The daily morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1883-1899, 1894-05-15
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 comprired not only what
is known rs 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.
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-
lar disaffection, made haste therefore
to depart from Ghent 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 ill will
by endeavoring to rob Ghent of its SUI
perior advantages. Four noble rivers
supplied the city with its commercial
and manufacturing facilities Bruges
had no river, and so body of dikers
We're sent to construct canal by which
the waters of Client might be conveyed to
Bruges. But the men Of Client fell upon
then and put them to death.
Earl Louis then dispatched another
company, which met with the same fate.
These were decided acts ofrebellion, but
tho men of Ghent were in the right, and
the earl was IN the wrong. Kings and
princes very seldom stop, however, to
thinl; about the justice of anything.
They care only toCecure their own pleas
ure.
The carl of Flanders was very angry
with the men Of Ghent, and he sum-
moned an army ly 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,
young man of great pl omise.
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 besieger. But
there were traitors within, and one night
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 tho warcry of
his race:
"Flanders for the lion! Flanders for
the earlw
He was preceded by torchbearers and
trumpeters, and a man bearing a ban
ner ON which was the famous Flemish
lion wrought in gold.
And now up the streets marched the
men of Ghent, shouting: death to the
earl! Down with feudal tyranny"
my lord" said Robert de Mareschant,
a near and loyal friend, march not
against them-they outnumber us 10
TO T."
FLANDERS for the lion!' cried the earl.
But when he saw the numerous and
well appointed host and heard the mur-
tlerous cries his heart misgaye him.
What shall do, Sir Robert% he
asked.
Order your torches out, then cx-
change clothes with me and get out OF
the city If you can" replied the faithful
officer.
So the torches were extinSuished, and
hurrying TO darkened stable the earl
and the esquire exchanged clothing.
While this was occurring the rebels,
who had seen ihe 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.
"Hasteii for your lifer' whispered Sir
Robert. Il am the earl and you De
maFtSCHdUis
But this deceit was quickly discov-
cred. and wishing for no mans life save
the earls the rebels fastened in all d.
rectioDs after the illustrious fugitive.
Hard pressed. for he saw his enemies
before and behind him. he raped at the
door Of low cottage. His knot k was
responded TO by poorly dressed wom'
an. who held babe in her arms.
Il am Louis, thy sovereign. aud evil |
men seek ray life" cried the earl. GIVE |
me shelter and refuge. and st. Mary
will reward You.
81 am Only a poor widow. but sucn as
have give you. Ny lord, enter.
It was a poor. ihatched rooted hut
with only one room The lift above was