rds, and shouting to Don Henry to cross
swords with him. Henry on his part fought with great valour, although,
as he had the burden of command upon him, he was less able to
distinguish himself by acts of personal prowess. Though fighting in the
thickest of the press, he never lost his grasp of the general purpose of
the battle. Three times, when his troops wavered before the assaults of
the Black Prince and his knights, he rallied them and renewed the fight.

While this battle was raging, a not less obstinate fight was proceeding
between the divisions of Lancaster and Du Guesclin. For a long time
victory was doubtful, and indeed inclined towards the side of the
French. The ranks of both parties were broken, and all were fighting in
a confused mass, when, in the midst of the melee, a body of French and
Spaniards poured in upon the banner of Chandos. He was struck to the
ground, and a gigantic Castilian knight flung himself upon him and
strove to slay him as he held him down. Chandos had lost sword and
battle-axe, but drawing his dagger, he held with one hand his opponent's
sword-arm, and at last, after repeated strokes with his dagger, he found
an undefended part of his armour and pierced him with his dagger to
the hilt. The Spaniard relaxed his hold, and Chandos, throwing him off,
struggled to his feet and rejoined his friends, who had thought him
dead. They now fought with more enthusiasm than ever, and at last,
driving back the main body of the French knights, isolated a body of
some sixty strong, and forced them to surrender. Among these were Du
Guesclin himself, the Marshal D'Audenham, and the Bigue de Vilaines.

As these were the leaders of the division, the main body lost spirit and
fought feebly, and were soon completely routed by Lancaster and Chandos.
These now turned their attention to the other part of the field where
the battle was still raging, and charged down upon the flank of Don
Henry's army, which was already wavering. The Spaniards gave way at once
on every side, and ere long the whole were scattered in headlong rout,
hotly pursued by the English. The greater portion fled towards the
town of Najarra, where they had slept the previous night, and here vast
quantities were slaughtered by the English and Gascons. A number of
prisoners were taken, and the palace and town sacked. The pursuit was
kept up the whole day, and it was not until evening that the leaders
began once more to assemble round the banner