Missouri Valley times. [volume] (Missouri Valley, Iowa) 1874-1931, 1903-01-01
Did you think she would come to
your whiatle like a bird to lure?'
Louis inquired playfully. villon sighed
again

|
again.
I'm this kind of madness minstrel
thinks himself a new Orpheus who
| could win woman out Of hell with his
music. But got my answer-oh, 1 got
my answer"
silence, which was not to the taste OF
the fellowship who were interested in
the adventure. Montigny, leaning for
ward, gave Villon clap on the back
which made him shrink, and shouted
what was the answer?"
Villon began to laugh, loud, mirth-
iless laugh that had no human warmth
in 1t.
"a fellow like page boarded me
here three days ago. He asked me II
had sent certain verses to certain
quarter. If 80 was to follow him at
once. followed like a sheep, with my
heart drumming. till we came to quiet
place, and there four boobies with
yard-long cudgels fell upon me. l was
taken unawares, I had no weapon but
my jack dagger, the blows were raining
upon me as fast as acorns fly in a high
wind, so l thought 1t no shame to take
to my heels. The varlets pursued me,
full cry, till led them to part of Paris
where their lives would not have been
worth minutes purchase and they
had to stay their chase. But have been
my poor back and sides are most wom-
anishly tender. l go abroad no more
without Excalibur." He tapped his
sword hilt as he spoke. Huguette
glared fiercely up at him.
Will it teach you not to play the fool
again?" she asked, with a vicious snap
OF her white teeth.
1T will teach me not to play the fool
again" Villon answered sadly 1.-THE
mark of the beast is upon me and shall
dream no more dreams He shook HIM
self as If he We're trying to shake away
clinging memories and extended his
empty can to Montigny, saying: I'm
thirsty again. More liquor"
AS Montigny filled up for his leader,
Louis commented, You drink more
than is good for your health, sir" Viii
flushed face and shining eyes.
Mind your own ousiness!" he shout
ed, and the rest shouted with him APP
paudingly. What can man do but
drink when France is going to the
devil, with the Burgundlans encamped
in the free fields where l played in
childhood, and a nincompoop sits on
the throne and lets them besiege his
city, The rascals laughed. Tristan
whispered to himself, you'll be sorry
you spoke, Master Villon." The king
propounded a problem. No doubt you
could do better than the king if you
wore the kings shoes?"
Nillon rolled about on his barrel in an
ecstasy of entertainment. IF 1 could
not do better than Louis Do-Nothing.
Louis Dare Nothing, having his occa-
sions and advantages, may Huguette
there never kiss me again."
His boon companions laughed. HUI
guette whispered sulkily, perhaps she
never Will"
Isabeau came siding and bridling up
to Louis, wheedling like a cat as she
said: Our Francois has made rhyme
of it, sir how he would carry himself If
he Wore the kings shoes"
Louis was always ready for any kind
of gallantry. He put his arms around
the girls slim body and drew her to his
knee. Has he, indeed, pretty min
ion?" he said. May we not hear 1T,
Master Poet?"
WILLOW, With mock modesty had tried
to restrain Isabeau from speaking of
the work, but now he changed his tune.
You may; you shall; for It's true
song, though it would cost me my neck
il it came to the kings ears, very likely.
But YOU are not tall enough to whisper
in them, so here goes"
With shout Villon sprang to his
feet, draped his battered cloak closely
about him, struck a commanding atti-
tude, and began to recite with great
sulennity. Louis scooped his claw like
fingers behind his ear, that he might
better hear the words that fell from the
wild poets mouth:
All French folk, whereso'er We be,
Who love your country soil and sand,
From Paris to the Breton sea,
And back again to Norman strand,
Eorscoth We seem silly band,
Sheep without Shepherd left To
Far otherwise our fatherland
If Villon We're the king of France!"
Louis glanced grimly at Tristan; the
rogues rubbed their hands and chuckled
Nillon smiled in pride and went ON:
The figure on the throne you see
Is nothing but a puppet, planned
To Wear the regal bravery
OF sillien coat and gilded wand.
Not so we Frenchmen understand
The lord of lions heart and glance,
And such a one would take command
Ii Villon We're the king of France!"
The kings face was study in sar-
donics. Tristan was poppy-red with
rage. The gang applauded and Villon
glowed with their applause.
Ills counsellors are rogues, Perdie!
While men of honest mind are banned,
TO creail upon the gallows tree,
Or sque;,l in prisons over mann'd;
We want a chief TO bear the brand,
And bid the damned Burgundians
dance;
God! Where the orlfamme should
stand
If Vilon were the king of Irrance!"
Mugs and cans clattered approval
The rhymers eyes widened as he drew
breath to blow forth the envoi of his
ballade.
Louis the Little, play the grand;
Buffet the foe with sword and lance;
Ills what would happen. by this hand.
III Nillon were the king of France!"
a roar of enthusiasm came from the
full threats of the band. Montigny
slapped Villon on the back with We'll
c.owed, Chanticleer!" Huguette flung
her arms around him and Rugged him
as she cried passionately: Il forgive
you much, for that light in your eyes"
But the poet seemed weary after SO
much heat He pushed the girl away
rogues ratified away to their table again,
and Villon was left alone with Louis,
who questioned him dlily: You call
yourself Il patriot, SUPPOSE"
Nillon had recovered sufficient energy
to drain Il mug of wine. He turned to
the king, passing his hand over his
forehead. BY no such igh-sounding
title" he answered. Il am but a poor
devil with heart too big for his body
and hope too large for his hoop. Had
l been begotten in a brocaded bed, 1
might have led armies and served
France; have loved ladies without fear
of cudgellings, and told kings truths
without dread of the halter while as it
is, consort with sharps and wantons.
and make my complaint to a dull little
buZzard like you, old noodle! Oh, tits
q FOOLS play and it We're we'll to be out