flag, while with his right hand he seizes that of the leader, though no more than a private from the ranks. That perplexes you not; mystery you see none in that. For distinctions of order perish, ranks are confounded; "high and low" are words without a meaning; and to wreck goes every notion or feeling that divides the noble from the noble, or the brave man from the brave.

5. But wherefore is it that now, when suddenly they wheel into mutual recognition, suddenly they pause? This soldier, this officer, who are they? O reader! once before they had stood face to face, the soldier that was struck, the officer that struck him. Once again they are meeting, and the gaze of armies is upon them. If, for a moment, a doubt divides them, in a moment that doubt has perished. One glance, exchanged between them, publishes the forgiveness that is sealed forever.

6. As one who recovers a brother whom he has accounted dead, the officer sprang forward, threw his arms around the neck of the soldier, and kissed him, as if he were some martyr glorified by that shadow of death from which he was returning; while, on his part, the soldier, stepping back, and carrying his open hand through the beautiful motions of the military salute to a superior, makes this immortal answer, - that answer which shut forever the memory of the indignity offered to him, even while, for the last time, alluding to it,-"Sir," he said, "I told you before that I would make you repent it!"

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7. How admirably does the conduct of this noble soldier exemplify the teachings of the Savior!" But I say unto you, that ye resist not evil. Love your enemies; bless them that curse you; do good to them that hate you; and pray for them which despitefully use you and persecute you; that ye may be the children of your Father which is in Heaven.”

LESSON LXVII.

STORY OF THE SIEGE OF CALAIS.

E
B Calais..

*

HENRY BROOKE,

DWARD III., after the battle of Cressy, laid siege to He had fortified his camp in so impregnable a manner that all the efforts of France proved ineffectual to raise the siege, or throw succor into the city. The citizens, under Count Vienne', their gallant governor, made an admirable defense. France had now put the sickle into her second harvest since Edward, with his victorious army, sat down before the town. The eyes of all Europe were intent on the issue.

2. At length, famine did more for Edward than arms. After suffering great calamities, they resolved to attempt the enemy's camp. They boldly sallied forth; the English joined battle; and, after a long and desperate engagement, Count Vienne was taken prisoner; and the citizens who survived the slaughter, retired within their gates. The command devolving upon Eustace St. Pierre', a man of humble birth, but of exalted virtue, he offered to capitulate with Edward, provided he permitted them to depart with life and liberty.

3. Edward, to avoid the imputation of cruelty, consented to spare the bulk of the plebe'ians, provided they delivered up to him six of their principal citizens, with halters about their necks, as victims of due atonement for that spirit of rebellion with which they had inflamed the common people. When his messenger, Sir Walter Mauny, delivered the terms, consternation and pale dismay were

*French pronunciation, kä' lā.

impressed on every countenance.

To a long and dead

silence deep sighs and groans succeeded, till Eustace St. Pierre, standing upon a little eminence, thus addressed the assembly:

4. "MY FRIENDS, we are brought to great straits this day. We must either yield to the terms of our cruel and insnaring conqueror, or give up our tender infants, our wives, and our daughters, to the enemy. Is there any expedient left whereby we may avoid the guilt and infamy of delivering up those who have suffered every misery with you, on the one hand, or the desolation and horror of a sacked city, on the other'? There is, my friends; there is one expedient left!-a gracious, an excellent, a god-like expedient left! Is there any here to whom virtue is dearer than life'? Let him offer himself an oblation for the safety of his people! He shall not fail to live forever in the memories of his countrymen."

5. He spoke; but a universal silence ensued. Each man looked around for the example of that virtue and magnanimity which all wished to approve in themselves, though they wanted the resolution. At length, St. Pierre resumed:-"I doubt not but there are many here as ready for, nay, more zealous of, this martyrdom than I can be; though the station to which I am raised by the captivity of Lord Vienne, imparts a right to be the first in giving my life for your sakes. I give it freely; I give it cheerfully. Who comes next?

6. "Your son!" exclaimed a youth not yet come to maturity.

"Ah, my child!" cried St. Pierre; "I am then twice sacrificed. Thy years are few, but full, my son. The victim of virtue has reached the utmost purpose and goal of mortality! Who next, my friends? This is the hour of heroes."

7. "Your kinsman!" cried John d'Aire. "Your kinsman!" cried James Wissant. "Your kinsman!” cried Peter Wissant.

"Ah!" exclaimed Sir Walter Mauny, bursting into tears, "why was not I a citizen of Calais?"

8. The sixth victim was still wanting, but was quickly supplied by lot from numbers who were now emulous of so ennobling an example. The keys of the city were then delivered to Sir Walter. He took the six prisoners into his custody; then ordered the gates to be opened, and gave charge to his attendants to conduct the remaining citizens with their families through the camp of the English. Before they departed, however, they desired permission to take the last adieu of their deliverers. What a parting! what a scene! They crowded with their wives and children about St. Pierre and his fellow-prisoners. They embraced, they clung around, they fell prostrate before them; they groaned, they wept aloud; and the joint clamor of their mourning passed the gates of the city, and was heard throughout the English camp.

9. The English, by this time, were apprised of what passed within Calais. They heard the voice of lamentation, and their souls were touched with compassion. Each of the soldiers prepared a portion of his own victuals, to welcome and entertain the half-famished inhabitants; and they loaded them with as much as their present weakness was able to bear, in order to supply them with sustenance by the way. At length, St. Pierre and his fellow-victims appeared, under the conduct of Sir Walter and a guard.

10. All the tents of the English were instantly emptied. The soldiers poured from all parts, and arranged themselves on each side, to behold, to contemplate, to admire this little band of patriots as they passed. They bowed to

them on all sides; they murmured their applause of that virtue which they could not but revere, even in enemies ; and they regarded those ropes which they had voluntarily assumed about their necks as ensigns of greater dignity than that of knighthood. As soon as they had reached the presence, "Mauny," says the monarch, "are these the principal inhabitants of Calais ?”

11. "They are," says Mauny; "they are not only the principal men of Calais, they are the principal men of France, my lord, if virtue has any share in the act of ennobling."

"Were they delivered peaceably?" asked Edward. "Was there no resistance, no commotion among the people?"

"Not in the least, my lord; the people would all have perished, rather than have delivered the least of these to your majesty. They are self-delivered, self-devoted, and come to offer up their inestimable heads as an ample equivalent for the ransom of thousands."

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12. Edward was secretly piqued at this reply of Sir Walter; but he knew the privilege of a British subject, and suppressed his resentment. Experience," says he, "has ever shown that lenity only serves to invite people to new crimes. Severity, at times, is indispensably necessary to compel subjects to submission by punishment and example. Go," he cried to an officer, "lead these men to execution!"

13. At this instant a sound of triumph was heard throughout the camp. The queen had just arrived with a powerful re-enforcement of gallant troops. Sir Walter Mauny flew to receive her majesty, and briefly informed her of the particulars respecting the six victims. As soon as she had been welcomed by Edward and his court, she desired a private audience.