“Agree,” whispered Marguerite, who was standing near the king. “Well, let me hear the conditions,” said François to Gattinara, who had unfolded a large parchment, and was preparing to-read it. “Give the substance of the treaty, my lord. I care not for the formalities.” “By this treaty, sire,” said Gattinara, “you will cede to his Imperial Majesty all your pretensions to the kingdom of Naples, the duchy of Milan, Genoa, and Asti--in a word, all your rights in Italy.” He then paused for a moment, but as François made no observation, he went on: “You will also cede the duchy of Burgundy to his Imperial Majesty----” “It should be 'restore,' rather than 'cede,'” interrupted Charles V., “since the duchy was the patrimony of my ancestress, Mary of Burgundy. But proceed.” “Your majesty will cede the duchy of Burgundy,” continued the chancellor, “the countship of Charolois, the signories of Noyers and of Château-Chinon, the viscounty of Auxonne, and the jurisdiction of Saint-Laurent.” François uttered an exclamation of impatience, but was restrained by his sister, who grasped his hand. “A moment's patience, brother,” remarked Charles V, “We will speak of Burgundy anon.” “Your majesty shall remove your protection from Henri d'Albret, who was taken prisoner at the battle of Pavia, but who has since escaped, and prevail upon him to renounce the title of King of Navarre.” “Pâques Dieu! I cannot do this,” cried François. “Let the chancellor go on, brother,” said the Emperor. “Your majesty shall likewise remove your protection from the Duke of Gueldres,” pursued Gattinara, “the Duke of Wurtemberg, and Robert de la Marck.” “By Saint Louis! I will not thus sacrifice my friends and allies!” cried François. “Hear him out, brother!--hear him out!” said the Emperor. Gattinara paused for a moment, and then resumed. Aware of what was coming, Bourbon watched the king narrowly. “Your majesty shall restore to the Duke de Bourbon all the lands, fiefs, and signories of which he has been deprived, and shall add to them Provence and Dauphiné. These states shall be erected into a kingdom to be possessed by the Duke de Bourbon, without tenure from the crown of France.” “Never!” exclaimed François, rising. “I will remain in thraldom all my days rather than consent to this indignity. I agree to restore Bourbon's possessions, and will indemnify him for all his losses, but I will not dismember France in order to create a kingdom for him. Even if I were disposed to yield, the laws of the State are opposed to any such alienation, and would prevent it.” “I will take my chance of that,” remarked Bourbon, sternly. “What has been gained by the sword can be maintained by the sword. The condition must be subscribed.” “The king agrees,” said Marguerite, as François, by her persuasion, sat down again. At a sign front the Emperor, Gattinara went on.