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