The New Hampshire Gazette

A Prayer of Henry IV. of France,
just before a battle, in which he obtained an
entire victory.

LORD of Hosts, who canst see thro' the
thickest veil and closest disguise; who
viewest the bottom of my heart, and the
deepest designs of my enemies; who hast in thy
hands, as well as before thine eyes, all the events
which concern human life; if thou knowest
that my reign will promote thy glory, and the
safety of thy people; if thou knowest that I
have no other ambition in my soul, but to advance
the honour of thy holy name, and the good of this
state; favour, O great God, the justice of my
arms, and reduce all the rebels to acknowledge
him whom thy Sacred decrees, and the order of
a lawful succession, have made their sovereign:
But if thy good Providence has ordered it other-
wise, and thou seest that I should prove one of
those Kings whom thou givest in thine anger,
take from me, O merciful God, my life and my
crown, make me this day a sacrifice to thy will,
let my death and the calamities of France, and
let my blood be the last that is spilt in this quar-
rel."

The King uttered this generous prayer in a
voice, and with a countenance, that inspired all
who heard and beheld him with like magnani-
mity; then turning to the squadron, at the head of
which he designed to charge, "My fellow-
soldiers, said he, as you run my fortune, so do I
yours; your safety consists in keeping well your
ranks: but if the heat of action should force you
to disorder, think of nothing but rallying again;
if you lose sight of your colours and standards,
look round for the white plume in my beaver.
you shall see it wherever you are, and it shall
lead you to glory and to victory."