Waterbury evening Democrat. [volume] (Waterbury, Conn.) 1887-1895, 1893-10-18
HOW HE ESCAPED.

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 an earl, and in the latter part of
tho fourteenth century Louis de Malatin
wore the coronet, which he had inherited
from long line of earls, all of whom
lay sleeping in glory in the abbey of
Blandigni
The proud and wealthy burghers
chafed under tho sovereignty of the
feudal lords. and in Client particularly
this feeling OF independence was very
strong. The earl, who noted the popu-
far disaffection, made haste therefore
to depart from Client and removed his
residence to the city of Bruges, where he
had strong castle.
Now, Earl Louis was neither wise
statesman nor brave general, and he
foolishly augmented the public i'll will
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 n body of dikers
were sent 10 construct n canal by which
the waters of Ghent might be conveyed to
Bruges. But the men of Ghent fell upon
them and put 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
F1,.,., .,r1,
princes very seldom stop, however, to
think about tine Justice of-anything.
They care only To secure their own pleas
urc.
The earl of Flanders was very angry
with the men of Ghcut, and he sum
moned an army by which he hoped to
conquer his rebellious subjects He
overcame them i'll one battle, but in the
next he met with defeat and was forced
to retreat 10 Bruges. Here he was be-
| sieged by the enemy, led by the brave
and energetic Philip of Arteveld. n
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 n besieger. But
there were traitors within, and one night
the earl was aroused from sleep with the
tidings that the city gates We're 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 for
the EARL
He was preceded by torchbearers and
| trumpeters. and man bearing n ban
ner on which was the famous Flemish
lion wrought in gold.
/ And now up the streets marched the
men of Client. shouting: Death to the
earl! Down with feudal tyranny"
My lord" said Robert de Mareschant.
Il near and loyal friend, march not
/ against then-they ontnumber us 10
I TO l."
FLANDERS for the lion!' cried the earl.
But when he saw the numerous and
/ well appointed host and heard the muir
derous cries his heart misgave him.
/ What shall I do, Sir Robert" he
asked.
Order Your torches out. then ex-
change clothes with me and get out of
! the city if you can" replied the faithful
officer.
So the torches were extinguished, and
hurrying to a darkened stable the earl
and the esquire exchanged clothing.
While this was occurring the rebels,
who had seen the fash of the golden cor
onet on the earl's helmet and the sheen
of his velvet mantle under the glow Of
tho torches, were rushing in swift pur-
suit.
Hasten for your life!" whispered Sir
Robert Il am the earl and you De
Mareschant."
But this deceit was quickly discov-
cred, and wishing for no mans life save
the earl's the rebels FASTENED in all di-
rections after the illustrious fugitive.
Hard pressed, for he saw his enemies
before and behind him, he raped at the
door of low cottage. His knock was
responded to by poorly dressed wom-
an, who held babe in her arms.
Il am Louis, thy sovereign, and evil
men seek my life,r cried the earl. 'Give
me shelter and refuge, and st. Mary
will reward you."
II am only poor widow, but such as
/ have give you. My lord, enter"
1t was n poor, matched rooted hut
with only one room. The loft above was
reached by ladder. Never before had
the powerful Earl of Flanders entered Sc
miserable an abode. The woman con
Quoted him to the loft and showed hin
six chilSren asleep on a bed of straw.
Conceal thyself, and quickly, for
hear thy pursuers already at the door,
she said, pointing to the straw.
The earl hastily crept in among tn,
slumbering children, taking the young
est one in his arms. There was no it'll
quarreling at first.
"How big brother Max has grown,
said one little girl as she snuggled clos
beside the mighty potentate who hat
taken refuge in that rude bed.
"Why can he not come to bed earle,
and not awake us?' grumbled a faxel
haired boy.
But they soon became quiet, and tn
earl lay still with Gretchen slumberint
beside him and haxen haired Hans snor
ing fearlessly.
Meanwhile loud pounding had sum
moned the widow to the door again.
Where is the man who has just en-
tered thy hut" demanded savage Gan
tots.
cart thou not mistaken she answer
ed. 81 am widow and live her alon,
with my children"
NAY, but we saw the light upon tn
way as 1t glared forth from the opei
dooTn