Cressy and Poictiers; or, the Story of the Black Prince's Page [Edited by S. O. Beeton.] Illustrated with numerous engravings, principally from designs by R. Dudley and G. Doré

Preface

. PORTION of this volume — something more than two-thirds of its pages — has already appeared in " The Boy's Own Magazine." The story of the Black Prince's Page has not in the main heen altered, nor amplified much ; but the whole has been carefully revised, and several narratives, originally written by Froissart, have been added and inter woven by Mr. Edgar, with a gain of variety and pic turesqueness to the volume These stories are principally concerning Gaston de Foix, Pe de Puyane, and Orthon ; and the great French draughtsman, Gustave Dore, has lent to Froissart's descriptions the charm of his pencil's exquisite touch. This story, although within itself it shows no marks of connection with any other tale, is but one of a series of historical romances, which was designed by Mr. Edgar and the publisher to show, by the aid of stirring and adventurous Biographical and Personal memoirs, the state and growth of England from the times before the Conqueror to those of the Revolution — from William of Normandy to William of Orange.

Thus Mr. Edgar's "Danes, Saxons, and Normans" des cribes how the Normans under Rolf ganger gained a settlement in the dominions of Charles the Simple whilst Alfred the Great was struggling with the Danes in England, and narrates the subsequent events that led to a connection between the Courts of Rouen and "Westminster, and to the Invasion of England by the brave Bastard. Next, " Runnymede and Lincoln Fair," just finished VI

PREFACE.

. (Christmas, 1864) in the "Boy's Own Magazine," is the story of the Great Charter, and contains the details of the sanguinary quarrels between King John and his powerful subjects, and of the decisive defeat of the French, who had come over with Prince Louis, under the walls of Lincoln. This story will, early in 1865, be published in a volume, separate from the " Boy's Own Magazine," and uniform with Mr. Edgar's other works issued from this office. Third in date, we have the story called "How I Won My Spurs," which tells of a Boy's adventures in the Barons' War ; and in this admirable narrative we have the England of the middle of the thirteenth century distracted by the conflict between Henry III. and the Barons, which with varying success was waged until the end came by the battle of Evesham, and young Edward's brilliant skill and courage set the kingdom at rest for a period.

Fourthly, and, unhappily, it must be added, lastly, so far as Mr. Edgar's share in the work is concerned, the pages here following speak for themselves, and tell the tale of how the great Hero of Chivalry, the Black Prince, struck foes and aided friends. Little did I think that, as the publisher of this volume, I should have more to do than revise a little preface of Mr. Edgar's such as he was wont to write. Regretful am I to have to write these words, for I desired only to read his. It would, however, I know, have been pleasing to him to have understood, before Death's hand was suddenly laid upon him, that his task would be continued and a set of volumes illustrating the most salient epochs of our National History be gradually completed. The most fitting " In Memoriam " to my late friend Mr. J. G. Edgar that I can .contribute to raise, is not to halt in the execution of the project he had so much at heart. S. 0. B.

Chapter I

Midsummer Eve :— My grandsire and I alight at the Faleon hostelry in Gracechurch— My excitement on entering London— The Festival of St. John —Setting the watch— Company at the "Falcon"— England in the time of Edward III. — Reasons for coming to London — My chances of success in the citizens' tournay 1

Chapter II

Winning the Peacock :— Smithfield on St. John the Baptist's Day— The quintain — The Prince of Wales arrives at the lists — His appearance — Ill-luck of the Londoners at the quintain— My grandsire requests that I may be allowed to try my skill — Reluctance of the Mayor — Overcome by the Prince's interference — My rustic attire ridiculed — My success — The Prince of Wales approves of my skill — Lord Roger de Ov — My unfavourable impres sion of him 7

Chapter III

At my Grandsire' s Homestead : —Position of the Grange —Mystery of my birth — I conclude that I am of noble blood — My grandfather feeds my ambition — My dexterity at warlike games — The result of our visit to London gratifies my vanity— Thomelin of Worcester comes to Windsor — Tidings of war — I long to join the expedition 12

Chapter IV

Jack Fletcher.: — My grandsire and I meet a strange horseman in Windsor Forest — My admiration at his appearance — He accosts my grandsire — Adam of Greenmead tells his grievances to the stranger, and invites him to his house — My grandsire and the stranger become good friends— The stranger notices me — Asks. Adam to come to Windsor, giving him a ring which will gain him admittance 16

Chapter V

War with France : — King Edward prepares to renew the war — Acces sion of Philip of Valois to the French throne — Edward claims the throne of France — The French Parliament give their votes in favour of Philip — Philip's interference in Scottish affairs a plea for Edward's invasion of France — Robert of Artois quarrelling with Philip — Visits the English court — Incites Edward to invade France — Edward forms an alliance with the Flemings — The French admirals attack the English seaports — The battle at Sluys — Philip's jester undertakes to tell him of the defeat of the French admirals — A peace is concluded — Fresh outbreak of hostilities— Defeat of the English — King Edward takes the field in person — A truce for three years is agreed on — Philip's perfidy _. 21

Chapter VI

Windsor Castle: — My grandsire appears unwilling to go to the castle — I gain his permission to deliver the ring to its owner — I leave home for Windsor — The warder hesitates to admit me — I am admitted on showing the ring, and conducted to Jack Fletcher by Lord Merley — My astonishment at finding Jack Fletcher to be the king— I am appointed page to tbe Prince of Wales — He recognizes me as the hero of the quintain match

Chapter VII

™»« Edward the Black Prince :— Marriage of King Edward— Birth of the Prince of Wales— Universal joy at the tidings— The tournament held in Cheapside— Fall of the gallery— Anger of King Edward— Quern phlhPPa pacifies him— The prince's nurses and instructors— His likeness to Edward I. — Is admitted to the honours devolving on him as heir to the English crown — Arteveldt's scheme for making the Prince of Wales Count of Flanders- Edward embarks for Flanders— Holds his court at Sluys— The Flemings are averse to disinheriting the reigning count— French influences at work in Flanders— Arteveldt becomes unpopular— Is mobbed by the people of Ghent— Thev demand restitution of the public money— Arteveldt is murdered —The Flemings apologise to King Edward— Peace with France impossible . 32

Chapter VIII

King Edward's Defiance: — I am installed as page to the Prince of Wales— Lord de Ov's enmity to me — I send to inform my mother and grandsire of my installation— Philip breaks the treaty of Malestroit— Sir Herve de Leon — King Edward ransoms him, and sends his defiance to Philip of Valois by him— Sir Herve delivers Edward's message to Philip—Prepara tions for war in England — I take my leave of my relations— My anticipations of glory 39

Chapter IX

The Voyage : — The King and Prince of Wales set out for France— The king's reliance upon Godfrey Harcourt — Contrary winds drive us on to the Cornish coast — Landing at La Hogue— The king's accident on landing — The king calls it a lucky omen — My enthusiasm damped by Lord de Ov's malig nity — His insult and my anger __

Chapter X

March of the Invaders : — The Earl of Derby landing at Bayonne overruns Gascony — Toulouse — John Duke of Normandy assembles his army at Toulouse — King Edward and his forces advance into the country — St. Lo captured — Siege of Caen — Desperate resistance— Caen taken 48

Chapter XI

A Snare : — I am among the first to enter Caen — I examine the monastery of St. Stephen — Am accosted by a man with a beetle brow — An invitation, which I accept — Arriving at the place of appointment am conducted to a house in the town— The temptress— I am drugged 52

Chapter XII

A Rush for Liberty: — Awaking from my sleep find myself a prisoner bound — I find out who is my captor — I undo the cords which bine? me — I take courage from the spider's persistency — I examine the position of my prison — Prepare to escape — I prostrate my jailer, rush down the stairs, and jump out of the window— I hasten to the prince's quarters— Sir Thomas Norwich reproves me for my escapade 56

The Eve of Battle : — Philip of Valois goes to Abbeville — Pushes on to Cressy 74

Chapter XVIII

The Battle of Cressy : — Philip of Valois reaches Cressy — King Edward marshals his army — The French attack in great disorder — The Count of Alencon rides down the Genoese bowmen — The Black Prince is given the command of the English army— The Prince of Wales in peril — King Edward refuses to succour him— Death of King John of Bohemia— Total rout of the French 76

Chapter XIX

My Adventures at Cressy:— I attend the Prince of Wales— Lord Merley' s answer to the Frenchman's taunt— Lord John of Hainault leads Philip from the battle-field — I follow a young French lord — My combat with him — His rescue by King Philip's party — I am taken to the castle of La Broyes 82

- My' Release : — I am visited by the governor — He proposes to me to carry letters to Queen Philippa — The conditions of my release — I accept his terms. 101

Chapter XXIII

Thb Story -of the Garter : — The governor of La Broyes presses me to relate the story of the garter— The defence of Wark — The Scots depart from Wark — King Edward is enamoured of the Countess of Salisbury — The tournament at London — The Countess drops her garter — " Honi soit qui mal y pense" — The king institutes the order of the garter — I depart for England 104

Chapter XXIV

The Falcon Revisited: — I alight at the Falcon — The company at the Falcon — I am accosted by the northern squire — I hear the news of the Scotch invasion — The young priest's harangue — Who's who ? — John Cope land — I agree to accompany him northward 110

Chapter XXV

The Crisis : — Philip of Valois incites David Brace to invade England — The Scots overrun the north — The Scots receive intelligence of Queen Philippa's approach — David Bruce challenges the English to battle — Bruce refuses to retreat ANALYSIS OF CONSENTS. X

Chapter XXVI

fag. The Night Before Neville's Cross :— Copeland and I reach Durham —The position of the armies— Queen Philippa— I execute my errand to the queen— I am appointed to wait on the queen on the day of the battle 124

At Calais : — I visit the Prince of Wales and relate my adventures — I am commanded by Lord de Ov to repair to the king's pavilion — My reply to Lord de Ov 143

Chapter XXXI

The Luck of John Copeland : — I have to tell King Edward what passed between Copeland and myself — Copeland refuses to deliver King David to Philippa — Copeland arrives at Calais — His interview with the king — His reward 147

Chapter XXXII

Arrival. : — Queen Philippa and her court come to Calais — Prince Louis of Flanders returns to his dominions — The Flemings determine that he shall marry the Princess Isabel of England— The count consents — The meeting of Edward and the Flemings — My misgivings as to Louis' fidelity ... 152

Chapter XXXIII

No Road: — Philip of Valois marches on Calais — Sir Thomas Norwich brings tidings of the French king's array — The French challenge the English to fight — King Edward refuses — Philip breaks up his camp 157

Chapter XXXIV

Surrender of Calais :— The parley with the Governor of Calais- Conditions of the surrender— Eustace St. Pierre and his five companions — The queen intercedes for them— Sir Walter Manny takes possession of Calais — King Edward enters the town 162

Chapter XXXV

A Runaway Bridegroom : —Preparations for the marriage of the Count of Flanders— The count goes out hawking — He flies to Philip of Valois The Count of Flanders is married to the daughter of the Duke ot Brabaut 168

Chapter XXXVI

How Calais was Repeopled : —Expulsion of the citizens of Calais— The temporary town is dismantled— Aymery de Pavie is appointed governor of Calais — Peace between England and France — Calais Anglicised

Chapter XXXVII. Page

A Mysterious Visit :— I am accosted by the woman of Caen— She is in possession of the secret of my birth —She gives me hints regarding the peril in which Calais stands —Eleanor de Gubium 175

Chapter Xxxviii

Calais in Peril :— I hasten to tell Eleanor de Gubium's story to the Prince of Wales— Sir Aymery de Pavie is summoned to England— His inter view with the king— Sir Aymery confesses his treason— King Edward's plan. 180

Chapter XXXIX

The Lords de Ov:— I meet Sir John Copeland at the Falcon— He tells me of Lord de Ov^s insecure title and of the murder of Edward, Lord de Ov —Eleanor de Gubium knows the true heir 184

Chapter XL

Too Late :— I imagine that I am the true heir to Lord de Ov's title— I determine to go to Windsor — Evil omens — Thomelin of Worcester brings me evil tidings— My hopes are crushed 190

Chapter XLI

How Calais was Saved : — Geoffrey de Charny determines to bribe Aymery de Pavie— The French caught in a trap— King Edward vanquishes Eustace de Ribeaumont — The supper— King Edward marks his appreciation of Sir Eustace's valour 194

Chapter XLII

A Princess in Peril : — Roaming about the forest I encounter Liulph of Windsor — Our conversation about St. George— The "banished bull"— The bull charges the princess— I rush tothe rescue — Timely interference of Liulph's mastiff 200

Chapter XLIII

The Plague of Florence : — The beginning of the plague— Its progress in Europe — The Jews accused of its origin — Persecution of the Jews 206

Chapter XLIV

John, King of France : — His feults and failings — His coronation — The assassination of Aymery de Pavie — The Count of Eu is imprisoned by John of'Valois, and executed — The truce is broken 210

Chapter XLV

Renewal of the War : — John of Valois quarrels with the King of Navarre and several of his nobles — Edward again invades France — The Prince of Wales invades Gascony — -The Earl of Derby's reverses in Normandy — John has tidings of the Prince's advance 215

Chapter XLVI

A Town Lost and Won : — John of Valois assembles his army at Amiens — I am despatched to the north of England to give intelligence of the Scotch alliance with France — Norham Castle is taken by Douglas— Berwick taken — Edward returns to England, and appears before Berwick — The Scots surrender 219

Chapter XLVII

" A Douglas !" — Baliol makes Edward his heir — I am sent with Bobert Salle to reconnoitre the Scotch position — Our misgivings — Surrounded — Captured— Sir Archibald Douglas ANALYSIS OF CONTENTS.

Chapter XLVIII

paoe Burnt Candlemas :— Edward the Third— The Scots prepare to leave the north of England— They lay waste the country— Edward advances to Edin burgh—Retreat of the English— Ravages of the English— The Scotch are quelled 230

Chapter XLIX

Our Captivity :— We are taken to Mount Moreville— The country people mock us— Salle' s displeasure at the Frenchmen's behaviour — I am recognised, and welcomed — Eustace the Strong brings us some more fuel — Sir Lance lot de Lorris' bravado — Sir John Copeland answers his challenge— Death of the Frenchman 243

Chapter L

Chased by Bloodhounds : — I secure the assistance of Roger Redhand — We leave Mount Moreville— We hear the baying of the bloodhounds— Roger destroys the scent — We imitate Robe.t Bruce, and reach Copeland's castle — Copeland's interview with Roger Redhand 242

Chapter LI

End of Robert Salle :— I embark for Guienne — William Lister requires Sir Robert to surrender Norwich— He refuses — They kill him 249

Chapter LII

At Bayonne : — I arrive at Bayonne — I agree to travel to Bordeaux with Garsis de Gederlach — Pe de Puyane — His treatment of the French at Sluys 253

Chapter LIII

Pe de Puyane and the Basques :— Garsis de Gederlach agrees to tell me the story of Pe do Puyane— The tax on cider — Punishment of the Basques —The fight with the Basques— Pe de Puyane burns the castle of Miot— The Basques are tied to the bridge 258

Trial by Battle :— Preparations for the combat— A chronicler's account of the battle 376