ce's
behavior as host toward his royal captive, King John of France (it was
the evening after the battle):--

When evening was come, the Prince of Wales gave a supper in his
pavilion to the King of France, and to the greater part of the
princes and barons who were prisoners. The prince seated the King
of France, and his son the Lord Philip, at an elevated and
well-covered table: with them were Sir James de Bourbon, the Lord
John d'Artois, the earls of Tancarville, of Estampes, of Dammartin,
of Graville, and the Lord of Partenay. The other knights and
squires were placed at different tables. The prince himself served
the king's table, as well as the others, with every mark of
humility, and would not sit down at it, in spite of all his
entreaties for him so to do, saying that "he was not worthy of such
an honor, nor did it appertain to him to seat himself at the table
of so great a king, or of so valiant a man as he had shown himself
by his actions that day." He added, also, with a noble air, "Dear
sir, do not make a poor meal, because the Almighty God has not
gratified your wishes in the event of this day; for be assured that
my lord and father will show you every honor and friendship in his
power, and will arrange your ransom so reasonably, that you will
henceforward always remain friends. In my opinion, you have cause
to be glad that the success of this battle did not turn out as you
desired; for you have this day acquired such high renown for
prowess, that you have surpassed all the best knights on your side.
I do not, dear sir, say this to flatter you; for all those of our
side who have seen and observed the actions of each party, have
unanimously allowed this to be your due, and decree you the prize
and garland for it." At the end of this speech, there were murmurs
of praise heard from every one; and the French said the prince had
spoken nobly and truly, and that he would be one of the most
gallant princes in Christendom if God should grant him life to
pursue his career of glory.

A splendid and a gracious figure the Black Prince makes in the pages of
Froissart. It was great good fortune for the posthumous fame of
chivalry, that the institution should have come by an artist so gifted
and so loyal as this Frenchman, to deliver its features in portrait to
after-times,