Chicot the Jester

urs pass

ry was heard, which ca

sound was to be heard except this strange ca

ut the room, and the barking of dogs-mingled with new cries. Almost instantly lights

ied all, "the

l of the Swiss, and some attendants, rus

rified and grotesque in his night-dress. His right hand was extended, trembling lik

the spectators, not daring to break the

queen, Louise de Lorraine, blonde and gentle, who led the life of

g, "what is the matter? Mon Dieu

ving his eyes, which seemed to be looking up

out; is your majesty suf

n the king's countenance, that

n Heaven's name do not leave us in th

same tone, "the body is not ill, it

as sent for; Joseph Foulon, superior of the convent of St. Généviève, was torn from his bed, to come to the king. With t

was more suffering than ever. His sleep, or rather his lethargy, had been so profound, that he alone had heard nothing of the tumult in t

be brought to him, and, going to his friends, distributed th

not return the blows he received, he ought to be exempt, but the k

imself like a martyr. Chicot tried to laugh, as usual, but was warned by a terrible loo

iately the blows ceased, only Chicot continued to strike D'O, whom he h

00 crowns, and kissed her, which he had not done for a year. The

asked why her husband gave her a n

sins," r

he knew, better than any one,

, shivering. At five o'clock the promenade was over, the convents had received rich presents, the feet of all the court were swollen, and the backs of the courtiers sore. There had been tears, cries, prayers, incense, and psalms. Everyone had suffered, without knowing w

his exercise, ordered himself a light supper, had

has done well to re

so, s

instead of fearing

f, sire, I do not

c, will you fol

nk it a g

r wife, and we will enter a cloister

of which you are tired, I care very much for my

u are b

eel quite joyous, and dispose

ried the king, cl

e thrown myself into a well for a trifle. But this evening it is quite a differe

ear, St

ut I think you

. Luc, but I shal

not swear more than I can

he will p

ou have sinned as a king, I as a private man,

c," said he, "will you p

at shoul

s, I will go to bed, and yo

ank you

will

o acc

ndon me,

sty, if you will send for music

. Luc,

t, sire, I want to

e king, solemnly,

en,

ieve in

h re

w s

e reality. Last night

t wa

ed that

think of

reamed that she, with her charmi

e, who rui

braving locks and bolts, she passed over the walls of the Louvre,

you o

uld th

rld

please

you

erefore I refuse your majesty's obliging offer. If I sit up, let me at least ha

will send you a dream to-night wh

u to send away this libertine St.

race will have touched you as it has