Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1905-04-06
who would battle to the last


ing In the saddle ages a man."
Truly" returned the monarch, in.
nctively laying his hand upon his
ord. "rhe clash Of arms, the thun.
Of hoofs, the waving banners-yes,
nv is n seductive mistress who robs
Of our " nth. Have not wooed her
b found gray hairs? Who shall give
back y .ose days~
Histor =, your majesty, shall give
I'M to bosterity." answered the duke.
Ever. those We lost to CharlesT
liter I'd the king, a shadow passing
Pr 10 countenance.
CT Dry, sire, is a mistress sometimes
h in her favors."
And vet we live but for He
Ike of abruptly and with the eye Of
trained commander surveyed the
ke's men. "Daredevils, daredevils
!" he muttered.
Rough looking fellows. sire" apollo.
ted the duke, but tried and faith.
soldiers. Somewhat dusty and
Id worn" And his eyes turned
Faningly to the kings subtitle flash.
girdles Of silver. the shining hits.
gorgeous cloaks and even the
ornment Of ribbons.
Nay" said Francis meditatively,
n n rough journey I would fain have
ese fire eaters ut my back. They
PIX as though they could cut and
w."
Moderately WE'LL your majesty" an
cred the duke, with modesty.
Will you mount noble sir and ride
the castle is certain fair lady
lom you no doubt fain would see."
Long gazed the Duke Of Friedwald
the distant venerable pile Of stone,
E majestic turrets and towers softly
ating in a dreamy mist; the setting.
Psh, woody. green. Long he looked
this inviting picture and then
eathed deeply.
All, sire l would the meeting were
err" he remarked in low voice.
Why 80. sir?" asked the king in sur.
Use. "Do you fear you will not fan
the lady,
4 fear she mny not fancy me-" re-
rted the nobleman soberly. "Your
IN remark. SIRE that I appear older
an you had expected?' he continued
avely. significantly.
A recommendation in your favor"
ughed the monarch. II ever prefer
Der manhood to callow youth about
e. The one is a prop, stanch. tried;
e other n reed that bends this way
Id that or breaks when you press 1t
% hard"
ri should be lacking in gratitude
ere not deeply appreciative of your
ajesty's kindness" replied the duke,
5 face flushingswith pleasure. But
bur majesty knows womankind"-
NAY. I've studied them little. but
how them not" retorted Francis
yly.
f'And 1t is unlikely the Indy may find
e all her Imagination has depicted"
ent on the nobleman. with palpable
Embarrassment. "My noble master,
e emperor. hath-regarding me still
but IL stripping from his own van
ge point of age and wisdom-repre-
ntGd me young man in his pro.
bsals. But. though I'm younger than
look and feel no older than am, how
I(ung or how old shall I seem to the
Eincess?"
S'Young enough to be her husband;
d enough for her to look up to-" an
vercd the monarch reassuringly.
"Again," objected the duke, medita.
vely regarding the castle, "she may
expecting a handsome, debonair
Bridegroom, and when she sees me-"
tefully surveying himself, what will
be say!"
What will she say? Yes ut the al.
pr. Is it not enough!" Leaning back
his saddle, the kings face expressed
be enjoyment he derived from the
bnversntion with the backward and
bo conscientious soldier. Here was a
room whose wedding promised the
purt much amusement and satisfac.
Jon in those jovial days of testing and
herrymaking.
Come" resumed the king encourag-
hgly. "I'll warrant you more forward
b battle"
Battle" said the duke. "That's an
Their matter. To see your foeman's
fleaming eyes--but hers Should they
Express anger, disdain"-
Let yours show but the greater
Frath," advised the king complaisant-
+. 'In love like cures like. Let me be
POUR physician. I'll warrant you'll find
pc proficient"
i've heard your majesty hath prac.
iced deeply" returned the noble read
y in spite Of his perplexity.
Deeply" Francis lifted his brow
n am but superficial student. master
Pnly of the rudiments, no graduate of
he college of love. Moreover, I've
beard the letters you exchanged were
|-ahem-well enough writ. You pressed
Rour suit warmly for one unlearned, O
here novice"
Because ! had seen her face, your
majesty; had 1t ever before me in the
painted miniature. Any man." with q
Tough eloquence and fervor that i'm.
pressed the king with the depth of his
passion, could well worship at that
Fair shrine. but that She
Forward, beg you" interrupted
The king. "Womankinl are but frail
flesh, sir; easily nodded. easily won
she il woman. therefore soft, yield
ing, yours for the asking. You are over
valorous ut distance, too timOrous
pcar her. Approach her boldly, and