History of the United Netherlands, 1585 part 2 | Page 7

He expected, as
a matter of certainty, that the fleet from below would instantly force its
passage, destroy, the remainder of his troops-stunned as they were with
the sudden catastrophe complete the demolition of the bridge, and then
make its way to Antwerp, with ample reinforcements and supplies. And
Alexander saw that the expedition would be successful. Momently
expecting the attack, he maintained his courage and semblance of
cheerfulness, with despair in his heart.
His winter's work seemed annihilated, and it was probable that he
should be obliged to raise the siege. Nevertheless, he passed in person
from rank to rank, from post to post, seeing that the wounded were
provided for, encouraging those that remained unhurt, and
endeavouring to infuse a portion of his own courage into the survivors

of his panic-stricken army.
Nor was he entirely unsuccessful, as the night wore on and the expected
assault was still delayed. Without further loss of time, he employed his
men to collect the drifting boats, timber, and spar-work, and to make a
hasty and temporary restoration--in semblance at least--of the ruined
portion of his bridge. And thus he employed himself steadily all the
night, although expecting every instant to hear the first broadside of the
Zeeland cannon. When morning broke, and it became obvious that the
patriots were unable or unwilling to follow up their own success, the
Governor-General felt as secure as ever. He at once set about the
thorough repairs of his great work, and--before he could be again
molested--had made good the damage which it had sustained.
It was not till three days afterwards that the truth was known in
Antwerp. Hohenlo then sent down a messenger, who swam, under the
bridge, ascertained the exact state of affairs, and returned, when it was
too late, with the first intelligence of the triumph which had been won
and lost. The disappointment and mortification were almost intolerable.
And thus had. Run-a-way Jacob, 'Koppen Loppen,' blasted the hopes of
so many wiser and braver spirits than his own.
The loss to Parma and to the royalist cause in Marquis Richebourg, was
very great. The death of De Billy, who was a faithful, experienced, and
courageous general, was also much lamented. "The misfortune from
their death," said Parma, "is not to be exaggerated. Each was ever ready
to do his duty in your Majesty's service, and to save me much fatigue in
all my various affairs. Nevertheless," continued the Prince, with great
piety, "we give the Lord thanks for all, and take as a favour everything
which comes from His hand."
Alexander had indeed reason to deplore the loss of Robert de Melun,
Viscount of Ghent, Marquis of Roubaix and Richebourg. He was a
most valuable officer. His wealth was great. It had been recently largely
increased by the confiscation of his elder brother's estates for his
benefit, a measure which at Parma's intercession had been accorded by
the King. That brother was the patriotic Prince of Espinoy, whom we
have recently seen heading the legation of the States to France. And
Richebourg was grateful to Alexander, for besides these fraternal spoils,
he had received two marquisates through his great patron, in addition to
the highest military offices. Insolent, overbearing, truculent to all the

world, to Parma he was ever docile, affectionate, watchful, obsequious.
A man who knew not fatigue, nor fear, nor remorse, nor natural
affection, who could patiently superintend all the details of a great
military work, or manage a vast political intrigue by alternations of
browbeating and bribery, or lead a forlorn hope, or murder a prisoner in
cold blood, or leap into the blazing crater of what seemed a marine
volcano, the Marquis of Richebourg had ever made himself most
actively and unscrupulously useful to his master. Especially had he
rendered invaluable services in the reduction, of the Walloon Provinces,
and in the bridging of the Scheldt, the two crowning triumphs of
Alexander's life. He had now passed from the scene where he had
played so energetic and dazzling a part, and lay doubled round an iron
cable beneath the current of the restless river.
And in this eventful night, Parma, as always, had been true to himself
and to his sovereign. "We expected," said he, "that the rebels would
instantly attack us on all sides after the explosion. But all remained so
astonished by the unheard-of accident, that very few understood what
was going on. It seemed better that I--notwithstanding the risk of letting
myself be seen--should encourage the people not to run away. I did so,
and remedied matters a little but not so much as that--if the enemy had
then attacked us--we should not have been in the very greatest risk and
peril. I did not fail to do what I am obliged to do, and