VICTORY OR DEFEAT? 141

Crusaders on another day, as the tiger draws back to
make a more terrible spring.

Repairing to Djedilé, Louis dismounted, and took
possession of the camp which, at daybreak, had been
occupied by the Emir Fakreddin; and when his red
tent was pitched there, the Prior of Rosnay presented
himself, and kissed the king’s hand.

‘Sire,’ said he, wishing to break the news gently,
‘I know not if you have heard tidings of your noble
brother, the Count of Artois ?’

‘T know all,’ answered Louis, mournfully.

‘Sire,’ said the prior, endeavouring to administer
consolation, ‘no King of France has ever reaped
such honour as you have done this day. You have
crossed a dangerous river ; you have gained a victory ;
you have put your enemies to flight; you have cap-
tured their engines of war; and now you are taking
possession of their camp.’

‘May God be praised for all that I have, with His
aid, been able to do in His cause,’ said Louis, with a
faltering voice, and tears rolling down his cheeks, as
he entered his pavilion.

‘On my faith, sir prior, said John de Valery, with
the tone of a man who has a presentiment of coming
calamity, ‘I marvel how you can speak of this day’s
work as a triumph of ourarms. Often have I fought
for victory; but this day I have feit too surely that I
was fighting not for victory but for life.’

‘In truth,’ said the Lord of Joinville, who had
joined them, ‘I would fain hope for better fortune in
the future; for, call this a victory if you will, such
another victory would be worse than a defeat.’