"And why?"
"Because I am an admiral, and admirals have nothing to do with horses."
"Well, then, admiral, if it be not your place to mount a horse, it is so at all events to go on board ship. So you will start at once for Rouen, where you will find your admiral's ship, and make ready to sail immediately for Antwerp."
"For Antwerp!" cried Joyeuse, in a tone as despairing as though he had received an order for Canton or Valparaiso.
"I said so," replied the king, in a cold and haughty tone, "and there is no need to repeat it."
Joyeuse, without making the least further resistance, fastened his cloak and took his hat.
"What a trouble I have to make myself obeyed," continued Henri. "Ventrebleu! if I forget sometimes that I am the master, others might remember it."
Joyeuse bowed stifly, and said, "Your orders, sire?"
The king began to melt. "Go," said he, "to Rouen, where I wish you to embark, unless you prefer going by land to Brussels."
Joyeuse did not answer, but only bowed.