THE LORD OF JOINVILLE. 61

his army in the land for which he was bound, was
seated at table and endeavouring to forget his cares,
while conversing familiarly with a young and noble-
looking personage of great strength and stature, with
a head of immense size, and a countenance beaming
with sagacity. In truth this was a very remarkable
personage. Ele was then known as John, Lord of
Joinville, and seneschal of Champagne; and he has
since been famous as the chronicler of the triumphs
and disasters of the Crusade in which he acted a
conspicuous part.

‘Seneschal,’ said Louis, addressing Joinville, ‘I
marvel much that you do not mix water with your
wine.’

‘In truth, sire,’ replied Joinville, half jocularly, «I
fear so to do; for physicians have told me I have go
large a head, and so cold a stomach, that: water might
prove most injurious.’

‘Nevertheless,’ said Louis, earnestly, ‘ be advised
by me, and do not allow yourself to be deceived.
If you do not drink water till you are in the decline
of lite, you will then increase any disorders you may
have.’

‘But, sire,’ asked Joinville, mnnocently, ‘ why
should I drink water then more than now ?’

‘Ah,’ answered Louis, ‘ simply because if you
take pure wine in your old age, you will be fre-
quently intoxicated; and verily it is a beastly thing
for an honourable man to make himself drunk.’

‘I acknowledge that it is very wrong, sire,’ said
Joinville; ‘but I am one of those who endeavour
to practise moderation in the. use of the wine-cup.’