François uttered an exclamation of impatience, but was restrained by his sister, who grasped his hand.
“A moment's patience, brother,” remarked Charles V, “We will speak of Burgundy anon.”
“Your majesty shall remove your protection from Henri d'Albret, who was taken prisoner at the battle of Pavia, but who has since escaped, and prevail upon him to renounce the title of King of Navarre.”
“Pâques Dieu! I cannot do this,” cried François.
“Let the chancellor go on, brother,” said the Emperor.
“Your majesty shall likewise remove your protection from the Duke of Gueldres,” pursued Gattinara, “the Duke of Wurtemberg, and Robert de la Marck.”
“By Saint Louis! I will not thus sacrifice my friends and allies!” cried François.
“Hear him out, brother!—hear him out!” said the Emperor.
Gattinara paused for a moment, and then resumed. Aware of what was coming, Bourbon watched the king narrowly.
“Your majesty shall restore to the Duke de Bourbon all the lands, fiefs, and signories of which he has been deprived, and shall add to them Provence and Dauphiné. These states shall be erected into a kingdom to be possessed by the Duke de Bourbon, without tenure from the crown of France.”