Independent Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1842-1844, 1844-02-03
Fer the Independent Democrat
BAYARD AND BOURBON.


In 1924, Bonnivet commanded the ar
mics of Francis in the Milanese. He wa
opposed on the part of the Emperor by th'
Marquis de Pescara and Louis of Bourbon
both much the superiors of Bonivet in mil
itary skill. The latter being hard press
ed. attempted a retreat into France thro
the valley of Aost. Pescara and Bourbon
overlook him on the banks of the Sessla
and attacked him with great fury. Bon
nvet was dangerously wounded and taker
from the field Bayard, always the mas
Ter spirit in lime of danger, covered the
retreat of the army by his extraordinary
va'or, but in the performance of this SER
vice, he received wound which he i'm
mediately knew 10 be mortal. An author
thus describes his end: "Being unable tc
continue any longer on horseback, he Or
dered one of his attendants TO place him
under a tree, with his face towards the en-
envy; then fixing his eyes on the guard OF
his sword, which he held up instead o. a
cross, he addressed his prayers 10 God, and
in this posture, which became his charac-
ter both as soldier and as Christian, he
calmly awaited the approach of DEATH
Bourbon, who led the foremost of the enc
my's troops, found him in this situation
and expressed regret and pity at the sight
"Pitv not me-" cried the high-spirted che
Waller, 81 die as man Of honor ought, in
the discharge of nv duty; they indeed are
objects of pity, who fight against their
king. their country, and their oath" lie
died as his ancestors for several genera
tons had done in the field of battle 10
bcrtson's Charles V.
With trailing pixies and sulen tread,
And drums but family heating;
That band go late of foes the dread,
We're sad and slow retreating.
The Sessia's banks we're steepand high,
It's waves were onward elancing-
Soon shall they hear the battle-cry,
And war.steods fcrcely prancing.
Prim Bonnivet was rash but brave,
Renowned for cour,lv gracps-
His heads'rong valor could not save
That fatal fields disgraces.
He fought tho thronging foes surround,
The assallants fell before him;
Till pierced at last with many a wound,
From that lost field they bore him.
De Bayard, Frances noblest knight
The armv's hope in danger;
The lender first in every fight,
To shame and fear stranger
De Bayard saw the serried throng,
In bristling ranks advancing
They came with shout and battle-song,
And banners gaily dancing.
The army passed the Sessia's shore,
Bavard alone remaining;
He placed himselfthe foe before,
To fear, or fly, disdaining.
There fought the bravest knight on earth,
The nobIest blood was flowing
His king afar, deep drown'd in mirlh,
His peril all unknowing.
An engines bolt, the warrior found,
He sank beneath its power;
His likelihood stained that well.fought
ground
He knew his mortal hour.
Proud Bourbon neared the fatal tree.
Where deaths briefpang was speeding
The princeIy chief was greved to see
The peerless Bayard bleeding.
"Why pity me" the warrior cried,
"Though on lost field I'm dying9
Thus have my glorious fathers died,
In honor'd graves who're lying.
For me, die as soldier should
My country's foemen Drawing,
Where sword and pike are dripping blood,
And pennons bold are waving"
"Thou weep'st my state-l pity thee,
For thee, should brave men sorrow,
Wonld'st thou not yield throne to be,
What | shall be Tomorrow
The fame of Bayard long shall live,
The first in every fight,
And maids and minstrel's song shall
grieve