408 coNQUKsr or afuica anp spaix. 



four years, he had restored and supported the dignity 

 of the throne by crushing the rebels m Germany and 

 Gaul In the public danger the hopes of his country 

 turned to this active and successful warrior, and he 

 was summoned to the command m place of his rival 

 the Duke of Aquitaine. " We have long heard, 

 exclaimed the terrified Franks, " of the name and 

 conquests of the Arabs. We were apprehensive of 

 their attacks from the East; they have now con- 

 quered Spain, and invade our country on tne side ot 

 the West. Yet their numbers and, since they have 

 no bucklers, their arms are inferior to our own."— 

 " if you follow my advice," said the prudent mayor 

 of the palace, " you will not interrupt their march, 

 nor precipitate your attack. They are like a torrent 

 Avhich it is dangerous to stem in its career. 1 he 

 thirst of riches and the consciousness of success 

 redouble their valour, and valour is of more avail 

 than arms or numbers. Be patient till they have 

 loaded themselves with the encumbrance ot wealth. 

 This spoil will divide their councils and assure your 

 victory" Having collected his forces, Charles 

 sought and found the enemy in the centre of France, 

 between Tours and Poictiers. His march was 

 covered by a range of hills, and the Arabian general 

 appears to have been surprised by his unexpected 

 presence. The nations of Asia, Africa, and Europe 

 advanced to the encounter with equal ardour. In 

 the first six days of desultory combat, the cavalry 

 and archers of the East maintained their advantage, 

 but in the closer onset of the seventh day, the ori- 

 ental ranks were oppressed by the strength and 

 stature of the German auxiliaries, who, with stout 

 hearts and iron hands," vindicated from the grasp of 

 despotism the civil and religious freedom of then- 

 posterity. Charles wielded a huge mace ; and the 

 epithet of Martel, or the Hammer, which he earned 

 on this occasion, is expressive of the resistless force 

 with ^iiich he dealt his blows. Abdalrahman fell ; 



