"The jet is so surrounded," answered the Provençal, "because it is supplied by a hot spring rising from the bowels of the earth, and the touch of frost on this autumn morning makes the vapour more distinguishable than usual.--But if it is good King René whom you seek, you will find him at this time walking in his chimney. Do not be afraid of approaching him, for there never was a monarch so easy of access, especially to good-looking strangers like you, seignorie." "But his ushers," said Arthur, "will not admit me into his hall." "His hall!" repeated Thiebault. "Whose hall?" "Why, King René's, I apprehend. If he is walking in a chimney, it can only be in that of his hall, and a stately one it must be to give him room for such exercise." "You mistake my meaning," said the guide, laughing. "What we call King René's chimney is the narrow parapet yonder; it extends between these two towers, has an exposure to the south, and is sheltered in every other direction. Yonder it is his pleasure to walk and enjoy the beams of the sun, on such cool mornings as the present. It nurses, he says, his poetical vein. If you approach his promenade he will readily speak to you, unless, indeed, he is in the very act of a poetical composition." Arthur could not forbear smiling at the thoughts of a king, eighty years of age, broken down with misfortunes and beset with dangers, who yet amused himself with walking in an open parapet, and composing poetry in presence of all such of his loving subjects as chose to look on. "If you will walk a few steps this way," said Thiebault, "you may see the good King, and judge whether or not you will accost him at present. I will dispose of the people, and await your orders at the fountain in the Corso." Arthur saw no objection to the proposal of his guide, and was not unwilling to have an opportunity of seeing something of the good King René, before he was introduced to his presence. FOOTNOTES: [8] Note I.--The Troubadours. [9] Note II.--Parliament of Love. CHAPTER XII. Ay, this is he who wears the wreath of bays Wove by Apollo and the Sisters Nine, Which Jove's dread lightning scathes not. He hath doft The cumbrous helm of steel, and flung aside The yet more galling diadem of gold; While, with a leafy circlet round his brows, He reigns the King of Lovers and of Poets. A cautious approach to the chimney--that is, the favourite walk of the King, who is described by Shakspeare as bearing the style of King of Naples, Of both the Sicilies, and Jerusalem, Yet not so wealthy as an English yeoman,