The Madison daily leader. [volume] (Madison, S.D.) 1890-current, 1893-10-26
HOW HE ESCAPED.

During the middle ages the country
now called Belgium was known by the
name of Flanders, or perhaps it would
be better to say that Flanders was the
largest of the several feudal provinces
included in that territory. Latterly, how
ever, Flanders comprised not only what
is known as modern Belgium, but also a
large part of Holland and northern
France. The ruler of the country was
called at earl, and in the latter part Of
the fourteenth century Louis de Malatin
the c%oronet, which he had inherited
from a long line of earls, all of whom
lay sleeping in glory in the abbey Of
Blandigni.
The proud and wealthy burghers
chafed under the sovereignty of the
feudal lords, and in Ghent particularly
this feeling of independence was very
strong. The earl. who noted the popu-
lar disaffection, made haste therefore
TO depart from Client and removed his
residence to the city of Bruges. where he
had a strong castle.
Now, Earl Louis was neither a wise
statesman nor a brave general, and he
foolishly augmented the public i'll viii
by endeavoring to rob Client of its SUI
perior advantages. Four noble rivers
supplied the city with it's commercial
and manufacturing facilities. Bruges
had, no river. and SO a body of dikers
were sent to construct a canal by which
the waters of Client might be conveyed to
Bruges. But the men of Client fell upon
them and pnt them to death.
Earl Louis then dispatched another
company, which met with the same fate.
These were decided acts Of rebellion, but
the men of Client were in the right, and
the earl vas in the wrong. Kings and
princes very seldom stop, however, to
think about the justice of anything.
They care only to secure their own pleas
rre. Prs
The earl of Flanders vas very angry
with the men OF Client, and he sum-
moned an army by which he hoped to
conquer his rebellious subjects. He
overcame them in one battle, but in the
next he met with defeat and was forced
to retreat to Bruges. Here he was be
sieged by the enemy, led by the brave
and energetic Philip Of Arteveld. a
young man of great promise.
Earl Louis did not feel much alarmed
at the success of the enemy, for the
strong walls of Bruges seemed to laugh
TO scorn all attacks of a besieger. Blu,
there were traitors within, and one might
the earl was aroused from sleep with the
tidings that the city gates were opened.
He instantly summoned his soldiers.
and mounting his warhorse rode forth
to meet the foe. shouting the warcry OF
his race:
Flanders for the lion! Flanders foI
the earlr'
He was preceded by torchbearers and
trumpeters, and a man bearing a ban
ner on which was the famous Flemish
hon wrought in gold.
And now up the streets marched tn,
men of Client, shouting: Death to tbs
earl! Down with feudal tyranny"
my lord, said Robert de Mareschant
a near and loyal friend, march no
against them-they outnumber MS II
to l."
Flanders for the lion!' cried the earl
But when he saw the numerous ans
well appointed host and heard the muir
derous cries his heart misgave him.
What shall | do. Sir Robert!" b
asked.
Order your torches ont, then ex
change clothes with me and get out O
the city if you can" replied the faithful
officer.
So the torches were extinguished, an
hnrrying to a darkened stable the ear
h esquire exchanged clothing.
While this was occurring the rebels
who bad seen the flash of the golden co,
onet On the eari's helmet and the shee
of his velvet mantle under the glow q
the torches. were rushing in swift pul
suit.
Hasten for your lifer' whispered 81
Robert. Il am the earl and you d
Mareschant."
But this deceit was quickly disco,
cred, and wishing for no mans life say
the earFs the rebels FASTENED In all d
rections after the illustrious fugitive.
Hard pressed, for he saw his enemie
before and behind him, he raped at ii
door Of a low cottage. His knock WI
responded to by q poorly dressed won
nm. who held q babe in her arms.
am Louis, thy sovereign, and ev
men seek my life" cried the earl. .Gi,
me shelter and refuge. and st. Mar
viii reward you"
~ am only q poor widow, but such
have ! give you My lord, enter
Il was q poor. thatched rooted b.
with only one room The loft above w