[Stanza 124]

A Route of tatter'd Rascalls starued so, As forced through extreamity of need To rake for scraps on Dunghils as they goe, And on the Berries of the Shrubs to feed, Besides with fluxes are enfeebled so, And other foule diseases that they breed, That they, there Armes disabled are to sway, But in their march doe leaue them on the way.

[Stanza 125]

And to our people but a handfull are, Scarse thirtie thousand, when to Land they came, Of which to England dayly some repayre, Many from Harflew carried sicke and lame, Fitter for Spittles, and the Surgions care, Then with their Swords on vs to winne them fame, Vnshod, and without stockings are the best, And those by Winter miserably opprest.

[Stanza 126]

To let them dye vpon their march abroad, And Fowles vpon their Carkases to feed, The heapes of them vpon the common road A great infection likely were to breed, For our owne safeties see them then bestow'd, And doe for them this charitable deede: Vnder our Swords together let them fall, And one that day they dye, be buried all.

[Stanza 127]

This bold invectiue forc'd against the Foe, Although it most of the Assembly seas'd, Yet those which better did the English know, Were but a little with his speeches pleas'd, And that the Duke of Berry meant to showe: Which when the murmure somewhat was appeas'd, After a while their listning silence breakes, And thus in answere of Alanzon speakes.

[Stanza 128: The Duke of Berrys answere to Alanzon.]

My Liedge, quoth he, and you my Lords, and Peeres, Whom this great businesse chiefely doth concerne, By my experience, now so many yeeres To know the English I am not to learne; Nor I more feeling haue of humane feares Than fitteth Manhood, nor doe hope to earne Suffrage from any; but by zeale am wonne, To speake my minde here, as the Duke hath done.

[Stanza 129]

Th'euents of Warre are various (as I know) And say, the losse vpon the English light, Yet may a dying man giue such a blow, As much may hinder his proud Conquerours might; It is enough our puissant power to showe To the weake English, now vpon their flight, When want, and winter, strongly spurre them on, You else but slay them, that would faine be gon.

[Stanza 130]

I like our Forces their first course should hold, To skirmish with them, vpon euery stay, But fight by no meanes with them, though they would, Except they finde them forraging for pray, So still you haue them shut vp in a Fould, And still to Callis keepe them in their way; So Fabius wearied Hanibal, so we May English Henry, pleased if you be.

[Stanza 131]

And of the English rid your Countrey cleane, If on their backs, but Callice walles they win, Whose Frontier Townes you easly may maintaine, With a strong Army still to keepe them in; Then let our Ships make good the mouth of Seyne, And at your pleasure Harflew you may winne, Ere with Supplys againe they can inuade, Spent in the Voyage lately hither made.

[Stanza 132]

That day at Poyteers, in that bloudy Field, The sudaine turne in that great Battell then, Shall euer teach me, whilest I Armes can weeld, Neuer to trust to multitudes of men; Twas the first day that ere I wore a Sheeld, Oh let me neuer see the like agen! Where their Blacke Edward such a Battell wonne As to behold it might amaze the Sunne.

[Stanza 133]

There did I see our conquered Fathers fall, Before the English on that fatall ground, When as to ours their number was but small, And with braue Spirits France ne'r did more abound, Yet oft that Battaile into minde I call, Whereas of ours, one man seemd all one wound, I instance this; yet humbly here submit My selfe to fight, if you shall thinke it fit.

[Stanza 134: Young mens counsailes ofttimes proue the vtter subuersion both of themselues and others.]

The Marshall and the Constable about To second, what this sager Duke had said: The youthfull Lords into a cry brake out, Gainst their opinions, so that ouer-sway'd, Some seeming of their Loyalties to doubt; Alanzon as an Oracle obay'd, And not a French then present, but doth sweare To kill an English if ynow there were.

[Stanza 135: The French King sendeth to dare the King of England to Battaile.]

A Herault posted presently away, The King of England to the field to dare, To bid him cease his spoyle, nor to delay Gainst the French power his forces but prepare: For that King Charles determin'd to display His bloody Ensignes, and through France declare The day, and place, that Henry should set downe, In which their Battailes, should dispose the Crowne.

[Stanza 136: The King of Englands modest answer.]

This newes to Henry by the Herault brought, As one dispassion'd soberly (quoth he) Had your King pleas'd, we sooner might haue fought; For now my Souldiers much enfeebled be: Nor day, nor place, for Battaile shall be sought By English Henry: but if he seeke me, I to my vtmost will my selfe defend, And to th'Almighties pleasure leaue the end.

[Stanza 137]

The brute of this intended Battaile spred, The coldnesse of each sleeping courage warmes, And in the French that daring boldnesse bred: Like casting Bees that they arise in swarmes, Thinking the English downe so farre to tred, As past that day ne'r more to rise in Armes, T'extirpe the name, if possible it were, At least not after to be heard of there.

[Stanza 138: A Simily of the rising of the French.]

As when you see the enuious Crowe espye, Something that shee doth naturally detest: With open throat how shee doth squall and crye; And from the next Groue calleth in the rest, And they for those beyond them bawling flye, Till their foule noyse doth all the ayre infest: Thus French, the French to this great Battaile call, Vpon their swords to see the English fall.

[Stanza 139: Dauid Gam, a great Captain in that Warr.]

And to the King when seriously one tolde, With what an Host he should encountred be, Gam noting well, the King did him behold, In the reporting; Merrily (quoth he) My Liege I'le tell you if I may be bold, We will diuide this Army into three: One part we'll kill, the second prisoners stay; And for the third, we'll leaue to runne away.

[Stanza 140]

But for the Foe came hourely in so fast, Lest they his Army should disordred take: The King who wisely doth the worst forecast, His speedy martch doth presently forsake, Into such forme and his Battalion cast; That doe their worst they should not eas'ly shake: For that his scouts which forrag'd had the Coast, Bad him at hand expect a puissant Host.

[Stanza 141: The Duke of Yorke.]

On which ere long the English Vanward light, Which York, of men the brauest, doth command, When either of them in the others sight, He caus'd the Army instantly to stand, As though preparing for a present Fight, And rideth forth from his couragious Band, To view the French, whose numbers ouer spread, The troubled Country on whose earth they tread.

[Stanza 142]

Now were both Armies got vpon that ground, As on a Stage, where they their strengthes must trye, Whence from the wydth of many a gaping wound, There's many a soule into the Ayre must flye: Meane while the English that some ease had found; By the aduantage of a Village nie, There set them downe the Battell to abide, Where they the place had strongly fortifide.

[Stanza 143: The French scorning the English, being so fewe in respect of their mighty power.]

Made drunke with pride the haughty French disdaine, Lesse then their owne, a multitude to view, Nor aske of God the victory to gaine, Vpon the English wext so poore and fewe, To stay their slaughter thinking it a paine, And lastly to that insolence they grewe, Quoyts, Lots, and Dice for Englishmen to cast, And sweare to pay, the Battaile being past.

[Stanza 144]

For knots of corde to eu'ry Towne they send, The Captiu'd English that they caught to binde, For to perpetuall slau'ry they intend: Those that aliue they on the Field should finde, So much as that they fear'd lest they should spend Too many English, wherefore they assignde Some to keepe fast those, fayne that would be gon After the Fight, to try their Armes vpon.

[Stanza 145]

One his bright sharpe-eg'd Semiter doth showe, Off'ring to lay a thousand Crownes (in pride) That he two naked English at one blowe, Bound back to back will at the wasts diuide, Some bett his sword will do't, some others no, After the Battaile, and they'll haue it tride: Another wafts his Blade about his head, And shewes them how their hamstrings he will shread.

[Stanza 146]

They part their prisoners, passing them for debt, And in their Ransome ratibly accord To a Prince of ours, a Page of theirs they set; And a French Lacky to an English Lord; As for our Gentry them to hyre they'll let, And as good cheape as they can them afford, Branded for Slaues that if they hapt to stray, Knowne by the marke, them any one might slay.

[Stanza 147]

And cast to make a Chariot for the King, Painted with Antickes, and ridiculous toyes, In which they meane to Paris him to bring, To make sport to their Madames and their Boyes, And will haue Rascalls, Rymes of him to sing, Made in his mock'ry; and in all these ioyes, They bid the Bells to ring, and people crie, Before the Battaile, France and Victorie.

[Stanza 148]

And to the King and Daulphine sent away (Who at that time residing were in Roane) To be partakers of that glorious day: Wherein the English should be ouerthrowne, Lest that of them ensuing times should say, That for their safety they forsooke their owne: When France did that braue victory obtaine, That shall her lasting'st monument remaine.

[Stanza 149]

The poore distressed Englishmen the whiles, Not dar'd by doubt, and lesse appaul'd with dread Of their Arm'd Pykes, some sharpning are the pyles, The Archer grinding his barb'd Arrow head: Their Bills and Blades, some whetting are with Files: And some their Armours strongly Riueted: Some pointing Stakes to stick into the ground, To guard the Bow-men, and their Horse to wound.

[Stanza 150: The Ryot in the French Campe the night before the Battell.]

The night fore-running this most dreadfull day: The French that all to iollity encline: Some fall to dancing, some againe to play: And some are drinking to this great Designe: But all in pleasure spend the night away: The Tents with lights, the Fields with Boone-fires shine: The common Souldiers Free-mens Catches sing: With showtes and laughter all the Campe doth ring.

[Stanza 151]

The wearied English watchfull o'r their Foes, (The depth of night then drawing on so fast) That fayne a little would themselues repose, With thanks to God, doe take that small repast Which that poore Village willingly bestowes: And hauing plac'd their Sentinels at last, They fall to Prayer, and in their Cabins blest, T'refresh their spirits, then tooke them to their rest.

[Stanza 152: Pondering in his thoughts, his Fathers comming to the Crowne by deposing the rightfull King.]

In his Pauillion Princely Henry lay'd, Whilst all his Army round about him slept, His restlesse head vpon his Helmet stay'd, For carefull thoughts his eyes long waking kept: Great God (quoth he) withdraw not now thy ayde: Nor let my Father Henries sinnes be heapt On my transgressions, vp the Summe to make, For which thou may'st me vtterly forsake.

[Stanza 153: Henry the fift caused the body of King Richard to be taken vp, where it was meanely buried at Langley, and to be layde in Westminster by his first Wife Queene Anne.]

King Richards wrongs, to minde, Lord doe not call, Nor how for him my Father did offend, From vs alone deriue not thou his fall, Whose odious life caus'd his vntimely end, That by our Almes be expiated all: Let not that sinne on me his Sonne desend, When as his body I translated haue, And buried in an honourable Graue.

[Stanza 154]

These things thus pondring, sorrow-ceasing sleepe, From cares to rescue his much troubled minde, Vpon his Eye-lids stealingly doth creepe, And in soft slumbers euery sense doth binde, (As vndisturbed euery one to keepe) When as that Angell to whom God assign'd, The guiding of the English, gliding downe The silent Campe doth with fresh courage crowne.

[Stanza 155]

His glittering wings he gloriously displaies, Ouer the Hoste as euery way it lyes With golden Dreames their trauell, and repaies, This Herault from the Rector of the skies, In Vision warnes them not to vse delayes, But to the Battell cheerefully to rise, And be victorious, for that day at hand, He would amongst them for the English stand.

[Stanza 156]

The dawne scarse drewe the curtaines of the East, But the late wearied Englishmen awake, And much refreshed with a little rest Themselues soone ready for the Battaile make, Not any one but feeleth in his breast, That sprightly fire which Courage bids him take, For ere the Sunne next rising went to bed, The French by them in triumph should be led.

[Stanza 157: The great care of a wise and politike Captaine.]

And from their Cabins, ere the French arose, (Drown'd in the pleasure of the passed night,) The English cast their Battailes to dispose, Fit for the ground whereon they were to fight: Foorth that braue King couragious Henry goes, An hower before that it was fully light, To see if there might any place be found, To giue his Hoste aduantage by the ground.

[Stanza 158]

Where twas his hap a Quicksett hedge to view, Well growne in height; and for his purpose thin, Yet by the Ditch vpon whose banke it grew, He found it to be difficult to winne, Especially if those of his were true, Amongst the shrubbs that he should set within, By which he knew their strength of Horse must come, If they would euer charge his Vanguard home.

[Stanza 159: This Stratagem the ouerthrow of the French.]

And of three hundred Archers maketh choice, Some to be taken out of euery Band, The strongest Bowmen, by the generall voyce, Such as beside were valient of their hand, And to be so imployed, as would reioyce, Appointing them behinde the hedge to stand, To shrowde themselues from sight, and to be mute, Vntill a signall freely bad them shute.

[Stanza 160]

The gamesome Larke now got vpon her Wing, As twere the English earely to awake, And to wide heauen her cheerefull notes doth sing, As shee for them would intercession make, Nor all the noyse that from below doth spring, Her ayrie walke can force her to forsake, Of some much noted, and of others lesse, But yet of all presaging good successe.

[Stanza 161]

The lazie French their leisure seem to take, And in their Cabins keepe themselues so long, Till flocks of Rauens them with noyse awake, Ouer the Army like a Cloud that hong, Which greater haste inforceth them to make, When with their croaking all the Countrey rong, Which boaded slaughter as the most doe say, But by the French it turned was this way.

[Stanza 162: The French mis-interpret the flight of Rauens houering ouer their owne Campe.]

That this diuyning Foule well vnderstood, Vpon that place much gore was to be spill'd, And as those Birds doe much delight in blood, With humane flesh would haue their gorges fill'd, So waited they vpon their Swords for food, To feast vpon the English being kill'd, Then little thinking that these came in deed On their owne mangled Carkases to feed.

[Stanza 163]

When soone the French preparing for the Field, Their armed troops are setting in array, Whose wondrous numbers they can hardly weeld, The place too little wherevpon they lay, They therefore to necessitie must yeeld, And into Order put them as they may, Whose motion sounded like to Nilus fall, That the vaste ayre was deafned therewithall.

[Stanza 164: The Marshalling of the French Army, containing three stanzas.]

The Constable, and Admirall of France, With the grand Marshall, men of great command: The Dukes of Burbon, and of Orleance, Some for their place, some for their birth-right stand, The Daulphine of Averney (to aduance His worth and honour) of a puissant hand: The Earle of Ewe in Warre that had beene bred, These mighty men the mighty Vanward led.

[Stanza 165]

The mayne brought forward by the Duke of Barre, Neuers, and Beamont, men of speciall name: Alanzon thought, not equall'd in this Warre, With them Salines, Rous, and Grandpre came, Their long experience, who had fetcht from farre, Whom this expected Conquest doth enflame, Consisting most of Crosbowes, and so great, As France her selfe it well might seeme to threat.

[Stanza 166]

The Duke of Brabant of high valour knowne, The Earles of Marle, and Faconbridge the Reare, To Arthur Earle of Richmount's selfe alone, They leaue the Right wing to be guided there: Lewes of Burbon, second yet to none, Led on the left; with him that mighty Peere The Earle of Vandome, who of all her men Large France entytled, her great Master then.

[Stanza 167: The Marshalling of the English Army cotaining fiue stanzas.]

The Duke of Yorke the English Vanward guides, Of our strong Archers, that consisted most; Which with our Horse was wing'd on both the sides: T'affront so great and terrible an Host; There valiant Fanhope, and there Beamount rides, With Willoughby which scowred had the Coast, That morning early, and had seene at large, How the Foe came, that then they were to charge.

[Stanza 168]

Henry himselfe, on the mayne Battell brings, Nor can these Legions of the French affright This Mars of men, this King of earthly Kings: Who seem'd to be much pleased with the sight, As one ordayn'd t'accomplish mighty things; Who to the Field came in such brau'ry dight: As to the English boades succesfull luck Before one stroke, on either side was struck.

[Stanza 169: The brauery of King Henryes owne person.]

In Warlike state the Royall Standard borne Before him, as in splendrous Armes he road, Whilst his coruetting Courser seem'd in scorne To touch the earth whereon he proudly troad, Lillyes, and Lyons quarterly adorne; His Shield, and his Caparison doe load: Vpon his Helme a Crowne with Diamonds deckt, Which through the Field their Radient fiers reflect.

[Stanza 170]

The Duke of Gloster neere to him agen, T'assist his Brother in that dreadfull day, Oxford and Suffolke both true Marshiall men, Ready to keepe the Battell in Array, To Excester there was appointed then The Reare; on which their second succours lay: Which were the youth, most of the Noblest blood, Vnder the Ensignes of their names that stood.

[Stanza 171]

Then of the stakes he doth the care commend, To certaine troupes that actiue were and strong, Onely diuis'd the Archers to defend, Pointed with Iron and of fiue foote long; To be remou'd still which way they should bend, Where the French Horse should thick'st vpon them throng Which when the Host to charge each other went, Show'd his great wit that first did them inuent.

[Stanza 172: The scornfull message of the French to the King of England.]

[The Kings answer to the French.]

Both Armies sit, and at the point to fight, The French themselues assuring of the day; Send to the King of England (as in spight) To know what he would for his Ransome pay, Who with this answere doth their scorne requite: I pray thee Herault wish the French to stay, And e'r the day be past, I hope to see, That for their Ransomes they shall send to me.

[Stanza 173: The Constables Oration to the French.]

The French which found how little Henry makes, Of their vaine boasts, as set therewith on fire, Whilst each one to his Ensigne him betakes; The Constable to raise their spleene the hyer, Thus speakes: Braue friends now for your Grandsires sakes, Your Country, Honours, or what may inspire Your soules with courage, straine vp all your powers, To make this day victoriously ours.

[Stanza 174]

Forward stout French, your valours and aduance, By taking vengeance for our Fathers slaine, And strongly fixe the Diadem of France, Which to this day vnsteady doth remaine: Now with your swords their Traytours bosomes lance, And with their bloods wash out that ancient staine, And make our earth drunke with the English gore, Which hath of ours oft surfited before.

[Stanza 175]

Let not one liue in England once to tell, What of their King, or of the rest became: Nor to the English, what in France befell: But what is bruted by the generall fame: But now the Drummes began so lowd to yell, As cut off further what he would declame: And Henry seeing them on so fast to make, Thus to his Souldiers comfortably spake.

[Stanza 176: The King of Englands Oration to the English.]

Thinke but vpon the iustnesse of our cause, And he's no man their number that will wey; Thus our great Grandsire purchas'd his applause, The more they are, the greater is our prey, We'll hand in hand wade into dangers iawes, And let report to England this Conuey That it for me no Ransome e'r shall rayse, Either I'le Conquer, or here end my dayes.

[Stanza 177]

It were no glory for vs to subdue Them, then our number, were the French no more; When in one Battaile twice our Fathers slue, Three times so many as themselues before, But to doe something that were strange and new: Wherefore (I aske you) Came we to this shore; Vpon these French our Fathers wan renowne, And with their swords we'll hewe yan Forrest downe.

[Stanza 178]

The meanest Souldier if in Fight he take, The greatest Prince in yonder Army knowne, Without controule shall him his prisoner make, And haue his Ransome freely as his owne: Now English lyes our Honour at the stake, And now or neuer be our Valour showne: God and our Cause, Saint George for England stands, Now Charge them English, fortune guide your hands.

[Stanza 179]

When hearing one wish all the valiant men At home in England, with them present were; The King makes answere instantly agen, I would not haue one man more then is here: If we subdue, lesse should our praise be then: If ouercome, lesse losse shall England beare: And to our numbers we should giue that deede, Which must from Gods owne powerfull hand proceede.

[Stanza 180: The high valour of the King of England.]

The dreadfull Charge the Drummes & Trumpets sound, With hearts exalted, though with humbled eyes, When as the English kneeling on the ground, Extend their hands vp to the glorious skyes; Then from the earth as though they did rebound, Actiue as fire immediatly they rise: And such a shrill showt from their throats they sent, As made the French to stagger as they went.

[Stanza 181: Sir Thomas Erpingham gaue the Signall to the English.]

Wherewith they stopt, when Erpingham which led The Armie, sawe, the showt had made them stand, Wafting his Warder thrice about his head, He cast it vp with his auspicious hand, Which was the signall through the English spread, That they should Charge: which as a dread command Made them rush on, yet with a second rore, Frighting the French worse then they did before.

[Stanza 182]

But when they sawe the Enemie so slowe, Which they expected faster to come on, Some scattering Shot they sent out as to showe, That their approach they onely stood vpon; Which with more feruour made their rage to glowe, So much disgrace that they had vnder-gone. Which to amend with Ensignes let at large, Vpon the English furiously they Charge.

[Stanza 183: A Simily of the French charging the English.]

At the full Moone looke how th'vnweldy Tide, Shou'd by some Tempest that from Sea doth rise At the full height, against the ragged side Of so me rough Cliffe (of a Gigantick sise) Foming with rage impetuously doth ride; The angry French (in no lesse furious wise) Of men at Armes vpon their ready Horse, Assayle the English to dispierce their force.

[Stanza 184: The three hundred Archers layd in ambush, disorder the French men at Armes at the first encounter.]

When as those Archers there in Ambush layde, Hauing their Broad side as they came along, With their barb'd Arrowes the French Horses payde: And in their flankes like cruell Hornets stong: They kick and crie, of late that proudly nayde: And from their seats their Armed Riders flong: They ranne together flying from the Dike, And make their Riders one another strike.

[Stanza 185]

And whilst the Front of the French Vanguard makes, Vpon the English thinking them to Route, Their Horses runne vpon the Armed stakes, And being wounded, turne themselues about: The Bit into his teeth the Courser takes, And from his Rank flyes with his Master out, Who either hurts or is hurt of his owne, If in the throng not both together throwne.

[Stanza 186]

Tumbling on heapes, some of their Horses cast With their foure feete all vp into the ayre: Vnder whose backs their Masters breath their last: Some breake their Raynes, and thence their Riders beare: Some with their feete stick in the Stirups fast, By their fierce Iades, are trayled here and there: Entangled in their Bridles, one back drawes, And pluckes the Bit out of anothers iawes.

[Stanza 187]

With showers of Shafts yet still the English ply The French so fast, vpon the point of flight: With the mayne Battell yet stood Henry by, Not all this while had medled in the Fight, Vpon the Horses as in Chase they flye, Arrowes so thick, in such aboundance light, That their broad buttocks men like Butts might see, Whereat for pastime Bow-men shooting be.

[Stanza 188: Two wings of French horse defeated.]

When soone De Linnies and Sureres hast, To ayde their friends put to this shamefull foyle, With two light wings of Horse which had beene plac't, Still to supply where any should recoyle: But yet their Forces they but vainely waste, For being light, into the generall spoyle. Great losse De Linnies shortly doth sustaine, Yet scapes himselfe; but braue Sureres slaine.

[Stanza 189]

The King who sees how well his Vanguard sped, Sends his command that instantly it stay, Desiring Yorke so brauely that had led, To hold his Souldiers in their first array, For it the Conflict very much might sted, Somewhat to fall aside, and giue him way, Till full vp to him he might bring his power, And make the Conquest compleate in an hower.

[Stanza 190: The English Vaward and maine Battaile charge the French both at once.]

Which Yorke obayes, and vp King Henry comes, When for his guidance he had got him roome. The dreadfull bellowing of whose strait-brac'd Drummes, To the French sounded like the dreadfull doome, And them with such stupidity benummes, As though the earth had groaned from her wombe, For the grand slaughter ne'r began till then, Couering the earth with multitudes of men.

[Stanza 191]

Vpon the French what Englishman not falls, (By the strong Bowmen beaten from their Steeds) With Battle-axes, Halberts, Bills, and Maules, Where, in the slaughter euery one exceedes, Where euery man, his fellow forward calls, And shows him where some great-born Frenchman bleeds Whilst Scalps about like broken pot sherds fly, And kill, kill, kill, the Conquering English cry.

[Stanza 192]

Now wexed horror to the very height, And scarse a man but wet-shod went in gore, As two together are in deadly fight, And to death wounded, as one tumbleth ore, This Frenchman falling, with his very weight Doth kill another strucken downe before, As he againe so falling, likewise feeles His last breath hastned by anothers heeles.

[Stanza 193]

And whilst the English eagerly pursue The fearefull French before them still that fly, The points of Bills and Halbers they imbrue In their sicke Bowels, beaten downe that lye, No man respects how, or what blood he drew, Nor can heare those that for their mercie cry. Ears are damm'd vp with howles and hellish sounds One fearefull noyse a fearefuller confounds.

[Stanza 194: Charles de la Breth Constable of France.]

When the couragious Constable of France, Th'vnlucky Vanguard valiantly that led, Sawe the day turn'd by this disastrous chance, And how the French before the English fled; O stay (quoth he) your Ensignes yet aduance, Once more vpon the Enemy make head: Neuer let France say, we were vanquisht so, With our backs basely turn'd vpon our Foe.

[Stanza 195: The Admirall.]

Whom the Chattillyon hapned to accost, And seeing thus the Constable dismayde: Shift noble Lord (quoth he) the day is lost, If the whole world vpon the match were layde, I cannot thinke but that Black Edwards Ghost Assists the English, and our Horse hath frayde; If not, some Diuels they haue with them then, That fight against vs in the shapes of men.

[Stanza 196]

Not I my Lord, the Constable replies: By my blest soule, the Field I will not quit: Whilst two braue Battailes are to bring supplies: Neither of which one stroke haue strucken yet: Nay (quoth Dampeir) I doe not this aduise More then your selfe, that I doe feare a whit: Spurre vp my Lord, then side to side with mee, And that I feare not, you shall quickly see.

[Stanza 197: The Admirall slaine.]

They struck their Rowells to the bleeding sides Of their fierce Steeds into the ayre that sprong: And as their fury at that instant guides: They thrust themselues into the murth'ring throng, Where such bad fortune those braue Lords betides: The Admirall from off his Horse was flong, For the sterne English downe before them beere All that withstand, the Pesant and the Peere.

[Stanza 198: The Constable slaine.]

Which when the noble Constable with griefe, Doth this great Lord vpon the ground behold; In his account so absolute a Chiefe, Whose death through France he knew would be condol'd, Like a braue Knight to yeeld his friend reliefe, Doing as much as possibly he could, Both horse and man is borne into the mayne, And from his friend not halfe a furlong slayne.

[Stanza 199]

Now Willoughby vpon his well-Arm'd Horse, Into the midst of this Battalion brought, And valiant Fanhope no whit lesse in force, Himselfe hath thither through the squadrons raught, Whereas the English without all remorce, (Looking like men that deepely were distraught) Smoking with sweat, besmear'd with dust and blood, Cut into Cantels all that them withstood.

[Stanza 200]

Yet whilst thus hotely they hold vp the Chase Vpon the French, and had so high a hand: The Duke of Burbon to make good his place, Inforc'd his troupes (with much adoe) to stand, To whom the Earle of Suffolke makes a pace, Bringing a fresh, and yet-vnfought-with Band: Of valiant Bill-men, Oxford with successe, Vp with his Troupes doth with the other presse.

[Stanza 201]

When in comes Orleance, quite thrust off before, By those rude crowdes that from the English ran, Encouraging stout Burbons Troupes the more, T'affront the Foe that instantly began: Faine would the Duke (if possible) restore, (Doing as much as could be done by man) Their Honour lost, by this their late Defeate, And caused onely, by their base Retreate.

[Stanza 202]

Their men at Armes their Lances closely lock One in another, and come vp so round, That by the strength and horrour of the shock, They forc'd the English to forsake their ground, Shrinking no more then they had beene a Rock, Though by the Shafts receiuing many a wound, As they would showe, that they were none of those, That turn'd their backs so basely to their Foes.

[Stanza 203: The courage of Woodhouse remarkable.]

Panting for breath, his Murrian in his hand, Woodhouse comes in as back the English beare, My Lords (quoth he) what now inforc'd to stand, When smiling Fortune off'reth vs so faire, The French lye yonder like to wreakes of sand, And you by this our glory but impaire: Or now, or neuer, your first Fight maintaine, Chatillyon and the Constable are slaine.

[Stanza 204]

Hand ouer head pell mell vpon them ronne, If you will proue the Masters of the day, Ferrers and Greystock haue so brauely done, That I enuie their glory, and dare say, From all the English, they the Gole haue woone; Either let's share, or they'll beare all away. This spoke, his Ax about his head he flings, And hasts away, as though his heeles had winges.

[Stanza 205]

The Incitation of this youthfull Knight, Besides amends for their Retrayte to make, Doth re-enforce their courage, with their might: A second Charge with speed to vndertake; Neuer before were they so mad to fight, When valiant Fanhope thus the Lords bespake, Suffolke and Oxford as braue Earles you be, Once more beare vp with Willoughby and me.

[Stanza 206]

Why now, me think'st I heare braue Fanhope speake, Quoth noble Oxford, thou hast thy desire: These words of thine shall yan Battalion breake: And for my selfe I neuer will retire, Vntill our Teene vpon the French we wreake: Or in this our last enterprise expire: This spoke, their Gauntlets each doth other giue, And to the Charge as fast as they could driue.

[Stanza 207]

That slaughter seem'd to haue but stay'd for breath, To make the horrour to ensue the more: With hands besmear'd with blood, when meager Death Looketh more grisly then he did before: So that each body seem'd but as a sheath To put their swords in, to the Hilts in gore: As though that instant were the end of all, To fell the French, or by the French to fall.

[Stanza 208: A Simily of the apparance of the Battell.]

Looke how you see a field of standing Corne, When some strong winde in Summer haps to blowe, At the full height, and ready to be shorne, Rising in waues, how it doth come and goe Forward and backward, so the crowds are borne, Or as the Edie turneth in the flowe: And aboue all the Bills and Axes play, As doe the Attoms in the Sunny ray.

[Stanza 209]

Now with mayne blowes their Armours are vnbras'd, And as the French before the English fled, With their browne Bills their recreant backs they baste, And from their shoulders their faint Armes doe shred, One with a gleaue neere cut off by the waste, Another runnes to ground with halfe a head: Another stumbling falleth in his flight, Wanting a legge, and on his face doth light.

[Stanza 210]

The Dukes who found their force thus ouerthrowne, And those fewe left them ready still to route, Hauing great skill, and no lesse courage showne; Yet of their safeties much began to doubt, For hauing fewe about them of their owne, And by the English so impal'd about, Saw that to some one they themselues must yeeld, Or else abide the fury of the field.

[Stanza 211: The Duke of Burbon and Orleance taken prisoners.]

They put themselues on those victorious Lords, Who led the Vanguard with so good successe, Bespeaking them with honourable words, Themselues their prisoners freely and confesse, Who by the strength of their commanding swords, Could hardly saue them from the slaught'ring presse, By Suffolks ayde till they away were sent, Who with a Guard conuay'd them to his Tent.

[Stanza 212]

When as their Souldiers to eschew the sack, Gainst their owne Battell bearing in their flight, By their owne French are strongly beaten back: Lest they their Ranks, should haue disord'red quight, So that those men at Armes goe all to wrack Twixt their owne friends, and those with whom they fight, Wherein disorder and destruction seem'd To striue, which should the powerfullest be deem'd.

[Stanza 213: Called of some Guiscard the Daulphine of Aragon.]

And whilst the Daulphine of Auerney cryes, Stay men at Armes, let Fortune doe her worst, And let that Villaine from the field that flyes By Babes yet to be borne, be euer curst: All vnder heauen that we can hope for, lyes On this dayes battell, let me be the first That turn'd yee back vpon your desperate Foes, To saue our Honours, though our lyues we lose.

[Stanza 214]

To whom comes in the Earle of Ewe, which long Had in the Battaile ranged here and there, A thousand Bills, a thousand Bowes among, And had seene many spectakles of feare, And finding yet the Daulphins spirit so strong, By that which he had chanst from him to heare, Vpon the shoulder claps him, Prince quoth he, Since I mast fall, o let me fall with thee.

[Stanza 215]

Scarse had he spoke, but th'English them inclose, And like to Mastiues fircely on them flew, Who with like Courage strongly them oppose, When the Lord Beamont, who their Armings knewe, Their present perill to braue Suffolke shewes, Quoth hee, Lo where Dauerny are and Ewe, In this small time, who since the Field begun, Haue done as much, as can by men be done.

[Stanza 216]

Now slaughter cease me, if I doe not greeue, Two so braue Spirits should be vntimely slaine, Lies there no way (my Lord) them to releeue, And for their Ransomes two such to retaine: Quoth Suffolke, come weele hazad their repreeue, And share our Fortunes, in they goe amaine, And with such danger through the presse they wade, As of their liues but small account they made.

[Stanza 217: The Daulphin of Auerney slaine.]

[The Earle of Ewe taken prisoner.]

Yet ere they through the clustred Crouds could get, Oft downe on those, trod there to death that lay, The valient Daulphin had discharg'd his debt, Then whom no man had brauelier seru'd that day. The Earle of Ewe, and wondrous hard beset: Had left all hope of life to scape away: Till noble Beamont and braue Suffolke came, And as their prisoner seas'd him by his name.

[Stanza 218]

Now the mayne Battaile of the French came on, The Vanward vanquisht, quite the Field doth flye, And other helpes besides this, haue they none: But that their hopes doe on their mayne relye, And therefore now it standeth them vpon, To fight it brauely, or else yeeld, or dye: For the fierce English charge so home and sore, As in their hands Ioues thunderbolts they bore.

[Stanza 219: The Duke of Yorke slaine.]

The Duke of Yorke, who since the fight begun, Still in the top of all his Troopes was seene, And things wellneere beyond beleefe had done, Which of his Fortune, made him ouerweene, Himselfe so farre into the maine doth runne, So that the French which quickly got betweene Him and his succours, that great Chiefetaine slue, Who brauely fought whilest any breath he drew.

[Stanza 220: The King heareth of the Duke of Yorks death.]

The newes soone brought to this Couragious King, Orespred his face with a distempred Fire, Though making little shew of any thing, Yet to the full his eyes exprest his Ire, More then before the Frenchmen menacing; And hee was heard thus softly to respire: Well, of thy blood reuenged will I bee, Or ere one houre be past Ile follow thee.

[Stanza 221: The Kings resolution.]

When as the frolike Caualry of France, That in the head of the maine Battaile came, Perceiu'd the King of England to aduance, To Charge in person; It doth them inflame, Each one well hoping it might be his chance To sease vpon him, which was all their ayme, Then with the brauest of the English mett, Themselues that there before the King had sett.

[Stanza 222: The bloody scuffle betweene the French and English, at the Ioyning of the two mayne Battailes, in fiue Stanzas.]

When the Earle of Cornewal with vnusuall force, Encounters Grandpre (next that came to hand) In Strength his equall, blow for blow they scorce, Weelding their Axes as they had beene wands, Till the Earle tumbles Grandpre from his Horse Ouer whom straight the Count Salines stands, And lendeth Cornwal such a blow withall, Ouer the Crupper that he makes him fall.

[Stanza 223]

Cornwal recouers, for his Armes were good, And to Salines maketh vp againe, Who changde such boysterous buffets, that the blood, Doth through the Ioints of their strong Armour straine, Till Count Salines sunck downe where he stood, Blamount who sees the Count Salines slaine, Straight copes with Cornwal beaten out of breath Till Kent comes in, and rescues him from death.

[Stanza 224]

Kent vpon Blamount furiously doth flye, Who at the Earle with no lesse courage struck, And one the other with such knocks they plye, That eithers Axe in th'others Helmet stuck; Whilst they are wrastling, crossing thigh with thigh; Their Axes pykes, which soonest out should pluck: They, fall to ground like in their Casks to smother, With their clutcht Gauntlets cuffing one another.

[Stanza 225: Called Cluet of Brabant.]

Couragious Cluet grieued at the sight Of his friend Blamounts vnexpected fall, Makes in to lend him all the ayde he might; Whose comming seem'd the stout Lord Scales to call, Betwixt whom then began a mortall fight, When instantly fell in Sir Phillip Hall, Gainst him goes Roussy, in then Louell ran, Whom next Count Moruyle chuseth as his man.

[Stanza 226]

Their Curates are vnriuetted with blowes, With horrid wounds their breasts and faces slasht; There drops a cheeke, and there falls off a nose: And in ones face his fellowes braines are dasht; Yet still the Better with the English goes; The earth of France with her owne blood is washt; They fall so fast, she scarse affords them roome, That one mans Trunke becomes anothers Toombe.

[Stanza 227: The Earle of Suffolke chargeth the Earle of Huntingdon With breach of promise.]

When Suffolk chargeth Huntingdon with sloth, Ouer himselfe too wary to haue bin, And had neglected his fast plighted troth Vpon the Field, the Battaile to begin, That where the one was, there they would be both; When the stout Earle of Huntingdon, to win Trust with his friends; doth this himselfe enlarge To this great Earle who dares him thus to charge.

[Stanza 228]

My Lord (quoth he) it is not that I feare, More then your selfe, that so I haue not gone; But that I haue beene forced to be neare The King, whose person I attend vpon, And that I doubt not but to make appeare Now, if occasion shall but call me on, Looke round about my Lord, if you can see, Some braue aduenture worthy you and me.

[Stanza 229: A desperate attempt by the Earle of Huntingdon.]

See yan proud Banner, of the Duke of Barres, Me thinkst it wafts vs, and I heare it say, Wher's that couragious Englishman that darres, Aduenture, but to carry me away, This were a thing, now worthy of our warres; I'st true, quoth Suffolke, by this blessed day, On, and weele haue it, sayst thou so indeed, Quoth Huntingdon, then Fortune be our speed.

[Stanza 230]

And through the Ranckes then rushing in their pride, They make a Lane; about them so they lay, Foote goes with foote, and side is ioynde to side, They strike downe all that stand within their way, And to direct them, haue no other guide, But as they see the multitude to sway; And as they passe, the French as to defie, Saint George for England and the King they cry.

[Stanza 231: One braue exploit begetteth another.]

By their examples, each braue English blood, Vpon the Frenchmen for their Ensignes runne, Thick there as trees within a well-growne wood; Where great Atchiements instantly were done, Against them toughly whilst that Nation stood, But o what man his destinie can shunne That Noble Suffolke there is ouerthrowne, When he much valour sundry wayes hath showne.

[Stanza 232: The Earle of Suffolke slaine.]

Which the proud English further doth prouoke, Who to destruction bodily were bent, That the maine Battaile instantly they broke, Vpon the French so furiously they went And not an English but doth scorne a stroake, If to the ground it not a Frenchman sent, Who weake with wounds, their weapons from them threw, With which the English fearefully them slue.

[Stanza 233: The English kill the French with their owne weapons.]

Alanzon backe vpon the Reareward borne, By those vnarm'd that from the English fled, All further hopes then vtterly forlorne, His Noble heart in his full Bosome bled; What Fate, quoth he, our ouerthrowe hath sworne, Must France a Prisoner be to England led, Well, if she be so, yet Ile let her see, She beares my Carkasse with her, and not me.

[Stanza 234]

And puts his Horse vpon his full Careere, When with the courage of a valiant Knight (As one that knew not, or forgot to feare) He tow'rds King Henry maketh in the fight, And all before him as he downe doth beare, Vpon the Duke of Glocester doth light: Which on the youthfull Chiualry doth bring, Scarse two Pykes length that came before the King.

[Stanza 235: The Duke of Glocester ouerthrowne by the Duke of Alanzon.]

Their Staues both strongly riuetted with steele, At the first stroke each other they astound, That as they staggering from each other reele; The Duke of Gloster falleth to the ground: When as Alanzon round about doth wheele, Thinking to lend him his last deadly wound: In comes the King his Brothers life to saue And to this braue Duke, a fresh on-set gaue.

[Stanza 236]

When as themselues like Thunderbolts they shot, One at the other, and the Lightning brake Out of their Helmets, and againe was not, E'r of their strokes, the eare a sound could take Betwixt them two, the Conflict grew so hot, Which those about them so amaz'd doth make, That they stood still as wondring at the sight, And quite forgot that they themselues must fight.

[Stanza 237: The King of England in danger to be slaine, by the Duke of Alanzon.]

Vpon the King Alanzon prest so sore, That with a stroke (as he was wondrous strong) He cleft the Crowne that on his Helme he wore, And tore his Plume that to his heeles it hong: Then with a second brus'd his Helme before, That it his forehead pittifully wroong: As some that sawe it certainly had thought, The King therewith had to the ground beene brought.

[Stanza 238: Alanzon beaten downe by the King of England.]

But Henry soone Alanzons Ire to quit, (As now his valour lay vpon the Rack) Vpon the face the Duke so strongly hit, As in his Saddle layde him on his back, And once perceiuing that he had him split, Follow'd his blowes, redoubling thwack on thwack: Till he had lost his Stirups, and his head Hung where his Horse was like thereon to tread.

[Stanza 239: The King killeth two Gentlemen that aduenture to rescue the Duke.]

When soone two other seconding their Lord, His kind Companions in this glorious prize, Hoping againe the Duke to haue restor'd, If to his feet his Armes would let him rise: On the Kings Helme their height of fury scor'd; Who like a Dragon fiercely on them flies, And on his body slew them both, whilst he Recouering was their ayde againe to be.

[Stanza 240]

The King thus made the Master of the Fight: The Duke calls to him as he there doth lye: Henry I'le pay my Ransome, doe me right: I am the Duke Alanzon; it is I. The King to saue him putting all his might, Yet the rude Souldiers, with their showt and crie, Quite drown'd his voyce, his Helmet being shut, And, that braue Duke into small peeces cut.

[Stanza 241: The Duke of Alanzon slaine.]

Report once spred, through the distracted Host, Of their prime hope, the Duke Alanzon slayne: That flower of France, on whom they trusted most: They found their valour was but then in vayne: Like men their hearts that vtterly had lost, Who slowly fled before, now ranne amayne. Nor could a man be found, but that dispaires Seeing the Fate both of themselues and theirs.

[Stanza 242: The Duke Neuers taken prisoner.]

The Duke Neuers, now in this sad retreat, By Dauid Gam and Morisby persude, (Who throughly chaf'd, neere melted into sweat, And with French blood their Poleaxes imbrud) They sease vpon him following the defeate, Amongst the faint, and fearefull multitude; When a contention fell betweene them twaine, To whom the Duke should rightfully pertaine.

[Stanza 243: Morisby and Gam at contention for the Duke of Neuers.]

I must confesse thou hadst him first in chase, Quoth Morrisby; but lefts him in the throng, Then put I on; quoth Gam, hast thou the face, Insulting Knight, to offer me this wrong; Quoth Morrisby, who shall decide the case, Let him confesse to whom he doth belong; Let him (quoth Gam) but if't be not to me, For any right you haue, he may goe free.

[Stanza 244: Morisby a braue young Knight.]

[Dauid Gam oft mentioned in this Poem.]

With that couragious Morrisby grew hot, Were not said he his Ransome worth a pin, Now by these Armes I weare thou gett'st him not: Or if thou do'st, thou shalt him hardly win; Gam whose Welch blood could hardly brooke this blot, To bend his Axe vpon him doth begin: He his at him, till the Lord Beamount came Their rash attempt, and wisely thus doth blame.

[Stanza 245]

Are not the French twice trebl'd to our power, And fighting still, nay, doubtfull yet the day: Thinke you not these vs fast enough deuoure: But that your braues the Army must dismay: If ought but good befell vs in this howre: This be you sure your lyues for it must pay: Then first the end of this dayes Battaile see, And then decide whose prisoner he shall be.

[Stanza 246: The Duke of Excester cometh in with the Reare.]

Now Excester with his vntaynted Reare Came on, which long had labour'd to come in: And with the Kings mayne Battell vp doth beare; Who still kept off, till the last houre had bin: He cryes and clamours eu'ry way doth heare: But yet he knew not which the day should win: Nor askes of any what were fit to doe, But where the French were thick'st, he falleth to.

[Stanza 247]

The Earle of Vandom certainly that thought, The English fury somewhat had beene stayde: Weary with slaughter as men ouer-wrought, Nor had beene spurr'd on by a second ayde: For his owne safety, then more fiercely fought, Hoping the tempest somewhat had been layde: And he thereby (though suff'ring the defeate,) Might keep his Reareward whole in his Retreate.

[Stanza 248]

On whom the Duke of Excester then fell, Reare with the Reare now for their Valours vy, Ours finde the French their lyues will dearely sell; And th'English meane as dearely them to buy: The English follow, should they runne through hell, And through the same the French must, if they flye, When too't they goe, deciding it with blowes, With th'one side now, then with th'other't goes.

[Stanza 249]

But the sterne English with such luck and might, (As though the Fates had sworne to take their parts) Vpon the French preuailing in the Fight, With doubled hands, and with re-doubled harts, The more in perill still the more in plight, Gainst them whom Fortune miserably thwarts: Disabled quite before the Foe to stand, But fall like grasse before the Mowers hand.

[Stanza 250: The Earle of Vandome slaine.]

That this French Earle is beaten on the Field, His fighting Souldiers round about him slaine; And when himselfe a Prisoner he would yeeld, And beg'd for life, it was but all in vaine; Their Bills the English doe so easely weeld To kill the French, as though it were no paine; For this to them was their auspicious day, The more the English fight, the more they may.

[Stanza 251]

When now the Marshall Boucequalt, which long Had through the Battaile waded eu'ry way, Oft hazarded the murther'd Troupes among, Encouraging them to abide the day: Finding the Army that he thought so strong, Before the English faintly to dismay, Brings on the wings which of the rest remain'd, With which the Battaile stoutly he maintain'd.

[Stanza 252: Sir Thomas Erpingham getteth in with his three hundred Archers.]

Till olde Sir Thomas Erpingham at last, With those three hundred Archers commeth in, Which layd in ambush not three houres yet past; Had the Defeat of the French Army bin, With these that noble Souldier maketh hast, Lest other from him should the honour win: Who as before now stretch their well-wax'd strings, At the French Horse then comming in the wings.

[Stanza 253]

The soyle with slaughter eu'ry where they load, Whilst the French stoutly to the English stood, The drops from eithers emptied veynes that flow'd, Where it was lately firme had made a flood: But heau'n that day to the braue English ow'd; The Sunne that rose in water, set in blood: Nothing but horrour to be look'd for there, And the stout Marshall vainely doth but feare.

[Stanza 254: The Marshall of France slaine.]

His Horse sore wounded whilst he went aside, To take another still that doth attend, A shaft which some too-lucky hand doth guide, Peircing his Gorget brought him to his end; Which when the proud Lord Falkonbridge espide, Thinking from thence to beare away his friend, Strucke from his Horse, with many a mortall wound, Is by the English nayled to the ground.

[Stanza 255]

The Marshalls death so much doth them affright, That downe their weapons instantly they lay, And better yet to fit them for their flight, Their weightier Armes, they wholly cast away, Their hearts so heauy, makes their heeles so light, That there was no intreating them to stay, Ore hedge and ditch distractedly they take, And happiest he, that greatest haste could make.

[Stanza 256: Count Vadamount.]

[The Duke of Brabant a most couragious Prince.]

When Vadamount now in the Conflict mett, With valient Brabant, whose high valour showne That day, did many a blunted Courage whett, Else long before that from the Field had flowne, Quoth Vadamount, see how we are besett, To death like to be troden by our owne, My Lord of Brabant, what is to be done? See how the French before the English runne.

[Stanza 257: A bitter exclamation of the Duke of Brabant against the French.]

Why, let them runne and neuer turne the head, Quoth the braue Duke, vntill their hatefull breath Forsake their Bodies, and so farre haue fled, That France be not disparadg'd by their death: Who trusts to Cowards ne'r is better sped, Be he accurst, with such that holdeth faith, Slaughter consume the Recreants as they flye, Branded with shame, so basely may they dye.

[Stanza 258]

Ignoble French, your fainting Cowardize craues The dreadfull curse of your owne Mother earth, Hardning her breast, not to allow you graues, Be she so much ashamed of your birth; May he be curst that one of you but saues, And be in France hereafter such a dearth Of Courage, that men from their wits it feare, A Drumme, or Trumpet when they hap to heare.

[Stanza 259: Anthony Duke of Brabant, sonne to the Duke of Burgundy.]

From Burgundy brought I the force I had, To fight for them, that ten from one doe flye; It splits my breast, O that I could be mad; To vexe these Slaues who would not dare to dye: In all this Army is there not a Lad, Th'ignoble French for Cowards that dare crye: If scarse one found, then let me be that one, The English Army that oppos'd alone.

[Stanza 260: The valiant Duke of Brabant slaine.]

This said, he puts his Horse vpon his speed, And in, like lightning on the English flewe: Where many a Mothers sonne he made to bleed, Whilst him with much astonishment they viewe: Where hauing acted many a Knight-like deed, Him and his Horse they all to peeces hewe: Yet he that day more lasting glory wan, Except Alanzon then did any man.

[Stanza 261: Many of the French in their flight get into an old Fort.]

When as report to great King Henry came, Of a vast Route which from the Battaile fled, (Amongst the French most men of speciall name) By the stout English fiercely followed; Had for their safety, (much though to their shame) Got in their flight into so strong a sted, So fortifi'd by nature (as 'twas thought) They might not thence, but with much blood be brought.

[Stanza 262: The Kings slight answer.]

An aged Rampire, with huge Ruines heapt, Which seru'd for Shot, gainst those that should assayle, Whose narrow entrance they with Crosbowes kept, Whose sharpned quarres came in show'rs like hayle: Quoth the braue King, first let the field be swept, And with the rest we well enough shall deale; Which though some heard, and so shut vp their eare, Yet relish'd not with many Souldiers there.

[Stanza 263]

Some that themselues by Ransomes would enrich, (To make their pray of Pesants yet dispise) Felt as they thought their bloody palmes to itch, To be in action for their wealthy prize: Others whom onely glory doth bewitch, Rather then life would to this enterprize: Most men seem'd willing, yet not any one Would put himselfe this great exployt vpon.

[Stanza 264: Woodhouse ieereth at the attempt.]

Which Woodhouse hearing meerily thus spake, (One that right well knew, both his worth and wit) A dangerous thing it is to vndertake A Fort, where Souldiers be defending it, Perhaps they sleepe, and if they should awake, With stones, or with their shafts they may vs hitt, And in our Conquest whilst so well we fare, It were meere folly, but I see none dare.

[Stanza 265: Braues passe between Gam and Woodhouse.]

Which Gam o'r hearing (being neere at hand) Not dare quoth he, and angerly doth frowne, I tell thee Woodhouse, some in presence stand, Dare propp the Sunne if it were falling downe, Dare graspe the bolt from Thunder in his hand, And through a Cannon leape into a Towne; I tell thee, a resolued man may doe Things, that thy thoughts, yet neuer mounted to.

[Stanza 266]

I know that resolution may doe much, Woodhouse replyes, but who could act my thought, With his proud head the Pole might easely tuch, And Gam quoth he, though brauely thou hast fought, Yet not the fame thou hast attain'd too, such, But that behind, as great is to be bought, And yonder tis, then Gam come vp with me, Where soone the King our Courages shall see.

[Stanza 267]

Agreed quoth Gam, and vp their Troopes they call, Hand ouer head, and on the French they ran, And to the fight couragiously they fall, When on both sides the slaughter soone began; Fortune awhile indifferent is to all, These what they may, and those doe what they can. Woodhouse and Gam, vpon each other vye, By Armes their manhood desperatly to try.

[Stanza 268: Captaine Gam slaine.]

[For this seruice done by Woodhouse, there was an addition of honour giuen him: which was a hand holding a Club: with the word Frappe Fort, which is born by the Family of the Woodhouse of Norfolke, to this day.]

To clime the Fort the Light-Arm'd English striue, And some by Trees there growing to ascend; The French with Flints let at the English driue, Themselues with Shields the Englishmen defend, And faine the Fort downe with their hands would riue: Thus either side their vtmost power extend, Till valiant Gam sore wounded, drawne aside By his owne Souldiers, shortly after dy'de.

[Stanza 269]

Then take they vp the bodies of the slaine, Which for their Targets ours before them beare, And with a fresh assault come on againe; Scarse in the Field yet, such a fight as there, Crosse-bowes, and Long-bowes at it are amaine, Vntil the French their massacre that feare, Of the fierce English, a cessation craue, Offring to yeeld, so they their liues would saue.

[Stanza 270]

Lewis of Burbon in the furious heat Of this great Battaile, hauing made some stay, Who with the left wing suffered a defeate, In the beginning of this lucklesse day, Finding the English forcing their retreat, And that much hope vpon his valour lay, Fearing lest he might vndergoe some shame, That were vnworthy of the Burbon name.

[Stanza 271]

Hath gathered vp some scattred Troopes of Horse, That in the Field stood doubtfull what to doe; Though with much toyle, which he doth reinforce With some small power that he doth add thereto, Proclaiming still the English had the worse, And now at last, with him if they would goe, He dares assure them Victory, if not The greatest fame that euer Souldiers gott.

[Stanza 272: A deuise of Burbons to giue encouragement to the French.]

And being wise, so Burbon to beguile The French, (preparing instantly to fly) Procures a Souldier, by a secret wile To come in swiftly and to craue supply, That if with Courage they would fight awhile, It certaine was the English all should dye, For that the King had offered them to yeeld, Finding his troopes to leaue him on the Field.

[Stanza 273]

When Arthur Earle of Richmount comming in, With the right wing that long staid out of sight, Hauing too lately with the English bin, But finding Burbon bent againe to fight, His former credit hoping yet to winn, (Which at that instant easily he might) Comes close vp with him, and puts on as fast, Brauely resolu'd to fight it to the last.

[Stanza 274]

And both encourag'd by the newes was braught Of the ariuing of the Daulphins power; Whose speedy Van, their Reare had almost raught, (From Agincourt discouer'd from a Tower) Which with the Norman Gallantry was fraught, And on the suddaine comming like a shower; Would bring a deluge on the English Host, Whilst they yet stood their victory to boast.

[Stanza 275: A simily of the French.]

And one they come, as doth a rowling tide, Forc'd by a winde, that shoues it forth so fast, Till it choke vp some chanell side to side, And the craz'd banks doth downe before it cast, Hoping the English would them not abide, Or would be so amazed at their hast, That should they faile to route them at their will, Yet of their blood, the fields should drinke their fill.

[Stanza 276]

When as the English whose o'r-wearied Armes, Were with long slaughter lately waxed sore, These inexpected, and so fierce Alarmes, To their first strength doe instantly restore, And like a Stoue their stifned sinewes warmes, To act as brauely as they did before; And the proud French as stoutly to oppose, Scorning to yeeld one foot despight of blowes.

[Stanza 277]

The fight is fearefull, for stout Burbon brings His fresher forces on with such a shocke, That they were like to cut the Archers strings E're they their Arrowes hansomly could nock The French like Engines that were made with springs: Themselues so fast into the English lock, That th'one was like the other downe to beare, In wanting roomth to strike, they stoode so neare.

[Stanza 278]

Still staggering long they from each other reel'd, Glad that themselues they so could disingage: And falling back vpon the spacious field (For this last Sceane, that is the bloody Stage) Where they their Weapons liberally could weeld, They with such madnesse execute their rage; As though the former fury of the day, To this encounter had but beene a play.

[Stanza 279]

Slaughter is now desected to the full, Here from their backs their batter'd Armours fall, Here a sleft shoulder, there a clouen scull, There hang his eyes out beaten with a mall, Vntill the edges of their Bills growe dull, Vpon each other they so spend their gall, Wilde showtes and clamors all the ayre doe fill, The French cry tue, and the English kill.

[Stanza 280]

The Duke of Barre in this vaste spoyle by chance; With the Lord Saint-Iohn on the Field doth meete, Towards whom that braue Duke doth himselfe aduance, Who with the like encounter him doth greete: This English Barron, and this Peere of France, Grapling together, falling from their feete, With the rude crowdes had both to death beene crusht, In for their safety, had their friends not rusht.

[Stanza 281]

Both againe rais'd, and both their Souldiers shift, To saue their lyues if any way they could: But as the French the Duke away would lift, Vpon his Armes the English taking hould, (Men of that sort, that thought vpon their thrift) Knowing his Ransome dearely would be sould: Dragge him away in spight of their defence, Which to their Quarter would haue borne him thence.

[Stanza 282: Lewes of Burbon taken prisoner by a meane Souldier.]

Meane while braue Burbon from his stirring Horse, Gall'd with an Arrow to the earth is throwne; By a meane Souldier seased on by force, Hoping to haue him certainly his owne, Which this Lord holdeth better so then worse: Since the French fortune to that ebbe is growne, And he perceiues the Souldier him doth deeme, To be a person of no meane esteeme.

[Stanza 283]

Berckley and Burnell, two braue English Lords, Flesht with French blood, and in their Valours pride, Aboue their Arm'd heads brandishing their swords, As they tryumphing through the Army ride, Finding what prizes Fortune here affords To eu'ry Souldier, and more wistly eyde This gallant prisoner, by his Arming see, Of the great Burbon family to be.

[Stanza 284: Lewes of Burbon stabd by the Souldier that took him prisoner.]

And from the Souldier they his Prisoner take, Of which the French Lord seemeth wondrous faine Thereby his safety more secure to make: Which when the Souldier findes his hopes in vaine, So rich a Booty forced to forsake, To put himselfe, and prisoner out of paine: He on the suddaine stabs him, and doth sweare, Would th'aue his Ransome, they should take it there.

[Stanza 285]

When Rosse and Morley making in amaine, Bring the Lord Darcy vp with them along, Whose Horse had lately vnder him beene slaine; And they on foote found fighting in the throng, Those Lords his friends remounting him againe, Being a man that valiant was and strong: They altogether with a generall hand, Charge on the French that they could finde to stand.

[Stanza 286]

And yet but vainely as the French suppos'd, For th'Earle of Richmount forth such earth had found, That one two sides with quick-set was enclos'd, And the way to it by a rising ground, By which a while the English were oppos'd, At euery Charge which else came vp so round, As that except the passage put them by, The French as well might leaue their Armes and flye.

[Stanza 287]

Vpon both parts it furiously is fought, And with such quicknesse riseth to that hight, That horror neede no further to be sought: If onely that might satisfie the sight, Who would haue fame full dearely here it bought, For it was sold by measure and by waight, And at one rate the price still certaine stood, An ounce of honour cost a pound of blood.

[Stanza 288: The Lords Dampier and Sauesses taken prisoners.]

When so it hapt that Dampier in the Van, Meetes with stout Darcy, but whilst him he prest, Ouer and ouer commeth horse and man, Of whom the other soone himselfe possest: When as Sauesses vpon Darcy ran To ayde Dampier, but as he him adrest; A Halbert taking hold vpon his Greaues, Him from his Saddle violently heaues.

[Stanza 289]

When soone fiue hundred Englishmen at Armes, That to the French had giuen many a chase; And when they couered all the Field with swarmes; Yet oft that day had brauely bid them base: Now at the last by raising fresh Alarmes; And comming vp with an vnusuall pace, Made them to knowe, that they must runne or yeeld, Neuer till now the English had the Field.

[Stanza 290: Arthur Earl of Richmount taken prisoner.]

[The Count du Marle slaine.]

Where Arthur Earle of Richmount beaten downe, Is left (suppos'd of eu'ry one for dead) But afterwards awaking from his swoone, By some that found him, was recouered: So Count Du Marle was likewise ouerthrowne: As he was turning meaning to haue fled, Who fights, the colde blade in his bosome feeles, Who flyes, still heares it whisking at his heeles.

[Stanza 291]

Till all disrank'd, like seely Sheepe they runne, By threats nor prayers, to be constrain'd to stay; For that their hearts were so extreamely done, That fainting oft they fall vpon the way: Or when they might a present perill shunne, They rush vpon it by their much dismay, That from the English should they safely flye, Of their owne very feare, yet they should dye.

[Stanza 292]

Some they take prisoners, other some they kill, As they affect those vpon whom they fall: For they as Victors may doe what they will: For who this Conqueror to account dare call, In gore the English seeme their soules to swill, And the deiected French must suffer all; Flight, cords, and slaughter, are the onely three, To which themselues subiected they doe see.

[Stanza 293: The misery of the French.]

A shoolesse Souldier there a man might meete, Leading his Mounsier by the armes fast bound: Another, his had shackled by the feete; Who like a Cripple shuffled on the ground; Another three or foure before him beete, Like harmefull Chattell driuen to a pound; They must abide it, so the Victor will, Who at his pleasure may, or saue, or kill.

[Stanza 294]

That braue French Gallant, when the fight began, Who lease of Lackies ambled by his side, Himselfe a Lacky now most basely ran, Whilst a rag'd Souldier on his Horse doth ride, That Rascall is no lesse then at his man, Who was but lately to his Luggadge tide; And the French Lord now courtsies to that slaue, Who the last day his Almes was like to craue.

[Stanza 295: The French forced to beare the wounded English on their backs.]

And those few English wounded in the fight, They force the French to bring with them away, Who when they were depressed with the weight, Yet dar'd not once their burthen downe to lay, Those in the morne, whose hopes were at their height, Are fallne thus lowe ere the departing day; With pickes of Halberts prickt in steed of goads, Like tyred Horses labouring with their Loads.

[Stanza 296]

But as the English from the Field returne, Some of those French who when the Fight began, Forsooke their friends, and hoping yet to earne, Pardon, for that so cowardly they ran, Assay the English Carridges to burne, Which to defend them scarsely had a man; For that their keepers to the field were got, To picke such spoyles, as chance should them alott.

[Stanza 297: A crew of rascall French rifle the King of Englands Tents.]

The Captaines of this Rascall cowardly Route, Were Isambert of Agincourt at hand, Riflant of Clunasse a Dorpe there about, And for the Chiefe in this their base command, Was Robinett of Burnivile; throughout The Countrie knowne, all order to withstand, These with fiue hundred Peasants they had rais'd The English Tents, vpon an instant seas'd.

[Stanza 298]

For setting on those with the Luggadge left, A few poore Sutlers with the Campe that went, They basely fell to pillage and to theft, And hauing rifled euery Booth and Tent, Some of the sillyest they of life bereft, The feare of which, some of the other sent, Into the Army, with their suddaine cries, Which put the King in feare of fresh supplies.

[Stanza 299: The French prisoners more in number then the English Souldiers.]

For that his Souldiers tyred in the fight, Their Prisoners more in number then they were, He thought it for a thing of too much weight, T'oppose freshe forces, and to guard them there. The Daulphins Powers, yet standing in their sight, And Burbons Forces of the field not cleere. These yearning cryes, that from the Caridge came, His bloud yet hott, more highly doth inflame

[Stanza 300]

And in his rage he instantly commands, That euery English should his prisoner kill, Except some fewe in some great Captaines hands Whose Ransomes might his emptyed Cofers fill, Alls one whose loose, or who is nowe in bonds, Both must one way, it is the Conquerers will. Those who late thought, small Ransoms them might free Saw onely death their Ransomes now must be.

[Stanza 301: The English kill their prisoners.]

[Expostulation.]

Accursed French, and could it not suffize, That ye but now bath'd in your natiue gore; But yee must thus infortunately rise, To drawe more plagues vpon yee then before, And gainst your selfe more mischeife to diuise, Then th'English could haue, and set wide the dore. To vtter ruine, and to make an end Of that your selues, which others would not spend.

[Stanza 302]

Their vtmost rage the English now had breath'd, And their proud heartes gan somewhat to relent, Their bloody swords they quietly had sheath'd, And their strong bowes already were vnbent, To easefull rest their bodies they bequeath'd, Nor farther harme at all to you they ment, And to that paynes must yee them needsly putt, To draw their kniues once more your throats to cutt.

[Stanza 303: The French cause of their own massechre.]

[A discriptyon of the Massachre in the foure following stanzas.]

That French who lately by the English stood, And freely ask'd what ransome he should pay, Whoe somwhat coold, and in a calmer moode, Agreed with him both of the some and day, Nowe findes his flesh must be the present foode, For wolues and Rauens, for the same that stay. And sees his blood on th'others sword to flowe, E'r his quicke sense could aprehend the blowe.

[Stanza 304]

Whilst one is asking what the bus'nesse is, Hearing (in French) his Country-man to crye: He who detaines him prisoner, answers this: Mounsier, the King commands that you must dye; This is plaine English, whilst he's killing his: He sees another on a French man flye, And with a Poleax pasheth out his braines, Whilst he's demanding what the Garboyle meanes.

[Stanza 305]

That tender heart whose chance it was to haue, Some one, that day who did much valour showe, Who might perhaps haue had him for his Slaue: But equall Lots had Fate pleas'd to bestowe: He who his prisoner willingly would saue, Lastly constrain'd to giue the deadly blowe That sends him downe to euerlasting sleepe: Turning his face, full bitterly doth weepe.

[Stanza 306]

Ten thousand French that inwardly were well, Saue some light hurts that any man might heale: Euen at an instant, in a minute fell, And their owne friends their deathes to them to deale. Yet of so many, very fewe could tell, Nor could the English perfectly reueale, The desperate cause of this disastrous hap, That euen as Thunder kill'd them with a clap.

[Stanza 307]

How happy were those in the very hight, Of this great Battaile, that had brauely dyde, When as their boyling bosomes in the fight, Felt not the sharpe steele thorough them to slide: But these now in a miserable plight, Must in cold blood this massacre abide, Caus'd by those Villaines (curst aliue and dead,) That from the field the passed morning fled.

[Stanza 308]

When as the King to Crowne this glorious day, Now bids his Souldiers after all this toyle, (No forces found that more might them dismay) Of the dead French to take the gen'rall spoyle, Whose heapes had well neere stopt vp eu'ry way; For eu'n as Clods they cou'red all the soyle, Commanding none should any one controle, Catch that catch might, but each man to his dole.

[Stanza 309]

They fall to groping busily for gold, Of which about them the slaine French had store, They finde as much as well their hands can hold, Who had but siluer, him they counted poore, Scarfes, Chaines, and Bracelets, were not to be told, So rich as these no Souldiers were before; Who got a Ring would scarsly put it on, Except therein there were some Radiant stone.

[Stanza 310]

Out of rich sutes the Noblest French they strip, And leaue their Bodies naked on the ground, And each one fills his Knapsack or his Scrip; With some rare thing that on the Field is found: About his bus'nesse he doth nimbly skip, That had vpon him many a cruell wound: And where they found a French not out-right slaine, They him a prisoner constantly retaine.

[Stanza 311]

Who scarse a Shirt had but the day before, Nor a whole Stocking to keepe out the cold, Hath a whole Wardrop (at command in store) In the French fashion flaunting it in gold, And in the Tauerne, in his Cups doth rore, Chocking his Crownes, and growes thereby so bold, That proudly he a Captaines name assumes, In his gilt Gorget with his tossing Plumes.

[Stanza 312]

Waggons and Carts are laden till they crackt, With Armes and Tents there taken in the Field; For want of carridge on whose tops are packt, Ensignes, Coat-Armours, Targets, Speares, and Shields: Nor neede they conuoy, fearing to be sackt; For all the Country to King Henry yeelds, And the poore Pesant helpes along to beare, What late the goods of his proud Landlord were.

[Stanza 313]

A Horse well furnisht for a present Warre: For a French Crowne might any where be bought, But if so be that he had any scarre, Though ne'r so small, he valew'd was at naught; With spoyles so sated the proud English are; Amongst the slaine, that who for pillage sought, Except some rich Caparizon he found, For a steele Saddle would not stoupe to ground.

[Stanza 314]

And many a hundred beaten downe that were, Whose wounds were mortall, others wondrous deepe, When as the English ouer-past they heare: And no man left a Watch on them to keepe, Into the Bushes, and the Ditches neare, Vpon their weake hands and their knees doe creepe: But for their hurts tooke ayre, and were vndrest, They were found dead, and buried with the rest.

[Stanza 315]

Thus when the King sawe that the Coast was clear'd, And of the French who were not slaine were fled: Nor in the Field not any then appear'd, That had the power againe to make a head: This Conquerour exceedingly is cheer'd, Thanking his God that he so well had sped, And so tow'rds Callice brauely marching on, Leaueth sad France her losses to bemoane.

FINIS.



TO MY FRINDS THE CAMBER- BRITANS AND THEYR HARP.



TO MY FRINDS THE CAMBER-BRITANS AND THEYR HARP.

Fayre stood the winde for France, When we our sailes aduance, Nor now to proue our chance Longer not tarry, But put vnto the mayne: At Kaux, the mouth of Seine, With all his warlike trayne Landed King Harry.

And taking many a forte, Furnish'd in warlike sorte, Comming toward Agincourte (In happy houre) Skermishing day by day With those oppose his way, Whereas the Genrall laye With all his powre.

Which in his height of pride, As Henry to deride, His ransome to prouide Vnto him sending; Which he neglects the while, As from a nation vyle, Yet with an angry smile Their fall portending.

And turning to his men, Quoth famous Henry then, Though they to one be ten, Be not amazed: Yet haue we well begun; Battailes so brauely wonne Euermore to the sonne By fame are raysed.

And for my selfe, (quoth hee) This my full rest shall bee, England nere mourne for me, Nor more esteeme me: Victor I will remaine, Or on this earth be slaine; Neuer shall she sustaine Losse to redeeme me.

Poiters and Cressy tell, When moste their pride did swell, Vnder our swords they fell: Ne lesse our skill is, Then when our grandsyre greate, Claiming the regall seate, In many a warlike feate Lop'd the French lillies.

The Duke of Yorke soe dread The eager vaward led; With the maine Henry sped Amongst his hench men. Excester had the rear, A brauer man not there. And now preparing were For the false Frenchmen

And ready to be gone. Armour on armour shone, Drum vnto drum did grone, To hear was woonder; That with the cries they make The very earth did shake: Trumpet to trumpet spake, Thunder to thunder.

Well it thine age became, O, noble Erpingham! That didst the signall frame Vnto the forces; When from a medow by, Like a storme, sodainely The English archery Stuck the French horses.

The Spanish vghe so strong, Arrowes a cloth-yard long, That like to serpents stoong, Piercing the wether: None from his death now starts, But playing manly parts, And like true English harts Stuck close together.

When down theyr bowes they threw, And foorth theyr bilbowes drewe, And on the French they flew, No man was tardy. Arms from the shoulders sent, Scalpes to the teeth were rent; Downe the French pesants went These were men hardye.

When now that noble King, His broade sword brandishing, Into the hoast did fling, As to or'whelme it; Who many a deep wound lent, His armes with blood besprent, And many a cruell dent Brused his helmett.

Glo'ster that Duke so good, Next of the royall blood, For famous England stood With his braue brother: Clarence in steele most bright, That yet a maiden knighte, Yet in this furious fighte Scarce such an other.

Warwick in bloode did wade, Oxford the foes inuade, And cruel slaughter made Still as they ran vp: Suffolk his axe did ply, Beaumont and Willoughby Bare them right doughtyly, Ferrers and Fanhope.

On happy Cryspin day Fought was this noble fray, Which fame did not delay To England to carry. O! when shall Englishmen With such acts fill a pen, Or England breed agen Such a King Harry?



ILLUSTRATIVE NOTES.



ILLUSTRATIVE NOTES.

Page 14, l. 3 [Stz. 4]. "Monarchesse." —This stately word ought to be revived; it is fully as legitimate as abbess.

Page 14, l. 9 [Stz. 5]. "A Parliament is calld." —It met at Leicester on April 30th, 1414. Negotiations for a treaty with France had been opened on January 21st preceding. "The first indication of a claim to the crown of France," says Sir Harris Nicolas ("History of the Battle of Agincourt"), "is a commission to the Bishop of Durham and others, dated on the 31st of May, 1414, by which they were instructed to negotiate the restitution of such of their sovereign's rights as were withheld by Charles."

Page 14, l. 17 [Stz. 6]. "In which one Bill (mongst many) there was red." —"Many petitions moved," says Holinshed, "were for that time deferred: amongst whyche one was that a bill exhibited in the Parliament holden at Westminstre in the eleventh year of King Henry the fourth, might now with good deliberation be pondered, and brought to some good conclusion. The effect of which supplication was that the temporall landes devoutely given, and disordinately spent by religious and other spirituall persons, should be seased into the Kyngs hands, sithence the same might suffice to maintayne to the honor of the King and defence of the realme fifteene Erles, fifteene C. Knightes, six M. two Esquiers, and a C. almes houses for reliefe only of the poor, impotente, and needie persones, and the King to have cleerely to his cofers twentie M. poundes." Shakespeare ("Henry V.," act i., sc. 1) versifies this passage with the remarkable deviation of making the surplus remaining to the Crown one thousand pounds instead of twenty thousand pounds.

Page 14, l. 23. "Which made those Church-men generally to feare."—

"Cant. If it pass against us We lose the better half of our possession. Ely. This would drink deep. Cant. 'Twould drink the cup and all."

Henry V., act i., sc. 1.

Though Henry did not touch the property of the English Church, he appropriated the revenues of one hundred and ten priories held by aliens, and made no restitution.

Page 15, l. 32 [Stz. 11]. "Thus frames his speech." —"There is no record of any speech made by Chicheley at this parliament; we search for it in vain in the rolls of parliament, and in the history of the Privy Council." —Dean Hook, who adds in a note, "No notice would have been taken of what was meant by Hall for a display of his own rhetoric, if such splendid use of it had not been made by Shakespeare in the first scene of 'Henry V.'" Drayton's version of the speech departs almost entirely from that given by the chroniclers, who make Chicheley, as no doubt he would have done, dwell at great length upon Henry's alleged claim to the crown of France, and omit all topics unbefitting a man of peace. Drayton greatly curtails Chicheley's legal arguments, and makes him talk like a warrior and a statesman. Shakespeare has shown his usual exquisite judgment by following Holinshed closely as regards the matter of Chicheley's formal harangue, and relegating his exhortation to Henry to follow the example of the Black Prince to a separate discourse, marked off from the first by the king's interruption. Drayton has also missed an opportunity in omitting Henry's impressive appeal to the archbishop to advise him conscientiously in the matter, by which Shakespeare has set his hero's character in the most favourable point of view from the very first.

Page 17, l. 9 [Stz. 17]. "Beame." —Bohemia.

Page 19, ll. 13, 14 [Stz. 25]. "And for they knew, the French did still abet The Scot against vs." —The discussion between Westmorland and Exeter on the expediency of first attacking Scotland is found in Holinshed. In the rude old play, "The Famous Victories of Henry the Fifth," on which Shakespeare founded his "Henry IV." and "Henry V.," the argument for attacking Scotland first is put into the mouth of the Archbishop of Canterbury. Shakespeare's noble expansion of this scene from the hints of his artless predecessor and of the chroniclers is one of the most signal proofs of the superiority of his genius.

Page 20, l. 1 [Stz. 28]. "And instantly an Embassy is sent." —Of the letters written by Henry on this occasion, Sir Harris Nicolas remarks in his standard work on the Battle of Agincourt, "Their most striking features are falsehood, hypocrisy, and impiety." Being so bad, they are naturally attributed by him to the much maligned Cardinal Beaufort. It is admitted that "in some places they approach nearly to eloquence, and they are throughout clear, nervous, and impressive." They are defended at great length by Mr. Tyler, in his "Life of Henry V."

Page 20, l. 20 [Stz. 30]. "A Tunne of Paris Tennis balls him sent." —This incident, so famous from the use made of it by Shakespeare, is in all probability historical, being mentioned by Thomas Otterbourne, a contemporary writer, and in an inedited MS. chronicle of the same date. These are quoted by Sir Harris Nicolas and in Mr. Julian Marshall's erudite "Annals of Tennis" (London, 1878). Its being omitted by other contemporaries is no strong argument against its authenticity. Drayton follows Shakespeare and the chronicler Hall in writing tunne. Holinshed uses the less poetical term barrel.

Page 20, ll. 28-32 [Stz. 31].—

"I'le send him Balls and Rackets if I liue That they such Racket shall in Paris see, When ouer lyne with Bandies I shall driue, As that before the Set be fully done, France may (perhaps) into the Hazard runne."

On these lines Mr. Julian Marshall observes: "This passage is remarkable, as offering one of the first examples of the double sense of racket, meaning hubbub as well as the implement used in tennis; and also as showing the early use of the word bandy, which we shall find recurring later in the history of the game." None of the historians who have related the incident mention the pointed reply to the Dauphin put into Henry's mouth by Shakespeare, that he would "strike his father's crown into the hazard." The old playwright on whose foundation Shakespeare built merely says, "Tel him that in stead of balles of leather we wil tosse him balles of brasse and yron." Drayton must consequently have borrowed the term from Shakespeare, which is a pretty conclusive proof of his having read "Henry V." as well as witnessed its performance. Regarding Shakespeare's justification for the technical terms used by him, Mr. Marshall judiciously remarks: "It is certain that tennis was played and that rackets were used in the time of Henry V.; but whether chases were marked and a hazard invented, and to which of our hazards that hazard would answer, are questions which we cannot solve, and which doubtless never troubled 'sweet Will' for one single moment."

Sir Harris Nicolas prints in his appendix a ballad on the story of the tennis balls, "obligingly communicated by Bertram Mitford, of Mitford Castle, in Northumberland, Esquire, who wrote it from the dictation of a very aged relative." He also gives another version, from what source derived is not stated. The Roxburghe collection of ballads at the British Museum contains yet a third version, which, as it differs in many respects from the other two, is printed as an appendix to these Notes. Judging from the type, the date of the Museum broadside would appear to be about 1750, and the piece itself can hardly be earlier than the eighteenth century.

Page 21, l. 18 [Stz. 34]. "Iacks." —Machines for planing metal.

Page 21, l. 19. "An olde Fox." —Sword, so called, it is said, from the figure of a fox anciently engraved upon the blade; or, as Nares suggests, from the name of some celebrated cutler. "Thou diest on point of fox" (Shakespeare, "Henry V.," act iv., sc. 4).

Page 21, l. 23. "Fletcher." —An arrow-maker (flechier), with which trade the manufacture of bows, properly the business of the bowyer, was naturally combined. The frequency of the name in our own day might be alleged in proof of the ancient importance of the industry, but in most cases it is probably derived from flesher, a butcher.

Page 22, l. 1 [Stz. 36]. "The Light-horse and the Bard." —A barded horse (French bardelle, a pack-saddle) is one with the body entirely covered with armour. "For he was barded from counter to tail" ("Lay of the Last Minstrel").

Page 23, l. 17 [Stz. 42]. "The scarlet Iudge might now set vp his Mule." —"Judges and serjeants rode to Westminster Hall on mules; whence it is said of a young man studying the law, 'I see he was never born to ride upon a moyle' ('Every Man out of his Humour,' ii. 3); that is, he will never be eminent in his profession" (Nares). It is an odd example of the mutations of ordinary speech that if we now heard of a judge setting up a mule, we should understand the exact contrary of what was understood by Drayton. A modern writer would more probably have said, set down.

Page 23, l. 25 [Stz. 43]. "By this, the Counsell of this Warre had met." —A curious echo of Spenser: "By this the northern waggoner had set."

Page 24, l. 16 [Stz. 45]. "Sleeue." —Entirely obsolete in English, but France still knows the Channel as La Manche.

Page 24, l. 19 [Stz. 46]. "Scripts of Mart." —Letters of marque. "Mart, originally for Mars. It was probably this use of mart that led so many authors to use letters of mart, instead of marque, supposing it to mean letters of war. Under this persuasion Drayton put 'script of mart' as equivalent" (Nares).

Page 24, l. 22. "Deepe." —Dieppe.

Page 24, l. 28 [Stz. 47]. "Like the huge Ruck from Gillingham that flewe." —It seems remarkable to meet with the roc of the "Arabian Nights" in English so long before the existence of any translation. The word, however, occurs in Bishop Hall's "Satires," thirty years before Drayton. It probably came into our language from the Italian, being first used by Marco Polo, who says (part iii., chap. 35): "To return to the griffon; the people of the island do not know it by that name, but call it always ruc; but we, from their extraordinary size, certainly conclude them to be griffons."

Page 25, l. 2 [Stz. 48]. "Stoad." —Not found in the dictionaries, but apparently equivalent to stowage, and hence in this place to cargo.

Page 25, ll. 5, 6. "Straitly commanded by the Admirall, At the same Port to settle their aboad." —"On the 11th of April, 1415, Nicholas Mauduyt, serjeant-at-arms, was commanded to arrest all ships and other vessels carrying twenty tons or more, as well belonging to this kingdom as to other countries, which were then in the river Thames, and in other sea-ports of the realm as far as Newcastle-upon-Tyne, or which might arrive there before the 1st of May, and the said vessels were to be at the ports of Southampton, London, or Winchelsea by the 8th of May at the latest" (Sir Harris Nicolas).

Page 25, l. 28 [Stz. 51]. "Bay of Portugall" = Bay of Biscay.

Page 26, l. 14 [Stz. 53]. "Pruce." —Prussia.

Page 26, l. 23 [Stz. 54]. "Flee-boats." —Flyboats, Fr. flibots, which affords a more probable etymology than freebooter for flibustier and filibuster.

Page 27, ll. 17, 18 [Stz. 58]. "From Holland, Zeland, and from Flanders wonne By weekely pay, threescore twelue Bottoms came." —"It was one of the earliest measures to secure shipping from Holland" (Nicolas). The total number of ships enumerated by Drayton as joining in the rendezvous at Southampton is one hundred and seventy-eight, the foreign hired vessels included. A contemporary authority quoted by Sir Harris Nicolas makes it three hundred and twenty, made up by contingents from the neighbouring havens to between twelve and fourteen hundred. According to the list published by Sir Harris Nicolas, the number of effective fighting men did not exceed ten thousand five hundred, though there were probably as many more attendants and camp-followers.

Page 27, l. 31 [Stz. 59]. "The acclamation of the presse." —Might be said in our time of any popular war, but in how different a sense!

Page 28, l. 1 [Stz. 60]. —This and the following stanza are quoted by Sir Harris Nicolas with just admiration. In fact, Drayton's description of the marshalling and departure of the expedition are the best part of his poem.