惊婚记 英文版 Quentin Durward
瓦尔特.司各特 Sir Walter Scott
CHAPTER III: THE CASTLE
Full in the midst a mighty pile arose,Where iron grated gates their strength opposeTo each invading step -- and strong and steep,The battled walls arose, the fosse sunk deep.Slow round the fortress roll'd the sluggish stream,And high in middle air the warder's turrets gleam.
ANONYMOUS
While Durward and his acquaintance thus spoke, they came in sightof the whole front of the Castle of Plessis les Tours, which, evenin those dangerous times, when the great found themselves obligedto reside within places of fortified strength, was distinguished forthe extreme and jealous care with which it was watched and defended.
From the verge of the wood where young Durward halted withhis companion, in order to take a view of this royal residence,extended, or rather arose, though by a very gentle elevation, anopen esplanade, devoid of trees and bushes of every description,excepting one gigantic and half withered old oak. This space wasleft open, according to the rules of fortification in all ages, inorder that an enemy might not approach the walls under cover, orunobserved from the battlements, and beyond it arose the Castleitself.
There were three external walls, battlemented and turreted fromspace to space and at each angle, the second enclosure risinghigher than the first, and being built so as to command the exteriordefence in case it was won by the enemy; and being again, in thesame manner, itself commanded by the third and innermost barrier.
Around the external wall, as the Frenchman informed his youngcompanion (for as they stood lower than the foundation of thewall, he could not see it), was sunk a ditch of about twenty feetin depth, supplied with water by a dam head on the river Cher; orrather on one of its tributary branches. In front of the secondenclosure, he said, there ran another fosse, and a third, both ofthe same unusual dimensions, was led between the second and theinnermost inclosure. The verge, both of the outer and inner circuitof this triple moat was strongly fenced with palisades of iron,serving the purpose of what are called chevaux de frise in modernfortification, the top of each pale being divided into a clusterof sharp spikes, which seemed to render any attempt to climb overan act of self destruction.
From within the innermost enclosure arose the Castle itself,containing buildings of all periods, crowded around, and united withthe ancient and grim looking donjon keep, which was older than anyof them, and which rose, like a black Ethiopian giant, high intothe air, while the absence of any windows larger than shot holes,irregularly disposed for defence, gave the spectator the sameunpleasant feeling which we experience on looking at a blind man.The other buildings seemed scarcely better adapted for the purposes ofcomfort, for the windows opened to an inner and enclosed courtyard;so that the whole external front looked much more like that ofa prison than a palace. The reigning King had even increased thiseffect; for, desirous that the additions which he himself hadmade to the fortifications should be of a character not easilydistinguished from the original building (for, like many jealouspersons, he loved not that his suspicions should be observed),the darkest coloured brick and freestone were employed, and sootmingled with the lime, so as to give the whole Castle the sameuniform tinge of extreme and rude antiquity.
This formidable place had but one entrance -- at least Durward sawnone along the spacious front, except where, in the centre of thefirst and outward boundary, arose two strong towers, the usual defencesof a gateway; and he could observe their ordinary accompaniments,portcullis and drawbridge -- of which the first was lowered, andthe last raised. Similar entrance towers were visible on the secondand third bounding wall, but not in the same line with those onthe outward circuit; because the passage did not cut right throughthe whole three enclosures at the same point, but, on the contrary,those who entered had to proceed nearly thirty yards betwixt thefirst and second wall, exposed, if their purpose were hostile, tomissiles from both; and again, when the second boundary was passed,they must make a similar digression from the straight line, inorder to attain the portal of the third and innermost enclosure;so that before gaining the outer court, which ran along the frontof the building, two narrow and dangerous defiles were to be traversedunder a flanking discharge of artillery, and three gates, defendedin the strongest manner known to the age, were to be successivelyforced.
Coming from a country alike desolated by foreign war and internalfeuds -- a country, too, whose unequal and mountainous surface,abounding in precipices and torrents, affords so many situationsof strength, young Durward was sufficiently acquainted with all thevarious contrivances by which men, in that stern age, endeavouredto secure their dwellings; but he frankly owned to his companion,that he did not think it had been in the power of art to do so muchfor defence, where nature had done so little; for the situation,as we have hinted, was merely the summit of a gentle elevationascending upwards from the place where they were standing.
To enhance his surprise, his companion told him that the environsof the Castle, except the single winding path by which the portalmight be safely approached, were, like the thickets through whichthey had passed, surrounded with every species of hidden pitfall,snare, and gin, to entrap the wretch who should venture thitherwithout a guide; that upon the walls were constructed certaincradles of iron, called swallows' nests, from which the sentinels,who were regularly posted there, could without being exposed toany risk, take deliberate aim at any who should attempt to enterwithout the proper signal or password of the day; and that theArchers of the Royal Guard performed that duty day and night, forwhich they received high pay, rich clothing, and much honour andprofit at the hands of King Louis. "And now tell me, young man,"he continued, "did you ever see so strong a fortress, and do youthink there are men bold enough to storm it?"
thesame manner, itself commanded by the third and innermost barrier.probably?
The young man looked long and fixedly on the place, the sight ofwhich interested him so much that he had forgotten, in the eagernessof youthful curiosity, the wetness of his dress. His eye glanced,and his colour mounted to his cheek like that of a daring manwho meditates an honourable action, as he replied, "It is a strongcastle, and strongly guarded; but there is no impossibility tobrave men."
"Are there any in your country who could do such a feat?" said theelder, rather scornfully.
"I will not affirm that," answered the youth; "but there arethousands that, in a good cause, would attempt as bold a deed."
"Umph!" said the senior, "perhaps you are yourself such a gallant!"
"I should sin if I were to boast where there is no danger," answeredyoung Durward; "but my father has done as bold an act, and I trustI am no bastard."
"Well," said his companion, smiling, "you might meet your match,and your kindred withal in the attempt; for the Scottish Archers ofKing Louis's Life Guards stand sentinels on yonder walls -- threehundred gentlemen of the best blood in your country."
again smiled, and turning his back on?
"And were I King Louis," said the youth, in reply, "I would trustmy safety to the faith of the three hundred Scottish gentlemen,throw down my bounding walls to fill up the moat; call in my noblepeers and paladins, and live as became me, amid breaking of lancesin gallant tournaments, and feasting of days with nobles, and dancingof nights with ladies, and have no more fear of a foe than I haveof a fly."
His companion again smiled, and turning his back on the Castle,which, he observed, they had approached a little too nearly, he ledthe way again into the wood by a more broad and beaten path thanthey had yet trodden. "This," he said, "leads us to the villageof Plessis, as it is called, where you, as a stranger, will findreasonable and honest accommodation. About two miles onward liesthe fine city of Tours, which gives name to this rich and beautifulearldom. But the village of Plessis, or Plessis of the Park as itis sometimes called, from its vicinity to the royal residence, andthe chase with which it is encircled, will yield you nearer and asconvenient hospitality."
"I thank you, kind master, for your information," said the Scot;"but my stay will be so short here, that, if I fail not in a morselof meat, and a drink of something better than water, my necessitiesin Plessis, be it of the park or the pool, will be amply satisfied."
"Nay," answered his companion, "I thought you had some friend tosee in this quarter."
"And so I have -- my mother's own brother," answered Durward;"and as pretty a man, before he left the braes of Angus (hills andmoors of Angus in Forfarshire, Scotland.), as ever planted brogueon heather."
"What is his name?" said the senior. "We will inquire him out foryou; for it is not safe for you to go up to the Castle, where youmight be taken for a spy."
"Now, by my father's hand!" said the youth, "I taken for a spy!-- By Heaven, he shall brook cold iron that brands me with such acharge! -- But for my uncle's name, I care not who knows it -- itis Lesly. Lesly -- an honest and noble name."
"And so it is, I doubt not," said the old man; "but there are threeof the name in the Scottish Guard."
"My uncle's name is Ludovic Lesly," said the young man.
"Of the three Leslys," answered the merchant, "two are calledLudovic."
"They call my kinsman Ludovic with the Scar," said Quentin. "Ourfamily names are so common in a Scottish house, that, where thereis no land in the case, we always give a to-name (surname)."
"A nom de guerre (the war name; formerly taken by French soldierson entering the service. Hence a fictitious name assumed for otherpurposes.), I suppose you to mean," answered his companion; "andthe man you speak of, we, I think, call Le Balafre, from that scaron his face -- a proper man, and a good soldier. I wish I may beable to help you to an interview with him, for he belongs to a setof gentlemen whose duty is strict, and who do not often come out ofgarrison, unless in the immediate attendance on the King's person.-- And now, young man, answer me one question. I will wager youare desirous to take service with your uncle in the Scottish Guard.It is a great thing, if you propose so; especially as you are veryyoung, and some years' experience is necessary for the high officewhich you aim at."
"Perhaps I may have thought on some such thing," said Durward,carelessly; "but if I did, the fancy is off."
"How so, young man?" said the Frenchman, something sternly, "Doyou speak thus of a charge which the most noble of your countrymenfeel themselves emulous to be admitted to?"
"I wish them joy of it," said Quentin, composedly. "To speak plain,I should have liked the service of the French King full well; only,dress me as fine and feed me as high as you will, I love the openair better than being shut up in a cage or a swallow's nest yonder,as you call these same grated pepper boxes. Besides," he added,in a lower voice, "to speak truth, I love not the Castle when thecovin tree bears such acorns as I see yonder."
(The large tree in front of a Scottish castle was sometimes calledso. It is difficult to trace the derivation; but at that distancefrom the castle the laird received guests of rank, and thither heconveyed them on their departure. S.)
"I guess what you mean," said the Frenchman; "but speak yet moreplainly."
"To speak more plainly, then," said the youth, "there grows a fairoak some flight shot or so from yonder Castle -- and on that oakhangs a man in a gray jerkin, such as this which I wear."
"Ay and indeed!" said the man of France -- "Pasques dieu! see whatit is to have youthful eyes! Why, I did see something, but onlytook it for a raven among the branches. But the sight is no waysstrange, young man; when the summer fades into autumn, and moonlightnights are long, and roads become unsafe, you will see a clusterof ten, ay of twenty such acorns, hanging on that old doddered oak.-- But what then? -- they are so many banners displayed to scareknaves; and for each rogue that hangs there, an honest man mayreckon that there is a thief, a traitor, a robber on the highway,a pilleur and oppressor of the people the fewer in France. These,young man, are signs of our Sovereign's justice."
"I would have hung them farther from my palace, though, were I KingLouis," said the youth. "In my country, we hang up dead corbieswhere living corbies haunt, but not in our gardens or pigeon houses.The very scent of the carrion -- faugh -- reached my nostrils atthe distance where we stood."
"If you live to be an honest and loyal servant of your Prince, mygood youth," answered the Frenchman, "you will know there is noperfume to match the scent of a dead traitor."
"I shall never wish to live till I lose the scent of my nostrilsor the sight of my eyes," said the Scot. "Show me a living traitor,and here are my hand and my weapon; but when life is out, hatredshould not live longer. -- But here, I fancy, we come upon thevillage, where I hope to show you that neither ducking nor disgusthave spoiled mine appetite for my breakfast. So my good friend, tothe hostelrie, with all the speed you may. -- Yet, ere I accept ofyour hospitality, let me know by what name to call you."
"Men call me Maitre Pierre," answered his companion. "I deal in notitles. A plain man, that can live on mine own good -- that is mydesignation."
"So be it, Maitre Pierre," said Quentin, "and I am happy my goodchance has thrown us together; for I want a word of seasonableadvice, and can be thankful for it."
While they spoke thus, the tower of the church and a tall woodencrucifix, rising above the trees, showed that they were at theentrance of the village.
But Maitre Pierre, deflecting a little from the road, which had nowjoined an open and public causeway, said to his companion that theinn to which he intended to introduce him stood somewhat secluded,and received only the better sort of travellers.
"If you mean those who travel with the better filled purses,"answered the Scot, "I am none of the number, and will rather standmy chance of your flayers on the highway, than of your flayers inthe hostelrie."
"Pasques dieu!" said his guide, "how cautious your countrymenof Scotland are! An Englishman, now, throws himself headlong intoa tavern, eats and drinks of the best, and never thinks of thereckoning till his belly is full. But you forget, Master Quentin,since Quentin is your name, you forget I owe you a breakfast forthe wetting which my mistake pro- cured you. -- It is the penanceof my offence towards you."
"In truth," said the light hearted young man, "I had forgot wetting,offence, and penance, and all. I have walked my clothes dry, ornearly so, but I will not refuse your offer in kindness; for mydinner yesterday was a light one, and supper I had none. You seeman old and respectable burgess, and I see no reason why I shouldnot accept your courtesy."
The Frenchman smiled aside, for he saw plainly that the youth,while he was probably half famished, had yet some difficulty toreconcile himself to the thoughts of feeding at a stranger's cost,and was endeavouring to subdue his inward pride by the reflection,that, in such slight obligations, the acceptor performed ascomplaisant a part as he by whom the courtesy was offered.
In the meanwhile, they descended a narrow lane, overshadowedby tall elms, at the bottom of which a gateway admitted them intothe courtyard of an inn of unusual magnitude, calculated for theaccommodation of the nobles and suitors who had business at theneighbouring Castle, where very seldom, and only when such hospitalitywas altogether unavoidable, did Louis XI permit any of his court tohave apartments. A scutcheon, bearing the fleur de lys, hung overthe principal door of the large irregular building; but there wasabout the yard and the offices little or none of the bustle which inthose days, when attendants were maintained both in public and inprivate houses, marked that business was alive, and custom plenty.It seemed as if the stern and unsocial character of the royal mansionin the neighbourhood had communicated a portion of its solemn andterrific gloom even to a place designed according to universal customelsewhere, for the temple of social indulgence, merry society, andgood cheer.
introduce him stood somewhat secluded,and received only the better sort of travellers.
Maitre Pierre, without calling any one, and even without approachingthe principal entrance, lifted the latch of a side door, and ledthe way into a large room, where a faggot was blazing on the hearth,and arrangements made for a substantial breakfast.
"My gossip has been careful," said the Frenchman to the Scot. "Youmust be cold, and I have commanded a fire; you must be hungry, andyou shall have breakfast presently."
He whistled and the landlord entered -- answered Maitre Pierre'sbon jour with a reverence -- but in no respect showed any part ofthe prating humour properly belonging to a French publican of allages.
"I expected a gentleman," said Maitre Pierre, "to order breakfast-- hath he done so?"
In answer the landlord only bowed; and while he continued to bring,and arrange upon the table, the various articles of a comfortablemeal, omitted to extol their merits by a single word. And yet thebreakfast merited such eulogiums as French hosts are wont to conferupon their regales, as the reader will be informed in the nextchapter.