to have been, however, an
effeminate race; they are represented by contemporary historians as
being passionately fond of FLYING KITES. Others say they went into
battle armed with "bills," no doubt rude weapons; for it is stated that
foreigners could never be got to accept them in lieu of their own arms.
The Princes of Mayo, Donegal, and Connemara, marched by the side of
their young and royal chieftain, the Prince of Ballybunion, fourth son
of Daniel the First, King of the Emerald Isle.

* Were these in any way related to the chevaux-de-frise on
which the French cavalry were mounted?

Two hosts then, one under the Eagles, and surrounded by the republican
imperialists, the other under the antique French Lilies, were marching
on the French capital. The Duke of Brittany, too, confined in the
lunatic asylum of Charenton, found means to issue a protest against his
captivity, which caused only derision in the capital. Such was the state
of the empire, and such the clouds that were gathering round the Sun of
Orleans!

CHAPTER IV.

THE BATTLE OF RHEIMS.

It was not the first time that the King had had to undergo misfortunes;
and now, as then, he met them like a man. The Prince of Joinville was
not successful in his campaign against the Imperial Pretender: and that
bravery which had put the British fleet to flight, was found, as might
be expected, insufficient against the irresistible courage of native
Frenchmen. The Horse Marines, not being on their own element, could not
act with their usual effect. Accustomed to the tumult of the swelling
seas, they were easily unsaddled on terra firma and in the Champagne
country.

It was literally in the Champagne country that the meeting between the
troops under Joinville and Prince Napoleon took place! for both armies
had reached Rheims, and a terrific battle was fought underneath the
walls. For some time nothing could dislodge the army of Joinville,
entrenched in the champagne cellars of Messrs. Ruinart, Moet, and
others; but making too free with the fascinating liquor, the army at
length became entirely drunk: on which the Imperialists, rushing into
the cellars, had an easy victory over them; and, this done, proceeded to
intoxicate themselves likewise.

The Prince of Joinville, seeing the deroute of his troops, was compelled
with a few faithful followers to fly towards Paris, and Prince Napoleon
remained master of the field of battle. It is needless to recapitulate