The king, when he had made an end, called me and told me to keep the said herald talking, so that none might speak to him, and to have delivered unto him a piece of crimson velvet containing thirty ells.

So did I, and the king was right joyous at that which he had got out of the said herald." [Illustration: Philip de Commynes----217] It was now three years since Philip de Commynes had left the Duke of Burgundy's service to enter that of Louis XI.

In 1471 Charles had, none knows why, rashly authorized an interview between Louis and De Commynes.
"The king's speech," says the chronicler Molinet, in the Duke of Burgundy's service, "was so sweet and full of virtue that it entranced, siren-like, all those who gave ear to it." "Of all princes," says Commynes himself, "he was the one who was at most pains to gain over a man who was able to serve him, and able to injure him; and he was not put out at being refused once by one whom he was working to gain over, but continued thereat, making him large promises, and actually giving money and estate when he made acquaintances that were pleasing to him." Commynes spoke according to his own experience.

Louis, from the moment of making his acquaintance, had guessed his value; and as early as 1468, in the course of his disagreeable adventure at Peronne, he had found the good offices of Commynes of great service to him.

It was probably from this very time that he applied himself assiduously to the task of gaining him over.