Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1870 edition. Excerpt: ... THE REVOLT OF THE PKOTESTANTS OF THE CEVENNES. INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. PART I. The long struggle of the religious wars in France between the Catholic League and the Protestants, was at length terminated for some years by the accession of Henry IV. Though entitled to the throne by birth, he won it by the gallant contest he sustained with so much courage and vigour. Nobly was he supported by many of the bravest and best in the land. Among these were the admirable Plessis de Mornay, and Rosny, better known as Duke de Sully, alike distinguished as a soldier and a statesman. Henry had often said that he must gain a brilliant victory to secure the crown; and three were vouchsafed to him. The first at Coutras; the second at Arques, where with only three thousand men, he waited the approach of the Duke de Mayenne with thirty thousand. Attacks and repulses, for a time, kept the day in doubtful balance, but at last De Mayenne was routed; and very soon after, with reinforcements from England and Champagne, Henry stood at the head of an army of twenty thousand. Then came the third and greatest victory of all, that of Ivry. Before the action commenced Henry rode amongst his men and cheered them by his ever memorable address--" Keep your ranks, if you can; but if your standards are lost, and you are in disorder, look out for my white plume, it will lead you to honour and victory." And when the foe was routed, and the men followed up their success with too much heat of blood, Henry's kindly nature made him more disposed to save the vanquished than to triumph over them. "Spare the French," he said to his troops; "they are our brothers; spare my people." "Now, God be praised! the day is ours; Mayenne hath turned his rein; D'Auniale hath cried for quarter, ...
