第13章

\"YouwillnotrideintoRoueninEnglishguise？Theywillstraightwayhangyouforaspy，andthereinislittlehonour。” \"Mypurposeissomedealsubtler，\"Isaid，withalaugh，\"butletmekeepmyowncounsel。” \"Sobeit，\"saidhe，\"awilfulmanmusthavehisway。AndnowI drinktoyourbetterwisdom，andmayyouescapethatropeonwhichyourheartseemstobeset!\" Igraspedhishandonit，andbypointofdaywewereridingoutseawards。Wemadeanonslaughtonavillage，burnedahouseortwain，andseizedcertainwainsofhay，so，intheconfusion，I slippedforward，androdealoneintoalittlewood。ThereIcladmyselfinEnglishguise，havingcarriedthegearinawalletonmysaddle-bow，andsopushedon，tillatnightfallIcametoacertainlittlefishing-village。There，undercoverofthedark，I covenantedwithafishermantosetmeacrosstheChannel，IfeigningtobeadeserterwhowasfleeingfromtheEnglisharmy，forfearoftheMaid。 \"IwouldwellthatIhadtocarryallthesortofyou，\"saidtheboat-master，forIhadofferedhimmyhorse，andagreatrewardinmoney，partdown，andtheotherparttobepaidwhenIsetfootinEngland。Nordidhemakeanytarrying，but，takinghisnetsonboard，asifhewouldbeabouthislawfulbusiness，setsail，withhistwosonsforacrew。Theeastwindservedustoamiracle，and，afterasfairapassageasmightbe，theylandedmeundercloudofnightnotfarfromthegreatportofWinchelsea。 ThatnightIsleptnone，butwalkingfastandwarily，undercoverofafog，Ifetchedacompassabout，andendedbywalkingintothetownofRyebytheroadfromthenorth。HereIwentstraighttothebestinnoftheplace，andcallingaloudforbreakfast，Ibadethedrawerbringminehosttomeinstantly。For，atLouviers，weweresowellservedbyspies，thecountrysidingwithusratherthanwiththeEnglish，thatIknewhowacompanyoftheEarlofWarwick\'smenwaslookedforinWinchelseatosailwhentheyhadafairwindforRouen。 MinehostcametomeinaservileEnglishfashion，andaskedmewhatIwould？ \"First，ahorse，\"saidI，\"forminedroppeddeadlastnight，tenmileshenceonthenorthroad，inyourmarshes，Goddamnthem，andyoumayseebymyrustyspurandmirybootthatIhavewalkedfar。 Here，\"Icried，pullingoffmyboots，andflingingthemdownontherushesofthefloor，\"bidoneofyourvarletscleanthem!Next，breakfast，andapotofyourale；andthenIshallseewhatmannerofhorsesyoukeep，forImustneedsridetoWinchelsea。” \"YouwouldjointhemenunderthebannerofSirThomasGreyofFalloden，Imakenodoubt？\"heanswered。\"YourspeechsmacksoftheNorthernparts，andthegoodknightcomesfromnolongwaysouthoftheborder。Hismenrodethroughourtownbutfewdaysagone。” \"Andmetheyleftbehindontheway，\"Ianswered，\"soevilismyluckinhorse-flesh。Butforthisblessedwindoutoftheeastthathindersthem，myhonourwereundone。” Mytalewasnottoohardofbelief，andbeforenoonIwasonmywaytoWinchelsea，astoutnagenoughbetweenmylegs。 Thefirstman-at-armswhomImetIhailed，biddinghimleadmestraighttoSirThomasGreyofFalloden。\"What，youwouldtakeservice？\"heasked，inaCumberlandburrthatIknewwell，forindeeditcamereadyenoughonmyowntongue。 \"Yea，bySt。Cuthbert，\"Ianswered，\"forontheMarchesnothingstirs；moreover，Ihaveslainaman，andfledmyowncountry。” WiththathebadeGoddamnhissoulifIwerenotagoodfellow，andsoledmestraighttothelodgingsoftheknightunderwhosecoloursheserved。TohimItoldthesametale，addingthatIhadheardlateofhislevyingofhismen，otherwiseIhadriddentojoinhimathissettingforth。 \"Youhaveseenwar？\"heasked。 \"OnlyaWarden\'sraidortwain，onthemoss-troopingScotsofLiddesdale。BranxholmeIhaveseeninablaze，andhavefacedfireattheCastleoftheHermitage。” \"YouspeakthetongueoftheNorthernparts，\"hesaid；\"areyounoble？\" \"ApoorcousinoftheStoreysofNetherby，\"Ianswered，whichwastrueenough；andwhenhequestionedmeaboutmykin，IshowedhimthatIkneweverynameandscutcheonoftheline，mymotherhavinginstructedmeinallsuchloreofherfamily。{38} \"Andwhereforecomeyouherealone，andinsuchplight？\" \"Byreasonofasword-strokeatStainishawbankFair，\"Iansweredboldly。 \"Faith，then，Iseenocausewhy，asyourwillissogood，youshouldnotsoonhaveyourbellyfulofsword-strokes。For，whenoncewehaveburnedthatlimbofthedevil，thePuzel\"(forsotheEnglishcalltheMaid)，\"weshallshortlydrivetheseforsworndogs，theFrench，backbeyondtheLoire。” Ifeltmyfacereddeningattheseillwords，soIstooped，asiftoclearmyspurofmire。 \"Shortlyshallshetastethetar-barrel，\"Ianswered，whereathesworeandlaughed；then，callingaclerk，badehimwritemyindenture，asistheEnglishmanner。Thus，thankstomynorthernEnglishtongue，forwhichIwassorebeatenbytheotherboyswhenI wasaboymyself，beholdmeaman-at-armsofKingHenry，andsomuchofmyenterprisewasachieved。 Imakenoboastofvalour，andindeedIgreatlyfearedformyneck，bothnowandlater。Formyriskwasthatsomeoneofthemen-at- armsinRouen，whitherwewerebound，shouldhaveseenmyfaceeitheratOrleans，atParis(whereIwasunhelmeted)，orinthetakingoftheBastilleatCompiegne。Yetmyvisorwasdown，bothatOrleansandCompiegne，andofthosefewwhomarkedmeingirl\'sgearinParisnonemightchancetomeetmeatRouen，ortoremembermeinchangedgarments。SoIputaboldbrowonit，forbettermightnotbe。NonecursedthePuzelmoreloudlythanI，and，withoutfeigning，nonelongedsosorelyasIforafairwindtoFrance，whereforeIwasevergoingaboutWinchelseawithmyheadintheair，gazingattheweather-cocks。And，asfortunewouldhaveit，thewindwentabout，andweonboard，andwithnolongdelaywereatRouentown。 CHAPTERXXXI——HOWNORMANLESLIESAWTHEMAIDINHERPRISON OnarrivinginthetownofRouen，threethingsweremychiefcare，whereofthesecondhelpedmeinthethird。ThefirstwastobelodgedasnearasImighttothecastle，whereintheMaidlay，beingchained(sofellwasthecrueltyoftheEnglish)toherbed。Thenextmatterwastopurveymethreehorsesofthefleetest。Heremyfortuneservedmewell，fortheyoungesquiresandpageswouldeverberidingracesoutsideofthegates，theybeinginnofearofwar，andthetimetilltheMaidwasburnedhungheavyontheirhands。I therefore，followingthemanneroftheEnglishMarchmen，thrustmyselfforwardinthesesports，andwouldchangehorses，givingmoneytoboot，foranythatoutranmyown。MymoneyIspentwithaveryfreehand，bothinwagersandinfeastingmen-at-arms，sothatIwastakentobeagoodfellow，andIwillinglyletmanymaketheirprofitofme。Intheend，Ihadthreehorsesthat，withalightriderinthesaddle，couldbecaughtbynoneinthewholegarrisonofRouen。 Thirdly，Iwasmostsedulousinallduty，andsowonthefavourofSirThomasGrey，theratherthathecountedcousinswithme，andreckonedthatwewereofsomefar-offkindred，whereinhespokethetruth。Thus，partlyforourcommonblood，partlyforthatIwaseverreadyatcall，andforwardtodohiswill，andpartlybecausenonecouldcarryamessageswifter，oradventurefurthertospyoutanybandsoftheFrench，hekeptmeclosetohim，andtrustedmeashisgalloper。Nay，hegaveme，onoccasion，hissignet，toopenthetowngateswhensoeverhewouldsendmeonanyerrand。Moreover，theman(noblebybirth，butbasebybreeding)whohadthechiefchargeandcustodyoftheMaid，wasthebrother\'ssonofSirThomas。HehadtonameJohnGrey，andwasanesquireofthebodyoftheEnglishKing，Henry，thenaboy。Thismiscreantitwasoftenmyfortunetomeet，athisuncle\'stable，andtohearhispitilessandcruelspeech。Yet，makingfriends，asScripturecommandsus，oftheMammonofunrighteousness，IsetmyselftowintheaffectionofJohnGreybylaughingathisjestsanddoinghimwhatserviceImight。 OnceortwiceIdroppedtohimawordofmygreatdesiretoseethefamedPuzel，forthetrialsthathadbeenheldinopenhallwerenowdoneinthedungeon，whereonlythebishop，thedoctorsoflaw，andthenotariesmighthearthem。Hernoblebearing，indeed，andwiseanswers(whichwereplainlyputintohermouthbytheSaints，forshewassimpleandignorant)hadgainedmen\'shearts。 Oneday，theytoldme，anEnglishlordhadcried——\"Thebravelass，pitysheisnotEnglish。”FortotheEnglishalltherestofGod\'searthisasNazareth，outofwhichcancomenogoodthing。ThusnonemightseetheMaid，and，onceandagain，IletfallawordinJohnGrey\'searconcerningmydesiretolookonherinprison。I daredmakenoshowofeagerness，thoughnowthemonthofMayhadcome，whichwasbothhergoodandillmonth。ForinMayshefirstwenttoVaucouleursandprophesied，inMayshedeliveredOrleans，andinMayshewastakenatCompiegne。WhereforeIdeemed，asmenwill，thatinMaysheshouldescapeherprison，orinMayshoulddie。Moreover，onthefirstdayofMarchtheyhadaskedher，mockingher- \"Shaltthoubedelivered？\" Andshehadanswered- \"Askmeonthisdaythreemonths，andIshalldeclareittoyou。” TheEnglish，knowingthis，madeallhastetoendherereMayended，whereforeIhadthemoreoccasionforspeed。 Now，onacertainday，beingMaytheeighth，theheartofJohnGreywasmerrywithinhim。Hehadwelldrunk，andIhadlethimwinofme，atthedice，thatoneofmythreehorseswhichmosthecoveted。 Hethenstruckmeinfriendlyfashionontheback，andcried- \"Anunluckydayforthee，andforEngland。Thisveryday，twoyearsagone，thatlimbofthedevildroveusbyhersorceriesfrombeforeOrleans。Butto-morrow——\"andhelaughedgrosslyinhisbeard。 \"Storey，youareagoodfellow，thoughafoolatthedice。” \"Faith，Ihavemetmymaster，\"Isaid。\"ButthelessonyougavemewasworthbaySalkeld，\"forsoIhadnamedmyhorse，afteragreatEnglishhouseontheBorderwhodwellattheCastleofCorby。 \"Iwilldotheeagoodturn，\"hesaid。\"YoucravetoseethisPuzel，eretheyputonherthehighwitch\'scapforherhellwardjourney。” \"Ishouldlikeitnotill，\"Isaid；\"itweresomethingtotellmygrandchildren，whenallFranceisEnglishland。” \"Thenyoushallseeher，forthisisyourlastchancetoseeherwhole。” \"Whatmeanyou，fairsir？\"Iasked，whilemyheartgaveaturninmybody，andIputoutmyhandtoagreattankardofwine。 \"To-morrowthecharityoftheChurchhathresolvedthatsheshallbehadintothetorture-chamber。” Isetmylipstothetankard，anddranklong，tohidemyface，andforthatIwasnighswooningwithapassionoffearandwrath。 \"ThankstoSt。George，\"Isaid，\"theendisnigh!\" \"Theendofthetankard，\"quothhe，lookingintoit，\"hathalreadycome。YoudrinklikeamanoftheLandDebatable。” YetIwasinsuchcasethat，thoughbycustomIdrinklittle，thegreatdraughttouchednotmybrain，anddidbutgivemeheart。 \"YoumightchallengeatskinkingthatgreatDanishknightwhowaswithusunderOrleans，SirAndrewHaggardwashisname，andhisbearingswere……\"{39} Sohewasrunningon，forhehimselfhaddrunkmorethanhisshare，whenIbroughthimbacktomymatter。 \"ButastouchingthisPuzel，howmayIhavemyviewofher，thatyougraciouslyofferedme？\" \"Mymenchangeguardatcurfew，\"hesaid；\"fivecomeoutandfivegoin，andIshallbidthemseekyouhereatyourlodgings。Sonow，farewell，andyourrevengewiththediceyoushallhavewhensoyouwill。” \"Nay，pardonmeonemoment:whenrelieveyoutheguardthatentersatcurfew？\" \"Anhourafterpointofday。But，nowIbethinkme，youscarcewillcaretopassallthenightinthePuzel\'scompany。Hastthoupaperorparchment？\" Isetpaperandinkbeforehim，whosaid- \"Nay，writeyourself；Iamnogreatclerk，yetIcansignandseal。” Therewith，athiswording，IsetdownanordertotheCastleportertoletmeforthasearlyinthenightasIwould。Thispasshesignedwithhisname，andsealedwithhisring，bearinghisarms。 \"SoIwishyoujoyofthistrystandbonnefortune，\"hesaid，anddeparted。 Ihadtwohoursbeforemeerecurfewrang，andthetimewasmorethanIneeded。ThereforeIwentfirsttotheChurchofSt。Ouen，whichisverygreatandfair，andtherecleanconfessedme，andmademyorisonsthat，ifitwereGod\'swill，thisenterprisemightturntoHishonour，andtothesalvationoftheMaid。AndpitifullyI besoughtMadameSt。CatherineofFierbois，thatasshehaddeliveredme，asinner，shewoulddelivertheSisteroftheSaints。 NextIwentbacktomylodgings，andtherebadethehostlertohavemytwobeststeedssaddledandbridledinstall，bypointofday，foracouncilwasbeingheldthatnightintheCastle，andIandanotherofSirThomas\'scompanymightbesentearlywithamessagetotheBishopofAvranches。Thisholyman，asthen，wasacauseoftroubleanddelaytotheRegentandPierreCauchon，BishopofBeauvais，becausehewasjust，andfellnotinwiththeirtreasons。 NextIcladmyselfindoubleraiment，doubletabovedoublet，andhoseoverhose，mydoubletsbearingtheredcrossofSt。George。 OverallIthrewagreatmantle，fallingtothefeet，asifIfearedthenightchills。ThereafterImadeafaircopyofmyownwritinginthepassgiventomebyJohnGrey，andcopiedhissignaturealso，andfeignedhissealwithasealofclay，foritmightchancethattwopassesprovedbetterthanone。ThenIputinalittlewallethangingtomygirdlethesignetofSirThomasGrey，andthepassgiventomebyJohnGrey，alsoanink-hornwithpenandpaper，andinmyhand，secretly，IheldthatphialwhichIhadboughtoftheapothecaryinTours。AllmygoldandjewelsIhidaboutmybody；I sharpenedmyswordanddagger，andthenhadnomoretodobutwaittillcurfewrang。 Thiswastheweariestpartofall；forwhat，Ithought，ifJohnGreyhadforgottenhispromise，thewinebeingabouthiswits。ThereforeIwalkedhitherandthitherinmychamber，inmuchmisdoubt；butatthechimeofcurfewIheardrudevoicesbelow，andaheavysteponthestairs。Itwasaman-at-armsofthebasestsort，who，lurchingwithhisshoulderagainstmydoor，camein，andsaidthatheandhisfellowswaitedmypleasure。ThereonIshowedhimthebestcountenance，andbademyhostfillapannierwithmeatandcakesandwine，topassthehoursintheprisonmerrily。Imyselfrandownintothehost\'scellar，andwasverybusyintastingwine，forI wouldhavethebest。Andinmakingmychoice，whilethehoststoopedoveracasktodrawafreshtankard，Ipouredallthedrugsofmyphialintoalargepewtervesselwithalid，filleditwithwine，and，tastingit，sworeitwouldservemyturn。Thisflagon，suchaswecalla\'tappithen\'inmycountry，butfargreater，I borewithmeupthecellarstairs，andgaveittooneoftheguard，biddinghimspillnotadrop，orheshouldgothirsty。 Thelourdaud，thatwastheircaptain，carriedthepannier，and，laughing，wecrossedthestreetandthemoat，givingtheword\"Bedford。”TotheporterIshowedmypass，tellinghimthat，thoughIwasloathtodisturbhim，Icountednottowatchallnightinthecell，whereforeIgavehimagoldpieceforthetroublehemighthaveinlettingmegoforthatanhouruntimely。Herewithhewaswellcontent，andso，passingthewordtothesentinelateachpost，weentered。 Andnow，indeed，myheartbeatsothatmybodyseemedtoshakewithhopeandfearasIwalked。AtthedoorofthechamberwhereintheMaidlaywemetherguardscomingforth，whocriedroughly，biddinghergoodeven，andtothinkwellofwhatwaitedher，meaningthetorments。Theytumbleddownthestairslaughing，whilewewentin，andIlast。Itwasadarkvaultedchamberwithonewindowneartheroof，narrowandheavilybarred。Intherecessbythewindowwasabrazierburning，andcastingasmuchshadowaslightbyreasonofthesmoke。Herealsowasarudetable，stainedwithfoulcirclesofpot-rims，andtherewerefiveorsixstools。Onaweightyoakenbedlayoneinman\'sraiment，blackinhue，herfacedownwards，andherarmsspreadoverherneck。Itcouldscarcebethatsheslept，butshelaylikeonedead，onlyshudderingwhenthelourdaud，thecaptainoftheguard，smoteherontheshoulder，asking，inEnglish，howshedid？ \"Heresheis，sir，surlyasever，andpoorcompanyforChristianmen。Seeyouhowcunninglyallherlimbsaregyved，andchainedtotheironboltsofthebed？WhatwouldmyladyJeannegivemeforthislittlemaster-key？\" Hereheshowedaslenderkey，hungonasteelchainabouthisneck。 \"Neverasaintofthethree，Michael，Margaret，andCatherine，cantakethisfromme；nay，northedevilswhoweartheirforms。” \"Haveyouseenthisfaircompanyofhers？\"IwhisperedinEnglish，crossingmyself。 \"Nomorethanshesawthewhiteladythatgoeswiththatotherwitch，CatherineofLaRochelle。But，sir，sheissullen；itishermanner。Withyourgoodleave，shallwesup？\" Thiswasmyowndesire，soputtingthepannieronthetable，I carvedthemeatwithmydagger，andpouredoutthewineincups，andtheyfellto，beinghungry，asEnglishmenareatalltimes。Theyroaredovertheirmeat，eatinglikewolvesanddrinkinglikefishes，andonewouldsingalewdsong，andtheothersstrikeinwiththeover-word，butdrinkingwastheirmainavail。 \"Thisisbetterstuff，\"saysthelourdaud，\"thanourEnglishale。 Faith，\'tisstrong，mylads!Wakeup，Jenkin；wakeup，Hal，\"andthenheroaredasnatch，butstopped，lookingdrowsilyabouthim。 ObrothersinChrist，whohearthistale，rememberyethat，fornowfourmonthsandmore，thecleanestsoulinChristenty，andthechastestlady，andofmannersthenoblest，hadenduredthiscompanybynightandbyday! \"Nay，wakeup，\"Icried；\"yearedullrevellers；whatsayyetothedice？\" TherewithIsetoutmytablierandthedice。ThenIfilledupthecupafresh，pretendingtodrink，andlaidonthefoultableagreatshiningheapofgold。TheirdulleyesshonelikethemetalwhenI said- \"Myselfwillbejudgeandumpire；playye，honestfellows，forI cravenogainsfromyou。Only，acupforluck!\" Theycampedatthetable，allthefiveofthem，andsomewhiletheirgreedkeptthemwakeful，andtheycalledthemains，buttheirdroughtkeptthemdrinking。And，onebyone，theirheadsfellheavyonthetable，ortheysprawledontheirstools，andsosankontothefloor，sopotentwerethepoppyandmandragoraoftheleechinTours。 Atlasttheywereallsoundonsleep，oneman\'shandyetclutchingapileofmygoldthatnowandagainwouldslipforthandjingleonthestonefloor。 Nowallthistimeshehadneverstirred，butlayasshehadlain，herfacedownwards，herarmsaboveherneck。 StealthilyItookthechainandthekeyfromabouttheneckofthesleepinglourdaud，andthendrewnearherontiptoe。 Ilistened，and，fromherbreathing，Ibelievethatsheslept，asextremelabourandwearinessandsorrowdosometimesbringtheirownremede。 Thenathoughtcameintomymind，howIshouldbestawakeher，andstooping，Isaidinherear- \"FilleDe!\" Instantlysheturnedabout，and，sittingup，foldedherhandsasoneinprayer，deeming，belike，thatshewasarousedbythevoicesofherSaints。Ikneeleddownbesidethebed，andwhispered——\"Madame，Jeanne，lookonmyface!\" Shegazedonme，andnowIsawherbraveface，wearyandthinandwhite，and，greaterthanofold，thegreatgreyeyes。 \"Isaidonce，\"camehersweetvoice，\"thatthoualoneshouldststandbymewhenallhadforsakenme。FairSaints，doIdreambutadream？\" \"Nay，Madame，\"Isaid，\"thouwakestanddostnotdream。Onehassentmewholovesthee，evenmyladyElliot；andnowlisten，forthetimeisshort。See，hereIhavethemaster-key，andwhenIhaveunlockedthybonds……\" \"Thouhastnotslainthesemen？\"sheasked。\"Thatweredeadlysin。” \"Nay，theydobutsleep，andwillwakenbelikeerethefreshguardcomes，whereforewemustmakehaste。” \"WhenIhavefreedthee，doonthybody，abovethyraiment，thisdoubletofmine，foritcarriesthecrossofEngland，and，Ibeingoflittlestature，youmaywellpassforme。Moreover，thiscloakanditshood，whichIworewhenIcamein，willcoverthee。Then，whenthougoestforthgivetheword\"Bedford\"tothesentinels；and，totheporterinthegate，showthiswrittenpassofJohnGrey\'s。 Heknowsitalready，havingseenitthisnight。Next，whenthouartwithoutthecastle，faretothehostelrycalled\"TheRoseandApple，\"whichisnearestthecastlegate，andsostraightintothestable，wherestandtwosteeds，saddledandbridled。Choosetheblack，heistheswifter。Ifthehostlerbeawake，heexpectsme，andwilltaketheeforme；mount，withnoword，andridetotheeasternport。ThereshowtothegatewardthissignetofSirThomasGrey，andhewillupwithportcullisanddownwithdrawbridge，forhehasoftendonenolessformeandthatsignet。 \"Then，Madame，rideforLouviers，andyoushallbreakyourfastwiththeBastardandLaHire。”Herwhitefacechangedtored，likethemorninglight，asonthatdayatOrleans，beforeshetookLesTourelles。 Thentheflushfaded，andshegrewashenpale，whileshesaid- \"Butthou，howshaltthougetforth？\" \"Madame，\"Isaid，\"fearnotforme。Iwillfollowafterthee，andshamethesleepyportertobelievethathehasdreamedadream。AndIhavewrittenthisotherpass，onseeingwhichhewillneedscreditme，beingadrowse，and，moreover，Iwillpayhimwell。AndIshallbeatthestableassoonalmostasthou，andIhavetoldthehostlerthatbelikeIshallridewithafriend，carryingamessagetotheBishopofAvranches。ForIhavebeguiledtheEnglishtobelievemeoftheirparty，asMadameJudithwroughttothetyrantHolofernes。” \"Nay，\"sheansweredsimply，\"thismaynotbe。Eveniftheporterweretobeboughtorbeguiled，thoucouldstnotpassthesentinels。 Itmaynotbe。” \"Thesentinels，belike，aresleeping，orwellnighsleeping，andI haveadagger。OMadame!forthesakeofthefortuneofFrance，andthehonouroftheKing\"——forthis，Iknew，wasmysuresthope—— \"delaynot，norreckatallofme。Ihavebutonelife，anditisthinefreely。” \"Theywillburnthee，orslaytheewithothertorments。” \"Notso，\"Isaid；\"Ishallnotbetakenalive。” \"Thatweredeadlysin，\"sheanswered。\"Ishallnotgoandleavetheetodieforme。Thenweremyhonourlost，andIcouldnotenduretolive。Entreatmenot，forIwillnotgoforth，asnow。 Naymore，ItelltheeasIhavetoldmyjudges，thatwhichtheSaintshavespokentome。\'Bearthisthymartyrdomgently，\'theysay，\'tut\'enviendrasenroyaumeduParadis。\'Moreover，thisI know，thatIamtobedeliveredwithgreatvictory!\" Heresheclaspedherhands，lookingupwards，andherfacewasasthefaceofanangel。 \"Fairvictoryitweretoleavetheeinmyplace，andsomakeliarsofmybrethrenofParadise。” Then，alas!IknewthatIwasofnomoreavailtomoveher；yetonelastartItried。 \"Madame，\"Isaid，\"IhaveprayedyouinthenameofthefortuneofFrance，andthehonouroftheKing，whichistarnishedforeverifyouescapenot。” \"Ishallbedelivered，\"sheanswered。 \"Iprayyouinthedearnameofyourladymother，MadameduLys。” \"Ishallbedelivered，\"shesaid，\"andwithgreatvictory!\" \"NowIpraytheeinmyownname，andinthatofthyfirstfriend，mylady。ShehasmadeavowtogivehervirginitytoHeavenunlesseitherthouartsetfree，orshehavetidingsfromtheethatthouwillesthertowedme，withoutwhomIhavenodesiretolive，butfarratherthisverynighttoperish。ForIamcleanconfessed，withinthesesixhours，knowingthatIwasliketobeinsomejeopardy。” \"Then，\"shesaid，smilingsweetly，andsigningthatIshouldtakeherhand——\"Thenlive，NormanLeslie，forthisistomeaneasythingandajoyous。Thouartaclerk，hastthouwherewithaltowrite？\" \"Yes，Madame，hereinmywallet。” \"ThenwriteasItellthee:- \"JHESUMARIA\" \"\'I，JehannelaPucelle，sendfromprisonhereinRouenmytidingsoflovetoElliotHume，myfirstfriendamongwomen，andbidher，formysake，wedhimwholovesher，NormanLeslieofPitcullo，myfaithfulservant，prayingthatallhappinessmaygowiththem。Inwitnesswhereto，myhandbeingguidedtowrite，Isetmyname，JehannelaPucelle，thisninthdayofMay，intheyearFourteenhundredandthirty-one。\' \"Soguidemyhand，\"shesaid，takingthepenfrommyfingers；andthusguided，whilemytearsfellonherhand，shewroteJEHANNELA PUCELLE。 \"Now，\"quothshe，smilingasofold，\"wemustsealthismissive。 Cutoffonelockofmyhairwithyourdagger，formylastgifttomyfirstfriend，andmakethesealallorderly。” Ididasshebade，and，bringingalightedstickfromthebrazier，I meltedwax。Then，whenitwassmooth，shelaidonittwohairsfromthelittlesunderedlock(aswassometimeshercustom)，andbademesealwithmyownsignet，andputthebriefinmywallet。 \"Now，allisdone，\"shesaid。 \"Nay，nay，\"Isaid，\"todiefortheeismoretomethantoliveinlove。Ah，nay，goforth，Ibeseechthee!\" \"WithvictoryshallIgoforth，andnowIlaymylastcommandsonthelastofallmyservants。IfinaughtIhaveeveroffendedthee，inwordordeed，forgiveme!\" Icouldbutbowmyhead，forIwasweeping，thoughhereyesweredry。 \"Andso，farewell，\"shesaid- \"Asthouartlealandtrue，begone；itismyorder，andmakenotarrying。To-morrowIhavemuchtodo，andneedsmustIsleepwhilethesemenarequiet。SaytothyladythatIloveherdearly，andbidherhope，asIalsohope。Farewell!\" Shemovedherthinhand，whichIkissed，kneeling。 Againshesaid\"Farewell，\"andturnedherbackonmeasifshewouldsleep。 ThenIhungthechainandkeyagainontheneckofthelourdaud；I putsomeofthefallencoinsinthemen\'spouches，butbestowedthediceandtablierinmywallet。Iopenedthedoor，andwentforth，notlookingback；andsofromthecastle，showingmypass，andgivingtheporteranothercoin。ThenIwenthome，inthesweetdawnofMay，andcastingmyselfonmybed，Iweptbitterly，forto-daysheshouldbetormented。 OftherestIhavenomindtotell(thoughtheyhadnotthehearttotorturetheMaid)，foritputsmeoutofcharitywithapeoplewhohaveanametobeChristians，anditismydesire，ifImay，toforgiveallmenbeforeIdie。 AtRouenIenduredtoabide，evenuntilthedayofunjustdoom，andmyreasonwasthatIeverhopedforsomemiracle，evenasherSaintshadpromised。Butitwastheirwillthatsheshouldbemadeperfectthroughsuffering，andbeingsetfreethroughthegateoffire，shouldwinhervictoryoverunfaithandmortalfear。WhereforeI stoodafaroffattheend，seeingnothingofwhatbefell；yetI clearlyheard，asdidallmenthere，thelastwordofhersweetvoice，andthecryofJHESUS! ThenIpassedthroughthestreetswheremenandwomen，andtheveryEnglish，wereweeping，and，saddlingmyswiftesthorse，Irodetotheeastport。Whenthegatehadclosedbehindme，Iturned，and，liftingmyhand，ItorethecrossofSt。Georgefrommydoublet。 \"Dogs!\"Icried，\"yehaveburnedaSaint!AcurseoncruelEnglishandcowardFrench!StAndrewforScotland!\"TheshaftsandboltshailedpastmeasIwheeledabout；therewasmountingofsteeds，andaclatterofhoofsbehindme，butthesounddiedawayereIrodeintoLouviers。 ThereItoldthemthetalewhichwastheirshame，andsobetookmetoTours，andtomylady。 CHAPTERXXXII——THEENDOFTHISCHRONICLE Itservesnottospeakofmylaterfortunes，beingthoseofaprivateman，norhaveIthehearttorecalloldsorrows。WewereweddedwhenElliot\'sgriefhadinsomesortabated，andforoneyearwewerehappierthanGodhaswilledthatsinfulmenshouldlongbeinthisworld。Thenthatbefellwhichhasbefallenmany。Imaynotwriteofit:sufficeitthatGodtookfrommebothherandherchild。Then，aftercertainweeksanddaysofwhichIamblessedenoughtokeeplittlememory，Iforsworearms，andservedinthehouseholdoftheLadyMargaretofScotland，whomarriedtheDauphinonanunhappyday。IhaveknownmuchofCourtsandofthelearned，Ihaveseenthewickedmanexalted，andBrotherThomasNoiroufleingreathonourwithCharlesVII。KingofFrance，andofferingbeforehim，withhismurderoushands，theblessedsacrificeoftheMass。 ThedeathoftheLadyMargaret，slainbylyingtongues，andthesuddensightofthatevilman，BrotherThomas，raisedtopowerandplace，drovemefromFrance，andIwascertainyearswiththeKing\'sambassadorsattheCourtsofItaly。ThereIheardhowtheHolyInquisitionhadreversedthatfalsejudgmentoftheEnglishandfalseFrenchatRouen，whichmademesomejoy。Andthen，findingoldagecomeuponme，Iwithdrewtomyowncountry，whereIhavelivedinreligion，somewhileintheAbbeyofDunfermline，andthisyeargoneinourcellofPluscardine，whereInowwrite，andwhereI hopetodieandbeburied。 Hereendsmytale，inmyLatinChronicleleftuntold，ofhowaScotsMonkwaswiththeMaidbothinhervictoriesandrecoveriesoftowns，andeventillherdeath。 Formyself，Inowgrowold，andtheearthlytimetocomeisshort，andthereremainetharestforallsoulsChristian。MiscreantsI haveheardof，menmisbelievingandheretics，whodenythatthespiritabidesafterthedeathofthebody，forinthelongyears，saythey，thespiritwiththefleshwanes，andatlastdieswiththebodilydeath。WhereintheynotonlymakeHolyChurchaliar，butarevisiblyconfoundedbythistruthwhichIknowandfeel，namely，thatwhilemyfleshwasteshourlytowardsoldage，andofmanythingsmymemoryisweakened，yetofthatdayinChinonImindmeasclearly，andseemyloveaswell，andhearhersweetvoiceasplain，asifshehadbutnowlefttheroom。 Hereinmymemorydoesnotfail，nordoeslovefaint，growingstrongerwiththeyears，likethestreamasitracestothefall。 Wherefore，beingmorestrongthanTime，LoveshallbemorestrongthanDeath。Theriverofmylifespeedsyearlyswifter，theyearslikemonthsgoby，themonthslikeweeks，theweekslikedays。Evensofleeton，OTime，tillIrestbesideherfeet!Nay，never，beingyoung，didImoredesiremylove\'spresencewhenwewereapartthanto-dayIdesireit，thememoryofherfillingallmyheartasfragranceofflowersfillsaroom，tillitseemsasifshewerenotfaraway，butnearme，asIwriteofher。And，foolishthatIam!I lookupasifImightseeherbymyside。Iknownotifthisbesowithallmen，for，indeed，Ihaveaskednone，norspokentoanyofthemattersaveinconfession。ForIhavelovedthisonce，andnomore；whereforeIdeemmehappierthanmost，andmorecertainofagoodendtomylove，wheretheblesseddwellintheRoseofParadise，beholdingtheBeatificVision。 TothisendIimploretheprayersofallChristiansoulswhoreadthisbook，andofalltheSaints，andofthatSisteroftheSaintswhom，whileImight，Iservedinmydegree。 VENERABILISJOHANNA ORAPRONOBIS APPENDIXA——NORMAN\'SMIRACLE (See\"LivredesMiraclesdeMadameSainteKatherinedeFierboys。 MSS。Bib。Nat。7335，fol。lxxxiv。) Lexvijourdumoysdejanvier，l\'anmilcccc。xxx。，vintenlachapelledeceansNormanLesliedePytquhoulle，escoth，escuyerdelacompagniedeHuguesCande，capitaine。{40}Lequeldistetaffermaparsermentestrevraylemiraclecyapresdeclaire。C\'estassavoirqueleditLesliefutprinsdesAngloiseParislejourdelaNativitedeNostreDamedel\'andernierpasse。LequelNormanLeslieavoitentredanslavilledeParisavecc。Escossoysenguised\'Angloys，lesqueulsEscossoysfurentprinsdesAngloys，etleditNormanfutmisenfersetenceps。Etestoitl\'intentiondeceuxquil\'avoientprisdelefairelendemainardre，parcequ\'ilportoitrobedefemmeparmanierederusedeguerre。 Sis\'avintqueleditNormansevouaeMadameSainteKatherine，qu\'illuypleustprierDieuqu\'illevoulsistdelivrerdelaprisonouilestoit；etincontinentqu\'ilpourroitestredehors，ilyroitmercierMadameSainteKatherineensachapelledeFierboys。Etincontinentsonveufaitsis\'endormit，etaureveillertrouvaenlatouravecquesluyunSinge，quiluiapportadeuxfiles，etunpetitcousteau。Ainsiiltrouvamanieredesedeferrer，etadoncquess\'ensortitdelaprisonemportantavecquesluylesinge。SiselaissoitcheoiravalenpriantMadameSainteKatherineetchutabas，etoncquesnesefistmal，etserenditeSaintDenysouiltrouvoitdescompagnonsEscossoys。 EtainsyleditNormanLeslies\'enestvenuauditlieudeFierboys，toutsainetsauf，emportantavecquesluyleditsinge，quiestbesteestrangeetfoldesoncorps。EtajureleditNormanceestrevrayparlafoyetsermentdesoncorps。 PresensmessireRichartKyrthrizian，frereGilesLacourt，prestresgouverneursdeladitechapelle，etmessireHauvesPolnoire，peintreduRoy，etplusieursaultres。 APPENDIXB——ELLIOT\'SRING TheRingoftheMaid，inscribedwiththeHolyNames，isoftenreferredtoinherTrial(\"Proces，\"i。86，103，185，236，238)，andismentionedbyBower，thecontemporaryScottishchronicler(\"Proces，\"iv。480)，whoseworkwascontinuedinthe\"LiberPluscardensis。”Wehavealso，inthetext，Norman\'sstatementthatacopyofthisringwaspresentedbytheMaidtoElliotHume。 Whilecorrectingtheproof-sheetsofthisChronicle，theTranslatorreceivedfromMr。GeorgeBlack，AssistantKeeperoftheNationalMuseumofAntiquitiesinEdinburgh，acopyofhisessayon\"ScottishCharmsandAmulets\"(\"ProceedingsoftheSocietyofAntiquariesofScotland，\"May8，1893，p。488)。There，tohisastonishment，theTranslatorread:\"TheformulaMARI。IHS。occursontwofinger-ringsofsilver-gilt，oneofwhichwasfoundatPluscarden，Elginshire，andtheotherinanoldgraveyardnearFintrayHouse，Aberdeenshire。”HaveweinthePluscardenringarelicoftheMonkofPluscarden，thecompanionofJeanned\'Arc，theauthorof\"LiberPluscardensis\"？