The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1903-12-19


aratiOn for ushering in the
New Year. James the Fifth,
the most popular king Scotland had
possessed since the days of Bruce.
was about to be married, and most
of his subjects thought it high time.
for he had reached the mature age
of 26. and monarchs are expected to
take mate somewhat earlier than
other folk.
AS the united escorts Of France and
Scotland set out on their journey to
Loches a furry of damp snow filled
the air, raw from off the Channel, and
the road proved well nigh impossible
thru the depth of mud.
At the castle where they halted. at
the end Of the first days journey. the
king speedily retired to the apartment
assigned to him without a word Of
cheer even to the most intimate of
his comrades.
The king. probably actuated by the
military instincts of his race urging
him to get his bearings, even tho he
was in the care Of friendly country,
strobe to one Of the windows and
looked out The stronghold appeared
TO stand on platform of rock, which
was at least impregnable from this
side. James turned from the wintry
scene outside to the more alluring
prospect within the apartment. A
stout oaken table in the center of the
room WIS weighted with a sumptu-
Gus reast, and the king, with the
stalWart appetite of youth and health
augmented by tiresome journey in
keen air. forthwith fell to, and did
ample Justice to the providing of his
unknown host. The choicest vintages
Of France did something to dispel
that depression which had settled
down upon him, and the outside glow
OF the great fire supplemented the in
ward ardor of good wine.
The king drew up his cushioned
chair to the blaze, and while his at
tendants speedily cleared the board
a delicious droWsiness stole over him.
the entrance of his poetical friend and
contldant, Sir David Lindsay.
Your majesty" said the rhymster
the constable Of these towers Graves
permission to pay his respects to yon
extending welcome on behalf of his
master the king Of France"
Bring him in. Davie," cried
James, for in truth he has already
extended the most cordial welcome,
and | desire to thank him for my re-
ception."
Shortly after Sir David LINDSAY
ushered into the rooms a young man
or about the same age as the king,
dressed in that superb and picturesque
costume which denoted high noble
Of France, and which added the lus-
Lei VI HE TO the Q1SLlnRulSnoQ
court of Francis the First.
II am delighted to think" said the
newcomer. that the King Of Scotland
has honored my house by making it
his first hating place In that realm
which has ever been the friend Of his
country" $50.
Sir" replied James, 'the obligation
rests entirely upon me. After
stormy voyage and an Indictment land
journey, the hospitality Of your board
IS one Of the most grateful encounters
have ever met with. I plead an ig
norance Of geography which is de-
plorable; and cannot in the least guess
where am beyond the fact that the
boundaries Of France encompass me-"
'I shall not Pretend" said the
young man, that my house is I'M
worthy even Of the distinguished guest
which it now holds Your majesty
stands within historic walls, for in
an adjoining apartment.w born Will
liam, the founder Of a great race Of
English kings. Scotchmen have de-
Tended the castle and Scotchmen have
assaulted it, SO it's very stones are
try.
II take it, then, that I speak to one
OF the renowned name Of Talbot, and
that this fortress is no other than the
castle Of Falaise?' and the king i'm
impetuously extended his hand to him.
I'VE both come Of stormy line, Tall
bot. Indeed, we are even more in
timately associated than you have
limited, for one of your name had the
temerity to invade Scotland itself in
the interests of Edward Baliol-yes,
by the Rood and successfully, too"
"Ah, your majecty, it does not be-
come the pride of our house to refer
to Richard Talbot, for three years
later the Scots took him prisoner, and
he retired defeated from your coun-
try"
Indeed" replied the king, gayly
eff my memory serves me truly, we
valued your valiant ancestor so highly
that we made the King of England
pay 1000 marks for him. We Scots
are a frugal people: we weigh many
Of the blessings Of life against gooc
hard coin.s and by Saint Andrew OF
Scotland, Talbot, I hold myself to-day
no better than the rest for, speaking
as young man to young man, I think
it unworthy Of either king Or peasan
to take q woman to his bosom fol
aught save love Of her.
'In that I cordially agree with youl
majesty said Talbot, with a fervol
that made the king glance at him with
even more of sympathy than he ha(
already exhibited. H..
James sprang to his feet and paced
the long room in an excess of excite.
ment, a cloud on his brow; hands
clenching and unclenching' as he
walked.
Talbot he cried. II am on a jour.
ney that shames my very manhood
I have lived my life as others of my
age, and whatever of contrition I may
feel, that rests between my Maker
and myself; but, by God, / say it here
never bought another nor sold my
self. Now, on the contrary, L go tt
the loud market place; now I APP
proach woman l. have never seen
and who has never seen me. to pledge
our lives together the consideration
T for this union set down on parchment
and stipulated sum paid over il
lands and gold.
Then why go on with this quest?'
cried young Talbot with an impetuos
ity equal to that OF his guest,
why go on; how can I stop? TIL
I fate Of Kingdoms depends on my &C
ton. My honor is at stake. M
/ pledged word is given. How can
withdraw"
Your majesty need not withdraw
France is the flower garden Of tn
/ human race; here bloom the flares
lilies of womanhood, fit to grace tn
proudest throne in Christendon
Choice is the prerogative Of kings. /
Indeed, Talbot, it is not" said tn
/ king do1efully.
1T should be SO, and can be sc
where a monarch boldly demands tn
right exercised unquestioned by tn