A HEARTY WELCOME, . oie

_ decorated with bowers of leaves and flowers; many
of the mansions were three and four storeys in
height, and the windows were crowded with people
of both sexes, gaily dressed, and excited with the
spectacle. Everything wore a holiday guise; and the
citizens and the scholars of the University, especially
those of English birth, suspending their readings
and disputations, came forth in crowds, carrying
branches of trees, and attended by bands of music.
Everybody appeared eager to accord the royal guests
a hearty welcome; and Louis, after thanking the
scholars for showing his friends so much honour,
turned to Henry.

‘My friend,’ said he, ‘I place Paris at your dis-
posal. Where will you be pleased to take up your —
abode? There is my palace in the middle of the city ;
or, if you prefer taking up your residence at the Old
Temple, which is more roomy, it shall be so arranged.’

‘Verily,’ answered Henry, ‘I think I must choose
the Old Temple; for I hear it is roomy enough to
lodge an army, and my company, as you see, is
somewhat numerous; and there it is my purpose to
give a banquet on the morrow, and I trust that you
and your princes and nobles will honour it with
your presence.’

‘After which,’ said Louis, ‘you must come as
my guest to my palace. Nay, nay,’ continued he,
as Henry sought to excuse himself, ‘let it be so:
for it is proper for me to perform all the-duties of
courtesy and hospitality. In my own kingdom I
am lord,’ he added, with a smile; ‘and I will be
master in my own house.’

S