"
A buzz of joy at the prospect of immediate action rose up from
the group of warriors. The prince smiled at the martial ardor
which shone upon every face around him.
"It will hearten you to know," he continued, "that I have sure
advices that this Henry is a very valiant leader, and that he has
it in his power to make such a stand against us as promises to
give us much honor and pleasure. Of his own people he hath
brought together, as I learn, some fifty thousand, with twelve
thousand of the French free companies, who are, as you know very
valiant and expert men-at-arms. It is certain also, that the
brave and worthy Bertrand de Guesclin hath ridden into France to
the Duke of Anjou, and purposes to take back with him great
levies from Picardy and Brittany. We hold Bertrand in high
esteem, for he has oft before been at great pains to furnish us
with an honorable encounter. What think you of it, my worthy
Captal? He took you at Cocherel, and, by my soul I you will have
the chance now to pay that score."
The Gascon warrior winced a little at the allusion, nor were his
countrymen around him better pleased, for on the only occasion
when they had encountered the arms of France without English aid
they had met with a heavy defeat.
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