第12章
Itchanced，oneday，thatIwassittingandsunningmyselfinthewarmSeptemberweather，onasettleinasecureplacehardbytheChapelGate。WithmewasBarthelemyBarrette，foritwasthedayofOurLady"sFeast，thatverydaywhereonwehadfailedbeforeParislastyear，andtherewastruceforthesacredseason。Wefelltodevisingofwhathadbefallenthatdayyear，andwithoutthoughtI
toldBarthelemyofmyescapefromprison，andso，littlebylittle，IopenedmyhearttohimconcerningBrotherThomasandallhistreasons。
NeverwasmanmoreastoundedthanBarthelemy；andhebademeswearbytheBlessedTrinitythatallthistalewastrue。
"Mayhapyouwerefevered，"hesaid，"whenyoulayinthecasementseat，andsawtheMaidtakenbydeviceofthecordelier。”
"IwasnomorefeveredthanIamnow，andIswear，bywhatoathyouwill，andbythebonesofSt。Andrew，whichthesesinfulhandshavehandled，thatFlavy"sfacewassettheotherwaywhenthatcrycame，"Downportcullis，updrawbridge，closegates!"AndnowthatIhavetoldyoutheverytruth，whatshouldIdo？"
"BrotherThomasshouldburnforthis，"quothBarthelemy；"butnotwhilethesiegeendures。HecarriestoomanyEnglishlivesinhismunition-box。Norcanyouslayhiminsinglecombat，oratunawares，forthemanisapriest。NorwouldFlavy，whoknowsyounot，listentosuchastory。”
Sotherehesat，frowning，andpluckingathisbeard。"Ihaveit，"
hesaid；"D"AulonisnofurtheroffthanBeaulieu，whereJeandeLuxembourgholdshimtillhepayshisransom。Whenthesiegeisraised，ifeverwearetohavesuccour，thenpurchasesafe-conducttoD"Aulon，takehistestimony，andbringittoFlavy。”
Ashespoke，somestirinthestillairmademelookup，andsuddenlythrowmybodyaside；anditwaswell，foraswordsweptdownfromthelowparapetaboveourheads，andsmoteintothebackofthatsettlewhereonweweresitting。
EreIwellknewwhathadchanced，Barthelemywasonhisfeet，hiswhingerflewfromhishand，andhe，leapingupontotheparapet，wasfollowingafterhimwhosmoteatme。
Inthesamemomentaloudgratingvoicecried——"TheMaidshallburn，andnottheman，"andaflashoflightwentpastme，thewhingerflyingovermyheadandclippingintothewaterofthemoatbelow。”
RisingasIbestmight，butheedfully，Ispiedovertheparapet，andtherewasBarthelemycomingback，hisnakedswordinhishand。
"Thedevilturnedasharpcornerandvanished，"hesaid。"Andnowwherearewe？WehaveaworsefoewithinthanallthemenofBurgundywithout。Theregoesthedevil"stally!"hecried，andthrewthelittlecarvenrodfarfromhimintothemoat，whereitfellandfloated。
"Nomansawthisthatcouldbearwitness；mostareinchurch，whereyouandIshouldhavebeen，"Isaid。
Thenwelookedoneachotherwithblankfaces。
"Mypostisfarfromhis，andmyharnessisgood，"saidBarthelemy；
"butforyou，beware!"Thenceforth，ifIsawanycowlofacordelierasIwalked，Ieventurnedandwenttheotherway。
Iwasofnoavailagainstthiswolf，whomallmenpraised，soserviceablewashetothetown。
OnceanarbalestboltstruckmystafffrommyhandasIwalked，andIwasfaintotakeshelterofacorner，yetsawnotwhencetheshotcame。
Onceagreatstonefellfromaturret，andbrokeintodustatmyfeet，anditisnotmymindthatacannon-ballhadloosenedit。
Thusmylifewentbyindreadandwatchfulness。Nomorebitterpenancemaymandreethanwasmine，tobenearthisdevil，andhavenopowertoavengemydeadlyquarrel。Thereweremanyheavyheartsinthetown；for，onceitwastaken，whatmancoulddeemhislifesafe，orwhatwomanherhonour？Butthoughtheylaydownandroseupinfear，andweredevouredbydesireofrevenge，theirswasnosuchthirstasmine。
Sothedayswenton，anddarkenedtowardsthepromisedseasonofMartinmas，buttheredawnednolightofhope。Now，ontheWednesdaybeforeAllSaints，IhadclamberedupintothetoweroftheChurchoftheJacobins，onthenorth-eastofthecity，whencetherewasaprospectfarandwide。Withmewereonlytwooftheyoungestofthefathers。IlookeddownintothegreatforestofPierrefonds，andupanddownOise，andbeheldthearmyofourenemiesmovingindiversways。ThebannersoftheEnglishandtheirlongarraywerecrossingtheDukeofBurgundy"snewbridgeofwood，thathehadbuildedfromVenette，andwiththemthemenofJeandeLuxembourgtroopedtowardsRoyaulieu。Onthecrestoftheirbastille，overagainstourPierrefondsGate，matcheswerelightedandmenwerewatchingindoubleguard，andthesameontheothersideofthewater，attheGateMargny。PlainlyourfoesexpectedarescuesenttousofCompiegnebyourparty。Buttheforest，fivehundredyardsfromourwall，laysilentandpeaceable，aseaofbrownandyellowleaves。
Then，whiletheEnglishandBurgundianmen-at-arms，thathadmarchedsouthandeast，weredrawnupinorderofbattleawaytotherightbetweenwoodandwater，behold，trumpetssounded，faintenough，beingfaroff。Thentherewasaglitterofthepalesunonlonglinesoflance-points，underthebannersofFrenchcaptains，issuingoutfromtheforest，overagainsttheenemy。Wewhostoodonthetowergazedlongatthesetwoarmies，whichweremarshalledorderly，withnomorethanabowshotandahalfbetweenthem，andeverymomentwelookedtoseethemchargeuponeachotherwiththelance。
MuchweprayedtotheSaints，fornowallourhopewasonthisonecast。TheyofBurgundyandofEnglanddismountedfromtheirhorses，fortheEnglisheverfightbestonfoot，andtheydeemedthattheknightsofFrancewouldrideinuponthem，andfallbeneaththeEnglishbows，asatAzincourandCrecy。We，too，lookedfornoughtelse；buttheFrencharrayneverstirred，thoughhereandthereaknightwouldgallopforthtodoavaliance。Seldomhasmanseenastrangersightinwar，fortheEnglishandBurgundianscouldnotcharge，beingheavy-armedmenonfoot，andtheFrenchwouldnotmoveagainstthem，weknewnotwherefore。
Allthisspectaclelayfaroff，tothesouth，andwecouldnotbesatisfiedwithwonderingatitnorturnawayoureyes，when，ontheleft，atrumpetrangoutjoyously。Then，allofuswheelingroundasoneman，wesawthemostblessedsight，wheretoourbackshadbeenturned；for，intotheChapelGate——thatis，fartotheleftofthePierrefondsGateonthenorth-east——werestreamingcattle，sheepandkine，prickedonandhastenedbyacompanyofahundredmen-at-
arms。TheyhadcomebyforestpathsfromChoisyway，andanonallourgunsontheboulevardofthePierrefondsGateburstforthatonceagainsttheEnglishbastilleoveragainstit。Nowthisbastille，asIhavesaid，hadneverbeenstronglybuilded，and，insomesort，wasnotwhollyfinished。
Afteronegreatvolleyofgunsagainstthebastille，we，lookingdownintoourboulevardofthePierrefondsGate，sawtheportcullisraised，thedrawbridgelowered，andagreatarrayofmen-at-armscarryingladdersrushout，andchargeuponthebastille。Then，throughthesmokeandfire，theystrovetoscaletheworks，andforthespaceofhalfanhourallwasroarofguns；butatlengthourmencameback，leavingmanyslain，andtherunninglibbardsgrinnedontheflagofEngland。
Imightendurenolonger，but，clamberingdownthetowerstairsasbestImight，forIwasstilllame，IlimpedtomylodgingsattheJacobins，didonmyharness，and，takingahorsefromthestable，I
mountedandrodetothePierrefondsGate。ForBrotherThomasandhismurderouswaysIhadnownocareatall。
Never，sure，sawanymansuchasight。Ourboulevardwasfull，notonlyofmen-at-arms，butofallwhocouldcarryclubs，burgessesarmed，oldmen，boys，yea，womenandchildren，somewithrustyswords，somewithcarpenters"axes，somebearingcudgels，somewithhammers，spits，andknives，allclamouringfortheportcullistoriseandletthemforth。Theirfaceswereleanandfierce，theireyeswerelikeeyesofwolves，fornow，theycried，wasthehour，andtheprophecyoftheMaidshouldbefulfilled!Verily，thoughshelayinbonds，herspiritwaswithusonthatday!
Butstillourportculliswasdown，andthelongtailofangrypeoplestretchedinwards，fromtheinnermouthoftheboulevard，alongthestreet，surginglikeaswollenlochagainstitsbarrier。
OnthecrestoftheboulevardwasFlavy，batoninhand，lookingforthacrossfieldandforest，watchingforIknewnotwhat，whilestillthepeopleclamouredtobeletgo。Buthestoodlikethestatueofaman-at-arms，andfromthebastilleoftheBurgundiansthearrowsrainedaroundhim，whoalwayswatched，andwasstill。
Nowtheguardsofthegatehadhardworktokeeptheangrypeopleback，wholeapedandtoreatthemen-at-armsarrayedinfrontofthem，andyelledforeagernesstoissueforthandfight。
Suddenly，onthecrestoftheboulevard，Flavythrewuphisarmandgaveonecry-
"Xaintrailles!"
Thenheroaredtodrawupportcullisandopengates；themen-at-armschargedforth，themultitudetrampledovereachothertobefirstinfield，Iwassweptonandalongwiththemthroughthegate，andoverthedrawbridge，likeastrawonawave，and，lo!alittleonourleftwasthebannerofPothondeXaintrailles，hisforemostmendismounting，therearguardjustridingoutfromtheforest。Thetwobandsjoined，wefromCompiegne，thefourhundredofXaintraillesfromthewood，and，liketwoswollenstreamsthatmeet，weracedtowardsthebastille，underarainofarrowsandballs。Nothingcouldstayus:aboyfellbymysidewithanarrowthrillinginhisbreast，buthisbrotherneveroncelookedround。IknewnotthatI
couldrun，butrunIdid，thoughnotsofastasmany，andbeforeI
reachedthebastilleourladderswereup，andthethrongwasclambering，falling，risingagain，andflowingfuriouslyintothefort。Thetownsfolkhadnothoughtbuttoslayandslay；fiveorsixwouldbeatthethroatofoneBurgundianman-at-arms；hammersandaxeswerebreakinguparmour，kniveswerescratchingandsearchingforacrevice；women，liftinggreatstoneballs，wouldstaggeruptodashthemontheheadsofthefallen。Ofthewholegarrison，one-half，ahundredandsixtymen-at-arms，wereputtothesword。OnlyPothondeXaintrailles，andthegentlemenwithhim，asknowingthemannerofwar，savedandheldtoransomcertainknights，asMessireJacquesdeBrimeu，theSeigneurdeCrepy，andothers；
while，formyownpart，seeingaknightassailedbyaknotofclubmen，Istruckinonhispart，forgentlebloodmusteveraidgentleblood，andso，notwithoutshrewdblowsonmysalade，ItooktoransomMessireCollartdeBertancourt。
Thereafter，verylate，andinthetwilightofOctoberthetwenty-
fifth，weturnedbacktoCompiegne，leavingtheenemies"bastilleinaflamebehindus，whileinfrontwereblazingthebonfiresofthepeopleofthegoodtown。And，inCompiegne，weheardhowtheEnglishandthemainarmyofBurgundianshadturned，lateintheday，andcrossedbytheDukeofBurgundy"sbridge，leavingmentokeepguardthere。Soourvictorywasgreat，andwisehadbeentheprudenceoftheFrenchcaptains，subtletybeingthemotherofvictory；for，withoutablowstruck，theyhadkeptJeandeLuxembourg，andtheEarlsofHuntingdonandArundel，waitingidleallday，whiletheirgreatbastillewastakenbyXaintraillesandthetownsfolk，andfoodwasbroughtintoCompiegne。ThusforthesecondtimeIpassedanightofjoyinabeleagueredtown，fortherewasmusicineverystreet，thechurchesfullofpeoplepraisingGodforthisgreatdeliverance，menandmaidsdancingaroundbonfires，yetgoodwatchwaskeptatthegatesandonthetowers。Nextdayweexpectedbattle，butourspiesbroughtintidingsthatBurgundiansandEnglishhaddecampedinthedawn，theirmendeserting。Thatdaywasnotlessjoyfulthanthenighthadbeen；foratRoyaulieu，intheabbeywhereJeandeLuxembourghadlain，thetownsfolkfoundallmannerofmeat，andofwinegreatplenty，sorightgoodcheerwemade，foritcostusnothing。
CHAPTERXXVIII——HOWTHEBURGUNDIANSHUNTEDHARES，WITHTHEENDOF
THATHUNTING
"Tellme，whattidingsofhim？"BarthelemyBarretteaskedme，onthedayafterthatunboughtfeastatRoyaulieu。
HewassittinginthenoondaysunonthebridgeofCompiegne，andstrangeitwastoseetheplacesobatteredyetsopeacefulafterfivemonthsofwar。TheOiseslidingbyandripplingonthepierswasnotmorequietthanthisbridgeofmanybattles，yetblackinplaceswithdried-upbloodofmenslain。"TidingscanIfindnone，"
Ianswered。"Hewhosawthecordelierlastwasonguardintheboulevardduringthegreatcharge。HemarkedBrotherThomaslevelhiscouleuvrinenowandagain，asweranforthebastille，andcriedouttohimtoaimhigher，forthattheballwouldgoamongstus。”
"Youwerehistarget，Imakenodoubt，"saidBarthelemy，"butbyreasonofthethronghehadnocertainaim。”
"Afterwebrokeintothebastille，Icanfindnomanwhohasseteyesonhim，"andIcursedthecordelierforveryrage。
"Heiswellaway，ifhestaysaway:youandIneedscarceanylongerprayforeyesinthebacksofourheads。Butwhatmakewenext？"
"Ihavebutonethought，"Isaid:"toplucktheMaidoutofthehandsoftheEnglish，fornowmensaythatsheissoldtothembyJeanofLuxembourg。TheymeantotakehertoArras，andsobyCrotoyatthemouthofSeine，andacrossNormandytoRouen。SaveherFrancemust，forthehonourofFrance。”
"Mymindisthesame，"hesaid，andfellintoamuse。"Hencethestraightroad，andtheshortest，"hesaidatlast，"isbyBeauvaisontoRouen，whereshewilllieinchains，"anddrawinghisdaggerhescratchedlinesonthebridgeparapetwithitspoint。"HereisCompiegne；there，fartothewest，isthesea，andhereisRouen。
Thatstraightline，"whichhescratched，"goestoRouenfromCompiegne。Here，midway，isBeauvais，whereofwespoke，whichtownwehold。Butthere，betweenusandBeauvais，isClermont，heldbyCrevecoeurfortheBurgundians，andhere，midwaybetweenBeauvaisandRouen，isGournay，whereKyrielandtheLordHuntingdonliewithagreatforceofEnglish。Doyoucomprehend？WemustfirsttakeClermonterewecanridetorescuetheMaidatRouen!"
"TheKingshouldhelpus，"Isaid。"ForwhatisthearmythathasdeliveredCompiegnebutasetofprivatebands，underthisgentleman"sflagorthat，somewithBoussac，somewithXaintrailles，somewithadozenothers，andvictualsarehardtocomeby。”
"Ay，manyapeacefulmansitsbythefireandtellshowgreatcaptainsshouldhavedonethis，andmarchedthere，neverthinkingthatmenfightontheirbellies。AndtheKingshouldhelpus，andmarchwithD"AlenconthroughNormandyfromthesouth，whileourcompaniestakeClermontifwemay，anddrivebacktheEnglishandBurgundians。ButyouknowtheKing，andmensaythattheArchbishopofReimsopenlydeclaresthattheMaidisrightlypunishedforherpride。Hehassetupamadshepherd-boytotakeherplace，Heavenhelphim!whocanfightaswellasthatstonecanswim，"andhedroppedaloosestoneoverthebridgeintothewater。
"Whoeverstaysathome，wetakethefield，"Isaid；"letusseekcounselofXaintrailles。”
WeroseandwenttotheJacobins，whereXaintrailleswaslodged，andtherefoundhimathisdejeuner。
Hewasatallyoungknight，straightasalance，leanasagreyhound；forallhisdayshisswordhadwonhismeat；andhewashardy，keen，andbright，witheyesofsteelinascarredface，andhisbrowwasalreadywornbaldwiththehelmet。Whenhewalkedhislegssomewhatstraggledapart，byreasonofhismuchriding。
Xaintraillesreceivedusinthebestmanner，wetellinghimthatwehadriddenwiththeMaid，thatIwasofherownhousehold，andthattosaveherwewerewillingtogofar，andwellknewthatundernobannercouldwebesoforwardasunderhis。
"IwouldallmycompanywereashonestasItakeyoutwaintobe，"
hesaid，"andIgladlyreceiveyouundermycolourswithanymenyoucanbring。”
"Messire，IhaveahandfulofhorseoftheMaid"scompany，"saidBarthelemy，hardily；"butwhendowemarch，forto-dayisbetterthanto-morrow。”
"Assoonasmaybe，"saidtheknight；"theMarechaldeBoussacleadsusagainstClermont。ThattownwecannotleavebehinduswhenwesetforthfromBeauvais。But，withthesegreatbombards，whichwehavewonfromtheBurgundians，wemayhavereasonofClermont，andthen，"clappinghishandstogether，andlookingup，"thenforRouen!
Weshallburstthecageandfreethebird，Godwilling!"
Hestoodlikeoneinprayer，crossinghimself，andourheartsturnedtohiminloyalty。
"IfbuttheKingwillsendaforcetojoinhandswithLaHireinLouviers，theEnglishshallhavenewsofyou，Messire!"Imadeboldtosay。
"Ay，if!"quothXaintrailles，andhisfacegrewdarker，"butwemustmakegoodspeedyforthemidwinterdrawsnigh。”
Therewithwelefthim，and，infewdays，weremarchingonClermont，draggingwithlongtrainsofhorsesthegreatbombardsoftheBurgundians。
TooursummonsMessiredeCrevecoeuransweredknightly，thatClermonthewouldholdtilldeathorrescue，sowesettobatteringhishouseabouthisears。But，alas!afterfourdaysasentinelofourssaw，toolate，anEnglishknightwithninemenslipthroughthevines，undercoverofdarkness，andwinaposterngateinthetownwall。Soonweheardajoy-fireofgunswithinClermonttown，andforebodedtheworst。AtmidnightcameapeasanttoXaintrailles，withtidingsthatarescuewasridingtoClermont，andnextmorningitwasbootsandsaddlesandaway，sohastilythatweleftbehindusthegreatbombardsoftheBurgundians。Onthistheymademuchmirth；buttheylaughbestwholaughlast，asshallheseen。
AndthecauseofourgoingwasthattheEarlofHuntingdonhadriddenoutofGournay，inNormandy，withagreatforceofEnglish，todeliverClermont。Againstfoeswithinthetownandfoeswithoutthetownthecaptainsjudgedthatwewereofnoavail。Sowedeparted，heavyatheart。Nowthecompaniesscattered，andBarthelemyandI，sorryenough，rodebehindXaintrailles，duenorthtoGuermigny，whencewethreatenedAmiens。
AtGuermigny，then，forashortseason，layXaintrailles，gatheringalltheforcehemightalongthePicardymarches，fortheDukeofBurgundywasinPeronne，fullofwrathandsorrow，somanyevilshadbefallenhim。Forourselves，wewereinnogentlertemper，havinglostourhopeofpushingontoRouen。
Iwasglad，therefore，whenXaintrailleshimselfrodeonedaytothedoorofourlodginginGuermigny，strodeclangingintoourchamber，andaskedifwewerealone？Wetellinghimthatnonewaswithinear-shot，hesathimdownonthetable，playingwithhisdaggerhilt，and，withhishawk"seyeonBarthelemy，asked，"Youknowthislandwell？"
"Ihaveriddenoverit，inwarorpeace，sinceIwasaboy。”
"HowfartoLihons？"
"Amatteroftwoleagues。”
"Whatmannerofcountryliesbetween？"
"Chieflyplain，rudeanduntilled，becauseofthedistressesofthesetimes。Thereismuchheathandlonggrasses，agreatcountryforhares。”
"Knowyouanycovertnightheroad？"
"Thererunsabrookthattheroadcrossesbyabridge，midwaybetweenGuermignyandLihons。Thebanksaresteep，andwellwoodedwithsuchtreesandundergrowthaslovewater。”
"Youcanguidemethither？"
"Thereisnomissingtheroad。”
"Godcouldnothavemadethislandbetterforme，ifHehadaskedmycounsel，"saidXaintrailles。"Youcankeepyourown？"
"NomDieu，yea!"saidBarthelemy。
"AndyourScotsfriendIcantrust。Agood-daytoyou，andthanksmany。”
Thereuponhewentforth。
"Whathasheinhismind？"IaskedBarthelemy。
"Belikeanambush。TheDukeofBurgundyliesatPeronne，andhasmusteredagreatforce。LihonsismidwaybetweenusandPeronne，andisinthehandsofBurgundy。IdeemXaintrailleshastidingsthattheyintendtoridefromPeronnetoLihonsto-night，andthencemakeearlyonfallonusto-morrow。Beingheavy-patedmenofwar，andbemusedwiththeirstrongwine，theyknownot，belike，thatwehavemorewithusthanthesmallgarrisonofGuermigny。Andwearetoawaitthemontheroad，Idoubtnot。YoushallseementhatwearyourcrossofSt。Andrew，butnotofyourcolour。”
IshamenottosaythatofbushmentsinthecolddawnIhadseenasmuchasIhadstomachfor，underParis。Butifanycaptainwaswaryinwar，andknewhowtodiscoverwhatsoeverhisenemydesigned，thatcaptainwasXaintrailles。NonethelessIhopedinmyheartthathissecrettidingsoftheBurgundianonfallhadnotcomethroughapriest，andnamelyacordelier。
Dawnfoundusmounted，andridingatafoot"s-pacethroughthegreatplainwhichliesroughanduntilledbetweenGuermignyandLihons。
Allgreyandstillitwas，saveforacockcrowingfromafarmsteadhereandthereonthewidewold，brokenonlybyalineoftreesthatranacrosstheway。
Underthesetrees，whichweremainlypoplarsandthickundergrowthofaldersaboutthesteepbanksofalittlebrook，wewerehalted，andheretookcover，ourmenlyingdown。
"Letnomanstir，orspeak，savewhenIspeaktohim，whateverbefalls，onperilofhislife，"saidXaintrailles，whenwewerealldisposedinhiding。ThentouchingmeontheshoulderthatIshouldrise，hesaid-
"Youareyoungenoughtoclimbatree；areyoureyesgood？"
"Icommonlywasthefirstthatsawthehareinherform，whenwewentcoursingathome，sir。”
"Thenupthistreewithyou!keepoutlookalongtheroad，andhideyourselfasbestyoumayintheboughs。Throwthisrussetcloakoveryourharness。”ItwasshrewdlychillinthegreyNovembermorning，ahoarfrostlyingwhiteonthefields。Itookthecloakgladlyandbestowedmyselfinthetree，sothatIhadawideviewdownLihonsway，whenceweexpectedourenemies，theroadrunningplaintoseeforleagues，likearibbon，whenoncethelowsunhadscatteredthemists。Itwasalongwatch，andaweary，myhandsbeinghalffrozeninmysteelgauntlets。Manyofourmenslept；ifeverawayfarercrossedthebridgehardbyhewasstopped，gagged，andtrussedinarope"send。Butwayfarerswerefew，andallwerewanderingafoot。Iwassorryfortwolasses，whocrossedonsomebusinessoftheirfarm，buttherewasnoremedy。
Thesediversionspassedthetimetillnighnoon，whenIwhisperedtoXaintraillesthatIsawcloudsofdust(theroadsbeingverydry)aleagueaway。HesentBarthelemyandanothertowakenanythatslept，andbadeallbereadyataword。
Nowtherecameshoutsonthewind，criesofvenerie，loudlaughter，andsnatchesofsongs。
Andnow，upinmyperch，ImyselfbrokeintoalaughatthatIsaw。
"Silence，"fool!"whisperedXaintrailles。"Whylaughyou，inthenameofBehemoth？"
"TheBurgundiansarehuntinghares，"Iwhispered；"theyareridingalldisorderly，someontheroad，somehereandthereabouttheplain。Onemanhasnolance，anotherisunhelmeted，manyhavelefttheirharnessbehindwiththebaggage!"EvenasIspokeroseupagreathuntingcry，andapointofthechasewasblownonatrumpet。
TheforemostBurgundianswerespurringlikemadmenaftersomebeast，throwingatitwiththeirlances，andsoonIsawafoxmakingourwayforitsverylife。
"Tohorse，"criedXaintrailles，and，leavingthirtymentoholdthebridge，thewholeofourcompany，withspearsinrest，drovedownonthesehare-huntersofBurgundy。
Twohundredpickedmeninall，fullyarmed，werewe，andwescatteredtheforemostridersastheyhadscatteredthehares。
Saddleswereemptied，archerswerecutdownorspearederetheycoulddrawbows，theBurgundianswerespurringfortheirlives，manycriedmercy，andweretakentoransom，ofwhomIhadmyshare，asI
shalltell。
Butafewmenmadearightgoodend。ThomasKyriel，aknightofEngland，stoodtohisbanner，hisarchersralliedaboutit，withthreeorfourknightsofBurgundy。There，unhelmetedforthemostpart，theychosethewayofhonour，buttheywereofnoavailwheresomanylanceswerelevelledandsomanyswordswerehewingatsofew。Therewasagreatslaughter，butGeoffreydeThoisy，nephewtotheBishopofTournay，pluckedfromdangerfortune，forhesoborehimthathebeingfullyarmedwetookhimforMessireAntoinedeVienne，averygoodknight。Forhiscouragewesparedhim，butAntoine，beingunhelmetedandunknown，wassmittenontheheadbyBarthelemyBarrette，withablowofacasse-tete。
ForthisBarthelemymademuchsorrow，notonlythatsogoodaknightwasslain，butthathehadlostagreatransom，wherebyheshouldhavebeenarichman。Yetsuchisthefortuneofwar!Whichthatdaywasstrangelyseen；foraknighthavingyieldedtomebecausehishorsethrewhim，andhelostforamomentallsensewiththefallandfoundmybootonhisneckwhenhecametohimself，whoshouldhebebutMessireRobertHeron，thesamewhomItookatOrleans!
Who，whenheknewme，tookoffhissaladeforgreaterease，and，sittingdownonarockbytheway，sworeasneverIheardmanswear，French，English，Spaniard，orScot；andatlengthlaughed，andsaiditwasfortuneofwar，andsowascontent。Thisskirmishbeingthusended，wereturned，blitheandrichmeneveryoneofus，whatwithprisoners，horses，arms，andallmanneroftreasuretakenwiththebaggage。ThatnightwesleptlittleinGuermigny，butfeastedanddrankdeep。Formyownpart，IknownotwellwhereIdidsleep，orhowIwontowhatbed，whichshamesmesomedealafteralltheseyears。
OnthemorrowweleftGuermignytothegarrisonoftheplacefortheirill-fortune，androdebacktowardsCompiegne。
AndthiswasthesportthattheBurgundianshadinhare-hunting。
ThisBattleoftheHareswasthemerriestpassageofarmsforourparty，andbourdesweremadeonit，andsongssung，asbytheEnglishonthatotherBattleoftheHerrings。Now，moreover，I
mightbecalledrich，whatwithransoms，whatwithmyshareoftheplunderinhorses，rings，chainsofgold，jewels，silverdishes，andrichcloths，outofthebaggageoftheenemy。VerilylackofwealthcouldnomoresunderElliotandme!ForPothonwasasopenofhandashewashighofheart，andwasnogreedycaptain，whereforemenfollowedhimthemoregladly。
CHAPTERXXIX——SHOWETHHOWVERYNOBLEWASTHEDUKEOFBURGUNDY
Allthiswaswell，butwewerenonearerRouen，andthefreeingoftheMaid，onthistwentiethofNovember，thanwehadbeenwhenthesiegeofCompiegnebrokeup，onthetwenty-sixthofOctober。
TheDukeofBurgundy，welearned，waslikeamanmadwhenheheardoftheBattleoftheHares。NothingwouldservehimthatdaybuttoleadallhishosttoGuermignyfromPeronne，whencehewouldhavegotlittlecomfortofvengeance，forwewereinaplaceofsafety。
ButJeandeLuxembourgtoldhimthathemustnotventurehisnobilityamongroutierslikeus，whereinhepleasedtheDuke，butspokefoolishly。Fornoman，behedukeorprince，canbeofbetterbloodthanweoftheHouseofRothes，nottospeakofXaintraillesandmanyothergentlemenofourcompany。
TheDuke，then，putnothisnoblepersoninanyjeopardy，but，morewisely，hesentmessengersaftermyLordofHuntingdonthatheshouldbringuptheEnglishtoaidtheBurgundianhare-hunters。ButHuntingdonhaddepartedtoRouen，wherethenlayHenry，KingofEngland，aboyonwhomandonwhoseHouseGodhasavengedtheMaidwithterriblejudgments，andwillyetthemoreavengeher，blessedbeHisname!
TheDukeofBurgundycomfortedhimselfafterhiskind，forwhenhedidpluckuphearttogoagainstGuermigny，he，findingusdeparted，sackedtheplace，andrazedittotheveryground，andsowithdrewtoRoye，andtherewaitedforwhathelpEnglandwouldsendhim。NowRoyeissomesixteenleaguesduenorthofCompiegne。
Sothedayswentby，forMessireLefebvreSaint-Remy，thepursuivant，washuntingformyLordofHuntingdon，allupanddownNormandy，andatlastcametoRouen，andtothepresenceoftheDukeofBedford，theuncleoftheEnglishKing。AllthisImyselfheardfromMessireSaint-Remy，whoisstillapursuivant，andalearnedman，andamakerofbooks。
Bedfordthen，whowasbusyhoundingthatdevil，Cauchon，sometimeBishopofBeauvais，againsttheMaid，senttheComtedePercheandMessireLoysRobsart，tobidtheDukeofBurgundybeofwhatcouragehemight，forsuccourofEnglandheshouldhave。WhereinBedfordwasnotrueprophet。
Ofallthiswe，inCompiegne，knewsomuchasthatitwaswisertostriketheDukeatRoye，beforehecouldaddEnglishtalbotstohisBurgundianharriers。Thereforeallthecaptainsofcompanies，asBoussac，Xaintrailles，AlainGiron，AmadeedeVignolles，andLoysdeNaucourt，musteredtheirseveralcompanies，tothenumberofsomefivethousandmen-at-arms。WehadnewsofsixhundredEnglishmarchingtojointheDuke，andonthemwefellatCouty，hardbyAmiens，andthereslewLoysRobsart，agoodknight，oftheOrderoftheGarter，anddrovetheEnglishthatfledintothecastleofCouty，andwetookalltheirhorses，leavingthemshamed，fortheykeptnoguard。
ThencewerodetowithinaleagueofRoye，andthencesentaherald，inalldueform，tochallengetheDuketoopenbattleforhishonour"ssake。Thiswedid，becausewehadnostoreofvictual，andmustfightorridehome。
TheDukereceivedtheherald，andmadeasifhewouldhearhimasbeseemsagentlemanunderchallenge。Buthiswisecounsellorsforbadehim，becausehewassonoble。
Wewerebut"routiers，"theysaid，andhadnoPrinceinallourcompany；sowemusteventarrytillthemorrow，andthentheDukewouldfight。IntruthheexpectedtheEnglish，whowerefootingittoCastleCouty。
IstoodbyXaintrailleswhenthepursuivantborebackthismessage。
Pothonspatontheground。
"Shallwebemorenobleto-morrowthanto-day，orto-morrowcanthishuxterofmaids，theDuke，belessnoblethanheis，everydaythathesoilsknighthood？"
Thereonhesenttheheraldback，tosaythattheDukeshouldhavebattleathisgatesifhegavenobetteranswer，forthatwaitforhispleasurewecouldnot，forwantofvictuals。
AndsowedrewhalfaleaguenearertoRoye。
TheDukesentbackourheraldwithwordthatofvictualshewouldgiveushalfhisownstore；forhehadread，asIdeem，theromanceofRichardLion-Heart，anothermannerofmanthanhimself。Wesaidnoughttothis，notchoosingtodineinsuchhighcompany，butrodeupunderthewallsofRoye，defyingtheDukewithopenribaldry，suchasnomanantcouldbearbuthewouldtakecudgelinhandtodefendhishonour。Ourintentwas，iftheDukeacceptedbattle，tofightwithnonebuthim，ifperchancewemighttakehim，andholdhimashostagefortheMaid"slife。
Howbeit，soverynoblewastheDukethisday，thathedidnotputlanceinrest(asbelikehewouldhavedoneonthemorrow)，but，drawinguphismenonfoot，behindcertainmossesandmarshes，allinfirmarray，hekepthimselfcoybehindthem，andnottoofarfromthegateofRoye。
Tocrossthesemossesandmarsheswasbeyondourcunning，norcouldwefastallthatnight，andseeiftheDukewouldfeelhimselflessnoble，andmorewarlike，onthemorrow。
So，withcursesandcriesofshame，weturnedbridle，and，forthatwecouldnotholdtogether，beinginlackofmeat，thecompaniesbrokeup，andwenteachtohisownhold。
IhaveheardMessireGeorgesChastellaintell，intimesthatwerestilltocome，howfiercelytheDukeofBurgundyborehimincouncilthatnight，afterthatwehadallgone，andhowheblamedhispeoplewhowouldnotlethimfight。But，afterhehadwellsupped，heevenletthisadventureslipby，asbeingordainedbythewillofGod，who，doubtless，holdsinveryhighhonourmenofbirthprincely，andsuch，aboveall，asletsellyoungvirginstothetormentors。AndthusendedourhopetosavetheMaidbytakingcaptivetheDukeofBurgundy。
CHAPTERXXX——HOWNORMANLESLIETOOKSERVICEWITHTHEENGLISH
"Whatmakewenow？"IaskedofBarthelemyBarrette，oneday，afterthecompanieshadscattered，asIhavesaid，andwehadgonebackintoCompiegne。"WhatstrokemayFrancenowstrikefortheMaid？"
Hehunghisheadandpluckedathisbeard，erehespoke。
"Tobeasplainwithyouasmyheartiswithmyself，Norman，"heansweredatlast，"deliverance，orhopeofdeliverance，seeInone。
TheEnglishhavethebirdinthecage，andRouenisnotastrengththatcanbetakenbysuddenonslaught。And，wereitso，whereisourforce，inmidwinter？Iratherputmyfaith，thatcanscarcemovemountains，insomesubtlemeans，ifanymanmightdevisethem。”
"Wecannotsitidlehere，"Isaid。"Andforthreelongmonthstherewillbenomovingofarmiesinopenfield。”
"AndinthreemonthsthesedogsoffalseFrenchdoctorsofPariswillhavetriedandcondemnedtheMaid。Formypart，IridewithmyhandfulofspearstotheLoire。PerchancethereisyetsomehopeintheKing。”
"ThenIridewithyou，grantedyourgoodwill，forImustneedstoTours，andIhaveovermuchtreasureinmywallettoridealone。”
Indeed，Iwasnowarichman，morebyluckthanbyvalour；andthoughIsaidnoughtofit，Ihopedthatmylongwooingmightnowcometoahappyend。
Barthelemyclaspedhandsgladlyonthatoffer；andnottomakealongtale，heandhismenweremyescorttoTours，andthenceherodetoSullytoseetheKing。
Ihadnoheartforgladsurprisesthistime，buthavingsentonalettertomymaster，byaKing"smessengerwhorodefromCompiegneerewedid，IwasexpectedandwelcomedbyElliotandmymaster，withallthejoythatmightbe，afterourlongseverance。Andinmymaster"shandsIlaidmynewlygottengear，andheardprivilyfromhimthat，withhisgoodwill，Iandhisdaughtermightwedsosoonasshewould。
"Forsheispiningwithgrief，andprayer，andfasting，andmarriageisthebestremedeforsuchmaladies。”
OfthisgraceIwasrightglad；yetChristmaswentbyandIdarednotspeak，forElliotseemedsetonfarotherthingsthanmirth，andwaseverandearlyinthechurches，aboveallwhenserviceandprayerwereofferedupfortheMaid。Shewasverywillingtohearallthetaleofthelongsiege，andherface，thatwasthinandwan，unlikeherbrightcountenanceofold，flushedscarletwhensheheardhowwehadbeardedandshamedthenobleDukeofBurgundy，andwhatwordsXaintrailleshadspokenconcerninghisnobleness。
"ThereisonetrueknightleftinFrance!"shesaid，andfellsilentagain。
Then，webeingaloneinthechamber，Itriedtotakeherhand，butshedrewitaway。
"Mydearlove，"shesaid，"Iknowallthatisinyourheart，andallmylovethatisinmineyouknowwell。Butinminethereisnocareforhappinessandjoy，andtospeakasplainasamaidenmay，Ihavenownowilltomarry。WhiletheSisteroftheSaintsliesinduresse，orifshebeunjustlyslain，Ihavesetupmyresttoabideunwed，forever，astheBrideofHeaven。And，ifthelastevilbefallher，aswellIdeemitmust，IshallwithdrawmefromtheworldintothesisterhoodoftheClarisses。”
Hadthegreatmid-beamoftherooffallenandsmittenme，Icouldnothavebeenstrickenmoredumbanddead。Myfaceshowedwhatwasinmymindbelike，for，lookingfearfullyandtenderlyonme，shetookmyhandbetweenhersandcherishedit。
"Mylove，"Isaidatlast，"youseeinwhatcaseIam，thatcanscarcespeakforsorrow，afterallIhaveventured，andlaboured，andwon，foryouandfortheMaid。”
"AndI，"sheanswered，"beingbutagirl，canventureandgivenothingbutmypoorprayers；andifshenowperish，thenImustpraythemorecontinuallyforthegoodrestofhersoul，andtheforgivenessofherenemiesandfalsefriends。”
"Sure，shehathalreadythecertainpromiseofParadise，andeveninthisworldherlifeiswiththeSaints。Andifmenslayherbody，weneedherprayersmorethansheneedsours。”
ButElliotsaidnoword，beingverywilful。
"ConsiderwhatmanneroffriendtheMaidis，"Isaid，"whodesiresnothingbutjoyandhappylifetoallwhomsheloves，asshelovesyou。Verily，Iamrightwellassuredthat，couldsheseeusinthishour，shewouldbidyoubehappywithme，andnotchoosepenanceforloveofher。”
"Ifsheherselfbidsmedoasyoudesire，"saidElliotatlast，"thenIwouldnotbedisobedienttothatDaughterofGod。”
HereItooksomecomfort，fornowathoughtcameintomymind。
"But，"saidElliot，"aswereadoftherichmanandLazarus，betweenherandusisagreatgulffixed，andnonemaycomefromhertous，orfromustoher。”
"Elliot!"Isaid，"ifeithertheMaidbedelivered，orifshesendsyousureandcertaintidingsunderherownhandthatshewillsyoutoputoffthishumour，willyouthenbepersuaded，andmakenomoredelay!"
"Indeed，ifeitherofthesemiraclesbefall，orboth，rightgladlywillIobeybothyouandher。ButnowherSaints，methinks，havelefther，weariedbythewickednessofFrance。”
"Iasknomore，"Ianswered，"for，Elliot，eithertheMaidshallbefree，orsheshallsendyouthiscommand，oryoushallseemyfacenomore。”
Mypurposewasnowclearbeforeme，evenasIexecutedit，asshallbeseen。
"Indeed，ifmyvowmustbekept，nevermayIagainbeholdyou；foroh!mylove，myheartwouldsurelybreakintwain，beingalreadyweakwithgriefandfasting，andwearywithprayer。”
Whereonshelaidherkindarmsaboutmyneck，and，despitemymanhood，Iweptnolessthanshe。
ForHolyWritsayswell，thathopedeferredmakeththeheartsick；
andminewassickuntodeath。
OfmyresolveIspokenowordmoretoElliot，lesthercounselshouldchangewhensheknewthejeopardywhereintoIwasfirmlymindedtogo。AndtomymasterIsaidnomorethanthatIwasmindedtoridetotheCourt，andforthatendIturnedintomoneyapartofmytreasure，formoneyIshouldneedmorethanarms。
Onematterinespecial，whichIdeemedshouldstandmeinthegreateststead，IpurchasedforgoldofthepottingeratTours，thesamewhohadnursedmeaftermywound。ThisdraughtIbestowedinasilverphial，gravenwithstrangesigns，andIkeptitevercloseandsecret，foritwasmychiefmainstay。
SecretlyasIwrought，yetIdeemthatmymasterhadsomeunderstandingofwhatwasinmymind，thoughItoldhimnothingofthewordsbetweenmeandElliot。ForIwasinnowaywithouthopethat，whenthebitternessofhergriefwasoverpast，Elliotmightchangehercounsel。Andagain，Iwouldnothavehimdeviseanddisputewithher，asnow，wherebyIverywellknewthatshewouldbebutthemoreunhappy，andthemoresetontakingherownwilfulway。
IthereforesaidnomorethanthatitbehovedmetoseesuchcaptainsaswereabouttheKing。
ThereafterIbadethemfarewell，noramIdisposedtowriteconcerningwhatpassedatthepartingofElliotandme。ForthriceerenowIhadlefthertopassintothemouthofwar，butnowIwentintootherperil，andwithfainterhope。
IdidindeedridetotheCourt，whichwasatSully，andthereImet，asIdesired，BarthelemyBarrette。Hegreetedmewell，andwasrichlyclad，andprosperoustobehold。Butitgavemegreaterjoythathespokeofsomesecretenterprisewhichshouldshortlybeputinhand，whenthespringcame。
"ForIhavegoodintelligence，"hesaid，"thattheBastardofOrleanswillrideprivilytoLouvierswithmen-at-arms。NowLouviers，whereLaHireliesingarrison，isbutsevenleaguesfromRouentown，andwhatsecretenterprisecanhepurposethere，savetobreakthecageandsetfreethebird？"
InthishopeItarriedlong，intendingtoridewiththespearsofBarthelemy，andplacingmytrustontwoknightssogoodandskilledinwarasLaHireandtheBastard，theMaid"soldcompanionsinfight。
Butthedayswaxedlong，anditwasMarchthethirteentherewerodenorth，andalreadythedoctorshadbeguntoentraptheMaidwiththeirquestions，whereoftherecouldbebutoneend。
Withoutadventureverynotable，ridingmuchatnight，throughforestsandbyways，wecametoLouviers，wheretheyreceivedusjoyfully。ForitwasverywellknownthattheEnglishweremindedtobesiegethistown，thatbravedthemsoneartheirgatesatRouen，andthattheyonlyheldbacktilltheyhadslaintheMaid。Whileshelivedtheydarednotstiragainstus，knowingwellthattheirmenfearedtofollowtheirflag。
Now，indeed，Iwasingoodhope，butalas!therewerelongcounselsofthecaptains，therewasmuchharryingofNormandy，andsomeoutlyingbandsofEnglishweretrapped，andprisonersweretaken。
ButofanassaultonRouenweheardnoword，and，indeed，theadventurewasdesperate，though，forthehonourofFrance，Imarvelyetthatitwasnotputtothetouch。
"Thereisnoughttobedone，"Barthelemysaidtome；"IcannottakeRouenwithahandfulofspears，andthecaptainswillnotstir。”
"Then，"saidI，"farewell，forundertheliliesIfightneveragain。
Onechanceremains，andIgotoproveit。”
"Man，youaremad，"heansweredme。"Whatdesperateperilareyoumindedtorun？"
"Iammindedtoendthismatter，"Isaid。"Myhonourandmyverylifestanduponit。Askmenotwhy，andswearthatyouwillkeepthissecretfromallmen，ifyouwoulddothelastservicetome，andtoHer，whomwebothlove。Itellyouthat，helpmeorhinderme，Ihavenochoicebutthis；yetsomuchIwillsaytoyou，thatI
putmyselfinthisjeopardyformyhonourandthehonourofScotland，andformylady。”
"Thedaysarepastfortheoldchivalry，"hesaid；"butnomorewords。IswearbySt。Ouentokeepyourcounsel，andifmoreIcando，withoutmeremadnessandriskoutofallhope，Iwilldoit。”
"Thisyoucandowithoutrisk。LetmehavetheaccoutrementsofoneoftheEnglishmenwholieinward，andletmeridewithyourbandatdaybreakto-morrow。Itiseasytotellsomefeignedtale，whenyouridebackwithoutme。”