惊婚记 英文版 Quentin Durward
瓦尔特.司各特 Sir Walter Scott
CHAPTER VII: THE ENROLMENT Page 1
Justice of Peace. --Here, hand me down the statute -- read the articles --Swear, kiss the book -- subscribe, and be a hero;Drawing a portion from the public stockFor deeds of valour to be done hereafter --Sixpence per day, subsistence and arrears.
THE RECRUITING OFFICER
An attendant upon the Archers having been dismounted, QuentinDurward was accommodated with his horse, and, in company of hismartial countrymen, rode at a round pace towards the Castle ofPlessis, about to become, although on his own part involuntarily,an inhabitant of that gloomy fortress, the outside of which had,that morning, struck him with so much surprise.
In the meanwhile, in answer to his uncle's repeated interrogations,he gave him an exact account of the accident which had that morningbrought him into so much danger. Although he himself saw nothingin his narrative save what was affecting, he found it was receivedwith much laughter by his escort.
"And yet it is no good jest either," said his uncle, "for what, inthe devil's name, could lead the senseless boy to meddle with thebody of a cursed misbelieving Jewish Moorish pagan?"
"Had he quarrelled with the Marshals men about a pretty wench,as Michael of Moffat did, there had been more sense in it," saidCunningham.
"But I think it touches our honour that Tristan and his people pretendto confound our Scottish bonnets with these pilfering vagabonds --torques and turbands, as they call them," said Lindesay. "If theyhave not eyes to see the difference they must be taught by rule ofhand. But it 's my belief, Tristan but pretends to mistake, that hemay snap up the kindly Scots that come over to see their kinsfolks."
"May I ask, kinsman," said Quentin, "what sort of people these areof whom you speak?"
"In troth you may ask," said his uncle, "but I know not, fair nephew,who is able to answer you. Not I, I am sure, although I know, itmay be, as much as other people; but they appeared in this landwithin a year or two, just as a flight of locusts might do."
"Ay," said Lindesay, "and Jacques Bonhomme (that is our name forthe peasant, young man -- you will learn our way of talk in time)-- honest Jacques, I say, cares little what wind either brings themor the locusts, so he but knows any gale that would carry them awayagain."
"Do they do so much evil?" asked the young man.
"Evil? why, boy, they are heathens, or Jews, or Mahommedans atthe least, and neither worship Our Lady, nor the Saints" (crossinghimself) "and steal what they can lay hands on, and sing, and tellfortunes," added Cunningham.
"And they say there are some goodly wenches amongst these," saidGuthrie; "but Cunningham knows that best."
"How, brother!" said Cunningham. "I trust ye mean me no reproach?"
"I am sure I said ye none," answered Guthrie.
"I will be judged by the company," said Cunningham. "Ye said asmuch as that I, a Scottish gentleman, and living within pale of holychurch, had a fair friend among these off scourings of Heathenesse."
"Nay, nay," said Balafre, "he did but jest. We will have no quarrelsamong comrades."
"We must have no such jesting then," said Cunningham, murmuring,as if he had been speaking to his own beard.
"Be there such vagabonds in other lands than France?" said Lindesay.
"Ay, in good sooth, are there -- tribes of them have appeared inGermany, and in Spain, and in England," answered Balafre. "By theblessing of good Saint Andrew, Scotland is free of them yet."
"Scotland," said Cunningham, "is too cold, a country for locusts,and too poor a country for thieves."
"Or perhaps John Highlander will suffer no thieves to thrive therebut his own," said Guthrie.
"I let you all know," said Balafre, "that I come from the Braesof Angus, and have gentle Highland kin in Glen Isla and I will nothave the Highlanders slandered."
"You will not deny that they are cattle lifters?" said Guthrie.
"To drive a spreagh (to plunder) or so, is no thievery," saidBalafre, "and that I will maintain when and how you dare."
"For shame, comrade!" said Cunningham, "who quarrels now? The youngman should not see such mad misconstruction -- Come, here we areat the Chateau. I will bestow a runlet of wine to have a rouse infriendship, and drink to Scotland, Highland and Lowland both, ifyou will meet me at dinner at my quarters."
"Agreed -- agreed," said Balafre; "and I will bestow another towash away unkindness, and to drink a health to my nephew on hisfirst entrance to our corps."
At their approach, the wicket was opened, and the drawbridge fell.One by one they entered; but when Quentin appeared, the sentinelscrossed their pikes, and commanded him to stand, while bows werebent, and harquebusses aimed at him from the walls, a rigour ofvigilance used, notwithstanding that the young stranger came incompany of a party of the garrison, nay, of the very body whichfurnished the sentinels who were then upon duty.
Le Balafre, who had remained by his nephew's side on purpose, gavethe necessary explanations, and, after some considerable hesitationand delay, the youth was conveyed under a strong guard to the LordCrawford's apartment.
This Scottish nobleman was one of the last relics of the gallant bandof Scottish lords and knights who had so long and so truly servedCharles VI in those bloody wars which decided the independence ofthe French crown, and the expulsion of the English. He had fought,when a boy, abreast with Douglas and with Buchan, had ridden beneaththe banner of the Maid of Arc, and was perhaps one of the last ofthose associates of Scottish chivalry who had so willingly drawntheir swords for the fleur de lys, against their "auld enemies ofEngland." Changes which had taken place in the Scottish kingdom, andperhaps his having become habituated to French climate and manners,had induced the old Baron to resign all thoughts of returning tohis native country, the rather that the high office which he heldin the household of Louis and his own frank and loyal characterhad gained a considerable ascendancy over the King, who, though ingeneral no ready believer in human virtue or honour, trusted andconfided in those of the Lord Crawford, and allowed him the greaterinfluence, because he was never known to interfere excepting inmatters which concerned his charge.
(Douglas: fourth earl of Douglas. He was created Duke of Tourainein 1423 by Charles VII of France.)
(Buchan: Regent of Scotland and grandson of Robert II. He enteredthe service of Charles VII in 1420, and was appointed Constable ofFrance.)
(Maid of Arc (1412-1431): Joan of Arc. She believed that God hadcalled her to liberate France from the curse of the English whowere besieging Orleans. In person she led the French troops fromvictory to victory until she saw the Dauphin crowned as CharlesVII at Rheims. She was then betrayed by her people into the handsof the English, who, in 1431, sentenced her to the flames.)
Balafre and Cunningham followed Durward and the guard to theapartment of their officer, by whose dignified appearance, as wellas with the respect paid to him by these proud soldiers, who seemedto respect no one else, the young man was much and strongly impressed.
Lord Crawford was tall, and through advanced age had become gauntand thin; yet retaining in his sinews the strength, at least, ifnot the elasticity, of youth, he was able to endure the weight ofhis armour during a march as well as the youngest man who rode inhis band. He was hard favoured, with a scarred and weather-beatencountenance, and an eye that had looked upon death as his playfellowin thirty pitched battles, but which nevertheless expressed a calmcontempt of danger, rather than the ferocious courage of a mercenarysoldier. His tall, erect figure was at present wrapped in a loosechamber gown, secured around him by his buff belt, in which wassuspended his richly hilted poniard. He had round his neck thecollar and badge of the order of Saint Michael (a patron saint ofFrance. In 1469, a military order was instituted in his honour byLouis XI). He sat upon a couch covered with deer's hide, and withspectacles on his nose (then a recent invention) was labouring toread a huge manuscript called the Rosier de la Guerre, a code ofmilitary and civil policy which Louis had compiled for the benefitof his son the Dauphin, and upon which he was desirous to have theopinion of the experienced Scottish warrior.
Lord Crawford laid his book somewhat peevishly aside upon theentrance of these unexpected visitors, and demanded, in his broadnational dialect, what, in the foul fiend's name, they lacked now.
Le Balafre, with more respect than perhaps he would have shown toLouis himself, stated at full length the circumstances in which hisnephew was placed, and humbly requested his Lordship's protection.Lord Crawford listened very attentively. He could not but smileat the simplicity with which the youth had interfered in behalf ofthe hanged criminal, but he shook his head at the account which hereceived of the ruffle betwixt the Scottish Archers and the ProvostMarshal's guard.
(Such disputes between the Scots Guards and the other constitutedauthorities of the ordinary military corps often occurred. In 1474,two Scotsmen had been concerned in robbing . . . a fishmonger ofa large sum of money. They were accordingly apprehended by Philipdu Four, Provost, with some of his followers. But ere they couldlodge one of them, . . in the prison of the Chastellet, they wereattacked by two Archers of the King's Scottish Guard, who rescuedthe prisoner. . . . S.)
"How often," he said, "will you bring me such ill winded pirnsto ravel out? How often must I tell you, and especially both you,Ludovic Lesly, and you, Archie Cunningham, that the foreign soldiershould bear himself modestly and decorously towards the people ofthe country if you would not have the whole dogs of the town at yourheels? However, if you must have a bargain (a quarrel, videlicet.S.), I would rather it were with that loon of a Provost than anyone else; and I blame you less for this onslaught than for otherfrays that you have made, Ludovic, for it was but natural andkind-like to help your young kinsman. This simple bairn must cometo no skaith (same as scathe) neither; so give me the roll of thecompany yonder down from the shelf, and we will even add his nameto the troop, that he may enjoy the privileges."
"May it please your Lordship" said Durward.
"Is the lad crazed?" exclaimed his uncle. "Would you speak to hisLordship without a question asked?"
"Patience, Ludovic," said Lord Crawford, "and let us hear what thebairn has to say."
"Only this, if it may please your Lordship," replied Quentin, "thatI told my uncle formerly I had some doubts about entering thisservice. I have now to say that they are entirely removed, sinceI have seen the noble and experienced commander under whom I am toserve; for there is authority in your look."
"Weel said, my bairn," said the old Lord, not insensible to thecompliment; "we have had some experience, had God sent us graceto improve by it, both in service and in command. There you stand,Quentin, in our honourable corps of Scottish Bodyguards, as esquireto your uncle, and serving under his lance. I trust you will dowell, for you should be a right man at arms, if all be good thatis upcome (that is, if your courage corresponds with your personalappearance. S.), and you are come of a gentle kindred. -- Ludovic,you will see that your kinsman follow his exercise diligently, forwe will have spears breaking one of these days."
"By my hilts, and I am glad of it, my Lord -- this peace makescowards of us all. I myself feel a sort of decay of spirit, closedup in this cursed dungeon of a Castle."
"Well, a bird whistled in my ear," continued Lord Crawford, "thatthe old banner will be soon dancing in the field again."
"I will drink a cup the deeper this evening to that very tune,"said Balafre.
"Thou wilt drink to any tune," said Lord Crawford; "and I fearme, Ludovic, you will drink a bitter browst (as much liquor as isbrewed at one time) of your own brewing one day."
Lesly, a little abashed, replied that it had not been his wont formany a day; but that his Lordship knew the use of the company, tohave a carouse to the health of a new comrade.
"True," said the old leader, "I had forgot the occasion. I willsend a few stoups of wine to assist your carouse; but let it be overby sunset. And, hark ye -- let the soldiers for duty he carefullypricked off; and see that none of them be more or less partakersof your debauch."
"Your Lordship shall be lawfully obeyed," said Ludovic, "and yourhealth duly remembered."
"Perhaps," said Lord Crawford, "I may look in myself upon yourmirth -- just to see that all is carried decently."
"Your Lordship shall be most dearly welcome;" said Ludovic; and thewhole party retreated in high spirits to prepare for their militarybanquet, to which Lesly invited about a score of his comrades, whowere pretty much in the habit of making their mess together.
A soldier's festival is generally a very extempore affair, providingthere is enough of meat and drink to be had; but on the presentoccasion, Ludovic bustled about to procure some better wine thanordinary; observing that the old Lord was the surest gear in theiraught, and that, while he preached sobriety to them, he himself,after drinking at the royal table as much wine as he could honestlycome by, never omitted any creditable opportunity to fill up theevening over the wine pot.
"So you must prepare, comrades," he said, "to hear the old historiesof the battles of Vernoil and Beauge (in both these battles theScottish auxiliaries of France, under Stewart, Earl of Buchan, weredistinguished. . . . S.)."
The Gothic apartment in which they generally met was, therefore,hastily put into the best order; their grooms were dispatched tocollect green rushes to spread upon the floor; and banners, underwhich the Scottish Guard had marched to battle, or which they hadtaken from the enemies' ranks, were displayed, by way of tapestry,over the table and around the walls of the chamber.
Burgundy to fan it!" echoed Lindesay.
The next point was, to invest the young recruit as hastily aspossible with the dress and appropriate arms of the Guard, that hemight appear in every respect the sharer of its important privileges,in virtue of which, and by the support of his countrymen, he mightfreely brave the power and the displeasure of the Provost Marshal-- although the one was known to be as formidable as the other wasunrelenting.
The banquet was joyous in the highest degree; and the guests gavevent to the whole current of their national partiality on receivinginto their ranks a recruit from their beloved fatherland. OldScottish songs were sung, old tales of Scottish heroes told -- theachievements of their fathers, and the scenes in which they werewrought, were recalled to mind; and, for a time, the rich plains ofTouraine seemed converted into the mountainous and sterile regionsof Caledonia.
When their enthusiasm was at high flood, and each was endeavouringto say something to enhance the dear remembrance of Scotland, itreceived a new impulse from the arrival of Lord Crawford, who, asLe Balafre had well prophesied, sat as it were on thorns at theroyal board, until an opportunity occurred of making his escapeto the revelry of his own countrymen. A chair of state had beenreserved for him at the upper end of the table; for, according tothe manners of the age and the constitution of that body, althoughtheir leader and commander under the King and High Constable, themembers of the corps (as we should now say, the privates) being allranked as noble by birth, their captain sat with them at the sametable without impropriety, and might mingle when he chose in theirfestivity, without derogation from his dignity as commander.
At present, however, Lord Crawford declined occupying the seatprepared for him, and bidding them "hold themselves merry," stoodlooking on the revel with a countenance which seemed greatly toenjoy it.
"Let him alone," whispered Cunningham to Lindesay, as the latteroffered the wine to their noble captain, "let him alone -- hurryno man's cattle -- let him take it of his own accord."
In fact, the old Lord, who at first smiled, shook his head, andplaced the untasted winecup before him, began presently, as if itwere in absence of mind, to sip a little of the contents, and indoing so, fortunately recollected that it would be ill luck did henot drink a draught to the health of the gallant lad who had joinedthem this day. The pledge was filled, and answered, as may well besupposed, with many a joyous shout, when the old leader proceededto acquaint them that he had possessed Master Oliver with an accountof what had passed that day.
"And as," he said, "the scraper of chins hath no great love for thestretcher of throats, he has joined me in obtaining from the Kingan order, commanding the Provost to suspend all proceedings, underwhatever pretence, against Quentin Durward; and to respect, on alloccasions, the privileges of the Scottish guard."
Another shout broke forth, the cups were again filled till thewine sparkled on the brim, and there was an acclaim to the healthof the noble Lord Crawford, the brave conservator of the privilegesand rights of his countrymen. The good old Lord could not but incourtesy do reason to this pledge also, and gliding into the readychair; as it were, without reflecting what he was doing, he causedQuentin to come up beside him, and assailed him with many morequestions concerning the state of Scotland, and the great familiesthere, than he was well able to answer, while ever and anon, in thecourse of his queries, the good Lord kissed the wine cup by way ofparenthesis, remarking that sociality became Scottish gentlemen,but that young men, like Quentin, ought to practise it cautiously,lest it might degenerate into excess; upon which occasion he utteredmany excellent things, until his own tongue, although employed inthe praises of temperance, began to articulate something thickerthan usual. It was now that, while the military ardour of thecompany augmented with each flagon which they emptied, Cunninghamcalled on them to drink the speedy hoisting of the Oriflamme, theroyal banner of France.
"And a breeze of Burgundy to fan it!" echoed Lindesay.
"With all the soul that is left in this worn body do I acceptthe pledge, bairns," echoed Lord Crawford; "and as old as I am, Itrust I may see it flutter yet. Hark ye, my mates," (for wine hadmade him something communicative), "ye are all true servants to theFrench crown, and wherefore should ye not know there is an envoycome from Duke Charles of Burgundy, with a message of an angryfavour?"
"I saw the Count of Crevecoeur's equipage, horses, and retinue,"said another of the guests, "down at the inn yonder at the MulberryGrove. They say the King will not admit him into the Castle."
"Now, Heaven send him an ungracious answer!" said Guthrie; "butwhat is it he complains of?"
"A world of grievances upon the frontier," said Lord Crawford; "andlatterly, that the King hath received under his protection a ladyof his land, a young Countess, who hath fled from Dijon, because,being a ward of the Duke, he would have her marry his favourite,Campobasso."