[149] A lady well-known in Russian "revolutionary" circles, told me, recently, of similar experiences in Russia to-day. Suicides are so frequent as to excite little comment. Children, even, have caught the contagion. "Life fails them--they turn to death." [150] Juvénal des Ursins, quoted Michelet, Tome V., p. 183. [151] A. Germain "Les Néerlandais en Bourgogne," p. 38, 39. [152] The prophets are all commemorative of Christ, taken from the Messianic texts. The costumes are supposed to be those of the actors in the mystery plays of that time. Germain, p. 63. [153] The figures have not been restored in their original order, which is regrettable, as some of the processional effect is thereby lost. [154] Shakespeare makes him articulate enough in Henry V., Act V., scene 2. His economies were, perhaps, begotten of his father's prodigalities, who bequeathed only debts and a dukedom. [155] Kleinclausz "Histoire de la Bourgogne," p. 142. Also De Barante, Tome IV., p. 466. [156] "He is eager to speak with you on a matter that touches closely both you and him." [157] Michelet. [158] For a contemporary account of the murder, see Monstrelet. [159] The others were the King of Sicily and the Dukes of Bourbon and Berri. [160] Michelet. [161] There is no reason to suppose that the tears were hypocritical. Such display of emotion was in the spirit of the times; and certainly no man had better cause than its author to regret the murder. [162] After Bernard d'Armagnac, brother-in-law of the young Duke of Orleans. [163] Michelet, Tome VI., pp. 55, 56. [164] Charles VI. died in 1422, deeply mourned by the common people. "Ah! très cher prince, jamais nous n'en aurons un si bon." Journal du Bourgeois. [165] Michelet, Tome VI., p. 114, "Flesh and entrails." [166] Barante, Tome V., p. 204. [167] Kleinclausz, p. 146. [Illustration: Heading, chapter XIV; Dijon: Decorated windows of the Maison Milsand] CHAPTER XIV THE CITY OF THE DUKES After this long historical digression, it is quite time that we returned to the Salle des Gardes, where there are many good things to be seen beside the tombs of the Dukes. Not the least interesting are the ducal portraits, all very Jewish, and bearing a strong family likeness. In the picture gallery adjoining is a portrait of Charles le Téméraire, by Van Hemerren, done, it is said, shortly before his death at Nancy. Here is Valois madness, indeed; shown in the wildly staring eyes, the furrowed brow, the pursed lips, the poised head, the spread hands, and straying fingers--a mind and body in extreme of tension. What brought the last of the Valois Dukes to such a pass? Readers who do not know will discover, when we come to talk of--the Post Office!