After this talk Touchfaucet got to his horse, and
Gargantua for his safety allowed him the guard of
thirty men-at-arms and six score archers to attend
him, under the conduct of Gymnast, to bring him even
unto the gate of the rock Clermond, if there were
need. As soon as he was gone, the monk restored
unto Grangousier the three score and two thousand saluts
which he had received, saying, Sir, it is not as yet
the time for you to give such gifts; stay till this
war be at an end, for none can tell what accidents
may occur, and war begun without good provision of
money beforehand for going through with it, is but
as a breathing of strength, and blast that will quickly
pass away. Coin is the sinews of war. Well
then, said Grangousier, at the end I will content
you by some honest recompense, as also all those who
shall do me good service.
How Grangousier sent for his legions, and how Touchfaucet
slew Rashcalf, and was afterwards executed by the
command of Picrochole.
About this same time those of Besse, of the Old Market,
of St. James’ Bourg, of the Draggage, of Parille,
of the Rivers, of the rocks St. Pol, of the Vaubreton,
of Pautille, of the Brehemont, of Clainbridge, of Cravant,
of Grammont, of the town at the Badgerholes, of Huymes,
of Segre, of Husse, of St. Lovant, of Panzoust, of
the Coldraux, of Verron, of Coulaines, of Chose, of
Varenes, of Bourgueil, of the Bouchard Island, of the
Croullay, of Narsay, of Cande, of Montsoreau, and
other bordering places, sent ambassadors unto Grangousier,
to tell him that they were advised of the great wrongs
which Picrochole had done him, and, in regard of their
ancient confederacy, offered him what assistance they
could afford, both in men, money, victuals, and ammunition,
and other necessaries for war. The money which
by the joint agreement of them all was sent unto him,
amounted to six score and fourteen millions, two crowns
and a half of pure gold. The forces wherewith
they did assist him did consist in fifteen thousand
cuirassiers, two-and-thirty thousand light horsemen,
four score and nine thousand dragoons, and a hundred-and-forty
thousand volunteer adventurers. These had with
them eleven thousand and two hundred cannons, double
cannons, long pieces of artillery called basilisks,
and smaller sized ones known by the name of spirols,
besides the mortar-pieces and grenadoes. Of
pioneers they had seven-and-forty thousand, all victualled
and paid for six months and four days of advance.
Which offer Gargantua did not altogether refuse,
nor wholly accept of; but, giving them hearty thanks,
said that he would compose and order the war by such
a device, that there should not be found great need
to put so many honest men to trouble in the managing
of it; and therefore was content at that time to give
order only for bringing along the legions which he
maintained in his ordinary garrison towns of the Deviniere,
