Page:Conquest of France (1).pdf/19

 of Edward the Black Prince. 19 landing, he breathed ſuch terror on that province, that the French grew heartleſs, ſo that a great number of towns and caſtles fell into his hands; this made the new King John, haſten his army into the field, not doubting to oppreſs the Prince, whoſe army conſiſted of not above 10 or 10,000 men; and ſo accompanied by his youngeſt ſon, he marched towards Poictiers, where the Engliſh army lay, and the battle began with great fury: The French King had divided his army into four battles, who as it was in their turns, came and fought with much valour. But the thick ſhot of the Engliſh arrows galling their horſes, they threw their riders. This ſoon put their cavalry into diſorder, and were trodden to death by their own friends, and ſuch as would have preſſed forward to make proof of their valour, were driven back by thoſe that re- tired from the fury of the Engliſh ſhot. However, the French King's own battle was better ordered than the reſt who per- formed wonderful fates, being animated thereunto by their King, who exceeded all his nobles that day. But the Black Prince and his battle, which was ſo well marſhal- led, that no diſorder troubled it, that the French men were not able to ſtand before them; for the Prince, inſpired by the love of his fair miſtreſs, had vowed ere the bat- tle began, he would that day acquit himſelf