Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1866-07-12
5Gl&etGA TalG.
A LEGEND OF PROVENCE.

! am yet a king !" exclaimed Francis the
FIRST, vauIting into his saddle after the
disastrous battle of Pavia had consigned
him 10 years captivity, whose last month
had more gall than honey, through his mar
s,age with the Dowager Queen of Portugal
sister to his imperial and imperious cap or
Charles the Fifth. From the Iser to the
R4oue whispers had crept forth that he re-
turned to France a crestfallen man, who,
after cnafng his proud spirit in bondage,
Lad no means of breaking his chains, but
.y accepting a bride for whom he had
small regard
However this may have been, he rode
! through Provence, where his subjects re-
n aircd him with every demonstration of Joy,
Il although as he approached their grey old
towns he thought their giant gates looked
down upon him with derision. He was
wont to rally, and set spurs to his steed,
AID leave his retinue far behind but on
He occasion the townsmen, who had time
y apprisal Of his route, met him outside
l-eir walls, and he could no less than rein
Up and bow from his stirrups, which he
.urteously did, to the admiration of all
"ao beheld him ; for he who could wrestle
with Henry the Eighth, and throw him in
Asty falls, was no more deficient in grace
IMAM IN strength. They besought him to
aonor their tilt-yard with his presence,
where, in testivity of mimic fight, they
might celebrate his enfranchisement from
the prison in Madrid
BY our faith good liegemen !" quoth
his Majesty, 1--WE have had such hard knocks
on the battlefield, that we are none in love
Of the shadows of the tourney" And he
waved his hand by way of adieu, when his
lyISe started at an old CASTELAR, whose
Lair was silver white, and beside whom
stood his daughter, incomparably fair
Never had Francis seen beauty so rare,
and so modest withal She bore a massy
st.yer on which lay bunch Of rusty keys,
and with dOwncast looks she said
My Lord will please accept the keys of
.u5 brave old town." and she held them to-
ward him with such gracefulness, that in
amaze he stopped from his saddle, stroked
eF dark tresses with his mailed hand, and
N 4In.red who she was.
NJ My name my Lord, is Ellen, and this
NJ my father, Peter Ingleverre," said she.
And your age, sweet damsel 2"
. Sixteen last Candlemas," rejoined the
lille maid who looked a perfect woman,
o innocent and yet 50 heroic, as she ven
.4rd to raise her head, that the King for
his disasters of war in suddenly in,
\ 'sTed love ; and while he indulged in a
easure he could i'll conceal, between their
aids their keys fell to the ground. This
ave him pretext to alight and surrend
g the bride to a courtier, he graciously
@.eiyed her father, and between him and
II walked in the town.
BY this time the sun was on the wane
Peter, who was governor, besought
Majesty 10 sojoum for the night, and
would soon have fifty prime cooks to
pare the royal feast
Il To this Francis, who nothing more de.
red than an invitation, consented and
accompanied Ellen home to her fathers
"a>c and where, some time after, band
I'M trained violars arrived to commemorate
"',a songs the happy visit.
LHeA entertained the King with artless
ak SO interspersed with sense, that hel
hlGcst over her suitor became complete
and when placed by her side at dinner, he
IN y5ot veusion and pastry, and beakers o.
I'M VINE for though so many other ladies
s-"red the honor of his presence, to none
were lis attentions so refnedly pointed as
D 'hc daughter of the venerable host
.gNaps some enved her the distinction, o
.4.eh she appeared unconscious--ands some
N d' envyers were surprised to see hel
I I''IG from the hall, observing, as she pass
Il lii4t this was feint to draw the King
~2.s DE dacply in her tolls.
III I"Gh merely said she had arang menti
IN make for tie morrow.
"a d ana why not for tonight, cousin ?" ask
Il 1e hlng, who, when the wine bowl!
i ~ passed more than once, had followed
~ from the table, and discovered her read