"Therewereasbravemenonthatfield，"saysMr。Esmond（whonevercouldbemadetolovetheDukeofMarlborough，nortoforgetthosestorieswhichheusedtohearinhisyouthregardingthatgreatchiefsselfishnessandtreachery）——"thereweremenatBlenheimasgoodastheleader，whomneitherknightsnorsenatorsapplauded，norvoicesplebeianorpatricianfavored，andwholiethereforgotten，undertheclods。Whatpoetistheretosingthem？"
　　"TosingthegallantsoulsofheroessenttoHades！"saysMr。
　　Addison，withasmile。"Wouldyoucelebratethemall？IfImayventuretoquestionanythinginsuchanadmirablework，thecatalogueoftheshipsinHomerhathalwaysappearedtomeassomewhatwearisome;whathadthepoembeen，supposingthewriterhadchronicledthenamesofcaptains，lieutenants，rankandfile？
　　Oneofthegreatestofagreatman'squalitiesissuccess;'tistheresultofalltheothers;'tisalatentpowerinhimwhichcompelsthefavorofthegods，andsubjugatesfortune。OfallhisgiftsI
　　admirethatoneinthegreatMarlborough。Tobebrave？everymanisbrave。Butinbeingvictorious，asheis，Ifancythereissomethingdivine。Inpresenceoftheoccasion，thegreatsouloftheleadershinesout，andthegodisconfessed。Deathitselfrespectshim，andpassesbyhimtolayotherslow。Warandcarnagefleebeforehimtoravageotherpartsofthefield，asHectorfrombeforethedivineAchilles。Yousayhehathnopity;nomorehavethegods，whoareaboveit，andsuperhuman。Thefaintingbattlegathersstrengthathisaspect;and，whereverherides，victorychargeswithhim。"
　　Acoupleofdaysafter，whenMr。Esmondrevisitedhispoeticfriend，hefoundthisthought，struckoutinthefervorofconversation，improvedandshapedintothosefamouslines，whichareintruththenoblestinthepoemofthe"Campaign。"Asthetwogentlemensatengagedintalk，Mr。Addisonsolacinghimselfwithhiscustomarypipe，thelittlemaid—servantthatwaitedonhislodgingcameup，precedingagentlemaninfinelacedclothes，thathadevidentlybeenfiguringatCourtoragreatman'slevee。Thecourtiercoughedalittleatthesmokeofthepipe，andlookedroundtheroomcuriously，whichwasshabbyenough，aswastheownerinhisworn，snuff—coloredsuitandplaintie—wig。
　　"Howgoesonthemagnumopus，Mr。Addison？"saystheCourtgentlemanonlookingdownatthepapersthatwereonthetable。
　　"Wewerebutnowoverit，"saysAddison（thegreatestcourtierinthelandcouldnothaveamoresplendidpoliteness，orgreaterdignityofmanner）。"Hereistheplan，"sayshe，"onthetable:
　　hacibatSimois，hereranthelittleriverNebel:hicestSigeiatellus，hereareTallard'squarters，atthebowlofthispipe，attheattackofwhichCaptainEsmondwaspresent。IhavethehonortointroducehimtoMr。Boyle;andMr。Esmondwasbutnowdepictingaliquoproeliamixtamero，whenyoucamein。"Intruth，thetwogentlemenhadbeensoengagedwhenthevisitorarrived，andAddison，inhissmilingway，speakingofMr。Webb，colonelofEsmond'sregiment（whocommandedabrigadeintheaction，andgreatlydistinguishedhimselfthere），waslamentingthathecouldfindneverasuitablerhymeforWebb，otherwisethebrigadeshouldhavehadaplaceinthepoet'sverses。"Andforyou，youarebutalieutenant，"saysAddison，"andtheMusecan'toccupyherselfwithanygentlemanundertherankofafieldofficer。"
　　Mr。Boylewasallimpatienttohear，sayingthatmyLordTreasurerandmyLordHalifaxwereequallyanxious;andAddison，blushing，beganreadingofhisverses，and，Isuspect，knewtheirweakpartsaswellasthemostcriticalhearer。Whenhecametothelinesdescribingtheangel，that"Inspiredrepulsedbattalionstoengage，Andtaughtthedoubtfulbattlewheretorage，"
　　hereadwithgreatanimation，lookingatEsmond，asmuchastosay，"Youknowwherethatsimilecamefrom——fromourtalk，andourbottleofBurgundy，theotherday。"
　　Thepoet'stwohearerswerecaughtwithenthusiasm，andapplaudedtheverseswithalltheirmight。ThegentlemanoftheCourtsprangupingreatdelight。"Notawordmore，mydearsir，"sayshe。
　　"Trustmewiththepapers——I'lldefendthemwithmylife。LetmereadthemovertomyLordTreasurer，whomIamappointedtoseeinhalfanhour。Iventuretopromise，theversesshalllosenothingbymyreading，andthen，sir，weshallseewhetherLordHalifaxhasarighttocomplainthathisfriend'spensionisnolongerpaid。"
　　Andwithoutmoreado，thecourtierinlaceseizedthemanuscriptpages，placedtheminhisbreastwithhisruffledhandoverhisheart，executedamostgraciouswaveofthehatwiththedisengagedhand，andsmiledandbowedoutoftheroom，leavinganodorofpomanderbehindhim。
　　"Doesnotthechamberlookquitedark？"saysAddison，surveyingit，"afterthegloriousappearanceanddisappearanceofthatgraciousmessenger？Why，heilluminatedthewholeroom。Yourscarlet，Mr。
　　Esmond，willbearanylight;butthisthreadbareoldcoatofmine，howverywornitlookedundertheglareofthatsplendor！Iwonderwhethertheywilldoanythingforme，"hecontinued。"WhenIcameoutofOxfordintotheworld，mypatronspromisedmegreatthings;
　　andyouseewheretheirpromiseshavelandedme，inalodginguptwopairofstairs，withasixpennydinnerfromthecook'sshop。
　　Well，Isupposethispromisewillgoaftertheothers，andfortunewilljiltme，asthejadehasbeendoinganytimethesesevenyears。'Ipufftheprostituteaway，'"sayshe，smiling，andblowingacloudoutofhispipe。"Thereisnohardshipinpoverty，Esmond，thatisnotbearable;nohardshipeveninhonestdependencethatanhonestmanmaynotputupwith。IcameoutofthelapofAlmaMater，puffedupwithherpraisesofme，andthinkingtomakeafigureintheworldwiththepartsandlearningwhichhadgotmenosmallnameinourcollege。Theworldistheocean，andIsisandCharwellarebutlittledrops，ofwhichtheseatakesnoaccount。
　　MyreputationendedamilebeyondMaudlinTower;noonetooknoteofme;andIlearnedthisatleast，tobearupagainstevilfortunewithacheerfulheart。FriendDickhathmadeafigureintheworld，andhaspassedmeintheracelongago。Whatmattersalittlenameoralittlefortune？Thereisnofortunethataphilosophercannotendure。Ihavebeennotunknownasascholar，andyetforcedtolivebyturningbear—leader，andteachingaboytospell。Whatthen？Thelifewasnotpleasant，butpossible——thebearwasbearable。Shouldthisventurefail，IwillgobacktoOxford;andsomeday，whenyouareageneral，youshallfindmeacurateinacassockandbands，andIshallwelcomeyourhonortomycottageinthecountry，andtoamugofpennyale。'Tisnotpovertythat'sthehardesttobear，ortheleasthappylotinlife，"saysMr。Addison，shakingtheashoutofhispipe。"See，mypipeissmokedout。Shallwehaveanotherbottle？Ihavestillacoupleinthecupboard，andoftherightsort。Nomore？——letusgoabroadandtakeaturnontheMall，orlookinatthetheatreandseeDick'scomedy。'Tisnotamasterpieceofwit;butDickisagoodfellow，thoughhedothnotsettheThamesonfire。"
　　Withinamonthafterthisday，Mr。Addison'stickethadcomeupaprodigiousprizeinthelotteryoflife。Allthetownwasinanuproarofadmirationofhispoem，the"Campaign，"whichDickSteelewasspoutingateverycoffee—houseinWhitehallandCoventGarden。
　　ThewitsontheothersideofTempleBarsalutedhimatonceasthegreatestpoettheworldhadseenforages;thepeoplehuzza'edforMarlboroughandforAddison，and，morethanthis，thepartyinpowerprovidedforthemeritoriouspoet，andAddisongottheappointmentofCommissionerofExcise，whichthefamousMr。Lockevacated，androsefromthisplacetootherdignitiesandhonors;
　　hisprosperityfromhenceforthtotheendofhislifebeingscarceeverinterrupted。ButIdoubtwhetherhewasnothappierinhisgarretintheHaymarket，thaneverhewasinhissplendidpalaceatKensington;andIbelievethefortunethatcametohimintheshapeofthecountesshiswifewasnobetterthanashrewandavixen。
　　Gayasthetownwas，'twasbutadrearyplaceforMr。Esmond，whetherhischarmerwasinoroutofit，andhewasgladwhenhisgeneralgavehimnoticethathewasgoingbacktohisdivisionofthearmywhichlayinwinter—quartersatBois—le—Duc。Hisdearmistressbadehimfarewellwithacheerfulface;herblessingheknewhehadalways，andwheresoeverfatecarriedhim。MistressBeatrixwasawayinattendanceonherMajestyatHamptonCourt，andkissedherfairfingertipstohim，bywayofadieu，whenherodethithertotakehisleave。Shereceivedherkinsmaninawaiting—
　　room，wheretherewerehalfadozenmoreladiesoftheCourt，sothathishigh—flownspeeches，hadheintendedtomakeany（andverylikelyhedid），wereimpossible;andsheannouncedtoherfriendsthathercousinwasgoingtothearmy，inaseasyamannerasshewouldhavesaidhewasgoingtoachocolate—house。Heaskedwitharatherruefulface，ifshehadanyordersforthearmy？andshewaspleasedtosaythatshewouldlikeamantleofMechlinlace。Shemadehimasaucycurtsyinreplytohisowndismalbow。Shedeignedtokissherfingertipsfromthewindow，whereshestoodlaughingwiththeotherladies，andchancedtoseehimashemadehiswaytothe"Toy。"TheDowageratChelseywasnotsorrytopartwithhimthistime。"Moncher，vousetestristecommeunsermon，"
　　shedidhimthehonortosaytohim;indeed，gentlemeninhisconditionarebynomeansamusingcompanions，andbesides，thefickleoldwomanhadnowfoundamuchmoreamiablefavorite，andraffoledforherdarlinglieutenantoftheGuard。Frankremainedbehindforawhile，anddidnotjointhearmytilllater，inthesuiteofhisGracetheCommander—in—Chief。Hisdearmother，onthelastdaybeforeEsmondwentaway，andwhenthethreedinedtogether，madeEsmondpromisetobefriendherboy，andbesoughtFranktotaketheexampleofhiskinsmanasofaloyalgentlemanandbravesoldier，soshewaspleasedtosay;andatparting，betrayednottheleastsignoffalteringorweakness，though，Godknows，thatfondheartwasfearfulenoughwhenotherswereconcerned，thoughsoresoluteinbearingitsownpain。
　　Esmond'sgeneralembarkedatHarwich。'TwasagrandsighttoseeMr。Webbdressedinscarletonthedeck，wavinghishatasouryachtputoff，andthegunssalutedfromtheshore。Harrydidnotseehisviscountagain，untilthreemonthsafter，atBois—le—Duc，whenhisGracetheDukecametotakethecommand，andFrankbroughtabudgetofnewsfromhome:howhehadsuppedwiththisactress，andgottiredofthat;howhehadgotthebetterofMr。St。John，bothoverthebottle，andwithMrs。Mountford，oftheHaymarketTheatre（aveterancharmeroffifty，withwhomtheyoungscapegracechosetofancyhimselfinlove）;howhissisterwasalwaysathertricks，andhadjiltedayoungbaronforanoldearl。"Ican'tmakeoutBeatrix，"hesaid;"shecaresfornoneofus——sheonlythinksaboutherself;sheisneverhappyunlesssheisquarrelling;
　　butasformymother——mymother，Harry，isanangel。"Harrytriedtoimpressontheyoungfellowthenecessityofdoingeverythinginhispowertopleasethatangel;nottodrinktoomuch;nottogointodebt;nottorunaftertheprettyFlemishgirls，andsoforth，asbecameaseniorspeakingtoalad。"ButLordblessthee！"theboysaid;"ImaydowhatIlike，andIknowshewilllovemeallthesame;"andso，indeed，hedidwhatheliked。Everybodyspoiledhim，andhisgravekinsmanasmuchastherest。
　　CHAPTERXII。
　　IGETACOMPANYINTHECAMPAIGNOF1706。
　　OnWhit—Sunday，thefamous23rdofMay，1706，myyounglordfirstcameunderthefireoftheenemy，whomwefoundpostedinorderofbattle，theirlinesextendingthreemilesormore，overthehighgroundbehindthelittleGheetriver，andhavingonhisleftthelittlevillageofAnderkirkorAutre—eglise，andonhisrightRamillies，whichhasgivenitsnametooneofthemostbrilliantanddisastrousdaysofbattlethathistoryeverhathrecorded。
　　OurDukehereoncemoremethisoldenemyofBlenheim，theBavarianElectorandtheMarechalVilleroy，overwhomthePrinceofSavoyhadgainedthefamousvictoryofChiari。WhatEnglishmanorFrenchmandothnotknowtheissueofthatday？Havingchosenhisownground，havingaforcesuperiortotheEnglish，andbesidestheexcellentSpanishandBavariantroops，thewholeMaison—du—Roywithhim，themostsplendidbodyofhorseintheworld，——inanhour（andinspiteoftheprodigiousgallantryoftheFrenchRoyalHousehold，whochargedthroughthecentreofourlineandbrokeit，）thismagnificentarmyofVilleroywasutterlyroutedbytroopsthathadbeenmarchingfortwelvehours，andbytheintrepidskillofacommander，whodid，indeed，seeminthepresenceoftheenemytobetheveryGeniusofVictory。
　　Ithinkitwasmorefromconvictionthanpolicy，thoughthatpolicywassurelythemostprudentintheworld，thatthegreatDukealwaysspokeofhisvictorieswithanextraordinarymodesty，andasifitwasnotsomuchhisownadmirablegeniusandcouragewhichachievedtheseamazingsuccesses，butasifhewasaspecialandfatalinstrumentinthehandsofProvidence，thatwilledirresistiblytheenemy'soverthrow。Beforehisactionshealwayshadthechurchservicereadsolemnly，andprofessedanundoubtingbeliefthatourQueen'sarmswereblessedandourvictorysure。
　　Alltheletterswhichhewritafterhisbattlesshowaweratherthanexultation;andheattributesthegloryoftheseachievements，aboutwhichIhaveheardmerepettyofficersandmenbraggingwithapardonablevainglory，innowisetohisownbraveryorskill，buttothesuperintendingprotectionofheaven，whichheeverseemedtothinkwasourespecialally。Andourarmygottobelieveso，andtheenemylearnttothinksotoo;forweneverenteredintoabattlewithoutaperfectconfidencethatitwastoendinavictory;nordidtheFrench，aftertheissueofBlenheim，andthatastonishingtriumphofRamillies，evermeetuswithoutfeelingthatthegamewaslostbeforeitwasbeguntobeplayed，andthatourgeneral'sfortunewasirresistible。Here，asatBlenheim，theDuke'schargerwasshot，and'twasthoughtforamomenthewasdead。Ashemountedanother，Binfield，hismasterofthehorse，kneelingtoholdhisGrace'sstirrup，hadhisheadshotawaybyacannon—ball。AFrenchgentlemanoftheRoyalHousehold，thatwasaprisonerwithus，toldthewriterthatatthetimeofthechargeoftheHousehold，whentheirhorseandoursweremingled，anIrishofficerrecognizedthePrince—Duke，andcallingout——"Marlborough，Marlborough！"firedhispistolathimabout—portant，andthatascoremorecarbinesandpistolsweredischargedathim。Notonetouchedhim:herodethroughtheFrenchCuriassierssword—in—hand，andentirelyunhurt，andcalmandsmiling，ralliedtheGermanHorse，thatwasreelingbeforetheenemy，broughttheseandtwentysquadronsofOrkney'sbackuponthem，anddrovetheFrenchacrosstheriver，againleadingthechargehimself，anddefeatingtheonlydangerousmovetheFrenchmadethatday。
　　Major—GeneralWebbcommandedontheleftofourline，andhadhisownregimentundertheordersoftheirbelovedcolonel。Neitherhenortheybeliedtheircharacterforgallantryonthisoccasion;butitwasabouthisdearyounglordthatEsmondwasanxious，neverhavingsightofhimsaveonce，inthewholecourseoftheday，whenhebroughtanorderfromtheCommander—in—ChieftoMr。Webb。Whenourhorse，havingchargedroundtherightflankoftheenemybyOverkirk，hadthrownhimintoentireconfusion，ageneraladvancewasmade，andourwholelineoffoot，crossingthelittleriverandthemorass，ascendedthehighgroundwheretheFrenchwereposted，cheeringastheywent，theenemyretreatingbeforethem。'Twasaserviceofmoreglorythandanger，theFrenchbattalionsneverwaitingtoexchangepushofpikeorbayonetwithours;andthegunnersflyingfromtheirpieces，whichourlineleftbehindusastheyadvanced，andtheFrenchfellback。
　　Atfirstitwasaretreatorderlyenough;butpresentlytheretreatbecamearout，andafrightfulslaughteroftheFrenchensuedonthispanic:sothatanarmyofsixtythousandmenwasutterlycrushedanddestroyedinthecourseofacoupleofhours。Itwasasifahurricanehadseizedacompactnumerousfleet，flungitalltothewinds，shattered，sunk，andannihilatedit:afflavitDeus，etdissipatisunt。TheFrencharmyofFlanderswasgone，theirartillery，theirstandards，theirtreasure，provisions，andammunitionwereallleftbehindthem:thepoordevilshadevenfledwithouttheirsoup—kettles，whichareasmuchthepalladiaoftheFrenchinfantryasoftheGrandSeignior'sJanissaries，androundwhichtheyrallyevenmorethanroundtheirlilies。
　　Thepursuit，andadreadfulcarnagewhichensued（forthedregsofabattle，howeverbrilliant，areeverabaseresidueofrapine，cruelty，anddrunkenplunder，）wascarriedfarbeyondthefieldofRamillies。
　　HonestLockwood，Esmond'sservant，nodoubtwantedtobeamongthemaraudershimselfandtakehisshareofthebooty;forwhen，theactionover，andthetroopsgottotheirgroundforthenight，theCaptainbadeLockwoodgetahorse，heasked，withaveryruefulcountenance，whetherhishonorwouldhavehimcometoo;buthishonoronlybadehimgoabouthisownbusiness，andJackhoppedawayquitedelightedassoonashesawhismastermounted。Esmondmadehisway，andnotwithoutdangeranddifficulty，tohisGrace'sheadquarters，andfoundforhimselfveryquicklywheretheaide—de—
　　camps'quarterswere，inanout—buildingofafarm，whereseveralofthesegentlemenwereseated，drinkingandsinging，andatsupper。Ifhehadanyanxietyabouthisboy，'twasrelievedatonce。OneofthegentlemenwassingingasongtoatunethatMr。
　　FarquharandMr。Gaybothhadusedintheiradmirablecomedies，andverypopularinthearmyofthatday;andafterthesongcameachorus，"Overthehillsandfaraway;"andEsmondheardFrank'sfreshvoice，soaring，asitwere，overthesongsoftherestoftheyoungmen——avoicethathadalwaysacertainartless，indescribablepathoswithit，andindeedwhichcausedMr。Esmond'seyestofillwithtearsnow，outofthankfulnesstoGodthechildwassafeandstillalivetolaughandsing。
　　WhenthesongwasoverEsmondenteredtheroom，whereheknewseveralofthegentlemenpresent，andtheresatmyyounglord，havingtakenoffhiscuirass，hiswaistcoatopen，hisfaceflushed，hislongyellowhairhangingoverhisshoulders，drinkingwiththerest;theyoungest，gayest，handsomestthere。AssoonashesawEsmond，heclappeddownhisglass，andrunningtowardshisfriend，putbothhisarmsroundhimandembracedhim。Theother'svoicetrembledwithjoyashegreetedthelad;hehadthoughtbutnowashestoodinthecourt—yardundertheclear—shiningmoonlight:
　　"GreatGod！whatasceneofmurderisherewithinamileofus;
　　whathundredsandthousandshavefaceddangerto—day;andherearetheseladssingingovertheircups，andthesamemoonthatisshiningoveryonderhorridfieldislookingdownonWalcoteverylikely，whilemyladysitsandthinksaboutherboythatisatthewar。"AsEsmondembracedhisyoungpupilnow，'twaswiththefeelingofquitereligiousthankfulnessandanalmostpaternalpleasurethathebeheldhim。
　　Roundhisneckwasastarwithastripedribbon，thatwasmadeofsmallbrilliantsandmightbeworthahundredcrowns。"Look，"sayshe，"won'tthatbeaprettypresentformother？"
　　"WhogaveyoutheOrder？"saysHarry，salutingthegentleman:"didyouwinitinbattle？"
　　"Iwonit，"criedtheother，"withmyswordandmyspear。Therewasamousquetairethathaditroundhisneck——suchabigmousquetaire，asbigasGeneralWebb。Icalledouttohimtosurrender，andthatI'dgivehimquarter:hecalledmeapetitpolissonandfiredhispistolatme，andthensentitatmyheadwithacurse。Irodeathim，sir，drovemyswordrightunderhisarm—hole，andbrokeitintherascal'sbody。Ifoundapurseinhisholsterwithsixty—fiveLouisinit，andabundleoflove—
　　letters，andaflaskofHungary—water。Vivelaguerre！therearethetenpiecesyoulentme。Ishouldliketohaveafighteveryday;"andhepulledathislittlemoustacheandbadeaservantbringasuppertoCaptainEsmond。
　　Harryfelltowithaverygoodappetite;hehadtastednothingsincetwentyhoursago，atearlydawn。MasterGrandson，whoreadthis，doyoulookforthehistoryofbattlesandsieges？Go，findthemintheproperbooks;thisisonlythestoryofyourgrandfatherandhisfamily。Farmorepleasanttohimthanthevictory，thoughforthattoohemaysaymeminissejuvat，itwastofindthatthedaywasover，andhisdearyoungCastlewoodwasunhurt。
　　Andwouldyou，sirrah，wishtoknowhowitwasthatasedateCaptainofFoot，astudiousandrathersolitarybachelorofeightornineandtwentyyearsofage，whodidnotcareverymuchforthejollitieswhichhiscomradesengagedin，andwasneverknowntolosehisheartinanygarrison—town——shouldyouwishtoknowwhysuchamanhadsoprodigiousatenderness，andtendedsofondlyaboyofeighteen，wait，mygoodfriend，untilthouartinlovewiththyschoolfellow'ssister，andthenseehowmightytenderthouwiltbetowardshim。Esmond'sgeneralandhisGracethePrince—Dukewerenotoriouslyatvariance，andtheformer'sfriendshipwasinnowiselikelytoadvanceanyman'spromotionofwhoseservicesWebbspokewell;butratherlikelytoinjurehim，sothearmysaid，inthefavorofthegreaterman。However，Mr。EsmondhadthegoodfortunetobementionedveryadvantageouslybyMajor—GeneralWebbinhisreportaftertheaction;andthemajorofhisregimentandtwoofthecaptainshavingbeenkilleduponthedayofRamillies，Esmond，whowassecondofthelieutenants，gothiscompany，andhadthehonorofservingasCaptainEsmondinthenextcampaign。
　　Mylordwenthomeinthewinter，butEsmondwasafraidtofollowhim。Hisdearmistresswrotehimlettersmorethanonce，thankinghim，asmothersknowhowtothank，forhiscareandprotectionofherboy，extollingEsmond'sownmeritswithagreatdealmorepraisethantheydeserved;forhedidhisdutynobetterthananyotherofficer;andspeakingsometimes，thoughgentlyandcautiously，ofBeatrix。Newscamefromhomeofatleasthalfadozengrandmatchesthatthebeautifulmaidofhonorwasabouttomake。Shewasengagedtoanearl，ourgentlemanofSt。James'ssaid，andthenjiltedhimforaduke，who，inhisturn，haddrawnoff。EarlordukeitmightbewhoshouldwinthisHelen，Esmondknewshewouldneverbestowherselfonapoorcaptain。Herconduct，itwasclear，waslittlesatisfactorytohermother，whoscarcelymentionedher，orelsethekindladythoughtitwasbesttosaynothing，andleavetimetoworkoutitscure。Atanyrate，Harrywasbestawayfromthefatalobjectwhichalwayswroughthimsomuchmischief;andsoheneveraskedforleavetogohome，butremainedwithhisregimentthatwasgarrisonedinBrussels，whichcityfellintoourhandswhenthevictoryofRamilliesdrovetheFrenchoutofFlanders。
　　CHAPTERXIII。
　　IMEETANOLDACQUAINTANCEINFLANDERS，ANDFINDMYMOTHER'SGRAVE
　　ANDMYOWNCRADLETHERE。
　　BeingonedayintheChurchofSt。Gudule，atBrussels，admiringtheantiquesplendorofthearchitecture（andalwaysentertainingagreattendernessandreverencefortheMotherChurch，thathathbeenaswickedlypersecutedinEnglandaseversheherselfpersecutedinthedaysofherprosperity），Esmondsawkneelingatasidealtaranofficerinagreenuniformcoat，verydeeplyengagedindevotion。SomethingfamiliarinthefigureandpostureofthekneelingmanstruckCaptainEsmond，evenbeforehesawtheofficer'sface。Asheroseup，puttingawayintohispocketalittleblackbreviary，suchaspriestsuse，Esmondbeheldacountenancesolikethatofhisfriendandtutorofearlydays，FatherHolt，thathebrokeoutintoanexclamationofastonishmentandadvancedasteptowardsthegentleman，whowasmakinghiswayoutofchurch。TheGermanofficertoolookedsurprisedwhenhesawEsmond，andhisfacefrombeingpalegrewsuddenlyred。Bythismarkofrecognition，theEnglishmanknewthathecouldnotbemistaken;andthoughtheotherdidnotstop，butonthecontraryratherhastilywalkedawaytowardsthedoor，Esmondpursuedhimandfacedhimoncemore，astheofficer，helpinghimselftoholywater，turnedmechanicallytowardsthealtar，tobowtoiterehequittedthesacrededifice。
　　"MyFather！"saysEsmondinEnglish。
　　"Silence！Idonotunderstand。IdonotspeakEnglish，"saystheotherinLatin。
　　Esmondsmiledatthissignofconfusion，andrepliedinthesamelanguage——"IshouldknowmyFatherinanygarment，blackorwhite，shavenorbearded;"fortheAustrianofficerwashabitedquiteinthemilitarymanner，andhadaswarlikeamustachioasanyPandour。
　　Helaughed——wewereonthechurchstepsbythistime，passingthroughthecrowdofbeggarsthatusuallyisthereholdinguplittletrinketsforsaleandwhiningforalms。"YouspeakLatin，"
　　sayshe，"intheEnglishway，HarryEsmond;youhaveforsakentheoldtrueRomantongueyouonceknew。"Histonewasveryfrank，andfriendlyquite;thekindvoiceoffifteenyearsback;hegaveEsmondhishandashespoke。
　　"Othershavechangedtheircoatstoo，myFather，"saysEsmond，glancingathisfriend'smilitarydecoration。
　　"Hush！IamMr。orCaptainvonHoltz，intheBavarianElector'sservice，andonamissiontohisHighnessthePrinceofSavoy。YoucankeepasecretIknowfromoldtimes。"
　　"CaptainvonHoltz，"saysEsmond，"Iamyourveryhumbleservant。"
　　"Andyou，too，havechangedyourcoat，"continuestheotherinhislaughingway;"IhaveheardofyouatCambridgeandafterwards:wehavefriendseverywhere;andIamtoldthatMr。EsmondatCambridgewasasgoodafencerashewasabadtheologian。"（So，thinksEsmond，myoldmaitred'armeswasaJesuit，astheysaid。）
　　"Perhapsyouareright，"saystheother，readinghisthoughtsquiteasheusedtodoinolddays;"youwereallbutkilledatHochstedtofawoundintheleftside。YouwerebeforethatatVigo，aide—
　　de—camptotheDukeofOrmonde。YougotyourcompanytheotherdayafterRamillies;yourgeneralandthePrince—Dukearenotfriends;
　　heisoftheWebbsofLydiardTregoze，inthecountyofYork，arelationofmyLordSt。John。Yourcousin，M。deCastlewood，servedhisfirstcampaignthisyearintheGuard;yes，Idoknowafewthings，asyousee。"
　　CaptainEsmondlaughedinhisturn。"Youhaveindeedacuriousknowledge，"hesays。AfoibleofMr。Holt's，whodidknowmoreaboutbooksandmenthan，perhaps，almostanypersonEsmondhadevermet，wasomniscience;thusineverypointhehereprofessedtoknow，hewasnearlyright，butnotquite。Esmond'swoundwasintherightside，nottheleft;hisfirstgeneralwasGeneralLumley;
　　Mr。WebbcameoutofWiltshire，notoutofYorkshire;andsoforth。
　　Esmonddidnotthinkfittocorrecthisoldmasterinthesetriflingblunders，buttheyservedtogivehimaknowledgeoftheother'scharacter，andhesmiledtothinkthatthiswashisoracleofearlydays;onlynownolongerinfallibleordivine。
　　"Yes，"continuesFatherHolt，orCaptainvonHoltz，"foramanwhohasnotbeeninEnglandtheseeightyears，IknowwhatgoesoninLondonverywell。TheoldDeanisdead，myLadyCastlewood'sfather。DoyouknowthatyourrecusantbishopswantedtoconsecratehimBishopofSouthampton，andthatCollierisBishopofThetfordbythesameimposition？ThePrincessAnnehasthegoutandeatstoomuch;whentheKingreturns，Collierwillbeanarchbishop。"
　　"Amen！"saysEsmond，laughing;"andIhopetoseeyourEminencenolongerinjack—boots，butredstockings，atWhitehall。"
　　"Youarealwayswithus——Iknowthat——IheardofthatwhenyouwereatCambridge;sowasthelatelord;soistheyoungviscount。"
　　"Andsowasmyfatherbeforeme，"saidMr。Esmond，lookingcalmlyattheother，whodidnot，however，showtheleastsignofintelligenceinhisimpenetrablegrayeyes——howwellHarryrememberedthemandtheirlook！onlycrows'feetwerewrinkledroundthem——marksofblackoldTimehadsettledthere。
　　Esmond'sfacechosetoshownomoresignofmeaningthantheFather's。Theremayhavebeenontheonesideandtheotherjustthefaintestglitterofrecognition，asyouseeabayonetshiningoutofanambush;buteachpartyfellback，wheneverythingwasagaindark。
　　"Andyou，moncapitaine，wherehaveyoubeen？"saysEsmond，turningawaytheconversationfromthisdangerousground，whereneitherchosetoengage。
　　"ImayhavebeeninPekin，"sayshe，"orImayhavebeeninParaguay——whoknowswhere？IamnowCaptainvonHoltz，intheserviceofhisElectoralHighness，cometonegotiateexchangeofprisonerswithhisHighnessofSavoy。"
　　'Twaswellknownthatverymanyofficersinourarmywerewell—
　　affectedtowardstheyoungkingatSt。Germains，whoserighttothethronewasundeniable，andwhoseaccessiontoit，atthedeathofhissister，byfarthegreaterpartoftheEnglishpeoplewouldhavepreferred，tothehavingapettyGermanprinceforasovereign，aboutwhosecruelty，rapacity，boorishmanners，andodiousforeignways，athousandstorieswerecurrent。ItwoundedourEnglishpridetothinkthatashabbyHigh—Dutchduke，whoserevenueswerenotatitheasgreatasthoseofmanyoftheprincesofourancientEnglishnobility，whocouldnotspeakawordofourlanguage，andwhomwechosetorepresentasasortofGermanboor，feedingontrain—oilandsour—crout，withabevyofmistressesinabarn，shouldcometoreignovertheproudestandmostpolishedpeopleintheworld。Werewe，theconquerorsoftheGrandMonarch，tosubmittothatignobledomination？WhatdidtheHanoverian'sProtestantismmattertous？Wasitnotnotorious（weweretoldandledtobelieveso）thatoneofthedaughtersofthisProtestantherowasbeingbredupwithnoreligionatall，asyet，andreadytobemadeLutheranorRoman，accordingasthehusbandmightbewhomherparentsshouldfindforher？Thistalk，veryidleandabusivemuchofitwas，wentonatahundredmess—tablesinthearmy;therewasscarceanensignthatdidnothearit，orjoininit，andeverybodyknew，oraffectedtoknow，thattheCommander—in—
　　Chiefhimselfhadrelationswithhisnephew，theDukeofBerwick（'twasbyanEnglishman，thankGod，thatwewerebeatenatAlmanza），andthathisGracewasmostanxioustorestoretheroyalraceofhisbenefactors，andtorepairhisformertreason。
　　Thisiscertain，thatforaconsiderableperiodnoofficerintheDuke'sarmylostfavorwiththeCommander—in—Chiefforentertainingorproclaiminghisloyaltytowardstheexiledfamily。WhentheChevalierdeSt。George，astheKingofEnglandcalledhimself，camewiththedukesoftheFrenchbloodroyal，tojointheFrencharmyunderVendosme，hundredsofourssawhimandcheeredhim，andweallsaidhewaslikehisfatherinthis，who，seeingtheactionofLaHoguefoughtbetweentheFrenchshipsandours，wasonthesideofhisnativecountryduringthebattle。Butthis，atleasttheChevalierknew，andeveryoneknew，that，howeverwellourtroopsandtheirgeneralmightbeinclinedtowardstheprincepersonally，inthefaceoftheenemytherewasnoquestionatall。
　　WherevermyLordDukefoundaFrencharmy，hewouldfightandbeatit，ashedidatOudenarde，twoyearsafterRamillies，wherehisGraceachievedanotherofhistranscendentvictories;andthenobleyoungprince，whochargedgallantlyalongwiththemagnificentMaison—du—Roy，senttocomplimenthisconquerorsaftertheaction。
　　Inthisbattle，wheretheyoungElectoralPrinceofHanoverbehavedhimselfverygallantly，fightingonourside，Esmond'sdearGeneralWebbdistinguishedhimselfprodigiously，exhibitingconsummateskillandcoolnessasageneral，andfightingwiththepersonalbraveryofacommonsoldier。Esmond'sgood—luckagainattendedhim;heescapedwithoutahurt，althoughmorethanathirdofhisregimentwaskilled，hadagainthehonortobefavorablymentionedinhiscommander'sreport，andwasadvancedtotherankofmajor。