The Tipton advertiser. [volume] (Tipton, Cedar Co., Iowa) 1856-1962, 1866-09-13
A LEGEND OF PROVENCE.

A LEGEND OF PROVENCE.
Il am yet kingl' exclaimed Francis
the First, vaulting into his saddle after
the disastrous battle Of Pavia had con-
signed him to years captivity, whose
last month had more gall than honey,
through his marriage with the Dowager
Queen of Portugal, sister to his imperial
and imperious 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 bride for whom he had small
regard.
However this may have been, 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 with deri-
sion. He was wont to rally and set
spurs to his steed, and leave his retinue
far behind; but on one occasion the
townsmen, who had timely apprisal of
his route, met him outside their walls,
and he could do no less than rein up, and
bow from hissstirrups, which he courte-
ously did, to the admiration of all who
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 festivity of mimic
fight, they might celebrate his enfran-
chisement from prison in Madrid.
BY our faith, good liegemen! quoth
his majesty, we have had such hard
knocks on the battlefield, that we are
none in love of the shadows of tourney
And he waved his hand by way ofadieu,
when his horse started at an old Castell-
an whose hair was silver white, and be-
side whom stood his daughter, incom-
parably fair.
Never had Francis seen beauty SO rare,
and so modest withal. She bore a massy
salver, on which lay bunch of rusted
keys, and with downcast looks she said,
My Lord will please accept the keys of
this brave old town. and she held them
towards him with such gracefulness,
that in amaze he stopped from his sad
die, stroked her dark tresses with his
mailed hand, and inquired who she
was.
MY name, my Lord, is Ellen. and
| g. Sc f,f Dn<or Tnrlaxynrro Sai6
she.
And your age, sweet dansel:' asked
he.
Sixteen last Candlemas,' rejoined the
little maid, who looked perfect woman,
so innocent and yet SO heroic, as she
ventured to raise her head, that the
King forgot his disasters Of war in sud-
denly inspired love; and while he in
dulged in pleasure he could ill conceal,
between their hands the keys fell to the
ground. This gave him pretext to
alight; and surrendering the bride to a
courtier, he graciously received her
father. and between him and her walk
ed into town.
BY this time the sun was on the wane,
and Peter, who was governor, besought
his Majesty to sojourn forthe night, and
he would soon have fifty prime cooks to
prepare royal feast.
To this Francis, who nothing more
desired than an invitation, consented;
and he accompanied Ellen home to her
fathers house.
Ellen entertained the King with art
less talk so interspersed with sense, that
her conquest over her suitor became
complete And when placed by hel
side at dinner, he forgot venison and
pasty, and beakers of wire; for though
: SO many other ladies shared the honor
of his presence, to none were his atten'
tions so refinedly pointed as to the
daughter of his venerable host. Perhaps
some envied her the distinction, OF
which she appeared unconscious; anC
! some of the envyers were surprised
to see her retire from the hall, observing
as she passed. that this was feint te
draw the King more deeply in her tolls
Ellen merely said she had arrange
ments to make for the morrow.
And why not for tonight, cousin |?
asked the King, who, when the wine
bowls had passed more than once, haC
J followed her from table, and discovered
, her reading in little oratory alone.-
And why not tonight, fair Ellen?' re
Q iterated he suasively withdrawing tn,
). book from her hand. She did not reply
while he tossed over the illuminated
leaves, where pictured saints seemed t.
! ! frown upon him chidingly. The silenc'
d evidently disconnected him, but h
evaded his chagrin in smiles.
: We come, charming cousin, t.
: breathe unalterable fidelity in thy ear,
said he.