第2章
Youmayconceivehowjoyoustheywereinthatpoorcottage，onanightsoblessed，andhowBrotherThomastoldusoftheholyColette，thatfamousnunandMotherinChrist，ashethathadoftenbeeninhercompany。Hehadseenherbodyliftedintheairwhilesheremainedinapiousecstasy，hermindsoaringaloftandherfleshlybodyfollowingitsomeway。
Hehadoftenwatchedthatsnow-whitebeastwhichfollowedher，suchacreatureasisknowninnocountryofthesinfulworld，butisathingofParadise。AndhehadtriedtocaressthiswondrouscreatureofGod，butvainly，fornonebuttheholysisterColettemayhandleit。Concerninghermiraclesofhealing，too，hetoldus，allofwhichwealreadyknewforverytruth，andstillknowonbetterwarrantythanhis。
Yemaybelievethat，lateandatlast，BrotherThomashadhischoiceofthewarmestplacetosleepin——bythe"four，"asisthewontofpilgrims，forinhishumilitythisholymanwouldnotsufferthefarmer"swifeandthefarmertogivehimtheirbed，astheydesired。
I，too，wasverykindlyentreatedbytheyounglads，butIcouldscarcelysleepformarvellingatthesemiraclesdonebyonesounworthy；andgreat，indeed，Ideemed，mustbethevirtueofthatrelicwhichwroughtsuchsignsinthehandsofanevilman。ButI
havesinceheldthathefeignedallbyartmagicandverysorcery，for，aswewendednextmorningonourroad，heplainlytoldme，trulyorfalsely，thathehadpickeduptheblackenedfinger-boneoutoftheloathlyashesofthedeadintheburnedcastlenearRuffec。
WhereforeIconsiderthatwhenBrotherThomassoldthegraceofhisrelic，bythetouchingofrings，hedealtinadevilishblacksimony，vendingtosimpleChristiansnogracebutthatofhismaster，Sathanas。Thushewasnotonlyevil(ifIguessaright，whichIsubmittothejudgmentofmyecclesiasticalsuperiors，andoftheChurch)，buthehadevenfoundoutanewkindofwickedness，suchasIneverreadofinanybooksoftheologywhereinismuchtobelearned。Ihavespokenwithsome，however，knightsandmenofthisworld，whodeemedthathedidbutbeguileoureyesbycraftandsleight-of-hand。
Thisotherhellisharthehad，bydirectinspiration，asIhold，ofhismasterBehemoth，thathecouldthrowhisvoicewhitherhewould，sothat，inallseeming，itcamefromabove，orfrombelow，orfromacornerofaroom，fashioningittoresemblethevoiceofwhomhewould，yetnonemightseehislipsmove。Withthiscrafthewouldaffraythepeasantsaboutthefireinthelittleinnswherewesometimesrested，whenhewouldbetellingtalesofboglesandeldritchfantasies，andoffiendsthatroutandrap，andmakethetablesandfirkinsdance。Suchartofspeech，Iamadvised，isspokenofbySt。Jerome，inhiscommentontheholyprophetthesaintIsaiah，andtheythatuseithecalls"ventriloqui，"intheLatin，or"belly-speakers，"andhetakesanunfavourablesenseofthemandtheirdoings。SomuchIhavefromthelearnedWilliamdeBoyis，PriorofPluscarden，wherenowIwrite；withwhomIhaveconversedofthesemattersprivately，andhethinksthisartathingthatmenmaylearnbypractice，withoutdealinginnigromancyandtheblackmagic。ThisquestionIamcontenttoleave，asisfitting，tothejudgmentofmysuperiors。Andindeed，asatthattime，BrotherThomasspakenotinhisbellyexcepttomakesportandaffraythesimplepeople，soonturningtheirfearstomirth。
Certainlythecountryfolknevermisdoubtedhim，thewomenforaholyman，themenforagoodfellow；thoughalltheyofhisownclothshrankfromhim，andIhaveseenthemcrossthemselvesinhispresence，buttonoavail。Hewouldsayawordortwointheirears，andtheystraightwaylefttheplacewherehemightbe。Nonetheless，withhistalesandarts，BrotherThomascommonlysowroughtthatweseldomslept"elabelleetoile"inthatbitterspringweather，butweordinarilyhadleavetoliebythehearth，andgotasupperandabreakfast。Thegoodpeasantswouldfindtheirhen-rooststhepooreroften，forallthathecouldsnapupwastohimfortuneofwar。
Ilovedthesemannerslittle，butleavehimIcouldnot。Hiseyewaseveronme；ifIstirredinthenighthewasawakeandwatchingme，andbydayheneverletmeoutofabolt"sflight。Tocutthestringofhiswickedweaponwasathoughtofteninmymind，buthewastoovigilant。Myfacewashispassport，hesaid；myface，indeed，beinginnocentenough，aswasnoshametome，butanendlesscauseofmirthandmockerytohim。Yet，byreasonoftheserviceablenessofthemaninthatperilouscountry，andmyconstantsurpriseandwonderatwhathedidandsaid，andmightdonext(whichnomancouldguessbeforehand)，andakindoffoolishprideinhisverywickedness，somuchbeyondwhatIhadeverdreamedof，andforpurefearofhimalso，Ifoundmyselffollowingwithhimdaybyday，everthinkingtoescape，andneverescaping。
Ihavesincedeemedthat，justashiswickednesswastoaboy(forI
waslittlemore)，akindofcharm，madeupofasortofadmiringhateandfear，somyguilelessness(asitseemedtohim)alsowroughtonhimstrangely。Forinpartitmadesportforhimtoseemyopenmouthandstaringeyesatthespectacleofhisdevilries，andinparthereallyhatedme，andhatedmyveryvirtueofsimplicity，whichitwashisdesireanddelighttosurpriseandcorrupt。
Onthesestrangeterms，then，nowdrawneachtoother，andnowforcedapart，wewendedbyPoictierstowardsChinon，wheretheDauphinandhisCourtthenlay。Sowefarednorthwards，throughPoitou，wherewefoundevilnewsenough。For，walkingintoavillage，wesawmen，women，andchildren，allgathered，gapingaboutonethatstoodbesideahorsenearlyfoundered，itslegsthrustwide，itsnostrilsallfoamandblood。Theman，whoseemedaswearyashishorse，heldapaperinhishands，whichthepriestofthatparishtookfromhimandreadaloudtous。Theriderwasaroyalmessenger，oneThomasScottofEasterBuccleuch，inRankelBurn，whomIknewlater，andhistidingswereevil。TheDauphinbadehisgoodtownsknowthat，onthe12thofFebruary，SirJohnStewart，constableoftheScottishforcesinFrance，hadfalleninbattleatRouvray，withverymanyofhiscompany，andsomeFrenchmen。TheyhadbesetaconvoyunderSirJohnFastolf，thatwasbringingmeattotheEnglishleagueredaboutOrleans。ButFastolfhadwhollyroutedthem(bytreachery，aswelaterlearnedoftheComtedeClermont)，andSirJohnStewart，withhisbrotherSirWilliam，wereslain。
WhereforetheDauphinbadethegoodtownssendhimmoneyandmen，orallwaslost。
Suchweretheeviltidings，whichputmeinsorefearformybrotherRobin，onethat，insuchanonfall，wouldgofar，asbeseemedhisblood。Butastouchinghisfortunes，ThomasScottcouldtellmeneithergoodnorbad，thoughheknewRobin，andgavehimagoodnameforastoutman-at-arms。ItwasofsomecomforttometohearaScotstongue；but，fortherest，Itravelledonwithaheavierheart，deemingthatOrleansmustindeedfallereIcouldseekmybrotherinthattown。
CHAPTERIII——WHATBEFELLOUTSIDEOFCHINONTOWN
Myoldnurse，whenIwasachild，usedtotellmealongstoryofaprincewho，wanderingthroughtheworld，madefriendswithmanystrangecompanions。OneshecalledLynx-eye，thatcouldseethroughamountain；onewasSwift-foot，thatcouldoutrunthewind；onewasFine-ear，thatcouldhearthegrassgrowing；andtherewasGreedy-
gut，thatcouldswallowariver。Allthesewereveryserviceabletothisgraciousprince，ofIknownotwhatcountry，inhisadventures；
andtheywereoftenbroughtintomymindbythecompanionswhomwepickeduponthegrass-grownroads。
Thesewandererswereasstrangeasthefriendsoftheprince，andwereasvariously，butscarceashonourably，gifted。Therewastheone-armedsoldier，whoshowedhisstumpverypiteouslywhenitwasaquestionofbeggingfromaburgess，butwasaswellfurnishedwithlimbsasothermenwhennoburgesswasinsight。Therewasawretchedwomanvioler，withherjackanapes，andwithherhusband，ahang-dogruffian，shebearingthemarkofhisfistonhereye，andcommonlytrailingfarbehindhimwithherbratonherback。Therewasablindman，withhisstaff，whomightwellenoughanswertoKeen-eye，thatis，whennostrangerswereinsight。Therewasalayman，wearingcopeandstoleandsellingindulgences，butourcaptain，BrotherThomas，soonbanishedhimfromourcompany，forthathedividedthetrade。Otherstherewere，eachoneofthemaGreedy-gut，acrewofbrokenmen，whomarchedwithusontheroads；
butweneverenteredatownorahousewiththesediscreditableattendants。
Now，itmayseemstrange，butthenearerwedrewtoChinonandtheCourt，thepoorergrewthecountry，fortheCourtandthemen-at-
armshadstrippeditbare，likeaflightoflocusts。ForthisreasontheDauphincouldseldomabidelongatoneplace，forhewassomuchbetterknownthantrustedthattheverycordwainerwouldnotlethimmarchoffinanewpairofbootswithoutseeinghismoney，and，asthesongsaid，heevengreasedhisoldcloutedshoon，andmadethemlastaslongashemight。Forhead-gearhewasasillprovided，seeingthathehadpawnedthefleuronsofhiscrown。
ThereweredayswhenhistreasureratTours(asImyselfhaveheardhimsay)didnotreckonthreeducatsinhiscoffers，andtheheirofFranceborrowedmoneyfromhisverycook。Sothepeopletoldus，andIhaveoftenmarvelledhow，despitethispoverty，kingsandnobles，whenIhaveseenthem，goalwaysinclothofgold，withrichjewels。But，asyoumayguess，neartheCourtofabeggarDauphinthecountry-folktooweresourandbeggarly。
Wehadtotightenourbeltsbeforewecametothewoodwhereincross-roadsmeet，fromnorth，south，andeast，withinfivemilesofthetownofChinon。Therewasnotawhitecoinamongus；nightwasfalling，anditseemedasifwemustlieoutunderthestars，andbefed，likethewolvesweheardhowling，onwind。Bytheroadside，atthecrossways，butnotinviewoftheroad，acouncilofourraggedregimentwasheldinadeepditch。Itwouldbelateerewereachedthetown，gateswouldscarceopenforus，wecouldnotfeethewarders，houseswouldbeshutanddark；theKing"sarcherswereapttobearthemunfriendlytowanderingmenwiththedevildancingintheirpouches。Resourcewesawnone；iftherewasacottage，dogs，likewolvesforhungerandfierceness，werebayingroundit。AsforBrotherThomas，anevilbruithadgonebeforeusconcerningacordelierthatthefowlsandgeesewerefaintofollow，aswilderthings，theysay，followtheblessedSt。Francis。SotheresatBrotherThomasatthecross-roads，footsore，hungry，andsullen，inthemidstofus，whodarednotspeak，hetwangingatthestringofhisarbalest。HecalledhimselfourMoses，inhisblasphemousway，andtheblindmanhavinggirdedathimfornotleadingusintothelandofplenty，hehadstruckthemantillhebled，andnowstoodstanchinghiswound。
SuddenlyBrotherThomasceasedfromhistwanging，andholdinguphishandforsilence，leanedhiseartotheground。Thenightwasstill，thoughacoldwindcameverystealthilyfromtheeast。
"Horses!"hesaid。
"Itisbutthenoiseofthebrookbytheway，"saidtheblindman，sullenly。
BrotherThomaslistenedagain。
"No，itishorses，"hewhispered。"Mymen，theythatridehorsescansparesomewhatoutoftheirabundancetofeedthepoor。”Andwiththathebeganwindinguphisarbalesthastily。"Aymeric，"hesaidtooneofourafflictedcompany，"youdrawagoodbowforablindman；hideyourselfintheoppositeditch，andbereadywhenI
givetheword"Paxvobiscum。”You，Giles，"hespoketotheone-
armedsoldier，"gowithhim，and，doyouhear，aimlow，atthethirdman"shorse。Fromthesoundtherearenotmorethanfiveorsixofthem。Wecanbutfail，atworst，andthewoodisthickbehindus，wherenonemaypursue。You，NormandePitcullo，haveyourwhingerready，andfastenthisropetightlytoyonderbirch-treestem，andthencrossandgiveitaturnortwoaboutthatoaksaplingontheothersideoftheway。Thattrapwillbringdownahorseortwain。
Bequick，youScotchwine-bag!"
Ihadseenmanyillthingsdone，and，tomyshame，hadheldmypeace。ButaLeslieofPitcullodoesnottakepursesonthehigh-
road。Thereforemyheartroseinsuddenanger，Ihavingalldayhatedhimmoreandmoreforhisbittertongue，andIwasopeningmymouthtocry"Asecours!"——awarningtothemwhowereapproaching，when，quickaslightning，BrotherThomascaughtmebehindtheknee-
joints，andIwasonthegroundwithhisweightaboveme。OnecryI
haduttered，whenhishandwasonmymouth。
"Givehimthesteelinhisguts!"whisperedtheblindman。
"Slithisweasand，theScotchpig!"saidtheone-armedsoldier。
Theywereallonmenow。
"No，Ikeephimforbettersport，"snarledBrotherThomas。"HeshalllearntheScotsfor"ecorcheurs"(flayersofmen)"whenwehavefilledourpouches。”
Withthathecrammedagreatnapkininmymouth，sothatIcouldnotcry，madeitfastwithapieceofcord，trussedmewiththeropewhichhehadbiddenmetieacrossthepathtotripthehorses，andwithakicksentmeflyingtothebottomoftheditch，myfacebeingturnedfromtheroad。
IcouldhearGilesandAymericstealacrosstheway，andtherustlingofboughsastheysettledontheoppositeside。Icouldhearthetramplinghoofsofhorsescomingslowlyandwearilyfromtheeast。Atthismomentchancedathingthathaseverseemedstrangetome:Ifeltthehandoftheviolerwomanlaidlightlyandkindlyonmyhair。Ihadeverpitiedher，and，asImight，hadbeenkindtoherandherbairn；andnow，asitappears，shepitiedme。
Buttherecouldbenohelpinher，nordidshedaretoraisehervoiceandgiveanalarm。SoIcouldbutgnawatmygag，tryingtofindscopeformytonguetocry，fornowitwasnotonlythetravellersthatIwouldsave，butmyownlife，andmyescapefromadeathoftormentlayonmysuccess。Butmymouthwasasdryasakiln，mytonguewasdoubledbacktillIthoughtthatIshouldhavechoked。Thenightwasnowdeadlystill，andtheringofthewearyhoofsdrewnearerandnearer。Iheardastumble，andthescrambleofatiredhorseasherecoveredhimself；fortherest，allwassilent，thoughthebeatingofmyownheartsoundedheavyandhuskyinmyears。
Closerandcloserthetravellersdrew，andsoonitwasplainthattheyrodenotcarelessly，norasmenwhodeemedthemselvessecure，forthetrampofonehorsesingleditselfoutinfrontoftheothers，andthis，doubtless，wasriddenbyan"eclaireur，"sentforwardtoseethatthewayaheadwassafe。NowIheardalowgrowlofacursefromBrotherThomas，andmyhearttooksomecomfort。
Theymightbewarned，iftheBrothershotattheforemostman；or，atworst，ifhewaspermittedtopass，themanwouldbearswifttidingstoChinon，andwemightbeavenged，thetravellersandI，forInowfeltthattheyandIwereinthesameperil。
Thesingleriderdrewnear，andpassed，andtherecamenocryof"Paxvobiscum"fromthefriar。Buttheforemostriderhad，perchance，thebesthorse，andtheleastwearied，fortherewaseventoogreatagapbetweenhimandtherestofhiscompany。
Andnowtheirvoicesmightbeheard，astheytalkedbytheway，yetnotsoloudthat，strainingmyearsasIdid，Icouldhearanywords。Butthesoundswaxedlouder，withwordsspoken，ringofhoofs，andrattleofscabbardonstirrup，andsoIknew，atleast，thattheywhorodesolateweremenarmed。BrotherThomas，too，knewit，andcursedagainverylow。
Nearer，nearertheycame，thenalmostopposite，andnow，asI
listenedtohearthetraitoroussignalofmurder——"Paxvobiscum"——
andthetwangofbow-strings，onthenightthererangavoice，awoman"svoice，softbutwondrousclear，suchasneverIknewfromanylipsbutherswhothenspoke；thatvoiceIheardinitslastword，"Jesus!"andstillitissoundinginmyears。
Thatvoicesaid-
"Nousvoilepresqu"arrives，graceemesFreresdeParadis。”
Instantly，Iknewnothow，atthesoundofthatblessedvoice，andthecourageinit，Ifeltmyfearslipfromme，aswhenweawakenfromadreadfuldream，andinitsplacecamehappinessandpeace。
ScarceotherwisemighthefeelwhodiesinfearandwakesinParadise。
Ontheforestboughsaboveme，myfacebeingturnedfromtheroad，somewhatpassed，orseemedtopass，likeasoftgoldenlight，suchasintheScotstonguewecalla"boyn，"thatofttimes，mensay，travelswiththeblessedsaints。Yetsomemaydeemitbutaglancinginmyowneyes，fromthebloodflyingtomyhead；howsoeveritbe，Ihadneverseenthelikebefore，norhaveIseenitsince，and，assuredly，theblackbranchesandwildweedswerelitupbareandclear。
Thetrampofthehorsespassed，therewasnocryof"Paxvobiscum，"
notwangofbows，andslowlytheringofhoofsdiedawayontheroadtoChinon。Thencamearustlingoftheboughsonthefurthersideoftheway，andanoiseoffootstepsstealthilycrossingtheroad，andnowIheardalowsoundofweepingfromtheviolerwoman，thatwascrouchinghardbywhereIlay。Hermanstruckheracrossthemouth，andshewasstill。
"Yousawit？Saintsbewithus!Yousawthem？"hewhisperedtoBrotherThomas。
"Fool，hadInotseen，wouldInothavegiventheword？Getyougone，allthesortofyou，thereisafeymaninthiscompany，behewhohewill。Wanderyourownways，andifeveroneofyoudogsspeaktomeagain，infield，orstreet，ormarket，orevermentionthisnight……yeshallhavemynewsofit。Begone!Off!"
"Nay，but，BrotherThomas，saw"stthouwhatwesaw？Whatsightsaw"stthou？"
"WhatsawI？Fools，whatshouldIhaveseen，butanoutrider，andheaKing"smessenger，sentforwardtowarntherestbyhisfall，ifhefell，ortoraisethecountryonus，ifhepassed，andifafterwardtheypassedusnot。Theyweremenwaryinwar，andtravellingontheDauphin"sbusiness。Verilytherewasnoprofitinthem。”
"Andthatwasall？Wesawotherthings。”
"WhatIsawwasenoughforme，orforanygoodclerkofSt。
Nicholas，andofquestionstherehasbeenmorethanenough。Begone!
scattertothewinds，andbesilent。”
"AndmaywenotputthesteelinthatScotchdogwhodelayedus？
Saintsorsorcerers，theirhorsesmusthavecomedownbutforhim。”
BrotherThomascaughtmeup，asifIhadbeenachild，inhisarms，andtossedmeovertheditch-bankintothewood，whereIcrashedonmyfacethroughtheboughs。
"Onlyonehorsewouldhavefallen，andthathadbroughttheothersonus。TheScotissafeenough，hismouthiswellshut。Iwillhavenobloodto-night；leavehimtothewolves。Andnow，begonewithyou:toFierbois，ifyouwill；Igomyownroad——alone。”
Theywanderedeachhisownway，sullenandmurmuring，starvedandweary。Whattheyhadseenorfancied，andwhether，iftherestsawaughtstrange，BrotherThomassawnought，Iknewnotthen，andknownottillthishour。Butthetaleofthisambush，andofhowtheythatlayinhidingheldtheirhands，andfled——havingcome，nonemightsaywhence，andgone，whithernonemighttell——istrue，andwassoonwidelyspokenofintherealmofFrance。
Thewoodsfellstillagain，saveforthebabbleofthebrook，andthereIlay，bound，andheardonlythestreaminthesilenceofthenight。
ThereIlay，quaking，whenallthecaitiffshaddeparted，andtheblack，chillnightreceivedmeintoitself。Atfirstmymindwasbenumbed，likemybody；butthepainofmyface，smartingwithswitchandscratchoftheboughsthroughwhichIhadfallen，awokemetothoughtandfear。Iturnedovertolieonmyback，andlookupforanylightofhopeinthesky，butnothingfellonmefromheavensaveacoldrain，thattheleaflessboughsdidlittletowardoff。ScanthopeorcomforthadI；mywholebodyachedandshuddered，onlyIdidnotthirst，fortherainsoakedthroughtheaccursednapkinonmymouth，whilethedankearth，withitsgraveyardsmell，seemedtodrawmedownintoitself，asitdragsarottingleaf。Iwasburiedbeforedeath，asitwere，evenifthewolvesfoundmenotandgavemeothersepulture；andnowandagainI
heardtheirlonghuntingcry，andateverypatterofabeast"sfoot，orshiveringofthebranches，Ithoughtmyhourwascome——andI
unconfessed!Theroadwasstillasdeath，nomanpassingbyit。
Thisnighttomewaslikethenightofamanlaidlivinginthetomb。BynotwistingandturningcouldIloosentheropethatBrotherThomashadboundmein，withahandwelltaughtbycruelpractice。Atlasttheraininmyfacegrewlikeawater-torture，alwaysdropping，andIhalfturnedmyfaceandpressedittotheground。
WhetherIsleptbywhiles，orwakedallnight，Iknownot，butcertainlyIdreamed，seeingwithshuteyesfacesthatcameandwent，shiftingfrombeautysuchasIhadneveryetbeheld，tovisagesmoreandmorehideousandsinful，endingatlastintheworst——thefellcountenanceofNoiroufle。ThenIwokewhollytomyself，interror，tofindthathewasnotthere，andnowcametomesomeofthateasewhichhadbeenbornofthestrange，sweetvoice，andthestrangewords，"MesFreresdeParadis。”
"MybrethrenofParadise"；whocouldshebethatrodesolateincompanyofarmedmen，andyetspokeofsuchgreatkinsfolk？ThatitmightbetheholyColette，then，asnow，sofamousinFranceforhermiracles，andgooddeeds，andherausterities，wasathoughtthataroseinme。ButtheholySister，asIhadheard，nevermountedahorseinhermanywanderings，shebeingavillein"sdaughter，butwascarriedinalitter，orfaredinachariot；nordidshegoincompanywitharmedmen，forwhowoulddaretolayhandsonher？
Moreover，thevoicethatIhadheardwasthatofaveryyounggirl，andtheholySisterColettewasnowenteredintothevaleofyears。
Somyquestioningfoundnoanswer。
AndnowIheardlightfeet，asofsomebeaststirringandscratchinginthetreesoverhead，andtherewithalightjinglingnoise。Wasitasquirrel？Whateveritwas，itracedaboutthetree，comingnearerandgoingfurtheraway，tillitfellwithaweightonmybreast，and，shiveringwithcold，allstrainedlikeaharp-stringasIwas，Icouldhavescreamed，butforthegaginmymouth。Thethingcrawledupmybody，andIsawtworedeyesfixedonmine，anddeemedithadbeenawildcat，suchaslivesinourcorriesofthenorth——afellbeastifbroughttobay，butotherwisenothurtfultoman。
Theretheredeyeslookedonme，andIonthem，tillIgrewgiddywithgazing，andhalfturnedmyheadwithastifledsob。ThentherecameasharpcrywhichIknewwellenough，andthebeastleapedupandnestledundermybreast，forthissodreadfulthingwasnoworsethantheviolerwoman"sjackanapes，thathadslippeditschain，or，rather，haddrawnitoutofherhand，fornowIplainlyheardthelightchainjingle。Thisputmeonwonderingwhethertheyhadreallydeparted；theman，verily，thirstedformylife，buthewouldhaveslainmeerethishour，Ithought，ifthathadbeenhispurpose。Thepoorbeastalittlehelpedtowarmmewiththeheatofhisbody，andhewasafriendlycreature，makingmefeellessaloneinthenight。Yet，inmyownmisery，Icouldnothelpbutsorrowforthepoorwomanwhenshefoundherjackanapesgone，thatwasgreatpartofherliving:andIknewwhatshewouldhavetobearforitslossfromthemanthatwashermaster。
Asthiswasinmymind，thefirstgreystoleintotheskysothatI
couldseetheblackbranchesoverhead；andnowthereawokethecriesofbirds，andsoonthewoodwasfulloftheirsweetjargoning。Thisputsomehopeintomyheart；butthemorninghourswerelong，andcolderthanthenight，toonewettothebonewiththerains。Now，too，Icomfortedmyselfwithbelievingthat，arrivewhatmight，I
waswhollyquitofBrotherThomas，whereatIrejoiced，likethemaninthetalewhohadsoldhissoultotheEnemy，andyet，intheend，escapedhisclutchesbytheaidofHolyChurch。DeathwasbettertomethanlifewithBrotherThomas，whomustassuredlyhavedraggedmewithhimtothedeaththatcannotdie。Morningmustbringtravellers，andmygroaningmightleadthemtomyaid。And，indeed，foot-farersdidcome，andIdidgroanaswellasIcould，but，liketheLeviteinScripture，theypassedbyontheothersideoftheway，fearingtomeddlewithonewoundedperchancetothedeath，lesttheymightbechargedwithhisslaying，ifhedied，ormightangerhisenemies，ifhelived。
Thelightwasnowfullycome，andsomeraysoftheblessedsunfelluponme，whereonIsaidorisonswithinmyself，commandingmycasetothesaints。DevoutlyIprayed，that，ifIescapedwithlife，I
mightbedeliveredfromthefearofman，andnamelyofBrotherThomas。Itwerebetterformetohavediedbyhisweaponatfirst，besidethebrokenbridge，thantohavelivedhisslave，goingindreadofhim，withaslave"shatredinmyheart。SonowIprayedforspiritenoughtodefendmyhonourandthatofmycountry，whichIhadbornetohearreviledwithoutstrikingablowforit。NeveragainmightIdreethisextremeshameanddishonour。OnthisheadI
addressedmyself，aswasfitting，totheholyApostleSt。Andrew，ourpatron，towhomisespeciallydearthehonourofScotland。
Then，asifheandtheothersaintshadlistenedtome，Iheardsoundsofhorses"hoofs，cominguptheroadfromChinonway，andalsovoices。These，liketheothersofthenightbefore，camenearer，andIheardawoman"svoicegailysinging。Andthenawokesuchjoyinmyheartasneverwastherebefore，andthiswasfarthegladdestvoicethateveryetIheard，for，behold，itwasthespeechofmyowncountry，andthetuneIknewandthewords。
"O，wemaunpartthislove，Willie，Thathasbeenlangbetween；
There"saFrenchlordcomingoverseaTowedmewi"aring；
There"saFrenchlordcomingo"ertheseaTowedandtakemehame!"
"AndwhoshalltheFrenchlordbe，Elliot？"cameanothervoice，aman"sthistime，"thoughheneednotcrosstheseaforyou，theworsetheluck。IsityoungPothondeXaintrailles？Faith，hecomesoftenenoughtoseehowhisnewpenoncelfaresinmyhands，andseemsrightcuriousinpainting。”
Itmaybedeemedstrangethat，eveninthishour，IconceivedinmyheartagreatmislikeofthisyoungFrenchlord，howunjustlyIsoonwellunderstood。
"O，naeFrenchlordforme，father，O，naeFrenchlordforme，ButI"llwaremyheartonatrue-bornScot，Andwi"himI"llcrossthesea。”
"Oh，father，loyou，Icanmakeaswellassing，forthatisnowordoftheoldballant，butjustcameontomytongue!"
Theywerenowrightclosetome，and，halfinfear，halfinhope，I
begantostirandrustleinthegrass，forofmystifledgroaninghadhithertocomenoprofit。ThenIheardthehorsesstop。
"Whatstirringisthatinthewood，father？Iamafraid，"camethegirl"svoice。
"Belikeafoxshiftinghislair。Pushon，MaidElliot。”Thehorsesadvanced，when，bytheblessingofthesaints，thejackanapeswokeinmybreast。
Thecreaturewasusedtorunquestingwithalittlewoodenbowlhecarriedforlargesse，tobegofhorsemenforhismistress。Thistrickofhishedidnow，hearingthehorses"tramp。Heleapedtheditch，andIsupposeheraninfrontofthesteeds，shakinghislittlebowl，aswashiswont。
"Oh，father，"soundedthegirl"svoice，"seethelittlejackanapes!
Sometravellingbodyhaslosthim。Letmejumpdownandcatchhim。
Look，hehasalittlecoaton，madelikeaherald"stabard，andwearsthecoloursofFrance。Here，holdmyreins。”
"No，lass。Whocantellwhere，orwho，hisowneris？Takeyoumyreins，andIwillbringyouthebeast。”
Iheardhimheavilydismount。
"Itwillnotletitselfbecaughtbyalameman，"hesaid；andhescrambleduptheditchbank，whilethejackanapesfledtome，andthenranforwardagain，backandforth。
"NomDieu，whomhavewehere？"criedtheman，inFrench。
Iturned，andmadesuchasoundwithmymouthasImight，whilethejackanapesnestledtomybreast。
"Whydoyenotspeak，man？"hesaidagain；andIturnedmyeyesonhim，lookingaspitifullyasmightbeoutofmyblood-bedabbledface。
Hewasaburlyman，greatofgrowth，withfreshredcheeks，blueeyes，reddishhair，andaredbeard，suchasaremanyintheBordermarchesofmyowncountry，thesaintsblessthemfortruemen!
Withalhedraggedhisleginwalking，whichhedidwithdifficultyandmuchcarefulness。He"hirpled，"aswesay，towardsmeverywarily；then，seeingtheropeboundaboutme，andtheclothinmymouth，hedrewhisdagger，butnottocutmybonds。Hewasovercannyforthat，butheslitthestringthatkeptthecursedgaginmymouth，andpickeditoutwithhisdaggerpoint；and，ohtheblessedtasteofthatfirstlongdraughtofair，Icannotsetitdowninwords!"What，inthenameofallthesaints，makeyouhere，inthisguise？"heaskedinFrench，butwitharudeBorderaccent。
"IamakindlyScot，"Isaidinourowntongue，"ofyourowncountry。Givemewater。”Andthenadwawm，aswecallit，orfainting-fit，cameoverme。
WhenIknewmyselfagain，Iwaslyingwithmyheadinamaiden"slap，andwellIcouldhavebelievedthatthefairieshadcarriedmetotheirownland，ashasbefallenmany，whereofsomehavereturnedtoearthwiththetale，andsomegoyetinthatunearthlycompany。
"Gentledemoiselle，areyouthegraciousQueenofFaerie？"Iasked，asonehalf-wakened，notknowingwhatIsaid。Indeedthisladywascladallinthefairygreen，andhereyeswereasblueastheskyaboveherhead，andthelongyellowlocksonhershoulderswereshininglikethesun。
"Father，heisnotdead，"shesaid，laughingassweetasallthesinging-birdsinMarch——"heisnotdead，butsorelywanderinginhismindwhenhetakesElliotHumefortheFairyQueen。”
"Faith，hemighthavemadeaworseguess，"criedtheman。"Butnow，sir，nowthatyourbondsarecut，Iseenothingbetterforyouthanawell-washedface，for，indeed，youarebyordinary"kenspeckle，"
andnocompanyformaids。”
Withthathebroughtsomewaterfromtheburnbytheroad，andtherewithhewipedmyface，firstgivingmetodrink。WhenIhaddrunk，themaidwhomhecalledElliotgotup，herfaceveryrosy，andtheysetmybackagainstatree，whichIwasrightsorryfor，asindeedIwasnowcleanoutoffairylandandbackinthistroublesomeworld。Thehorsesstoodbyus，tetheredtotrees，andbrowsedonthebuddingbranches。
"Andnow，maybe，"hesaid，speakinginthekindlyScots，thatwaslikemusicinmyear——"now，maybe，youwilltelluswhoyouare，andhowyoucameintothisjeopardy。”
Itoldhim，shortly，thatIwasaScotofFife；wheretoheansweredthatmyspeechwasstrangelyEnglish。OnthismatterIsatisfiedhimwiththetruth，namely，thatmymotherwasofEngland。Igavemynamebutnotthatofourlands，andshowedhimhowIhadbeenwanderingnorth，totakeservicewiththeDauphin，whenIwassetupon，androbbedandboundbythieves，forIhadnoclearnessastotellinghimallmytale，andnodesiretoclaimacquaintancewithBrotherThomas。
"Andthejackanapes？"heasked，wheretoIhadnobetteranswerthanthatIhadseenthebeastwithawanderingvioleronthedaybefore，andthatshehavinglostit，asIsupposed，ithadcometomeinthenight。
Thegirlwasstandingwiththecreatureinherarms，feedingitwithpiecesofcomfitsfromapouchfastenedathergirdle。
"Thelittlebeastisnotminetogive，"Iwenton，seeinghowshehadanaffectiontotheape，"buttilltheownerclaimsit，itisalltheransomIhavetopayformylife，andIwouldfainseeitwearthecoloursofthisgentlemaidwhosavedme。Ithasmanyprettytricks，butthoughto-dayIbeabeggar，Itrowshewillnotletitpractisethatilltrickofbegging。”
"SoonerwouldIbegmyself，fairsir，"shesaid，withsuchacourtlyreverenceassurprisedme；forthoughtheyseemedfolkswelltoseeintheworld，theywerenot，methought，ofnobleblood，norhadtheywiththemanycompanyofpalfreniersorarchers。
"Elliot，youfeedthejackanapesandletourcountrymanhunger，"
saidtheman；and，blushingagain，shemadehastetogivemesomeoftheprovisionshehadmadeforherjourney。
SoIateanddrank，shewaitingonmeverygently；butnow，beingwearyofpainfulwriting，andhearingthecalltotherefectory，andthebrethrentramplingthither，Imustbreakoff，for，ifIbelate，theywillsconcemeofmyale。Alas!itistotheselittlecaresofcreaturecomfortsthatIamcome，whohaveseenthefaceofsomanyawar，andlivedandfoughtonrat"sfleshatCompiegne。
CHAPTERIV——INWHATCOMPANYNORMANLESLIEENTEREDCHINON；ANDHOWHE
DEMEANEDHIMSELFTOTAKESERVICE
Notseemly，wasit，thatIshouldexpectthesekindpeople，eventhoughtheywereofmyowncountry，todomoreformethantheyhadalreadydone。So，whenIhadeatenanddrunk，ImademyobeisanceasifIwouldbetrudgingtowardsChinon，addingmanythanks，aswellImight。
"Nay，countryman，"saidtheman，"forallthatIcansee，youmayaswellbideawhilewithus；for，indeed，withleaveofmygracelessmaid，Ithinkwemayevenendourwild-goosechasehereandgetusbacktothetown。”
Seeingmemarvel，perhaps，thatanyshouldhaveriddensomefourmilesorfive，andyetspeakofreturning，helookedatthegirl，whowasplayingwiththejackanapes，andwhosmiledathimashespoke。"Youmustknow，"saidhe，"thatthoughIamthefatherofyourFairyQueen，IamalsooneofthegraciousPrincess"sobedientsubjects。Nomotherhasshe，poorwench，"headded，inalowervoice；"andfaith，wemenmustalwaysobeysomewoman——asitseemsnowthattheKinghimselfmustsoondoandallhiscaptains。”
"Youspeak，"Isaid，"ofthegraciousQueenofSicilyandJerusalem？"——aladywhowasthoughttobeofmuchavail，aswasbutright，inthecounselsofherson-in-law，theDauphin，hehavingmarriedhergentledaughter。
"Ay；QueenYolandeisfarben{7}withtheKing——wouldhehadnoworsecounsellors!"saidhe，smiling；"butIspeakofafarmorepotentsovereign，ifallthatshetellsofherselfbetrue。Youhaveheard，orbelikeyouhavenotheard，ofthefamedPucelle——soshecallsherself，Ihopenotwithoutawarranty——theLorrainerpeasantlass，whoistodrivetheEnglishintothesea，soshegivesusallfairwarning？"
"NeverawordhaveIheard，ornevermarkedsosenselessabruitifIheardit；shemustbesomemoonstruckwench，andinherwitswandering。”
"Moon-struck，orsun-struck，orsaint-struck，shewillstrikedownourancientenemyofEngland，andshowyoumenhowitisnotwineandwickednessthatmakegoodsoldiers!"criedthegirlwhomhecalledElliot，herfacerose-redwithanger；andfromhereyestwoblueraysoflightshotstraighttomine，sothatIbelievemyfacewaxedwan，thebloodflyingtomyheart。
"Listentoher!lookather!"saidherfather，jestingly。"Elliot，ifyourrenownedmaidcanfrighttheEnglishasyouhaveaffrayedagoodScot，thebattleiswonandOrleansisdelivered。”
Butshehadturnedherbackonuspettishly，andwastalkinginalowvoicetoherjackanapes。Asforme，ifmyfacehadbeenpalebefore，itnowgrewredenoughforshamethatIhadangeredher，whowassofair，thoughhowIhadsinnedIknewnot。ButoftenIhaveseenthatwomen，andthesethebest，willbeallafireatalightword，whereinthetouchiestman-at-armswhoeverfoughtontheturnofastrawcouldpicknohonourablequarrel。
"HowhaveIbeensounhappyastooffendmademoiselle？"Iasked，inawhisper，ofherfather，givingherahightitle，inveryconfusion。
"Oh，shewillhearnobourdenorjestonthisPucellethatallthecountrysideisclashingof，andthatisbewitchingmymaid，methinks，evenfromafar。MymaidElliot(soIcallherfrommymother"skin，buthertruenameisMarion，andtheFrenchdubherHeliote)hathsetallherheartandherhopeononethatisayounglasslikeherself，andsheisfullofoldsoothsayingsaboutavirginthatistocomeoutofanoak-woodanddeliverFrance——noless!Forme，ImisdoubtthatMerlin，theWelshprophetonwhomtheysetstore，andtherestofthesoothsayers，areallinonetalewitholdThomasRhymer，ofErcildoune，whosepropheciesourownfolkcrackaboutbytheingleonwinternightsathome。Butbeitasitmay，thiswenchofLorrainehas，thesethree-quartersofayear，beenabouttheSieurRobertdeBaudricourt，nowcommandingfortheKingatVaucouleurs，awayintheeast，prayinghimtosendhertotheCourt。Shehasvisions，andhearsvoices——soshesays；andshegivesBaudricourtnopeacetillhecarrieshertotheKing。Thestorygoesthat，ontheilldayoftheBattleoftheHerrings，she，beingatVaucouleurs——ahundredleaguesawayandmore，——sawthatfightplainly，andourcountrymenfallen，manlike，aroundtheConstable，andtheFrenchflyinglikeharesbeforealittlepackofEnglishtalbots。Whentheevilnewscame，andwasapprovedtrue，Baudricourtcouldholdherinnolonger，andnowsheisonthewaywithhalfadozenesquiresandarchersofhiscommand。Thesecond-
sightshemayhave——itiscommonenough，ifyoubelievethered-
shankedHighlanders；butifmaidenshesetforthfromVaucouleurs，greatmiracleitisifmaidenshecomestoChinon。”Hewhisperedthisinamannerthatwecall"pauky，"beingafreemanwithhistongue。
"Thisisastrangetaleenough，"Isaid；"thesaintsgrantthattheMaidspeakstruly!"
"ButyesterdaycamealetterofhersendingtotheKing，"hewenton，"butneverofherwriting，fortheysaythatsheknowsnot"A"
from"B，"ifshemeetstheminhervoyaging。Now，nothingwouldservemywilfuldaughterElliot(shebeingpossessed，asIsaid，withloveforthisfemalemystery)，butthatwemustrideforthandbethefirsttomeettheMaidonherway，andofferhershelteratmypoorhouse，ifshedoesbutseemhonest，thoughmethinksahostelryisgoodenoughforonethathasriddensofar，withmenforallhercompany。AndI，beingbutasubjectofmydaughter"s，asI
said，andthisaSaint"sDay，whenamanmayrestfromhispaintsandbrushes，Ievenletsaddlethesteeds，andcameforthtoseewhatferliesHeavenwouldsendus。”
"Oh，aluckydayforme，fairsir，"Iansweredhim，marvellingtohearhimspeakofpaintandbrushes，andevenasIspokeathoughtcameintomymind。"Ifyouwilllistentome，sir，"Isaid，"andifthegentlemaid，yourdaughter，willpardonmeforstayingyousolongfromtheroad，Iwilltellyouthat，tomythinking，youhavecomeoverlate，forthatyesterdaytheMaidenyouspeakofrode，afternightfall，intoChinon。”
Nowthegirlturnedroundonme，and，infaith，Iaskednomorethantoseeherface，kindorangry。"Youtellus，sir，thatyouneverheardspeakoftheMaidtillthishour，andnowyousaythatyouknowofhercomingsandgoings。Unriddleyourriddle，sir，ifitpleasesyou，andsayhowyousawandknewonethatyouneverheardspeechof。”
Shewasstillverywroth，andIknewnotwhetherImightnotangerheryetmore，soIloutedlowly，capinhand，andsaid-
"Itisbutaguessthatcomesintomymind，andIprayyoubenotangrywithme，whoamreadyandwillingtobelieveinthisMaid，orinanythatwillhelpFrance，for，ifIbenotwrong，lastnighthercomingsavedmylife，andthatofherowncompany。”
"Howmaythatbe，ifthievesrobbedandboundyou？"
"Itoldyounotallmytale，"Isaid，"for，indeed，fewwouldhavebelievedthethingthathadnotseenit。But，uponmyfaithasagentleman，andbythearm-boneoftheholyApostleAndrew，whichthesesinfuleyeshaveseen，inthechurchoftheApostleinhisowntown，somewhatholypassedthiswaylastnight；andifthisMaidbeindeedsentfromheaven，thatholythingwasshe，andnoneother。”
"NomDieu!saintsarenotcommonwayfarersonourroadsatnight。
Thereisno"wale"ofsaintsinthiscountry，"saidthefatherofElliot；"andasthisPucelleofLorrainemustneedspassbyushere，ifsheisstillontheway，eventellusallyourtale。”
WiththatItoldthemhowthe"brigands"(forsotheynowbegantocallsuchreiversasBrotherThomas)were，tomyshame，andmaugremyhead，foratimeofmyowncompany。AndItoldthemofthebushmentthattheylaidtotraptravellers，andhowIhadstriventogiveawarning，andhowtheyboundmeandgaggedme，andofthestrangegirl"svoicethatspokethroughthenightof"mesFreresdeParadis，"andofthatgolden"boyn"faringinthedark，thatI