d the other. "My ransom?" said the Good Knight. "But what about
yours, for you were my prisoner first? We will fight out the matter, if you
like." But the gentleman had heard of Bayard's fame and was by no means
anxious to fight, surprised as he was at this new point of view. But he was
a courteous gentleman, and offered to abide by the decision of the
captains. Meantime the rumour spread that the great Bayard was in the camp,
and there was much excitement. The Emperor Maximilian sent for him and
feasted him well, expressing great delight at meeting him again. After much
pleasant talk he remarked: "In the days when we fought together it seems to
me that we were told Bayard never fled." "If I had fled, sire, I should not
be here now," he replied.

Presently the King of England arrived and desired that the Good Knight
might be presented to him, as he had always wished to make his acquaintance.
Then they began to talk about the French defeat, and both Henry and
Maximilian made some severe remarks, upon which the Good Knight exclaimed:
"Upon my soul! the French men-at-arms were in no wise to blame, for they
had express commands from their captains not to fight, because our force
was not to be compared with yours, for we had neither foot-soldiers nor
artillery. And indeed, high and noble lords, you must know that the
nobility of France is famous throughout the world. I do not speak of
myself."

"Indeed, my lord of Bayard," said the King of England, "if all were like
you I should soon have to raise the siege of this town. But now you are a
prisoner." "I do not own to it, sire, and I will appeal to the Emperor and
yourself." He then told the whole story in the presence of the gentleman
with whom he had the adventure, and who answered for the truth of it. The
Emperor and the King looked at each other, and Maximilian spoke first,
saying that Bayard was not a prisoner, but rather the other knight; still,
all things considered, he thought that they were quits, and that the Good
Knight might depart when it seemed well to the King of England. To this
suggestion Henry VIII. agreed, but required that Bayard should give his
word to remain for six weeks without bearing arms, after which time he
could return to his company. Meantime he should be free to visit all the
towns of Flanders. For this gracious permission the Good Knight humbly
thanked both the princes, and took leave of them after a few days, during
which he was treated with gr