3113 Now the matter was settled and all their host marshalled, and the Prince without delay came down from the mountain. When one army perceived the other, each knew well that naught remained but to fight, of this they are certain. No one would wait for the morrow. Sir John Chandos came forthwith to the Prince and brought him his banner, which was of silk, rich and brave. Very courteously he spake to him thus: ‘Sire,’ says he, ‘mercy for God, I have served you in the past, and everything, whatsoever God has given me, comes from you, and you know well that I am wholly yours and will be always; and, if it seems to you time and place for me 162to raise my banner, I have enough fortune of my own (?), that God has given me to hold, wherewith to maintain it. Now do your pleasure in the matter. Behold it, I present it to you.’ Then, incontinently, the Prince, the King Don Pedro, and the Duke of Lancaster also, unfurled his banner and handed it to him by the shaft and said to him forthwith: ‘God grant you gain honour thereby.’ And Chandos took his banner; he set it among the companions and said to them with joyous mien, ‘Fair sirs, behold my banner. Guard it well as your own, for indeed it is yours as much as ours.’ The companions rejoiced greatly. They set out forthwith (?) and wait no more; they are intent upon battle. This banner that I speak of, William Alby carried.
3157 The English have dismounted, aflame with desire to win and achieve honour, and the Prince said to them that day: ‘Sirs, there is no other end. You know well that we are nigh overtaken by famine, for lack of victual (?), and you see there our enemies who have plenty of provisions, bread and wine, salt and fresh fish, both from fresh water and the sea, but we must conquer them with blow of lance and sword. Now let us so act this day that we may depart in honour.’ Then the valiant Prince clasped his hands to heaven and said: True, sovereign Father, who hast made and created us, as truly as Thou dost know that I am not comer here save for the maintenance of right, and for prowess and nobility which urge me and incite me to gain a life of honour, I beseech Thee that Thou wilt this day guard me and my men.’ And when the Prince, fair to look upon, had made his prayer to God, then he said: ‘Forward banner! God help us to our right!’ And then the Prince forthwith took the King Don Pedro by the hand and said to him: ‘Sire King, to-day will you know if ever you will have Castile again. Have firm faith in God.’ Thus spake the valiant-hearted Prince. In the vanguard went forward | 3197 the noble and valorous Duke of Lancaster; and the good knight Chandos knighted there without delay Curson, Prior and Eliton, and William de Ferinton and Aimery de Rochechouart, Gaillard de la Motte and Messire Robert Briquet. There was many a knight made, who was full of valour and of noble and puissant lineage. On the field the Duke of Lancaster said to William Beauchamp: ‘See there,’ said he, ‘our enemies; but so help me Jesus Christ, to-day you shall see me a good knight, if death causes me no hindrance.’ Then he said: ‘Forward, forward banner! Let us take the Lord God for our Protector and let each one acquit himself honourably.’ And then the noble and valiant Duke placed himself before his men; more than a hundred he made bolder-hearted than they were before, methinks. In that hour the Duke knighted Jean d’Ypres of the proud heart.
3225 Now began fierce battle, and the dust commenced to rise. Archers shoot swiftly, thicker than rain falls. Like a valiant man the Duke of Lancaster leads the way; after him goes Thomas d’Ufford and the stalwart Hugh de Hastings, each one with his banner unfurled, each one holding lance couched. On the right hand was Chandos, who acquired great renown that day, and Stephen Cosinton, John Devereux, a noble knight; and there was the good Guichard d’Angle that ever was in the forefront. With him he had his two sons and other knights of renown, who did their duty stoutly; and there was the right noble lord of Rays. There might once see the companions coming, all close together, banners and pennons. Each 163 one held lance in hand, and they made fierce onslaught to attack their enemies, and the archers kept on shooting, and the crossbow-men on the other side, who were with the Bastard; but all advanced so far on foot that they met together with Bertrand’s division, which caused them much mischief. There might you see thrust of lance as they came together; each one strove to acquit himself well. Then, of a surety, was no heart in the world so bold as not to be amazed at the mighty blows they dealt with the great axes they bore, and the swords and daggers. It was no great pastance, for you might see many a good knight fall to the ground.
3271 Great was the din and reek (?). There was neither banner nor pennon that was not cast down. At one time that day Chandos was thrown to the ground; upon him fell a Castilian, great in stature — by name Marin Fernandez — the which was at great pains that he might slay him, and wounded him through the visor. Chandos, of bold mien, took a dagger from his side, and struck therewith the Castilian so that he thrust the sharp blade into his body. The Castilian stretched himself out dead, and Chandos leapt to his feet. He grasped his sword with both hands and plunged into the fray, which was fierce and terrible and marvellous to behold. He who was struck by him might be certain of death.
3295 And elsewhere the noble Duke of Lancaster, full of valour, fought so nobly that every one marvelled, looking at his great prowess, how he put himself in jeopardy by his noble valiance; for I think that no creature, rich or poor, adventured himself so far forward as he did. And the Prince made no tarrying; know of a certainty he hasted fast to the battle. From the right side of his division | 3309 the King of Navarre’s banner and Sire Martin de la Carra set out with the Captal, of noble and loyal heart, and the rightful Lord d’Albret who strove to acquit himself well — together they were two thousand — to join battle with the Count Don Tello, who was on the left hand of the stout-hearted Sir Bertrand. But I can well record it, before they could come together Don Tello left and the Captal incontinently wheeled round upon the footmen. Sorely did they harry them that day. As men of hardihood they defended themselves valiantly. On the left, on the other side of the Prince, Percy, the Lord de Clisson, Sir Thomas Felton, and Sir Walter Hewet, who time and again is named, these came to visit and support the vanguard.
3335 Then the clash increases, and mighty was the slaughter, for the noble Prince of Aquitaine brought up all his main division; there was none who was backward in the fight. On the left was a very little mountain; there, on the side, the rearguard had been commanded to stand, over against the barded horses. There was the King of Majorca, whom I should not forget, and the valiant Count d’Armagnac, the lord of Sévérac, Sir Berard d’Albret, and Bertucat, who was anxious and eager to fight, and moreover I have not named to you Sir Hugh Calverley. Fiercer waxed the battle, which began on all sides. The Spaniards hurled with might archegays, lances, and darts. Each one strove to acquit himself well, for archers shot thicker than rain falls in winter time. They wounded their horses and men, and the Spaniards perceived well that they could no longer endure; they began to turn their horses and took to flight. When the Bastard Henry saw them he was filled with wrath. Three times he made them rally, saying, ‘Sirs, help me, for God’s sake, for you have made 164 me king and have also made oath to help me loyally.’ But his speech is of no avail, for the attack waxed ever stronger.
3377 What would you have me tell you? There was not in the Prince’s following any man, however small, who was not as bold and as fierce as a lion: one cannot make comparison with Oliver and Roland. The Spaniards turned in flight, each one gave rein. Sore grieved and wrathful thereat was the Bastard when he saw them, but it behoved them to flee, or they would have been all taken and slain. Then the stress began, and then you might see the footmen slain with point and blade. The Bastard flees down a valley. But French, Bretons, and Normans still stand their ground, but their pride lasted only a short while, for they were speedily routed; and know that the cry was raised loudly in many a place, ‘Guyenne! St. George!’ There was Messire Bertrand taken and the noble Marshal d’Audrehem, of such great hardihood, and a count of great renown, Count of Denia by name. Count Sancho, doubt not, was taken there, who was a leader, together with Le Bègue de Villaines, Messire Jean de Neufville, and more than two thousand others; and, to make true report, Le Bègue de Villiers was slain, and divers others, whose names I cannot mention; but according to the report five hundred men-at-arms or more died on the strip of land where the battle was hand to hand. Also on the side of the English died a perfect knight: that was the Lord of Ferrers. The glorious God and St. Peter receive the souls of the dead! Sirs, for God, now listen.
3425 The battlefield was on a fair and beauteous plain, whereon was neither bush nor tree for a full league round, along a fine river, very rapid and fierce, the which caused the Castilians much damage that day, for the pursuit lasted up to the river. More than two thousand were drowned there. In front of Najara, on the bridge, I assure you that the pursuit was very fell and fierce. There might you see knights leap into the water for fear, and die one on the other; and it was said that the river was red with the blood that flowed from the bodies of dead men and horses. So great was the discomfiture that methinks never could any creature have seen the like, so God help me: so great was the mortality that the number was reported as about seven thousand and seven hundred, and moreover I assure you that the Prince’s followers entered the town. There were more than a thousand slain; and there the Grand Master of Calatrava was taken in a cellar; and the Prior of St. John who caused them much mischief, and the master of St. Jacques also. These two had withdrawn incontinently beside a high wall; there they were not safe, for men-at-arms climbed up, who were minded to attack them, but they yielded humbly, for they dared not await them. Thus were they slain and taken prisoner, whereat the noble and valiant Prince rejoiced greatly. He remained in the open and raised his banner, round which his men gathered.
3473 My lords, the time I am telling you of was right on a Saturday, three days on in the month of April, when sweet and gentle birds begin to renew their songs, in meadows, woods, and fields. It was at that time that, of a surety, befell the great battle before Najara, even as you have heard.
3481 That night the Prince was lodged in the very lodging in which King Henry himself had been the night before. There they held high revel and thanked God 165 the Father, the Son, and his blessed Mother, for the grace he had done them, for know well that they found there forthwith wine and bread — all the camp was well furnished therewith — coffers, vessels, gold and silver, whereat many folks were right well pleased.
3495 The King Don Pedro came to the Prince, who was right well affectioned to him, and said to him, ‘Our dear cousin, well ought I to give you thanks, for this day you have done so much for me that never any day of my life shall I be able to repay it.’ ‘Sire,’ said he, ‘if it please you, render thanks to God and not to me, for, by the faith I owe you, God has done it and not we, so that we should all be minded to pray Him mercy and yield Him thanks.’ Don Pedro said that he spoke truly, and of this he was right fain, but that he wished to take vengeance on the traitors who by force had done him so much mischief. Thereupon the Prince said, of a truth, | 3515 ‘Sir King, I pray you, grant me a gift, if it please you.’ Quoth King Pedro: ‘Alas! wherefore, Sire, do you ask me? All that I have is yours.’ Then the Prince said incontinent: ‘Sire, I wish for naught of yours. But I counsel you for good, if you wish to be king of Castile, that you send tidings everywhere that you have granted this gift: to bestow pardon on all who have been against you; and that, if through ill will or by evil counsel they have been with King Henry, you pardon them henceforward, provided that of their own accord they come to pray you mercy.’ The King Don Pedro grants this, but sore against his will; then he said: ‘Fair cousin, I grant it you, except for one; but I would not have all the gold of Seville to spare Gomez Carillo, for, certes, he is the traitor that most has done me dishonour.’ And the Prince spake thus: ‘Take your pleasure of him, and pardon all the others.’ His bastard brother was brought, and divers other prisoners, whom he gladly pardoned, for the Prince’s sake, and at his request. And then he turned him back, straight to his lodging, and there Gomez Carillo was made ready, and there he was drawn and his throat cut under his chin before all the people.
The Prince, the next Monday, | 3559 set forth from before Najara, and the King Don Pedro also. They took their way towards Burgos, and then the news went through Spain to all parts that the Bastard was discomfited. At Burgos was his wife, who had no time to delay. As soon as she heard the tidings she departed at her hastiest, with all that she could carry of goods that she could pack up. She rode day and night with her escort until she came to Aragon. Right sorely was she troubled. Sorrowing and weeping, she said: ‘Alas, wherefore was I born? Queen of Castile was I, with rich and fair crown, but little space has fortune endured, Ah! death, who art common to all, for what waitest thou? Now fain would I die, for never could I have pastime or solace, what time, woe is me, they should say, “Behold the Queen of Spain whom the Great Company crowned.” Ah, Prince, thy fell power has brought me low. Right honourable is the lady who is yoked to you, for she can say she has the flower of the whole world, and the best, and that she holds sway over all the world.’ Thus spake the lovely lady who made such lament. And the noble and renowned Prince betook himself to Briviesca to lodge, and King Pedro rode straight before Burgos. To meet him there, came the rich burgesses, saying, ‘Welcome, King.’ Then he was received at Burgos, and the Prince came there after the 166 term of six days; and at Burgos he made sojourn for the term of a full month. Word was sent throughout Spain to every city and town, to Toledo and Seville, Cordova and Leon, throughout the whole realm, that each one should come without delay to cry mercy of King Pedro. Thither came from all sides the known and the unknown, and the King pardoned them all. Lords, I will not lie to you: | 3619 the Prince gave judgment before Burgos and held gage of battle, wherefore it might truly be said that in Spain he had such power that all was under his sway. There came Don Fernandez de Castro, who was right noble and valiant. The Prince welcomed him greatly and showed him very great honour. At Burgos, the rich city, the Prince and his noble followers sojourned seven months or more, and there was their council held, and there were the oaths renewed that they had sworn, | 3635 . . . and that the King Don Pedro should go straight towards Seville to procure gold and silver to pay the Prince and his men; and the Prince was to await the King Don Pedro at Valladolid and round about, and fixed a certain day for him to return to him. But, to tell the truth, the Prince awaited him six months, wherefore his army endured sore distress of thirst and of hunger, for lack of bread and wine. A proverb I have heard said, that one should dispute for one’s wife and fight for one’s victuals. Lords, there is no pastance for him who has but scantly eaten and drunk. At that time there were many who ate not bread whenever they were hungry, and yet they dared not, of a truth, attack towns nor castles, for the Prince had forbidden it; but should they have been hung for it they had to do it perforce, for great famine constrained them. And the Prince also took Amusco first, and was at Medina del Campo, and abode in the fields until he had provisions from the town, or he would have given them battle. Likewise the Great Company took several towns in Spain, but nevertheless, of a truth, they suffered great hardships while awaiting King Pedro. When they had stayed thus long and the day was passed that he was to be back, | 3677 he sent a letter to the Prince the tenour of which set forth that he gave him great thanks for the service they had rendered him, for he was King of all Castile and every one called him lord; but that his people have answered him, to wit both great and small, that he could not have money if he did not withdraw his men, and accordingly he begged the Prince, as courteously as he could, that it would please him to return, for he had no more need of him, and that he would appoint men to receive his payment. The Prince marvelled greatly so soon as he heard the letter. He sent two knights to him and informed him by letter that he had not kept his promises and pledges.
3699 Wherefore should I relate and draw out the matter? So much might I recount that well I might weary you. The Prince perceived clearly that the King Don Pedro was not as loyal as he thought. Then he said he would return, for many said also that the Bastard Henry had entered Aquitaine and was harrying sorely the common people of the country, whereat the Prince was sore grieved. Whereupon incontinent the Prince took his return from Madrigal. He rode day and night until he came to the valley of Soria, where he abode fully a month. And Chandos held counsel in the meantime with the Council of Aragon. Of the council I know but little.
3721 But, to abridge the tale, Chandos went without delay to the King of Navarre. 167 He and Don Martin de la Carra obtained so much that the King of Navarre, who was courteous, let the Prince repass, and the Prince without delay departed from the valley of Soria; he took his way through Navarre without stay. The King, who was right noble, showed the Prince great honour, for every day he sent him wine and provisions in great plenty. He brought him through Navarre and guided him right beyond the pass. Afterwards, of a truth, they held high revel at St. Jean Pied du Port. There they took courteous leave, the one from the other, and parted. Then the Prince came to Bayonne, whereat many a one made great joy. Honourably did the noble burgesses welcome him, and that was right. And there he dismissed his men and told them to come and seek their monies at Bordeaux. There he abode five days in high revel.
3751 The Prince set forth from Bayonne and made no stay till he came to Bordeaux. Nobly was he received with crosses and processions, and all the monks came to meet him. Right nobly they welcomed him, praising and thanking God. Then he dismounted at St. Andrews. The Princess came to meet him, bringing with her her firstborn son, Edward. The ladies and knights came there to welcome him and made great joy. Very sweetly they embraced when they met together. The gentle Prince kissed his wife and son. They went to their lodging on foot, holding each other by the hand.
3774 At Bordeaux such joy was made that every one rejoiced over the Prince who was come, and those who were with him. Every one welcomed his friend. In very sooth that night high revel was held in many a place throughout the land of Aquitaine.
To come to a conclusion, now I have told you of the Prince and his great expedition, and of his very noble following, pardon me if I have spoken amiss, for in nothing have I lied.
3789 He sojourned a space at Bordeaux and held himself full well content with his men and his country, for greatly had he gladdened them (?). Thereafter in brief season he called together at St. Émilion the nobles of his whole principality, earls, barons, bishops, prelates. Thither they came right gladly. The Prince graciously and humbly thanked them all, both those who had been in his company with him in Spain and those who had remained behind, who had guarded the country, and said to them: ‘Fair Sirs, by my troth, I should indeed love you with all my heart, for you have served me right well. With all my heart do I give you thanks.’ Very nobly did he welcome them and bestowed on them many fair gifts, gold, silver, and rich jewels, and they made thereof great joy. They departed from the noble Prince and took their way to their homes.
3815 Very soon after this it befell that the noble Prince of Aquitaine came to lodge at Angoulême, and there, of a surety, the malady began that thereafter lasted all his life, whereof it was pity and hurt. Then began falsehood and treason to govern those who ought to have loved him, for those whom he held for friends then became his enemies; but this is no great marvel, for the enemy that is ever on the watch quicklier harms a valiant man than a wicked; and on this account, as soon as it was known that the noble Prince was ill, in peril of death, his enemies were agreed to begin the war anew, and began to treat with those whom they knew of a certainty to be his enemies. 168
3839 Thereupon the war between France and England began again, and then towns and cities turned from their allegiance, and divers earls and barons, whose names I should not hide — Armagnac, Lisle and Périgord, Albret, Comminges (?), of short speech — all on one day forsook the Prince their liege lord, because he was ill and could no more help himself. They were all agreed, as I hear in my record, that they should appeal from the Prince and begin war. The Count of Armagnac first and many other knights betook themselves to the King of France and told him straightway that they wished to turn and appeal to his court, saying that the Prince was wronging and oppressing them sorely; on this account assuredly they came to him as to their sovereign lord.
3865 The King of France convened and assembled his great Council and showed them the proposal, how he of Armagnac was tempting him to begin anew the war: thereupon they began to hold counsel. And the counsel in this matter was that they sent word to the Prince that he should come without delay to answer in his full parliament against this appeal. The Prince, who was ill, when he heard the matter was mighty wroth. Then he raised himself from his bed and said: ‘Fair sirs, by my troth, methinks, by what I see, that the French deem me as dead; but, so God comfort me, if I can rise from this bed I will yet do them much hurt, for God knows well that wrongfully they make complaint of me.”
3889 Then did he send back word to the King of France boldly and staunchly, that in sooth gladly would he go at his summons, so God grant him health and life, he and all his company, with bassinet on head to defend him from mischief. Thus began war in Aquitaine, and then he had all the companions set in all the fortified places. There might you see mortal war, right cruel in many parts. The brother was against the brother, and the son against the father; every one took sides whichever way he list. But, at the time I speak of, the noble Prince lost greatly, for treason and falsehood held sway on all sides; none knew in whom to trust. But, nevertheless, the Prince strengthened himself as best he could.
3915 To England he sent for help to succour him, and the very noble King his father sent him his lion-hearted brother Edmund, by name Earl of Cambridge, and the brave and valiant Earl of Pembroke, also, and they had in their company much noble chivalry. These two went to the border marches (?) and made themselves right dear. They took Bourdeilles by assault, whereat they were blithe and glad, and there was the Earl of Pembroke knighted. Then in short season they laid siege to La Roche-sur-Yon, and Chandos was at Montauban, who bore himself well there.
3935 What could I set down for you to delay the story? On all sides was fortune in Aquitaine cruel and surly. La Roche-sur-Yon was taken by Cambridge and his emprise, but, as it pleased the true God who never lied, Sir James Audeley, of great fame, died there of sickness: whereat the very noble and renowned Prince was sore grieved, for greatly beloved was James by him. And then it was not long before Chandos also died at the bridge of Lussac, the which was loss and pity, for the Prince, who was right sorrowful, was sore dismayed. But oft-times one sees it so come about that, when misfortune is to befall, one mischance follows on another. 169 Many a time it so happens. Thus all kinds of mischance arose; one after another they befell the noble Prince, who lay ill abed. But for all this he gave thanks to God and said: ‘Everything will have its season; if I could rise from here I would assuredly take vengeance.’
3967 When the French knew that the famous Chandos was dead they made great joy everywhere and rejoiced greatly, saying: ‘All will be ours, as true as is the paternoster.’ Then King Charles of France had word sent incontinent to Sir Bertrand du Guesclin, the bold and true, in Spain, where he was, where he served the Bastard King, and announced that Chandos was dead. Gladly did he hear the tidings. Bertrand returned right speedily into France without delay. He came to Toulouse; there was the powerful Duke of Anjou, who welcomed him sweetly and right graciously said to him: ‘Sir Bertrand, fair greeting and welcome. We have great need of you, for if you are with us we shall conquer Aquitaine; for this is a very certain matter, Audeley and Chandos are dead, who have wrought so much mischief, and the Prince lies abed ill, with but scant cheer, so that if you counsel it we are all ready prepared to override the land.’
4001 Well did Sir Bertrand agree to his, and advise it; and then they were all accorded, as I hear in my record, to ride in two directions and besiege the Prince. Then they assembled their men by hundreds and thousands; the Duke of Anjou rode through Quercy with great following; he of Berry and he of Bourbon with great force of men rode through the Limousin until they lodged at Limoges, and thought to come straight to besiege the Prince at Angoulême, where he abode, so ill that he kept his bed. And the Prince lay abed, where he had but scant cheer. So soon as he heard the tidings, they seemed to him good and fair; forthwith he rose from his bed and assembled all his host.
4025 At that time the great and valorous Duke of Lancaster had arrived in his country with many knights of renown, and was desirous to give them battle, to defend his noble country. But as soon as they heard tell that the Prince, of a certainty, had assembled his power, they turned back, in sooth, and dared not await him. But at this time Limoges, the good city, was given up by treachery, and thither came the Prince, who laid siege to it until he took it by assault. Thereat he was blithe and glad, for there were Roger de Beaufort, who made boast of holding it, Sir Jean de Villemur, who said he would keep the wall, and good 300 men-at-arms, without the burgesses therein. But all were slain or taken by the noble and renowned Prince, whereat all his friends rejoiced greatly around him, and his enemies, I warrant you, had great fear and repented they had begun again war with him.
4056 After Limoges was taken, the Prince of high emprise returned to Angoulême. Then another sign befell him, for at that time he found his first-born Edward passed from life, whereat he was sore grieved at heart. But none may scape death. All that God had given him it behoved him to accept. Afterwards it was not long before he made ready his array and betook himself to England, by reason of the malady that oppressed him, with his wife and sons and many knights of renown.
4073 Thereafter came tidings that La Rochelle was lost, and that the noble Earl of Pembroke was taken. Then the King levied an army, that was of great renown, and 170 there were all the barons and knight of repute. The noble Prince was there, who was at great pains to reach the land and disembark, to go and succour his land. But by what I heard tell they were nine weeks at sea, nor ever could have any wind, rather they had to turn and come back; whereat the King and the Prince and all the bold knights were sorely cast down.
4093 Now if I have set forth in rhyme to you the whole life of the Prince; pardon me if I have passed over it a little briefly, but I must make dispatch to bring it to an end. For one could make a book of it as big as of Arthur, Alexander, or Claris, merely to bring to remembrance and knowledge his deeds and his right lofty prowess, and his very noble largesse, and also his valour, how he was all his life a valiant man, loyal and catholic, and zealous for the common weal, and how he made a very noble end, confessing with loyal heart his God and his true creator, and said to his household: ‘Fair lords, behold, for God, we are not lords here on earth; all will have to pass this way. No man may scape; therefore I beseech you right humbly that you will pray for me.’
4119 Then he had his room opened and made all his men come who had served him in his life and still gladly served him. ‘Sirs,’ says he, ‘pardon me, for, by the faith that I owe you, you have loyally served me; nor can I of myself give to each his guerdon, but God, by His most holy name will render it you in the holy heaven.’ Then each one sobbed heartily and wept very tenderly, all those who were present, earls, barons, and bachelors. And he said to all, loud and clear: ‘I commend to you my son, who is very young and little, and pray you, as you have served me, to serve him loyally.’
4139 Then he called the King, his father, and the Duke of Lancaster, his brother; he commended to them his wife and his son, whom he greatly loved and besought them right then that each one should help him. Each one swore it on the book and promised him without reserve to support his child and maintain him in his right; all the princes and all the barons standing round swore it; and the noble and renowned Prince gave them a hundred thousand thanks. But never, so God help me, was such sore grief beheld as there was at his departing. The lovely and noble Princess felt such grief at heart that her heart was nigh breaking. Of lamentation and sighing, of crying aloud and sorrowing, there was so great a noise that there was no man living in the world, if he had beheld the grief, but would have had pity at heart.
4165 There was so noble a repentance that God of His mighty power will have mercy on his soul; for he prayed to God for mercy and pardon for all those misdeeds that he had committed in this mortal world. And then the Prince passed from this world and departed, in the year one thousand three hundred and seventy-six, in the fiftieth of his father’s reign, in London, the noble city, on the festival of the Trinity, of which he kept the feast all his life, gladly, with melody. Now let s pray God, the King of kings, who died for us on the cross, that He will have pardon on his soul and grant him of His gift the glory of His paradise. Amen. And here finishes the poem of the most noble Prince Edward, who never turned craven. This hath the Herald of Chandos related, who gladly made record.
[Comments by the Translater upon her emendations of the problematic words, line by line, in the French text. If you wish to see them please contact us.]