The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1893-10-21
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 tho
largest of the several feudal provinces
included i'll that territory I.atterly, 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
the 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.
Tho proud and wealthy burghers
~chafed under the sovereignty of the
feudal lords, and in Client 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 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 its commercial
and manufacturing facilities. Bruges
had no river, and so a body of dil1ers
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 put them to death.
Earl Louis then dispatched another
oh ~ 4.
These were decided acts Of rebellion, but
the men of Client were in the right, and
the earl was 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
ure.
The earl of Flanders was very angry
with the men of Client, and he sum
moned an army by which he hoped to
conquer his rebellious subjects. He
overeame them i'll 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 Artevcld, a
young man Of great promise.
Earl Louis did not feel much alarmed
at tho success of the enemy, for the
strong walls of Bridges seemed to laugh
to scorn all attacks of besieger. But
there were traitors within, and one night
the earl was aroused from sleep with the
tidlngs that the city gates were opened.
Lie 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 earlp'
He was preceded by torchbearers and
trumpeters, and man bearing a ban
ner OH which was the famous Flemish
lion wrought in gold.
And now up the streets marched tae
men of Client, shouting: death to the
earl! Down with feudal tyranny"
My lord" said Robert dc Mareschant,
4 near and loyal friend, "march not
against thenl-they outnumber us 10
to l."
FLANDERS for the lion!' cried the earl
But when he saw the numerous and
i. well appointed host and heard the mur.
derous cries his heart misgave him.
What shall 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 darkened stable the earl
and the esquire exchanged clothing.
While this was occurring the rebels,
who had seen the flash of the golden cor
onet on the earl's helmet and the sheen
of his velvet mantle under the glow of
the torches, were rushing in swift pur-
suit.
Hasten for your lifew whispered Sir
Robert. II am the earl and you De
Mareschant."
But this deceit was quickly discov-
cred, and wishing for no mans life save
the earfs 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 WON
an, who held babe in her arms.
II am Louis, thy sovereign, and evil
men seek my life" cried the earl. Give
me shelter and refuge, and St. Mary
will rewar&yeu."
Il am only poor widow, but such as
have give you. My lord, enter.''
1t was poor, matched rooted hut
with only one room. The loft above was