"Are we free?"
Villon answered her sadly,
"Free? Poor children! Such as you are never free. Go and pray Heaven to make men better, for the sake of your daughter's daughters."
His extended hands were full of gold pieces, but they were soon emptied by the eager girls who pounced upon them. Then they left him with many curtsies and salutations and drifted away delightedly into the mazes of the rose garden.
Villon turned to look at the men prisoners, who were anxiously scanning his actions.
"As for these gentlemen," he said to Noel, "let them go where they will, but first give them food and drink and a pocketful of money."
The effect of his words was almost as paralyzing upon the rogues as it was upon Messire Noel. It pleased the one as much as it displeased the other.
Noel looked the contempt he did not venture to express. The men rushed forward, choking with gratitude.
"God save you, sir."
"Your Excellency is of a most excellent excellence."