CHP. I.

WHEN the English valour was famous, and more Renowned, than that of other Nations, our Warlike heroes contended more for fame than Gold, and brought a terror on their Enemys, wherever they carryed their Arm; proud France then trembled, and the English Lyon grasped, with so strong a hand, their Golden Lillys, that all the struggling of that large Kingdom was not able to rescue them from the spoil, and becoming the trophies of out Conquering Princes, as I shall plainly and largely show you in this Famous History.

King Edward the third in his Fathers life-time took upon him the Ti­tle of king of England, by the consent of the three Estates assembled in Parliament, when he was but Fifteen Years of Age, and Young as he was, shewed much of a Martial spirit, and promised great things to the world, which he accordingly performed, for having Warred successfully in Scotland, and brought that to his terms, their king submitting and hold­ing fealtie of him, he making and unmaking them at pleasure: Phillip D' Valois The French king, began to mistrust his growing greatness, and think­ing whilst he was young, to put a Check to his forward Valour, sent to demand his Homage, for the Province of Guyen, held by him in the king­dom of France; but he not only [...]outly refused it, in the terms the French Required it, by the Advice of his Peers, lay'd claim to the Crown of [Page 4] France, as coming to him in the right of Queen Isabel his mother, bein his due both by civil Law, and order of Succession, as being Nephew to Charles the Fourth, Brother to the said Isabel; and that as much as Phil­lip then Reigning, was descended of a second Branch; to this the French opposed their Salsque Law, wherein it was provided, that no Woman should inherit the Crown of France; but this being looked on as contrived to hinder the succession of the English kings in their Marriages, with the Daughters of France, and king Edward declaring, he was a Male of a Female that had right to the Crown, that pretence ought not to Exclude him; a War upon these grounds was Proclaimed, the king quartering the Arms of France with those of England, and laying a Peremptorie claime to the Crown.

This Business as it was extraordinary weighty, so it required much secrecy, untill it was well layed; for which purpose king Edward craved the Advice of the Earl of Hanault, Father to Phillipa his Queen, and Mother to Edward the Black Prince, who was growing up to great Acti­ons, as will hereafter appear; who with his Brother, and other Nobles of Flanders, procured king Edward to be created Vicar General of the Empire: that so without being controuled, he might command the No­bles, and common people of those Countrys, to further his purpose in the intended War.

But how private soever these things were carried, Phillip, the French king had private notice of what was doing, and stopped the huge Army he [...]ad raised, at the Importunity of Pope Benedict, the Eleventh, from passing into the Holy Land, to war against the Turks and Sarazens, who there mightily oppressed the Christians, Resolving to defend his own Country from the threatened storm.

In the mean while king Edward raised great Sums of Mony, and Leabyed men, and with his Queen Sailed into Flanders, where that Winter they remained at Antwerp, and Conferrnig with the Princes and States of Germany, he so well settled his Affairs, that in the Spring, he Landed in France, with an Army consisting of 27000 Fight­ing-men, bringing a great terror on the Country, though the French king had on Army of 60000 Common Souldiers to oppose him, being accom­panied with Three kings, viz. of Bohemia, Scotland, and Navarre, Five Dukes, Six and Twenty Earls, and more than Four Thousond Lords, and knights; and so both Armys drawing into the Field, and approaching each other, as the bloody blast was about to be sounded, by the Mediation of Jane, Countess of Hanault, Sister to king Phillip, and Mother to king Edward's Queen, they seperated from each other, without striking a [Page 5] blow, to the great discontent of the English, who full of Valour thirsted to begin the Battle on the first command.

King Edward however laid not aside his pretentions, but hearing the French king had set out a great Fleet, consisting of 200 Sail of his own, and other Nations, he had hired, which had on Board them 40000 men, who Robbed the English Merchants, and made some spoils on our Coast, being full of Magnanimity and Valour, Resolute in his purposes, and reckoning the French as his Subjects, and Inferiours in Arms; Espe­cially on the Seas, and hoping by his good success, not only to win Hon­our among the Princes, and Sates of his confederacy, and purposing if he might to strike Terror in the French Nation, concerning those Wars, set upon their whole Navy, with such incomparable courage, and bold spirit; that after a long, Obstinate and Bloody Fight, very few or none of the French Ships escaped; but were either taken, sunk, or burnt by the English, with a much Inferiour Number, with inconsiderable loss on our side: This great Sea Victory much discouraged the French, and migh­tily encouraged the English, and their Confederates, so that the king land­ing at Slace in Triumph and going from thence to Gaunt, where his Queen lay, and the Black Prince was accompanied with Seven Earls, Eight Bishops, Twenty eight Barrons, Two Hundred knights, 4000 Men at Arms, and [...]i [...]e Thousand Archers; all Valiant English-Men, he joyned the Duke of Brabant, who commanded 22000 men, Jaques Dartwell a famous Fleming, who commanded 60000 men of these Provinces, also the Duke of Guilder, the Marquess of Meuse, the Earls of Juliers, Mons, Savens, and Hanault, the Lord Tralquemont, and divers others.

With this gallant Army he Besieged the Strong City of Tournay, which was with great Resolutiou and Valour Manfully defended, for the space of ten weeks; in all which time, the French king appeared not to Relieve it; however, by the Mediation of the aforementioned Jane De' Valois, Mother to the Queen of England, and to the Dutches of Juliers, to the then Earl of Hanault, and Sister to the French king, a Truce was once more concluded; but that expired, soon after these delays the War be­gun in earnest.

During these transactions, the king returned home to beat the Scots out of England, who; in his absence, dared to Invade it, under the Lea­ding of David their king, fell desperately in Love with the Fair Countess of Salisbury; in this manner having delivered her from the Siege layed to her Castle of Roxbourough, hard pressed by the Scots, he disarmed him­self and with ten or twelve Lords and knights, entered the Castle, where the excellent Beauty, and modest behaviour of the sweet Countess, so In­flamed [Page 6] his heart, that by secret and Amorous wooing, he endeavoured to perswade her to ease his passion, with a return of her Love; but the Vir­tuous Lady, first with mild and kind entreatys, and afterward with quick and nipping Reprehensions, strove to make him see his own Error; but such was his desire, and her denyal [...] were so peremptorie, and resolute, that Discontentedly at that time he left her; yet love still prevailing, he wrote the following Letter to her.

The vertuous Countess having well weighed the Contents of this Let­ter, was much troubled in her mind, her blushes came and went; she well knew the King was already married to a Fair and Virtuous Princess; & that he sought by unlawful Love to defile her bed; this some times put her unto a grievous passion, and then relenting, Pearly tears trickled from her Eyes, considering if she yielded, how much it would turn to her dishonour; and if she refused, how much she must trouble and afflict the bravest Prince on Earth; at other times, she considered, she was his Subject, and in his power, and knew not to what force his wild passion might carry him; yet tender and careful of her chasttiy and honour; in the end she returned him this answer.

The King upon Receipt of this Letter was not a little Abashed, torment­ing himself for a time, thus to be Repulsed; but casting many things in his mind, at length he Concluded, time, and Rich presents, might overcome her Womanish fears and scruples, rendering her more tractable; and in this business, he trusted his faithful Confident, the Lo [...]d Montaone, Bro­ther in Law to the Countess, who Ignorant of the King's main intentions, so solicited his Fair Sister, that he brought her to Court, in Honour of whose presence, the King caused Magnificent Sports and Pastimes; and at last won so much upon her as to dance with him; when in the end of the Dance a Blew Ribbon, which she had for her Garter, falling off; the King stooped, and took it up; at which the Countess blushed, and the Nobles smiled, whereat the King said, Honi Soit Qui Male Panse; evil be to him that evil thinketh: Vowing, that e'er long, the greatest of them, should do Honour to that silken tye, and having Created his Son Edward, the Black Prince (so called from his terrible deeds in War) Prince of Wales, he Established the Order of the Garter, Confining the number to 26 of which himself, and his Successors were Soveraigns, which Order is Yearly Solemnized, with Princely Magnificence in the Kings Castle at Windsor.

But now to pass from Love again to Arms, we find the Drums rattling, and the Trumpets sounding to War; great Armys prepared on either side, and the Earl of Darby Landed with the King's Forces in Gascoin, where they drove the French Army before them, and took many Citys, Towns and Castles, subduing almost all that large Province in small time.

But now come I to speak of the black Prince, that honour of virtue, and Valour, more particularly than I have done.

CHAP. II.

PRince Edward Sirnaned (for his Valorous Actions, so much spoken of throughout the world) the Black Prince, was born at Greenwich, the 14th of May 1336, being the Eldest Son of King Edward the Third, and His beautious Queen Phillip [...], Daughter to the Carl of Hanault; at his birth a blazing Star appeared with a fiery tail, like a bloody Sword, point­ing towards France, at South East; and bringing a terror upon the world; the Sea overflowed its banks in many places, and retiring again, left strange Monsterous Fifth on the Shore, the like never having, béen seen on our coast; In Devonshire, Armys were seen Fighting in the Air, with great blasts of Thunder and Lightening; that which came from the North vanquishing & pursuing the Southern Army, till it was clear out of sight; then the skys o'recast, and became as red as blood, red Glares of Lightening frequently breaking out, to the threatening a distruction of those that were near In­habitants:

These strange p [...]ogidies, made people look for some wonderful Event of things, and indeed they happened soon after in a cruel war between two mighty Nations, in which this Prince (now born) was to [...] so great a part.

The King his Father though as yet he was his only Son, brought him not up nicely and tenderly; but as soon as he had, in a manner, passed his Sawdling-cleaths, enured him to hardships, in Kiding, Travelling on foot, Running, Shooting in the long bow, Managing the great Horse, running Carrears, Leaping, and in the use of the Sword; in all which he became very Expert and Dexterous, Training up many Children under him, as his Souldiers, when he was very young; and these he took great Delight to exercise, making them expert in the trains of War: So that growing up with him, he preferred them to Commands, many of which became brave Souldiers, and great Commanders, doing wonderous feats in Arms, to the Terror of their Ensmys, their own Fame, and the Honour of their Country.

He was scarce Fifteen years Old when the King his Father took him to the Wars, both against Scotland, and France; and Jaques Dartwell the great General of the Flemings, was so taken with his monly aspect, & promising virtues, that he laboured to depose Loys Earl of Flanders, as [Page 9] laizey cowardly, and unfit for Government, and place the Prince over those Provinces; and thus he proposed to the Nobles in their Assembly, with so much earnestness, Magnifying the young Prince's Early Valour, and promising virtues to that degree, that though he was all in all with them before he so far incouraged their hatred, that they incensed the common peo­ple against him, as one that intended to betray the liberty of his Country to strangers, which took so effectually with those that had adored him a little before, that he no sooner came home to his house at Gaunt, but it was best by the Multitude, when comming ont to apprase them, they in a populer fury Murthered him; and this for a time much hindered King Edward's affairs; for the flemnigs and others revolted from him; but he did not greatly regard it, resolving to pursue his right, and by his own power thrust his Sword into the bowels of France.

The King being now informed, that John the Eldest Son of the French King had Besieged the Castle of Auguillion, in Gascoine, he took the Prince with him, and a considerable Army, at the terror of whose approach, the French raised the Siege, and fled: After this he passed into Norman­dy, took the rich City of Harefl [...]re without Resistance, and bestowed the spoil on his Souldiers; after this he spoiled the Rich Towns of Cheribo­rough, Mount-borough Quarentive, and the Castle there; and increasing his Army, took the great and Rich City of Cane in Normandy; in which were the Earls of Tankervile, Ewe, and Guyers, who had brought For­ces thither; these were made prisoners to Sir Thomas Holland, an En­glish Knight, with one Eye, who sold them to the King; and they (with the Rich Spoils) were sent Prisoners to England: Then the Army march­ing to Lowers, quickly won it, s aalso Gilors vernor, St. Germains Enley, Mountrell St. Cloudy Rely, and the whole Country about Roan, Pout, De Larch, Nauts, Newlench, Robois Fountain, Polis Vinne; & in all the places he found but weak Resistance, of which Phillip, the French King, having intelligence; and that King Edward with his whole Army was within two Leagues of Paris, he fearfully left that City, and went to St. Denis, where his Army lay, perswading the Parisions, that the English dared not to look them in the Face, but their fears made them not Credit it, especially when they heard the Lord Harecourt, King Edward's Mar­shall, had routed the Forces that were coming from Ancidus, to their assist­ance, killing, and taking most of them Prisoners.

The English Army, under the King, and Black Prince, being thus Victorious, passed uncontrouled to the Gates of Abaville, and St. Valary; but they were, for want of guides to direct them, un-a-wars Entangled with the River Some on the one side, and the French Army on the other, which consisted of 100000 men; and the place where he was, promised [Page 10] him no advantage if he should fight, but rather manifested many Incon­veniencies: This made the King and Prince consult with the French Prisoners, promising Rewards, if they could find any passable foards in the River, which one Gobin of Grace undertook to do; but when the King had Marched his Army thither, he found it defended by 12000 French; yet when the sea was Ehed, he, with the Prince, and the whole Army, put themselves into the water, as likewise on the other side, did the French; so that the fight was bloody, and doubtful, for a long time in the middle of the River; some were slain by the Sword, others beaten down, and drowned in the River; but the English at length prevailing, with great slaughter of the Enemy, pursued them in full chase a League; and so the whole English Army having passed the River, and Refreshing themselves, resolved to abide the whole power of France, though six times their number, and dare them to a Battel; King Edward, to his immortal Honour sent a Challenge to the French King, to fight him by single Cambate, between both Armys; but he excused it cunningly, by aledging it was sent to him by the name of Philip De Vallois, and not by the Title of King of France; and therefore he should betray his Royal Dignity, in accepting it; how­ever, both Armys drew near, & the bloody day approached wherein streams of Gore must wet the Earth, and Crimson its green Carpit, wich a san­guin Dye; and of this battel, Fortune designed the Prince the Conduct, and Glory, to new fledge his plumes with Fame and Renown.

CHAP. III.

THe French King relying on his great Numbers, thinking the English thus entangled in the heart of his Country, were in a manner En­trapped in a snare, and could not avoid destruction, which battel gained, & perhaps our king as a prisoner, would for ever Quell the English Claime to the French Diadem; with these hopes, and healing thoughts, he d [...]ew all his Forces near king Edward's Army, in a spacious field, near the Town of Cressey. King Edward and the Black Prince [...] of their [Page 11] Numbers, proceeded with all diligence to put their Army in Aarry of battel; the Prince entreating of his Father, that he might have the Conduct of the battel, to win his Golden spurs of Knight-hood, having lately been made Knight of the Garter; or, if so Heaven ordered it, loose his life with the Honour of the Day; to this, the King easily consented, as having before Determined it.

The whole Army immediately upon this was divided into Three battels, which the prince caused to be so Imparked, or Barrocaded behind, with Carriages and Carts, that the Enemy should not be able, if they Enclosed them with their Numbers, easily to break into their Rear.

The first Battel was Led by the Black Prince, who was assisted by the Earl of Warwick, and Canford: The Lord Harecourt, Stafford, Manny, Delawar, Chandois, Cliflord, and Bourcher; Sir Reynald Cobham, Sir Thomas Cobham, Sir Roger Ne [...]il, and others; consisting of 800 men at Arms, 2000 Archers, and 1000 other Souldiers.

The second Battel was Commanded by the Earls of Northampton and Arundell, accompanied by the Lords Ross, Lygo, Willoughby, Basset, St. Auban, Milleton, and Delasale; with many other Lords, Knights, and Gentlemen of Note, consisting of 800 men at Arms, and 1200 Archers.

The Third and main Battle, being placed between the other two, was Commanded by the King, assisted by three Earls, and many Lords, and knights, Consisting of 700 men at Arms, 2000 Archers, and 1000 other Souldiers, well approved and appointed for the War.

Being thus ordered in Expectation of the Enemy, the approach of night hindred their joyning then in battel; the French not withstanding their great brags, much declyning it: so they spent the night in Prayers to God, and moderate Refreshment, whilst the king and Prince in Disguise, went from Tent to Tent, to sée how their Courage stood affected; asking the private Souldiers, what they thought of the number of the French Army, & whe­ther the news held; they should certainly fight on the morrow, with many such Questions: How the king and Prince stood affected in the matter?

To this the Souldiers (not knowing them) replyed, as for the French Numbers, they minded them not, for they should▪ soon by English Valour, & the deadly points of their Arrows, which they had sharpened, to the purpose, be lessened, and God willing brought to confusion; as for the certainty they should fight on the morrow, which they earnestly desired, and were willing to spend their blood in the honourable cause of their king and Coun­try, they doubted not, unless the French declined it, by retiring that night; as for the king and Prince, they said, they doubted not of their Courage so often approved, and were proud to lose their lives, fighting un­der their Command.

These words from the unthinking Souldiers, greatly pleased the King and Prince, and from their natural Courage and Alacrity, drew certain presages of Victory; and so having gone round the Camp, betook them­selves for a few hours to their repose.

Early in the morning the signal for battel was given on both sides, the French out of a Bravado first beginning it; Then Philip their King, or­dered 15000 Genoways, with their Cross-hows, shooting steel Arrows, square headed to begin the fight; & these made their fi [...]st on-set on the Princes b [...]ttel, but either for want of skill, or making more hast than good speed, they were put into foul disorder by the English Archers, the greater part of them slain, and the rest soon defeated, & compelled to retire; in which so violent hast, in rude heaps they rushed unto the French King's battel, and so disordered it, that the French, without mercy put most of them to the Sword.

This first bad success did not so discourage the French, but that trusting to their numbers, they came resolutely on, and chiefly charged the Princes B [...]ttel with great fury, as eagerly thirsting for Revenge; but he stoutly repelled them, doing wonders in Person; and by his valiant Example, so encouraged his men, that they fought like Lyons, laying thousands of their Enemys dead before them; and yet for all the Numbers that pressed on them, maintained their battle entire, and unbroken; by means whereof [...]hey made prodigal expence and havoke of the French-men; who being first broken could not observe any order at all, nor help themselves by any In­genious Policy of war; yet, though they fell in great Numbers before the Price's battel, yet those that came to stop the gaps, Detah had made, pressed hard on, and many of them met the like fate; however, the pressing numbers gave no leasure to the Prince, nor his assistants to breath, or take any respite of refreshment, hoping by that means to weary and tire them out; so that the brave Prince, though he were full of Incomparable Va­lour, and Resolution, yet being diststessed for want of a breathing-time, sent to the King, who stood a Looker on with his Battle untouched, to come to his Relief.

Of the Messenger sent, the King enquired whether his Son was alive or not, to which he replyed he was, and then fighting among the thickest of the Enemy; If so, said the king, tell him from me, that he must expect no Aid, for this shall be the day in which he shall winn honour, and his Spurs of knight-hood, or lose his life; for in life or death, he shall ingross to himself the whole honour and glory of this day.

When the Prince was informed what the king had said, being urged by sharp necessity, and Annimated with fresh hopes of a Famous Victory, he [Page 13] Encouraged his Companions in Arms, that they rewed, and redoubled their strength and courage, and fought with such undaunted spirits, that the French-men fainted, and fled, and were so eagerly pursued that the greater part of their Numerous Army lay breathless on the ground, and in the Chase, two Marshalls of England Encountred with a multitude of the Inhabitants of Bevois, Regmerry, Aubiville, and Roan, who ignorant of the defeat, were marching to the French Army, of whom 7000 were slain, and the rest saved themselves by flight; and the next day they were charged by the Arch-Bishop of Roan and Grand Prior of France, who conducted a strong Army, whom they worsted, killing great numbers of them: so that in these battles there were slain of the French, 11 Princes, 80 Barrnons, 1200 Knights, and n [...] then 30000 Souldiers: the French king being forced to fly hastily out of the Battel to save his life. The Plunder of the Field was bestowed on the Army, and the dead bodys, of such as were of Note king Edward car [...]yed with him to Mountrel, and there with due Solemnity, caused them honourably to be buried.

The king and Prince thus Victorious over their Enemies, marched through the Country without any oppossition and begirt the strong tow of Callis, with a straight Siege; to the Relief of which, ater [...]a Year, the French king came with an Army of 20000 men, but findin all the passages stopped, he sent to Challeng the king to a battel in the fair field, as to knowing the Town could not [...]hold out; and that in the long siege his men were wasted, sent him word, he never feared to meet in the field, as to his Cost he had proved; but now knowing his advantage at this time, he would declyn it, and gave him the satisfaction he required at another time; Vpon this the French king broke up his Numerous Army and departed and Calliciaus desparing of Relief, being sorely oppressed with famine, they began to despair of a longer holding out, and finding no hopes of relief from the French king, they humbled themselves to king Edward, and sought his mercy, whereupon he Commanded that Sir of the principal inhabi­tants should come to him bare Headed, and bare Legged, with ropes about their Necks, and bring the key of the town and castle, weich they did: The keys He received, but commanded the persons to be [...]anged, as a terror for their obst [...]nate holding out and Robbing the English Merchants: but at the intercession of the Quéen and Prince, they were pardoned: and he made Sir Andrew D' Patt the Lombard Captain of it and it was held in the hands of the English, till the Reign of Queen Mary when it was lost again to the French, upon her assisting king Philip her Husband, contrary to the Treaty, with Forces, and soon after this Philip De Valois, the French king Dyed, and his Son John was Crowned.

CHAP. IV.

KIng Edward having setled his affairs in France prosperously, come to England, with the Queen and Prince, and was received with great Ioy and Triumph at his Landing at Dover, when in his way dining with the Earl of Kent, the Prince fixed his eyes on Joanna or Joan, the Earl's Daughter, whose rare Beautys were so Admirable, that she was usu­ally called the Fair Maid of Kent; This peerless Lady soon made our Ho­roick Prince become Enamoured of her, yet not knowing how his Father might take it, who designed to match him to some Forreign Princess, to strengthen his alliance, he at this time, bridled his passion all he could; yet his kind discourses to her, and the more powerful Language of his Eyes; sor Lovers Eyes will talk, made her see she was not Indifferent to him, but fearing so brave a Prince, and next Heir to the Crown, ra­ther had set his Eyes on her for lust, than lawful Love in Marriage; which fear much grieved and afflicted the tender Lady; but the Prince, whose Virtues were rare & singular, had his mind far from such thoughts, and was perplexing himself, when he was abscent from her, how he might might bring about his design of marriage with her, fearing, if he delayed to make known his mind, she ignorant of his passion, might give her self up to the Arms of another, and so rob him of all his expected Ioys; for he was very sensible that the most Exalted Beauty in the kingdom. accompa­nied with such modesty and virtue, could not want Adorers; and therefore knowing the French Wars would soon require his presence, he resolved, as soon as possible, to let her know his Virtuous, and unfeigned love for her, and labour if possible to gain her consent, and then do the like to re­move all difficulties that might stand in the way of his happiness; so un­dertaking to hunt in those parts, when the Game was roused, and every one in pursuit of it, The Princes came to the Earl's House, and found the precious Iewel of his heart attended only by her Waiting-woman, the rest of the Family being abroad.

She no sooner fixed her Eyes on him, but her Countenance changed, she t [...]embled, and looked pale, as fearing some rash design had brought him thither, to make an attempt on her hanour: The Prince well perceiving the alteration of the beautious Countenance, took an oppertunity, when her woman was gone a little aside, past hearing, to say; Ah Madam why [Page 15] fear you him, who himself in spite of the Courage that has been ascribed to him approaches you with fear, let me beseech you Fair Lady to think I intend you no harm; dishonesty is a thought that never harboured in my breast, and if there be any one Living, that would insure I will right your wrongs, and those that dare attempt it, shall come upon the Point of my Sword to his own Destruction. The Fair Lady well noting these words, and observing his Modest and Courtious beeaviour, now took Courage, and welcomed his Highness to her Father's House, ordering her Woman to bring forth wine, and other Refreshments; but at his Request discovered not to her woman, that he was any other her Cozen. The Prince having taken a slender repast, entreated her to walk with him in the Garden, which she Consenting to, and sitting [...]own, after a turn

or two, in a cool Arbour, he after some discourse about indifferent matters, fetched a deep sigh.

This the Lady perceiving, intreated him to tell her the cause of the Disturbance of his mind, which she said she saw visibly in his Countenance, and if any thing lay in her power, she would even bear a part with him to ease it.

The Prince at this favourable opportunity, grasping her fair Hand, said, Ah! Lady, it is in your power I know, to ease the doubts and fears that labour in my mind: I wish it may (said the Lady fréely, and smiling, though not without blushes) but I cannot be your Physitian, unless I know your grief. Ah! Fair Lady, (said the Prince) Since I first set Eyes on your Rare Beautys, Adorned with a pomp of winning Graces, my heart has been made Your Captive, and this opportunity I have taken, to know from your Beautiful Lips, whether you will relieve me by your Love.

Alas, my Lord (replyed the Lady, still blushing) my Love! why if You wish for that Love which is in my power to give, that is Chast and Unspotted Love, warranted by the strict Rules of Virtue and I safely do it? You should not pain, not pine; the favour is too mighty for me, and that makes me doubt a happiness meant to me that way, by a Prince whose Royalty and fame many bring him a Queen, with Kingdoms to her Dowowre, will ever be mine: most kind lady (said the Prince) with much Joy, doubt not but that love I pretend, is Chast, and 'tis you above all the Queens on Earth that I apply my self to; make me happy, O con­sider (said she) my Lord, how dangerous 'tis for me to entertain your love, though there may be no doubt of your Virtuous and Real Intentions, since the King's Anger may break in upon me, and my Family, to their Ruin: doubt it not, thou best of Women, (embracing her tenderly in his Arms;) I will stand between them and you, against his fierce Thunder, and perish rather than any harm shall befall You; but there is no need of such a fear, only let me be assured of your love and constancy; and at my return, I will so work the matters, that our Marriage shall not be hindred: after these, and such other like discourses, they Sealed their Af­fections with mutual Vows; and so at this time, after many tender kisses, not without tears, they parted.

CHAP. V.

BVt now the Trumpets sound again to War, and the soft tents of Ve­nus must be left for the Seely beds of Mars; The Prince must pass the Seas, and so the Lovers parted with Vows of Eternal Constancy to each other, and as faithfully kept their promise: Far a short Truce that had been made with France, expiring, he was sent with an Army into Gascony, where Landing he breathed such a terror on that Province, that the French venumed with fear, grew heartless; so that a great number of Towns and Castles fell into his hands, making little or no Resistance. This made the new King John hasten his Army into the field, in hopes to stop the Torrent, not doubting to oppress the Prince whose Army consisted not of above ten or twelve thousand men, with his bu [...]key numbers, and so accompanyed with Philip his youngest son, he Marched forward towards Poictiers, where the English army lay, and were preparing to Receive him, and the Battel soon began with great fury; as for the French King, he had devided his Army into four Battels, who as it was rheir turns, or lots, came and fought with much Valour, but little skill; for the thick shot of the English Arrows gauling unmiserably their large Horses, they [...]ouncing threw their Riders, so that they would brook no Rule: This soon put their Chavalry into disorder, and they rushing in that confused manner, soon broke the array of their own foot, so that such as were unhorsed or down, were troden to Death by thei [...] own friends, who were not able to relieve them, and such as would have p [...]essed forward to make proof of their Va­lour, were driven back by those that retired from the fury of the English Shot: and such as did recoile, were stoped, and hindred from flyng, to stand the fairer Marks to our Archers.

However the french kings own Battel, which was better ordered, than the rest, furiously encountred the Battel the Prince led, who per­formed rare and wonderful feats of Chivalry, which, to the utmost of their power, they encreased, being animated thereto by the valour and for­titude of their king, who exceeded all his Nobles in the Action that day.

But the Black Prince, and his Battel, which was so well marshal­led, [Page 18] that no disorder troubled it, used prowess, with undaunted spirits, each striving to excell, in seats of Army, that the French-men were not able to stand long before them; for the Prince, inspired by the love of his fair Mistress, that she might be the more charmed with his Fame, had vowed, e're the Battel begun, he would that day acquit himself like a valiant knight; and he performed it to a wonder (scarce credible) fighting amongst the thickest Troops, and beating down his Enemies before him, where ever he came.

So that after a bloody fight, the Frency gave way, falling into a strange disord [...]r fled, being so violently pursued, that the [...]attel in which their King, and Philip his Son, fought, being opu [...]ed, the Englishmen enter­ed, killing and and b [...]ating down all before; so that a lament [...]ble cry arose th [...]oughout the French Host, where Sir Denis Morbeck took the King, & his Son p [...]isoners, to whom ten other Gentlemen layd claime Alledging [...]m to be thei [...] p [...]isoner; so that he was pulled about, and very roughly used, till the Black P [...]ince came up, and caused their rage to cease; Command­ing (on pa [...]n o [...] Death) that none should inspire the King, or his Son, giv­ing them comfortable wo [...]ds; and with great Re [...]ere [...]c [...] bowed [...]im [...]elf be­fore him. which much revived his heavy spirits; and that da [...] feasted him and his Son, waiting himself [...]t the Table, Lodged him in his own bed; provided for [...]im [...]o [...]ourable attendance, and suppl [...]ed him with all things that wer [...] wanting: so that King John said never pri [...]on [...]r met wi [...] so Noble and Corteous a Conqueror, and he thought him [...]el [...] happy in [...]ll [...]g into such hands, since the fortune of war had d [...]clared agai [...] [...]im.

In this Battle a great number of the French F [...]bility and [...]entry, were slain, and above ten thousand common Soldier [...] [...]re were taken Prissoners seventeen Earls, th [...]ce as many Barons, and so great a number of Knights, and Gentlemen of Note, that [...] English Sol­dier who had fewest Prisoners, had two; all which, tog [...]th [...]r [...]ith the spoils of the field, the Prince freely gave them who [...]a [...] v [...]ntly won them by their swords; so that there was not a poor man in the Ar­my, but every one of them had as much Gold, Silver, Plate, Iewels, &c. as gave him full satisfaction for the Effusion of [...] blood he lost; and hereupon the Prince marched, with his [...] Prisoners to Burdeaux. There he went to king Edward has Father, to give him an account of his Victory and Success▪ which [...]ed not only a re­joycing in the king, but in all English-men, nor was wa [...]ting to send a [...]erticular Letter to his fa [...], Mistress, t [...]e Earl of Kents Daugh­ter, who often be-dewed her Rosie Cheeks with Tears for his Absince, and the Danger he exposed him to: The words were these:

The fair Lady receiving this Letter, kissed it a thousand times, and in reading wet it with tears of Ioy, that flowed from her lovely Eyes, bowing eternal Love and Constancy to the Mirror of Virtue and Va­lour, wish his speedy Return, and praying for his Safty, writing a very loving Answer to him, and praising the Greatness of his Cou­rage; yet earnestly intreating him, if he had any tender Compassion of her Life, that was now bound up in his, he would not too far Ex­pose himself to hazard himself among the swords of his Enemies, for Fate (as GOD forbid) should destine his Fall in the Noble Strife, she must remain the most miserable Creature on Earth, the poor re­moinder of her Days.

The Prince received this Assurance of his Mistresses Love with great joy; and to Comfort her, hasted the sooner into England with his Royal Prisoners, where he was highly welcomed by the King, Queen, and all the Nobility, with the general Acclamations of the People; and the Savoy was richly furnished for the French King and Nobles, where (for a time) he was Royally Entertained, and then re­moved to the Castle of Windsor, where he had the liberty of Hawk [...]ng, Hunting, with such Sparts and Pastimes as he desired; the king of England, and the Black Prince frequently visiting him, to his great contentment; which noble Vsage begat a lasting Love and Amity be­tween them.

And the Prince impatient to delay his intended Marriage, taking the king his Father in a good humour, after discoursing many Affairs, fell on his knees, and humbly besought him, for all the toyls and ha­zards he had undertaken, to grant him one suit or request, without na­ming it: The king hereupon gently raising him, said; Fair Son, I know your virtues, duty, and modesty, so great, that will demand nothing but what is honourable; if I would resign my Crown, I know you would not Accept it while I live, and there is nothing else, but you may freely be possessed of: Then said the Prince, boldly, I take [Page 20] your Majesty at your word; my Ambition is far from a Crown, all I humbly Request, is, that I may have the Earl of Kents fair Daugh­ter to be my Wife. The king was amazed at this Request, as not knowing of their Loves, and plighted Troths; yet seeing the Prince earnestly bent upon it, and hearing what had passed between them, he, with a kind of unwilling willingness, consented, because he designed to Match him with the Emperor's Daughter, to make a stronger Al­liance between them, to further him in his French Wars: So the Earl his Countess, and Daughter, were sent for to Court, and their Consent being easily had, the Marriage was celebrated with all ima­ginable Pomp and Ioy, with Masques, Musick, Dancing, Songs of Triumph and the like; and so that Night the lovely Pair, enjoyed their Hearts content, for which they had so long wished; and from the Fruits of that Love, sprung a fair Son, named Richard, who succeeded his Grand-father in the kingdom; and after a long Reign, was deposed by Henry Duke of Lancaster, who took upon him the Crown, under the Title of Henry the tourth; and being Deposed, was murthered in the Castle Pomfret, by Sir Peirce of Exton, and six other Assassins; but not degenerating from his heroick Father in strength and volour, siezing a Halbert, he wrested it by main strength out of one of their hands, and killed sour of them, e're they dispatch'd him: But to return:

The french king, and his Son, having been four years Prisoners in England, began to Grow weary of it, and therefore, for their Re­leasement, made several advantageous Over-tures to king Edward, for their Release, and for a Truce: But Charles the french king's eldest son, having gotten the Regency into his hands, would not agree with his Father; whereupon the french king was committed a closer Pri­soner to the Tower; and king Edward with the Black Prince sailded over with an Army, and Landed at Callice; and from thence towards paris, wasteing the Country as he passed, very dreadfully with fire and sword; so that many Towns and Castles were yielded to him, by which means he compelled the Regent, and Nobility to become earnest Petitioners to him for a Peace; and it was Concluded on these Articles:

• 1. That the French King should pay four hundred thousand punds flerling, for his Ransom.
• 2. That no King of France should Aid the Scots against England, in any invasion, or rebellion; nor the English Assist the Flemings, in any War against France.
• [Page 21]3. That the King of England should have, and freely enjoy, with­out homage, the territories of Gascon, Guyan, with the precincts, ter­ritories, castles, forts, and towns thereto belonging; also the city of Poictiers, and Peregors, the Earldoms of Bigrot, Poitiors, and Guy­ens, the Citys of Limoges, Tharbes, Guares, Ageu, Anglasme, Au­guemois, Kyuern, Courus, the Lordship of Xantogue, Caumesen, Hames, Ony, Montrel, with the Signories of Callis, Marguise, Sand­gate, and Collogne.

These glorious Advantages rejoyced the English, and Magnified our Nation throughout the World, who wondred how a handful of people could compel so Potent a Kingdom as france, to truckle so low: And for performance of the Articles, Charles the Regent, and the Black prince (in the presence of six knights of each Nation) received the Holy Sacrament at the High Altar; and then king Edward, with the Prince, returned to England, and were (with all Complements of love and kindness) entertained, and feasted, at the Tower, by the french king, who was conveyed from thence to Callice, where according to Agree­ment, he remained four Months; and then king Edward repaired to him, and both of them (at High Mass) solemnly swore to perform and keep the Articles; and then king John (for Hostages of his Ransom) delivered to king Edward, four Dukes, seven Earls, ten Barons, ma­ny knights, and two of the worthiest Burgesses of every great City of france; and so taking a friendly leave of each other, the king and prince returned with their Honourable Hostages to England, who were (with all humility and kindness) feasted and entertained by the king, prince, and nobility, and permitted freely to use all sports and pastimes for exercise and pleasure; and about two years after the conditions of Agreement, being perform'd, king John came over to visit king Ed­ward, and the Prince; and to thank them for his former courteous Entertainment; and at the same time came the kings of Scots, and of Cyprus; so that there were four kings at once in our Court: But king John of france falling sick at the Savoy dyed, to the great Grief of both Nations, whence his Body was conveyed to St. Dennis in france, and there Interr'd amongst his Royal Ancestors.

CHAP. VI.

THE Black Prince's Fame spreading over the World, he was sued to (by Distressed Kings and Nations) to Assist and Relieve them with his Valour and Prowess, and amongst others, Peter King of Castile being Overthrown in many Battles, by Henry his Bastard Brother, Assisted un­der hand by Charles the New French King; Flying his Kingdom, came to the Prince, where he was with his fair Princes at Burdeaux, setling his New Government in France, humbly Imploring him to Re-in-stare him in his Kingdom, promissing great Rewards and Treasures, when he should be Re-possessed.

The Generous Prince, knowing him to be Rightful Sovereign of the Kingdom, and moved with the piteous Complaint of the Wrongs done him, so for Compassionated his Case, that he undertook his Protection, raised an Army, and went in Person to Re-in-thronize him, which Army he led into Castile; and although the French and Spanish Forces were four times his Number, yet in a Bloody Battel most of them were Slain, and the rest put to Flight, and king Peter again Restored to his Crown, and Setled in his Kingdom by the Prince; who, however, returned again with his Soldiers Vn-payed, because Mony (in an un-setled Kingdom) could not be suddenly Raised, but with promises it should suddainly be done; yet, not long after, Henry returned upon Peter, and wared so sharply on him, that he subdued him, took him Prisoner, and put him to Death: How­ever, his two Daughters and Heirs, were afterwards Marryed to John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, and Thomas of Woodstock, two of King Edwards Sons, who claimed the kingdome in their Right, which occasi­oned future Bloody Wars, and the French king dealing Treacherously un­derhand, contrary to the Peace Sworn to, with the Nobles of Normandy and other king Edwards Territorys in France, perswaded them to Re­volt, so that War again was Proclaimed, and the Duke of Lancaster was sent with an Army, who, Landing at Callice, Marched from thence, spoil­ing [Page 23] the Enemies Country, in his way Vnopposed till he came to Burdeaux, to the Prince his Brother; and the king sent another Army after him to St. Omers, under the Conduct of Sir Robert Knowles, who, Marching (with T [...]r through the adjacent Country) with Fire and Sword Depo­pulated it, and the Duke of [...]ancaster Encountring with King Charles, Beat [...]im and made him fly to save himself; so they brought a Teror even upon the City of Paris, and from thence they Marched into the Earldom of Anjou where they won the strong Towns of Vaas, Ruly, and divers others, and, now the Duke of Britain fearing the French would Invade him, craved Aid of King Edward, and Fortified his Towns and Castles; he sent to him, the Duke of Lancaster with an Army; who, again, Land­ing at Callice, wasted the Country as he passed with Fire and Sword, till he

come to Burdeaux, where to his unspeakable Sorrow, he found the Renon­ed Black Prince his Brother, exceeding Sick and his Physicians Dispair­ing of his Recovery; however, calling the Nobles together he appointed the Duke Governour [...] and Captain General, of all Kin [...] Edwards Pro­vinces in France, and made the Nobles Swear for the performance of their Duty and Obedience to him; and, so the Sick Prince, who was in pessed [Page 24] to have Poyson Given him in Gastillian Vioage, in a Banquet of Sweet-Meats, which cast him into a Lingering Disease, growing worse, & worse, and so to the unspeakable Grief of the King, and whole Kingdom, he Dyed on the 8th. day of June, 1376. in the 40th. Year of his Age and was Buryed with all manner of Sollemn Pomp, at the Cathederal Church in Canter­bury; & with him, Sunk much of the English Courage for many years we making but faint struglings till the Reign of Henry the 5th. who, over­throwing a French Army of 120000 Men at the Battel of Agencourt, with an Army not above 14000 (passed) Conquering on, till he Compelled the French King to give him his Daughter Katherine in Marriage, and the Kingdom, after his Decease; so that he was Crowned at Paris, King of France, and the States Swore Homage to him, so that an Entire Conquest was then made, (except of a little the Dauphin, who held out with a party maintained) which Glorious Success Renowns our Nation to all Posteri­ty: But to come nearer, and conclude my History.

The Black Prince, who was a Comly Stature, Strong Body, Fierce in War, but Mild and Affable in Peace, being Dead (as is said) King Edward Created Richard the Prince's Son; Prince of Wales, Earl of Leicester, Duke of Cornwal, and Appointed him to Succeed in the King­dom (as has been said) and because he was Young, he Appointed the Re­gency to the Duke of Lancaster, till he should come of Years to Sway the Scepter; and being Worn out with Age, the toyls of War, and Grief for the Death of the Black Prince, he Dyed, when he had Reigned somewhat more than Fifty Years, and was Buried at Westminster: And thus, Reader, have I fullfilled my promise, in a True Account of this Renowned Histor [...], not doubting but it will give Delight and Satisfaction to all that Read it; and so Encourage us to Imitate our brave Ancestors, that france and other Nations may know, we are still English-men, whose Vndaunted Courage cannot be Baffled, but in Contending for Right and Fame, we Dare as much as ever.