favorite son Philip taken prisoner. It is thought that the number of the French killed in this battle, was double that of the English army; but the modesty and politeness with which the prince treated his royal prisoners, formed the brightest wreath in his garland.

Historians relate, that the English first employed cannon in these memorable battles, and declare that the French were not as yet acquainted with it. Their extraordinary success is partly imputed to the surprize, which the novelty of these tremendous messengers of death occasioned.

CHAP. XXXIV.

David, King of Scotland, is taken Prisoner.

WHILE Edward was reaping victories upon the continent, the Scotch, ever willing to embrace a favorite opportunity of rapine and revenge, invaded the frontiers of England with a numerous army, headed by David Bruce their king. This unexpected invasion, at such a juncture, alarmed the English, but was not capable of intimidating them. Lionel, Edward's son, who was left guardian of England during his father's absence, was yet too young to take upon him the command of an army. But the victories on the continent seemeed to inspire even women with valor. Philippa, Edward's queen, took upon her the conduct of the field,

and prepare to repulse the enemy in person. Accordingly, having made lord Percy general under her, she met the Scots at a place called Nevill's Cross, near Durham, and offered them battle.

The Scotch king was no less impatient to engage. He imagined that he might obtain an easy victory against undisciplined troops, and headed by a woman. But he was miserably deceived. His army was quickly routed, and driven from the field. Fifteen thousand of his men were cut to pieces; and he himself with many of his nobles and knights were taken prisoners, and carried in triumph to London.

Thus Edward, on his return, had the pleasure to see two crowned heads his captives at London. Both kings were afterwards ransomed; but John returned to England, and died at the palace of the Savoy.

CHAP. XXXV.

Of the building of Windsor Castle, and the Institution of the Order of the Garter.

THE magnificent castle of Windsor was built by Edward the III. and his method of conducting that work, may serve as a specimen of the condition of the people of that age. Instead of alluring workmen by contracts and wages, he assessed every county in England to send him so many masons, tilers, and carpenters,

H

as if he had been levying an army. Soldiers were enlisted only for a short time. They lived idle all the rest of the year, and commonly all the rest of their lives. One successful campaign, by pay and plunder, and the ransom of prisoners, was supposed to be a small fortune to a man; which was a great allurement to enter into the service. The wages of a master carpenter was limited throughout the whole year to three-pence a day, and that of a common carpenter to twopence.

Edward likewise instituted the order of the Garter, which is said to have had its rise from the Countess of Salisbury's dropping her garter at a ball, which the king taking up, presented to her, saying, HONI SOIT QUI MAL Y PENSE, "Evil to him who evil thinks;" when observing several of the nobles smile, he added, "Many a man has laughed at the garter, who will think it a very great honor to wear such a one."

CHAP. XXXVI.

Of the Opinion we are to form of Edward's Conquests.

THE reign of Edward was rather brilliant than truly serviceable to his subjects. If England, during these shining triumphs on the continent, gained any real advantages, it was only that of having a spirit of honor and elegance diffused among the higher ranks of the people. In

all conquests, something is gained in civil life from the people subdued; and as France was at that time evidently more civilized than England, those imitative islanders, as they were then called, adopted the arts of the people they overcame. The meanest soldier in the English army now began to follow his leader from love, and not compulsion. He was brave from sentiment alone; and had the honor of his country beating in his breast, even though in the humblest station. This was the time when chivalry was at its highest pitch; and many of the successes of England were owing to that romantic spirit, which the king endeavored to diffuse, and of which he was the most shining example. It was this spirit that, in some measure, served to soften the ferocity of the age; being a mixture of love, generosity, and war. Instead of being taught the sciences, the sons of the nobility were brought into the field, as soon as they were able, and instructed in no other arts but those of arms; such as the method of sitting on horseback, of wielding the lance, running at the ring, flourish ing at the tournament, and addressing a mistress. To attain these, was considered as the sum of all human acquirements. And though war made their only study, yet the rules of tactics, encampments, stratagems, and fortifications, were almost totally disregarded.

CHAP. XXXVII.

Of Wickliffe, the first Reformer.

IN the latter end of Edward's reign, John Wickliffe, a secular priest, educated at Oxford, began to propagate his doctrines; and he has the honor of being the first person who had sagacity to see through the errors of the church of Rome, and courage enough to attempt a reformation.

He denied the doctrine of the real presence, the supremacy of the church of Rome, and the merit of monastic vows. He maintained that the Scriptures were the sole rule of faith; that the church was dependant on the state; that the clergy ought to possess no estates; and that the numerous ceremonies of the church were hurtful to true piety. In short, most of his doctrines were such, as the wisdom of posterity thought fit to establish; and Wickliffe failed in being a reformer, only because the minds of men were not yet sufficiently ripened for the truths he endeavored to inculcate.

The clergy of that age did not fail to oppose Wickliffe with fury. But as his doctrines were pleasing to the higher orders of the laity, he found protection from their indignation. John of Gaunt, duke of Lancaster, was his particular friend and favorer; and when summoned to appear before the bishop of London, that nobleman attended him into the court, and defended him both from the resentment of the clergy, and the rage of the populace.