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 Wager of Battle. pleasure, I reply that he has wickedly lied, for he made the "Francois boast to me deseveral Vivonne." times. A few days after writing this letter, Vi vonne despatched a second, in which he said : — "Sire : I beseech you very humbly to

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himself, and doubtless believingthat Vivonne would prove an easy victor over Guichot, was willing that the combat should take place. As soon as Jarnac became aware of the request preferred by Vivonne, he also wrote to the king, giving the lie to the charge

"HOW P.OTH PARTIES ARE OUT OF THEIR TENTS, ARMED AND READY TO DO THEIR DUTY AT THE SIGNAL FROM THE MARSHAL, WHO HAS THROWN THE GLOVE." From " Ceremonies des Gages de Bataille" a manuscript of the Fifteenth Century. grant me the privilege of mortal combat, wherein I will prove, by force of arms on the said Guichot Chabot, what I have said and what I maintain, in order that by my hands may be verified the whole offense which he has committed against God, his father, and justice." Henry, being desirous of putting an end to the affair which was so disgraceful to

against him, and begging that the combat might be granted. He moreover urged the bishop of Beziers, who was a favorite with the King, to support the prayer of his peti tion. The result of these letters, after various forms had been gone through, was favorable to the desires of both parties; and letters-patent were issued bearing the royal sign-manual, which Bretagne, herald-at