The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1874-11-22

His -expedition, meanwhile, was kept pro-
| found eecret from all in the city, with the sole
| exception of tho governor, as a precaution
against any defensive measures which the
Edwards might adopt.
1t was the 18th of May, 1902, at nine
o'clock in the morning. that the French force
entered the city. with the governor-general at
their head. Stern and threatening was the
aspect of De Chatillon as he rode along the
streets, while the hearts of the citizens were
oppressed with painful anxiety, foreseeing, as
they could not but de, part, at least, of the
fate which was awaiting them. The Edwards
might easily be recognized by their troubled
countenances and downcast bearing; still they
did not apprehend much beyond rigorous en-
forcement of the capitaton tax, and general
increase of severity.
The Lilyards had joined the garrison, and
together with the latter stood drawn up under
arms upon the Fridays market-place. To
them the goveruor-general's arri val mat
ter of rejoicing for from him they looked to
obtain retaliation for the contempt and alb
horrence with which they were regarded by
the Edwards and as he approached, loud
and repeated cries of "France France long
live King Philip and our noble governor !" re.
sounded from their ranks.
Attracted by curiosity, the people had flock
ed together from every Quarter of the city, and
now occupied in crowds the whole neigbbor
hood of the market-place Every countenance
bore an expression of tie deepest fear and
anxiety mothers pressed their children closer
to their breasts, and from many an eye trickled
the unconscious tear. But while we all were
terrified at the vengeance which seemed ready
to descend upon their heads, not single voice
of greeting was raised for France or her repre-
sentative. Powerless, indeed, they were for
the present; but hatred against their Cypress:
ors burned fercely in their hearts, and ever
and anon flashed out in threatening glances
from their eyes; they thought of Breydel and
Deconinck, and of a day of bloody retribution.
While the population was thus looking on in
moody silence, De Chatillon had drawn up his
forces in the market place in such wise that
either side of it was lined with men alarms
while ono end was entirely occupied by strong
body of infantry the troops forming three
sides of q square, of which the fourth remain
ed open an arrangement which allowed the
citizens full view of all that was passing in
the centre. He then dispatched, as quietly as
possible, a strong body of men to each of the
city gates, with instructions to seize, secure
and defend them.
The governor general, accompanied by some
of his principal officers, now advanced into the
centre of the square. Here the chancellor,
Peter Flotte, the governor of the city, De Nor
tenay, and John Van Gistel, the Lilyard, en-
tered with him into what seemed an animated
discussion upon some subject of pressing i'm
portance-at least if one might have Judge
from the passionate gesticulations of the speak
ers. Although they were careful not to raise
their voices as to be heard by the citizens
their words were nevertheless occasionally
audible to the French officers; and more than
one brave knight cast looks of compassion
upon the anxious people, and of contempt upon
the traitor Van Gistel, as he thus addressed
the governor-general:
Believe me, Messire know the headstrong
nature of my countrymen; your lenity will
serve only to increase their nsolence. Warm
the serpent in your BOSOM and it will sting
you! judge from long experience, and say
the men of Bruges will never bear the yoke
quietly 80 long these firebrands of sedition
live amongst them these must you quench,
or you never will be master in this city"
Methinks," said the chancellor, with q ma
licious smile, that Messre Van Gistel's coun-
trymen are not much boholden to him for his
good word. If we were to believe him, trow
there would not be many alive in Bruges to-
morrow morning."
"On my honor, noble sirs," replied Van Gis-
tel sit is only out eff faithful regard for the
kings interests that speak. repeat it, moth
ing but the blood of the ngleaders can quench
the mutinous spirit of our citizens. can give
you list of all Thoroughbred Edwards here;
and as long as they remain at large, tell you
there will never be any peace in Bruges."
"How many names might your list contain ?"
asked De Chatillon.
"Some forty" he coolly replied.
"How !" cried De Mortenay, in the highest
indignation, "you would have forty of these
citizens hung for your good pleasure! It is not
those here, however, who deserve such punish
ment. The principal offenders have escaped
to Damme. Hang Breydel, Deconinck, and
their crew with all my heart, when and where