The hundred-year war with England is over, the Armagnacs
and Burgundians quarrel no more, the Jacquerie war has ceased, and
the peasants have returned to their ploughs. You have united eleven
provinces, France has become one land, one people, and will now take
the place of Rome, which will disappear and be forgotten for
centuries, perhaps some day to rise again. France will guide the
destinies of Europe, and be great among the crowned heads, so long
as it does not aim at empire like the Rome of the Caesars, for then
it will be all over with it. Thank God that you have been able to be
of service, though in ignorance of the will and purposes of your
Lord, when you thought you were only going your own way!"
"Montjoie Saint Denis!" exclaimed the King. "Lord, now lettest Thou
Thy servant depart in peace."
"But not here," broke in the Doctor, who was tired of the whole
business. "Travel back to Tours, take the priest with you, and leave
me in peace!"
The King returned to Plessis-les-Tours, where he ended his days
after severe sufferings. He did not obtain peace, but he did obtain
death.
"Now the rod is thrown into the fire," said Doctor Coctier, "let it
burn; the children have grown up, and can look after themselves.
Executioners also have their uses, as Tristan L'Ermite and his
master Louis XI know.
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