In the mean time, the war between England and France still went on. Many battles were fought, and many towns and castles were besieged and taken. But, after all, no great progress was made on either side, and at length, when both parties had become wearied and exhausted in the struggle, a peace was concluded, and King John, having paid a suitable ransom for himself and for those who were with him, was allowed to return home. He had been in captivity for about five years. * * * * * The conduct of Prince Edward at the battles of Crecy and of Poictiers, in both which contests the English fought against an immense superiority of numbers, and the great eclat of such an achievement as capturing the French king, and conducting him a prisoner to London, joined to the noble generosity which he displayed in his treatment of his prisoners, made his name celebrated throughout the world. Every body was sounding the praises of the Black Prince, the heir apparent to the English throne, and anticipating the greatness and glory to which England would attain when he should become king. This was an event which might occur at any time, for King Edward his father was drawing gradually into the later years of life, and he himself was now nearly forty years of age. CHAPTER V. CHILDHOOD OF RICHARD. A.D. 1366-1370 Prince Edward becomes Prince of Aquitaine.--Various calls made upon him.--Don Pedro.--Edward's plans and arrangements.--Lord D'Albret.--Lord D'Albret offers a thousand men.--King Edward offers his aid.--John of Gaunt.--Why the princess wishes to have Edward's departure postponed.--Prince Edward's letter to Lord D'Albret.--Lord D'Albret is very angry.--His determination.--Lord D'Albret's letter to the prince.--Edward in want of money.--Don Pedro pledges his three daughters.--The baptism of the young Prince Richard.--Richard receives a visit from his uncle John.--Richard at Bordeaux.--Don Pedro's troubles and perplexities.--King Charles determines to call Prince Edward to account.--The commissioners arrive, and are received by the prince.--The lawyer reads the letter.--The prince is very much displeased.--He dismisses the commissioners.--Indignation of the prince.--He wishes to arrest the commissioners.--The commissioners seized and imprisoned.--Death of Richard's brother.--The prince determines to go to England.--Prince Edward's farewell speech.--He sails for England.--Little Richard at sea.--Pleasant and prosperous voyage.--Portrait of Edward III.--Richard's first entrance into England. The child of Edward the Black Prince, who afterward became Richard the Second, king of England, was born at Bordeaux, in the southwestern part of France, in the year 1367, in the midst of a scene of great military bustle and excitement. The circumstances were these.