HOPE. 213

plight is not enviable. But it is not desperate. Still
Jam in the service of King Louis, and have claims
which he cannot disregard ; and, credit me, a king’s
name is a tower of strength. As for you, for lack of
a more potent protector, attach yourself to me as
squire, and we can struggle together against adverse
fortune. So droop not, but take courage, my brave
Englishman ; and we will, with the aid of God and our
lady, so contrive to make the best of our circum-
stances as to turn matters to our advantage.’