Ludovic and Gertrude

Front matter

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Chapter I. The Gueux

I T was the 16th of August, a. d. 1566.

The night was dark ; the rain had been falling incessantly during the day, and the streets of Antwerp were covered with water, l^o light was visible save that cast by the wax candles which some pious inhabitants had placed before the images of the saints.^

At that period, few persons dared trust themselves in the streets at midnight ; for the diversity of religious opinions had been the cause of violent animosities between the citizens. The watchman alone, armed with a pike and carrying a lantern, was traversing the city on the night of wliich we speak.

‘‘ The clock strikes twelve ! ” he exclaimed, suddenly, and quick as a flash he disappeared in a bystreet.

He is gone,” said a man who had been concealed behind the pump of the cattle-market, and who now emerged from his hiding-place, followed by a companion. They both wore broad-brimmed hats, and

Even at the present day, the streets of Antwerp are adorned by numerous statues: the greater part of them represent the Blessed Virgin.

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around their _ shoulders were flung wide, brown cloaks, l)ut the light v/as too feeble to permit the remainder of their attire to be distinguished.

‘‘ Did I understand you aright, Mr. Conrad, that our friends have assembled ? ’’ said one of them.

Yes ; to-night the great aftair will be decided. If we succeed in gaining to our party the terrible Wolfangh and his band, the work will soon commence. But it behooves us to make haste ; I think the guards from the citadel are coming in this direction.”

They passed cautiously in the rear of the butchery and entered a narrow street. When they reached the fish-market, the first said to his companion :

“ By what means shall Ave obtain the assistance of Wolfangh? We have but little money, and the least revelation of our plans might cost us our lives.”

Godmaert has arranged all that,” replied Conrad ; ‘Gie has engaged in our interest a young nobleman, who appears to be under obligations to him. We will make use of this gentleman. He seems to me, however, to be somewhat friendly to the Spaniards. This very day he will be made acquainted with our designs, and if he refuses to take the oath by which Ave have all bound ourselves, I knoAv a AA^ay to j)revent him from revealing Avhat he may haAm learned at our assembly.”

He dreAv from his bosom, AAdtli an ominous smile, a dagger, the -blade of AAdiich glittered in the flickering light shed by the candles which were burning before a statue of the Blessed Virgin.

They pursued their way in silence until they reached the sliort street of Peteer-Pot. In this narrow alley, they stop|)e(l before an isolated house, and thrice let fall gently the knocker upon the door.

“ Who is there ? ’’ demanded a hoarse and trembling voice behind the grating.

“ Dagger and wallet 1 ” they replied, in a low tone.

The door opened, and it was again bolted after admitting the new-comers.

“ Are all the Gueux here ? asked Conrad.

“All, with the exception of Godmaert,” replied the old woman. “ Come in, I beg you ; these gentlemen are keeping up a brisk conversation. I am only an old woman, hut in my opinion they would do better were they to talk less, for who kiiows hut that there may he spies in the house ? ’’

“ What mean you by that, mother ? ’’

“Yes, 3ms, Mister Conrad, there is in the room a deceitful-looking ^^outh to whom I would not intrust a shilling.”

“ Be quick, and attend only to your own affairs,” said Conrad, as he opened the door of a room at the extremity of the passage.

The apartment which they entered was large, and the walls were hung with gilded leather. Under the broad mantle-piece of carved stone blazed a clear fire. Two iron lamps suspended from the ceiling dimly lighted the whole room. On an oval table, covered with jugs of wine, lay a few open letters, a large wallet, several pistols and daggers. In one corner stood a small desk holding an ehon^" crucifix.

About twenty persons were seated around the table upon heavy chairs rudely carved. Like the newly-arrived guests, they all wore brown cloaks and

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broad-brimmed bats. Their mustaches were not curled, according to the style of the Spaniards, but they fell thick over their lips. A poniard thrust into a leathern belt gleamed ominously as the dim light fell upon it ; on their breasts they wore a golden medal upon which was engraven a wallet — the proof that they prized the name of Gueux^ although it had been applied to them as a term of contempt. Jfumerous flagons of beer and wine were upon the table ; but the guests used wooden bowls instead of glasses.

Seated apart, at a distance from these revellers, and absorbed in thought, was a young gentleman ; his head, resting upon his hand, was turned towards the wall. His features were remarkably flne. He was tall and well proportioned, and his black hair fell in curls upon his shoulders. lie wore neither cloak nor dagger, nor anything which could mark him as one of the Gueux. Whilst their doublets were of a sombre gray, the young noble was richly clad in silk and velvet. His left hand rested lightly on the golden hilt of a long rapier, whose steel blade yielded to the slightest impression. On Conrad’s entrance, he glanced at the noisy assembly ; a disdainful smile curled his lips and a frown contracted his brow, as the word fools ” escaped him.

Good-evening, Houtappel, Van Halen, Schuermans, de Rydt, Van der Voort ;’*good-evening, brethren ? ” said Conrad, seating himself at the table.

“ You are welcome ! ” they replied, as they emptied their bowls of beer.

“ Where are you, old witch ? ” called out Van der Voort.

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“ Here, here 1 ” answered the ragged hostess : “ shall I serve beer to these, gentlemen ? ’’

“ Certainly ! they exclaimed. The Giieux would by themselves drink the Scheldt dry, if its waters were as delicious as the wine of Mother Schrikkel.”

‘‘ But, Van Halen, tell me,’’ said Conrad, pointing to the young man seated by himself, what is that elegant young lady doing in our society ? He looks more like a bride than a member of the Gueux.”

Godmaert alone knows what use we can make of him ; he has forbidden any insult to be offered him.”

‘‘ What matters that ? ” said Schuermans, who had been drinking deeply. ‘‘Hoble sir,” he called out, “ approach the table. If you refuse to empty this bowl of wine, I pronounce you to be a Belgian false to your country. Do 3 ^ou hear me, young man ? ” he added, raising his voice.

Ludovic arose :

‘W^es,” he replied; ‘‘I understand you perfectly, and, but for the obedience I owe to the instructions of Godmaert, I would demand satisfaction upon the spot for your insulting language.”

“Are you noble?” demanded the infuriated Schuermans, seizing his poniard.

“ More noble than yourself,” said Ludovic; “ since you sully the name you bear by conduct unbecoming a man who has the honor to carry the wallet.”

“You shall answer for your insolence with your life ! ” exclaimed Schuermans, springing to the other side of the table, and attempting to plunge his dagger in Ludovic’s breast. By a skilful movernent, the young man parried the thrust.

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Ill an instant twenty poniards were drawn from tlieir scabbards aviid glittered in the air. "With the noise of the blows dealt by the two adversaries, were mingled the entreaties of those present that they would be reconciled ; but all efforts were vain. Schuermans, foaming with rage, sought to bury his poniard in the heart of Ludovic. The spectators endeavored to part the combatants ; they jostled each other ; they vociferated ; the bowls rolled on the floor; the chairs were overturned, and the tumult was such that no individual could obtain a hearing or aid in restoring calm.

The old woman called out to them that the guard was at the door ; she threatened them with the prison and the scaflFold ; the combat still continued.

Schuermans was determined to kill the young man ; but he, seeing the danger, drew his sword. At the same moment blood spouted against the wall, and the unfortunate Schuermans fell senseless to the ground-

Ludovic withdrew his rapier from the wound, and, deeply dejected, cast down his eyes.

They carefully renioved Schuermans’ garments, and were stanching the blood which flowed from his wound, when the knocker thrice resounded upon the door.

0 my God ! ” exclaimed the old woman, in terror ; “ they have come ! ”

“ Who ? ” demanded Eydt.

“ The soldiers of the guard,” answered Mother Schrikkel.

‘‘ Keep quiet,” said Conrad. I will see what is the matter. Who is there ? ” he called out behind the grating.

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‘‘ Dagger and wallet ! ’’ answered a calm, grave voice.

A few moments afterwards the old Godmaert entered the room, which was sprinkled with. blood. Stnpeiied, he stood npOn the tlireshold, glancing angrily at the inanimate body of Schuermans.

“ A¥hat does this signify ? ’’ he demanded, in a severe tone. Have you forgotten your oath to defend each other even unto death, and to stain your swords only with Spanish blood ? Woe to him who, in violation of his plighted word, has shed the blood of a Gueux ? ”

All were silent, confused, and sorrowful in the presence of the old man whom they had selected for their chief.

‘‘ AVho committed this crime? ” he asked.

A^an der Voort related to him what had just occurred. Godmaert listened to the recital with indignation. . After glancing sternly at Ludovic, he turned to the wounded man and exclaimed, in a voice of thunder :

Schuermans ! ’’

At the call of his friend and chief, he opened his eyes as if awakening from a deep sleep.

Schuermans,’’ said Godmaert, why did you not obey my orders ? I grieve to see that so few among you understand the means to he adopted in order to attain the object we have in view. AVhy did you insult Ludovic ? ”

Schuermans, who had been restored to his senses by the loss of blood, soon collected his ideas, and replied, in a feeble but distinct voice:

“The wine made my blood boil, Godmaert. I

IG

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acknowledge that I was wrong in disobeying your commands, and in not permitting this young man to dream undisturbed in the corner. I cheerfully pardon him for the wound he inflicted upon me, and which, thanks be to God, is not mortal ; but I swear that, so long as Ludovic does not drink to the health of the Gueux, I shall regard him as a friend to Spain, and I will not consider him as a member of our society.”

^‘Ludovic! Ludovic!” exclaimed Godmaert, ‘‘do you forget, imprudent young man, that you must be prepared to sacrifice self-love and personal feelings to love of country? I command you to approach the table and drink a bowl of wine.”

He extended a full cup towards Ludovic, who took it with a trembling hand and very reluctantly.

“ So be it 1 ” said the young nobleman. “ To the health of all true lovers of the country ! ”

He touched the cup with his lips, but Godmaert caught his arm so hastily that the wine streamed over the rich clothing of the young man.

“ To the health of the Gueux ! ” exclaimed Godmaert. “ The Gueux — that is the name of the patriots 1 ”

Ludovic, pale and sad, looked upon the cup in despair.

“ Godmaert,” he cried, with, energy, “ to what do you compel me ? Can I drink to the health of the enemies of my religion ? Oh, spare me this treaclicry ! ”

Godmaert ’s fiice expressed the anger which agitated him. He was deeply wounded by Ludovic’s resistance to his will.

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“Who told you/’ he said, hitterljr, “that the Gueiix were the enemies of religion ? ”

“ Would that they were not ! ” replied the young man, with impetuosity. “ I would, with my whole heart, in that case, unite my efforts with theirs. I, too, would detest the Spaniards, were they not the sole defenders of the faith.”

He loves the Spaniards ! ” cried out the Gueux, indignantly. “ Away with the traitor ! ”

“ I do not love the Spaniards,” said Ludovic, energetically. “Understand me, gentlemen, I do not love them. To them my family owes its ruin. But I regard them as the only confederacy which can arrest the progress of the reformers and successfully oppose the attacks made upon our religion. Eeflect seriously upon what you are about to do ; if you. drive out the Spaniard, you open the Low Countries to the heretics, the Iconoclasts, the scum of a foreign soil, already prepared to pour like a torrent upon our country, and to^ destroy there every vestige of the faith of our fathers.”

The expression of Godmaert’s face changed at once, and he became calm and gentle. The old man said to Ludovic :

“ I see with pride, Ludovic, your attachment to the religion of your ancestors. You know well, that I myself have fostered this sentiment in your heart; that I intrusted you to the care of a most venerable priest. It may be that Father Francis, who knows little of the ways of the world, has mistaken our intentions and misunderstood the means we intend to adopt. In the same manner, you yourself are acting at this moment under a false impression.

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Our only object is to combat tlie enemies of our country. You should lend us your aid, and you will do so ; it is my wish. Eeceive the advice of a man much older than yourself, and who was appointed by your own father to be your guide through life.’’

Ludovic bowed his head, and said, with a deepdrawn sigh :

‘‘That is true! I may be mistaken. What do you command me to do ? ”

“ Drink to the health of the Gueux.”

The young man seized the bowl, raised his eyes to heaven, and exclaimed :

“ 0, my God 1 pardon me, if what I do is displeasing in Thy eyes ! To the health of the Gueux ! ”

All present joined with Godmaert in exclamations of joy, as though they had been victorious over an enemy. Ludovic’s scruples awakened a smile on more than one face. Yan ITalen alone remained serious and thoughtful; the words just uttered had made a deep impression upon him, and inspired him vdth a feeling of mistrust.

“ Gentlemen,” he said, “ do not despise the sentiments of this young man ; perhaps he alone sees things in their true light.”

Godmaert feared that a conversation upon this subject might endanger the realization of his designs, and he interrupted Yan Ilalen, saying:

“Which of us, gentlemen, desires to remain longer under the bondage of Spain? Yot one. Why then discuss a point foreign to the question ? Permit Ludovic to entertain his opinion unmolested: it is praiseworthy. lie will aid us in delivering our country ; have confidence in him ; he is a noble and loyal gentleman.”

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Van Halen apprdacliecl Ludovic, and, taking liis hand, said in a low tone :

‘‘You have a noble heart. I applaud jonr course; but tell me, what would you do were the Spaniards to attack your countrymen ? ’’

Ludovic reddened as the question was put to him. He lifted his head proudly, and said :

“I would shed my blood for my brethren. But if the Spaniards should come into our country solely to expel the foreigners who have entered it for the purpose of disseminating false doctrine, I would not hesitate to combat for the faith under their flag.’’

Van Halen replied by a warm pressure of his hand. Happily, Godmaert heard none of these side remarks, for he would have been much displeased.

The room was soon restored to its original condition. The old woman had wiped the spots of blood from the wall ; the chairs were replaced ; the flagons were filled, and each guest resumed his seat at the table.

Notwithstanding the entreaties of his friends, Schuermans persisted in remaining with them, in order, he said, to become better acquainted with Ludovic. He thought it impossible he could be of a malicious character, for his countenance expressed neither anger nor resentment.

“Fill your bowls,” said Godmaert, “and give me your attention whilst I explain to you the reason for which I assembled you to-night.

“ You know well the violence and injustice wo daily endure at the hands of the Spanish tyrant and his satraps ; you are aware that they derisively call the nobles of our country, Gueux ; that- they remove

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them from all public offices, that they may have more liberty to oppress our unhappy brethren. They know that we are impatient under the galling yoke, and that the desire of vengeance has taken root in our hearts ; they dread an insurrection which would snatch the Low Countries from their grasp. On this account, in defiance of the privileges guaranteed to us, they have overrun the land with Spanish soldiery ; they desire to remind us that we are slaves in a vast prison. Gallows and scaffolds are erected in every city ; the sword of the executioner nightly performs its bloody work. Yes, my friends, let your tears flow ! Yever more will you behold Zierinck nor Van Bercheur. Last evening they were torn from their homes, and before midnight their heads had rolled upon the scafibld. This secret and infamous execution took place in the JEckhofJ^

A murmur of disapprobation interrupted Godmaert ; he himself became red with anger as he revealed this odious deed. He continued :

‘‘ But let the tyrants beware ! The Belgian lion will one day gnaw the links of the chain which now bind him, and when that day comes, the Scheldt will toss upon its waves the bodies of the Spaniards by thousands. But in order to hasten the happy moment which will restore us to freedom, we must at once mature our plans. Ludovic, listen to me ; what I am about to say concerns yourself alone. When a villain, who has been exalted and made powerful by destiny, persecutes the good who are weak, have not the latter the right to combat against the unjust oppression of their enemy, even if it be necessary to employ artifice and treachery ? ’’

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“ Ifo,” replied Ludovic ; “ a recourse to treacliery and perjury is inexcusable under any circumstances. I learned this lesson from your own lips.’’

“ I know it, Ludovic ; but understand that we can attain our object only by artifice. Did we all entertain the same opinions upon this subject as you do, we would soon be etiaced from the list of nations. AVe must meet violence by craft ; we must resort to any measures which may check our oppressors in the work of persecution. And can you believe, Ludovic, that they have not deserved death ? They have deprived us of liberty and reduced us to a state of bondage. They have put our brethren to death with impunity ; and we — we of the old heroic race of Ambiorix — leave our poniards rusting in the scabbard. Shall we sit with folded arms and see the blood of our friends flowing around us? Shall our vengeance consist in expressions of hatred ? ITo ; notwithstanding my old age, the blood flows warm in my veins, and I am ready to shed every drop of it in the service of my country. I wish to witness the death of the last Spaniard whose foot treads our soil.”

So great was his anger and his desire of vengeance, that for a few moments he was deprived of the power of speech.

“ Know also,” he resumed, that King Philip II. has disdainfully rejected the petition of his subjects of the Low Countries. The Prince of Orange, the Counts d’Egmont and de Horn invite the Gueux of Antwerp to assemble as many men as possible, in vievv" of the great revolution which will soon take place. Then we will show our oppressors that we are not

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clegeneiTite sons of noble sires, and that Tve, too, will not bear the yoke of the foreigner.’’

The white-haired orator was silent. All present liad listened to him with the deepest attention ; but, when he concluded his vehement exhortation, they Avere loud in their expressions of hatred, and vowed vengeance against Spain. Although Ludovic was impressed by the words of Grodmaert, he did not speak. lie hesitated ; he reflected on what he had heard. The old woman was asleep in a corner. The excitable Schuermans had almost forgotten his wound, and drank with his companions to the future liberty of his country and the extermination of the Spaniard.

In the meantime, Godmaert drew Ludovic aside, and strove to make him adopt his own ideas. It was no easy task ; for, after a half-hour’s conversation, Ludovic said :

‘AVell, Godmaert, I rely upon your paternal solicitude ; since you wish it, I will take the oath.”

The crucifix was placed upon the table. Godmaert, reverently uncovering his head, said to Ludovic, in a solemn manner : “ Young man, do you swear, by the holj' Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ, to aid your brethren on all occasions, to labor unceasingly for the expulsion of our common enemy, and to obey the chief whom you have helped to elect? As to 3'our religion, have no anxiety ; we are now, and we will always be, faithful to the Church of our fathers.”

Ludovic raised his right hand :

“ I swear it before God and by my honor ! ” he said.

Then all drank to his health, and Schuermans took his hand in a friendly manner.

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“Gentlemen,” said Godmaert, “time presses; day is dawning in the east. Therefore, I must conimnnicate to you in a few words what remains to he said. 'Not far from the village of Zoersel lives AVolfangh, who, at the head of a hand of twenty rohhers, has hitherto escaped the gallows, although he attacks hoth Belgians and Spaniards. By order of the Prince of Orange, I must endeavor to gain this man either hy money or hy promises. We are publicly known as Gueux, consequently this mission could not he performed secretly hy us. I command Ludovic, in virtue of his oath, to q-q alone to Wolfangh.’’ •

“ It is hard,” replied Ludovic, “ to share with rohhers and villains the honor of freeing our country; hut, as I am hound hy my oath, I will obey your orders.”

“ To-morrow,” resumed Godmaert, “ you will receive written instructions, to which you will loyally conform. At present, I have nothing else to say, except to caution you to observe secrecy as to 'all that has passed here. I have gained my object. Ludovic, Gertrude invites you to dinner to-morrow.”

Saying these words, he threw his cloak around him and withdrew. Ludovic’s eyes sparkled with joy. The name of his beloved Gertrude had put to flight the sad thoughts which filled his mind, lie took leave wdth a light heart of the assembled Gueux.

Conrad and Van der Voort took charge of Schuermans, and, as the door closed after them, the house became profoundly still.

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Chapter II. The Interview With Vald1b3

A T tlie period when these events oecurred, there stood in Emperor Street an edifice much higher tlian the buildings which surrounded it. It was entered by a large door, beautifully sculptured. The many windows which looked upon the street were protected by massive iron bars, — a precaution very necessary in those times of trouble and disorder ; for the number of robbers and brigands had wonderfully increased ; and so rarely were the laws enforced, that deeds of violence were committed with impunity at noonday. This building, which resembled a prison rather than the palace of a nobleman, was the residence of Godmaert.

He was seated in his study, his head resting on his hand, refiecting upon state affairs, when the door of the apartment was gently opened and a monk entered. He Avas a man of about seventy years of age, of a lofty stature, which age had not bent ; for he held himself erect, although his movements were tremulous. He threw back his cowl, and it would have been impossible to have looked upon his noble head without a feeling of veneration. His face, although wrinkled, was dignified and beautiful, and was expressive of goodness and tenderness ; whilst one might read in liis eye that his heart was sad.

On the arrival of the priest, Godmaert arose

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quickly, advanced to meet him, and pressed his hand aiFectionately, saying :

“ My good Father Francis, how shall I thank you for this visit ? ”

My son,’’ replied the priest, should I not labor, in these days of error and unbelief, to preserve your children from contagion? Hitherto their hearts have femained pure and pious. I would sin, did I not watch over them w'ith additional solicitude, now that the demon makes use of the love of country to seduce souls.”

The priest seated himself, and continued:

Godmaert, I have come to talk awhile with Ludovic and Gertrude. I am anxious about my beloved children.”

“ Ludovic is not here. Father ; but Gertrude is in the librar}^, and she will be delighted to see you.”

I will go to her, presently ; but, Godmaert, my son, my friend, my brother, listen this once to my advice, and pardon the tears which flow for you.”

‘‘ Speak freely. Father ; you know the value I place upon your words, and the affection I have ever borne you.”

The priest took Godmaert’s hand, and said, with emotion :

I know it, my son. That you are misled, blit not guilty, is a great consolation to me. But, Godmaert, Godmaert, the enemy of God triumphs in your country ! Every day the air is filled with blasphemies hurled against the faith of our fathers; crowds of heretics, led by Satan, overrun the land, and lead astray our blinded countrymen. They have a Avatchword, a flag on Avhich is iqscribed; Mlatred

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to Spaniards ! ’ Ah ! no, no. You are deceived. It means, ‘ Hatred to the ancient faith of the Belgians ! ’ It is not the throne of Philip II. they desire to overthrow ; they wish to profane and destroy the altars of God. And to know that you, my son, my friend, you, whose soul is so magnanimous and loyal, that you, Godmaert, you combat under this standard ! Oh ! the thought overwhelms me with sorrow. I invoke heaven in the words of our dying Lord: ^Forgive him. Father; for he knows not what he doesP’^

Godmaert was deeply moved by the words of the j)riest, and he felt their truth ; but he could not suddenly alter his plans, and he replied :

am aware. Father, that our country is filled with evil-minded people, foreigners, who have come among us to scatter the seeds of heresy; but I do not think that the revolution will assist the accomplishment of their designs.”

Godmaert, remove the bandage from your eyes. Why have Tournay, Oudenarde, Lille, and Valenciennes been taken possession of by the Calvinists ? Why has the doctrine of the Anabaptists spread like a devouring fire through Holland and Zealand ? Why do Calvinists, Anabaptists, and Lutherans openly preach their errors at Antwerp ? Shall I tell you? It is because you and other nobles, by your opposition to Spanish rule, have paralyzed the government. What will be the consequence? You will see the temples of God abandoned to the profanations of the wicked, who will mock at those things which you hold sacred. Do you not hear in the distance the roll of the thunder betokening the

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storm which the fury of the Iconoclasts will cause to burst over us ? Do you not see the dark cloud gathering in the horizon ? ’’

Godmaert was much disturbed as the priest spoke, and his head sank upon his breast. After a moment’s silence, he replied, sadly :

^^Yes, I know and see with sorrow that we are working against our faith.”

Joy illumined the lace of the priest. He raised his eyes to heaven, and exclaimed :

“ I thank Thee, 0 my God ! for giving power to my words ! ”

Godmaert cast down his eyes, and moved convulsively, as if agitated by painful reflections. Suddenly he raised his head, and said, in a kind of frenzy :

But, Father, must we then submit to the Spaniard ? Am I not a soldier ? Do I not belong to the Flemish nobility ? Yo, no. I cannot endure their contempt, nor stifle in my soul the sentiment of honor. The Spaniards are too arrogant, too haughty ! We must drive them away ! ”