I will make
no vain glory of their winning. Burgundy fought well, but France
fought better, and these trophies trail in our triumph. To a
mercer's eyes these bits of tissue are but so many squares of
damaged web. To a soldier's eye, they cover crowded graves with
honour. To a king's eye, they deck one throne with lonely splendour.
When we here, who breathe hard from fighting, and ye, who stand
there and marvel, are dust, when the king's name is but a golden
space in chronicles grey with age, these banners shall hang from
Cathedral arches and your children's children's children, lifted in
reverent arms, shall peep through the dim air at the faded colours,
and baby lips shall whisper an echo of our battle."
CHAPTER XV
THE SHADOW OF THE GALLOWS
As Villon ended a great peal of music came from the church, the
magnificent music of a Te Deum Laudamus; while from the soldiers who
choked the archway, a glowing sea of steel, there rose one common
cry of "God save the Grand Constable!"
Olivier leaned over and whispered to the king;
"They cheer him, sire."
Louis waved him impatiently aside, and leaning over the railing,
spoke:
"My Lord Constable, and you, brave soldiers, the King of France
thanks you for your gift.
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