It was here that 'Marie Jeanne' was taken from
the troops of the Republic by the valour of the townsmen, and, adorned
with garlands by their sisters and daughters, was dragged in triumph
through the streets, with such bright presentiments of future success
and glory.
The men of St. Florent had ever since that day borne a prominent part
in the contest; they felt that the people of Poitou had risen in a mass
to promote the cause, which they had been the first to take up; and they
had considered themselves bound in honour to support the character for
loyalty which they had assumed: the consequence was that many of the
bravest of its sons had fallen, and that very few of its daughters had
not to lament a lover, a husband, or a father.
St. Florent was now a melancholy careworn place. The people no longer
met together in enthusiastic groups to animate each other's courage, and
to anticipate the glorious day when their sovereign should come among
them in person, to thank them for having been the first in Poitou to
unfurl the white flag.
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