Protestantism in France From Death of Francis I to Edict of Nantes - James Aitken Wylie

victory crowned the cause of Henry of Navarre; in
fact, the battle of Ivry is one of the most brilliant
on record. Before going into action, Henry made a
solemn appeal to Heaven touching the justice of his
cause. "If thou seest," said he, "that I shall be one
of those kings whom thou givest in thine anger,
take from me my life and crown together, and may
my blood be the last that shall be shed in this
quarrel." The battle was now to be joined, but first
the Huguenots kneeled in prayer. "They are
begging for mercy," cried some one. "No," it was
answered, "they never fight so terribly as after they
have prayed." A few moments, and the soldiers
arose, and Henry ad dressed some stirring words to
them. "Yonder," said he, as he fastened on his
helmet, over which waved his white plume,
"Yonder is the enemy: here is your king. God is on
our side. Should you lose your standards in the
battle, rally round my plume; you will always find
it on the path of victory and honor." Into the midst
of the enemy advanced that white plume; where
raged the thickest of the fight, there was it seen to
wave, and thither did the soldiers follow. After a
terrible combat of two hours, the day declared
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