councillor and chamberlain, who was in my lord's confidence and
with whom I had some acquaintance. To him I imparted my thoughts
in the course of a friendly chat and his comment was as follows:

"'My friend, I know positively that these chaplet entertainments
would never have occurred except by the secret desire of the duke
to lead up to this very banquet where he hoped to achieve a holy
purpose and to resist the enemies of our faith. It is three years
now since the distress of our Church was presented to the Knights
of the Golden Fleece at Mons. My lord there dedicated his person
and his wealth to her service. Since then occurred the rebellion
of Ghent, which entailed upon him a loss of time and money. Thanks
be to God, he has attained there a good and honourable peace, as
every one knows. Now it has chanced that, during this very period,
the Turks have encroached on Christianity still further in their
capture of Constantinople. The need of succour is very pressing
and all that you have witnessed to-day is proof that the good duke
is intent on the weal of Christendom.'"

During the progress of this conversation, a new company was ushered
into the hall, preceded by musicians. Here came _Grâce Dieu_, clad
as a nun followed by twelve knights dressed in grey and black velvet
ornamented with jewels. Not alone did they come. Each gentleman
escorted a dame wearing a coat of satin cramoisy over a fur-edged
round skirt _à la Portuguaise. Grâce Dieu_ declared in rhyme that God
had heard the pious resolution of Duke Philip of Burgundy. He had
forthwith sent her with her twelve attendants to promise him a happy
termination to his enterprise. Her ladies, Faith, Charity, Justice,
Reason, Prudence, and their sisters, were then presented to him.
_Grâce Dieu_ departs alone and no sooner has she disappeared than