CHAPTER XCIV.
THE MORNING OF THE COMBAT.
The king did not sleep all night, and very early in the morninghe set off, accompanied by Chicot, to examine the ground wherethe combat was to take place.
"Quelus will be exposed to the sun," said he; "he will have itat his right, just in his only eye; whereas Maugiron, who hasgood eyes, will be in the shade. That is badly managed. As forSchomberg, his place is good; but Quelus, my poor Quelus!"
"Do not torment yourself so, my king, it is useless."
"And D'Epernon; I am really unjust not to think of him; he, whois to fight Bussy. Look at his place, Chicot, he who will haveto give way constantly, for Bussy is like a tiger, he has a treeon his right and a ditch on his left."
"Bah!" said Chicot, "I am not concerned about D'Epernon."
"You are wrong; he will be killed."
"Not he; be sure he has taken precautions."
"How so?"
"He will not fight."
"Did you not hear what he said before going to bed?"
"That is just why I think he will not fight."
"Incredulous and distrustful!"
"I know my Gascon, Henri; but if you will take my advice, youwill return to the Louvre."
"Do you think I can stay there during the combat?"
"I do not wish you not to love your friends, but I do wish younot to leave M. d'Anjou alone at the Louvre."
"Is not Crillon there?"
"Crillon is only a buffalo--a rhinoceros--a wild boar; whileyour brother is the serpent, whose strength lies in his cunning."
"You are right; I should have sent him to the Bastile."
When Chicot and the king entered, the young men were being dressedby their valets.
"Good morning, gentlemen," said he; "I find you all in good spirits,I hope?"
"Yes, sire," said Quelus.
"You look gloomy, Maugiron."
"Sire, I am superstitious, and I had bad dreams last night, soI am drinking a little wine to keep up my spirits."
"My friend, remember that dreams are the impressions of the previousday, and have no influence on the morrow."
"Yes, sire," said D'Epernon, "I also had bad dreams last night;but, in spite of that, my hand is steady and fit for action."
"Yes," said Chicot, "you dreamed you had blood on your boots;that is not a bad dream, for it signifies that you will be aconqueror, like Alexander or Caesar."
"My friends," said Henri, "remember you fight only for honor;the past night has seated me firmly on my throne, therefore donot think of me; and, above all things, no false bravery; youwish to kill your enemies, not to die yourselves."
The gentlemen were now ready, and it only remained to take leaveof their master.
"Do you go on horseback?" asked he.
"No, sire, on foot."
They each kissed his hand, and D'Epernon said, "Sire, bless mysword."
"Not so, D'Epernon; give up your sword--I have a better one foreach of you. Chicot, bring them here."
"No, sire, send your captain of the guards; I am but a Pagan,and they might lose their virtue by coming through my hands."
"What are these swords, sire?" said Schomberg.
"Italian swords, my son, forged at Milan."
"Thanks, sire."
"Now go, it is time," said the king, who could hardly controlhis emotion.
"Sire," said Quelus, "shall we not have your majesty's presenceto encourage us?"
"No, that would not be right; you will be supposed to fight withoutany one being cognizant of it, and without my sanction. Let itappear to be the result of a private quarrel."
When they were gone, the king threw himself down in tears.
"Now," said Chicot, "I will go to see this duel, for I have anidea that something curious will happen with regard to D'Epernon."And he went off.
Henri shut himself up in his own room, first saying to Crillon,who knew what was to take place, "If we are conquerors, Crillon,come and tell me; if not, strike three blows on the door."