the Black Prince had received intelligence that he had formed a plan
for attacking the English as they passed through the terrible pass of
Roncesvalles, he compelled him to accompany the army. The invitation
was couched in language which was friendly, but would yet admit of no
denial.

On the 17th of February the English army, 30,000 strong, reached the
pass. It marched in three divisions, the first commanded by the Duke of
Lancaster and Lord Chandos, the second by the Black Prince, the third
by the King of Majorca and the Count of Armaguac. The divisions crossed
over on different days, for the pass was encumbered by snow and the
obstacles were immense. Upon the day when the prince's division were
passing a storm burst upon them, and it was with the greatest difficulty
that they succeeded in crossing. On the 20th of February, however, all
arrived safe on the other side of the Pyrenees. Du Guesclin, who, seeing
the storm which was approaching from Aquitaine, had returned to France
and levied a French army, was nigh at hand, and kept within a few miles
of the English army as it advanced, avoiding an engagement until the
arrival of Don Henry, who was marching to join him with the great
companies and 60,000 Spanish troops.

Du Guesclin kept up secret communications with the King of Navarre, who
was still forced to accompany the English army. The latter accordingly
went out from the camp under pretence of hunting and was captured by a
detachment of French troops.

On the 1st of April, the Spanish army having joined the French, the
Black Prince sent letters to Don Henry, urging him in mild but dignified
language to return to obedience, and to resign the throne he had
usurped, offering at the same time to act as mediator between him
and his brother, and to do all in his power to remove differences and
abuses. Henry, confident in his strength, replied haughtily and prepared
for battle.

The forces were extremely unequal. The Black Prince had under him 30,000
men; while under Don Henry were 3000 men-at-arms on mail-clad horses,
20,000 men-at-arms on horses not so protected, 6000 light cavalry,
10,000 crossbow-men, and 60,000 foot armed with spear and sword.

The night before the battle the Black Prince lodged in the little
village of Navarretta, which had been deserted by its inhabitants.
Walter had been his close companion since he started, and occupied the
same lodging with him in the village.

"This reminds me," the