Page:Life in the Old World - Vol. I.djvu/401

Rh still remaining little congregation at La Torre. For by means of certain concessions to the Catholic requirements, such as being present at the Catholic mass, a small number of Waldenses remained quietly there in the valleys. Thus Henri Arnaud became closely united with the people of the valleys, and prepared to be their deliverer.

His name is found already amongst the leaders in the unfortunate attempt of the six hundred, just mentioned, in the valley of the Rhone. Two years later, we meet with him as the principal person in a new attempt, but this time with greater means. Arnaud had secretly turned to the Prince of Orange, and even to other Protestant Princes, with entreaties for support. This was granted, and Arnaud obtained means for the accomplishment of an attempt, which, nevertheless, according to human reasoning, was wild, even to insanity, and could not succeed. But Henri Arnaud was illumined by “the inner light;” this alone, and the power of his faith and spirit, put him in a condition to carry out that heroic undertaking which afterwards was designated as La glorieuse rentré.

Arnaud was forty-six years old when he became the leader of the Waldenses flock, which gathered around for the reconquering of the valleys. His portrait, taken at this time, presents a handsome, manly countenance, with an aquiline nose, a piercing glance, and a mouth, the lines of which show the firmness of an inflexible will. Beneath the priest's gown and band, gleams forth the costume of the warrior.

Such a man alone could accomplish such a work.