第13章

Themonkcamebackmorequicklythathewent，sothatthehorsediedunderhiminthecourtyard。HerushedintotheroomwhereBertha，believingherlasthourtobecome，waskissingherson，andwrithinglikealizardinthefire，utteringnocryforherself，butforthechild，lefttothewrathofBastarnay，forgettingherownagonyatthethoughtofhiscruelfuture。

“Takethis，“saidthemonk；“mylifeissaved！”

Jehanhadthegreatcouragetosaythesewordswithanunmovedface，althoughhefelttheclawsofdeathseizinghisheart。HardlyhadBerthadrunkwhenthepriorfelldead，not，however，withoutkissinghisson，andregardinghisdearladywithaneyethatchangednotevenafterhislastsigh。Thissightturnedherascoldasmarble，andterrifiedhersomuchthatsheremainedrigidbeforethisdeadman，stretchedatherfeet，pressingthehandofherchild，whowept，althoughherowneyewasasdryastheRedSeawhentheHebrewscrosseditundertheleadershipofBaronMoses，foritseemedtoherthatshehadsharpsandrollingunderhereyelids。Prayforher，yecharitablesouls，forneverwaswomansoagonised，indiviningthatherloverhassavedherlifeattheexpenseofhisown。Aidedbyherson，sheherselfplacedthemonkinthemiddleofthebed，andstoodbythesideofit，prayingwiththeboy，whomshethentoldthatthepriorwashistruefather。Inthisstateshewaitedherevilhour，andherevilhourdidnottakelongincoming，fortowardstheeleventhhourBastarnayarrived，andwasinformedattheportcullisthatthemonkwasdead，andnotMadameandthechild，andhesawhisbeautifulSpanishhorselyingdead。Thereupon，seizedwithafuriousdesiretoslayBerthaandthemonk\'sbastard，hesprangupthestairswithonebound；butatthesightofthecorpse，forwhomhiswifeandhersonrepeatedincessantlitanies，havingnoearsforhistorrentofinvective，havingnoeyesforhiswrithingsandthreats，hehadnolongerthecouragetoperpetratethisdarkdeed。Afterthefirstfuryofhisragehadpassed，hecouldnotbringhimselftoit，andquittedtheroomlikeacowardandamantakenincrime，stungtothequickbythoseprayerscontinuouslysaidforthemonk。Thenightwaspassedintears，groans，andprayers。

ByanexpressorderfromMadame，herservanthadbeentoLochestopurchaseforhertheattireofayoungladyofquality，andforherpoorchildahorseandthearmsofanesquire；noticingwhichtheSieurdeBastarnaywasmuchastonished。HesentforMadameandthemonk\'sson，butneithermothernorchildreturnedanyanswer，butquietlyputontheclothespurchasedbytheservant。ByMadame\'sorderthisservantmadeuptheaccountofhereffects，arrangedherclothes，purples，jewels，anddiamonds，asthepropertyofawidowisarrangedwhensherenouncesherrights。Berthaorderedevenheralms-pursebeincluded，inorderthattheceremonymightbeperfect。Thereportofthesepreparationsranthroughthehouse，andeveryoneknewthenthatthemistresswasabouttoleaveit，acircumstancethatfilledeveryheartwithsorrow，eventhatofalittlescullion，whohadonlybeenaweekintheplace，buttowhomMadamehadalreadygivenakindword。

Frightenedatthesepreparations，oldBastarnaycameintoherchamber，andfoundherweepingoverthebodyofJehan，forthetearshadcomeatlast；butshedriedthemdirectlysheperceivedherhusband。Tohisnumerousquestionssherepliedbrieflybytheconfessionofherfault，tellinghimhowshehadbeenduped，howthepoorpagehadbeendistressed，showinghimuponthecorpsethemarkoftheponiardwound；

howlonghehadbeengettingwell；andhow，inobediencetoher，andfrompenitencetowardsGod，hehadenteredtheChurch，abandoningthegloriouscareerofaknight，puttinganendtohisname，whichwascertainlyworsethandeath；howshe，whileavengingherhonour，hadthoughtthatevenGodhimselfwouldnothaverefusedthemonkonedayintheyeartoseethesonforwhomhehadsacrificedeverything；how，notwishingtolivewithamurderer，shewasabouttoquithishouse，leavingallherpropertybehindher；because，ifthehonouroftheBastarnayswasstained，itwasnotshewhohadbroughttheshameabout；becauseinthiscalamityshehadarrangedmattersasbestshecould；finally，sheaddedavowtogoovermountainandvalley，sheandherson，untilallwasexpiated，forsheknewhowtoexpiateall。

Havingwithnoblemienandapalefaceutteredthesebeautifulwords，shetookherchildbythehandandwentoutingreatmourning，moremagnificentlybeautifulthanwasMademoiselleHagaronherdeparturefromtheresidenceofthepatriarchAbraham，andsoproudly，thatalltheservantsandretainersfellontheirkneesasshepassedalong，imploringherwithjoinedhands，likeNotreDamedelaRiche。ItwaspitifultoseetheSieurdeBastarnayfollowingher，ashamed，weeping，confessinghimselftoblame，anddowncastanddespairing，likeamanbeingledtothegallows，theretobeturnedoff。

AndBerthaturnedadeafeartoeverything。Thedesolationwassogreatthatshefoundthedrawbridgelowered，andhastenedtoquitthecastle，fearingthatitmightbesuddenlyraisedagain；butnoonehadtherightorthehearttodoit。Shesatdownonthecurbofthemoat，inviewofthewholecastle，whobeggedher，withtears，tostay。Thepoorsirewasstandingwithhishanduponthechainoftheportcullis，assilentasthestonesaintscarvedabovethedoor。HesawBerthaorderhersontoshakethedustfromhisshoesattheendofthebridge，inordertohavenothingbelongingtoBastarnayabouthim；andshedidlikewise。Then，indicatingthesiretohersonwithherfinger，shespoketohimasfollows——

“Child，beholdthemurdererofthyfather，whowas，asthouartaware，thepoorprior；butthouhasttakenthenameofthisman。Giveithimbackhere，evenasthouleavestthedusttakenbytheshoesfromhiscastle。Forthefoodthatthouhasthadinthecastle，byGod\'shelpwewillalsosettle。“

Hearingthis，Bastarnaywouldhavelethiswifereceiveawholemonasteryofmonksinordernottobeabandonedbyher，andbyayoungsquirecapableofbecomingthehonourofhishouse，andremainedwithhisheadsunkdownagainstthechains。

TheheartofBerthawassuddenlyfilledwithholysolace，forthebannerofthegreatmonasteryturnedthecornerofaroadacrossthefields，andappearedaccompaniedbythechantsoftheChurch，whichburstforthlikeheavenlymusic。Themonks，informedofthemurderperpetratedontheirwell-belovedprior，cameinprocession，assistedbytheecclesiasticaljustice，toclaimhisbody。Whenhesawthis，theSiredeBastarnayhadbarelythattimetomakefortheposternwithhismen，andsetouttowardsMonseigneurLouis，leavingeverythinginconfusion。

PoorBertha，encroupbehindherson，cametoMontbazontobidherfatherfarewell，tellinghimthatthisblowwouldbeherdeath，andwasconsoledbythoseofherfamilywhoendeavouredtoraiseherspirits，butwereunabletodoso。TheoldSiredeRohanpresentedhisgrandsonwithasplendidsuitofarmour，tellinghimtoacquiregloryandhonourthathemightturnhismother\'sfaultsintoeternalrenown。

ButMadamedeBastarnayhadimplantedinthemindofherdearsonnootherideathanofatoningfortheharmdone，inordertosaveherandJehanfrometernaldamnation。Boththensetoutfortheplacestheninastateofrebellion，inordertorendersuchservicetoBastarnaythathewouldreceivefromthemmorethanlifeitself。

Nowtheheatoftheseditionwas，aseveryoneknows，intheneighbourhoodofAngouleme，andofBordeauxinGuienne，andotherpartsofthekingdom，wheregreatbattlesandsevereconflictsbetweentherebelsandtheroyalarmieswaslikelytotakeplace。TheprincipalonewhichfinishedthewarwasgivenbetweenRuffecandAngouleme，wherealltheprisonerstakenweretriedandhanged。Thisbattle，commandedbyoldBastarnay，tookplaceinthemonthofNovember，sevenmonthsafterthepoisoningofJehan。NowtheBaronknewthathisheadhadbeenstronglyrecommendedasonetobecutoff，hebeingtherighthandofMonsiegneurLouis。Directlyhismenbegantofallback，theoldfellowfoundhimselfsurroundedbysixmendeterminedtoseizehim。Thenheunderstoodthattheywishedtotakehimalive，inordertoproceedagainsthishouse，ruinhisname，andconfiscatehisproperty。Thepoorsirepreferredrathertodieandsavehisfamily，andpresentthedomainstohisson。Hedefendedhimselflikethebraveoldlionthathewas。Inspiteoftheirnumber，thesesaidsoldiers，seeingthreeoftheircomradesfall，wereobligedtoattackBastarnayattheriskofkillinghim，andthrewthemselvestogetheruponhim，afterhavinglaidlowtwoofhisequerriesandapage。

InthisextremedangeranesquirewearingthearmsofRohan，fellupontheassailantslikeathunderbolt，andkilledtwoofthem，crying，“GodsavetheBastarnays！”Thethirdman-at-arms，whohadalreadyseizedoldBastarnay，wassohardpressedbythissquire，thathewasobligedtoleavetheelderandturnagainsttheyounger，towhomhegaveathrustwithhisdaggerthroughaflawinhisarmour。Bastarnaywastoogoodacomradetoflywithoutassistingtheliberatorofhishouse，whowasbadlywounded。Withablowofhismacehekilledtheman-at-arms，seizedthesquire，liftedhimontohishorse，andgainedtheopen，accompaniedbyaguide，wholedhimtothecastleofRoche-

Foucauld，whichheenteredbynight，andfoundinthegreatroomBerthadeRohan，whohadarrangedthisretreatforhim。Butonremovingthehelmetofhisrescuer，herecognisedthesonofJehan，whoexpireduponthetable，asbyafinalefforthekissedhismother，andsayinginaloudvoicetoher——

“Mother，wehavepaidthedebtweowedhim！”

Hearingthesewords，themotherclaspedthebodyofherlovedchildtoherheart，andseparatedfromhimneveragain，forshediedofgrief，withouthearingorheedingthepardonandrepentanceofBastarnay。

Thestrangecalamityhastenedthelastdayofthepooroldman，whodidnotlivetoseethecoronationofKingLouistheEleventh。HefoundedadailymassintheChurchofRoche-Foucauld，whereinthesamegraveheplacedmotherandson，withalargetombstone，uponwhichtheirlivesaremuchhonouredintheLatinlanguage。

Themoralswhichanyonecandeducefromthishistoryarethemostprofitablefortheconductoflife，sincethisshowshowgentlemenshouldbecourteouswiththedearlybelovedsoftheirwives。Further，itteachesusthatallchildrenareblessingssentbyGodHimself，andoverthemfathers，whethertrueorfalse，havenorightofmurder，aswasformerlythecaseatRome，owingtoaheathenandabominablelaw，whichillbecamethatChristianitywhichmakesusallsonsofGod。

HOWTHEPRETTYMAIDOFPORTILLONCONVINCEDHERJUDGE

TheMaidofPortillon，whobecameaseveryoneknows，LaTascherette，was，beforeshebecameadyer，alaundressatthesaidplaceofPortillon，fromwhichshetookhername。IfanytherebewhodonotknowTours，itmaybeaswelltostatethatPortillonisdowntheLoire，onthesamesideasSt。Cyr，aboutasfarfromthebridgewhichleadstothecathedralofToursassaidbridgeisdistantfromMarmoustier，sincethebridgeisinthecentreoftheembankmentbetweenPortillonandMarmoustier。Doyouthoroughlyunderstand？

Yes？Good！Nowthemaidhadthereherwashhouse，fromwhichsherantotheLoirewithherwashinginasecondandtooktheferry-boattogettoSt。Martin，whichwasontheothersideoftheriver，forshehadtodeliverthegreaterpartofherworkinChateauneufandotherplaces。

AboutMidsummerday，sevenyearsbeforemarryingoldTaschereau，shehadjustreachedtherightagetobeloved，withoutmakingachoicefromanyoftheladswhopursuedherwiththeirintentions。AlthoughthereusedtocometothebenchunderherwindowthesonofRabelais，whohadsevenboatsontheLoire，Jehan\'seldest，Marchandeauthetailor，andPeccardtheecclesiasticalgoldsmith，shemadefunofthemall，becauseshewishedtobetakentochurchbeforeburtheningherselfwithaman，whichprovesthatshewasanhonestwomanuntilshewaswheedledoutofhervirtue。Shewasoneofthosegirlswhotakegreatcarenottobecontaminated，butwho，ifbychancetheygetdeceived，letthingstaketheircourse，thinkingthatforonestainorforfiftyagoodpolishingupisnecessary。Thesecharactersdemandourindulgence。

Ayoungnobleofthecourtperceivedheronedaywhenshewascrossingthewaterintheglareofthenoondaysun，whichlitupheramplecharms，andseeingher，askedwhoshewas。Anoldman，whowasworkingonthebanks，toldhimshewascalledthePrettyMaidofPortillon，alaundress，celebratedforhermerrywaysandhervirtue。Thisyounglord，besidesrufflestostarch，hadmanypreciousdraperiesandthings；heresolvedtogivethecustomofhishousetothisgirl，whomhestoppedontheroad。Hewasthankedbyherandheartily，becausehewastheSireduFou，theking\'schamberlain。Thisencountermadehersojoyfulthathermouthwasfullofhisname。ShetalkedaboutitagreatdealtothepeopleofSt。Martin，andwhenshegotbacktothewashhousewasstillfullofit，andonthemorrowatherworkhertonguewentnineteentothedozen，andallonthesamesubject，sothatasmuchwassaidconcerningmyLordduFouinPortillonasofGodinasermon；thatis，agreatdealtoomuch。

“Ifsheworkslikethatincoldwater，whatwillshedoinwarm？”saidanoldwasherwoman。“ShewantsduFou；he\'llgiveherduFou！”

Thefirsttimethisgiddywench，withherheadfullofMonsieurduFou，hadtodeliverthelinenathishotel，thechamberlainwishedtoseeher，andwasveryprofuseinpraisesandcomplimentsconcerninghercharms，andwoundupbytellingherthatshewasnotatallsillytobebeautiful，andthereforehewouldgivehermorethansheexpected。Thedeedfollowedtheword，forthemomenthispeoplewereoutoftheroom，hebegantocaressthemaid，whothinkinghewasabouttotakeoutthemoneyfromhispurse，darednotlookatthepurse，butsaid，likeagirlashamedtotakeherwages——

“Itwillbeforthefirsttime。“

“Itwillbesoon，“saidhe。

Somepeoplesaythathehadgreatdifficultyinforcinghertoacceptwhatheofferedher，andhardlyforcedheratall；othersthatheforcedherbadly，becauseshecameoutlikeanarmyflaggingontheroute，cryingandgroaning，andcametothejudge。Ithappenedthatthejudgewasout。LaPortilloneawaitedhisreturninhisroom，weepingandsayingtotheservantthatshehadbeenrobbed，becauseMonseigneurduFouhadgivenhernothingbuthismischief；whilstacanonoftheChapterusedtogiveherlargesumsforthatwhichM。duFouwantedfornothing。Ifshelovedamanshewouldthinkitwisetodothingsforhimfornothing，becauseitwouldbeapleasuretoher；

butthechamberlainhadtreatedherroughly，andnotkindlyandgently，asheshouldhavedone，andthatthereforeheowedherthethousandcrownsofthecanon。Thenthejudgecamein，sawthewench，andwishedtokissher，butsheputherselfonguard，andsaidshehadcometomakeacomplaint。Thejudgerepliedthatcertainlyshecouldhavetheoffenderhangedifsheliked，becausehewasmostanxioustoserveher。Theinjuredmaidenrepliedthatshedidnotwishthedeathofherman，butthatheshouldpayherathousandgoldcrowns，becauseshehadbeenrobbedagainstherwill。

“Ha！ha！”saidthejudge，“whathetookwasworthmorethanthat。“

“ForthethousandcrownsI\'llcryquits，becauseIshallbeabletolivewithoutwashing。“

“Hewhohasrobbedyou，ishewelloff？”

“Ohyes。“

“Thenheshallpaydearlyforit。Whoisit？”

“MonseigneurduFou。“

“Oh，thataltersthecase，“saidthejudge。

“Butjustice？”saidshe。

“Isaidthecase，notthejusticeofit，“repliedthejudge。“Imustknowhowtheaffairoccurred。“

Thenthegirlrelatednaivelyhowshewasarrangingtheyounglord\'srufflesinhiswardrobe，whenhebegantoplaywithherskirt，andsheturnedroundsaying——

“Goonwithyou！”

“Youhavenocase，“saidthejudge，“forbythatspeechhethoughtthatyougavehimleavetogoon。Ha！ha！”

Thenshedeclaredthatshehaddefendedherself，weepingandcryingout，andthatthatconstitutesanassault。

“Awench\'santicstoincitehim，“saidthejudge。

Finally，LaPortillonedeclaredthatagainstherwillshehadbeentakenroundthewaistandthrown，althoughshehadkickedandcriedandstruggled，butthatseeingnohelpathand，shehadlostcourage。

“Good！good！”saidthejudge。“Didyoutakepleasureintheaffair？”

“No，“saidshe。“Myanguishcanonlybepaidforwithathousandcrowns。“

“Mydear，“saidthejudge，“Icannotreceiveyourcomplaint，becauseI

believenogirlcouldbethustreatedagainstherwill。“

“Hi！hi！hi！Askyourservant，“saidthelittlelaundress，sobbing，“andhearwhatshe\'lltellyou。“

Theservantaffirmedthattherewerepleasantassaultsandunpleasantones；thatifLaPortillonehadreceivedneitheramusementnormoney，eitheroneortheotherwasduetoher。Thiswisecounselthrewthejudgeintoastateofgreatperplexity。

“Jacqueline，“saidhe，“beforeIsupI\'llgettothebottomofthis。

NowgoandfetchmyneedleandtheredthreadthatIsewthelawpaperbagswith。“

Jacquelinecamebackwithabigneedle，piercedwithaprettylittlehole，andabigredthread，suchasthejudgesuse。Thensheremainedstandingtoseethequestiondecided，verymuchdisturbed，aswasalsothecomplainantatthesemysteriouspreparations。

“Mydear，“saidthejudge，“Iamgoingtoholdthebodkin，ofwhichtheeyeissufficientlylarge，toputthisthreadintoitwithouttrouble。Ifyoudoputitin，Iwilltakeupyourcase，andwillmakeMonseigneurofferyouacompromise。“

“What\'sthat？”saidshe。“Iwillnotallowit。“

“Itisawordusedinjusticetosignifyanagreement。“

“Acompromiseisthenagreeablewithjustice？”saidLaPortillone。

“Mydear，thisviolencehasalsoopenedyourmind。Areyouready？”

“Yes，“saidshe。

Thewaggishjudgegavethepoornymphfairplay，holdingtheeyesteadyforher；butwhenshewishedtoslipinthethreadthatshehadtwistedtomakestraight，hemovedalittle，andthethreadwentontheotherside。Shesuspectedthejudge\'sargument，wettedthethread，stretchedit，andcamebackagain。Thejudgemoved，twistedabout，andwriggledlikeabashfulmaiden；stillthiscursedthreadwouldnotenter。Thegirlkepttryingattheeye，andthejudgekeptfidgeting。

Themarriageofthethreadcouldnotbeconsummated，thebodkinremainedvirgin，andtheservantbegantolaugh，sayingtoLaPortillonethatsheknewbetterhowtoendurethantoperform。Thentheroguishjudgelaughedtoo，andthefairPortillonecriedforhergoldencrowns。

“Ifyoudon\'tkeepstill，“criedshe，losingpatience；“ifyoukeepmovingaboutIshallneverbeabletoputthethreadin。“

“Then，mydear，ifyouhaddonethesame，Monseigneurwouldhavebeenunsuccessfultoo。Think，too，howeasyistheoneaffair，andhowdifficulttheother。“

Theprettywench，whodeclaredshehadbeenforced，remainedthoughtful，andsoughttofindameanstoconvincethejudgebyshowinghowshehadbeencompelledtoyield，sincethehonourofallpoorgirlsliabletoviolencewasatstake。

“Monseigneur，inorderthatthebetmadethefair，Imustdoexactlyastheyounglorddid。IfIhadonlyhadtomoveIshouldbemovingstill，buthewentthroughotherperformances。“

“Letushearthem，“repliedthejudge。

ThenLaPortillonestraightensthethread，andrubsitinthewaxofthecandle，tomakeitfirmandstraight；thenshelookedtowardstheeyeofthebodkin，heldbythejudge，slippingalwaystotherightortotheleft。Thenshebeganmakingendearinglittlespeeches，suchas，“Ah，theprettylittlebodkin！Whataprettymarktoaimat！NeverdidIseesuchalittlejewel！Whataprettylittleeye！Letmeputthislittlethreadintoit！Ah，youwillhurtmypoorthread，mynicelittlethread！Keepstill！Come，myloveofajudge，judgeofmylove！

Won\'tthethreadgonicelyintothisirongate，whichmakesgooduseofthethread，foritcomesoutverymuchoutoforder？”Thensheburstoutlaughing，forshewasbetterupinthisgamethanthejudge，wholaughedtoo，sosaucyandcomicalandarchwasshe，pushingthethreadbackwardsandforwards。Shekeptthepoorjudgewiththecaseinhishanduntilseveno\'clock，keepingonfidgetingandmovingaboutlikeaschoolboyletloose；butasLaPortillonekeptontryingtoputthethreadin，hecouldnothelpit。As，however，hisjointwasburning，andhiswristwastired，hewasobligedtoresthimselfforaminuteonthesideofthetable；thenverydexterouslythefairmaidofPortillonslippedthethreadin，saying——

“That\'showthethingoccurred。“

“Butmyjointwasburning。“

“Sowasmine，“saidshe。

Thejudge，convinced，toldLaPortillonethathewouldspeaktoMonseigneurduFou，andwouldhimselfcarrytheaffairthrough，sinceitwascertaintheyounglordhadembracedheragainstherwill，butthatforvalidreasonshewouldkeeptheaffairdark。OnthemorrowthejudgewenttotheCourtandsawMonseigneurduFou，towhomherecountedtheyoungwoman\'scomplaint，andhowshehadsetforthhercase。Thiscomplaintlodgedincourt，tickledthekingimmensely。

YoungduFouhavingsaidthattherewassometruthinit，thekingaskedifhehadhadmuchdifficulty，andashereplied，innocently，“No，“thekingdeclaredthegirlwasquiteworthahundredgoldcrowns，andthechamberlaingavethemtothejudge，inordernottobetaxedwithstinginess，andsaidthestarchwouldbeagoodincometoLaPortillone。ThejudgecamebacktoLaPortillone，andsaid，smiling，thathehadraisedahundredgoldcrownsforher。Butifshedesiredthebalanceofthethousand，therewereatthatmomentintheking\'sapartmentscertainlordswho，knowingthecase，hadofferedtomakeupthesumforher，withherconsent。Thelittlehussydidnotrefusethisoffer，saying，thatinordertodonomorewashinginthefutureshedidnotminddoingalittlehardworknow。Shegratefullyacknowledgedthetroublethegoodjudgehadtaken，andgainedherthousandcrownsinamonth。Fromthiscamethefalsehoodsandjokesconcerningher，becauseoutofthesetenlordsjealousymadeahundred，whilst，differentlyfromyoungmen，LaPortillonesettleddowntoavirtuouslifedirectlyshehadherthousandcrowns。EvenaDuke，whowouldhavecountedoutfivehundredcrowns，wouldhavefoundthisgirlrebellious，whichprovesshewasniggardlywithherproperty。ItistruethatthekingcausedhertobesentfortohisretreatofRueQuinquangrogne，onthemallofChardonneret，foundherextremelypretty，exceedinglyaffectionate，enjoyedhersociety，andforbadethesergeantstointerferewithherinanywaywhatever。

Seeingshewassobeautiful，NicoleBeaupertuys，theking\'smistress，gaveherahundredgoldcrownstogotoOrleans，inordertoseeifthecolouroftheLoirewasthesamethereasatPortillon。Shewentthere，andthemorewillinglybecauseshedidnotcareverymuchfortheking。Whenthegoodmancamewhoconfessedthekinginhislasthours，andwasafterwardscanonised，LaPortillonewenttohimtopolishupherconscience，didpenance，andfoundedabedintheleper-

houseofSt。Lazare-aux-Tours。Manyladieswhomyouknowhavebeenassaultedbymorethantwolords，andhavefoundednootherbedsthanthoseintheirownhouses。Itisaswelltorelatethisfact，inordertocleansethereputationofthishonestgirl，whoherselfoncewasheddirtythings，andwhoafterwardsbecamefamousforherclevertricksandherwit。ShegaveaproofofhermeritinmarryingTaschereau，whoshecuckoldedrightmerrily，ashasbeenrelatedinthestoryofTheReproach。Thisprovestousmostsatisfactorilythatwithstrengthandpatiencejusticeitselfcanbeviolated。

INWHICHITISDEMONSTRATEDTHATFORTUNEISALWAYSFEMININE

Duringthetimewhenknightscourteouslyofferedtoeachotherbothhelpandassistanceinseekingtheirfortune，ithappenedthatinSicily——which，asyouareprobablyaware，isanislandsituatedinthecorneroftheMediterraneanSea，andformerlycelebrated——oneknightmetinawoodanotherknight，whohadtheappearanceofaFrenchman。

Presumably，thisFrenchmanwasbysomechancestrippedofeverything，andwassowretchedlyattiredthatbutforhisprincelyairhemighthavebeentakenforablackguard。Itwaspossiblethathishorsehaddiedofhungerorfatigue，ondisembarkingfromtheforeignshoreforwhichhecame，onthefaithofthegoodluckwhichhappenedtotheFrenchinSicily，whichwastrueineveryrespect。

TheSicilianknight，whosenamewasPezare，wasaVenetianlongabsentfromtheVenetianRepublic，andwithnodesiretoreturnthere，sincehehadobtainedafootingintheCourtoftheKingofSicily。BeingshortoffundsinVenice，becausehewasayoungerson，hehadnofancyforcommerce，andwasforthatreasoneventuallyabandonedbyhisfamily，amostillustriousone。HethereforeremainedatthisCourt，wherehewasmuchlikedbytheking。

ThisgentlemanwasridingasplendidSpanishhorse，andthinkingtohimselfhowlonelyhewasinthisstrangecourt，withouttrustyfriends，andhowinsuchcasesfortunewasharshtohelplesspeopleandbecameatraitress，whenhemetthepoorFrenchknight，whoappearedfarworseoffthathe，whohadgoodweapons，afinehorse，andamansionwhereservantswerethenpreparingasumptuoussupper。

“Youmusthavecomealongwaytohavesomuchdustonyourfeet，“

saidtheVenetian。

“Myfeethavenotasmuchdustastheroadwaslong，“answeredtheFrenchman。

“Ifyouhavetravelledsomuch，“continuedtheVenetian，“youmustbealearnedman。“

“Ihavelearned，“repliedtheFrenchman，“togivenoheedtothosewhodonottroubleaboutme。Ihavelearntthathoweverhighaman\'sheadwas，hisfeetwerealwayslevelwithmyown；morethanthat，Ihavelearnttohavenoconfidenceinthewarmdaysofwinter，inthesleepofmyenemies，orthewordsofmyfriends。“

“Youare，then，richerthanIam，“saidtheVenetian，astonished，“sinceyoutellmethingsofwhichIneverthought。“

“Everyonemustthinkforhimself，“saidtheFrenchman；“andasyouhaveinterrogatedme，IcanrequestfromyouthekindnessofpointingtometheroadtoPalermoorsomeinn，forthenightisclosingin。“

“Areyouthen，acquaintedwithnoFrenchorSiciliangentlemenatPalermo？”

“No。“

“Thenyouarenotcertainofbeingreceived？”

“Iamdisposedtoforgivethosewhorejectme。Theroad，sir，ifyouplease。“

“Iamlostlikeyourself，“saidtheVenetian。“Letuslookforitincompany。“

“Todothatwemustgotogether；butyouareonhorseback，Iamonfoot。“

TheVenetiantooktheFrenchknightonhissaddlebehindhim，andsaid——

“Doyouknowwithwhomyouare？”

“Withaman，apparently。“

“Doyouthinkyouareinsafety？”

“Ifyouwerearobber，youwouldhavetotakecareofyourself，“saidtheFrenchman，puttingthepointofhisdaggertotheVenetian\'sheart。

“Well，now，mynobleFrenchman，youappeartobeamanofgreatlearningandsoundsense；knowthatIamanoble，establishedattheCourtofSicily，butalone，andIseekafriend。Youseemtobeinthesameplight，and，judgingfromappearances，youdonotseemfriendlywithyourlot，andhaveapparentlyneedofeverybody。“

“ShouldIbehappierifeverybodywantedme？”

“Youareadevil，whoturnseveryoneofmywordsagainstme。BySt。

Mark！mylordknight，canonetrustyou？”

“Morethanyourself，whocommencedourfederalfriendshipbydeceivingme，sinceyouguideyourhorselikeamanwhoknowshisway，andyousaidyouwerelost。“

“Anddidnotyoudeceiveme？”saidtheVenetian，“bymakingasageofyouryearswalk，andgivinganobleknighttheappearanceofavagabond？Hereismyabode；myservantshavepreparedsupperforus。“

TheFrenchmanjumpedoffthehorse，andenteredthehousewiththeVenetiancavalier，acceptinghissupper。Theybothseatedthemselvesatthetable。TheFrenchmanfoughtsowellwithhisjaws，hetwistedthemorselswithsomuchagility，thatheshowedherselfequallylearnedinsuppers，andshoweditagainindexterouslydrainingthewineflaskswithouthiseyebecomingdimmedorhisunderstandingaffected。ThenyoumaybesurethattheVenetianthoughttohimselfhehadfalleninwithafinesonofAdam，sprungfromtherightsideandthewrongone。Whiletheyweredrinkingtogether，theVenetianendeavouredtofindsomejointthroughwhichtosoundthesecretdepthsofhisfriend\'scogitations。He，however，clearlyperceivedthathewouldcastasidehisshirtsoonerthanhisprudence，andjudgeditopportunetogainhisesteembyopeninghisdoublettohim。

ThereforehetoldhiminwhatstatewasSicily，wherereignedPrinceLeufroidandhisgentlewife；howgallantwastheCourt，whatcourtesythereflourished，thatthereaboundedmanylordsofSpain，Italy，France，andothercountries，lordsinhighfeatherandwellfeathered；

manyprincesses，asrichasnoble，andasnobleasrich；thatthisprincehadtheloftiestaspirations——suchastoconquerMorocco，Constantinople，Jerusalem，thelandsofSoudan，andotherAfricanplaces。Certainmenofvastmindsconductedhisaffairs，bringingtogetherthebanandarrierebanoftheflowerofChristianchivalry，andkeptuphissplendourwiththeideaofcausingtoreignovertheMediterraneanthisSicily，soopulentintimesgoneby，andofruiningVenice，whichhadnotafootofland。Thesedesignshadbeenplantedintheking\'smindbyhim，Pezare；butalthoughhewashighinthatprince\'sfavour，hefelthimselfweak，hadnoassistancefromthecourtiers，anddesiredtomakeafriend。Inthisgreattroublehehadgoneforalittleridetoturnmattersoverinhismind，anddecideuponthecoursetopursue。Now，sincewhileinthisideahehadmetamanofsomuchsenseasthechevalierhadprovedherselftobe，heproposedtofraternisewithhim，toopenhispursetohim，andgivehimhispalacetolivein。Theywouldjourneyincompanythroughlifeinsearchofhonoursandpleasure，withoutconcealingonesinglethought，andwouldassisteachotheronalloccasionsasthebrothers-

in-armsdidattheCrusades。Now，astheFrenchmanwasseekinghisfortune，andrequiredassistance，theVenetiandidnotforamomentexpectthatthisofferofmutualconsolationwouldberefused。

“AlthoughIstandinneedofnoassistance，“saidtheFrenchman，“becauseIrelyuponapointwhichwillprocuremeallthatIdesire，Ishouldliketoacknowledgeyourcourtesy，dearChevalierPezare。YouwillsoonseethatyouwillyetbethedebtorofGauttierdeMonsoreau，agentlemanofthefairlandofTouraine。“

“Doyoupossessanyrelicwithwhichyourfortuneiswoundup？”saidtheVenetian。

“Atalismangivenmebymydearmother，“saidtheTouranian，“withwhichcastlesandcitiesarebuiltanddemolished，ahammertocoinmoney，aremedyforeveryill，atraveller\'sstaffalwaysreadytobetried，andworthmostwheninastateofreadiness，amastertool，whichexecuteswondrousworksinallsortsofforges，withoutmakingtheslightestnoise。“

“Eh！bySt。Markyouhave，then，amysteryconcealedinyourhauberk？”

“No，“saidtheFrenchknight；“itisaperfectlynaturalthing。Hereitis。“

Andrisingsuddenlyfromthetabletoprepareforbed，GauttiershowedtotheVenetianthefinesttalismantoprocurejoythathehadeverseen。

“This，“saidtheFrenchman，astheybothgotintobedtogether，accordingtothecustomofthetimes，“overcomeseveryobstacle，bymakingitselfmasteroffemalehearts；andastheladiesarethequeensinthiscourt，yourfriendGauttierwillsoonreignthere。“

TheVenetianremainedingreatastonishmentatthesightofthesecretcharmsofthesaidGauttier，whohadindeedbeenbounteouslyendowedbyhismother，andperhapsalsobyhisfather；andwouldthustriumphovereverything，sincehejoinedtothiscorporealperfectionthewitofayoungpage，andthewisdomofanolddevil。Thentheysworeaneternalfriendship，regardingasnothingthereinawoman\'sheart，vowingtohaveoneandthesameidea，asiftheirheadshadbeeninthesamehelmet；andtheyfellasleeponthesamepillowenchantedwiththisfraternity。Thiswasacommonoccurrenceinthosedays。

OnthemorrowtheVenetiangaveafinehorsetohisfriendGauttier，alsoapursefullofmoney，finesilkenhose，avelvetdoublet，fringedwithgold，andanembroideredmantle，whichgarmentssetoffhisfiguresowell，andshoweduphisbeauties，thattheVenetianwascertainhewouldcaptivatealltheladies。TheservantsreceivedorderstoobeythisGauttierastheywouldhimself，sothattheyfanciedtheirmasterhadbeenfishing，andhadcaughtthisFrenchman。

ThenthetwofriendsmadetheirentryintoPalermoatthehourwhentheprincesandprincessesweretakingtheair。PezarepresentedhisFrenchfriend，speakingsohighlyofhismerits，andobtainingsuchagraciousreceptionforhim，thatLeufroidkepthimtosupper。TheknightkeptasharpeyeontheCourt，andnoticedthereinvariouscuriouslittlesecretpractices。Ifthekingwasabraveandhandsomeprince，theprincesswasaSpanishladyofhightemperature，themostbeautifulandmostnoblewomanofhisCourt，butinclinedtomelancholy。Lookingather，theTouranianbelievedthatshewassparinglyembracedbytheking，forthelawofTouraineisthatjoyinthefacecomesfromjoyelsewhere。PezarepointedouttohisfriendGauttierseveralladiestowhomLeufroidwasexceedinglygraciousandwhowereexceedinglyjealousandfoughtforhiminatournamentofgallantriesandwonderfulfemaleinventions。FromallthisGauttierconcludedthattheprincewentconsiderablyastraywithhiscourt，althoughhehadtheprettiestwifeintheworld，andoccupiedhimselfwithtaxingtheladiesofSicily，inorderthathemightputhishorseintheirstables，varyhisfodder，andlearntheequestriancapabilitiesofmanylands。PerceivingwhatalifeLeufroidwasleading，theSiredeMonsoreau，certainthatnooneintheCourthadhadthehearttoenlightenthequeen，determinedatoneblowtoplanthishalberdinthefieldofthefairSpaniardbyamasterstroke；andthisishow。Atsupper-time，inordertoshowcourtesytotheforeignknight，thekingtookcaretoplacehimnearthequeen，towhomthegallantGauttierofferedhisarm，totakeherintotheroom，andconductedhertherehastily，togetaheadofthosewhowerefollowing，inordertowhisper，firstofall，awordconcerningasubjectwhichalwayspleasestheladiesinwhateverconditiontheymaybe。Imaginewhatthiswordwas，andhowitwentstraightthroughthestubbleandweedsintothewarmthicketoflove。

“Iknow，yourmajesty，whatcausesyourpalenessofface。“

“What？”saidshe。

“Youaresolovingthatthekinglovesyounightandday；thusyouabuseyouradvantage，forhewilldieoflove。“

“WhatshouldIdotokeephimalive？”saidthequeen。

“Forbidhimtorepeatatyouraltarmorethanthreeprayersaday。“

“Youarejoking，aftertheFrenchfashion，SirKnight，seeingthattheking\'sdevotiontomedoesnotextendbeyondashortprayeraweek。“

“Youaredeceived，“saidGauttier，seatinghimselfatthetable。“I

canprovetoyouthatloveshouldgothroughthewholemass，matins，andvespers，withan/Ave/nowandthen，forqueensasforsimplewomen，andgothroughtheceremonyeveryday，likethemonksintheirmonastery，withfervour；butforyoutheselitaniesshouldneverfinish。“

Thequeencastupontheknightaglancewhichwasfarfromoneofdispleasure，smiledathim，andshookherhead。

“Inthis，“saidshe，“menaregreatliars。“

“IhavewithmeagreattruthwhichIwillshowyouwhenyouwishit。“

repliedtheknight。“Iundertaketogiveyouqueen\'sfare，andputyouonthehighroadtojoy；bythismeansyouwillmakeupforlosttime，themoresoasthekingisruinedthroughotherwomen，whileIshallreservemyadvantageforyourservice。“

“Andifthekinglearnsofourarrangement，hewillputyourheadonalevelwithyourfeet。“

“Evenifthismisfortunebefellmeitafterthefirstnight，IshouldbelieveIhadlivedahundredyears，fromthejoythereinreceived，forneverhaveIseen，aftervisitingallCourts，aprincessfittoholdacandletoyourbeauty。Tobebrief，ifIdienotbythesword，youwillstillbethecauseofmydeath，forIamresolvedtospendmylifeinyourlove，iflifewilldepartintheplacewhenceitcomes。“

Nowthisqueenhadneverheardsuchwordsbefore，andpreferredthemtothemostsweetlysungmass；herpleasureshoweditselfinherface，whichbecamepurple，forthesewordsmadeherbloodboilwithinherveins，sothatthestringsofherluteweremovedthereat，andstruckasweetnotethatrangmelodiouslyinherears，forthislutefillswithitsmusicthebrainandthebodyoftheladies，byasweetartificeoftheirresonantnature。Whatashametobeyoung，beautiful，Spanish，andqueen，andyetneglected。SheconceivedanintensedisdainforthoseofherCourtwhohadkepttheirlipsclosedconcerningthisinfidelity，throughfearoftheking，anddeterminedtorevengeherselfwiththeaidofthishandsomeFrenchman，whocaredsolittleforlifethatinhisfirstwordshehadstakeditinmakingapropositiontoaqueen，whichwasworthyofdeath，ifshedidherduty。Insteadofthis，however，shepressedhisfootwithherown，inamannerthatadmittednomisconception，andsaidaloudtohim——

“SirKnight，letuschangethesubject，foritisverywrongofyoutoattackapoorqueeninherweakspot。TellusthecustomsoftheladiesoftheCourtofFrance。“

Thusdidtheknightreceivethedelicatehintthatthebusinesswasarranged。Thenhecommencedtotalkofmerryandpleasantthings，whichduringsupperkeptthecourt，theking，thequeen，andallthecourtiersinagoodhumour；somuchsothatwhenthesiegewasraised，Leufroiddeclaredthathehadneverlaughedsomuchinhislife。Thentheystrolledaboutthegardens，whichwerethemostbeautifulintheworld，andthequeenmadeapretextofthechevalier\'ssayingstowalkbeneathagroveofblossomingorangetrees，whichyieldedadeliciousfragrance。

“Lovelyandnoblequeen，“saidGauttier，immediately，“Ihaveseeninallcountriestheperditionoflovehaveitsbirthinthesefirstattentions，whichwecallcourtesy；ifyouhaveconfidenceinme，letusagree，aspeopleofhighintelligence，toloveeachotherwithoutstandingonsomuchceremony；bythismeansnosuspicionwillbearoused，ourhappinesswillbelessdangerousandmorelasting。Inthisfashionshouldqueensconducttheiramours，iftheywouldavoidinterference。“

“Wellsaid，“saidshe。“ButasIamnewatthisbusiness，Ididnotknowwhatarrangementstomake。“

“Haveyouareamongyourwomenoneinwhomyouhaveperfectconfidence？”

“Yes，“saidshe；“IhaveamaidwhocamefromSpainwithme，whowouldputherselfonagridironformelikeSt。LawrencedidforGod，butsheisalwayspoorly。“

“That\'sgood，“saidhercompanion，“becauseyougotoseeher。“

“Yes，“saidthequeen，“andsometimesatnight。“

“Ah！”exclaimedGauttier，“ImakeavowtoSt。Rosalie，patronessofSicily，tobuildheragoldaltarforthisfortune。“

“OJesus！”criedthequeen。“Iamdoublyblessedinhavingaloversohandsomeandyetsoreligious。“

“Ah，mydear，Ihavetwosweetheartstoday，becauseIhaveaqueentoloveinheavenabove，andanotheroneherebelow，andluckilytheselovescannotclashonewiththeother。“

Thissweetspeechsoaffectedthequeen，thatfornothingshewouldhavefledwiththiscunningFrenchman。

“TheVirginMaryisverypowerfulinheaven，“saidthequeen。“LovegrantthatImaybelikeher！”

“Bah！theyaretalkingoftheVirginMary，“saidtheking，whobychancehadcometowatchthem，disturbedbyagleamofjealousy，castintohisheartbyaSiciliancourtier，whowasfuriousatthesuddenfavourwhichtheFrenchmanhadobtained。

Thequeenandthechevalierlaidtheirplans，andeverythingwassecretlyarrangedtofurnishthehelmetofthekingwithtwoinvisibleornaments。TheknightrejoinedtheCourt，madehimselfagreeabletoeveryone，andreturnedtothePalaceofPezare，whomhetoldthattheirfortunesweremade，becauseonthemorrow，atnight，hewouldsleepwiththequeen。ThisswiftsuccessastonishedtheVenetian，who，likeagoodfriend，wentinsearchoffineperfumes，linenofBrabant，andpreciousgarments，towhichqueensareaccustomed，withallofwhichheloadedhisfriendGauttier，inorderthatthecasemightbeworthythejewel。

“Ah，myfriend，“saidhe“areyousurenottofalter，buttogovigorouslytowork，toservethequeenbravely，andgivehersuchjoysinhercastleofGallardinthatshemayholdonforevertothismasterstaff，likeadrowningsailortoaplank？”

“Asforthat，fearnothing，dearPezare，becauseIhavethearrearsofthejourney，andIwilldealwithheraswithasimpleservant，instructingherinthewaysoftheladiesofTouraine，whounderstandlovebetterthanallothers，becausetheymakeit，remakeit，andunmakeittomakeitagainandhavingremadeit，stillkeeponmakingit；andhavingnothingelsetodo，havetodothatwhichalwayswantsdoing。Nowletussettleourplans。Thisishowweshallobtainthegovernmentoftheisland。Ishallholdthequeenandyoutheking；wewillplaythecomedyofbeinggreatenemiesbeforetheeyesofthecourtiers，inordertodividethemintotwopartiesunderourcommand，andyet，unknowntoall，wewillremainfriends。Bythismeansweshallknowtheirplots，andwillthwartthem，youbylisteningtomyenemiesandItoyours。Inthecourseofafewdayswewillpretendtoquarrelinordertostriveoneagainsttheother。ThisquarrelwillbecausedbythefavourinwhichIwillmanagetoplaceyouwiththeking，throughthechannelofthequeen，andhewillgiveyousupremepower，tomyinjury。“

OnthemorrowGauttierwenttothehouseoftheSpanishlady，whobeforethecourtiersherecognisedashavingknowninSpain，andheremainedtheresevenwholedays。Asyoucanimagine，theTouraniantreatedthequeenasafondlylovedwoman，andshowedhersomanyterraincognitainlove，Frenchfashions，littletendernesses，etc。，thatshenearlylostherreasonthroughit，andsworethattheFrenchweretheonlypeoplewhothoroughlyunderstoodlove。Youseehowthekingwaspunished，who，tokeephervirtuous，hadallowedweedstogrowinthegrangeoflove。TheirsupernaturalfestivitiestouchedthequeensostronglythatshemadeavowofeternallovetoMontsoreau，whohadawakenedher，byrevealingtoherthejoysoftheproceeding。

ItwasarrangedthattheSpanishladyshouldtakecarealwaystobeill；andthattheonlymantowhomtheloverswouldconfidetheirsecretshouldbethecourtphysician，whowasmuchattachedtothequeen。Bychancethisphysicianhadinhisglottis，chordsexactlysimilartothoseofGauttier，sothatbyafreakofnaturetheyhadthesamevoice，whichmuchastonishedthequeen。Thephysiciansworeonhislifefaithfullytoservetheprettycouple，forhedeploredthesaddesertionofthisbeautifulwomen，andwasdelightedtoknowshewouldbeservedasaqueenshouldbe——ararething。

Amonthelapsedandeverythingwasgoingontothesatisfactionofthetwofriends，whoworkedtheplanslaidbythequeen，inordertogetthegovernmentofSicilyintothehandsofPezare，tothedetrimentofMontsoreau，whomthekinglovedforhisgreatwisdom；butthequeenwouldnotconsenttohavehim，becausehewassoungallant。LeufroiddismissedtheDukeofCataneo，hisprincipalfollower，andputtheChevalierPezareinhisplace。TheVenetiantooknonoticeofhisfriendtheFrenchmen。ThenGauttierburstout，declaimedloudlyagainstthetreacheryandabusedfriendshipofhisformercomrade，andinstantlyearnedthedevotionofCataneoandhisfriends，withwhomhemadeacompacttooverthrowPezare。DirectlyhewasinofficetheVenetian，whowasashrewdman，andwellsuitedtogovernstates，whichwastheusualemploymentofVenetiangentlemen，workedwondersinSicily，repairedtheports，broughtmerchantstherebythefertilityofhisinventionsandbygrantingthemfacilities，putbreadintothemouthsofhundredsofpoorpeople，drewthitherartisansofalltrades，becausefeteswerealwaysbeingheld，andalsotheidleandrichfromallquarters，evenfromtheEast。Thusharvests，theproductsoftheearth，andothercommodities，wereplentiful；andgalleyscamefromAsia，thewhichmadethekingmuchenvied，andthehappiestkingintheChristianworld，becausethroughthesethingshisCourtwasthemostrenownedinthecountriesofEurope。Thisfinepoliticalaspectwastheresultoftheperfectagreementofthetwomenwhothoroughlyunderstoodeachother。Theonelookedafterthepleasures，andwashimselfthedelightofthequeen，whosefacewasalwaysbrightandgay，becauseshewasservedaccordingtothemethodofTouraine，andbecameanimatedthroughexcessivehappiness；andhealsotookcaretokeepthekingamused，findinghimeverydaynewmistresses，andcastinghimintoawhirlofdissipation。Thekingwasmuchastonishedatthegoodtemperofthequeen，whom，sincethearrivaloftheSiredeMontsoreauintheisland，hehadtouchednomorethanaJewtouchesbacon。Thusoccupied，thekingandqueenabandonedthecareoftheirkingdomtotheotherfriend，whoconductedtheaffairsofgovernment，ruledtheestablishment，managedthefinances，andlookedtothearmy，andallexceedinglywell，knowingwheremoneywastobemade，enrichingthetreasury，andpreparingallthegreatenterprisesabovementioned。

Thestateofthingslastedthreeyears，somesayfour，butthemonksofSaintBenoisthavenotwormedoutthedate，whichremainsobscure，likethereasonsforthequarrelbetweenthetwofriends。ProbablytheVenetianhadthehighambitiontoreignwithoutanycontrolordispute，andforgottheserviceswhichtheFrenchmanhadrenderedhim。

ThusdothemenwholiveinCourtsbehave，for，accordingtothestatementsoftheMessireAristotleinhisworks，thatwhichagesthemostrapidlyinthisworldisakindness，althoughextinguishedloveissometimesveryrancid。Now，relyingontheperfectfriendshipofLeufroid，whocalledhimhiscrony，andwouldhavedoneanythingforhim，theVenetianconceivedtheideaofgettingridofhisfriendbyrevealingtothekingthemysteryofhiscuckoldom，andshowinghimthesourceofthequeen\'shappiness，notdoubtingforamomentbutthathewouldcommencebydeprivingMonsoreauofhishead，accordingtoapracticecommoninSicilyundersimilarcircumstances。BythismeansPezarewouldhaveallthemoneythatheandGauttierhadnoiselesslyconveyedtothehouseofaLombardofGenoa，whichmoneywastheirjointpropertyonaccountoftheirfraternity。Thistreasure，increasedononesidebythemagnificentpresentsmadetoMontsoreaubythequeen，whohadvastestatesinSpain，andother，byinheritanceinItaly；ontheother，bytheking\'sgiftstohisprimeminister，towhomhealsogavecertainrightsoverthemerchants，andotherindulgences。Thetreacherousfriend，havingdeterminedtobreakhisvow，tookcaretoconcealhisintentionfromGauttier，becausetheTouranianwasanawkwardmantotackle。

OnenightthatPezareknewthatthequeenwasinbedwithherlover，wholovedhimasthougheachnightwereaweddingone，soskilfulwassheatthebusiness，thetraitorpromisedthekingtolethimtakeevidenceinthecase，throughaholehehadmadeinthewardrobeoftheSpanishlady，whoalwayspretendedtobeatdeath\'sdoor。Inordertoobtainabetterview，Pezarewaiteduntilthesunhadrisen。TheSpanishlady，whowasfleetoffoot，hadaquickeyeandasharpear，heardfootsteps，peepedout，andperceivingtheking，followedbytheVenetian，throughacrossbarintheclosetinwhichshesleptthenightthatthequeenhadherloverbetweentwosheets，whichiscertainlythebestwaytohavealover。Sherantowarnthecoupleofthisbetrayal。Buttheking\'seyewasalreadyatthecursedhole，Leufroidsaw——what？

Thatbeautifulanddivinelanternwithburnssomuchoilandlightstheworld——alanternadornedwiththemostlovelybaubles，flaming，brilliantly，whichhethoughtmorelovelythanalltheothers，becausehehadlostsightofitforsolongatimethatitappearedquitenewtohim；butthesizeoftheholepreventedhimseeinganythingelseexceptthehandofaman，whichmodestlycoveredthelantern，andheheardthevoiceofMontsoreausaying——

“How\'sthelittletreasure，thismorning？”Aplayfulexpression，whichloversusedjokingly，becausethislanternisinallcountriesthesunoflove，andforthistheprettiestpossiblenamesarebestoweduponit，whilstcomparingittotheloveliestthingsinnature，suchasmypomegranate，myrose，mylittleshell，myhedgehog，mygulfoflove，mytreasure，mymaster，mylittleone；someevendaredmosthereticallytosay，mygod！Ifyoudon\'tbelieveit，askyourfriends。

Atthismomenttheladylethimunderstandbyagesturethatthekingwasthere。

“Canhehear？”saidthequeen。

“Yes。“

“Canhesee？”

“Yes。“

“Whobroughthim？”

“Pezare。“

“Fetchthephysician，andgetGauttierintohisownroom。“saidthequeen。

Inlesstimethanittakesabeggartosay“Godblessyou，sir！”thequeenhadswathedthelanterninlinenandpaint，sothatyouwouldhavethoughtitahideouswoundinastateofgrievousinflammation。

Whentheking，enragedbywhatheoverheard，burstopenthedoor，hefoundthequeenlyingonthebedexactlyashehasseenherthroughthehole，andthephysician，examiningthelanternswathedinbandages，andsaying，“Howitisthelittletreasure，thismorning？”

inexactlythesamevoiceasthekinghadheard。Ajocularandcheerfulexpression，becausephysiciansandsurgeonsusecheerfulwordswithladiesandtreatthissweetflowerwithfloweryphrases。

Thissightmadethekinglookasfoolishasafoxcaughtinatrap。

Thequeensprangup，reddeningwithshame，andaskingwhatmandaredtointrudeuponherprivacyatsuchamoment，butperceivingtheking，shesaidtohimasfollows：——

“Ah！mylord，youhavediscoveredthatwhichIhaveendeavouredtoconcealfromyou：thatIamsobadlytreatedbyyouthatIamafflictedwithaburningailment，ofwhichmydignitywouldnotallowmetocomplain，butwhichneedssecretdressinginordertoassuagetheinfluenceofthevitalforces。Tosavemyhonourandyourown，I

amcompelledtocometomygoodLadyMiraflor，whoconsolesmeinmytroubles。“

ThenthephysiciancommencedtotreatLeufroidtoanoration，interlardedwithLatinquotationsandpreciousgrainsfromHippocrates，Galen，theSchoolofSalerno，andothers，inwhichheshowedhimhownecessarytowomenwasthepropercultivationofthefieldofVenus，andthattherewasgreatdangerofdeathtoqueensofSpanishtemperament，whosebloodwasexcessivelyamorous。Hedeliveredhimselfofhisargumentswithgreatsolemnityoffeature，voice，andmanner，inordertogivetheSiredeMontsoreautimetogettobed。

Thenthequeentookthesametexttopreachthekingasermonaslongashisarm，andrequestedtheloanofthatlimb，thatthekingmightconducthertoherapartmentinsteadofthepoorinvalid，whousuallydidsoinordertoavoidcalumny。WhentheywereinthegallerywheretheSiredeMontsoreauresided，thequeensaidjokingly，“YoushouldplayagoodtrickonthisFrenchman，whoIwouldwageriswithsomelady，andnotinhisownroom。AlltheladiesofCourtareinlovewithhim，andtherewillbemischiefsomedaythroughhim。IfyouhadtakenmyadvicehewouldnotbeinSicilynow。“

LeufroidwentsuddenlyintoGauttier\'sroom，whomhefoundinadeepsleep，andsnoringlikeamonkinChurch。Thequeenreturnedwiththeking，whomshetooktoherapartments，andwhisperedtooneoftheguardstosendtoherthelordwhoseplacePezareoccupied。Then，whileshefondledtheking，takingbreakfastwithhim，shetookthelorddirectlyhecame，intoanadjoiningroom。

“Erectagallowsonthebastion，“saidshe，“thenseizetheknightPezare，andmanagesothatheishangedinstantly，withoutgivingtimetowriteorsayasinglewordonanysubjectwhatsoever。Suchisourgoodpleasureandsupremecommand。“

Cataneomadenoremark。WhilePezarewasthinkingtohimselfthathisfriendGauttierwouldsoonbeminushishead，theDukeCataneocametoseizeandleadhimontobastion，fromwhichhecouldseeatthequeen\'swindowtheSiredeMontsoreauincompanywiththeking，thequeen，andthecourtiers，andcametotheconclusionthathewholookedafterthequeenhadabetterchanceineverythingthanhewholookedaftertheking。

“Mydear，“saidthequeentoherspouse，leadinghimtothewindow，“beholdatraitor，whowasendeavouringtodepriveyouofthatwhichyouholddearestintheworld，andIwillgiveyoutheproofswhenyouhavetheleisuretostudythem。“

Montsoreau，seeingthepreparationsforthefinalceremony，threwhimselfattheking\'sfeet，toobtainthepardonofhimwhowashismortalenemy，atwhichthekingwasmuchmoved。

“SiredeMonsoreau，“saidthequeen，turningtowardshimwithanangrylook，“areyousoboldastoopposeourwillandpleasure？”

“Youareanobleknight，“saidtheking，“butyoudonotknowhowbitterthisVenetianwasagainstyou。“

Pezarewasdelicatelystrangledbetweentheheadandtheshoulders，forthequeenrevealedhistreacheriestotheking，provingtohim，bythedeclarationofaLombardofthetown，theenormoussumswhichPezarehadinthebankofGenoa，thewholeofwhichweregivenuptoMontsoreau。

Thisnobleandlovelyqueendied，asrelatedinthehistoryofSicily，thatis，inconsequenceofaheavylabour，duringwhichshegavebirthtoason，whowasamanasgreatinhimselfashewasunfortunateinhisundertakings。Thekingbelievedthephysician\'sstatement，thatthesaidterminationtothisaccouchementwascausedbythetoochastelifethequeenhadled，andbelievinghimselfresponsibleforit，hefoundedtheChurchoftheMadonna，whichisoneofthefinestinthetownofPalermo。TheSiredeMonsoreau，whowasawitnessoftheking\'sremorse，toldhimthatwhenakinggothiswifefromSpain，heoughttoknowthatthisqueenwouldrequiremoreattentionthananyother，becausetheSpanishladiesweresolivelythattheyequalledtenordinarywomen，andthatifhewishedawifeforshowonly，heshouldgetherfromthenorthofGermany，wherethewomenareascoldasice。ThegoodknightcamebacktoTouraineladenwithwealth，andlivedtheremanyyears，butnevermentionedhisadventuresinSicily。

Hereturnedtheretoaidtheking\'ssoninhisprincipalattemptagainstNaples，andleftItalywhenthissweetprincewaswounded，asisrelatedintheChronicle。

Besidesthehighmoralitiescontainedinthetitleofthistale，whereitissaidthatfortune，beingfemale，isalwaysonthesideoftheladies，andthatmenarequiterighttoservethemwell，itshowsusthatsilenceisthebetterpartofwisdom。Nevertheless，themonkishauthorofthisnarrativeseemstodrawthisothernolesslearnedmoraltherefrom，thatinterestwhichmakessomanyfriendships，breaksthemalso。Butfromthesethreeversionsyoucanchoosetheonethatbestaccordswithyourjudgmentandyourmomentaryrequirement。

CONCERNINGAPOORMANWHOWASCALLEDLEVIEUXPAR-CHEMINS

Theoldchroniclerwhofurnishedthehemptoweavethepresentstory，issaidtohavelivedatthetimewhentheaffairoccurredintheCityofRouen。

Intheenvironsofthisfairtown，whereatthetimedweltDukeRichard，anoldmanusedtobeg，whosenamewasTryballot，buttowhomwasgiventhenicknameofLeVieuxpar-Chemins，ortheOldManoftheRoads；notbecausehewasyellowanddryasvellum，butbecausehewasalwaysinthehigh-waysandby-ways——uphillanddowndale——sleptwiththeskyforhiscounterpane，andwentaboutinragsandtatters。

Notwithstandingthis，hewasverypopularintheduchy，whereeveryonehadgrownusedtohim，somuchsothatifthemonthwentbywithoutanyoneseeinghiscupheldtowardsthem，peoplewouldsay，“Whereistheoldman？”andtheusualanswerwas，“Ontheroads。“

ThissaidmanhadhadforafatheraTryballot，whowasinhislifetimeaskilledartisan，soeconomicalandcareful，thatheleftconsiderablewealthtohisson。

Buttheyoungladsoonfrittereditaway，forhewastheveryoppositeoftheoldfellow，who，returningfromthefieldstohishouse，pickedup，nowhere，nowthere，manyalittlestickofwoodleftrightandleft，saying，conscientiously，thatoneshouldnevercomehomeemptyhanded。Thushewarmedhimselfinthewinterattheexpenseofthecareless；andhedidwell。Everyonerecognisedwhatagoodexamplethiswasforthecountry，sinceayearbeforehisdeathnooneleftamorselofwoodontheroad；hehadcompelledthemostdissipatedtobethriftyandorderly。Buthissonmadeducksanddrakesofeverything，anddidnotfollowhiswiseexample。Thefatherhadpredictedthething。Fromtheboy\'searliestyouth，whenthegoodTryballotsethimtowatchthebirdswhocametoeatthepeas，beans，andthegrain，andtodrivethethievesaway，aboveall，thejays，whospoiledeverything，hewouldstudytheirhabits，andtookdelightinwatchingwithwhatgracetheycameandwent，flewoffloaded，andreturned，watchingwithaquickeyethesnaresandnets；andhewouldlaughheartilyattheirclevernessinavoidingthem。Tryballotseniorwentintoapassionwhenhefoundhisgrainconsiderablylessinameasure。

Butalthoughhepulledhisson\'searswheneverhecaughthimidlingandtriflingunderanuttree，thelittlerascaldidnotalterhisconduct，butcontinuedtostudythehabitsoftheblackbirds，sparrows，andotherintelligentmarauders。Onedayhisfathertoldhimthathewouldbewisetomodelhimselfafterthem，forthatifhecontinuedthiskindoflife，hewouldbecompelledinhisoldagelikethem，topilfer，andlikethem，wouldbepursuedbyjustice。Thiscametrue；for，ashasbeforebeenstated，hedissipatedinafewdaysthecrownswhichhiscarefulfatherhadacquiredinalife-time。Hedealtwithmenashedidwiththesparrows，lettingeveryoneputahandinhispocket，andcontemplatingthegraceandpolitedemeanourofthosewhoassistedtoemptyit。Theendofhiswealthwasthussoonreached。

Whenthedevilhadtheemptymoneybagtohimself，Tryballotdidnotappearatallcutup，saying，thathe“didnotwishtodamnhimselfforthisworld\'sgoods，andthathehadstudiedphilosophyintheschoolofthebirds。“

Afterhavingthoroughlyenjoyedhimself，ofallhisgoods，thereonlyremainedtohimagobletboughtatLandict，andthreedice，quitesufficientfurniturefordrinkingandgambling，sothathewentaboutwithoutbeingencumbered，asarethegreat，withchariots，carpets，drippingpans，andaninfinitenumberofvarlets。Tryballotwishedtoseehisgoodfriends，buttheynolongerknewhim，whichfactgavehimleavenolongertorecogniseanyone。Seeingthis，hedeterminedtochooseaprofessioninwhichtherewasnothingtodoandplentytogain。Thinkingthisover，herememberedtheindulgencesoftheblackbirdsandthesparrows。ThenthegoodTryballotselectedforhisprofessionthatofbeggingmoneyatpeople\'shouses，andpilfering。

Fromthefirstday，charitablepeoplegavehimsomething，andTryballotwascontent，findingthebusinessgood，withoutadvancemoneyorbaddebts；onthecontrary，fullofaccommodation。Hewentaboutitsoheartily，thathewaslikedeverywhere，andreceivedathousandconsolationsrefusedtorichpeople。Thegoodmanwatchedthepeasantsplanting，sowing，reaping，andmakingharvest，andsaidtohimself，thattheyworkedalittleforhimaswell。Hewhohadapiginhislarderowedhimabitforit，withoutsuspectingit。ThemanwhobakedaloafinhisovenoftenbakeditforTryballotwithoutknowingit。Hetooknothingbyforce；onthecontrary，peoplesaidtohimkindly，whilemakinghimapresent，“HereVieuxpar-Chemins，cheerup，oldfellow。Howareyou？Come，takethis；thecatbeganit，youcanfinishit。“

Vieuxpar-Cheminswasatalltheweddings，baptisms，andfunerals，becausehewenteverywherewheretherewas，openlyorsecretly，merrimentandfeasting。Hereligiouslykeptthestatutesandcanonsofhisorder——namely，todonothing，becauseifhehadbeenabletodothesmallestamountofworknoonewouldevergiveanythingagain。

Afterhavingrefreshedhimself，thiswisemanwouldlayfulllengthinaditch，oragainstachurchwall，andthinkoverpublicaffairs；andthenhewouldphilosophise，likehisprettytutors，theblackbirds，jays，andsparrows，andthoughtagreatdealwhilemumping；for，becausehisapparelwaspoor，wasthatareasonhisunderstandingshouldnotberich？Hisphilosophyamusedhisclients，towhomhewouldrepeat，bywayofthanks，thefinestaphorismsofhisscience。

Accordingtohim，suppersproducedgoutintherich：heboastedthathehadnimblefeet，becausehisshoemakergavehimbootsthatdonotpinchhiscorns。Therewereachingheadsbeneathdiadems，buthisneverached，becauseitwastouchedneitherbyluxurynoranyotherchaplet。Andagain，thatjewelledringshinderthecirculationoftheblood。Althoughhecoveredhimselfwithsores，afterthemannerofcadgers，youmaybesurehewasassoundasachildatthebaptismalfont。

Thegoodmandisportedhimselfwithotherrogues，playingwithhisthreedice，whichhekepttoremindhimtospendhiscoppers，inorderthathemightalwaysbepoor。Inspiteofhisvow，hewas，likealltheorderofmendicants，sowealthythatonedayatthePaschalfeast，anotherbeggarwishingtorenthisprofitfromhim，Vieuxpar-Cheminsrefusedtencrownsforit；infact，thesameeveninghespentfourteencrownsindrinkingthehealthofthealms-givers，becauseitisthestatutesofbeggarythatoneshouldshowone\'sgratitudetodonors。

Althoughhecarefullygotridofthatofwhichhadbeenasourceofanxietytoothers，who，havingtoomuchwealthwentinsearchofpoverty，hewashappierwithnothingintheworldthanwhenhehadhisfather\'smoney。Andseeingwhataretheconditionsofnobility，hewasalwaysonthehighroadtoit，becausehedidnothingexceptaccordingtohisfancy，andlivednoblywithoutlabour。Thirtycrownswouldnothavegothimoutofabedwhenhewasinit。Themorrowalwaysdawnedforhimasitdidforothers，whileleadingthishappylife；which，accordingtothestatementsofPlato，whoseauthorityhasmorethanoncebeeninvokedinthesenarratives，certainancientsageshadledbeforehim。Atlast，Vieuxpar-Cheminsreachedtheageofeighty-twoyears，havingneverbeenasingledaywithoutpickingupmoney，andpossessedthehealthiestcolourandcomplexionimaginable。Hebelievedthatifhehadperseveredintheraceforwealthhewouldhavebeenspoiledandburiedyearsbefore。Itispossiblehewasright。

InhisearlyyouthVieuxpar-Cheminshadtheillustriousvirtueofbeingverypartialtotheladies；andhisabundanceoflovewas，itissaid，theresultofhisstudiesamongthesparrows。Thusitwasthathewasalwaysreadytogivetheladieshisassistanceincountingthejoists，andthisgenerosityfindsitsphysicalcauseinthefactthat，havingnothingtodo，hewasalwaysreadytodosomething。Hissecretvirtuesbroughtabout，itissaid，thatpopularitywhichheenjoyedintheprovinces。CertainpeoplesaythattheladyofChaumonthadhiminhercastle，tolearnthetruthaboutthesequalities，andkepthimthereforaweek，topreventhimbegging。Butthegoodmanjumpedoverthehedgesandfledingreatterrorofbeingrich。Advancinginage，thisgreatquintessencerfoundhimselfdisdained，althoughhisnotablefacultiesoflovingwereinnowayimpaired。ThisunjustturningawayonthepartofthefemaletribecausedthefirsttroubleofVieuxpar-

Chemins，andthecelebratedtrialofRouen，towhichitistimeI

came。