Abeille does not make up for Jarnac!"

The bugle-call roused us at daybreak, and after a hasty breakfast we
prepared for the fray. It was a glorious summer morning, with only a
few fleecy clouds dotting the blue sky. The country was bathed in
sunlight, and the green, leafy foliage of the numerous trees on our left
made a delightful picture. The waters of the little stream in our rear
danced and sparkled, and the chorus of the birds made wondrous music.
Before long every feathered creature was flying hastily away in
amazement and affright.

The army was drawn up in battle array, and the noble Coligny, serene and
confident, rode along the lines.

"Soldiers!" he exclaimed, "the time has come. The enemy are before us.
We must beat them or die. Soldiers, if we lose this battle, the sacred
Cause to which we have pledged our lives is overthrown. Our religion
will be destroyed, our wives and little ones slain, we ourselves shall
go to the prison, the block, or the stake. Soldiers, the safety of the
Cause is entrusted to your arms! I know you are worthy of the honour."

A great cheer greeted these stirring words, a cheer that, echoing far
and wide, sounded like a haughty challenge of defiance to the foe.

I had little to do but to watch the opening of the battle, and my heart
beat fast as De Pilles, a rough and fearless fighter, went forward with
his artilery. Almost instantly the excitement became tense.

"He is into the marsh!" cried Felix. "His guns are stuck fast! He cannot
get them out! Ah, see, Monseigneur is launching his horsemen at them!"