Page:Conquest of France (1).pdf/13

 of Edward the Black Prince. 13 diſorder by the Engliſh archers, the greateft part of them ſlain, and the reſt ſoon defeated and compelled to retire, they ruſh- ed into the French King’s battle, and ſo diſ- ordered it, that the Engliſh without mercy put moſt of them to the ſword. This bad ſucceſs did not ſo diſcourage the French, but truſting to their numbers, they came reſolutely on, charged the Prince’s battle with great fury, but he ſtoutly repel- led them, doing wonders, ſo encouraged his men, that they fought like lions, by means whereof, they made havock of the French men, who could not obſerve any order at all, nor help themſelves by any in- genuous policy of war, yet thoſe that came to ſtop the gap that death had made, preſs- ed hard on, and many of them met the like fate; however, the preſſing numbers gave no leiſure to the Prince nor his aſſiſtants to breathe, nor take any reſpite, or refreſh- ment, ſo that the brave Prince, though he was full of incomparable valour, being diſ- treſſed for want of breathing time, ſent to the King to come to his relief.

Said the King, tell him from me, that he muſt expect no aid, for this ſhall be the day, in which he ſhall either win honour, or looſe his life.

When the Prince was informed what the King