ver. When he recovered sufficiently to inquire into the state of his
forces, he was filled with sorrow and dismay. Four-fifths of the number
were either dead or so weakened as to be useless for service again. The
prince wrote urgently to Don Pedro for the money due; but the king knew
that the English were powerless now, and replied that he had not been
able to collect the money, but would forward it to Aquitaine, if the
prince would return there with his army. Edward knew that he lied, but
with only 6000 or 7000 men, many of whom were enfeebled by disease,
he was not in a position to force the claim, or to punish the base and
ungrateful king. Again, therefore, he turned his face north.

Charles of Navarre had now allied himself with Don Henry, and refused to
allow the remnants of the army to pass through his dominions, although
he granted permission to the prince himself and his personal attendants
and friends. The southern route was barred by the King of Arragon, also
an ally of Don Henry; but with him the prince was more successful. He
had a personal interview with the monarch, and so influenced him that
he not only obtained permission for his troops to pass through his
dominions, but detached him from his alliance with Don Henry, and
induced him to enter into a friendly treaty with Pedro.

A greater act of magnanimity was never performed. In spite of the base
ingratitude with which he had been treated, and the breach of faith
which saddled him with enormous liabilities and debts, which weighed him
down and embittered the rest of his life, Edward remained faithful to
the cause of his father's ally, and did his best to maintain him in the
position which English valour had won for him. He himself with a few
companions passed through Navarre, and arrived safely in Bordeaux, where
his wife awaited him, and where he was received with rejoicings and
festivities in honour of his glorious campaign in Spain.

His health was now irreparably injured. Troubles came thick upon him in
Aquitaine, and he had no longer the energy to repress them. Risings
took place in all directions, and the King of France renewed the war.
In addition to his own troubles from the debts he had incurred, and the
enemies who rose against him, he was further shaken by the death of his
mother Philippa, whom he tenderly loved. His friend Chandos, too, was
killed in a skirmish. Unhappily, while thus weakened in mind and body
the treachery of the bishop and