[A Monk of Fife by Andrew Lang]@TWC D-Link book
A Monk of Fife

CHAPTER XXVIII--HOW THE BURGUNDIANS HUNTED HARES, WITH THE END OF THAT
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And the King should help us, and march with D'Alencon through Normandy from the south, while our companies take Clermont if we may, and drive back the English and Burgundians.

But you know the King, and men say that the Archbishop of Reims openly declares that the Maid is rightly punished for her pride.

He has set up a mad shepherd-boy to take her place, Heaven help him! who can fight as well as that stone can swim," and he dropped a loose stone over the bridge into the water.
"Whoever stays at home, we take the field," I said; "let us seek counsel of Xaintrailles." We rose and went to the Jacobins, where Xaintrailles was lodged, and there found him at his dejeuner.
He was a tall young knight, straight as a lance, lean as a greyhound; for all his days his sword had won his meat; and he was hardy, keen, and bright, with eyes of steel in a scarred face, and his brow was already worn bald with the helmet.

When he walked his legs somewhat straggled apart, by reason of his much riding.
Xaintrailles received us in the best manner, we telling him that we had ridden with the Maid, that I was of her own household, and that to save her we were willing to go far, and well knew that under no banner could we be so forward as under his.
"I would all my company were as honest as I take you twain to be," he said, "and I gladly receive you under my colours with any men you can bring." "Messire, I have a handful of horse of the Maid's company," said Barthelemy, hardily; "but when do we march, for to-day is better than to- morrow." "As soon as may be," said the knight; "the Marechal de Boussac leads us against Clermont.

That town we cannot leave behind us when we set forth from Beauvais.


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