"Return whither ye will," was King John's abrupt answer; "bring hither
no more words of treaty or peace; and if you love yourself depart
shortly."
To the prince rode the good cardinal, overcome with emotion.
"Sir," he pleaded, "do what you can for peace. Otherwise there is no
help from battle, for I can find no spirit of accord in the French
king."
"Nor here," answered the prince, cheerfully. "I and all my people are of
the same intent,--and God help the right!"
[Illustration: CHURCH OF NOTRE DAME POITIERS.]
The cardinal turned and rode away, sore-hearted with pity. As he went
the prince turned to his men.
"Though," he said, "we be but a small company as compared with the power
of our foes, let not that abash us; for victory lies not in the
multitude of people, but goes where God sends it. If fortune makes the
day ours, we shall be honored by all the world; but if we die, the king,
my father, and your good friends and kinsmen shall revenge us.
Therefore, sirs and comrades, I require you to do your duty this day;
for if God be pleased, and Saint George aid, this day you shall see me
a good knight."
The battle began with a charge of three hundred French knights up the
narrow lane.
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