han a man came, breathless,
and told the Duke of York that the enemy was approaching in countless
numbers. Henry forthwith commanded the main body to halt, and setting
spurs to his horse hastened to view the enemy, who seemed to him like
an immense forest covering the whole country. Nothing dismayed, he
ordered his troops to dismount and prepare for battle; animating them
by his calm, intrepid bearing, and by his language of kindness and
encouragement. The French, who were first seen as they were emerging
from a valley a mile off in three columns, halted at the distance of
about half a mile.

[Footnote 127: Sir William Bardolf, Lieutenant of
Calais, hearing of the King's danger, sent part of
his garrison to his assistance; but that little
body, consisting of about three hundred
men-at-arms, were either destroyed or taken
prisoners by the men of Picardy.]

[Footnote 128: After quitting Bonnieres, Henry
passed unawares beyond the place intended by his
officers for his quarters; but, instead of
returning, he replied that, being in his war-coat,
he could not return without displeasing God. He
therefore ordered his advanced guard to take a more
distant position, and himself occupied the spot
which had been intended for them. This anecdote is
recorded as an instance of the care with which
Henry avoided whatever might appear of ill omen.
Probably he only followed the usual maxims of an
army in march; that maxim originating, it may be,
in superstition.]

The English felt assured that they would be immediately attacked; and,
as soon as they were drawn up in order of battle, they prepared for
death. The greatest want then felt in the camp was the lack of
priests,[129] every one being anxiously desirous of making confession
and obtaining absolution. Henry's presence of mind, and noble (p. 164)
soul, and pious trust, and intrepid spirit, showed themselves on this
occasion in words which ought never to be forgotten. Sir Walter
Hungerford having expressed his sorrow that they had not ten thousand
of those gallant archers who would be most desirous of aiding their
King in