re for the
most part Parisians, and though these gentry have proved themselves
very valiant in the massacre of unarmed Huguenot men, women, and
children, I have no belief in their valour, when they have to meet
men with swords in their hands. I would, however, that D'Andelot,
with his five hundred horse and eight hundred arquebusiers, all
picked men, were here with us; even if Aremberg, with his seventeen
hundred horse, were ranged under the Constable.

"As it is, I can hardly believe that Conde and the Admiral will
really lead us against that huge mass. I should think that they can
but be going to manoeuvre so as to fall back in good order, and
show a firm face to the enemy. Their footmen would then be of no
use to them and, as I do not think their horse are more than twice
our strength, we might turn upon them when we get them away from
their infantry, and beyond the range of their cannon."

As soon, however, as the troops were fairly beyond the gates of
Saint Denis, the leaders placed themselves at the head of the three
columns and, with a few inspiring words, led them forward. Coligny
was on the right; La Rochefoucauld, Genlis, and other leaders on
the left; and the column commanded by Conde, himself, in the
centre.

Conde, with a number of nobles and gentlemen, rode in front of the
line. Behind them came the men-at-arms with lances, while those
armed only with swords and pistols followed.

Coligny, on the right, was most advanced, and commenced the battle
by charging furiously down upon the enemy's left.

Facing Conde were the great mass of the Catholic infantry but,
without a moment's hesitation, the little band of but five hundred
horse charged right down upon them. Fortunately for them it was the
Parisians, and not the Swiss, upon whom their assault fell. The
force and impetus of their rush was too much for the Parisians, who
broke at the onset, threw away their arms, and fled in a disorderly
mob towards the gates of Paris.

"Never mind those cowards," the Prince shouted, "there is nobler
game!" and, followed by his troop, he rode at the Constable; who,
with a thousand horse, had taken his post behind the infantry.
Before this body of cavalry could advance to meet the Huguenots,
the latter were among them, and a desperate hand-to-hand melee took
place. Gradually the Huguenots won their way into the mass;
although the old Constable, fighting as stoutly as the youngest
soldier, was setting a splendid exam