The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1875-01-24

brother to her breast while Matilda fell on
her knees, raised her hands towards heaven,
and cried with . loud voice:
Il thank Thee, o God all mercifnl, full of
compassion, that Thou hast heard the prayers
of Thine unworthy handmaidenp
And after this brief Thanksgiving she sprang
up, and threw herself, tremu lous with Joy, into
her fathers arms.
He will live he will not die (" she exclaim-
ed, in transport of glsdness. "Oh, now
am happyp and she rested q moment exhaust
ed on Roberts breast. Bat soon she turned
again eagerly back to Adolf, and exchanged
words of gratitude with him.
What appeared miracle to all present was
but q natural result of Adolfs condition. He
had received no open nor deep wound, but
many bruises the pain which these ocoasioned
him had induced violent fever, which threat
ened his life; but the presence of Matilda
seemed to have brought the malady to q crisis,
and by imparting fresh energy to his soul, gave
him strength to battle with it, and, as it were,
to cast it off; and thus did she appear as an
angel of life to rescue him from the grave,
which already yawned to receive him.
Robert de Bethune allowed his daughter,
who was beside herself with joy, to remain
kneelipg by Adolfs side; and advancing to-
wards the knights, no addressed them in these
words:
"You, noble sons of Flanders, have this day
amongst your ohildren's children % q record
OF your lofty prowess; you have shown the
whole world how dearly the alien has expiated
his temerty in setting his foot on the soil of
the Lion. The love of your fatherland has ex-
allied you into heroes, and your arms, nerved
by most righteous vengeance, have laid the
tyrant low. Freedom is q precious thing in
the esteem of those who have sealed it with
their hearts blood. Henceforth no prince of
the south shall enslave us more you would
all rather die a thousand deaths, than allow
the alien to sing over you a song of triumph
Now this fear exists no longer. Flanders is
this day exalted high above all other lands
and this glory she owes to you, most noble
knights! Aud now our will is, that rest and
peace should recompense the loyalty of our
subjects; our highest joy will be that all should
greet us by the name of father SO far as our
loving care and unsleeping vigilance can rem
der US worthy of this title. Nevertheless,
should the French dare to return, again would
we be the Lion of Flanders, and again should
our battle axe lead you on to the conflict. And
now let our victory be unstained by further
violence; above all, pursue not the Lilyards
il behooveth us to protect even their rights
For the present must leave you !; until my
return pray You obey my brother Guy as your
liege lord and count"
What say You of leaving =" cried the scep-
tical John Borluut; "you are surely not going
back to Franoef They will avenge their defeat
on you, noble count"
Messires," said Robert, let me ask yor,
who 10 there amongst you who would, from
fear of death, break his word Of honor and
stain his knighthood's loyaltyf"
All at once hung their heads, and uttered
not q word. They saw with sorrow that they
| dared not oppose their counts return. He con.
| timed:
Messre Deconinck, your lofty wisdom has
| been of essential service to us, and we hope to
task it still further; you are now o member OF
our council, and require you to live with us
in our castle. Messire Breydel, your valor and
fdelity merit great reward appoint you
commander in chief of all your fellow citizens
who may be able to assist US in time of war i;
know how we'll this Office beseems you.
Moreover, you henceforth belong to our court.
and will dwell there whenever it pleases YOU,
| EAo youj @Auoiij lTIeuus deserve o Yet
Ericher recompense. We have all been wit
nesses of your proves; You have approved
yourself worthy of the noble name of YOUR
forefathers. have not forgotten your self
devotion; know with what care, with what
love, you have protected and consoled my un-
happy child; know the pure, the profound
feeling that has taken root and sprung up, un-
consciously to yourselves, in the hearts of you
1
both and shall allow you to outstrip me in
noble generosity Let the illustrious blood of
the Counts of Flanders mingle it's stream with
that of the noble lords of Nieuwland, and let
the Black Lion add his glories to your shield.
give you my beloved child, my Matilda, to
| wife,"
From Matilda's heart burst one only word
the name of Adolf. Trembling violently, she
seized his hand, and looked steadfastly into
his eyes; then she wept precious tears, tears
OF joy, joy impetuous and overwhelming.
| The youthful knight utterod not n vvord g.. bia