Throughout the negotiations for her brother's release Margaret always
maintained the dignity and reserve fitting to her sex and situation.
Writing to Francis on this subject she says: "The Viceroy (Lannoy) has
sent me word that he is of opinion I should go and see the Emperor, but
I have told him through M. de Senlis that I have not yet stirred from my
lodging without being asked, and that whenever it pleases the Emperor to
see me I shall be found there." (2)

1 _Lettres de Marguerite, &c_., p. 197.

2 _Captivité de François Ier_, p. 358.

Margaret was repeatedly admitted to the Imperial council to discuss
the conditions of her brother's ransom. She showed as much ability as
loftiness of mind on these occasions, and several times won Charles V.
himself and the sternest of his Ministers to her opinion. (1)

1 Brantôme states that the Emperor was greatly impressed and
astonished by her plain speaking. She reproached him for
treating Francis so harshly, declaring that this course
would not enable him to attain his ends. "For although he
(the King) might die from the effects of this rigorous
treatment, his death would not remain unpunished, as he had
children who would some day become men and wreak signal
vengeance." "These words," adds Brantôme, "spoken so bravely
and in such hot anger, gave the Emperor occasion for
thought, insomuch that he moderated himself and visited the
King and made him many fine promises, which he did not keep,
however." With the Ministers Margaret was even more