Believing the possession by either monarch of cities
or territory within the other's realm to be a constant menace to this
much-desired peace and amity, my master, the king of France, sends me,
his humble ambassador, with plenary authority, the instrument of which
now lies with your Majesty's noble Lord Chancellor, to make offer to your
Majesty of the great sum of one hundred thousand pounds for the good city
of Dunkirk, which is on territory contiguous to my master's domain."
"The great sum of one hundred thousand pounds!" demanded Charles,
contemptuously. "Does your master consider one hundred thousand pounds a
great sum to pay for so great a city as Dunkirk?"
"It is a great sum to pay, your Majesty," returned the Abbe, with
meekness in his manner, but boldness in his words, "when it is considered
that the king of France might have the city of Dunkirk for the mere
taking, did he not love your Majesty."
"Might have it for the mere taking, say you?" cried Charles, with a flash
of imitation fire. "Odds fish, man! What do you suppose we should be
doing while he was taking it?"
"Sending ships across the Channel at a great cost in money and life to
your people, your Majesty," coolly, though meekly, answered the Abbe.
"Of that my people will not complain," answered Charles, still burning a
pinch of red powder. "Their blood and their gold will be given gladly to
defend my possessions abroad.
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