But his wife was not appalled. This princess had from the beginning of the siege showed a courage and an energy worthy of her race. Night and day she had gone the rounds of the ramparts, encouraging and directing the efforts of the garrison. She had pointed batteries against the enemy's works, and, with her own hands, had fired the cannon. She now made her appearance in the market-place, after her husband had fled, and did her best to assuage the tumult, and to arouse the mutineers to a sense of duty or of shame. She plucked from her bosom whole handfuls of gold which she threw among the bystanders, and she was followed by a number of carts filled with sacks of coin ready to be exchanged for the debased currency.
Expressing contempt for the progress made by the besieging army, and for the slight impression so far produced upon the defences of the city, she snatched a pike from a soldier and offered in person to lead the garrison to the breach. Her audience knew full well that this was no theatrical display, but that the princess was ready as the boldest warrior to lead a forlorn hope or to repel the bloodiest assault. Nor, from a military point of view, was their situation desperate. But their hatred and scorn for Balagny could not be overcome by any passing sentiment of admiration for his valiant though imperious wife. No one followed her to the breach. Exclaiming that she at least would never surrender, and that she would die a sovereign princess rather than live a subject, Renee de Balagny retained to the citadel.
The town soon afterwards capitulated, and as the Spanish soldiers, on entering, observed the slight damage that had been caused by their batteries, they were most grateful to the faint-hearted or mutinous condition by which they had been spared the expense of an assault.
The citadel was now summoned to surrender; and Balagny agreed, in case he should not be relieved within six days, to accept what was considered honourable terms. It proved too late to expect succour from Henry, and Balagny, but lately a reigning prince, was fain to go forth on the appointed day and salute his conqueror. But the princess kept her vow. She had done her best to defend her dominions and to live a sovereign, and now there was nothing left her but to die. With bitter reproaches on her husband's pusillanimity, with tears and sobs of rage and shame, she refused food, spurned the idea of capitulation, and expired before the 9th of October.
On that day a procession moved out of the citadel gates. Balagny, with a son of eleven years of age, the Prince of Rhetelois, the Commander De Vich; and many other distinguished personages, all magnificently attired, came forth at the head of what remained of the garrison. The soldiers, numbering thirteen hundred foot and two hundred and forty horse, marched with colours flying, drums beating, bullet in mouth, and all the other recognised palliatives of military disaster. Last of all came a hearse, bearing the coffin of the Princess of Cambray. Fuentes saluted the living leaders of the procession, and the dead heroine; with stately courtesy, and ordered an escort as far as Peronne.
Balagny met with a cool reception from Henry at St. Quintin, but subsequently made his peace, and espoused the sister of the king's mistress, Gabrielle d'Estrees. The body of Gavre d'Inchy, which had been buried for years, was dug up and thrown into a gutter.
ETEXT EDITOR'S BOOKMARKS:
Deal with his enemy as if sure to become his friend
Mondragon was now ninety-two years old
More catholic than the pope
Octogenarian was past work and past mischief
Sacked and drowned ten infant princes
Strangled his nineteen brothers on his accession
CHAPTER XXXII. 1595-1596
Archduke Cardinal Albert appointed governor of the Netherlands—
Return of Philip William from captivity—His adherence to the King
of Spain—Notice of the Marquis of Varambon, Count Varax, and other
new officers—Henry's communications with Queen Elizabeth—Madame de
Monceaux—Conversation of Henry with the English ambassador—
Marseilles secured by the Duke of Guise—The fort of Rysbank taken
by De Roane Calais in the hands of the Spanish—Assistance from
England solicited by Henry—Unhandsome conditions proposed by
Elizabeth—Annexation of Calais to the obedient provinces—Pirates
of Dunkirk—Uneasiness of the Netherlanders with regard to the
designs of Elizabeth—Her protestations of sincerity—Expedition of
Dutch and English forces to Spain—Attack on the Spanish war-ships—
Victory of the allies—Flag of the Republic planted on the fortress
of Cadiz—Capitulation of the city—Letter of Elizabeth to the Dutch
Admirals—State of affairs in France—Proposition of the Duke of
Montpensier for the division of the kingdom—Successes of the
Cardinal Archduke in Normandy—He proceeds to Flanders—Siege and
capture of Hulat—Projected alliance against Spain—Interview of De
Sancy with Lord Burghley—Diplomatic conference at Greenwich—
Formation of a league against Spain—Duplicity of the treaty—
Affairs in Germany—Battle between the Emperor and the Grand Turk—
Endeavours of Philip to counteract the influence of the league—His
interference in the affairs of Germany—Secret intrigue of Henry
with Spain—Philip's second attempt at the conquest of England.