The duke and duchess, their staff of officers and ladies, and
the high-born and learned persons who were attracted to Blois
on a visit, formed a society for killing time and perfecting
each other in various elegant accomplishments, such as we
might imagine for an ideal watering-place in the Delectable
Mountains. The company hunted and went on pleasure-parties;
they played chess, tables, and many other games. What we now
call the history of the period passed, I imagine, over the
heads of these good people much as it passes over our own.
News reached them, indeed, of great and joyful import.
William Peel received eight livres and five sous from the
duchess, when he brought the first tidings that Rouen was
recaptured from the English. (1) A little later and the duke
sang, in a truly patriotic vein, the deliverance of Guyenne
and Normandy. (2) They were liberal of rhymes and largesse,
and welcomed the prosperity of their country much as they
welcomed the coming of spring, and with no more thought of
collaborating towards the event. Religion was not forgotten
in the Court of Blois. Pilgrimages were agreeable and
picturesque excursions. In those days a well-served chapel
was something like a good vinery in our own, an opportunity
for display and the source of mild enjoyments. There was
probably something of his rooted delight in pageantry, as
well as a good deal of gentle piety, in the feelings with
which Charles gave dinner every Friday to thirteen poor
people, served them himself, and washed their feet with his
own hands.
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