The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1874-12-27

mour of William van Gulick bore only broad |
red cross from beneath his coat-ofmail his |
white priestly vestment fell down over the |
saddle. His helmet bore no plume, and his |
whole equipment was simple and unadorned |
Immediately after these illustrious lords fol- |
lowed Adolf van Nieuwlaud His armour was |
perfect in it's grace and finish. Gilded studs
concealed the joints of his coat-of-mail he |
bore q plume of green, and his gloves were |
plated with silver. Over his shirt-of-mail
might be discerned green veil, the guerdon
bestowed on him by the daughter of the Lion
in token of her gratitude. Near bim rode
Matilda, on a palfrey white as driven snow.
The noble maiden was still pale; but the ar
rival of her brother Adolf had put her sickness
to flight. A sky-blue riding-habit of costly
| velvet, embroidered with silver lion, fell in
| long folds over her feet to the ground, and the
| silken veil which was fastened to the point OF
her peaked hat swept the name of her palfrey'
Behind them followed troop of abont thir
| ty knights and noble damsels. all adorned
with costly magpiicence, and with counter
ances as serene and Joyous though they
were riding to q tournament. The procession
| was closed by four squires foot Il the first
| two bore each rich suit of armour and
sword, while the others carried each helmet
| aud "a shield. Amidst the solemn silence of
the whole army, this brilliant cavalcade reach
ed the middle of the square, when all halted.
Gny beckoned to him his herald alarms, and
gave parchment, the contents of which he
was to publish to the assembled host.
"Only add to it," said he, ''the warlike name
of the Lion of Flanders for that always glad
dens our good folks of Bruges."
The curiosity of the soldiers was manifested
by a slight movement, followed by silence
of deepest attention; they saw that some
mystery lay hidden in all these forms of SOL
emnity, for it not for nothing that the
daughters of their mobiles wore their richest
adornments. The herald advanced, sounded
his trumpet thrice, and then proclaimed
aloud:
"We, Guy of Namur, in the name of our
: Count and our brother, Robert de Bethume,
the Lion of Flanders, to all who shall read or
hear this proclamation, greeting and peace
SIN consideration -"
l He paused suddenly; q low murmur ran
throughout the various divisions of the army
o and while each was eagerly grasping his wea
@ pom, the archers strung their crossbows, as
though danger were at hand.
"Tho foe the foe ~ echoed on all sides. II
the distance were seen numerous troops Of
) men advancing; thousands of warriors were
s approaching in dense masses; there seemed
u no end of their numbers. Still were all il
IS doubt whether it could be the enemy, for nj
cavalry was visible amongst them. Suddenl
g. o horseman observed to leave the un
d known host, and to ride at full gallop toward
Of the encampment He bent so low tn
70 neck of his horse, that his features could no
,e be distinguished, though he was already at ~
in great distance. When he had come quit
la. he bod ha cad
AS head and shouted
ne "Flanders and the Lion Flanders and til
ir Lion here come the men of Ghent" The oil
a warrior at once recognized joyous a
o clamations answered his shout, and his nan
Ir- passed quickly from mouth to mouth.
oh "Hail Client! Hail Messire John Borluut
cb welcome, good brotherw
ed When the Flemings saw their numbers il
8; creased by this unexpected reinforcement
Wy troops 80 numerous, their impetuous joy con
q no longer be restrained: their commando
he could scarcely keep them in their ranks. Thu
cd moved about in violent commotion, and SEEM
as beside themselves with pleasure but Messi
so John Borluut cried:
RS. "Be of good courage, my frisnds, Flsnde
no shall be free! bring you Ave thousand we
of armed and intrepid Warriors"
on Aud then answered the whole host with
ers repressible enthusiasm:
he "Hail hail to the hero of Woeripgen b
m luut Borluut |"
rem Messire Borluut then drew near to the you
int count, and would have greeted him with cou
n.y. ly ceremony but Guy hastily interrupt
ere him:
to "Spare these words of ceremony, Mess
ing John; give me your friendly right hand.
ed, am so glad that you come; you who ha
all passed your days in arms, and are so rich in
led perience. was beginning to be troubled
red your not arriving; you have delayed long"
30 yes, noble Guy" was the answer, 'lont
q to than wished but those dastardly Lilyal
nee have kept me back. Would you believe,
les- BILE lord, that they had actually formed a O.
rms spiracy in ,Ghent to bring back the Frer
no again : They would not let us leave I