"Nay，"saidshe，checkingherhorsetoawalk，andsmilingonmeintheduskwithherkindeyes。"Thentellmehowyouorderitinyourcountry。”
　　"Madame，"Isaid，"itwaswithalittleforce，andlightlymoving，thatMessireThomasRandolphscaledtheCastlerockandtookEdinburghCastleoutofthehandsoftheEnglish，akeepsostrong，andsetonacliffsoperilous，thatnomanmightdeemtowinitbysuddenonfall。AndinlikemannerthegoodMessireJamesDouglastookhisowncastle，morethanonceortwice，bycraftystratagemofwar，sothattheEnglishnameditCastlePerilous。Butineverysuchonfallfewmenfoughtforus，ofsuchascouldmovesecretlyandswiftly，notwithlongtrainsofwaggonsthatcoveraleagueofroad，andbytheirnoiseandnumbergivewarningtoanenemy。”
　　"Mymindisyours，"shesaid，withasigh，"andsoIwouldhavemadethisonslaught。ButIsubmittedmetothewillofthecaptains。”
　　Throughthenightwepushedourwayslowly，forinsuchamarchnonemaygoswifterthantheslowest，namely，thecartsandthewaggons。
　　ThusitbefellthattheMaidandthecaptainswereinmorethoughtsthanonetodrawbacktoCompiegne，forthenightwasclear，andthedawnwouldbebright。And，indeed，afterstumblingandwanderinglong，anddoubtingoftheway，wedid，atlast，seethechurchtowersandwallsofPontl'Evequestandoutagainsttheclearskyofmorning，alightmistgirdlingthebasementofthewalls。Hadwebeenasmallerandswiftercompany，weshouldhavearrivedanhourbeforethefirstgreynessshowstheshapesofthings。Butnow，alas!wenosoonersawthetownthanweheardthebellsandtrumpetscallingthetownsfolkandmen-at-armstobeontheirward。Thegreatgunsofthekeeproaredatussosoonaswewereinreachofshot；nevertheless，PothonandtheMaidsetcompaniestocarrythedoubleladders，forthewallswerehigh，andothersweretoldofftobringupthefascines，andso，leavingourmainbattletowaitoutofshot，andcomeonastheywereneeded，theMaidandPothonranupthefirstrampart，shewavingherstandardandcryingthatallwasours。Asweran，forImustneedsbebyherside，thedinofbellsandgunswasworsethanIhadheardatOrleans，andonthetopofthechurchtowersweremen-at-armswavingflags，asifforasignal。
　　Howbeit，wesprangintothefosse，undershield，waryofstonescastfromabove，andpresentlythreeladdersweresetagainstthewall，andwewentup，theMaidleadingtheway。
　　NowofwhatbefellIknowbutlittle，savethatIhadsoclimbedthatIlookeddownoverthewall，whentheladderwhereonIstoodwaswhollyoverthrownbytwogreatEnglishknights，andoneofthem，byhiscoatarmour，wasMessiredeMontgomeryhimself，whocommandedinPontl'Eveque。OfallthatcameafterIremembernomorethanaflightthroughair，andthedeadstrokeofafallonearthwithastoneaboveme。Forsuchisthefortuneofwar，whereofamanknowsbuthisownshareforthemostpart，andeventhatdimly。Theeyesareoftenblindedwithswiftrunningtobeatthewall，and，whatwithahelmthatringstosword-blows，andwhatwithsmoke，anddust，andcrying，andclamour，androarofguns，itisbutlittlethatmanyaman-at-armscantellconcerningthefrayswherein，maybe，hehasbornehimselfnotunmanly。
　　ThiswasmylotatPontl'Eveque，andIknewbutlittleofwhatpassedtillIfoundmyselfinverygreatanguish。ForIhadbeenlaidinoneofthecarts，andsowasbornealongthewaywehadcome，andateveryturnofthewheelsanewpangranthroughme。
　　FormylifeIcouldnotchoosebutgroan，asothersgroanedthatwereinthesamecartwithme。Formyrightlegwasbroken，alsomyrightarm，andmyheadwasstoundingasifitwouldburst。ItwaslateandnighsunsetoreverwewonthegatesofCompiegne，havinglost，indeed，butthirtymenslain，buthavingwhollyfailedinouronfall。ForIheardinthemonasterywhitherIwasbornethat，whentheMaidandXaintraillesandtheirmenhadwontheirwaywithinthewalls，andhadslaincertainoftheEnglish，andwerepushingtheothershard，beholdourmainbattlewasfallenuponintherearbytheEnglishfromNoyon，sometwomilesdistantfromPontl'Eveque。
　　Thereforetherewasnohelpforitbutretreatwemust，drivingbacktheEnglishtoNoyon，whileourwoundedandallourmunitionsofwarwerecarriedorderlyaway。
　　AstothepainsIboreinthatmonasteryoftheJacobins，whenmybrokenbonesweresetbyaverygoodsurgeon，thereisnoneedthatIshouldwrite。Myfortuneinwarwaslikethatofmostmen-at-
　　arms，orbetterthanthatofmanywhoareslainoutrightintheirfirstskirmish。SomegoodfortuneIhad，asatSt。Pierre，andagain，badfortune，ofwhichthiswastheworst，thatIcouldnotbewiththeMaid:nay，neveragaindidIrideunderherbanner。
　　She，forherpart，wasnotidle，but，aftertarryingcertaindaysinCompiegnewithGuillaumedeFlavy，sherodetoLagny，"forthere，"
　　shesaid，"werementhatwarredwellagainsttheEnglish，"namely，acompanyofourScots。Andamongthem，aslaterIheardinmybed，wasRandalRutherford，whohadransomedhimselfoutofthehandsoftheFrenchinParis，whereatIwasrightglad。AtLagny，withherownmenandtheScots，theMaidfoughtandtookoneFranquetd'Arras，aBurgundian"routier，"orknightoftheroad，whoplunderedthatcountrywithoutmercy。HimtheMaidwouldhaveexchangedforanArmagnacofParis，thehostoftheBearInn，thenheldinduressebytheEnglish，forhisshareinaplottoyieldParistotheKing。ButthisburgessdiedinthehandsoftheEnglish，andtheechevins{34}ofLagny，claimingFranquetd'Arrasasacommonthief，traitor，andmurderer，triedhim，and，onhisconfession，puthimtodeath。ThiswascountedacrimeintheMaidbytheEnglishandBurgundianrobbers，nay，evenbyFrenchandScots。"For，"saidthey，"ifagentlemanistobejudgedlikeamanant，orafatburgessbyburgesses，thereisnomoreprofitorgloryinwar。”Nay，IhaveheardgentlemenofFrancecryoutthat，astheMaidgaveupFranquettosuchjudgesaswouldsurelycondemnhim，soshewasrightlypunishedwhenJeandeLuxembourgsoldherintothehandsofunjustjudges。ButIanswerthattheMaiddidnotsellFranquetd'Arras，asIsayDeLuxembourgsoldher:notalivredidshetakefromthefolkofLagny。Andasfortheslayingofrobbers，thisveryJeandeLuxembourghadbutjustslainmanyEnglishofhisownparty，forthattheyburnedandpillagedintheBeauvaiscountry。
　　YetmenmurmuredagainsttheMaidnotonlyintheirhearts，butopenly，andmanymen-at-armsceasedtolovehercause，bothfortheslayingofFranquetd'Arras，andbecauseshewasforputtingawaytheleaguer-lasses，and，whenshemight，wouldsuffernoplundering。
　　Whethershewasrightorwrong，itbehovesmenottojudge，butthisIknow，thattheKing'smenfoughtbestwhenshewasbestobeyed。
　　And，likeHimwhosenther，shewaseverofthepartofthepoorandtheoppressed，againststrongknightswhorobandravishandburnandtorture，andholdtoransom。ThereforetheArchbishopofReims，whowasneverafriendoftheMaid，saidopenlyinalettertotheReimsfolkthat"shedidherownwill，ratherthanobeyedthecommandmentsofGod。”ButthatGodcommandsknightsandgentlementorobthepoorandneedythoughindeedHehassetagreatgulfbetweenamanantandagentlemanbornIcaninnowisebelieve。Formypart，whenIhavebeenwheregentlemenandcaptainslamentedtheslayingofFranquetd'Arras，andjustifiedthedealingsoftheEnglishwiththeMaid，IhaveseemedtoheartheclamourofthecruelJews:"Tollehunc，etdimittenobisBarabbam。”{35}ForBarabbaswasarobber。Howbeitonthismatter，asonall，IhumblysubmitmetothejudgmentofmysuperiorsandtoHolyChurch。
　　MeantimetheMaidrodefromLagny，nowtoSoissons，nowtoSenlis，nowtoCrepy-en-Valois，andinCrepyshewaswhenthatbefellwhichIamabouttorelate。
　　CHAPTERXXVI——HOW，ANDBYWHOSEDEVICE，THEMAIDWASTAKENAT
　　COMPIEGNE
　　"VerilyandindeedtheMaidisofwonderfulexcellence，"quothFatherFrancoistome，inmychamberattheJacobins，whereIwashealingofmyhurts。
　　"Anymanmayknowthat，whoisinyourcompany，"thefatherwentonspeaking。
　　"Andhow，goodfather？"Iaskedhim；"sureIhavecaughtnoneofhersaintliness。”
　　"AsaintIdonotcallyou，butIscarcecallyouaScot。Foryouareaclerk。”
　　"TheMaidtaughtmenoneofmyclergy，father，norhaveItaughtheranyofmine。”
　　"Sheneedsitnot。Butyouarepeacefulandgentle；youbrawlnot，nordrink，norcurse……"
　　"Nay，father，withwhomamItobrawl，orhowshouldIcurseinyourgoodcompany？FindyouScotssofroward？"
　　"Butnow，pretendingtobeourfriends，abandofthemisharryingtheSolognecountry……"
　　"TheywillbeJohnstonsandJardines，andwildwoodfolkofGalloway，"Isaid。"ThesewescarcereckonScots，butratherPicts，andhalfheathen。AndtheJohnstonsandJardinesareherebelike，becausetheyhavemadeScotlandoverhottoholdthem。Weareapoorfolk，buthonest，letbytheclansoftheLandDebatableandofEttrickForest，andtheBorderfreebooters，andtheGallowayPicts，andMaxwells，andGlendinnings，andthered-shanked，jabberingHighlandersandIslesmen，andsomecertainoftheAngusfolk，and，maybe，awildcrewinStrathclyde。”
　　"Yours，then，isaverylargecountry？"
　　"AboutthebignessofFrance，or，maybe，notsobig。Andthemainpartofit，andthemostlawfulandlearned，isbyitself，inasort，aseparatekingdom，namelyFife，whenceIcomemyself。TheLothians，too，andtheshireofAyr，ifyouexceptCarrick，arewellknownforthelandsofpeacefulandsobermen。”
　　"Whencecomesyourgreatcaptain，SirHughKennedy？"
　　"Thereyounameanhonourableman-at-arms，"Isaid，"thegloryofScotland；andtoshowyouIwasright，heisnoneofyourmarchmen，orHighlanders，buthaslandsinAyrshire，andcomesofaveryhonourablehouse。”
　　"ItisSirHughthathathjustheldtoransomtheKing'sgoodtownofTours，whereisthatgraciousladythemotheroftheKing'swife，theQueenofSicily。”
　　HereatIwaxedredasfire。
　　"Hewillbeinarrearsofhispay，nodoubt，"Imadeanswer。
　　"Itisverylike，"saidFatherFrancois:"butconsideringallthatyoutellme，IcraveyourpardonifIstillthinkthattheBlessedMaidhaswonyoufromthecommonwaysofyourcountrymen。”
　　Towhich，infaith，Ihadnoanswertomake，butthatmyfortunewasliketobethehappierinthisworldandthenext。
　　"Muchneedhaveallmenofhergoodness，andweofhervalour，"saidthefather，andhesighed。"ThisisnowthefourthsiegeofCompiegneIhaveseen，andtwicehavetheleadsfromourroofsandthemetalofourbellsbeenmadeintomunitionofwar。AbsitomenDomine!AndnowtheysaytheDukeofBurgundyhassworntoslayall，andspareneitherwomannorchild。”
　　"Avauntofwar，father。CalltheynothimtheGoodDuke？WhenwelaybeforeParis，theEnglishputaboutalikelyingtaleconcerningus，asifweshouldsackandslayall。”
　　"Ipraythatyouspeaksooth，"saidFatherFrancois。
　　Onthenextday，beingMaythetwentieth，hecametomeagain，withawanface。
　　"BurgundiansareinClaroix，"saidhe，"acrosstheriver，andyetothers，withJeandeLuxembourg，atMargny，scarceamileaway，attheendofthecausewaythroughthewatermeadows，beyondthebridge。AndtheDukeisatCoudun，aleagueofftotherightofClaroix，andIhaveclombthetower-top，andthenceseentheEnglishatVenette，onthelefthandofthecauseway。Allisundone。”
　　"Nay，father，beofbettercheer。OurfortatthebridgeendisstrongerthanLesTourelleswereatOrleans。TheEnglishshotcanscarcecrosstheriver。Bridgetheenemyhasnone，andnorthwardandeastwardallisopen。Beofbetterheart，HeavenhelpsFrance。”
　　"WehavesenttosummontheMaid，'saidhe，"fromCrepy-en-Valois。
　　Inherisallmyhope；butyouspeaklightly，foryouareyoung，andwarisyourtrade。”
　　"Andprayingisyours，father，whereforeyoushouldbebolderthanI。”
　　Butheshookhishead。
　　Sotwodayspassed，andnothinggreatbefell，butinthegreydawnofMaythetwenty-thirdIwasheldawakebyclatterofhorsemenridingdownthestreetunderthewindowofmychamber。AndaftermatinscameFatherFrancois，hisfaceveryjoyful，withthetidingsthattheMaid，andacompanyofsomethreehundredlancesofhers，hadriddeninfromCrepy-en-Valois，shemakingherprofitofthedarknesstoavoidtheBurgundians。
　　ThenIdeemedthattheenemywouldsoonhavenewsofher，andallthatdayIheardthebellsringmerrypeals，andthetrumpetssounding。AboutthreehoursafternoondayFatherFrancoiscameagain，andtoldmethattheMaidwouldmakeasally，andcuttheBurgundiansintwain；andnownothingwouldservemebutImustbeborneinalittertothewalls，andseeherbanneroncemoreonthewind。
　　So，bythegoodwillofFatherFrancois，somelaybrethrenboremeforthfromtheconvent，whichisbutastone's-throwfromthebridge。TheycarriedmeacrosstheOisetoamillhardbytheboulevardoftheBridgefort，whence，fromawindow，Ibeheldallthatchanced。Nomansittinginthegalleryofaknight'shalltoseejongleursplayandsingcouldhavehadabetterstance，orhaveseenmoreclearlyallthemischiefthatbefell。
　　ThetownofCompiegneliesontheriverOise，asOrleansontheLoire，butontheleft，nottherighthandofthewater。Thebridgeisstronglyguarded，asiscustom，byatoweratthefurtherend，and，infrontofthattower，aboulevard。Allthewaterwasgaytolookon，beingcoveredwithboats，asifforaholiday，buttheseweremannedbyarchers，whomGuillaumedeFlavyhadsettoshootattheenemy，iftheydroveusback，andtorescuesuchofourmenasmightgiveground，iftheycouldnotwinintotheboulevardatthebridgeend。
　　Beyondtheboulevard，forthtotheopencountry，layawideplain，andbehindit，closingitin，along，lowwallofsteephills。Ontheleft，amileandahalfaway，FatherFrancoisshowedmethechurchtowerofVenette，wheretheEnglishcamped；totheright，aleagueoff，wasthetowerofClairoix；andattheendofalongraisedcausewaythatranfromthebridgeacrosstheplain，becauseofthewinterfloods，IsawthetowerandthevillageofMargny。
　　Allthesetownsandspireslookedpeaceful，butallwereheldbytheBurgundians。Men-at-armswerethickonthecrestofourboulevard，andonthegate-keep，alllookingacrosstherivertowardsthetown，whencetheMaidshouldsallybywayofthebridge。SothereIlayonacouchinthewindowandwaited，havingnofear，butgreatjoy。
　　Nay，neverhaveIfeltmyspiritlighterwithinme，sothatI
　　laughedandchatteredlikeafeyman。Thefreshair，aftermylonglyinginachamber，stirredmelikewine。TheMaysunshonewarm，yetcooledwithasweetwindofthewest。Theroomwasfullofwomenandmaids，allwaitingtothrowflowersbeforetheMaid，whomtheydearlyloved。Everythinghadalookofholiday，andallwastoendinjoyandgreatvictory。SoIlaughedwiththegirls，andlistenedtoastrangetale，howtheMaidhadbutoflatebroughtbacktolifeadeadchildatLagny，sothathegothisrightsofBaptism，andanondiedagain。
　　Sowefleetedthetime，tillaboutthefifthhourafternoon，whenweheardtheclatterofhorsesonthebridge；andsomewomenwaxedpale。Myownheartleapedup。Thenoisedrewnearer，andpresentlySherodeacrossandforth，carryingherbannerinthenoblestmanner，mountedonagreyhorse，andcladinarichhucqueofcramoisie；shesmiledandbowedlikeaqueentothepeople，whocried，"Noel!Noel!"BesideherrodePothonleBourgignonnotPothondeXaintrailles，assomehavefalselysaid，herconfessorPasquerelonapalfrey；herbrother，PierreduLys，withhisnewarmsbravelyblazoned；andhermaitred'hotel，D'Aulon。ButofthecaptainsinCompiegnenoonerodewithher。Shehadbutherowncompany，andagreatrudethrongoffootmenofthetownthatwouldnotbesaidnay。Theycarriedclubs，andtheylooked，asIheard，fornolessthantotakeprisonertheDukeofBurgundyhimself。
　　Certainofthesemenalsoborespadesandpicksandothertools；fortheMaid，asIdeem，intendednomorethantotakeandholdMargny，thatsoshemightcuttheBurgundiansintwain，andsunderfromthemtheEnglishatVenette。Nowasthenightwasnotfaroff，thenatnightfallwouldtheEnglishbeinsorestraits，asnotknowingthecountryandthecountryroads，andnothavingthepowertojointhemofBurgundyatClairoix。This，onetoldmeafterwards，wasthedeviceoftheMaid。
　　Bethisasitmay，andacaptainofhers，BarthelemyBarrette，toldmethetale，theMaidrodegallantlyforth，flowersrainingonher，whilemyheartlongedtoberidingatherrein。ShewavedherhandtoGuillaumedeFlavy，whosatonhishorsebythegateoftheboulevard，andso，havingarrayedhermen，shecried，"Tirezavant!"
　　andmadetowardsMargny，thefoot-soldiersfollowingwithwhatspeedtheymight，whileIandFatherFrancois，andothersinthechamber，strainedoureyesafterthem。Allthewindowsandroofsofthehousesandwater-millsonthebridgewerecrowdedwithmenandwomen，gazing，anditcameintomymindthatFlavyhaddoneilltoleavethesemillsandhousesstanding。TheywroughtotherwiseatOrleans。Thiswasbutapassingthought，formyheartwasinmyeyes，strainingtowardsMargny。Thencenowaroseagreatdin，andclamouroftrumpetsandcriesofmen-at-arms，andwecouldseetumult，blowndust，andstirofmen，andsoitwentforitmaybehalfofanhour。Thenthatdustycloudofmenandhorsesdrove，forwardever，outofoursight。
　　Thesunwasnowredandsinkingabovethelowwallofthewesternhills，andtheairwasthickerthanithadbeen，andconfusedwithayellowlight。Despitethegreatmultitudeofmenandwomenonthecitywalls，therecamescarcelyasoundofavoicetousacrossthewideriver，sostilltheykept，andthearchersintheboatsbeneathusweresilent:nay，thoughthechamberwhereinIlaywasthrongedwiththepeopleofthehousepressingtoseethroughtheopencasement，yettherewassilencehere，savewhenthefatherprayed。
　　Astrongerwindrisingoutofthewestnowblewtowardsuswithasweetburdenofscentfromflowersandgrass，fragrantuponourfaces。Sowewaited，ourheartsbeatingwithhopeandfear。
　　ThenI，whoseeyeswerekeen，saw，blownuswardfromMargny，acloudofflyingdust，thatinScotlandwecallstour。ThedustrolledwhitealongthecausewaytowardsCompiegne，andthen，alas!forthfromitbrokelittleknotsofourmen，foot-soldiers，allrunningfortheirlives。Behindthemcamemoreofourmen，andmore，allrunning，andthenmountedmen-at-arms，spurringhard，andstillmoreandmoreofthese；andeverthefootmenran，tillmanyridersandsomerunnershadcrossedthedrawbridge，andwerewithintheboulevardofthebridge。Theretheystayed，sobbingandpanting，andafewwerebleeding。Butthoughtheforemostrunawaysthuswontheirlives，wesawothersrolloverandfallastheyran，tumblingdownthesidesofthecauseway，andwhytheyfellIknewnot。
　　Butnow，inthemidstofthecauseway，betweenusandMargny，ourflyinghorsemenralliedundertheMaiden'sbanner，andforthelasttimeofall，Iheardthatcleargirl'svoicecrying，"Tirezenavant!enavant!"
　　Anonherhorsemenchargedbackfuriously，anddrovethePicardsandBurgundians，whopursued，overathirdpartoftheraisedroadway。
　　Butnow，forthfromMargny，troopedBurgundianmen-at-armswithoutendornumber，thebanneroftheMaidwavedwildly，nowup，nowdown，inthemadmellay，andevertheyofBurgundypressedon，andstillourmen，beingfewandoutnumbered，gaveback。Yetstillsomeofthemanyclubmenofthetownsfolktumbledoverastheyran，andthedrawbridgewaschokedwithmenflying，thrustingandthronging，wildandblindwiththefearofdeath。Thenroseonourleftonegreatcry，suchastheEnglishgivewhentheyrejoice，orwhentheycharge，andlo!forthfromalittlewoodthathadhiddenthem，camegallopingandrunningacrosstheheavywetmeadowlandbetweenusandVenette，themen-at-armsandthearchersofEngland。Thenwenighgaveupallforlost，andfainIwouldhaveturnedmyeyesaway，butImightnot。
　　NowandagaintheEnglisharcherspaused，andloosedaflightofclothyardshaftsagainstthestreamofourrunawaysonthebridge。
　　Thereforeitwasthatsomefellastheyran。ButthelittlecompanyofourhorsemenwerenowdrivenbacksonearusthatIcouldplainlyseetheMaid，cominglastofall，herbodyswungroundinthesaddleasshelookedbackattheforemostfoemen，whowerewithinalance'slengthofher。AndD'AulonandPierreduLys，grippingeachatherreins，werespurringforward。Butthroughthepressofourclubmenandflyinghorsementheymightnotwin，andnowIsaw，whatnevermansawbefore，theswordoftheMaidbareinbattle!Shesmoteonaknight'sshield，herswordshiveredinthatstroke，shecaughthersteelspertheintoherhand，andstruckandhewedamain，andtherewereemptysaddlesroundher。
　　AndnowtheEnglishinthemeadowwerewithinfourlances'lengthsofthecausewaybetweenherandsafety。SayitImust，norcannon-
　　ballnorarrow-flightavailedtoturntheseEnglish。Stillthedrawbridgeandtheinletoftheboulevardwerechokedwiththepress，andmenwereleapingfrombankandbridgeintotheboats，orintothewater，whilesomixedwerefriendsandfoesthatFlavy，inagreatvoice，badearchersandartillerymenholdtheirhands。
　　Townsfolk，too，weremingledinthethrong，menwhohadcomebuttogapeascuriousfools，andamongthemIsawthehoodofacordelier，asIglancedfromthefighttomarkhowtheMaidmightforceherwaywithin。Stillshesmote，andD'AulonandPierreduLyssmotemanfully，andanontheygainedalittleway，backingtheirhorses，whileourarchersdarednotshoot，somixedwereFrench，English，andBurgundians。
　　Flavy，whoworkedlikeamanpossessed，hadturnedabouttogiveanordertothearchersabovehim；hisback，Iswear，wastothepressofflyingmen，totheinletoftheboulevard，andtothedrawbridge，whenhisownvoice，asalldeemedwhoheardit，criedaloud，"Updrawbridge，closegates，downportcullis!"Themenwhosedutyitwaswerestandingreadyatthecranksandpulleys，theirtoolsinhand，andinstantly，groaning，thedrawbridgeflewup，castingintothewaterthemthatwereflyingacross，downcametheportcullis，andslewtwomen，whilethegatesoftheinletoftheboulevardwereswungtoandbarred，all，asitmighthesaid，inthetwinklingofaneye。
　　Flavyturnedinwrathandgreatamaze:"InGod'sname，whocried？"
　　heshouted。"Downdrawbridge，upportcullis，opengates!Tothefront，men-at-arms，lancesforward!"
　　Formostofthemountedmenwhohadfledwerenowsafe，andonfoot，withintheboulevard。
　　AllthisIheardandsaw，inaglance，whilemyeyeswerefixedontheMaidandthefewwithher。Theywerelostfromoursight，nowandagain，inathrongofPicards，Englishmen，Burgundians，forallhavetheirpartinthisglory。Swordsandaxesfellandrose，steedscounteredandreeled，andthen，theysay，forthisthingI
　　myselfdidnotsee，aPicardarcher，slippingundertheweaponsandamongthehorses'hoofs，toretheMaidfromsaddlebythelongskirtsofherhucque，andtheywerealluponher。Thisbefellwithinhalfastone's-throwofthedrawbridge。WhileFlavyhimselftoiledwithhishands，andtoreatthecranksandchains，theMaidwastakenundertheeyesofus，whocouldnotstirtohelpher。NowwasthedayandthehourwhereoftheSaintstoldhernot，thoughsheimploredthemwithtears。NowinthethrongbelowIheardalaughlikethesoundofasawonstone，andonestruckhimthatlaughedonthemouth。ItwasthelaughofthataccursedBrotherThomas!
　　Ihadlaidmyfaceonmyhands，beingsoweak，andwasweepingforveryrageatthatwhichmyunhappyeyeshadseen，whenIheardthelaugh，andliftingmyheadandlookingforth，Ibeheldthehoodofthecordelier。
　　"Seizehim!"IcriedtoFatherFrancois，pointingdownatthecordelier。"SeizethatFranciscan，hehasbetrayedher!Run，man，itwashewhocriedinFlavy'svoice，biddingthemraisedrawbridgeandletfallportcullis。Thedevilgavehimthatcrafttocounterfeitmen'svoices。Iknowtheman。Run，FatherFrancois，run!"
　　"Youaredistraughtwithverygrief，"saidthegoodfather，thetearsrunningdownhisowncheeks；"thatisBrotherThomas，thebestartillerymaninFrance，andFlavy'schieftrustwiththecouleuvrine。Hecameinbutfourdaysagone，andtherewasgreatjoyofhiscoming。”
　　ThuswastheMaidtaken，byartanddeviceofthedevilandBrotherThomas，andinnootherwise。TheywhotellthatFlavysoldher，closingthegatesinherface，dohimwrong；hewasanillman，butloyaltoFrance，aswasseenbytheverydefencehemadeatCompiegne，fortherewasnonelikeitinthiswar。ButofwhatavailwasthattouswholovedtheMaid？Rather，manytimes，wouldIhavediedinthathourthanhaveseenwhatIsaw。Forourenemiesmadenomoretarrying，noranyonslaughtontheboulevard，butrodeswiftlybackwiththeprizetheyhadtaken，withherwhomtheyfearedmorethananyknightorcaptainofFrance。ThispagewhereonIwork，inahandfeebleandold，andwearywithmuchwriting，isblottedwithtearsthatwillnotbeheldin。ButwemustbowhumblytothewillofGodandofHisSaints。"Dominusdedit，etDominusabstulit；benedictumsitnomenDomini。”
　　WhereforeshouldIsaymore？Theycarriedmebackinlitteroverthebridge，throughthegrowingdarkness。Everychurchwasfullofwomenweepingandprayingforherthatwasthefriendofthem，andtheplaymateoftheirchildren，forallchildrenshedearlyloved。
　　ConcerningFlavy，itwassaid，bythemwholovedhimnot，thatheshowednosignofsorrow。ButwhenhisownbrotherLouisfell，laterinthesiege，abrotherwhomhedearlyloved，nonesawhimweep，oralterthefashionofhiscountenance；nay，hebademusiciansplaymusicbeforehim。
　　IbesoughtthePrior，whenIwasbornehome，thatImightbecarriedtoFlavy，andtellhimthatIknew。Butheforbademe，sayingthat，inverytruth，Iknewnought，ornothingthatcouldbebroughtagainstaChurchman，andoneinaplaceoftrust。ForIhadnotseenthelipsofthecordeliermovewhenthatcommandwasgiven——
　　nay，atthemomentIsawhimnotatall。NorcouldIevenprovetoothersthathehadthisdevilishart，therebeingbutmyoathagainsthis，andassuredlyhewoulddenythething。AndthoughI
　　mightbeassuredandcertainwithinmyself，yetotherwitnessIhadnoneatall，norwereanyofmyfriendstherewhocouldspeakwithme。ForD'Aulon，andPasquerel，andPierreduLyshadallbeentakenwiththeMaid。ItwaslongindeedbeforePierreduLyswasfree，forhehadnomoneytoransomhimselfwithal。ThereforeFlavy，knowingmeonlyforawoundedScotoftheMaid's，wouldthinkmeabrainsickman，andaslikeasnotgivememoreofOiserivertodrinkthanIcraved。
　　Withthesereasoningsitbehovedmetocontentmyself。ThenightI
　　passedinprayersfortheMaid，andformyself，thatImightyetdojusticeonthatdevil，or，atleast，mightseejusticedone。Buthowtheseorisonswereansweredshallbeseenintheend，wheretoI
　　nowhasten。
　　CHAPTERXXVII——HOWNORMANLESLIEFAREDINCOMPIEGNE，WITHTHEEND
　　OFTHATLEAGUER
　　AboutallthatbefellinthebesiegedcityofCompiegne，afterthatwickeddayofdestinywhentheMaidwastaken，IheardforlongonlyfromtheJacobinbrothers，andfromoneBarthelemyBarrette。HewasaPicardyman，moreloyalthanmostofhiscountry，whohadjoinedtheMaidafterthefrayatParis。Nowhecommandedahundredofhercompany，whodidnotscatteraftershewastaken，andhewasthebestfriendIthenhad。
　　"Theburgessesarenowhitdismayed，"saidhe，comingintomychamberafterthedayoftheAscension，whichwasthesecondafterthecaptureoftheMaid。"TheyhavesentamessengertotheKing，andexpectsuccour。”
　　"Theysueforgraceatagracelessface，"saidI，inthecountryproverb；formyheartwashotagainstKingCharles。
　　"Thatistobeseen，"saidbe。"ButassuredlytheDukeofBurgundyismorekeenabouthisownbusiness。”
　　"HowfaretheBurgundians？"Iasked，"for，indeed，Ihaveheardthegunsspeaksincedawn，butnoneofthegoodfatherscarestogoevenontotheroofofthechurchtowerandbringmetidings，forfearofastraycannon-ball。”
　　"Forholymentheyarewondrouscharyoftheirlives，"saidBarthelemy，laughing。"WereIamonk，Iwouldwelcomedeaththatshouldunfrockme，andletmegoa-wanderinginParadiseamongthesefairladysaintsweseeinthepictures。”
　　"Itiswritten，Barthelemy，thatthereisneithermarryingnorgivinginmarriage。”
　　"Faith，themoreIamfainofit，"saidBarthelemy，"andmaybeI
　　mighttakethewrongtrack，andgetintotheParadiseofMahound，which，Ihaveheard，isnoillplaceforaman-at-arms。”
　　Thismanhadnomorefaiththanapaynim，but，nonetheless，wasastoutcarlinwar。
　　"Butthatmindsme，"quothhe，"oftheverythingIcamehithertotellyou。OnepriestthereisinCompiegnewhotakesnokeepofhislife，acordelier。Whatailsyou，man？doesyourleggiveatwinge？"
　　"Ay，ashrewdtwingeenough。”
　　"Truly，youlookpaleenough。”
　　"Itisgone，"Isaid。"Tellmeofthatcordelier。”
　　"Doyouseethislittlerod？"heasked，puttinginmyhandawandofdarkwood，carvenwiththeheadofastrangebeastinacowl。
　　"Iseeit。”
　　"Howmanynotchesarecutinit？"
　　"Five，"Isaid。"Butwhyspoilyouyourrod？"
　　"FivemenofEnglandorBurgundythatcordeliershotthisday，fromthecreneauxoftheboulevardwheretheMaid，"crossinghimself，"wastaken。Afellmanheis，strongandtall，withalonghookednose，andasblackasSathanas。”
　　"Howcomesheinarms？"Iasked。
　　"FlavycalledhiminfromValenciennes，wherehewasaboutsomebusinessofhisown，forthereisnogreatermasteroftheculverin。
　　And，faith，ashesays，he'hashadraresport，andwillhaveforlong。'"
　　"Wasthereanonfalloftheenemy？"
　　"Nay，theyareoverwary。Heshotthemastheydugbehindpavises。
　　{36}FortheDukehasmovedhisquarterstoVenette，wheretheEnglishlay，hardbythetown。And，rightinthemiddleofthecausewaytoMargny，twoarrow-shotsfromourbridgeend，heislettingbuildagreatbastille，anddiggingatrenchwhereinmenmaygotoandfro。Thecordelierwasasgladofthatasamanwhohasstalkedacoveyofpartridges。'Keepmytallyforme，'hesaidtomyself；'cutanotchforeverymanIslay'；andhere，"saidBarthelemy，wavinghisstaff，"ishisfirstday'sreckoning。”
　　NowIwellsawwhatchanceIhadofbringingthatdeviltojustice，forwhowouldbelievesostrangeataleasmineagainstonesoserviceableinthewar？NorwasD'Aulonheretospeakforme，theenemyhavingtakenhimwhentheytooktheMaid。Thinkingthus，I
　　groaned，andBarthelemy，fearingthathehadweariedme，saidfarewell，andwentout。
　　Everyevening，aftersunset，hewouldcomein，andpartlycheerme，bytellinghowhardilyourpeopleborethem，partlybreakmyheartwithfreshtidingsofthatdevil，BrotherThomas。
　　"Thingsgonotill，hadwebuthopeofsuccour，"hesaid。"TheDuke'sbastilleisrising，indeed，andtheDukeisbuildingtaudis{37}ofoakenbeamsandearth，betweenthebastilleandourboulevard。Theskillistodrawnearerus，andnearer，tillhecanminebeneathourfeet。Heardyouanynewnoiseofwarthisday？"
　　"Iheardsucharoarandclatterasneverwasinmyears，whetheratOrleansorParis。”
　　"Andwellyoumight!Thisconventisintheverylineofthefire。
　　Theyhavefourgreatbombardsplaced，everyoneofthemwithadevilishNetherlandnameofitsown。ThereisHoupembiere，——thatmeansthebeer-barrel，Itakeit，——andLaRougeBombarde，andRemeswalleandQuincequin，everyoneshootingstoneballsthirtyinchesingirth。Thehousesonthebridgeareaheapofstones，themillsarebattereddown，andwemustgrindourmealinthecity，inacellar，forwhatIcantell。NomDieu!whentheytaketheboulevardwelosetheriver，andifoncetheybarourgatestotheeast，whenceshallviandscome？"
　　"Istherenogoodtidingsfromthemessenger？"
　　"TheKinganswerseverlikeadrawerinatavern，'Anon，anon，sir!'
　　Hewillcomehimselfpresently，alwayspresently，withallhishost。”
　　"Hewillnevercome，"Isaid。"Heisa……"
　　"HeismyKing，"saidBarthelemy。"CurseyourownKingofScots，ifyouwill。Scots，bythebloodofIscariot，traitorsarethey；well，Icraveyourpardon，Ispakeinhasteandanger。KnowyouNicholeCammet？"
　　"Ihaveheardoftheman，"Isaid。"Atown'smessenger，ishenot？"
　　"Thesame。Butaweekagone，CammetwassentonaswifthorsetoChateauThierry。ThegoodtowncravedofPothondeXaintrailles，whocommandsthere，tosendthemwhatsaltpetrehecouldspareformakinggunpowder。ThesaltpetrecameinthisdaybythePierrefondsGate，andCammetwithit，butonanotherhorse，ajade。”
　　"Well，andwhathavetheScotstodowiththat？"
　　"Nomorethanthis。Aparcelofthem，routiersandbrigands，havecreptintoanoldcastleontheroad，andholditfortheirownhands。ThencetheysalliedforthafterCammet，andsochasedhimthathishorsefelldowndeadunderhiminthegatewayofChateauThierry。”
　　"TheywouldbemenoftheLandDebatable，"Icried:"ElliotsandArmstrongs，theyneverdoabetterdeed，beingcorruptedbydwellingnighourenemiesofEngland。FainwouldIpayforthathorse；seehere，"andItookforthmypursefromundermypillow，"takethattotheattournes，andsayaScotatonesforwhatScotshavedone。”
　　"Norman，Itakebackmyword；Icraveyourpardon，andIamshamedtohavespokensotoasickmanofhisowncountryfolk。Butforyourpurse，Iamillatcarryingpurses；Ihavenoskillinthatart，andthedicedrawmewhenIheartherattleofthem。Butlookatthecordelier'stally:fourmento-day，threeyesterday；faith，hethinsthem!"
　　Indeed，toshortenalongstory，bytheendofBarthelemy'scountthereweretwohundredandthirty-ninenotchesontherod。Thathekeptatruescoretillhestintedandreckonednomore，Iknow，havingprooffromtheotherside。Fortwelveyearsthereafter，I
　　fallingintodiscoursewithMessireGeorgesChastellain，anesquireoftheDukeofBurgundy，andamakerbothofverseandprose，hetoldmethesametaletoaman，threehundredmen。AndImakenodoubtbutthathehaswrittenitinhisbookofthepraiseofhisprince，andofthesewars，towitnessifIlie。
　　Consider，then，whathopeIhadofbeinglistenedtobyFlavy，orbytheattournesor，aswesay，bailies，ofthegoodtown，if，beingrecoveredfrommybrokenlimbs，Ibroughtmywitnesstotheirears。
　　Nonetheless，theenemybatteredatuseverydaywiththeirengines，destroying，asBarthelemyhadsaid，thehousesonthebridge，andthemills，sothattheycouldnolongergrindthecorn。
　　AndnowcametheEarlsofHuntingdonandArundel，withtwothousandEnglishmen，whiletousappearednosuccour。Soatlength，beingsmittenbyballsfromabove，andruinedbyminesdugunderearthfrombelow，ourcompanythatheldtheboulevardatthebridgeendweresurprisedinthenight，andsomeweretaken，somedrownedintheriverOise。Whereforewasgreatsorrowandfear，themoreforthattheDukeofBurgundyletbuildabridgeofwoodfromVenette，tocomeandgoacrossOise，wherebywewerenowassailedonbothhands，forhithertowehadbeenfreetocomeandgoonthelandwardside，andthroughalltheforestofPierrefonds。Wehadbutonegateunbeleaguered，theChapelGate，leadingtoChoisyandthenorth-east。Nowwerewestraitenedforprovender，notablyforfreshmeat，andmenweredriven，asinacitybeleaguered，toeatthefleshofdeadhorses，andevenofratsanddogs，whereofIhavepartaken，anditisillfood。
　　Nonethelessweendured，despitethemurmuringofthecommons，sostrongaremen'shearts；moreover，allFrancelaystakedonthisonecastofthedice，nolessthanatOrleansintheyearbefore。
　　Somewhatwewerekeptinheartbytidingsotherwisebitter。ForwordcamethattheMaid，beinginwardatBeaurevoir，astrongplaceofJeandeLuxembourg，hadleapedinthenightfromthetopofthetower，andhad，nextmorning，beentakenupallunhurt，asby，miracle，butastoundedandbereftofhersenses。Forthistherewasmuchsorrow，butwouldtoGodthatHehadtakenhertoHimselfinthathour!
　　Nevertheless，whenshewascometoherselfagain，shedeclared，byinspirationoftheSaints，thatCompiegneshouldbedeliveredbeforetheseasonofMartinmas。WhenceI，forone，drewgreatcomfort，noreveragaindespaired，andmanywerefilledwithcouragewhenthistidingscametoourears，hopingforsomemiracle，asatOrleans。
　　Now，too，Godbegantotakepityuponus；for，onAugustthefifteenth，theeighty-fifthdayofthesiege，camenewstotheDukeofBurgundythatPhilip，DukeofBrabant，wasdead，andhemustgotomakesureofthatgreatheritage。TheDukehavingdeparted，theEnglishEarlshadfarlessheartfortheleaguer；Iknownotwellwherefore，butnow，atleast，wasseenthetruthofthatproverbconcerningthe"eyeofthemaster。”Thebastille，too，whichourenemieshadmadetopreventusfromgoingoutbyourPierrefondsGateonthelandwardside，wasnegligentlybuilt，andofnogreatstrength。Allthisgaveussomeheart，somuchthatmyhosts，thegoodJacobins，andtheholysistersoftheConventofSt。John，strippedtheleadfromtheirroofs，andbestoweditonthetown，formunitionofwar。AndwhenIwasincasetowalkuponthewalls，andabovetheriver，ImightseemenandboysdivinginthewaterandsearchingforEnglishcannon-balls，whichweshotbackattheEnglish。