Page:The silent prince - a story of the Netherlands (IA cu31924008716957).pdf/199

 With the first streak of dawn, he hastily dug a grave and laid the body of the faithful servant to rest. Then mounting his horse he retraced his way to the road which he had left the night previous. The country was yet wrapped in repose. Not a breath stirred the leaves of the trees, not a sound broke the stillness. Then the sun awoke, the birds carolled their matins, the trees rustled, and the officious chanticleer announced that another day was born.

As the young officer rode through the desolated towns and villages, these words came unbidden to his lips:


 * "The hunting tribes of air and earth,
 * Respect the brethren of their birth;
 * Man only mars kind Nature’s plan,
 * And turns the fierce pursuit on man."

All nature was at peace. Only the slow circling of vultures, whose heavy movements bespoke satiety, told of the terrible carnage which they had eagerly witnessed.

Entering Brussels the next morning, Reynold was surprised to find that some event of importance was being celebrated. In the Great Square three thousand Spanish troops were drawn up in battle array about a scaffold. In this Square all the great public events were celebrated, from brilliant tournaments to ghastly executions. It was evident that