hem them round. The earls of Arundel and
Northampton now advanced their line to sustain the prince, who, ardent
in his first feats of arms, set an example of valor which was imitated
by all his followers. The battle became for some time hot and dangerous,
and the earl of Warwick, apprehensive of the event, from the superior
numbers of the French, despatched a messenger to the king, and entreated
him to send succors to the relief of the prince. Edward had chosen his
station on the top of the hill; and he surveyed in tranquillity the
scene of action. When the messenger accosted him, his first question
was, whether the prince were slain or wounded. On receiving an answer in
the negative, "Return," said he, "to my son, and tell him that I reserve
the honor of the day to him: I am confident that he will show himself
worthy of the honor of knighthood which I so lately conferred upon him:
he will be able, without my assistance, to repel the enemy."[*] This
speech, being reported to the prince and his attendants, inspired them
with fresh courage: they made an attack with redoubled vigor on the
French, in which the count of Alencon was slain: that whole line of
cavalry was thrown into disorder: the riders were killed or dismounted:
the Welsh infantry rushed into the throng, and with their long knives
cut the throats of all who had fallen; nor was any quarter given that
day by the victors.[**]

* Froissard, liv. i. chap. 130.

** Froissard, liv. i. chap. 130.

The king of France advanced in vain with the rear to sustain the line
commanded by his brother: he found them already discomfited; and the
example of their rout increased the confusion which was before but too
prevalent in his own body. He had himself a horse killed under him: he
was remounted; and, though left almost alone, he seemed still determined
to maintain the combat; when John of Hainault seized the reins of his
bridle, turned about his horse, and carried him off the field of battle.
The whole French army took to flight, and was followed and put to the
sword without mercy by the enemy, till the darkness of the night put an
end to the pursuit. The king, on his return to the camp, flew into the
arms of the prince of Wales, and exclaimed, "My brave son persevere in
your honorable course: you are my son! for valiantly have you acquitted
yourself to-day: you have shown yourself worthy of empire."[*]

This battle, which is known by the name of the battle of