If the Angels rejoice at such a sight, how much greater must be the joy of the Saints! But where was Gilbert, that he could not share in the blessed feast?
The Middle Ages abound in characters better entitled to our consideration and esteem than the classic magnates of Greece and Rome.
There is not in pagan antiquity such a combination of virtue, constancy, fortitude, and valor as was presented in Matilda of Tuscany, "the heroine of the Middle Ages." She devoted herself to the cause of the Holy See as early as 1604, and her life was a series of sacrifices cheerfully made for the security of the Church.

While wondering at her heroism, you love her for her charity, and revere her for her piety.

Let Catholics read her life, and they will embalm her in their hearts.

Her unvarnished actions are a nobler eulogy than even the unfading wreath flung by a master's hand on the grave of the martyred Marie Antoinette.
At the time of the battle of the Elster, this pious defender of the Faith was sorely pressed by the Lombards, who sided with the emperor.
The imperial troops had gained a victory at Mantua, which revived the drooping royal cause.
When Gilbert de Hers parted from his father and friends, he turned his horse's head to Matilda's camp.

The partisans of the heroic princess took little notice of the nameless knight who came among them without follower or page, and whose shield was simply blazoned with an azure cross.