The morning star and Catholic messenger., 1875-01-10
sasruIug Star and Catholic Messenger.
TW opIrANs. sUNDAY, JANUARY 10. 1873.

Tho French horsemen were eager, ana iuh Vi
eouraae they pricked the sides OF their war
stceds with their spurs to goad them INTO
soreer fury, and then caressed them and talked
70 them, that they might the better know theH
snaeeer's voice in the thick of the fight. Who
Shsal have the honor Of the first blowf was the
9l,ought that filled every mind with eager e1-
citement. This was o great point OF honor In
shose days. Whenever this good fortune ieii
20 tho lot of knight in an important battle,
Ao boasted of it all his life long, as proof ana
token of his superior valor; and hence eacn
ono held his horse in readiness, and his spear
in rest to rush forward at the FIRST word OF
command, or at the slightest sign from the
general.
In the meadows close about the army, the
far-extended lines of the French infantry
might be seen winding about the fields like the
folds of some hideous serpent; the greatest
stiffness pervaded their ranks.
When Guysobserved that the attack was
about to commence, he sent thousand
slingers under the command of Soloman van
Eevecote, as far as the second brook, to harass
the French outposts and sentinels; then ne
dispoced his various companies into square,
in such a manner that the eyes of all were
directed towards it's centre. At that point rose
m altar constructed of turf, and over 1T waved
tho great banner of st. George, the patron OF
warriors on its steps knelt priest, arrayed
in the vestments of his office, who proceeded to
C1er tho Holy Sacrifice for the good success OF
tho battle. When the Mass was ended, the
priest, still standing at the altar, turned to-
wards the army and in q moment, inspired by
one and the same sentiment, the troops sank to
the ground, and received in solemn silence the
benediction of the Most Holy Sacrament, The
hearts of all were deeply stirred by this holy
ceremony; spirit of lofty selfdevotion
seemed to kindle within them, and they felt as
5f the voice of God called them to @ martyrs
death. Glowing with this holy flame, they
remembered no more all that was dear to them
ON earth they rose to the full stature of the
hsroism of their fathers; their breasts heaved
more freely; the blood flowed more impetuously
through their veins, and they longed for the
battle, as for their deliverance from the op
proasor..
And now, as all arose in deepest silence, thu
youthful Guy sprang from his horse, and stand
ing in the middle of the square, addressed
them thus "Men of Flanders, remember tn
famous deeds of your ancestors; never die
fhey count their foes. Their invincible courag
won for us that freedom of which an alie
tyrant would now despoil us. You, too, vii
to-day pour out your hearts blood in defenc
of this sacred heritage and deposit; and if W
dio. let us die O free and manly people, th
ueyer.tamed sons of the Lion. Think on Coz
whose temples they have burnt; on you
children, whom they have sworn to siay; o
your terrer-stricken wives; on all that ye
love; on all that you hold sacred and 8
should we perish, the enemy shall not glory
hia victory for moro Frenohmen than Fleming
nhall fall on the soil of our fatherland.
wary of the horsemen; strike with your goo
dave between the legs of the horses, and qu
not your ranks. Whose FLANDERS fall
nnemy whose leaves his appointed post, stri
him dead; this is my will and command.
fhcae @ coward among youf Let him die
your hands; his blood be upon my head alone
And then, as if impelled by a sudden q
vehement inspiration, he stopped and to
soms mould from the ground and placing
in his mouth, he raised his voice and criod ::
"By this beloved earth, which will -b'
within me to the fight, this day will eitl
conquer or dieF
And the whole host in like manner stoop
and swallowed each little earth from
soil of their fatherland. This soil, SO below
concentrated rage, and dark unrelent
yearning for revenge. A low and hollow n
nnr, like the rumbling of o tempest in the
cesses of o cavern, was heard throughout
excited host their cries, their oaths, bec'
blended in one terrific mass OF sounds, amor
which were barely distinguishable the wo
ssWe are ready and resolved to dep
Again and in haste the order of battle
formed, and each returned to his position
front of the Groeningen brook.
Meanwhile Robert d'Artois, accompanies
,vOune French generals, had approached clos
tho Flemish army to reconnoitre it. His a
ers were then brought forward and oppose
Guy's slingers, and the outposts exchang
JeN arrows and stones W hile Robert was pus
forward his cavalry. Observing that Guy
disposed his troops in line, he arranged his
arak Rndn