n into your keeping," and he pointed to the
young Prince, who all this while sat upon his horse upright and silent.
"The Hope of England shall be your leader, but if he flies, why then,
cut him down, and fight without him. But he'll not fly and you'll not
fly; no, you and he together will this day earn a name that shall be
told of when the world is grey with age. Great is the chance that life
has given you; pluck it, pluck it from the land of opportunity and, dead
or living, become a song forever in the mouths of men unborn. Think not
of prisoners; think not of ransoms and of wealth. Think not of me or of
yourselves, but think of England's honour, and for that strike home, for
England watches you to-day."

"We will, we will! Fear not, King, we will," shouted the host in answer.

With a glad smile, Edward took his young son's hand and shook it; then
rode away followed by his marshals.

"De Cressi," he said, as he passed Hugh, "the knave Acour, your foe and
mine, is with Philip of France. He has done me much damage, de Cressi,
more than I can stop to tell. Avenge it if you can. Your luck is great,
you may find the chance. God be with you and all. My lords, farewell.
You have your orders. Son Edward, fare you well, also. Meet me again
with honour, or never more."

It was not yet noon when King Edward spoke these words, and long hours
were to go by before the battle joined. Indeed, most thought that no
blow would be struck that day, since it was known that Philip had slept
at Abbeville, whence for a great army the march was somewhat long.
Still, when all was made ready, the English sat them down in their
ranks, bows and helmets at side, ate their mid-day meal with appetite,
and waited whatever fate might send them.

In obedience to the King's command Hugh and Grey Dick had been attached
to the immediate person of the Prince of Wales, who had about him,
besides his own knights, a small band of chosen archers and another band
of men-at-arms picked for their strength and courage. These soldiers
were all dismounted, since the order had gone forth that knight and
squire must fight afoot, every horse having been sent to the rear, for
that day the English expected to receive charges, not to make them.
This, indeed, would have been impossible, seeing that all along their
front the wild Welsh had laboured for hours digging pits into which
horses might plunge and fall.

There then the Prince's battle sat, a small force after al