of a noble prince.  In so far as a mother can rule her child, I command you three things, and if you do them, be assured that you will live triumphantly in this world.  The first is that above all things you should ever fear and serve God; seek His help night and morning and He will help you.  The second is that you should be gentle and courteous to all men, being yourself free from all pride.  Be ever humble and helpful, avoiding envy, flattery, and tale-bearing.  Be loyal, my son, in word and deed, that all men may have perfect trust in you.  Thirdly, with the goods that God may give you, be ever full of charity to the poor, and freely generous to all men.  And may God give us grace that while we live we may always hear you well spoken of.”

In a few simple words the boy promised to remember, and took a loving farewell of her.  Then his lady mother drew from her sleeve a little purse, in which were her private savings:  six gold crowns and one in small change,[1] and this she gave to her son.  Also, calling one of the attendants of the Bishop, she entrusted him with the little trunk containing linen and other necessaries for Bayard, begging him to give it in the care of the equerry who would have charge of the boy at the Duke of Savoy’s Court, and she gave him two crowns.  There was no time for more, as the Bishop of Grenoble was now calling his nephew.  As he set forth on that Saturday morning, riding his spirited chestnut towards Chambery, with the sun shining and the birds singing, and all his future like a fair vision before him, young Bayard thought that he was in paradise.

[Footnote 1:  The gold crown was then worth 1 livre 15 sous.  Multiplying this by 31, in order to find its present value, we learn that the sum which Bayard received from his mother would to-day be worth 266 francs, or about 10 guineas.]

Pierre Bayard had set forth from his home in the early morning, soon after breakfast, and he rode all day by the side of his uncle until, in the evening, they reached the town of Chambery, where all the clergy came out to meet the Bishop of Grenoble, for this was part of his diocese, where he had his official dwelling.  That night he remained at his lodging without showing himself at Court, although the Duke was soon informed of his arrival, at which he was very pleased.  The next morning, which was Sunday, the Bishop rose very early and went to pay his respects to the Duke of Savoy, who received him with the greatest favour, and had a long talk with him all the way from the castle to the church, where the Bishop of Grenoble said Mass with great ceremony.  When this was over, the Duke led him by the hand to dine with him, and at this meal young Bayard waited upon his uncle and poured out his wine with much skill and care.  The Duke noticed this youthful cup-bearer and asked the Bishop, “My lord of Grenoble, who is this young boy who is serving you?”

“My lord,” was the reply, “this is a man-at-arms whom I have come to present to you for your service if you will be pleased to accept him.  But he is not now in the condition in which I desire to give him to you; after dinner, if it is your pleasure, you will see him.”