Chapter 8 Chapter VIII Special Envoy

May you be as fast as lightning in the eyes of the French, For, before you can announce my coming, The roar of my cannon will be heard Go, may you be the clarion call of our wrath. "King John" Even if laziness was Darwilt's easy fault, the noise of the guard's barracks after the first morning clock must have driven away the demons of sleep.However, his father's discipline in the tower at home and his discipline at Aberbrodick Abbey had accustomed him to early mornings.He put on his clothes cheerfully; the sound of horns and the clash of weapons all around indicated the changing of the guard, some were returning to camp from the night watch, some were marching to the morning watch and others, including His uncle, on the other hand, is preparing his army so that he can directly serve as a guard for King Louis.Quentin.Darwilt put on the rich clothes and accoutrements befitting his new position, with the mood that a young man would experience on such an occasion.His uncle looked at him with strict concern, trying to make every aspect of his attire perfect.Seeing his nephew's new look, he couldn't hide his satisfaction.If you are handsome and brave and loyal, I shall see you as one of the handsomest and best squires in the Guard, and it must be said to be a credit to your mother's family.Come with me to the audience hall.Be careful to stay close to me.

Then he took a heavy halberd, beautifully decorated, and bade his nephew take a lighter one, and went with him into the inner courtyard of the palace.Several guards who were to serve as guards in the inner room had already lined up in full armor, submissively behind the master, forming a second rank.The king was also served by a number of hunting assistants with horses and famous dogs.Quentin watched them with pleasure and curiosity.His uncle had to remind him over and over that the animals were not for his amusement, but for the king's.The king was very fond of hunting, and it was one of the few hobbies he never gave up, even when he was thinking of strategies.He guarded the game of the royal forests so strictly that it became popular to say that killing a stag was more punishable than killing a man.

At the order of Le Balafrey, the duty officer, the guards immediately moved into action.From the cumbersome signals and passwords explained, it can be seen that the high degree of accuracy and vigilance in performing duties.They marched into the audience hall, where the people were waiting for the king to arrive at any moment. Although Quentin was unfamiliar with the magnificent scenes, what he saw was far from what he had imagined, which made him quite disappointed.It is true that there were richly attired royal officials, valiant armed guards, and servants of all ranks present.However, he did not see the old men and high-ranking royal officials who provided state advice, did not hear the names of any heroes who had made contemporary knights terrified, nor did he see any young and vigorous generals and leaders worthy of being the backbone of France, and the pursuit of honor, A young and enthusiastic nobleman who is worthy of the pride of France.The king's suspicious temperament, reserved attitude, and deep and cunning strategy alienated this excellent class from the royal family.They were summoned by the king only on certain designated official occasions.They were very reluctant when they went, but they were very happy when they came back, very similar to the mood of the animals in the fable when they entered and left the tiger's den.

The few people who stayed there as if for counseling were also plain looking.There was an occasional expression of intelligence on their faces, but their demeanor belied that they had entered a society quite out of proportion to their former upbringing.One or two of them seemed imposing to Dawilt, and the guards in front of him were not so strict as to prevent his uncle from telling him the names of the few people he thought were prominent. Quentin is as familiar with the reader as the Duke of Crawford, who is also present in his splendid uniform and holding a silver staff.Prominent among other persons who appeared to be of considerable importance was the Comte de Dunois.He was the son of Du Nois, the famous general of Orléans, whom people call illegitimate.Dunoy fought under Joan of Arc and played a prominent role in freeing France from English slavery.His son lived up to the honor left to him by such noble parents.Although Dunois was related to the royal family and enjoyed a hereditary reputation among nobles and commoners, he showed a frank and loyal character on various occasions, so that no one, not even the suspicious Louis, will have scruples about him.Louis likes to have him close to him, and sometimes calls him in as a staff member.Although he was perfect in every respect of chivalry, and possessed many of the qualities that were then called a model knight, the Count's countenance was far from the typical romantic handsome man.Although he was well built, he was shorter than the average man, and his legs were bent out a little, which was more convenient for riding, but not so handsome for walking.He has broad shoulders, black hair, a dark complexion, slender and swinging arms, and his facial features are very irregular, almost ugly.In any case, however, the Comte de Dunois possessed a nobility, conscious of his own worth, which made him immediately recognizable as a nobleman and a valiant warrior.His expression is bold and straight, his gait is quick and natural, and his stern face is made even more majestic by the eagle's gaze and lion's wrinkles.He was wearing a hunting suit, gorgeous but not gaudy.On most occasions he plays the role of Lord of the Hunts, though we do not believe this to be his real function.

Standing, leaning on the arm of his kinsman du Nois, was Louis, Duke of Orléans.He was the first prince of the royal family (later Louis XII of France).Guards and squires saluted him.He walked with such slow and pensive steps that he seemed to be leaning on the relative who supported him.The prince will inherit the throne when the king has no heirs, so he has been carefully guarded by King Louis.Louis would not allow him to leave the court.He lived in the deep palace all day long, neither allowing him to do anything, nor giving him any encouragement.This abject and almost prisoner's situation naturally imparted an expression of dismay to the demeanor of the unfortunate Prince.His despondency was all the more evident now, as he realized that the king was contemplating the most cruel and unjust action a tyrant could take against him.The action in question refers to coercing him to marry Louis' youngest daughter, Princess Jeanne of France.Although he had been betrothed to her as a child, the deformed appearance of the princess made it an obscene coercion to maintain this engagement.

The unfortunate prince was not outstanding in appearance, but he was docile and kind in heart.These qualities were seen through the unusually depressed exterior that belied his nature.Quentin noticed that the duke deliberately did not glance at the king's guard, and looked down when he returned the salute, as if he feared that the king's suspicions would misinterpret a common gesture of salutation as an attempt to establish personal prestige among the guard. Proud Cardinal High Priest Ballou.John behaved very differently.He was the favorite of King Louis at that time.If the difference between the treacherous King Louis of France and the rash and impetuous Henry VIII of England permits us to make a comparison, the history of this man's rise and character is indeed very similar to that of Worse.King Louis raised this favorite from a lowly man to the eminence of Minister of Relief of France (at least by granting him his beneficiary), and rewarded him with many favors, even crowning him a cardinal.Although he was very prudent, and did not give the ambitious Ballou unlimited power and confidence, as Henry VIII had done to Wolser, yet this man had more influence over him than other self-proclaimed counselors.The cardinal thus failed to avoid a mistake which is so apt to occur when a lowly man suddenly ascends to greatness.Undoubtedly carried away by his sudden success, he felt himself entitled to intervene in all affairs, even those which had nothing to do with his profession or education.Tall and clumsy, he loved to show affection and courtship to women, though his manner made his excuses absurd and his profession made them indecent.A few men or women who flattered him had the misfortune to delude him into thinking he had inherited the fine-looking pair of his father (who was a coachman at Limoges, or, according to another version, a miller at Verdun). thigh.The thought drove him so mad that he kept pulling the cardinal's robe a little to one side, so that his thick thighs could be seen.As he strutted across the hall in red and rich burqa, he repeatedly stopped to admire the arms and equipment of the knights on guard, asked them a few authoritative questions, and presumptuously called the Reason to blame several guards.Although these experienced warriors did not dare to answer his accusation verbally, they obviously despised him and were very impatient.

The king is not clear, Dunois said to the cardinal, the envoy of Burgundy asked him to receive him unconditionally? He already knows, replied the cardinal, I think Oliver the Almighty.Dan (Original Note: The public gave him the nickname le Diable (the devil) out of hatred of Oliver, in place of the name of Le Dan. He was the king's barber, but later became a favorite.) came in to tell us King's intention. While he was speaking, a great personage, who shared the cardinal's favor with King Louis, came out of the inner room, but he had none of the grandeur by which the ecclesiastical person displayed his majesty and dignity.Instead, he was a pale, thin little man wearing no coat, cape, or burqa over his black silk bodysuit.Ordinary clothes are naturally difficult to improve his mediocre appearance.He holds a silver basin in his hand, and a barber's scarf hangs over his arm, indicating that he is a humble barber.His face had a sharp and changeable expression, but he always kept his eyes on the ground, trying to erase it from his face so that no one could see it.His steps were as silent as a cat's, so that he seemed to be gliding humbly across the hall rather than walking through it.Yet, though humility tends to make one lose sight of one's worth, it cannot conceal one's favor at court.Oliver.Dan is also sometimes called Oliver the Bad, or Oliver the Devil.These are nicknames he earned for the treachery he displayed in helping the king carry out his ghostly tricks.Since he was the king's famous barber and servant, and had become the king's confidant, his attempts to sneak through the audience hall were of course in vain.He had a serious conversation with Count Dunois for a few moments.The earl left the hall immediately, while the barber slipped back to the king's living room where he had just come out.Everyone present hurriedly made way for him.He just returned the salute with a humble bow.The only exception was that he whispered a word to one or two persons, thus making them the envy of the other courtiers; Attempts to get his attention, to plead with him eagerly.Ludvik.Leslie was also one of those lucky enough to hear Oliver whisper to herself.The whisper was to reassure him; his matter was fortunately settled.

The good news was confirmed again shortly afterwards.Quentin's old acquaintance, the Royal Military Judge Triston.After Lermit entered the hall, he went straight to the place where Le Balafrey was standing.The splendor of this formidable officer's uniform only accentuated his grim countenance and ferocious facial expression.His tone of conciliatory tone also resembled a bear's howl.But what he said was friendlier than his voice.He regretted the misunderstanding that had occurred between them the day before.He said that M. Le Balafrey's nephew did not wear the uniform of the Guards, nor did he state that he was a member of the Guards, which had caused him to make the mistake, for which he begged pardon.

Ludvik.Leslie made an obligatory answer.As soon as Triston turned away, he told his nephew that they were honored to have such a formidable officer as their sworn enemy.But his blows don't touch us, he said, and a conscientious soldier can laugh at the Attorney General. Quentin could not help feeling the same opinion as his uncle, for when Triston left them the man's eyes blazed with that furious and menacing look that a bear wounded by a spear casts upon a hunter. .You know, even in less agitated situations, there was a malice in the officer's sullen eyes, enough to make anyone tremble with fear when they met them.The horror which the young Scotsman felt at this moment was all the more intense and terrible, for he still seemed to feel the firm grip of the two hangmen of the vengeful officer on his shoulders.

Oliver made his way about the room furtively, as we have just described, and even the highest ministers made way for him in boundless respect, while he humbly tried to hide from the room. Make these gestures of endearment and then walk back to the inner room.Not long after, the door of the inner chamber flung open, and the people in the audience hall saw King Louis come in. Quentin turned his eyes to look at him as the others did.He was so startled that he nearly dropped his halberd on the ground.He recognized at once that the King of France was the same silk merchant, Monsieur Pierre, who had been with him the previous morning.More than once strange suspicions had arisen in his mind as to the real identity of this man, but the truth that had been seen was even stranger than his wildest guesses.

His uncle, annoyed at his faux pas, gave him a hard look to calm him down.But the quick-eyed king recognized him at once, and he was much more astonished as he walked straight up to him without paying any attention to the others.Well, young man, said he, I hear you make trouble when you arrive in Touraine.I forgive you, though, because it's mostly a stupid old businessman's fault.He thinks it necessary to warm your Scotch blood in the morning with Burnt wine.If I can find him, I will punish him as a warning to those who dare corrupt my guard.Le Balafrey, he added to Leslie, your nephew is a handsome boy, but very angry.I'd love to foster that spirit and intend to value the Warriors around me more than ever.You write down the date of birth of your nephew to Oliver.Dan. Le Barafrey bowed deeply, and then resumed his military attention, as if to show his readiness to serve the king at any time.Quentin has also calmed down from the original surprise, and began to look at the king's appearance more carefully.He was again amazed at how different his idea of ​​the king's manners and appearance was now from what it had been when they first met. On the surface none of this has changed much, as King Louis often mocked people for showing off their appearance.On this occasion right now, he was only wearing a dark blue hunter outfit that was not much better than the ordinary civilian uniform the day before, and he was wearing a large string of horse-wood rosary beads.This string of rosary beads was a gift from such a great figure as Taijun. It is said that it was a relic used by a very holy Egyptian Christian hermit on Mount Lebanon.He wore a top hat with at least a dozen small lead saints on its brim, instead of a cap with only a Madonna on it.However, Quentin originally thought that the eyes were only shining with greed, but once he knew that they belonged to a capable and powerful monarch, he felt more sharp and majestic.The wrinkles on his forehead, which were thought to be the imprints left by long-term trivial business calculations, are now the imprints of wisdom left by working hard for the country's destiny. Not long after the king came to court, the princesses of France, accompanied by their maids, came to the hall.She later married Bourbon.Peter and the eldest princess called Mademoiselle Beaujout in French history, our novel has little to do with her.Tall and rather handsome, with eloquence and literary talent and a sense of the kind she had acquired from her father, she was his most trusted and probably favorite daughter. Her unfortunate sister, Princess Jeanne, was the betrothed of the Duke of Orléans.Walking shyly beside her sister, she realized that she lacked none of the beauty that women most hoped for, or were supposed to have.Her face was pale, her face was thin and haggard; her body was obviously leaning to one side, and her gait was very uneven, almost to the point of lameness.Those who would flatter her dared to list, and what slightly made up for her ugliness and figure, were a set of teeth, eyes with resigned resentment and tenderness, and a head full of light brown curls.As a final addition to this description, we would like to point out that the princess's lack of dress and timid attitude, shows that she is very distressed to realize that she is not outstanding, and dare not improve the defects that nature has given her by manners or artificial means. , or in other ways to display the ability to please people.The king didn't like her, and when he saw her coming in, he hurried to her.What's the matter!He said, My cynical daughter, did you put on this dress this morning to go to the hunt, or to go to the monastery?You say you answer. Your Majesty, you can say whatever you want.The princess preached in a barely audible voice. Well, Jeanne, you must try to convince me that you want to quit the court and the world.Hey!Girl, do you want to make people think that I, the firstborn of the Holy Church, don't want to dedicate my daughter to God?If it does honor the altar, if your destiny is in heaven and not on earth, then, if I refuse this offering, the Holy Mother and St. Martin will not tolerate it! The king made the sign of the cross reverently as he spoke.It seemed to Quentin that he looked like a cunning subordinate, trying to devalue something he wanted to keep to himself as an excuse not to dedicate it to the Chief or his superiors.Of course he can lie to people with peace of mind, because no one dares to study him carefully, Quentin thought, would he also dare to lie to God, to make fun of God and the saints? After a moment's prayer in his head, Louis said again: Don't be like this, my daughter.Me and another one know your real mind better Hey!Was it not, my nephew of Orleans?Come, my good sir, and help the pious saint to the carriage. As the king said this, Orléans rose to his feet, and hastened to carry out his orders, but his steps were so hasty and confused that Louis exclaimed: "Nephew, don't do that; you'd better refrain from your courtesies to women, be careful!" order it.See what imprudence an gallant man can do in his haste on certain occasions!You almost took Anne's hand instead of his sister's.Monsieur, do I still need to hand you Jeanne's hand? The unfortunate prince raised his head, trembling like a child forced to touch something he instinctively dreaded. He struggled a bit, and then took the princess' hand.The princess neither stretched out her hand nor withdrew it.The two of them just stood there with their eyes fixed on the ground.The trembling hand of the man was holding the wet and cold fingers of the woman. It was hard to say which of the two young men was in a more unfortunate situation, the duke who felt that he was bound by an unbreakable chain to something he hated, or the one who was clearly watching The unfortunate girl who realized that she was the object of this man's hatred, and would rather die to obtain his kindness and kindness? Gentlemen and ladies, mount your horses I will take my daughter Beaujo in person, said the king, and may God and St. Hubert bless our morning hunt! Your Majesty, I think I have to interrupt your plan, Count Dunoy said, the envoy of Burgundy has come to the gate of the castle, and I beg you to receive him. Do you mean, Dunois, that he asked for my audience?said the King, Didn't you answer him that way, what I wanted Oliver to tell you?I don't have time to see him today.And tomorrow is Saint Martin's Day.God willing, I don't want worldly concerns to disturb my holidays.As for the day after tomorrow, I have already arranged to go to Amboise, but when I return, I will arrange an audience for him as soon as my busy business permits. I have said all this, replied Dunois, but, my lord God!What's stuck in your throat that keeps you from speaking?The king said that the Burgundian's terms must be difficult to digest. If my duties, His Majesty's orders, and his position as envoy had not made me scrupled, said Dunoir, I should have left him to try to digest it himself.By the Virgin of Orleans, I would have made him swallow his own words, rather than bring him to your Majesty. Why, Dunois, said the king, you, the most hasty man in the world, do not understand my impetuous cousin Burgundy.It was a strange thing to have something like this in Charles.My man, I don't care about his violent protests any more than a castle tower cares about the north-western wind from Flanders and the noisy envoy. I must tell you, my lord, replied Dunois, that Count Krevig was holding back with his entourage and buglers.He says that since his master bids him ask His Majesty to see him on a matter of great importance, and you refuse, he will stay till midnight; and no matter what time you come out of the castle, whether for errands or walks, Or to pray, he will stop His Majesty.No consideration can change his mind unless you use force. What a fool he is.The king said calmly, did the impudent Ainault think that it was his punishment to allow a sensible man to stay in his castle for twenty-four hours to deal with the affairs of state?These impatient dandies thought everyone was like them, and the only way they didn't feel bad was in the saddle and stirrups.My good Dunois, send the hounds back, and take care of them.Today we discuss government affairs and stop hunting. Your Majesty, Dunois replied, you will not get rid of Krevig so easily.His master instructed him that if he should not receive the audience he demanded, he should, as a sign of his master's utmost protest, nail his gloves to the castle gate.He should withdraw the Duke's oath of loyalty to France and declare war on France immediately. Well, said Louie, with no perceptible change in his voice, but was it true that the furrowed brow almost made his piercing black eyes shrunk under bushy brows?My long-standing vassal insisted on being so bossy and my good cousin insisted on being so rude to me?Well then, Dunois, we'll have to hoist our royal banners, and let Denis's banner guide us!(Note: The flag of Saint-Denis refers to the flame flag of the French royal family.). Well, it's time to fight!The brave and combative Dunova said that the officers and soldiers of the guards in the hall could not resist the urge to participate in the battle, and they all showed eagerness in their respective positions, and the sound of touching knives and spears was clearly audible.The king looked around proudly, thinking and looking for a moment like his heroic father. However, the momentary excitement and excitement quickly gave way to a barrage of political considerations.As a result of the considerations, an open break with Burgundy is especially dangerous at the present time.Edward the Fourth, the invincible king of England who had fought valiantly thirty times, had firmly maintained the throne of England.He is the brother of the Duchess of Burgundy.It is reasonable to think that he was waiting for his relative to break with King Louis in order to pass through Calais. This door is always open to send the victorious troops of the English Civil War to France, so that the invasion of France, the most popular act among the British, can make the people forget the tragedy of the Civil War.In addition to this, the Duke of Breton's unreliable loyalty must also be considered, as well as other serious problems.So, after a silence, King Louis continued, and though the tone of his voice had not changed, the spirit of his speech had changed.By God, he said, I, the most Christian of kings, will never allow Christians to needlessly shed blood, if it can be honourably avoided.I value the safety of my subjects, and would rather suffer the little damage done to my dignity by the indecent words of this impertinent envoy.What's more, he may have passed the mission entrusted to him to send in the Burgundian envoy. Beatipocilici (Note: Latin: Blessed are those who make peace with others.).Cardinal Ballou said. Quite right.His Excellency understands that those who suffer humiliation are blessed with ascension to heaven.the king added. The cardinal said amen, but few responded.Even Orleans blushed with shame.Le Balafrey couldn't restrain his emotions, and let the end of the halberd fall heavily to the ground; this impatient action was immediately reprimanded by the cardinal, and how to hold a gun in front of the king. A lesson from Spear.The king looked very embarrassed to see the silence around him.What are you thinking, Dunois?He said, You do not approve of my concession to this impudent envoy? Absolutely not, Dunois said, I do not interfere outside my mandate.I just want to ask for a favor from His Majesty. One Grace, what is Dunois?You seldom ask anything from me.You can count on my approval. Then, I hope Your Majesty will send me to Everett to rectify the clergy.Dunova said with military candor. This is beyond your remit.the king replied with a smile. If His Excellency the Bishop of Everett, or His Excellency the Cardinal, if he prefers the title, can oversee the officers and men of His Majesty's Guard, I can oversee the chaplain. The king smiled again, and more enigmatically than before.He whispered to Dunoir: Someday you and I will have to take care of those priests together. But for now the bishop is a good beast who thinks he's great.Alas, Dunois!Roma throws him on us along with other baggage But be patient, boy, let's shuffle the cards until my hand gets stronger. (Original note: Dr. Dreyestrester commented on this: The card game invented by the previous dynasty, which is believed to be to entertain Charles Fifth during his insanity, seems to have quickly become popular among the courtiers. The reason It is the card game that has provided a metaphor for Louis XI. This idiom has also been quoted by Durandalt in the cave of Montesinos. The legendary invention of this card game is a good example .This was presented by the late Dr. Gregory of Edinburgh at a solemn symposium of the Scottish Bar.The doctor's testimony consisted in proving that a patient whose mental capacity was at issue was indeed insane.When it was repeatedly questioned , he admitted that the patient played an excellent whist hand. At the meeting, the lawyers unanimously asked: Doctor, do you really think that such a difficult game that requires excellent memory, judgment and combination ability, a person Is it possible to be insane while being excellent at playing it? I don't know how to play cards, replied the doctor very politely, but I've seen it written in history books that card games were made to make a deranged king Invented for fun. The answer is convincing.) Hearing the trumpet blowing in the courtyard, people knew that the nobleman of Burgundy had arrived.Everyone in the audience hall stood in the proper order.The king and his two daughters still sit in the center. Count Krevig, the famous warrior, entered the hall.He violated the rules of etiquette that a special envoy of a friendly country should abide by, and even came to meet the monarch of a country in full armor.Except for his head, he was dressed in a magnificent suit of high-grade steel armor from Milan, with a strange gold inlaid and embossed decoration called arabesques on the armor.Around his neck and on his shining breastplate hung the medals of his master's Order of the Golden Fleece, one of the most respected orders in Christendom at the time.A handsome attendant behind him held his steel helmet, and a herald in front came up to the king with the letter of credence, and presented it to the king on his knees.The envoy himself stood in the center of the hall, as if he wanted all present to have the opportunity to appreciate his haughty expression, his burly figure, and the bravery and composure shown in his countenance and manner.The rest of the entourage are waiting in the vestibule or courtyard. Come here, Mr. Count Krevig, said King Louis, after glancing at his credentials, I don't need my cousin's credentials, I don't need someone to introduce me to a warrior as famous as you, or to make me Trust your Master's well-deserved trust in you.Mrs. Zun is also somewhat related to us, so she must be in good health.If you had brought her, I should have thought, Monsieur Count, that you had put on your armor on this unusual occasion to protect her remarkable beauty from the amorous French knights.If this is not the case, I cannot think of any reason for your armor. Your Majesty, replied the emissary, Count Krevig was obliged to lament his misfortune, and beg your forgiveness for not being able to answer His Majesty's courtesies with respect on this occasion.You know, though the speaking voice belonged to Cord.Philip.Crevig, but what he says must belong to his wise lord, the Duke of Burgundy. What message does Krevig want to convey for Burgundy?Louis put on a very majestic look and said, you shut up first, you have to remember, here, Cord.Philip.Krevig is a monarch speaking to his monarch. Krevig bowed, and then said loudly: King of France, the mighty Duke of Burgundy once again sends you a written note about your majesty's border guards who have committed crimes on the border and bullied the people.The first point to ask is: Does Your Majesty intend to compensate him for these losses? The king glanced at the memorandum presented to him by the herald on his knees, and said: These circumstances have been considered by the court.Some of your accusations are in retaliation for the blows and injuries suffered by my subjects, some have been proved groundless, and some have been retaliated by the duke's border guards.If there be any instance which does not belong to these cases, I, as a Christian sovereign, will make reparation for the real loss of my neighbor, although the matter not only has not been encouraged by me, but has repeatedly violated my orders. I shall convey to my sage master your majesty's reply, said the envoy, but I must say that, since it is no different from the prevarication of his legitimate complaints in the past, I cannot hope that it will be of any help in the peace between France and Restoration of peace and friendship between Burgundies. Then let God decide.I was not afraid of your master's force, said the king, but it was only for peace that I answered his insolent charge with so restraint.Go ahead and talk about your mission. My lord's second request, said the envoy, is that your Majesty stop secretly dealing with the Duke's cities of Ghent, Liege, and Marin.He asked His Majesty to recall the spies because they had provoked the displeasure of the good citizens of Flanders.In addition, he asked Your Majesty to expel the perfidious fugitives from your Majesty's jurisdiction, or return them to their sovereign, and give them the punishment they deserved.After escaping from the places where they committed crimes, these criminals easily found asylum in Paris, Orleans, Tours and other French cities. Tell the duke of Burgundy, replied the king, that I know nothing of the injustices which he impudently accuses me of.For the mutual benefit of commerce, my subjects in France communicate frequently with the cities of Flanders.It would be against the duke's interest as well as my own to interrupt this communication.Besides, Flemish people live in our France for the same purpose, and are protected by our laws.Go on and talk about your mission. You have heard my answer. Your Majesty, I am as sorry as before to hear your reply.Earl Krevig replied that the duke would not accept vagueness, evasion, and write-off of a series of secret plots that were actually beyond doubt.However, I will continue to state my mission.The Duke of Burgundy also asked the King of France to immediately send reliable escorts to take Chroyer.Countess Isabelle and her relatives and protector Countess Hamelin deported to Burgundy, because Countess Isabelle was a protege of the Duke of Burgundy according to the laws of the country and her right to possession of his fiefs, but she fled without authorization. From his dominions, from the protection which he, patient protector, would have given her, is now under your secret protection, and thus strengthened her resolve to defy her lord and protector, the Duke of Burgundy.This is against the law recognized by civilized Europeans and gods.I paused again to listen to His Majesty's reply. Earl Krevig, Louis said contemptuously, it is a good thing that you started stating your mission early in the morning.Otherwise, if you intend to ask me to account for all the subjects who were forced to flee by your reckless master, then this long list may have to be read until dark.Who is sure that these two ladies are in the territory under my jurisdiction?如果真是如此，誰又敢說，是我鼓勵她們外逃的，或答應給她們庇護的？要是她們真在法國，誰又能斷言，我知道她們躲藏的地方？ 陛下，克雷維格說道，如果您不介意，我要說我有一個證人，可以證明我言之確鑿他曾看見這兩位逃亡的仕女住在離城堡不遠的以百合花命名的旅店他曾看見陛下屈尊化裝成圖爾城市民和她們坐在一起他曾在陛下在場時接受她們的信件，準備交給她們在弗蘭德的朋友所有這些信他都轉給了勃艮第公爵，並向他作了交代。 你把他交出來，國王說道，你把敢於堅持這些謊言的傢伙帶到我面前來。 陛下，您說得蠻自信，因為您知道得很清楚，這位證人已不在人間。他活著的時候名叫扎邁特．毛格拉賓，是一個波希米亞流浪漢。據我所知，他昨天已被陛下軍法總監的行刑隊處決，無疑是為了使他無法向在座的各位證實他曾在勃艮第公爵的朝臣們以及我，科爾德．菲利普．克雷維格面前就此事向公爵說過的一切。 昂布倫的聖母在上！國王說道，這些罪過竟是如此嚴重，而我又毫無所知，我不能不以國王的榮譽說，我感到好笑，而不是感到生氣。我的軍法隊執行他們的職責，每天都要處死一些小偷和流浪漢，難道他們對我頭腦發熱的勃艮第堂弟和他的朝臣們說了點什麼，就該作為誹謗我國王的根據嗎？我請你告訴我的好堂弟，要是他喜歡這些夥計，他最好把他們留在他自己的領土上。在這兒，他們很可能會被處絞刑，自己找死。 國王先生，我主人不需要這些臣民，伯爵以先前還不敢使用的更不客氣的聲調說道，因為高貴的公爵不習慣向巫婆、流浪的埃及人或別的什麼人卜卦，探問他鄰居和盟友的命運。 我的耐心是有限度的，國王打斷他說，既然你到這兒來的唯一使命似乎是想對我進行侮辱，我將以我的名義派人去見勃艮第公爵。我相信你這樣對待我，不管怎麼說，是超越了對你的囑託。 相反，克雷維格說道，我還沒有完全履行對我的囑託。聽著，瓦盧瓦．路易，法蘭西的國王聽著，在場的貴族們和紳士們一切善良誠實的人們都請聽著特瓦松．多爾，他轉身對紋章官說道，等我講完你就宣布我，科爾德．菲利普．克雷維格，帝國的伯爵，光榮而尊貴的金羊毛騎士團的騎士，謹以強大的君主查爾斯的名義蒙上帝之福澤，他乃勃艮第和羅太林幾亞、布拉邦特和林堡、盧森堡和格爾德雷斯的公爵，弗蘭德和阿圖瓦的伯爵，埃諾、荷蘭、西蘭、納慕爾和朱特芬的伯爵，神聖帝國的侯爵，弗里西蘭、薩林和馬林的大公我謹以他的名義公開告訴你，法蘭西國王路易：你既然拒絕彌補你通過唆使、暗示或煽動使公爵和他所愛護的臣民受到的種種不幸和委屈，他不得不通過我的口，決心收回維護你王位和尊嚴的宣誓當眾宣布你不仁不義，並認為你既不配做一個君主，也不配做一個男子漢大丈夫。我敢於為此挑戰，證明我言之不虛。 說著他把右手戴的長手套脫下來，扔在大廳的地板上。 在這膽大包天的舉動發展到極至之前，人們一直在注視著這異乎尋常的場面。大廳裡鴉雀無聲。但一聽到那鋼手套被扔在地上的響聲以及勃艮第紋章官特瓦松．多爾呼叫勃艮第萬歲的喊聲，馬上就出現了一片按捺不住的騷動。杜諾瓦、奧爾良和老年的克勞福德大公以及其他一兩個有權過問這事的人，在爭論該誰接受這個挑戰，而大廳裡其餘的人則大聲喊道：殺死他！要叫他粉身碎骨！他竟敢進宮來侮辱法國國王！ 國王雷鳴般的吼聲壓倒了其餘的喊聲，平息了騷動：你們都住嘴！不許動他，也不許動那隻手套！伯爵先生，你是什麼材料做的？你把生命孤注一擲，這樣做值得嗎？你的公爵以這種反常的方式來為他假想的爭端賭輸贏，難道他是用與別的君王不同的材料做成的嗎？ 他的確與歐洲其他的君王不同，是用一種更貴重的材料做成的，勇敢的克雷維格伯爵說道，因為，當別的君王沒有一個敢為你請注意，路易王，我說的是你提供庇護；當你還只是個皇太子，隻身逃出法國，遭到你決心報復的父親動用法國全部力量對你進行追捕時，我高貴的主人卻像兄弟那樣接待你，保護你。而你卻忘恩負義，如此回報他慷慨的天性。再見了，陛下，我已經完成了我的使命。 說完以後，克雷維格伯爵便不辭而別，突然走出了大廳。 追他追他拾起手套追他！國王說道，我不是叫你杜諾瓦，也不是叫你克勞福德大公；我想你們年紀太大，對付不了這種激烈搏鬥。我也不是叫你奧爾良賢侄，因為你年紀太年輕，也無能為力。我的紅衣主教大人，我的奧克塞雷主教大人你的神聖職責是在君王之間促成和解請你拾起手套，就克雷維格伯爵所犯的罪過對他進行規勸和告誡吧。他竟敢在一位偉大國王的宮廷裡對他當面進行侮辱，從而迫使他把戰爭的災難帶給他的祖國和鄰國。 聽到國王親自向他發出命令，紅衣主教巴盧只好去拾手套。他的動作是那麼小心翼翼，彷彿就像是在摸一個有毒的蝮蛇看來他對這戰爭的象徵無比厭惡接著便走出大廳，急忙去追趕那挑戰的特使。 路易望望他周圍的朝臣。除了我們已經特別介紹過的那幾位以外，這些人大都出身卑微；並非由於他們英勇善戰，而是由於一些別的才能，才提升到朝廷的顯赫地位。這時他們都臉色蒼白，面面相覷，剛才出現的場面顯然留下了不愉快的印象。路易輕蔑地凝望著他們，然後大聲說道：儘管克雷維格伯爵十分狂妄傲慢，但必須承認，勃艮第公爵的這個臣僕是一個出使他國不辱君命的最勇敢的使臣。但願我能找到敢把我的答覆帶過去的同樣忠實的使臣。 陛下，您對法國貴族的看法不公正。杜諾瓦說道，他們誰都願用刀尖開路，來對勃艮第挑戰。 陛下，克勞福德說道，您也小看了侍候您的蘇格蘭紳士。無論是我，還是跟隨我的任何一個地位適當的部下，都可以毫不猶豫地把那個狂妄的伯爵叫回來和他算賬。我自己的身體也還強壯，足以對付他。我需要的只是陛下的准許。 然而，杜諾瓦繼續說道，陛下不願意利用我們去為自己、為陛下、為法國贏得榮譽。 杜諾瓦，國王講道，你不如說我不願犯魯莽的急躁病。要是嚴格按照騎士規範來辦，這會毀了你們自己，毀了我的王朝，毀了法國，毀了一切。你們誰都懂得當前每一小時的和平都是多麼可貴，我們多麼需要醫治這個多難的國家的創傷。然而，你們誰都想為一個吉普賽流浪漢或一個名聲好不了多少的漂泊女郎的謊言而冒失地投入戰爭紅衣主教回來了，我想他帶來了和平的信息。怎麼樣，我的大人，您讓那伯爵冷靜、清醒過來了嗎？ 陛下，巴盧說道，我的任務很艱鉅。我問那高傲的伯爵，他怎麼膽敢對陛下進行狂妄的指責，致使接見不歡而散；何況，有理由認為這樣做並非他主人的命令，而完全是出於他個人的無禮，因此，陛下有權給他任何他認為適當的懲罰。 你說得對，國王回答道，他怎麼回答？ 那位伯爵，紅衣主教繼續說道，正一腳踏上馬蹬，準備上馬，聽到我的告誡，他身子動也不動地扭過頭來說：要是我已經走到離這兒五十里格的地方，聽人說法國國王問了一個誹謗我的君主的問題，那麼即使我走了那麼遠，我也會騎回去照樣把我剛才給他的回答奉送給他。 我說，先生們，國王沒有流露一點生氣的情緒，轉身說道，我那當公爵的堂弟有這位克雷維格．菲利普伯爵，可真算擁有世界上最稱職的臣僕來充當自己的左右手你說服他留下來了嗎？ 他準備待二十四個小時。在這期間他將取回他的挑戰信物。紅衣主教說道，眼下他已下榻在百合花旅店。 由我付款給他優厚的款待，國王說道，這樣一個臣僕真是皇冠上的寶石。只待二十四小時？他喃喃地補充說道，像是在拼命睜大眼睛，想要看到莫測的未來。round-the-clock?這是最短的一種期限了。不過只要善於巧妙地利用時間，二十四小時也抵得上怠情無能者度過的一年。好吧，讓我們到森林裡去我勇敢的貴族們，到森林裡去！奧爾良，我的好侄兒，你的謙遜儘管很得體，我勸你還是把它擱在一邊，別理睬我讓娜姑娘的羞怯。要說她不願接受你的愛慕或者說你不願向她表示愛慕，倒不如說盧瓦爾河不願和謝爾河匯合。國王補充說道。這時那不幸的親王正緩慢地走在他的未婚妻後面。紳士們，快去拿你們獵野豬的長矛吧。我的輕型機車兵阿列格雷已經藏好了一頭野豬，牠對獵狗和獵人都將是一個考驗。杜諾瓦，把你的長矛借給我你拿我的，這支太重我拿不動。你呀你，什麼時候你埋怨過自己的長矛太重呢？上馬紳士們，上馬。 獵手們全騎著馬向森林走去。