THE LAST CHASSE OF CHARLES X. 173 



the king embraces the generous protector, and presents his 

 hand to his clients, and the crowd which surround the 

 principal figures, together with the beautiful forest scenery, 

 form the background of the picture. 



An equally agreeable spectacle was presented to the view 

 of Charles X. at this moment, when he arrived on the banks 

 of the Etang de Hollande. 



He bowed low to every one, and graciously expressed his 

 fears to the ladies that their curiosity would not be gratified, 

 as it was a bad hunting day. 



His majesty had scarcely finished speaking when the 

 horns sounded a fresh signal ; the stag had taken the direc- 

 tion of the Croix de Yilpert. 



The king bid adieu to the crowd that surrounded him 

 with all that distinguished ease of manner that heightens 

 and gives such a charm to kind actions. The cries of " Vive 

 le Roi /" resounded for some minutes : not those harsh and 

 hoarse sounds that are roared by a half-drunken mob, but 

 enthusiastic and intelligent acclamations uttered by clear 

 and pure voices, and which struck to the heart of Charles X. 

 like a chord of sweet and touching harmony it was a song, 

 a hymn of adieu. 



On the way the king beckoned his first huntsman, the 

 captain of the Gardes, and the Due de Polignac to his side, 

 and observing that his majesty appeared to desire to converse 

 in private with them, the rest of the suite drew in their 

 reins, and fell to the rear. 



At the Croix de Yilpert, M. de Girardin quitted the 

 cortege for a moment to give his orders, and then returned to 

 his majesty. 



" Where are they hunting ? Which direction has the 

 stag taken ?" 



"We can scarcely tell, sire; the hounds are fatigued, and 

 hunt very badly." 



