orders to carry to Francis I. "an appointment for a place of meeting
between Fontarabia and Andaye, in such a spot as by common consent should
be considered most safe and most convenient by gentlemen chosen on each
side;" and this offer was accompanied by a long reply which the herald
was at the same time to deliver to the King of France, whilst calling on
him to declare his intention within forty days after the delivery of that
letter, dated the 24th of June, "in default whereof," said Charles, "the
delay in fighting will be yours."

[Illustration: Francis I.----115]

On arriving at the frontier of France the Spanish herald demanded a
safe-conduct. He was made to wait seven weeks, from the 30th of June to
the 19th of August, without the king's cognizance, it is said. At last,
on the 19th of September, 1528, Burgundy entered Paris, and was
conducted to the palace. Francis I. received him in the midst of his
court; and, as soon as he observed the entrance of the herald, who made
obeisance preliminary to addressing him, "Herald," cried the king, "all
thy letters declare that thou bringest appointment of time and place;
dost thou bring it?" "Sir," answered the Spaniard, "permit me to do my
office, and say what the emperor has charged me to say." "Nay, I will
not listen to thee," said Francis, "if thou do not first give me a
patent signed by thy master, containing an appointment of time and
place." "Sir, I have orders to read you the cartel, and give it you
afterwards." "How, pray!" cried the king, rising up angrily: "doth thy
master pretend to introduce new fashions in my kingdom, and give me laws
in my own court?" Burgundy, without being put out, began again: "Sir,
. . . " "Nay," said Francis, "I will not suffer him to speak to me
before he has given me appointment of time and place. Give it me, or
return as thou hast come." "Sir, I cannot, without your permission, do
my office; if you will not deign to grant it to me, let me have your
refusal handed me, and your ratification I of my safe-conduct for my
return." "I am quite willing," said the king; "let him have it!"
Burgundy set off again for Madrid, and the incident was differently
reported by the two courts; but there was no further question of a duel
between the two kings.

One would not think of attempting to decide, touching this question of
single combat, how far sincerity was on the side of Francis or of
Charles. No doubt they were both brave; the