"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，atPariswhereIwasunhelmeted，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，beingchainedsofellwasthecrueltyoftheEnglishtoherbed。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，themannoblebybirth，butbasebybreedingwhohadthechiefchargeandcustodyoftheMaid，wasthebrother'ssonofSirThomas。HehadtonameJohnGrey，andwasanesquireofthebodyoftheEnglishKing，Henry，thenaboy。Thismiscreantitwasoftenmyfortunetomeet，athisuncle'stable，andtohearhispitilessandcruelspeech。Yet，makingfriends，asScripturecommandsus，oftheMammonofunrighteousness，IsetmyselftowintheaffectionofJohnGreybylaughingathisjestsanddoinghimwhatserviceImight。
OnceortwiceIdroppedtohimawordofmygreatdesiretoseethefamedPuzel，forthetrialsthathadbeenheldinopenhallwerenowdoneinthedungeon，whereonlythebishop，thedoctorsoflaw，andthenotariesmighthearthem。Hernoblebearing，indeed，andwiseanswerswhichwereplainlyputintohermouthbytheSaints，forshewassimpleandignoranthadgainedmen'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，shelaidonittwohairsfromthelittlesunderedlockaswassometimeshercustom，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。
OftherestIhavenomindtotellthoughtheyhadnotthehearttotorturetheMaid，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"？