Prescott journal. [volume] (Prescott, Wis.) 1861-1871, 1866-07-07
MISCELLANY.
ALEGEND OF PRsTEXCE.
From chambers Edinburg Journal

''I am vet kingT" exclaimed Francis
the First, vaulting into his lddle after
the disastrous battle of Pavia had con-
signed him to a years captivity, whose
last mouth had more gall than honey,
through his marriage with the Dowager
Queen of Portugal. sister to his imperial
aud impeTiOus captOr Charles the Fifth.
From the Iser to the RhOne whispers
had crept forth that he returned to
France a crest-fallen man, who, after
chatting his proud spirit IN bondage, had
no means of breaking his chains, but by
accepting u bride for whom he had small
regard.
However this may have Eeen, he rode
through Provence, where his subjects
received him with every demonstration
of Joy, although as he approached their
gray old towns, he thought their giant
gates looked down upon him IN deTisiOn.
He was wont to rally, and set spurs to
his steed, and leave his Tetinue far be-
hind; but on one occasion the towns
men, who had timely apprisal of his
route, met him outside their walls, and
he could do no less than rein up, and
bow from his stirrups, which he cOur-
beheld him; for he who could wrestle
with Henry the Eighth and throw him
IN luSty falls, was no more deficient IN
grace than in strength. They besought
him to honor their tilt-yard with his
presence, where, in festiyity of mimic
fight, they might celebrate his uniran-
chise from the prison in Madrid.
by our faith, gcOdliegemenr quOth
his Majesty, eve have had such hard
knocks ON the battlefield, that we are
none in love of the shadows of journey"
And lac waved his hand 10y way of adIeu,
when his horse started at an old Cas-
tellan whose hair was silver white, and
beside whom stood his daughter, incOm-
parably fair.
Never had Francis seen beauty so
rare, and SD modest withal. She bore
a massey salver, on which lay a bunch
of rusty keys, and with dOwncast looks
she said:
''My Lord will please to accept the
keys of this brave old town." and she
held them towards him with such grace
fulness, that In amaze he stopped from
his saddle. strOked her dark tresses
nth his mailed hand, and inquired who
she was.
My name, my Lord, Is Ellen, and
this IS my father, Peter Ingleverrc,
said she.
"And your age, sweet damsel2" he
asked 20
sixteen last Csnd,emas," rejoined
the little maid, who looked perfect
woman, so innocent aud vet SO heroic,
as she yentured to raise her head, that
the King forgot his disasters of war In
suddenly inspired love; and while he
INDUCED in pleasure he could i'll con-
ceal, between their hands .heir keys fell
to the ground. This gave him pretext
to slight; and surrendering the bride
to a courtler, he gTaciOusly received her
father, and between him and her walk
ed into the town.
By this time the sun was on the wane,
AMI Peter, who was governor, besought
his Majesty to soiOurn for the night.
and he would soon have fifty prime
cooks to prepare the royal feast.
To this Francis, who nothing more
desired. than AN invitation, conse nted
and he accompanied Ellen home to her
fathers house, and where, some time
after, band of trained violars arrived
to commemorate with songs the happy
visit.
Ellen entertained the King with art
less talk so interspeTsed with sense, that
her conquest over her suitOr became
complete. Aud when placed by her side
ut dinner, lac forgot venison and pastry,
and beaknrs of wine for though so many
oshef ladies shared the homer of his
presence, to none were his attentions SO
refinedly pointed as to to the daughter
of his venerable host. Perhaps some
envied her the distinction. of which she
appeared uncOnsciOus-ands some of the
envyers were surprised to see her retire
from the hall, observing, as she passed,
that this was a feint t. draw the King
more deeply in her tolls
Ellen merely said she had arrange
ments to make for the morrow.
Sand why not for tonight, cousin?
asked the King, who, when the wine
bowls had passed more than once, had fol-
lowed her from the table, and discovered
her reading IN little oratory alone
"And why not tonight, fair Elem
reiterated he, suasively Withdrawing the
hook from her hand. She did not re-
DIV. while he tossed over the illnmina.
ted leaves, where pictured saints seemed
to frown upon him chidiEgly. The
silence evidently disconnected him, but
he evaded his chagrin In smiles.
eve come, charming cousin, tC
breathe unslterable fidelity IN thy ear, .
said he. --~
"What's a charmed portal, my lOTd?'
said she interrupting him, and drawing
back.