The History of England in Three Volumes, Vol. I., Part B.: From Henry III. to Richard III. — David Hume — John Shaqi
The History of England in Three Volumes, Vol. I., Part B.: From Henry III. to Richard III.
David Hume · en
* Froissard, liv. i. chap. 130.
The artillery fired amidst the crowd; the English archers continued to
send in their arrows among them; and nothing was to be seen in that vast
body but hurry and confusion, terror and dismay. The young prince of
Wales had the presence of mind to take advantage of this situation,
and to lead on his line to the charge. The French cavalry, however,
recovering somewhat their order, and encouraged by the example of their
leader, made a stout resistance; and having at last cleared themselves
of the Genoese runaways, advanced upon their enemies, and by their
superior numbers began to hem them round. The earls of Arundel and
Northampton now advanced their line to sustain the prince, who, ardent
in his first feats of arms, set an example of valor which was imitated
by all his followers. The battle became for some time hot and dangerous,
and the earl of Warwick, apprehensive of the event, from the superior
numbers of the French, despatched a messenger to the king, and entreated
him to send succors to the relief of the prince. Edward had chosen his
station on the top of the hill; and he surveyed in tranquillity the
scene of action. When the messenger accosted him, his first question
was, whether the prince were slain or wounded. On receiving an answer in
the negative, “Return,” said he, “to my son, and tell him that I reserve
the honor of the day to him: I am confident that he will show himself
worthy of the honor of knighthood which I so lately conferred upon him:
he will be able, without my assistance, to repel the enemy.” [*] This
speech, being reported to the prince and his attendants, inspired them
with fresh courage: they made an attack with redoubled vigor on the
French, in which the count of Alençon was slain: that whole line of
cavalry was thrown into disorder: the riders were killed or dismounted:
the Welsh infantry rushed into the throng, and with their long knives
cut the throats of all who had fallen; nor was any quarter given that
day by the victors.[**]
* Froissard, liv. i. chap. 130.
** Froissard, liv. i. chap. 130.