the first time, that the King of England had been in the battle under the banner of Sir Walter. The King expressed a desire to entertain them all at supper; and when the hour came, tables were spread in the castle, and he seated himself, making all the French knights, notwithstanding they were prisoners, do the The gallant Prince of Wales and the Knights of England served up the first course and waited on the guests, and at the second course they seated themselves at another table, where they were served and quietly attended to.

same.

When supper was over and the tables removed, the King remained in the hall, with the English and French knights, bareheaded, except that he wore a chaplet of fine pearls. He entered into conversation with all present, but expressed himself by no means pleased when he came to Sir Geoffry de Chargny. "Sir Geoffry," he said, "I have but little reason to love you; you wished to steal from me last night what has given me so much trouble, and cost me so much money to acquire. You hoped to gain it cheaper than I did; but by GoD's assistance you have been disappointed." Sir Geoffry had not a word to say for himself, and the King passed on to Sir Eustace de Ribeaumont, to whom he said, with a smile, "Sir Eustace, you are the most valiant knight in Christendom that I ever saw attack his enemy or defend himself. I never yet found any one in battle, who body to body, has given me so much to do as you have this day. I therefore adjudge to you the prize of valour

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above all the knights of my court, for it is justly due to you." The King then took off the chaplet of pearls from his own head, and placing it on the head of Sir Eustace, continued, Sir Eustace, I present you with this chaplet, as being the best combatant this day; and I beg of you to wear it all this year for love of me. I know that you are a lively and gallant knight, and fond of the company of the ladies; say, therefore, wherever you go, that the King of England gave you this. I also give you your liberty free of ransom, and you may set out to-morrow, if you please, and go wherever you will."

Lord James Audley and his four Squires

AT THE

Battle of Poitiers.

WHEN the Prince of Wales, who had command of the English, saw that a battle was inevitable, and that the plain of Poitiers must be disputed with the French, he addressed his forces as follows: "Now, my gallant fellows, what though we be a small body when compared with our enemies, let us not be cast down on this account; victory does not always follow numbers; but where the ALMIGHTY pleases He will bestow it. If through good fortune the day shall be ours, we shall gain the greatest glory in this world; and if the contrary should happen, and we be slain, I have a father and beloved brothers alive, and you all have some relations and good friends, and these will be sure to avenge our deaths. I therefore entreat you to exert yourselves, and to fight manfully; for if it

please GOD and S. George, you shall see me this day act like a true knight." Sir John Chandos then

placed himself near the Prince's person, to guard and advise him; and the Lord James Audley did the

same.

Sir John during the whole battle never quitted his post; but when the Lord James saw that the engagement must certainly take place, he said to the Prince, “Dear Sir, I must acquaint you that some time since I made a vow, that if ever I should be engaged in any battle, where the King, your father, or any of his sons were, I would be foremost in the attack, and the best combatant, or die in the attempt. I beg, therefore, most earnestly, as a reward for any service I may have done, that you will grant me permission honourably to quit you, that I may post myself in such a manner as to accomplish my vow." The Prince granted the request, and holding out his hand, said, "Sir James, GOD grant that this day you may shine in valour above all other knights." The gallant lord then set off, and posted himself in the very front of the battalion, having with him only four squires, whom he detained to guard his person. Without delay he advanced sword in hand upon the battalion of the French marshal, and pushed forward with so much eagerness, that he engaged the marshal himself under his banner, and very roughly handled him. This battalion was soon routed; however, the Lord James and his four squires never stayed to make any prisoners, but kept on fighting, and were always to be found in the

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heat of the battle. He himself was most severely wounded in the body, and also in the head and face; but as long as his strength and breath permitted him, he maintained the fight, and continued to advance until he was completely covered with blood. As the engagement was drawing to a close, his four squires finding him very weak and much wounded, led him off the field towards a hedge, that he might cool himself and take breath. They disarmed him as gently as they could, dressed his wounds, and sewed up the most dangerous.

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When the battle was all over, the French King taken prisoner, and the English completely victorious, the Prince of Wales made inquiry of some knights who were about him, if any one knew what was become of Lord James Audley. "Yes," replied some of the company, "he is very badly wounded, and is lying on a litter hard by." "By my troth," replied the Prince, "I am sore vexed that he is so wounded. See, I beg of you, if he be able to bear being carried hither; for if not, I will come and visit him." Two knights left the Prince immediately, and coming to Lord James, informed him how desirous the Prince was to see him. "A thousand thanks to the Prince," answered Lord James, " for condescending to remember so poor a knight as myself." He then called to him eight of his servants, and bade them bear him on his litter to where the Prince was, who, as soon as he saw him, bent over him and embraced him, saying, "My Lord James, I am bound to honour you