ry in the van, the
infantry behind, and a strong reserve in the rear, the Mameluke chief
extended his lines till his forces seemed to cover the plain. Nor was he
sorry to observe that there was a prospect of a stern resistance; for
the difficulties of his situation increased his importance in the eyes
of his soldiers, and every step he took in overcoming perils, from which
others shrank, brought him nearer to the object on which his heart was
set--that object being neither more nor less than the throne of the
sultans.

And now, noon having come, with horns and kettle-drums sounding an
onset, Bibars Bendocdar advanced on the Crusaders, and attacked the
Count of Anjou, who was at the head of the camp on the side towards the
Nile. At first, the French cavalry calmly abided the assault; but they
soon found themselves exposed to a kind of attack which they had not
anticipated. In fact, the Saracen infantry, moving forward, overwhelmed
the knights with Greek fire, and threw them into confusion. Surcoats and
caparisons blazed, and the horses plunged, broke from the control of
their riders, and galloped to and fro. While they were in disorder,
Bibars Bendocdar, at the head of the Mamelukes, penetrated within the
entrenchments, and the Count of Anjou found himself surrounded by foes.

Ere this, King Louis, aware of his brother's peril, despatched Bisset,
the English knight, with a message assuring the count of speedy aid;
but, ere the Englishman reached the Count of Anjou, he met the French
cavalry flying in disarray. Bisset reined up, and addressed the
fugitives.

'Christian warriors,' said he, 'I come from your king to ask whither are
you flying? See you not that the horses of the unbelievers are swifter
than yours?'

'It is too true,' replied the fugitives.

'Come then,' said Bisset, 'follow me, and I will show you what your king
deems a safer road than flight;' and charging among the Mamelukes, in
front of the French cavalry, the English knight succeeded in maintaining
the conflict, which had commenced so inauspiciously for the French.

And aid was at hand; for Louis did not forget his promise of succour.
Shouting his battle-cry, he spurred, lance in rest, to his brother's
rescue, and, precipitating himself with his knights on the Moslem
warriors, soon redeemed the disaster which had marked the opening of the
battle. Nor did the saint-king exhibit the slightest dread of exposing
his royal person. With a shout of 'Mont