276 THE BOY CRUSADERS.

to go to the rescue; but now that, by God’s grace,
you are at liberty, I cannot but think that itis my
duty to remain at home and minister to the welfare
of my subjects.’

‘And yet, urged Louis, ‘we are told that he who
will not take up his cross and come with me, 1s not
worthy of me; and I know you, Henry, to be a man
who, albeit you are negligent in punishing Jews and
heretics, are distinguished for attention to the things
that belong to your eternal peace, and by your
devotion to the Lord.’

‘In truth, cousin,’ replied Henry, not sorry
perhaps, to leave the subject of the crusade, ‘I am
regular, at least, in my religious exercises; for it is
my custom, every day, to hear three masses, with
the notes, and, as [ wish to hear more, I assiduously
assist at the celebration of private masses; and when
the priest elevates the Host, I usually hold the ae
of the priest and kiss it.’

‘Nevertheless, my friend,’ remarked .Louis, ‘J
cannot but deem that the attention ought not always
to be devoted to the hearing of masses, but that we
ought to hear sermons as often as possible.’

‘Mayhap,’ said Henry. ‘And yet, by God’s help,
I would rather see a friend often than hear of him,
even although I should hear nothing spoken of him
but good.’

As the two kings conversed they entered Paris
side by side, and the sight which met the eyes of
the English might well, indeed, raise their admira-
tion. The city, with its squares and bridges and
churches and houses built of gypsum, was splendidly