TVULIAM AND MAEY.

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Greeks lay ten years; and he returned answer to himself thatsuch a miracle could be wrought only by Jupiter or by Lewis. ■The feather in the hat of Lewis was the loadstar of victory. ToLewis all things must yield, princes, nations, winds, waters.In conclusion the poet addressed himself to the banded enemiesof France, and tauntingly bade them carry back to their homesthe tidings that Namur had been taken in their sight. Beforemany months had elapsed both the boastful king and theboastful poet were taught that it is prudent as well as gracefulto be modest in the hour of victory.

One mortification Lewis had suffered even in the midst ofhis prosperity. While he lay before Namur, he heard thesounds of rejoicing from the distant camp of the allies. Threepeals of thunder from a hundred and forty pieces of cannonwere answered by three volleys from sixty thousand muskets.It was soon known that these salutes were fired on account ofthe battle of La Hogue. The French King exerted himselfto appear serene. “They make a strange noise,” he said,“about the burning of a few ships.” In truth he was muchdisturbed, and the more so because a report had reached theLow Countries that there had been a sea fight, and that hisfleet had been victorious. His good humour however was soonrestored by the brilliant success of those operations which wereunder his own immediate direction. "When the siege was over,he left Luxemburg in command of the army, and returned toVersailles. At Versailles the unfortunate Tourville soon pre-sented himself, and was graciously received. As soon as heappeared in the circle, the King welcomed him in a loud voice.“I am perfectly satisfied with you and with my sailors. AVehave been beaten, it is true: but your honour and that of thenation are unsullied.”*

* London Gazette, May 30. 1692; Mdmoires do Saint Simon; Journalde Dangeau; Boyer’s History of William III.

CHAP.XIX.itJ92.

Lewis re-turns toVer-sailles.