The most brilliant part of the military career of Henry IV. was when he struggled for his throne, supported of course by the Huguenots, and opposed by the whole Catholic party, the King of Spain, and the Pope of Rome.  The Catholics, or the “Leaguers” as they were called, were led by the Duke of Mayenne.  I need not describe the successes of Henry, until the battle of Ivry, March 14, 1590, made him really the monarch of France.  On that eventful day both armies, having performed their devotions, were drawn out for action.  Both armies knew that this battle would be decisive; and when all the arrangements were completed, Henry, completely covered with mail except his hands and head, mounted upon a great bay charger, galloped up and down the ranks, giving words of encouragement to his soldiers, and assuring them that he would either conquer or die.  “If my standard fail you,” said he, “keep my plume in sight:  you will always see it in the face of glory and honor.”  So saying, he put on his helmet, adorned with three white plumes, gave the order of battle, and, sword in hand, led the charge against the enemy.  For some time the issue of the conflict was doubtful, for the forces were about equal; but at length victory inclined to the Protestants, who broke forth in shouts as Henry, covered with dust and blood, appeared at the head of the pursuing squadrons.

     “Now, God be praised, the day is ours!  Mayenne hath turned
        his rein,
     D’Aumale hath cried for quarter, the Flemish count is slain. 
     Their ranks are breaking like thin clouds before a Biscay gale;
     The field is heaped with bleeding steeds, and flags, and cloven
        mail;
     And then we thought on vengeance, and all along our van
     ‘Remember St. Bartholomew’ was passed from man to man. 
     But out spake gentle Henry then:  ’No Frenchman is my foe;
     Down, down with every foreigner, but let your brethren go!’
     Oh, was there ever such a knight, in friendship or in war,
     As our sovereign lord, King Henry, the soldier of Navarre?”

The battle of Ivry, in which the forces of the League met with a complete overthrow, was followed by the siege of Paris, its memorable defence, and the arrival of the Duke of Parma, which compelled Henry to retire.  Though he had gained a great victory, and received great accessions, he had to struggle four years longer, so determined were the Catholics; and he might have had to fight a still longer time for his throne had he not taken the extraordinary resolution of abjuring his religion and cause.  His final success was not doubtful, even as a Protestant king, since his title was undisputed; but he wearied of war.  The peace of the kingdom and the security of the throne seemed to him a greater good than the triumph of the Huguenots.  In that age great power was given to princes; he doubtless could have reigned as a Protestant prince had he persevered for a few years longer, and