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+*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 76929 ***
+
+
+
+[Illustration: THE MYSTERIOUS DOOR.]
+
+
+
+
+                         +Maugis, Ye Sorcerer.+
+
+                       +FROM Ye ANCIENT FRENCH.+
+
+               A Wonderful Tale from ye Writings of ye Mad
+                  Savant of ye Maison Maugis in ye Olde
+                        Citie of Mouzon, France.
+
+                        By LORD GILHOOLEY, D.C.,
+                          _Author of “Yutzo.”_
+
+                             [Illustration]
+
+                           F. TENNYSON NEELY,
+                               PUBLISHER,
+                        LONDON.        NEW YORK.
+
+
+
+
+                            Copyright, 1898,
+                                   by
+                          +F. Tennyson Neely+,
+                                   in
+                              United States
+                                   and
+                             Great Britain.
+
+                          All Rights Reserved.
+
+
+
+              +-----------------------------------------+
+              |               DEDICATION.               |
+              |  TO THE FOOLS WHO COMPOSE THE “SOCIETE  |
+              |    D’ETHNOGRAPHIE” OF NANCY, FRANCE,    |
+              |     THIS WORK IS HEREBY DEDICATED.      |
+              +-----------------------------------------+
+
+
+                                APOLOGY.
+
+  _To the Honorable Gentlemen composing the Société d’Ethnographie,
+        Nancy, France._
+
++Gentlemen+: In the above dedication I have the sincerest regret in
+committing, what under other circumstances would be an unpardonable
+insult upon the gentlemen of a learned body, none of whom I have ever
+had the honor of meeting, but whose position in the world of science
+and letters I know to be perfectly unassailable. Let me explain.
+
+An oath, made to the late Charles Voudran, a former member of your
+Honorable Society, has compelled this regrettable action, which,
+otherwise, would have resulted in the loss of a vast amount of rare
+historical information to the world, as, I trust, a perusal of the
+following pages, will satisfactorily explain.
+
+With the most profound respect,
+
+                                                 +Frederick O’Hoolihan.+
+                                                    (LORD GILHOOLEY.)
+
+
+
+
+                         LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.
+
+
+                                                                   PAGE.
+
+  The Mysterious Door,                                    _Frontispiece_
+
+  Interior Cathedral, Mouzon,                                         12
+
+  The Haunted Battlefield,                                            32
+
+  Ancient Gate of Mouzon,                                             52
+
+  Château Montfort,                                                   70
+
+  Surprise of the Castle,                                             76
+
+  Old Spanish Houses,                                                100
+
+  Maugis,                                                            120
+
+  Charlemagne at the head of his Army,                               124
+
+  Ye Olde City of Mouzon,                                            164
+
+  Cathedral of Mouzon,                                               216
+
+  Cathedral Door, Mouzon,                                            244
+
+
+
+
+                          MAUGIS, YE SORCERER.
+
+
+                               CHAPTER I.
+
+
+                             (A CABLEGRAM.)
+
+                                                         SEDAN,
+                                                  PROVINCE D’ARDENNES,
+                                                         FRANCE.
+
+  “_To Lord Gilhooley,_
+          “_Albemarle Hotel,_
+              “_New York. U. S. A._
+
+  “The hermit of the Maison Maugis, Monzon, committed suicide to-day.
+
+                                                            +Albert.+”
+
+Apropos of the above, about ten days later I received a letter from
+which the following is an extract:
+
+  “He was found lying, entirely stripped, upon the floor. He had
+  strangled himself with a cord, having previously broken up every
+  article of furniture, gathered and burned in the huge fireplace
+  every object of wearing apparel, all papers and everything
+  movable, until the house was made absolutely bare. His death
+  created a profound sensation, as it was rumored that he had in his
+  possession some very old and curious manuscripts relating to the
+  time of Charlemagne. An elaborate search of the premises failed
+  to disclose anything, except some burned fragments of parchment in
+  the ashes of the fireplace. He had jealously guarded his discovery
+  during his life and was supposed to be somewhat demented, which may
+  account for the lamentable destruction of these precious records.
+  Now you are freed from your oath, give the world what you have.”
+
+The past then came back to me, as plainly as if it had only occurred
+yesterday.
+
+I could see in my mind that merry breakfast party, three months agone,
+in the great dining hall of the Château Baudelot at Haraucourt, in the
+valley of the Emmene, Ardennes, France. I could remember, as if it
+happened only this morning, when Albert said:
+
+“It is very strange how things happen in this world. Life presents some
+threads so fearfully tangled that it often seems as if matters were
+hopeless; when lo, some little eddy in the tide of fortune swirls the
+knotted kinks apart and all is well once more.”
+
+“Very good, Albert,” said I, “and this is apropos of what?”
+
+“Oh, nothing,” answered he, “only the thought just came into my mind.”
+
+“Perhaps,” said his sister Mathilde, “his omelette is not agreeing with
+him.”
+
+“No,” exclaimed Louise, “that is not it—he is going to take cousin
+Frederick to Mouzon to-day, and it is there that some episode is to
+occur to put some new wrinkles in his existence.”
+
+Said with smiles and laughter, these words were pathetic.
+
+I shall never forget that day in Mouzon.
+
+I recall how, just two hours later, we crossed the bridge over the
+river Meuse, and rolled through the old gateway into the ancient
+city, and how, shortly after, we were chatting with Professor Victor
+d’Alembert, the head schoolmaster.
+
+“I have brought my cousin to see the city,” said Albert.
+
+“Ah! Mouzon is a quaint place,” responded the professor, his face
+lighting up with interest. “It is a small city, but a very old one, and
+so very romantic. Come with me. I will show it to you.”
+
+Then he took us up and down crooked streets, lined with mediæval
+buildings, heavily walled, with projecting stories, possessing all the
+quaintness of former ages, and it was while passing through a narrow
+street to a square in the heart of the city, where the houses seemed
+the oldest, the oddest and the grayest, that he pointed to a heavy
+oaken door set in a wall of unusual thickness.
+
+“Look!” he said.
+
+“At what?” inquired Albert.
+
+“That is said to have been the home of Maugis, the famous warrior
+sorcerer.”
+
+“Very interesting,” exclaimed I, “cannot we see the interior?”
+
+“No, no!” replied the professor somewhat emphatically, “that would
+never do, its occupant resents intrusion bitterly.”
+
+I can remember now, how a strange and unaccountable desire possessed
+me to see behind that door, but it was almost forgotten, when, a few
+minutes later, we were seated in the dim interior of the ancient
+cathedral with its lofty gothic arches floating over us in the
+obscurity, while the schoolmaster eloquently unrolled a story of
+vicissitude and romance rarely equaled, for he was a master of his
+subject.
+
+Said he: “Begun by barbarians, built, beset, beleaguered, burned,
+built, beset, burned, and rebuilt, again and again; such is the
+alliterative history of this old city of Mouzon; the theater of wars
+barbarous, of wars religious, of wars civil, and wars international;
+besides of plague, pest, and famine.
+
+“Mouzon has a history commencing far back into the shadows of the past
+and terminating the day before the battle of Sedan, when Colonel de
+Contrenson, at the head of the Fifth Regiment of French Cuirassiers,
+charged the entire German army on these heights nearby; charged time
+and again in the very teeth of their cannon, in the vain attempt to
+stop their resistless onward course to Sedan, five miles away, and only
+desisted when the gallant Fifth were literally reduced to a few shreds
+of shattered humanity; but that was only thirty years ago.”
+
+“Oh! rare, old Mouzon!” exclaimed he, “do you not claim the highest
+regard of the lover of romance? the home of Maugis, the great warrior
+sorcerer, and the scene of the rebellious warfares of those gallant
+sons d’Aymon, those immortal knights Renaud, Alard, Guichard and
+Richard, and of their redoubtable enemy, the princely Roland, all of
+them men whose names are now a byword in history!”
+
+“Mouzon,” continued the professor, apostrophizing, “the resort for
+centuries of the high and mighty of the earth, your ancient streets
+have witnessed the pageants of popes and kings, cardinals and princes,
+have echoed with merry shout at carnival time, with solemn chant of
+cowled monk, with cry of battle and shriek of the dying. They have
+resounded with the tread of the barbarian, have known plague and
+famine, and have often been illumined by the ruddy glare of fire. All
+this, as time passed, has been added to the panorama of which you have
+been the stage. A city situated in a battlefield, or in a spot that has
+been a battlefield of Europe, through all the centuries from the time
+of the Romans to the battle of Sedan.”
+
+I can now remember, as we sat there, listening, that the voice of
+the professor grew dramatic and echoed in the vast interior of the
+cathedral with a solemn effect.
+
+“Mouzon,” continued he, “the historic, the romantic has no mention
+in guide books, it has no visitors or tourists, because it is out of
+the traveled route. Even children in the streets gaze with curiosity
+on the stranger. It has neither gained nor lost in population, as the
+centuries rolled on and the events of history have thundered over it,
+even from the time when this magnificent cathedral was commenced,
+which, though often ruined in the wars, is, as now restored, one of the
+finest specimens of Norman architecture in the world.
+
+“Mouzon was a fortress in 247 B.C., then on the borders of France, and
+was the scene of many a battle of the Visigoths and other barbarians
+with the French kings. In 486 A.D. the great King Clovis wrested it
+from the Visigoths and gave it, and the beautiful surrounding country,
+which included the historic battlefield of Sedan, into the possession
+of the good monk, St. Remy, who built and maintained a great abbey
+here. For centuries thereafter it was controlled by the Catholic
+Church and became a great ecclesiastical center. Prior to this time
+the Romans had penetrated throughout this region, bringing their rare
+civilization, building magnificent roads, fortresses and temples,
+remains of which exist to-day.
+
+“This beautiful province in northern France has been the theater of
+the most tremendous events in the history of France and the history of
+Europe.
+
+“Ah! Those were terrible centuries, when the good monks lived with the
+prayer book in one hand and the sword in the other.
+
+“Then there were the great lords, or seigneurs, who divided the country
+around among themselves and were always quarreling and fighting. It
+was hereabouts that Charlemagne waged war against the great sorcerer,
+Maugis, and his brave companions, about whom so much has come down to
+us in romance and song. Nearby is the plain of Marcel, where three
+young noblemen, brothers, and their retainers, fought a fratricidal
+duel with each other to the death, until the ground was red with blood,
+so that to this day no living thing will grow upon it, and even now, at
+midnight, by putting the ear to the ground, the peasantry believe that
+the sounds of battle, the crash of arms, and the shrieks of the wounded
+and dying may be heard.
+
+“It was in the immense forests, part of which now remain, that
+Charlemagne had his hunting lodge, for he was a lover of the chase. It
+was nearby that Maugis, the oldest son of Aymon, built the Château de
+Montfort, and in it, with his doughty brothers, stubbornly resisted
+the king, until finally driven out by treachery. The fortress was then
+razed to the ground, so that not a trace of it remains to-day.
+
+“Thus the history of Mouzon has been that of war and vicissitude.
+It was held by the Spanish in the middle ages for a long time, and
+specimens of their peculiar architecture may yet be seen in these
+ancient streets.
+
+“In 1672 the great abbey was pillaged by the iconoclasts and its vast
+store of precious manuscripts was destroyed and scattered. I am still
+unearthing them from all sorts of queer hiding places.”
+
+The voice of the schoolmaster now ceased. Its echoes died away in
+the dim interior. Albert and he arose to visit the organ loft, but
+I remained seated, musing. The western sun shone softly through the
+lofty, stained glass windows, shooting subdued colored pencils of light
+across the worn pavement that finally rested upon and glorified the
+recumbent figure of a warrior on a tomb near at hand, and then falling
+at my feet, illumined a half-effaced epitaph:
+
+“_Fortiter et recta haec olim_——”
+
+The organ commenced a solemn chant and the vast interior, with an
+indescribably beautiful effect, palpitated with soft harmony. As I sat
+there, looking upward into the dim obscurity of the beautifully arched
+roof, the ghosts of centuries seemed to float before me and a feeling
+of awe possessed all my being.
+
+Below my feet rested the ashes of generations of warriors and of
+saintly men of peace who had stood before that altar and administered
+the beautiful offices of the church. That floor had been trodden by
+kings and princes and potentates of high degree, and more than all, by
+an immeasurable mass of common humanity, that through the centuries had
+prayed, wept and rejoiced within those silent walls.
+
+[Illustration: INTERIOR CATHEDRAL, MOUZON.]
+
+Ah! if they could only speak!
+
+My reverie was interrupted by the return of my companions; then the
+professor bade us adieu.
+
+Albert and I once more were out into the sunlight, when the thought of
+that mysterious door in that narrow street came back to me with sudden
+force.
+
+“Albert,” said I, “I have an irresistible desire to see the interior of
+that queer old house, the professor told us was the home of Maugis, the
+sorcerer.”
+
+“I wouldn’t do it,” replied he.
+
+“Why not?”
+
+“Because the professor told me, while we were visiting the organ, that
+the occupant of that house was a strange-acting old man, who becomes
+very violent when intruded upon. Some regard him as partly insane,
+and though he is said to be a very learned man, no one knows anything
+of his early history, except that he has occupied the house for many
+years. Tradition has it that the house was the home of Maugis, and it
+is believed to be haunted. It certainly is the most ancient house in
+Mouzon and has a remarkable fireplace, with a huge carved mantelpiece.”
+
+“Will you come with me, Albert?” I insisted.
+
+“Certainly,” replied he; “if you care to risk it.”
+
+We rapped a long time upon the heavy oak door with no result, and were
+about to give up in despair when we heard a creaking of bolts and
+chains, and it swung partly open on its rusty hinges. A shock head of
+iron-gray hair and two wild gray eyes appeared in the opening.
+
+“Monsieur!” said Albert, “this gentleman, who is my guest, is a
+foreigner and is much interested in antiquarian research. I have
+ventured to intrude upon you in the hopes that you would permit us to
+see the interior of this ancient house.”
+
+No answer.
+
+“Our object in coming here is not mere curiosity,” continued Albert;
+“we shall feel much concerned to know that we disturb you, or that you
+consider our visit an intrusion.”
+
+Albert was certainly a born diplomatist.
+
+“Did that sneaking schoolmaster send you here?” asked the old man.
+
+“On the contrary, we came here without his knowledge and I may say
+against his advice.”
+
+A bony, inkstained hand unfastened a chain; the door creaked open.
+
+“Come in,” he said.
+
+We were ushered into a small apartment, with a low, heavy-beamed
+ceiling, black with age. One side of the room was entirely taken up
+with an enormous fireplace of a size sufficient to roast an ox. Huge
+grotesque figures carved from stone, one on either side, supported
+a high mantel, and a great, cast-iron plate, bearing an almost
+obliterated coat-of-arms, formed its back. The uneven stone floor,
+worn into hollows by the feet of generations, was cluttered up by a
+bench and other _débris_, and a huge table, on which bundles of papers
+were piled in the utmost confusion; a small dust-begrimed window
+half-lighted the gloom.
+
+The old man said not a word, while Albert and I examined the fireplace;
+but he regarded us with a keenness that we could almost feel.
+
+“This small house,” said Albert to me, “was evidently the porter’s
+lodge or guard room of the great citadel, which centuries ago occupied
+this site. It has but two rooms, you will observe, this one and the one
+above.”
+
+“You are right,” interrupted the old man; then going to the door he
+opened it wide and commanded, “now go!”
+
+We silently bowed, and were about to pass out when he laid his hand on
+my arm and said:
+
+“You will remain!”
+
+There was an earnest look in his eyes, and I hesitated a moment; but an
+imperious gesture sent Albert without; the door closed, and I was alone
+with the hermit, half-madman, for such he seemed to be.
+
+“What are you?” he demanded, turning to me.
+
+“An Irishman.”
+
+“When do you leave the country?”
+
+“Next week.”
+
+“Would you do a service for a man whose days on earth are numbered?”
+asked the old man in a tone almost of entreaty.
+
+“Surely, if I can,” I answered; “in what way could I serve you?”
+
+“In a thousand ways,” he almost shouted, jumping to his feet, his tall
+form erect, and his eyes gleaming.
+
+“Listen,” continued he, “for thirty years I have not known a moment’s
+peace. Though this place is haunted, I cannot, dare not leave—I had so
+much to do. I had so much to do,” he moaned, passing his bony hand over
+his forehead, and after a few moments’ pause, he continued:
+
+“It was thirty odd years ago the curse fell upon me. I was a
+schoolmaster at Pau, in southern France, and I was a passionate
+antiquarian. One day I read a paper before the Société d’Ethnographie
+of Nancy, of which I was then a member, on an ancient document I had
+unearthed, concerning the warrior sorcerer Maugis. This manuscript I
+had discovered in the ruins of an old castle. It was a short document,
+but to decipher its cryptogramic characters cost me infinite labor.
+It merely told the hiding place, in the north of France, of sundry
+writings concerning the history of Maugis and the four sons of the
+Duc d’Aymon, historic characters of the reign of Charlemagne. What
+think you was my reception from them? They laughed me to scorn, those
+savants. They said Maugis was apochryphal, was a myth. Then in the
+intensity of my mortification and rage I defied them to their teeth and
+told them I would find the papers; but France never should see them, I
+would burn them first.
+
+“They only laughed the more, and when I cursed them they expelled
+me in disgrace. That did not end my persecution,” explained the old
+man excitedly. “Very soon afterward they took from me my position. I
+was said to be insane, and I left the south broken-hearted and came
+here; that was many years ago. Aided by the directions given me in the
+ancient writing, I found a vast number of documents of the greatest
+historical value. Their hiding place was right here in this ancient
+home of Maugis. I found them stored in a recess back of yonder iron
+plate of the fireplace. Since then I have read what I could and I
+have deciphered what I could, for many were written in mysterious and
+magical characters, and burned them.”
+
+“You burned them?”
+
+“Yes, I burned them, every one.”
+
+“Man, you are surely mad!”
+
+“No! no!” cried he, “I am not mad, I only have my revenge, but
+then”—and here his voice sank to a whisper—“_it_ told me to do it.”
+
+“Who?”
+
+“The vision—the vision that visits this room every night—I but do its
+bidding,” he replied, shuddering.
+
+I then saw that I was dealing with a paranoiac, yet I could not resist
+the impression that there was a certain reason in his madness.
+
+“Have you many of those papers left?” I asked.
+
+“They are nearly finished, and when they are done I must die.”
+
+“Listen!” he continued, his voice sinking to a whisper. “Every night
+a ghostly company sits about that table, and what they say I know
+not; but most awful! a decapitated head stands on its dripping neck
+on the corner of that mantel up there and presides. It is the head of
+Lothaire. Its dreadful eyes search my very soul. Its very bidding I
+feel I must obey. It hurries me on to read! burn! read! burn! and yet
+I now know very well that every paper I give to the flames in that
+fireplace is a step toward death. _It_ commands, I obey, and after all
+it is better so; I am content.
+
+“Worse than all,” continued he after a moment’s pause, “that society
+at Nancy learned in some way that I was right. They searched France
+for me, and they finally found me here. They have written me time and
+time again, but I took no notice. Then they put spies upon me—they
+have even tried to poison me, and failing in that they have tried to
+steal in upon me. That schoolmaster is one of them. So far they have
+failed, but they are now waiting for my death, thinking then to gain
+the precious writings.
+
+“_It_ told me that a stranger would come from a far-off land, and that
+I should give the result of my labor to him.
+
+“You are the man,” he exclaimed, “I will trust you!
+
+“Listen! while I have read and deciphered and destroyed, I have
+written. See,” said he, producing a roll of closely written manuscript,
+“this is a synopsis of it all, it is a history of the life of Maugis,
+the sorcerer, who was not in league with the devil, as supposed, but
+acted under the commands of God.
+
+“This must never be shown to France,” cried the old man earnestly.
+“Will you accept the trust and take oath to do my behest regarding it?”
+
+“I will, providing I can,” I replied.
+
+“Then swear it!” with a sudden force that startled me, thrusting an
+ancient breviary in my face for me to kiss. “Repeat after me! swear,”
+he shouted.
+
+                                “+OATH.+
+
+  “I, Frederick, Lord Gilhooley, do now swear, on my hope of eternal
+  salvation that I accept the manuscript, notes of Maugis, from
+  Charles Voudran as a solemn trust. I will never show it in France.
+  I will keep its contents from the world until the knowledge of the
+  death of Voudran releases me from this, my oath; that I will then
+  publish it with a dedication as follows: ‘To the fools who compose
+  the Société d’Ethnographie of Nancy!’ So help me, God, and all the
+  saints.”
+
+Almost bewildered by the strange scene and surroundings, I mechanically
+repeated the oath after him, and when I had finished the strange being
+looked fixedly at the corner of the mantel, where he had said the
+horrid head appeared, and said:
+
+“Does it please you, master?”
+
+My eyes followed his, but I saw nothing.
+
+Placing both his hands to his head, Voudran staggered to a chair,
+saying to me:
+
+“It is well! you may go, farewell!”
+
+Hiding the precious roll under my cloak I hurried out into the pure
+air and rejoined Albert, who was sauntering leisurely down the street,
+enjoying a cigarette.
+
+We directed our steps onward across the small square in front of the
+cathedral; passed down the ancient main street and stood upon the old
+bridge. It was sunset; a parting ray of sunshine escaping through the
+clouds shot across the top of the hills over field and valley and
+tenderly caressed the dingy front of the grand old church towering far
+above its surroundings, glorifying it for a moment and then fading,
+leaving it and the hoary-roofed houses nestling at its feet, as if for
+protection, almost ghostlike in the coming twilight.
+
+I leaned over the parapet of the bridge and looking down listened to
+the gurgling of the river through its ancient arches. The charm of the
+hour was upon me and it seemed to me as if I could hear voices calling
+to me out of the past. I stood there, dreaming and musing upon the
+strange events of the day, until aroused by my companion, who put his
+hand on my shoulder and said:
+
+“Come! we must go!”
+
+The twilight had fallen into dusk and as I looked backward, while
+turning away, at rare old Mouzon, poor old Mouzon—grand old Mouzon—it
+stood out to my view with its great old cathedral looming up more
+ghostlike than ever.
+
+So, gentle reader, poor Charles Voudran is dead, and here I present
+you, according to my promise, the story of Maugis, the warrior
+sorcerer, and the four knightly sons of Aymon, and I pray that it may
+please you well.
+
+In presenting the exciting episodes of this story which poor Voudran,
+through me, now presents to your favor, it is perhaps proper for
+me to call your attention to the curious revelations it makes of
+the civilization of those ancient times, where a strange mixture of
+religious fervor, high chivalry, magnanimity, and keen sense of
+honor, are intermingled with superstition, barbaric splendor, cruelty,
+treachery, and disregard of life, altogether affording a remarkable
+insight into the human nature and the manners and customs of the eighth
+century.
+
+This story deals of a period when Christianity had become widespread
+throughout the then civilized world, and the prevailing conception of
+God was that of an austere and awful nemesis, a deity enraged against
+humanity. The element of mercy seemed to be entirely left out of God’s
+dealings with mankind. The most trivial offense met an eternity of
+torture in hell, the violation of an oath was eternal damnation, and
+only the most ascetic means could in any event secure salvation. To
+retire from the world into monasteries or solitudes was thought to be
+the most successful atonement possible.
+
+It is history how the shadow of this awful fear hung over the world
+like a pall for centuries, and how in the middle ages man became fairly
+mad with fright.
+
+In relation to this story, I have made the attempt to preserve the
+style of the unfortunate scholar who intrusted it to me, preserving its
+simplicity, which is that as a minstrel of old going about singing of
+the deeds of men.
+
+I have carefully omitted, in the interest of the reader, the learned
+disquisitions of poor Voudran on psychic phenomena as related to the
+history of Maugis, which would attract those only who are studying the
+subject, and which, doubtless, involved on the part of the unfortunate
+scholar a vast amount of labor. Perhaps the result of his labors is
+best summed up in his own words in the concluding sentences of his
+manuscript now before me:
+
+“This concludes the story of Maugis which I have laboriously gleaned
+from ancient documents found in his house; I trust I have proved from
+the study of the ancient Sanskrit writings among these papers that
+the manifestations of Maugis were due to nothing more or less than a
+knowledge of psychic phenomena that would be remarkable even in this
+enlightened age, and the fear and consternation their exercise must
+have produced in the age of superstition of the time of Charlemagne can
+hardly be conceived.
+
+“The secret of the whole matter I have unearthed. It seems that the
+Duke d’Aymon, the father of Maugis, did heroic service in the holy
+wars. He happened one time to make a prisoner of a very venerable man
+who was held in captivity by the Saracens. The Duke d’Aymon, attracted
+by his profound learning and great gentleness of demeanor, treated him
+with the utmost consideration. His new-found friend was none other than
+a renowned Hindu, a man who was not only a pundit and Mahatma, but was
+also a Bodhisatva.
+
+“This noted scholar was named Sahadeva Vyasa Pandu, who afterward
+returned to France with the Duke d’Aymon and remained with him until
+his death. It was under his tuition that Maugis, the eldest son of
+the Duke d’Aymon, became accomplished in occult things and learned to
+develop and control psychic forces; who became the possessor of the
+wonderful powers of telepathy and hypnosis, and it was due to this
+occult knowledge that Maugis was enabled to accomplish the marvelous
+things which in that age must have appeared truly awful.”
+
+These final words of the manuscript of poor Voudran are almost pathetic:
+
+“I know not while I write this by whom it may be read, and I care not
+so long as it is kept from that Society of Fools at Nancy, who scorned
+me, who ostracised me, and who wrecked my life. I know only that my
+eyes will be closed and my lips will be dumb when this protest goes out
+to the great and unfeeling and cruel world.”
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER II.
+
+
+Afar down the centuries in the good year 779 A.D., on a certain
+afternoon in the golden month of August, the greatest excitement was
+visible about the palace of the great Emperor Charlemagne at Paris. The
+royal armies, headed by that great warrior, had been victorious over
+the Saracens, in which battle “Guesdelin, the Sluggard,” their general,
+had been killed, and he, surrounded by his victorious legions, had
+returned to Paris in triumph to celebrate the _fêtes_ of the Pentecost
+in company of his brilliant court. Although in that sanguinary battle
+he had met with the deplorable loss of several of his bravest knights,
+Noel, Count of Mans, Arnoue de Froulon, Albert de Bouillon, Solomon de
+Bretagne and a number of others; nevertheless the _fêtes_ were not made
+less brilliant by the absence of these brave men. There had assembled
+at Paris for his great occasion, all the dukes and peers of France with
+their glittering retinues, and with them also came many princes and
+noblemen from other courts of Europe to assist in the festivities.
+
+Among all that brilliant assemblage the most remarked were the brave
+Duke d’Aymon, Lord of Dordogne, and his four gigantic sons, Maugis,
+Allard, Guichard and Richard, all handsome and courageous young men.
+
+Maugis, above the others, commanded the admiration of the entire
+court, his height, for he was seven feet tall, his valor and his great
+learning, for he was the pupil of a pundit whose life had been saved by
+his father during the Saracenic wars, and who had enriched his young
+charge from his vast store of occult knowledge, had made him renowned
+already, and it was generally conceded that he was destined for a great
+career.
+
+The great audience chamber was packed with this brilliant assemblage
+on that August afternoon, and the babble of voices that filled the air
+fell into a profound hush upon the entry of the emperor.
+
+Unbefitting the joy of the occasion, his brow was clouded by a deep
+frown, and gazing upon the sea of upturned faces before him for awhile,
+he arose from his throne and amid a great silence addressed them in
+these words:
+
+“Brave knights, your valor has aided me in the highest degree to
+overcome the enemy, to conquer many cities, and obtain the submission
+of their people. But alas! to secure these grand results we have the
+sorrow to lose many of our noblest born. Bad enough as this is there
+is yet another matter that deeply incenses me and of this I now speak.
+Because Gerard de Roussillon, the Duke of Nantueil, and the Duke de
+Beuves d’Aigremont, all three of them our brothers and our subjects,
+refused me their aid, I now make complaint against them. Believing in
+their oaths of allegiance to me I surely counted upon their aid, and
+without their force or aid was compelled to engage superior numbers.
+It is to Solomon, who came to our succor with thirty thousand troops,
+and Lambert, and Galeron de Bordeille, and Berruger, to whom is due our
+victories.”
+
+At this point the emperor rose to his full height, and with eyes
+flashing, continued: “I now declare to you that I shall once more
+appeal to the Duke Beuves d’Aigremont to fulfill his allegiance and
+if he still resists I shall lay siege to his dominions; if I become
+aroused I will not stop at taking life. I will flay him alive, send
+his wife and his son Renaud to the stake, and give their country up to
+pillage.”
+
+At these savage words, uttered with the utmost anger, the Duke de
+Naimes, who was considered to be the wisest man of the court, arose and
+responded to the king:
+
+“Sire, employ all possible means to avoid war, which is always cruel
+to the people whom you govern. Therefore send to the Duke d’Aigremont
+a man who is capable, sure and faithful and one in whom you can place
+your entire confidence, one who combines all the qualities of _finesse_
+and prudence required by the importance of this mission. Let him go to
+the duke and present to him his forgetfulness of his oath to you in
+such terms of consideration and without pride of manner as will have
+the most effect and then let the answer your majesty receives govern
+the determination as to what course your majesty will take.”
+
+The king, strongly impressed by this sensible advice, adopted it, but
+was much embarrassed to make a selection of a man sufficiently discreet
+and courageous to fulfill such a perilous mission—one who had neither
+fear of the menaces of the famous duke, or the tried warriors of his
+family. He finally chose his own son Lothaire, who accepted with all
+the submission of a son and loyal subject, not without having demanded
+the benediction of his royal father, the blessing of heaven, and at the
+same time prayed God to care for his family.
+
+Charlemagne had no sooner made this decision when he was assailed with
+the most dire presentiments, and his depression was only increased when
+the following morning he saw the departure of his son and his suite,
+composed of one hundred brave knights, well armed and equipped. It
+seemed to the unhappy king as if he was gazing for the last time on
+the face of his well-beloved son, and the while regretted keenly that
+etiquette would not allow a monarch to go himself as ambassador and
+demand an account of a disloyal subject of his rebellion.
+
+News traveled very quickly even in those olden days, and it was not
+long before the Duke d’Aigremont was informed of the departure of the
+cavalcade at the head of which gayly rode the young prince, and thanks
+to the activity of his spies, the news came to D’Aigremont the moment
+of the reunion of his barons at his castle to celebrate the _fêtes_ of
+Pentecost and to participate in the tournaments and games which were
+customary at that epoch. Enraged at the fact of an embassy approaching
+him on such a mission, and desiring to hasten his expression of
+insubordination, he at once announced to his barons his intention of
+giving offense to the king, and addressed them in these words:
+
+“What now, sirs! the king not only makes the mistake of pretending to
+make me and my people serve him, but he sends his oldest son to me to
+make me menaces. What would you do under such circumstances were you in
+my place?”
+
+He had among his knights some men who were very true and sincere in
+their counsel and who did not hesitate to speak plainly. One Sir Simon
+was called upon and expressed himself thus:
+
+“Monseigneur, a man who resists his king, who, after his God, is his
+lord and master, makes an offense against heaven and justice. What do
+you propose to do? Sustain your disobedience by force of arms? We are
+all ready to shed our blood to the last drop, if may be, in the cause
+of justice, and our valor will never allow us to yield to numbers,
+but what will be our fate if we are defeated? How can you expect the
+clemency of the king if you refuse to receive his son? Have you no fear
+of the fate of a rebellious subject?”
+
+The Duke d’Aigremont would not allow him to finish. Sparks of fire shot
+from his eyes, their pupils dilated and he menaced his loyal servitor
+for having ventured to speak so freely.
+
+The duchess, on her part, fearful of the result, conjured the
+inflexible man to listen to the counsels of his true friends and to
+again seek to enter into the good graces of the king; when, however,
+the matter was submitted to the assemblage, there was a great division
+of opinion. This is why the advice of the good duchess was opposed by
+some and satisfied others.
+
+The Duke d’Aigremont insisted on his intention of declining to serve
+the king and refused to listen while, said he, he had three brothers
+from whom he had a right to expect support, without counting his four
+nephews, the sons of the Duke d’Aymon, without doubt the most valiant
+warriors of the kingdom.
+
+Meanwhile, during the occurrence of these scenes, the cavalcade of
+Lothaire came into view of the castle. He had never seen a fortress in
+a more formidable position, situated as it was on a high and almost
+inaccessible rock at the foot of which a deep river ran.
+
+“Indeed, your highness,” said the commander of the escort to the young
+prince, “yon is a formidable place truly.” The castle had now come more
+fully into view and as its tall battlements flanked by two high towers
+arose on high, outlined against the blue sky, the prince only smiled
+and replied:
+
+“Tut! Gaston, the sight of such an obstacle only incites me the more to
+fulfill the mission intrusted me, and nothing shall retard me.”
+
+In due time, to the sound of a lively fanfare by his heralds, Prince
+Lothaire stood before the gates of the castle and was admitted to the
+great court that was ominously guarded by grim soldiery.
+
+The Duke d’Aigremont received him in the great audience-chamber seated
+upon his throne. Beside him were his wife and son Renaud. Lothaire
+advanced to the duke to acquaint him with his mission, but instead of
+talking with moderation and following the counsels of the principal
+knights of his suite, he forgot all reserve and with a haughty mien
+spoke as follows:
+
+“Woe to the servant who disobeys his master! Monseigneur! Charlemagne
+is irritated against you because you have not obeyed his commands. He
+demands to know your reasons. Also am I come by his commands to promise
+you his pardon, provided you will at once place yourself at his mercy
+and make oath to send him five hundred knights. If you persist in your
+refusal you shall receive no pity. Punishments most cruel will be
+visited upon thee and thine, and the loss of all thy domains and all
+thy subjects will be the consequence of thy obstinacy. I require an
+immediate answer. Decide quickly, for Charlemagne awaits my return with
+impatience.”
+
+At these bold and indiscreet words the Duke d’Aigremont bounded to his
+feet enraged.
+
+“By Saint Gris!” he cried, “tell thy father, Charlemagne, that not only
+do I refuse his appeal to assist him in war, but that I will myself
+make war upon him. I will come with my own army and destroy the kingdom
+of France.”
+
+“Thou traitor!” shouted Lothaire in reply, forgetting all restraint and
+refusing the warnings of his suite to conduct himself moderately.
+
+Those old days were grim times—there was very little between a word and
+a blow.
+
+“Have a care, young man,” hissed D’Aigremont, his eyes blazing. “You
+will never return to thy father.”
+
+“Traitor and coward!” hotly responded the prince, drawing his sword.
+
+The duke, upon this, unsheathed his own sword and sprang upon Lothaire,
+his knights threw themselves upon the suite of the prince, and the
+_mêlée_ became general.
+
+The great audience-chamber rang with sounds of blows, oaths, shouts,
+and the cries of the wounded and dying.
+
+[Illustration: THE HAUNTED BATTLEFIELD.]
+
+Prince Lothaire was everywhere, his sword seemed invincible, a man fell
+at every stroke. Even when the Duke d’Aigremont appeared before him
+he barely resisted the furious onward rush of Lothaire and fell back
+staggering and wounded from a terrible stroke of his sword. But quickly
+recovering, in his turn he struck down the prince with all his force,
+and such was his fury he did not leave the mangled remains until he had
+cut off the head of his opponent.
+
+Meantime in battle around them the men of the prince had fought
+bravely, although greatly outnumbered. Of the one hundred men composing
+the suite, only twenty remained alive, and these, seeing the fall of
+their chief commander, surrendered. The infuriated duke ordered all but
+ten of them to be killed, and these he made swear solemnly that they
+would carry the remains of the prince back to Paris.
+
+“Tell him, thy master,” said he, “that here is the body of thy son. Be
+assured I shall not wait idly for thee to come and succor it.”
+
+The ten knights having given their word to report these words
+faithfully, put the remains of Lothaire in a chariot and departed
+sorrowfully homeward.
+
+In the meantime, Charlemagne, much disquieted at not receiving news of
+his son, openly manifested his fears. The sinister presentiments he had
+had made him think his son was dead, then in an access of rage he made
+the most terrible threats against the Duke d’Aigremont.
+
+“I will go,” said he, “at the head of an army and reduce him to the
+most cruel extremities.”
+
+Those surrounding him endeavored to calm him and convince him that
+it would be impossible for the Duke d’Aigremont to be capable of so
+infamous an action.
+
+“If ever,” cried the Duke d’Aymon, “the Duke d’Aigremont has committed
+such a crime, he should be served with a startling vengeance. Who among
+us would refuse you support? For me, sire! and my four sons, count on
+our loyalty and courage.”
+
+“I am deeply moved by thy fidelity, my good Aymon,” replied the king.
+“Many affairs have so occupied me that I have not yet seen thy four
+brave sons. Do thou present them to me on the morrow that I may arm
+them in a style befitting their high rank.”
+
+Following upon this, the next day, in the presence of the whole
+court, Charlemagne formally knighted Maugis and presented him with a
+magnificent suit of armor that he had himself taken from the King of
+Cyprus, who had fallen under his own hand at Paraplumex. Then the king
+embraced him. Maugis had then placed upon his feet the golden spurs of
+Oger, the Dane, after which he sprang upon the back of his favorite
+horse, Bayard, whose name has come down to us in poetry and song as
+one of the most perfect animals that ever existed.
+
+The three brothers of Maugis were equally well armed and knighted.
+Following these ceremonies, Charlemagne gave a tournament in their
+honor, at which the young men so acquitted themselves as to win the
+admiration of everyone.
+
+Maugis, having defeated one of the most skillful knights of
+Charlemagne’s court, while riding around the lists toward the station
+of the king, amid the tumultuous plaudits of the onlookers, was stopped
+in his course by seeing a tiny glove tied with a knot of blue ribbon
+fall at his feet. Hastily dismounting and recovering it he looked up
+among the sea of faces regarding him and his eye was arrested by a
+beautiful figure seated beside a stalwart warrior, one of the guests of
+the court.
+
+When two beautiful blue eyes met his own, their glance sought his heart
+direct; even as a moonbeam will kiss a placid pool and glorify it, so
+was the heart of Maugis gladdened. He failed not during the few seconds
+of the episode to note the tall willowy figure and the shapely head
+which was soon hidden blushing behind the shoulder of her brother,
+shrinking from the too ardent gaze of the young knight. Neither failed
+he to note that her slender waist was encircled by a sash of the same
+hue as the ribbon on the glove he held in his hand.
+
+Little did he know the vicissitudes that would afterward divide their
+lives and pursue them when united—he only loved and was happy.
+
+Reverently kissing the glove, Maugis placed it on his helmet and
+thereafter performed such deeds of valor and prowess that everyone
+was amazed. Charlemagne hastened to swear the four brothers into his
+service, and insisted that Maugis should never quit him. Still no news
+of Lothaire. The entire court was depressed. The king, accompanied by
+the Duke of Naimes, took long walks on the banks of the Seine, their
+favorite promenade, and there alone with his most intimate friend, the
+king poured out to him all his hopes and fears. One day while taking
+their accustomed walk, they saw at a great distance a cavalier covered
+with dust approach them at a gallop. They both at the same instant
+recognized him as one of the suite of Lothaire. Charlemagne, turning
+pale, threw himself into the arms of the Duke of Naimes.
+
+“My son is dead,” he cried, “and it is I who am his murderer. How much
+better it would have been if, instead of showing clemency to the Duke
+of Aigremont, I had marched upon him at the head of an army. I would
+not have been to-day mourning the death of my son.”
+
+At this moment the messenger knight, who had ridden night and day to
+bring the tidings, presented himself before them and announced the
+bloody death of Lothaire, which having done, overcome with fatigue, he
+fell at the feet of Charlemagne and expired.
+
+A most touching scene then occurred between the emperor and his
+confidant. Both wept and amid their tears sought to console each other.
+
+“Why shed tears?” said the Duke de Naimes, “our regrets will not bring
+back the prince to life. It is vengeance we must have now. To punish
+the murderer is, above all, our sole aim. God, who never abandons those
+who battle for the right, will sustain us. Here, it is not only the
+father who fights the assassin of his son, it is the sovereign who
+demands account of the blood of his ambassador.”
+
+This energetic discourse had the effect intended by the duke.
+Charlemagne, with his face resolute, laid aside his sorrowings and gave
+orders to his knights, courtiers and soldiers for the disposition of
+the remains of his son. An immense _cortége_ accompanied the body to
+the church of St. Germain des Pres, where the final obsequies occurred.
+
+After the ceremony terminated, when Charlemagne was returning
+sorrowfully to Paris with his suite, revolving in his mind projects
+of vengeance, a messenger brought to him the startling intelligence
+that the Duke d’Aymon and his four sons had suddenly left the court
+and had quitted Paris. At this the king became so enraged and swore so
+violently that it was all in vain the courtiers sought to calm him by
+calling his attention to the fact that the Duke d’Aymon was the own
+brother of the Duke d’Aigremont, who had murdered his son, and when he
+left his sons were in duty bound to accompany him. Charlemagne could
+listen to nothing, but finally becoming more calm, demanded to know the
+real reason for the departure of the five knights.
+
+It was reported to him that the Duke d’Aymon de Dordogne, being made
+aware of the death of Lothaire and of the felony of his brother
+d’Aigremont, called his sons together in council. He felt that they
+were in a false position owing to the shameful defection of their
+relative, and he realized that Charlemagne, in his just anger, would
+take a terrible revenge. What should they do? What course should they
+take? Support Charlemagne and thus aid in the destruction of their
+relative, or embrace the cause of Aigremont and violate their oath to
+the emperor?
+
+Said Maugis: “I propose that we leave the court, retire to the
+Ardennes, and remain there to witness the result. By doing this neither
+party could accuse us of treason, for until we have taken a final
+decision we would have neither violated the ties of relationship nor
+the laws of friendship.”
+
+This proposition was agreed to by all, and they immediately left the
+court and set out upon their journey home.
+
+Though the motive of their sudden departure was honorable,
+Charlemagne, irritated not to have the help of five men of renowned
+valor, would consider no excuse and swore against them a war of
+extermination.
+
+While the court of Charlemagne was engaged in active preparations,
+Aymon and his four sons gained in all haste their domains in the
+Ardennes, where Edwige, the wife of the duke, received them with joy.
+After the first moments consecrated to greeting, Edwige would know the
+news from Paris.
+
+Alas! the joy of the poor mother was short-lived when she was apprised
+of the cause of their return.
+
+Edwige was at the same time allied by marriage to the house of
+Charlemagne and to that of Aigremont. Her course was very difficult to
+choose; but having carefully reflected, she said to her husband and
+sons:
+
+“Why do you hesitate to march with Charlemagne? He is your lord and
+has armed our sons; this thought should carry you to that side. The
+crime of our relative is infamous and inexcusable, and think you that
+the emperor, after having chastised the criminal, will not follow it
+up by attacking the traitors who have aided his enemies by a passive
+assistance, and who have, by so doing, diminished the forces of the
+royal army?
+
+“The crime of D’Aigremont is unpardonable. An ambassador is sacred in
+all cases and it is violating those usages and those laws, recognized
+by all mankind, and more, his act has plunged the king into the
+deepest sorrow by cutting the throat of his son, who came in the name
+of his father to claim those sacred rights a sovereign has over his
+princes. If Aigremont conquers, how much will your conscience reproach
+you for not having aided in the punishment of the culpable. If on the
+other hand, he is vanquished, have you not good reason to fear the
+conqueror, who has insults and infidelity to avenge? The best thing to
+do is to take my advice, return to the emperor at once and serve him
+faithfully.”
+
+The truth and justice of these words made a profound impression on the
+father and his sons, but the young knights did not relish the idea of
+returning to Paris, so they formed their plans to pass some time at the
+château of their father. Meanwhile, Charlemagne was actively occupied
+in raising his army. In response to his call, all the peers and knights
+were assembling their vassals on their estates.
+
+May 18th was the time fixed for the assemblage of the army on the
+Champs-de-Mars at Paris.
+
+The subjects of the emperor were not a single instant behind the day
+set.
+
+On the part of the Duke d’Aigremont, he, knowing full well that the
+king would never pardon his crime, gave every attention to putting
+himself in defense, and made the rounds of his entire domain.
+
+After a time he had raised a considerable army. His brothers, Gerard
+de Roussillon and the Duke de Nanteuil, also joined him with a number
+of soldiers.
+
+When his army was complete, D’Aigremont deemed it wise to go out and
+meet the king, before he could besiege him in his own country, having
+respect for an enemy so bitter and active as Charlemagne. In fact the
+king, anxious to secure his revenge, would permit no one to place
+his troops. He would do that himself. He confined his advance guard
+to Gallerand de Bouillon, Nemours, Gui de Baviere, Oger, Richard and
+Eatonville. The rearguard was commanded by the Duke of Naimes.
+
+The center he reserved for himself, and having made this disposition of
+his forces his army set out.
+
+Hardly had the march commenced when he was informed by a deserter of
+the advance of the army of the Duke d’Aigremont to meet him, and that
+he had already invaded Champagne and was laying siege to Troyes with
+great activity, which news caused him to throw forward the detachments
+of the Duke de Naimes, the Duke de Bouillon and Godefroy de Frise, with
+orders to await the arrival of the main army, a short distance from the
+besieged city.
+
+De Roussillon, who commanded the advance guard of D’Aigremont, soon
+perceived the advance guard of the king’s army and giving his war-cry,
+at once charged upon them, to which the army of Charlemagne responded,
+and the two armies met with a terrible shock, and so fierce was the
+onset that the ground was soon strewn with the wounded and dying and
+the _débris_ of arms.
+
+The Duke d’Aigremont charged upon Oger and stretched him senseless
+at his feet. Gerard and Nanteuil came quickly to join their brother,
+followed by the best of their troops, and hurled themselves on the
+enemy with renewed fury. Then were performed acts of the greatest
+valor. Richard de Normandy, who commanded the allies, made a heroic
+resistance. Spearmen from Lombardy, bowmen from Germany and Portevin,
+in serried ranks offered an indestructible line of battle. One knight,
+with more hardihood than the others, hurled himself against them in the
+endeavor to break it, and received his death by a lance-thrust from
+Gerard.
+
+The three brothers, seeing that they could obtain no chance for success
+from that side, renewed their efforts by hurling themselves on the army
+of Charlemagne.
+
+At the first shock the forces of Gallerand de Bouillon were nearly
+thrown from their feet. It was a moment requiring all their tenacity.
+Many were killed on both sides, but Charlemagne, with a prudence
+that never deserted him, even in the most perilous moments, allowed
+D’Aigremont and his brother to become engaged more and more until he
+found a favorite moment, and then moved his troops quickly around the
+flank of their forces and caught them in the rear.
+
+The duke had been wounded by Richard de Normandy, and his life was only
+saved by the fall of his horse, which tumbled under a stroke of the
+sword intended for him.
+
+Retreat now became the last resource of the army of the Duke
+d’Aigremont and the order was given and the battalions that had started
+out so brilliantly in the morning commenced to retire in good order.
+
+Charlemagne at once saw the movement, and calling to him the Duke de
+Naimes, Godefroy de Frise, Gallerand and many others, he ordered them
+to pursue the Duke d’Aigremont and his brothers without relaxation, and
+if possible take them alive that he might visit upon them the direst
+vengeance.
+
+These brave knights immediately started in pursuit of the enemy,
+but the falling of night prevented their carrying out the orders of
+Charlemagne.
+
+After the terrible exertions of the day both armies needed rest. The
+Duke d’Aigremont was much chagrined at his defeat. His brother Gerard,
+in particular, who had been annoyed at the death of Lothaire, could
+not conceal his discontent; he could not resist making the complaint
+that he had made his promise to assist D’Aigremont in all things, but
+nevertheless, he desired to resume the attack upon the king the next
+day with all the force they could command and avenge their defeat and
+Nanteuil dissuaded them.
+
+“I think,” said he, “that we are not defending a just cause, and that
+it would be better to send a deputation of our knights to Charlemagne
+and ask for peace. Are we not his subjects? Besides to prevail, we must
+attack him unaware. And suppose we do succeed in destroying his army,
+it will only follow that we shall again be opposed by a force more
+considerable than any we can assemble? No! I think the wisest course
+for us to pursue is to submit.”
+
+The advice of Nanteuil prevailed. It was agreed that the following
+morning ambassadors were to be sent to Charlemagne to make terms of
+peace.
+
+Accordingly, at sunrise the next day, thirty knights, chosen from the
+most experienced and from those of the highest rank, after having
+received the instructions of D’Aigremont, mounted their horses and
+proceeded to the camp of Charlemagne.
+
+The king being informed of their approach assembled his army in battle
+array and received them at the door of his tent. The messengers of
+D’Aigremont came forward, bearing an olive branch as a sign of peace,
+and kneeling before him bowed down to the earth.
+
+“Rise!” commanded Charlemagne.
+
+“Sire,” said Henri de Brienne, “we have come in the name of the Duke de
+Beuves d’Aigremont to implore your clemency. We recognize the enormity
+of our crime, and here before your majesty we would place ourselves
+into your hands. We supplicate you, above all, to spare the poor people
+we compelled to obey us and who were forced into complicity in our
+crime. If your majesty will but say the word, the Duke d’Aigremont and
+his brothers will come and submit themselves to any punishment you may
+see fit to impose upon them.”
+
+The king, trembling at the thought of being brought face to face once
+more with the murderer of his son, ordered the knights to return
+to their master and to have him present himself at once to receive
+punishment for his crimes, accompanied by his three brothers; that
+his army must surrender at discretion; that the ambassador might
+have no illusions as to his formal intention not to submit to any
+supplications, and that the truth of these words might be forced upon
+them, he ordered, in their presence, the erection of three gibbets upon
+which the three brothers were to swing.
+
+These grim preparations completed, Charlemagne sent them back, giving
+them until noon to execute his commands, under penalty of immediately
+commencing hostilities.
+
+The thirty knights returned to their camp and faithfully reported
+to the Duke d’Aigremont the words of Charlemagne. There was nothing
+left to do but bravely accept their fate. The order was immediately
+given for the disarmament of the troops. The Duke d’Aigremont had a
+difficult task in overcoming the repugnance of Gerard de Bouillon and
+De Nanteuil to submitting, but they finally consented to accompany him.
+
+It was a sad and curious spectacle to see the Duke d’Aigremont and his
+two brothers on that bright and beautiful May morning, stripped to
+their shirts, with heads bare, with a cord attached to their necks,
+march at the head of several hundred knights, stripped to their shirts
+likewise, and followed by their soldiers with heads bare, all marching
+on foot along the road which separated their camp from the camp of
+Charlemagne. Upon their arrival at the tent of the emperor the three
+brothers with their suite and all their army kneeled to the earth, amid
+a great hush from the assembled hosts.
+
+With constrained voice the emperor bid the three brothers arise, and
+sternly but silently pointed to them the way to the scaffold.
+
+The three brothers without a single supplication obeyed in silence.
+On arriving at the foot of the gibbet, the emperor, who had followed,
+could no longer conceal his emotion, and for the moment the heart of
+the soldier overcame the sorrows of the father. He paused and with
+bitter tears filling his eyes:
+
+“Barbarians!” cried he, “why should you have punished me so cruelly by
+destroying my beloved son, a young prince who complied loyally with the
+orders of his sovereign?”
+
+D’Aigremont was deeply affected by the grief of the emperor. “Sire!”
+said he, “I beg to die without delay; I realize the enormity of my
+crime and that death alone can remove my disgrace.”
+
+The executioners then approached to perform their sinister offices. The
+assembled armies awaited, breathless and concerned, the end of this
+powerful drama.
+
+The emperor seemed to be entirely absorbed in his grief, but suddenly
+recovering command of himself and with a noble generosity, so
+characteristic of him, he forgot the death of his son, and, sacrificing
+his grief and revenge, these words fell from his lips:
+
+“I pardon you,” said he to the condemned. “Can you appreciate the
+sentiments that dictate my conduct to you? Resume your titles and
+your dignities, everything shall be forgotten and the past shall be
+effaced—this time do not forget your oaths of fidelity, or else you
+cannot hope for my forgiveness.”
+
+A thrill of admiration ran through all the spectators. Mute with
+surprise at first, there finally arose an explosion of joy from the
+hearts of those who, an instant previous, had been torn with fear and
+sorrow. Loud acclaims arose on every hand and the soldiers of the two
+armies embraced each other in a transport of joy.
+
+D’Aigremont and his brothers were stricken dumb with surprise. They
+could hardly comprehend the greatness of soul and generosity of the
+emperor and stood silent. They then solemnly promised never to do
+anything again contrary to the wishes of their master, and renewed
+their oaths of fidelity.
+
+The Duke de Naimes, the most devoted friend of the emperor, could not
+contain his satisfaction.
+
+“Sire,” exclaimed he, “you are the greatest king the world has ever
+known. This act of generosity, which does you honor, will be an
+imperishable monument to you. You have commended your friends and your
+people to God and you will never have cause to regret your action.”
+
+After some moments, when the enthusiasm had become calmed, Charlemagne
+caused all the arms and equipments of the three brothers, their knights
+and soldiers, to be returned to them, and when they had received them
+they cried to be led against the foes of the emperor and promised
+to use all efforts to aid him. The princes and their men that night
+encamped with the royal army.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER III.
+
+
+All being restored to order and the war between himself and subjects
+having been terminated, Charlemagne returned to Paris, after having
+made an appointment with the Duke d’Aigremont to meet him at the
+capital.
+
+The duke was pledged to come immediately with two hundred men, also
+to raise six thousand men additional, and the same were to report at
+Paris in good order as soon as possible to join the king’s army. Gerard
+and Nanteuil, the brothers of d’Aigremont, the emperor commanded, were
+to proceed with him as an escort, and were to march in advance with
+himself.
+
+Agreeable to this arrangement, some time afterward, when the Duke
+d’Aigremont had proceeded toward Paris, until he was nearly at
+Soissons, he perceived an army of about four thousand men advancing to
+meet him. He was much puzzled to account for this movement and deemed
+it prudent to stop.
+
+The forgiveness that Charlemagne had solemnly accorded the duke had,
+it seems, created a profound jealousy in the hearts of many of the
+courtiers, one of whom in particular regarded his noble action simply
+as an act of cowardice. He was jealous of the emperor and jealous of
+the duke. His cowardly mind prompted him to dishonor the former and
+get rid of the latter, if he could only contrive some means to attack
+him, for he was possessed of considerable force and had great courage
+besides. He decided that to disgrace him would be the better plan. This
+is why he then proceeded to represent insinuatingly to the emperor
+that he had been hasty and inconsiderate in his pardon of the princes,
+even though they had taken a new oath of fidelity. There could be no
+doubt that it was their plan to surround the king when a favorable
+opportunity came with a force he could not resist. This traitor further
+represented to the king that allowing himself to be so encompassed by
+these princes was an inconsistent act amounting to temerity and that
+it would have been infinitely better to have immediately gotten rid of
+them in some indirect manner than to allow them an opportunity to form
+new relations in the royal army.
+
+This tempter also worked on the royal mind by bringing up past
+injuries, and he cunningly brought up the cruel death of Lothaire,
+until he felt certain of obtaining, if not an order, at least a tacit
+consent to the carrying out of his evil designs. That was what came
+about.
+
+This villainous plotter was Ganelon, who, after this preliminary
+poisoning of the emperor’s mind, completed his work by going to him
+accompanied by three other knights, when all three represented to the
+emperor that if the Duke d’Aigremont was allowed to come to Paris with
+an army he might do so with one double the strength he had promised,
+which would surely compromise his security; it being the intention of
+the duke, they were sure, to raise the standard of revolt at the first
+opportunity.
+
+“In effect, sire!” said Ganelon, “it would be quite easy to sow
+discord in an army composed of different peoples. Prejudices could be
+created by exciting one against the other until a conflict would be
+precipitated that would endanger the crown itself.”
+
+“Sire,” said another knight, “to prevent such a dire disaster, there is
+only one way.”
+
+“And that is,” queried the now thoroughly enraged emperor.
+
+“To stop his coming and to take him dead or alive and punish him for
+having violated his new oath,” cried Ganelon.
+
+“S’ death! I find it ill favors me to believe this,” exclaimed
+Charlemagne with darkened brow, “D’Aigremont swore to me his fidelity
+and that he should violate it a second time is impossible.”
+
+“But sire!” urged Ganelon, “consider the safety of your majesty and
+that of the state.”
+
+“Enough!” thundered the emperor. “I will not believe it. However,
+rather than have myself to reproach for a deplorable conflict, such
+as would occur by these reports, take four thousand soldiers and go
+yourself to meet D’Aigremont and assure yourself of his faithfulness.”
+
+A gleam of triumph lighted the eyes of the perfidious plotter, though
+his impassiveness did not betray the feelings of triumph which surged
+in his breast, as he, with his three fellow conspirators, left the
+royal presence. He had obtained part of what he desired, knowing that
+at the same time he had also been able to show every indication of zeal
+and profound attachment to the emperor. He hastened to put himself at
+the head of his troops and set out on his mission.
+
+It was this body of troops, headed by Ganelon, that barred the progress
+of the Duke d’Aigremont toward Paris.
+
+The duke paused in his march with a sinking heart. “Why,” he asked
+himself, as the royal banners came into view and apprised him that it
+was the king’s forces that faced him, “should the emperor send these
+troops to resist me?”
+
+He, however, determined to face the situation boldly and advanced with
+his escort toward the royal army.
+
+The duke approached within speaking distance, paused and respectfully
+saluted the royal colors.
+
+[Illustration: ANCIENT GATE OF MOUZON.]
+
+“May I inquire,” he demanded in a respectful tone, “why this army is
+against me?”
+
+“In good sooth, may’st thou!” replied Count Morillon, the lieutenant of
+Ganelon, “there can be but one way to meet traitors, but with force,
+neither can there be but one way to treat assassins.”
+
+At these insulting words the face of the duke flushed hotly, but with
+an effort of will he controlled himself and said with great deference:
+“This must be an error, peace has been made and there can be no excuse
+for recommencing a conflict that will perhaps prove fatal to each of
+us.”
+
+“Traitor!” shouted Morillon in reply. “It may be the emperor has
+pardoned thee, but the people have neither forgiven thee nor thy
+crimes.”
+
+At these words Ganelon shouted: “_A bas le assassin!_” and at the head
+of his troops bore down upon the duke and his small escort. But the
+latter was too brave a man to retreat before this threatening movement.
+
+Ganelon thought for a moment that the duke would seek safety in flight
+and ordered Morillon to get in his rear. But the brave duke resisted
+this movement, for it was his last thought to fly. Even had he so
+thought, it was now too late, such were the superior numbers against
+him. Morillon succeeded in getting in his rear and he was completely
+surrounded.
+
+Then commenced a most desperate battle and in a very short time
+the duke had lost half of his people, but the remainder fought with
+a determination to die rather than surrender. It was a conflict of
+giants. Each sword-stroke claimed its victim and even the horses joined
+the men in that frenzied struggle.
+
+The duke slew with one blow of his mighty sword, both Helic and
+Godefroy. Morillon would have encountered the same fate but for the
+quickness of Griffon de Hautfeuille, who cut down the horse of the Duke
+d’Aigremont, who, entangled in the fall, could not recover himself,
+and Ganelon ran him through with his sword, while at the same moment
+Griffon pierced him to the heart.
+
+Only ten knights now remained of the duke’s escort and they were
+speedily disarmed and supplicated for their lives, which Ganelon
+granted them on the condition that they bear the body of their master
+back to his château.
+
+Thus was a most cruel retaliation visited upon the poor Duke
+d’Aigremont. The conquered knights accepted these conditions to save
+their lives, but with the secret thought in their hearts to avenge the
+death of their master. Covering up the remains, they then left for the
+land of D’Aigremont, where they soon arrived.
+
+The poor duchess swooned on seeing the body of her husband, but
+collecting herself, she approached the blood-stained bier with her son
+Renaud and made him swear upon it to employ all means possible to
+avenge the murder of his father, which oath it will be seen he kept
+fully.
+
+Ganelon and Griffon, proud of their achievement, in due time arrived in
+Paris, and went to the court. But instead of meeting with a favorable
+reception, received only words and looks of disapprobation. A man like
+Ganelon, however, was not to be rebuked so easily. He appeared before
+the emperor and presented, on his knees, the sword with which the Duke
+d’Aigremont had killed his son.
+
+“Sire,” said Ganelon humbly, “I know that every one disapproves of me
+here. Sire, am I then blamable for having killed the assassin of your
+son? Such is my disposition and I cannot help it. I may have disobeyed
+my prince in my zeal, but I have obeyed my conscience which would
+never permit me to allow such an awful crime to go unpunished. If you
+disfavor me, sire, order my death, for I am a man who would willingly
+go to death for you, but you would lose one of your most devoted
+knights merely because he killed the murderer of your son.”
+
+Charlemagne found himself in a position of strange perplexity. The
+court was silent, while with troubled face and bowed head the emperor
+answered not the supplicant before him.
+
+“Thou art deserving of severe chastisement,” he thundered. “I like not
+the idea of having failed when we have given our royal word. The Duke
+d’Aigremont had obtained of me full pardon and I therefore should not
+tolerate his assassination.”
+
+The face of Ganelon paled—had he then gone too far?—matters boded ill
+for him and a faint murmur of approval rose from the courtiers round
+about the vast audience-chamber at the words of the king.
+
+At this moment the Duke de Naimes and several other lords approached,
+whom Griffon de Hautfeuille had artfully succeeded in winning over to
+their cause, and supplicated Charlemagne for their pardon. At last the
+emperor acceded, perhaps influenced by the secret fear of offending so
+many powerful nobles by refusing, and the affair was suffered to rest
+there.
+
+When the news of the pardon came to the Château d’Aigremont it had the
+effect of increasing the grief and rage of his son Renaud, who hastened
+to see his people and asked them to swear to enter into a war against
+the emperor at the first favorable moment. They consented with loyalty.
+Maugis, the eldest of the four sons of Aymon and nephew of the murdered
+duke, was most ardent in his desire to punish such an act of treachery,
+and it is from this point the real history of Maugis begins.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER IV.
+
+
+Charlemagne had no sooner been apprised by Ganelon of the misfortune
+to the Duke de Beuves d’Aigremont, then he expedited a courier to the
+duchess to assure her of his profound regret, and above all to give
+her to understand that, although for sufficient reasons he had granted
+grace to the murderers, it was not by his means, either directly or
+indirectly, that the infamy was consummated.
+
+The duchess, however, while appreciating the step of the emperor, said
+to the messenger:
+
+“Go tell thy master that to avenge my husband is now my sole desire;
+that to accomplish this end I should sacrifice my family, my fortune
+and my life. I shall from this day henceforth regard the carrying out
+of this project a solemn duty.”
+
+In the meantime the Duke d’Aymon and his sons, appreciating the fatal
+consequences of a war to both parties, besought the Duchess d’Aigremont
+to allow them to go to Charlemagne and make an appeal to him for
+satisfaction for the injury done the family.
+
+Charlemagne received the duke and his sons graciously. He understood
+the motive that had led them to preserve neutrality during the late
+war and he now entertained no resentment to them for it. On that
+account he gave the duke and his sons to understand that they occupied
+a high place in his favor.
+
+Notwithstanding the fair words of the emperor, the five ambassadors
+feared he would evade the question. Ganelon had not been summoned.
+Aymon represented to the emperor the enormity of the crime and the
+disloyalty of Ganelon, as well as the bad effect it would have on the
+army to pardon such a traitor.
+
+The emperor said in reply: “I well know, my noble duke, that what thou
+sayest is just and reasonable. I also assure thee that I have already
+pardoned Ganelon,” and, he added sternly: “Having given our royal word,
+we shall maintain it, it being our good pleasure to do so.”
+
+The Duke d’Aymon made no reply to these plain words and with flushed
+face retired.
+
+Maugis, however, could not restrain himself and said boldly to the
+emperor:
+
+“Sire! if thou wilt not render justice to this traitor Ganelon, then
+there be nothing left for us to do but to take up arms and secure
+justice for ourselves.”
+
+At these defiant words, spoken in a firm tone, a great hush fell on the
+courtiers there assembled.
+
+Griffon, who stood near the door, said in an undertone to a grizzled
+captain of the guard:
+
+“Oho! that’s a brave young cock—but watch and see his comb cut.”
+
+Charlemagne’s brow darkened and his eyes flashed; he half rose and
+thundered: “What!” cried he, “have you forgotten the obligations thou
+art under to me? If it were not for thy father I should order for thee
+the punishment you deserve. If I ever hear that another word from you
+on this subject has escaped your lips you will have good cause to
+regret the business.”
+
+Maugis then saw that he had gone too far and hastened to offer his
+excuses to the emperor, and Charlemagne finally, his anger passing,
+invited them to dinner.
+
+It was a trying moment and it was no ordinary man who could calmly face
+the anger of the great emperor.
+
+Griffon nudged his companion and whispered: “Seest thou that?”
+
+The young knight was turning away somewhat abashed when casually
+glancing at the ladies-in-waiting, a soft pair of blue eyes caught his
+own, and forgetting instantly the exciting incident in which he had
+just had a part, with a sudden thrill he recognized the lady of the
+tournament, whose ribbon knot he even then wore next his heart and
+whose face had never left him, either in his wakeful moments or in his
+dreams.
+
+Momentary as the glance was, he read in those beautiful orbs the
+deepest sympathy, and the happy light that sprang into his own eyes
+told the fair maiden more than even words could have done.
+
+Momentary as the eye interview was before the modest gaze of the
+beautiful girl fell before the ardent look of Maugis, there was one
+who had seen it and understood. It had caused the bitterest feelings
+of hatred and jealousy to surge in his black heart. That man was the
+treacherous Ganelon, who lurked in the rear of a group of courtiers
+while the exciting events just chronicled, that so nearly concerned
+himself, were occurring.
+
+He had in vain pressed his love upon the Princess Yolande, who
+had not long before arrived from her home in the south to act as
+lady-in-waiting on the empress. She had repulsed his unwelcome
+attentions in every way her gentle nature would allow, but the coarse
+and persistent villain would brook no rebuff.
+
+Meanwhile the court had adjourned to the banquet hall, where these
+unpleasant happenings were soon forgotten by all but a few of the
+most concerned. After the emperor had arisen from the table and had
+withdrawn at the conclusion of the banquet, Prince Berthelot, the
+nephew of Charlemagne, wishing to show some courtesy to the Aymon
+family, invited Maugis to a game of chess, a game much in vogue in
+those days.
+
+Maugis courteously accepted, and they assumed their seats at the
+board while the courtiers gathered around to witness the game. Maugis,
+however, had only accepted through politeness, because the affair of
+the day had sadly depressed him.
+
+After the game had progressed for a time, Maugis had made some wretched
+mismoves that attracted the attention of those about.
+
+Ganelon, who stood behind the prince, leaned forward and whispered in
+his ear: “In good faith, my prince, thy guest doth seem to ill requite
+thy courtesy, for while his hand is on the board his mind seems to be
+elsewhere, and for him evidently thou dost not exist.”
+
+A frown covered the brow of the prince, but he made no reply. At this
+very moment Maugis made a woefully unpardonable and foolish move, and a
+subdued titter ran around among the courtiers who stood about. That was
+too much for the prince.
+
+“How now, sir!” he exclaimed hotly, “thou art either an idiot or thou
+doth seek to insult me.”
+
+“I crave thy pardon,” replied Maugis, “I made the move while my
+thoughts did wander and I assure thee I intended thee no discourtesy.”
+
+“Seest thou not his mood?” hissed Ganelon in the ear of Berthelot. “He
+is angered by the reproach of the emperor. Gads! he is in a temper to
+insult the saints.” This had its effect.
+
+“Sir Maugis!” cried Berthelot in anger, “thou tellest me in one breath
+thou intendest no discourtesy and in the next breath thou dost insult
+me by saying thy thoughts wandered, to suffer which is enough an
+insult.”
+
+“I pray thee pause in thy condemnation, my prince, and accept my
+assurances,” said Maugis with great patience.
+
+“Accept thy assurances forsooth!” exclaimed the now thoroughly angry
+prince. “Get thee back to thy northern provinces and teach thyself good
+manners before thou comest to court again.”
+
+At this direct insult, Maugis, who had been able to contain himself
+the entire day with some success, arose from the table, sweeping the
+chessmen to the floor.
+
+The now infuriated Berthelot then reached out and gave Maugis a
+resounding slap in the face.
+
+This was enough. Maugis seized the heavy chessboard, which was of gold,
+and hurled it at the head of the prince with such force that the nephew
+of Charlemagne sank expiring to the floor.
+
+In an instant, repenting of what he had done, Maugis sprang forward and
+tenderly supported the dying man, who said: “Thou hast done for me,
+Maugis. I was the one on whom blame should rest—let it be known,” and
+with these words he fell back dead.
+
+These events were followed by the entry of Charlemagne, who, hearing
+the loud voices and the noise, had hastened to learn the cause. He
+understood instantly.
+
+“What, ho! the guard!” he thundered, and then gave orders to prevent
+the escape of the four sons of Aymon that he might wreak the most
+bitter vengeance upon them.
+
+The three brothers of Maugis, aided by Gerard and Nanteuil, who also
+wished to escape, had meanwhile fought their way to the main door,
+but Maugis, who had lingered too long over the body of Berthelot,
+found himself faced by a line of gleaming swords in the hands of the
+courtiers. His escape by that means was impossible, besides he was
+unarmed.
+
+Quickly seizing a heavy stool he smote down two courtiers who would
+oppose him, ran to the exit leading to the empress’ apartments, laying
+low the soldier who guarded that entrance, and fled down the corridor.
+Without, as he fled, he could hear the beating of drums arousing the
+guard and the hoarse commands of the officers. Ahead he could hear the
+clang of mailed feet in the corridor approaching him, and behind came
+his pursuers from the audience-chamber. He was in a desperate situation.
+
+Suddenly a door opened in the corridor beside him, a white arm
+protruded and seized his doublet, and almost before he knew he stood
+behind the locked door of a chamber in the presence of the Princess
+Yolande, who, pale as a lily, was leaning half-fainting against the
+hangings nearby, while outside the pursuers, not perceiving him,
+thundered past down the corridor.
+
+“Princess,” he exclaimed, “you have saved me, and my life is yours.”
+
+“No! no!” she gasped, pointing to the window. “They will soon return.
+Go! go! spring through, that leads to the moat, swim that and you are
+safe.”
+
+Reverently kissing her hand, Maugis jumped to the window and leaped
+out into the water below, just as heavy knocks shook the chamber
+door—the palace was being searched for him. As he gained the other side
+in safety he turned, and throwing a kiss to her as she stood in the
+window, he disappeared down a narrow street nearby.
+
+In the meantime his three brothers, with Gerard and Nanteuil, had
+fought their way, sword in hand, from the palace, where they were
+joined by Maugis, and the little company, well-nigh exhausted, lost no
+time in taking the route for the Château d’Aymon, in the province of
+Ardennes, northern France.
+
+Charlemagne, furious at their escape, ordered every knight he could
+find to mount and go in pursuit, sword in hand.
+
+Meanwhile, the fugitives, of whom Maugis was the only one who had no
+horse, soon perceived there was no possible chance to escape their
+pursuers. The only thing to be done was to await their coming and face
+them with firmness.
+
+Fired by the ambition to be the first to capture Maugis and his
+companions, each knight of that imperial company pressed his horse to
+the utmost. A single knight, the most prompt, at last presented himself
+before Maugis, who stood defiantly in the center of the road facing the
+oncomers.
+
+The moment of his approach, Maugis, giving him no time for preparation
+for defense, ran him through with his sword. A second knight in the
+meantime had come up only to be laid low with a stroke of his sword.
+The main body was fast approaching, and finally a third knight,
+outstripping the rest, approached, and becoming enraged at the sight of
+the fate that had befallen his companions, hurled insulting epithets
+at Maugis, who in turn, enraged, cast his lance at his enemy from the
+distance of twenty paces with such unerring force and accuracy as to
+lay him on the ground transfixed. This is how the third brother secured
+a horse in that memorable fight.
+
+Perceiving it would be useless to engage the numbers now coming upon
+them, Maugis mounted upon the crupper of his horse, Bayard, behind
+Renaud, and then they fled before their enemies, who were astounded at
+their courage and activity.
+
+They, however, continued the pursuit, but without result, and the
+falling of night favored the fugitives in their escape from the
+soldiers of Charlemagne. Thus, happily escaping, they proceeded on
+their homeward journey with all the haste their horses could bear them.
+
+The duchess received them and listened with sorrow to an account of
+the danger which had encompassed them, and after allowing time for a
+sufficient rest, she gave them some gold, advising them to leave as
+soon as possible, for the good reason that their father, bound by his
+oath of fidelity to Charlemagne, would be obliged to give them up, if
+it should be demanded by the emperor.
+
+Maugis accepted the advice of his mother. During the night he, followed
+by his brothers, quietly left the château and disappeared in the
+forests of the Ardennes, arriving after a time at the banks of the
+river Meuse. They on the following day carefully examined the country
+round about in order to find a favorable place in which to establish
+works of defense, for they knew that Charlemagne would not rest content
+until he had wreaked dire vengeance upon them, and that it would not be
+long before their location would become known to him. They therefore
+sought some inaccessible place of defense, and having made a selection
+they proceeded to fortify it with all possible activity. They builded
+a château fortress in a high and impregnable position, upon the summit
+of a rock, and when complete, called it the “Château de Montfort.” The
+river Meuse ran around the foot of the rock, forming a natural moat,
+and rendering the place unassailable.
+
+During this time, while the four sons of Aymon were thus preparing
+themselves to escape the rage of Charlemagne, he, without caring for
+the sorrow of their father, the Duke d’Aymon, for the crime his son
+had committed, ordered the duke arrested; but when the duke condemned
+his sons and expressed a willingness to make a new oath of fidelity,
+agreeing to preserve a strict neutrality in the conflict between the
+king and his sons, Charlemagne, who recognized he could get nothing
+from him, sent him to his home, when upon his arrival the duchess
+informed him that his sons were safe.
+
+He also learned with pleasure of the strong position they had secured
+to escape the rage of the emperor, but to baffle the suspicions of
+Charlemagne, and to prevent himself from knowing what was passing, he
+returned to the court under pretense that he wished to be near the
+emperor that he might not be held responsible for the action of his
+sons.
+
+
+
+
+                               CHAPTER V.
+
+
+The news of the construction of a redoubtable fortress was not long
+in reaching the ears of the emperor. He was also advised that there
+were others concerned in the construction besides Maugis and his four
+brothers. This made Charlemagne all the more angry and vindictive. He
+resolved to attack him on his own ground. He would combine the forces
+of all the lords there were there present, besides all the knights
+he could find, directing them in all haste to secure vengeance. He
+promised to subdue Maugis, raze his fortress, and give up all the
+surrounding country to fire and pillage.
+
+Not all the lords present at the time were agreeable to this plan, but
+having given their oaths of fidelity, had to submit to the consequences
+of their promises. Ganelon finally proposed to pursue a middle course
+in order to terminate the war without striking a blow, for Ganelon
+liked not to fight. He proposed to negotiate an offer to Maugis to
+yield up his three brothers and his cousin Renaud to the emperor,
+hoping in his secret heart that would pave the way to the destruction
+of Maugis afterward. This strange proposition seemed agreeable to
+Charlemagne and he consented it should be made, charging the matter to
+the Duke de Naimes, his confidant, and Oger.
+
+These two knights, in due time, presented themselves to Maugis and
+rendered their duty, though certain beforehand he would not consider
+the subject a moment. They were not deceived.
+
+Maugis received the message, but could not restrain his indignation at
+the infamy of the proposal.
+
+“What, my noble lords!” he cried, “wouldst have me deliver my brothers
+and my cousin Renaud, because, however unwillingly, they have aided me.
+No, a thousand times no,” he exclaimed. “It were far better to die,
+sword in hand, than to purchase peace by such an act of cowardice.”
+Maugis was furious, but later becoming calm, he invited the two to
+visit his arsenal and view his means of defense. Said he to them
+earnestly: “There is not a knight among my followers, nor an inhabitant
+of this citadel, but who would prefer the most bloody death and to find
+a grave under its ruins, rather than surrender Montfort to Charlemagne.”
+
+De Naimes and Oger returned to Paris and repeated the words of Maugis
+to the king, making no attempt to conceal their admiration for the
+brave young man.
+
+Charlemagne, on the contrary, flew into a violent rage and gave
+orders to his army to prepare immediately for an assault on the
+Château Montfort. And thus was commenced a lifetime of the most bitter
+struggles, for the brave Maugis and his intrepid brothers. A doubly
+bitter struggle for Maugis, from the importunity of his friends to
+use his occult powers to relieve them when sore beset, but which he
+conscientiously resisted because he feared it was an offense to God.
+And bitterest of all was his love and longing for Yolande, from whom
+such cruel fate separated him.
+
+It was only a short time after this when the scouts of Maugis reported
+the advance of the army, led by the emperor in person, and so he was
+not taken off his guard when early one morning he watched from his high
+position on the battlements of his fortress the glint of the sun on the
+accouterments and arms of the besieging army surrounding his position
+on the plain below.
+
+He observed with interest, that to invest his château, Charlemagne
+was obliged to very much spread out his forces, and resolved to take
+advantage of it. Accordingly, when the time was most favorable, he
+made a sortie with his soldiers from a gate invisible to the enemy and
+threw himself on them with such great impetuosity that before they had
+even time to resist the ground was strewn with the dead. He had become
+master of the king’s camp and forthwith fired the tents, burning alike,
+in the general conflagration, men and horses and all the supplies of
+the king’s army.
+
+[Illustration: CHÂTEAU MONTFORT.]
+
+After this great success, Maugis rallied his troops and was about to
+attack the army of the king, when at that very moment he came face to
+face with a detachment headed by his father, the old Duke d’Aymon. To
+fight his own father was impossible, therefore Maugis arrested his
+movements.
+
+On his part the duke prudently retired before the forces of his son,
+but if his own life was safe, not so his soldiers. Maugis threw his
+troops upon those of his father and those of the king accompanying him,
+attacking them on all sides, successfully blocking all means of their
+escape.
+
+At this juncture Foulques de Morillon appeared. His presence in the
+middle of the royal army reanimated the troops and they attacked
+Maugis in their turn. Surprised at this sudden movement, Maugis rested
+a moment in indecision. His soldiers had become massed together in
+confusion. To retire was impossible. Alard, his brother, seeing the
+dangerous position of Maugis from the château, took all the men that
+could be spared and went to his assistance, rallied the fugitives and
+joined the battalions of Maugis. These two then, at the head of their
+army, attacked shoulder to shoulder, striking down all who resisted,
+killing and wounding. Even before this unexpected succor came, Maugis
+had charged into the _mêlée_ uttering his cry of war, which resounded
+over the battlefield. Every stroke of his gigantic arm told. It was
+death to be before him. Nothing could withstand the mad onward rush of
+his great form.
+
+It was but a few moments before Maugis stood behind a rampart of men
+whom he had slain. In their endeavors to capture him alive the enemy
+vainly tried to crush Maugis down with sheer force of numbers, but with
+a rare courage and prudence he at last cut through them and rejoined
+his brother, and then the two, supported by their soldiers, turned upon
+the forces of the king with a renewed frenzy and wrought upon them a
+fearful carnage.
+
+The royal army becoming panic-stricken, fled through their burning
+camp, and Richard, who pursued them, took a number of prisoners—the
+rout was complete.
+
+If the victory was a glorious one the pursuit must not be carried too
+far, or in forgetting discretion, a few moments might lose all that had
+been so dearly gained. This is why Maugis deemed it wise to stop and
+rally his troops. He re-entered the château, his rear being guarded by
+his three brothers.
+
+The battle did not, however, pass without an extraordinary episode.
+Of the army of the king only the old Duke d’Aymon was followed and
+disturbed in his retreat. The four brothers, respecting his oath
+of fidelity, followed him and sought to take him prisoner. Maugis,
+finally becoming impatient at the barren result of the pursuit, placed
+himself and his brother in front of the duke and sought to arrest his
+progress by striking his horse over the head. But this did not stop the
+escort, which came up and attacked the four brothers. They in their
+turn returned the attack, and they would have been inevitably cut to
+pieces had not Charlemagne, who had in the meantime come up and saw the
+situation and lost in admiration of the bravery of Maugis, and with
+that rare chivalry so characteristic of that great monarch, he raised
+his voice and ordered the conflict to cease. Maugis stopped immediately
+at the command of the king, and followed by his men and the prisoners
+they had taken, retired into the fortress.
+
+This notable victory made Maugis the master of an immense territory
+over which he could roam at will and follow the chase. But Charlemagne,
+infuriated by his defeat at the hands of this brave young warrior,
+would not quit the place he had chosen for his camp. Maugis, who had
+from time to time only a few skirmishes during the ensuing thirteen
+months, spent a period, not altogether devoid of pleasure, except for
+the haunting thought of the lovely face and sweet eyes of Yolande, and
+chafed bitterly at the fate that kept him from her side. And what of
+her? Did she ever think of him?
+
+In the privacy of her chamber in the great palace at Paris, she shed
+many bitter tears when she witnessed the departure of the army that was
+going to destroy the man whom she loved above all else on earth. The
+only comfort she knew was the absence of Ganelon, whose suit to her had
+become persecution.
+
+Since the day of the escape of Maugis by her aid, his attitude had
+changed from odious fawning to sternness and threats. He alone knew of
+the part she had played on that memorable day. He had read her secret
+aright and had taunted her with it, and when goaded by his ceaseless
+importunity, she had said, standing with flashing eyes, her glorious
+figure drawn up: “Go, sirrah! Never darken my gaze again. I detest
+thee as much as I love the man thou hatest, and I care not that thou
+shouldst know it.”
+
+“Foolish maiden! That sorcerer hath bewitched thee,” hissed Ganelon,
+“but did all hell assemble to aid him, his fate is sealed. His doom is
+sure. Then, obdurate maid, perchance thou wilt look upon me, who truly
+loves thee.”
+
+“Never!” cried Yolande as the villain’s form disappeared through the
+door. She was yet to feel the evil that an evil man evilly disposed can
+do.
+
+As the days passed and no news came from the camp of the emperor, her
+heart sank, and finally when the messenger came and the victory of
+Maugis became known, her heart was lightened. Then a few days later a
+travel-worn monk delivered into her hands a small packet. It contained
+a ring and a slip of parchment on which was written:
+
+  “I have love for thee that will never die. Sleeping or waking
+  I think of thee only. Take this ring, shouldst thou ever be in
+  peril or need me, send it. It shall be a token for me to come that
+  nothing shall prevent. Pray thou to God that our separation may be
+  short.
+
+                                                            +Maugis.+”
+
+The maiden covered the token with kisses and hid it in her bosom.
+
+Meanwhile, Charlemagne would have made another attack, but Naimes, more
+prudent, advised him to await a more favorable opportunity. Then there
+came to the emperor, sent by the crafty Ganelon, one who proposed that
+he would agree to take the castle and the lords and soldiers therein,
+provided he should be given the château and its territories as his
+reward.
+
+Charlemagne accepted the proposition and Hernier de la Seine, for that
+was the man’s name, accompanied by Guyon de Bretagne, left the camp,
+followed by some good soldiers. Hernier de la Seine hid Guyon and his
+soldiers nearby and advanced alone to the château.
+
+Under pretext of having quarreled with Charlemagne, whom he said had
+driven him from camp, he had come to offer his sword to Maugis. This
+lie, delivered with an air of candor, completely deceived Maugis, and
+he freely promised him a place in the castle and that all his wants
+should be satisfied.
+
+When night came, Hernier, to reward Maugis for his good action, quietly
+stole up on the sentinel guarding one of the gates and slew him, then
+opened it for the entrance of Guyon and his soldiers. Quietly dividing
+their forces into small detachments they advanced in good order to the
+principal places. It seemed as if Maugis and his brave brothers were
+lost, but the neighing of their horses in the stables awakened them and
+a loud noise struck their ears without their being able to imagine the
+true cause. In times of war, however, caution is paramount, and acting
+on this thought all four arose and went out.
+
+What they saw did not leave them deceived as to the gravity of their
+situation. Guyon, now master of the place, guarded all the means of
+exit. Other soldiers were engaged in setting fire to various places in
+the fortress.
+
+In such a lamentable position there was but one thing to do, that was
+to seek to dominate events with courage and coolness.
+
+The four brothers separated after a hasty consultation with some of
+their men and each attacked the men guarding the points of issue. They
+soon overcame the enemy, who were deprived of assistance from without.
+In vain the traitors tried to escape. The four redoubtable brothers
+opposed them irresistibly, until the gateways were encumbered with the
+dead. Hernier and twelve others were all who escaped the carnage, and
+were taken prisoners, and the men were hurled without pity from the
+walls of the castle into the moat.
+
+[Illustration: SURPRISE OF THE CASTLE.]
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER VI.
+
+
+Maugis now perceived that their position was no longer tenable, as the
+flames by this time had made great headway and everything around them
+was doomed to destruction. He at once advised his brothers that it
+would be best to gather the remainder of their garrison together and
+that very night quietly vacate the fortress. When all had assembled,
+Hernier de la Seine was brought out, and despite all his excuses and
+abject protestations of devotion in the future, he was hurled from the
+ramparts to accompany his twelve acolytes.
+
+Having accomplished this act of justice the little band mounted their
+horses and quietly rode away without trusting themselves one look
+behind at the ruins of their poor castle. Maugis, above all, was
+inconsolable, and but for the restraining words of his brother Alard,
+would have at one time retraced his steps.
+
+In the meantime the emperor awaited the result of the enterprise of
+Hernier de la Seine with impatience, until two wounded soldiers, who
+had escaped the massacre, arrived in camp and announced the disaster to
+the royal troops.
+
+The emperor, always very violent, could not receive such news without
+flying into a fury. He could not regard such a check otherwise than as
+a disgrace. He was even more disturbed at the escape of the fugitives,
+but hoping to capture them he sent a corps of his army in pursuit.
+
+Guichard was the first to receive the news of this movement from a
+friendly peasant, and Maugis promptly combined the forces of the four,
+and placing them in a favorable position, turned and suddenly fell
+upon the pursuing army, having first placed their impedimenta and
+non-combatants in charge of a few trusted men.
+
+The suddenness of this unexpected attack completely demoralized the
+enemy, who not being able to withstand the charge retreated. In spite
+of the bravery of Charlemagne, who had arrived on the scene, his
+soldiers fled for safety.
+
+The king, wild with rage, rushed at Maugis and aimed a furious blow
+at him, with all the force of his mighty arm, which Maugis skillfully
+parried. Quick as lightning, Hughes, who saw the peril of the emperor,
+threw himself between the combatants and fell mortally wounded under
+the blow of Maugis that was intended for his chief.
+
+“Forward!” shouted Charlemagne, and the pursuit of the four brothers
+commenced anew, without the loss of any time.
+
+The four young men, however, had profited by the stupor caused by the
+peril to the emperor, and quickly assembling their men, fled once more,
+pursued closely for twelve leagues. During this time Maugis performed
+prodigies of valor by hovering in the rear of his command. Man after
+man fell under his irresistible sword and he did not lose a soldier
+during the entire running fight.
+
+A swollen river was finally reached, and the emperor, exultant, now
+thought the end had come. But even this did not stop the intrepid
+brothers, for boldly plunging in they gained the other side in safety,
+leaving their astonished enemy on the banks of the flood, convinced
+this time that it was impossible to vanquish Maugis.
+
+In face of this result in which he had met his match, and which
+Charlemagne received with consternation, he abandoned the pursuit and
+retraced his steps. Then, disbanding his army, he put off until some
+other time the taking of his vengeance.
+
+In passing the ruins of the Château de Montfort, he caused it to be
+razed to the ground, tumbling the remaining walls into the moat and
+placing it beyond all possibility of repair.
+
+Maugis and his followers now traveled more tranquilly, when, at the
+moment, supposing they were beyond all danger, they stumbled on the
+troops of their father, the Duke d’Aymon, who, with other lords and
+peers of the court, were proceeding to their homes. The duke, holding
+his duty to his emperor above all others, summoned his sons to
+surrender or to fight.
+
+This the young men refused to do and begged their father to have a
+regard for their position and not reduce them to the last extremities.
+
+The duke, however, turned a deaf ear to the prayer of his sons and
+ordered his troops to charge, himself riding at their head. The young
+men, fearing to wound or kill their parent, were in a most desperate
+place. Their men were falling all around them—so rapidly was their
+force diminishing, that of five hundred troops they had at beginning of
+the conflict only fifty now remained who were capable of fighting.
+
+They must do something to relieve them of their terrible position.
+
+Then it was that Maugis dismounted, and giving his horse, Bayard,
+to Alard, who followed him closely, suddenly ran to his father, and
+taking him by surprise, threw his muscular arms around him and held him
+firmly, Alard having meanwhile struck down Hermanfroi, who would have
+prevented them. During the delay this astonishing scene caused they had
+traversed with their men a small river that was their last chance of
+safety.
+
+When he saw this movement was completed Maugis released his father,
+after having begged his pardon, and throwing himself on his horse
+behind the waiting Alard, gained the banks of the river in safety, and
+was soon on the other side, despite all efforts to bar his passage.
+
+The old duke at once returned to the emperor to acquaint him of his
+defeat, but well pleased in his own heart that his sons should have
+escaped.
+
+The great Charlemagne well illustrated the contradictory aspects of his
+character by his reception of the old duke as he himself possessed a
+strong paternal feeling. Said he:
+
+“By the beard of St. Anthony! an unnatural father art thou, who would
+destroy his own children. Out of my presence! Come here no more with
+falsehoods on thy lips hoping to obtain new favors.”
+
+Honest, and the reverse of all this, the poor old duke bowed his head,
+sighed, and departed for his château. There he recounted to his wife
+what had occurred and the humiliation he had received. But Edwige,
+instead of consoling him, reproached him bitterly for his actions.
+
+“Thou need not,” she cried, “carry thy fidelity to the king to such a
+point as to destroy thine own children.”
+
+“I know, I see now!” sighed the poor old duke, holding out his arms to
+the sorrowing mother as a sign of reconciliation.
+
+“I promise thee faithfully never again will I do anything against the
+interest of my sons,” he cried with tears in his eyes.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER VII.
+
+
+The four sons of Aymon, reduced to the last extremities, without
+soldiers, or without any resources whatever, wandered in the forests of
+the Ardennes, shelterless and hungry.
+
+Maugis, finally, when their position became unsupportable, suggested
+that the only thing left for them to do was to return to the château of
+their father. Said he:
+
+“Whether the sentiments of our father are just or not, what right have
+we to doubt the devotion of our mother? Has she not always given to us
+her love? Do not our own people love us? What is there then to fear?
+Nothing! besides, the life we have been living for some time past has
+so changed us I doubt if any one will know us.”
+
+Besides the starvation and ruin that stared him in the face, the noble
+soul of Maugis was sadly torn by concern for the position of Yolande,
+his beloved one, in the court of Charlemagne. He had learned that she
+was practically a hostage for the loyalty of her brother, King of Yon,
+the ruler of a small principality in the south, though her position at
+the court was as lady-in-waiting to the empress.
+
+He knew the persecutions of Ganelon were well-nigh unbearable and that
+she could not escape them by leaving the court.
+
+He chafed at the fate that held him bound hand and foot, and longed
+for the chance to rescue Yolande—how, he knew not. The case seemed
+hopeless. Charlemagne, now thoroughly embittered, would pursue them to
+the end, and what would that be?
+
+While these sad reflections were passing through his mind, his brothers
+had consulted among themselves and decided to follow his advice, and
+the four waited patiently for night to fall, that they might take up
+their route home.
+
+They finally arrived in their own province the next day, after a long
+and exhausting march, and at a moment when it was most favorable for
+them to enter the château.
+
+Their father was away hunting. Nobody recognized them. Their horses
+having every appearance of hard usage, every one thought they had
+returned from the wars in the holy land, and when they appeared at the
+gates of the château they were opened to them willingly, for great
+sanctity was attached to those who had been to the holy sepulcher, and
+the blessing of God was supposed to rest upon all such.
+
+They demanded to see the duchess.
+
+On hearing of the arrival of the four knights she hastened to them, and
+on beholding them so pale, worn and wasted, she could hardly control
+her feelings.
+
+“Welcome, sir knights!” cried she to them, not recognizing her sons;
+“accept the hospitality I offer you with all my heart, and be assured I
+shall do everything in my power to assist you.”
+
+Maugis was choking with sobs, and tears were running from his eyes.
+
+“Ah, my mother!” cried he, “why is it our father does not feel toward
+us the way you do, and why is it that because we embraced a cause we
+thought was right we have incurred disgrace?”
+
+At these words the duchess recognized her son, thin and wasted as he
+was, and his face concealed by a beard. She tottered toward him to
+throw herself in his arms, but fell to the floor in a faint. The strain
+had been too great.
+
+Coming to herself soon, she embraced her sons and asked them how they
+had escaped death.
+
+Suddenly a great noise was heard outside. It was the Duke d’Aymon, who
+had returned from the chase, and the duchess, having first hidden her
+sons in an adjoining chamber, hastened to meet him.
+
+When she met him she could not restrain her tears and he knew that she
+had received news of her sons.
+
+She recounted to him their terrible sufferings and the awful dangers to
+which they had been exposed and how anxious they were to receive his
+pardon.
+
+The stern old duke was a prey to all sorts of emotions. On the one
+hand his father’s heart would accord to his sons the pardon they asked
+of him. On the other he feared the irritation the emperor would feel.
+The burning of Montfort had made him fearful of the safety of his own
+estates.
+
+It was at this point of incertitude that the duchess, anxious to bring
+the matter to a finish, startled him by bringing his sons before him,
+who threw themselves at his feet and supplicated him for grace.
+
+“My father!” cried Maugis, “if you only knew what misery your anger has
+caused your children you would forgive them. What greater sorrow could
+you cause them? Whom have we to trust in all this wide world but you?
+We would never have willingly fought against Charlemagne if we could
+have hoped for peace any other way.”
+
+“Alas!” replied the duke, “do you think the emperor would ever consent
+to accord peace to rebels? Never! The wrong you have already done has
+caused me to rest under the suspicion of complicity with you which will
+prevent me from affording you shelter.”
+
+On hearing those stern words the duchess burst into tears. “Fear not,
+dear children,” she cried, “your father loves you and his indecision
+need cause you no uneasiness.”
+
+“We would be very unwilling to cause our father any trouble,” said
+Alard. “We will go away, perhaps we can find some stranger who will
+not refuse us the assistance we cannot get from him.”
+
+At this stinging reproach the duke could not restrain his tears.
+
+“No, my children!” said he with a broken voice, “it is I who will go,
+and you shall be left here with your mother. She will give you all the
+attention you require and provide you with necessary means. I shall
+ignore all these kindnesses to you, and you must guard it as a secret,
+my meeting you at this time.”
+
+He then descended to the courtyard, remounted his horse, and followed
+by his suite, started out.
+
+After the duke had gone the duchess embraced her sons, and assured
+them of the good feelings of their father, that his only fear was the
+displeasure of Charlemagne, who perhaps might compel him to remain near
+him at Paris.
+
+They also feared that the secret of their presence would be exposed at
+any moment. The duchess conducted her sons to the chamber where the
+arms of the duke were kept, and each of the brothers chose what he
+needed. They took, at the same time, complete outfits of clothing and
+armor, and made preparations to depart the following night.
+
+Mainfroi, the son of the esquire of the duke, on whose devotion the
+family could fully rely, was charged with all the arrangements. Maugis,
+pleased with the ardor with which Mainfroi acquitted himself of these
+duties, proposed to him to become his own esquire, which Mainfroi
+accepted with joy. He undertook also to obtain three other esquires and
+have them ready for the moment of departure, praying that the brothers
+would confide all to him completely.
+
+The next day Mainfroi, in the name of the duke, made a levy of one
+hundred men and ordered them to report at Sedan within three days.
+
+Each brother then received a large sum of money from the treasury of
+the duke, their father.
+
+In the dead of night the four brothers took tearful leave of their
+sorrowing mother, mounted their horses, and silently departed out into
+the world.
+
+Once outside they met Mainfroi and the three esquires, and directing
+their course to Sedan, were joined by the one hundred men-at-arms
+arranged for them.
+
+Thinking it prudent to go southward, they set out and had proceeded
+as far as the village of Haraucourt, in the valley of the Emmenee, a
+romantic place where the hills towered above on either side and shut in
+the nestling village. They suddenly encountered their father returning
+to the château, followed by three hundred men. The duke rode up to them
+and said in low tones that he would not fight them, but that he must do
+something to deceive the emperor, and that he designed to allow them
+the three hundred men then with him as an addition to their force, De
+Baudelot, the chief of the troops, being in the secret.
+
+This preparatory interview having terminated, the duke feigned to
+become very angry at his sons. He swore that he would exterminate them,
+and ordered his soldiers to charge upon them. Commandant de Baudelot,
+agreeable to the understanding between them, roared out: “Let not a man
+move, or by Saint Gris I will cut him down to the saddle!”
+
+The duke gazed frowningly upon the bronzed faces of his men, but not
+one of them made motion to obey him—and then turning, apparently
+furious, upon the immovable De Baudelot, he berated him roundly and
+thereupon left, followed only by a few servitors, promising the
+rebellious De Baudelot and his sons the most dire vengeance.
+
+This stratagem was so well carried out that it deceived everybody,
+and the duke, to make it more sure, when he returned to his palace,
+spread the story, how his wayward sons, having secured entrance to the
+château, hoping to gain his pity, had in a cowardly manner taken his
+treasure and corrupted his soldiers.
+
+To render the matter yet more plausible he even dispatched a messenger
+to Charlemagne.
+
+The emperor, however, who had several times condemned the conduct of
+the duke to his sons, tacitly approved their conduct in this case.
+
+In the meantime, the brothers continued their march onward, not having
+quite decided upon their course. It was Maugis’ wish to get to Paris
+and rescue Yolande, if possible; but unless strategy could be used,
+it could not be accomplished with any means short of a large army.
+Still the disquietude and anxiety of Maugis was so great as to nearly
+overcome his prudence, and he was almost ready to march on Paris with
+his small force.
+
+So they continued onward; one day De Baudelot, having ridden ahead
+to reconnoiter the road, was joined by the brothers. All at once the
+quick eye of Maugis discerned the glint of arms on the road over a
+neighboring hilltop in the morning sunshine, indicating that a large
+force was approaching. Scouts were at once sent out, and soon the
+joyful news was brought to them that Renaud, their cousin, son of the
+unfortunate Duke d’Aigremont, was at the head of the approaching army.
+
+When they met they were all much affected. After the first moments of
+joy, Renaud explained to them that he had learned that Charlemagne had
+raised a large army. For what purpose he knew not, but he, supposing
+that a breach between the Duke d’Aymon and Charlemagne had been
+followed by a reconciliation between the duke and his sons, and that
+the consequences would be an attack from Charlemagne, had, on his part,
+taken his father’s army and was on his way to offer his services to the
+duke.
+
+Maugis soon apprised Renaud of the real state of affairs, and Renaud
+then swore he would accompany him wherever he might go, and that his
+army and his sword would be at the disposal of his cousins.
+
+Renaud then told Maugis that there was accompanying him a messenger
+from the kingdom of Yon, whom he had overtaken, footsore and weary,
+journeying on his way to the Château d’Aymon, bearing a message for
+Maugis.
+
+The traveler, immediately summoned, placed in the hands of Maugis a
+silken-bound packet, which he opened with trembling hand, knowing well
+it was news from Yolande.
+
+The packet contained the ring and these words:
+
+  “Know thou by this token, which the saints grant may truly find
+  thy hand, that it is Yolande who doth send thee greeting. The foul
+  Ganelon did persecute and vex me sorely, and angered by my scorn
+  of him, did finally gain the ear of the king, and did me such ill
+  service with his majesty by telling him of the part I took in
+  thy escape from the palace, made more heinous by many and divers
+  deceits, prompted by his ungodly heart, until the king became
+  enraged with me, and the empress also did much disfavor and condemn
+  me, so that forthwith I was sent back to my brother’s kingdom in
+  disgrace. The emperor, because of my ill doing, hath frowned on
+  my brother, King Yon, and hath denied him support. And thou canst
+  haste thee to our succor, and if thou canst not and needst succor
+  thyself, come hither and we can at least die together. My prayers
+  do ever attend thee. The Saracens, from over the border in Spain,
+  do now lay siege to our capital and we are sore beset. May the
+  saints defend us.
+
+                                                         +Yolande.+”
+
+These simple words gave Maugis sore distress. He called his friends
+together, and it was then and there decided to march forthwith to the
+south of France and give succor to the kingdom of Yon.
+
+At Sedan they organized their army by uniting their troops and marched
+to Rheims. There they were stopped by meeting a force of three hundred
+men, whom they prepared to fight. Maugis arrested the charge and went
+forward to reconnoiter. Then he recognized them as some new troops
+which had come to serve him.
+
+After having marched some days they reached Poitiers, where they rested
+for a time, drilling and equipping their troops, laying contributions
+on the subjects of Charlemagne.
+
+From here they marched in all haste to the frontiers of Spain, where
+they learned more particularly that Yon, King of Acquitaine, had been
+dethroned by Boulag Akasir, the renowned chief of the Saracens, had
+fled to Bordeaux, and that now the infidel forces were about to besiege
+that city, the last resort of King Yon and his court.
+
+Tom with conflicting emotions at the danger which threatened Yolande,
+Maugis ordered all haste to be made to the rescue of the unfortunate
+prince, sending in advance four knights, hastening them forward to
+offer the services of the oncoming forces. On their arrival they found
+a great many other knights who had already come to offer their services.
+
+The arrival of Maugis created a great sensation. His gigantic stature,
+his noble air, won the attention and admiration of everybody. Tall
+and stately, Yolande stood beside her brother, the king, amid that
+brilliant assemblage, but her glance was freezing when it fell upon the
+expectant Maugis. Her greeting was formal and cold and she averted her
+face from him with a certain disdain.
+
+Shocked, humbled and heart-stricken by this cruel treatment, the
+mighty Maugis nearly lost self-control. As it was he stumbled back
+to the little group of his friends, powerless to utter a word, and
+bade Renaud, his cousin, to be spokesman to the king, which he did as
+follows:
+
+“Sire,” said Renaud, “we are five knights of high birth and we seek to
+place our courage and our swords at the service of your majesty. That
+our position may justify our words, we have come with seven hundred men
+and we demand no other recompense for our devotion than to receive at
+all times the protection of your majesty.”
+
+“It pleases me much,” replied the king, “to receive thy service, brave
+knights, and right gladly will I accept thy offer. Grant me thy names
+that I may know to whom I am so deeply indebted.”
+
+At the mention of the name of Maugis, he was startled. He had heard of
+the brilliant exploits of that brave young man, which by that time had
+become known throughout France.
+
+He expressed his satisfaction at having him near him, and assured the
+four brothers and their cousin of his protection. Said he: “If you
+are miserable, I myself am nearly dethroned. I am likewise miserable,
+therefore we will unite our fortunes. I will count on your courage and
+you may count on my protection and friendship.”
+
+
+
+
+                             CHAPTER VIII.
+
+
+Boulag Akasir had by this time come to the environs of Bordeaux and was
+threatening that city. He established his camp a short distance away,
+his army consisting of twenty thousand troops, and feeling sure of
+victory, commenced at once to devastate the suburbs.
+
+These exciting events, while they in a measure diverted Maugis from
+his perplexity and gloom by appealing to his warlike spirit, by no
+means lightened the intense depression. The coldness of Yolande and
+her inexplicable aversion and avoidance of him were maddening. Do what
+he would, she would not meet him and a note that he addressed to her
+demanding the reason of her strange conduct was returned to him with
+the seal unbroken.
+
+Had Maugis been less absorbed by the prospect of being united to
+Yolande when he first entered the court of King Yon, he would have seen
+among the entourage of the king an evil face that glanced at him in no
+friendly way. It was that of a monk, who had but recently arrived from
+the north, and whose great learning and piety had gained him almost
+instant favor and an influential position in court. This friar, Anselm
+Gorieux, was the uncle of the perfidious Ganelon, who was inspired by
+bitter hatred and jealousy of Maugis. This monk hated Maugis, as well
+on his own account, because in a conflict at wit with Maugis, at a
+banquet, the latter had turned the laugh against him and caused his
+proud soul to chafe under the humiliation, and to resolve upon the
+direst revenge. He had purposely come to the court of King Yon, in the
+interest of his nephew, urged by him to seek the ear of Yolande and
+prejudice Maugis, persistently hoping that with his rival dethroned
+from her favor his own chances might improve, and that he yet might be
+able to win her.
+
+The crafty monk found little difficulty in gaining the confidence of
+Yolande, to whose fervent religious nature his great piety, humility
+and learning at once appealed.
+
+Cautiously, so as not to alarm his timid prey, he held much discourse
+with her upon the awful power of the evil one; how he possessed himself
+of the souls of those who were willing to barter them for worldly gain.
+Then he held up to her, casually, Maugis as such a one; told her that
+even an emissary of Satan had abode under his father’s roof, and under
+the guise of a learned man of the east had taught the young man the
+worst of black arts and sorceries.
+
+The monk told her Maugis had been won over to Satan, had become a
+sorcerer, and a practicer of all the foul arts. He showed her how
+the great exploits that had made him the hero of the day were simply
+manifestations of the evil one to whom he had sold his soul; that his
+time of glory was brief, and he, and all who loved him, would finally
+rest under the curse of God.
+
+Yolande, as she slowly comprehended these dreadful revelations, was
+grief-stricken and dismayed. Her idol was shattered, and although she
+concealed the anguish that consumed her heart, she nearly sobbed her
+reason away in the quiet of her chamber.
+
+The surprise of Friar Anselm was indeed great at the unexpected
+presence of Maugis at the court. He had not looked for this and would
+have certainly devoted himself to prejudicing the king also, only the
+exciting events then occurring gave him no opportunity.
+
+Meanwhile a force of the Saracens was devastating the suburbs of
+Bordeaux, and the alarm caused by this movement spread quickly.
+
+Maugis, to observe for himself the operations, mounted the walls, and
+his trained eye saw at once it was only a small part of the main army
+of the enemy who were making the attack. He then advised his brothers
+and his cousin Renaud to arm and place themselves in readiness at the
+head of their men. Arming himself also he hastened to the king.
+
+He gave King Yon the assurance that the advance guard of the enemy
+would be destroyed, and having accomplished that he would attack the
+main army, he and his brothers, and that they would drive him from the
+field. He recommended the king to hold himself in readiness to come to
+their succor if it should be required. As he left the royal presence he
+cast one look at Yolande, who stood there pale and proud, but who only
+gazed upon him coldly. He little knew that within, and beneath that
+forbidding exterior, her gentle heart was surging with love and pity
+for him.
+
+A sad heart makes some men more determined, and it was this feeling
+that possessed Maugis as he hastened to place himself at the head of
+the attacking party.
+
+When he saw the forces of Maugis emerge from the gate of Bordeaux,
+Boulag Akasir advanced promptly to meet him. His unvarying successes
+had made him arrogant and over-confident, and when he perceived this
+small army of King Yon he hoped to capture it. But he counted without
+Maugis, who, cool and calm, disposed his troops skillfully and quietly
+encouraged his men both by voice and gesture.
+
+At a given signal the troops of Maugis charged upon the enemy with
+great vigor, and they being accustomed to conduct just the reverse
+from their opponents, stopped, struck with stupor. Boulag Akasir, who
+saw at once that it was their chief who had infused that small army
+with so much ardor, rushed upon Maugis to fell him, but the latter
+skillfully parried the awful blow, which instead laid low a knight of
+Bordeaux. Alard, in his turn, attacked the Saracen, but that celebrated
+warrior seemed to bear a charmed life and evaded with amazing dexterity
+the furious blows aimed at him.
+
+The battle then became general all along the line. The brothers Aymon
+were everywhere, and each performed prodigious deeds of valor.
+
+Yolande, breathless with anxiety and almost fainting, witnessed the
+bravery of Maugis from the walls, and in her inmost heart could not
+believe that such great actions could be inspired by the evil one.
+
+It was now King Yon, who, until this time had remained a spectator,
+could no longer resist action, and giving his war-cry, rushed at the
+head of his troops to the side of Maugis, and hurled himself upon
+the Saracens, taking them completely by surprise. But they resisted
+desperately, as Saracens always do, because their religion would never
+permit them to fly, and who would stand and even submit to have their
+throats cut rather than retreat.
+
+Boulag, seeing his army diminishing every minute, and wishing to
+preserve his soldiers for another battle under more favorable auspices,
+gave the signal to retreat. But that order was contrary to the law of
+Mohammed and his troops executed it very unwillingly.
+
+During this period of hesitation, Maugis, supported by his Cousin
+Renaud and his brothers, were creating havoc in the ranks of the
+confused enemy, until, finally, becoming panic-stricken, the Saracens
+took to flight.
+
+Boulag himself turned his back and fled, with Maugis in pursuit.
+
+The chief of the Saracens was mounted on an Arab horse of great speed,
+and Bayard, the magnificent horse of Maugis, had great difficulty in
+keeping up with him. But he persistently followed until the chase had
+kept up for three hours, and fully thirty miles had been covered at
+this terrific pace. The blood of Maugis was up and it was a pursuit of
+life and death.
+
+In the meantime every one thought that Maugis was lost. They searched
+for him everywhere, but he could not be found. They gave him up for
+dead and the whole army uttered cries of sorrow and despair. The three
+brothers of Maugis were inconsolable. Supported by her maidens, Yolande
+was removed, half-fainting to her chamber. It was in vain King Yon
+tried to reassure the brothers.
+
+Renaud, however, who never despaired, assembled two hundred soldiers,
+and accompanied by the king and the three brothers, followed in the
+tracks of the pursuer and pursued.
+
+[Illustration: OLD SPANISH HOUSES.]
+
+Meanwhile, Maugis had caught up with Boulag Akasir, who, trembling at
+the persistence of the pursuit, and infuriated withal, saw that he
+could not escape defending himself, and suddenly turned and struck at
+Maugis with his lance. Quick as the movement was, Maugis luckily saw
+it and with consummate skill parried the blow with such force that the
+weapon of Boulag was shivered in pieces over his shield. Profiting
+by the momentary stupefaction of his enemy, Maugis felled the horse
+of the Saracen to the ground, stunned by a blow of his sword. Boulag
+was himself stunned, but quickly arose to his feet and faced Maugis.
+He, however, with true chivalry, would not take advantage of his
+position, but descended from his own horse to do battle with him on
+equal footing, even courteously waiting for his opponent to recover his
+breath.
+
+Then there commenced a terrible conflict, a duel to the death, in which
+the furious strokes and parryings followed each other with lightning
+rapidity. But the brave Boulag finally fell to the earth sore wounded.
+In an instant Maugis was upon him and was about to give him a finishing
+stroke, when Boulag cried: “Grace! I pray thee!”
+
+“Dog of an infidel,” replied Maugis, “thou doest well to crave mercy,
+thou who hast never given!”
+
+“Sir knight,” pleaded Boulag, “I will give thee anything thou mayst ask
+of me, so long as my life be spared.”
+
+“No!” answered Maugis, “I will take nothing from thee, but thou art
+brave and I will accord thee life only on one condition. That is that
+you abjure thy religion of Mohammed and become converted to mine.”
+
+“I accept thy terms,” cried Boulag, “the more willing because I never
+have been a firm believer in Mohammed.”
+
+Then regaining his feet he tendered his sword to Maugis, but Maugis
+generously refused to take it from him.
+
+They then mounted horse and set out for Bordeaux. Maugis, with his
+prisoner, giving thanks that he had been able to exterminate the army
+of the Saracens.
+
+Thus the conqueror and the conquered were quietly pursuing their way
+to the city, whiling the time in conversation on religion and other
+topics, when they were met unexpectedly by King Yon and his suite.
+Thereupon there was a most happy meeting between Maugis, his three
+brothers and his Cousin Renaud.
+
+“Sire,” then said Maugis, “I deliver up to thee Boulag Akasir, who
+has delivered himself into my hands and hath abjured his religion to
+be henceforth a Christian. I pray thee grant him all the regard due a
+brave knight.”
+
+“Brave knight!” exclaimed the king to Maugis, “I should ill, indeed,
+requite thee, savior of my kingdom, did I other than thou desirest
+with this mighty warrior. So be it. He shall be presented to our court
+with a dignity becoming his rank, and the past shall be forgotten.”
+
+In the excess of his gratitude. King Yon further insisted on dividing
+his kingdom into three parts. One to be given Maugis, one to the three
+brothers and Renaud, and the remaining portion to the army.
+
+Maugis would not hear of this and was inflexible in his refusal to
+accept.
+
+King Yon was much disconcerted by the declination of Maugis to accept
+any reward, and casting about in his mind for some delicate way to
+reward him for his inestimable services, the thought came of offering
+him the hand of his beautiful sister. He could think of no greater
+way of showing his regard, but at the time he remained silent on the
+subject.
+
+Boulag, having in due form been made a Christian, was longing ardently
+to return to his native land. He appealed to the tender-hearted Yolande
+to secure him this boon. She willingly undertook to do so, and pleaded
+his cause so earnestly with the king that the request was granted,
+provided he paid to Maugis a ransom; the king courteously pretending to
+conduct the negotiations in the name of Maugis. The king, agreeable to
+the proposition of Boulag himself, fixed the ransom at six mule-loads
+of gold and that he also abandon Toulouse, and the country thereabouts.
+
+Having thus been freed, Boulag, accompanied by some faithful servitors,
+departed for his own land.
+
+Yon, who had now become richer and more powerful than ever, tried to
+induce Maugis to accept entire the ransom of Boulag, but he again
+refused, praying the king to reserve his bounty until the day came when
+he should demand his services.
+
+That day was very soon in presenting itself.
+
+The war being concluded, and Boulag having departed with his followers
+from the territories of King Yon, there remained little for Maugis, his
+three brothers and Renaud to do, but ride about the country and pursue
+the chase.
+
+One day Maugis, followed by his companions, were riding out when a view
+burst upon their eyes that caused them, as if moved by one impulse,
+to stop. They were riding on the banks of the Dordogne. The eyes of
+Maugis were fixed upon a mountain on the other side of the river which,
+surrounded by beautiful plains, rose high into the blue sky. Easy of
+access, while perfect for defense, its top presented a fine level
+surface upon which to build.
+
+This site suggested to Maugis an idea he had long entertained. Said he:
+“Montfort no longer exists, but we can easily replace it if we choose.
+Here is a situation which combines all the necessary conditions of
+impregnability, and here we could brave the anger of Charlemagne.”
+
+His companions being equally impressed in favor of this idea, the five
+gave the place a most careful examination, and on their return to the
+court they sought the royal presence, and Maugis said: “Sire, we are
+homeless and would make for ourselves an abiding place. We have found
+a certain mountain near the river Dordogne, on which we could build a
+château, if we have thy royal favor.”
+
+King Yon, anxious to reward the great services of the brave knights,
+was about to give his consent when the crafty monk, Gorieux, stepped to
+his side and whispered in his ear:
+
+“Sire! I pray thee have a care. Dost want the wrath of Charlemagne to
+descend on thee, then harbor these outlaws, for such they be, and no
+sooner shall the emperor learn that thou hast housed them and enriched
+them than thy peace, and perhaps thy life, will be jeopardized.”
+
+At these words the king only frowned and replied: “Dost suppose the
+fear of any such consequences will deter me from rewarding these brave
+men who have saved me my kingdom and my very life?” and turning to
+the five knights he not only gave them the mountain, but besides,
+authorized them to construct a château upon it, and gave them likewise
+all the land that surrounded it.
+
+Such a great favor as this did not fail to create jealousy among
+certain of his courtiers. One of his peers, who was in love with the
+beautiful Yolande, and who had been jealous of Maugis ever since
+his arrival, could not support the idea of this being carried out
+without an attempt to discourage the king from making a false move. He
+therefore remarked:
+
+“Sire! without doubt these brave knights are masters of the situation,
+but is it wise or for thy well being to support and nourish a foreign
+force at thy door, whom chance might make thy master, or is it wise to
+support these men in all their exigencies? Reward them well and suffer
+them to depart.”
+
+The king, however, was not to be moved, and appealing to Maugis, said:
+
+“Sir knight! if I grant thee this favor it would be well we should know
+what to expect from thee on thy part, for in so doing I put myself at
+thy mercy in a certain sense, but,” continued the king, “I have every
+confidence and I believe you will never abuse it.”
+
+In reply the five knights kneeled before the king, kissed his hand and
+then swore eternal fidelity.
+
+The brothers and Maugis were not long in commencing the work and the
+fortress was rapidly constructed. The fortifications were made truly
+formidable, and the mountain bestrewn with heavy walls and towers to
+protect the principal works, which in due time were finished.
+
+Maugis and Renaud prayed that King Yon would come and baptize the
+new fortress, an invitation which he courteously accepted, and the
+imposing ceremonies were attended by all the court. Maugis, however,
+observed with a sad heart the absence of Yolande. His mind was torn
+with various doubts and conjectures to account for the strange conduct
+of the princess, and he resolved at the first opportunity to seek an
+interview and demand an explanation.
+
+The fortress was named Montaubon, and Maugis then sent to all the
+surrounding country and caused to be published an edict of the king,
+that whosoever would take service under Maugis in the new city would be
+granted six years freedom.[1]
+
+[Footnote 1: In those feudal days the common people were in a condition
+of serfdom, little better than slavery.]
+
+This had the effect of rapidly filling the new city with inhabitants,
+and soon Maugis, Renaud and the three brothers took possession of their
+new domain.
+
+Meanwhile the complaints of the discontented courtiers grew louder
+and deeper, and rumors of the alliance of Maugis with the evil one,
+cautiously spread by the crafty monk, flew from lip to lip, until
+reaching the ears of Maugis, caused him to become aware of the
+seriousness of the position and the impending liability of his falling
+under the displeasure of the king. Active steps must at once be taken,
+and he, who had never a thought of breaking his oath, at once renewed
+his oath of fidelity.
+
+The council of state was convened when he presented himself, and he
+took the occasion to face his accusers and demand of the discontented
+to formulate their complaints to his face, and that he would
+satisfactorily explain anything that could be offered.
+
+Then spoke Adelbert Leon de Bayonne: “Sire!” said he, “it doubtless be
+true this knight hast rendered thee great service and it is fitting
+thou should reward him, but thou art not called upon to abandon all
+caution and deliver thyself into his power. He is now installed in a
+strong fortress, and with a powerful army in the midst of thy kingdom
+thou hast placed him in a position of power over thee.”
+
+“And what else be there to my disfavor?” demanded Maugis.
+
+“Sire!” said Gorieux, the monk, “there is much reason for believing
+this knight hath given himself into the service of the evil one. It
+is well known that he, in his tender youth, hath been in the power of
+a learned magician of the East, a worker of evil, a follower of the
+evil arts, a minion of Satan, who hath instilled into him much magical
+knowledge, and hath persuaded him to give his soul up to Satan.”
+
+A dark frown overspread the face of Maugis at these words, but he
+controlled himself.
+
+“Are there others who would accuse me?” he demanded, fixing his stern
+gaze on the assembled courtiers.
+
+Silence was the only reply, and stepping forward, Maugis said
+impressively: “Sire! if it be true that I am in the service of Satan,
+how ill hath he requited me? I am persecuted by the emperor, attacked,
+pursued, hunted and banished from my home. It is true, a learned pundit
+from the East, a good and holy man, though his beliefs were not our
+beliefs, was my tutor. It is true he taught me much of occult things,
+but only relating to the laws of nature, which are as an open book to
+the wise of the Orient. It is true that this knowledge of the mysteries
+of nature, when I seek to direct them to my use, would give me certain
+powers over men, and it is true that this noble, wise man died blessing
+those who had saved him from death and counseling me ever to be true to
+my faith and my honor. Callest thou this noble philosopher a minion of
+evil? Can any man say here aught but that in battle I have relied on
+any occult aid other than this good sword and my strong arm? Or, if I
+be a follower of the evil one, why should I seek to make Boulag Akasir
+a Christian?”
+
+These brave and candid words made a deep impression on the council.
+
+“More, sire!” continued Maugis, “I stand now ready to swear my fealty
+to my God and his saints and to never henceforth on any occasion seek
+to use my occult powers; to utterly abandon and to never recall them.
+As to my fidelity to your majesty, my brothers and myself have given
+our word, and you all know we are incapable of breaking it. If thou
+knowest of any other means whereby we can reassure you, be pleased to
+indicate them and we will accept them.”
+
+The fairness, the candor, and the noble bearing of Maugis convinced the
+king of his sincerity, and even those who hated the brave knight were
+conquered though not changed.
+
+The council then broke up, the king retiring with Godefroy de Moulin,
+his counselor, promising to consider the matter and soon give his
+decision.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER IX.
+
+
+The scheming Abbé Gorieux, thinking to complete the alienation which he
+had successfully commenced between Maugis and Yolande, conceived the
+idea that if Yolande could witness the proceedings of the council she
+would herself be convinced of the perfidy of Maugis, and seeing his
+discomfiture and downfall would wholly dismiss him from her heart, and
+thus pave the way anew for the suit of his nephew, Ganelon. The crafty
+priest knew that the princess possessed great riches. It was a stake
+well worth striving for.
+
+He easily obtained the consent of the princess to this plan, for much
+as she had doubted him, and much as she had heard to his prejudice,
+down in her heart she still loved Maugis and still believed him
+innocent of the charges.
+
+Accordingly, from behind the hangings of the council chamber, unseen
+by any one, Yolande had witnessed the events related in the preceding
+chapter, and when the meeting broke up she fled along the corridors to
+her chamber with light foot and light heart.
+
+“He is true to his God,” she said to herself. “I knew it and I love
+him.” Then the thought of her cold and unkind treatment and avoidance
+of him presented itself to her mind, and, seized with doubt as to
+whether he would longer love her, she, in a revulsion of feeling,
+threw herself on a couch and wept bitterly. At last the work of the
+treacherous priest had been overthrown and defeated.
+
+In the meantime the king had counseled with his advisers and Maugis
+had been summoned to again appear before him. The king was visibly
+embarrassed when he thus addressed him:
+
+“Brave knight!” said he, “inasmuch as you have expressed your
+willingness to take any means to reassure those of my court who seem to
+profess doubt, I have two conditions to impose—take note of my desire
+that you will gladly accept them. One is that thou shalt make oath of
+thy fealty to God and the saints and forever promise to abandon occult
+things; the other: you well know that my sister Yolande is beautiful
+and that she will bring great dower to him whom she weds. You know well
+how gladly each one here would possess her. Accept her then as your
+wife. I am already under deep obligations to you, and to make sure our
+friendship I seek thus to ally thee to our family. Become my brother,
+and I suppose then those of my subjects who have manifested fears will
+be not only completely reassured, but more so than ever, in that thou
+wilt possess such a precious gage of happiness and security.”
+
+This decision fell like a thunderbolt on the conspirators, who had
+hoped the downfall of Maugis. The priest Gorieux paled and clinched
+his hands until the nails penetrated the flesh. Why had he permitted
+Yolande to witness the scene, he asked himself; but for that there
+might yet be hope. It was a fatal error.
+
+As for Maugis, the words of the king fairly stunned him. He had come
+there solely to vindicate himself, and little thought the turn of
+events would bring him his heart’s desire. At first his heart leaped
+for joy when he fairly understood his happiness, but alas! only to be
+shadowed by sadness when the aversion that Yolande had suddenly shown
+for him came to his mind.
+
+“Sire!” said he sadly, when he had recovered his self-possession,
+“right gladly will I fulfill the first condition and thy second one
+confers upon me such honor, confidence and happiness that a lifetime of
+devotion from me could not repay. But, your majesty, I cannot consent
+unless thy sister doth approve of thy suggestion,” said he earnestly
+and proudly. “I never would be willing to impose myself upon a woman in
+this fashion simply because reasons of state forced her to accept me as
+her husband.”
+
+At these words the king arose, terminating the audience, requesting
+Maugis to come at the same time the next day.
+
+Then the king hastened to the apartments of his sister, feeling some
+uneasiness.
+
+“Yolande,” said he, “thou knowest well thou hast been sought in
+marriage by all the best men of my kingdom, and by many foreign
+princes. Thou hast ever held thy heart free and have had thy will in
+refusing all who have wooed thee, but the time has come for thee to
+choose thy mate in life, and having thy welfare in our mind, we have
+picked for thee a right gallant and comely man whose valor will do thee
+honor and protect thee.”
+
+“How now, good brother!” exclaimed Yolande, alarmed at the solemnity of
+the king. “To whom dost thou propose to sell me?”
+
+“I desire thou shalt wed Maugis,” replied the king.
+
+“And did Maugis send thee hither to plead his suit?” haughtily replied
+Yolande, all her pride aroused.
+
+“Nay, but—” replied the king.
+
+“Then get thee hence, sire, with thy Maugis!” interrupted the princess,
+flying into a passion. “Thinkest thou that I am merchandise to be
+bartered for strength to thy kingdom, or a slave to be sold to pay thy
+obligations? Not so, royal brother. I tell thee now, once for all, the
+air of a nunnery will please my health far better than a husband who
+binds me to him as a hostage. I would be alone, go!” she cried.
+
+The perplexed monarch was leaving the apartments of his sister when he
+encountered the Duchess de Bearne, a worldly-wise, shrewd, and good
+woman, who had been as a mother to the orphaned princess.
+
+He confided to her his perplexity between the pride of the two lovers.
+
+“Sire!” laughed the duchess, “little doth thou understand a woman’s
+heart. Why didst thou not suffer Maugis to plead his own cause? But
+rest thee. Leave them to me, I will see they meet on the morrow.”
+
+Accordingly, the next day Maugis was summoned to the palace and the
+servitor who admitted him at the great gate pointed him to the private
+garden of the royal household, indicating that he was to go in there.
+Maugis, little suspecting what was in store for him, strolled down the
+shady pathway, expecting every moment to meet the king.
+
+Meanwhile, the envy, hatred and malice of the treacherous Abbé Gorieux
+and some of the courtiers had only been intensified by the turn events
+had taken in favor of Maugis. They all agreed that he had become so
+dangerous that desperate measures must be taken to remove him, and they
+secretly plotted to take his life.
+
+The opportunity was soon to come. It happened that one of them heard
+the Duchess de Bearne give orders to show Maugis into the royal garden
+when he came the next day and, acting on this hint, the conspirators
+resolved to execute their foul deed. Six of them would waylay Maugis,
+slay him, and escape amid the shrubbery.
+
+The unsuspecting Maugis penetrated deeper into the shady depths of the
+garden, and as he passed a clump of bushes a strong arm holding aloft
+a sword hung over his head and then descended with crushing force upon
+him.
+
+Luckily, the slight noise made by the action caught his quick ear and
+in turning his head to one side he escaped the full force of the blow,
+which, however, caused him to fall to the earth stunned and bleeding.
+In an instant they were upon him, but as quickly recovering himself, he
+scrambled to his feet and drawing his trusty blade soon laid two of his
+assailants low, but half-fainting from the loss of blood he was being
+sore pressed and would have succumbed to the odds against him, when the
+shouts of the approaching royal guards, who had been aroused by the
+noise, caused the assassins to become panic-stricken and fly, while
+Maugis sank fainting to the earth.
+
+When he next opened his eyes he was gazing into the blue depths of
+Yolande’s and felt her hot tears on his face. His head was pillowed on
+her breast.
+
+“Oh, loved one,” he murmured as he drew her face down to his and a
+long silent kiss sealed their reconciliation.
+
+The good duchess discreetly withdrew and they were left alone in the
+deep shadows of the foliage.
+
+The next day the council was reconvened and the king announced the
+coming marriage of his sister to Maugis and everybody felicitated
+the _fiancées_; a few days after the wedding was celebrated with
+great splendor, with _fêtes_ and tournaments at which Maugis, who had
+quickly recovered from his wounds, and his brothers D’Aymon, greatly
+distinguished themselves by their feats at arms.
+
+It was not long before Charlemagne was apprised of the exploits of
+Maugis and his brothers, through the Abbé Gorieux and Ganelon, and the
+emperor emphatically testified his displeasure to his courtiers at the
+way the young men were braving him.
+
+He had never, for one moment, abandoned his idea of vengeance, and
+forthwith resolved to send Oger and Naimes, his two confidants, to the
+King of Acquitaine to signify to him that he must deliver the sons
+D’Aymon into his hands with their cousin Renaud, or suffer the effects
+of his anger.
+
+Arriving at the court of Yon, Oger and Naimes, being duly presented,
+spoke in these terms:
+
+“Sire! Charlemagne knows well that you have given hospitality to the
+four sons D’Aymon and their cousin, and more, you have permitted the
+erection by them of a fortress in the middle of your kingdom, though
+by so doing you have perhaps not intended a blow to the interests of
+your master.”
+
+“That is true,” replied King Yon.
+
+“Charlemagne will overlook it,” continued the Duke de Naimes, “but you
+must not afford shelter and support against his anger to men of whose
+crimes you probably are not familiar. Not only have they revolted
+against their king, but Maugis is the nephew of the Duke d’Aigremont,
+who murdered the son of Charlemagne, and is also the assassin of
+Berthelot, the nephew of the emperor.”
+
+“Noble knights!” replied King Yon, “I am exceedingly anxious to
+maintain friendly relations with the emperor, but I cannot buy peace by
+an act of perfidy. I would use all possible means to secure a sincere
+reconciliation between the sons D’Aymon and the emperor. I would feel
+satisfied could I arrive at that result.”
+
+“This then is thy answer?” demanded Oger.
+
+“It is,” responded King Yon.
+
+“Then be warned,” thundered Naimes, “thy conditions are refused, and
+unless thou wilt comply with the demands of thy emperor, bitter war
+will cause thee to feel the wrath of Charlemagne.”
+
+Oger and Naimes at once left the court, and returning to Charlemagne,
+rendered him an account of their mission.
+
+The emperor, as usual, flew into a violent rage and would have had his
+army on the march within twenty-four hours, but his counsellors called
+his attention to the fact that Maugis had now gained great prestige,
+which would have a marked effect on the soldiers sent to fight him,
+and that to attack Montaubon would be futile, when they had already
+been unable to subdue Montfort. But Ganelon and his friends sided with
+the emperor and encouraged his determination by all the means in their
+power.
+
+Charlemagne was inflexible and insisted upon war with the King of
+Acquitaine and his allies.
+
+It was at this point the audience of the king was interrupted by a
+great noise and commotion outside, caused by the arrival of a stranger
+and his suite. He was a young man of great personal beauty, and the
+rich raiment he wore could not conceal the manhood of a true knight.
+His suite were numerous and were dressed with equal richness, all
+indicating that he was of princely birth. Everybody made way for him
+when he appeared to present himself before the emperor.
+
+“Sire!” said he, “I am Roland, the son of Milon and of your sister. I
+have come to place myself at your service. Therefore deign to accept me
+and your majesty will ever find me a faithful and loyal servitor.”
+
+Charlemagne could hardly conceal his joy, because he thought at last he
+had secured a knight who could equal the prowess of Maugis.
+
+Some days later Charlemagne armed his nephew and knighted him
+with great pomp and ceremony, giving _fêtes_ and tournaments more
+extraordinary than usual in honor of the event. It was at tournaments
+in those days that the knights exhibited their power and skill, and
+this occasion gave Roland the opportunity to display a force and
+address that seemed irresistible, and gave color to the hope of the
+emperor that he had finally discovered a knight who could match Maugis,
+who now bore the reputation of being the foremost warrior in France, a
+hope which subsequent events, as we shall see, fully justified.
+
+That tried, skilled and experienced knight, Oger, to satisfy himself
+of the courage and endurance of the young knight, entered the tourney
+against him, and for a time he was able to make a gallant fight; but he
+was finally forced to declare himself conquered by his young adversary,
+and thereupon Roland was, amid great acclaim, crowned the first knight
+of the court.[2]
+
+[Footnote 2: History tells us that not only was Roland renowned for
+his prowess as a warrior, but his beauty of person and grace of manner
+charmed the emperor and the entire court, and further, not only was he
+a favorite with the ladies, but later became the idol of the people as
+well.—G.]
+
+So the days devoted to pleasure succeeded each other without
+interruption, when all at once the startling news came of an invasion
+of the Saracens from the north. They were advancing along theRhine,
+killing, burning and destroying all in their path. Charlemagne
+determined to send Roland to meet the infidels, giving him twenty
+thousand men, ordering him to go at once, and sternly adding not to
+return unless victorious.
+
+[Illustration: MAUGIS.]
+
+By means of forced marches Roland came upon the Saracens so suddenly as
+to take them completely by surprise. They, on seeing the royal troops,
+flew to arms, but Roland, not giving them time to recover from the
+surprise, threw his army upon them with great impetuosity and cut them
+to pieces.
+
+Oger and Roland then followed the flying enemy in close pursuit, they
+having divided, one part crossing the Rhine, was followed by Roland,
+who caught up with them. Almonasar, king of the infidels, was made
+prisoner, and begged Roland to spare him and those with him.
+
+The nephew of Charlemagne, granting them quarter, they laid down their
+arms and he marched them in return to the point where Roland had parted
+from Oger, whom he met, followed by a large number of prisoners he had
+also captured, all of whom were bound and placed in charge of the Duke
+de Naimes. To save his life, Almonasar abjured the Mohammed faith.
+
+Roland next proceeded to Cologne, where he reestablished order and
+repaired the damage done by the Saracens, and later sojourned to the
+court of Paris with his prisoner. There his glory and renown was much
+enhanced by the mercy he showed Almonasar, for Roland, generous as the
+brave always are, accorded him his liberty with the approval of the
+emperor and sent him to his own country, he first having made oath of
+fidelity.
+
+
+
+
+                               CHAPTER X.
+
+
+When Charlemagne had a project in his mind, and particularly a project
+of vengeance, he never abandoned it. And now being disembarrassed of
+the Saracens, he lent a willing ear to the urgings of Ganelon and his
+friends, to go to the punishment of the King of Acquitaine, for his
+refusal to yield up the brave Maugis and the sons D’Aymon.
+
+Ganelon, in his infatuation, still harbored the idea of destroying
+Maugis and gaining possession of the lovely Yolande. In those old days
+might was right and the perfidious courtier easily found those who,
+through envy, malice or hatred, would aid him in his infamous schemes.
+
+The emperor summoned his counsellors and laid his plans before them.
+Roland, elated by his first victory, proposed to invest Montaubon and
+punish the rebellious young knights. Therefore orders were issued for
+the assemblage of all the soldiers the kingdom contained at Paris, the
+following April.
+
+At the designated time there duly arrived the principal lords of the
+realm, followed by numerous troops. Solomon de Bretagne with all the
+nobility of his domain, Dizier d’Espagne with six thousand soldiers,
+Bertrand d’Allemagne with two thousand men, Richard de Normandie with a
+crowd of knights assembled from all parts to take part in the war. And
+then, the Archbishop Turpin arrived at the head of a choice troop. All
+these small armies united gave a total of one hundred thousand men, who
+were placed under the immediate command of Roland.
+
+Charlemagne, to show the great confidence he felt in him, himself
+contributed thirty thousand men, raised by an extraordinary levy, and
+on the day of departure, at the very moment that Roland mounted his
+horse, Charlemagne confided to his hands the keeping of his royal
+banner.
+
+It truly seemed as if these formidable preparations insured the doom
+of the gallant Maugis, who now was enjoying every moment of his
+blissful honeymoon with his beautiful bride, all unconscious in his
+great happiness of the awful cloud that hung so threateningly over his
+future; he little dreaming of the dreadful tribulations cruel fate had
+yet in store for him.
+
+It was not long before his dream of love had a rude awakening. The
+approach of the great army was duly heralded, and a few days after had
+arrived before the fortress of Montaubon. Roland would have made an
+immediate assault, but Charlemagne in his wider experience deemed it
+better to give the troops needed rest and at the same time employ the
+time in an endeavor to effect some arrangement.
+
+[Illustration: CHARLEMAGNE AT THE HEAD OF HIS ARMY.]
+
+He sent to Maugis a knight with a flag of truce indicating a desire
+for a parley, who, shortly after he appeared before the gates of the
+castle, was admitted to the presence of Maugis.
+
+“Sir knight!” said the envoy, “I appear at the instance of the Emperor
+Charlemagne to bid thee lay down thy arms and surrender at discretion.
+Thy life shall be spared, but the condition is thou shalt deliver up
+thy brother Richard to the anger of the king as an expiation of thy
+faults and those of thy brothers. What sayest thou?”
+
+The brow of Maugis darkened at these ominous words.
+
+“If thou refusest,” continued the envoy of the emperor in a threatening
+tone, “neither grace nor pity shall be accorded thee or thine. All,
+every one, shall be given over to the most hideous punishments, and thy
+fortress shall be razed to the ground.”
+
+Maugis laughed scornfully and replied with great indignation:
+
+“Charlemagne, thy master, should know me well enough not to make
+a proposition to me which is little better than an insult. As to
+delivering to him my brother Richard, I would not commit such an act of
+cowardice even to a stranger who had put himself under my protection.”
+
+A low murmur of applause sounded throughout the audience-chamber at
+these brave words.
+
+“Thou canst, however, tell the emperor,” continued Maugis sorrowfully,
+“that if instead of pursuing and fighting us he will grant us all his
+pardon and take us into his service once more, as we are perfectly
+disposed to do, we will surrender to him and will deliver up our
+castle.”
+
+“And this is all thy answer?” demanded the envoy.
+
+“It is all,” replied Maugis.
+
+The proposition of Maugis was so fair that most of the counsellors
+of Charlemagne were of the opinion that he should accept it, but
+Ganelon and his allies worked so successfully upon the self-pride of
+Charlemagne as to lead him to refuse to consider these wise counsels
+and to declare that he should not stop until he had completely
+vanquished the five young men who had so persistently balked and
+humiliated him.
+
+He forthwith ordered the camp pitched around Montaubon, so as to
+completely invest it, placing his own tent before the oriental gate,
+while Roland placed his tent at the side opposite. Besides all these
+preparations Roland studied the fortress with the closest attention,
+replying to all observations that it seemed truly impregnable.
+
+Thus a regular siege was commenced, it being the intention to reduce
+the place by famine; so, as the days passed, the life of the soldiers
+became very tranquil, some trifling skirmishes and keeping a close
+watch being about all that occupied them.
+
+This state of quiet gave their chiefs an abundant opportunity to make
+excursions into the surrounding country, and it chanced one day, when
+Roland and Olivier and his suite made such an expedition, that Maugis,
+who kept well posted as to the movements of the enemy, resolved to
+humiliate him.
+
+He commanded his brothers to take a thousand men each, and sortie
+quietly into the forest. He then, himself alone, secretly penetrated
+into the camp of the allies, and stealing to the tent of Roland,
+succeeded in reversing the royal dragon flag that waved over it.
+
+A short time afterward the wary Archbishop Turpin, seeing a number of
+birds fly out of the forest over his camp, shrewdly divined that troops
+were ambuscaded there, and he soon ascertained that his suspicions were
+correct. To summon Oger and tell him to put his soldiers under arms
+was but the work of an instant. Meanwhile, Maugis, seeing they were
+discovered, ordered his cousin Renaud with his one thousand men to
+continue in the woods concealed, while he, with his three brothers with
+their troops, boldly attacked the camp. They overturned and destroyed
+the tents, and slew all whom they encountered, throwing them into
+the utmost confusion, while cries arose on every hand for Roland and
+Olivier, who of course did not respond, being absent.
+
+The warlike Archbishop Turpin, furious to see everything upset in that
+manner, threw himself upon Maugis, and so fierce was the combat that
+ensued between them that their swords were broken in their hands, but
+each still stood firm. Finally, Maugis gave a terrible stroke on the
+fragment of the sword which the archbishop still fought with, which
+caused the warrior priest to stagger.
+
+“Good father!” exclaimed Maugis mockingly, “thou art greater in the
+church than in the field.”
+
+“S’death!” shouted the infuriated archbishop in reply, attacking Maugis
+yet more furiously.
+
+All the forces were now engaged, but they could not resist the
+impetuous onslaught of the soldiers of the sons of Aymon, and to add to
+their discomfiture Renaud came out of the forest with his detachment,
+surprising the enemy in the rear, who, already nearly defeated, were
+by this movement entirely put to rout. Conquered and exhausted, they
+flew in all directions to gain the main body of the royal troops on the
+other side of the castle.
+
+The spoils gained by the victors were considerable, and were all safely
+carried into Montaubon. Maugis, who had captured the dragon flag from
+the tent of Roland, caused it to be placed on the highest tower in
+defiance of his enemies.
+
+The emperor, on the other side of the mountain on which the castle
+was perched, knowing nothing of what was occurring, chanced to see
+the dragon flying from the battlements of Montaubon, and thought that
+Roland had become master of the fortress, and he gave way for a moment
+to immoderate joy.
+
+“I have lost many men,” cried he, “but the Aymons are now in my power.”
+
+His illusion, however, was short lived.
+
+It was nightfall when Roland and Olivier returned from their excursion,
+not knowing anything had happened, and, when near the camp, they were
+met by an officer, who quickly apprised them of what had occurred.
+
+Roland thereupon hurried to the archbishop to learn full particulars of
+the disaster, and together they sought the emperor, who was prepared to
+give them a stern reprimand, but who was seized with such consternation
+on hearing their story that he contented himself with giving them
+instructions to be more vigilant in future while they were before an
+enemy so active as Maugis.
+
+This exciting episode, as well as the fact that he had not been able to
+defeat his enemies, caused the emperor to become so exasperated that he
+resolved he never would quit his camp until the château fortress was
+taken. Ganelon advised him to attack Maugis by securing the perfidy
+and abandonment of his allies, which counsel Charlemagne finally
+reluctantly followed.
+
+An envoy was sent to the King of Acquitaine, that he had entered the
+kingdom with one hundred thousand men, and that it was his intention to
+put everything to fire and the sword.
+
+King Yon was very much disturbed by these menaces, and his courtiers
+were at once divided into two parties. The one headed by the
+treacherous abbé, who pointed out to the worried monarch that what was
+occurring was what was predicted to him as the result of harboring
+Maugis and his brothers, and that now was the time to yield them up and
+save the kingdom and its people from certain destruction.
+
+The other side, however, the true soldiers and brave men, urged upon
+the king that they respect their word once given.
+
+“Sire!” exclaimed a brave old knight, “these five intrepid knights,
+when they found you in distress and your kingdom all but destroyed,
+spared neither themselves nor their soldiers in thy succor. It would
+surely be an offense to heaven to now retract all thy pledges to
+them and to desert them in their necessity. It would be the basest
+ingratitude.”
+
+These brave words met with a murmur of approval from the assembled
+courtiers, and emboldened several other knights to speak out in support
+of the fair treatment of the brave brothers.
+
+The king was sore perplexed, beset on one side by the influence of the
+foul conspirators who had gained his confidence, and more than all by a
+desire to save his kingdom from devastation and the possible overthrow
+of his dynasty.
+
+His countenance plainly evidenced the confusion which these varying
+demands had brought upon him.
+
+It is an old proverb that “He who hesitates is lost.” And the active
+and ever ready abbé, seizing this moment as a favorable opportunity,
+leaned forward and whispered in the ear of the hesitating king: “Sire,
+this is truly a matter too important to decide with undue haste.
+Sleep upon its consideration until the morrow, that a proper issue of
+this most unhappy matter may be conceived.” This suggestion for delay
+did not meet with the approval of many of the knights present, who,
+admiring the bravery of the sons of Aymon, were unfavorable to any
+hesitancy in according them just treatment.
+
+They signalized their disfavor by loud murmurs, but King Yon weakly
+gave way to the perfidious counsel for delay. Saying with a show of
+decision: “We will allow the subject to rest until the morrow,” and
+thereupon arose from his throne terminating the sitting.
+
+The old knight, who had been so outspoken in favor of the brothers,
+smote the hilt of his sword with anger until it rang. This was the
+signal for a chorus of dissent from the assembled soldiers, which
+ominous sound greeted the ears of the departing monarch without avail
+though the test of his will was to be strained to very near to the
+breaking; he was about to commit an act utterly at variance with the
+nobility of character he had heretofore shown; and in the moral ruin
+not only were those whom he loved about to be involved, but he himself
+was to perish in the disaster.
+
+The delay the perplexed monarch granted gave the Abbé Gorieux, Godefroy
+and other malcontents of the court an opportunity they were not slow
+to avail themselves of. That night a secret conference was held in the
+private library of the king, at which the abbé was the spokesman. Said
+he:
+
+“Your majesty, the hesitancy you show in deciding this matter does
+credit to your noble impulses; it is without doubt true that these
+young men have rendered you great service, they came boldly and
+skillfully to your rescue, when you were in need of succor, and you
+have the right to be grateful to them; but, sire, you owe a duty
+to your people and to your country far paramount to all personal
+considerations. In your gratitude you have rewarded these knights in
+a princely manner, you have generously fulfilled your obligations
+to them, but in so doing you have caused a danger to threaten your
+kingdom, your people, and your royal person, which there is but one way
+to avert. Where now lies your duty? Is it in the suicidal policy of
+resistance against the overmastering strength of Charlemagne? in which
+there is nothing but certain ruin to all concerned; the overthrow of
+your kingdom, pillage, flames and death for your unfortunate subjects.
+Then, sire, how can you hesitate? Resist, and all these misfortunes
+come upon you and your people; accede to Charlemagne’s demand and you
+sacrifice the few to save the many.”
+
+“How can I do this?” questioned the hesitating monarch; “you forget my
+oath.”
+
+“I do not forget thine oath, sire,” sternly continued the abbé; “I
+can assure thee, in virtue of my holy office, that God will hold thee
+absolved from an oath that will cost such dire misfortune to thy
+country. Thy oath to thy people and thy kingly duty hath by far the
+greater demand upon thee.”
+
+The poor king bowed his head in the deepest dejection, the act he
+was asked to commit revolted him, and there was going on within him
+a bitter struggle between his self-interest and his duty to the sons
+D’Aymon; then, too, he thought of the suffering of his sister. For a
+moment the better nature was in the ascendancy. The wily abbé studied
+his face and read there the struggle going on within; too crafty to
+descend to lying, it only remained for the base Godefroy to complete
+the work. Said he:
+
+“In good sooth, sire; thou wouldst not hold thy oath to this sorcerer
+and his brothers so heavy a burden on thy conscience didst thou but
+know that they now conspire to rob thee of thy throne. This, I can
+assure thee, I have from one who is in their counsel.”
+
+“Art sure?” queried the king, arousing.
+
+“I can prove this beyond a doubt,” replied the lying Godefroy.
+
+“Enough!” cried King Yon, “let it be so, I will contend against thee no
+longer.”
+
+Then it was, the dishonored king, at the dead of night, conspired with
+the enemies of Maugis to deliver him into the hands of Charlemagne,
+which being complete, the king retired, at last easy in mind over the
+prospect that he would be allowed undisturbed possession of his kingdom.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XI.
+
+
+On the next day King Yon went to Montaubon, and said to Maugis:
+
+“At last, dear brother, am I able to apprise thee that it will be
+possible for thee and thy brothers to conclude peace with Charlemagne.
+This has come about through my good offices, and I have come to
+felicitate thee that thy struggles are over.”
+
+Yon then made up a tissue of lies, cunningly devised for him by the
+abbé, giving color to the statement that he came to Maugis in behalf
+of the emperor to offer to the brothers D’Aymon terms of peace. He
+stipulated they should go the next day, all four, armed only with their
+swords, to meet Charlemagne on the plain of Vancoleurs.
+
+“I will give you,” said the hypocritical king, “a few knights of my
+court to accompany you. To show your humility you will go mounted upon
+mules, and you will carry in your hands branches of roses and olives
+as a sign of reconciliation. The emperor will await you there with the
+Duke de Naimes, Oger, and twelve peers. You will throw yourselves on
+your knees at his feet and he will then pardon you and allow you to
+retain full possession of all your rights.”
+
+At this happy news the face of Maugis lighted with joy, but it was
+soon clouded with doubt; although he feared no treachery from his
+brother-in-law, he had no confidence in Charlemagne.
+
+“’Tis indeed good news,” said he, “that thou dost bring me, good
+brother, but canst thou assure me there is no treachery behind all
+these fair promises?”
+
+“Do not fail to heed me, but go,” replied the base king. “Thou knowest
+well, brother, that I have thy interests truly at heart, and would not
+advise thee did I not know that it will be absolutely safe for thee to
+go. It were madness for thee now to scorn this chance to make thy peace
+with the emperor; it is thy last chance, avail thyself of it without
+fail.”
+
+A little later, after the departure of King Yon, Maugis summoned
+his brothers in council, and acquainted them with the offers of the
+emperor. They were each and all seized with the same dire presentiments.
+
+“If the King Yon tells the truth,” cried Alard, “that Charlemagne will
+really accord us his friendship, why does he exact we shall appear as
+if dishonored, why are we to go without arms to the middle of a plain,
+where if attacked we could all be easily killed without being able
+to resist. I distrust, brother, I distrust much that we are to be
+betrayed.”
+
+“It is impossible!” declared Maugis, “that there can be any treason
+in an affair in which my brother-in-law, King Yon, is acting as a
+negotiator. He is above all baseness, and besides, you all know he made
+oath to us that we could count upon his loyalty.”
+
+The council then broke up, the brothers by no means sharing the
+confidence of Maugis in the outcome, yet, deferring to his opinion,
+they hurried away to make preparations for the next day.
+
+Maugis hastened to his own apartments, where he informed Yolande of his
+contemplated expedition the following day. She paled upon hearing of
+it, not being able to resist a feeling of fear that was insurmountable.
+
+“Go not, my husband, I beseech thee,” she cried.
+
+“There can be no danger,” explained Maugis; “thy brother Yon, he is
+incapable of deception, and it is he who is acting as intermediary
+between the emperor and us; surely I can rely upon his advice and
+assurances.”
+
+“I care not, I care not,” responded Yolande. “Yon would not deceive
+you, perhaps, more quickly than another; but you must remember he is
+only human, and, like the rest of the world, would sacrifice any one
+else for his own interest. Mistrust then, Maugis, as I mistrust; if you
+go to the meeting, I feel you are all lost.”
+
+“Dear one, thy fears are but phantoms,” tenderly replied Maugis,
+unconvinced and trying to reassure her.
+
+“No! no!” responded Yolande; “my fears are real, why should you go like
+the vanquished without arms? Is that your place? no! go with arms in
+hand, if you must go, followed by your faithful knights, and meet them
+as equals, then I shall fear nothing.”
+
+Against all this advice, the next day Maugis set out with his four
+brothers, followed by the ten lords of King Yon, to meet the Emperor
+Charlemagne. By this time King Yon, who had never before lost his
+honor, was half-tempted to regret the villainous action he was about
+to commit, but the abbé and Godefroy, ever at his side, confirmed his
+purpose by representing to him the enormous benefits to him of the
+action, and his heart was hardened and he remained silent.
+
+At the head of the little troop, marching slowly onward, Maugis was
+confronted by a presentiment which caused him to fear there might
+be reason in the doubts expressed by his brothers and his wife. He,
+however, by an effort of will cast it aside, they, meanwhile, having
+arrived at the plain of Vancouleurs. It was a forbidding spot, being
+surrounded by dense forests, and had no possible issue for them in case
+of flight; besides, the river Gironde, which traversed it, four roads
+led from it; the road to France, the road to Portugal, the road to
+Spain, and road to the kingdom of Acquitaine; but these roads were now
+all guarded by ambuscades of five hundred men belonging to Charlemagne.
+
+Surprised at not finding any one on the plain, Maugis and his little
+company proceeded across it and placed themselves at the foot of a
+steep rock, which was pierced by a narrow opening. Alard had by this
+time persuaded Maugis that they were betrayed, and that they were wise
+if they immediately retraced their steps; when, however, they attempted
+to do this, they suddenly encountered Foulques de Morillon at the head
+of three hundred men.
+
+“We are betrayed!” shouted Maugis, then turning quickly to the knights
+of his escort, he cried: “Ah, gentlemen, you whom King Yon has sent to
+accompany us, you will give us your aid now?”
+
+Then Godefroy, who was of the escort and who had hated Maugis from the
+time of his arrival at the court of Yon, responded, saying:
+
+“Not we, we have been forced to accompany you against our will and
+neither myself nor any of these other lords are willing to give thee
+any assistance.” These half-defiant and half-sneering words had hardly
+died upon his lips when Maugis, seeing at last the trap into which they
+had been lured, turned upon him and with incredible quickness, with one
+stroke of his sword, cleft his head to the chin. The other knights
+then fled for safety and joined the side of the enemy.
+
+“Come on, dear friends!” cried Maugis, “until we are taken we will
+defend ourselves like men of heart; we will fight here back to back,
+and will never submit to be taken alive.”
+
+All four brothers embraced as if for a final adieu, and rolling their
+cloaks around their left arms to parry the blows, they grimly awaited
+the enemy, firm of foot and sword in hand.
+
+Struck by their courage and coolness, Foulques de Morillon cried out to
+them:
+
+“Yield thee; resistance is useless, King Yon hath given thee up, thou
+art surrounded on every hand, therefore surrender, for assistance is
+impossible.”
+
+“Sayest thou so,” said Maugis defiantly in reply; “thy further lies are
+useless, except to insult brave knights after having betrayed them;
+liar and coward, defend thyself; I challenge thee to single combat.”
+
+Foulques made no reply to this, but charged upon Maugis, lance at rest,
+and wounded him in the thigh. At this unexpected charge Maugis and
+his mule rolled together in the dust. Alard, seeing Maugis down, and
+fearing he had been killed, cried to his brothers:
+
+“Let us yield, further struggle is useless.”
+
+To their great surprise, however, Maugis arose, quickly disengaging
+himself from his mount, and threw himself in front of Foulques, who
+charged upon him again, endeavoring to run him down; quick as lightning
+Maugis evaded the charge by springing to one side, and then coming up
+behind the horse of his enemy he leaped upon the crupper in his rear,
+at the same time running him through with his sword, and throwing him
+to the earth. Maugis possessed now a horse and had also secured the
+lance and shield of De Morillon.
+
+“Do not separate!” he shouted to his brothers, as he charged head down
+into the midst of the French forces. The first to meet his infuriated
+sword was the Duke of Cory, who fell lifeless. He then with one blow
+of his gigantic arm cleft Engenrrand to the saddle, and like a flash,
+without seeming to take breath, he fought fast and furious, until he
+had in all, one after the other, made eleven knights bite the dust.
+
+His indomitable courage and spirit would have carried him further
+onward, but glancing behind, he saw Alard who, though wounded, was
+hastening to join him. Alard bestrode the horse and had taken the
+arms of one of the knights killed by his brother. Together the two
+now continued what was no less than a butchery; their enemies seemed
+stunned, they slew them one after another until in a few moments they
+were surrounded with a small mountain of the dead.
+
+Not far behind were Richard and Guichard, dismounted, fighting step by
+step to join them.
+
+The French, confident in their superior numbers, instead of seeking
+to kill the four brothers, endeavored to surround them and take them
+alive. They did succeed in separating them from Maugis, and were making
+a desperate attempt to capture Guichard, who, however, made such a
+vigorous resistance that he laid low in succession the first four
+who approached him. Richard had regained the rock, resolved to die
+rather than submit to capture. Maugis, completely carried away by the
+excitement of battle, followed by Alard, resolved to die rather than
+any of them be delivered into the hands of Charlemagne. With incredible
+fury they fought, cut, hacked, beat down and killed all before them,
+until they reached Guichard, who had been meanwhile overcome. Alard
+quickly cut the cords that bound him, put him on the horse of a dead
+enemy, giving him his arms. Guichard then paid back with interest his
+few moments of captivity.
+
+During this time, Richard, who, next to Maugis, was the strongest
+of the brothers, had become separated from the rest. He tried at
+any sacrifice to rejoin them and they on their side sought for him.
+Richard, covered with wounds and spent with fatigue, was fast sinking
+down by the rock, without sufficient force to climb upon it. He was
+surrounded by a circle of knights whom he had killed. At this supreme
+moment, Gerard de Vanvier, cousin of Foulques de Morillon, seeing that
+he was nearly dead, charged upon him with his horse, lance abreast,
+and wounded him in the shoulder, but Richard, who had become somewhat
+rested, summoned all his strength and stopped his assassin with a
+terrible stroke of the sword, hurling him from his horse, then the
+conqueror and the conquered fell down together, the one nearly dead,
+and the other beyond recall.
+
+The three brothers, who had been all this time fighting, were searching
+for Richard, without perceiving him, now gained the rock, and only then
+saw his figure lying in the midst of the bodies of his enemies. Maugis
+quickly ordered his two brothers to dismount and carry their wounded
+brother within the opening of the rock for shelter, he meanwhile would
+fight the enemy off.
+
+“My poor brother!” cried Maugis, “you are the victim of the treachery
+of King Yon. May God preserve me until I have taken vengeance, for it
+shall be terrible.”
+
+Alard and Guichard had tenderly raised the body of Richard and in the
+midst of a storm of projectiles of all sorts had borne him within the
+rock. During the journey he made a slight movement, opened his eyes and
+said to them:
+
+“My dear brothers, go to the assistance of Maugis. I am yet strong
+enough to defend myself. I shall see you all again, for I am sure we
+will be able to extricate ourselves.”
+
+Taking his advice, Alard and Guichard hastened to rejoin Maugis, whom
+they found surrounded by the bodies of dead enemies. Their own horses
+had disappeared, and making a sortie they easily captured more, and
+then continued the furious combat, being enabled finally to regain the
+opening of the rock, which they contented themselves in defending.
+
+The four intrepid brothers, reunited, and for a time safe, were hoping
+that their enemy would withdraw, which was suddenly dashed to the
+earth, when Oger, at the head of three thousand men, appeared and
+completely surrounded them.
+
+The situation now seemed indeed hopeless. Amid an impressive silence
+the grizzled old soldier, Oger, rode forward from the serried ranks and
+cried out in a stern tone:
+
+“Wretched men, give thyselves up, resistance is useless; or,” he added
+menacingly, “take care of yourselves, for I shall not regard the family
+ties that exist between us, and I shall use every means to force you to
+obey me. The only thing for you to do is to cease your resistance.”
+
+“You give yourself useless trouble,” replied Maugis defiantly, “we fear
+you not.”
+
+During the time occupied by this parley, Richard had recovered himself,
+and had bound up his wounds from strips from his cloak. Alard likewise
+had bound up the wound in his thigh, stopping the flow of blood,
+and to the astonishment of the assembled host they all grimly ranged
+themselves side by side and awaited the onslaught of their astonished
+enemies, who marvelled at their courage; then, touched by compassion,
+Oger halted his soldiers, saying to them he would endeavor to persuade
+them to surrender.
+
+He then approached near to the rock, and thus addressed them in kindly
+tones:
+
+“My dear cousin, I pray you to surrender; it will be impossible for
+you to resist long; you will surely be slain, because nothing can
+prevent my soldiers from successfully assaulting the rock that shelters
+you. You have not sufficient means of defense in your swords and your
+lances. You have not even the resource of a pile of heavy stones with
+which to beat down your assailants when they seek to climb up the rock,
+and though you may see how much I admire your bravery, I shall stay
+here until you are completely subdued for want of food.”
+
+“I thank you, my cousin,” replied Maugis in the same spirit, “and I
+should profit by thy advice, but that we never can forget the baseness
+of the plot which brought us to this dire extremity.”
+
+At these words Oger shook his head sadly, and returned to his command,
+and Maugis climbed to the top of the rock to see in what way he
+could provide some means of defense. From the height thus gained he
+contemplated with pride the number of enemies they had slain, and
+then chancing to raise his eyes to the horizon he beheld a sight which
+caused the blood to leap quickening to his heart; a body of troops
+were advancing in all haste. He could hardly conceal his joy when he
+recognized at their head his cousin Renaud, mounted on Bayard, his own
+famous horse. He whispered joyfully in the ear of Guichard the welcome
+news, warning him to quietly acquaint the other brothers, in a manner
+that would not arouse the suspicion of their waiting and watching enemy.
+
+Maugis now descended from the rock and sought to occupy in some manner
+the attention of Oger, in order to gain delay.
+
+Though entirely deceived by Maugis, Oger could hear the murmurings
+of his soldiers, who demanded an assault on the rock should be made.
+He was about to return to them, when he was arrested by the voice of
+Maugis, saying:
+
+“My good cousin, if thou hast kindly feeling to us, grant us an hour’s
+truce; you cannot refuse this request with a good conscience; you have
+three thousand men against four miserable knights; thou art assured of
+victory; never fear that Charlemagne will address you one reproach in
+that regard.”
+
+“I will grant it thee willingly,” replied Oger, so he withdrew to his
+troops, and gave them the order to wait. At this their murmurings were
+loud and deep.
+
+“Silence!” roared Oger, “the first man who stirs one step I will strike
+down with my sword.” This stern threat had the effect to keep them
+quiet.
+
+A little more than half an hour had passed when Alard and Richard
+wished to recommence the battle.
+
+“My good brother,” said Richard, “the troop of Renaud, now coming, is
+superior to that of Oger by over one thousand men; it is in our power
+to take a terrible vengeance, and this is how we can do it: let us
+advance upon them now, and get them so busily occupied that they will
+not perceive what is passing behind them; in this way we will enable
+Renaud to approach them in the rear and cut them to pieces; if, on the
+contrary, we let them become aware of the approach of our friends, the
+enemy may escape combat by flight and we will miss our revenge.”
+
+This plan received the approval of the three brothers, and they
+accordingly descended from the rock, Maugis and Guichard leading the
+way, followed by Alard and Richard. The enemy upon witnessing this
+movement thought at once that the sons of Aymon, appalled by their
+numbers, and discouraged by their wounds, had decided to give up the
+contest, and were about to surrender. The veteran, Oger, could not bear
+the idea of their thus tamely giving themselves up. It was against that
+old fighter’s nature; accordingly he rode out toward the rock, and
+shouted to them:
+
+“Be warned, young men, thou hast thy right to leave thy refuge,
+but know thou, I am ordered to take thee alive, conduct thee to
+Charlemagne, when he will put thee to an ignominious death. I would
+prefer much that as brave men thou shouldst die in battle rather than
+surrender thus tamely like men of no courage.”
+
+This kindly advice caused a hot flush to suffuse the face of Maugis,
+and drawing up his tall form he fiercely replied:
+
+“We will never surrender, we will die with our arms in our hands rather
+than that. Our cause is just, and we only hope you will not escape our
+vengeance, because you have basely betrayed us.”
+
+Oger withdrew sadly upon this, his eyes filled with tears of pity,
+and rejoining his troops he ordered them to attack the four brothers;
+but his punishment was near at hand, for at that moment Renaud, who
+had successfully traversed the forest in their rear, came upon them,
+and before they could recover from their surprise, had completely
+surrounded them. Renaud rode ferociously at Oger, and aimed at him a
+terrible stroke of his sword, but he was carried away from the object
+of his attack by Bayard, who recognized his master.
+
+Without delay the soldiers of Renaud, taking advantage of their
+surprise and stupor, fell upon the enemy and slew them with a most
+terrible carnage.
+
+Fighting with the greatest ardor, the soldiers of Renaud had completely
+routed the command of Oger, but were temporarily arrested by the royal
+ambuscaders, who though in full retreat, stopped them so suddenly that
+the pursuers fell over each other. During the fight, Maugis, who had
+mounted his horse Bayard, had charged upon Oger and dismounted him; he
+then descended, and courteously assisting the veteran to remount, said
+to him:
+
+“Thou hast not succeeded in bathing your hands in our blood, but you
+have participated in a treachery; you have acted the part of a coward.
+Go! you are despicable. Never come before me again or I will not be so
+forgiving.”
+
+This taunt made Oger furious, and he charged upon Maugis, giving him
+a terrible stroke upon the head, which for an instant caused him to
+totter on his horse. Oger was about to renew the attack, when Alard
+and Guichard came up with some soldiers, and attacked the escort of
+Oger with great fury, putting them to flight, and massacring all who
+resisted; afterward they sought the wounded Richard and bore him to a
+place of safety.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XII.
+
+
+For a time Richard was thought to be dying; they tenderly put him upon
+a hastily constructed litter, enveloped in the remains of their cloaks,
+and then returned to Montaubon, where they were received with the
+rejoicings of the people. The meeting between Maugis and Yolande was
+most affecting; she shed tears of happiness upon his breast, overjoyed
+to see again him whom she thought was lost forever.
+
+After a few days of rest, Maugis resolved to punish King Yon, and was
+actively making his preparations to do so when a messenger arrived at
+the court from his brother-in-law. He was immediately shown into the
+presence of Maugis.
+
+“How now!” sternly demanded Maugis of the envoy; “what wouldst thou?”
+
+“My lord,” replied the messenger, “I come to thee from thy sorrowing
+and repentant brother-in-law, King Yon. He doth most humbly crave thy
+forgiveness and pardon and doth relate to thee his most sorrowful and
+unhappy condition. Roland doth hold him captive, and he craves thee to
+lay aside thy just resentment and to deliver him from his hands.”
+
+Maugis was silent for a moment and could not resist a sigh at thus
+perceiving how the treachery of the King of Acquitaine had served to
+punish and degrade him.
+
+“’Tis well,” said Maugis, “the baseness of thy master hath brought to
+him its own reward, yet great as my resentment is, I do not recognize
+the right of Roland to hold King Yon his prisoner, even though he be my
+worthless relative, I shall wrest him from his bonds. Get thee gone!”
+
+Maugis then called a council of his brothers and acquainted them with
+his plans. The troops were ordered under arms, and all preparations
+were made to go out and attack the enemy at once.
+
+The expedition, headed by Maugis, had proceeded but a short distance
+when they came upon Roland, face to face, at the head of a considerable
+number of troops. A halt was ordered and Maugis rode forward, lowered
+his lance, and said to Roland:
+
+“Brave knight, we have been shedding each other’s blood in a bitter
+quarrel, which it is now time to terminate, once for all. Thou art a
+relative of Charlemagne, and of mine; I pray thee use thy influence to
+pacify the emperor, and on my part I will do all in my power to second
+your efforts. We are willing to undertake, as a penance, war against
+the infidels, in the name of the Emperor of France, my brothers and I;
+I pray thee, then, in behalf of all, to accept my offer.”
+
+Roland, much affected by the frank and manly words of Maugis, replied:
+
+“Brave knight, for myself, I gladly tell thee I would only be too
+willing to accede to these requests, but alas! Charlemagne refuses to
+hear of peace under any conditions, except that thee and thy brothers
+are delivered into his hands.”
+
+“Then it is useless,” responded Maugis; “we will fight until death
+before we will ever lower ourselves to commit such a great act of
+cowardice.”
+
+Saying this, Maugis lowered his visor, set his lance at rest, and
+spurring his horse quickly forward, charged upon Roland. Roland in turn
+drew his famous sword and aimed a terrible blow at Maugis, which the
+latter received upon his shield, but such was its force the shield flew
+to pieces, and Roland stopping, said, smiling at his adversary:
+
+“Good, my cousin, I have taken my revenge on thee for thy rashness; thy
+shield is gone, we will now quit.”
+
+“No,” replied Maugis, “if thou hast destroyed my shield for vengeance,
+I will punish thee for thy pride.”
+
+This singular combat would have been continued, and with their
+followers included, all would have become engaged in a duel to
+extermination, if Renaud had not restrained his cousin. On his side
+Olivier, the friend of Roland, likewise detained the nephew of
+Charlemagne, who, however, had become enraged at the taunt of Maugis
+and would listen to nothing, but would throw himself with all his force
+upon him.
+
+Things were at this delicate point when in the distance a body of
+troops were seen approaching with a slow and measured tread. They
+surrounded a man habited in the garb of a monk; the doleful strains of
+the _Miserere_ came floating to them borne on the breeze. The nearer
+approach of this melancholy procession revealed the fact that the man
+in the garb of a monk was no other than King Yon; they were conducting
+him to execution. This sight caused Maugis to forget all his resentment
+against his brother-in-law. He drew his troops across the road, barring
+the progress of the guard, and thundered out the order to them:
+
+“Halt!”
+
+“Stand aside!” responded the commandant of the guard.
+
+“Again I command thee to halt,” cried Maugis; “yield thy prisoner!”
+
+At these words Maugis commanded his troops to charge, and they
+threw themselves upon the guard with such fury that they were all
+either killed or dispersed, and finally the unfortunate King Yon was
+delivered from their hands. He then threw himself at the feet of his
+brother-in-law, saying:
+
+“I am not worthy to live in thy presence; the sole grace I can implore
+of thee is that I may meet death at thy hands.”
+
+At the sight of Maugis fighting the guardians of King Yon, the troops
+on each side all along the line became engaged in a murderous conflict,
+and intermingling formed a vast struggling mass, in the midst of which
+could be seen the swords rising and falling, at each stroke meeting a
+victim. Roland, in the meantime, was not inactive; he wrought upon his
+enemy injury equal to that of Maugis.
+
+Richard, who was still weak from his wounds, and fought but little,
+became surrounded, and Roland perceiving it, rode toward him, and not
+deeming it chivalrous to accept his defiance, ordered him to be taken
+alive. Richard defended himself like a lion at bay, but was very soon
+buried under a mass of the enemy, hurled from his horse and compelled
+to yield. He refused to give his sword to any one but Roland, whom he
+considered only worthy to receive it.
+
+It was in the midst of the fight that the sorrowful news of the capture
+of Richard was borne to Maugis; it made him furious; he declared he
+would at any price secure the liberty of Richard, and he was about to
+appoint Alard and Guichard to act in his place, while he proceeded
+against the camp of Charlemagne to deliver his brother, but his cousin
+Renaud arrested him.
+
+“Thy project is foolish,” said he; “if you take such a step you will
+certainly be yourself captured, then what can you do? Listen, I have
+myself an account to settle with the emperor, and if Richard has
+not already been executed, I will enter the camp of Charlemagne in
+disguise, will learn what they intend doing with him, and we can then
+know better what steps to take for his rescue.”
+
+“Thy plan is wise,” said Maugis, “and knowing thy discretion, am
+assured thou wilt return from thy perilous mission in safety.”
+
+Accordingly, Renaud at once retired, and hastily disguising himself
+as a pilgrim, leaning wearily upon a stick, proceeded to the camp
+of Charlemagne, whither Richard had been borne. On nearing the camp
+he walked very feebly, and assumed such a miserable aspect that all
+gates were opened before him; such was the reverence for holiness and
+sanctity, that pilgrims from the holy land were held in those days, and
+when, at last, he had arrived before the tent of the emperor, and was
+ushered into his presence, he said to Charlemagne:
+
+“Pax Vobiscum, great ruler, I have just returned from Jerusalem,
+where I prostrated myself before the tomb of our Divine Master,” and
+reverently crossing himself he bowed his hooded head upon his breast
+and stood silent.
+
+“Most holy man, I give thee greeting,” replied the emperor; “what
+commands hast thou for me? Speak, and they are granted thee.”
+
+“Sire,” continued the false monk, “while on my way yesterday by
+Balancon, with other pilgrims, traveling the same road, we were set
+upon by brigands; all my companions were slain, and I alone, by the
+mercy of God, escaped death, and that only because they thought I was
+so near death already. At the nearest village I could gain I learned
+that the country was being ravaged by the four sons of Aymon, aided
+by a certain Renaud, and, from a picture, I am sure it was the latter
+who was our assailant, and it was he who brought me to this miserable
+state.” Here the pilgrim made another sign of the cross, saluted the
+emperor with humility, and begged him for food, as it had been a long
+time since he had had what he required.
+
+Renaud acted his part so well that Charlemagne was taken completely off
+his guard, and suspicious of nothing, gave orders that the holy father
+be well treated as one deserved who possessed such precious information.
+
+Renaud added to the good impression he had produced by a liberal
+quantity of prayers and blessings. At this point the camp was aroused
+by a blare of trumpets from without; it was Roland who had arrived with
+Richard surrounded by a strong guard.
+
+Charlemagne, who had already been warned by Ganelon of the result of
+his nephew’s expedition, received him joyfully, and, upon hearing his
+story, embraced him. Said he:
+
+“Thou hast done well; let the rebel be delivered to punishment at once.”
+
+At the first sight of the pilgrim, Richard recognized his cousin
+Renaud, which had the effect of reassuring him as to his safety.
+Renaud, on his part, succeeded in learning the plans of the execution,
+and where it was to take place, then he quietly withdrew, hastened
+to Montaubon and gave the order summoning all to arms as quickly as
+possible. This being accomplished, he prepared to lead them to the
+place of execution, and took the troops around by a circuitous route
+to the appointed place, hiding them in the woods nearby, and enjoining
+every one to preserve the utmost silence.
+
+On the arrival of Richard at the camp, Charlemagne immediately
+assembled his council. Said he:
+
+“At last one of the rebellious sons of Aymon has been delivered into my
+hands; it has been at a fearful cost of blood and treasure. They have
+defied and insulted me. I should be illy fitted to be a ruler did I not
+make a most forcible example of this rebellious subject, therefore do
+I decide to hang him as near the château on the mountain as possible,
+that it may give the execution an imposing effect. Let the affair
+proceed at once.”
+
+Now arose a difficulty to find an executioner. There was a secret
+admiration for the brave sons of Aymon throughout the camp. This was
+revealed when no one would volunteer to fill the office. At last a
+person of the court of bad reputation, one Des Rives by name, who
+had already made himself conspicuous by his questionable exploits,
+presented himself for the task, hoping by means of this low action to
+gain favor in the eyes of the emperor, and Charlemagne at once accepted
+him.
+
+Faithful to his past, and at the cost of his honor, Des Rives then
+approached Richard and read him the sentence of death. Then he mounted
+Richard upon a mule, and brought him before the tent of Charlemagne,
+further humiliating him by taunts and jeers.
+
+At all times in France men have fought solely for the desire to
+conquer, and rarely for the hate of their enemies, therefore the
+conduct of the cowardly and villainous Des Rives so much affected the
+assembled knights and soldiers that many a stern eye shed tears to
+see the treatment suffered by a man so renowned for his bravery and
+nobility of character.
+
+The troops of the escort now surrounded him and conducted him away to
+the place of execution. All along the road Richard watched anxiously
+to see if he could see some friendly face that would give to him the
+promise of a rescue, but seeing none, he commenced to despair, and
+made the resolve to accept his fate, asking for a priest to assist
+him in his last moments. This Des Rives refused, but Oger, who formed
+part of the escort, became indignant and roundly denounced the
+dastardly nephew of Foulques de Morillon, for he, himself, was honest
+and upright, and would have granted the request; he was even about to
+see that it was done, when at this instant they were set upon by the
+soldiers of Maugis and taken completely by surprise.
+
+The cowardly Des Rives then threw himself at the feet of his prisoner
+and abjectly protested that he had only acted in the manner he had done
+at the command of his superiors, that he was even forced into doing so
+upon the penalty of his life. Strange drift of circumstances it was,
+that he, the executioner, should thus supplicate to Richard as if he
+himself were the condemned.
+
+Meanwhile, Alard and Guichard had hemmed in the imperial troops, but
+not before Oger, Turpin and Olivier had made their escape, leaving
+Ganelon and Pinabel, the low companions of Des Rives, to extricate
+themselves the best they could.
+
+Renaud, who had captured Des Rives, would have then and there slain
+him, but Maugis dissuaded him. Then being made aware how Des Rives had
+volunteered to perform a cowardly action so unworthy of knighthood,
+he ordered him to prepare himself for his final punishment. In vain
+the coward threw himself at his feet and begged for mercy. Maugis
+was unpitying, and Des Rives was forthwith strung from the very
+gibbet that was destined for Richard. Before re-entering the fortress
+Maugis wished to see his Cousin Oger, but found he had returned to
+the imperial camp. Then Richard, so recently freed, smarting from
+the indignities offered him, volunteered to make a sortie into the
+camp of his unsuspecting enemies, and penetrate even to the tent of
+Charlemagne. Maugis, thinking this possible, consented, and gave him an
+escort of five hundred men, and he also hung about his brother’s neck
+his own horn, at a signal from which he promised to come to his rescue,
+if necessary, with the main body of his troops.
+
+By means of a more direct route, Richard and his company were enabled
+to arrive at the camp of the emperor before the fugitives of Des Rives’
+escort could arrive. Stationing his troops at some little distance
+away, mounted on the horse of Des Rives, disguised by his armor, and
+holding in his hand the banner of the traitor, Richard penetrated
+boldly into the camp as far as the tent of the emperor, who, mistaking
+him for the villain, had no doubt but that the execution had been
+accomplished. Naimes, who had remained at the camp, did not doubt that
+it was really Des Rives. Oger, Turpin, and Olivier, who had retreated
+when Maugis surrounded the imperial escort, thought it might be
+Pinabel, who, having escaped, was returning. A perfect storm of insult
+was then hurled at the head of the supposed Des Rives. In a paroxysm of
+rage, Oger rushed forward, grasped the bridle of his horse, drew his
+sword and threatened him with death. It was in vain Charlemagne tried
+to calm him, and Richard was finally forced to speak, saying, as he
+raised the visor of his helmet:
+
+“All is well, my dear cousin; it is not the coward Des Rives whom you
+address; it is your cousin, who once more exposes his life to render to
+you his thanks for the great service you would have rendered him.”
+
+Transported with joy, Oger was hastening to embrace him, when
+Charlemagne interposed himself between them; flying into violent rage,
+he pushed his horse against that of Richard, and he aimed at Richard a
+violent blow with his sword, which the latter succeeded in parrying,
+then put himself on the defensive. Now, thoroughly furious, the emperor
+cried:
+
+“Montjoie!” in stentorian tone.
+
+At the sound of this famous war-cry, the camp was aroused, and the
+imperial soldiers came rushing toward the tent, but Richard had by this
+time given the signal from his horn and his nine hundred men came upon
+the scene, precipitately to the rescue.
+
+The _mêlée_ then became general; all the pent-up hatreds and passions
+and prejudices came uppermost. By chance, Charlemagne and Maugis met
+and charged upon each other with fury, and with such force that they
+unhorsed each other; then, sword in hand, they renewed the action on
+foot, without either gaining any advantage; the great warrior emperor,
+whose arms were celebrated as being invincible, little accustomed to
+meeting such sturdy resistance, manifested his astonishment aloud. At
+the sound of his well-known voice, Maugis, who had not recognized the
+emperor, his face being concealed by his visor, immediately lowered his
+sword, approached and kneeled before him to the earth.
+
+“Sire!” said he humbly, “accord me a truce and I will engage my
+knightly word you will never again have cause of complaint against me,
+only I ask not to have any of my privileges taken from me, except by
+due legal process.”
+
+“Who art thou?” demanded the astonished emperor; “to whom am I asked to
+give my word?”
+
+“I am Maugis,” responded the knight, “and I ask you for pardon for
+me and mine, assuring you it is not the fear of being conquered that
+causes me to make this supplication; it is because I desire to enter
+into good relations with you and to once more put to your service my
+courage and my sword.”
+
+It was not without a certain reluctance that the emperor consented to
+talk with a man whom he detested, but at the same time admired.
+
+“I will grant thee peace, only on one condition,” he sternly replied.
+
+“Sire, if thou wouldst but name it.”
+
+“That condition is,” responded the emperor; “thou shalt deliver up to
+me thy cousin Renaud.”
+
+“But, sire,” said Maugis pleadingly, “even did I not love my cousin I
+could not be so lost to honor as to deliver him up, even if it were to
+redeem my own brother from death.”
+
+“Then I will promise nothing,” thundered the emperor, “but war, and war
+all the time. Defend thyself,” he shouted, “I will, at least, permit
+thee to fight with me.”
+
+Saying this, Charlemagne rushed upon Maugis and struck him such a
+terrible blow with his sword that the shield of Maugis was shivered.
+Transported with rage, Maugis, in his turn, threw himself upon the
+emperor, and dragging him from his horse, held him in a herculean
+grasp, in his left hand, while with his right he fought all who came to
+the rescue of his prey. At this juncture Roland came up and attacked
+Maugis so fiercely that to defend himself he was obliged to set loose
+his royal prisoner. Then, freeing himself to fight, he turned upon
+Roland and, seconded by his brothers, forced him to take flight to save
+himself from being captured. Furious to have been compelled to yield to
+the emperor, Maugis sounded the retreat, and with his troops returned
+to the château in good order.
+
+His blood now thoroughly aroused, on the morning of the next day Maugis
+took three thousand men with him and again directed a movement against
+the camp of Charlemagne, resolved this time to penetrate to his very
+tent and master him.
+
+So sudden was their movement, and so unanticipated, that by a furious
+charge he was able to penetrate to the very portal of the royal
+pavilion. Maugis surmounted it and with one stroke of the sword severed
+the golden eagle at its apex, and descended to the earth safely, where
+he was met by his cousin Renaud, and together they secured their prize.
+The four sons of Aymon were, in the meantime, surrounded by a multitude
+of confused imperial soldiers, whom they threw down and slew without
+pity.
+
+Thinking this a favorable moment, Renaud alone retired from the fight
+to secure a hiding place for the golden eagle, and returned hastily,
+only to find that the brothers had gone. He next encountered Olivier
+and Roland, but turning his horse and evading their strokes, he took
+flight, not realizing how close a pursuit was following him. Near
+Belancon, he thought to rest, when suddenly he found himself in the
+midst of a troop who were pursuing him with desperation. Impatient with
+a pursuit so incessant, Renaud turned and made a terrible charge upon
+the leader of his enemies, who, however, did not await his onslaught,
+but met him halfway, and with a stroke of his lance wounded the
+intrepid Renaud, throwing him from his horse. Renaud, half-stunned,
+arose and vigorously defended himself, and with such great energy that
+Olivier cried out to him:
+
+“Yield, brave knight, you court inevitable death; it were a pity to
+hide such courage and such valor in the obscurity of death.”
+
+[Illustration: YE OLDE CITIE OF MOUZON.]
+
+“Who art thou,” exclaimed Renaud, “who summons me to surrender, and who
+fights so fiercely?”
+
+“I am Olivier, and to place yourself in my power is no disgrace;
+therefore yield, I pray you.”
+
+“I accept,” replied Renaud; “but on one condition, and that is, that,
+if I give myself up, it be agreed I am your prisoner and your prisoner
+only; it being well understood that no matter what order you may
+receive, or what importance the person is who gives it, you are not to
+deliver me up; this is the sole condition I impose.”
+
+“I give thee my knightly word,” said Olivier.
+
+“I know you well, Olivier,” continued Renaud, “and I was certain in
+advance what your reply would be. Know me now, I am Renaud, and you may
+understand why I make these conditions, as Charlemagne is my bitter
+enemy.”
+
+Olivier took Renaud to his camp, helped him off with his armor, bathed
+his wounds, and placed him in his own bed.
+
+When the news of the capture of Renaud reached the ears of the emperor,
+he sent an officer to Olivier, commanding him to deliver his prisoner.
+Olivier, though loyally anxious to obey the orders of his sovereign,
+was restrained by the conditions Renaud had made when he surrendered
+himself; he therefore hastened to the emperor to explain.
+
+“Sire,” said Olivier, “I have given my word not to yield my prisoner,
+and thou knowest I am a man who never violates his promise.”
+
+“S’death!” cried Charlemagne in a rage; “knowest thou, sir, that the
+first duty of a knight is to submit without restrictions to the orders
+of his king, and that all other oaths are as nothing before the oath of
+fidelity to his master.”
+
+After Olivier had retired, the emperor bethought him that he had a
+means whereby the scruples of Olivier might be overcome. He accordingly
+ordered Roland, the Archbishop Turpin, and the Duke de Naimes, to take
+Renaud from Olivier by force, thinking Olivier would accept this as
+releasing him from his word, inasmuch as Renaud would be taken from
+him by compulsion. Olivier, however, thought otherwise when the three
+envoys appeared at his tent, demanding Renaud; he drew his sword, and
+swore he would kill any man who endeavored to execute that order, even
+if he were the bravest in the army.
+
+Renaud, who had overheard all this contention, not being willing that
+Olivier should meet with disgrace on his account, then came forward and
+said:
+
+“Sir knights, I place myself in your hands, and hereby disengage
+Olivier of his word.”
+
+“I also disengage thee of thine,” cried Olivier, not to be outdone in
+generosity; “you may take your liberty,” continued he, “because you are
+my prisoner and mine only, and no person here has any right to you.”
+
+Charlemagne was furious; he ordered the rearrest of Renaud at once, and
+ordered him to be brought into his presence. Said he:
+
+“I shall recognize no pledges made to thee, prepare to die; nothing
+shall save you, now that you are in my power. I vow to you a death of
+the most frightful and degrading kind.”
+
+Having said this, the emperor gave an order for his heralds to go
+forward under the walls of Montaubon and announce to Maugis the
+punishment of his cousin.
+
+
+
+
+                             CHAPTER XIII.
+
+
+Charlemagne sought to establish his right for having taken Renaud in
+his power. The emperor called an assemblage of the highest peers of his
+court. Said he to them:
+
+“My lords, you are well aware of the causes of the hatred I bear
+toward Renaud; you know the last outrage he has committed was to tear
+the golden eagle from the top of my tent; he hath even attacked our
+royal person, and had it not been for the aid of Olivier and divine
+Providence, which always protects the cause of the just, I should at
+least have been wounded. It was his intention to kill me none the less.
+He is therefore culpable. Even if I did not occupy the elevated rank
+which places me at your head, I would not pardon him. Settling the
+matter between us by personal combat is out of the question. I am an
+emperor, and I must see that justice is rendered, and I must set the
+example. I will not accuse him of having attempted my life. I will not
+seek to punish him for his crime of lese-majesty, but he shall suffer
+the direst punishment like a traitor to his oath for having supported
+the four sons of Aymon, and above all, for having taken up arms
+against me.”
+
+“I now order that he be immediately given to the flames.”
+
+Then arose Leon de Hautfeuille, a wise courtier.
+
+“Sire,” said he, “there can be no exception taken to thy just
+resentment, but if thou dost carry thy sentence out immediately, will
+it not encourage Maugis and his brothers in the belief that thou
+fearest a rescue from them so much thou decidest to be rid of Renaud at
+once?”
+
+If there was one point upon which Charlemagne was sensitive it was
+self-pride; a mere suggestion of this kind would arouse him, and it was
+through this weakness in his noble character that Ganelon and others
+accomplished their designs; although Leon was honest, the suggestion
+was sufficient to cause the emperor to postpone the execution until
+the morrow, and he further ordered that this time, that there might be
+no possibility of a rescue, that Renaud be placed under a strong guard
+composed of twelve peers, Charlemagne telling them that he would hold
+them responsible for his person.
+
+Renaud gave his word, to the twelve peers who guarded him, laughingly,
+that he would not stir during the night without their permission, and
+did he do so he would not go without first seeing the emperor. His
+words were prophetic.
+
+Meanwhile, the news of the terrible position of Renaud reached
+Montaubon. It caused the utmost concern to all, for Renaud was dearly
+beloved. The enemy being now thoroughly prepared for surprise, a rescue
+by means of a sortie was out of the question. Now for the first time in
+all their trials was an appeal made to Maugis to exercise his occult
+powers. There was no hope for Renaud otherwise. To these pleadings
+Maugis replied:
+
+“My brothers, it is useless; I cannot, though it is possible I might
+release Renaud by my secret powers. Thou shouldst remember that I have
+made a solemn oath before God and man to utterly abandon and forever
+give them up; not only have I made this sacred oath before man, but I
+did solemnly pledge my knightly word and honor to my wife, Yolande,
+that I would forget, disuse, and put by those early teachings of the
+secret art forever and forever. To break my oath to God would be a
+sacrilege condemning me to eternal punishment, and to break my oath to
+Yolande would so dishonor me that I could never face my kind again.”
+
+“What if Yolande would absolve thee of thine oath?” asked Alard.
+
+“Then should I be left to face my oath to God.”
+
+“Then Renaud must perish,” cried Richard.
+
+“Even so,” responded Maugis sadly.
+
+Realizing that further pleadings were in vain, the brothers sought the
+tender Yolande, and told her of the terrible position of their cousin.
+Much as she feared occult things, as did every one at that period, the
+fate of Renaud appealed strongly to her sympathies; to feel that any
+means of rescue should be used to preserve him from a horrible death at
+the stake caused her to throw aside her scruples and fears; and flying
+to the side of Maugis, she added her pleadings to those of the others,
+and so, overcome by them all, he finally yielded his consent, sadly
+depressed, though confident he could save his cousin.
+
+It was midnight in the camp of Charlemagne; the tent where Renaud slept
+calmly was silent; two knights remained on watch at the door; the rest
+were reposing in sleep on their arms, ready to spring up from the
+slightest alarm. A shadowy figure now appeared on the scene, gliding
+noiselessly toward the door; though they looked directly at it the
+guard saw it not, and when the shape glided toward them and lifted its
+shadowy hand in front of their faces, they, too, joined their comrades
+in slumber, sinking under a deep hypnotic spell. It was the work of a
+moment for the shadow to glide within the tent and set Renaud free,
+and a few moments later, unharmed and undiscovered, he was on his way
+toward the castle of Montaubon.
+
+Maugis, however, felt that he had not completed his work. Charlemagne
+had that night visited his prisoner to assure himself that he was
+well guarded, and had then retired; determined, however, to remain
+awake, he resisted his desire to sleep until near midnight, and then
+so anxious was he for revenge that he arose and gave orders that
+preparations should be made for the execution at daybreak.
+
+It was at this moment that Renaud stood erect among his sleeping
+guards, stripped of his chains, and a few moments later the shadowy
+figure of Maugis entered the tent of the emperor, who had meanwhile
+fallen into a deep sleep. As Maugis appeared on the scene he came upon
+Roland, who was endeavoring to awaken the emperor; it required but a
+few passes of that shadowy hand to cause the eyes of Roland to also
+close into a helpless state of somnambulance. The emperor was sleeping;
+Roland slept; the guards slept; and Maugis was alone with the emperor
+free to work his will. One stroke of the poignard would relieve him
+at once of his persecution and his persecutor, but no thought of
+committing this cowardly act possessed his noble soul. It was with the
+greatest reluctance he had used his occult powers in the rescue of his
+cousin. He was, however, content to humiliate the emperor and Roland,
+so he took from the side of Charlemagne his sword, the sword of Roland,
+famous by the name of “Durandel,” and the but little less noted sword
+of Olivier, called “Haute Clair.” He also took the swords of the twelve
+peers who had guarded Renaud; he hesitated not to visit the treasure of
+the emperor, taking therefrom his crown, his jewels and his precious
+stones; all this he bore away and placed in the hands of a faithful
+shepherd nearby, promising to reward him well for his fidelity and
+discretion. Once more returning to the tent of the emperor he bound him
+by one leg to the bed by one of the chains which had held Renaud, and
+departed noiselessly and undiscovered.
+
+As the shadowy figure was just passing through the opening of the
+tent, Charlemagne awoke, and seeing the gliding form, he recognized
+the gigantic proportions of Maugis. He could hardly believe his eyes;
+he sprang up and would have followed him, but it was useless; he was
+retained by the chain with which Maugis had attached him to the bed.
+
+“What ho!” he shouted.
+
+Then he called for his attendants by name, but of Roland and all the
+lords in waiting nobody responded; every one was in a profound sleep.
+
+What had happened? then suddenly he realized that his suite had all
+succumbed to the magic art of Maugis, and that all his efforts to
+arouse them would be in vain, and he fell back dejected on his bed.
+
+Maugis, having taken his departure, hastened to join the shepherd
+with whom he had left the treasure, and having recommended him to
+continue guarding it with care, he took once more the road to the camp
+of Charlemagne; but this time, thoroughly disguised, with body bent,
+and face drawn, assuming the appearance of a travel-worn pilgrim. Thus
+changed he presented himself again to the emperor, who lay depressed
+and consumed with rage, still bound to his bed.
+
+“Holy father, enter thou quickly,” cried Charlemagne to the supposed
+pilgrim.
+
+“What has happened?” exclaimed the holy father; “when I was coming
+hither I passed freely in and no one stopped me; all thy lords and
+knights were sleeping, and there was no guard before thy tent.”
+
+“It is the work of that sorcerer Maugis. Come hither and break the
+chains which hold me prisoner.”
+
+The pretended pilgrim approached, and after some efforts succeeded in
+freeing the discomfited emperor, who, being grateful, gave him gold;
+this the pilgrim did not hesitate to quickly put in his pockets.
+Then the emperor discovered a small bottle containing a very clear
+liquid lying upon his couch. The pilgrim would have picked it up, when
+Charlemagne shouted:
+
+“Have a care, holy father! that bottle belongs to Maugis, and without
+doubt contains some death-dealing liquid, with which he intended my
+destruction.”
+
+Following these words, he dashed the vial into pieces upon the ground.
+It then happened the liquid gave forth a subtle odor, which penetrated
+everywhere and everyone was awakened; barons and knights, chiefs and
+soldiers, all awoke and rubbed their eyes with astonishment to see the
+pilgrim with the emperor, the entry of whom had aroused no one.
+
+The emperor then recounted to his peers and courtiers what had
+happened, and gave hasty orders for the immediate pursuit of the
+fugitive. It chanced at this time that when the peers put their hands
+down to their sides they perceived that their swords were missing,
+and at this moment the guardian of the treasury rushed in, almost
+breathless with excitement, and told the emperor that crown, jewels,
+precious stones, and money, all had disappeared.
+
+The emperor and the entire court were astounded, and gazed upon each
+other in dismay. They were appalled by the awful power that had been
+wielded against them. The emperor was the first to recover his senses.
+
+“I will go myself in pursuit,” he shouted. “It will not be long before
+we capture him; has any one seen him leave the camp, and what road hath
+he taken?”
+
+“Sire!” said the supposed pilgrim, “I can be thy guide. Coming hither,
+a figure hurried by me, bearing swords and other objects in his arms,
+and I know the road by which he left the camp, but thou must give me a
+horse to lead thee with. I am too feeble to walk.”
+
+A horse was secured immediately, and escorted by Charlemagne and
+several knights, he started forth upon the road in pursuit of Maugis.
+
+In the meantime, the soldiers had been aroused, and taking up their
+arms followed in the rear. The pilgrim being once more on horseback
+felt at his ease.
+
+“I am not now very skillful,” said he. “I am not strong, but if you
+will give me a sword, I feel I could use it once more, possibly well if
+required, because in other days I used to manage a sword like a master.”
+
+He was given a sword as he requested, and they continued upon the road.
+
+Our pilgrim, followed by the imperial troops, now entered into a deep
+gorge, a narrow passage formed on either side by inaccessible rocks.
+
+“If thou wilt permit me, sire,” said the pilgrim, “I think we have
+nearly overtaken him, and I will now march alone in advance, because if
+Maugis sees me mounted upon a good horse, he will seek to capture it,
+then I can summon you to my assistance, and by coming up quickly make
+yourself master of this wicked sorcerer.”
+
+This stratagem was thought to be good and the emperor approved of it.
+Accordingly Maugis left them, and going some distance forward out of
+their sight, hurriedly dismounted, and ascended, by means of a secret
+path known only to himself, the high rock on one side of the gorge,
+and appeared at the top overlooking the imperial cavalcade; then
+throwing off his disguise, assumed his own form and stood erect in full
+view of the astonished emperor and his knights.
+
+“I am Maugis!” he shouted, “whom you would unjustly send to death, and
+to-day I defy you once more, Charlemagne the proud! Do you recognize
+here your crown and your treasures? and you, sir knights, the haughty
+companions of your master, here are your swords, all in my power.
+However, thou canst have them once more—if the emperor will grant peace
+to the four sons of Aymon, all will be given back to you.”
+
+Amid the furious cries of rage caused by this audacious defiance,
+Maugis disappeared before their eyes.
+
+While the pride of Charlemagne and his peers was deeply wounded,
+not all the knights could restrain from laughing, secretly among
+themselves, at their misadventures, for the bravery and audacity of
+Maugis and his brothers had raised them highly in their estimation.
+
+Being at last free from Charlemagne and his troops, Maugis returned
+quietly to Montaubon with the treasures. He was received there with
+the greatest joy, and when he showed his booty every one hastened to
+congratulate him on the success of his enterprise. The wealth was taken
+care of, and to the rage and mortification of Charlemagne, his golden
+eagle adorned the most elevated position on the château of Montaubon,
+for on the following morning when Charlemagne saw his golden eagle
+resplendent in the rays of the sun, he was astounded. He called his
+peers and said to them:
+
+“We are dishonored, and we must secure ourselves at any price.”
+
+He thereupon called the Duke de Naimes and Oger, who were relatives of
+Maugis, and ordered them to go to him, and say that if he would return
+what had been taken he would be granted a truce of two years.
+
+It was an imposing procession that set out for the château Montaubon,
+headed by the two knights and followed by the flower of the court, and
+when they appeared before Maugis and his brothers, they were given a
+cordial and gracious reception.
+
+“Brave knights,” said Oger, “thou canst not ignore the fact that the
+Duke de Naimes and myself have personally done all we could to stop
+this war, and that it would have terminated long since if the emperor
+had listened to our advice; this being so, we have some cause to ask
+thee to return our swords into our hands, and that if thou wilt also
+render all that thou hast taken from Charlemagne into our hands, he
+will grant thee a truce of two years.”
+
+“Noble lords, and sir knights,” responded Maugis, “gladly will I grant
+thy request, and willingly will I return unto Charlemagne all that
+has been taken from him, on the condition of two years’ truce, and I
+can only hope and pray that during this time a final peace will be
+concluded.”
+
+Then Maugis gave to each knight his own sword, and put into the
+possession of the Duke de Naimes all the treasure of the emperor that
+had been taken from him.
+
+The generosity and nobility of character Maugis had shown in this
+matter awoke the friendly feeling and admiration of every peer of
+Charlemagne’s court. Even the emperor was affected almost to tears, and
+a general demand arose that the war be ended and peace be granted the
+brave young men. A certain number of the courtiers went to Montaubon
+and endeavored to persuade Maugis to appear again before the emperor,
+now that his heart had been somewhat softened, and endeavor to secure
+peace, and when Maugis, though strongly persuaded, hesitated, the Baron
+de Estouville even offered to remain at Montaubon as a hostage, and the
+Duke de Naimes, in behalf of all the knights present, guaranteed Maugis
+should return uninjured, then Maugis, finally, decided to go, though
+much against the advice of Yolande, who would have him absolutely
+refuse. When the party at last set out and had covered half the
+distance to the camp of Charlemagne, Oger and the Duke de Naimes, after
+consulting Maugis, rode forward to see Charlemagne, in order to prepare
+him for the coming interview.
+
+Unhappily, fate seemed to pursue the dove of peace all through the
+career of Maugis and his brave brothers; no sooner did the horizon
+brighten for them than dark clouds would again gather and the storm
+beset them more furiously than ever. In this case it was Pinabel, an
+intimate of Ganelon, who, seeing what was going on, mounted his horse
+and hastened to the emperor, that he might arrive there first and
+prejudice him against the project of the two knights.
+
+By making false reports, all kinds of calumnies, and above all, by
+appealing to the well-known weakness in the character of Charlemagne,
+his self-pride, appeals to which he was always susceptible, it hardly
+needed the lies and misrepresentations in addition to persuade him that
+the coming of Maugis was an insult if not a treachery.
+
+So furious was the emperor made by the crafty deceits of Pinabel, that
+he summoned Olivier, saying:
+
+“Harken me well, and obey me. I command thee to take four hundred men
+and go forward on the road to Montaubon, where thou wilt encounter the
+traitor Maugis and his brother Alard, who have the supreme assurance to
+insult me by coming hither. I command thee, thou shalt make them thy
+prisoners, even if thou dost lose thy entire force, and fail not,” he
+added sternly, “under pain of my displeasure.”
+
+“I go, sire,” replied Olivier, who forthwith departed.
+
+Olivier, who had no knowledge of the pledge given by Oger and the Duke
+de Naimes, assembled his troops quickly and departed on his mission.
+
+It was at the very moment he left that Oger and his noble companion
+arrived to announce to the emperor the result of their embassy.
+
+“Sire,” said Oger, “we have come to announce to thee that Maugis and
+his brother Alard are on their way hither to sue thee for peace; almost
+without exception the peers of thy court are lost in admiration of the
+nobility of character and the bravery of these young men. Sire, it is
+our devotion to thee, as well, that leads us to wish a reconciliation,
+that this cruel war may be ended with honor to both parties; we beseech
+thee, then, sire, to listen to their penitencies and grant them again
+thy favor, and be assured, sire, it will be an act to add to thy
+renown, and will be another instance of thy greatness of character.”
+
+“Thou hast gone too far,” said the emperor coldly.
+
+At these words the brave old soldier hesitated not to face the emperor
+and declared flatly:
+
+“Sire! though our act may give thee displeasure, it was committed in
+the interest of justice and through devotion to thine own interests.
+It was the Duke de Naimes who has caused them to visit thee on the
+guarantee of our word of honor that they should be protected; rather
+than that be violated, I will, myself, if necessary, at the head of my
+own men, protect him from any one who shall put the least insult upon a
+man I now regard as a common friend.”
+
+During this time Olivier had proceeded along the road until he
+encountered Maugis, who was marching alone, without arms, leading
+Bayard peacefully at the head of his escort. On seeing Olivier and
+his troops, Maugis turned quickly to the Archbishop Turpin and De
+Estonville, saying:
+
+“You have betrayed me, behold the troops that come to make me prisoner.”
+
+“We have not betrayed you,” replied the knights, and De Estonville
+added:
+
+“God forfend us from committing such a vile infamy, and to prove it we
+will join in your defense, and will fight for you to the death.”
+
+While they were having this discussion, Roland dashed up to sustain
+Olivier. The three knights, however, were determined to treat the
+affair with resolution, advancing to within a hundred paces of the
+opposing force, and shouting:
+
+“Roland! stop, I pray you, in the name of honor, in the name of our
+word pledged, that not any injury shall befall Maugis and Alard, if
+they would visit the emperor and sue for peace.”
+
+Olivier, who had left at the head of his troops against the dictates
+of his own heart to fulfill the mission for the emperor, was the first
+to accept this explanation joyfully, in which he was quickly joined by
+Roland, who said:
+
+“We join you, with our brave companions; not only will we not arrest
+you, but if Maugis wishes we will all accompany you direct to the tent
+of Charlemagne. We could not do otherwise; we are all united in the
+same thought that Maugis should be accorded peace, plain and entire,
+and now is the time to have this miserable war terminated.”
+
+In saying this, Roland uttered the sincere sentiments of his heart
+toward Maugis, having always found him so brave, so loyal, and so
+true, and he could not restrain from testifying to his feelings on
+this occasion. Entirely reassured by this friendliness, Maugis yielded
+himself into their hands, and they all, once more, took up their march
+for the camp.
+
+On their arrival the emperor greeted them with a stern brow, and his
+face flushed with anger; a great hush fell upon the assembled company
+and an embarrassing silence ensued that was of ominous portent. Oger
+would have spoken, but Charlemagne, with an imperious gesture, stopped
+him, saying in a voice hoarse with passion:
+
+“Silence! I am your master, let it suffice, once for all that I have
+decided that this traitor Maugis shall be punished like a rebel, as he
+is, and this time he shall not escape me.”
+
+“Sire, that we shall not willingly permit,” responded the veteran Oger,
+fearlessly gazing into the face of Charlemagne. “No! it shall not be
+said we have given our word in vain; our honor is above all and unto
+the gravest consequences, understand, we shall defend him against you.”
+
+At these defiant words a great hush fell upon the assembled courtiers,
+and so intense was the moment that not a word was said, while
+Charlemagne sat with eyes blazing, clutching his robe in his hands too
+amazed for utterance.
+
+It was at this moment that Maugis, perceiving a situation so tense
+would evidently lead to a conflict, advanced and modestly addressing
+the emperor, said:
+
+“Sire! I have complied with all the conditions you have imposed
+upon me. I have not swerved from a single point. I came here alone,
+without arms, on the faith of these brave knights to ratify with you
+the basis of a peace. What reproaches can I merit for this? If I have
+fought against thee, it is because thou hast incessantly pursued me;
+because thou hast tracked me like a wild beast, and all because at the
+beginning I refused to sustain thee in a war where my honor commanded
+me to remain neutral. Ah, sire!” earnestly pleaded Maugis, “reflect,
+examine my actions well; judge my conduct with impartiality, and thou
+wilt end in rendering me the justice which is my due.”
+
+It needed but these firm and modest words to add to the evident signs
+of disapproval on the part of his courtiers to convince Charlemagne
+that he had gone too far; that with but few exceptions his entire court
+was against him, and that if he continued his policy there would be
+no other outcome than his own humiliation, if not defeat. Quick of
+resource, however, he pondered but a moment before he made reply, and
+turning to Maugis, said:
+
+“Art thou prepared to make thy cause good, in single combat arms in
+hand?”
+
+This change in the aspect of the subject by an appeal to a single
+combat was a happy thought; it restored the emperor in the opinion of
+his knights and offered a solution of the differences customary and
+honorable in those warlike times. Maugis, on his part, hailing any
+prospects to secure peace with joy, promptly answered:
+
+“Right willingly, sire, will I accept thy challenge; and all I ask is,
+that the Archbishop Turpin, Oger, the Duke de Naimes and Olivier will
+be my seconds.”
+
+The knights mentioned immediately gave their consent. Maugis was at
+once liberated. Here Roland came forward, saying:
+
+“Sire! I beg thee that I may be allowed to take thy place in the coming
+duel.”
+
+“I cannot consent,” responded Charlemagne.
+
+“And it please thy majesty,” cried Maugis, “right willingly will I
+accept him as thy substitute.”
+
+“Then be it so,” replied Charlemagne.
+
+Maugis then quickly mounted his horse, saluted all present, departed,
+having previously taken leave of his new friends, all promising to meet
+at the rendezvous fixed for the duel on the following day.
+
+Upon the return of Maugis to Montaubon, his people, thinking peace
+had been concluded, greeted him with congratulations and rejoicings;
+he only pausing long enough on it to thank them warmly, hastened to
+Yolande, who from the time of his departure had suffered a constant
+inquietude; after reassuring her, he turned to his brothers, saying:
+
+“My friends, on the morrow I go to engage in a most terrible combat
+with one of the bravest of knights. Shall I conquer? I know not! If I
+succumb, in the name of the love which you have always had for me, I
+commend to your care my wife and my children; save them from the rage
+of Charlemagne. I have right on my side. My courage is equal to that of
+Roland. I have confidence in divine justice, but against all that I may
+fall.”
+
+At these words everyone had tears in their eyes though they tried to
+conceal them, and the three brothers of Maugis insisted that Renaud
+should be left in command of Montaubon while they accompanied him to
+the field of the combat.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XIV.
+
+
+When the next day had come, Roland early sought the emperor to take
+leave of him. He was armed and ready to depart, but before quitting he
+besought Charlemagne to have the grace to accord to Maugis and the four
+sons of Aymon the peace they had so long asked for, no matter what the
+issue of the coming combat might be, but Charlemagne, though depressed
+by sad reflections and by the thought of the evil consequences that had
+come from the bad advice he had received, made no reply.
+
+A little later, when Maugis arrived on the field, he found Roland
+already there. It was a superb day; the renown of the two knights,
+their bravery, and their skill with arms, made the outcome of the
+duel uncertain. A vast concourse of knights had assembled to witness
+the contest, and a deep hush of expectancy fell upon all when the two
+knights advanced toward each other on the field to begin the duel.
+
+“I am now here,” said Roland, addressing Maugis, “to lay you in the
+dust; you have thought yourself invincible long enough; but to-day you
+will find that I am your master.”
+
+“Be moderate, Roland,” replied Maugis; “one is never sure, even the
+bravest knight may be overcome by one weaker than himself.”
+
+“I will maintain my word, I think, Maugis,” shouted Roland; “defend
+yourself, for your last hour is come.”
+
+At these words they charged each other, lance at rest, with great
+fury. At the very first shock the lances were shattered, and their
+shields were broken. Roland wavered in his saddle, and with difficulty
+maintained himself erect, while Maugis, unhorsed, fell twenty steps
+behind Bayard; but he was on his feet like a flash, and he mounted his
+horse with incredible agility, and sweeping down upon Roland, gave
+him a terrible blow with his sword, which, landing on his helmet,
+completely stunned him. Maugis, however, withdrew, giving him time to
+recover, and then they rushed anew at each other. Now ensued a battle
+of giants, which no words can adequately describe; the spectators
+were appalled by its ferocity; the dreadful blows they dealt each
+other were slowly denuding them of their armor piece by piece; sparks
+flew like lightning from the terrible flashing of their swords; but
+furious as the combat was, so skillful were they each, that neither
+one could deal the other a fatal blow. It was a magnificent contest,
+evoking cries of admiration from all sides; there could be but one
+end to their terrible exertion; becoming fatigued, they seized each
+other body to body and tried to throw each the other from his horse.
+It was impossible; breathless and almost helpless with fatigue,
+mutually astonished that neither could conquer the other, they waited
+a few moments to regain breath, each so battered as to be almost
+unrecognizable, they having left only fragments of their arms and but a
+few pieces of their clothing.
+
+The onlookers to this heroic duel felt they would like to have the
+fight ended then and there, and were so evenly divided by admiration
+for each of the combatants that they could not say whom they would have
+the victor. The emperor himself, all his sympathies aroused, felt that
+he would even give his crown to have the fight ended here, and was
+about to shout an order to have the duel stopped as the two combatants
+approached each other to recommence the battle.
+
+Before he could utter a sound, however, an astonishing sight greeted
+his eyes. Instead of beginning hostilities as they neared each other,
+the two knights, as if with one common impulse and actuated by the same
+sentiment, let their arms fall and then and there embraced each other.
+Maugis said to Roland:
+
+“Brave cousin! you have shown the greatest courage; neither one of us
+can conquer the other; we each seem to have the same strength, the
+same skill, and the same courage. God never made us to be enemies, but
+to be friends; let it be so. Come to Montaubon and be my guest; you
+will receive there all the consideration, honor and respect that are
+due you.”
+
+The spectators had lost nothing of this scene; a great demonstration
+of applause ensued, and cheer after cheer rent the air when the two
+knights were seen to embrace. Two men only did not participate in the
+public joy; they were Pinabel, the scheming nephew of Charlemagne, and
+Ganelon, his traitorous associate.
+
+“What means this?” said the astonished emperor.
+
+“Simply this,” replied Pinabel: “by some vile sorcery Maugis hath
+ensnared Roland and is bearing him to Montaubon.”
+
+“By St. Gris!” roared the emperor, furious. “I will never brook such
+insult, on to Montaubon! on to Montaubon!” he shouted to his knights.
+“I will take Roland by force from the hands of this rebel Maugis.”
+But the confusion in which the spectators and knights were mingled
+made it impossible to execute immediately any hostile movement of this
+kind, and Charlemagne, fuming and almost blind with rage, was forced
+to see Roland depart with Maugis, and he returned to his camp with
+the determination to draw a cordon around the walls of Montaubon and
+commence an immediate siege.
+
+Meanwhile, Maugis, accompanied by Roland, and escorted by his brothers,
+had quietly entered the citadel, where Roland was received with all
+honors, and was greeted on all hands as the first knight of the world.
+
+It was a singular situation the enraged Charlemagne had to meet;
+continually stirred with rage by the evil advisers who had his ear on
+one hand, and on the other hand urged by the influential men of his
+court, who, lost in admiration of the brave struggle of the four sons
+of Aymon, regarded an honorable peace to them to be the proper course
+for the emperor to pursue. The next day, a delegation of knights waited
+upon him and stated that it was the general demand that such should
+be granted; they so appealed to the good sense of Charlemagne that he
+would have undoubtedly, then and there, yielded and acquiesced to the
+general demand.
+
+Never had the position of the conspirators who had heretofore been
+successful in preventing the good understanding between Charlemagne and
+the four sons of Aymon been so perilous. The Abbé Gorieux, Ganelon and
+Pinabel held a hasty consultation.
+
+“Now what shall be done,” said Ganelon, biting his lips.
+
+“It is hopeless! I cannot see that anything can be done,” said Pinabel,
+grinding his teeth and clinching his hands, for he had a consuming
+hatred of Maugis, that one of his vile character could only have of
+a nature more noble. Within him hate had fed upon hate, until his one
+thought was how to wreak vengeance upon its object.
+
+“Delay, my friend; our hope is in delay,” the smooth voice of the
+crafty abbé interposed. “Do thou now, Pinabel, influence the emperor to
+postpone his decision in this matter; it will give us chance to work
+our ends; indeed, it is our only hope,” he added despairingly.
+
+Pinabel at once hurried to the emperor, saying:
+
+“Sire, grant this peace, which is no doubt the proper course to pursue,
+for such a great war is surely impious,” he added hypocritically;
+“therefore, it indeed were well to grant the peace we all desire, only
+decide not hastily; take all means to assure thyself that this course
+will be appreciated by the rebellious sons of Aymon, that they will
+faithfully fulfill all conditions you may impose, and properly carry
+out the penances it is right they should suffer; what these conditions
+should be, what penances proper, it would be foolish to hastily decide;
+let us therefore use deliberation, that the realization of all our
+hopes, the peace that is so dear to us all, may be secured upon a firm
+and unchangeable basis.”
+
+This apparently candid, disinterested advice deceived the emperor, and
+he put off making a decision that day. Then the old scheme, which had
+succeeded so often before, was brought into use. The emperor, however,
+was not so easily worked upon as he had formerly been; he, himself, had
+become tired with the war and strife, and although excessively enraged
+by his inability to conquer the redoubtable knights D’Aymon, and by
+their continued humiliation of him, he was too wise a monarch not to
+see the advantage of an honorable peace. Consequently the task of the
+conspirators was no light one.
+
+All day long one or another of the conspirators sought him, each
+dropping some poisoned suggestion in his ear, calculated to arouse his
+anger and cast doubt upon the honorable intentions of Maugis and his
+brothers. There was not wanting insinuations that Maugis was a minion
+of Satan, and that the very existence of so powerful a sorcerer was not
+only a threat to the life and well-being of the emperor, but to the
+very kingdom itself.
+
+“He should be promptly and utterly destroyed,” declared Ganelon.
+
+“Sire,” added Pinabel persuasively, “admitting the truth, is, that
+these fears are due to our personal devotion to you, which lead us to
+suggest them, and supposing even that our anticipations are due to an
+ardent zeal, surely the pardon you propose to grant the sons of Aymon
+would establish a bad precedent. Who knows?”
+
+“They have not feared to be false to their oath to their prince; they
+have revolted and openly made war on you; can any one sustain the
+example of the sons of Aymon? Each one invites your pardon only to
+serve his own ends. You will, of course, sire, do what seemeth best in
+your great wisdom; but even if thou dost pardon the four sons of Aymon,
+one of them should be given up to thee for punishment.”
+
+If Charlemagne, thus persuaded by the conspirators, had discussed this
+advice in the presence of all, there can be no doubt the result of
+these negotiations for peace would have been far different from that
+which followed.
+
+The next day the emperor, when everybody was assembled, the peers and
+all the courtiers and the four brothers, declared to the sons of Aymon
+that he had decided to pardon them.
+
+“I have one proviso,” said the emperor firmly, “that is, after thou
+hast fulfilled thy promises, thou shall deliver thy Cousin Renaud into
+my hands to be punished as an example. This is my final decision, and
+nought shall change it.”
+
+“Ah, well, sire,” cried Maugis sadly; “if this is all that thou wilt
+yield there can be no more said. I regret only that our humble prayers
+for thy pardon have not prevailed. We never would deliver Renaud to
+you, because our honor is opposed to it, and because there never was
+yet an Aymon who would purchase peace at the price of infamy and
+cowardice.”
+
+Maugis and his brothers, then saluting the emperor with the most
+profound respect, withdrew.
+
+Charlemagne, now giving himself up entirely to his vindictive feelings,
+his rage for vengeance now paramount, summoned his council of state and
+outlined the course he had decided to follow; he ordered preparations
+to be made immediately for a general assault. The troops were to be
+assembled completely armed, under the walls of Montaubon, and the
+machines of war for hurling stones, catapaults and battering rams, were
+to be at once transported thither.
+
+Maugis, on his part, knowing what was coming, was not inactive; he
+placed his soldiers behind the ramparts to the best advantage to resist
+attack.
+
+The next day at sunrise the assault occurred, made with great vigor.
+Maugis allowed them to approach, place their scaling ladders, and
+even to commence to mount them, then at a given signal they by united
+effort created great havoc and carnage among them by pouring upon them
+boiling oil, and by burying them beneath a quantity of enormous stones;
+still the enemy persisted and the assault continued fiercely; but such
+was the awful slaughter of his troops, that at the end of an hour,
+the emperor, dismayed by his losses, ordered a retreat and re-entered
+the camp, followed by his depleted legions. He had suffered not only
+defeat, but disaster.
+
+This experience taught the emperor that Montaubon could never be
+taken by assault, and he thereupon determined to blockade the château
+so vigorously, and by famine reducing its inhabitants to the last
+extremity, force them to capitulate. In fact, hunger had already
+commenced to worry them, and only a short time after this siege began
+the awful specter of starvation stared them in the face, and soon
+thereafter, men, women, and children were lying around exhausted with
+hunger, and striving to prolong their existence by eating the buds and
+roots of the trees.
+
+Famine, with all its horrors, was upon them, but still the impenetrable
+cordon remained encircling them, and the conspirators heard with
+vindictive glee of the terrible straits of the inhabitants of the
+castle.
+
+The situation of the people behind the ramparts of Montaubon was truly
+desperate. They were forced to devour all kinds of living animals and
+even insects, and at a point where everything seemed exhausted, to add
+to the horror, a pest followed, which threatened to decimate completely
+the miserable population.
+
+Some appealed to Maugis once more to exercise his magic power to
+deliver them, but he firmly refused, saying:
+
+“I have already incurred the wrath of God by such efforts; not only did
+I violate solemn oaths that I made, by practices condemned by the wise
+and the good, but instead of relief, it brought only new misfortunes. I
+will have no more of it; rather than that I would prefer death, but I
+will never yield.”
+
+The majority of his captains supported Maugis in his determination not
+to surrender. They were undismayed by the horrors surrounding them.
+Said Maugis:
+
+“If I were the only victim demanded by the emperor, to save you I would
+gladly surrender; but you know that if we yield we shall all be put
+to the sword. We have no quarter to expect from Charlemagne; we must
+continue to resist.”
+
+These words encouraged his men and caused them to be resigned to
+further suffering.
+
+The awful suffering and carnage occurring within the château of
+Montaubon moved the hearts of all of Charlemagne’s court. All the
+lords, with the aged Duke d’Aymon at their head, went to demand grace
+for the besieged from Charlemagne, but he peremptorily refused, and
+when they supplicated him he answered by ordering an assault.
+
+Thus to the horrors of siege and famine was added the horrors of war.
+Great masses of rock, hurled into the château by the catapaults and
+besieging machines, crushed out the lives of many of its inhabitants.
+
+In the midst of these adversities Maugis was ever sustained by his
+noble wife, who always preserved her serenity and courage.
+
+Richard, who realized that each day rendered their power of resistance
+less possible, urged that they surrender.
+
+“No,” replied Maugis, “let us continue to resist. Something within me
+tells me that we yet shall be saved.”
+
+Charlemagne, now seeing the weakened condition of his enemy, resolved
+to end it all by a single blow. Taking some of his choicest troops, a
+determined assault was made upon the fortress, but once more he met
+defeat. The feeble garrison, gathering all the force that remained in
+them, repulsed the besiegers victoriously; and hurled them into the
+castle moat.
+
+Meantime the situation had become so desperate that Maugis, usually
+so resigned and patient, even commenced to despair; but he would not
+think of surrendering, death rather than that, and he made the resolve
+to retreat to the citadel of the fortress with his brothers and those
+belonging to him; then set it on fire and perish in the flames, first
+giving the inhabitants their liberty to surrender, or do otherwise, as
+it might seem best to them.
+
+“Loved one,” said Yolande, “what thou deemest best is best. I have
+followed thee in life. I will follow thee in death, for life without
+thee would be death; and here, embracing her two sons, her mother’s
+heart nearly succumbed; that they should perish was indeed a cruel
+blow, but choking back her tears she said, in firm tones:
+
+“Let it be so!”
+
+The three brothers of Maugis, and Renaud likewise, agreed that to
+perish was the only thing left for them.
+
+At this juncture an aged man was ushered to their presence. Said he:
+
+“Most noble lord! many years ago, ’tis said, there stood a fortress
+upon this mountain, even where Montaubon now stands, and methinks I
+have heard my father’s father tell how in the old days there did a
+subterranean passage exist which led from hither and opened into the
+forest of the Serpante yonder, beyond the lines of Charlemagne. Find
+this and we are saved.”
+
+“Knowest thou where the opening is?” demanded Maugis.
+
+“Alas!” responded the old man sadly, “I know not; it be only one of the
+forgotten memories of the tales of my youth, renewed in my mind by much
+suffering.”
+
+At these words the hopes that were raised in the hearts of all who
+heard were dashed to the earth.
+
+“Did such a passage exist, where could it be found?” It was more than
+probable that, choked by _débris_, it had been built over by the solid
+walls of the new château, and even if it had ever existed was now
+thoroughly hidden.
+
+“Use thine occult powers!” whispered Yolande.
+
+Then Maugis and the little company proceeded to make a thorough
+exploration of the castle, visiting in succession all of its towers and
+subterranean parts.
+
+In every underground passage and room Maugis would pause, and standing
+erect, with arm outstretched, slowly sweep a circle about him, when it
+was complete only to drop his hand and bow his head, saying:
+
+“I find nothing.”
+
+Hope seemed to have left them, there was only one more place to visit,
+one of the towers at the northeast part of the ramparts, known as “Tour
+de la Bellevue.” Here, in its subterranean depths, the little company
+assembled for the last trial, pausing breathless with expectancy, while
+Maugis closed his eyes and slowly made the mystic circle around the
+torch-lighted room. When half-complete, he paused and a look of hope
+stole over his face; once more he swept the circle and again paused at
+the same point; a third time did he repeat this motion, then opening
+his eyes, with joy lighting his face, he said:
+
+“It is here.”
+
+Tools were hurriedly brought, digging commenced, and at the end of
+an hour the passage opening stood revealed. Richard went forward to
+explore it, while the rest hastened upward to make preparations there
+for immediate departure. Nearly overcome with joy, to think not only
+would they succeed in escaping from Charlemagne, but in mystifying him
+as well.
+
+In the meantime, Richard having returned with the joyful news that the
+passage was all clear, Maugis summoned his people, and distributed
+torches among them, and giving the stronger the more precious objects
+to carry, started them under the leadership of Richard on their journey
+though the passage.
+
+Maugis hastened to his tower, where in the hurry and excitement of his
+departure, Yon, his brother-in-law, was lying forgotten, confined to
+his bed by a sickness which had affected him ever since his treason.
+
+Maugis was about to lift him in his arms to bear him away, when Alard
+said:
+
+“Let him lie. He is the cause of all our misfortunes.”
+
+“He is culpable, that is true,” replied Maugis, “but he is miserable,
+and that is claim enough upon us not to abandon him;” and with these
+words he took the suffering king and bore him away among the others.
+
+At sunset they had made the passage of the tunnel safely and came out
+into the forest. A little later they entered another forest called
+“D’Arsene,” under the leadership of the old man, who conducted them to
+the abiding place of an old hermit, whose store of food illy sufficed
+for the wants of the famished people, and who, exhausted, here stopped
+all further progress and ate whatever they could find. The soldiers
+threw themselves upon the surrounding foliage and devoured it. By great
+good fortune they then encountered some shepherds with their flocks,
+and Maugis having bought sheep to feed the famished people, and having
+fully satisfied their voracious hunger, they rested during the whole of
+the succeeding day and the day following.
+
+Maugis, with an escort, then rode on in advance to the city of
+Dordogne, where, when they learned of his arrival, the inhabitants
+came out to meet him, with cheers and cries of joy. The enthusiasm
+soon penetrated throughout the city and its environs, and that day, at
+least, everybody was rejoicing. The next day Maugis received the oaths
+of fealty of the lords from all the surrounding country.
+
+For eight days nobody had appeared on the ramparts of Montaubon,
+visible to the camp of Charlemagne. The emperor decided that everyone
+must have succumbed, that the fortress could be entered without
+danger, and when a short time afterward Roland, Olivier, and the
+Duke de Naimes rode in, having battered down the great gate, they
+were greeted everywhere with silence. Everywhere in the city and the
+fortress decaying bodies were lying about, unburied, emitting the most
+pestilential odors, which finally became so great they were forced to
+retreat. In vain they searched for Maugis and his brothers. It was
+impossible to find them.
+
+Maugis was very soon apprised that Charlemagne had occupied Montaubon
+and was sorely tempted to besiege him in retaliation and submit him to
+the same tortures he had suffered. But in this he was deterred by the
+conscientious Yolande, who said:
+
+“While thine oath of fealty might permit thee to defend thyself, if
+attacked by him, it will surely be a violation of it if thou dost
+attack him.”
+
+Meanwhile, the principal lords of the court could not conceal their joy
+at the escape of the sons of Aymon, and later, when the scouts sent in
+all directions to discover their whereabouts reported to the emperor
+that they had retired to Dordogne, where they had raised a formidable
+army, the emperor at once gave orders to raise the camp.
+
+He directed the march of his army to Montorgueil, a few leagues from
+Dordogne, persisting in his vindictiveness in attacking the sons of
+Aymon anew.
+
+Learning of this movement, Maugis would not this time suffer himself
+to be besieged the way he was at Montaubon. He mounted his horse
+and set out to meet the enemy, having first said to his soldiers in
+a proclamation that personally he would not enter a fight against
+Charlemagne, but for the fact he desired to give them an opportunity to
+avenge those dear ones they had lost.
+
+Arriving at a short distance from the imperial army, Maugis stopped and
+sent forward his esquire, bearing a piece of olive branch to demand
+peace of the emperor.
+
+This envoy was badly received by the emperor, who greeted him with
+harsh words and insults, and gave orders to commence the attack.
+
+Maugis, then feeling he had exhausted every resource, made a fierce
+charge upon the first knights, who had come forward to obey the order
+of Charlemagne, hurling them lifeless at the feet of the emperor. Then
+retiring he headed his soldiers, and uttering the war-cry of Dordogne,
+made an irresistible charge on the troops of Charlemagne, who wavered
+and broke and were thrown into confusion. The Duke de Naimes, seeing
+this, seized the golden banner, and placing himself at the head of the
+royal army, tried to rally them; but it was hopeless, they were fast
+disappearing under the fierce assaults of the soldiers of Maugis. They
+had nearly succeeded in surrounding the emperor, who was only saved by
+the quickness of Roland, when the signal for retreat was given.
+
+This signal everyone obeyed, except the brave Richard de Normandie,
+who, oblivious to all else, could not endure the thought of defeat,
+and tried to cut off the troops of Maugis just before the gates of
+Dordogne, an attempt in which he did not succeed.
+
+Profiting by the ardor of the duke, Maugis hurried the retreat of his
+troops, causing them to rush pellmell into the city, tempting Richard,
+obstinate in his pursuit, to follow, thinking his enemies to be
+demoralized. This strategic move was successful. Getting Richard once
+inside of the gates, Maugis caused them to be closed and guarded behind
+them, making him a prisoner, and seeing that resistance was useless,
+Richard de Normandie and his men were forced to surrender.
+
+The loss of this new battle added more to the grief and rage of
+Charlemagne and stimulated him still further in his relentless pursuit
+of the sons of Aymon.
+
+As both sides required some little time to recuperate from the battle,
+several days passed without an engagement. It was during this period of
+quiet that King Yon died, in great suffering. Consumed with regrets,
+he begged Maugis and his brothers to forgive him for all the evil they
+had endured through his fault. He confirmed to Maugis the donations of
+Montaubon and its dependencies, and drew his last breath in the arms
+of his brother-in-law, who mourned him as sincerely as if he had never
+been guilty of a vile treachery.
+
+After the obsequies, in which the entire army took part, Maugis
+proceeded actively to strengthen the defenses of the city in case of
+an attack from the waiting enemy. It was during this period of the
+cessation of hostilities that an extraordinary incident occurred.
+Maugis was an adept at assuming disguises, and one day he determined to
+visit the camp of Charlemagne; perfectly fearless as to the possible
+result of his perilous mission, he set out, having taken the shape
+of an old knight, infirm and miserable, and entered the camp of the
+emperor, leaning heavily on his staff. So sorry was his aspect that the
+sentinels made fun of him.
+
+“Ho! ho!” shouted one of them after him. “Hast thou come to take the
+city?”
+
+This jibe was greeted with roars of laughter. Passing onward quietly,
+the old knight made no reply. As he proceeded, Pinabel, seated in front
+of his tent, laughed at him and sneeringly inquired:
+
+“Ho! brave knight, hast thou come to fight Roland?”
+
+Maugis, nettled by the insolence of the knight, replied:
+
+“Roland has done nothing to me, therefore I have no reason to fight
+him, but if you will try it with me, I will punish you for your insult
+and your cowardice, for all the world knows you are bravest only when
+you are dealing with some one whom you think is incapable of defending
+himself. Only for that, you never would have dared to insult me and my
+white hairs.”
+
+Pinabel, furious, seized a picket and would have struck the old knight,
+when Oger, who arrived on the scene, separated them.
+
+“He insulted me,” said the supposed old man.
+
+“He had the audacity to doubt my courage,” cried Pinabel.
+
+“Thou art wrong, Pinabel,” responded Oger, “and this man may demand of
+you any reparation he may require.”
+
+“I know of no other reparation than to fight me,” answered Maugis, “or
+else I will publish him to all the world as a coward.”
+
+By this time a crowd of soldiers and knights had gathered around the
+contending parties, and the noise of the altercation had reached the
+ears of Charlemagne, who caused them to be summoned before him.
+
+“Who art thou?” demanded he of Maugis.
+
+“Sire,” replied he. “I am Sieur de la Perron of Château Raucourt, who
+having been to the holy land, where I did battle with the Saracens, do
+now wend my weary way homeward, that I may pass my remaining days in
+peace. The knight here present has insulted me,” he continued, “without
+cause, and when I gave him the provocation in return, he, instead of
+accepting battle, threw himself upon me with a stick, and but for the
+timely appearance of this noble lord,” indicating Oger, “I should have
+been struck by the scoundrel.”
+
+“Pinabel is undoubtedly wrong,” said Charlemagne. “But if you persist
+in fighting how will you defend yourself? He is young and vigorous, and
+you are on the borders of the grave.”
+
+“It is true, sire, I am paralyzed on my right side, but I can rely upon
+my left arm. Do you think I shall allow that to stand in the way if my
+adversary is willing to fight?”
+
+This strange statement put Pinabel in a very false position; to accept
+was an act of cowardice, and to refuse would make him a laughing stock.
+He was at a loss what to do.
+
+The old knight grew impatient, and insisted the fight take place,
+approaching and menacing Pinabel with his cudgel, and seeing this,
+Charlemagne was forced to order the combat.
+
+Pinabel, now exasperated, drew his sword and rushed at the defenseless
+old knight, but he stepped aside with great dexterity, avoiding the
+shock, and then turned with incredible quickness and gave his adversary
+such a heavy blow on the wrist with his staff that he dropped his
+sword. A second blow in the stomach sent him tumbling to the feet of
+Charlemagne. Then placing his foot on Pinabel’s throat, the old knight
+menaced him with his staff, held aloft in his left hand. The now
+thoroughly frightened Pinabel, trembling for his life, implored the
+grace of his conqueror, who permitted him to arise while he regarded
+him with contempt.
+
+The emperor and all the knights greatly marveled. Maugis was then
+permitted to visit the camp, of which privilege he was not slow to
+avail himself, making a thorough inspection throughout.
+
+In passing again the tent of Pinabel, upon leaving, reassured by the
+fact that his disguise had not been penetrated thus far, he determined
+to play him a trick. It can be readily conceived that Pinabel was not
+charmed by his visit, and he forthwith ordered his esquires to seize
+the old man and bind him solidly. But when they attempted to do so
+Maugis hypnotized them, and so benumbed them they appeared to be almost
+asleep, and when he approached Pinabel, the coward was so appalled at
+the manifestations of a power so little known at that remote age, and
+doubly terrified at being alone with the old knight, that he fell to
+his knees and supplicated him for pardon.
+
+“I will spare thy life,” said the old knight in a terrible voice. “It
+hath no value in my eyes; heaven hath condemned thee.”
+
+Pinabel at these words raised his eyes, and there recognized that
+Maugis, the terrible warrior sorcerer, stood before him. The coward
+would have cried out, but his tongue was paralyzed and the sounds died
+upon his lips, his limbs seemed stricken, and with a look of anguish on
+his face he fell in a heap.
+
+Maugis, much pleased to have given the coward this fright, left the
+camp and arrived safely at the city of Dordogne.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XV.
+
+
+The captivity of the Duke de Normandie was insupportable to
+Charlemagne, for he was one of his bravest and most redoubtable
+knights. The emperor complained bitterly to his peers and raved like a
+man out of his senses at the infamy of Maugis in retaining his prisoner.
+
+“Consider, sire,” responded Roland to him, “it seems to me that Maugis
+is perfectly right, and I am astonished that you fail to recognize
+it. He would be pushing his generosity to blindness if he allowed
+Richard to go. Do you not remember how grandly Maugis has acted in the
+past, and with what admiration he has inspired us all? How he gave
+you back your crown and your treasures; how he returned to each of us
+our swords, which he had a perfect right to keep? Can you not see in
+these actions not only generosity, but grandeur of soul of the highest
+degree? Alas! how have you returned these acts of greatness? You
+tightened the cordon around Montaubon and besieged him anew with such
+vigor that only a few soldiers and their families escaped. The rest of
+the inhabitants died of famine or of pest. You have pursued him with
+bitterness and sought to take him alive that you might make him suffer
+the most rigorous punishment. If he captured the Duke Richard, was the
+duke not pursuing him to the very entrance of the city, in order to
+capture him and deliver him to you? Again, do you not remember what you
+would have done to his brother Richard, when you had him in your power?
+That he escaped death was certainly not due to your pardon, but because
+Maugis wrested him from the hands of his executioners.”
+
+“Of what avail to thus recount the past?” demanded Charlemagne uneasily.
+
+“Simply this, sire!” continued Roland boldly. “If Maugis should release
+the Duke de Normandie, I should tax him of folly. I am surprised he has
+been so lenient as not to execute him at once, and if you would save
+him from that fate, it would be best for you to take immediate steps by
+granting Maugis those conditions of peace he has so long desired.
+
+“Never!” cried Charlemagne obstinately.
+
+“Sire, I beseech thee, reflect,” persuaded Roland. “Reverse your
+decision and do not seek to further abuse the magnanimity of a man so
+brave as Maugis. Grant him, therefore, sire, peace. I ask it of you in
+the name of all your most noble knights.”
+
+These sincere words at last produced on Charlemagne the most profound
+impression. He thereupon charged Oger and the Duke de Naimes to go
+to Maugis and offer him peace on condition of the surrender of the
+Duke Richard de Normandie, only he clung tenaciously to his first idea
+concerning Renaud. He still insisted that Renaud should be delivered to
+him. It was in vain his peers represented to him that this condition
+would be refused as it had been in the past; but he turned a deaf ear
+to them, and still persisted in his resolutions.
+
+At this moment Pinabel, who had recovered from his fright, came running
+up.
+
+“Beware,” cried he. “Know thou that the old knight, who yesterday
+enchanted me by his magical powers; the pilgrim whom you have fed, the
+infirm and paralyzed knight whom you congratulated yesterday on the
+result of the combat, are one and the same man, and that man is Maugis.”
+
+At first they were all incredulous, but Charlemagne finally divined the
+truth; but beyond creating astonishment it made no impression upon him.
+He turned to Oger and De Naimes, and bade them go at once to Maugis and
+lay before him his proposition.
+
+The ambassadors at once proceeded to Dordogne, and in due time were
+presented to Maugis, who gave them a cordial reception.
+
+The Duke de Naimes laid before him the proposals of the emperor.
+
+“Charlemagne has not departed at all from his original conditions,”
+said Maugis in reply. “It is always the same. I would never deliver up
+my cousin Renaud. An Aymon is incapable of such cowardice. He asks for
+the Duke de Normandie—does he suppose I have lost all my bitterness?
+No, the oppression of the emperor has hardened my heart. I am unpitying
+now. The Duke Richard shall suffer execution, and you, sir knights,”
+he added sternly, “if you ever come before me again and insult me with
+such infamous propositions I will treat you as traitors and spies.”
+
+The three envoys upon hearing this firm response turned away without a
+word, provoked that the emperor would not recognize the noble character
+of this man. They remounted their horses and returned to the camp,
+where they repeated to him the words of Maugis, and swore to him that
+he was now thoroughly angered, but Charlemagne seemed to be blind to
+the qualities of such a brave man.
+
+“Take care, sire!” cried Oger, “Maugis has been brave and generous up
+to this day, but if he has lost his patience he will likely be severe
+to the other extreme. Richard de Normandie is now in his hands, who can
+guarantee he will be the only victim?”
+
+Charlemagne reflected at this in silence, and was about to order Oger
+and Roland to return to Maugis, when Pinabel once again intervened and
+prevented the utterance of this good thought.
+
+“It is difficult for me to see, sir knights,” said he, “why you all
+seem to be in such fear of Maugis. That he is a brave man is true, but
+why should the emperor retrace his steps? Do you not remember that
+Maugis has demanded peace several times? Well! do you think that he
+would dare to touch a hair of the Duke de Normandie? He knows too well
+it would be the departure for him of the last chance of either pardon
+or mercy.”
+
+This subtle advice, so harmonious to the prejudices of the emperor, had
+the effect intended by Pinabel and the coterie of cowardly courtiers
+who sympathized with him and who applauded the emperor when he uttered
+these words:
+
+“Enough! I do not know why I have been so weak as to bother with these
+rebels. I can clearly see that if I commence to cede anything I can
+continue to do so. Go,” said he, turning to the Duke de Naimes, “and
+signify my will to Maugis, and say to him that the end of this day ends
+every chance for him to secure any conditions of grace from me if he
+does not submit to my conditions.”
+
+Understanding at the outset that his mission would be a failure, and
+thoroughly disgusted by the weakness of the emperor, the Duke de Naimes
+declared shortly:
+
+“Your majesty, I refuse to accept the mission,” and then withdrew from
+the audience.
+
+While this discussion was occurring at the imperial camp, Maugis was
+deliberating with his three brothers as to the fate of the Duke de
+Normandie. His associates would have him suffer the same fate as
+that to which Charlemagne had condemned one or the other of them.
+Accordingly, Maugis gave orders that preparations should be made for
+the execution, and to give it proper effect, that it should take
+place from the highest tower of Dordogne, in full view of the camp of
+Charlemagne.
+
+These preparations were no sooner commenced than they were perceived
+by Roland, who guarded that side, and he hurried immediately to the
+emperor, filled with indignation.
+
+“Sire,” said he, “is this the way you recompense the Duke Richard
+for his devotion to you? If this be the way you recognize faithful
+services, it will be but little encouragement to those who remain with
+you. I swear for myself that I thought to see more generosity on your
+part.”
+
+“Have no fears, Roland,” replied the emperor lightly; “these
+preparations, which cause thee so much uneasiness, are merely a threat;
+they are simply a means employed by Maugis to force us to come to terms
+of peace. As for the Duke Richard, rest assured, I have no fears for
+his life.”
+
+The next day, when everything was complete, the brave and fearless
+Richard de Normandie sat in a strong room over the citadel of Dordogne,
+engaged in a game of chess with Yon, the eldest son of Maugis, when two
+officers with a guard appeared and announced they had come to bring
+him to execution. He paid no attention to them, but calmly continued
+his game.
+
+“My lord,” said the officer respectfully, “it is very painful to me to
+interrupt thy game with this summons, but I have my orders, and must
+execute them.”
+
+Suddenly, and without warning, Richard leaped to his feet, and seizing
+the heavy chessboard and using it as a weapon, he fell upon the guard
+with such suddenness and fury that four of them were stretched lifeless
+on the floor and the rest were driven from the room. Then he seated
+himself and ranging the men upon the chessboard, continued the game
+as calmly as if he had not been interrupted, calling his servants
+and ordering them to remove the bodies of the soldiers with all the
+coolness that he would command some small service.
+
+The young son of Maugis was trembling so much at this violence that he
+could not play, and Alard, who was waiting in the courtyard below for
+the coming of Richard, being apprised of what had occurred, hurried to
+Maugis, reporting that Richard was making a strong resistance, and had
+taken the lives of the men sent to seize him.
+
+Maugis went at once to the chamber of Richard, and demanded of him:
+
+“Sir knight, why hast thou killed my people?”
+
+“They came here,” responded Richard; “several men who interrupted
+the game of chess I was playing with your son. They put their hands
+on me, and I killed some of them, and put the rest to flight, that is
+all. It is no reason because I am your prisoner why your people should
+insult me.”
+
+[Illustration: CATHEDRAL OF MOUZON.]
+
+“We do not omit politeness here,” said Maugis, “and I know perfectly
+well all the laws of chivalry. It is for that reason I am acting
+this way. Charlemagne has abused me and has dishonored me. I simply
+retaliate. You are my prisoner. I shall give you up to execution, that
+is my right. Have I treated you the way my brother Richard was treated,
+when he was condemned to the gibbet, and from which he escaped only
+through the courage of his brothers? No, he was covered with chains
+like a criminal. I would not subject you to that. I would employ no
+violence with you, but you must realize that my soldiers came here to
+fulfill orders they had received. There is only one way for you to
+escape death, that is to join my service and become my friend.”
+
+“That is impossible,” replied Richard. “I have sworn an oath of
+fidelity to the emperor, and I never violate my oath.”
+
+“Then you must be resigned to die. It is useless to lose any more time
+in discussion that amounts to nothing.”
+
+“Ah, well! let us go,” said Richard. “I know well the greatness of your
+heart, and I deliver myself to you, believing you incapable of a mean
+action.”
+
+The Duke de Normandie forthwith surrendered, and was escorted to the
+place of execution. Maugis had made preparations for that sorrowful
+ceremony, so as to give it all the formidable display possible. All the
+troops were under arms. At the last moment Maugis again appealed to
+Richard:
+
+“Brave knight,” said he, “it is most painful for me to send to
+execution a man of such courage and honor—renounce then the emperor, I
+pray thee, and join us in seeking to attain peace.”
+
+“No,” replied Richard, “I have sworn homage to Charlemagne, and though
+I die because of his fault, I will not break my oath. If it depended
+upon me to grant thee peace, I could ask for nothing better; therefore
+grant thou me delay that I may send word to the emperor.”
+
+Maugis at once called a herald, bidding him to take the instructions of
+Richard and go with them to Charlemagne.
+
+“Tell him,” said Richard, “that I am at the foot of the gibbet,
+to which I am attached ready for the signal of death, and that I
+supplicate him to grant my demand for peace. You will also beg of
+Roland and all the peers to seek to obtain the peace on which my life
+depends.”
+
+The herald hastened away and in due time appeared before Charlemagne
+and acquitted him of his errand. Strange to say, the eccentric emperor
+was inflexible, while he knew he was acting, with a few exceptions,
+without the sympathy of his entire court, and even when all the peers,
+without exception, fell on their knees to him, and supplicated him to
+save Richard by granting peace to Maugis, Charlemagne was obdurate
+and stern in his refusal to interfere, and as the herald was about to
+withdraw, Roland stopped him.
+
+“Say to Duke Richard de Normandie,” cried he, “that though the emperor
+will blindly let him die, we, his courtiers, do protest and disapprove.
+Tell him that we will abandon Charlemagne and his service, that we none
+of us consent to devote ourselves to a prince who would be willing to
+see a man sacrificed like him, merely to support his wounded vanity.”
+
+It was an exciting moment. Then with one accord the peers acclaimed the
+words of Roland.
+
+The suspense was intense.
+
+In the midst of it all Charlemagne sat stern and unchanged.
+
+Then the Archbishop Turpin came forward and said: “Sire, I leave thee
+with regret, but thou art committing a grave wrong. I must therefore
+leave thee. I prefer to sustain my honor rather than abandon it in a
+cowardly way.”
+
+Charlemagne still sat with pallid face and stern brow, and said not a
+word.
+
+The peers, one after another, all then left his presence, each going
+to their own quarters, forthwith gathering their belongings, striking
+their tents and assembling their own soldiers, conducted them without
+the imperial camp.
+
+The remaining soldiers of the emperor gazed aghast, astonished and
+fearful to see the army of Charlemagne reduced more than one-half by
+the departure of the peers and their men.
+
+Two men only viewed this movement with satisfaction. They thought that
+now they had become indispensable to the emperor, and that they could
+secure his confidence to their own profit. It is needless to say these
+two were the traitorous Ganelon and the cowardly Pinabel.
+
+In the meantime the herald had returned to Dordogne, and repeated
+faithfully all that had occurred. The Duke de Normandie perceived
+that it was useless to count on the support of any one who would thus
+abandon him when he had shown the devotion of refusing to escape death
+at the price of dishonor.
+
+“It is well,” said he, turning to Maugis with a smile; “I am at thy
+service. I am ready to die.”
+
+“This is too much,” cried Maugis, hastening to Richard and embracing
+him. “Pardon me,” said he, “for the cruel hours I have caused you to
+pass. I was certain in advance that you would prefer death to being
+false to your oath, and I only employed the stratagem to obtain by
+force from the emperor what it seems impossible for me to obtain by
+my prayers. There was no reason why Charlemagne should be wanting in
+generosity to me in face of the support of such consequences. Thou
+shalt not die.”
+
+Maugis then sent his herald to the twelve deserting peers, bidding
+him to tell them that in consideration of their grand action he had
+pardoned Richard de Normandie.
+
+In reply to this message the peers gave Maugis to understand that they
+should refuse reconciliation with the emperor until he had granted him
+peace.
+
+The twelve peers then made preparations for their departure homeward,
+but before leaving ranged themselves under the walls of Dordogne, and
+exchanged signals of adieu with its brave defenders.
+
+The Emperor Charlemagne, though a man of violent passions, obstinate
+and eccentric, was withal a wise man. The view of these preparations
+for departure of these noblemen, who had been his best friends, caused
+him to seriously reflect. He was seized with grave doubts as to the
+wisdom of his course, and he called Pinabel and told him of his fears.
+
+Here it was the cowardly adviser failed to grasp the situation, which
+called for the utmost diplomacy. Assuming upon his position now as the
+sole adviser of the emperor, he uttered these bold words:
+
+“Sire! I comprehend neither your fears nor your regrets,” said he. “Can
+you not do for yourself as well as you could before the departure of
+these rebellious knights? Have you not enough soldiers to reduce whom
+you would, and then you may battle with your own subjects, who owe you
+obeisance? Therefore force these contumacious peers to remain. You have
+been made their commander and they must obey you.”
+
+Charlemagne revolted at such advice against noblemen whom he loved,
+especially coming from the mouth of a man who compared with them
+neither in character nor ability, and one whom he distrusted more and
+more. His eyes commenced their well-known ominous sparkling; like a
+flash it all came to him, that this man, to whose insidious advice he
+had listened so long, was guided by an ignoble ambition, that he had
+not scrupled to compromise the dignity of his sovereign. Like a flash
+it came to Charlemagne how he had been misled by the deceitful Abbé
+Gorieux, who, however, by this time, had craftily absented himself,
+no one knew whither, to escape what he saw was the inevitable end of
+the conspirators. Like a flash it came to the now thoroughly aroused
+Charlemagne how he had been misled by deceits and flatteries and
+appeals to his self-pride to do injustice and compromise his dignity.
+
+“Enough!” he thundered to the shrinking Pinabel. “Thou hast abused
+my confidence; thou hast thought by appealing cunningly to my vanity
+to prevent me from exercising my first and best thoughts; thou hast
+worked on my pride to a point where I would lose my army rather than
+see justice. It shall be so no longer. What, ho there! a guard,” he
+shouted, and when the officers appeared, he ordered:
+
+“Bind this villain hand and foot and bear him to the camp of the twelve
+peers. Tell them,” he commanded, “that I deliver into their hands the
+traitorous coward who has, by his perfidious councils, tried to sow
+discord between us, and who, actuated by a mean jealousy of the brave
+Maugis, has kept me always excited against the sons of Aymon. Tell them
+to do with him what they will, I abandon him to their resentment. Tell
+them that I hope they will take into account this tardy act of loyalty
+on my part, and that they will return to my camp and continue to aid me
+by their good counsels.”
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XVI.
+
+
+The twelve peers, who really loved and admired the emperor, could not
+but accept his overtures. After a consultation they decided to return
+to the camp. Before doing so, however, they sent to Dordogne, under a
+strong escort, the cowardly Pinabel, with a message to Maugis that it
+was this man, with Ganelon, the latter having unfortunately escaped
+with the Abbé Gorieux, who had been the cause of all the trouble that
+had occurred, even to that very day, and they desired that Maugis
+should deal with him as he deemed best.
+
+In due time, Pinabel, with his escort, arrived at Dordogne, and the
+traitor was cast into a dungeon until further orders.
+
+When the twelve peers had arrived at the camp Charlemagne assembled
+them, and said:
+
+“Noble lords! it is true I am too severe, nevertheless the sons of
+Aymon have been guilty of revolt against me, with their cousin Renaud.
+They certainly merit punishment. I have felt that I must have the
+satisfaction to have one at least expiate the fault of all. I feel that
+my position is just and right, therefore go thou,” said he to the Duke
+de Naimes and say to them, “that if one of them will yield his life in
+expiation of the faults of all, the rest shall receive full pardon and
+safety from dishonor, and be allowed to retain full possession of all
+their rights.”
+
+The Duke de Naimes duly arrived at Dordogne and acquitted him of his
+message. The family were plunged into a stupor of consternation. Maugis
+alone retained his coolness.
+
+“The demand of the emperor is just,” said he, “and for the sake of all
+must be acceded to.” Then turning calmly to the Duke de Naimes, he said:
+
+“Go to Charlemagne and say to him that I will offer myself as a
+sacrifice for the good of mine. Tell him that to-morrow I will deliver
+myself up, and that I will release Richard de Normandie safe and sound.”
+
+Yolande, grief-stricken, threw herself upon her husband’s neck, crying:
+
+“Canst thou be so cruel, dear one? think, thy sons will be fatherless
+and my life a living death without thee.”
+
+Maugis disengaged her arms and putting her aside, said gently:
+
+“It is duty that calls me, I must obey.”
+
+“Thou shalt not go, Maugis. I am the one to be sacrificed. Thou hast a
+wife and sons. I am alone!” cried Richard.
+
+“Not so,” here interposed Alard. “It is I who will go.”
+
+“No! no!” interposed Guichard. “I am the least of thee, my brothers,
+surely it is just that I should be the one to suffer.”
+
+“This must not be so. No one shall go but me,” expostulated Renaud.
+“All these troubles came through my father’s fault; surely it is but
+justice that I should go.”
+
+“Enough, dear friends; let this contention cease. It is decided. I will
+go. Let there be no more said.”
+
+Then all the prayers of his wife and his sons were vain. Maugis would
+not renounce his intention, nothing could shake his resolution; but
+finally, becoming wearied of their tears and entreaties, he feigned to
+surrender to them, and proposed a plan for selecting the one who should
+be sacrificed in fulfillment of the conditions of the emperor.
+
+“To-morrow,” said he, “at sunrise, we will all assemble in the grand
+square of the city, and putting our names on slips of paper, one shall
+be drawn in the presence of all the people, and in this way we shall
+designate who shall be delivered to Charlemagne.”
+
+The following morning Maugis was nowhere to be found. He had
+disappeared, though diligent search was made for him. Yolande,
+distracted, went about asking all whom she met if they had seen her
+husband, but getting no news of him she thought then he must have gone
+to the imperial camp with the Duke de Normandie. Her fears making her
+desperate, she returned to the palace, and taking her two sons hastened
+along the road thither without an escort. She could not entertain the
+idea that Maugis should suffer alone. She had determined to die with
+him.
+
+More prudent than Yolande, the brothers of Maugis assembled the troops,
+and followed by the people, started to the succor of Maugis, whom they
+thought to be in danger.
+
+Meanwhile Maugis, Naimes, and the Duke Richard had arrived and
+presented themselves before the emperor, who could hardly restrain his
+agitation when he saw them. He greeted them warmly, and in his pleasure
+extended both hands to them. Then remembering that he was an emperor,
+he collected himself, and assuming a sternness that did not accord with
+his real feelings, he said to Maugis:
+
+“You have fought against your emperor. You have merited death. You well
+know what is the punishment for such a great crime. It is the scaffold!”
+
+“We know and we have come to plead with you for him!” cried Yolande at
+this moment, who had just arrived, and hastening forward with her two
+sons, threw herself at the feet of the emperor: “We ask your grace,
+sire, and if thou dost refuse we beseech thee to let us be punished
+with him.”
+
+“And I!” cried the emperor, who could no longer conceal his emotion, “I
+love you all, because I am your second father. Maugis, I pardon thee,
+be relieved, but thou must expiate thy fault, for it is great. I decree
+that thou shalt sojourn in the holy land, for I know not how long;
+perhaps a year; but if thou art always as loyal and as brave as thou
+hast been, thou wilt return covered with glory and new laurels. Thou
+wilt abandon thy magic and the black arts, for the safety of thy soul,
+and glorify God by this expiation. As to thy wife and children, they
+shall be as my own. They shall never leave me, and I will this very day
+restore to them their rights and property. Bid thee farewell to thy
+family and thy brothers; go and God be with thee.”
+
+Maugis, overcome with emotion, made his adieus to the emperor, and
+affectionately embraced Yolande, who swooned from her awful grief, and
+caressed his children. There was not a dry eye among the courtiers
+there assembled as he departed for Dordogne, accompanied by Richard de
+Normandie, who swore he would not leave him until he reached the port
+from which he sailed for Jerusalem.
+
+Halfway to Dordogne he encountered his brothers, who were coming to his
+rescue with their troops, followed by the people, to whom he gave an
+account of what had happened, and they then retraced their steps with
+him to the city. He caused a flag of peace to be hoisted on the highest
+tower, and sent to the emperor his famous horse Bayard, as a gage of
+reconciliation. The brave demeanor, the resignation, and the lofty
+character displayed by Maugis appealed so strongly to all the peers and
+knights that everywhere they proclaimed their high admiration for him.
+Maugis asked the emperor what he should do with Pinabel, and he replied
+that he abandoned him entirely to Maugis to do with as he chose. And
+here the noble character of Maugis was again exhibited. Instead of
+destroying his perfidious enemy, all the vengeance he took was to
+provide him with a broken-down white horse and set him free, warning
+him on pain of death to leave the states of Charlemagne.
+
+The next day Maugis embraced his brothers, commending his wife and
+children to them, took off his armor, and assuming the habit of a
+pilgrim did not even retain his sword, and set out on his journey; but
+they would not leave him, and with Richard de Normandie, accompanied
+him to the coast and saw him set sail for the holy land.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII.
+
+
+Some days after the departure of Maugis, Duke Richard de Normandie
+presented to Charlemagne the three brothers of Maugis, who remained
+in France. The emperor received them kindly and restored to their
+possession all their rights and property. During the same month the
+camp was broken up, and the imperial army marched to the city of Liege,
+which became for the time the capital for the empire.
+
+Meanwhile, Maugis, habited as a pilgrim, convinced himself that the
+occult knowledge he possessed and had reluctantly used when pursued to
+the last extremity by Charlemagne, was the gift of Satan, rather than
+the strange manifestations of natural laws, whose workings were unknown
+at this period, except to the occult wisdom of the East, had determined
+to abandon all warlike actions, and by devoting himself to prayer and
+meditation, seek atonement in them for the terrible faults against God
+he had committed; but this was not to be, as events subsequently proved.
+
+Having at last arrived in view of the holy city, Jerusalem, then in
+possession of the infidels, and before which the Christian army was
+encamped, laying siege thereto—an army composed of noble knights,
+assembled from all parts of Europe, who thought that they had been
+called to redeem the sacred city from the sacrilegious possession of
+the Saracens, to the glory of God, and the insurance of their own souls
+to an eternity in Paradise.
+
+The first occupation of Maugis was to prepare himself an humble abode
+in a secluded spot within view of the holy city, where he could give
+himself up to prayer and meditation undisturbed.
+
+It chanced one day, that on going to a spring nearby to procure water,
+he encountered a Christian knight, who studied his face with interest
+for a long time and then said to him:
+
+“Permit me, holy father, if I be not committing an indiscretion, to ask
+who you are; something tells me that beneath that sacred habit you are
+hiding a brave warrior; as for myself, I am the Comte de Rance.”
+
+“My lord,” responded Maugis, “while I have no motive for hiding my
+name, I must have your word that the disclosure I make shall be in
+confidence. I am Maugis of Montaubon, eldest son of the Duke d’Aymon. I
+had incurred the anger of Charlemagne in keeping a neutrality in a war
+between him and my relative. For that reason he pursued me from that
+day, without ceasing, until recently we made peace, when he pardoned my
+brothers and all my relatives, on the condition that I should leave
+for the holy land, making the pilgrimage to expiate my faults and the
+promise that I would stay until he recalled me.”
+
+At these words Count de Rance sprang from his horse, and falling on his
+knee before him, said:
+
+“By thy deeds, sir knight, thou hast proved thyself to be one of the
+most noble men the world hath known. Surely thy duty to God at this
+most critical juncture in our affairs, when our arms against the
+Saracens seem to prevail not, lies not in prayer, but in warlike deeds,
+which thou hast proved thyself so fitted to perform. I tender thee my
+homage and faith and supplicate thee to command me and mine. There be
+other noble knights who will gladly accept thy leadership.”
+
+To this Maugis agreed, and accompanied the count to the camp of the
+Christian army, where being made known, the noble knights on all sides
+hastened to greet him, and followed the example of the Count de Rance
+in paying him homage and tendering him unanimously command of all their
+forces, and offered him the privilege of sharing in the booty already
+captured from the enemy. This latter proposition, however, Maugis
+declined to accept, taking only a horse and arms and armor.
+
+The next day grand _fêtes_ were celebrated in honor of the advent of
+the new commander, and these being concluded, they proceeded to dispose
+their forces for a new activity against the infidels.
+
+At a council of war then held, Maugis arranged a plan to lure their
+foes out of the city by causing them to think the Crusaders had
+raised the siege and were abandoning their camp. All these strategic
+preparations were made with the greatest silence and secrecy.
+
+At daybreak the following day the Saracens beheld the retreat, and
+thinking the camp abandoned, duly commenced to march out. They were
+only allowed to advance to a point where their retreat could be readily
+cut off. Maugis had secretly sent a number of troops, in command of the
+Count de Rance, under the walls of the city, with instructions to cut
+the enemy to pieces when they attempted to re-enter.
+
+When the proper moment arrived, Maugis turned and hurled the main body
+of troops upon the enemy so unexpectedly as to carry terror and dismay
+into their ranks. They would have retreated, but it was in vain; the
+Count de Rance appeared in their rear and prevented their entering the
+city. The battle then waxed furious on both sides. The chief of the
+Saracens at the head of his soldiers, fighting desperately, showed
+the greatest valor, but Maugis was everywhere, and pushed his troops
+forward in a manner that rendered useless all efforts of the enemy to
+escape.
+
+The Count de Rance then unmasked the gate, and falling upon their rear,
+cut them to pieces, profiting at the moment when the Saracens were
+flying in retreat.
+
+Their chief had been taken prisoner, when the inhabitants of Jerusalem
+came to the rescue of the infidels by opening a gate which had escaped
+the observations of the Crusaders. The pursuers would have followed the
+fugitives into the city, but it was too late. The gates were closed
+upon them, and it was in vain that they endeavored to force them. By
+this time the walls swarmed with the soldiers of the infidel. Maugis,
+however, would not give up, now that his troops were enthused by the
+victory, and caused a heavy timber to be brought, which was hurled
+with all the force that twenty men could bring to bear against the
+gate, regardless of the destruction wrought upon them by the enemy on
+the walls above. When men were stricken down at the battering ram, new
+ones came forward to take their places, and at last the gates having
+yielded, the knights and soldiers victoriously penetrated the city,
+slaying all whom they encountered on the way.
+
+All resistance now being hopeless, the principal citizens, reduced
+to the last extremity, appeared before Maugis, and yielded up to him
+everything and supplicated him for an armistice, and he accorded them
+a two days’ truce, pending the ratification of a definitive treaty of
+peace.
+
+When this news went abroad among the people they with one accord gave
+thanks to Maugis. The ancient city, which had been in a state of
+fear and consternation, now resounded with cries of joy. They would
+have Maugis occupy the palace and become ruler of the city, but he
+refused to do so, preferring his humble abode for all the luxury of the
+infidels.
+
+Maugis remained in Jerusalem only sufficient time to establish order
+and provide for the safeguard of the people from the infidels, and then
+concluded a definite treaty of peace with the latter. Laying aside his
+arms, and assuming once more the habit of a pilgrim, he retired to his
+hermitage.
+
+The story of the exploits of Maugis was not slow in reaching France,
+and caused the emperor to marvel greatly at the deeds of the brave man,
+and resolving that he had lived long enough away from his family, he
+sent at once a messenger to him, bidding him to return to Montaubon,
+that he had completely pardoned him, and was anxious to see him once
+more.
+
+Maugis, on receiving this message, would not remain a day longer than
+possible on that strange soil. He embarked on a magnificent vessel,
+presented by the King of Jerusalem, having been given many valuable
+presents, and set sail homeward. Alas! fate had in store for him many
+more vicissitudes; his fond hopes to be again in the midst of his
+family were to be denied.
+
+At first the voyage was prosperous, but at last they were attacked by
+pirates in great force, and after being delayed by adverse winds they
+finally encountered a tempest and nearly wrecked. They at last landed
+at Palermo, on the Island of Sicily. There the king received them with
+honors and gave Maugis a brilliant reception, and would have him remain
+with him for some time, but Maugis declined.
+
+It was while he was waiting at Palermo, repairing the damage done to
+his ship by the tempest, and recruiting himself after the rigors of
+his voyage, that an extraordinary event occurred. A war was declared
+against the King of Sicily by the Saracens, and before any precaution
+could be taken a large army landed on his coast. The King of Sicily,
+not being prepared to meet this great force, was in great fear, but
+Maugis reassured him that he would disembarrass Sicily of the Saracens,
+whom he had already defeated in Palestine. The Sicilian army was
+hastily assembled before Palermo, and Maugis placed himself at its head.
+
+Everything being gotten quickly in readiness, Maugis marched out to
+meet the Saracens without delay, who, thinking they were marching
+to surprise their enemy unprepared for the unexpected change in the
+position, caused by the sudden appearance of the Sicilian army,
+hesitated, while the Sicilians advanced upon them firmly.
+
+Emiraza, the chief of the infidels, whom Maugis had already defeated
+at Jerusalem, little thought who he had opposing him once more. He
+galloped forward to see if he could discover what caused this bold
+interference with his designs, and when he animated his troops and
+brought them forward to battle he soon perceived he was to meet with a
+very stubborn resistance. Seeing a group of knights at the head of the
+Sicilian army, he charged upon them with his escort. At that instant
+the cry of “Montaubon!” rang in his ears. He stopped still, trembling,
+and asked how it was possible that Maugis could be found in Sicily,
+when it was over five months since he had departed from Palestine to
+return to France.
+
+Meanwhile, regaining his courage, he continued his charge upon the
+invincible group of knights, and was repulsed, and Maugis, taking
+advantage of the confusion this repulse occasioned, threw his forces
+upon the Saracens and completely routed them. In vain it was the
+infidels offered a heroic resistance, they were forced to the seashore.
+
+Emiraza, relying upon the swiftness of his horse, reached the shore,
+plunged into the waves, and sought to gain his galley. When his
+soldiers, later, were stopped by the sea, they were pressed upon by the
+victorious Sicilians, until finally they were either killed or made
+prisoners to the last man.
+
+This victory covered Maugis with more glory than ever. He was
+complimented by magnificent _fêtes_ and given great honors. The king
+himself would have him share his crown, but Maugis refused. He had but
+one thought and that was to go home to his own country; to be reunited
+with his family was his sole ambition.
+
+After a few days spent in _fêtes_ and rejoicing, Maugis embarked, and
+after a short and uneventful voyage in due time reached Dordogne,
+whereupon, being apprised of their arrival, Richard, Alard, and
+Guichard went forward to meet him.
+
+They were followed by all the nobility of the vicinity. The people
+formed themselves in a line along the road, and their progress was
+marked by cheers and acclamations, and with his name in every one’s
+mouth, Maugis finally arrived at the palace.
+
+His first thought was for his well-beloved wife. He was astonished not
+to see her among the others. He interrogated his brothers, and they
+only responded by silence.
+
+“What signifies this silence?” he demanded of them. “Have you yet
+another misfortune to announce to me? Has Providence again stricken me?”
+
+“You must have courage, my dear Maugis,” responded Alard. “Your noble
+wife is dead, and died with your name upon her lips. During your
+absence, and in the failure to receive news of you, everyone thought
+you dead. Yolande refused to be consoled. Certain noblemen dared to
+raise their eyes to her, and when they sought to convince her you
+were no more, she would not hear, and finally one of them took to her
+a piece of your armor, pretending it to be a relic of your decease.
+Yolande was deceived by this, and from that day commenced to despair.
+It was in vain that Charlemagne assured her of your safety, and even a
+courier was sent to Jerusalem to determine it. Everybody assured her
+that you were living, but she was death-stricken. She faded in our
+arms and passed away, dying in the sweet satisfaction that you had not
+ceased to love her.”
+
+This sorrowful news caused Maugis the most intense anguish. The
+strongman bowed his head and wept bitterly. He would not be consoled,
+and calling together his brothers and his sons, he told them he had
+formed a resolution that he should lose no time in carrying out. Said
+he:
+
+“I have been blessed with all the triumphs that a man could desire. I
+have acquired a universal renown. Nothing is wanting for me in honors
+or glory. Alas! what use is it all to me now, when I have not Yolande
+to participate in it with me? I was so anxious to be with my family
+again. I thought that I could spend the rest of my days among you, but
+she is no more. It is a loss I never can forget; therefore have I taken
+this resolution: I will quit the world, and retiring to some solitude I
+will await the day when I can rejoin her.”
+
+It happened that Renaud, the cousin of Maugis, had made a similar
+resolve previously, to the same effect, and was now in some solitary
+retreat, having bid adieu to his relatives.
+
+All attempts to change the resolution of Maugis to carry out this plan
+failed, and he only hesitated when told that he should remain and watch
+over his children until they had passed the tender age.
+
+It was about this time that the sons of Aymon were apprised of the
+death of their aged father. The brothers desired Maugis to partition
+the property equally among them, but he nobly abandoned all to them,
+not even reserving Montaubon. Then for a long time he devoted his days
+to the education of his sons. He instructed them himself in all the
+forms and exercises of knighthood, placing continually before them a
+noble example to follow. He saw with pleasure that one day his children
+would fulfill all his hopes in force, in courage, and in honor.
+
+When this noble father felt certain his sons would equal him he took
+them apart one day and said to them:
+
+“You are no longer children. The time has come when you should be
+occupied with serious things. Your rank and your duty compels you to
+consecrate yourselves to your country. Go now to the court, find the
+Emperor Charlemagne, and pray him to accept you as his knights.”
+
+
+
+
+                             CHAPTER XVIII.
+
+
+When the sons of Maugis quitted their father the young men took the
+road for the court, where they duly arrived, and demanded to be
+presented to the emperor, as was usual at that period, for aspirants to
+the order of knighthood. The lord in waiting, who did not know them,
+was struck with their grace and air of nobility, and when they were
+ushered into the audience-chamber, where Charlemagne was seated on his
+throne among all his courtiers, the two young men fell on their knees,
+and kissed with emotion the hand he extended to them.
+
+“Who are you, my children?” said the emperor to them in a kind voice,
+“and why is it you show so much affection for me?”
+
+“Sire!” replied young Aymon, “we wish to be made knights for your sole
+service, and for your service only. We are deeply indebted to you for
+kindness in our youth, and if you will confer upon us the honor, we
+would, my brother and myself, consecrate to you our entire life.”
+
+“But who art thou?” asked the emperor, who did not recognize them.
+“No lord has conducted you to the palace. No peer has presented you.
+Nobody seems to know you.”
+
+“Sire!” replied Aymon, “we are the sons of a knight whom you have
+honored with your esteem and for whom you have never hidden your
+admiration, even when you were enraged with him. Our father had the
+misfortune to incur your displeasure for not being willing to submit,
+when his honor opposed, and you forced him to defend himself against
+you and against the deceitful counsels of perfidious and jealous
+courtiers. Ah, sire, in spite of all these trials you placed upon him,
+our father never ceased to love you and to bless you. He has also
+taught us to venerate and cherish you. Our father is the brave Maugis,
+who during three years passed his time in exile to repair the wrongs
+he incurred by activity and courage so astonishing as to give his name
+universal renown.”
+
+At these words the emperor arose, descended from his throne and
+embraced the two handsome young men, who had come to place their young
+lives under his high protecting care. Said he:
+
+“Your father is one of the noblest and most honorable knights I ever
+knew. Strive, both of you, to equal him. I could not offer a better
+wish for your welfare.”
+
+The emperor then took pride in presenting the young men to the court.
+The etiquette compelled by ceremony being cast aside, the emperor
+inquired with great solicitude concerning their father.
+
+“Our father,” replied Yon, “is now old and infirm, and bodily exercise
+has become too fatiguing for him. Now, instead of following campaigns,
+he lives amid his vassals, to whom he renders justice, gives counsel,
+and encourages in their labor; in a word, sire, with him rank is but a
+distinction. It is as nothing before intelligence, even if those who
+possess it are inferior in position. Unfortunately, our father is very
+feeble, and we have feared that he is breaking down.”
+
+“A man like your father should live always,” cried Charlemagne.
+“Seigneurs!” continued he, turning to his courtiers, “these sons of
+Maugis are my sons; you will so consider them.” Then addressing the
+young men, he promised that he would himself arm them as knights; also
+would give them additional lands, and as a token of love for their
+father and themselves, he accorded benefits to the one hundred other
+young men who constituted their suite.
+
+Maugis, after the departure of his sons, employed himself in putting
+his affairs in order. He bequeathed Dordogne to Yon, his younger son,
+and to Aymon, the eldest, he left Montaubon. Then having assembled his
+brothers, he said to them:
+
+“I have suffered many trials in the course of my existence. I have
+always been first in advancing our general interests. I will to-day
+make my farewell. I have vowed to consecrate to God the few years that
+remain to me, and to expiate for my sins by passing my remaining days
+in an absolute retreat far from the world.”
+
+His brothers tried to dissuade him, but it was useless. That same day
+Maugis took his staff and stole away, making his escape undiscovered
+from Montaubon, by means of the same subterranean passage he had used
+to escape the wrath of Charlemagne when Montaubon was besieged.
+
+Alone, by himself, with no more cares of state, disembarrassed of the
+burden of his renown, Maugis plodded through the country northward,
+nourishing himself with herbs and roots and drinking the pure water
+from the springs he passed on his way, finding life more pleasant
+a hundred times than in the midst of his court. His footsteps were
+directed toward the ancient city of Mouzon, in the Ardennes, where he
+intended to abide for a time in the old house where he had spent some
+of his boyhood days under the tutorship of that wise man of the East,
+that learned pundit whom his father had rescued from death in the wars
+of the Saracens, and from whom Maugis had drawn the occult powers he
+had used when driven to the last resource by the emperor. He hoped here
+to rest awhile in the society of the good monks of the great Abbey. He
+would search for his cousin Renaud, who, likewise, had retired from
+the world, to end his days in solitary meditation and prayer.
+
+[Illustration: CATHEDRAL DOOR, MOUZON.]
+
+Maugis spent two years in Mouzon, in the ancient house that had been
+his boyhood home. He made diligent inquiry for his cousin Renaud, but
+neither the monks nor any one else could tell him anything, except
+that some time agone he had been seen passing through the city by the
+old Roman road, which led into and through the vast forests of the
+Ardennes. So one day Maugis once more took up his staff, and deserting
+his home in the ancient city, he too walked far out on the old Roman
+road until the forests swallowed him up.
+
+As he made his weary way through the vast solitudes, one day he
+approached a hermitage; a strange hope animated him. Had God directed
+his steps to the resting place of his cousin Renaud? He searched about
+thoroughly, and at last discovered his cousin some distance away in
+a solitary place, lying on the moss and absorbed in a book. He came
+upon his cousin so quietly that he did not hear him, and he stood and
+contemplated him for some time in silence, but suddenly raising his
+eyes Renaud became aware of the presence of a stranger. “Can this be
+Maugis?” he said to himself, “once so strong and so straight, and now
+so bent and so feeble, but a shadow of his former self?” But he soon
+overcame his incertitude and sprang up and clasped Maugis in his arms,
+who said:
+
+“My dear Renaud! what pleasure I have to see you, you little know. We
+will never be separated again.”
+
+It was a long time before Renaud recovered from his joy, and though
+each was very desirous to live solitary in pursuance of their vows to
+God, they finally decided, however, that they would situate themselves
+so as to see each other every day.
+
+Maugis then installed himself a short distance away, in a cave under
+a rock which he made habitable. From that time no day passed without
+their seeing each other. It was the delight of these two brave old
+warriors, whose days were numbered, to recall together their deeds in
+the past, and the many things they had accomplished in company. Thus,
+after a life of activity and turmoil, their isolation seemed peaceful
+and blessed to them, and they found that peace which passeth all
+understanding in their old age, which made them never regret having
+quitted the world.
+
+It happened that one day, when Maugis went as usual to the old oak
+which served as their rendezvous, Renaud was not there, and after
+waiting vainly for a long time, he hurried to his hermitage and there
+found him feeble and depressed.
+
+“My dear Maugis,” said Renaud to him, “I am now approaching the end
+of my existence. I will soon enjoy eternal repose. I die with only
+one regret, and that is, I cannot have you with me in death. That we
+must at last leave each other. God is not willing that we should go
+together, but we do not die, except from the vengeance of God, until we
+are no longer useful to humanity.”
+
+“What are you saying, my dear cousin,” replied Maugis. “Am I not also
+useless; am I not old and infirm, and my forces completely disappeared?”
+
+“That is true,” responded Renaud, “but you must remain on earth to
+obey the destiny of your Lord. He is always ready to execute His will.
+Adieu! my dear Maugis, we shall shortly meet again. I die happy because
+I am dying in your arms.”
+
+Renaud hardly spoke these last words when he yielded up his soul.
+Maugis then tenderly disposed of his remains in the grave Renaud
+had himself prepared, accomplishing this sad ceremony with complete
+serenity. After having rendered these last duties to his cousin, Maugis
+retired to his hermitage and remained there.
+
+His end was near. It was decreed by God that he should soon follow his
+cousin. One day as he was walking on the banks of the river Meuse, near
+his hermitage, he heard cries of distress. It was the voices of young
+women calling for assistance. Without regarding the infirmities of age,
+Maugis hastened in the direction of the cries, and when he arrived at
+the banks of the river he was astonished to find a young woman lying
+there half-fainting, bound hand and foot; collecting all her resources
+the swooning girl indicated the water, and upon turning his eyes in
+that direction Maugis perceived a man, who was dragging another young
+woman by the hair of her head and was about to cast her into the
+water. Maugis, at the sight of this outrage, felt his old-time vigor
+returning, and hastening to her assistance, he took his staff in both
+hands and smote the villain on the head.
+
+The man dodged the blow and escaped a second one by leaping into
+the stream, dragging the young woman with him. Maugis hesitated not
+a moment, and plunging after him and seizing him by the throat,
+endeavored to pull him out of the water, but the man shook himself
+free, and turned upon Maugis.
+
+At that moment, such are the strange decrees of fate, the noble Maugis
+recognized in the face of that man the features of Pinabel.
+
+“Infamous scoundrel!” said he to him, “not content to have committed
+acts of cowardice with men, you must complete your villainy by
+attacking women. You shall die this time and you need not count on my
+clemency.”
+
+Saying this, Maugis seized him firmly and succeeded in forcing him
+under the surface of the river, but the fear of death doubled the
+strength of Pinabel. Maugis could not disembarrass himself from his
+enemy, who, in his desperation, wound himself around Maugis with his
+arms and legs. It was in vain that Maugis struck him and tried to
+force him loose. The drowning wretch clung to him with the energy of
+despair. Maugis could not free himself from his deathlike grip, and
+the nearer death approached the firmer became his hold. For a long
+time the nearly exhausted Maugis struggled to rid himself of the body
+of the now drowned man, his movements impeded by the clinging corpse,
+which, with the swiftness of the current, contributed to destroy him.
+With a supreme effort he raised his voice to call for help, but he was
+answered only by the frantic cries of the two young women.
+
+Little by little his strength diminished, his eyesight failing, and
+with eyes closed he heard faintly the prayers of the two frightened
+girls for the safety of the man who had so bravely come to their
+rescue. Then he sank slowly down to the bottom. He appeared once more
+at the surface of the water, as if to protest against meeting the same
+death as a villain who had committed so many crimes during his life,
+and then he once more disappeared, never again to return to life.
+
+                   *       *       *       *       *
+
+The death of Maugis would have never become known if the two young
+girls had not recounted their adventure to some fishermen. They told
+how Pinabel, in love with one of them, had surprised them bathing, and
+had seized and bound the one to whom he was indifferent in order that
+he might more readily accomplish his purpose with the other. They told
+them, moreover, that Pinabel, having become an outcast, had placed
+himself at the head of a band of malefactors, who recently had captured
+a château in the vicinity, killing all the people who inhabited it.
+
+The fishermen searched a long time for the body of Maugis, and finally
+recovered it, with the corpse of Pinabel still attached; then they
+recognized him as the hermit they had seen in the neighborhood. They
+laid his remains out tenderly, and carried them to his hermitage, from
+which he was finally interred in the same grave as Renaud.
+
+Never would it have become known just who the religious men were who
+lived in the forest had they not found the following inscription upon
+the tomb of Renaud, written by Maugis himself:
+
+                +-------------------------------------+
+                |        MAUGIS DE MONTAUBON,         |
+                |           +Duc de Aymon+.           |
+                |  AUX NAMES REVERSES DE SON COUSIN,  |
+                |       RENAUD, DUC DE BEUVES.        |
+                |    _En Memoire de Leur Amitie._     |
+                +-------------------------------------+
+
+They also found in the grotto of Maugis the portrait of Yolande. He had
+written underneath her name and his own. It was incontestable proof of
+his identity.
+
+The news of the combat and its sad ending reached Cologne. Seigneur de
+Burie, who had formerly known Maugis and Renaud, visited the hermitage
+to assure himself that the tomb contained all that remained of the
+heroic Maugis and Renaud, which having done, he fell on his knees and
+prayed with fervor. Immediately upon his return he sent the clergy of
+Cologne to exhume the precious remains and bring them to Cologne, where
+they were deposited in the cathedral with great pomp and ceremony,
+their bier being watched by knights continuously while they laid in
+state.
+
+In the meantime the tidings were sent to Paris. The emperor, on hearing
+the sad news, ordered the entire court in mourning, and indeed the
+mourning was not a mere outward seeming, for there was sorrow in every
+heart.
+
+The sons of Maugis and his brothers were plunged into the most profound
+grief. Some days afterward an imposing retinue proceeded to Cologne and
+brought with them the remains of the two heroes. When they had reached
+the suburbs of Paris they were met by Charlemagne himself, and escorted
+into the city. There the most magnificent funeral ceremonies were held,
+after the completion of which the Aymon family proceeded with the two
+bodies onward to Montaubon, their final resting place, where they were
+placed under a magnificent tomb.
+
+To give testimony to his grief and friendship, after the emperor had
+accompanied them as far as Orleans, he returned to Paris, and ordered
+that the arms and escutcheons of Pinabel be destroyed, and that
+everything should be obliterated that was connected with a name which
+called forth so much execration.
+
+
+                                THE END.
+
+
+                          Transcriber’s Notes:
+
+  • Text enclosed by underscores is in italics (_italics_).
+  • Text enclosed by pluses is in small caps (+small caps+).
+  • Obvious typographical errors have been silently corrected.
+  • Redundant title page removed.
+
+
+
+*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 76929 ***
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+<body>
+<div style='text-align:center'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 76929 ***</div>
+<figure class="x-ebookmaker-drop">
+  <img class="illowp66" src="images/cover.jpg" alt="" id="cover">
+</figure>
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+<figure class="figcenter illowp75" id="i_f001">
+  <img src="images/i_f001.jpg" alt="">
+  <figcaption>THE MYSTERIOUS DOOR.</figcaption>
+</figure>
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+<div class="titlepage">
+  <h1><span class="smcap">Maugis, Ye Sorcerer.</span></h1>
+
+  <div class="xlarge">FROM <span class="smcap">Ye</span> ANCIENT FRENCH.</div>
+
+  <div class="large mt5">A Wonderful Tale from ye Writings of ye Mad<br>
+    Savant of ye Maison Maugis in ye Olde<br>
+    Citie of Mouzon, France.</div>
+
+  <div class="mt10"><span class="large">By LORD GILHOOLEY, D.C.,</span><br>
+    <em>Author of “Yutzo.”</em></div>
+
+  <figure class="figcenter illowp20 mt10">
+    <img src="images/i_logo.jpg" alt="">
+  </figure>
+
+  <div class="mt10">F. TENNYSON NEELY,<br>
+    <span class="small">PUBLISHER,</span><br>
+    LONDON.<span style="padding-left: 8.5em;">NEW YORK.</span></div>
+</div>
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+<div class="titlepage mt10 mb10">
+  <div>Copyright, 1898,<br>
+  by<br>
+  <span class="smcap">F. Tennyson Neely</span>,<br>
+  in<br>
+  United States<br>
+  and<br>
+  Great Britain.</div>
+  <hr class="r5">
+  <div>All Rights Reserved.</div>
+</div>
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+<div class="center tbox bold lh2">
+  <span class="xlarge">DEDICATION.</span><br>
+  TO THE FOOLS WHO COMPOSE THE “SOCIETE<br>
+  D’ETHNOGRAPHIE” OF NANCY, FRANCE,<br>
+  THIS WORK IS HEREBY DEDICATED.
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter">
+  <h2  class="nobreak" id="APOLOGY">APOLOGY.</h2>
+</div>
+
+<p class="hang"><em>To the Honorable Gentlemen composing the Société d’Ethnographie,
+Nancy, France.</em></p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Gentlemen</span>: In the above dedication I have the sincerest regret
+in committing, what under other circumstances would be an unpardonable
+insult upon the gentlemen of a learned body, none of whom I have ever
+had the honor of meeting, but whose position in the world of science
+and letters I know to be perfectly unassailable. Let me explain.</p>
+
+<p>An oath, made to the late Charles Voudran, a former member of your
+Honorable Society, has compelled this regrettable action, which,
+otherwise, would have resulted in the loss of a vast amount of rare
+historical information to the world, as, I trust, a perusal of the
+following pages, will satisfactorily explain.</p>
+
+<p>With the most profound respect,</p>
+
+<p class="right"><span class="smcap">Frederick O’Hoolihan.</span><br>
+  <span class="xsmall" style="margin-right: 3.2em;">(LORD GILHOOLEY.)</span></p>
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+<div class="chapter">
+  <h2 class="nobreak" id="CONTENTS">CONTENTS.</h2>
+</div>
+<hr class="r20">
+
+<div class="center-container">
+<ul>
+  <li><a href="#LOI">LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.</a></li>
+  <li><a href="#CHAPTER_I">CHAPTER I.</a></li>
+  <li><a href="#CHAPTER_II">CHAPTER II.</a></li>
+  <li><a href="#CHAPTER_III">CHAPTER III.</a></li>
+  <li><a href="#CHAPTER_IV">CHAPTER IV.</a></li>
+  <li><a href="#CHAPTER_V">CHAPTER V.</a></li>
+  <li><a href="#CHAPTER_VI">CHAPTER VI.</a></li>
+  <li><a href="#CHAPTER_VII">CHAPTER VII.</a></li>
+  <li><a href="#CHAPTER_VIII">CHAPTER VIII.</a></li>
+  <li><a href="#CHAPTER_IX">CHAPTER IX.</a></li>
+  <li><a href="#CHAPTER_X">CHAPTER X.</a></li>
+  <li><a href="#CHAPTER_XI">CHAPTER XI.</a></li>
+  <li><a href="#CHAPTER_XII">CHAPTER XII.</a></li>
+  <li><a href="#CHAPTER_XIII">CHAPTER XIII.</a></li>
+  <li><a href="#CHAPTER_XIV">CHAPTER XIV.</a></li>
+  <li><a href="#CHAPTER_XV">CHAPTER XV.</a></li>
+  <li><a href="#CHAPTER_XVI">CHAPTER XVI.</a></li>
+  <li><a href="#CHAPTER_XVII">CHAPTER XVII.</a></li>
+  <li><a href="#CHAPTER_XVIII">CHAPTER XVIII.</a>
+</ul>
+</div>
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+<div class="chapter">
+  <h2 class="nobreak" id="LOI">LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.</h2>
+</div>
+<hr class="r20">
+
+<table class="autotable">
+  <thead>
+    <tr>
+      <th></th>
+      <th class="tdr">PAGE.</th>
+    </tr>
+  </thead>
+  <tbody>
+    <tr>
+      <td>The Mysterious Door,</td>
+      <td class="tdr"><a href="#i_f001"><i>Frontispiece</i></a></td>
+    </tr>
+    <tr>
+      <td>Interior Cathedral, Mouzon,</td>
+      <td class="tdr"><a href="#i_p012">12</a></td>
+    </tr>
+    <tr>
+      <td>The Haunted Battlefield,</td>
+      <td class="tdr"><a href="#i_p032">32</a></td>
+    </tr>
+    <tr>
+      <td>Ancient Gate of Mouzon,</td>
+      <td class="tdr"><a href="#i_p052">52</a></td>
+    </tr>
+    <tr>
+      <td>Château Montfort,</td>
+      <td class="tdr"><a href="#i_p070">70</a></td>
+    </tr>
+    <tr>
+      <td>Surprise of the Castle,</td>
+      <td class="tdr"><a href="#i_p076">76</a></td>
+    </tr>
+    <tr>
+      <td>Old Spanish Houses,</td>
+      <td class="tdr"><a href="#i_p100">100</a></td>
+    </tr>
+    <tr>
+      <td>Maugis,</td>
+      <td class="tdr"><a href="#i_p120">120</a></td>
+    </tr>
+    <tr>
+      <td>Charlemagne at the head of his Army,</td>
+      <td class="tdr"><a href="#i_p124">124</a></td>
+    </tr>
+    <tr>
+      <td>Ye Olde City of Mouzon,</td>
+      <td class="tdr"><a href="#i_p164">164</a></td>
+    </tr>
+    <tr>
+      <td>Cathedral of Mouzon,</td>
+      <td class="tdr"><a href="#i_p216">216</a></td>
+    </tr>
+    <tr>
+      <td>Cathedral Door, Mouzon,</td>
+      <td class="tdr"><a href="#i_p244">244</a></td>
+    </tr>
+  </tbody>
+</table>
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+<div class="chapter">
+  <span class="pagenum" id="Page_5">5</span>
+  <div class="center xxlarge" id="CHAPTER_I"><b>MAUGIS, YE SORCERER.</b></div>
+  <hr class="r20">
+  <h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER I.</h2>
+</div>
+
+<div class="center">(A CABLEGRAM.)</div>
+
+<div class="fright mt1">
+  <div class="center">SEDAN,<br>
+    PROVINCE D’ARDENNES,<br>
+    FRANCE.</div>
+</div>
+<div class="italics clear">“To Lord Gilhooley,<br>
+  <span style="padding-left: 3em;">“Albemarle Hotel,</span><br>
+  <span style="padding-left: 6em;">“New York. U. S. A.</span>
+</div>
+
+<blockquote>
+<p class="mb0">“The hermit of the Maison Maugis, Monzon, committed suicide to-day.</p>
+<div class="right smcap">Albert.”</div>
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>Apropos of the above, about ten days later I received a letter from
+which the following is an extract:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+<p>“He was found lying, entirely stripped, upon the floor. He had
+strangled himself with a cord, having previously broken up every
+article of furniture, gathered and burned in the huge fireplace
+every object of wearing apparel, all papers and everything
+movable, until the house was made absolutely bare. His death
+created a profound sensation, as it was rumored that he had in his
+possession some very old and curious manuscripts relating to the
+time of Charlemagne. An elaborate <span class="pagenum" id="Page_6">6</span>search of the premises failed
+to disclose anything, except some burned fragments of parchment in
+the ashes of the fireplace. He had jealously guarded his discovery
+during his life and was supposed to be somewhat demented, which may
+account for the lamentable destruction of these precious records.
+Now you are freed from your oath, give the world what you have.”</p>
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>The past then came back to me, as plainly as if it had only occurred
+yesterday.</p>
+
+<p>I could see in my mind that merry breakfast party, three months agone,
+in the great dining hall of the Château Baudelot at Haraucourt, in the
+valley of the Emmene, Ardennes, France. I could remember, as if it
+happened only this morning, when Albert said:</p>
+
+<p>“It is very strange how things happen in this world. Life presents some
+threads so fearfully tangled that it often seems as if matters were
+hopeless; when lo, some little eddy in the tide of fortune swirls the
+knotted kinks apart and all is well once more.”</p>
+
+<p>“Very good, Albert,” said I, “and this is apropos of what?”</p>
+
+<p>“Oh, nothing,” answered he, “only the thought just came into my mind.”</p>
+
+<p>“Perhaps,” said his sister Mathilde, “his omelette is not agreeing with
+him.”</p>
+
+<p>“No,” exclaimed Louise, “that is not it—he is going to take cousin
+Frederick to Mouzon to-day, <span class="pagenum" id="Page_7">7</span>and it is there that some episode is to
+occur to put some new wrinkles in his existence.”</p>
+
+<p>Said with smiles and laughter, these words were pathetic.</p>
+
+<p>I shall never forget that day in Mouzon.</p>
+
+<p>I recall how, just two hours later, we crossed the bridge over the
+river Meuse, and rolled through the old gateway into the ancient
+city, and how, shortly after, we were chatting with Professor Victor
+d’Alembert, the head schoolmaster.</p>
+
+<p>“I have brought my cousin to see the city,” said Albert.</p>
+
+<p>“Ah! Mouzon is a quaint place,” responded the professor, his face
+lighting up with interest. “It is a small city, but a very old one, and
+so very romantic. Come with me. I will show it to you.”</p>
+
+<p>Then he took us up and down crooked streets, lined with mediæval
+buildings, heavily walled, with projecting stories, possessing all the
+quaintness of former ages, and it was while passing through a narrow
+street to a square in the heart of the city, where the houses seemed
+the oldest, the oddest and the grayest, that he pointed to a heavy
+oaken door set in a wall of unusual thickness.</p>
+
+<p>“Look!” he said.</p>
+
+<p>“At what?” inquired Albert.</p>
+
+<p>“That is said to have been the home of Maugis, the famous warrior
+sorcerer.”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_8">8</span></p>
+
+<p>“Very interesting,” exclaimed I, “cannot we see the interior?”</p>
+
+<p>“No, no!” replied the professor somewhat emphatically, “that would
+never do, its occupant resents intrusion bitterly.”</p>
+
+<p>I can remember now, how a strange and unaccountable desire possessed
+me to see behind that door, but it was almost forgotten, when, a few
+minutes later, we were seated in the dim interior of the ancient
+cathedral with its lofty gothic arches floating over us in the
+obscurity, while the schoolmaster eloquently unrolled a story of
+vicissitude and romance rarely equaled, for he was a master of his
+subject.</p>
+
+<p>Said he: “Begun by barbarians, built, beset, beleaguered, burned,
+built, beset, burned, and rebuilt, again and again; such is the
+alliterative history of this old city of Mouzon; the theater of wars
+barbarous, of wars religious, of wars civil, and wars international;
+besides of plague, pest, and famine.</p>
+
+<p>“Mouzon has a history commencing far back into the shadows of the past
+and terminating the day before the battle of Sedan, when Colonel de
+Contrenson, at the head of the Fifth Regiment of French Cuirassiers,
+charged the entire German army on these heights nearby; charged time
+and again in the very teeth of their cannon, in the vain attempt to
+stop their resistless onward course to Sedan, five miles away, and only
+desisted when the gallant Fifth <span class="pagenum" id="Page_9">9</span>were literally reduced to a few shreds
+of shattered humanity; but that was only thirty years ago.”</p>
+
+<p>“Oh! rare, old Mouzon!” exclaimed he, “do you not claim the highest
+regard of the lover of romance? the home of Maugis, the great warrior
+sorcerer, and the scene of the rebellious warfares of those gallant
+sons d’Aymon, those immortal knights Renaud, Alard, Guichard and
+Richard, and of their redoubtable enemy, the princely Roland, all of
+them men whose names are now a byword in history!”</p>
+
+<p>“Mouzon,” continued the professor, apostrophizing, “the resort for
+centuries of the high and mighty of the earth, your ancient streets
+have witnessed the pageants of popes and kings, cardinals and princes,
+have echoed with merry shout at carnival time, with solemn chant of
+cowled monk, with cry of battle and shriek of the dying. They have
+resounded with the tread of the barbarian, have known plague and
+famine, and have often been illumined by the ruddy glare of fire. All
+this, as time passed, has been added to the panorama of which you have
+been the stage. A city situated in a battlefield, or in a spot that has
+been a battlefield of Europe, through all the centuries from the time
+of the Romans to the battle of Sedan.”</p>
+
+<p>I can now remember, as we sat there, listening, that the voice of
+the professor grew dramatic and echoed in the vast interior of the
+cathedral with a solemn effect.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_10">10</span></p>
+
+<p>“Mouzon,” continued he, “the historic, the romantic has no mention
+in guide books, it has no visitors or tourists, because it is out of
+the traveled route. Even children in the streets gaze with curiosity
+on the stranger. It has neither gained nor lost in population, as the
+centuries rolled on and the events of history have thundered over it,
+even from the time when this magnificent cathedral was commenced,
+which, though often ruined in the wars, is, as now restored, one of the
+finest specimens of Norman architecture in the world.</p>
+
+<p>“Mouzon was a fortress in 247 B.C., then on the borders of France, and
+was the scene of many a battle of the Visigoths and other barbarians
+with the French kings. In 486 A.D. the great King Clovis wrested it
+from the Visigoths and gave it, and the beautiful surrounding country,
+which included the historic battlefield of Sedan, into the possession
+of the good monk, St. Remy, who built and maintained a great abbey
+here. For centuries thereafter it was controlled by the Catholic
+Church and became a great ecclesiastical center. Prior to this time
+the Romans had penetrated throughout this region, bringing their rare
+civilization, building magnificent roads, fortresses and temples,
+remains of which exist to-day.</p>
+
+<p>“This beautiful province in northern France has been the theater of
+the most tremendous events in the history of France and the history of
+Europe.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_11">11</span></p>
+
+<p>“Ah! Those were terrible centuries, when the good monks lived with the
+prayer book in one hand and the sword in the other.</p>
+
+<p>“Then there were the great lords, or seigneurs, who divided the country
+around among themselves and were always quarreling and fighting. It
+was hereabouts that Charlemagne waged war against the great sorcerer,
+Maugis, and his brave companions, about whom so much has come down to
+us in romance and song. Nearby is the plain of Marcel, where three
+young noblemen, brothers, and their retainers, fought a fratricidal
+duel with each other to the death, until the ground was red with blood,
+so that to this day no living thing will grow upon it, and even now, at
+midnight, by putting the ear to the ground, the peasantry believe that
+the sounds of battle, the crash of arms, and the shrieks of the wounded
+and dying may be heard.</p>
+
+<p>“It was in the immense forests, part of which now remain, that
+Charlemagne had his hunting lodge, for he was a lover of the chase. It
+was nearby that Maugis, the oldest son of Aymon, built the Château de
+Montfort, and in it, with his doughty brothers, stubbornly resisted
+the king, until finally driven out by treachery. The fortress was then
+razed to the ground, so that not a trace of it remains to-day.</p>
+
+<p>“Thus the history of Mouzon has been that of war and vicissitude.
+It was held by the Spanish <span class="pagenum" id="Page_12">12</span>in the middle ages for a long time, and
+specimens of their peculiar architecture may yet be seen in these
+ancient streets.</p>
+
+<p>“In 1672 the great abbey was pillaged by the iconoclasts and its vast
+store of precious manuscripts was destroyed and scattered. I am still
+unearthing them from all sorts of queer hiding places.”</p>
+
+<p>The voice of the schoolmaster now ceased. Its echoes died away in
+the dim interior. Albert and he arose to visit the organ loft, but
+I remained seated, musing. The western sun shone softly through the
+lofty, stained glass windows, shooting subdued colored pencils of light
+across the worn pavement that finally rested upon and glorified the
+recumbent figure of a warrior on a tomb near at hand, and then falling
+at my feet, illumined a half-effaced epitaph:</p>
+
+<p>“<i lang="la">Fortiter et recta haec olim⸺</i>”</p>
+
+<p>The organ commenced a solemn chant and the vast interior, with an
+indescribably beautiful effect, palpitated with soft harmony. As I sat
+there, looking upward into the dim obscurity of the beautifully arched
+roof, the ghosts of centuries seemed to float before me and a feeling
+of awe possessed all my being.</p>
+
+<p>Below my feet rested the ashes of generations of warriors and of
+saintly men of peace who had stood before that altar and administered
+the beautiful offices of the church. That floor had been trodden by
+kings and princes and potentates of high degree, and more than all, by
+an immeasurable mass of common humanity, that through the centuries had
+prayed, wept and rejoiced within those silent walls.</p>
+
+<figure class="figcenter illowp75" id="i_p012">
+  <img class="bbox" src="images/i_p012.jpg" alt="">
+  <figcaption>INTERIOR CATHEDRAL, MOUZON.</figcaption>
+</figure>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_13">13</span></p>
+
+<p>Ah! if they could only speak!</p>
+
+<p>My reverie was interrupted by the return of my companions; then the
+professor bade us adieu.</p>
+
+<p>Albert and I once more were out into the sunlight, when the thought of
+that mysterious door in that narrow street came back to me with sudden
+force.</p>
+
+<p>“Albert,” said I, “I have an irresistible desire to see the interior of
+that queer old house, the professor told us was the home of Maugis, the
+sorcerer.”</p>
+
+<p>“I wouldn’t do it,” replied he.</p>
+
+<p>“Why not?”</p>
+
+<p>“Because the professor told me, while we were visiting the organ, that
+the occupant of that house was a strange-acting old man, who becomes
+very violent when intruded upon. Some regard him as partly insane,
+and though he is said to be a very learned man, no one knows anything
+of his early history, except that he has occupied the house for many
+years. Tradition has it that the house was the home of Maugis, and it
+is believed to be haunted. It certainly is the most ancient house in
+Mouzon and has a remarkable fireplace, with a huge carved mantelpiece.”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_14">14</span></p>
+
+<p>“Will you come with me, Albert?” I insisted.</p>
+
+<p>“Certainly,” replied he; “if you care to risk it.”</p>
+
+<p>We rapped a long time upon the heavy oak door with no result, and were
+about to give up in despair when we heard a creaking of bolts and
+chains, and it swung partly open on its rusty hinges. A shock head of
+iron-gray hair and two wild gray eyes appeared in the opening.</p>
+
+<p>“Monsieur!” said Albert, “this gentleman, who is my guest, is a
+foreigner and is much interested in antiquarian research. I have
+ventured to intrude upon you in the hopes that you would permit us to
+see the interior of this ancient house.”</p>
+
+<p>No answer.</p>
+
+<p>“Our object in coming here is not mere curiosity,” continued Albert;
+“we shall feel much concerned to know that we disturb you, or that you
+consider our visit an intrusion.”</p>
+
+<p>Albert was certainly a born diplomatist.</p>
+
+<p>“Did that sneaking schoolmaster send you here?” asked the old man.</p>
+
+<p>“On the contrary, we came here without his knowledge and I may say
+against his advice.”</p>
+
+<p>A bony, inkstained hand unfastened a chain; the door creaked open.</p>
+
+<p>“Come in,” he said.</p>
+
+<p>We were ushered into a small apartment, with a low, heavy-beamed
+ceiling, black with age. One side of the room was entirely taken up
+with an <span class="pagenum" id="Page_15">15</span>enormous fireplace of a size sufficient to roast an ox. Huge
+grotesque figures carved from stone, one on either side, supported
+a high mantel, and a great, cast-iron plate, bearing an almost
+obliterated coat-of-arms, formed its back. The uneven stone floor,
+worn into hollows by the feet of generations, was cluttered up by a
+bench and other <i lang="fr">débris</i>, and a huge table, on which bundles of
+papers were piled in the utmost confusion; a small dust-begrimed window
+half-lighted the gloom.</p>
+
+<p>The old man said not a word, while Albert and I examined the fireplace;
+but he regarded us with a keenness that we could almost feel.</p>
+
+<p>“This small house,” said Albert to me, “was evidently the porter’s
+lodge or guard room of the great citadel, which centuries ago occupied
+this site. It has but two rooms, you will observe, this one and the one
+above.”</p>
+
+<p>“You are right,” interrupted the old man; then going to the door he
+opened it wide and commanded, “now go!”</p>
+
+<p>We silently bowed, and were about to pass out when he laid his hand on
+my arm and said:</p>
+
+<p>“You will remain!”</p>
+
+<p>There was an earnest look in his eyes, and I hesitated a moment; but an
+imperious gesture sent Albert without; the door closed, and I was alone
+with the hermit, half-madman, for such he seemed to be.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_16">16</span></p>
+
+<p>“What are you?” he demanded, turning to me.</p>
+
+<p>“An Irishman.”</p>
+
+<p>“When do you leave the country?”</p>
+
+<p>“Next week.”</p>
+
+<p>“Would you do a service for a man whose days on earth are numbered?”
+asked the old man in a tone almost of entreaty.</p>
+
+<p>“Surely, if I can,” I answered; “in what way could I serve you?”</p>
+
+<p>“In a thousand ways,” he almost shouted, jumping to his feet, his tall
+form erect, and his eyes gleaming.</p>
+
+<p>“Listen,” continued he, “for thirty years I have not known a moment’s
+peace. Though this place is haunted, I cannot, dare not leave—I had so
+much to do. I had so much to do,” he moaned, passing his bony hand over
+his forehead, and after a few moments’ pause, he continued:</p>
+
+<p>“It was thirty odd years ago the curse fell upon me. I was a
+schoolmaster at Pau, in southern France, and I was a passionate
+antiquarian. One day I read a paper before the Société d’Ethnographie
+of Nancy, of which I was then a member, on an ancient document I had
+unearthed, concerning the warrior sorcerer Maugis. This manuscript I
+had discovered in the ruins of an old castle. It was a short document,
+but to decipher its cryptogramic characters cost me infinite labor.
+It merely told the hiding place, in the north of France, of sundry
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_17">17</span>writings concerning the history of Maugis and the four sons of the
+Duc d’Aymon, historic characters of the reign of Charlemagne. What
+think you was my reception from them? They laughed me to scorn, those
+savants. They said Maugis was apochryphal, was a myth. Then in the
+intensity of my mortification and rage I defied them to their teeth and
+told them I would find the papers; but France never should see them, I
+would burn them first.</p>
+
+<p>“They only laughed the more, and when I cursed them they expelled
+me in disgrace. That did not end my persecution,” explained the old
+man excitedly. “Very soon afterward they took from me my position. I
+was said to be insane, and I left the south broken-hearted and came
+here; that was many years ago. Aided by the directions given me in the
+ancient writing, I found a vast number of documents of the greatest
+historical value. Their hiding place was right here in this ancient
+home of Maugis. I found them stored in a recess back of yonder iron
+plate of the fireplace. Since then I have read what I could and I
+have deciphered what I could, for many were written in mysterious and
+magical characters, and burned them.”</p>
+
+<p>“You burned them?”</p>
+
+<p>“Yes, I burned them, every one.”</p>
+
+<p>“Man, you are surely mad!”</p>
+
+<p>“No! no!” cried he, “I am not mad, I only <span class="pagenum" id="Page_18">18</span>have my revenge, but
+then”—and here his voice sank to a whisper—“<em>it</em> told me to do it.”</p>
+
+<p>“Who?”</p>
+
+<p>“The vision—the vision that visits this room every night—I but do its
+bidding,” he replied, shuddering.</p>
+
+<p>I then saw that I was dealing with a paranoiac, yet I could not resist
+the impression that there was a certain reason in his madness.</p>
+
+<p>“Have you many of those papers left?” I asked.</p>
+
+<p>“They are nearly finished, and when they are done I must die.”</p>
+
+<p>“Listen!” he continued, his voice sinking to a whisper. “Every night
+a ghostly company sits about that table, and what they say I know
+not; but most awful! a decapitated head stands on its dripping neck
+on the corner of that mantel up there and presides. It is the head of
+Lothaire. Its dreadful eyes search my very soul. Its very bidding I
+feel I must obey. It hurries me on to read! burn! read! burn! and yet
+I now know very well that every paper I give to the flames in that
+fireplace is a step toward death. <em>It</em> commands, I obey, and after
+all it is better so; I am content.</p>
+
+<p>“Worse than all,” continued he after a moment’s pause, “that society
+at Nancy learned in some way that I was right. They searched France
+for me, and they finally found me here. They have written me time and
+time again, but I took no notice. <span class="pagenum" id="Page_19">19</span>Then they put spies upon me—they
+have even tried to poison me, and failing in that they have tried to
+steal in upon me. That schoolmaster is one of them. So far they have
+failed, but they are now waiting for my death, thinking then to gain
+the precious writings.</p>
+
+<p>“<em>It</em> told me that a stranger would come from a far-off land, and
+that I should give the result of my labor to him.</p>
+
+<p>“You are the man,” he exclaimed, “I will trust you!</p>
+
+<p>“Listen! while I have read and deciphered and destroyed, I have
+written. See,” said he, producing a roll of closely written manuscript,
+“this is a synopsis of it all, it is a history of the life of Maugis,
+the sorcerer, who was not in league with the devil, as supposed, but
+acted under the commands of God.</p>
+
+<p>“This must never be shown to France,” cried the old man earnestly.
+“Will you accept the trust and take oath to do my behest regarding it?”</p>
+
+<p>“I will, providing I can,” I replied.</p>
+
+<p>“Then swear it!” with a sudden force that startled me, thrusting an
+ancient breviary in my face for me to kiss. “Repeat after me! swear,”
+he shouted.</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+<p class="center">
+“<span class="allsmcap">OATH.</span>
+</p>
+
+<p>“I, Frederick, Lord Gilhooley, do now swear, on my hope of eternal
+salvation that I accept the manuscript,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_20">20</span> notes of Maugis, from
+Charles Voudran as a solemn trust. I will never show it in France.
+I will keep its contents from the world until the knowledge of the
+death of Voudran releases me from this, my oath; that I will then
+publish it with a dedication as follows: ‘To the fools who compose
+the Société d’Ethnographie of Nancy!’ So help me, God, and all the
+saints.”</p>
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>Almost bewildered by the strange scene and surroundings, I mechanically
+repeated the oath after him, and when I had finished the strange being
+looked fixedly at the corner of the mantel, where he had said the
+horrid head appeared, and said:</p>
+
+<p>“Does it please you, master?”</p>
+
+<p>My eyes followed his, but I saw nothing.</p>
+
+<p>Placing both his hands to his head, Voudran staggered to a chair,
+saying to me:</p>
+
+<p>“It is well! you may go, farewell!”</p>
+
+<p>Hiding the precious roll under my cloak I hurried out into the pure
+air and rejoined Albert, who was sauntering leisurely down the street,
+enjoying a cigarette.</p>
+
+<p>We directed our steps onward across the small square in front of the
+cathedral; passed down the ancient main street and stood upon the old
+bridge. It was sunset; a parting ray of sunshine escaping through the
+clouds shot across the top of the hills over field and valley and
+tenderly caressed the dingy front of the grand old church towering far
+above its <span class="pagenum" id="Page_21">21</span>surroundings, glorifying it for a moment and then fading,
+leaving it and the hoary-roofed houses nestling at its feet, as if for
+protection, almost ghostlike in the coming twilight.</p>
+
+<p>I leaned over the parapet of the bridge and looking down listened to
+the gurgling of the river through its ancient arches. The charm of the
+hour was upon me and it seemed to me as if I could hear voices calling
+to me out of the past. I stood there, dreaming and musing upon the
+strange events of the day, until aroused by my companion, who put his
+hand on my shoulder and said:</p>
+
+<p>“Come! we must go!”</p>
+
+<p>The twilight had fallen into dusk and as I looked backward, while
+turning away, at rare old Mouzon, poor old Mouzon—grand old Mouzon—it
+stood out to my view with its great old cathedral looming up more
+ghostlike than ever.</p>
+
+<p>So, gentle reader, poor Charles Voudran is dead, and here I present
+you, according to my promise, the story of Maugis, the warrior
+sorcerer, and the four knightly sons of Aymon, and I pray that it may
+please you well.</p>
+
+<p>In presenting the exciting episodes of this story which poor Voudran,
+through me, now presents to your favor, it is perhaps proper for
+me to call your attention to the curious revelations it makes of
+the civilization of those ancient times, where a strange mixture of
+religious fervor, high chivalry, magnanimity, <span class="pagenum" id="Page_22">22</span>and keen sense of
+honor, are intermingled with superstition, barbaric splendor, cruelty,
+treachery, and disregard of life, altogether affording a remarkable
+insight into the human nature and the manners and customs of the eighth
+century.</p>
+
+<p>This story deals of a period when Christianity had become widespread
+throughout the then civilized world, and the prevailing conception of
+God was that of an austere and awful nemesis, a deity enraged against
+humanity. The element of mercy seemed to be entirely left out of God’s
+dealings with mankind. The most trivial offense met an eternity of
+torture in hell, the violation of an oath was eternal damnation, and
+only the most ascetic means could in any event secure salvation. To
+retire from the world into monasteries or solitudes was thought to be
+the most successful atonement possible.</p>
+
+<p>It is history how the shadow of this awful fear hung over the world
+like a pall for centuries, and how in the middle ages man became fairly
+mad with fright.</p>
+
+<p>In relation to this story, I have made the attempt to preserve the
+style of the unfortunate scholar who intrusted it to me, preserving its
+simplicity, which is that as a minstrel of old going about singing of
+the deeds of men.</p>
+
+<p>I have carefully omitted, in the interest of the reader, the learned
+disquisitions of poor Voudran on psychic phenomena as related to the
+history of <span class="pagenum" id="Page_23">23</span>Maugis, which would attract those only who are studying the
+subject, and which, doubtless, involved on the part of the unfortunate
+scholar a vast amount of labor. Perhaps the result of his labors is
+best summed up in his own words in the concluding sentences of his
+manuscript now before me:</p>
+
+<p>“This concludes the story of Maugis which I have laboriously gleaned
+from ancient documents found in his house; I trust I have proved from
+the study of the ancient Sanskrit writings among these papers that
+the manifestations of Maugis were due to nothing more or less than a
+knowledge of psychic phenomena that would be remarkable even in this
+enlightened age, and the fear and consternation their exercise must
+have produced in the age of superstition of the time of Charlemagne can
+hardly be conceived.</p>
+
+<p>“The secret of the whole matter I have unearthed. It seems that the
+Duke d’Aymon, the father of Maugis, did heroic service in the holy
+wars. He happened one time to make a prisoner of a very venerable man
+who was held in captivity by the Saracens. The Duke d’Aymon, attracted
+by his profound learning and great gentleness of demeanor, treated him
+with the utmost consideration. His new-found friend was none other than
+a renowned Hindu, a man who was not only a pundit and Mahatma, but was
+also a Bodhisatva.</p>
+
+<p>“This noted scholar was named Sahadeva Vyasa <span class="pagenum" id="Page_24">24</span>Pandu, who afterward
+returned to France with the Duke d’Aymon and remained with him until
+his death. It was under his tuition that Maugis, the eldest son of
+the Duke d’Aymon, became accomplished in occult things and learned to
+develop and control psychic forces; who became the possessor of the
+wonderful powers of telepathy and hypnosis, and it was due to this
+occult knowledge that Maugis was enabled to accomplish the marvelous
+things which in that age must have appeared truly awful.”</p>
+
+<p>These final words of the manuscript of poor Voudran are almost pathetic:</p>
+
+<p>“I know not while I write this by whom it may be read, and I care not
+so long as it is kept from that Society of Fools at Nancy, who scorned
+me, who ostracised me, and who wrecked my life. I know only that my
+eyes will be closed and my lips will be dumb when this protest goes out
+to the great and unfeeling and cruel world.”</p>
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_25">25</span></p>
+
+  <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_II">
+    CHAPTER II.
+  </h2>
+</div>
+
+<p>Afar down the centuries in the good year 779 A.D., on a certain
+afternoon in the golden month of August, the greatest excitement was
+visible about the palace of the great Emperor Charlemagne at Paris.
+The royal armies, headed by that great warrior, had been victorious
+over the Saracens, in which battle “Guesdelin, the Sluggard,” their
+general, had been killed, and he, surrounded by his victorious legions,
+had returned to Paris in triumph to celebrate the <i lang="fr">fêtes</i> of
+the Pentecost in company of his brilliant court. Although in that
+sanguinary battle he had met with the deplorable loss of several of
+his bravest knights, Noel, Count of Mans, Arnoue de Froulon, Albert de
+Bouillon, Solomon de Bretagne and a number of others; nevertheless the
+<i lang="fr">fêtes</i> were not made less brilliant by the absence of these brave
+men. There had assembled at Paris for his great occasion, all the dukes
+and peers of France with their glittering retinues, and with them also
+came many princes and noblemen from other courts of Europe to assist in
+the festivities.</p>
+
+<p>Among all that brilliant assemblage the most remarked were the brave
+Duke d’Aymon, Lord of <span class="pagenum" id="Page_26">26</span>Dordogne, and his four gigantic sons, Maugis,
+Allard, Guichard and Richard, all handsome and courageous young men.</p>
+
+<p>Maugis, above the others, commanded the admiration of the entire
+court, his height, for he was seven feet tall, his valor and his great
+learning, for he was the pupil of a pundit whose life had been saved by
+his father during the Saracenic wars, and who had enriched his young
+charge from his vast store of occult knowledge, had made him renowned
+already, and it was generally conceded that he was destined for a great
+career.</p>
+
+<p>The great audience chamber was packed with this brilliant assemblage
+on that August afternoon, and the babble of voices that filled the air
+fell into a profound hush upon the entry of the emperor.</p>
+
+<p>Unbefitting the joy of the occasion, his brow was clouded by a deep
+frown, and gazing upon the sea of upturned faces before him for awhile,
+he arose from his throne and amid a great silence addressed them in
+these words:</p>
+
+<p>“Brave knights, your valor has aided me in the highest degree to
+overcome the enemy, to conquer many cities, and obtain the submission
+of their people. But alas! to secure these grand results we have the
+sorrow to lose many of our noblest born. Bad enough as this is there
+is yet another matter that deeply incenses me and of this I now speak.
+Because Gerard de Roussillon, the Duke of Nantueil, <span class="pagenum" id="Page_27">27</span>and the Duke de
+Beuves d’Aigremont, all three of them our brothers and our subjects,
+refused me their aid, I now make complaint against them. Believing in
+their oaths of allegiance to me I surely counted upon their aid, and
+without their force or aid was compelled to engage superior numbers.
+It is to Solomon, who came to our succor with thirty thousand troops,
+and Lambert, and Galeron de Bordeille, and Berruger, to whom is due our
+victories.”</p>
+
+<p>At this point the emperor rose to his full height, and with eyes
+flashing, continued: “I now declare to you that I shall once more
+appeal to the Duke Beuves d’Aigremont to fulfill his allegiance and
+if he still resists I shall lay siege to his dominions; if I become
+aroused I will not stop at taking life. I will flay him alive, send
+his wife and his son Renaud to the stake, and give their country up to
+pillage.”</p>
+
+<p>At these savage words, uttered with the utmost anger, the Duke de
+Naimes, who was considered to be the wisest man of the court, arose and
+responded to the king:</p>
+
+<p>“Sire, employ all possible means to avoid war, which is always cruel
+to the people whom you govern. Therefore send to the Duke d’Aigremont
+a man who is capable, sure and faithful and one in whom you can
+place your entire confidence, one who combines all the qualities of
+<em>finesse</em> and prudence required by the importance of this mission.
+Let him go to the duke and present to him his forgetfulness <span class="pagenum" id="Page_28">28</span>of his
+oath to you in such terms of consideration and without pride of manner
+as will have the most effect and then let the answer your majesty
+receives govern the determination as to what course your majesty will
+take.”</p>
+
+<p>The king, strongly impressed by this sensible advice, adopted it, but
+was much embarrassed to make a selection of a man sufficiently discreet
+and courageous to fulfill such a perilous mission—one who had neither
+fear of the menaces of the famous duke, or the tried warriors of his
+family. He finally chose his own son Lothaire, who accepted with all
+the submission of a son and loyal subject, not without having demanded
+the benediction of his royal father, the blessing of heaven, and at the
+same time prayed God to care for his family.</p>
+
+<p>Charlemagne had no sooner made this decision when he was assailed with
+the most dire presentiments, and his depression was only increased when
+the following morning he saw the departure of his son and his suite,
+composed of one hundred brave knights, well armed and equipped. It
+seemed to the unhappy king as if he was gazing for the last time on
+the face of his well-beloved son, and the while regretted keenly that
+etiquette would not allow a monarch to go himself as ambassador and
+demand an account of a disloyal subject of his rebellion.</p>
+
+<p>News traveled very quickly even in those olden <span class="pagenum" id="Page_29">29</span>days, and it was not
+long before the Duke d’Aigremont was informed of the departure of
+the cavalcade at the head of which gayly rode the young prince, and
+thanks to the activity of his spies, the news came to D’Aigremont the
+moment of the reunion of his barons at his castle to celebrate the
+<i lang="fr">fêtes</i> of Pentecost and to participate in the tournaments and
+games which were customary at that epoch. Enraged at the fact of an
+embassy approaching him on such a mission, and desiring to hasten his
+expression of insubordination, he at once announced to his barons his
+intention of giving offense to the king, and addressed them in these
+words:</p>
+
+<p>“What now, sirs! the king not only makes the mistake of pretending to
+make me and my people serve him, but he sends his oldest son to me to
+make me menaces. What would you do under such circumstances were you in
+my place?”</p>
+
+<p>He had among his knights some men who were very true and sincere in
+their counsel and who did not hesitate to speak plainly. One Sir Simon
+was called upon and expressed himself thus:</p>
+
+<p>“Monseigneur, a man who resists his king, who, after his God, is his
+lord and master, makes an offense against heaven and justice. What do
+you propose to do? Sustain your disobedience by force of arms? We are
+all ready to shed our blood to the last drop, if may be, in the cause
+of justice, and our valor will never allow us to yield to numbers,
+but <span class="pagenum" id="Page_30">30</span>what will be our fate if we are defeated? How can you expect the
+clemency of the king if you refuse to receive his son? Have you no fear
+of the fate of a rebellious subject?”</p>
+
+<p>The Duke d’Aigremont would not allow him to finish. Sparks of fire shot
+from his eyes, their pupils dilated and he menaced his loyal servitor
+for having ventured to speak so freely.</p>
+
+<p>The duchess, on her part, fearful of the result, conjured the
+inflexible man to listen to the counsels of his true friends and to
+again seek to enter into the good graces of the king; when, however,
+the matter was submitted to the assemblage, there was a great division
+of opinion. This is why the advice of the good duchess was opposed by
+some and satisfied others.</p>
+
+<p>The Duke d’Aigremont insisted on his intention of declining to serve
+the king and refused to listen while, said he, he had three brothers
+from whom he had a right to expect support, without counting his four
+nephews, the sons of the Duke d’Aymon, without doubt the most valiant
+warriors of the kingdom.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile, during the occurrence of these scenes, the cavalcade of
+Lothaire came into view of the castle. He had never seen a fortress in
+a more formidable position, situated as it was on a high and almost
+inaccessible rock at the foot of which a deep river ran.</p>
+
+<p>“Indeed, your highness,” said the commander of <span class="pagenum" id="Page_31">31</span>the escort to the young
+prince, “yon is a formidable place truly.” The castle had now come more
+fully into view and as its tall battlements flanked by two high towers
+arose on high, outlined against the blue sky, the prince only smiled
+and replied:</p>
+
+<p>“Tut! Gaston, the sight of such an obstacle only incites me the more to
+fulfill the mission intrusted me, and nothing shall retard me.”</p>
+
+<p>In due time, to the sound of a lively fanfare by his heralds, Prince
+Lothaire stood before the gates of the castle and was admitted to the
+great court that was ominously guarded by grim soldiery.</p>
+
+<p>The Duke d’Aigremont received him in the great audience-chamber seated
+upon his throne. Beside him were his wife and son Renaud. Lothaire
+advanced to the duke to acquaint him with his mission, but instead of
+talking with moderation and following the counsels of the principal
+knights of his suite, he forgot all reserve and with a haughty mien
+spoke as follows:</p>
+
+<p>“Woe to the servant who disobeys his master! Monseigneur! Charlemagne
+is irritated against you because you have not obeyed his commands. He
+demands to know your reasons. Also am I come by his commands to promise
+you his pardon, provided you will at once place yourself at his mercy
+and make oath to send him five hundred knights. If you persist in your
+refusal you shall receive no pity. Punishments most cruel will be
+visited upon <span class="pagenum" id="Page_32">32</span>thee and thine, and the loss of all thy domains and all
+thy subjects will be the consequence of thy obstinacy. I require an
+immediate answer. Decide quickly, for Charlemagne awaits my return with
+impatience.”</p>
+
+<p>At these bold and indiscreet words the Duke d’Aigremont bounded to his
+feet enraged.</p>
+
+<p>“By Saint Gris!” he cried, “tell thy father, Charlemagne, that not only
+do I refuse his appeal to assist him in war, but that I will myself
+make war upon him. I will come with my own army and destroy the kingdom
+of France.”</p>
+
+<p>“Thou traitor!” shouted Lothaire in reply, forgetting all restraint and
+refusing the warnings of his suite to conduct himself moderately.</p>
+
+<p>Those old days were grim times—there was very little between a word and
+a blow.</p>
+
+<p>“Have a care, young man,” hissed D’Aigremont, his eyes blazing. “You
+will never return to thy father.”</p>
+
+<p>“Traitor and coward!” hotly responded the prince, drawing his sword.</p>
+
+<p>The duke, upon this, unsheathed his own sword and sprang upon Lothaire,
+his knights threw themselves upon the suite of the prince, and the
+<i lang="fr">mêlée</i> became general.</p>
+
+<p>The great audience-chamber rang with sounds of blows, oaths, shouts,
+and the cries of the wounded and dying.</p>
+
+<figure class="figcenter illowp90" id="i_p032">
+  <img class="bbox" src="images/i_p032.jpg" alt="">
+  <figcaption>
+      THE HAUNTED BATTLEFIELD.
+  </figcaption>
+</figure>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_33">33</span></p>
+
+<p>Prince Lothaire was everywhere, his sword seemed invincible, a man fell
+at every stroke. Even when the Duke d’Aigremont appeared before him
+he barely resisted the furious onward rush of Lothaire and fell back
+staggering and wounded from a terrible stroke of his sword. But quickly
+recovering, in his turn he struck down the prince with all his force,
+and such was his fury he did not leave the mangled remains until he had
+cut off the head of his opponent.</p>
+
+<p>Meantime in battle around them the men of the prince had fought
+bravely, although greatly outnumbered. Of the one hundred men composing
+the suite, only twenty remained alive, and these, seeing the fall of
+their chief commander, surrendered. The infuriated duke ordered all but
+ten of them to be killed, and these he made swear solemnly that they
+would carry the remains of the prince back to Paris.</p>
+
+<p>“Tell him, thy master,” said he, “that here is the body of thy son. Be
+assured I shall not wait idly for thee to come and succor it.”</p>
+
+<p>The ten knights having given their word to report these words
+faithfully, put the remains of Lothaire in a chariot and departed
+sorrowfully homeward.</p>
+
+<p>In the meantime, Charlemagne, much disquieted at not receiving news of
+his son, openly manifested his fears. The sinister presentiments he had
+had <span class="pagenum" id="Page_34">34</span>made him think his son was dead, then in an access of rage he made
+the most terrible threats against the Duke d’Aigremont.</p>
+
+<p>“I will go,” said he, “at the head of an army and reduce him to the
+most cruel extremities.”</p>
+
+<p>Those surrounding him endeavored to calm him and convince him that
+it would be impossible for the Duke d’Aigremont to be capable of so
+infamous an action.</p>
+
+<p>“If ever,” cried the Duke d’Aymon, “the Duke d’Aigremont has committed
+such a crime, he should be served with a startling vengeance. Who among
+us would refuse you support? For me, sire! and my four sons, count on
+our loyalty and courage.”</p>
+
+<p>“I am deeply moved by thy fidelity, my good Aymon,” replied the king.
+“Many affairs have so occupied me that I have not yet seen thy four
+brave sons. Do thou present them to me on the morrow that I may arm
+them in a style befitting their high rank.”</p>
+
+<p>Following upon this, the next day, in the presence of the whole
+court, Charlemagne formally knighted Maugis and presented him with a
+magnificent suit of armor that he had himself taken from the King of
+Cyprus, who had fallen under his own hand at Paraplumex. Then the king
+embraced him. Maugis had then placed upon his feet the golden spurs of
+Oger, the Dane, after which he sprang upon the back of his favorite
+horse, Bayard, whose name has <span class="pagenum" id="Page_35">35</span>come down to us in poetry and song as
+one of the most perfect animals that ever existed.</p>
+
+<p>The three brothers of Maugis were equally well armed and knighted.
+Following these ceremonies, Charlemagne gave a tournament in their
+honor, at which the young men so acquitted themselves as to win the
+admiration of everyone.</p>
+
+<p>Maugis, having defeated one of the most skillful knights of
+Charlemagne’s court, while riding around the lists toward the station
+of the king, amid the tumultuous plaudits of the onlookers, was stopped
+in his course by seeing a tiny glove tied with a knot of blue ribbon
+fall at his feet. Hastily dismounting and recovering it he looked up
+among the sea of faces regarding him and his eye was arrested by a
+beautiful figure seated beside a stalwart warrior, one of the guests of
+the court.</p>
+
+<p>When two beautiful blue eyes met his own, their glance sought his heart
+direct; even as a moonbeam will kiss a placid pool and glorify it, so
+was the heart of Maugis gladdened. He failed not during the few seconds
+of the episode to note the tall willowy figure and the shapely head
+which was soon hidden blushing behind the shoulder of her brother,
+shrinking from the too ardent gaze of the young knight. Neither failed
+he to note that her slender waist was encircled by a sash of the same
+hue as the ribbon on the glove he held in his hand.</p>
+
+<p>Little did he know the vicissitudes that would <span class="pagenum" id="Page_36">36</span>afterward divide their
+lives and pursue them when united—he only loved and was happy.</p>
+
+<p>Reverently kissing the glove, Maugis placed it on his helmet and
+thereafter performed such deeds of valor and prowess that everyone
+was amazed. Charlemagne hastened to swear the four brothers into his
+service, and insisted that Maugis should never quit him. Still no news
+of Lothaire. The entire court was depressed. The king, accompanied by
+the Duke of Naimes, took long walks on the banks of the Seine, their
+favorite promenade, and there alone with his most intimate friend, the
+king poured out to him all his hopes and fears. One day while taking
+their accustomed walk, they saw at a great distance a cavalier covered
+with dust approach them at a gallop. They both at the same instant
+recognized him as one of the suite of Lothaire. Charlemagne, turning
+pale, threw himself into the arms of the Duke of Naimes.</p>
+
+<p>“My son is dead,” he cried, “and it is I who am his murderer. How much
+better it would have been if, instead of showing clemency to the Duke
+of Aigremont, I had marched upon him at the head of an army. I would
+not have been to-day mourning the death of my son.”</p>
+
+<p>At this moment the messenger knight, who had ridden night and day to
+bring the tidings, presented himself before them and announced the
+bloody death of Lothaire, which having done, overcome <span class="pagenum" id="Page_37">37</span>with fatigue, he
+fell at the feet of Charlemagne and expired.</p>
+
+<p>A most touching scene then occurred between the emperor and his
+confidant. Both wept and amid their tears sought to console each other.</p>
+
+<p>“Why shed tears?” said the Duke de Naimes, “our regrets will not bring
+back the prince to life. It is vengeance we must have now. To punish
+the murderer is, above all, our sole aim. God, who never abandons those
+who battle for the right, will sustain us. Here, it is not only the
+father who fights the assassin of his son, it is the sovereign who
+demands account of the blood of his ambassador.”</p>
+
+<p>This energetic discourse had the effect intended by the duke.
+Charlemagne, with his face resolute, laid aside his sorrowings and
+gave orders to his knights, courtiers and soldiers for the disposition
+of the remains of his son. An immense <em>cortége</em> accompanied the
+body to the church of St. Germain des Pres, where the final obsequies
+occurred.</p>
+
+<p>After the ceremony terminated, when Charlemagne was returning
+sorrowfully to Paris with his suite, revolving in his mind projects
+of vengeance, a messenger brought to him the startling intelligence
+that the Duke d’Aymon and his four sons had suddenly left the court
+and had quitted Paris. At this the king became so enraged and swore so
+violently that it was all in vain the courtiers sought to calm him <span class="pagenum" id="Page_38">38</span>by
+calling his attention to the fact that the Duke d’Aymon was the own
+brother of the Duke d’Aigremont, who had murdered his son, and when he
+left his sons were in duty bound to accompany him. Charlemagne could
+listen to nothing, but finally becoming more calm, demanded to know the
+real reason for the departure of the five knights.</p>
+
+<p>It was reported to him that the Duke d’Aymon de Dordogne, being made
+aware of the death of Lothaire and of the felony of his brother
+d’Aigremont, called his sons together in council. He felt that they
+were in a false position owing to the shameful defection of their
+relative, and he realized that Charlemagne, in his just anger, would
+take a terrible revenge. What should they do? What course should they
+take? Support Charlemagne and thus aid in the destruction of their
+relative, or embrace the cause of Aigremont and violate their oath to
+the emperor?</p>
+
+<p>Said Maugis: “I propose that we leave the court, retire to the
+Ardennes, and remain there to witness the result. By doing this neither
+party could accuse us of treason, for until we have taken a final
+decision we would have neither violated the ties of relationship nor
+the laws of friendship.”</p>
+
+<p>This proposition was agreed to by all, and they immediately left the
+court and set out upon their journey home.</p>
+
+<p>Though the motive of their sudden departure was <span class="pagenum" id="Page_39">39</span>honorable,
+Charlemagne, irritated not to have the help of five men of renowned
+valor, would consider no excuse and swore against them a war of
+extermination.</p>
+
+<p>While the court of Charlemagne was engaged in active preparations,
+Aymon and his four sons gained in all haste their domains in the
+Ardennes, where Edwige, the wife of the duke, received them with joy.
+After the first moments consecrated to greeting, Edwige would know the
+news from Paris.</p>
+
+<p>Alas! the joy of the poor mother was short-lived when she was apprised
+of the cause of their return.</p>
+
+<p>Edwige was at the same time allied by marriage to the house of
+Charlemagne and to that of Aigremont. Her course was very difficult to
+choose; but having carefully reflected, she said to her husband and
+sons:</p>
+
+<p>“Why do you hesitate to march with Charlemagne? He is your lord and
+has armed our sons; this thought should carry you to that side. The
+crime of our relative is infamous and inexcusable, and think you that
+the emperor, after having chastised the criminal, will not follow it
+up by attacking the traitors who have aided his enemies by a passive
+assistance, and who have, by so doing, diminished the forces of the
+royal army?</p>
+
+<p>“The crime of D’Aigremont is unpardonable. An ambassador is sacred in
+all cases and it is violating those usages and those laws, recognized
+by all mankind, <span class="pagenum" id="Page_40">40</span>and more, his act has plunged the king into the
+deepest sorrow by cutting the throat of his son, who came in the name
+of his father to claim those sacred rights a sovereign has over his
+princes. If Aigremont conquers, how much will your conscience reproach
+you for not having aided in the punishment of the culpable. If on the
+other hand, he is vanquished, have you not good reason to fear the
+conqueror, who has insults and infidelity to avenge? The best thing to
+do is to take my advice, return to the emperor at once and serve him
+faithfully.”</p>
+
+<p>The truth and justice of these words made a profound impression on the
+father and his sons, but the young knights did not relish the idea of
+returning to Paris, so they formed their plans to pass some time at the
+château of their father. Meanwhile, Charlemagne was actively occupied
+in raising his army. In response to his call, all the peers and knights
+were assembling their vassals on their estates.</p>
+
+<p>May 18th was the time fixed for the assemblage of the army on the
+Champs-de-Mars at Paris.</p>
+
+<p>The subjects of the emperor were not a single instant behind the day
+set.</p>
+
+<p>On the part of the Duke d’Aigremont, he, knowing full well that the
+king would never pardon his crime, gave every attention to putting
+himself in defense, and made the rounds of his entire domain.</p>
+
+<p>After a time he had raised a considerable army. <span class="pagenum" id="Page_41">41</span>His brothers, Gerard
+de Roussillon and the Duke de Nanteuil, also joined him with a number
+of soldiers.</p>
+
+<p>When his army was complete, D’Aigremont deemed it wise to go out and
+meet the king, before he could besiege him in his own country, having
+respect for an enemy so bitter and active as Charlemagne. In fact the
+king, anxious to secure his revenge, would permit no one to place
+his troops. He would do that himself. He confined his advance guard
+to Gallerand de Bouillon, Nemours, Gui de Baviere, Oger, Richard and
+Eatonville. The rearguard was commanded by the Duke of Naimes.</p>
+
+<p>The center he reserved for himself, and having made this disposition of
+his forces his army set out.</p>
+
+<p>Hardly had the march commenced when he was informed by a deserter of
+the advance of the army of the Duke d’Aigremont to meet him, and that
+he had already invaded Champagne and was laying siege to Troyes with
+great activity, which news caused him to throw forward the detachments
+of the Duke de Naimes, the Duke de Bouillon and Godefroy de Frise, with
+orders to await the arrival of the main army, a short distance from the
+besieged city.</p>
+
+<p>De Roussillon, who commanded the advance guard of D’Aigremont, soon
+perceived the advance guard of the king’s army and giving his war-cry,
+at once charged upon them, to which the army of Charlemagne <span class="pagenum" id="Page_42">42</span>responded,
+and the two armies met with a terrible shock, and so fierce was the
+onset that the ground was soon strewn with the wounded and dying and
+the <i lang="fr">débris</i> of arms.</p>
+
+<p>The Duke d’Aigremont charged upon Oger and stretched him senseless
+at his feet. Gerard and Nanteuil came quickly to join their brother,
+followed by the best of their troops, and hurled themselves on the
+enemy with renewed fury. Then were performed acts of the greatest
+valor. Richard de Normandy, who commanded the allies, made a heroic
+resistance. Spearmen from Lombardy, bowmen from Germany and Portevin,
+in serried ranks offered an indestructible line of battle. One knight,
+with more hardihood than the others, hurled himself against them in the
+endeavor to break it, and received his death by a lance-thrust from
+Gerard.</p>
+
+<p>The three brothers, seeing that they could obtain no chance for success
+from that side, renewed their efforts by hurling themselves on the army
+of Charlemagne.</p>
+
+<p>At the first shock the forces of Gallerand de Bouillon were nearly
+thrown from their feet. It was a moment requiring all their tenacity.
+Many were killed on both sides, but Charlemagne, with a prudence
+that never deserted him, even in the most perilous moments, allowed
+D’Aigremont and his brother to become engaged more and more until he
+found a favorite moment, and then moved his troops <span class="pagenum" id="Page_43">43</span>quickly around the
+flank of their forces and caught them in the rear.</p>
+
+<p>The duke had been wounded by Richard de Normandy, and his life was only
+saved by the fall of his horse, which tumbled under a stroke of the
+sword intended for him.</p>
+
+<p>Retreat now became the last resource of the army of the Duke
+d’Aigremont and the order was given and the battalions that had started
+out so brilliantly in the morning commenced to retire in good order.</p>
+
+<p>Charlemagne at once saw the movement, and calling to him the Duke de
+Naimes, Godefroy de Frise, Gallerand and many others, he ordered them
+to pursue the Duke d’Aigremont and his brothers without relaxation, and
+if possible take them alive that he might visit upon them the direst
+vengeance.</p>
+
+<p>These brave knights immediately started in pursuit of the enemy,
+but the falling of night prevented their carrying out the orders of
+Charlemagne.</p>
+
+<p>After the terrible exertions of the day both armies needed rest. The
+Duke d’Aigremont was much chagrined at his defeat. His brother Gerard,
+in particular, who had been annoyed at the death of Lothaire, could
+not conceal his discontent; he could not resist making the complaint
+that he had made his promise to assist D’Aigremont in all things, but
+nevertheless, he desired to resume the attack upon the king the next
+day with all the force they could command and avenge their defeat and
+Nanteuil dissuaded them.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_44">44</span></p>
+
+<p>“I think,” said he, “that we are not defending a just cause, and that
+it would be better to send a deputation of our knights to Charlemagne
+and ask for peace. Are we not his subjects? Besides to prevail, we must
+attack him unaware. And suppose we do succeed in destroying his army,
+it will only follow that we shall again be opposed by a force more
+considerable than any we can assemble? No! I think the wisest course
+for us to pursue is to submit.”</p>
+
+<p>The advice of Nanteuil prevailed. It was agreed that the following
+morning ambassadors were to be sent to Charlemagne to make terms of
+peace.</p>
+
+<p>Accordingly, at sunrise the next day, thirty knights, chosen from the
+most experienced and from those of the highest rank, after having
+received the instructions of D’Aigremont, mounted their horses and
+proceeded to the camp of Charlemagne.</p>
+
+<p>The king being informed of their approach assembled his army in battle
+array and received them at the door of his tent. The messengers of
+D’Aigremont came forward, bearing an olive branch as a sign of peace,
+and kneeling before him bowed down to the earth.</p>
+
+<p>“Rise!” commanded Charlemagne.</p>
+
+<p>“Sire,” said Henri de Brienne, “we have come in the name of the Duke de
+Beuves d’Aigremont to implore your clemency. We recognize the enormity
+of our crime, and here before your majesty we <span class="pagenum" id="Page_45">45</span>would place ourselves
+into your hands. We supplicate you, above all, to spare the poor people
+we compelled to obey us and who were forced into complicity in our
+crime. If your majesty will but say the word, the Duke d’Aigremont and
+his brothers will come and submit themselves to any punishment you may
+see fit to impose upon them.”</p>
+
+<p>The king, trembling at the thought of being brought face to face once
+more with the murderer of his son, ordered the knights to return
+to their master and to have him present himself at once to receive
+punishment for his crimes, accompanied by his three brothers; that
+his army must surrender at discretion; that the ambassador might
+have no illusions as to his formal intention not to submit to any
+supplications, and that the truth of these words might be forced upon
+them, he ordered, in their presence, the erection of three gibbets upon
+which the three brothers were to swing.</p>
+
+<p>These grim preparations completed, Charlemagne sent them back, giving
+them until noon to execute his commands, under penalty of immediately
+commencing hostilities.</p>
+
+<p>The thirty knights returned to their camp and faithfully reported
+to the Duke d’Aigremont the words of Charlemagne. There was nothing
+left to do but bravely accept their fate. The order was immediately
+given for the disarmament of the troops. The Duke d’Aigremont had a
+difficult task <span class="pagenum" id="Page_46">46</span>in overcoming the repugnance of Gerard de Bouillon and
+De Nanteuil to submitting, but they finally consented to accompany him.</p>
+
+<p>It was a sad and curious spectacle to see the Duke d’Aigremont and his
+two brothers on that bright and beautiful May morning, stripped to
+their shirts, with heads bare, with a cord attached to their necks,
+march at the head of several hundred knights, stripped to their shirts
+likewise, and followed by their soldiers with heads bare, all marching
+on foot along the road which separated their camp from the camp of
+Charlemagne. Upon their arrival at the tent of the emperor the three
+brothers with their suite and all their army kneeled to the earth, amid
+a great hush from the assembled hosts.</p>
+
+<p>With constrained voice the emperor bid the three brothers arise, and
+sternly but silently pointed to them the way to the scaffold.</p>
+
+<p>The three brothers without a single supplication obeyed in silence.
+On arriving at the foot of the gibbet, the emperor, who had followed,
+could no longer conceal his emotion, and for the moment the heart of
+the soldier overcame the sorrows of the father. He paused and with
+bitter tears filling his eyes:</p>
+
+<p>“Barbarians!” cried he, “why should you have punished me so cruelly by
+destroying my beloved son, a young prince who complied loyally with the
+orders of his sovereign?”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_47">47</span></p>
+
+<p>D’Aigremont was deeply affected by the grief of the emperor. “Sire!”
+said he, “I beg to die without delay; I realize the enormity of my
+crime and that death alone can remove my disgrace.”</p>
+
+<p>The executioners then approached to perform their sinister offices. The
+assembled armies awaited, breathless and concerned, the end of this
+powerful drama.</p>
+
+<p>The emperor seemed to be entirely absorbed in his grief, but suddenly
+recovering command of himself and with a noble generosity, so
+characteristic of him, he forgot the death of his son, and, sacrificing
+his grief and revenge, these words fell from his lips:</p>
+
+<p>“I pardon you,” said he to the condemned. “Can you appreciate the
+sentiments that dictate my conduct to you? Resume your titles and
+your dignities, everything shall be forgotten and the past shall be
+effaced—this time do not forget your oaths of fidelity, or else you
+cannot hope for my forgiveness.”</p>
+
+<p>A thrill of admiration ran through all the spectators. Mute with
+surprise at first, there finally arose an explosion of joy from the
+hearts of those who, an instant previous, had been torn with fear and
+sorrow. Loud acclaims arose on every hand and the soldiers of the two
+armies embraced each other in a transport of joy.</p>
+
+<p>D’Aigremont and his brothers were stricken dumb with surprise. They
+could hardly comprehend the <span class="pagenum" id="Page_48">48</span>greatness of soul and generosity of the
+emperor and stood silent. They then solemnly promised never to do
+anything again contrary to the wishes of their master, and renewed
+their oaths of fidelity.</p>
+
+<p>The Duke de Naimes, the most devoted friend of the emperor, could not
+contain his satisfaction.</p>
+
+<p>“Sire,” exclaimed he, “you are the greatest king the world has ever
+known. This act of generosity, which does you honor, will be an
+imperishable monument to you. You have commended your friends and your
+people to God and you will never have cause to regret your action.”</p>
+
+<p>After some moments, when the enthusiasm had become calmed, Charlemagne
+caused all the arms and equipments of the three brothers, their knights
+and soldiers, to be returned to them, and when they had received them
+they cried to be led against the foes of the emperor and promised
+to use all efforts to aid him. The princes and their men that night
+encamped with the royal army.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+<div class="chapter">
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_49">49</span>
+  <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_III">CHAPTER III.</h2>
+</div>
+
+<p>All being restored to order and the war between himself and subjects
+having been terminated, Charlemagne returned to Paris, after having
+made an appointment with the Duke d’Aigremont to meet him at the
+capital.</p>
+
+<p>The duke was pledged to come immediately with two hundred men, also
+to raise six thousand men additional, and the same were to report at
+Paris in good order as soon as possible to join the king’s army. Gerard
+and Nanteuil, the brothers of d’Aigremont, the emperor commanded, were
+to proceed with him as an escort, and were to march in advance with
+himself.</p>
+
+<p>Agreeable to this arrangement, some time afterward, when the Duke
+d’Aigremont had proceeded toward Paris, until he was nearly at
+Soissons, he perceived an army of about four thousand men advancing to
+meet him. He was much puzzled to account for this movement and deemed
+it prudent to stop.</p>
+
+<p>The forgiveness that Charlemagne had solemnly accorded the duke had,
+it seems, created a profound <span class="pagenum" id="Page_50">50</span>jealousy in the hearts of many of the
+courtiers, one of whom in particular regarded his noble action simply
+as an act of cowardice. He was jealous of the emperor and jealous of
+the duke. His cowardly mind prompted him to dishonor the former and
+get rid of the latter, if he could only contrive some means to attack
+him, for he was possessed of considerable force and had great courage
+besides. He decided that to disgrace him would be the better plan. This
+is why he then proceeded to represent insinuatingly to the emperor
+that he had been hasty and inconsiderate in his pardon of the princes,
+even though they had taken a new oath of fidelity. There could be no
+doubt that it was their plan to surround the king when a favorable
+opportunity came with a force he could not resist. This traitor further
+represented to the king that allowing himself to be so encompassed by
+these princes was an inconsistent act amounting to temerity and that
+it would have been infinitely better to have immediately gotten rid of
+them in some indirect manner than to allow them an opportunity to form
+new relations in the royal army.</p>
+
+<p>This tempter also worked on the royal mind by bringing up past
+injuries, and he cunningly brought up the cruel death of Lothaire,
+until he felt certain of obtaining, if not an order, at least a tacit
+consent to the carrying out of his evil designs. That was what came
+about.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_51">51</span></p>
+
+<p>This villainous plotter was Ganelon, who, after this preliminary
+poisoning of the emperor’s mind, completed his work by going to him
+accompanied by three other knights, when all three represented to the
+emperor that if the Duke d’Aigremont was allowed to come to Paris with
+an army he might do so with one double the strength he had promised,
+which would surely compromise his security; it being the intention of
+the duke, they were sure, to raise the standard of revolt at the first
+opportunity.</p>
+
+<p>“In effect, sire!” said Ganelon, “it would be quite easy to sow
+discord in an army composed of different peoples. Prejudices could be
+created by exciting one against the other until a conflict would be
+precipitated that would endanger the crown itself.”</p>
+
+<p>“Sire,” said another knight, “to prevent such a dire disaster, there is
+only one way.”</p>
+
+<p>“And that is,” queried the now thoroughly enraged emperor.</p>
+
+<p>“To stop his coming and to take him dead or alive and punish him for
+having violated his new oath,” cried Ganelon.</p>
+
+<p>“S’ death! I find it ill favors me to believe this,” exclaimed
+Charlemagne with darkened brow, “D’Aigremont swore to me his fidelity
+and that he should violate it a second time is impossible.”</p>
+
+<p>“But sire!” urged Ganelon, “consider the safety of your majesty and
+that of the state.”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_52">52</span></p>
+
+<p>“Enough!” thundered the emperor. “I will not believe it. However,
+rather than have myself to reproach for a deplorable conflict, such
+as would occur by these reports, take four thousand soldiers and go
+yourself to meet D’Aigremont and assure yourself of his faithfulness.”</p>
+
+<p>A gleam of triumph lighted the eyes of the perfidious plotter, though
+his impassiveness did not betray the feelings of triumph which surged
+in his breast, as he, with his three fellow conspirators, left the
+royal presence. He had obtained part of what he desired, knowing that
+at the same time he had also been able to show every indication of zeal
+and profound attachment to the emperor. He hastened to put himself at
+the head of his troops and set out on his mission.</p>
+
+<p>It was this body of troops, headed by Ganelon, that barred the progress
+of the Duke d’Aigremont toward Paris.</p>
+
+<p>The duke paused in his march with a sinking heart. “Why,” he asked
+himself, as the royal banners came into view and apprised him that it
+was the king’s forces that faced him, “should the emperor send these
+troops to resist me?”</p>
+
+<p>He, however, determined to face the situation boldly and advanced with
+his escort toward the royal army.</p>
+
+<p>The duke approached within speaking distance, paused and respectfully
+saluted the royal colors.</p>
+
+<figure class="figcenter illowp90" id="i_p052">
+  <img class="bbox" src="images/i_p052.jpg" alt="">
+  <figcaption>ANCIENT GATE OF MOUZON.</figcaption>
+</figure>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_53">53</span></p>
+
+<p>“May I inquire,” he demanded in a respectful tone, “why this army is
+against me?”</p>
+
+<p>“In good sooth, may’st thou!” replied Count Morillon, the lieutenant of
+Ganelon, “there can be but one way to meet traitors, but with force,
+neither can there be but one way to treat assassins.”</p>
+
+<p>At these insulting words the face of the duke flushed hotly, but with
+an effort of will he controlled himself and said with great deference:
+“This must be an error, peace has been made and there can be no excuse
+for recommencing a conflict that will perhaps prove fatal to each of
+us.”</p>
+
+<p>“Traitor!” shouted Morillon in reply. “It may be the emperor has
+pardoned thee, but the people have neither forgiven thee nor thy
+crimes.”</p>
+
+<p>At these words Ganelon shouted: “<i lang="fr">A bas le assassin!</i>” and at
+the head of his troops bore down upon the duke and his small escort.
+But the latter was too brave a man to retreat before this threatening
+movement.</p>
+
+<p>Ganelon thought for a moment that the duke would seek safety in flight
+and ordered Morillon to get in his rear. But the brave duke resisted
+this movement, for it was his last thought to fly. Even had he so
+thought, it was now too late, such were the superior numbers against
+him. Morillon succeeded in getting in his rear and he was completely
+surrounded.</p>
+
+<p>Then commenced a most desperate battle and in a <span class="pagenum" id="Page_54">54</span>very short time
+the duke had lost half of his people, but the remainder fought with
+a determination to die rather than surrender. It was a conflict of
+giants. Each sword-stroke claimed its victim and even the horses joined
+the men in that frenzied struggle.</p>
+
+<p>The duke slew with one blow of his mighty sword, both Helic and
+Godefroy. Morillon would have encountered the same fate but for the
+quickness of Griffon de Hautfeuille, who cut down the horse of the Duke
+d’Aigremont, who, entangled in the fall, could not recover himself,
+and Ganelon ran him through with his sword, while at the same moment
+Griffon pierced him to the heart.</p>
+
+<p>Only ten knights now remained of the duke’s escort and they were
+speedily disarmed and supplicated for their lives, which Ganelon
+granted them on the condition that they bear the body of their master
+back to his château.</p>
+
+<p>Thus was a most cruel retaliation visited upon the poor Duke
+d’Aigremont. The conquered knights accepted these conditions to save
+their lives, but with the secret thought in their hearts to avenge the
+death of their master. Covering up the remains, they then left for the
+land of D’Aigremont, where they soon arrived.</p>
+
+<p>The poor duchess swooned on seeing the body of her husband, but
+collecting herself, she approached the blood-stained bier with her son
+Renaud and <span class="pagenum" id="Page_55">55</span>made him swear upon it to employ all means possible to
+avenge the murder of his father, which oath it will be seen he kept
+fully.</p>
+
+<p>Ganelon and Griffon, proud of their achievement, in due time arrived in
+Paris, and went to the court. But instead of meeting with a favorable
+reception, received only words and looks of disapprobation. A man like
+Ganelon, however, was not to be rebuked so easily. He appeared before
+the emperor and presented, on his knees, the sword with which the Duke
+d’Aigremont had killed his son.</p>
+
+<p>“Sire,” said Ganelon humbly, “I know that every one disapproves of me
+here. Sire, am I then blamable for having killed the assassin of your
+son? Such is my disposition and I cannot help it. I may have disobeyed
+my prince in my zeal, but I have obeyed my conscience which would
+never permit me to allow such an awful crime to go unpunished. If you
+disfavor me, sire, order my death, for I am a man who would willingly
+go to death for you, but you would lose one of your most devoted
+knights merely because he killed the murderer of your son.”</p>
+
+<p>Charlemagne found himself in a position of strange perplexity. The
+court was silent, while with troubled face and bowed head the emperor
+answered not the supplicant before him.</p>
+
+<p>“Thou art deserving of severe chastisement,” he thundered. “I like not
+the idea of having failed <span class="pagenum" id="Page_56">56</span>when we have given our royal word. The Duke
+d’Aigremont had obtained of me full pardon and I therefore should not
+tolerate his assassination.”</p>
+
+<p>The face of Ganelon paled—had he then gone too far?—matters boded ill
+for him and a faint murmur of approval rose from the courtiers round
+about the vast audience-chamber at the words of the king.</p>
+
+<p>At this moment the Duke de Naimes and several other lords approached,
+whom Griffon de Hautfeuille had artfully succeeded in winning over to
+their cause, and supplicated Charlemagne for their pardon. At last the
+emperor acceded, perhaps influenced by the secret fear of offending so
+many powerful nobles by refusing, and the affair was suffered to rest
+there.</p>
+
+<p>When the news of the pardon came to the Château d’Aigremont it had the
+effect of increasing the grief and rage of his son Renaud, who hastened
+to see his people and asked them to swear to enter into a war against
+the emperor at the first favorable moment. They consented with loyalty.
+Maugis, the eldest of the four sons of Aymon and nephew of the murdered
+duke, was most ardent in his desire to punish such an act of treachery,
+and it is from this point the real history of Maugis begins.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+<div class="chapter">
+  <span class="pagenum" id="Page_57">57</span>
+  <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_IV">CHAPTER IV.</h2>
+</div>
+
+<p>Charlemagne had no sooner been apprised by Ganelon of the misfortune
+to the Duke de Beuves d’Aigremont, then he expedited a courier to the
+duchess to assure her of his profound regret, and above all to give
+her to understand that, although for sufficient reasons he had granted
+grace to the murderers, it was not by his means, either directly or
+indirectly, that the infamy was consummated.</p>
+
+<p>The duchess, however, while appreciating the step of the emperor, said
+to the messenger:</p>
+
+<p>“Go tell thy master that to avenge my husband is now my sole desire;
+that to accomplish this end I should sacrifice my family, my fortune
+and my life. I shall from this day henceforth regard the carrying out
+of this project a solemn duty.”</p>
+
+<p>In the meantime the Duke d’Aymon and his sons, appreciating the fatal
+consequences of a war to both parties, besought the Duchess d’Aigremont
+to allow them to go to Charlemagne and make an appeal to him for
+satisfaction for the injury done the family.</p>
+
+<p>Charlemagne received the duke and his sons graciously. He understood
+the motive that had led <span class="pagenum" id="Page_58">58</span>them to preserve neutrality during the late
+war and he now entertained no resentment to them for it. On that
+account he gave the duke and his sons to understand that they occupied
+a high place in his favor.</p>
+
+<p>Notwithstanding the fair words of the emperor, the five ambassadors
+feared he would evade the question. Ganelon had not been summoned.
+Aymon represented to the emperor the enormity of the crime and the
+disloyalty of Ganelon, as well as the bad effect it would have on the
+army to pardon such a traitor.</p>
+
+<p>The emperor said in reply: “I well know, my noble duke, that what thou
+sayest is just and reasonable. I also assure thee that I have already
+pardoned Ganelon,” and, he added sternly: “Having given our royal word,
+we shall maintain it, it being our good pleasure to do so.”</p>
+
+<p>The Duke d’Aymon made no reply to these plain words and with flushed
+face retired.</p>
+
+<p>Maugis, however, could not restrain himself and said boldly to the
+emperor:</p>
+
+<p>“Sire! if thou wilt not render justice to this traitor Ganelon, then
+there be nothing left for us to do but to take up arms and secure
+justice for ourselves.”</p>
+
+<p>At these defiant words, spoken in a firm tone, a great hush fell on the
+courtiers there assembled.</p>
+
+<p>Griffon, who stood near the door, said in an undertone to a grizzled
+captain of the guard:</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_59">59</span></p>
+
+<p>“Oho! that’s a brave young cock—but watch and see his comb cut.”</p>
+
+<p>Charlemagne’s brow darkened and his eyes flashed; he half rose and
+thundered: “What!” cried he, “have you forgotten the obligations thou
+art under to me? If it were not for thy father I should order for thee
+the punishment you deserve. If I ever hear that another word from you
+on this subject has escaped your lips you will have good cause to
+regret the business.”</p>
+
+<p>Maugis then saw that he had gone too far and hastened to offer his
+excuses to the emperor, and Charlemagne finally, his anger passing,
+invited them to dinner.</p>
+
+<p>It was a trying moment and it was no ordinary man who could calmly face
+the anger of the great emperor.</p>
+
+<p>Griffon nudged his companion and whispered: “Seest thou that?”</p>
+
+<p>The young knight was turning away somewhat abashed when casually
+glancing at the ladies-in-waiting, a soft pair of blue eyes caught his
+own, and forgetting instantly the exciting incident in which he had
+just had a part, with a sudden thrill he recognized the lady of the
+tournament, whose ribbon knot he even then wore next his heart and
+whose face had never left him, either in his wakeful moments or in his
+dreams.</p>
+
+<p>Momentary as the glance was, he read in those <span class="pagenum" id="Page_60">60</span>beautiful orbs the
+deepest sympathy, and the happy light that sprang into his own eyes
+told the fair maiden more than even words could have done.</p>
+
+<p>Momentary as the eye interview was before the modest gaze of the
+beautiful girl fell before the ardent look of Maugis, there was one
+who had seen it and understood. It had caused the bitterest feelings
+of hatred and jealousy to surge in his black heart. That man was the
+treacherous Ganelon, who lurked in the rear of a group of courtiers
+while the exciting events just chronicled, that so nearly concerned
+himself, were occurring.</p>
+
+<p>He had in vain pressed his love upon the Princess Yolande, who
+had not long before arrived from her home in the south to act as
+lady-in-waiting on the empress. She had repulsed his unwelcome
+attentions in every way her gentle nature would allow, but the coarse
+and persistent villain would brook no rebuff.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile the court had adjourned to the banquet hall, where these
+unpleasant happenings were soon forgotten by all but a few of the
+most concerned. After the emperor had arisen from the table and had
+withdrawn at the conclusion of the banquet, Prince Berthelot, the
+nephew of Charlemagne, wishing to show some courtesy to the Aymon
+family, invited Maugis to a game of chess, a game much in vogue in
+those days.</p>
+
+<p>Maugis courteously accepted, and they assumed <span class="pagenum" id="Page_61">61</span>their seats at the
+board while the courtiers gathered around to witness the game. Maugis,
+however, had only accepted through politeness, because the affair of
+the day had sadly depressed him.</p>
+
+<p>After the game had progressed for a time, Maugis had made some wretched
+mismoves that attracted the attention of those about.</p>
+
+<p>Ganelon, who stood behind the prince, leaned forward and whispered in
+his ear: “In good faith, my prince, thy guest doth seem to ill requite
+thy courtesy, for while his hand is on the board his mind seems to be
+elsewhere, and for him evidently thou dost not exist.”</p>
+
+<p>A frown covered the brow of the prince, but he made no reply. At this
+very moment Maugis made a woefully unpardonable and foolish move, and a
+subdued titter ran around among the courtiers who stood about. That was
+too much for the prince.</p>
+
+<p>“How now, sir!” he exclaimed hotly, “thou art either an idiot or thou
+doth seek to insult me.”</p>
+
+<p>“I crave thy pardon,” replied Maugis, “I made the move while my
+thoughts did wander and I assure thee I intended thee no discourtesy.”</p>
+
+<p>“Seest thou not his mood?” hissed Ganelon in the ear of Berthelot. “He
+is angered by the reproach of the emperor. Gads! he is in a temper to
+insult the saints.” This had its effect.</p>
+
+<p>“Sir Maugis!” cried Berthelot in anger, “thou tellest me in one breath
+thou intendest no discourtesy <span class="pagenum" id="Page_62">62</span>and in the next breath thou dost insult
+me by saying thy thoughts wandered, to suffer which is enough an
+insult.”</p>
+
+<p>“I pray thee pause in thy condemnation, my prince, and accept my
+assurances,” said Maugis with great patience.</p>
+
+<p>“Accept thy assurances forsooth!” exclaimed the now thoroughly angry
+prince. “Get thee back to thy northern provinces and teach thyself good
+manners before thou comest to court again.”</p>
+
+<p>At this direct insult, Maugis, who had been able to contain himself
+the entire day with some success, arose from the table, sweeping the
+chessmen to the floor.</p>
+
+<p>The now infuriated Berthelot then reached out and gave Maugis a
+resounding slap in the face.</p>
+
+<p>This was enough. Maugis seized the heavy chessboard, which was of gold,
+and hurled it at the head of the prince with such force that the nephew
+of Charlemagne sank expiring to the floor.</p>
+
+<p>In an instant, repenting of what he had done, Maugis sprang forward and
+tenderly supported the dying man, who said: “Thou hast done for me,
+Maugis. I was the one on whom blame should rest—let it be known,” and
+with these words he fell back dead.</p>
+
+<p>These events were followed by the entry of Charlemagne, who, hearing
+the loud voices and the noise, had hastened to learn the cause. He
+understood instantly.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_63">63</span></p>
+
+<p>“What, ho! the guard!” he thundered, and then gave orders to prevent
+the escape of the four sons of Aymon that he might wreak the most
+bitter vengeance upon them.</p>
+
+<p>The three brothers of Maugis, aided by Gerard and Nanteuil, who also
+wished to escape, had meanwhile fought their way to the main door,
+but Maugis, who had lingered too long over the body of Berthelot,
+found himself faced by a line of gleaming swords in the hands of the
+courtiers. His escape by that means was impossible, besides he was
+unarmed.</p>
+
+<p>Quickly seizing a heavy stool he smote down two courtiers who would
+oppose him, ran to the exit leading to the empress’ apartments, laying
+low the soldier who guarded that entrance, and fled down the corridor.
+Without, as he fled, he could hear the beating of drums arousing the
+guard and the hoarse commands of the officers. Ahead he could hear the
+clang of mailed feet in the corridor approaching him, and behind came
+his pursuers from the audience-chamber. He was in a desperate situation.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly a door opened in the corridor beside him, a white arm
+protruded and seized his doublet, and almost before he knew he stood
+behind the locked door of a chamber in the presence of the Princess
+Yolande, who, pale as a lily, was leaning half-fainting against the
+hangings nearby, while outside the pursuers, not perceiving him,
+thundered past down the corridor.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_64">64</span></p>
+
+<p>“Princess,” he exclaimed, “you have saved me, and my life is yours.”</p>
+
+<p>“No! no!” she gasped, pointing to the window. “They will soon return.
+Go! go! spring through, that leads to the moat, swim that and you are
+safe.”</p>
+
+<p>Reverently kissing her hand, Maugis jumped to the window and leaped
+out into the water below, just as heavy knocks shook the chamber
+door—the palace was being searched for him. As he gained the other side
+in safety he turned, and throwing a kiss to her as she stood in the
+window, he disappeared down a narrow street nearby.</p>
+
+<p>In the meantime his three brothers, with Gerard and Nanteuil, had
+fought their way, sword in hand, from the palace, where they were
+joined by Maugis, and the little company, well-nigh exhausted, lost no
+time in taking the route for the Château d’Aymon, in the province of
+Ardennes, northern France.</p>
+
+<p>Charlemagne, furious at their escape, ordered every knight he could
+find to mount and go in pursuit, sword in hand.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile, the fugitives, of whom Maugis was the only one who had no
+horse, soon perceived there was no possible chance to escape their
+pursuers. The only thing to be done was to await their coming and face
+them with firmness.</p>
+
+<p>Fired by the ambition to be the first to capture Maugis and his
+companions, each knight of that <span class="pagenum" id="Page_65">65</span>imperial company pressed his horse to
+the utmost. A single knight, the most prompt, at last presented himself
+before Maugis, who stood defiantly in the center of the road facing the
+oncomers.</p>
+
+<p>The moment of his approach, Maugis, giving him no time for preparation
+for defense, ran him through with his sword. A second knight in the
+meantime had come up only to be laid low with a stroke of his sword.
+The main body was fast approaching, and finally a third knight,
+outstripping the rest, approached, and becoming enraged at the sight of
+the fate that had befallen his companions, hurled insulting epithets
+at Maugis, who in turn, enraged, cast his lance at his enemy from the
+distance of twenty paces with such unerring force and accuracy as to
+lay him on the ground transfixed. This is how the third brother secured
+a horse in that memorable fight.</p>
+
+<p>Perceiving it would be useless to engage the numbers now coming upon
+them, Maugis mounted upon the crupper of his horse, Bayard, behind
+Renaud, and then they fled before their enemies, who were astounded at
+their courage and activity.</p>
+
+<p>They, however, continued the pursuit, but without result, and the
+falling of night favored the fugitives in their escape from the
+soldiers of Charlemagne. Thus, happily escaping, they proceeded on
+their homeward journey with all the haste their horses could bear them.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_66">66</span></p>
+
+<p>The duchess received them and listened with sorrow to an account of
+the danger which had encompassed them, and after allowing time for a
+sufficient rest, she gave them some gold, advising them to leave as
+soon as possible, for the good reason that their father, bound by his
+oath of fidelity to Charlemagne, would be obliged to give them up, if
+it should be demanded by the emperor.</p>
+
+<p>Maugis accepted the advice of his mother. During the night he, followed
+by his brothers, quietly left the château and disappeared in the
+forests of the Ardennes, arriving after a time at the banks of the
+river Meuse. They on the following day carefully examined the country
+round about in order to find a favorable place in which to establish
+works of defense, for they knew that Charlemagne would not rest content
+until he had wreaked dire vengeance upon them, and that it would not be
+long before their location would become known to him. They therefore
+sought some inaccessible place of defense, and having made a selection
+they proceeded to fortify it with all possible activity. They builded
+a château fortress in a high and impregnable position, upon the summit
+of a rock, and when complete, called it the “Château de Montfort.” The
+river Meuse ran around the foot of the rock, forming a natural moat,
+and rendering the place unassailable.</p>
+
+<p>During this time, while the four sons of Aymon were thus preparing
+themselves to escape the rage <span class="pagenum" id="Page_67">67</span>of Charlemagne, he, without caring for
+the sorrow of their father, the Duke d’Aymon, for the crime his son
+had committed, ordered the duke arrested; but when the duke condemned
+his sons and expressed a willingness to make a new oath of fidelity,
+agreeing to preserve a strict neutrality in the conflict between the
+king and his sons, Charlemagne, who recognized he could get nothing
+from him, sent him to his home, when upon his arrival the duchess
+informed him that his sons were safe.</p>
+
+<p>He also learned with pleasure of the strong position they had secured
+to escape the rage of the emperor, but to baffle the suspicions of
+Charlemagne, and to prevent himself from knowing what was passing, he
+returned to the court under pretense that he wished to be near the
+emperor that he might not be held responsible for the action of his
+sons.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+<div class="chapter">
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_68">68</span>
+  <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_V">CHAPTER V.</h2>
+</div>
+
+<p>The news of the construction of a redoubtable fortress was not long
+in reaching the ears of the emperor. He was also advised that there
+were others concerned in the construction besides Maugis and his four
+brothers. This made Charlemagne all the more angry and vindictive. He
+resolved to attack him on his own ground. He would combine the forces
+of all the lords there were there present, besides all the knights
+he could find, directing them in all haste to secure vengeance. He
+promised to subdue Maugis, raze his fortress, and give up all the
+surrounding country to fire and pillage.</p>
+
+<p>Not all the lords present at the time were agreeable to this plan, but
+having given their oaths of fidelity, had to submit to the consequences
+of their promises. Ganelon finally proposed to pursue a middle course
+in order to terminate the war without striking a blow, for Ganelon
+liked not to fight. He proposed to negotiate an offer to Maugis to
+yield up his three brothers and his cousin Renaud to the emperor,
+hoping in his secret heart that would pave the way to the destruction
+of Maugis afterward. <span class="pagenum" id="Page_69">69</span>This strange proposition seemed agreeable to
+Charlemagne and he consented it should be made, charging the matter to
+the Duke de Naimes, his confidant, and Oger.</p>
+
+<p>These two knights, in due time, presented themselves to Maugis and
+rendered their duty, though certain beforehand he would not consider
+the subject a moment. They were not deceived.</p>
+
+<p>Maugis received the message, but could not restrain his indignation at
+the infamy of the proposal.</p>
+
+<p>“What, my noble lords!” he cried, “wouldst have me deliver my brothers
+and my cousin Renaud, because, however unwillingly, they have aided me.
+No, a thousand times no,” he exclaimed. “It were far better to die,
+sword in hand, than to purchase peace by such an act of cowardice.”
+Maugis was furious, but later becoming calm, he invited the two to
+visit his arsenal and view his means of defense. Said he to them
+earnestly: “There is not a knight among my followers, nor an inhabitant
+of this citadel, but who would prefer the most bloody death and to find
+a grave under its ruins, rather than surrender Montfort to Charlemagne.”</p>
+
+<p>De Naimes and Oger returned to Paris and repeated the words of Maugis
+to the king, making no attempt to conceal their admiration for the
+brave young man.</p>
+
+<p>Charlemagne, on the contrary, flew into a violent rage and gave
+orders to his army to prepare immediately <span class="pagenum" id="Page_70">70</span>for an assault on the
+Château Montfort. And thus was commenced a lifetime of the most bitter
+struggles, for the brave Maugis and his intrepid brothers. A doubly
+bitter struggle for Maugis, from the importunity of his friends to
+use his occult powers to relieve them when sore beset, but which he
+conscientiously resisted because he feared it was an offense to God.
+And bitterest of all was his love and longing for Yolande, from whom
+such cruel fate separated him.</p>
+
+<p>It was only a short time after this when the scouts of Maugis reported
+the advance of the army, led by the emperor in person, and so he was
+not taken off his guard when early one morning he watched from his high
+position on the battlements of his fortress the glint of the sun on the
+accouterments and arms of the besieging army surrounding his position
+on the plain below.</p>
+
+<p>He observed with interest, that to invest his château, Charlemagne
+was obliged to very much spread out his forces, and resolved to take
+advantage of it. Accordingly, when the time was most favorable, he
+made a sortie with his soldiers from a gate invisible to the enemy and
+threw himself on them with such great impetuosity that before they had
+even time to resist the ground was strewn with the dead. He had become
+master of the king’s camp and forthwith fired the tents, burning alike,
+in the general conflagration, men and horses and all the supplies of
+the king’s army.</p>
+
+<figure class="figcenter illowp80" id="i_p070">
+  <img src="images/i_p070.jpg" alt="">
+  <figcaption>CHÂTEAU MONTFORT.</figcaption>
+</figure>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_71">71</span></p>
+
+<p>After this great success, Maugis rallied his troops and was about to
+attack the army of the king, when at that very moment he came face to
+face with a detachment headed by his father, the old Duke d’Aymon. To
+fight his own father was impossible, therefore Maugis arrested his
+movements.</p>
+
+<p>On his part the duke prudently retired before the forces of his son,
+but if his own life was safe, not so his soldiers. Maugis threw his
+troops upon those of his father and those of the king accompanying him,
+attacking them on all sides, successfully blocking all means of their
+escape.</p>
+
+<p>At this juncture Foulques de Morillon appeared. His presence in the
+middle of the royal army reanimated the troops and they attacked
+Maugis in their turn. Surprised at this sudden movement, Maugis rested
+a moment in indecision. His soldiers had become massed together in
+confusion. To retire was impossible. Alard, his brother, seeing the
+dangerous position of Maugis from the château, took all the men that
+could be spared and went to his assistance, rallied the fugitives and
+joined the battalions of Maugis. These two then, at the head of their
+army, attacked shoulder to shoulder, striking down all who resisted,
+killing and wounding. Even before this unexpected succor came, Maugis
+had charged into the <em>mêlée</em> uttering his cry of war, which
+resounded over the battlefield. Every stroke of his gigantic arm told.
+It was death to be before <span class="pagenum" id="Page_72">72</span>him. Nothing could withstand the mad onward
+rush of his great form.</p>
+
+<p>It was but a few moments before Maugis stood behind a rampart of men
+whom he had slain. In their endeavors to capture him alive the enemy
+vainly tried to crush Maugis down with sheer force of numbers, but with
+a rare courage and prudence he at last cut through them and rejoined
+his brother, and then the two, supported by their soldiers, turned upon
+the forces of the king with a renewed frenzy and wrought upon them a
+fearful carnage.</p>
+
+<p>The royal army becoming panic-stricken, fled through their burning
+camp, and Richard, who pursued them, took a number of prisoners—the
+rout was complete.</p>
+
+<p>If the victory was a glorious one the pursuit must not be carried too
+far, or in forgetting discretion, a few moments might lose all that had
+been so dearly gained. This is why Maugis deemed it wise to stop and
+rally his troops. He re-entered the château, his rear being guarded by
+his three brothers.</p>
+
+<p>The battle did not, however, pass without an extraordinary episode.
+Of the army of the king only the old Duke d’Aymon was followed and
+disturbed in his retreat. The four brothers, respecting his oath
+of fidelity, followed him and sought to take him prisoner. Maugis,
+finally becoming impatient at the barren result of the pursuit, placed
+himself and his brother in front of the duke and sought to <span class="pagenum" id="Page_73">73</span>arrest his
+progress by striking his horse over the head. But this did not stop the
+escort, which came up and attacked the four brothers. They in their
+turn returned the attack, and they would have been inevitably cut to
+pieces had not Charlemagne, who had in the meantime come up and saw the
+situation and lost in admiration of the bravery of Maugis, and with
+that rare chivalry so characteristic of that great monarch, he raised
+his voice and ordered the conflict to cease. Maugis stopped immediately
+at the command of the king, and followed by his men and the prisoners
+they had taken, retired into the fortress.</p>
+
+<p>This notable victory made Maugis the master of an immense territory
+over which he could roam at will and follow the chase. But Charlemagne,
+infuriated by his defeat at the hands of this brave young warrior,
+would not quit the place he had chosen for his camp. Maugis, who had
+from time to time only a few skirmishes during the ensuing thirteen
+months, spent a period, not altogether devoid of pleasure, except for
+the haunting thought of the lovely face and sweet eyes of Yolande, and
+chafed bitterly at the fate that kept him from her side. And what of
+her? Did she ever think of him?</p>
+
+<p>In the privacy of her chamber in the great palace at Paris, she shed
+many bitter tears when she witnessed the departure of the army that was
+going to <span class="pagenum" id="Page_74">74</span>destroy the man whom she loved above all else on earth. The
+only comfort she knew was the absence of Ganelon, whose suit to her had
+become persecution.</p>
+
+<p>Since the day of the escape of Maugis by her aid, his attitude had
+changed from odious fawning to sternness and threats. He alone knew of
+the part she had played on that memorable day. He had read her secret
+aright and had taunted her with it, and when goaded by his ceaseless
+importunity, she had said, standing with flashing eyes, her glorious
+figure drawn up: “Go, sirrah! Never darken my gaze again. I detest
+thee as much as I love the man thou hatest, and I care not that thou
+shouldst know it.”</p>
+
+<p>“Foolish maiden! That sorcerer hath bewitched thee,” hissed Ganelon,
+“but did all hell assemble to aid him, his fate is sealed. His doom is
+sure. Then, obdurate maid, perchance thou wilt look upon me, who truly
+loves thee.”</p>
+
+<p>“Never!” cried Yolande as the villain’s form disappeared through the
+door. She was yet to feel the evil that an evil man evilly disposed can
+do.</p>
+
+<p>As the days passed and no news came from the camp of the emperor, her
+heart sank, and finally when the messenger came and the victory of
+Maugis became known, her heart was lightened. Then a few days later a
+travel-worn monk delivered into <span class="pagenum" id="Page_75">75</span>her hands a small packet. It contained
+a ring and a slip of parchment on which was written:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+<p class="mb0">“I have love for thee that will never die. Sleeping or waking
+I think of thee only. Take this ring, shouldst thou ever be in
+peril or need me, send it. It shall be a token for me to come that
+nothing shall prevent. Pray thou to God that our separation may be
+short.</p>
+
+<div class="smcap right">Maugis.”</div>
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>The maiden covered the token with kisses and hid it in her bosom.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile, Charlemagne would have made another attack, but Naimes, more
+prudent, advised him to await a more favorable opportunity. Then there
+came to the emperor, sent by the crafty Ganelon, one who proposed that
+he would agree to take the castle and the lords and soldiers therein,
+provided he should be given the château and its territories as his
+reward.</p>
+
+<p>Charlemagne accepted the proposition and Hernier de la Seine, for that
+was the man’s name, accompanied by Guyon de Bretagne, left the camp,
+followed by some good soldiers. Hernier de la Seine hid Guyon and his
+soldiers nearby and advanced alone to the château.</p>
+
+<p>Under pretext of having quarreled with Charlemagne, whom he said had
+driven him from camp, he had come to offer his sword to Maugis. This
+lie, delivered with an air of candor, completely deceived <span class="pagenum" id="Page_76">76</span>Maugis, and
+he freely promised him a place in the castle and that all his wants
+should be satisfied.</p>
+
+<p>When night came, Hernier, to reward Maugis for his good action, quietly
+stole up on the sentinel guarding one of the gates and slew him, then
+opened it for the entrance of Guyon and his soldiers. Quietly dividing
+their forces into small detachments they advanced in good order to the
+principal places. It seemed as if Maugis and his brave brothers were
+lost, but the neighing of their horses in the stables awakened them and
+a loud noise struck their ears without their being able to imagine the
+true cause. In times of war, however, caution is paramount, and acting
+on this thought all four arose and went out.</p>
+
+<p>What they saw did not leave them deceived as to the gravity of their
+situation. Guyon, now master of the place, guarded all the means of
+exit. Other soldiers were engaged in setting fire to various places in
+the fortress.</p>
+
+<p>In such a lamentable position there was but one thing to do, that was
+to seek to dominate events with courage and coolness.</p>
+
+<p>The four brothers separated after a hasty consultation with some of
+their men and each attacked the men guarding the points of issue. They
+soon overcame the enemy, who were deprived of assistance from without.
+In vain the traitors tried to escape. <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_77"></a>77</span>The four redoubtable brothers
+opposed them irresistibly, until the gateways were encumbered with the
+dead. Hernier and twelve others were all who escaped the carnage, and
+were taken prisoners, and the men were hurled without pity from the
+walls of the castle into the moat.</p>
+
+<figure class="figcenter illowp70" id="i_p076">
+  <img class="bbox" src="images/i_p076.jpg" alt="">
+  <figcaption>SURPRISE OF THE CASTLE.</figcaption>
+</figure>
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+<div class="chapter">
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_78">78</span>
+  <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_VI">CHAPTER VI.</h2>
+</div>
+
+<p>Maugis now perceived that their position was no longer tenable, as the
+flames by this time had made great headway and everything around them
+was doomed to destruction. He at once advised his brothers that it
+would be best to gather the remainder of their garrison together and
+that very night quietly vacate the fortress. When all had assembled,
+Hernier de la Seine was brought out, and despite all his excuses and
+abject protestations of devotion in the future, he was hurled from the
+ramparts to accompany his twelve acolytes.</p>
+
+<p>Having accomplished this act of justice the little band mounted their
+horses and quietly rode away without trusting themselves one look
+behind at the ruins of their poor castle. Maugis, above all, was
+inconsolable, and but for the restraining words of his brother Alard,
+would have at one time retraced his steps.</p>
+
+<p>In the meantime the emperor awaited the result of the enterprise of
+Hernier de la Seine with impatience, until two wounded soldiers, who
+had escaped the massacre, arrived in camp and announced the disaster to
+the royal troops.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_79">79</span></p>
+
+<p>The emperor, always very violent, could not receive such news without
+flying into a fury. He could not regard such a check otherwise than as
+a disgrace. He was even more disturbed at the escape of the fugitives,
+but hoping to capture them he sent a corps of his army in pursuit.</p>
+
+<p>Guichard was the first to receive the news of this movement from a
+friendly peasant, and Maugis promptly combined the forces of the four,
+and placing them in a favorable position, turned and suddenly fell
+upon the pursuing army, having first placed their impedimenta and
+non-combatants in charge of a few trusted men.</p>
+
+<p>The suddenness of this unexpected attack completely demoralized the
+enemy, who not being able to withstand the charge retreated. In spite
+of the bravery of Charlemagne, who had arrived on the scene, his
+soldiers fled for safety.</p>
+
+<p>The king, wild with rage, rushed at Maugis and aimed a furious blow
+at him, with all the force of his mighty arm, which Maugis skillfully
+parried. Quick as lightning, Hughes, who saw the peril of the emperor,
+threw himself between the combatants and fell mortally wounded under
+the blow of Maugis that was intended for his chief.</p>
+
+<p>“Forward!” shouted Charlemagne, and the pursuit of the four brothers
+commenced anew, without the loss of any time.</p>
+
+<p>The four young men, however, had profited by <span class="pagenum" id="Page_80">80</span>the stupor caused by the
+peril to the emperor, and quickly assembling their men, fled once more,
+pursued closely for twelve leagues. During this time Maugis performed
+prodigies of valor by hovering in the rear of his command. Man after
+man fell under his irresistible sword and he did not lose a soldier
+during the entire running fight.</p>
+
+<p>A swollen river was finally reached, and the emperor, exultant, now
+thought the end had come. But even this did not stop the intrepid
+brothers, for boldly plunging in they gained the other side in safety,
+leaving their astonished enemy on the banks of the flood, convinced
+this time that it was impossible to vanquish Maugis.</p>
+
+<p>In face of this result in which he had met his match, and which
+Charlemagne received with consternation, he abandoned the pursuit and
+retraced his steps. Then, disbanding his army, he put off until some
+other time the taking of his vengeance.</p>
+
+<p>In passing the ruins of the Château de Montfort, he caused it to be
+razed to the ground, tumbling the remaining walls into the moat and
+placing it beyond all possibility of repair.</p>
+
+<p>Maugis and his followers now traveled more tranquilly, when, at the
+moment, supposing they were beyond all danger, they stumbled on the
+troops of their father, the Duke d’Aymon, who, with other lords and
+peers of the court, were proceeding to their homes. The duke, holding
+his duty to his <span class="pagenum" id="Page_81">81</span>emperor above all others, summoned his sons to
+surrender or to fight.</p>
+
+<p>This the young men refused to do and begged their father to have a
+regard for their position and not reduce them to the last extremities.</p>
+
+<p>The duke, however, turned a deaf ear to the prayer of his sons and
+ordered his troops to charge, himself riding at their head. The young
+men, fearing to wound or kill their parent, were in a most desperate
+place. Their men were falling all around them—so rapidly was their
+force diminishing, that of five hundred troops they had at beginning of
+the conflict only fifty now remained who were capable of fighting.</p>
+
+<p>They must do something to relieve them of their terrible position.</p>
+
+<p>Then it was that Maugis dismounted, and giving his horse, Bayard,
+to Alard, who followed him closely, suddenly ran to his father, and
+taking him by surprise, threw his muscular arms around him and held him
+firmly, Alard having meanwhile struck down Hermanfroi, who would have
+prevented them. During the delay this astonishing scene caused they had
+traversed with their men a small river that was their last chance of
+safety.</p>
+
+<p>When he saw this movement was completed Maugis released his father,
+after having begged his pardon, and throwing himself on his horse
+behind the waiting Alard, gained the banks of the river in <span class="pagenum" id="Page_82">82</span>safety, and
+was soon on the other side, despite all efforts to bar his passage.</p>
+
+<p>The old duke at once returned to the emperor to acquaint him of his
+defeat, but well pleased in his own heart that his sons should have
+escaped.</p>
+
+<p>The great Charlemagne well illustrated the contradictory aspects of his
+character by his reception of the old duke as he himself possessed a
+strong paternal feeling. Said he:</p>
+
+<p>“By the beard of St. Anthony! an unnatural father art thou, who would
+destroy his own children. Out of my presence! Come here no more with
+falsehoods on thy lips hoping to obtain new favors.”</p>
+
+<p>Honest, and the reverse of all this, the poor old duke bowed his head,
+sighed, and departed for his château. There he recounted to his wife
+what had occurred and the humiliation he had received. But Edwige,
+instead of consoling him, reproached him bitterly for his actions.</p>
+
+<p>“Thou need not,” she cried, “carry thy fidelity to the king to such a
+point as to destroy thine own children.”</p>
+
+<p>“I know, I see now!” sighed the poor old duke, holding out his arms to
+the sorrowing mother as a sign of reconciliation.</p>
+
+<p>“I promise thee faithfully never again will I do anything against the
+interest of my sons,” he cried with tears in his eyes.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+<div class="chapter">
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_83">83</span>
+  <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_VII">CHAPTER VII.</h2>
+</div>
+
+<p>The four sons of Aymon, reduced to the last extremities, without
+soldiers, or without any resources whatever, wandered in the forests of
+the Ardennes, shelterless and hungry.</p>
+
+<p>Maugis, finally, when their position became unsupportable, suggested
+that the only thing left for them to do was to return to the château of
+their father. Said he:</p>
+
+<p>“Whether the sentiments of our father are just or not, what right have
+we to doubt the devotion of our mother? Has she not always given to us
+her love? Do not our own people love us? What is there then to fear?
+Nothing! besides, the life we have been living for some time past has
+so changed us I doubt if any one will know us.”</p>
+
+<p>Besides the starvation and ruin that stared him in the face, the noble
+soul of Maugis was sadly torn by concern for the position of Yolande,
+his beloved one, in the court of Charlemagne. He had learned that she
+was practically a hostage for the loyalty of her brother, King of Yon,
+the ruler of a small principality in the south, though her position at
+the court was as lady-in-waiting to the empress.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_84">84</span></p>
+
+<p>He knew the persecutions of Ganelon were well-nigh unbearable and that
+she could not escape them by leaving the court.</p>
+
+<p>He chafed at the fate that held him bound hand and foot, and longed
+for the chance to rescue Yolande—how, he knew not. The case seemed
+hopeless. Charlemagne, now thoroughly embittered, would pursue them to
+the end, and what would that be?</p>
+
+<p>While these sad reflections were passing through his mind, his brothers
+had consulted among themselves and decided to follow his advice, and
+the four waited patiently for night to fall, that they might take up
+their route home.</p>
+
+<p>They finally arrived in their own province the next day, after a long
+and exhausting march, and at a moment when it was most favorable for
+them to enter the château.</p>
+
+<p>Their father was away hunting. Nobody recognized them. Their horses
+having every appearance of hard usage, every one thought they had
+returned from the wars in the holy land, and when they appeared at the
+gates of the château they were opened to them willingly, for great
+sanctity was attached to those who had been to the holy sepulcher, and
+the blessing of God was supposed to rest upon all such.</p>
+
+<p>They demanded to see the duchess.</p>
+
+<p>On hearing of the arrival of the four knights she hastened to them, and
+on beholding them so pale, <span class="pagenum" id="Page_85">85</span>worn and wasted, she could hardly control
+her feelings.</p>
+
+<p>“Welcome, sir knights!” cried she to them, not recognizing her sons;
+“accept the hospitality I offer you with all my heart, and be assured I
+shall do everything in my power to assist you.”</p>
+
+<p>Maugis was choking with sobs, and tears were running from his eyes.</p>
+
+<p>“Ah, my mother!” cried he, “why is it our father does not feel toward
+us the way you do, and why is it that because we embraced a cause we
+thought was right we have incurred disgrace?”</p>
+
+<p>At these words the duchess recognized her son, thin and wasted as he
+was, and his face concealed by a beard. She tottered toward him to
+throw herself in his arms, but fell to the floor in a faint. The strain
+had been too great.</p>
+
+<p>Coming to herself soon, she embraced her sons and asked them how they
+had escaped death.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly a great noise was heard outside. It was the Duke d’Aymon, who
+had returned from the chase, and the duchess, having first hidden her
+sons in an adjoining chamber, hastened to meet him.</p>
+
+<p>When she met him she could not restrain her tears and he knew that she
+had received news of her sons.</p>
+
+<p>She recounted to him their terrible sufferings and the awful dangers to
+which they had been exposed and how anxious they were to receive his
+pardon.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_86">86</span></p>
+
+<p>The stern old duke was a prey to all sorts of emotions. On the one
+hand his father’s heart would accord to his sons the pardon they asked
+of him. On the other he feared the irritation the emperor would feel.
+The burning of Montfort had made him fearful of the safety of his own
+estates.</p>
+
+<p>It was at this point of incertitude that the duchess, anxious to bring
+the matter to a finish, startled him by bringing his sons before him,
+who threw themselves at his feet and supplicated him for grace.</p>
+
+<p>“My father!” cried Maugis, “if you only knew what misery your anger has
+caused your children you would forgive them. What greater sorrow could
+you cause them? Whom have we to trust in all this wide world but you?
+We would never have willingly fought against Charlemagne if we could
+have hoped for peace any other way.”</p>
+
+<p>“Alas!” replied the duke, “do you think the emperor would ever consent
+to accord peace to rebels? Never! The wrong you have already done has
+caused me to rest under the suspicion of complicity with you which will
+prevent me from affording you shelter.”</p>
+
+<p>On hearing those stern words the duchess burst into tears. “Fear not,
+dear children,” she cried, “your father loves you and his indecision
+need cause you no uneasiness.”</p>
+
+<p>“We would be very unwilling to cause our father any trouble,” said
+Alard. “We will go away, <span class="pagenum" id="Page_87">87</span>perhaps we can find some stranger who will
+not refuse us the assistance we cannot get from him.”</p>
+
+<p>At this stinging reproach the duke could not restrain his tears.</p>
+
+<p>“No, my children!” said he with a broken voice, “it is I who will go,
+and you shall be left here with your mother. She will give you all the
+attention you require and provide you with necessary means. I shall
+ignore all these kindnesses to you, and you must guard it as a secret,
+my meeting you at this time.”</p>
+
+<p>He then descended to the courtyard, remounted his horse, and followed
+by his suite, started out.</p>
+
+<p>After the duke had gone the duchess embraced her sons, and assured
+them of the good feelings of their father, that his only fear was the
+displeasure of Charlemagne, who perhaps might compel him to remain near
+him at Paris.</p>
+
+<p>They also feared that the secret of their presence would be exposed at
+any moment. The duchess conducted her sons to the chamber where the
+arms of the duke were kept, and each of the brothers chose what he
+needed. They took, at the same time, complete outfits of clothing and
+armor, and made preparations to depart the following night.</p>
+
+<p>Mainfroi, the son of the esquire of the duke, on whose devotion the
+family could fully rely, was charged with all the arrangements. Maugis,
+pleased with the ardor with which Mainfroi acquitted himself <span class="pagenum" id="Page_88">88</span>of these
+duties, proposed to him to become his own esquire, which Mainfroi
+accepted with joy. He undertook also to obtain three other esquires and
+have them ready for the moment of departure, praying that the brothers
+would confide all to him completely.</p>
+
+<p>The next day Mainfroi, in the name of the duke, made a levy of one
+hundred men and ordered them to report at Sedan within three days.</p>
+
+<p>Each brother then received a large sum of money from the treasury of
+the duke, their father.</p>
+
+<p>In the dead of night the four brothers took tearful leave of their
+sorrowing mother, mounted their horses, and silently departed out into
+the world.</p>
+
+<p>Once outside they met Mainfroi and the three esquires, and directing
+their course to Sedan, were joined by the one hundred men-at-arms
+arranged for them.</p>
+
+<p>Thinking it prudent to go southward, they set out and had proceeded
+as far as the village of Haraucourt, in the valley of the Emmenee, a
+romantic place where the hills towered above on either side and shut in
+the nestling village. They suddenly encountered their father returning
+to the château, followed by three hundred men. The duke rode up to them
+and said in low tones that he would not fight them, but that he must do
+something to deceive the emperor, and that he designed to allow them
+the three hundred men then with him as an addition <span class="pagenum" id="Page_89">89</span>to their force, De
+Baudelot, the chief of the troops, being in the secret.</p>
+
+<p>This preparatory interview having terminated, the duke feigned to
+become very angry at his sons. He swore that he would exterminate them,
+and ordered his soldiers to charge upon them. Commandant de Baudelot,
+agreeable to the understanding between them, roared out: “Let not a man
+move, or by Saint Gris I will cut him down to the saddle!”</p>
+
+<p>The duke gazed frowningly upon the bronzed faces of his men, but not
+one of them made motion to obey him—and then turning, apparently
+furious, upon the immovable De Baudelot, he berated him roundly and
+thereupon left, followed only by a few servitors, promising the
+rebellious De Baudelot and his sons the most dire vengeance.</p>
+
+<p>This stratagem was so well carried out that it deceived everybody,
+and the duke, to make it more sure, when he returned to his palace,
+spread the story, how his wayward sons, having secured entrance to the
+château, hoping to gain his pity, had in a cowardly manner taken his
+treasure and corrupted his soldiers.</p>
+
+<p>To render the matter yet more plausible he even dispatched a messenger
+to Charlemagne.</p>
+
+<p>The emperor, however, who had several times condemned the conduct of
+the duke to his sons, tacitly approved their conduct in this case.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_90">90</span></p>
+
+<p>In the meantime, the brothers continued their march onward, not having
+quite decided upon their course. It was Maugis’ wish to get to Paris
+and rescue Yolande, if possible; but unless strategy could be used,
+it could not be accomplished with any means short of a large army.
+Still the disquietude and anxiety of Maugis was so great as to nearly
+overcome his prudence, and he was almost ready to march on Paris with
+his small force.</p>
+
+<p>So they continued onward; one day De Baudelot, having ridden ahead
+to reconnoiter the road, was joined by the brothers. All at once the
+quick eye of Maugis discerned the glint of arms on the road over a
+neighboring hilltop in the morning sunshine, indicating that a large
+force was approaching. Scouts were at once sent out, and soon the
+joyful news was brought to them that Renaud, their cousin, son of the
+unfortunate Duke d’Aigremont, was at the head of the approaching army.</p>
+
+<p>When they met they were all much affected. After the first moments of
+joy, Renaud explained to them that he had learned that Charlemagne had
+raised a large army. For what purpose he knew not, but he, supposing
+that a breach between the Duke d’Aymon and Charlemagne had been
+followed by a reconciliation between the duke and his sons, and that
+the consequences would be an attack from Charlemagne, had, on his part,
+taken his father’s army and was on his way to offer his services to the
+duke.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_91">91</span></p>
+
+<p>Maugis soon apprised Renaud of the real state of affairs, and Renaud
+then swore he would accompany him wherever he might go, and that his
+army and his sword would be at the disposal of his cousins.</p>
+
+<p>Renaud then told Maugis that there was accompanying him a messenger
+from the kingdom of Yon, whom he had overtaken, footsore and weary,
+journeying on his way to the Château d’Aymon, bearing a message for
+Maugis.</p>
+
+<p>The traveler, immediately summoned, placed in the hands of Maugis a
+silken-bound packet, which he opened with trembling hand, knowing well
+it was news from Yolande.</p>
+
+<p>The packet contained the ring and these words:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+<p class="mb0">“Know thou by this token, which the saints grant may truly find
+thy hand, that it is Yolande who doth send thee greeting. The foul
+Ganelon did persecute and vex me sorely, and angered by my scorn
+of him, did finally gain the ear of the king, and did me such ill
+service with his majesty by telling him of the part I took in
+thy escape from the palace, made more heinous by many and divers
+deceits, prompted by his ungodly heart, until the king became
+enraged with me, and the empress also did much disfavor and condemn
+me, so that forthwith I was sent back to my brother’s kingdom in
+disgrace. The emperor, because of my ill doing, hath frowned on
+my brother, King Yon, and hath denied him support. And thou canst
+haste <span class="pagenum" id="Page_92">92</span>thee to our succor, and if thou canst not and needst succor
+thyself, come hither and we can at least die together. My prayers
+do ever attend thee. The Saracens, from over the border in Spain,
+do now lay siege to our capital and we are sore beset. May the
+saints defend us.</p>
+
+<div class="right smcap">Yolande.”</div>
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>These simple words gave Maugis sore distress. He called his friends
+together, and it was then and there decided to march forthwith to the
+south of France and give succor to the kingdom of Yon.</p>
+
+<p>At Sedan they organized their army by uniting their troops and marched
+to Rheims. There they were stopped by meeting a force of three hundred
+men, whom they prepared to fight. Maugis arrested the charge and went
+forward to reconnoiter. Then he recognized them as some new troops
+which had come to serve him.</p>
+
+<p>After having marched some days they reached Poitiers, where they rested
+for a time, drilling and equipping their troops, laying contributions
+on the subjects of Charlemagne.</p>
+
+<p>From here they marched in all haste to the frontiers of Spain, where
+they learned more particularly that Yon, King of Acquitaine, had been
+dethroned by Boulag Akasir, the renowned chief of the Saracens, had
+fled to Bordeaux, and that now the infidel forces were about to besiege
+that city, the last resort of King Yon and his court.</p>
+
+<p>Tom with conflicting emotions at the danger <span class="pagenum" id="Page_93">93</span>which threatened Yolande,
+Maugis ordered all haste to be made to the rescue of the unfortunate
+prince, sending in advance four knights, hastening them forward to
+offer the services of the oncoming forces. On their arrival they found
+a great many other knights who had already come to offer their services.</p>
+
+<p>The arrival of Maugis created a great sensation. His gigantic stature,
+his noble air, won the attention and admiration of everybody. Tall
+and stately, Yolande stood beside her brother, the king, amid that
+brilliant assemblage, but her glance was freezing when it fell upon the
+expectant Maugis. Her greeting was formal and cold and she averted her
+face from him with a certain disdain.</p>
+
+<p>Shocked, humbled and heart-stricken by this cruel treatment, the
+mighty Maugis nearly lost self-control. As it was he stumbled back
+to the little group of his friends, powerless to utter a word, and
+bade Renaud, his cousin, to be spokesman to the king, which he did as
+follows:</p>
+
+<p>“Sire,” said Renaud, “we are five knights of high birth and we seek to
+place our courage and our swords at the service of your majesty. That
+our position may justify our words, we have come with seven hundred men
+and we demand no other recompense for our devotion than to receive at
+all times the protection of your majesty.”</p>
+
+<p>“It pleases me much,” replied the king, “to receive thy service, brave
+knights, and right gladly <span class="pagenum" id="Page_94">94</span>will I accept thy offer. Grant me thy names
+that I may know to whom I am so deeply indebted.”</p>
+
+<p>At the mention of the name of Maugis, he was startled. He had heard of
+the brilliant exploits of that brave young man, which by that time had
+become known throughout France.</p>
+
+<p>He expressed his satisfaction at having him near him, and assured the
+four brothers and their cousin of his protection. Said he: “If you
+are miserable, I myself am nearly dethroned. I am likewise miserable,
+therefore we will unite our fortunes. I will count on your courage and
+you may count on my protection and friendship.”</p>
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+<div class="chapter">
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_95">95</span>
+  <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_VIII">CHAPTER VIII.</h2>
+</div>
+
+<p>Boulag Akasir had by this time come to the environs of Bordeaux and was
+threatening that city. He established his camp a short distance away,
+his army consisting of twenty thousand troops, and feeling sure of
+victory, commenced at once to devastate the suburbs.</p>
+
+<p>These exciting events, while they in a measure diverted Maugis from
+his perplexity and gloom by appealing to his warlike spirit, by no
+means lightened the intense depression. The coldness of Yolande and
+her inexplicable aversion and avoidance of him were maddening. Do what
+he would, she would not meet him and a note that he addressed to her
+demanding the reason of her strange conduct was returned to him with
+the seal unbroken.</p>
+
+<p>Had Maugis been less absorbed by the prospect of being united to
+Yolande when he first entered the court of King Yon, he would have seen
+among the entourage of the king an evil face that glanced at him in no
+friendly way. It was that of a monk, who had but recently arrived from
+the north, and whose great learning and piety had gained him <span class="pagenum" id="Page_96">96</span>almost
+instant favor and an influential position in court. This friar, Anselm
+Gorieux, was the uncle of the perfidious Ganelon, who was inspired by
+bitter hatred and jealousy of Maugis. This monk hated Maugis, as well
+on his own account, because in a conflict at wit with Maugis, at a
+banquet, the latter had turned the laugh against him and caused his
+proud soul to chafe under the humiliation, and to resolve upon the
+direst revenge. He had purposely come to the court of King Yon, in the
+interest of his nephew, urged by him to seek the ear of Yolande and
+prejudice Maugis, persistently hoping that with his rival dethroned
+from her favor his own chances might improve, and that he yet might be
+able to win her.</p>
+
+<p>The crafty monk found little difficulty in gaining the confidence of
+Yolande, to whose fervent religious nature his great piety, humility
+and learning at once appealed.</p>
+
+<p>Cautiously, so as not to alarm his timid prey, he held much discourse
+with her upon the awful power of the evil one; how he possessed himself
+of the souls of those who were willing to barter them for worldly gain.
+Then he held up to her, casually, Maugis as such a one; told her that
+even an emissary of Satan had abode under his father’s roof, and under
+the guise of a learned man of the east had taught the young man the
+worst of black arts and sorceries.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_97">97</span></p>
+
+<p>The monk told her Maugis had been won over to Satan, had become a
+sorcerer, and a practicer of all the foul arts. He showed her how
+the great exploits that had made him the hero of the day were simply
+manifestations of the evil one to whom he had sold his soul; that his
+time of glory was brief, and he, and all who loved him, would finally
+rest under the curse of God.</p>
+
+<p>Yolande, as she slowly comprehended these dreadful revelations, was
+grief-stricken and dismayed. Her idol was shattered, and although she
+concealed the anguish that consumed her heart, she nearly sobbed her
+reason away in the quiet of her chamber.</p>
+
+<p>The surprise of Friar Anselm was indeed great at the unexpected
+presence of Maugis at the court. He had not looked for this and would
+have certainly devoted himself to prejudicing the king also, only the
+exciting events then occurring gave him no opportunity.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile a force of the Saracens was devastating the suburbs of
+Bordeaux, and the alarm caused by this movement spread quickly.</p>
+
+<p>Maugis, to observe for himself the operations, mounted the walls, and
+his trained eye saw at once it was only a small part of the main army
+of the enemy who were making the attack. He then advised his brothers
+and his cousin Renaud to arm and place themselves in readiness at the
+head of <span class="pagenum" id="Page_98">98</span>their men. Arming himself also he hastened to the king.</p>
+
+<p>He gave King Yon the assurance that the advance guard of the enemy
+would be destroyed, and having accomplished that he would attack the
+main army, he and his brothers, and that they would drive him from the
+field. He recommended the king to hold himself in readiness to come to
+their succor if it should be required. As he left the royal presence he
+cast one look at Yolande, who stood there pale and proud, but who only
+gazed upon him coldly. He little knew that within, and beneath that
+forbidding exterior, her gentle heart was surging with love and pity
+for him.</p>
+
+<p>A sad heart makes some men more determined, and it was this feeling
+that possessed Maugis as he hastened to place himself at the head of
+the attacking party.</p>
+
+<p>When he saw the forces of Maugis emerge from the gate of Bordeaux,
+Boulag Akasir advanced promptly to meet him. His unvarying successes
+had made him arrogant and over-confident, and when he perceived this
+small army of King Yon he hoped to capture it. But he counted without
+Maugis, who, cool and calm, disposed his troops skillfully and quietly
+encouraged his men both by voice and gesture.</p>
+
+<p>At a given signal the troops of Maugis charged upon the enemy with
+great vigor, and they being <span class="pagenum" id="Page_99">99</span>accustomed to conduct just the reverse
+from their opponents, stopped, struck with stupor. Boulag Akasir, who
+saw at once that it was their chief who had infused that small army
+with so much ardor, rushed upon Maugis to fell him, but the latter
+skillfully parried the awful blow, which instead laid low a knight of
+Bordeaux. Alard, in his turn, attacked the Saracen, but that celebrated
+warrior seemed to bear a charmed life and evaded with amazing dexterity
+the furious blows aimed at him.</p>
+
+<p>The battle then became general all along the line. The brothers Aymon
+were everywhere, and each performed prodigious deeds of valor.</p>
+
+<p>Yolande, breathless with anxiety and almost fainting, witnessed the
+bravery of Maugis from the walls, and in her inmost heart could not
+believe that such great actions could be inspired by the evil one.</p>
+
+<p>It was now King Yon, who, until this time had remained a spectator,
+could no longer resist action, and giving his war-cry, rushed at the
+head of his troops to the side of Maugis, and hurled himself upon
+the Saracens, taking them completely by surprise. But they resisted
+desperately, as Saracens always do, because their religion would never
+permit them to fly, and who would stand and even submit to have their
+throats cut rather than retreat.</p>
+
+<p>Boulag, seeing his army diminishing every minute, and wishing to
+preserve his soldiers for another battle under more favorable auspices,
+gave <span class="pagenum" id="Page_100">100</span>the signal to retreat. But that order was contrary to the law of
+Mohammed and his troops executed it very unwillingly.</p>
+
+<p>During this period of hesitation, Maugis, supported by his Cousin
+Renaud and his brothers, were creating havoc in the ranks of the
+confused enemy, until, finally, becoming panic-stricken, the Saracens
+took to flight.</p>
+
+<p>Boulag himself turned his back and fled, with Maugis in pursuit.</p>
+
+<p>The chief of the Saracens was mounted on an Arab horse of great speed,
+and Bayard, the magnificent horse of Maugis, had great difficulty in
+keeping up with him. But he persistently followed until the chase had
+kept up for three hours, and fully thirty miles had been covered at
+this terrific pace. The blood of Maugis was up and it was a pursuit of
+life and death.</p>
+
+<p>In the meantime every one thought that Maugis was lost. They searched
+for him everywhere, but he could not be found. They gave him up for
+dead and the whole army uttered cries of sorrow and despair. The three
+brothers of Maugis were inconsolable. Supported by her maidens, Yolande
+was removed, half-fainting to her chamber. It was in vain King Yon
+tried to reassure the brothers.</p>
+
+<p>Renaud, however, who never despaired, assembled two hundred soldiers,
+and accompanied by the king and the three brothers, followed in the
+tracks of the pursuer and pursued.</p>
+
+
+<figure class="figcenter illowp90" id="i_p100">
+  <img class="bbox" src="images/i_p100.jpg" alt="">
+  <figcaption>OLD SPANISH HOUSES.</figcaption>
+</figure>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_101">101</span></p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile, Maugis had caught up with Boulag Akasir, who, trembling at
+the persistence of the pursuit, and infuriated withal, saw that he
+could not escape defending himself, and suddenly turned and struck at
+Maugis with his lance. Quick as the movement was, Maugis luckily saw
+it and with consummate skill parried the blow with such force that the
+weapon of Boulag was shivered in pieces over his shield. Profiting
+by the momentary stupefaction of his enemy, Maugis felled the horse
+of the Saracen to the ground, stunned by a blow of his sword. Boulag
+was himself stunned, but quickly arose to his feet and faced Maugis.
+He, however, with true chivalry, would not take advantage of his
+position, but descended from his own horse to do battle with him on
+equal footing, even courteously waiting for his opponent to recover his
+breath.</p>
+
+<p>Then there commenced a terrible conflict, a duel to the death, in which
+the furious strokes and parryings followed each other with lightning
+rapidity. But the brave Boulag finally fell to the earth sore wounded.
+In an instant Maugis was upon him and was about to give him a finishing
+stroke, when Boulag cried: “Grace! I pray thee!”</p>
+
+<p>“Dog of an infidel,” replied Maugis, “thou doest well to crave mercy,
+thou who hast never given!”</p>
+
+<p>“Sir knight,” pleaded Boulag, “I will give thee anything thou mayst ask
+of me, so long as my life be spared.”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_102">102</span></p>
+
+<p>“No!” answered Maugis, “I will take nothing from thee, but thou art
+brave and I will accord thee life only on one condition. That is that
+you abjure thy religion of Mohammed and become converted to mine.”</p>
+
+<p>“I accept thy terms,” cried Boulag, “the more willing because I never
+have been a firm believer in Mohammed.”</p>
+
+<p>Then regaining his feet he tendered his sword to Maugis, but Maugis
+generously refused to take it from him.</p>
+
+<p>They then mounted horse and set out for Bordeaux. Maugis, with his
+prisoner, giving thanks that he had been able to exterminate the army
+of the Saracens.</p>
+
+<p>Thus the conqueror and the conquered were quietly pursuing their way
+to the city, whiling the time in conversation on religion and other
+topics, when they were met unexpectedly by King Yon and his suite.
+Thereupon there was a most happy meeting between Maugis, his three
+brothers and his Cousin Renaud.</p>
+
+<p>“Sire,” then said Maugis, “I deliver up to thee Boulag Akasir, who
+has delivered himself into my hands and hath abjured his religion to
+be henceforth a Christian. I pray thee grant him all the regard due a
+brave knight.”</p>
+
+<p>“Brave knight!” exclaimed the king to Maugis, “I should ill, indeed,
+requite thee, savior of my <span class="pagenum" id="Page_103">103</span>kingdom, did I other than thou desirest
+with this mighty warrior. So be it. He shall be presented to our court
+with a dignity becoming his rank, and the past shall be forgotten.”</p>
+
+<p>In the excess of his gratitude. King Yon further insisted on dividing
+his kingdom into three parts. One to be given Maugis, one to the three
+brothers and Renaud, and the remaining portion to the army.</p>
+
+<p>Maugis would not hear of this and was inflexible in his refusal to
+accept.</p>
+
+<p>King Yon was much disconcerted by the declination of Maugis to accept
+any reward, and casting about in his mind for some delicate way to
+reward him for his inestimable services, the thought came of offering
+him the hand of his beautiful sister. He could think of no greater
+way of showing his regard, but at the time he remained silent on the
+subject.</p>
+
+<p>Boulag, having in due form been made a Christian, was longing ardently
+to return to his native land. He appealed to the tender-hearted Yolande
+to secure him this boon. She willingly undertook to do so, and pleaded
+his cause so earnestly with the king that the request was granted,
+provided he paid to Maugis a ransom; the king courteously pretending to
+conduct the negotiations in the name of Maugis. The king, agreeable to
+the proposition of Boulag himself, fixed the ransom at six mule-loads
+of gold and that he also abandon Toulouse, and the country thereabouts.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_104">104</span></p>
+
+<p>Having thus been freed, Boulag, accompanied by some faithful servitors,
+departed for his own land.</p>
+
+<p>Yon, who had now become richer and more powerful than ever, tried to
+induce Maugis to accept entire the ransom of Boulag, but he again
+refused, praying the king to reserve his bounty until the day came when
+he should demand his services.</p>
+
+<p>That day was very soon in presenting itself.</p>
+
+<p>The war being concluded, and Boulag having departed with his followers
+from the territories of King Yon, there remained little for Maugis, his
+three brothers and Renaud to do, but ride about the country and pursue
+the chase.</p>
+
+<p>One day Maugis, followed by his companions, were riding out when a view
+burst upon their eyes that caused them, as if moved by one impulse,
+to stop. They were riding on the banks of the Dordogne. The eyes of
+Maugis were fixed upon a mountain on the other side of the river which,
+surrounded by beautiful plains, rose high into the blue sky. Easy of
+access, while perfect for defense, its top presented a fine level
+surface upon which to build.</p>
+
+<p>This site suggested to Maugis an idea he had long entertained. Said he:
+“Montfort no longer exists, but we can easily replace it if we choose.
+Here is a situation which combines all the necessary conditions of
+impregnability, and here we could brave the anger of Charlemagne.”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_105">105</span></p>
+
+<p>His companions being equally impressed in favor of this idea, the five
+gave the place a most careful examination, and on their return to the
+court they sought the royal presence, and Maugis said: “Sire, we are
+homeless and would make for ourselves an abiding place. We have found
+a certain mountain near the river Dordogne, on which we could build a
+château, if we have thy royal favor.”</p>
+
+<p>King Yon, anxious to reward the great services of the brave knights,
+was about to give his consent when the crafty monk, Gorieux, stepped to
+his side and whispered in his ear:</p>
+
+<p>“Sire! I pray thee have a care. Dost want the wrath of Charlemagne to
+descend on thee, then harbor these outlaws, for such they be, and no
+sooner shall the emperor learn that thou hast housed them and enriched
+them than thy peace, and perhaps thy life, will be jeopardized.”</p>
+
+<p>At these words the king only frowned and replied: “Dost suppose the
+fear of any such consequences will deter me from rewarding these brave
+men who have saved me my kingdom and my very life?” and turning to
+the five knights he not only gave them the mountain, but besides,
+authorized them to construct a château upon it, and gave them likewise
+all the land that surrounded it.</p>
+
+<p>Such a great favor as this did not fail to create jealousy among
+certain of his courtiers. One of his peers, who was in love with the
+beautiful <span class="pagenum" id="Page_106">106</span>Yolande, and who had been jealous of Maugis ever since
+his arrival, could not support the idea of this being carried out
+without an attempt to discourage the king from making a false move. He
+therefore remarked:</p>
+
+<p>“Sire! without doubt these brave knights are masters of the situation,
+but is it wise or for thy well being to support and nourish a foreign
+force at thy door, whom chance might make thy master, or is it wise to
+support these men in all their exigencies? Reward them well and suffer
+them to depart.”</p>
+
+<p>The king, however, was not to be moved, and appealing to Maugis, said:</p>
+
+<p>“Sir knight! if I grant thee this favor it would be well we should know
+what to expect from thee on thy part, for in so doing I put myself at
+thy mercy in a certain sense, but,” continued the king, “I have every
+confidence and I believe you will never abuse it.”</p>
+
+<p>In reply the five knights kneeled before the king, kissed his hand and
+then swore eternal fidelity.</p>
+
+<p>The brothers and Maugis were not long in commencing the work and the
+fortress was rapidly constructed. The fortifications were made truly
+formidable, and the mountain bestrewn with heavy walls and towers to
+protect the principal works, which in due time were finished.</p>
+
+<p>Maugis and Renaud prayed that King Yon would come and baptize the
+new fortress, an invitation <span class="pagenum" id="Page_107">107</span>which he courteously accepted, and the
+imposing ceremonies were attended by all the court. Maugis, however,
+observed with a sad heart the absence of Yolande. His mind was torn
+with various doubts and conjectures to account for the strange conduct
+of the princess, and he resolved at the first opportunity to seek an
+interview and demand an explanation.</p>
+
+<p>The fortress was named Montaubon, and Maugis then sent to all the
+surrounding country and caused to be published an edict of the king,
+that whosoever would take service under Maugis in the new city would be
+granted six years freedom.&#x2060;<a id="FNanchor_1_1" href="#Footnote_1_1" class="fnanchor">[1]</a></p>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a id="Footnote_1_1" href="#FNanchor_1_1" class="label">[1]</a> In those feudal days the common people were in a condition
+of serfdom, little better than slavery.</p></div>
+
+<p>This had the effect of rapidly filling the new city with inhabitants,
+and soon Maugis, Renaud and the three brothers took possession of their
+new domain.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile the complaints of the discontented courtiers grew louder
+and deeper, and rumors of the alliance of Maugis with the evil one,
+cautiously spread by the crafty monk, flew from lip to lip, until
+reaching the ears of Maugis, caused him to become aware of the
+seriousness of the position and the impending liability of his falling
+under the displeasure of the king. Active steps must at once be taken,
+and he, who had never a thought of breaking his oath, at once renewed
+his oath of fidelity.</p>
+
+<p>The council of state was convened when he presented<span class="pagenum" id="Page_108">108</span> himself, and he
+took the occasion to face his accusers and demand of the discontented
+to formulate their complaints to his face, and that he would
+satisfactorily explain anything that could be offered.</p>
+
+<p>Then spoke Adelbert Leon de Bayonne: “Sire!” said he, “it doubtless be
+true this knight hast rendered thee great service and it is fitting
+thou should reward him, but thou art not called upon to abandon all
+caution and deliver thyself into his power. He is now installed in a
+strong fortress, and with a powerful army in the midst of thy kingdom
+thou hast placed him in a position of power over thee.”</p>
+
+<p>“And what else be there to my disfavor?” demanded Maugis.</p>
+
+<p>“Sire!” said Gorieux, the monk, “there is much reason for believing
+this knight hath given himself into the service of the evil one. It
+is well known that he, in his tender youth, hath been in the power of
+a learned magician of the East, a worker of evil, a follower of the
+evil arts, a minion of Satan, who hath instilled into him much magical
+knowledge, and hath persuaded him to give his soul up to Satan.”</p>
+
+<p>A dark frown overspread the face of Maugis at these words, but he
+controlled himself.</p>
+
+<p>“Are there others who would accuse me?” he demanded, fixing his stern
+gaze on the assembled courtiers.</p>
+
+<p>Silence was the only reply, and stepping forward, <span class="pagenum" id="Page_109">109</span>Maugis said
+impressively: “Sire! if it be true that I am in the service of Satan,
+how ill hath he requited me? I am persecuted by the emperor, attacked,
+pursued, hunted and banished from my home. It is true, a learned pundit
+from the East, a good and holy man, though his beliefs were not our
+beliefs, was my tutor. It is true he taught me much of occult things,
+but only relating to the laws of nature, which are as an open book to
+the wise of the Orient. It is true that this knowledge of the mysteries
+of nature, when I seek to direct them to my use, would give me certain
+powers over men, and it is true that this noble, wise man died blessing
+those who had saved him from death and counseling me ever to be true to
+my faith and my honor. Callest thou this noble philosopher a minion of
+evil? Can any man say here aught but that in battle I have relied on
+any occult aid other than this good sword and my strong arm? Or, if I
+be a follower of the evil one, why should I seek to make Boulag Akasir
+a Christian?”</p>
+
+<p>These brave and candid words made a deep impression on the council.</p>
+
+<p>“More, sire!” continued Maugis, “I stand now ready to swear my fealty
+to my God and his saints and to never henceforth on any occasion seek
+to use my occult powers; to utterly abandon and to never recall them.
+As to my fidelity to your majesty, my brothers and myself have given
+our word, and you <span class="pagenum" id="Page_110">110</span>all know we are incapable of breaking it. If thou
+knowest of any other means whereby we can reassure you, be pleased to
+indicate them and we will accept them.”</p>
+
+<p>The fairness, the candor, and the noble bearing of Maugis convinced the
+king of his sincerity, and even those who hated the brave knight were
+conquered though not changed.</p>
+
+<p>The council then broke up, the king retiring with Godefroy de Moulin,
+his counselor, promising to consider the matter and soon give his
+decision.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+<div class="chapter">
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_111">111</span>
+  <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_IX">CHAPTER IX.</h2>
+</div>
+
+<p>The scheming <span lang="fr">Abbé</span> Gorieux, thinking to complete the alienation which he
+had successfully commenced between Maugis and Yolande, conceived the
+idea that if Yolande could witness the proceedings of the council she
+would herself be convinced of the perfidy of Maugis, and seeing his
+discomfiture and downfall would wholly dismiss him from her heart, and
+thus pave the way anew for the suit of his nephew, Ganelon. The crafty
+priest knew that the princess possessed great riches. It was a stake
+well worth striving for.</p>
+
+<p>He easily obtained the consent of the princess to this plan, for much
+as she had doubted him, and much as she had heard to his prejudice,
+down in her heart she still loved Maugis and still believed him
+innocent of the charges.</p>
+
+<p>Accordingly, from behind the hangings of the council chamber, unseen
+by any one, Yolande had witnessed the events related in the preceding
+chapter, and when the meeting broke up she fled along the corridors to
+her chamber with light foot and light heart.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_112">112</span></p>
+
+<p>“He is true to his God,” she said to herself. “I knew it and I love
+him.” Then the thought of her cold and unkind treatment and avoidance
+of him presented itself to her mind, and, seized with doubt as to
+whether he would longer love her, she, in a revulsion of feeling,
+threw herself on a couch and wept bitterly. At last the work of the
+treacherous priest had been overthrown and defeated.</p>
+
+<p>In the meantime the king had counseled with his advisers and Maugis
+had been summoned to again appear before him. The king was visibly
+embarrassed when he thus addressed him:</p>
+
+<p>“Brave knight!” said he, “inasmuch as you have expressed your
+willingness to take any means to reassure those of my court who seem to
+profess doubt, I have two conditions to impose—take note of my desire
+that you will gladly accept them. One is that thou shalt make oath of
+thy fealty to God and the saints and forever promise to abandon occult
+things; the other: you well know that my sister Yolande is beautiful
+and that she will bring great dower to him whom she weds. You know well
+how gladly each one here would possess her. Accept her then as your
+wife. I am already under deep obligations to you, and to make sure our
+friendship I seek thus to ally thee to our family. Become my brother,
+and I suppose then those of my subjects who have manifested fears will
+be not only completely reassured, but more so than ever, in that <span class="pagenum" id="Page_113">113</span>thou
+wilt possess such a precious gage of happiness and security.”</p>
+
+<p>This decision fell like a thunderbolt on the conspirators, who had
+hoped the downfall of Maugis. The priest Gorieux paled and clinched
+his hands until the nails penetrated the flesh. Why had he permitted
+Yolande to witness the scene, he asked himself; but for that there
+might yet be hope. It was a fatal error.</p>
+
+<p>As for Maugis, the words of the king fairly stunned him. He had come
+there solely to vindicate himself, and little thought the turn of
+events would bring him his heart’s desire. At first his heart leaped
+for joy when he fairly understood his happiness, but alas! only to be
+shadowed by sadness when the aversion that Yolande had suddenly shown
+for him came to his mind.</p>
+
+<p>“Sire!” said he sadly, when he had recovered his self-possession,
+“right gladly will I fulfill the first condition and thy second one
+confers upon me such honor, confidence and happiness that a lifetime of
+devotion from me could not repay. But, your majesty, I cannot consent
+unless thy sister doth approve of thy suggestion,” said he earnestly
+and proudly. “I never would be willing to impose myself upon a woman in
+this fashion simply because reasons of state forced her to accept me as
+her husband.”</p>
+
+<p>At these words the king arose, terminating the <span class="pagenum" id="Page_114">114</span>audience, requesting
+Maugis to come at the same time the next day.</p>
+
+<p>Then the king hastened to the apartments of his sister, feeling some
+uneasiness.</p>
+
+<p>“Yolande,” said he, “thou knowest well thou hast been sought in
+marriage by all the best men of my kingdom, and by many foreign
+princes. Thou hast ever held thy heart free and have had thy will in
+refusing all who have wooed thee, but the time has come for thee to
+choose thy mate in life, and having thy welfare in our mind, we have
+picked for thee a right gallant and comely man whose valor will do thee
+honor and protect thee.”</p>
+
+<p>“How now, good brother!” exclaimed Yolande, alarmed at the solemnity of
+the king. “To whom dost thou propose to sell me?”</p>
+
+<p>“I desire thou shalt wed Maugis,” replied the king.</p>
+
+<p>“And did Maugis send thee hither to plead his suit?” haughtily replied
+Yolande, all her pride aroused.</p>
+
+<p>“Nay, but—” replied the king.</p>
+
+<p>“Then get thee hence, sire, with thy Maugis!” interrupted the princess,
+flying into a passion. “Thinkest thou that I am merchandise to be
+bartered for strength to thy kingdom, or a slave to be sold to pay thy
+obligations? Not so, royal brother. I tell thee now, once for all, the
+air of a nunnery will please my health far better than a husband who
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_115">115</span>binds me to him as a hostage. I would be alone, go!” she cried.</p>
+
+<p>The perplexed monarch was leaving the apartments of his sister when he
+encountered the Duchess de Bearne, a worldly-wise, shrewd, and good
+woman, who had been as a mother to the orphaned princess.</p>
+
+<p>He confided to her his perplexity between the pride of the two lovers.</p>
+
+<p>“Sire!” laughed the duchess, “little doth thou understand a woman’s
+heart. Why didst thou not suffer Maugis to plead his own cause? But
+rest thee. Leave them to me, I will see they meet on the morrow.”</p>
+
+<p>Accordingly, the next day Maugis was summoned to the palace and the
+servitor who admitted him at the great gate pointed him to the private
+garden of the royal household, indicating that he was to go in there.
+Maugis, little suspecting what was in store for him, strolled down the
+shady pathway, expecting every moment to meet the king.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile, the envy, hatred and malice of the treacherous <span lang="fr">Abbé</span> Gorieux
+and some of the courtiers had only been intensified by the turn events
+had taken in favor of Maugis. They all agreed that he had become so
+dangerous that desperate measures must be taken to remove him, and they
+secretly plotted to take his life.</p>
+
+<p>The opportunity was soon to come. It happened <span class="pagenum" id="Page_116">116</span>that one of them heard
+the Duchess de Bearne give orders to show Maugis into the royal garden
+when he came the next day and, acting on this hint, the conspirators
+resolved to execute their foul deed. Six of them would waylay Maugis,
+slay him, and escape amid the shrubbery.</p>
+
+<p>The unsuspecting Maugis penetrated deeper into the shady depths of the
+garden, and as he passed a clump of bushes a strong arm holding aloft
+a sword hung over his head and then descended with crushing force upon
+him.</p>
+
+<p>Luckily, the slight noise made by the action caught his quick ear and
+in turning his head to one side he escaped the full force of the blow,
+which, however, caused him to fall to the earth stunned and bleeding.
+In an instant they were upon him, but as quickly recovering himself, he
+scrambled to his feet and drawing his trusty blade soon laid two of his
+assailants low, but half-fainting from the loss of blood he was being
+sore pressed and would have succumbed to the odds against him, when the
+shouts of the approaching royal guards, who had been aroused by the
+noise, caused the assassins to become panic-stricken and fly, while
+Maugis sank fainting to the earth.</p>
+
+<p>When he next opened his eyes he was gazing into the blue depths of
+Yolande’s and felt her hot tears on his face. His head was pillowed on
+her breast.</p>
+
+<p>“Oh, loved one,” he murmured as he drew her <span class="pagenum" id="Page_117">117</span>face down to his and a
+long silent kiss sealed their reconciliation.</p>
+
+<p>The good duchess discreetly withdrew and they were left alone in the
+deep shadows of the foliage.</p>
+
+<p>The next day the council was reconvened and the king announced the
+coming marriage of his sister to Maugis and everybody felicitated the
+<i lang="fr">fiancées</i>; a few days after the wedding was celebrated with great
+splendor, with <i lang="fr">fêtes</i> and tournaments at which Maugis, who had
+quickly recovered from his wounds, and his brothers D’Aymon, greatly
+distinguished themselves by their feats at arms.</p>
+
+<p>It was not long before Charlemagne was apprised of the exploits of
+Maugis and his brothers, through the <span lang="fr">Abbé</span> Gorieux and Ganelon, and the
+emperor emphatically testified his displeasure to his courtiers at the
+way the young men were braving him.</p>
+
+<p>He had never, for one moment, abandoned his idea of vengeance, and
+forthwith resolved to send Oger and Naimes, his two confidants, to the
+King of Acquitaine to signify to him that he must deliver the sons
+D’Aymon into his hands with their cousin Renaud, or suffer the effects
+of his anger.</p>
+
+<p>Arriving at the court of Yon, Oger and Naimes, being duly presented,
+spoke in these terms:</p>
+
+<p>“Sire! Charlemagne knows well that you have given hospitality to the
+four sons D’Aymon and their cousin, and more, you have permitted the
+erection by them of a fortress in the middle of your <span class="pagenum" id="Page_118">118</span>kingdom, though
+by so doing you have perhaps not intended a blow to the interests of
+your master.”</p>
+
+<p>“That is true,” replied King Yon.</p>
+
+<p>“Charlemagne will overlook it,” continued the Duke de Naimes, “but you
+must not afford shelter and support against his anger to men of whose
+crimes you probably are not familiar. Not only have they revolted
+against their king, but Maugis is the nephew of the Duke d’Aigremont,
+who murdered the son of Charlemagne, and is also the assassin of
+Berthelot, the nephew of the emperor.”</p>
+
+<p>“Noble knights!” replied King Yon, “I am exceedingly anxious to
+maintain friendly relations with the emperor, but I cannot buy peace by
+an act of perfidy. I would use all possible means to secure a sincere
+reconciliation between the sons D’Aymon and the emperor. I would feel
+satisfied could I arrive at that result.”</p>
+
+<p>“This then is thy answer?” demanded Oger.</p>
+
+<p>“It is,” responded King Yon.</p>
+
+<p>“Then be warned,” thundered Naimes, “thy conditions are refused, and
+unless thou wilt comply with the demands of thy emperor, bitter war
+will cause thee to feel the wrath of Charlemagne.”</p>
+
+<p>Oger and Naimes at once left the court, and returning to Charlemagne,
+rendered him an account of their mission.</p>
+
+<p>The emperor, as usual, flew into a violent rage and would have had his
+army on the march within <span class="pagenum" id="Page_119">119</span>twenty-four hours, but his counsellors called
+his attention to the fact that Maugis had now gained great prestige,
+which would have a marked effect on the soldiers sent to fight him,
+and that to attack Montaubon would be futile, when they had already
+been unable to subdue Montfort. But Ganelon and his friends sided with
+the emperor and encouraged his determination by all the means in their
+power.</p>
+
+<p>Charlemagne was inflexible and insisted upon war with the King of
+Acquitaine and his allies.</p>
+
+<p>It was at this point the audience of the king was interrupted by a
+great noise and commotion outside, caused by the arrival of a stranger
+and his suite. He was a young man of great personal beauty, and the
+rich raiment he wore could not conceal the manhood of a true knight.
+His suite were numerous and were dressed with equal richness, all
+indicating that he was of princely birth. Everybody made way for him
+when he appeared to present himself before the emperor.</p>
+
+<p>“Sire!” said he, “I am Roland, the son of Milon and of your sister. I
+have come to place myself at your service. Therefore deign to accept me
+and your majesty will ever find me a faithful and loyal servitor.”</p>
+
+<p>Charlemagne could hardly conceal his joy, because he thought at last he
+had secured a knight who could equal the prowess of Maugis.</p>
+
+<p>Some days later Charlemagne armed his nephew <span class="pagenum" id="Page_120">120</span>and knighted him with
+great pomp and ceremony, giving <i lang="fr">fêtes</i> and tournaments more
+extraordinary than usual in honor of the event. It was at tournaments
+in those days that the knights exhibited their power and skill, and
+this occasion gave Roland the opportunity to display a force and
+address that seemed irresistible, and gave color to the hope of the
+emperor that he had finally discovered a knight who could match Maugis,
+who now bore the reputation of being the foremost warrior in France, a
+hope which subsequent events, as we shall see, fully justified.</p>
+
+<p>That tried, skilled and experienced knight, Oger, to satisfy himself
+of the courage and endurance of the young knight, entered the tourney
+against him, and for a time he was able to make a gallant fight; but he
+was finally forced to declare himself conquered by his young adversary,
+and thereupon Roland was, amid great acclaim, crowned the first knight
+of the court.&#x2060;<a id="FNanchor_2_2" href="#Footnote_2_2" class="fnanchor">[2]</a></p>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a id="Footnote_2_2" href="#FNanchor_2_2" class="label">[2]</a> History tells us that not only was Roland renowned for
+his prowess as a warrior, but his beauty of person and grace of manner
+charmed the emperor and the entire court, and further, not only was he
+a favorite with the ladies, but later became the idol of the people as
+well.—G.</p></div>
+
+<p>So the days devoted to pleasure succeeded each other without
+interruption, when all at once the startling news came of an invasion
+of the Saracens from the north. They were advancing along theRhine,
+killing, burning and destroying all in their path. Charlemagne
+determined to send Roland to meet the infidels, giving him twenty
+thousand men, ordering him to go at once, and sternly adding not to
+return unless victorious.</p>
+
+<figure class="figcenter illowp64" id="i_p120">
+  <img src="images/i_p120.jpg" alt="">
+  <figcaption>
+      MAUGIS.
+  </figcaption>
+</figure>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_121">121</a></span></p>
+<p>By means of forced marches Roland came upon the Saracens so suddenly as
+to take them completely by surprise. They, on seeing the royal troops,
+flew to arms, but Roland, not giving them time to recover from the
+surprise, threw his army upon them with great impetuosity and cut them
+to pieces.</p>
+
+<p>Oger and Roland then followed the flying enemy in close pursuit, they
+having divided, one part crossing the Rhine, was followed by Roland,
+who caught up with them. Almonasar, king of the infidels, was made
+prisoner, and begged Roland to spare him and those with him.</p>
+
+<p>The nephew of Charlemagne, granting them quarter, they laid down their
+arms and he marched them in return to the point where Roland had parted
+from Oger, whom he met, followed by a large number of prisoners he had
+also captured, all of whom were bound and placed in charge of the Duke
+de Naimes. To save his life, Almonasar abjured the Mohammed faith.</p>
+
+<p>Roland next proceeded to Cologne, where he reestablished order and
+repaired the damage done by the Saracens, and later sojourned to the
+court of Paris <span class="pagenum" id="Page_122">122</span>with his prisoner. There his glory and renown was much
+enhanced by the mercy he showed Almonasar, for Roland, generous as the
+brave always are, accorded him his liberty with the approval of the
+emperor and sent him to his own country, he first having made oath of
+fidelity.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+<div class="chapter">
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_123">123</span>
+  <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_X">CHAPTER X.</h2>
+</div>
+
+<p>When Charlemagne had a project in his mind, and particularly a project
+of vengeance, he never abandoned it. And now being disembarrassed of
+the Saracens, he lent a willing ear to the urgings of Ganelon and his
+friends, to go to the punishment of the King of Acquitaine, for his
+refusal to yield up the brave Maugis and the sons D’Aymon.</p>
+
+<p>Ganelon, in his infatuation, still harbored the idea of destroying
+Maugis and gaining possession of the lovely Yolande. In those old days
+might was right and the perfidious courtier easily found those who,
+through envy, malice or hatred, would aid him in his infamous schemes.</p>
+
+<p>The emperor summoned his counsellors and laid his plans before them.
+Roland, elated by his first victory, proposed to invest Montaubon and
+punish the rebellious young knights. Therefore orders were issued for
+the assemblage of all the soldiers the kingdom contained at Paris, the
+following April.</p>
+
+<p>At the designated time there duly arrived the principal lords of the
+realm, followed by numerous troops. Solomon de Bretagne with all the
+nobility <span class="pagenum" id="Page_124">124</span>of his domain, Dizier d’Espagne with six thousand soldiers,
+Bertrand d’Allemagne with two thousand men, Richard de Normandie with a
+crowd of knights assembled from all parts to take part in the war. And
+then, the Archbishop Turpin arrived at the head of a choice troop. All
+these small armies united gave a total of one hundred thousand men, who
+were placed under the immediate command of Roland.</p>
+
+<p>Charlemagne, to show the great confidence he felt in him, himself
+contributed thirty thousand men, raised by an extraordinary levy, and
+on the day of departure, at the very moment that Roland mounted his
+horse, Charlemagne confided to his hands the keeping of his royal
+banner.</p>
+
+<p>It truly seemed as if these formidable preparations insured the doom
+of the gallant Maugis, who now was enjoying every moment of his
+blissful honeymoon with his beautiful bride, all unconscious in his
+great happiness of the awful cloud that hung so threateningly over his
+future; he little dreaming of the dreadful tribulations cruel fate had
+yet in store for him.</p>
+
+<p>It was not long before his dream of love had a rude awakening. The
+approach of the great army was duly heralded, and a few days after had
+arrived before the fortress of Montaubon. Roland would have made an
+immediate assault, but Charlemagne in his wider experience deemed it
+better to give the troops needed rest and at the same time employ the
+time in an endeavor to effect some arrangement.</p>
+
+<figure class="figcenter illowp100" id="i_p124">
+  <img class="bbox" src="images/i_p124.jpg" alt="">
+  <figcaption>CHARLEMAGNE AT THE HEAD OF HIS ARMY.</figcaption>
+</figure>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_125">125</span></p>
+
+<p>He sent to Maugis a knight with a flag of truce indicating a desire
+for a parley, who, shortly after he appeared before the gates of the
+castle, was admitted to the presence of Maugis.</p>
+
+<p>“Sir knight!” said the envoy, “I appear at the instance of the Emperor
+Charlemagne to bid thee lay down thy arms and surrender at discretion.
+Thy life shall be spared, but the condition is thou shalt deliver up
+thy brother Richard to the anger of the king as an expiation of thy
+faults and those of thy brothers. What sayest thou?”</p>
+
+<p>The brow of Maugis darkened at these ominous words.</p>
+
+<p>“If thou refusest,” continued the envoy of the emperor in a threatening
+tone, “neither grace nor pity shall be accorded thee or thine. All,
+every one, shall be given over to the most hideous punishments, and thy
+fortress shall be razed to the ground.”</p>
+
+<p>Maugis laughed scornfully and replied with great indignation:</p>
+
+<p>“Charlemagne, thy master, should know me well enough not to make
+a proposition to me which is little better than an insult. As to
+delivering to him my brother Richard, I would not commit such an act of
+cowardice even to a stranger who had put himself under my protection.”</p>
+
+<p>A low murmur of applause sounded throughout the audience-chamber at
+these brave words.</p>
+
+<p>“Thou canst, however, tell the emperor,” continued <span class="pagenum" id="Page_126">126</span>Maugis sorrowfully,
+“that if instead of pursuing and fighting us he will grant us all his
+pardon and take us into his service once more, as we are perfectly
+disposed to do, we will surrender to him and will deliver up our
+castle.”</p>
+
+<p>“And this is all thy answer?” demanded the envoy.</p>
+
+<p>“It is all,” replied Maugis.</p>
+
+<p>The proposition of Maugis was so fair that most of the counsellors
+of Charlemagne were of the opinion that he should accept it, but
+Ganelon and his allies worked so successfully upon the self-pride of
+Charlemagne as to lead him to refuse to consider these wise counsels
+and to declare that he should not stop until he had completely
+vanquished the five young men who had so persistently balked and
+humiliated him.</p>
+
+<p>He forthwith ordered the camp pitched around Montaubon, so as to
+completely invest it, placing his own tent before the oriental gate,
+while Roland placed his tent at the side opposite. Besides all these
+preparations Roland studied the fortress with the closest attention,
+replying to all observations that it seemed truly impregnable.</p>
+
+<p>Thus a regular siege was commenced, it being the intention to reduce
+the place by famine; so, as the days passed, the life of the soldiers
+became very tranquil, some trifling skirmishes and keeping a close
+watch being about all that occupied them.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_127">127</span></p>
+
+<p>This state of quiet gave their chiefs an abundant opportunity to make
+excursions into the surrounding country, and it chanced one day, when
+Roland and Olivier and his suite made such an expedition, that Maugis,
+who kept well posted as to the movements of the enemy, resolved to
+humiliate him.</p>
+
+<p>He commanded his brothers to take a thousand men each, and sortie
+quietly into the forest. He then, himself alone, secretly penetrated
+into the camp of the allies, and stealing to the tent of Roland,
+succeeded in reversing the royal dragon flag that waved over it.</p>
+
+<p>A short time afterward the wary Archbishop Turpin, seeing a number of
+birds fly out of the forest over his camp, shrewdly divined that troops
+were ambuscaded there, and he soon ascertained that his suspicions were
+correct. To summon Oger and tell him to put his soldiers under arms
+was but the work of an instant. Meanwhile, Maugis, seeing they were
+discovered, ordered his cousin Renaud with his one thousand men to
+continue in the woods concealed, while he, with his three brothers with
+their troops, boldly attacked the camp. They overturned and destroyed
+the tents, and slew all whom they encountered, throwing them into
+the utmost confusion, while cries arose on every hand for Roland and
+Olivier, who of course did not respond, being absent.</p>
+
+<p>The warlike Archbishop Turpin, furious to see everything upset in that
+manner, threw himself upon <span class="pagenum" id="Page_128">128</span>Maugis, and so fierce was the combat that
+ensued between them that their swords were broken in their hands, but
+each still stood firm. Finally, Maugis gave a terrible stroke on the
+fragment of the sword which the archbishop still fought with, which
+caused the warrior priest to stagger.</p>
+
+<p>“Good father!” exclaimed Maugis mockingly, “thou art greater in the
+church than in the field.”</p>
+
+<p>“S’death!” shouted the infuriated archbishop in reply, attacking Maugis
+yet more furiously.</p>
+
+<p>All the forces were now engaged, but they could not resist the
+impetuous onslaught of the soldiers of the sons of Aymon, and to add to
+their discomfiture Renaud came out of the forest with his detachment,
+surprising the enemy in the rear, who, already nearly defeated, were
+by this movement entirely put to rout. Conquered and exhausted, they
+flew in all directions to gain the main body of the royal troops on the
+other side of the castle.</p>
+
+<p>The spoils gained by the victors were considerable, and were all safely
+carried into Montaubon. Maugis, who had captured the dragon flag from
+the tent of Roland, caused it to be placed on the highest tower in
+defiance of his enemies.</p>
+
+<p>The emperor, on the other side of the mountain on which the castle
+was perched, knowing nothing of what was occurring, chanced to see
+the dragon flying from the battlements of Montaubon, and thought that
+Roland had become master of the <span class="pagenum" id="Page_129">129</span>fortress, and he gave way for a moment
+to immoderate joy.</p>
+
+<p>“I have lost many men,” cried he, “but the Aymons are now in my power.”</p>
+
+<p>His illusion, however, was short lived.</p>
+
+<p>It was nightfall when Roland and Olivier returned from their excursion,
+not knowing anything had happened, and, when near the camp, they were
+met by an officer, who quickly apprised them of what had occurred.</p>
+
+<p>Roland thereupon hurried to the archbishop to learn full particulars of
+the disaster, and together they sought the emperor, who was prepared to
+give them a stern reprimand, but who was seized with such consternation
+on hearing their story that he contented himself with giving them
+instructions to be more vigilant in future while they were before an
+enemy so active as Maugis.</p>
+
+<p>This exciting episode, as well as the fact that he had not been able to
+defeat his enemies, caused the emperor to become so exasperated that he
+resolved he never would quit his camp until the château fortress was
+taken. Ganelon advised him to attack Maugis by securing the perfidy
+and abandonment of his allies, which counsel Charlemagne finally
+reluctantly followed.</p>
+
+<p>An envoy was sent to the King of Acquitaine, that he had entered the
+kingdom with one hundred thousand men, and that it was his intention to
+put everything to fire and the sword.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_130">130</span></p>
+
+<p>King Yon was very much disturbed by these menaces, and his courtiers
+were at once divided into two parties. The one headed by the
+treacherous <span lang="fr">abbé</span>, who pointed out to the worried monarch that what was
+occurring was what was predicted to him as the result of harboring
+Maugis and his brothers, and that now was the time to yield them up and
+save the kingdom and its people from certain destruction.</p>
+
+<p>The other side, however, the true soldiers and brave men, urged upon
+the king that they respect their word once given.</p>
+
+<p>“Sire!” exclaimed a brave old knight, “these five intrepid knights,
+when they found you in distress and your kingdom all but destroyed,
+spared neither themselves nor their soldiers in thy succor. It would
+surely be an offense to heaven to now retract all thy pledges to
+them and to desert them in their necessity. It would be the basest
+ingratitude.”</p>
+
+<p>These brave words met with a murmur of approval from the assembled
+courtiers, and emboldened several other knights to speak out in support
+of the fair treatment of the brave brothers.</p>
+
+<p>The king was sore perplexed, beset on one side by the influence of the
+foul conspirators who had gained his confidence, and more than all by a
+desire to save his kingdom from devastation and the possible overthrow
+of his dynasty.</p>
+
+<p>His countenance plainly evidenced the confusion <span class="pagenum" id="Page_131">131</span>which these varying
+demands had brought upon him.</p>
+
+<p>It is an old proverb that “He who hesitates is lost.” And the active
+and ever ready <span lang="fr">abbé</span>, seizing this moment as a favorable opportunity,
+leaned forward and whispered in the ear of the hesitating king: “Sire,
+this is truly a matter too important to decide with undue haste.
+Sleep upon its consideration until the morrow, that a proper issue of
+this most unhappy matter may be conceived.” This suggestion for delay
+did not meet with the approval of many of the knights present, who,
+admiring the bravery of the sons of Aymon, were unfavorable to any
+hesitancy in according them just treatment.</p>
+
+<p>They signalized their disfavor by loud murmurs, but King Yon weakly
+gave way to the perfidious counsel for delay. Saying with a show of
+decision: “We will allow the subject to rest until the morrow,” and
+thereupon arose from his throne terminating the sitting.</p>
+
+<p>The old knight, who had been so outspoken in favor of the brothers,
+smote the hilt of his sword with anger until it rang. This was the
+signal for a chorus of dissent from the assembled soldiers, which
+ominous sound greeted the ears of the departing monarch without avail
+though the test of his will was to be strained to very near to the
+breaking; he was about to commit an act utterly <span class="pagenum" id="Page_132">132</span>at variance with the
+nobility of character he had heretofore shown; and in the moral ruin
+not only were those whom he loved about to be involved, but he himself
+was to perish in the disaster.</p>
+
+<p>The delay the perplexed monarch granted gave the <span lang="fr">Abbé</span> Gorieux, Godefroy
+and other malcontents of the court an opportunity they were not slow
+to avail themselves of. That night a secret conference was held in the
+private library of the king, at which the <span lang="fr">abbé</span> was the spokesman. Said
+he:</p>
+
+<p>“Your majesty, the hesitancy you show in deciding this matter does
+credit to your noble impulses; it is without doubt true that these
+young men have rendered you great service, they came boldly and
+skillfully to your rescue, when you were in need of succor, and you
+have the right to be grateful to them; but, sire, you owe a duty
+to your people and to your country far paramount to all personal
+considerations. In your gratitude you have rewarded these knights in
+a princely manner, you have generously fulfilled your obligations
+to them, but in so doing you have caused a danger to threaten your
+kingdom, your people, and your royal person, which there is but one way
+to avert. Where now lies your duty? Is it in the suicidal policy of
+resistance against the overmastering strength of Charlemagne? in which
+there is nothing but certain ruin to all concerned; the overthrow of
+your kingdom, pillage, flames and death for your unfortunate subjects.
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_133">133</span>Then, sire, how can you hesitate? Resist, and all these misfortunes
+come upon you and your people; accede to Charlemagne’s demand and you
+sacrifice the few to save the many.”</p>
+
+<p>“How can I do this?” questioned the hesitating monarch; “you forget my
+oath.”</p>
+
+<p>“I do not forget thine oath, sire,” sternly continued the <span lang="fr">abbé</span>; “I
+can assure thee, in virtue of my holy office, that God will hold thee
+absolved from an oath that will cost such dire misfortune to thy
+country. Thy oath to thy people and thy kingly duty hath by far the
+greater demand upon thee.”</p>
+
+<p>The poor king bowed his head in the deepest dejection, the act he
+was asked to commit revolted him, and there was going on within him
+a bitter struggle between his self-interest and his duty to the sons
+D’Aymon; then, too, he thought of the suffering of his sister. For a
+moment the better nature was in the ascendancy. The wily <span lang="fr">abbé</span> studied
+his face and read there the struggle going on within; too crafty to
+descend to lying, it only remained for the base Godefroy to complete
+the work. Said he:</p>
+
+<p>“In good sooth, sire; thou wouldst not hold thy oath to this sorcerer
+and his brothers so heavy a burden on thy conscience didst thou but
+know that they now conspire to rob thee of thy throne. This, I can
+assure thee, I have from one who is in their counsel.”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_134">134</span></p>
+
+<p>“Art sure?” queried the king, arousing.</p>
+
+<p>“I can prove this beyond a doubt,” replied the lying Godefroy.</p>
+
+<p>“Enough!” cried King Yon, “let it be so, I will contend against thee no
+longer.”</p>
+
+<p>Then it was, the dishonored king, at the dead of night, conspired with
+the enemies of Maugis to deliver him into the hands of Charlemagne,
+which being complete, the king retired, at last easy in mind over the
+prospect that he would be allowed undisturbed possession of his kingdom.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+<div class="chapter">
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_135">135</span>
+  <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XI">CHAPTER XI.</h2>
+</div>
+
+<p>On the next day King Yon went to Montaubon, and said to Maugis:</p>
+
+<p>“At last, dear brother, am I able to apprise thee that it will be
+possible for thee and thy brothers to conclude peace with Charlemagne.
+This has come about through my good offices, and I have come to
+felicitate thee that thy struggles are over.”</p>
+
+<p>Yon then made up a tissue of lies, cunningly devised for him by the
+<span lang="fr">abbé</span>, giving color to the statement that he came to Maugis in behalf
+of the emperor to offer to the brothers D’Aymon terms of peace. He
+stipulated they should go the next day, all four, armed only with their
+swords, to meet Charlemagne on the plain of Vancoleurs.</p>
+
+<p>“I will give you,” said the hypocritical king, “a few knights of my
+court to accompany you. To show your humility you will go mounted upon
+mules, and you will carry in your hands branches of roses and olives
+as a sign of reconciliation. The emperor will await you there with the
+Duke de Naimes, Oger, and twelve peers. You will throw <span class="pagenum" id="Page_136">136</span>yourselves on
+your knees at his feet and he will then pardon you and allow you to
+retain full possession of all your rights.”</p>
+
+<p>At this happy news the face of Maugis lighted with joy, but it was
+soon clouded with doubt; although he feared no treachery from his
+brother-in-law, he had no confidence in Charlemagne.</p>
+
+<p>“’Tis indeed good news,” said he, “that thou dost bring me, good
+brother, but canst thou assure me there is no treachery behind all
+these fair promises?”</p>
+
+<p>“Do not fail to heed me, but go,” replied the base king. “Thou knowest
+well, brother, that I have thy interests truly at heart, and would not
+advise thee did I not know that it will be absolutely safe for thee to
+go. It were madness for thee now to scorn this chance to make thy peace
+with the emperor; it is thy last chance, avail thyself of it without
+fail.”</p>
+
+<p>A little later, after the departure of King Yon, Maugis summoned
+his brothers in council, and acquainted them with the offers of the
+emperor. They were each and all seized with the same dire presentiments.</p>
+
+<p>“If the King Yon tells the truth,” cried Alard, “that Charlemagne will
+really accord us his friendship, why does he exact we shall appear as
+if dishonored, why are we to go without arms to the middle of a plain,
+where if attacked we could all be easily killed without being able
+to resist. I distrust, <span class="pagenum" id="Page_137">137</span>brother, I distrust much that we are to be
+betrayed.”</p>
+
+<p>“It is impossible!” declared Maugis, “that there can be any treason
+in an affair in which my brother-in-law, King Yon, is acting as a
+negotiator. He is above all baseness, and besides, you all know he made
+oath to us that we could count upon his loyalty.”</p>
+
+<p>The council then broke up, the brothers by no means sharing the
+confidence of Maugis in the outcome, yet, deferring to his opinion,
+they hurried away to make preparations for the next day.</p>
+
+<p>Maugis hastened to his own apartments, where he informed Yolande of his
+contemplated expedition the following day. She paled upon hearing of
+it, not being able to resist a feeling of fear that was insurmountable.</p>
+
+<p>“Go not, my husband, I beseech thee,” she cried.</p>
+
+<p>“There can be no danger,” explained Maugis; “thy brother Yon, he is
+incapable of deception, and it is he who is acting as intermediary
+between the emperor and us; surely I can rely upon his advice and
+assurances.”</p>
+
+<p>“I care not, I care not,” responded Yolande. “Yon would not deceive
+you, perhaps, more quickly than another; but you must remember he is
+only human, and, like the rest of the world, would sacrifice any one
+else for his own interest. Mistrust then, Maugis, as I mistrust; if you
+go to the meeting, I feel you are all lost.”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_138">138</span></p>
+
+<p>“Dear one, thy fears are but phantoms,” tenderly replied Maugis,
+unconvinced and trying to reassure her.</p>
+
+<p>“No! no!” responded Yolande; “my fears are real, why should you go like
+the vanquished without arms? Is that your place? no! go with arms in
+hand, if you must go, followed by your faithful knights, and meet them
+as equals, then I shall fear nothing.”</p>
+
+<p>Against all this advice, the next day Maugis set out with his four
+brothers, followed by the ten lords of King Yon, to meet the Emperor
+Charlemagne. By this time King Yon, who had never before lost his
+honor, was half-tempted to regret the villainous action he was about
+to commit, but the <span lang="fr">abbé</span> and Godefroy, ever at his side, confirmed his
+purpose by representing to him the enormous benefits to him of the
+action, and his heart was hardened and he remained silent.</p>
+
+<p>At the head of the little troop, marching slowly onward, Maugis was
+confronted by a presentiment which caused him to fear there might
+be reason in the doubts expressed by his brothers and his wife. He,
+however, by an effort of will cast it aside, they, meanwhile, having
+arrived at the plain of Vancouleurs. It was a forbidding spot, being
+surrounded by dense forests, and had no possible issue for them in case
+of flight; besides, the river Gironde, which traversed it, four roads
+led from it; the road to <span class="pagenum" id="Page_139">139</span>France, the road to Portugal, the road to
+Spain, and road to the kingdom of Acquitaine; but these roads were now
+all guarded by ambuscades of five hundred men belonging to Charlemagne.</p>
+
+<p>Surprised at not finding any one on the plain, Maugis and his little
+company proceeded across it and placed themselves at the foot of a
+steep rock, which was pierced by a narrow opening. Alard had by this
+time persuaded Maugis that they were betrayed, and that they were wise
+if they immediately retraced their steps; when, however, they attempted
+to do this, they suddenly encountered Foulques de Morillon at the head
+of three hundred men.</p>
+
+<p>“We are betrayed!” shouted Maugis, then turning quickly to the knights
+of his escort, he cried: “Ah, gentlemen, you whom King Yon has sent to
+accompany us, you will give us your aid now?”</p>
+
+<p>Then Godefroy, who was of the escort and who had hated Maugis from the
+time of his arrival at the court of Yon, responded, saying:</p>
+
+<p>“Not we, we have been forced to accompany you against our will and
+neither myself nor any of these other lords are willing to give thee
+any assistance.” These half-defiant and half-sneering words had hardly
+died upon his lips when Maugis, seeing at last the trap into which they
+had been lured, turned upon him and with incredible quickness, with one
+stroke of his sword, cleft his head to the chin. <span class="pagenum" id="Page_140">140</span>The other knights
+then fled for safety and joined the side of the enemy.</p>
+
+<p>“Come on, dear friends!” cried Maugis, “until we are taken we will
+defend ourselves like men of heart; we will fight here back to back,
+and will never submit to be taken alive.”</p>
+
+<p>All four brothers embraced as if for a final adieu, and rolling their
+cloaks around their left arms to parry the blows, they grimly awaited
+the enemy, firm of foot and sword in hand.</p>
+
+<p>Struck by their courage and coolness, Foulques de Morillon cried out to
+them:</p>
+
+<p>“Yield thee; resistance is useless, King Yon hath given thee up, thou
+art surrounded on every hand, therefore surrender, for assistance is
+impossible.”</p>
+
+<p>“Sayest thou so,” said Maugis defiantly in reply; “thy further lies are
+useless, except to insult brave knights after having betrayed them;
+liar and coward, defend thyself; I challenge thee to single combat.”</p>
+
+<p>Foulques made no reply to this, but charged upon Maugis, lance at rest,
+and wounded him in the thigh. At this unexpected charge Maugis and
+his mule rolled together in the dust. Alard, seeing Maugis down, and
+fearing he had been killed, cried to his brothers:</p>
+
+<p>“Let us yield, further struggle is useless.”</p>
+
+<p>To their great surprise, however, Maugis arose, quickly disengaging
+himself from his mount, and <span class="pagenum" id="Page_141">141</span>threw himself in front of Foulques, who
+charged upon him again, endeavoring to run him down; quick as lightning
+Maugis evaded the charge by springing to one side, and then coming up
+behind the horse of his enemy he leaped upon the crupper in his rear,
+at the same time running him through with his sword, and throwing him
+to the earth. Maugis possessed now a horse and had also secured the
+lance and shield of De Morillon.</p>
+
+<p>“Do not separate!” he shouted to his brothers, as he charged head down
+into the midst of the French forces. The first to meet his infuriated
+sword was the Duke of Cory, who fell lifeless. He then with one blow
+of his gigantic arm cleft Engenrrand to the saddle, and like a flash,
+without seeming to take breath, he fought fast and furious, until he
+had in all, one after the other, made eleven knights bite the dust.</p>
+
+<p>His indomitable courage and spirit would have carried him further
+onward, but glancing behind, he saw Alard who, though wounded, was
+hastening to join him. Alard bestrode the horse and had taken the
+arms of one of the knights killed by his brother. Together the two
+now continued what was no less than a butchery; their enemies seemed
+stunned, they slew them one after another until in a few moments they
+were surrounded with a small mountain of the dead.</p>
+
+<p>Not far behind were Richard and Guichard, dismounted, fighting step by
+step to join them.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_142">142</span></p>
+
+<p>The French, confident in their superior numbers, instead of seeking
+to kill the four brothers, endeavored to surround them and take them
+alive. They did succeed in separating them from Maugis, and were making
+a desperate attempt to capture Guichard, who, however, made such a
+vigorous resistance that he laid low in succession the first four
+who approached him. Richard had regained the rock, resolved to die
+rather than submit to capture. Maugis, completely carried away by the
+excitement of battle, followed by Alard, resolved to die rather than
+any of them be delivered into the hands of Charlemagne. With incredible
+fury they fought, cut, hacked, beat down and killed all before them,
+until they reached Guichard, who had been meanwhile overcome. Alard
+quickly cut the cords that bound him, put him on the horse of a dead
+enemy, giving him his arms. Guichard then paid back with interest his
+few moments of captivity.</p>
+
+<p>During this time, Richard, who, next to Maugis, was the strongest
+of the brothers, had become separated from the rest. He tried at
+any sacrifice to rejoin them and they on their side sought for him.
+Richard, covered with wounds and spent with fatigue, was fast sinking
+down by the rock, without sufficient force to climb upon it. He was
+surrounded by a circle of knights whom he had killed. At this supreme
+moment, Gerard de Vanvier, cousin of Foulques de Morillon, seeing that
+he was nearly <span class="pagenum" id="Page_143">143</span>dead, charged upon him with his horse, lance abreast,
+and wounded him in the shoulder, but Richard, who had become somewhat
+rested, summoned all his strength and stopped his assassin with a
+terrible stroke of the sword, hurling him from his horse, then the
+conqueror and the conquered fell down together, the one nearly dead,
+and the other beyond recall.</p>
+
+<p>The three brothers, who had been all this time fighting, were searching
+for Richard, without perceiving him, now gained the rock, and only then
+saw his figure lying in the midst of the bodies of his enemies. Maugis
+quickly ordered his two brothers to dismount and carry their wounded
+brother within the opening of the rock for shelter, he meanwhile would
+fight the enemy off.</p>
+
+<p>“My poor brother!” cried Maugis, “you are the victim of the treachery
+of King Yon. May God preserve me until I have taken vengeance, for it
+shall be terrible.”</p>
+
+<p>Alard and Guichard had tenderly raised the body of Richard and in the
+midst of a storm of projectiles of all sorts had borne him within the
+rock. During the journey he made a slight movement, opened his eyes and
+said to them:</p>
+
+<p>“My dear brothers, go to the assistance of Maugis. I am yet strong
+enough to defend myself. I shall see you all again, for I am sure we
+will be able to extricate ourselves.”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_144">144</span></p>
+
+<p>Taking his advice, Alard and Guichard hastened to rejoin Maugis, whom
+they found surrounded by the bodies of dead enemies. Their own horses
+had disappeared, and making a sortie they easily captured more, and
+then continued the furious combat, being enabled finally to regain the
+opening of the rock, which they contented themselves in defending.</p>
+
+<p>The four intrepid brothers, reunited, and for a time safe, were hoping
+that their enemy would withdraw, which was suddenly dashed to the
+earth, when Oger, at the head of three thousand men, appeared and
+completely surrounded them.</p>
+
+<p>The situation now seemed indeed hopeless. Amid an impressive silence
+the grizzled old soldier, Oger, rode forward from the serried ranks and
+cried out in a stern tone:</p>
+
+<p>“Wretched men, give thyselves up, resistance is useless; or,” he added
+menacingly, “take care of yourselves, for I shall not regard the family
+ties that exist between us, and I shall use every means to force you to
+obey me. The only thing for you to do is to cease your resistance.”</p>
+
+<p>“You give yourself useless trouble,” replied Maugis defiantly, “we fear
+you not.”</p>
+
+<p>During the time occupied by this parley, Richard had recovered himself,
+and had bound up his wounds from strips from his cloak. Alard likewise
+had bound up the wound in his thigh, stopping the flow <span class="pagenum" id="Page_145">145</span>of blood,
+and to the astonishment of the assembled host they all grimly ranged
+themselves side by side and awaited the onslaught of their astonished
+enemies, who marvelled at their courage; then, touched by compassion,
+Oger halted his soldiers, saying to them he would endeavor to persuade
+them to surrender.</p>
+
+<p>He then approached near to the rock, and thus addressed them in kindly
+tones:</p>
+
+<p>“My dear cousin, I pray you to surrender; it will be impossible for
+you to resist long; you will surely be slain, because nothing can
+prevent my soldiers from successfully assaulting the rock that shelters
+you. You have not sufficient means of defense in your swords and your
+lances. You have not even the resource of a pile of heavy stones with
+which to beat down your assailants when they seek to climb up the rock,
+and though you may see how much I admire your bravery, I shall stay
+here until you are completely subdued for want of food.”</p>
+
+<p>“I thank you, my cousin,” replied Maugis in the same spirit, “and I
+should profit by thy advice, but that we never can forget the baseness
+of the plot which brought us to this dire extremity.”</p>
+
+<p>At these words Oger shook his head sadly, and returned to his command,
+and Maugis climbed to the top of the rock to see in what way he
+could provide some means of defense. From the height thus gained he
+contemplated with pride the number <span class="pagenum" id="Page_146">146</span>of enemies they had slain, and
+then chancing to raise his eyes to the horizon he beheld a sight which
+caused the blood to leap quickening to his heart; a body of troops
+were advancing in all haste. He could hardly conceal his joy when he
+recognized at their head his cousin Renaud, mounted on Bayard, his own
+famous horse. He whispered joyfully in the ear of Guichard the welcome
+news, warning him to quietly acquaint the other brothers, in a manner
+that would not arouse the suspicion of their waiting and watching enemy.</p>
+
+<p>Maugis now descended from the rock and sought to occupy in some manner
+the attention of Oger, in order to gain delay.</p>
+
+<p>Though entirely deceived by Maugis, Oger could hear the murmurings
+of his soldiers, who demanded an assault on the rock should be made.
+He was about to return to them, when he was arrested by the voice of
+Maugis, saying:</p>
+
+<p>“My good cousin, if thou hast kindly feeling to us, grant us an hour’s
+truce; you cannot refuse this request with a good conscience; you have
+three thousand men against four miserable knights; thou art assured of
+victory; never fear that Charlemagne will address you one reproach in
+that regard.”</p>
+
+<p>“I will grant it thee willingly,” replied Oger, so he withdrew to his
+troops, and gave them the order to wait. At this their murmurings were
+loud and deep.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_147">147</span></p>
+
+<p>“Silence!” roared Oger, “the first man who stirs one step I will strike
+down with my sword.” This stern threat had the effect to keep them
+quiet.</p>
+
+<p>A little more than half an hour had passed when Alard and Richard
+wished to recommence the battle.</p>
+
+<p>“My good brother,” said Richard, “the troop of Renaud, now coming, is
+superior to that of Oger by over one thousand men; it is in our power
+to take a terrible vengeance, and this is how we can do it: let us
+advance upon them now, and get them so busily occupied that they will
+not perceive what is passing behind them; in this way we will enable
+Renaud to approach them in the rear and cut them to pieces; if, on the
+contrary, we let them become aware of the approach of our friends, the
+enemy may escape combat by flight and we will miss our revenge.”</p>
+
+<p>This plan received the approval of the three brothers, and they
+accordingly descended from the rock, Maugis and Guichard leading the
+way, followed by Alard and Richard. The enemy upon witnessing this
+movement thought at once that the sons of Aymon, appalled by their
+numbers, and discouraged by their wounds, had decided to give up the
+contest, and were about to surrender. The veteran, Oger, could not bear
+the idea of their thus tamely giving themselves up. It was against that
+old fighter’s nature; accordingly he rode out toward the rock, and
+shouted to them:</p>
+
+<p>“Be warned, young men, thou hast thy right to <span class="pagenum" id="Page_148">148</span>leave thy refuge,
+but know thou, I am ordered to take thee alive, conduct thee to
+Charlemagne, when he will put thee to an ignominious death. I would
+prefer much that as brave men thou shouldst die in battle rather than
+surrender thus tamely like men of no courage.”</p>
+
+<p>This kindly advice caused a hot flush to suffuse the face of Maugis,
+and drawing up his tall form he fiercely replied:</p>
+
+<p>“We will never surrender, we will die with our arms in our hands rather
+than that. Our cause is just, and we only hope you will not escape our
+vengeance, because you have basely betrayed us.”</p>
+
+<p>Oger withdrew sadly upon this, his eyes filled with tears of pity,
+and rejoining his troops he ordered them to attack the four brothers;
+but his punishment was near at hand, for at that moment Renaud, who
+had successfully traversed the forest in their rear, came upon them,
+and before they could recover from their surprise, had completely
+surrounded them. Renaud rode ferociously at Oger, and aimed at him a
+terrible stroke of his sword, but he was carried away from the object
+of his attack by Bayard, who recognized his master.</p>
+
+<p>Without delay the soldiers of Renaud, taking advantage of their
+surprise and stupor, fell upon the enemy and slew them with a most
+terrible carnage.</p>
+
+<p>Fighting with the greatest ardor, the soldiers of Renaud had completely
+routed the command of Oger, <span class="pagenum" id="Page_149">149</span>but were temporarily arrested by the royal
+ambuscaders, who though in full retreat, stopped them so suddenly that
+the pursuers fell over each other. During the fight, Maugis, who had
+mounted his horse Bayard, had charged upon Oger and dismounted him; he
+then descended, and courteously assisting the veteran to remount, said
+to him:</p>
+
+<p>“Thou hast not succeeded in bathing your hands in our blood, but you
+have participated in a treachery; you have acted the part of a coward.
+Go! you are despicable. Never come before me again or I will not be so
+forgiving.”</p>
+
+<p>This taunt made Oger furious, and he charged upon Maugis, giving him
+a terrible stroke upon the head, which for an instant caused him to
+totter on his horse. Oger was about to renew the attack, when Alard
+and Guichard came up with some soldiers, and attacked the escort of
+Oger with great fury, putting them to flight, and massacring all who
+resisted; afterward they sought the wounded Richard and bore him to a
+place of safety.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+<div class="chapter">
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_150">150</span>
+  <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XII">CHAPTER XII.</h2>
+</div>
+
+<p>For a time Richard was thought to be dying; they tenderly put him upon
+a hastily constructed litter, enveloped in the remains of their cloaks,
+and then returned to Montaubon, where they were received with the
+rejoicings of the people. The meeting between Maugis and Yolande was
+most affecting; she shed tears of happiness upon his breast, overjoyed
+to see again him whom she thought was lost forever.</p>
+
+<p>After a few days of rest, Maugis resolved to punish King Yon, and was
+actively making his preparations to do so when a messenger arrived at
+the court from his brother-in-law. He was immediately shown into the
+presence of Maugis.</p>
+
+<p>“How now!” sternly demanded Maugis of the envoy; “what wouldst thou?”</p>
+
+<p>“My lord,” replied the messenger, “I come to thee from thy sorrowing
+and repentant brother-in-law, King Yon. He doth most humbly crave thy
+forgiveness and pardon and doth relate to thee his most sorrowful and
+unhappy condition. Roland doth hold him captive, and he craves thee to
+lay <span class="pagenum" id="Page_151">151</span>aside thy just resentment and to deliver him from his hands.”</p>
+
+<p>Maugis was silent for a moment and could not resist a sigh at thus
+perceiving how the treachery of the King of Acquitaine had served to
+punish and degrade him.</p>
+
+<p>“’Tis well,” said Maugis, “the baseness of thy master hath brought to
+him its own reward, yet great as my resentment is, I do not recognize
+the right of Roland to hold King Yon his prisoner, even though he be my
+worthless relative, I shall wrest him from his bonds. Get thee gone!”</p>
+
+<p>Maugis then called a council of his brothers and acquainted them with
+his plans. The troops were ordered under arms, and all preparations
+were made to go out and attack the enemy at once.</p>
+
+<p>The expedition, headed by Maugis, had proceeded but a short distance
+when they came upon Roland, face to face, at the head of a considerable
+number of troops. A halt was ordered and Maugis rode forward, lowered
+his lance, and said to Roland:</p>
+
+<p>“Brave knight, we have been shedding each other’s blood in a bitter
+quarrel, which it is now time to terminate, once for all. Thou art a
+relative of Charlemagne, and of mine; I pray thee use thy influence to
+pacify the emperor, and on my part I will do all in my power to second
+your efforts. We are willing to undertake, as a penance, war against
+the infidels, in the name of the Emperor of France, <span class="pagenum" id="Page_152">152</span>my brothers and I;
+I pray thee, then, in behalf of all, to accept my offer.”</p>
+
+<p>Roland, much affected by the frank and manly words of Maugis, replied:</p>
+
+<p>“Brave knight, for myself, I gladly tell thee I would only be too
+willing to accede to these requests, but alas! Charlemagne refuses to
+hear of peace under any conditions, except that thee and thy brothers
+are delivered into his hands.”</p>
+
+<p>“Then it is useless,” responded Maugis; “we will fight until death
+before we will ever lower ourselves to commit such a great act of
+cowardice.”</p>
+
+<p>Saying this, Maugis lowered his visor, set his lance at rest, and
+spurring his horse quickly forward, charged upon Roland. Roland in turn
+drew his famous sword and aimed a terrible blow at Maugis, which the
+latter received upon his shield, but such was its force the shield flew
+to pieces, and Roland stopping, said, smiling at his adversary:</p>
+
+<p>“Good, my cousin, I have taken my revenge on thee for thy rashness; thy
+shield is gone, we will now quit.”</p>
+
+<p>“No,” replied Maugis, “if thou hast destroyed my shield for vengeance,
+I will punish thee for thy pride.”</p>
+
+<p>This singular combat would have been continued, and with their
+followers included, all would have become engaged in a duel to
+extermination, if Renaud had not restrained his cousin. On his side
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_153">153</span>Olivier, the friend of Roland, likewise detained the nephew of
+Charlemagne, who, however, had become enraged at the taunt of Maugis
+and would listen to nothing, but would throw himself with all his force
+upon him.</p>
+
+<p>Things were at this delicate point when in the distance a body of
+troops were seen approaching with a slow and measured tread. They
+surrounded a man habited in the garb of a monk; the doleful strains
+of the <em>Miserere</em> came floating to them borne on the breeze. The
+nearer approach of this melancholy procession revealed the fact that
+the man in the garb of a monk was no other than King Yon; they were
+conducting him to execution. This sight caused Maugis to forget all his
+resentment against his brother-in-law. He drew his troops across the
+road, barring the progress of the guard, and thundered out the order to
+them:</p>
+
+<p>“Halt!”</p>
+
+<p>“Stand aside!” responded the commandant of the guard.</p>
+
+<p>“Again I command thee to halt,” cried Maugis; “yield thy prisoner!”</p>
+
+<p>At these words Maugis commanded his troops to charge, and they
+threw themselves upon the guard with such fury that they were all
+either killed or dispersed, and finally the unfortunate King Yon was
+delivered from their hands. He then threw himself at the feet of his
+brother-in-law, saying:</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_154">154</span></p>
+
+<p>“I am not worthy to live in thy presence; the sole grace I can implore
+of thee is that I may meet death at thy hands.”</p>
+
+<p>At the sight of Maugis fighting the guardians of King Yon, the troops
+on each side all along the line became engaged in a murderous conflict,
+and intermingling formed a vast struggling mass, in the midst of which
+could be seen the swords rising and falling, at each stroke meeting a
+victim. Roland, in the meantime, was not inactive; he wrought upon his
+enemy injury equal to that of Maugis.</p>
+
+<p>Richard, who was still weak from his wounds, and fought but little,
+became surrounded, and Roland perceiving it, rode toward him, and not
+deeming it chivalrous to accept his defiance, ordered him to be taken
+alive. Richard defended himself like a lion at bay, but was very soon
+buried under a mass of the enemy, hurled from his horse and compelled
+to yield. He refused to give his sword to any one but Roland, whom he
+considered only worthy to receive it.</p>
+
+<p>It was in the midst of the fight that the sorrowful news of the capture
+of Richard was borne to Maugis; it made him furious; he declared he
+would at any price secure the liberty of Richard, and he was about to
+appoint Alard and Guichard to act in his place, while he proceeded
+against the camp of Charlemagne to deliver his brother, but his cousin
+Renaud arrested him.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_155">155</span></p>
+
+<p>“Thy project is foolish,” said he; “if you take such a step you will
+certainly be yourself captured, then what can you do? Listen, I have
+myself an account to settle with the emperor, and if Richard has
+not already been executed, I will enter the camp of Charlemagne in
+disguise, will learn what they intend doing with him, and we can then
+know better what steps to take for his rescue.”</p>
+
+<p>“Thy plan is wise,” said Maugis, “and knowing thy discretion, am
+assured thou wilt return from thy perilous mission in safety.”</p>
+
+<p>Accordingly, Renaud at once retired, and hastily disguising himself
+as a pilgrim, leaning wearily upon a stick, proceeded to the camp
+of Charlemagne, whither Richard had been borne. On nearing the camp
+he walked very feebly, and assumed such a miserable aspect that all
+gates were opened before him; such was the reverence for holiness and
+sanctity, that pilgrims from the holy land were held in those days, and
+when, at last, he had arrived before the tent of the emperor, and was
+ushered into his presence, he said to Charlemagne:</p>
+
+<p>“Pax Vobiscum, great ruler, I have just returned from Jerusalem,
+where I prostrated myself before the tomb of our Divine Master,” and
+reverently crossing himself he bowed his hooded head upon his breast
+and stood silent.</p>
+
+<p>“Most holy man, I give thee greeting,” replied the emperor; “what
+commands hast thou for me? Speak, and they are granted thee.”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_156">156</span></p>
+
+<p>“Sire,” continued the false monk, “while on my way yesterday by
+Balancon, with other pilgrims, traveling the same road, we were set
+upon by brigands; all my companions were slain, and I alone, by the
+mercy of God, escaped death, and that only because they thought I was
+so near death already. At the nearest village I could gain I learned
+that the country was being ravaged by the four sons of Aymon, aided
+by a certain Renaud, and, from a picture, I am sure it was the latter
+who was our assailant, and it was he who brought me to this miserable
+state.” Here the pilgrim made another sign of the cross, saluted the
+emperor with humility, and begged him for food, as it had been a long
+time since he had had what he required.</p>
+
+<p>Renaud acted his part so well that Charlemagne was taken completely off
+his guard, and suspicious of nothing, gave orders that the holy father
+be well treated as one deserved who possessed such precious information.</p>
+
+<p>Renaud added to the good impression he had produced by a liberal
+quantity of prayers and blessings. At this point the camp was aroused
+by a blare of trumpets from without; it was Roland who had arrived with
+Richard surrounded by a strong guard.</p>
+
+<p>Charlemagne, who had already been warned by Ganelon of the result of
+his nephew’s expedition, received him joyfully, and, upon hearing his
+story, embraced him. Said he:</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_157">157</span></p>
+
+<p>“Thou hast done well; let the rebel be delivered to punishment at once.”</p>
+
+<p>At the first sight of the pilgrim, Richard recognized his cousin
+Renaud, which had the effect of reassuring him as to his safety.
+Renaud, on his part, succeeded in learning the plans of the execution,
+and where it was to take place, then he quietly withdrew, hastened
+to Montaubon and gave the order summoning all to arms as quickly as
+possible. This being accomplished, he prepared to lead them to the
+place of execution, and took the troops around by a circuitous route
+to the appointed place, hiding them in the woods nearby, and enjoining
+every one to preserve the utmost silence.</p>
+
+<p>On the arrival of Richard at the camp, Charlemagne immediately
+assembled his council. Said he:</p>
+
+<p>“At last one of the rebellious sons of Aymon has been delivered into my
+hands; it has been at a fearful cost of blood and treasure. They have
+defied and insulted me. I should be illy fitted to be a ruler did I not
+make a most forcible example of this rebellious subject, therefore do
+I decide to hang him as near the château on the mountain as possible,
+that it may give the execution an imposing effect. Let the affair
+proceed at once.”</p>
+
+<p>Now arose a difficulty to find an executioner. There was a secret
+admiration for the brave sons of Aymon throughout the camp. This was
+revealed when no one would volunteer to fill the office. At <span class="pagenum" id="Page_158">158</span>last a
+person of the court of bad reputation, one Des Rives by name, who
+had already made himself conspicuous by his questionable exploits,
+presented himself for the task, hoping by means of this low action to
+gain favor in the eyes of the emperor, and Charlemagne at once accepted
+him.</p>
+
+<p>Faithful to his past, and at the cost of his honor, Des Rives then
+approached Richard and read him the sentence of death. Then he mounted
+Richard upon a mule, and brought him before the tent of Charlemagne,
+further humiliating him by taunts and jeers.</p>
+
+<p>At all times in France men have fought solely for the desire to
+conquer, and rarely for the hate of their enemies, therefore the
+conduct of the cowardly and villainous Des Rives so much affected the
+assembled knights and soldiers that many a stern eye shed tears to
+see the treatment suffered by a man so renowned for his bravery and
+nobility of character.</p>
+
+<p>The troops of the escort now surrounded him and conducted him away to
+the place of execution. All along the road Richard watched anxiously
+to see if he could see some friendly face that would give to him the
+promise of a rescue, but seeing none, he commenced to despair, and
+made the resolve to accept his fate, asking for a priest to assist
+him in his last moments. This Des Rives refused, but Oger, who formed
+part of the escort, became indignant <span class="pagenum" id="Page_159">159</span>and roundly denounced the
+dastardly nephew of Foulques de Morillon, for he, himself, was honest
+and upright, and would have granted the request; he was even about to
+see that it was done, when at this instant they were set upon by the
+soldiers of Maugis and taken completely by surprise.</p>
+
+<p>The cowardly Des Rives then threw himself at the feet of his prisoner
+and abjectly protested that he had only acted in the manner he had done
+at the command of his superiors, that he was even forced into doing so
+upon the penalty of his life. Strange drift of circumstances it was,
+that he, the executioner, should thus supplicate to Richard as if he
+himself were the condemned.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile, Alard and Guichard had hemmed in the imperial troops, but
+not before Oger, Turpin and Olivier had made their escape, leaving
+Ganelon and Pinabel, the low companions of Des Rives, to extricate
+themselves the best they could.</p>
+
+<p>Renaud, who had captured Des Rives, would have then and there slain
+him, but Maugis dissuaded him. Then being made aware how Des Rives had
+volunteered to perform a cowardly action so unworthy of knighthood,
+he ordered him to prepare himself for his final punishment. In vain
+the coward threw himself at his feet and begged for mercy. Maugis
+was unpitying, and Des Rives was forthwith strung from the very
+gibbet that was destined for Richard. Before re-entering the fortress
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_160">160</span>Maugis wished to see his Cousin Oger, but found he had returned to
+the imperial camp. Then Richard, so recently freed, smarting from
+the indignities offered him, volunteered to make a sortie into the
+camp of his unsuspecting enemies, and penetrate even to the tent of
+Charlemagne. Maugis, thinking this possible, consented, and gave him an
+escort of five hundred men, and he also hung about his brother’s neck
+his own horn, at a signal from which he promised to come to his rescue,
+if necessary, with the main body of his troops.</p>
+
+<p>By means of a more direct route, Richard and his company were enabled
+to arrive at the camp of the emperor before the fugitives of Des Rives’
+escort could arrive. Stationing his troops at some little distance
+away, mounted on the horse of Des Rives, disguised by his armor, and
+holding in his hand the banner of the traitor, Richard penetrated
+boldly into the camp as far as the tent of the emperor, who, mistaking
+him for the villain, had no doubt but that the execution had been
+accomplished. Naimes, who had remained at the camp, did not doubt that
+it was really Des Rives. Oger, Turpin, and Olivier, who had retreated
+when Maugis surrounded the imperial escort, thought it might be
+Pinabel, who, having escaped, was returning. A perfect storm of insult
+was then hurled at the head of the supposed Des Rives. In a paroxysm of
+rage, Oger rushed forward, grasped the bridle of his <span class="pagenum" id="Page_161">161</span>horse, drew his
+sword and threatened him with death. It was in vain Charlemagne tried
+to calm him, and Richard was finally forced to speak, saying, as he
+raised the visor of his helmet:</p>
+
+<p>“All is well, my dear cousin; it is not the coward Des Rives whom you
+address; it is your cousin, who once more exposes his life to render to
+you his thanks for the great service you would have rendered him.”</p>
+
+<p>Transported with joy, Oger was hastening to embrace him, when
+Charlemagne interposed himself between them; flying into violent rage,
+he pushed his horse against that of Richard, and he aimed at Richard a
+violent blow with his sword, which the latter succeeded in parrying,
+then put himself on the defensive. Now, thoroughly furious, the emperor
+cried:</p>
+
+<p>“Montjoie!” in stentorian tone.</p>
+
+<p>At the sound of this famous war-cry, the camp was aroused, and the
+imperial soldiers came rushing toward the tent, but Richard had by this
+time given the signal from his horn and his nine hundred men came upon
+the scene, precipitately to the rescue.</p>
+
+<p>The <em>mêlée</em> then became general; all the pent-up hatreds and
+passions and prejudices came uppermost. By chance, Charlemagne and
+Maugis met and charged upon each other with fury, and with such force
+that they unhorsed each other; then, sword in hand, they renewed the
+action on foot, <span class="pagenum" id="Page_162">162</span>without either gaining any advantage; the great
+warrior emperor, whose arms were celebrated as being invincible,
+little accustomed to meeting such sturdy resistance, manifested his
+astonishment aloud. At the sound of his well-known voice, Maugis, who
+had not recognized the emperor, his face being concealed by his visor,
+immediately lowered his sword, approached and kneeled before him to the
+earth.</p>
+
+<p>“Sire!” said he humbly, “accord me a truce and I will engage my
+knightly word you will never again have cause of complaint against me,
+only I ask not to have any of my privileges taken from me, except by
+due legal process.”</p>
+
+<p>“Who art thou?” demanded the astonished emperor; “to whom am I asked to
+give my word?”</p>
+
+<p>“I am Maugis,” responded the knight, “and I ask you for pardon for
+me and mine, assuring you it is not the fear of being conquered that
+causes me to make this supplication; it is because I desire to enter
+into good relations with you and to once more put to your service my
+courage and my sword.”</p>
+
+<p>It was not without a certain reluctance that the emperor consented to
+talk with a man whom he detested, but at the same time admired.</p>
+
+<p>“I will grant thee peace, only on one condition,” he sternly replied.</p>
+
+<p>“Sire, if thou wouldst but name it.”</p>
+
+<p>“That condition is,” responded the emperor; “thou shalt deliver up to
+me thy cousin Renaud.”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_163">163</span></p>
+
+<p>“But, sire,” said Maugis pleadingly, “even did I not love my cousin I
+could not be so lost to honor as to deliver him up, even if it were to
+redeem my own brother from death.”</p>
+
+<p>“Then I will promise nothing,” thundered the emperor, “but war, and war
+all the time. Defend thyself,” he shouted, “I will, at least, permit
+thee to fight with me.”</p>
+
+<p>Saying this, Charlemagne rushed upon Maugis and struck him such a
+terrible blow with his sword that the shield of Maugis was shivered.
+Transported with rage, Maugis, in his turn, threw himself upon the
+emperor, and dragging him from his horse, held him in a herculean
+grasp, in his left hand, while with his right he fought all who came to
+the rescue of his prey. At this juncture Roland came up and attacked
+Maugis so fiercely that to defend himself he was obliged to set loose
+his royal prisoner. Then, freeing himself to fight, he turned upon
+Roland and, seconded by his brothers, forced him to take flight to save
+himself from being captured. Furious to have been compelled to yield to
+the emperor, Maugis sounded the retreat, and with his troops returned
+to the château in good order.</p>
+
+<p>His blood now thoroughly aroused, on the morning of the next day Maugis
+took three thousand men with him and again directed a movement against
+the camp of Charlemagne, resolved this time to penetrate to his very
+tent and master him.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_164">164</span></p>
+
+<p>So sudden was their movement, and so unanticipated, that by a furious
+charge he was able to penetrate to the very portal of the royal
+pavilion. Maugis surmounted it and with one stroke of the sword severed
+the golden eagle at its apex, and descended to the earth safely, where
+he was met by his cousin Renaud, and together they secured their prize.
+The four sons of Aymon were, in the meantime, surrounded by a multitude
+of confused imperial soldiers, whom they threw down and slew without
+pity.</p>
+
+<p>Thinking this a favorable moment, Renaud alone retired from the fight
+to secure a hiding place for the golden eagle, and returned hastily,
+only to find that the brothers had gone. He next encountered Olivier
+and Roland, but turning his horse and evading their strokes, he took
+flight, not realizing how close a pursuit was following him. Near
+Belancon, he thought to rest, when suddenly he found himself in the
+midst of a troop who were pursuing him with desperation. Impatient with
+a pursuit so incessant, Renaud turned and made a terrible charge upon
+the leader of his enemies, who, however, did not await his onslaught,
+but met him halfway, and with a stroke of his lance wounded the
+intrepid Renaud, throwing him from his horse. Renaud, half-stunned,
+arose and vigorously defended himself, and with such great energy that
+Olivier cried out to him:</p>
+
+<p>“Yield, brave knight, you court inevitable death; it were a pity to
+hide such courage and such valor in the obscurity of death.”</p>
+
+<figure class="figcenter illowp100" id="i_p164">
+  <img class="bbox" src="images/i_p164.jpg" alt="">
+  <figcaption>YE OLDE CITIE OF MOUZON.</figcaption>
+</figure>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_165">165</span></p>
+
+<p>“Who art thou,” exclaimed Renaud, “who summons me to surrender, and who
+fights so fiercely?”</p>
+
+<p>“I am Olivier, and to place yourself in my power is no disgrace;
+therefore yield, I pray you.”</p>
+
+<p>“I accept,” replied Renaud; “but on one condition, and that is, that,
+if I give myself up, it be agreed I am your prisoner and your prisoner
+only; it being well understood that no matter what order you may
+receive, or what importance the person is who gives it, you are not to
+deliver me up; this is the sole condition I impose.”</p>
+
+<p>“I give thee my knightly word,” said Olivier.</p>
+
+<p>“I know you well, Olivier,” continued Renaud, “and I was certain in
+advance what your reply would be. Know me now, I am Renaud, and you may
+understand why I make these conditions, as Charlemagne is my bitter
+enemy.”</p>
+
+<p>Olivier took Renaud to his camp, helped him off with his armor, bathed
+his wounds, and placed him in his own bed.</p>
+
+<p>When the news of the capture of Renaud reached the ears of the emperor,
+he sent an officer to Olivier, commanding him to deliver his prisoner.
+Olivier, though loyally anxious to obey the orders of his sovereign,
+was restrained by the conditions Renaud had made when he surrendered
+himself; he therefore hastened to the emperor to explain.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_166">166</span></p>
+
+<p>“Sire,” said Olivier, “I have given my word not to yield my prisoner,
+and thou knowest I am a man who never violates his promise.”</p>
+
+<p>“S’death!” cried Charlemagne in a rage; “knowest thou, sir, that the
+first duty of a knight is to submit without restrictions to the orders
+of his king, and that all other oaths are as nothing before the oath of
+fidelity to his master.”</p>
+
+<p>After Olivier had retired, the emperor bethought him that he had a
+means whereby the scruples of Olivier might be overcome. He accordingly
+ordered Roland, the Archbishop Turpin, and the Duke de Naimes, to take
+Renaud from Olivier by force, thinking Olivier would accept this as
+releasing him from his word, inasmuch as Renaud would be taken from
+him by compulsion. Olivier, however, thought otherwise when the three
+envoys appeared at his tent, demanding Renaud; he drew his sword, and
+swore he would kill any man who endeavored to execute that order, even
+if he were the bravest in the army.</p>
+
+<p>Renaud, who had overheard all this contention, not being willing that
+Olivier should meet with disgrace on his account, then came forward and
+said:</p>
+
+<p>“Sir knights, I place myself in your hands, and hereby disengage
+Olivier of his word.”</p>
+
+<p>“I also disengage thee of thine,” cried Olivier, not to be outdone in
+generosity; “you may take your liberty,” continued he, “because you are
+my <span class="pagenum" id="Page_167">167</span>prisoner and mine only, and no person here has any right to you.”</p>
+
+<p>Charlemagne was furious; he ordered the rearrest of Renaud at once, and
+ordered him to be brought into his presence. Said he:</p>
+
+<p>“I shall recognize no pledges made to thee, prepare to die; nothing
+shall save you, now that you are in my power. I vow to you a death of
+the most frightful and degrading kind.”</p>
+
+<p>Having said this, the emperor gave an order for his heralds to go
+forward under the walls of Montaubon and announce to Maugis the
+punishment of his cousin.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+<div class="chapter">
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_168">168</span>
+  <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XIII">CHAPTER XIII.</h2>
+</div>
+
+<p>Charlemagne sought to establish his right for having taken Renaud in
+his power. The emperor called an assemblage of the highest peers of his
+court. Said he to them:</p>
+
+<p>“My lords, you are well aware of the causes of the hatred I bear
+toward Renaud; you know the last outrage he has committed was to tear
+the golden eagle from the top of my tent; he hath even attacked our
+royal person, and had it not been for the aid of Olivier and divine
+Providence, which always protects the cause of the just, I should at
+least have been wounded. It was his intention to kill me none the less.
+He is therefore culpable. Even if I did not occupy the elevated rank
+which places me at your head, I would not pardon him. Settling the
+matter between us by personal combat is out of the question. I am an
+emperor, and I must see that justice is rendered, and I must set the
+example. I will not accuse him of having attempted my life. I will not
+seek to punish him for his crime of lese-majesty, but he shall suffer
+the direst punishment like a traitor to his oath for having supported
+the <span class="pagenum" id="Page_169">169</span>four sons of Aymon, and above all, for having taken up arms
+against me.”</p>
+
+<p>“I now order that he be immediately given to the flames.”</p>
+
+<p>Then arose Leon de Hautfeuille, a wise courtier.</p>
+
+<p>“Sire,” said he, “there can be no exception taken to thy just
+resentment, but if thou dost carry thy sentence out immediately, will
+it not encourage Maugis and his brothers in the belief that thou
+fearest a rescue from them so much thou decidest to be rid of Renaud at
+once?”</p>
+
+<p>If there was one point upon which Charlemagne was sensitive it was
+self-pride; a mere suggestion of this kind would arouse him, and it was
+through this weakness in his noble character that Ganelon and others
+accomplished their designs; although Leon was honest, the suggestion
+was sufficient to cause the emperor to postpone the execution until
+the morrow, and he further ordered that this time, that there might be
+no possibility of a rescue, that Renaud be placed under a strong guard
+composed of twelve peers, Charlemagne telling them that he would hold
+them responsible for his person.</p>
+
+<p>Renaud gave his word, to the twelve peers who guarded him, laughingly,
+that he would not stir during the night without their permission, and
+did he do so he would not go without first seeing the emperor. His
+words were prophetic.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile, the news of the terrible position of <span class="pagenum" id="Page_170">170</span>Renaud reached
+Montaubon. It caused the utmost concern to all, for Renaud was dearly
+beloved. The enemy being now thoroughly prepared for surprise, a rescue
+by means of a sortie was out of the question. Now for the first time in
+all their trials was an appeal made to Maugis to exercise his occult
+powers. There was no hope for Renaud otherwise. To these pleadings
+Maugis replied:</p>
+
+<p>“My brothers, it is useless; I cannot, though it is possible I might
+release Renaud by my secret powers. Thou shouldst remember that I have
+made a solemn oath before God and man to utterly abandon and forever
+give them up; not only have I made this sacred oath before man, but I
+did solemnly pledge my knightly word and honor to my wife, Yolande,
+that I would forget, disuse, and put by those early teachings of the
+secret art forever and forever. To break my oath to God would be a
+sacrilege condemning me to eternal punishment, and to break my oath to
+Yolande would so dishonor me that I could never face my kind again.”</p>
+
+<p>“What if Yolande would absolve thee of thine oath?” asked Alard.</p>
+
+<p>“Then should I be left to face my oath to God.”</p>
+
+<p>“Then Renaud must perish,” cried Richard.</p>
+
+<p>“Even so,” responded Maugis sadly.</p>
+
+<p>Realizing that further pleadings were in vain, the brothers sought the
+tender Yolande, and told her of the terrible position of their cousin.
+Much as she <span class="pagenum" id="Page_171">171</span>feared occult things, as did every one at that period, the
+fate of Renaud appealed strongly to her sympathies; to feel that any
+means of rescue should be used to preserve him from a horrible death at
+the stake caused her to throw aside her scruples and fears; and flying
+to the side of Maugis, she added her pleadings to those of the others,
+and so, overcome by them all, he finally yielded his consent, sadly
+depressed, though confident he could save his cousin.</p>
+
+<p>It was midnight in the camp of Charlemagne; the tent where Renaud slept
+calmly was silent; two knights remained on watch at the door; the rest
+were reposing in sleep on their arms, ready to spring up from the
+slightest alarm. A shadowy figure now appeared on the scene, gliding
+noiselessly toward the door; though they looked directly at it the
+guard saw it not, and when the shape glided toward them and lifted its
+shadowy hand in front of their faces, they, too, joined their comrades
+in slumber, sinking under a deep hypnotic spell. It was the work of a
+moment for the shadow to glide within the tent and set Renaud free,
+and a few moments later, unharmed and undiscovered, he was on his way
+toward the castle of Montaubon.</p>
+
+<p>Maugis, however, felt that he had not completed his work. Charlemagne
+had that night visited his prisoner to assure himself that he was
+well guarded, and had then retired; determined, however, to remain
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_172">172</span>awake, he resisted his desire to sleep until near midnight, and then
+so anxious was he for revenge that he arose and gave orders that
+preparations should be made for the execution at daybreak.</p>
+
+<p>It was at this moment that Renaud stood erect among his sleeping
+guards, stripped of his chains, and a few moments later the shadowy
+figure of Maugis entered the tent of the emperor, who had meanwhile
+fallen into a deep sleep. As Maugis appeared on the scene he came upon
+Roland, who was endeavoring to awaken the emperor; it required but a
+few passes of that shadowy hand to cause the eyes of Roland to also
+close into a helpless state of somnambulance. The emperor was sleeping;
+Roland slept; the guards slept; and Maugis was alone with the emperor
+free to work his will. One stroke of the poignard would relieve him
+at once of his persecution and his persecutor, but no thought of
+committing this cowardly act possessed his noble soul. It was with the
+greatest reluctance he had used his occult powers in the rescue of his
+cousin. He was, however, content to humiliate the emperor and Roland,
+so he took from the side of Charlemagne his sword, the sword of Roland,
+famous by the name of “Durandel,” and the but little less noted sword
+of Olivier, called “Haute Clair.” He also took the swords of the twelve
+peers who had guarded Renaud; he hesitated not to visit the treasure of
+the emperor, taking therefrom his crown, <span class="pagenum" id="Page_173">173</span>his jewels and his precious
+stones; all this he bore away and placed in the hands of a faithful
+shepherd nearby, promising to reward him well for his fidelity and
+discretion. Once more returning to the tent of the emperor he bound him
+by one leg to the bed by one of the chains which had held Renaud, and
+departed noiselessly and undiscovered.</p>
+
+<p>As the shadowy figure was just passing through the opening of the
+tent, Charlemagne awoke, and seeing the gliding form, he recognized
+the gigantic proportions of Maugis. He could hardly believe his eyes;
+he sprang up and would have followed him, but it was useless; he was
+retained by the chain with which Maugis had attached him to the bed.</p>
+
+<p>“What ho!” he shouted.</p>
+
+<p>Then he called for his attendants by name, but of Roland and all the
+lords in waiting nobody responded; every one was in a profound sleep.</p>
+
+<p>What had happened? then suddenly he realized that his suite had all
+succumbed to the magic art of Maugis, and that all his efforts to
+arouse them would be in vain, and he fell back dejected on his bed.</p>
+
+<p>Maugis, having taken his departure, hastened to join the shepherd
+with whom he had left the treasure, and having recommended him to
+continue guarding it with care, he took once more the road to the camp
+of Charlemagne; but this time, <span class="pagenum" id="Page_174">174</span>thoroughly disguised, with body bent,
+and face drawn, assuming the appearance of a travel-worn pilgrim. Thus
+changed he presented himself again to the emperor, who lay depressed
+and consumed with rage, still bound to his bed.</p>
+
+<p>“Holy father, enter thou quickly,” cried Charlemagne to the supposed
+pilgrim.</p>
+
+<p>“What has happened?” exclaimed the holy father; “when I was coming
+hither I passed freely in and no one stopped me; all thy lords and
+knights were sleeping, and there was no guard before thy tent.”</p>
+
+<p>“It is the work of that sorcerer Maugis. Come hither and break the
+chains which hold me prisoner.”</p>
+
+<p>The pretended pilgrim approached, and after some efforts succeeded in
+freeing the discomfited emperor, who, being grateful, gave him gold;
+this the pilgrim did not hesitate to quickly put in his pockets.
+Then the emperor discovered a small bottle containing a very clear
+liquid lying upon his couch. The pilgrim would have picked it up, when
+Charlemagne shouted:</p>
+
+<p>“Have a care, holy father! that bottle belongs to Maugis, and without
+doubt contains some death-dealing liquid, with which he intended my
+destruction.”</p>
+
+<p>Following these words, he dashed the vial into pieces upon the ground.
+It then happened the <span class="pagenum" id="Page_175">175</span>liquid gave forth a subtle odor, which penetrated
+everywhere and everyone was awakened; barons and knights, chiefs and
+soldiers, all awoke and rubbed their eyes with astonishment to see the
+pilgrim with the emperor, the entry of whom had aroused no one.</p>
+
+<p>The emperor then recounted to his peers and courtiers what had
+happened, and gave hasty orders for the immediate pursuit of the
+fugitive. It chanced at this time that when the peers put their hands
+down to their sides they perceived that their swords were missing,
+and at this moment the guardian of the treasury rushed in, almost
+breathless with excitement, and told the emperor that crown, jewels,
+precious stones, and money, all had disappeared.</p>
+
+<p>The emperor and the entire court were astounded, and gazed upon each
+other in dismay. They were appalled by the awful power that had been
+wielded against them. The emperor was the first to recover his senses.</p>
+
+<p>“I will go myself in pursuit,” he shouted. “It will not be long before
+we capture him; has any one seen him leave the camp, and what road hath
+he taken?”</p>
+
+<p>“Sire!” said the supposed pilgrim, “I can be thy guide. Coming hither,
+a figure hurried by me, bearing swords and other objects in his arms,
+and I know the road by which he left the camp, but thou must give me a
+horse to lead thee with. I am too feeble to walk.”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_176">176</span></p>
+
+<p>A horse was secured immediately, and escorted by Charlemagne and
+several knights, he started forth upon the road in pursuit of Maugis.</p>
+
+<p>In the meantime, the soldiers had been aroused, and taking up their
+arms followed in the rear. The pilgrim being once more on horseback
+felt at his ease.</p>
+
+<p>“I am not now very skillful,” said he. “I am not strong, but if you
+will give me a sword, I feel I could use it once more, possibly well if
+required, because in other days I used to manage a sword like a master.”</p>
+
+<p>He was given a sword as he requested, and they continued upon the road.</p>
+
+<p>Our pilgrim, followed by the imperial troops, now entered into a deep
+gorge, a narrow passage formed on either side by inaccessible rocks.</p>
+
+<p>“If thou wilt permit me, sire,” said the pilgrim, “I think we have
+nearly overtaken him, and I will now march alone in advance, because if
+Maugis sees me mounted upon a good horse, he will seek to capture it,
+then I can summon you to my assistance, and by coming up quickly make
+yourself master of this wicked sorcerer.”</p>
+
+<p>This stratagem was thought to be good and the emperor approved of it.
+Accordingly Maugis left them, and going some distance forward out of
+their sight, hurriedly dismounted, and ascended, by means of a secret
+path known only to himself, <span class="pagenum" id="Page_177">177</span>the high rock on one side of the gorge,
+and appeared at the top overlooking the imperial cavalcade; then
+throwing off his disguise, assumed his own form and stood erect in full
+view of the astonished emperor and his knights.</p>
+
+<p>“I am Maugis!” he shouted, “whom you would unjustly send to death, and
+to-day I defy you once more, Charlemagne the proud! Do you recognize
+here your crown and your treasures? and you, sir knights, the haughty
+companions of your master, here are your swords, all in my power.
+However, thou canst have them once more—if the emperor will grant peace
+to the four sons of Aymon, all will be given back to you.”</p>
+
+<p>Amid the furious cries of rage caused by this audacious defiance,
+Maugis disappeared before their eyes.</p>
+
+<p>While the pride of Charlemagne and his peers was deeply wounded,
+not all the knights could restrain from laughing, secretly among
+themselves, at their misadventures, for the bravery and audacity of
+Maugis and his brothers had raised them highly in their estimation.</p>
+
+<p>Being at last free from Charlemagne and his troops, Maugis returned
+quietly to Montaubon with the treasures. He was received there with
+the greatest joy, and when he showed his booty every one hastened to
+congratulate him on the success of his enterprise. The wealth was taken
+care of, and to the <span class="pagenum" id="Page_178">178</span>rage and mortification of Charlemagne, his golden
+eagle adorned the most elevated position on the château of Montaubon,
+for on the following morning when Charlemagne saw his golden eagle
+resplendent in the rays of the sun, he was astounded. He called his
+peers and said to them:</p>
+
+<p>“We are dishonored, and we must secure ourselves at any price.”</p>
+
+<p>He thereupon called the Duke de Naimes and Oger, who were relatives of
+Maugis, and ordered them to go to him, and say that if he would return
+what had been taken he would be granted a truce of two years.</p>
+
+<p>It was an imposing procession that set out for the château Montaubon,
+headed by the two knights and followed by the flower of the court, and
+when they appeared before Maugis and his brothers, they were given a
+cordial and gracious reception.</p>
+
+<p>“Brave knights,” said Oger, “thou canst not ignore the fact that the
+Duke de Naimes and myself have personally done all we could to stop
+this war, and that it would have terminated long since if the emperor
+had listened to our advice; this being so, we have some cause to ask
+thee to return our swords into our hands, and that if thou wilt also
+render all that thou hast taken from Charlemagne into our hands, he
+will grant thee a truce of two years.”</p>
+
+<p>“Noble lords, and sir knights,” responded Maugis, “gladly will I grant
+thy request, and willingly <span class="pagenum" id="Page_179">179</span>will I return unto Charlemagne all that
+has been taken from him, on the condition of two years’ truce, and I
+can only hope and pray that during this time a final peace will be
+concluded.”</p>
+
+<p>Then Maugis gave to each knight his own sword, and put into the
+possession of the Duke de Naimes all the treasure of the emperor that
+had been taken from him.</p>
+
+<p>The generosity and nobility of character Maugis had shown in this
+matter awoke the friendly feeling and admiration of every peer of
+Charlemagne’s court. Even the emperor was affected almost to tears, and
+a general demand arose that the war be ended and peace be granted the
+brave young men. A certain number of the courtiers went to Montaubon
+and endeavored to persuade Maugis to appear again before the emperor,
+now that his heart had been somewhat softened, and endeavor to secure
+peace, and when Maugis, though strongly persuaded, hesitated, the Baron
+de Estouville even offered to remain at Montaubon as a hostage, and the
+Duke de Naimes, in behalf of all the knights present, guaranteed Maugis
+should return uninjured, then Maugis, finally, decided to go, though
+much against the advice of Yolande, who would have him absolutely
+refuse. When the party at last set out and had covered half the
+distance to the camp of Charlemagne, Oger and the Duke de Naimes, after
+consulting Maugis, rode forward to see Charlemagne, in order to prepare
+him for the coming interview.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_180">180</span></p>
+
+<p>Unhappily, fate seemed to pursue the dove of peace all through the
+career of Maugis and his brave brothers; no sooner did the horizon
+brighten for them than dark clouds would again gather and the storm
+beset them more furiously than ever. In this case it was Pinabel, an
+intimate of Ganelon, who, seeing what was going on, mounted his horse
+and hastened to the emperor, that he might arrive there first and
+prejudice him against the project of the two knights.</p>
+
+<p>By making false reports, all kinds of calumnies, and above all, by
+appealing to the well-known weakness in the character of Charlemagne,
+his self-pride, appeals to which he was always susceptible, it hardly
+needed the lies and misrepresentations in addition to persuade him that
+the coming of Maugis was an insult if not a treachery.</p>
+
+<p>So furious was the emperor made by the crafty deceits of Pinabel, that
+he summoned Olivier, saying:</p>
+
+<p>“Harken me well, and obey me. I command thee to take four hundred men
+and go forward on the road to Montaubon, where thou wilt encounter the
+traitor Maugis and his brother Alard, who have the supreme assurance to
+insult me by coming hither. I command thee, thou shalt make them thy
+prisoners, even if thou dost lose thy entire force, and fail not,” he
+added sternly, “under pain of my displeasure.”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_181">181</span></p>
+
+<p>“I go, sire,” replied Olivier, who forthwith departed.</p>
+
+<p>Olivier, who had no knowledge of the pledge given by Oger and the Duke
+de Naimes, assembled his troops quickly and departed on his mission.</p>
+
+<p>It was at the very moment he left that Oger and his noble companion
+arrived to announce to the emperor the result of their embassy.</p>
+
+<p>“Sire,” said Oger, “we have come to announce to thee that Maugis and
+his brother Alard are on their way hither to sue thee for peace; almost
+without exception the peers of thy court are lost in admiration of the
+nobility of character and the bravery of these young men. Sire, it is
+our devotion to thee, as well, that leads us to wish a reconciliation,
+that this cruel war may be ended with honor to both parties; we beseech
+thee, then, sire, to listen to their penitencies and grant them again
+thy favor, and be assured, sire, it will be an act to add to thy
+renown, and will be another instance of thy greatness of character.”</p>
+
+<p>“Thou hast gone too far,” said the emperor coldly.</p>
+
+<p>At these words the brave old soldier hesitated not to face the emperor
+and declared flatly:</p>
+
+<p>“Sire! though our act may give thee displeasure, it was committed in
+the interest of justice and through devotion to thine own interests.
+It was the Duke de Naimes who has caused them to visit <span class="pagenum" id="Page_182">182</span>thee on the
+guarantee of our word of honor that they should be protected; rather
+than that be violated, I will, myself, if necessary, at the head of my
+own men, protect him from any one who shall put the least insult upon a
+man I now regard as a common friend.”</p>
+
+<p>During this time Olivier had proceeded along the road until he
+encountered Maugis, who was marching alone, without arms, leading
+Bayard peacefully at the head of his escort. On seeing Olivier and
+his troops, Maugis turned quickly to the Archbishop Turpin and De
+Estonville, saying:</p>
+
+<p>“You have betrayed me, behold the troops that come to make me prisoner.”</p>
+
+<p>“We have not betrayed you,” replied the knights, and De Estonville
+added:</p>
+
+<p>“God forfend us from committing such a vile infamy, and to prove it we
+will join in your defense, and will fight for you to the death.”</p>
+
+<p>While they were having this discussion, Roland dashed up to sustain
+Olivier. The three knights, however, were determined to treat the
+affair with resolution, advancing to within a hundred paces of the
+opposing force, and shouting:</p>
+
+<p>“Roland! stop, I pray you, in the name of honor, in the name of our
+word pledged, that not any injury shall befall Maugis and Alard, if
+they would visit the emperor and sue for peace.”</p>
+
+<p>Olivier, who had left at the head of his troops <span class="pagenum" id="Page_183">183</span>against the dictates
+of his own heart to fulfill the mission for the emperor, was the first
+to accept this explanation joyfully, in which he was quickly joined by
+Roland, who said:</p>
+
+<p>“We join you, with our brave companions; not only will we not arrest
+you, but if Maugis wishes we will all accompany you direct to the tent
+of Charlemagne. We could not do otherwise; we are all united in the
+same thought that Maugis should be accorded peace, plain and entire,
+and now is the time to have this miserable war terminated.”</p>
+
+<p>In saying this, Roland uttered the sincere sentiments of his heart
+toward Maugis, having always found him so brave, so loyal, and so
+true, and he could not restrain from testifying to his feelings on
+this occasion. Entirely reassured by this friendliness, Maugis yielded
+himself into their hands, and they all, once more, took up their march
+for the camp.</p>
+
+<p>On their arrival the emperor greeted them with a stern brow, and his
+face flushed with anger; a great hush fell upon the assembled company
+and an embarrassing silence ensued that was of ominous portent. Oger
+would have spoken, but Charlemagne, with an imperious gesture, stopped
+him, saying in a voice hoarse with passion:</p>
+
+<p>“Silence! I am your master, let it suffice, once for all that I have
+decided that this traitor Maugis shall be punished like a rebel, as he
+is, and this time he shall not escape me.”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_184">184</span></p>
+
+<p>“Sire, that we shall not willingly permit,” responded the veteran Oger,
+fearlessly gazing into the face of Charlemagne. “No! it shall not be
+said we have given our word in vain; our honor is above all and unto
+the gravest consequences, understand, we shall defend him against you.”</p>
+
+<p>At these defiant words a great hush fell upon the assembled courtiers,
+and so intense was the moment that not a word was said, while
+Charlemagne sat with eyes blazing, clutching his robe in his hands too
+amazed for utterance.</p>
+
+<p>It was at this moment that Maugis, perceiving a situation so tense
+would evidently lead to a conflict, advanced and modestly addressing
+the emperor, said:</p>
+
+<p>“Sire! I have complied with all the conditions you have imposed
+upon me. I have not swerved from a single point. I came here alone,
+without arms, on the faith of these brave knights to ratify with you
+the basis of a peace. What reproaches can I merit for this? If I have
+fought against thee, it is because thou hast incessantly pursued me;
+because thou hast tracked me like a wild beast, and all because at the
+beginning I refused to sustain thee in a war where my honor commanded
+me to remain neutral. Ah, sire!” earnestly pleaded Maugis, “reflect,
+examine my actions well; judge my conduct with impartiality, and thou
+wilt end in rendering me the justice which is my due.”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_185">185</span></p>
+
+<p>It needed but these firm and modest words to add to the evident signs
+of disapproval on the part of his courtiers to convince Charlemagne
+that he had gone too far; that with but few exceptions his entire court
+was against him, and that if he continued his policy there would be
+no other outcome than his own humiliation, if not defeat. Quick of
+resource, however, he pondered but a moment before he made reply, and
+turning to Maugis, said:</p>
+
+<p>“Art thou prepared to make thy cause good, in single combat arms in
+hand?”</p>
+
+<p>This change in the aspect of the subject by an appeal to a single
+combat was a happy thought; it restored the emperor in the opinion of
+his knights and offered a solution of the differences customary and
+honorable in those warlike times. Maugis, on his part, hailing any
+prospects to secure peace with joy, promptly answered:</p>
+
+<p>“Right willingly, sire, will I accept thy challenge; and all I ask is,
+that the Archbishop Turpin, Oger, the Duke de Naimes and Olivier will
+be my seconds.”</p>
+
+<p>The knights mentioned immediately gave their consent. Maugis was at
+once liberated. Here Roland came forward, saying:</p>
+
+<p>“Sire! I beg thee that I may be allowed to take thy place in the coming
+duel.”</p>
+
+<p>“I cannot consent,” responded Charlemagne.</p>
+
+<p>“And it please thy majesty,” cried Maugis, <span class="pagenum" id="Page_186">186</span>“right willingly will I
+accept him as thy substitute.”</p>
+
+<p>“Then be it so,” replied Charlemagne.</p>
+
+<p>Maugis then quickly mounted his horse, saluted all present, departed,
+having previously taken leave of his new friends, all promising to meet
+at the rendezvous fixed for the duel on the following day.</p>
+
+<p>Upon the return of Maugis to Montaubon, his people, thinking peace
+had been concluded, greeted him with congratulations and rejoicings;
+he only pausing long enough on it to thank them warmly, hastened to
+Yolande, who from the time of his departure had suffered a constant
+inquietude; after reassuring her, he turned to his brothers, saying:</p>
+
+<p>“My friends, on the morrow I go to engage in a most terrible combat
+with one of the bravest of knights. Shall I conquer? I know not! If I
+succumb, in the name of the love which you have always had for me, I
+commend to your care my wife and my children; save them from the rage
+of Charlemagne. I have right on my side. My courage is equal to that of
+Roland. I have confidence in divine justice, but against all that I may
+fall.”</p>
+
+<p>At these words everyone had tears in their eyes though they tried to
+conceal them, and the three brothers of Maugis insisted that Renaud
+should be left in command of Montaubon while they accompanied him to
+the field of the combat.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+<div class="chapter">
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_187">187</span>
+  <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XIV">CHAPTER XIV.</h2>
+</div>
+
+<p>When the next day had come, Roland early sought the emperor to take
+leave of him. He was armed and ready to depart, but before quitting he
+besought Charlemagne to have the grace to accord to Maugis and the four
+sons of Aymon the peace they had so long asked for, no matter what the
+issue of the coming combat might be, but Charlemagne, though depressed
+by sad reflections and by the thought of the evil consequences that had
+come from the bad advice he had received, made no reply.</p>
+
+<p>A little later, when Maugis arrived on the field, he found Roland
+already there. It was a superb day; the renown of the two knights,
+their bravery, and their skill with arms, made the outcome of the
+duel uncertain. A vast concourse of knights had assembled to witness
+the contest, and a deep hush of expectancy fell upon all when the two
+knights advanced toward each other on the field to begin the duel.</p>
+
+<p>“I am now here,” said Roland, addressing Maugis, “to lay you in the
+dust; you have thought <span class="pagenum" id="Page_188">188</span>yourself invincible long enough; but to-day you
+will find that I am your master.”</p>
+
+<p>“Be moderate, Roland,” replied Maugis; “one is never sure, even the
+bravest knight may be overcome by one weaker than himself.”</p>
+
+<p>“I will maintain my word, I think, Maugis,” shouted Roland; “defend
+yourself, for your last hour is come.”</p>
+
+<p>At these words they charged each other, lance at rest, with great
+fury. At the very first shock the lances were shattered, and their
+shields were broken. Roland wavered in his saddle, and with difficulty
+maintained himself erect, while Maugis, unhorsed, fell twenty steps
+behind Bayard; but he was on his feet like a flash, and he mounted his
+horse with incredible agility, and sweeping down upon Roland, gave
+him a terrible blow with his sword, which, landing on his helmet,
+completely stunned him. Maugis, however, withdrew, giving him time to
+recover, and then they rushed anew at each other. Now ensued a battle
+of giants, which no words can adequately describe; the spectators
+were appalled by its ferocity; the dreadful blows they dealt each
+other were slowly denuding them of their armor piece by piece; sparks
+flew like lightning from the terrible flashing of their swords; but
+furious as the combat was, so skillful were they each, that neither
+one could deal the other a fatal blow. It was a magnificent contest,
+evoking cries of admiration <span class="pagenum" id="Page_189">189</span>from all sides; there could be but one
+end to their terrible exertion; becoming fatigued, they seized each
+other body to body and tried to throw each the other from his horse.
+It was impossible; breathless and almost helpless with fatigue,
+mutually astonished that neither could conquer the other, they waited
+a few moments to regain breath, each so battered as to be almost
+unrecognizable, they having left only fragments of their arms and but a
+few pieces of their clothing.</p>
+
+<p>The onlookers to this heroic duel felt they would like to have the
+fight ended then and there, and were so evenly divided by admiration
+for each of the combatants that they could not say whom they would have
+the victor. The emperor himself, all his sympathies aroused, felt that
+he would even give his crown to have the fight ended here, and was
+about to shout an order to have the duel stopped as the two combatants
+approached each other to recommence the battle.</p>
+
+<p>Before he could utter a sound, however, an astonishing sight greeted
+his eyes. Instead of beginning hostilities as they neared each other,
+the two knights, as if with one common impulse and actuated by the same
+sentiment, let their arms fall and then and there embraced each other.
+Maugis said to Roland:</p>
+
+<p>“Brave cousin! you have shown the greatest courage; neither one of us
+can conquer the other; <span class="pagenum" id="Page_190">190</span>we each seem to have the same strength, the
+same skill, and the same courage. God never made us to be enemies, but
+to be friends; let it be so. Come to Montaubon and be my guest; you
+will receive there all the consideration, honor and respect that are
+due you.”</p>
+
+<p>The spectators had lost nothing of this scene; a great demonstration
+of applause ensued, and cheer after cheer rent the air when the two
+knights were seen to embrace. Two men only did not participate in the
+public joy; they were Pinabel, the scheming nephew of Charlemagne, and
+Ganelon, his traitorous associate.</p>
+
+<p>“What means this?” said the astonished emperor.</p>
+
+<p>“Simply this,” replied Pinabel: “by some vile sorcery Maugis hath
+ensnared Roland and is bearing him to Montaubon.”</p>
+
+<p>“By St. Gris!” roared the emperor, furious. “I will never brook such
+insult, on to Montaubon! on to Montaubon!” he shouted to his knights.
+“I will take Roland by force from the hands of this rebel Maugis.”
+But the confusion in which the spectators and knights were mingled
+made it impossible to execute immediately any hostile movement of this
+kind, and Charlemagne, fuming and almost blind with rage, was forced
+to see Roland depart with Maugis, and he returned to his camp with
+the determination to draw a cordon around the walls of Montaubon and
+commence an immediate siege.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_191">191</span></p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile, Maugis, accompanied by Roland, and escorted by his brothers,
+had quietly entered the citadel, where Roland was received with all
+honors, and was greeted on all hands as the first knight of the world.</p>
+
+<p>It was a singular situation the enraged Charlemagne had to meet;
+continually stirred with rage by the evil advisers who had his ear on
+one hand, and on the other hand urged by the influential men of his
+court, who, lost in admiration of the brave struggle of the four sons
+of Aymon, regarded an honorable peace to them to be the proper course
+for the emperor to pursue. The next day, a delegation of knights waited
+upon him and stated that it was the general demand that such should
+be granted; they so appealed to the good sense of Charlemagne that he
+would have undoubtedly, then and there, yielded and acquiesced to the
+general demand.</p>
+
+<p>Never had the position of the conspirators who had heretofore been
+successful in preventing the good understanding between Charlemagne and
+the four sons of Aymon been so perilous. The <span lang="fr">Abbé</span> Gorieux, Ganelon and
+Pinabel held a hasty consultation.</p>
+
+<p>“Now what shall be done,” said Ganelon, biting his lips.</p>
+
+<p>“It is hopeless! I cannot see that anything can be done,” said Pinabel,
+grinding his teeth and clinching his hands, for he had a consuming
+hatred <span class="pagenum" id="Page_192">192</span>of Maugis, that one of his vile character could only have of
+a nature more noble. Within him hate had fed upon hate, until his one
+thought was how to wreak vengeance upon its object.</p>
+
+<p>“Delay, my friend; our hope is in delay,” the smooth voice of the
+crafty <span lang="fr">abbé</span> interposed. “Do thou now, Pinabel, influence the emperor to
+postpone his decision in this matter; it will give us chance to work
+our ends; indeed, it is our only hope,” he added despairingly.</p>
+
+<p>Pinabel at once hurried to the emperor, saying:</p>
+
+<p>“Sire, grant this peace, which is no doubt the proper course to pursue,
+for such a great war is surely impious,” he added hypocritically;
+“therefore, it indeed were well to grant the peace we all desire, only
+decide not hastily; take all means to assure thyself that this course
+will be appreciated by the rebellious sons of Aymon, that they will
+faithfully fulfill all conditions you may impose, and properly carry
+out the penances it is right they should suffer; what these conditions
+should be, what penances proper, it would be foolish to hastily decide;
+let us therefore use deliberation, that the realization of all our
+hopes, the peace that is so dear to us all, may be secured upon a firm
+and unchangeable basis.”</p>
+
+<p>This apparently candid, disinterested advice deceived the emperor, and
+he put off making a decision that day. Then the old scheme, which had
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_193">193</span>succeeded so often before, was brought into use. The emperor, however,
+was not so easily worked upon as he had formerly been; he, himself, had
+become tired with the war and strife, and although excessively enraged
+by his inability to conquer the redoubtable knights D’Aymon, and by
+their continued humiliation of him, he was too wise a monarch not to
+see the advantage of an honorable peace. Consequently the task of the
+conspirators was no light one.</p>
+
+<p>All day long one or another of the conspirators sought him, each
+dropping some poisoned suggestion in his ear, calculated to arouse his
+anger and cast doubt upon the honorable intentions of Maugis and his
+brothers. There was not wanting insinuations that Maugis was a minion
+of Satan, and that the very existence of so powerful a sorcerer was not
+only a threat to the life and well-being of the emperor, but to the
+very kingdom itself.</p>
+
+<p>“He should be promptly and utterly destroyed,” declared Ganelon.</p>
+
+<p>“Sire,” added Pinabel persuasively, “admitting the truth, is, that
+these fears are due to our personal devotion to you, which lead us to
+suggest them, and supposing even that our anticipations are due to an
+ardent zeal, surely the pardon you propose to grant the sons of Aymon
+would establish a bad precedent. Who knows?”</p>
+
+<p>“They have not feared to be false to their oath <span class="pagenum" id="Page_194">194</span>to their prince; they
+have revolted and openly made war on you; can any one sustain the
+example of the sons of Aymon? Each one invites your pardon only to
+serve his own ends. You will, of course, sire, do what seemeth best in
+your great wisdom; but even if thou dost pardon the four sons of Aymon,
+one of them should be given up to thee for punishment.”</p>
+
+<p>If Charlemagne, thus persuaded by the conspirators, had discussed this
+advice in the presence of all, there can be no doubt the result of
+these negotiations for peace would have been far different from that
+which followed.</p>
+
+<p>The next day the emperor, when everybody was assembled, the peers and
+all the courtiers and the four brothers, declared to the sons of Aymon
+that he had decided to pardon them.</p>
+
+<p>“I have one proviso,” said the emperor firmly, “that is, after thou
+hast fulfilled thy promises, thou shall deliver thy Cousin Renaud into
+my hands to be punished as an example. This is my final decision, and
+nought shall change it.”</p>
+
+<p>“Ah, well, sire,” cried Maugis sadly; “if this is all that thou wilt
+yield there can be no more said. I regret only that our humble prayers
+for thy pardon have not prevailed. We never would deliver Renaud to
+you, because our honor is opposed to it, and because there never was
+yet an Aymon who would purchase peace at the price of infamy and
+cowardice.”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_195">195</span></p>
+
+<p>Maugis and his brothers, then saluting the emperor with the most
+profound respect, withdrew.</p>
+
+<p>Charlemagne, now giving himself up entirely to his vindictive feelings,
+his rage for vengeance now paramount, summoned his council of state and
+outlined the course he had decided to follow; he ordered preparations
+to be made immediately for a general assault. The troops were to be
+assembled completely armed, under the walls of Montaubon, and the
+machines of war for hurling stones, catapaults and battering rams, were
+to be at once transported thither.</p>
+
+<p>Maugis, on his part, knowing what was coming, was not inactive; he
+placed his soldiers behind the ramparts to the best advantage to resist
+attack.</p>
+
+<p>The next day at sunrise the assault occurred, made with great vigor.
+Maugis allowed them to approach, place their scaling ladders, and
+even to commence to mount them, then at a given signal they by united
+effort created great havoc and carnage among them by pouring upon them
+boiling oil, and by burying them beneath a quantity of enormous stones;
+still the enemy persisted and the assault continued fiercely; but such
+was the awful slaughter of his troops, that at the end of an hour,
+the emperor, dismayed by his losses, ordered a retreat and re-entered
+the camp, followed by his depleted legions. He had suffered not only
+defeat, but disaster.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_196">196</span></p>
+
+<p>This experience taught the emperor that Montaubon could never be
+taken by assault, and he thereupon determined to blockade the château
+so vigorously, and by famine reducing its inhabitants to the last
+extremity, force them to capitulate. In fact, hunger had already
+commenced to worry them, and only a short time after this siege began
+the awful specter of starvation stared them in the face, and soon
+thereafter, men, women, and children were lying around exhausted with
+hunger, and striving to prolong their existence by eating the buds and
+roots of the trees.</p>
+
+<p>Famine, with all its horrors, was upon them, but still the impenetrable
+cordon remained encircling them, and the conspirators heard with
+vindictive glee of the terrible straits of the inhabitants of the
+castle.</p>
+
+<p>The situation of the people behind the ramparts of Montaubon was truly
+desperate. They were forced to devour all kinds of living animals and
+even insects, and at a point where everything seemed exhausted, to add
+to the horror, a pest followed, which threatened to decimate completely
+the miserable population.</p>
+
+<p>Some appealed to Maugis once more to exercise his magic power to
+deliver them, but he firmly refused, saying:</p>
+
+<p>“I have already incurred the wrath of God by such efforts; not only did
+I violate solemn oaths <span class="pagenum" id="Page_197">197</span>that I made, by practices condemned by the wise
+and the good, but instead of relief, it brought only new misfortunes. I
+will have no more of it; rather than that I would prefer death, but I
+will never yield.”</p>
+
+<p>The majority of his captains supported Maugis in his determination not
+to surrender. They were undismayed by the horrors surrounding them.
+Said Maugis:</p>
+
+<p>“If I were the only victim demanded by the emperor, to save you I would
+gladly surrender; but you know that if we yield we shall all be put
+to the sword. We have no quarter to expect from Charlemagne; we must
+continue to resist.”</p>
+
+<p>These words encouraged his men and caused them to be resigned to
+further suffering.</p>
+
+<p>The awful suffering and carnage occurring within the château of
+Montaubon moved the hearts of all of Charlemagne’s court. All the
+lords, with the aged Duke d’Aymon at their head, went to demand grace
+for the besieged from Charlemagne, but he peremptorily refused, and
+when they supplicated him he answered by ordering an assault.</p>
+
+<p>Thus to the horrors of siege and famine was added the horrors of war.
+Great masses of rock, hurled into the château by the catapaults and
+besieging machines, crushed out the lives of many of its inhabitants.</p>
+
+<p>In the midst of these adversities Maugis was ever <span class="pagenum" id="Page_198">198</span>sustained by his
+noble wife, who always preserved her serenity and courage.</p>
+
+<p>Richard, who realized that each day rendered their power of resistance
+less possible, urged that they surrender.</p>
+
+<p>“No,” replied Maugis, “let us continue to resist. Something within me
+tells me that we yet shall be saved.”</p>
+
+<p>Charlemagne, now seeing the weakened condition of his enemy, resolved
+to end it all by a single blow. Taking some of his choicest troops, a
+determined assault was made upon the fortress, but once more he met
+defeat. The feeble garrison, gathering all the force that remained in
+them, repulsed the besiegers victoriously; and hurled them into the
+castle moat.</p>
+
+<p>Meantime the situation had become so desperate that Maugis, usually
+so resigned and patient, even commenced to despair; but he would not
+think of surrendering, death rather than that, and he made the resolve
+to retreat to the citadel of the fortress with his brothers and those
+belonging to him; then set it on fire and perish in the flames, first
+giving the inhabitants their liberty to surrender, or do otherwise, as
+it might seem best to them.</p>
+
+<p>“Loved one,” said Yolande, “what thou deemest best is best. I have
+followed thee in life. I will follow thee in death, for life without
+thee would be death; and here, embracing her two sons, her <span class="pagenum" id="Page_199">199</span>mother’s
+heart nearly succumbed; that they should perish was indeed a cruel
+blow, but choking back her tears she said, in firm tones:</p>
+
+<p>“Let it be so!”</p>
+
+<p>The three brothers of Maugis, and Renaud likewise, agreed that to
+perish was the only thing left for them.</p>
+
+<p>At this juncture an aged man was ushered to their presence. Said he:</p>
+
+<p>“Most noble lord! many years ago, ’tis said, there stood a fortress
+upon this mountain, even where Montaubon now stands, and methinks I
+have heard my father’s father tell how in the old days there did a
+subterranean passage exist which led from hither and opened into the
+forest of the Serpante yonder, beyond the lines of Charlemagne. Find
+this and we are saved.”</p>
+
+<p>“Knowest thou where the opening is?” demanded Maugis.</p>
+
+<p>“Alas!” responded the old man sadly, “I know not; it be only one of the
+forgotten memories of the tales of my youth, renewed in my mind by much
+suffering.”</p>
+
+<p>At these words the hopes that were raised in the hearts of all who
+heard were dashed to the earth.</p>
+
+<p>“Did such a passage exist, where could it be found?” It was more than
+probable that, choked by <i lang="fr">débris</i>, it had been built over by the
+solid walls of the new château, and even if it had ever existed was now
+thoroughly hidden.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_200">200</span></p>
+
+<p>“Use thine occult powers!” whispered Yolande.</p>
+
+<p>Then Maugis and the little company proceeded to make a thorough
+exploration of the castle, visiting in succession all of its towers and
+subterranean parts.</p>
+
+<p>In every underground passage and room Maugis would pause, and standing
+erect, with arm outstretched, slowly sweep a circle about him, when it
+was complete only to drop his hand and bow his head, saying:</p>
+
+<p>“I find nothing.”</p>
+
+<p>Hope seemed to have left them, there was only one more place to visit,
+one of the towers at the northeast part of the ramparts, known as “Tour
+de la Bellevue.” Here, in its subterranean depths, the little company
+assembled for the last trial, pausing breathless with expectancy, while
+Maugis closed his eyes and slowly made the mystic circle around the
+torch-lighted room. When half-complete, he paused and a look of hope
+stole over his face; once more he swept the circle and again paused at
+the same point; a third time did he repeat this motion, then opening
+his eyes, with joy lighting his face, he said:</p>
+
+<p>“It is here.”</p>
+
+<p>Tools were hurriedly brought, digging commenced, and at the end of
+an hour the passage opening stood revealed. Richard went forward to
+explore it, while the rest hastened upward to make preparations there
+for immediate departure. Nearly overcome with joy, to think not only
+would they succeed <span class="pagenum" id="Page_201">201</span>in escaping from Charlemagne, but in mystifying him
+as well.</p>
+
+<p>In the meantime, Richard having returned with the joyful news that the
+passage was all clear, Maugis summoned his people, and distributed
+torches among them, and giving the stronger the more precious objects
+to carry, started them under the leadership of Richard on their journey
+though the passage.</p>
+
+<p>Maugis hastened to his tower, where in the hurry and excitement of his
+departure, Yon, his brother-in-law, was lying forgotten, confined to
+his bed by a sickness which had affected him ever since his treason.</p>
+
+<p>Maugis was about to lift him in his arms to bear him away, when Alard
+said:</p>
+
+<p>“Let him lie. He is the cause of all our misfortunes.”</p>
+
+<p>“He is culpable, that is true,” replied Maugis, “but he is miserable,
+and that is claim enough upon us not to abandon him;” and with these
+words he took the suffering king and bore him away among the others.</p>
+
+<p>At sunset they had made the passage of the tunnel safely and came out
+into the forest. A little later they entered another forest called
+“D’Arsene,” under the leadership of the old man, who conducted them to
+the abiding place of an old hermit, whose store of food illy sufficed
+for the wants of the famished people, and who, exhausted, here stopped
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_202">202</span>all further progress and ate whatever they could find. The soldiers
+threw themselves upon the surrounding foliage and devoured it. By great
+good fortune they then encountered some shepherds with their flocks,
+and Maugis having bought sheep to feed the famished people, and having
+fully satisfied their voracious hunger, they rested during the whole of
+the succeeding day and the day following.</p>
+
+<p>Maugis, with an escort, then rode on in advance to the city of
+Dordogne, where, when they learned of his arrival, the inhabitants
+came out to meet him, with cheers and cries of joy. The enthusiasm
+soon penetrated throughout the city and its environs, and that day, at
+least, everybody was rejoicing. The next day Maugis received the oaths
+of fealty of the lords from all the surrounding country.</p>
+
+<p>For eight days nobody had appeared on the ramparts of Montaubon,
+visible to the camp of Charlemagne. The emperor decided that everyone
+must have succumbed, that the fortress could be entered without
+danger, and when a short time afterward Roland, Olivier, and the
+Duke de Naimes rode in, having battered down the great gate, they
+were greeted everywhere with silence. Everywhere in the city and the
+fortress decaying bodies were lying about, unburied, emitting the most
+pestilential odors, which finally became so great they were forced to
+retreat. In vain they searched for Maugis and his brothers. It was
+impossible to find them.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_203">203</span></p>
+
+<p>Maugis was very soon apprised that Charlemagne had occupied Montaubon
+and was sorely tempted to besiege him in retaliation and submit him to
+the same tortures he had suffered. But in this he was deterred by the
+conscientious Yolande, who said:</p>
+
+<p>“While thine oath of fealty might permit thee to defend thyself, if
+attacked by him, it will surely be a violation of it if thou dost
+attack him.”</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile, the principal lords of the court could not conceal their joy
+at the escape of the sons of Aymon, and later, when the scouts sent in
+all directions to discover their whereabouts reported to the emperor
+that they had retired to Dordogne, where they had raised a formidable
+army, the emperor at once gave orders to raise the camp.</p>
+
+<p>He directed the march of his army to Montorgueil, a few leagues from
+Dordogne, persisting in his vindictiveness in attacking the sons of
+Aymon anew.</p>
+
+<p>Learning of this movement, Maugis would not this time suffer himself
+to be besieged the way he was at Montaubon. He mounted his horse
+and set out to meet the enemy, having first said to his soldiers in
+a proclamation that personally he would not enter a fight against
+Charlemagne, but for the fact he desired to give them an opportunity to
+avenge those dear ones they had lost.</p>
+
+<p>Arriving at a short distance from the imperial army, Maugis stopped and
+sent forward his esquire, <span class="pagenum" id="Page_204">204</span>bearing a piece of olive branch to demand
+peace of the emperor.</p>
+
+<p>This envoy was badly received by the emperor, who greeted him with
+harsh words and insults, and gave orders to commence the attack.</p>
+
+<p>Maugis, then feeling he had exhausted every resource, made a fierce
+charge upon the first knights, who had come forward to obey the order
+of Charlemagne, hurling them lifeless at the feet of the emperor. Then
+retiring he headed his soldiers, and uttering the war-cry of Dordogne,
+made an irresistible charge on the troops of Charlemagne, who wavered
+and broke and were thrown into confusion. The Duke de Naimes, seeing
+this, seized the golden banner, and placing himself at the head of the
+royal army, tried to rally them; but it was hopeless, they were fast
+disappearing under the fierce assaults of the soldiers of Maugis. They
+had nearly succeeded in surrounding the emperor, who was only saved by
+the quickness of Roland, when the signal for retreat was given.</p>
+
+<p>This signal everyone obeyed, except the brave Richard de Normandie,
+who, oblivious to all else, could not endure the thought of defeat,
+and tried to cut off the troops of Maugis just before the gates of
+Dordogne, an attempt in which he did not succeed.</p>
+
+<p>Profiting by the ardor of the duke, Maugis hurried the retreat of his
+troops, causing them to rush pellmell into the city, tempting Richard,
+obstinate <span class="pagenum" id="Page_205">205</span>in his pursuit, to follow, thinking his enemies to be
+demoralized. This strategic move was successful. Getting Richard once
+inside of the gates, Maugis caused them to be closed and guarded behind
+them, making him a prisoner, and seeing that resistance was useless,
+Richard de Normandie and his men were forced to surrender.</p>
+
+<p>The loss of this new battle added more to the grief and rage of
+Charlemagne and stimulated him still further in his relentless pursuit
+of the sons of Aymon.</p>
+
+<p>As both sides required some little time to recuperate from the battle,
+several days passed without an engagement. It was during this period of
+quiet that King Yon died, in great suffering. Consumed with regrets,
+he begged Maugis and his brothers to forgive him for all the evil they
+had endured through his fault. He confirmed to Maugis the donations of
+Montaubon and its dependencies, and drew his last breath in the arms
+of his brother-in-law, who mourned him as sincerely as if he had never
+been guilty of a vile treachery.</p>
+
+<p>After the obsequies, in which the entire army took part, Maugis
+proceeded actively to strengthen the defenses of the city in case of
+an attack from the waiting enemy. It was during this period of the
+cessation of hostilities that an extraordinary incident occurred.
+Maugis was an adept at assuming disguises, and one day he determined to
+visit <span class="pagenum" id="Page_206">206</span>the camp of Charlemagne; perfectly fearless as to the possible
+result of his perilous mission, he set out, having taken the shape
+of an old knight, infirm and miserable, and entered the camp of the
+emperor, leaning heavily on his staff. So sorry was his aspect that the
+sentinels made fun of him.</p>
+
+<p>“Ho! ho!” shouted one of them after him. “Hast thou come to take the
+city?”</p>
+
+<p>This jibe was greeted with roars of laughter. Passing onward quietly,
+the old knight made no reply. As he proceeded, Pinabel, seated in front
+of his tent, laughed at him and sneeringly inquired:</p>
+
+<p>“Ho! brave knight, hast thou come to fight Roland?”</p>
+
+<p>Maugis, nettled by the insolence of the knight, replied:</p>
+
+<p>“Roland has done nothing to me, therefore I have no reason to fight
+him, but if you will try it with me, I will punish you for your insult
+and your cowardice, for all the world knows you are bravest only when
+you are dealing with some one whom you think is incapable of defending
+himself. Only for that, you never would have dared to insult me and my
+white hairs.”</p>
+
+<p>Pinabel, furious, seized a picket and would have struck the old knight,
+when Oger, who arrived on the scene, separated them.</p>
+
+<p>“He insulted me,” said the supposed old man.</p>
+
+<p>“He had the audacity to doubt my courage,” cried Pinabel.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_207">207</span></p>
+
+<p>“Thou art wrong, Pinabel,” responded Oger, “and this man may demand of
+you any reparation he may require.”</p>
+
+<p>“I know of no other reparation than to fight me,” answered Maugis, “or
+else I will publish him to all the world as a coward.”</p>
+
+<p>By this time a crowd of soldiers and knights had gathered around the
+contending parties, and the noise of the altercation had reached the
+ears of Charlemagne, who caused them to be summoned before him.</p>
+
+<p>“Who art thou?” demanded he of Maugis.</p>
+
+<p>“Sire,” replied he. “I am Sieur de la Perron of Château Raucourt, who
+having been to the holy land, where I did battle with the Saracens, do
+now wend my weary way homeward, that I may pass my remaining days in
+peace. The knight here present has insulted me,” he continued, “without
+cause, and when I gave him the provocation in return, he, instead of
+accepting battle, threw himself upon me with a stick, and but for the
+timely appearance of this noble lord,” indicating Oger, “I should have
+been struck by the scoundrel.”</p>
+
+<p>“Pinabel is undoubtedly wrong,” said Charlemagne. “But if you persist
+in fighting how will you defend yourself? He is young and vigorous, and
+you are on the borders of the grave.”</p>
+
+<p>“It is true, sire, I am paralyzed on my right side, but I can rely upon
+my left arm. Do you think I <span class="pagenum" id="Page_208">208</span>shall allow that to stand in the way if my
+adversary is willing to fight?”</p>
+
+<p>This strange statement put Pinabel in a very false position; to accept
+was an act of cowardice, and to refuse would make him a laughing stock.
+He was at a loss what to do.</p>
+
+<p>The old knight grew impatient, and insisted the fight take place,
+approaching and menacing Pinabel with his cudgel, and seeing this,
+Charlemagne was forced to order the combat.</p>
+
+<p>Pinabel, now exasperated, drew his sword and rushed at the defenseless
+old knight, but he stepped aside with great dexterity, avoiding the
+shock, and then turned with incredible quickness and gave his adversary
+such a heavy blow on the wrist with his staff that he dropped his
+sword. A second blow in the stomach sent him tumbling to the feet of
+Charlemagne. Then placing his foot on Pinabel’s throat, the old knight
+menaced him with his staff, held aloft in his left hand. The now
+thoroughly frightened Pinabel, trembling for his life, implored the
+grace of his conqueror, who permitted him to arise while he regarded
+him with contempt.</p>
+
+<p>The emperor and all the knights greatly marveled. Maugis was then
+permitted to visit the camp, of which privilege he was not slow to
+avail himself, making a thorough inspection throughout.</p>
+
+<p>In passing again the tent of Pinabel, upon leaving, reassured by the
+fact that his disguise had <span class="pagenum" id="Page_209">209</span>not been penetrated thus far, he determined
+to play him a trick. It can be readily conceived that Pinabel was not
+charmed by his visit, and he forthwith ordered his esquires to seize
+the old man and bind him solidly. But when they attempted to do so
+Maugis hypnotized them, and so benumbed them they appeared to be almost
+asleep, and when he approached Pinabel, the coward was so appalled at
+the manifestations of a power so little known at that remote age, and
+doubly terrified at being alone with the old knight, that he fell to
+his knees and supplicated him for pardon.</p>
+
+<p>“I will spare thy life,” said the old knight in a terrible voice. “It
+hath no value in my eyes; heaven hath condemned thee.”</p>
+
+<p>Pinabel at these words raised his eyes, and there recognized that
+Maugis, the terrible warrior sorcerer, stood before him. The coward
+would have cried out, but his tongue was paralyzed and the sounds died
+upon his lips, his limbs seemed stricken, and with a look of anguish on
+his face he fell in a heap.</p>
+
+<p>Maugis, much pleased to have given the coward this fright, left the
+camp and arrived safely at the city of Dordogne.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_210">210</span></p>
+
+  <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XV">
+    CHAPTER XV.
+  </h2>
+</div>
+
+<p>The captivity of the Duke de Normandie was insupportable to
+Charlemagne, for he was one of his bravest and most redoubtable
+knights. The emperor complained bitterly to his peers and raved like a
+man out of his senses at the infamy of Maugis in retaining his prisoner.</p>
+
+<p>“Consider, sire,” responded Roland to him, “it seems to me that Maugis
+is perfectly right, and I am astonished that you fail to recognize
+it. He would be pushing his generosity to blindness if he allowed
+Richard to go. Do you not remember how grandly Maugis has acted in the
+past, and with what admiration he has inspired us all? How he gave
+you back your crown and your treasures; how he returned to each of us
+our swords, which he had a perfect right to keep? Can you not see in
+these actions not only generosity, but grandeur of soul of the highest
+degree? Alas! how have you returned these acts of greatness? You
+tightened the cordon around Montaubon and besieged him anew with such
+vigor that only a few soldiers and their families escaped. The rest of
+the inhabitants died of famine or of pest. You have pursued him with
+bitterness <span class="pagenum" id="Page_211">211</span>and sought to take him alive that you might make him suffer
+the most rigorous punishment. If he captured the Duke Richard, was the
+duke not pursuing him to the very entrance of the city, in order to
+capture him and deliver him to you? Again, do you not remember what you
+would have done to his brother Richard, when you had him in your power?
+That he escaped death was certainly not due to your pardon, but because
+Maugis wrested him from the hands of his executioners.”</p>
+
+<p>“Of what avail to thus recount the past?” demanded Charlemagne uneasily.</p>
+
+<p>“Simply this, sire!” continued Roland boldly. “If Maugis should release
+the Duke de Normandie, I should tax him of folly. I am surprised he has
+been so lenient as not to execute him at once, and if you would save
+him from that fate, it would be best for you to take immediate steps by
+granting Maugis those conditions of peace he has so long desired.</p>
+
+<p>“Never!” cried Charlemagne obstinately.</p>
+
+<p>“Sire, I beseech thee, reflect,” persuaded Roland. “Reverse your
+decision and do not seek to further abuse the magnanimity of a man so
+brave as Maugis. Grant him, therefore, sire, peace. I ask it of you in
+the name of all your most noble knights.”</p>
+
+<p>These sincere words at last produced on Charlemagne the most profound
+impression. He thereupon charged Oger and the Duke de Naimes to go
+to <span class="pagenum" id="Page_212">212</span>Maugis and offer him peace on condition of the surrender of the
+Duke Richard de Normandie, only he clung tenaciously to his first idea
+concerning Renaud. He still insisted that Renaud should be delivered to
+him. It was in vain his peers represented to him that this condition
+would be refused as it had been in the past; but he turned a deaf ear
+to them, and still persisted in his resolutions.</p>
+
+<p>At this moment Pinabel, who had recovered from his fright, came running
+up.</p>
+
+<p>“Beware,” cried he. “Know thou that the old knight, who yesterday
+enchanted me by his magical powers; the pilgrim whom you have fed, the
+infirm and paralyzed knight whom you congratulated yesterday on the
+result of the combat, are one and the same man, and that man is Maugis.”</p>
+
+<p>At first they were all incredulous, but Charlemagne finally divined the
+truth; but beyond creating astonishment it made no impression upon him.
+He turned to Oger and De Naimes, and bade them go at once to Maugis and
+lay before him his proposition.</p>
+
+<p>The ambassadors at once proceeded to Dordogne, and in due time were
+presented to Maugis, who gave them a cordial reception.</p>
+
+<p>The Duke de Naimes laid before him the proposals of the emperor.</p>
+
+<p>“Charlemagne has not departed at all from his original conditions,”
+said Maugis in reply. “It <span class="pagenum" id="Page_213">213</span>is always the same. I would never deliver up
+my cousin Renaud. An Aymon is incapable of such cowardice. He asks for
+the Duke de Normandie—does he suppose I have lost all my bitterness?
+No, the oppression of the emperor has hardened my heart. I am unpitying
+now. The Duke Richard shall suffer execution, and you, sir knights,”
+he added sternly, “if you ever come before me again and insult me with
+such infamous propositions I will treat you as traitors and spies.”</p>
+
+<p>The three envoys upon hearing this firm response turned away without a
+word, provoked that the emperor would not recognize the noble character
+of this man. They remounted their horses and returned to the camp,
+where they repeated to him the words of Maugis, and swore to him that
+he was now thoroughly angered, but Charlemagne seemed to be blind to
+the qualities of such a brave man.</p>
+
+<p>“Take care, sire!” cried Oger, “Maugis has been brave and generous up
+to this day, but if he has lost his patience he will likely be severe
+to the other extreme. Richard de Normandie is now in his hands, who can
+guarantee he will be the only victim?”</p>
+
+<p>Charlemagne reflected at this in silence, and was about to order Oger
+and Roland to return to Maugis, when Pinabel once again intervened and
+prevented the utterance of this good thought.</p>
+
+<p>“It is difficult for me to see, sir knights,” said <span class="pagenum" id="Page_214">214</span>he, “why you all
+seem to be in such fear of Maugis. That he is a brave man is true, but
+why should the emperor retrace his steps? Do you not remember that
+Maugis has demanded peace several times? Well! do you think that he
+would dare to touch a hair of the Duke de Normandie? He knows too well
+it would be the departure for him of the last chance of either pardon
+or mercy.”</p>
+
+<p>This subtle advice, so harmonious to the prejudices of the emperor, had
+the effect intended by Pinabel and the coterie of cowardly courtiers
+who sympathized with him and who applauded the emperor when he uttered
+these words:</p>
+
+<p>“Enough! I do not know why I have been so weak as to bother with these
+rebels. I can clearly see that if I commence to cede anything I can
+continue to do so. Go,” said he, turning to the Duke de Naimes, “and
+signify my will to Maugis, and say to him that the end of this day ends
+every chance for him to secure any conditions of grace from me if he
+does not submit to my conditions.”</p>
+
+<p>Understanding at the outset that his mission would be a failure, and
+thoroughly disgusted by the weakness of the emperor, the Duke de Naimes
+declared shortly:</p>
+
+<p>“Your majesty, I refuse to accept the mission,” and then withdrew from
+the audience.</p>
+
+<p>While this discussion was occurring at the imperial camp, Maugis was
+deliberating with his three <span class="pagenum" id="Page_215">215</span>brothers as to the fate of the Duke de
+Normandie. His associates would have him suffer the same fate as
+that to which Charlemagne had condemned one or the other of them.
+Accordingly, Maugis gave orders that preparations should be made for
+the execution, and to give it proper effect, that it should take
+place from the highest tower of Dordogne, in full view of the camp of
+Charlemagne.</p>
+
+<p>These preparations were no sooner commenced than they were perceived
+by Roland, who guarded that side, and he hurried immediately to the
+emperor, filled with indignation.</p>
+
+<p>“Sire,” said he, “is this the way you recompense the Duke Richard
+for his devotion to you? If this be the way you recognize faithful
+services, it will be but little encouragement to those who remain with
+you. I swear for myself that I thought to see more generosity on your
+part.”</p>
+
+<p>“Have no fears, Roland,” replied the emperor lightly; “these
+preparations, which cause thee so much uneasiness, are merely a threat;
+they are simply a means employed by Maugis to force us to come to terms
+of peace. As for the Duke Richard, rest assured, I have no fears for
+his life.”</p>
+
+<p>The next day, when everything was complete, the brave and fearless
+Richard de Normandie sat in a strong room over the citadel of Dordogne,
+engaged in a game of chess with Yon, the eldest son of Maugis, when two
+officers with a guard appeared and <span class="pagenum" id="Page_216">216</span>announced they had come to bring
+him to execution. He paid no attention to them, but calmly continued
+his game.</p>
+
+<p>“My lord,” said the officer respectfully, “it is very painful to me to
+interrupt thy game with this summons, but I have my orders, and must
+execute them.”</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly, and without warning, Richard leaped to his feet, and seizing
+the heavy chessboard and using it as a weapon, he fell upon the guard
+with such suddenness and fury that four of them were stretched lifeless
+on the floor and the rest were driven from the room. Then he seated
+himself and ranging the men upon the chessboard, continued the game
+as calmly as if he had not been interrupted, calling his servants
+and ordering them to remove the bodies of the soldiers with all the
+coolness that he would command some small service.</p>
+
+<p>The young son of Maugis was trembling so much at this violence that he
+could not play, and Alard, who was waiting in the courtyard below for
+the coming of Richard, being apprised of what had occurred, hurried to
+Maugis, reporting that Richard was making a strong resistance, and had
+taken the lives of the men sent to seize him.</p>
+
+<p>Maugis went at once to the chamber of Richard, and demanded of him:</p>
+
+<p>“Sir knight, why hast thou killed my people?”</p>
+
+<p>“They came here,” responded Richard; “several men who interrupted
+the game of chess I was playing with your son. They put their hands
+on me, and I killed some of them, and put the rest to flight, that is
+all. It is no reason because I am your prisoner why your people should
+insult me.”</p>
+
+<figure class="figcenter illowp75" id="i_p216">
+  <img class="bbox" src="images/i_p216.jpg" alt="">
+  <figcaption>CATHEDRAL OF MOUZON.</figcaption>
+</figure>
+
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_217">217</span>
+
+<p>“We do not omit politeness here,” said Maugis, “and I know perfectly
+well all the laws of chivalry. It is for that reason I am acting
+this way. Charlemagne has abused me and has dishonored me. I simply
+retaliate. You are my prisoner. I shall give you up to execution, that
+is my right. Have I treated you the way my brother Richard was treated,
+when he was condemned to the gibbet, and from which he escaped only
+through the courage of his brothers? No, he was covered with chains
+like a criminal. I would not subject you to that. I would employ no
+violence with you, but you must realize that my soldiers came here to
+fulfill orders they had received. There is only one way for you to
+escape death, that is to join my service and become my friend.”</p>
+
+<p>“That is impossible,” replied Richard. “I have sworn an oath of
+fidelity to the emperor, and I never violate my oath.”</p>
+
+<p>“Then you must be resigned to die. It is useless to lose any more time
+in discussion that amounts to nothing.”</p>
+
+<p>“Ah, well! let us go,” said Richard. “I know well the greatness of your
+heart, and I deliver myself <span class="pagenum" id="Page_218">218</span>to you, believing you incapable of a mean
+action.”</p>
+
+<p>The Duke de Normandie forthwith surrendered, and was escorted to the
+place of execution. Maugis had made preparations for that sorrowful
+ceremony, so as to give it all the formidable display possible. All the
+troops were under arms. At the last moment Maugis again appealed to
+Richard:</p>
+
+<p>“Brave knight,” said he, “it is most painful for me to send to
+execution a man of such courage and honor—renounce then the emperor, I
+pray thee, and join us in seeking to attain peace.”</p>
+
+<p>“No,” replied Richard, “I have sworn homage to Charlemagne, and though
+I die because of his fault, I will not break my oath. If it depended
+upon me to grant thee peace, I could ask for nothing better; therefore
+grant thou me delay that I may send word to the emperor.”</p>
+
+<p>Maugis at once called a herald, bidding him to take the instructions of
+Richard and go with them to Charlemagne.</p>
+
+<p>“Tell him,” said Richard, “that I am at the foot of the gibbet,
+to which I am attached ready for the signal of death, and that I
+supplicate him to grant my demand for peace. You will also beg of
+Roland and all the peers to seek to obtain the peace on which my life
+depends.”</p>
+
+<p>The herald hastened away and in due time appeared before Charlemagne
+and acquitted him of his <span class="pagenum" id="Page_219">219</span>errand. Strange to say, the eccentric emperor
+was inflexible, while he knew he was acting, with a few exceptions,
+without the sympathy of his entire court, and even when all the peers,
+without exception, fell on their knees to him, and supplicated him to
+save Richard by granting peace to Maugis, Charlemagne was obdurate
+and stern in his refusal to interfere, and as the herald was about to
+withdraw, Roland stopped him.</p>
+
+<p>“Say to Duke Richard de Normandie,” cried he, “that though the emperor
+will blindly let him die, we, his courtiers, do protest and disapprove.
+Tell him that we will abandon Charlemagne and his service, that we none
+of us consent to devote ourselves to a prince who would be willing to
+see a man sacrificed like him, merely to support his wounded vanity.”</p>
+
+<p>It was an exciting moment. Then with one accord the peers acclaimed the
+words of Roland.</p>
+
+<p>The suspense was intense.</p>
+
+<p>In the midst of it all Charlemagne sat stern and unchanged.</p>
+
+<p>Then the Archbishop Turpin came forward and said: “Sire, I leave thee
+with regret, but thou art committing a grave wrong. I must therefore
+leave thee. I prefer to sustain my honor rather than abandon it in a
+cowardly way.”</p>
+
+<p>Charlemagne still sat with pallid face and stern brow, and said not a
+word.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_220">220</span></p>
+
+<p>The peers, one after another, all then left his presence, each going
+to their own quarters, forthwith gathering their belongings, striking
+their tents and assembling their own soldiers, conducted them without
+the imperial camp.</p>
+
+<p>The remaining soldiers of the emperor gazed aghast, astonished and
+fearful to see the army of Charlemagne reduced more than one-half by
+the departure of the peers and their men.</p>
+
+<p>Two men only viewed this movement with satisfaction. They thought that
+now they had become indispensable to the emperor, and that they could
+secure his confidence to their own profit. It is needless to say these
+two were the traitorous Ganelon and the cowardly Pinabel.</p>
+
+<p>In the meantime the herald had returned to Dordogne, and repeated
+faithfully all that had occurred. The Duke de Normandie perceived
+that it was useless to count on the support of any one who would thus
+abandon him when he had shown the devotion of refusing to escape death
+at the price of dishonor.</p>
+
+<p>“It is well,” said he, turning to Maugis with a smile; “I am at thy
+service. I am ready to die.”</p>
+
+<p>“This is too much,” cried Maugis, hastening to Richard and embracing
+him. “Pardon me,” said he, “for the cruel hours I have caused you to
+pass. I was certain in advance that you would prefer death to being
+false to your oath, and I only employed the stratagem to obtain by
+force from the <span class="pagenum" id="Page_221">221</span>emperor what it seems impossible for me to obtain by
+my prayers. There was no reason why Charlemagne should be wanting in
+generosity to me in face of the support of such consequences. Thou
+shalt not die.”</p>
+
+<p>Maugis then sent his herald to the twelve deserting peers, bidding
+him to tell them that in consideration of their grand action he had
+pardoned Richard de Normandie.</p>
+
+<p>In reply to this message the peers gave Maugis to understand that they
+should refuse reconciliation with the emperor until he had granted him
+peace.</p>
+
+<p>The twelve peers then made preparations for their departure homeward,
+but before leaving ranged themselves under the walls of Dordogne, and
+exchanged signals of adieu with its brave defenders.</p>
+
+<p>The Emperor Charlemagne, though a man of violent passions, obstinate
+and eccentric, was withal a wise man. The view of these preparations
+for departure of these noblemen, who had been his best friends, caused
+him to seriously reflect. He was seized with grave doubts as to the
+wisdom of his course, and he called Pinabel and told him of his fears.</p>
+
+<p>Here it was the cowardly adviser failed to grasp the situation, which
+called for the utmost diplomacy. Assuming upon his position now as the
+sole adviser of the emperor, he uttered these bold words:</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_222">222</span></p>
+
+<p>“Sire! I comprehend neither your fears nor your regrets,” said he. “Can
+you not do for yourself as well as you could before the departure of
+these rebellious knights? Have you not enough soldiers to reduce whom
+you would, and then you may battle with your own subjects, who owe you
+obeisance? Therefore force these contumacious peers to remain. You have
+been made their commander and they must obey you.”</p>
+
+<p>Charlemagne revolted at such advice against noblemen whom he loved,
+especially coming from the mouth of a man who compared with them
+neither in character nor ability, and one whom he distrusted more and
+more. His eyes commenced their well-known ominous sparkling; like a
+flash it all came to him, that this man, to whose insidious advice he
+had listened so long, was guided by an ignoble ambition, that he had
+not scrupled to compromise the dignity of his sovereign. Like a flash
+it came to Charlemagne how he had been misled by the deceitful <span lang="fr">Abbé</span>
+Gorieux, who, however, by this time, had craftily absented himself,
+no one knew whither, to escape what he saw was the inevitable end of
+the conspirators. Like a flash it came to the now thoroughly aroused
+Charlemagne how he had been misled by deceits and flatteries and
+appeals to his self-pride to do injustice and compromise his dignity.</p>
+
+<p>“Enough!” he thundered to the shrinking Pinabel. <span class="pagenum" id="Page_223">223</span>“Thou hast abused
+my confidence; thou hast thought by appealing cunningly to my vanity
+to prevent me from exercising my first and best thoughts; thou hast
+worked on my pride to a point where I would lose my army rather than
+see justice. It shall be so no longer. What, ho there! a guard,” he
+shouted, and when the officers appeared, he ordered:</p>
+
+<p>“Bind this villain hand and foot and bear him to the camp of the twelve
+peers. Tell them,” he commanded, “that I deliver into their hands the
+traitorous coward who has, by his perfidious councils, tried to sow
+discord between us, and who, actuated by a mean jealousy of the brave
+Maugis, has kept me always excited against the sons of Aymon. Tell them
+to do with him what they will, I abandon him to their resentment. Tell
+them that I hope they will take into account this tardy act of loyalty
+on my part, and that they will return to my camp and continue to aid me
+by their good counsels.”</p>
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+<div class="chapter">
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_224">224</span>
+  <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XVI">CHAPTER XVI.</h2>
+</div>
+
+<p>The twelve peers, who really loved and admired the emperor, could not
+but accept his overtures. After a consultation they decided to return
+to the camp. Before doing so, however, they sent to Dordogne, under a
+strong escort, the cowardly Pinabel, with a message to Maugis that it
+was this man, with Ganelon, the latter having unfortunately escaped
+with the <span lang="fr">Abbé</span> Gorieux, who had been the cause of all the trouble that
+had occurred, even to that very day, and they desired that Maugis
+should deal with him as he deemed best.</p>
+
+<p>In due time, Pinabel, with his escort, arrived at Dordogne, and the
+traitor was cast into a dungeon until further orders.</p>
+
+<p>When the twelve peers had arrived at the camp Charlemagne assembled
+them, and said:</p>
+
+<p>“Noble lords! it is true I am too severe, nevertheless the sons of
+Aymon have been guilty of revolt against me, with their cousin Renaud.
+They certainly merit punishment. I have felt that I must have the
+satisfaction to have one at least expiate the fault of all. I feel that
+my position is just and <span class="pagenum" id="Page_225">225</span>right, therefore go thou,” said he to the Duke
+de Naimes and say to them, “that if one of them will yield his life in
+expiation of the faults of all, the rest shall receive full pardon and
+safety from dishonor, and be allowed to retain full possession of all
+their rights.”</p>
+
+<p>The Duke de Naimes duly arrived at Dordogne and acquitted him of his
+message. The family were plunged into a stupor of consternation. Maugis
+alone retained his coolness.</p>
+
+<p>“The demand of the emperor is just,” said he, “and for the sake of all
+must be acceded to.” Then turning calmly to the Duke de Naimes, he said:</p>
+
+<p>“Go to Charlemagne and say to him that I will offer myself as a
+sacrifice for the good of mine. Tell him that to-morrow I will deliver
+myself up, and that I will release Richard de Normandie safe and sound.”</p>
+
+<p>Yolande, grief-stricken, threw herself upon her husband’s neck, crying:</p>
+
+<p>“Canst thou be so cruel, dear one? think, thy sons will be fatherless
+and my life a living death without thee.”</p>
+
+<p>Maugis disengaged her arms and putting her aside, said gently:</p>
+
+<p>“It is duty that calls me, I must obey.”</p>
+
+<p>“Thou shalt not go, Maugis. I am the one to be sacrificed. Thou hast a
+wife and sons. I am alone!” cried Richard.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_226">226</span></p>
+
+<p>“Not so,” here interposed Alard. “It is I who will go.”</p>
+
+<p>“No! no!” interposed Guichard. “I am the least of thee, my brothers,
+surely it is just that I should be the one to suffer.”</p>
+
+<p>“This must not be so. No one shall go but me,” expostulated Renaud.
+“All these troubles came through my father’s fault; surely it is but
+justice that I should go.”</p>
+
+<p>“Enough, dear friends; let this contention cease. It is decided. I will
+go. Let there be no more said.”</p>
+
+<p>Then all the prayers of his wife and his sons were vain. Maugis would
+not renounce his intention, nothing could shake his resolution; but
+finally, becoming wearied of their tears and entreaties, he feigned to
+surrender to them, and proposed a plan for selecting the one who should
+be sacrificed in fulfillment of the conditions of the emperor.</p>
+
+<p>“To-morrow,” said he, “at sunrise, we will all assemble in the grand
+square of the city, and putting our names on slips of paper, one shall
+be drawn in the presence of all the people, and in this way we shall
+designate who shall be delivered to Charlemagne.”</p>
+
+<p>The following morning Maugis was nowhere to be found. He had
+disappeared, though diligent search was made for him. Yolande,
+distracted, went about asking all whom she met if they had <span class="pagenum" id="Page_227">227</span>seen her
+husband, but getting no news of him she thought then he must have gone
+to the imperial camp with the Duke de Normandie. Her fears making her
+desperate, she returned to the palace, and taking her two sons hastened
+along the road thither without an escort. She could not entertain the
+idea that Maugis should suffer alone. She had determined to die with
+him.</p>
+
+<p>More prudent than Yolande, the brothers of Maugis assembled the troops,
+and followed by the people, started to the succor of Maugis, whom they
+thought to be in danger.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile Maugis, Naimes, and the Duke Richard had arrived and
+presented themselves before the emperor, who could hardly restrain his
+agitation when he saw them. He greeted them warmly, and in his pleasure
+extended both hands to them. Then remembering that he was an emperor,
+he collected himself, and assuming a sternness that did not accord with
+his real feelings, he said to Maugis:</p>
+
+<p>“You have fought against your emperor. You have merited death. You well
+know what is the punishment for such a great crime. It is the scaffold!”</p>
+
+<p>“We know and we have come to plead with you for him!” cried Yolande at
+this moment, who had just arrived, and hastening forward with her two
+sons, threw herself at the feet of the emperor: “We <span class="pagenum" id="Page_228">228</span>ask your grace,
+sire, and if thou dost refuse we beseech thee to let us be punished
+with him.”</p>
+
+<p>“And I!” cried the emperor, who could no longer conceal his emotion, “I
+love you all, because I am your second father. Maugis, I pardon thee,
+be relieved, but thou must expiate thy fault, for it is great. I decree
+that thou shalt sojourn in the holy land, for I know not how long;
+perhaps a year; but if thou art always as loyal and as brave as thou
+hast been, thou wilt return covered with glory and new laurels. Thou
+wilt abandon thy magic and the black arts, for the safety of thy soul,
+and glorify God by this expiation. As to thy wife and children, they
+shall be as my own. They shall never leave me, and I will this very day
+restore to them their rights and property. Bid thee farewell to thy
+family and thy brothers; go and God be with thee.”</p>
+
+<p>Maugis, overcome with emotion, made his adieus to the emperor, and
+affectionately embraced Yolande, who swooned from her awful grief, and
+caressed his children. There was not a dry eye among the courtiers
+there assembled as he departed for Dordogne, accompanied by Richard de
+Normandie, who swore he would not leave him until he reached the port
+from which he sailed for Jerusalem.</p>
+
+<p>Halfway to Dordogne he encountered his brothers, who were coming to his
+rescue with their troops, followed by the people, to whom he gave an
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_229">229</span>account of what had happened, and they then retraced their steps with
+him to the city. He caused a flag of peace to be hoisted on the highest
+tower, and sent to the emperor his famous horse Bayard, as a gage of
+reconciliation. The brave demeanor, the resignation, and the lofty
+character displayed by Maugis appealed so strongly to all the peers and
+knights that everywhere they proclaimed their high admiration for him.
+Maugis asked the emperor what he should do with Pinabel, and he replied
+that he abandoned him entirely to Maugis to do with as he chose. And
+here the noble character of Maugis was again exhibited. Instead of
+destroying his perfidious enemy, all the vengeance he took was to
+provide him with a broken-down white horse and set him free, warning
+him on pain of death to leave the states of Charlemagne.</p>
+
+<p>The next day Maugis embraced his brothers, commending his wife and
+children to them, took off his armor, and assuming the habit of a
+pilgrim did not even retain his sword, and set out on his journey; but
+they would not leave him, and with Richard de Normandie, accompanied
+him to the coast and saw him set sail for the holy land.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+<div class="chapter">
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_230">230</span>
+  <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XVII">CHAPTER XVII.</h2>
+</div>
+
+<p>Some days after the departure of Maugis, Duke Richard de Normandie
+presented to Charlemagne the three brothers of Maugis, who remained
+in France. The emperor received them kindly and restored to their
+possession all their rights and property. During the same month the
+camp was broken up, and the imperial army marched to the city of Liege,
+which became for the time the capital for the empire.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile, Maugis, habited as a pilgrim, convinced himself that the
+occult knowledge he possessed and had reluctantly used when pursued to
+the last extremity by Charlemagne, was the gift of Satan, rather than
+the strange manifestations of natural laws, whose workings were unknown
+at this period, except to the occult wisdom of the East, had determined
+to abandon all warlike actions, and by devoting himself to prayer and
+meditation, seek atonement in them for the terrible faults against God
+he had committed; but this was not to be, as events subsequently proved.</p>
+
+<p>Having at last arrived in view of the holy city, Jerusalem, then in
+possession of the infidels, and <span class="pagenum" id="Page_231">231</span>before which the Christian army was
+encamped, laying siege thereto—an army composed of noble knights,
+assembled from all parts of Europe, who thought that they had been
+called to redeem the sacred city from the sacrilegious possession of
+the Saracens, to the glory of God, and the insurance of their own souls
+to an eternity in Paradise.</p>
+
+<p>The first occupation of Maugis was to prepare himself an humble abode
+in a secluded spot within view of the holy city, where he could give
+himself up to prayer and meditation undisturbed.</p>
+
+<p>It chanced one day, that on going to a spring nearby to procure water,
+he encountered a Christian knight, who studied his face with interest
+for a long time and then said to him:</p>
+
+<p>“Permit me, holy father, if I be not committing an indiscretion, to ask
+who you are; something tells me that beneath that sacred habit you are
+hiding a brave warrior; as for myself, I am the Comte de Rance.”</p>
+
+<p>“My lord,” responded Maugis, “while I have no motive for hiding my
+name, I must have your word that the disclosure I make shall be in
+confidence. I am Maugis of Montaubon, eldest son of the Duke d’Aymon. I
+had incurred the anger of Charlemagne in keeping a neutrality in a war
+between him and my relative. For that reason he pursued me from that
+day, without ceasing, until recently we made peace, when he pardoned my
+brothers and all <span class="pagenum" id="Page_232">232</span>my relatives, on the condition that I should leave
+for the holy land, making the pilgrimage to expiate my faults and the
+promise that I would stay until he recalled me.”</p>
+
+<p>At these words Count de Rance sprang from his horse, and falling on his
+knee before him, said:</p>
+
+<p>“By thy deeds, sir knight, thou hast proved thyself to be one of the
+most noble men the world hath known. Surely thy duty to God at this
+most critical juncture in our affairs, when our arms against the
+Saracens seem to prevail not, lies not in prayer, but in warlike deeds,
+which thou hast proved thyself so fitted to perform. I tender thee my
+homage and faith and supplicate thee to command me and mine. There be
+other noble knights who will gladly accept thy leadership.”</p>
+
+<p>To this Maugis agreed, and accompanied the count to the camp of the
+Christian army, where being made known, the noble knights on all sides
+hastened to greet him, and followed the example of the Count de Rance
+in paying him homage and tendering him unanimously command of all their
+forces, and offered him the privilege of sharing in the booty already
+captured from the enemy. This latter proposition, however, Maugis
+declined to accept, taking only a horse and arms and armor.</p>
+
+<p>The next day grand <i lang="fr">fêtes</i> were celebrated in honor of the advent
+of the new commander, and these being concluded, they proceeded to
+dispose their forces for a new activity against the infidels.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_233">233</span></p>
+
+<p>At a council of war then held, Maugis arranged a plan to lure their
+foes out of the city by causing them to think the Crusaders had
+raised the siege and were abandoning their camp. All these strategic
+preparations were made with the greatest silence and secrecy.</p>
+
+<p>At daybreak the following day the Saracens beheld the retreat, and
+thinking the camp abandoned, duly commenced to march out. They were
+only allowed to advance to a point where their retreat could be readily
+cut off. Maugis had secretly sent a number of troops, in command of the
+Count de Rance, under the walls of the city, with instructions to cut
+the enemy to pieces when they attempted to re-enter.</p>
+
+<p>When the proper moment arrived, Maugis turned and hurled the main body
+of troops upon the enemy so unexpectedly as to carry terror and dismay
+into their ranks. They would have retreated, but it was in vain; the
+Count de Rance appeared in their rear and prevented their entering the
+city. The battle then waxed furious on both sides. The chief of the
+Saracens at the head of his soldiers, fighting desperately, showed
+the greatest valor, but Maugis was everywhere, and pushed his troops
+forward in a manner that rendered useless all efforts of the enemy to
+escape.</p>
+
+<p>The Count de Rance then unmasked the gate, and falling upon their rear,
+cut them to pieces, profiting <span class="pagenum" id="Page_234">234</span>at the moment when the Saracens were
+flying in retreat.</p>
+
+<p>Their chief had been taken prisoner, when the inhabitants of Jerusalem
+came to the rescue of the infidels by opening a gate which had escaped
+the observations of the Crusaders. The pursuers would have followed the
+fugitives into the city, but it was too late. The gates were closed
+upon them, and it was in vain that they endeavored to force them. By
+this time the walls swarmed with the soldiers of the infidel. Maugis,
+however, would not give up, now that his troops were enthused by the
+victory, and caused a heavy timber to be brought, which was hurled
+with all the force that twenty men could bring to bear against the
+gate, regardless of the destruction wrought upon them by the enemy on
+the walls above. When men were stricken down at the battering ram, new
+ones came forward to take their places, and at last the gates having
+yielded, the knights and soldiers victoriously penetrated the city,
+slaying all whom they encountered on the way.</p>
+
+<p>All resistance now being hopeless, the principal citizens, reduced
+to the last extremity, appeared before Maugis, and yielded up to him
+everything and supplicated him for an armistice, and he accorded them
+a two days’ truce, pending the ratification of a definitive treaty of
+peace.</p>
+
+<p>When this news went abroad among the people they with one accord gave
+thanks to Maugis. The <span class="pagenum" id="Page_235">235</span>ancient city, which had been in a state of
+fear and consternation, now resounded with cries of joy. They would
+have Maugis occupy the palace and become ruler of the city, but he
+refused to do so, preferring his humble abode for all the luxury of the
+infidels.</p>
+
+<p>Maugis remained in Jerusalem only sufficient time to establish order
+and provide for the safeguard of the people from the infidels, and then
+concluded a definite treaty of peace with the latter. Laying aside his
+arms, and assuming once more the habit of a pilgrim, he retired to his
+hermitage.</p>
+
+<p>The story of the exploits of Maugis was not slow in reaching France,
+and caused the emperor to marvel greatly at the deeds of the brave man,
+and resolving that he had lived long enough away from his family, he
+sent at once a messenger to him, bidding him to return to Montaubon,
+that he had completely pardoned him, and was anxious to see him once
+more.</p>
+
+<p>Maugis, on receiving this message, would not remain a day longer than
+possible on that strange soil. He embarked on a magnificent vessel,
+presented by the King of Jerusalem, having been given many valuable
+presents, and set sail homeward. Alas! fate had in store for him many
+more vicissitudes; his fond hopes to be again in the midst of his
+family were to be denied.</p>
+
+<p>At first the voyage was prosperous, but at last <span class="pagenum" id="Page_236">236</span>they were attacked by
+pirates in great force, and after being delayed by adverse winds they
+finally encountered a tempest and nearly wrecked. They at last landed
+at Palermo, on the Island of Sicily. There the king received them with
+honors and gave Maugis a brilliant reception, and would have him remain
+with him for some time, but Maugis declined.</p>
+
+<p>It was while he was waiting at Palermo, repairing the damage done to
+his ship by the tempest, and recruiting himself after the rigors of
+his voyage, that an extraordinary event occurred. A war was declared
+against the King of Sicily by the Saracens, and before any precaution
+could be taken a large army landed on his coast. The King of Sicily,
+not being prepared to meet this great force, was in great fear, but
+Maugis reassured him that he would disembarrass Sicily of the Saracens,
+whom he had already defeated in Palestine. The Sicilian army was
+hastily assembled before Palermo, and Maugis placed himself at its head.</p>
+
+<p>Everything being gotten quickly in readiness, Maugis marched out to
+meet the Saracens without delay, who, thinking they were marching
+to surprise their enemy unprepared for the unexpected change in the
+position, caused by the sudden appearance of the Sicilian army,
+hesitated, while the Sicilians advanced upon them firmly.</p>
+
+<p>Emiraza, the chief of the infidels, whom Maugis <span class="pagenum" id="Page_237">237</span>had already defeated
+at Jerusalem, little thought who he had opposing him once more. He
+galloped forward to see if he could discover what caused this bold
+interference with his designs, and when he animated his troops and
+brought them forward to battle he soon perceived he was to meet with a
+very stubborn resistance. Seeing a group of knights at the head of the
+Sicilian army, he charged upon them with his escort. At that instant
+the cry of “Montaubon!” rang in his ears. He stopped still, trembling,
+and asked how it was possible that Maugis could be found in Sicily,
+when it was over five months since he had departed from Palestine to
+return to France.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile, regaining his courage, he continued his charge upon the
+invincible group of knights, and was repulsed, and Maugis, taking
+advantage of the confusion this repulse occasioned, threw his forces
+upon the Saracens and completely routed them. In vain it was the
+infidels offered a heroic resistance, they were forced to the seashore.</p>
+
+<p>Emiraza, relying upon the swiftness of his horse, reached the shore,
+plunged into the waves, and sought to gain his galley. When his
+soldiers, later, were stopped by the sea, they were pressed upon by the
+victorious Sicilians, until finally they were either killed or made
+prisoners to the last man.</p>
+
+<p>This victory covered Maugis with more glory than ever. He was
+complimented by magnificent <span class="pagenum" id="Page_238">238</span><i lang="fr">fêtes</i> and given great honors. The
+king himself would have him share his crown, but Maugis refused. He
+had but one thought and that was to go home to his own country; to be
+reunited with his family was his sole ambition.</p>
+
+<p>After a few days spent in <i lang="fr">fêtes</i> and rejoicing, Maugis embarked,
+and after a short and uneventful voyage in due time reached Dordogne,
+whereupon, being apprised of their arrival, Richard, Alard, and
+Guichard went forward to meet him.</p>
+
+<p>They were followed by all the nobility of the vicinity. The people
+formed themselves in a line along the road, and their progress was
+marked by cheers and acclamations, and with his name in every one’s
+mouth, Maugis finally arrived at the palace.</p>
+
+<p>His first thought was for his well-beloved wife. He was astonished not
+to see her among the others. He interrogated his brothers, and they
+only responded by silence.</p>
+
+<p>“What signifies this silence?” he demanded of them. “Have you yet
+another misfortune to announce to me? Has Providence again stricken me?”</p>
+
+<p>“You must have courage, my dear Maugis,” responded Alard. “Your noble
+wife is dead, and died with your name upon her lips. During your
+absence, and in the failure to receive news of you, everyone thought
+you dead. Yolande refused to be consoled. Certain noblemen dared to
+raise their <span class="pagenum" id="Page_239">239</span>eyes to her, and when they sought to convince her you
+were no more, she would not hear, and finally one of them took to her
+a piece of your armor, pretending it to be a relic of your decease.
+Yolande was deceived by this, and from that day commenced to despair.
+It was in vain that Charlemagne assured her of your safety, and even a
+courier was sent to Jerusalem to determine it. Everybody assured her
+that you were living, but she was death-stricken. She faded in our
+arms and passed away, dying in the sweet satisfaction that you had not
+ceased to love her.”</p>
+
+<p>This sorrowful news caused Maugis the most intense anguish. The
+strongman bowed his head and wept bitterly. He would not be consoled,
+and calling together his brothers and his sons, he told them he had
+formed a resolution that he should lose no time in carrying out. Said
+he:</p>
+
+<p>“I have been blessed with all the triumphs that a man could desire. I
+have acquired a universal renown. Nothing is wanting for me in honors
+or glory. Alas! what use is it all to me now, when I have not Yolande
+to participate in it with me? I was so anxious to be with my family
+again. I thought that I could spend the rest of my days among you, but
+she is no more. It is a loss I never can forget; therefore have I taken
+this resolution: I will quit the world, and retiring to some solitude I
+will await the day when I can rejoin her.”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_240">240</span></p>
+
+<p>It happened that Renaud, the cousin of Maugis, had made a similar
+resolve previously, to the same effect, and was now in some solitary
+retreat, having bid adieu to his relatives.</p>
+
+<p>All attempts to change the resolution of Maugis to carry out this plan
+failed, and he only hesitated when told that he should remain and watch
+over his children until they had passed the tender age.</p>
+
+<p>It was about this time that the sons of Aymon were apprised of the
+death of their aged father. The brothers desired Maugis to partition
+the property equally among them, but he nobly abandoned all to them,
+not even reserving Montaubon. Then for a long time he devoted his days
+to the education of his sons. He instructed them himself in all the
+forms and exercises of knighthood, placing continually before them a
+noble example to follow. He saw with pleasure that one day his children
+would fulfill all his hopes in force, in courage, and in honor.</p>
+
+<p>When this noble father felt certain his sons would equal him he took
+them apart one day and said to them:</p>
+
+<p>“You are no longer children. The time has come when you should be
+occupied with serious things. Your rank and your duty compels you to
+consecrate yourselves to your country. Go now to the court, find the
+Emperor Charlemagne, and pray him to accept you as his knights.”</p>
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+<div class="chapter">
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_241">241</span>
+  <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XVIII">CHAPTER XVIII.</h2>
+</div>
+
+<p>When the sons of Maugis quitted their father the young men took the
+road for the court, where they duly arrived, and demanded to be
+presented to the emperor, as was usual at that period, for aspirants to
+the order of knighthood. The lord in waiting, who did not know them,
+was struck with their grace and air of nobility, and when they were
+ushered into the audience-chamber, where Charlemagne was seated on his
+throne among all his courtiers, the two young men fell on their knees,
+and kissed with emotion the hand he extended to them.</p>
+
+<p>“Who are you, my children?” said the emperor to them in a kind voice,
+“and why is it you show so much affection for me?”</p>
+
+<p>“Sire!” replied young Aymon, “we wish to be made knights for your sole
+service, and for your service only. We are deeply indebted to you for
+kindness in our youth, and if you will confer upon us the honor, we
+would, my brother and myself, consecrate to you our entire life.”</p>
+
+<p>“But who art thou?” asked the emperor, who did not recognize them.
+“No lord has conducted <span class="pagenum" id="Page_242">242</span>you to the palace. No peer has presented you.
+Nobody seems to know you.”</p>
+
+<p>“Sire!” replied Aymon, “we are the sons of a knight whom you have
+honored with your esteem and for whom you have never hidden your
+admiration, even when you were enraged with him. Our father had the
+misfortune to incur your displeasure for not being willing to submit,
+when his honor opposed, and you forced him to defend himself against
+you and against the deceitful counsels of perfidious and jealous
+courtiers. Ah, sire, in spite of all these trials you placed upon him,
+our father never ceased to love you and to bless you. He has also
+taught us to venerate and cherish you. Our father is the brave Maugis,
+who during three years passed his time in exile to repair the wrongs
+he incurred by activity and courage so astonishing as to give his name
+universal renown.”</p>
+
+<p>At these words the emperor arose, descended from his throne and
+embraced the two handsome young men, who had come to place their young
+lives under his high protecting care. Said he:</p>
+
+<p>“Your father is one of the noblest and most honorable knights I ever
+knew. Strive, both of you, to equal him. I could not offer a better
+wish for your welfare.”</p>
+
+<p>The emperor then took pride in presenting the young men to the court.
+The etiquette compelled by ceremony being cast aside, the emperor
+inquired <span class="pagenum" id="Page_243">243</span>with great solicitude concerning their father.</p>
+
+<p>“Our father,” replied Yon, “is now old and infirm, and bodily exercise
+has become too fatiguing for him. Now, instead of following campaigns,
+he lives amid his vassals, to whom he renders justice, gives counsel,
+and encourages in their labor; in a word, sire, with him rank is but a
+distinction. It is as nothing before intelligence, even if those who
+possess it are inferior in position. Unfortunately, our father is very
+feeble, and we have feared that he is breaking down.”</p>
+
+<p>“A man like your father should live always,” cried Charlemagne.
+“Seigneurs!” continued he, turning to his courtiers, “these sons of
+Maugis are my sons; you will so consider them.” Then addressing the
+young men, he promised that he would himself arm them as knights; also
+would give them additional lands, and as a token of love for their
+father and themselves, he accorded benefits to the one hundred other
+young men who constituted their suite.</p>
+
+<p>Maugis, after the departure of his sons, employed himself in putting
+his affairs in order. He bequeathed Dordogne to Yon, his younger son,
+and to Aymon, the eldest, he left Montaubon. Then having assembled his
+brothers, he said to them:</p>
+
+<p>“I have suffered many trials in the course of my existence. I have
+always been first in advancing our <span class="pagenum" id="Page_244">244</span>general interests. I will to-day
+make my farewell. I have vowed to consecrate to God the few years that
+remain to me, and to expiate for my sins by passing my remaining days
+in an absolute retreat far from the world.”</p>
+
+<p>His brothers tried to dissuade him, but it was useless. That same day
+Maugis took his staff and stole away, making his escape undiscovered
+from Montaubon, by means of the same subterranean passage he had used
+to escape the wrath of Charlemagne when Montaubon was besieged.</p>
+
+<p>Alone, by himself, with no more cares of state, disembarrassed of the
+burden of his renown, Maugis plodded through the country northward,
+nourishing himself with herbs and roots and drinking the pure water
+from the springs he passed on his way, finding life more pleasant
+a hundred times than in the midst of his court. His footsteps were
+directed toward the ancient city of Mouzon, in the Ardennes, where he
+intended to abide for a time in the old house where he had spent some
+of his boyhood days under the tutorship of that wise man of the East,
+that learned pundit whom his father had rescued from death in the wars
+of the Saracens, and from whom Maugis had drawn the occult powers he
+had used when driven to the last resource by the emperor. He hoped here
+to rest awhile in the society of the good monks of the great Abbey. He
+would search for his cousin Renaud, who, likewise, had retired from
+the world, to end his days in solitary meditation and prayer.</p>
+
+<figure class="figcenter illowp90" id="i_p244">
+  <img class="bbox" src="images/i_p244.jpg" alt="">
+  <figcaption>CATHEDRAL DOOR, MOUZON.</figcaption>
+</figure>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_245">245</span></p>
+
+<p>Maugis spent two years in Mouzon, in the ancient house that had been
+his boyhood home. He made diligent inquiry for his cousin Renaud, but
+neither the monks nor any one else could tell him anything, except
+that some time agone he had been seen passing through the city by the
+old Roman road, which led into and through the vast forests of the
+Ardennes. So one day Maugis once more took up his staff, and deserting
+his home in the ancient city, he too walked far out on the old Roman
+road until the forests swallowed him up.</p>
+
+<p>As he made his weary way through the vast solitudes, one day he
+approached a hermitage; a strange hope animated him. Had God directed
+his steps to the resting place of his cousin Renaud? He searched about
+thoroughly, and at last discovered his cousin some distance away in
+a solitary place, lying on the moss and absorbed in a book. He came
+upon his cousin so quietly that he did not hear him, and he stood and
+contemplated him for some time in silence, but suddenly raising his
+eyes Renaud became aware of the presence of a stranger. “Can this be
+Maugis?” he said to himself, “once so strong and so straight, and now
+so bent and so feeble, but a shadow of his former self?” But he soon
+overcame his incertitude and sprang up and clasped Maugis in his arms,
+who said:</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_246">246</span></p>
+
+<p>“My dear Renaud! what pleasure I have to see you, you little know. We
+will never be separated again.”</p>
+
+<p>It was a long time before Renaud recovered from his joy, and though
+each was very desirous to live solitary in pursuance of their vows to
+God, they finally decided, however, that they would situate themselves
+so as to see each other every day.</p>
+
+<p>Maugis then installed himself a short distance away, in a cave under
+a rock which he made habitable. From that time no day passed without
+their seeing each other. It was the delight of these two brave old
+warriors, whose days were numbered, to recall together their deeds in
+the past, and the many things they had accomplished in company. Thus,
+after a life of activity and turmoil, their isolation seemed peaceful
+and blessed to them, and they found that peace which passeth all
+understanding in their old age, which made them never regret having
+quitted the world.</p>
+
+<p>It happened that one day, when Maugis went as usual to the old oak
+which served as their rendezvous, Renaud was not there, and after
+waiting vainly for a long time, he hurried to his hermitage and there
+found him feeble and depressed.</p>
+
+<p>“My dear Maugis,” said Renaud to him, “I am now approaching the end
+of my existence. I will soon enjoy eternal repose. I die with only
+one regret, and that is, I cannot have you with me in <span class="pagenum" id="Page_247">247</span>death. That we
+must at last leave each other. God is not willing that we should go
+together, but we do not die, except from the vengeance of God, until we
+are no longer useful to humanity.”</p>
+
+<p>“What are you saying, my dear cousin,” replied Maugis. “Am I not also
+useless; am I not old and infirm, and my forces completely disappeared?”</p>
+
+<p>“That is true,” responded Renaud, “but you must remain on earth to
+obey the destiny of your Lord. He is always ready to execute His will.
+Adieu! my dear Maugis, we shall shortly meet again. I die happy because
+I am dying in your arms.”</p>
+
+<p>Renaud hardly spoke these last words when he yielded up his soul.
+Maugis then tenderly disposed of his remains in the grave Renaud
+had himself prepared, accomplishing this sad ceremony with complete
+serenity. After having rendered these last duties to his cousin, Maugis
+retired to his hermitage and remained there.</p>
+
+<p>His end was near. It was decreed by God that he should soon follow his
+cousin. One day as he was walking on the banks of the river Meuse, near
+his hermitage, he heard cries of distress. It was the voices of young
+women calling for assistance. Without regarding the infirmities of age,
+Maugis hastened in the direction of the cries, and when he arrived at
+the banks of the river he was astonished to find a young woman lying
+there half-fainting, <span class="pagenum" id="Page_248">248</span>bound hand and foot; collecting all her resources
+the swooning girl indicated the water, and upon turning his eyes in
+that direction Maugis perceived a man, who was dragging another young
+woman by the hair of her head and was about to cast her into the
+water. Maugis, at the sight of this outrage, felt his old-time vigor
+returning, and hastening to her assistance, he took his staff in both
+hands and smote the villain on the head.</p>
+
+<p>The man dodged the blow and escaped a second one by leaping into
+the stream, dragging the young woman with him. Maugis hesitated not
+a moment, and plunging after him and seizing him by the throat,
+endeavored to pull him out of the water, but the man shook himself
+free, and turned upon Maugis.</p>
+
+<p>At that moment, such are the strange decrees of fate, the noble Maugis
+recognized in the face of that man the features of Pinabel.</p>
+
+<p>“Infamous scoundrel!” said he to him, “not content to have committed
+acts of cowardice with men, you must complete your villainy by
+attacking women. You shall die this time and you need not count on my
+clemency.”</p>
+
+<p>Saying this, Maugis seized him firmly and succeeded in forcing him
+under the surface of the river, but the fear of death doubled the
+strength of Pinabel. Maugis could not disembarrass himself from his
+enemy, who, in his desperation, wound himself <span class="pagenum" id="Page_249">249</span>around Maugis with his
+arms and legs. It was in vain that Maugis struck him and tried to
+force him loose. The drowning wretch clung to him with the energy of
+despair. Maugis could not free himself from his deathlike grip, and
+the nearer death approached the firmer became his hold. For a long
+time the nearly exhausted Maugis struggled to rid himself of the body
+of the now drowned man, his movements impeded by the clinging corpse,
+which, with the swiftness of the current, contributed to destroy him.
+With a supreme effort he raised his voice to call for help, but he was
+answered only by the frantic cries of the two young women.</p>
+
+<p>Little by little his strength diminished, his eyesight failing, and
+with eyes closed he heard faintly the prayers of the two frightened
+girls for the safety of the man who had so bravely come to their
+rescue. Then he sank slowly down to the bottom. He appeared once more
+at the surface of the water, as if to protest against meeting the same
+death as a villain who had committed so many crimes during his life,
+and then he once more disappeared, never again to return to life.</p>
+
+<div class="center">•<span class="col2">•</span>
+  <span class="col2">•</span><span class="col2">•</span><span class="col2">•</span></div>
+
+<p>The death of Maugis would have never become known if the two young
+girls had not recounted their adventure to some fishermen. They told
+how Pinabel, in love with one of them, had surprised them bathing, and
+had seized and bound the one to <span class="pagenum" id="Page_250">250</span>whom he was indifferent in order that
+he might more readily accomplish his purpose with the other. They told
+them, moreover, that Pinabel, having become an outcast, had placed
+himself at the head of a band of malefactors, who recently had captured
+a château in the vicinity, killing all the people who inhabited it.</p>
+
+<p>The fishermen searched a long time for the body of Maugis, and finally
+recovered it, with the corpse of Pinabel still attached; then they
+recognized him as the hermit they had seen in the neighborhood. They
+laid his remains out tenderly, and carried them to his hermitage, from
+which he was finally interred in the same grave as Renaud.</p>
+
+<p>Never would it have become known just who the religious men were who
+lived in the forest had they not found the following inscription upon
+the tomb of Renaud, written by Maugis himself:</p>
+
+<div class="center bbox2">
+MAUGIS DE MONTAUBON,<br>
+<span class="smcap">Duc de Aymon.<br>
+aux names reverses de son cousin</span>,<br>
+<span class="gesperrt">RENAUD, DUC DE BEUVES</span>.<br>
+<em>En Memoire de Leur Amitie.</em>
+</div>
+
+<p>They also found in the grotto of Maugis the portrait of Yolande. He had
+written underneath her name and his own. It was incontestable proof of
+his identity.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_251">251</span></p>
+
+<p>The news of the combat and its sad ending reached Cologne. Seigneur de
+Burie, who had formerly known Maugis and Renaud, visited the hermitage
+to assure himself that the tomb contained all that remained of the
+heroic Maugis and Renaud, which having done, he fell on his knees and
+prayed with fervor. Immediately upon his return he sent the clergy of
+Cologne to exhume the precious remains and bring them to Cologne, where
+they were deposited in the cathedral with great pomp and ceremony,
+their bier being watched by knights continuously while they laid in
+state.</p>
+
+<p>In the meantime the tidings were sent to Paris. The emperor, on hearing
+the sad news, ordered the entire court in mourning, and indeed the
+mourning was not a mere outward seeming, for there was sorrow in every
+heart.</p>
+
+<p>The sons of Maugis and his brothers were plunged into the most profound
+grief. Some days afterward an imposing retinue proceeded to Cologne and
+brought with them the remains of the two heroes. When they had reached
+the suburbs of Paris they were met by Charlemagne himself, and escorted
+into the city. There the most magnificent funeral ceremonies were held,
+after the completion of which the Aymon family proceeded with the two
+bodies onward to Montaubon, their final resting place, where they were
+placed under a magnificent tomb.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_270">270</span></p>
+
+<p>To give testimony to his grief and friendship, after the emperor had
+accompanied them as far as Orleans, he returned to Paris, and ordered
+that the arms and escutcheons of Pinabel be destroyed, and that
+everything should be obliterated that was connected with a name which
+called forth so much execration.</p>
+
+<div class="center mt10">THE END.</div>
+
+<div class="transnote">
+  <div class="large center"><b>Transcriber’s Notes:</b></div>
+  <ul class="spaced">
+    <li>Obvious typographical errors have been silently corrected.</li>
+    <li>Table of contents added.</li>
+    <li>Redundant title page removed.</li>
+  </ul>
+</div>
+
+<div style='text-align:center'>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 76929 ***</div>
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diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt
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+This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements,
+metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be
+in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES.
+
+Procedures for determining public domain status are described in
+the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org.
+
+No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in
+jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize
+this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright
+status under the laws that apply to them.
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+Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for eBook #76929
+(https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/76929)