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Updated: June 1, 2025
The next day, by appointment, we waited on the duke at the morning audience. When we entered the great hall, the urgent business had been transacted, and half a score of lords and gentlemen stood near the dais, discussing some topic with the duke and with one another. We moved near the throne, and I heard Charles say to Campo-Basso and Hymbercourt:
"It is Campo-Basso and his friends. Count Calli, prepare to give the combat to this knight, whoever he may be, and God have mercy on your soul, for the day of your death is at hand." Another ripple of soft laughter came from the ladies' gallery. "I cannot fight him," wailed Calli. "I am suffering from a broken arm. My horse fell with me three weeks ago, as Your Grace well knows."
Thereupon he drew an iron gauntlet from his girdle and threw it clanking on the stone floor. The gauntlet lay untouched for the space of a minute or two; and the duke turned toward Calli and Campo-Basso, who stood surrounded by their Italian friends at the right of the throne. After a long pause Charles said:
One blow from that great arm of yours will end all prospects of war with your Switzerland." Max hesitatingly took the dagger and looked with a puzzled expression from it to the duke's face. Campo-Basso and his Italian friends moved toward their lord as if to protect him, but Charles waved them back with a protesting palm. "Switzerland is not my native land, Your Grace, nor do I seek your life.
I already know its contents, but read, my lord, read." Campo-Basso read the letter. "To Our Most Illustrious Brother Charles Duke of Burgundy, and Count of Charolois: "We recommend us and send Your Grace greeting.
Have you more in your budget, Sir Count?" "I have delivered all, I believe, my lord," answered Campo-Basso. "It might have been worse," said the duke, rising to quit his throne. "One moment, my lord! There is another matter to which I wish to call Your Grace's attention before you rise," said the count.
Louis employed the simple, honest, brave Scot. Charles chose the most guileful of men. They were true only to self-interest, brave only in the absence of danger. The court of Burgundy swarmed with these Italian mercenaries, many of whom had followed Charles to Peronne. Count Campo-Basso, who afterward betrayed Charles, was their chief.
Swords and daggers sprang from the scabbards of the Italians, and cries of indignation were uttered by the mercenaries, who saw their crime exposed, and by the Burgundians, who hated the Italians and their dastardly methods. Charles commanded silence, and Campo-Basso received permission to speak. "Since when did my Lord d'Hymbercourt turn traitor?" said he.
"I'm told there is a messenger from Ghent." "Ill news, my lord," answered Campo-Basso. "Out with it!" cried the duke. "One should always swallow a bitter draught quickly." "We hear the Swiss are gathering their cantons in great numbers," said Campo-Basso. "Let the sheep gather," said Charles, waving his hands. "The more they gather to the fold, the more we'll shear."
"My resolution is taken," said the young lady; "I return to my native country, to throw myself on the mercy of Charles, Duke of Burgundy." "And you resolve to become the bride, then, of the Count of Campo-basso, the unworthy favourite of Charles?" said Quentin, who had been told the reason why refuge had been sought with Louis.
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