“Sire, I am content,” said François.
“Since we are fully agreed, let the treaty be signed,” said Charles V
The document was then laid on the table, and being duly signed and sealed by the two monarchs, was delivered to the custody of the grand-chancellor.
The Emperor then signified his desire to be left alone with the King of France, and the others withdrew.
“I have a few words to say to you, brother,” said Charles V., drawing near the king. “You are now free—perfectly free. Up to this moment we have treated together as princes, let us now deal as loyal gentlemen. You are esteemed, and with reason, the model of chivalry. Tell me, with the frankness of a preux chevalier, who has never broken his word that you mean to perform the compact you have made with me.”
And he fixed a searching look upon the king as he spoke.
“Sire,” replied François, pointing to a crucifix fixed against the wall beside them, “I swear on that cross to deal loyally with you.”
“Then if you fail, I may say you have forfeited your word?” said the Emperor, still fastening his keen grey eyes upon him.
“You may, sire. But rest easy. Foi de gentilhomme! I shall not fail.”
Perfectly satisfied by these assurances, Charles V. caused the doors of the castle to be thrown open, and conducted his somewhile prisoner to the royal palace, where apartments suitable to his rank were assigned him.