of Dutch cavalry came up; and the Brigadier who commanded
them demanded the Marshal’s sword. The
Marshal uttered indignant exclamations: “This
is an infamous breach of faith. Look at the terms
of the capitulation. What have I done to deserve
such an affront? Have I not behaved like a man
of honour? Ought I not to be treated as such?
But beware what you do, gentlemen. I serve a
master who can and will avenge me.” “I
am a soldier, Sir,” answered the Brigadier, “and
my business is to obey orders without troubling myself
about consequences.” Dykvelt calmly and
courteously replied to the Marshal’s indignant
exclamations. “The King of England has reluctantly
followed the example set by your master. The
soldiers who garrisoned Dixmuyde and Deynse have,
in defiance of plighted faith, been sent prisoners
into France. The Prince whom they serve would
be wanting in his duty to them if he did not retaliate.
His Majesty might with perfect justice have detained
all the French who were in Namur. But he will
not follow to such a length a precedent which he disapproves.
He has determined to arrest you and you alone; and,
Sir, you must not regard as an affront what is in
truth a mark of his very particular esteem. How
can he pay you a higher compliment than by showing
that he considers you as fully equivalent to the five
or six thousand men whom your sovereign wrongfully
holds in captivity? Nay, you shall even now be
permitted to proceed if you will give me your word
of honour to return hither unless the garrisons of
Dixmuyde and Deynse are released within a fortnight.”
“I do not at all know,” answered Boufflers,
“why the King my master detains those men; and
therefore I cannot hold out any hope that he will liberate
them. You have an army at your back; I am alone;
and you must do your pleasure.” He gave
up his sword, returned to Namur, and was sent thence
to Huy, where he passed a few days in luxurious repose,
was allowed to choose his own walks and rides, and
was treated with marked respect by those who guarded
him. In the shortest time in which it was possible
to post from the place where he was confined to the
French Court and back again, he received full powers
to promise that the garrisons of Dixmuyde and Deynse
should be sent back. He was instantly liberated;
and he set off for Fontainebleau, where an honourable
reception awaited him. He was created a Duke
and a Peer. That he might be able to support
his new dignities a considerable sum of money was bestowed
on him; and, in the presence of the whole aristocracy
of France, he was welcomed home by Lewis with an affectionate
embrace.615