* Were these in any way related to the chevaux-de-frise on
     which the French cavalry were mounted?

Two hosts then, one under the Eagles, and surrounded by the republican imperialists, the other under the antique French Lilies, were marching on the French capital.  The Duke of Brittany, too, confined in the lunatic asylum of Charenton, found means to issue a protest against his captivity, which caused only derision in the capital.  Such was the state of the empire, and such the clouds that were gathering round the Sun of Orleans!

CHAPTER IV.

The battle of Rheims.

It was not the first time that the King had had to undergo misfortunes; and now, as then, he met them like a man.  The Prince of Joinville was not successful in his campaign against the Imperial Pretender:  and that bravery which had put the British fleet to flight, was found, as might be expected, insufficient against the irresistible courage of native Frenchmen.  The Horse Marines, not being on their own element, could not act with their usual effect.  Accustomed to the tumult of the swelling seas, they were easily unsaddled on terra firma and in the Champagne country.

It was literally in the Champagne country that the meeting between the troops under Joinville and Prince Napoleon took place! for both armies had reached Rheims, and a terrific battle was fought underneath the walls.  For some time nothing could dislodge the army of Joinville, entrenched in the champagne cellars of Messrs. Ruinart, Moet, and others; but making too free with the fascinating liquor, the army at length became entirely drunk:  on which the Imperialists, rushing into the cellars, had an easy victory over them; and, this done, proceeded to intoxicate themselves likewise.

The Prince of Joinville, seeing the deroute of his troops, was compelled with a few faithful followers to fly towards Paris, and Prince Napoleon remained master of the field of battle.  It is needless to recapitulate the bulletin which he published the day after the occasion, so soon as he and his secretaries were in a condition to write:  eagles, pyramids, rainbows, the sun of Austerlitz, &c., figured in the proclamation, in close imitation of his illustrious uncle.  But the great benefit of the action was this:  on arousing from their intoxication, the late soldiers of Joinville kissed and embraced their comrades of the Imperial army, and made common cause with them.

“Soldiers!” said the Prince, on reviewing them the second day after the action, “the Cock is a gallant bird; but he makes way for the Eagle!  Your colors are not changed.  Ours floated on the walls of Moscow—­yours on the ramparts of Constantine; both are glorious.  Soldiers of Joinville! we give you welcome, as we would welcome your illustrious leader, who destroyed the fleets of Albion.  Let him join us!  We will march together against that perfidious enemy.