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."
"Long live the Grand Constable!"
"A most rare Constable."
Villon waved them away.
"Go your ways," he said, "and if you can, mend them."
Shouting and dancing for joy, the men took advantage of his
permission and disappeared in their turn among the alleys of the
rose garden, seeking and finding the wandering women and vanishing
with them in due course into the labyrinths of Paris.
Villon turned to Noel.
"You may dismiss your soldiers," he said.
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