"I am the bearer of no propositions, my lord," said Des Comines; "the Duke will soon explain his own pleasure; but some things occur to me as proposals, for which your Majesty ought to hold yourself prepared. As, for example, the final cession of these towns here upon the Somme."
"I expected so much," said Louis.
"That you should disown the Liegeois, and William de la Marck."
"As willingly as I disclaim Hell and Satan," said Louis.
"Ample security will be required, by hostages, or occupation of fortresses, or otherwise, that France shall in future abstain from stirring up rebellion among the Flemings."
"It is something new," answered the King, "that a vassal should demand pledges from his Sovereign: but let that pass too."
"A suitable and independent appanage for your illustrious brother, the ally and friend of my master – Normandy or Champagne. The Duke loves your father's house, my Liege."
"So well," answered Louis, "that, mort Dieu! he's about to make them all kings. – Is your budget of hints yet emptied?"
"Not entirely," answered the counsellor: "it will certainly be required that your Majesty shall forbear molesting, as you have done of late, the Duke de Bretagne, and that you will no longer contest the right, which he and other grand feudatories have, to strike money, to term themselves dukes and princes by the grace of God" –
"In a word, to make so many kings of my vassals. Sir Philip, would you make a fratricide of me? – You remember well my brother Charles – he was no sooner Duke of Guyenne than he died. – And what will be left to the descendant and representative of Charlemagne, after giving away these rich provinces, save to be smeared with oil at Rheims, and to eat his dinner under a high canopy?"