obliirinij Torioni."

*' Ah, sire !" murmured a low voice.

*' I'faith, fair demoiselle,"' continued the delighted Henri, *' so
charming do 1 find you, that I am lialf tempted to become a
heretic myself. On these lips I could embrace any faith proposed
to us — "

At this moment, a hollow voice breathed in the very portals of
his ear, these words — "Vjlaix Heuodes"'"' — an anagram frarned
by the Jacobins ;ipon his own name — Henri de Valois.

The king started, and trembled.

It has already been stated, that Henri was bigoted and super-
stitious to the last degree. His hand now shook so much, that
he could scarcely retain the Hiir fingers he held within his grasp.

" Did you speak, demoiselle ?" he asked, after an instant's pause.

" No, sire," replied his companion.

" Your voice appears strangely altered," returned Henri, " I
scarcely recognise its tones as those of Esclairmonde."

'• Your majesty's hearing deceives you," returned the ladv.

" So much so," replied Henri, " that I could nlmost fiincy I had
lieaid your voice under similar circumstances before. This shows
liow one ma}' be mistaken."

" It does, indeed," replied the lady ; " but perhaps your majesty
found the voice to which you allude more agreeable than mine."

" IJy no means," replied Henri.

" You would not then change mc for any other ?" asked the
lady, timidly.

"Not for my kingdom," excfiimed Henri, " woidd I lun'o any
one else in your place ! She of whoni I spoke was very dillerent
from you, ma mi»r

" Are you quite sure of that, sire ?"

" As of my salvation," replied I fenri, passionately.

" Of which thou art by no means assured," breathed the deep
sepulchral voice in his ears.

" There — again — did you hear nothing, demoiselle ?"" asked the
king, in new alarm.

" Nothing whatever," rejoined the lady. " "What odd fancies
you have, sire !"

138 CRICHTON.

■' Odd, indeed !" answered Henri, trembling. " I begin to think
I acted -wrongly in loving a Huguenot. — Par la Saint-Bartliclcmy !
you must reiurm your I'aith, demoiselle."

" 'Tis thou, Henri de Valois, who must reform," returned the
sepulchral voice, " or thy days are numbered."

''^ Averte facicm tuam a pcccatis mcis T exclaimed the terrified
king, dropping on his knees, " et onines iniquitates vicas dele /"

" What ails your majesty ?" asked his companion.

"Hence — hence — lair delusion!" exclaimed Henri — "avoid
thee ! — Doceho iniqvos v/'as tiios, JDomine .^"

*' Trouble not the virtuous Huguenot," continued tlic voice.

" In pecculls concepit me mater ^^ continued Henri.

"True,"' replied, the voice, " or the memory of Fernelius hath
been scandalously calumniated."

"Fernelius!" echoed Henri, scarcely comprehending what was
said to him, and fancying in his terror that the voice had acknow-
ledged itself to belong to the shade of his mother's departed phy-
sician — "Art thou the spirit of Fernelius arisen from purgatory to
torment me ?"

" Even so," was the response, which seemed, mingled with
diabolical laughter.

" I will have nightly masses said for the repose of thy soid,
imhappy Fernelius," continued the king — " so thou wilt no more
perplex me. In I'aradisum deducunt te Aiir/eli ! Suscipuint
Marti/res !"

" Thou must do more," returned tlie voice.

" I will do any thing — every thing you enjoin, gracious Ferne-
lius," said the king.

" Cherish thy jester Chicot," continued the voice.

"As my brother." answered the king.

"Not as thy brother — but as thyself," returned the shade oi
Fernelius.

" I will — I will," replied Henri. " AVhat more ?"

" Abandon this vain quest of the virtuous Esclairraonde, and
return to her whom thou hast abandoned."

" Whom mean you ?" asked the king, somewhat perplexed —
*' to whom have your words especial reference, most excellent
Fernelius — to my Queen Louise ?"

"To the Demoiselle Torigni," rejoined the voice.

" Torigni !" echoed Henri, dcspuiringly — " any ot my formei
loves were preferable to lier. Is there no other alternative ?"

" None Avhatever," sternly answered the spectre.

*' Sooner then," replied Henri, " will I incur — ha! — dinhlc ! —
a ghost indulge in merriment — this is some trick — " he exclaimed,
suddenly recovering his confidence, and starting to his feet, while,
with his right hand, he grasped at some object near him. " Wo
have traitors here," he coniinuod, as steps were heard retreating.
*' This is no erhost — no Fernelius — "

THE SAliBACANE. 139

" Wliat in the name of Avonder has your majesty been talking
about all this time ?" asked the lady with affected astonishment.

" Vou shall hear anon. 'Fore Heaven, demoiselle, you will have
reason to repent this eonduct — and your aceomplice likewise will
rue his rashness. We can readily divine wlio is the author of this
mistaken pleasantry. What ho! lights! lights!" And applying
a whistle to his lips, the doors were instantly thrown open, and the
attendants rushed in with llambeaux.

The torchlight fell upon the monarch and liis companion.
Abashed probably at the presence of so many spectators, the lady
covei'ed her face witli her hands.

•' Look up, demoiselle !" ejaculated Henri, angrily — " Nay, I,
will not spare your blushes, depend upon it. Our Avhole court, shall
learn the trick you would have put upon your sovereign : — our
whole court shall witness your exposure. Look up, I say — if
your efl'rontery could carry you thus lar, it may bear you still further.
A few moments back the laugh was on Tfow' side, it is now on ovrs
— 'Hh ! — ah ! — Par Dieu ! — I would not spare you this inlliction
for our best barony. Look up — look up, Demoiselle Escluir-
monde — "

And forcibly "withdrawing the hands of the lady, her features
were revealed to the general gaze.

Thev were those of Torigni I

Despite the presence in which llioy stood, the courtiers found It
impossible to repress a titter. '•' Diautrc !'' exclaimed Henri, pet-
tishly — " Duped ! — deceived ! — what — what has become of Esclaii-
monde ?"

At this moment the crowd respectfully drew aside, and the
Queen Louise stepped forward.

" The Demoiselle Esclainuonde has placed herself under my
protection," she said, approaching his majesty.

" Under your protection, ]jOiiise !" said the monarch, in. amaze-
ment. " Do you allord sanctuary to a Huo'uenot \ By the loiir
Evangelists 1 madaine, we esteemed you too good a Catholic to
hazard even the chance contamination of a heretic's presence."

"I trust I may sympathise witli the distress of those whose
opinions diHer Irom my own without oflence to Him who is in
Himself all charity," re])lied Louise, niiidiy ; -' and in tliis ca'C where
innocence and purity have sought refuge with me, 1 could lav
little claim to the first of Christian virtues — Mercy — had I refused
it. I have passed my word for her safety."

•* You have done wisely — very wisely — I must say, madame,"
exclaimed Henri, contemptuously, " and no doubt your father
confessor will concur with your sentiments. We shall see. I shall
not argue the point now. There is one person, however, with
whom we can deal. Where is the demoiselle's loyal servant?
Where is Crichton? He has not taken shelter under your wing
likewise. Your word we conclude is not passed for /«///."

140 cpjcnxox.

*' The Chevalier Crichton lias quitted the Louvre, Henri,"
vcpiied Louise.

" Lnpo?siblc !" exclaimed the king; "the gates are closed by an
express order.''

*' He is gone, nevertheless," rejoined Torigni.

"Gone !" echoed Henri. '' l'>y your contiivance, madame,"
he added, looking angrily at the queen.

" No, Henri," replied Louise, gently; " neither had he a hand in
Esclairmonde's liberation. The demoiselle sought me alone."

" How then did he contrive his lli'dit .'" demanded the kinir,
turning to Torigni.

The demoiselle glanced towards the secret panel and nodded.
Henri understood her.

" Enough," he said, " I see it all, but where is your accomplice
— the spectre?"

" Here — sire — licrc," cried Siblot, dragging forth Chicot, whose
feet he had detected peeping Ironi under the table, " here is — "

" The Doctor Fernclius," rcpHcd Cliicot, "with a look of droll
contrition, "pardon — pardon, sire."

*• Thou Fernelius! " exclaimed Henri, "who, notAvithstandinghis
displeasure, could scarcely forbear laughing at Chicot's grimaces,
" How didst thou produce those awful sounds, thou treacherou.s
knave ?"

" By this tube," replied Chicot, holding up the sarbacane of the
Yicomte de Joyeuse. " You must own 1 played my part with

'"A sarbacane!" exclaimed Henri — "henceforth I banish ail
tubes of this description from the Louvre, and thou mayst thank
our clemency, deceitful varlet, tliat I do not banish thee with them."

" Surelv 3'our majesty would not pass a sentence of self-exile,"
rctin-ned the jester. " Sire you promised the worthy Fernelius to
cherish me as yourself"

"Coquin," cried Henri, "I am half disposed to send thee to
keep Fernelius company. But enough of this. Joyeuse," he added,
" go with thy followers to the Hotel de Soissons, and if tiiou
eneounterest this wayward Crichton or the mask within its walls
place both luider arrest till to-morrow. Lose not a moment ou
the way. Madame, I attend jou."

141

CHAPTER X.

THE HOTEL DE SOISSONS.

Voila flonc son execrable palais ! palais de la luxure, jialais de la traliison, palais
do tous ks crimes I —

VicTou Hugo.

Quitting the Louvre, its festivities, and its enraired and dis-
contented monarch, and descending into the gardens of the palace,
■vve shall now pursue the footsteps of a masked cavalier, who, wrapped
in the folds of a sable domino, took his hasty way through its
embowered walks and trim arcades.

The whole of the space, at this time crowded by the courts and
other buildings forming tlie offices of the Louvre was, at the period
of our narrative, disposed in noble alleys bordered with exquisite
shrubs — shadowed by tall trees — with here and there terraces and
patches of the smootiiest verdure — balustred with marble steps and
low pillars — and watered by gushing fountains of the clearest
crystal ; anon diverging into labyi'inths and bowers, in which
gleamed Faunus or Diana, or haply some "nymph to the bath
addressed," and displaying througliout the luxury and man^nifi-
cence of the monarch (Francis L), by whom the plaisance had
been laid out.

The moon shone clear and cold in the highest heavens as the
cavalier hurried swiftly through this region of beauty. For one
instant he paused to gaze at the wing of the Louvre fronting the
spot on which he stood. The casements were brightly ilhuninatcd
with tlie torches of the fete — the music resounded blithely from
afar — but the masker's eye rested not upon the festive lights, nor
did he listen to the gay symphonies. His eye was fixed upon a
lamp shining like a star from one of the higher towers of the period
of Philip Augustus that flanked the palace, and his ear was
strained to catch the faint sound produced by tlie closing of a
lattice. He then plunged into a dark avenue formed by two
rows of clipped yews before him.

The irardens of the Louvre were bordered on the one liand bv
the waters of the Seine, across which river-chains were dravrn so as
to cut off all approach in this quarter, while on the other, they -were
defended by a turreted wall and external moat, which separated it
from the encroaching buildings of the Rue du Coq. Emerging
suddenly from the alley in which he had disappeared, the ca-
valier stood beneath the sliade of a spreading elm, whose branches
overtopped the wall upon wliich he gazed.

The figure of a sentinel, with arquebuss in hand, was seen

112 CRicnroN.

slowly panitling tlic ranipurt-walk, lils steel cap and liaLerireon
gleaming in tlic pale moonlight. To divest himself" of his domino,
underneath whicli appeared a rich satin ball-room costume — to
swatlic the folds of the cloak around his left arm, and with his right
hand pluck his poignard from its sheatli, and strike it deeply into
the bark of the tree, by ■which means he rapidly climbed it — to pass
along its branches — to drop within a few paces of the astonished
sentinel — and swift as thought to place the wcajjon at his throat,
was with the cavalier little more than the wo'-k of a moment.

So imexpected had been the assaidt, that the sentinel scarcely
attempted any resistance, and was so closely griped, as to be unable
to raise a cry: his arquebuss was wrested from his hold, and Imrled
into the foss ; wliile his antagonist, having apparently accomplished
his purpose in disarm.ing him, bounded over the parapet of the
■wall, and, clinging to the rough side of a buttress, descended Avith
the utmost velocity and certainty to the very edge of the "water,
where, taking advantage of a projecting stone, he contrived to bring
both feet together, and with a single spring, cleared the wide deep
moat, and alighted in safety on the other side — disappearing in-
stantly afterwards in the far-cast shadows of the gloomy liue du
Coq — and accomplishing what appeared in the eyes of the sen-
tin'^1, who had watched his efforts from above, a marvellous and
almost superlunnan i'eat.

" Mille tonnerres!" exclaimed the sentinel, Avho had made
sure that the cavalier would have fallen midway into the moat,
rubbing his eyes in astonishment as he beheld him arrive on the
opposite bank, " it must be the liend in person !" Whereupon he
devoutly crossed himself, adding, " no man of mortal mould, save
one, perchance, could have taken that leap, and he who might have
done it, the Scottish galliard Crichton, people say, is something
more than mortal. I recollect seeing him leap iive-and-twenty feet
in the hall of arms, but that was nothing to this moat, which, if
it be an inch, niust span nine yards, Avith scarcely a resting-place
for the point of a toe to spring from — to say nothing of a run.
Tu-dieu ! — if it be the Chevalier Crichton, and he be not the devil,
he has had a narrow escape of it to-night, in more ways than one ;
for had he passed through any gate of the Loiivre, instead of down
that break-neck wall, lie had encountered the dagger of Maurevert,
or some of Madame Catherine's mouchards. Notre-Dame ! if it
be Crichton, I am not sorry he has escaped, as we shall have the
combat to-morrow in that case. But peste ! why did he throw
away my arquebuss ?"

\\"it]\ his vain lamentation, and his vain search for his gun, we
shall leave the sentinel, and once more track the steps of the
cavalier, who had no sooner gained the shelter of the houses, than
he resumed his domino. Swiftly shaping his course through the
deserted streets, he glided along like a phantom, without encoun-
tering so much as a stray serjeant of the (^uct roi/al, some of whom

THE HOTEL DE SOISSONS. 143

•were, for tlic most part, to be met "with at all hours in this iVe-
quented quarter, "vvlien, at the very moment lie passed it, the door
of a small tavern, the Falcon, situate where the Hue Pelican turns
from the Rue Saint-Honore, was suddenly thrown open, and forth
issued two roysterlnr;; blades, members of the university, it would
seem from their scholastic caps and gards, who had evidently been
indulging in copious libations, and were now, in all probability, re-
treating to their place of rest for the night.

In figure, the one Avas tall, light, and not without a certain air
of dignity in his deportment. Despite its uncertainty, his step was
liofht and a2;lle as that of a mountaineer, and about his shoulders
light, long, yellow hair depended in great profusion. The second
scholar was more squarely and stoutly built, and moved forward as
if urged into his present quick movement by the energy of his
companion. A small square cap surmounted a head of rough
brown curling hair, shading an open manly countenance, lighted
up by a keen gray eye, sparkling at this moment Avith unwonted
lire. His whole appearance, while it betokened the possession of
great personal strength, showed also that his vigour was united
with a sluggish temperament. With a step almost as heavy
as that of his master, a huge dog plodded at his heels, bearing
luidoubted marks of his English origin. And if any doubts
could be entertained as to Avhat country either dog or master might
belong, the student settled that question by roaring at the top of
a strenuous voice the following chaunt, in a tongue which requires
no translation on our part to place it before the reader.

^Ic ana ^acl?.
I.

Your Gaul may tipple his thin, thin wine.
And prate of its hue, and its fragrance fine.
Shall never a drop pass throat of mine

Again — again !

His claret is meagre (but let that pass),
I can't say much for liis hippocrass.
And never more will 1 fill my glass

With cold cliampagne.

il-

But froth me a flaggon of English ale,
Stout, and old, and as amber pale,
Which heart and head will alike assail —

Ale— ale be mine I

Or brew me a pottle of sturdy sack,
Sherris and spice, with a toast to its back,
And need shall be none to bid me attack

That drink divine!

The reader will have been at no loss to discover in jneso

144 CRICHTON.

Students Lis somewhat neglected friends Ogiivy and Blount.
To the cavalier also they ■would appear to be equally well known,
for he instantly joined them, addressing the former by his name.

Ogilvy at once came to a halt, uttering an exclamation of delight
and astonishment. " You are fortunately encountered, Jasper,"
said the cavalier ; " you can serve me."

" Show me but how !'' exclaimed Ogilvy — " my arm shall second
your wishes."

" If your head have discretion enough to guide it, I am assured
it will,'' returned the cavalier; " but the enterprise on -svhich 1 am
bent requires coolness as well as courage, and you were better able
to assist me had your libations been poured from the fountain
rather than from the winc-fiask.""

" Our libations have been poured fortli in honour of the victor
of the University of Paris — of the admirable Crichton," returned
Ogilvy, somewhat reproachfully, " and if blame is to be attached
to our carouse, he who is the cause of it must be content to bear
the burthen. My pulse beats quick 'tis true, but my brain is
calm enough — and if need be, I will plunge into the first well we
encounter on our road."

"And I," said lilount, " have little to observe, noble sir, except
that I will follow you Avherever you list to lead me. The wines I have
swallowed — as sour as Flemish beer, with (Heaven save the mark !)
your honoured name upon my lips ; and the stupifyiiig keihe a. la
reine, as these Frenchmen call their tobacco leaves, which I have
puffed away, Jnay have muddled my intellects; but they have not
extinguished my courage. I can if need be, put some guard upon
my tongue, having no great fancy for talking at any time. And I
can still (I would fain hope) Avield staff or sword, as occasion may
require, to some purpose. But if I should fail in my devoir, there
is a follower at my heels, whose brain is at all seasons as bright as
my own ; Avho is no toper, and who will serve you loyally tooth
and nail. What ho, Druid !"

A deep-toned growl from the dog answered his master's call.

*' Brave dog," said the cavalier, patting the animal's leathern side,
^'■would thou couldst go with me !"

" By Saint Dunstan ! he s/i(til go with you if you desire it, worthy
sir," rejoined Blount.

*•' Will he leave, then, his master," asked the cavalier incredu-
lously.

** He ■will do aught I bid him," answered Blount. *' Here,
eirrah," and stooping for an instant, he muttered somewhat in
Druid's ear, accompanying his intimation ■with an emphatic gesture,
perfectly intelligible, it would seem, to the dog, who instantly
quitted his side, and attached himself to that of the cavalier. " He
"will not quit you now till I recall him," said Blount, " Druid knows
his duty as well as the most trusty retainer.""

"His sagacity is indeed wonderful," said the cavalier, '^and I

CnciiLons xencojinter -wuti Ogitvy aad b\

THE HOTEL DE SOISSOXS. 115

tlianlv you for your confidence in trusting me witli so valued a
Irieud. But I pray you to recall your boon. The risk I run is
imminent."

" 1 have given you my dog as a gage, noble pir," returned Blount,
firmly, " and I may as well throw my own lile into the bargain,
seeing I would almost as soon part with one as the other. I
give you both, therelbrc, freely. Be the result of this adventure —
whither tending, to what concerning I know not — what it may,
it matters not ; my prayers are soon said; my tenure to this world
is but slight, and I have never yet heard of the danger I would
not confront. In which respect I am somewhat of honest Druid's
opinion, who holds all antagonists unworthy of his teeth who will
not rouse his ire ; and Avho will not turn his back on any beast that
ever walked. Lead on, sir, I have that within me, that prompts
me to be doing."

" And you, Jasper Ogllvy ?" —

A tight grasp of the cavalier's hand was all Ogllvy 's answer.

" Enough !" said the leader, hastening forward.

And as they proceeded with the same rapid pace as heretofore,
the mask briefly developed his project. " And so the Geloso,
whom tliat assassin Spaninrd stabbed, turns out to be a girl after
all," said Ogllvy. — " By Saint Andrew, the interest I felt in her
behalf is not so unaccountable as I conceived it to be. Right
gladly will I lend a hand to her deliverance from this cursed astro-
loger's roost, and from her persecutor. I marvelled much to see
you in that mask and guise, but now 'tis all explained. Vou are
in the right to undertake her rescue ; and were none other to be
found, I would alone attempt it. A maiden — by my troth 'tis
passing strange."

" Not so strange, friend Jasper," remarked the Englishman,
laughing ; " as the change Avhich this metamorphosis, in point of
sex, appears to have wrought in thy sentiments. This morning
thou hadst a holy horror, worthy of John Knox himself, of every
thing savouring of a player. JVow, when a pair of bright eyes
stare thee in the face, thou carest not to avow thine errors. Ah !
I fear thou art fallen into the wiles of the enemy. Those dark
looks and dark eyes arc but snares, Jasper, and her calling is a
vain one."

" Tush," returned Ogilvy, " my abomination of her calling is
not a whit diminished. And if I have expressed any concern
resjtectlng her, it is because — "

" She finds favour in thine eyes — I am at no loss to perceive it,"
rejoined the Englishman.

" No such thing," answered Ogilvy, sharply ; " and if you
repeat that assertion. Master Blount, I shall think you desire to
put an affront upon me. I repeat I care not for the girl.
Of a verity she katk charms. But what of that ? Marian Gra-
ham, to whom I pliglited my troth, liath a far sweeter smiiO-

14G CRicnxox.

tlioui^h her eyes may not be so bilglit, or her tresses so near rival
to the raven's wing. I care not lor her — naj^, now I bethink me
ot" her calling, were it not tlie pleasnre of my patron and friend
that I should aceoinpany him upon this adventure, she might even
tarry with lluggieri in his tower, for any ellort I would make to
release her."

" Your want of interest in her occasions some slight discrepancy
in your sentiments, J;isper," returned lUount, laughing; " but
since you lind the matter irksomC; leave it to us, and return to the
Ecossais. We will accomplish tlie adventure alone, I warrant

you."

"No!" exclaimed Ogilvy, impatiently; "it shall never be
said — " And he was proceeding witli some Avarmth, wlicn his
speech was cut short by the cavalier, who addressed him with some
coolness — " It was not Avithout reason, Jasper, that I told thee thy
tongue was scarcely under the control of thy reason. I may not
accept of thy assistance, if I am to purchase it at the hazard of
i'ailure."

Thus rebuked, the choleric Scot held his peace, and the party
moved on for some moments in silence.

Arrived Avithin the Rue des Dcux-Ecus, at that time shadowed
by the tall trees which formed the avenues and groves of Catherine's
stately gardens, the cavalier, pointing out the high Belviderc of the
vast Palladian structure, constituting the Hotel de la Heine, now
distinctly defined against the fleecy clouds of the moon-lit sky,
exclaimed, " You now behold the castle of the enchantress. I
liave not disguised the peril you will incur by entering it. Will
you go on ?"

Both answered in the affirmative. The party, therefore, turned
the corner of the palace, and entering the adjoining Rue du
Four, along one side of Avhich its lofty walls ran, the principal
front of the magnificent building, and its grand portal, erected by
BuUan upon the model of the Farnese Palace at Caprarola (upon
Avhich an immense shield of niarble displaved the blazon and
cyjiher of the queen-mother), Avere at once brought into view. In
that still hour, and m that mysterious light, there Avas something
ominous in the appearance of the gigantic building Avhich stood
belbrc them. Perhaps, in no instance Avas the superstition of
Catherine's character more strongly evidenced, than in the con-
struction of this proud but' needless palace — needless, Ave say,
because she had already expended vast sums upon the erection of
the Tuilerics, having after her husband's death abandoned the
Tournelles, Avhen terrified by the predictions of her astrologers,
Avho foretold that she Avould perish in some place bearing the name
of Saint Germain ; and the Tuileries unfortunately happening to
be in the parish of Saint Germain PAuxerrois — for this idle reason
Linly did she abandon the glorious edifice of her OAvn construction,
'd.A ill an infinitude of trouble, accompanied by prodigious outlays,

THE HOTEL DE SOISSONS. 147

required when her exhausted funds could ill brook such wanton
expenditure, together with the secularisation of an abhey and the
overturniug of a nunnery (Les Filles Penitentcs), for which pur-
poses she had to procure bulls from the Pope ; on tliis account
alone, we say, did she proceed to cumber the ground with this
huge structure — not a stone of whicli is now Iclt standing, with
the exception of the column or observatory attached to its courts,
toward which building we are shortly about to repair, and shall
then more particularly describe. It may not, perhaps, be here
altogether out of place to mention, as a sequel to the story, a cir-
cumstraice which has been much dwelt upon by the supporters of
judicial astrology, and wdiich would almost seem to verify the
prophecy of her soothsayer: viz., that Catherine, notwithstanding
all her precautions, eventually expired in the arms of Saint Ger-
main Favyn, Bishop of Nazareth, chief confessor to her son,
Henri III.

The party now approached the grand portal, before Avhich was
arrayed a guard of some hall-dozcn musketeers with their ser-
geant at their head — the royal blazon upon their doublets glim-
mering in the moonlight — who placed their long musketoons in
the rests, and blew their lighted tow-matches as they drew nigh ;
while the sergeant, in a loud tone, commanded a halt.

A brief parley ensued. But, perceiving the queen's glove dis-
played upon the cap of the cavalier, the sergeant immediately
drew his men aside and suffered them to pass. The gate was
unbarred at their summons, and as the porter somewhat slowly
performed his oificc, the following remarks from the sergeant
reached the ears of the cavalier and his companions —

" Ventrebleu ! Chopin — we have a strange night of it. We
are set here to prevent Ruggieri's escape, and it seems as if he had
called all the fiends in Tartarus to his aid. First comes that mask
and seeks admittance : we refuse him. Anon he comes again with
a crowd of imps blacker than himself, demanding the deliveraiice
of a player girl. Then, for a third time he appears, Avith the king's
signet, which we dare not disobey, and gains admission with his
comrades. Well ! no sooner do we think we are rid of him, than,
by Proteus ! here he is again, with a couple of familiars in the
shape of scholars, and a dog the like of which I never saw before.
Diable m'emporte ! if I can understand it. One thing is clear,
he has got the queen's license, and so we must not say him nay, but
he must have the devifs watch-word if he would return again, for,
by lioly Peter! he comes not forth without a bullet to try the proof,
of his pourpoint."

" Heard you not that ?" whispered the cavalier, " our foe is be-
forehand with us. Not a moment is to be lost."

The porter started, as he beheld the mask, and involuntarily
placed his hand before his eyes to ascertain whether or not liis
vision deceived him. He bowed, however, to the ground as he

L 2

148 CRICHTOX.

recognised the ensign of the qneen-mothcr, and the next moment
the party Ibund themselves >Yitlun the court-yard of the palace.

Before them stretched a smooth parterre, in the midst of which,
bathed in the moonliglit, glimmered a lovely statue of the Queen
of Love, the ■workmanship of the famous sculptor Jean Goujon,
the restorer of the art in his own country, and surnamed the Phi-
dias of France, Avho perished by the hands of Cliarles IX.,
at the massacre of Saint Barthclcmy. But it was not to gaze on
this miracle of art that the cavalier now paused. Keither was it
to admire the gorgeous and illuminated windows of Catherine's
embowered chapel — the then wonder of Paris — to listen to the
choral hymn resounding irom its shrines, and breaking the mid-
night stillness around them — nor to note the majestic towers of
Saint Eustache, which commanded the spot whereon they stood.
Pointing out a tall column which might be discerned spiring from
out a grove that skirted an extensive esplanade, and indicating the
path that led to it through the gardens of the palace, the cavalier
was about to quit his companions, when Ogilvy's quick 03^0 detected
figures gliding at some distance from them amongst the trees.
*' They arc yonder, by Saint Andrew !" exclaimed the Scot,
*' there is yet time."

Scarcely had the words escaped him ere the cavalier disap-
peared ; and the two scholars instantly commenced a pursuit of the
ligures they had descried. Druid regarded his master wistfully
for a moment, but receiving a fresh command from him to that
effect, put himself upon the track of the cavalier.

The doors of the hotel were opened to the cavalier's summons.
Not a word was exchanged between him and the ushers, from one
of whom he received a torch. Alone he passed through a magni-
ilcent hall, the ceiling of which was decorated with exquisite
frescoes — ascended a vast staircase of carved oak, and entered a
long and glorious gallery crowded with trophies and panoplies
collected by the chivalrous Henri II., and streaming with painted
glass, " blushing with blood of queens and kings." Tins gallery
he swiftly traversed, and finally reached a recess, Avithin which, as
Catherine had informed him, were placed three bronze statues.
Touching the spear of the central figure, it yielded to his pressure,
disclosing a dark and tortuous passage, into which the cavalier
unhesitatingly plunn;ed

149
CHAPTER XI.

THE LABORATORY.

Forcsiglt. But I have tnivellcd in tlie celestial spheres, know the si.c^ns, and
pla:};!ts, air.l their names — can juiljzeof motions direct and retroijrade ; ot sextiles,
quadrates, trine.s, and oppositions, riery triyons, and aquatical triyons.

CoscJUEVE. Love for Love.

Leaving the cavalier to pursue his subterranean path alone, we
shall endeavour, in the meantime, to give the reader some idea of
the singular scene that awaited liis arrival in the laboratory of the
astrologer.

Let him picture to himself a high vaulted chamber, cylindrical
in shape, massive in construction, dungeon-like in aspect. Let
him darken its gray granite walls with smoke — erect witliin it four
pihisters, and decorate the iluted shafts of each with crowns, lleurs-
de-lis, broken mirrors, iiorns of abundance, and with tlic letters (S,
and iD. interlaced and surrounded with love-knots, devices emble-
matic of the widowhood and queenly state of the builder of the
turret. Let him next place within each subdivision of the wall,
created by these pillars, talismanic effigies of superstitious import,
and lest his fancy shoidd not be wild or extravagant enough to
supply sculpture sufficiently grotesque, we will endeavour to give
some direction to it. ha the first compartment, then, let him
imagine " a kingly and crowned sha|)e" seated astride upon an
eagle ; grasping in one hand a thunderbolt, and in the other a
sceptre ; while a I'emale tigurc, beaked like the Ibis, holds to his
gaze an enchanted mirror. Let him surround this group witli
hieroglyphics and cabalistic characters, and engrave beneath it tlie
word ^agicl: the intelligence of Satan. In the next compart-
ment let him place another I'emale shape of rare beauty, wit^j
dishevelled hair, grasping in the right hand a serpent, and in the
left a singularly formed knife — let him encircle this medallion with
Hebrevv' and Chaldaic sentences, and inscribe at the head IaCUcUuI
— the spirit of Venus ; and at the feet .^SlUOUcl — one of the
twelve angelic goveinors of the celestial signs. Wc mav add,
also, that these talismans, esteemed of sovereign virtue, and of
power to aid in the acquisition of mystical lore, were composed of
divers metals, molten when the constellations presiding ever the
nativity of the queen, by whose command they were fabricated,
held sway ; and were soldered together with human gore, and the
blood of goats. The third compartment is occupied by a group
yet more I'antastical. Here may be seen an altar of ivory, against
which is placed a crimson cushion sustaining a huge crucilix ol
silver, inclosing a lesser cross of ebony. On eiilier side stands
a satyr, wrought in bronze, supporting his rugged person with a

150 CRICHTON.

club, and bearing upon bis sbouldcr a vase of pure and sbining
crystal, containing certain unknown drugs, destined, it would ap-
pear, for some impious oblation to the Evil One at tbc celebration
of the Sorcerers' Sabbath.

Witbin the fourth and last compartment some mystery is evi-
dently shrouded beneath the close-drawn folds of a thick and
gloomy curtain.

Kuggieri's laboratory would have been incomplete had it wanted
what, in the jargon of hermetic philosopby, Avould be termed the
keeper of secrets, the producer of immortal lire, the athanor, or
furnace. Behold it ! — in shape round, as directed by the formula
of the science, capped and winged on either side with a thin tube,
with door and window, brazen plate, mattrass, and cucurbite
complete. Ujdou the furnace door, this profane application of the
sacred text has been made — " Qncsrite, qucente ct invcnietis, ])ulsate
€t aperidur vobis." Around tlic square pane of the little window
is traced the following enigmatical inscription, the solution of
wliich must be left to the reader's ingenuity : —

Nunc ciimittis Super funclairienta
Fiindameiita Super verba niea
Verba mea Super diligam te
Diligain te Super atteudite.

Upon the furnace is placed a gourd-shaped, bolt-headed glass vessel,
hermetically sealed, and tilled with a red lluid, the label of which
purports to be lac virfjinis. Next to this stands another cucurbite
plunged in balnea , containing a specific prejDared according to the
recipes of Elamel, Artephius, Pontanus, and Zacharius, for the
cure of all astral diseases. Ailixed to the copper vessel, deno-
minated Saint jMary's Bath, in which this bolt-head is deposited,
is the following inscription :

IMaria rnira sonat
Quic nobis talia donat
Gumruis cum biiiis
I'ugitivum i'uirit iiiimis
Horis in triiiis,
Tria viticlat I'urlia finis
Filia Plutonis
Consortia jmigit amorls.

On the floor near to the furnace is strewn all the heterogeneous
lumber proper to the retreat ot" an adept : to wit, earths, metals,
" vitriol, sal-tartar, argailc, alkali," gums, oils, retorts, alembics,
" crosslets, crucibles, and cucurbites." Nor must we omit a slab of
black marble, on wbich are deposited certain drugs and small
phials, together Avith a vizard of glass, a circumstance sufficiently
attesting the subtle and deadly nature of the tinctures sometimes
extracted by the inmate of the chamber.

Having thus put the reader in possession of the features of the
room, we shall now place before hiin its occupants.

THE LABOKATORY. 151

At a tabic, quaint and irrotcsquc in its character as the rest of
the furniture, li<j,-hted by the dull red llanie of a silver lamp,
I'urnished Avith an hour-glass and a scull, with a mystical scroll
stretched out before him, and apparently buried in deep cal-
■culations in a high-backed oaken chair, wrought with the same
bizarre devices as the table, sat an old man in a black velvet garb
with llowing sleeves — whose livid countenance and bald furrowed
brow, clotlicd with a velvet scull-cap, proclaimed him to be the
presiding iniluencc of this weird abode. I5eside Kuggieri sat
another stately figure, in whose haughty, imperious demeanour and
proud brow the reader, we apprehend, will have no diHicultv in
recognising the queen-mother.

Underneath the table, and almost appearing witli his broad,
hunched shoulders to lend it support, glared tlie dwarf, Elberich ;
his red luminous eyes sparkling like phosphoric coruscations in the
gloom. Nothing of the mannikin's swart and shapeless iigure could
be discerned in the obscurity, beyond the outline, which resembled
that of a grisly bear. But his hand Avould seem to grasp the
wheel of some hidden machinery, serving to raise a trap-door,
carefully contrived within the lloor of the turret. At tlie dwarfs
leet was rolled, what tippeared to be a round furry ball, but
which, in reality, was a small black cat, of the civet species:
an animal held in great request by tlie ancient necromnncers I'or
the confection and perfection of various charms, a certain pebble
lodged beneath its tongue, being supposed to confer the t!;ift of
vaticination.

At the moment when we raise the curtain of this picture for th.c
reader's inspection, the group we have portrayed Avas silent and
motionless. Kuggieri pursued his calculations with earnest zeal;
and the progress of his studies was watched with intense interest by
the queen-mother. The dwarf remained immoveable as an ebon
image. Nothing but the Hashing of his eye-balls betokened ani-
mation.

Suddenly a sharp musical ring was heard A'lbratlng in the air,
like the sound produced by a glass vessel accidentally stricken. The
queen-mother raised her eyes, and lixed them upon a curiously
constructed astrological instrument, placed on a stand in her imme-
diate vicinity. Framed according to the instructions delivered by
the star-wise seers of antiquity, this machine represented sexexi
iigures symbolical of the planets (whom jNIercurius Trismcglstus
calls the seven Governors of the World) — wrought with infinite
labour and cost Avhen each orb was in ascendance, of the most
precious stones, earths, and metals, supposed to be under its
especial influence. The figure upon which Catherine''s gaze now
turned was that of an armed man of ruddy brass, mounted upon
a lion of the same metal, grasping in his right hand a naked
sword, and in his left a trunkless head, carved in a blood-stone.
Upon the helm of this martial image Hamed a beryl; and in

152 cr.iciiTON.

its slow ascent, tlic weapon witliin its grasp coming in contact with
a bcU-shapcd glass above it, had given the alarum.

" The mask comes not,'' exclaimed Catherine, regarding the
image with some dismay. *' Bright Jove hath no more dominion,
we are now under the rule of" liery JNIavors — a planet of ma-
lignant aspect towards us."

"True, my daughter," returned the astrologer. "And see the
red orb ascends within the second face of Aries. Would lie had
arrived ere tliis conjunction had occurred! Our sclieme will
scarcely pros|)er."

*' Say not so, father," replied Catherine, confidently: "If
Crichtou peribjli we shall have achieved mucli towards its accom-
plisluucnt. And when did tliy tinctures, or Maurevert's poignard
fail us T'

'' If tlie blow be dealt, or the potion swallowed, never, my
dauglitcr, but — "

" But what, fatlier ? Why these misgivings ?''

"The lieaveidy configurations presage danger to the Scot, not
death," answered the astrologer, gravely. " For, though in his
horoscope the giver of life meets with the interficient at tliis hour ;
tliough the lord of the fourth house is in conjunction witli the lord
of the ascendant in Aries, within the orbs of a square of Saturn ; and
Capiicorn descends upon the cusp of the eighth ; yet there are other
strong and countervailing signs. He may escape us, daun'hter."

" lla !" exclaimed Catherine.

" Metiiinks 1 see his star still shining in the heavens," continued
Ivuggieri ; " majestic and serene it traverses the skies. A halo of
glory surrounds it. INlalignant and cross aspects dart their baneful
raj's athwart its track. In vain they scowl. Jt pursues its course
in splendour undisturbed."

" Docs thine art tell thee this?" demanded Catlicrine, impa-
tiently.

" I\Iy silent and unerring counsellors thus admonish me, my
daughter," rc])hed the astrologer, " I am but their interj)reter."

" Say on, then," continued Catherine, coldly.

" Tlie star has become a meteor," returned Ruggicri. " Its
lustre is blinding."

" What more"?"

" I gaze again. The heavens are void and dark: the meteor
ihat dazzled me has sunk — the star of Crichton has set for ever."

" And when will this occur ?"

" ¥aq half a lustre shall have elapsed, my daughter.''

" So long! and how will his doom be accomplished ?"

" The sign is fiery, and Saturn the afflicting planet," returned
.he astrologer. *' Within his leaden sphere Uylech is cadent. Tlie
native Avill perish by the edge of the sword."

" And if the unerring counsellors tell thee thus much concerning
this Scot, what import do they bring touching ihine own late?"

THE LACOUATOIIY. 153

" Shall T erect a scheme, my daughter?''

•' It were needless,'^ returned the queen-mother, sternly, " I will
read it for thee. Thy destiny is linked Avith that of Crichton.
Or he or thou wilt perish. If he survive the night the stake will
be thy portion on the morrow ; I will not stretch forth my hand,
as heretofore, to redeem thee from the wheel."

" My gracious mistress ! — "

*' li' the heavenly influences Aiil thee, wrest aid from darker
powers. Summon to thy assistance by potent spells, such as thou
boastest to have won from thy mngical lore, a demon, like that
which served the wise Cardan ; and bid him smite thine enemy.
For, by my soul, if CriclUon live to annihilate my projects, thy
ashes shall be strewn by the winds over the Place clc Greve, ere
night once again draw iier veil over the city !"

" The gnome who served the wise physician you have nnmed,
replied Kuggieri, firmly, "had not power over life. Jerome
Cardan could foresee, but not avert ; and yet he was well versed
in the language of the stars. When he foretold that your august
spouse, Henri II., was menaced with a fearful and sudden death, he
could not unfold the means of its avoidance ; neither could his
art turn aside the fatal lance of Montgomery. The end of the
illustrious monarch was decreed on high. And when mv long
communing Avitli the celestial intelligences informs me that your
own great career Avill close within the limits of Saint-Germain, I
can do no more than point to the term of destiny. It is not enough,
that your majesty has abandoned the Tournelles and Tuileries ; nor
that you abstain from setting foot within the district bearing that
name ; your destiny will infallibly be accomplished, despite your
precautions. I have promised you length of days, power, and.
dominion ; and my prognostications will be fulfilled. But the
means of their fulfilment rests with myself I have shown you how
your dominion may be maintained, your power extended, and by
Avliat means length of days may be ensured. If I perish, vour
honours, your rule, your sway over the king, your power will depart
from you, and moulder like a worm-eaten truncheon into dust.
Deliver me to my enemies, and ere a week have elapsed, I predict
that Louise de Vaudemont will have absolute sway over her hus-
band's affections. Joyeuse will be in power, the League destroyed,
Guise and his partisans, who indirectly aid your schemes, cruslied ;
Henri of Navarre and the Huguenots will regain their strength in
Paris, and your majesty will be without a party, and perchance in
exile with your son the Due D'Alen^on. These results, which I
foresee, my skill enables me to avert ; and Avhen my dust whitens
the pavement of the Place de Greve, and your foes exult in your
downfall, you will then call to mind my warning."

Catherine uttered a single exclamation of displeasure, but she
offered no interruption to tho astrologer.

154 CRICIITON.

" To summon a spirit of tlarkncss were matter of little diiTiculty,"
contimiecl Ru'jfii-icri, Avho had entirely regained his confidence, " to
him Avho possesses the treasured hieroglyphics of Nicholas Flaniel
— Avho can draw the names of the evil angels from Holy Writ, as
did tlie learned Hebrew Mecubals — who can search the ancient
Chaldean sages for a genius in the rays of Sol or Lima — who uu-
dcrstunds the characters and seals of spirits, tlie kingly writing of
the Malachim, that which is termed by the soothsayers of the cast
* the passing of the river,' and tlic Notariacon of the Cabalists.
But a spirit invoked without due preparation, like the extraction
by yon athanor of the argent-vif, in which strange colours, called
out of season, endanger the magisterium, may, in lieu of assistance,
bring destruction. Nevertheless, if your majesty desires it, I will
prepare to raise a phantasm, proceeding according to the directions
of ApoUonius, Triplionius, Albcrtus, and Kaimundus Lidlius, and
shall make use of the signs given by the wise Porphyrins in his
occult treatise ' Dc Responsis.' "

" i do not desire such evidence of thy skill," returned Cathe-
rine, coldly. " Choose some more convenient season for thy con-
sultations with the powers of darkness. I would not have my
own soul placed in jeopardy by sucli imhallowcd intercourse. iJut
if thou hast, in truth, a familiar spirit who serves tliee, he should
have guarded thee against thine enemy. Crichton should never
have found entrance here."

" Crichton obtained admittance by stratagem, gracious madam
— I was at the moment engaged in tending the Avounds of the
Gelosa, and Elberich for the lirst time neglected his trust. The
Scot had seized the image and the scroll ere I could prevent him,
or destroy them."

"And by his acquaintance with the character of that scroll, he is
master of all ourintrigues with the Guise and the Bourbon — of our
communication with iiis holiness, and above all, of the hidden pur-
port of our mission to JNIantua — "

" He is, mad<im ?"

" And he is aware of this mask"'s connection Avitli our plot — of
the part Avhich he was destined to play in aiding our son, the Due
D'Alengon, to the throne of his brother Henry — all this thcu hadst
set down in thy accursed document."

*' It were vain to attempt to disguise my inadvertence ircm your
majesty — I had done so."

'* And ]jy coiucquencc, he is acquainted with the name and rank
of this mask."

" Unquestionably, madam."

" And does my name — mark me, Ruggicrl — answer, an J equi-
vocate not, — does my name, I say, appear in connection with that
of the Due D'Alen9on in th.c plot for Henri's dethronement ?"

"No, madam," returned Ruggieri, boldly. , .

" Art thou sure of this ?"

THE LABORATORY. 155

** As cf my existence."

*' Cosmo Riiggieri, thou liast scaled tliinc own Tate."

" How, madam ?"

*' The king requires a victim. I must make a virtue of neces
«ity. Justice must take its course upon the morrow."

" And your majesty will surrender me to the tribunal ?"

"If Ilcnry demand it, I cannot oiler resistance."

" Have you rellected on the consequences of such a step,
madani ?" returned Ruggieri, with sullen audacity.

" The consequences — ha !"

" The question may enlorce strange truths from me."

" Who will credit an accusation from tkce — and against me — if
Tfritten proof exist not ?"

Tlie furrows upon Kuggieri's sallow brow were wrinkled into
a, bitter smile.

" But if written proof should exist, madam — if I can produce
your own despatches — subscribed with your own hand, scaled with
your own signet ?"

"Ha!"

" If I can exhibit yoiu- own confessions that you have poisoned
two of vour sons, and arc now conspiring to dethrone a third —
•vvhat appearance will the charge assume then, madam T'

" Hast thou not destroyed my letters r" demanded Catherine,
tremblinf with wrath — '• but no — no — 'tis false — thou triflest Avith
me."

" Behold them I" cried Ruggieri, drawing a packet from his
bosom.

" Traitor !'' exclaimed Catherine, " thou hast preserved those
papers to betray me."

" No, madam,"" replied l{uggieri — " but to protect myself. I
have served vour majesty faithlullv. I have betrayed no trust
confided in me ; and the rack shall tear me limb I'rom limb ere it
■shall wrest word from me to your dishonour. Deliver me to Henri's
tribunal. Surrender me to the Chambre Ardcnte — and do so fear-
lessly. Here are yoiu* papers."

- " I was indeed mistaken in thee, Ruggieri," rejoined the queen-
mother, moved. — " While aught of power remains to me, not a
hair of thy head shall be injured."

" I have ever found you a noble and genei'ous mistress," cried
the crafty astrologer, respectfully kissing the hand which Catherine
■extended to him.

" Commit this packet to the flames, my loyal servant,' said
Catherine, " it may fall into other and less loyal hands than thine."

" Before I do so, will it please your majesty to examine its con-
tents ?" returned Ruggieri. "There are certain papers which yoii
may not choose to have destroyed."

" I know of nothing I should care to preserve," said Catherine,

loG CKionTOX

iinisIn<T. " Speak it* there be auglit I call not to minJ, good
fatlicr."

" Amongst other matters, that packet contains the proofs of
Esclairnionde's birth, Avhich may be needful, should your majesty
ever reinstate the fortunes of her house — or use her as a hostaire

against tlic Huguenot party — '

" True — true," replied Catherine, " give them to me — these
proofs are needed now. I must lay them before Henri. 1 must
reveal to him the secret of her birth. I observed to-night, that he
looked with eyes of devotion upon the demoiselle. Thy encliant-
ments have wrought upon him in a quarter least expected. I must
caution him ngainst further advances."

" Ahrcman grant your caution come not too late, madam," said
Ruggieri ; " his majesty is greatly enamoured ; and he hath a rival,
moreover, to give a spur to his passion."

"Indeed !" exclaimed the queen-mother, "who has dared to
approach my protegee in the character of a lover ?"

'' He who dares every thing."

"Thou canst not allude to Crichton ?''

" I have his majesty's assurance that the accursed Scot is her
favoured suitor," returned Euggicri.

" Insolent !" exclaimed Catherine ; " and yet I might have
guessed as much Irom jNIargucritc's vindictive ravings, with which
I tliought Esclairnionde's name was strangely coupled."

" His majesty has, no doubt, carried his design into execution,
and roused the suspicions of the Queen of Navarre," returned the
astrologer ; "he threatened as much in my hearing."

"Doubtless he hatn done so," answered Catherine ; "and if
jealousy befriend us with Marguerite, little more is to be feared
from Crichton. On that score we need entertain no further appre-
hension. Thy phial was entrusted to her — "

" To Marguerite ?" cxciaimed Ruggieri, uneasily.

" U])on a solemn pledge, which she dares not disobey. Be
tranquil — Crichton Avill trouble us no more."

" A womari s will may waver," muttered Ruggieri, " of all your
sex, your majesty is the only one I have met with possessing in-
llcxibility of purpose."

At this instant a sound was heard within the Avail of the apart-
ment, as it a key were tinned within the wards of a lock.

" He comes !" eiaculated Catherine, joyfully — " all is well."

And the next moment a door, so carefully concealed within tho
masonry of the turret as to be wholly inidistinguishable, was thrown
open, and the masked cavalier stood before them. Druid followed
at his heels

157

CHAPTER XII.

TH E INCANTATION.

Voulez-vous en otre convaincu tout a I'hciirc (rcprit le ('(;iiifo) sans taut cle fa*
<^ons! JeinVn vasf'aire vuiiir les Sylplicsde Cardan, vous entendroz deleur propre
i>i)uche ce qu'ils sont. ct ce que je vous en ay appiis.

Le Comte de Uaualis. Quatiiime Ejtticiicn.

A COURTEOUS greeting passed between the cavalier and the
quccn-mother ; but unequivocal symptoms of dissatisfaction were
exlubited by the dwarf and his feline companion at Druid's intru-
sion into their domain, liristllng, spitting, and erecting her back,
the cat, like an enraged virago, seemed prepared to attack the
stranger with tooth and talon, while the dwarf, no less oilended,
searched about for some more foiniidable weapon of offence.
Druid, however, taking up his position at the feet of his new mas-
ter, treated these hostile demonstrations with disdain, keeping his
glowing eyes fixed upon the movements of the astrologer, in
whom he appeared to recognise an enemy.

Catherine's first inquiries from the cavalier were, whether ho
hnd been present at the royal supper ; and receiving a reply in the
affirmative, she continued her interrogations ; " and your adversary
was there likewise," she asked, " was he not ?"

" He was, madam," answered the mask.

" Did he occupy the scat wont to be reserved for him by our
dauglitcr Marguerite ?" demanded Catherine, eagerly.

" llie Chevnlier Crichton Avas placed next to the Queen of Na-
varre," returned the mask.

"And slic — she pledged him — did you observe so much.
Signer :

" I saw tlie uine poured out. 1 heard your daughter's whis-
pered pledge. Crichton raised the cup to his lips — "

" Now the Virgin be praised !" exclaimed Catherine, trium-
phantly ; " that draught has rendered him immortal. Ruggieri,
the stars have deceived thee. Thine horoscope was false. Thy
potion hath been swallowed. Our enemy is removed. You are
right welcome, signor. You bring us glad tidings. I promised
you you should learn more of Crichton's fate when you came
Iiither. That cup — "

*' Was poisoned," rejoined the mask ; " I know it, madam."

" Ha ! — was its efil-ct so sudden ? — Is he then dead ?"

" He lives."

« Lives !"

" A jewel within his ring gave him timely warning of his dan-
ger. The deadly potion did not pass his lips."

*' Confusion !" exclaimed Catherine. " But though the poison

158 CRicnroN.

has failed, twenty poignards invest tlie Louvre — lie cannot avoid
them all."

" Crieliton lias (iiiiitcd tlic Louvre, and is yet in safety," returned
the mask ; " he has lialUed the vigilance of your spies."

" My horosco])e deceived me not, you iind, good daughter,'*
said Ivuggieri, who, despite the ill success cf their schemes, could
not icprrss his exultation at this testimony to his astroIoLrical skill.
— " ]\lv apprehensions were not groundless."

" Peace !' cried the queen-mother, " when I requested your
attendance here, signor, it Avas to conl'er on matters of more
moment than this Scot's escape, and 1 crave your pardon ii" I
dwell too much upon it. I am not accustomed to dclbat. i\Io-
ther of Heaven ! it would not now surprise me if tliis minion of
fortune, deeming himself invincible, and pulled up by his success,
should adventure hither and attempt the rescue of the Gelosa — as
he vaunted he would do, in the presence of my son's assembled
court. Heaven grant he may carry his boast into execution. But
no, even his audacity hath its limits."

" Your desires may be gratilicd, madam. Crichton, I doubt
not, will i'uKil his Avord. /\rc vou sure he is not here already?"

" Signor !"

" Nay, madam, the question is not irrelevant. He is aware of
your appointment with myseli^ — he quitted the Louvre in a disguise
in all respects hke my own — ho has escaped your guard — he has
vowed to at'.empt the Gclosa's rescue — why should not I look for
him here ?"

'• You forget, signor, that you alone possess our glove. Your
enemy may have the same masquerade attire in all respects ; but,
without that passport, he could not gain entrance to our palace."

"My enemy possesses the king's signet, madam," returned the
mask, " which even your guard must respect."

"Ha! doth he so?" exclaimed Catherine, " this is news indeed.
Ruirgicri, Avho Avaits Avithout'.'"

" Some half-dozen trusty blades, Avith a Spaniard, and a son of
Anak, Avhom I have taken this night into your majesty's service.
Knaves Avho fear not to use the stiletto ; and Avho have, moreover,
a Avrong to avenge upon this Scot, being somcAvhile students of the
University."

" Enough — summon them to my presence."

Ivuggicri stamped upon the floor.

" ]\ladam," said the mask, sternly; " I am accustomed to meet
my adversaries in the held — sword to sword. I cannot sit by and
see murder done."

" Murder !" laughed Catherine, derisively ; " that phrase suits
not Avith the iustice of a queen. What ho I lluggieri, come they
not ?"

The Avords had scarcely escaped her lips, Avhen several dark
figures ascended from the trap-door, the bolts of Avhich Avere Avith-

THE INCANTATION. 15^

drawn by the dwarf, and arranged tlicmsclvcs in silence before
the queen. Amongst tlieni were the Spanish student Caravaja,
and the giant Loupgarou. These desperadoes appeared to be-
now in their native element ; and their fierce and reckless coun-
tenances well assorted with the nature of the occupation for which
they were now apparently destined.

" Get behind yon carvings," said Catherine, motioning to the
darlcling group ; " yet stay — let him who has the surest dagger
remain behind."

•' For la vida del Roy i I claim that honour from your majesty,""
said Caravaja ; " my dagger hath never failed me."

" Let thy blow be dealt with more certainty, braggart, than was
his, who this morn aimed at the same breast — that of tlic Chevalier
Crichton."

" For I'alma de mi madre !" ejaculated the Spaniard ; " is it
Crichton whom your majesty — ?"

'• Ha ! dost parley with us, knave ? Take thy place above the
trap-door — strike as he ascends."

Caravaja drew his dagger, and took the position indicated by the-
queen.

" He will not escape us now, methinks," exclaimed Catherine,,
triumphantly.

" Is it possible, madam, you can witness this slaughterous deed,
unmoved ?"

" You shall behold my calmness. You know me not, signer."

" I hear a footstep," exclaimed Ruggieri ; " he comes."

'* Art ready ?" asked the queen of the Spaniard.

'* ]My dagger thirsts for his blood," returned Caravaja; " I see
the waving of a domino within the vaulted passage below ; it is a.
masked figure, your majesty — not Crichton."

" Be silent, fool, 'tis he."

" jMadam,"" exclaimed the mask, firmly, " this must not be.
No assassin's blow shall be struck w^hile I stand by."

'' Would you assist your enemy ?" said Catherine, scornfully :
" an Italian, and forgive !"

" I do not ask Crichton's life of your majesty ; I see well you
are relentless. I entreat you only to delay the stroke till you have
confronted him with me. Seize him, and stay his speech. But
strike him not till I withdraw my mask."

A terrible smile played upon Catherine's features.

" Though you begged this boon upon your bended knee," said
she ; " though my own soul were set upon the issue, I would not
delay my vengeance one second. Are you answered, signer ?"

" I am," replied the mask sternly, and laying his hand upon his
sword.

A profound silence ensued. Not a breath was drawn. There
Avas something so appalling in this momently-anticipated assassina-
tion, that the hearts of the spectators grew chill with horror, and

IGO CEICHTOX.

even Ruggicri's livid check took a more gliastly hue. Catherine
alone wa?- superior to iliis weakness of humauitj. Her countenance
was lighted with a glance of triuinpli — and she listened intently lor
the approacliing footsteps. The sounds drew nearer, and the points
of a sable leather could now be discovered, emerging from the
trap-door.

Catherine motioned to Caravaja : the latter raised liis dagger and
drew back to give more certainty to the stroke. The new coiner
slowly ascended, uttering an exclamation as his eye rested upon the
queen and her companions. At this moment the Spaniard's weapon
gleamed in the lauip-hght ; but he struck not — his arm was disabled
and pinioned by tlie teeth of Druid, and his poignard rolled upon
the lloor. The new comer, whose attire and mask in all respects
resembled that of the sable cavalier, started and looked round
irresolutely.

"Hence !" exclaimed the cavalier, " your plans arc foiled — your
stratagem is discovered — your life endangered — hence 1"

" ]\ly followers are within hearing," returned the mask, raising
a call to his lips.

But ere sound could be emitted, the trap-door closed with a
hollow clangour beneath his feet : the machinery having been
•suddenly turucd, and tlie bolts shot into their sockets by the dwarf.

Catherine arose and fixed h.er piercing eyes upon the cavalier.

'* A moment ago I told you, signor, that you knew me not.
Take heed you purchase not that knowledge too dearly. I for-
give this indiscretion on the score of your youth — but beware how
you incur my displeasure a second time. The proverb would tell
you that the olleuder writes in sand — the oilendcd in marble. My
wrong is engraven in adamant. This man hath defied me, and by
my lather's head, he shall die the death."

" What am I to understand irom this, madam ?" inquired the
mask, in a voice so exactly resembling that of the cavalier, that the
nicest ear could not detect a shade of ditlcrence in the intonation,
and even (\itherine started at the sound.

" Now, by our lady of good succour," cried the queen, address-
ing the cavalier, " were 1 not assured of your identity, signor, I
should almost doubt the evidence of my senses — the delusion is
wonderful.""

" No delusion is practised on my part," returned the mask,
haughtily. "Your majesty is tlie dupe of other artifice.''

" You bear yourself boldly, mcssire," returned Catherine, " but
your confidence will not long avail you. Tear off his mask !'^

At this command of the queen the men-at-arms, headed by
Loupgarou, sprang from their concealment.

"Ha! — Saint Anthony to the rescue ! — off I" cried the mask,
fiercely, putting himself" in a posture of defence. *' He dies, who
Jirst advances."

THE INCANTATION. IGl

** Soil ! — you refuse to remove your vizard," said the queen ;
" you arc sell-convicted, messire.'*

*' To you, madam, I sliould not hesitate to reveal my features,"
replied the mask, "' but before these rude assailants— never. You
forget to whom you oiler this indignity."

" By my soul, no — I forget it not," returned Catherine, scorn-
fully ; " I offer it to one who hath openly defied my power — who
threatened to snatch a captive maiden from my grasp, and who
volunteered his own head as the price of his failure. He kas failed,
and think not I will omit the penalty."
" Those were Crichton's words, madam."
" And Crichton's are the features I would unmask."
*' Then let your attendants tear off" Ids vizard who stands beside

"Insolent!'' exclaimed the queen, " I trifle — upon him, varlets
— strike first — I shall have leisure to peruse his lineaments after-
wards."

" Hold, miscreants," cried the cavalier, drawing his sword, and
placing himself between the mask and the assailants — " hold, or — "

" Your blood be upon your own head," ejaculated Catherine,
impatiently. " I have already warned you."

'• On one condition, madam, I will sheathe my sword," said
the cavalier.

"If that condition be the life of Crichton, you will in vain pro-
pose it,'' returned Catherine.

" I do not ask Crichton's life," rejoined the cavalier — " I ask
you only to defer your vengeance. Grant me a few minutes con-
ference with your majesty, and let the removal of my mask be
the signal to your executioners to assail their victim.''

" Be it so," replied Catherine.

And, at a gesture from tlie queen, ere he could offer any effectual
resistance, the mask was disarmed and secured by Loupgarou and
his crew, and his arms bound together by the leathern girdle of
one of the men-at-arms. Caravaja by this time, not without the
loss of much of his raiment, and somewhat of his skin, had libe-
rated himself from Druid"s teeth, and muttering deep execrations,
retired crest-flxUen amongst his comrades.

" Por laorcja sagrada de Malchos !" growled he to Loupgarou —
" that hound must certainly be a wizard. I may say, with old
Cornelius Agrippa, ' ahi, perdita bestia, qucB me totum perdidistL' "

" Hear me, madam !" exclaimed the mask, furiously, as soon as-
his choler allowed him utterance. " I repeat, you are the dupe of
artifice. Let both vizards be removed, and you will then judge
between us."

" I shall exercise my own pleasure upon that head, messire,"
returned Catherine — " away wnth him, varlets, to the guard-room.
See that the doors are barred against his followers ; and if rescue
be attemptedj tarry not for further orders."

IG2 CRICIITON".

" We understand your majesty," replied Loupgarou, in a hoarse
tone, inclining his enormous person towards the queen in such
manner as a tall cedar might he hent hy the desert blast towards
Bome tree oi" meaner growth — the giant, wc may remark, had been
incontinently chosen (such is tlie reverence in which brute force
and stature are held by the vulgar) to the command of this bravo
troop. " Have you any further commands, madam?'' asked ihe
Titan, with a second obeisance.

The cavalier again interposed.

'• Your majesty will, 1 trust," he said, " issue your commands,—
that your captive be treated with the courtesy and respect to which
his condition entitles hin>. I have your promise that he shall
receive no injury till I withdraw my mask. But I will rather
remove it now, and bring his fate to an instant issue, than expose
a gentleman to the debasing taunts of a i'elon band like this ;
whose insults, were I in his place, it would be more dlillcult to
'orook than their daggers' points."

" I see not wherefore we should respect his honour who re-
garded not mine, signor," returned Catherine, sarcastically — "but
bo it as you desire. Remove the captive," she continued, address-
ing Loupgarou. " Treat him with all consideration consistent
•with his safe custody. It were well if he bestowed the few minutes
•of grace left him, in preparation for the eternity he will so soon
•enter upon. Look to him well — the lives of all shall answer ibr
Jiis life."

** JMadam Y' exclaimed the mask — " by my soul, you are de-
ceived."

" Away !" cried the queen. And without allowing him time for
.further speech, the mask was hurried down the trap-door, and the
dron valve instantly closed over him.

The dwarf expressed his satisfaction at his disappearance by a
■multitude of ellin gambols. Catherine clapped her hands — her
■custom when greatly pleased — and turning to the cavalier, said,
"with a benignant smile,

" I "will now come to the subject nearest your heart, signor,
.and speak of her whose deliverance this luckless Crichton was to
have effected — the Gelosa. You may desire to behold her."

" I came hither for that purpose, madam/' replied the cavalier.

The queen motioned to llaiggieri. Followed by the dwarf, the
•astrologer withdrew to that side of the chamber across which the
curtains were drawn, and busied himself in describing certain lines
with his Jacob's staff upon the floor, while his companion proceeded
to set fire to various spicy woods in a brasier, in which from time
to time, he cast other odoriferous ingredients, presently filling the
■chamber with a cloud of vapour.

" Hath a magical ceremonial to be performed previous to her
•appearance ?" asked the cavalier, in a tone of impatience.

" Said I not there was sorcery in the case," returned Ruggieri—

THE INCANTATION. 1G3

'• The girl is under tlic doimiiiLai of invisible but powerful essences,
over whom these spells have eontrol. \ou shall not only behold
her in person, but learn by what charms she has so long held your
soul in subjugation."

" It needs no conjuration to discover the nature of those allure-
ments," returned the cavalier impatiently. " She whose eyes shame
the star Aldeboran in lustre, and whose Ibrm rivals that of the sylph
Agla in lightness, need not resort to enchantment to hold her lover's
heart in thraldom. I can divine whence her lascination arises
without thine aid, good father."

" Can you likewise divine whence arises her repugnance towards
your suit, noble signer ? Can yoxi tell by what power she is
enabled to resist your passionate suit?"

" By that power, over which no art or enticement, human or
superhuman, can prevail — that of virtue," returned the cavalier.

" Pish !" exclaimed Kuggieri, scornfully shrugging Jiis shoulders
— " the honour of man and the Ibith of woman, like trinkets used
to decorate apparel, are excellent embellishments to discourse, but
of little real utility to the possessor. I understand not the advan-
tage of such ornamental qualities, and have no stroncj belief in
their existence. Virtue, however, has little to do Avith this girl's
repugnance to you, signer. She prefers another ; and has been,
moreover, in possession of a charm, which, as I told you, I removed
this morning from her neck. Take this key, signer, I have
plunged it into a collyrium of such efficacy, that it cannot fail to
draw her love towards him who wears it. Her heart will no longer
dwell upon Crichton. but upon yoti."

'I'he cavalier took the key and examined its curious workman-
ship attentively. Ruggieri withdrew to continue his mysterious
rites.

" While the astrologer is occupied with his suliinnigatlon-," said
Catherine, assuming a confidential tone; " you shall learn the secret
I have to disclose to you — a secret which, as I have already
observed, nearly concerns yourself."

" A secret which concerns me, madam?" said the cavalier, whose
oye was still fixed upon the golden key he held ; " does it relate in
any way to the Gelosa?"

•' By our Lady !" exclaimed Catherine, scornfully, " Ruo-cneri was
not flir from the truth, when he said you were bewitched by this girl.
Your thouglits run on nought else. But do you imagine, fair'sir,
I am equally the subject of her fascinations, that 1 should trouble
myself with the afiairs of a minstrel?"

''Your pardon, madam. But I thought you had made some
discovery touching the condition of this j^irl. There is an inscrip-
tion graven upon this key, from which 1 gather somewhat of her
history."

"Indeed!" said Catherine, " what imports it?"

M 2

164 CRICIITOX.

"That she is the daughter of a dame of Mantua, of rank; her
name Glncvra."

" IIow learn you this, noble signor ?" asked the astrologer,
anxiously returning towards him,

"From the handle of this key, upon which these characters,
revealed by the powerful acid thou hast applied, have become
apparent — ' Ginevra, daughter of Ginevra Malatesta — Mantua.' "

" Taphthartharath !" exclaimed the astrologer, shaking as if a
vision had passed before him.

" What ails you, liither?" inquired the queen.
*' Nothing, madam — nothing, stammered Kuggieri, desirous, it
would seem, to conceal the interest he took in the cavalier's disco-
very; " but there is more, is there not, noble signer? Give me that
l^ey — why did I part with it from mine own keeping?"

'* Of what avail had it been to thee ?" said Catherine, scornfully;
•' thy boasted art could not enable thee to detect those hidden
characters. But what mean those mystic letters and that figure?
Can you unravel this further mystery, signer?"

" The figure is that of the planet Saturn, under whose dominion
the metal of which this key is wrought, is placed by the disciples
of occult philosophy. The letters are cabalistic characters, refer-
ring by numbers to those of the Hebrew alphabet; and forming,
when placed together, a legend in that tongue, which may be thus
interpreted: —

Gold ! who wert a father's bane,
Gold ! who wert a mother's stain,
Gold ! be ihoii a daughter's chain

Of purity.
Shield her breast fioiii sword and fire.
From intemperate desire ;
From a heaveii-abandoii'd sire,
In charity!"

**A singular inscription!" exclaimed Catherine, "and by my
faith, signer, you have shown no little ingenuity in its elucidation.
I question whether my captive Crichton, who is said to be as well
versed in the mysteries of the Cabala as Pico di Mirandola, could
have rendered it more iehcitously. But love is quick- sighted."

'* Suffer me to behold that inscription, noble signer," said Rug-
giere, trembling with agitation. " I would liiin examine those
characters with mine own eyes."

" Not now — not now, good fiither," interrupted Catherine
peremptorily; " this bauble has already ollercd too much interrup-
tion to my conference. What matters it to thee who was the sire, or
who the mother of this girl?"

" Every tiling !' exclaimed the astiologer, eagerly, but correcting
himself, he added — " that is, my charm would be more perfect if 1
possessed tlie talisman."

" 'Tis plain thou didst not understand its use or virtue," returned
the queen — " To thy task without more delay."

THE INCANTATIOX. 1G5

And Ruirgicn, seeing opposition was useless, slowly withdrew,
casting a lingering, longing glance upon the amulet which he
had so heedlessly abandoned to another, and which, (now that he
had parted with it) appeared to assume infinitely more importance
in his eyes than it had done while it continued in his own posses-
sion.

" Your majesty had a disclosure to make to me?" said the cava-
lier, as soon as the astrologer had retired — " may I venture to
recall your attention to the subject ?"

" I have a secret to communicate not less singular than that
you have just chanced upon,'' said the queen ; "but before I
unfold my mystery, I must inquire from you whether amongst
the beauties who thronged the Louvre to-night, you noticed one
who held the chief place among our dames of honour, and who was
for some time the favoured object of the king, our son's regard?"

"Your majesty cannot mean the Demoiselle Esclairmonde?"
returned the cavalier, starting. " Is it possible your communications
can have reference to her?"

" My disclosure has reference to Esclairmonde, signer," rejoined
the queen — "you have heard, perhaps, that there is a mystery
attached to her birth."

" I have heard, madam, the court rumour, which runs that she
is an orphan, the daughter of a Huguenot gentleman of distinction,
but that her real name is carefully concealed even from her own
knowledge by your commands."

" The tale whispered abroad by my orders has reached your cars,
I find," replied Catherine, " nor is it altogether wide of the truth.
She is the daughter of a Huguenot leader — but that leader was
Louis I. de Bourbon, Prince de Conde."

For a nioment the Cavalier appeared to be lost in astonishment.
Uttering a single exclamation of surprise, he maintained a perfect
silence, as if overwhelmed by the queen's intelligence. Catherine
regarded him fixedly.

" My news," she said, " excites your admiration. You deemed
not that in my unknown attendant, Esclairmonde, ^''ou beheld the
daughter of a house illustrious as your own."

" I am indeed tilled with wonder, madam," faltered the cavalier
— •" Esclairmonde a Princess of Conde I — can it be ?"

" Look at these papers which authenticate her birth," returned
Catherine, placing the packet given her bv Iluggieri, before the
cavalier, " Read that despatch from Tavannes, the captor of the
infant princess — read those instructions from the Cardinal of Lor-
raine — that memorial of the guard who seized her — this credential
of her attendant, and my own letters of authority written at the
period. Let your own eye glance over these documents, and you
will at once satisfy yourself of the truth of what I have asserted."

With a hand trembling with eagerness, the cavalier took the
packet. His eye wandered rapidly over its contents.

IGG CRICIITON.

"I am satisfied, madam," replied he, as liis hasty scrutiny con-
cluded. " And the secret of Esclairmonde's birth is of course,
■wholly unknown to the prince her brother ?"

" Ilenri de Bourbon believes that his sister perished in her
inflincy," returned the queen. " I will briefly relate to you how-
she fell into my hands, and you will then perceive his grounds for
that supposition. During Louis do Bourbon's flight from Noyers
to Koclielle, an ambuscade, placed by my directions in the moun-
tain passes near Sancerre for the purpose of intercepting the fugitives,
surprised and attacked the litter in which the princess and her infant
charge were conveyed. By miracle she and her son escaped: but
a fair child — a babe — scarce Aveaned, was borne off in triumph by
the assailants. Conde, at the head of his ritters, vainly sought to
recover his treasure. PI is efforts were so desperate, that a strata-
gem was resorted to, to baflle liis fury. A child snatched from
one of his household, was hurled beneath his horse's feet, and
deceived by tlie outcry of his opponents — thinking that he had
unwittingly contributed to the destruction of his own offspring — the
prince in despair directed his attention to the preservation of his
distracted consort, with whom, and with his son, he succeeded in
effecting a secure retreat. From that day to the hour when his
Mood dyed the battle-field of Jarnac, Conde continued in ignorance
>f his child's existence. She was to liim as she had been no
more."

A deep sigh burst from the cavalier's breast as Catherine paused
for a mom.ent to ascertain the impression she had produced. Appa-
rently satisfied, she proceeded with her narrative.

" A month after the event I have described," continued the queen,
*' a fair-haired infant was brought to me at the Louvre, by a faithful
emissary of Tavannes. 'The fawn is netted,'' wrote the raarechal
in the letter now lying before you, ' tlie deer hath escaped our toils/
By the advice of the Cardinal of Lorraine, the wisest and most pre-
scient of counsellors, the princess was reared in entire seclusion and
in ignorance of her rank — and by the cardinal's advice also, the
motives of which you will find there developed, she was secretly
suffered to imbibe the Calvinistic principles of her family.
Of late, in order the more eflectually to mask my designs, I have
given it out that I intend her for the cloister, and I have noted
with satisfaction the effect which this announcement of my will has
produced upon her. The period which the sage cardinal foresaw
is arrived. Anjou's plot is ripe. The Huguenota must be gained.
With Esclairmonde I have the means of winning over their
leader. With her I have an earnest of Conde's fidelity, should he
leafT'ue his arms with ours — with her I can paralyse his efforts
should he declare against us."

" A refined and subtle scheme, madam," replied the cavalier,
who had with difiiculty repressed his indignation during the latter
part of the queen"'s recital, and whose vizard alone prevented the

THE INCANTATION". 1G7

vrrathful expression of liis countenance from being perccivecl, " and
•wortliy of a discipline of Niccolo Macchiavelli, such as the Cardinal
of Lorraine Avas known to be. But may I venture to ask, madam,
whether you now propose to restore the princess to her brother ?
And, luthermore, Avhat may be your majesty's motive in making
me the depositary of so important a state secret as tlie mystery of
her birth?"

" Your questions arc somewhat abrupt, signer," rephed Catherine,
•with a sUght expression of displeasure; " nevertheless, I will answer
them as freely as they are put. Your alHance with Anjou — your
devotion towards mvself — entitle you to my confidence. Why I
have entrusted you with a secret so dear to me as that of Esclair-
monde's birth will presently appear. jNIcantime I will answer your
first inquiry at once, by saying that I do not propose to restore the
princess to her brother, till the full object of her detention shall
be accomplished. I have other and more extended views respecting
her. In a word, I have yet to dispose of her hand in marriage."
The cavalier started.

" How?" he exclaimed, with some impatience — " Will your
majesty exercise the power which you have acquired over the
destiny of this princess, to give away her hand witho\it the consent
— without the knowledge — of her brother, Henri de Bourbon ?''

" Without his consent — without her own," returned Catherine —
" Think you the Prince de Conde's approval will ])e needed to ratify
an alliance proposed and sanctioned by Catherine de Mcdicis ? I
shall bestow her upon him Avho serves me best, not on him who may
please her fancy most, or that of Henri de Bourbon. The choice
of the one might fall upon some hostile leader of the Huguenot
party — the election of the other, were she consulted, might be
declared in iavour of some such arrogant adventurer as the young
Scot, whose life now hangs upon my breath; and who, a§ I learn
from Ruggicri, hath already dared to offer his suit to her."

'• It was in ignorance oi' her rank that he did so," returned the
cavalier, " for whatever opinion I may entertain of the scope and
aim of Crichton's ambition, I cannot think that, had he been
acquainted with Esclairmonde's exalted birth, he would have ven-
tured to aspire to her hand."

" He has already aspired to the favours of my daughter, Mar-
guerite de Valois," returned Catherine irowning, " and lie who
will dare lo soar so high in gallantry, will scarce content himsclt with
a lowly fiight in honest love. You are mistaken in your estimate of
this Scot's character, signer. I read it more clearly than you do.
His ruling passion is ambition. He aims at distinction in all things
and were 1 to free him from his fetters, and to entrust him with
the secret I have just now commtmicatcd to you, the first use he
would make of his liberty would be to renew his suit with redou-
bled ardour to the princess."

" There, I am assured you wrong him, madam."

1G8 CRICIITON.

" No matter," cried Catherine, *' I shall not afford him the
opportunity. Crichton is of an order of men who must be
crushed ere they attain dangerous eminence. To elevate him would
be to endanger our own power. Henri is ruled, as you well know,
by his minions — the minions are ruled by Crichton. His mental
acquirements — his bravery, and his various and unequalled accom-
plishments have already obtained complete ascendency over a court,
wliich of all others is most easily dazzled by such qualities."

" And arc these the only faults you can lay to Crichton's charge,
madam?" asked tlie cavalier.

*' No," replied Catherine, " he has yet a greater fault.''

" Beseech your majesty name it."

*' He is of incorruptible honesty," rejoined Catherine, " had he
been otherwise, he had been the fittest instrument I could have
chosen for my purposes — as it is, he is only an obstacle — "

" Which will speedily be removed," supplied the cavalier,
gravely. *' Suffer me to change the subject, and to return to that
from which we have wandered.'"

" The Princess ofConde — true,'' replied Catherine ; "you beheld
her at the Louvre to-night, signor — I would gladly learn what is
your opinion of her attractions ! Is her beaaty equal to that of our
dames, think you?"

" It is without a peer in the world," sighed the cavalier.

Catherine smiled complacently.

" Mary Stuart," she said, " in the zenith of her youth and
loveliness — when the walls of the Louvre resounded with the sighs
of her thousand worshippers — and when the whole chivalry of
Europe flocked to the court of France to bask in her smiles — was
not so beautiful."

" I can Avell believe it, madam," returned the cavalier, in a tone
of deep despondency, " I have myself seen the unfortunate Queen
of Scots, and her charms of person, wondrous as they still are,
cannot, I think, have equalled the matchless perfections of Lsclair-
monde."

Catherine again smiled ; and it was with some playfulness of
manner that she now continued the conversation.

" She is indeed most lovely, — so lovely that, I think, if Anjou's
suit fail, as it is not imlikely, with that experienced coquette our
sister (as her years as well as her regal dignity entitle her to be
termed), Elizabeth of England, I shall console him for his disap-
pointment with the hand of the fairest princess of her time. What
he loses in power he will gain in beauty. How say you, signor?
Does this alliance meet with your approval?"

" Beseech you, madam, press not that question upon me," replied
the cavalier, in a troubled tone, " and to be frank with you, let me
confess at once, that if the object of your conference be the consi-
deration of an alliance between the Due D'Anjou and Esclairmonde,
I am myself far too deeply interested in the fate of the fair princess,

TnE INCANTATION. 1G&

to be able to offer an impartial opinion upon tlie policy or impolicy
of the proposed union, and mu?t, therefore, Avith your majesty's
permission, decline its further discussion. Esclairmonde's charms
Avould alone entitle her to the hand of the proudest prince in
Kurope, "who might deem himself supremely blest in their posses-
sion."

" Say you so, signer ?" returned Catherine, gaily. *' What if I
change the title and designation of the bridegroom? What, if for
Francois de Valois, Due D'Anjou, I substitute that of Vincenzo
di Gonzaga, Prince of INIantuu — Nvill that alliance please you
better r"

" Madame !" faltered the cavalier.

" Have I not read your heart aright? Do you not love this
maiden?""

" More than my life."

" She is yours, then — 1 give her to you — and moreover, I
will enrich her Avith a dowry from my collers, such as neither the
D'Este nor the Farnese could bestow."

A deep-drawn sigh was the only response made by the cavalier.
Putting her own construction upon his silence, the queen continued:
" Lend your aid with arm and counsel, to place Anjou upon his
brother's throne, and Esclairmonde is your reward."

" And is the best blood of France," returned the cavalier, with
bitterness, " to be bartered for treason ?"'

" These are strange words from you, prince," rejoined Catherine,
" can I have been mistaken in you ? Have I fostered a secret
foe — are your own despatches — are those letters delusive? Answer
me, Vincenzo. Do I address an ally of Anjou, or a secret foe
of Henri — the friend of an aspiring prince, or the tool of a falling
monarch?"

*' You speak to one who thinks, acts, and speaks freely and fear-
lessly, madam ; who aspires to honour by honourable means — and
who would hurl from his grasp the sceptre of France, could it be
attained only by treachery. Your plot against Henri, phrase it how
you may, is treasonable."

" I will not quarrel with your terms, prince," replied Cathe-
rine, coldly. " Words are to us the cloak 'neath which the sword
is hidden, and the more honestly they sound the less suspicion they
are likely to awaken. You are Avelcome, therefore, to call our plot
rebellious, so long as you can enact the part of an arch-rebel your-
self. But enough of this. You say you love the Princess of Conde.
Assist Anjou in his (if you so please to phrase them) treasonable
designs. Place him upon the throne, and she shall be the meed
of your services."

Catherine paused and fixed her eagle glance upon the cavalier,
awaiting his reply. 13ut he spoke not. Contending emotions
seemed to a<iitate his bosom.

170 CRicnxoN.

" What means this?" exclaimed tlie queen, rising in displeasure.
*' Do you reject my offer?"

" A ilital bar exists a<ijainst its acceptance."

" Your passion for this girl — tliis Gelosa — is it so ? By our
Lady ! there must be witchcraft in the case. Ruggieri, proceed
\vitli thine enchantments — we must dissolve the spell. Prince,"
she continued in a stern deep tone, "reflect upon my oiler. I
shall expect your answer on the morrow. Meanwhile, bury the
secret 1 have committed to your keeping within the inmost
recesses of your heart. Breathe it not even to your confessor.
You can now conjecture why I desired this interview with you
— why I selected you as the depositary of the secret of Esclair-
monde's birth. You have perused those evidences of her illustrious
origin. You have satisfied yourself she is the daughter of Henri
de Bourbon. I will now commit those documents to the secure
custody of this coffer." Saying Avhich, Catherine extended her
hand to receive back the packet.

"An instant, madam, I beseecli you," returned the cavalier,
still detaining the papers, while his eyes appeared eagerly to scan
their contents.

" You will have more leisure for their perusal on the morrow," re-
plied the queen, "in the meantime turn yoiu' thoughts to her who
more immediately claims your attention."

At this juncture, and ere Catherine could possess herself of
the packet, the chamber was plunged in darkness. Unobserved,
during their confei-ence, the dwarf had silently crawled near the
speakers, and at a signal from Ruggieri, suddenly extinguished the
lamp which hung above their heads.

" The letters," demanded Catherine, hastily. And as she spoke,
what she conceived to be the packet was placed in her hands.

Suddenly a low and plaintive strain of music — whence proceed-
ing, it was impossible to determine — was heard, and at the same
moment, a cool and refreshing odour addressed itself to the
senses of the cavalier. The effect of this subtle spirit combined
with the rich and fragrant exhalations of the chafing-dish, induced
an agreeable langour, against the oveipowering influence of which
it was vain to contend. It dispoi-cd the mind unresistingly to sur-
render itself to tlie delusions about to be practised by the sorcerer.
Through the dense cloud of vapour that now filled the apartment,
nothing could be seen but the dull red fire of the brasier, and the
symphony became each instant more faint, until it gradually died
away. The voice of the astrologer was then heard chanting the fol-
lowing strains:

Incantation.

Lovely spirit, who dost dwell
In the bowers invisible.

THE INCANTATION. 17 .

By undyinf!; Hermes reared;
By Staiiyi ic sage revered ;
Where the silver fountains wander ;
Where tlie golden streams meander;
Where the dragon vigil keeps
Over mighty treasure iieaps ;
Where the mystery is known,
Of the wonder working Stone ;
Where the quintessence is gained
And immortal life attained —
Spirit ! — by this spell of power,
1 call thee from thy viewless bower.

The footstep of tlie astrologer Avas now heard to approacli the
brasier. A hissing noise, as of some fluid cast upon the fiery coals
succeeded. Fresh volumes of smoke ascended to the ceiling, emit-
ting vivid sparks as they arose, and Ruggieri, muttering some
unintelligible sounds continued his spell.

Tlie charm is wrought — the word is spoken,

And the sealed vial broken !

Element with element

Is incorporate and blent ;

Fire witii water — air with earth.

As before creation's birth ;

Matter gross is purified,

Matter humid laritied ;

Matter volatile is fixed.

The spirit with the clay commixed.

Laton is by azotli purged.

And the argerit-vif di-gorged ;

And the black crow's head is ground,

And the magistery found ;

And wiih broad einpurpled wing

Springs to light the blood-red king.

By this fiery assation —

By this wondrous permutation

Spirit, from thy burning S{)here

Float to earth — appear— appear!

For an instant all became dark. Even the dull glare of the
chafing-dish was obscured. A Iresh strain of music more soft,
more plaintive than the preceding melody, was heard. A dazzling
stream of light was seen to cut swiftly tl.rough the air, and to settle
near the astrologer.

172 CKicnxoN

CHAPTER XIII.

THE MAGIC 11 1 N G.

It was tlicn perceived that tlie brilliant flame flowed from a
sword held by a female sliape, robed in shining attire of almost
o-ossaincr texture. This sylph-like iiuure, so far as it could be dis-
cerned through the vapour, appeared of rare and almost unearthly
loveliness. In her right hand the spirit bore a flaming brand ;
in her left a small vase of crystal, while in a thrilling voice she
warbled the following strains: —

ong of tf)C Spirit.

Within the goldtii portal

Of tlie gnideii of the wise,
Watching by tlie seveii-spray'd fountain

The Hesperian Dragon hes.*
Like tlie ever-burning branches

In the dream of holy seer ;
Like tlie types of Asia's cluirclies

Those glorious jets appear.
Three times the magic waters

Must the Winged Dragon drain ;
Then his scales shall burst asunder,

And his heart be relt in twain.

• The above lines are little more tlian a versification of some of the celebrated
President J)' Espatjnvt's hermetic caiKms. with which the Eii.ulish adept must he
familiar ill the translation of Eli;is Aslunole. D'i.sixiiinct's Arcaimm I'hilosojihue
Hermeticd' has attained a classical celebrity among his disciples, who were at one
period siitHciently numerous. Tlie subjoined interpretation of this philosophical
allegory may save the uninitiated reader some speculation. " La Fontaine que Ton
trouve a I'entree dnJardin est le Mcrcure des >ages, qui sort des sept sources, parce
qu'il est le principe des sept nietaux, et qu'il est forme par les sept planctes, quoi-
que le soleil seul soit appele son perc et la hme seule sa mere. I.e Dni/jon qu'on
y fait boire est la putrefaction qui survicnt a la maticre qu ils ont appeU'e Dragon,
a. cause de sa eouleur noire, et de sa puanteur. Ce draf,'on quite ses vctemens,
lorsque la eouleur f;rise succede a la noire. Vous ne rciissirez point si Venus et
Diane ne vous sont favorables, c'est :\ dire, si jiar la regime de feu, vous ne parvenez
a blanchir la maticre qu'il appelle dans cet t-tat de blancheur le regne de la lune."
— Dictionnaire Mijtho-Hermctiijue. The mysterious influence of the number Seven
and its relations with the planets is too well known to need explnnation here.
Jacques IJohoiu has noticed it in the enigma contained in his Aquarium Sapientium
beginning- —

Scptem sunt nrbes. septempro more metalla,
biintque dies septein, scptimus est numerus.

C. T. X

THE MAGIC KINO. 173

Fortli shall flow an emanation.

Fortli sliall spring a sluipi- divine.
And it' ."Sol and Clvntliia aid thee.

Shall the Charmed Key bo thine.

11.
In the solemn groves of Wisdom,

W'licre black pines their shadows fling
Near the haunted ee,l of llerme«,

Tin-ce lovely flow'rets spiing:
The violet damask-tinted,

In scent all flowers above ;
The milk v.hite vestal lily,

And the purple flower of love.
Red !So! a siii;n sliall give tliee

Where the sap|)hire violets gle:im,
Watered hy the rills that wander

From the viewless golden stream.
One violet shalt thou gather-
lint ah ! — beware, beware! —
The lily and the amaranth

Demand thy chiefest care.*

HI.
Within the lake of crystal,-f-

Koseate as the sun's first rav.
With eyes of diamond Instre.J

A thousand tishes play.
A net within that water,

A net with web of gold.
If cast where air-bells glitter.

One shining tish shall hold.

IV.

Amid the oldest mountains,(^

Whose lops are next the sun,
The everlasting rivers

Through glowing channels run.
Those mountains are of silver.

Those chatineis are of gold ;
And thence the countless treasures

Of the kings of earth are roU'd ;
But far — far must he wander

O'er realms and seas unknown,
Who seeks the ancient mountains.

Where shines the WoNDiiois Stoxe !

* Yous ne separercz point ces fleurs de leur raeines— c'est-a-dirc, qu'il ne faut
rien oter du vase. Par eemoyen on aurad'abord des violettes de coideur do saphire
fonce, ensuite de lys, et enfin I'amaranthe, ou la couleur de pourpre, qui est Tindice
de la perfection du souffre auritique. Vict. Mytho-IIerm.

■f Les pbilosophts ont souvent donne le nom du Lac a Icur vase, et au mcrcure,
qui y est renferme. Diet. Mytho-Herm.

X Lorsque la matiere est parvenue a un certain degre de cuisson, il se forme sur
sa superficie de petites boules qui ressemblent uux yeux des poissous. Diet. Myiho-
Ilerm.

^ Quelquefois les Alchemistcs ont entendu par le terme de Montague leur vase,
leur fourueau, et toute matiere mctiUique. Did. Mytho-Herm.

174 CKICIITOX.

As the spirit concluded licr sonir slic presented tlic crystal vial
to the astrologer, exclaiming: —

In thai mystic vase doth lie

Life and iimnortality.

Life to liini who droops in death,

To the paspiti<r bosoai hieath.

Imniortality aU)ne

To him to wliom the " Word" is known.

Take it — 'tis a precious boon,

Vouchsafed by Hermes to his son.

Ruggicri reverently received the gift. And, as if extinguished at
a breath, the blue flame playing upon the edge of the sword
expired and the phantom vanished. The brasier once more
became visible, and the magician resumed the ]jerIormance of iiis
mysterious rites. At a gesture from his master, Elberich brought a
panier tilled with sundr^'^ magical ingredients, together with a pon-
derous volume fastened with brass clasps, and clothed in black vellum,
i'rom time to time lluo-o-lcri took some herb or root from the
basket and cast it into the brasier, Avheri it crackled and fumed,
and eventually burst into flame. Nothing was wanting to add to
the ellect of the ceremonial. The dwarf gibbered, the cat hissed,
Druid uttered a deep and prolonged howl. The sulFumigation
mounted in clouds — and the voice of lUiggieri, hoarse and broken,
and half choked by the vapour he inhaled, arose above the clamour.
Thus ran his invocation: —

On tile sniouldeiing fire is thrown
Tooth of fox and weiisel's bone,
Kye of eat and scull of rat,
And the hooked wing of bat,
Mandrake root and nuudeier's gore,
Henbane, hendnck, hellebore.
Stibium, storax. bdelHon, borax,
Ink of cuttle-tish, and feather
Of the screech-owl, smoke together.

Witn his Jacob's stall", the astrologer then proceeded to trace
■certain figures upon the floor, and taking the black book from the
dwarf, read aloud a mystical sentence, after which he closed the
volume and resumed his spell : —

Oil the ground is a circle tiaced;

On tliat circle a seal is placed ;

On that seal is a sytnbol graven ;

On that symbol an orb of heaven;

hy that orb is a figure shown ;

By tliat figure a name is known.

^^aIKlering witch it is thine own !—

But tliv name must not be natned,

l^or to mortal ears proclaimed.

Shut are the leaves of the Grimoire dread ;

The spell is muttered — the word is said.

And that word, in a whisper drowned.

Shall to thee like a whirlwind sound.

TnE MAGIC RING. )V5

Swift tliroiiiili tl;e shiveriiii: aii- it flics —

Swiftly it traverses earth and skies ; —

Wherever tlioii art— above — below —

Tiiilher that terrible word shall go.

Art thou on the waste alone.

To the white moon making mnan ?

Art thon, human eye eschewing,

In some cavern philters brewing?

By familiar swart attended —

Uy a triple charm defended —

Gatherest thon the grass that wavc3

O'er dank pestilential graves? —

Or on broom or goat astride,

To thy J^abbath dost thou ride?

Or with sooty imp doth match thee?

From his arms my si)ell siiall snatcii thoe.

Shall it seek thee — and find thee,

And with a chain bind thee ; —

And through the air whirl thee.

And at my feet hurl thee !

By the word thou dreadst to hear!

Nameless witch! — appear — appear!

Scarcely were the words pronounced, wlien a rushing sound was
heard, and the figure of a hideous hag suddenly stood before the
astrologer. About her withered neck and shoulders, the witch's
wintry locks hung in wild disorder ; her apparel was loathly
and Ibrbidding as her features. For a moment she remained with
one arm leaning upon a staff, and with the other, smeared, it would
seem, with blood, stretched out towards Ruggieri.

" Whence comcst thou ?" demanded he.

" From my Sabbath-revel at Montfaucon," replied the hag —
■** Wouldst hear how Ave have passed the night ? Wouldst leai'u
the pranks we have played beneath the moon — how Sathan liatli
piped for us — liow tlie dead have danced with us — how we have
boiled infant's flesh — brewed philters — and confccted poisons — lia !
— ha! — attend!"

And m a harsh discordant tone, the hag sang the follovv'ing wild
ihymes

^]^c ^orccitr's ^abbatlj.*
I.

Around INIontfaucon's mouldering stones.

The wizard crew is flitting :
And 'neatli a .lew's unhallowed bones,

Man's enemy is sitting.

• Le Lover observes, that the Saboe, evoke, sung at tlie orf/ia, or BdrchaiutHa,
agree with the exclamations of the conjurers and witches—" Ihr Salxtt — Sclntt .•"
and that Bacchus, who was only a devil in disguise, was named Sabassns, iron) the
Sabbath of the Bacchanals. The accustomed form of their initiation was expressed
in these words, — ^'^ I hnve clrun/uij'dte drum, and eaten of the ctjmbal ; and am become
a profieient ;" which Le Loyer explains in the following manner : — By the ri/mbal
is meant the caldron used by the modern conjurers to boil those infants they intend
to eat ; and by the drum the goat's skin, blown up, whence they extract its

176 CRICHTON.

Terrible it is to see

Sucli latitastic revelry !

Terrible it is to iiear

Sounds tliat siiake tlie soul with fear!

Like tiie cliarint wheels of Night

Swiftly round about tliey go ;
Scarce the eye can track their flight.

As the mazy measures flow.
Now they form a ring of fire ;
Now a spiral, funeral pire : —
Mounting now, and now descending,
In a circle never ending.
As the clouds the storm-blast scatters —
As the oak the thunder scatters —
As scared fowl in wintry weather —
They huddle, groan, and scream together.
Strains unearthly and forlorn
Issue from yon wrinkled horn.
By the bearded demon blown.
Sitting on that great gray stone.

Jionnd witli wliislle and ivitfi whoop.

Sweep (he evei-w/iii /iiiff troop :

Streuimof liglit their foolslips trail,

Forked as a comet's tail.

*' Her Sabutl— Sabut .'— " ihci/crj/. —

An abhtss joins their comjxnv/.

II.

Sullenly resounds the roof,

^^ith the tramp of horned hoof:—

Rings each iron-girdled rafter

With intolerable laughter:

Shaken by the stunning peal.

The chain-hung corses swing and reel.

From its percli on a dead-man's bone,

Wild with fright, hatli the raven flown :

Fled from its feast hath the flesii-gorged rat ;

Gone from its roost is the vampire-bat ;

Stareth and screameth the screecii owl old.

As he wheeleth iiis flight through the moonlit wold ;

Bays the garbage-ghnted hound.

Quakes the blinii mnle underground.

llis^iug, glides tlie speckled snake ;

Loathliest things tlu-ir meal forsake.

From their holes beneath the w-all,

Newt, and toad, and adder crawl —

In the Sal)hath-dance to sprawl !

Jionnd with wlnslle and ivi'h whoop,

i^tccej) I he evtr-tvhirling troop ;

Louder grows titiir fi antic glee —

Wilder y 1 1 thrir rcveby,

"Her Sabnt .'—Sabat'f — " ihei/ cry,

A t/oiing girl joiiis tlitir company.

moisture, boil it up fit to drink, and by that moans are admitted to participate in
the ceremonies of Bacchus. It is also alleged the name Sabbath is given to these
assemblies of conjurers, because they are generally held on Saturdays. — Monsieur
Oujie : — Description of the Sabbath.

THE MAGIC RING. ] 77

III.

See that dark-Iiair'd i;iil ad varices—
' In her hand a poigiiard uhuices;

On her bosom, white and bare,
liests an infant passing fair :
Like a thing from heavenly region,
""Mid tliat diabolic legion.
1 ovelier maid was never seen
Than tliat ruthless one, I wccu •
Shape of symmetry hath she.
And a step as wild-doe iVee.
Her jetty iiair is ail unlionnd,
And its long locks sweep the grouncL
Hushed in sleep her infiiit lies —
*' Perish ! child of sin," she cries,
■" To Hends thy frame I immolate—
To hends thy soul I dedicate !
Unbapiispd, unwept, unknown —
Jn hell »hy sire may claim his own.**
From hur dark eyes fury flashes —
From her breast lier babe she da-hes.
Gleams the knife — her brow is wrinkled—
V\ ith warm bloud her hand is sprinkled!
VVithout a gasp — witliont a groan.
Her slumbering infant's soul hath flown.
At Sathan's feet the corse is laid —
To Sathan's view the knife display'd.*
A roar of laughter shakes the pile —
A mocking voice exclaims the while : —
" By this covenant — by this sign.
False wife ! false mother ! thou art mine!
Weal or wo, whate'er betide,
Thy doom is sealed, infanticide !
Shall nor sire's, nor brother's wrath,
Nor husband's vengeance cross thy path ;
And on hhn, thy blight, thy bane.
Hell's consumiii'i hie shall rain !"

Hound with whisllc and irilh witoop,

Sweip ihe ever-ic/iirlnig troop ;

In thf caldron bitbh/iiigjtisf,

7^1 fi babe is by it' molker cant !

" Ema)ihtl(in !" sitoul (lie crew.

And lliiir frenzied dunce renew.

IV.

The fiend's wild strains are heard no more —

Dabbled in her infant's gore.

The new-made witch the caldron stirs —

Howl the demon-worship|)ers.

Now begin the Sabbath rites —

Sathan marks his proselytes ;f

• Sathan will have an ointment composed of the flesh of imhaptizcd cliildren,
that these innocents, l)eing ileprived of their livi-s by tliese wicked witches, their
poor little souls may be deprived of the glories of Paradise. — Ve Lancrc.

t The devil marks the sorcerers in a place which lie renders insensible. And
this mark is, in some, the figure of a hare ; in others, of a toad's foot, or a black
cat. — JJclrio, Disquisitiones Magiccc.

178 cniCHTON.

And each wrinkled lia<^ anoints

Witli iini;nents rank l;i;r withered joiutl«

Uniniaiiinabie creeds —

Uniinaniiiable deeds —

Foul, idolatrous, inalicions,

Baleliil, black, and superstitious,

Ever)' holy forin prol'aninj;.

Every sacred symbol staining,

Eacii enacts, fullils, observes,

At the feet of him lie serves.

Here a goat is canonised.

Here a bloated toad baptized ;
Bells around its neck are hung.
Velvet on its l)ack is finng ;
Mystic words are o'er it said,
Poison on its brow is shed.*
Here a cock of snowy plume,
Elutters o'er the caKiron'-s fume;
By a Hel)rew Moobel slain,
Muttering spells of power amain ■)•

There within tlie ground is laid

An image that a foe may fade,

Priest unholy, ciianting faintly

iMasses weird with visage saintly;

'Vhile respond the howling choir

Antiphons from dark grimoire,^

Clouds from out the caldron rise,

Siirouding fast the star-lit skies.

J. ike ribs of mammoth through the gloom.

Hoar Montfaucon's pillars loom ;

Wave its dead — a grisly row —

In the night-breeze to and fro.

At a beck from Sathan's hand.

Drop to earth that chariiel band, —

Clattering as they touch the ground

With a harsh and jarring sound.

Their Hiittering rag--, by vulture rent,

A ghastly spectacle present ;

Flakes of flesh of livid hue.

With the white bones peeping through.

P)lue piiosphoric liglits are seen

In the holes where eyes have been

Shining through each hollow scull,

Like the gleam of lantern dull 1

• As the sabbath toads are baptized, and dressed in red or black velvet, with a
Ml at their neck, and another at each foot, the male sponsor holds their head,
the female their feet. — De Laiicrc.

t The sacrifice of a snow-white cock is offered by the Jews at the feast of the
reconciliation. This was one of the cliarjies brought against tiie INIarechale
D'Ancre, condemned under Louis XIII. for sorcery and Judaism. Another ab-
surd accusation, to which ffhe pleaded guilty, was the eatintj of rams' kidneys!
Those kidneys, however, we are bound to state, had been blessed as well as deviled.
From Cornelius Agrippa we learn that tlie blood of a white cock is a proper suf-
fumigation to the sun ; and that if pulled in pieces, while living, by two men, ac-
cording to the ancient and approved jiractice of the IMetbancnses, the disjecta
vicmhra of the unfortunate bird will repel all unfavoural)le breezes. The reader of
♦' Kabelais" will also call to mind what is said rcspectin.ii- 1c ((rqblanc in the chap-
ter of Garqanlua. treating " de ce rju est sign! tie par les coiiktti-a hlanc it blcuj"

t The "Black Book." '

TUE MAGIC RING. ^79

Hark ! tliey shake tlicir manacles—
Hark ! cncli liag responsive yells!
And her freely-yielded waist
Is by flesliiess arms embraced.
Once aLiaiii begins tiie dance —
How they foot it— how they prance!
Round the gibbet-cirque careering,
On tlieir grinning partners fleering,
^Vhile, as first amid tiieir ranks,
The new-made witch witii Satlian pranks.

Fnrious grows their revelry, —

But see ! — within t!ie eastern sky,
A bar of gold proclaims the sun —
Hark! the cock crows — all is done!

/yU/i a whistle and a whoop.

Vanish straight the wizard troop ;

On the bare and blasted ground,

Horned hoofs no more resound:

Caldron, goat, and broom arejlown.

And Montfaucon claims its own.

•* Thou hast sent for me," said the hag, as she conchulccl her
Eong ; " Avhat woulclst thou ? Be briel'. Ashtaroth hatlt called
me twice ; the third summons I must obey. There are mortals
here whoso presence frets me ? They are not marked with the sign,
or baptized with the baptism of hell. Besides, I am in haste to
rejoin the revel 1 have quitted. My aching bones are unanointed,
and the caldron boils over. Speak, and let me go."

" Daughter of darkness ; foul hag that thou art," cried Rug-
gieri, in a voice of thunder ; " was it to hear thine accursed strains
that I summoned thee hither ? — no, thy master may call thee, but
I will detain thee at my pleasure." So saying, he sprinkled '
some liquid upon her face. " Now," he continued, as the witch
howled with pain ; " art thou content to tarry ?"

" What wuuldst thou ?" demanded the hag, fiercely.

" I would have the potion which thou alone of all thy brood of
Tartarus canst prepare," returned the astrologer ; " the draught
which will turn love to hate, and hate to love. Hast thou that
philter by thee ? If so, give it to me, and thou art free to depart."

" I have that will serve thy purpose better," responded the hag,
drawing from her girdle a silver ring fashioned like a wreathed
serpent; "this enchanted hoop — thou shalt have it — but take
heed upon whom thou bestowest it ; thy boon may prove unlucky
to thyself, for

Little thrift

Hath the witch's gift.

Ila, ha 1"

" Leave that to me," cried Iluggieri, impatiently.

" Ah ! there again," exclaimed the witch, " Ashtaroth calls, his
tone is wrathful. A moment, master, a moment, and I come. The
Avizards are shrieking, the iiend is piping, the unguent is seething I
Well, well, ] will be there anon. Take it — take it,

21 i

180 CRICIITOX.

With a bliglit and with a ban

On love of maid, and (aith of man —

Take it with the witch's bcnison, or malison, whicli you will, &na
listen to me —

When the moon was in her trine,

And tlie star of love benign;

Wlieti a [iiirple gleam was sent

P'roiii red Mars beneficent ;

And one ray frotn Salnrn flowing,

Strnek tiie cusp of Scorpio glowing;

Wa< this wizard ring confected.

And the poteirt charm perfected.

Gathered at propitious hour

Stone and li'-^rb of sovereign power*

firay actiies, coral white,

•las[>er green, and chrysolite ;

Veivain. violet, and myrrh.

And all flowers that frenzy stir,

'i'liroiigh this ling wereswi.'tl)' passed.

And in hea[)s aruimd it cast.

And the flagrant pile was lighted.

And a magic verse recited.

And the starry signs were songht,

And their mystic symbols wrought.

Hound with spell —inscribed with sign —

Take this charmed ring — 'tis thine ;

lie who wears it need not woo,

W Oman's will 'twill swift subdue."

And with a wild scream of laughter the witch vanished.

The cavalier, meantime, had witnessed Ruprgieri's magical cere-
monials with impatience, somewhat curbed by astonishment. Pre-
pared to treat the whole performance as the juggling exhibition of
a charlatan, he was, nevertheless, greatly struck by the extreme
ingenuity displayed by the astrologer in his contrivances — nor less
surprised at the extent of his resources and the nature of the con-
federacy required to give due effect to his impostures. But when
he reflected upon the length of time which Ruggieri had supported
the character of a magician, and that the turret he inhabited
had been erected under his own direction, his wonder at his skill
diminished, and his impatience to bring the scene to a close, re-
turned with greater vehemence than ever. The delay which
occurred was, in one respect, accordant with his Avishes. as it
enabled him to revolve over some means of extricating himself I'rom
the perilous situation in which he was placed, or, at least, of ac-
complishing the purpose now dearest to his heart — that of com-
municating to Esclairmonde the secret of her birth. For some
time he was lost in painful speculation. Suddenly a plan occurred
to him — the expedient was hazardous — but it was the only one
which could be adopted, with any probability of success. Taking
a packet from his bosom, he imlkstened his scarf, in the folds of
which he placed the letters together with the knot of ribands given

THE TWO MASKS. 181

to liim by Esclairmoncle, and then calling Druid towards lilm, con-
trived in the gloom, unperccivcd, to swathe the bandage firmly
rr'rxd the body of the dog. This done, with heart elate, he arose,
and advanced towards the astrologer. At this juncture it was that
the witch disappeared. Ruggieri heard his step, and, in a voice in
■vvliich rage struggled with terror, exclaimed —

" Retire — retire — signor — back, or you endanger soul and body
• — tread not witliin that magic circle — the girl is yours — be patient
an instant. Take this ring — the witch's gilt — it will render your
suit resistless — and withdraw, or by Orimasis, I will exert my art
to enforce compliance with my injunctions."

So saying, Ruggieri thrust the ring upon the cavalier's fin-
ger, and stamped uj)on the Uoor, The latter uttered an exclama-
tion of impatience, but at that moment his mantle was seized
behind with such unlooked for energy, that he was involuntarily
dragged several paces backwards. Placing his hand upon his
poignard, the cavalier was about to free himself from his assailant,
who, he doubted not, was the dwarf, but his design was checked
by the rehnquishment of the grasp, and by the sudden opening of
a curtain disclosing to his view, within a small recess, the sleeping
figure of the Gelosa,

CHAPTER XIV.

TnE TWO MASKS.

One of these men is genius to the other—

Wliich is the natural man,

And which the spirit ?— Wlio shall decypher them ?

COMKDY OF ErROKS.

Suspended over the pallet upon which she lay, a lamp threw
a faint light upon the features of the unfortunate singer. Her
countenance was deathly pale ; and though her slumber was calm,
it was evidently not the repose induced by " nature's best nurse,"
but the torpor occasioned by some medicated potion. Escaped
from their confinement, her raven tresses wandered over her person,
still clothed in the boyish garb of the morning ; and their dusky
hue contrasted strikingly with the exceeding fairness of her neck
and throat, now partially exposed by the disorder of her habiH'
ments. Something there was in her situation so touching as power'
fully to enlist the sympathies of the cavalier in her behalf ; and
(shall we injure him in the esteem of our fair readers if we confess
6o much ?) something so resistless in her beauty as to awaken in

182 CRicnTON".

his bosom a momentary emotion more akin to love tlian to pity.
In palliation of this brief disloyalty wo may add that Catherine de
Medicis, liitherto a stranger to the attractions of the Gelosa — as
she regarded her features with fome attention was so struck with
her beauty, that she no longer felt any surprise at the extravagant
passion with Avhich she liad ins])ired her illustrious admirer.

"By our lady !" she exclaimed, '"the girl is fairer than I
thouLdit her. Is it possible that that lovely creature can be lowly
born?"

"It would seem not from the amulet I hold," replied the cava-
lier.

"Permit me to examine that key more narrowly, signer," said
Rucfo-icri, advancing towards them, " I maybe able to resolve her
majesty's question. Meantime I pray you take this phial. The
damsel sleeps, as you perceive, but let her breathe from this flagon,
and her slumbers will at once be dissipated."

"'Twerc better she should awake no more than to dishonour,"
murmured the cavalier, as he took the phial, and restored the golden
key to Ruggieri. " Poor girl 1" he mentally ejaculated as ho
approached the couch, — " my chance of rescuing thee from perse-
cution, and from what is worse than -death, is now slight indeed.
But the attempt shall be made. I have vowed to accomplish thy
rescue, and I tcill accomplish it or perish in the effort!"

And with these musings he employed the phial as directed
by Ruggieri, nor had he to wait long for the result of his applica-
tion. The Gelosa started and unclosed her eyes ; but as her gaze
fell upon the cavalier's sable mask, with a scream of terror she
hastily averted her head.

" He here again," she shrieked, — " mother of mercy, shield me
from this demon !"

The cavalier bent his head over the shrinking maiden, and
in a low tone breathed in her ear her name — " Ginevra."

Not more suddenly does the falcon turn her wing at licr master's
call, than did the Gelosa start at the cavalier's voice. Trembling
•from head to foot, she raised herself upon the couch — she bent her
gaze upon his figure — she peered into the holes of his mask as if to
seek some further confirmation of her liopcs — she dashed aside her
blinding tresses, passed her lingers rapidly across her brow, as if to
collect her scattered senses, and in a low tone, exclaimed — " That
voice — do I still dream ? — that voice coupled with that hideous
phantom — methinks I heard my own name pronounced by tones,
so loved, so tender ; but it must have been a dream — how should he
know my name ? Oh ! I am very faint." And she again sank
backwards."

The cavalier regarded her with deep commiseration ; but scarcely
knowing how far in her present state of excitement it would be
prudent to trust her with a knowledge of his plans, he deemed it

THE TWO MASKS. 183

advisable to resume the clls£,nused tone of voice lie had adopted in
his conference with Catherine. " For wliom do you take me,
•Ginevra?" he asked.

" For Avhom?" exclaimed the maiden, — " I took you for ananirel
of light, but I find you arc a spirit of darkness. Hence and
leave me. Torture me no longer with your presence. Have I not
ah'eady endured ngony at your hands ? Must dishonour Hkewisn
be my portion. — Never. I have resisted all your ellbrts— your
blandishments — your entreaties — your lorce — and I will continue
to resist you. I can yet defy your power, as I defied you in your
palace at JMantua. AV'oman's love may be iickle, but her hate is
constant. I hate you, prince, and 1 will die a thousand deaths
rather than yield me to your embraces."

As Gincvra spoke, she became, for the first time, aware of the
disordered state of her apparel. If her complexion had been here-
tofore as white as that of the mountain snow, its iiuc was as suddenly
changed as that of the same snow when it is tinged by thepurplinf
sunset. Neck, cheek, and throat were turned to crimson by the
hot and blushing tide, while sliame, mingled with resentment, was
vividly depicted upon her glowing countenance.

" Ah ! false and felon kniglit," she cried, bitterly, " thou hast
done well to steal upon a maiden's privacy — upon her slumbers —
but get hence, or by the Virgin 1 will tear off this bandage from
my Avound and breathe out my life before thine eyes. Ah! why
was not that blow more surely aimed — why did I not perish in
saving Crichton !"

" And do you love Crichton thus devotedly?'' asked the cava-
lier.

" Do I love him?" repeated Gincvra — *' do I love heaven — adore
its saints — hate tkce ? — Love liiiii I"" she continued, passionately —
" he is to me life — nay, more than life. Understand me, — thou
whose dark Jieart can only couple love with desire — thd affection
.which 1 bear to Crichton is that of the devotee for the saint. He
is my heart's idol, its divinity. I aspire not to his love. I ask for
. no return. I am content to love without hope. It were happiness
too much to die for him: but having failed in that, think not I
will live for another."

" Then live for him !" said the cavalier in an undcr-tonc, and
resuming his natural voice.

To describe the effect produced upon the Gelosa by these words,
and by the sudden change of tone, were impossible. She passed
her hand across her brow — she gazed upon her masked companion
in doubt and amazement, and then exclaimed under her breath,
and with a look, as if her life hung upon the issue of her inquiry
—"Is it?"

" It />," returned the cavalier. And her head declined upon hia
ehoidder.

184 CRICHTON.

Catherine was not more surprised at this sudden change in the
Gelosa's manner than the astrologer.

"Thy spell begins to work, good father," she said, " the girl
relents."

" IMalcdizione 1" returned Kuggleri, furiously.

"How! — art tliou not satisfied with thine own handiwork?'*
demanded Catherine, in surprise, " thou art distraught."

" 'Tis because it is mine own handiwork that I am distraught,"
returned the astrologer. " My gracious mistress," he continued,
throwing himself at the queen's feet, who viewed his conduct with
increased astonishment, "I have served you lldthfully — "

*' Go to — what wouldst thou ?"

"I ask a boon in requital of my long services — a light request,
madam."

" Name it."

" Suffer not yon girl to quit the chamber to-night. Or, if she
must go Jience, let me accompany her."

Catherine returned no answer, but clapping her hands together,
the dwarf, in obedience to her signal, rushed to the trap-door.

To return to the cavalier. His elU^rts, seconded by his kindly
tvords, speedily restored the Gelosa to consciousness. Gently dis-
engaging herself liom his (.-mbrace, and casting down her large
eyes, as if fearing to meet his gaze, she thus, in a low tone,
addressed him : " Pardon me, noble signor, my late freedom of
speech. My lips have betrayed the secret of my Jieart, but on my
soul I wotJd not so have spoken liad I deemed that my words
would ever have reached your eai's."

'•' I need not that assurance, fair Ginevra," returned the cavalier,
*' and it pains me to think that your love is fixed upon one
who can only requite your devotion with a brother's tenderness.
But listen to me. With this key you will pass, by a subterranean
outlet, to the Hotel de Soissons. Escape will then be easy. Tarry
without its walls, on the quarter nigh the church of Saint Eustache,
for an hour. If in that space I join you not, depart, and go upon
the morrow to the Louvre. Seek out the Demoiselle Esclairmonde,
— do you mind that name, Ginevra ?"

" 1 do — " gasped the Gelosa.

" You will find her amongst the attendants of the Queen Louise.
Bear to her this paper.''

" 'Tis stained with blood," cried Ginevra, as she received the
letter.

" 'Tis traced with my dagger's point," rejoined the cavalier.
'•Will you convey it to her?"

" 1 will."

*' And now," continued the cavalier, " collect all your energies'}
fair maiden. You must leave this chamber alone."

" And you—?"

" Heed me not ; a fate dearer than mine hangs upon that paper

THE TWO MASKS. 185

— upon your safety. You have ?ai(l you love mc. You have ap-
proved your devotion. But I claim a further proof. Whatever
you may hear or see, tarry not. When I bid you, go. You have
a poiirnard — ha ?"

" What Italian woman is witliout one?"

" It is well. You who dread not to die, need fear nothing.
Your hand. I am once more the mask. Be firm — ha — it is too»
late."

The latter exclamation was uttered as the cavalier perceived
the trap-door open, and Catherine's guard ascend. One by one the
dark figures stepped upon tlie floor. At last the mask appeared
bound, and conducted by Loupgarou and Caravaja.

" What means this ?" inquired the affrighted Gelosa.

*' Ask not, but follow me," replied the cavalier, advancing
quickly towards the queen.

" Madam," he exclaimed, " before this execution takes place,.
I pray you suffer this maidcii to withdraw. Let her await our
coming forth within the corridor of your palace."

" Be it so," returned Catherine.

" Go," whispered the cavalier to Ginevra — *' you have the key
— there is the masked door."

" She stirs not hence," said Ruggieri, seizing the maiden's arm.

" What mcan'st thou, old man," cried the cavalier. " What
right hast thou to oppose her departure ?"

" A father's right," returned Huggleri — " she Is m}^ child."

" Thy child !" screamed the Gelosa, recoiling — " oh no — no —
not thy child."

"Thou art the daucrhtcr of Ginevra Malatesta — thou art like-
"Wise my daughter."

" Beheve him not, dear signer," cried the Gelosa, clinging to
the cavalier — " he raves — I am not his daughter."

" By my soul I speak the truth," ejaculated Ruggieri.

'*My patience is exhausted," exclaimed the queen; "let tlio
girl tarry where she is. I have not done with her. Crichton's
execution shall no longer be delayed."

" His execution !" ci'ied the Gelosa, with a thrilling scream.
" Is it Crichton whom you would put to death ?"

" Be calm," whispered the cavalier — " Heed not mc — but In the
confusion make good your own escape."

" Thou hast said it, maiden," returned Catherine, sternly smiling
— -" that mask conceals thy lover's features — "

" That mask !— ha !"

At this moment Catherine again clapped her hands. There was
an instant movement amongst the men-at-arms. Quick as thought
tiie mask was dragged forwards. A block of Avood was placed
upon the ground by Caravaja. The sword of Loupgarou gleamed
in the air.

186 CRICIITON',

The cavalier placed liiinsell' between Cntlierric and tlie execu-
tioners. His liand was laid npon his vizard.

"You have said the withdrawal of" your mask should be tlio
signal of Crichton's doom,'' cried the queen, addressing the cava-
lier, " are you prepared, signor ?"

"I am prepared, madaine," replied the cavalier, calmly, "to
meet my own fate. Not against yon mask, but against me, must
your vengeance be directed."

And as he spoke, he withdrew his vizard.

" Malediction !" exclaimed Catherine, as she beheld the features
of the Scot, " traitor ! — have we then been thy dupe all this while
— liave I been betrayed into the avowal of my most secret
schemes — into the commission of a grievous and scarce pardonable
indignity to my nearest and dearest ally? Have I — but thy
cunning shall avail thee little — Dieu merci ! — thou art still in my
power. Don Vincenzo," she continued, turning to the mask,
whose vizard having been in the confusion hastily removed by
Caravaja, discovered d;uk and haughty lineaments, inflanied with
choler, but strongly impressed with the lofty and peculiar character
proper to the southern noble — (a character which the reader will
at once understand if he will call to mind the grave and majestic
Venetian faces of Titian) — " Don Vincenzo," said Catherine, ad-
dressing the prince, who still remained surrounded by the guard
— " what reparation can I offer you for the affront I have thus
unintentionally put upon you ?"

" One only reparation will I accept," cried Vincenzo, proudly
shaking off the grasp of Loupgarou, and advancing towards the
queen.

" Give me to understand your wishes," returned Catherine.

*' I claim the life of my adversary," returned Gonzaga,

" Now, by my soul, prince," said Catherine, in a deep whisper,
" you have asked a boon I cannot grant. Crichton's life is ne-
cessary to W7/ safety — to your safety. He must die."'

" He sliall die, madam, upon the morrow," returned Vincenzo,
in the same tone : " but tlie blazon of Gonzaga were for ever
stained, — my honour as a knight for ever spotted, if he, whom I
have defied to mortal combat, should be assassinated in my pre-
. sence. He must be set free."

*' Never," replied Catherine, " his death will lie at my door.
He is in possession of my schemes — of Anjou's plot — and of a
secret of vital import, which I deemed I had communicated to
yourself ; no, he must die."

" I had rather perish upon the block, bv the hands of tho.^e mis-
creants, than suffer my honour to be thus sullied," exclaimed Gon-
zaga. "Hear me, madam," he cried, aloud. " Sufler him to
depart, and I will gage my princely faith that the Chevalier Cricli-
ton betrays no secret — reveals no plot. The laws of honour, im-

THE TWO MASKS. 1S7

perativc on mc, arc not less blmliiiij: upon him. Let liim depart
without fear, and intrust the work ot" vengeance to me. To-mor-
row we meet as mortal enemies — to-night wc part as fiiir focmen."

" Gage not your faith for mc, prince," said Crichton, who with
sword and dagger ilerccly confronted his assailants, " I can neither
accept life nor freedom upon the terms you propose. If I de[)art
hence, the secret I have obtained will be revealed — nay, if my
voice be silenced in death, my last gasp will be cheered with the
conviction that other tongues than mine will breathe it for me."

" Ha !" exclaimed Catherine.

"My vengeance will survive me, madam/'* continued the Scot;
*'you may iloat this chamber Avith my blood — may hew me limb
from limb — but that secret will c;^cape you — nay, it has already
escaped you. I may never behold her more, may never exchange
word with her again, but, ere to-morrow's sun shall set, tlie proof
of her birth will be laid before the Princess of Conde."

" Thou liest !" cried Catherine.

"Where are the despatches of Tavanncs, tlie letters of the
Cardinal of Lorraine, your own written authority?" demanded
Crichton.

" lia !" exclaimed Catherine, hastily glancing at the packet she
held within her hand — "Traitor ! where are they ?''

" On their way to the Louvre," replied Crichton.

*' Impossible !"

" I have found a faithful inesscnger — "

"En verdad, sa magestad, this braggai't's only messenger can
have been the great dog who accompanied him," exclaimed Cara-
vaja. '"The accursed brute dashed down the trap door as wc as-
cended, and 1 remarked that he had a scarf twisted round his
throat."

"That scarf contained the letters," said Crichton, with a smile
of triumph.

" And the hound escaped you ?" demanded Catherine, of the
Spaniard.

" It is no dog, but a llend in bestial shape," replied Caravaja ;
*' tlie phantasm was out of si^ht in a moment."

" Chevalier Crichton," said Catherine, advancing towards him,
and speaking in an imder-tono, " those papers arc of more value to
me than your life. I will capitulate with you. Upon the condi-
tions ollered to you by the Prince of Mantua, you may depart
freely."

" I have said that I reject them, madam. Lid your assassins
advance. To Heaven and Saint Andrew I commit my cause."

" I will die witli you," murmured Ginevra.

" Hash girl, thou hast no part in this Iray," cried Ruggicri ;
"hence with thy father."

" Never," shrieked the Gclosa, " I will never quit the Signer
Crichton's side — the blov/ wliich is his death, shall be mine likewise.

188 CRICHTON.

Let inc go, I say. I am not thy cliilJ. Tliou liast invented this
story to betray inc."

" Here mc. Gincvra — 1 have proofs — "

" No, I will not lis: en to thee. Thou wouldst have barterod my
honour for the Prince of Mantua's irold. Was that a father's
love ? But if thou urt my father, leave me, and draw not my
blood, as well as that of my mother, upon thy head ; for, by our
Lady of Pity! I will plun^^c this steel to my heart rather than
yield to thy licentious master."

" Ginevra, I would free thee from him. In mercy listen to me/'
But ere he could proceed, the fiery girl drew her dagger, and ex-
tricating herself from his grasp, once more took refuge by the side
of Crichton.

Catherine, meantime, despite the indignant remonstrances of
Gonzaga, who, being imarmed, could take no part in the conflict,
had commanded the men-at-arms to assault the Scot.

" Upon him, knaves," she cried, " wh.at do you fear ? — he is
but one — strike! and spare not."

Crichton breasted their fury, as the rock resists and hurls
back the breakers. The gleam of their swords flashed in the
eyes of the Gelosa; the clash of steel resounded in her ears. The
stiife was terrific. But amidst it all the Scot remained unin-
jured ; not a thrust could reach him, while several desperate wounds
were received by his antagonists. The vociferations, the clamour,
the trampling of feet were deafening. Suddenly the noise ceased.
Catherine looked to sec if her enemy had fallen, but she beheld
him in an attitude of defence, calmly regarding his antagonists,
who had drawn back to take breath and consider upon some new
plan of attack. Mortified and dismayed, the queen began to
ajDprehcnd the issue of the combat might yet determine in favour
of Crichton, when she beheld a dark figure stealing behind him.
It Avas the dwarf. With stealthy steps she saw him approach
the Scot. He bounded forward — a dauuer was in his iri'^sp — when
at that moment he was felled by the stiletto of the Gelosa. Cathe-
rine could not restrain an exclamation of displeasure.

" Cravens," she cried, " ye lack the nerves of men — give me
a sword, and I will show you how to wield it."

Thus e.xhorted, the ruffian band renewed the conflict, and
with better success than before. A few blows only had been
exchanged, when Crich ton's sword, a light rapier, intended
more for ornament than use, was shivered, and with the excep-
tion of his poignard, a feeble defence against six trenchant
blades, he lay at their mercy. A savage yell Avas raised by his
opponents. A few moments more they saw would now decide the
fight. Resolved, however, to sell his life dearly, Crichton darted
forward, and seizing the foremost of the crew by the throat, plunged
his dagger into his breast. The wretch fell with a deep groan. His
comrades pressed on to avenge him. With his cloak twisted round
his arm, Crichton contrived for some moments to ward ofl' their

('•-m!,miMMri

THE TWO MASKS. 189

blows and rid hinuclf of another foe. But it was evident what
must be the result of a contest so unequal: nevertheless, tlic Scot's
defence was so o;allant as still to leave his enemies in doubt, who, as
he seconded a leint with a thrust at Loupgarou, his foot slij)[)cd upon
the floor, now floating in blood, and he stumbled. Swifter than
thought Ginevra interposed her own person between Loupgarou
and Crichton, and the blow intended for him must have transfixed
her, had not a loud cry from Uuggieri arrested the hand of the
giant.

" Sparc my child! — spare her! my gracious mistress !" ejaculated
the distracted astrologer.

But Catherine was deaf to his entreaties.

*' Spare neither," she said, sternly

Cricliton, however, had recovered his feet. A word even in
that brief interval had passed between him and the Gelosa. Ere
his intention could be divined, he had flown together with the maid
to tl^.c recess — and the curtains liiiling at the same moment to the
ground, concealed them from view. An instant afterwards, when
these hangings were withdrawn by Caravaja and Loupgarou, they
liad disappeared. A masked door within the wall, half open,
showed the means by which their flight had been ellectcd. " Sangre
de Dios !" cried Caravaja, as this door was suddenly closed, and a
bar, as was evident i'rom the sound, drawn across it on the other
side, " our purpose is frustrated."

" Cap-de-diou !" ejaculated Loupgarou, "whither doth that
outlet lead?"

As he spoke, the giant felt his leg suddenly compressed by a
nervous gripe, while, at the same time, a noise like the hissing of a
serpent sounded in his cars. Starting at the touch, Loupgarou
beheld the red orbs of Elberich fixed upon him. The unfortunate
manikin, mortally wounded, had contrived to crawd towards
]iim. The stream of life, ilowing in thick and inky drops from his
side, was ebbing fast — but the desire of vengeance lent him strength.
Directing the giant's attention towards a particular part of the
Avail, he touched a spring and another but a smaller door ilew open.
Through this aperture the dwarf crept, beckoning Loupgarou, who
■with Caravaja and his two remaining followers instantly went after
him.

Scarcely had the party disappeared, when the door through
■which Crichton had approached the turret from the queen's palace,
Tcvolved upon its hinges, and the Vicomte de Joyeuse, accom-
panied by Chicot, and attended by an armed retinue, entered the
■chamber. He cast a quick glance round the room, and his coun-
tenance fell as he beheld the bloody testimonials of the recent fray.

" Monseigncur," he said, advancing towards Gonzaga, who
rcm.ained motionless with his arms folded on his breast, " I have
it in his majesty's commands to assure myself of your person till the
morrow."

190 CrwCITTON".

" A prisoner !"cxcltumcd (ionza<^^a, his hand vainly scarclung for
his sword, — " know you whom you thus address ?"

"I know only that I address one whom I hold.tobca loya)
cavalier," returned Joyeuse, quiekly, " but when I ijaze around this
chamber, and behold these marks of butchery. <loubts arise in my
mind which I would lain have removed. Whom have I the
honour to place under arrest ?"

"The Prince of Mantua," replied Catherine ; "the kin^^'s arrest
cannot attach to him."

" Vive Dicu !" exclaimed the vicomte, " I am indeed much
honoiu'cd. But you are mistaken, madam — his majesty's arrest
does attach to the prince. Messieurs, to your charge I commit his
highness. My duty, however, is only half fulfilled. May I crave
to know where 1 shall meet with the Chevalier Crlchton, if he be,
as 1 conjecture, within this turret ?"

" You will scarce need to assure yourself of his person, mon-
selgneur," replied Catherine, smiling ; " my attendants have already
saved you that trouble."

'•' How, madam !"" exclaimed Joyeuse, starting.

" Outcries and footsteps resoimd from this doorway," ejaculated
Chicot. " Methinks I hear the voice of Crichton — there agaiu —
to the rescue. Monsieur le Vicomte."

" Prince," cried Joyeuse, " you shall answer to me for the life
of the Chevalier Crichton. In his quarrel v;ith you I was chosen
Ills parraiu, and by Saint Paul, if he have perished by assassi-
nation in your presence, I will proclaim you felon and craven,
throughout every court in Christendom."

" Monsieur le Vicomte, you do well to threaten a prisoner,"
replied Gonzaga, haughtily. " But a season will arrive when you
shall answer to 7ne for these doubts."

" And tome likewise," added Catherine, haughtily. " Monsieur
le Vicomte, I command you and your followers to withdraw, on
pain of incurring my deadliest resentment."

" I am Ills majesty's rcpi'csentatlve, madame," returned Joyeuse,
proudly, " and invested with his authority to seek out and detain
a noble cavalier, somewhile distinguished as ' the mask,' together
with tli-c Chevalier Crichton, during his sovereign pleasure. You
are best aware what account you will render of the latter to hi?
majesty."

" To the rescue ! to the rescue! monselgneur," screamed Chicot,
** I hear a female voice."

" My daughter ! my daughter !"" ejaculated Rugglerl.

" Some of you take charge of yon caitiif," exclaimed Joyeuse,
pointing with his sword to the astrologer; " he is concerned, 1 doubt
not, in this foul transaction — and now follow me who may ?
Montjole ! Saint Denis ! — on ! — "

So saying, he dashed through the narrow portal, and sprang
swiftly up a dark and winding staircase, down Avhich the echoes of
oaths and other vociferations now distinctly resounded.

^91

CHAPTER XV.

THE COLUMN OF CATHERINE DE MEDICIS.

On luy .'ittachoit ung cable en quelque haute tour pondant en terre : par icelluy
avecques deux mains niontoit. puis devaloit si roidement, et si asseureinent, quQ
plus ne pourriez parniy ung pre bien egalle.

IvABELAis. Garyantua. Liv. I. Ch. xxiii.

Opposite the Rue de Viarmes, and reared against the circular
walls of the Halle-au-Ble — with its base washed by a fountain,—*,
its shaft encircled by a cylindrical dial, and huge gnomonic projec-
tion, and its summit surmounted by a strange spherical cage of iron
— stands, at this day, a tall, fluted, richly decorated, Doric column;
bearing upon its aspect the reverend impress of antiquity. The
fountain and dial are of modern construction ; the spherical crest
is ancient. Tradition assigns this observatory, for such it is, to
Catherine dc ^Nledicis. From hence she is said to have nightly
perused, within the starry scroll of heaven, the destinies of the
great city stretched out at her feet — while, from the same situa-
tion, Ruggieri is reported to have gathered the lore by which he
was enabled to avert the stroke of danger, and strengthen and
consolidate his mistress's power.

The iron cage alluded to, and which is supposed to have some
recondite allusion to the mysteries of astrology, was, in all proba-
bility, contrived by the Florentine seer. Its form has given rise
to much speculation. Consisting of a circular frame-work of iron,
crossed by other circles, and supported by a larger hemisphere of
iron bars ; — " des cercles et des demicercles entrelaces" says M. Pin-
gre ; — the object of wdiich it is diflicult to conceive, imless they
were intended as types of the science, to the uses of which the
structure was devoted ; and erected after the designs of the cele-
brated Jean BuUan, this pillar situated, at the period vuider con-
sideration, in the angle of a lateral court of the Hotel de Soissons,
is the sole remnant now existing of that vast and magnificent edifice.
Its history is remarkable — but it may suffice to say, that it was pre-
served from the general demolition of Catherine's palace by the
generosity of a private individual, Le Sieur Petit de Bachaumont,
by whom it was redeemed at the jirice of 1500 livres. The ellcct of
the observatory is materially injured by its contiguity to the Halle-
au-Ble, and its symmetry destroyed by an horologiographical
contrivance, as well as by a tasteless tablet placed above its plinth ;
"but notwithstanding these drawbacks — viewed either in connexion
with its historical associations, or with the mysterious and exploded

192 ClilCiiTON.

science of winch it is a relic, — the column of Catherine dc Medicig
can scarcely be regarded with IndifTerence. Within its deeply-cut
chainlcrlng, now almost effaced by time, are still to be traced em-
blematic devices, similar to those heretofore mentioned as adorning
the Avails of Uiiggieri's laboratory. The elevation of the pillar
from the ground is nearly a hundred feet, and its diameter some-
what more than nine leet.

\\ hen Crichton and the Gelosa disappeared through the recess,
their course was for a few moments shaped along a low, narrow
passage, evidently contrived within the thickness of the wall, which,
alter a brief but toilsome ascent, conducted them to Avliat appeared,
I'rom the increased height of the roof, and greater space between
tlie vails, to be a sort of landing-place. Whether there was any
ftirther outlet from this spot, the profound darkness in which all
was involved, left them no means of ascertaining; but as they tarried
I'or an instant to recover breath, Crichton took advantage of" the
occa ion, warmly to express his thanks to his fair companion for the
succour she had so opportunely allbrded him.

" But for you," he said, " fair Ginevra, I had perished beneath
the daggers of Catherine's assassins. To you I owe my life a second
time,^how — how shall I requite your devotion ?"

" By suflerlng me to be your slave," cried the impassioned girl;
bathing his hand with tears, — " to remain ever near you."

" You shall never leave me," returned the Scot, kindly, carry-
ing his gratitude to a scarce allowable length; for as ho spoke, his
lips sought the burning mouth of the Gelosa, while his arms pressed
lie'" closely to his bosom.

"Santa Madonna!" exclaimed Ginevra, hastily drawing back
her liead, deeply abashed at the impulse to which she had yielded,
•** our pursuers are at hand."

At the same moment, also, Crichton became aware of the sound
•of hoarse voices, and approaching footsteps.

" There is — there nuist be a further outlet — this chamber com-
anunlcatcs with the queen's observatory," cried the Gelosa, " I
remember I was dragged to some such place as this, by him who
ialsely calls himself my lather, a few hours ago. Each wall
in this frightful turret is perforated, like a state dungeon, with secret
passages. Step Ibrward, sweet signor, and you will find the
•outlet"

With outstretched hand Crichton guided himself rapidly along
the wall. The aperture was instantly discovered. His foot was
•on the flight of steps.

" Follow me, Ginevra," he cried, extending his hand in the
•direction of the damsel. But a grasp Avas laid upon her, from
which she could not extricate herself. At the same moment a
ihi?sing laugh proclaimed her captor to be the vindictive dwaif.
With supernatural force the mannikln twined himself round her

THE COLUMN OF CATHERINE DE MEDICIS. ID'S

person. Tlie maiden felt herself sinking. His hot breatli was
upon lier face — his horrible mouth approached her throat. She
experienced a sharp and sudden tlirill of pain. Tlie vampire having
no other weapon, sought to fix his tcetli in her neck. In this ex-
tremity, as she gave herself up for lost, Elberich's grasp relaxed,
and the monster sank an inert mass to the earth. Crichton's poig-
nard had freed her from her foe ; while his arm bore her up the
spiral stairs, just as Loupgarou and liis crew reached the landing-
place. The giant heard the struggle between Ginevra and Elberich
— he heard also the fall of the latter, and with a bound sprang for-
ward. He was too late to secure his prey, and stumbling over
the prostrate body of the dwarf, impeded with his huge person the
further advance of his followers. Muttering deep execrations, he
then arose and began to ascend the column. After mounting some
forty or fifty steps, a dull light, admitted through a narrow slit in
the pillar, cheered his progress.

" By my fay,'^ cried Loupgarou, as he gazed througli this loop-
hole upon the gardens of tlie Hotel de Soissons, just visible by the
uncertain light of a clouded moon, "we are within her majesty's
observatory — those are the royal gardens — and yonder are the old
towers of Saint Eustache."

" En verdad companero," replied Caravaja, thrusting forward
his visage, and surveying in his turn the scene, *' thou hast said it.
It must be the structure 1 have so often gazed at from the Rue des
Etuves, with the cage in which folks say Ruggieri keeps Senor
Sathanas confined. Many a time have I seen that sooty imp, whose
carcase we have left in the room below, practise a thousand fantastic
trickeries upon those iron bars. There used to be a rope from
wliich he would fling himself headlong from the summit, and
^^ving backwards and forwards like an ape or a juggler, to the terror
of all pious observers. — Ha ! — What means that clamour and' clash-
ing of swords? There are others at work besides ourselves.
Vamos camarada !"

" Softly," replied the lethargic giant, pausing to take breath —
*' we do not need hurry onvi^olvQS, (]uo marjis properare stadeo, eo
me im])edio mcajis — as we say in the schools ! W^e are certain our
Scot is in this turret — we are certain, moreover, that he cannot
descend without passing us — we are furthermore certain, that we
are four, and that he is but one ; ergo we may safely reckon upon
his head — and upon our reward."

" Concedo cnnsequentiam" returned Caravaja, '' but proceed,
most redoubted Gohath, or this puissant David may prove too much
for thee after all. Ha ! hear you that shot ? Some one has dis-
covered him from below — mount! — despatch!"

Thus urged, Loupgarou recommenced the ascent. Another and
another loophole showed him the elevation he had attained, and
at length his mighty head came in contact with a plate of iron,

194 CRICHTOX.

Avliich proved to be a trap-door opening upon the summit of tho
•column, but which was now fastened on the other side. Here was an
unexpected difliculty thrown in their path, not entirely, however,
to the dissati!^laction of the giant, who, despite his bulk and sinew,
like all other men of vast proportions, was of a somewliat craven
nature at bottom, and regarded the approaching struggle with con-
siderable misgiving. He deemed it necessary, however, to conceal
his o-ratiiication under a mask of oath and bluster, and seconding
his words with a show of resolution, applied his shoulder to the
trap-door widi so much good-will, that, to his astonishment, it at
once yielded to his ellbrts. To recede was now impossible. Cara-
vaja and his comrades were swearing in the rear; so putting a bold
face upon the matter, he warily emerged. What was his surprise,
imd we may say delight, to find the roof deserted. In proportion
to his security his choler increased.

"Hola! — my masters," he roared, " wc arc tnckcd — duped —
tleceived. This Crichton is in league with the licnd. He has made
liimself a pair of wings, and flown away with the girl upon his
Lack — Cap-de-diou ! we arc robbed of our reward."

" San diablo ■" exclaimed Caravaja, as he also emerged from the
trap-door. " Gone ! — ha — higados ! — I perceive the device."

To return to the Scot and his fair charge. Sustaining the
terrified girl, who was so much exhausted as to be wholly un-
,able to assist herself, within his arms, Crichton rapidly threaded
tlic steps of the column. Arrived at the summit, he gently
deposited Gincvra upon tlie roof, and stood with his dagger in hand
prepared to strike down the first of his assailants who should appear
•at the mouth of the staircase. The cold fresh air now playing upon
her check in some degree revived the Gelosa. She endeavoured to
raise herself, but her strength was unequal to the effort. At this
moment an outcry was heard below. It was the voice of Blount
calling to his dog. Crichton uttered an exclamation of delight.
The packet h.ad reached its destination — it woidd be delivered to
Esclairmonde. Scarcely had this thought passed through his mind,
Avhen the sudden report of an arquebuss Avas heard — succeeded by
:a deep howl. Blount's shouts, mingled with those of Ogilvy, arose
loud and stunning. The clash of swords succeeded. Crichton
•could no longer resist tlie impulse that prompted him to glance at
the combatants. He leaned over the edge of the pillar, but all that
lie could discern was the Englisliman engaged in sharp conflict with
■several armed figures partially concealed from liis view by the inter-
vening shrubs of the garden. Druid was by his side, foaming, furious,
and with his teeth fastened upon one of his master's assailants.
The scarf was gone. But whether or not it was in Blount's posses-
;sion, he was unable to ascertain. As he turned in doubt and some
dejection towards the trap-door, his eye chanced upon a coil of rope
attached to one of the links constituting the larger hemisphere of

THE COLUMN OF CATHERINE DE MEDICIS. 195

iron bars by Avliicli he Avas suiToundcd. A means of escape at once
presented itself to his imagination. Swift as thought he tried tlie
durability of the cord. It was of strength sufllcient to sustain his
weight ; and of more than sufficient extent to enable him to reach
the ground. He uttered an exclamation of joy ; but he suddenly
checked himself. The plan was relinquished as soon as formed.
He could not abandon the Gclosa.

Ginevra divined his intentions. Collectini; all her cncriries, she
threw lierself at his feet, beseeching him to avail himself of
the opportunity that presented itself of safety by flight.

" And leave you here to lall into the hands of your pursuers — of
Gonzaga — never," replied Crichton.

" Heed me not — heed me not — noble and dear signor," replied
the Gclosa. "I have w/_?/ means of escape likewise — go — go — I
implore of you. What is my life to yours ? By the Virgin !"
she continued, with passionate earnestness, " if you do not obey me,
1 will fling m^^sclf headlong from this pillar and free you from
restraint, and myself from persecution.""

So saying, she advanced to the brink of the column, as if
resolved upon putting her tlireat into instant execution.

" Hold, hold, Ginevra," exclaimed Crichton, " we may both
avoid our foes. Give me thy hand, rash girl." And ere she
could advance another footstep, the Scot detained her with a
powerful grasp. Ginevra sank unresistingly into his arm?.
Crichton's next proceeding Avas to make fast the trap-door,
the bolt of which presented such feeble resistance to the tlercu
lean shoulders of Loupgarou. He then threw the cord over the
edge of tiie column, and advanced to the brink to see that it
had fallen to the ground. As he did so, he was perceived and
recognised by Ogllvy, who hailed him with a loud shout, but as
that doughty Scot was engaged hand to hand with a couple of
assailants, he Avas not in a condition to render his patron any effi-
cient assistance. Having ascertained that the cord had dropped in
the Avay he thought desirable, Crichton again assured himself
of the firmness of the knot, and placing his dagger betAveen his
teeth, to be ready for instant service on reaching the ground,
and twining his left arm securely round the person of the Gelosa,
whose supplications to be abandoned to her fate Avere unheeded,
he grasped the rope tlglitl}^ Avith his right hand, and leaning over
the entablature of the cohunn, pushed himself deliberately over its
ledge.

For a moment the rope vibrated Avith the shock ; and as she
found herself thus swinging to and fro in mid air, Ginevra could
scarcely repress a scream. Her brain reeled as she gazed dizzily
■doAvnAvards, and perceived the space intervening between her
and the earth. Her head involuntarily sank over her shoulder,
and she closed her eyes. Had her safety depended on her own
powers of tenacity, she had certainly fallen.

o 2

19G CRicirroN".

The rope, mcanwliile, continued its oscillations. With one arm
only disengaged, and the other encumbered by his fair burden, it
was almost impossible for Crichton to steady it. The architrave
and frieze crowning the capital, projected nearly two feet be-
yond the body of the shaft. For some time he could neither
reach the sides of the pillar so as to steady his course by its lluted
clumnels, nor venture to trust himself to the guidance of the
shifting cord. His peril appeared imminent. The strain upon
the muscles Avas too great to be long endured. But CricUton's
energies were inexhaustible, and his gripe continued unrelaxing.
At length, after various inellectual efforts he succeeded in twining
his legs securely round the rope, and was about to descend, when
an incident occurred that rendered his situation yet more
perilous.

Filled with astonishment at the daring attempt tliey witnessed,
as Crichton launched himself from the column, the combatants be-
neath — friend and foe, as if by mutual consent — suspended hosti-
lities. It was a feat of such hair-breadth risk, that all gave him up
for lost. But, when he had made good his hold, their admiration
knew no bounds. Blount loudly hurraed, and threw his cap into
the air. Even the adverse party uttered a murmur of applause.
Ogllvy rushed forward to seize and secure the rope — and all had
been well, but at the same moment lie was grappletl by one of his
antagonists, and in the struggle that ensued, the cord was so
violently shaken that Crichton had need of all his vigour to main-
tain his position. The rope whirled round and round ; but con-
triving, amid the gyrations, to insert the point of his foot in the
lluting of the pillar, he once more regained his equilibrium.

" Villain," cried Ogilvy, as he threw his enemy to the earth, and
plunged his dirk within his bosom ; " thou, at least, shall reap the
reward of thy treachery. Ah, what is this?" he cried, as from the
Iblds of a scarf, which liad dropped from the man's grasp, a packet
of letters met his view. He was about to pick them up, when his
attention was diverted by a loud cry Irom Blount.

" Ha! have a care, noble Crichton!" shouted the Englishman,
" have a care, I say ! St. Dunstan and St. Thomas, and all other
good saints protect thee ! — Desist, craven hound, what wouldst thou
do ? The curse of St. Withold upon thee !" The latter part of
Blount's ejaculation was addressed to Loupgarou, whose huge
person might now be discovered leaning over the architrave of the
pillar, and who was preparing to hew the rope asunder with his
sword. " Oh for a sling !" roared Blount, " to smite that accursed
Philistine betwixt the temples."

Directed by these outcries, and, at the same time, perceiving the
effect of a blow upon the rope, Crichton looked upwards. He
beheld the malignant and exulting aspect of Loupgarou, who, It Is
needless to say, through the agency of Caravaja, had discovered

TDK COLUMN OF CATIIEKINE DE :MEDTCIS. 197

the mode of flight adopted by the Scot, and instantly resolved
upon the only revenge in his power. It was evident from his
gestures and ferocious laugliter, that the giant had resolved to
exercise his utmost ingenuity in torturing his enemy. Before he
attempted to sever the cord, lie sliook it with all his force, jerking
it vehemently, first on the right hand, and then on the lelt ; but,
finding he could not succeed in dislodging the tenacious Scot, he
had recourse to another expedient. Taking firmly hold of the
iron bar, by dint of great exertion he contrived to piUl the cord up
several Icet. Uttering a loud yell, he let it suddenly drop. Still
Crichton, though greatly sliaken, maintained his hold. Loupgarou
then proceeded slowly lo saw the cord with his sword. Crichton
gazed downwards. He was still more than sixty feet from the
ground.

"Ho, lio!" bellowed Loupgarou, "not so fast, fair sir — <]ui
vitlt perirr percai — ho, ho! You shall reach the ground without
further eJlbrts of your own, and somewhat more expeditiously —
sternitur e.vaniinisfpie. tremens procumhit hurni — ho, ho ! — "

" That fate shall be thy own, huge ox," screamed the shrill voice
of Chicot in his rear ; " ho, ho ! ' laughed tlie jester, as the giant,
whom he pushed Ibrward with all his might, rolled heavily over
the entablature ; " not so fast, not so fast, my Titan."

*' Quitn adelante no mira, atras se queda,'^ exclaimed Caravaja,
springing upon the jester with the intent of throwing liim after the
giant ; " thou shalt reverse the proverb ; look first and leap after."
The words, however, were scarcely out of his mouth, when he
found himself seized by the Vicomte de Joyeuse, who suddenly
appeared on tlie roof of the column.

Loupgarou made an effort to grasp at the architrave of the pillar
as he was precipitated over it, and then at the rope, but he missed
both. His great weight accelerated lils fall. He descended head
foremost. His skull came in contact with the sliarp, projecting
edge of the phnth, whicli shattered it at once ; and his huge frame
lay without sense upon the pavement of the court just as Cricliton
and his now senseless burthen alighted in safety upon the ground.

" By my bauble I" cried Chicot, as he hailed Cricliton Irom the
summit of the column, " the great gymnastic feats of (iargantua
equal not your achievements, compere."

But Crichton was too much occupied to attend to the jester.
He had now to defend him.self against the assault of Gonzaga'a
followers, Avhose object was to possess themselves of the Gelosa.

At this moment the call of a trumpet sounded from the summit
</f the pillar, and the next instant some dozen men in arms, in the
livery of the Vicomte de Joyeuse, made their appearance at its
base.

" Down with your swords, in the king's name," cried the ser-
geant of the guard. " Chevalier Crichton, in the name of hia
most Catholic majesty, Henri IH., you are our prisonci*."

198 CRICriTON.

'• Where is your leader ?" deinaiul.'d CrielUon, sternly, " to lihn
alone Avill I yield mysclfl"

" He is here, moii c/icr," cried Joycuse, from the top of the
pillar, " and rejoices to find you in salety. I ^viU join you, and
render all needful exi)lanations. Meantinie, you niu^^t, perforce,
continue my prisoner. Your adversary. Prince Yincenzo, hath
yielded himself -witliout demur."

" 'Tis Avell ;" I'cplied Crlchton, throwin:^- down his poignard.

It is needless to describe the rapturous coni>-ratulations of
0!j;ilvy and IMount. The former appeared so anxious to relieve
his })atron Irom the burthen of the fair singer, that he at length
committed her to his care. The disciple of Knox gazed at her
with admiration, and his bosom heaved with strange but inex-
pressible emotions as he held the lovely player-girl in his arms.

"Ha!" exclaimed Crlchton, turning hastily to Blount, "thy
dog — hath he reached tiiee ?"

'' He is here," replied Blount, patting Druid, " he has been
slightly hurt in this fray, poor fellow, the ball of an arrpicbuss hath
grazed his side — '

'' There was a scarf twined around him — thou hast it?" demanded
Crlchton.

" I saw nothing'," answered Blount, starino- in astonisliment at
the (picstion.

'• A scarf," ejaculated Ogllvy, " did it contain a packet ?"

" It did,"' rejoined Crlchton. " Have you seen it?"

" 'Tis liere," answered Ogllvy, springing forward, and once
more committing the Gelosa to his patron. "Ha! here is the
sash," he cried, "and a knot of ribands — but the packet is
gone."

" Search !" said Crlchton — " it may have escaped thy regards."

" It is nowhere to be fnuid," I'cplied Ogllvy, ai'ter a vain quest.

"Ah!" exclaimed Cncliton, in a tone of anguish, "all my
exertions then arc fruitless. Tlie prize is lost as soon as obtained."

VJ9

T300K THE THIRD.— CHAPTER I.

H I C B I B I T U It.

Or, clist Pantagruel, faisons ung transon de bonne cliicrc, et bouvons, jo vou&
en prie, enf'ans— car il faict beau boire tout ce mois.

liABELAis. Ganjantua. Liv. II. Ch. xxx.

Ox tlio day succeeding the events previously related, and about
two hours bclbre noon, the interior ot" the Falcon in the Rue Pe-
lican, presented a scene of much bustle and animation. The tables
were covered Avith viands; the benches with guests. The former
consisting of every variety of refection, liquid and solid, proper to
a substantial Parisian breakflist of the sixteenth century ; from the
well-smoked ham of Bayonne, and savoury sausage of Bologna, to-
the mild potarje de levrier, and unctuous soupe de jjrime. The
latter exhibiting every shade of character, from the roystering
student (your scholars have always been great tavern hunters,)
and sottish clerk of the Basochc, to the buff-jerkincd musquetcer,
and strapping sergeant of the Swiss guard.

The walls resounded with the mingled clatter of the trencher,
the flagon, and the dice-box — with the shouts of laughter, and
vociferations of the company, and with the rapid responses of the
servitors. The air recked with the fumes of tobacco, or, as it was
then called, herhe a la reine^ pimento, and garlic. Pots of hydro-
mel, hippocras, and wine, served to allay the thirst whicli the
salt meats {cornpidsoires de heuvcttes^ according to Rabelais) very
naturally provoked, and many a deep draught was that morning
drained to the health of Dame Eredcgonde, the presiding divinity
of the Falcon.

In saying that the wines of Dame Fredegonde were generally
approved, we merely repeated tlie opinion of every member of
the University of Paris, whose pockets were not utterly exhausted
of the necessary mttal ferrugini, and in averring that her charms
were the universal theme of admiration, we reiterated the senti-
ments of every jolly lansquenet, or Gascon captain of D'Epernon's
' Quarante Cinq,' whose pike had at any time been deposited at
her thresliold, or whose spurs jingled upon her hearth.

Attracted by the re]iort of her comeliness, half the drinking
world of Paris Hocked to the Falcon. It was the haunt of all lovers
of good cheer, and a buxom liostess.

200 CRIOHTON.

Ah I commc on entrait
Boire a son cabaret!

Sonic women there are wlio look old in their youth, and frrow
young again as they advance in life : and of these was Dainc Fre-
(Icgonde. At eighteen she did not appear so young, or so inviting,
as at eight-and-thirty. Her person might be somewhat enlarged —
Avhat of" that ? JSIuny of her admirers thought her very anhonpoint
an improvement. Her sleek black tresses, gathered in a knot at the
back of her head — her smootii brow, which set care and time, and
their furrows, at defiance — her soft dimpled chin — her dark laugh-
ing eyes, and her teeth, Avhlte as a casket of pearls, left nothing to
be desired. You could hardly distinguish between the ring of your
silver real upon her board, and the laughter with which she received
it. To sum up her perfections in a word — she was a widow. As
Dame Fredegonde, notwithstanding her plumpness, had a very
small Avaist, and particularly neat ancles, she wore an extremely
tight boddice, and a, particularly short vertugardin ; and as she was
more than suspected of fiivouring the persecuted Huguenot party,
she endeavoured to remove the impression by wearing at her girdle
a long rosary of beads terminated by the white double cross of
the League.

Among her guests, upon the morning in question. Dame Frede-
gonde numbered the Sorbonist, the Bernardin, the disciples of
Harcourt and .Montaigu, and one or two more of the brawling and
disputatious fraternity, whose companionship we have for some
time abandoned. These students were regaling themselves upon a
Gargantuan gammon of ham, and a. flask of malvoisie. At some
distance from this party, sat Blount, together with his faithful
attendant Druid, who with his enormous paws placed upon his
master's knees, and his nose familiarly thrust upon the board, re-
ceived no small portion of the huge chine of beef destined for the
Englishman's repast. Ne.xt to Blount, appeared Ogiivy, and next
to tiie Scot, but as far removed from his propinquity as the limits
of the bench would permit, sat a youth whose features Avcre con-
cealed from view by a broad hat, and who seemed, from his general
restlessness and impatience of manner, to be ill at ease in the society
in wh.ich accident, rather than his own choice, had thrown him.

Passing over the remainder of the company, wo shall come at
once to a man-at-arms of a very prepossessing exterior, who had
established himself in close juxta-position with the buxom hostess.
There was nothing very remarkable in the costume of this hero.
A stout buff jerkin, a coarse brown serge cloak, a pointed felt hat
with a single green feather, a long estoc, and buff boots with great
spurs, — this was the sum total of it. But there was an ease and
grace in his deportment, a lire in his eye, and a tone in his voice,
that seemed scarcely to belong to the mere common soldier, whose
garb he wore. His limbs were well proportioned — his figure tall

niC BIBITUK. 201

and manly — liis complexion ruddy and sunburnt — Lis bearing easy
and unrestrained, and his look that of one more accustomed to
command than serve. He had immense moustaches — a pointed
beard — a large nose slightly hooked, and eyes of a very amorous
expression, and taken altogether, he had the air of a person born
for conquest, whether of the fair sex or of kingdoms. His way
of making love was of that hearty straightforward kind which
carries all before it. Assured of success, he was, as a matter of
course, assuredly successful. Dame Frcdegonde found him perfectly
irresistible. Her last lover, the strapping Swiss sergeant, who saw
himself thus suddenly ?iipplanted, was half frantic Avith jealousy,
and twisting his lingers in the long black beard that descended to
his belt, appeared to meditate with his falchion the destruction of
his fortunate rival.

So far as sj^lendour of accoutrements went, the Swiss had
decidedly the advantage. No magpie was ever liner. His casaque,
which gave additional width to his shoulders, already broad enough,
was slashed with red and blue stripes, and girded with a broad red
band, tied in a knot and hanging down in points. One of his
stockings was red, the other white. A red garter crossed his knee.
His ban'ct cap had a projecting steel neb like that of a modern
chasseur, with a tuft of scarlet-dyed horsehair dangling behind.
Around his throat he wore a huge ruff, down which his beard flowed
like a dark river. His sword resembled a Moorish scimitar,
while against the table by his side rested a halbert with a donble-
axc head. Bat neither his parti-coloured raiments, his beard, nor
his gestures could draw from Dame Frcdegonde a single smile of
encouragement. She was completely monopolised by the invin-
cible owner of the buff jerkin.

Meanwhile, the scholars had finished their malvoisie, and were
calling loudly for a fresh supply. " Hola ! pulchra tabernaria
— queen of the cellar!'' shouted the Sorbonist, drumming on the
table to attract Dame Fredegonde's attention. "MorcAvine here
— Bordeaux, I say — ex templo ! Leave off love-making for awhile
— tear yourself from the arms of that jolly gendarme, if you can,
like Helen from the embraces of Paris, et nubis proud ftmde Fulerna
maun. To the cellar, good dame — sine Cerere et Bacclia — you
know the rest; et amphora ni capaceni fer cito. Draw it neat and
stmt not: respice personam, pone pro duo; bus von est m usn, as
the good Grandgousier saitli. We are in a great hurry, and as
thirsty as sand-beds. Sang de Cabres ! compaings, our hostess is
deaf The combat we came to see will be over before we have done
breakfast. Hola !— hola — ho !"

" And we shall look as foolish as we did yesterday," added the
Bernardin, thumping upon the board with all his might, " when we
found ourselves on the Avroniz side of the cate of the colletre of

XT • • • . .

rJuvarre, durmg Crichton's disputation. Body of Bacchus ! I faint

202 CRICHTON.

liku a traveller in Arabia tlic Stony. Have co'.npassion, spcciosis-
nii/ia Fredefjunda — your cups arc as far apart as the trictetic ori,nc9.
The tourney "vvas proclaimed by the heralds to take ^jlacc at noon,
and it is now nine o' the clock. By the love you bear the Bt'jauncs
of the University, use some despatch, or surrender to us the key
of the cellar."

" The scaiibldin^s are erected, and the barriers raised," cried
Harcourt. " 1 saw the carpenters and tapcstry-niakcrs at work ;
the whole facade of the Louvre looking towards tlie gardens blazes
Avith silk and scutcheons. Cavaliers and pages are thronging
thither in all directions. 'Twill be a glorious sight I I would not
miss it for my bachelor's gov.'n."

"Nor I," rejoined ^Nlontalgu — " Mordieu ! we shall sec how
Crichton comports himself to-day. It is one thing to war with
words, and another with swords. He may iind the brave Prince of
M-antua a better match for him than our sophisters."

" He has only to deal with Gonzaga, as he dealt with some
dozen of your classes yesterday," observed Ogllvy, in a scornful
tone, " to ensure himself as cheap a victory as he then ob-
tained."

" All ! — ave 7/011 there, mon brave Ecossols,'' cried the Sorbonist
— " I did not notice you bclbrc. But one has only to whisper the
name of their patron saint, Crichton, and up starts a Scot, when one
least expects such an apparition. However, I am glad to sec you,
Sieur Ogllvy — we have an account to settle together."

" The sooner we arrange it then, the better,"' cried Ogllvy, draw-
ino; his <lao:<;er, and sprlnuins: across the bench. " I thouuht you
and your rascal rout had met with yoiu- deserts at the scourge oi
the hangman of the Petit Cliatelet; but I care not if your chastise-
ment be reserved for my hands. Defend yourself, villain."

" Not till I have eaten my breakfast," replied the Sorbonist witli
considerable phlegm — " As soon as I have finished my meal, I
will assuredly do you the honour of cutting your throat. Sede
interim, (jiiccso. We are not now in tlie Rue de Fcurre, or the
Prc-aux-Clercs, but in the jurisdiction of the Provost of Paris — and
under the noses of the watch. I have no intention of baulking
your humour, IMessire Ecossols, but I have no fancy for exhibiting
myself in the Pilori des Halles to please you."

" Dastard," cried Ogllvy, " will not a blow move you ?" And
he was about to deal the Sorbonist a bullet, when Dame Frede-
gondc, who had witnessed this altercation with some alarm, sud-
denly flung herself between the disputants.

" Holy Saint Eloi I" she cried, in a loud tone — "a brawl at this
time of the day — and in my reputabh house too. I can scarcely
credit my senses. Put up your swords instantly, messires, or I will
summon the watch, and give you all into its charge. Ah ! you
think I only threaten — you shall sec. INIaitre Jacques," she added,

nic mBiTUJi. *^03

addressing the Swiss sergeant, " this is your business. Let tran-
quillity be restored."

Maitrc Jacques, somewhat gratified to be at length called into
notice by his inconstant mistress, stretched out his hand, and
without altering his position, dragged Ogilvy towards him, and
instantly disarmed him with as much case apparently as another
would have taken a stick from a child, or removed its sting from a
wasp. Blount, who was a great admirer of feats of strength, could
not refuse a murmur of approbation at the sergeant's singtdar
exhibition of vigour.

" You shall have your sword again when you liave recovered
your temper," said Maitre Jacques. " By my beard," he added,
scowling at the scholars, " I will brain with my halbcrt the first of
you Avho draws his sword."

Ogilvy regarded the athletic Swiss for an instant, with eyes
glowing with indignation, and as if meditating a reprisal. But
a gentle voice from the bench recalled him to his seat ; and tran-
quillity was once more restored.

The soldier, who had watched the dispute and its issue with much
nonchalance, now addressed Dame Fredegonde, as she returned to
his vicinity.

"What tourney is this, ma mie T he said, "of which these
brave scholars have just now spoken? You know I am only
iust arrived in Paris with the Kinir of Navarre's envov, and know
nothing of court news. Who is this Crichton ? What doth the
Prince of Mantua, if I have heard yon student aright, in Paris?
And above all, what are the grounds of quarrel between the com-
batants?"

" Do you expect me to answer all those inquiries in a breath,
messire?" replied Dame Fredegonde, laughing. '■ You need not
assure me you are a stranger in Paris, since you question me about
the Seigneur Crichton. AVho is he ? He is handsome enouji'h to
be a prince. But I believe he is only a Scottish gentleman. He is,
however, the finest gentleman eyes were ever set upon. The Seig-
neurs Joyeuse, D'Epcrnon, and Saint-Luc, and others of his
majesty's favourites are not to be compared with him. He is as
witty as he is handsome, and as wise as he is v>'itty. Yesterday he
had a great dis,putation with the heads of the University, and they
have not had a word to say for themselves since. To-day he jousts
with the Prince of JNIantua in the gardens of the Louvre at noon,
and I warrant me, he will come off victorious. In short, he has but
to speak and you are dumb-founded — to draw his sword, and his
enemy drops at his feet — to look at alady, and straightway she falls
into his arms."

" Of a verity, a most accomplished cavalier," said the soldier, with
a smile, " but you have not yet told me tlie occasion of his dlfTcrenco
with the young Prince of Mantua. What is their cause of quarrel,
sweetheart ? Tell mo that ?"

2U CRICIITON.

" No one can tell to a certainty' ,"" replied Dame Fredegonde,
mysteriously; " buttlie challenge was given last night at the Louvre.
Some say it is about an Italian mistress — (here the youth near
Ofi'ilvy was observed to start) — some that the Seigneur Crichton
lias discovered a plot iigainst the king's lile, in which Cosmo Rug-
gicri, and a great lady — whom nobody dares to name — together with
this prince are concerned, and that in consequence the Prince of
Mantua, Vincenzo, Avho has been for some time at the court in
disguise, has defied him to mortal combat. Certes, there were
strantje doings at the Hotel de Soissons last night, as the Chevalier
du Guet informed me when he made his rounds. lUit that's no
business of mine. They do say, also, that the .Seigneur Ciichton's
life was twice endangered — first at the banquet by the jealousy of
another great lady Avho is in lovn with him, and wlio j)oured a dose
of poison into his wine."

"What great lady do you mean, ma mie ? Surely not the
queen-mother !"

" Holy Virgin ! no," cried Fredegonde, with a scream of
laughter ; " the Seigneur Crichton is hardly likely to be in love
with lit'vy

" Who then?"

" You are very inquisitive, mcssire. How can it concern you
to know in what Avay queens and other great dames revenge them-
selves on their lovers' infulelltics?"

" Ventrc-salnt-gris ! It may concern me more nearly than you
imagine. You know I am from the court at Pau — from Henri of
Navarre. You do not mean kis queen?"

" I do not mean the Queen Louise, and you may, therefore, form
a shrewd guess whom I do mean," replied Dame Fredegonde, sig-
nificantly. "There you will have a pretty piece of scandal to take
back to your monarch. And, as I live, he could not look more
blank than you do at the intelligence — ha — ha — ha!"

'' Pestel" exclaimed the soldier, biting his lip. " And it is for
this adventurer that INIarguerite refuses to leave her brother's court,
and to rejoin her husband."

" To be sure ! — she would find your psalm-singing Bearnals
rather dull after the gay galliard Crichton. Lut you look serious,
mcssire?"

" Your sex is enough to make one so," replied the SDldicr>
forcing a laugh.

" Femmes sont secretes
En amour di>cretes
Doiilces mygnonnettes
Et taut bieti pnrlantes,
IVlal sont prutitables,
I'.t fort variables
Y sont tons Ics diables.

Our good Henri vill care no more about the matter than I do.

IliC BIBITUK. 205

And li;irk ! — those scholars nro still clamorous for wine. Allow
mc to attend you to the cellar? You will want some help to carry-
that mitihty llagon."

^'o return to Ou'ilvy and his companions. IJiount continued
sedulous in his attentions to the chine ; but the Scot's appetite
was gone. He swallowed a deep draught of wine, and began
to hack tlie table wlrh a knife. To a casual remark, addressed
to him by the Englishman, he returned a sullen response. It was
evident he was deeply offended. But Blount did not take his
petulance in lunbrage, but continued his repast in silence, ever and
anon bestowing a morsel of fat upon his dog. The Gelosa now
drew nearer to the wrathful Scot, and laid her hand gently upon
his arm. Ogilvy turned his inflamed cheek towards her, —

" What would you T he asked.

'• I would quit this place," said Gincvra, " a presentiment of
misfortune, which 1 cannot sliakc oflj oppresses me. The clamour
distracts me, and I am fearful those reckless scholars may recognise
mc. Besides," she atlded, with somewhat of reproach in her ac-
cent, "you but ill fuKil your patron's injunctions — you were to
protect mc — not to endanger my safety by provoking hostili-
ties."

" Pardon my rashness, fair maiden,' replied Ogilvy, with some
confusion; " I was wrong in giving way to this foolish display of
passion ; but where the honour of Crichton is concerned, my feelings
are irrepressible.''

" I honour you for your devotion," returned the Gelosa ; " and
let not any thought of risk to me deter you from its manifestation.
Conduct me hence, and return, if you see fitting, to avenge yourself
upon yon insolent scholar."

"Impossible!" replied Ogilvy, "the escort from the Yicomte
de Joycuse which is to conduct you beyond the gates of Paris,
and place you on the route to the frontiers of Italy, is not yet
arrived. We must await its coming. It Avas the Chevalier
Crich ton's desire that we should do so. Fear nothing, fair maiden.
1 will defend you Avith the last drop of my blood ; nor shall
you a^ain have to reproach my intemperate zeal in my patron's
behalf;'

" My heart misgives me," replied Glnevra, " but since it was
his wish, I will remain here. I feel as if I were not yet out of
the power of that terrible Gonzaga. And then," she added, timidly,
and blushing deeply as she spoke, " shall I confess to you, signor,
that I would willingly hazard my safety by remaining in Paris —
nay, within the precincts of the Lou\'re, to witness this tourney.
If Vincenzo fall, I have nothing to fear."

" But from lluggieri — from Catherine you may still apprehend
peril," returned Ogilvy, " besides know you not that the king has
commanded a combat a plaisunce and not a outrance ? The prince

206 CRICIITON.

m:iv be worsted, therefore —Lut not sliiu. Your dangvir will not
be diminished by the result of this conllict."

A burst of noisy merriment from the scholars here broke upon
them, and the following irreverent Bacchanalian lay was chanted at
the top of his voice by the Sorbonist; the other students joiu-
in^i;- in chorus.

rJcnitc ^3otcr.uis.*
I.

rt72(7e, jovial sons of He?ner,
Who from matin unto vesper,

lloaiii abroad sub Domino;
Benedictine, Carmelite,
QiiafFwe many a flask to-night

Salutari iioslro
If the wine be, as I think.
Fit for reverend hps to drink

Jubilemus ei.
Ecce bunum viiium, venilc jjoiciiws !

II.

IlocUe, when cnpsare full,

Not a thought or care should dull

Cord<i veslra —
Eat your fill — tlie jioblet quaff,
Sufficient is tlie wine therc^of

Secundum diem : —
What care I — if huge In size
My paunch sliould wax ? — it testifies

Opera vica.
Vtnile potevnis !

III.

Quadia^i!t/n years and more

I've seen ; and jolly souls some score

I'rd.rnnus I iii ;
And life througluuit, have ever thougl)t.
That they, who tipple ale that's naught,

F.I rant corde :
Yea, in mv choler waxing hot,
I sware sour beer should enter not

In reqnicm meam.
Kcce boninn vinnm, vcnile poitmus!

The rc-appearancc of Dame Frcdegonde, and the soldier bearing
a capacious stoup of claret, had given rise to this effusion of the
Sorbonist ; and as each goblet Avas now fdled to the brim, after
having been previously emptied, general hilarity prevailed among
the thirsty scions of the university. The Bcrnardin insisted upon
the soldier taking a seat beside him, and the Sorbonist deemed it

• Adapted from an old French Imatatoyre Bachique.

iiic BiBiTun. 207

incumbent upon him to present a liaison of the ruLy fluid to
Maiti'C Jacques, Avho drained it in a breath.

" Lans tringuc !" cried the scholar of Harcourt, slapping the
soldier on the shoulder, " I drink to thee. Thou hast given u3
good measure and good ■\vinc, i'faith. IMay our buxom hostess
never Avaut such a cellarist — nor ourselves sucli a drawer — ha —
ha!

Remplis ton verre vuide
Viiicle ton vcne plcin."

" I will not refuse thy pledge, comrade," replied the soldier,
"though my brain will not brook many sucli strong assauhs so
early in the morning. Here is to thy election to the dignity of
chaplain at the next Fete des Fous"

"Jest not with me, compaing, but drink," retorted Harcourt,
angrily. " it were thy safer course. All ! thou refusest. I discern
something of the Huguenot about thee. I heard thee tell our
hostess just now thou wert from the head-quarters of the Bearnais.
One might guess as much from thy neglect of the flask, and devo-
tion to the petticoats — digniim patella operculmn. Ah ! if it were
ever to occur that thy master should be King of France, a pretty
time we should have of it ! The good old days of Francois f.
would be revived with a vengeance. Not a husband in Paris could
rest in his bed. The saints defend us from such a consummation.
Well, I bear him no ill-will — here's to Alcandre.'^

" Maranatha !" exclaimed the Sorbonist, " that must not pass.
"We will be Catholic even in our cups. Thy pledge is heretical
and schismatic. Rather let us drink confusion to the Bearnais, the
lleform, and the Church of Geneva; and success to the League, the
true Church, and tlie brave Balafre !"

" To the Holy Union!" cried the Bernardin.

" To the Pope !" shouted Montaigu.

" To Beelzebub !" roared Harcourt. " I will luirl my Avinc-cup
in his face who refuses my pledge — Henri of Navarre, and the
Huguenot cause !"

" By the mass, I scent heresy in thy pledge, and refuse it,"
returned the Sorbonist. The words were scarcely out of his mouth
when he received the contents of the scholar of Plarcourt's flagon
in his face.

In an instant all was confusion. Swords were drawn and crossed,
and the table nearly upset in the confusion that ensued ; but, by
the united efforts of Blount, who had now formed one of tire
party, and the Swiss sergeant, the combatants were separated, and
tranquillity for the second time restored. The cause of the dis-
turbance, meantime, our nonchalant soldier, so far from taking any
share in the strufjij-le, leaned back in his chair, and indulsred in an
immoderate fit of laughter.

*' How now, thou insensible varlet !" cried Harcourt, whose

208 CUICIITON.

furious countenance and ruffled demeanour presented a singular
contrast to his companion's apathy; "hast thou never a sword to
draw in thy sovereign's hehalf, or grace enough to thank him wlio
is ready to fight thy battles for thee? By my soul, I was wrong.
Brotlier of the Sorbonne, thy hand. Thou wert in the right to
object to my rascal pledge. Ventre-saint-Quintiu! from a Hugue-
not one gets neitlier aid nor acknowledgment."

*' The quarrel was of thine own seeking, comrade," returned the
soldier, with increased merriment; " I pressed thee not into my
service— the good ci*use of the Reformed Faith needs no such
blustering advocate as thou ; and tlie Bearnais -svill not laugh a
-whit tlie less loudly because one sot drinks to his success, and
anollier to his confusion."

" Fairly spoken," cried Montaigu, " for a Huguenot our re-
formado hath the air of an honest fellow. A truce to raillery,
connadcs ! Favete Unguis. These brawls interfere with drinking.
Let us have a song to restore us to harmony. Chantuns, beuvons
ujit/ Ttiofef, as glorious old liabclais hath it."

" Juito7i7io//s," cried the others, laugliing.

" What shall it be?" asked the soldier.

" Le cliaiison de la Peronella,
La vie de Monsieur Saint Fran9oys,
La Contiteor des Angloys,

or tne merry burden of some farce, sotie, or joyous discourse?"

" La RtJ'urmeresse, for instance," retorted Montaigu, vociferating
at the top of his voice —

" To Paris, tliat good city,

Navarre's yoiin>i; king is come,
And floclc forth the damsels pretty.

At the heating of his drum.
But the fairest 'mid the crowd, sirs.

The loveUest of the h)t.
Is a nympii. who cries aloud, sirs,
To the churth, sire, you go not,
Ihigucnot !

** E'en give us what thou wilt, my puissant Hector : so thy
strains savour not of the nasal melodies of Theodore Beza, or the
canticles of Clement jNIarot, they will be right Avelcome."

" Lend me your voices in full cliorus, then," replied the soldier,
*' and respond to my litany." And, in a deep tone, he sang as
follows : —

From all men, who, counsel scorning.
To the tavern hie at morning
\\ ith Latin huse their talk adorning,
Libera nos Domine.

From all those, who night and day.
Cards and raiment cast away,
At cards and dice and other play,
Libera iws Domine.

HIC BIBITUR. 201)

** Satis snpcrqtte,^^ shouted Montaigu, '* thy roi^ation touclicth
me too neai'ly, as testificth tlic tatteied state of my expomO/es, to
be altogether satisfactory — Hei mi/til

Alea, vina, Venus, Iribus his sum factus rgciius.

Sed ■parnm est. I have still a few liards left, and when my pouch
is utterly evacuate, I can turn Huguenot or hang myself — it mat-
ters little which. In the meantime ;" and here the reckless youth
once more broke into sonij: —

^ong of tijc ^cljolar.*
I.

A jolly life enough I lead — tlmt is semper quam possum;
\\'lieii mine host inviteth me, 1 answer ecce fnsum/
\\'onien, wine, and wai^sailrv lubciis /ibciifer co/o,
And after meals to pass the time charlls ludisque volo,
Uiiluckily tliese games are not omnino sine dolo.

II.

Wine to tipple I conceive quod fui gcneratus,
Treasure to amass, indeed, 1 doubt if I was nalus.
Never yet witii coin enough was I locupldatus.
Or, witli a superfluity, vehemenler e.rcilatus —
Despice divitias si vis animo esse beat us.

III.

Whither are my raiments fled? nmirc mi! — si qucemf
Quaffed they were in flowinij cups in tetnpore (lieu!) verist
Thus am I obliged to roam subliorridus per vicos.
Herding amidst truarid rogues f/ n/int iniquos :
Cumfuerisfelix multos numerabi'i amicon!

" Bellissime !" cried the soldier, " thy case is a hard one, I must
needs admit, comrade. But thou ait a likely lad, and I promise
thee, if thou wilt accompany me to the King of Navarre's camp,
whither I set out this morning, and wilt forswear thy roystering
habits, and embrace the true doctrine, I will put thee in a way of
lining thy pouch with weightier pieces than any it now holds, and
<ot" replacing thy thieadbare apparel Avith the hacquctoon an-l
habergeon of the Bourbon."

" Weighty blows are said to abour.c] more than weighty pieces in
ithy king's psahn-singing camp," returned Montaigu, *' and I must
fbe bribed by present payment if I vend my soul to Messire Sa-
thanas. But come," he added, filling his goblet; " let us drink
ibetween our songs, and sing between our draughts. iEdipol ! my

• An adaptatitJH of a few verses of a Macaronic poem of little merit, entitled
!Des fames, dcs dcz. et de la taceine, appended to tlie last edition of the Fabliaux et
iContcs des Pocks I'ranrois,

210 CRICIITON".

jolly iviissloncr od partes wJideUum, tliou liast tlic tlivoat of a
ni<j:litiiii:ule, and warblcst a ponf^ divinely; and as tliou art chary
oi' the ilusk, wilt have the more leisure to divert us with another
stave."

*' Ventre-?aint-<xris," muttered the soldier, sniilincr to himself;
" could my faithful Kosni have foreseen, that, during his absence,
I should play the lover to a buxom aubergiste, the buffoon to a
pack of losel scholars, and the rebel to myself, I had not escaped
a lecture as lonu^ as ever John Calvin pronounced from his pulpit
at Geneva. Ko matter: the monotony of hfe must be relieved;
and he is a wise man who makes the niost of the passing mo-
ment."

With this philosophical reflection, he yielded to the scholar's
importunities. It has been observed before, that his countenance
Avas remarkable for its frankness and cordiality. It had, besides,
an indescribable expression of comic humour, which broadened
and brightened as he proceeded witli his vocal performance, intO'
a rdow of such irresistible drollerv, that his auditors were almost
convulsed with laughter; and, as real mirth is always contagious,
the infection Avas speedily communicated to every guest of the
Falcon, the pensive and dolorous Ogilvy not excepted.

Z\)i ®l)rom'cI« of Garganlua:

SHOWING HOW HE TOOK AWAY THE GREAT BELLS OF NOTIiE-DAME.

Grandgoiisier was a toper boon, as Rabelais will tell ye,
^\ lio. once upon a time, got drunk, with his old wife Gargamelly :
Riglit royally the bont begun (iio qnccn was more piinctilioas
Than Garganielle) on chitterlings, botargos, gndebillidsi*

sing, (iTarimart, carim.ira ! gohjnolij, golijnolo!

They licked their lips, they cut their quips — a flask then each selected;
And with good (>reek, as satin sleek, their gullets they humected.
l>ang stave and jest, the flask they pressed — but ere away the wine went.
Occurred most unexpectedly (^ueen Gargamelle's conlineinent I
^ing, (ITarimart, tarnn.ira! gulynolij, golijnolo!

III.

No sooner was Gargantua born, than from his infant throttle.
Arose a most melodious cry to his nurse to bring the bottle!
AVhereat Grandgousier much rejoiced — as it seemed, unto his thinking,
A certain sign of a humour tine for most immoderate drinkiii;:!
Sing, CTarimart, carimaia ! golijnob, gohjnolo !

• Gaudebillaux sont grasses trippcs decoiraux. Coiraux sont bceufz engresscs
a la cricbe, et prts guiiuaulx. Pres guimuulx sont qui portent hcrbe deux foya
Tan.

HIC BIBITUR. 2n

IV.

Gargantua shot up, like a tower some city looking over!
His rull-nioon visage in the clouds, leagues oti", ye niiglit discover!
His gracious person he arrayed — 1 do not mean to laugh at ye —
With a suit of clothes, and great trunk hose, of a thousand ells of tafTcty,
^ing, CTarimaii, rarimnva ! golnnolij, golnaolo !

Around his waist Gargantua braced a belt of silk bespangled.
And from his bat, as a platter flat, a long blue feather diuigled ;
And down his hip, like tlie mast of ship, a rapier huge descended.
With a danger keen, stuck his sash between, all for ornament intended,
^ing, CTarimari, carimar.i ! golijnoln, golnnolo !

VI.

So learned did Gargantua grow, tliat he talked like one whose turn is
For logic, with a sophister, bight Tubal Holofernes.
In Latin too he lessons took from a tutor old and seedy.
Who taught the " Quid Est," and tlie " Pars," — one Jobelin de Bride!
sing, (Ktitimari, cnvimara! golnnoli}, golenolo!

VII.

A monstrous mare Gargantua rode — a black Numidian courser —
A beast so droll, of filly or foal, was never seen before, sir!
(ireat elephants looked small as ants, by her side — her hoofs were cloven !
Her tail was like the spire at Langes — her mane like goat-beards woven !
;cing, CTarimari, carimar.i ! golijnolij) golunolo I

VIII.

Upon this mare Gargantua rode until he came to Paris,
Which, from Utopia's capital, as we all know, ratlier far is —
The thundering bells of Notre-Dame, he took from out the steeple,
And he hung them round his great mare's neck in the sight of all the' people!
Sing, CTarimart, carimara! gahjnoln, golijnolo !

IX.

Now, what Gargantua did beside, I shall pass by without notice,
As well as the absurd harangue of that wiseacre Janotus ;
Rut the legend tells that the thundering bells Bragmardo brought away, sir.
And that in the towers of Notre-Dame tliey are swinging to this day, sir!
Sing, CTarimara, carimari f gobnob, gohjnolo !

Now the great deeds of Gargantua, — how his father's foes he followed —
How pilgrims six, with their staves and scrips, in a lettuce leaf he swallowed —
How begot blind drunk with a worthy monk. Friar Johnny of the Funnels, — •
And made huge cheer, till the wine and beer flew about his camp in runnels —
Sing, Carimari, tarimara ! golijnolj), golunolo !

212 CRICHTON.

XI.

IJow he took to wife, to clicer liislilV, fat Hadebcc tlie moper ;
And by lier begat a lusty brat, Pantagriiel the toper!
And did other "tilings, as the story sings, too long to find a place Uere,
Are they not writ, witii matchless wit, by Alcofribas Nasier?*
Sing, CTarimari, c.irimar.i ! goIenolB, golpnolo !

As the soldier brought his ?ong to a close, amid tlic thunder-
ing applause and inextinguishable laughter of the scholars, his own
exhilaration was considerably damped by the sudden appearance of
two new comers, who had entered the cabaret, unobserved, during his
performance; and with looks sufficiently expressive of their disap-
probation of his conduct, held themselves aloof until the termina-
tion of his strains, when they slowly approached the table.

Tlie foremost of these personages was a man of middle age, and
severe aspect, fully equipped in the accoutrements of a military
leader of the period; but his breast-plate, though of the brightest [Mi-
lan steel, Avas wholly destitute of ornament, and resembled rather, in
its heavy and cumbrous form an antique cuirass, of the age of Bayard
and Gaston de Foix, than the lackered and embossed armour worn
by the knighthood of the court of France. A tall plume nodded
iipon his morion, and a long two-handed sword, called in the language
of the tilt-yard a gagne-pain, Avas girded to his thigh. The hand,
able to wield such a blade with ease, could not, it was evident, be
deficient in energy. From his right hip hung the long and
trenchant dagger, termed, from its use in combat, a mutricorde.
His companion was habited in the black Geneva cloak and band,
constituting the attire of a preacher of the Reformed Faith. He
■was a venerable man. with silver hair streaming upon his shoulders
from beneath his black silk calotte. His figure was bent by age
and infirmities, and his steps needed the support of a staff; but the
lire which yet blazed in his deep-seated gray eye, showed that the
ardour and enthusiasm of his youthful spirit was still unextin-
guished.

" Diable !" mentally exclaimed the soldier, pushing aside his seat
and rising to greet th(; strangers, " Rosni here — and my old pre-
ceptor Doctor Florcnt Chretien. Parbleu ! their arrival at this
juncture is unlucky. But I must put the best face I can upon the
jnatter." And, as these thoughts passed rapidly through his mind,
he reverently saluted the minister, and exchanging a significant
look with the knight, the party adjourned to a more retired part of
the cabaret.

" I did not expect to find your majesty thus occupied," observed
Rosni, in a tone of reproach, as soon as they were out of hearing oi
the company. " Methinks the wise and valiant Henri of Navarre
might have more profitably as well as worthily employed his

• The anagram of Fran9ois Rabelais.

nic BiniTuu. 213

leisure, than by administerinp; to the amusements, and sliarlng in
the pastimes of these unlicensed and idolatrous brawlers."

" Tush, Rosni," replied Henri of ]>ourbon, " I am not a mo«
narch with these revellers; and were I to vouch any explanation
to tliee, with whom I am a king, I could offer such reasons for my
conduct as would convince thee, that wliat I have done has been
without impeachment of my ' valour and wisdom,' and was merely
undertaken to sustain my character as a soldier.''

" Your character as a soldier would have been better sustainecl
bv repressing licence than abetting it, sire," returned Rosni,
bluntly. " Had 1 been in your majesty's place, and these riotous
Edomites had pressed me to make music for them, I would have
treated them to a psalm, such as our pious Calvin hath himself
appointed for the recreation of the faithful, or to one of those
mournful ballads so displeasing to the enemies of our religion,
■wherein their own sanguinary atrocities are sternly set forth, and
the sufferings of our martyrs painfully recorded."

''And have been laughed at for thy pains," said Henri. " Trust
me, my expedient was tlie wiser one."

At tliis moment the voice of the scholars again rose loud in song;
and the followino- chorus reached the ears of the Klnir of Navarre
and his companions: —

A merr\' compari)' are we
Wlio s[)eiid our lives in revelry,
Selt-iiick-uanied Enfmi'i-sdns nmci!

C'ic, C'oc, iric, erne, la, la !

" Ohe ! soldier of the true I'alth," shouted Montaigu, " anotlior
song before we start for the tourney! Heed not thy captain's
reprimand. We will bear thee harmless."

" Thou heare.-t," said Henri, smiling, '* those evfans-sans-sojici,
as they not inaptly term themselves, are clamorous for my- return.
Ventre-saint-gris ! Rosni, I am half disposed to send thee to them
as my substitute. I woidd gladly see what effect one of thy doleful
ditties would have upon their high-flown spirits. Wilt take my
seat at yon table .'"

" I will obey your majesty's behests," replied Rosni, gravely —
" but I wash my hands of the consequences."

"Go then," replied Henri, laughing, "thou deservest some
punishment for thy imprudeiice. What, in the devil's name, in-
duced thee to bring old Chretien to this ' meeting of the mockers,'
and 'seat of the scornful,' as he would call it? Thy former ex-
perience might have led thee to expect some such imtoward acci-
dent as the present ; and it should be rather thy business to draw a
veil over thy sovereign's foibles than to betray them."

" I shall observe more caution in future," returned Rosni, in a
tone of irony, " but after his own involuntary promise of amend-
ment, it ill became me to doubt my sovereign's maintenance of

214 cr.icnxoN.

his word. Doctor Florcut Chretien, whom I chanced upon at
the Protestant consistory in the Faubourg Saint-Gcrniain, this
morning, hath a matter of importance to communicate to your
majesty's private car, and to that end I ventured to bring him
hither.'"

" Thou hast done well, Rosni," replied the king, " nevertheless,
I cannot pretermit the punishment I have imposed on thee. Hark !
my comrades call thee — go and join them."

Again the chorus of the scholars arose above the general clamour;
and the Sorbonist was heard vociferating; the folio winci: verses: —

^ong of ti)c ^oitom'st.

Death to the Huguenot ! fagot and flame!
Death to the Huguenot! torture and shame!

Deatli! Death!

Heretics' lips sue for mercy in vain,

Drown their loud cries in tlic waters of Seine !

Drown ! Drown !

Hew down, consume them witli fire and with sword I
A good work ye do in the sight of the Lord !

Kill! Kill!

Hurl down their temples! their ministers slay!
Let them bleed as they bled on liarthelemv's dav !

Slay !' Slay!

A roar of insolent laughter followed this cfruslon. Henri of
Navarre bit his lips.

" Go," he said, frowning, " leave me with Clux'tien."

" By the holy evangel ! I will make tlicsc accursed mass-mongers
such sport as Sampson showed the Philistines," returned Rosni.
" But before I quit your presence, sire, I must acquaint you that
your escort is in readiness at the Porte Montmartrc, and that two
of my followers with your steed await your coming forth at the
door of this cabaret."

" Let them wait," answered the king, sharply, " I shall not set
out upon my journey till the evening."

" How, sire?'' asked Rosni.

"It is my intention to attend the jousts held this morning at
the Louvre."

" But your majesty — "

" Is resolved to have my own way — so thou mayest spare me
further remonstrances on that head. Rosni. Not only will 1 witness
this tourney, but break a lance at it myself in honour of the queen
my spouse ; though I freely confess she deserves no such at-

ITIC BIBITUR. 215

tcntion at my hands, after her refusal to join mc "u-hcvo she
deems I no^v am, at my court at Pan. But let tliat pass. Tlierc
is a Scottish cavalier, who hath boasted, as it seems to me, some-
what indiscreetly, of" Marguerite''s favours towards him, whether
truly or not signilies little, as I hold secresy to be the first duty of
a gallant. I have a fancy for lowering this prattling mignon's
crest, the rather that he is reputed an expert tilter, and as such not
luiworthy of my lance. And it may chance if IMarguerite sees her
favourite laid low, she may cliangc her mind as to returning with
me. At all events I shall attend this tourney in the quality of a
knight-adventurer. Thou slialt ride forth with mc anon, and pro-
cure me suitable equipments. My own steed will bear me bravely
through the day."

" Your majesty shall commit no sucli folly," replied llosni,
bluntly.

" 15aron de Rosni," exclaimed ITcnri, haughtily, " vre have
honoured thee thus i'ar with our friendship — but there are limits to
our good-nature which even you shall not exceed."

" Pardon my bluntness, sire," returned Rosm, " but at the
hazard of forfeiting your favour I would step between you and the
peril to wliich you expose yourself thus rashly. When your faith-
ful counsellors reluctantly consented to your coming hither on this
fruitless embassy to a queen who loves you not, but who partakes
of the perfidious and inconstant nature of her family — when, I
say, they consented to your accompanying your own messengers,
in disguise, my life was pledged for your safe return. That life is
nothing. But upon your security, sire, hangs the fate of a king-
dom, and the prosperity of a pure and holy fiitli of which you are
the defender and champion. Bethink you of the cause in which
you have embarked — of your zealous followers — of tlie whole Pro-
testant world, whose eyes arc fixed upon you — bethink you also of
the risk you run — of the inevitable consequences attendant upon a
discovery of your presence — of your long captivity in the walls of
the Louvre from which you have so recently escaped. Think of
all this, and blame (if you can?) the zeal which prompts me to speak
thus boldly."

"Leave me, sir," replied Henri, " I would speak with my old
preceptor. You shall know mv determination anon."

Rosni bowed, and took the place assigned to him by the monarch
at the table of the revellers. His arrival was greeted witli loud
laughter, and many muttered allusions from the reckless crew to his
Huguenot principles.

"Hark ye, messires," said Rosni, "you have prevailed upon
one of my troop to sing for you, and in return have favoured us
with one of those ferocious melodies which your brethren howled
to the thundering tocsin of the bloody day of Saint-Barthelemi.
Ye shall now have my response. But first I charge ye let your

216 CKICHTON.

g.)blets be filled to tlic brim, iiiul drink the pledixc I shall propose
to you — ' Tlie downlall oi" Antichrist, the extern?inution of the
Lcnmic, and the universal establishment of the True Faith.' Ha!
you liesitate. By the evangel! messires, I will thrust my poignard
into his throat who refuses my pledge." So saying lie drew
his dagger and glanced fiercely round the group.

A t-tern silence succeeded this speech. The mirth of the Scholars
was suddenly checked. Each one glanced at his neighbour, as if
be expected he would resent the insult. But no one dared to do so
openly.

'• 1 am with you. Sir Knight," exclaimed Blount. " I will sec
that all obey you."

"The pledge!' said Rosni, seizing the scholar of Ilarcourt hy
the throat, and foi-cing him to pronounce the hateful words, aiid
afterwards to wash them down with a deep draught of wine.

" By Saint Thomas, thou escapest not," cried Blount, gi";i]^[>ling
■with the Sorbonist.

" Not one shall escape me," said Rosni — " he shall drink it, or
die the death."

Accordingly, seeing resistance was in vain against armed force
like that of the knight, the scholars sullenly complied.

" 1 have not yet done with you, messires," said Rosni, in a tone
of mockery — " I will not insult the religion I profess, by allowing
blasphemers, like yourselves, to take part in its holy psalms; but
as you have rung in my ears the death-knell of our slaughtered
saints, ye shall listen to the judgment called down from on high for
that oflence upon the head of the late treacherous and bloodthirsty
sovereign, Charles IX. Stir not, neither oiler any interruption, a3
ye would avoid a sudden and speedy doom."

" Lend me your dagger. Sir Knight," said Ogilvy, unable to
control his choler, and springing towards the table; "and I will
compel as attentive audience to your strains as ever was accorded
to the sermons of our pious Knox."

" And as willing," said the I5enardin, with a sneer.

*' Take that in earnest of the chastisement I will inflict upon him
■who shall disobey the knight's commands," said Ogilvy, bestowing
a sounding bullet upon the scholar's cheek, adding fiercely, as he
received the miscricorde from Rosni, " thefirstof you who spcaketh
a word of ollcnce breathes his last."

Amid the glances of defiance and suppressed rage cast upon
him by the scholars, the knight, in a deep stern tone, sang the
following ballad : —

niC BIBITUE. 211^

Cftaiics IX, at iilontfaucon.
I.

" To liorse — to horse!" thus spake King Charles, " to horse, my lords, with me
Unto Montfaiicon will we ride — a sight you tiiere i^hail see."
" Montlaucon, sire!" said his esquire — "what sight, my liege, how mean je?"
" The carcase stark of the traitor dark, and heretic Coiigni."

II.

Tlie trumpets hray, their charijers neigh a loud and glad revei'le —
And plaudits ring, as the hauglity king from the Lonvre issues gaily
On his right hand rides his mother, with her dames — a gorgeous train —
On his left careers his brother, witli the proud Duke of Lorraine.

III.

Kehind is seen his youthful queen — the meek Elizabeth* —
With her damsels bright, whose talk is light of the sad, sad show of death : —
Ah, lovely ones ! — ah, gentle ones! from the scoffer's judgment screen ye !^
Mock not the dust of the mart} r'd just, for of such was good Coiigni.

IV.

By foot up-hung, to flesh-hook strung, is now revealed to all,
^ior.ldering and shrunk, tlie headless trunk of the good old admiral :
Gash-visaaed Guise tlie sight doth please — fierce lord, was naught between ye?
In felon blow of base Poltrotf no share had brave Coiigni.

" Now, by God's death !" the monarch saith, with inauspicious smile,
As laughuig, group the reckless troop lound gray Montfaucon's pile ;
" P'rom otF that hooli its founder shook — Enguerrand de JNIarigni — J
But gibbet chain did ne'er sustain such burthen as Coiigni."

* Elizabeth of Austria, daufihter of the Emperor ^Maximilian, an amial>le and'
excellei?? princess, whose genuine piet_y pn-sented a strikinjjf contrast to the san-
guinary fanaticism of her tyninnical and neglectful spouse. " O mon JJieu .'"
she cried, on tlie day of tlie massacre, of which siie had been kept in ignorance ;
" quels conseillers sont ceu.t-la, qui ont donne le >oi iel avis ? ]\lon Dieu ! je fe su/iplle,
et je jequiers de lui pardonner, car situ nen as pitie j'ui grand peur que cede offense ne
lui s'jit pas piiiilonute."

t Jean I'oltrot dt. ilcre, ihe assasin of Francois de Guise, father of the B(d(ifre,
probably, in order to screen himself, accused Coiigni and Beza of being the in-
stigators of his otience. His flesli Avas afterwards torn from his bones by red-hot
pincers, but Henri of Lorraine never considered liis father's death fully avcngeil
until the massacre of the admiral. Coligni's liead was sent by Catherine de Me-
dieis to Home as an offering to Gregory XIIL Upon this occasion the imjie had
a medal struck off, stumped with an exterminating angel and subscribed— U<jO'
nuUiruin Strages.

.% I'ereat sua arte Perillus. Enguerrand de IMarigni, grand chamberlain of
France during the reign of Philippe-le-Bel, constructed the famous gibbet of
!Montfaueon, and was liimself among the first to glut its liorrible ,/t>«/rAes pati-
buhiirts, whence originated the ancient adage — Plus mullieweux que le bois dont on
fail le yibet

218 CRICIITON.

VI.
" Hack ! back ! mv liogc," exclaimed a |)a;:e, " witli death tlie air is tainted.
The sun urows iiot, and see yon not, <jood sire, tlie queen lias fainted."
" I.et tiiose retire," (jiiotli Cliarles in ire, " who tliink they stand too nij/i ;
To ns no scent yields snch content as a dead enemy."*

VII.

As thus he spake tlie king did quake— he heard a dismal moan —

A womided wretcli had crept to stretch liis hones beneath that stone : —

*• Of (ivintj man," groaned he, " the ban, the Lord's anointed dread,

My curse siiall cling to thee, O king! — much righteous blood tliou'st shed."

VIIl.

*' Now bv Christ's blood I — by holy Uood !" cried Charles, impatiently; [die."
" VN itli sword ;ind pike — strike, liegemen, strike ! — God's death ! this ma.) shall
Straight halbert crashed, and matciilock flashed — but ere a shot was tired —
With laugh of scorn that wight forlorn had suddenly expired.

IX.

From the Louvre gate, with heart elate. King Charles that morn did ride ;
With aspect dern did he return, quenched was his glance of pride : —
Remorse and ruth, with serpent tooth, thenceforth seized on his breast —
With bloody tide his conch was dyed — i)ale visions broke his rest if

As the Baron dc Rosni conclutlcil his sonp;, a sullen murmur
amongst the scholars, deepenino; as it proceeded, until it took the
character of an angry groan.

" Par la Porte d'Enf'er, Avhich once conducted the neophyte to
our h.uUs,'' muttered Plarcourt, " I would as soon die \vlth the Con-
fession of Augsburg upon my lips as listen to such another
ditty. Colignl's own epitaph would .make a sprightHer lay : —

Cv gist, maise'est mal entendu,
Ce mot pour liiy est trop honiieste,
Icy r Admiral est pendu
Par les pieds a fante de teste !'

" Pas les pieds a faute dc tete !" chorussed 'the others, with a
roar of derisive laughter.

" Peace, on your lives," cried Ogilvy, with a threatening gesture.

" P)y the memory of the good 'ihomas Cruce, who slaughtered
eighty of these schismatics with his proper hand," Avhispered the
Sorbonist to the scholar of Marcourt; " I will wash out the aflront
put upon ns, in the blood of that accursed Scot — offeiisam ease

" My blade shall second you," rct-iirned Harcourt in the same
tone.

*Ensuite Colignifut traine aux fonrchcs patilnilaries de Jlontfaucon. Le Roi
vint jouir de cc spectacle, et s'cn montra insatiable. On ne concevait pas qu'il
put resister a unc telle odeur ; on le pressait de se retircr. Aon dit-il, le cadavre
d'un enncmi .sent toiijours ban .' — •Lacuatici.i.k.

t Lanialadie de Charles IX. tiait accompagnc'e de symptomes plus violens qu'on
n'en remarque dans les maladies de langueur ; sa poitrine etait particulicrement
affeetce ; mais son sang coulait par tons les pores ; d'atTreux souvenirs persecu-
caient sa penste dans un lit toujours baigne de sang ; il voulait et ne pouvait pas
s'arraeher de cette place. — Lackaelll:. Histoire de France pendant les Gnerres de
Jieliyion.

219

CHAPTER ir.

THE HUGUENOT.

!/'li?.que mot qu'il disait etait un trait de flaninie^
Qui pciictrait Henri jusqu'au fond de son ame.
11 qnitte avec reuret ce vieillard Aertueiix ;
Des pleurs en Teiubrassant coulC rent de ses yeux,

Voi,taii:e. Heni'utde. Cltunt. 1,

No sooner had Rosni quitted his sovereign's presence than the
venerable Florcnt Chretien, approaching Henri, took his liand and
pressed it fervently to liis lips. As the king withdrew liio fingers
from tlie old man's grasp, he perceived they were wet with his tears.

" Nay, by my faitli, my excellent friend," he said, in a tone of
great kindness, '' this must not be. Tears from such eyes as yours
are reproaches too cutting for endurance. I had rather you would
chide me in the harshest terms you could employ, than assail me
with the only weapons against which I am not proof. What
"would you have me do?"

" Does not your own great and generous heart, my liege," re-
turned the minister, "■ which prompts you to interpret the overflow-
ing of an anxious breast into rebuke, tell you what course you ought
to pursue ? Does it not point out to you tliat your life, precious
in itself — but oh I of inestimable value to all members of our pure
religion, to whom you are as Joshua or Maccabnous, may not be
lightly imperilled by your own act without manifest departure from
that high course, Avhich the King of kings hath appointed vou to
run; and which in due season, if you remain true to yourself, and
to your cause, you will doubtless gloriously accomplish. Well and
truly hath your faithful follower the 15aron de Rosni, spoken', when
he averred that on your safety depends that of the true Church
of Christ ; and not in vain will my tears have been shed, if they
avail to turn you from these vanities, and recall your nobler nature.
Better I should lament than your enemies rejoice. Better one
should blush in secret than a whole kingdom be turned to shame
for its sovereign's defection. Cast off tliis slavery of the senses.
Yield not to the devices and snares of the Prince of Darkness.
You are our guardian, our bulwark, our tower of strength.
Pause ere you wantonly expose our decimated flocks to the further
ravages of these devouring wolves."

As he spoke, the old man's eyes glistened, and his looks kindled
till his glowing countenance wore an air of apostolic fervour that
produced, more than his words, a strong impression upon the king.

"Rest assured, my good friend," replied Henri, " I will in no
way compromise my own security, or that of the church over whose
welfare I watch, and in whose behalf I have raised my banner.
I have other and stron2;er motives than the mere love of such a

220 CRicnTON.

paf^cant wliicli attract me to those jousts, but I give you my word
as u klnij^, that 1 will place neither my life nor my personal safety
in needless jeopardy. And now," he added, with a smile, " thank-
ing you for your admonitory counsels, which, as you well know, arc
seldom pleasant in royal ears; and having scarce leisure for a.
longer homily, or even for further conference at this moment, let
us turn to your own peculiar concerns. If you have any commu-
nication to make, delay it not. I am impatient to know how I can
serve you."

" It is not in my own behalf that I would claim yoiu* majestv''s
services," rejoined the preacher, " but in that of one in whom you
yourself are nearly interested. Know, sire, that a sister of the
Prince of Conde is at this moment a captive in the hands of the
bloody Jezabel of France. It is for her deliverance from thraldom
and oppression that I solicit your aid; and if you are resolved
to expose yourself to needless risk, let it be to eflect the liberation
of a princess of your own royal blood, a zealous believer in our
creed, and in tlie eyes of a searcber of knightly adventure, for
as such I must regard your majesty, a distressed and forlorn
damsel."

" If this, indeed, were as you represent it, my good friend," re-
plie<l Henri, ''you should have my instant aid, even though it were
needful to bear her from the Louvre with my handful of men.
But you have been deceived by some false statement. Our cousin
of Conde has no sister at the court of France."

" The prince believes sh.e perished in her infancy, sire,"" returned
the preacher, " but her preservation from the sword of those fierce
Amalekites, who beset the jrood Louis de Bourbon on his flitiht to
liochelle was little less than miraculous, as you will find when I
relate to you the history of this imfoitunate princess, as it was de-
livered to me by one of the attendants of the queen-mother, who
hath recently become a convert to our fliith.""

" Your information is derived from a suspicious quarter, messire,"
returned the king with a smile of incredulity. " Catherine's
comeiiere are as deceitful to the full as the daughters of the Philis-
tines. I know them of old. Your proselyte may prove a Delilah
after all, and her specious story only a snare laid to entrap you.
Our uncle, Louis de Bourbon, it is true, hath often spoken of the
hapless fate ol his infant daugliter in the mountain defiles near San-
cerre, but he believed, nay, was assured, that she perished."

" Credit me, sire, she lives," replied Chretien. And he tlien
succinctly detailed such particulars of Esclalrmonde's story as are
already familiar to the reader — adding that the princess had been
hitherto kept in ignorance of her illustrious origin from a fear lest
some inadvertence, not unnatural on the part of one so young and
inexperienced, should betray her consciousness of her real rank and
condition to the suspicions of Catherine, and militate against any
plans formed for her deliverance. The preacher likewise stated

THE HUGUENOT. 221

that lie had been summoned at an early hour on that morning to
the Louvre by Annunzuita (the attendant from whom he had
obtained his knowledge of" this important secret), to visit Esclair-
monde — that she had revealed to him, without reserve, the events
of the preceding night — imploring him to free her from the perse-
cution of her royal lover, who, it appeared, had despatched a billet^
stating that if she offered further opposition to his passion he would
denounce her as a heretic to the inquisition of the Catholic priesthood.
^' She was bathed in tears when I entered the chamber," said
Chretien, " and at first refused to be comforted, but deeming the
proper period arrived for its disclosure, I acquainted her with the
illustrious stock from which she sprang, and besought her to
comport herself like a descendant of that royal house."

" Ha ! corblcu ! how received she the intelligence ?"

" Like a daughter of the race of Bourbon," replied Chretien —
** her grief was at once checked, and she conferred calmly and deli-
berately with me upon the means of her evasion. One circumstance
alone appeared to give her uneasiness — but I doubt whether I am
at liberty to mention it to your majesty.''

" Do not mention it, then, my good friend," returned the king,
*' if it is aught the princess would not wish to be divulged to me."

" It is, however, desirable, I think, that your majesty should be
acquainted with the state of her heart, the rather that you may
form a judgment — "

" \yhether the alliance be suitable, ha! messire. What cavalier
has been so fortunate as to ingratiate himself into the good opinion
of this captive princess?"

" A Scottish gentleman, my liege, who hath greatly distinguished
liimself at the court of your royal brother of France — the Cheva-
lier Crichton."

" Mort de ma vie!" exclaimed Henri, angrily; "doth ht: aspire
to her hand?"

" Your majesty forgets that he knew her only as one of Queen
■Catherine's maids of honour."

" True," replied the king, sternly, " but she is now our cousin,
^nd as such no mate for an adventurer."

" It was her sense of this change in her condition, my liege, and
of the impassable bar placed between her and her lover that gave
her so much pain: nor was her uneasiness diminished, when she
learnt, as she shortly afterwards did, from a missive conveyed to her
from the Chevalier Crichton, that he had by accident made the
•discovery of her exalted origin, and at the peril of his life
•wrested the proofs of it from Catherine's own hands ; but in his
•endeavour to transmit the packet to her, while he was yet in the
power of the queen-mother, it had been irrecoverably lost."

" Ventre-saint-gris !" exclaimed Henri; "were there such
iproofs ?'

*• The Chevalier Crichton affirmed that the packet contained

222 CRICnTON.

letters; fiDin the quccn-motlicr, tlie Marcchal do Tavannc?, and tlie
Cardinal of Lorraine."

'• Diablc !" cried the king, with vivacity, " those letters Averc
■u'cll worth the risk of a life, and would have obviated the ncces-
sitv of bring lorward the scarce credible statement of your proselyte
Aniumziata. Heaven grant they have not I'allen again into Cathe-
rine's clutches! It was a bold deed to tear her prey from tho
lioness, and this Crichton hath proved himself a cavalier oi nO'
mean ])n)wefs. One question more, good Chretien, did not this
Sct)ttish knight promise to finish his adventiuc by delivering our
captive cousin?"

" Of a verity, my licgc, he did so," returned the preacher with
some reluctance.

" I knew as much," said Henri, smiling; " Esclairmondc is now
at the Louvre ? — ha !"

" In the train of Queen Louise, whom she accompanies at noon
to the lists, where, bv his majesty's commands, she presides as
sovereign arbitrcss. To-night there is a new fete and masque at
the Louvre. Before that time she must be delivered from thral-
dom, or her fate is sealed."

" Before that hour she shull be delivered," replied the king, " or
I will myself proclaim her rank before Henri and his assembled courts
But time presses, good Chretien, and I must to the tilt-yard."

" Your majesty — "

"Is peremptory — headstrong — what you Avill? But waste no
more words upon me. Tarry here till the jousts are over, and I will
rejoin you."

As he spoke, the king made a sign to the Baron do Rosnl, who,
with a glance of ineffable disdain at the menacing gestures of
the scholars, instantly rejoined him, and after a little further
conversation Avith the preacher, and a valediction, which greatlj*
scantlaliscd the good old man, proffered to his buxom hostess,.
Henri and his follower quitted the cabaret.

They were about to mount the steeds awaiting their coming
forth, at the door of the tavern, when a band of equerries, pages,,
and gcntleraan-ushcrs in superb liveries of crimson velvet, slashed
with yellow satin, accompanied by a crowd of trumpeters and haut-
boy-players blowing loud flourishes, rode furiously down the Hue
Pelican, shouting as they passed "INJakc way for the queen-mother
— stand back — stand back." Henri drew his cap closely over his
brow at this intimation, and appeared to busy himself about the
saddle of his charger. Presently Catherine appeared mounted upon
a beautiful Spanish jennet, and attended by her ^^ petite Imnde des
dames," all on horseback, on their way to the Louvre. It was im-
possible to conceive a gayer or more attractive sight than this
brilliant troop of youthful dames, each attended by a page habited
in her colours, presented. All Avere masked in demi-vizards of vari-
ous dyes, and the beholder therefore could do little more than guess,
at the loveliness of their lineaments. But the briirhtucss of the orbs-

a HE HUGUENOT. 2?3

fliishinfjtliroiifjli the apertures of those witcliincf ionrcts de nez — tlio
splendour ot" their attire — the graee they displayed on their steed«
— the waving of their silken tresses — the elegance and lightness of
their figures, left him in little incertitude as to the charms of feature
thus enviously concealed Irom view. In spite of the risk incurred
by sucli a proceeding, Henri could not resist the temptation of
stealing a glance at the fair equestrians as they passed in review
before him ; and as the person of one, who seemed to be more ex-
quisitely proportioned than her companions attracted his ardent gaze,
the damsel (it was La llebours) remarked to her companion —
" Sainte ^Nlarie ! La Fosseuse, only see how much that soldier resem-
bles the King of Navarre !"

" Nenni !" returned La Fosseusc pertly, " I discover no likeness
— or if there is any, the soldier has decidedly the advantage over
the monarch — his shoulders are broader.''

" Perhaps so," sighed La Rebours; " but the resemblance is very
remarkable.'* And as she turned her head to satisfy herself of the
fact, the king had disappeared. "How very singular!" she
thought, musing on the circumstance as she rode along.

We will now return to the cabaret and inquire af\er the Gclosa.
With difficulty the unhappy maiden mastered her terror when she
perceived Ogilvy engaged in a second brawl with the scholars, and
found herself deserted by both her protectors ; but her alarm was
greatly increased, when after the departure of the Baron de Rosni,
the menaces of the scholars assumed a more determinately hostile
shape, and the Scot was loudly threatened with death on all sides.
jS^either could the strong arms of Blount and the Swiss sergeant,
nor the peaceful interposition of the preacher, avail to allay the
storm. They cried out loudly for his blood, and swords and daggers
were drawn — tables and benches overturned — glasses broken —
deep and vindictive oaths uttered; and a sanguinary conflict must
have ensued, had not the Chevalier du Guct and his two lieutenants
armed with partisans, and accompanied by several other personages
in sable dresses, whose sallow countenances as well as certain pecu-
liarities in their costume, proclaimed them to be Italians, suddenly
entered the tavern. The chief of the watch commanded peace in
the Icing's name; and apprehensive of the consequences of a refusal
to obe^/ his order, the combatants were compelled to sheath their
olades. But in the mean time another event occurred, which gave
a new turn to the affair, and served to re-awaken their suspended
anim.osity. As her eye rested upon the new comers, Ginevra could
not repress a faint scream, and attracted by the sound, one of the
foremost of their number instantly rushed towards her, and ere the
hapless maiden could offer any resistance, she found herself in the
power of the followers of Gonzaga. To rush to her assistance, to
extricate her from the grasp of her assailant, was with Ogilvy the
work of a moment. But his assistance was ineffectual. Ginevra
only escaped from one hand to be retaken by the other. The

•224 CRICIITOK.

Stirbonlst twined his arms round the form of tlio living girl and
Lore lier back to licr captors. Ogilvy moanwhllc had not relin-
quished the grasp he liad fixed upon the Itahan. In the struggle
that succeeded, a packet fell from the doublet of the latter. The
■Scot recognised it at once.

" Ah !" he exclaimed, setting his foot upon the papers, " to the
rescue, Blount — to the rescue — there is the object of our patron
•Crichton's search — the documents establishing the Princess Esclair-
monde's birth — to the rescue — to the rescue !"

" Gracious heaven !" exclaimed the preacher, " toliis aid, young
man. I would fain wield a sword in such a cause myself — help ! —
help!"

Blount needed not this incitement to draw sword. He threw
himself resolutely upon the Italians, whose weapons were all
directed against Ogilvy's breast, and struck the foremost of them
to the ground. But his purpose was checked by a sudden and fiital
5ssue being put to the combat. One of the followers of Gonzaga,
Avatching his opportunity, plunged his stiletto deeply into Ogilvy's
breast. Without a groan, though he lelt himself mortally
wounded, the Scot now stooped down, and receiving, as he did,
ijuunberless wounds from his adversaries, obtained possession of the
packet.

" Take it," he said, as with a dying effort he reached the English-
man's side, " you know its destination — heed me not — away — my
strength will not avail me to Hy, but my heart goes Avith you and
to my patron — tell him — but 1 cannot speak — go — go."

Uttering these words, he committed the packet to Blount's
■custody, and suddenly turning, confronted his adversaries with a
look so fierce and desperate, that the boldest of them shrank back
appalled.

*' Follow me, messire," whispered Dame Fredegonde, who, under
-cover of the protecting arm of the Swiss sergeant, had ventured to
approach the combatants, " follow me," she said, plucking Blount's
sleeve, " and you too, worthy sir," addressing the preacher, " you
can render little assistance to that dying man, and your presence
Avill only incite these murtherous students to further acts of violence.
Holy Virgin! — blessed Luther, I mean — but I scarcely know
what I am saying — that such a fray as this should dishonour my
dwelling. INI aitre Jacques, look to their swords — mercy upon us !
— ward them off— I will lind means to requite your valour — come
.along, messires — quick — quick, this way — this way."

Blount looked irresolute,

" By Saint lien'et," he said, " I never yet turned my back
■\ipon an enemy ; and I see not Avhy I should lly for the first time
when I have a friend to avenge."

" If thou wouldst indeed avenge me, tarry not," cried Ogilvy.
And as he spoke, the sword of one of his antagonists was thrust
through his body, and the Scot fell to the earth.

"Let them not wholly triumph," gasped the dying man, — "ah;

THE HUGUENOT. 225

he escapes," lie crieJ, turning his glazing eyes in the direction of
Blount, who defended by the nervous arm and huge lalchion of the
Swiss, as well as by the dreaded fangs of his dog Druid, and guided
by the friendly hostess, speedily ellccted his retreat, together with the
preacher, through a small doorway, not hitherto observed by the
guests. As this door was closed and barricaded by the stalwart
person of JMaltre Jacques, a smile of exultation lighted up Ogilvy's
features: " I die content," he murmured.

At this moment a piercing shriek rent the air. It proceeded
from the Gelosa. Her captors were about to bear her off, but find-
ing her outcries continued, one of them twisted a scarf round
her throat in such a manner that it was impossible for the wretched
maiden to utter further sound. This done, regardiiig neither the
entreaties of Dame Fredegonde, nor the impotent threats of Ogilvy^
they disappeared with their prey. At the same time the Chevalier
du Guet and his attendants quitted the tavern.

" Recreants,*" cried the Scot, who had raised himself upon one
arm — " will none lend a hand to the rescue ? — will none help her?
— That youth, as you deem him, is a maiden in disguise, — Avill ye
stand by and see wrong done to a woman — to the rescue if ye be

men

" Tliink you we will defend thy leman, fool," said the Sorbonist»
with a derisive laughter, as he passed him; " our vengeance is now
fully complete — thou art robbed of life and thy mistress — ha — ha.
— Come, comrades, let us to the lists. This augurs well. This
Scot's countryman may chance to meet a like downfal. We shall
see. And hark ye, messires, if we can lay hands upon that heretic
preacher, we will see if there is a fagot to be found in the Pre-aux-
clercs :

Death to the Huguenot ! — fagot and flame I
Death to the Huguenot ! — torture and sliame !

Death !— Death !"

And all joining in this menacing chorus, the scholars quitted tbe
cabaret.

Scarcely liad the reckless troop gained the street, when a band
of men, wearing the livery of the Vicomte de Joyeuse, entered the
chamber.

"Where is the youtli whom we are to conduct from Paris?'*
asked their leader, glancing around in astonishment and alarm.

" In the hands of ," gasped Ogilvy.

But ere he could complete the sentence, the brave Scot becaica
for ever silent.

226 CKICllTOX.

CHAPTER HI.

THE PROCESSION.

Genets, conrsiors, riches liardes, lioussures,
Pluniars veniplis d'orpliaveries fines,
Clunnfrains (lores a grans entrelassures,
Arniets lay sans, bicquoquets, capelines,
Bucques de iiris, tres riclies niantelines —

Anbre de la Vigne. Ze Vcrgier d'Honncur,

As tlie hour for opening the lists drew nigh, all tlie avenues
and approaches of the Louvre were thronged Avith eager and
curious crowds hurrying from each quarter to behold the chival-
rous pageant. This concourse consisted of every class of society
to be found in the vast and miscellaneous population of Paris, I'rom
the sedate citizen and his demure spouse, to be distinguished by
propriety of gear, (costume being then regulated by sumptuary
laws), down to the rough half- clothed boatmen who plied upon
the Seine, and the sturdy artisan who haunted its banks. Nor
must we omit a host of Jews, beggars, truands, and other non-
descript vagabonds who usually I'ormcd tlie mass of a Parisian
crowd at the period of our narrative. Amongst these the magis-
trates of the city, the provosts of the merchants, the echevins and
their followers, in bipartite robes of crimson, and tawny-coloured
:stuffs embroidered with a silver ship (the civic cognizance), the
sei'geants, archers, cross-bowmen, and arqucbusiers of the town-guard
cut a conspicuous figure. As usually happens, however, where a
■crowd Is collected, the softer sex predominated. For one steel or
felt cap tliere were ten coifs of silk or linen. Nor were the niem-
hers of the various religious fraternities Avanting : the gray or russet
frock — the cowl, or shaven head — and the long staff — might be
detected amid the dense assemblage. Cordeliers, Carmelites, and
IVIinims were mingled with the higher dignitaries of the church.
The students of tlie university, ever on the alert when a spectacle
was about to take place, herded thither in vast bands. Here came
acourtly abbe — it was our acquaintance, Pierre de Bourdeille — upon
a mule with its superb housings, followed by a train of richly-clad
lacqueys.

The mob doffed their caps as Brantorae ambled on. Next
appeared what in our own time would be regarded with much mer-
riment, but Avhich was then a matter of too frequent occurrence
to excite either surprise or ridicule, a couple of gaily-attired
youths mounted upon the same steed — then a cavalier and dame,
likewise on horseback, the latter seated on a velvet pillion,
her features concealed, as was the universal mode with the
ladies when out of doors, by a demi-mask. The housings of the

THE niOCESSION. 227

cliririicr Avcrc unusually superb .; liis broad martinp;al and Avidc-
reiued bridle bcini^; of crimson leather richly ornamented -with gold,
Next followed a company oi' singly-mounted cavaliers, -with a host
of valets and attendants arrayed in the extremity of the court
fashion, Avith nodding feathers and lluttering mantles ; the curvet-
ing of their coursers, and the blows of their lioussincs, as they dashed
recklessly onwards, occasioned considerable confusion amongst the
foot-passengers ; and the smiles and compliments they lavished upon
the fair citoycnnes and their daughters, hardly compensated with the
bliiJf burgesses for their own s])raincd slioulders and broken heads.
Xevertheless, in spite of the jostling and hustling, the striving,
straining, and squeezing, the utmost good humour prevailed ; but
this, indeed, might be attributed to the presence of so many armed
authorities.

Loud shouts Avcrc now raised, and the multitude was pushed
backwards and driven into more compact masses as the magnificent
litter of the Queen of Navarre was borne along to the Louvre. In
vain did the spectators endeavour to catch a glimpse of the features
or person of the lovely iNIarguerite. A mask defied their scrutiny,
and she leaned back in her carriage as if anxious to elude observa-
tion. Not so her attendant, Torigni. The swan-like throat of the
sprightly Florentine might be observed above the sides of tlie
vehicle, and her snowy hand, divested of its glove, and covered
witli rings, negligently arranged a raven ringlet. INIarguerite's litter
swept by, and was followed by the huissiers and guard of the go-
vernor of Paris, llene de Villemuer boasted the most magnificent
caroche in Paris; and the vehicle which, upon this occasion, con-
veyed the portly person of the marquis, was little inferior in deco-
ration and gilding, though somewhat diifereut in construction, from
our own Lord Mayor's state eqinpagc.

Tlien came the trampling of hoofs, and the loud fanfares of
trumpets, and the superbly-accoutred band of Gascon gentlemen —
iorty-tive in number, whence their designation — commanded by
the Baron d'Epernon, wheeled into sight ; the sun-beams briglitly
glancing upon their corslets, and upon the tips of their lances. The
last fourteen of this gallant company were sheathed in complete
steel, Avith yellow scarves crossing their burnished cuirasses. Tw^o
pages succeeded in the violet-coloured livery of the baron, Avitli
his blazon displayed upon their sleeves and doublets. Then came
his esquires sustaining his shield, charged likcAvise Avitli his cogni-
since ; and lastly appeared D'Epernon himself, in a costly suit of
russet armour, enriched Avith chiselled arabesques and deep reliela
of gold.

Scarcely had the admiration excited by the baron's retinue sub«
sided, ere the spectators were attracted towards a further display o\
knightly splendour. A flourish of trumpets bloAvn by six mounted
men-at-arms, avIiosc clarions Avere ornamented with silken bandrola
■fnniied Avith gold, displaying th,'> princely scutcheon of the family

228 CRicnTON.

of Gonzaga, announced the approach of the Duke of Ncvcrs.
The duke rode a noble Arabian courser, and proceeded at a slow
and stately pace. His valets and pages were more numerous than
those of tlic Baron d'Epernon, and he was attended by four gen-
tlemen ushers, who walked by his side bareheaded, Avith -svands iu
their hands. lie was fully armed in a suit of Milan steel, of the
finest workmanship. Mis breast-])latc was brighter than silver, and
reflected the rays of the sun as from a dazzling mirror. Ilis bur-
ganet, and his corslet, were crusted -with gold and pearls, and
from his neck, suspended to a chain of the same metal, hung the
order of the Saint-Esprit. A plume of white ostrich feathers nodded
on his crest.

I]is demeanour was so dignified, and his train so sumptuous,
riiat ilis appearance was greeted by the assemblage with deafening
acclamations — acknowledged by the proud duke with a haughty
inclination of the head. Nor was the popularity of the wily Italian
diminished, as his attendants showered amongst the mob broad
silver pieces, for which they fought and scrambled. By his side, in
full ecclesiastical costume of scarlet silk simar with lawn sleeves
and snowy rochet, and upon a sleek, well-fed mule, led by two
attendants, each of whom had a hand upon the bridle, rode l-*ierre
de Gondi, Bishop of Paris; a prelate in high favour with the queen-
mother, to whom, indeed, he owed his elevation. There was
something sinister in the dark and shifting glance of this Floren-
tine churchman, which seemed to confirm the horrible reports
that prevailed as to the motives of Catherine's predilection for
him. But be this as it may, the hypocritical smile which now lit
up his sallow featiu'cs was construed by the observers into an ex-
pression of infinite benevolence, the rather that his almoner, who
followed closely at his heels, distributed a dole with no sparing hand.

Immediately behind the suite of the Due de Nevers came an
esquire ot Vincenzo de Gonzaga, bearing a small triangular shield,
painted white, on which appeared the device of a sable mask, in-
scribed with the motto Vendetta. This esquire wore the livery of
the prince (the combined hues of red and yellow) displayed in the
flowinf' satin housinss of his steed, traversed with broad cross-bars
of orange and crimson, inhisslashed velvet doublet, haut-de-chausses
of different dyes, and parti-coloured plumes. Ne:xtadvanced a band
of youthful pages magnificently attired, and mounted on coursers
caparisoned in cloth of gold, barred like the housings of the esquire,
the stripes being described upon their gorgeous trappings by alter-
nate lines of I'rieze-wrought and smooth-beaten tissue. Upon the
silken just-au-corps of each page was embroidered in golden thread
the ducal badge of Mantua and jNIontferrat. So gorgeous were
their appointments in detail, that their bonnets, shoes, saddles,
bridles, and even the scabbards of their rapiers blushed with crimson
velvet.

Then followed a host of lacqueys on foot, similarly, though lesa

THE rKOCESSioN. 229

splendidly arrayed; then another esquire sustaining the tri-coloured
lance oi' the prince, decorated with silken pennoncel ; then two
loot-pages attired in habiliments of cloth of gold and silk, leading
his steed — a mighty Allomayne charger witli eyes of llame, ex-
panded nostril, and pawing lioof — furnished lor Gonzaga's use by
the provident Due do JS'evers. Thick crimson velvet housing,
enwoven with the ducal cognizance, covered this noble animal, and
descended almost to his pastern joints; the saddle was of velvet of
the same hue as the rest of the harness — the chamfVin, or head-
piece Avas of gilded mail, with a short projecting steel pike, and
tufts of scarlet, and saffron-stained plumes adorned his front and
croup.

Lastly, armed cap-a-pee, in a suit of black mail embossed with
gold and precious stones, rode the Prince Vincenzo. A garde-bras,
or haute-piice, as it Avas subsequently termed, covered the front of
liis cuirass, and defended his throat and left arm, so far as the
gauntlet; but being of a single piece, and introduced in those
later days of chivalry, for the better security of the jousters, the
posture assumed by the knight, who adopted this safe-guard in the
combat, became fixed and unalterable as that of a statue; his right
arm alone being left at liberty. A tall egret of sable feathers sha-
dowed his helm ; and with his vizor closed, and maintaining, of
necessity, a stern and moveless attitude, Gonzaga passed slowly
onwards. His cortege Avas completed by another band of gaudy
valets, and the minstrels, Avho enlivened the procession Avith the
tambour, the cornet, and the clarion.

A fresh clangour of trumpets admonished the spectators that
other comers were at hand ; and the announcement Avas speedily
followedby the brilliant retinue of the Vicomte de Joyeuse, Avhich,
if it could not vie Avith that of Gonzaga in magnificence, surpassed
it in number and consequence, consisting of a throng of Iqrdlings
and youthful gentlemen of the best families of France, Avho Avere
eager upon this occasion to array themselves under the banners of
their monarch's chief favourite, and to distinguish themselves Avith
the snoAA'y scarf which he had adopted as his ensign. It Avas true
the same prodigality of cloth of gold and velvet Avas not here ex-
hibited, as in the preceding cavalcade ; —

Mais de harnois, ne d'armiire de jouste,
Ne leiir failloit line petite piece.

There Avas no lack of " tilting furniture, emblazoned shields." A
gayer troop Avas never seen. Nor could a greater contrast have
been found to that Avhich preceded it. The viA^acity of their
hilarious leader seemed to have diffused itself throughout his com-
pany. Success appeared to be Avritten in their beaming features.
Nothing Avas heard but shouts of laughter, and the jingling of arms;
nothing seen but the Avaving of plumes and banners, the glitter
of helm and spear, and caracoling of coursers.

Completely armed in a suit of polished steel, Joyeuse rode a

230 CUICHTON.

cli:iri;cr bnvdccT with ung lei et grand coiivrechicf of silver tissue,
cdueel with azure fringe; and wore a scarf of white silk, richly em-
broidered, thrown across his left shoulder. From his morion
lloatcd a lambrequin of slashed satin, and his surcoat was decorated
with his armorial bearings. His handsome countenance was radiant
with gaiety; and he conversed in an animated manner with a
knight, who careered by his side, and upon whom, even more than,
the vicomte, the attention of the gazers was fixed. Nor was the-
appearance of this cavalier undeserving the admiration he excited.
He seemed the very mirror of chivalry. The experienced horse-
man applauded the consummate grace with Avhich he sat his courser
(a powerful and beautifully-formed bay, whose skin shone almost
(xy brightly as his rider's coat of mail), and the ease with which he
ever and anon compelled him to jierform the balotadcs, croupades,
and other graces of the high manege, alluded to in the following

alliterative verses —

Vite virade,
Pompante pannade,
Saiu soulevant,
Fronipte petanade,

while the female portion of the assemblage marvelled at the exceed-
ing beauty of feature, disclosed by the open vizor of his casque,
and the manly symmetry of the limbs, defined by his light and
curiously-fashioned breastplate, " brassards, cuissards, jamb and
polleret." The housings ot his steed were of white damask, diapered
with gold, and bordered with minever. His chamlrin was decorated
like that of Gonzaga, with a superb lioupe de plumes, and similarly
accoutred. From the crest of the knight depended a lambrequin
of slashed silk; and his surcoat was woven with his blazon, a lion
rampant azure, armed, and iangued gules.

Following this preux chevalier, rode two esquires, in liveries of
azure and white; the one carrying his painted lance, on the coronel
of which was I'astened a knot of ribbands; the ^•A'l^Ci doubtless, of
the dame in whose honour he was about to run a course: the
other bearing a silver shield with the device of a dragon vert,
spouting out fire, and the motto Loyal au mort, inscribed in blue
characters upon a scroll.

When it became known to the assemblage that this knight, in
whom all felt so much interest, Avas no other than the Admirable
Crichton, the adversary of the Prince of JNIantua, their acclamations
were so loud and deafening, and the elibrts of those in the rear so
strenuous to obtain a nearer view of his person and features, that it
required the application of both partisan and sword on part of the
attendants to keep back the rabble ; while the object of their curi-
■)sity, apprehensive of some such tunudt taking place, as occurred
m the preceding day at the university, Avas lain to set spurs to his
charger, and to lU'ge his companions into a quicker movement, in
order to escape from observation.

*' B}' my halidom !" exclaimed Joyeuse, as they reached the grand

THE PROCESSION. 231

portal of the Louvre, and found the space before it invested witli
a gay confusion of litters, caroches, steeds, lacqueys, and pages in
various and resplendent liveries — " to judge from this rout we shall
have a goodly attendance at our jousting. You must do your
devoir gallantly, t)to7i c/ia-, for you will have the eyes of all the
chivalry and beauty of France upon you. There is not a magnate
of our court, whose colours I do not discern amidst yon rout of
servitors. But we are late. Those knaves in the slashed doublets
form part of the train of our challenger's padrino. Gonzaga is
already in the steccato."

" Better be the last to enter the field than the first to quit it,"
replied Crichton, smiling. " But whom have we here? By Saint
Andrew! my gossip, Chicot. So ho! Bayard," he cried, patting
the neck of his charger, who, obedient to his voice, instantly stood
still, but evinced his impatience by arching his neck, champing at
the bit, snorting and pawing the ground. " What wouldst thou?"
demanded the Scot, as the jester approached him with an odd
serio-comic look.

" I am the bearer of a cartel to thee," replied the jester, in a tone
of mock defiance.

" Gramercy — gossip — a challenge!" ejaculated Crichton; "from
thy brother, Siblot, to shiver a niarotte against his cock's-comb?
Ha ! But knowst thou not, that by the laws of honour, I am
restrained from entering into a second quarrel until my first be dis-
posed of ?"

" I know it," answered Chicot, in an under tone. " But you
must oiler some response, yea or nay, to my appeal. Here is the
missive," he added, delivering a perfumed note, sealed and secured
with a silken thread, to the Scot; " peruse it, and deliver me your
answer without wrong or supersticerie."

" The cipher of the Queen of Navarre," exclaimed Cricliton, as
he regarded the billet; " nay, then, it is indeed a combat a o'utraitce."

" I would advise you to decline the encounter, or ratlier peace-
ably to arrange it," returned the jester; " but in the mean time will
it please you to read the cartel, and furnish me with some token of
your intentions to convey to my royal mistress."

Crichton hastily broke open the seal, and as his eye glanced over
the contents of the note, a slight flushof anger rose upon his cheek.

" I will rather perish than accept the terms she proposes," he
murmured, tearing it in pieces, and scattering the fragments to the
breezes.

" Hold, gossip," cried Chicot; "reserve that thread of gold; 1
am to take that to her majesty as a sign of your acquiescence."

" Never," answered Crichton, sternly; " tell her I have burst
lier chains. She would have some token — 'tis well," he added;
withdrawinor his jjauntlet from his hand, and cfiviniif the bczoar-rinir
to the jester, " let this gem be a proof to her that I neither fear
her threats, nor will accept of lier tenderness."

'263 CllICHTON.

" Par Salnct Fiacre en Brie!" cried Chicot, looking after him
with a smile of derision, as lie dashed swiftly through the gate-
way, " I will prove a better friend to thee than thou deservest.
This ring will well beseem my own iingcr, while this tliread," he
added, picking up the fastening of the billet, " will perfectly
content her jealous majesty of Navarre. For what saith the good
Pantagruel —

Paternostres et onaisons

Sont pour ceux-la qui les retiennent:

Ung fiffre allant en fenaisons,

Est plus fort que deux qui en viennent.

And chanting this wholesome advice " de la marraine de mon
ffra?td-pere" he entered the lofty portal of the Louvre.

CHAPTER IV.

THE LISTS.

Ce jour de may en beau liarnois de guerre,
Nous joustames assez doucettement,
Et de iioz fais qui en voudroit enquerre
ley n'en fais meneion autrement.

Louis de Beauveau. Le Pas Je la Bergiere.

Accompanied by the Vicomte do Joyeuse, Crichton now rode
into the champ clos appointed for the combat. Erected within a
court, at the back of the Louvre, the lists were elevated to the
height of the thigh-piece of the jousters, and extended to the
length of sixty yards; while the space within the barriers, being
carefully sanded and cleared of all impediments, olFered a very ad-
vantageous arena for the exhibition of knightly prowess.

Along the facade of the palace, on a level with the windows now
throw'n open, for the convenience of the spectators, was raised a
temporary balcony, descending in wide steps, and hung with mag-
nificent tapestry. Divided, at certain distances, into open canopies,
fashioned of the richest brocade, decorated with fleuis-dc-lys ciphers
and escutcheons, and fluttering with silken streamers, this balcony
occupied one side of the quadrangular court. At the further ex-
tremity of the lists stood a grand roofed gallery, supported by heavy
pillars, destined for the reception of the three queens, their atten-
dants and dames of honour. The curtains and hangings of this
splendid structure were of gridelin velvet, flowered with ciphers of
silver; displaying in the centre a vast argent shield, emblazoned
with the royal escutcheon of France. At the right of the tilt-
yard was placed a scaffold, with palisades reserved for Montjoie,
the king-at-arms, the marshals and judges of the field; and next
to it, under a canopy fretted with gold, ran a line of tabourets,
ret apart for the favourites of Henri HI. ; in the centre of which
was V. raised velvet fauteuil for his majesty's own occupation.

THE LISTS. 233

At either end stood two pavilions of striped silk for the use of
the esquires, armourers, and other attendants of the combatants.
Upon a low scatfbld to the left of the grand gallery, guarded by
four odicials, disguised in the ghastly leaden-coloured hood called
the chaperon, and surrounded by a band of halberdiers, stood Kug-
gieri ; with his hands folded upon his bosom, and his eyes fixed
upon the ground.

Indicating to his retinue the position they were to occupy, Joy-
cuse rode through the entrance of the lists and joined the marslials
of the field. Crichton followed more slowly. The breast of the
Scot beat hi^h as he "azed on the inspirinjf scene. The morninir
was bright and beautiful ; the sunbeams glanced on casque, and
corslet, and on tlie tliousand dyes of banner and blazon ; the soft
breeze, tempered by the genial warmth of approaching spring,
served with its freshening breath to give enthusiasm to the heart,
and vigour to the frame; and so fully did Crichton feel the influ-
ence of these stirring thoughts, that spurring his charger, he com-
pelled him to perform a deml-volte in the air, and then to career
round the arena. All was animation and excitement. The rustle
of silks, tlie pleasant sound of gentle voices, the flash of brilliants
from above, announced the arrival of tlie anges de pnradis (as they
were rapturously termed by the minstrels) in the balconies. Each
casement of the Louvre poured forth its stream of beauty ; and as
the Scot gazed upon those lovely and high-born dames, whose natural
chai'ms were heightened to the utmost by the aid of costhest orna-
ment and dress, he felt his bosom beat with redoubled ardour.
Reining his steed, he paused to look around. On all sides were
ranged dense masses of spectators, over whose uncovered heads
bristled the glancing pikes and halberts of the sergeants. On the
right of the royal gallery were arrayed the fourteen followers of
D'Epernon, glistening in steel, and headed by the baron him-
self: on the left, behind the scaffold of the astrologer, stood the
sumptuous retinue of the Due de Nevers. Bands of cavaliers, who,
on the appearance of the dames on the balcony, regardless of the
interdiction of the heralds, had dashed into the course, were
now seen extendinir their lances towards its sides, whence fell a
shower of Avreaths, bracelets, and scarves, which were speedily at-
tached to salade and spear. Much occupation was thus given to
the king-at-arms and the marshals, whose province was to maintain
a clear field ; and the champions, waving their hands to the mis-
tresses of their hearts, quitted the ring. Amid the subordinate
officers of the tilt-yard, must be enumerated the pursuivants, the
trumpeters with their clarions dressed with silken flags, and troops
of minstrels stationed at each outlet.

A shout was now raised by the crowd, and the Scots attention
was directed towards tlie grand gallery, in which the Queen Louise
find her demoiselles made their appearance. Amid the latter
Crichton at once distinguished Esclairmonde. The Princess of
Conde was perfectly pale ; but her want of bloom in nowise

234 CRICHTON.

detracted from lier loveliness. On the contrary, she had never
before appeared so eminently hoautifid in the eyes of her lover;
nor had lie heretolbre, as lie thought, remarked so much dig-
nity and self-possession in her demeanour. In fact, the events
of the last night, and the knowledge so recently and mys-
teriously acquired of her exalted origin, had worked a sudden
but entire change in Esclairmonde's cliaracter. She was no longer
an orphan maiden witliout name, and without family. She now
felt a pride, of which she had hccn hitherto imconscious, kindled
■ys'itliin her bosom; and a resolution, as yet wholly unknown to her,
animate and sustain her spirits against the perils and difficulties ta
■which she was exposed. This new-sprung courage was the more
fully proved in the ordeal to which she was shortly afterwards
subjected in an interview with Catherine de Medicis and Margue-
rite de Valois; both of whom, with their attendants, now entered
tlie gallerv. But her firnmcss did not fail her in this trial; and she
returned the scrutinising look of the queen-mother with a glnncc
as lofty as her own. Marguerite Avas all smiles and coiulesy : but
the smile of a rival is little to be trusted, and Crichton, who was
•well acquainted with Marguerite's talent for dissimulation, read in
her professions of friendship, and winning attentions, the dcadhest
treachery. These greetings concluded, Esclairmonde, at the request
of Queen Louise, took the throne appointed lor her as sovereign
arbitress of the tournc}', — a chair placed a little in advance of
the royal seats, and so situated as to make her the principal object
of attraction to the spectators. Her costume was a robe of white
damask, flowered with silver, with sleeves of snowy silk of the
ample mode of the period, embroidered with roseate and green
pearls. Never had Queen of the Lists appeared so attractive; and
a murmur of admiration arose from the multitude as she became
more fully revealed to their view.

At this moment the gaze of the princess fell upon the knightly
figure of her lover, who, bending to his saddle-bow, gracefully
tendered his homage. As she returned the salutation, Esclair-
monde trembled, and her courage entirely forsook her. Crichton
perceived the change in her deportment; and anxious, if possible, tO'
dissipate her anxiety, compelled his steed into its liveliest caracoles;
and was about to quit the field, when his progress was arrested by
loud cries of" Noel! NoeU—vive le rot! — vive le roiT Fanfares
of trumpets and the clash of cymbals succeeded, and Henri, fully
and magnificently armed, entered into the arena. He was attended
by the Marquis de Villequier, Saint Luc, and a courtly throng.
The royal charger (a snowy Arabian) was caparisoned with sweep-
ing bardes of crimson velvet, —

Toutes chargecs dc riclie orpliaverie,

and figured with golden lleurs-de-lys. Courteously saluting the
Scot, and bidding him prepare for the signal of the combat, which
would bo shortly given, Henri directed his course towards the

THE LISTS. 235

grand gallery, ami addressing EsclauMnondc, solicited o, favour at
lier hands, tliat he might break a lance in her behalf. Unable to
refuse liis request, Esclairinonde took a string of pearls from her
rich auburn tresses, and despatched it to the monarch by a page.
Acknowledging the boon with a smile of gratification, and passing
many well-turned compliments upon her charms, Henri proceeded
to hold a brief conference with the Due de Nevcrs.

Crichton, meantime, rode into the pavilion appropriated to his
attendants; the hangings of which were closely drawn after him.
Dismounting from his steed, he was presently joined by the Vicomte
de Joyeuse, Montjoie, and Pierre de Gondi, by the latter of whom
the customary oatlis of the combat were administered. Kissing the
crucifix and the Te igitnr, the Scot next submitted himself to his
armourer, who riveted upon his cuirass a placcate of shining steel,
similar to that borne by Gonzaga. Being thus fully equipped for
the fight, notwitlistanding the increased weight of his armour, he
vaulted into the saddle Avithout tlie aid of the stirrup; and taking
his lance from his esquire, awaited the signal for the combat.

Henri having by this time taken his seat beneath the canopy,
gave with his baton a signal to INIontjoie, the king-at-arms, who,
attended by tw'o heralds, advanced, amidst a flourish of clarions
and hautboys, towards the centre of the arena ; and, commanding
silence, proclaimed in a loud voice the names and titles of the ap-
pellant and the defendant, together with their cause of quarrel,
prohibiting all peisons whatsoever from offering interruption,
by word or sign, to the combat. Fresh fanfares of trumpets
succeeded this ceremonial, during which all eyes had been
fixed upon Ruggieri, who, though pale as death, maintained a
composed and resolute demeanour, ever and anon stealing a glance
towards the gallery, in which sat the queen-mother. Silence being
once more restored, Montjoie cried aloud, " Faites vos devoirs, che-
valiers.^'

On the third call, the curtains of the pavilions were swiftly drawn
aside, and both knights issued forth, each taking up a position at
the right of the barriers. Esclairmonde's bosom palpitated with
emotion as she beheld the stately figure of her lover cased in steel
thus suddenly set before her, and recognised her own gage upon his
lance's point. Any fears she might have entertained for his safety
vanished in his presence; and with a heart throbbing with expec-
tation, she hc^ard the first blast of the clarion sound lor the hostile
career. A profound hush now reigned througliout the assemblage.
Even the royal tenants of the gallery rose and advanced towards
its edge, and Marguerite de Valois, disregarding Montjoie's injunc-
tion, leaned over the side of the balcony and waved her hand.
Crichton perceived the action; and, unable otherwise to account
for it, attributed it to some return of tenderness on the part of the
impassioned queen. Again tiie trumpet sounded, and as the blast
was blown, Crichton struck his spurs into his steed, executing a
dexni-volte to the right, while he slightly raised his lance in the air,

236 CRICHTON.

brinir'ing the truncheon within a few inches of his thigli, in readi-
ness for the career. In this action were displayed the unequalled
grace and dexterity in the manarrement of his steed, for which the
Scot was so eminently distini^niished. The martial notes of the
clarion now resounded for the third time, and hurlinir a ^rauntlet
to the i^round, Montjoie shouted in a voice of thunder, " Laisscz-
les aller — laiasez-les allcr.^^

Swift as bolt from cloud, Crichton, at this signal, speeded from
his post. As the steed started on his rapid career, the Scot,
quick as thought, raised the truncheon of his lance to a level with
his line of vision, and then firmly fixing it in its rest, declined its
point towards the left ear of his charger as he approached within
some half-dozen paces of his adversary, and directed his aim against
the upper part of his helm. Both lances were shivered as the
champions met in mid career. Gonzaga's mark had been tlie same
as that of his antagonist, but the point of his lance glanced from the
sharp gorget of the plastron ; while the blow of Crichton, taking
place upon the crest of the prince, carried ofi" the panache .with
which it was surmounted, and scattered the plumes far and wide
over the field. Neither, however, had been dismounted; and as
each knight gracefully brought his steed to a rest, and hurled away
the truncheon of his broken lance, he opened his gauntlet to show
that he had sustained no injury from the encounter.

Snatching fresh lances from the attendants, the combatants again
started on a new career. In this second attaint, the advantage was
decidedly in favour of the Scot; his lance striking his adversary's
visor, and staggering him so much, that he could with dilliculty
rein in his charger. Notwithstanding the shock he had sustained,
the prince seized a sharp-pointed lance from his esquire, and bidding
a pursuivant communicate his intentions to his opponent, prepared
for the final course.

Tlie excitement of the spectators was now raised to the highest
pitch. On the Issue of this trial depended the fate of the accused,
and the movements of the combatants were watched with Intense
interest. For the third time they started upon their career. Upon
this occasion the steel edge of Gonzaga's lance drew sparkles from
the beaver of the Scot, as it came in contact witli his helm; but
the blow, thougli well directed, could not shake the firm horseman
in his saddle. Not so was it with Gonzaga. The stroke of Crich-
ton, Into which he had thrown all his force, was dealt with such
resolution ui)::;n tlie visor of VIncjnzo, that, unable to resist its
violence, and still maintaining his hold of the bridle, horse and rider
were hurled backwards upon the dust.

Instantly recovering his feet, and unclasping his visor, with a
countenance flushed with shame and fury, the prince walked across
the lists to the tribunal of the judges, and claimed, in a haughty
tone, to be allowed the privilege of the combat with the sword.
Tills request was peremptorily refused, but Cricliton, riding up at
the same moment, generously seconded his adversary's request, and

THE LISTS. 237

refusing to consider the triinnph he had obtained us decisive, Mont-
joie's objections were overruled, and tlic combatants retired to
renew tlieir conllict with ditlercnt weapons. The cheers, niean-
■wliile, from tlie lookers-on, were abnost stunning; and tlie courtesy
of tlie Scot was on all liands loudly applauded.

Crichton now withdrew to the pavilion, where his armourer
unbraced his haute-piece, and furnished him with another and
lighter morion of Damascus steel, crested with a tall cluster of white
feathers. A long estoc was girt to his side, and to the pummel of
liis saddle was fastened a keen, well-tempered misericordc. Thus
accoutred, he mounted a light agile barb, sent to him by the
Vicomte de Joyeuse, as being fitter for the rapid and furious pas-
sades he would now have to perform, than his own charger, and
returned to the lists " hieii yentement fernnt de Vesj)cron!^

Meanwhile, the barriers traversing the arena had been re-
moved, and the space was left vacant for the combat. As the Scot
passed through the outer pales, his visor was raised, and he cast a
look towards the gallery in which Esclairmonde was seated. The
princess rose as he appeared, and gracefully saluted him. Crichton
returned her greeting, and unsheathing his sword, kissed the hilt
as if vowing to draw it in her name. The action was not un-
observed by Marguerite de Valois, over whose countcna.nce came
a sudden and fearful change. The Vicomte de Joyeuse on the one
hand, and the Due de Nevers on the other, had in the interim
marked out upon the sand of the tilt-yard a circular space, within
the limits of which it was necessary that the combatants should
keep. Armed in all respects like his antagonist, and similarly
mounted, Gonzaga now rode into the lists. Making a motion to
the Due de Nevers that he desired an instant's speech of the Cheva-
lier Crichton, apart from their parraias, he rode towards the Scot,
who sheathed his sword as he drew nigh, and advanced to meet
him. This proceeding on the part of the prince was watched with
great anxiety by the spectators, who were apprehensive lest they
should lose the most interesting part of the anticipated spectacle.
Their doubts, however, were quickly relieved on noting the impe-
rious gestures of Gonzaga, and the corresponding haughtiness with
Avhich they were received by his adversary.

" Chevalier Crichton," said the prince, in a deep, low tone, " I
am aware that by the laws of arms I am already vanquished, and
not more so by your address than by your generosity. So much
am I beholden to you for the opportunity you have ajlbrded me of
redeeming my honour, that I would evince m.y sense of your high
and chivalrous conduct by the prolier of my friendship, if you
will accept it in lieu of doing battle upon a quarrel which, methinks,
might be easily adjusted."

" Prince of ]\Iantua," replied Crichton, courteously, " I should
be proud to accept your friendship if I could do so without im-
peachment of my honour. But it may not be. I have denounced

238 crticmoN

Ru^fgieri as false and perjured; an enemy of G:.d, and a traitor to
his king. You have falsified my charge — and I must make good
the accusation with my sword."

" Enough," rej)Hed the prince, haughtily; " once and again, I
tliank you. You have now liberated me from the weight of obliga-
tion under which my spirit laboured. The combat which ensues
must be a duel to the death. Your generosity might have restrained
iTiy arm. It is now free to strike — and, by Saint Paul, I charge
you to look well to yourself."

"To your post, then, prince," replied Cricliton, sternly; "and
by the aia of God, our Lady, and Saint Andrew the good knight,
[ will approve with my body against your body the justice of my
quarrel."

So saying, with a proud salutation, he closed the visor of his
helm, and backed his charger till he brought him in a line with
the Vicomte de Joyeuse, while Gonzaga, turning his horse's head,
rejoined his sponsor and second, the Due de Nevers.

After some little further delay, the combatants, placed about
forty paces asunder, awaited with rapier drawn and beaver up the
fulllhnent of the trumpeter's devoir. As the third charge was
sounded, grasping the rein firmly with his left hand, plunging his
spurs up to the rowel in the flanks of his steed, and raising his
sword-arm in the air, each champion dashed furiously against the
other, dealing, as he passed him, a mandritta, or blow from right
to left, on his antagonist's casque, and then wheeling suddenly
round, performed a demi-volte with curvets, and returning with the
same fury as before, reiterated his stroke. Upon the third en-
counter, executing a shorter demi-volte, Cricliton turned sharply
round and faced his assailant. Continuing their curvets and
voltes, each cliampion then discharged a succession of imbrocatas
and riversas upon his enemy's morion and breastplate. No attempt
on either side, on the onset, appeared to be made to ward off" those
blows, but on the third volte, Crichton directed a heavy stramazone
(or cutting blow) against Gonzaga's crest. The prince raised his
cstoc to beat away the blow, but the weapon flew from his grasp,
and so terrible was the stroke, that Crichton's own blade shivered
to the liilt. Plucking his duggcr from its sheath, and grasping it
in his right hand, each now spurred his steed close to that of his
antagonist. Accustomed to this species of encounter, the animals
stood stock still. Crichton then grasped the left hand of his enemy,
and a deadly struggle ensued.

It was evident to the spectators that a few more blows would
now decide the conflict, and their interest rose in proportion. Not
a breath was drawn. Esclairmonde leaned over the balcony with
a look as if her own life hung upon that of her lover. Nor could
Catherine de Medicis, whose cause was leagued Avith that of the
opposite party, control her anxiety. At this moment, a voice soft
aiid low, in wdiose tones, altered as tliey were by passion, she yet

THE LISTS. 239

reco::ni?eil those of Marn;ueiltc de Viilois, reached the car of
the I'liuccss of" Conde.

" I would give my soul to perdition," said the Queen of Navarro,
*' to sec the poignard of Gonzaga pierce the heart of his enemy."

" For pity's sake — wherefore ?" asked the princess, without re-
moving her gaze from the comhatants.

" To be avenged of thee," answered Marguerite, in a hollow voice.

" Gracious heaven !" exclaimed the princess, " thy horrible wish
is accomplished — he falls — he falls."

In the struggle it appeared that the dagger of the prince, glan-
cing I'rom tlie corslet of the Scot, had dangerously wounded the
steed of the latter in the neck. The blood gushed in torrents from
the deep gash, and the horse reeled with faintness. Pursuing an
advantage obtained contrary to the laws of the combat, which for-
bade hurt to be done to the charger, Gonzaga threw himself furi-
ously upon his antagonist, endeavouring to drive him beyond the
boundary described upon the arena ; but Crichton, feeling his steed
totter under him, avoided the blow by leaning backwards ; and
disengaging at the same moment his feet from the stirrup, leapt to
the ground, and ere the prince could regain his balance, seized hini
l)y the arm, and dragged him from the saddle.

The conflict was now continued on foot. Blow after blow was
dealt upon helm and cuirass. The tilt-yard rang like the forge of
an armourer. Hacked off by the trenchant edges of the poignards,
chips of the gold embossments and enamel strewed the arena, pro-
mising a rich, harvest to the heralds. Gonzaga displayed all the
address of a finished man-at-arms. In strength he Avas evidently
inferior to his antagonist, but so expert was he in the use of the
dagger, so dexterous in avoiding foyns and thrusts which must have
proved fatal, had they taken eflcct, that the spectators felt doubtful
as to the issue of the strife. At length, the poignard of Crichton,
driven through the vantbrace of the prince, but without inflicting
more than a trifling scratch, snapped in twain, and he appeared at
the mercy of his opponent, liuggieri lifted up liis hands, and
uttered an exclamation of joy.

" Now Heaven be praised 1" cried Catherine de Medicis, " the
right will triumph."

" He is not yet vanquished, madam," exclaimed Esclairmonde,
" and trust me, the right toill triumph."

As she spoke, the prince advanced his dagger's point to the throat
of Crichton, and glancing at him through the bars of his visor,
commanded hirn to yield.

" Yield," replied Crichton, fiercely, " it is a Vv^ord I have never
pronounced. Let this decide the combat."

And, with the broken blade of his poignard he delivered so
xerrible a blow upon the morion of the prince, that head and
casque appeared to be crushed by it. Gonzaga fell without ^VOQ
or motion : a stream of c;ore flowing from out his visor.

240 CRicnroN.

*' Yield, prince," exclaimed Cricliton, stooping over hiTn. and
snatcliing the daL'.trer from liis loosened grasp, " or by Saint
Andrew ! you have breatlied your last."

l^ut Gonznga answered not.

At this moment the Due de Nevers and the Vicomte de Joyeuse,
followed by Montjoie and his attendant, spurred, their horses to the
spot.

" The victory is yours, Chevalier Crichton ; slay hira not,"
cried the duke, flinging himself from his steed. " Ila!" exclaimed
he, as he regarded the motionless form of the prince, " you have
destroyed the hopes of my brother of Mantua. By Saint Francis !
you shall answer for tlie deed."

" If the prince is slain, he hath perished in the quarrel he him-
self provoked," replied Crichton, sternly; " to yourself, my lord, or
to others of his house, I will answer for Avhat I have done."

" The prince, your nephew, has been fairly vanquished, my
lord," said Joyeuse; " and the only felon stroke dealt during the
combat, was that by which yon bleeding charger was wounded."

" And that was accidental," said Crichton.

By this time the attendants had unclasped Vincenzo's helmet,
and though stunned and wounded by the concussion, his life was
evidently not in danger. Satisfied with this examination, the duke
became eager in his apologies to the Scot ibr tlie impatience he
had exhibited; and his excuses being courteously accepted, he
next directed his followers to remove the senseless body of the
prince from the Held. While this took place amid the shouts of
the spectators, and a loud flourish of trumpets, Crichton proceeded
to the canopy occupied by the king, and prostrated himself before
him. Henri greeted him with a smile, and raising him from
the ground, passed many encomiums upon the bravery he had
displayed.

" You have approved yourself a loyal and valiant kniglit, Che-
valier Crichton," he said, " and have fully established the truth of the
charge you brought yesternight against the traitor Ruggieri, whose
guilt admits of no further justification. Quia transivit in rem
judicuturn, et judicatum debet itiviolabiliter ohservari, as is appointed
by the ordinance of our predecessor, the good King PhiHppe le Bel,
respecting the judicial combat. Par la INlortDieu! the Place de
Grcve shall blaze this night with his funeral pyre. Let him be
removed to the Chatelet, and see whether the question will extract
the truth froin his lips."

" My gracious liege," said Crichton, " I crave a boon at your
hands."

" Name it," replied the king; " if it refer not to one wliom
we will not name, it is yours ere asked."

" Let the punishment to which you have condemned the traitor
vggieri be commuted into perpetual exile."

THE LISTS. 24!

*' Do I hear you rightly?" asked Henri, in surprise.

" Grant me liis life, sire, upon the terms I shall propose to him,"
continued Crichton.

" He is in your hands — deal with him as you see Cttinpf," re-
turned Henri. " IJring hither the traitor," he added, speaking to
his attendants, " and let him now be eonlionted witli his accuser."

And half dead with terror, the astrologer was dragged by his
hooded attendants into the king's presence, amid the execrations of
the spectators.

"Cosmo Ruggieri, thy guilt is fully approved," said Herri,
sternly; " thy sentence, whether of death or banishment, rests with
the Clievalier Crichton. It is with him to pronounce thy doom.
Down on thy knees, miscreant, and sue lor grace. To me thou
plcadcst in vain."

Crichton approached the astrologer, who cast himself abjectly al
his feet, embracing his knees, and striving to move his compassion
with floods of tears. " Mercy," he cried, in a piteous tone.

" Thou wilt find none, unless thou provest obedient." replied
Crichton; •' arise, and listen to me." And as Ruggieri obeyed,
Crichton whispered in his ear the conditions upon which he might
lOok for clemency. The astrologer started and trembled.

" I dare not," he said, after a moment's pause, during which he
stole a troubled glance towards the gallery.

" To the rack with him," said Crichton.

The hooded ollicials instantly darted upon him like kites upon
<!arcase.

" Hold ! — hold !" cried Ruggieri; " I cannot brave that dreadful
engine. I will do as you command me."

" Take him hence, then," commanded Crichton, " and let him
remain with a suflicient guard within my pavilion until after the
tourney."

" Your own lives shall answer for him," added Henri, as the astro-
loger was removed; " and now, man clier Crichton," he added, "if
you would cfTect the liberation of a captive princess from an en-
chanted castle, in whicli she is detained by magic arts, haste and
equip yourself in fresh armour. Joyeuse will find you another
steed in lieu of the one slain by the felon blow of your antagonist.
Away, arm yourself, and join our ranks. And now, messeigneurs,
for the Chatel de la Joyeuse Garde! What, ho! Du Halde — my
Irorse — my gallant Papillon."

Crichton joyfully departed to array himself for this new en-
counter; while the king, mounting his snow-white Arabian, pro-
ceeded to superintend the preparations for the grand estour. As he
rode across tlie arena, a billet was presented to him by a page in
the livery of Catherine de INIedicis. Henri knit his brow as he
perused it.

•' Peste !" he muttered, " am lever to be a puppet in my mother's
hands? — By Saint Louis ! this shall never be. And yet, all things

242 CUICHTON.

considered, it may be better to concede tins trifle. Du Halde,
he added, beckoning to the chief valet, and speaking in an under
tone — " get thee to Crichton's pavilion, and contrive some means
lor Iluggieri's instant escape. We desire not to be known in this
matter. — Thou undcrstandest — about it quickly."

Du Ilalde departed on his mission, and Henri, turning to his
courtiers, with a smile that but ill-concealed his morclfication, said,
" It is our mother's pleasure, messeigneurs, that the grand melee be
deferred till niglit. The defence of the chatel will, therefore, take
place, as at first designed, by torclilight. Joyeuse, do thou give
orders to this effect. Her majesty hath desired instant speech
with us — on affairs of state," he added, in a sarcastic tone, " we
presume — no matter — after our conference, which we shall cer-
tainly not prolong, it is our intention to essay a course with this
preux Scottish knight, in honour of our fair Queen of the Lists."

With this, the monarch pressed forward, and dismounting from
his charger, entered the royal gallery.

CHAPTER V.

T H E P A V I I. I O N.

La reino vouloit persuader que ce pauvre prince, son tils, avoit conspire', afin
dc le rendre odieux a cliacun.

IlKKni Etiexxe. Discours MerveiUeux.

WiiEN" the armourer had completed his ofKce, and Crichton,
attired in a magnificent suit of russet-coloured mail sent him by
the Vicomte de Joyeuse, was about to place his plumed casque
upon his brow and return to the tilt-yard, a page in the royal
livery suddenly appeared at the entrance of the pavilion, and an-
nounced tlie queen-mother. Ere the Scot could recover from the
astonishment into which he was thrown by this unlooked-for visit,.
Catherine stood before liim.

" My presence occasions you surprise, messire," said the queen,
with a gracious salutation, which Crichton haughtily returned,
** nor will that surprise be diminished when you learn the motive
that has brought us hither."

" To whatever motive I must attribute your majesty's present
condescension," returned Crichton, coldly, " I am well aware, from
your smiles, that some new danger is to be apprehended."

" You wrong me by your doubts, Chevalier Crichton," rejoined
Catherine, in a tone of great courtesy, and apparent candour; " my
enmity to you exists no longer. In vanquishing Gonzaga you have
vanquished me. I am here to acknowledge my defeat; and I am
assured that your nature is too chivalrous to refuse mercy to a
prostrate foe."

" Your majesty forgets our interview last night," said Crichton,

THE PAVILION. 243

•regarding the queen distrustfully, " and the Macliiaveliun pre-
cepts with which you luiintentionally favoured inc. Need I rc-
7nind you that ' words ai'e the cloak 'neath which the sword is
hidden;' need I add, that under your present fair professions, I dis-
cern a dark and deadly purpose. Your majesty is no prostrate foe.
And it is for me — not for yourself — to sue for clemenc3\"

" You have nothing more to apprehend from me, mcssire," said
Catherine, a slight shade passing across her majestic leatures, " unless,
indeed, you w^antonly provoke my resentment. I pledge my royal
"word, that I am come hither to confer with you in amity."

" That royal word was plighted to tlie brave and trusting
Coligni," rejoined Crichton; "how it was kept, the gory gibbet of
jMontfaucon best can answer."

" Grant me patience, heaven !" exclaimed Catherine, in an altered
voice — "you will not then accept my assurance of friendship?"

" No, by the Saint Barthelemi, madam," answered Crichton,
sternly.

Catherine's quivering lip proclaimed the struggle she underwent
to repress her almost uncontrollable indignation. Skilled, however,
in the mastery of her emotions, she did instantaneously repress it;
and waving her hand to the attendants, who had withdrawn to the
outlet of the tent at her approach, she was left alone with the
Scot.

" Chevalier Crichton," she said, in a deep low tone, " you are
brave — but your bravery amounts to folly. Of what avail are these
idle taunts? — We understand each other."
" We do, madam," replied the Scot.

" And with this understanding, why should we not act in unison?
Our interests require it. As friend or foe our purposes are so indis-
solubly connected, that to separate one were to destroy the other.
So far you have succeeded. You are in a position to make terms with
me. Propose them. Let not your ambition dread too high a flight.
You have boasted that your ancestry is noble — regal — "

" The blood of the Stuart flows in my veins," said Crichton,
proudly.

" If I have heard aright, your sire is — "

" Sir Robert Crichton, my father, is sole advocate to James ot
Scotland," interrupted Crichton ; " our religious opinions are at
variance, or I had never quitted my native land."

" You did ill to leave it in its season of calamity," said Catherine,
" a prey to heresy and rebellion. One hand like yours, one voice
potent as your own, might have availed to check, if not avert, this
widely devastating storm. Your energies would, indeed, have been
beneficially displayed in crushing that serpent brood which the per-
nicious zeal of the fanatic Knox* has called into life. Had the
tocsin of Saint Barthelemi been rung from the towers of Edinburgh
Castle ; had our gentle daughter Mary dealt with her ruthless foes
as we have dealt with the enemies of our faith, she would not now

244 CKICUTON.

hnvc been a captive to Elizabeth. Chevalier Crichton, your lovely
queen weeps away her hours in prison. It should have been your
aim, as I'aiihl'ul Catholic, and loyal subject, to have effected her
liberation."

" You have, unwittingly, touched upon a chord that vibrates
through my heart, madam," said the Scot, his colour mounting, and
his glances kindling as he spoke. "To rescue my beloved queen from
her oppressors, 1 would wdlingly lay down my life — nay, a thou-
sand lives, if I possessed them ! If her guard were thrice in
number what it is — her prison yet more inaccessible — if she were
lodged within the palace of her rival — or immured in London's
impregnable tower, 1 would accomplish her deliverance, or perish
in the attempt, did not an awful bar prevent me."

" What bar?" demanded Catherine, with some appearance of
curiosity.

" A father's malediction !" replied Crichton, with a sudden
change of tone. " Your majesty has spoken of the devastation which
licresy has spread throughout my unhappy land. Her temples
liave been desecrated — the fire that burnt upon her ancient altars
has been extinguished; her reverend priests have been driven forth
— but this is not all. Into the bosom of her famihes these new
doctrines have brought fierce and bitter dissension. Irreconcileable
hatred has sprung up where love before existed. My sire (alas ! that
it should be so) has embraced the reformed Faith.. I have re-
mained constant to the creed of my ancestry — to the creed of my
conviction; and in behalf" of that religion in the cause of my in-
jured queen, I should have taken up arms, when I was of years to
bear them, had not my sire placed between my sword and the
hand that would have grasped it — his curse ! With a father's
malediction hanging over my head, I could not hope for success.
Without a struggle I resigned the first, the dearest wish of my
dawning life. In vain were prospects of ambition, clouded with
heresy, and stained by rebeUion, opened to me. In vain were
proffers made me by those who would have purchased my services.
1 left my country, for whose weal I would have gladly l)led — I
quitted my paternal halls, to which a thousand tender recollections
bound me — I vowed never to return to that country — never again
to behold that home, till the schism of the one should be annihi-
lated — the old rites of worship, once observed by the other, re-
stored."

" You will never then see Scotland more," said Catherine; *' she
will cUng to her false faith, as a libertine to the leman whose arts
have ensnared him."

" Or, as her preachers affirm," rejoined Crichton, in a tone of
scorn, "she is like the profligate who has abandoned the mis-
tress, and assumed the wife. But your majesty is right. Scotland
will know no change. The homely creed she has adopted suits
her homely people well. Austere in feeling as in manner, they

THE PAVILION. 245

vnW become hardened in heresy. The dogma promulirated by
Knox — plebis est religionem reformare roused the whole nation. The
people have reformed their faith — and their creed is essentially
plebeian. Stripped of its ornaments; robbed of its majesty andl
tjracc ; its magnilicent proportions, sculptured and reared by ages,
destroyed ; its venerable and hoary colouring, which time alone
could impart, effaced ; its odours scattered to the breezes ; its tra-
ditions forgotten or despised ; the worship of my country simple,
naked, and, it may be, pure, no more resembles its ancient
grandeur and sublimity, than the lowly temple of the Huguenot
will bear comparison with the glorious edifice of Notre-Dame. A
cathedral is religion. Who can enter its reverend aisles unmoved
— who can gaze upwards to its vaulted roofs with thoughts that
stray not heavenward ! Mine be the antique fane — mine the time-
honoured creed. Mine be the saint, the shrine, the solemn and
melodious mass — mine the faith picturesque, poetical, beautiful.
My native land I may never behold again — my father's blessing I
may never receive — but the religion of Rome, entwined around
my heart, endeared to me even by persecution, I will ever main-
tain."

" I applaud your zeal, messirc," said Catherine. " To the brave
man the soil he treads is his country. Be France the land of your
adoption. Her faith is yet unchanged. Heaven grant it may
continue so! The storm vre have swept away is again gathering
■with increased power and fury. Lend us your assistance to dispel
it — to uphold the religion so dear to you. In the reign of the
Seventh Charles, v/ho swayed the sceptre of this fair kini^dom,
one of your countrymen was, for his bravery displayed in the
well-fought field of Beauge, in Anjou, when the royal Clarence
fell by his hand, created Constable of France — why should not a
like dignity be yours ?"

" Were such unhoped-for distinction mine, madam," said
Crichton, smiling, " I should not be tlie first of my line who has
been similarly graced. The valiant Earl of Buchan, the country-
man to whom your majesty refers, by whose proud achievement
the field of Beauge was won, and by whom the baton of France
was thenceforth borne, was (1 hesitate not to proclaim it) my an-
cestor."

" Indeed 1" exclaimed the wily queen, witli well-feigned surprise.
" Valour it seems is your inheritance. I rejoice to learn that
you are a descendant of bold John of Buchan, whose chivalrous
deeds my consort Henri II. has so often rehearsed to me. Why,
I again ask, should you not tread in the steps of your ancestor ?
Why should not your hand grasp the marshal's baton ? Why
should not your voice lead on the chivalry of France to con-
quest ? Why should not your vigilance maintain her ancient faith
unsullied ?"

246 CRICIITOX.

Crlcliton returned no nnswcr. His countenance glowed and his
frame dilated, as Catherine, not insensible of" the impression she
had produced, continued — " Why should you not aspire to the
hand of the fairest princess of her time? Why should not the lovely
Esclairmonde be yours?"

"No more, 1 piay you, madam — tempt mc not."
" Graced witli the raidv of marshal — alHed to tlie royal house of
Conde — enriched with the dowry which your bride will bring —
would not even youv ambition be contented ?"

" Even in my wildest dreams my aspirations never soared so
high," ejaculated Crichton — " A marshal of France !"
" ITcr leader!" said Catherine.

" That baton in my grasp which Bertrand du Guesclin, Olivier
de Clisson, and the brave Boucicart bore — which Gaston do Foix,
Bri«sac, and Montmorency wielded — that baton mine !"

" Tiie legions of France beneath your command," added Cathe-
rine.

"Her legions!" echoed Crichton — "ha! Saint Andrew! I
see them rise round me ! I sec her fierce and fiery bands pour like
a tide upon the plain. I see her chivalry arrayed before mc — that
peerless chivalry which Bayard led — ha! Montjole ! St. Denis —
methinks I hear the battle-cry."
" Be Bayard's fortune yours."

" Bayard was reproachlcss, madam," returned the Scot, the
glow which had lighted up his features suddenly fading away;
" the name of Crichton shall be equally so."

" Your name shall not be stained, mcssirc," said Catherine, im-
patiently; " but in your dreams of ambition you have forgotten —
what we should least have expected you to forget — your tender
aspirations."

" Esclairmonde !" exclaimed Crichton.

" Say rather the Princess of Conde," rejoined Catherine, " for
her rank will speedily be acknowledged."

"Will you acknowledge it, madanr ?" demanded Crichton,
eagerly.

"At my own pleasure," returned the queen, coldlv. "Question
not — but listen. The baton of France — the hand of the Princess
of Conde are yours — on certain conditions."

" Hell hath her compacts," muttered Crichton; " and men have
bartered their eternal weal for lighter offers. Your conditions,
madam ?"

" Have I your knightly word, that whether or not you accept
the terms I am about to propose, your lips shall reveal no syllable
I may utter ?"

Crichton appeared lost in reflection.

" Have I your word ?" repeated Catlierine,

" You have, madam," returned the Scot.

THE PAVILION. 247

" I tviiPt voii with niv life, then — for I am well assured, that
once pli<fhted, you Avill not break tliat word."

" Your majesty may speak as to your confessor "

"My confessor!" echoed Catherine, derisively. "Think you
I -would intrust a secret — the betrayal of which would lill our
•city of Paris with scalFolds, — would iloat her streets with blood, —
would crowd the dungeons of her Bastile, and the oubliettes of her
Chatelets with noble prisoners, to a crafty priest. No ! there are
secrets which must not even be breathed to heaven. Ours is one
of them."

" And crimes too deep to be forgiven," said Crichton, gloomily.
— " Heaven grant your majesty propose not such."

" Be patient, messire," returned tlie queen, " and you shall hear
what I do propose. You are already (no matter how !) in posses-
sion of my plans. I need not, therefore, tell you of my project
for Henri's dethronement — of my scheme to place his crown upon
the Due d'Anjou's head."

" Thus much I know, madam," said Crichton.

" But you are not aware," continued Catherine, approaching
more nearly to the Scot, and lowering her tone, " that Anjou is
now in Paris."

" Witliin this city ? — ha!"

" Witliin the Louvre — v,-ithin the palace soon to be his own."

" Great heaven !"

" Bussy d'Amboise, his favourite, has this morning arrived
from Flanders. All goes well for us. We have the gold of Spain
— the swords of Switzerland and Scotland — for the guards are (rnrs.
Our thousand agents, our spies and emissaries are at work, 'i hey
thread each quarter of the city. Our partisans collect together,
and only await the signal to declare themselves. That signal will
be "Iven to-ni^ht."

" So soon !"

" Ay, so soon," reiterated Catherine, triumphantlv. "Nostra-
damus foretold that all my sons should be kings. To-morrow his
prediction will be verified."

"And Henri?"

Catherine grew pale as death, and trembled so violently that she
was compelled to lay her hand for support upon Crichton's armed
shoulder.

*' What of the king, your son, madam ?" continued the Scot, sternly,
r "Of all my sons," exclaimed the queen, Avith a look of deep
agony, and it might be, compunction, " Henri hath ever been the
most dear to me. The sicklv Francois, the rugged Charles, found
no place in my heart. But Henri, the fond, the pliant, the win-
ning: Henri, ever devoted, ever deferential to my will; Henri, the
graceful, the polished, the beautiful — whom nature intended for a
king, and for Avhom I have seconded nature's intentions — he has
€ver been my favourite."

248 CRICHTON.

"And you will now destroy your own work; you will sacrifice
your favourite son ?"

"My safety requires it," returned Catherine, sighing deeply;
" Henri has of late grown wayward and capricious. He refuses to
follow my counsel — to acknowledge my sway. His minions have
supplanted me in his esteem. Saint-Luc, Joyeuse, D'Epernon
rule where I was wont to govern. The Salic law prevents tlie
exercise of sovereign authority in my own person. I reign
thronqh my sons: if not through Henri, I must reign through
Franc^'ols."

" Weighed against love of power, a mother's love is nothing,"
said Crichton.

" Against high resolves it should he nothing," returned Cathe-
rine; " against Fate it is nothing. Of what avail is my tenderness
for Henri; of what avail are my regrets for his defection, of what
avail is this hesitation to pronounce his doom ? Chevalier Crichton,"
she continued, in a voice that froze tlie Scot's hlood witliin his
veins, " he must die !"

There was a terrible pause, during wluch each regarded the other
fixedly.

" Horror !" exclaimed Crichton, at length recovering his speech ;
" can a iiiot/ter say this ?"

" Hear me!" cried Catherine, " and learn with whom you have
to deal — learn, and tremble ! By blood — my own blood, was my
power obtained; by blood — ^^my own blood, must it be maintained.
Henri must die."

" By the hand that reared him ?"

" No ! mine might falter. I will find a surer arm to deal the
blow. Listen," she continued, becoming perfectly calm, " by mid-
night all will be in readiness. Lender various pretexts, and in
various disguises, the leaders of Anjou's iiiction will, ere tliat hour
arrives, have been introduced into the Louvre. Bussy d'Amboise
has his own quarrel to avenge upon the king's favourites. His
sword hath seldom failed him. He will deal with Joyeuse, D'Eper-
non, and Saint-Luc. The Due de Nevers is ours already. Ville-
quier and D'O are vanes that will shift with the wind. Henri
alone remains — and he — "

" Well ! madam."

" Is reserved lor your hand.''

" For mine!"

"I have prevailed upon him to defer the grand chivalrous
emprise in which he takes part till midnight. Amid the conflict
his lance will seek yours. Couch then your sharpened spear, — cry
' Live Francois HI.,' and strike ! I know too well the force of
your arm to doubt the I'utal issue of the blow\ That cry — that
deadly stroke, will be the signal to Anjou — and to our party. They
will respond to it. Henri's adherents will be exterminated — his
/rown will be his brother's."

THE PAVILION. 2l«>

" From the scene of carnage you depict, madam," said Cricnton,
*• my mind flies back to days gone by — to the fair month of June,
1559. Before the paUice of the Tournelles, a splendid tournament
is set forth to celebrate the nuptials of Elizabeth of France with
Philip of Spain. A chivalrous monarch maintains the passage of
arms against all comers. ITiat monarch is your husband. That
monarch is Henri II."

" No more — no more."

" That monarch demands a favour Irom his queen. Her scarf
is sent him. He places it upon his corslet. He calls to the Earl
of Montgomery to place his lance in rest. The earl obeys him.
The combatants rush upon each other. The lance of Montgomery
is broken — "
. " Hold ! I command you, messirc."

" But a splinter hath pierced the brain of the ill-fated king,"
continued Orichton, heedless of Catherine's frowns. " He fulls
mortally w^ounded. You witnessed this fearful catastrophe, madam.
You saw your husband hurled bleeding to the earth — and to a like
late you would now condemn your son — his s(mr'

" Have you yet done?"

" Think you I am an assassin, madam, that you propose to me
a deed from which even the rutiiless bravo of your native Italy
would shrink aghast?"

" If I propose a deed dark and terrible, I offer a propor-
tionate reward," returned Catherine. "Stay!" she continued,
drawing from her escarcelle a small roll of parchment, to which a
broad seal Avas appended, " here is your appointment."

" It bears date to-morrow."

" It will be ratified to-night," rejoined the queen, placing the
document upon a tapestry-covered table which stood beside them.
" Behold the royal signet — behold your title as Marshal of France I
Your answer?"

" Is this," replied Crichton, suddenly drawing his poignard, and
striking it through the parchment with such force that all trace of
his name was effectually obliterated.

" Enough !" exclaimed Catherine, tearing the mutilated docu-
ment from the board. " You shall learn anon whose wrath you
liave provoked."

*' Threat for threut, madam," returned the undaunted Scot
" You may find in me a formidable enemy."

*' Ha !" ejaculated the queen, pausing, " you will not betray my
confidence? Your word is passed."

"It is,' replied Crichton; "but your majesty forgets that
Ruggieri is in my power."

Catherine smiled.

" liuggleri will betray nothing," she said.

" He has sworn to reveal al/, on condition that his life be spared,"
returneil Crichton.

250 CRICHTON.

Catlicrme's brow darkencc] for an instant; but tbc fame sinister
smile still played around her lips.

'•If my astrologer be your sole instrument of ofTence, messirc,"
she said, " I have little to apprehend."

" Your majesty is confident," rejoined Criehton. " What, if I tell
you that the packet containini^^ the proofs of the Princess Esclair-
monde's birtli is found? — wliat if I add that your own letters to the
Due d'Anjou — your despatches to the Prince Vincenzo di Gonzaga
are now on their way to the king?"

*' And if I answer — it is false ! — false as your assertion that
Ruggieii will betray me. That packet will never reach tlie king.
That packet is in my possession. The Huguenot preacher, who
was to have conveyed it to Henri, is my prisoner."

"The powers of darkness have not deserted your majesty, I per-
ceive," said Criehton, with a look of astonishment.

" Nor those of earth," retorted Catherine, clapping her hands.
*' Let lluggieri be brought before us," she added, as the attendants
appeared.

The men betrayed evident symptoms of alarm — and one of them
stammered out something like an excuse.

" How is this?" demanded Criehton. " Have you dared to dis-
obey liis majesty's commands? — have you suffered your prisoner to
escape?"

At this moment two of the hooded officials entered the pavilion.
"Where is the astrologer? — answer on your lives," said
Criehton.

" We are come to seek him here, monseigneur," said the fore-
most of the twain.

"Here!" echoed Criehton, fiu'iously.

"Yes, monseigneur," returned tlie man; "we had no sooner
placed him in the guard-room, than he disappeared; we know not
how or where — and we thought he was as likely to be here, as in
any other place."

" I recognise your hand in this, madam," said the Scot, turning
to Catlierine.

The queen rephcd witli a bitter smile: " The powers of dark-
ness have not yet deserted us, you perceive, messirc."

" The other prisoner, however, is safe enough," said the foremost
official, as he drew back.

" What prisoner?" demanded Criehton, eagerly.
,...',' The heretic preaclier," returned the man; "he is at hand if
you wisli to interrogate him." And without waiting for the Scot's
reply, he motioned to his comrade, who, in liis turn, motioned to
some one without; and the curtain of the tent being drawn aside,
with his arms bound with cords, and his whole appearance betoken-
ing great personal suffering from ill usage, the venersible Florent
Chretien was dragged into the j)avilion.

" His companion, the Englisliman, escaped us," interposed tho

THE PAVILION. 251

ofTicial, who acted as spokesman, "owing to a fiend in the form of
a doir, with fangs like a wolf, who fought by his side, and covered
his liight. But" he cannot liave passed the gates of the Louvre —
\nd we may yet secure him."

Crichton was about to rush to the assistance of tlic captive
prcaclier to free him from his bondage. But a look from the old
man restrained him.

" It is in vain, mv son," said Chretien ; " do not draw down
your blood likewise upon my head."

" Tlie packet ?" demanded Crichton, with frantic eagerness ;
" say it has not fallen into the hands of this remorseless queen— say
you have given it to the Enghshman Blount — say that he hastens
with it to the king — say there is yet hope."

" Alas! my son, why should I deceive you? My mission liath
failed. Our enemies triumph. They have pursued me sore. Like a
bird I have fallen into their snare. The ])recious casket hatli been
stolen Irom me. There is no hope save from on high."

" Heaven will w^ork no miracle in thy behalf, rank heretic that
thou art," said Catherine; " the populace, robbed of the spectacle
tliey anticipated in Ruggleri's execution by fire, will need a victim.
They shall have one." The stake shall not have been planted,
nor the fagots piled within the Pre-aux-clercs, in vain. Abjure
thine hcresTes, old man. Make thy peace above. Thy sentence is

pronounced."

" I desire no better end," replied Chretien; " my death shall be
a testimony to the faithful."

" Your fanatic zeal blinds you, good father," said Crichton ; " for-
sake your errors while there is yet time."

" Forsake them !" echoed the preacher, with fervour ; " never !
Flames may consume my breathing body. Torture may rend my
limbs asunder. But my lips shall never gainsay my heart. For a
death like this, my whole life hath been a preparation. I am not
taken by surprise. My house is set in order. I shall glory in my
martyrd'om. I shall rejoice to be numbered with the righteous,
who have perished in the service of their God. It is thou, my son,
who art in error. It is thou who art blinded and perverse. It is
thou who art in danger of unquenchable llame. Let my words dwell
with thee— let my spirit be upon thee. So shall I not die in
vain: so shall thy own end be happy— be joyful as mine. Thou
hast called me father— as a father I bestow my blessing upon
tlice."

"As a flither— oh God!" exclaimed Crichton, his eyes filling
with emotion, and his voice faltering.

" Kneel down, my son; an old man's benediction, whatever may
he his creed, cannot injure you."*

Crichton instantly threw himself at the preacher's feet.

* Tlie«n, or nearly these words, wtrc addressed by the Pope Benedict XIV. to
Horace Walpole.

252 CRICHTOX.

" Heaven's grace descend upon your head, my son," said Chre-
tien, l)ending over him; " and may the dawning of a new light
from lienccforth break upon your soul !"

" My soul will never swerve from its fixed bias," replied Crichton,
as he arose from the benediction. " I admire your constancy; but
my faith is changeless as your own. I shidl be no apostate."

" Vidiv vieliora, prohoque, (letvriora iry^or," sighed the old man,
— " all, my son, you arc stubborn in unbelief. But my prayers will
not be unheard, and your name, together with that of one dear to
you as to myself, sliall mingle with iny latest breath. I shall expire
in the hope of your spiritual regeneration. For thee, perfidious
and bloody-minded woman," he continued, turning to Catherine,
and regarding her with a terrible look, " a day of dreadful retribu-
tion is at hand. Thy portion sliall be that of the idolatrous Queen
of Judah. Evil shall be brought upon thee and shame. Thy ])os-
tcrity shall be utterly taken away. With blood hast thou polhited
this city; and with thy own blood shall it be cleansed. ' Ven-
geance is mine,' saith tlic Lord, ' and I will repay.' "

" Peace, blasphemer," interrupted the queen, " and learn to tliy
confusion, that if the arm of heaven hath been manifested at all, it;
hath this day been declared in favour of the religion thou deridest.
Tlie leader upon whom tlic reliance of your miserable sect is
placed — our chief enemy hath been delivered into our hands. I la '.
thou tremblest — have I found a way to shake thy inflexible
spirit?"

" It cannot be !" exclaimed Chretien, with a despairing look.

"It 2s," returned Catherine, triumphantly; " we hold thy chief-
tain within our foils."

" Ah, latal rai^hness!" cried Chretien, bitterly; "but I will not
murnun- against the decrees of Providence. I pray your majesty to
send me forth ; I am very faint."

"Take him hence," said Catherine, "and let it be proclaimed
by sound of trumpet in each quarter of our faithful and Catholic
city, that a Huguenot minister will be put to death by fire at mid-
night within the Pre-aux-clercs. Let the ecclesiastical authorities
receive instant intimation to attend. Here is your Avarrant," she
added, delivering a written paper to the oHicial.

" Your majesty hath delivered me the wrong order," said the
ofllcial, glancing at the superscription of the scroll; *' this is a war-
rant for the execution of Cosmo Ruggieri, Abbe of Saint Malie,
convicted of the crimes :-f leze-ninjeslt and sorcery."

"It will suffice/' returned the queen, imperiously; "remove
your prisoner.''

Chretien dropped upon his knees.

" How long, O Lord, holy and true," cried he, gazing ear-
nestly towards heaven, " dost thou not judge and avenge our blood
on them that dwell upon the earth ?"

And with these words his reverend head declined upon his

THE PAVILION. 253

breast, while, supported by tlie two officials, he was borne out of
the pavilion.

" Your majesty, indeed, is an inexorable enemy," said Crichton,
gazing after the unfortunate preacher, with looks of the deepest
commiseration.

" And as unalterable a friend," returned the queen; " it is for
you now to determine, Chevalier Crichton, in whicli light I must
hencefortli be viewed. A word ere we part. In Henri you have
a rival. He loves tlie Princess Esclairmonde."

*' I know it, madam — "

*' To-nifTjht slie is hi«, or yours."

*' His she shall never be."

" Tlien you accept my terms?"

At this moment the loud blast of a bugle was heard sounding
from the further end of the tilt-yard.

" A knightly challenge !" exclaimed Crichton, listening for a
repetition of the notes.

" A kiufjly challenge," returned Catherine; " that trumpet blast
is the deliauce of Henri of Navarre."

" Henri of Navarre !" echoed Crichton, in astonishment; " he then
is the Huguenot leader whom fiite hath delivered into your hands."

" He is," replied Catherine. " I am indebted to chance for
this important discovery. One of my demoiselles. La Rebours, as
she rode to the Louvre, was struck with the resemblance of a
soldier in the train of the Baron de Rosni to Henri de Bourbon.
The circumstance was casually alluded to in my hearing. My sus-
picions were at once aroused. Spies were instantly put upon
the scent, and I found that the soldier was the monarch in mas-
■querade. The secret must rest between ourselves, messire."

" Fear nothing, madame," answered the Scot, " my lips are
sealed."

" I learnt also, that this fool-hardy king was about to attend
the jousts held at the Louvre, for the express purpose of breaking
a lance with you."

" With me, madame ?"

" Your renown as an expert tilter has, I conclude, reached his
ears, and he is resolved to put it to the proof But hark! his
trumpet sounds for tlie second time. This conference must be
brought to a close. Y'^our answer to my proposal ?"

" It shall be delivered after the jousts ?"

" Our conlidcnce in the mean time — ?"

" Shall be held sacred. I swear it."

" Enough — after the jousts I shall expect you within the royal
gallery. Place your hand, as if by accident, upon your poignard
when you approach me. From the gesture I shall infer that you
assent. Dieu vous garde ! messire." So saying, Catherine sum-
moned her attendants and quitted the pavilion.

254 CRicnTON.

*' Wliat lio! my lar.cc — my steed," shouted Crlcliton, snatcliinf*
liis lielmct iVom the armcaivcr, wiio h'^ promptly answered his
call, — " ha! 8aint Andrew, my gorget, my gauntlets ! By heaven !"
he murmured, " to cross a lance with the bravest prince in Chris-
tendom were reward enough for a thousand risks. Our Lady aid
me in this essay !"

In another instant his equipments were completed, and, vatilting
upon his steed, the Scot dashed through the entrance of the
lists.

No sooner was tlie coast clear, tlian from beneath the tapestry-
covered table, wliich stood in the middle of the tent, emerged first
a long conical cap; — then a fantastic visage in which drollery was
strangely mixed up with apprehension — and lastly the odd-shaped
party-coloured person of Chicot — his teeth chattering and his
limbs shaking.

" Sang de cabres!" he cried, after casting an anxious glance
around. " I have stolen here to some purpose. Pretty revelations
I have heard. A conspiracy on the eve of breaking forth ! — our
dear Henriot about to be transfixed with a lance as his father was
transfixed before him. Had it been the cloister to which he was
condemned, I should not have cared — he had always a taste for the
frock — but assassination ! — Cornes de diable ! I am horror-stricken.
Old Buridan Avas in the right to propound his sophism — ' Reginam
interjicere nolite timerc hununi esse.' It would be a praiseworthy
act to put Queen Catherine out of the way. But Buridan's
theories are out of fashion even in the Sorbonne. What is to be
done? Luckily /have made no vow not to betray her majesty's
confidence — and if I had, on an occasion like the present, I should
not scruple to break it. What is to be done ? I ask myself that
question for the second lime. I am sorely perplexed. Who will
believe my tale ? I shall be laughed at — cuffed — perhaps — be put
out of the way myself — the common fate of meddlers. I have it.
I will abide the issue of the jousts, and then confer with this Scot —
for I can guess what answer he means to give our Jezabel. How
runs the pasquil ?

Twixt Catherine and Jozabcl

The (lifl'tTcnce is small — •
The one the i)la,uue of Israel,

Tlie other plajjue of Gaul.
But ir the fate of Jozabel

Our Catherine should befal,
The very dogs would (mark tiio well !)

liefusc to eat at all."*

And muttering these scurrilous strains us he went, the jester
crept cautiously out of the pavilion.

* From a bitter pasquinade in the Journal of Henri III., entitled " Companr.ii'n
Calhirme et de JezabeL"

i.::»

CHAPTER VI.

THE B E A U N A I S .

Que dircz-vous, fficlieux maris, de cctte soiiffVance ? N'aurcz-vous point de
peur, que vos feiiini(.-s vous laisseut pour venir a inoi? on n'cstimerez-vous jwint
plutot que ce fut quelque luuhete.

DivoKCE Satikique.

As Crichton rode into the tilt-yard, he found Henri, encircled
by his favourites, impatiently awaiting his return, and speculating
upon the haughty defiance with which the walls of the Louvre
yet resounded.

" Away, Moiitjoie — awav, messieurs," cried the monarch,
addressin<T the kinrj-of-arms and the heralds; " do your devoir
quickly, and bring us word what hardy champion dares to intrude
within our lists. Par la mort-dieu ! it would seem we liold a free
passage of arms, and not private jousts. But this adventurer, who-
ever he may be, shall rue his temerity. Away ! and let us know his
title and condition. Ha ! you are come," he added, as the Scot
drew in the rein by his side — " we shall question you anon, mes-
sire, as to the nature of your interminable conference with our
mother. We suspect from your looks, that you have been hatch-
ing some treason against us. Is it so ?"

" Sire !" exclaimed Crichton, reddening.

*' By our faith your interview hutk made you serious since you
thus resent our jest," said the king, smiling; " and no wonder — lor,
certes, a tete-a-tete of any duration with her majesty the queen-
mother, is no laughing matter, even to ourself However, upon
the present occasion we ought to thank, rather than chide you, for
detaining her so long, as her absence has enabled us to lay closer
siege to her lovely demoiselle, than we should have cared to do
in her presence. Apropos of the fair Esclairmonde, Chevalier
Crichton, so soon as we have disposed of this unknown challenger,
it is our intention to splinter a lance with you in her honour. We
have no fears of your disloyalty you see, or we should not thus
heedlessly place our life at your disposal."

" Be warned, sire !" said a deep voice, " and run no course to-
day."

Henri started.

" Who speaks?" he ejaculated, turning with some misgiving,
in the supposed direction of the sound. His looks of inquiry fell
upon the frank countenance of tiie Vicomte de Joyeuse, Avhich was
charged with as much astonishment as his own.

" Kememberyour father's fate !" exclaimed the same deep voice
now appearing to sound from a different quarter — " Beware !"

" Sang-dieu !" vociferated the king, furiously. "Who dares
thus address us ? Let him stand forth." But no answer wis
returned: nor was any movement made in obedience to Henri's
mandate.

256 CRicnroN.

The comtiers eyed each other with glances of suspicion. No
one, however, could tax his neighbour with having uttered the
ominous words.

" Jesus !" exclaimed Henri, in a tone of" some uneasiness, at the
same time secretly crossing himself, " that voice recals our idle
terrors of last night. But there can be no sarbacane upon the pre-
sent occasion."

" Vive-dieu ! no, sire," cried Joyeuse, springing to the king's
side. " But there may be other artifice."

" It may be well not to neglect the caution, my gracious liege,"
said Saint-Luc, who was almost as superstitious as his sovereign.
" Cliarles le Bien-Aime had his warning."

" And our ill-fated father, likewise," mused the king.

" Your majesty will not suffer yourself to be deterred from en-
tering the jousts by this imposture," said Joyeuse; *' were I in your
place, sire, I would show my contempt for this hidden traitor's
counsel, by seizing a lance, and proceeding at once to the barriers."

" Joyeuse is in the right," said the Due de Nevers, with a singular
smile; " it were an impeachment of the Chevalier Crichton's
loyalty to refuse him, upon such light grounds, the honour of a
career with your majesty."

" It is an honour which I have not sought, monsieur le Due,"
returned Crichton, sternly; " and I pray you to remember that the
stroke by which Henri II. fell was accidental."

" Speak not of it, mon cher," said the king, shuddering.

" Servans d'aniours rcgardez doulcement,
Au.x eschaffau.x anges de paradis — "

sang Joyeuse, anxious to reassure the pusillanimous monarch.
•' TJiink of the bright eyes that Avill watch your prowess, sire:
think of the belle Esclairmonde."

Henri glanced towards the grand gallery ; he there beheld the
fair Princess of Conde, " the cynosure of neighbouring eyes," and
his fears instantly vanished.

" Thou hast restored us, my brother," he said to the Vicomtc.
" We will think of the mistress of our heart. Were it to be our
last career we would no longer hesitate."

" It will be your last," said the deep voice, sounding yet more
hollowly.

" Ha !" ejaculated Henri, relapsing into all his former terrors, —
*' tliat voice again! This passeth a jest — if a jest be intended;
and though we pardoned our buffoon Chicot's effrontery last night,
think not we will tolerate similar freedom to-day. Look to it,
nicsseigneurs, and let our hidden monitor, who lacketh the courage
to discover himself, in his turn beware."

" Methinks your hidden counsellor displays more courage and
forbearance in concealing himself," said Crichton, " than he would
do were he to obey your mandate. He can have nothing tc
apprehend from your majesty."

THE BEARNAIS. 257

At this moment, and while the utmost confusion prevailed amid
tlie royal group, to Henri's intliiite relief" Montjoie and his atten-
dant heralds returned. " Heaven be praised !" exclaimed the kin^,
" if I am to be kept in the dark respecting this mysterious warnin"-,
my curiosity will, at all events, be gratified on another point of
equal interest. Thou art welcome, Montjoie. Thy news ! —
the name and condition of this hardy adventurer? Yet hold !
Ere thou spcakest, I will wager the string of pearls against the
knot of ribbands that flutters on the Chevalier Crichton's helm,
that this champion is the Balafre."

" I accept your wager, sire," said Crichton. " Favour a^-ainst
favour.

" Decide, Montjoie," said Henri.

" Your majesty is the loser," returned the king-of-arms ; " it is
HOC the Due de Guise."

"Diantre!" exclaimed Henri, reluctantly yielding the gage to
Crichton; "you ai-e ever fortunate. It were vain to contend with
one upon whom tlie capricious goddess constantly smiles."

" Certes, your majesty has lost a talisman which more than tem-
pered steel would have been proof against my lance," rejoined the
Scot, joyfully unhelming himself, and attaching the string of pearls
to his casque.

Executed with consummate grace, this slight action was not un-
observed by the fair princess by whom the ornament had been worn.
Her situation enabled her to command the whole scene, and she
witnessed with surprise the inexplicable conduct of the king towards
his rival. Her astonishment was, however, speedily chano-ed into
admiration and delight as she beheld her lover's employment;
and as slie gazed upon his proud head, now divested of all cover-
ing save that afforded by his fair and flowing tresses; as she
looked upon the stately and snow-white throat sprinn-in"" .from
out his '• habiliments of war," like the moulded neck of An-
tinous ; as she listened to the unrestrained praises of the dames
by whom she was surrounded ; and the louder plaudits of
the admiring multitude ; and as she finally encountered his
enamoured gaze, and felt that he to whom all this homage was
paid rendered homage alone to her — shall we injure her in the
esteem of the fair reader if we say that something of self-elation
mingled with her tenderer emotions? As Crichton replaced his
bourglnot upon his brow she waved her hand, and her salutation
was instantly acknowledged by the Scot with a look and gesture
of the deepest devotion.

Henri, meantime, turning to Montjoie, continued his interroga-
tions respecting the strange knight.

" As permitted by the laws of chivalry, my liege," returned
i\Iontjole, in answer to the king's inquiry, " this champion claims
to be exempted from the disclosure of his name."

258 CRICHTON.

" And thou hast recognised his liqlit to do so, wc will be sworn?"
said Henri, in a petulant tone.

" In the due discharge of mine office, as3'our majesty's represen-
tative in the court of arms, I could not do otherwise," returned
Montjoic.

*' You have done well, sir," said the king, frowning.

" I have fulfilled my duty, sire," returned Montjoic, bluntly;
*' your father, Henri II., of glorious memory, would not have
thus rebuked me."

" Nor will his son," said Henri, kindly: " your pardon, my old
and loyal servant. What title has this knight inscribed upon
your rolls ?"

" A strange one, sire — the Bcarnais."

" The Bearnais !" exclaimed Henri, in surprise; "this is some
mockery. There is but one champion in Europe who has a right
to that title, and he is not so much in want of warlike pastime,
or so fool-hardy, as to venture hither in quest of knightly adven-
tures."

" The cavalier is, perchance, one of the King of Navarre's
valiant captains, who has, for the nonce, usurped his sovereign's
title," returned Montjoic — " it may be Chatillon or D'Aubigne."

" Is he imattended?" demanded Henri.

** No, my liege," answered Montjoic; " his companion is the King
of Navarre's envoy, Maximilian de Bethunes, Baron de Rosni."

"Ah! the Polydor of our cousin Alcandre," said the king,
smiling.

" And the husband of the fair Dioclce," observed Joyeuse, sig-
nificantly.

" JNIadamc de Rosni is still alive, I believe, though her husband
threatened her with the dagger and the bowl when he discovered
her inconstancy with Henri of Navarre — eh ! marquis ?'' said
Saint-Luc, addressing Villequier.

This was a home-thrust. The Governor of Paris, a few years
back, had slain his first wife, Fran^.oise de la Marck, for a like fault.*
He endeavoured, however, to parry the stroke.

"The Baron de Rosni is a base and contented wittol," he said,
"with a sneer, " and merits his l^\te. Fortunate are they who
possess spouses sufficiently ill-favoured to ensure their safety."

The laugh was now on the governor's side, for the baroness (as
"we have before remarked) was the plainest woman of her time.

Saint-Luc was about to make an angry retort to Villequier's
raillery, but his petulance Avas checked by the king.

" No more of this, messeigneurs," said Henri; "here comes the
Baron de Rosni and his unknown companion. I pray you observe
them closely."

* Cruentus sanguine uxoris, Pictavii ob impropcratam sibi propudiosam vitam
interfectaj. Tkuamis,

THE BEARNAIS. 259

And as lie spoke, two kiiiglits completely armed, and each
followed by an esquire bearing his shield and lance, entered the
champ-clos. The Ibremost of the twain, whose stature, originally
large, was materially increased in bulk by the ponderous plates
of steel in which his limbs were cased, was mounted on a fiery
jet-black barb, which required the utmost efforts of his rider's
powerful arm to restrain his impatience. The visor of the kniglit
Avas closed, and through its narrow bars not even the flashing of an
eye could be discerned. One uniform ruddy tint pervaded his
equipments. From sallade to soUeret, his harness was crimson-
coloured. His panache of ostrich plumes, " longs et haulx ;" the
sweeping caparisons of his charger; the feathered tufts that nodded
on the cliamfrin and croup of the lordly animal; the shield and
battle-axe that hung at his saddle-bow, were all of the same sanguine
hue.

Behind this champion, who, it is needless to say, was Henri of
Navarre, rode an esquire in livery of similar complexion, bearing
in his right hand a lance, on the point of which fluttered a
small silken pennon, and on his left arm a buckler, painted with
the simple flower so exquisitely described by a great poet of our
time as

A silver shield with hoss of gold

Tliat spreads itself, some Faery bold
In fight to cover —

and surmounted by a diadem, Avith the following couplet traced
in golden characters beneath it: —

3i'nurai toujours nu ccrur criitc
Sur toutcs flctirs la itlargurritc.

It was evident from the device that this posy was intended as
nn allusion to Margaret of Navarre.

The Baron de Rosni (better known by his subsequent illustrious
title of the Due de Sully) appeared in the same martial apparelhng
in "which he was first introduced. His long two-handed sword
— a formidable Avcapon, described by a skilful professor of the
art of defence, Glacomo dl Grassi, as being '♦ four liandfuls in the
handle, or more, having also the great cross" — was still girt to his
side. The housings of his steed, a powerful roan, were crimson
and black in colour; while plumes of the same mixed hues crested
his morion, the visor of which was raised.

" Yon knight is of larger make than Alcandre, my liege," said
-Joyeuse; " it cannot be he."

" By Saint Andrew !" exclaimed Crichton, who had witnessed
the entrance of the two chieftains with rapturous enthusiasm, " the
glowing trappings of yon preux chevalier remind me of the lay of
the brave Louis de Beauveau (as charming troubadour as he was

260 CRICIITON.

expert tilter), wlicrein lie has depicted lils own appearance at the
jousts. Thus runs his ditty, if" I remember ri<^htly: —

lies plus rouges y sont pris.

Slowly unto the listed field I rode,

Rouge was my charger's wide caparison;
And the same hue that on his iiousing glowed,

Purpled my shield, my spear, my morion.

ir.

Kouge was my couvrechief, that swept tiic sward.
Rouge the tall plume that noddeil on my crest;

And the rich scarf — my loyalty's reward —
Blushed, like a timorous virgin, un my breast.

III.

My broad ensanguined shield bore this device.

In golden letters writ, that all might see
How for bold deeds will lightest words sulfice,

And thus it ran — ' Lesplus rowjes y sont pris.' "

" Have a care ! mon cher," said Joyeuse, smiling at his friend's
ardour. " See you not against whose shield the lance of yon
doughty knight is directed?"

"Now, by Saint George!" replied Crichton, striking his spurs
into his steed, and compelling him to execute a rapid succession
of curvets, " I am right glad the appeal has been made to me."

" By the memory of my valiant uncle, Francois de Vivonnc,"
exclaimed the Abbe de Brantome, who, though not hitherto
particularised, formed one of the group of courtiers in attendance
upon the king, "you are the llower of knighthood, Chevalier
Crichton, and appear to revive in your own person one of those
hardy champions of Francois I., who, standing upon the very
spot where we are now assembled, said, in admiration of their
achievements,

Chateigncrayc, Vieilleville, et Bourdillon,
kjont les trois hardis compagnonsi"

" The saying would apply with equal force to the champions of
our own time, dear a-bbe," returned Crichton, smiling. " The
courage of the three renowned warriors you have named survives
in their successors; the kingly courtesy of Francois is renewed in
his grandson ; and our own monarch might, with as much truth
as his ancestor, exclaim,

Joyeuse, Saint-Luc, et D'Epernon,
Sont trois chevaliers braves et boiis."

THE BEARNAIS. 261

The three nobles smilingly acknowledged the compliment; nor
did Henri appear less gratified than his favourites.

" What is all this?" cried Chicot, who had now found his way
to the side of his royal master, " what miserable distich is that I
hear ? Talk of ancestors and descendants — pouah ! — I, who am
the descendant of the great Triboulet, who was fool to a greater
fool, and upon whom my ancestor's cap and bells as well as h'5
office have fallen — I, Chicot, buffoon in ordinary to —

Henri, par la grace de sa Mere,

Inerte Koi de France, et de Pologne imaginaire,

swear and declare upon my bauble, that

Joyeuse, Saint-Luc, et D'Epernon
Sont fous au merveilleux CrichtonI

And there's a better rhyme, as well as sounder reason for you.''

Henri of Navarre, meanwhile, followed by his esquire, having
left the Baron de Rosni at the entrance of the tilt-yard, slowly
traversed the arena, attracting universal attention, especially among
the gentler sex, by liis athletic and finely-formed figure, by the
singularity of his equipments, and more than all, by his vert-gallant
and amorous demeanour, which even danger could not subdue,
nor bars of iron entirely conceal. The carelessness with which
he bestrode his mettlesome and curveting charger; the continual
movements of his helmet from side to side, as his ardent glances
wandered over the crowd of beauties; the majestic ease of his car-
riiige, and a thousand indescribable graces, none of which were lost
upon the spectators, worked wonders in his favour. Something,
indeed, there was in the gallant Bourbon's manly form, that, under
any disguise he might assume, never failed to awaken immediate
interest in the female bosom. On tlie present occasion its effect
was little less than magical ; and as he paused for a moment
beneath the grand gallery, a perfect sensation Avas excited among
its fair and frolic occupants.

" Who is lie ?" ran from lip to lip.

" It is the Due d'Anjou," said Madame de Narmoutiers.

^' It is Bussv d'Amboise," said Isabel de Montsoreau.

*' It is the Due de Guise," said la Marechale de Retz.

" j\Ion Dieu ! mesdames, yon knight's armour would encase all
three," said Torijfni, screaming: with lauffhter. " You ought to
know your old lovers better."

" Unless, like the Demoiselle de Torigni, we should have liad so
many as to have forgotten all save the last," returned the mar6-
chale, maliciously.

" Merci, madame," rejoined the Florentine, " you are qiute wel
come to attack my memory, so long as you compliment my attraa
tions."

262 CKICHTON.

'' Wliat if it be the gendarme of the Hue Pelican?" sighed La
Kebours.

'' Your head has been running all the morning upon that soldier,
demoiselle," remarked La Fosseuse, pettishly. " You thoiiglit liini
like Henri of Navarre, and no\Y you think everybody like AzV//."

" Ah ! if it should be the Bourbon, after all !" cried La Ilebours,
suddenly recovering her animation.

" Wliocvcr he may be," replied Torigni, "he has decidedly tlie
finest figure of any knight in the tilt-yard — the Chevalier Crichtou
not excepted."

" Name not the traitor in my hearing," observed ^Marguerite de
Valois, "whose attention this chance allusion to her lover's name
liad aroused.

"Our unkno-\vn cavalier appears in search of some dame front
whom he niay solicit a favour," said the Marechale de Retz.

" And he is so like the Due de Guise that you cannot possibly
refuse him," rejoined Torigni.

" His glances are directed towards La Rebours," said La Fos-
seuse — " see, he moves."

"To me!" ejaculated La Rebours, crimsoning to the temples.
"No," she added, with a look of disappointment, "it is to her
majesty."

" And see you not the device on his shield," remarked Torigni,
" and the motto

J'aurai toujours au coeur ccrite
Sur toutes fleurs la Marguerite.

He is, evidently, an aspirant to the smiles of our gracious mistress.
Y'^our majesty," continued the artful Florentine, addressing the queen
in a low tone, " will have now an opportunity of fully revenging
yourself upon your inconstant lover."

" Y^ou forget Avhom you address, minion," replied INLarguerite,
vainly endeavouring to hide her emotion under the mask of
impatience; " once more I forbid you to allude to him."

At this moment, a page pressed forward, and bending the knee
before the Queen of Navarre, tendered the homage of the unknown
knight —

" The companion-in-arms of the Baron de Rosni," he said,
" who solicits some slight token from your majesty, that he may
splinter a lance in your behalf with the Chevalier Crichton."

" With Crichton !" exclaimed Marguerite, rising.

"I was in the right you see, madame," cried Torigni; but per-
ceiving the fearful change that had taken place in the countenance
of the queen, she checked her vivacity; " after all, she zt'iV/ avenge
herself upon her lover," thought the demoiselle; " that look reminds
me of the night when Guillaumc du Prat, enticed by her caresses
to the deed, forever silenced the envenomed tongue of her enemy,
Du Guast."

THE BEARNAIS. 2GS

"Tins kniglit is the companion of the Baron de llosni, thou
sayst?" demanded Marguerite, with an abstracted air.

" His brother-in-arms, madamc," returned the youth

" He shall receive a gage from our own hand," said the queen,
after a brief pause.

" He will value it the more highly," rejoined the youth.
" Honoured by so fair a queen, his success in the career is certain."

" On my faith, beau sire, thou hast learnt thine office betimes,"
said Torigni, smiling.

" Let thy lord attend us within the chamber beneath this gal-
lery," said Marguerite. " Demoiselles Torigni and La Rebours,
you will accompany us."

The page arose and departed.

" jNIay I crave a word with your majesty ?" said Esclairmonde,
approaching the queen.

" Your pardon, demoiselle," replied Marguerite, haughtily,
" we would pass."

And she quitted the gallery, followed by her attendants.

Having completed his survey of the fair occupants of the bal-
cony, and despatched the message we have just heard delivered,
Henri of Navarre spurred his steed in the direction of the pavilion,
before which, attached to a halbert struck deeply into the earth,
was displayed Crichton's shield. Snatching a lance from his
esquire, the monarch struck it against the targe with so much good
will that the halbert and its clanging burden were at once borne
to the ground ; while, startled by the noise of the falling arms, his
charger began to rear and plunge violently.

" Harnibleu!" muttered Henri, sharply applying his armed heel
to the flanks of the unruly animal, and by a poweriul eflbrt reducing
him to subjection; " this froward steed is evidently luiused to the
exercise of the tilt-yard. He starts at the clatter of steel as an
immanaged colt winceth at the lash of the chambriere. He may
know his paces; but I doubt if I shall be able to bring him to the
rest, after the career. My sage counsellor Rosni had, I suspect,
his own motives in persuading me to abandon my brave old Nor-
man charger, whom the roar of a culverin, or the clash of a thou-
sand pikes would not affright, and whom I can restrain with a silken
thread, for this high-spirited and fantastic barb, because, forsooth,
he has finer limbs, and a sleeker coat. The knave would gladly
see me discomfited, that his own superior wisdom may, in future,
be acknowledged. It shall go hard, however, if I do not, despite
his ingenious stratagem, outwit him. At all events, I will not give
him the satisfaction of perceiving the annoyance he has occasioned
me. I have overcome greater obstacles than this rebellious animal
presents — ay, and tairned them to account, too. An enterprise
without danger is of little worth. Invia virtuti nulla est via : —
ha.^ ever been my device. And now for my lady's token ! Sa
ha ! sirrah — take heed ! You carry Caesar and his fortunes."

264 CRICIITON

Again applying the spur, and checking the impetuous movements
of his steed with an arm of iron, Henri, as deliberately as he came,
returned to tlic grand gallery.

" Her majesty will bestow the token upon you with her own
hand, monseigneur," said the page, advancing to meet him.

"A la bonne heure!" exclaimed the king. "This is exactly
what I wished." And dismounting, he flung the rein to his
e.squire, and entered the scaffold with a light and joyous footstep.

" This way, sir knight," said one of the huissiers stationed at
the portal. " The Queen of Navarre will give you audience
witliin this chamber."

A tapestried curtain, suspended before an open valve, was then
drawn aside, and the king found himself in the presence of his
consort.

Henri of Bourbon was not wont to have misgivings where a
lady was concerned. But the situation in which he was placed
with his queen was rather embarrassing. It Avas a relief to
him, therefore, to find that she was not alone. Having no such
apprehensions, and not being aw\are who it was that stood before
her. Marguerite immediately, on the king's appearance, dismissed
her attendants. La Rebours lingered for an instant behind her
companion; and as she passed the monarch, her embroidered
handkerchief (it might have been by accident) fell to the ground.
Henri stooped to raise it; and as he restored the perfumed mou-
choir to its fair owner, his liand, divested of his gaimtlet, contrived
to encounter the taper fingers of the demoiselle. Assuredly it was
not by accident that the jiressure Avliich he hazarded was so per-
ceptibly returned.

" Ventre-saint-gris !" muttered the king, "this is tlie lovely
dame whom I beheld in the rue Pelican."

" I will stake my life that it is Henri of Navarre," thought La
Rebours, glancing from beneatli her downcast evelids at the
Bourbon's stately figure; "and if so,'' ran her meditations, as she
quitted the room, "there can be no danger in trusting him with
his queen, I need apprehend no rivalry in that quarter. Con-
nubial devotion is certainly not Henri's foible."

If the monarch felt disconcerted at the idea of a tete-a-tete witii
his spouse, his embarrassment was not diminished when he found
that this little piece of gallantry had not escaped her notice. His
fears, however, were needless. Marguerite entertained no jealousy
o[ him ; though it suited her purpose to afleet some slight pi(|ue.

" The kerchief of my demoiselle would seem to have a higher
value in your eyes, "messire," she said, " than any gage I could
bestow, were it even a tress of my own hair to bind upon your
helm?"

" You are mistaken, madame," returned Henri, in a feigned
voice, but in the impassioned tone which he had ever at command,
*' the simple pearl is lovely in mine eyes; but the ' pearl of f)earl9*

THE BEARNAIS. 265

IS that which wins my homafjc. As Jean de la Taillc, froin
whom I have borrowed the scroll upon my shield, sings,

Cc ne fut p.as la paquerette
L'oeillet, la rose, ni le lys:
Ce tut la belle Marguerite,
Qu'au cocur j'aurai toujours dcrite.

Marguerite, your name is inscribed upon my heart as upon my
buckler. Recal not your boon, I implore of you. Yield me that
treasured gage, and you ensure me victory."

" If it will ensure you victory, it is yours," said Marguerite,
eageily.

" What you refuse to love you readily accord to hate, I per-
ceive," returned Henri. *' You have some quarrel to avenge upon
the Chevalier Crichton."

" The deepest a woman has to avenge," replied Marguerite. " I
will not disguise from you, messire, that I have to requite a lover's
inconstancy."

" Soil," thought Henry " /am destined to hear my own dis-
honour proclaimed by lips to which I cannot witli propriety give
the lie. I also have a quarrel to arrange with this Scottish
knight," he added aloud, "and by consequence you could not
have found a fitter champion to redress your wrongs. He has
injured me as deeply as yourself."

" Impossible."

" Corbleu ! madame," returned Henri, "most men would con-
sider my injiuies the lieavier. But I will not contest the point.
You are, imdoubtedly, the best judge as to which of us is the
greater sufferer."

" I see to what you allude, messire," said Marguerite. " /
have to complain of the perfidy of a lover — you of the infidelity
of a wife."

" Precisely so," replied Henry.

" Wash out the stain upon your name in the traitor's blood,"
exclaimed the queen. " As to your faithless dame, if the death of
her paramour will not content your vengeance, I swear, if she belong
to tlie court of France, or to that of my royal husband, Henry of
Navarre, her crime shall not pass unpunished."

"The guilt of the adultress shall not pass unpunished," rejoined
Henri, gravely. " But it is well for my faithless dame that my
plan of retribution differs from that proposed by your majesty."

" You love her, then, despite her fault?" said Marguerite.

" No," replied Henri, mournfully — " but I have loved her — and
for tliat remembered tenderness I will spare her."

" Your dame is fortunate in the possession of a lord so patient,"
returned Marguerite, scornfully.

" She is more fortunate than she deserves to be, I must own,
uiadamo," answered Henri.

266 cuiciiTON.

" You may repent this weakness when it is too late," rejoined
Marnjucritc. " 1 comprehend not how a wrong hkc this can be
forgiven."

" Would not these words pass sentence upon yourself, madanic,
were tb.ey uttered in the presence of the king your husband?"

" Speak not of Henri," said the queen. " lie iiath long divorced
himself from my love. If I have been faithless consort, he has
been faithless lord. He cannot complain. I cuuld have loved him
— but — no matter ! It is not of /ivn I would speak — but of your-
self"

" Two persons closely connected," thought the king.

"Hear me!" cried Marguerite, clasping Henri's lingers v;ith a
hand that burnt with fever; "your dame has wronged you — you
love her not."

" I have already confessed as much, madame. Open not my
bleeding Avounds anew."

" I do so but to heal them. Now, mark me. Let tlie result of
this career be fatal to — to the Chevalier Crichton, and what I have
of love is yours."

" Ventre-saint-gris !" mentally ejaculated Henri. "This is a
novel reward for redressing my own injuries."

" How say you, messire?" demanded the queen, impatiently.

" Can you doubt my answer? I accept your proposal. But
what assurance have I of your sincerity?"

" My word — the Avord of an injured and vindictive woman —
the word of a queen."

" When her injuries are redressed, the queen may forget what
the woman has promised."

" The woman shall never forget that she is a queen, nor what is
due to her as the sister, and the spouse of kings," returned Mar-
guerite, haughtily. " When I laid my commands upon the Baron
de Viteaux to slay the ribald Du Guast; when I made the same
proposal to him that I have made to you, he hesitated not.'*
But he had loved me long."

" /have loYcd you yet longer, Mai'guerite," rejoined Henri, in
a troubled tone ; " and I will do your bidding. But do not
liken me to the assassin Viteaux."

* That these details are not exaggerated, will be perceived by a glance a
the subjoined account of the assassination of the Sieur 13u Guast, taicen fron".
the Journdlile Ihnri III. "La reine Marguerite, piquee au vif, ct aninie'e encore
par les plaintcs dc toutes cellos que ])u Guast avoit outrage'es, s'addressa
h, Guillaunio Du Trat, Earon de Viteaux, alors cache' a Paris, dans lo Couven:
des Augustins, pour un menrtre, qu'il avoit commis quelque temps auparavant
en la personne d'Antoine d'Alegre; tile Vengayca par ses caresses a devenir son
vengeur. Viteaux, pour faire son coup, ciioisit le premier deNovembre, vielle dela
Tete des Morts, parce que le bruit de toutes les cloches de Paris qui se fait
entendre alors, c'toit propre a cacher le bruit inseparable de I'exe'cution
de son entrei)rise. II se rend, avec quelques autres sur le soir, au logis de
])u Guast, monte dans sa chambre, et le trouve au lit, ou 11 le perce de plusieurs
coups."

THE BEARNAIS. 267

" I blainc not your incrediilltv, messire," said the queen, resum-
ing all her soilness and blandishment of manner; "it could not
be otherwise. That I should alFect to love one whom I never
before beheld — with whose features — with whose name I am alike
imacquainted — were to belie myself — to deceive you. But thero
is something in the tone of your voice that inspires me with
confidence. I have unhesitatingly trusted you with the hidden
purposes of my soul. As loyal knight you will not betray them.
Obey my behests, and I will fulfil my promise. You ask for some
token of my truth. Here is one will remove all doubts ;" and
as she spoke, she took from her neck a carcanet of pearls, the lustre
of which was eclipsed by the dazzling fairness of her skin ; " this
ornament was the gift of Henri of Navarre."

" Diable!" ejaculated the king.

" It was given me on our espousals — it is yours."

" Could Henri of Navarre have anticipated you would part with
it thus, his hand should have been hacked oS" at the wrist ere he
had bestowed it."

"How?"

" I crave your majesty's pardon. I have a strange habit of put-
ting myself in the situation of other people, and for the moment
fancied myself your credulous husband. Give me the chain."

" Remove your casque, then, and with my own hand I will
attach the collar to it."

Henri appeared irresolute.

*' Trifle not," said the queen, " but to the lists. And then death
to the traitor, and confusion to your faithless dame !"

" Be it so," replied the king, unhelming himself, and gazing
sternly at his consort. " Take back your own words. Marguerite,
— confusion to my faithless dame i"

" Henri!" ejaculated the queen, gazing at him as if she beheld.
a spectre. " Pity — pity !"

" Be silent, madame," said the king; " this is my retribution."

Marguerite made an effort to control herself — but in vain. Her
limbs failed her, and she sank senseless into the arms of La Kebours,
who most opportunely flew to her assistance.

" Give me thy kerchief, ma mie," said Henri, to tlie demoiselle;
" it shall be my gage instead of this polluted carcanet. And now,
thy hand — nay, thy lips, sweet one; wc shall meet again anon.'"

" Success attend your majesty," said La Rebours, as the king
departed. " Give me joy, Torigni," she added, when the latter
appeared; " my fondest hopes are realised."

" In what way?" asked the Florentine.

" Hush ! her majesty revives — the intelligence is not for her
ears."

" Is he gone?" gasped INIarguerite.

" He has returued to the lists, madame," replied La Rebours.

268 CIIICHTON.

"And my p:agc?" asked the queen.

" Is tliere," answered the attendant, pointing, maliciously, to
tlie neglected pearls.

" Assist me to that fauteull, Torlgni," said the queen, withdraw-
ing herself" from the support of La Kebours. " If Crichton proves
victorious in this conflict, bid the Demoiselle Esclalrmonde atteuvx
me here."

CHAPTER VII.

THE BARB.

La seconde venue

Guerry encor, j'en ay bien souvenance,
L'autre rompit, et depiiis contenance
N'ot son destrier a la lice approehier,
Et car long temps ne se peuvent touchier.

LODIS DE BeAUVEAU.

CiilCHTON, meantime, in answer to the defiance of tlie King of
Navarre, instantly proceeded to the entrance of the lists, executing,
as he rode thither, so many graceful curvets and high passades
(wliich latter, according to Pluvincl, constitute " la vraye pierre
lie touche dii bon chevalier, ct (hi ban c/ievaT') i]rdt the air resounded
"with the applause of the spectators, and the tide of popular
opinion, which a breath Avill ever turn, again ran high in his
favour.

Stirred by their shouts, and still more elated by the prospect of
an encounter with his kingly and chivalrous antagonist ; perceiv-
ing, also, tliat the Bourbon had dismounted, and that the pales
(again hastily stretched across the area under the direction of the
Vicomte de Joyeuse and Montjoic) were not yet firmly fastened to
their supporters, the Scot called to his esquire, and taking his spear,
with the ostensible purpose of breathing his charger, performed a
brilliant course alone.

Nothing could exceed the rapidity and dexterity with which tliis
pass was made. The animal seemed to obey every impulse of Ids
rider. Starting from his post with a snort of wild delight, he
launched into the career as if he would bear down all onpo-
fition by his fury. Crichton threw the rein upon his shoulder, and
flung his heavy lance into the air — caught it — again tossed it aloft
— and repeated this extraordinary feat for a third time, ere the
liaunches of his steed seemed to stiffen into marble on his arrival
at the point of rest. Universal acclamations rewarded this triuin-
pliant exliibition of knightly skill.

But the admiration of the beholders amounted to the most rap-
turous enthusiasm as they witnessed what next ensued. Tlie Scot
shunted to the attendants, and, in obedience to his command, the
ring employed in the tourney was instantly attached to an elevated

THE BAKU. 2o9

post, forming part of the framework of the lists. Exccutinir a
deini-vohe with curvets, he again started on liis career; atmin
thrice hurled his spear aloft; and, maintaining throughout ^tliis
gallant action an unaltered carriage of body, moving only theri<'ht
arm, as occasion demanded, finally cariied off the' prize uponliis
lance's point. This performance (prolonged in description) was
the work only of a few seconds.

The dames waved their kerchiefs; the sergeants of tiie guard
clashed their halberts ; the mob flung their caps into the air,
widiout being so successful in regaining tliem as the Scot had
been in the recovery of his spear; tlie bosoms of the youthful
nobles beat higli with ardour and emulation; even the members of
the royal group were loud in their applauses.

" Hojineur auxjils ties preux T exclaimed Brantomc, with tran-
sport; " that course was bravely executed."

" A marvellous exploit, certes, my dear abbe," said Henri.
" Your valiant uncle, the Sieur de la Chateigneraye, with all his
address in horsemanship, and expertness in the I'nanagement of
arms, could scarcely liave achieved that amazing feat."

" It may not occur to your majesty's recollection, but precisely
the same feat as that we have just -witnessed, was performed by
the Sieur de la Chateigneraye in the presence of your royal father,"
returned Brantome. " My brave uncle has hecn. surpassed by no
knight, living or dead, in vigour and address."

" Save by Gui de Chabot, abbe," cried the jester, with a scofling
grimace. " The cuup de Janiac has passed into a proverb. It
will be fortunate for our dear Henriot if the coup de Crichtun
do not supersede it."

" A truce to this!" said the king; " thy jesting is ill-timed."

'• Good counsel is generally .so, compere," retorted Chicot. " If,
however, after this specimen of Crichton's consummate skill, like
yon unknown knight, you are so madly adventurous as to tilt with
him, I shall say of you, what one Aviser than I am said of the
king, your father —

Sire, vous n'estcs plus, vous n'estes plus que cire!''

" You shall say what you please of us, scelerat," returned the
good-humoured monarch, laughing ; " if we do hazard the safety
of our royal person, and endanger our hitlierto untarnished repu-
tation as a knight, by entering the lists with this invincible Scot,
■whom Sathan certainly abetteth. But see! his foolhardy chal-
lenger again takes the field — ha ! mort Dieu ! what is tliis ? Our
Bearnais (if he must be so designated) tears the silken streamer
from his spear, and casts it beneath his charger's hoofs."

" Observe, also, my hege, that he replaces it with a kerchief,"
interposed Brantome ; " and note, moreover, that this kerchief
has not the golden fringe which is worn by the Queen of Navarre

270 CRICHTON',

Her majesty, whose colours lie hatli rashly assumed, has evidently
refused him a favour — ha I — ha!"

" There is nothin<i; extraordinary in that, Seigneur Abbe, scelnjx
that the Admirable Crlchton is in the case," returned Chicot. " I
warrant me, if than hadst been his opponent, this cavalier's suit
would not have been fruitless. Let it suffice that he has a ira^-o
— no matter what — or whence obtained —

What a queen hath denied liim,
A ijiivan liath supplieci liini ;
Anil the favour he bearcth
No favourite sliareth :
His choice is a right one
Witli kerchief a white one,
To tilt against Crichton."

"By Phoebus! gossip!" exclaimed tlie king, "thou rliymest
like Frere Jean, en crainoisi. But hark ! the charge is sounded.
IMontjoie's arrangements arc completed. Allons ! messel2;neurs.
Hola ! Du Halde, my warder ! Hast thou contrived Ruggieri's
escape ?" he added, in a whisper.

" He is already without the Louvre, my liege," returned th.e
chief valet, in the same tone.

" The i'air Esclairmonde is ours, then !" ejaculated Henri, with
triumph.

And, followed by his favourites, he proceeded to the canopy and
took his seat upon the throne.

By this time the area of the tilt-yard was cleared of its nume-
rous intruders. The marshals of the field hastened to their tri-
bunal ; Montjoie hurried to the estrade reserved for himself and
his attendants ; while each cavalier sought to secure for himself
an advantageous position for the approaching spectacle. For the
moment all was bustle and clamour. But, above the shouts of the
various officers, stationed (it Avould seem in all ages), not so
much to preserve order as to increase confusion, the trampling
and neighing of steeds, and the jingling of martial equipments,
arose the loud fanfare of the trumpeter, making " young pulses
dance" with its stirring notes.

As the blast died away, profound silence ensued. The two
champions and their esquires alone occupied either extremity of
the barriers. Each regarded his antagonist with curiosity. On
the part of Crichton tlic feeling was one of enthusiastic delight :
on- that of Henri of Bourbon admiration was chilled by deep sense
of wrong. Nevertheless, his frank and noble nature could not
resist the Scot's high claims to consideration; and as he narrowly
scrutinised his matchless symmetry of figure, and consummate grace
of demeanour, he, who was no harsh judge of woman, felt half
disposed to overlook his consort's fault.

" Ventre-saint-gris !" he mentally ejaculated; " a Hkely galliard

TUE liARR. 271

to please tlie fancy of a, queen — and ^vortll a. thousand sucli mlg-
niuil voluptuaries as the balladin La Mole, or tliat grand dtfjoide
1v/x'enne. I could fori^dvc liis attentions to jNIarguerite. IJut there
is our fair cousin of Condc — I must punisli his presumption in that
quarter. Sa ha ! the devil is in his steed."

Crichton now drew his visor over his glowing cheek, and re-
pressing the tumultuous emotions of his heart, with a light and
steady hand placed his lance in its rest. The trumpet sounded for
the second time, and Henri was about to follow the Scot's example,
in expectation of the signal of assault, when, affrighted by the
kerchief fluttering over his head, his fiery charger, disre^garding
all restraint, broke from his post, and dashed headlong into the
area.

Expert in all martial exercises, the chivalrous Bourbon was one
of the most perfect horsemen of his time, and his arm was
endowed with no ordinary vigour; but neither skill nor strength
availed him on the present emergency. Encumbered by his lance,
which he was unwilling to throw aside, he could only employ his
left hand in coercion — while, deeply mortified and irritated at the
occurrence, his efforts were in the first yjlace directed rather to the
punishment than the subjection of his unruly steed; — and this
made matters worse. Each application of the spur was followed
by a fierce and violent plunge. The infuriated animal reared,
jerked, winced, and resorted to every vicious practice and strata^2:em
to dislodge his rider. In this he failed. But, in his turn, his rider
failed in compelling him to approach the lists.

At this juncture, and just as the monarch, full of wrath against
his counsellor Rosni, began to despair of accomplishing his point,
assistance was afforded him from a quarter whence it could have
been least anticipated. Perceiving the Bourbon's inabiUty to
govern his charger, Crichton rode towards him — and in a tone of
the highest courtesy protTered to exchange steeds with him ; ex-
pressing, at the same time, his perfect conviction that he could
achieve the animal's subjection, and carry him safely through the
course.

" By the soul of Bayard !" returned the Bourbon, with equal
courtesy, " fame hath not belled you. Chevalier Crichton. Your
proffer is worthy of a brighter age of chivalry, and should have
been made to a worthier knight than myself. In acceding to
your proposal I feel that I acknowledge my defeat. In any case
you are victor in point of generosity. Nor will 1 by a refusal rob
you of additional honour." So saying, he flung himself from his
charger's back.

" It follows not, because I may be the more expert horseman, that
I shall also prove the more expert tilter," returned Crichton, dis-
mounting.

"If you overcom.c the impetuosity of this froward beast, you
will accomplish a feat more dillicult than tiiat of Alexander (jf

272 CUICHTON.

Macedon," rejoined the Bourbon. " But if you succeed in bnrp-
in<j^ liim to tlie pales, look well to yourself — 1 promise you the re-
ception due to so valiant a cluiinpion: —

Les plus jolis n'ont paa a leur plais.ince
Aucune fois I'honneur et le renom."

" You will find me no faineant," replied Cricliton. " Nor do J
think so lij^htly of your prowess as to neglect your caution."

At this moment the Baron de Rosni, attended by Montjoie and
Joyeuse, rode up to them.

" Sire," said llosni, in a whisper, " I pray you take my steed."

" Stand back, sir !" returned the Bourbon, coldly.

" Chevalier Crichton," said Rosni, turning to the Scot.
" mount not that ungovernable horse — my charger is at your
service."

Crichton replied by vaulting into the saddle of the King of Na-
varre, and giving the rein to the barb, he careered round the tilt-
yard, as if he was borne by one of the winged horses of the sun.

" Courage, mon Admirable," cried Joyeuse, looking after him,
with a smile.

Vain were the efforts of the nigh frantic steed to shake his firm-
seated rider; — he had to strive against one with whom contention
■was ineffectual. Crichton, for the moment, allowed hiui to expend
his fire. He then struck spurs fiercely into his sides, and com-
pelled him to execute upwards of twenty caprioles in a breath.
His fury now visibly abated; and the Scot completed his mastery
by another career, and a swift succession of curvets. The next
moment the animal stood controlled and motionless at the entrance
of the lists.

The loudest plaudits would have followed this achievement had
not all clamour been interdicted during tiie actual progress of the
jousts. As it was, an irrepressible murmur testified the wonder-
ment and delight of the spectators.

The clarion now sounded lor the third time, and the combatants
started on their career. Both lances were splintered by the vehe-
ment shock of their encounter. But no injury was sustained on
cither side. A similar result followed the second atteinte.

" Give me that painted spear, it is of tougher wood," said Crichton.
to his esquire, while the trumpet was blown for tlie third assault.
And couching his lance, as he again sprang forward, he di-
rected it, with unerrinir aim, against the crest of his antagonist's
morion.

The result of the career was decisive. The shock Avas more
violent than those of the preceding rencounters, llie lance of the
Bourbon, whose mark had been the centre of the Scot's helm,
again shivered to tlie handle; while the stroke of Crichton, into
which he had thrown all his force, would unquestionably have

THE ENGLISHMAN. 273

unliorscd liis adversary, had not the hehnet of the iiionnrcli, wliich
had never been firmly fastened since his interview with his queen,
yiekled to the blow, and rolled to the ground.

"Bondieu!" exclaimed Henri III., rising, " it ?s the Bearnais
— it IS our brother of Navarre. AVe should recognise that Bourbon
nose among a thousand. What ho ! — our steed ! our steed. —
AVhere is our mother ? — where is her majesty, Catherine de
^ledicis ? We would speak with her, ere we confront the
hardy traitcn-. Surround us, messeigneurs, and let our body-
guard be trebled. Some conspiracy may — nay, must be on foot.
What think you of it, Villcquier, and you, cousin of Nevers?
See to the outlets of the tilt-yard. Suffer none to go forth, or to enter.
By Saint Hubert ! we have snared a tiger."

Crichton, meantime, had reined in his steed, and returned to
the Bourbon. "Sire!" he said, speaking in a low, determined
tone, " I have, unwittingly, betrayed you to your foes. But
if you will confide in me, I pledge myself to accomplish 3'our
deliverance."

" My counsel to your majesty," interposed Rosni, " would be
to hasten to the king your brother, and if possible obtain permis-
sion to depart with your escort ere he have time to confer with the
queen-mother. It is your only hope."

Henri averted his head from his confidant. " Chevalier Crich
ton," he said, addressing the Scot, " I will trust you. There is
my hand."

" If I take it not, sire," replied Crichton, " your majesty will
understand my motive, when I say that the eyes of Catherine de
Medicis are upon us."

" True," replied the Bourbon, " and those of our fair cousin of
Conde, also — hem ! ch-evalier."

CHAPTER VIII.

THE ENGLISHMAN.

Where'er I wander, boast of tliis I can,
Though banish'd, yet a true-born Englishman.

Shakspeake. Richard II.

The majestic and remarkable countenance of Henri of Navarre
(a face once seen, not readily forgotten) had been instantly re-
cognised by the majority of the assemblage ; and such of the
crowd as were unacquainted with his features, speedily gathered
his title from the general vociferations. Coupled with various and
most discordant epithets, his name now resounded from every
quarter. Some applauded his bravery and bonhommie ; some
derided his imprudence and temerity; others railed bitterly and
loudly against his h.eresies, and apostacy from the religion of

27-1 CRICHTON.

Home (whose tenets Henri, not over-scrupulous on matters of
faith, embraced or renounced, as circumstances required); others,
on the contrary, silently and devoutly hailed him as the cham-
pion of their creed. A lew there were, who fancied they dis-
covered in his sudden appearance in the midst of Ids iocs, a
signal for an insurrection and massacre, in retaliatii)n for tlic
sanpjuinary day of Saint-Barthelemi, and held themselves in
readiness to obey his mandates; while another, and more nume-
rous faction, deeply interested in all events affecting their
project, regarded the occurrence as singularly inauspicious. Ca-
therine de Medicis, alone, viewed the discovery without surprise
or dismay.

Popular by his affability, generosity, and manliness (qualities
which afterwards won for him the afiectionate appellation — yet
hallowing his name in the breast of every true Frenchman — ot
' le hon rof), the Bourbon, even during the period of his deten-
tion within the Louvre, had attached no inconsiderable party to
his cause ; and amongst the youthful and light-hearted nobles
then present, there were many whose zeal would have prompted
them to declare themselves in his favour, had any attempt been
made upon his life. The situation, therefore, of the intrepid
monarch, who, attended by Crichton and Rosni, remained
unmoved, with his hand upon the pommel of his sword, and a
smile upon his lips, was not fraught with so much peril as at first
sight would appear.

Joyeuse and D'Epernon, wdth several of the immediate and
loyal adherents of Henri III., flew to each outlet of the tilt-yard,
re-inforccd the guard, and issued the king's commands to allow
none to enter or to pass forth from the arena.

Before these orders could be obeyed, a man of robust appear
ance, and square, stout make, rushed upon the ancient, or standard-
bearer of tlie guard, plucked from his side a long two-handed
sword, leapt over the palisades of the lists, and, followed by a
huge dog, made the best of his way in the direction of Henri oi
Navarre.

The action was too suddenly and too swiftly executed to be
prevented. But the flying figure of the man catching the eye of
the Vicomte de Joyeuse, he struck his spurs into his charger,
and dashed in pursuit with the intention of cutting him down.
Notldng could have prevented the fugitive's destruction but the
timely assistance afforded by his four-footed companion. Just a?
Joyeuse had overtaken him, and was about to discharge a blow,
which must have proved fatal, the career of his steed was checked
by the dog, Avhose fangs were suddenly fixed within the nostrils o .
the terrified animal. At the same moment the man turned and
stood upon his defence.

With eyes starting from their sockets, veins distended, flanks
quivering, head borne to the ground by the weight of the dog,

THE ENGLISHMAN. 276

and nostrils ^nsliing with blood, tlie poor horse uttered a shrill
neigh, sounding almost like a scream ; but attempted neither to
move nor to free himself from his fierce assailant. Exasperated
beyond endurance at the condition of his steed, Joyeuse directed
liis next assault against the hound.

" Hold !" exclaimed Blount. " Touch a hair of my dog's hide,
and, by Saint Dunstan ! I Avill no longer stay my hand."

Joyeuse replied by aiming a downward blow at the English-
man. Blount received the stroke upon the edge of his sword,
and returned it with such good effect that the vicomte's rapier was
beaten from his grasp, and Avhirled to some distance.

" Call off thy dog, villain," shouted Joyeuse, furiously, " or
thou shalt repent it. Ha ! Vive-dieu !" he added, as several of
his attendants rode up, " seize him! If he resists, show him no
quarter — yield, madman T'

" Never !" replied Blount, stoutly, " were they ten times
their number. I ask no quarter, and will yield to no man,
or men. It sliall not be said that an Englishman sued for mercy,
while his hand could wield a sword. Come on, then, my
masters — one, and all — and try the force of an English arm.
Your sires have felt the weight of our blows at Creci and
Poitiers — and their sons shall find that our bull-dog breed is not
degenerated, or his country disgraced, in the person of Simon
Blount."

*' Why do you hesitate ?" thundered Joyeuse.

" Wliij do they hesitate ?" echoed Blount, in a taunting tone, at
the same time flourishing his tremendous blade with the greatest
ease over his head. " Because I am an Englishman. They are six
and I am one. They are mounted, I on foot. They have sword
and partisan — I, sword only. They are Frenchmen — I am an
Englishman. By my troth ! we are fairly matched."

" Silence him I" cried Joyeuse.

But this was no such easy matter. The inert, but sturdy
Islander was now fairly roused from his habitual lethargy. His
arm and tongue were alike in motion. He answered with a roar of
defiance.

" Silence me! quotha. E'en let them, if they can! But they
liave good reasons for their forbearance. Their memories serve
them too faithfully. They recollect the bygone times of the Regent
Bedford — when a French noble was obliged to doff his cap to an
English churl. Old Kabelais has told them of our thirst — and at
whose cost we allayed it."

" Cravens! will ye bear this ?" cried Joyeuse. " He says truly
— ye are six to one."

" It was the same at Azincourt," retorted Blount, " and ye know
by whom that day was won."

" That day was not won by big words, sirrah," rejoined Joyeuse,
amazed at the Englishman's audacity.

T 2

276 CRICHTON.

"Right!" exclaimed Blount, waving liis sword, as if selecting
a mark. " I tliank you for the liiiit. I have already talked too
much."

" Despatch this hound witli your pike, Baptiste," shouted
Joyeuse, " and lihenite my wounded charger."

'ilic man instantly obeyed, and tlirust his partisan through the
throat of Druid. Severely, but not mortally wounded, the coura-
geous brute still maintained his grasp.

"Hew him in pieces!" vociferated Joyeuse. "It is the nature
of the accursed animal to cling thus, while aught of life remains."

Another man-at-arms now took up the attack ; and in liis endea-
vour to cleave asunder the dog's skull, which he was only prevented
from effecting by the resistance made by his thick hide, struck off
his riglit car and fore paw.

Blinded by his own blood, and frightfully mutilated, Druid kept
his liold with unflinching tenacity.

"Saint George for England!" shouted Blount. And as he
spoke, his sword whistled through the air, and tiie man-at-arms
fell headless to the ground. " Here is a sweet morsel for thee,
Druid," he added, with a savage laugh, at the same time spurning
with his heel the gory head, which had dropped near him. " Come
hither, sirrah, quick !"

Obedient to his master's call, the dog yielded that compliance
which he had refused to commands, enforced by sharpest blows;
and at once, set free the vicomte's charger. Uttering a piercing
cry, the latter animal galloped, with uncontrollable speed, to the
farther end of the lists ; where, fortunately, his career was stopped
by one of the heralds, and Joyeuse was enabled to dismount.

Blount's assailants were now reduced to five. But he was on
all sides surrounded; and fresh foes were pouring against him from
each quarter of the tilt-yard. Undismayed by numbers, and sup-
ported by his constitutional phlegm, he viewed his probable end with
indifference, and resolved to meet it as became a brave man, and a
denizen of tliat island nook, which, in the words of the greatest of
her sons, " breedeth very valiant children."

" Would I were with my back against a wall," he thought,
" I would take far greater odds, and give them ruder welcome than
they bring. As it is, with this long poking-iron so luckily ob-
tained, I will carbonado some of their doublets after a fashion in
which they were never slashed before. Gules shall predominate
over or and azure in their emblazoned coats."

And as these reflections ran through his mind, his sword again
described a tremendous circle, in the course of which it encountered
the various weapons of his antagonists, who were thrusting and
striking at him from all points, and finally descending upon the
shoulder of the halberdier, by whom Druid had been first wounded,
the man, cloven almost to the girdle, fell to the ground,

" Ilahet .'" cried Blount, laughing, and again whirling round his
ensanguined blade.

THE ENGLISHMAN, 277

In the midst of tliis gladiatorial display, which was re£;ardcd by
the beholders, even of the gentler sex, with the same fierce and
thrilling interest that prevailed amongst the witnesses of the ter-
rible cntortuinmcnts held within a Roman circus, we shall take
breath for an instant to describe more fully the weapon used by
our English combatant. We have before adverted to the treatise
of Giacomo di Grassi,* —

-a man of ^rcat defence,

Expert in battles, and in deeds of amies —

and we shall now give the manner of wielding the two-edged
sword, as delivered by the Italian professor. In the words of his
quaint translator wc are told that "one may with it (as a galleon
among manie gallies) resist manle swords, or other weapons. And
it is accustomed to be carried in the citie, as well by night as by
day, when it so chaunceth that a few are constrayned to withstand
a great manie. And because his weight and bigness require great
strength, therefore those only are allotted to the handling thereof
which are mightie and biggc to behould, great and stronge in
bodie, of stout and valiant courage. Who (forasmuch as they
are to encounter manie, and to the end they may strike the more
safclie, and amaze them with the furie of the sword) do altogether
use to deliver great edge-blows, downright and reversed, fetching
a full circle or compass therein, staying themselves sometimes upon
one foot, sometimes on the other, utterlie neglecting to thrust, and
persuading themselves that the thrust serveth to amaze one man
onelie, but these edge-blows are of force to encounter manie.
The which manner of skirmishing, besides that it is most gallant
to behold, being accompanied with exceeding swiftness in deliveric
(for otherwise it worketh no such effect) it is also most prolitable,
not properly of itselfe, but because men considering the furie of
the sword, which greatly amaseth them, are not resolute to doe
that, which otherwise they could not choose but doe."

All that Di Grassi has here so grapliically depicted, was per-
formed by Blount — and more than this ; lor so great was his
activity and dexterity — so nimble was he in the management and
recovery of his weapon — so tremendous was its sweep, " being of
the compass of ten arms or more," that in the space of a few
moments he had disabled a third opponent, and beaten off the
others.

" Hurrah!" he shouted, with lusty lungs, tossing, as he spoke,
his bonnet into the air; "hurrah! for England, and God save
Queen Bess."

At the same time, as if partaking of his master's triumph,
Druid upturned his mangled visage, and uttered a loud and exult-
ing howl.

* Giacomo di Grassi, liis True Arte of Defence. First written in Italian by the
foresaid author, and Englished by 1. G., Gentleman, 159-1.

278 CUICHTON.

" Poor fellow!" said Blount, his heart smiting him as he heard
the sound. "Thou art sorely luut ; but I have amply avenged
thee," he added, looking grimly around; "we can at least die
together — thou wouldst never survive thy master."

The faithful dog understood this appeal. His fierce howl changed
to a piteous moan.

" Peace, sirrah !" cried Blount, angrily; " no whimpering. Thou
art wounded, or I would bestow a buffet on thee for thy cowardice.
An English bull-dog— and whine?"

The red flame in the dog's eyes at this reproof blazed yet more
fiercely, and his fangs were instantly displayed.

" Why, that is right," cried Blount, in a tone of approval.

Whereupon, shouldering his gigantic blade, and keeping his
eye steadily fixed upon the movements of his foes, though menaced
with immediate, and, it would seem, inevitable destruction, in order
to show his utter disregard of the peril in which he stood, he began
to carol in a rough, but not inharmonious voice, the following
homely stave: —

Bruitr.
I.

Through the world have I wandered wide,
With never a wife, or a friend by my side,
Save Druid — a comrade stauncii and tried: —

Troll on away !
Druid, my do?, is a friend in need,
Druid, my dog, is a friend indeed,
Druid, my dog, is of English breed!

More need I say?

Troll on away

II.
Druid would perish wy life to save,
i'or faithful Druid like fate Td brave.
The dog and his master shall find one grave.

Troll on away!
Life! I heed not its loss a featiier!
And when black Atropos snaps my tether,
She must cut 'wice — we'll die together!

No more I'll say,

Troll on away !

In enumerating the good and evil qualities of Henri HI., wc
have before mentioned his singular predilection for the canine
species. His attachment to dogs was as strong as his aversion to
cats. Upon the commencement of the skirmish just described, the
royal train, by their sovereign's command, had halted, and Henri's
attention, throughout, had been attracted towards Druid, whose
courage and fidelity he could not sufficiently admire and applaud.
It was owing to this circumstance that Blount remained so long
unmolested.

THE ENGLISHMAN. 279

" What would I give for a follower so faithful !" said the
king. " Such a hound were worth a whole pack of barbcts and
•iipaniels, with my two favourites, Citron and Chatelard, at their
head. I must possess him. Miron will speedily heal his wounds.
But how shall we get rid of his master, without doing the dog
further mischief ?"

" Let your arquebussiers fire upon the knave, my liege," said
the Due de Nevers, in a low tone; " and, if a stray ball s/wu/d vcuch.
the licarnais, your majesty will have an enemy the less. Maurevert
is behind us, armed with the same caliver with which Coligni was
wounded. A look will suffice for /dm."

" Thanks, fair cousin," returned Henri, " but we are in no such
liurry. We see no reason to suspect treachery on the part of our
brother of Navarre. Reappears as much diverted as ourself with
this fray. Besides," he added, smiling, " we have not yet con-
sulted our mother upon the expediency of a step so important in its
consequences."

" 1 will answer for her majesty's approval," returned the duke,
hastily.

^'YuuT exclaimed the king, with a look of surprise. "Are
you our mother's confidant, Monsieur le Due ? What reason
nave you to suppose she would desire the death of the Bear-
nais ?"

"Because," replied Chicot, boldly, "he is like the wrong king
unexpectedly turned up at Primero ; he spoils the order of the
cards, and ruins the game."

" Parbleu ! what game, compere?" demanded the monarch.

" Your majesty forgets the dog you are anxious to save," inter-
rupted the duke, darting an angry glance at the jester; " another
moment and it will be too late."

" Right !" cried Henri ; " command yon men-at-arms to stay their
swoids, and let a company of arquebussiers advance."

The king's orders were instantly obeyed. The soldiers, who had
rushed to the assistance of their comrades, reluctantly withdrcAV.
A dozen arquebussiers, attired in richly-emblazoned doublets of
crimson frieze, girded in at the waist by broad leathern belts, from
which depended matches of lighted tow; with great ruffs round their
throats, pale green hose upon their lower limbs, and roses of ribbons,
almost as large as the shoes they covered, upon their feet ; each
caiTying on his right arm a huge bell-mouthed musquet, and on his
left a ibrked staff intended to support it — this troop, headed by
Maurevert, the hired assassin of Charles IX. (and surnamed
le Tucur du Roi), swiftly advanced, ranged themselves in two lines
by the side of the king, planted their forks in the ground, pointed
their artillery against the Englishman's breast, and awaited only
the royal mandate to fire.
, Blount witnessed these proceedings without dismay. When he

280 CUICHTUX.

stiw tlic dcatli-Jcaling tubes levelled against him, he stooped to the
ground, and catching Druid in his arms, breathed the words of his
song —

The dog and his master shall find one grave ! —

fully prepared to meet his fate.

''Hold!" exclaimed Henri; "some fiend hath put it into the
knave's head to defeat our object. Bid liini surrender at discretion,
Maurevert. Once get possession of his dog, and deal with hitn as
you list. But I charge you, on your hfe, do the animal no further
injury."

Maurevert stepped forwards. Blount, however, sturdily refused to
yield up his sword.

At this moment, and while Henri, ever irresolute when resolu-
tion was required, hesitated to give the signal to the arquebussiers,
Crichton rode up. " I will disarm him, sire." he said, *' if I have
your majesty's permission to do so."

" Grammercy ! mon cher, you have our permission at once,
and to slay him, too, if it please you, provided you harm not the
dog."

" One will scarcely succumb witliout the other, I suspect, my
liege," replied the Scot. " We shall see."

Saying which, he dismounted, and giving his steed to the charge
of an attendant, advanced towards Blount.

"Are you mad?" he said, sternly, as he arrived within a few
paces of the Englishman, " that you adopt this braggart posture?
Yield ! and I may yet preserve your life."

" I should hold it foul scorn were such words to pass my
lips, even at your bidding, Chevalier Crichton," replied Blount,
doggedly.

" Fool !" said the Scot, in a low and significant tone, " this
<s but a feint. Throw down your sword. I will be your safe-
guard."

" Were I to do so it would seem as if I yielded," rejoined
81ount; "and I would rather die a thousand deaths than these
accursed Frenchmen should be able to crow over me."

" Defend yourself, then," exclaimed Crichton, plucking his
rapier from the scabbard.

" If I fall by your hands I shall die the death I would have
chosen," replied Blount. " Yet think not I will perish tamely.
I hold it too good luck to cross swords with you, not to approve
myself worthy of the honour. But our blades are ill-matched. I
cannot fight without equal arms."

"I have helm and corslet," answered Crichton; "you have
neither buff jerkin, nor steel cap. The advantage is on my
side."

•' Down, Druid," said Blount, quitting his hold of the dog,

THE ENGLISHMAN. 281

" Stir not — use neither tootli nor cl;i\v. Chevalier Crichton,'*'
he added, in a tone of" some emotion, " it" I fall — this hound — "

" I understand," replied Crichton. " 1 will be his master."

" No!" said Blount, " I meant not that — despateh him."

" Waste no more words in this idle parley," returned Crichton,.
fiercely. " jNIy blows are for men. not dogs. Again, I say, defend
yourself"

" Saint Georoje for England !" shouted Blount, fetching; a coin-
pass with his sword that dazzled tlie eyes of the beholders like a
ilash of lightning. But rapid as was this circle — not so swift was
it as the corresponding movement of the Scot. Instead of endea-
vouring to avoid the blow, or to encounter its force, where it was
most dangerous, at a distance, he at once rushed in upon the
Englishman, met tlie edge of his weapon in mid sweep with a
stoccado, and nothing daunted that his own rapier was hurled
from his grasp, clutched with his left hand the wrist of his
adversary, and with his right fearlessly catching hold of his
enormous blade, by a violent downward jerk wrested it from his
gripe.

Thus far Druid had obeyed his master's orders, and crouched
inoffensively at his feet — but now instinctively comprehending his
danger, he flew with such violence against Crichton's legs, that had
they not been plated in steel, he must have withdrawn his attack
from Blount to defend himself from his follower. "Lie still, sir,"
cried the Englishman, furiously. And setting his foot upon the dog's
back, he pressed him, notwithstanding his desperate struggles,
forcibly to the ground. " Your are the victor," he continued, ad-
dressing Cricliton, " strike!"

" I have accomplished all I desired," replied the Scot, " in dis-
arming you."

" I will not yield," said Blount, sullenly. " You had better finish
me."

The words were scarcely uttered, when his arms were suddenly
seized from behind by a couple of halberdiers, who had stolen upon
him imawares; and a stout sword-belt, slipped over his wrists, and
drawn tightly together, prevented any further resistance on his part
At the same moment, a sash, tied in a noose, and flung over the head
of Druid by a third man-at-arms, made the bravo animal likewise
a prisoner.

"Harm neither," said Crichton, addressing the guards; "but
await his majesty's pleasure — and see ! he approaches."

" Draw near tome, I pray you, Chevalier Crichton," said Blount,
gazing earnestly at the Scot, " 1 have something to communicate,,
which, in my confusion, I had forgotten."

" I know what you would say," returned Crichton, making a
gesture of silence; " all is lost I"

*'The devil!" exclaimed Blount, with a look of disappomtment.

282 CRicnroN.

*' iny labour then has been in vain. It was '.Yiercly to bring you
these tidings th.it 1 adventured within the H£w3."

" Heed not that, good Blount, but pacify your dog," said Crich-
ton, noticing, with uneasiness, the violent efforts of the animal to
free himself, by which he was well-nigh strangled; "on /as life
hangs your own."

" True," replied Blount, taking the words literally, " it does so."
And he addres;^ed an angry declamation to Druid, who instantly
became passive in the hands of his captor.

CHAPTER IX.

THE TWO HENUIS.

Premier Soldai. Le Bearnais a pcut-etre promis de retourner a confcsse. Ca
serait lieureux, tout de niome — il me fait Teffet d'uii bon compere de roi!

Deiixiane Suldnt. Le iiotre n'a pas ruauvais air non plus sur sa grande jument
■ — mais il sent trop le jasmin.

La Mori de Henri III.

Unwilling to hold any private conference with the King of
Navarre, until lie should receive some information of Catherine's
disposition towards him; and "perplexed in the extreme," that
no message had, as yet, arrived from her majesty, Henri HI.,
uncertain wdiat line of policy he ought to pursue, and glad of any
pretext to gain further time, instead of advancing to question the
Jiourbon, as he had originally intended, bent his course towards
the captive Englishman. This plan, however, was defeated.
Henri of Navarre, yielding tardy compliance with the earnest
solicitations of Rosni, who represented, in the most moving
terms, the perils and calamities in which his present fatal obstinacy
must necessarily involve himself, his people, ::-id his religion, came
suddenly to the resolution of throwing himself upon the generosity
of his royal brother. Accordingly, when Henri HI. turned aside
to confer with Blount, he stuck spurs into his charger, and rode
towards hin^^.

A greeting of apparently fraternal warmth passed between the
two monarchs. Thougli each, in secret, distrusted the other, both
deemed it prudent to assume an air of unboriided confidence and
goodwill. Dissimulation formed no part of the Bourbon's frank
and loyal character. But his long experience of the perfidy and
insincerity of the race of Valois, while it preventcvi him from being
Henri's dupe, satisfied him that any advantage which might accrue
to him from the interview, could only be attained by tlie employ-
ment of similar artifice. Throwing himself", therefore, instantly
from his steed, he attempted, with the greatest cordiality, to take

THE TWO HENRIS. 283

the liand of tlie king, Avitli the intention of proffering the cus-
|.)inaiy salutation.

JJenri III., however, drew back his steed as he approached.
"Your pardon, my brother," he said, with a gracious smile; " we
>/ould cut off our right hand could we suspect it of heresy, nor
can we consent to take yours, tainted as it is with that contagious
leprosy, unless we first receive assurance from your lips that you
are come hither, like tlie prodigal son, to confess your indiscretions,
to implore our forgiveness, and to solicit to be received once more
into the indulgent bosom of our holy Catholic, Apostolic, and
Roman church."

" Sire," replied the Bourbon, "I own that I am in much the
same predicament as the unfortunate wight to whom you have
likened me. I have, at this moment, more nose than kingdom —
more care than coin — more hope than faith — more regard for your
majesty than the religion you propose — "

" And more regard for your body than your soul, I fear, my
brother," interrupted Henri III., gravely shaking his head, and
telling a bead or two upon his rosary.

" That is to say, he has more regard for his mistress than his
queen," said Chicot. " You are right, compere. Our Bearnais
will never be saved unless the good old faith of the Gentiles comes
round again, and new altars are raised at Cnydos and Paphos, to
the goddess he worships."

" Certes, thou malapert knave, I am a heretic in no creed in which
beauty is concerned," replied the Bourbon, laughing; " and amid
yon gallery of fair saints, there is not one to whom I would refuse
adoration."

" I could point out one," cried the jester.

" I defy thee," said the Bourbon.

'* Your queen !" returned Chicot.

Even Henri III. could not help joining In the mirth occasioned
Dy this sally of the jester.

"Klbald!" exclaimed the Bourbon, laughing louder than the
rest; *' thy fool's cap alone protects thee from my resentment."

" Mv fool's calotte is a better defence than many a knight's
casque," answered Chicot. " For the love I bear her majesty of
Navarre, I will exchange it for thine, and throw my marotte into
the bargain. Thou wilt need both on thy next encounter Avith
the Admirable Crichton."

" Wilt thou throw thyself into the bargain, knave," asked the
Bourbon, " and follow my fortunes ?"

" Of a surety, no!" replied the jester. " That were to quit the
master for the valet ; the provost for the prisoner ; the falconer for
the quarry."

"Pardicu! compere," said Henri HI., in a tone of raillery,
^' art thou so blind to thy own interest as to tarry in our

284 CRICHTOX.

service, wlicn an offer so brilliant is made thee by our brother
of Navarre ? Bethink thee of" the eminence to which thy wisdom
aird decorum must, necessarily, promote thee, amongst the
synods of the Huguenots, and the sage councils of the court of
Paul"

" I never leap in the dark, gossip," replied Chicot. " It were the
province of a wise man to go in quest of danger. I am a fool, and
prefer safe quarters at home."

" Wholesome advice may be gathered even from the mouth of
fools, you perceive, brother," said Henri HI. " May I now
inquire to what fortunate circumstance I owe the unexpected
liappiness of this visit? I have been singularly misinformed
about you and your proceedings. I am told you are an enemy
— I find you our best of friends. I learn that you are at the
head of a hostile army, putting my towns and subjects to fire and
sword — 1 find you as blithe companion as ever, and almost
unattended. My last accounts are, that you are barricaded witliiu
the walls of Pau, or Nerac; my next are gathered from your own
lips within the walls of the Louvre. See how one may be de-
ceived."

"Your majesty is not deceived in my expressions of friendship,"
replied the Bourbon, cordially. " Will it please you to command
your gentleman to stand further off?"

" Excuse me, my brother, if I venture to retain my atten-
dants," replied Henri HI. " I am curious to question this bold
knave," he added, glancing at Blount. " You may reserve
your tale, if you please, for the ear of our confessor, whom you
will permit me to recommend, in the hope of accomplishing your
conversion."

"Your confessor, sire!" ejaculated the Bourbon, knitting his
brow.

" And at the tail of the priest the headsman," added Chicot.
" You will not then fall to profit by his instruction, and for the
third time get rid. of any scruples of conscience. The laconic
message of his late Majesty Charles IX., to your cousin, Henri of
Conde, had other merits besides its conciseness."

" What message was that, gossip!" asked Henri HI., ffecting
ignorance.

" Messe, mort ou Bastile !" replied the jester. " Our Bearnais
will remember it by the token, that about the same time he abjured
his own Calvlnlstic heresies."

" Ventre-saint-gris ! thou scurrilous varlet," cried the Bourbon,,
fiercely; " if thou darest to push thy mischievous pleasantry
further, not even thy own insignificance, or thy royal master's
presence, sliall prevent my inflicting due chastisement upon
thee."

Alarmed by the menacing aspect of the King of Navarre,

THE TWO nENRIS. 285

^vitll a L'riinace of mixed terror and defiance, Cliicot, like a
snarling cur, apprehensive of the heels of a noble steed he
has annoyed beyond endurance, now turned tail, and retreated
to the protection of his master, who was secretly delighted
with this specimen of his skill in the " art of ingeniously tor-
menting."

" Since you decline answering my inquiries respecting the
'.notive of your visit, brother," said Henri III., in his blandest
ftcccnts, " I will not press the point. But I trust you will
not object to remaining near my person till I return to the
banquet?"

" Your majesty has only to command me."

" And as you have no attendants excepting the Baron do Rosni,
I give you your choice of six of my own gentlemen, who will
continue constantly by your side."

" I understand your majesty. I am a prisoner."

" I did not say so, brother. Choose your attendants."

" ]\Iv choice is readily made, sire. I shall name but one
— the Chevalier Crichton. I leave the nomination of the others to
him."

" Foenum habet in cornii," muttered Chicot, " a wittol's
choice !"

" You could not have made a better election," observed
Henri HI., with a smile.

" I think not," said the Bourbon.

" I am sure not," added Chicot. " Forgiveness becomes a Chris-
tian prince. Madame Marguerite will highly applaud your gene-
rosity and placability."

" Peace, droll !" said Henri HI. " And noAv, brother," he
continued, in the same honeyed tone he had previously adopted,
and which by those who knew him was more dreaded than the
most violent bursts of indignation, " as the jousts are at an end,
and you will have no further occasion for it, I entreat you to
resign your sword to the custody of him whom you have appointed
your principal attendant."

"My sword, sire?" exclaimed the Bourbon, recoiling.

" Your sword, brother," repeated Henri HI., blandly.

The King of Navarre looked around. On all sides he was invested
by danger. The whole circle of the area in which he stood bristled
with pikes and spears. Above the halberts of the Switzers rose
the javelins of the Scottish guards; and above the javelins of the
Scots gleamed the long lances of D'Epernon's gallant Gascon troop.
Here was stationed a company of archers — there a band of arque-
bussiers. On the right were arrayed the youthful nobles, under the
<;ommand of the Vicomte de Joyeuse, readily to be distinguished
"by their gorgeous apparel and fluttering pennons ; on the left
•ivas drawn out the sumptuous retinue of the Due de Nevers. Nor

286 cuiciiTOX.

was this all. A nearer circle of the kind's body-guard encompassed
lilm. Every hand was upon a sword-hilt — every glance fixed upon
him. As he carelessly noted all this hostile preparation, the Bour-
bon turned towards his counsellor Rosni, who stood leaning upon
tlic liandle of his sword immediately behind him. Not a word —
not a sign were exchanged between them. But the monarch under-
stood the meaning of the cold stern look of his counsellor. At
this moment, the rolling of drums, mingled with the sound of
other martial instruments, was heard from the outer courts of tlio
palace.

"Hark! the tambour!" exclaimed Henri III.; "fresh troops
have entered the Louvre."

" By your command, sire?" asked the Bourbon, in a tone of
displeasure.

" Our subjects are careful of our safety," answered Henri HI.,
evasively.

" They uuglit to be so, sire," replied the Bourbon; " your majesty
has well earned their love; and when were the people of France
ungrateful? But against whom are all these precautions taken? Is.
the Louvre in a state of siege, or have the burgeiRes of your good
city of Paris broken into revolt?"

" No, brother, our good city is at present free from faction or,
tumult; and it is our intention (with the aid of rieaven) to main-
tain its tranquillity undisturbed."

" You cannot suppose I would be the instigator of disorder,.
sire," said the Bourbon. " I have drawn the sword to protect the
rights of my people, and to uphold their persecuted creed, not to
wage Avar iipon your majesty. On any terms which shall secure to
my subjects the immunities, and religious toleration they seek, I
Avill, at once, enter into a compact of truce with your majesty, and
place myself in your hands as a hostage for the due observance of
its conditions."

" Sire!" exclaimed Rosni, grasping his sovereign's arm, "each
word you utter is a battle lost."

" Your majesty will not now suspect me of disloyalty," continued
the Bourbon, disregarding the interruption.

" I suspect nothing, brother — nothing whatever," said Henri HI.,
hastily; " but I will sign no truce — enter into no compact, Avhich
shall favour, or appear to favour, the dissemination of heresy and
sedition. To tolerate such a faith were to approve it. And I
Avould rather command a second St. Barthelemi; rather imitate
the example of my brother, Philip II. of Spain ; or pursue the
course pointed out to me by my cousin of Guise and the gentlemen
of the league, than in any way countenance a religion so hateful.
I am too good a Catholic for that, brother. ]\Iy reign has been
(for my sins) disturbed by three great troubles. INIy brother of
Anjou and his flection; the Balafre and his leaguers; you and yoiu
friends of the reform."

THE TWO IIKNRIS. 28?

" Sire r

" I know not wlilcli of the tlireo lias been tlie most vexatious.
Anjou Avltli his claims; Guise with liis pretensions; or you with
your exactions. I shall be glad to put an end to 07ie of thcso
annoyances."

" I liavc exacted nothing but what was my due, cire," rej)lied
the Bourbon, bluntly.

" So saith Anjou; so saith the Guise; so say all rebels."

" Kebcls, sire !"

"Fret not yourself about a word, brother. Your own con-
duct will best prevent the application of the term, if you deem
it injurious."

" Sire," replied the Bourbon, drawing himself up to his full
height, and regarding his royal brother with a glance of undisguised
scorn and defiance, " you have done me deep wrong in stigmatising
me as a rebel. It is false. I am none. Rashness, insane rashness
— if you please, is all that can be laid to my charge. I came hither
attended only by the Baron de Rosni, whose person, as my ambas-
sador, guarded by your passport, is sacred : and as I came I should
have departed, had not an accident occasioned my discovery. No
thought of treason was in my breast. Nor had I other motive save
a desire to splinter a lance with one whose prowess I doubted, with
as much justice, it appears, as your majesty now exhibits in ques-
tioning my sincerity."

" You mistake me, brother. Heaven forbid I should question
your fealty."

" Your actions contradict your words, sire," returned the Bour-
bon. " It is evident from the threatening demeanour of your
attendants, from the hostile disposition of your troops, as well as
from the orders you have issued, that you do distrust me; and that
you have more reason to apprehend my influence with the popu-
lace, in the event of an insurrection, than you care to admit. Your
alarm is groundless. Had. I come as an enemy, I should not have
come alone. I am the contriver of no plot, the leader of no faction;
nor, amid yon vast assemblage could I point out the features of a
single adherent, though I nothing fear, if my war-cry Avere once
raised, I should find friends enow to rally round my standard. Yes-
ter-morn, with but a dozen followers, I entered the gates of Paris:
to-day, with but one, those of the Louvre. And to-morrow's
dawn shall find me and my scanty train far on our way to my ter-
ritories, if I have your majesty's permission to depart peaceably."

" In the mean time, brother," said Henri IH., " I would gladly
learn what induced you to quit those territories to which you
are now apparently so anxious to return? I can scarcely flatter
myself that a desire to hold this interview with me was your sole
motive."

" So far from it, sire, that I repeat it was my intention to
have remained strictly incognito, had not my own heedlessness

1288 CRICHTOX.

betrayed me. The object of my hair-brained journey I ■will no
longer disguise. When I deserted the Louvre," he added, liis
brow rclaxin<r to a sHght smile, " there Avere two tilings which, in
my haste, I left behind me."

" Ah ! wliat were they, brother?"

" The mass and my wife, sire. For the loss of tlie former I felt
little concern. Tlie want of the latter was a more serious grievance.
And having failed in my previous remonstrance, made through
the Sieur Duras, I thought the fault might rest with my envoy.
Accordingly, I resolved — "

" To come yourself," interrupted Henri III., laughing heartily.
" A wise determination, certes. Still, I fear your suit has proved
as unsuccessful as ever, though backed by your own solicitations."

" His majesty is certain of gaining his cause, now that he has
■employed tlie Chevalier Crichton as an advocate," cried Chicot.
*■' It is exactly three years since the Sieur Duras came to Paris on.
this fool's errand, and then Bussy D'Amboise sent him back again,
like Panurge, * avec une puce a Voreille! The same result would
have followed his own application had it not been for this master-
etroke. Of all men Henri of Navarre ought to be the last to forget
the maxim, tiiat —

A husband out of season

Is a husband without reason I"

" Let not these taunts annoy you, brother," said Henri III.
" You shall have both your lost matters. But I cannot restore the
one without the other."

" I will have neither, sire."

" You are changeable, brother."

"It may be so, sire," replied the Bourbon, coldly; " but I have
the same aversion to a faithless woman that I have to a consecrated
wafer."

" I have at all events made you tlie offer," said Henri HI.,
angrily. " And now, Chevalier Crichton," he continued, addressing
the Scot, who had remained near him, a silent, but deeply inte-
rested observer of the scene — " advance ! — arrest him !"

These words, uttered in a sharp, abrupt tone, produced a
startling effect upon the group. Saint-Luc and D'Epernon drew
-their swords, closing in on either side of their sovereign. The
Bourbon uttered a single exclamation, and placed his hand upon
the hilt of his own weapon. His arm, however, was again forcibly
•withheld by Rosni.

"Remember, sire," said the baron, in a deep whisper, " your
sacred pledge to your people, and to your God. One false step,
-and your subjects are without a ruler — your church without a
■defender. Be warned I"

" Quern Dens viilt perdere prius dementat" said Chicot.

Crichton meanwhile stirred not, but watched steadily the move-

THE TWO HENUIS. 289

mcnts of the King of N'avarre. " Must I repeat my orders,
inessire ?" asked Henri 111.

" No, sire," replied the Bourbon. " I will relieve the Chevalier
Crichton from his embarrassment. Here is my sword."

The Scot received it with a profound salutation.

"Keep it," continued the Bourbon; "you need not blush to
bear it."

" I blu*h to receive it, sire," returned Crichton, scarcely able to
repress tlie emotions swelling within his bosom.

" And now for the otiier captive and his dog," said Henri HI.

" Hold, sire," exclaimed the Bourbon; "ere this conference is
broken up, 1 have a secret of importance to disclose to you. I
would willingly have imparted it to your ears alone. But since
you refuse me a private audience, I am compelled to proclaim it
openly."

At this moment the shifting glances of Henri IH. fell upon the
Due de Nevers. The latter was evidently ill at ease, and approach-
ing his sovcreing, said, in a low emphatic tone,

" This interview were better concluded, sire."

" I think otherwise, fair cousin," returned the king, whose
curiosity was awakened. " May I venture to trust myself
alone with him for a few moments?" he wliispered. "He is
unarmed."

" By no means, sire," returned the duke; " he has a poignard."

"True," returned Henri III.; "and he is not unskilful in its
use, as I have seen. His strength, too, greatly exceeds my own
— and though his bearing is frank and loyal, it were most imprudent
implicitly to confide in him. — Speak, brother," he continued, aloud.
" I am impatient to hear your disclosure."

" Your majesty drives me to the course 1 now adopt," returned
the Bourbon, haughtily; " the shame I would willingly spare the
queen your mother I will no longer spare her."

" Will you endure this insolence, sire?' said the Due de Kevers,
alarmed at the King of'Navarre's commencement.

" Heed him not," returned Henri HI.; " her majesty will give
herself little concern about his reproaches."

" What I would have requested," continued the Bourbon, who
had paused for a moment, " I now demand. In the name of my
cousin, Henri I. of Bourbon, Prince of Conde, whose person I
here represent, I require from yuur majesty the liberation of his
sister, unjustly detained a captive within the Louvre by tlie queen-
mother, Catherine de Mcdlcis."

"Mort-dieu ! brother," exclaimed Henri HI., " you are strangely
deceived in this matter. Our mother has no such captive."

" Contest not the point, sire," whispered the Duo de Nevers,
who was now relieved from his own apprehension. " Promise her
liberation."

21)0 CRICnXON.

" Your majesty has been, (IcsIgiieJly, kept in ignoniuce of tlio
circumstance," said the Bourbon.

" Well, brotlier," returned Henri HI., with affected bo/ihonvnie,
'•'if your representation be correct, we piss our word fur the free-
dom of the princess."

As this speech was uttered, a shght exclamation of joy escaped
Crichton. But when the king glanced towards him, his eyes were
riveted upon the Bourbon's sword.

" Add to your boon, sire," said the King of Navarre, " for
which I thank you as heartily as if my own liberty had been in-
cluded in it, and suffer the princess to set forth, at once, from the
Louvre, under your safe conduct. My own escort shall, with your
majesty's permission, act as her convoy to Henri of Conde."

" Why this extreme urgency, brother?" asked Henri IH., doubt-

" Because," replied the Bourbon, " while she remains in the
power of Catherine de Medicis, her life, her honour are m
ilanger."

" Beware liow you scandalise our mother," returned Henri IH.,
with warmth. " These are dark accusations."

" They are made in broad daylight before your assemblea nobles,
sire, and will not be unremembered."

" Nor unrequited," answered Henri HI., frowning. "Proceed,
brother."

" I am a soldier, not a courtier, sire," continued the Bourbon.
" jNIy steel corslet is seldom exchanged for a silken pourpoint; — my
rude speech as seldom takes the garb of flattery. Your majesty
will bear in mind that you have forced me to make this charge in
public. I am prepared to answer to the queen your mother for my
accusation, and to approve it. Your royal word is passed for the
liberation of the princess. That is enough for me."

" What are we to think of this mystery?" demanded Henri IH.
of the Uuc de Nevcrs.

" Thcit his Majesty of Navarre's wits, as well as his discretion,
have deserted him, my liege," returned the duke. " I am suffi-
ciently in the confidence of her majesty the queen-mother, to
•assci't, unhesitatingly, that there is no such princess."

" You are sure of it, fair cousin ?"

" As of your majesty's existence — as of the presence of you
Bernese bear."

" You have already relieved me. I began to fear that I had,
in some way or other, committed myself."

The Bourbon, meanwhile, conferred an instant apart with his
counsellor. " Thou wilt command this escort, Rosni," whispered
he, " and say to the Prince of Conde that — "

" I quit not your majesty's side for any prince or princess," in-
terrupted Rosni.

THE TWO HENRIS. 291

'• How, sir?"

•' Spare your frowns, sire. I can be as obstinate, on occasion, as
your majestv."

" Stay with me, tbcn, my fliithful friend," replied tlie Bourbon,
pressing the hand of his counsellor, " and let our recent difference
be forgotten. Thou hast my full pardon."

" \\'hen your majesty has obtained your own forgiveness, it
will be time enough to extend the same grace to me," rejoined
Rosni, bluntly.

" Chevalier Crichton," said the Bourbon, turnincr in displeasure
from his confidant, " will you escort the Princess of Conde to her
brother ?"

The Scot's colour mounted to his temples at the proposal.
" Your majesty has already appointed me to the post oC your
chief attendant," he returned, in a voice of constrained calmness;
" I cannot accept both offices."

" Nor can I consent to part -with you, mon ehcr," said
Henri HI., approvingly. " To put an end to this discussion,
brother," he continued, addressing the Bourbon, " if you will find
the princess, I will undertake to find the convoy."

" A la bonne heurc !" cried the King of Navarre. " My task will
be readily performed. Behold her!" he added, pointing to the
royal gallery.

" Behold whom ! — you cannot mean ? — ''

" In the queen of the lists — in tlie fair Esclairmondc your
majesty beiiolds the sister of Henri of Conde — my cousin — yuur
cousin, sire."

" ]Mort et damnation! Esclairmondc my cousin! Esclairmondc
a Princess of Conde ! — Were it so — but you do not, cannot expect
us to credit your assertion, unsupported by proof, upon a point
like this ?"

" I liave proofs, sire, — proofs of her illustrious birth — of her
capture as an infant by Tavannes — of her detention within the
Louvre by Catherine — proofs which will carry conviction even to
the mind of your majesty."

" Produce them, brother, produce them !" cried Henri HI.,
trembling with agitation.

" Let your guard, by sound of trump, summon before your
presence Messire Florent Chretien, a preacher of the Reformed
Eaith and the spiritual adviser of the princess ; he is within the
Louvre — he is in possession of these proofs."

" Ha! think you to delude us by the devices of the evil one — of
his minister?" vociferated Henri HI. " Think you we would
place the fabrications of this miserable hypocrite against the word
of our mother? Think you we will endure the presence of a
heretic, and a propagator of heresy, knowing him to be such?
Let him take heed how he approaches us — how he defiles the hem

292 CRICHTON.

of our trarmcnt — how he poUutcs our palace. The Greve hatli an
axe — the Pre-aux-clercs a stake — INIoutiaucon a gibbet. He shall
have his choice of the three; tlie sole grace a false and perjured
Huguenot may look for at our hands."

" Be all three his portion and mine, if he deceives you, sire,"
returned the Bourbon. " Let him be summoned. I will abide
the issue."

" Be it so," replied Henri HF., as if he had suddenly decided
upon the course he ought to pursue.

" Your guard must seek him within the dungeons of the
Louvre," said Crichton. " He is a prisoner."

" A prisoner I" echoed the BourI)on, starting.

" A prisoner!" repeated Henri IH., joyfully.

" He is in the hands of Catherine de iSIedicis," continued the
Scot.

" And the documents ?" demanded the King of Navarre,
eagerly.

" Are also in her majesty's possession," returned Crichton.
"Florent Chretien is adjudged to the stake."

" Will you now forgive your.-^elf, sire?" asked Rosni, in a low
tone.

" Away !" ejaculated the King of Navarre, stamping his foot
upon the ground with wrath. " Ventre-saint-gris ! is this a season
for reproaches ? Your majesty, I am well assured," he added,
indignantly appealing to his royal brother, " will see fit to reverse
tills most unjust judgment. Chretien is innocent of all crime."

" Of all, save that of heresy, it may be," returned Henri IH.,
" than which no guilt is more heinous and unpardonable in our
eyes, and of which, even by your own showing, he is culpable.
Our mother has acted in conformity with our wishes, and in
furtherance of the interests of the true faith, in condemning this
Huguenot preacher to expiate his olFenccs ag;iinst Heaven at the
stake; and, were our sanction needful, it should be readily ac-
corded."

" Vive la mesne .'" cried the courtiers.

" You hear, brother," said Henri \.\l., smiling. " Sueli arc the
sentiments of every good Catholic."

" Will you violate the majesty of your own laws, sire ?" de-
manded the Bourbon. " Have you no regard for the sanctity of
the pledges voluntarily given for the security of your Protestant
subjects .-*"

" Harelicis fides non setvanda est" rejoined Henri HI., coldly.

" It follows then, sire," said the Bourbon, " that your royal
word, passed to me for the liberation of the Princess Esclairmonde,
is not binding upon your pliant conscience? — ha !"

*' Satisfy mc that she is a princess, and I will keep my faith
with you, albeit you we a heretic, brother. Produce your proofs,
and I repeat, she is free."

THE TWO HENKIS. 203

•' Your majesty may safely make that promise now," returned
the Bourbon, scornfully.

" If / ])ro(luce those proofs ere midnight, will you fulfd your
word, sire ?" asked Crichton, advancing.

Henri III. was visibly embarrassed.

" You cannot retreat, my liege," whispered the Due do Nevers.

" But, fair cousin," returned the king, in an under tone, "we
would rather part with our crown than Esclairmonde — and th:s
accursed Scot would outwit the devil."

" He will not outwit Catherine de Medicis, sire," said the duke.
*' I will put her upon her guard."

" How says your majesty?" demanded the Bourbon.

" Our word is already passed," returned Henri HI.

" Enoujih !" said Crichton, rctirinij.

At this moment the Vicomte de Joyeuse approached.

" I am the bearer of a billet from the queen-mother, sire," h'.
said, presenting a sealed despatch to the king.

" Peste !" exclaimed Henri HI., as he glanced over the contents
of the letter. " We have been too precipitate, fair cousin," con-
tinued he, addressing the Due de Nevers. " Her majesty counsels
us to treat the Bearnais with all courtesy and consideration."

The duke replied by a shrug of the shoulder.

"Nay, this is not all," added the king; "she entreats us to re-
store his sword."

" And your majesty will, of course, comply with her request."

" Pardieu ! no, cousin."

" Remember the fiiir Esclairmonde, sire."

"Ah! you are right," returned Henri III., hastily. "That
name at once decides me. 1 know not what credit is to be attached
to this story of the lovely demoiselle's birth. It is possible it may
be true. But true or false, it is plain, if I would liope to succeed
in my designs upon her, I must now, more than ever, yield im-
plicit obedience to my mother's behests."

" Wisely resolved, sire."

" A reconciliation with tlie Bearnais will not be difficult," pur-
sued Henri III.; "his choler is as readily appeased as aroused.
You shall see how easily we will cajole him. A fair word or so
will make all smooth between us. Approach, brother," he con-
tinued, addressing the King of Navarre in a friendly tone ; " I
have done you wrong, and am eager to make you reparation."

" Sire!' exclaimed the Bourbon, springing eagerly forward.

" Your hand, brother."

" It is the hand of a heretic, sire."

" No matter ! it is a loyal hand, and as such I clasp it. Nay,
withdraw it not, good brotlier. I Avish all my court to perceive
that we are on terms of amity together — especially my mother," he
added, aside.

294 CRICHTON.

" Vive le Bui r cried tlic courtiers. And the shout was echoed
by a thousand voices.

" I have deprived you of your sword," continued Henri III.
" You cannot reclaim your gift from the ChevaHer Crichton. I
pray you, therefore, to wear this blade for my sake," he added,
unbucklinsj his rapier, the hilt of whicli was studded with dia-
monds, and presenting it to the King of Navarre. " Promise me
only that you will not draw it against a subject of France,"

" I will wear it for your defence, sire," replied the Bourbon.
" Your majesty's kindness will not allow me for an instant to doubt
your sincerity, but I would gladly learn to whom I am indebted
for this sudden alteration in your sentiments."

" To one whose intercession you scarcely merit," returned Henri
HI., with a irracious smile — " to the queen-mother."

" Jour de dieu !" exclaimed the Bourbon, " to her !"

"Pardon the imworthy reception I have given you. I was
taken by surprise, and could not divest myself of certain misgivings,
which this letter has wholly dispelled. I will make the best amends
in mv power."

" (jrrant me the life of Florent Chretien, and we arc quits, sire"

Henri III. Avas again perplexed.

" His life is in my mother's hands," he said; " make your appeal
to her. You stand Avcll with her, it seems. I never interfere
between her majesty and the objects of her displeasure. Yet stay !
if you can induce this Chretien to abjure his heresies, I think I
may venture to promise you his life."

" You have ratified his doom, sire," said the Bourbon, retiring.
*' What think you of this change, llosni?" he added, as he rejoined
his counsellor.

" I like it not," returned Rosni. " Tlic friendshi^o of this Vilaiu
H erodes is more to be dreaded than his enmity. But you have
conlided in him? — "

" Bon gre, mal gre," answered the Bourbon.

" How have I played my part, my cousin?" asked Henri IH. of
the Due de Nevers.

" To admiration, sire," replied the duke.

" You are a flatterer. But I am weary of this conference.
Bring forward our captive and his dog. 'Twill divert my thoughts
to question him."

" Take heed, compere," cried Chicot; "you will not find that
dog so carefully muzzled as the great bear of Berne."

295

CHAPTER X.

THE MISSAL.

Que toutc trahison sur le traitre retotnbe!

Victor Hugo. Ilemani.

Blount, wlio had been strictly guarded during the conference
previously detailed, and had endured, -with stoical calmness, all
the petty persecution, in the shape of taunts and blows, that his
captors chose to inflict, was now dragged into the king's presence.
Druid followed as closely at his heels as the sash by which he was
restrained would permit him to do.

" Before you bestow yon caititf' s head upon tlie executioner of
the Chatelet, my liege," said Joyeuse, "it may be well to interro-
gate liim as to the motive of his darino- action. I can scarcely
think, with all his reckless courage, that it proceeded from mere
bravado. j\Iy own opinion is," he added, lowering his voice,,
"that he is charged with a message to the Bearnais — in which
case your majesty may elicit some important information from
liim."

" I will essay, mon enfant," replied Henri IH. ; "but I despair
of success. Look at his stubborn visage and resolute bearmg, and
say if threats are likely to shake him? That man would perish
rather than play the traitor."

And so it proved. Blount refused to return other than a surly
monosyllabic response to the monarch's inquiries.

"Remove him to the Grand-Chatelet," said Henri IH., impa-
tiently, " and let the question ordinary and extraordinary be pro-
posed to hiin."

" It will extort nothing," rejoined the Englishman, firmly.

" I was right, you perceive, mon cher," said the monarch, turn-
ing to his hxvouritc.

" I will find a way to wring his secret from him, my liege," re-
plied the vicomte. " I see where his vulnerable point lies."

And he whispered to the king.

"You have hit it," returned Henri, laughing; "but proceed
not to extrem.ities."

"Leave him to me, sire," said Joyeuse. " Draw thy sword,"
he added, addressing the man-at-;irms by whom Druid was guarded,
" and upon each interrogation which this obstinate traitor may
decline to answer, hew a limb from his hound."

The weapon of the halberdier flashed in the air.

" Devils !" cried Blount, in a voice that sounded like the roar of
a lion, at the same time exerting himself with so much force as to
burst asunder the leathern thong that confined his arms. " What
would you have me do?"

" Reply, without disguise, to his majesty's interrogations," said
Crichton, advancing towards him.

296 CRiciiTox.

" Well, then," returned Blount, " to spare my dog unnecessary
suflering, I will do that which 1 would not have done to preserve
my own flesh from the hot pincers, or my bones from the grinding
wlieel — I will speak — though, by the rood ! I have nothing to
reveaL I might have borne to see Druid perish," he muttered,
" but to behold him die by piecemeal — no — no — I could not en-
dure that"

" What brouglit thee hither, thou contumacious varlet?" de-
manded Henri III. " Wert thou not aware that thy life would
j)ay the penalty of thy rashness?"

" I was fully aware of the consequences of the step I took," an-
swered the Englishman. " But the desire to serve a friend was
paramount to any consideration of danger."

" What I'riend, sirrah?"

" I have been too bold, perhaps, to term him such," returned
Blount; " but death levels all distinctions, and mine is so near at
liand, that I may claim some exemption from worldly forms. My
fidelity will, 1 nothing doubt, insure me a worthy place in his re-
membrance."

" Thy devotion to whom, sirrah?" demanded Henri IH., impa-
tiently. *'To the King of Navarre?"

" To the Chevalier Crichton, sire."

"To Crichton!" echoed Henri, in astonishment. "Morbleu!
Joyeuse," he continued, addressing the vicomte, " this Scot exer-
cises an unaccountable Influence over his fellows. Here is a sturdy
knave, who derides the dungeon and the rack, ready to lay down
his head for the love he bears him. By what magic is this ac-
complished?"

" By the magic of manner, sire," returned Joyeuse. *' Was
ever smile beheld so captivating — was ever demeanour witnessed
at once so courteous and so dignified, as that of Crichton ! Add to
the charm of manner, the ennobling and heroic spirit of chivalry
breathing from his lightest word and action — weaving its spell
around him, and inspiring all who approach with kindred ardour,
and you have the secret of his witchery over the minds of men.
It was the same with Bayard — the same with Du Guesclin — with
Charlemagne, and with Godefroy de Bouillon. Some men there
are for whom we would willingly live: others for whom we would
as readily die. Crichton is among the latter."

" You have merely drawn the distinction between friendship and
devotion, mon cher," replied Henri, turning, with a look of dis-
pleasure, towards Blount. " Thy intelligence must have been of
vital import, sirrah," he added, pursuing his inquiries, " since it
could not be delayed till the jousts were ended?"

" j\Iy errand was nothing more," answered Blount, carelessly,
" than to apprise the Chevalier Crichton that a packet on which he
set some store, and which, after incurring various risks, had been
strangely found, was again as strangely lost."

THE MISSAL. 297

" Is that all thou knowst concern! ni^ it, mon maitre?"

" I know tliat it has proved a i'atal charge, sire. All who liave
meddled with it have come to ill. It was lost, as It was won, at
the point of the sword. To the breast of him who first grasped
it, it brought a poignard ; to the next who received it, the stake ;
and to myself, it is like to bring the axe. May like calamity alight
on her into wliose possession it hath now fallen."

" Your majesty will, perhaps, next question him as to his acquaint-
ance with the contents of the packet?" interposed Crichton.

" By no means," leturncd Henri, frowning. '• I perceive
your drift, and have heard enough to convince me that the testi-
mony of this traitor is suborned. Hola ! Larchant," he continued,
addressing one of the oflicers in attendance, "let the prisoner
be conveyed to the Chfitclet, and thrown into the Fin cTuise, where,
if he cx])ire not within the week, the headsman may release him
from further torture."

" Yours are tender mercies, sire," returned Blount, smiling dis-
dainfully.

" Let the hound be cared for," continued Henri.

" Is he not to go with me ?" asked Blount, starting.

" Hence with the prating knave!" exclaimed the king, furiously.

Blount suddenly broke from his guards, and prostrated himself
at the king's feet.

" I do not ask for mercy, sire," he cried, " I know my life is
forfeited, and justly; but oh! separate me not from my faithful
companion."

Henri wavered. If he had a heart, it lay on the side on which
the Englishman now assailed him.

" Thou lovst thy dog?" he said, musingly.

" Better than my life."

"'TIs a good si^n ! — Thou shnitldst be honest. I cannot, how-
ever, grant thy request. Refusal here is mercy. The poor animal
would only howl beneath thy carcase ; and it may console tliee to
learn, that in changing masters, he will find one who will not
value him less than thou dost, while he is better able to protect
him. Stand back! mon maitre."

" My dog is no courtier," replied Blount, rising; " he will serve
no second master. What ho ! Druid."

This summons, followed by a short, sharp whistle, brought Druid
instantly to the Englishman's feet. The scarf was round his throat;
and in his teeth he held a large fragment of the apparel of the
man-at-arms, which he had torn off in effecting his liberation.

" I knew no bonds would hold thee, brave fellow," said Blount,
caressing his clog, who, in his turn, fondly licked his master's hand.
*' We must part, old comrade."

Druid looked wistfully in his face.

" For ever," said Blount, slowly, " for ever!"

** Away with him," cried Henri, " but take heed you harm not

298 CRICHTON.

tlic dopf. I woulcl not lose that noble animal for a prince's
ransom."

" A moment, sire, and he is yours," ejaculated Blount, over
Avhose open and manly countenance a sullen cloud had now spread.
"It is hard to part with a friend wliom one has Ion 2; cherished.
This doET," he continued, with difliculty mastering the emotion,
which was proclaimed by sundry twitches at the corners of his
mouth, " will feed from no hand but mine; will answer to no call
but mine; will fight at no bidding but mine. I must teach him
obedience to his new master. You will find hi-m tractable enough
when I have done with him."

" I will take every care of him," said Henri, somewhat affectod.
by the scene.

" Fare tliee well, Druid !"" murmured Blount; " and now," lie
added, gently, " lie down, lie down, old friend."
Druid crouched upon the ground.

Swift as thought Blount placed his foot upon the dog's body,
as if about to crush him to the earth, and with both hands
seized the scarf entwined around his throat. Though he perceived
the action, and might have guessed its intent, Druid offered no
resistance. His eyes were fixed upon his master. The noose Avas
tightened, and in another instant the fate of the brave dog would
have been sealed, but for the intervention of Crichton, who forcibly
arrested tlie Englishman's arm.

" Desist !" he whispered. " I promise to despatch him, if aught
befal thee."

" You promise more than you can perform sometimes, Chevalier
Crichton," returned Blount, sullenly. " You undertook to free me
from any peril I might incur in the execution of your orders. My
head is now Avithin reach of the axe."

" Thy own madness has brought it there," rejoined Crichton,
sternly. " Release thy dog, or I abandon thee to thy fate."

Blount, Avith some reluctance, relinquished his hold of the scarf.
" Where is the missal Avhich I entrusted to thy care ?" continued
the Scot.

" Wlicre you placed it — next my heart; Avhere it Avill remain
Avhile that heart beats."

"Saint Andrew be praised!" exclaimed Crichton, joyfully.
"Anticipating tli';y Avould search thee, and discover that book upon
thy person, I allowed matters to proceed tlius far. But no injury
should have been done thee. Deliver it instantly to the king."

Crichton retired, and Blount drew a small riciily-gilded volume
from his doublet. "Sire!" he said, addressing Henri HI., "this
book, confided to me by tiie Chevalier Crichton, dropped from the
folds of the packet about which you have just questioned me. It
Avas committed to my charge because, upon ascertaining it Avas a
mass-book of the Romish Church, Messire Florent Chretien
refused to receive it. I am a Catholic. And Avcre I not, I have

Tin: MISSAL. 29S

no ?ueii scruples. It would sccni to beloni^ to your majesty. The
vellum cover is emblazoned with ti royal crown — with the lilies of
France, and with the letters C and //."

" Fardicu ! it is our mother's missal," exclaimed Henri III.; "it
is her cipher linked with that of the king our flxther. Give nie
the book, Du Halde."

" Your majesty will not touch it," said the Due de Nevcrs, turn-
ing pale; "it may be poisoned."

" I will be the first to open it, if you have any such apprehen-
sions, my liege," interposed Crichton.

"I have no fear," replied the king. "From these pages I
derive health and succour, not bane. Ah! mon Dieu !" he ex-
claimed, as his eye rested upon a leaf on which certain mysterious
characters were traced. " Have I chanced upon the serpents'
nest?"

" Wliat have you discovered, my liege ?" asked Joyeuse.

"A plot!" vociferated Henri III.; "a conspiracy against our
crown — against our life !"

Universal consternation prevailed amidst the assemblage. Many
mysterious and suspicious glances Avere interchanged by the nobles,
and a look of intelligence passed unobserved between Crichton and
the King of Navarre.

"By whom is this plot contrived, my liege?" asked tlic Due de
Nevcrs, with quivering lips.

" I)y whom think you, monsieur Ic due? — by Avhoin think
you ?" thundered tlie king.

"By the Guise?'

" By our father's son — by the Due D'Anjou."

There was a deep silence, which no one cared to break except
the Bourbon, who coughed slightly in an ineffectual attempt to
conceal his satisfaction.

" I have long suspected my brother's treachery," said' Henri,
after a pause, during which he appeared greatly disturbed; " but I
have here evidence of his guilt under his own hand."

" It is a letter you have found, sire?" inquired the Due de Nevers,
anxiously.

"Ay, my cousin," returned the king, in a deep whisper, " it is a
letter! — a letter from Anjou to our mother — a letter of treason
and blood penned upon these sacred pages — a letter devised by the
den-.on, inscribed upon the word of God !"

" It is a forgery, my liege. The Due D'Anjou is incapable ot
a crime so monstrous and unnatural. I will answer for his inno-
cence with my head."

" Answer for yourself, monseigneur," replied Henri, in a freez*
ing tone, at the same time speaking in a voice so low as to be in-
l-uidible to his attendants, " you will find it no easy matter. The
characters in which this letter is traced reveal the writer. They
are secret characters, known only to myself — my mother — and
this arch traitor. They were contrived for the security of my own

300 CRICHTON.

despatches from Poland, when Charles stood towards me as I
now stand to Anjou ; and when my mother betrayed him, as she
has here betrayed me. These characters cannot have been fabricated,
neither can they be deciphered without a key. Look at this
writing! To you it is incomprehensible as an Egyptian hierogly-
phic: to me legible as the bilkt of a mistress. And see ! a leaf is
wanting. Where was our mother's letter — here is Anjou's answer.
Jcsus-Miirlu ! if I had any doubts left, this would remove them.
I am doubly betrayed."

" My gi'aclous liege — "

" xVnjou is guilty of leze-majeste and felony in the highest degree
— and shall die the death of a traitor — as shall all who have
favoured, or are engaged in this foul conspiracy — even though I
Hood the Louvre in the noblest blood of France. The scaffold and
the block shall not be removed from these courts, nor shall the
lieadsnian cease his labour till he has utterly exterminated this
h3'dra-headed monster of rebellion. Hithei'to I have been easv,
forgiving, merciful. It has availed nothing. Henceforth 1 will
be relentless and inflexible. Tlie ordinance of my ancestor Louis
XL, Avhich condemns him who is gulky of misprision of treason, to
like doom with the tr;iitor, is not yet abrogated. You have answered
i'oY Anjou with your head. Take heed 1 claim not the pledge. It
is already forfeited."

" Your suspicions cannot attach to me, sire," faltered DeXevers.
** I have been your loyal follower ever."

" My suspicions!" echoed the king, in a tone of irony. "Par
la Mort-dleu ! monselgneur, I suspect you not — I am assured of
your treachery."

" Malediction ! this to me, sire."

*' Be patient, fair cousin. Another such intemperate exclama-
tion, and my guard shall conduct you to the Bastile."

" Your menaces alarm me not, sire," replied the duke, who had
now recovered his composure, " conscious as I am of my inno-
cence, and of the groundlessness of the charge preferred against
me. The name of Gonzaga has never yet been coupled with that
of traitor. Were I aware of any conspiracy against your majestv,
1 would denounce it, though my own son were its leader. And if
I should march hence to the scaflbld with which you have
threatened me, my last prayer should be for the uninterrupted pros-
perity and long continuance of your reign."

"Judas!" muttered the king between his teetli; " tlie plot is
better organised, and nearer its outbreak, than I deemed it, if he is
thus confident. I must proceed with greater caution. Qui nescit
dissimulare, nescit rcfjtinre. Vive-dleu, cousin," he continued,
placing his hand familiarly upon the duke's saddle-bow, and re-
garding him with a look, in whlcii distrust was skilfully veiled
by an expression of friendliness, " your warmth would almost
persuade me I have wronged you in suspecting you of defec-
tion. If it be so, you wlil know how to overlook the error. Ea-

THE MISSAL. 301

rironccl as I am by faction and sedition — surrounded by pcifidy in
all sliapes and all aspects — by rebels in the mask of" brothers
— traitors under the cloak of counsellors — assassins in tlie guise of
liieiids; when those I liave most loved, most honoured, most
rewarded, are the llrst to desert, to betray me; when those bound
to me by the strict ties of duty, and by the stricter ties of affinity,
forget alike their allegiance and aflection ; when the liand that
once caressed me brings the poignurd to my bosom; and tlic lips,
from whicli the fondest maternal endearments have flowed, com-
mand my destruction, I may be forgiven if I should mistake a
luyal follower for a deadly enemy, and for a moment question the
stainless honour, and mistaken, though not wholly unrequited,
fidelity of Gonzaga."

" My services, however requited," replied the duke, with some
asperity, "-sliould have secured me from these unmerited taunts.
But since they who should be nearest to your highness in your
love arc visited with the extremity of your indignation, 1 am con-
tent to disregard the affront."

" You do wisely, monseigneur," rejoined the king, Aviih a smile
of derision; "/ need not remind you this is not the first time I
have detected and defeated Anjou's trensonable schemes. I need
not tell you of the levolt which was to have followed my return
from Poland to the throne of France ; of the ambuscade which
beset my route; of the assassins who were baulked of their victim.
I need not tell you of my brotlier's capture, interrogation, and
confession; of the decapitation of La Mole and Coconnas; and of
my mistaken clemency. Catherine de Medicis in those days
watched over my safety with zealous care. Now she has instigated
a rebellion she was then prompt to crush. Would to Heaven
Anjou had yielded to the promptings of his own dark heart, and
strangled her, as he intended to do, when she embraced him in his
prison at Vincennes."

" Sire, your resentment carries you too far. Catherine de
Medicis is still your mother. To her you owe your crown."

*'Oui-da, monseigneur, and to lier, also, I might owe my abdi-
cation and dethronement, if she would permit me to finish my
term of life in the seclusion of a cloistcri Think you I know not
whose hand has hitherto grasped the reins of empire — whose voice
has swayed my councils — whose mandates have controlled my
edicts — whose policy has influenced my actions? Think you I
deemed, when Catherine resigned the regency of this realm to me,
she resigned also its sovereign sway? Fardieu ! if sucli has been
your opinion, it is time you Avere undeceived. I owe her mucli,
but she owes me more. I am indebted to her for the name of
king: she has to thank me for the powers of royalty. If I have
preferred an existence of enjoyment and repose (as much repose,
at least, as is ever allotted to princes) to the cares and responsibili-
ties of active government — if I have sought to dispel my eimui
by a thousand trifling occupations — if the pursuits of pleasure^

302 CRICHTON.

the exercises of devotion, the companionship of favourites and of
mistresses, have engrossed my attention — though my people luay
have some reason to complain, my mother has none, because such
a course has been consonant to her inclinations. I have submitted
all to her disposal. But, if I am rudely awakened from my dream
of security — if I find that the arm which defended me has become
liostile — that what I have quietly yielded is to be forcibly wrested
from me — that not even the semblance of rule is to be left ; what
■wonder if I start, like one from a trance, and, banishing from my
breast all Icelings, save those akin to justice and retribution,
prepare to wreak my vengeance upon the heads of the aggres-
sors ?"

" Calm yourself, my liege."

" Tcte-et-sang ! I uni calm enough, as you will find anon, mon-
sei^uieur. I pardoned my brother's first transgression — restored
him to luy love — bestowed upon him in appanage the dukedoms
of Berri and Anjou, the earldoms of Touraine and iMaine, and
refused only his solicitation for the lieutenant-generalship of the
kingdom. I had good reasons for my refusal. I reserved that
Jiigh post for some adherent, trustworthy and meritorious as the
Due de Nevers."

" Sire," replied the duke, in confusion, imable to divine Henri's
Teal meaning, and fearful of some snare being laid for him, " I
liave already received too many proofs of your favour."

"Bah!" exclaimed tlie king, with ill-disguised irony; " I never
till now suflicicntly appreciated your services or fidelity. True,
I thought, in raising you to your present elevated po.'^ition — in
■entrusting my Piedmontese army to your command — in appointing
you to the government of Pignerol, Savillan, and La Perose ; in.
])lacing certain wealthy benefices at your disposal; in granting you a
heavy pension from the coffers of the state, and investing you with
the cordon of the Saint- Ksprit which hangs from your gorget; in
doing all this I imagined I had made some slight return for your
imremitting zeal and devotedness. But I pei'ceive my mistake. I
Jiave yet a greater service to exact : — I have yet a higher reward
to oficr."

" The service I can conjecture," said the duke, after a pause —
" the reward — "

" The post I refused to Anjou. My refusal made Li'.n a traitor.
My grant shall make you loyal."

"Sire!"

" Your brevet shall be signed to-morrow."

" 1 should prefer it to-day," replied the duke, significantly.
" To-morrow it may be out of your majesty's power."

" Ha!" exclaimed Henri, with a thrill of apprehension, " is my
peril then so imminent? jMary ■Mother protect me !"

" In the Virgin's name," whispered the duke, " I beseech you
to maintain your composure. You are surrounded by the spies of

THE MISSAL. 30?*

Catlierinc dc jNEcdici?, whose glances are fixed upon your every look
ix/iu i^esture; whose ears are on the alert to catch each word you let
flxll. Still appear to suspect me, or I shall become as much tlie
object of their vigilance as your majesty. You are on the brink
of a precipice. My arm alone can arrest your f\ill."

" llow shall I evince my gratitude?" said llenri, vainly endea-
vouring to repress his agitation.

" By the fuUihnent of your promise, sire."

" Doubt it not — doubt it not, my cousin. You shall luive your
appointment on my return to the Louvre. I swear it by Saint
Louis, my patron ! And now relieve my anxiety. You have put
me on the rack — "

" Your majesty must excuse my saying more at present," returned
the duke, evasively: " I have already said too nuich. \our ctiblnet
Avill be the fittest place for my further disclosures. Here I dare not
breathe them. jMeantime, do not disquiet yourself. 1 will answer
for your safety."

Henri darted an angry and distrustful glance at the wily De
Nevers. "Who will answer for your honesty, monsieur lo due?"
he said.

" San-Francesco, my patron," replied the duke, smiling.

" Where is the Prince Vincenzo?" demanded Henri.

"He has been removed by his attendants to the Hotel de
Nevers," answered the duke. " Heaven be praised his wound is
not dangerous."

"'Tiswell!" exclaimed Henri. "And now take heed, cousin,
lo-morrow you are chief in command of our armies, or," he added,
in a deep, determined tone, " the Duke of Mantua will have to
lament his son and brother."

" As you please, my liege," rejoined De Nevers, with affected
indifference. " I have warned you, and you will find my Avarning
fearfully verified if you neglect it. Arouse the suspicions of
Catherine de Medicis, and all is lost. Her party is stronger than
your own. Her majesty, I perceive," he continued, carelessly
looking in that direction, " has quitted the grand gallery. She has
remarked our conference, and despatched a secret messenger to
ascertain its object. It must be brought to a close. Pardon my
freedom, sire. Danger is not ceremonious."

" So I find," said Henri.

" Be ruled by me, my liege," continued the duke, " and your
crown shall be preserved witliout risk — without bloodshed. 1 will
meet plot with counter-plot ; stratagem with stratagem ; and turn
the weapons of your adversaries agamst themselves. One life only
shall be sacrificed."

" The life of my brother?" faltered Henry.

"No, sire; that of your rival in the affections of Esclairnionde
— that of the Chevalier Crichton."

*' Saufif-dieu ! thouirh I shall not re^^ret to be freed from a rival so

.504 CRICHTON.

rormidable as Cricliton, 1 see not how his destruction wiU ensure
the sticccss of your sclicnics."

" On him rests the cliief reliance of Catlierine de Mcdicis— of the
Due d'Anjou. On him devolves the terrible part of your assassi-
nation."

"Jesus!" exclaimed Henri, smeUing at a flacon which lie took
iVom his escarcelle.

" Me must die."

■' In heaven's name let him die, cousin. Order his instant exe-
cution, if you think proper."

" In good time, my liege. And now let me counsel your
majesty to command some of your youthful nobles ami gentlemen
to enter the lists, or to engage in such knightly exercises as may
induce your lynx-eyed motiier and her mouchards to conclude our
tete-a-tete has had reference only to the business of the tilt-yard.'

'• Well thought of, cousin," replied Henri. "But can you not
devise some better expedient than the withdrawal of our loyal
attendants from our side at a critical conjuncture like the present?
I dare not — will not hazard it."

" What sav you to a combat of animals, sire?" insinuated De
Ncvers. " Many months have elapsed since the gentle dames of
your court had an opportunity of witnessing a spectach So delight-
ful. It will afFird them the highest gratification, and answer our
purpose admlrablv. Suppose you make trial of the strength and
ferocity of the African lion, sent by Philip II. of Spain, against
the tigers lately presented to your majesty by the Grand Signer
Amurath HI., or, if you think that match unequal, against the
pack of German wolves — "

" Or Italian foxes," interrupted Henri. " No, De Nevers; were
the lion worsted, I should hold it an evil omen. I have often heard
of the extreme hardihood of an English bull-dog in the fight; I
"will now put it to the test."

" Bravo !" exclaimed the duke.

" I have a wild Spanish bull, black as Pluto, and fierce as
Chiron," continued the king; " he shall sustain the hound's attack.
Bid his keepers bring him forth, and chain him to the stoutest post
they can find in the lists. iMort-dieu! 'twill be brave sport," he
added, rubbing his hands with pleasurable anticipation.

De Nevers bowed and retired. Henri gazed after him a moment
in silence, and then addressing his chief valet, said quickly,
" Follow hirn, Du lialdc, and let me know with whom he con-
verses. Take note of all he does. Away I — Strange 1" h? mut-
tered, '* everything, whether of love or peril, in which I am con-
cerned, seems to hinge upon Crichton."

" Not- at all, compere," said Chicot, who had overheard the
latter part of the monarch's self-communion; " he is your destiny."

" How, gossip?"

*' In his hand rest your crown— your life — your mistress.'*

THE 3IISSAL. 305

*' Sirrah !"

"llcnriot," said tlie jester, with a look that ill became his
wonted laughter-moving visage, "for the first time in my life I am
serious."

" And the Inst, I hope, gossip," returned the king.

" No, compere, I shall be more serious Avhen 1 am buffoon to
Francois III. Bv my bauble! I had rather they should carve
inc a monument like that of Thevenin de Saint-Ligier, the faithful
fool of Charles V., at Scnlis, than what I fear should happen. And
it icill happen unless you profit by my caution."

" And what is thy caution, my poor gossip ?"

" Place vour faith in Crichton, cher Henriot," whimpered the
jester. " Otherwise I shall certainly lose one of the best of masters,
and France will as certainly gain one of the worst of kings."

Struck by the jester's unfeigned, though ludicrous, emotion,
Henri seemed to reflect for a short time. He then motioned the
Scot to approach him. " Chevalier Crichton," he said, " to your
charge I intrust this missal. I may require you to produce it here-
after. But understand me, and you too, messeigneurs," he added,
looking round, " the suspicions entertained of treasonable intentions
on the part of my brother have been entirely dispelled by the Due
de Nevers. I recal my accusation, and beg of you to dismiss it from
your remembrance."

A murmur of astonishment and displeasure was heard among the
courtiers.

" Have I your majesty's permission to defy the Due de Nevers
to the combat," said Crichton, unable to repress his indignation,
" and to extort from his own lips an avowal of his treason?"

" It Is needless, mon cher. He has cleared himself from all Im-
putation of guilt."

" You are the dupe of this wily Italian, my liege," returned the
Scot, with warmth; " he is a felon knight, and disloyal gentleman."

" The duke Is absent, messire," said Henri, anxious to put an end
to the discussion.

" On his return I will hurl the epithets in his' teeth."

" Be tliat task mine," cried Joycuse. " You have won nonour
enough. My sword Is eager to leave the scabbard."

'' I have a vow to defend his majesty against all traitors," ex-
claimed Saint-Luc, " and claim the right of challenge."

"His be the rlijht who first shall affiont the caitiff," shouted

.-••1

D'Epcrnon, striking spurs into his charger.

" Agreed !" cried Joycuse, following the baron's example. " We
s]m\\ .«ee who Avill be first In the race."

" Hold ! messeigneurs," ejaculated Plenri, authoritatively. " Let
no one stir from hence on pain of our sovereign displeasure."

" VIve-dieu !" exclaimed Joycuse, chafing with vexation. '* Your
majesty shows more favour to traitors than to your loyal fol-
lowers."

306 CUICIITON.

" Be i^iitient, mon enfant," returned llenrl, smiling graciously,
" Your devotion and that of my other faitliful friends shall not be
forgotten. iMeantimc, I forbid all further allui^ion to this matter.
Alter the banquet \vc shall hold a secret; council, at which thou,
Saint-Luc, D'Epernon, Crichton, and, I trust, my brother of Na-
varre, will assist. Till then, keep guard upon your speech and
actions. Chevalier CriJnton, a Avord with you."

" liy my patron, the Evangelist," said Saint-Luc, shrugging his
shoulders, " I am completely in the dark."

" And I," r(>joined D'Epernon. " Henri seems bewitched.
Like a love-sick damsel he Avill — and he will not. ITe evidently
distrusts Do Nevers, and yet will not avow his suspicions,"

" He has good reasons, doubtless, for his caution," observed Joy-
cusc. " I will be sworn this false duke has betrayed his own party,
and purchased Henri's favour with the heads of his colleagues. I
am, moreover, of opinion, that in lieu of a peaceful melee by torch-
light, we shall have a sanguinary conflict witir swords and sharp-
ened lances. So much the better ! Perish the Medicis and her
train of Italian impostors, priests, poisoners, and panders. If we
can free Henri's neck from this intolerable yoke, he will indeed
become a king."

"And thou?" interrupted D'Epernon, laughing.

"A duke, peradventure," returned Joyeuse. "En attendant,,
we iWG to have a duel between two raflines in the art of" otfencc.
The horns of the bull will, I trust, avenge the injuries inflicted by
the teeth of that accursed hound on my gallant charger Bavieca."

" The hound will be the victor, for a thousand pistoles," cried
Saint-Luc.

" I am for you," replied Joyeuse, eagerly.

" Let us look at him," said D'Epernon; " methought he was
sorely Avounded by your men-at-arms."

" That will not prevent his lighting," said Saint-Luc. "These
dogs are the bravest in the world, and will li<>ht as long as life
endures.

Upon Avhich the three nobles directed their coursers towards the

Englishman, at whose feet Druid still crouched.

" What think you of all this, Rosni?" said the Kinir of Navarre
1-11 °

to ins coun.^ellor.

" That migchief is brewing, sire," replied the baron, knitting his
brows, " and that the Valois is either a knave, or a fool — perhaps
both."

" It is easy to see that a storm is gathering," rejoined the Bour-
bon. " But it will pass harmlessly over our heads, and may, per-
haps, facilitate our evasion."

" It may so," returned Rosni, gravely.

Henri HI. meantime conferred apart with Crichton. " Guard
that missal," he said, continuing his instructions, "as you would the
hidden letters of her you love; as you would a tress of her hair, or

THE MISSAL. 307

a glove from her liand; as you would guard holy relic or channcd
amulet. I may require it anon."

" 1 will guard it as I would the honour of her I love, sire," re-
turned Crichton, hauglitily. " It sluiU be wrested irom me only
with life."

"When the bull-fight is ended," said Henri, " depart secretly
from the Louvre, and proceed to the Hotel de Nevers. Here is
iny signet. Display it to any of the captains of the guard, and
suclr men-at-arms as you may retpaire will attend you. Arrest tlie
Prince Vincenzo — "

"Sire!"

" Interrupt me not. Arrest liim, I say, and let him be conveyed
in a litter to the palace. I will give orders for his further custody.
Tliis done, rejoin us at the banquet."

" Sire," rejoined Crichton, regarding the king with a searching
glance, " whatever commands you may impose upon me, I will
obey. I would, however, counsel you to adopt measures widely
difrbrent. I am at no loss to discover your design. It is imworthy
ot" the grandson of Francois I., — of the son of Henri II. Unmask
these traitors, and let them perish by the death they merit. Sever
the web they have woven around you with the sword. But do not
resort to this perfidious jNIachiavelian policy — treachery against
treachery, in which the winner is the loser — or you will find,
Avhen too late, that you are not so profoundly versed in its mysteries,
or so intimatelv acquainted with its thousand shifts and expe-
dients, as the subtle queen with whom you have to contend."

" We shall see," replied Henri, angrily, " What I now require
is obedience, not counsel."

" Quicquid delirunt lejes," cried Chicot, who had stolen upon
them unawares. " I am now more than ever convinced of the
wisdom of the sage who wrote that kings are fools, and fools are
kings. JMark the intimate relationship between us.

Kings are fools, and fools are kings,

Majesty does foolish things,

"While from Folly wisdom springs.

Majesty her sceptre swings.

Folly soon her bauble brings;

Majesty to tinsel clings,

Folly bells of silver rings.

Crowns and coxcombs, fools and kings

Are inseparable things:

Where Kings govern Folly rules,

Fools are kings, and kings are fools I"

At this moment a loud bellowing roar, followed by general
plaudits, announced the appearance of a new combatant within the
precincts of the tilt-yard.

308 CRICHTOX.

CHAPTER XL

TJIE BULL.

J'av ouy contiT que feu son pore liiy faisoit nicslorcn tous scs manners ct boircs
do la'poudre d'or, d'acier vt di' fer, pour le bieii fortiMcr; ce qu'il continua si bien
jusqu'ii la^o <lc denize ans, qu'il le rendit ainsi fort et rubuste, jusqu'a prendre un
taureau par lo'* comes, et I'arrester en sa furie.

BuANTOME. Homines I llustres: Disc. LXXXII.

A MENAGERIE, In tlic olden time, was considered an indispen-
sable appendage to reoal state. Sauval relates, that from the
rei'm of Charles V. to that of Louis XIL, there existed in
the Rue Froidmantcl, immediately behind the Louvre, a buildinir
" oil soiilaimt e.sfre les liunx du roi.'^ When the ancient palace of
the kings of France was in part destroyed to make way for the
magnllicent structure, erected upon its site by Pierre Lescot, and
now known as the old Louvre, this vivarium, removed to one of
the outer courts, was greatly increased by Francois I., and carefully
maintained by his successors. Here, on grand occasions, conflicts
took place between the savage occupants of the various cages, and the
atrocities of a Roman amphitheatre were, in some degree, revived.
Here the inhuman Charles IX., in whose bosom the soul of Nero
was lodged, frequently repaired with his favourites to indulge his
insatiable appetite for carnage. Here, brilliant crowds assembled;
and the courage and devotion of a lover were sometimes severely
tested by his mistress, who, dropping her glove into the scene of
strife, made its restoration the price of future favours.

An exploit of this description, attended witii more than ordi-
nary peril, marked the commencement of Cricliton's amour with
Marguerite de Valois. A combat of animals had been commanded.
Scallbldings, reared around the court, were graced with the flower
and loveliness of the land. A fiercely-contested fight, between the
ruler of the forest and the sole disputant of his sway — the striped
tiger, had terminated in the defeat of the latter. With mane erect
and paw heavily imposed upon the lacerated breast of his antagonist,
the kingly brute, still growling with rage, glared defiance at the
assemblage ; when, amid the hush of silent admiration that
succeeded his victory, Avas heard the light musical laugh of the
Queen of Navarre, and the next moment her embroidered kerchief
fell at the feet of the slaughtered tiger. The curiosity of the spectators
to ascertain whose faith was to undergo this dread ordeal was
not lonii: ungratified. Exclamations of terror burst from many a
1,'cntle lip as the figure of a youthful cavalier was discovered within
tlie arena. To the terrible encounter in which lie was about to
engage, this youth brought only a poignard, and a short Spanish
mantle swathed around his left arm. His finely-formed limbs had
no other delence than was afibrded by a rich attire of velvet and

THE BULL. 309

saye, wliile his fair uncovered locks, floatinnj over his shoulders,
added to the noble and poetical hcauty of his countenance. lie
looked like Onjier le Danois before the lion-guarded seats of Avalon.
With a swil't and resolute step he advanced towards his foe, who
awaited his approach with grim, but majestic composure. He
had attained tlie object of his quest; his foot was placed on the
kerchief; his eyes were fixed steadfastly upon the kindling orbs of
the lion. At this juncture — and when scarcely a breath was drawn
by the spectators — a page at the back of the scaffold was seized with
sudden laintness, and uttered a piercing cry. So absorbing, how-
ever, was the interest of the passing scene, that no one heeded him,
and he fell back deprived of sense. Better had it been for that
page he had never revived ! Roused by the cry, the lion menacet*
his fatal spring. With a roar that shook the rafters of the gallery,
he prepared to dart upon his intrepid eneiny. But the cavalier
evaded the attack. As the lurious beast I funded against him, he
sprang to one side, and, with marvellous force and skill, plunged his
dagger deeply into the animal's throat. The wound was not
mortal. Lashing Ids sides with rage, the lion returned instantly to
tlie charge. On this occasion, the cavalier flung himself on the
ground; and, as the animal passed over his prostrate body, inflicted
another and surer stroke. The roseate hue, which, during the com-
bat, had deserted the blooming check of Marguerite de Valois, re-
turned with added lustre as the cavalier, on bended knee, shortly
afterwards sued for the prize he had so dearly Avon. Marguerite
smiled upon him, as she granted his request, as only queens (and
queens who love) can smile; and that smile was then in his esteem
held cheaply purchased by the hazard he had run.

On the same night the page we have described as overcome by
emotion, beheld another conflict, between the cavalier and the most
celebrated duellist of his day, Ic bien raffute Bussy D'Amboise — at
that time the avowed fiivourite of the Queen of Navarre. In this
second encounter he was fortunate as the first. He disarmed and
slightly wounded his adversary. Quitting this rendezvous, which
took place in a retired walk within the gardens of the Louvre, the
cavalier entered the palace, still warily followed by the page. He
was admitted, with some mystery, to the apartments of Marguerite
de Valois. Framing a thousand excuses, the page awaited his
return within a conidor. It was a night of lengthened torture,
for the gallant appeared not till dawn, when, with a quick and
buoyant step, he passed the miserable witness of his hoitne fortune.
" Why follow you not your master, the Seigneur Crichton,
good youth ?" said Aubiac, Marguerite's confidential valet, to the
page, who remained like one stupified. " Tiie coast is clear —
away !"

" Call him not my master," replied the page, bursting into an
agony of tears, and tearing his raven curls; " 1 serve him not — I
love him not — I will forget him. As to your royal mistress," he

;>10 CRICIITOX.

continued, glancing witli fury at tlic door, '* may my curse fall upon
her; may she endure the annuish I have endured; may slie pass
one such night as I have passed." And with these words lie
vushed from the corridor.

" Ha! ha!" laughed Aublac; "I see how it is — a girl in dis-
j^uise — over head and cars in love with this handsome Scot, Avhom
all the women rave about, though for my part I see nothing extra-
ordinary in him. However, as Madame Marguerite admires him, I
suppose he has merits I cannot discover. From henceforth the
SieurBussy is dismissed; and for three weeks, or, it may be, three
days, the Sieur Crichton will reign in his stead. Maugreblcu ! I
must take care that pretty vixen does not find her way here again.
Of all plagues a jealous woman is the most intolerable; and of all
women, your woman of intrigue is the most jealous. Madame
Marguerite is the most jealous woman I have the honour to know.
The malediction of that unhappy damsel is likely enough to attach
to her. Where have I seen that lovely face before ? Those dark
eyes are certainly not unknown to me. She looks like an Italian:
ah! I have it — I recollect her. She is the principal actress of the
Hotel de Bourbon. A fine girl i'faith. This Crichton is fortunate.
I should prefer her to the queen."

Aubiac was right in the conjecture. It tons the Gelosa.

To return. Within the menagerie previously described the Due
de Nevers sought out the warlike beast destined to sustain the
attack of Druid. Captured amid the Sierra Morena, this wild
mountain bull — one of the fiercest of his untameable race
— was so little subdued in spirit by confinement, that it re-
quired considerable address to approach him; and it was only by
entirely excluding light from his den, that his keepers were enabled
to bind and blindfold him. In this state — now rushing madly
forward, now suddenly halting, with lip curled upwards, nostrils
distended, head bent down, and tail erect — foaming, butting, bel-
lowing, and leaping — girt, as to his neck and shoulders, with a
strong tether of ropes, so disposed, that he could neither break
loose from his bondage, nor injure himself by its pressure; the
furious animal, exasperated by the shouts of the spectators, reached
the middle of the arena, where he was speedily attached to the
central and stoutest stake in the lists. This done, the covering was
withdrawn from his eyes.

Dazzled by the sudden transition from obscurity to sunshine, the
bull appeared for a moment bewildered. He then uttered a sullen,
ominous moan, which, in the opinion of the experienced, gave
unquestionable assurance of resolution and ferocity. His vigour
could not be doubted. In make he was perfect. Broad-chested,
wide-fronted, straight-backed, thick-necked, well-hammed — curled,
shaggy, tufted ; his tremendous energies were plainly written in
every limb. In colour, from the points of his short, sharp, wrinkled
horns to his pawing hoofs, he was black as the steeds of Pluto.

THE BULL. 311

The old Syracusans would liave cliosen him as an acceptable sacri-
fice to that Deity. Glaring around the assemblage with eyes of
flame, tossing the sand over his shoulders, and lashing his sides
■with his tail, he all at once changed his moan into a fierce prolonged
roar of defiance. This cliallenge was instantly answered by a growl
deep and terrible as his own.

Before, however, we attempt to describe the combat, we will
repair, for a few moments, to the outer ranks of the spectators,
composed of the burgesses, the scholars, and others of the com-
monalty of Paris.

" Valeme Dios!'' exclaimed a swartliy-visaged knave, with a
broad-leaved, rusty sombrero pulled over his beetle brows, pressing
forward as he spoke to obtain a nearer view of tiie bull; " a noble
animal, and of a good heart, I'll be sworn. He is of the right
breed and make. I know his stock well. He comes from the
mountains of Estremadura; from the heights of the Guadalcana,
where range herds of the finest steers in Spain — ciertamente ! I
have seen a hundred such when a grand bull-fight has been held in
tiie Plaza at Madrid, in the presence of his most Catholic iNIajesty,
Don Felipe; and by the block eyes of my mistress it was a glorious
sight 1"

" No doubt of it, most veracious Don Diego Caravaja," rejoined
a bystander, turning round, and disclosing the cynical countenance
of the Sorbonist. "But what brings you here, my hidalgo? I
was told you had entered into the service of Ruggieri, on the last
day of his compact with Sathanas, and were to be hanged from the
Avails of the Grand Chatelet, at the precise juncture that the fagots
of the old sorcerer were lighted in the Place de Gicve. Pardieu!
I am glad to find I was misinformed,"

"Never believe idle rumours, amigo," said the Sjianiard, twist-
ing his moustache after a threatening fashion ; " Ruggieri is free;
and the hemp is yet unsown that shall form my halter. . I, the
familiar of a magician — fob ! Hark ye, compaiiero," he added,
mysteriously, " I am in the service of the queen-mother."

" You have quitted the devil, then, for his dam," replied the Sor-
bonist, with a sneering laugh. " But i'faith, man, whether you have
escaped the noose of the hangman, or the clutches of the fiend, I am
delighted to see you. I am only sorry we shall lose the agreeable
spectacle of your master's — I beg pardon — Ruggieri's execution.
Because I had a wager with our comrade, the Bernardin, who
stands by mv side, that the Prince of Darkness would, as a matter
of policy, deliver so serviceable an agent from the midst of his fiery
torment."

" Which wager you have indubitably lost, compaign," laughed
the Bernardin, " for the black prince has clearly interfered in his
behalf by releasing him before he has even snuffed the odours of
the resinous torches. Sapristi ! I would you had laid a like
stake on Caravaja. I should have been a double winner — ho !
—ho!"

J12 CKICHTON.

"Whoso wageretli on my neck, had better look to his own,"
said the Spaniard, coolly, at the same time tapping the hilt of his
long Toledo in a significant manner, " or there may be more slitting
than choking of weasands. A truce, however, to jesting. I am in
no mood lor it. In regard to the execution, you will not be dis-
appointed, senors. The Pre-aux-Clercs will not want a bonfire to-
night. RuTgieri's name has been erased from the Avarrnnt, and
that of Florcnt Chretien substituted."

" lo triumphe ! let me embrace thee for the intelligence," cried
the Sorbonist. " I had vowed that old sinner's destruction.
Better one heretic should perisli tlian a thousand sorcerers. There
is some hope of the conversion of the latter. BesideSj it will be a
pleasant pastime to him.

Tormenta, career, unjiulae,
Stridensque flanmiis lamina,
Atque ipsa poetiarum ultima
Mors Liitheranis Indus est —
Kidebat haec miles Dei."

" Chitol" whispered Caravaja, placing his finger on his lips, and'
again assuming a mysterious air, " this is not the only spectacle you
will behold to-night."

" Indeed!" exclaimed the Sorbonist. elevating his eyebrows into
an expression of surprise; *' what goodly sight is in reserve?"

" May I trust you?" demanded tlie Spaniard, yet more myste-
riously.

" You may, if your disclosure be not treasonable," returned tlie
scholar, mimicking tlie tone and gesture of his companion.

"Treasonable or not, I will confide in you," replied Caravaja, in
a low voice; " see you tl-.ese rose-nobles?" he added, thrusting his
hand into his doublet, and exhibiting, under the shadow of his cloak,
which he held over them, a glittering handful to the greedy eyes
of his companion.

" Whose throat are you bribed to cut?" asked the Sorbonist,
spitefully.

" Thine, if thou amendest not thy speech, amigo. But listen to
me, and I will tell thee how to replenish thine empty pouches. I
have discovered the true El Dorado. Lend me thine ear."

The Sorbonist complied. He soon became deeply interested in
Caravaja's communication.

"And is this to take place to-night?" he inquired, as the
Spaniard concluded.

Caravaja nodded.

" And the whole court is to be turned topsy-turvy?"

Caravaja nodded again.

" And thine office — our oflice, I should say — if I join you — is
— the word sticks in my throat — the assassination of Crichton ?"

Caravaja nodded for the third time, adding a slight cough by
way of emphasis.

THE BULL. 313

"By Barrabas! I like it not," said tlic Sorbonist, as if struck
with contrition. " I would not stick at a trillc — but this is crinio
on too grand a scale for iny fancy."

" Choose," returned Caravaja, pointing,' alternately to the purse
and a poignard. " I have but to name thee to one of Catlierlne's
mouchards, of whom there are plenty around us, and the chances
arc shrewdly against thy reaching the Sorbonnc in time for
vespers."

" Of two evils the wise man elccteth the lesser," replied the
scholar. " After all, one king is as good as another. Lc roi est
mort — vive le roi ! 1 am with you. 1 will be a conspirator. There
is something antique and Roman in the idea of overthrowing a
tyrant. It will be as amusing as the jeu de coupe-tete."

" Bueno!" exclaimed the Spaniard, " to-night thou shalt help to
rid us of a foe. To-morrow thou mayst, peradventure, fill the
place of one of these minions of the Sybarite. The scarf I will
give thee anon. The word is — "

"Hark!" cried the Bernardin, interrupting their conference.
" The sport is about to begin. You will lose it altogether if you
stand so much aloof. May the devil direct the bull's horns to the
heart of that accursed hound for the fright he gave me at the dis-
putation yesterday !"

Leaving these worthies to struggle for a good station to view the
fight, we shall now return to the arena.

Druid, meantime, had not remained inactive. No fiery cham-
pion ever evinced more impatience at the sound of hostile bugle,
than he displayed on hearing the roaring challenge of the bull.
His fury could scarcely be restrained; and his efforts to break loose
became at length so violent, that Blount was compelled to take
him in his arms, and forcibly restrain him. Covered with dust and
blood — the thick gore slowly dropping from his unstanched
wounds, his head swollen, his right eye closed — the poor brute
presented a deplorable spectacle. But neither suffering nor exhaus-
tion aflccted his courage — he was still fierce and terrible as hereto-
fore. To the questions put by the youthful nobles by whom he
was surrounded, the Englishman refused all response, until the
Vicomte de Joyeuse casually remarked, " that it was impossible the
do^j could fifrht lonu: in that condition — he must speedily give in."

A slight smile of derision passed across Blount s features.

•' I would I were as sure of my freedom as I am of Druid's
endurance," he said. " He is thorough-bred. And I would stake
my life — if my life were my own to stake — that when once he has
oinned the bull, nothing will move him. You may hew him in
pieces, from tail to jowl ; and, while life lasts, the fangs will

The nobles were laughing loudly at this boast, when Henri HI.^
attended by Crichton, who still continued on foot, approached.

314 CRICHTON.

"Tliy liound is in a sorry condition, mtiitre," said the kii\i;, in a
compassionate tone; " dost think lie will fiicc his foe?"

"I am assured of it, sire," replied Blount.

"Thou hast vaunted his courage," continued Henri; "if lie is
victorious I give thee free pardon. If lie loscth the battle thou
dlest."

" I am well contented," answered the Englishman.

The monarcli and his retinue then proceeded to take up a posi-
tion immediately in front of the hull, leaving an interval of some teri
paces between them and the enraged animal, who eyed their move-
ments with a look of malignant curiosity, redoubling his clamour,
and vainly endeavouring to disengage himself from his bondage.
All at once lie became still — his glaring orbs seemed fascinated; he
ceased bellowing; and giving a loud snort, that scattered the foam
over his dusky shoulders, lowered the points of his liorns.

The spectators next beheld a man, bearing a dog in his arms,
advance from the ranks. At his approach the bull brought his
broad front almost to a level with the sand.

Like his antagonist, the dog had left off growling. There was
something formidable in the sudden silence of these two savage
beasts, who had up to that moment filled the tilt-yard with their
roaring.

Arrived within fitting distance of the hostile party, Blount depo-
sited his burden upon the ground.

" Upon him !"' he cried; " thy country's honour is at stake."

But Druid stirred not.

" How, sir!" exclaimed Blount, angrily; "has thy valour dege-
nerated since I brought thee to this craven country? Ha! I see,"
lie added, changing his manner; "/am to blame, not thou."
Upon which he clapped his hands together smartly twice or tliricc,
and uttered a shrill and peculiar cry.

Exasperated by these sounds, the bull slightly raised his head.
The instant he did so, Druid, who had watched his opportunity,
sprang furiously upon liim, and made good his hold by fixing his
teeth in the thick and fleshy covering of his antagonist's eye.
Bellowing with rage and pain, the wounded animal sought to
free himself from his persecutor by violently dashing his head to
the earth, plunging it between his legs, shakiilg and tossing it in
the air. His eflbrts were in vain. Crushed, bruised, and gored,
Druid relinquished not his gripe.

The spectators were in ecstasies. Henri Hf. laughed till the
tears filled his eyes. The Bourbon, who stood on his right hand,
appeared equally to enjoy the spectacle.

" By my bauble!" cried Chicot, thrusting himself between the
steeds of the two monarch.s, " 'tis royal sport ! and worthy the
illustrious beholders. A goodly conclusion to a chivalrous spec-
tacle — ha — ha! The sutie after the tragedy — the charivari after
the widow's espousals. ]\Iay it end as well as it hath begun!

THE BULL. 315

Yon luiirc cornuto," lie added, dartinrr a malicious glance at ihe
King oi" Navarre, " appears, as yot, to have the worst of it."

" Kail on, knave," returned the Bourbon, laughing good-
humoredly; " thou art welcome."

" Fear me not," rejoined Chicot; " I am of the bull-dog breed
myself':

Ut caiiis a corio nunquam absterrebitur uncto,
I never relax — once bit, hold tight. Attend !

The horns of a bull,

'J'he sword of a fool,

The heels of a iimle,

!Make a Khig of Misrule.

But of crown should he be shorn,

"Wiio weareth wlttol's horn;

Better queen had never suckled him,

Than other quean should cuckold liini!"

The jester did not wait to see Avhat effect these ribald strains
produced upon the subject of his satire, but diving under the
charger of his own sovereign, disappeared.

A loud shout was now raised. The bull had obtained a momen-
tary advantage over his assailant. By a tremendous effort — at-
tended with considerable detriment to his own hide — he succeeded
in dislodging Druid, wdioni he Hung to a great height above his
head. Fortunately, the brave hound escaped the deadly points
that awaited his descent, but he fell so heavily to the ground, tliat
few imagined he would rise to renew the conflict: — an opinion which
was further strengthened when the bull, bending his knees, dropped
upon Druid's body before he had time to recover himself, and strove
to crush him by his ponderous weiglit. At this juncture the voice
of the Enolishman was heard in encoura2:ement of his luckless
companion.

" What ho ! Druid — what ho !" he cried; " bestir thyself, or the
knees of that accursed brute will force all the breath from thy
body. By Saint Dunstan ! I can scarcely forbear my hand. Up !
man — and rouse thee — or it is all over with both of us."

Henri III. was no less disturbed.

" Mort-dieu !" he ejaculated, "the brave hound will be slain,
and I shall lose one, who miglit have proved my trustiest follower.
Fool that I was to command this fight."

"Had you not better throw down your warder, gossip?" said
Chicot, suddenly appearing on the left hand of the king ; " tlie
cliivalrous bull will probably attend to your behests — and withhold
the stroke of mercy. Down with it ! — the base cur yields."

" 'Tis false, thou yelping llmmer, he does not yield," exclaimed
Crichton, who, stationed also on the left of Henri III., had
watched the contest with lively interest. Seest thou not the mad-
dened beast hath, in the blindness of his fury, driven his horns
deeply into the soil, and not into the dog's reins. And mark how

316 ClilCHTOX.

Druid struggles with his luige oppressor, like Typhon -vvitli the
rocks of Jove — or Hercules with the Cretan bull. Look ! lie has
extricated himself! — ha ! — bravely done ! — bravely done ! — to the
assault ! staunch hound — to the assault ! Fix thy keen and tenacious
fangs within his leathern nostrils. 'Tis done ! — 'tis done ! — there
thou wilt cling till thy foe sinks from exhaustion. The victory is
thine. By Saint Andrew!" he added, with warmth, "1 would
rather assail the bull myself, than that noble hound should perish."
" Your assistance is needless," replied Joyeuse, whose hilarity,
occasioned by Dioiid's recent perilous position, had become over-
cast by the present aspect of the IVay ; " I fear I shall lose my wager
as well as my charger."

" Cei'ies, if you have backed the bull, you will infallibly lose,"
said the Scot, laughing, " for see! even now he staggers, and ex-
hibits symptoms of faintness."

*• There I dilfer with you, mon cher," rejoined the king; " to me
he appears as if he were collecting his energies for some mighty
effort. Remember, this is no stall-fed, scant-winded steer."

Druid, as will have oeen 'fathered from the forejioinfj dis-
course, had again made good his hold upon the nostrils of his anta-
gonist; and such was the effect of his combined weight and strength,
that he contrived to detain the bull, for some little space, in the
kneeling posture he had just assumed. No sooner, liowever, did
the latter animal regain his feet, than, nigh frantic witli wrath and
agony, he resorted to every expedient that desperation suggested,
of freeing himself from his relentless assailant. Worn out, at length,
with repeated fruitless attempts, he became comparatively tranquil;
and it was this cessation from strife that Crichton had construed
into relaxing energy, but which was rather, as the king had sur-
mised, the preparatitjn for a mightier struggle.

" Saint George for England !" sliouted Blount, whose sanguine
anticipations had also deceived him — " the victory is ours. A few
minutes must decide the conflict — hurrah !"

But the next moment the Englishman's countenance fell — tlie
smile of exultation fled from his lips. He perceived his error.
Renewing the combat with a fury that showed his vigour was un-
diminished, the bull tore the ground with his hoofs — fiUoil the air
with his blatant cries — tossed his head as if a thousand hornets
were buzzing about his ears — and shook the stake to which he was
attached, as if he would uproot it.

" Cornes dc Diable !" screamed Chicot; " 'tis a pleasant sight to
witness the fantastic gambols of yon amiable beast, and equally
diverting to listen to his music. Foreheaven he danceth the cou-
ranto more deftly than the Clievalier Crichton — ha ! — lia ! — ho !"

" Is the fastening secure, think you, mon cher Crichton?" said
Henri HI., noticing with uneasiness the violent strain produced
upon the rope by the ceaseless struggles of the bull.

" Have no fear, sire !" returned the Scot, advancing a step or

THE BULL. 317

two in front of the king. *' I will place myself between your
majesty and the possibility of harm."

" Gramercy," rejoined Henri, smiling graciously; " and calling
to mind your former exploit in the Court of Animals (which, en
passant, cost me somewhat dear in the life of my noblest lion),
I cannot doubt your ability to cope with a beast of inferior power.
I shall, therefore, rest under your protection as securely as behind
a rampart."

" Vivat!" cried Joyeuse, " the bull wins!"

" And the calf," added Chicot.

As he spoke, the applauses, resounding on all sides, were sud-
denly cliecked, and a Avild cry of alarm, mingled with screams from
the female portion of the assemblage, arose. Druid was again
tossed aloft, and the bull, instead of awaiting his fall to gore and
trample him as heretofore, gave a headlong dash of such force
that the rope, though of almost cable thickness, snapped in twain
close to his throat, and, thus liberated, the animal commenced a
mad scamper on the arena. The first obstacle he encountered was
Blount, whom he instantly overthrew. He paused not, however,
to molest him, but rushed in the direction of Henri HI.

" The king ! — the king !" cried a thousand eager voices.
*' Save the king!"

But this seemed impossible. Ere a pike could be hurled, a bolt
fired, or a sword drawn, the bull had reached the spot occupied by
the monarch, and Henri's destruction would have been inevitable,
if an arm of iron had not interposed between him and the dano-er
with wlilch he was menaced. That arm was Crichton's, who
threw himself unhesitatingly upon the furious animal, and seizino-
his wrinkled horns, by the exertion of his almost superhuman
strength arrested his career.

Amid the turmoil that ensued, the voice of the Scot was heard
sternly exclaiming, " Let no one touch him — I will achieve his
subjection alone."

Thus admonished, the crowds, who had flocked to his assistance,
drew back.

The struggles of the bull were desperate — but unavailing. He
could neither liberate himself, nor advance. Suddenly, from acting
on the defensive, Crichton became the assailant. Calling into play
all the energies of his muscular frame, he forcibly drove his oppo-
nent backwards.

" It is time to bring this conflict to a close," he thought,
holding the bull's head, immoveably, with his right hand, while
with his left he sought his poignard.

He then glanced towards the king. Surrounded by the bristling
halberts of his guard, Henri looked on at his ease.

" Polliceiii vertOy'' cried Chicot, " let him despatch his enemy,
compere."

The royal assent given, scarce another moment elapsed before the
bull, mortally wounded by a blow dexterously stricken between

318 CRICHTOX.

the vertebrae of the neck, fell to the ground. Tliumlcrs of applause
succeeded.

'J'he loyal cortege tlicn formed into two lines, and Henri rode
forth to greet his preserver.

" Chevalier Crichton," he said, " to yon I owe my life. No Valois
was ever ungrateful. Claim some boon, I pray you, at mv hands."

" Sire," replied Crichton, smiling, as he unhelmed himself to
Avipe the dust and heat from his brow, " my demands will not ex-
liaust your treasury. I ask only the life of that man," pointing to
Blount, -vvho, with folded arms and a dejected air, stood alternately
regarding the carcase of the bull and Druid, wlio, stunned by his
fall, had with dilliculty limped to his feet; "he will suller punish-
ment enough in the mortihcation occasioned by his dog's defeat."

" ll is yours," replied H-enri.

" Your majesty will not separate tlie faithful hound from his
master," continued the Scot.

" As you please," sighed the monarch. " I cannot refuse your
request." Crichton threw himself upon his knee, and pressed
Henri's hand gratefully to his lips.

" My thousand pistoles, Saint-Luc," said Joveuse, gleefully.

" They are not fairly won," replied Saint-Luc. " I appeal to
D'Epernon."

" 'Tis a drawn wager," returned the baron; "and in future I
recommend both of you to back a Scottish right arm against bull
or bull-dog."

CHAPTER XH.
THE rmzE.

Qiiand ilz fiirent tous devant sa presence,

Et a genoulx pour sa face choisir,

Le roy d'arnies en tres grant rc'vc'rence

Lui dit ce qu'il s'ensuit, et a loisir:

Sire, avecques le vostre bon plaisir

Et licence d'autre ])art obtenue,

La pastourelle est devant vous venue

Pour le grant pris delivrer orendroit

A cellui qui sans doutance y a droit,

Et de deliors deservi Tara niieux.

Louis uk Beauveau. Le Pas de la Bergiirt.

Two sergeants of the guard now advanced, leading a steed,
which the carcase of the slaughtered bull was promptly attach
by means of cords, and dragged out of the arena.

A pursuivant-at-arms, clothed in a sumptuous casaque flowered
with the lilies of France, next approached; and, reverentially in-
clining himself before Henri, demanded, in the name of the Queen
of the Lists, his majesty's license to close the jousts. Permission
being graciously accorded, the pursuivant, accompanied by a.
couple of trumpeters, who gallantly did their devoir, proceeded'
towards the pavilions, and removing the shields of the combatants,
delivered that of Crichton to his esquire. This done, the judges

THE PRIZE. 311^

of tlic field, inars^hullcd by jNIontjoic, descended from tlieir tribunal,
and liTiively directed tbeir course towards the grand gallery, into
Avliicli they were ceremoniously ushered.

Criehton, meantime, looked on in silence. Indescribable emo-
tions swelled his bosom. The stirring notes of the trumpet re-
kindled all his fire. Much as he had done to distinguish himself,
lie burnt lor new opportunities of displaying his prowess, and would
gladly have splintered another lance in honour of the bright eyes
lie worshipped.

" What would life be," ran his self-communion, " without
ambition — without liime — without love ? — hopeless slavery —
and prolonged torture. I for one could endure not its burden.
]\Iv life shall be computed by days, not years; with me hours
shall play the part of days — moments of hours. I will crowd into
each moment as much of active existence as that moment wdlL
comprehend, nor will I know pause till fate shall for ever check
my impulses. I reverence age; but I desire not its honours. I
would rather die covered w^ith glory than bowed down by years.
Were I to perish now, I should have lived long enough. And if
I can achieve the deliverance of her, to whose love my Jieart is lor-
bidden to aspire — but for whom alone it can ever beat; if I can free
yon brave monarch from his thraldom; and that Inconstant, yet not
imgenerous voluptuary, from the peril in wdiich he stands — I care
not if this day be my last."

As these thoughts swept through his mind, the countenance of
the Scot — ever the faithful mirror of his emotions — took a slight
cast of sadness; and Henri, inspired by jealousy, having narrowly
scrutinised his features during this momentary reverie, fancied he
could detect the secrets of his inmost soul.

•' It will not do to trust him," thought the king; " his passion is
stronger than his loyalty. Hola ! Chevalier Criehton," he added,
aloud, and in a tone of raillery, "while you are studying your
next ode, or preparing a thesis for the schools, we, less philosophical,
less poetical mortals, are dreaming only of the speedy appearance of
the Queen of the Lists to award the chief prize of the tourney.
I have some notion upon whom it will be bestowed. Attend me
to the tribunal. Iwover as I am of etiquette, it would ill beconie
me to break through prescribed forms upon an occasion like the
present, when I have fairer dame to grace my lists than ever yet
rewarded valour, and braver knight to receive the meed of victory
than ever yet; won prize from dame !"

With this high-llown compliment, Henri rode slowly towards
the canopy, where he dismounted, and took his seat upon the fau-
teuil, placing the King of Navarre on the tabouret at his right.
Criehton remained standing on the lowest step of the scaffold.

Presently the inspiring bruit of clarions and other martial in-
struments was heard from that quarter of the tilt-yard in which
the grand gallery was situated. The barriers were hastily removed;

2'iK) CRICFITON.

the halberdiers ranged tlicni'^olvcs en haie ; nnd admittance wae
^iven to a tro^p of" fair equestrians, -vvliosc personal cliartns were
scarcely less to be apprehended than the weapons oftlieir knightly
predecei=?ors. At the head of this radiant band, which, like the burst
■of a sunbeam, dilfiised smiles and animation as it proceeded, three
figures were distinguished, each so beautiful, yet each so diflerent
in style of beauty, that the admiration of the beholders was divided,
and the judgment perplexed, as to whom the palm of surpassing
loveliness ouglit to be assigned. In the fine and delicate features;
the exquisite fairness of complexion; the soft blue eyes and gentle
regards of her who rode on the right, the spectators recognised and
hailed their queen, the virtuous but lightly-esteemed Louise. In
Tthe fuller form and more majestic deportment : in the ravishing grace,
the jetty tresses, and dark languid glances of the queenly dame on
the left, no one failed to detect th.e gorgeous Marguerite de Valois.
]Murmurs of impassioned homage pursued her. The very air re-
spired of love as she passed; and tliere was not a cavalier of the
t]iousands wlio gazed upon her, but would have perilled his life
^or a favouring regard. Marguerite, however, was insensible to
the general idolatry. A smile was on her lips; witchery was in
'her looks; but in her heart raged the undying worm of jealousy.

Between the two queens, on an Isabelle-coloured palfrey, richly
■caparisoned with blue velvet bordered with pearls, rode Esclair-
monde; and if a preference was shown by the assemblage, it was
towards the lovely princess; whose attractions, although they did
not excite the fiery admiration roused by the voluptuous fascina-
tions of Marguerite de Valois, awakened a sentiment of far deeper
devotion. Immediately behind this captivating trio rode Catherine
de IMedicis, who displayed the ad'mirable symmetry of person for
v/hich she was celebrated — a charm not to be impaired by time —
as well as the proficiency as an equestrian, for which she was equally
noted, in the management of a fiery Arabian. In the languishing
looks of the" beautiful blonde, on the left of the queen-motlier, the
King of Navarre was at no loss to discover his new conquest, La
llebours; ■while, in the sprightly brunette at her right, admirers, too
numerous to particularise, claimed a more intimate acquaintance
with Torigni.

Preceding the Princess of Conde, and bearing a Avhite wand,
together with the grand prize of the tourney, a magnificent diamond
ring, which he ostentatiously displayed to the spectators, marched,
the pursuivant. The judges of the camp, headed by Montjoie, and
-followed by a band of pages and trumpeters, brought up the rear of
this brilliant cavalcade.

Arrived within a short distance of the royal canopy, the jocund
troop came to a halt, and formed a long line in front of the king,
•of which Esclairmonde constituted the centre. Rapid as thought,
tlie page of each dame, attired in her colours, then advanced, and
placed himself at the bridle of her steed. Executed with groat

THE PRIZE. 321

precision and quickness, tliid manoeuvre produced :in agreeable
etlect, and was loudly applauded by the gallant Bourbon, whose
eye wandered over the fair phalanx in a manner that plainly
evinced of what inflammable material his valiant heart was com-
posed.

" Ventre-saint-gris I" he ejaculated; "such a legion would be
irresistible." Just then his ardent gaze chanced upon his queen.
" Pcste !" he added, averting his glances, " the snake will always
intrude itself into Eden.''

It was, in sooth, a pleasant sight to look upon that array of lovely
dames (Catherine's famous " petit haiide'), and to mark their differens
attractions, now so forcibly, yet so advantageously, contrasted — each
acting as a foil to the other — each unconsciously contributing to
lier neighbour's fascination. Oh ! how various are the aspects of
beauty — how beautiful are all its aspects.

MakiuiX his way through the press, Montjoie now bent the knee
before ]lenri,and repeating a formula similar to that of the pursui-
vant, entreated permission for the Queen of the Lists to award the
prize to him who had demeaned himself the most valiantly in the
jousts; concluding with the almost unnecessary assurance, that all
would be done " with loyalty and justice." To this solicitation
Henri vouchsafed a gracious response, and the king-of-arms having
fulfilled his duty, retired.

Holding the bridle of Esclairmonde's palfrey, the pursuivant
next led her towards Crichton, who, perceiving the intention of the
princess, advanced to meet her, and threw himself at her feet.
Taking the ring from the pursuivant, Esclairmonde then placed it
upon the finger of her lover. The Scot joyously arose. The
reward to which he looked forward with most eagerness was yet to
be conferred.

Amid the thunder of acclamations that succeeded, the voices of
the heralds were heard exclaiming, "A Crichton! — a Crichton !
— largesse ! largesse !"

The Scot motioned to his esquire. Raising the shield of his
master, the youth filled it with broad golden pieces, which he dis-
tributed amongst the ollicers of the tilt-yard, who thereupon re-
doubled their joyous vociferations

While this was passing, Montjoie, with stately step, drew near
the principal group of this vast and resplendent picture.

" Remove your helm, sir knight," he said ; " the Queen of the Lists
desires to thank you for the fair courses you have run in her honour,
and to bestow upon you the priceless reward of your prowess."

A deep blush mantled Esclairmonde's cheek as Crichton obeyed
the injunctions of the king-of-arms. The next moment he felt the
glowing lips of the princess pressed upon his brow. That salute
annihilated all his prudential resolutions. He forgot their disparity
of rank — his own danger — her perilous position. He did not rclin-

322 CRICHTON.

qiiish tlic hand slic had confided to him — hut, in tlic dehrium of
the moment, raised it to liis lips.

Esclairmonde was equally agitated. Suffused with hlushes, and
anon hccoming white as marble, palpitating, faint, she could
scarcely maintain her seat upon the unruly palfrey; and in order
to prevent mischance, Crichton deemed it necessary to pass his
arm around her waist. The situation was rather embarrassing,
and awakened the ire of the two monarchs.

" Esclairmondc," whispered Crichton, passionately, " you are
mine."

" I am — I am," returned the princess, in the same tone. " I
would abandon my newly-discovered title — my rank — life itself,
rather than my love."

" I have the queen's assent to our espousals," rejoined Crichton.
in an altered voice. " She has promised me your hand — on certain
conditions."

"On what conditions?" asked Esclairmondc, tenderly regarding
her lover.

" Conditions which I cannot, dare not fulfd — conditions which
involve the sacriticc of my honour," replied Crichton, gloomily.
*' Esclairmondc," he added, in accents of despair, " the dream is
passed. You are the Princess of Conde. It is madness to indulge
these vain hopes longer. I may serve you, but I may not love
you — farewell !"

" Stay !" exclaimed the princess, detaining him with a gentle
grasp. " I have a painful, a dreadful duty to fulfil to-night.
I have to take an eternal farewell of one who has been a friend,
an adviser, a father to me."

"Of Florent Chretien?"

" Intelligence of the martyrdom to which he is adjudged by the
merciless Catherine has just reached me. An hour before midnight
I shall be witliin his cell to receive his parting benediction," she
added, with some hesitation, and gazing at the Scot with eyes that
swam Avith tears.

" Were it to encounter certain destruction I would be there,"
returned the Scot, fervently.

" And you loill encounter certain destruction if you carry this
presumptuous passion further, Chevalier Crichton," said Henri of
Navarre, advancing towards them. " You cannot plead ignorance
of the exalted station of the maiden to wdiose love you aspire.
The bright blood of the Bourbon will never mingle with that of a
Scottish adventurer. Your pardon, liiir cousin," he continued,
addressing Esclairmondc in a conciliatory tone, "it is with extreme
reluctance that I interfere in an affair of the heart. I would
rather forward a lover's suit than oppose it, especially the suit of a
cavalier so accomplished as Crichton. But I must act as the Prince
of Conde would have acted. Take this decision, then, from his

THE ruizi:. 32S

lips. The daughter of Louis of Bourbon can only bestow her
IkukI upon her equah"

" The daughter of Louis of IJourbon will only bestow her hand
upon him she loves," returned Esdairinonde, with a spirit such a3
she had never before exhibited; " and your own experience oi" her
race will inform you, sire, that her heart is as little hkely to be
controlled as her hand."

" As I expected," rejoined the Bourbon; " but it cannot bo. It
is one of the curses of exalted birth, that the liand and the heart
can never go togetlier."

*' And why should thcv be divided in this case," asked Catlierino
de ^ledicis, advancing, "if my consent be given to the match?"

'" For a sullicient reason, madame," said Henri IIL, joining thii
group; " because our pleasure is otherwise; and because we forbid
the Chevalier Crichton, on pain of banishment from our presence— -
from our kingdom — as he would escape the doom of a traitor, and
a dungeon within the Bastile — again to approach the Demoiselle
Esclairmonde in the character of a lover. We shall see vv'hethcr
lie, or you, madame, will venture to disobey us."

••Henri!" exclaimed Catherine, in amazement — " this to me?"

" You are our mother — but vou are also our subject, madame,*"
returned the king, coldly. " We have issued our conunands — it
is i'or you to see them obeyed."

Catherine did not reply. Her glance fell upon Crichton, and an
almost imperceptible smile passed across her features. At tho
threat of the monarch the Scot's hand instinctively sought his
poignard, upon the hilt of wdiich it now rested. When too late,
lie perceived his error, and the false constructions put upon the
action by the queen.

'■ If you will set at rest the (picstion as to the illustrious birth
of the Demoiselle Esclairmonde, madame, I am content to obey the
mandates of the king," said Crichton. " On your decision," h(3
added, with a signilicant look, " must rest her fate."

"The time is arrived for the acknowledgment of her birth,
which you have truly said is illustrious, mcssire," rephed Catherine,
glancing triumphantly at her son. " Esclairmonde is a princess of
the blood royal of France. She is a Bourbon. Let the King of
Navarre take note of mv words; let all remember them; and let
those who reverence the memory of Louis L, Prince of Conde,
incline themselves before his daughter."

Obedient to the intimation of Catherine, a crowd of nobles
j^ressed forward to kiss the hand of the newdy-discovered princess;
and many there were, who, upon that occasion, forgot their ancient
enmity towards the great champion of the Protestant Church, in
the admiration excited by his lovely descendant.

" Well, sire," said the Bourbon, turning to Henri HI., " 1 have
'ound the princess. Of course you will (ind the convoy.''

Y 2

324 CRICHTON.

*' Pcste !" exclaimed Henri, angrily. And motioning to Dii
Ilaklc, he issued his commands to close the jousts.

" The princess is yours,"' said tb.o queen-mother, aside to Crichton.

Tliis assurance, however, gave little encouragement to the Scot.
He felt that his passion was liopeless. And the despair wliich
love without hope must ever inspire, took possession of his soul.

The flourish of trumpets which immediately succeeded afforded
some relief to his oppression. Silence being proclaimed by this
warlike prelude, the pursuivant advanced, wand in hand, and
uttering thrice the preliminary "0/V;c," informed the noble assem-
blage that the jousts were brought to a conclusion — that his majestv
bade tliem all to the banquet within the Louvre — and that in lieu
of the emprise of the Cliatel de la Joyeuse Garde, and the grand
melee by torchhght, the king would hold a masque and fete within
the palace.

This announcement was received with general surprise and
chagrin.

"How is this, my son?" said Catherine, in a troubled voice.
" Have you abandoned the chivalrous spectacle to which you looked
forward with so much pleasure? Methouglit you were about to
exhibit your own matchless skill as a tilter in the courses a la
fouler

*' I'ar la Mort-dieu ! madame," replied the king, in a tone of
raillery, " the masque will be more in character with the strange
scene we have just witnessed than the melee. Besides, the tilt-
yard is not the theatre for our display. The lists are unlucky to
our race. We remember our father's fate — and shall in future
avoid the lance."

"Ha! betrayed," muttered Catherine. "But the traitor shall
not escape my vengeance."

•• To the Hotel de Nevers, mon cher," said Henri, turning to
Crichton, " and arrest tlic Prince of Mantua. Interfere not with
our passion," he added, in his blandest accents, " and we have no
favour to refuse you."

Amid renewed iimfarcs of trumpets, the splendid assemblage then
separated. But the troop of laughing dames did not return in the
strict array it came. The ranks were disordered, and in place of a
page, by the side of each bright-eyed equestrian rode a favoured
cavalier. Henri HI. took the lead with the reluctant Princess of
Conde; the Bourbon attached himself to La Kebours ; while
Crichton returned to the pavilion, wjiere the armourer proceeded
to free him from his knightly habiliments.

As the two monarclis quitted -the tilt-yard, loud shouts were
raised of " Vive le roi ! vivent ks rois .'"

" You hear, llosni," said the Bourbon, addressing jiis counsellor.

" Vivent Ics rois I 'tis a good augury."

By-and-by three figures alone remained within the precincts of
the arena.

THE DUNGEON. 325

" Since tlic melee is abandoned, thy scheme falls to the ground,
my hidalgo," said the foremost, who was no other than the Sor-
bonist.

" Perdition !" exclaimed Caravaja, twisting his inoustache, after
his wonted ferocious fasliion. " I know not what to think of it.
I would give mv soul to Sathanas, that that accursed Scot should
fall in my way."

"The compact is concluded," said tlie Bcrnardin, "for lo! he
appears."

And as he spoke, Crichton, attired in a pourpolnt of velvet and
short Spanisli mantle, issued from the pavilion. He was followed
by Blount, bearing Druid carefully in his arms, and directed his
steps towards the outer court.

" After him," cried Caravaja, drawing a knife, and placing it in
his sleeve. " A muerte I"

CHAPTER XHI.

THE DUNGEON.

Paolo. Aurait-il abjure?

Elci. Pas encore.

Paolo. Mais cat acte il n'est (jiie iliffe're?

Casimer Delavigne. Une Fainille au temps du Luther.

The Louvre once enclosed within its walls a number of subter-
ranean cells, appropriated to the confinement of prisoners of state.
Into one of these gloomy receptacles Florent Chretien had been
thrust. Deprived, by the rigour of his persecutors, of the conso-
lation which had ever been afforded him in hours of affliction by
reference to the " healing balm" of Scripture, the good man passed
the brief space allotted him on earth in deepest prayer. As the
time drew nigh when his dreadful sentence was to be carried into
execution, his devotions were interrupted by the entrance of one
of the hooded officials, who introduced a masked female into the
dungeon, and then silently departed. The dull light of a brazen
cresset suspended from the ceiling imperfectly illumined the apart-
ment, and a few moments elapsed ere Chretien, whose eyes had
been closed in earnest supplication, could distinguish the muffled
object that stood before him.

" Is it you, my daughter? ' he asked, as the figure remained
stationary.

"It is," replied Esclairmondc, unmasking; "but I feared to
disturb your devotions."

" Approach," rejoined the preacher; " your name has mingled
with my prayers, let your voice also ascend with mine towards the
throne of mercy. The sand of my life is almost run out. Each
moment is precious. I have much counsel to give you. But ere I

326 CRICHTON.

oiYw sucli precepts for your guidance as may be needful for the
spiritual welfare of one wliose passage will be longer than mine
own througli this Vale of Tears, I would fain invoke u blessing on
your head."

Esclairmondc knelt by his side. Tlie benediction Avas besought
and bestowed. The voice of the princess joined in the fervent
petition for heavenly grace that succeeded. Scarcely, however,
was their devout employment brought to a close — scarcely had tlie
holy man begun to address himself to those instructions which he
deemed it necessary to impart to his religious pupil, when the door
again opened, and the hooded official having introduced another
figure enveloped in a large mantle, departed as noiselessly as he
had entered the chamber.

" He comes!" cried Esclairmondc.

"The executioner?" asked Chretien, calmly.

"The Chevalier Crichton," returned the princess.

"He here!" exclaimed Chretien, a slight shade passing across
his benevolent countenance.

" He is here to bid me an eternal f irewell," sighed Esclairmondc.

" Princess of Conde," said the preacher, with some severity,
" it tmist be an eternal farewell."

" You have said it, good father," replied Esclairmondc, in a tone
of sorrowful resignation.

" Your rank ibrbids an alliance so disproportionate, even if the
Chevalier Crichton's religious opinions coincided with your own,"
pursued Chretien.

"Alas!" murmured Esclairmondc, "our creeds are adverse; a
wide disparity of rank exists between us; but our hearts are indis-
solubly united."

" You love him then most tenderly, my daughter?"

" Love him !" echoed the princess, passionatel3^ " Father, to
you I look to strengthen me in the lesolution 1 have taken. This
interview is my last."

" I will not fail you, my daughter," replied the old man, kindly.
" Think only that he is the enemy of your laith ; and that were 310U
united to him he miglit interfere with the important services it
may liereafter be in your power to render to your persecuted church.
The thought that will most alleviate the anguish of my latest
moments is, that I have sown the good seed within your bosom,
which, in due season, shall bring forth a plenteous harvest for our
suffering people. Princess of Conde, promise me solemnly that
you Avill never wed a Romanist."

" Esclairmondc," said Cricliton, advancing.

" Hesitate not," said the preacher, sevevclv, " or you are lost.
Promise me."

"My soul is wedded to the Reformed Faith," replied the
princess, firmly ; " and I here vow never to bestow my hand upon
a Catholic."

Till': DLXGKOX. 327

" Amen i" responded (,'liretien, fervently.

A deep groan burst iVoin the bosom of the Scot.

" Chevalier Criehton," said Esclairmonde, " you have heard my
vow."

" I liave," replied the Scot, mournfully.

" Hear me yet further," continued the princess. " My zeal —
my love — my gratitude, prompt me to lay aside feminine reserve.
"When I desired that our final interview should take place in the
presence of this reverend man, it was that I might address you
freely; it was, that I might avow my love in the presence of one
whose holier aspirations have not rendered him insensible or indif-
ferent to the frailties of his fellows; it was" — slie added, with some
hesitation, and blushing deeply as she spoke, " in the hope that our
united efibrts might induce you to embrace the religion I profess ;
and that as convert to a faith, the purity of which your severest
judgment must acknowledge, I might, without violation of m}'
conscientious scruples, though in disregard of the elevated position
I am compelled to assume, offer you my hand, and request him
from whose lips I have imbibed the precepts of truth and humanity,
which inspire me at this moment, to affiance us together before
heaven."

" You have spoken with a voice of inspiration, my daughter,"
said Chretien, with a benignant smile, " and I have offered no in-
terruption to your words, because they flow from a source whence
true wisdom only springs. You have appealed to me in a manner
Avhich I cannot resist. Your heart, I know, is already betrothed
to the Chevalier Criehton. Let him cast off the bondage to which
lie has so long heedlessly subjected himself. Let him not view
religion through the medium of the senses, but by the purer lii^ht
of the sacred Scriptures. Let him abjure the errors and idolatries
of Rome, and exert the mighty intellectual powers with which lie
has been intrusted for the noblest purposes from on high-— in the
advancement of the true faith, and your betrothraent shall not, for
one moment, be delayed."

" Criehton," inquired E'iclairmonde, tenderly, "is this our last
meeting, or are we for ever united ?"

" It IS our last," replied the Scot, in a despairing tone, " if the
condition annexed to the continuance of our love be my apostacy,
Esclairmonde, for you I would make any sacrifice consistent with
honour and rectitude of principle. For you I would resign those
projects of ambition which have hitherto engrossed my soul; for
you I would repress that desire for imiversal distinction which
has ever formed the ruling passion of my existence; for you I
would be aught but a renegade to my faith — a traitor to my God.
Glory has been my guiding star; my gaze has been steadfastly fixed
vtpon it ; I have steered my barque by its rays . Faine is dearer to
me than life; love is dearer than fame; but honoiu' is dearer than
love. Listen to me, Esclairmonde. You are the Princess of Condc.

328 CKICHTON,

Your rank is the most illustrioiis in France; but that rank has had
no inducnce in engaging my aflcctions. My heart was yours ■when
our stations were supposed to be equal; my heart is yours now a
barrier is placed between us. I can neitlier cease to love, nor feel
increase ot" passion. To me you arc imchanged. To me you
are the orphan Esclairmonde. Rank can add nothing to your
beauty, as it can detract notliing from it. To link my fate with
yours was to realise the wildest dream of my youthful imagination.
Jt were to attain at once the goal to which I have aspired. It
were to raise me to the proudest pinnacle of felicity to which man
may attain."

" Reflect,' said Chretien-.

" I luive reflected," I'eturned the Scot. " Think not my fixed
resolve upon a point involving my eternal welfare has been the
result of" inconsiderate caprice; — think not because I have clung to
the faith of my fathers, through trials, of which this, though tlie
severest, is not the most formidable — think not it has been from a
preverse adherence to wrong; think not, because you are strong
in your own belief — a belief which I regard as false and pernicious
—that I am not equally inflexible. I have disputed on the tenets
of my faith with my sage preceptor, Buchanan, and he has failed
to convince me of my errors. 1 am a Catholic from conviction ;
and as such, am as fully prepared as yourself to embrace the alter-
naiive of death rather than departure from that religion which is
derived from truth, and sustained by holiest tradition."

"If the great Buchanan has failed to work your conversion, my
son, my endeavours must pro\*B ineffectual," returned the preacher,
shaking his head; " nevertheless, I will essay — "

" It is in vain," replied Crichton, sternly. " My martyrdom is
past — yours is to come, old man. I have twice endured temp-
tation to-day — I have twice resisted it. The hand of" the Princess of
Conde was to have been the price of my disloyalty — the same
hand has been made a lure to drag me to perdition."

" Say rather to direct you to salvation," rejoined Esclairmonde.
"Oh! Crichton, if I have any influence over your heart 1
would now exert it — if, as the humble instrument of the divine
will, I can wean you from the dangerous and idolatrous creed to
which you are bigoted, the whole of my future lite shall evince
the extent of my gratitude and devotion."

"Esclairmonde!" exclaimed Crichton, mournfully, " for that
creed I have quitted my fatlier's roof — for that creed I have braved
a father's malediction — for that creed I now renounce all I hold
dear on earth. We must part for ever."

" Crichton, you love me not."

" Let the sacrifice I have just made attest my love," returned
the Scot, bitterly. " Tempt me not, Esclairmonde. My bosom is
torn asunder by conflicting emotions — my brain reels — I cannot
support this struggle longer. Your own lips shall seal my fate."

THE DUNGEON. 329

*' He mine, then."

A sluidder ran tlirou<:^'1i Crichton's frame.

" I am lost," he munnurcd.

" No, you are saved," replied tlie princess, triumphantly; " kneel
vith me at the feet of this lioly man."

" Hold!" exclaimed Chretien; " this must not be. Gladly as I
would number the Clievalicr Crichton among the faithful ser-
vants of the true God, his conversion must be accomplished by
other iniluence than that of tlie passions. Evil means cannot work
ejood ends. The faith wiiich is not the result of conviction is
little better than hypocrisy. Differing as I do with him upon essen-
tial points of reliyious credence, I applaud the Chevalier Crichton's
constancy: — nor would I attempt to shake it save by arguments
such as mv brief span of life will not permit me to employ; and I
must tiiink better of a creed which can strengthen the bosom of
one so young against snares and temptations that hoary zealots
might have lound it difficult to resist."

" Your hand has arrested my downfal, good father," said
Crichton.

" I rejoice at it, my son," replied the preacher. " Fly while
vour resolution still continues. I would not incur your reproaches.
You must part from the princess, but not, I hope, i'or ever. A
time — not lar distant — may arrive when your opinions will un-
dcrgo a change, and when she may bestow her hand without
violating her sacred promise."

A tear stood in Esclairmonde's eye as she regarded her lover,
and, imable to control herself, she fell into his outstretched arms.

" When 1 uttered that fatal vow, 1 pronounced m}^ own sentence
of death," she cried.

" Alas!" returned Crichton, " I Avouldhave prevented it — but it
is now too late."

'' It is," rejoined Chretien, in a severe tone. " Depart quickly.
You interrupt my devotions. I would prepare for eternity.""

" Father," said Crichton, " I trust you will have a longer period
for that preparation than your persecutors would allow you. Your
life is of more consequence than mine; the services which you can
render the Princess Esclairmonde are greater than I can render her.
Live then for her."

" You speak in parables, my son," returned the preacher, in
surprise,

" Take this mantle and this ring," said Crichton, " and your
■evasion is easy. It is the signet of the king. Display it to the
guard at the portals of the Louvre, and the gates will lly open at
your approach. Waste no time, but muille up your features, and
iigure in this cloak."

" And you ?"

" Heed me not. I will remain here in your stend ."

*' I cannot accept freedom on such terms, my son,"

330 CRICHTOX.

" Hear me, good fntlier," replied Cricliton, earnestly. " You
<ro not Ibrtli alone. Esclairmondc must accompany you. If she
returns to the masque she is lost."

" Gracious heaven !" exclaimed the preacher.

"Henri's plans are so contrived that she cannot escape him.
The King of" Navarre is the dupe of his royal brother, and will
iinwittingly increase the risk, if not precipitate the fate of his new-
found cousin, in the wild scheme he has devised for her lligiit.
Catherine de Medicis is occupied with her own dark designs. Pnit
she will not interfere witii, if she declines to forward, those of her
son. An hour hence the Louvre may be the scene of fiercest
strife, l-iut an hour hence it may be too late to save the princess
from dishonour."

"And your life will be the sacrifice of your devotion?" said
Esclairmonde. " No, I will rather return to the banquet, and
place myself under the protection of Henri of Navarre."

" He is unable to protect you," replied Crichton. "Fear nothing
for me."

" Why should not you accompany the princess. Chevalier
Crichton?" asked the preacher.

" Question me not, but go," replied Crichton, hastily : " her life,
licr honour is endangered by this delay."

" I will not consent to your (.Icstruction," said Esclairumnde,
passionately.

" You destroy me by reniQining," rejoined Crichton; " a moment
more, and it may be too late."

As he spoke, the iron door revolved upon its hinges, and a
huissier, bearing a llambeau, entered the cell, and in a loud voice
announced " The king."

Accompanied by INlarguente de Valois, Henri IH. immediately
followed this announccnnent. A malicious smile played upon the
features of the monarch as he noticed the dismay of the group at
liis appearance. " You were right in your conjecture, sister," he
said, turning to the Queen of Navarre; "our stray turtle-doves
have flown hither. The prison of a Huguenot is as favourable, I
fmd, to the assignations of love as the bow-er of a Phryne. Messire
Florent Chretien miglit, perhaps, have found fitter occupation for
his latest moments than to assist at such a rendezvous. But it is
quite in character with his doctrines. His meditations, however,
siiall not be longer disturbed. The damps of this cell strike chilly
on my senses alter the perfumed atmosphere 1 have quitted. Prin-
cess of Conde," he continued, advancing towards Esclairmonde,
who recoiled at his approach, " the masque claims your presence."

" Sire," replied the princess, firmly, " I will rather remain a
captive fur life within tliis dun<:eon than return to your polluted
halls."

"Obey him," whispered Crichton; "I may yet be able to de-
liver you from this perilous strait."

THE DUNGEOX. 331

*' Our attendants are at liand, (air cousin," said tlic king, signifi-
cantly; " I neither mean to detain tlicm as prisoners, nor to en-
danger my own health, by longer continuance in this unwholesome
vault."

" (lo, my dauglitcr," said Chretien; " the Power that Avatches
over innocence will protect you. P^ear nothing."

"Your hand, fair cousin," said Henri, impatiently.

" Your majesty will not refuse to conduct me to the King Oi.
Navarre ?" said Esclairmonde, reluctantly complying with the
monarch's request.

" Of a surety not," rejoined Henri, smiling; " but you will find
him so completely engrossed by the languishing regards of La
Rebours, that he will scarcely desire your companv."

'"Indeed !" exclaimed the princess, starting.

" Chevalier Crichton," said Henri, pausing, " you liavc dis-
obeyed our injunctions. Henceforth you are banished from our
presence."

" Henri," interposed Marguerite de Valois, " for my sake over-
look his fault."

"For ?/OMr sake, Marguerite!" returned the king, in surprise;
" a moment ago you would have changed his banishment to death."

" Tax me with inconsistency if you will; but grant my request."

'• Souvent Jcmme varie" returned Henri, laugliing; "be it as
you please. To banish him from the revel might; tend to throw a
shade over its gaiety, lletain him by your side, and I am content.
Alloiis."

" jNIarguerite," said Crichton, as the Queen of Navarre took his
arm, " your generosity has saved your brother's crown."

" If it has revived your love I am satisfied," returned Marguerite,
tenderly.

" You may revive it, my queen," said Crichton.

" In what way?" dcuianded INIarguerite, trembling with eager-
ness. — " But I can guess. You require my assistance to free the
Princess of (Jonde from her present danger. You shall have it."

" Yours is a noble heart, i\Iarguerite."

" It is a faithful and a fond one, Crichton. Trifle not with i
tenderness."

" If I survive this night, my life is yours."

" Survive it, Crichton! — what mean you?"

" I am half distracted, Marguerite. But linger not. Henri
already gone."

" And Esclairmonde," added the queen, with a look of jealous
reproach.

Many minutes had not elaiiscd after their dcj)arturc, when
Chretien, who had again addre^>o(l himself to his devotions, was
aroused by the harsh voice of the hooded official, who commanded
him to arise. Tiie good man Instantly obeyed. The cell was
filled with a crowd of iiirures in s;d)le robes and masks.

332 CUICHTON.

" Thy last hour is come," said the official.

" I am picparcd," retuniod Chretien, in a lirm tunc. *' Lead me
forth."

While the hands of the preaclier were bound together, the voice
of a priest, who formed one of tlic dismal group, thundered forth
tlie following psalm: — " Exurge, quare obdormis Domine? exurge,
et ne repellas in iinein : quare faciem tuam avertis? obllvisceris
tribulationem nostrani : adhicsit in terra venter noster: exurge,
Domine, adjuva nos. et libera nos."

Chretien was then conducted tlirough a variety of intricate pas-
sages to the edge of the Seine, now lighted up by the lurid glare
of the torclies borne by the expectant crowds on the other side of
the river, and being placed in a barque was rowed swiftly over to
tlie Pie-au.x-clercs, where a fierce shout of exultation welcomed his
arrival.

" Kindle the pile," shouted a thousand voices; " let the heretic
die!"

" We are starved to death," cried the Sorbonist; '• and want a
fire to warm us — to the stake — quick — quick !

Death to the Huf;uonot! — fagot nud flaniel
Death to the Ilugueiiot! — torture and shaniel"

The red glare which shortly afterwards tinged the inky water?
of the Seine was the reflection of Chretien's funeral pyre.

CHAPTER XIV.

THE CONSPIRACY.

Dis-moi, nion maitre, comment crois-tu que finira cot imbroglio?

L. ViTET. Les Barricades.

When the royal party returned to the masque the festivity of
the evening was at Its height. The music was breathing its softest
strains — the cavaliers were whispering tlieir most impassioned love-
speeclies — the dames were makinir their tenderest responses. The
universal IVeedom that prevailed gave the revel somewhat of the
character ol' an orgie. Esclairmonde shrunk back as she beheld
the license of the scene, and would have retreated, had retreat
been possible. But Henri hurried her quickly onwards.

"The King of Navarre is seated near yon beaufet," he said;
" his I'ight hand grasps a goblet, while his left is ])assed aiound the
waist of his mistress. We shall be rather in the way. No matter.
I am ready to commit you to his care."

r^sclairmonde hesitated.

" At all events we had better Avait till he has finished his song,"
continiied Henri; "for it is evident from his gestures that he is

In the mean time, you will
cousin."

pouring forth his passion in verse. J
oblige us by rcsummg your mask, fair

THK CONSriKACV. 333

As the ])iliic'c^s romplied \\\[]\ the nujiiarch's request, Henri of
Navarre arose. Taking the hand of his partner, he liastcned to
join the dancers, and was quickly lost to view.

" You must, perforce, remain with me a few moments longer,"
said Henri; " let us take our station within yon embrasure, whence
we can comn^.and the room, and as soon as the bransle is ended, I
will summon the Bearnais to our presence."

Esclairmonde suflered herself to be led towards the window. As
they proceeded thither, Henri ventured to take her hand within
his own.

" Sire," she said, gently endeavouring to withdraw it from his
grasp, " I will only consent to remain with you, on the condition
that you do not renew the suit which has hitherto so much dis-
tressed me"

" Your condition is a hard one, fair cousin; but I will strive to
obey you."

The princess looked around for Crichton. Amid the crowd of
gay masks, however, that surrounded her, she could not discern his
stately figure, or that of Marguerite de Valois. " He has left me,"
she mentally ejaculated; " that royal syren has regained all her in-
fluence over his soul."

Henry divined her thoughts. " My sister has imposed no such
condition on her lover as you would impose on me, fair cousin,"
he said. " Their quarrel is evidently arranged, and he is restored
to his old place in her affections."

" Sire !"

" They have disappeared. Shall we pay another visit to the
oratory ?"

" Suffer me to join the queen-mother, sire. I perceive her
majesty in the further salon conversing with the Due de Nevers."

" With De Nevers," repeated Henri, angrily. " No, ma mie, I
cannot part with you thus. I have a word or two to say respecting
this Admirable Scot. A little more this way, fair coz. 1 would
not be overheard. What if I tell you that Crichton's life hangs
on your compliance."

" His life, sire?" gasped Esclairmonde.

" Your hand alone can arrest the sword that trembles o'er his head."

" You terrify me, sire."

" I would not do so, mignonne," replied Henii; " ^n the con-
trary, I wish to re-assure you. Princess," he added, passionately,
" it is in your power to save him."

" I understand your majesty," said Esclairmonde, coldly.

"Not entirely," returned the king; " you may divine my mo-
tive, but you scarcely, I think, foresee the proposal I am about to
make to you. I must premise by recounting the history of my
earliest amourette. Renee de Rieux, my first mistress, before I
beheld her, had disposed of her heart to Phihppe Altoviti."

" Spare me this recital, sire."

r34 CRICHTON.

•■' Slic is now liis consort. You love the Clicv:ilicr Crichton.
On the same ti'inis yon shall ho liis hiidc."

" I am the dnuiihter of" Louis of" Bourbon, pire."

" The Chevalier Crichton shall he a peer of" France."

" Were the King of France to sue for my hand I would refuse
him!" replied Ksclairmonde, haughtily; "let him seek out his
minions among those complaisant dames who, because he is a king,
have nothing to refuse him."

" You have scaled your lover's fate, fair cousin," rejoined Plenri.
" Du Haldc," added he, motioning to the chief valet, " bid the
Due de Nevcrs attend us."

" Sire," said Esclairmondc, becoming pale as death, but speak-
ing in a firm tone, " take heed how you proceed to extremities. I
am a woman, and a threat from me may weigh little with your
majesty. But, it from mere jealous anger, and on no just ground,
you adjudge a knight, loyal and true as Crichton, to a sliameful
death, such vengeance as one of my sex mai/ take, I will have.
Look to it, sire. My threat is neither an idle nor a light one."

"Par la J\Iort-dleu !" exclaimed Henri; "if I had entertained
any doubts as to your origin, fair cousin, the spirit you have just
displayed would have removed them. The fire of the old Bour-
bons is not extinct. I accept your defiance. Crichton dies — or
you are mine. Decide, for here comes his executioner."

" I answer, as the Chevalier Crichton would," replied Esclair-
mondc, " Death rather than dishonour."

Whatever reply Henri meditated was cut short by a merry peal
of laughter from a party of frolic dames who occupied a fauteuil
near them, and the voice of" the Abbe de Brantome was heard
reciting the following lines, which produced a very edifying eflcct
upon the fair auditors:

Saint Augustin, one day, in .a fair maiden's presence,

Declared that i)ure love uf the soul is tiio essence!

And that faith, he it ever so firm and potential.

If love lie not its base, must prove nn-influential.

Saint ]>ernanl, likewise, has a homily left us —

(Sole ronmant of those, of which f.ite hath bereft us I)

Whi'ie tlic ;40od Saint confers, without any restriction.

On those who love most, his entire benediction.

Saint Ambrose, attain, in his treatise, "Z>e Virgine"

'l\i love one another is constantly urging ye;

^\nd a chapter he adds, where he curses — not blesses —

The ill-fated wiizht who no mistress possesses!

AVise De Lyra, hereon, makes this just observation,

'I'hat tlie way to tiie heart is the way to salvation;

And the furtiuT from love — we're the nearer damnatioa'

Jiesides, as remarks this profound theologian,

(Who was perfectly versed in the doctrine Ambrogian) —

lie, who loves not, is worse thaia the infamous set ye call

]*rofanc, unbelieving, schismatic, heretical •

THE CONSrillACY. .')3>

Fcr. if he the fire of one region should smother,
ile is sure to he scorched hy tlic flames of the other!
And this is the reason, jK'rhaps, why Saint (_ircfj;ory
(The I'ope, wiio reduced the stout Arians to l)egj;ary)
,\verrcd — (keep this counsel for ever before ye)
Uhat the lover on eartli has his sole purgaioryl

peroration.

I^et your minds then be wrapp'd in devout contemplation
Of the precepts convey'd by this grave exhortation;
Be loving, beloved, and never leave off — it's
The way to fulfil both the law and the prophets!

To return to Cricliton. Upon entering the grand salon tlic
Scot detached himself Irom jMargtieritc do Valois, and hastily re-
suming his mask, proceeded with a quick step in the direction of
the queen-mother. Catherine, at that moment, was engaged in
deep conference with the Due de Nevers, and the Scot was enabled
to approach her unpcrceived. Stationing himself behind a pillar,
his quick ear failed not to catch each Avord of their discourse,
though it was carried on for the most part in whispers.

" And the Due d'Anjou, you say, madame, alarmed at the dis-
covery of his letter contained in the missal, has quitted the Loitvre
without striking a blow?" said De Nevers.

" The moment I received your billet I despatched it to him by
a faithful messenger," returned Catherine. " Apprehensive of dis-
covery, he fled."

" Confusion!" muttered the duke; "his head was to have been
the price of m}' lieutenant-generalship. Henri will dare nothing
against the queen-mother."

"You are thoughtllil, Monsieur le Due," said Catherine, sus-
piciously.

" I am full of regret that our plot is defeated," replied De
Nevers.

"It is not uttcrJij defeated," answered the queen.
" Indeed !"

" What Anjou dared not do I will execute alone."
" You, madame?"

" Failing in my attempts upon the honesty of our incorruptible
Scot, I have found a harid as sure as his, and less reluctant. Holtl
your partisans in readiness, De Nevers. Henri dies to-night."

" And your majesty can fully rely upon the instriunent of your
will ?"

" Fully," replied Catherine; " he is a Spanish bravo, accustomed
to the use of the stiletto — and will not need to repeat the blow."
" 'Tis well," rejoined the duke — " and the signal?"
" Will be the king's assassination," said Catherine. " Mark
me, De Nevers. I will contrive that Henri and Crichton shall
enter the oval chamber together. The assassin is already posted
behind the arras. As the king passes he will strike. Do you and

336 CRICHTON.

your attendants rush in at tlie cry and despatch the Scot. Hew
him down witliout mercy. Henri's death will lie at his door."

" It shall be done, madame."

" Ah! here comes Du Halde. "We must scj)aratc.'"

Possessed of the plans of his enemies, Crichton hastened back lo
Marguerite dc Valois, who awaited his return with impatience.
" To the oval chamber, my queen," he said; " quick — quick."

"Wherefore?" demanded Marguerite.

" Henri's life is menaced by an assassin," replied Crichton. " I
must seek him, and apprise him of his danger."

" Henri is there already," returned ISIarguerite. " He has this
moment entered that chamber with Esclairmonde."

"Ha!" exclaimed Crichton, darting from her; "I maybe too
late to save him."

It will be necessary to return for a moment to the Princess of
Conde. After rejecting Henri's proposal in the disdainful manner
described, and in order to escape i'rom his further assiduities, Avhile
he lent an attentive ear to Brantome's homily, Esclairmonde re-
tired into the embrasure, and throwing open the window, stepped
forth upon the balcony. A terrible spectacle was presented to her
vicAV. in the midst of a bright and spiring flame which mounted
high in the still air of night, brilliantly illuminating a confused
mass of threatening figures, hung a black and shapeless object.
The princess turned aside in horror. Just then a loud exulting
roar arose from the multitude. The remains of the martyred
Chretien had dropped into the devouring element. Esclairmonde
heard no more. She fell, without sense, into the arms of Henri,
and, by his command, was instantly conveyed to the oval chamber.

When Crichton arrived at the doors of this chamber he found
them closed. Two huissiers stationed before them peremptorily
refused him admittance.

" Follow me," said Marguerite dc Valois; "I will show you a
secret entrance to the room."

Passing through a suite of apartments with the rapidity of
thought, Crichton and the queen reached a small ante-chamber,
in the corner of wliich, a suite of tapestry having been removed by
Marguerite, a masked door was disclosed. Another valve admitted
them to the oval chamber.

"Help!" exclaimed Henri, who, pursued by Caravaja with a
drawn dagger in his hand, flew in the direction of the sound —
" an assassin ! help !"

" Sangre di Dios ! I have missed my first blow," cried the
Spaniard, catchinir hold of Henri's mantle — " but this shall find
the way to thy heart, tyrant."

But as he uttered the words, the sword of Crichton passed
through his body, and he fell heavily upon the person of the king,
which he deluged with his blood.

" Crichton !" exclaimed Esclairmonde, aroused from her insensi-

THE CONSrilJAC Y. 3.37

bllity Ly ITciin's outcries; "all! Nvliat tlo I lulioM ? — tlic kin<'
assapsiniited !

"No, lair cousin," replied Herni, cxtricatinix liini^elt' with dilli-
culty I'roni the gripe, which death had not relaxed, ilxcd by the
Spaniard upon his cloalc. " The Virgin be praised, I have escaped
Avithout injury — though not without alarm. Chevalier Criehton,
let those doors be thrown open."

The command was obeyed; and the monarch. ])alo, trembling,
and covered with blood, was revealed to the general gaze. l>y his
. Ide stood Criehton with his dra\vn sword in his hand, still giving
ghastly evidence of the execution he had dune. Amid the uni-
versal consternation that prevailed, the voice of the Due do Nevers
was heard exclaiming —

" The king is mortally wounded — the assassin stands before us.
It is Criehton. Slay him ! Cut him in pieces;''

" Hold I" ejaculated Henri, checking the movement of this
faction. " I am unhurt, messieurs," he continued, addressing the
guard ; "I command you to attach the person of the Due de
Nevers, whom we accuse of leze-majeste and treason. — Madame,"
added he, turning to Catherine, " you will answer me on the same
charges."

" At once, and boldly, my son," replied the queen-mother.
" \ ou are deceived. The sole traitor stands by your side. I
will prove the Chevalier Criehton guilty of the crimes you have
imputed to me."

" Let Cosmo Ruggieri stand forth," said Criehton.

At this summons the astrologer forced his way through the
crowd.

" What hast thou to advance against me?" demanded the queen,
imperiously.

" That you have conspired against the life of the king, your son,
and against his crown," returned Ruggieri, firmly, " and that the
Due de Nevers is your accomplice. Will your majesty deign to
regard this scroll?"

" It is thine own condemnation, Ruggieri," said Henri, glancing
at the document; " thou art deeply implicated in this conspiracy."

" I deny it not," replied the astrologer; "let equal justice be
-dealt upon all who have betrayed you."

" Ruggieri," said the king, " thy doom is the galleys. De Nevers
shall lose his head. For you, madame," he added, looking at the
queen-mother, "I will reflect upon your sentence."

"1 am content," said Ruggieri, with a look of gratified revenge;
" one of these accursed Gonzagas will fall by my hands."

"Away with him," said Henri. "Chevalier Criehton," he
added, embracing the Scot, " you are my preserver, and henceforth
my brother. I have played the tyrant and the libertine long
enough. I will now endeavour to assume the part of the gencroua

338 CRICHTON.

monarch. The hand of the Princess of Conde is yours — ha! what
means this hesitation?"

" Sire! a greater obstacle than you liavc raised divides us," re-
plied Crichton; " our creeds are different."

'* What of that?" said Henri of Navarre, Avho had joined th.e
group; " Marguerite de Valois is a Catholic. I am a Protestant."

" An excellent example, certes," said Chicot, screaming with
laugliter.

" There is one favour which you can confer, sire, and -which I
can accept," said Crichton.

" Name it."

" The freedom of the King of Navarre."

" It is granted," replied Henri, " on condition tiiat he takes liis
queen with him."

" Excuse uie, sire," replied the Bourbon. " I have too much
consideration to separate her from the Admirable Crichton. Fair
cousin of Conde, you will accompany me. His majesty has pro-
mised you a fitting escort."

" I have," replied Henri; " but I would rather find her a fitting
husband."

" Crichton," said Esclairmonde, blushingly turning towards her
lover, " have I your dispensation if I break my vow?"

" From the bottom of my heart," replied Crichton, passionately.
" And I begin to find I am not so staunch a Catholic as 1 fancied
myself when I quitted Florent Chretien's cell."

" I would bo of any creed fur the woman I love," said the
Bourbon.

" And I," said Henri HI.

"Then no more need be said about the matter, ' cried Chicot,
" Let us send for a priest at once. He will remove every diffi-
culty. Points of faith are easily settled wb.crc love plays the
umpire."

APPENDIX.

DuuiNG Crichton's residence in Venice in tlie autunui of the vear
JoSO, when, as he himself has told us,

Dum procul a Patria Hadriaci propc litoia Ponti
Coiisedi,

vlien his eloquence had electrified tlie do^-e and the asscnihlcd sigiiorv —
■when he had disputed in ittrctnupie partem upon the suhtile doctrines of
tlic Thomists and Scotists (c< parte rei, et a parte moitis) with the learned
Padre Fianinia, e con molti altri valorosi prelati, m the presence of the
Cardinal Ludovico D'Este, the patron of Tasso, and the brother of
Alfonso II., Duke of Ferrara ; had discussed with the Greek tiieologians,
in the house of the Patriarch of Aquileia, the mysterious subject of the
procession of the Holy Ghost, overwhelming- liis opponents with the
weight of authorities which he adduced; had astonished the ready Italian
improvisatore by a faculty more wonderful than his own ; had confounded
the mathematician, the astrologer, and the cabalist ; had foiled the most
expert swordsman, and the most brilliant wit at their own weapons —
when his grace and beauty had captivated many a fair signora, and his
unequalled prowess in the revel and the masque had driven many a rival
g-allant to despair ; and when, at length, satiated with enjoyment, and
crowned with success, to escape from the enervating allurements of the
sea Phryne, he crossed her blue lagoons, and secluaed himself in: some
villa on the Brenta, to prepare for that final triumph which he was
destined so gloriously to achieve in the three days' disputation held in the
Chiesa San Giovanni e Paolo ; then it was, that Aldus Manutius,
prompted by his ardent admiration of the youthful Scot, or urged to the
task by the curiosity of his noble correspondent, furnished Jacomo Buon-
compagno, Duke of Sora, an eminent patron of men of letters, and bro-
ther to the reigning pontiff, Gregory XIII., with the following particulars
of the mostro de moslri.

Eklatione della qualita di Jacomo r>r Crettone faf(a da Aldo Manutio al
DncA DI SoRA Adix Otlobre, 1581.*

Lo ScozzESE detto Jacomo di Crettone iJ giovane di xx anni, finiti alli l!»
d'Agosto passato, grande di statura, di pel© bioiido, e d'aspetto bellissitno. Pos-
siede diece lingue, la latina piu bcHa et piu pronta di quella di Monsignore

* Relatione delle qualita di Jacomo di Cretone fatta da Aldo ^lanutio all
Illiistrimo ed eccelentissimo S. .Tacoino Bonconipa<;no Duca di Sora e Govcr.
Gen. di S. C. In Venegia, M.DLXXXI Appresso Aldo.

z 2

340 APPENDIX.

Moretto,* la Franccse ed Italiami in ccTcllenza, la Grcca bellissima e "G fa
fl)if;rammi, I'llebrca, la CaKiea, la Si)atimiola, la FiameiiKa, In.urlc'sa, Scnzzcsa, e
iiiteiide la TcJcsca. I'ossicde Filosofia, Theologia, MatlietTiatica, ed Astrolojiia.
e ticne tutti i calcoli fatti sin ad \wu;si per falsi. Di Filosofia e Theologia lia
disi)Utato i)iu volte in qucsta Citla con li jirinii letterati di quosta jjrofcssione con
Btupore di tutti. Ila iiert'ettissinia cognitione della Cabala, e di niemoria tale clie
lion sa she cosa sia il (linionticarsi ed ogiii oratione udita da lui reeita a parohi
per parola. Fa versi all' iniproviso di tutti li nietri, e di tutte le materie A'ulgare
e latiue e no i'a improvise e belle. Kagiona di cose di stato con fondaniento.
Cortegiano con niaraglivi e gratissinio nelle consnltatioui, soldato a tutta botta. e
ha sjieso due anni in Franeia alia guerra con carico assai honorato; salta e balla
per eccellenza; armcggia e giuoca d'ogni sorta d'arnii e ne ha fatto qui la prova;
maneggialorc aggarbato di cavalli, giostratore singolare, di sani:ue nobile anzi jkt
luadre Kcgale Stuardo.f 11a disputato con greci in casa del Nuntio e del I'a-
triarca d'AquiL'la in materia deUa jjroccsf^ione del Spirito Santo con grande ap-
jilauso e con grandissinia copia d'autorita de Dottori e consigli come Aristotele e
coninientatori alle mani recitando le facciate intiere non che Ic righe greche. Sa
tutto S. Tbomaso, Scoto, Tiiomisti e Scotisti a inente, e disputa in utramque
])arteni, il che ha fatto feliceniente I'altio giorno col Fadre Fiamma, e con niolti
altri valorosi Prelati alia presenza di Monsignore lllustrissinio il Cardinale da
Estc. Volse il Patriarca e la Signora udirlo e ne restorono maravigliosi e stupe-
fatti; da S. Serenita fu preniiato di vi(H) scudi. In sonmia e niostro de inostri, c
tale che niolti udendo cosi fatte qualitii in un sol corpo benissimo proportionato e
lontano dalla malinconia fanno di nudte chiincre. llieri si ridusse fuori in villa,
per stendere due inila conclusioni le quali in tutte le perfettiono vole niantcnere
qui in Venetia nelle Cliiesa di S. Giovan e Paolo; fra due mesi tutto in mondo
corre per udirlo.

Tliere is oiilv one perplexing- point about tliis letter; and if I could
follow my Uncle Toby's advice to Corporal Trim, and ''leave out tbe
(lofe entirely," mucb tedious speculation migbt be spared. For tbe
genuineness of tbe edition in my possession — that it is actually, as its
title states, appresso Aldo — I cannot voucb. Counterfeits of the pro-
ductions of this celebrated press are too numerous and too skilful to suffer
me to hazard such an assertion. But at all events it is, beyond doubt, a
fac-simile of tbe original. Obtained from Milan, my copy consists of a few
leaves, yellow with age, witb tbe device of tbe elder Aldus on the title-page,

* The fonious Marcus Antonius !Muretus, the friend of the IManutii, and cue
<if tlie most proicund scholars of his day. He was succeeded in the Koman
chair of philosophy by tlie younger Aldus. The wonderful skill of j\Iuretus in
Latin versification will readily be conceived when it is stated that he pahucd
certain scenes of bis own composition upon the learned Joseph Scaliger as frag-
ments of two ancient comic writers, Attius and Trabea, which that great philu-
logist unhesitatingly introduced into his edition of Terentius Varro.

■\ Compare the above description with the following passage from the "Dedica-
tion to the Paradoxes of Cicero," subsequently jiulilislied by Aldus: — "Magna
sunt ista profecto, et inaudita. mcdiocria tamen, si cetera spectemus; quod,
.scilicet deccm linguarum, mnltorum idiomatum, omnium disciplinarum cog-
nitionem ante vigessimum prinuim a^tatis annum, sis adeptus; et digladiandi,
saltandi, onuiium gymnasticarum excrcitationuni, et cquitamii studia, tanta cum
alacritate ingenii, aniniique humanitatc, ni.ansuctudinc, et facilate conjunxcri.s, ut
nihil to adnnrabilius reperiri ]iossit. Sed non innunierabiles vita; tua; transacta;
laudcs; non mirificam illam coram Serenissimo Principe ac Illustrissimis Ycneta;
Eeipublica; proccribus actionem; non subtilissimas tuas de Theologia, plulo-
sophia et rebus jNIatbcniaticis, disputationes in plerisque maximorum hominuni
ciinccssibus, reccnsebo; non tantorum hominum ad te videndum concursum, ut
olim I'latoni a Sicilia revertenti, relicto Olympico spcctaculo, tota Atheniensium
celebritas occurrissc fertur; cum te omnes, signo ruboce Kosa;, quod tibi natura
circa dextru'm lumen impressit, taniquara unicani et raram in terris avcm,
homines cognosccrent."

APPENDIX. 3U

anil purports to have been printed '^ in V'cnpgia, M.DLXXXI." The
memoir is not mentioned by lleiiouard ; nor is it inchi(l«'d in the small
quarto volume of tlie letters of Aldus Manutius, publisliod at Home,
none of which, as Dr. Black observes (for I have not seen tlie coHection).
is written prior to I080. Havintj premised thus mucli, I shall procee'
with my reasons for the emendation of the date, which, I conceive,
shouUl be the teutk of October, loSO, not 81. From another contem-
porary authority (:v manuscript chronicle cited by Serassi, the writer of
which evidently derived liis information from Aldus) we learn that
Crichton reached Venice '■'■nel mese d'Agoslo del loSO." Coupling-
this intellig-ence with the final passage of the Relatione, ^^ Jra due mesi
tutfu iiinnndo corre per udirlo," we have tlie exact period of his arrival
and departure, and my Ijypothesis is confirmed. He remained in Venice
two months. And liere 1 may note that tlie Affiche (tlie date of which
is I08O) is made, owing to its faulty punctuation, to announce to the
learned world that Crichton's disputation in tlie Church of Saint John
and Paid would take place wit/ii/i tivo months ; whereas we are expressly
told by Aldus .Manutius, who was not only the adviser, but a spectator,
of tliis memorable controversy, that it commenced on the day of Pen-
tfccist. l.>81. Aldus, indeed, seems to refer to some such panegyric as
this Heldtione, when he states in the " Dedication to the Paradoxes of
Cicero," " nunc vero etiant Icetor, toil Italice, et orbi fortasse terrarum
■nniverun perspectum esse jndicinin de te nieiun, kt ea quae CUM Hic
VKM.SSKS SCKIPTIS COMMENDAVI ;" and mark what follows, '■'• qucc tihi
■ipsi, (ic nonnuilis acerrimis censoribus, aspira atque injucunda vidi-
hantnr. Nmn, licet tiini amorem nialui ostendere, quamprudentiani,
nunc anibo, cum amicis tiiis, turn inimicis, si qui cunpUus tarn feri atquc
inliumani rcperiuntur, manifesta sunt, post(jiia)n Inu virtus tarn durum
sui spleudorem diffudit." Influenced by a desire to serve his friend, the
greit printer may have allowed his letter to the Duke of Sora to be
widely circulated, and perhaps connived at its publication by the brothers
Guerra, for which injudicious zeal he appears to have incurred the cen-
sure, as well of the high-minded object of his adulation, as of those
envious detractors, which a celebrity like tliat of Crichton was certain to
awaken. That Dr. Black, after a careful investigation of the collected
letters of Aldus, could only discover this solitary passage, which he
thinks may relate to Crichton — " Sa V, S. Itlustrissima, die io sempre
functus sum qffieio rutis, o deve ricordarsi dello Scuzzese, il quale (fode
la benignitd, e liberalita di cotesta Republica, favorilo anche da lei, die
si tnosse e per favorir lui, e per obligar 7«e" — proves nothing. Aldus
might not probably desire to introduce his letter to Buoncompagno in a
volume containing a similar eulogy on the Polish Crichton, Stanislaus
Niegossevio, addressed to the same nobleman.

It follows, from what has been advanced, that upon the validity of the
evidence afforded by Aldus Manutius — whether considered as the author
or originator of the Affiche, the Relatione, the " Manuscript Chro-
nicle," or the '• Dedication to the Paradoxes" (for they are one and the
same thing), rests Crichton's claim to that glorious epithet by which he
has since been distinguished. His mighty intellectual powers are attested
by Astolfo and Scaliger ; but his universal accomplishments and personal
graces are recorded by Impeiialis, Dempster, David Buchanan, Johnston,

342 APPENDIX.

and other later writers on tlio testimony of Aldus.* And that testunony,
notwithstanding; it has heen impugned by Doctors Kippis and Black, has
been satisfactorily shown by Mr. Fraser Tytler to be unimpeachable.

If any proof, indeed, were wantiui^ of the sincerity of Aldus's affection
for, and admiration of, his friend, it would be found in the followinjj
pathetic lament, which (deceived by a false rumour of Crichton's death)
he inscribed to his memory : —

Aldus Manutius to tiik Memoky of Jame-s Crichton.
'• O Crichton, it is just that praise sliould attend thy memory, since wo have
heen deprived of thee by an untimely ileath! Who is tliere that did not admire
tlieein life? M'ho that does not mourn thee dead? While alive, the jitdu'neut I had
formed of thy merits was rn;/ honour and advantnge; and now that thou art no more,
mij ifrief is immeasurable. Woulil to (iod thou wert yet alive, and that tliis fatal
land (though the native country of Virgil) had never possessed thee! For such
has heen our wretched destiny, that the same land which to him gave birth,
should in this latter year deprive thee of life {uhis, in tin/ twenti/second year, a
span of ('.ri.stence, though sujjici/jiit for fhi/ (/Ion/, yet too short for us). For ever shall
F revere thy memory! For ever shall thy imago be present to my eyes! To me
thou wilt ever be the same, ever cherished in my heart, as in tlie affections of all
worthy men! God grant that tliy lot above may be the consummation of
heavenly felicity, as on earth thou wert ever attached to what was of heavenly
origin, and ever em])loyed in the contemplation of such objects. O melanclioly
day, the third of .July ! This to thee I write, from this melimcholy sojourn on
eiirtli. to that lieavcniy habitation, \rith my eitrnest prayer for every blessing to
■thy spirit."!

The date of this afFectionate tribute is the 4th of November, loSo: it
IS prefixed to the Aldine edition of " Cicero de Universitate." I mention
these cix'cumstances because they are important to the consideration of
two inedited poems of Crichton, which have falleu into my hands, to
•which I shall now proceed.

I do not know how I can better introduce the subject than in the
Avords of Mr. Tytler. " Serassi," says this gentleman, J "an author of
iiigh character for accuracy, asserts that he has amongst his miscellanies
lui ' Epiccdion,' written on the death of the Cardinal and Saint, Charles
Jiorromeo, by James Crichton, a Scotsman, and printed the very day
after his death. Serassi copies the title of this ' Epicedion' verbatim,
•and evidently mn<t have had it before him when he wrote the passage.
All supposition of mistake upon his part is thus nearly precluded. The
•coincidence of the two names. Jacobus Critonius, the additional appella-
tive Scotus, and the circumstance that the elegy was written, printed,
and published the day after the death of the cardinal, fi.Kes the poem upon
James Crichton of Cluny ; as the improbability of the supposition that

* It may be curious to glance ac the different terms of eulogy applied to
< Crichton by various authors. liy Aldus ISlanutius, in the lielatione and the
Affiche, he is styled "7nostro de mostri ;" by the same writer, in the " Dedication
to the Paradoxes of Cicero," " unlcam ct raram in terrvi avcm ;" and in the address
prefixed to the " Dialogue de Amicitid," " divinam plane juvenem ;" by Astolfi, "-maslro
maraviglioso ;" by Imperialis, '■'■sacnlimonstrum — orbisphamix — danwnium proysus ;"
by Scaliger, '■^ingenium prodigiosum ;" by Bocalini (satirically), " ilporfento di natura;"
by Kotinus, " Pho'nix Critonius ;" by lionconius, " Ingenio Phtinix ,•" by Dempster,
'• miraculum orbls ;" by Johnston, •'■omnibus in studiis admirabilis ;' by Abernethy,
^^.luvenis incomparabilis ;" and by Sir Tiiomas Urquhart he was first entitled,
*• Tme Admirable Cuicuton."

t This translation appears in Dr. Black's " Life of Tasso." It was furnished
by Lord Woodhouselee.

J Life of Crichton, pp. 211-12 13 Second edition.

APPENDIX. 343

there should liave been another Scotsman of the name of James Crlch-
ton in Italy, in the year 1584, possessed of the same remarkable facility
in poetical composition, is quite apparent. And lastly, the subject on
which this elegy was composed, renders any error almost impossible.
Had it been a poem on any indifferent subject, or a prose work relating
to any disputed point in physics or in morals, we might have been allowed
to conjecture that the date 1584 was erroneous; but the death of the
cardinal, Charles Borromeo, fixes us down to a certain time. An ' Epi-
cedion' on this venerable character could not have been written anterior
to the year 1584. On the one hand, therefore, we have Aldus, Impe-
rialis, and all his succeeding biographers, fixing the death of Crichton to
the year 1582 or 1583; on the other hand, we have it asserted, that the
Admirable Crichton, on the 4tli of November, 1584, composed an ' Epi-
cedion' on the Cardinal Borromeo. On which side the truth lies, must
be left for future writers to discern."

To this I answer by producing the " Epicedion" in question.

Epicedium Illustrissimi et Kevekendibsimi Cardinalis Caroli Borom.ei, ab
Iacodo Critonio Scoto, rogatu Clarissimi, Summaque in optimum Fasto-
REM SLUM pietate, viri, Ioannis Antonii Magh JNIediolanem. Proximo
post ohitl'm die exaratioi. De Consensu Superiorum. [Medioi^ani. Ex.
tvpographia raciflci pontij. m ulxxxiii.]

Hcu pulla claniydc, et scissis Elegia capillis

I'rudeat, ct calamus Kgloga nacta nigros.
Nox erat, et nioestas agitabani pcctore curas,

Iloraque nic noctis tertia vexat atrox.
Miilla datur ivquies; sed mens insaiia vagatur

iSenipor, et objuetis horrct imaginibus.
Ast tandem soro declinant lumino soiiino,

Et (dolor) obrcpunt somnia dira mihi.
Xamque fretuni iiigrcssus portu prodire vidcbar,

Quique rutein regoret Navita nullus erat.
Ilic Epbyre, Drymo, Cydippe, Glaiicia, Doris,

Xanthia, Cymodoce, Lysis et Opis craiit.
IIa3c velut in gyrum duplicate poplite iertiir,

llcmigat lituc pcdibus, noc resupina jacet.
Intonat horrisoiio Ccelum se murmure misceiis,

Hini! Notus, liinc lioreas, Africus inde ruiiut.
Involuere diem nubes, ca>ca3que tenebrK

Iiisurgunt, et nox ingruit atra salo.
Deficit eximio spoliata carina Magistro,

Atquc procellosis ingemit icta noiis.
Extimiii, steteruntquc coma^, et timer occupat artus,

Proli dolor, en veris sonuiia mixta noto.
Pro stupor, Arctois ptTcgrinus Scotus ab oris,

Nauclerum Latii dufleo jure piuni.
Flute Viri, lugete senes, discindite vultus

O pueri, lieu juvenes imbre rigate gcnas.
Stridulus cmissis curtatim ululatibus atlier

Horreat, et finem non liabeant gemitns.
' Quales cum Troi;c jam turn Fortuna labaret,

Iliades scisso crine dedere Niirus.
Kc me:i suspensum tencant to mttra, bcnigne

Lector, C'liristigemc Navita, puppis liic est.
Carolus Insubri lionoji.EUS sanguine cretus,

Cui virtus claro stemmate major erat.
Carolus atcrno Borom.eus Numine lultus.

Et misera? gentis dux loret ille sua'.

344 APPENDIX.

Noil prccc, non protio, non vi sed coelitus aliuuna,

lllius texit jjurpurii sacra caput,
Wcntciiue perpetua Cliristuin spc-ctabat Iesvm,

I'urpureos inter fjloria suiiima I'atrcs.
Non alitor riuiini vfl radiis solaribus ajther

Cyntliia vt.1 bigis nox taciturna suis.
Scilicet Insubros vitioreiii mole ruentes,

Erexit prwsul dexteritate plus.
Krectdsiiue nianu valida fulcivit Kpliebus,

t'uiituiiit ct sacra Helligione scelus.
lluiic Deus elcjiit solidiu pietatis alumnum,
L't niagniis i)atriaj splendor ubique foret.
Ssepiiis ilje lioinines media de niorte recepit,

Quum pestis late serperet atra Lues.
Ille J)ei classeai remis, velisque carentcni

Instituit me<lio Fortius ire freto.
Kt licet extinctus sit corpore nomine vivit,

Cujus fania nitent pulsat utrunique puluiiu
Jn quo virtutes fixere sedilia cuncta-,

De vitiisque ferunt alta tropliaca Deo.
Integritas aninii, i)lacid()que niodestia vultu^

Et nullis probitas coutemerata nialis.
Desi)ectu-que sui, legis respectus avita',
Providus, et casto plenus amore timor
Factis culta fides, non solis luniea verbis,

Sed supero accensas quas dat ab igne faces. t

Aures nobiiibus mites priebebat; egenis

Consuluit pariter uobilis ille parens.
Ergo non alio fas est hune nomine dici.

Quam sua, quo, pietas nota sit, atque fides.
Sic virtute sua clarus, nee carmine nostro,

Laude nee alterius clarior esse potest.
Hand equidem varios cristalliiui globa colores

Tot dabit, liie niorum (juot simulachra nitent,.
Et tamen (o Pietas) vitales exuit auras,

Et codH proprias itque reilitque vias.
Elieu nil valuit fugientein sistere vitani,

Ab nil morte bomini ceitius esse patet.
Ilia niMlis requiem, nietamque laboribus afltrt,

Onmiaque alternas constat babere vices.
Sic j)luvialis byems, Zepbyro sitirante reeedit.

Sic j)ia nauclerus pra'mia vester liabet.
Admonet ecce Deus, Deus a,'tliere missus ab alto^

Currat ut in portus tuta carina suos.
Interea Pra'sul visit j)ia fana Varalhe,
Ut pra'sagus olor faia subire parans.
Suncte, quern dederat, cursum Natura peregit,

Molliter ossa cubant, spiritus astra colit.
Quern nunc felicem, terris iiela-ioque relictis,
Eatidico ceeinit Delpbicus ore Deus.*

* A free translation of tbis Elegy will be found in tbe following page. A
copy alluded toby M. Eyries (tbe writer of tbe article on " Crichton" in tbe liiog.
Univcrsette) is preserved in tbe liibliotbeque du Hoi at Paris, of wbich I liavc pro-
cured a transcript, agreeing in all respects with another impression obtained from
Milan«

Ari'ENDIX. $4*^

'Spfcctiium :

CARDINAL CAHLO BORKOMEO

(N'iili black fuiKreul robe, nnil tresses sliorn,
OVrwheliiied with Kiic-t', sad Elej;v" aiJjiears;

Ami bv her side, sits Eciuga forlorn,

liloltiiig each line she traces with Iier tears

II.

'Twas niuht ! — loiij^ ponderinii on my secret woea^
The third hour broke u[)on my vigil lone ;

Far Iroin my breast had sorn^w chased repose.
And tears presagetul threatened ills uuknowa.

III.

Slumber, at length, my heavy eyelids scaled;

Tlie selt-same terrors seared me as I slept .
Portentous dreams events to come revealed,

And o'er my couch fantastic visions swept.

IV.

L'pon the shoreless sea methought I sailed,
No helmsman steered the melancholy barque;

Around its sides the i)itying Nereids wailed,

Cleaving with snow-white arms the waters dark.

C'ydippe. doliihin-bornc, Epliyra fair,

And Xanthia leave their halcyon-haunted caves,.
With Doris and Cymodece t(> share

The nutddening strife of storm-awaken'd waves

VI.

Drawn, unresisting, where the -whirling gyre
Vexes the deep, the ship her prow inclines;

Wliile. like a pharos' gleam, the lightning's fire
Over the raging vortex redly shines.

VII.
Mix'd with the thunder's roar that shakes the skie3»

Notus and Africus and Boreas sound ;
Black wreathing clouds, like shadowy legions, rise.

Shrouding the sea in midnight gloom profound.

VIII.

Disabled, straining, by the tempest lashed,
Rett of her storm-tried helmsman's guiding hand.

The vessel sinks 1 — amid the surges dashed,
Vainly I struggle — vainly cry for land!

IX.

Alas! stern truths with dreams illusive meet !

Latium the shii)wreck of her hopes deplores !
The pious leader of the Insubrian fleet

1 mourn— a wandering Scot from Nortnem shores I

346 APriiNLMx.

Weep, youths ! weep, asjeJ men . weep I rend your hair t

Ix't j'our wild phiiiits be on tlie breezes tost I
Weep, virgins I matrons! till your loud despair

Outbraves her chiklren"s wail for Ilion lost I

xr.

In tliat wreek'd barque the Ship of Christ behold!

In its lost chief the Cardinal divine,
Of princely Lombard race;* whose worth untold

Kclipsed the lofty honours of liis line.

xir.

Ills sutiering countrymen to rule, sustain,

By the All-wise was Borhomeo given ;
And he, who stoop'd not dignity to gain,f

Derived his high investiture from heaven.

xiir.

fJright as tlie sun o'er all pre-eminent.

Or Cyniliia glittering from her st;ir-girt tlirone.
The saintly Chahles, on truths sublime intent,

Amid the purple hierarcliy shone.

XIV.

The Christian fleet, devoid of helm and sail, 7
He mann'd and led where roughest billows roll ;

And, though no more, liis virtues wide jirevail.
Their sacred influence spreads from pole to pole.

XV.
His, was the i)rovidence that all foresees.

His, the trust placed, unchangeably, above
His, strict observance of his sires' decrees,

Ra2)t adoration, and fear-chasten'd love.

XVI.

The faith in practice, not profession, sliown,

Which borrows all its glory from on high
Was his : — nor did his holiness, alone.

Consist in outward forms of sanctity.

* Saint Carlo Eorromeo was born at Arona, near the Lago Maggiore, the love-
liest of Italian lakes, on the 2nd of October, 1338. His family was, and still con-
tinues to be, the most illustrious in Lombardy. It derives, however, its proudest
distinction from its connexion with the virtuous cardinal and his exalted nephew
Frederigo, whose sublime character has been of late so exquisitely portrayed by
Manzoni. If ever man deserved canonisation, it was the subject of this elegy,
whose whole life was spent in practices of piety ; and wiiose zeal, munificence,
Avisdom, toleration, and beneficence, have conferred lasting benefits on his creed
and country.

+ He was made Cardinal and Archbishop in his twenty-third year by his uncle,
Pius VI., who had resigned several rich livings to him twelve years before.
— EusT.\CE. Classical Tour throiujli Ilahj.

X Borromeo found the diocese of Milan in the most deplorable state of disorder.
But with a vigorous and unsparnig hand he reformed all ecclesiastical abuses—
" C'est ainsi," observes M. Tabauraud, the writer of his life in the Biog. Uni-
versclle, "que I'Eglise de Milan, tonibee dans ime espece d'anarchie depuis quartre-
vingts ans que ses archeveques n'y rc'sidaient pas, recjut en peu d'anne'es cette
forme admirable qui, par la vie toute angelique de son clerge', la rendit le modele
de toutes Ics autres Egliscs. Taut de reformes ne purent se faire sans de
grands obstacles, qu'il surnionta par sa fermetc', sa patience et son imper-
turbable charite'."

APPENDIX. J-i;

xvir.

A willing ear unto the nobly-horn,

Nobler himself, he ne'er refused to yield;
Nor, Jesus' meek disciple, did he scorn

Tlie humble prayer that to his heart appealed.*

XVII r.

Can no remenibranoe dearer than his name

Bequeathed us, link his memory with the earth

Nor can my praise adil lustre to his fame —
Proud heritage of unexampled worth If

XIX.

When o'er his desolated city fell

The livid plajjue's inexorable breath ;
Oft, in the hizzaretto's tainted cell.

Fervent, he prayed beside the couch of ileath.J

XX.

As through the fane tlie p:ile procession swept, []

Before its shine lie bent in lowliest wise ;
Imploring heaven, in mercy, to accept

His life, for them, a willing sacrifice.

xxr.

"Wlien from the assassin's arm the bullet s])et1.

He blench'd not, nor his deep devotions stopt ;
"■ Jh not (lismai/'d in hcurt!''- — the anthem said.
He rose — the bullet from his vestment dropt !§

* So unbounded was Borromeo's charity, that lie sold his principality of Oria,
and distributed the proceeds amongst the poor.

t The private virtues of Saint Charles, that is, the qualities which give truo
sterling value to the man, and sanctify him to the eyes of his Creator — I mean
humility, self-conmiand, temperance, industry, prudence, and fortitude — were not
inferior to liis public endowments. His table was for his guests; his own diet was
confined to bread and vegetables ; he allowed himself no amusement or relaxation,
alleging that the variety of his duties was in itself a sufficient recreation. His
dress and establishment were such as became his rank, but in private he dispensed
with the attendance of servants, and wore an under dress, coarse and common ;
his bed was of straw; his repose short; and in all tiie details of life he manifesteil
an utter contcmjit of personal ease and indulgence. — Eustack.

J During a destructive pestilence he erected a lazzaretto, and served the for-
saken victims with his own hands. — Eustace.

II The incidents described in this and the following stanza do not occur in the
original. As, however, they appear necessary to complete the picture of the holy
Primate's career presented by the poem, I have ventured upon tlus introduction.
These actions, as well as his heroic devotion to the plague- stricken in the lazza-
retto, mentioned in the preceding verse, form subjects for part of the eight
magnificent silver bas-reliefs which adorn the vaulted roof of the gorgeous
subterranean cliapcl in the Duoino at Milan, where the body of tlie Saint reposes
enshrined amid '' barbaric pearl and gold." During the period of the plague,
Borromeo was indefatigable in his exertions to arrest the terrible calamity.
•• Cherchant," says M. 'j'abauraud, ";i dc'sarmer la coKre du ciel jiar des proces-
sions gc'ne'rales, auxquelles ilassistait nu-pieds, l;i cordeau cou, les yeux fixes sur
son crucifix, qu'il arrosait de ses larmes, en x'offraut a Dieu comme une vktiine dc
propitiation pour les pecltes de son peiip/e!"

§ The ecclesiastical reformation effected by Saint Charles met. ns was natural,
with considerable opposition on the ])art of the corrupt and disorderly i)riesthood,
and he became the object of their bitterest animosity. " Les plus opijosc's li la
reforme," writes M. Tabauraud ; "susciterent un frere Farina, qui sl' posta a
rentrc'e de la chapelle archiepiscopale, ou le Saint I'rc'lat faisait sa j)riure avec
toute sa maison • et, au moment ou Ton chantait cette antienne : Non tmbttur cor

348 APPKNDIX.

XXII.
Not ill tlie prism more varied hues reside,

Tliiiii l)ri>;hl I'xamples in iiis course are traced.—
Alas 1 liis l()iiy;er sojourn liere denied,

His guiding star is from its sphere effaceil.

xxiir.

Alas 1 lit'e's ebliing tide no hindrance knows!

With man is notliin:^ certain but to die !
Mortality, alone, iircsents a close

Innnntable, 'rail mutability.

XXIV.

As, in so(ne stream remote, the swan expires.

Breathing, unheard, her fate-foreboding strain,
So tlie declining Cardinal retires

To steep Vuraila's solitary fane.*

XXV.

Like the fair flower that sjirings from winter's crust,
Lombards ! your Primate bursts his earthly chains ;

Ami, in bis Father's mansion with the Just,
A portion and iidicritance obtains. f

XX vr.

Within his chosen tomb calm may he sleep IJ

Beatified, aloft, his spirit soars I
While Virtue's loss irreparable, deep.

With reverential grief the Muse deplores.

The autlieiiticity of tliis poeni cannot for an instant be disputed. It
bears the stiong'est internal evidence of emanating from the same mindi

reshiim iic<pie foniiidef, I'assassin, e'loigne sculement de cinq ou si.x jias, tire imi
coup d'aniuebuse sur Saint Charles, a genoux devant I'autel. A ce bruit, le
iihant cesse, la consteruatiiai est ge'nc'rale ; le Saint, sans s'emouvoir, fait signe de
continuor la priere : il se croyait cependant blesse mortellement. et oHrait :i Dieu
le sacrifice de sa vie. L(t priirc finie, il sc relere, et roit tomber a ses pi'eds Id balli:
qit'on lui a rail tin'e dans le dos, et. qui navait fait qiieffleurer son rochet.'* — Biog.
Universellk. 'J'he holy primate endeavoured, inetfeeiually, to preserve Farin;i
and the instigators of his crime from the punishment they merited. They were
jiut to death, and I'ius VI. dissolved the order (Crli [Iniili) to which they belonged.

* The jNIonastery of Monte Varalla is situated in the Piedmontese states, near
the banks of tlie Sesia. 'J'hither Saint Charles retired immediately previous to
his dissolution, attended only by his confessor, the Jesuit Adorno, — and returned'
thence to Milan in a dying state. " Franciscum Adoriium Societatis Jesu iiluriini
fecit (jui cum in extremo vita? (uirriculo per dies plurimos. quo tempore in Monte
Varallo meditatioiiibus se tutum tradiderat Caroms ah ejus latere innKiuam
discesserit." — Caroli Cardin. liorromiri Vita — Valeria. Axtoine Godkai', Bisliup
of Gra.sse, who has written the life of the ilhistrious I'riniate, gives the followiiiii
jiarticulars of his nudancholy visit to the Monastery : — " Kncorc que toute la vie-
de Saint Ciiaiu.ks fust uiie retraite meiitale, toutefo's il avait accoutume' d'en
fairc une locale tons les ans en (luelqiie monastere tcarte', ou il employoit quel-
ques jours pourfaire une revue severe de sa vie, et jiour prendre un nouvel es[)rit
e zele et de pie'te'. Avant que de s'en retourner ii Milan, il voulut passer air
Mont Varalle, doiit nous avons parle, et y faire ses exercices." — Vie de S. <Jh
liorromee. Liv. II. Cli. dernier. M. Mklmn, in his Voi/aye dans le Milanaix, de-
scribing the mountain oratory of Varese, observes : — *' Un va de la a Varalle, oit
les Ilistoires de I'Ancien et du Nouveau-Testament sont figurees dans cinquantc-
deux chapelles."

t The earthly pilgrimage of Saint Charles terminated on the 4th of November,.
1584, at the age of forty-six years. He was canonized by Paul V. in 1610.

% " Cujiiens hoc loco sibi nionumep*um vivens elegit." — Epitaph inscrihvd npott
Hurromeo' s tomb by h is own desire.

APPENDIX. 349

tliat conceived tlic Ajipiihus ad Venctam : and the vcvata rjnccsfio so
lung agitated, as to Ciielitou's having survived the perilous Nones of
.Inly may be now considered finally settled. As an extemporaneous
etrusion (and its author tivice intimates tiiat it is to be so esteemed), it
must be allowed to be a remarkable production. Its versification is
singularly fiuent and harmonious; and it breathes a spirit of tender
melancholy perfectly in unison with the subject. It was dashed off' at
a heat, at the request of a friend, with its writer's characteristic rapidity;
and, if we should fail to discover passages of such transcendent beautv
as might be expected from a genius of au order so liigh as that of
Crichton, wo must bear in mind the disadvantageous circumstances
under which, in all probability, it was composed. The grief of the
vouthful Scot w).=^ I am persuaded, no poetic fiction. Be this as it
niMv. bis reputation will suffer no diminution from tlie connexion of this
•• M[iiccdi()n" with his name.

Faiiiigt'ras itoruin Critonius exit in auras
Et volat ingcuio docta per ora virum.

Not only, liowever, Avas Crichton alive in November, lo84 — not oidy
on the death of the divine Borromeo did lie pour forth his elegiac
strains ; but in the succeeding month we have further proof of his ex-
istence and unabated poetical powers in the following congratulatory
address, with which he celebrated the induction of Caspar Visconti to
the archiepiscopal see of Milan.

Jacobi Critonh Scoti ad amplissimum ac revkrexdissijium virum Gas-
i'arem vickcomiteji* suimma ojinidjr oruinum volcntate, ad pr^eclaram
ARcniEPiscoPATUs ]\Iediola>'en. Administrationem, delectum.

GRATULATIO.f

Prinms in Exequiis ferali carmine Scotiis

Pastoris dolui funera mcesta pii.
I'^iiiiera nioesta pii Boito.M.i;! Prajsulis all a!i,

Deplanxit tristi nostra Thalia stylo.
Aspice post iiiinbos, nitidum qiiam siepe rcducat

Voctus Lucifcro Cyntliius axe, diem.
Naincjue salo pridem Navis spoliata .Magistro,

^lore poetarum, fluctibus obruitur.
San'it liyenis, venti ingeminant striduntque rudente?,

•SoUcitoque tremunt corda pavore virum.
Nee i-pc'S iiUa fuit melior, quin deficit omnis

Xaucleri posito, turba, niagisterio.
Nee quicquam nisi vota facit divosqiio deasque

Orat, ut affliciis rebus adesse vclint.
Tanta sed ictcrni fuerit dementia Patris

Ut non liumanas deseruisset opes.
Sic pelagi tandem compescuit ^Eohis :cstus,

Atque ruluctantes tra.xit in antra Notes.

* Caspar Visconti, a prelate eminent for learning and piety (though thrown
nito the shade by the superior sanctity of his immediate precursor and successor.
Saint CUiarles, and Freilerick Horromeo) was api)ointcd to the archbi.shopric of
ZMilan, on the 29lh of November, and consecrated during the ides of J)ecembcr,
l.")S4 ( Vide Saxii iicrics Arcliic/jic. Mil. Turn. III.'), the period when Crichton's con-
gratulatory poem was published. A translation of the address will be found iu
the ensuing page.

t Mediolani. Ex. TypogrujiJiia Pcici/ici I'ontii, iLDLXXXIII.

350 APPENDIX.

Kt caput excruit formosior requorc Titan,

lUuxit votis iiiille i)ftita dies.
KcfC vt'lut fulgur media quod nocte coriiscat.

Alter adest prajstaiis navita pujjpis, lb.
C'lijus oi)es niajjnas, virtus et iiloria I'.nge
Kxuperant, Imjus nou levis urbis uouor.
liostra liota?,* Konia-, recta, ratioue rolabat,

Kiiiianiique ratem relligione ret;et.
Colloquii) pr.Tsens prassenteni deniciue novi,

Seiisibus injecit qui pia vincla meis.
I'ra'sule ter felix o nunc Insubria tali,

luclyta cui virtus cernitur esse parens.
Quein pro{)riis idtro tendentcni lau(iil)us, oniues

llt)c norunt sacrum prumeruisse jubar.
Currite jam cives, dignis ornate lapillis,

Nobilc, facundum, conspicuumque caput.
Exojjtatus ades patriaj rectorque paterque
Gaspaii praesignis nomine reque Comes.
Quid potuit mocstfe contingere Iwtius Urbi?

Qui suavi pasces pectora nostra cibo.
Particijies hujus concurruut undique gentes

LaHitia;, et cura est omnibus una tui,
Deponunt luctus, et te succedere gaudent,

JS'am cui succedis non iatet orbe viros.
llluui Sarmaticus Boreas, et Caucasus asper

Protulerit, Charites qui neget ore tuas.
Magnanimum sydus, tu gloria splendor avorum,

Tu generis columeu, portus et aura tui.
Integritas morum, pietas, facundia, virtus,

Alusa, tibi probitas, dexteritasque placent.
Eelligione Numain, antiquum gravitate Catonem,

Augustum illustrem nobilitate refers,
nine te Gregorius, sunnni qui Numinis instar,

Clavigera, reserat regna beata, manu.
Eximio magnus donavit munere Pastor,
Ut tegat emeritas sacra Tiara comas.
Auguriis sibi quisque animum felicibus iuiplct,

Exoptat longos, et tibi quisque dies.
Critonius Scotis ArctoaB iu finibus orse

Progenitus, Gasi'ar, gratulor ccce tibi,
Sis felix, carmenque iiieum lege fronte serena,
Gaudebit, Prcesul, Musa lavore tuo.

CIJ ID :XXC1V. y. Idus Decembna.

^0 Gnspar Fisconti.

When her fair land with grief o'erspread,
Insubria niournM her Triinate dead;
When liorromeo to the tomb
AVas borne 'mid all-j>ervading gloom;
"When diunn'd with tears was every eye,
When breathed one universal sigh
The sorrowing lyre for him who slept,
1 first — a Scottish minstrel — swept.

♦ The -well-known Papal court called the liota. Caspar Visconti was one of
the twelve judges, as we learn from Sa.cius, who says that he proceeded to IJome
— ut una cum auditoribus quos vocant KotvE KoMANiE in eo insigiii sapientum collegia
considerct. The reader will admire the singular alliterative splendour of this
couplet.

ArrENDix. 351

II.

Tlie nifiht is passM, anil ilawii awakes,
Urifilit Cynthius tlirouuli tlu- vapour breaks
Aiul LiicitlT, with oliceriiig beams,
From i)iit Ills polilcn axli; gleams.
Mliirc bite upon the raging sea
1'be wild winds rusliM tuniultuously;
And tbe frail banpie by surges tost.
Her tempest-braving bebnsman lost.
Her timbers strain'il, her canvas riven.
Wide o'er tbe weltering waste was driven;
While iier pale erew, with fear aghast,
Gazed (as they deem'd) on heaven tlieir last!
Witli sliricks their iiapless fate bewailing!
"With prayers the threatening skies assailing!^

A change is wrought ! — liushed are tbe gai«»

A soft and summer calm jirevails;
And the glad ship, in safet3-, glides
Over the gently-rolling tides.
In troops o'er the ocean's broad expanse,
Day's rosy harbingers advance;
Bland J.olus careers tlie wave,
Fierce Notus hurries to his cave;
Young Titan from the waters springs,
With new-born lustre on his wings;
And over all things shines that sun,
AVhose light a thousand vows have won.

III.

16! with shouts the deck resound!

lo! another chief is found!

Anotiier leader hath been sent

To rule the Ciiristian armament;

Whose firmness and undaunted zeal

llnsure utiinierruptcd weal:

"Whose voice tlie Koman Kotfi sway'd,

"Whose laws tliat synod sage obey'd:

Whose band will guide with equal easy,

Ileligion's barque through stormy seas:

Whose power in exhortation shown,

Whose wisdom I myself have known;

AVhen by his eloquence subdued,

In admiration lost, I stood.

Kejoice, thrice-happy Lombardy!

That such a chief is given to thee!

A chief so free from aught of sin,

Virtue might be his origin:

Whose heavenly purpose, onward-tending,

W^hose resolution — calm, unbending,

Shall lead thee through the shades of night

To realms of everlasting light.

IV.

Haste, Milanese! your Primate greetl
Prelates ! your leader fly to meet !
Run, maidens! youths! let each one bring
Some gift, some worthy offering!
Surrounding nations bail your choice,
Surrounding nations loud rejoice!
Like him, whom ye have lost, was none
Save him your choice has fall'n upon!

352 APPENDIX.

A father fond, a ruler wise

(lASTAit, in tlic'O, ve rccoirnise :

Tliy iiatiic, Vi.scoN 1 1, seems to be

An earnest of iirospurity.

Tons thou art in our distress,

As manna in tlie wilderness.

Inliospitalilo Caucasus,

Sarmatian Boreas rigorous,

Seize on tlie eaitiff, who denies

Tliy all-acknowleilg'd charities!

A glory art thou, and a star,

A light, a i)Iiaros seen afar!

And, clothed with majesty divine,

Shalt prove the pillar of thy line.

Hi.uh rectitude and prescience

Are thine, and wide beneficence;

A Numa in thy sanctity,

A Cato in thy gravity,

Augustus in nobility.

Hence the High I'ontifF Gregory,*

Who holds of Paradise the key.

For thee earth's chains hath cast aside.

For thee heaven's gate hath opened wide;

Milan's white robe hath round thee spread,

Her initre placed upon thy head.

VI.

In thy blest advent all men see

Of peace a certain augury;

All tongues are clamorous in thy praise,

All prayers are for thy length of days.

Amid the crowd. I, Crichton, bom

On Caledonian shores forlorn,

Not all unknown, congratulate

Thee, Caspar, on thine honour'd state.

Perpetual hajipiness be thine!

Thy bright, ajiproving smile be mine!

Nor let thy taste, severe, disdain,

Primate, this welcome-breathing strain.

Uunoticctl by, and evidently unl<T)o\vn to all liis former biographers,
tills congratulatory poem closes the intellectual career of the Admirable
Crichton. t All beyond is wrapped in obscurity.

To the consideration of tlie present and the preceding performance
should be brought a knowledge of Crichton's strong devotion to the
Church of Rome; to that ancient faith — shorn of its glory in his own
land, for which, after encountering those unhappy differences adverted
to by Aldus {prcelia domcstica contra te siisc'Uata quce cum ■patrc
qessislt), and rejecting the brilliant offers held out to him by the leadei-s
of the popular faith, whose cause and opinions his fiimily had em-

* Gregory XHI., the Pope by whom Gaspar Visconti was ajipointed to the
Archiepiscopal see of Milan.

f Any further information respecting Crichton will probably be derived from
the voluminous manuscript letters of San Carlo Borromeo, preserved in the Am-
brosian Library at Milan; — from the letters of Sperone Speroni, in the edition of
Forcellini, which have not come under my observation; or from some contem-
porary memoir or correspondence published at Mantua.

APPENDIX. 353

braced, lie liad so loiiii; absented liimself from his countrv, liis
friends, liis lu)me.*

Attached to the Church of Konie. he was necessarily attached
to lier priesthood. Milan, under the sway of the divine Bor-
romeo, became tlie model of ecclesiastical jurisdiction. To
Milan, Crichton repaired. His grief for the loss of the exalted
primate was deep and heartfelt; his rejoicing at the appoint-
ment of his successor, whose piety he himself, as he informs us,
had approved —

Whose power in exhort.ation shown,
Whose wisdom, I inyself have known,
When by his eloquence subdued,
In adini ration lost, I stood —

was unfeigned: — and if the verses just quoted do nothing more,
they at least prove that the adherence to the faith of his an-
cestry, which sent him forth a wanderer from their heresy-girt
halls, Avas still unchanged.

Efforts have been made on the part of some recent writers to
shake the celebrity of the Admirable Scot, by assailing the few
poetical pieces which he has left us, and by measuring the grasp
of his intellect by this unfair standard. This is to jndge of the
fire of Sappho by her twin odes ; of the comic humour of
Menander by his fragments. The prejudices of the learned
biographer of Tasso must indeed have been blinding, if he could
see no beauties in the " Appulsus" — no insjiiration, no poetic
nerve, no classic taste and feeling in the odes to Massa and
DonatvTS. It is not, however, from what remains to us of his
writings, but from the effect produced upon his contemporaries
(and such contemporaries), that we can form a just estimate of
the extent of Crichton's powers. By them he was esteemed a
miracle of learning — divinum plane juvenem: and we have an
instance in our own times of a great ])oet and philosopher, whose
published works scarcely bear out the high reputation he enjoyed
for colloquial abihty. The idolised friend of Aldus Manutius,
of Lorenzo Massa, Giovanni Donati, and Sperone Si)eroni,
amongst the most accomplished scholars of their age ; the an-
tagonist of the redoubted Arcangelus INIerccnarius and Giacomo
Mazzoni — (whose memory was so remarkable that he could re-
cite entire books of Dante, Ariosto, Virgil, and Lucretius, and
who had sounded all the depths of piiilosophy) — could not have

* Quod scilicet regno, patria, domoqnc, ol) Catholics fidei ardorcm, tani
iongue abes. — AUU Dcdicatio in Parodoxa Cicerouis.

2 A

354 APPENDIX.

been other than an extraordinary person ; and we may come to
the conclusion respecting him, arrived at by Dr. Jolmson, that
" whatever we may suppress as surpassing credibility, yet we
shall, upon incontestible authority, relate enough to rank him
among prodigies."

THE END.

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