that he had purchased.  Thurot hearing of the circumstance, informed the countryman that the bill was of no value; and reprimanding the officer severely for the cheat, compelled him to give another on a merchant, whom he knew would pay the money.  What makes this act of integrity still more striking and praiseworthy, is, that Thurot’s men at this time were so dissatisfied, as to be ready to break out in open mutiny.

The Chevalier Bayard.—­The town of Bresse having revolted against the French, was attacked, taken, and sacked, with an almost unexampled fury.  The chevalier Bayard, who was wounded at the beginning of the action, was carried to the house of a person of quality, whom he protected from the fury of the conquerors, by placing at the door two soldiers, whom he indemnified with a gift of eight hundred crowns, in lieu of the plunder they might have lost by their attendance at the door.  The impatience of Bayard to join the army without considering the state of his wound, which was by no means well, determined him to depart.  The mistress of the house then threw herself at his feet, saying, “The rights of war make you master of our lives and our possessions, and you have saved our honour.  We hope, however, from your accustomed generosity that you will not treat us with severity, and that you will be pleased to content yourself with a present more adapted to our circumstances, than to our inclinations.”  At the same time, she presented him with a small box full of ducats.

Bayard, smiling, asked her how many ducats the box contained.  “Two thousand five hundred, my lord,” answered the lady, with much emotion; “but if these will not satisfy you, we will employ all our means to raise more.”—­“No, madam,” replied the chevalier, “I do not want money:  the care you have taken of me more than repays the services I have done you.  I ask nothing but your friendship; and I conjure you to accept of mine.”

So singular an instance of generosity gave the lady more surprise than joy.  She again threw herself at the feet of the chevalier, and protested that she would never rise until he had accepted of that mark of her gratitude.  “Since you will have it so,” replied Bayard, “I will not refuse it; but may I not have the honour to salute your amiable daughters?” The young ladies soon entered, and Bayard thanked them for their kindness in enlivening him with their company.  “I should be glad,” said he, “to have it in my power to convince you of my gratitude; but we soldiers are seldom possessed of jewels worthy the acceptance of your sex.  Your amiable mother has presented me with two thousand five hundred ducats; I make a present to each of you of one thousand, for a part of your marriage portion.  The remaining five hundred I give to the poor sufferers of this town, and I beg you will take on yourselves the distribution.”