live without you," he said, "and death itself were
better."

When she did not reply, but lay back, white to the lips, he rose and
looked down at her.

"I can see," he said, "that my touch is bitterness. I have merited
nothing better. So I shall go again, but this time, if it will comfort
you, I shall give you the child Clotilde--not that I love her the less,
but that you deserve her the more."

Then she opened her eyes, and what he saw there brought him back to his
knees with a cry.

"I want only your love, my lord, to make me happy," she said. "And now,
see how the birthday of our Lord has brought us peace." She drew down
the covering a trifle, close to his bent head, and showed the warm curve
of her arm. "Unto us also is born a son, Charles."

"I have wanted a son," said Charles the Fair, "but more than a son have
I wanted you, heart of my heart."

* * * * *

Outside in the courtyard the Fool had drawn a circle about him.

"I am adventuring," he said. "Yesterday I caught this horse when the
others ran from him. Then I saved a lady and brought her to her
destination. This being the Christmas season and a Sunday, I shall rest
here for a day." He threw out his chest magnificently. "But tomorrow I
continue on my way."

"Can you fight?" They baited him.

"I can sing," he replied. And he threw back his head with its wandering
eyes and tender mouth and sang:

"The Light of Light Divine,
True Brightness undefiled.
He bears for us the shame of sin,
A holy, spotless Child."

***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE TRUCE OF GOD***

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