“His majesty must pledge his royal word to return to prison, if all the conditions of the treaty be not fulfilled within three months,” said Lannoy.
“How say you, brother? Will you give that pledge?” demanded Charles V.
“He will—he does!” interposed Marguerite.
“Nay, madame, let the king speak for himself,” said the Emperor.
“I give the required pledge,” said François, with evident reluctance.
“But your majesty must also give hostages for your good faith,” remarked Bourbon.
“Hostages!” exclaimed François.
“Yes, sire, hostages—hostages the most precious to yourself and to your people—your two elder sons. They must take your place, and remain in captivity till all be fulfilled.”
“Sire, you do not require this?” cried François.
“If you mean fairly, brother—as I feel sure you do—where is the hardship?” rejoined Charles V., “I must have an exchange of prisoners.”