 Chapter 44 of Gargantua and Pentegrul, Book I. Chapter 44 How the monk rid himself of his keepers, and how Pic Rosciolet's forlorn hope was defeated. The monk, seeing them break off thus without order, conjectured that they were to set upon Gargantua and those that were with him, and was wonderfully grieved that he could not succor them. Then considered he the countenance of the two keepers in whose custody he was, who would have willingly run after the troops to get some booty and plunder, and were always looking towards the valley unto which they were going. Father he syllogized, saying, These men are but badly skilled in matters of war, for they have not required my parole, neither have they taken my sword from me. Suddenly hereafter he drew his Brackmard, or horseman's sword, wherewith he gave the keeper which held him on the right side such as sound slash, that he cut clean through the jugular veins, and the svaggitid, or transparent arteries of the neck, with a four part of the throat called the gargarian, even unto the two adines, which are throat kernels, and redoubling the blow he opened the spinal marrow betwixt the second and third vertebrae. There fell down that keeper stark dead to the ground. Then the monk, reigning his horse to the left, ran upon the other, who, seeing his fellow dead, and the monk to have the advantage of him, cried with a loud voice, Ha! my lord prior, quarter, I yield, my lord prior, quarter, quarter, my good friend, my lord prior, and the monk cried likewise, my lord posterior, my friend, my lord posterior, you shall have it upon your posteriorums. Ha! said the keeper, my lord prior, my minion, my gentle lord prior, I pray God make you an abbot. By the habit, said the monk, which I wear, I will hear make you a cardinal. What! Do you use to pay ransoms to religious men? You shall therefore have by and by a red hat of my giving. And the fellow cried, Ha! my lord prior, my lord prior, my lord abbot that shall be, my lord cardinal, my lord all. Ha! Ha! he's, no, my lord prior, my good little lord the prior, I yield, render, and deliver myself up to you, and I deliver thee, said the monk, to all the devils in hell. Then at one stroke he cut off his head, cutting his scalp upon the temple bones, and lifting up in the upper part of the skull the two triangulary bones called syncipital, or the two bones pragmatis, together with the sagatal commissure or dart-like seam which distinguishes the right side of the head from the left, as also a great part of the coronal or forehead bone by which terrible blow likewise he cut the two meninges or films which enwrapped the brain, and made a deep wound in the brain's two posterior ventricles, and the cranium or skull abode hanging upon his shoulders by the skin of the paracranium behind in form of a doctor's bonnet, black without and red within. Thus fell he down also to the ground, stark dead. And presently the monk gave his horse the spur, and kept the way that the enemy held, who had met with Gargantua and his companions in the broad highway, and were so diminished of their number for the enormous slaughter that Gargantua had made with his great tree amongst them, as also gymnast, Panocrates, Eudaimon, and the rest, that they began to retreat disorderly and in great haste, as men altogether affrighted and troubled in both sense and understanding, and as if they had seen the very proper species in form of death before their eyes, or rather, as when you see an ass with a brisee or gad bee under his tail, or a fly that stings him, run hither and thither without keeping any path or way, throwing down his load to the ground, breaking his bridal and reins, and taking no breath nor rest, and no man can tell what ails him, for they see not anything touch him. So fled these people destitute of wit, without knowing any cause of flying, only pursued by a panicked terror which in their minds they had conceived. The monk, perceiving that their whole intent was to be take themselves to their heels, alighted from his horse and got upon a big large rock which was in the way, and with his great Brachmarred sword, laid such load upon those runaways, and with main strength fetching a compass with his arm without feigning or sparing, slew and overthrew so many that his sword broke in two pieces. One thought he within himself that he had slain and killed sufficiently, and that the rest should escape to carry news. Therefore he took up a battleaxe of those that lay there dead, and got upon the rock again, passing his time to see the enemy thus flying, and to tumble himself amongst the dead bodies, only that he suffered none to carry pike, sword, lance, nor gun with him, and those who carried the pilgrims bound he made to alight, and gave their horses unto the said pilgrims, keeping them there with him under the hedge, and also touch Fosse, who was then his prisoner. Gargantua and Pentegral, book one, by François Ramelais, translated by Sir Thomas Urquhart. Chapter 45. How the monk carried along with him the pilgrims, and of the good words that Grangousier gave them. This skirmish being ended, Gargantua retreated with his men, accepting the monk, and about the dawning of the day came unto Grangousier, who in his bed was praying unto God for their safety and victory. And seeing them all, safe and sound, he embraced them lovingly, and asked what was to become of the monk. Gargantua answered him that without doubt, the enemies had the monk. Then have they mischief and illux at Grangousier, which was very true. Therefore it is a common proverb to this day, to give a man the monk, or as in French, Louis Bayet Lemoine. When they would express the doing unto one, amistia. Then commanded he a good breakfast to be provided for their refreshment. When all was ready, they called Gargantua, but he was so grieved that the monk was not to be heard of, that he would neither eat nor drink. In the meanwhile, the monk comes, and from the gate of the outer court cries out aloud, fresh wine, fresh wine, gymnast, my friend. Gymnast went out and saw that it was Fryer John, who brought along with him five pilgrims and Touche-Fosé prisoners, whereupon Gargantua likewise went forth to meet him, and all of them made him the best welcome that they possibly could, and brought him before Grangousier, who asked him of all his adventures. The monk told him all, both how he was taken, how he rid himself of his keepers, of the slaughter he had made by the way, and how he had rescued the pilgrims and brought along with him Captain Touche-Fosé. Then did they altogether fall to banqueting most merrily. In the meantime, Grangousier asked the pilgrims what countrymen they were, whence they came, and whether they went. Swear to go, in the name of the rest, answered, My sovereign Lord, I am of Saint Genoux and Barry. This man is of Palvo, this other is of Anzay, this of Argy, this of Saint Nazarand, and this man of Yhebrenet. We come from Saint Sebastian, near Nalt, and are now returning, as we best may, by easy journeys. Yea, but, said Grangousier, what went you to do with Saint Sebastian? We went, said Swear to go, to offer up unto that sanct our vows against the plague. Ah, poor men, said Grangousier, do you think that the plague comes from Saint Sebastian? Yes, truly, answered Swear to go, our preachers tell us so indeed. But is it so, said Grangousier, do the false prophets teach you such abuses? Do they thus blaspheme the saints and holy men of God, as to make them like unto the devils, who do nothing but hurt unto mankind? As Homer writeeth, that the plague was sent into the camp of the Greeks by Apollo, and as the poets feign a great rabble of Bejov and mischievous gods, so did a certain kafar, or dissembling religionary preach at Sine, that Saint Anthony sent the fire into men's legs, that Saint Eutropius made men hydropic, Saint Clydes fools, and that Saint Genoux made them goutish. But I punished him so exemplarily, though he called me heretic for it, that since that time no such hypocritical rogue dour set his foot within my territories. And truly I wonder that your king should supper them in their sermons to publish such scandalous doctrine in his dominions, for they deserve to be chastised with greater severity than those who, by magical art or any other device, have brought the pestilence into a country. The pest killeth but the bodies, but such abominable imposters empoison our very souls. As he spake these words, in came the monk very resolute and asked them, whence are you for wretches of Saint Genoux, said they? And how, said the monk, does the Abbott gullgut, the good drinker, and the monks what cheer make they? By G's body they'll have a fling at your wives, and breast them to some purpose, whilst you are upon your roaming rant and gadding pilgrimage. Hinn Hinn said swear to go, I am not afraid of mine, for he that shall see her by day will never break his neck to come her in the night time. Yea, Mary said the monk, now you've hit it. Let her be as ugly as ever was proserpina, she will once, by the Lord G, be overturned, and get her skin coat shaken, if there dwell any monks near to her, for a good carpenter will make use of any kind of timber. Let me be peppered with the pox, if you find not all your wives with child at your return, for the very shadow of the steeple of an abbey is powerful. It is said Gargantua, like the water of the Nylis in Egypt. If you believe Strabo and Pliny, Lib 7, Cap 3. What virtue will there be, then said the monk, in their bullets of concupiscence, their habits and their bodies? Then said Grand Gucier, go your ways, poor men, in the name of God the Creator, to whom I pray to guide you perpetually. And henceforward, be not so ready to undertake these idle and unprofitable journeys. Look to your families, labor every man in his vocation, instruct your children, and live as the good apostle Saint Paul directeth you. In doing whereof, God, his angels and saints, will guard and protect you, and no evil or plague at any time shall befall you. Then Gargantua led them into the hall to take their reflection. But the pilgrims did nothing but sigh, and said to Gargantua, Oh how happy is that land which hath such a man for their lord. We have been more edified and instructed by the talk which he had with us, than by all the sermons that ever were preached in our town. This is, said Gargantua, that which Plato saith, Lib 5 to Republic, that the commonwealths are happy, whose rulers philosophate, and whose philosophers rule. Then caused he their servants to be filled with victuals, and their bottles with wine, and gave unto each of them a horse to ease them upon their way, together with some pence to live by. End of Chapter 45 Chapter 46 of Gargantua and Pantagruel Book 1 This is the LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Recording by Mark Penfold. Gargantua and Pantagruel, Book 1, by François Ravallet. Translated by Sir Thomas Urquhart. Chapter 46 How Grand-Goussier did very kindly entertain Touche-Foussé, his prisoner. Touche-Foussé was presented under Grand-Goussier, and by him examined upon the enterprise and attempt of Pyrrhe-Cole, what it was he could pretend to, or aim at, by the rustling, stir-and-tumultuary coil of this his sudden invasion. Whereunto he answered that his end and purpose was to conquer all the country if he could, for the injury done to his cake-bakers. It is too great an undertaking, said Grand-Goussier, and as the proverb is, he that grips too much holds fast but little. The time is not now as formerly to conquer the kingdoms of our neighbor princes and to build up our own kingdom upon the loss of our nearest Christian brother. This imitation of the ancient Herculeses, Alexander's, Hannibal's, Skiopios, Caesar's, and other such heroes is quite contrary to the progression of the Gospel of Christ, by which we are commanded to preserve, keep, rule, and govern every man his own country and lands, and not in a hostile manner to invade others. And that which hereto vore the barbers and sericens called we do now call robbing, fevery, and wickedness. It would have been more commendable in him to have contained himself within the bounds of his own territories, royally governing them, then to insult and domineer in mine, pillaging and plundering everywhere like a most unmerciful enemy. For by ruling his own with discretion he might have increased his greatness, but by robbing me he cannot escape destruction. Go your ways in the name of God, prosecute good enterprises, show your king what is amiss, and never counsel him with regard unto your own particular profit, for the public loss will swallow up the private benefit. As for your ransom, I do freely remit it to you, and will that your arms and horse be restored to you. So should good neighbors do, and ancient friends, seeing this our difference is not properly war. As Plato, Lib 5 de Repube, would not have it called war, but sedition, when the Greeks took up arms against one another, and that therefore when such combustions should arise against them, his advice was to behave themselves in the managing of them with all discretion and modesty. Although you call it war, it is but superficial. It entereth not into the closet and inmost cabinet of our hearts. For neither of us have been wronged in his honor, nor is there any question betwixt us in the main, but only how to redress by the by some petty faults committed by our men. I mean both yours and ours, which although you knew, you ought to let pass. For these quarrelsome persons deserve rather to be condemned than mentioned, especially seeing I offered them satisfaction according to the wrong. God shall be the just judge of our variances who might be sieged by death rather to take me out of this life, and to permit my goods to perish and be destroyed before mine eyes, and that by me or mine he should in any sort be wronged. These words uttered, he called the monk and before them all thus spoke unto him. Friar John, my good friend, is it you that took prisoner the Captain Touche-Fouset here present? Sir, said the monk, seeing himself is here, and that he is of the years of discretion, I had rather you should know it by his confession than by any words of mine. Then said Touche-Fouset, my sovereign lord, it is he indeed that took me, and I do therefore most freely yield myself his prisoner. Have you put him to any ransom? said Grand-Goussier to the monk. No, said the monk, of that I take no care. How much would you have for having taken him? Nothing, nothing, said the monk. I am not swayed by that, nor do I regard it. Then Grand-Goussier commanded that in presence of Touche-Fouset should be delivered to the monk for taking him the sum of three score and two thousand salutes. In order to accomplish money fifteen thousand and five hundred pounds, which was done whilst they made a collation or little banquet to the said Touche-Fouset of whom Grand-Goussier asked if he would stay with him, or if he loved rather to return to his king. Touche-Fouset answered that he was content to take whatever course he would advise him to. Then said Grand-Goussier, return unto your king, and God be with you. Then he gave him scabbard wrought with vine-branch-like flourishes of fair goldsmith's work, and a collar or neck-chain of gold weighing seven hundred and two thousand marks, at eight ounces each, garnished with precious stones of the finest sort, esteemed at a hundred and sixty thousand dukka, and ten thousand crowns more as an honourable donative by way of present. After this talk Touche-Fouset got to his horse, and Gargantua for his safety allowed him the guard of arms, and six score archers to attend him under the conduct of gymnast, to bring him even unto the gate of the rock Clermont if there were need. As soon as he was gone, the monk restored unto Grand-Goussier the three score and two thousand salutes, which he had received, saying, Sir, it is not as yet the time for you to give such gifts. Stay till this war be at an end, for none can tell but accidents may occur, and war begun without good beforehand for going through with it is but as a breathing of strength and blast that will quickly pass away. Coine is the sinews of war. Well then, said Grand-Goussier, at the end I will content you by some honest recompense as also all those who shall do me good service. The End of Chapter 46 Recording by Mark Penfold Chapter 47 of Gargantua and Pantagruel Book 1 Chapter 47 How Grand-Goussier sent for his legions, and how two thousand salutes of war were received. The end of Chapter 46 of Gargantua and Pantagruel Book 1 of Gargantua and Pantagruel Book 1 of Gargantua and Pantagruel Book 1 of Gargantua and Pantagruel Book 1 How Grand-Goussier sent for his legions, and how Touchfoussé slew Rashka and was afterwards executed by the command of Picrocole. About this same time those of Bessay, of the Old Market, of Saint-James Bourges, of the Dragage, of Perille, of the Rivers, of the Rocks St. Paul, of the Vare-Breton, of Pautil, of the Brehement, of Cainbridge, of Gravant, of Gravant, of the Town at the Badger-Holes, of Heimus, of Segre, of Houssé, of Saint-Levant, of Pan-Zoust, of the Caldreau, of Véran, of Coulin, of Chaussé, of Vereney, of Bourjouil, of the Beauchard Island, of the Calais, of Saint-Saureaux, and other bordering places, sent ambassadors unto Grand-Goussier to tell him that they were advised of the great wrongs which Picrocole had done him, and in regard of their ancient confederacy offered him what assistance they could afford, both in men, money, victuals, and ammunition, and other necessities for war. The money which by the joint agreement of them all was sent unto him amounted to six score millions, two crowns, and a half of pure gold. The forces wherewith they did assist him did consist in fifteen thousand cruisiers, two and thirty thousand light horsemen, four score and nine thousand dragoons, and a hundred and forty thousand volunteer adventurers. These had with them eleven thousand and two hundred cannons, double cannons, long pieces of artillery called basilisks, and smaller sized ones known by the name of spirals, besides the murder pieces and granados. Of pioneers they had seven and forty thousand, all victualed and paid for six months and four days of advance, which offered Gargantua did not altogether refuse nor wholly accept of, but giving them hearty thanks said that he would compose and order the war by such a device that there should not be found great need to put so many honest men to trouble managing of it, and therefore was content at that time to give order only for bringing along the legions which he maintained in his ordinary garrison towns, of the Diviniere, of Chavinie, of Gravel, and of the Queen Quinée, amounting to the number of two thousand cruisiers, three score and six thousand foot soldiers, six and twenty thousand dragoons attended by two hundred pieces of great ordnance, two and thirty thousand pioneers, and six thousand light horsemen, all drawn up in troops, so well befitted and accommodated with their commissaries, sutlers, farriers, harness makers, and other such like necessary members in a military camp, so fully instructed in the art of warfare, so perfectly knowing and following their colors, so ready to hear and obey their captains, so nimble to run, so strong at their charging, so prudent in their adventures, and every day so well disciplined, that they seemed rather to be a concert of organ pipes or mutual concord of the wheels of a clock than an infantry and cavalry or army of soldiers. Touchefuset immediately after his return presented himself before Picrocole and related unto him at large all that he had done in scene and at last endeavored to persuade him with strong and forcible arguments to capitulate and make an agreement with Grangousier, whom he found to be the honestest man in the world, saying further that it was neither right nor reason thus to trouble his neighbors, of whom they had never received anything but good, and in regard of the main point, that they should never be able to go through stitch with that war, but to their great damage and mischief, for the forces of Picrocole were not so considerable, but that Grangousier could easily overthrow them. He had not well done speaking when Rashkaf said out aloud, Unhappy is that prince which is by such men served who are so easily corrupted as I know Touchefuset is, for I see his courage so changed that he had willingly joined with our enemies to fight against us and betray us if they would have received him, but as virtue is of all, both friends and foes, praised and esteemed, so is wickedness soon known and suspected, and although it happened the enemies used thereof for their profit, yet have they always the wicked and the traitors in abomination. Touchefuset, being at these words very impatient, drew out his sword and therewith ran Rashkaf through the body a little under the nipple of his left side, where if he died presently and pulling back his sword out of his body said boldly, so let him perish that shall a faithful servant blame. Picrocole incontinently grew furious and seen Touchefuset's new sword and his scabbard so richly dipered with flourishes of most excellent workmanship said, did they give thee this weapon so feloniously therewith to kill before my face my so good friend Rashkaf, then immediately commanded he his guard to hew him in pieces which was instantly done, and that so cruelly that the chamber was all died with blood, afterwards he appointed the corpse of Rashkaf to be honorably buried, and that of his say to be cast over the walls into the ditch. The news of these excessive violences were quickly spread through all the army, whereupon many began to murmur against Picrocole in so far that pinchpenny sent to him, my sovereign lord, I know not what the issue of this enterprise will be. I see your men much dejected and not well resolved in their minds by considering that we are here very ill provided a victual and that our number is already much diminished by three or four sallies. Furthermore great supplies and recruits come daily into your enemies but we so molder away that if we be once besieged I do not see how we can escape a total destruction. Tush! Pish! said Picrocole. You are like the meloon eels. You cry before they come to you. Let them come. Let them come if they dare. THE END OF CHAPTER 47 RECORDING BY MARK PENFOLD Chapter 48 of Gorgantua and Pantagruel Book 1 This is a LibriVox recording or LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org Recording by Martin Giesen Gorgantua and Pantagruel Book 1 by François Rablet translated by Sir Thomas Urquette Chapter 48 How Gorgantua set upon Picrocole within the rock Clermont and utterly defeated the army of the said Picrocole. Gorgantua had the charge of the whole army and his father Grand Goussier stayed in his castle who encouraged them with good words promised great rewards and to those that should do any notable service. Having thus set forward as soon as they had gained the pass at the Ford of Ved with boats and bridges speedily made they passed over in a trice. Then considering the situation of the town which was on a high and advantageous place Gorgantua thought fit to call his council and pass that night in deliberation upon what was to be done. But gymnast said unto him my sovereign Lord such is the nature and complexion of the French that they are worth nothing but their first push. Then they are more fierce than devils but if they linger a little and be wearied with delays they'll prove more faint and remiss than women. My opinion is therefore that now presently after your men have taken breath and some small refaction you give order for a resolute assault and that we storm them instantly. His advice was found very good and for effectuating thereof he brought forth his army into the plain field and placed the reserves on the skirt or rising of a little hill. The monk took along with him six companies of foot and two hundred horsemen were alarmed and with great diligence crossed the marsh and valiantly got upon the top of the green hillock even unto the highway which leads to Louden. Whilst the assault was thus begun Picasso's men could not tell well what was best to issue out and receive the assailants or keep within the town and not to stir. Himself in the meantime without deliberation sallied forth in a rage with the cavalry of his guard who were forthwith received and royally entertained with great cannon-shot that fell upon them like hail from the high grounds on which the artillery was planted whereupon the gargantuists betook themselves unto the valleys to give the ordnance leave to play and range with the larger scope. Those of the town defended themselves as well as they could but their shot passed over us without doing us any hurt at all. Some of Picasso's men that had escaped our artillery set most fiercely upon our soldiers but prevailed little for they were all let in betwixt the files and there knocked down to the ground which their fellow soldiers seeing they would have retreated but the monk having seized upon the pass which they were to return they ran away and fled in all the disorder and confusion that could be imagined. Some would have pursued after them and followed the chase but the monk withheld them apprehending that in their pursuit the pursuers might lose their ranks and so give occasion to the beseeched to sally out of the town upon them. Then staying there some space and none coming against him he sent the duke frontiste to advise Gargantua to advance towards the hill upon the left hand to hinder picruchels retreated that gate which Gargantua did with all expedition and sent the four brigades under the conduct of Sebast which had no sooner reached the top of the hill but they met picruchel in the teeth and those that were with him scattered then charged they upon them stoutly yet they were much in damaged by those that were upon the walls who galled them with all manner of shot both from the great ordnance of all guns and bows which Gargantua perceiving he went with a strong party to their relief and with his artillery began to thunder so terribly upon that canton of the wall and so long that all the strength within the town to maintain and fill up the breach was drawn thither. The monk seeing that quarter kept beseeched void of men and competent guards and in a manner altogether naked and abandoned did most magnanimously on a sudden lead up his men towards the fort and never left it till he had got up upon it knowing that such as come to the reserve in a conflict bring with them always more fear and terror than those that deal about them with their hands in the fight. Nevertheless he gave no alarm till all his soldiers had got within the wall except the two hundred horsemen whom he left without to secure his entry then did he give a most horrible shout so did all these who were with him and immediately thereafter without resistance put into the edge of the sword the guard that was at the gate they opened it to the horsemen with whom most fioriously they altogether ran towards the east gate where all the hurly barley was and coming close upon them in the rear over through all their forces the beseeched seeing that the gargantuists had won the town upon them and that they were like to be secure in no corner of it submitted themselves unto the mercy of the monk and asked for quarter which the monk very nobly granted to them but made them lay down their arms then shutting them up within churches gave order to seize upon all the staves of the crosses and placed men at the doors to keep them from coming forth then opening that east gate he issued out to soccer and assist gargantua but pico shall thinking it had been some relief coming to him from the town adventured more forwardly than before and was upon the giving of a most desperate home charge when gargantua cried out ha! Friar John! my friend Friar John you are coming a good hour which unexpected accident so affrighted pico shall and his men that giving all for lost they betook themselves to their heels and fled on all hands gargantua chased them till they came near to vogodrie killing and slaying all the way and then sounded the retreat End of Chapter 48 Recording by Martin Geeson in Hazelmayer Surrey Chapter 49 of gargantua and pentagral, Book 1 This is a LibriVox recording All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org Gargantua and Pentagral, Book 1 by François Habley translated by Sir Thomas Urquhart, Chapter 49 how picochol in his flight fell into great misfortunes and what gargantua did after the battle picochol thus in despair fled towards the Bouchard Island and in the way to Rivière his horse stumbled and fell down where it he on a sudden was so incensed that he with his sword without more ado killed him in his collar then, not finding any that would remount him he was about to have taken an arse at the mill that was thereby but the miller's men did so baste his bones and so soundly bathwack him that they made him both black and blue with strokes then stripping him of all his clothes gave him a scurvy old canvas jacket wherewith to cover his nakedness thus went along this poor choleric wretch who, passing the water at Port Euho and relating his misadventurous disasters was foretold by an old lourpidon hag that his kingdom should be restored to him at the coming of the cockley cranes which he called coxigru what is become of him since we cannot certainly tell yet was I told that he is now a porter at Lyon as testy and pettish in humour as ever he was before and would be always with great lamentation inquiring at all strangers of the coming of the cockley cranes expecting assuredly, according to the old woman's prophecy that at their coming he shall be re-established in his kingdom the first thing Gargantua did after his return into the town was to call the master role of his man which when he had done he found that there were very few either killed or wounded only some few foot of Captain Tolmer's company and ponocrates who was shot with a musket ball through the doublet then he caused them all at and in their several posts and divisions to take a little refreshment which was very planchously provided for them in the best drink and victuals that could be had for money and gave order to the treasurers and commissaries of the army to pay for and defray that repast and that there should be no outrage at all nor abuse committed in the town seeing it was his own and furthermore commanded that immediately after the soldiers had done with eating and drinking for that time sufficiently and to their own heart's desire a gathering should be beaten for bringing them all together to be drawn up on the piazza before the castle there to receive six months' pay completely all which was done after this by his direction were brought before him in the safe place all those that remained of Pythagoras' party unto whom in the presence of the princes, nobles and officers of his court and army he spoke as followeth End of chapter 49, recording by Ezoa in Belgium in November 2009 Chapter 50 of Gargantua and Pantagruel, Book 1 This is a LibriVox recording All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org Recording by Martin Giesen Gargantua and Pantagruel, Book 1 by François Rablet translated by Sir Thomas Urquhart Chapter 50 Gargantua's speech to the vanquished Our forefathers and ancestors of all times have been of this nature and disposition that upon the winning of a battle they have chosen rather for a sign and memorial of their triumphs and victories to erect trophies and monuments in the hearts of the vanquished by clemency than by architecture in the lands which they had conquered for they did hold in greater estimation the lively remembrance of men purchased by liberality than the dumb inscription of arches, pillars and pyramids subject to the injury of storms and tempests and to the envy of everyone You may very well remember of the courtesy which by them was used towards the Bretons in the battle of Saint Aubein of Comier and at the demolishing of Partenay You have heard and hearing and admire their gentle comportment towards those at the barriers the barbarians of Spaniola who had plundered, wasted and ransacked the maritime borders of Olón and Talmondois All this hemisphere of the world was filled with the praises and congratulations which yourselves and your fathers made when Alferbal, king of Canard not satisfied with his own fortunes did most fioriously invade the land of Onyx and with cruel piracies molest all the Amoric islands and confine regions of Brittany Yet was he in a set naval fight justly taken and vanquished by my father who got preserve and protect But what, whereas other kings and emperors those who entitled themselves Catholics would have dealt roughly with him kept him a close prisoner and put him to an extreme high ransom He entreated him very courteously lodged him kindly with himself in his own palace and out of his incredible mildness and gentle disposition sent him back with a safe conduct laden with gifts laden with favours laden with all offices of friendship What fell out upon it? Being returned into his country he called a parliament where all the princes and states of his kingdom being assembled he showed them the humanity which he had found in us and therefore wished them to take such course by way of compensation therein as that the whole world might be edified by the example as well of their honest graciousness to us as of our gracious honesty towards them The result hereof was that it was voted and decreed by an unanimous consent that they should offer up entirely their lands dominions and kingdoms to be disposed of by us according to our pleasure Al-Farbal in his own person presently returned with 9,038 great ships of burden bringing with him the treasures not only of his house and royal lineage but almost of all the country besides for he embarking himself to set sail with a west-north-east wind everyone in hoops did cast into the ship gold, silver, rings duels, spices, drugs and aromatical perfumes parrots, pelicans monkeys, civet cats black-spotted weasels porcupines, etc he was a counted no-good mother's son that did not cast in all the rare and precious things he had Being safely arrived he came to my said father and would have kissed his feet that action was found too submissively low and therefore was not permitted but in exchange he was most courtially embraced he offered his presence they were not received because they were too excessive he yielded himself voluntarily a servant and vassal and was content his whole posterity should be liable to the same bondage this was not accepted of because it seemed not equitable he surrendered by virtue of the decree of his great parliamentary council his whole countries and kingdoms to him offering the deed and conveyance signed, sealed and ratified by all those who were concerned in it this was altogether refused and the parchment's cast into the fire in end this free goodwill and simple meaning of the canarians wrote such tenderness in my father's heart that he could not abstain from shedding tears and wept most profusely then by choice words very conquerously adapted strove in what he could to diminish the estimation of the good offices which he had done them saying that any courtesy he had conferred upon them was not worth a rush and what favour so ever he had showed them he was bound to do it but so much the more did Al-Falbal augment the repute thereof what was the issue whereas for his ransom in the greatest extremity of rigor and most tyrannical dealing could not have been exacted he was above twenty times a hundred thousand crowns and his eldest sons detained as hostages till that sum had been paid they made themselves perpetual tributaries and obliged to give us every year two millions of gold at four and twenty carats fine the first year we received a full sum of two millions the second year of their own accord they paid freely to us three and twenty hundred thousand crowns the third year six and twenty hundred thousand the fourth year three millions and do so increase it always out of their own good will that we shall be constrained bid them to bring us any more this is the nature of gratitude and true thankfulness for time which gnaws and diminishes all things else augments and increases benefits because a noble action of liberality done to a man of reason doth grow continually by his generous thinking of it and remembering it being unwilling therefore any way to degenerate from the hereditary mildness and clemency of my parents I do now forgive you deliver you from all fines and imprisonments fully release you set you at liberty and every way make you as frank and free as ever you were before moreover at your going out of the gate you shall have every one of you three months pay to bring you home into your houses and families and shall have a safe convoy of six hundred quidrassies and eight thousand foot under the conduct of Alexander Esquire of my body that's the club man of the country may not do you any injury God be with you I am sorry from my heart that Picasso is not here for I would have given him to understand that this war was undertaken against my will and without any hope to increase either my goods or renown but seeing he is lost and that no man can tell where nor how he went away it was my will that his kingdom remain entire to his son because he is too young he not being yet full five years old shall be brought up and instructed by the ancient princes and learned men of the kingdom and because a realm thus desolate may easily come to ruin if the covetousness and avarice of those who by their places are obliged to administer justice in it be not curbed and restrained I ordain and will have it so that ponocrities be overseer and superintendent above all his governors with whatever power and authority is requisite there too and that he be continually with the child until he find him able and capable to rule and govern by himself now I must tell you that you are to understand how a too feeble and disolute facility in pardoning evil doers give us the occasion to commit wickedness afterwards more readily upon this pernicious confidence of receiving favor I consider that Moses the meekest man that was in his time upon the earth did severely punish the mutinous and seditious people of Israel I consider likewise that Julius Caesar who was so gracious an emperor that Cicero said of him that his fortune had nothing more excellent than that he could and his virtue nothing better than that he would always save and pardon every man he not withstanding all this did in certain places most rigorously punish the authors of rebellion after the example of these good men it is my will and pleasure that you deliver over and to me before you depart hence fast that fine fellow Marquet who was the prime cause origin and groundwork of this war by his vain presumption and overweening secondly his fellow cake bakers who were neglective in checking and representing his idle hair-brained humor in the instant time and lastly all the councillors and captains, officers and domestics of Picochol who had been incendiaries or fomenters of the war by provoking, praising or counselling him to come out of his limits thus to trouble us End of chapter 50 Recording by Martin Giesen Chapter 51 This is a LibriVox recording All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org Gargantua and Pentagral Book 1 by François Hable Translated by Sir Thomas Urquard Chapter 51 How the victorious Gargantuists were recompensed after the battle When Gargantua had finished his speech the seditious men whom he required were delivered up unto him except Swachbaclar, Dirtnail and Small Trash who ran away six hours before the battle one of them as far as to Léniel Neck at one course another to the valley of Vir and the third even unto Le Groin without looking back or taking breath by the way and two of the cake-bakers who were slain in the fight Gargantua did them no other hurt but that he appointed them to pull at the presses of his printing house which he had newly set up Then those who died there he caused to be honorably buried in Blacksoil Valley and Burnhag field and gave order that the wounded should be dressed and had care of in his great hospital on Nozacam After this, considering the great prejudice done to the town and its inhabitants he reimbursed their charges and repaired all the losses that by their confession upon oath could appear they had sustained and for their better defense and security in times coming against all sudden uproars and invasions commanded a strong citadel to be built there with a competent garrison to maintain it At his departure he did very gracefully thank all the soldiers of the brigades that had been at this overthrow and sent them back to their winter quarters in their several stations and garrisons The Decumene Legion only accepted whom in the field on that day he saw do some great exploit and their captains also whom he brought along with himself unto Grand-Gousier At the sight and coming of them the good man was so joyful that it is not possible fully to describe it He made them a feast the most magnificent plentiful and delicious that ever was seen since the time of the King Ahasuerus At the taking up of the table he distributed amongst them his whole cupboard of plate which weighed 800,000 and 14 besants Each besant is worth 5 pounds English money of gold in great antique vessels huge pots large basins big tosses cups goblets candlesticks comfy boxes and other such plates all of pure marsy gold besides the precious stones enameling and workmanship which by all man's estimation was more worth than the matter of the gold Then unto every one of them out of his coffers caused he to be given the sum of 1200,000 crowns ready money And further he gave to each of them forever an in perpetuity unless he should happen to disease without heirs such castles and neighboring lands of his as were most commodious for them To Pono crates he gave the rock Clermont to Jim Nost the Coudre to Eudiman Montpensier Rivo to Tolmer to Ithibore Montsoro to Akames Kond Varenne to Kyronicht Gravo to Sebast Kinkone to Alexander Legré to Sofron and so of his other places End of Chapter 51 Recording by Iswa in Belgium in November 2009 Chapter 52 of Gargantua and Pantagruel Book 1 This is a LibriVox recording All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org Recording by Martin Giesen Gargantua and Pantagruel Book 1 by François Rablet translated by Sir Thomas Urquette Chapter 52 How Gargantua caused to be built for the monk the Abbey of Telem There was left only the monk to provide for whom Gargantua would have made abbot of Seville but he refused it He would have given him the Abbey of Bourguay or of Sainte-Florent which was better or both if it pleased him but the monk gave him a very peremptory answer that he would never take upon him the charge nor government of monks For how shall I be able, said he, to rule over others that have not full power and command of myself? If you think I have done you or may hereafter do any acceptable service give me leave to found an Abbey after my own mind and fancy The motion pleased Gargantua very well and thereupon offered him all the country of Telem by the river of Loire till within two leagues of the great forest of Père-Yau The monk then requested Gargantua to institute his religious order contrary to all others First then, said Gargantua you must not build a wall about your convent for all other Abbeys are strongly walled and mured about See, said the monk, and not without cause seeing wall and mure signify but one and the same thing where there is mure before and mure behind there is store of mure-mure envy and mutual conspiracy Moreover, seeing there are certain convents in the world whereof the custom is if any woman come in I mean chaste and honest women they immediately sweep the ground which they have trod upon therefore was it ordained that if any man or woman entered into religious orders should by chance come within this new Abbe all the runes should be thoroughly washed and cleansed through which they had passed and because in all other monasteries and nunneries all is compassed, limited and regulated by hours it was decreed that in this new structure there should be neither clock nor dial but that according to the opportunities and incident occasions all their hours should be disposed of For, said Gargantua the greatest loss of time that I know is to count the hours what good comes of it nor can there be any greater dotage in the world than for one to guide and direct his courses by the sound of a bell and not by his own judgment and discretion item because at that time they put no women into nunneries but such as were either perplined, blinkers, lame crooked, ill-favoured, misshapen, fools senseless, spoiled or corrupt nor encloistered any men but those that were either sickly, subject to defluxions ill-bred louts, simple sots or peevish trouble-houses but to the purpose, said the monk a woman that is neither fair nor good to what you serve she to make a none of, said Gargantua yea, said the monk, and to make shirts and smocks therefore was it ordained that into this religious order should be admitted no women that were not fair well-featured and of a sweet disposition nor men that were not comely, passenable and well-conditioned item because in the convent of women men come not but underhand, privily and by stealth it was therefore enacted that in this house there shall be no women in case there be not men nor men in case there be not women item because both men and women that are received into religious orders after the expiring of their novitiate or probation year were constrained and forced perpetually to stay there all the days of their life it was therefore ordered that all whatever men or women admitted within this abbey should have full leave to depart with peace and contentment when so ever it should seem good to them so to do item for that the religious men and women did ordinarily make three vows to wit those of chastity poverty and obedience it was therefore constituted and appointed that in this convent they might be honourably married that they might be rich and live at liberty in regard of the legitimate time of the persons to be initiated and years under and above which they were not capable of reception the women were to be admitted from ten till fifteen and the men from twelve till eighteen end of chapter fifty-two recording by Martin Geitham in Hazelmere Surrey chapter fifty-three of Gargantua and Pantagruel book one this is a LibriVox recording or LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org recording by Martin Geitham Gargantua and Pantagruel book one by François Rablet translated by Sir Thomas Urquette chapter fifty-three how the abbey of the telemites was built and endowed for the fabric and furniture of the abbey Gargantua caused to be delivered out in ready money seven and twenty hundred thousand eight hundred and one and thirty of those golden rams of berry which other sheep stamped on the one side and a flowered cross on the other and for every year until the whole work were completed he allotted three score nine thousand crowns of the sun and as many of the seven stars to be charged all upon the receipt of the custom for the foundation and maintenance thereof forever he settled a perpetual fee farm rent of three and twenty hundred three score and nine thousand five hundred and fourteen rose nobles exempted from all homage, fealty, service or burden whatsoever and payable every year at the gate of the abbey and of this by letters patent passed a very good grant the architecture was in a figure hexagonal and in such a fashion that in every one of the six corners there was built a great round tower of three score fort in diameter and were all of a like form and bigness upon the north side ran along the river of Loire on the bank where of was situated the tower called Arctic going towards the east there was another called Kalair the next following Anatol the next Mezembrin the next Hesperia and the last Crier every tower was distant from the other the space of three hundred and twelve paces the whole edifice was everywhere six stories high reckoning and a ground for one the second was arched after the manner of a basket handle the rest was sealed with pure wainscut flourished with Flanders fretwork in the form of the foot of a lamp and covered over with fine slates with an endorsement of lead carrying the antique figures of little animals of all sorts notably well suited to one another and guilt together with the gutters which jutting without the walls from betwixt the crossbars in a diagonal figure painted with gold and azure reached to the very ground where they ended into great conduit pipes which carried all away unto the river from under the house this same building was a hundred times more sumptuous and magnificent than ever was Bonne-Y-Ve Chambourg or Chantilly for there were in it nine thousand three hundred and two and thirty chambers every one whereof had a glowing room, a handsome closet a wardrobe, an oratory and neat passage leading into a great and spacious hall between every tower in the midst of the said body of building there was a pair of winding such as we now call lantern stares whereof the steps were part of porphyry which is a dark red marble spotted with white part of Numidian stone which is a kind of yellowishly streaked marble upon perious colours and part of Serpentine marble with light spots on a dark green ground each of those steps being two and twenty foot in length and three fingers thick and the just number of twelve betwixt every rest or as we now term it landing place in every resting place were two fair antique arches where the light came in and by those they went into a cabinet made even with and of the breadth of the said winding and the re-ascending above the roofs of the house ended conically in a pavilion by that vice or winding they entered on every side into a great hall and from the halls into the chambers from the arctic tower and to the crier where the fair great libraries in Greek, Latin, Hebrew French, Italian and Spanish respectively distributed in their several cantons according to the diversity of these languages in the midst there was a wonderful scalia or winding stair the entry whereof was without the house in a vault or arch six fathom broad it was made in such symmetry and largeness that six men at arms with their lances in their rests might together in a breast ride all up to the very top of all the palace from the tower Anatole to the mesembrien where fair spacious galleries all coloured over and painted with the ancient prowesses histories and descriptions of the world in the midst thereof there was likewise such another ascent and gate as we said there was on the river side upon that gate was written in great antique letters that which followeth End of chapter 53 Recording by Martin Giesen in Hazelmeyer Surrey Chapter 54 of Gargantua and Pantagruel Book 1 This is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org Recording by Martin Giesen Gargantua and Pantagruel Book 1 by François Rablet Translated by Sir Thomas Urquhart Chapter 54 The inscription set upon the great gate of Telem Here enter not vile bigots hypocrites externally devoted apes base knights puffed up rhinect beasts worse than the Huns or Ostrogoths for runners of baboons cursed snakes dissembled violets seeming sankts slip-shod caffards beggars pretending once fat chuff-cats smell-feast knockers diltish gulls out-strouting clusterfists contentious bulls fermenters of divisions and debates elsewhere not here make sale of your deceits your filthy tramperees stuffed with pernicious lies not worth a bubble would do but trouble our earthly paradise your filthy tramperees here enter not attorneys barristers nor bridal champion law practitioners clerks, commissaries, scribes nor Pharisees willful destabbers of the people's ease judges, destroyers with an unjust breath of honest men like dogs even unto death your salary is at the gibbet foot go drink there for we do not hear fly out on those excessive courses which may draw a waiting on your corpse by suits in law lawsuits, debates and wrangling hence are exiled and jangling here we are very frolic and merry and free from all entangling lawsuits, debates and wrangling here enter not base pinching usurers, pelflickers everlasting gatherers gold graspers, coin gripers gulpers of mists fish-deformed sots who though your chests vast sums of money should to you afford would nevertheless add more unto that hoard and yet not be content you clunch fist dastards insatiable fiends and plutose bastards greedy devourers, chitchy sneak-bill rogues hell-mastiffs, nor your bones you ravenous dogs you beastly-looking fellows Reeves and Duth plainly tell us that we should not to you a lot room here but at the gallows you beastly-looking fellows here enter not fond makers of demers in love-adventures peevish jealous curse sad-pensive dotards razors of garboils hacks, goblins, ghosts fire-brands of household broils nor drunkards, liars cowards, cheaters clowns, thieves, cannibals faces or cast with frowns nor lazy slugs, envious, covetous nor blockish, cruel nor too credulous here mangy, pocky folks shall have no place no ugly lusts nor persons of disgrace Grace, honour, praise, delight here such a day and night sound bodies lined with a good mind do here pursue with might grace, honour, praise, delight here enter you and welcome from our hearts all noble sparks endowed with gallant parts this is the glorious place which bravely shall afford wherewith to entertain you all where you a thousand here you shall not want for anything for what you'll ask we'll grant stay here you lively jovial, handsome brisk, gay, witty frolic, cheerful, merry, frisk spruce, jock and courteous fatherers of trades and in a word all worthy, gentle blades blades of heroic breasts shall taste here of the feasts both privily and civilly of the celestial guests blades of heroic breasts here enter you pure, honest, faithful true expounders of the scriptures old and new whose glosses do not blind our reason but make it to see the clearer and who shut its passages from hatred avarice, pride factions, covenants and all sort of vice come, settle here a charitable faith which neighborly affection nourishes and whose light chases all corruptors hence of the blessed word from the aforesaid sense the holy sacred word may it always afford to us all in common both man and woman a spiritual shield and sword the holy sacred word here enter you all ladies of high birth delicious, stately, charming full of mirth ingenious, lovely, miniat proper, fair, magnetic graceful, splendid pleasant, rare blighting, sprightly virtuous, young, salacious kind, neat, quick feet, bright, comped ripe, choice, dear precious alluring, courtly, comely, fine complete, wise personable, ravishing and sweet come joys and joy the Lord Celestial hath given enough wherewith to please us all gold give us God forgive us and from all woes relieve us that we the treasure may reap of pleasure and shun what air is grieve us gold give us God forgive us End of Chapter 54 Recording by Martin Giesen in Hazelmeer Surrey Chapter 55 of Gargantua and Pantagruel Book 1 This is a LibriVox recording All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org Recording by Martin Giesen Gargantua and Pantagruel Book 1 by François Rablet Translated by Sir Thomas Ercut Chapter 55 What manner of dwelling the telemites had? In the middle of the lower court there was a stately fountain of fair alabaster upon the top thereof stood the three graces with their cornucopia or horns of abundance and did jet out the water at their breasts, mouth, ears, eyes and other open passages of the body. The inside of the buildings in this lower court stood upon great pillars of Chalcedonese stone and porphyry marble made archways after a goodly antique fashion. Within those were spacious galleries long and large adorned with curious pictures the horns of bucks and unicorns with rhinoceroses water horses called hippopotamese the teeth and tusks of elephants and other things well worth the beholding. The lodging of the ladies for so we may call those gallant women took up all from the tower Arctic and to the gate Mezembrine the men possessed the rest before the said lodging of the ladies that they might have their recreation between the two first towers on the outside were placed the tilt yard the barriers or lists for tournaments the hippodrome or riding court the theater or public playhouse and nuttatory or place to swim in with most admirable baths in three stages situated above one another well furnished with all necessary accommodation and store of myrtle water by the riverside was the fair garden of pleasure and in the midst of that the glorious labyrinth between the two other towers where the courts for the tennis and the balloon towards the tower Crier stood the orchard full of all fruit trees set and ranged in a quincancel order at the end of that was the great park abounding with all sort of venison betwixt the third couple of towers where the butts and marks for shooting with a snap work gun an ordinary bow for common archery or with a crossbow the office houses where without the tower Hesperia of one story high the stables were beyond the offices and before them stored the falconry managed by ostrich keepers and falconers very expert in the art and it was yearly supplied and furnished by the Candians, Venetians, Sarmatis now called muscoviters with all sorts of most excellent hawks eagles, javulcans, goss hawks sacras, lanners, falcons sparrow hawks, marlins and other kinds of them so gentle and perfectly well manned that flying of themselves sometimes from the castle for their own disport they would not fail to catch whatever they encountered the venery where the beagles and hounds were kept was a little farther off drawing towards the park all the halls, chambers and closets or cabinets were richly hung with tapestry and hangings of diverse sorts according to the variety of the seasons of the year all the pavements and floors were covered with green cloth the beds were all embroidered in every back chamber or withdrawing room there was a looking glass of pure crystal set in a frame of fine gold garnished all about with pearls and was of such greatness that it would represent to the full the whole lineaments and proportion of the person that stood before it at the going out of the halls which belonged to the ladies lodgings where the perfumers and trimmers through whose hands the gallants passed when they were to visit the ladies those sweet artifices did every morning furnish the ladies' chambers with the spirit of roses orange flower water and angelica and to each of them gave a little precious casket vapouring forth the most odouriferous exhalations of the choicest aromatical scents End of chapter 55 Recording by Martin Geeson in Hazelmere Surrey Chapter 56 of Gargantua and Pantagruel Book 1 This is a LibriVox recording All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org Recording by Martin Geeson Gargantua and Pantagruel Book 1 by François Rablet Translated by Sir Thomas Urquette Chapter 56 How the men and women of the religious order of Telem were appalled The ladies at the foundation of this order were appalled after their own pleasure and liking but since that of their own accord and free will they have reformed themselves their accoutement is in manner as followeth They wore stockings of scarlet crimson or ingrained purple dye which reached just three inches above the knee having a list beautified with exquisite embroideries and rare incisions of the cutter's art Their garters were of the colour of their bracelets and circled the knee a little both over and under Their shoes, pumps and slippers were either of red violet or crimson velvet Pinked and jagged like lobster waddles Next to their smock they put on the pretty turtle or vasquin of pure silk camlet Above that went the taffety or tabby farthingale of white, red, tawny grey or of any other colour Above this taffety petticoat they had another of cloth of disue or brocade embroidered with fine gold and interlaced with needlework or as they thought good and according to the temperature and disposition of the weather had their upper coats of satin, damask or velvet and those either orange, tawny, green, ash coloured blue, yellow, bright red, crimson or white and so forth or had them of cloth of gold, cloth of silver or some other choice stuff enriched with pearl or embroidered according to the dignity of the festival days and times wherein they wore them Their gowns being still correspondent to the season were either of cloth of gold frizzled with a silver raised work of red satin covered with gold pearl of tabby or taffety white blue, black, tawny etc of silk surge, silk camlet velvet, cloth of silver silver tissue, cloth of gold gold wire, figured velvet or figured satin, tinseled and overcast with golden threads in diver's variously powerful draughts In the summer, some days instead of gowns they wore light, hamsome ankles made either of the stuff of the aforesaid attire or like moresco rugs of violet velvet frizzled with a raised work of gold upon silver pearl or with a knotted cordwork of gold embroidery everywhere garnished with little Indian pearls They always carried a fair panache or plume of feathers of the colour of their muff bravely adorned and tricked out with glistering spangles of gold In the winter time they had their taffety gowns of all colours as above named and those lined with the rich furrings of hind-wolves or speckled lynxes black-spotted weasels marthlet skins of Calabria sables and other costly furs of an inestimable value Their beads, rings, bracelets collars, carcannettes and neck chains were all of precious stones such as carbuncles, rubies, baleouss diamonds, sapphires, emeralds turquoise, garnets, agates, burials and excellent margarites Their head-dressing also varied with the season of the year according to which they decked themselves In winter it was of the French fashion in the spring of the Spanish in summer of the fashion of Tuscany except only upon the holy days and Sundays at which times they were occultured in the French mode because they accounted it more honourable and better befitting the garb of a matronal pudicity The men were apparelled after their fashion Their stockings were of tamino of clothed surge of white-black scarlet or some other ingrained colour Their britches were of velvet of the same colour with their stockings or very near embroidered and cut according to their fancy Their doublet was of cloth of gold or cloth of silver of velvet satin, damask tafities, etc. of the same colours cut embroidered and suitably trimmed up in perfection The points were of silk of the same colours The tags were of gold well enameled Their coats and jackets were of cloth of gold cloth of silver, gold, tissue or velvet embroidered as they thought fit Their gowns were every wit as costly as those of the ladies Their girdles were of silks of the colour of their doublets Every one had a gallant sword by his side The hilt and handle were of where gilt and the scabbard of velvet of the colour of his britches with a chape of gold and pure goldsmith's work The dagger was of the same Their caps or bonnets were of black velvet adorned with jewels and buttons of gold Upon that they wore a white plume most prettily and minion-like parted by so many rows of gold spangles at the end whereof hung dangling in a more sparkling resplendency fair rubies, emeralds, diamonds, etc. But there was such a sympathy between the gallants and the ladies that every day they were appalled in the same livery And that they might not miss there were certain gentlemen appointed to tell the youths every morning what vestments the ladies would on that day wear for all was done according to the pleasure of the ladies In these so handsome clothes and abilliment so rich think not that either one or other of either sex did waste any time at all for the masters of the wardrobes had all their raiments and apparel so ready for every morning and the chamberlady so well skilled that in a trice they would be dressed and completely in their clothes from head to foot and to have those accoutements with the more conveniency there was about the wood of Telem a row of houses of the extent of half a league very neat and cleanly wherein dwelt the gold smiths lapidaries, jewelers embroiderers, tailors gold drawers velvet weavers tapestry makers and upholsterers who wrought there every one in his own trade and all for the aforesaid jolly friars and nuns of the new stamp they were furnished with matter and stuff from the hands of the lord Nausiclet who every year brought them seven ships from the pearlers and cannibal islands laden with ingots of gold with raw silk with pearls and precious stones and if any margarites called unions began to grow old and lose somewhat of their natural whiteness and lustre those with their art they did renew by tendering them to eat to some pretty cocks as they used to give casting and to hawks End of Chapter 56 Recording by Martin Giesen in Hazelmere Surrey Chapter 57 of Gaugantua and Pantagruel Book 1 This is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org Recording by Martin Giesen Gaugantua and Pantagruel Book 1 by François Rabelais translated by Sir Thomas Urquette Chapter 57 How the telemites were governed and of their manner of living All their life was spent not in laws statutes or rules but according to their own free will and pleasure They rose out of their beds when they thought good They did eat, drink, labour, sleep when they had a mind to it and were disposed for it None did awake them None did offer to constrain them to eat, drink nor do any other thing for so had Gaugantua established it In all their rule and strictest tie of their order there was but this one clause to be observed Do what thou wilt because men that are free, well-born, well-bred and conversant in honest companies have naturally an instinct and spur that prompteth them unto virtuous actions and withdraws them from vice which is called honour Those same men, when by base subjection and constraint they are brought under and kept down turn aside from that noble disposition by which they formerly were inclined to virtue to shake off and break that bond of servitude wherein they are so tyrannously enslaved for it is agreeable with the nature of man too long after things forbidden and to desire what is denied us By this liberty they entered into a very laudable emulation to do all of them what they sordid please one If any of the gallants or ladies should say Let us drink, they would all drink If any one of them said Let us play, they all played If one said Let us go a-walking into the fields They went all If it were to go a-hawking or a-hunting the ladies mounted upon dainty well-paced nags seated in a stately, pawl-free saddle carried on their lovely fists mignardly be-glaffed every one of them either a sparrow-hawk or a lannerit or a marlin and the young gallants carried the other kinds of hawks so nobly where they taught that there was neither he nor she amongst them but could read, write, sing, play upon several musical instruments speak five or six several languages and compose in them all very quaintly both in verse and prose never were seen so valiant knights so noble and worthy, so dexterous and skillful both on foot and a horseback more brisk and lively more nimble and quick or better handling all manner of weapons than they were never were seen ladies so proper and handsome so mignard and dainty less froad or more ready with their hand and with their needle in every honest and free action belonging to that sex than were there for this reason when the time came that any man of the said abbey either at the request of his parents or for some other cause had a mind to go out of it he carried along with him one of the ladies namely her whom he had before that chosen for his mistress and they were married together and if they had formerly in Telem lived in good devotion and amity they did continue therein and increase it to a greater height in their state of matrimony and did entertain that mutual love till the very last day of their life in no less vigor and fervency than at the very day of their wedding here must not I forget to set down unto you a riddle which was found under the ground as they were laying the foundation of the abbey engraven in a copper plate and it was thus as followeth End of chapter 57 Recording by Martin Giesen in Hazelmayer Surrey Chapter 58 of Gargantua and Pantagruel Book 1 This is a LibriVox recording All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org Gargantua and Pantagruel Book 1 By Francois Rabelais Translated by Sir Thomas Urquhart Chapter 58 A Prothetic Riddle Poor mortals who wait for a happy day cheer up your hearts and hear what I say If it be lawful, firmly to believe that the celestial bodies can give us wisdom to judge of things that are not yet or if from heaven such wisdom we may get as may with confidence make us discourse of years to come, their destiny and course I to my hearers give to understand that this next winter, though it be at hand yea and before, there shall appear a race of men who, loath to sit still in one place, shall boldly go before all people's eyes, suborning men of diverse qualities to draw them into covenants and sides in such a manner that, what air be tides they'll move you, if you give them ear no doubt with both your friends and kindred to fall out they'll make a vassal to gainstand his lord and children their own parents in a word all reverence shall then be banished no true respect to others shall be had they'll say that every man should have his turn both in his going forth and in his return and hereupon shall there arise such woes such jarrings and confused to and froes that never were in history such coils set down as yet such tummels and garboils then shall you many gallant men see by valor stirred up the youthful vervency who, trusting too much in their hopeful time, live but a while and perish in their prime neither shall any, who this core shall run leave off the race which he hath once begun till they the heavens with noise by their contention have filled and with their steps the earth's dimension then those shall have no less authority that have no faith than those that will not lie for all shall be governed by a rude base ignorant and foolish multitude the various loud of all shall be their judge oh horrible and dangerous deluge deluge I call it and that for good reason for this shall be omitted in no season nor shall the earth of this foul stir be free till suddenly you in great store shall see the waters issue out with whose streams the most moderate of all shall moistened be and justly too because they did not spare the flocks of beasts that innocentists are but did their sinews and their bowels take not to the gods a sacrifice to make but usually to serve themselves for sport and now consider I do you exhort in such commotion so continual what rest can take the globe terrestrial most happy then or they that can it hold and use it carefully as precious gold by keeping it in gaol whence it shall have no help but him who being to it gave and to increase his mournful accident the sun before it set in the accident shall cease to dart upon it any light more than in an eclipse or in the night so that at once its favor shall be gone and liberty with it be left alone and yet before it come to ruin thus it's quaking shall be as impetuous as ethnes was when Titan's suns lay under and yield when lost a fearful sound like thunder in a rhyme did not more quickly move when typhius did the vast huge hills remove and for despite into the sea them through thus shall it then be lost by ways not few and change suddenly when those that have it to other men that after come shall leave it then shall it be high time to cease from this so long so great so tedious exercise for the great waters told you now by me will make each think where his retreat will be and yet before that they be clean dispersed you may be hold in the air where not was erst the burning heat of a great flame to rise lick up the water and the enterprise it resteth after those things to declare that those shall sit content who chosen are with all good things and with celestial man may and richly recompense every man the others at the last all stripped shall be that after this great work all men shall see how each shall have his do this their lot oh he is worthy praise that shrinketh not no sooner was this enigmatic of monument read over but gargantua fetching a very deep sigh said unto those that stood by it is not now only I perceive that people call to the faith of the gospel and convinced with the certainty of evangelical truths are persecuted but happy is that man that shall not be scandalized but shall always continue to the end in aiming at the mark which God by his dear son had set before us without being distracted or diverted by his carnal affections and depraved nature the monk then said what do you think in your conscience is meant and signified by this riddle what said gargantua the progress and carrying on of the divine truth by st. Godarin said the monk that is not my exposition it is the style of the prophet Merlin make upon it as many grave allegories and glosses as you will and dot upon it you and the rest of the world as long as you please for my part I can conceive no other meaning in it but a description of a set of tennis in dark and obscure terms the sub-owners of men are the makers of matches which are commonly friends after the two chases are made he that was in the upper end of the tennis court go without and the other cometh in they believe the first that set the ball was over or under the line the waters are the heats that the players take till they sweat again the cords of the rackets are made of the guts of sheep or goats the globe terrestrial is the tennis ball after playing when the game is done they refresh themselves before a clear fire and change their shirts and very willingly they make all good cheer but most merrily those that have gained and so farewell end of chapter 58 a prophetical riddle recording by Alan Davis Drake end of Gargantua and Pantagruel book one by Francois Rebelet translated by