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CHAPTER XXI.
TIE CARNAGE OF MANSOURAIL

T was still early morning, and King Louis was
still on the Damietta side of the Achmoun,
when the Count of Artois, the Earl of Salisbury, and
the Grand Masters of the Temple and the Hospital
found themselves victors in the camp.

‘Now, gentlemen,’ said the Count of Artois, “let
us forward, and complete the rout of our foes while
affairs prosper in our hands and they are in dismay.
Speed will now avail more than strength; and the
fewer we are the greater will be the honour of a
victory. Forward then, and crush them at a blow!’

‘Forward!’ shouted the old deaf knight, who held
the count’s rein, ‘Hurrah! hurrah! Upon them!
upon them !’

But the count’s companions hesitated, and ex-
changed glances of alarm.

‘Nobie prince,’ said the Master of the Temple,
after a pause, ‘I give all praise to your valour; but
I entreat you to be advised, and not to act rashly.
Our men are weary; our horses are wounded; we
are few in number; and we must not overvalue our
victory, or suppose cur enemies are vanquished