The matter is pressing." The bulky sage arose from his seat, and, approaching the young soldier, fixed on him his keen large dark eyes as if he were in the act of internally spelling and dissecting every lineament and feature.
Blushing and borne down by this close examination on the part of one whose expression was so reverend at once and commanding, Quentin bent his eyes on the ground, and did not again raise them, till in the act of obeying the sonorous command of the Astrologer, "Look up and be not afraid, but hold forth thy hand." When Martivalle had inspected his palm, according to the form of the mystic arts which he practised, he led the King some steps aside.
"My royal brother," he said, "the physiognomy of this youth, together with the lines impressed on his hand, confirm, in a wonderful degree, the report which I founded on his horoscope, as well as that judgment which your own proficiency in our sublime arts induced you at once to form of him.

All promises that this youth will be brave and fortunate." "And faithful ?" said the King; "for valour and fortune square not always with fidelity." "And faithful also," said the Astrologer; "for there is manly firmness in look and eye, and his linea vitae [the line of life, a term used in palmistry] is deeply marked and clear, which indicates a true and upright adherence to those who do benefit or lodge trust in him.

But yet--" "But what ?" said the King; "Father Galeotti, wherefore do you now pause ?" "The ears of Kings," said the sage, "are like the palates of those dainty patients which are unable to endure the bitterness of the drugs necessary for their recovery." "My ears and my palate have no such niceness," said Louis; "let me hear what is useful counsel, and swallow what is wholesome medicine.
I quarrel not with the rudeness of the one, or the harsh taste of the other.

I have not been cockered in wantonness or indulgence; my youth was one of exile and suffering.

My ears are used to harsh counsel, and take no offence at it." "Then plainly, Sire," replied Galeotti, "if you have aught in your purposed commission which--which, in short, may startle a scrupulous conscience--intrust it not to this youth, at least, not till a few years' exercise in your service has made him as unscrupulous as others." "And is this what you hesitated to speak, my good Galeotti?
and didst thou think thy speaking it would offend me ?" said the King.