[Saint Bartholomew’s Eve by G. A. Henty]@TWC D-Link book
Saint Bartholomew’s Eve

CHAPTER 15: The Battle Of Jarnac
11/33

The satisfaction of the Catholics at the death of Conde was so great that they were contented to rest upon their success.

There were great rejoicings throughout France, and the Catholic countries of Europe, over the exaggerated accounts issued by Anjou of his victory; and it was generally considered that the Huguenot cause was lost.

However, out of a hundred and twenty-eight troops of cavalry, only fifteen had been engaged; and only six out of two hundred companies of infantry.
The army retired to Cognac, where the brave Queen of Navarre at once hurried, on hearing the intelligence, and herself addressed the army; reminding them that though the Prince of Conde was dead, the good cause was still alive, and that God would provide fresh instruments for carrying on His work.

She then hurried away to La Rochelle, to make provision for the needs of the army.
The young Prince Henry was, at Conde's death, nominally placed in command of the army as general-in-chief; and he was joined by his cousin, the young Prince of Conde, a lad of about his own age.
D'Anjou, one of the most despicable of the princes of France, was so intoxicated by the success that he had gained that, for a time, he made no effort to follow up his advantage.

He disgraced himself by having the body of Conde stripped and carried on a donkey to Jarnac, and there exposed for four days by the house where he lodged; while he occupied himself in writing vainglorious despatches to all the Catholic kings and princes.
At last he moved forward to the siege of Cognac.


<<Back  Index  Next>>

D-Link book Top

TWC mobile books