第11章
“Sire，“saidhe，“youspeakaswewouldhaveyoudo，andIforoneamofopinionthattheCardinalofPerigordhasbeenanillfriendofFrance，forwhyshouldwebargainforapartwhenwehavebuttoholdoutourhandinordertograspthewhole？，Whatneedisthereforwords？，Letusspringtohorseforthwithandrideoverthishandfulofmarauderswhohavedaredtolaywasteyourfairdominions。Ifoneofthemgohencesaveasourprisonerwearethemoretoblame。”
“BySaintDenis，brother！”saidtheKing，smiling，“ifwordscouldslayyouwouldhavehadthemallupontheirbacksereeverweleftChartres。Youarenewtowar，butwhenyouhavehadexperienceofastrickenfieldortwoyouwouldknowthatthingsmustbedonewithforethoughtandinorderortheymaygoawry。Inourfather’stimewesprangtohorseandspurredupontheseEnglishatCrecyandelsewhereasyouadvise，butwehadlittleprofitfromit，andnowwearegrownwiser。Howsayyou，SieurdeRibeaumont？
Youhavecoastedtheirlinesandobservedtheircountenance。
Wouldyouridedownuponthem，asmybrotherhasadvised，orhowwouldyouorderthematter？”
DeRibeaumont，atalldark-eyedhandsomeman，pausedereheanswered。”Sire，“hesaidatlast，“Ihaveindeedriddenalongtheirfrontanddowntheirflanks，incompanywithLordLandasandLorddeBeaujeu，whoarehereatyourcounciltowitnesstowhatI
say。Indeed，sire，itisinmymindthatthoughtheEnglisharefewinnumberyettheyareinsuchapositionamongstthesehedgesandvinesthatyouwouldbewell-advisedifyouweretoleavethemalone，fortheyhavenofoodandmustretreat，sothatyouwillbeabletofollowthemandtofightthemtobetteradvantage。”
Amurmurofdisapprovalrosefromthecompany，andtheLordClermont，Marshalofthearmy，sprangtohisfeet，hisfaceredwithanger。
“Eustace;Eustace，“saidhe，“Ibearinmindthedayswhenyouwereofgreatheartandhighenterprise，butsinceKingEdwardgaveyouyonderchapletofpearlsyouhaveeverbeenbackwardagainsttheEnglish！”
“MyLordClermont，“saiddeRibeaumontsternly，“itisnotformetobrawlattheKing’scouncilandinthefaceoftheenemy，butwewillgofurtherintothismatteratsomeothertime。
Meanwhile，theKinghasaskedmeformyadviceandIhavegivenitasbestImight。”
“Ithadbeenbetterforyourhonor，SirEustace，hadyouheldyourpeace，“saidtheDukeofOrleans。”Shallweletthemslipfromourfingerswhenwehavethemhereandarefourfoldtheirnumber？
Iknownotwhereweshoulddwellafterwards，forIamverysurethatweshouldbeashamedtoridebacktoParis，ortolookourladiesintheeyesagain。”
“Indeed，Eustace，youhavedonewelltosaywhatisinyourmind，“
saidtheKing;“butIhavealreadysaidthatweshalljoinbattlethismorning，sothatthereisnoroomhereforfurthertalk。ButIwouldfainhaveheardfromyouhowitwouldbewisestandbestthatweattackthem？”
“Iwilladviseyou，sire，tothebestofmypower。Upontheirrightisariverwithmarshesaroundit，andupontheirleftagreatwood，sothatwecanadvanceonlyuponthecenter。Alongtheirfrontisathickhedge，andbehinditIsawthegreenjerkinsoftheirarchers，asthickasthesedgesbytheriver。Itisbrokenbyoneroadwhereonlyfourhorsemencouldrideabreast，whichleadsthroughtheposition。Itisclearthenthatifwearetodrivethembackwemustcrossthegreathedge，andIamverysurethatthehorseswillnotfaceitwithsuchastormofarrowsbeatingfrombehindit。Therefore，itismycouncilthatwefightuponfoot，astheEnglishdidatCrecy，forindeedwemayfindthatourhorseswillbemorehindrancethanhelptousthisday。”
“Thesamethoughtwasinmyownmind，sire，“saidArnoldd’AndreghentheveteranMarshal。”AtCrecythebravesthadtoturntheirbacks，forwhatcanamandowithahorsewhichismadwithpainandfear？，Ifweadvanceuponfootweareourownmasters，andifwestoptheshameisours。”
“Thecounselisgood，“saidtheDukeofAthens，turninghisshrewdwizenedfacetotheKing;“butonethingonlyIwouldaddtoit。
Thestrengthofthesepeopleliesintheirarchers，andifwecouldthrowthemintodisorder，wereitonlyforashorttime，weshouldwinthehedge;elsetheywillshootsostronglythatwemustlosemanymenbeforewereachit，forindeedwehavelearnedthatnoarmorwillkeepouttheirshaftswhentheyareclose。”
“Yourwords，fairsir，arebothgoodandwise，“saidtheKing，“butIprayyoutotellushowyouwouldthrowthesearchersintodisorder？”
“Iwouldchoosethreehundredhorsemen，sire，thebestandmostforwardinthearmy。WiththeseIwouldrideupthenarrowroad，andsoturntorightandleft，fallinguponthearchersbehindthehedge。Itmaybethatthethreehundredwouldsuffersorely，butwhataretheyamongsogreatahost，ifaroadmaybeclearedfortheircompanions？”
“Iwouldsayawordtothat，sire，“criedtheGermanCountofNassau，“Ihavecomeherewithmycomradestoventureourpersonsinyourquarrel;butweclaimtherighttofightinourownfashion，andwewouldcountitdishonortodismountfromoursteedsoutoffearofthearrowsoftheEnglish。Therefore，withyourpermission，wewillridetothefront，astheDukeofAthenshasadvised，andsoclearapathfortherestofyou。”
“Thismaynotbe！”criedtheLordClermontangrily。”ItwouldbestrangeindeedifFrenchmencouldnotbefoundtoclearapathforthearmyoftheKingofFrance。Onewouldthinktohearyoutalk，myLordCount，thatyourhardihoodwasgreaterthanourown，butbyourLadyofRocamadouryouwilllearnbeforenightfallthatitisnotso。Itisforme，whoamaMarshalofFrance;toleadthesethreehundred，sinceitisanhonorableventure。”
“AndIclaimthesamerightforthesamereason，“saidArnoldofAndreghen。
TheGermanCountstruckthetablewithhismailedfist。”Dowhatyoulike！”saidhe。”ButthisonlyIcanpromiseyou，thatneitherInoranyofmyGermanriderswilldescendfromourhorsessolongastheyareabletocarryus，forinourcountryitisonlypeopleofnoconsequencewhofightupontheirfeet。”
TheLordClermontwasleaningangrilyforwardwithsomehotreplywhenKingJohnintervened。”Enough，enough！”hesaid。”Itisforyoutogiveyouropinions，andformetotellyouwhatyouwilldo。LordClermont，andyou，Arnold，youwillchoosethreehundredofthebravestcavaliersinthearmyandyouwillendeavortobreakthesearchers。AstoyouandyourGermans，myLordNassau，youwillremainuponhorseback，sinceyoudesireit，andyouwillfollowtheMarshalsandsupportthemasbestyoumay。Therestofthearmywilladvanceuponfoot，inthreeotherdivisionsasarranged：yours，Charles，“andhepattedhisson，theDukeofNormandy，affectionatelyuponthehand;“yours，Philip，“heglancedattheDukeofOrleans;“andthemainbattlewhichismyown。Toyou，GeoffreydeChargny，Iintrusttheoriflammethisday。Butwhoisthisknightandwhatdoeshedesire？”
Ayoungknight，ruddy-beardedandtall，aredgriffinuponhissurcoat，hadappearedintheopeningofthetent。Hisflushedfaceanddisheveleddressshowedthathehadcomeinhaste。
“Sire，“saidhe，“IamRobertdeDuras，ofthehouseholdoftheCardinaldePerigord。IhavetoldyouyesterdayallthatIhavelearnedoftheEnglishcamp。ThismorningIwasagainadmittedtoit，andIhaveseentheirwagonsmovingtotherear。Sire，theyareinflightforBordeaux。”
“’ForeGod，Iknewit！”criedtheDukeofOrleansinavoiceoffury。”Whilstwehavebeentalkingtheyhaveslippedthroughourfingers。DidInotwarnyou？”
“Besilent，Philip！”saidtheKingangrily。”Butyou，sir，haveyouseenthiswithyourowneyes？”
“Withmyowneyes，sire，andIhaveriddenstraightfromtheircamp。”
KingJohnlookedathimwithasterngaze。”Iknownothowitaccordswithyourhonortocarrysuchtidingsinsuchafashion，“
saidhe;“butwecannotchoosebuttakeadvantageofit。Fearnot，brotherPhilip，itisinmymindthatyouwillseeallthatyouwouldwishoftheEnglishmenbeforenightfall。Shouldwefalluponthemwhilsttheycrosstheforditwillbetoouradvantage。
Now，fairsirs，Iprayyoutohastentoyourpostsandtocarryoutallthatwehaveagreed。Advancetheoriflamme，Geoffrey，anddoyoumarshalthedivisions，Arnold。SomayGodandSaintDenishaveusintheirholykeepingthisday！”
ThePrinceofWalesstooduponthatlittleknollwhereNigelhadhaltedthedaybefore。BesidehimwereChandos，andatallsun-burnedwarriorofmiddleage，theGasconCaptaldeBuch。ThethreemenwereallattentivelywatchingthedistantFrenchlines，whilebehindthemacolumnofwagonswounddowntothefordoftheMuisson。
Closeintherearfourknightsinfullarmorwithopenvisorssattheirhorsesandconversedinundertoneswitheachother。A
glanceattheirshieldswouldhavegiventheirnamestoanysoldier，fortheywereallmenoffamewhohadseenmuchwarfare。
Atpresenttheywereawaitingtheirorders，foreachofthemcommandedthewholeorpartofadivisionofthearmy。Theyouthupontheleft，dark，slimandearnest，wasWilliamMontacute，EarlofSalisbury，onlytwenty-eightyearsofageandyetaveteranofCrecy。Howhighhestoodinreputationisshownbythefactthatthecommandoftherear，thepostofhonorinaretreatingarmy，hadbeengiventohimbythePrince。Hewastalkingtoagrizzledharsh-facedman，somewhatovermiddleage，withlionfeaturesandfiercelight-blueeyeswhichgleamedastheywatchedthedistantenemy。ItwasthefamousRobertdeUfford，EarlofSuffolk，whohadfoughtwithoutabreakfromCadsandonwardthroughthewholeContinentalWar。Theothertallsilentsoldier，withthesilverstargleaminguponhissurcoat，wasJohndeVere，EarlofOxford，andhelistenedtothetalkofThomasBeauchamp，aburly，jovial，ruddynoblemanandatriedsoldier，wholeanedforwardandtappedhismailedhandupontheother’ssteel-cladthigh。Theywereoldbattle-companions，ofthesameageandintheveryprimeoflife，withequalfameandequalexperienceofthewars。SuchwasthegroupoffamousEnglishsoldierswhosattheirhorsesbehindthePrinceandwaitedfortheirorders。
“Iwouldthatyouhadlaidhandsuponhim，“saidthePrinceangrily，continuinghisconversationwithChandos，“andyet，perchance，itwaswisertoplaythistrickandmakethemthinkthatwewereretreating。”
“Hehascertainlycarriedthetidings，“saidChandos，withasmile。”NosoonerhadthewagonsstartedthanIsawhimgallopdowntheedgeofthewood。”
“Itwaswellthoughtof，John，“thePrinceremarked，“foritwouldindeedbegreatcomfortifwecouldturntheirownspyagainstthem。Unlesstheyadvanceuponus，Iknownothowwecanholdoutanotherday，forthereisnotaloafleftinthearmy;andyetifweleavethispositionwhereshallwehopetofindsuchanother？”
“Theywillstoop，fairsir，theywillstooptoourlure。EvennowRobertdeDuraswillbetellingthemthatthewagonsareonthemove，andtheywillhastentoovertakeuslestwepasstheford。
Butwhoisthis，whoridessofast？，Hereperchancemaybetidings。”
Ahorsemanhadspurreduptotheknoll。Hesprangfromthesaddle，andsankononekneebeforethePrince。
“Hownow，myLordAudley，“saidEdward。”Whatwouldyouhave？”
“Sir，“saidtheknight，stillkneelingwithbowedheadbeforehisleader，“Ihaveaboontoaskofyou。”
“Nay，James，rise！，LetmehearwhatIcando。”
Thefamousknighterrant，patternofchivalryforalltime;roseandturnedhisswarthyfaceanddarkearnesteyesuponhismaster。
“Sir，“saidhe，“Ihaveeverservedmostloyallymylordyourfatherandyourself，andshallcontinuesotodosolongasIhavelife。Dearsir，ImustnowacquaintyouthatformerlyImadeavowifeverIshouldbeinanybattleunderyourcommandthatI
wouldbeforemostordieintheattempt。Ibegthereforethatyouwillgraciouslypermitmetohonorablyquitmyplaceamongtheothers，thatImaypostmyselfinsuchwiseastoaccomplishmyvow。”
ThePrincesmiled，foritwasverysurethatvowornovow，permissionornopermission，LordJamesAudleywouldstillbeinthevan。”Go，James，“saidhe，shakinghishand，“andGodgrantthatthisdayyoumayshineinvaloraboveallknights。Buthark，John，whatisthat？”
Chandoscastuphisfiercenoseliketheeaglewhichsmellsslaughterafar。”Surely，sir，allisformingevenaswehadplannedit。”
>Fromfarawaytherecameathunderousshout。Thenanotherandyetanother。
“See，theyaremoving！”criedtheCaptaldeBuch。
AllmorningtheyhadwatchedthegleamofthearmedsquadronswhoweredrawnupinfrontoftheFrenchcamp。Nowwhilstagreatblareoftrumpetswasbornetotheirears，thedistantmassesflickeredandtwinkledinthesunlight。
“Yes，yes，theyaremoving！”criedthePrince。
“Theyaremoving！，Theyaremoving！”Downthelinethemurmurran。Andthenwithasuddenimpulsethearchersatthehedgesprangtotheirfeetandtheknightsbehindthemwavedtheirweaponsintheair，whileonetremendousshoutofwarlikejoycarriedtheirdefiancetotheapproachingenemy。Thentherefellsuchasilencethatthepawingofthehorsesorthejingleoftheirharnessstruckloudupontheear，untilamidthehushthererosealowdeeproarlikethesoundofthetideuponthebeach，evergrowinganddeepeningasthehostofFrancedrewnear。
XXVI。HOWNIGELFOUNDHISTHIRDDEED
Fourarcherslaybehindaclumpofbushestenyardsinfrontofthethickhedgewhichshieldedtheircompanions。Amidthelonglineofbowmenthosebehindthemweretheirowncompany，andinthemainthesamewhowerewithKnollesinBrittany。Thefourinfrontweretheirleaders：oldWatofCarlisle，NedWiddingtonthered-headedDalesman，thebaldbowyerBartholomew，andSamkinAlyward，newlyrejoinedafteraweek’sabsence。Allfourweremunchingbreadandapples，forAylwardhadbroughtinafullhaversackanddividedthemfreelyamongsthisstarvingcomrades。
TheoldBordererandtheYorkshiremanweregauntandhollow-eyedwithprivation，whilethebowyer’sroundfacehadfalleninsothattheskinhunginloosepouchesunderhiseyesandbeneathhisjaws。
Behindthemlinesofhaggard，wolfishmenglaredthroughtheunderwood，silentandwatchfulsavethattheyburstintoafierceyelpofwelcomewhenChandosandNigelgallopedup，sprangfromtheirhorsesandtooktheirstationbeneaththem。Allalongthegreenfringeofbowmenmightbeseenthesteel-cladfiguresofknightsandsquireswhohadpushedtheirwayintothefrontlinetosharethefortuneofthearchers。
“IcalltomindthatIonceshotsixendswithaKentishwoldsmanatAshford-“begantheBowyer。
“Nay，nay，wehaveheardthatstory！”saidoldWatimpatiently。
“Shutthyclap，Bartholomew，foritisnotimeforredelessgossip！，Walkdowntheline，Iprayyou，andseeiftherebenofrayedstring，norbrokennocknorloosenedwhippingtobemended。”
Thestoutbowyerpasseddownthefringeofbowmen，amidstarunningfireofroughwit。Hereandthereabowwasthrustoutathimthroughthehedgeforhisprofessionaladvice。
“Waxyourheads！”hekeptcrying。”Passdownthewax-potandwaxyourheads。Awaxedarrowwillpasswhereadrywillbeheld。
TomBeverley，youjack-fool！，whereisyourbracer-guard？，Yourstringwillflayyourarmereyoureachyourup-shotthisday。
Andyou，Watkin，drawnottoyourmouth，asisyourwont，buttoyourshoulder。Youaresousedtothewine-potthatthestringmustneedsfollowit。Nay，standloose，andgivespaceforyourdrawingarms，fortheywillbeonusanon。”
Heranbackandjoinedhiscomradesinthefront，whohadnowrisentotheirfeet。Behindthemahalf-mileofarchersstoodbehindthehedge，eachwithhisgreatwarbowstrung，halfadozenshaftsloosebehindhim，andeighteenmoreinthequiverslungacrosshisfront。Witharrowonstring，theirfeetfirm-planted，theirfierceeagerfacespeeringthroughthebranches，theyawaitedthecomingstorm。
Thebroadfloodofsteel，afteroozingslowlyforward，hadstoppedaboutamilefromtheEnglishfront。Thegreaterpartofthearmyhadthendescendedfromtheirhorses，whileacrowdofvarletsandhostlersledthemtotherear。TheFrenchformedthemselvesnowintothreegreatdivisions，whichshimmeredinthesunlikesilverypools，reed-cappedwithmanyathousandofbannersandpennons。Aspaceofseveralhundredyardsdividedeach。Atthesametimetwobodiesofhorsemenformedthemselvesinfront。Thefirstconsistedofthreehundredmeninonethickcolumn，thesecondofathousand，ridinginamoreextendedline。
ThePrincehadriddenuptothelineofarchers。Hewasindarkarmor，hisvisoropen，andhishandsomeaquilinefaceallglowingwithspiritandmartialfire。Thebowmenyelledathim，andhewavedhishandstothemasahuntsmancheershishounds。
“Well，John，whatthinkyounow？”heasked。”Whatwouldmynoblefathernotgivetobebyoursidethisday？，Haveyouseenthattheyhavelefttheirhorses？”
“Yes，myfairlord，theyhavelearnedtheirlesson，“saidChandos。
“BecausewehavehadgoodfortuneuponourfeetatCrecyandelsewheretheythinkthattheyhavefoundthetrickofit。Butitisinmymindthatitisverydifferenttostandwhenyouareassailed，aswehavedone，andtoassailotherswhenyoumustdragyourharnessforamileandcomewearytothefray。”
“Youspeakwisely，John。Butthesehorsemenwhoforminfrontandrideslowlytowardsus，whatmakeyouofthem？”
“Doubtlesstheyhopetocutthestringsofourbowmenandsoclearawayfortheothers。Buttheyareindeedachosenband，formarkyou，fairsir，arenotthosethecolorsofClermontupontheleft，andofd’Andreghenupontheright，sothatbothmarshalsridewiththevanguard？”
“ByGod’ssoul，John！”criedthePrince，“itisverysurethatyoucanseemorewithoneeyethananymaninthisarmywithtwo。Butitisevenasyousay。Andthislargerbandbehind？”
“TheyshouldbeGermans，fairsir，bythefashionoftheirharness。”
Thetwobodiesofhorsemenhadmovedslowlyovertheplain，withaspaceofnearlyaquarterofamilebetweenthem。Now，havingcometwobowshotsfromthehostileline，theyhalted。AllthattheycouldseeoftheEnglishwasthelonghedge，withanoccasionaltwinkleofsteelthroughitsleafybranches，andbehindthatthespear-headsofthemen-at-armsrisingfromamidstthebrushwoodandthevines。Alovelyautumncountrysidewithchangingmany-tintedfoliagelaystretchedbeforethem，allbathedinpeacefulsunshine，andnothingsavethoseflickeringfitfulgleamstotellofthesilentandlurkingenemywhobarredtheirway。ButtheboldspiritoftheFrenchcavaliersrosethehighertothedanger。Theclamoroftheirwar-criesfilledtheair，andtheytossedtheirpennonedspearsovertheirheadsinmenaceanddefiance。FromtheEnglishlineitwasanoblesight，thegallant，pawing，curvetinghorses，themany-coloredtwinklingriders，theswoopandwaveandtossofplumeandbanner。
Thenabuglerangforth。Withasuddenyelleveryspurstruckdeep，everylancewaslaidinrest，andthewholegallantsquadronflewlikeaglitteringthunderboltforthecenteroftheEnglishline。
Ahundredyardstheyhadcrossed，andyetanotherhundred，buttherewasnomovementinfrontofthem，andnosoundsavetheirownhoarsebattle-criesandthethunderoftheirhorses。Everswifterandswiftertheyflew。Frombehindthehedgeitwasavisionofhorses，white，bayandblack，theirnecksstretched，theirnostrilsdistended，theirbelliestotheground，whilstoftherideronecouldbutseeashieldwithaplume-tuftedvisoraboveit，andaspear-headtwinklinginfront。
ThenofasuddenthePrinceraisedhishandandgaveacry。
Chandosechoedit，itswelleddowntheline，andwithonemightychorusoftwangingstringsandhissingshaftsthelong-pentstormbrokeatlast。
Alasforthenoblesteeds！，Alasforthegallantmen。Whenthelustofbattleisoverwhowouldnotgrievetoseethatnoblesquadronbreakintoredruinbeforetherainofarrowsbeatinguponthefacesandbreastsofthehorses？，Thefrontrankcrasheddown，andtheotherspiledthemselvesuponthetopofthem，unabletochecktheirspeed，ortoswerveasidefromtheterriblewalloftheirshatteredcomradeswhichhadsosuddenlysprungupbeforethem。Fifteenfeethighwasthatblood-spurtingmoundofscreaming，kickinghorsesandwrithing，strugglingmen。Hereandthereontheflanksahorsemanclearedhimselfanddashedforthehedge，onlytohavehissteedslainunderhimandtobehurledfromhissaddle。Ofallthethreehundredgallantriders，notoneeverreachedthatfatalhedge。
ButnowinalongrollingwaveofsteeltheGermanbattalionroaredswiftlyonward。Theyopenedinthecentertopassthatterriblemoundofdeath，andthenspurredswiftlyinuponthearchers。Theywerebravemen，wellled，andintheiropenlinestheycouldavoidtheclubbingtogetherwhichhadbeentheruinofthevanguard;yettheyperishedsinglyevenastheothershadperishedtogether。Afewwereslainbythearrows。Thegreaternumberhadtheirhorseskilledunderthem，andweresoshakenandshatteredbythefallthattheycouldnotraisetheirlimbs，over-weightedwithiron，fromthespotwheretheylay。
Threemenridingtogetherbrokethroughthebusheswhichshelteredtheleadersofthearchers，cutdownWiddingtontheDalesman，spurredonwardthroughthehedge，dashedoverthebowmenbehindit，andmadeforthePrince。Onefellwithanarrowthroughhishead，asecondwasbeatenfromhissaddlebyChandos，andthethirdwasslainbythePrince’sownhand。Asecondbandbrokethroughneartheriver，butwerecutoffbyLordAudleyandhissquires，sothatallwereslain。Asinglehorsemanwhosesteedwasmadwithpain，anarrowinitseyeandasecondinitsnostril，sprangoverthehedgeandclatteredthroughthewholearmy，disappearingamidwhoopsandlaughterintothewoodsbehind。
Butnoneotherswonasfarasthehedge。ThewholefrontofthepositionwasfringedwithalitterofGermanwoundedordead，whileonegreatheapinthecentermarkedthedownfallofthegallantFrenchthreehundred。
WhilstthesetwowavesoftheattackhadbrokeninfrontoftheEnglishposition，leavingthisblood-stainedwreckagebehindthem，themaindivisionshadhaltedandmadetheirlastpreparationsfortheirownassault。Theyhadnotyetbeguntheiradvance，andthenearestwasstillhalfamiledistant，whenthefewsurvivorsfromtheforlornhope，theirmaddenedhorsesbristlingwitharrows，flewpastthemoneitherflank。
AtthesamemomenttheEnglisharchersandmen-at-armsdashedthroughthehedge，anddraggedallwhowerelivingoutofthattangledheapofshatteredhorsesandmen。Itwasamadwildrush，forinafewminutesthefightmustberenewed，andyettherewasarichharvestofwealthfortheluckymanwhocouldpickawealthyprisonerfromamidthecrowd。Thenoblerspiritsdisdainedtothinkofransomswhilstthefightwasstillunsettled;butaswarmofneedysoldiers，GasconsandEnglish，draggedthewoundedoutbythelegorthearm，andwithdaggersattheirthroatsdemandedtheirnames，titleandmeans。Hewhohadmadeagoodprizehurriedhimtotherearwherehisownservantscouldguardhim，whilehewhowasdisappointedtoooftendrovethedaggerhomeandthenrushedoncemoreintothetangleinthehopeofbetterluck。Clermont，withanarrowthroughthesky-blueVirginonhissurcoat，laydeadwithintenpacesofthehedge;
d’Andreghenwasdraggedbyapennilesssquirefromunderahorseandbecamehisprisoner。TheEarlofSalzburgandofNassauwerebothfoundhelplessonthegroundandtakentotherear。AylwardcasthisthickarmsroundCountOttovonLangenbeck，andlaidhim，helplessfromabrokenleg，behindhisbush。BlackSimonhadmadeprizeofBernard，CountofVentadour，andhurriedhimthroughthehedge。Everywheretherewasrushingandshouting，brawlingandbuffeting，whileamidstitallaswarmofarcherswereseekingtheirshafts，pluckingthemfromthedead，andsometimesevenfromthewounded。Thentherewasasuddencryofwarning。Inamomenteverymanwasbackinhisplaceoncemore，andthelineofthehedgewasclear。
Itwashightime;foralreadythefirstdivisionoftheFrenchwascloseuponthem。Ifthechargeofthehorsemenhadbeenterriblefromitsrushanditsfire，thissteadyadvanceofahugephalanxofarmoredfootmenwasevenmorefearsometothespectator。Theymovedveryslowly，onaccountoftheweightoftheirarmor，buttheirprogresswasthemoreregularandinexorable。Withelbowstouching-theirshieldsslunginfront，theirshortfive-footspearscarriedintheirrighthands，andtheirmacesorswordsreadyattheirbelts，thedeepcolumnofmen-at-armsmovedonward。
Againthestormofarrowsbeatuponthemclinkingandthuddingonthearmor。Theycroucheddoublebehindtheirshieldsastheymetit。Manyfell，butstilltheslowtidelappedonward。Yelling，theysurgeduptothehedge，andlineditforhalfamile，strugglinghardtopierceit。
Forfiveminutesthelongstrainingranksfacedeachotherwithfiercestabofspearononesideandheavybeatofaxormaceupontheother。Inmanypartsthehedgewaspiercedorleveledtotheground，andtheFrenchmen-at-armswereragingamongstthearchers，hackingandhewingamongthelightlyarmedmen。Foramomentitseemedasifthebattlewasontheturn。
ButJohndeVere，EarlofOxford，cool，wiseandcraftyinwar，sawandseized，hischance。Ontherightflankamarshymeadowskirtedtheriver。Sosoftwasitthataheavily-armedmanwouldsinktohisknees。AthisorderasprayoflightbowmenwasthrownoutfromthebattlelineandformingupontheflankoftheFrenchpouredtheirarrowsintothem。AtthesamemomentChandos，withAudley，Nigel，BartholomewBurghersh，theCaptaldeBuch，andascoreofotherknightssprangupontheirhorses，andchargingdownthenarrowlanerodeovertheFrenchlineinfrontofthem。
Oncethroughittheyspurredtoleftandright，tramplingdownthedismountedmen-at-arms。
AfearsomesightwasPommersthatday，hisredeyesrolling，hisnostrilsgaping，histawnymanetossing，andhissavageteethgnashinginfury，ashetoreandsmashedandgroundbeneathhisrampinghoofsallthatcamebeforehim。Fearsometoowastherider，ice-cool;alert，concentratedofpurpose，with，heartoffireandmusclesofsteel。Averyangelofbattleheseemedashedrovehismaddenedhorsethroughthethickestofthepress，butstriveashewould：thetallfigureofhismasteruponhiscoal-blacksteedwaseverhalfalengthbeforehim。
Alreadythemomentofdangerwaspassed。TheFrenchlinehadgivenback。Thosewhohadpiercedthehedgehadfallenlikebravemenamidtheranksoftheirfoemen。ThedivisionofWarwickhadhurriedupfromthevineyardstofillthegapsofSalisbury’sbattle-line。Backrolledtheshiningtide，slowlyatfirst，evenasithadadvanced，butquickernowasthebolderfellandtheweakershreddedoutandshuffledwithungainlyspeedforaplaceofsafety。Againtherewasarushfrombehindthehedge。Againtherewasareapingofthatstrangecropofbeardedarrowswhichgrewsothickupontheground，andagainthewoundedprisonerswereseizedanddraggedinbrutalhastetotherear。Thenthelinewasrestored，andtheEnglish，weary，pantingandshaken，awaitedthenextattack。
Butagreatgoodfortunehadcometothem-sogreatthatastheylookeddownthevalleytheycouldscarcecredittheirownsenses。
BehindthedivisionoftheDauphin，whichhadpressedthemsohard，stoodaseconddivisionhardlylessnumerous，ledbytheDukeofOrleans。Thefugitivesfrominfront，blood-smearedandbedraggled，blindedwithsweatandwithfear，rushedamidstitsranksintheirflight，andinamoment，withoutablowbeingstruck，hadcarriedthemoffintheirwildrout。Thisvastarray，sosolidandsomartial，thawedsuddenlyawaylikeasnow-wreathinthesun。Itwasgone，andinitsplacethousandsofshiningdotsscatteredoverthewholeplainaseachmanmadehisownwaytothespotwherehecouldfindhishorseandbearhimselffromthefield。Foramomentitseemedthatthebattlewaswon，andathundershoutofjoypealedupfromtheEnglishline。
ButasthecurtainoftheDuke’sdivisionwasdrawnawayitwasonlytodisclosestretchingfarbehindit，andspanningthevalleyfromsidetoside，themagnificentarrayoftheFrenchKing，solid，unshaken，andpreparingitsranksfortheattack。ItsnumberswereasgreatasthoseoftheEnglisharmy;itwasunscathedbyallthatwaspast，andithadavaliantmonarchtoleadittothecharge。Withtheslowdeliberationofthemanwhomeanstodoortodie，itsleadermarshaleditsranksforthesupremeeffortoftheday。
Meanwhileduringthatbriefmomentofexultationwhenthebattleappearedtobewon，acrowdofhot-headedyoungknightsandsquiresswarmedandclamoredroundthePrince，beseechingthathewouldallowthemtorideforth。
“Seethisinsolentfellowwhobearsthreemartletsuponafieldgales！”criedSirMauriceBerkeley。”Hestandsbetwixtthetwoarmiesasthoughhehadnodreadofus。”
“Iprayyou，sir，thatImayrideouttohim，sinceheseemsreadytoattemptsomesmalldeed，“pleadedNigel。
“Nay，fairsirs，itisanevilthingthatweshouldbreakourline，seeingthatwestillhavemuchtodo，“saidthePrince。
“See！heridesaway，andsothematterissettled。”
“Nay，fairprince，“saidtheyoungknightwhohadspokenfirst。
“Mygrayhorse，Lebryte，couldrunhimdownerehecouldreachshelter。NeversinceIleftSevernsidehaveIseensteedsofleetasmine。ShallInotshowyou？”Inaninstanthehadspurredthechargerandwasspeedingacrosstheplain。
TheFrenchman，JohndeHelennes，asquireofPicardy，hadwaitedwithaburningheart，hissoulsickattheflightofthedivisioninwhichhehadridden。Inthehopeofdoingsomeredeemingexploit，orofmeetinghisowndeath，hehadloiteredbetwixtthearmies，butnomovementhadcomefromtheEnglishlines。Nowhehadturnedhishorse’sheadtojointheKing’sarray，whenthelowdrummingofhoofssoundedbehindhim，andheturnedtofindahorsemanharduponhisheels。Eachhaddrawnhissword，andthetwoarmiespausedtoviewthefight。InthefirstboutSirMauriceBerkeley’slancewasstruckfromhishand，andashesprangdowntorecoverittheFrenchmanranhimthroughthethigh，dismountedfromhishorse，andreceivedhissurrender。AstheunfortunateEnglishmanhobbledawayatthesideofhiscaptoraroaroflaughterburstfrombotharmiesatthespectacle。
“Bymytenfinger-bones！”criedAylward，chucklingbehindtheremainsofhisbush，“hefoundmoreonhisdistaffthattimethanheknewhowtospin。Whowastheknight？”
“Byhisarms，“saidoldWat，“heshouldeitherbeaBerkeleyoftheWestoraPophamofKent。”
“IcalltomindthatIshotamatchofsixendsoncewithaKentishwoldsman-“beganthefatBowyer。
“Nay，nay，stintthytalk，Bartholomew！”criedoldWat。”HereispoorNedwithhisheadcloven，anditwouldbemorefittingifyouweresayingavesforhissoul，insteadofallthisbobanceandboasting。Now，now，TomofBeverley？”
“Wehavesufferedsorelyinthislastbout，Wat。Therearefortyofourmenupontheirbacks，andtheDeanForestersontherightareinworsecasestill。”
“Talkingwillnotmendit，Tom，andifallbutonewereontheirbackshemuststillholdhisground。”
Whilstthearcherswerechatting，theleadersofthearmywereinsolemnconclavejustbehindthem。TwodivisionsoftheFrenchhadbeenrepulsed，andyettherewasmanyananxiousfaceastheolderknightslookedacrosstheplainattheunbrokenarrayoftheFrenchKingmovingslowlytowardthem。Thelineofthearcherswasmuchthinnedandshredded。Manyknightsandsquireshadbeendisabledinthelongandfiercecombatatthehedge。Others，exhaustedbywantoffood，hadnostrengthleftandwerestretchedpantingupontheground。Somewereengagedincarryingthewoundedtotherearandlayingthemundertheshelterofthetrees，whilstotherswerereplacingtheirbrokenswordsorlancesfromtheweaponsoftheslain。TheCaptaldeBuch，braveandexperiencedashewas，frowneddarklyandwhisperedhismisgivingstoChandos。
ButthePrince’scourageflamedthehigherastheshadowfell，whilehisdarkeyesgleamedwithasoldier’sprideasheglancedroundhimathiswearycomrades，andthenatthedensemassesoftheKing’sbattlewhichnow，withahundredtrumpetsblaringandathousandpennonswaving，rolledslowlyovertheplain。”Comewhatmay，John，thishasbeenamostnoblemeeting，“saidhe。”TheywillnotbeashamedofusinEngland。Takeheart，myfriends，forifweconquerweshallcarrythegloryeverwithus;butifwebeslainthenwediemostworshipfullyandinhighhonor，aswehaveeverprayedthatwemightdie，andweleavebehindusourbrothersandkinsmenwhowillassuredlyavengeus。Itisbutonemoreeffort，andallwillbewell。Warwick，Oxford，Salisbury，Suffolk，everymantothefront！，Mybannertothefrontalso！
Yourhorses，fairsirs！，Thearchersarespent，andourowngoodlancesmustwinthefieldthisday。Advance，Walter，andmayGodandSaintGeorgebewithEngland！”
SirWalterWoodland，ridingahighblackhorse，tookstationbythePrince，withtheroyalbannerrestinginasocketbyhissaddle。Fromallsidestheknightsandsquirescrowdedinuponit，untiltheyformedagreatsquadroncontainingthesurvivorsofthebattalionsofWarwickandSalisburyaswellasthoseofthePrince。Fourhundredmen-at-armswhohadbeenheldinreservewerebroughtupandthickenedthearray，butevensoChandos’facewasgraveashescanneditandthenturnedhiseyesuponthemassesoftheFrenchmen。
“Ilikeitnot，fairsir。Theweightisovergreat，“hewhisperedtothePrince。
“Howwouldyouorderit，John？，Speakwhatisinyoumind。”
“Weshouldattemptsomethingupontheirflankwhilstweholdtheminfront。Howsayyou，jean？”HeturnertotheCaptaldeBuch，whosedark，resolutefacereflectedthesamemisgivings。
“Indeed，John，Ithinkasyoudo，“saidhe。”TheFrenchKingisaveryvaliantman，andsoarethosewhoareabouthim，andIknownothowwemaydrivethembackunlesswecandoasyouadvise。IfyouwillgivemeonlyahundredmenIwillattemptit。”
“Surelythetaskismine，fairsir，sincethethoughthascomefromme，“saidChandos。
“Nay，John，Iwouldkeepyouatmyside。Butyouspeakwell，Jean，andyoushalldoevenasyouhavesaid。GoasktheEarlofOxfordforahundredmen-at-armsandasmanyhobblers，thatyoumayrideroundthemoundyonder，andsofalluponthemunseen。
Letallthatareleftofthearchersgatheroneachside，shootawaytheirarrows，andthenfightasbesttheymay。Waittilltheyarepastyonderthorn-bushandthen，Walter，bearmybannerstraightagainstthatoftheKingofFrance。Fairsirs，mayGodandthethoughtofyourladiesholdhighyourhearts！”
TheFrenchmonarch，seeingthathisfootmenhadmadenoimpressionupontheEnglish，andalsothatthehedgehadbeenwell-nighleveledtothegroundinthecourseofthecombat，sothatitnolongerpresentedanobstacle，hadorderedhisfollowerstoremounttheirhorses，anditwasasasolidmassofcavalrythatthechivalryofFranceadvancedtotheirlastsupremeeffort。TheKingwasinthecenterofthefrontline，GeoffreydeChargnywiththegoldenoriflammeuponhisright，andEustacedeRibeaumontwiththeroyalliliesupontheleft。AthiselbowwastheDukeofAthens，HighConstableofFrance，androundhimwerethenoblesofthecourt，fieryandfurious，yellingtheirwarcriesastheywavedtheirweaponsovertheirheads。SixthousandgallantmenofthebravestraceinEurope，menwhoseverynamesarelikeblastsofabattle-trumpet-BeaujeusandChatillons，TancarvillesandVentadours-pressedhardbehindthesilverlilies。
Slowlytheymovedatfirst，walkingtheirhorsesthattheymightbethefresherfortheshock。Thentheybrokeintoatrotwhichwasquickeningintoagallopwhentheremainsofthehedgeinfrontofthemwasbeateninaninstanttothegroundandthebroadlineofthesteel-cladchivalryofEnglandsweptgrandlyforthtothefinalshock。Withloosereinandbusyspurthetwolinesofhorsemengallopedatthetopoftheirspeedstraightandhardforeachother。Aninstantlatertheymetwithathunder-crashwhichwasheardbytheburghersonthewallofPoitiers，sevengoodmilesaway。
Underthatfrightfulimpacthorsesfelldeadwithbrokennecks，andmanyarider，heldinhissaddlebythehighpommel，fracturedhisthighswiththeshock。Hereandthereapairmetbreasttobreast，thehorsesrearingstraightupwardandfallingbackupontheirmasters。Butforthemostpartthelinehadopenedinthegallop，andthecavaliers，flyingthroughthegaps，buriedthemselvesintheenemy’sranks。Thentheflanksshreddedout，andthethickpressinthecenterlooseneduntiltherewasspacetoswingaswordandtoguideasteed。Fortenacrestherewasonewildtumultuousswirloftossingheads，ofgleamingweaponswhichroseandfell，ofupthrownhands，oftossingplumesandofliftedshields，whilstthedinofathousandwar-criesandtheclash-clashofmetaluponmetalroseandswelledliketheroarandbeatofanoceansurgeuponarock-boundcoast。Backwardandforwardswayedthemightythrong，nowdownthevalleyandnowup，aseachsideinturnputforthitsstrengthforafreshrally。
Lockedinonelongdeadlygrapple，greatEnglandandgallantFrancewithironheartsandsoulsoffirestroveandstroveformastery。
SirWalterWoodland，ridingharduponhishighblackhorse，hadplungedintotheswelterandheadedfortheblueandsilverbannerofKingJohn。CloseathisheelsinasolidwedgerodethePrince，Chandos，Nigel，LordReginaldCobham，Audleywithhisfourfamoussquires，andascoreofthefloweroftheEnglishandGasconknighthood。Holdingtogetherandbearingdownoppositionbyashowerofblowsandbytheweightoftheirpowerfulhorses，theirprogresswasstillveryslow，foreverfreshwavesofFrenchcavalierssurgedupagainstthemandbrokeinfrontonlytocloseinagainupontheirrear。Sometimestheyweresweptbackwardbytherush，sometimestheygainedafewpaces，sometimestheycouldbutkeeptheirfoothold，andyetfromminutetominutethatblueandsilverflagwhichwavedabovethepressgreweveralittlecloser。Adozenfurioushard-breathingFrenchknightshadbrokenintotheirranks，andclutchedatSirWalterWoodland’sbanner，butChandosandNigelguardeditononeside，Audleywithhissquiresontheother，sothatnomanlaidhishanduponitandlived。
Butnowtherewasadistantcrashandaroarof“SaintGeorgeforGuienne！”frombehind。TheCaptaldeBuchhadchargedhome。
“SaintGeorgeforEngland！”yelledthemainattack，andeverthecounter-crycamebacktothemfromafar。Theranksopenedinfrontofthem。TheFrenchweregivingway。Asmallknightwithgoldenscroll-workuponhisarmorthrewhimselfuponthePrinceandwasstruckdeadbyhismace。ItwastheDukeofAthens，ConstableofFrance，butnonehadtimetonoteit，andthefightrolledonoverhisbody。LooserstillweretheFrenchranks。
Manywereturningtheirhorses，forthatominousroarfromtherearhadshakentheirresolution。ThelittleEnglishwedgepouredonward，thePrince，Chandos，AudleyandNigeleverinthevan。
Ahugewarriorinblack，bearingagoldenbanner，appearedsuddenlyinagapoftheshreddingranks。Hetossedhispreciousburdentoasquire，whoboreitaway。LikeapackofhoundsontheveryhaunchofadeertheEnglishrushedyellingfortheoriflamme。Buttheblackwarriorflunghimselfacrosstheirpath。
“Chargny！，Chargnyalarecousse！”heroaredwithavoiceofthunder。SirReginaldCobhamdroppedbeforehisbattle-ax，sodidtheGascondeClisson。Nigelwasbeatendownontothecrupperofhishorsebyasweepingblow;butatthesameinstantChandos’
quickbladepassedthroughtheFrenchman’scamailandpiercedhisthroat。SodiedGeoffreydeChargny;buttheoriflammewassaved。
Dazedwiththeshock，Nigelstillkepthissaddle，andPommers，hisyellowhidemottledwithblood，borehimonwardwiththeothers。TheFrenchhorsemenwerenowinfullflight;butonesterngroupofknightsstoodfirm，likearockinarushingtorrent，beatingoffall，whetherfriendorfoe，whotriedtobreaktheirranks。Theoriflammehadgone，andsohadtheblueandsilverbanner，buthereweredesperatemenreadytofighttothedeath。Intheirrankshonorwastobereaped。ThePrinceandhisfollowinghurledthemselvesuponthem，whiletherestoftheEnglishhorsemensweptonwardtosecurethefugitivesandtowintheirransoms。Butthenoblerspirits-Audley，Chandosandtheothers-wouldhavethoughtitshametogainmoneywhilsttherewasworktobedoneorhonortobewon。Furiouswasthewildattack，desperatetheprolongeddefense。Menfellfromtheirsaddlesforveryexhaustion。
Nigel，stillathisplacenearChandos’elbow，washotlyattackedbyashortbroad-shoulderedwarrioruponastoutwhitecob，butPommersrearedwithpawingforefeetanddashedthesmallerhorsetotheground。ThefallingriderclutchedNigel’sarmandtorehimfromthesaddle，sothatthetworolleduponthegrassunderthestampinghoofs，theEnglishsquireonthetop，andhisshortenedswordglimmeredbeforethevisorofthegasping，breathlessFrenchman。
“Jemerends！，jeaxerends！”hepanted。
ForamomentavisionofrichransomspassedthroughNigel’sbrain。Thatnoblepalfrey，thatgold-fleckedarmor，meantfortunetothecaptor。Letothershaveit！，Therewasworkstilltobedone。HowcouldhedesertthePrinceandhisnoblemasterforthesakeofaprivategain？，Couldheleadaprisonertotherearwhenhonorbeckonedhimtothevan？，Hestaggeredtohisfeet，seizedPommersbythemane，andswunghimselfintothesaddle。
AninstantlaterhewasbyChandos’sideoncemoreandtheywereburstingtogetherthroughthelastranksofthegallantgroupwhohadfoughtsobravelytotheend。Behindthemwasonelongswathofthedeadandthewounded。InfrontthewholewideplainwascoveredwiththeflyingFrenchandtheirpursuers。
ThePrincereineduphissteedandopenedhisvisor，whilsthisfollowerscrowdedroundhimwithwaving，weaponsandfrenziedshoutsofvictory。”Whatnow，John！”criedthesmilingPrince，wipinghisstreamingfacewithhisungauntletedhand。”Howfaresitthen？”
“Iamlittlehurt，fairlord，saveforacrushedhandandaspear-prickintheshoulder。Butyou，sir？，Itrustyouhavenoscathe？”
“Intruth，John，withyouatoneelbowandLordAudleyattheother，IknownothowIcouldcometoharm。Butalas！，IfearthatSirJamesissorelystricken。”
ThegallantLordAudleyhaddroppeduponthegroundandthebloodoozedfromeverycreviceofhisbatteredarmor。HisfourbraveSquires-DuttonofDutton，DelvesofDoddington，FowlhurstofCreweandHawkstoneofWainhill-woundedandwearythemselves，butwithnothoughtsavefortheirmaster，unlacedhishelmetandbathedhispallidblood-stainedface。
HelookedupatthePrincewithburningeyes。”Ithankyou，sir，fordeigningtoconsidersopooraknightasmyself，“saidheinafeeblevoice。
ThePrincedismountedandbentoverhim。”Iamboundtohonoryouverymuch，James，“saidhe，“forbyyourvalorthisdayyouhavewongloryandrenownaboveusall，andyourprowesshasprovedyoutobethebravestknight。”
“MyLord，“murmuredthewoundedman，“youhavearighttosaywhatyouplease;butIwishitwereasyousay。”
“James，“saidthePrince，“fromthistimeonwardImakeyouaknightofmyownhousehold，andIsettleuponyoufivehundredmarksofyearlyincomefrommyownestatesinEngland。”
“Sir，“theknightanswered，“Godmakemeworthyofthegoodfortuneyoubestowuponme。YourknightIwilleverbe，andthemoneyIwilldividewithyourleaveamongstthesefoursquireswhohavebroughtmewhatevergloryIhavewonthisday。”，Sosayinghisheadfellback，andhelaywhiteandsilentuponthegrass。
“Bringwater！”saidthePrince。”Lettheroyalleechseetohim;
forIhadratherlosemanymenthanthegoodSirJames。Ha，Chandos，whathavewehere？”
Aknightlayacrossthepathwithhishelmetbeatendownuponhisshoulders。Onhissurcoatandshieldwerethearmsofaredgriffin。
“ItisRobertdeDurasthespy，“saidChandos。
“Wellforhimthathehasmethisend，“saidtheangryPrince。
“Puthimonhisshield，Hubert，andletfourarchersbearhimtothemonastery。LayhimatthefeetoftheCardinalandsaythatbythissignIgreethim。Placemyflagonyonderhighbush，Walter，andletmytentberaisedthere，thatmyfriendsmayknowwheretoseekme。”
Theflightandpursuithadthunderedfaraway，andthefieldwasdesertedsaveforthenumerousgroupsofwearyhorsemenwhoweremakingtheirwayback，drivingtheirprisonersbeforethem。Thearcherswerescatteredoverthewholeplain，riflingthesaddle-bagsandgatheringthearmorofthosewhohadfallen，orsearchingfortheirownscatteredarrows。
Suddenly，however，asthePrincewasturningtowardthebushwhichhehadchosenforhisheadquarters，therebrokeoutfrombehindhimanextraordinaryuproarandagroupofknightsandsquirescamepouringtowardhim，allarguing，swearingandabusingeachotherinFrenchandEnglishatthetopsoftheirvoices。Inthemidstofthemlimpedastoutlittlemaningold-spangledarmor，whoappearedtobetheobjectofthecontention，foronewoulddraghimonewayandoneanother，asthoughtheywouldpullhimlimbfromlimb。”Nay，fairsirs，gently，gently，Iprayyou！”hepleaded。”Thereisenoughforall，andnoneedtotreatmesorudely。”，Buteverthehubbubbrokeoutagain，andswordsgleamedastheangrydisputantsglaredfuriouslyateachother。ThePrince’seyesfelluponthesmallprisoner，andhestaggeredbackwithagaspofastonishment。
“KingJohn！”hecried。
Ashoutofjoyrosefromthewarriorsaroundhim。”TheKingofFrance！，TheKingofFranceaprisoner！”theycriedinanecstasy。
“Nay，nay，fairsirs，lethimnothearthatwerejoice！，Letnowordbringpaintohissoul！”RunningforwardthePrinceclaspedtheFrenchKingbythetwohands。
“Mostwelcome，sire！”hecried。”Indeeditisgoodforusthatsogallantaknightshouldstaywithusforsomeshorttime，sincethechanceofwarhassoorderedit。Winethere！，BringwinefortheKing！”
ButJohnwasflushedandangry。Hishelmethadbeenroughlytornoff，andbloodwassmeareduponhischeek。Hisnoisycaptorsstoodaroundhiminacircle，eyinghimhungrilylikedogswhohavebeenbeatenfromtheirquarry。TherewereGasconsandEnglish，knights，squiresandarchers，allpushingandstraining。
“Iprayyou，fairPrince，togetridoftheserudefellows，“saidKingJohn，“forindeedtheyhaveplaguedmesorely。BySaintDenis！myarmhasbeenwell-nighpulledfromitssocket。”
“Whatwishyouthen？”askedthePrince，turningangrilyuponthenoisyswarmofhisfollowers。
“Wetookhim，fairlord。Heisours！”criedascoreofvoices。
Theyclosedin，allyelpingtogetherlikeapackofwolves。”ItwasI，fairlord！”-“Nay，itwasI！”-“Youlie，yourascal，itwasI！”Againtheirfierceeyesglaredandtheirblood-stainedhandssoughtthehiltsoftheirweapons。
“Nay，thismustbesettledhereandnow！”saidthePrince。”I
craveyourpatience，fairandhonoredsir，forafewbriefminutes，sinceindeedmuchill-willmayspringfromthisifitbenotsetatrest。WhoisthistallknightwhocanscarcekeephishandsfromtheKing’sshoulder？”
“ItisDenisdeMorbecque，mylord，aknightofSt。Omer，whoisinourservice，beinganoutlawfromFrance。”
“Icallhimtomind。Howthen，SirDenis？，Whatsayyouinthismatter？”
“Hegavehimselftome，fairlord。Hehadfalleninthepress，andIcameuponhimandseizedhim。ItoldhimthatIwasaknightfromArtois，andhegavemehisglove。Seehere，Ibearitinmyhand。”
“Itistrue，fairlord！，Itistrue！”criedadozenFrenchvoices。
“Nay，sir，judgenottoosoon！”shoutedanEnglishsquire，pushinghiswaytothefront。”ItwasIwhohadhimatmymercy，andheismyprisoner，forhespoketothismanonlybecausehecouldtellbyhistonguethathewashisowncountryman。Itookhim，andhereareascoretoproveit。”
“Itistrue，fairlord。Wesawitanditwasevenso，“criedachorusofEnglishmen。
AtalltimestherewasgrowlingandsnappingbetwixttheEnglishandtheiralliesofFrance。ThePrincesawhoweasilythismightsetalighttosuchaflameascouldnotreadilybequenched。Itmustbestampedoutnowereithadtimetomount。
“Fairandhonoredlord，“hesaidtotheKing，“againIprayyouforamomentofpatience。Itisyourwordandonlyyourswhichcantelluswhatisjustandright。Towhomwereyougraciouslypleasedtocommityourroyalperson？”
KingJohnlookedupfromtheflagonwhichhadbeenbroughttohimandwipedhislipswiththedawningsofasmileuponhisruddyface。
“ItwasnotthisEnglishman，“hesaid，andacheerburstfromtheGascons，“norwasitthisbastardFrenchman，“headded。”ToneitherofthemdidIsurrender。”
Therewasahushofsurprise。
“Towhomthen，sir？”askedthePrince。
TheKinglookedslowlyround。”Therewasadevilofayellowhorse，“saidhe。”Mypoorpalfreywentoverlikeaskittle-pinbeforeaball。OftheriderIknownothingsavethatheboreredrosesonasilvershield。Ah！bySaintDenis，thereisthemanhimself，andtherehisthrice-accursedhorse！”
Hisheadswimming，andmovingasifinadream，Nigelfoundhimselfthecenterofthecircleofarmedandangrymen。
ThePrincelaidhishanduponhisshoulder。”ItisthelittlecockofTilfordBridge，“saidhe。”Onmyfather’ssoul，Ihaveeversaidthatyouwouldwinyourway。DidyoureceivetheKing’ssurrender？”
“Nay，fairlord，Ididnotreceiveit。”
“Didyouhearhimgiveit？”
“Iheard，sir，butIdidnotknowthatitwastheKing。MymasterLordChandoshadgoneon，andIfollowedafter。”
“Andlefthimlying。Thenthesurrenderwasnotcomplete，andbythelawsofwartheransomgoestoDenisdeMorbecque，ifhisstorybetrue。”
“Itistrue，“saidtheKing。”Hewasthesecond。”
“Thentheransomisyours;Denis。ButformypartIswearbymyfather’ssoulthatIhadratherhavethehonorthisSquirehasgatheredthanalltherichestransomsofFrance。”
AtthesewordsspokenbeforethatcircleofnoblewarriorsNigel’sheartgaveonegreatthrob，andhedroppeduponhiskneebeforethePrince。”Fairlord，howcanIthankyou？”hemurmured。
“Thesewordsatleastaremorethananyransom。”
“Riseup！”saidthesmilingPrince，andhesmotewithhissworduponhisshoulder。”EnglandhaslostabraveSquire，andhasgainedagallantknight。Nay，lingernot，Ipray！，Riseup，SirNigel！”
XXVII。HOWTHETHIRDMESSENGERCAMETOCOSFORD
Twomonthshavepassed，andthelongslopesofHindheadarerussetwiththefadedferns-thefuzzybrownpeltwhichwrapsthechillingearth。WithwhoopandscreamthewildNovemberwindsweepsoverthegreatrollingdowns，tossingthebranchesoftheCosfordbeeches，andrattlingattherudelatticedwindows。ThestoutoldknightofDuplin，grownevenalittlestouter，withwhiterbeardtofringeaneverredderface，sitsasofyoreattheheadofhisownboard。Awell-heapedplatterflankedbyafoamingtankardstandsbeforehim。AthisrightsitstheLadyMary，herdark，plain，queenlyfacemarkeddeepwiththoseyearsofwearywaiting，butbearingthegentlegraceanddignitywhichonlysorrowandrestraintcangive。OnhisleftisMatthew，theoldpriest。Longagothegolden-hairedbeautyhadpassedfromCosfordtoFernhurst，wheretheyoungandbeautifulLadyEdithBrocasisthebelleofallSussex，asunbeamofsmilesandmerriment，saveperhapswhenherthoughtsforaninstantflybacktothatdreadnightwhenshewaspluckedfromundertheverytalonsofthefoulhawkofShalford。
Theoldknightlookedupasafreshgustofwindwithadashofrainbeatagainstthewindowbehindhim。”BySaintHubert，itisawildnight！”saidhe。”Ihadhopedto-morrowtohaveaflightataheronofthepooloramallardinthebrook。HowfaresitwithlittleKatherinetheperegrine，Mary？”
“Ihavejoinedthewing，father，andIhaveimpedthefeathers;
butIfearitwillbeChristmasereshecanflyagain。”
“Thisisahardsaying，“saidSirJohn;“forindeedIhaveseennobolderbetterbird。Herwingwasbrokenbyaheron’sbeaklastSabbathsennight，holyfather，andMaryhasthemendingofit。”
“Itrust，myson，thatyouhadheardmassereyouturnedtoworldlypleasureuponGod’sholyday，“FatherMatthewanswered。
“Tut，tut！”saidtheoldknight，laughing。”ShallImakeconfessionattheheadofmyowntable？，IcanworshipthegoodGodamongsthisownworks，thewoodsandthefields，betterthaninyonpileofstoneandwood。ButIcalltomindacharmforawoundedhawkwhichwastaughtmebythefowlerofGastondeFoix。
Howdiditrun？，`ThelionoftheTribeofJudah，therootofDavid，hasconquered。’，Yes，thosewerethewordstobesaidthreetimesasyouwalkroundtheperchwherethebirdismewed。”
Theoldpriestshookhishead。”Nay，thesecharmsaretricksoftheDevil，“saidhe。”HolyChurchlendsthemnocountenance，fortheyareneithergoodnorfair。Buthowisitnowwithyourtapestry，LadyMary？，WhenlastIwasbeneaththisroofyouhadhalfdoneinfivefaircolorsthestoryofTheseusandAriadne。”
“Itishalfdonestill，holyfather。”
“Howisthis，mydaughter？，Haveyouthensomanycalls？”
“Nay，holyfather，herthoughtsareotherwhere，“SirJohnanswered。”Shewillsitanhouratatime，theneedleinherhandandhersoulahundredleaguesfromCosfordHouse。EversincethePrince’sbattle-“
“Goodfather，Ibegyou-“
“Nay，Mary，nonecanhearme，saveyourownconfessor，FatherMatthew。EversincethePrince’sbattle，Isay，whenweheardthatyoungNigelhadwonsuchhonorsheisbrain-wode，andsitsever-well，evenasyouseehernow。”
AnintentlookhadcomeintoMary’seyes;hergazewasfixeduponthedarkrain-splashedwindow。Itwasafacecarvedfromivory，white-lippedandrigid，onwhichtheoldpriestlooked。
“Whatisit，mydaughter？，Whatdoyousee？”
“Iseenothing，father。”
“Whatisitthenthatdisturbsyou？”
“Ihear，father。”
“Whatdoyouhear？”
“Therearehorsemenontheroad。”
Theoldknightlaughed。”Soitgoeson，father。Whatdayistherethatahundredhorsemendonotpassourgate，andyeteveryclinkofhoofssetsherpoorhearta-trembling。Sostrongandsteadfastshehaseverbeen，myMary，andnownosoundtooslighttoshakehertothesoul！，Nay，daughter，nay，Iprayyou！”
Shehadhalf-risenfromherchair，herhandsclenchedandherdark，startledeyesstillfixeduponthewindow。”Ihearthem，father！，Ihearthemamidthewindandtherain！，Yes，yes，theyareturning-theyhaveturned！，MyGod，theyareatourverydoor！”
“BySaintHubert，thegirlisright！”criedoldSirJohn，beatinghisfistupontheboard。”Ho，varlets，outwithyoutotheyard！
Setthemulledwineontheblazeoncemore！，Therearetravelersatthegate，anditisnonighttokeepadogwaitingatourdoor。
Hurry，Hannkiin！，Hurry，Isay，orIwillhasteyouwithmycudgel！”
Plainlytotheearsofallmencouldbeheardthestampingofthehorses。Maryhadstoodup，quiveringineverylimb。Aneagerstepatthethreshold，thedoorwasflungwide，andthereintheopeningstoodNigel，theraingleaminguponhissmilingface，hischeeksflushedwiththebeatingofthewind，hisblueeyesshiningwithtendernessandlove。Somethingheldherbythethroat，thelightofthetorchesdancedupanddown;butherstrongspiritroseatthethoughtthatothersshouldseethatinnerholyofholiesofhersoul。Thereisaheroismofwomentowhichnovalorofmancanattain。Hereyesonlycarriedhimhermessageassheheldoutherhand。
“Welcome，Nigel！”saidshe。
Hestoopedandkissedit。
“SaintCatharinehasbroughtmehome，“saidhe。
AmerrysupperitwasatCosfordManorthatnight，withNigelattheheadbetwixtthejovialoldknightandtheLadyMary，whilstatthefartherendSamkinAylward，wedgedbetweentwoservantmaids，kepthisneighborsinalternatelaughterandterrorashetoldhistalesoftheFrenchWars。Nigelhadtoturnhisdoeskinheelsandshowhislittlegoldenspurs。AshespokeofwhatwaspassedSirJohnclappedhimontheshoulder，whileMarytookhisstrongrighthandinhers，andthegoodoldpriestsmilingblessedthemboth。Nigelhaddrawnalittlegoldenringfromhispocket，andittwinkledinthetorchlight。
“Didyousaythatyoumustgoonyourwayto-morrow，father？”heaskedthepriest。
“Indeed，fairson，thematterpresses。”
“Butyoumaybidethemorning？”
“ItwillsufficeifIstartatnoon。”
“Muchmaybedoneinamorning。”，HelookedatMary，whoblushedandsmiled。”BySaintPaul！，Ihavewaitedlongenough。”
“Good，good！”chuckledtheoldknight，withwheezylaughter。
“EvensoIwooedyourmother，Mary。Wooerswerebriskintheoldentime。To-morrowisTuesday，andTuesdayiseveraluckyday。Alas！thatthegoodDameErmyntrudeisnolongerwithustoseeitdone！，Theoldhoundmustrunusdown，Nigel，andIhearitsbayuponmyownheels;butmyheartwillrejoicethatbeforetheendImaycallyouson。Givemeyourhand，Mary，andyours，Nigel。Now，takeanoldman’sblessing，andmayGodkeepandguardyouboth，andgiveyouyourdesert，forIbelieveonmysoulthatinallthisbroadlandtheredwellsnonoblermannoranywomanmorefittedtobehismate！”
Thereletusleavethem，theirheartsfullofgentlejoy，thegoldenfutureofhopeandpromisestretchingoutbeforetheiryouthfuleyes。Alasforthosegreenspringdreaming！，Howoftendotheyfadeandwitheruntiltheyfallandrot，adrearysight，bythewaysideoflife！，Buthere，byGod’sblessing，itwasnotso，fortheyburgeonedandtheygrew，everfairerandmorenoble，untilthewholewideworldmightmarvelatthebeautyofit。
IthasbeentoldelsewherehowastheyearspassedNigel’snamerosehigherinhonor;butstillMary’swouldkeeppacewithit，eachhelpingandsustainingtheotheruponaneverhigherpath。
InmanylandsdidNigelcarvehisfame，andeverashereturnedspentandwearyfromhisworkhedrankfreshstrengthandfireandcravingforhonorfromherwhoglorifiedhishome。AtTwynhamCastletheydwelledformanyyears，belovedandhonoredbyall。
TheninthefullnessoftimetheycamebacktotheTilfordManor-
houseandspenttheirhappy，healthyageamidthoseheatherdownswhereNigelhadpassedhisfirstlustyyouth，ereeverheturnedhisfacetothewars。ThitheralsocameAylwardwhenhehadleftthe“PiedMerlin“whereformanyayearhesoldaletothemenoftheforest。
Buttheyearspass;theoldwheelturnsandeverthethreadrunsout。Thewiseandthegood，thenobleandthebrave，theycomefromthedarkness，andintothedarknesstheygo，whence，whitherandwhy，whomaysay？，HereistheslopeofHindhead。ThefernstillglowsrussetinNovember，theheatherstillburnsredinJuly;butwherenowistheManorofCosford？，WhereistheoldhouseofTilford？，Where，butforafewscatteredgraystones，isthemightypileofWaverley？，AndyetevengnawingTimehasnoteatenallthingsaway。WalkwithmetowardGuildford，reader，uponthebusyhighway。Here，wherethehighgreenmoundrisesbeforeus，markyonderrooflessshrinewhichstillstandsfoursquaretothewinds。ItisSt。Catharine’s，whereNigelandMaryplightedtheirfaith。Belowliesthewindingriver，andoveryonderyoustillseethedarkChantrywoodswhichmountuptothebaresummit，onwhich，roofedandwhole，standsthatChapeloftheMartyrwherethecomradesbeatoffthearchersofthecrookedLordofShalford。Downyonderontheflanksofthelongchalkhillsonetracestheroadbywhichtheymadetheirjourneytothewars。
Andnowturnhithertothenorth，downthissunkenwindingpath！
ItisallunchangedsinceNigel’sday。HereistheChurchofCompton。Passundertheagedandcrumblingarch。Beforethestepsofthatancientaltar，unrecordedandunbrassed，liesthedustofNigelandofMary。NearthemisthatofMaudetheirdaughter，andofAlleyneEdricson，whosespouseshewas;theirchildrenandchildren’schildrenarelyingbytheirside。Heretoo，neartheoldyewinthechurchyard，isthelittlemoundwhichmarkswhereSamkinAylwardwentbacktothatgoodsoilfromwhichhesprang。
Soliethedeadleaves;buttheyandsuchastheynourishforeverthatgreatoldtrunkofEngland，whichstillshedsforthanothercropandanother，eachasstrongandasfairasthelast。Thebodymaylieinmolderingchancel，orincrumblingvault，buttherumorofnoblelives，therecordofvalorandtruth，canneverdie，butlivesoninthesoulofthepeople。Ourownworkliesreadytoourhands;andyetourstrengthmaybethegreaterandourfaiththefirmerifwespareanhourfrompresenttoilstolookbackuponthewomenwhoweregentleandstrong，orthemenwholovedhonormorethanlife，onthisgreenstageofEnglandwhereforafewshortyearsweplayourlittlepart。
End