Nous ſauons bien le temps.
“Happy the Alcyons, whom choice times defend.
Nor in the nest nor egg the sea can harm;
But luckless man knows not to meet alarm,
Nor to his purpose gives the wished for end.”
The festival of Saint Martin, or Martlemas, is held November 11th, at the approach of winter, and was a season of merriment and good cheer. It is in connection with this festival that Shakespeare first introduces a mention of the Alcyon (1 Henry VI., act i. sc. 2, l. 129, vol. v. p. 14). The Maid of Orleans is propounding her mission for the deliverance of France to Reignier, Duke of Anjou,—
“Assign’d I am to be the English scourge.
This night the siege assuredly I’ll raise:
Expect Saint Martin’s summer, halcyon days,
Since I have enter’d into these wars.”