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 King John at the battle of Poictiers; and every day the young Regent regretted more and more their absence, at a time when, surrounded by so many traitors, their fidelity would have been useful to him. Thinking to gain the affection of the public, by drawing together the different ranks of society, he rendered his access easier than had formerly been known under the best kings of France. Instead of that commanding etiquette, supposed to be so necessary to sovereign majesty, he substituted social familiarity; and the citizens as well as the nobility, were invited to the brilliant fetes given at his palace. This mixture of society increased the dangerous popularity of the King of Navarre.

He knew it, and appeared at one of those fetes unadorned, and with the sole advantages he derived from nature. His elegant, yet simple and unaffected manners, were suited to every station; and his melancholy appearance formed a striking contrast with the gaiety of the court, and made him more remarkable and interesting in the eyes of those he wished to corrupt. One of the most beautiful ladies of the court asked him, en passant, if he would not dance:—instead of answering this kind of invitation, he pretended not to hear her, and sat down next Marcel, the provost of the merchants, and flattered for some time his selfish pride and turbulent spirit. Marcel remarked, that he was surprised his highness could refuse so much beauty, and since so noble a lady was denied, surely no other in the room would be able to prevail on his highness to dance. The King of Navarre replied: It is thus he loved to humble the proud female, who presumed to solicit the honour of his hand; but if the provost had any relation here, it would be with her he would wish to dance. Marcel informed his highness that he had a niece in