white ostrich feathers,
with the motto Ich dien (I serve) were taken by the Black Prince in
memory of that day, and the crest and motto have ever since been used
by the Prince of Wales.

During all the time that the battle was raging, King Edward was
watching from his hill-top, his glance never for one moment straying
from the panorama of the battlefield, as the combat deepened into a
mortal one. The French cavalry was close upon the Black Prince. He and
his men were in great danger. He was young and inexperienced. The Earl
of Northampton hastily sent a messenger to the king, begging him to
come down to his son's aid.

King Edward, who had been watching the prince's manoeuvres with
breathless interest, and had determined on his course in regard to the
lad, answered the messenger with a question.

"Is my son killed?"

"No sire, please God," replied the messenger.

"Is he wounded?"

"No, sire."

"Is he thrown to the ground?"

"No, my lord, not so, but he is in the thick of the fray and is in
great need of your assistance."

"Return to those who sent you," answered the king, "and tell them not
to send for me again while my son is still alive, but to let the youth
win his spurs, for I intend if it please God that this day be his."

Such a retort as this showed plainly that King Edward had the greatest
confidence in his son's courage and ability and the bold words being
repeated to the prince and his men, so raised their spirits that they
fought more valiantly than before. Again and again the French army
charged on the enemy, but it was of no use. At one moment, the Black
Prince was in mortal danger, having been wounded and thrown to the
ground, and was only saved by a brave knight, Richard de Beaumont, who
was carrying the huge banner of Wales, and who, seeing the prince fall,
instantly threw the banner over him as he lay on the ground, and stood
on it until he had driven back the enemy, after which the prince was
raised up and revived, and took his place again in the battle.

Through all that long summer evening of August 26th, and far into the
night, the Black Prince and his army fought the army of France, fought
until the flower of the French force lay dead, and their troops were
utterly discouraged, and disorganised.

Then seeing that the case was hopeless for them, and that the victory
had been won by the sturdy little English army, John of Hainault seized
the bridle of King Philip's horse and led him