I do not think there will be many who will not be obedient to that which the emperor shall be pleased to command.' "When the French captains had arrived at the quarters of the lord of La Palisse, he said to them, 'Gentlemen, we must now dine, for I have somewhat to say to you, and if I were to say it first, peradventure you would not make good cheer.' During dinner they did nothing but make sport one of another.

After dinner, everybody was sent out of the room, save the captains, to whom the lord of La Palisse made known the emperor's letter, which was read twice, for the better understanding of it.

They all looked at one another, laughing, for to see who would speak first.

Then said the lord of Ymbercourt to the lord of La Palisse, 'It needs not so much thought, my lord; send word to the emperor that we are all ready; I am even now a-weary of the fields, for the nights are cold; and then the good wines are beginning to fail us;' whereat every one burst out a-laughing.

All agreed to what was said by the lord of Ymbercourt.